wherein_o do_v this_o permit_v man_n to_o renounce_v the_o common_a christianity_n etc._n etc._n as_o this_o answerer_n very_o impertinent_o object_v and_o it_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o rational_a man_n whether_o they_o who_o insist_v upon_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o spiritual_a power_n christ_n have_v give_v unto_o his_o church_n for_o the_o right_a order_n and_o govern_v thereof_o and_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o sole_a rule_n of_o every_o man_n faith_n and_o obedience_n in_o all_o gospel_n duty_n and_o administration_n or_o they_o who_o allow_v unto_o every_o national_a or_o provincial_a church_n a_o power_n to_o decree_v article_n of_o faith_n and_o compose_v form_n of_o divine_a worship_n to_o be_v impose_v by_o civil_a magistrate_n upon_o christian_n be_v the_o more_o likely_a to_o lead_v into_o the_o path_n of_o heresy_n and_o schism_n and_o to_o destroy_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o consequent_o whether_o these_o or_o those_o do_v gratify_v the_o old_a serpent_n in_o his_o malicious_a wile_n and_o method_n and_o give_v leave_v to_o his_o instrument_n to_o accomplish_v their_o hellish_a design_n in_o destroy_v christianity_n and_o the_o church_n government_n at_o one_o blow_n i_o say_v again_o let_v every_o rational_a and_o unprejudiced_a person_n consider_v the_o nature_n and_o essence_n of_o christianity_n and_o by_o what_o way_n and_o method_n it_o have_v be_v corrupt_v and_o destroy_v judge_n god_n name_n be_v not_o indeed_o blaspheme_v as_o he_o say_v when_o his_o institution_n be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o uphold_v his_o truth_n etc._n etc._n but_o he_o have_v no_o where_o institute_v the_o civil_a sword_n to_o force_v any_o to_o the_o christian_a faith_n much_o less_o to_o uphold_v whatever_o be_v teach_v or_o pretend_v so_o to_o be_v and_o if_o his_o name_n be_v blaspheme_v when_o man_n mind_n be_v alienate_v from_o the_o christian_a religion_n they_o will_v be_v find_v guilty_a thereof_o who_o use_v such_o mean_n and_o method_n for_o its_o propagation_n as_o they_o pretend_v as_o beget_v a_o aversion_n in_o many_o towards_o it_o and_o those_o that_o use_v they_o and_o who_o be_v it_o that_o will_v make_v the_o profession_n thereof_o arbitrary_a they_o who_o say_v the_o spiritual_a power_n christ_n have_v give_v unto_o his_o church_n for_o the_o right_a order_n and_o govern_v thereof_o be_v sufficient_a unto_o that_o end_n can_v reasonable_o be_v say_v so_o to_o do_v and_o wherefore_o do_v he_o here_o talk_v of_o every_o beâ—ted_a brain_n and_o sulphurous_a malcontent_n be_v leave_v to_o serve_v god_n or_o serve_v he_o not_o to_o believe_v in_o christ_n or_o open_o to_o deny_v and_o blaspheme_v he_o when_o all_o we_o pray_v and_o plead_v for_o be_v but_o 3_o that_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n may_v have_v a_o free_a course_n and_o that_o his_o name_n may_v be_v glorify_v in_o the_o free_a exercise_n of_o all_o religious_a duty_n without_o ever_o deny_v it_o the_o magistrate_n duty_n to_o punish_v blasphemy_n and_o the_o like_a evil_n and_o impiety_n but_o it_o be_v worth_a know_v from_o this_o learned_a and_o judicious_a answerer_n how_o far_o any_o be_v oblige_v to_o add_v here_o to_o the_o church_n in_o which_o they_o be_v baptise_a that_o we_o may_v not_o have_v too_o hard_a thought_n of_o our_o first_o reformer_n for_o forsake_v the_o church_n in_o which_o they_o partake_v of_o that_o sacrament_n it_o be_v as_o he_o say_v one_o thing_n to_o convert_v pagan_n and_o infidel_n to_o christianity_n and_o another_o thing_n to_o keep_v they_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o their_o duty_n who_o already_o profess_v it_o and_o yet_o be_v both_o effect_v by_o the_o same_o mean_n and_o the_o magistrate_n can_v no_o more_o compel_v unto_o the_o one_o then_o to_o the_o other_o but_o when_o man_n give_v up_o their_o name_n to_o christ_n it_o be_v certain_o as_o he_o say_v the_o duty_n of_o churchman_n to_o use_v all_o lawful_a and_o proper_a mean_v to_o prevent_v their_o apostasy_n from_o he_o but_o who_o be_v the_o incorrigible_a offender_n he_o speak_v of_o or_o what_o occasion_n do_v this_o query_n administer_v to_o ask_v why_o the_o magistrate_n may_v not_o be_v request_v to_o save_v a_o soul_n from_o death_n etc._n etc._n the_o magistrate_n may_v certain_o be_v request_v to_o punish_v sin_n and_o wickedness_n it_o be_v the_o great_a end_n for_o which_o god_n commit_v the_o power_n of_o the_o sword_n to_o he_o but_o he_o can_v no_o more_o save_v a_o soul_n from_o death_n and_o rescue_v he_o out_o of_o the_o snare_n of_o the_o devil_n then_o he_o can_v give_v grace_n or_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n alone_o yet_o this_o hinder_v not_o but_o that_o magistrate_n and_o minister_n aught_o to_o use_v all_o due_a and_o lawful_a mean_n to_o reduce_v man_n to_o christianity_n and_o prevent_v their_o apostasy_n from_o it_o there_o be_v no_o more_o need_n now_o then_o in_o the_o primitive_a age_n of_o the_o church_n that_o its_o act_n and_o censure_n shall_v be_v second_v by_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o secular_a power_n our_o bless_a saviour_n who_o be_v faithful_a have_v promise_v to_o be_v with_o his_o disciple_n teach_v what_o he_o command_v they_o 28._o to_o the_o world_n end_n and_o that_o there_o be_v so_o little_a of_o power_n and_o efficacy_n in_o in_o the_o act_n and_o censure_n of_o some_o who_o will_v be_v account_v his_o disciple_n be_v not_o that_o christ_n have_v withdraw_v any_o of_o that_o ordinary_a power_n he_o give_v unto_o his_o minister_n for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n and_o the_o edify_n of_o his_o body_n but_o their_o failure_n in_o the_o condition_n annex_v to_o his_o promise_n in_o not_o teach_v what_o he_o command_v but_o set_v up_o their_o own_o invention_n and_o device_n in_o the_o place_n of_o his_o institution_n be_v the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n as_o orderly_a and_o regular_o pronounce_v now_o as_o heretofore_o they_o will_v have_v the_o same_o effect_n now_o as_o then_o upon_o the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n of_o believer_n what_o effect_n they_o have_v upon_o their_o body_n we_o be_v rather_o tell_v then_o convince_v of_o for_o the_o intestuous_a corinthian's_n being_n deliver_v unto_o satan_n be_v no_o more_o than_o as_o have_v be_v already_o say_v his_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n into_o the_o world_n the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o devil_n nor_o be_v the_o death_n of_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n with_o the_o blindness_n of_o ellmas_n the_o sorcerer_n the_o effect_n of_o any_o church_n act_n or_o censure_n but_o of_o that_o extraordinary_a power_n christ_n confer_v on_o his_o apostle_n to_o manifest_v his_o power_n and_o authority_n to_o the_o unbelieve_a world_n and_o to_o say_v it_o be_v to_o supply_v the_o defect_n of_o the_o magistrate_n coercive_a power_n in_o the_o church_n as_o if_o the_o church_n power_n be_v defective_a without_o the_o magistrate_n sword_n be_v high_o derogatory_n unto_o that_o spiritual_a power_n and_o authority_n christ_n have_v give_v unto_o the_o minister_n of_o his_o gospel_n for_o the_o order_n and_o govern_v of_o his_o church_n unto_o the_o world_n end_n it_o be_v as_o one_o have_v well_o observe_v much_o of_o christ_n glory_n to_o rule_v his_o subject_n under_o the_o gospel_n by_o a_o spiritual_a power_n it_o be_v that_o power_n make_v a_o man_n a_o christian_a it_o be_v that_o power_n in_o all_o gospel_n institution_n that_o keep_v man_n in_o their_o due_a obedience_n unto_o christ_n and_o it_o be_v that_o power_n carry_v the_o sting_n of_o the_o punishment_n when_o man_n be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v indeed_o that_o power_n do_v all_o under_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o bringin_n the_o temporal_a sword_n be_v to_o make_v the_o weapon_n of_o the_o gospel_n not_o mighty_a through_o god_n but_o mighty_a through_o the_o magistrate_n power_n and_o whole_o to_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o all_o its_o institution_n it_o be_v to_o aâ—m_v the_o church_n with_o weapon_n christ_n never_o give_v she_o and_o to_o make_v she_o a_o military_a rather_o than_o a_o spiritual_a society_n what_o he_o say_v of_o dissenter_n be_v punish_v for_o endanger_n the_o peace_n of_o the_o state_n by_o disobey_v the_o law_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v speak_v to_o when_o he_o tell_v we_o what_o law_n and_o what_o church_n he_o here_o mean_v nor_o can_v we_o till_o then_o say_v how_o the_o interest_n of_o those_o society_n be_v twist_v and_o unite_v but_o do_v very_o well_o know_v it_o to_o have_v be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a artifices_fw-la in_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n so_o to_o twist_v the_o civil_a and_o some_o pretend_a religious_a interest_n as_o to_o preswade_v the_o world_n the_o oak_n can_v subsist_v without_o the_o ivy_n but_o as_o well_o reason_n as_o experience_n
tell_v we_o his_o design_n be_v to_o ease_v man_n of_o their_o former_a burden_n and_o not_o to_o lay_v on_o more_o that_o the_o duty_n he_o require_v be_v no_o other_o but_o such_o as_o be_v necessary_a and_o withal_o just_a and_o reasonable_a that_o he_o that_o come_v to_o take_v away_o the_o insupportable_a yoke_n of_o jewish_a ceremony_n certain_o do_v never_o intend_v to_o gall_v the_o neck_n of_o his_o disciple_n with_o another_o instead_o of_o it_o and_o if_o so_o do_v not_o certain_o give_v power_n or_o authority_n unto_o any_o to_o institute_n in_o their_o room_n such_o other_o as_o they_o shall_v think_v good_a it_o will_v be_v strange_a say_v he_o the_o church_n shall_v require_v more_o than_o christ_n himself_o do_v and_o make_v other_o condition_n of_o her_o communion_n than_o our_o saviour_n do_v of_o discipleship_n then_o ask_v what_o ground_n there_o can_v be_v why_o christian_n shall_v not_o stand_v upon_o the_o same_o term_n now_o which_o they_o do_v in_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n whether_o religion_n be_v not_o sufficient_o guard_v and_o fence_v in_o they_o whether_o there_o be_v ever_o more_o true_a and_o cordial_a reverence_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n what_o charter_n christ_n have_v give_v his_o church_n to_o bind_v man_n up_o to_o more_o than_o himself_o have_v do_v and_o then_o tell_v we_o the_o grand_a commission_n the_o apostle_n be_v send_v out_o with_o be_v only_o to_o teach_v what_o christ_n have_v command_v they_o not_o the_o least_o intimation_n of_o any_o power_n give_v they_o to_o impose_v or_o require_v any_o thing_n beyond_o what_o himself_o have_v speak_v to_o they_o or_o they_o be_v direct_v to_o by_o the_o immediate_a guidance_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n what_o power_n or_o commission_n therefore_o any_o have_v since_o receive_v to_o institute_n such_o ceremony_n in_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n as_o they_o shall_v think_v good_a this_o answerer_n or_o his_o adherent_n may_v do_v well_o to_o inform_v we_o but_o instead_o thereof_o he_o tell_v we_o nothing_o be_v more_o evident_a in_o the_o new-testament_n than_o that_o christ_n do_v intrust_v those_o who_o he_o appoint_v in_o his_o absence_n to_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o his_o church_n with_o the_o government_n of_o it_o he_o do_v so_o and_o yet_o he_o do_v not_o empower_v or_o authorize_v they_o to_o institute_n in_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n such_o ceremony_n as_o they_o shall_v think_v good_a but_o say_v our_o politic_a answerer_n this_o government_n can_v not_o subsist_v without_o the_o enact_v of_o law_n for_o its_o own_o and_o the_o church_n preservation_n for_o that_o christ_n intend_v etc._n etc._n how_o do_v that_o appear_v we_o find_v nothing_o in_o his_o gospel_n of_o any_o such_o intention_n nor_o have_v we_o reason_n to_o believe_v he_o intend_v any_o shall_v enact_v other_o law_n for_o the_o government_n of_o his_o church_n than_o what_o himself_o enact_v since_o it_o be_v to_o deny_v the_o scripture_n sufficiency_n unto_o that_o end_n and_o its_o be_v a_o perfect_a rule_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o obedience_n in_o all_o gospel_n duty_n and_o administration_n and_o in_o plain_a term_n to_o tell_v we_o that_o christ_n be_v not_o faithful_a to_o he_o that_o appoint_v he_o as_o be_v moses_n in_o all_o his_o house_n in_o that_o he_o leave_v not_o as_o do_v moses_n a_o complete_a volume_n of_o law_n for_o its_o rule_n and_o government_n we_o wish_v therefore_o this_o answerer_n will_v acquaint_v we_o with_o the_o instrument_n by_o which_o the_o apostle_n make_v over_o their_o authority_n of_o enact_v law_n for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n to_o their_o successor_n in_o that_o it_o will_v tend_v great_o to_o their_o conviction_n who_o have_v hitherto_o be_v in_o a_o error_n and_o very_o much_o deceive_v if_o the_o lord_n christ_n be_v not_o the_o sole_a lord_n over_o and_o lawgiver_n to_o his_o church_n and_o that_o the_o apostle_n neither_o do_v nor_o can_v delegate_n a_o legislative_a power_n to_o their_o successor_n be_v themselves_o minister_n only_a of_o the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n commit_v unto_o they_o not_o be_v a_o power_n of_o give_v law_n to_o the_o church_n but_o a_o power_n of_o teach_v and_o rule_v the_o church_n according_a to_o the_o law_n which_o christ_n himself_o have_v give_v and_o those_o as_o he_o say_v not_o to_o that_o present_a age_n of_o christian_n but_o to_o all_o succeed_v age_n in_o which_o his_o church_n be_v to_o continue_v in_o the_o world_n they_o be_v every_a way_n sufficient_a to_o continue_v and_o preserve_v upon_o earth_n a_o visible_a church_n until_o his_o second_o come_n but_o so_o far_o this_o answerer_n be_v in_o the_o right_n that_o there_o can_v have_v be_v no_o such_o society_n if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o law_n for_o its_o unity_n but_o he_o shall_v withal_o have_v consider_v that_o there_o neither_o can_v nor_o can_v be_v any_o law_n for_o its_o unity_n but_o from_o a_o universal_a lawgiver_n the_o obligation_n of_o no_o law_n extend_v far_o than_o the_o judaization_n or_o authority_n of_o the_o legislator_n so_o that_o it_o be_v altogether_o impossible_a for_o any_o but_o the_o lord_n christ_n to_o enact_v law_n for_o the_o visible_a unity_n of_o christian_a communion_n in_o the_o external_a administration_n of_o god_n sacred_a worship_n since_o the_o jurisdiction_n or_o authority_n of_o none_o other_o can_v reach_v or_o oblige_v all_o christian_n that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v great_o concern_v for_o the_o unity_n of_o his_o church_n none_o sure_a ever_o doubt_v but_o the_o word_n quote_v by_o this_o answerer_n from_o st._n john_n gospel_n relate_v not_o so_o much_o to_o the_o external_a visible_a unity_n of_o the_o church_n as_o to_o the_o internal_a mystical_a union_n that_o be_v between_o christ_n and_o his_o member_n yet_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o which_o he_o will_v principal_o have_v the_o reader_n observe_v in_o they_o be_v the_o care_n that_o our_o bless_a lord_n and_o master_n take_v for_o that_o great_a essential_a of_o christianity_n the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n no_o doubt_v he_o do_v both_o for_o the_o internal_a and_o external_a unity_n thereof_o and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o his_o frequent_a call_n on_o his_o disciple_n to_o unity_n and_o to_o love_v one_o another_o make_v it_o a_o caracteristical_a note_n of_o their_o relation_n unto_o he_o by_o this_o shall_v all_o man_n know_v that_o you_o be_v my_o disciple_n if_o you_o love_v one_o another_o but_o also_o in_o command_v they_o to_o teach_v the_o observation_n of_o all_o thing_n whatsoever_o he_o command_v they_o which_o will_v all_o who_o will_v be_v account_v his_o disciple_n likewise_o observe_v and_o do_v without_o set_v up_o their_o post_n as_o the_o prophet_n speak_v by_o his_o post_n unity_n will_v not_o be_v want_v among_o christian_n nor_o yet_o throughout_o the_o christian_a world_n a_o due_a uniformity_n in_o the_o external_a administration_n of_o god_n sacred_a worship_n which_o variety_n of_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n in_o particular_a church_n destroy_v and_o it_o may_v be_v true_o enough_o say_v by_o he_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v propagate_v and_o uphold_v by_o faith_n and_o charity_n only_o as_o they_o be_v lodge_v in_o man_n heart_n unless_o the_o fruit_n of_o these_o grace_n be_v exert_v in_o some_o thing_n that_o be_v visible_a and_o obvious_a to_o sense_n and_o therefore_o outward_a worship_n be_v require_v that_o the_o inward_a may_v be_v exercise_v and_o express_v for_o to_o talk_v of_o inward_a worship_n without_o any_o outward_a expression_n thereof_o be_v but_o a_o cloak_n for_o atheism_n but_o for_o this_o answerer_n to_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o church_n unity_n be_v the_o main_a thing_n that_o christ_n take_v care_n of_o before_o his_o crucifixion_n that_o it_o be_v the_o great_a essential_a of_o christianity_n the_o very_a be_v of_o christian_a religion_n depend_v on_o it_o and_o that_o the_o main_a principle_n of_o all_o christian_a amity_n and_o affection_n be_v the_o visible_a unity_n of_o christian_a communion_n in_o the_o external_a administration_n of_o god_n sacred_a worship_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v vniform_a and_o undevide_v and_o then_o conclude_v that_o variety_n of_o rite_n in_o one_o national_a church_n will_v cause_v division_n of_o judgement_n and_o of_o affection_n be_v such_o a_o explanation_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o visible_a unity_n of_o christian_a communion_n in_o the_o external_n administration_n of_o god_n sacred_a worship_n as_o i_o think_v the_o world_n be_v never_o before_o blessed_v with_o for_o be_v it_o the_o unity_n of_o a_o national_a church_n only_o that_o christ_n take_v such_o care_n of_o and_o which_o be_v the_o great_a essential_a of_o christianity_n or_o be_v
and_o wolvish_a nature_n and_o a_o certain_a sign_n that_o such_o be_v none_o of_o christ_n sheep_n these_o be_v the_o bitter_a expression_n which_o our_o sweet-natured_a and_o tender-hearted_a answerer_n have_v not_o meet_v with_o among_o his_o socinian_n acquaintance_n and_o which_o his_o meek_a and_o gentle_a spirit_n can_v bear_v against_o his_o brethren_n but_o the_o reverend_n and_o pious_a dr._n more_o far_a tell_v we_o 166._o that_o the_o cruel_a and_o bloody_a persecution_n of_o the_o true_a and_o live_a member_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n for_o their_o faithful_a adhere_n to_o the_o plain_a and_o undoubted_a command_n of_o their_o heavenly_a sovereign_n who_o be_v style_v king_n of_o king_n and_o lord_n of_o lord_n be_v certain_o the_o most_o signal_n and_o capital_a antichristianism_n that_o any_o policy_n can_v be_v corrupt_v with_o and_o the_o most_o gross_o and_o visible_o opposite_a both_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o christianity_n which_o bear_v all_o thing_n and_o endure_v all_o thing_n which_o will_v not_o be_v over_o severe_a to_o the_o wicked_a much_o less_o cruel_a to_o the_o good_a 72._o and_o also_o to_o the_o description_n of_o christ_n government_n who_o be_v say_v 40._o to_o redeem_v the_o soul_n of_o the_o needy_a from_o deceit_n and_o violence_n and_o that_o their_o blood_n be_v precious_a in_o his_o sight_n he_o shall_v feed_v his_o flock_n like_o a_o shepherd_n he_o shall_v gather_v his_o lamb_n with_o his_o arm_n and_o carry_v they_o in_o his_o bosom_n this_o be_v the_o genuine_a spirit_n of_o the_o true_a christian_a pastor_n whether_o of_o high_a or_o low_a degree_n to_o be_v thus_o tender_o affect_v towards_o their_o sheep_n but_o such_o as_o thwack_v and_o beat_v they_o and_o violent_o drive_v they_o instead_o of_o go_v before_o they_o in_o a_o way_n of_o christian_a example_n these_o be_v not_o shepherd_n but_o butcher_n and_o will_v easy_o drive_v they_o to_o the_o shambles_n and_o see_v their_o throat_n cut_v without_o remorse_n this_o be_v the_o genuine_a spirit_n as_o he_o true_o say_v of_o the_o true_a christian_a pastor_n to_o be_v thus_o tender_o affect_v towards_o their_o sheep_n what_o shall_v we_o judge_v of_o those_o who_o not_o only_o thwack_v and_o beat_v and_o violent_o drive_v they_o but_o be_v so_o tender_o affect_v towards_o their_o persecutor_n they_o can_v bear_v their_o be_v hardly_o speak_v of_o and_o how_o impertinent_a be_v we_o here_o tell_v while_o inquire_v only_o after_o the_o nature_n of_o those_o who_o persecute_v upon_o the_o accowt_n of_o religion_n of_o the_o enact_v law_n to_o punish_v those_o that_o violate_v and_o deflower_v religion_n as_o if_o to_o persecute_v for_o religion_n and_o punish_v the_o violator_n of_o religion_n be_v the_o same_o thing_n we_o dissuade_v not_o as_o he_o insinuate_v inflict_v punishment_n upon_o sensual_a and_o unrighteous_a person_n such_o as_o violate_v the_o law_n of_o either_o table_n and_o be_v far_o from_o think_v christian_a justice_n and_o righteousness_n inconsistent_a with_o clemency_n and_o lenity_n of_o spirit_n yet_o be_v it_o neither_o just_a nor_o righteous_a to_o execute_v before_o judgement_n and_o as_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v style_v the_o shepherd_n of_o soul_n and_o as_o he_o say_v that_o title_n import_v that_o he_o will_v have_v not_o only_o his_o lamb_n and_o sheep_n feed_v but_o grievous_a wolf_n watch_v and_o their_o mouth_n stop_v too_o when_o they_o devour_v the_o flock_n and_o teach_v thing_n which_o they_o ought_v not_o for_o filthy_a lucre_n '_o be_v sake_n it_o become_v a_o duty_n to_o stop_v his_o mouth_n who_o endeavour_v what_o he_o can_v that_o christ_n flock_n shall_v be_v devour_v teach_v notorious_a untruth_n and_o thing_n which_o he_o ought_v not_o for_o filthy_a lucer_n sake_n nor_o will_v it_o i_o doubt_v advantage_n he_o that_o as_o christ_n be_v a_o meek_a saviour_n to_o return_v sinner_n so_o he_o be_v a_o terrible_a judge_n to_o apostate_n and_o evil_a doer_n while_o he_o continue_v a_o persecutor_n since_o against_o such_o as_o himself_o have_v tell_v we_o his_o arrow_n be_v ordain_v and_o though_o as_o he_o say_v he_o begin_v to_o execute_v vengeance_n in_o this_o world_n by_o raise_v up_o man_n of_o undaunted_a spirit_n who_o make_v righteousness_n the_o girdle_n of_o their_o loin_n and_o judgement_n their_o robe_n and_o diadem_n to_o succour_v his_o church_n support_v his_o worship_n and_o punish_v his_o enemy_n yet_o such_o will_v never_o persecute_v for_o religion_n nor_o think_v those_o to_o give_v ill_a example_n unto_o other_o or_o to_o become_v schismatical_a and_o disorderly_a in_o their_o station_n who_o serve_v god_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n nor_o judge_v any_o evil_a doer_n for_o render_v unto_o he_o the_o homage_n due_a from_o the_o creature_n to_o the_o creator_n see_v by_o this_o no_o occasion_n be_v give_v to_o the_o enemy_n to_o reproach_n and_o blaspheme_v the_o good_a way_n of_o god_n whatever_o occasion_n some_o cainish_a or_o ishmalitish_n spirit_n may_v thence_o take_v so_o to_o do_v but_o for_o such_o as_o have_v err_v and_o stray_v from_o the_o flock_n of_o christ_n or_o neglect_v the_o christian_a duty_n he_o require_v of_o they_o let_v the_o magistrate_n in_o god_n name_n and_o by_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o his_o appointment_n reduce_v or_o otherwise_o punish_v they_o no_o good_a christian_n will_v certain_o ever_o be_v displease_v thereat_o but_o say_v our_o answerer_n it_o be_v no_o indication_n of_o any_o such_o nature_n as_o the_o query_n mention_n to_o punish_v evil_a doer_n it_o be_v not_o indeed_o nor_o do_v the_o query_n say_v it_o be_v but_o to_o persecute_v on_o the_o account_n of_o religion_n as_o cain_n persecute_v abel_n ishmael_n isaac_n etc._n etc._n and_o as_o their_o follower_n at_o this_o day_n persecute_v such_o as_o be_v more_o righteous_a than_o themselves_o be_v a_o indication_n of_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o the_o query_n mention_n and_o now_o if_o magistrate_n will_v not_o do_v as_o he_o will_v have_v they_o he_o declare_v they_o wicked_o unjust_a and_o all_o those_o terrible_a epithet_n mention_v in_o the_o query_n to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o they_o what_o then_o be_v it_o he_o will_v have_v they_o to_o do_v to_o break_v the_o jawbone_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o pluck_v the_o spoil_n out_o of_o their_o tooth_n so_o will_v every_o honest_a and_o good_a man_n to_o repay_v man_n according_a to_o their_o deed_n fury_n to_o his_o adversary_n and_o recompense_v to_o his_o enemy_n and_o who_o desire_v not_o the_o same_o to_o employ_v their_o power_n for_o his_o honour_n from_o who_o it_o descend_v nothing_o sure_o be_v more_o just_a not_o to_o permit_v the_o christian_a faith_n to_o be_v tear_v in_o piece_n by_o a_o thousand_o sect_n and_o faction_n and_o wolf_n to_o prey_n upon_o christ_n flock_n this_o above_o all_o be_v indeed_o their_o duty_n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v they_o will_v careful_o observe_v it_o and_o not_o suffer_v much_o less_o assist_v any_o to_o impose_v their_o thought_n or_o fancy_n in_o the_o agenda_fw-la and_o credenda_fw-la of_o the_o gospel_n upon_o other_o but_o permit_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o sole_a rule_n of_o all_o man_n faith_n and_o obedience_n in_o all_o gospel_n duty_n and_o administration_n nothing_o be_v more_o evident_a than_o that_o particular_a church_n or_o person_n assume_v to_o themselves_o a_o power_n to_o decree_v article_n of_o faith_n and_o impose_v they_o upon_o other_o be_v that_o which_o have_v tear_v the_o christian_a faith_n in_o piece_n and_o divide_v the_o church_n into_o sect_n and_o faction_n and_o which_o give_v opportunity_n unto_o wolf_n to_o prey_n upon_o christ_n flock_n and_o to_o the_o great_a enemy_n of_o mankind_n and_o his_o wicked_a instrument_n to_o sport_n themselves_o in_o her_o ruin_n corrupt_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n with_o their_o addition_n and_o bring_v scorn_n and_o contempt_n upon_o all_o the_o office_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o whole_a ministry_n thereof_o let_v all_o man_n say_v the_o learned_a and_o judicious_a mr._n chillingworth_n main_fw-fr believe_v the_o scripture_n and_o that_o only_a and_o endeavour_v to_o believe_v it_o in_o the_o true_a sense_n and_o require_v no_o more_o of_o other_o and_o they_o shall_v find_v this_o not_o only_o a_o better_a but_o the_o only_a mean_n to_o suppress_v heresy_n and_o restore_v unity_n for_o he_o that_o believe_v the_o scripture_n sincere_o and_o endeavour_n to_o believe_v it_o in_o the_o true_a sense_n can_v possible_o be_v a_o heretic_n and_o if_o no_o more_o than_o this_o be_v require_v of_o any_o man_n to_o make_v he_o capable_a of_o the_o church_n communion_n than_o all_o man_n so_o qualify_v though_o they_o be_v different_a in_o opinion_n yet_o notwithstanding_o any_o such_o difference_n must_v be_v of_o necessity_n one_o in_o communion_n and_o if_o as_o he_o
l._n 27._o r._n hers_z p._n 11â—_n l._n 9r_n and_o superstition_n p._n 118._o l._n 6._o r._n say_v p._n 125._o l._n r._n church_n obedience_n p._n 127._o l._n 9_o r._n in_o no_o wise_a p._n 132._o l._n 31._o for_o king_n r._n kind_n p._n 133._o l._n 7._o r._n aid_n p_o 135._o l._n 10._o r._n nurse_n p._n 136._o l._n 18._o r._n and_o so_o p._n 138._o l_o 3_o r._n mahumatism_n l._n 15._o r._n of_o other_o l._n 16._o r._n i.e._n such_o p_o 140._o 25_o 26._o r._n gaudentem_fw-la p._n 142._o l._n 10._o r._n neat_o p._n 144._o l._n 17._o r._n their_o duty_n p._n 151._o l._n 6._o r._n author_n l._n 14._o r._n murder_n p._n 153._o after_o l._n 26._o r._n with_o a_o design_n and_o purpose_n to_o ensnare_v the_o conscience_n of_o inferior_n much_o less_o shall_v we_o take_v upon_o we_o to_o determine_v what_o humane_a law_n thwart_v etc._n etc._n p._n 15â—_n l._n 10_o 11._o r._n instruction_n l._n 14._o r._n the_o king_n p._n 156._o l._n 21._o r._n these_o p._n 161._o l._n 21._o r._n endear_v his_o l._n 26._o r._n pass_v a_o p._n 166._o l._n 9_o 10._o r._n superstition_n query_n i._n whether_o have_v christ_n institute_v a_o gospel_n church_n reply_v to_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o query_n cavil_n at_o expression_n tend_v only_o to_o a_o unprofitable_a strife_n of_o word_n ought_v no_o less_o to_o be_v avoid_v then_o foolish_a and_o unlearned_a question_n this_o answer_n therefore_o who_o so_o early_o as_o in_o his_o title_n page_n caution_v his_o reader_n against_o the_o one_o shall_v not_o himself_o have_v so_o soon_o obtrude_v on_o he_o the_o other_o 〈◊〉_d what_o prerogative_n precede_v age_n have_v above_o the_o present_a to_o coin_n phrase_n in_o divinity_n we_o shall_v be_v glad_a to_o be_v inform_v or_o if_o no_o expression_n may_v be_v therein_o use_v we_o meet_v not_o with_o in_o the_o new-testament_n we_o may_v no_o long_o use_v sacrament_n nor_o trinity_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v there_o find_v and_o yet_o a_o church_n constitute_v and_o govern_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v as_o proper_o be_v term_v a_o gospel-church_n as_o a_o church_n constitute_v and_o govern_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o a_o nation_n be_v term_v a_o national_a church_n a_o expression_n frequent_o use_v by_o this_o answerer_n though_o he_o meet_v not_o with_o it_o in_o the_o new-testament_n nor_o possible_o in_o antiquity_n at_o least_o to_o express_v a_o christian_a church_n but_o have_v give_v we_o the_o query_n mean_v in_o his_o own_o word_n he_o acknowledge_v that_o christ_n have_v institute_v such_o a_o church_n query_n ii_o what_o be_v a_o institute_v church_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o by_o what_o mean_n do_v person_n become_v a_o church_n of_o christ_n reply_v to_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o query_n as_o in_o all_o disputation_n it_o be_v necessary_a the_o term_n be_v agree_v upon_o so_o here_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o church_n which_o in_o scripture_n have_v divers_a acceptation_n 27._o for_o by_o church_n there_o be_v sometime_o understand_v the_o elect_a only_o or_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n by_o some_o call_v the_o holy_a catholic_n church_n 3._o sometime_o again_o the_o universality_n of_o the_o professor_n of_o christianity_n 6._o common_o call_v the_o church_n catholic_n visible_a and_o sometime_o by_o church_n be_v mean_v only_o a_o particular_a church_n or_o society_n of_o christian_n unite_v for_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o the_o same_o individual_a ordinance_n according_a to_o the_o order_n by_o christ_n prescribe_v such_o be_v the_o church_n at_o corinth_n 12._o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n the_o church_n at_o antioch_n 27._o the_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n and_o divers_a other_o mention_v in_o the_o new-testament_n 2._o and_o be_v the_o church_n here_o inquire_v after_o to_o which_o this_o answer_n in_o say_v the_o church_n or_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v god_n family_n or_o household_n etc._n etc._n answer_v not_o the_o question_v not_o be_v concern_v the_o church_n in_o the_o one_a or_o second_o acceptation_n of_o the_o word_n but_o have_v he_o say_v a_o institute_v church_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o as_o he_o express_v it_o a_o church_n constitute_v and_o govern_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o society_n of_o man_n join_v together_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n have_v right_a pastor_n or_o officer_n invest_v with_o power_n to_o guide_n and_o govern_v they_o in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n and_o to_o dispense_v unto_o they_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o none_o but_o a_o church_n in_o the_o three_o acceptation_n of_o the_o word_n have_v it_o may_v have_v pass_v for_o a_o answer_n to_o the_o query_n though_o not_o so_o full_a and_o clear_a a_o one_o as_o may_v have_v be_v give_v but_o whereas_o he_o say_v he_o hope_n there_o may_v be_v as_o well_o such_o a_o national_a church_n in_o england_n as_o there_o be_v for_o above_o fifteen_o hundred_o year_n in_o palestine_n among_o the_o jew_n if_o by_o such_o a_o national_a church_n he_o mean_v only_o a_o church_n have_v national_a church-officer_n over_o it_o as_o have_v the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n no_o man_n sure_a doubt_n it_o but_o if_o by_o such_o a_o national_a church_n he_o mean_v a_o national_a church_n of_o divine_a institution_n we_o see_v not_o whereon_o he_o ground_n his_o hope_n since_o it_o have_v not_o please_v god_n to_o institute_n or_o appoint_v any_o such_o national_a church_n under_o the_o gospel_n nor_o do_v the_o church_n of_o england_n pretend_v to_o any_o such_o original_n as_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o statute_n of_o the_o 25_o of_o edward_n the_o 3d._n benefice_n where_o it_o be_v declare_v to_o be_v found_v in_o prelacy_n by_o the_o king_n and_o noble_n of_o england_n without_o the_o least_o pretence_n to_o a_o divine_a institution_n as_o have_v the_o national_a church_n of_o the_o jew_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o christ_n as_o he_o say_v will_v have_v his_o church_n catholic_n as_o well_o as_o holy_a yet_o not_o always_o so_o illustrious_a or_o visible_a as_o to_o be_v see_v and_o own_v by_o the_o world_n and_o though_o whole_a nation_n be_v to_o embrace_v the_o christian_a faith_n and_o upon_o that_o account_n to_o constitute_v the_o christian_a church_n or_o catholic_n church_n visible_a yet_o that_o do_v not_o constitute_v they_o national_a church_n such_o as_o be_v the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n nor_o can_v they_o be_v so_o call_v upon_o the_o same_o account_n that_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v call_v a_o church_n and_o when_o christ_n threaten_v the_o jew_n to_o take_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n from_o they_o and_o give_v it_o unto_o a_o nation_n that_o shall_v bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o it_o he_o mean_v no_o doubt_n as_o he_o say_v more_o by_o a_o nation_n than_o one_o particular_a church_n for_o he_o mean_v a_o nation_n or_o people_n that_o may_v have_v many_o particular_a church_n or_o congregation_n of_o christian_n in_o it_o but_o do_v not_o thereby_o constitute_v or_o intend_v a_o national_a church_n in_o his_o notion_n neither_o yet_o do_v he_o confine_v the_o christian_a church_n to_o a_o nation_n and_o consequent_o not_o within_o small_a bound_n than_o the_o jewish_a be_v when_o empale_v within_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n but_o how_o will_v this_o answerer_n prove_v it_o to_o have_v be_v as_o he_o say_v far_o from_o the_o mind_n of_o our_o redeemer_n to_o crumble_v his_o church_n as_o he_o word_v it_o into_o such_o minute_n and_o little_a principle_n of_o be_v as_o congregational_a church_n when_o the_o scripture_n give_v so_o great_a evidence_n to_o the_o contrary_a there_o be_v indeed_o no_o other_o institute_v church_n under_o the_o gospel_n than_o what_o be_v congregational_a and_o when_o our_o bless_a saviour_n institute_v those_o he_o command_v certain_o the_o demolish_n a_o establish_v national_a church_n even_o the_o national_a church_n of_o the_o jew_n the_o only_a national_a church_n in_o the_o world_n of_o god_n institution_n the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o query_n do_v evident_o enough_o intend_v a_o particular_a church_n as_o before_o express_v which_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a but_o five_o or_o six_o person_n may_v constitute_v notwithstanding_o his_o peremptory_a denial_n thereof_o christ_n himself_o have_v tell_v we_o where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o his_o name_n he_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o which_o be_v the_o ground_n or_o principle_n of_o all_o institute_v church_n and_o we_o read_v of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o house_n of_o aquila_n and_o priscilla_n 19_o which_o can_v reasonable_o be_v suppose_v to_o consist_v of_o any_o great_a number_n by_o what_o mean_v person_n become_v a_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o how_o particular_a
so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o approve_v or_o allow_v of_o force_n in_o religion_n or_o that_o carnal_a weapon_n be_v to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o christian_a warfare_n but_o such_o of_o her_o degenerate_a and_o base_a son_n only_o as_o forsake_v the_o law_n of_o their_o mother_n for_o as_o he_o have_v well_o observe_v humane_a violence_n may_v make_v man_n counterfeit_n but_o can_v make_v they_o believe_v and_o be_v therefore_o fit_a for_o nothing_o but_o to_o breed_v form_n without_o and_o atheism_n within_o which_o shall_v make_v it_o to_o be_v abhor_v and_o detest_a by_o all_o sincere_a and_o good_a christian_n and_o sure_o the_o church_n of_o england_n who_o decrye_v and_o so_o high_o condemn_v blind_a obedience_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n can_v never_o approve_v or_o allow_v of_o force_v any_o therein_o against_o their_o light_n and_o judgement_n which_o be_v certain_o the_o worst_a of_o blind_a obedience_n for_o since_o whatever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n whatever_o a_o man_n do_v against_o his_o faith_n or_o conscience_n must_v needs_o be_v much_o more_o so_o and_o as_o the_o church_n of_o england_n neither_o approve_v nor_o allow_v of_o secular_a force_n and_o compulsion_n in_o religion_n and_o much_o less_o that_o any_o shall_v be_v therein_o require_v to_o do_v aught_o against_o their_o light_n or_o judgement_n which_o be_v to_o sin_n against_o their_o conscience_n so_o she_o as_o little_a allow_v or_o approve_v of_o persecute_v or_o any_o way_n molest_v or_o trouble_v any_o for_o the_o real_a performance_n of_o any_o true_o christian_a exercise_n of_o religien_n nor_o i_o dare_v presume_v to_o say_v do_v any_o law_n of_o england_n allow_n or_o countenance_n much_o less_o command_n or_o require_v any_o such_o thing_n though_o too_o many_o have_v misconstrue_v and_o misapply_v the_o late_a act_n for_o prevent_v and_o supress_v seditious_a conventicle_n to_o the_o disturb_v and_o punish_v i_o may_v say_v ruine_v of_o many_o peaceable_a and_o pious_a people_n for_o meet_v only_o real_o and_o true_o to_o worship_n and_o serve_v god_n for_o the_o act_n do_v not_o say_v if_o any_o person_n or_o person_n above_o such_o a_o number_n shall_v meet_v to_o worship_n god_n true_o and_o sincere_o in_o other_o manner_n than_o according_a to_o the_o liturgy_n etc._n etc._n they_o shall_v incur_v the_o penalty_n mention_v but_o where_o any_o person_n etc._n etc._n shall_v be_v present_a at_o any_o meeting_n under_o colour_n or_o pretence_n of_o any_o exercise_n of_o religion_n in_o other_o manner_n than_o according_a to_o the_o liturgy_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n etc._n etc._n it_o shall_v and_o may_v be_v lawful_a etc._n etc._n the_o act_n certain_o do_v not_o prohibit_v or_o punish_v any_o real_a and_o true_o christian_a exercise_n of_o religion_n for_o if_o it_o do_v it_o be_v ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la null_n and_o void_a as_o be_v against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n but_o if_o it_o be_v object_v it_o appear_v not_o whether_o their_o worship_n be_v sincere_a or_o pretend_a only_a and_o the_o law_n prohibit_v such_o a_o number_n to_o meet_v under_o any_o colour_n or_o pretence_n of_o any_o exercise_n of_o religion_n in_o other_o manner_n then_o according_a to_o the_o liturgy_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o punish_v those_o that_o transgress_v the_o same_o it_o be_v answer_v that_o all_o pretence_n ought_v in_o charity_n to_o be_v believe_v where_o no_o overact_n discover_v the_o hypocrisy_n or_o falsehood_n of_o the_o mind_n but_o since_o there_o be_v so_o little_a charity_n among_o man_n let_v it_o be_v show_v wherein_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n which_o some_o have_v be_v please_v to_o punish_v by_o virtue_n or_o colour_n rather_o of_o that_o law_n be_v in_o other_o manner_n than_o according_a to_o the_o liturgy_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n if_o it_o be_v say_v they_o ought_v to_o be_v perform_v in_o the_o very_a word_n of_o the_o liturgy_n it_o be_v more_o than_o the_o act_n say_v and_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v ever_o allow_v man_n to_o pray_v even_o in_o public_a in_o other_o word_n than_o be_v prescribe_v in_o the_o liturgy_n our_o bless_a saviour_n teach_v his_o disciple_n to_o pray_v say_v unto_o they_o after_o this_o manner_n 9_o therefore_o pray_v you_o our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o we_o do_v not_o find_v in_o scripture_n 1._o where_o their_o prayer_n be_v often_o record_v that_o they_o ever_o pray_v by_o that_o form_n etc._n but_o in_o other_o word_n 10._o agree_v for_o matter_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v accept_v 4._o there_o be_v none_o therefore_o i_o hope_v will_v say_v they_o disobey_v their_o lord_n and_o master_n by_o pray_v in_o other_o manner_n than_o he_o teach_v and_o command_v they_o because_o they_o pray_v not_o by_o that_o form_n no_o more_o do_v they_o transgress_v the_o law_n against_o pray_v in_o other_o manner_n than_o according_a to_o the_o liturgy_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n who_o pray_v not_o by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o liturgy_n while_o they_o pray_v in_o other_o word_n agree_v with_o it_o for_o matter_n what_o pretence_n then_o can_v any_o have_v to_o charge_v the_o author_n of_o these_o query_n with_o libel_v the_o church_n and_o state_n since_o they_o reflect_v on_o neither_o nor_o cinsure_n or_o by_o any_o undue_a surmise_n condemn_v aught_o that_o they_o approve_v or_o allow_v of_o nay_o be_v it_o not_o unreasonable_a to_o account_v that_o a_o crime_n in_o any_o one_o which_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o one_o viz._n to_o endeavour_n by_o all_o lawful_a way_n and_o mean_n that_o all_o that_o will_v may_v lead_v peaceable_a and_o quiet_a life_n in_o all_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n which_o they_o can_v never_o do_v who_o be_v force_v to_o profess_v what_o they_o believe_v not_o and_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n to_o practise_v what_o they_o approve_v not_o which_o be_v to_o live_v in_o a_o perpetual_a lie_n the_o question_n here_o be_v not_o whether_o what_o be_v require_v of_o any_o be_v in_o itself_o sinful_a or_o unlawful_a but_o whether_o they_o who_o judge_v it_o so_o be_v it_o through_o ignorance_n or_o otherwise_o can_v without_o sin_v conform_v to_o it_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n and_o question_n but_o that_o many_o may_v and_o do_v live_v godly_a holy_o and_o righteous_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o to_o other_o will_v be_v damnable_a for_o to_o he_o who_o esteem_v a_o thing_n unclean_a to_o he_o it_o be_v so_o though_o in_o itself_o it_o may_v be_v pure_a so_o he_o that_o doubt_v be_v damn_v if_o he_o eat_v while_o other_o persuade_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n thereof_o may_v safe_o use_v their_o liberty_n plead_v therefore_o against_o force_n in_o religion_n we_o neither_o condemn_v nor_o censure_v this_o or_o that_o religion_n which_o teach_v not_o that_o sanguinary_a doctrine_n but_o will_v that_o every_o one_o shall_v be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n the_o religion_n he_o embrace_v and_o profess_v be_v what_o god_n will_v and_o require_v of_o he_o since_o whatever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n and_o faithin_o all_o thing_n respect_v the_o command_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n it_o be_v indeed_o hearty_o to_o be_v wish_v that_o all_o be_v of_o a_o mind_n as_o to_o the_o due_a performance_n of_o this_o great_a and_o indispensable_a duty_n the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o this_o be_v rather_o to_o be_v wish_v then_o hope_v for_o while_o there_o be_v man_n true_o fear_v god_n 187._o and_o those_o who_o fear_n of_o he_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o precept_n of_o man_n there_o be_v say_v our_o lerrned_a and_o judicious_a mr._n chillingworth_n but_o two_o way_n that_o may_v be_v conceive_v probable_a to_o reduce_v christian_n to_o unity_n of_o communion_n the_o one_o by_o take_v away_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n touch_v matter_n of_o religion_n the_o other_o by_o show_v that_o the_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n which_o be_v among_o the_o several_a sect_n of_o christian_n aught_o to_o be_v no_o hindrance_n to_o their_o unity_n in_o communion_n now_o the_o former_a of_o these_o say_v he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v hope_v for_o without_o a_o miracle_n unless_o it_o can_v be_v make_v evident_a to_o all_o man_n that_o god_n have_v appoint_v some_o visible_a judge_n of_o controversy_n to_o who_o judgement_n all_o man_n be_v to_o submit_v themselves_o what_o then_o remain_v but_o that_o the_o other_o way_n must_v be_v take_v and_o christian_n must_v be_v teach_v to_o set_v a_o high_a value_n upon_o these_o high_a point_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n wherein_o they_o agree_v than_o upon_o those_o matter_n of_o less_o moment_n wherein_o they_o differ_v and_o
to_o be_v burn_v alive_a at_o geneva_n query_n viii_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o incongruous_a and_o heterogeniall_a to_o punish_v corporal_o man_n err_v spiritual_o reply_v to_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o query_n the_o question_n be_v not_o here_o whether_o any_o judge_n or_o justice_n can_v take_v cognizance_n of_o man_n thought_n or_o conscience_n nor_o when_o wickedness_n in_o the_o heart_n be_v manifest_v by_o external_a action_n whether_o liable_a to_o the_o magistrate_n power_n and_o inspection_n none_o i_o think_v ever_o question_v either_o of_o they_o but_o whether_o man_n err_v spiritual_o ought_v corporal_o to_o be_v punish_v paul_n be_v reckon_a heresy_n among_o the_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o tell_v the_o gorinthians_n they_o be_v carnal_a from_o the_o schism_n and_o disorder_n that_o be_v among_o they_o do_v not_o prove_v it_o but_o say_v this_o answerer_n certain_o any_o sensual_a sin_n may_v be_v punish_v by_o the_o civil_a sword_n what_o think_v he_o then_o of_o hatred_n wrath_n covetousness_n emulation_n envy_n and_o the_o like_a which_o be_v sensual_a sin_n or_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n yet_o not_o therefore_o to_o be_v punish_v by_o the_o civil_a sword_n but_o why_o be_v they_o as_o he_o tell_v we_o who_o gather_v church_n etc._n etc._n more_o than_o spiritual_o erroneous_a how_o come_v that_o which_o be_v the_o great_a errand_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o immediate_a successor_n now_o to_o become_v so_o great_a a_o crime_n be_v it_o that_o man_n or_o child_n rather_o be_v now_o bear_v christian_n or_o be_v bear_v in_o a_o christian_a commonwealth_n as_o it_o be_v usual_o though_o improper_o express_v or_o in_o such_o or_o such_o a_o parish_n they_o do_v thereby_o become_v a_o church_n of_o christ_n no_o one_o certain_o who_o understand_v what_o either_o a_o christian_n or_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v can_v think_v so_o and_o wherein_o do_v they_o as_o he_o say_v despise_v government_n and_o trample_v upon_o all_o law_n do_v he_o not_o but_o now_o tell_v we_o the_o church_n be_v a_o society_n and_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o society_n without_o government_n how_o then_o come_v the_o gather_n of_o church_n to_o be_v a_o despise_n of_o government_n and_o trample_v upon_o all_o law_n undoubted_o there_o be_v a_o law_n and_o a_o divine_a law_n to_o for_o the_o gather_n of_o church_n if_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o law_n of_o god_n as_o i_o hope_v neither_o this_o answerer_n nor_o any_o who_o own_o themselves_o christian_n doubt_v it_o to_o be_v there_o be_v little_a reason_n sure_a to_o say_v as_o he_o do_v the_o inticer_n to_o idolatry_n mention_v in_o deutromony_n may_v as_o well_o have_v plead_v it_o be_v only_o a_o error_n of_o their_o mind_n as_o any_o of_o our_o dissent_v minister_n for_o that_o none_o certain_o can_v imagine_v that_o it_o can_v be_v a_o sin_n of_o ignorance_n in_o they_o to_o draw_v any_o from_o the_o true_a god_n to_o worship_v idol_n it_o be_v against_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n in_o that_o as_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o which_o may_v be_v know_v of_o god_n 19_o be_v manifest_a in_o they_o it_o may_v therefore_o for_o any_o thing_n this_o answerer_n have_v here_o say_v be_v both_o incongruous_a and_o heterogenial_a to_o punish_v corporal_o man_n err_v spiritual_o query_n ix_o whether_o secular_a force_n and_o compulsion_n in_o thing_n of_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a revelation_n be_v not_o the_o arm_n of_o antichrist_n and_o not_o of_o the_o true_a church_n reply_v to_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o query_n this_o answerer_n may_v have_v do_v well_o to_o have_fw-mi inform_v we_o how_o secular_a force_n and_o compulsion_n in_o religion_n towards_o some_o be_v as_o he_o say_v antichristian_a and_o not_o towards_o other_o the_o difference_n not_o be_v evident_a at_o least_o to_o all_o capacity_n we_o be_v not_o here_o inquire_v after_o what_o be_v so_o much_o a_o violation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nation_n as_o of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o though_o our_o answerer_n express_v his_o dislike_n of_o the_o spaniard_n deal_n with_o the_o indian_n gracious_o acknowledge_v that_o propriety_n be_v not_o forfeit_v by_o unbelief_n yet_o but_o now_o speak_v of_o dissenter_n here_o he_o say_v q._n if_o they_o disapprove_v of_o the_o decision_n of_o their_o superior_n the_o world_n be_v wide_a enough_o they_o may_v leave_v the_o government_n and_o betake_v themselves_o to_o the_o communion_n of_o pure_a church_n which_o be_v but_o in_o other_o word_n to_o say_v be_v of_o the_o religion_n of_o your_o country_n or_o abandon_v your_o property_n with_o the_o land_n of_o your_o nativity_n but_o shall_v providence_n permit_v the_o establishment_n of_o a_o religion_n in_o this_o nation_n he_o approve_v not_o of_o if_o he_o be_v not_o resolve_v to_o approve_v of_o whatever_o shall_v be_v the_o national_a religion_n will_v he_o not_o think_v himself_o hardly_o deal_v with_o to_o be_v require_v to_o conform_v or_o to_o abandon_v his_o native_a country_n he_o may_v do_v well_o therefore_o to_o meditate_v a_o little_a on_o that_o no_o less_o divine_a then_o moral_a precept_n of_o do_v to_o other_o as_o he_o will_v they_o shall_v do_v to_o he_o the_o cannon_n he_o mention_n be_v indeed_o very_o pertinent_a to_o our_o purpose_n so_o likewise_o be_v what_o he_o cites_n from_o tertullian_n and_o lactantius_n but_o then_o without_o the_o least_o colour_n or_o shadow_n of_o reason_n and_o perhaps_o only_o because_o grotius_n say_v 20._o it_o be_v not_o just_a or_o lawful_a to_o make_v war_n upon_o any_o because_o they_o will_v not_o embrace_v the_o christian_a religion_n he_o will_v have_v this_o to_o be_v understand_v only_o of_o prince_n raise_v war_n against_o pagan_a nation_n to_o compel_v and_o force_v they_o to_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n and_o embrace_v of_o the_o gospel_n but_o it_o be_v very_o well_o and_o judicious_o observe_v of_o he_o that_o these_o thing_n nothing_o concern_v a_o kingdom_n in_o which_o there_o be_v a_o visible_a and_o universal_a profession_n of_o the_o same_o religion_n in_o that_o there_o be_v indeed_o no_o need_n of_o compel_v or_o force_v any_o to_o profess_v what_o all_o already_o do_v profess_v but_o yet_o even_o in_o such_o a_o kingdom_n magistrate_n he_o say_v may_v use_v compulsive_a method_n to_o secure_v their_o people_n from_o a_o total_a and_o manifest_a apostasy_n from_o the_o true_a faith_n etc._n etc._n which_o we_o will_v free_o allow_v he_o if_o compulsive_a method_n can_v secure_v a_o people_n from_o apostasy_n and_o that_o through_o ignorance_n or_o mistake_n of_o the_o truth_n magistrate_n do_v not_o too_o often_o instead_o thereof_o compel_v to_o error_n but_o none_o sure_o will_v say_v but_o that_o magistrate_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o repress_v such_o seducer_n as_o threaten_v the_o extirpation_n of_o their_o own_o government_n yea_o and_o of_o the_o true_a faith_n too_o be_v it_o once_o determine_v which_o among_o the_o many_o that_o will_v be_v so_o account_v be_v the_o true_a what_o he_o say_v of_o the_o religious_a prince_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n have_v be_v already_o speak_v to_o query_n x._o whether_o any_o one_o can_v be_v compel_v by_o secular_a force_n or_o compulsion_n to_o perform_v any_o one_o religious_a duty_n acceptable_o since_o god_n accept_v not_o of_o any_o but_o what_o be_v volâ—ntary_a and_o of_o faith_n which_o can_v be_v force_v and_o of_o what_o use_v then_o be_v secular_a force_n and_o compulsion_n in_o religion_n but_o to_o make_v man_n sin_n or_o suffer_v reply_v to_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o query_n this_o query_n which_o this_o answerer_n say_v with_o other_o be_v forge_v in_o the_o shop_n of_o the_o socinian_o and_o anabaptist_n be_v with_o the_o rest_n ground_v on_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n with_o which_o he_o seem_v to_o be_v little_o acquaint_v or_o with_o the_o due_a performance_n of_o religious_a duty_n in_o say_v that_o it_o may_v with_o as_o much_o strength_n of_o reason_n be_v urge_v against_o the_o magistrate_n use_v compulsive_a method_n towards_o his_o subject_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o 2d_o table_n aâ—_n those_o of_o the_o first_o there_o be_v some_o difference_n between_o force_v man_n to_o moral_a action_n and_o divine_a duty_n since_o in_o thing_n moral_a the_o action_n however_o circumstantiate_v be_v in_o itself_o positive_o good_a or_o evil_n but_o in_o thing_n of_o divine_a institution_n the_o manner_n only_o of_o the_o performance_n make_v the_o action_n good_a or_o evil_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v 3._o he_o that_o sacrifice_v a_o ox_n be_v as_o if_o he_o kill_v a_o man_n and_o he_o that_o kill_v a_o lamb_n as_o if_o he_o cut_v off_o a_o dog_n neck_n where_o the_o manner_n of_o perform_v the_o command_n be_v not_o observe_v as_o well_o as_o the_o
honour_n will_v be_v best_a secure_v ahab_n humiliation_n which_o he_o instance_n in_o be_v a_o voluntary_a action_n he_o do_v it_o not_o by_o constraint_n but_o be_v thereunto_o move_v by_o what_o the_o prophet_n say_v unto_o he_o and_o make_v not_o therefore_o against_o the_o drift_n of_o this_o query_n and_o who_o doubt_v that_o if_o a_o stop_n be_v put_v to_o gross_a schism_n i_o mean_v what_o be_v true_o such_o and_o not_o undue_o so_o call_v and_o bare_a face_a atheism_n with_o other_o villainy_n that_o abound_v among_o we_o but_o it_o will_v be_v acceptable_a unto_o god_n and_o all_o good_a man_n as_o likewise_o the_o restrain_v of_o seducer_n from_o propagate_a their_o contagious_a error_n will_v this_o answerer_n but_o vouchsafe_v a_o clear_a and_o positive_a answer_n to_o the_o 6_o query_n and_o tell_v we_o who_o be_v judge_n of_o truth_n and_o error_n in_o disputable_a point_n of_o religion_n and_o not_o always_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o strong_a to_o determine_v and_o to_o talk_v of_o lawless_n and_o licentious_a practice_n be_v universal_o plead_v for_o when_o the_o plea_n be_v only_o for_o a_o liberty_n to_o serve_v god_n in_o faith_n without_o doubt_v be_v a_o strain_n beyond_o the_o ordinary_a bound_n of_o truth_n and_o honesty_n but_o say_v our_o answerer_n if_o man_n be_v so_o perverse_a and_o incorrigible_a as_o not_o to_o be_v reform_v themselves_o yet_o the_o punishment_n that_o be_v inflict_v upon_o they_o may_v prevent_v the_o like_a sin_n in_o other_o they_o may_v so_o in_o such_o thing_n as_o any_o be_v convince_v to_o be_v sin_n but_o what_o any_o shall_v judge_v to_o be_v they_o and_o other_o indispensable_a duty_n the_o punish_v of_o some_o for_o those_o thing_n will_v not_o deter_v other_o who_o fear_n god_n more_o than_o man_n from_o do_v the_o like_a whatever_o they_o suffer_v for_o it_o but_o so_o something_o be_v say_v and_o authority_n cite_v it_o matter_n not_o how_o applicable_a to_o the_o present_a question_n query_n xi_o whether_o christ_n rule_n of_o his_o disciple_n under_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o by_o a_o spiritual_a power_n and_o whither_o to_o use_v the_o temporal_a sword_n in_o religious_a matter_n be_v not_o to_o make_v the_o weapon_n of_o the_o gospel_n not_o mighty_a through_o god_n but_o mighty_a through_o the_o magistrate_n power_n to_o arm_v the_o church_n with_o weapon_n christ_n never_o give_v she_o and_o to_o make_v she_o a_o military_a rather_o than_o a_o spiritual_a society_n reply_v to_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o query_n though_o what_o be_v mighty_a through_o the_o magistrate_n power_n be_v as_o he_o say_v mighty_a through_o god_n as_o he_o be_v the_o original_n and_o fountain_n of_o all_o power_n yet_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o the_o weapon_n of_o their_o warfare_n be_v not_o carnal_a 10._o whereby_o he_o distinguish_v between_o the_o carnal_a power_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n by_o which_o the_o world_n be_v govern_v in_o all_o worldly_a affair_n and_o concern_v and_o the_o spiritual_a power_n wherewith_o christ_n rule_v his_o subject_n under_o the_o gospel_n which_o this_o answerer_n seem_v altogether_o unacquainted_a with_o have_v possible_o never_o feel_v the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n thereof_o in_o his_o own_o soul_n and_o to_o talk_v to_o such_o of_o a_o spiritual_a power_n be_v like_o talk_v to_o blind_a man_n of_o colour_n but_o the_o magistrate_n say_v he_o be_v god_n minister_n and_o that_o to_o the_o benefit_n and_o welfare_n of_o man_n soul_n as_o well_o as_o their_o worldly_a and_o outward_a estate_n but_o how_o or_o in_o what_o manner_n to_o the_o benefit_n and_o welfare_n of_o their_o soul_n he_o be_v not_o at_o present_a dispose_v to_o tell_v we_o but_o will_v have_v we_o to_o believe_v the_o reason_n why_o christ_n never_o make_v use_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n power_n to_o recommend_v or_o obtrude_v as_o he_o phrase_n it_o his_o doctrine_n on_o the_o world_n be_v because_o the_o secular_a power_n be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o flesh_n in_o open_a enmity_n and_o hostility_n against_o he_o but_o do_v he_o think_v christ_n can_v not_o as_o easy_o have_v convert_v magistrate_n as_o other_o have_v he_o so_o please_v 18._o or_o do_v he_o not_o know_v that_o to_o he_o be_v give_v all_o power_n both_o in_o heaven_n and_o on_o earth_n and_o that_o have_v he_o think_v it_o necessary_a or_o expedient_a for_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n he_o can_v as_o well_o have_v command_v the_o magistrate_n power_n as_o any_o other_o but_o he_o decline_v it_o as_o we_o may_v reasonable_o enough_o suppose_v to_o manifest_v to_o the_o world_n that_o the_o gospel_n or_o true_a religion_n be_v whole_o found_v upon_o spiritual_a power_n be_v complete_a therein_o and_o need_v not_o the_o aid_n and_o assistance_n of_o secular_a force_n but_o the_o argument_n against_o the_o magistrate_n power_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v not_o so_o much_o from_o christ_n not_o use_v it_o as_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o religion_n which_o can_v be_v so_o force_v it_o be_v seat_v in_o those_o faculty_n to_o which_o outward_a violence_n can_v have_v no_o access_n so_o that_o the_o unsuitableness_n of_o the_o mean_n to_o the_o end_n aim_v at_o as_o well_o as_o christ_n not_o serve_v himself_o of_o it_o for_o the_o propagation_n of_o christian_a religion_n with_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o that_o spiritual_a power_n in_o the_o gift_n he_o give_v unto_o his_o minister_n for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n 4._o for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o for_o the_o edify_n of_o his_o body_n be_v that_o which_o render_v the_o magistrate_n authority_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n not_o necessary_a not_o to_o say_v more_o and_o whereas_o this_o answerer_n say_v that_o christ_n be_v arm_v with_o such_o miraculous_a power_n from_o heaven_n that_o he_o do_v not_o need_v any_o assistance_n from_o empire_n or_o state_n do_v he_o think_v his_o arm_n shorten_v or_o that_o he_o now_o stand_v in_o more_o need_n of_o secular_a assistance_n than_o heretofore_o we_o argue_v not_o against_o the_o church_n make_v use_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o king_n to_o protect_v herself_o against_o force_n and_o violence_n or_o the_o injury_n or_o oppression_n of_o any_o but_o against_o magistrate_n impose_v on_o she_o or_o on_o any_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o worship_n and_o yet_o we_o say_v with_o this_o answerer_n that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n in_o erect_v his_o church_n never_o intend_v to_o diminish_v the_o power_n of_o magistracy_n neither_o have_v he_o it_o be_v the_o same_o now_o it_o ever_o be_v magistrate_n have_v the_o same_o power_n now_o that_o ordinary_o they_o ever_o have_v nor_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n in_o christian_a religion_n but_o what_o be_v not_o only_o consistent_a but_o high_o advantageous_a to_o civil_a state_n and_o society_n in_o that_o it_o reach_v conscientious_a obedience_n to_o authority_n wheresoever_o and_o in_o whosoever_o lodge_v and_o faithful_a deal_n between_o man_n and_o man_n though_o the_o church_n be_v as_o he_o say_v 10._o a_o military_a she_o be_v still_o a_o spiritual_a society_n the_o weapon_n of_o â—hâ—se_a warfare_n be_v not_o carnal_a but_o mighty_a through_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n not_o the_o power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n to_o the_o pull_v down_o of_o strong_a bold_v and_o every_o high_a thing_n that_o exalt_v itself_o against_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o bring_v into_o captivity_n every_o thought_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ._n if_o this_o answerer_n can_v tell_v we_o of_o any_o other_o weapon_n belong_v to_o she_o we_o shall_v own_v our_o obligation_n to_o he_o for_o the_o discovery_n query_n xii_o whether_o to_o say_v the_o spiritual_a power_n christ_n have_v give_v unto_o his_o church_n for_o the_o right_a order_n and_o govern_v thereof_o be_v not_o sufficient_a unto_o that_o end_n without_o the_o aid_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o secular_a power_n be_v not_o to_o blaspheme_v reply_v to_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o query_n we_o be_v promise_v in_o the_o last_o answer_n to_o be_v show_v in_o this_o what_o be_v the_o weapon_n of_o the_o church_n warfare_n but_o instead_o thereof_o be_v there_o tell_v the_o end_n only_o of_o christ_n give_v power_n to_o his_o church_n which_o none_o sure_a ever_o doubt_v to_o be_v for_o the_o edification_n not_o destruction_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o people_n yet_o we_o still_o say_v with_o the_o apostle_n the_o weapon_n of_o the_o church_n warfare_n be_v not_o carnal_a that_o christ_n give_v gift_n and_o neither_o sword_n nor_o gun_n unto_o man_n for_o the_o perfect_a of_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o for_o the_o edify_n of_o his_o body_n and_o that_o the_o spiritual_a power_n he_o give_v unto_o his_o church_n for_o the_o right_a order_n and_o govern_v thereof_o be_v sufficient_a unto_o that_o end_n and_o
apostle_n prefer_v the_o gospel_n worship_n far_o above_o that_o for_o glory_n beauty_n and_o comeliness_n which_o show_v that_o these_o thing_n have_v no_o respect_n unto_o outward_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n and_o though_o he_o tell_v we_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o repugnant_a to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o christ_n towards_o his_o church_n to_o invest_v the_o governor_n of_o it_o with_o authority_n to_o institute_n new_a ceremony_n in_o his_o worship_n etc._n etc._n yet_o the_o contrary_n be_v evident_a in_o that_o it_o speak_v he_o either_o want_v towards_o it_o in_o not_o appoint_v thing_n necessary_a or_o not_o so_o wise_a as_o other_o to_o find_v out_o such_o thing_n as_o conduce_v to_o its_o edification_n and_o beauty_n and_o in_o commission_v his_o disciple_n to_o teach_v only_o the_o observation_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o he_o command_v they_o reject_v the_o honour_n give_v unto_o he_o by_o those_o who_o worship_n of_o he_o be_v teach_v they_o by_o the_o precept_n of_o man_n he_o sufficient_o declare_v that_o no_o other_o rite_n or_o ceremony_n but_o what_o be_v divine_a of_o institution_n be_v to_o be_v enjoin_v or_o make_v necessary_a to_o be_v observe_v by_o any_o in_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n if_o by_o positive_a law_n make_v for_o the_o external_a regiment_n of_o the_o church_n the_o bishop_n cite_v by_o he_o mean_v law_n only_o for_o the_o order_n and_o dispose_n of_o thing_n without_o the_o church_n though_o about_o it_o we_o have_v nothing_o more_o to_o say_v against_o it_o than_o that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o present_a question_n nor_o do_v we_o argue_v from_o christ_n abrogate_a those_o ceremony_n that_o god_n himself_o have_v appoint_v that_o no_o other_o ought_v to_o be_v introduce_v into_o the_o church_n we_o only_o ask_v whether_o jesus_n christ_n who_o come_v to_o take_v away_o the_o yoke_n of_o jewish_a ceremony_n appoint_v by_o god_n himself_o have_v give_v power_n and_o authority_n unto_o any_o to_o institute_n in_o their_o room_n such_o other_o as_o they_o shall_v think_v good_a and_o be_v persuade_v he_o have_v not_o not_o because_o he_o abrogate_a those_o which_o be_v appoint_v by_o god_n himself_o but_o because_o no_o worship_n be_v acccptable_a unto_o god_n but_o what_o be_v of_o faith_n for_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n 6._o and_o faith_n in_o all_o thing_n respect_v the_o command_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n so_o that_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n can_v have_v no_o authority_n to_o institute_n or_o appoint_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n either_o as_o to_o matter_n or_o manner_n beyond_o the_o orderly_a observance_n of_o such_o circumstance_n as_o necessary_o attend_v such_o ordinance_n as_o christ_n himself_o have_v institute_v but_o by_o express_a command_n or_o commission_n from_o god_n let_v this_o answerer_n therefore_o show_v their_o authority_n to_o institute_n new_a ceremony_n in_o his_o worship_n and_o he_o may_v be_v better_o think_v of_o then_o otherwise_o i_o presume_v he_o will_v be_v by_o those_o who_o fear_n god_n and_o desire_v to_o keep_v his_o commandment_n nor_o do_v it_o in_o the_o least_o reflect_v upon_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n as_o he_o say_v to_o give_v unto_o civil_a power_n commission_n to_o make_v such_o law_n as_o they_o please_v for_o secure_v the_o peace_n and_o civil_a right_n of_o their_o people_n and_o none_o unto_o the_o guide_n of_o the_o church_n to_o make_v law_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o religion_n etc._n etc._n but_o be_v rather_o a_o argument_n of_o his_o great_a love_n and_o care_n of_o his_o church_n not_o to_o leave_v she_o to_o the_o order_n and_o dispose_n of_o man_n which_o unavoidable_o as_o woeful_a experience_n manifest_v must_v fill_v she_o with_o schism_n and_o division_n but_o to_o have_v himself_o give_v she_o a_o stand_a rule_n or_o law_n whereby_o she_o ought_v to_o be_v universal_o goâ—verned_v and_o which_o be_v every_o way_n sufficient_a will_v her_o guide_n and_o governor_n faithful_o and_o diligent_o attend_v unto_o it_o for_o the_o preservation_n of_o religion_n against_o the_o deluge_n of_o heresy_n and_o schism_n and_o to_o secure_a christian_n in_o the_o path_n of_o piety_n and_o order_n of_o unity_n and_o peace_n which_o as_o have_v be_v show_v it_o be_v altogether_o impossible_a for_o any_o other_o law_n or_o lawgiver_n ever_o to_o effect_v nor_o be_v it_o from_o the_o dulness_n and_o indocibleness_n of_o the_o jew_n as_o our_o answerer_n will_v have_v it_o that_o god_n give_v they_o rule_n for_o their_o behaviour_n in_o the_o civil_a concern_v of_o their_o life_n and_o the_o small_a instance_n of_o his_o worship_n but_o for_o that_o he_o have_v choose_v they_o 2_o above_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n to_o be_v a_o peculiar_a people_n unto_o himself_o 2._o in_o who_o he_o will_v be_v glorify_v 5._o therefore_o establish_v he_o a_o testimony_n in_o jacob_n and_o appoint_v a_o law_n in_o israel_n and_o that_o he_o give_v they_o rule_n in_o the_o small_a instance_n of_o his_o worship_n be_v that_o he_o will_v be_v worship_v in_o the_o way_n and_o by_o the_o mean_v only_o of_o his_o own_o appointment_n q._n but_o the_o appear_v of_o christ_n say_v this_o answerer_n have_v abolish_v the_o darkness_n of_o man_n mind_n etc._n etc._n though_o but_o now_o to_o serve_v another_o turn_n he_o tell_v we_o man_n mind_n be_v dark_a and_o they_o be_v therefore_o blind_o to_o resign_v up_o themselves_o to_o they_o know_v not_o who_o such_o be_v his_o dexterity_n in_o blow_v hot_a and_o cold_a with_o the_o same_o breath_n and_o man_n be_v sometime_o to_o be_v man_n and_o sometime_o bruit_n as_o he_o have_v occasion_n to_o serve_v himself_o of_o they_o yet_o be_v life_n and_o immortality_n bring_v to_o light_v through_o the_o gospel_n and_o god_n image_n in_o a_o great_a measure_n repair_v â—nd_o restore_v in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n but_o of_o what_o man_n not_o of_o the_o carnal_a or_o unregenerate_a but_o of_o he_o that_o be_v bear_v again_o 13._o they_o be_v the_o saint_n only_o and_o faithful_a brethren_n in_o christ_n who_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n still_o blind_a the_o eye_n of_o those_o that_o believe_v not_o and_o they_o be_v the_o regenerate_v only_o who_o be_v endeud_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o power_n and_o wisdom_n of_o knowledge_n and_o a_o sound_a mind_n but_o we_o do_v not_o yet_o find_v that_o even_o they_o be_v empower_v to_o make_v law_n for_o ceremony_n and_o ritual_n in_o religion_n or_o that_o such_o ceremonial_a law_n as_o by_o some_o have_v be_v make_v have_v much_o conduce_v to_o common_a benefit_n or_o conspire_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o mutual_a good_a of_o christian_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_n have_v introduce_v a_o theatrical_a pompous_a carnal_a worship_n among_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n instead_o of_o that_o spiritual_a worship_n which_o god_n require_v and_o without_o which_o no_o other_o worship_n will_v ever_o be_v acceptable_a unto_o he_o and_o he_o that_o will_v look_v back_o as_o our_o answerer_n advise_v to_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o the_o office_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v adorn_v with_o that_o comely_a simplicity_n modest_a magnificence_n and_o awful_a reverence_n etc._n etc._n he_o speak_v of_o will_v not_o find_v any_o other_o law_n for_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n in_o religion_n than_o the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o canon_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o our_o answerer_n come_v now_o to_o his_o argument_n à _fw-la fortiori_fw-la and_o tell_v we_o that_o if_o it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o primitive_a guide_n of_o the_o church_n to_o enjoin_v christian_n the_o abrogate_a ceremony_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n for_o the_o propogation_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n much_o more_o must_v it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o their_o successor_n to_o institute_n other_o and_o so_o many_o in_o their_o stead_n as_o may_v conduce_v to_o so_o high_a and_o generous_a a_o end_n but_o the_o abolish_v ceremony_n of_o moses_n be_v observe_v by_o christian_n and_o that_o by_o â—he_n express_v warrant_n and_o command_v of_o the_o apostle_n 〈◊〉_d in_o their_o abstain_v from_o blood_n from_o thing_n â—rangled_v and_o from_o thing_n offer_v to_o idol_n but_o 〈◊〉_d he_o not_o herein_o mistake_v for_o these_o be_v not_o command_v as_o ceremony_n but_o prohibit_v as_o scandal_n to_o the_o new_a convert_v jew_n nor_o do_v we_o find_v any_o warrant_n or_o command_n either_o express_a or_o implicit_a of_o the_o apostle_n for_o the_o observation_n of_o easter_n or_o that_o they_o ever_o enjoin_v or_o command_v circumcision_n but_o we_o find_v they_o declare_v they_o command_v it_o not_o and_o st._n paul_n tell_v the_o galatian_n 24_o if_o they_o
be_v circumcise_v christ_n shall_v profit_v they_o nothing_o 2._o so_o far_o be_v the_o apostle_n from_o command_v the_o observation_n of_o the_o abrogate_a ceremony_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n which_o be_v indeed_o a_o contradiction_n interminis_fw-la for_o if_o they_o have_v apostolical_a warrant_n and_o command_v they_o be_v not_o abrogate_a but_o we_o must_v bear_v with_o small_a slip_n if_o we_o will_v not_o create_v to_o ourselves_o endless_a trouble_n but_o it_o be_v at_o length_n acknowledge_v that_o god_n will_v be_v to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o his_o worship_n and_o our_o answerer_n hope_v to_o salve_v all_o in_o say_v that_o it_o be_v the_o most_o sacrilegious_a invasion_n of_o god_n prerogative_n to_o make_v humane_a invention_n the_o essential_o of_o his_o worship_n but_o for_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n may_v it_o seem_v institute_n such_o and_o so_o many_o as_o they_o shall_v think_v good_a and_o if_o so_o let_v he_o tell_v we_o why_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v not_o the_o same_o authority_n as_o other_o church_n to_o institute_n such_o ceremony_n as_o she_o also_o shall_v think_v good_a and_o how_o come_v he_o to_o censure_v she_o as_o vain_a and_o foolish_a ridiculous_a and_o superstitious_a while_o she_o exercise_v but_o the_o authority_n he_o allow_v she_o institute_v no_o other_o ceremony_n than_o she_o judge_v conducive_a to_o so_o high_a and_o generous_a a_o end_n as_o the_o propogation_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o which_o render_v religion_n amiable_a by_o its_o external_a ornament_n and_o beauty_n but_o what_o may_v this_o answerer_n mean_v by_o the_o essentials_n of_o worship_n 4_o a_o dear_a friend_n of_o he_o tell_v we_o the_o essence_n of_o religious_a worship_n consist_v in_o nothing_o else_o but_o a_o grateful_a sense_n and_o temper_n of_o mind_n towards_o the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o as_o for_o all_o that_o concern_v external_a worship_n it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o religion_n itself_o and_o if_o this_o be_v his_o judgement_n also_o he_o may_v tell_v we_o it_o be_v the_o most_o sacrilegious_a invasion_n of_o god_n prerogative_n to_o make_v humane_a invention_n the_o essential_o of_o his_o worship_n and_o yet_o retain_v a_o liberty_n of_o introduce_v all_o the_o vain_a and_o foolish_a ridiculous_a superstitious_a ceremony_n now_o in_o use_n in_o the_o roman_a church_n when_o ever_o he_o shall_v change_v his_o thought_n of_o they_o and_o judge_v they_o to_o render_v religion_n amiable_a and_o beautiful_a but_o certain_o nothing_o be_v more_o evident_a in_o scripture_n than_o that_o the_o due_a observance_n of_o the_o outward_a institution_n in_o religion_n come_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n so_o do_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o old_a and_o so_o do_v the_o present_a sacrament_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v and_o be_v part_n of_o outward_a worship_n and_o i_o suppose_v of_o religion_n too_o and_o whatever_o be_v make_v so_o necessary_a to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n that_o without_o it_o the_o worship_n be_v not_o to_o be_v perform_v be_v thereby_o make_v a_o essential_a of_o worship_n for_o that_o which_o be_v so_o the_o matter_n of_o a_o thing_n that_o without_o it_o the_o thing_n can_v be_v be_v of_o the_o essence_n of_o that_o thing_n but_o he_o tell_v we_o all_o that_o be_v plead_v be_v but_o that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n may_v be_v allow_v the_o same_o privilege_n which_o all_o sect_n and_o party_n assume_v to_o themselves_o viz._n to_o determine_v the_o circumstance_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v so_o reasonable_a that_o it_o can_v either_o in_o reason_n or_o justice_n be_v deny_v then_o he_o tell_v we_o there_o be_v no_o sect_n but_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o teacher_n prevail_v in_o those_o instance_n and_o rite_n where_o there_o be_v no_o word_n of_o god_n to_o warrant_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v practise_v by_o they_o instance_v in_o the_o worship_n perform_v as_o he_o say_v by_o independent_o ask_v what_o scripture_n they_o have_v to_o prove_v their_o covenant_n which_o the_o member_n of_o their_o church_n swear_v to_o before_o they_o be_v admit_v by_o their_o pastor_n and_o elder_n though_o he_o find_v no_o mention_n of_o any_o such_o covenant_n swear_v to_o in_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o order_n own_a and_o practise_v in_o their_o church_n wherein_o as_o well_o their_o order_n as_o common_a faith_n be_v declare_v neither_o of_o which_o do_v they_o or_o do_v they_o ever_o that_o i_o have_v hear_v of_o impose_v upon_o any_o and_o yet_o be_v able_a 15_o i_o presume_v to_o give_v a_o answer_n unto_o every_o man_n that_o ask_v they_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o they_o to_o they_o therefore_o i_o shall_v refer_v he_o for_o far_a satisfaction_n in_o the_o particular_n he_o mention_n if_o he_o desire_v it_o and_o for_o the_o present_n shall_v only_o tell_v he_o there_o be_v some_o difference_n between_o a_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o impose_v article_n of_o faith_n yea_o or_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n and_o will_v he_o now_o say_v in_o verbo_fw-la sacerdotis_fw-la or_o upon_o his_o reputation_n that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o appoint_v of_o her_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n do_v no_o more_o then_o appoint_v circumstance_n concern_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n common_a to_o humane_a action_n which_o be_v to_o be_v order_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o christian_a prudence_n according_a to_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o the_o word_n or_o why_o do_v he_o thus_o impose_v upon_o his_o credulous_a and_o unwary_a reader_n but_o he_o tell_v we_o if_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v command_v such_o and_o such_o thing_n than_o dissenter_n have_v some_o reason_n to_o separate_v from_o its_o communion_n which_o be_v but_o a_o copy_n of_o his_o countenance_n he_o elsewhere_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o institute_n such_o ceremony_n as_o they_o shall_v think_v good_a and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o people_n duty_n to_o obey_v yea_o he_o advise_v they_o to_o resign_v up_o themselves_o to_o the_o father_n of_o the_o church_n rather_o than_o attend_v to_o 〈◊〉_d the_o dictate_v of_o their_o own_o dark_a mind_n which_o take_v away_o not_o only_o the_o liberty_n of_o separate_a but_o even_o of_o examine_v the_o command_n of_o their_o spiritual_a guide_n and_o have_v thus_o reduce_v they_o to_o a_o implicit_a faith_n he_o may_v be_v bold_a to_o tell_v they_o there_o be_v as_o many_o or_o more_o ceremony_n make_v use_v of_o in_o the_o very_a age_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o then_o institute_v by_o they_o than_o be_v now_o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o instance_n in_o half_a a_o score_n not_o one_o of_o which_o be_v ever_o institute_v by_o the_o apostle_n yet_o after_o all_o his_o boldness_n he_o speak_v but_o faint_o in_o say_v if_o he_o be_v mistake_v in_o his_o conjecture_n about_o this_o matter_n yet_o it_o be_v no_o way_n injurious_a to_o the_o present_a power_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o appoint_v symbolical_a or_o significative_a ceremony_n in_o god_n worship_n for_o that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n under_o the_o heathen_a emperor_n be_v much_o like_o the_o israelite_n in_o their_o egyptian_a bondage_n rather_o concern_v to_o maintain_v the_o life_n and_o be_v of_o religion_n then_o to_o be_v curious_a about_o the_o apparel_n and_o ornament_n thereof_o and_o will_v to_o god_n there_o be_v no_o pretend_a christian_n in_o these_o day_n more_o concern_v about_o the_o apparel_n and_o ornament_n as_o they_o term_v they_o of_o religion_n then_o to_o maintain_v the_o life_n and_o be_v thereof_o and_o how_o unhandsome_o do_v he_o reflect_v here_o on_o the_o primitive_a christian_n in_o say_v when_o king_n and_o emperor_n become_v christian_a than_o they_o begin_v to_o glorify_v god_n with_o their_o body_n and_o to_o honour_v he_o with_o their_o substance_n and_o estate_n etc._n etc._n as_o if_o till_o then_o they_o have_v be_v unmindful_a of_o the_o apostle_n precept_n of_o glorify_v god_n in_o their_o body_n 10_o and_o in_o their_o spirit_n or_o what_o think_v he_o of_o those_o who_o before_o that_o sell_v their_o possession_n and_o good_n 6._o and_o part_v they_o to_o all_o man_n as_o every_o man_n have_v need_v do_v not_o they_o as_o much_o honour_n god_n with_o their_o substance_n and_o estate_n as_o those_o who_o adorn_v temple_n but_o such_o gross_a and_o carnal_a thought_n have_v some_o of_o the_o most_o high_a who_o dwell_v not_o in_o temple_n make_v with_o hand_n 48._o as_o to_o think_v he_o still_o delight_v and_o please_v with_o man_n erect_v dedicate_a and_o adorn_v of_o temple_n in_o which_o they_o general_o place_n more_o of_o their_o religion_n than_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o most_o spiritual_a and_o
christian_a duty_n which_o god_n require_v of_o they_o query_n xxiii_o whether_o be_v they_o who_o separate_v or_o they_o who_o give_v the_o cause_n of_o separation_n the_o schismatic_n reply_v to_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o query_n we_o have_v here_o a_o full_a and_o satisfactory_a answerer_n in_o that_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o not_o they_o who_o separate_v but_o they_o who_o give_v just_a cause_n of_o separation_n be_v the_o schismatic_n but_o then_o he_o tell_v we_o st._n paul_n have_v as_o clear_o and_o full_o determine_v this_o query_n as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v propose_v in_o his_o day_n though_o you_o will_v find_v he_o here_o as_o well_o as_o elsewhere_o to_o handle_v the_o word_n of_o god_n deceitful_o 2d_o for_o st._n paul_n in_o that_o place_n speak_v only_o of_o the_o duty_n of_o servant_n exhort_v those_o who_o be_v under_o the_o yoke_n to_o count_v their_o master_n though_o infidel_n worthy_a of_o all_o honour_n and_o not_o to_o depise_v their_o believe_a master_n because_o they_o be_v brethren_n but_o rather_o do_v they_o service_n because_o they_o be_v faithful_a and_o belove_a and_o these_o thing_n he_o direct_v timothy_n to_o teach_v and_o exhort_v and_o then_o subjoin_v if_o any_o man_n teach_v otherwise_o etc._n etc._n he_o be_v proud_a etc._n etc._n where_o observe_v how_o instead_o of_o master_n he_o foist_n in_o superior_a a_o word_n of_o a_o more_o extensive_a signification_n for_o though_o every_o master_n be_v a_o superior_a every_o superior_a be_v not_o a_o master_n and_o yet_o we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o obedience_n may_v be_v withdraw_v from_o superior_n of_o any_o kind_n christianity_n lay_v the_o great_a obligation_n immaginable_a upon_o its_o professor_n to_o be_v obedient_a to_o their_o superior_n but_o as_o the_o authority_n of_o superior_n be_v not_o despotical_a or_o absolute_a so_o neither_o aught_o the_o obedience_n of_o inferior_n to_o be_v blind_a or_o brutish_a both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o be_v regulate_v by_o a_o supreme_a power_n for_o where_o superior_n have_v no_o right_a to_o command_v there_o lie_v no_o obligation_n on_o inferior_n to_o obey_v so_o that_o whether_o conformist_n in_o command_v or_o nonconformist_n in_o not_o obey_v be_v the_o schismatic_n depend_v on_o the_o former_n have_v right_a and_o authority_n to_o require_v what_o the_o latter_a judge_n sinful_a or_o unlawful_a to_o observe_v which_o be_v beyond_o the_o present_a question_n we_o shall_v not_o meddle_v with_o but_o he_o tell_v we_o if_o the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v forsake_v the_o common_a faith_n it_o have_v be_v no_o schism_n to_o forsake_v the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o if_o she_o do_v so_o and_o so_o then_o that_o command_n in_o the_o revelation_n come_v out_o of_o she_o my_o people_n etc._n etc._n have_v be_v applicable_a to_o our_o dissenter_n bâ—t_v this_o be_v still_o but_o pretend_v be_v against_o his_o principle_n of_o blind_a obedience_n and_o man_n resign_v up_o themselves_o to_o the_o father_n of_o the_o church_n without_o leave_v they_o so_o much_o as_o a_o power_n to_o examine_v what_o be_v command_v for_o where_o that_o be_v there_o must_v likewise_o be_v allow_v a_o dissent_n in_o all_o thing_n they_o judge_v evil_a or_o unlawful_a and_o though_o he_o tell_v we_o a_o good_a christian_n ought_v as_o much_o to_o dread_v the_o impose_v upon_o his_o judgement_n a_o assent_n to_o know_a error_n and_o upon_o his_o practice_n the_o act_n of_o know_a sin_n as_o the_o suffer_v the_o very_a pain_n of_o hell_n itself_o he_o do_v we_o doubt_v but_o equivocate_a alallow_v none_o to_o be_v know_v error_n or_o know_v sin_n but_o such_o as_o superior_n shall_v judge_v so_o for_o if_o he_o allow_v inferior_n to_o judge_v thereof_o and_o act_v according_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o we_o but_o have_v tell_v we_o what_o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v not_o he_o now_o tell_v we_o what_o many_o of_o our_o dissenter_n do_v and_o first_o he_o say_v they_o question_v not_o only_o the_o power_n of_o bishop_n to_o govern_v the_o church_n but_o that_o of_o king_n to_o make_v law_n for_o the_o security_n of_o their_o own_o crown_n and_o government_n as_o well_o as_o the_o common_a christianity_n if_o such_o there_o be_v i_o be_o sure_a no_o sober_a or_o rational_a man_n will_v justify_v or_o excuse_v they_o in_o it_o that_o they_o make_v the_o people_n judge_n of_o their_o own_o pastor_n etc._n etc._n that_o they_o may_v have_v reason_n for_o how_o else_o can_v they_o beware_v of_o false_a prophet_n and_o try_v the_o spirit_n as_o they_o be_v command_v or_o distinguish_v between_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o minister_n of_o antichrist_n but_o no_o sober_a man_n sure_o will_v allow_v any_o to_o withdraw_v their_o obedience_n from_o those_o who_o be_v lawful_o ordain_v and_o aught_o to_o superintend_v over_o they_o that_o they_o forsake_v their_o old_a guide_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v but_o the_o old_a popish_a objection_n new_a vampt_a nor_o be_v such_o forsake_v criminal_a but_o where_o causeless_o and_o who_o be_v they_o that_o renounce_v in_o their_o assembly_n as_o he_o say_v the_o ancient_a creed_n which_o be_v in_o all_o age_n esteem_v the_o badge_n of_o christianity_n and_o wherein_o lie_v the_o crime_n of_o not_o read_v the_o scripture_n to_o the_o people_n without_o expound_v they_o but_o sure_o they_o make_v it_o not_o indifferent_a to_o be_v of_o any_o communion_n who_o be_v so_o great_a sufferer_n because_o they_o can_v be_v so_o and_o if_o as_o he_o say_v they_o gather_v church_n not_o only_o without_o but_o against_o all_o authority_n let_v he_o not_o be_v thereat_o trouble_v since_o every_o plant_n which_o our_o heavenly_a father_n have_v not_o plant_v 15._o shall_v be_v root_v up_o which_o be_v due_a or_o undue_a ordination_n will_v hardly_o be_v determine_v till_o we_o have_v a_o affirmative_a answer_n to_o the_o six_o query_n but_o it_o be_v happy_a for_o the_o church_n of_o god_n if_o none_o who_o be_v not_o gift_v and_o qualify_v for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n be_v empower_v to_o read_v sermon_n in_o the_o pulpit_n profane_v the_o sacrament_n etc._n etc._n but_o who_o be_v they_o that_o as_o he_o say_v evacuate_v one_o main_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a creed_n faith_n in_o one_o catholic_n church_n beside_o himself_o and_o the_o papist_n all_o other_o believe_v their_o be_v one_o catholic_n church_n but_o do_v not_o believe_v in_o one_o catholic_n church_n we_o be_v teach_v to_o believe_v only_o in_o god_n not_o in_o the_o church_n but_o he_o it_o seem_v have_v resign_v up_o his_o faith_n to_o the_o father_n of_o the_o church_n believe_v only_o as_o the_o church_n believe_v no_o wonder_n therefore_o he_o shall_v talk_v of_o a_o yearly_o monthly_o and_o daily_a faith_n which_o his_o principle_n lead_v he_o to_o if_o he_o chance_v so_o oft_o to_o change_v his_o father_n or_o they_o their_o faith_n who_o they_o be_v that_o go_v out_o of_o their_o calling_n and_o station_n to_o usurp_v the_o office_n of_o bishop_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o inferior_a clergy_n will_v hardly_o be_v determine_v here_o yet_o i_o shall_v tell_v he_o what_o a_o reverend_a and_o learned_a prelate_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n once_o answer_v to_o the_o like_a objection_n 535._o so_o long_o say_v he_o as_o they_o teach_v the_o same_o doctrine_n which_o the_o apostle_n do_v they_o have_v the_o same_o power_n and_o authority_n to_o preach_v which_o they_o have_v bide_v they_o to_o keep_v their_o competent_a jurisdiction_n judicial_a cognition_n and_o legal_a decision_n to_o themselves_o for_o that_o as_o he_o true_o tell_v they_o the_o son_n of_o god_n first_o found_v and_o still_o gather_v his_o church_n by_o the_o mouth_n of_o preacher_n not_o by_o the_o summons_n of_o consistory_n and_o he_o that_o be_v send_v to_o preach_v may_v not_o hold_v his_o tongue_n and_o tarry_v till_o my_o lord_n the_o pope_n and_o his_o mitred_a father_n can_v intend_v to_o meet_v and_o list_v to_o consent_v to_o the_o ruin_n as_o they_o think_v of_o their_o dignity_n and_o liberty_n but_o to_o return_v to_o our_o answerer_n how_o do_v they_o as_o he_o say_v break_v the_o bond_n of_o unity_n and_o line_n of_o apostolical_a succession_n who_o adhere_v to_o the_o universal_a and_o uniform_a law_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o do_v not_o they_o rather_o break_v both_o who_o make_v their_o own_o or_o other_o man_n will_n the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n and_o find_v their_o ordination_n on_o uncertain_a tradition_n i_o know_v of_o no_o dissenter_n that_o obtrude_v oath_n and_o covenant_n as_o he_o say_v on_o their_o proselyte_n though_o it_o be_v no_o crime_n for_o christian_n to_o covenant_n to_o serve_v god_n as_o god_n will_v be_v serve_v every_o man_n have_v a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n which_o be_v the_o
rule_n of_o practice_n as_o to_o himself_o and_o must_v direct_v he_o with_o who_o to_o join_v and_o not_o to_o join_v in_o the_o performance_n of_o all_o religious_a duty_n nor_o may_v he_o therein_o do_v aught_o against_o his_o light_n but_o what_o mean_v he_o in_o say_v here_o they_o will_v submit_v to_o no_o law_n nor_o admit_v of_o any_o discipline_n but_o what_o be_v erect_v and_o execute_v by_o themselves_o a_o thing_n never_o know_v for_o criminal_n to_o make_v choice_n of_o their_o own_o punishment_n for_o do_v they_o not_o submit_v to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n in_o all_o civil_a thing_n and_o concern_v and_o what_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n submit_v they_o not_o to_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n but_o to_o talk_v here_o of_o criminal_n make_v choice_a of_o their_o own_o punishment_n be_v very_o extravagant_a and_o last_o they_o will_v he_o say_v have_v no_o public_a act_n pass_v among_o they_o without_o the_o free_a consent_n of_o all_o query_n as_o satisfy_v in_o conscience_n that_o what_o be_v decree_v be_v god_n will_n and_o be_v it_o for_o this_o he_o elsewhere_o so_o bold_o aver_v there_o be_v no_o congregat_v independent_a communion_n in_o england_n but_o the_o respective_a pastor_n of_o it_o assume_v to_o himself_o more_o power_n and_o authority_n to_o govern_v and_o conduct_v the_o swear_a member_n of_o it_o in_o the_o way_n and_o duty_n of_o religion_n than_o the_o great_a prelate_n in_o our_o church_n do_v in_o his_o province_n or_o diocese_n or_o be_v this_o one_o of_o the_o principle_n of_o independent_a tyranny_n but_o some_o be_v say_v to_o have_v need_n of_o good_a memory_n and_o our_o answerer_n seem_v to_o be_v of_o they_o yet_o he_o will_v be_v think_v to_o have_v reason_n for_o what_o he_o here_o say_v tell_v we_o the_o thing_n be_v impossible_a in_o nature_n for_o if_o all_o be_v satisfy_v they_o be_v not_o man_n there_o be_v among_o all_o man_n difference_n in_o judgement_n how_o unreasonable_a then_o be_v it_o to_o require_v of_o any_o such_o a_o assent_n or_o consent_n as_o must_v render_v they_o either_o beast_n or_o not_o man_n but_o so_o it_o seem_v it_o be_v and_o must_v be_v for_o he_o tell_v we_o in_o the_o enact_v of_o all_o law_n the_o lesser_a part_n be_v determine_v by_o the_o great_a which_o be_v true_a in_o all_o civil_a thing_n and_o concern_v which_o be_v in_o a_o man_n choice_n and_o at_o his_o own_o disposal_n and_o it_o be_v for_o the_o public_a good_a and_o benefit_n it_o shall_v be_v so_o but_o it_o be_v otherwise_o in_o matter_n of_o duty_n and_o obedience_n unto_o god_n in_o which_o every_o man_n ought_v to_o be_v satisfy_v that_o what_o be_v decree_v be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n for_o that_o none_o may_v follow_v a_o multitude_n to_o do_v evil_a nor_o in_o the_o neglect_n or_o omission_n of_o the_o least_o know_a duty_n whether_o the_o church_n of_o eâ—gland_n or_o dissenter_n be_v the_o schismatic_n i_o shall_v nowise_o take_v upon_o i_o to_o determine_v but_o leave_v it_o as_o he_o do_v to_o the_o rational_a reader_n to_o judge_v and_o only_o take_v leave_v to_o say_v that_o what_o his_o eminent_a prelate_n say_v prove_v not_o dissenter_n to_o be_v schismatic_n if_o there_o be_v any_o who_o as_o he_o say_v account_v the_o king_n and_o parliament_n or_o clergy_n of_o england_n heretic_n and_o schismatic_n for_o mainta_v the_o essential_o of_o christianity_n and_o do_v what_o they_o can_v to_o hinder_v and_o dissuade_v man_n from_o offer_v the_o most_o insufferable_a affront_n to_o god_n be_v and_o majesty_n they_o ought_v not_o certain_o to_o be_v tolerate_v much_o less_o countenance_v in_o a_o christian_a commonwealth_n query_n xxiv_o whether_o they_o who_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o church_n discipline_n never_o cease_v call_v on_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n to_o assist_v they_o with_o his_o secular_a force_n do_v not_o therein_o give_v a_o evident_a sign_n and_o token_n that_o all_o true_a ministerial_a and_o spiritual_a power_n be_v dead_a in_o they_o reply_v to_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o query_n thâ—_n question_v here_o be_v not_o whether_o these_o or_o those_o give_v the_o great_a evidence_n that_o all_o true_a ministerial_a and_o spiritual_a power_n be_v dead_a in_o they_o but_o whether_o such_o practice_n in_o any_o be_v not_o a_o evident_a sign_n and_o token_n of_o it_o and_o have_v all_o orthodox_n bishop_n in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n rely_v upon_o the_o spiritual_a mean_n by_o 〈◊〉_d appoint_v in_o the_o gospel_n for_o the_o suppress_n and_o â—ooting_v out_o of_o heresy_n and_o 〈◊〉_d without_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o 〈…〉_z for_o his_o assistance_n therein_o christianâ—_n 〈…〉_z have_v not_o suffer_v as_o it_o afterwards_o 〈…〉_z heretic_n use_v the_o same_o mean_n for_o 〈…〉_z faith_n and_o yet_o we_o say_v not_o but_o 〈…〉_z and_o aught_o to_o call_v upon_o the_o 〈…〉_z do_v his_o duty_n in_o the_o protection_n 〈…〉_z by_o support_v and_o 〈…〉_z in_o the_o due_a exercise_n thereof_o 〈…〉_z of_o wâ—â—ked_v and_o unreasonâ—_n 〈…〉_z not_o faith_n neither_o do_v we_o 〈…〉_z or_o extinction_n of_o the_o function_n of_o bishop_n if_o they_o use_v all_o due_a and_o proper_a mean_n to_o accomplish_v and_o bring_v about_o lawful_a and_o charitable_a end_n nor_o that_o any_o end_n can_v be_v more_o generous_a and_o christian_n than_o to_o secure_a people_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o their_o duty_n to_o god_n to_o man_n and_o to_o themselves_o but_o we_o do_v say_v that_o secular_a force_n and_o compulsion_n be_v not_o the_o proper_a and_o due_a mean_n to_o effect_v all_o these_o and_o whatever_o sense_n some_o may_v have_v of_o moral_a honesty_n and_o justice_n or_o of_o piety_n and_o religion_n the_o civil_a magistrate_n ought_v not_o certain_o to_o permit_v they_o to_o express_v or_o declare_v their_o scorn_n or_o contempt_n of_o either_o i_o will_v not_o say_v with_o this_o answerer_n that_o it_o be_v since_o man_n have_v assume_v so_o great_a a_o liberty_n in_o religion_n as_o not_o well_o understand_v what_o he_o thereby_o mean_n but_o agree_v with_o he_o there_o be_v less_o regard_n have_v to_o those_o external_a rule_n of_o right_a and_o wrong_n virtue_n and_o vice_n by_o some_o person_n who_o make_v high_a pretence_n to_o christianity_n than_o have_v be_v observe_v in_o many_o pagan_a nation_n but_o who_o those_o person_n be_v their_o profession_n and_o practice_n will_v best_o declare_v but_o he_o tell_v we_o it_o be_v presumption_n and_o not_o faith_n for_o the_o clergy_n of_o england_n as_o thing_n be_v now_o among_o we_o to_o expect_v god_n miraculous_a concurrence_n with_o they_o in_o the_o management_n and_o exercise_n of_o their_o ministerial_a office_n when_o there_o be_v ordinary_a mean_n at_o hand_n etc._n etc._n what_o may_v this_o answerer_n mean_v here_o by_o god_n miraculous_a concurrence_n with_o they_o his_o continual_a presence_n with_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n he_o have_v promise_v unto_o they_o who_o observe_v his_o command_n unto_o the_o world_n end_n as_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n to_o render_v their_o ministry_n effectual_a for_o the_o conversion_n of_o sinner_n and_o the_o call_n of_o those_o who_o be_v yet_o alien_n and_o stranger_n to_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n 4._o when_o he_o ascend_v up_o on_o high_a give_v gift_n unto_o man_n for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ._n but_o if_o this_o answerer_n who_o be_v of_o the_o clergy_n be_v conscious_a that_o thing_n be_v now_o so_o among_o they_o that_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o assistance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o miraculous_a concurrence_n with_o they_o in_o the_o management_n and_o exercise_n of_o their_o ministeririal_a office_n he_o be_v to_o be_v excuse_v for_o have_v recourse_n unto_o other_o mean_n to_o render_v his_o labour_n so_o considerable_a as_o to_o make_v he_o see_v some_o fruit_n of_o the_o travel_n of_o his_o soul_n though_o possible_o it_o may_v prove_v but_o bitter_a fruit_n in_o the_o end_n the_o gentleman_n i_o can_v assure_v he_o never_o think_v as_o he_o intimate_v that_o the_o people_n forsake_v of_o any_o assembly_n be_v a_o certain_a prognostic_n that_o the_o ministerial_a power_n be_v quite_o extinguish_v in_o all_o that_o be_v so_o forsake_v as_o know_v there_o be_v and_o may_v be_v defect_n and_o fault_n on_o all_o side_n but_o this_o the_o gentleman_n think_v that_o wherever_o any_o people_n manifest_v a_o desire_n and_o thirst_n after_o knowledge_n in_o the_o thing_n and_o way_n of_o god_n as_o god_n be_v thank_v very_o many_o within_o these_o nation_n at_o this_o dâ—y_v do_v and_o after_o trial_n and_o experience_n of_o the_o ministerial_a power_n of_o any_o do_v yet_o
leave_v and_o forsake_v they_o it_o be_v no_o very_a good_a sign_n or_o token_n of_o their_o ministerial_a gift_n and_o ability_n but_o it_o be_v a_o presumptuous_a and_o too_o bold_a comparison_n he_o here_o make_v between_o the_o success_n of_o christ_n ministry_n while_o he_o exercise_v it_o in_o his_o own_o person_n upon_o earth_n and_o that_o of_o the_o clergy_n of_o england_n for_o though_o take_v on_o he_o the_o form_n of_o a_o servant_n he_o be_v make_v in_o the_o likeness_n of_o man_n yet_o couâ—d_v he_o have_v convert_v million_o of_o sinner_n as_o well_o as_o have_v command_v legion_n of_o angel_n if_o it_o have_v so_o please_v he_o the_o case_n of_o elijah_n and_o of_o athanasius_n he_o instance_n in_o be_v not_o at_o all_o to_o the_o present_a purpose_n for_o we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o people_n leave_v or_o forsake_v their_o pastor_n be_v a_o argument_n of_o their_o have_v lose_v all_o spiritual_a power_n and_o authority_n but_o pastor_n leave_v or_o forsake_v the_o spiritual_a mean_n by_o christ_n appoint_v for_o the_o rule_n and_o government_n of_o his_o church_n and_o apply_v to_o and_o use_v of_o other_o mean_n than_o he_o appoint_v and_o command_v they_o to_o the_o subversion_n and_o ruin_n of_o his_o discipline_n be_v a_o argument_n of_o it_o and_o here_o i_o can_v but_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o great_a pique_n our_o answerer_n have_v against_o liberty_n in_o religion_n in_o that_o he_o will_v have_v the_o prophet_n apprehension_n that_o the_o whole_a israel_n of_o god_n have_v forsake_v his_o covenant_n to_o proceed_v from_o the_o general_a indulgence_n grant_v by_o ahab_n to_o all_o kind_n of_o religion_n as_o well_o as_o impiety_n when_o 33._o though_o there_o may_v be_v reasâ—n_o enough_o to_o believe_v he_o indulge_v all_o kind_n of_o impiety_n in_o that_o it_o be_v say_v he_o do_v more_o to_o provoke_v the_o lord_n god_n of_o israel_n to_o anger_n than_o all_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n that_o be_v before_o he_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o evidence_n of_o his_o indulge_v all_o kind_n of_o religion_n in_o that_o though_o there_o be_v 7000_o who_o have_v not_o bow_v the_o knee_n to_o ball_n the_o prophet_n know_v not_o of_o one_o true_a worshipper_n beside_o himself_o which_o be_v no_o great_a argument_n of_o their_o be_v indulge_v among_o the_o all_o kind_n of_o religion_n he_o talk_v of_o but_o to_o conclude_v whoever_o as_o he_o say_v shall_v serious_o consider_v the_o deprave_a nature_n of_o man_n how_o much_o more_o prone_a it_o be_v to_o embrace_v vice_n than_o virtue_n error_n than_o truth_n and_o the_o novel_a rather_o than_o the_o good_a old_a way_n of_o religion_n 33_o will_v not_o be_v much_o startle_v or_o wonder_v that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n 12_o shall_v forsake_v the_o truth_n and_o true_a religion_n which_o have_v persecution_n and_o outward_a suffering_n usual_o accompany_v they_o to_o embrace_v those_o religion_n which_o not_o only_o indulge_v they_o in_o their_o lust_n but_o have_v the_o great_a worldly_a interest_n and_o advantage_n attend_v they_o query_n xxv_o whether_o be_v not_o they_o stranger_n to_o the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n or_o distrustful_a of_o god_n providence_n to_o be_v always_o with_o his_o church_n who_o think_v christianity_n which_o both_o begin_v and_o spread_v itself_o over_o the_o world_n for_o several_a hundred_o of_o year_n under_o heathen_a and_o persecute_v emperor_n can_v stand_v or_o continue_v support_v by_o the_o same_o divine_a presence_n and_o protection_n to_o the_o world_n end_n without_o the_o aid_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n reply_v to_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o query_n we_o do_v not_o say_v nor_o do_v we_o ever_o think_v the_o first_o reformer_n of_o religion_n in_o this_o or_o any_o other_o nation_n be_v stranger_n to_o the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n or_o distrustful_a of_o god_n promise_v to_o be_v always_o with_o his_o church_n because_o the_o whole_a reformation_n be_v not_o without_o the_o aid_n and_o assistance_n of_o civil_a magistrate_n but_o bless_v god_n rather_o for_o their_o cooperate_n in_o so_o good_a a_o work_n and_o yet_o we_o shall_v not_o scruple_n to_o say_v they_o have_v be_v stranger_n to_o the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n and_o its_o operation_n on_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n have_v they_o believe_v the_o reformation_n can_v not_o have_v be_v effect_v without_o they_o and_o to_o ask_v what_o archbishop_n cranmer_n hooper_n ridly_n etc._n etc._n can_v have_v do_v to_o restore_v religion_n to_o its_o purity_n and_o truth_n have_v they_o not_o be_v second_v and_o assist_v by_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n will_v have_v better_o become_v a_o turkish_a mufti_n than_o a_o gospel_n minister_n do_v he_o think_v the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o the_o mouth_n of_o his_o preacher_n not_o sufficient_a to_o convert_v the_o most_o obstinate_a and_o to_o bring_v into_o captivity_n every_o thought_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ_n how_o then_o do_v not_o only_a peter_n and_o paul_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o the_o primitive_a christian_n for_o several_a age_n after_o they_o propagate_v christianity_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n not_o only_o without_o the_o assistance_n but_o even_o against_o the_o great_a opposition_n of_o civil_a magistrate_n and_o what_o can_v be_v more_o to_o the_o disparagement_n of_o the_o than_o english_a clergy_n and_o derogatory_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n then_o to_o say_v as_o he_o do_v they_o may_v as_o well_o have_v attempt_v to_o have_v pull_v the_o sun_n out_o of_o its_o orb_n as_o ever_o to_o have_v reform_a religion_n by_o the_o aid_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n without_o the_o aid_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n do_v he_o think_v thing_n be_v then_o among_o they_o as_o he_o will_v have_v they_o think_v to_o be_v among_o we_o that_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o assistance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o miraculous_a concurrence_n with_o the_o clergy_n in_o the_o management_n and_o exercise_n of_o their_o ministerial_a office_n i_o trust_v they_o be_v not_o and_o that_o he_o judge_n both_o of_o the_o one_o and_o of_o the_o other_o but_o by_o himself_o but_o so_o far_o i_o agree_v with_o he_o that_o as_o kingdom_n and_o state_n so_o religion_n and_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v secure_v and_o npheld_v by_o the_o very_a same_o mean_n and_o method_n by_o which_o they_o be_v establish_v and_o so_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o found_v in_o prelacy_n by_o the_o king_n and_o noble_n of_o england_n as_o have_v be_v show_v must_v be_v secure_v and_o uphold_v by_o the_o same_o mean_n and_o method_n or_o it_o will_v not_o long_o so_o continue_v but_o as_o christian_a wherein_o it_o be_v found_v by_o the_o mouth_n of_o preacher_n with_o the_o aid_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n it_o will_v i_o trust_v be_v so_o secure_v and_o uphold_v to_o the_o world_n end_n yet_o that_o god_n will_v withal_o vouchsafe_v she_o so_o great_a a_o blessing_n that_o king_n and_o queen_n may_v ever_o be_v her_o nurse_n father_n and_o nurse_n mother_n to_o protect_v and_o defend_v she_o from_o the_o rage_n and_o violence_n of_o wicked_a and_o unreasonable_a man_n since_o all_o man_n have_v not_o faith_n be_v my_o hearty_a desire_n but_o our_o clergy_n man_n sensible_a it_o seem_v how_o thing_n be_v now_o among_o they_o be_v distrustful_a of_o god_n continue_v his_o church_n with_o we_o and_o therefore_o will_v have_v the_o gentleman_n consider_v in_o what_o scripture_n he_o have_v promise_v that_o either_o christianity_n in_o general_n or_o protestantism_n in_o particular_a shall_v for_o ever_o continue_v the_o establish_v religion_n of_o this_o kingdom_n we_o know_v indeed_o of_o no_o particular_a promise_n concern_v the_o establish_v religion_n of_o this_o kingdom_n but_o this_o we_o know_v that_o where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o christ_n name_n he_o have_v promise_v to_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o and_o that_o he_o tell_v his_o disciple_n while_o they_o teach_v the_o observation_n of_o all_o thing_n which_o he_o command_v they_o he_o will_v be_v with_o they_o to_o the_o world_n end_n so_o that_o if_o christianity_n continue_v not_o with_o we_o it_o be_v by_o oâ—r_n own_o default_n in_o forsake_v christ_n and_o disobey_v his_o command_n he_o be_v please_v to_o acknowledge_v here_o what_o can_v not_o well_o be_v deny_v that_o christianity_n spread_v itself_o over_o the_o world_n under_o heathen_a and_o persecute_v emperor_n only_o by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o divine_a presence_n and_o protection_n without_o the_o aid_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n but_o look_n upon_o it_o as_o miraculous_a
say_v to_o tolerate_v unruly_a and_o vain_a talker_n and_o deceiver_n who_o vent_v their_o idle_a fancy_n to_o corrupt_v and_o withdraw_v other_o from_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o truth_n be_v a_o indication_n of_o more_o cruelty_n than_o to_o tolerate_v so_o many_o thief_n and_o murderer_n upon_o public_a road_n and_o highway_n this_o answerer_n be_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v tolerate_v have_v manifest_v himself_o so_o unruly_a and_o vain_a a_o talker_n and_o deceiver_n as_o he_o have_v do_v query_n xxvii_o whether_o can_v any_o think_v that_o they_o who_o persecute_v christ_n in_o his_o member_n despoil_v they_o of_o their_o good_n and_o imprison_v their_o person_n and_o that_o too_o for_o their_o faithful_a adhere_n to_o the_o plain_a and_o undoubted_a command_n of_o their_o heavenly_a sovereign_n will_v speed_v better_o at_o the_o great_a day_n of_o account_n than_o those_o who_o christ_n himself_o have_v tell_v we_o shall_v be_v then_o reject_v but_o for_o not_o visit_v and_o relieve_v his_o poor_a member_n when_o in_o want_n in_o sickness_n or_o any_o other_o adversity_n reply_v to_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o query_n instead_o of_o answer_v this_o query_n it_o be_v very_o judicious_o object_v it_o have_v many_o thing_n questionable_a in_o it_o and_o with_o as_o great_a judgement_n and_o to_o as_o little_a purpose_n he_o likewise_o tell_v we_o that_o none_o be_v true_a member_n of_o christ_n beside_o those_o that_o be_v unite_v to_o his_o church_n for_o that_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n and_o his_o church_n his_o body_n and_o as_o he_o also_o judicious_o observe_v no_o one_o can_v be_v a_o member_n belong_v to_o the_o head_n unless_o he_o be_v some_o way_n or_o other_o unite_v to_o the_o body_n but_o sure_a our_o answerer_n be_v the_o first_o pretend_v christian_n that_o ever_o question_v the_o soundness_n of_o christ_n body_n the_o holy_a catholic_n church_n or_o that_o a_o christian_n join_v to_o it_o may_v endanger_v his_o internal_a union_n to_o christ_n who_o be_v hâ—â—d_v and_o wherefore_o do_v he_o here_o tell_v we_o what_o the_o query_n neither_o deny_v nor_o question_n that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v a_o sound_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n unless_o to_o manifest_v his_o dialectic_a art_n in_o prove_v that_o whoever_o in_o any_o thing_n withdraw_v themselves_o from_o any_o part_n of_o christ_n body_n cut_v themselves_o off_o from_o christ_n the_o head_n and_o therefore_o they_o who_o withdraw_v communion_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n though_o but_o in_o the_o least_o minute_n circumstance_n or_o ceremony_n belong_v not_o unto_o christ._n so_o that_o it_o seem_v with_o this_o learned_a and_o judicious_a answerer_n out_o of_o the_o ceremonial_a pale_a of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n there_o be_v no_o salvation_n and_o if_o any_o be_v punish_v for_o so_o cut_a themselves_o off_o from_o christ_n the_o head_n their_o punishment_n be_v no_o persecution_n quod_fw-la erat_fw-la demonstrandum_fw-la great_a wit_n according_a to_o the_o proverb_n have_v short_a memory_n he_o can_v not_o else_o have_v so_o soon_o forget_v which_o he_o but_o now_o reprove_v the_o independent_n for_o viz._n their_o evacuate_a one_o main_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a creed_n faith_n in_o one_o catholic_n church_n for_o that_o as_o he_o say_v they_o restrain_v it_o to_o themselves_o whereas_o he_o so_o restrain_v it_o to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o that_o he_o allow_v of_o none_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o her_o communion_n to_o belong_v unto_o christ_n the_o one_o main_a article_n therefore_o of_o his_o christian_a creed_n faith_n in_o one_o catholic_n church_n be_v it_o seem_v faith_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n or_o rather_o faith_n in_o whatever_o church_n be_v uppermost_a and_o though_o out_o of_o she_o there_o be_v no_o salvation_n yet_o for_o argument_n sake_n he_o will_v suppose_v that_o those_o who_o separate_v from_o her_o communion_n even_o in_o her_o very_a ceremony_n be_v notwithstanding_o such_o their_o separation_n real_a member_n of_o christ_n mystical_a body_n yet_o none_o of_o they_o he_o say_v be_v persecute_v for_o their_o faithful_a adhere_n unto_o christ_n or_o the_o undoubted_a and_o plain_a command_n of_o their_o heavenly_a sovereign_n nor_o do_v the_o query_n say_v they_o be_v but_o suppose_v as_o he_o suppose_v that_o any_o shall_v be_v punish_v for_o assemble_v together_o to_o pray_o or_o partake_v of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o christ_n have_v institute_v and_o require_v the_o observation_n of_o will_v not_o such_o be_v persecute_v for_o their_o faithful_a adhere_n unto_o christ_n and_o to_o the_o plain_a and_o undoubted_a command_n of_o their_o heavenly_a sovereign_n but_o say_v our_o answerer_n let_v the_o gentleman_n produce_v one_o person_n that_o ever_o suffer_v for_o perform_v any_o essential_a duty_n of_o christian_a religion_n we_o know_v not_o what_o he_o may_v esteem_v a_o essential_a duty_n of_o christian_a religion_n who_o be_v one_o with_o he_o who_o declare_v the_o outward_a worship_n of_o god_n 99_o to_o be_v no_o part_n of_o religion_n but_o if_o he_o will_v allow_v pray_v preach_a and_o administer_a the_o sacrament_n to_o be_v essential_a duty_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o by_o all_o good_a christian_n they_o have_v hitherto_o be_v esteem_v he_o need_v not_o go_v beyond_o his_o own_o parish_n to_o meet_v with_o those_o who_o have_v suffer_v and_o deep_o suffer_v even_o by_o his_o instigation_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o those_o duty_n but_o he_o tell_v we_o it_o be_v not_o for_o the_o performance_n of_o those_o duty_n but_o for_o the_o disorderly_a and_o irregular_a way_n of_o perform_v they_o that_o they_o be_v punish_v very_o good_a by_o what_o rule_n then_o do_v he_o judge_v the_o way_n of_o their_o performance_n disorderly_a and_o irregular_a all_o order_n consist_v in_o the_o due_a observation_n of_o some_o rule_n now_o if_o he_o will_v tell_v we_o of_o any_o rule_n they_o therein_o transgress_v which_o he_o will_v abide_v by_o he_o have_v say_v something_o to_o the_o purpose_n he_o tell_v we_o indeed_o they_o be_v punish_v for_o not_o do_v they_o in_o that_o due_a manner_n as_o be_v enjoin_v they_o by_o their_o superior_n yet_o do_v not_o say_v the_o injunction_n of_o superior_n be_v the_o rule_n whereby_o they_o be_v to_o be_v perform_v query_n nay_o he_o say_v if_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n do_v command_v a_o worship_n that_o be_v idolatrous_a or_o superstitious_a or_o do_v appoint_v vain_a foolish_a and_o ridiculous_a ceremony_n they_o be_v not_o therein_o to_o be_v comply_v with_o so_o that_o the_o injunction_n or_o command_n of_o superior_n be_v not_o by_o his_o own_o confession_n this_o rule_n but_o he_o tell_v we_o they_o be_v punish_v for_o be_v disorderly_a in_o their_o station_n and_o calling_n and_o for_o be_v disobedient_a to_o government_n and_o law_n if_o by_o be_v disorderly_a in_o their_o station_n and_o calling_n he_o mean_v as_o he_o elsewhere_o say_v their_o usurp_a the_o office_n of_o bishop_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o inferior_a clergy_n he_o have_v thereon_o already_o have_v the_o judgement_n of_o as_o learned_a and_o judicious_a a_o divine_a as_o most_o the_o church_n of_o england_n can_v boast_v of_o and_o for_o their_o be_v disobedient_a though_o he_o have_v advise_v we_o to_o resign_v up_o ourselves_o unto_o the_o father_n of_o the_o church_n he_o have_v not_o yet_o tell_v we_o they_o be_v to_o be_v obey_v in_o whatever_o they_o shall_v or_o may_v command_v we_o so_o that_o neither_o can_v the_o command_n of_o governor_n nor_o law_n of_o superior_n be_v this_o rule_n nor_o indeed_o ought_v else_o but_o the_o will_n of_o god_n reveal_v in_o his_o word_n to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n be_v the_o old_a rule_n and_o the_o divine_a institution_n be_v still_o the_o only_a rule_n to_o judge_v of_o the_o orderly_a and_o disorderly_a performance_n of_o all_o religious_a duty_n â—_o by_o and_o if_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o performance_n be_v not_o according_a unto_o this_o rule_n it_o be_v indeed_o disorderly_a and_o irregular_a and_o suffer_v upon_o that_o account_n may_v be_v esteem_v a_o punishment_n rather_o than_o a_o persecution_n as_o may_v likewise_o their_o suffering_n who_o be_v disobedient_a to_o the_o law_n and_o government_n of_o man_n in_o all_o civil_a and_o secular_a matter_n and_o concern_v and_o they_o also_o who_o censure_n the_o action_n of_o authority_n usurp_v the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n endanger_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o state_n and_o violate_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o be_v there_o great_a violater_n of_o the_o church_n unity_n than_o they_o who_o impose_v on_o christ_n disciple_n other_o condition_n of_o church-fellowship_n and_o communion_n than_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n ever_o enjoin_v or_o require_v and_o so_o far_o i_o agree_v with_o
this_o answerer_n that_o the_o not_o punish_v of_o these_o be_v prejudicial_a both_o to_o church_n and_o state_n the_o one_o be_v thereby_o overrun_v with_o faction_n and_o sedition_n and_o the_o other_o as_o woeful_a experience_n tell_v we_o with_o schism_n heresy_n and_o contention_n but_o our_o answerer_n grow_v pleasant_a and_o play_v with_o his_o reader_n in_o tell_v he_o dissenter_n be_v persecute_v to_o what_o the_o primitive_a christian_n be_v persecute_v from_o viz._n their_o church_n or_o public_a place_n of_o divine_a worship_n for_o dissenter_n be_v not_o certain_o persecute_v to_o their_o church_n though_o some_o may_v account_v it_o a_o persecution_n to_o be_v compel_v unto_o he_o there_o have_v be_v and_o may_v be_v great_a difference_n in_o the_o cause_n as_o well_o as_o degree_n of_o persecution_n but_o whoever_o suffer_v in_o any_o kind_n for_o his_o faithful_a adhere_n unto_o the_o plain_a and_o undoubted_a command_n of_o his_o heavenly_a sovereign_n the_o â—_z thereof_o will_v not_o be_v excuse_v because_o other_o have_v be_v more_o barbarous_a and_o cruel_a than_o they_o and_o yet_o that_o even_o these_o be_v not_o as_o bad_a as_o the_o worst_a may_v be_v ascribe_v rather_o to_o the_o good_a hand_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o moderation_n of_o those_o in_o authority_n restrain_v they_o than_o to_o their_o good_a will_n or_o desire_n the_o instance_n he_o give_v we_o of_o a_o father_n correct_v his_o child_n and_o the_o child_n cry_v out_o mâ—ther_o be_v very_o impertinent_a here_o parent_n may_v correct_v their_o child_n and_o prince_n their_o subject_n but_o as_o the_o cause_n make_v the_o martyr_n so_o it_o be_v that_o must_v denominate_v it_o either_o persecution_n or_o punishment_n it_o be_v christ_n alone_o know_v who_o be_v he_o yet_o thus_o much_o we_o shall_v presume_v to_o say_v that_o they_o who_o persecute_v he_o in_o his_o member_n will_v not_o speed_v better_o at_o the_o great_a day_n of_o account_n than_o they_o who_o himself_o have_v tell_v we_o shall_v be_v then_o reject_v but_o for_o not_o visit_v and_o relieve_v his_o poor_a member_n 25._o when_o in_o want_n in_o sickness_n or_o in_o any_o other_o adversity_n query_n xxviii_o whether_o since_o offence_n will_v come_v it_o be_v not_o every_o one_o concern_n to_o be_v more_o than_o ordinary_a careful_a he_o involve_v not_o himself_o in_o that_o dreadful_a woe_n pronounce_v against_o those_o by_o who_o they_o come_v matt._n 18._o 7._o reply_v to_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o query_n quote_v the_o text_n may_v have_v satisfy_v this_o answerer_n that_o by_o offence_n here_o no_o more_o be_v understand_v than_o what_o our_o bless_a saviour_n intend_v when_o he_o pronounce_v that_o dreadful_a woe_n against_o those_o by_o who_o they_o come_v and_o whether_o they_o be_v the_o persecution_n which_o discourage_n christian_n from_o own_v of_o his_o name_n attend_v upon_o his_o ordinance_n adhere_v unto_o his_o truth_n or_o ought_v else_o that_o administer_v occasion_n to_o another_o to_o transgress_v any_o law_n of_o god_n neglect_v his_o duty_n or_o obstruct_v he_o in_o a_o course_n of_o piety_n and_o good_a work_n it_o certain_o concern_v every_o one_o to_o be_v more_o than_o ordinary_o careful_a he_o involve_v not_o himself_o in_o that_o dreadful_a woe_n pronounce_v against_o those_o by_o who_o they_o come_v the_o query_n indeed_o caution_n all_o to_o beware_v split_v on_o so_o dangerous_a a_o rock_n but_o charge_v none_o with_o run_v or_o drive_v other_o upon_o it_o evil_n therefore_o be_v to_o he_o that_o evil_n think_v mr._n baxter_n as_o quote_v by_o he_o say_v very_o well_o that_o a_o minister_n shall_v not_o more_o fear_n offend_v his_o particular_a flock_n than_o offend_v the_o catholic_n church_n but_o this_o will_v neither_o justify_v nor_o excuse_v his_o offend_n of_o either_o and_o notwithstanding_o this_o answerer_n hope_n he_o will_v not_o find_v a_o national_a church_n of_o humane_a institution_n to_o have_v that_o authority_n over_o its_o member_n even_o when_o it_o shall_v be_v determine_v who_o be_v so_o as_o a_o private_a minister_n have_v over_o the_o flock_n over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v he_o overseer_n whether_o dissenter_n take_v no_o offence_n as_o he_o say_v but_o what_o they_o bring_v upon_o themselves_o by_o their_o own_o pervert_v judgement_n etc._n etc._n let_v they_o see_v too_o who_o be_v therein_o concern_v and_o must_v one_o day_n answer_v for_o it_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o it_o may_v and_o often_o do_v so_o happen_v that_o one_o man_n be_v the_o occasion_n of_o another_o man_n sin_n and_o yet_o the_o guilt_n of_o he_o who_o sin_n not_o to_o be_v change_v upon_o he_o who_o action_n occasion_v it_o which_o yet_o hinder_v not_o but_o that_o many_o may_v likewise_o occasion_v other_o to_o sin_n for_o which_o they_o must_v be_v accountable_a and_o yet_o none_o sure_a doubt_n but_o that_o as_o he_o say_v in_o the_o enact_v of_o law_n authority_n be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o consider_v what_o will_v please_v the_o humour_n as_o advance_v the_o benefit_n of_o those_o under_o its_o charge_n and_o protection_n nor_o can_v we_o have_v so_o hard_a thought_n of_o any_o in_o authority_n as_o to_o imagine_v they_o shall_v make_v law_n thwart_v or_o contradict_v those_o that_o be_v divine_a nor_o yet_o who_o take_v or_o give_v offence_n 12._o for_o as_o every_o one_o must_v give_v a_o account_n of_o himself_o to_o god_n so_o let_v every_o one_o look_v to_o himself_o and_o his_o own_o duty_n and_o as_o he_o tell_v we_o the_o day_n be_v come_v when_o all_o man_n disguise_n and_o vizard_n shall_v be_v pull_v off_o and_o their_o most_o retire_a thought_n and_o action_n lay_v open_a and_o manifest_a to_o man_n and_o angel_n 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v well_o if_o all_o man_n have_v a_o serious_a and_o due_a sense_n thereof_o and_o so_o live_v and_o behave_v themselves_o in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o their_o life_n as_o to_o convince_v the_o world_n they_o speak_v as_o they_o think_v and_o believe_v as_o they_o profess_v but_o who_o be_v they_o this_o libellous_a answerer_n accuse_v of_o charge_v the_o church_n of_o england_n with_o offence_n and_o deny_v the_o magistrate_n power_n and_o supremacy_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n as_o by_o law_n declare_v these_o query_n be_v no_o way_n guilty_a thereof_o for_o as_o they_o respect_v so_o they_o be_v direct_v only_o to_o such_o as_o himself_o who_o against_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o principle_n of_o the_o reformation_n require_v a_o implicit_a faith_n and_o worse_o than_o blind_a obedience_n from_o the_o people_n and_o it_o be_v beyond_o his_o power_n and_o malice_n to_o find_v any_o thing_n in_o they_o inconsistent_a with_o their_o receive_v the_o holy_a eucharist_n according_a to_o law_n who_o scruple_n not_o the_o lawfulness_n thereof_o and_o who_o be_v they_o this_o libeler_n will_v have_v to_o question_n not_o only_o the_o king_n coercive_a authority_n but_o the_o whole_a ministry_n and_o be_v of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o accuse_v her_o government_n of_o more_o tyranny_n and_o persecution_n than_o ever_o yet_o be_v object_v against_o she_o by_o the_o most_o violent_a of_o her_o romish_a adversary_n not_o those_o sure_a who_o be_v against_o secular_a force_n and_o compulsion_n in_o religion_n which_o be_v the_o utmost_a import_n of_o these_o query_n for_o then_o the_o charge_n will_v reach_v all_o those_o reverend_n and_o learned_a divine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n before_o mention_v with_o most_o other_o of_o name_n and_o fame_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n who_o have_v decry_v the_o same_o as_o unscriptural_a and_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o principle_n of_o christianity_n and_o will_v indeed_o argue_v he_o to_o be_v the_o person_n of_o that_o evil_a and_o deprave_a temper_n of_o spirit_n he_o speak_v of_o yet_o i_o agree_v with_o he_o that_o man_n eminent_a in_o their_o country_n and_o such_o as_o have_v a_o reputation_n for_o knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n may_v do_v more_o good_a by_o their_o example_n than_o in_o this_o age_n the_o church_n can_v do_v with_o its_o censure_n or_o churchman_n with_o their_o instruction_n but_o let_v he_o be_v assure_v none_o shall_v ever_o have_v a_o reputation_n for_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n who_o give_v not_o unto_o god_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v god_n as_o unto_o caesar_n thing_n that_o be_v caesar_n fear_v to_o who_o fear_v and_o honour_n to_o who_o honour_n be_v due_a and_o let_v he_o not_o deceive_v himself_o in_o think_v man_n of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n separate_v from_o the_o church_n because_o they_o separate_v from_o some_o churchman_n of_o vicious_a and_o deprave_a spirit_n or_o to_o have_v enmity_n against_o that_o because_o they_o will_v have_v no_o fellowship_n or_o communion_n with_o these_o it_o not_o be_v