decemviri_fw-la and_o because_o christian_n do_v not_o build_v their_o faith_n upon_o any_o human_a authority_n but_o upon_o the_o word_n of_o god_n alone_o they_o be_v 4â—_n joh._n 6._o 1â—_n 1_o thes_n 4â—_n say_v to_o be_v teach_v of_o god_n for_o which_o reason_n s._n paul_n utter_o deny_v that_o they_o have_v any_o dominion_n over_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o corinthian_n or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o in_o effect_n that_o they_o can_v exercise_v any_o dominion_n over_o they_o under_o the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o faith_n for_o the_o rest_n as_o christian_n 〈…〉_o 〈…〉_o which_o be_v well_o verse_v in_o the_o scripture_n may_v without_o great_a difficulty_n try_v their_o teacher_n doctrine_n by_o the_o touchstone_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n so_o the_o catechism_n and_o other_o compendious_a instruction_n relate_v to_o the_o chief_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n may_v be_v sufficient_a for_o those_o of_o a_o mean_a capacity_n wherein_o all_o christian_n ought_v to_o be_v well_o instruct_v in_o their_o young_a year_n both_o by_o their_o parent_n and_o teacher_n of_o the_o church_n this_o be_v likely_a to_o prove_v more_o useful_a to_o those_o of_o a_o indifferent_a capacity_n than_o all_o the_o other_o subtlety_n and_o controversy_n which_o in_o themselves_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a or_o requisite_a to_o be_v understand_v by_o every_o christian_a in_o particular_a and_o if_o we_o due_o consider_v what_o be_v require_v by_o the_o apostle_n for_o the_o obtain_n of_o â—â—_o rom._n 10._o 9_o 10._o â—â—m_fw-la 1._o â—_o 2_o â—â—m_fw-la 2._o â—â—_o salvation_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o this_o knowledge_n may_v be_v attain_v to_o without_o much_o difficulty_n because_o the_o confession_n that_o jesus_n be_v christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v the_o foundation_n stone_n and_z as_o it_o be_v the_o centre_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o that_o this_o article_n be_v chief_o 3._o 〈◊〉_d 20._o 3._o oppose_v by_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n the_o apostle_n s_o john_n prescribe_v this_o as_o a_o general_a rule_n to_o be_v particular_o take_v notice_n of_o by_o such_o as_o be_v of_o a_o mean_a capacity_n hereby_o know_v you_o say_v he_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n every_o spirit_n that_o confess_v â—_o 〈◊〉_d 4_o â—_o â—_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v come_v in_o the_o flesh_n be_v of_o god_n and_o every_o spirit_n that_o confess_v not_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v come_v in_o the_o flesh_n be_v not_o of_o god_n though_o from_o hence_o no_o inference_n ought_v to_o be_v make_v as_o if_o christian_a may_v neglect_v or_o ought_v not_o also_o to_o be_v well_o instruct_v concern_v all_o the_o other_o article_n of_o faith_n or_o that_o it_o be_v indifferent_a for_o any_o christian_n to_o believe_v what_o he_o pleaseâ—_n concern_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n §_o 34._o it_o be_v then_o evident_a that_o there_o 〈…〉_o 〈…〉_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n betwixt_o the_o condition_n of_o particular_a church_n and_o that_o of_o a_o state_n or_o commonwealth_n it_o may_v further_o he_o inquire_v into_o whether_o perhaps_o those_o church_n unite_v do_v it_o make_v up_o a_o body_n like_o to_o that_o of_o a_o grâ—â—t_a state_n for_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o word_n church_n be_v in_o the_o scripture_n attribute_v to_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o believer_n wheresoever_o disperse_v throughout_o the_o world_n yet_o so_o that_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o appearance_n if_o a_o duâ—_n regard_v he_o have_v to_o our_o saviour_n intention_n of_o a_o design_n to_o erect_v a_o state_n go_v you_o into_o all_o the_o world_n and_o â—â—_o mark_n 16._o â—â—_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o every_o creature_n be_v the_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o his_o disciple_n here_o be_v no_o mention_n make_v of_o any_o person_n who_o shall_v be_v the_o supreme_a governor_n over_o the_o rest_n as_o be_v usual_a and_o absolute_o necessary_a in_o a_o state_n nor_o any_o certain_a place_n of_o residence_n appoint_v for_o these_o governor_n from_o whence_o the_o rest_n shall_v receive_v their_o order_n neither_o be_v the_o least_o care_n take_v by_o what_o mean_v they_o shall_v maintain_v a_o correspondency_n with_o their_o capital_a city_n and_o true_o consider_v the_o vast_a extent_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o prodigious_a distance_n of_o those_o country_n where_o the_o apostle_n preach_v the_o gospel_n beside_o that_o there_o be_v a_o mortal_a enmity_n betwixt_o some_o of_o these_o state_n these_o be_v unsurmountable_a obstacle_n for_o the_o settle_n and_o maintain_v a_o correspondency_n betwixt_o they_o so_o that_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v by_o what_o mean_v all_o the_o christian_n can_v be_v unite_v under_o one_o state_n it_o be_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o there_o be_v often_o mention_v make_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o union_n of_o the_o christian_n as_o in_o the_o 1_o cor._n c._n 12._o 12_o 13._o as_o the_o body_n be_v one_o and_o have_v many_o member_n and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o that_o one_o body_n be_v many_o be_v one_o body_n so_o also_o be_v christ_n for_o by_o one_o spirit_n be_v we_o all_o baptize_v into_o one_o body_n whether_o we_o be_v jew_n or_o gentile_n whether_o we_o be_v bond_n or_o free_a and_o have_v be_v all_o make_v to_o drink_v into_o one_o spirit_n christ_n say_v in_o the_o 10._o chap._n of_o s._n john_n ver_fw-la 16_o my_o sheep_n hear_v my_o voice_n and_o there_o shall_v be_v one_o fold_n and_o one_o shepherd_n which_o show_v that_o all_o the_o sheep_n be_v bring_v into_o one_o flock_n by_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o their_o pastor_n who_o be_v christ_n so_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o ephesian_n ch_n 4._o ver_fw-la 2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o forbear_v one_o another_o in_o love_n endeavour_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n there_o be_v one_o body_n and_o one_o spirit_n even_o as_o you_o be_v call_v in_o one_o hope_n of_o your_o call_n one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n one_o god_n and_o father_n of_o all_o and_o christ_n in_o his_o farewell_n sermon_n do_v 13_o joh._n 13_o chief_o recommend_v to_o his_o disciple_n charity_n and_o unity_n as_o the_o true_a badge_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o name_n of_o brother_n which_o particular_o 10._o vid._n 1_o cor._n 13._o colos_n 3._o 14._o gal._n 6._o 10._o belong_v to_o the_o christian_n seem_v to_o imply_v a_o general_a union_n betwixt_o they_o but_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o these_o holy_a tie_v we_o may_v easy_o observe_v they_o to_o have_v be_v in_o no_o way_n adapt_v to_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o temporal_a government_n but_o proper_o belong_v to_o the_o establishment_n and_o union_n of_o a_o mystical_a body_n for_o as_o none_o of_o they_o require_v of_o imply_v any_o dependency_n from_o a_o temporal_a power_n so_o they_o may_v belong_v in_o common_a to_o all_o christian_n though_o live_v in_o far_o distant_a country_n and_o several_a jurisdiction_n §_o 35._o neither_o do_v it_o appear_v for_o what_o end_n state_n 〈…〉_o for_o christians_o 〈…〉_o unite_a under_o one_o state_n or_o purpose_v all_o the_o christian_n in_o general_n shall_v be_v reduce_v under_o one_o state_n for_o each_o congregation_n or_o church_n may_v with_o more_o â—ase_n and_o conveniency_n constitute_v teacher_n in_o their_o church_n sit_o qualify_v for_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o have_v a_o more_o watchful_a eye_n over_o those_o who_o be_v know_v and_o near_o at_o hand_n than_o can_v be_v expect_v from_o one_o single_a person_n though_o never_o so_o wise_a live_v at_o a_o great_a distance_n who_o be_v beside_o this_o ovewhelm_v with_o multitude_n of_o business_n be_v force_v to_o see_v with_o other_o people_n eye_n and_o to_o hear_v with_o other_o people_n ear_n neither_o be_v it_o a_o sufficient_a reason_n what_o be_v allege_v that_o for_o the_o compose_n and_o determine_v of_o such_o difference_n as_o may_v arise_v betwixt_o the_o teacher_n of_o the_o church_n or_o betwixt_o they_o and_o other_o a_o general_n court_n ought_v to_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o such_o case_n can_v be_v no_o where_o determine_v with_o more_o conveniency_n than_o in_o the_o same_o government_n where_o they_o live_v and_o that_o there_o can_v any_o sufficient_a reason_n be_v give_v why_o they_o shall_v not_o acknowledge_v the_o same_o jurisdiction_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o fellow_n subject_n there_o be_v one_o objection_n which_o have_v something_o of_o colour_n in_o it_o for_o it_o be_v allege_v that_o if_o all_o the_o christian_a church_n throughout_o the_o world_n be_v unite_v under_o one_o head_n whether_o under_o one_o person_n or_o a_o certain_a assembly_n matter_n not_o the_o unity_n of_o faith_n may_v be_v better_o preserve_v
god_n almighty_a to_o set_v aside_o all_o your_o command_n all_o love_n respect_n and_o duty_n which_o i_o owe_v to_o god_n almighty_a and_o to_o perform_v such_o thing_n as_o i_o know_v to_o be_v contrary_a to_o he_o and_o his_o command_n for_o here_o ought_v to_o be_v remember_v what_o the_o apostle_n say_v we_o ought_v to_o obey_v god_n rather_o than_o man._n 29._o act_n 5._o 29._o and_o whenever_o sovereign_n pretend_v to_o extend_v thus_o far_o their_o authority_n they_o transgress_v their_o bound_n and_o if_o they_o inflict_v any_o punishment_n on_o their_o subject_n for_o refuse_v to_o be_v obedient_a to_o their_o command_n on_o this_o account_n such_o a_o act_n ought_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o illegal_a unjust_a and_o tyrannical_a god_n have_v verify_v this_o by_o extraordinary_a miracle_n it_o be_v a_o absurd_a and_o illegal_a proceed_v when_o darius_n overpersuade_v by_o his_o courtier_n who_o intend_v to_o lay_v a_o trap_n for_o daniel_n issue_v out_o his_o proclamation_n that_o no_o body_n for_o thirty_o day_n shall_v ask_v a_o petition_n 9_o dan._n 6._o 7._o 9_o of_o any_o god_n or_o man._n for_o what_o concern_v have_v the_o king_n with_o his_o subject_n prayer_n unlawful_a prayer_n be_v not_o accept_v of_o by_o god_n almighty_a especial_o with_o those_o make_v in_o private_a for_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v have_v pray_v in_o public_a against_o the_o king_n it_o will_v be_v a_o quite_o different_a case_n and_o such_o a_o one_o have_v deserve_o receive_v punishment_n as_o a_o enemy_n to_o his_o sovereign_n wherefore_o daniel_n do_v very_o well_o in_o continue_v his_o daily_a private_a prayer_n according_a to_o his_o former_a custom_n notwithstanding_o the_o king_n be_v impious_a and_o foolish_a command_n and_o be_v for_o this_o reason_n by_o a_o extraordinary_a miracle_n deliver_v out_o of_o the_o lion_n den._n in_o the_o same_o manner_n do_v god_n preserve_v daniel_n three_o companion_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o flame_n because_o they_o refuse_v to_o worship_v the_o golden_a image_n according_a to_o the_o king_n command_n though_o at_o the_o same_o time_n 28._o dan._n 3._o 27_o 28._o it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o this_o image_n set_v up_o by_o nebuchadnezar_n be_v not_o intend_v to_o be_v worship_v as_o a_o god_n but_o only_o as_o a_o sign_n or_o emblem_n of_o that_o eternal_a be_v which_o he_o will_v have_v to_o be_v adore_v and_o worship_v by_o his_o subject_n certain_o jeroboam_n can_v not_o be_v so_o much_o beside_o himself_o as_o to_o imagine_v or_o to_o pretend_v to_o persuade_v the_o jew_n that_o the_o golden_a calf_n which_o he_o have_v cause_v to_o be_v make_v be_v the_o same_o god_n by_o who_o power_n they_o be_v bring_v out_o of_o egypt_n but_o he_o set_v they_o up_o as_o a_o token_n or_o representative_a whereby_o to_o put_v they_o in_o mind_n of_o the_o benefit_n receive_v from_o god_n the_o great_a deliverer_n of_o israel_n and_o that_o they_o may_v not_o want_v place_n where_o to_o pay_v their_o devotion_n and_o perform_v their_o religeous_a duty_n so_o that_o though_o he_o do_v not_o fall_v off_o from_o god_n but_o only_o for_o reason_n of_o state_n and_o because_o he_o think_v it_o belong_v to_o his_o royal_a prerogative_n make_v a_o 3._o joseph_n arch._n 8._o 3._o alteration_n in_o the_o outward_a form_n of_o worship_n yet_o be_v he_o with_o his_o whole_a family_n root_v out_o of_o israel_n and_o the_o jew_n for_o have_v obey_v and_o follow_v their_o king_n in_o his_o idolatry_n 16._o 2_o reg._n 19_o 17_o 16._o pay_v for_o it_o with_o the_o loss_n of_o the_o holy_a land_n §_o 7._o sovereign_n be_v nevertheless_o not_o exclude_v affair_n what_o power_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n belong_v sovereign_n in_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n from_o have_v a_o certain_a power_n and_o disposal_n in_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n as_o they_o be_v the_o supreme_a head_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o be_v therefore_o style_v the_o public_a father_n and_o father_n of_o their_o native_a country_n and_o as_o have_v be_v say_v before_o as_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o principal_a part_n of_o paternal_a duty_n to_o implant_v piety_n into_o their_o child_n so_o sovereign_n ought_v to_o take_v care_n that_o public_a discipline_n of_o which_o the_o reverence_n due_a to_o god_n almighty_a be_v one_o main_a point_n to_o be_v maintain_v among_o their_o subject_n and_o whereas_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n be_v the_o foundation_n stone_n of_o probity_n and_o other_o moral_a virtue_n and_o it_o be_v the_o interest_n of_o sovereign_n that_o the_o same_o be_v by_o all_o mean_v encourage_v in_o a_o state_n and_o that_o religion_n be_v the_o strong_a knot_n for_o the_o maintain_v a_o true_a union_n betwixt_o sovereign_n and_o their_o subject_n god_n be_v a_o god_n of_o truth_n who_o have_v command_v that_o faith_n and_o compact_n shall_v be_v sacred_a among_o man_n it_o be_v therefore_o a_o duty_n incumbent_n upon_o sovereign_n to_o take_v not_o only_o effectual_a care_n that_o natural_a religion_n be_v maintain_v and_o cultivate_v among_o their_o subject_n but_o they_o have_v also_o a_o sufficient_a authority_n to_o enact_v such_o law_n as_o may_v enable_v they_o to_o keep_v their_o subject_n from_o commit_v any_o thing_n which_o tend_v either_o to_o the_o total_a destruction_n or_o the_o subversion_n of_o the_o capital_a point_n of_o religion_n as_o if_o for_o instance_n any_o one_o shall_v attempt_v to_o deny_v public_o the_o existency_n of_o a_o god_n and_o his_o providence_n to_o set_v up_o plurality_n of_o god_n to_o worship_v fictitious_a god_n or_o idol_n in_o god_n stead_n to_o spread_v abroad_o blasphemy_n for_o to_o worship_v the_o devil_n enter_v with_o he_o into_o a_o compact_a and_o such_o like_a action_n for_o if_o these_o be_v keep_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o people_n thought_n without_o break_v out_o into_o public_a or_o outward_a action_n they_o be_v not_o punishable_a by_o the_o law_n neither_o can_v any_o humane_a power_n take_v cognizance_n of_o what_o be_v contain_v only_o and_o hide_a in_o the_o heart_n and_o as_o to_o what_o concern_v those_o ceremony_n which_o have_v be_v annex_v to_o religious_a worship_n though_o it_o be_v undeniable_a that_o one_o of_o the_o main_a point_n towards_o the_o maintain_v a_o good_a order_n in_o the_o state_n be_v that_o a_o due_a uniformity_n shall_v be_v observe_v in_o the_o same_o nevertheless_o sovereign_n need_v not_o be_v so_o very_o anxious_a on_o this_o account_n because_o these_o difference_n do_v not_o overturn_v religion_n itself_o neither_o do_v they_o as_o such_o consider_v dispose_v subject_n to_o raise_v disturbance_n and_o dissension_n in_o the_o state_n neither_o can_v sovereign_n be_v any_o great_a loser_n by_o the_o bargain_n if_o their_o subject_n differ_v in_o some_o ceremony_n no_o more_o than_o if_o they_o be_v divide_v into_o several_a opinion_n concern_v some_o philosophical_a doctrine_n but_o this_o be_v beyond_o all_o doubt_n that_o if_o under_o a_o religious_a pretext_n subject_n pretend_v to_o raise_v faction_n which_o may_v prove_v dangerous_a to_o the_o state_n or_o hatch_v other_o secret_a mischief_n these_o be_v punishable_a by_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n notwithstanding_o their_o religious_a pretence_n for_o as_o religion_n in_o its_o self_n consider_v be_v not_o the_o cause_n of_o vice_n so_o ought_v it_o not_o to_o serve_v for_o a_o cloak_n wherewith_o to_o cover_v and_o protect_v such_o treacherous_a design_n so_o the_o roman_a senate_n do_v acquit_v themselves_o very_o well_o in_o their_o station_n when_o they_o abolish_v these_o debauchery_n which_o be_v creep_v into_o the_o state_n with_o the_o bachanal_n but_o those_o sovereign_n who_o 〈…〉_o leâ—_n 〈…〉_o have_v transgress_v these_o bound_n by_o compel_v their_o subject_n to_o a_o religion_n of_o their_o own_o invention_n have_v without_o doubt_n abuse_v that_o power_n wherewith_o they_o be_v entrust_v neither_o have_v these_o prince_n acquit_v themselves_o much_o better_o in_o their_o station_n who_o have_v persecute_v their_o subject_n for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o because_o they_o profess_v a_o religion_n different_a from_o their_o own_o without_o make_v a_o due_a enquiry_n whether_o their_o doctrine_n be_v erroneous_a or_o not_o thus_o the_o proceed_n of_o pliny_n the_o young_a a_o man_n otherwise_o of_o a_o very_a good_a temper_n against_o the_o christian_n in_o bythinia_n can_v in_o any_o wise_a be_v justify_v for_o he_o confess_v himself_o that_o he_o never_o be_v present_a 97._o plin._n 10._o ep._n 97._o at_o the_o trial_n of_o the_o christian_n and_o be_v therefore_o ignorant_a both_o of_o their_o crime_n and_o consequent_o of_o what_o punishment_n they_o deserve_v for_o these_o be_v his_o word_n i_o only_o ask_v some_o of_o they_o several_a time_n whether_o they_o be_v christian_n which_o they_o have_v constant_o profess_v they_o be_v i_o order_v they_o to_o be_v
to_o any_o particular_a government_n but_o in_o general_a all_o such_o as_o make_v profession_n of_o a_o certain_a doctrine_n or_o religion_n §_o 15._o one_o of_o the_o main_a point_n which_o those_o he_o christ_n have_v no_o territory_n belong_v to_o he_o that_o intend_v to_o establish_v a_o new_a commonwealth_n ought_v to_o take_v care_n of_o be_v how_o to_o acquire_v considerable_a territory_n where_o their_o new_a subject_n may_v settle_v themselves_o and_o their_o fortune_n so_o moses_n when_o he_o see_v it_o not_o feasible_a to_o set_v up_o the_o jewish_a commonwealth_n within_o the_o bound_n of_o egypt_n lead_v they_o into_o the_o desert_n and_o through_o such_o place_n as_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o any_o particular_a government_n till_o such_o time_n that_o they_o conquer_a the_o land_n of_o canaan_n and_o root_v out_o its_o ancient_a inhabitant_n neither_o be_v the_o jew_n before_o they_o be_v put_v into_o possession_n of_o this_o country_n the_o less_o free_a for_o they_o be_v then_o a_o nation_n independent_a from_o any_o foreign_a power_n and_o though_o they_o sometime_o march_v upon_o the_o border_n of_o other_o prince_n nevertheless_o be_v they_o not_o during_o that_o time_n subject_n to_o their_o jurisdiction_n partly_o because_o no_o body_n ever_o lay_v any_o particular_a claim_n to_o those_o territory_n or_o if_o some_o of_o they_o do_v they_o march_v through_o they_o like_o soldier_n of_o fortune_n ready_a to_o make_v good_a their_o pretence_n and_o title_n to_o these_o land_n by_o the_o edge_n of_o their_o sword_n but_o christ_n do_v say_v of_o himself_o that_o he_o be_v so_o poor_a as_o he_o have_v not_o where_o to_o lay_v his_o head_n he_o be_v always_o so_o far_o 20._o mat._n 8._o 20._o from_o attempt_v to_o acquire_v any_o possession_n or_o territory_n or_o to_o encourage_v his_o follower_n to_o do_v it_o that_o he_o rather_o choose_v to_o live_v during_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n in_o other_o territory_n and_o under_o civil_a jurisdiction_n §_o 16._o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o other_o remarkable_a prince_n christ_n do_v not_o exircise_v the_o office_n of_o a_o prince_n circumstance_n from_o whence_o it_o may_v plain_o be_v infer_v that_o christ_n never_o do_v nor_o intend_v to_o appear_v as_o a_o prince_n here_o upon_o earth_n when_o the_o mother_n of_o the_o son_n of_o zebedeus_n beg_v of_o our_o saviour_n that_o her_o son_n may_v be_v prefer_v to_o the_o chief_a dignity_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n he_o rebuke_v she_o for_o her_o ignorance_n and_o prophesy_v to_o his_o follower_n a_o very_a slender_a share_n of_o outward_a splendour_n and_o temporal_a preferment_n but_o abundance_n of_o persecution_n nay_o he_o plain_o tell_v and_o enjoin_v his_o disciple_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o strive_v for_o pre-eminency_n over_o one_o another_o as_o temporal_a prince_n do_v it_o shall_v say_v he_o not_o be_v so_o among_o you_o 20._o vid._n mat._n 20._o 20._o order_v they_o to_o live_v in_o a_o equal_a and_o brotherlike_a degree_n with_o one_o another_o and_o to_o remove_v by_o his_o own_o example_n all_o remnant_n of_o 26._o luke_n 20._o 26._o pride_n he_o in_o their_o presence_n do_v abase_v himself_o to_o that_o degree_n of_o servitude_n as_o to_o wash_v the_o foot_n of_o st._n peter_n last_o it_o be_v of_o great_a consequence_n 10._o john_n 13._o 9_o 10._o at_o the_o first_o establishment_n of_o a_o new_a commonwealth_n that_o its_o founder_n be_v long-lived_a that_o thereby_o he_o may_v be_v enable_v to_o lay_v a_o more_o solid_a foundation_n of_o the_o new_a government_n for_o this_o reason_n it_o be_v that_o david_n soldier_n will_v not_o any_o long_o suffer_v he_o to_o expose_v his_o person_n in_o battle_n lest_o the_o light_n of_o israel_n shall_v 17._o 2_o sam._n 21._o 17._o be_v extinguish_v the_o loss_n of_o his_o own_o person_n be_v esteem_v more_o than_o of_o a_o great_a many_o thousand_o but_o our_o saviour_n do_v surrender_v himself_o voluntary_o to_o death_n after_o he_o have_v scarce_o four_o year_n appear_v in_o public_a and_o that_o without_o appoint_v a_o successor_n who_o be_v to_o exercise_v any_o power_n or_o authority_n over_o those_o that_o follow_v his_o doctrine_n §_o 17._o as_o now_o christ_n during_o his_o abode_n teacher_n 〈…〉_o of_o a_o doctor_n or_o teacher_n here_o upon_o earth_n do_v not_o make_v the_o least_o appearance_n or_o outward_a show_n resemble_v the_o greatness_n of_o temporal_a prince_n and_o as_o out_o of_o all_o his_o action_n there_o can_v be_v gather_v the_o least_o thing_n which_o may_v prove_v his_o intention_n to_o have_v be_v to_o erect_v a_o new_a state_n or_o commonwealth_n so_o it_o be_v sufficient_o apparent_a that_o during_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o public_a conversation_n on_o earth_n he_o employ_v all_o his_o time_n and_o labour_n in_o publish_v the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o that_o in_o the_o quality_n of_o a_o doctor_n or_o teacher_n he_o appear_v to_o the_o eye_n of_o all_o the_o world_n 2d_o john_n 1_o 2d_o whereas_o his_o office_n of_o be_v the_o saviour_n of_o mankind_n be_v at_o that_o time_n understand_v only_o by_o such_o as_o be_v capable_a of_o apply_v the_o ancient_a oracle_n of_o the_o prophet_n to_o his_o person_n furthermore_o our_o saviour_n to_o establish_v and_o show_v his_o authority_n make_v use_v of_o such_o miracle_n as_o may_v be_v evident_a proof_n of_o his_o divine_a power_n partly_o because_o the_o ancient_a ceremony_n which_o be_v to_o be_v abolish_v be_v first_o ordain_v by_o god_n special_a command_n partly_o because_o the_o principal_a head_n of_o his_o doctrine_n be_v surpass_v all_o human_a understanding_n but_o as_o for_o his_o way_n of_o teach_v it_o be_v plain_a and_o free_a from_o vanity_n without_o all_o affectation_n wherein_o appear_v nothing_o which_o just_o may_v cause_v the_o least_o suspicion_n of_o fictitious_a worship_n notwithstanding_o his_o doctrine_n appear_v thus_o in_o her_o native_a and_o pure_a simplicity_n yet_o so_o powerful_a be_v its_o charm_n that_o all_o what_o human_a art_n dexterity_n eloquence_n have_v be_v able_a to_o invent_v of_o that_o kind_n if_o compare_v to_o the_o solid_a expession_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v only_o superficial_a and_o insipid_a neither_o do_v we_o find_v that_o he_o make_v use_v of_o any_o outward_a mean_n to_o promote_v his_o doctrine_n he_o do_v not_o call_v to_o his_o aid_n the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o civil_a magistrate_n to_o force_v people_n to_o receive_v his_o word_n the_o word_n be_v 35_o mat._n 11._o 15._o 13._o 9_o 43._o luke_n 8._o 8_o 14._o 35_o there_o he_o that_o can_v take_v let_v he_o take_v it_o and_o how_o often_o do_v we_o read_v that_o he_o exclaim_v to_o they_o he_o that_o have_v ear_n to_o hear_v let_v he_o hear_v it_o be_v not_o god_n almighty_n pleasure_n to_o pull_v people_n headlong_o into_o heaven_n or_o to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o new_a french_a way_n of_o convert_v they_o by_o dragoon_n but_o he_o have_v lay_v open_a to_o we_o the_o way_n of_o our_o salvation_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o not_o to_o have_v quite_o debar_v we_o from_o our_o own_o choice_n so_o that_o if_o we_o will_v be_v refractory_a we_o may_v prove_v the_o cause_n of_o our_o own_o destruction_n neither_o do_v it_o please_v almighty_a god_n to_o inveigle_v mankind_n by_o the_o allurement_n of_o profit_n and_o temporal_a pleasure_n but_o rather_o to_o foretell_v those_o that_o shall_v follow_v his_o doctrine_n nothing_o but_o adversity_n calamity_n persecution_n and_o all_o sort_n of_o affliction_n reserve_v the_o chief_a reward_n till_o after_o this_o life_n where_o also_o such_o as_o have_v neglect_v his_o doctrine_n be_v to_o receive_v condign_a punishment_n this_o be_v the_o most_o evident_a proof_n that_o can_v be_v give_v of_o the_o intrinsic_a value_n and_o extraordinary_a worth_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n the_o natural_a constitution_n of_o mankind_n in_o general_n be_v such_o as_o to_o be_v chief_o move_v with_o those_o object_n that_o be_v present_a and_o affect_v our_o sense_n whereas_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v represent_v to_o our_o mind_n at_o a_o distance_n be_v but_o faint_o receive_v and_o often_o meet_v with_o dubious_a interpretation_n it_o be_v worth_a our_o observation_n what_o method_n christ_n make_v use_v of_o in_o his_o doctrine_n viz._n that_o he_o teach_v as_o one_o have_v authority_n as_o it_o be_v express_v by_o matth._n 7._o â—9_n not_o as_o the_o scribe_n that_o be_v he_o have_v no_o recourse_n to_o the_o authority_n and_o tradition_n of_o their_o ancient_n rabbi'_v so_o as_o to_o sâ—t_v up_o for_o a_o interpreter_n of_o their_o ancient_a law_n but_o he_o speak_v lordlike_o and_o as_o a_o legislator_n who_o have_v a_o lawful_a authority_n belong_v to_o himself_o to_o propose_v his_o doctrine_n it_o be_v my_o will_n and_o command_n who_o be_v it_o that_o dare_v gainsay_v
public_a unless_o with_o consent_n or_o at_o least_o connivance_n of_o the_o high_a power_n who_o may_v put_v a_o stop_n to_o they_o at_o pleasure_n but_o the_o case_n be_v quite_o different_a with_o the_o apostle_n who_o have_v receive_v their_o commission_n of_o teach_v from_o christ_n the_o same_o can_v be_v annul_v by_o any_o civil_a power_n so_o as_o to_o oblige_v they_o either_o to_o be_v silent_a or_o to_o alter_v their_o doctrine_n when_o command_v neither_o can_v they_o be_v esteem_v disobedient_a or_o rebellious_a if_o they_o refuse_v in_o this_o point_n to_o follow_v the_o command_v of_o civil_a magistrate_n it_o be_v very_o remarkable_a what_o christ_n speak_v to_o his_o apostle_n by_o way_n of_o preface_n when_o he_o be_v just_a go_v to_o put_v they_o into_o possession_n of_o their_o office_n thâ—se_o be_v his_o word_n all_o power_n be_v give_v unto_o i_o in_o heaven_n 18._o mat._n 28._o 18._o and_o in_o earth_n and_o that_o this_o power_n may_v not_o be_v mistake_v for_o a_o temporal_a authority_n as_o exercise_v by_o sovereign_n over_o their_o subject_n but_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o power_n of_o lead_v mankind_n and_o show_v they_o the_o true_a way_n to_o salvation_n plain_o appear_v out_o of_o our_o saviour_n word_n when_o he_o speak_v thus_o concern_v himself_o to_o his_o heavenly_a father_n as_o thou_o have_v give_v 3._o s._n joh._n 17._o 2_o 3._o he_o power_n over_o all_o flesh_n that_o he_o shall_v give_v eternal_a life_n to_o as_o many_o as_o thou_o have_v give_v he_o and_o this_o be_v eternal_a life_n that_o they_o may_v know_v thou_o the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n who_o thou_o have_v send_v and_o in_o st._n luke_n he_o that_o hear_a you_o hear_a i_o and_o he_o that_o despise_v you_o despise_v i_o 16._o 10_o 16._o and_o he_o that_o despise_v i_o despise_v he_o that_o send_v i_o the_o holy_a apostle_n therefore_o can_v not_o by_o any_o civil_a power_n on_o earth_n be_v absolve_v from_o this_o command_n of_o preach_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n throughout_o the_o world_n and_o baptise_v such_o as_o receive_v this_o doctrine_n they_o be_v instruct_v with_o the_o gift_n of_o do_v miracle_n as_o a_o proof_n of_o their_o authority_n and_o verity_n of_o their_o doctrine_n which_o be_v now_o sufficient_o propogate_v and_o receive_v by_o so_o many_o these_o miracle_n be_v become_v useless_a like_o it_o be_v the_o custom_n in_o some_o country_n that_o new_a law_n be_v publish_v under_o the_o sound_n of_o trumpet_n which_o be_v never_o repeat_v after_o the_o first_o promulgation_n they_o have_v then_o receive_v their_o authority_n from_o christ_n it_o be_v a_o vain_a expropration_n which_o be_v make_v to_o st._n paul_n by_o the_o athenian_n when_o they_o say_v what_o will_v this_o babbler_n say_v neither_o 18._o act._n 17._o 18._o can_v they_o be_v just_o punish_v because_o they_o go_v about_o to_o abolish_v the_o ancient_o receive_v rite_n and_o ceremony_n and_o when_o they_o be_v command_v to_o desist_v from_o spread_v their_o doctrine_n they_o may_v legal_o refuse_v to_o be_v obedient_a in_o this_o case_n for_o they_o ought_v to_o obey_v god_n 29._o act_n 4._o 19_o 5._o 29._o rather_o than_o man_n nay_o they_o be_v rather_o to_o undergo_v corporal_a punishment_n than_o to_o renounce_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o those_o prince_n 3â—_n mat._n 10._o 28_o 32_o 3â—_n that_o violent_o oppose_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v so_o far_o from_o have_v exercise_v a_o legal_a civil_a authority_n that_o they_o have_v rather_o make_v themselves_o guilty_a of_o a_o most_o enormous_a crime_n against_o the_o divine_a majesty_n by_o violate_v his_o legate_n or_o minister_n it_o be_v sufficient_o know_v that_o public_a minister_n send_v by_o temporal_a prince_n be_v esteem_v inviolable_a command_v the_o apostle_n never_o assume_v a_o power_n to_o command_v §_o 20._o beside_o this_o power_n of_o preach_v the_o gospel_n even_o in_o opposition_n to_o any_o civil_a command_n there_o be_v nothing_o to_o be_v meet_v withal_o in_o the_o whole_a apostolical_a doctrine_n that_o have_v the_o least_o resemblance_n of_o command_n or_o force_v it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o sometime_o teach_v can_v so_o well_o be_v perform_v without_o something_o of_o force_n or_o command_n especial_o among_o young_a people_n but_o this_o have_v its_o offspring_n from_o the_o paternal_a authority_n and_o be_v from_o â—hâ—nce_n derive_v unto_o other_o but_o the_o apostle_n be_v to_o teach_v whole_a nation_n such_o as_o be_v independent_a from_o other_o and_o past_o all_o school_n discipline_n and_o what_o can_v one_o single_a body_n or_o perhaps_o two_o and_o that_o without_o weapon_n pretend_v to_o do_v by_o force_n against_o whole_a nation_n and_o commonwealth_n it_o be_v therefore_o that_o the_o apostle_n say_v the_o weapon_n of_o our_o warfare_n be_v not_o carnal_a but_o mighty_a 5._o 2_o cor._n 10._o 4._o 5._o through_o god_n to_o the_o pull_v down_o of_o stronghold_n cast_v down_o imagination_n and_o every_o high_a thing_n that_o exalt_v itself_o against_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o bring_v into_o captivity_n every_o thought_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ_n and_o these_o weapon_n be_v more_o plain_o describe_v in_o the_o forego_n 6_o chap._n to_o be_v patience_z tribulation_n necessity_n destress_n seq_n â—_o cor._n 6._o 4._o seq_n stripe_n imprisonment_n labour_n fast_n watch_n pureness_n knowledge_n kindness_n the_o holy_a ghost_n unseigned_a love_n the_o word_n of_o truth_n the_o power_n of_o god_n the_o armour_n of_o righteousness_n and_o such_o like_a as_o may_v more_o at_o large_a appear_v out_o of_o several_a place_n especial_o out_o of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o ephes_n 6._o 11_o out_o of_o the_o 2_o d._n to_o the_o corinth_n 8._o 8_o 9_o 7._o to_o the_o coloss_n 1._o 23_o 25_o and_o out_o of_o the_o 2_o d._n to_o the_o thessaly_n 3._o 12_o 14_o 15._o 3._o luk._n 14._o â—_o 3._o it_o be_v true_a in_o the_o parallel_n of_o the_o great_a supper_n the_o master_n of_o the_o feast_n order_v his_o servant_n to_o go_v out_o and_o compel_v they_o to_o come_v into_o his_o house_n which_o be_v as_o much_o to_o say_v as_o to_o oblige_v they_o to_o come_v in_o but_o not_o by_o forcible_a mean_n or_o threaten_n or_o to_o pull_v they_o in_o by_o head_n and_o shoulder_n but_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o be_v suitable_a to_o a_o invitation_n to_o so_o great_a a_o feast_n by_o prayer_n and_o exhortation_n and_o make_v they_o sensible_a of_o the_o majesty_n and_o greatness_n both_o of_o the_o master_n and_o the_o feast_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o st._n paul_n express_v it_o we_o be_v ambassador_n 20._o 2_o cor._n 5._o 20._o for_o christ_n as_o though_o god_n do_v beseech_v you_o by_o we_o we_o pray_v you_o in_o christ_n stead_n be_v you_o reconcile_v to_o god_n and_o what_o can_v be_v more_o evident_a than_o that_o ambassador_n never_o pretend_v to_o any_o authority_n over_o those_o unto_o who_o they_o be_v send_v but_o that_o their_o negotiation_n ought_v to_o be_v accomplish_v by_o force_n of_o reason_n and_o persuasion_n the_o word_n also_o of_o feed_v which_o be_v use_v by_o st._n john_n imply_v nothing_o of_o command_n 21._o chap._n 21._o but_o only_o the_o due_a administration_n of_o food_n especial_o since_o our_o saviour_n tell_v express_o to_o peter_n feed_v my_o sheep_n not_o thou_o lest_o he_o shall_v be_v apt_a to_o imagine_v by_o the_o say_a word_n he_o have_v liberty_n give_v he_o to_o use_v his_o flock_n according_a to_o his_o own_o discretion_n but_o to_o make_v he_o sensible_a he_o be_v bind_v up_o to_o the_o same_o rule_n 23._o gen._n 31._o 38_o 39_o 40._o mat._n 10._o 14_o 23._o which_o the_o patriarch_n jacob_n have_v former_o prescribe_v to_o himself_o last_o our_o saviour_n be_v very_o plain_a in_o this_o point_n when_o he_o say_v and_o whosoever_o shall_v not_o receive_v you_o nor_o hear_v your_o word_n when_o you_o depart_v out_o of_o that_o house_n or_o city_n shake_v off_o the_o dust_n of_o your_o foot_n leave_v they_o to_o receive_v condign_a punishment_n for_o this_o contempt_n of_o the_o gospel_n at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n this_o be_v actual_o perform_v by_o st._n paul_n at_o antiocha_n and_o 6._o act_n 13._o 50_o 51._o 18_o 6._o corinth_n but_o those_o rule_n which_o be_v prescribe_v in_o the_o 1_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n chap._n 11._o from_o v._o 2_o to_o 22_o 23_o 24_o and_o 1_o corinth_n chap._n 14_o as_o also_o in_o tim._n 2._o 8_o ver._n chap._n 5._o 9_o ver._n and_o some_o other_o passage_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n do_v not_o imply_v any_o command_n or_o legislative_a power_n but_o be_v only_o moral_a precept_n and_o point_n of_o doctrine_n §_o 21._o but_o it_o may_v perhaps_o be_v object_v that_o command_n whether_o the_o power_n of_o
questionless_a a_o right_a to_o examine_v what_o matter_n and_o in_o what_o manner_n they_o be_v transact_v in_o the_o convention_n of_o their_o presbyter_n or_o in_o their_o ecclesiastical_a court_n if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o among_o they_o whether_o they_o do_v not_o transgress_v their_o bound_n whether_o they_o act_n according_a to_o the_o civil_a law_n or_o whether_o they_o do_v not_o assume_v to_o themselves_o a_o power_n to_o determine_v such_o case_n as_o proper_o belong_v to_o the_o civil_a jurisdiction_n of_o this_o kind_a be_v matrimonial_a case_n which_o without_o reason_n and_o upon_o very_o slender_a pretence_n the_o priest_n have_v draw_v under_o their_o jurisdiction_n to_o the_o great_a prejudice_n of_o the_o sovereign_a power_n for_o it_o be_v a_o unquestionable_a right_o belong_v to_o sovereign_n to_o constitute_v law_n concern_v matrimonial_a case_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o of_o god_n i_o can_v see_v any_o reason_n why_o they_o have_v not_o a_o right_a to_o determine_v matrimonial_a difference_n and_o because_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n make_v use_v of_o church_n discipline_n the_o prince_n may_v make_v a_o legal_a enquiry_n whether_o under_o pretence_n of_o these_o rule_n prescribe_v by_o our_o saviour_n they_o do_v not_o introduce_v novelty_n which_o may_v prove_v prejudicial_a to_o the_o state_n and_o as_o these_o enchroachment_n be_v no_o essential_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n but_o rather_o to_o be_v look_v upon_o like_a spot_n which_o disgnise_v its_o natural_a beauty_n so_o i_o can_v see_v with_o what_o face_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o those_o aught_o to_o be_v take_v off_o especial_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o those_o who_o interest_n be_v most_o near_o concern_v unless_o they_o have_v impudence_n enough_o to_o own_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n may_v lawful_o be_v misapply_v to_o by-use_n and_o let_v it_o be_v grant_v that_o every_o thing_n be_v transact_v as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o these_o convention_n of_o the_o presbyter_n consistory_n or_o episcopal_a court_n why_o shall_v they_o be_v ashamed_a or_o angry_a at_o their_o sovereign_n take_v cognisance_n of_o their_o proceed_n and_o this_o right_n of_o inspection_n do_v never_o cease_v after_o the_o sovereign_n have_v once_o enter_v into_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o take_v care_n that_o no_o abuse_n may_v creep_v into_o the_o church_n in_o process_n of_o time_n that_o may_v endanger_v the_o state_n §_o 45._o because_o the_o right_n of_o constitute_v minister_n concern_v the_o right_n of_o prince_n as_o to_o church_n minister_n minister_n of_o the_o church_n do_v original_o belong_v to_o the_o whole_a congregation_n the_o prince_n must_v needs_o have_v his_o share_n in_o it_o as_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o congregation_n i_o say_v his_o share_n for_o it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a that_o a_o minister_n shall_v be_v force_v upon_o any_o church_n against_o their_o consent_n and_o without_o their_o approbation_n except_o it_o be_v for_o very_o weighty_a reason_n for_o the_o right_a of_o constitute_v minister_n in_o the_o church_n do_v not_o belong_v to_o the_o prince_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o it_o be_v his_o prerogative_n to_o constitute_v civil_a magistrate_n and_o other_o public_a minister_n of_o state_n which_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o sovereign_a power_n can_v be_v call_v in_o question_n but_o teacher_n in_o the_o church_n consider_v mere_o as_o such_o be_v none_o of_o the_o king_n minister_n but_o servant_n of_o christ_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n not_o officer_n of_o the_o state_n and_o because_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n minister_n use_v to_o be_v constitute_v by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o by_o the_o suffrage_n of_o the_o christian_n the_o prince_n may_v lawful_o claim_v his_o vote_n in_o the_o same_o church_n whereof_o he_o be_v a_o member_n but_o as_o for_o the_o other_o church_n under_o his_o jurisdiction_n they_o ought_v to_o be_v leave_v to_o their_o free_a choice_n except_o there_o be_v some_o prevail_a reason_n which_o oblige_v the_o prince_n to_o interpose_v his_o authority_n it_o be_v unjust_a that_o a_o minister_n shall_v be_v put_v upon_o a_o church_n against_o their_o will_n if_o they_o can_v allege_v any_o lawful_a exception_n against_o he_o for_o a_o teacher_n thus_o force_v upon_o his_o auditor_n for_o who_o they_o have_v neither_o esteem_n nor_o love_n be_v likely_a to_o edify_v but_o little_a by_o his_o doctrine_n nevertheless_o sovereign_n ought_v to_o have_v a_o watchful_a eye_n over_o the_o church_n and_o to_o take_v care_n that_o person_n not_o fit_o qualify_v for_o this_o sacred_a function_n may_v not_o be_v promote_v to_o the_o ministry_n either_o by_o simony_n or_o other_o unlawful_a mean_n for_o though_o it_o be_v the_o interest_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n to_o provide_v against_o these_o corruption_n sovereign_n be_v likely_a to_o do_v it_o with_o much_o better_a success_n than_o can_v be_v expect_v from_o private_a person_n they_o may_v authorise_v certain_a person_n to_o be_v present_a at_o these_o election_n and_o who_o by_o their_o authority_n may_v prevent_v all_o manner_n of_o disorder_n or_o corruption_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n make_v a_o due_a enquiry_n whether_o such_o person_n as_o be_v to_o be_v put_v into_o the_o ministry_n be_v of_o a_o approve_a life_n and_o doctrine_n and_o because_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n do_v 10._o 1_o tim._n 3_o 10._o sometime_o act_v negligent_o or_o preposterous_o in_o their_o office_n which_o often_o prove_v the_o occasion_n of_o scandal_n and_o schism_n in_o the_o church_n 17._o rom._n 16_o 17._o sovereign_n may_v constitute_v over_o they_o inspector_n with_o a_o authority_n to_o reprove_v and_o sometime_o to_o punish_v such_o as_o transgress_v their_o rule_n but_o these_o inspector_n be_v no_o less_o subject_n to_o human_a frailty_n than_o other_o man_n care_v aught_o to_o be_v take_v that_o their_o authority_n be_v so_o limit_v as_o to_o be_v accountable_a of_o all_o their_o proceed_n either_o to_o the_o prince_n or_o before_o a_o consistory_n authorise_v for_o that_o purpose_n if_o they_o transgress_v their_o bound_n or_o trespass_n upon_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n as_o all_o these_o matter_n do_v contribute_v to_o the_o maintain_n of_o good_a order_n in_o the_o church_n and_o may_v best_o be_v put_v in_o execution_n by_o the_o sovereign_a authority_n so_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o prince_n as_o they_o be_v chief_a member_n of_o the_o church_n may_v just_o claim_v this_o prerogative_n as_o proper_o belong_v to_o their_o high_a station_n and_o princely_a office_n §_o 46._o in_o case_n of_o any_o difference_n or_o controversy_n synod_n concern_v the_o right_n of_o call_v together_o a_o synod_n concern_v any_o point_n of_o doctrine_n which_o may_v sometime_o arise_v in_o the_o church_n so_o that_o the_o teacher_n be_v divide_v in_o their_o opinion_n it_o belong_v to_o the_o sovereign_a authority_n to_o take_v care_n that_o these_o difference_n may_v be_v compose_v not_o only_o as_o the_o sovereign_n be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n but_o as_o he_o be_v the_o supreme_a head_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n it_o have_v be_v frequent_o observe_v that_o differencee_n of_o opinion_n and_o animosity_n of_o the_o party_n concern_v cause_n great_a commotion_n in_o the_o state_n upon_o such_o occasion_n sovereign_n have_v a_o right_a to_o call_v together_o a_o assembly_n of_o the_o most_o able_a divine_n and_o to_o authorise_v they_o to_o examine_v the_o controversy_n and_o to_o determine_v it_o according_a to_o the_o tenure_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o supreme_a direction_n of_o this_o assembly_n ought_v to_o be_v manage_v by_o the_o princes_n authority_n for_o since_o it_o can_v scarce_o be_v suppose_v that_o matter_n shall_v be_v transact_v there_o without_o heat_n and_o animosity_n it_o will_v be_v both_o for_o the_o honour_n and_o interest_n of_o this_o assembly_n if_o by_o the_o presence_n of_o certain_a person_n well_o verse_v in_o business_n these_o heat_n be_v allay_v and_o matter_n carry_v on_o with_o a_o equal_a temperament_n neither_o do_v i_o see_v how_o any_o one_o beside_o the_o prince_n can_v lay_v claim_n to_o this_o power_n of_o call_v such_o a_o assembly_n for_o put_v the_o case_n that_o one_o party_n shall_v refuse_v to_o appear_v and_o to_o submit_v unto_o the_o other_o direction_n which_o way_n will_v they_o be_v able_a to_o compel_v they_o to_o it_o and_o who_o be_v it_o that_o can_v with_o less_o difficulty_n put_v in_o execution_n the_o decree_n of_o such_o a_o synod_n than_o he_o who_o have_v the_o sovereign_a power_n in_o his_o hand_n though_o at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v forget_v that_o this_o power_n must_v not_o extend_v itself_o beyond_o its_o due_a bound_n but_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o genius_n of_o the_o christian_a