two_o case_n of_o religion_n the_o first_o of_o idolater_n the_o second_o of_o those_o that_o disobey_v the_o consistory_n but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o idolatry_n be_v a_o sin_n which_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n convince_v and_o be_v always_o attend_v with_o the_o consequence_n of_o such_o horrible_a sin_n as_o the_o apostle_n declare_v that_o god_n suffer_v the_o gentile_n to_o fall_v into_o for_o their_o idolatry_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n beside_o that_o penalty_n by_o the_o law_n lie_v but_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o seven_o nation_n who_o god_n for_o their_o idolatry_n and_o the_o consequence_n thereof_o such_o as_o i_o have_v mention_v give_v up_o to_o destruction_n by_o the_o sword_n of_o his_o people_n on_o who_o he_o bestow_v their_o inheritance_n and_o in_o respect_n of_o israelite_n who_o god_n have_v enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o on_o condition_n to_o serve_v he_o alone_o have_v thereupon_o endow_v with_o secular_a power_n to_o punish_v the_o transgressor_n of_o it_o so_o that_o the_o power_n of_o inflict_a death_n in_o these_o case_n proceed_v upon_o the_o sentence_n of_o destruction_n and_o death_n pronounce_v by_o god_n against_o the_o seven_o nation_n and_o commit_v to_o the_o execution_n of_o his_o people_n and_o upon_o the_o sovereign_a power_n estate_v upon_o the_o people_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o covenant_n with_o god_n which_o though_o more_o than_o humane_a for_o the_o original_a yet_o must_v needs_o be_v available_a according_a to_o humane_a right_n to_o the_o same_o effect_n which_o the_o same_o power_n establish_v by_o title_n of_o humane_a right_n be_v able_a to_o produce_v and_o therefore_o this_o penalty_n by_o these_o law_n can_v belong_v to_o any_o that_o absolute_o refuse_v to_o submit_v to_o christianity_n beside_o it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o those_o act_n which_o this_o law_n punish_v with_o death_n be_v specify_v by_o the_o law_n to_o be_v the_o worship_v of_o the_o sun_n and_o moon_n and_o other_o god_n exod._n xxii_o 20._o deut._n xvii_o 3._o the_o persuade_v to_o worship_v other_o god_n and_o for_o city_n to_o fall_v from_o god_n to_o do_v it_o deut._n xiii_o 5_o 6_o 12._o and_o therefore_o this_o punishment_n can_v be_v extend_v to_o other_o act_n which_o by_o interpretation_n and_o consequence_n may_v be_v argue_v into_o the_o general_a nature_n or_o rather_o notion_n of_o idolatry_n a_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v say_v because_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o there_o have_v be_v those_o that_o have_v make_v read_v service_n or_o a_o sermon_n much_o more_o kneel_v at_o the_o communion_n idolatry_n who_o if_o they_o shall_v proceed_v to_o improve_v their_o madness_n to_o that_o consequence_n which_o natural_o it_o produce_v must_v proceed_v to_o destroy_v civil_a society_n by_o destroy_v all_o they_o who_o in_o their_o madness_n they_o take_v for_o idolater_n as_o that_o wretched_a person_n do_v his_o father_n for_o persuade_v he_o to_o receive_v the_o communion_n kneel_v as_o for_o those_o that_o disobey_v the_o consistory_n it_o be_v to_o be_v remember_v that_o have_v be_v former_o observe_v that_o religion_n and_o the_o civil_a state_n of_o god_n ancient_a people_n make_v but_o one_o society_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o law_n that_o estate_v they_o in_o the_o land_n of_o promise_n upon_o condition_n of_o worship_v god_n and_o govern_v themselves_o in_o their_o civil_a life_n according_a to_o the_o same_o by_o consequence_n whereof_o whosoever_o shall_v refuse_v to_o stand_v to_o that_o judgement_n which_o god_n by_o the_o law_n appoint_v to_o determine_v the_o difference_n which_o shall_v arise_v about_o the_o interpretation_n and_o limitation_n of_o that_o which_o the_o law_n have_v not_o express_v must_v endanger_v a_o breach_n among_o the_o people_n which_o it_o be_v all_o one_o whether_o you_o call_v rebellion_n or_o schism_n now_o it_o be_v no_o inconvenience_n to_o grant_v that_o whosoever_o shall_v pretend_v under_o the_o title_n of_o christianity_n to_o trouble_v the_o civil_a peace_n of_o that_o people_n and_o state_n wherein_o he_o live_v be_v think_v guilty_a of_o such_o punishment_n as_o the_o height_n of_o his_o offence_n shall_v deserve_v because_o as_o this_o crime_n be_v most_o capital_a as_o near_o concern_v the_o public_a so_o be_v it_o most_o manifest_a that_o christianity_n can_v be_v wrong_v by_o the_o punishment_n of_o it_o see_v it_o have_v be_v show_v that_o christianity_n enable_v no_o man_n to_o trouble_v the_o public_a peace_n so_o that_o if_o any_o man_n make_v it_o a_o part_n of_o his_o religion_n to_o maintain_v his_o religion_n by_o force_n be_v by_o such_o profession_n fall_v from_o the_o innocence_n of_o christianity_n he_o be_v just_o expose_v to_o the_o violence_n of_o all_o temporal_a law_n that_o punish_v those_o which_o trouble_v the_o public_a peace_n this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o they_o that_o think_v themselves_o tie_v in_o conscience_n by_o the_o bull_n of_o pius_n the_o five_o against_o q._n elizabeth_n and_o it_o be_v the_o case_n of_o all_o they_o that_o under_o any_o title_n of_o religion_n whatsoever_o pretend_v to_o maintain_v the_o profession_n or_o exercise_n thereof_o by_o faction_n or_o force_n for_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o see_v that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n maintain_v themselves_o so_o against_o the_o gentile_n that_o suppose_v they_o no_o christian_n yet_o it_o do_v appear_v that_o they_o can_v not_o rightful_o persecute_v they_o for_o their_o christianity_n which_o none_o can_v maintain_v but_o those_o that_o profess_v to_o assert_v their_o christianity_n by_o nothing_o else_o but_o by_o suffer_v for_o it_o and_o here_o it_o be_v worth_a our_o note_n that_o about_o the_o time_n of_o our_o lord_n there_o be_v a_o constitution_n of_o the_o consistory_n against_o rebellious_a elder_n as_o they_o call_v they_o that_o be_v such_o as_o have_v attain_v the_o degree_n of_o doctor_n of_o the_o law_n shall_v teach_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v lawful_a or_o unlawful_a by_o the_o law_n contrary_a to_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o consistory_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v put_v to_o death_n as_o you_o may_v see_v in_o maimoni_n in_o that_o title_n which_o how_o far_o it_o be_v ever_o in_o force_n be_v hard_o to_o be_v say_v because_o by_o the_o gospel_n we_o understand_v that_o the_o nation_n have_v not_o power_n of_o life_n and_o death_n at_o that_o time_n for_o that_o it_o be_v about_o that_o time_n that_o they_o say_v it_o be_v establish_v appear_v because_o they_o report_v it_o to_o have_v be_v make_v in_o regard_n of_o the_o difference_n then_o on_o foot_n between_o the_o scholar_n of_o hillel_n and_o sammai_n which_o we_o know_v be_v not_o long_o before_o our_o lord_n time_n this_o constitution_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o limitation_n of_o that_o which_o the_o law_n of_o deut._n xvii_o 8._o establish_v to_o particular_a circumstance_n and_o upon_o supposition_n of_o this_o constitution_n it_o be_v that_o our_o lord_n express_v the_o difference_n between_o moses_n law_n and_o his_o gospel_n when_o he_o say_v mat._n v._o 19_o he_o that_o shall_v break_v the_o least_o of_o these_o commandment_n and_o teach_v man_n so_o shall_v be_v least_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o he_o that_o teach_v and_o do_v they_o shall_v be_v great_a in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n for_o the_o very_a term_n of_o that_o constitution_n be_v death_n to_o he_o that_o shall_v both_o teach_v and_o do_v contrary_a to_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o consistory_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o our_o lord_n allude_v to_o that_o constitution_n of_o the_o synagogue_n declare_v hereby_o that_o on_o the_o contrary_a there_o be_v no_o penalty_n of_o death_n upon_o he_o that_o shall_v teach_v and_o do_v contrary_a to_o his_o precept_n as_o those_o of_o the_o consistory_n but_o great_a that_o be_v to_o be_v least_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n whereby_o he_o show_v that_o the_o gospel_n appoint_v no_o temporal_a punishment_n to_o those_o that_o break_v christ_n precept_n but_o deny_v not_o that_o civil_a state_n may_v for_o the_o gospel_n suppose_v and_o establish_v civil_a society_n suppose_v also_o those_o penalty_n without_o which_o it_o subsi_v not_o and_o the_o punishment_n of_o those_o that_o violate_v civil_a society_n under_o the_o title_n of_o christianity_n be_v not_o by_o the_o gospel_n but_o by_o the_o civil_a power_n which_o it_o presuppose_v and_o void_v not_o because_o preach_v that_o christianity_n can_v be_v prejudicial_a to_o state_n it_o confirm_v as_o to_o christianity_n that_o power_n which_o all_o state_n have_v towards_o all_o religion_n to_o see_v that_o they_o prove_v not_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o public_a peace_n we_o have_v then_o two_o case_n of_o religion_n punishable_a with_o death_n the_o first_o when_o that_o which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n be_v by_o the_o
allow_v of_o they_o which_o as_o it_o be_v always_o the_o right_n of_o the_o church_n to_o do_v as_o i_o shall_v observe_v in_o another_o place_n so_o it_o appear_v so_o to_o be_v in_o that_o marriage_n be_v never_o celebrate_v among_o christian_n without_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n and_o this_o observation_n i_o insist_v upon_o the_o more_o cheerful_o because_o it_o much_o strengthen_v the_o argument_n which_o the_o church_n make_v for_o the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n from_o the_o act_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o gospel_n when_o he_o bless_v the_o infant_n with_o imposition_n of_o hand_n for_o if_o all_o imposition_n of_o hand_n be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o public_a power_n of_o the_o church_n allow_v that_o which_o be_v do_v with_o it_o then_o can_v this_o imposition_n of_o hand_n signify_v no_o less_o then_o that_o those_o to_o who_o our_o lord_n grant_v it_o belong_v to_o his_o kingdom_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n one_o little_a objection_n there_o lie_v against_o this_o from_o the_o incestuous_a person_n at_o corinth_n who_o s._n paul_n in_o his_o second_o epistle_n seem_v to_o readmit_v to_o communion_n his_o crime_n be_v as_o deep_a as_o adultery_n which_o we_o say_v the_o rigour_n of_o apostolical_a discipline_n admit_v not_o to_o penance_n to_o which_o i_o have_v divers_a thing_n to_o answer_v that_o this_o can_v be_v object_v but_o by_o he_o that_o acknowledge_v that_o he_o be_v excommunicate_a by_o the_o former_a epistle_n that_o tertullian_n in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr pudicitiâ_fw-la dispute_v at_o large_a that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o same_o case_n which_o be_v speak_v of_o in_o both_o epistle_n that_o the_o crime_n here_o specify_v perhaps_o be_v not_o of_o the_o number_n of_o those_o which_o from_o the_o beginning_n be_v exclude_v from_o penance_n but_o wave_v all_o this_o as_o i_o except_v two_o case_n in_o which_o man_n be_v baptize_v without_o regular_a trial_n so_o suppose_v the_o rule_n to_o take_v hold_n in_o this_o case_n it_o be_v no_o inconvenience_n to_o grant_v that_o s._n paul_n may_v wave_v the_o rigour_n of_o discipline_n so_o settle_v as_o suppose_v there_o may_v be_v cause_n to_o wave_v it_o if_o this_o opinion_n seem_v new_a my_o purpose_n require_v but_o these_o two_o point_n that_o the_o penance_n practise_v by_o the_o ancient_a church_n suppose_a excommunication_n which_o it_o only_o abate_v and_o that_o it_o be_v institute_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o for_o that_o there_o be_v enough_o say_v i_o suppose_v even_o to_o they_o that_o believe_v not_o that_o the_o apostle_n exclude_v any_o kind_n of_o crime_n from_o penance_n beside_o that_o of_o s._n paul_n blame_v the_o corinthian_n that_o they_o be_v puff_v up_o and_o have_v not_o rather_o lament_v that_o he_o that_o have_v do_v the_o evil_a may_v be_v put_v from_o among_o they_o 1_o cor._n v._o 2._o and_o again_o fear_v that_o when_o he_o return_v he_o shall_v be_v force_v to_o lament_v many_o 2_o cor._n xii_o 21._o which_o if_o we_o compare_v with_o the_o primitive_a solemnity_n of_o excommunication_n which_o by_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o apostle_n ii_o 16._o and_o other_o way_n we_o understand_v be_v to_o put_v the_o person_n out_o of_o the_o church_n door_n with_o mourning_n it_o will_v appear_v that_o epiphanius_n be_v in_o the_o right_n in_o expound_v this_o late_a text_n to_o this_o purpose_n haer._n lix_n num_fw-la 5._o the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n then_o by_o all_o this_o be_v no_o more_o than_o the_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o the_o power_n of_o admit_v to_o communion_n by_o baptism_n which_o if_o it_o imply_v a_o contract_n with_o the_o church_n to_o live_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o christianity_n than_o it_o be_v forfeit_n to_o he_o that_o evident_o do_v that_o which_o can_v stand_v with_o that_o rule_n and_o the_o church_n not_o tie_v to_o restore_v it_o but_o as_o the_o person_n can_v give_v satisfaction_n to_o observe_v it_o for_o the_o future_a now_o i_o will_v make_v short_a work_n with_o erastus_n his_o long_a labour_n to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v no_o excommunication_n command_v by_o the_o law_n i_o yield_v it_o and_o make_v a_o consequence_n which_o will_v be_v think_v a_o strange_a one_o but_o i_o have_v it_o from_o the_o speculation_n of_o origen_n in_o levit_fw-la hom._n xi_o and_o other_o why_o the_o church_n shall_v only_o be_v enable_v to_o excommunicate_v whereas_o the_o synagogue_n be_v enable_v to_o put_v to_o death_n from_o the_o observation_n of_o s._n augustine_n quaest_n in_o deuteronom_n v._o 38._o de_fw-la fide_fw-la &_o operibus_fw-la cap._n vi_o and_o other_o that_o excommunication_n in_o the_o church_n be_v the_o same_o that_o the_o power_n of_o life_n and_o death_n in_o the_o synagogue_n my_o argument_n be_v then_o that_o the_o church_n be_v to_o have_v the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n because_o the_o synagogue_n have_v the_o power_n of_o life_n and_o death_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o consequence_n this_o because_o as_o the_o law_n be_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n by_o which_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o israel_n be_v due_a enable_v to_o put_v to_o death_n such_o as_o destroy_v it_o so_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n that_o make_v man_n denizen_n of_o the_o spiritual_a jerusalem_n must_v enable_v to_o put_v they_o from_o the_o society_n thereof_o that_o forfeit_v it_o it_o be_v not_o my_o intent_n hereby_o to_o say_v that_o there_o be_v no_o excommunication_n under_o the_o law_n for_o i_o do_v believe_v that_o we_o have_v mention_n of_o it_o in_o ezra_n x._o 8._o ground_v if_o i_o mistake_v not_o upon_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o king_n of_o persia_n record_v ezr._n vii_o 26._o for_o that_o which_o be_v here_o call_v root_n out_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o same_o that_o be_v call_v in_o the_o other_o place_n divide_v from_o the_o synagogue_n of_o the_o captive_n be_v indeed_o a_o kind_n of_o temporal_a outlawry_n to_o which_o be_v join_v confiscation_n of_o good_n for_o so_o say_v luther_n true_o that_o the_o great_a excommunication_n among_o christian_n be_v every_o where_o a_o temporal_a punishment_n to_o wit_n in_o regard_n of_o some_o temporal_a punishment_n attend_v it_o in_o christian_a state_n which_o in_o christianity_n be_v accidental_a by_o act_n of_o those_o state_n in_o judaisme_n essential_a so_o long_o as_o those_o temporal_a advantage_n which_o be_v the_o essential_a condition_n of_o the_o law_n be_v not_o forfeit_v and_o this_o without_o doubt_n be_v the_o same_o punishment_n which_o the_o gospel_n call_v put_v out_o of_o the_o synagogue_n though_o i_o can_v say_v so_o peremptory_a for_o the_o temporal_a effect_n of_o it_o which_o several_a sovereign_n can_v easy_o limit_v to_o several_a term_n for_o the_o right_a that_o ezra_n may_v have_v to_o introduce_v this_o penalty_n be_v clear_a by_o the_o law_n of_o deut._n xvii_o 12._o which_o enable_v to_o put_v they_o to_o death_n that_o obey_v not_o the_o synagogue_n enable_v to_o excommunicate_v to_o banish_v to_o outlaw_n they_o much_o more_o but_o as_o we_o see_v the_o roman_n allow_v they_o not_o the_o power_n of_o life_n and_o death_n which_o the_o persian_n grant_v they_o so_o i_o be_o not_o to_o grant_v that_o put_v out_o of_o the_o synagogue_n in_o the_o gospel_n impli_v the_o extinguish_n of_o the_o civil_a be_v of_o any_o jew_n the_o talmud_n doctor_n say_v that_o those_o that_o be_v under_o the_o great_a excommunication_n be_v to_o dwell_v in_o a_o cottage_n alone_o and_o to_o have_v meat_n and_o drink_n bring_v they_o till_o they_o die_v arba_n turim_n or_o shulchan_n auroh_n in_fw-la jore_fw-la dea_fw-la hilcoth_fw-mi niddui_n voherem_n a_o speculation_n suitable_a to_o their_o condition_n in_o their_o dispersion_n which_o no_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o believe_v how_o far_o it_o be_v in_o force_n and_o practice_n but_o suppose_v the_o synagogue_n in_o the_o same_o condition_n with_o the_o church_n afore_o constantine_n enjoy_v no_o privilege_n but_o to_o serve_v god_n according_a to_o the_o law_n as_o the_o church_n according_a to_o the_o gospel_n and_o then_o as_o the_o synagogue_n must_v always_o have_v power_n to_o excommunicate_v which_o have_v power_n to_o put_v to_o death_n so_o i_o say_v be_v the_o church_n enable_v by_o our_o lord_n to_o do_v what_o i_o have_v show_v the_o apostle_n do_v do_v by_o mat._n xviii_o 18._o i_o yield_v that_o the_o term_n of_o bind_v and_o lose_v be_v use_v by_o the_o jew_n to_o signify_v the_o declare_v of_o what_o be_v prohibit_v and_o permit_v by_o the_o law_n but_o i_o yield_v not_o that_o it_o can_v be_v so_o understand_v here_o because_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o declaration_n cease_v under_o the_o gospel_n be_v derive_v from_o the_o six_o hundred_o and_o thirteen_o precept_n of_o the_o law_n and_o from_o the_o power_n
corruption_n of_o natural_a light_n make_v matter_n of_o religion_n as_o have_v be_v say_v of_o idolater_n and_o as_o it_o may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o whole_a spawn_n of_o gnostic_n from_o simon_n magus_n to_o the_o manichee_n their_o heir_n and_o successor_n which_o as_o they_o corrupt_a christianity_n with_o heathenism_n so_o they_o take_v away_o the_o difference_n of_o good_a and_o bad_a and_o bring_v in_o under_o pretence_n of_o religion_n such_o horrible_a uncleanness_n as_o nature_n abhor_v which_o be_v by_o mistake_n of_o the_o gentile_n impose_v upon_o the_o primitive_a christian_n as_o by_o the_o defence_n which_o they_o make_v for_o themselves_o they_o do_v evidence_n sufficient_o that_o they_o be_v wrong_v by_o those_o report_n so_o they_o declare_v that_o if_o they_o be_v true_a they_o will_v not_o refuse_v the_o persecution_n which_o they_o plead_v against_o the_o 2_o case_n be_v when_o any_o thing_n prejudicial_a to_o civil_a society_n be_v hold_v and_o profess_v as_o 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people_n mere_o for_o a_o opinion_n which_o he_o believe_v and_o profess_v though_o false_o to_o be_v part_n of_o christianity_n for_o you_o see_v there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o the_o case_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n the_o law_n be_v the_o condition_n of_o a_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n by_o which_o they_o be_v all_o estate_v in_o the_o land_n of_o promise_n and_o every_o one_o in_o his_o several_a interest_n in_o the_o same_o so_o that_o whosoever_o shall_v renounce_v or_o violate_v the_o condition_n of_o this_o covenant_n which_o be_v the_o law_n must_v needs_o become_v liable_a to_o the_o punishment_n of_o death_n when_o the_o law_n establish_v it_o and_o therefore_o to_o that_o of_o banishment_n or_o civil_a death_n or_o any_o less_o punishment_n when_o the_o law_n enable_v to_o establish_v it_o but_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o condition_n of_o a_o covenant_n which_o tender_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n to_o all_o those_o that_o embrace_v and_o observe_v it_o and_o therefore_o require_v all_o nation_n kingdom_n state_n and_o commonwealth_n to_o enter_v into_o one_o society_n of_o the_o church_n mere_o for_o the_o common_a service_n of_o god_n upon_o conscience_n of_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o same_o obedience_n but_o otherwise_o acknowledge_v the_o same_o obligation_n both_o of_o civil_a and_o domestic_a society_n as_o afore_o whereupon_o it_o follow_v that_o as_o christian_n embrace_v christianity_n free_o because_o it_o can_v be_v true_o embrace_v otherwise_o purchase_v themselves_o thereby_o no_o right_a or_o privilege_n against_o the_o secular_a power_n which_o be_v over_o they_o afore_o so_o no_o secular_a power_n that_o be_v sovereign_a by_o profess_v christianity_n themselves_o purchase_v any_o right_a and_o power_n as_o to_o god_n of_o enforce_v christianity_n upon_o their_o subject_n by_o such_o penalty_n as_o the_o constitution_n of_o those_o civil_a society_n which_o they_o govern_v enable_v they_o not_o to_o inflict_v according_a to_o the_o common_a law_n of_o all_o nation_n wherefore_o see_v common_a reason_n discover_v not_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n to_o we_o and_o therefore_o the_o common_a law_n of_o nation_n enjoin_v not_o christianity_n as_o the_o condition_n of_o civil_a society_n but_o that_o civil_a society_n as_o they_o subsist_v before_o christianity_n so_o still_o subsist_v upon_o principle_n which_o for_o their_o original_a be_v afore_o it_o though_o for_o their_o perfection_n after_o it_o it_o seem_v that_o the_o sovereign_a power_n of_o civil_a society_n be_v not_o enable_v to_o make_v christianity_n the_o condition_n of_o be_v a_o member_n of_o those_o state_n which_o they_o govern_v but_o if_o secular_a power_n be_v not_o enable_v to_o punish_v the_o renounce_n of_o christianity_n or_o of_o any_o part_n of_o it_o with_o natural_a or_o civil_a death_n do_v it_o therefore_o follow_v that_o all_o man_n be_v by_o god_n law_n to_o be_v leave_v to_o their_o freedom_n to_o believe_v and_o profess_v what_o they_o please_v i_o suppose_v there_o be_v very_o great_a penalty_n under_o the_o rate_n of_o those_o which_o the_o constitution_n of_o civil_a society_n by_o the_o common_a law_n of_o nation_n will_v enable_v the_o sovereign_a power_n thereof_o to_o punish_v the_o neglect_n of_o christianity_n with_o when_o they_o have_v avow_v it_o for_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o state_n which_o they_o govern_v for_o in_o that_o case_n the_o neglect_n of_o christianity_n be_v not_o only_o a_o sin_n against_o god_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n but_o against_o civil_a society_n and_o that_o reverence_n which_o every_o man_n owe_v the_o power_n that_o conclude_v his_o own_o people_n in_o thankfulness_n to_o the_o invaluable_a benefit_n of_o peaceable_a protection_n which_o he_o enjoy_v by_o the_o same_o second_o see_v that_o all_o religion_n except_v true_a christianity_n be_v a_o most_o powerful_a mean_n of_o disturb_v the_o public_a peace_n of_o civil_a society_n though_o perhaps_o it_o profess_v no_o such_o thing_n express_o it_o follow_v by_o consequence_n that_o all_o power_n that_o be_v trust_v with_o the_o preservation_n of_o public_a peace_n be_v enable_v to_o forbid_v that_o which_o be_v not_o true_a christianity_n by_o all_o penalty_n under_o those_o that_o have_v be_v except_v so_o that_o when_o true_a christianity_n be_v forbid_v under_o such_o penalty_n the_o fault_n shall_v be_v not_o in_o usurp_v but_o in_o abuse_v the_o power_n in_o apply_v it_o to_o a_o wrong_a subject_n not_o in_o strain_v it_o to_o that_o which_o it_o extend_v not_o to_o and_o in_o so_o do_v that_o be_v in_o suffer_v that_o which_o be_v so_o do_v it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v think_v that_o christianity_n can_v be_v wrong_v though_o wrong_v be_v do_v to_o the_o man_n that_o be_v christian_n for_o see_v it_o be_v the_o common_a profession_n of_o christian_n to_o bear_v christ_n cross_n and_o see_v it_o be_v the_o disposition_n of_o god_n to_o advance_v christianity_n to_o the_o stern_a of_o the_o roman_a empire_n and_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o other_o christian_a kingdom_n and_o commonwealth_n by_o demonstrate_v that_o it_o be_v not_o prejudicial_a to_o civil_a society_n by_o the_o suffering_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n it_o follow_v that_o whatsoever_o a_o man_n hold_v for_o true_a christianity_n can_v be_v demonstrate_v to_o be_v so_o as_o god_n have_v appoint_v christianity_n to_o be_v demonstrate_v but_o by_o the_o suffering_n of_o they_o that_o profess_v it_o and_o therefore_o it_o remain_v agreeable_a to_o reason_n that_o god_n have_v give_v secular_a power_n such_o right_a to_o restrain_v pretend_v christianity_n that_o when_o it_o be_v use_v against_o the_o true_a it_o can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v usurp_v but_o abuse_v it_o will_v be_v say_v for_o it_o be_v say_v already_o that_o any_o constraint_n to_o christianity_n by_o temporal_a punishment_n will_v serve_v but_o to_o confirm_v some_o and_o engage_v they_o to_o that_o which_o they_o have_v once_o profess_v contrary_a to_o truth_n and_o that_o other_o who_o to_o avoid_v punishment_n shall_v outward_o submit_v to_o what_o inward_o they_o approve_v not_o must_v needs_o forfeit_v all_o power_n of_o christianity_n by_o prefer_v the_o world_n before_o any_o part_n of_o it_o to_o which_o it_o must_v be_v answer_v that_o all_o this_o grant_v prove_v not_o that_o it_o be_v unjust_a or_o that_o civil_a power_n have_v no_o right_a to_o make_v such_o law_n but_o that_o it_o be_v not_o expedient_a the_o exercise_n of_o it_o be_v probable_o to_o no_o good_a purpose_n which_o defeat_v not_o the_o right_a till_o it_o be_v prove_v that_o it_o can_v be_v exercise_v to_o any_o good_a purpose_n which_o in_o this_o point_n can_v be_v do_v for_o it_o be_v as_o probable_o say_v on_o the_o other_o side_n that_o by_o temporal_a penalty_n a_o man_n be_v induce_v to_o consider_v with_o less_o prejudice_n that_o which_o the_o
and_o so_o elizeus_fw-la curse_v the_o child_n to_o death_n on_o purpose_n to_o punish_v the_o affront_n offer_v his_o person_n in_o all_o which_o particular_n you_o have_v manifest_a character_n of_o the_o law_n inflict_v death_n for_o the_o punishment_n of_o sin_n whereas_o under_o the_o gospel_n which_o give_v life_n the_o inflict_a of_o bodily_a punishment_n serve_v to_o procure_v the_o good_a of_o the_o world_n by_o manifest_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n in_o his_o church_n which_o be_v know_v and_o suppose_v under_o the_o law_n because_o those_o who_o have_v receive_v the_o law_n can_v not_o make_v any_o question_n that_o god_n be_v among_o his_o people_n and_o speak_v to_o they_o by_o his_o prophet_n when_o i_o say_v that_o it_o may_v be_v lawful_a to_o take_v arm_n upon_o the_o title_n of_o religion_n under_o the_o law_n i_o say_v not_o that_o it_o be_v so_o in_o all_o case_n or_o that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o the_o jew_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o foreign_a power_n which_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o judas_n of_o galilee_n complain_v of_o by_o josephus_n but_o that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o some_o case_n to_o fall_v out_o wherein_o it_o may_v be_v lawful_a as_o for_o the_o conceit_n of_o judas_n of_o galilee_n it_o be_v manifest_o take_v away_o by_o god_n command_n to_o the_o jew_n under_o nabuchodorosor_n jer._n xxix_o 7._o seek_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o city_n to_o which_o i_o have_v send_v you_o captive_n for_o in_o the_o peace_n thereof_o you_o shall_v have_v peace_n and_o it_o be_v most_o remarkable_a that_o our_o lord_n be_v false_o accuse_v of_o this_o doctrine_n to_o pilate_n by_o the_o jew_n it_o please_v god_n to_o suffer_v it_o so_o far_o to_o prevail_v afterward_o that_o the_o arm_n which_o they_o take_v afterward_o against_o the_o roman_n and_o the_o misery_n which_o they_o endure_v by_o the_o zelotes_n and_o final_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o city_n temple_n and_o nation_n must_v needs_o be_v impute_v to_o this_o doctrine_n which_o they_o false_o accuse_v our_o lord_n of_o to_o gain_v the_o good_a will_n of_o the_o roman_n but_o of_o christianity_n it_o must_v be_v say_v on_o the_o contrary_a that_o there_o be_v no_o case_n possible_a wherein_o it_o can_v be_v just_a to_o take_v arm_n for_o preservation_n or_o reformation_n of_o it_o upon_o the_o title_n thereof_o that_o be_v to_o say_v where_o there_o be_v not_o a_o power_n of_o bear_v arm_n establish_v by_o some_o other_o title_n of_o humane_a right_n for_o where_o there_o be_v any_o such_o power_n and_o right_o establish_v upon_o a_o title_n which_o the_o law_n of_o nation_n justifi_v it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v say_v that_o christianity_n void_v or_o extinguish_v the_o same_o see_v it_o have_v be_v say_v that_o it_o preserve_v the_o state_n of_o this_o world_n upon_o the_o same_o term_n in_o which_o they_o be_v when_o it_o be_v embrace_v but_o nevertheless_o it_o moderate_v the_o use_n of_o it_o so_o that_o it_o can_v with_o christianity_n be_v employ_v in_o very_a many_o case_n in_o which_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o nation_n justify_v the_o use_n of_o it_o these_o thing_n thus_o premise_v it_o will_v be_v easy_a to_o show_v that_o the_o presbyterian_o offer_v wrong_a when_o they_o demand_v that_o the_o superiority_n of_o bishop_n over_o presbyter_n be_v prove_v to_o be_v of_o divine_a right_n by_o some_o precept_n of_o god_n law_n record_v in_o the_o scripture_n suppose_v that_o otherwise_o it_o will_v be_v in_o the_o secular_a power_n of_o itself_o to_o erect_v a_o ecclesiastical_a power_n by_o take_v it_o from_o they_o that_o have_v it_o and_o give_v it_o to_o they_o that_o have_v it_o not_o and_o require_v that_o so_o it_o be_v do_v for_o it_o be_v notorious_a to_o the_o world_n that_o from_o the_o beginning_n they_o claim_v that_o presbytery_n shall_v be_v erect_v in_o stead_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n upon_o this_o ground_n that_o the_o presbytery_n be_v command_v by_o god_n and_o that_o therefore_o the_o superiority_n of_o bishop_n as_o contrary_a to_o his_o law_n be_v to_o be_v abolish_v and_o that_o upon_o this_o pretence_n the_o people_n be_v draw_v in_o to_o seek_v the_o innovation_n endeavour_v at_o this_o time_n so_o that_o to_o require_v now_o that_o it_o be_v prove_v that_o the_o superiority_n of_o bishop_n be_v command_v by_o god_n to_o be_v unchangeable_a by_o man_n otherwise_o that_o it_o be_v change_v be_v to_o require_v that_o the_o conclusion_n may_v stand_v without_o any_o premise_n to_o prove_v it_o notwithstanding_o to_o pass_v by_o this_o advantage_n suppose_v we_o the_o superiority_n of_o bishop_n neither_o forbid_v nor_o command_v but_o introduce_v by_o ecclesiastical_a right_n ground_v upon_o the_o power_n give_v the_o church_n of_o give_v law_n to_o the_o church_n by_o determine_v that_o which_o god_n law_n determine_v not_o suppose_v but_o not_o grant_v this_o to_o be_v true_a it_o will_v remain_v nevertheless_o without_o the_o compass_n of_o any_o secular_a power_n upon_o earth_n to_o erect_v this_o ecclesiastical_a power_n by_o take_v it_o from_o they_o which_o have_v it_o and_o give_v it_o to_o they_o which_o have_v it_o not_o for_o wheresoever_o there_o be_v a_o church_n and_o the_o government_n thereof_o not_o contrary_a to_o god_n law_n in_o those_o hand_n which_o have_v it_o by_o man_n there_o the_o apostle_n precept_n of_o obey_v the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n 1_o thess_n v._o 14._o heb._n xiii_o 17._o must_v needs_o oblige_v the_o people_n to_o those_o governor_n that_o be_v establish_v not_o against_o god_n law_n and_o this_o precept_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v of_o that_o divine_a right_n by_o which_o christianity_n subsi_v can_v be_v void_v by_o any_o secular_a power_n by_o which_o the_o church_n subsi_v not_o in_o point_n of_o right_n but_o only_o be_v maintain_v in_o point_n of_o fact_n for_o the_o obligation_n which_o they_o have_v to_o the_o church_n and_o the_o unity_n thereof_o and_o the_o order_n by_o which_o that_o unity_n be_v preserve_v and_o the_o government_n in_o which_o that_o order_n consist_v be_v more_o ancient_a than_o the_o maintenance_n of_o christianity_n by_o the_o state_n can_v be_v take_v away_o by_o any_o obligation_n or_o interest_n thereupon_o arise_v and_o therefore_o as_o the_o first_o christian_n that_o be_v under_o christian_a power_n in_o the_o time_n of_o constantine_n be_v bind_v to_o adhere_v to_o the_o pastor_n which_o they_o have_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o church_n for_o which_o reason_n neither_o do_v constantine_n constantius_n or_o valens_n ever_o endeavour_v to_o intrude_v those_o bishop_n which_o they_o be_v seduce_v to_o think_v necessary_a for_o the_o quiet_a of_o some_o church_n be_v indeed_o dangerous_a to_o christianity_n by_o their_o own_o power_n but_o by_o a_o pretend_a legal_a act_n of_o the_o church_n after_o constantine_n take_v christianity_n into_o the_o protection_n of_o the_o empire_n upon_o the_o same_o term_n as_o afore_o so_o be_v all_o christian_n to_o the_o world_n end_n oblige_v to_o adhere_v to_o the_o pastor_n which_o they_o shall_v have_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o church_n not_o contrary_a to_o god_n law_n against_o the_o command_n of_o any_o secular_a power_n to_o obey_v other_o and_o to_o demand_v that_o ecclesiastical_a power_n not_o contrary_a to_o god_n law_n be_v dissolve_v by_o secular_a to_o which_o the_o person_n endow_v therewith_o be_v subject_n be_v to_o demand_v that_o there_o remain_v no_o christian_n in_o england_n that_o can_v be_v content_a to_o suffer_v for_o their_o christianity_n by_o obey_v god_n law_n before_o man_n especial_o when_o they_o can_v obey_v both_o act_v by_o god_n and_o suffer_v by_o man_n but_o though_o i_o insist_v upon_o this_o right_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o my_o purpose_n to_o balk_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o divine_a right_n of_o bishop_n upon_o such_o term_n as_o it_o have_v be_v assert_v that_o be_v to_o say_v as_o that_o which_o no_o man_n may_v lawful_o destroy_v though_o not_o as_o that_o which_o be_v destroy_v void_v the_o be_v of_o a_o church_n if_o it_o can_v be_v do_v without_o schism_n because_o not_o command_v particular_a christian_n as_o the_o substance_n of_o christianity_n but_o the_o society_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o maintenance_n and_o support_v of_o it_o for_o if_o no_o secular_a power_n be_v able_a to_o give_v that_o power_n to_o the_o presbytery_n which_o must_v be_v take_v from_o the_o bishop_n suppose_v that_o the_o superiority_n of_o bishop_n stand_v neither_o by_o nor_o against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n but_o only_o by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o church_n according_a to_o god_n how_o much_o more_o when_o it_o be_v demonstrate_v that_o it_o subsi_v by_o the_o act_n of_o the_o
to_o baptise_v such_o as_o shall_v submit_v to_o the_o gospel_n and_o so_o to_o judge_v whether_o each_o man_n do_v so_o or_o not_o which_o they_o that_o be_v trust_v with_o the_o gospel_n be_v by_o consequence_n trust_v to_o judge_n the_o effect_n of_o this_o trust_n be_v see_v in_o the_o many_o order_n and_o canon_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n by_o which_o those_o that_o desire_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n be_v limit_v to_o the_o trial_n of_o several_a year_n to_o examine_v their_o profession_n whether_o sincere_a or_o not_o and_o such_o as_o gain_v their_o live_n by_o such_o trade_n as_o christianity_n allow_v not_o reject_v until_o they_o renounce_v they_o not_o that_o my_o intent_n be_v to_o say_v that_o these_o canon_n be_v limit_v by_o the_o apostle_n but_o because_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o always_o to_o judge_v who_o shall_v be_v admit_v to_o baptism_n and_o who_o not_o be_v another_o manner_n of_o power_n then_o to_o baptize_v be_v the_o power_n of_o they_o that_o be_v able_a to_o settle_v such_o canon_n though_o it_o be_v plain_a by_o the_o scripture_n that_o those_o rule_n have_v their_o beginning_n from_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o for_o when_o s._n peter_n say_v 1_o pet._n iii_o 21._o that_o the_o baptism_n which_o save_v we_o be_v not_o the_o lay_n down_o the_o filth_n of_o the_o flesh_n but_o the_o examination_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n to_o god_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o show_v that_o the_o interrogatory_n which_o the_o ancient_a church_n use_v to_o propound_v to_o they_o that_o be_v to_o be_v baptize_v be_v then_o in_o use_n and_o establish_v by_o the_o apostle_n as_o the_o condition_n of_o a_o contract_n between_o the_o church_n and_o they_o oblige_v themselves_o to_o live_v according_a to_o the_o gospel_n as_o disciple_n and_o the_o apostle_n heb._n vi_o 2._o speak_v of_o the_o foundation_n of_o repentance_n from_o dead_a work_n the_o doctrine_n of_o baptism_n and_o imposition_n of_o hand_n manifest_o show_v the_o succeed_a custom_n of_o the_o church_n that_o they_o which_o sue_v for_o baptism_n shall_v be_v catechize_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o contract_n with_o the_o church_n to_o forsake_v such_o course_n of_o the_o world_n as_o stand_v not_o with_o it_o to_o be_v bring_v in_o by_o the_o apostle_n this_o be_v it_o which_o be_v here_o call_v the_o doctrine_n of_o baptism_n in_o the_o plural_a number_n not_o for_o that_o frantic_a reason_n which_o the_o distemper_n of_o this_o time_n have_v bring_v forth_o because_o there_o be_v two_o baptism_n one_o of_o john_n by_o water_n another_z of_o christ_n by_o the_o spirit_n but_o because_o it_o be_v several_o teach_v several_a person_n before_o they_o be_v admit_v to_o their_o several_a baptism_n and_o therefore_o call_v also_o the_o doctrine_n of_o imposition_n of_o hand_n because_o we_o understand_v by_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n paedag._n iii_o 11._o and_o by_o the_o apostolical_a constitution_n vii_o 40._o that_o when_o they_o come_v to_o the_o church_n to_o be_v catechize_v and_o be_v catechize_v they_o be_v then_o dismiss_v by_o he_o that_o catechize_v they_o with_o imposition_n of_o hand_n that_o be_v with_o prayer_n for_o they_o that_o they_o may_v in_o due_a time_n become_v good_a christian_n all_o visible_a mark_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n in_o judge_v whether_o a_o man_n be_v fit_a for_o baptism_n or_o not_o to_o which_o i_o will_v add_v only_o that_o of_o eusebius_n de_fw-fr vitâ_fw-la constant_n iv_o where_o speak_v of_o the_o baptism_n of_o constantine_n he_o say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o confess_v his_o sin_n he_o be_v admit_v to_o prayer_n with_o imposition_n of_o hand_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o there_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n three_o thousand_o in_o a_o day_n act_v ii_o 41._o which_o can_v not_o be_v thus_o catechize_v and_o try_v my_o answer_n be_v that_o two_o case_n be_v always_o except_v from_o the_o rule_n the_o first_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o death_n the_o second_o when_o by_o the_o eagerness_n of_o those_o that_o desire_a baptism_n the_o hand_n of_o god_n appear_v extraordinary_a in_o the_o work_n of_o their_o conversion_n to_o christianity_n beside_o it_o be_v not_o say_v that_o they_o be_v baptize_v that_o day_n but_o that_o they_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n that_o day_n which_o be_v true_a though_o they_o only_o profess_v themselves_o disciple_n for_o the_o present_a pass_v nevertheless_o their_o examination_n and_o instruction_n as_o the_o case_n require_v if_o therefore_o there_o be_v a_o power_n settle_v in_o the_o church_n by_o god_n to_o judge_v who_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v admit_v into_o it_o then_o be_v the_o same_o power_n enable_v to_o refuse_v he_o that_o shall_v appear_v unfit_a then_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n to_o exclude_v he_o that_o prove_v himself_o unfit_a after_o he_o be_v admit_v this_o be_v the_o next_o argument_n which_o i_o will_v ground_n upon_o the_o discipline_n of_o penance_n as_o it_o be_v ancient_o practise_v in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v open_v by_o the_o observation_n advance_v in_o the_o 127_o p._n of_o this_o little_a discourse_n that_o those_o who_o contrary_a to_o this_o contract_n with_o the_o church_n fall_v into_o sin_n destructive_a to_o christianity_n be_v fain_o to_o sue_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o penance_n which_o suppose_v that_o till_o they_o have_v give_v satisfaction_n of_o their_o sincerity_n in_o christianity_n they_o remain_v stranger_n to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n for_o it_o appear_v by_o the_o most_o ancient_a of_o church_n writer_n that_o for_o divers_a age_n the_o great_a sinner_n as_o apostate_n murderer_n &_o adulterer_n be_v whole_o exclude_v from_o penance_n for_o though_o tertullian_n be_v a_o montanist_n when_o he_o cry_v out_o upon_o zephyrinus_n bishop_n of_o rome_n for_o admit_v adulterer_n to_o penance_n in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr pudicitiâ_fw-la yet_o it_o be_v manifest_a by_o his_o case_n that_o it_o have_v former_o be_v refuse_v in_o the_o church_n because_o the_o grant_n of_o it_o make_v he_o a_o montanist_n and_o s._n cyprian_n epist_n ad_fw-la antonianum_fw-la testify_v that_o divers_a african_a bishop_n afore_o he_o have_v refuse_v it_o maintain_v communion_n nevertheless_o with_o those_o that_o grant_v it_o irenaeus_n also_o i_o 9_o say_v of_o a_o certain_a woman_n that_o have_v be_v seduce_v and_o defile_v by_o marcus_n the_o heretic_n that_o after_o she_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o sight_n of_o her_o sin_n by_o some_o christian_n she_o spend_v all_o her_o day_n in_o bewal_n it_o therefore_o without_o recover_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n again_o and_o he_o that_o shall_v but_o look_v upon_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o eliberitane_n council_n shall_v easy_o see_v many_o kind_n of_o sin_n censure_v some_o of_o they_o not_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o communion_n till_o the_o point_n other_o not_o at_o the_o point_n of_o death_n in_o this_o case_n and_o in_o this_o estate_n these_o only_a who_o be_v exclude_v from_o be_v admit_v to_o penance_n be_v proper_o excommunicate_a neither_o can_v those_o that_o be_v admit_v to_o penance_n be_v absolute_o count_v so_o because_o in_o danger_n of_o death_n they_o be_v to_o receive_v the_o communion_n though_o in_o case_n they_o recover_v they_o stand_v bind_v to_o complete_a their_o penance_n and_o from_o hence_o afterward_o also_o those_o that_o have_v once_o be_v admit_v to_o penance_n if_o they_o fall_v into_o the_o like_a sin_n again_o be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o penance_n the_o second_o time_n council_n tolet._n x._o can._n xi_o eliber_n can._n iii_o &_o vii_o ambros_n de_fw-fr poenit._n ii_o 10_o 11._o innoc._n i._o ep._n i._o august_n epist_n l._n &_o liv._o it_o be_v a_o easy_a thing_n to_o say_v that_o this_o rigour_n be_v a_o infirmity_n in_o the_o church_n of_o those_o time_n not_o understand_v aright_o free_a justification_n by_o faith_n but_o as_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o this_o rigour_n of_o discipline_n abate_v more_o and_o more_o age_n by_o age_n till_o that_o now_o it_o be_v come_v to_o nothing_o so_o if_o we_o go_v upward_o and_o compare_v the_o writing_n of_o the_o apostle_n with_o the_o original_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n it_o will_v appear_v that_o the_o rigour_n of_o it_o be_v bring_v in_o by_o they_o because_o it_o abate_v by_o degree_n from_o age_n to_o age_n till_o at_o length_n it_o be_v almost_o quite_o lose_v that_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n consist_v in_o retain_v it_o that_o we_o shall_v do_v so_o much_o prejudice_n to_o christianity_n as_o we_o shall_v by_o undue_a interpretation_n make_v justification_n by_o faith_n inconsistent_a with_o it_o and_o in_o fine_a it_o will_v appear_v that_o all_o penance_n presuppose_v excommunication_n be_v only_o some_o abatement_n of_o it_o there_o
be_v a_o sin_n unto_o death_n say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o john_n v._n 16._o i_o say_v not_o that_o you_o pray_v for_o it_o this_o be_v common_o understand_v of_o deny_v god_n truth_n against_o that_o light_n which_o convince_v the_o conscience_n which_o if_o it_o be_v true_a the_o apostle_n precept_n can_v never_o come_v into_o practice_n see_v no_o man_n can_v know_v unless_o by_o revelation_n against_o what_o light_n his_o neighbour_n sin_v but_o the_o novatian_o at_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a as_o socrates_n and_o sozomenus_n both_o report_n eccles_n hist_o i._o 7._o i._o 23._o answer_v constantine_n that_o they_o refuse_v penance_n only_o to_o those_o that_o sin_v the_o sin_n unto_o death_n do_v give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o s._n john_n be_v understand_v by_o the_o church_n not_o to_o command_v that_o apostate_n be_v admit_v to_o penance_n and_o so_o also_o tertullian_n in_o many_o place_n of_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr pudicit_fw-la as_o cap._n fourteen_o argue_v from_o this_o place_n that_o penance_n be_v not_o to_o be_v grant_v to_o adulterer_n which_o show_v that_o the_o church_n understand_v the_o place_n in_o the_o same_o sense_n though_o it_o admit_v not_o his_o consequence_n so_o also_o origen_n in_o mat._n xviii_o 18._o tract_n vii_o i_o be_v long_o doubtful_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o interpretation_n because_o the_o apostle_n premise_v if_o any_o man_n see_v his_o brother_n sin_n a_o sin_n not_o unto_o death_n let_v he_o ask_v of_o god_n seem_v to_o speak_v of_o private_a prayer_n of_o particular_a person_n but_o the_o word_n of_o s._n james_n v._o 16._o have_v clear_v i_o of_o this_o doubt_n confess_v your_o sin_n one_o to_o another_o say_v he_o and_o pray_v for_o one_o another_o that_o you_o may_v be_v heal_v in_o which_o word_n i_o make_v no_o doubt_n but_o he_o speak_v of_o public_a penance_n for_o have_v premise_v that_o the_o presbyter_n be_v send_v for_o to_o the_o sick_a that_o they_o confess_v their_o sin_n to_o the_o presbyter_n that_o they_o pray_v for_o they_o anoint_v they_o with_o oil_n that_o their_o sin_n may_v be_v forgive_v they_o to_o show_v nevertheless_o that_o according_a to_o the_o custom_n aforesaid_a in_o case_n they_o recover_v they_o be_v to_o stand_v bind_v to_o penance_n he_o add_v confess_v your_o sin_n to_o one_o another_o to_o signify_v that_o this_o confession_n and_o penance_n remain_v due_a before_o the_o church_n as_o we_o understand_v by_o the_o xii_o canon_n of_o nice_a that_o the_o practice_n be_v so_o long_o afterward_o and_o this_o be_v prove_v by_o the_o precept_n of_o both_o apostle_n to_o pray_v for_o one_o another_o for_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o there_o be_v two_o mean_n to_o obtain_v remission_n of_o sin_n in_o this_o case_n the_o humiliation_n which_o the_o church_n prescribe_v and_o the_o penitent_n perform_v and_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n which_o s._n john_n prescribe_v not_o to_o be_v grant_v to_o apostate_n the_o very_a same_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n vi_o 6._o when_o he_o pronounce_v it_o unpossible_a that_o those_o that_o fall_v away_o be_v renew_a again_o to_o repentance_n for_o as_o they_o that_o stand_v for_o baptism_n when_o they_o be_v catechize_v in_o christianity_n be_v proper_o say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o be_v instruct_v or_o dedicate_v to_o repentance_n because_o of_o the_o repentance_n from_o dead_a work_n which_o they_o profess_v so_o they_o that_o forfeit_v their_o christianity_n by_o violate_v the_o contract_n of_o baptism_n be_v no_o less_o proper_o say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o be_v renew_v instruct_v and_o dedicate_v again_o to_o repentance_n and_o the_o apostle_n reason_n agree_v for_o because_o the_o earth_n that_o receive_v rain_n and_o render_v no_o fruit_n be_v near_o the_o curse_n therefore_o the_o church_n will_v not_o easy_o believe_v that_o such_o a_o one_o shall_v light_o obtain_v of_o god_n the_o grace_n to_o become_v a_o sincere_a christian_a and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n say_v not_o that_o it_o be_v unpossible_a that_o such_o a_o one_o shall_v repent_v but_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v instruct_v again_o to_o repentance_n to_o wit_n by_o the_o church_n as_o the_o novatian_o answer_v constantine_n that_o they_o remit_v such_o person_n to_o god_n not_o prejudice_v their_o salvation_n but_o not_o admit_v they_o to_o the_o mean_n of_o reconciliation_n by_o the_o church_n and_o herewith_o agree_v the_o example_n of_o esau_n use_v by_o the_o apostle_n again_o xii_o 17._o saying_n that_o he_o find_v not_o place_n of_o repentance_n allude_v to_o that_o room_n in_o the_o church_n where_o penitent_n be_v place_v apart_o by_o themselves_o and_o again_o x._o 26._o the_o allusion_n which_o he_o make_v to_o the_o custom_n under_o the_o law_n understand_v by_o the_o hebrew_n to_o who_o he_o write_v consist_v in_o this_o that_o as_o there_o be_v no_o sacrifice_n to_o be_v make_v for_o apostate_n though_o for_o ethnic_n for_o this_o be_v the_o use_n of_o the_o law_n as_o we_o understand_v by_o moses_n maimoni_n in_o the_o title_n of_o dress_n oblation_n cap._n iii_o num_fw-la 3_o 5._o so_o the_o christian_a sacrifice_n of_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o to_o be_v offer_v for_o those_o that_o have_v renounce_v christianity_n if_o it_o be_v thus_o you_o will_v ask_v what_o be_v the_o fault_n of_o the_o novatian_o see_v they_o understand_v this_o text_n right_a and_o my_o answer_n be_v that_o nevertheless_o they_o be_v heretic_n extend_v the_o name_n of_o heretic_n to_o those_o who_o now_o we_o call_v schismatic_n as_o i_o have_v show_v you_o in_o the_o little_a discourse_n pag._n 197._o that_o it_o be_v often_o use_v for_o s._n john_n as_o he_o command_v not_o so_o he_o forbid_v not_o that_o they_o be_v admit_v to_o penance_n the_o other_o apostle_n tell_v they_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o let_v they_o know_v that_o they_o must_v not_o expect_v it_o but_o neither_o say_v that_o the_o church_n can_v not_o give_v it_o when_o therefore_o the_o church_n to_o preserve_v unity_n be_v necessitate_v to_o grant_v it_o as_o we_o see_v by_o s._n cyprian_n the_o novatian_o be_v no_o less_o schismatic_n in_o make_v separation_n upon_o the_o quarrel_n though_o perhaps_o the_o reason_n be_v not_o urge_v by_o their_o adversary_n then_o if_o they_o have_v understand_v the_o text_n amiss_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n be_v of_o more_o moment_n than_o much_o understanding_n in_o the_o scripture_n and_o so_o perhaps_o s._n paul_n word_n will_v belong_v to_o this_o purpose_n 1_o tim._n 5._o 19_o as_o not_o only_o the_o socinian_o of_o late_a but_o pacianus_n among_o the_o ancient_n paraen_n ad_fw-la poenitentiam_fw-la and_o matthaeus_n galenus_n among_o modern_a writer_n do_v expound_v they_o to_o wit_n that_o when_o he_o say_v lay_v hand_n sudden_o on_o no_o man_n nor_o partake_v of_o other_o man_n sin_n he_o leave_v it_o to_o timothy_n judgement_n who_o to_o admit_v who_o not_o to_o admit_v to_o penance_n because_o this_o blessing_n with_o imposition_n of_o hand_n be_v not_o the_o mark_n of_o absolution_n but_o of_o admission_n to_o penance_n as_o well_o as_o the_o ceremony_n of_o ordination_n and_o though_o this_o text_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v understand_v in_o particular_a of_o ordination_n yet_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n which_o he_o allege_v it_o be_v to_o be_v extend_v to_o all_o act_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v bless_v by_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n with_o imposition_n of_o hand_n for_o if_o timothy_n by_o impose_v hand_n upon_o those_o who_o he_o ordain_v become_v accessary_a to_o their_o sin_n if_o they_o be_v unfit_a to_o be_v ordain_v by_o the_o same_o reason_n if_o he_o impose_v hand_n that_o be_v grant_v penance_n unto_o they_o that_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o it_o he_o become_v accessary_a to_o the_o sin_n which_o they_o commit_v by_o be_v admit_v to_o it_o imposition_n of_o hand_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o ceremony_n of_o that_o benediction_n which_o signify_v that_o those_o act_n to_o which_o it_o be_v grant_v be_v allow_v and_o authorize_v by_o the_o public_a power_n of_o the_o church_n so_o imposition_n of_o hand_n in_o confirmation_n be_v the_o admission_n of_o he_o that_o be_v confirm_v to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n in_o penance_n the_o restore_n of_o he_o in_o ordination_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o or_o that_o function_n in_o the_o church_n prayer_n over_o the_o sick_a which_o the_o apostle_n command_v james_n v._n 14._o and_o our_o lord_n in_o the_o gospel_n make_v with_o imposition_n of_o hand_n signify_v the_o admit_v of_o the_o sick_a to_o penance_n and_o it_o be_v say_v that_o in_o some_o eastern_a church_n to_o this_o day_n marriage_n be_v bless_v with_o imposition_n of_o hand_n in_o signification_n that_o the_o church_n
only_a mark_n to_o discern_v what_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o reformation_n and_o what_o not_o all_o war_n make_v upon_o the_o title_n of_o christianity_n be_v unjust_a and_o destructive_a to_o it_o therefore_o religion_n can_v be_v reform_v by_o force_n of_o the_o present_a state_n of_o christianity_n among_o we_o and_o the_o mean_n that_o be_v leave_v we_o to_o recover_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n that_o which_o have_v be_v say_v as_o it_o concern_v the_o present_a case_n of_o this_o church_n seem_v to_o be_v liable_a to_o one_o main_a objection_n which_o be_v this_o that_o if_o the_o power_n of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n be_v such_o as_o have_v be_v say_v by_o divine_a right_n that_o nothing_o can_v be_v do_v without_o they_o in_o their_o respective_a church_n it_o will_v follow_v that_o in_o case_n the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n be_v corrupt_a by_o process_n of_o time_n and_o their_o default_n especial_o so_o that_o the_o common_a good_a of_o the_o church_n require_v reformation_n by_o change_v of_o law_n in_o force_n if_o they_o consent_v not_o it_o can_v be_v bring_v to_o pass_v without_o breach_n of_o divine_a right_n this_o may_v well_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o false_a light_n that_o have_v misguide_v well_o affect_v person_n to_o seek_v the_o reformation_n present_o pretend_v for_o see_v it_o be_v agree_v upon_o among_o we_o that_o there_o be_v a_o time_n and_o a_o state_n of_o the_o church_n which_o require_v reformation_n and_o that_o if_o the_o clergy_n of_o that_o time_n have_v be_v support_v in_o that_o power_n which_o by_o the_o premise_n be_v challenge_v on_o behalf_n of_o the_o clergy_n this_o reformation_n can_v not_o have_v be_v bring_v to_o pass_v it_o seem_v therefore_o to_o the_o most_o part_n of_o man_n that_o distinguish_v not_o between_o cause_n and_o pretence_n that_o where_o reformation_n be_v pretend_v there_o the_o power_n lawful_o in_o force_n to_o the_o society_n of_o the_o church_n aught_o to_o cease_v that_o the_o reformation_n may_v proceed_v either_o by_o secular_a power_n or_o if_o that_o consent_n not_o by_o force_n of_o the_o people_n to_o strengthen_v this_o objection_n as_o to_o the_o reformation_n of_o this_o church_n it_o may_v further_o be_v say_v that_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o order_n of_o bishop_n have_v be_v propagate_v in_o this_o church_n at_o and_o since_o the_o reformation_n by_o ordination_n make_v according_a to_o the_o form_n of_o that_o apostolical_a canon_n that_o a_o bishop_n be_v ordain_v by_o two_o or_o three_o bishop_n yet_o if_o we_o judge_v of_o the_o original_a intent_n of_o that_o canon_n by_o the_o general_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n it_o will_v appear_v that_o it_o be_v but_o the_o abridgement_n of_o the_o iv_o canon_n of_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a which_o require_v that_o all_o bishop_n be_v ordain_v by_o a_o council_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o province_n which_o because_o it_o can_v always_o be_v have_v therefore_o it_o be_v provide_v that_o two_o or_o three_o may_v do_v the_o work_n the_o rest_n consent_v and_o authorise_v the_o proceed_n a_o thing_n which_o seem_v necessary_o true_a by_o that_o which_o have_v be_v say_v of_o the_o dependence_n of_o church_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o the_o act_n of_o part_n of_o the_o church_n oblige_v the_o whole_a because_o that_o part_n which_o it_o concern_v and_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o whole_a which_o it_o produce_v stand_v first_o oblige_v by_o it_o be_v do_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o whole_a by_o which_o reason_n the_o act_n of_o ordination_n of_o a_o bishop_n oblige_v the_o whole_a church_n to_o take_v he_o for_o a_o bishop_n because_o the_o mother_n church_n to_o which_o he_o belong_v and_o the_o rest_n of_o cathedral_n church_n under_o the_o same_o do_v acknowledge_v it_o and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o apostle_n have_v provide_v to_o keep_v the_o visible_a communion_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o unity_n to_o which_o it_o be_v requisite_a that_o a_o christian_a communicate_v with_o the_o whole_a church_n as_o a_o christian_a a_o bishop_n presbyter_n or_o deacon_n as_o such_o but_o when_o among_o the_o bishop_n of_o any_o province_n part_n consent_n to_o ordination_n part_v not_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n can_v be_v preserve_v unless_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o whole_a follow_v the_o consent_n of_o the_o great_a part_n and_o therefore_o though_o the_o canon_n of_o nice_a be_v no_o part_n of_o divine_a right_n yet_o see_v the_o precept_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o end_n which_o all_o the_o positive_a law_n of_o church_n government_n aim_n at_o oblige_v before_o any_o positive_a precept_n of_o the_o government_n thereof_o which_o we_o see_v be_v many_o way_n dispense_v with_o for_o preservation_n thereof_o and_o that_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o general_a custom_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n to_o make_v ordination_n at_o those_o provincial_n counsel_n which_o by_o another_o apostolical_a canon_n xxxviii_o be_v to_o be_v hold_v twice_o a_o year_n it_o seem_v that_o there_o can_v no_o valid_a ordination_n be_v make_v where_o the_o great_a number_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o province_n dissent_n which_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o ordination_n of_o novatianus_n for_o bishop_n of_o rome_n which_o though_o do_v by_o three_o bishop_n as_o the_o letter_n of_o cornelius_n to_o the_o eastern_a bishop_n record_v by_o eusebius_n eccles_n hist_o vi_o 43._o testify_v yet_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o that_o great_a schism_n because_o cornelius_n be_v ordain_v on_o the_o other_o side_n by_o sixteen_o as_o we_o read_v in_o s._n cyprian_n now_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o ordination_n by_o which_o that_o order_n be_v propagate_v in_o england_n at_o and_o since_o the_o reformation_n be_v not_o make_v by_o consent_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o bishop_n of_o each_o province_n but_o against_o their_o mind_n though_o they_o make_v no_o contrary_a ordination_n and_o by_o the_o same_o mean_v it_o be_v manifest_a that_o all_o those_o ecclesiastical_a law_n by_o which_o the_o reformation_n be_v establish_v in_o england_n be_v not_o make_v by_o a_o consent_n capable_a to_o oblige_v the_o church_n if_o we_o set_v aside_o the_o secular_a power_n that_o give_v force_n unto_o that_o which_o be_v do_v contrary_a to_o that_o rule_n wherein_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n consist_v but_o in_o other_o part_n the_o reformation_n establish_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v do_v by_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n or_o any_o consent_n able_a to_o conclude_v the_o church_n by_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n that_o the_o very_a order_n of_o bishop_n be_v lay_v aside_o and_o forget_v if_o not_o worse_o that_o be_v detest_v among_o they_o upon_o which_o precedent_n it_o sound_v plansible_o with_o the_o great_a part_n among_o we_o that_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o whole_a be_v dissolve_v by_o the_o reformation_n the_o unity_n of_o the_o reformation_n can_v be_v preserve_v but_o by_o dissolve_v the_o order_n of_o bishop_n among_o we_o before_o i_o come_v to_o resolve_v this_o difficulty_n it_o will_v be_v requisite_a to_o examine_v what_o privilege_n and_o penalty_n the_o secular_a power_n be_v enable_v to_o enforce_v religion_n within_o a_o christian_a state_n because_o it_o have_v be_v part_n of_o the_o dispute_n of_o this_o time_n that_o some_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n be_v contrary_a to_o christianity_n as_o also_o some_o penalty_n upon_o matter_n of_o conscience_n and_o the_o resolution_n of_o it_o will_v make_v way_n to_o my_o answer_n now_o the_o resolution_n hereof_o must_v come_v from_o the_o ground_n lay_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o discourse_n that_o christianity_n import_v no_o temporal_a privilege_n or_o advantage_n of_o this_o present_a world_n and_o therefore_o that_o christianity_n enable_v no_o man_n to_o advance_v and_o propagate_v his_o christianity_n by_o force_n for_o as_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n thereof_o to_o be_v force_v see_v the_o service_n of_o god_n which_o it_o require_v be_v not_o perform_v by_o any_o man_n that_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o do_v it_o nor_o the_o faith_n believe_v but_o by_o they_o that_o be_v willing_a to_o believe_v it_o so_o see_v it_o give_v no_o man_n any_o privilege_n of_o this_o world_n which_o he_o can_v challenge_v by_o a_o lawful_a title_n of_o humane_a right_n and_o that_o no_o title_n of_o humane_a right_n can_v enable_v any_o man_n to_o impose_v upon_o another_o that_o faith_n which_o humane_a reason_n reveal_v not_o therefore_o can_v no_o humane_a power_n force_v any_o man_n to_o be_v a_o christian_n by_o the_o utmost_a penalty_n of_o death_n which_o be_v that_o which_o force_n end_v in_o to_o they_o that_o submit_v not_o it_o be_v true_a the_o law_n of_o moses_n impose_v death_n for_o a_o penalty_n in_o