that_o it_o be_v not_o use_v in_o the_o first_o celebration_n by_o our_o saviour_n with_o his_o disciple_n nor_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n as_o do_v any_o way_n appear_v nor_o afterward_o when_o general_a council_n forbid_v kneel_v in_o any_o act_n of_o adoration_n on_o the_o lord_n day_n to_o this_o it_o may_v be_v answer_v that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o enjoin_v but_o the_o use_n of_o this_o gesture_n that_o be_v consent_v to_o and_o the_o object_v inconvenience_n follow_v not_o the_o use_n but_o the_o enjoin_v thereof_o in_o the_o rigour_n as_o to_o debar_v from_o the_o sacrament_n those_o that_o scruple_n it_o but_o i_o further_o inquire_v whether_o a_o consent_n to_o the_o use_n of_o a_o rubric_n which_o have_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o injunction_n do_v not_o imply_v a_o consent_n not_o only_o to_o the_o use_n but_o to_o the_o enjoin_v of_o the_o thing_n therein_o prescribe_v moreover_o the_o very_a use_n or_o observe_v of_o this_o rubric_n by_o the_o minister_n be_v a_o injunction_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o people_n because_o it_o include_v a_o obligation_n upon_o he_o not_o to_o deliver_v the_o sacrament_n to_o they_o except_o they_o use_v this_o gesture_n in_o the_o rubric_n after_o the_o communion_n note_v that_o every_o parishioner_n shall_v communicate_v at_o the_o least_o three_o time_n in_o the_o year_n whereof_o easter_n to_o be_v one_o that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o parishioner_n to_o be_v fit_a to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n and_o according_o to_o receive_v it_o also_o that_o the_o church_n may_v require_v this_o duty_n of_o all_o her_o member_n and_o censure_v those_o who_o continue_v wilful_o unfit_a be_v not_o to_o be_v question_v but_o this_o rubric_n enjoin_v all_o parishioner_n to_o communicate_v and_o the_o parish-minister_n to_o admit_v they_o without_o any_o proviso_n here_o make_v touch_v their_o fitness_n or_o due_a caution_n elsewhere_o take_v for_o it_o that_o i_o know_v of_o when_o it_o be_v sad_o know_v that_o in_o most_o parish_n too_o many_o parishioner_n be_v notorious_o unfit_a and_o we_o see_v the_o practice_n consequent_a to_o this_o rule_n a_o constant_a general_a admission_n or_o intrusion_n of_o notorious_o ignorant_a or_o ungodly_a person_n who_o pollute_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o eat_v and_o drink_v damnation_n to_o themselves_o beside_o this_o infidel_n papist_n and_o such_o as_o secret_o at_o least_o renounce_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o parish-church_n be_v parishioner_n in_o many_o place_n now_o though_o such_o may_v be_v compel_v to_o use_v those_o mean_n which_o god_n have_v make_v universal_o necessary_a to_o bring_v the_o ignorant_a and_o erroneous_a to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n yet_o i_o do_v not_o see_v that_o they_o may_v be_v enjoin_v in_o word_n or_o deed_n to_o profess_v what_o they_o believe_v not_o or_o to_o take_v that_o which_o be_v the_o special_a privilege_n of_o visible_a church-member_n of_o the_o order_n of_o baptism_n the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n have_v be_v more_o suspect_v to_o be_v unlawful_a than_o any_o other_o ceremony_n enjoin_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n i_o shall_v first_o set_v down_o what_o have_v make_v i_o question_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o and_o afterward_o what_o may_v be_v say_v in_o answer_n to_o it_o against_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n it_o be_v thus_o object_v it_o be_v not_o a_o mere_a circumstance_n but_o a_o ordinance_n of_o divine_a worship_n of_o man_n devise_v and_o as_o great_a as_o a_o external_a rite_n can_v be_v and_o have_v in_o it_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o sacrament_n here_o be_v a_o outward_a visible_a sign_n of_o a_o inward_a spiritual_a grace_n the_o outward_a sign_n be_v the_o representation_n of_o the_o cross_n the_o instrument_n of_o christ_n suffer_v the_o spiritual_a grace_n be_v the_o grace_n of_o be_v a_o christian_n or_o a_o soldier_n and_o servant_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o christian_a fortitude_n consequent_a thereunto_o as_o the_o word_n of_o the_o liturgy_n do_v import_v and_o we_o sign_v he_o with_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o token_n hereafter_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v ashamed_a to_o confess_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n crucify_v and_o to_o fight_v manful_o under_o his_o banner_n against_o sin_n the_o world_n and_o the_o devil_n and_o to_o continue_v christ_n faithful_a soldier_n and_o servant_n unto_o his_o life_n end_v if_o it_o be_v grant_v it_o have_v not_o the_o complete_a nature_n of_o a_o sacrament_n yet_o one_o essential_a part_n thereof_o be_v most_o apparent_o in_o it_o that_o be_v to_o be_v a_o engaging-sign_n for_o our_o part_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n for_o in_o the_o liturgy_n it_o be_v declare_v to_o be_v a_o token_n of_o our_o engagement_n to_o christ_n crucify_v in_o the_o relation_n of_o his_o soldier_n and_o servant_n and_o to_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o those_o relation_n moreover_o as_o baptism_n dedicate_v to_o christ_n so_o do_v the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n according_a to_o the_o express_a word_n of_o the_o canon_n viz._n it_o be_v a_o honourable_a badge_n whereby_o the_o party_n baptize_v be_v dedicate_v to_o the_o service_n of_o he_o that_o die_v upon_o the_o cross_n hereupon_o i_o inquire_v whether_o a_o ordinance_n that_o be_v of_o the_o same_o import_n with_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n or_o a_o essential_a part_n thereof_o may_v be_v institute_v by_o humane_a authority_n or_o lawful_o use_v by_o those_o that_o be_v under_o authority_n though_o the_o imposer_n say_v it_o be_v not_o a_o sacrament_n yet_o while_o they_o declare_v its_o meaning_n to_o be_v of_o the_o formal_a nature_n of_o a_o sacrament_n they_o make_v it_o to_o be_v one_o indeed_o though_o in_o word_n they_o deny_v it_o whereas_o to_o avoid_v this_o argument_n some_o say_v it_o be_v impossible_a for_o man_n to_o make_v a_o sacrament_n therefore_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n can_v be_v such_o it_o be_v answer_v that_o though_o god_n only_o can_v institute_v a_o lawful_a and_o valid_a sacrament_n of_o his_o covenant_n yet_o man_n may_v presume_v to_o institute_v a_o ordinance_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o reason_n and_o intent_n with_o a_o sacrament_n of_o divine_a institution_n though_o it_o be_v unlawful_a and_o of_o no_o effect_n and_o such_o a_o ordinance_n be_v true_o and_o proper_o a_o sacrament_n though_o a_o unlawful_a one_o as_o any_o other_o ordinance_n devise_v by_o man_n that_o have_v the_o nature_n and_o formal_a reason_n of_o religious_a worship_n be_v true_o and_o proper_o worship_n whatsoever_o may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n or_o unlawfulness_n thereof_o the_o reply_n the_o grand_a objection_n against_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n as_o use_v in_o baptism_n suppose_v that_o it_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o a_o sacrament_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n whereupon_o the_o proper_a nature_n of_o such_o a_o sacrament_n be_v necessary_a to_o be_v consider_v sacrament_n be_v sign_n appoint_v to_o ratisie_n seal_n and_o confirm_v the_o covenant_n of_o god_n and_o to_o tender_a and_o exhibit_v the_o grace_n of_o that_o covenant_n to_o we_o and_o if_o any_o humane_a authority_n constitute_v any_o sign_n to_o this_o end_n it_o will_v be_v a_o high_a entrenchment_n upon_o the_o sovereignty_n of_o god_n but_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n be_v not_o use_v to_o this_o end_n and_o purpose_n it_o be_v use_v indeed_o as_o a_o token_n by_o way_n of_o remembrance_n and_o as_o a_o testimony_n of_o engagement_n that_o the_o party_n baptize_v stand_v oblige_v to_o maintain_v the_o christian_a profession_n and_o warfare_n and_o although_o such_o profession_n and_o engagement_n be_v include_v in_o a_o sacrament_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o peculiar_a thereunto_o or_o of_o its_o specifical_o difference_v nature_n stand_v at_o the_o creed_n be_v a_o profess_v and_o engage_v sign_n of_o christianity_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o a_o sacrament_n it_o appear_v both_o by_o the_o 30_o canon_n and_o by_o the_o liturgy_n itself_o that_o the_o infant_n baptize_v be_v by_o virtue_n of_o baptism_n before_o it_o be_v sign_v with_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n receive_v into_o the_o congregation_n of_o christ_n flock_n as_o a_o perfect_a member_n thereof_o and_o not_o by_o any_o power_n ascribe_v to_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o though_o it_o be_v declare_v by_o the_o canon_n that_o it_o be_v a_o honourable_a badge_n whereby_o the_o party_n baptise_a be_v dedicate_v etc._n etc._n yet_o this_o dedication_n by_o the_o cross_n be_v whole_o distinct_a from_o the_o baptismal_a dedication_n to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n we_o must_v understand_v that_o the_o church_n by_o this_o sign_n engage_v the_o party_n upon_o her_o account_n to_o the_o service_n of_o christ_n the_o minister_n act_v in_o the_o
jowe_v political_a church_n but_o as_o constitute_v by_o the_o political_a union_n of_o congregational_a or_o parochial_a church_n hold_v also_o to_o be_v political_a under_o a_o officer_n of_o another_o order_n and_o the_o proper_a superior_a of_o those_o officer_n under_o which_o the_o parochial_a church_n immediate_o be_v then_o let_v it_o be_v observe_v that_o a_o church_n of_o this_o frame_n be_v not_o proper_o a_o episcopal_a but_o a_o archiepiscopal_a church_n for_o the_o church_n whereof_o it_o be_v compact_v be_v proper_o episcopal_a be_v such_o as_o have_v each_o of_o they_o their_o own_o bishop_n pastor_n or_o elder_n but_o the_o divine_a right_n of_o such_o a_o archiepiscopal_a church_n i_o leave_v to_o further_a inquiry_n as_o for_o a_o national_a church_n i_o come_v now_o to_o inquire_v in_o what_o sense_n it_o may_v or_o may_v not_o be_v grant_v in_o a_o more_o general_a notion_n it_o be_v some_o part_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n distinguish_v and_o sever_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o that_o body_n by_o the_o limit_n of_o a_o nation_n or_o of_o a_o civil_a state_n or_o in_o other_o term_n a_o nation_n of_o christian_a church_n or_o the_o christian_a church_n of_o a_o nation_n but_o there_o be_v more_o express_a and_o special_a notion_n thereof_o respect_v the_o frame_n of_o ecclesiastical_a polity_n which_o be_v discrepant_a from_o each_o other_o and_o about_o the_o be_v thereof_o in_o these_o special_a notion_n man_n judgement_n vary_v some_o own_o a_o national_a church_n in_o this_o sense_n only_o viz._n a_o nation_n of_o church_n or_o the_o church_n of_o a_o nation_n agree_v at_o least_o in_o the_o essential_o of_o christian_n dectrine_n divine_a worship_n and_o church-government_n some_o own_o a_o national_a church_n in_o a_o strict_a sense_n namely_o the_o say_a church_n not_o only_o agree_v in_o the_o point_v aforesaid_a but_o political_o unite_v by_o the_o same_o common_a band_n of_o ecclesiastical_a government_n under_o one_o head_n personal_a or_o collective_a and_o this_o strict_a sense_n have_v a_o subdivision_n for_o it_o may_v be_v understand_v of_o the_o church_n unite_v in_o a_o civil_a ecclesiastical_a polity_n under_o a_o civil_a head_n or_o supreme_a or_o of_o the_o church_n embody_v in_o the_o band_n of_o a_o polity_n pure_o ecclesiastical_a under_o a_o spiritual_a head_n or_o supreme_a i_o own_o the_o rightful_a be_v and_o divine_a warrant_n of_o a_o national_a church_n as_o unite_v in_o one_o civil_a ecclesiastical_a polity_n under_o one_o civil_a head_n or_o supreme_a either_o personal_a as_o in_o a_o monarchy_n or_o collective_a as_o in_o a_o republic_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n i_o assent_v to_o the_o national_a church_n of_o england_n viz._n all_o the_o church_n in_o england_n political_o unite_v under_o one_o supreme_a civil_a church-governour_n the_o king_n majesty_n yet_o it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v that_o the_o partition_n of_o a_o church_n by_o the_o bound_n of_o a_o nation_n or_o of_o a_o civil_a state_n be_v but_o extrinsical_a or_o accidental_a to_o the_o church_n as_o such_o also_o that_o the_o union_n of_o the_o church_n of_o a_o nation_n in_o the_o band_n of_o civil_a church-polity_n under_o a_o civil_a head_n be_v but_o a_o extrinsical_a and_o not_o a_o intrinsical_v union_n but_o i_o question_v the_o divine_a warrant_n of_o a_o national_a church_n embody_v in_o the_o band_n of_o one_o national_a polity_n pure_o ecclesiastical_a under_o one_o spiritual_a head_n or_o supreme_a either_o personal_a as_o a_o primate_n or_o patriarch_n or_o collective_a as_o a_o consistory_n of_o bishop_n or_o elder_n intrinsical_o belong_v to_o it_o and_o be_v a_o constitutive_a part_n of_o it_o for_o i_o find_v no_o canon_n or_o precedent_n for_o it_o in_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o adequate_a rule_n of_o divine_a right_n in_o the_o frame_n of_o church_n and_o of_o what_o intrinsical_o belong_v thereuntò_fw-la and_o i_o do_v not_o know_v any_o such_o spiritual_a head_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o for_o the_o archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n and_o york_n they_o at_o the_o most_o can_v be_v head_n but_o of_o their_o respective_a province_n and_o be_v not_o subordinate_a but_o coordinate_a to_o each_o other_o in_o point_n of_o archiepiscopal_a government_n however_o the_o case_n be_v between_o they_o in_o point_n of_o precedency_n yet_o if_o the_o civil_a supreme_a power_n shall_v constitute_v a_o person_n or_o person_n ecclesiastical_a to_o be_v head_n of_o a_o national_a church_n or_o the_o church_n of_o a_o nation_n political_o embody_a i_o here_o offer_v nothing_o against_o it_o or_o for_o it_o but_o if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o national_a constitution_n be_v but_o humane_a it_o be_v but_o extrinsical_a and_o accidental_a to_o the_o church_n and_o be_v derive_v from_o the_o civil_a supreme_a it_o be_v but_o a_o civil_a church-polity_n §_o 21._o the_o subordination_n of_o particular_a church_n to_o a_o association_n or_o collective_a body_n of_o the_o same_o church_n consider_v i_o come_v to_o inquire_v whether_o there_o be_v a_o subordination_n of_o church_n take_v distributive_o to_o a_o association_n oâ—_n collective_a body_n of_o the_o same_o church_n or_o a_o assembly_n thereof_o and_o again_o whether_o there_o be_v a_o subordination_n of_o that_o collective_a body_n to_o a_o large_a association_n of_o more_o collective_a body_n or_o to_o a_o assembly_n thereof_o and_o so_o forward_o till_o we_o come_v to_o the_o large_a that_o can_v be_v reach_v unto_o the_o association_n of_o particular_a church_n be_v of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v put_v in_o practice_n according_a to_o their_o capacity_n though_o there_o be_v no_o positive_a law_n for_o it_o for_o they_o be_v all_o so_o many_o distinct_a member_n of_o one_o great_a body_n or_o integral_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o they_o be_v all_o concern_v in_o each_o other_o well_o be_v both_o in_o reference_n to_o themselves_o as_o fellow_n member_n of_o one_o body_n and_o to_o christ_n their_o head_n who_o honour_n and_o interest_n they_o must_v promote_v each_o church_n not_o only_o within_o themselves_o but_o throughout_o all_o the_o church_n to_o the_o utmost_a extent_n of_o their_o agency_n and_o they_o natural_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o each_o other_o help_v in_o thing_n that_o concern_v they_o several_o and_o joint_o likewise_o that_o there_o be_v great_a and_o lesser_a association_n act_v in_o their_o several_a sphere_n high_a or_o low_o the_o one_o include_v in_o the_o other_o be_v of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n or_o of_o natural_a convenience_n for_o the_o more_o ample_a capacity_n and_o more_o orderly_o contribute_v of_o the_o mutual_a help_n aforesad_a such_o as_o have_v be_v call_v classical_a provincial_a and_o national_a assembly_n use_v in_o one_o form_n of_o church-government_n yea_o and_o beyond_o this_o the_o association_n of_o the_o church_n of_o many_o nation_n as_o far_o towards_o a_o ecumenical_a council_n as_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o convening_n be_v of_o the_o same_o reason_n but_o of_o a_o ecumenical_a association_n true_o so_o call_v that_o be_v of_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n the_o moral_a impossibility_n thereof_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o before_o it_o be_v also_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n most_o convenienient_a that_o in_o the_o lesser_a association_n all_o the_o roll_a officer_n personal_o meet_v and_o that_o in_o the_o large_a they_o meet_v by_o their_o delegate_n or_o representative_n choose_v by_o all_o and_o send_v in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o which_o meeting_n be_v call_v assembly_n or_o synod_n and_o the_o convenience_n of_o meeting_n by_o delegate_n be_v that_o the_o particular_a church_n be_v not_o for_o a_o time_n leave_v whole_o destitute_a of_o their_o guide_n and_o that_o there_o may_v be_v less_o trouble_n and_o difficulty_n and_o danger_n of_o disorder_n in_o the_o whole_a management_n note_v that_o what_o be_v most_o natural_o convenient_a have_v in_o it_o the_o reason_n of_o necessary_a or_o be_v matter_n of_o duty_n unless_o when_o something_o gainsay_v or_o hinder_v and_o then_o indeed_o it_o cease_v to_o be_v convenient_a and_o that_o there_o be_v some_o kind_n of_o subordination_n in_o the_o say_a association_n and_o their_o respective_a assembly_n be_v of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n which_o require_v order_n but_o as_o to_o the_o kind_n or_o manner_n of_o subordination_n man_n go_v several_a way_n some_o place_n it_o in_o a_o proper_a authority_n or_o govern_v power_n that_o the_o collective_a body_n of_o church_n have_v over_o the_o several_a church_n include_v in_o they_o other_o place_v it_o in_o the_o agreement_n of_o the_o several_a church_n and_o some_o of_o these_o make_v this_o further_a explanation_n that_o the_o canon_n make_v by_o synod_n as_o they_o be_v make_v for_o the_o people_n who_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o pastor_n be_v a_o sort_n of_o law_n and_o oblige_v by_o
the_o authority_n of_o the_o pastor_n but_o as_o they_o be_v make_v for_o the_o present_a or_o absent_a pastor_n who_o be_v separately_z of_o equal_a office_n power_n they_o be_v no_o law_n except_o in_o a_o equivocal_a sense_n but_o only_a agreement_n now_o in_o judge_v between_o these_o two_o way_n of_o the_o subordination_n inquire_v of_o let_v it_o be_v consider_v first_o that_o every_o particular_a church_n have_v power_n of_o government_n within_o itself_o as_o have_v be_v before_o observe_v 2._o that_o a_o particular_a church_n do_v not_o derive_v that_o power_n from_o any_o other_o particular_a church_n or_o collective_a body_n of_o church_n but_o have_v it_o immediate_o from_o christ_n 3._o that_o yet_o the_o act_n of_o government_n in_o every_o particular_a church_n have_v a_o influence_n into_o all_o the_o church_n be_v but_o integral_a part_n of_o one_o whole_a the_o catholic_n church_n and_o consequent_o they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o near_o concern_v in_o one_o another_o as_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n 4._o thereupon_o that_o particular_a church_n combine_v in_o such_o collective_a body_n and_o association_n as_o have_v be_v before_o mention_v be_v not_o arbitrary_a but_o their_o duty_n 5._o that_o the_o great_a collective_a body_n be_v in_o degree_n more_o august_n and_o venerable_a than_o the_o lesser_a include_v in_o they_o and_o in_o that_o regard_n ought_v to_o have_v sway_n with_o the_o lesser_a and_o not_o mere_o in_o regard_n of_o agreement_n for_o though_o in_o the_o great_a there_o be_v but_o the_o same_o power_n in_o specie_fw-la with_o that_o in_o the_o lesser_a yet_o it_o be_v more_o ample_o and_o illustrious_o exert_v 6._o that_o in_o all_o society_n every_o part_n be_v order_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a and_o the_o more_o ample_a and_o comprehensive_a part_n come_v near_o to_o the_o nature_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o whole_a than_o the_o lesser_a an_o comprehend_v the_o more_o ample_a part_n if_o they_o have_v not_o a_o proper_a govern_v power_n over_o the_o lesser_a have_v at_o least_o a_o preeminence_n over_o they_o for_o the_o end_n sake_n and_o this_o preeminence_n have_v the_o force_n of_o a_o proper_a superior_a power_n in_o bear_v sway_n 7._o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o act_n of_o synod_n if_o they_o be_v not_o direct_o act_n of_o government_n over_o the_o particular_a pastor_n yet_o they_o have_v the_o efficacy_n of_o government_n as_o be_v to_o be_v submit_v to_o for_o the_o end_n sake_n the_o general_a good_a §_o 22._o what_o be_v and_o what_o be_v not_o of_o divine_a right_n in_o ecclesiastical_a polity_n we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o the_o church_n as_o a_o church_n or_o a_o society_n divers_a in_o kind_n from_o all_o other_o society_n and_o those_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o it_o extrinsecal_o &_o upon_o a_o reason_n common_a to_o it_o with_o other_o regular_a society_n the_o former_a whole_o rest_n upon_o divine_a right_n the_o latter_a be_v in_o genere_fw-la requisite_a by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n which_o require_v decency_n and_o order_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v convenient_a in_o all_o society_n and_o so_o far_o they_o rest_v upon_o divine_a right_n but_o in_o specie_fw-la they_o be_v leave_v to_o human_a determination_n according_a to_o the_o general_a rule_n give_v of_o god_n in_o nature_n or_o scripture_n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o such_o be_v the_o sulness_n of_o scripture_n that_o it_o contain_v all_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n what_o soever_o in_o matter_n of_o church_n government_n do_v go_v to_o the_o formal_a constitution_n of_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v of_o divine_a right_n the_o frame_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_a as_o one_o spiritual_a society_n under_o christ_n the_o head_n as_o before_o describe_v whole_o rest_v upon_o divine_a right_n and_o so_o the_o frame_n of_o particular_a church_n as_o several_a spiritual_a polity_n and_o integral_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n as_o before_o describe_v be_v also_o of_o divine_a right_n if_o such_o right_o be_v sufficient_o signify_v by_o the_o precept_n and_o rule_n give_v by_o the_o apostle_n for_o the_o frame_n of_o they_o and_o by_o their_o practice_n therein_o moreover_o the_o parcel_a of_o that_o one_o great_a society_n the_o church-catholic_a into_o particular_a political_a society_n under_o their_o proper_a spiritual_a guide_n and_o ruler_n be_v so_o necessary_a in_o nature_n to_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a that_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n have_v make_v it_o unalterable_a it_o be_v intrinsic_a to_o all_o particular_a state_v church_n and_o so_o of_o divine_a right_n that_o there_o be_v public_a assembly_n thereof_o for_o the_o solemn_a worship_n of_o god_n that_o there_o be_v bishop_n elder_n or_o spiritual_a pastor_n therein_o and_o that_o these_o as_o christ_n officer_n guide_v the_o say_a assembly_n in_o public_a worship_n that_o therein_o they_o authoritative_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o in_o christ_n name_n offer_v the_o mercy_n of_o the_o gospel_n upon_o his_o term_n and_o denounce_v the_o threaten_n of_o the_o gospel_n against_o those_o that_o despise_v the_o mercy_n thereof_o that_o they_o dispense_v the_o sacrament_n to_o the_o meet_a partaker_n and_o the_o spiritual_a censure_n upon_o those_o that_o just_o fall_v under_o they_o that_o the_o member_n of_o these_o society_n explicit_o or_o implicit_o consent_v to_o their_o relation_n to_o their_o pastor_n and_o one_o towards_o another_o it_o do_v also_o intrinsical_o belong_v to_o particular_a church_n as_o they_o be_v integral_a part_n of_o one_o catholic_n church_n of_o which_o all_o the_o particular_a christian_n contain_v in_o they_o be_v member_n and_o consequent_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v of_o divine_a right_n that_o they_o hold_v communion_n one_o with_o another_o and_o that_o they_o be_v embody_a according_a to_o their_o capacity_n in_o such_o association_n as_o have_v be_v before_o describe_v as_o for_o all_o circumstantial_a variation_n and_o accidental_a modification_n of_o the_o thing_n aforesaid_a with_o respect_n to_o mere_a decency_n order_n and_o convenience_n according_a to_o time_n and_o occasion_n be_v extrinsic_a to_o the_o spiritual_a frame_n and_o polity_n of_o the_o church_n as_o such_o and_o belong_v in_o common_a to_o it_o with_o all_o orderly_a society_n they_o be_v of_o divine_a right_o only_o in_o genere_fw-la but_o in_o specie_fw-la they_o be_v leave_v to_o those_o to_o who_o the_o conduct_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v commit_v to_o be_v determine_v according_a to_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o god_n word_n much_o of_o the_o controversy_n of_o this_o age_n about_o several_a form_n of_o church-government_n be_v about_o thing_n extrinsic_a to_o the_o church-state_n and_o but_o accidental_a mode_n thereof_o though_o the_o several_a party_n in_o the_o controversy_n make_v those_o form_n to_o which_o they_o adhere_v to_o be_v of_o divine_a right_n and_o necessary_a to_o a_o church-state_n or_o as_o some_o speak_v a_o church-organical_a now_o in_o the_o say_v controvert_v form_n of_o government_n there_o may_v be_v a_o great_a difference_n for_o some_o may_v be_v congruous_a to_o the_o divine_a and_o constitutive_a frame_n of_o the_o church_n and_o advantageous_a to_o its_o end_n other_o may_v be_v incongruous_a to_o it_o and_o destructive_a to_o its_o end_n §_o 23._o of_o a_o true_a or_o false_a church_n many_o note_n of_o a_o true_a church_n be_v contentious_o bring_v in_o by_o those_o that_o will_v darken_v the_o truth_n by_o word_n without_o knowledge_n but_o without_o more_o ado_n the_o true_a and_o real_a be_v of_o a_o church_n stand_v in_o its_o conformity_n to_o that_o law_n of_o christ_n upon_o which_o his_o church_n be_v found_v this_o law_n be_v complete_o write_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o more_o of_o the_o aforesaid_a conformity_n be_v sound_a in_o any_o church_n the_o more_o true_a and_o sound_v it_o be_v and_o the_o less_o of_o it_o be_v find_v in_o any_o church_n the_o more_o corrupt_a and_o false_a it_o be_v and_o the_o more_o it_o decline_v from_o truth_n and_o soundness_n a_o church_n may_v bear_v so_o much_o conformity_n to_o its_o rule_n as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o the_o real_a be_v or_o essential_a state_n of_o a_o christian_a church_n and_o yet_o withal_o bear_v such_o disconformity_n to_o its_o rule_n as_o render_v it_o very_o enormous_a a_o church_n hold_v all_o the_o essential_o of_o faith_n worship_n ministry_n and_o government_n together_o with_o the_o addition_n of_o such_o doctrine_n worship_n ministry_n and_o government_n as_o be_v by_o consequence_n a_o denial_n of_o those_o essential_o and_o a_o subvert_v of_o the_o foundation_n be_v a_o true_a church_n as_o to_o the_o essential_o though_o very_o enormous_a and_o dangerous_a and_o they_o that_o be_v of_o the_o communion_n of_o such_o a_o church_n who_o hold_v the_o essential_o of_o religion_n
christ_n indeed_o have_v institute_v a_o ministry_n for_o the_o complete_n of_o his_o church_n unto_o the_o consummation_n of_o all_o thing_n he_o have_v also_o promise_v his_o apostle_n and_o his_o minister_n successive_o in_o they_o that_o he_o will_v be_v with_o they_o always_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n but_o i_o find_v no_o promise_n of_o a_o uninterrupted_a succession_n of_o regular_o ordain_v minister_n that_o which_o be_v deliver_v by_o ordination_n be_v the_o sacred_a ministerial_a office_n at_o large_a as_o respect_v the_o universal_a church_n to_o be_v exercise_v here_o or_o there_o according_a to_o particular_a call_v and_o opportunity_n §_o 21._o of_o prayer_n and_o fast_v and_o imposition_n of_o hand_n in_o ordination_n prayer_n be_v such_o a_o duty_n as_o be_v requisite_a to_o the_o sanctify_a of_o all_o other_o duty_n as_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n administration_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o therefore_o be_v necessary_a to_o this_o sacred_a action_n of_o ordain_v minister_n fast_v be_v a_o service_n expressive_a of_o solemn_a humiliation_n and_o a_o necessary_a adjunct_n of_o extra_fw-la ordinary_a prayer_n for_o the_o obtain_n of_o more_o special_a mercy_n and_o therefore_o a_o necessary_a preparative_n and_o concomitant_a in_o this_o solemnity_n and_o we_o have_v scripture_n example_n for_o prayer_n and_o fast_v in_o the_o mission_n of_o person_n to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n luke_n 6.12_o 13._o act._n 13.2_o act._n 14_o 23._o what_o imposition_n of_o hand_n import_v and_o the_o moment_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v from_o the_o use_n of_o it_o both_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n it_o be_v use_v 1._o in_o solemn_a benediction_n the_o person_n blessing_n lay_v his_o hand_n on_o the_o person_n bless_v gen._n 48.14_o 2._o in_o offer_v sacrifice_n as_o a_o sign_n of_o devote_v it_o to_o the_o lord_n by_o he_o that_o offer_v it_o leu._n 1.4_o 3._o in_o ordain_v to_o a_o office_n as_o a_o sign_n of_o set_v apart_o thereunto_o numb_a 27.18_o 20._o in_o the_o new_a testament_n it_o be_v use_v 1._o in_o blessing_n mark_v 10.16_o 2._o in_o cure_v bodily_a disease_n mark_v 16.18_o luke_n 13.13_o act_n 19.11_o 3._o in_o convey_v the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n act_v 8.17_o act_n 19.6_o 4._o in_o ordain_v minister_n act_n 6.6_o 1_o tim_n 4.14_o the_o meaning_n of_o imposition_n of_o hand_n speak_v of_o heb._n 6.2_o be_v diverse_o take_v some_o take_v it_o as_o use_v for_o the_o remit_v of_o sin_n as_o they_o also_o do_v 1_o tim._n 5.22_o and_o say_v that_o baptism_n refer_v to_o the_o make_n of_o proselyte_n and_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n to_o the_o absolve_v of_o penitent_n other_o take_v it_o for_o confirmation_n other_o conceive_v that_o the_o whole_a ministry_n be_v by_o a_o synecdoche_n therein_o comprehend_v from_o the_o various_a use_n of_o this_o rite_n we_o collect_v that_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o convey_v a_o benefit_n or_o of_o design_v to_o a_o office_n or_o of_o devote_v one_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o particular_o of_o authoritative_a benediction_n and_o designation_n to_o the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o of_o devote_v to_o the_o lord_n in_o that_o kind_n there_o be_v no_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o make_v it_o but_o a_o temporary_a rite_n and_o to_o limit_v the_o use_n of_o it_o in_o ordination_n only_o to_o the_o time_n of_o miraele_n there_o be_v no_o circumstance_n in_o any_o text_n to_o show_v that_o it_o be_v do_v only_o for_o the_o present_a occasion_n and_o we_o read_v not_o that_o miraculous_a gift_n be_v give_v by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n in_o ordination_n §_o 22._o the_o power_n of_o ordain_v belong_v to_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n some_o give_v this_o reason_n why_o the_o power_n of_o ordination_n be_v not_o in_o the_o people_n but_o in_o the_o pastor_n because_o the_o act_n of_o ordain_v be_v a_o potestative_a or_o authoritative_a mission_n which_o power_n of_o mission_n be_v first_o seat_v in_o christ_n and_o from_o he_o commit_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o from_o they_o to_o the_o bishop_n or_o elder_n but_o this_o reason_n must_v be_v take_v with_o a_o grain_n of_o salt_n or_o in_o a_o sound_a sense_n because_o bishop_n or_o elder_n have_v spiritual_a power_n formalier_n but_o not_o efficient_a and_o they_o do_v not_o proper_o make_v or_o give_v the_o ministerial_a power_n but_o be_v only_a instrument_n of_o designation_n or_o application_n of_o that_o power_n to_o the_o person_n to_o who_o christ_n immediate_o give_v it_o by_o the_o standing-act_n of_o his_o law_n that_o the_o power_n of_o ordain_v belong_v not_o to_o the_o people_n but_o to_o the_o church_n officer_n first_o appear_v by_o scripture-authority_n for_o that_o in_o all_o the_o new_a testament_n there_o be_v no_o example_n of_o ordination_n by_o any_o of_o the_o laity_n but_o contrariwise_o it_o be_v therein_o express_o commit_v to_o spiritual_a officer_n 2._o by_o reason_n for_o that_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n be_v better_o qualify_v for_o the_o designation_n of_o a_o person_n to_o the_o holy_a ministry_n and_o for_o perform_v the_o action_n of_o solemn_a investiture_n as_o also_o for_o that_o ordination_n include_v a_o authoritative_a benediction_n and_o that_o be_v to_o come_v from_o a_o superior_a as_o the_o scripture_n say_v the_o less_o be_v bless_v of_o the_o great_a and_o not_o the_o great_a of_o the_o less_o as_o it_o will_v be_v if_o the_o pastor_n be_v to_o be_v ordain_v by_o the_o people_n that_o be_v govern_v by_o he_o some_o argue_n for_o a_o popular_a ordination_n because_o election_n which_o be_v the_o great_a belong_v to_o the_o people_n but_o 1._o election_n be_v not_o great_a than_o ordination_n in_o the_o ministerial_a call_n for_o in_o ordination_n investiture_n in_o the_o function_n itself_o be_v give_v but_o in_o the_o people_n election_n no_o more_o be_v give_v than_o the_o state_v exercise_n of_o the_o ministry_n in_o that_o congregation_n 2._o in_o case_n election_n be_v great_a than_o ordination_n yet_o the_o consequence_n hold_v not_o several_a party_n may_v have_v each_o their_o own_o part_n divide_v to_o they_o and_o he_o that_o may_v do_v the_o great_a may_v not_o always_o do_v the_o lesser_a unless_o the_o lesser_a be_v essential_o include_v in_o the_o great_a which_o be_v not_o in_o this_o case_n it_o be_v likewise_o urge_v for_o popular_a ordination_n that_o in_o the_o consecration_n of_o the_o levite_n the_o child_n of_o israel_n lay_v their_o hand_n upon_o they_o numb_a 8.11_o to_o this_o it_o be_v answer_v that_o the_o levite_n be_v take_v by_o god_n instead_o of_o the_o first_o bear_v of_o all_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n which_o the_o lord_n claim_v as_o his_o own_o upon_o the_o destroy_n of_o the_o first-born_a of_o the_o egyptian_n and_o so_o the_o imposition_n of_o hand_n by_o the_o first-born_a upon_o the_o levite_n be_v not_o strict_o a_o ordain_v of_o they_o to_o their_o office_n but_o a_o offering_n of_o they_o as_o a_o sacrifice_n in_o their_o own_o stead_n to_o make_v a_o atonement_n for_o they_o as_o he_o that_o bring_v a_o sacrifice_n lay_v his_o hand_n on_o the_o head_n of_o it_o though_o in_o timothy_n ordination_n the_o lay_v on_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n be_v mention_v and_o where_o many_o presbyter_n be_v they_o join_v in_o this_o action_n yet_o i_o see_v not_o any_o thing_n in_o scripture_n or_o reason_n to_o gainsay_v the_o validity_n of_o ordination_n by_o a_o single_a bishop_n or_o presbyter_n nevertheless_o ordination_n by_o the_o imposition_n of_o many_o hand_n be_v more_o unquestionable_a and_o the_o use_n thereof_o most_o laudablâ—_n and_o in_o no_o case_n to_o be_v omit_v where_o it_o may_v be_v have_v according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n §_o 23._o the_o validity_n of_o presbyterian_a ordination_n if_o a_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n of_o divine_a institution_n be_v the_o same_o as_o have_v be_v before_o prove_v the_o controversy_n about_o ordination_n by_o presbyter_n be_v at_o a_o end_n and_o if_o the_o bishop_n that_o now_o be_v be_v another_o kind_n of_o officer_n than_o the_o scripture_n presbyter_n there_o be_v no_o proof_n of_o his_o divine_a institution_n that_o the_o presbyter_n that_o now_o be_v have_v the_o pastoral_n or_o episcopal_a office_n have_v be_v already_o prove_v by_o the_o form_n of_o their_o ordination_n and_o by_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o power_n of_o the_o key_n that_o be_v grant_v to_o reside_v in_o they_o if_o the_o prelate_n have_v invest_v they_o with_o a_o office_n that_o be_v true_o episcopal_a it_o matter_n not_o whether_o in_o express_a term_n they_o give_v they_o the_o power_n of_o ordain_v or_o not_o or_o whether_o they_o express_o exclude_v the_o power_n of_o ordain_v for_o not_o
be_v refer_v to_o a_o synod_n consist_v of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n other_o precept_n give_v they_o be_v above_o the_o proper_a work_n of_o a_o bishop_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n to_o erect_v and_o govern_v church_n in_o a_o hundred_o city_n and_o to_o govern_v such_o presbyter_n who_o according_a to_o dr._n hammond_n be_v bishop_n belong_v not_o to_o a_o ordinary_a bishop_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n wherefore_o this_o latter_a sort_n of_o duty_n belong_v to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n as_o evangelist_n or_o general_a minister_n who_o have_v a_o kind_n of_o vice-apostolick_a office_n of_o which_o sort_n be_v barnabas_n silas_n apollo_n titus_n timothy_n and_o epaphroditus_n and_o other_o ambrose_n on_o eph._n 4._o say_v they_o be_v style_v evangelist_n who_o do_v evangelizare_fw-la sine_fw-la cathedra_fw-la it_o often_o happen_v that_o those_o unfixed_a officer_n reside_v for_o a_o long_a time_n in_o some_o place_n and_o then_o they_o manage_v the_o affair_n of_o those_o church_n in_o chief_a during_o the_o time_n of_o their_o residence_n §_o 10._o concern_v the_o angel_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n it_o be_v much_o insist_v on_o that_o these_o angel_n be_v bishop_n of_o a_o superior_a order_n to_o that_o of_o presbyter_n whereupon_o let_v it_o be_v consider_v 1._o that_o the_o title_n of_o star_n and_o angel_n be_v not_o proper_a but_o figurative_a and_o mystical_a name_n make_v use_v of_o in_o a_o mystical_a book_n and_o that_o the_o say_v name_n be_v common_a to_o all_o minister_n gregory_n the_o great_a l._n 34._o mor._n on_o joâ—_n c._n 4._o say_v that_o these_o angel_n be_v the_o preacher_n of_o the_o church_n 2._o that_o the_o name_n angel_n may_v be_v take_v collective_o not_o individual_o augustine_n homily_n on_o the_o apoc_n on_o these_o word_n i_o will_v remove_v thy_o candlestick_n say_v that_o john_n call_v the_o church_n the_o angel_n as_o the_o civil_a state_n of_o the_o pagano-christian_a empire_n be_v call_v the_o beast_n and_o the_o ecclesiastical_a state_n the_o whore_n so_o angel_n may_v signify_v the_o whole_a presbytery_n but_o put_v in_o the_o singular_a number_n to_o hold_v proportion_n to_o the_o seven_o star_n which_o signify_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o the_o seven_o candlestick_n in_o these_o epistle_n to_o the_o church_n there_o be_v indication_n that_o not_o a_o single_a person_n but_o a_o company_n be_v represent_v under_o this_o name_n rev._n 2.10_o 16_o 24_o 25._o 3._o beza_n say_v that_o this_o angel_n be_v only_o praeses_fw-la indeed_o he_o to_o who_o the_o title_n of_o bishop_n be_v appropriate_v by_o the_o ancient_a father_n be_v the_o precedent_n of_o the_o presbytery_n ambrose_n on_o 1_o tim._n c._n 3._o say_v he_o be_v the_o bishop_n who_o be_v first_o among_o the_o presbyter_n this_o priority_n or_o presidency_n be_v in_o history_n observe_v to_o have_v begin_v first_o at_o alexandria_n the_o people_n whereof_o above_o other_o man_n be_v give_v to_o schism_n and_o sedition_n as_o socrates_n say_v of_o they_o l_o 7._o c._n 13._o if_o this_o presidency_n begin_v at_o alexandria_n upon_o the_o death_n of_o mark_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v long_o before_o the_o death_n of_o john_n the_o apostle_n howbeit_o clement_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n take_v no_o notice_n of_o such_o a_o priority_n or_o presidency_n of_o one_o above_o the_o rest_n in_o that_o church_n and_o jerome_n have_v mention_v john_n as_o the_o last_o of_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o afterward_o one_o be_v set_v over_o the_o rest_n now_o whereas_o i_o call_v the_o imparity_n of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n a_o apostolical_a tradition_n it_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o with_o he_o a_o apostolical_a tradition_n and_o ecclesiastical_a custom_n be_v the_o same_o but_o the_o main_a thing_n still_o remain_v unprove_v for_o aught_o that_o be_v to_o be_v gather_v from_o this_o title_n of_o angel_n or_o from_o any_o thing_n contain_v in_o these_o epistle_n to_o the_o asian_a church_n namely_o that_o these_o angel_n whatsoever_o they_o may_v be_v be_v bishop_n of_o a_o superior_a order_n than_o that_o of_o presbyter_n or_o that_o they_o have_v a_o superiority_n of_o jurisdiction_n over_o the_o presbyter_n or_o that_o they_o be_v bishop_n set_v over_o divers_a settle_a church_n or_o fix_v congregation_n with_o their_o pastor_n or_o that_o they_o have_v the_o sole_a power_n of_o jurisdiction_n and_o ordination_n the_o main_a point_n in_o controversy_n be_v not_o whether_o bishop_n but_o whether_o such_o as_o the_o present_a diocesan_n bishop_n have_v continue_v from_o the_o apostle_n time_n to_o this_o age._n the_o ancient_a bishop_n be_v the_o officer_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n not_o a_o general_a officer_n of_o many_o church_n he_o be_v not_o a_o bishop_n of_o bishop_n that_o be_v he_o do_v not_o assume_v a_o power_n of_o roll_a bishop_n who_o have_v their_o proper_a state_v church_n cypr._n in_o conc._n carth._n say_v none_o of_o we_o call_v himself_o or_o make_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o bishop_n of_o bishop_n or_o by_o tyrannical_a terror_n drive_v his_o colleague_n to_o a_o necessity_n of_o obey_v the_o ancient_a bishop_n do_v not_o govern_v alone_o but_o in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o presbyter_n of_o his_o church_n he_o do_v not_o and_o may_v not_o ordain_v without_o the_o counsel_n of_o his_o clergy_n ignatius_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o trall_n say_v what_o be_v the_o presbytery_n but_o the_o sacred_a assembly_n of_o the_o councillor_n and_o confessor_n of_o the_o bishop_n cyprian_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o cornelius_n wish_v he_o to_o read_v his_o letter_n to_o the_o flourish_a clergy_n at_o rome_n that_o do_v preside_v with_o he_o id._n l._n 3._o ep._n 14._o erasm_n edit_fw-la from_o the_o beginning_n of_o my_o episcopacy_n i_o resolve_v to_o do_v nothing_o without_o your_o counsel_n and_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o my_o people_n 4._o conc._n carthag_n 23._o the_o sentence_n of_o a_o bishop_n shall_v be_v void_a without_o the_o presence_n of_o his_o cleric_o council_n caâ—thag_fw-mi c._n 22._o let_v not_o a_o bishop_n ordain_v clericks_n without_o a_o council_n of_o his_o cleric_o the_o present_a ecclesiastical_a government_n compare_v with_o the_o ancient_a episcopacy_n it_o be_v common_o object_v against_o the_o nonconformist_n that_o they_o be_v enemy_n to_o episcopacy_n and_o that_o they_o renounce_v the_o ancient_a government_n receive_v in_o all_o the_o church_n the_o truth_n of_o this_o objection_n may_v easy_o be_v believe_v by_o those_o that_o hear_v of_o episcopal_a government_n and_o consider_v only_o the_o name_n thereof_o which_o have_v continue_v the_o same_o till_o now_o but_o not_o the_o thing_n signify_v by_o that_o name_n which_o be_v so_o change_v that_o it_o be_v of_o another_o nature_n and_o kind_n from_o what_o be_v in_o the_o first_o age_n there_o be_v nonconformist_n who_o think_v they_o be_v more_o for_o the_o ancient_a episcopacy_n than_o the_o assertor_n of_o the_o present_a hierarchy_n be_v and_o who_o believe_v they_o be_v able_a to_o make_v it_o evident_a may_v they_o be_v permit_v something_o to_o this_o purpose_n be_v here_o in_o a_o short_a scheme_n tender_v to_o consideration_n and_o proof_n be_v ready_a to_o be_v make_v of_o each_o particular_a here_o assert_v touch_v the_o state_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n 1._o in_o the_o first_o age_n a_o political_a church_n constitute_v as_o well_o for_o government_n and_o discipline_n as_o for_o divine_a worship_n be_v one_o particular_a society_n of_o christian_n have_v its_o proper_a and_o immediate_a bishop_n or_o bishop_n pastor_n or_o pastor_n in_o these_o time_n the_o low_a political_a church_n be_v a_o diocese_n usual_o consist_v of_o many_o hundred_o parish_n have_v according_a to_o the_o hierarchical_a principle_n no_o bishop_n but_o the_o diocesan_n yet_o these_o parish_n be_v state_v ecclesiastical_a society_n have_v their_o proper_a pastor_n be_v real_o so_o many_o particular_a church_n 2._o in_o the_o first_o age_n the_o bishop_n be_v bishop_n of_o one_o state_v ecclesiastical_a society_n or_o particular_a church_n but_o in_o the_o present_a age_n bishop_n that_o be_v of_o the_o low_a rank_n according_a to_o the_o hierarchical_a principle_n be_v bishop_n of_o many_o hundred_o church_n which_o kind_n of_o bishop_n the_o ancient_a church_n do_v not_o know_v and_o which_o differ_v as_o much_o from_o the_o ancient_a bishop_n as_o the_o general_n of_o a_o army_n from_o the_o captain_n of_o a_o single_a company_n 3._o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o first_o age_n be_v a_o bishop_n over_o his_o own_o church_n but_o he_o be_v not_o a_o bishop_n of_o bishop_n that_o be_v he_o be_v not_o a_o ruler_n of_o the_o pastor_n of_o other_o church_n but_o the_o present_a bishop_n even_o of_o the_o low_a rank_n according_a to_o the_o hierarchical_a principle_n be_v a_o bishop_n of_o bishop_n namely_o of_o the_o presbyter_n of_o
name_n of_o god_n baptize_v the_o party_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n etc._n etc._n but_o act_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n he_o sign_v he_o with_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n this_o sign_n be_v not_o any_o tender_a of_o grace_n receive_v from_o god_n nor_o any_o proper_a consecration_n to_o god_n in_o his_o name_n and_o authority_n and_o as_o by_o his_o symbol_n but_o a_o declarative_a token_n of_o duty_n and_o engagement_n to_o god_n the_o israelite_n be_v circumcise_v keep_v the_o passover_n and_o have_v their_o sacrifice_n all_o which_o be_v token_n of_o the_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o they_o yet_o joshua_n do_v solemn_o engage_v they_o to_o god_n by_o set_v up_o a_o stone_n as_o a_o witness_n thereof_o the_o objection_n and_o reply_n i_o leave_v for_o a_o while_n to_o further_a consideration_n i_o have_v somewhat_o more_o to_o say_v touch_v this_o point_n the_o stone_n of_o witness_n set_v up_o by_o joshua_n be_v a_o mere_a profess_v or_o witnessing-sign_n of_o the_o israelite_n acknowledge_v relation_n and_o obligation_n to_o god_n and_o the_o erect_n or_o use_v of_o it_o be_v not_o for_o their_o dedication_n to_o god_n as_o by_o a_o act_n of_o solemn_a worship_n the_o use_v of_o the_o cross_n in_o banner_n and_o coin_n etc._n etc._n be_v no_o act_n of_o religious_a worship_n but_o a_o professing-sign_n or_o signal_n action_n to_o testify_v to_o the_o world_n that_o they_o who_o use_v it_o do_v believe_v in_o christ_n crucify_v and_o sure_o it_o be_v not_o unlawful_a to_o profess_v by_o other_o sign_n as_o well_o as_o by_o word_n that_o we_o be_v christian_n but_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n be_v a_o solemn_a and_o state_v symbol_n of_o a_o divine_a mystery_n its_o usage_n therein_o be_v not_o a_o mere_a circumstance_n but_o a_o very_a important_a act_n of_o divine_a worship_n it_o be_v a_o complete_a institution_n of_o itself_o add_v to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n appear_v to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o end_n it_o be_v evident_o use_v as_o a_o rite_n of_o solemn_a dedication_n to_o god_n upon_o the_o term_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o in_o this_o regard_n it_o be_v plain_o sacramental_a and_o it_o seem_v a_o dedication_n add_v by_o way_n of_o supplement_n to_o the_o baptismal_a dedication_n and_o in_o that_o regard_n derogatory_n from_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o baptism_n to_o that_o end_n it_o be_v also_o perform_v by_o a_o minister_n of_o christ_n act_v as_o his_o minister_n towards_o one_o of_o his_o flock_n moreover_o it_o be_v a_o rite_n not_o of_o private_a arbitrary_a use_n but_o of_o public_a institution_n and_o it_o be_v make_v a_o matter_n not_o of_o occasional_a temporary_a observance_n but_o a_o perpetual_a ordinance_n of_o worship_n of_o the_o same_o reason_n with_o those_o ordinance_n which_o god_n have_v institute_v to_o be_v universal_o and_o perpetual_o observe_v by_o his_o church_n sacred_a rite_n of_o this_o nature_n more_o than_o those_o which_o god_n have_v institute_v be_v not_o of_o that_o rank_n of_o thing_n which_o be_v necessary_a in_o genere_fw-la and_o need_v to_o be_v determine_v in_o specie_fw-la and_o be_v not_o necessary_a they_o may_v be_v matter_n of_o scruple_n to_o those_o who_o think_v that_o unnecessary_a rite_n of_o worship_n shall_v not_o be_v ordain_v or_o stated_o use_v in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n that_o god_n have_v reserve_v some_o thing_n in_o religion_n to_o his_o own_o appointment_n and_o leave_v other_o thing_n therein_o to_o humane_a determination_n be_v not_o to_o be_v question_v but_o to_o discern_v exact_o and_o thorough_o between_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o sort_n i_o want_v a_o sufficient_a clearness_n of_o judgement_n that_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n as_o now_o use_v be_v to_o i_o a_o puzzle_v difficulty_n i_o be_o not_o ashamed_a to_o confess_v though_o it_o may_v be_v think_v a_o weakness_n in_o i_o if_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n be_v lawful_a i_o be_o not_o satisfy_v to_o declare_v a_o assent_n and_o consent_n to_o the_o impose_v of_o it_o as_o a_o bar_n against_o the_o baptism_n of_o the_o child_n of_o those_o parent_n who_o judge_v it_o unlawful_a and_o a_o sin_n in_o they_o to_o permit_v the_o sign_v of_o their_o child_n therewith_o to_o this_o it_o may_v be_v answer_v that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o enjoin_v but_o the_o use_n of_o this_o ceremony_n that_o be_v consent_v to_o but_o here_o also_o i_o inquire_v whether_o i_o may_v lawful_o declare_v a_o unfeigned_a consent_n to_o the_o use_n of_o this_o rubric_n if_o i_o dissent_v from_o the_o injunction_n of_o the_o thing_n thereby_o enjoin_v the_o use_n of_o this_o rubric_n do_v include_v such_o a_o obligation_n upon_o the_o minister_n as_o hinder_v his_o baptise_v of_o the_o child_n of_o such_o parent_n as_o be_v before_o describe_v further_o i_o inquire_v whether_o i_o may_v declare_v my_o unfeigned_a consent_n to_o the_o use_n of_o this_o ceremony_n if_o i_o be_v persuade_v that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o itself_o unlawful_a yet_o wish_v in_o my_o heart_n that_o the_o use_n thereof_o be_v not_o retain_v in_o regard_n it_o be_v necessary_a and_o a_o occasion_n of_o stumble_v to_o many_o i_o may_v submit_v to_o the_o use_n of_o a_o thing_n not_o simple_o evil_a when_o i_o may_v not_o declare_v a_o hearty_a consent_n to_o it_o the_o save_a regeneration_n of_o all_o baptize_v infant_n and_o their_o undoubted_a salvation_n if_o they_o die_v before_o actual_a sin_n be_v assert_v in_o the_o liturgy_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o prayer_n after_o the_o child_n be_v bapt_n say_v be_v these_o word_n we_o yield_v thou_o hearty_a thanks_o most_o merciful_a father_n that_o it_o have_v please_v thou_o to_o regenerate_v this_o infant_n with_o thy_o holy_a spirit_n etc._n etc._n at_o the_o end_n of_o public_a baptism_n there_o be_v this_o rubric_n it_o be_v certain_a by_o god_n word_n that_o child_n which_o be_v baptize_v die_v before_o actual_a sin_n be_v undoubted_o save_v admit_v that_o the_o enjoin_v declaration_n do_v not_o respect_v this_o rubric_n as_o be_v not_o a_o matter_n of_o practice_n but_o a_o doctrinal_a assertion_n nevertheless_o the_o form_n of_o thanksgiving_n for_o all_o baptize_v child_n aforcit_v be_v unquestionable_o contain_v under_o it_o and_o i_o be_o engage_v to_o examine_v the_o truth_n and_o lawfulness_n thereof_o the_o extent_n of_o the_o efficacy_n of_o baptism_n be_v a_o point_n much_o controvert_v by_o protestant_a divine_n among_o themselves_o and_o the_o state_n of_o infant_n seem_v not_o to_o be_v so_o full_o and_o clear_o express_v in_o scripture_n as_o the_o state_n of_o adult_n person_n and_o i_o acknowledge_v myself_o unable_a to_o dertermine_v thereof_o in_o the_o manner_n here_o require_v the_o question_n be_v not_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o saving-benefit_n to_o infant_n by_o baptism_n but_o whether_o every_o infant_n admit_v thereunto_o be_v regenerate_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o receive_v of_o god_n for_o his_o own_o child_n by_o adoption_n etc._n etc._n that_o a_o infant_n be_v a_o partaker_n of_o these_o saving-benefit_n beside_o his_o be_v baptize_v this_o condition_n be_v requisite_a that_o he_o be_v due_o qualify_v for_o baptism_n and_o have_v right_a thereunto_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n be_v it_o grant_v that_o the_o sacrament_n have_v its_o effect_n where_o the_o receiver_n do_v not_o set_v a_o bar_n against_o it_o yet_o it_o must_v be_v suppose_v that_o the_o receiver_n be_v one_o who_o have_v right_a to_o baptism_n in_o the_o fight_n of_o god_n and_o to_o who_o the_o promise_n of_o salvation_n do_v belong_v but_o i_o do_v not_o find_v that_o the_o promise_n of_o salvation_n belong_v to_o child_n who_o parent_n proparent_n or_o proprietor_n be_v impious_a or_o infidel_n under_o the_o mask_n of_o the_o christian_a profession_n or_o that_o such_o have_v right_a before_o god_n to_o baptism_n whatsoever_o right_o they_o may_v have_v before_o the_o church_n while_o the_o impiety_n or_o infidelity_n of_o the_o parent_n etc._n etc._n be_v not_o discover_v it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o say_v that_o the_o infant_n title_n to_o baptism_n be_v found_v in_o christ_n institution_n of_o the_o sacrament_n for_o as_o there_o must_v be_v a_o institution_n of_o the_o sacrament_n so_o there_o must_v be_v a_o due_a qualification_n of_o the_o subject_n that_o receive_v it_o the_o infant_n of_o jew_n or_o mahomitan_n or_o pagan_n do_v not_o actual_o set_v a_o bar_n against_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o sacrament_n yet_o it_o can_v be_v say_v of_o such_o infant_n in_o case_n they_o be_v baptize_v that_o they_o be_v regenerate_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n the_o parent_n infidelity_n do_v put_v a_o bar_n to_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o sacrament_n towards_o his_o infant_n and_o this_o bar_n
can_v be_v without_o some_o alteration_n here_o the_o question_n that_o concern_v i_o be_v whether_o there_o lie_v no_o secondary_a obligation_n from_o this_o covenant_n upon_o any_o person_n that_o take_v it_o to_o do_v that_o which_o he_o be_v antecedent_o oblige_v to_o do_v viz._n to_o endeavour_v in_o his_o own_o place_n and_o calling_n and_o only_o by_o legal_a way_n that_o alteration_n of_o government_n in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v just_a and_o necessary_a to_o be_v make_v it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o the_o renunciation_n require_v be_v to_o declare_v not_o only_o that_o there_o lie_v no_o obligation_n from_o the_o covenant_n to_o endeavour_v a_o alteration_n of_o the_o substance_n of_o church-government_n to_o wit_n episcopacy_n but_o that_o there_o lie_v no_o obligation_n thence_o to_o endeavour_v any_o alteration_n of_o government_n in_o the_o church_n the_o extent_n of_o the_o word_n do_v equal_o respect_v any_o change_n in_o any_o point_n though_o never_o so_o just_a and_o necessary_a it_o be_v a_o point_n too_o high_a for_o i_o to_o judge_n of_o all_o person_n whatsoever_o who_o have_v take_v this_o covenant_n how_o far_o they_o be_v or_o be_v not_o bind_v thereby_o and_o put_v case_n i_o may_v not_o be_v so_o clear_a and_o sure_a in_o this_o matter_n as_o to_o assert_v the_o obligation_n thereof_o i_o may_v also_o not_o be_v so_o clear_a and_o sure_a therein_o as_o to_o renounce_v the_o obligation_n thereof_o as_o god_n moral_a law_n primary_o oblige_v to_o endeavour_v church-reformation_n while_o there_o be_v corruption_n in_o the_o church_n so_o a_o solemn_a swear_v or_o vow_v thereof_o infer_v a_o secondary_a or_o further_a obligation_n thereunto_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o oath_n or_o vow_n god_n be_v a_o party_n in_o a_o oath_n or_o vow_n of_o duty_n direct_o respect_v he_o and_o antecedent_o require_v by_o his_o law_n no_o humane_a authority_n can_v nullify_v the_o obligation_n thereof_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o the_o imposition_n and_o the_o defect_n of_o authority_n in_o the_o imposer_n or_o that_o it_o be_v take_v constrain_o or_o in_o sinful_a circumstance_n do_v not_o nullify_v the_o obligation_n of_o a_o oath_n or_o vow_n when_o the_o matter_n thereof_o be_v in_o itself_o a_o duty_n the_o conjunction_n of_o thing_n unlawful_a in_o a_o oath_n or_o vow_n do_v not_o make_v it_o null_a as_o to_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v antecedent_o necessary_a this_o covenant_n consist_v of_o many_o part_n which_o be_v indeed_o for_o the_o matter_n so_o many_o several_a vow_n and_o those_o part_n which_o be_v of_o thing_n lawful_a and_o necessary_a do_v not_o rise_v from_o nor_o depend_v upon_o those_o part_n that_o be_v object_v to_o be_v unlawful_a but_o stand_v entire_a by_o their_o own_o force_n and_o valour_n now_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o those_o part_n which_o be_v of_o thing_n lawful_a and_o necessary_a can_v be_v make_v void_a by_o the_o conjunction_n of_o those_o other_o part_v object_v to_o be_v unlawful_a the_o obligation_n of_o this_o covenant_n can_v cease_v by_o the_o mutual_a consent_n of_o the_o covenanter_n because_o it_o be_v not_o sole_o or_o chief_o a_o league_n between_o man_n but_o chief_o a_o oath_n or_o vow_n to_o god_n of_o thing_n to_o be_v perform_v towards_o he_o and_o the_o union_n and_o association_n of_o man_n therein_o be_v in_o vow_v to_o god_n who_o be_v the_o party_n chief_o intend_v in_o it_o though_o a_o vow_n of_o thing_n in_o themselves_o arbitrary_a be_v make_v by_o such_o as_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o another_o may_v be_v disannul_v by_o he_o under_o who_o power_n they_o be_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o so_o in_o vow_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v duty_n antecedent_o to_o be_v oblige_v by_o this_o covenant_n to_o endeavour_v alteration_n of_o government_n in_o the_o church_n so_o far_o as_o that_o alteration_n be_v just_a and_o necessary_a to_o be_v make_v be_v against_o no_o due_a of_o obedience_n to_o governor_n no_o just_a right_n of_o superior_n or_o any_o person_n whatsoever_o this_o covenant_n can_v oblige_v to_o any_o such_o endeavour_n of_o alteration_n as_o include_v the_o determine_n of_o matter_n of_o public_a government_n against_o the_o law_n and_o mind_n of_o the_o sovereign_n it_o be_v only_o a_o endeavour_n of_o a_o just_a and_o necessary_a alteration_n by_o lawful_a way_n and_o mean_n which_o be_v here_o take_v into_o consideration_n several_a thing_n of_o moment_n in_o the_o ecclesiastical_a government_n may_v need_v reformation_n though_o episcopacy_n remain_v as_o it_o be_v receive_v in_o the_o ancient_a church_n it_o be_v a_o ordinary_a and_o necessary_a practice_n to_o make_v a_o alteration_n of_o law_n and_o so_o of_o government_n both_o in_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n from_o time_n to_o time_n so_o far_o as_o need_n require_v i_o free_o declare_v that_o there_o lie_v no_o obligation_n from_o this_o covenant_n upon_o any_o person_n to_o endeavour_v any_o alteration_n of_o government_n in_o church_n or_o state_n by_o rebellion_n sedition_n or_o any_o other_o unlawful_a mean_n there_o lie_v no_o obligation_n from_o this_o covenant_n upon_o any_o person_n to_o endeavour_v by_o any_o mean_n any_o such_o alteration_n of_o government_n in_o church_n or_o state_n as_o may_v not_o lawful_o be_v make_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o king_n and_o parliament_n nor_o be_v endeavour_v by_o other_o in_o subordination_n to_o the_o say_a authority_n i_o consent_v to_o the_o episcopacy_n that_o be_v of_o ancient_a ecclesiastical_a custom_n as_o in_o the_o time_n of_o ignatius_n tertullian_n or_o cyprian_a i_o consent_v to_o bishop_n vsher_n model_n of_o government_n by_o bishop_n and_o archbishop_n with_o their_o presbyter_n which_o be_v present_v to_o his_o majesty_n by_o the_o divine_v call_v presbyterian_a for_o a_o groundwork_n of_o accommodation_n i_o be_o willing_a to_o exercise_v the_o ministry_n under_o the_o present_a ecclesiastical_a government_n and_o to_o promise_v obedience_n to_o the_o ordinary_a in_o thing_n lawful_a and_o honest_a if_o there_o be_v a_o relaxation_n about_o some_o injunction_n which_o i_o scruple_n or_o if_o the_o ground_n of_o my_o scruple_n about_o they_o be_v remove_v i_o be_o ready_a to_o engage_v not_o to_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o not_o to_o endeavour_v any_o point_n of_o alteration_n in_o its_o government_n by_o rebellious_a seditious_a or_o any_o unlawful_a way_n i_o be_o ready_a to_o engage_v also_o that_o i_o will_v not_o any_o way_n endeavour_v any_o point_n of_o alteration_n to_o be_v make_v in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n otherwise_o than_o by_o authority_n of_o king_n of_o parliament_n yea_o for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o couâ—d_v willing_o engage_v that_o i_o will_v not_o any_o way_n endeavour_v a_o change_n of_o church_n government_n from_o episcopâ—l_n to_o presbyterial_a the_o ancient_a conjunction_n of_o episcopacy_n with_o presbytrey_n be_v that_o which_o i_o wish_v may_v be_v restore_v to_o the_o church_n some_o have_v argue_v that_o the_o renounce_n of_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v to_o be_v take_v in_o a_o restrain_a sense_n viz._n that_o there_o lie_v no_o obligation_n from_o this_o covenant_n by_o seditious_a factious_a turbulent_a and_o tumultuous_a way_n to_o disturb_v the_o public_a peace_n and_o government_n now_o establish_v in_o church_n or_o state_n ans_fw-fr 1._o it_o be_v hard_o to_o warrant_v this_o restrain_a sense_n of_o the_o declaration_n by_o sufficient_a proof_n or_o good_a authority_n 2._o when_o we_o intend_v to_o declare_v the_o non_fw-fr obligation_n of_o a_o oath_n or_o vow_n only_o in_o a_o limit_a sense_n it_o be_v not_o saâ—e_v to_o declare_v it_o in_o such_o word_n as_o express_v its_o non-obligation_n in_o any_o sense_n whatsoever_o both_o the_o take_n and_o renounce_v of_o a_o oath_n have_v need_n be_v do_v in_o word_n of_o unexceptionable_a clearness_n at_o least_o in_o such_o word_n as_o be_v not_o liable_a to_o great_a exception_n not_o only_o the_o thing_n intend_v by_o a_o oath_n but_o the_o expression_n thereof_o have_v need_n be_v warrantable_a 3._o this_o covenant_n have_v be_v so_o handle_v and_o the_o form_n of_o the_o renunciation_n be_v so_o express_v as_o that_o one_o will_v easy_o think_v that_o the_o lawmaker_n intend_v a_o utter_a renounce_n of_o all_o manner_n of_o obligation_n from_o it_o of_o divine_a worship_n in_o three_o part_n the_o first_o of_o the_o nature_n kind_n part_n and_o adjunct_n of_o divine_a worship_n the_o second_o of_o idolatry_n the_o three_o of_o superstition_n less_o than_o idolatry_n to_o make_v diligent_a search_n into_o the_o nature_n of_o divine_a worship_n i_o have_v judge_v myself_o concern_v as_o a_o christian_a and_o a_o minister_n and_o a_o sufferer_n for_o conscientious_a dissent_n and_o doubt_n about_o some_o point_n thereof_o in_o join_v by_o authority_n some_o delineation_n of_o what_o i_o discern_v in_o this_o