careful_a to_o serve_v he_o to_o set_v forth_o his_o glory_n and_o to_o build_v his_o church_n as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v last_o to_o conclude_v this_o whole_a treatise_n we_o learn_v by_o these_o two_o last_o action_n that_o as_o samuel_n howsoever_o he_o do_v great_o mislike_v the_o alteration_n of_o the_o former_a state_n and_o the_o set_n up_o of_o this_o new_a government_n yet_o whenas_o it_o be_v once_o by_o the_o permission_n of_o god_n and_o the_o importunity_n of_o the_o people_n establish_v he_o do_v labour_n that_o it_o shall_v continue_v for_o ever_o for_o the_o which_o purpose_n he_o do_v both_o write_v the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o in_o a_o book_n and_o also_o lay_v the_o say_a book_n before_o the_o lord_n so_o we_o do_v labour_n to_o continue_v that_o government_n which_o be_v in_o force_n in_o that_o place_n or_o country_n where_o we_o live_v although_o we_o do_v perhaps_o imagine_v yea_o &_o persuade_v ourselves_o that_o we_o can_v find_v out_o a_o better_a form_n of_o government_n dangerous_a &_o which_o shall_v be_v void_a of_o those_o in_o convenience_n which_o we_o see_v in_o the_o present_a state_n for_o as_o the_o wise_a man_n of_o this_o world_n teach_v we_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o troublesome_a dangerous_a yea_o pernicious_a to_o any_o people_n than_o the_o alteration_n of_o the_o form_n of_o government_n which_o be_v in_o force_n and_o as_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n speak_v in_o the_o scripture_n noâ—â—ing_n be_v more_o heinous_a &_o odious_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o man_n then_o to_o seek_v the_o subversion_n of_o magistrate_n state_n and_o kingdom_n finis_fw-la print_a at_o london_n for_o robert_n dexter_n 1596._o chap._n i._o of_o the_o catholic_a church_n sect._n 1_o of_o the_o name_n and_o definition_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n the_o church_n whereof_o we_o be_v now_o to_o entreat_v in_o greek_n and_o latin_n be_v call_v ecclesia_fw-la the_o which_o word_n be_v diverse_o take_v in_o the_o scripture_n for_o in_o the_o natural_a acception_n it_o do_v general_o signify_v any_o assembly_n of_o man_n meet_v about_o any_o matter_n as_o we_o may_v see_v act._n 19.39_o but_o for_o somuch_o as_o the_o scripture_n do_v only_o by_o occasion_n make_v mention_n of_o civil_a meeting_n therefore_o it_o do_v for_o the_o most_o part_n signify_v a_o holy_a assembly_n of_o man_n meet_v about_o holy_a and_o divine_a matter_n whereof_o the_o book_n of_o god_n do_v whole_o and_o of_o set_a purpose_n entreat_v yea_o in_o this_o second_o sense_n it_o be_v diverse_o use_v first_o for_o the_o triumphant_a church_n of_o the_o state_n whereof_o we_o do_v not_o speak_v any_o thing_n in_o this_o treatise_n because_o it_o be_v neither_o needful_a nor_o yet_o possible_a for_o we_o to_o know_v it_o and_o therefore_o not_o lawful_a to_o labour_v in_o the_o curious_a search_n of_o it_o it_o be_v not_o reveal_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n second_o the_o word_n ecclesia_fw-la be_v use_v to_o signify_v the_o church_n militant_a wherein_o we_o be_v now_o conversant_a and_o therefore_o it_o do_v great_o belong_v unto_o we_o to_o know_v the_o state_n of_o it_o because_o god_n have_v appoint_v it_o to_o be_v the_o way_n whereby_o we_o must_v pass_v to_o the_o triumphant_a church_n in_o this_o sense_n we_o do_v here_o entreat_v of_o the_o church_n and_o last_o even_o in_o this_o three_o sense_n the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n be_v diverse_o use_v to_o wit_n first_o for_o the_o whole_a church_n here_o on_o earth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o all_o those_o place_n where_o it_o be_v put_v for_o all_o the_o faithful_a people_n in_o the_o world_n as_o namely_o 1._o cor._n 10.32_o give_v no_o offence_n neither_o to_o the_o jew_n or_o gentile_n nor_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n that_o be_v to_o none_o that_o believe_v second_o for_o the_o whole_a visible_a church_n as_o we_o read_v 1._o cor._n 12.28_o god_n have_v put_v in_o his_o church_n apostles_n prophet_n pastor_n doctor_n for_o although_o neither_o the_o catholic_a nor_o yet_o the_o visible_a church_n do_v come_v together_o in_o one_o place_n yet_o because_o all_o the_o member_n of_o they_o both_o be_v join_v together_o in_o the_o bond_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o in_o the_o unity_n of_o faith_n the_o word_n ecclesia_fw-la be_v proper_o give_v unto_o they_o last_o it_o signify_v a_o particular_a church_n which_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o whole_a as_o the_o church_n at_o corinth_n or_o any_o other_o mention_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o in_o the_o first_o place_n we_o be_v to_o speak_v not_o of_o the_o particular_a church_n but_o of_o the_o whole_a church_n here_o on_o earth_n which_o be_v usual_o call_v the_o church_n militant_a because_o it_o fight_v against_o the_o enemy_n of_o our_o salvation_n to_o wit_n this_o present_a world_n sin_n sathan_n and_o his_o manifold_a temptation_n it_o be_v also_o call_v although_o not_o in_o the_o scripture_n the_o catholic_a church_n scripture_n the_o word_n catholic_a be_v most_o common_o oppose_v to_o heretical_a and_o attribute_v to_o that_o man_n or_o church_n which_o do_v hold_v the_o sincere_a doctrine_n of_o religion_n without_o any_o great_a error_n especial_o by_o they_o who_o do_v false_o imagine_v and_o teach_v that_o the_o great_a part_n be_v always_o the_o sound_a and_o more_o sincere_a in_o doctrine_n but_o here_o we_o use_v it_o in_o the_o proper_a and_o natural_a sense_n to_o signify_v the_o whole_a universal_a church_n which_o be_v thus_o define_v the_o catholic_a church_n be_v the_o whole_a number_n of_o those_o man_n who_o in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o world_n serve_v the_o true_a god_n in_o jesus_n christ._n in_o this_o definition_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v and_o explain_v diverse_a point_n sect._n 2._o of_o the_o place_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n and_o first_o of_o the_o place_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n it_o be_v not_o any_o one_o town_n city_n province_n nation_n or_o kingdom_n whatsoever_o but_o the_o whole_a world_n 1._o cor._n 1_o 1._o in_o every_o part_n whereof_o god_n have_v some_o that_o serve_v he_o because_o he_o will_v have_v no_o part_n whole_o either_o shut_v out_o from_o the_o participation_n of_o his_o mercy_n or_o leave_v without_o excuse_n or_o yet_o destitute_a of_o his_o presence_n as_o if_o he_o be_v thrust_v clean_o out_o from_o the_o possession_n of_o it_o the_o truth_n whereof_o appear_v in_o the_o scripture_n which_o show_v that_o howsoever_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o the_o open_a profession_n of_o religion_n be_v till_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n shut_v up_o within_o one_o family_n kindred_n or_o country_n yet_o that_o god_n be_v both_o know_v and_o serve_v by_o some_o in_o other_o place_n even_o in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o world_n so_o we_o read_v act_n 2._o that_o there_o be_v man_n of_o all_o the_o nation_n under_o heaven_n which_o fear_v god_n and_o there_o a_o particular_a enumeration_n be_v make_v of_o they_o parthian_n mede_n elamite_n the_o inhabitant_n of_o mesopotamia_n of_o judea_n cappadocia_n pontus_n asia_n phrygia_n and_o pamphilia_n egypt_n lybia_n cyrene_n rome_n creta_n and_o arabia_n so_o christ_n give_v commission_n to_o his_o apostle_n mark_n 16.15_o to_o preach_v to_o all_o nation_n in_o the_o world_n and_o according_o paul_n witness_v that_o the_o gospel_n be_v spread_v into_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o do_v daily_o fructify_v and_o increase_v coll._n 1.6_o likewise_o peter_n do_v observe_v this_o point_n of_o the_o universality_n of_o the_o church_n act._n 10.34.35_o in_o cornelius_n say_v i_o perceive_v of_o a_o truth_n that_o god_n do_v not_o regard_v person_n that_o be_v that_o he_o do_v not_o tie_v himself_o to_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n or_o to_o any_o other_o but_o that_o in_o every_o nation_n he_o that_o fear_v god_n be_v accept_v of_o he_o so_o act._n 13.17_o yet_o this_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o whenas_o all_o the_o people_n of_o the_o world_n be_v bring_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o one_o place_n than_o the_o catholic_a church_n also_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o same_o place_n &_o so_o it_o become_v a_o particular_a church_n so_o in_o the_o beginning_n whenas_o there_o be_v no_o man_n live_v out_o of_o adam_n family_n the_o catholic_a church_n be_v contain_v within_o the_o limit_n thereof_o family_n likewise_o in_o the_o general_a destruction_n of_o the_o world_n both_o all_o the_o people_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v shut_v up_o in_o noah_n ark_n this_o exception_n be_v make_v this_o doctrine_n stand_v true_a that_o no_o particular_a place_n house_n city_n country_n or_o nation_n whatsoever_o but_o even_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v the_o subject_n and_o place_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n sect._n 3._o that_o hypocrite_n be_v member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n although_o the_o catholic_a church_n
with_o the_o multitude_n there_o come_v in_o confusion_n and_o corruption_n and_o the_o civil_a power_n be_v in_o the_o person_n of_o the_o magistrate_n join_v to_o the_o church_n do_v often_o too_o much_o abridge_v the_o use_n of_o christian_n liberty_n take_v to_o itself_o as_o it_o may_v lawful_o do_v full_a power_n in_o make_v those_o ecclesiastical_a law_n which_o belong_v general_o to_o all_o the_o church_n within_o the_o compass_n of_o it_o but_o in_o these_o church_n the_o whole_a authority_n of_o establish_v law_n order_n and_o the_o appoint_v of_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n be_v in_o the_o church_n itself_o last_o it_o be_v usual_o object_v against_o these_o private_a church_n that_o they_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o tumult_n and_o civil_a dissension_n and_o so_o consequent_o do_v breâ—d_v the_o ruin_n of_o those_o commonwealth_n and_o kingdom_n wherein_o they_o aâ—e_v tolerate_v &_o therefore_o that_o it_o be_v the_o part_n of_o wise_a ruler_n who_o tender_v the_o good_a and_o peaceable_a estate_n of_o the_o people_n not_o to_o suffer_v they_o within_o their_o dominion_n to_o this_o we_o answer_v confess_v that_o through_o the_o perverseness_n of_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n the_o which_o be_v 〈◊〉_d inflame_v with_o bitter_a enmity_n against_o god_n and_o all_o goodness_n it_o come_v often_o to_o pass_v that_o â—â—uersitie_n of_o religion_n do_v stir_v up_o great_a debate_n in_o kingdom_n city_n and_o family_n for_o this_o cause_n the_o church_n desire_v to_o be_v separate_v in_o place_n from_o the_o idolatour_n least_o thâ—y_o shall_v exasperate_v their_o mind_n against_o they_o gen._n 46.34_o exod._n 8.26_o yea_o christ_n do_v profess_v that_o this_o will_v follow_v the_o gospel_n that_o the_o father_n shall_v be_v at_o deadly_a variance_n with_o the_o son_n and_o the_o mother_n with_o the_o daughter_n and_o that_o a_o man_n near_a friend_n shall_v for_o this_o cause_n become_v his_o cruel_a enemy_n yea_o the_o bloody_a and_o tragical_a tumult_n which_o have_v of_o late_a time_n rise_v and_o continue_v upon_o this_o occasion_n in_o diverse_a place_n do_v testify_v the_o truth_n here_o of_o but_o yet_o we_o ought_v not_o therefore_o to_o banish_v the_o church_n out_o of_o our_o dominion_n for_o it_o be_v better_a to_o have_v the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n with_o war_n trouble_n and_o dissension_n than_o idolatry_n with_o quietness_n so_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o say_v with_o christ_n that_o see_v the_o gospel_n be_v even_o as_o a_o firebrand_n in_o the_o world_n what_o shall_v be_v our_o desire_n but_o that_o it_o be_v preach_v for_o although_o for_o a_o time_n it_o breed_v trouble_v yet_o in_o the_o end_n it_o will_v be_v find_v the_o only_a mean_n of_o true_a quietness_n chap._n viiii_o of_o a_o public_a church_n sect._n 1_o of_o the_o objection_n which_o be_v make_v against_o public_a church_n thus_o much_o of_o a_o private_a church_n beside_o the_o which_o there_o be_v another_o kind_n of_o a_o church_n namely_o when_o any_o whole_a city_n country_n or_o nation_n do_v general_o profess_v the_o faith_n and_o so_o become_v a_o church_n consist_v not_o of_o any_o small_a or_o mean_a number_n but_o of_o great_a multitude_n of_o people_n even_o of_o whole_a nation_n as_o we_o see_v at_o this_o day_n that_o diveâ—s_v great_a kingdom_n and_o commonwealth_n have_v receive_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n so_o that_o in_o they_o the_o church_n do_v not_o lurk_v in_o any_o family_n or_o private_a corner_n or_o be_v in_o some_o few_o place_n but_o be_v open_o public_o and_o general_o set_v up_o in_o all_o place_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o civil_a ruler_n and_o the_o common_a consent_n of_o all_o man_n this_o we_o call_v a_o public_a church_n such_o as_o we_o see_v at_o this_o day_n most_o of_o all_o the_o city_n commonwealthe_n be_v country_n and_o kingdom_n in_o euâ—ope_n to_o be_v of_o the_o which_o one_o be_v distinguish_v from_o another_o by_o have_v a_o proper_a government_n of_o the_o own_o be_v rule_v by_o the_o same_o humane_a law_n both_o civil_a and_o also_o ecclesiastical_a but_o it_o may_v be_v here_o think_v that_o these_o country_n be_v no_o true_a church_n but_o that_o there_o be_v church_n in_o they_o and_o that_o not_o all_o the_o people_n general_o but_o only_o some_o few_o of_o they_o separate_v from_o the_o rest_n be_v to_o be_v account_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n and_o that_o for_o these_o reason_n first_o because_o there_o be_v no_o such_o church_n establish_v by_o the_o apostle_n or_o record_v to_o have_v be_v in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o gospel_n second_o for_o that_o although_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a to_o god_n to_o convert_v the_o heart_n of_o all_o man_n to_o embrace_v the_o gospel_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o agreeable_a to_o his_o usual_a deal_n so_o to_o bless_v any_o nation_n as_o that_o all_o of_o they_o without_o exception_n shall_v believe_v and_o become_v faithful_a man_n three_o because_o of_o the_o great_a confusion_n and_o many_o foul_a corruption_n which_o be_v usual_o find_v in_o such_o church_n the_o which_o seldom_o or_o never_o can_v be_v bring_v to_o the_o right_a order_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n last_o because_o they_o be_v not_o call_v to_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n force_v thereunto_o by_o the_o law_n &_o edict_n of_o prince_n and_o other_o ruler_n whereunto_o we_o answer_v that_o these_o thing_n do_v not_o hinder_v these_o whole_a city_n or_o nation_n from_o be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n as_o touch_v the_o first_o we_o do_v confess_v that_o there_o weâ—e_v no_o such_o public_a and_o general_a church_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n neither_o in_o the_o age_n follow_v the_o cause_n whereof_o we_o may_v plain_o see_v to_o be_v this_o that_o then_o be_v the_o â—ime_n of_o the_o infancy_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n it_o have_v be_v but_o late_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n but_o this_o be_v the_o time_n wherein_o the_o lord_n have_v appoint_v that_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o gentile_n shall_v come_v in_o apostle_n which_o be_v the_o conversion_n of_o whole_a nation_n and_o many_o country_n yea_o the_o apostle_n witness_v that_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o jew_n shall_v be_v then_o whenas_o that_o whole_a nation_n shall_v general_o embrace_v christ_n as_o the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n rom._n 11.26_o to_o the_o second_o doubt_n we_o answer_v that_o all_o the_o people_n of_o any_o country_n may_v have_v a_o general_a faith_n whereby_o they_o do_v know_v and_o profess_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n &_o that_o their_o profession_n hereof_o although_o it_o be_v not_o effectual_a to_o their_o salvation_n yea_o although_o it_o be_v mere_o hypocritical_a they_o think_v no_o such_o thing_n yet_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v they_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n as_o touch_v the_o corruption_n which_o be_v in_o such_o church_n we_o do_v confess_v that_o it_o be_v great_a than_o either_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v it_o be_v or_o then_o be_v in_o private_a church_n where_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n be_v less_o and_o that_o they_o can_v so_o easy_o be_v bring_v to_o and_o keep_v in_o that_o holy_a order_n which_o christ_n have_v appoint_v for_o his_o church_n private_a and_o further_o that_o these_o public_a church_n so_o seldom_o attain_v to_o any_o pure_a or_o perfect_a estate_n because_o in_o they_o the_o church_n and_o the_o commonwealth_n be_v so_o join_v &_o link_v together_o the_o whole_a affair_n and_o state_n of_o the_o church_n depend_v on_o the_o civil_a estate_n that_o the_o manifold_a alteration_n whereunto_o all_o kingdom_n &_o commonwealths_n be_v subject_a do_v make_v many_o change_n in_o the_o church_n yet_o this_o do_v not_o take_v from_o they_o either_o the_o be_v or_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n for_o it_o be_v no_o strange_a thing_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v great_a confusion_n and_o more_o corruption_n in_o great_a multitude_n of_o people_n then_o in_o small_a congregation_n for_o so_o we_o see_v even_o in_o the_o first_o congregation_n of_o christians_n which_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o do_v govern_v that_o when_o the_o number_n of_o disciple_n do_v increase_v than_o there_o be_v murmur_v among_o they_o and_o so_o even_o this_o private_a church_n do_v tend_v to_o some_o confusion_n act._n 6.1_o yea_o this_o thing_n have_v long_o ago_o be_v observe_v to_o have_v be_v continual_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n the_o which_o as_o long_o as_o it_o be_v in_o persecution_n do_v flourish_v not_o in_o the_o number_n so_o much_o as_o in_o the_o time_n of_o peace_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v far_o better_a order_v godliness_n love_n and_o virtue_n do_v
father_n but_o in_o the_o son_n in_o who_o only_o he_o be_v well_o please_v and_o therefore_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n have_v reject_v christ_n be_v by_o that_o mean_v reject_v of_o god_n from_o be_v his_o people_n neither_o be_v they_o to_o be_v account_v member_n of_o the_o church_n although_o they_o serve_v god_n with_o never_o so_o great_a zeal_n rom._n 11._o the_o same_o account_n we_o be_v to_o make_v of_o the_o turk_n saracen_n moor_n and_o all_o those_o nation_n which_o profess_v the_o religion_n of_o mahomet_n the_o which_o we_o confess_v do_v retain_v diverse_a point_n of_o christianity_n yea_o and_o that_o if_o it_o be_v well_o mark_v it_o will_v be_v sound_a a_o close_a or_o mystical_a arianisme_n ariaanisme_n cover_v and_o gloss_v over_o many_o weighty_a point_n of_o faith_n with_o judaical_a type_n and_o poetical_a fiction_n that_o it_o be_v by_o this_o mean_n make_v dark_a and_o enigmatical_a may_v be_v more_o high_o esteem_v by_o blind_a and_o ignorant_a man_n whereas_o if_o it_o have_v be_v set_v down_o in_o a_o plain_a and_o simple_a manner_n it_o will_v have_v be_v easy_o understand_v dispute_v of_o and_o in_o the_o end_n altogether_o contemn_v yet_o forsomuch_o as_o this_o religion_n do_v not_o worship_n and_o honour_n jesus_n christ_n as_o the_o only_a son_n of_o god_n and_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n as_o the_o first_o arian_n therefore_o 〈◊〉_d the_o professor_n of_o it_o can_v be_v account_v member_n of_o the_o church_n but_o mere_a infidel_n separate_v from_o christ_n and_o void_a of_o the_o hope_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n sect._n 7._o of_o the_o attribute_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n thus_o we_o have_v the_o definition_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n be_v further_a to_o consider_v the_o nature_n and_o state_n of_o it_o in_o certain_a property_n which_o be_v attribute_v unto_o it_o of_o the_o which_o this_o may_v be_v the_o first_o that_o out_o of_o the_o catholic_a church_n there_o be_v no_o salvation_n salvation_n and_o therefore_o all_o the_o heathen_a all_o unbelieve_a jew_n turk_n and_o general_o all_o infidel_n whatsoever_o do_v live_v and_o die_v to_o the_o judgement_n and_o sight_n of_o man_n in_o the_o state_n of_o eternal_a damnation_n this_o the_o scripture_n witness_v in_o many_o place_n as_o namely_o 2._o thes._n 2.8_o god_n in_o the_o last_o judgement_n shall_v render_v vengeance_n to_o all_o that_o know_v not_o god_n and_o obey_v not_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o yet_o this_o sentence_n of_o damnation_n which_o the_o scripture_n pronounce_v on_o infidel_n be_v so_o to_o be_v understand_v as_o that_o we_o do_v always_o except_v the_o infinite_a power_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n who_o both_o can_v &_o as_o have_v be_v before_o touch_v do_v in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n save_o some_o and_o that_o by_o extraordinary_a mean_n unknowen_a to_o we_o where_o the_o ordinary_a way_n be_v want_v the_o second_o attribute_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n be_v this_o religion_n that_o it_o can_v never_o err_v in_o the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v all_o one_o as_o if_o we_o do_v say_v the_o catholic_a church_n never_o cease_v to_o be_v or_o with_o this_o there_o be_v continual_o in_o the_o world_n a_o number_n of_o man_n which_o serve_v the_o true_a god_n in_o jesus_n christ._n the_o truth_n of_o this_o appear_v by_o the_o story_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o in_o other_o book_n which_o show_v by_o who_o and_o in_o what_o place_n god_n have_v be_v true_o worship_v in_o every_o several_a age_n and_o no_o marvel_n for_o if_o the_o church_n shall_v cease_v to_o be_v in_o the_o world_n than_o the_o world_n itself_o shall_v have_v a_o end_n which_o be_v create_v and_o do_v continue_v chief_o for_o this_o end_n to_o wit_n to_o be_v a_o habitation_n for_o the_o church_n as_o we_o read_v 1._o cor._n 2.16_o all_o thing_n be_v you_o even_o the_o very_a world_n that_o be_v all_o thing_n do_v serve_v as_o mean_n for_o your_o good_a and_o for_o the_o work_n of_o your_o salvation_n in_o this_o sense_n the_o apostle_n say_v 1._o tim._n 3.13_o that_o the_o church_n be_v the_o pillar_n and_o firmament_n that_o be_v a_o most_o firm_a and_o sure_a pillar_n of_o truth_n to_o wit_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o the_o catholic_a church_n may_v err_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n yea_o even_o in_o those_o point_n which_o be_v weighty_a and_o be_v near_o about_o the_o foundation_n itself_o although_o it_o always_o remain_v sure_a and_o steadfast_a error_n so_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o ignorances_n and_n error_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v from_o the_o begin_n until_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n be_v both_o many_o and_o great_a as_o have_v be_v note_v before_o and_o how_o great_a error_n have_v prevail_v throughout_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o most_o of_o the_o age_n since_o that_o time_n we_o who_o live_v in_o this_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v easy_o and_o plain_o see_v yea_o we_o know_v that_o which_o the_o apostle_n say_v 1._o cor._n 13._o that_o while_n the_o faithful_a be_v in_o this_o world_n they_o see_v know_v and_o prophesy_v but_o in_o part_n and_o can_v be_v whole_o free_v from_o error_n till_o they_o see_v the_o lord_n perfect_o and_o in_o he_o all_o thing_n so_o we_o read_v levit._n 4.13_o that_o there_o be_v a_o sacrifice_n appoint_v for_o the_o expiation_n of_o the_o general_a error_n of_o the_o whole_a people_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o then_o be_v the_o whole_a visible_a church_n of_o god_n knowledge_n thirdlie_o the_o catholic_a church_n do_v continual_o increase_v in_o number_n and_o do_v consist_v of_o more_o in_o the_o latter_a age_n of_o the_o world_n then_o in_o the_o former_a for_o before_o the_o time_n of_o the_o law_n the_o lord_n be_v know_v and_o worship_v only_o of_o a_o few_o family_n or_o kindred_n but_o afterwards_o of_o a_o great_a populous_a nation_n but_o since_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n the_o church_n â—oth_v enlarge_v her_o tent_n and_o receive_v all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n likewise_o in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o gospel_n there_o be_v no_o nation_n country_n or_o city_n no_o not_o any_o one_o town_n or_o village_n which_o do_v general_o receive_v it_o but_o only_o a_o few_o here_o and_o there_o the_o rest_n remain_v in_o infidelity_n but_o in_o the_o age_n follow_v great_a nation_n general_o yea_o infinite_a multitude_n of_o people_n become_v christian_n yea_o this_o number_n shall_v continual_o increase_v until_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o gentile_n be_v come_v into_o the_o church_n whereof_o the_o apostle_n speak_v rom._n 11._o and_o then_o shall_v the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n make_v a_o notable_a addition_n to_o this_o number_n the_o cause_n of_o this_o increase_n be_v for_o that_o god_n do_v not_o reveal_v himself_o and_o his_o word_n all_o at_o once_o to_o the_o world_n but_o by_o degree_n by_o little_a and_o little_a where_o this_o may_v also_o profitable_o be_v note_v that_o as_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n so_o also_o their_o knowledge_n do_v increase_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v much_o more_o plentiful_o reveal_v in_o the_o latter_a time_n they_o be_v general_o consider_v than_o it_o be_v in_o the_o former_a as_o touch_v the_o number_n we_o know_v that_o the_o visible_a church_n by_o the_o which_o we_o may_v certain_o gather_v the_o state_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n be_v until_o the_o time_n of_o moses_n contain_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o one_o kindred_n &_o till_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n in_o one_o nation_n but_o afterward_o it_o spread_v itself_o over_o the_o whole_a world_n yea_o the_o latter_a time_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v daily_o more_o and_o more_o exceed_v the_o first_o in_o number_n of_o believer_n because_o now_o both_o the_o full_a number_n of_o the_o gentile_n and_o also_o of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n be_v to_o come_v into_o the_o church_n and_o in_o like_a manner_n the_o latter_a time_n do_v exceed_v the_o former_a in_o knowledge_n four_o the_o catholic_a church_n have_v no_o head_n or_o ruler_n here_o on_o earth_n government_n neither_o any_o external_a government_n but_o be_v order_v by_o the_o spiritual_a government_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o only_a head_n of_o it_o for_o the_o government_n and_o rule_v prescribe_v by_o god_n to_o his_o church_n have_v place_n and_o be_v put_v in_o practice_n only_o in_o particular_a church_n which_o be_v the_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n five_o the_o catholic_a church_n be_v invisible_a invisible_a for_o that_o it_o consist_v not_o only_o of_o particular_a church_n which_o be_v visible_a but_o also_o of_o particular_a man_n which_o serve_v god_n yet_o so_o as_o that_o they_o be_v not_o know_v by_o
other_o so_o to_o do_v six_o the_o catholic_a church_n be_v never_o pure_a here_o on_o earth_n no_o more_o than_o the_o goldly_v in_o the_o bowel_n of_o the_o earth_n but_o have_v hypocrite_n mix_v with_o true_a believer_n yea_o the_o number_n of_o hypocrite_n be_v far_o great_a then_o of_o the_o other_o for_o many_o be_v call_v but_o few_o be_v choose_v sect._n 8._o of_o the_o distribution_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n thus_o we_o see_v in_o general_a the_o nature_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n now_o we_o be_v to_o descend_v into_o a_o more_o particular_a consideration_n of_o it_o in_o the_o member_n the_o which_o be_v either_o scatter_v abroad_o of_o the_o which_o we_o be_v to_o entreat_v in_o the_o first_o place_n because_o they_o be_v in_o nature_n most_o simple_a or_o else_o be_v join_v together_o make_v a_o particular_a church_n the_o conjunction_n of_o all_o particular_a church_n do_v make_v the_o visible_a church_n the_o which_o with_o the_o disperse_a member_n make_v the_o catholic_a church_n the_o which_o we_o divide_v in_o the_o first_o place_n into_o disperse_a member_n church_n and_o particular_a church_n even_o as_o the_o people_n of_o any_o kingdom_n or_o country_n may_v be_v bring_v to_o these_o two_o head_n the_o one_o of_o those_o who_o do_v wander_v hither_o and_o thither_o not_o belong_v to_o any_o society_n company_n or_o corporation_n the_o other_o of_o those_o who_o dwell_v together_o in_o some_o town_n or_o city_n under_o law_n government_n and_o in_o due_a order_n chap._n ii_o of_o the_o disperse_a member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n sect._n 1_o for_o what_o cause_n man_n be_v separate_v from_o the_o church_n although_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n do_v ordinare_o and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n live_v together_o by_o the_o institution_n and_o commandment_n of_o god_n for_o their_o mutual_a edification_n yet_o it_o come_v often_o to_o pass_v that_o some_o be_v sever_v from_o the_o company_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o upon_o diverse_a occasion_n of_o all_o which_o in_o general_a this_o be_v to_o be_v hold_v that_o they_o be_v either_o necessary_a constrain_a man_n against_o their_o will_n or_o else_o unlawful_a and_o condemn_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o as_o touch_v that_o voluntary_a or_o rather_o wilful_a separation_n of_o the_o eremites_n in_o time_n past_a who_o forsake_v the_o company_n of_o man_n do_v choose_v to_o live_v in_o desert_n place_n unawfull_a it_o be_v in_o no_o case_n to_o be_v imitate_v for_o that_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n who_o in_o great_a wisdom_n have_v appoint_v as_o civil_a society_n for_o the_o great_a commodity_n of_o our_o temporal_a life_n so_o also_o the_o spiritual_a and_o holy_a assembly_n of_o his_o servant_n that_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o may_v be_v help_v each_o by_o other_o in_o matter_n pertain_v to_o their_o eternal_a salvation_n for_o in_o the_o church_n we_o have_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n we_o have_v private_a exhortation_n and_o admonition_n of_o one_o to_o another_o yea_o the_o example_n of_o a_o godly_a life_n in_o our_o brethren_n and_o final_o all_o the_o mean_n of_o edification_n whereof_o these_o eremites_n make_v themselves_o destitute_a and_o therefore_o in_o so_o do_v as_o they_o do_v sin_n against_o their_o own_o body_n in_o that_o leave_v those_o place_n where_o all_o the_o creature_n of_o god_n needful_a for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o this_o pesent_a life_n may_v convenient_o be_v have_v do_v by_o suffer_a hunger_n thirst_n cold_a and_o nakedness_n make_v themselves_o altogether_o unfit_a for_o the_o perform_v of_o any_o christian_n duty_n so_o they_o do_v much_o more_o sin_n against_o their_o own_o soul_n which_o they_o suffer_v to_o pine_v away_o through_o want_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o which_o they_o do_v lay_v open_a to_o the_o manifold_a temptation_n and_o delusion_n of_o sathan_n yea_o they_o do_v inflict_v upon_o themselves_o and_o that_o not_o unworthe_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o pride_n and_o wilful_a contempt_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n that_o most_o fearful_a punishment_n which_o the_o scripture_n 1._o cor._n 3._o call_v give_v up_o to_o sathan_n in_o that_o they_o do_v deprive_v themselves_o of_o the_o inestimable_a benefit_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n if_o they_o object_n for_o their_o own_o defence_n the_o example_n of_o the_o prophet_n jeremy_n 9.2_o who_o wish_v that_o he_o have_v a_o cottage_n in_o the_o wilderness_n that_o so_o he_o may_v not_o see_v the_o wickedness_n of_o the_o people_n we_o answer_v first_o that_o the_o prophet_n do_v speak_v diverse_a thing_n in_o the_o zeal_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o a_o hyperbolical_a manner_n of_o speech_n yea_o sometime_o also_o in_o humane_a impatience_n which_o he_o do_v never_o put_v in_o practice_n as_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o he_o do_v this_o desire_n second_o that_o they_o do_v it_o in_o no_o such_o mind_n but_o in_o a_o vain_a presumption_n pretend_v the_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n and_o their_o own_o sufficiency_n to_o work_v their_o salvation_n without_o the_o help_n of_o other_o and_o of_o those_o mean_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v we_o confess_v indeed_o that_o so_o many_o of_o they_o as_o live_v in_o those_o time_n wherein_o popery_n do_v corrupt_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n have_v just_a cause_n of_o separation_n and_o that_o they_o may_v more_o commodious_o and_o lawful_o serve_v god_n in_o the_o vast_a desert_n then_o in_o the_o most_o populous_a church_n be_v in_o that_o case_n but_o most_o of_o these_o eremites_n be_v more_o foolish_o superstitious_a than_o they_o be_v who_o they_o leave_v and_o few_o or_o none_o of_o they_o have_v that_o knowledge_n and_o grace_n vouchsafe_v to_o they_o of_o god_n to_o see_v and_o abhor_v those_o palpable_a corruption_n as_o for_o those_o who_o although_o they_o live_v in_o desert_n place_n yet_o they_o have_v the_o company_n of_o other_o who_o join_v with_o they_o in_o that_o kind_n of_o life_n their_o do_v be_v more_o probable_a because_o they_o seem_v by_o this_o mean_n to_o live_v in_o the_o form_n of_o a_o church_n yet_o not_o justifiable_a by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n if_o this_o their_o separation_n be_v make_v from_o a_o church_n serve_v god_n aright_o in_o any_o measure_n but_o it_o come_v often_o to_o pass_v that_o some_o be_v constrain_v by_o urgent_a and_o necessary_a cause_n to_o live_v out_o of_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n as_o in_o the_o time_n of_o persecution_n whenas_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n can_v without_o evident_a danger_n meet_v together_o so_o we_o read_v act._n 8.1_o that_o the_o whole_a church_n which_o be_v at_o jerusalem_n be_v disperse_v abroad_o save_o the_o apostle_n likewise_o whenas_o any_o of_o they_o be_v take_v captive_n and_o by_o violence_n carry_v into_o those_o country_n where_o there_o be_v no_o church_n and_o there_o detain_v as_o if_o a_o christian_n be_v constrain_v to_o abide_v among_o the_o turk_n jew_n or_o any_o other_o infidel_n yea_o many_o have_v in_o all_o time_n serve_v god_n who_o never_o be_v of_o any_o particular_a church_n but_o be_v call_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n by_o extraordinary_a mean_n have_v continual_o live_v amongst_o infidel_n these_o although_o they_o ought_v to_o make_v repair_n to_o those_o place_n where_o they_o understand_v the_o church_n to_o be_v and_o to_o make_v their_o abode_n there_o yet_o often_o they_o abide_v in_o their_o native_a country_n upon_o diverse_a occasion_n as_o namely_o for_o that_o they_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o small_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n and_o of_o faith_n can_v easy_o overcome_v the_o frailty_n of_o the_o flesh_n which_o counsel_v they_o that_o in_o no_o case_n they_o forsake_v their_o country_n kindred_n friend_n house_n and_o land_n and_o cast_v themselves_o into_o infinite_a danger_n trouble_n and_o misery_n which_o for_o the_o most_o part_n do_v accompany_v they_o who_o live_v in_o strange_a place_n yea_o it_o may_v be_v that_o they_o know_v not_o either_o what_o or_o where_o the_o church_n be_v and_o so_o can_v endeavour_v to_o come_v to_o it_o and_o last_o even_a man_n live_v in_o the_o church_n may_v have_v necessary_a cause_n constrain_a they_o to_o live_v from_o the_o society_n of_o the_o same_o as_o contagious_a disease_n as_o the_o leprosy_n be_v amongst_o the_o israelite_n for_o the_o which_o we_o read_v that_o king_n ozias_n be_v separate_v a_o long_a time_n from_o the_o church_n yea_o man_n which_o be_v excommunicate_v and_o do_v so_o continue_v be_v still_o to_o be_v account_v member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n so_o long_o as_o they_o continue_v in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n howsoever_o they_o be_v not_o member_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n
necodemus_fw-la a_o master_n in_o israel_n iho._n 3.10_o neither_o do_v they_o look_v so_o much_o for_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o eternal_a life_n by_o the_o messiah_n think_v to_o be_v justify_v by_o keep_v the_o law_n as_o for_o temporal_a commodity_n and_o last_o they_o deny_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n for_o they_o hold_v that_o the_o messiah_n shall_v not_o die_v john_n 12.34_o that_o these_o and_o other_o such_o error_n be_v popular_a and_o common_a in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n we_o may_v both_o gather_v out_o of_o their_o say_n record_v by_o the_o evangelist_n as_o also_o by_o their_o continual_a silence_n in_o these_o matter_n the_o which_o we_o do_v not_o read_v that_o any_o of_o they_o do_v mention_n upon_o any_o occasion_n and_o last_o by_o the_o open_a confession_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o all_o age_n since_o the_o come_n of_o christ._n for_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o they_o hold_v even_o to_o this_o day_n those_o opinion_n which_o they_o receive_v from_o their_o ancestor_n and_o be_v common_o hold_v of_o that_o nation_n notwithstanding_o all_o which_o error_n we_o think_v as_o it_o be_v general_o think_v that_o the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n profess_v general_o faith_n in_o the_o messiah_n to_o come_v be_v then_o the_o true_a church_n and_o the_o people_n of_o god_n but_o this_o confession_n will_v not_o serve_v now_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o make_v they_o a_o church_n because_o they_o do_v reject_v christ_n himself_o in_o his_o very_a person_n as_o for_o the_o heretical_a church_n since_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o the_o church_n of_o arian_n papist_n or_o any_o other_o maintain_v grievous_a error_n contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n it_o seem_v that_o they_o be_v to_o be_v account_v the_o church_n of_o god_n because_o they_o do_v all_o hold_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n chap._n viii_o of_o a_o private_a church_n sect._n 1_o what_o a_o private_a church_n be_v hitherto_o we_o have_v entreat_v in_o general_a of_o a_o particular_a church_n now_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o kind_n of_o it_o which_o be_v two_o in_o number_n to_o wit_n private_a &_o public_a a_o private_a church_n be_v a_o company_n of_o christian_n serve_v god_n together_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o infidel_n or_o there_o where_o the_o whole_a multitude_n or_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o people_n general_o &_o public_o consider_v abide_v in_o infidelity_n of_o this_o kind_n of_o church_n we_o have_v many_o example_n first_o from_o the_o beginning_n until_o the_o day_n of_o moses_n in_o all_o which_o time_n the_o church_n be_v private_a second_o after_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n do_v cease_v from_o bâ—ing_v a_o church_n for_o from_o their_o come_n out_o of_o egypt_n until_o the_o time_n wherein_o they_o reject_v christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n constantine_n they_o be_v a_o public_a church_n till_o the_o day_n of_o constantine_n the_o great_a all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o christians_n be_v private_a for_o we_o do_v not_o read_v of_o any_o one_o city_n or_o country_n within_o all_o that_o time_n be_v about_o .300_o year_n do_v public_o embrace_v the_o gospel_n but_o a_o few_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o infidel_n in_o this_o and_o that_o city_n as_o in_o jerusalem_n antioch_n corinth_n rome_n and_o the_o rest_n so_o that_o all_o the_o church_n plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n evangelist_n or_o any_o other_o in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v private_a three_o of_o this_o kind_n be_v those_o church_n at_o this_o day_n if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o which_o be_v among_o the_o turk_n or_o any_o other_o kind_n of_o infidel_n church_n out_o of_o the_o which_o example_n we_o may_v gather_v that_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o private_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n be_v in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o world_n the_o small_a number_n of_o the_o true_a worshipper_n of_o god_n &_o be_v in_o these_o latter_a age_n the_o infidelity_n of_o magistrate_n who_o be_v themselves_o infidel_n do_v not_o go_v about_o to_o bring_v their_o subject_n to_o the_o faith_n but_o be_v perhaps_o content_a to_o tolerate_v the_o same_o within_o their_o dominion_n and_o that_o for_o some_o civil_a respect_n as_o namely_o to_o make_v their_o city_n and_o country_n more_o resort_v unto_o for_o increase_v of_o the_o tribute_n due_a unto_o they_o for_o the_o preservation_n of_o peace_n or_o for_o some_o other_o such_o consideration_n last_o the_o chief_a cause_n of_o these_o private_a church_n be_v to_o be_v take_v from_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o which_o be_v contrary_a to_o man_n reason_n be_v hardly_o believe_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v usual_o receive_v only_o of_o a_o few_o as_o it_o be_v write_v rom._n 10.16_o who_o have_v believe_v our_o report_n that_o be_v very_o few_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o infidel_n do_v believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o howsoever_o the_o force_n of_o civil_a authority_n and_o other_o outward_a respect_n make_v the_o gospel_n to_o be_v general_o receive_v in_o many_o place_n yet_o this_o general_a profession_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o which_o hardly_o and_o seldom_o be_v true_o receive_v as_o have_v be_v say_v but_o here_o it_o may_v easy_o be_v object_v that_o no_o church_n can_v be_v call_v private_a see_v that_o we_o have_v here_o before_o define_v a_o church_n in_o general_a by_o the_o public_a service_n of_o god_n we_o answer_v confess_v that_o every_o church_n be_v public_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o several_a member_n of_o it_o yea_o although_o it_o be_v in_o a_o private_a house_n or_o family_n or_o in_o the_o most_o secret_a corner_n that_o can_v be_v and_o yet_o a_o church_n contain_v within_o a_o private_a place_n and_o consist_v of_o a_o small_a company_n may_v true_o and_o fit_o be_v call_v private_a in_o respect_n of_o that_o church_n which_o consist_v of_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o people_n do_v not_o lurk_v in_o a_o corner_n but_o be_v open_o establish_v among_o all_o and_o in_o every_o place_n yet_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o all_o other_o action_n of_o such_o a_o church_n be_v to_o be_v count_v public_a and_o not_o private_a so_o that_o this_o kind_n of_o church_n be_v call_v private_a from_o the_o subject_n because_o they_o be_v in_o private_a place_n but_o the_o subject_n of_o the_o other_o kind_n be_v a_o public_a city_n or_o country_n sect._n 2._o of_o the_o the_o special_n in_o plant_v a_o public_a church_n now_o that_o we_o see_v what_o a_o private_a church_n be_v we_o be_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o come_v to_o the_o special_n in_o the_o plant_n of_o it_o and_o first_o we_o be_v to_o declare_v by_o who_o this_o kind_n of_o church_n ought_v to_o be_v found_v as_o for_o the_o secondary_a worker_n to_o wit_n the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n we_o have_v speak_v of_o they_o in_o the_o general_a treatise_n of_o plant_v a_o church_n so_o that_o here_o we_o be_v to_o search_v out_o â—he_v first_o worker_n in_o this_o action_n who_o be_v the_o chief_a in_o that_o they_o begin_v the_o work_n and_o procure_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n the_o answer_n be_v that_o every_o man_n may_v be_v the_o chief_a and_o first_o builder_n of_o a_o church_n so_o far_o forth_o as_o his_o call_n power_n and_o authority_n do_v stretch_v so_o that_o in_o this_o case_n private_a man_n may_v be_v lawful_o and_o be_v usual_o the_o first_o and_o chief_a builder_n yea_o it_o be_v not_o only_o lawful_a but_o that_o whereunto_o the_o duty_n which_o we_o owe_v both_o to_o god_n to_o seek_v his_o glory_n and_o to_o man_n to_o seek_v their_o salvation_n do_v necessarelie_o bind_v we_o that_o if_o god_n give_v we_o occasion_n the_o church_n stand_v in_o need_n of_o our_o help_n we_o be_v not_o want_v in_o this_o behalf_n for_o so_o we_o be_v to_o understande_v that_o this_o be_v to_o be_v do_v whenas_o the_o church_n be_v destitute_a of_o christian_n magistrate_n and_o likewise_o of_o other_o governor_n and_o teacher_n as_o it_o be_v in_o those_o place_n where_o either_o there_o be_v no_o câ—â—rch_n aâ—_n all_o or_o else_o so_o decay_v that_o there_o remain_v nothing_o but_o the_o profession_n of_o religion_n amongst_o some_o few_o in_o the_o which_o case_n it_o be_v lawful_a for_o any_o christian_n who_o god_n have_v endue_v with_o the_o zeal_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o his_o brethren_n and_o also_o witâ—_n some_o measure_n of_o knowledge_n how_o this_o thing_n ought_v to_o be_v do_v to_o labour_n both_o in_o bring_v tâ—ose_n who_o be_v infidel_n to_o the_o
of_o the_o same_o civil_a power_n thus_o much_o of_o the_o voluntary_a conjunction_n of_o particular_a church_n under_o the_o government_n of_o counsel_n now_o follow_v the_o necessary_a conjunction_n of_o they_o so_o call_v because_o it_o be_v not_o in_o their_o power_n to_o shake_v off_o that_o common_a authority_n whereunto_o they_o be_v subject_a this_o necessary_a conjunction_n have_v place_n then_o whenas_o diverse_a particular_a church_n be_v tie_v together_o in_o obedience_n to_o the_o same_o civil_a authority_n by_o the_o which_o they_o be_v rule_v as_o have_v be_v declare_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n yea_o it_o may_v be_v see_v almost_o in_o all_o public_a church_n the_o which_o usual_o consist_v of_o so_o great_a a_o number_n of_o professor_n as_o can_v possible_o be_v contain_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o one_o church_n for_o if_o any_o one_o populous_a city_n do_v general_o profess_v the_o gospel_n it_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v divide_v into_o diverse_a particular_a church_n much_o more_o a_o christian_n country_n nation_n or_o kingdom_n can_v but_o contain_v in_o it_o many_o particular_a church_n all_o which_o although_o they_o have_v their_o proper_a ruler_n or_o teacher_n and_o order_n as_o free_a church_n have_v yet_o they_o have_v also_o a_o common_a government_n and_o law_n proceed_v from_o the_o civil_a power_n to_o the_o obedience_n whereof_o they_o be_v all_o bind_v for_o in_o public_a church_n the_o civil_a power_n have_v the_o great_a sway_n in_o govern_v by_o the_o which_o be_v one_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o every_o particular_a assembly_n be_v bring_v to_o a_o conformity_n both_o in_o doctrine_n as_o also_o in_o government_n yea_o it_o be_v requisite_a &_o needful_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o for_o otherwise_o if_o every_o particular_a church_n do_v differ_v from_o the_o rest_n in_o government_n the_o whole_a church_n can_v not_o be_v order_v without_o great_a trouble_n and_o confusion_n but_o yet_o this_o common_a government_n of_o the_o magistrate_n do_v not_o take_v away_o the_o grovernment_n of_o particular_a church_n no_o more_o than_o the_o counsel_n whereof_o we_o have_v speak_v do_v from_o free_a church_n this_o be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o civil_a ruler_n yet_o by_o the_o advice_n of_o other_o in_o the_o choice_n of_o who_o as_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o the_o prince_n to_o call_v or_o pass_v over_o who_o he_o think_v meet_a or_o unmeete_a so_o it_o will_v be_v convenient_a for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n the_o which_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o he_o either_o whole_o to_o neglect_v or_o light_o to_o regard_v to_o call_v of_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n those_o who_o be_v endue_v with_o best_a gift_n yet_o so_o that_o some_o be_v have_v out_o of_o every_o particular_a church_n as_o if_o they_o be_v free_a church_n and_o especial_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n be_v to_o be_v call_v for_o the_o reason_n declare_v in_o the_o former_a section_n when_o they_o by_o his_o authority_n be_v gather_v together_o he_o be_v to_o take_v unto_o himself_o the_o roll_a of_o the_o whole_a action_n unless_o it_o be_v needful_a that_o he_o delegate_v his_o authority_n to_o some_o other_o and_o by_o pray_v for_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o their_o consultation_n &_o declare_v the_o cause_n of_o their_o meeting_n to_o begin_v it_o then_o he_o be_v to_o propound_v in_o the_o first_o place_n those_o want_n fault_n and_o corruption_n of_o the_o ch._n which_o he_o himself_o have_v observe_v &_o will_v have_v supply_v and_o take_v away_o to_o show_v the_o manner_n how_o he_o think_v it_o most_o meet_a to_o be_v do_v which_o be_v do_v he_o be_v to_o give_v liberty_n to_o every_o one_o present_a to_o speak_v their_o mind_n free_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v propound_v as_o also_o of_o any_o other_o thing_n which_o they_o think_v good_a for_o the_o church_n that_o which_o be_v agree_v upon_o &_o do_v appear_v to_o all_o or_o to_o the_o most_o of_o they_o right_o &_o meet_v to_o be_v decree_v he_o be_v to_o establish_v give_v unto_o it_o the_o virtue_n of_o a_o ecclesiastical_a law_n the_o which_o the_o whole_a ch._n ought_v to_o obey_v that_o which_o can_v be_v agree_v upon_o be_v to_o be_v defer_v to_o another_o time_n of_o meeting_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v somuch_o the_o soon_o as_o the_o matter_n controverse_v be_v of_o great_a importance_n for_o more_o mature_a deliberation_n with_o themselves_o and_o other_o will_v make_v that_o clear_a and_o evident_a which_o before_o be_v doubtful_a if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n which_o neither_o can_v be_v agree_v upon_o by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o great_a part_n neither_o yet_o defer_v without_o great_a hurt_n to_o the_o church_n the_o chief_a ruler_n may_v with_o the_o consent_n of_o some_o of_o the_o council_n decree_n and_o enact_v that_o which_o they_o think_v needful_a to_o be_v do_v yet_o he_o be_v not_o to_o use_v this_o authority_n in_o this_o manner_n but_o upon_o urgent_a necessity_n for_o many_o inconvenience_n do_v follow_v the_o enact_v of_o ecclesiastical_a laweâ—_n without_o the_o full_a consent_n of_o the_o council_n yea_o the_o suspicion_n of_o tyrannize_v over_o the_o ch._n of_o god_n be_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o be_v avoid_v in_o regard_v whereof_o many_o christian_n emperor_n &_o ruler_n do_v resign_v their_o authority_n which_o they_o have_v in_o govern_v the_o ch_n to_o these_o counsel_n ruler_n insomuch_o that_o they_o have_v the_o full_a power_n not_o only_o of_o advise_v law_n but_o also_o of_o enact_v or_o the_o give_n unto_o they_o the_o force_n of_o law_n but_o as_o have_v be_v show_v this_o mâ—y_n easy_o turn_v to_o the_o hurt_n of_o the_o ch._n and_o therefore_o it_o ought_v not_o whole_o to_o bâ—_n follow_v yet_o it_o show_v how_o great_a regard_n civil_a ruler_n ought_v to_o have_v of_o the_o judgement_n &_o advice_n of_o those_o who_o be_v godly_a wise_a and_o learned_a in_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n subject_n unto_o they_o and_o therefore_o that_o which_o the_o council_n think_v good_a to_o be_v do_v or_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v great_o regard_v yet_o if_o the_o chief_a ruler_n can_v be_v bring_v to_o give_v his_o assent_n unto_o it_o it_o can_v have_v the_o force_n of_o a_o ecclesiastical_a law_n or_o be_v impose_v upon_o the_o whole_a ch._n in_o that_o name_n as_o touch_v the_o number_n whereof_o any_o national_a council_n do_v consist_v there_o can_v any_o be_v define_v but_o it_o must_v be_v leave_v to_o the_o appointment_n of_o the_o chief_a ruler_n to_o who_o the_o depose_n &_o authorise_v of_o this_o whole_a action_n do_v belong_v yet_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v proportionable_a to_o the_o quantity_n of_o the_o ch._n &_o to_o the_o number_n of_o the_o particular_a church_n so_o that_o if_o some_o be_v have_v out_o of_o every_o one_o of_o they_o it_o will_v make_v the_o law_n enact_v to_o be_v much_o more_o willing_o receive_v &_o obey_v whenas_o it_o shall_v be_v know_v that_o some_o of_o themselves_o do_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o rest_n consent_n unto_o they_o and_o especial_o this_o be_v requisite_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o chief_a end_n and_o use_v of_o these_o counsel_n both_o in_o free_a and_o public_a church_n whereof_o we_o will_v brief_o speak_v the_o which_o be_v to_o bring_v the_o whole_a church_n to_o a_o conformity_n of_o doctrine_n this_o be_v needful_a and_o good_a to_o be_v do_v and_o that_o for_o these_o cause_n first_o for_o the_o repress_v of_o heresy_n which_o do_v continual_o arise_v in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o which_o purpose_n the_o general_a consent_n of_o the_o church_n be_v very_o forcible_a for_o either_o the_o consent_n and_o judgement_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n will_v be_v of_o great_a weight_n to_o take_v the_o say_a heresy_n out_o of_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o who_o do_v maintain_v they_o or_o else_o the_o authority_n by_o which_o the_o truth_n oppugn_v be_v public_o establish_v will_v be_v able_a to_o remove_v the_o maintainer_n of_o they_o out_o of_o the_o church_n second_o this_o form_n of_o doctrine_n agree_v upon_o by_o many_o will_v be_v effectual_a to_o strengthen_v and_o confirm_v those_o who_o be_v weak_a in_o the_o faith_n and_o not_o full_o ground_v in_o some_o point_n of_o christian_n religion_n yea_o it_o may_v be_v a_o mean_n to_o help_v forward_o those_o who_o have_v not_o as_o yet_o take_v upon_o they_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n not_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o build_v our_o faith_n upon_o the_o authority_n of_o man_n faith_n but_o for_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o take_v from_o the_o church_n a_o confirmation_n of_o our_o faith_n see_v we_o may_v be_v great_o help_v and_o strengthen_v by_o this_o mean_n and_o last_o this_o form_n of_o