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
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
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
profession_n of_o the_o faith_n church_n and_o also_o to_o bâ—_n a_o mean_n to_o continue_v they_o together_o in_o the_o same_o so_o it_o be_v record_v act._n 8.4_o that_o the_o church_n which_o be_v at_o jerusalem_n be_v dispeâ—sed_v they_o do_v preach_v the_o word_n every_o man_n labour_v as_o he_o have_v occasion_n offer_v so_o we_o read_v that_o prisciâ—la_n and_o aquila_n have_v a_o church_n in_o their_o own_o house_n which_o we_o may_v well_o think_v to_o have_v be_v gather_v and_o constitute_v by_o they_o for_o that_o they_o be_v say_v to_o have_v preach_v the_o gospel_n diligent_o and_o to_o have_v convert_v many_o rom._n 16.4_o 1._o cor._n 16.19_o so_o colossian_n 4.15_o the_o apostle_n salute_v nympha_fw-la and_o the_o church_n which_o be_v in_o his_o house_n and_o although_o it_o be_v not_o mention_v that_o these_o man_n be_v the_o founder_n of_o these_o church_n within_o their_o own_o house_n yet_o this_o doctrine_n may_v be_v prove_v by_o that_o general_a rule_n of_o the_o word_n the_o which_o lay_v this_o charge_n upon_o every_o man_n that_o he_o build_v the_o church_n and_o establish_v the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n so_o far_o as_o his_o authority_n do_v stretch_v by_o this_o rule_n as_o every_o man_n be_v to_o make_v himself_o the_o temple_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n so_o master_n of_o family_n stretch_v and_o ruler_n of_o city_n and_o country_n be_v bind_v to_o be_v the_o first_o founder_n of_o the_o church_n in_o those_o place_n where_o they_o have_v to_o do_v yea_o they_o may_v lawful_o preach_v the_o word_n to_o any_o other_o when_o occasion_n be_v offer_v yet_o whenas_o they_o have_v win_v any_o to_o the_o profession_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v not_o of_o their_o own_o family_n or_o gather_v they_o together_o be_v disperse_v abroad_o to_o serve_v god_n together_o than_o they_o be_v to_o commit_v the_o further_a building_n of_o it_o to_o those_o who_o shall_v be_v appoint_v and_o choose_v to_o teach_v and_o order_v the_o say_a congregation_n and_o if_o they_o themselves_o be_v think_v meet_a for_o that_o purpose_n then_o be_v they_o no_o more_o private_a man_n but_o ecclesiastical_a ruler_n also_o this_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o whenas_o it_o please_v god_n to_o put_v into_o any_o man_n heart_n this_o desire_n and_o purpose_n to_o go_v about_o the_o build_n of_o any_o such_o private_a church_n he_o or_o they_o if_o they_o be_v more_o than_o one_o be_v to_o communicate_v their_o purpose_n to_o those_o who_o do_v already_o believe_v and_o profess_v the_o faith_n near_o to_o that_o place_n that_o their_o consent_n and_o approbation_n of_o their_o do_n may_v be_v unto_o they_o a_o kind_n of_o call_v and_o also_o confirm_v and_o encourage_v they_o in_o the_o say_a work_n and_o in_o this_o manner_n it_o be_v not_o unlawful_a for_o private_a man_n to_o be_v the_o first_o builder_n &_o founder_n of_o a_o private_a church_n consist_v not_o only_a of_o their_o own_o family_n but_o also_o of_o any_o other_o who_o heart_n it_o shall_v please_v god_n to_o move_v to_o believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o to_o join_v with_o they_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o but_o in_o convert_n other_o there_o be_v great_a wisdom_n to_o be_v use_v forasmuch_o as_o civil_a ruler_n who_o be_v not_o themselves_o of_o the_o church_n although_o they_o do_v give_v a_o toleration_n for_o a_o private_a church_n within_o their_o dominion_n yet_o they_o will_v hardly_o suffer_v their_o subject_n to_o be_v turn_v to_o any_o new_a religion_n so_o that_o they_o who_o do_v take_v in_o hand_n this_o work_n be_v to_o consider_v that_o they_o have_v not_o such_o liberty_n as_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v and_o therefore_o they_o ought_v with_o peace_n and_o quietness_n to_o use_v that_o liberty_n which_o god_n have_v grant_v unto_o they_o rather_o than_o by_o pass_v the_o limit_n of_o their_o call_n to_o venture_v the_o loss_n of_o that_o which_o they_o have_v so_o that_o they_o be_v to_o build_v chief_o by_o gather_v together_o those_o who_o do_v already_o profess_v the_o faith_n and_o that_o by_o private_a teach_n as_o occasion_n be_v offer_v and_o as_o for_o other_o to_o use_v all_o lawful_a mean_n to_o allure_v they_o to_o the_o like_n of_o their_o profession_n as_o be_v a_o honest_a and_o unblameable_a life_n whereby_o they_o may_v get_v the_o favour_n of_o all_o man_n as_o the_o church_n have_v act._n 2.47_o then_o to_o be_v ready_a to_o receive_v all_o that_o come_v unto_o they_o and_o love_o and_o mild_o to_o confer_v with_o they_o of_o those_o point_n whereof_o they_o doubt_v thus_o do_v the_o apostle_n paul_n at_o rome_n for_o the_o space_n of_o two_o year_n remain_v in_o a_o hire_a house_n private_o receive_v all_o that_o come_v unto_o he_o &_o do_v preach_v the_o gospel_n with_o all_o boldness_n without_o any_o hindrance_n the_o which_o he_o can_v never_o have_v do_v in_o that_o place_n if_o he_o have_v go_v about_o open_o &_o public_o to_o change_v the_o state_n of_o religion_n &_o to_o bring_v the_o people_n of_o româ—_n to_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n sect._n 3_o of_o the_o state_n of_o it_o be_v plant_v as_o great_a care_n be_v to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o gather_n of_o a_o private_a church_n so_o likewise_o continue_v it_o this_o always_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o they_o live_v in_o obedience_n to_o all_o civil_a law_n and_o constitution_n so_o that_o they_o be_v no_o cause_n of_o disturbance_n to_o the_o public_a state_n of_o the_o place_n where_o they_o live_v for_o to_o this_o end_n be_v all_o those_o exhortation_n which_o be_v make_v concern_v obey_v magistrate_n &_o ruler_n whether_o high_a or_o loâ—_n râ—m_fw-la 13.1_o peter_n 2.17_o &_o in_o many_o other_o place_n for_o the_o church_n be_v then_o in_o those_o place_n where_o heathen_a magistrate_n rule_v yea_o christian_n living_n in_o this_o estate_n although_o they_o ought_v to_o desire_v the_o company_n of_o their_o brethren_n profess_v the_o faith_n rather_o than_o of_o infidel_n which_o be_v stranger_n from_o god_n and_o also_o as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v to_o have_v their_o continual_a conversation_n with_o they_o yet_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o abhor_v or_o fly_v the_o company_n of_o those_o who_o be_v not_o of_o the_o church_n whenas_o by_o just_a occasion_n it_o be_v offer_v for_o so_o we_o see_v the_o apostle_n write_v to_o the_o corinthians_n 1.7.12_o that_o the_o believe_a husband_n shall_v not_o put_v away_o the_o unbelieve_a wife_n be_v content_a to_o remain_v with_o he_o so_o also_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o the_o christian_n be_v often_o invite_v by_o infidel_n to_o their_o banquet_n infidel_n 1._o cor._n 10.27_o and_o as_o for_o the_o sin_n and_o corruption_n which_o we_o shall_v see_v in_o they_o we_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o use_v great_a patience_n towards_o they_o then_o towards_o those_o that_o do_v profess_v the_o gospel_n so_o paul_n write_v 1._o cor._n 5.12_o what_o have_v i_o to_o do_v to_o judge_v they_o that_o be_v without_o do_v not_o you_o judge_v those_o who_o be_v within_o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v lawful_o leave_v their_o fault_n and_o sin_n unreproved_a yet_o in_o all_o our_o deal_n with_o they_o we_o must_v aim_v at_o their_o conversion_n and_o then_o it_o will_v be_v for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o our_o own_o comfort_n which_o if_o it_o be_v only_o for_o our_o temporal_a commodity_n can_v be_v without_o the_o offence_n of_o our_o brethren_n whereunto_o a_o special_a regard_n be_v to_o be_v have_v and_o also_o to_o our_o own_o hindrance_n in_o regard_n of_o comfort_n and_o edification_n in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o obedience_n of_o christ._n far_o in_o these_o private_a church_n this_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o they_o most_o usual_o consist_v of_o the_o most_o sincere_a and_o faithful_a christian_n for_o in_o they_o none_o be_v compel_v to_o profess_v the_o faith_n but_o all_o be_v such_o as_o do_v willing_o of_o their_o own_o accord_n embrace_v the_o gospel_n act._n 2.41_o so_o many_o as_o willing_o receive_v the_o word_n christians_n be_v baptize_v yea_o this_o also_o may_v be_v a_o argument_n of_o their_o soundenâ—sse_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n for_o that_o live_n amongst_o infidel_n they_o can_v but_o incur_v the_o hatred_n of_o many_o yea_o oftentimes_o even_o of_o the_o civil_a ruler_n themselves_o by_o take_v upon_o they_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o so_o sustain_v many_o iniuâ—ies_n and_o hurt_n in_o regard_n of_o thing_n belong_v to_o this_o temporal_a life_n and_o manifold_a molestation_n scoff_n yea_o reproach_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o service_n of_o god_n again_o this_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o these_o private_a church_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n more_o pure_a perfect_a orderly_a and_o free_a then_o public_a church_n be_v for_o
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
they_o and_o nothing_o more_o shameful_a and_o ignominious_a by_o the_o general_a consent_n of_o all_o man_n then_o for_o any_o people_n to_o be_v blockish_a in_o divine_a matter_n and_o not_o able_a to_o discern_v which_o be_v the_o right_a worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n now_o let_v we_o see_v what_o the_o church_n gain_v by_o this_o bargain_n and_o covenant_n make_v with_o the_o civil_a state_n first_o by_o this_o mean_v she_o become_v safe_a from_o outward_a danger_n and_o from_o the_o violence_n of_o malicious_a persecutor_n by_o who_o private_a church_n be_v continual_o trouble_v and_o often_o quite_o overthrow_v be_v neither_o willing_a to_o resist_v by_o force_n of_o arm_n their_o own_o magistrate_n labour_v to_o deface_v the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n neither_o for_o the_o most_o part_n able_a to_o withstand_v foreign_a invasion_n and_o therefore_o they_o may_v fit_o be_v compare_v to_o a_o vineyard_n which_o want_v a_o hedge_n or_o fence_n so_o that_o all_o the_o wild_a beast_n of_o the_o forest_n do_v enter_v in_o and_o root_v it_o up_o but_o a_o public_a church_n be_v guard_v by_o the_o civil_a power_n against_o all_o danger_n not_o only_o outward_a but_o also_o inward_a arise_v of_o the_o stubborn_a wilfulness_n of_o those_o who_o will_v not_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o those_o civil_a state_n which_o be_v well_o order_v be_v far_o more_o fit_a harbour_n for_o the_o church_n state_n than_o confuse_a commonwealth_n be_v for_o whenas_o man_n be_v not_o teach_v to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o civil_a government_n which_o forbid_v only_o heinous_a offence_n be_v more_o gentle_a and_o remiss_a how_o shall_v they_o bear_v the_o yoke_n of_o ecclesiastical_a government_n which_o look_v more_o narrow_o into_o the_o life_n of_o man_n and_o be_v far_o more_o streite_z and_o severe_a so_o that_o a_o people_n subdue_v to_o civil_a obedience_n be_v as_o horse_n break_v and_o wild_a beast_n tame_v and_o may_v more_o easy_o be_v bring_v into_o the_o formâ—_n of_o a_o church_n we_o do_v confess_v that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n preach_v be_v of_o sufficient_a force_n and_o power_n to_o make_v the_o most_o lawless_a and_o barbarous_a man_n good_a christian_n and_o as_o tame_a as_o lamb_n and_o that_o without_o the_o help_n of_o this_o civil_a power_n as_o we_o see_v in_o private_a church_n yet_o for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o outward_a order_n of_o these_o public_a church_n this_o mean_n be_v of_o great_a force_n last_o the_o increase_n of_o number_n which_o come_v by_o this_o mean_n be_v to_o be_v count_v no_o small_a commodity_n be_v simple_o consider_v howsoever_o usual_o it_o bring_v with_o it_o confusion_n and_o imperfect_a state_n and_o sundry_a such_o discommodity_n sect._n 6._o of_o the_o first_o mover_n in_o the_o plant_n of_o a_o public_a church_n now_o we_o be_v to_o come_v to_o the_o special_n which_o be_v in_o plant_v of_o a_o public_a church_n and_o first_o to_o the_o beginner_n or_o first_o mover_n in_o this_o work_n for_o the_o declare_v of_o the_o truth_n hereof_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v the_o very_a original_n and_o first_o plant_v of_o church_n the_o which_o be_v found_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n in_o many_o place_n yea_o they_o also_o commit_v the_o care_n of_o continue_v those_o church_n unto_o faithful_a man_n that_o they_o may_v provide_v for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v but_o neither_o the_o apostle_n can_v bring_v to_o pass_v that_o all_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v bring_v to_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n neither_o the_o care_n of_o those_o ordinary_a minister_n to_o who_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o say_a church_n be_v commit_v can_v so_o prevail_v but_o that_o even_o in_o those_o place_n where_o the_o apostle_n plant_v church_n religion_n afterward_o be_v by_o the_o malice_n of_o satan_n not_o only_o deface_v but_o even_o so_o root_v out_o as_o in_o most_o of_o those_o place_n there_o remane_v not_o any_o shadow_n of_o a_o church_n the_o apostle_n and_o other_o extraordinary_a minister_n be_v dead_a their_o office_n and_o call_v which_o be_v to_o plant_v church_n in_o all_o place_n do_v cease_v after_o who_o there_o remain_v in_o the_o church_n ordinary_a minister_n to_o accomplish_v that_o work_n which_o they_o have_v begin_v namely_o to_o build_v out_o those_o church_n which_o they_o have_v plant_v yet_o they_o have_v no_o call_v to_o build_v church_n in_o all_o country_n but_o in_o some_o one_o place_n where_o unto_o they_o be_v appoint_v for_o if_o ordinary_a minister_n which_o be_v now_o in_o those_o place_n where_o the_o church_n be_v have_v this_o calling_n to_o preach_v in_o diverse_a country_n and_o to_o diverse_a nation_n than_o they_o shall_v have_v gift_n needful_a for_o this_o work_n as_o the_o gift_n of_o discern_a spirit_n the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n without_o the_o which_o none_o can_v preach_v to_o a_o strange_a people_n but_o these_o gift_n be_v cease_v as_o also_o these_o calling_n neither_o have_v any_o ordinary_a minister_n by_o his_o calling_n any_o charge_n of_o any_o other_o people_n and_o country_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o be_v a_o church_n and_o as_o for_o extraordinary_a man_n although_o god_n may_v raise_v up_o such_o when_o he_o will_v yet_o we_o be_v not_o to_o look_v for_o any_o such_o in_o these_o day_n as_o for_o the_o bishope_fw-mi of_o rome_n who_o challenge_v unto_o himself_o the_o care_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n as_o be_v christ_n vicar_n general_a we_o know_v that_o his_o authority_n in_o the_o ch._n be_v but_o usurp_v and_o his_o allegation_n frivolous_a he_o have_v destroy_v the_o church_n &_o therefore_o we_o be_v not_o to_o look_v that_o he_o shall_v be_v the_o chief_a doer_n in_o the_o build_n and_o plant_v of_o church_n who_o then_o shall_v we_o make_v to_o be_v the_o first_o mover_n in_o the_o plant_n or_o repair_v of_o a_o public_a church_n in_o a_o city_n commonwealth_n or_o kingdom_n even_o the_o chief_a ruler_n and_o magistrate_n of_o those_o place_n as_o have_v be_v declare_v in_o the_o second_o section_n of_o this_o chapter_n so_o then_o the_o first_o thing_n in_o the_o plant_n of_o a_o public_a church_n in_o any_o country_n be_v this_o that_o we_o suppose_v the_o civil_a ruler_n willing_a and_o desirous_a to_o take_v this_o work_n in_o hand_n and_o that_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o some_o of_o his_o subject_n make_v humble_a supplication_n to_o he_o in_o this_o behalf_n or_o by_o some_o neighbour_n church_n stir_v he_o up_o by_o their_o example_n to_o erect_v the_o church_n within_o his_o dominion_n and_o commend_v this_o work_n unto_o he_o as_o the_o most_o excellent_a and_o happy_a thing_n as_o it_o be_v indeed_o sect._n 7._o of_o the_o special_a manner_n of_o plant_v a_o public_a church_n the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v be_v how_o the_o civil_a ruler_n be_v willing_a to_o plant_v the_o ch·_n shall_v know_v the_o manner_n of_o this_o work_n and_o the_o right_a frame_n of_o it_o whereof_o at_o the_o first_o we_o must_v suppose_v both_o he_o and_o his_o people_n to_o be_v ignorant_a the_o mean_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v for_o this_o end_n be_v this_o although_o at_o the_o first_o he_o do_v not_o send_v his_o apostle_n to_o all_o country_n to_o plant_v church_n neither_o do_v since_o that_o time_n send_v any_o other_o as_o apostle_n yet_o in_o that_o he_o do_v by_o they_o at_o the_o first_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o plant_v church_n in_o most_o part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o do_v continual_o preserve_v the_o fame_n in_o one_o place_n or_o other_o he_o give_v sufficient_a mean_n of_o have_v the_o knowleege_n of_o his_o true_a worship_n to_o those_o that_o will_v embrace_v it_o and_o leave_v the_o rest_n inexcusable_a the_o first_o building_n of_o church_n in_o so_o many_o place_n be_v so_o conspicuous_a even_o as_o a_o city_n set_v on_o the_o top_n of_o a_o hill_n that_o it_o may_v easy_o be_v see_v of_o all_o man_n so_o that_o even_o as_o the_o gentile_n which_o dwell_v far_o off_o from_o hierusalem_fw-la hear_v of_o the_o fame_n of_o it_o be_v move_v many_o of_o they_o to_o repair_v thither_o to_o learn_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a god_n so_o all_o they_o now_o even_o the_o jew_n also_o when_o god_n shall_v turn_v their_o heart_n and_o open_a their_o eye_n to_o see_v some_o glimmer_n of_o the_o gospel_n aught_o to_o resort_v to_o those_o place_n where_o the_o church_n be_v there_o to_o get_v the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o manner_n of_o his_o true_a worship_n and_o all_o other_o mean_n which_o may_v further_o their_o purpose_n and_o this_o be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o procure_v man_n of_o knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n to_o come_v and_o instruct_v both_o ruler_n and_o people_n how_o
ought_v to_o have_v use_v and_o show_v in_o all_o his_o deal_n with_o the_o church_n and_o especial_o in_o give_v law_n for_o the_o order_n of_o it_o for_o although_o in_o other_o matter_n his_o will_n may_v in_o some_o sort_n stand_v for_o a_o law_n yet_o in_o this_o case_n he_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v so_o peremptory_a or_o wilful_a but_o that_o he_o do_v willing_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v rule_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v most_o agreeable_a unto_o it_o and_o forasmuch_o as_o in_o indifferent_a thing_n whereof_o these_o law_n be_v to_o be_v make_v it_o be_v not_o always_o easy_a to_o see_v what_o be_v most_o right_a and_o meet_v to_o be_v do_v and_o for_o that_o civil_a ruler_n have_v not_o the_o extraordinary_a assistance_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o direct_v they_o in_o these_o action_n therefore_o it_o be_v needful_a that_o they_o consult_v with_o other_o &_o take_v their_o advice_n in_o make_v law_n for_o the_o church_n and_o so_o much_o the_o rather_o as_o a_o oversight_n in_o govern_v the_o church_n be_v more_o hurtful_a than_o it_o be_v in_o civil_a mat_n if_o it_o be_v here_o ask_v who_o ought_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o this_o weighty_a consultation_n and_o what_o be_v the_o whole_a order_n of_o this_o action_n we_o referrâ—â—he_v answer_v hereof_o to_o the_o next_o chapter_n chap._n x._o of_o the_o conjunction_n of_o particular_a church_n sect._n 1_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 thus_o much_o of_o a_o particuiar_a church_n several_o consider_v and_o be_v distinguish_v from_o all_o other_o by_o the_o propriety_n of_o humane_a ecclesiastical_a law_n or_o more_o plain_o by_o a_o distinct_a government_n even_o as_o we_o see_v one_o city_n country_n or_o kingdom_n to_o be_v separate_v from_o another_o by_o the_o own_o limit_n whether_o hill_n river_n sea_n or_o any_o other_o thus_o the_o church_n which_o be_v plant_v at_o corinth_n by_o the_o apostle_n be_v free_a from_o all_o other_o church_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o their_o law_n and_o order_n yet_o often_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o they_o be_v join_v together_o and_o that_o even_o in_o this_o bond_n of_o humane_a government_n by_o the_o which_o they_o be_v usual_o sever_v one_o from_o another_o of_o this_o conjunction_n we_o be_v brief_o to_o entreat_v the_o which_o we_o find_v to_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n the_o one_o voluntary_a the_o other_o necessary_a voluntary_a conjunction_n be_v that_o whereby_o particular_a church_n which_o otherwise_o be_v free_a from_o all_o humane_a authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n do_v submit_v themselves_o to_o a_o common-guernment_a for_o their_o common_a good_a as_o we_o see_v that_o free_a city_n enter_v into_o a_o league_n and_o a_o common-government_n that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v the_o better_o order_v the_o subject_n of_o this_o authority_n be_v counsel_n provincial_a natural_a and_o general_a which_o be_v assembly_n of_o certain_a man_n send_v from_o particular_a church_n with_o authority_n to_o judge_v and_o determine_v of_o the_o weighty_a cause_n of_o those_o church_n in_o these_o counsel_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v first_o their_o original_n and_o authority_n and_o second_o of_o who_o they_o do_v consist_v for_o the_o first_o although_o the_o government_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v for_o the_o order_n of_o church_n in_o particular_a be_v in_o itself_o sufficient_a for_o that_o purpose_n yet_o there_o be_v many_o way_n great_a use_n of_o this_o common-government_n of_o counsel_n for_o there_o be_v not_o so_o great_a force_n and_o authority_n for_o the_o repress_v of_o the_o stubborn_a and_o disobedient_a for_o the_o resolve_v of_o doubt_n the_o decide_n of_o weighty_a controversy_n the_o confirm_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o doctrine_n the_o resuting_a of_o pernicious_a heresy_n counsel_n the_o make_n of_o ecclesiastical_a constitution_n of_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n and_o final_o for_o the_o order_n of_o great_a &_o weighty_a matter_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o any_o one_o church_n as_o there_o be_v in_o a_o great_a number_n who_o godliness_n wisdom_n and_o learning_n be_v famous_o know_v to_o all_o man_n yea_o there_o be_v among_o many_o excellent_a man_n great_a variety_n of_o knowledge_n wisdom_n and_o all_o spiritual_a grace_n the_o which_o be_v join_v together_o be_v more_o available_a for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o church_n then_o if_o they_o be_v only_o several_o use_v in_o particular_a church_n for_o these_o cause_n be_v this_o common_a government_n of_o counsel_n institute_v in_o the_o church_n at_o the_o first_o and_o have_v continue_v in_o all_o the_o age_n of_o it_o the_o first_o example_n of_o a_o council_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v act._n 15.6_o where_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n which_o be_v at_o jerusalem_n come_v together_o for_o the_o decide_n of_o a_o great_a controversy_n move_v about_o the_o keep_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n but_o this_o counsel_n although_o in_o force_n and_o authority_n it_o be_v ecumenical_a or_o general_a in_o that_o the_o constitution_n make_v then_o by_o the_o apostle_n do_v belong_v to_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o in_o act_n and_o in_o deed_n it_o be_v a_o particular_a assembly_n of_o that_o one_o church_n which_o be_v at_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o the_o apostle_n elder_n and_o of_o the_o whole_a people_n as_o appear_v vers._n 22._o so_o that_o this_o example_n serve_v not_o for_o our_o purpose_n neither_o prove_v the_o divine_a institution_n of_o provincial_a counsel_n yea_o as_o it_o seem_v we_o have_v not_o any_o example_n or_o precept_n of_o this_o conjunction_n of_o particular_a church_n mention_v in_o the_o act_n &_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n or_o elsewhere_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n whereof_o some_o have_v gather_v that_o these_o counsel_n be_v unlawful_a and_o their_o authority_n usurp_v be_v not_o of_o god_n but_o from_o man_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o government_n appoint_v for_o the_o church_n but_o that_o which_o may_v be_v have_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o every_o particular_a church_n for_o answer_v whereof_o we_o know_v that_o of_o lawful_a thing_n some_o be_v necessary_a be_v command_v by_o god_n so_o that_o the_o omit_v of_o they_o be_v sin_n in_o his_o sight_n but_o other_o thing_n be_v so_o lawful_a as_o that_o they_o may_v lawful_o be_v leave_v undo_v be_v not_o command_v but_o permit_v to_o we_o to_o do_v when_o we_o shall_v think_v they_o convenient_a of_o this_o latter_a kind_n be_v these_o common_a counsel_n and_o this_o voluntary_a conjunction_n of_o diverse_a church_n under_o one_o government_n for_o we_o have_v no_o flat_a commandment_n in_o the_o word_n as_o touch_v it_o neither_o can_v any_o church_n be_v compel_v to_o join_v in_o this_o manner_n yet_o one_o church_n may_v lawful_o use_v the_o help_n of_o a_o other_o for_o their_o mutual_a good_a if_o it_o be_v here_o object_v that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o man_n to_o appoint_v any_o other_o form_n of_o church-government_n than_o god_n himself_o have_v prescribe_v in_o his_o word_n we_o answer_v that_o these_o common_a counsel_n do_v not_o take_v away_o the_o government_n of_o particular_a church_n but_o rather_o do_v establish_v it_o yea_o make_v it_o more_o effectual_a and_o forcible_a and_o supply_v the_o want_n the_o which_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o infirmity_n and_o want_v of_o man_n be_v often_o find_v in_o it_o the_o reason_n why_o these_o counsel_n be_v not_o mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v for_o that_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o church_n can_v not_o join_v themselves_o together_o in_o this_o manner_n not_o only_o because_o they_o be_v not_o full_o settle_v within_o themselves_o but_o chief_o because_o they_o be_v few_o in_o number_n and_o so_o far_a distante_fw-la one_o from_o another_o that_o they_o can_v not_o with_o any_o convenience_n communicate_v ordinare_o together_o apostle_n yea_o the_o apostle_n be_v to_o they_o in_o steed_n of_o the_o most_o general_a counsel_n for_o they_o refer_v all_o their_o doubt_n controversy_n and_o matter_n of_o importance_n to_o their_o determination_n wherein_o the_o rest_v as_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n whereby_o it_o appear_v that_o although_o these_o counsel_n have_v not_o their_o original_n and_o authority_n immediate_o and_o direct_o from_o god_n as_o the_o ministry_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n have_v yet_o that_o they_o have_v be_v institute_v and_o use_v by_o the_o church_n for_o just_a and_o necessary_a cause_n according_a to_o the_o word_n and_o will_n of_o god_n likewise_o the_o authority_n of_o these_o council_n be_v the_o full_a authority_n of_o those_o church_n from_o the_o which_o the_o several_a commissioner_n or_o delegate_n be_v send_v and_o therefore_o it_o ought_v to_o be_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
by_o the_o fame_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n some_o have_v be_v convert_v so_o be_v rahab_n live_v in_o jericho_n of_o who_o it_o be_v say_v heb._n 11._o that_o she_o believe_v or_o by_o read_v book_n contain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n last_o it_o may_v please_v god_n to_o use_v for_o this_o purpose_n that_o knowledge_n which_o remain_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n since_o the_o fall_n of_o adam_n and_o which_o be_v stir_v up_o by_o the_o contemplation_n of_o the_o creature_n and_o all_o those_o mean_n which_o natural_a man_n have_v for_o the_o attain_n of_o knowledge_n these_o or_o any_o other_o mean_v god_n may_v use_v extraordinary_o yea_o he_o may_v do_v it_o without_o any_o mean_n but_o in_o his_o ordinary_a work_a none_o of_o these_o aforesaid_a mean_n be_v available_a for_o faith_n be_v get_v ordinare_o only_a by_o hear_v the_o word_n preach_v and_o therefore_o we_o be_v to_o esteem_v and_o judge_v of_o they_o who_o have_v not_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n that_o they_o want_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o attain_v a_o true_a and_o save_a faith_n always_o except_v the_o power_n and_o extraordinary_a work_n of_o god_n the_o which_o be_v not_o tie_v to_o any_o mean_n chap._n iii_o of_o a_o particular_a church_n sect._n 1_o of_o the_o original_n of_o particular_a church_n thus_o much_o of_o the_o disperse_a member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n the_o which_o state_n god_n do_v accept_v where_o it_o can_v be_v amend_v but_o so_o that_o he_o will_v have_v all_o his_o servant_n to_o endeavour_n by_o all_o mean_v possible_a to_o come_v &_o live_v together_o for_o their_o mutual_a edification_n and_o therefore_o as_o for_o the_o more_o commodious_a maintain_n of_o our_o temporal_a life_n he_o have_v appoint_v civil_a society_n so_o for_o the_o beginning_n and_o maintain_v of_o spiritual_a strength_n and_o life_n in_o we_o he_o have_v appoint_v holy_a assembly_n which_o be_v particular_a church_n out_o of_o the_o which_o a_o christian_n may_v live_v this_o spiritual_a life_n but_o yet_o in_o great_a weakness_n and_o danger_n even_o as_o a_o man_n may_v preserve_v his_o natural_a life_n in_o a_o desert_n place_n but_o he_o can_v have_v perfect_a strength_n and_o health_n unless_o he_o live_v in_o some_o place_n frequent_v by_o man_n and_o replenish_v with_o thing_n needful_a for_o that_o purpose_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v now_o to_o declare_v what_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v sect._n 2._o of_o the_o definition_n of_o a_o parlicular_a church_n a_o particular_a church_n be_v a_o company_n of_o man_n separate_v from_o the_o infidel_n of_o the_o world_n to_o serve_v god_n under_o all_o the_o same_o divine_a and_o humane_a law_n or_o under_o the_o same_o ecclesiastical_a government_n both_o divine_a and_o humane_a this_o definition_n do_v in_o some_o sort_n comprehend_v in_o it_o the_o whole_a nature_n and_o essence_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n and_o therefore_o a_o great_a part_n of_o this_o treatise_n be_v to_o be_v spend_v in_o the_o explication_n of_o it_o wherein_o that_o we_o may_v proceed_v in_o some_o distinct_a and_o plain_a order_n we_o have_v these_o three_o head_n to_o observe_v first_o the_o separate_n of_o those_o of_o who_o the_o church_n be_v to_o consist_v from_o the_o infidel_n of_o the_o world_n second_o the_o divine_a law_n by_o the_o which_o they_o thus_o bring_v together_o be_v to_o be_v order_v and_o last_o the_o humane_a law_n which_o be_v add_v to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n for_o even_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o establish_n of_o a_o common_a wealth_n or_o kingdom_n first_o man_n must_v be_v bring_v together_o who_o be_v to_o be_v the_o inhabitant_n of_o that_o city_n or_o country_n second_o there_o must_v certain_a general_n and_o fundamental_a law_n be_v make_v contain_v the_o very_a state_n and_o form_n of_o government_n and_o of_o subjection_n which_o must_v stand_v in_o force_n continual_o without_o any_o alteration_n church_n and_o last_o there_o must_v be_v add_v some_o special_a positive_a law_n which_o be_v often_o to_o be_v change_v as_o present_v occasion_n shall_v require_v so_o be_v it_o in_o the_o establish_n of_o a_o church_n first_o man_n be_v call_v from_o infidelity_n to_o faith_n as_o from_o barbarism_n to_o civility_n then_o they_o have_v give_v unto_o they_o the_o law_n which_o god_n in_o 〈◊〉_d word_n have_v make_v for_o the_o government_n of_o his_o church_n till_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o last_o the_o changeable_a ecclesiastical_a law_n of_o man_n again_o as_o we_o see_v man_n do_v in_o the_o build_n of_o a_o house_n first_o they_o prepare_v stone_n than_o they_o join_v they_o together_o in_o some_o form_n of_o a_o house_n till_o by_o little_a and_o little_o they_o set_v up_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o it_o and_o last_o they_o add_v door_n window_n fence_n and_o whatsoever_o may_v serve_v for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o dweller_n in_o like_a manner_n the_o call_n of_o man_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o prepare_v of_o the_o matter_n of_o a_o church_n second_o the_o establish_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n &_o the_o manner_n of_o serve_v god_n be_v a_o set_n up_o of_o the_o frame_n of_o it_o a_o last_o the_o make_n of_o ecclesiastical_a constitution_n be_v the_o apply_v of_o this_o government_n to_o the_o special_a use_n of_o those_o man_n who_o we_o will_v bring_v unto_o the_o form_n of_o a_o church_n that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o fit_a dwell_a place_n for_o they_o this_o latter_a similitude_n we_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o mark_v the_o rather_o for_o that_o we_o be_v to_o use_v it_o throughout_o this_o whole_a treatise_n and_o that_o because_o it_o have_v please_v the_o spiritte_v of_o god_n to_o teach_v we_o so_o to_o do_v who_o in_o the_o scripture_n do_v for_o the_o most_o part_n compare_v the_o church_n to_o a_o house_n and_o to_o the_o building_n of_o it_o as_o we_o may_v see_v 1._o cor._n 3.11.12_o 1._o tim._n 3.15_o 1._o pet._n 4.17_o in_o this_o definition_n the_o last_o word_n only_a the_o rest_n be_v of_o themselves_o plain_a enough_o need_v this_o explication_n that_o by_o humane_a law_n we_o do_v not_o mean_v civil_a law_n but_o ecclesiastical_a constitution_n add_v to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n appoint_v in_o the_o word_n by_o the_o which_o humane_a law_n be_v always_o in_o some_o point_n or_o other_o differ_v from_o the_o law_n of_o other_o church_n particular_a church_n have_v their_o difference_n and_o distincte_n limit_n appoint_v to_o they_o church_n for_o therefore_o we_o have_v insert_v this_o partickle_a all_o in_o the_o definition_n because_o many_o yea_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n may_v agree_v in_o some_o ecclesiastical_a constitution_n but_o not_o in_o all_o so_o that_o the_o same_o government_n make_v one_o and_o the_o same_o church_n yea_o although_o they_o be_v distinguish_v into_o diverse_a congregation_n and_o have_v many_o distinct_a place_n of_o serve_v god_n as_o if_o the_o law_n of_o any_o town_n do_v stretch_v to_o the_o suburb_n and_o village_n about_o there_o be_v but_o one_o corporation_n or_o civil_a body_n and_o to_o use_v our_o accustom_a similitude_n as_o that_o be_v one_o family_n which_o have_v the_o same_o governor_n over_o it_o the_o same_o order_n in_o it_o although_o they_o be_v in_o diverse_a room_n so_o it_o be_v in_o this_o behalf_n a_o distincte_n government_n make_v a_o distinct_a church_n the_o government_n be_v then_o distincte_n when_o either_o the_o humane_a church_n law_n be_v diverse_a or_o at_o the_o least_o the_o ruler_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o company_n have_v in_o their_o hand_n authority_n to_o make_v diverse_a law_n in_o that_o manner_n which_o we_o be_v afterwards_o to_o declare_v so_o that_o where_o we_o see_v many_o distinct_a and_o diverse_a assembly_n or_o congregation_n of_o christian_n all_v to_o depend_v upon_o one_o company_n have_v in_o their_o hand_n the_o say_a authority_n and_o from_o thence_o to_o fetch_v all_o their_o constitution_n and_o determination_n of_o cause_n they_o be_v to_o be_v account_v not_o many_o but_o one_o only_a particular_a church_n which_o notwithstanding_o if_o they_o do_v no_o way_n depend_v upon_o any_o other_o be_v to_o be_v account_v so_o many_o distinct_a church_n so_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n although_o it_o do_v consist_v of_o many_o distinct_a town_n and_o city_n the_o which_o have_v their_o proper_a levite_n and_o governor_n yet_o because_o for_o government_n they_o do_v all_o depend_v upon_o the_o high_a priest_n and_o the_o other_o priest_n which_o do_v offer_v sacrifice_n in_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n church_n they_o all_o make_v but_o one_o church_n so_o that_o those_o christian_n be_v to_o be_v account_v a_o particular_a church_n which_o be_v join_v together_o not_o only_o in_o the_o same_o faith_n as_o the_o
knowledge_n which_o man_n have_v at_o the_o beginning_n may_v seem_v to_o have_v be_v great_a ignorance_n and_o darkness_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o light_n which_o now_o do_v appear_v so_o that_o according_a to_o the_o difference_n of_o time_n we_o must_v also_o make_v a_o diversity_n of_o ecclesiaâ—tcall_a law_n and_o that_o in_o respect_n not_o only_o of_o the_o people_n but_o even_o of_o they_o also_o who_o do_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n advise_v and_o appoint_v thâ—se_a law_n who_o although_o they_o do_v excel_v all_o other_o in_o knowledge_n yet_o they_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o ignoraunce_n and_o error_n of_o the_o time_n wherein_o they_o live_v from_o the_o which_o no_o man_n can_v be_v whole_o free_v as_o may_v be_v declare_v at_o large_a if_o it_o be_v needful_a to_o be_v stand_v upon_o by_o the_o which_o mean_v it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o they_o do_v see_v much_o more_o in_o process_n of_o time_n than_o they_o do_v at_o the_o first_o insomuch_o that_o they_o will_v acknowledge_v many_o imperfection_n in_o those_o law_n wherein_o before_o there_o seem_v nothing_o to_o be_v want_v thus_o we_o see_v that_o the_o liberty_n or_o rather_o the_o necessity_n of_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o gentiles_n be_v in_o time_n reveal_v unto_o the_o church_n whereof_o at_o the_o first_o they_o never_o dream_v acts._n 11.18_o second_o if_o this_o be_v grant_v that_o they_o to_o who_o the_o advise_v of_o law_n for_o the_o church_n be_v commmit_v do_v see_v the_o whole_a truth_n of_o those_o matter_n whereof_o they_o do_v consult_v yet_o there_o must_v be_v regard_n have_v of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o people_n for_o who_o these_o law_n be_v to_o be_v make_v as_o the_o apostle_n witness_v that_o he_o can_v not_o speak_v to_o the_o corinthian_n 1_o cor._n 3.1_o as_o unto_o spiritual_a but_o as_o unto_o carnal_a man_n and_o that_o in_o consideration_n of_o this_o their_o estate_n he_o give_v they_o milk_n and_o not_o strong_a meat_n and_o in_o like_a manner_n he_o write_v to_o the_o roman_n that_o their_o salvation_n be_v now_o much_o near_a than_o when_o they_o do_v first_o believe_v rom._n 13._o where_o he_o show_v that_o the_o night_n of_o ignorance_n and_o atheism_n wherein_o they_o have_v live_v have_v go_v on_o and_o pass_v away_o by_o little_a &_o little_a and_o in_o like_a manner_n the_o day_n have_v approach_v for_o the_o apostle_n do_v see_v that_o the_o gentiles_n which_o have_v embrace_v the_o gospel_n can_v not_o at_o the_o first_o let_v go_v their_o whole_a course_n of_o life_n whereunto_o they_o have_v be_v continual_o accustom_v and_o do_v in_o that_o respect_n no_o doubt_n tolerate_v many_o thing_n among_o they_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o time_n which_o afterward_o be_v not_o to_o be_v suffer_v in_o regard_n of_o the_o diverse_a nature_n of_o the_o people_n we_o may_v consider_v that_o some_o need_n more_o sharp_a and_o straight_o law_n to_o keep_v they_o in_o order_n than_o other_o do_v the_o which_o consideration_n the_o apostle_n do_v commend_v to_o titus_n another_o tit._n 1.13_o that_o forasmuch_o as_o the_o gratian'ss_n be_v always_o liar_n evil_a beast_n and_o slow_a belly_n therefore_o he_o shall_v reprove_v they_o sharp_o and_o special_o we_o be_v here_o to_o note_v the_o sin_n whereunto_o the_o people_n be_v general_o and_o after_o a_o sort_n natural_o give_v that_o they_o may_v be_v repress_v by_o many_o law_n and_o sharp_a censure_n and_o punishment_n appoint_v for_o they_o who_o do_v offend_v and_o by_o cut_v off_o the_o usual_a occasion_n of_o those_o sinneâ—_n yea_o the_o manner_n and_o behaviour_n of_o man_n common_o receive_v be_v often_o time_n to_o be_v mark_v in_o appoint_v the_o outward_a order_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n for_o many_o thing_n be_v decent_a and_o orderly_a in_o one_o country_n which_o will_v be_v strange_a and_o unseemly_a in_o another_o three_o for_o the_o present_a state_n of_o that_o church_n which_o we_o do_v go_v about_o to_o put_v in_o good_a order_n by_o these_o law_n we_o be_v to_o have_v a_o special_a regard_n unto_o it_o the_o which_o as_o it_o be_v diverse_a and_o subject_a to_o many_o alteration_n so_o ought_v the_o law_n to_o be_v change_v so_o as_o they_o may_v best_o fit_v the_o present_a state_n for_o as_o the_o church_n be_v either_o in_o plant_v or_o else_o in_o grow_v to_o a_o ripe_a age_n either_o in_o great_a motion_n or_o else_o full_o establish_v and_o settle_v pure_a or_o corrupt_a perfect_a or_o imperfect_a so_o all_o the_o law_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v alter_v and_o frame_v according_o of_o all_o which_o estate_n we_o be_v hereafter_o to_o entreat_v four_o the_o law_n of_o the_o church_n be_v so_o to_o be_v make_v as_o that_o they_o do_v not_o cross_v the_o law_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n wherein_o the_o church_n be_v by_o hinder_v the_o church_n from_o perform_v any_o civil_a duty_n which_o be_v lawful_a to_o be_v do_v and_o to_o omit_v many_o other_o respect_n which_o herein_o be_v to_o be_v have_v this_o be_v diligent_o to_o be_v regard_v that_o we_o do_v labour_n to_o conform_v our_o law_n to_o the_o law_n of_o those_o church_n which_o be_v most_o pure_a and_o sincere_a in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n that_o as_o we_o have_v the_o same_o faith_n and_o substance_n of_o government_n so_o also_o we_o may_v have_v the_o same_o ceremony_n and_o ecclesiastical_a order_n although_o not_o all_o for_o that_o can_v be_v yet_o in_o the_o great_a part_n for_o beside_o that_o this_o full_a agreement_n of_o church_n in_o all_o matter_n both_o of_o lesser_a and_o great_a importance_n without_o any_o jar_a be_v as_o a_o sweet_a harmony_n in_o the_o ear_n of_o god_n and_o most_o decent_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o all_o man_n even_o of_o those_o who_o be_v stranger_n from_o the_o faith_n it_o do_v also_o bring_v great_a estimation_n authority_n and_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o several_a church_n for_o that_o hardly_o any_o christian_n will_v be_v find_v so_o perverse_a and_o wilful_a as_o to_o contemn_v or_o reject_v those_o order_n which_o be_v approve_v and_o practise_v by_o many_o church_n this_o argument_n the_o apostle_n do_v often_o use_v to_o establish_v and_o keep_v in_o force_n the_o good_a order_n of_o the_o church_n as_o we_o may_v see_v 1._o cor._n 11.16_o and_o 14.36_o and_o 1._o thâ—ss_n 2.14_o sect._n 5_o of_o the_o number_n of_o ecclesiastical_a law_n the_o number_n of_o these_o law_n ought_v to_o be_v define_v by_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o church_n that_o they_o be_v so_o many_o as_o be_v needful_a for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o good_a estate_n and_o order_n thereof_o so_o that_o if_o any_o be_v take_v away_o there_o will_v a_o manifest_a inconvenience_n follow_v neither_o ought_v the_o number_n to_o exceed_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o for_o these_o cause_n first_o because_o the_o multitude_n of_o law_n be_v contrary_a to_o christian_n liberty_n in_o that_o it_o do_v both_o restrain_v man_n from_o do_v thing_n which_o otherwise_o be_v very_o commodious_a for_o they_o to_o do_v and_o also_o impose_v duty_n the_o performance_n whereof_o be_v otherwise_o needless_a be_v a_o burden_n and_o trouble_n to_o the_o church_n avoid_v this_o reason_n ought_v to_o be_v of_o great_a force_n for_o this_o purpose_n especial_o in_o this_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n wherein_o it_o have_v please_v god_n in_o great_a mercy_n and_o wisdom_n to_o take_v from_o his_o church_n that_o heavy_a yoke_n of_o ceremonial_a law_n wherewith_o she_o be_v grievous_o clog_v before_o and_o to_o endue_v she_o be_v now_o more_o near_o join_v to_o christ_n her_o husband_n with_o this_o notable_a privilege_n and_o benefit_n of_o christian_a liberty_n the_o which_o be_v give_v by_o god_n man_n can_v without_o great_a injury_n both_o to_o god_n and_o man_n take_v away_o and_o here_o by_o the_o way_n we_o may_v see_v what_o a_o impious_a and_o intolerable_a tyranny_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v exercise_v in_o and_o over_o the_o church_n of_o god_n impose_v such_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o vain_a and_o ridiculous_a ceremony_n as_o do_v far_o exceed_v the_o number_n both_o of_o judicial_a &_o also_o of_o heathenish_a ceremony_n and_o therefore_o herein_o we_o be_v to_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n act._n 15.28_o it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o to_o we_o not_o to_o lay_v any_o burden_n of_o observation_n upon_o the_o church_n more_o than_o be_v needful_a second_o the_o multitude_n of_o ecclesiastical_a law_n do_v bring_v with_o it_o a_o multitude_n of_o ceremony_n which_o in_o no_o case_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v for_o that_o it_o do_v derogate_v from_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o
remove_v yet_o the_o church_n have_v this_o purity_n in_o some_o measure_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o religious_a king_n of_o israel_n who_o do_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n all_o relic_n monument_n and_o shadow_n of_o corruption_n and_o likewise_o in_o diverse_a place_n since_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n especial_o in_o these_o last_o day_n wherein_o it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o bring_v his_o church_n out_o of_o that_o sink_n of_o antichristianisme_n and_o to_o reveal_v the_o right_a way_n and_o manner_n of_o his_o service_n yea_o church_n as_o they_o have_v a_o small_a beginning_n from_o the_o which_o they_o rise_v and_o a_o state_n unestablish_v wherein_o they_o continue_v for_o some_o space_n of_o time_n so_o also_o they_o may_v at_o lengh_n attain_v to_o a_o perfect_a state_n whereunto_o they_o do_v daily_o grow_v and_o whereat_o they_o ought_v continual_o to_o aim_v it_o be_v then_o attain_v unto_o whenas_o all_o those_o ordinance_n which_o christ_n have_v appoint_v for_o the_o govern_n of_o his_o church_n be_v full_o establish_v all_o the_o ecclesiastical_a function_n and_o all_o those_o mean_n whereby_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v edify_v in_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o faith_n be_v use_v so_o far_o forth_o as_o humane_a infirmity_n do_v permit_v for_o although_o we_o both_o prophecy_n govern_v teach_v exhortobey_v and_o practice_v only_o in_o part_n in_o this_o life_n 1._o cor._n 13._o yet_o the_o want_n that_o be_v in_o the_o particular_a action_n of_o man_n do_v not_o make_v a_o imperfection_n in_o the_o church_n so_o that_o when_o there_o be_v no_o office_n of_o the_o church_n want_v none_o negligent_o execute_v but_o that_o he_o that_o exhort_v labour_v in_o exhortation_n the_o teacher_n in_o doctrine_n he_o that_o distribute_v in_o simplicity_n and_o he_o that_o rule_v in_o diligence_n he_o that_o show_v mercy_n in_o chearfulnesse_n and_o whenas_o the_o people_n do_v by_o these_o mean_n lead_v a_o godly_a and_o a_o christian_n life_n agreeable_a to_o their_o profession_n then_o be_v there_o a_o perfect_a state_n of_o a_o church_n the_o which_o although_o as_o have_v be_v heretofore_o note_v it_o can_v hardly_o be_v attain_v especial_o of_o church_n consist_v of_o great_a multitude_n of_o professor_n yet_o we_o be_v to_o do_v our_o endeavour_n commit_v the_o success_n of_o our_o labour_n to_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n to_o who_o nothing_o be_v hard_a or_o impossible_a yea_o who_o do_v so_o bless_v and_o prosper_v they_o that_o labour_n in_o the_o build_n of_o his_o church_n far_o above_o their_o own_o expectation_n that_o they_o shall_v see_v such_o fruit_n of_o their_o labour_n which_o will_v seem_v impossible_a to_o be_v bring_v to_o pass_v by_o the_o mean_n of_o any_o man_n sect._n 3_o of_o the_o flourish_a estate_n of_o a_o church_n the_o lord_n in_o mercy_n be_v yet_o more_o gracious_a to_o his_o church_n and_o grant_v that_o in_o many_o place_n it_o shall_v have_v not_o only_o a_o perfect_a but_o also_o a_o flourish_a estate_n the_o which_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v in_o these_o thing_n first_o when_o as_o the_o church_n do_v consist_v not_o of_o a_o small_a company_n of_o believer_n daily_o but_o of_o great_a multitude_n profess_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n praise_v he_o call_v upon_o he_o and_o serve_v he_o the_o which_o no_o doubt_n be_v a_o happy_a thing_n and_o most_o earnest_o to_o be_v wish_v in_o this_o respect_n the_o church_n in_o these_o day_n do_v flourish_v as_o it_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v that_o they_o will_v do_v more_o and_o more_o for_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 and_o not_o only_o a_o few_o here_o and_o there_o but_o even_o whole_a country_n kingdom_n and_o nation_n submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o the_o great_a number_n of_o believer_n it_o come_v that_o there_o be_v in_o the_o church_n many_o notable_a example_n of_o godliness_n and_o of_o all_o spiritual_a grace_n yea_o great_a variety_n of_o they_o then_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o small_a congregation_n although_o usual_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v by_o the_o malice_n of_o satan_n and_o the_o corruption_n of_o man_n that_o multitude_n make_v confusion_n in_o the_o church_n and_o can_v hardly_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o due_a order_n of_o a_o church_n as_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v hereafter_o second_o the_o flourish_a estate_n of_o a_o church_n consist_v in_o the_o abâ—ndâ—â—ce_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n whenas_o knowledge_n wisdom_n the_o gift_n of_o teach_v and_o all_o other_o which_o make_v for_o the_o build_n of_o the_o church_n be_v plentiful_o pour_v upon_o it_o when_o as_o that_o come_v to_o pass_v which_o the_o prophet_n foretell_v of_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v pour_v upon_o all_o flesh_n the_o which_o as_o it_o be_v accomplish_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n on_o the_o which_o the_o lord_n do_v immediate_o and_o extraordinare_o pourefoorth_o all_o the_o grace_n of_o his_o spirit_n in_o such_o plentiful_a manner_n as_o be_v never_o in_o the_o church_n before_o not_o shall_v be_v till_o the_o church_n be_v perfect_v at_o the_o appear_v of_o christ_n so_o now_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o shorten_v but_o he_o do_v still_o continue_v this_o mercy_n to_o his_o church_n although_o after_o a_o diverse_a manner_n for_o now_o we_o be_v not_o to_o look_v for_o the_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o prophecy_n gift_n speak_v in_o strange_a tongue_n work_v miracle_n and_o such_o like_a by_o the_o which_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v most_o glorious_a and_o do_v flourish_v in_o most_o wonderful_a manner_n for_o these_o serve_v only_o for_o the_o first_o plant_n of_o the_o church_n neither_o be_v we_o to_o look_v either_o for_o the_o like_a measure_n of_o gift_n â—r_o for_o 〈◊〉_d grace_n of_o knowledge_n wisdom_n the_o gift_n of_o interpretation_n teach_v exhort_v or_o any_o other_o immediate_o from_o god_n as_o they_o have_v for_o this_o also_o be_v proper_a to_o those_o time_n in_o the_o which_o because_o it_o be_v not_o meet_v that_o the_o build_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v not_o go_v forward_o till_o man_n have_v attain_v these_o gift_n by_o ordinary_a mean_n therefore_o it_o please_v god_n immediate_o to_o supply_v their_o want_n but_o now_o these_o be_v not_o attain_v but_o by_o ordinary_a mean_n and_o yet_o the_o lord_n do_v oftentimes_o grant_v they_o to_o his_o church_n in_o such_o abundance_n and_o in_o so_o great_a measure_n as_o that_o they_o do_v make_v a_o flourish_a estate_n of_o a_o church_n a_o special_a note_n whereof_o in_o this_o behalf_n be_v when_o there_o be_v many_o endue_v with_o those_o excellent_a gift_n of_o knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n whereby_o the_o whole_a church_n may_v be_v furnish_v with_o wise_a and_o learned_a teacher_n this_o be_v to_o be_v look_v for_o in_o those_o place_n and_o country_n which_o god_n have_v bless_v with_o a_o long_a and_o continual_a peace_n so_o it_o be_v act._n 9.31_o the_o church_n have_v peace_n throughout_o galatia_n jury_n and_o samaria_n and_o be_v edify_v and_o do_v go_v on_o in_o the_o consolation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n for_o even_o as_o for_o the_o build_n of_o that_o glorious_a temple_n the_o lord_n do_v give_v a_o long_a time_n of_o peace_n in_o the_o day_n of_o solomon_n so_o do_v he_o also_o when_o it_o please_v he_o to_o have_v a_o flourish_a church_n in_o any_o place_n yea_o for_o a_o flourish_a estate_n in_o the_o gift_n of_o his_o spirit_n there_o be_v in_o these_o day_n require_v abundance_n of_o learning_n and_o of_o man_n endue_v with_o singular_a gift_n both_o of_o nature_n and_o industry_n for_o god_n do_v sanctify_v these_o for_o the_o edify_a and_o beautify_v of_o his_o church_n hereof_o it_o be_v that_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n &_o alexandria_n change_v their_o subtle_a and_o learned_a philosopher_n into_o most_o excellent_a divine_n but_o especial_o they_o of_o corinth_n do_v flourish_v notable_o in_o a_o wonderful_a abundance_n of_o all_o grace_n above_o all_o other_o church_n whereof_o we_o read_v that_o they_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n tongue_n interpretation_n yea_o and_o all_o other_o as_o the_o apostle_n witness_v 1._o cor._n 1.6_o and_o that_o in_o great_a measure_n in_o regard_v whereof_o the_o apostle_n saitâ—_n 1._o cor._n 4.8_o that_o they_o be_v enrich_v and_o do_v reign_v as_o king_n without_o he_o neither_o be_v these_o grace_n bestow_v only_o upon_o the_o teacher_n and_o ruler_n in_o the_o church_n but_o in_o this_o flourish_a estate_n they_o be_v even_o as_o that_o precious_a ointment_n which_o be_v pour_v upon_o aaron_n head_n do_v run_v down_o to_o the_o skirt_n of_o his_o garment_n so_o that_o
in_o the_o flourish_a time_n of_o the_o church_n many_o of_o the_o people_n do_v attain_v to_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n and_o all_o other_o grace_n and_o therefore_o those_o kingdom_n and_o nation_n which_o it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o bless_v with_o peace_n learning_n abundance_n of_o excellent_a man_n and_o such_o other_o blessing_n be_v to_o think_v that_o all_o this_o be_v do_v for_o this_o end_n that_o god_n may_v have_v not_o only_o a_o perfect_a but_o even_o a_o flourish_a church_n among_o they_o therefore_o whenas_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v most_o flourish_a in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o king_n of_o juda_n then_o be_v the_o temple_n the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o a_o most_o glorious_a estate_n yea_o although_o we_o have_v a_o church_n yet_o we_o be_v to_o desire_v this_o estate_n of_o it_o and_o to_o be_v sorry_a for_o the_o lack_n of_o it_o so_o esr._n 3.12_o we_o read_v that_o many_o of_o the_o priest_n levite_n and_o head_n of_o the_o father_n &_o elder_n who_o have_v see_v that_o most_o glorious_a temple_n of_o solomon_n do_v lament_v the_o mean_a estate_n of_o the_o second_o temple_n and_o no_o doubt_n but_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n which_o will_v wring_v tear_n out_o of_o any_o christian_n heart_n to_o behold_v the_o mean_a corrupt_a &_o imperfect_a estate_n of_o church_n in_o those_o kingdom_n and_o country_n which_o abound_v with_o learning_n man_n of_o wisdom_n knowledge_n zeal_n and_o of_o all_o spiritual_a grace_n which_o be_v needful_a for_o this_o purpose_n may_v have_v their_o church_n in_o most_o flourish_a estate_n if_o the_o lord_n will_v once_o put_v into_o their_o heart_n to_o employ_v those_o blessing_n which_o they_o have_v to_o beautify_v and_o adorn_v his_o church_n sect._n 4._o of_o that_o estate_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o the_o build_n of_o it_o be_v hinder_v hitherto_o we_o have_v declare_v how_o the_o frame_n of_o this_o spiritual_a house_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v set_v up_o the_o beginning_n progress_n and_o perfection_n of_o it_o and_o how_o it_o be_v to_o be_v continue_v and_o order_v in_o the_o several_a state_n the_o which_o happy_a and_o joyful_a success_n of_o this_o work_n although_o they_o who_o labour_n in_o it_o both_o aught_o earnest_o do_v desire_n as_o make_v great_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o also_o may_v lawful_o hope_v for_o for_o that_o it_o please_v god_n to_o grant_v it_o often_o to_o the_o church_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o so_o confident_o to_o look_v for_o it_o but_o that_o withal_o they_o do_v consider_v that_o the_o build_n of_o the_o church_n be_v also_o often_o yea_o usual_o and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n hinder_v and_o stop_v by_o one_o mean_n or_o other_o so_o that_o it_o can_v be_v begin_v or_o at_o the_o least_o not_o perfect_v and_o continue_v in_o any_o good_a estate_n the_o building_n of_o the_o church_n be_v hinder_v by_o some_o violent_a mean_n for_o of_o the_o natural_a hindrance_n we_o have_v already_o speak_v become_v hard_a troublesome_a and_o dangerous_a whereby_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o many_o who_o do_v before_o labour_v diligent_o and_o painful_o in_o this_o work_n do_v now_o faint_a and_o give_v it_o over_o so_o we_o read_v 2._o tim._n 4.15_o that_o although_o the_o apostle_n have_v many_o fellowlabourer_n at_o other_o time_n yet_o when_o persecution_n come_v all_o do_v forsake_v he_o as_o also_o the_o disciple_n do_v forsake_v christ_n at_o his_o apprehension_n it_o whereas_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v encourage_v to_o go_v on_o so_o much_o the_o more_o cheerefulie_o in_o this_o work_n consider_v that_o the_o lord_n do_v suffer_v it_o to_o be_v hinder_v that_o he_o may_v by_o this_o mean_n try_v their_o faithfulness_n and_o sincerity_n of_o love_n towards_o his_o glory_n if_o for_o the_o procure_n and_o advaunce_v of_o it_o they_o will_v not_o refuse_v any_o trouble_n danger_n or_o loss_n of_o temporal_a thing_n and_o further_a also_o that_o he_o may_v work_v and_o increase_v in_o they_o patience_n whereby_o they_o may_v quiet_o expect_v the_o time_n wherein_o he_o will_v give_v a_o prosperous_a success_n to_o their_o labour_n yea_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o learn_v to_o rely_v themselves_o whole_o upon_o he_o whenas_o they_o see_v that_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o adversary_n they_o can_v possible_o bring_v to_o pass_v that_o which_o they_o do_v desire_v the_o hinder_v of_o this_o work_n be_v to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o malice_n of_o sathan_n who_o see_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o which_o make_v so_o much_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n unto_o both_o which_o he_o be_v a_o profess_a enemy_n as_o do_v the_o build_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n do_v labour_n by_o all_o mean_n that_o this_o work_n shall_v either_o not_o be_v take_v in_o hand_n or_o at_o the_o least_o not_o go_v forward_o and_o continue_v as_o it_o ought_v and_o as_o he_o be_v strong_a and_o mighty_a both_o to_o haâ—e_v tâ—e_v câ—â—rch_n with_o a_o perfect_a and_o deadly_a mâ—lice_n and_o also_o to_o 〈◊〉_d the_o â—ame_n effectual_o thâ—_n lâ—rde_n â—o_o permit_v 〈…〉_o so_o great_a as_o that_o no_o mâ—n_z â—aâ—_n diâ—couâ—â—_n thoâ—e_v infinite_a sleight_n and_o way_n by_o the_o 〈◊〉_d he_o do_v hinder_v the_o edify_a both_o of_o the_o church_n and_o also_o of_o every_o particular_a member_n of_o it_o the_o which_o although_o they_o may_v in_o some_o measure_n be_v perceive_v of_o those_o who_o be_v exercise_v in_o thiâ—_n spiritual_a warfare_n as_o the_o apostle_n witness_v 2._o corin._n 2.11_o say_n we_o be_v not_o ignorant_a of_o the_o devise_n of_o satan_n yet_o they_o aâ—e_v full_o and_o perfect_o know_v unto_o the_o lord_n only_o who_o also_o do_v so_o frustrate_a and_o disannul_v they_o as_o that_o they_o shall_v never_o final_o prevail_v against_o any_o of_o his_o elect_a but_o of_o those_o hindrance_n which_o satan_n ca_v before_o particular_a man_n in_o the_o way_n of_o thâ—ir_a salvation_n we_o be_v not_o here_o to_o speak_v but_o only_o of_o those_o whereby_o he_o hinder_v the_o set_n up_o or_o continue_v of_o the_o frame_n of_o the_o church_n in_o any_o place_n wherein_o how_o wonderful_o he_o have_v prevail_v from_o time_n to_o time_n it_o may_v â—aselie_o appear_v to_o he_o that_o do_v consider_v in_o how_o few_o place_n of_o the_o world_n the_o church_n have_v at_o any_o time_n have_v any_o dwell_a place_n or_o at_o the_o least_o any_o good_a pure_a perfect_a and_o permanent_a â—state_n and_o to_o lâ—t_v pass_v the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n wherein_o the_o church_n be_v either_o shut_v up_o in_o one_o family_n or_o contain_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o one_o small_a country_n the_o whole_a world_n beside_o remain_v in_o ignorance_n idolatry_n and_o atheism_n if_o we_o come_v to_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n wherein_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v in_o the_o best_a and_o most_o flourish_a estate_n we_o shall_v sâ—e_v how_o strange_o sathan_n hinder_v the_o build_n of_o those_o church_n which_o the_o apostle_n do_v plant_v in_o many_o place_n of_o the_o world_n insomuch_o that_o many_o of_o they_o wâ—re_o soon_o disperse_v and_o most_o of_o those_o which_o do_v continue_v for_o some_o space_n of_o time_n do_v not_o grow_v on_o to_o any_o pure_a and_o perfect_a estate_n judgement_n but_o do_v daily_o decline_v from_o that_o purity_n wherein_o they_o be_v at_o the_o fiâ—st_o establish_a till_o such_o time_n as_o they_o be_v either_o clean_o overthrow_v and_o root_v out_o as_o weâ—_n see_v the_o church_n throughout_o asia_n africa_n and_o a_o great_a part_n of_o europe_n to_o have_v be_v or_o 〈◊〉_d jest_n so_o deface_v and_o corrupt_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o 〈…〉_o god_n the_o purity_n of_o doctrine_n and_o the_o order_n and_o government_n of_o they_o as_o that_o till_o of_o late_o we_o can_v scarce_o have_v acknowledge_v the_o visible_a church_n in_o any_o place_n yet_o the_o lord_n do_v never_o suffer_v sathan_n to_o prevail_v so_o far_o against_o the_o church_n as_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o take_v the_o name_n of_o it_o from_o off_o the_o earth_n and_o whole_o to_o overthrow_v it_o but_o do_v always_o reserve_v some_o place_n for_o his_o church_n to_o remain_v in_o where_o he_o will_v have_v his_o name_n call_v upon_o and_o his_o elect_a enjoy_v the_o mean_n of_o their_o salvation_n the_o building_n of_o the_o church_n be_v hinder_v by_o the_o malice_n of_o sathan_n yet_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o man_n who_o he_o use_v as_o instrument_n for_o the_o â—ffecting_n of_o his_o purpose_n yet_o not_o all_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n for_o some_o do_v indeed_o hinder_v this_o work_n which_o notwithstanding_o in_o desire_n
god_n teach_v we_o that_o the_o civil_a power_n be_v a_o holy_a ordinance_n of_o god_n institute_v by_o god_n chief_o for_o this_o end_n to_o intermeddle_v with_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n and_o not_o only_o to_o suffer_v and_o tolerate_v religion_n as_o it_o do_v in_o a_o private_a church_n but_o also_o to_o set_v up_o and_o maintain_v it_o yea_o whole_o to_o effect_n it_o although_o by_o the_o mean_n &_o ministry_n of_o other_o in_o all_o place_n whither_o the_o say_a power_n do_v stretch_v itself_o as_o for_o the_o distinction_n of_o the_o civil_a &_o ecclesiastical_a state_n although_o it_o may_v be_v use_v to_o put_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o civil_a &_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n yet_o if_o thereby_o we_o mean_v that_o in_o a_o public_a church_n there_o be_v add_v to_o the_o civil_a state_n another_o full_a and_o perfect_a body_n endue_v with_o full_a authority_n to_o begin_v and_o effect_v all_o matter_n belong_v to_o itself_o &_o not_o rely_v upon_o the_o other_o but_o only_o use_v the_o help_n of_o it_o against_o outward_a violence_n as_o when_o two_o distinct_a nation_n do_v join_v themselves_o in_o league_n together_o for_o their_o great_a safety_n than_o we_o think_v far_o otherwise_o of_o these_o thing_n than_o the_o word_n of_o god_n do_v permit_v according_a to_o the_o which_o the_o political_a body_n together_o with_o a_o public_a church_n be_v but_o one_o body_n move_v and_o order_v by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o head_n for_o as_o when_o any_o people_n be_v barbarous_a rude_a unexpert_a in_o feat_n of_o war_n and_o altogether_o destitute_a of_o humane_a knowledge_n and_o all_o good_a literature_n become_v civil_a courteous_a warlike_a wise_a and_o learned_a there_o be_v not_o so_o many_o new_a estate_n or_o body_n add_v to_o the_o commonwealth_n but_o only_o the_o first_o state_n of_o it_o be_v make_v so_o many_o way_n better_o so_o it_o be_v whenas_o a_o people_n of_o pagan_n and_o infidel_n become_v the_o worshipper_n of_o the_o true_a god_n for_o there_o be_v not_o a_o new_a body_n or_o state_n but_o only_o the_o quality_n of_o religion_n be_v add_v to_o the_o civil_a body_n or_o rather_o idolatry_n be_v change_v into_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n the_o which_o do_v no_o more_o make_v a_o distinct_a body_n than_o idolatry_n do_v in_o a_o heathenish_a commonwealth_n as_o for_o the_o people_n they_o can_v no_o more_o be_v say_v to_o be_v another_o body_n because_o they_o be_v religious_a then_o for_o that_o they_o be_v a_o learned_a and_o warlike_a people_n but_o for_o the_o minister_n and_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n it_o may_v seem_v necessary_a to_o be_v grant_v that_o they_o do_v either_o make_v a_o distinct_a and_o perfect_a body_n or_o that_o the_o ministry_n be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o civil_a body_n whereunto_o we_o answer_v that_o the_o ministry_n be_v not_o a_o body_n in_o itself_o body_n neither_o be_v it_o the_o head_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n but_o only_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n distinguish_v from_o the_o rest_n in_o nature_n use_n and_o object_n and_o excel_v the_o other_o by_o a_o divine_a holiness_n which_o it_o have_v more_o than_o any_o other_o part_n or_o function_n of_o this_o body_n the_o truth_n hereof_o be_v to_o be_v lay_v open_a by_o declare_v first_o that_o this_o whole_a state_n consist_v of_o a_o political_a body_n and_o of_o a_o public_a church_n have_v but_o one_o head_n whereby_o the_o whole_a body_n be_v order_v and_o every_o member_n of_o it_o move_v in_o their_o several_a function_n and_o second_o the_o office_n of_o these_o two_o state_n may_v agree_v together_o in_o the_o same_o subject_n the_o head_n be_v the_o civil_a power_n whereof_o we_o speak_v rather_o than_o of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n for_o that_o in_o many_o place_n the_o power_n be_v not_o whole_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o magistrate_n but_o divide_v among_o the_o senate_n the_o nobility_n and_o the_o people_n but_o here_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o whole_a power_n the_o which_o we_o call_v the_o hand_n of_o this_o body_n by_o â—_o usual_a metaphor_n take_v from_o the_o natural_a body_n wherein_o we_o see_v that_o the_o whole_a motion_n come_v from_o the_o head_n without_o the_o which_o none_o of_o the_o member_n can_v move_v itself_o or_o do_v any_o function_n thus_o all_o man_n do_v grant_v that_o the_o civil_a power_n be_v the_o head_n of_o this_o body_n in_o regard_n of_o civil_a and_o worldly_a affair_n but_o that_o it_o may_v be_v so_o call_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n many_o do_v doubt_n or_o rather_o flat_o deny_v without_o any_o doubt_n think_v that_o neither_o the_o civil_a power_n do_v stretch_v itself_o to_o church_n affair_n neither_o if_o it_o do_v in_o some_o respect_n that_o it_o ought_v therefore_o or_o may_v lawful_o be_v call_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n as_o touch_v this_o point_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v how_o both_o the_o function_n and_o also_o the_o name_n of_o a_o head_n agree_v to_o the_o civil_a power_n for_o the_o first_o in_o the_o build_n of_o the_o church_n it_o please_v god_n to_o use_v the_o help_n and_o the_o ministry_n of_o man_n and_o that_o two_o diverse_a way_n according_a to_o the_o two_o diverse_a kind_n of_o build_v his_o church_n whereof_o the_o one_o be_v inward_a secret_a and_o spiritual_a whenas_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o sacremenes_n the_o church_n be_v edify_v in_o knowledge_n faith_n love_n obedience_n and_o in_o all_o manner_n of_o spiritual_a grace_n in_o this_o part_n of_o the_o building_n christ_n be_v the_o first_o and_o chief_a mover_n yea_o the_o head_n of_o his_o church_n unto_o the_o which_o he_o give_v spiritual_a motion_n by_o his_o minister_n as_o by_o instrument_n unto_o who_o he_o give_v spiritual_a grace_n fit_a for_o this_o purpose_n ephe._n 4.11_o he_o give_v some_o to_o be_v apostle_n some_o evangelist_n some_o pastor_n and_o doctor_n for_o the_o gather_n of_o his_o saint_n and_o for_o the_o build_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ._n thus_o christ_n only_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o whole_a visible_a church_n for_o no_o creature_n can_v either_o appoint_v ecclesiastical_a function_n or_o give_v spiritual_a grace_n either_o to_o the_o minister_n or_o to_o the_o people_n but_o whenas_o the_o church_n come_v to_o be_v build_v in_o any_o particular_a place_n there_o must_v be_v add_v a_o other_o part_n of_o this_o building_n more_o outward_a apparent_a and_o sensible_a than_o the_o other_o to_o wit_n whenas_o this_o spiritual_a building_n together_o with_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n which_o be_v the_o mean_n of_o it_o be_v not_o only_o receive_v when_o as_o it_o be_v offer_v but_o also_o diligent_o seek_v after_o when_o it_o be_v wanâ—â—ng_v and_o careful_o preserve_v after_o that_o it_o be_v get_v this_o kind_n of_o build_v also_o be_v to_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o man_n but_o yet_o it_o do_v not_o come_v from_o the_o same_o head_n or_o fountain_n for_o that_o spiritual_a building_n come_v from_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v lord_n and_o king_n of_o his_o church_n but_o this_o come_v from_o god_n the_o father_n the_o maker_n and_o preserver_n of_o mankind_n who_o in_o great_a mercy_n and_o wisdom_n have_v not_o left_a man_n in_o utter_a confusion_n but_o have_v give_v unto_o they_o the_o mean_n of_o have_v a_o church_n and_o his_o true_a worship_n this_o mean_n be_v his_o own_o power_n and_o authority_n communicate_v to_o certain_a man_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o rest_n to_o who_o he_o have_v give_v this_o charge_n that_o they_o do_v as_o by_o all_o other_o mean_n so_o chief_o by_o build_v his_o church_n in_o those_o place_n which_o be_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o their_o authority_n procure_v the_o good_a of_o man_n so_o that_o all_o whosoever_o have_v the_o rule_n of_o any_o place_n whether_o it_o be_v kingdom_n or_o country_n province_n or_o city_n town_n or_o family_n be_v bind_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o namely_o by_o the_o general_a law_n of_o magistracy_n to_o build_v the_o church_n in_o the_o say_a place_n the_o which_o thing_n if_o they_o do_v neglect_v as_o most_o of_o all_o the_o magistat_n in_o the_o world_n in_o all_o age_n have_v do_v than_o they_o do_v sin_n against_o god_n no_o less_o than_o the_o minister_n be_v lawful_o call_v to_o the_o function_n who_o do_v neglect_v the_o inward_a and_o spiritual_a edify_n of_o the_o church_n this_o the_o prophet_n foretell_v sa_v that_o king_n and_o queen_n shall_v be_v nurse_n father_n and_o nurse_n mother_n to_o the_o ch._n not_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n and_o of_o the_o spiritual_a nourishment_n unto_o they_o but_o only_o that_o they_o shall_v
build_v after_o this_o inward_a manner_n this_o second_o kind_n of_o building_n be_v in_o order_n and_o nature_n the_o first_o yea_o that_o which_o move_v the_o external_a action_n of_o the_o spiritual_a building_n and_o prepare_v the_o way_n for_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n by_o the_o mean_n whereof_o a_o church_n can_v be_v set_v up_o in_o any_o place_n whâ—ther_o country_n city_n or_o family_n till_o that_o the_o power_n whereby_o the_o say_a place_n be_v rule_v do_v either_o procure_v or_o at_o the_o least_o suffer_v it_o for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n neither_o do_v it_o take_v a_o way_n the_o general_a ordinance_n of_o magistracy_n and_o order_n whereby_o god_n rule_v the_o world_n but_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o outward_a action_n subject_a unto_o it_o and_o to_o be_v establish_v and_o miantain_v by_o it_o for_o as_o god_n himself_o be_v the_o head_n and_o first_o mover_n in_o the_o build_n of_o the_o church_n when_o as_o at_o the_o first_o he_o send_v his_o apostle_n immediate_o by_o his_o own_o authority_n to_o do_v it_o so_o also_o it_o be_v his_o will_n that_o they_o who_o do_v supply_v his_o place_n and_o be_v after_o a_o sort_n god_n on_o earth_n shall_v afterwards_o be_v the_o first_o agent_n in_o this_o work_n for_o we_o be_v not_o to_o think_v that_o ruler_n by_o the_o which_o name_n we_o call_v all_o that_o have_v authority_n whetheâ—_n in_o country_n town_n or_o private_a house_n have_v the_o charge_n only_o of_o the_o body_n of_o their_o subject_n commit_v unto_o they_o but_o rather_o that_o their_o chief_a care_n ought_v to_o be_v to_o provide_v for_o their_o soul_n subject_n the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n wherein_o the_o last_o end_n and_o chief_a happiness_n of_o man_n consist_v and_o whereunto_o all_o temporal_a benefit_n be_v to_o be_v refer_v as_o the_o apostle_n write_v .1_o timo._n 2.2_o the_o end_n of_o a_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a life_n procure_v by_o magistrate_n be_v the_o right_a worship_n of_o god._n for_o this_o cause_n civil_a ruler_n be_v call_v by_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n the_o pastor_n or_o feeder_n of_o the_o people_n not_o as_o if_o they_o be_v to_o feed_v their_o body_n only_o as_o sheep_n herd_n do_v flock_n of_o sheep_n but_o chief_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o soul_n as_o we_o may_v see_v evident_o 1._o chro_fw-la 17.6_o which_o way_n soever_o i_o walk_v with_o israel_n have_v i_o speak_v of_o build_v a_o church_n or_o temple_n to_o any_o of_o the_o judge_n of_o israel_n who_o i_o command_v to_o feed_v my_o people_n in_o the_o which_o place_n we_o may_v see_v at_o who_o hand_n god_n look_v for_o the_o build_n of_o his_o church_n but_o it_o may_v be_v here_o ask_v what_o if_o this_o civil_a power_n do_v not_o move_v in_o this_o work_n whether_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o church_n or_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n in_o that_o place_n or_o rather_o if_o that_o the_o king_n prince_n magistrate_n or_o the_o master_n of_o the_o family_n he_o negligent_a in_o his_o duty_n if_o not_o then_o the_o subject_n son_n or_o servant_n in_o a_o private_a house_n may_v lawful_o take_v this_o work_n in_o hand_n or_o yet_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n may_v begin_v and_o go_v on_o in_o their_o work_n yea_o although_o they_o be_v neither_o set_v on_o work_n nor_o yet_o tolerate_v but_o even_o flat_o forbid_v and_o peremptorelie_o hinder_v by_o the_o say_a poweâ—_n for_o otherwise_o it_o may_v come_v to_o pass_v by_o the_o obstinacy_n of_o ruler_n be_v enemy_n to_o the_o gospel_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o church_n either_o public_a or_o private_a in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o world_n whereas_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o his_o church_n and_o true_a worship_n shall_v be_v establish_v in_o all_o place_n and_o therefore_o it_o may_v seem_v that_o in_o this_o case_n the_o council_n and_o practtise_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v to_o be_v follow_v who_o be_v forbid_v by_o the_o ruler_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n answer_v that_o it_o be_v better_a to_o obey_v god_n then_o man_n the_o answer_n be_v as_o before_o chapter_n 7._o sect._n 6._o that_o as_o touch_v ordinary_a calling_n a_o church_n can_v lawful_o be_v build_v in_o any_o place_n by_o resist_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o say_a place_n for_o no_o man_n may_v against_o the_o will_n of_o any_o man_n rush_v into_o his_o house_n to_o instruct_v his_o family_n or_o into_o a_o city_n to_o abolishe_v idolatry_n and_o to_o set_v up_o public_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n because_o howsoever_o every_o one_o ought_v to_o endeavour_n to_o build_v the_o church_n yet_o we_o ought_v to_o keep_v ourselves_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o our_o own_o call_n and_o not_o to_o take_v upon_o we_o by_o violence_n the_o performance_n of_o other_o man_n duty_n for_o none_o be_v crown_v either_o with_o due_a praise_n or_o with_o happy_a success_n of_o their_o labour_n but_o they_o who_o strive_v lawful_o church_n howsoever_o it_o please_v god_n some_o time_n to_o accept_v and_o prosper_v the_o endeavour_n of_o those_o who_o labour_n in_o advance_v his_o worship_n and_o glory_n more_o in_o fervent_a zeal_n then_o imperfect_a knowledge_n &_o so_o go_v further_o in_o this_o behalf_n than_o the_o secret_a rule_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n do_v require_v or_o permit_v as_o the_o apostle_n they_o have_v a_o extraordinary_a call_n and_o dispensation_n immediate_o from_o god_n himself_o needful_a for_o the_o first_o publish_v of_o the_o gospel_n the_o which_o they_o be_v to_o obey_v yea_o though_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o he_o reveal_v will_n but_o ordinary_a minister_n have_v no_o calling_n but_o from_o man_n and_o must_v square_v their_o action_n according_a to_o the_o write_a word_n and_o yet_o we_o be_v not_o to_o think_v that_o it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o man_n or_o of_o any_o creature_n to_o forbid_v the_o service_n of_o god_n for_o although_o all_o the_o ruler_n in_o the_o world_n shall_v make_v that_o edict_n of_o dariuâ—_n that_o none_o shall_v pray_v unto_o god_n yet_o we_o ought_v nor_o to_o obey_v it_o as_o we_o see_v in_o the_o example_n of_o daniel_n daâ—_n 6.10_o but_o we_o speak_v of_o build_v a_o church_n in_o any_o place_n the_o which_o work_n be_v never_o so_o general_o hinder_v but_o that_o god_n incline_v the_o heart_n of_o some_o to_o set_v it_o forward_o and_o whenas_o no_o public_a magistrate_n do_v build_v the_o church_n yet_o private_a man_n give_v it_o entertainment_n in_o their_o house_n as_o touch_v other_o particular_n wherein_o this_o civil_a power_n meddle_v with_o the_o church_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v they_o hereafter_o only_o we_o â—re_n here_o to_o note_v how_o this_o power_n may_v be_v call_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n to_o wit_n for_o that_o it_o be_v the_o first_o mover_n in_o the_o build_n of_o it_o in_o the_o which_o respect_v not_o only_a king_n and_o prince_n but_o even_o private_a man_n who_o set_v up_o and_o maintain_v the_o church_n within_o their_o house_n may_v in_o regard_n of_o their_o own_o family_n be_v so_o call_v be_v and_o yet_o we_o do_v not_o by_o this_o mean_n give_v that_o to_o man_n which_o be_v proper_a to_o christ_n for_o first_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n but_o man_n of_o some_o particular_a church_n only_o second_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n not_o only_o to_o the_o whole_a church_n but_o also_o to_o the_o several_a member_n of_o it_o to_o who_o he_o give_v motion_n by_o bestow_v on_o they_o the_o grace_n of_o his_o spirit_n either_o permanent_a or_o temporary_a but_o man_n be_v the_o head_n only_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o builder_n namely_o of_o the_o teacher_n and_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o people_n as_o they_o give_v themselves_o to_o be_v make_v a_o church_n and_o last_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o internal_a and_o spiritual_a work_n but_o man_n of_o the_o external_a building_n christ_n give_v gift_n fit_a for_o the_o ministry_n which_o make_v a_o inward_a call_n but_o man_n give_v the_o outward_a call_n christ_n have_v appoint_v the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n general_o in_o the_o whole_a visible_a church_n but_o man_n procure_v the_o execution_n of_o the_o say_a office_n in_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a place_n by_o this_o or_o that_o person_n so_o that_o whatsoever_o civil_a power_n it_o be_v whether_o of_o prince_n in_o kingdom_n or_o of_o the_o people_n or_o senate_n in_o commonwealthe_n or_o of_o private_a man_n in_o their_o family_n that_o build_v the_o church_n it_o may_v very_o fit_o be_v call_v the_o head_n in_o that_o work_n as_o we_o may_v see_v num._n 1.15_o &_o 7.2_o that_o in_o regard_n of_o
these_o thing_n ought_v to_o be_v perform_v these_o be_v to_o be_v have_v from_o those_o place_n where_o the_o church_n be_v already_o build_v as_o one_o of_o the_o priest_n which_o be_v translate_v out_o of_o samaria_n be_v send_v back_o again_o to_o teach_v the_o new_a inhabitant_n of_o the_o country_n how_o to_o fear_v and_o worship_v the_o god_n of_o israel_n and_o first_o they_o be_v to_o call_v the_o people_n to_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n by_o preach_v unto_o they_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o law_n and_o of_o the_o gospel_n in_o that_o manner_n which_o have_v already_o be_v declare_v for_o civil_a ruler_n do_v not_o themselves_o ordinarelie_o build_v the_o church_n but_o they_o as_o it_o be_v hire_n workman_n to_o do_v it_o and_o take_v order_n that_o the_o people_n who_o they_o will_v bring_v into_o the_o form_n of_o a_o church_n be_v teach_v and_o instruct_v in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n thus_o to_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n whereby_o alone_o private_a church_n be_v build_v the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o magistrate_n be_v add_v or_o rather_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n be_v add_v to_o the_o civil_a authority_n which_o have_v the_o first_o place_n in_o order_n although_o not_o in_o efficacy_n that_o as_o the_o one_o do_v labour_n to_o bring_v the_o body_n and_o outward_a action_n of_o the_o people_n into_o the_o due_a order_n of_o a_o church_n and_o to_o conform_v themselves_o to_o the_o right_a worship_n of_o god_n so_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n may_v move_v their_o mind_n to_o know_v and_o their_o heart_n to_o obey_v the_o will_n of_o god_n the_o which_o work_n of_o the_o magistrate_n and_o minister_n consist_v in_o two_o thing_n the_o first_o be_v to_o take_v away_o the_o false_a religion_n the_o other_o to_o establish_v that_o which_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o both_o which_o there_o be_v diverse_a thing_n to_o be_v consider_v and_o special_o in_o the_o first_o forsomuch_o as_o it_o be_v a_o hard_a and_o dangerous_a matter_n to_o abolish_v that_o corrupt_a worship_n which_o they_o have_v always_o use_v and_o which_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o their_o ancestor_n for_o man_n be_v very_o zealous_a of_o the_o tradition_n of_o their_o forefather_n wherein_o they_o themselves_o also_o have_v be_v bring_v up_o to_o abrogate_v all_o at_o once_o and_o instead_o thereof_o to_o plant_v the_o true_a religion_n be_v altogether_o strange_a and_o unknowen_a unto_o they_o little_a be_v both_o dangerous_a to_o the_o civil_a estate_n as_o that_o which_o be_v very_o like_a to_o breed_v sedition_n and_o uproar_n among_o the_o people_n and_o also_o contrary_a to_o the_o right_a manner_n of_o lay_v a_o sure_a foundation_n of_o a_o church_n for_o they_o be_v force_v by_o authority_n to_o renounce_v their_o own_o religion_n will_v rather_o hate_v that_o in_o their_o heart_n whereunto_o there_o be_v force_v then_o true_o love_v and_o embrace_v it_o yea_o upon_o every_o occasion_n they_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o fall_v a_o way_n from_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o and_o so_o be_v further_o off_o then_o they_o be_v at_o the_o first_o and_o therefore_o the_o corrupt_a worship_n be_v to_o be_v tolerate_v for_o a_o while_n till_o such_o time_n as_o by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n some_o good_a number_n be_v convert_v which_o be_v do_v then_o both_o the_o minister_n in_o reprove_v and_o the_o magistrate_n in_o abrogate_a their_o false_a kind_n of_o worship_n may_v be_v more_o bold_a yet_o not_o all_o at_o once_o but_o at_o the_o first_o that_o which_o be_v most_o gross_a and_o corrupt_a the_o vanity_n and_o falsehood_n whereof_o be_v most_o palpable_a and_o may_v most_o easy_o be_v show_v then_o as_o touch_v the_o true_a religion_n they_o who_o as_o yet_o do_v not_o embrace_v it_o may_v be_v compel_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o magistrate_n first_o not_o to_o speak_v evil_a of_o it_o nor_o to_o injury_n or_o molest_v either_o by_o word_n or_o deed_n the_o professor_n of_o it_o this_o we_o may_v learn_v of_o nabuchadnezzer_n daniel_n 3.18_o who_o make_v a_o decree_n that_o whosoever_o shall_v blaspheme_v or_o speak_v amiss_o of_o the_o god_n of_o sidrach_n misach_n and_o abednego_n he_o shall_v be_v put_v to_o death_n second_o they_o be_v also_o to_o be_v urge_v to_o hear_v reverent_o the_o word_n of_o god_n preach_v unto_o they_o by_o the_o which_o mean_n we_o nâ—ed_v not_o doubt_v but_o that_o the_o truth_n will_v daily_o more_o and_o more_o prevail_v so_o that_o great_a multitude_n of_o people_n will_v either_o in_o truth_n and_o from_o their_o heart_n love_n and_o embrace_v it_o or_o at_o the_o least_o make_v outward_a profession_n the_o which_o as_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v reject_v for_o that_o it_o can_v certain_o be_v discern_v to_o be_v hypocritical_a we_o be_v bind_v to_o think_v the_o best_a of_o all_o man_n which_o do_v profess_v christ_n and_o not_o to_o judge_v they_o of_o hypocrisy_n so_o it_o be_v good_a in_o this_o respect_n for_o that_o they_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o outward_a profession_n will_v diligent_o and_o willing_o hear_v the_o word_n use_v religious_a exercise_n and_o all_o such_o mean_n the_o which_o we_o may_v hope_v will_v be_v effectual_a at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o to_o their_o unfeigned_a conversion_n they_o who_o do_v not_o yield_v to_o be_v professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v still_o to_o be_v compel_v to_o hear_v the_o word_n which_o must_v be_v preach_v to_o they_o in_o a_o distinct_a assembly_n and_o of_o set_a purpose_n for_o that_o the_o ordinary_a ministry_n which_o edifi_v those_o who_o be_v already_o convert_v can_v be_v so_o effectual_a and_o serve_v so_o fit_o for_o this_o end_n if_o it_o be_v here_o ask_v whether_o that_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n may_v not_o compel_v they_o by_o inflict_v some_o punishment_n on_o they_o to_o submit_v and_o conform_v themselves_o whole_o to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o become_v member_n of_o it_o the_o answer_n be_v that_o this_o may_v be_v do_v to_o those_o who_o do_v once_o profess_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o afterwards_o do_v fall_v away_o but_o man_n who_o never_o do_v conceive_v in_o their_o mind_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n can_v by_o force_v be_v make_v member_n of_o a_o church_n church_n but_o be_v debar_v from_o the_o use_n of_o their_o false_a worship_n and_o also_o compel_v to_o hear_v the_o word_n preach_v be_v to_o be_v leave_v for_o their_o conversion_n to_o the_o lord_n yet_o if_o they_o continue_v professor_n of_o that_o worship_n which_o the_o civil_a ruler_n do_v abhor_v they_o be_v if_o not_o subject_a to_o banishment_n loss_n of_o good_n imprisonment_n or_o some_o less_o danger_n trouble_n or_o punishment_n yet_o clean_o shut_v out_o of_o his_o favour_n and_o so_o debar_v from_o all_o preferment_n honour_n or_o dignity_n yea_o from_o any_o good_a condition_n of_o life_n for_o the_o avoid_n whereof_o many_o will_v become_v professor_n of_o the_o truth_n who_o in_o their_o heart_n do_v not_o embrace_v it_o sect._n 8._o how_o a_o public_a church_n be_v plant_v be_v to_o be_v establish_v thus_o when_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n be_v so_o increase_v that_o as_o for_o the_o most_o part_n it_o be_v in_o public_a church_n either_o for_o number_n or_o for_o distance_n of_o place_n they_o can_v convenient_o ordinarelie_o come_v together_o than_o they_o be_v to_o be_v divide_v in_o diverse_a assembly_n &_o so_o to_o be_v bring_v into_o the_o form_n of_o a_o church_n by_o appoint_v fit_a man_n to_o teach_v and_o lead_v they_o in_o the_o way_n of_o everlasting_a life_n that_o so_o they_o may_v serve_v god_n and_o live_v in_o that_o holy_a order_n of_o a_o church_n which_o he_o have_v appoint_v and_o forsomuch_o as_o it_o may_v be_v ask_v where_o there_o can_v in_o this_o first_o plant_n of_o a_o church_n be_v have_v such_o a_o number_n of_o minister_n as_o may_v be_v sufficient_a word_n therefore_o we_o be_v herein_o to_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o whenas_o a_o competent_a number_n be_v win_v to_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n they_o do_v after_o some_o space_n of_o time_n choose_v out_o of_o that_o number_n those_o who_o be_v endue_v with_o best_a gift_n yea_o although_o they_o be_v not_o learn_v in_o any_o other_o knowledge_n yet_o if_o they_o have_v attain_v the_o sound_a knowledge_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o christian_n religion_n so_o that_o they_o be_v able_a to_o teach_v the_o sâ—me_n to_o other_o if_o they_o be_v mâ—n_z of_o a_o unblameable_a life_n so_o that_o they_o may_v bold_o and_o effectualie_a exhort_v other_o to_o the_o same_o than_o be_v they_o judge_v meet_v to_o be_v set_v over_o the_o rest_n to_o teach_v and_o govern_v they_o
reverence_v and_o obey_v yet_o this_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o this_o authority_n do_v not_o stretch_v itself_o to_o any_o church_n save_v only_o to_o those_o which_o join_v themselves_o together_o in_o this_o kind_n of_o government_n or_o rather_o in_o this_o subjection_n and_o therefore_o a_o council_n which_o be_v gather_v out_o of_o all_o the_o church_n of_o some_o country_n or_o part_n of_o the_o world_n can_v impose_v law_n upon_o the_o church_n of_o other_o country_n yea_o if_o in_o a_o ecumenical_a council_n any_o one_o church_n shall_v refuse_v to_o join_v itself_o with_o the_o rest_n the_o law_n of_o that_o council_n shall_v not_o build_v that_o one_o church_n for_o counsel_n have_v no_o authority_n but_o over_o those_o church_n from_o the_o which_o they_o have_v authority_n sect._n 2._o of_o who_o counsel_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o consist_v second_o we_o be_v to_o see_v of_o who_o these_o counsel_n ought_v to_o consist_v the_o answer_n be_v of_o man_n who_o the_o common_a consent_n of_o the_o church_n join_v together_o under_o this_o common_a government_n do_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o their_o gift_n to_o wit_n of_o zeal_n godliness_n wisdom_n learning_n experience_n faithfulness_n boldness_n diligence_n and_o such_o other_o grace_n requisite_a in_o this_o behalf_n judge_v fit_a for_o this_o purpose_n here_o we_o have_v two_o question_n to_o answer_v the_o first_o be_v whether_o that_o any_o beside_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n ought_v to_o be_v of_o these_o counsel_n the_o second_o be_v whether_o that_o a_o council_n may_v convenient_o consist_v whole_o of_o those_o who_o be_v not_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n for_o answer_v of_o both_o these_o question_n we_o confess_v that_o the_o minister_n ought_v to_o be_v account_v most_o fit_a to_o be_v admit_v into_o consultation_n of_o these_o weighty_a matter_n for_o that_o they_o ought_v not_o only_o to_o know_v the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o particular_a church_n better_v the_o any_o other_o it_o be_v their_o call_n and_o office_n to_o look_v unto_o they_o but_o also_o to_o be_v endue_v with_o more_o excellent_a gift_n than_o be_v to_o be_v expect_v usual_o in_o other_o yet_o these_o counsel_n may_v lawful_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n consist_v of_o other_o yea_o the_o constitution_n or_o decree_n of_o such_o counsel_n be_v no_o less_o to_o have_v the_o force_n reverence_n and_o obedience_n of_o ecclesiastical_a law_n then_o if_o they_o have_v be_v make_v by_o a_o council_n consist_v whole_o of_o minister_n for_o it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n which_o do_v consociate_v themselves_o in_o this_o manner_n to_o delegate_v their_o authority_n to_o who_o they_o will_v of_o what_o calling_n or_o condition_n soever_o he_o be_v for_o although_o the_o knowledge_n and_o care_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o all_o other_o grace_n have_v in_o corrupt_a time_n be_v appropriate_v to_o the_o minister_n the_o people_n be_v account_v ignorant_a and_o profane_a idol_n neither_o able_a nor_o worthy_a to_o deal_v with_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n much_o less_o to_o judge_v deterâ—ine_n and_o advise_v of_o â—_z of_o great_a importance_n yet_o we_o learn_v out_o of_o the_o word_n and_o see_v it_o ratify_v by_o experience_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o all_o spiritual_a grace_n do_v as_o well_o belong_v and_o be_v as_o often_o as_o plentiful_o yea_o some_o time_n in_o great_a measure_n grant_v to_o other_o christian_n then_o to_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n so_o that_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n can_v challenge_v to_o themselves_o authority_n and_o ability_n to_o be_v the_o only_a doer_n in_o this_o action_n but_o must_v admit_v into_o their_o company_n and_o consultation_n those_o of_o the_o people_n that_o be_v judge_v fit_n for_o this_o purpose_n yea_o although_o there_o be_v a_o sufficient_a number_n of_o minister_n able_a to_o perform_v whatsoever_o be_v require_v in_o this_o behalf_n yet_o it_o be_v diverse_a way_n inconvenient_a that_o counsel_n shall_v consist_v whole_o of_o they_o for_o first_o we_o know_v that_o a_o great_a part_n of_o these_o law_n do_v concern_v the_o minister_n themselves_o and_o the_o performance_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o function_n wherein_o if_o there_o be_v any_o general_a negligence_n want_n or_o oversight_n and_o error_n which_o be_v no_o strange_a thing_n as_o they_o know_v who_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o history_n and_o state_n of_o the_o church_n who_o shall_v lay_v open_a the_o fault_n &_o make_v law_n for_o the_o redress_v of_o it_o for_o although_o it_o may_v be_v suppose_v that_o they_o will_v do_v it_o of_o their_o own_o accord_n yet_o it_o stand_v not_o with_o their_o wisdom_n who_o have_v the_o choose_n of_o fit_a man_n for_o these_o counsel_n to_o commit_v the_o matter_n whole_o to_o they_o especial_o whenas_o the_o amend_v of_o the_o error_n be_v against_o the_o credit_n consultation_n commodity_n or_o ease_n of_o the_o minister_n yea_o it_o be_v not_o agreeable_a to_o any_o reason_n that_o they_o shall_v appoint_v to_o themselves_o the_o duty_n and_o work_n which_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o correct_v whatsoever_o be_v amiss_o therein_o for_o we_o know_v that_o most_o of_o all_o those_o corruption_n wherewith_o the_o church_n have_v be_v pollute_v and_o deface_v these_o many_o age_n have_v be_v both_o bring_v in_o and_o continue_v by_o the_o mean_n of_o these_o counsel_n consist_v of_o minister_n only_o beside_o this_o reject_v of_o the_o whole_a church_n as_o unfit_a to_o advise_v any_o thing_n for_o their_o own_o good_a be_v both_o injurious_a to_o god_n who_o especial_o in_o this_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n pour_v forth_o his_o spirit_n with_o a_o full_a and_o indifferent_a hand_n on_o all_o his_o servant_n that_o call_v upon_o he_o so_o that_o his_o grace_n bestow_v on_o the_o church_n be_v as_o the_o ointment_n which_o be_v pour_v upon_o aaron_n head_n run_v down_o even_o to_o the_o skirt_n of_o his_o garment_n and_o also_o reproachful_a to_o the_o church_n as_o be_v destitute_a of_o all_o spiritual_a wisdom_n and_o understanding_n last_o the_o exclude_v of_o all_o the_o people_n from_o counsel_n make_v the_o law_n enact_v by_o they_o to_o be_v unwilling_o receive_v for_o that_o the_o minister_n take_v all_o the_o authority_n into_o their_o own_o hand_n do_v easy_o incur_v the_o suspicion_n of_o tyrannize_a over_o the_o church_n whereas_o the_o law_n will_v be_v readely_a obey_v without_o murmur_a or_o repine_v if_o that_o some_o of_o the_o people_n have_v a_o hand_n in_o the_o make_n of_o they_o as_o touch_v the_o second_o question_n although_o a_o council_n gather_v about_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n may_v lawful_o consist_v whole_o of_o those_o who_o be_v not_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n yet_o it_o be_v seldom_o convenient_a that_o this_o shall_v be_v put_v in_o practice_n for_o first_o the_o ordinary_a authority_n wherewith_o the_o minister_n be_v endue_v in_o that_o they_o be_v the_o teacher_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o people_n although_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o make_v law_n yet_o it_o require_v that_o they_o shall_v usual_o bear_v the_o great_a sway_n in_o make_v those_o humane_a law_n whereby_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v govern_v yea_o by_o this_o mean_v it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o law_n have_v great_a force_n and_o authority_n among_o the_o people_n then_o when_o they_o come_v from_o man_n otherwise_o mere_o private_a yea_o the_o state_n of_o many_o church_n be_v so_o that_o few_o man_n of_o other_o calling_n beside_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n give_v themselves_o to_o the_o study_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o have_v sufficient_a knowledge_n for_o this_o purpose_n think_v that_o it_o do_v belong_v to_o minister_n only_o to_o know_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o government_n of_o his_o church_n and_o if_o we_o do_v suppose_v a_o flourish_a state_n of_o a_o church_n wherein_o knowledge_n do_v abound_v not_o only_o in_o the_o minister_n but_o also_o among_o the_o people_n so_o as_o they_o be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o sound_n judgement_n and_o good_a advice_n in_o these_o weighty_a matter_n yet_o the_o minister_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v exclude_v for_o if_o the_o people_n do_v abound_v with_o knowledge_n it_o be_v like_a yea_o necessary_a that_o the_o minister_n be_v much_o more_o fill_v with_o all_o spiritual_a understanding_n and_o wisdom_n yea_o it_o be_v seldom_o see_v that_o other_o know_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o people_n which_o in_o make_v these_o law_n be_v chief_o to_o be_v regard_v so_o well_o as_o the_o minister_n do_v who_o be_v continual_o exercise_v in_o look_v unto_o they_o sect._n 3_o of_o the_o necessary_a conjunction_n of_o particular_a church_n under_o the_o government_n