negligence_n i_o comprise_v both_o the_o ignorance_n sloth_n worldliness_n decay_n in_o gift_n and_o grace_n with_o superstition_n in_o sundry_a instance_n that_o in_o many_o of_o they_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o it_o dr._n still_o plead_v that_o it_o be_v very_o unlikely_a that_o the_o people_n will_v forego_v their_o interest_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n if_o ever_o they_o have_v any_o such_o thing_n without_o great_a noise_n and_o trouble_v for_o say_v he_o government_n be_v so_o nice_a and_o tender_a a_o thing_n that_o every_o one_o be_v so_o much_o concern_v for_o his_o share_n in_o it_o that_o man_n be_v not_o easy_o induce_v to_o part_v with_o it_o let_v we_o suppose_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n to_o have_v be_v democratical_a at_o first_o as_o dr._n o._n seem_v to_o do_v be_v it_o probable_a that_o the_o people_n will_v have_v be_v wheadle_v out_o of_o the_o sweetness_n of_o government_n so_o soon_o and_o make_v no_o noise_n about_o it_o pag._n 226._o his_o mistake_n about_o my_o judgement_n herein_o have_v be_v mark_v before_o no_o other_o interest_n or_o share_n in_o the_o government_n be_v ascribe_v by_o we_o unto_o the_o people_n but_o that_o they_o may_v be_v rule_v by_o their_o own_o consent_n and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v allow_v to_o yield_v obedience_n in_o the_o church_n unto_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n give_v unto_o they_o for_o that_o end_n this_o interest_n they_o neither_o do_v nor_o can_v forego_v without_o their_o own_o sin_n and_o gild_n in_o neglect_v the_o exercise_n of_o the_o gift_n and_o grace_n which_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v have_v and_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o duty_n whereunto_o they_o be_v oblige_v but_o for_o any_o engagement_n on_o their_o mind_n from_o the_o sweetness_n of_o government_n wherein_o their_o concern_v principal_o consist_v in_o a_o understanding_n voluntary_a obedience_n unto_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n they_o have_v nothing_o of_o it_o take_v also_o in_o general_n government_n to_o be_v as_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v mere_o a_o duty_n labour_n and_o service_n without_o those_o advantage_n of_o power_n ease_n dignity_n and_o wealth_n which_o have_v be_v annex_v unto_o it_o and_o it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o discover_v such_o a_o nicety_n or_o sweetness_n in_o it_o as_o to_o oblige_v unto_o pertinacy_n in_o a_o adherence_n unto_o it_o if_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v apprehend_v to_o consist_v in_o man_n give_v themselves_o whole_o to_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n in_o watch_v continual_o over_o the_o flock_n in_o accurate_a carefulness_n to_o do_v and_o act_v nothing_o in_o the_o church_n but_o in_o the_o name_n and_o authority_n of_o christ_n by_o the_o warranty_n of_o his_o command_n with_o a_o constant_a exercise_n of_o all_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v in_o these_o and_o all_o other_o duty_n of_o their_o office_n and_o that_o without_o the_o least_o appearance_n of_o domination_n or_o the_o procure_n of_o dignity_n secular_a honour_n and_o revenue_n thereby_o it_o may_v be_v a_o share_n and_o interest_n in_o it_o will_v not_o be_v so_o earnest_o covet_v and_o seek_v after_o as_o at_o present_v it_o be_v nor_o be_v there_o any_o more_o pertinency_n in_o his_o ensue_a supposal_n of_o a_o change_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o congregational_a church_n in_o london_n in_o set_v up_o one_o man_n to_o rule_v over_o they_o all_o and_o to_o appoint_v their_o several_a teacher_n etc._n etc._n p._n 227._o which_o can_v not_o be_v do_v without_o noise_n it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o fear_v it_o non_fw-la isto_fw-la vivimus_fw-la illic_fw-la quo_fw-la tu_fw-la veer_fw-la modo_fw-la and_o impertinent_a in_o this_o case_n to_o suppose_v it_o for_o it_o speak_v of_o a_o sudden_a total_a alteration_n in_o the_o state_n order_n and_o rule_n of_o church_n to_o be_v make_v at_o once_o whereas_o our_o discourse_n be_v of_o that_o which_o be_v gradual_a in_o many_o age_n by_o degree_n almost_o imperceptible_a but_o yet_o i_o can_v give_v no_o security_n that_o the_o church_n of_o our_o way_n shall_v not_o in_o process_n of_o time_n decline_v from_o their_o primitive_a constitution_n and_o order_n either_o in_o their_o power_n and_o spirit_n in_o faith_n and_o love_n or_o in_o the_o outward_a practice_n of_o they_o unless_o they_o continual_o watch_v against_o all_o beginning_n and_o occasion_n of_o such_o declension_n and_o frequent_o renew_v their_o reformation_n or_o if_o it_o be_v otherwise_o they_o will_v have_v better_a success_n than_o any_o church_n in_o the_o world_n ever_o yet_o have_v even_o those_o that_o be_v of_o the_o plant_n of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o as_o be_v manifest_v in_o the_o judgement_n that_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n pass_v on_o they_o rev._n 2._o and_o 3._o the_o negligence_n of_o the_o people_n which_o issue_v in_o their_o unfitness_n to_o be_v dispose_v of_o and_o rule_v according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o first_o constitution_n of_o church_n order_n may_v be_v consider_v either_o as_o it_o give_v occasion_n unto_o those_o lesser_a deviation_n from_o the_o rule_n which_o do_v not_o much_o prejudice_n the_o faith_n and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n or_o as_o it_o occasion_v great_a alteration_n in_o the_o ensue_a age_n and_o 1._o the_o great_a and_o perhaps_o in_o some_o thing_n excessive_a veneration_n which_o they_o have_v of_o their_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n do_v probable_o occasion_n in_o they_o some_o neglect_n of_o their_o own_o duty_n for_o they_o be_v easy_o induce_v hereon_o not_o only_o implicit_o to_o leave_v the_o mannagement_n of_o all_o church_n affair_n unto_o they_o but_o also_o zealous_o to_o comply_v with_o their_o mistake_v the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o martyrdom_n of_o holy_a polycarpus_n tell_v we_o that_o when_o he_o ascend_v the_o pile_n wherein_o he_o be_v to_o be_v burn_v that_o he_o pull_v off_o his_o own_o clothes_n and_o endeavour_v to_o pull_v off_o his_o shoe_n which_o he_o have_v not_o do_v before_o because_o the_o faithful_a strive_v among_o themselves_o who_o shall_v soon_o touch_v his_o body_n euseb._n lib._n 4._o cap._n 15._o i_o think_v there_o can_v be_v no_o veneration_n due_a to_o a_o man_n which_o be_v not_o so_o unto_o that_o great_a and_o holy_a person_n but_o those_o who_o do_v so_o express_v it_o may_v easy_o be_v induce_v to_o place_n too_o much_o of_o their_o religion_n in_o a_o implicit_a compliance_n with_o they_o unto_o who_o they_o be_v so_o devote_v hence_o a_o negligence_n in_o themselves_o as_o unto_o their_o particular_a duty_n do_v ensue_v they_o be_v quick_o far_o from_o esteem_v it_o their_o duty_n to_o say_v unto_o their_o pastor_n or_o bishop_n that_o he_o shall_v take_v heed_n unto_o the_o ministry_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v in_o the_o lord_n to_o fulfil_v it_o as_o the_o apostle_n enjoin_v the_o colossian_n to_o say_v to_o archippus_n their_o pastor_n chap._n 4.17_o but_o begin_v to_o think_v that_o the_o glory_n of_o obsequious_a obedience_n be_v all_o that_o be_v leave_v unto_o they_o and_o hence_o do_v some_o of_o the_o clergy_n begin_v to_o assume_v to_o themselves_o and_o to_o ascribe_v unto_o one_o another_o great_a swell_a title_n of_o honour_n and_o name_n of_o dignity_n among_o which_o the_o blasphemous_a title_n of_o his_o holiness_n be_v at_o length_n appropriate_v unto_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n wherein_o they_o open_o depart_v from_o apostolical_a simplicity_n and_o gravity_n but_o these_o thing_n fall_v out_o after_o the_o write_n of_o the_o epistle_n of_o clemens_n of_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o vienna_n and_o smyrna_n wherein_o no_o such_o title_n do_v appear_v 2._o many_o of_o the_o particular_a church_n of_o the_o first_o plantation_n increase_a great_o in_o the_o number_n of_o their_o member_n it_o be_v neither_o convenient_a nor_o safe_a that_o the_o whole_a multitude_n shall_v on_o all_o occasion_n come_v together_o as_o they_o do_v at_o first_o to_o consult_v about_o their_o common_a concern_v and_o discharge_v the_o duty_n of_o their_o communion_n for_o by_o reason_n of_o danger_n from_o their_o numerous_a convention_n they_o meet_v in_o several_a parcel_n as_o they_o have_v opportunity_n herewith_o they_o be_v content_v unless_o it_o be_v upon_o the_o great_a occasion_n of_o choose_v their_o officer_n and_o the_o like_a whereon_o the_o whole_a church_n meet_v together_o this_o make_v they_o leave_v the_o ordinary_a administration_n of_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n unto_o the_o elder_n of_o it_o not_o concern_v themselves_o further_o therein_o but_o still_o continue_v member_n of_o the_o same_o particular_a church_n it_o be_v altogether_o improbable_a what_o platina_n from_o damasus_n affirm_v in_o the_o life_n of_o evaristus_n about_o the_o end_n of_o the_o first_o century_n that_o he_o
of_o the_o roman_a empire_n then_o of_o the_o roman_a church_n as_o unto_o its_o rise_n by_o holiness_n and_o devotion_n and_o its_o ruin_n by_o sensuality_n ambition_n the_o utter_a neglect_n of_o the_o discipline_n of_o christ_n and_o superstition_n but_o yet_o let_v any_o man_n peruse_v that_o historian_n who_o write_v with_o this_o express_a design_n he_o shall_v hardly_o fix_v upon_o many_o of_o those_o instance_n whereby_o the_o empire_n come_v into_o that_o deplorable_a condition_n wherein_o it_o be_v not_o able_a to_o bear_v its_o distemper_n nor_o its_o cure_n such_o as_o be_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n before_o the_o reformation_n but_o beside_o the_o common_a difficulty_n of_o discover_v the_o beginning_n and_o gradual_a progression_n of_o decay_n declension_n and_o apostasy_n those_o which_o we_o treat_v of_o be_v begin_v and_o carry_v on_o in_o a_o mysterious_a manner_n that_o be_v by_o the_o effectual_a work_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n as_o this_o almost_o hide_v total_o the_o work_n of_o it_o from_o the_o age_n wherein_o it_o be_v wrought_v so_o it_o render_v the_o discovery_n of_o it_o now_o accomplish_a the_o more_o difficult_a passenger_n in_o a_o ship_n set_v out_o to_o sea_n ofttimes_o discern_v not_o the_o progressive_a motion_n of_o the_o ship_n yea_o for_o a_o while_o the_o land_n rather_o seem_v to_o to_o move_v from_o they_o than_o the_o vessel_n wherein_o they_o be_v from_o it_o but_o after_o a_o season_n the_o consideration_n of_o what_o distance_n they_o be_v at_o from_o their_o port_n give_v they_o sufficient_a assurance_n of_o the_o progress_n that_o have_v be_v make_v so_o be_v this_o declension_n of_o the_o church_n from_o their_o primitive_a order_n and_o institution_n be_v discoverable_a rather_o by_o measure_v the_o distance_n between_o what_o it_o leave_v and_o what_o it_o arrive_v unto_o then_o by_o express_a instance_n of_o it_o but_o yet_o be_v it_o not_o altogether_o like_a unto_o that_o of_o a_o ship_n at_o sea_n but_o rather_o unto_o the_o way_n of_o a_o serpent_n on_o a_o rock_n which_o leave_v some_o slime_n in_o all_o its_o turn_n and_o wind_n whereby_o he_o may_v be_v trace_v such_o mark_n be_v leave_v on_o record_n of_o the_o serpentine_a work_n of_o this_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n as_o whereby_o it_o may_v be_v trace_v with_o more_o or_o less_o evidence_n from_o its_o original_a interest_n unto_o its_o accomplishment_n the_o principal_a promote_a cause_n of_o this_o defection_n on_o the_o part_n of_o man_n be_v those_o assign_v by_o st._n ambrose_n in_o one_o instance_n of_o it_o namely_o the_o negligence_n of_o the_o people_n and_o the_o ambition_n of_o the_o clergy_n i_o speak_v as_o unto_o the_o state_n rule_n discipline_n and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n for_o as_o unto_o the_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n of_o it_o there_o be_v many_o other_o cause_n and_o mean_n of_o their_o corruption_n which_o belong_v not_o unto_o our_o present_a purpose_n but_o as_o unto_o the_o alteration_n that_o be_v begin_v and_o carry_v on_o in_o the_o state_n order_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n they_o arise_v from_o those_o spring_n of_o negligence_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o ambition_n on_o the_o other_o with_o want_n of_o skill_n and_o wisdom_n to_o manage_v outward_a occurrence_n and_o incidency_n or_o what_o alteration_n fall_v out_o in_o the_o outward_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o world_n for_o hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o in_o the_o accession_n of_o the_o nation_n in_o general_a unto_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n church_n order_n be_v suit_v and_o frame_v unto_o their_o secular_a state_n when_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v bring_v into_o the_o spiritual_a state_n and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n leave_v their_o political_a state_n entire_a unto_o themselves_o herein_o i_o say_v do_v the_o guide_n of_o the_o church_n certain_o miss_v their_o rule_n and_o depart_v from_o it_o in_o the_o day_n of_o constantine_n the_o emperor_n and_o afterward_o under_o other_o christian_a emperor_n when_o whole_a town_n city_n yea_o and_o nation_n offer_v at_o once_o to_o join_v themselves_o unto_o it_o evident_a it_o be_v that_o they_o be_v not_o wrought_v hereunto_o by_o the_o same_o power_n nor_o induce_v unto_o it_o on_o the_o same_o motive_n or_o lead_v by_o the_o same_o mean_n with_o those_o who_o former_o under_o persecution_n be_v convert_v unto_o the_o faith_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n and_o this_o quick_o manifest_v itself_o in_o the_o life_n and_o conversation_n of_o many_o yea_o of_o the_o most_o of_o they_o hence_o those_o which_o be_v wise_a quick_o understand_v that_o what_o the_o church_n have_v get_v in_o multitude_n and_o number_n it_o have_v lose_v in_o the_o beauty_n and_o glory_n of_o its_o holy_a profession_n chrysostome_n in_o particular_a complain_n of_o it_o frequent_o and_o in_o many_o place_n cry_v out_o what_o have_v i_o to_o do_v with_o this_o multitude_n a_o few_o serious_a believer_n be_v more_o worth_a than_o they_o all_o however_o the_o guide_n of_o the_o church_n think_v meet_v to_o receive_v they_o with_o all_o their_o multitude_n into_o their_o communion_n at_o least_o so_o far_o as_o to_o place_v they_o under_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o such_o and_o such_o episcopal_a see_v for_o hereby_o their_o own_o power_n authority_n dignity_n revenue_n be_v enlarge_v and_o mighty_o increase_v on_o this_o occasion_n the_o ancient_a primitive_a way_n of_o admit_v member_n into_o the_o church_n be_v relinquish_v the_o consideration_n of_o their_o personal_a qualification_n and_o real_a conversion_n unto_o god_n omit_v such_o multitude_n be_v receive_v as_o can_v not_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n and_o duty_n of_o communion_n with_o those_o particular_a church_n whereunto_o they_o be_v dispose_v and_o be_v the_o most_o of_o they_o unfit_a to_o be_v rule_v by_o the_o power_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n on_o their_o mind_n and_o conscience_n it_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o a_o great_a alteration_n must_v ensue_v in_o the_o state_n order_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n and_o a_o great_a deviation_n from_o their_o original_a institution_n man_n may_v say_v that_o this_o alteration_n be_v necessary_a that_o it_o be_v good_a and_o useful_a that_o it_o be_v but_o the_o accommodation_n of_o general_a rule_n unto_o especial_a occasion_n and_o circumstance_n but_o that_o there_o be_v a_o alteration_n hereon_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n none_o can_v with_o modesty_n deny_v and_o this_o be_v enough_o unto_o my_o present_a design_n be_v only_o to_o prove_v that_o such_o alteration_n and_o deviation_n do_v of_o old_a fall_n out_o neither_o ought_v we_o to_o cover_v the_o provoke_a degeneracy_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n in_o the_o 4_o the_o and_o 5_o the_o century_n with_o those_o that_o follow_v the_o consideration_n of_o it_o be_v necessary_a unto_o the_o vindication_n of_o the_o holy_a providence_n of_o god_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o deal_n with_o his_o church_n for_o there_o have_v be_v no_o nation_n in_o the_o world_n which_o public_o receive_v christian_n religion_n but_o it_o have_v be_v waste_v and_o destroy_v by_o the_o sword_n of_o pagan_a idolater_n or_o such_o as_o be_v no_o better_o than_o they_o at_o first_o all_o the_o province_n of_o the_o western_a empire_n be_v one_o after_o another_o make_v desolate_a by_o the_o pagan_a nation_n of_o the_o northern_a country_n who_o themselves_o do_v afterward_o so_o turn_v christian_n as_o to_o lay_v among_o they_o the_o foundation_n of_o anti-christianisme_n rev._n 17.12_o 13._o the_o eastern_a empire_n comprehend_v the_o residue_n of_o the_o province_n that_o have_v embrace_v the_o christian_a religion_n be_v first_o desolate_v in_o the_o chief_a branch_n of_o it_o by_o the_o saracen_n and_o at_o length_n utter_o destroy_v by_o the_o turk_n and_o i_o pray_v god_n that_o the_o like_a fate_n do_v not_o at_o this_o day_n hang_v over_o the_o reform_a nation_n as_o from_o their_o profession_n they_o be_v call_v do_v we_o think_v that_o all_o this_o be_v without_o câ—use_n do_v god_n give_v up_o his_o inheritance_n to_o the_o spoil_n of_o barbarous_a infidel_n without_o such_o provocation_n as_o the_o pass_n by_o whereof_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n of_o his_o rule_n it_o be_v not_o the_o wisdom_n nor_o the_o courage_n nor_o the_o multitude_n of_o theâ—r_a enemy_n but_o their_o own_o sin_n wickedness_n superstition_n and_o apostasy_n from_o the_o rule_n of_o gospel-order_n worship_n and_o obedience_n which_o ruin_v all_o christian_a nation_n but_o to_o give_v far_a evidence_n hereunto_o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o cause_n aforementioned_a distinct_o and_o apart_o and_o the_o first_o of_o they_o be_v the_o negligence_n of_o the_o people_n themselves_o but_o in_o this_o
church_n for_o their_o work_n be_v to_o call_v gather_v and_o erect_v it_o out_o of_o the_o world_n but_o no_o ordinary_a officer_n can_v be_v or_o ever_o be_v ordain_v but_o to_o a_o church_n in_o be_v some_o say_v they_o be_v ordain_v unto_o the_o universal_a visible_a church_n of_o professor_n some_o unto_o the_o particular_a church_n wherein_o their_o work_n do_v lie_v but_o all_o grant_n that_o the_o church-state_n whereunto_o they_o be_v ordain_v be_v antecedent_n unto_o their_o ordination_n the_o lord_n christ_n can_v and_o do_v ordain_v apostle_n and_o evangelist_n when_o there_o be_v yet_o no_o gospel_n church_n for_o they_o be_v to_o be_v the_o instrument_n of_o its_o call_v and_o erection_n but_o the_o apostle_n neither_o do_v nor_o can_v ordain_v any_o ordinary_a officer_n until_o there_o be_v a_o church_n or_o church_n with_o respect_n whereunto_o they_o shall_v be_v ordain_v it_o be_v therefore_o high_o absurd_a to_o ascribe_v the_o continuation_n of_o the_o church_n unto_o the_o successive_a ordination_n of_o officer_n if_o any_o such_o thing_n there_o be_v see_v this_o successive_a ordination_n of_o officer_n depend_v sole_o on_o the_o continuation_n of_o the_o church_n if_o that_o be_v not_o secure_v on_o other_o foundation_n this_o successive_a ordination_n will_v quick_o tumble_v into_o dust_n yea_o this_o successive_a ordination_n be_v there_o any_o such_o thing_n appoint_v must_v be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o and_o so_o can_v be_v the_o mean_n of_o communicate_v church_n power_n unto_o other_o a_o successive_a ordination_n in_o some_o sense_n may_v be_v grant_v namely_o that_o when_o those_o who_o be_v ordain_v officer_n in_o any_o church_n do_v die_v that_o other_o be_v ordain_v in_o their_o stead_n but_o this_o be_v by_o a_o act_n of_o power_n in_o the_o church_n itself_o as_o we_o shall_v manifest_v afterward_o 2._o not_o to_o treat_v of_o papal_a succession_n the_o limit_v of_o this_o successive_a ordination_n as_o the_o only_a way_n and_o mean_n of_o communicate_v church_n power_n and_o so_o of_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o church-state_n unto_o diocesan_n prelate_n or_o bishop_n be_v build_v on_o so_o many_o inevident_a presumption_n and_o false_a principle_n as_o will_v leave_v it_o altogether_o uncertain_a whether_o there_o be_v any_o church-state_n in_o the_o world_n or_o no._n as_o 1_o that_o such_o bishop_n be_v ordain_v by_o the_o apostle_n which_o can_v never_o be_v prove_v 2_o that_o they_o receive_v power_n from_o the_o apostle_n to_o ordain_v other_o and_o communicate_v their_o whole_a power_n unto_o they_o by_o a_o authority_n inherent_a in_o themselves_o alone_o yet_o still_o reserve_v their_o whole_a power_n unto_o themselves_o also_o give_v all_o and_o retain_v all_o at_o the_o same_o time_n which_o have_v no_o more_o of_o truth_n than_o the_o former_a and_o may_v be_v easy_o disprove_v 3_o that_o they_o never_o do_v nor_o can_v any_o of_o they_o forfeit_v this_o power_n by_o any_o crime_n or_o error_n so_o as_o to_o render_v their_o ordination_n invalid_a and_o interrupt_v the_o succession_n pretend_v 4_o that_o they_o all_o ordain_v other_o in_o such_o manner_n and_o way_n as_o to_o render_v their_o ordination_n valid_a whereas_o multitude_n be_v never_o agree_v what_o be_v require_v thereunto_o 5_o that_o whatever_o heresy_n idolatry_n flagitiousness_n of_o life_n persecution_n of_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n these_o prelatical_a ordainer_n may_v fall_v into_o by_o whatever_o art_n simoniacal_a practice_n or_o false_a pretence_n unto_o what_o be_v not_o they_o come_v themselves_o into_o their_o office_n yet_o nothing_o can_v deprive_v they_o of_o their_o right_n of_o communicate_v all_o church_n power_n unto_o other_o by_o ordination_n 6_o that_o person_n so_o ordain_v whether_o they_o have_v any_o call_v from_o the_o church_n or_o no_o whether_o they_o have_v any_o of_o the_o qualification_n require_v by_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o scripture_n to_o make_v they_o capable_a of_o any_o office_n in_o the_o church_n or_o have_v receive_v any_o spiritual_a gift_n from_o christ_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o office_n and_o discharge_v of_o their_o duty_n whether_o they_o have_v any_o design_n or_o no_o to_o pursue_v the_o end_n of_o that_o office_n which_o they_o take_v upon_o they_o yet_o all_o be_v one_o be_v any_o way_n prelatical_o ordain_v bishop_n they_o may_v ordain_v other_o and_o so_o the_o successive_a ordination_n be_v preserve_v and_o what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o take_v the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n to_o give_v law_n unto_o he_o to_o follow_v with_o his_o approbation_n the_o act_n of_o man_n beside_o and_o contrary_a to_o his_o law_n and_o institution_n and_o to_o make_v application_n of_o his_o promise_n unto_o the_o vile_a of_o man_n whether_o he_o will_v or_o no._n 7_o that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o believer_n or_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n to_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o his_o command_n without_o this_o episcopal_a ordination_n which_o many_o church_n can_v have_v and_o more_o will_v not_o as_o judge_v it_o against_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o christ._n 8_o that_o one_o worldly_a ignorant_n proud_a sensual_a beast_n such_o as_o some_o of_o the_o head_n of_o this_o successive_a ordination_n as_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n have_v be_v shall_v have_v more_o power_n and_o authority_n from_o christ_n to_o preserve_v and_o continue_v a_o church-state_n by_o ordination_n than_o any_o the_o most_o holy_a church_n in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v or_o can_v be_v gather_v according_a to_o his_o mind_n with_o other_o unwarrantable_a presumption_n innumerable_a 3._o the_o pernicious_a consequence_n that_o may_v ensue_v on_o this_o principle_n do_v manifest_a its_o inconsistency_n with_o what_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v ordain_v unto_o this_o end_n of_o the_o continuation_n of_o his_o church_n i_o need_v not_o reckon_v they_o upon_o the_o sure_a probability_n there_o be_v no_o room_n leave_v for_o fear_n of_o what_o may_v follow_v hereon_o by_o what_o have_v already_o do_v so_o if_o we_o consider_v whither_o this_o successive_a ordination_n have_v already_o lead_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o church_n we_o may_v easy_o judge_v what_o it_o be_v meet_v for_o it_o have_v i_o say_v lead_v man_n for_o instance_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n into_o a_o presumption_n of_o a_o good_a church-state_n in_o the_o loss_n of_o holiness_n and_o truth_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o false_a worship_n and_o idolatry_n in_o the_o persecution_n and_o slaughter_n of_o the_o faithful_a servant_n of_o christ_n unto_o a_o state_n plain_o antichristian_a to_o think_v there_o shall_v be_v a_o flux_n and_o communication_n of_o heavenly_a and_o spiritual_a power_n from_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o and_o by_o the_o hand_n and_o act_n of_o person_n ignorant_a simoniacal_a adulterous_a incestuous_a proud_a ambitious_a sensual_a preside_v in_o a_o church-state_n never_o appoint_v by_o he_o immerse_v in_o false_a and_o idolatrous_a worship_n persecute_v the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n wherein_o be_v the_o true_a succession_n of_o apostolical_a doctrine_n and_o holiness_n be_v a_o imagination_n for_o man_n who_o embrace_v the_o shadow_n and_o appearance_n of_o thing_n never_o once_o serious_o think_v of_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o they_o in_o brief_a it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o derive_v a_o succession_n whereon_o the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n shall_v depend_v through_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n with_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n who_o for_o a_o 100_o year_n together_o from_o the_o year_n 900_o to_o a_o 1000_o be_v monster_n for_o ignorance_n lust_n pride_n and_o luxury_n as_o baronius_n acknowledge_v a._n d._n 912.5.8_o or_o by_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n by_o samosatenus_fw-la eudoxius_n gnapheus_n severus_n and_o the_o like_a heretic_n or_o in_o constantinople_n by_o macedonius_n eusebius_n demophilus_n anthorinus_n and_o their_o companion_n or_o at_o alexandria_n by_o lucius_n dioscurus_n aelurus_n sergius_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o same_o sort_n 4._o the_o principal_a argument_n whereby_o this_o conceit_n be_v full_o discard_v must_v be_v speak_v unto_o afterward_o and_o this_o be_v the_o due_a consideration_n of_o the_o proper_a subject_n of_o all_o church-power_n unto_o who_o it_o be_v original_o formal_o and_o radical_o give_v and_o grant_v by_o jesus_n christ._n for_o none_o can_v communicate_v this_o power_n unto_o other_o but_o those_o who_o have_v receive_v it_o themselves_o from_o christ_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o law_n and_o institution_n now_o this_o be_v the_o whole_a church_n and_o not_o any_o person_n in_o it_o or_o prelate_n over_o it_o look_v whatever_o constitute_v it_o a_o church_n that_o give_v it_o all_o the_o power_n and_o privilege_n of_o a_o church_n for_o a_o church_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o society_n of_o profess_a believer_n enjoy_v all_o church_n power_n
obedience_n unto_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n in_o its_o integrity_n for_o the_o first_o the_o scripture_n be_v full_a of_o prediction_n all_o confirm_v in_o the_o event_n that_o after_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n there_o shall_v be_v various_a attempt_n to_o wrest_v corrupt_v and_o pervert_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o bring_v in_o pernicious_a error_n and_o heresy_n to_o prevent_v or_o reprove_v and_o remove_v they_o be_v no_o small_a part_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o ministerial_a office_n in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o word_n but_o whereas_o those_o who_o teach_v such_o perverse_a thing_n do_v for_o the_o most_o part_n arise_v at_o first_o in_o the_o church_n themselves_o act._n 20.30_o 2_o pet._n 2.1_o 1_o john_n 2.19_o as_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n be_v appoint_v for_o the_o rebuke_n of_o the_o doctrine_n themselves_o so_o this_o discipline_n be_v ordain_v in_o the_o church_n with_o respect_n unto_o the_o person_n of_o they_o by_o who_o they_o be_v teach_v rev._n 2.2.14_o 20._o 3_o joh._n 8.9_o gal._n 5.12_o and_o so_o also_o it_o be_v with_o respect_n unto_o schism_n and_o division_n that_o may_v fall_v out_o in_o the_o church_n the_o way_n of_o suppress_v thing_n of_o this_o nature_n by_o external_a force_n by_o the_o sword_n of_o magistrate_n in_o prison_n fine_n banishment_n and_o death_n be_v not_o then_o think_v of_o nor_o direct_v unto_o by_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n but_o be_v high_o dishonourable_a unto_o he_o as_o though_o the_o way_n of_o his_o own_o appointment_n be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o the_o preservation_n of_o his_o own_o truth_n but_o that_o his_o disciple_n must_v betake_v themselves_o unto_o the_o secular_a power_n of_o this_o world_n who_o for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v wicked_a profane_a and_o ignorant_a of_o the_o truth_n for_o that_o end_n and_o hereunto_o belong_v the_o preservation_n of_o his_o command_n in_o the_o integrity_n of_o obedience_n for_o he_o appoint_v that_o hereby_o care_n shall_v be_v take_v of_o the_o way_n walking_n and_o conversation_n of_o his_o disciple_n that_o in_o all_o thing_n it_o shall_v be_v such_o as_o become_v the_o gospel_n hence_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o discipline_n he_o ordain_v to_o consist_v in_o exhortation_n admonition_n reproof_n of_o any_o that_o shall_v offend_v in_o thing_n moral_a or_o of_o his_o especial_a institution_n with_o the_o total_a rejection_n of_o they_o be_v obstinate_a in_o their_o offence_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v afterward_o 2._o the_o second_o end_n of_o it_o be_v to_o preserve_v love_n entire_a among_o his_o disciple_n this_o be_v that_o which_o he_o give_v in_o especial_a charge_n unto_o all_o that_o shall_v believe_v in_o his_o name_n take_v the_o command_n of_o it_o to_o be_v his_o own_o in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n and_o declare_v our_o observance_n of_o it_o to_o be_v the_o principal_a pledge_n and_o evidence_n of_o our_o be_v his_o disciple_n for_o although_o mutual_a love_n be_v a_o old_a commandment_n belong_v both_o unto_o the_o moral_a law_n and_o sundry_a injunction_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n yet_o the_o degree_n and_o measure_n of_o it_o the_o way_n and_o duty_n of_o its_o exercise_n the_o motive_n unto_o it_o and_o reason_n for_o it_o be_v whole_o his_o own_o whereby_o it_o become_v a_o new_a commandment_n also_o for_o the_o preservation_n and_o continuance_n of_o this_o love_n which_o he_o lay_v so_o great_a weight_n upon_o be_v this_o discipline_n appoint_v which_o it_o be_v several_a way_n effectual_a towards_o as_o 1_o in_o the_o prevention_n or_o removal_n of_o offence_n that_o may_v arise_v among_o believer_n to_o the_o impeachment_n of_o it_o matth._n 18.15_o 16_o 17_o 2_o in_o that_o watch_n over_o each_o other_o with_o mutual_a exhortation_n and_o admonition_n without_o which_o this_o love_n let_v man_n pretend_v what_o they_o please_v will_v not_o be_v preserve_v that_o which_o keep_v either_o life_n or_o soul_n in_o christian_a love_n consist_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o those_o grace_n mutual_o and_o the_o discharge_v of_o those_o duty_n whereby_o they_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o the_o fruit_n of_o love_n in_o one_o another_o and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n those_o who_o pretend_v high_o unto_o the_o preservation_n of_o love_n by_o their_o come_n to_o the_o same_o church_n who_o dwell_v in_o the_o same_o parish_n have_v not_o so_o much_o as_o the_o carcase_n nay_o not_o a_o shadow_n of_o it_o in_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o lord_n christ_n it_o be_v appoint_v that_o this_o love_n so_o strict_o by_o he_o enjoin_v unto_o we_o so_o expressive_a of_o his_o own_o wisdom_n and_o love_n shall_v be_v preserve_v continue_v and_o increase_v by_o the_o due_a and_o constant_a discharge_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o mutual_a exhortation_n admonition_n prayer_n and_o watchful_a care_n over_o one_o another_o rom._n 15.14_o 1_o thes._n 5_o 11_o 12._o 2_o thes._n 3.15_o heb._n 3.12_o 13._o ch._n 12.15_o 16._o 3._o a_o three_o end_v of_o it_o be_v that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o due_a representation_n of_o his_o own_o love_n care_n tenderness_n patience_n meekness_n in_o the_o act_n of_o his_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n where_o this_o be_v not_o observe_v and_o design_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o church_n discipline_n i_o will_v not_o say_v it_o be_v antichristian_a but_o will_v say_v it_o be_v high_o injurious_a and_o dishonourable_a unto_o he_o for_o all_o church_n power_n be_v in_o he_o and_o derive_v from_o he_o nor_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n which_o belong_v unto_o it_o but_o it_o must_v be_v act_v in_o his_o name_n and_o esteem_v both_o for_o the_o manner_n and_o matter_n of_o it_o to_o be_v his_o act_n and_o deed._n for_o man_n therefore_o to_o pretend_v unto_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o discipline_n in_o a_o worldly_a frame_n of_o spirit_n with_o pride_n and_o passion_n by_o trick_n of_o law_n and_o canon_n in_o court_n foreign_a to_o the_o church_n themselves_o which_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v under_o this_o discipline_n it_o be_v a_o woeful_a and_o scandalous_a representation_n of_o christ_n his_o wisdom_n care_n and_o love_n towards_o his_o church_n but_o as_o for_o his_o discipline_n he_o have_v ordain_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v exercise_v in_o and_o with_o meekness_n patience_n gentleness_n evidence_n of_o zeal_n for_o the_o good_a and_o compassion_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n with_o gravity_n and_o authority_n so_o as_o that_o therein_o all_o the_o holy_a affection_n of_o his_o mind_n towards_o his_o church_n or_o any_o in_o it_o in_o their_o mistake_n fail_n and_o miscarriage_n may_v be_v due_o represent_v as_o well_o as_o his_o authority_n act_v among_o they_o isa._n 40.11_o 2_o cor._n 10.1_o gal._n 5.22.23_o 1_o thes._n 2.7_o 2_o tim._n 2.24_o 25_o 26._o jam._n 3.17_o 1_o cor._n 13._o 4._o it_o be_v in_o part_n appoint_v to_o be_v a_o evidence_n and_o pledge_n of_o the_o future_a judgement_n wherein_o the_o whole_a church_n shall_v be_v judge_v before_o the_o throne_n of_o christ_n jesus_n for_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o discipline_n christ_n be_v on_o his_o own_o judgement_n seat_n in_o the_o church_n nor_o may_v any_o man_n pronounce_v any_o sentence_n but_o what_o he_o believe_v that_o christ_n himself_o will_v pronounce_v be_v he_o visible_o present_a and_o what_o be_v according_a to_o his_o mind_n as_o declare_v in_o his_o word_n hence_o tertullian_n call_v the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n in_o the_o church_n futuri_fw-la judicii_fw-la praejudicium_fw-la a_o representation_n of_o the_o future_a judgement_n 4._o in_o all_o that_o degeneracy_n which_o the_o christian_a profess_v church_n have_v fall_v into_o in_o faith_n worship_n and_o manner_n there_o be_v no_o instance_n can_v exceed_v the_o corruption_n of_o this_o divine_a institution_n for_o that_o which_o be_v the_o honour_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n and_o a_o effectual_a mean_n to_o represent_v he_o in_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o love_n and_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o grace_n in_o the_o church_n unto_o the_o bless_a end_n now_o declare_v be_v turn_v into_o a_o domination_n earthly_a and_o secular_a exercise_v in_o a_o profane_a litigious_a unintelligible_a process_n according_a unto_o the_o art_n way_n and_o term_n of_o the_o worst_a of_o law_n court_n by_o person_n for_o the_o most_o part_n remote_a from_o any_o just_a pretence_n of_o the_o least_o interest_n in_o church_n power_n on_o cause_n and_o for_o end_n foreign_a unto_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o a_o tyranny_n over_o the_o conscience_n and_o over_o the_o person_n of_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n unto_o the_o intolerable_a scandal_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o rule_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n as_o be_v evident_a in_o the_o state_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o these_o be_v the_o general_a end_n of_o the_o institution_n
not_o or_o be_v neglect_v it_o be_v therefore_o fond_a to_o suppose_v that_o our_o saviour_n shall_v prescribe_v this_o rule_n for_o that_o season_n wherein_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o it_o and_o not_o for_o those_o time_n wherein_o the_o church_n can_v not_o subsist_v in_o order_n without_o it_o 3_o the_o church_n here_o direct_v unto_o be_v a_o christian_a church_n for_o 1._o whereas_o it_o have_v be_v prove_v it_o concern_v the_o time_n to_o come_v afterward_o there_o be_v in_o those_o time_n nothing_o that_o can_v pretend_v unto_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n but_o a_o christian_a church_n only_o the_o jewish_a synagogue_n have_v a_o utter_a end_n put_v unto_o they_o so_o as_o that_o a_o address_v unto_o any_o of_o they_o in_o this_o case_n be_v not_o only_o useless_a but_o unlawful_a and_o as_o unto_o magistrate_n or_o arbitrator_n to_o have_v they_o call_v the_o church_n and_o that_o in_o such_o a_o sense_n as_o that_o after_o the_o interposition_n of_o their_o authority_n or_o advice_n a_o man_n shall_v be_v free_v from_o the_o discharge_n of_o all_o christian_a duty_n such_o as_o be_v mutual_o require_v among_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n towards_o his_o brother_n be_v a_o fond_a imagination_n for_o 2_o it_o be_v such_o a_o church_n as_o can_v exercise_v authority_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n over_o his_o disciple_n and_o such_o as_o in_o conscience_n they_o shall_v be_v bind_v to_o submit_v themselves_o unto_o for_o the_o reason_n give_v of_o the_o contempt_n of_o the_o voice_n judgement_n and_o sentence_n of_o the_o church_n in_o case_n of_o offence_n be_v their_o power_n of_o spiritual_a bind_n and_o looâ—ing_v which_o be_v comit_v by_o christ_n thereunto_o and_o so_o he_o add_v immediatley_n ver_fw-la 18._o whatever_o you_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v loose_v in_o heaven_n shall_v be_v loose_v on_o earth_n be_v the_o privilege_n of_o a_o christian_a church_n only_o 4thly_a it_o be_v a_o visible_a particular_a congregation_n alone_o that_o be_v intend_v for_o 1._o as_o unto_o the_o church_n in_o other_o acceptation_n of_o that_o name_n either_o for_o the_o catholics_n invisible_a church_n or_o for_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o profess_a believer_n throughout_o the_o world_n it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a that_o this_o dâ—ty_n shall_v be_v observe_v towards_o it_o as_o be_v manifest_a unto_o all_o 2._o we_o have_v prove_v that_o the_o first_o and_o most_o proper_a signification_n of_o the_o word_n be_v of_o a_o single_a congregation_n assemble_v together_o for_o its_o duty_n and_o enjoyment_n where_o ever_o therefore_o the_o church_n in_o general_n be_v mention_v without_o the_o addition_n of_o any_o thing_n or_o circumstance_n that_o may_v lead_v unto_o another_o signification_n it_o must_v be_v interpret_v of_o such_o a_o particular_a church_n or_o congregation_n 3._o the_o person_n intend_v offend_v and_o offend_v must_v belong_v unto_o the_o same_o society_n unto_o who_o the_o address_n be_v to_o be_v make_v or_o else_o the_o one_o party_n may_v just_o decline_v the_o judicatory_a apply_v unto_o and_o so_o frustrate_a the_o process_n and_o it_o must_v be_v such_o a_o church_n as_o unto_o who_o they_o be_v know_v in_o their_o circumstance_n without_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o a_o right_a judgement_n in_o sundry_a case_n can_v be_v make_v in_o point_n of_o offence_n 4_o it_o be_v a_o church_n of_o a_o easy_a address_n go_v tell_v the_o church_n which_o suppose_v that_o free_a and_o immediate_a access_n which_o all_o the_o member_n of_o a_o church_n have_v unto_o that_o whole_a church_n whereof_o they_o be_v member_n wherefore_o 5_o it_o be_v say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d tell_v the_o church_n not_o a_o church_n but_o the_o church_n namely_o whereunto_o thou_o and_o thy_o brother_n do_v belong_v 6_o one_o end_n of_o this_o direction_n be_v that_o the_o offend_a and_o the_o offend_a party_n may_v continue_v together_o in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o same_o church_n in_o love_n without_o dissimulation_n which_o thing_n belong_v unto_o a_o particular_a congregation_n 7_o the_o meaning_n be_v not_o tell_v the_o diocesan_n bishop_n for_o whatever_o church_n he_o may_v have_v under_o his_o rule_n yet_o be_v not_o he_o himself_o a_o church_n nor_o be_v it_o 8_o the_o chancellor_n court_n that_o our_o saviour_n intend_v be_v it_o what_o it_o will_v it_o be_v a_o disparagement_n unto_o all_o church_n to_o have_v that_o name_n apply_v thereunto_o nor_o last_o be_v it_o a_o presbytery_n or_o association_n of_o the_o elder_n of_o many_o particular_a congregation_n that_o be_v intend_v for_o the_o power_n claim_v in_o such_o associate_v presbytery_n be_v with_o respect_n unto_o what_o be_v already_o in_o or_o before_o particular_a congregation_n which_o they_o have_v not_o either_o wisdom_n or_o authority_n as_o be_v suppose_v final_o to_o order_n and_o determine_v but_o this_o suppose_v that_o the_o address_v in_o the_o first_o place_n be_v make_v unto_o a_o particular_a congregation_n which_o therefore_o be_v first_o and_o proper_o here_o intend_v all_o thing_n be_v plain_a familiar_a and_o expose_v to_o the_o common_a understanding_n of_o all_o believer_n who_o mind_n be_v any_o way_n exercise_v about_o these_o thing_n as_o indeed_o be_v all_o thing_n that_o belong_v unto_o the_o discipline_n of_o christ._n argument_n pretend_o deep_o and_o learned_a real_o obscure_a and_o perplex_a with_o logical_a notion_n and_o distinction_n apply_v unto_o thing_n thus_o plain_a and_o evident_a in_o themselves_o do_v serve_v only_o to_o involve_v and_o darken_v the_o truth_n it_o be_v plain_a in_o the_o place_n 1_o that_o there_o be_v a_o church-state_n for_o christian_n then_o design_v by_o christ_n which_o afterward_o he_o will_v institute_v and_o settle_v 2_o that_o all_o true_a disciple_n be_v to_o join_v and_o unite_v themselves_o in_o some_o such_o church_n as_o may_v be_v helpful_a unto_o their_o love_n order_n peace_n and_o edification_n 3_o that_o among_o the_o member_n of_o these_o church_n offence_n will_v or_o may_v arise_v which_o in_o themselves_o tend_v unto_o pernicious_a event_n 4_o that_o if_o these_o offence_n can_v not_o be_v cure_v and_o take_v away_o so_o as_o that_o love_n without_o dissimulation_n may_v be_v continue_v among_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n a_o account_n of_o they_o at_o last_o be_v to_o be_v give_v unto_o that_o church_n or_o society_n whereunto_o the_o party_n concern_v do_v belong_v as_o member_n of_o it_o 5_o that_o this_o church_n shall_v hear_v determine_v and_o give_v judgement_n with_o advice_n in_o the_o case_n so_o bring_v unto_o it_o for_o the_o take_v away_o and_o removal_n of_o all_o offence_n 6_o that_o this_o determination_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v rest_v in_o on_o the_o penalty_n of_o a_o deprivation_n of_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n 7_o that_o these_o thing_n be_v the_o institution_n and_o appointment_n of_o christ_n himself_o who_o authority_n in_o they_o all_o be_v to_o be_v submit_v unto_o and_o which_o alone_o can_v cast_v one_o that_o be_v a_o profess_a christian_n into_o the_o condition_n of_o a_o heathen_a or_o a_o publican_n these_o thing_n in_o the_o notion_n and_o practice_n of_o they_o be_v plain_a easy_a and_o expose_v to_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o mean_a of_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n as_o it_o be_v meet_v that_o all_o thing_n shall_v be_v wherein_o their_o daily_a practice_n be_v concern_v but_o it_o be_v not_o easy_o to_o be_v express_v into_o what_o horrible_a perplexity_n and_o confusion_n they_o have_v be_v wrest_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n nor_o how_o those_o who_o depart_v from_o the_o plain_a obvious_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n and_o love_v not_o the_o practice_n they_o direct_v unto_o do_v lead_v themselves_o and_o other_o into_o way_n and_o path_n that_o have_v neither_o use_n nor_o end_n from_o the_o corrupt_a abuse_n of_o the_o holy_a institution_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n here_o intend_v so_o many_o power_n faculty_n court_n jurisdiction_n legal_a process_n with_o litigious_a vexatious_a oppressive_a course_n of_o action_n and_o trial_n who_o very_a name_n be_v uncouth_a horrid_a foreign_a unto_o religion_n and_o unintelligible_a without_o cunning_a in_o a_o artificial_a barbarous_a science_n of_o the_o canon_n law_n have_v proceed_v as_o be_v enough_o to_o fill_v a_o sober_a rational_a man_n with_o astonishment_n how_o it_o can_v ever_o enter_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o suppose_v that_o they_o can_v possible_o have_v any_o relation_n unto_o this_o divine_a institution_n those_o who_o be_v not_o utter_o blind_v with_o interest_n and_o prejudice_n whole_o ignorant_a of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n therein_o as_o also_o stranger_n from_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o duty_n which_o it_o require_v will_v hardly_o
believe_v that_o in_o this_o context_n our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n design_v to_o set_v up_o and_o erect_v a_o earthly_a domination_n in_o and_o over_o his_o church_n to_o be_v administer_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o canon_n law_n and_o the_o rota_n at_o rome_n they_o must_v be_v spiritual_o mad_a and_o ridiculous_a who_o can_v give_v the_o least_o entertainment_n unto_o such_o a_o imagination_n nor_o can_v the_o discipline_n of_o any_o diocesan_n church_n administer_v in_o and_o by_o court_n and_o officer_n foreign_a to_o the_o scripture_n both_o name_n and_o thing_n be_v bring_v within_o the_o view_n of_o this_o rule_n nor_o can_v all_o the_o art_n of_o the_o world_n make_v any_o application_n of_o it_o thereunto_o for_o what_o some_o plead_v concern_v magistrate_n or_o arbitrator_n they_o be_v thing_n which_o man_n will_v never_o betake_v themselves_o unto_o but_o only_o to_o evade_v the_o force_n of_o that_o truth_n which_o they_o love_v not_o all_o this_o be_v fall_v out_o by_o man_n depart_v from_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o a_o contempt_n of_o that_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n which_o be_v plain_a and_o obvious_a unto_o all_o who_o desire_v not_o only_o to_o hear_v his_o word_n but_o also_o to_o observe_v his_o command_n 3_o dly_z our_o three_o argument_n be_v take_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o church_n institute_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o order_n as_o it_o be_v express_v in_o the_o scripture_n for_o they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o congregational_a and_o of_o no_o other_o sort_n this_o the_o ensue_a consideration_n will_v make_v evident_a 1._o there_o be_v many_o church_n plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o very_o small_a province_n not_o to_o insist_v on_o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n gal._n 1.1_o concern_v which_o it_o be_v no_o where_o intimate_v that_o they_o have_v any_o one_o head_n or_o mother_n church_n metropolitical_n or_o diocesan_n nor_o of_o those_o of_o macedonia_n distinct_a from_o that_o of_o philippi_n whereof_o we_o have_v speak_v before_o upon_o the_o first_o come_v of_o paul_n after_o his_o conversion_n unto_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v three_o year_n gal._n 1.18_o in_o the_o four_o year_n after_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v church_n plant_v in_o all_o judea_n and_o galilee_n and_o samaria_n act._n 9.31_o neither_o of_o the_o two_o latter_a province_n be_v equal_a unto_o one_o ordinary_a diocese_n yet_o be_v there_o church_n in_o both_o of_o they_o and_o that_o in_o so_o short_a a_o time_n after_o the_o first_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n as_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v be_v conceive_v to_o be_v any_o other_o but_o single_a congregation_n what_o be_v except_v or_o oppose_v hereunto_o by_o the_o reverend_n dr._n st._n shall_v be_v examine_v and_o disprove_v afterward_o by_o itself_o that_o the_o progress_n of_o our_o discourse_n be_v not_o here_o interrupt_v 2._o these_o church_n be_v such_o as_o that_o the_o apostle_n appoint_v in_o they_o ordinary_a elder_n and_o deacon_n that_o may_v administer_v all_o ordinance_n unto_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o take_v care_n of_o all_o the_o poor_a act._n 14.23_o chap._n 20.28_o now_o the_o care_n inspection_n and_o labour_n of_o ordinary_a officer_n can_v extend_v itself_o no_o further_o than_o unto_o a_o particular_a congregation_n no_o man_n can_v administer_v all_o ordinance_n unto_o a_o diocesan_n church_n and_o this_o ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o church_n be_v the_o same_o with_o ordain_v they_o in_o every_o city_n tit._n 1.5_o that_o be_v in_o every_o town_n wherein_o there_o be_v a_o number_n convert_v unto_o the_o faith_n as_o be_v evident_a from_o act._n 14.23_o and_o it_o be_v in_o town_n and_o city_n ordinary_o that_o the_o gospel_n be_v first_o preach_v and_o first_o receive_v such_o believer_n be_v congregat_v and_o unite_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o subjection_n unto_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n do_v constitute_v such_o a_o church-state_n as_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o christ_n they_o shall_v have_v bishop_n or_o elder_n and_o deacon_n ordain_v among_o they_o and_o be_v therefore_o as_o unto_o their_o state_n such_o church_n as_o he_o own_v 3._o it_o be_v say_v of_o most_o of_o these_o church_n express_o that_o they_o respective_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n or_o have_v their_o assembly_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n for_o the_o discharge_n of_o the_o duty_n require_v of_o they_o which_o be_v peculiar_a unto_o congregational_a church_n only_o so_o do_v the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n on_o all_o occasion_n act._n 15.12_o 22._o ch_z â—1_n 22_o see_v ch_z 5.11_o ch_n 6.1_o it_o be_v of_o no_o force_n which_o be_v object_v from_o the_o multitude_n of_o they_o that_o be_v say_v to_o believe_v and_o so_o consequent_o be_v of_o that_o church_n so_o as_o that_o they_o can_v not_o assemble_v together_o for_o whereas_o the_o scripture_n say_v express_o that_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o church_n do_v come_v together_o it_o be_v scarce_o fair_a for_o we_o to_o to_o say_v they_o be_v such_o a_o multitude_n as_o that_o they_o can_v not_o come_v together_o and_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o great_a number_n of_o believer_n that_o be_v say_v to_o be_v at_o jerusalem_n be_v there_o only_o occasional_o and_o be_v not_o fix_v in_o that_o church_n for_o many_o year_n after_o a_o small_a village_n beyond_o jordan_n can_v receive_v all_o that_o be_v so_o fix_v in_o it_o the_o church_n at_o antioch_n gather_v together_o in_o one_o assembly_n act._n 14.27_o to_o hear_v paul_n and_o silas_n this_o church_n thus_o call_v together_o be_v call_v the_o multitude_n chap._n 15.30_o that_o be_v the_o whole_a brotherhood_n at_o least_o of_o that_o church_n the_o whole_a church_n of_o corinth_n do_v assemble_v together_o in_o one_o place_n both_o for_o solemn_a worship_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n 1_o cor._n 8.8_o chap._n 14.25_o 26._o chap._n 11.17_o 20._o it_o be_v no_o way_n necessary_a to_o plead_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o illustration_n or_o for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o these_o testimony_n they_o all_o of_o they_o speak_v positive_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o will_v admit_v of_o no_o debate_n unless_o we_o will_v put_v in_o exception_n unto_o the_o veracity_n of_o their_o author_n and_o they_o be_v of_o themselves_o sufficient_a to_o establish_v our_o assertion_n for_o whatever_o may_v be_v the_o state_n of_o any_o church_n as_o unto_o its_o officer_n or_o rule_n into_o what_o order_n soever_o it_o be_v dispose_v ordinary_o or_o occasional_o for_o its_o edification_n so_o long_o as_o it_o be_v its_o duty_n to_o assemble_v in_o and_o with_o all_o its_o member_n in_o one_o place_n either_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o its_o power_n the_o performance_n of_o its_o duty_n or_o enjoyment_n of_o its_o privilege_n it_o be_v a_o single_a congregation_n and_o no_o more_o 4._o the_o duty_n prescribe_v unto_o all_o church_n member_n in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o be_v diligent_o attend_v unto_o by_o they_o be_v such_o as_o either_o in_o their_o nature_n or_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o performance_n can_v be_v attend_v unto_o and_o due_o accomplish_v but_o in_o a_o particular_a congregation_n only_o this_o i_o shall_v immediate_o speak_v distinct_o unto_o and_o therefore_o only_o mention_v it_o in_o this_o place_n these_o thing_n be_v so_o plain_o positive_o and_o frequent_o assert_v in_o the_o scripture_n it_o can_v be_v questionable_a unto_o any_o impartial-mind_n but_o that_o particular_a church_n or_o congregation_n be_v of_o divine_a institution_n and_o consequent_o that_o unto_o they_o the_o whole_a power_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n do_v belong_v for_o if_o they_o do_v not_o so_o whatever_o they_o be_v church_n they_o be_v not_o if_o therefore_o any_o other_o church-state_n be_v suppose_v we_o may_v well_o require_v that_o its_o name_n nature_n use_v power_n and_o bound_n be_v some_o or_o all_o of_o they_o declare_v in_o the_o scripture_n reason_v draw_v from_o the_o superiority_n of_o the_o apostle_n above_o the_o evangelist_n of_o bishop_n above_o presbyter_n or_o from_o church_n rule_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n only_o from_o the_o power_n of_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n in_o thing_n ecclesiastical_a from_o the_o meetness_n of_o union_n among_o all_o church_n be_v of_o no_o use_n in_o this_o case_n for_o they_o be_v all_o consistent_a with_o the_o sole_a institution_n of_o particular_a congregation_n nor_o do_v in_o the_o least_o intimate_a that_o there_o be_v or_o needs_o to_o be_v any_o other_o church_n state_n of_o divine_a appointment_n chap._n v._o the_o sit_v of_o the_o first_o church_n after_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o second_o century_n in_o confirmation_n of_o the_o forego_n argument_n we_o urge_v the_o precedent_n and_o
place_n unto_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o be_v a_o particular_a congregation_n 6._o the_o thing_n that_o he_o ascribe_v unto_o this_o leader_n to_o be_v do_v at_o this_o general_a meeting_n of_o the_o church_n every_o lord_n day_n be_v 1._o that_o he_o pray_v 2._o that_o after_o the_o read_n of_o the_o scripture_n he_o preach_v 3._o that_o he_o consecrate_v the_o eucharist_n the_o element_n of_o the_o bread_n and_o wine_n be_v distribute_v by_o the_o deacon_n unto_o the_o congregation_n 4._o that_o he_o close_v the_o whole_a worship_n of_o the_o day_n in_o prayer_n 7._o in_o the_o consecration_n of_o the_o sacramental_a element_n he_o observe_v that_o the_o precedent_n pray_v at_o large_a giving_z thanks_o to_o god_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d so_o vain_a be_v the_o pretence_n of_o some_o that_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n they_o consecrate_v the_o element_n by_o the_o repetition_n of_o the_o lord_n prayer_n only_o after_o the_o participation_n of_o the_o eucharist_n there_o be_v a_o collection_n make_v for_o the_o poor_a as_o he_o describe_v it_o at_o large_a what_o be_v so_o gather_v be_v commit_v to_o the_o pastor_n who_o take_v care_n for_o the_o distribution_n of_o it_o unto_o all_o sort_n of_o poor_a belong_v unto_o the_o church_n hereunto_o be_v add_v as_o tertullian_n observe_v the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n in_o their_o assembly_n whereof_o we_o shall_v speak_v afterward_o the_o close_a of_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n justin_n give_v we_o in_o these_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o pastor_n again_o according_a to_o his_o ability_n or_o power_n pour_v forth_o or_o send_v up_o prayer_n the_o people_n all_o joyful_o cry_v amen_o etc._n etc._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v as_o origen_n expound_v the_o phrase_n often_o use_v by_o himself_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d lib._n 8._o ad_fw-la cels._n according_a unto_o the_o present_a ability_n give_v unto_o he_o this_o be_v the_o state_n the_o order_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n with_o its_o method_n in_o the_o day_n of_o justin_n martyr_n this_o and_o no_o other_o be_v that_o which_o we_o plead_v for_o unto_o these_o time_n belong_v the_o most_o excellent_a epistle_n of_o the_o church_n of_o vienna_n and_o lion_n in_o france_n unto_o the_o brethren_n in_o asia_n and_o phrygia_n record_v at_o large_a by_o eusebius_n hist._n lib._n 5._o cap_n 1._o their_o design_n in_o it_o be_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o holy_a martyr_n who_o suffer_v in_o the_o persecution_n under_o marcus_n antoninus_n i_o be_o no_o way_n concern_v in_o what_o state_n irenaeus_n be_v in_o the_o church_n at_o lion_n whereon_o after_o the_o write_n of_o this_o epistle_n he_o be_v send_v to_o eleutherius_fw-la the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n which_o he_o give_v a_o account_n of_o chap._n 4._o he_o be_v indeed_o in_o that_o epistle_n call_v a_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n although_o as_o some_o suppose_v it_o be_v sundry_a year_n after_o the_o death_n of_o pothinus_n who_o they_o call_v bishop_n of_o lion_n into_o who_o room_n he_o immediate_o succeed_v and_o eusebius_n himself_o cap._n 8._o affirm_v that_o he_o will_v give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o ancient_a ecclesiastical_a presbyter_n in_o the_o first_o place_n produce_v those_o of_o irenaeus_n but_o these_o thing_n belong_v not_o unto_o our_o present_n contest_v the_o epistle_n we_o intend_v be_v write_v by_o the_o brethren_n of_o those_o church_n and_o it_o be_v write_v to_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n in_o asia_n and_o phrygia_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o scripture_n wherein_o the_o fraternity_n or_o body_n of_o the_o church_n be_v design_v or_o intend_v in_o all_o such_o epistle_n from_o they_o be_v this_o epistle_n and_o unto_o those_o of_o the_o same_o sort_n be_v it_o write_v not_o from_o one_o bishop_n unto_o another_o and_o as_o this_o manifest_v the_o concern_v of_o the_o brotherhood_n in_o all_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n so_o with_o all_o other_o circumstance_n it_o evidence_v that_o those_o church_n be_v particular_a or_o congregational_a only_a nor_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o whole_a epistle_n that_o shall_v give_v the_o least_o intimation_n of_o any_o other_o church_n state_n knowâ—_n unto_o they_o this_o epistle_n as_o record_v by_o eusebius_n give_v we_o as_o noble_a representation_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o communion_n that_o be_v then_o among_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v write_v with_o apostolical_a simplicity_n and_o gravity_n and_o remote_a from_o those_o title_n of_o honour_n and_o affect_v swell_a word_n which_o the_o feign_a write_n of_o that_o age_n and_o some_o that_o be_v genuine_a in_o those_o that_o follow_v be_v stuff_v withal_o tertullâ—an_n who_o live_v about_o the_o end_n of_o the_o second_o century_n give_v we_o the_o same_o account_n of_o the_o state_n order_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n as_o be_v give_v beâ—ore_o by_o justin_n martyr_n apol._n ad_fw-la gen._n cap._n 39_o the_o description_n of_o a_o church_n he_o first_o lay_v down_o in_o these_o word_n corpâ—s_fw-la sumus_fw-la de_fw-fr conscientia_fw-la religionis_fw-la &_o disciplinae_fw-la unitate_fw-la &_o spei_fw-la foedere_fw-la we_o be_v a_o body_n unite_v in_o the_o conscience_n of_o religion_n or_o a_o conscientious_a observation_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n by_o a_o agreement_n in_o discipline_n whereby_o it_o be_v usual_a with_o the_o ancient_n to_o express_v universal_a obedience_n unto_o the_o doctrine_n and_o command_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o a_o covenant_n of_o hope_n for_o whereas_o such_o a_o body_n or_o religious_a society_n can_v not_o be_v unite_v but_o by_o a_o covenant_n he_o call_v it_o a_o covenant_n of_o hope_n because_o the_o principal_a respect_n be_v have_v therein_o unto_o the_o thing_n hope_v foâ—_n they_o covenant_v together_o so_o to_o live_v and_o walk_v in_o the_o discipline_n of_o christ_n or_o obedience_n unto_o his_o command_n as_o that_o they_o may_v come_v together_o unto_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o eternal_a blessedness_n this_o religious_a body_n or_o society_n thus_o unite_v by_o covenant_n do_v meet_v together_o in_o the_o same_o assembly_n or_o congregation_n corpus_fw-la suâ—us_fw-la â—oâ—mus_fw-la in_o coeâ—um_fw-la &_o congregationem_fw-la ut_fw-la ad_fw-la deum_fw-la quasi_fw-la manu_fw-la facta_fw-la precationibus_fw-la ambiamus_fw-la orantes_fw-la and_o cogimur_fw-la ad_fw-la divinarum_fw-la literarum_fw-la commemorationem_fw-la etc._n etc._n design_v to_o declare_v as_o he_o do_v in_o particular_a negotia_fw-la christianae_n factionis_fw-la as_o he_o call_v they_o or_o the_o duty_n of_o christian_a religion_n which_o in_o their_o church_n they_o do_v attend_v unto_o he_o lay_v the_o foundation_n in_o their_o meeting_n in_o the_o saâ—â—_n assembly_n or_o congregation_n in_o these_o assembly_n there_o preside_v the_o elder_n that_o upon_o a_o testimony_n of_o their_o meetness_n unto_o that_o office_n be_v choose_v thereunto_o precedent_n probati_fw-la quique_fw-la seniores_fw-la honorem_fw-la istum_fw-la non_fw-la pretty_a sed_fw-la testimonio_fw-la adepti_fw-la and_o in_o the_o church_n thus_o meet_v together_o in_o the_o same_o place_n assembly_n or_o congregation_n under_o the_o rule_n and_o conduct_v of_o their_o elder_n among_o other_o thing_n they_o exercise_v discipline_n that_o be_v in_o the_o presence_n and_o by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o whole_a ibidem_fw-la etiam_fw-la exhortationes_fw-la castigationes_fw-la &_o censura_fw-la divina_fw-la no_o &_o judicatur_fw-la magno_fw-la cum_fw-la pondere_fw-la ut_fw-la apud_fw-la certos_fw-la de_fw-la dei_fw-la conspectu_fw-la summumque_fw-la futuri_fw-la judâ—cii_fw-la praejudicium_fw-la est_fw-la sâ—_n quis_fw-la ita_fw-la deliquerit_fw-la ut_fw-la à _fw-la communicatione_n oratinis_fw-la &_o conventus_fw-la &_o omnis_fw-la sancti_fw-la commercii_fw-la relegetur_fw-la the_o loss_n of_o this_o discipline_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o administration_n have_v be_v one_o of_o the_o principal_a mean_n of_o the_o apostasy_n of_o church_n from_o their_o primitive_a institution_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n do_v origen_n give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o the_o way_n of_o the_o gather_n and_o establish_v church_n under_o elder_n of_o their_o own_o choose_n in_o the_o close_a of_o his_o last_o book_n against_o celsus_n and_o although_o in_o the_o day_n of_o cyprian_a in_o the_o three_o century_n the_o distinction_n between_o the_o bishop_n in_o any_o church_n eminent_o so_o call_v and_o those_o who_o be_v only_a presbyter_n with_o their_o imparity_n and_o not_o only_o the_o precedency_n but_o superiority_n of_o one_o over_o other_o begin_v general_o to_o be_v admit_v yet_o it_o be_v sufficient_o manifest_a from_o his_o epistle_n that_o the_o church_n wherein_o he_o do_v preside_v be_v so_o far_o a_o particular_a church_n as_o that_o the_o whole_a body_n or_o fraternity_n of_o it_o be_v admit_v unto_o all_o advice_n in_o thing_n of_o common_a concernment_n unto_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o allow_v the_o exercise_n of_o their_o
anâ—yra_n in_o galatia_n about_o the_o year_n 314_o can._n 13._o and_o mention_n be_v again_o make_v of_o they_o in_o a_o synod_n of_o antioch_n an._n 341._o and_o somewhat_o before_o at_o the_o council_n of_o neocaesarea_n can._n 13._o and_o frequent_o afterward_o as_o any_o one_o may_v see_v in_o the_o late_a collection_n of_o the_o ancient_a canon_n i_o very_o believe_v nor_o can_v the_o contrary_n be_v prove_v but_o that_o these_o chorepiscopi_fw-la at_o first_o be_v as_o absolute_a and_o complete_a in_o the_o office_n of_o episcopacy_n as_o any_o of_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o great_a city_n have_v their_o name_n or_o denomination_n from_o the_o place_n of_o their_o residence_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o not_o for_o a_o intimation_n of_o any_o inferiority_n in_o they_o unto_o other_o city-bishop_n but_o so_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o through_o their_o poverty_n and_o want_n of_o interest_n their_o ministry_n be_v confine_v unto_o a_o small_a country-parish_n &_o perhaps_o through_o a_o comparative_a meanness_n of_o their_o gift_n or_o ability_n the_o city-bishop_n claim_v a_o superiority_n over_o they_o and_o make_v canon_n about_o their_o power_n the_o bound_a and_o exercise_v of_o it_o in_o dependence_n on_o themselves_o for_o a_o while_n they_o be_v esteem_v a_o degree_n above_o mere_a presbyter_n who_o accompany_v or_o attend_v the_o bishop_n of_o the_o city-church_n in_o his_o administration_n and_o a_o degree_n beneath_o the_o bishop_n himself_o in_o a_o posture_n never_o design_v by_o christ_n nor_o his_o apostle_n wherefore_o in_o process_n of_o time_n the_o name_n and_o thing_n be_v utter_o lose_v and_o all_o the_o country-churche_n be_v bring_v into_o a_o absolute_a subjection_n unto_o the_o city-church_n something_o be_v allow_v unto_o they_o for_o worship_n nothing_o for_o rule_n and_o discipline_n whereby_o the_o first_o state_n of_o church_n in_o their_o original_a institution_n sacred_o preserve_v in_o the_o first_o century_n be_v utter_o lose_v and_o demolish_a i_o shall_v add_v but_o one_o argument_n more_o to_o evince_v the_o true_a state_n and_o nature_n of_o evangelical_n church_n herein_o namely_o that_o they_o be_v only_o particular_a congregation_n and_o that_o be_v take_v from_o the_o duty_n and_o power_n ascribe_v in_o the_o scripture_n unto_o church_n and_o the_o member_n or_o entire_a brotherhood_n of_o they_o it_o be_v observe_v before_o that_o the_o epistle_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v write_v all_o of_o they_o unto_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n in_o contradistinction_n unto_o their_o elder_n bishop_n or_o pastor_n unless_o it_o be_v those_o that_o be_v write_v unto_o particular_a person_n by_o name_n and_o as_o this_o be_v plain_a in_o all_o the_o epistle_n of_o paul_n wherein_o sometime_o distinct_a mention_n be_v make_v of_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n sometime_o none_o at_o all_o so_o the_o apostle_n john_n affirm_v that_o he_o write_v unto_o the_o church_n but_o that_o diotrephes_n who_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v their_o bishop_n receive_v he_o not_o at_o once_o reject_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o overthrow_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n which_o example_n be_v diligent_o follow_v in_o the_o succeed_a age_n joh._n epist._n 3._o ver_fw-la 9_o and_o the_o apostle_n peter_n write_v unto_o the_o church_n on_o a_o especial_a occasion_n speak_v distinct_o of_o the_o elder_n 1_o pet._n 5.1_o 2._o see_v also_o heb._n 13.24_o the_o body_n of_o the_o epistle_n be_v direct_v to_o the_o body_n of_o church_n wherefore_o all_o the_o instruction_n direction_n and_o injunction_n give_v in_o those_o epistle_n as_o unto_o the_o exercise_n of_o power_n or_o the_o performance_n of_o duty_n they_o be_v give_v unto_o the_o church_n themselves_o now_o these_o be_v such_o many_o of_o they_o as_o can_v be_v act_v or_o perform_v in_o any_o church_n by_o the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n but_o that_o which_o be_v congregational_a only_o it_o be_v too_o long_o here_o to_o insist_v on_o particular_n it_o shall_v be_v do_v elsewhere_o and_o it_o will_v thence_o appear_v that_o this_o argument_n alone_o be_v sufficient_a to_o bear_v the_o weight_n of_o this_o whole_a cause_n the_o reader_n may_v if_o he_o please_v consider_v what_o representation_n hereof_o be_v make_v in_o these_o place_n compare_v together_o matth._n 18.15_o 16_o 17_o 18._o act._n 1.12_o 23_o chap._n 2.1_o 42_o 44_o 46._o chap._n 5.11_o 12_o 13._o chap._n 11.21_o 22_o 25_o 26_o 28_o 29_o 30._o chap._n 12.5_o 12._o chap._n 14.26_o 27._o chap._n 15.1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 6_o 12_o 13_o 22_o 23_o 27_o 28_o 30._o chap._n 20.28_o rom._n 15.5_o 6_o 14_o 25_o 26._o chap._n 16.1_o 17_o 18._o 1_o cor._n 1.4_o 5._o chap._n 5._o throughout_o chap._n 12.4_o 7_o 8_o 9_o 11_o 15_o 18_o 28_o 29_o 30_o 31._o chap._n 14._o throughout_o chap._n 16.10_o 11._o 2_o cor._n 3.1_o 2_o 3._o chap._n 7.14_o 15._o chap._n 8.22_o 23_o 24._o chap._n 2_o 6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o 10_o 11._o chap._n 8.5_o ephes._n 2.19_o 20_o 21_o 22._o chap._n 5.11_o 12._o gal._n 6.1_o philip._n 2.25_o 26_o 27_o 28._o colos._n 1.1_o 2._o chap._n 2.3_o chap._n 3.16_o chap._n 4.9_o 12_o 16_o 17._o 1_o thes._n 5.11_o 12_o 13_o 14._o 2_o thes._n 3.6_o 7_o 14_o 15._o heb._n 12.13_o chap._n 10.24_o 25._o chap._n 12.15_o 16._o in_o these_o i_o say_v and_o other_o place_n innumerable_a there_o be_v those_o thing_n affirm_v of_o and_o ascribe_v unto_o the_o apostolical_a church_n as_o unto_o their_o state_n order_n assembly_n duty_n power_n and_o privilege_n as_o evince_n they_o to_o have_v be_v only_o particular_a congregation_n chap._n vi_o congregational_a church_n alone_o suit_v unto_o the_o end_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o institution_n of_o his_o church_n have_v give_v a_o account_n of_o that_o state_n and_o order_n of_o the_o gospel-churche_n which_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o we_o declare_v also_o their_o suitableness_n and_o sufficiency_n unto_o all_o the_o end_n for_o which_o the_o lord_n christ_n appoint_v such_o church_n for_o if_o there_o be_v any_o true_a proper_a end_n of_o that_o nature_n which_o can_v be_v attain_v in_o or_o by_o any_o church-state_n in_o this_o or_o that_o form_n it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o no_o such_o form_n be_v of_o divine_a appointment_n yea_o it_o be_v necessary_a not_o only_o that_o such_o a_o state_n as_o pretend_v unto_o a_o divine_a original_a be_v not_o only_o not_o contradictory_n unto_o or_o inconsistent_a with_o such_o a_o end_n but_o that_o it_o be_v effectual_o conduce_v thereunto_o and_o in_o its_o place_n necessary_a unto_o that_o purpose_n this_o therefore_o be_v that_o which_o we_o shall_v now_o inquire_v into_o namely_o whether_o this_o state_n and_o form_n of_o gospel-churche_n in_o single_a congregation_n be_v suit_v unto_o all_o those_o end_n for_o which_o any_o such_o church_n be_v appoint_v which_o they_o must_v be_v on_o the_o account_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o author_n and_o founder_n of_o they_o or_o be_v utter_o discard_v from_o their_o pretence_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o more_o forcible_a argument_n against_o any_o pretend_a church-state_n rule_n or_o order_n than_o that_o it_o be_v obstructive_a unto_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n in_o attain_v the_o proper_a end_n of_o their_o whole_a institution_n what_o these_o end_n be_v be_v in_o general_a before_o declare_v i_o shall_v not_o here_o repeat_v they_o or_o go_v over_o they_o again_o but_o only_o single_a out_o the_o consideration_n of_o those_o which_o be_v usual_o plead_v as_o not_o attainable_a by_o this_o way_n of_o church_n in_o single_a congregation_n only_o or_o that_o at_o least_o they_o be_v not_o suit_v unto_o their_o attainment_n the_o first_o of_o these_o be_v mutual_a love_n among_o all_o christian_n all_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n by_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n i_o intend_v they_o and_o they_o only_o who_o profess_v faith_n in_o his_o person_n and_o doctrine_n and_o to_o hear_v he_o or_o to_o be_v guide_v by_o he_o alone_o in_o all_o thing_n that_o appertain_v unto_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o their_o live_n unto_o he_o if_o there_o be_v any_o call_v christian_n who_o in_o these_o thing_n choose_v other_o guide_n call_v other_o minister_n hear_v they_o in_o their_o appointment_n we_o must_v sever_v they_o from_o our_o present_a consideration_n though_o there_o be_v important_a duty_n require_v of_o we_o towards_o they_o also_o but_o what_o be_v allege_v be_v necessary_a unto_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o true_a disciple_n of_o christ._n unto_o all_o those_o his_o great_a command_n be_v mutual_a love_n among_o themselves_o this_o he_o call_v in_o a_o especial_a manner_n his_o commandment_n and_o a_o new_a commandment_n as_o for_o other_o reason_n so_o because_o he_o have_v give_v the_o first_o absolute_a great_a example_n of_o it_o in_o himself_o as_o also_o discover_v
to_o be_v schism_n when_o i_o believe_v it_o be_v midnight_n whilst_o the_o sun_n shine_v in_o his_o full_a strength_n and_o glory_n and_o then_o we_o be_v tell_v of_o parochial_a church_n who_o have_v this_o power_n only_o that_o if_o we_o do_v not_o in_o they_o whatever_o be_v require_v of_o we_o not_o by_o they_o but_o those_o that_o be_v put_v over_o they_o they_o can_v inform_v against_o we_o that_o we_o may_v be_v mulct_v and_o punish_v three_o it_o will_v be_v say_v that_o these_o church_n as_o such_o be_v indeed_o original_o entrust_v and_o invest_v with_o all_o church-rights_a power_n and_o authority_n but_o for_o many_o weighty_a reason_n be_v abridge_v in_o sundry_a thing_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o they_o for_o who_o can_v think_v it_o meet_v that_o every_o single_a parish_n shall_v be_v entrust_v with_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o church-rule_n and_o power_n among_o themselves_o answ._n 1_o who_o fault_n be_v it_o that_o these_o church_n be_v not_o meet_v for_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o power_n which_o christ_n have_v grant_v unto_o such_o church_n if_o it_o be_v from_o themselves_o their_o negligence_n or_o ignorance_n or_o wickedness_n it_o be_v high_a time_n they_o be_v reform_v and_o bring_v into_o that_o state_n and_o condition_n wherein_o they_o may_v be_v fit_a and_o able_a to_o answer_v the_o end_n of_o their_o institution_n 2._o they_o be_v indeed_o sorry_a church_n that_o be_v not_o as_o meet_v to_o exercise_v all_o church-power_n according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o chancellor_n court._n 3._o there_o be_v no_o power_n plead_v for_o in_o congregational_a church_n but_o what_o be_v grant_v unto_o they_o by_o the_o word_n and_o constitution_n of_o christ._n and_o who_o be_v he_o that_o shall_v take_v this_o from_o they_o or_o deprive_v they_o of_o its_o exercise_n or_o right_o thereunto_o 1._o it_o be_v not_o do_v nor_o ever_o be_v by_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o he_o do_v not_o pull_v down_o what_o himself_o have_v build_v nor_o do_v any_o one_o institution_n of_o he_o in_o the_o least_o interfere_v with_o any_o other_o it_o be_v true_a the_o lord_n christ_n by_o his_o law_n deprive_v all_o church_n of_o their_o power_n yea_o of_o their_o state_n who_o walk_v act_n and_o exercise_v a_o power_n not_o derive_v from_o he_o but_o set_v up_o against_o he_o and_o use_v unto_o such_o end_n as_o be_v opposite_a unto_o and_o destructive_a of_o the_o end_n of_o churchâ—order_n â—order_z by_o he_o appoint_v but_o to_o imagine_v that_o whilst_o a_o church_n claim_v no_o power_n but_o what_o it_o receive_v from_o he_o use_v it_o only_o for_o he_o and_o in_o obedience_n unto_o his_o command_n that_o he_o have_v by_o any_o act_n order_n or_o constitution_n take_v away_o that_o power_n or_o any_o part_n of_o it_o from_o such_o a_o church_n be_v a_o vain_a supposition_n 2._o such_o church_n can_v by_o any_o act_n of_o their_o own_o deprive_v themselves_o of_o this_o right_a and_o power_n for_o 1._o it_o be_v commit_v unto_o they_o in_o a_o way_n of_o trust_n which_o they_o falsify_v if_o by_o their_o own_o consent_n they_o part_v with_o it_o 2._o without_o it_o they_o can_v discharge_v many_o duty_n require_v of_o they_o to_o part_v with_o this_o power_n be_v to_o renounce_v their_o duty_n which_o be_v the_o only_a way_n whereby_o they_o may_v lose_v it_o and_o if_o it_o be_v neither_o take_v from_o they_o by_o any_o law_n rule_n or_o constitution_n of_o christ_n nor_o can_v be_v renounce_v or_o forgo_v by_o themselves_o what_o other_o power_n under_o heaven_n can_v just_o deprive_v they_o of_o it_o or_o hinder_v they_o in_o its_o execution_n the_o truth_n be_v the_o principal_a mean_n which_o have_v render_v the_o generality_n of_o parochial_a church_n unmeet_a for_o the_o exercise_n of_o any_o church-power_n be_v that_o their_o interest_n in_o it_o and_o right_a unto_o it_o have_v be_v so_o long_o unjust_o detain_v from_o they_o as_o that_o they_o know_v not_o at_o all_o what_o belong_v thereunto_o be_v hide_v from_o they_o by_o those_o who_o shall_v instruct_v they_o in_o it_o and_o may_v they_o be_v admit_v under_o the_o conduct_n of_o pious_a and_o prudent_a officer_n unto_o any_o part_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n in_o their_o assembly_n their_o understanding_n in_o it_o will_v quick_o be_v increase_v that_o right_o power_n or_o authority_n which_o we_o thus_o assign_v unto_o all_o particular_a church_n gather_v according_a unto_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n be_v that_o and_o that_o only_a which_o be_v necessary_a to_o their_o own_o preservation_n in_o their_o state_n and_o purity_n and_o unto_o the_o discharge_n of_o all_o those_o duty_n which_o christ_n require_v of_o the_o church_n now_o although_o they_o may_v not_o just_o by_o any_o be_v deprive_v hereof_o yet_o it_o may_v be_v inquire_v whether_o there_o may_v not_o a_o addition_n of_o ecclesiastical_a power_n be_v make_v unto_o that_o which_o be_v of_o original_a institution_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a number_n of_o church_n that_o be_v of_o the_o same_o communion_n and_o this_o may_v be_v do_v either_o by_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n with_o respect_n unto_o all_o the_o church_n in_o his_o dominion_n or_o it_o may_v be_v so_o by_o the_o church_n themselves_o erect_v a_o new_a power_n in_o a_o combination_n of_o some_o many_o or_o all_o of_o they_o which_o they_o have_v not_o in_o they_o single_o and_o distinct_o before_o for_o the_o power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n in_o and_o about_o religion_n it_o have_v be_v much_o debate_v and_o dispute_v in_o some_o latter_a age_n for_o three_o hundred_o year_n there_o be_v no_o mention_n of_o it_o in_o the_o church_n because_o no_o supreme_a power_n do_v then_o own_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o the_o next_o three_o hundred_o year_n there_o be_v great_a ascription_n unto_o supreme_a magistrate_n to_o the_o exaltation_n of_o their_o power_n and_o much_o use_n be_v make_v thereof_o among_o the_o church_n by_o such_o as_o have_v the_o best_a interest_n in_o they_o the_o next_o three_o hundred_o year_n be_v as_o unto_o this_o case_n much_o take_v up_o with_o dispute_n about_o this_o power_n between_o the_o emperor_n and_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n sometime_o one_o side_n gain_v the_o advantage_n in_o some_o especial_a instance_n sometime_o the_o other_o but_o from_o that_o period_n of_o time_n or_o thereabouts_o the_o contest_v come_v to_o blow_n and_o the_o blood_n of_o some_o hundred_o thousand_o be_v shed_v in_o the_o controversy_n namely_o about_o the_o power_n of_o emperor_n and_o king_n on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n on_o the_o other_o in_o the_o issue_n the_o pope_n abode_n master_n of_o the_o field_n and_o continue_v in_o actual_a possession_n of_o all_o ecclesiastical_a power_n though_o sometime_o mix_v with_o the_o rebellion_n of_o one_o stubborn_a prince_n or_o other_o as_o here_o frequent_o in_o england_n who_o control_v they_o in_o some_o of_o their_o new_a acquisition_n upon_o the_o public_a reformation_n of_o religion_n many_o prince_n throw_v off_o the_o yoke_n of_o the_o papal_a rule_n and_o according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o reformer_n assume_v unto_o themselves_o the_o power_n which_o as_o they_o judge_v the_o godly_a king_n of_o judah_n of_o old_a and_o the_o first_o christian_n emperor_n do_v exercise_n about_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n from_o that_o time_n there_o have_v be_v great_a and_o vehement_a dispute_n about_o the_o ecclesiastical_a power_n of_o sovereign_a prince_n and_o state_n i_o shall_v not_o here_o undertake_v to_o treat_v concern_v it_o although_o it_o iâ—_n a_o matter_n of_o no_o great_a difficulty_n to_o demonstrate_v the_o extreme_n that_o many_o have_v run_v into_o some_o by_o grant_v too_o much_o and_o some_o too_o little_a unto_o they_o and_o i_o shall_v grant_v for_o my_o part_n that_o too_o much_o can_v well_o be_v assign_v unto_o they_o whilst_o these_o two_o principle_n be_v preserve_v 1._o that_o no_o supreme_a magistrate_n have_v power_n to_o deprive_v or_o abridge_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n of_o any_o right_n authority_n or_o liberty_n grant_v unto_o they_o by_o jesus_n christ._n 2._o nor_o have_v any_o to_o coerce_v punish_v or_o kill_v any_o person_n be_v civil_o peaceable_a and_o moral_o honest_a because_o they_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v in_o thing_n concern_v gospel-faith_n and_o worship_n than_o he_o be_v it_o have_v not_o yet_o be_v dispute_v whether_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n have_v power_n to_o ordain_v institute_v and_o appoint_v any_o new_a form_n or_o state_n of_o church_n supposed_o suit_v unto_o the_o civil_a interest_n which_o be_v never_o ordain_v or_o appoint_v by_o christ._n it_o have_v not_o i_o say_v be_v dispute_v under_o these_o term_n express_o though_o real_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o controversy_n
at_o present_a will_v not_o be_v say_v concern_v the_o new_a covenant_n whereunto_o all_o ordinance_n of_o divine_a worship_n be_v inseparable_o annex_v man_n may_v at_o a_o cheap_a rate_n as_o unto_o the_o eternal_a interest_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n provide_v another_o cover_v for_o their_o sloth_n negligence_n unbelief_n and_o indulgence_n unto_o proud_a foolish_a imagination_n whereby_o they_o render_v the_o church_n and_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n useless_a and_o ineffectual_a unto_o themselves_o thereby_o charge_v they_o with_o a_o decay_n and_o uselessness_n and_o so_o reflect_v on_o the_o honour_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o christ_n himself_o 2._o they_o do_v not_o cease_v because_o there_o be_v at_o present_a or_o at_o least_o there_o be_v short_o to_o be_v expect_v such_o a_o effusion_n of_o the_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o to_o render_v all_o these_o external_a institution_n needless_a and_o consequent_o useless_a this_o also_o be_v false_o pretend_v for_o 1._o the_o great_a and_o most_o plentiful_a effusion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o his_o gift_n and_o grace_n be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o of_o the_o first_o church_n plant_v by_o they_o nor_o be_v any_o thing_n beyond_o it_o or_o indeed_o equal_a unto_o it_o any_o more_o to_o be_v expect_v in_o this_o world_n but_o yet_o then_o be_v the_o gospel_n church-state_n erect_v and_o the_o use_n of_o all_o its_o ordinance_n of_o worship_n enjoin_v 2._o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o comprise_v all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o church-worship_n as_o its_o object_n and_o end_n be_v the_o ministration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o no_o supply_n or_o communication_n of_o he_o can_v render_v it_o useless_a 3._o one_o of_o the_o principal_a end_n for_o which_o the_o communication_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v promise_v unto_o the_o church_n be_v to_o make_v and_o render_v all_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n effectual_a unto_o its_o edification_n 4._o 1_o joh._n 2.20_o 27._o be_v usual_o plead_v as_o give_v countenance_n unto_o this_o fond_a pretence_n but_o 1._o the_o unction_n mention_v by_o the_o apostle_n be_v then_o upon_o all_o believer_n yet_o 2._o it_o be_v know_v that_o then_o they_o all_o walk_v in_o church-order_n and_o the_o sacred_a observation_n of_o all_o the_o institution_n of_o christ._n 3._o if_o it_o take_v away_o any_o thing_n it_o be_v the_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n or_o all_o manner_n of_o teach_v and_o instruction_n which_o be_v to_o overthrow_v the_o whole_a scripture_n and_o to_o reduce_v religion_n into_o barbarism_n 4._o nothing_o be_v intend_v in_o these_o word_n but_o the_o different_a way_n of_o teach_v and_o degree_n of_o success_n between_o that_o under_o the_o law_n and_o that_o now_o establish_v in_o the_o gospel_n by_o the_o plentiful_a effusion_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o have_v be_v evidence_v at_o large_a elsewhere_o nor_o 3_o do_v they_o cease_v in_o their_o administration_n for_o want_n either_o of_o authority_n or_o ability_n to_o dispense_v they_o which_o be_v plead_v unto_o the_o same_o end_n but_o neither_o be_v this_o pretence_n of_o any_o force_n it_o only_o beg_v the_o thing_n in_o question_n the_o authority_n of_o office_n for_o the_o administration_n of_o all_o other_o ordinance_n be_v a_o institution_n and_o to_o say_v that_o all_o institution_n cease_v because_o none_o have_v authority_n to_o administer_v they_o be_v to_o say_v they_o must_v all_o cease_v because_o they_o be_v cease_v 2._o the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o the_o continuation_n of_o the_o church-state_n and_o administration_n of_o all_o ordinance_n of_o worship_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n be_v sufficient_o secure_v 1_o by_o the_o law_n constitution_n and_o appointment_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n erect_v that_o office_n and_o give_v warranty_n for_o its_o continuance_n to_o the_o consummation_n of_o all_o thing_n matth._n 28.20_o ephes._n 4.13_o 2._o by_o his_o continuance_n according_a unto_o his_o promise_n to_o communicate_v spiritual_a gift_n unto_o man_n for_o the_o ministerial_a edification_n of_o the_o church_n that_o this_o he_o do_v so_o continue_v to_o do_v that_o it_o be_v the_o principal_a external_a evidence_n of_o his_o abide_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o his_o mediatory_a office_n and_o of_o what_o nature_n these_o gift_n be_v i_o have_v declare_v at_o large_a in_o a_o peculiar_a discourse_n on_o that_o subject_n 3._o on_o the_o duty_n of_o believer_n or_o of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v to_o choose_v call_v and_o solemn_o set_v apart_o unto_o the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n such_o as_o the_o lord_n christ_n by_o his_o spirit_n have_v make_v meet_a for_o it_o according_a unto_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o word_n if_o all_o these_o or_o any_o of_o they_o do_v fail_v i_o acknowledge_v that_o all_o ministerial_a authority_n and_o ability_n for_o the_o dispensation_n of_o gospel-ordinance_n must_v fail_v also_o and_o consequent_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o those_o who_o plead_v for_o the_o continuation_n of_o a_o successive_a ministry_n without_o respect_n unto_o these_o thing_n without_o resolve_v both_o the_o authority_n and_o office_n of_o it_o unto_o they_o do_v but_o erect_v a_o dead_a image_n or_o embrace_v a_o dead_a carcase_n instead_o of_o the_o live_n and_o life-giving_a institution_n of_o christ._n they_o take_v away_o the_o live_a creature_n and_o set_v up_o a_o skin_n stuff_v with_o straw_n but_o if_o these_o thing_n do_v unalterable_o continue_v if_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n can_v neither_o be_v change_v abrogate_a or_o disannul_v if_o his_o dispensation_n of_o spiritual_a gift_n according_a unto_o his_o promise_n can_v be_v impede_v if_o believer_n through_o his_o grace_n will_v continue_v in_o obedience_n unto_o his_o command_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a there_o shall_v be_v a_o utter_a failure_n in_o this_o office_n and_o office-power_n of_o this_o ministry_n it_o may_v fail_v in_o this_o or_o that_o place_n in_o this_o or_o that_o church_n when_o the_o lord_n christ_n will_v remove_v his_o candlestick_n but_o it_o have_v a_o live_a root_n whence_o it_o will_v spring_v again_o in_o other_o place_n and_o church_n whilst_o this_o world_n do_v endure_v neither_o 4._o do_v they_o cease_v because_o they_o have_v be_v all_o of_o they_o corrupt_v abuse_a and_o defile_v in_o the_o apostasy_n which_o fall_v out_o among_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o latter_a age_n as_o it_o be_v full_o foretell_v in_o the_o scripture_n for_o 1._o this_o supposition_n will_v make_v the_o whole_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o world_n to_o depend_v on_o the_o corrupt_a lust_n and_o will_n of_o man_n which_o have_v get_v by_o any_o mean_n the_o outward_a possession_n of_o the_o administration_n of_o his_o law_n and_o ordinance_n this_o be_v all_o one_o as_o if_o we_o shall_v say_v that_o if_o a_o pack_n of_o wicked_a judge_n shall_v for_o a_o season_n pervert_v justice_n righteousness_n and_o judgement_n that_o the_o be_v of_o the_o kingdom_n be_v so_o overthrow_v thereby_o as_o that_o it_o can_v never_o be_v restore_v 2._o it_o will_v make_v all_o the_o duty_n and_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o all_o true_a believer_n to_o depend_v on_o the_o will_n of_o wicked_a apostate_n for_o if_o they_o may_v not_o make_v use_n of_o what_o they_o have_v abuse_v they_o can_v never_o yield_v obedience_n to_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n nor_o enjoy_v the_o privilege_n which_o he_o have_v annex_v unto_o his_o church_n and_o worship_n 3._o on_o this_o supposition_n all_o reformation_n of_o a_o apostatise_v church_n be_v utter_o impossible_a but_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o heal_v even_o babylon_n itself_o by_o a_o reduction_n of_o all_o thing_n unto_o their_o first_o institution_n if_o it_o will_v be_v heal_v jerem._n 51.9_o and_o if_o not_o we_o be_v to_o forsake_v she_o and_o reform_v ourselves_o rev._n 18.4_o there_o be_v nothing_o therefore_o in_o all_o these_o pretence_n that_o shall_v in_o the_o least_o impeach_v the_o infallible_a continuation_n of_o the_o evangelical_n church_n and_o worship_n as_o to_o their_o right_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o head_n of_o those_o argument_n whereby_o the_o truth_n be_v invincible_o confirm_v may_v be_v brief_o touch_v on_o 1._o there_o be_v express_a testimony_n of_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o promise_n for_o its_o accomplishment_n that_o the_o church_n and_o all_o its_o ordinance_n of_o worship_n shall_v be_v continue_v always_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n so_o as_o to_o the_o church_n itself_o matth._n 16.18_o rev._n 21.3_o the_o ministry_n matth._n 28.20_o ephes._n 4.13_o baptism_n matth._n 28.18_o 19_o 20._o the_o lord_n supper_n 1_o cor._n 11.26_o as_o for_o other_o institution_n public_a prayer_n preach_v the_o word_n the_o lord_n day_n sing_v of_o god_n praise_n the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n with_o what_o belong_v
ceremony_n without_o the_o enliven_a form_n of_o these_o spiritual_a gift_n i_o have_v prove_v sufficient_o in_o my_o discourse_n of_o spiritual_a gift_n and_o their_o continuance_n in_o the_o church_n wherefore_o a_o communication_n of_o spiritual_a gift_n peculiar_o enable_v man_n unto_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n antecedent_n unto_o their_o solemn_a separation_n unto_o the_o office_n in_o some_o good_a measure_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a unto_o the_o due_a continuance_n of_o the_o office_n and_o its_o work_n see_v ephes._n 4.7_o 11_o 12_o 13_o 14_o 15._o to_o suppose_v that_o the_o lord_n christ_n do_v call_v and_o appoint_v man_n unto_o a_o certain_a office_n and_o work_n in_o his_o church_n seclude_v all_o other_o from_o any_o interest_n in_o the_o one_o or_o other_o and_o yet_o not_o endow_v they_o with_o peculiar_a gift_n and_o ability_n for_o the_o discharge_n of_o that_o office_n and_o work_n be_v to_o ascribe_v that_o unto_o he_o which_o be_v every_o way_n unbecoming_a his_o wisdom_n and_o grace_n with_o his_o love_n unto_o the_o church_n but_o when_o man_n look_v on_o all_o church_n order_n as_o a_o lifeless_a machine_n to_o be_v act_v move_v and_o dispose_v by_o external_n rule_n law_n canon_n and_o order_n without_o respect_n unto_o the_o act_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n go_v before_o in_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o word_n to_o enliven_v every_o part_n of_o it_o the_o true_a disciple_n of_o christ_n will_v receive_v no_o advantage_n thereby_o 3._o it_o be_v of_o the_o same_o importance_n that_o person_n so_o call_v do_v take_v heed_n unto_o their_o ministry_n that_o they_o fulfil_v it_o that_o they_o give_v themselves_o unto_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n that_o they_o labour_v continual_o in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n and_o all_o those_o other_o duty_n which_o in_o the_o scripture_n be_v prescribe_v unto_o they_o and_o this_o not_o only_o as_o unto_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o but_o as_o unto_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o performance_n with_o zeal_n love_n compassion_n and_o diligence_n where_o there_o be_v a_o great_a defect_n in_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n on_o what_o pretence_n soever_o it_o be_v where_o man_n esteem_v themselves_o exempt_v from_o this_o work_n or_o not_o oblige_v unto_o it_o when_o they_o suppose_v that_o they_o may_v discharge_v their_o office_n at_o a_o cheap_a rate_n and_o with_o less_o trouble_n as_o unto_o their_o present_a interest_n by_o such_o way_n as_o i_o shall_v not_o here_o express_v no_o man_n be_v no_o man_n can_v be_v oblige_v to_o confine_v his_o church_n communion_n unto_o such_o a_o ministry_n 4._o it_o be_v require_v that_o they_o be_v example_n unto_o the_o flock_n in_o the_o expression_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o power_n of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o preach_v in_o their_o conversation_n especial_o in_o zeal_n humility_n self-denial_n and_o readiness_n for_o the_o cross._n where_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o there_o be_v such_o a_o defect_n in_o the_o fundamental_o of_o church_n practice_v as_o unto_o the_o ministry_n of_o it_o that_o no_o man_n who_o take_v care_n of_o his_o own_o edification_n can_v join_v himself_o unto_o a_o church_n labour_v under_o it_o for_o minister_n and_o church_n be_v nothing_o but_o institute_v mean_n of_o the_o conversion_n of_o sinner_n and_o the_o edification_n of_o believer_n and_o when_o any_o of_o they_o through_o their_o own_o default_n cease_v so_o to_o be_v there_o be_v no_o obligation_n unto_o any_o man_n to_o join_v or_o continue_v in_o their_o communion_n nor_o do_v they_o contract_v any_o gild_n in_o a_o peaceable_a departure_n from_o they_o but_o discharge_v their_o duty_n that_o this_o be_v do_v peaceable_o without_o strife_n or_o contention_n without_o judge_v of_o other_o as_o unto_o their_o interest_n in_o christ_n and_o eternal_a salvation_n the_o law_n of_o moral_a obedience_n do_v require_v that_o it_o be_v do_v with_o love_n and_o compassion_n and_o prayer_n towards_o and_o for_o they_o who_o be_v leave_v be_v the_o peculiar_a direction_n of_o that_o moral_a duty_n by_o the_o gospel_n such_o a_o practice_n at_o present_a will_v fall_v under_o severe_a charge_n and_o accusation_n as_o also_o brutish_a penalty_n in_o some_o place_n but_o when_o all_o church_n craft_n shall_v be_v defeat_v and_o the_o use_n that_o be_v make_v of_o its_o imaginary_a authority_n be_v discard_v there_o will_v be_v little_a occasion_n of_o this_o practice_n and_o none_o at_o all_o of_o offence_n again_o there_o be_v thing_n fundamental_a unto_o church_n practise_v and_o order_n in_o the_o church_n itself_o which_o where_o they_o be_v neglect_v no_o man_n ought_v of_o choice_n to_o join_v himself_o unto_o that_o church_n see_v he_o can_v do_v it_o without_o the_o prejudice_n of_o his_o edification_n the_o furtherance_n whereof_o he_o ought_v to_o design_n in_o that_o duty_n and_o these_o be_v 1._o that_o the_o discipline_n of_o christ_n be_v due_o exercise_v in_o it_o according_a unto_o his_o mind_n and_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o prescription_n there_o never_o be_v any_o sect_n order_n or_o society_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n design_v for_o the_o preservation_n and_o promotion_n of_o virtue_n and_o thing_n praiseworthy_a but_o they_o have_v rule_n of_o discipline_n proper_a unto_o the_o end_v of_o their_o design_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o and_o by_o all_o that_o belong_v unto_o they_o where_o the_o erection_n of_o such_o society_n be_v continue_v in_o the_o world_n as_o it_o be_v much_o in_o the_o papacy_n both_o their_o constitution_n and_o their_o conversation_n depend_v on_o the_o especial_a rule_n of_o discipline_n which_o they_o have_v frame_v unto_o themselves_o and_o this_o be_v do_v by_o they_o in_o great_a variety_n for_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o so_o esteem_v it_o insufficient_a unto_o their_o design_n they_o have_v make_v no_o end_n of_o coin_v rule_n unto_o themselves_o to_o suppose_v that_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o in_o this_o church_n state_n according_a unto_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n have_v erect_v the_o most_o perfect_a society_n for_o the_o most_o perfect_a end_n of_o religion_n of_o obedience_n towards_o god_n of_o love_n and_o usefulness_n among_o ourselves_o have_v not_o appoint_v a_o discipline_n and_o give_v rule_n concern_v its_o administration_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o that_o society_n and_o the_o attain_n of_o those_o end_n be_v high_o injurious_a unto_o his_o honour_n and_o glory_n where_o therefore_o there_o be_v a_o church_n or_o any_o society_n that_o pretend_v so_o to_o be_v wherein_o there_o be_v a_o utter_a neglect_n of_o this_o discipline_n of_o christ_n or_o the_o establishment_n of_o another_o not_o administer_v by_o the_o law_n and_o rule_n that_o he_o have_v prescribe_v no_o disciple_n of_o christ_n can_v be_v oblige_v to_o join_v unto_o or_o to_o continue_v in_o the_o total_a sole_a communion_n of_o such_o a_o church_n and_o whereas_o there_o be_v two_o part_n of_o this_o discipline_n of_o christ_n that_o which_o be_v private_a among_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o exercise_n and_o preservation_n of_o love_n and_o that_o which_o be_v public_a in_o and_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o purity_n and_o order_n a_o neglect_n in_o either_o of_o they_o do_v much_o impeach_v the_o fundamental_a constitution_n of_o a_o church_n as_o unto_o its_o practice_n 2._o there_o be_v sundry_a other_o thing_n which_o belong_v unto_o this_o discipline_n in_o general_n which_o be_v of_o great_a consideration_n in_o the_o discharge_v of_o the_o duty_n we_o inquire_v into_o among_o they_o be_v 1._o that_o constant_a difference_n be_v put_v between_o the_o good_a and_o the_o bad_a in_o all_o church_n administration_n 2._o that_o person_n open_o or_o flegitious_o wicked_a be_v not_o admit_v into_o the_o society_n of_o the_o church_n or_o a_o participation_n of_o its_o privilege_n 3._o that_o holiness_n love_n and_o usefulness_n be_v open_o avow_v as_o the_o design_n and_o interest_n of_o the_o church_n but_o they_o be_v all_o so_o comprise_v in_o the_o general_n head_n of_o discipline_n as_o that_o i_o shall_v not_o in_o particular_a insist_v upon_o they_o from_o what_o have_v be_v thus_o declare_v it_o will_v appear_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n what_o church_n it_o be_v that_o a_o discipline_n of_o christ_n who_o take_v due_a care_n of_o his_o own_o edification_n and_o salvation_n aught_o in_o duty_n to_o join_v himself_o unto_o in_o complete_a communion_n to_o answer_v this_o enquiry_n be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o those_o discourse_n and_o controversy_n which_o have_v be_v about_o the_o note_n of_o the_o true_a church_n i_o shall_v brief_o determine_v concern_v it_o according_a to_o the_o principle_n before_o evince_v 1._o it_o must_v be_v such_o a_o church_n as_o wherein_o all_o the_o fundamental_a truth_n of_o the_o
they_o be_v occasion_v by_o ambition_n and_o desire_n of_o pre-eminence_n like_o those_o that_o fall_v out_o among_o the_o bishop_n of_o those_o day_n when_o their_o parish_n and_o claim_n be_v not_o regulate_v by_o the_o civil_a power_n as_o now_o they_o be_v if_o they_o do_v so_o from_o a_o desire_n to_o impose_v principle_n and_o practice_n not_o warrant_v in_o the_o scripture_n on_o other_o as_o it_o be_v with_o tertullian_n if_o for_o slight_a reason_n they_o rend_v and_o destroy_v that_o church_n state_n and_o order_n which_o themselves_o approve_v of_o as_o it_o be_v with_o all_o the_o ancient_a schismatic_n who_o be_v bishop_n or_o will_v feign_v to_o have_v be_v if_o those_o that_o make_v they_o or_o follow_v in_o they_o deny_v salvation_n unto_o all_o that_o join_v not_o with_o they_o and_o condemn_v all_o other_o church_n as_o be_v without_o god_n covenant_n and_o the_o sacrament_n as_o do_v the_o donatist_n and_o those_o do_v who_o deny_v these_o thing_n unto_o all_o church_n who_o have_v not_o diocesan_n bishop_n if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a justifiable_a cause_n plead_v for_o it_o that_o those_o who_o make_v such_o a_o separation_n can_v abide_v in_o the_o communion_n which_o they_o forsake_v without_o wound_v their_o own_o conscience_n and_o do_v give_v evidence_n of_o their_o abide_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o love_n towards_o all_o the_o true_a disciple_n of_o christ_n we_o be_v satisfy_v that_o we_o have_v a_o rule_n infallible_o direct_v we_o to_o make_v a_o judgement_n concern_v it_o our_o author_n add_v sect._n 26._o p._n 197._o another_o argument_n against_o this_o course_n of_o separation_n be_v that_o these_o ground_n will_v make_v separation_n endless_a which_o be_v to_o suppose_v all_o the_o exhortation_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o peace_n and_o unity_n among_o christian_n useless_a but_o why_o so_o be_v there_o nothing_o in_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o account_n which_o be_v to_o be_v give_v unto_o he_o nothing_o in_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n nothing_o in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o exercise_v of_o gospel_n discipline_n to_o keep_v profess_a disciple_n of_o christ_n unto_o their_o duty_n and_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o order_n divine_o prescribe_v unto_o they_o unless_o they_o be_v fetter_v and_o stake_v down_o with_o humane_a law_n and_o constitution_n herein_o i_o confess_v i_o differ_v and_o shall_v do_v so_o whilst_o i_o be_o in_o this_o world_n from_o our_o reverend_a author_n and_o other_o to_o say_v as_o he_o do_v upon_o a_o supposition_n of_o the_o take_v away_o of_o humane_a imposition_n law_n and_o canon_n that_o there_o be_v no_o bound_n set_v unto_o separation_n but_o what_o the_o fancy_n of_o man_n will_v dictate_v unto_o they_o be_v dishonourable_a unto_o the_o gospel_n and_o somewhat_o more_o to_o suppose_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o prescribe_v bound_n unto_o separation_n efficacious_o affect_v the_o conscience_n of_o beleiver_n or_o that_o any_o other_o bound_n can_v be_v assign_v as_o obligatory_a unto_o their_o conscience_n be_v what_o can_v be_v admit_v the_o lord_n christ_n have_v command_v love_n and_o union_n among_o his_o disciple_n he_o have_v ordain_v order_n and_o communion_n in_o his_o church_n he_o have_v give_v unto_o they_o and_o limit_v their_o power_n he_o have_v prescribe_v rule_n whereby_o they_o and_o all_o their_o member_n ought_v to_o walk_v he_o have_v forbid_v all_o schism_n and_o division_n he_o have_v appoint_v and_o limit_v all_o necessary_a separation_n and_o have_v true_o give_v all_o the_o bound_n unto_o it_o that_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n be_v or_o can_v be_v affect_v withal_o but_o than_o it_o be_v say_v if_o this_o be_v all_o separation_n will_v be_v endless_a if_o such_o a_o separation_n be_v intend_v as_o be_v a_o unlawful_a schism_n i_o say_v it_o may_v be_v it_o will_v even_o as_o persecution_n and_o other_o evil_n sin_n and_o wickedness_n will_v be_v notwithstanding_o his_o severe_a prohibition_n of_o they_o what_o he_o have_v do_v be_v the_o only_a mean_n to_o preserve_v his_o own_o disciple_n from_o all_o sinful_a separation_n and_o be_v sufficient_a thereunto_o herein_o lie_v the_o original_a mistake_n in_o this_o matter_n we_o have_v lose_v the_o apprehension_n that_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o word_n and_o work_v of_o his_o spirit_n be_v every_o way_n sufficient_a for_o the_o guide_v govern_v and_o preserve_v of_o his_o disciple_n in_o the_o church_n order_n by_o he_o prescribe_v and_o the_o observance_n of_o the_o duty_n by_o he_o command_v it_o have_v be_v great_o lose_v in_o the_o world_n for_o many_o age_n and_o therefore_o instead_o of_o faithful_a ministerial_a endeavour_n to_o enforce_v a_o sense_n of_o it_o on_o the_o conscience_n of_o all_o christian_n they_o have_v be_v let_v loose_a from_o it_o through_o a_o confidence_n in_o other_o devise_n to_o keep_v they_o unto_o their_o duty_n and_o order_n and_o if_o these_o devise_n be_v they_o ecclesiastical_a canon_n or_o civil_a penalty_n be_v not_o enforce_v on_o they_o all_o the_o world_n be_v make_v to_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v leave_v unto_o the_o dictate_v of_o their_o own_o fancy_n and_o imagination_n as_o if_o they_o have_v no_o concern_v in_o christ_n or_o his_o authority_n in_o this_o matter_n but_o for_o my_o part_n i_o shall_v never_o desire_v nor_o endeavour_v to_o keep_v any_o from_o schism_n or_o separation_n but_o by_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o christ_n appointment_n and_o by_o a_o sense_n of_o he_o authority_n on_o their_o own_o conscience_n the_o remainder_n of_o his_o discourse_n on_o this_o head_n consist_v in_o a_o lepid_a dramatical_a oration_n frame_v and_o feign_v for_o one_o of_o his_o opposer_n wherein_o he_o make_v he_o undertake_v the_o patronage_n of_o schism_n before_o cyprian_a and_o austiâ—_n the_o learned_a person_n intend_v be_v very_o well_o able_a to_o defend_v and_o vindicate_v himself_o which_o i_o suppose_v also_o he_o will_v do_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o can_v but_o say_v two_o thing_n 1._o that_o the_o imposition_n on_o he_o of_o extenuate_v the_o gild_n of_o any_o real_a schism_n be_v that_o which_o none_o of_o his_o word_n do_v give_v the_o least_o countenance_n unto_o 2._o that_o the_o doctor_n attempt_n in_o his_o feign_a oration_n to_o accommodate_v his_o principle_n or_o we_o unto_o the_o case_n of_o the_o donatist_n for_o their_o justification_n the_o weakness_n whereof_o be_v evident_a to_o every_o one_o who_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o case_n of_o the_o donatist_n be_v such_o a_o instance_n of_o the_o power_n of_o interest_n a_o design_n to_o maintain_v a_o cause_n causeless_o undertake_v by_o all_o manner_n of_o artifices_fw-la and_o pretence_n prevail_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n otherwise_o wise_a and_o sober_a as_o be_v to_o be_v lament_v we_o come_v at_o length_n in_o the_o 5_o place_n sect_n 28._o p._n 209._o unto_o that_o which_o be_v indeed_o of_o more_o importance_n due_o to_o be_v consider_v than_o all_o that_o go_v before_o for_o as_o our_o author_n observe_v it_o be_v that_o wherein_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n be_v concern_v this_o argument_n therefore_o he_o take_v from_o the_o obligation_n which_o lie_v upon_o all_o christian_n to_o preserve_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o this_o argument_n and_o the_o application_n of_o it_o unto_o the_o case_n of_o they_o who_o refrain_v from_o total_a communion_n with_o our_o parochial_a assembly_n which_o alone_o be_v the_o case_n in_o hand_n he_o lay_v down_o sundry_a supposition_n which_o i_o shall_v consider_v in_o their_o order_n although_o they_o may_v be_v all_o grant_v without_o any_o disadvantage_n unto_o our_o cause_n but_o they_o will_v be_v so_o the_o better_a when_o they_o be_v right_o state_v 1._o his_o first_o supposition_n be_v that_o christian_n be_v under_o the_o strict_a obligation_n to_o preserve_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n this_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o that_o follow_v it_o must_v be_v right_o state_v and_o to_o that_o end_n three_o thing_n may_v be_v inquire_v into_o 1._o what_o be_v that_o church_n who_o peace_n and_o unity_n we_o be_v oblige_v to_o preserve_v for_o there_o be_v those_o who_o lie_v the_o firm_a claim_n unto_o the_o name_n power_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n with_o who_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o have_v neither_o peace_n nor_o unity_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n 2._o what_o be_v that_o peace_n and_o unity_n which_o we_o be_v so_o oblige_v to_o preserve_v 3._o by_o what_o mean_v they_o be_v to_o be_v preserve_v 1._o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o follow_v peace_n with_o all_o man_n to_o seek_v peace_n
institution_n itself_o a_o command_n no_o great_a advantage_n will_v be_v make_v any_o way_n of_o such_o attempt_n the_o like_a i_o must_v say_v of_o his_o follow_a discourse_n p._n 241_o concern_v church_n in_o private_a family_n wherewith_o i_o be_o dismiss_v i_o do_v grant_v that_o a_o church_n may_v be_v in_o a_o family_n there_o be_v so_o in_o the_o family_n of_o abraham_n before_o the_o law_n and_o if_o a_o family_n do_v consist_v of_o such_o number_n as_o may_v constitute_v a_o church_n meet_v for_o the_o duty_n require_v of_o it_o and_o the_o privilege_n entrust_v with_o it_o if_o it_o have_v person_n in_o it_o furnish_v with_o gift_n and_o grace_n fit_a for_o the_o ministerial_a office_n and_o they_o be_v lawful_o call_v and_o set_v apart_o thereunto_o i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v a_o church_n although_o they_o shall_v be_v all_o in_o the_o same_o family_n but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o the_o imprison_n of_o all_o religious_a worship_n in_o private_a family_n that_o never_o be_v church_n nor_o can_v so_o be_v with_o the_o admission_n of_o some_o other_o which_o our_o author_n will_v justify_v from_o this_o concession_n i_o know_v not_o but_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o see_v what_o our_o condition_n shall_v always_o be_v if_o some_o man_n power_n do_v answer_v their_o desire_n but_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v do_v i_o shall_v not_o far_o concern_v myself_o to_o consider_v thing_n charge_v but_o not_o prove_v repeat_v but_o not_o confirm_v depend_v on_o a_o misunderstanding_n or_o misapprehension_n of_o word_n wherein_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n be_v not_o concern_v that_o which_o i_o first_o undertake_v be_v a_o vindication_n of_o the_o nonconformist_n from_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o gild_n of_o schism_n and_o this_o i_o engage_v in_o for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o to_o remove_v as_o far_o as_o in_o i_o lay_v the_o obstruction_n that_o seem_v to_o be_v cast_v by_o the_o drs._n sermon_n unto_o the_o unite_n of_o all_o protestant_n in_o the_o same_o common_a interest_n against_o popery_n for_o although_o the_o design_n may_v be_v good_a as_o i_o hope_v it_o be_v and_o he_o may_v judge_v well_o of_o the_o seasonableness_n of_o what_o he_o propose_v unto_o its_o end_n yet_o we_o find_v it_o it_o may_v be_v from_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o as_o unto_o time_n and_o place_n to_o be_v of_o a_o contrary_a tendency_n to_o the_o raise_n of_o new_a dispute_n create_v of_o new_a jealousy_n and_o weaken_v the_o hand_n of_o multitude_n who_o be_v ready_a and_o willing_a to_o join_v entire_o in_o opposition_n unto_o popery_n and_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n for_o if_o a_o party_n of_o soldier_n as_o the_o dr._n more_o than_o once_o allude_v unto_o that_o sort_n of_o man_n shall_v be_v draw_v up_o in_o a_o field_n with_o other_o to_o oppose_v a_o common_a enemy_n some_o person_n of_o great_a authority_n and_o command_n in_o the_o army_n shall_v go_v unto_o they_o and_o declare_v that_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v trust_v that_o they_o themselves_o be_v traitor_n and_o enemy_n fit_a to_o be_v destroy_v when_o the_o common_a enemy_n be_v dispatch_v or_o reconcile_v it_o will_v certain_o abate_v of_o their_o courage_n and_o resolution_n in_o what_o they_o be_v undertake_v with_o no_o less_o hazard_n than_o any_o other_o in_o the_o army_n i_o have_v here_o again_o unto_o the_o same_o end_n vindicated_n the_o principle_n of_o the_o former_a vindication_n with_o what_o brevity_n i_o can_v for_o the_o truth_n be_v i_o meet_v with_o nothing_o material_a in_o the_o drs._n large_a discourse_n as_o unto_o what_o he_o charge_v on_o those_o of_o the_o congregational_a persuasion_n but_o what_o be_v obviate_v in_o the_o forego_n treatise_n and_o if_o any_o thing_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n be_v further_o offer_v in_o opposition_n unto_o the_o same_o principle_n it_o shall_v if_o god_n give_v life_n and_o strength_n be_v consider_v in_o and_o with_o the_o second_o part_n of_o it_o concern_v the_o matter_n form_n rule_n polity_n office_n officer_n and_o order_n of_o evangelical_n church_n which_o be_v design_v and_o it_o be_v design_v not_o for_o strife_n and_o contention_n with_o any_o which_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a and_o as_o far_o as_o in_o i_o lie_v i_o shall_v always_o avoid_v but_o for_o the_o edification_n of_o they_o by_o who_o it_o be_v desire_v finis_fw-la see_v discourse_n of_o evangelical_n love_n pag._n 58._o 2_o cor._n 1.24_o chap._n 4.5_o pag._n 73._o pag._n 1._o p._n 2_o 3_o 4._o pag._n 57_o 58._o pag._n 62._o pag._n 69._o pag._n 62._o pag._n 54._o &_o 55._o pag._n 57_o &_o 58._o
be_v at_o all_o concern_v in_o the_o rhetorical_a discourse_n of_o dr._n still_o concern_v the_o first_o reformer_n and_o their_o reformation_n neither_o do_v we_o at_o all_o delight_n in_o reflect_v on_o any_o of_o the_o defect_n of_o it_o desire_v only_o the_o liberty_n avow_v on_o protestant_a principle_n in_o the_o discharge_v of_o our_o own_o duty_n nor_o second_o be_v we_o any_o more_o concern_v in_o the_o long_a story_n that_o ensue_v about_o the_o rise_n and_o progress_n of_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n with_o the_o mistake_v of_o some_o in_o principle_n and_o miscarriage_n in_o practice_n who_o judge_v it_o their_o duty_n to_o be_v separate_a for_o as_o in_o our_o refrain_v from_o total_a communion_n with_o the_o parochial_a assembly_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n we_o proceed_v not_o on_o the_o same_o principle_n so_o we_o hope_v that_o we_o be_v free_a from_o the_o same_o miscarriage_n with_o they_o or_o any_o of_o a_o alike_a nature_n but_o it_o be_v also_o certain_a that_o after_o the_o great_a confusion_n that_o be_v bâ—ought_v on_o the_o whole_a state_n and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o roman_a apostasy_n many_o of_o those_o who_o attempt_v a_o reformation_n fall_v into_o different_a opinion_n and_o practice_n in_o sundry_a thing_n which_o the_o papist_n have_v make_v many_o a_o long_a story_n about_o we_o undertake_v the_o defence_n only_o of_o our_o own_o principle_n and_o practice_n according_a unto_o they_o nor_o do_v we_o esteem_v ourselves_o oblige_v to_o justify_v or_o reflect_v on_o other_o and_o it_o be_v no_o difficult_a task_n to_o compose_v a_o story_n of_o the_o proceed_n of_o some_o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n with_o reference_n unto_o these_o difference_n that_o will_v have_v as_o ill_o a_o aspect_n as_o that_o which_o be_v here_o report_v shall_v a_o account_n be_v give_v of_o their_o unaccountable_a rigour_n and_o severity_n in_o that_o through_o so_o many_o year_n yea_o age_n they_o will_v never_o think_v of_o the_o least_o abatement_n of_o their_o imposition_n in_o any_o one_o instance_n though_o acknowledge_v by_o themselves_o indifferent_a and_o esteem_v by_o other_o unlawful_a although_o they_o see_v what_o woeful_a detriment_n arise_v to_o the_o church_n thereby_o yea_o how_o instead_o thereof_o they_o do_v to_o the_o last_o of_o their_o power_n make_v a_o progress_n in_o the_o same_o course_n by_o attempt_v new_a canon_n to_o inflame_v the_o difference_n and_o increase_v in_o severity_n towards_o all_o dissenter_n shall_v a_o account_n be_v give_v of_o the_o silencing_n depriving_n imprisoning_n by_o the_o high_a commission_n court_n and_o in_o most_o of_o the_o diocese_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o so_o great_a number_n of_o godly_a learned_a faithful_a painful_a minister_n to_o the_o unspeakable_a disadvantage_n of_o the_o church_n and_o nation_n with_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o most_o of_o they_o and_o their_o family_n the_o representation_n of_o their_o name_n qualification_n evident_a usefulness_n in_o the_o ministry_n with_o the_o cause_n of_o their_o suffering_n wherein_o the_o observance_n of_o some_o ceremony_n be_v open_o prefer_v before_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n and_o a_o great_a mean_n of_o the_o conversion_n of_o soul_n will_v give_v as_o ill_o a_o demonstration_n of_o christian_a wisdom_n love_n moderation_n condescension_n zeal_n for_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o any_o thing_n do_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n in_o the_o history_n before_o we_o it_o will_v not_o be_v omit_v on_o such_o a_o occasion_n to_o declare_v what_o multitude_n of_o pious_a peaceable_a protestant_n be_v drive_v by_o their_o severity_n to_o leave_v their_o native_a country_n to_o seek_v a_o refuge_n for_o their_o life_n and_o liberty_n with_o freedom_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o a_o wilderness_n in_o the_o end_v of_o the_o earth_n and_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o what_o some_o do_v herein_o they_o do_v in_o discharge_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o their_o office_n i_o must_v say_v i_o shall_v hardly_o acknowledge_v that_o office_n to_o be_v of_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n whereunto_o it_o belong_v in_o a_o way_n of_o duty_n to_o ruin_v and_o destroy_v so_o many_o of_o his_o disciple_n for_o no_o other_o cause_n but_o a_o desire_n and_o endeavour_v to_o serve_v and_o worship_v he_o according_a unto_o what_o they_o apprehend_v to_o be_v his_o mind_n reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n shall_v there_o be_v add_v hereunto_o a_o account_n of_o the_o administration_n of_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n in_o the_o court_n of_o chancellor_n commissary_n official_o and_o the_o like_a as_o unto_o the_o authority_n and_o cause_n with_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o their_o proceed_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o jurisdiction_n with_o the_o woeful_a scandal_n that_o have_v be_v give_v thereby_o with_o a_o addition_n of_o sundry_a other_o thing_n which_o i_o will_v not_o so_o much_o as_o mention_v i_o suppose_v it_o will_v as_o much_o conduce_v unto_o peace_n and_o reconciliation_n among_o protestant_n as_o the_o story_n here_o give_v we_o by_o our_o author_n but_o set_v aside_o the_o aggravation_n of_o thing_n gather_v out_o of_o controversial_a write_n wherein_o few_o man_n do_v observe_v the_o due_a rule_n of_o moderation_n but_o indulge_v unto_o themselves_o the_o liberty_n of_o severe_a censure_n and_o sharp_a reflection_n on_o they_o they_o do_v oppose_v the_o sum_n and_o truth_n of_o the_o story_n concern_v these_o thing_n may_v be_v reduce_v into_o a_o narrow_a compass_n for_o 1._o it_o be_v certain_a that_o from_o the_o first_o dawn_n of_o the_o reformation_n in_o this_o nation_n there_o be_v different_a apprehension_n among_o they_o that_o joint_o forsake_v the_o papacy_n as_o unto_o its_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n about_o the_o state_n rule_n order_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n with_o sundry_a thing_n belong_v unto_o its_o worship_n also_o i_o suppose_v this_o will_v not_o be_v deny_v 2._o there_o do_v not_o remain_v any_o record_n of_o a_o due_a attempt_n and_o endeavour_v for_o the_o compose_v these_o difference_n before_o one_o certain_a way_n be_v establish_v by_o those_o in_o power_n and_o whereas_o the_o state_n and_o condition_n wherein_o they_o be_v at_o that_o time_n from_o the_o confusion_n about_o religion_n that_o be_v then_o abroad_o and_o the_o pertinaciousness_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o people_n in_o a_o adherence_n unto_o their_o old_a way_n and_o observance_n in_o religion_n with_o a_o great_a scarcity_n in_o able_a minister_n the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o clergy_n dislike_a the_o whole_a reformation_n they_o find_v themselves_o as_o they_o judge_v necessitate_v to_o make_v as_o little_a alteration_n in_o the_o present_a state_n of_o thing_n as_o be_v possible_a so_o as_o to_o keep_v up_o a_o appearance_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n which_o have_v be_v in_o former_a use_n on_o these_o ground_n the_o state_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n be_v continue_v in_o the_o same_o form_n and_o posture_n that_o it_o be_v before_o under_o the_o papacy_n the_o authority_n of_o the_o pope_n only_o be_v exclude_v and_o the_o power_n of_o disposal_n of_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n usurp_v by_o he_o declare_v to_o be_v in_o the_o king_n so_o also_o in_o imitation_n of_o that_o book_n of_o worship_n and_o service_n which_o the_o people_n have_v be_v accustom_v unto_o another_o be_v establish_v with_o the_o ceremony_n most_o obvious_a unto_o popular_a observation_n 3._o this_o order_n be_v unsatisfactory_a unto_o great_a number_n of_o minister_n and_o other_o who_o yet_o consider_v what_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o time_n do_v call_v for_o do_v outward_o acquiesce_v in_o it_o in_o several_a degree_n in_o hope_n of_o a_o far_a reformation_n in_o a_o more_o convenient_a season_n nor_o do_v they_o cease_v to_o plead_v and_o press_v for_o it_o by_o all_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a mean_n abstain_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n from_o the_o use_n of_o the_o ceremony_n and_o full_a compliance_n with_o episcopal_a jurisdiction_n 4._o hereon_o those_o who_o be_v for_o the_o establishment_n have_v secure_v their_o interest_n therein_o and_o obtain_v power_n begin_v after_o a_o while_n to_o oppress_v excommunicate_a silence_n deprive_v and_o imprison_v those_o who_o dissent_v from_o they_o and_o can_v not_o come_v up_o unto_o a_o full_a practical_a compliance_n with_o their_o institution_n and_o rule_n yet_o the_o generality_n of_o those_o so_o silence_v and_o deprive_v abide_v in_o privacy_n under_o their_o suffering_n hope_v for_o a_o reformation_n at_o one_o time_n or_o another_o without_o betake_v themselves_o unto_o any_o other_o course_n for_o the_o edification_n of_o themselves_o or_o their_o people_n 5._o after_o sundry_a year_n some_o man_n partly_o silence_v and_o deprive_v as_o unto_o their_o ministry_n and_o partly_o pursue_v with_o other_o censure_n and_o penalty_n begin_v
bound_n of_o church_n in_o all_o age_n which_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a for_o any_o man_n to_o endeavour_v a_o alteration_n of_o as_o we_o shall_v see_v afterward_o 2_o that_o all_o thing_n be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n in_o and_o by_o these_o society_n this_o be_v a_o prime_n dictate_v of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n arise_v from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o ourselves_o which_o have_v be_v wrest_v into_o i_o know_v not_o what_o religious_a ceremony_n of_o man_n invention_n 3_o that_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o receive_v all_o divine_a revelation_n with_o faith_n and_o obedience_n which_o shall_v either_o appoint_v the_o way_n of_o god_n worship_n and_o prescribe_v the_o duty_n of_o it_o or_o guide_v and_o direct_v they_o in_o its_o performance_n and_o to_o regulate_v their_o obedience_n therein_o this_o also_o be_v a_o clear_a unquestionable_a dictate_v of_o the_o light_n and_o law_n of_o nature_n nor_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o on_o the_o principle_n of_o downright_a atheism_n further_o we_o need_v not_o seek_v for_o the_o divine_a original_a of_o church_n or_o society_n of_o man_n fear_v god_n for_o the_o discharge_n of_o his_o public_a worship_n unto_o his_o glory_n and_o their_o own_o eternal_a benefit_n according_a unto_o the_o light_n and_o knowledge_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n which_o he_o be_v please_v to_o communicate_v unto_o they_o what_o concern_v the_o frame_n and_o fashion_v of_o church_n by_o arbitrary_a and_o artificial_a combination_n in_o province_n nation_n and_o the_o like_a we_o shall_v afterward_o inquire_v into_o this_o be_v the_o assure_a foundation_n and_o general_a warranty_n of_o particular_a society_n and_o church_n whilst_o man_n be_v continue_v on_o the_o earth_n the_o especial_a regulation_n of_o they_o by_o divine_a revelation_n will_v in_o the_o next_o place_n be_v consider_v and_o he_o who_o be_v not_o unite_v with_o other_o in_o some_o such_o society_n live_v in_o open_a contradiction_n unto_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o its_o light_n in_o the_o principal_a instance_n of_o it_o 1._o whereas_o the_o direction_n give_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n in_o and_o unto_o thing_n concern_v the_o outward_a worship_n of_o god_n be_v general_a only_o so_o as_o that_o by_o they_o alone_o it_o will_v be_v very_o difficult_a to_o erect_v a_o church-state_n in_o good_a and_o holy_a order_n god_n do_v always_o from_o the_o beginning_n by_o especial_a revelation_n and_o institution_n ordain_v such_o thing_n as_o may_v perfect_v the_o conduct_n of_o that_o light_n unto_o such_o a_o complete_a order_n as_o be_v accept_v with_o himself_o so_o 1_o he_o appoint_v a_o church-state_n for_o man_n in_o innocency_n and_o complete_v its_o order_n by_o the_o sacramental_a addition_n of_o the_o two_o tree_n the_o one_o of_o life_n the_o other_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil._n 2._o that_o before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v to_o perfect_a and_o complete_a all_o divine_a revelation_n and_o state_n all_o thing_n belong_v unto_o the_o house_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n so_o as_o never_o to_o admit_v of_o the_o least_o change_n or_o alteration_n this_o church-state_n as_o unto_o outward_a order_n rite_n of_o worship_n way_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o administration_n of_o thing_n sacred_a with_o its_o bound_n and_o limit_n be_v changeable_a and_o various_o change_v the_o most_o eminent_a change_n it_o receive_v be_v in_o the_o give_n of_o the_o law_n which_o fix_v its_o state_n unalterable_o unto_o the_o come_v of_o christ._n mal._n 4.4_o 5_o 6._o 3._o that_o it_o be_v god_n himself_o alone_o who_o make_v all_o these_o alteration_n and_o change_n nor_o will_v he_o nor_o do_v he_o ever_o allow_v that_o the_o will_n wisdom_n or_o authority_n of_o man_n shall_v prescribe_v rule_n or_o measure_n unto_o his_o worship_n in_o any_o thing_n heb._n 3.1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o 4._o that_o the_o foundation_n of_o every_o church-state_n that_o be_v accept_v with_o god_n be_v in_o a_o express_a covenant_n with_o he_o that_o they_o receive_v and_o enter_v into_o who_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o that_o state_n a_o church_n not_o found_v in_o a_o covenant_n with_o god_n be_v not_o from_o heaven_n but_o of_o men._n hereof_o we_o shall_v treat_v more_o at_o large_a as_o i_o suppose_v afterward_o see_v it_o exemplify_v exod._n 24._o 5._o there_o be_v no_o good_a in_o there_o be_v no_o benefit_n to_o be_v obtain_v by_o any_o church-state_n whatever_o unless_o we_o enter_v into_o it_o and_o observe_v it_o by_o a_o act_n of_o obedience_n with_o immediate_a respect_n unto_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n by_o who_o it_o be_v appoint_v and_o the_o observation_n of_o it_o prescribe_v unto_o we_o mat._n 28.18_o 19_o 20._o hence_o 6._o unless_o man_n by_o their_o voluntary_a choice_n and_o consent_n out_o of_o a_o sense_n of_o their_o duty_n unto_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o institution_n do_v enter_v into_o a_o church-state_n they_o can_v by_o any_o other_o way_n or_o mean_n be_v so_o frame_v into_o it_o as_o to_o find_v acceptance_n with_o god_n therein_o 2._o cor._n 8.5_o and_o the_o interposition_n that_o be_v make_v by_o custom_n tradition_n the_o institution_n and_o ordinance_n of_o man_n between_o the_o conscience_n of_o they_o who_o belong_v or_o will_v belong_v unto_o such_o a_o state_n and_o the_o immediate_a authority_n of_o god_n be_v high_o obstructive_a of_o this_o divine_a order_n 58._o and_o all_o the_o benefit_n of_o it_o for_o hence_o it_o be_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o most_o man_n know_v neither_o how_o nor_o whereby_o they_o come_v to_o be_v member_n of_o this_o or_o that_o church_n but_o only_o on_o this_o ground_n that_o they_o be_v bear_v where_o it_o do_v prevail_v and_o be_v accept_v chap._n ii_o the_o especial_a original_a of_o the_o evangelical_n church-state_n our_o principal_a concernment_n at_o present_a be_v in_o the_o evangelical_n church-state_n or_o the_o state_n of_o church_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o this_o be_v that_o about_o which_o there_o be_v many_o great_a and_o fierce_a contest_v among_o christian_n and_o those_o attend_v with_o pernicious_a consequent_n and_o effect_n what_o be_v the_o original_a what_o be_v the_o nature_n what_o be_v the_o use_n and_o power_n what_o be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o church_n or_o any_o church_n what_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o man_n in_o it_o and_o towards_o it_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o various_a contest_v and_o the_o principal_a occasion_n of_o all_o the_o distraction_n that_o be_v at_o this_o day_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n for_o the_o great_a part_n of_o those_o who_o judge_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o take_v care_n and_o order_n about_o these_o thing_n have_v enterwoven_v their_o own_o secular_a interest_n and_o advantage_n into_o such_o a_o church-state_n as_o be_v meet_v and_o suit_v to_o preserve_v and_o promote_v they_o suppose_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o that_o religion_n may_v be_v make_v a_o trade_n for_o outward_a advantage_n they_o do_v open_o seek_v the_o destruction_n of_o all_o those_o who_o will_v not_o comply_v with_o that_o church_n form_n and_o order_n that_o they_o have_v frame_v unto_o themselves_o moreover_o from_o man_n various_a conception_n and_o suitable_a practice_n about_o this_o church-state_n be_v advantage_n and_o occasion_n take_v to_o charge_v each_o other_o with_o schism_n and_o all_o sort_n of_o evil_n which_o be_v suppose_v to_o ensue_v thereon_o wherefore_o although_o i_o design_v all_o possible_a brevity_n and_o only_o to_o declare_v those_o principle_n of_o truth_n wherein_o we_o may_v safe_o repose_v our_o faith_n and_o practice_n avoid_v as_o much_o as_o much_o as_o possible_o i_o can_v and_o the_o subject_n will_v allow_v the_o handle_n of_o those_o thing_n in_o a_o way_n of_o controversy_n with_o other_o yet_o somewhat_o more_o than_o ordinary_a diligence_n be_v require_v unto_o the_o true_a state_v of_o this_o important_a concernment_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o that_o which_o we_o shall_v first_o inquire_v into_o be_v the_o special_a original_a and_o authoritative_a constitution_n of_o this_o church-state_n wherefore_o 1._o the_o church-state_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n do_v not_o less_o relate_v unto_o and_o receive_v force_n from_o the_o light_n or_o law_n of_o nature_n than_o any_o other_o state_n of_o the_o church_n whatever_o herein_o as_o unto_o its_o general_a nature_n its_o foundation_n be_v lay_v what_o that_o direct_v unto_o may_v receive_v new_a enforcement_n by_o revelation_n but_o change_v or_o alter_v or_o abolish_v it_o can_v be_v wherefore_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o new_a express_a institution_n of_o what_o be_v require_v by_o that_o light_n and_o law_n in_o all_o church_n and_o society_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o only_o a_o application_n of_o it_o unto_o present_a occasion_n and_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o church_n
their_o rule_n but_o leave_v that_o unto_o the_o discretion_n and_o authority_n of_o man_n as_o they_o think_v meet_v when_o they_o have_v outward_a power_n for_o their_o warranty_n but_o if_o by_o these_o particular_a appointment_n and_o framing_n of_o church_n with_o their_o order_n man_n be_v dispose_v of_o as_o unto_o their_o spiritual_a concernment_n beyond_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n or_o the_o moral_n â—aw_v we_o must_v yet_o inquire_v who_o give_v they_o this_o right_a and_o title_n to_o make_v this_o disposal_n of_o they_o 2._o authority_n as_o right_o and_o title_n respect_v the_o person_n of_o man_n to_o be_v reduce_v into_o a_o new_a form_n of_o government_n so_o authority_n respect_v the_o rule_n â—aws_n order_n and_o statute_n to_o be_v make_v prescribe_v and_o establish_v whereby_o the_o privilege_n of_o this_o new_a society_n be_v convey_v and_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o enjoin_v unto_o all_o that_o be_v take_v unto_o it_o earthly_a potentate_n who_o will_v dispose_v of_o man_n into_o a_o state_n and_o government_n absolute_o new_a unto_o they_o as_o unto_o all_o their_o temporal_a concernment_n of_o life_n liberty_n inheritance_n and_o possession_n so_o as_o that_o they_o shall_v hold_v all_o of_o they_o in_o dependence_n on_o and_o according_a unto_o the_o rule_n and_o law_n of_o their_o new_a government_n and_o kingdom_n must_v have_v these_o two_o thing_n namely_o right_o and_o title_n unto_o the_o person_n of_o man_n which_o they_o have_v by_o conquest_n or_o a_o absolute_a resignation_n of_o all_o their_o interest_n and_o concern_v into_o their_o disposal_n and_o authority_n thereon_o to_o constitute_v what_o order_n what_o kind_n of_o state_n rule_n and_o government_n they_o please_v without_o these_o they_o will_v quick_o find_v their_o endeavour_n and_o undertake_n frustrate_v the_o gospel_n church-state_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o and_o in_o all_o the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o it_o be_v absolute_o new_a whereunto_o all_o the_o world_n be_v natural_o foreigner_n and_o stranger_n as_o they_o have_v no_o right_n unto_o it_o as_o it_o contain_v privilege_n so_o they_o have_v no_o obligation_n unto_o it_o as_o it_o prescribe_v duty_n wherefore_o there_o be_v need_n of_o both_o those_o right_o as_o unto_o the_o person_n of_o man_n and_o authority_n as_o unto_o the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n unto_o the_o frame_n of_o it_o and_o until_o man_n can_v pretend_v unto_o these_o thing_n both_o unto_o this_o right_a and_o authority_n with_o respect_n unto_o all_o the_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a concernment_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o other_o they_o may_v do_v well_o to_o consider_v how_o dangerous_a it_o be_v to_o invade_v the_o right_n and_o inheritance_n of_o christ_n and_o leave_v hunt_v after_o a_o interest_n of_o power_n in_o the_o the_o frame_n or_o form_v evangelical_n church_n or_o make_v of_o law_n for_o their_o rule_n and_o government_n this_o authority_n be_v not_o only_o ascribe_v unto_o jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o scripture_n but_o it_o be_v enâ—â—â—sed_v unto_o he_o so_o as_o that_o no_o other_o can_v have_v any_o interest_n in_o it_o see_v mat._n 28.18_o rev._n 3.7_o isa._n 9.6_o 7_o by_o virtue_n hereof_o he_o be_v the_o only_a lawgiver_n of_o the_o church_n jam._n 4.12_o isa._n 22.22_o there_o be_v indeed_o a_o derivation_n of_o power_n and_o authority_n from_o he_o unto_o other_o but_o it_o extend_v itself_o no_o far_o save_v only_o that_o they_o shall_v direct_v teach_v and_o command_v those_o who_o he_o send_v they_o unto_o to_o do_v and_o observe_v what_o he_o have_v command_v matth._n 28.20_o he_o build_v his_o own_o house_n and_o he_o be_v over_o his_o own_o house_n heb._n 3.3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o he_o both_o constitute_v its_o state_n and_o gives_z law_n for_o its_o rule_n the_o disorder_n the_o confusion_n the_o turn_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n upside_o down_o which_o have_v enâ—ued_v upon_o the_o usurpation_n of_o man_n take_v upon_o they_o a_o legislative_a power_n in_o and_o over_o the_o church_n can_v easy_o be_v declare_v for_o upon_o a_o slight_a pretence_n no_o way_n suit_v or_o serviceable_a unto_o their_o end_n of_o the_o advice_n give_v and_o determination_n make_v by_o the_o apostle_n with_o the_o elder_n and_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o a_o temporary_a constitution_n about_o the_o use_n of_o christian_a liberty_n the_o bishop_n of_o the_o 4_o the_o and_o 5_o the_o century_n take_v upon_o themselves_o power_n to_o make_v law_n canon_n and_o constitution_n for_o the_o order_n of_o the_o government_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n bring_v in_o many_o new_a institution_n on_o a_o pretence_n of_o the_o same_o authority_n neither_o do_v other_o who_o follow_v they_o cease_v to_o build_v on_o their_o sandy_a foundation_n until_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o the_o church-state_n be_v alter_v a_o new_a law_n make_v for_o its_o government_n and_o a_o new_a christ_n or_o antichrist_n assume_v in_o the_o head_n of_o its_o rule_n by_o that_o law_n for_o all_o this_o pretend_a authority_n of_o make_v law_n and_o constitution_n for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n issue_v in_o that_o sink_v of_o abomination_n which_o they_o call_v the_o canon-law_n let_v any_o man_n but_o of_o a_o tolerable_a understanding_n and_o free_v from_o infatuate_a prejudices_fw-la but_o read_v the_o representation_n that_o be_v make_v of_o the_o gospel_n church_n state_n its_o order_n rule_n and_o government_n in_o the_o scripture_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o what_o representation_n be_v make_v on_o the_o other_o of_o a_o church_n state_n its_o order_n rule_n and_o government_n in_o the_o canon_n law_n the_o only_a effect_n of_o man_n assume_v to_o themselves_o a_o legislative_a power_n with_o respect_n unto_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n if_o he_o do_v not_o pronounce_v they_o to_o be_v contrary_a as_o light_n and_o darkness_n and_o that_o by_o the_o latter_a the_o former_a be_v utter_o destroy_v and_o take_v away_o i_o shall_v never_o trust_v to_o the_o use_n of_o man_n reason_n or_o their_o honesty_n any_o more_o this_o authority_n be_v first_o usurp_v by_o synod_n or_o counsel_n of_o bishop_n of_o what_o use_n they_o be_v at_o any_o time_n to_o declare_v and_o give_v testimony_n unto_o any_o article_n of_o the_o faith_n which_o in_o their_o day_n be_v oppose_v by_o heretic_n i_o shall_v not_o now_o inquire_v but_o as_o unto_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o authority_n claim_v by_o they_o to_o make_v law_n and_o canon_n for_o the_o rule_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v to_o be_v bewail_v there_o shall_v be_v such_o a_o monument_n leave_v of_o their_o weakness_n ambition_n self-interest_n and_o folly_n as_o there_o be_v in_o what_o remain_v of_o their_o constitution_n their_o whole_a endeavour_n in_o this_o kind_n be_v at_o best_o but_o the_o build_n of_o wood_n hay_o and_o stubble_n on_o the_o foundation_n in_o who_o consumption_n they_o shall_v suffer_v loss_n although_o they_o be_v save_v themselves_o but_o in_o make_v of_o law_n to_o bind_v the_o whole_a church_n in_o and_o about_o thing_n useless_a and_o trivial_a no_o way_n belong_v to_o the_o religion_n teach_v we_o by_o jesus_n christ_n in_o and_o for_o the_o establishment_n or_o increase_n of_o their_o own_o power_n jurisdiction_n authority_n and_o rule_n with_o the_o extent_n and_o bound_n of_o their_o several_a dominion_n in_o and_o for_o the_o constitution_n of_o new_a frames_n and_o state_n of_o church_n and_o new_a way_n of_o the_o government_n of_o they_o in_o the_o appointment_n of_o new_a modes_n rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o divine_a worship_n with_o the_o confusion_n that_o ensue_v thereon_o in_o mutual_a animosity_n fight_n division_n schism_n and_o anathematism_n to_o the_o horrible_a scandal_n of_o christian_a religion_n they_o cease_v not_o until_o they_o have_v utter_o destroy_v all_o the_o order_n rule_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n yea_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o it_o and_o introduce_v into_o its_o room_n a_o carnal_a worldly_a church-state_n and_o rule_n suit_v unto_o the_o interest_n of_o covetous_a ambitious_a and_o tyrannical_a prelate_n the_o most_o of_o they_o indeed_o know_v not_o for_o who_o they_o wrought_v in_o provide_v material_n for_o that_o babel_n which_o by_o a_o hide_a skill_n in_o a_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n be_v raise_v out_o of_o their_o provision_n for_o after_o they_o be_v hew_v and_o carve_v shape_a form_v and_o guild_v the_o pope_n appear_v in_o the_o head_n of_o it_o as_o it_o be_v with_o those_o word_n of_o his_o mouth_n be_v not_o this_o great_a babylon_n that_o i_o have_v build_v for_o the_o house_n of_o the_o kingdom_n by_o the_o might_n of_o my_o power_n and_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o my_o majesty_n this_o be_v the_o fatal_a event_n of_o man_n invade_v the_o right_n of_o christ_n and_o
claim_v a_o interest_n in_o authority_n to_o give_v law_n to_o the_o church_n this_o therefore_o be_v absolute_o deny_v by_o we_o namely_o that_o any_o man_n under_o what_o pretence_n or_o name_n soever_o have_v any_o right_a or_o authority_n to_o constitute_v any_o new_a frame_n or_o order_n of_o the_o church_n to_o make_v any_o law_n of_o their_o own_o for_o its_o rule_n or_o government_n that_o shall_v oblige_v the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n in_o point_n of_o conscience_n unto_o their_o observation_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o this_o assertion_n that_o shall_v in_o the_o least_o impeach_v the_o power_n of_o mastrate_n with_o reference_n unto_o the_o outward_a civil_a and_o political_n concern_v of_o the_o church_n or_o the_o public_a profession_n of_o religion_n within_o their_o territory_n nothing_o that_o shall_v take_v off_o from_o thâ—_n just_a authority_n of_o the_o lawful_a guide_n of_o the_o church_n in_o order_v appoint_v and_o command_v the_o observation_n of_o all_o thing_n in_o they_o according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n shall_v be_v afterward_o declare_v in_o these_o thing_n the_o lord_n be_v our_o judge_n the_o lord_n be_v our_o statute-maker_n the_o lord_n be_v our_o king_n he_o will_v save_v we_o it_o be_v then_o but_o weak_o plead_v that_o see_v the_o magistrate_n can_v appoint_v or_o command_v nothing_o in_o religion_n that_o god_n have_v forbid_v nor_o be_v there_o any_o need_n that_o he_o shall_v appoint_v or_o command_v what_o god_n have_v already_o appoint_v and_o command_v if_o so_o be_v he_o may_v not_o by_o law_n command_v such_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n as_o before_o be_v neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v but_o indifferent_a which_o be_v the_o proper_a field_n of_o his_o ecclesiastical_a legislative_a power_n then_o have_v he_o no_o power_n nor_o authority_n about_o religion_n at_o all_o that_o be_v if_o he_o have_v not_o the_o same_o and_o a_o coordinate_a power_n with_o god_n or_o christ_n he_o have_v none_o at_o all_o one_o of_o the_o best_a argument_n that_o can_v be_v use_v for_o the_o power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n in_o thing_n ecclesiastical_a be_v take_v from_o the_o approve_a example_n of_o the_o good_a king_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n but_o they_o think_v it_o honour_n enough_o unto_o they_o and_o their_o duty_n to_o see_v and_o take_v care_n that_o the_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v and_o ordain_v shall_v be_v diligent_o observe_v by_o all_o those_o concern_v therein_o both_o priest_n and_o people_n and_o to_o destroy_v what_o god_n have_v forbid_v to_o appoint_v any_o thing_n of_o themselves_o to_o make_v that_o necessary_a in_o the_o church_n and_o the_o worship_n thereof_o which_o god_n have_v not_o make_v so_o they_o never_o esteem_v it_o to_o be_v in_o their_o power_n or_o to_o belong_v unto_o their_o duty_n when_o they_o do_v any_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n and_o thereby_o make_v any_o addition_n unto_o the_o outward_a worship_n of_o god_n not_o before_o command_v they_o do_v it_o by_o immediate_a revelation_n from_o god_n and_o so_o by_o divine_a authority_n 1_o chron._n 28.19_o and_o it_o be_v leave_v as_o a_o brand_n on_o those_o that_o be_v wicked_a not_o only_o that_o they_o command_v and_o make_v statute_n for_o the_o observation_n of_o what_o god_n have_v forbid_v mic._n 6.16_o but_o also_o that_o they_o command_v and_o appoint_v what_o god_n have_v not_o appoint_v 1_o king_n 12.32_o 33._o and_o it_o will_v be_v find_v at_o last_o to_o be_v honour_n enough_o to_o the_o great_a potentate_n under_o heaven_n to_o take_v care_n that_o what_o christ_n have_v appoint_v in_o his_o church_n and_o worship_n be_v observe_v without_o claim_v a_o power_n like_o unto_o that_o of_o the_o most_o high_a to_o give_v law_n unto_o the_o church_n for_o the_o observation_n of_o thing_n find_v out_o and_o invent_v by_o themselves_o or_o other_o man_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n be_v the_o other_o part_n of_o their_o plea_n against_o this_o denial_n of_o a_o legislative_a power_n in_o man_n with_o respect_n unto_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o evangelical_n church-state_n or_o the_o ordain_v of_o any_o thing_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o it_o that_o christ_n have_v not_o appoint_v for_o it_o be_v say_v that_o if_o this_o be_v allow_v as_o all_o the_o dignity_n power_n and_o honour_n of_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n will_v be_v reject_v or_o despise_v so_o all_o manner_n of_o confusion_n and_o disorder_n will_v be_v bring_v into_o the_o church_n itself_o for_o how_o can_v it_o otherwise_o be_v when_o all_o power_n of_o law-making_a in_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o dignity_n of_o the_o ruler_n and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n be_v take_v away_o and_o therefore_o we_o see_v it_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o church_n in_o former_a age_n than_o all_o the_o principal_a law_n and_o canon_n that_o they_o make_v in_o their_o council_n or_o otherwise_o be_v design_v unto_o the_o exaltation_n and_o preservation_n of_o the_o dignity_n of_o church_n ruler_n wherefore_o take_v this_o power_n away_o and_o you_o will_v bring_v in_o all_o confusion_n into_o the_o church_n ans._n 1._o they_o do_v not_o in_o my_o judgement_n sufficient_o think_v of_o who_o and_o of_o what_o they_o speak_v who_o plead_v after_o this_o manner_n for_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o plea_n be_v that_o if_o the_o church_n have_v its_o whole_a frame_n constitution_n order_n rule_n and_o government_n from_o christ_n alone_o though_o man_n shall_v faithful_o discharge_v their_o duty_n in_o do_v and_o observe_v all_o what_o he_o have_v command_v there_o will_v be_v nothing_o in_o it_o but_o disorder_n and_o confusion_n whether_o this_o become_v that_o reverence_n which_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v of_o he_o or_o be_v suit_v unto_o that_o faithfulness_n and_o wisdom_n which_o be_v particular_o ascribe_v unto_o he_o in_o the_o constitution_n and_o order_v of_o his_o church_n be_v not_o hard_a to_o determine_v and_o the_o untruth_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v afterward_o demonstrate_v 2._o as_o unto_o the_o dignity_n and_o honour_n of_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n the_o subject_n of_o so_o many_o ecclesiastical_a law_n they_o be_v in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o be_v desire_v themselves_o to_o remember_v the_o example_n of_o christ_n himself_o in_o his_o personal_a ministry_n here_o on_o earth_n matth._n 20.28_o even_o as_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v not_o to_o be_v minister_v unto_o but_o to_o minister_v and_o to_o give_v his_o life_n a_o ransom_n for_o many_o with_o the_o rule_n prescribe_v by_o he_o thereon_o ver_fw-la 25_o 26_o 27._o but_o jesus_n call_v they_o unto_o he_o and_o say_v you_o know_v that_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o gentile_n exercise_v dominion_n over_o they_o and_o they_o that_o be_v great_a exercise_n authority_n upon_o they_o but_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o among_o you_o but_o whosoever_o shall_v be_v great_a among_o you_o let_v he_o be_v your_o minister_n and_o whosoever_o will_v be_v chief_a among_o you_o let_v he_o be_v your_o servant_n with_o the_o occasion_n of_o the_o instruction_n give_v therein_o unto_o his_o apostle_n ver_fw-la 24._o and_o when_o the_o ten_o hear_v it_o they_o be_v move_v with_o indignation_n against_o the_o two_o brethren_n as_o also_o the_o injunction_n give_v they_o by_o the_o apostle_n peter_n on_o who_o for_o their_o own_o advantage_n some_o will_v fasten_v a_o monarchy_n over_o the_o whole_a church_n 1_o epist._n 5.2_o 3._o feed_v the_o flock_n of_o god_n which_o be_v among_o you_o take_v the_o oversight_n thereof_o not_o by_o constraint_n but_o willing_o not_o for_o filthy_a lucre_n but_o of_o a_o ready_a mind_n neither_o as_o be_v lord_n over_o god_n heritage_n but_o be_v ensample_n to_o the_o flock_n and_o the_o bless_a expression_n of_o the_o apostolical_a state_n by_o paul_n 1_o cor._n 4.1_o let_v a_o man_n so_o account_v of_o we_o as_o of_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n and_o steward_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n 2_o cor._n 1.24_o not_o for_o that_o we_o have_v dominion_n over_o your_o faith_n but_o be_v helper_n of_o your_o joy_n 2_o cor._n 4_o 5._o for_o we_o preach_v not_o ourselves_o but_o christ_n jesus_n the_o lord_n and_o ourselves_o your_o servant_n for_o jesus_n sake_n it_o may_v prepare_v their_o mind_n for_o the_o right_a mannagement_n of_o that_o honour_n which_o be_v their_o due_n for_o 2_o there_o be_v in_o and_o by_o the_o constitution_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o express_a law_n a_o honour_n and_o respect_v due_a unto_o those_o church_n guide_n which_o he_o have_v appoint_v abide_v in_o the_o duty_n which_o he_o require_v if_o man_n have_v not_o be_v weary_a of_o apostolical_a simplicity_n and_o humility_n if_o they_o can_v have_v content_v themselves_o with_o the_o honour_n and_o dignity_n annex_v unto_o their_o office_n and_o work_v by_o christ_n himself_o they_o have_v never_o
church_n and_o nothing_o else_o but_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v all_o those_o thing_n in_o the_o gospel_n church-state_n also_o or_o else_o why_o do_v man_n contend_v about_o they_o and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n if_o they_o be_v not_o all_o reveal_v appoint_v prescribe_a legalize_v by_o christ_n where_o be_v his_o faithfulness_n in_o answer_n to_o that_o moses_n but_o no_o instance_n can_v be_v give_v of_o any_o defect_n in_o his_o institution_n that_o need_v any_o supplement_n to_o be_v make_v by_o the_o best_a of_o man_n as_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o constitute_v a_o church-state_n order_n and_o rule_n with_o rite_n of_o worship_n in_o particular_a 4._o how_o it_o be_v derogatory_n unto_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o unto_o its_o perfection_n shall_v be_v elsewhere_o declare_v 8._o there_o be_v no_o more_o require_v to_o give_v authority_n oblige_v the_o conscience_n of_o all_o that_o do_v believe_v unto_o any_o institution_n or_o observation_n of_o duty_n or_o act_n of_o rule_n in_o the_o church_n but_o only_o that_o it_o be_v make_v evident_a in_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o christ._n it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o every_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n shall_v be_v give_v out_o unto_o we_o in_o form_n of_o a_o law_n or_o precise_a command_n in_o express_a word_n it_o be_v the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o christ_n that_o immediate_o affect_v the_o conscience_n of_o believer_n unto_o obedience_n by_o what_o way_n or_o mean_n soever_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o be_v communicate_v unto_o they_o in_o the_o scripture_n either_o by_o express_a word_n or_o by_o just_a consequence_n from_o what_o be_v so_o express_v wherefore_o 9_o the_o example_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o erection_n of_o church_n in_o the_o appointment_n of_o officer_n and_o ruler_n in_o they_o in_o direction_n give_v for_o their_o walk_n order_n administration_n of_o censure_n and_o all_o other_o holy_a thing_n be_v a_o sufficient_a indication_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o christ_n about_o they_o we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o in_o themselves_o they_o be_v institution_n and_o appointment_n but_o they_o infallible_o declare_v what_o be_v so_o or_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n concern_v those_o thing_n nor_o can_v this_o be_v question_v without_o a_o denial_n of_o their_o infallibility_n faithfulness_n and_o divine_a authority_n 10_o the_o assertion_n of_o some_o that_o the_o apostle_n take_v their_o pattern_n for_o the_o state_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n and_o as_o unto_o divers_a rite_n of_o worship_n from_o the_o synagogue_n of_o the_o jew_n their_o institution_n order_n and_o rule_n not_o those_o appoint_v by_o moses_n but_o such_o as_o themselves_o have_v find_v out_o and_o ordain_v be_v both_o temerarious_a and_o untrue_a in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o such_o bold_a conjecture_n one_o of_o late_a have_v affirm_v that_o moses_n take_v most_o of_o his_o law_n and_o ceremony_n from_o the_o aegyptitian_n whereas_o it_o be_v much_o more_o likely_a that_o many_o of_o they_o be_v give_v on_o purpose_n to_o alienate_v the_o people_n by_o prohibition_n from_o any_o compliance_n with_o the_o egyptian_n or_o any_o other_o nation_n whereof_o maimonides_n in_o his_o mene_n nebuchim_n give_v we_o sundry_a instance_n this_o assertion_n i_o say_v be_v rash_a and_o false_a for_o 1_o as_o unto_o the_o instance_n give_v for_o its_o confirmation_n who_o shall_v assure_v we_o that_o they_o be_v then_o in_o use_n and_o practice_n in_o the_o synagogue_n when_o the_o apostle_n give_v rule_n unto_o the_o church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n we_o have_v no_o record_n of_o they_o not_o one_o word_n in_o all_o the_o world_n of_o what_o be_v their_o way_n and_o practice_n but_o what_o be_v at_o least_o 250_o year_n young_a and_o late_a than_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o in_o the_o first_o of_o their_o write_n as_o in_o they_o that_o follow_v we_o have_v innumerable_a thing_n assert_v to_o have_v be_v the_o tradition_n and_o practice_n of_o their_o forefather_n from_o the_o day_n of_o moses_n which_o we_o know_v to_o be_v utter_o false_a at_o that_o time_n when_o they_o undertake_v to_o compose_v a_o new_a religion_n out_o of_o their_o pretend_a tradition_n partly_o by_o the_o revolt_n of_o many_o apostate_n from_o christianity_n unto_o they_o especial_o of_o the_o eliâ—nites_n and_o nazarenes_n and_o partly_o by_o their_o own_o study_n and_o observation_n come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o sundry_a thing_n in_o the_o gospel_n church_n their_o order_n and_o worship_n they_o take_v they_o in_o as_o their_o own_o undeniable_a instance_n may_v be_v give_v hereof_o 2_o wherein_o there_o be_v a_o real_a coincidence_n between_o what_o be_v ordain_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o what_o be_v practise_v by_o the_o jew_n it_o be_v in_o thing_n which_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o the_o scripture_n do_v direct_v unto_o and_o it_o be_v dishonourable_a unto_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n in_o they_o to_o think_v or_o say_v that_o in_o such_o thing_n they_o take_v their_o pattern_n from_o the_o jew_n or_o make_v they_o their_o example_n sure_o the_o apostle_n take_v not_o the_o pattern_n and_o example_n for_o the_o institution_n of_o excommunication_n from_o the_o druid_n among_o who_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n that_o do_v great_o resemble_v it_o so_o far_o as_o it_o have_v its_o foundation_n in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n chap._n iii_o the_o continuation_n of_o a_o church-state_n and_o of_o church_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n what_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o it_o and_o whereon_o it_o depend_v that_o there_o be_v a_o peculiar_a church-state_n institute_v and_o appoint_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n act_v in_o his_o name_n and_o authority_n with_o the_o infallible_a guidance_n of_o his_o spirit_n have_v be_v declare_v but_o it_o may_v be_v yet_o far_o inquire_v whether_o this_o church-state_n be_v still_o continue_v by_o divine_a authority_n or_o whether_o it_o cease_v not_o together_o with_o the_o apostle_n by_o who_o it_o be_v erect_v there_o be_v a_o church-state_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n solemn_o erect_v by_o god_n himself_o and_o although_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v absolute_o perpetual_a or_o everlasting_a but_o be_v to_o continue_v only_o unto_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n yet_o unto_o that_o time_n its_o continuation_n be_v secure_v in_o the_o cause_n and_o mean_n of_o it_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o continuation_n of_o this_o church-state_n unto_o its_o appoint_a period_n be_v two_o 1._o the_o promise_n of_o god_n unto_o abraham_n that_o he_o will_v keep_v and_o preserve_v his_o seed_n in_o covenant_n with_o he_o until_o he_o shall_v be_v the_o heir_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o father_n of_o many_o nation_n in_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n whereunto_o this_o church-state_n be_v subservient_fw-fr 2_o the_o law_n of_o god_n itself_o and_o the_o institution_n thereof_o which_o god_n appoint_v to_o be_v observe_v in_o all_o their_o generation_n call_v the_o covenant_n the_o statute_n and_o law_n of_o it_o perpetual_a and_o everlasting_a that_o be_v never_o to_o cease_v to_o be_v abrogate_a or_o disannul_v until_o by_o his_o own_o sovereign_a authority_n he_o will_v utter_o change_v and_o take_v away_o that_o whole_a church-state_n with_o all_o that_o belong_v unto_o its_o constitution_n and_o preservation_n 2._o the_o mean_n of_o its_o continuance_n be_v three_o 1_o carnal_a generation_n and_o that_o on_o a_o twofold_a account_n for_o there_o be_v two_o constituent_a part_n of_o that_o church_n the_o priest_n and_o the_o people_n the_o continuation_n of_o each_o of_o they_o depend_v on_o the_o privilege_n of_o carnal_a generation_n for_o the_o priest_n be_v to_o be_v all_o of_o the_o family_n of_o aaron_n and_o the_o people_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n by_o the_o other_o head_n of_o tribe_n which_o give_v they_o both_o their_o foundation_n in_o and_o right_o unto_o this_o church-state_n and_o hereunto_o be_v annex_v all_o the_o law_n concern_v the_o integrity_n purity_n and_o legitimacy_n of_o the_o priest_n with_o the_o certainty_n of_o their_o pedigree_n 2_o circumcision_n the_o want_n whereof_o be_v a_o bar_n against_o any_o advantage_n by_o the_o former_a privilege_n of_o generation_n from_o those_o two_o spring_n and_o hereby_o other_o also_o may_v be_v add_v unto_o the_o church_n though_o never_o with_o a_o capacity_n of_o the_o priesthood_n 3_o the_o separation_n of_o the_o people_n from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n by_o innumerable_a divine_a ordinance_n make_v their_o coalition_n with_o they_o impossible_a from_o these_o cause_n and_o by_o these_o mean_v it_o be_v that_o the_o church-state_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v preserve_v unto_o its_o appoint_a season_n neither_o
church-state_n of_o other_o because_o in_o some_o thing_n they_o agree_v not_o in_o judgement_n or_o practice_n with_o what_o they_o conceive_v to_o belong_v thereunto_o as_o obstruct_v a_o right_a judgement_n herein_o and_o it_o have_v rise_v of_o late_a unto_o such_o a_o degree_n of_o frenzy_n that_o some_o deny_v peremptory_o the_o church-state_n and_o consequent_o the_o salvation_n of_o all_o that_o have_v not_o diocesan_n bishop_n alas_o that_o poor_a man_n who_o be_v know_v to_o other_o whether_o they_o be_v unto_o themselves_o or_o no_o what_o be_v their_o office_n and_o what_o be_v their_o discharge_n of_o it_o shall_v once_o think_v that_o the_o be_v and_o salvation_n of_o all_o church_n shall_v depend_v on_o they_o and_o such_o as_o they_o be_v yea_o some_o of_o the_o man_n of_o this_o persuasion_n that_o christian_n can_v be_v save_v unless_o they_o comply_v with_o diocesan_n bishop_n do_v yet_o grant_v that_o heathen_n may_v be_v save_v without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ._n 3_o whatever_o defect_n there_o have_v be_v de_fw-la facto_fw-la in_o the_o constitution_n of_o these_o church_n and_o the_o celebration_n of_o divine_a worship_n in_o they_o in_o any_o place_n or_o age_n whatever_o it_o will_v not_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v a_o total_a failure_n of_o they_o much_o less_o a_o discontinuation_n of_o the_o right_n of_o believer_n to_o reform_v and_o erect_v they_o according_a unto_o the_o mind_n of_o christ._n it_o be_v hence_o evident_a that_o the_o perpetual_a continuation_n of_o the_o church-state_n institute_v by_o christ_n under_o the_o gospel_n depend_v original_o on_o the_o grant_n of_o the_o kingdom_n unto_o he_o by_o his_o father_n with_o his_o faithfulness_n in_o that_o grant_n and_o his_o almighty_a power_n to_o make_v it_o good_a and_o they_o do_v but_o deceive_v themselves_o and_o trouble_v other_o who_o think_v of_o suspend_v this_o continuation_n on_o mean_a and_o low_a condition_n of_o their_o own_o frame_n 2._o the_o continuation_n of_o this_o church_n state_n depend_v on_o the_o promise_n of_o christ_n himself_o to_o preserve_v and_o continue_v it_o he_o have_v assure_v we_o that_o he_o will_v so_o build_v his_o church_n on_o the_o rock_n that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o matth._n 16.18_o under_o what_o consideration_n soever_o the_o church_n be_v here_o first_o intend_v the_o whole_a state_n of_o it_o as_o before_o describe_v be_v include_v in_o the_o promise_n if_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n do_v prevail_v either_o against_o the_o faith_n of_o sincere_a believer_n or_o the_o catholic_n profession_n of_o that_o faith_n or_o the_o expression_n of_o that_o profession_n in_o the_o duty_n and_o ordinance_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o particular_a church_n the_o promise_n fail_v and_o be_v of_o no_o effect_n 3._o it_o depend_v on_o the_o word_n or_o law_n of_o christ_n which_o give_v right_a and_o title_n unto_o all_o believer_n to_o congregate_v themselves_o in_o such_o a_o church-state_n with_o rule_n and_o command_v for_o their_o so_o do_v suppose_v 1_o that_o there_o be_v a_o number_n of_o believer_n of_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n in_o any_o such_o place_n as_o wherein_o they_o can_v assemble_v and_o unite_v themselves_o or_o join_v together_o in_o a_o society_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n 2_o that_o they_o be_v as_o yet_o in_o no_o church_n state_n nor_o do_v know_v or_o own_o any_o power_n of_o man_n that_o can_v put_v they_o into_o that_o state_n i_o say_v the_o institution_n of_o this_o church-state_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n his_o command_n unto_o his_o disciple_n to_o observe_v therein_o whatever_o he_o have_v command_v and_o the_o rule_n he_o have_v give_v whereby_o such_o a_o church-state_n be_v to_o be_v erect_v what_o officer_n be_v to_o preâ—ide_v therein_o and_o what_o other_o duty_n belong_v thereunto_o be_v warranty_n sufficient_a for_o they_o to_o join_v themselves_o in_o such_o a_o sâ—ate_n who_o shall_v make_v it_o unlawful_a for_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n to_o obey_v the_o command_n of_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n who_o shall_v make_v it_o lawful_a for_o they_o to_o neglect_v what_o he_o require_v at_o any_o time_n wherever_o therefore_o man_n have_v the_o word_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o teach_v they_o their_o duty_n it_o be_v lawful_a for_o they_o to_o comply_v with_o all_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n contain_v therein_o and_o whereas_o there_o be_v many_o privilege_n and_o â—owers_n accompany_v this_o church-state_n and_o those_o who_o be_v intere_v therein_o be_v as_o such_o the_o especial_a object_n of_o many_o divine_a promise_n this_o word_n and_o law_n of_o christ_n do_v make_v a_o conveyance_n of_o they_o all_o unto_o those_o who_o in_o obedience_n unto_o his_o institution_n and_o command_n do_v enter_v into_o that_o state_n by_o the_o way_n &_o mean_n that_o he_o have_v appoint_v whilst_o we_o hear_v â—im_v according_a to_o the_o reiterated_a direction_n give_v we_o from_o heaven_n whilst_o we_o do_v and_o observe_v all_o that_o he_o have_v command_v we_o we_o need_v not_o fear_v that_o promise_a presence_n of_o he_o with_o we_o which_o bring_v along_o with_o it_o all_o church_n power_n and_o privilege_n also_o wherefore_o this_o state_n can_v have_v no_o intercision_n but_o on_o a_o supposition_n that_o there_o be_v none_o in_o the_o world_n who_o be_v willing_a to_o obey_v the_o command_n of_o christ_n which_o utter_o overthrow_v the_o very_a be_v of_o the_o church_n catholic_n 4._o it_o depend_v on_o the_o communication_n of_o spiritual_a gift_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n in_o this_o church-state_n as_o be_v express_o declare_v ephes._n 4.8.11_o 12_o 13_o 14_o 15._o the_o continuation_n of_o the_o church_n as_o unto_o the_o essence_n of_o it_o depend_v on_o the_o communication_n of_o save_a grace_n if_o christ_n shall_v no_o more_o give_v of_o his_o grace_n and_o spirit_n unto_o man_n there_o will_v be_v no_o more_o church_n in_o the_o world_n as_o unto_o its_o internal_a form_n and_o essence_n but_o the_o continuation_n of_o the_o church_n as_o it_o be_v organical_a that_o be_v a_o society_n incorporate_v according_a unto_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n with_o ruler_n and_o officer_n for_o the_o authoritative_a administration_n of_o all_o its_o concern_v especial_o for_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n and_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n depend_v on_o the_o communication_n of_o spiritual_a gift_n and_o ability_n and_o if_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n shall_v withhold_v the_o communication_n of_o spiritual_a gift_n this_o church-state_n must_v cease_v a_o image_n of_o it_o may_v be_v erect_v but_o the_o true_a church_n state_n will_v fail_v for_o that_o will_v hold_v no_o long_o but_o whilst_o the_o whole_a body_n fit_o join_v together_o and_o compact_v by_o that_o which_o every_o joint_n supply_v according_a to_o the_o effectual_a work_n in_o the_o measure_n of_o every_o part_n make_v increase_v of_o thâ—_n body_n and_o the_o edify_n of_o itself_o in_o love_n ephes._n 4.16_o whilst_o it_o hold_v the_o head_n etc._n etc._n col._n 2.19_o such_o dead_a lifeless_a image_n be_v many_o church_n in_o the_o world_n but_o this_o communication_n of_o spiritual_a gift_n unto_o the_o use_n of_o his_o disciple_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n the_o lord_n christ_n have_v take_v the_o charge_n of_o on_o himself_o as_o he_o be_v faithful_a in_o the_o administration_n of_o his_o kingly_a power_n ephes._n 4.18.11_o 12_o 13_o 14._o whereas_o therefore_o the_o lord_n christ_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o right_n and_o power_n on_o the_o grant_n of_o the_o father_n of_o a_o perpetual_a visible_a kingdom_n in_o this_o world_n and_o the_o discharge_v of_o his_o own_o promise_n have_v 1_o appoint_v the_o ordinary_a office_n which_o he_o will_v have_v continue_v in_o his_o church_n by_o a_o unalterable_a institution_n 2_o ordain_v that_o person_n shall_v be_v call_v and_o set_v apart_o unto_o those_o office_n and_o for_o the_o discharge_v of_o that_o work_n and_o those_o duty_n which_o he_o have_v declare_v to_o belong_v thereunto_o 3_o furnish_v they_o with_o gift_n and_o ability_n for_o this_o work_n and_o declare_v what_o their_o spiritual_a qualification_n and_o moral_a endowment_n ought_v to_o be_v 4_o make_v it_o the_o duty_n of_o believer_n to_o observe_v all_o his_o institution_n and_o command_n whereof_o those_o which_o concern_v the_o erection_n and_o continuance_n of_o this_o church-state_n be_v the_o principal_a and_o 5_o have_v in_o their_o so_o do_v or_o their_o observance_n of_o all_o his_o command_n promise_v his_o presence_n with_o they_o by_o which_o as_o by_o a_o charter_n of_o right_n he_o have_v convey_v unto_o they_o a_o interest_n in_o all_o the_o power_n privilege_n and_o promise_n that_o belong_v unto_o this_o state_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o its_o perpetual_a continuation_n depend_v hereon_o and_o be_v secure_v hereby_o
the_o surprisal_n of_o temptation_n not_o consent_v to_o not_o delight_v or_o continue_v in_o your_o labour_n or_o contention_n of_o spirit_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d col._n 2.1_o be_v night_n and_o day_n in_o your_o prayer_n for_o the_o whole_a brotherhood_n that_o be_v especial_o of_o their_o own_o church_n itself_o that_o the_o number_n of_o god_n elect_v may_v be_v save_v in_o mercy_n through_o a_o good_a conscience_n towards_o he_o this_o be_v their_o state_n this_o be_v their_o liturgy_n this_o their_o practice_n 1._o there_o be_v on_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n a_o plentiful_a effusion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o his_o gift_n and_o grace_n wherein_o it_o may_v be_v respect_n be_v have_v unto_o what_o be_v affirm_v by_o the_o apostle_n before_o of_o the_o same_o church_n 1_o cor._n 1.4_o 5_o 6_o 7._o the_o same_o grace_n be_v yet_o continue_v unto_o they_o 2._o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o effusion_n of_o the_o spirit_n on_o all_o of_o they_o their_o will_n and_o affection_n be_v sanctify_v their_o mind_n be_v enable_v to_o pour_v forth_o fervent_a prayer_n unto_o god_n 3_o they_o be_v not_o such_o as_o live_v in_o any_o open_a sin_n or_o any_o secret_a sin_n know_v to_o be_v so_o but_o be_v only_o subject_a unto_o involuntary_a surprisal_n who_o pardon_n they_o continual_o pray_v for_o 4._o their_o love_n and_o sense_n of_o duty_n stir_v they_o up_o to_o labour_v mighty_o in_o their_o prayer_n with_o fervency_n and_o constancy_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o whole_a fraternity_n of_o elect_a believer_n whether_o throughout_o the_o world_n or_o more_o especialâ—y_o those_o in_o and_o of_o their_o own_o church_n he_o that_o shall_v ascribe_v these_o thing_n unto_o any_o of_o those_o church_n which_o now_o in_o the_o world_n claim_v to_o be_v so_o only_o will_v quick_o find_v himself_o at_o a_o loss_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o what_o he_o assert_n do_v we_o all_o sedulous_o endeavour_v to_o reduce_v and_o restore_v church_n unto_o their_o primitive_a state_n and_o frame_n it_o will_v bring_v more_o glory_n to_o god_n than_o all_o our_o contention_n about_o rule_n and_o domination_n 4._o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n be_v fall_v into_o a_o sinful_a excess_n in_o the_o deposition_n and_o rejection_n of_o their_o elder_n 62._o who_o the_o church_n at_o rome_n judge_v to_o have_v preside_v among_o they_o laudable_o and_o unblamable_o as_o unto_o their_o whole_a walk_n and_o work_v among_o they_o and_o this_o they_o do_v by_o the_o suggestion_n of_o two_o or_o three_o envious_a discontent_a person_n and_o as_o it_o be_v probable_a from_o some_o digression_n in_o the_o epistle_n taint_v with_o those_o error_n which_o have_v former_o infest_a that_o church_n as_o the_o denial_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o flesh_n which_o be_v therefore_o here_o reflect_v on_o but_o in_o the_o whole_a epistle_n the_o church_n be_v nowhere_o reprove_v for_o assume_v a_o authority_n unto_o themselves_o which_o do_v not_o belong_v unto_o they_o it_o seem_v what_o cyprian_n afterward_o affirm_v be_v then_o acknowledge_v namely_o that_o the_o right_n of_o choose_v the_o worthy_a and_o of_o reject_v the_o unworthy_a be_v in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n but_o they_o be_v severe_o reprove_v for_o the_o abuse_n of_o their_o liberty_n and_o power_n for_o they_o have_v exercise_v they_o on_o ill_a ground_n by_o ill_a mean_n for_o ill_a end_n and_o in_o a_o most_o unjust_a cause_n he_o therefore_o exhort_v the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n to_o return_v unto_o their_o duty_n in_o the_o restauration_n of_o their_o elder_n and_o then_o prescribe_v unto_o they_o who_o be_v the_o first_o occasion_n of_o schism_n that_o every_o one_o will_v subject_v themselves_o unto_o the_o restore_a presbyter_n and_o say_v 69._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o will_v do_v the_o thing_n appoint_v or_o command_v by_o the_o multitude_n the_o church_n in_o the_o generality_n of_o its_o member_n the_o plebs_fw-la the_o multitude_n the_o body_n of_o the_o fraternity_n in_o the_o church_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o they_o be_v often_o call_v in_o the_o scripture_n act._n 4.32_o chap._n 6.2_o 5._o chap._n 15.12_o 30._o have_v then_o right_o and_o power_n to_o appoint_v thing_n that_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o the_o church_n for_o order_n and_o peace_n i_o do_v not_o say_v they_o have_v it_o without_o or_o in_o distinction_n from_o their_o officer_n ruler_n and_o guide_n but_o in_o a_o concurrence_n with_o they_o and_o subordination_n to_o they_o whence_o the_o act_n conclude_v on_o may_v be_v esteem_v and_o be_v the_o act_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n this_o order_n can_v be_v observe_v or_o this_o can_v fall_v out_o only_o in_o a_o congregational_a church_n all_o who_o member_n do_v meet_v together_o for_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o exercise_n of_o their_o discipline_n and_o if_o no_o more_o may_v be_v consider_v in_o it_o but_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o the_o people_n without_o any_o respect_n to_o their_o right_n and_o power_n yet_o such_o church_n as_o wherein_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o that_o shall_v fall_v out_o in_o they_o as_o do_v so_o fall_v out_o in_o that_o church_n be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o kind_a or_o order_n with_o it_o but_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o they_o who_o may_v endeavour_v to_o reduce_v any_o church-state_n into_o its_o primitive_a constitution_n that_o they_o may_v be_v caution_v against_o that_o great_a evil_n which_o this_o church_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o suppose_a liberty_n fâ—ll_o into_o i_o can_v but_o transcribe_v a_o few_o of_o those_o excellent_a word_n which_o be_v use_v plentiful_o with_o cogent_a reason_n in_o this_o epistle_n against_o it_o 62._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v shameful_a belove_a exceed_v shameful_a which_o be_v report_v of_o you_o that_o the_o most_o firm_a and_o ancient_a church_n of_o the_o corinthian_n shall_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o one_o or_o two_o person_n seditious_o tumultuate_a against_o their_o elder_n and_o herein_o he_o proceed_v to_o declare_v the_o dreadful_a scandal_n that_o ensue_v thereon_o both_o among_o believer_n and_o infidel_n the_o instruction_n also_o which_o he_o add_v hereunto_o be_v worthy_a the_o remembrance_n of_o all_o church_n member_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v bless_v advice_n for_o all_o church-member_n that_o he_o give_v let_v a_o man_n be_v faithful_a let_v he_o be_v powerful_a in_o knowledge_n or_o the_o declaration_n of_o it_o let_v he_o be_v wise_a to_o judge_v the_o word_n or_o doctrine_n let_v he_o be_v chaste_a or_o pure_a in_o his_o work_n the_o great_a he_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o more_o humble_a he_o ought_v to_o be_v that_o so_o the_o church_n may_v have_v no_o trouble_n by_o he_o nor_o his_o gift_n but_o to_o return_v 5._o have_v occasion_n to_o mention_v the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n he_o name_v only_o the_o two_o rank_n of_o bishop_n and_o deacon_n 55._o as_o the_o apostle_n also_o do_v phil._n 1.1_o speak_v of_o the_o apostle_n he_o say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d preach_v the_o word_n through_o region_n and_o city_n they_o appoint_v the_o first_o fruit_n as_o the_o house_n of_o stephan_n as_o be_v the_o first_o fruit_n of_o achaia_n who_o therefore_o addict_v themselves_o to_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o saint_n 1_o cor._n 16.15_o or_o the_o first_o convert_v to_o the_o faith_n after_o a_o spiritual_a trial_n of_o they_o as_o unto_o their_o fitness_n for_o their_o work_n to_o be_v bishop_n and_o deacon_n of_o they_o that_o shall_v afterward_o believe_v where_o there_o be_v as_o yet_o but_o a_o few_o convert_v the_o apostle_n gather_v they_o into_o church-order_n and_o so_o soon_o as_o they_o find_v any_o fit_a among_o they_o appoint_v and_o ordain_v they_o to_o be_v bishop_n and_o deacon_n so_o that_o provision_n may_v be_v make_v for_o the_o guidance_n and_o conduct_n of_o they_o that_o shall_v be_v convert_v and_o add_v unto_o they_o after_o they_o be_v leave_v by_o the_o apostle_n these_o bishop_n he_o affirm_v to_o be_v and_o have_v be_v the_o presbyter_n or_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n even_o the_o same_o with_o those_o depose_v by_o the_o corinthian_n 58._o in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o the_o apostle_n do_v act._n 20.28_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n it_o be_v no_o small_a sin_n in_o we_o to_o reject_v or_o cast_v off_o they_o who_o have_v offer_v the_o gift_n or_o discharge_v the_o duty_n of_o episcopacy_n holy_o and_o without_o blame_n bless_a be_v the_o elder_n who_o go_v before_o namely_o as_o he_o express_v it_o because_o they_o be_v free_v from_o that_o amotion_n from_o their_o office_n which_o those_o elder_n now_o among_o they_o have_v undergo_v after_o they_o have_v
the_o lord_n christ_n have_v ordain_v no_o power_n nor_o order_n in_o his_o church_n no_o office_n or_o duty_n that_o shall_v stand_v in_o need_n of_o the_o civil_a authority_n sanction_n or_o force_n to_o preserve_v it_o or_o make_v it_o effectual_a unto_o its_o proper_a end_n it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o discharge_v any_o thing_n of_o a_o pretence_n to_o be_v a_o appointment_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n if_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a unto_o its_o own_o proper_a end_n without_o the_o help_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n that_o church-state_n which_o be_v either_o constitute_v by_o humane_a authority_n or_o can_v consist_v without_o it_o be_v not_o from_o he_o that_o ordinance_n which_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n divine_a or_o be_v pretend_v so_o to_o be_v so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v not_o effectual_a unto_o its_o end_n without_o the_o aid_n of_o humane_a authority_n be_v not_o of_o he_o he_o need_v it_o not_o he_o will_v not_o borrow_v the_o assistance_n of_o civil_a authority_n to_o rule_v in_o and_o over_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n with_o respect_n unto_o their_o live_n to_o god_n and_o come_v unto_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o himself_o the_o way_n of_o require_v the_o sanction_n of_o civil_a authority_n unto_o ecclesiastical_a order_n and_o determination_n begin_v with_o the_o use_n of_o general_n council_n in_o the_o day_n of_o constantine_n and_o when_o once_o it_o be_v engage_v in_o and_o approve_a so_o far_o as_o that_o what_o be_v determine_v in_o the_o synod_n either_o as_o to_o doctrine_n or_o as_o unto_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v confirm_v by_o the_o imperial_a authority_n with_o penalty_n on_o all_o that_o shall_v gainsay_v such_o determination_n it_o be_v deplorable_a to_o consider_v what_o mutual_a havoc_n be_v make_v among_o christian_n upon_o the_o various_a sentiment_n of_o synod_n and_o emperor_n yet_o this_o way_n please_v the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n so_o well_o and_o as_o they_o think_v ease_v they_o of_o so_o much_o trouble_n that_o it_o be_v so_o far_o improve_v among_o they_o that_o at_o last_o they_o leave_v no_o power_n in_o or_o about_o religion_n or_o religious_a person_n unto_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n but_o what_o be_v to_o be_v exercise_v in_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o decree_n and_o determination_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v necessary_a from_o this_o institution_n of_o particular_a church_n that_o they_o have_v their_o subsistence_n continuation_n order_n and_o the_o efficacy_n of_o all_o that_o they_o act_n and_o do_v as_o church_n from_o christ_n himself_n for_o whereas_o all_o that_o they_o be_v and_o do_v be_v heavenly_a spiritual_a and_o not_o of_o this_o world_n that_o it_o reach_v nothing_o of_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n that_o be_v the_o life_n and_o body_n of_o man_n and_o all_o civil_a interest_n appertain_v to_o they_o and_o affect_v nothing_o but_o what_o no_o power_n of_o all_o the_o magistrate_n under_o heaven_n can_v reach_v unto_o that_o be_v the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n no_o trouble_n can_v hence_o arise_v unto_o any_o ruler_n of_o the_o world_n no_o contest_v about_o what_o they_o ought_v and_o what_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o confirm_v which_o have_v cause_v great_a disorder_n among_o many_o 3._o in_o particular_a also_o there_o neither_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v in_o this_o church-state_n the_o least_o pretence_n of_o power_n or_o authority_n to_o be_v act_v towards_o or_o over_o the_o person_n of_o king_n or_o ruler_n which_o shall_v either_o impeach_v their_o right_n or_o impede_fw-la the_o exercise_n of_o their_o just_a authority_n for_o as_o christ_n have_v grant_v no_o such_o power_n unto_o the_o church_n so_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o pretence_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v seat_v in_o a_o particular_a congregation_n especial_o be_v gather_v on_o this_o principle_n that_o there_o be_v no_o church_n power_n proper_o so_o call_v but_o what_o be_v so_o seat_v and_o that_o no_o concurrence_n agreement_n or_o association_n of_o many_o church_n can_v add_v a_o new_a great_a or_o other_o power_n or_o authority_n unto_o they_o than_o what_o they_o have_v single_o before_o and_o what_o power_n can_v such_o church_n act_n towards_o king_n potentate_n or_o ruler_n of_o nation_n have_v they_o not_o the_o high_a security_n that_o it_o be_v uttter_o impossible_a that_o ever_o their_o authority_n or_o their_o person_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v impeach_v hinder_v or_o receive_v any_o detriment_n from_o any_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o this_o church-state_n these_o principle_n i_o say_v be_v sufficient_a to_o secure_v christian_a religion_n and_o the_o state_n order_n and_o power_n of_o church_n institute_v therein_o from_o all_o reflection_n of_o inconsistency_n with_o civil_a government_n or_o of_o influence_a man_n into_o attempt_n of_o its_o change_n or_o ruin_n the_o sum_n be_v let_v the_o outward_a frame_n and_o order_n of_o righteous_a government_n be_v of_o what_o sort_n it_o will_v nothing_o inconsistent_a with_o it_o nothing_o entrench_v on_o it_o nothing_o make_v opposition_n unto_o it_o be_v appoint_v by_o jesus_n christ_n or_o do_v belong_v unto_o that_o church-state_n which_o he_o have_v ordain_v and_o establish_v two_o thing_n only_o must_v be_v add_v unto_o these_o principle_n that_o we_o may_v not_o seem_v so_o to_o distinguish_v the_o civil_a state_n and_o the_o church_n as_o to_o make_v they_o unconcerned_a in_o each_o other_o for_o 1._o it_o be_v the_o unquestionable_a duty_n of_o the_o ruler_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n upon_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n to_o receive_v its_o truth_n and_o so_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o its_o command_n and_o whereas_o all_o power_n and_o office_n be_v to_o be_v discharge_v for_o god_n who_o minister_n all_o ruler_n be_v they_o be_v bind_v in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o office_n to_o countenance_n supply_n and_o protect_v the_o profession_n and_o professor_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o be_v the_o church_n according_a unto_o the_o degree_n and_o measure_n which_o they_o shall_v judge_v necessary_a 2._o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n material_o consider_v that_o be_v of_o all_o those_o who_o be_v member_n of_o it_o in_o any_o kingdom_n or_o commonwealth_n to_o be_v useful_o subservient_fw-fr even_o as_o christian_n unto_o that_o rule_n which_o be_v over_o they_o as_o man_n in_o all_o those_o way_n and_o by_o all_o those_o mean_n which_o the_o law_n usage_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o country_n whereof_o they_o be_v do_v direct_a and_o prescribe_v but_o these_o thing_n be_v frequent_o speak_v unto_o there_o be_v sundry_a other_o consideration_n whereby_o it_o may_v be_v evince_v not_o only_o that_o this_o order_n and_o state_n of_o gospel-churche_n be_v not_o only_o consistent_a with_o every_o righteous_a government_n in_o the_o world_n i_o mean_v that_o be_v so_o in_o its_o constitution_n though_o as_o all_o other_o form_n it_o be_v capable_a of_o maladministration_n but_o the_o most_o useful_a and_o subservient_fw-fr unto_o its_o righteous_a administration_n be_v utter_o uncapable_a of_o immix_v itself_o as_o such_o in_o any_o of_o those_o occasion_n of_o the_o world_n or_o state-affair_n as_o may_v create_v the_o least_o difficulty_n or_o trouble_n unto_o ruler_n with_o other_o it_o be_v not_o so_o it_o be_v know_v that_o the_o very_a constitution_n of_o the_o papal_a church_n as_o it_o be_v state_v in_o the_o canon_n of_o it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o just_a right_n of_o king_n and_o ruler_n and_o ofttimes_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o its_o power_n destructive_a unto_o their_o person_n and_o dominion_n and_o herein_o concur_v the_o prelatical_a church-state_n of_o england_n whilst_o it_o continue_v in_o their_o communion_n and_o hold_v its_o dependence_n on_o the_o roman_a church_n for_o although_o they_o have_v all_o their_o power_n original_o from_o the_o king_n of_o this_o realm_n as_o the_o record_n and_o law_n of_o it_o do_v express_o affirm_v that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v found_v in_o episcopacy_n by_o the_o king_n and_o his_o noble_n yet_o they_o claim_v such_o a_o addition_n of_o power_n and_o authority_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n from_o the_o papal_a omnipotency_n as_o that_o they_o be_v ringleader_n in_o perplex_v the_o government_n of_o this_o nation_n under_o the_o pretence_n of_o maintain_v of_o what_o they_o call_v the_o right_n of_o the_o church_n and_o hereunto_o they_o be_v enable_v by_o the_o very_a constitution_n of_o their_o church-order_n which_o give_v they_o that_o power_n grandeur_n with_o political_a interest_n that_o be_v needful_a to_o effectuate_v their_o design_n and_o since_o they_o have_v be_v take_v off_o from_o this_o foundation_n of_o contest_a king_n and_o prince_n on_o their_o own_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n and_o deprive_v of_o their_o dependence_n on_o the_o power_n
state_v of_o the_o subject_a of_o our_o enquiry_n 1._o the_o diversity_n and_o division_n among_o church_n which_o respect_n be_v to_o be_v have_v unto_o in_o the_o choice_n of_o any_o which_o we_o will_v or_o aught_o to_o join_v unto_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n 1._o such_o as_o be_v occasion_v by_o the_o remain_a weakness_n infirmity_n and_o ignorance_n of_o the_o best_a of_o man_n whereby_o they_o know_v but_o in_o part_n and_o prophesy_v only_o in_o part_n wherein_o our_o edification_n be_v concern_v but_o our_o salvation_n not_o endanger_v 2._o such_o as_o be_v in_o and_o about_o thing_n fundamental_a in_o faith_n worship_n and_o obedience_n we_o shall_v speak_v to_o both_o of_o they_o 2._o all_o christian_n be_v original_o of_o one_o mind_n in_o all_o thing_n needful_a unto_o joint-communion_n so_o as_o that_o there_o may_v be_v among_o they_o all_o love_n without_o dissimulation_n howbeit_o there_o be_v great_a variety_n not_o only_o in_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o apprehension_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o truth_n but_o in_o some_o doctrine_n themselves_o as_o about_o the_o continuance_n of_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n or_o at_o least_o of_o some_o of_o they_o as_o also_o opposition_n from_o without_o unto_o the_o truth_n by_o heretic_n and_o apostate_n neither_o of_o which_o hinder_v the_o church_n communion_n of_o true_a believer_n but_o the_o diversity_n difference_n and_o division_n that_o be_v now_o among_o church_n in_o the_o world_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o great_a apostasy_n which_o befall_v they_o all_o in_o the_o latter_a age_n as_o unto_o the_o spirit_n rule_n and_o practice_n of_o those_o which_o be_v plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o will_v not_o be_v heal_v until_o that_o apostasy_n be_v abolish_v 3._o satan_n have_v possess_v himself_o of_o the_o advantage_n of_o these_o division_n whereof_o he_o be_v the_o author_n he_o make_v use_v of_o they_o to_o act_v his_o malice_n and_o rage_n in_o stir_v up_o and_o instigate_a one_o party_n to_o persecute_v oppress_v and_o devour_v another_o until_o the_o life_n power_n and_o glory_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v almost_o lose_v in_o the_o world_n it_o require_v therefore_o great_a wisdom_n to_o deport_v ourselves_o aright_o among_o these_o division_n so_o as_o to_o contribute_v nothing_o unto_o the_o end_v of_o malice_n design_v by_o satan_n in_o they_o 4._o in_o this_o state_n of_o thing_n until_o it_o may_v be_v cure_v which_o it_o will_v never_o be_v by_o any_o of_o the_o way_n yet_o propose_v and_o insist_v on_o the_o enquiry_n be_v concern_v the_o duty_n of_o any_o one_o who_o take_v care_n of_o his_o own_o soul_n as_o unto_o a_o conjunction_n with_o some_o church_n or_o other_o and_o on_o the_o negative_a part_n i_o say_v 1._o such_o a_o one_o be_v bind_v not_o to_o join_v with_o any_o church_n or_o society_n where_o any_o fundamental_a article_n of_o faith_n be_v reject_v or_o corrupt_v there_o may_v be_v a_o fundamental_a error_n in_o a_o true_a church_n for_o a_o season_n when_o the_o church_n err_v not_o fundamental_o 1_o cor._n 15._o 2_o tim._n 2.18_o but_o i_o suppose_v the_o error_n in_o or_o against_o the_o foundation_n be_v part_n of_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o church_n or_o society_n to_o be_v join_v unto_o for_o thereby_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o church_n be_v destroy_v it_o do_v not_o hold_v the_o head_n nor_o abide_v on_o the_o foundation_n nor_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o pillar_n of_o truth_n wherefore_o although_o the_o socinian_o under_o a_o pretence_n of_o love_n forbearance_n and_o mutual_a toleration_n do_v offer_v we_o the_o communion_n of_o their_o church_n wherein_o there_o be_v somewhat_o of_o order_n and_o discipline_n commendable_a yet_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o join_v in_o church_n fellowship_n or_o communion_n with_o they_o for_o their_o error_n about_o the_o trinity_n the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o satisfaction_n be_v destructive_a of_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o idolatry_n in_o the_o divine_a worship_n of_o a_o mere_a creature_n be_v introduce_v by_o they_o 2._o where_o there_o 〈…〉_z any_o church_n teach_v or_o allow_v a_o mixture_n of_o doctrine_n or_o opinion_n that_o be_v prejudicial_a unto_o gospel_n holiness_n or_o obedience_n no_o man_n that_o take_v due_a care_n of_o his_o salvation_n can_v join_v himself_o unto_o it_o for_o the_o original_a rule_n and_o measure_n of_o all_o church_n communion_n be_v agreement_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o truth_n where_o therefore_o there_o be_v either_o not_o a_o stable_a profession_n of_o the_o same_o doctrine_n in_o all_o substantial_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o a_o uncertain_a sound_n be_v give_v some_o say_v one_o thing_n some_o another_o or_o that_o opposition_n be_v make_v unto_o any_o truth_n of_o the_o importance_n before_o mention_v none_o can_v be_v bind_v or_o oblige_v to_o hold_v communion_n with_o it_o nor_o can_v incur_v any_o blame_n by_o refrain_v from_o it_o for_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o christian_a in_o all_o thing_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o to_o join_v with_o such_o a_o church_n will_v 1._o stain_v their_o profession_n 2._o hinder_v their_o edification_n 3_o establish_v a_o new_a rule_n of_o communion_n unknown_a to_o the_o scripture_n namely_o beside_o truth_n as_o may_v easy_o be_v manifest_v 3._o where_o the_o fundamental_o of_o religious_a worship_n be_v corrupt_v or_o overthrow_v it_o be_v absolute_o unlawful_a to_o join_v unto_o or_o abide_v in_o any_o church_n so_o be_v it_o with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n the_o various_a way_n whereby_o the_o foundation_n of_o divine_a religious_a worship_n be_v overthrow_v in_o that_o church_n by_o superstition_n and_o idolatry_n have_v be_v sufficient_o declare_v these_o render_v the_o communion_n of_o that_o church_n pernicious_a 4._o nor_o can_v any_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o join_v himself_o with_o any_o church_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v his_o duty_n so_o to_o do_v where_o the_o eternal_o fix_a rule_n and_o measure_n of_o religious_a worship_n namely_o that_o it_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n be_v vary_v or_o change_v by_o any_o addition_n unto_o it_o or_o subtraction_n from_o it_o for_o whereas_o one_o principal_a end_n of_o all_o church_n be_v the_o joint_a celebration_n of_o divine_a worship_n if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o certain_a stable_n rule_v thereof_o in_o any_o church_n of_o divine_a prescription_n no_o man_n can_v be_v oblige_v unto_o communion_n therewith_o 5._o where_o the_o fundamental_o of_o church_n order_n practice_n and_o discipline_n be_v destroy_v it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o any_o man_n to_o join_v in_o church_n communion_n these_o fundamental_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n 1._o such_o as_o concern_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n 2._o such_o as_o concern_v the_o church_n itself_o there_o be_v four_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a fundamental_o unto_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o ministry_n 1._o that_o all_o the_o minister_n or_o officer_n of_o it_o be_v due_o choose_v by_o the_o church_n itself_o and_o solemn_o set_v apart_o in_o the_o church_n unto_o their_o office_n according_a unto_o the_o rule_n and_o law_n of_o christ._n this_o be_v fundamental_a unto_o church_n order_n the_o root_n of_o it_o from_o whence_o all_o other_o part_n of_o it_o do_v spring_n and_o it_o be_v that_o which_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o express_o provide_v for_o in_o the_o scripture_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v if_o there_o be_v a_o neglect_v herein_o and_o no_o other_o relation_n require_v between_o minister_n elder_n ruler_n bishop_n and_o the_o church_n but_o what_o be_v raise_v and_o create_v by_o way_n and_o rule_n of_o man_n appointment_n or_o if_o there_o be_v a_o temporary_a disposal_n of_o person_n into_o a_o discharge_n of_o that_o office_n without_o a_o solemn_a call_v choice_n ordination_n and_o separation_n unto_o the_o office_n itself_o and_o its_o work_n the_o law_n of_o christ_n be_v violate_v and_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n disturb_v in_o its_o foundation_n 2._o that_o those_o who_o be_v call_v unto_o the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n be_v due_o qualify_v by_o their_o endowment_n with_o spiritual_a gift_n for_o the_o discharge_v of_o their_o duty_n be_v fundamental_a unto_o the_o ministry_n that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n do_v still_o continue_v his_o dispensation_n of_o spiritual_a gift_n unto_o man_n to_o fit_a and_o enable_v they_o unto_o the_o office_n and_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n that_o if_o he_o do_v not_o do_v so_o or_o shall_v at_o any_o time_n cease_v so_o to_o do_v the_o whole_a office_n of_o the_o ministry_n must_v cease_v and_o the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n with_o it_o that_o it_o be_v altogether_o useless_a for_o any_o church_n or_o person_n to_o erect_v a_o image_n of_o the_o gospel_n ministry_n by_o outward_a rite_n and_o