be_v with_o he_o in_o the_o gospel_n but_o servant_n be_v command_v to_o go_v shall_v stand_v still_o till_o they_o have_v their_o errand_n warrant_v unto_o they_o by_o scripture_n which_o as_o it_o stand_v with_o christian_a duty_n in_o some_o case_n so_o in_o common_a affair_n to_o require_v it_o 7.8_o be_v most_o unfit_a two_o opinion_n therefore_o there_o be_v concern_v sufficiency_n of_o holy_a scripture_n each_o extreme_o opposite_a unto_o the_o other_o &_o both_o repugnant_a unto_o truth_n the_o school_n of_o rome_n teach_v scripture_n to_o be_v so_o unsufficient_a as_o if_o except_o tradition_n be_v add_v it_o do_v not_o contain_v all_o reveal_v and_o supernatural_a truth_n which_o absolute_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o child_n of_o man_n in_o this_o life_n to_o know_v that_o they_o may_v in_o the_o next_o be_v save_v other_o just_o condemn_v this_o opinion_n grow_v likewise_o unto_o a_o dangerous_a extremity_n as_o if_o scripture_n do_v not_o only_o contain_v all_o thing_n in_o that_o kind_a necessary_a but_o all_o thing_n simple_o and_o in_o such_o sort_n that_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n according_a to_o any_o other_o law_n be_v not_o only_o unnecessary_a but_o even_o opposite_a unto_o salvation_n unlawful_a and_o sinful_a whatsoever_o be_v speak_v of_o god_n or_o thing_n appertain_v to_o god_n otherwise_o then_o as_o the_o truth_n be_v though_o it_o seem_v a_o honour_n it_o be_v a_o injury_n and_o as_o incredible_a praise_n give_v unto_o man_n do_v often_o abate_v and_o impair_v the_o credit_n of_o their_o deserve_a commendation_n so_o we_o must_v likewise_o take_v great_a heed_n least_o in_o attribute_v unto_o scripture_n more_o than_o it_o can_v have_v the_o incredibilitie_n of_o that_o do_v cause_n even_o those_o thing_n which_o indeed_o it_o have_v most_o abundant_o to_o be_v less_o reverendly_a esteem_v i_o therefore_o leave_v it_o to_o themselves_o to_o consider_v whether_o they_o have_v in_o this_o first_o point_n or_o not_o overshoot_v themselves_o which_o god_n do_v know_v be_v quick_o do_v even_o when_o our_o meaning_n be_v most_o sincere_a as_o i_o be_o very_o persuade_v they_o in_o this_o case_n be_v the_o three_o book_n concern_v their_o second_o assertion_n that_o in_o scripture_n there_o must_v be_v of_o necessity_n contain_v a_o form_n of_o church-politie_n the_o law_n whereof_o may_v in_o no_o wise_n be_v alter_v the_o matter_n contain_v in_o this_o three_o book_n 1_o what_o the_o church_n be_v and_o in_o what_o respect_n law_n of_o polity_n be_v thereunto_o necessary_o require_v 2_o whether_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o some_o particular_a form_n of_o church-politie_n be_v set_v down_o in_o scripture_n since_o the_o thing_n that_o belong_v particular_o to_o any_o such_o form_n be_v not_o of_o necessity_n to_o salvation_n 3_o that_o matter_n of_o church-politie_n be_v different_a from_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o salvation_n and_o that_o they_o themselves_o so_o teach_v which_o be_v our_o reprover_n for_o so_o teach_v 4_o that_o hereby_o we_o take_v not_o from_o scripture_n any_o thing_n which_o thereunto_o with_o soundness_n of_o truth_n may_v be_v give_v 5_o their_o meaning_n who_o first_o urge_v against_o the_o polity_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o nothing_o ought_v to_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o church_n more_o than_o be_v command_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n 6_o how_o great_a injury_n man_n by_o so_o think_v shall_v offer_v unto_o all_o the_o church_n of_o god_n 7_o a_o shift_n notwithstanding_o to_o maintain_v it_o by_o interpret_n command_v as_o though_o it_o be_v mean_v that_o great_a thing_n only_o ought_v to_o be_v find_v set_v down_o in_o scripture_n particular_o and_o lesser_a frame_v by_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o scripture_n 8_o a_o other_o devise_n to_o defend_v the_o same_o by_o expound_v command_v as_o if_o it_o do_v signify_v ground_v on_o scripture_n and_o be_v oppose_v to_o thing_n find_v out_o by_o light_n of_o natural_a reason_n only_o 9_o how_o law_n for_o the_o polity_n of_o the_o church_n may_v be_v make_v by_o the_o advice_n of_o man_n and_o how_o those_o law_n be_v not_o repugnant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v approve_v in_o his_o sight_n 10_o that_o neither_o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o law_n nor_o yet_o his_o commit_n of_o they_o to_o scripture_n be_v any_o reason_n sufficient_a to_o prove_v that_o they_o admit_v no_o addition_n or_o change_n 11_o whether_o christ_n must_v needs_o intend_v law_n unchangeable_a altogether_o or_o have_v forbid_v any_o where_o to_o make_v any_o other_o law_n then_o himself_o do_v deliver_v albeit_o the_o substance_n of_o those_o controversy_n whereinto_o we_o have_v begin_v to_o wade_v require_v be_v rather_o of_o outward_a thing_n appertain_v to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n then_o of_o any_o thing_n wherein_o the_o nature_n and_o be_v of_o the_o church_n consist_v yet_o because_o the_o subject_n or_o matter_n which_o this_o position_n concern_v be_v a_o form_n of_o church-government_n or_o church-politie_n it_o therefore_o behove_v we_o so_o far_o forth_o to_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o church_n as_o be_v requisite_a for_o man_n more_o clear_a and_o plain_a understanding_n in_o what_o respect_n law_n of_o polity_n or_o government_n be_v necessary_a thereunto_o that_o church_n of_o christ_n which_o we_o proper_o term_v his_o body_n mystical_a can_v be_v but_o one_o neither_o can_v that_o one_o be_v sensible_o discern_v by_o any_o man_n in_o as_o much_o as_o the_o part_n thereof_o be_v some_o in_o heaven_n already_o with_o christ_n and_o the_o rest_n that_o be_v on_o earth_n albeit_o their_o natural_a person_n be_v visible_a we_o do_v not_o discern_v under_o this_o property_n whereby_o they_o be_v true_o and_o infallible_o of_o that_o body_n only_o our_o mind_n by_o intellectual_a conceit_n be_v able_a to_o apprehend_v that_o such_o a_o real_a body_n there_o be_v a_o body_n collective_a because_o it_o contain_v a_o huge_a multitude_n a_o body_n mystical_a because_o the_o mystery_n of_o their_o conjunction_n be_v remove_v altogether_o from_o sense_n whatsoever_o we_o read_v in_o scripture_n concern_v the_o endless_a love_n and_o the_o save_a mercy_n which_o god_n show_v towards_o his_o church_n the_o only_a proper_a subject_n thereof_o be_v this_o church_n concern_v this_o flock_n it_o be_v that_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n have_v promise_v i_o give_v unto_o they_o eternal_a life_n and_o they_o shall_v never_o perish_v 10.28_o neither_o shall_v any_o pluck_v they_o out_o of_o my_o hand_n they_o who_o be_v of_o this_o society_n have_v such_o mark_n and_o note_n of_o distinction_n from_o all_o other_o as_o be_v not_o object_n unto_o our_o sense_n only_o unto_o god_n who_o see_v their_o heart_n and_o understand_v all_o their_o secret_a cogitation_n unto_o he_o they_o be_v clear_a and_o manifest_a all_o man_n know_v nathaniel_n to_o be_v a_o israelite_n but_o our_o saviour_n pierce_v deep_a give_v further_a testimony_n of_o he_o then_o man_n can_v have_v do_v with_o such_o certainty_n as_o he_o do_v behold_v indeed_o a_o israelite_n in_o who_o be_v no_o guile_n 21.15_o if_o we_o profess_v as_o peter_n do_v that_o we_o love_v the_o lord_n and_o profess_v it_o in_o the_o hear_n of_o man_n charity_n be_v prone_a to_o believe_v all_o thing_n and_o therefore_o charitable_a man_n be_v likely_a to_o think_v we_o do_v so_o as_o long_o as_o they_o see_v no_o proof_n to_o the_o contrary_n 5_o but_o that_o our_o love_n be_v sound_a and_o sincere_a that_o it_o come_v from_o a_o pure_a heart_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n &_o a_o faith_n unfeigned_a who_o can_v pronounce_v save_v only_o the_o searcher_n of_o all_o man_n heart_n who_o alone_o intuitive_o do_v know_v in_o this_o kind_n who_o be_v he_o and_o as_o those_o everlasting_a promise_n of_o love_n mercy_n &_o blessedness_n belong_v to_o the_o mystical_a church_n even_o so_o on_o the_o other_o side_n when_o we_o read_v of_o any_o duty_n which_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v bind_v unto_o the_o church_n who_o this_o do_v concern_v be_v a_o sensible_o know_v company_n and_o this_o visible_a church_n in_o like_a sort_n be_v but_o one_o continue_v from_o the_o first_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o last_o end_n which_o company_n be_v divide_v into_o two_o moiety_n the_o one_o before_o the_o other_o since_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n that_o part_n which_o since_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n partly_o have_v embrace_v and_o partly_o shall_v hereafter_o embrace_v the_o christian_a religion_n we_o term_v as_o by_o a_o more_o proper_a name_n the_o church_n of_o christ._n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n affirm_v plain_o of_o all_o man_n christian_a that_o be_v they_o jew_n or_o gentile_n bond_n or_o free_a they_o be_v all_o incorporate_v into_o one_o company_n they_o all_o make_v but_o 3._o one_o body_n the_o unity_n of_o which_o visible_a
our_o chief_a direction_n be_v from_o scripture_n for_o nature_n be_v no_o sufficient_a teacher_n what_o we_o shall_v do_v that_o we_o may_v attain_v unto_o life_n everlasting_a the_o unsufficiencie_n of_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n be_v by_o the_o light_n of_o scripture_n so_o full_o and_o so_o perfect_o herein_o supply_v that_o further_a light_n than_o this_o have_v add_v there_o do_v not_o need_n unto_o that_o end_n final_o some_o thing_n although_o not_o so_o require_v of_o necessity_n that_o to_o leave_v they_o undo_v exclude_v from_o salvation_n be_v notwithstanding_o of_o so_o great_a dignity_n and_o acceptation_n with_o god_n that_o most_o ample_a reward_n in_o heaven_n be_v lay_v up_o for_o they_o hereof_o we_o have_v no_o commandment_n either_o in_o nature_n or_o scripture_n which_o do_v exact_v they_o at_o our_o hand_n 10.42_o yet_o those_o motive_n there_o be_v in_o both_o which_o draw_v most_o effectual_o our_o mind_n unto_o they_o in_o this_o kind_n there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o action_n but_o it_o do_v somewhat_o make_v to_o the_o accessary_a augmentation_n of_o our_o bliss_n for_o which_o cause_n our_o saviour_n do_v plain_o witness_v that_o there_o shall_v not_o be_v as_o much_o as_o a_o cup_n of_o cold_a water_n bestow_v for_o his_o sake_n without_o reward_n hereupon_o depend_v whatsoever_o difference_n there_o be_v between_o the_o state_n of_o saint_n in_o glory_n hither_o we_o refer_v whatsoever_o belong_v unto_o the_o high_a perfection_n of_o man_n by_o way_n of_o service_n towards_o god_n 2.7.9_o hereunto_o that_o fervour_n and_o first_o love_n of_o christian_n do_v bend_v itself_o cause_v they_o to_o sell_v their_o possession_n and_o lay_v down_o the_o price_n at_o the_o bless_a apostle_n foot_n hereat_o s._n paul_n undoubted_o do_v aâ—me_v in_o so_o far_a abridge_n his_o own_o liberty_n and_o exceed_v that_o which_o the_o bond_n of_o necessary_a and_o enjoin_v duty_n tie_v he_o unto_o wherefore_o see_v that_o in_o all_o these_o several_a kind_n of_o action_n there_o can_v be_v nothing_o possible_o evil_a which_o god_n approve_v and_o that_o he_o approve_v much_o more_o than_o he_o do_v command_v and_o that_o his_o very_a commandment_n in_o some_o kind_n as_o namely_o his_o precept_n comprehend_v in_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n may_v be_v otherwise_o know_v then_o only_o by_o scripture_n and_o that_o to_o do_v they_o howsoever_o we_o know_v they_o must_v needs_o be_v acceptable_a in_o his_o sight_n let_v they_o with_o who_o we_o have_v hitherto_o dispute_v consider_v well_o how_o it_o can_v stand_v with_o reason_n to_o make_v the_o bare_a mandate_n of_o sacred_a scripture_n the_o only_a rule_n of_o all_o good_a and_o evil_n in_o the_o action_n of_o mortal_a man_n the_o testimony_n of_o god_n be_v true_a the_o testimony_n of_o god_n be_v perfect_a the_o testimony_n of_o god_n be_v all_o sufficient_a unto_o that_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v give_v therefore_o according_o we_o do_v receive_v they_o we_o do_v not_o think_v that_o in_o they_o god_n have_v omit_v any_o thing_n needful_a unto_o his_o purpose_n &_o leave_v his_o intent_n to_o be_v accomplish_v by_o our_o divising_n what_o the_o scripture_n purpose_v the_o same_o in_o all_o point_v it_o do_v perform_v howbeit_o that_o here_o we_o swerve_v not_o in_o judgement_n one_o thing_n especial_o we_o must_v observe_v namely_o that_o the_o absolute_a perfection_n of_o scripture_n be_v see_v by_o relation_n unto_o that_o end_n whereto_o it_o tend_v and_o even_o hereby_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o first_o such_o as_o imagine_v the_o general_a and_o main_a drift_n of_o the_o body_n of_o sacred_a scripture_n not_o to_o be_v so_o large_a as_o it_o be_v nor_o that_o god_n do_v thereby_o intend_v to_o deliver_v as_o in_o truth_n he_o do_v a_o full_a instruction_n in_o all_o thing_n unto_o salvation_n necessary_a the_o knowledge_n whereof_o man_n by_o nature_n can_v not_o otherwise_o in_o this_o life_n attain_v unto_o they_o be_v by_o this_o very_o mean_v induce_v either_o still_o to_o look_v for_o new_a revelation_n from_o heaven_n or_o else_o dangerous_o to_o add_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n uncertain_a tradition_n that_o so_o the_o doctrine_n of_o man_n salvation_n may_v be_v complete_a which_o doctrine_n we_o constant_o hold_v in_o all_o respect_n without_o any_o such_o thing_n add_v to_o be_v so_o complete_a that_o we_o utter_o refuse_v as_o much_o as_o once_o to_o acquaint_v ourselves_o with_o any_o thing_n further_o whatsoever_o to_o make_v up_o the_o doctrine_n of_o man_n salvation_n be_v add_v as_o in_o supply_n of_o the_o scripture_n unsufficiencie_n we_o reject_v it_o scripture_n purpose_v this_o have_v perfect_o and_o full_o do_v it_o again_o the_o scope_n and_o purpose_n of_o god_n in_o deliver_v the_o holy_a scripture_n such_o as_o do_v take_v more_o large_o they_o behove_v they_o on_o the_o contrary_a side_n rack_a &_o stretch_v it_o further_o they_o by_o he_o be_v mean_v be_v draw_v into_o sundry_a as_o great_a inconvenience_n these_o pretend_v the_o scripture_n perfection_n infer_v thereupon_o that_o in_o scripture_n all_o thing_n lawful_a to_o be_v do_v must_v needs_o be_v contain_v we_o count_v those_o thing_n perfect_a which_o want_v nothing_o requisite_a for_o the_o end_n whereto_o they_o be_v institute_v as_o therefore_o god_n create_v every_o part_n and_o particle_n of_o man_n exact_o perfect_a that_o be_v to_o say_v in_o all_o point_n sufficient_a unto_o that_o use_n for_o which_o he_o appoint_v it_o so_o the_o scripture_n yea_o every_o sentence_n thereof_o be_v perfect_a &_o want_v nothing_o requisite_a unto_o that_o purpose_n for_o which_o god_n deliver_v the_o same_o so_o that_o if_o hereupon_o we_o conclude_v that_o because_o the_o scripture_n be_v perfect_a therefore_o all_o thing_n lawful_a to_o be_v do_v be_v comprehend_v in_o the_o scripture_n we_o may_v even_o as_o well_o conclude_v so_o of_o every_o sentence_n as_o of_o the_o whole_a sum_n and_o body_n thereof_o unless_o we_o first_o of_o all_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v the_o drift_n man_n scope_n and_o purpose_n of_o almighty_a god_n in_o holy_a scripture_n to_o comprise_v all_o thing_n which_o man_n may_v practice_v but_o admit_v this_o and_o mark_v i_o beseech_v you_o what_o will_v follow_v god_n in_o deliver_v scripture_n to_o his_o church_n shall_v clean_o have_v abrogate_a among_o they_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n which_o be_v a_o infallible_a knowledge_n imprint_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o all_o the_o child_n of_o man_n whereby_o both_o general_a principle_n fâ—â—_n direct_v of_o humane_a action_n be_v comprehend_v and_o conclusion_n derive_v from_o they_o upon_o which_o conclusion_n grow_v in_o particularity_n the_o choice_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n in_o the_o daily_a affair_n of_o this_o life_n admit_v this_o and_o what_o shall_v the_o scripture_n be_v but_o a_o snare_n and_o a_o torment_n to_o weak_a conscience_n fill_v they_o with_o infinite_a perplexity_n scrupulosity_n doubt_n insoluble_a and_o extreme_a despair_n not_o that_o the_o scripture_n itself_o do_v cause_v any_o such_o thing_n for_o it_o tend_v to_o the_o clean_a contrary_n and_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o be_v resolute_a assurance_n and_o certainty_n in_o that_o it_o teach_v but_o the_o necessity_n of_o this_o life_n urge_v man_n to_o do_v that_o which_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n common_a discretion_n and_o judgement_n of_o itself_o direct_v they_o unto_o on_o the_o other_o side_n this_o doctrine_n teach_v they_o that_o so_o to_o do_v be_v to_o sin_n against_o their_o own_o soul_n and_o that_o they_o put_v forth_o their_o hand_n to_o iniquity_n whatsoever_o they_o go_v about_o and_o have_v not_o first_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n of_o god_n for_o direction_n how_o can_v it_o choose_v but_o bring_v the_o simple_a a_o thousand_o time_n to_o their_o wit_n end_n how_o can_v it_o choose_v but_o vex_v and_o amaze_v they_o for_o in_o every_o action_n of_o common_a life_n to_o find_v out_o some_o sentence_n clear_o and_o infallible_o set_v before_o our_o eye_n what_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v seem_v we_o in_o scripture_n never_o so_o expert_a will_v trouble_v we_o more_o than_o we_o be_v aware_a in_o weak_a and_o tender_a mind_n we_o little_o know_v what_o misery_n this_o strict_a opinion_n will_v breed_v beside_o the_o stop_n it_o will_v make_v in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o all_o man_n life_n and_o action_n make_v all_o thing_n sin_n which_o we_o do_v by_o direction_n of_o nature_n light_n &_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o common_a discretion_n without_o think_v at_o all_o upon_o scripture_n admit_v this_o position_n and_o parent_n shall_v cause_v their_o child_n to_o sin_n as_o oft_o as_o they_o cause_v they_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n before_o they_o come_v to_o year_n of_o capacity_n and_o be_v ripe_a for_o knowledge_n in_o the_o scripture_n admit_v this_o and_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v with_o master_n as_o it_o
it_o have_v teach_v become_v unrequisite_a sometime_o because_o we_o need_v not_o use_v it_o sometime_o also_o because_o we_o can_v in_o which_o respect_n for_o my_o own_o part_n although_o i_o see_v that_o certain_a reform_a church_n the_o scottish_a especial_o and_o french_a have_v not_o that_o which_o best_o agree_v with_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n i_o mean_v the_o government_n that_o be_v by_o bishop_n in_o as_o much_o as_o both_o those_o church_n be_v fall_v under_o a_o different_a kind_n of_o regiment_n which_o to_o remedy_v it_o be_v for_o the_o one_o altogether_o too_o late_o and_o too_o soon_o for_o the_o other_o during_o their_o present_a affliction_n and_o trouble_n this_o their_o defect_n and_o imperfection_n i_o have_v rather_o lament_v in_o such_o case_n then_o exagitate_v consider_v that_o man_n oftentimes_o without_o any_o fault_n of_o their_o own_o may_v be_v drive_v to_o want_v that_o kind_n of_o polity_n or_o regiment_n which_o be_v best_a and_o to_o content_v themselves_o with_o that_o which_o either_o the_o irremediable_a error_n of_o former_a time_n or_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o present_a have_v cast_v upon_o they_o 5._o now_o because_o that_o position_n first_o mention_v which_o hold_v it_o necessary_a that_o all_o thing_n which_o the_o church_n may_v lawful_o do_v in_o she_o own_o regiment_n be_v command_v in_o holy_a scripture_n have_v by_o the_o latter_a defendor_n thereof_o be_v great_o qualify_v who_o though_o perceive_v it_o to_o be_v over_o extreme_a be_v notwithstanding_o loath_a to_o acknowledge_v any_o oversight_n therein_o and_o therefore_o labour_v what_o they_o may_v to_o salve_v it_o by_o construction_n we_o have_v for_o the_o more_o perspicuity_n deliver_v what_o be_v thereby_o mean_v at_o the_o first_o 6._o how_o injurious_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v unto_o all_o the_o church_n of_o god_n for_o man_n to_o hold_v it_o in_o that_o meaning_n 7._o and_o how_o unperfect_a their_o interpretation_n be_v who_o so_o much_o labour_n to_o help_v it_o either_o by_o divide_v commandment_n of_o scripture_n into_o two_o kind_n and_o so_o defend_v that_o all_o thing_n must_v be_v command_v if_o not_o in_o special_a yet_o in_o general_a precept_n 8._o or_o by_o take_v it_o as_o mean_v that_o in_o case_n the_o church_n do_v devise_v any_o new_a order_n she_o ought_v therein_o to_o follow_v the_o direction_n of_o scripture_n only_o and_o not_o any_o starlight_n of_o man_n reason_n 9_o both_o which_o evasion_n be_v cut_v off_o we_o have_v in_o the_o next_o place_n declare_v after_o what_o sort_n the_o church_n may_v lawful_o frame_v to_o herself_o law_n of_o polity_n and_o in_o what_o reckon_n such_o positive_a law_n both_o be_v with_o god_n and_o shall_v be_v with_o man_n 10._o furthermore_o because_o to_o abridge_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o behalf_n it_o have_v be_v make_v a_o thing_n very_o odious_a that_o when_o god_n himself_o have_v devise_v some_o certain_a law_n and_o commit_v they_o to_o sacred_a scripture_n man_n by_o abrogation_n addition_n or_o any_o way_n shall_v presume_v to_o alter_v and_o change_v they_o it_o be_v of_o necessity_n to_o be_v examine_v whether_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n in_o make_v or_o his_o care_n in_o commit_v those_o his_o law_n unto_o scripture_n be_v sufficient_a argument_n to_o prove_v that_o god_n do_v in_o no_o case_n allow_v they_o shall_v suffer_v any_o such_o kind_n of_o change_n 11._o the_o last_o refuge_n for_o proof_n that_o divine_a law_n of_o christian_a church-politie_n may_v not_o be_v alter_v by_o extinguishment_n of_o any_o old_a or_o addition_n of_o new_a in_o that_o kind_n be_v partly_o a_o marvelous_a strange_a discourse_n that_o christ_n unless_o he_o will_v show_v himself_o not_o so_o faithful_a as_o moses_n or_o not_o disc._n so_o wise_a as_o lycurgus_n and_o solon_n must_v needs_o have_v set_v down_o in_o holy_a scripture_n some_o certain_a complete_a and_o unchangeable_a form_n of_o polity_n and_o partly_o a_o colour_a show_n of_o some_o evidence_n where_o change_n of_o that_o sort_n of_o law_n may_v seem_v express_o forbid_v although_o in_o truth_n nothing_o less_o be_v do_v i_o may_v have_v add_v hereunto_o their_o more_o familiar_a and_o popular_a dispute_n as_o the_o church_n be_v a_o city_n yea_o the_o city_n of_o the_o great_a king_n and_o the_o life_n of_o a_o city_n be_v polity_n the_o church_n be_v the_o house_n of_o the_o live_a god_n and_o what_o house_n can_v there_o be_v without_o some_o order_n for_o the_o government_n of_o it_o in_o the_o royal_a house_n of_o a_o prince_n there_o must_v be_v officer_n for_o government_n such_o as_o not_o any_o servant_n in_o the_o house_n but_o the_o prince_n who_o the_o house_n be_v shall_v judge_v convenient_a so_o the_o house_n of_o god_n must_v have_v order_n for_o the_o government_n of_o it_o such_o as_o not_o any_o of_o the_o household_n but_o god_n himself_o have_v appoint_v it_o can_v stand_v with_o the_o love_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n to_o leave_v such_o order_n untaken_v as_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o due_a government_n of_o his_o church_n the_o number_n degree_n order_n and_o attire_n of_o salomon_n servant_n do_v show_v his_o wisdom_n therefore_o he_o which_o be_v great_a than_o solomon_n have_v not_o fail_v to_o leave_v in_o his_o house_n such_o order_n for_o government_n thereof_o as_o may_v serve_v to_o be_v as_o a_o look_a glass_n for_o his_o providence_n care_n and_o wisdom_n to_o be_v see_v in_o that_o little_a spark_n of_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n which_o remain_v in_o we_o may_v serve_v we_o for_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o life_n but_o as_o in_o all_o other_o matter_n concern_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n so_o principal_o in_o this_o which_o concern_v the_o very_a government_n of_o that_o kingdom_n needful_a it_o be_v we_o shall_v be_v teach_v of_o god_n as_o long_o as_o man_n be_v persuade_v of_o any_o order_n that_o it_o be_v only_o of_o man_n they_o presume_v of_o their_o own_o understanding_n and_o they_o think_v to_o devise_v a_o other_o not_o only_o as_o good_a but_o better_a then_o that_o which_o they_o have_v receive_v by_o severity_n of_o punishment_n this_o presumption_n and_o curiosity_n may_v be_v restrain_v but_o that_o can_v work_v such_o cheerful_a obedience_n as_o be_v yield_v where_o the_o conscience_n have_v respect_n to_o god_n as_o the_o author_n of_o law_n and_o order_n this_o be_v it_o which_o countenance_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n make_v concern_v outward_a polity_n for_o the_o administration_n of_o holy_a thing_n the_o like_o some_o law_n giver_n of_o the_o heathen_n do_v pretend_v but_o false_o yet_o wise_o discern_v the_o use_n of_o this_o persuasion_n for_o the_o better_a obedience_n sake_n therefore_o it_o be_v expedient_a that_o god_n shall_v be_v author_n of_o the_o polity_n of_o his_o church_n but_o to_o what_o issue_n do_v all_o this_o come_v a_o man_n will_v think_v that_o they_o which_o hold_v out_o with_o such_o discourse_n be_v of_o nothing_o more_o full_o persuade_v they_o of_o this_o that_o the_o scripture_n have_v set_v down_o a_o complete_a form_n of_o church-politie_n universal_a perpetual_a altogether_o unchangeable_a for_o so_o it_o will_v follow_v if_o the_o premise_n be_v sound_a and_o strong_a to_o such_o effect_n as_o be_v pretend_v notwithstanding_o they_o which_o have_v thus_o formal_o maintain_v argument_n in_o defence_n of_o the_o first_o oversight_n be_v by_o the_o very_a evidence_n of_o truth_n themselves_o constrain_v to_o make_v this_o in_o effect_v their_o conclusion_n that_o the_o scripture_n of_o god_n have_v many_o thing_n concern_v church-politie_n that_o of_o those_o many_o some_o be_v of_o great_a weight_n some_o of_o less_o that_o what_o have_v be_v urge_v as_o touch_v immutabilitie_n of_o law_n it_o extend_v in_o truth_n no_o further_o then_o only_o to_o law_n wherein_o thing_n of_o great_a moment_n be_v prescribe_v now_o those_o thing_n of_o great_a moment_n what_o be_v they_o forsooth_o doctor_n 13â—_n pastor_n layelder_n eldership_n compound_v of_o these_o three_o synod_n consist_v of_o many_o eldership_n deacon_n women-church-seruant_n or_o widow_n free_a consent_n of_o the_o people_n unto_o action_n of_o great_a moment_n after_o they_o be_v by_o church_n or_o synod_n orderly_o resolve_v all_o this_o form_n of_o polity_n if_o yet_o we_o may_v term_v that_o a_o form_n of_o building_n when_o man_n have_v lay_v a_o few_o rafter_n together_o and_o those_o not_o all_o of_o the_o sound_a neither_o but_o howsoever_o all_o this_o form_n they_o conclude_v be_v prescribe_v in_o such_o sort_n that_o to_o add_v to_o it_o any_o thing_n as_o of_o like_a importance_n for_o so_o i_o think_v they_o mean_v or_o to_o abrogate_v of_o it_o any_o thing_n at_o all_o be_v unlawful_a in_o which_o resolution_n if_o they_o will_v firm_o and_o constant_o persist_v i_o see_v not_o
bough_n or_o send_v new_a yeares-gift_n unto_o our_o friend_n or_o feast_v on_o those_o day_n which_o the_o gentile_n than_o do_v or_o sit_v after_o prayer_n as_o they_o be_v accustom_v for_o so_o they_o infer_v upon_o the_o premise_n that_o as_o great_a difference_n as_o commodious_o may_v be_v there_o shall_v be_v in_o all_o outward_a ceremony_n between_o the_o people_n of_o god_n and_o they_o which_o be_v not_o his_o people_n again_o they_o teach_v as_o have_v be_v declare_v that_o there_o be_v not_o as_o great_a a_o difference_n as_o may_v be_v between_o they_o except_o the_o one_o do_v avoid_v whatsoever_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n uncommand_v of_o god_n the_o other_o do_v embrace_v so_o that_o general_o they_o teach_v that_o the_o very_a difference_n of_o spiritual_a condition_n itself_o between_o the_o servant_n of_o christ_n and_o other_o require_v such_o difference_n in_o ceremony_n between_o they_o although_o the_o one_o be_v never_o so_o far_o disjoin_v in_o time_n or_o place_n from_o the_o other_o but_o in_o case_n the_o people_n of_o god_n and_o belial_n do_v chance_n to_o be_v neighbour_n then_o as_o the_o danger_n of_o infection_n be_v great_a so_o the_o same_o difference_n they_o say_v be_v thereby_o make_v more_o necessary_a in_o this_o respect_n as_o the_o jew_n be_v sever_v from_o the_o heathen_a so_o most_o especial_o from_o the_o heathen_a near_o they_o and_o in_o the_o same_o respect_n we_o which_o ought_v to_o differ_v howsoever_o from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v now_o they_o say_v by_o reason_n of_o our_o meerenesse_n more_o bind_v to_o differ_v from_o they_o in_o ceremony_n then_o from_o turk_n a_o strange_a kind_n of_o speech_n unto_o christian_a ear_n and_o such_o as_o i_o hope_v they_o themselves_o do_v acknowledge_v unaduised_o utter_v we_o be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o fear_v infection_n from_o turk_n as_o from_o papist_n what_o of_o that_o we_o must_v remember_v that_o by_o conform_v rather_o ourselves_o in_o that_o respect_n to_o turk_n we_o shall_v be_v spreader_n of_o a_o worse_a infection_n into_o other_o then_o any_o we_o be_v likely_a to_o draw_v from_o papist_n by_o our_o conformity_n with_o they_o in_o ceremony_n if_o they_o do_v hate_n as_o turk_n do_v the_o christian_n or_o as_o canaanite_n of_o old_a do_v the_o jewish_a religion_n even_o in_o gross_a the_o circumstance_n of_o local_a neerne_n in_o they_o unto_o we_o may_v happy_o enforce_v in_o we_o a_o duty_n of_o great_a separation_n from_o they_o then_o from_o those_o other_o mention_v but_o for_o as_o much_o as_o papist_n be_v so_o much_o in_o christ_n near_o unto_o we_o then_o turk_n be_v there_o any_o reasonable_a man_n trow_v you_o but_o will_v judge_v it_o meet_a that_o our_o ceremony_n of_o christian_a religion_n shall_v be_v popish_a than_o turkish_a or_o heathenish_a especial_o consider_v that_o we_o be_v not_o bring_v to_o dwell_v among_o they_o as_o israel_n in_o canaan_n have_v not_o be_v of_o they_o for_o even_o a_o very_a part_n of_o they_o we_o be_v and_o when_o god_n do_v by_o his_o good_a spirit_n put_v it_o into_o our_o heart_n first_o to_o reform_v ourselves_o whence_o grow_v our_o separation_n and_o then_o by_o all_o good_a mean_n to_o seek_v also_o their_o reformation_n have_v we_o not_o only_o cut_v off_o their_o corruption_n but_o also_o estrange_v ourselves_o from_o they_o in_o thing_n indifferent_a who_o see_v not_o how_o great_o prejudicial_a this_o may_v have_v be_v to_o so_o good_a a_o cause_n and_o what_o occasion_n it_o have_v give_v they_o to_o think_v to_o their_o great_a obduration_n in_o evil_n that_o through_o a_o froward_a or_o wanton_a desire_n of_o innovation_n we_o do_v unconstrain_o those_o thing_n for_o which_o conscience_n be_v pretend_v howsoever_o the_o case_n do_v stand_v as_o juda_n have_v be_v rather_o to_o choose_v conformity_n in_o thing_n indifferent_a with_o israel_n when_o they_o be_v near_o opposite_n then_o with_o the_o far_a remove_v pagan_n so_o we_o in_o like_a case_n much_o rather_o with_o papist_n then_o with_o turk_n i_o may_v add_v further_o for_o more_o full_a and_o complete_a answer_n so_o much_o concern_v the_o large_a odds_n between_o the_o case_n of_o the_o elder_a church_n in_o regard_n of_o those_o heathen_n and_o we_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n that_o very_a cavillation_n itself_o shall_v be_v satisfy_v and_o have_v no_o shift_n to_o fly_v unto_o 8_o but_o that_o no_o one_o thing_n may_v detain_v we_o over_o long_o unsound_a i_o return_v to_o their_o reason_n against_o our_o conformity_n with_o that_o church_n that_o extreme_a dissimilitude_n which_o they_o urge_v upon_o we_o be_v now_o commend_v as_o our_o best_a &_o safe_a policy_n for_o establishment_n of_o sound_a religion_n the_o ground_n of_o which_o politic_a position_n be_v that_o evil_n must_v be_v cure_v by_o their_o contrary_n &_o therefore_o the_o cure_n of_o the_o church_n infect_v with_o the_o poison_n of_o antichristianity_n must_v be_v do_v by_o that_o which_o be_v thereunto_o as_o contrary_a as_o may_v be_v a_o meddle_v estate_n of_o the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n &_o the_o ceremony_n of_o popery_n be_v not_o the_o best_a way_n to_o banish_v popery_n we_o be_v contrariwise_o of_o opinion_n that_o he_o which_o will_v perfect_o recover_v a_o sick_a and_o restore_v a_o disease_a body_n unto_o health_n must_v not_o endeavour_n so_o much_o to_o bring_v it_o to_o a_o state_n of_o simple_a contrariety_n as_o of_o fit_a proportion_n in_o contrariety_n unto_o those_o evil_n which_o be_v to_o be_v cure_v it_o he_o that_o will_v take_v away_o extreme_a heat_n by_o set_v the_o body_n in_o extremity_n of_o cold_a shall_v undoubted_o remove_v the_o disease_n but_o together_o with_o it_o the_o disease_a too_o the_o first_o thing_n therefore_o in_o skilful_a cure_n be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o part_n affect_v the_o next_o be_v of_o the_o evil_n which_o do_v affect_v it_o the_o last_o be_v not_o only_o of_o the_o kind_n but_o also_o of_o the_o measure_n of_o contrary_a thing_n whereby_o to_o remove_v it_o they_o which_o measure_n religion_n by_o dislike_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n think_v every_o man_n so_o much_o the_o more_o sound_a by_o how_o much_o he_o can_v make_v the_o corruption_n thereof_o to_o seem_v more_o large_a and_o therefore_o some_o there_o be_v namely_o the_o arrian_n in_o reform_a church_n of_o poland_n which_o imagine_v the_o cancre_n to_o have_v eat_v so_o far_o into_o the_o very_a bone_n and_o marrow_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o if_o it_o have_v not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o sound_a belief_n no_o not_o concern_v god_n himself_o but_o that_o the_o very_a belief_n of_o the_o trinity_n be_v a_o part_n of_o antichristian_a corruption_n and_o that_o the_o wonderful_a providence_n of_o god_n do_v bring_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o sea_n of_o rome_n shall_v be_v famous_a for_o his_o triple_a crown_n a_o sensible_a mark_n whereby_o the_o world_n may_v know_v he_o to_o be_v that_o mystical_a beast_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o revelation_n to_o be_v that_o great_a and_o notorious_a antichrist_n in_o no_o one_o respect_v so_o much_o as_o in_o this_o that_o he_o maintain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n wisdom_n therefore_o and_o skill_n be_v requisite_a to_o know_v what_o part_n be_v sound_a in_o that_o church_n and_o what_o corrupt_a neither_o be_v it_o to_o all_o man_n apparent_a which_o complain_v of_o unsound_a part_n with_o what_o kind_n of_o unsoundnesse_n every_o such_o part_n be_v possess_v they_o can_v say_v that_o in_o doctrine_n in_o discipline_n in_o prayer_n in_o sacrament_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v as_o it_o have_v in_o deed_n very_o foul_a and_o gross_a corruption_n the_o nature_n whereof_o notwithstanding_o because_o they_o have_v not_o for_o the_o most_o part_n exact_a skill_n and_o knowledge_n to_o discern_v they_o think_v that_o amiss_o many_o time_n which_o be_v not_o and_o the_o salve_n of_o reformation_n they_o mighty_o call_v for_o but_o where_o and_o what_o the_o sore_n be_v which_o need_v it_o as_o they_o wot_v full_a little_a so_o they_o think_v it_o not_o great_o material_a to_o search_v such_o man_n contentment_n must_v be_v wrought_v by_o stratagem_n the_o usual_a method_n of_o art_n be_v not_o for_o they_o but_o with_o those_o that_o profess_v more_o than_o ordinary_a &_o common_a knowledge_n of_o good_a from_o evil_n with_o they_o that_o be_v able_a to_o put_v a_o difference_n between_o thing_n naught_o &_o thing_n indifferent_a in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n we_o be_v yet_o at_o controversy_n about_o the_o manner_n of_o remove_v that_o which_o be_v naught_o whether_o it_o may_v not_o be_v perfect_o help_v unless_o that_o also_o which_o be_v indifferent_a be_v cut_v off_o with_o it_o so_o far_o till_o no_o rite_n or_o ceremony_n remain_v which_o