they_o be_v not_o preferable_a in_o this_o point_n before_o any_o other_o in_o europe_n if_o any_o one_o question_n thâ—_n truth_n of_o it_o i_o appeal_v to_o mr._n toland_n case_n concern_v his_o treatise_n entitle_v christianity_n not_o mysterious_a it_o be_v both_o beyond_o my_o scope_n and_o the_o compass_n of_o a_o letter_n to_o enter_v upon_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n on_o both_o side_n it_o will_v be_v sufficient_a here_o to_o refer_v myself_o to_o what_o have_v be_v publish_v against_o he_o late_o here_o in_o england_n and_o in_o other_o place_n all_o which_o if_o due_o compare_v will_v soon_o evince_v how_o much_o the_o english_a clergy_n â—as_v outdo_v the_o rest_n both_o by_o force_n of_o argument_n and_o a_o generous_a gentle_a behaviour_n but_o i_o be_o afraid_a i_o have_v abuse_v your_o lordship_n patience_n i_o will_v therefore_o conclude_v with_o recommend_v both_o my_o author_n and_o myself_o to_o your_o lordship_n protection_n beg_v leave_n to_o subscribe_v myself_o my_o lord_n your_o devote_a servant_n j._n crull_n m._n d._n the_o content_n concering_n religion_n before_o civil_a society_n be_v institute_v sect_n 1._o every_o man_n be_v accountable_a to_o god_n for_o his_o own_o religion_n 2_o how_o the_o same_o may_v be_v exercise_v in_o the_o free_a state_n of_o nature_n 3_o parentâ—_n have_v original_o the_o care_n of_o religious_a worship_n lodge_v in_o they_o 4_o civil_a society_n be_v not_o constitute_v for_o religion_n sake_n 5_o subject_n do_v never_o submit_v their_o opinion_n as_o to_o religious_a worship_n to_o the_o disposal_n of_o their_o sovereign_n 6_o what_o power_n proper_o and_o according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n belong_v to_o sovereign_n in_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n 7_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o reveal_v religion_n 8_o among_o the_o jew_n there_o be_v a_o very_a strict_a union_n betwixt_o the_o church_n and_o state_n 9_o who_o be_v the_o supreme_a head_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n 10_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v quite_o different_a from_o the_o jewish_a 11_o some_o reflection_n on_o the_o behaviour_n of_o moses_n when_o he_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o the_o jew_n 12_o what_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n our_o saviour_n do_v when_o he_o establish_v his_o church_n here_o on_o earth_n 13_o christ_n be_v not_o the_o founder_n of_o a_o new_a commonwealth_n or_o people_n 14_o neither_o have_v he_o any_o territory_n belong_v to_o he_o 15_o christ_n do_v not_o exercise_v any_o sovereign_a power_n 16_o but_o thâ—_n office_n of_o a_o doctor_n or_o teacher_n 17_o the_o apostle_n do_v propagate_v the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n 18_o the_o apostle_n have_v receive_v their_o authority_n of_o teach_v from_o god_n alone_o independent_a from_o any_o human_a power_n 19_o the_o apostle_n never_o assume_v any_o authority_n of_o command_v other_o 20_o whether_o their_o authority_n of_o teach_v do_v indirect_o imply_v any_o right_n of_o command_v other_o 21_o whether_o the_o power_n of_o absolution_n do_v imply_v any_o right_n of_o sovereignty_n 22_o what_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v by_o absolve_v from_o sin_n 23_o under_o who_o authority_n the_o apostle_n do_v exercise_v the_o power_n of_o absolution_n 24_o of_o what_o nature_n it_o be_v 25_o whether_o st._n peter_n have_v any_o prerogative_n grant_v above_o other_o 26_o whether_o the_o power_n of_o excommunicate_v imply_v a_o sovereignty_n 27_o the_o commission_n grant_v by_o christ_n to_o his_o apostle_n contain_v nothing_o of_o command_n 28_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n be_v no_o temporal_a kingdom_n 29_o whether_o the_o christian_a church_n ought_v to_o be_v consider_v as_o a_o state_n or_o sovereignty_n 30_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n there_o be_v nothing_o like_o it_o 31_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n betwixt_o the_o church_n and_o state_n 32_o and_o the_o doctor_n or_o teacher_n in_o the_o church_n be_v quite_o different_a from_o those_o that_o exercise_n the_o sovereignty_n in_o a_o state_n 33_o whether_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n ought_v to_o be_v consider_v as_o a_o state_n 34_o it_o be_v not_o requisite_a to_o reduce_v the_o whole_a christian_a church_n under_o one_o independent_a severeignty_n or_o head_n 35_o whether_o there_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v one_o supreme_a judge_n in_o the_o church_n to_o determine_v such_o difference_n as_o may_v arise_v from_o time_n to_o time_n 36_o a_o example_n of_o a_o controversy_n compose_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n 37_o some_o observation_n concern_v the_o nature_n and_o vsefulness_n of_o general_n council_n 38_o concern_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n under_o the_o pagan_a prince_n 39_o concern_v its_o condition_n under_o the_o christian_a emperor_n 40_o the_o church_n have_v not_o change_v her_o nature_n of_o be_v a_o college_n or_o society_n 41_o neither_o be_v sovereign_n thereby_o become_v bishop_n 42_o christian_a sovereign_n be_v oblige_v to_o maintain_v and_o defend_v the_o church_n 43_o of_o the_o prerogative_n of_o prince_n in_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n 44_o of_o the_o power_n of_o sovereign_n over_o the_o church_n minister_n 45_o of_o the_o power_n of_o call_v a_o synod_n or_o convention_n 46_o of_o their_o power_n as_o to_o church-discipline_n 47_o of_o their_o power_n of_o make_v law_n and_o ecclesiastical_a constitution_n 48_o how_o far_o sovereign_n be_v oblige_v to_o intermeddle_v in_o religious_a affair_n when_o the_o public_a safety_n lie_v at_o stake_n 49_o concern_v toleration_n of_o several_a religion_n 50_o prince_n ought_v to_o be_v very_o careful_a not_o to_o be_v lead_v away_o by_o false_a suggestion_n 51_o sometime_o the_o prerogative_n of_o sovereign_n be_v impair_v under_o a_o religious_a pretext_n 52_o concern_v the_o power_n of_o set_v up_o a_o reformation_n 53_o whether_o subject_n without_o the_o concurrence_n of_o their_o sovereign_n can_v pretend_v to_o set_v up_o a_o reformation_n 54_o of_o the_o nature_n and_o qualification_n of_o religion_n in_o reference_n to_o civil_a society_n etc._n etc._n among_o all_o those_o question_n which_o have_v for_o many_o age_n pass_v be_v controvert_v among_o christian_n this_o may_v be_v deem_v one_o of_o the_o chief_a which_o treat_v of_o the_o nature_n authority_n and_o power_n of_o the_o church_n and_o which_o of_o the_o several_a christian_a sect_n ought_v most_o just_o to_o claim_v the_o title_n of_o the_o true_a church_n the_o romanist_n keep_v this_o for_o their_o last_o reserve_v when_o engage_v with_o the_o protestant_n that_o they_o attribute_v the_o name_n of_o the_o true_a church_n only_o to_o themselves_o and_o bold_o stigmatize_v all_o such_o as_o be_v not_o of_o their_o communion_n with_o the_o name_n of_o rebellious_a deserter_n this_o be_v the_o main_a bulwark_n they_o rely_v upon_o think_v it_o sufficient_a to_o allege_v in_o their_o own_o behalf_n that_o they_o be_v not_o oblige_v so_o strict_o to_o examine_v and_o maintain_v every_o article_n of_o their_o faith_n against_o the_o protestant_n since_o whatever_o objection_n may_v be_v make_v out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o same_o aught_o to_o be_v reject_v as_o erroneous_a if_o not_o agreeable_a with_o the_o interpretation_n and_o tradition_n of_o their_o church_n thus_o make_v themselves_o both_o judge_n and_o witness_n in_o their_o own_o cause_n â—esides_v this_o it_o be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o matter_n of_o the_o great_a consequence_n both_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o the_o public_a safety_n in_o a_o state_n to_o know_v exact_o what_o bound_n ought_v to_o be_v prescribe_v to_o the_o priestly_a order_n in_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n as_o likewise_o to_o determine_v how_o far_o the_o power_n of_o sovereign_n extend_v itself_o in_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n for_o if_o either_o of_o they_o transgress_v their_o bound_n it_o must_v of_o necessity_n prove_v the_o cause_n of_o great_a abuse_n disturbance_n and_o oppression_n both_o in_o church_n and_o state_n i_o be_v the_o soon_o prevail_v upon_o to_o search_v into_o the_o very_a bottom_n of_o this_o question_n at_o this_o juncture_n of_o time_n when_o not_o only_o the_o romish_a priest_n apply_v all_o their_o cunning_a for_o the_o root_n out_o of_o the_o protestant_n but_o also_o some_o of_o the_o great_a prince_n in_o christendom_n set_v aside_o the_o ancient_a way_n of_o convert_v people_n by_o reason_n and_o force_v of_o argument_n have_v now_o recourse_n to_o opâ—n_a violence_n and_o by_o dragoon_v force_v their_o miserable_a subject_n to_o a_o religion_n which_o always_o appear_v abominable_a to_o they_o but_o if_o we_o propose_v to_o ourselves_o to_o examine_v this_o point_n according_a to_o its_o own_o solid_a principle_n as_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v without_o have_v recourse_n to_o ambiguous_a term_n and_o tergiversation_n it_o be_v absolute_o requisite_a that_o we_o trace_v the_o very_a original_a of_o religion_n in_o general_n and_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o particular_a so_o as_o
consequent_o be_v of_o a_o quite_o different_a nature_n and_o make_v up_o a_o particular_a sovereignty_n wherefore_o if_o both_o these_o shall_v happen_v to_o be_v join_v in_o one_o person_n he_o become_v thereby_o at_o once_o master_n over_o our_o life_n and_o conscience_n but_o if_o this_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n be_v lodge_v in_o another_o person_n he_o must_v either_o at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v acknowledge_v to_o have_v a_o power_n of_o execute_v his_o decree_n by_o his_o own_o prerogative_n or_o else_o to_o have_v only_o a_o authority_n of_o give_v sentence_n leave_v the_o execution_n of_o it_o to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n if_o the_o first_o of_o these_o two_o be_v suppose_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o a_o double_a head_a sovereignty_n must_v carry_v along_o with_o it_o great_a inconvenience_n and_o distraction_n and_o if_o the_o latter_a those_o that_o exercise_v the_o sovereignty_n in_o the_o state_n must_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o executioner_n only_o to_o this_o holy_a judge_n all_o these_o thing_n due_o consider_v as_o they_o must_v needs_o occasion_v great_a convulsion_n in_o the_o state_n so_o no_o man_n that_o be_v not_o beyond_o his_o wit_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o imagine_v unless_o it_o be_v make_v appear_v by_o most_o evident_a proof_n that_o christ_n intend_v to_o introduce_v by_o his_o doctrine_n such_o pernicious_a disease_n into_o civil_a society_n for_o though_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o no_o controversy_n shall_v be_v raise_v in_o the_o church_n like_o christ_n himself_o have_v foretell_v it_o in_o the_o parable_n by_o matthew_n c._n 13._o 24._o and_o st._n paul_n in_o the_o 1_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n c._n 11._o 19_o nevertheless_o if_o any_o controversy_n do_v arise_v he_o that_o be_v the_o first_o author_n of_o it_o must_v of_o necessity_n maintain_v his_o opinion_n under_o a_o colour_n at_o least_o of_o its_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o scripture_n for_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v pretend_v to_o introduce_v a_o new_a article_n of_o faith_n without_o endeavour_v to_o prove_v it_o out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n he_o will_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o mad_a man_n though_o he_o shall_v call_v to_o his_o aid_n all_o the_o sophistication_n of_o the_o philosopher_n and_o if_o he_o shall_v insist_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o tradition_n without_o the_o scripture_n this_o will_v only_o serve_v to_o disclose_v the_o weakness_n of_o that_o foundation_n whereupon_o he_o build_v his_o doctrine_n but_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v make_v a_o attempt_n against_o any_o article_n of_o faith_n receive_v already_o as_o such_o in_o the_o church_n he_o be_v scarce_o worth_a take_a notice_n of_o unless_o he_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o allege_v at_o least_o some_o specious_a reason_n out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o his_o opinion_n and_o in_o such_o a_o case_n especial_o if_o his_o endeavour_n seem_v to_o proceed_v from_o a_o real_a love_n to_o truth_n he_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v absolute_o slight_v without_o be_v hear_v and_o his_o reason_n examine_v so_o that_o then_o the_o whole_a decision_n of_o the_o matter_n must_v depend_v from_o a_o right_a interpretation_n of_o the_o several_a passage_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n relate_v to_o this_o controversy_n and_o to_o find_v out_o this_o interpretation_n i_o see_v not_o any_o necessity_n which_o oblige_v we_o to_o have_v recourse_n to_o a_o sovereign_a power_n or_o any_o infallible_a authority_n but_o only_o to_o such_o mâ—ans_n as_o â—â—_o most_o proper_a for_o the_o search_n into_o and_o find_v out_o the_o genuine_a sense_n of_o other_o author_n viz._n by_o a_o true_a knowledge_n of_o the_o tongue_n and_o a_o diligent_a search_n into_o the_o nature_n and_o whole_a sâ—ame_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o by_o due_o compare_v the_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o observe_v their_o annology_n and_o connexion_n whosoever_o beside_o this_o have_v a_o natural_a good_a judgement_n and_o be_v not_o propossess_v with_o prejudice_n private_a interest_n or_o passion_n it_o will_v oâ—_n no_o such_o difficult_a task_n for_o he_o to_o find_v out_o the_o genuine_a sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o to_o demonstrate_v it_o so_o plain_o that_o such_o as_o oppose_v he_o will_n by_o the_o consent_n of_o all_o understanding_n people_n be_v judge_v to_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n so_o do_v our_o saviour_n at_o several_a time_n convince_v the_o pharisee_n and_o saduceans_n out_o of_o the_o whole_a scripture_n and_o by_o the_o force_n of_o his_o argument_n take_v from_o thence_o that_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o make_v any_o further_a reply_n and_o why_o shall_v it_o not_o be_v reasonable_o suppose_v that_o in_o each_o christian_a church_n there_o may_v be_v find_v a_o sufficient_a number_n of_o teacher_n capable_a of_o disprove_v such_o as_o pretend_v to_o introduce_v among_o they_o innovation_n and_o false_a doctrine_n but_o suppose_v that_o these_o alone_a shall_v prove_v insufficient_a they_o may_v call_v to_o their_o aid_n those_o of_o the_o neighbour_a most_o famous_a church_n from_o whence_o it_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v no_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o acknowledge_v a_o judge_n general_n of_o controversy_n in_o the_o church_n and_o put_v the_o case_n that_o those_o that_o dissent_n from_o the_o church_n be_v so_o numerous_a as_o to_o have_v spread_v their_o doctrine_n all_o over_o the_o state_n this_o judge_n will_v prove_v useless_a in_o his_o office_n for_o if_o he_o pretend_v to_o have_v recourse_n to_o violent_a mean_n to_o make_v they_o renounce_v their_o false_a opinion_n they_o will_v in_o all_o probability_n oppose_v force_n to_o force_v but_o if_o he_o take_v the_o other_o way_n and_o endeavour_n to_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o earor_n by_o argument_n take_v out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n this_o may_v be_v do_v as_o well_o by_o other_o teacher_n sit_o qualify_v for_o their_o office_n than_o by_o such_o a_o judge_n general_n in_o the_o church_n neither_o ought_v we_o to_o be_v so_o over_o timorous_a as_o to_o believe_v that_o error_n shall_v in_o so_o much_o prevail_v over_o truth_n as_o to_o domineer_v always_o and_o every_o where_n over_o it_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v question_v but_o that_o by_o help_n of_o the_o most_o clear-sighted_a teacher_n in_o the_o church_n these_o cloud_n may_v be_v soon_o disperse_v and_o truth_n again_o appear_v in_o its_o splendour_n i_o appeal_v to_o experience_n whether_o not_o a_o great_a many_o heresy_n by_o the_o only_a help_n of_o prevail_a truth_n without_o the_o assistance_n of_o such_o a_o judge_n or_o any_o human_a force_n have_v by_o degree_n dwindle_v away_o and_o at_o last_o quite_o disappear_v it_o must_v be_v confess_v there_o be_v some_o erroneous_a opinion_n which_o be_v nourish_v and_o maintain_v by_o a_o temporal_a interest_n and_o certain_a reason_n of_o state_n of_o some_o particular_a church_n be_v not_o so_o easy_a to_o be_v suppress_v of_o this_o kind_n be_v those_o controversy_n wherein_o the_o protestant_n differ_v with_o the_o papish_n all_o which_o if_o due_o consider_v be_v so_o deep_o entangle_v with_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o popish_a monarchy_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o the_o roman_a catholic_n to_o recede_v a_o inch_n from_o the_o point_n of_o the_o controvert_v article_n without_o diminution_n of_o their_o authority_n and_o endanger_v their_o great_a revenue_n so_o that_o all_o hope_n of_o a_o union_n betwixt_o they_o and_o the_o protestant_n be_v in_o vain_a unless_o the_o latter_a can_v resolve_v to_o submit_v themselves_o under_o the_o same_o popish_a yoke_n which_o they_o have_v shake_v off_o so_o long_o ago_o i_o can_v sufficient_o admire_v that_o gross_a way_n of_o argue_v make_v use_v of_o by_o the_o papish_n when_o they_o talk_v of_o nothing_o else_o but_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o church_n tell_v we_o that_o if_o we_o will_v but_o once_o acknowledge_v the_o same_o all_o the_o difference_n and_o question_n concern_v the_o chief_a article_n of_o faith_n will_v fall_v a-course_n make_v themselves_o both_o party_n and_o judge_n and_o pretend_v to_o give_v sentence_n in_o their_o own_o case_n according_a to_o their_o own_o testimony_n they_o always_o make_v use_n of_o this_o sophism_n that_o they_o attribute_v only_o to_o themselves_o the_o glorious_a name_n of_o the_o true_a church_n exclude_v all_o orhe_a christian_n from_o it_o but_o such_o as_o be_v of_o the_o same_o communion_n with_o they_o and_o to_o back_o this_o pretence_n nothing_o be_v more_o common_a among_o they_o than_o to_o lay_v aside_o all_o manner_n of_o demonstrative_a argument_n found_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o in_o lien_n thereof_o to_o find_v out_o new_a method_n unknown_a to_o the_o apostle_n of_o convert_v people_n and_o to_o endeavour_v to_o establish_v their_o authority_n by_o all_o manner_n of_o violence_n against_o those_o that_o dare_v to_o maintain_v truth_n in_o opposition_n to_o their_o doctrine_n for_o which_o
they_o but_o that_o each_o of_o they_o be_v involve_v in_o such_o a_o multitude_n of_o trouble_n and_o variety_n of_o business_n that_o it_o can_v rational_o be_v suppose_v for_o one_o man_n to_o be_v able_a to_o undergo_v such_o a_o fatigue_n iâ—â—s_n no_o less_o evident_a that_o sovereign_n by_o become_v christian_n be_v not_o authorise_v to_o alter_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n or_o to_o order_v it_o at_o pleasure_n or_o to_o force_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o teach_v any_o doctrine_n which_o be_v not_o found_v in_o the_o scripture_n or_o to_o preach_v up_o human_a invention_n for_o article_n of_o faith_n for_o what_o and_o how_o minister_n ought_v to_o teach_v be_v prescribe_v by_o god_n himself_o who_o expect_v a_o exact_a obedience_n in_o this_o point_n as_o well_o from_o king_n as_o other_o christian_n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o whenever_o prince_n receive_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n the_o teacher_n notwithstanding_o this_o remain_n in_o their_o former_a station_n as_o to_o their_o duty_n and_o obligation_n to_o god_n as_o well_o as_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o christian_a subject_n who_o have_v receive_v their_o instruction_n as_o to_o their_o religion_n only_o from_o god_n without_o the_o assistance_n of_o their_o sovereign_n these_o can_v claim_v any_o right_a to_o impose_v any_o thing_n of_o this_o kind_n upon_o they_o §_o 43._o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o it_o be_v not_o church_n concern_v the_o duty_n and_o right_n of_o christian_a prince_n of_o defend_v the_o church_n to_o be_v suppose_v that_o sovereign_n by_o become_v christian_n have_v acquire_v no_o peculiar_a right_n or_o have_v not_o a_o more_o particular_a duty_n lay_v upon_o they_o than_o before_o there_o be_v certain_a obligation_n which_o owe_v their_o offspring_n to_o the_o union_n of_o that_o duty_n which_o be_v incumbent_n to_o every_o christian_a with_o that_o of_o the_o royal_a office_n the_o first_o and_o chief_a of_o these_o obligation_n seem_v to_o be_v that_o sovereign_n ought_v to_o be_v defender_n of_o the_o church_n which_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o protect_v not_o only_o against_o all_o such_o of_o their_o subject_n as_o dare_v to_o attempt_v any_o thing_n against_o it_o but_o also_o against_o foreigner_n who_o pretend_v to_o be_v injurious_a to_o their_o subject_n upon_o that_o score_n and_o though_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v not_o to_o be_v propagate_v by_o violence_n or_o force_n of_o arm_n and_o our_o saviour_n have_v high_o recommend_v patience_n and_o suffering_n as_o peculiar_a virtue_n belong_v to_o christian_n prince_n be_v nevertheless_o not_o debar_v from_o their_o right_n of_o protect_v the_o christian_a religion_n by_o all_o lawful_a mean_n and_o patience_n ought_v not_o to_o take_v place_n here_o except_o when_o no_o other_o lawful_a mean_n can_v secure_v we_o against_o our_o enemy_n so_o we_o see_v that_o st._n paul_n 2d_o act_n 2._o 2d_o save_v himself_o from_o be_v scourge_v by_o declare_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o roman_a and_o escape_v the_o fury_n of_o the_o jew_n by_o make_v his_o appeal_n to_o the_o emperor_n and_o our_o saviour_n himself_o leave_v this_o 2d_o mat._n 10._o 2d_o advice_n to_o his_o disciple_n that_o when_o they_o be_v persecute_v in_o one_o city_n they_o shall_v fly_v into_o another_o and_o it_o be_v a_o incumbent_a duty_n belong_v to_o all_o sovereign_n to_o defend_v their_o subject_n against_o all_o violence_n they_o ought_v to_o take_v more_o effectual_a care_n that_o they_o do_v not_o suffer_v any_o injury_n for_o the_o christian_a religion_n sake_n for_o what_o can_v be_v more_o reproachful_a to_o a_o christian_a prince_n than_o that_o his_o subject_n shall_v be_v sufferer_n upon_o that_o account_n the_o next_o care_n which_o belong_v to_o christian_a prince_n be_v to_o provide_v necessary_a revenue_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o as_o have_v be_v show_v before_o that_o no_o other_o patrimony_n belong_v to_o the_o primitive_a church_n but_o the_o alm_n and_o free_a contribution_n of_o the_o believer_n and_o that_o these_o can_v but_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v very_o uncertain_a the_o minister_n and_o teacher_n in_o the_o church_n run_v no_o small_a hazard_n of_o be_v expose_v to_o want_v if_o they_o have_v nothing_o else_o to_o rely_v upon_o but_o the_o bare_a contribution_n of_o the_o congregation_n who_o be_v in_o some_o place_n poor_a and_o subject_a to_o other_o tax_n be_v incapable_a of_o supply_v their_o want_n and_o not_o to_o dissemble_v the_o truth_n after_o prince_n and_o enâ—tire_a state_n have_v receive_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n it_o will_v appear_v very_o ill_o that_o whereas_o they_o enjoy_v such_o ample_a revenue_n they_o will_v deal_v so_o spare_o with_o the_o church_n the_o more_o because_o it_o be_v a_o general_a maxim_n among_o man_n to_o value_v a_o function_n according_a to_o its_o revenue_n what_o st._n paul_n recommend_v to_o the_o roman_n in_o the_o 15_o chapter_n v._o 27._o and_o in_o the_o 1_o epist_n to_o the_o corinthian_n 9_o 11._o ought_v to_o be_v the_o more_o take_v notice_n of_o by_o christian_a prince_n because_o they_o can_v with_o less_o difficulty_n or_o any_o sensible_a injury_n to_o themselves_o put_v it_o in_o practice_n in_o their_o station_n they_o have_v the_o management_n of_o the_o public_a revenue_n in_o their_o hand_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o too_o vast_a revenue_n be_v not_o always_o useful_a to_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n and_o prove_v sometimes_o prejudicial_a both_o to_o church_n and_o state_n and_o that_o such_o as_o make_v profession_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n ought_v not_o to_o make_v a_o trade_n of_o their_o function_n or_o to_o think_v it_o their_o main_a business_n to_o gather_v riches_n and_o take_v the_o ministry_n for_o their_o by-work_n nevertheless_o if_o it_o be_v due_o consider_v that_o he_o who_o cordial_o as_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v apply_v himself_o to_o the_o ministerial_a function_n have_v no_o other_o way_n leave_v he_o to_o provide_v for_o his_o family_n and_o that_o the_o vulgar_a sort_n scarce_o pay_v a_o due_a respect_n to_o a_o minister_n unless_o they_o see_v he_o live_v handsome_o and_o well_o whereas_o he_o who_o be_v starve_v by_o his_o function_n be_v the_o may-game_n of_o the_o common_a people_n unto_o who_o may_v be_v apply_v that_o old_a say_v of_o the_o poet_n that_o this_o man_n appear_v to_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o a_o poor_a and_o wretched_a lord_n apparet_fw-la servum_fw-la hunc_fw-la esse_fw-la domini_fw-la pauperis_fw-la miserique_fw-la prince_n ought_v therefore_o to_o look_v upon_o this_o as_o one_o main_a part_n of_o their_o devotion_n to_o settle_v certain_a and_o constant_a salary_n or_o revenue_n upon_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v at_o least_o sufficient_a for_o their_o maintenance_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o priest_n be_v to_o live_v from_o the_o altar_n but_o those_o of_o the_o best_a kind_n be_v 4._o vid._n ep._n gal._n 6._o 6._o 2_o tim._n 2._o 4._o bring_v to_o the_o altar_n beside_o this_o prince_n ought_v not_o only_o to_o take_v care_n of_o church-building_n but_o also_o to_o erect_v and_o maintain_v school_n which_o be_v the_o seminary_n both_o of_o the_o church_n and_o state_n if_o the_o first_o rudiment_n of_o christianity_n be_v not_o implant_v in_o the_o school_n it_o can_v scarce_o be_v expect_v that_o man_n when_o grow_v up_o shall_v receive_v much_o benefit_n by_o public_a sermon_n §_o 44._o but_o among_o other_o consideration_n as_o inspection_n concern_v the_o right_n of_o prince_n as_o to_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n and_o first_o of_o the_o general_a inspection_n to_o what_o right_n proper_o belong_v to_o prince_n as_o to_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o since_o by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o civil_a power_n be_v in_o no_o wise_a impair_v and_o a_o prince_n cherish_v a_o church_n under_o his_o jurisdiction_n he_o legal_o claim_v a_o right_a of_o have_v a_o general_a inspection_n over_o this_o as_o well_o as_o all_o other_o society_n at_o least_o so_o far_o as_o to_o take_v care_n that_o nothing_o be_v transact_v in_o these_o college_n to_o his_o prejudice_n for_o mankind_n be_v so_o perverse_a in_o its_o nature_n that_o in_o matter_n even_o the_o most_o sacred_a if_o manage_v without_o control_n they_o seldom_o let_v it_o slip_v through_o their_o hand_n without_o a_o stain_n and_o that_o therefore_o it_o be_v scarce_o to_o be_v question_v but_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o same_o corruption_n and_o that_o under_o pretence_n of_o religion_n many_o pernicious_a design_n may_v be_v hatch_v against_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n a_o prince_n in_o who_o territory_n a_o church_n be_v plant_v if_o he_o afterward_o enter_v into_o the_o communion_n of_o that_o church_n have_v
propagate_a of_o this_o doctrine_n they_o destroy_v the_o very_a essential_a part_n of_o our_o faith_n which_o be_v a_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o a_o belief_n found_v in_o our_o heart_n be_v transmute_v into_o a_o outward_a confession_n where_o the_o tongue_n to_o avoid_v temporal_a punishment_n be_v force_v to_o speak_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o no_o wise_a agreeable_a to_o the_o heart_n this_o however_o admit_v again_o of_o a_o limitation_n for_o herein_o be_v not_o comprehend_v these_o point_n which_o proceed_v from_o natural_a religion_n be_v also_o contain_v in_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o all_o of_o they_o imply_v a_o profound_a reverence_n to_o be_v pay_v to_o the_o supreme_a be_v for_o it_o be_v beyond_o all_o question_n that_o those_o that_o act_n against_o the_o very_a dictate_v of_o reason_n aught_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o civil_a punishment_n since_o they_o strike_v at_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o civil_a society_n such_o be_v idolatry_n blasphemy_n profanation_n of_o the_o sabbath_n where_o nevertheless_o great_a care_n be_v to_o be_v take_v that_o a_o due_a difference_n be_v make_v betwixt_o the_o moral_a part_n of_o that_o precept_n concern_v the_o sabbath_n which_o be_v unalterable_a and_o the_o ceremonial_a part_n of_o it_o prince_n therefore_o at_o their_o first_o entrance_n into_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n may_v lawful_o destroy_v the_o image_n and_o temple_n of_o the_o idol_n and_o the_o grove_n and_o other_o meeting-place_n dedicate_v to_o their_o superstitious_a worship_n neither_o can_v it_o be_v call_v in_o question_n but_o that_o christian_a sovereign_n have_v a_o right_a to_o inflict_v civil_a punishment_n upon_o such_o as_o revile_v the_o whole_a system_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o ridicule_n the_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n at_o least_o they_o may_v banish_v they_o the_o country_n but_o for_o the_o rest_n it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o believe_v that_o the_o true_a enlighten_v of_o our_o mind_n and_o the_o inward_a consent_n to_o such_o article_n of_o faith_n as_o surpass_v our_o understanding_n can_v be_v procure_v by_o violent_a mean_n or_o temporal_a punishment_n for_o suppose_v you_o force_v a_o man_n to_o dissemble_v his_o thought_n to_o speak_v contrary_a to_o what_o he_o conceive_v in_o his_o own_o opinion_n let_v his_o confession_n be_v never_o so_o formal_a and_o his_o gesture_n never_o so_o well_o compose_v and_o conformable_a to_o certain_a prescribe_a rule_n this_o have_v not_o the_o least_o affinity_n with_o true_a religion_n unless_o he_o at_o the_o same_o time_n do_v feel_v a_o inward_a motion_n and_o hearty_a compliance_n with_o what_o he_o profess_v neither_o ought_v people_n according_a to_o the_o true_a genius_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n be_v entice_v to_o receive_v the_o christian_a religion_n by_o temporal_a interest_n honour_n or_o other_o such_o like_a advantage_n for_o christ_n do_v promise_v that_o those_o that_o follow_v he_o shall_v receive_v their_o reward_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v but_o foretold_v they_o nothing_o but_o cross_n and_o tribulation_n in_o this_o and_o those_o that_o embrace_v any_o religion_n out_o of_o a_o motive_n of_o temporal_a advantage_n do_v plain_o show_v that_o they_o have_v a_o great_a value_n for_o their_o own_o â—erest_n than_o religion_n and_o certain_o scarce_o any_o body_n that_o have_v but_o common_a sense_n can_v persuade_v himself_o that_o such_o a_o sort_n of_o worship_n can_v be_v please_v to_o god_n almighty_a sovereign_n being_n not_o constitute_v for_o religion_n sake_n they_o can_v under_o that_o colour_n exact_a from_o their_o subject_n a_o blind_a obedience_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v unquestionable_a that_o if_o subject_n shall_v blindfold_o follow_v the_o religion_n of_o their_o sovereign_n they_o can_v by_o all_o his_o authority_n be_v assure_v of_o their_o salvation_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o in_o case_n any_o subject_a be_v full_o convince_v that_o he_o can_v out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n discover_v any_o error_n which_o be_v creep_v into_o the_o church_n even_o that_o by_o law_n establish_v especial_o concern_v any_o principal_a point_n of_o faith_n he_o neither_o can_v nor_o aught_o to_o be_v hinder_v in_o his_o design_n by_o the_o sovereign_a authority_n before_o his_o reason_n be_v hear_v and_o well_o debate_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o best_a and_o able_a judge_n and_o if_o by_o they_o he_o be_v legal_o and_o plain_o convict_v of_o his_o error_n then_o and_o 〈◊〉_d before_o ought_v he_o to_o be_v silence_v to_o force_v people_n into_o the_o church_n â—y_a the_o bare_a civil_a authority_n must_v needs_o fill_v the_o commonwealth_n with_o hypocrite_n who_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o act_n according_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o their_o conscience_n for_o since_o in_o religion_n matter_n a_o absolute_a uniformity_n betwixt_o the_o heart_n and_o tongue_n be_v require_v how_o can_v it_o otherwise_o be_v but_o that_o such_o as_o profess_v a_o religion_n disagreeable_a to_o their_o opinion_n shall_v never_o be_v satisfy_v in_o their_o conscience_n when_o they_o consider_v that_o they_o impose_v upon_o god_n almighty_a §_o 49._o the_o care_n of_o preserve_v the_o public_a tranquillity_n what_o prerogative_n belong_v to_o sovereign_n as_o be_v protector_n of_o the_o public_a tranquillity_n peace_n belong_v in_o a_o most_o peculiar_a manner_n to_o sovereign_n have_v furnish_v some_o with_o a_o specious_a pretence_n to_o affirm_v that_o since_o difference_n in_o religion_n cause_n frequent_a convulsion_n in_o the_o state_n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v deem_v one_o of_o the_o great_a happiness_n of_o a_o government_n if_o its_o subject_n in_o general_a be_v of_o one_o religion_n all_o mean_n though_o never_o so_o violent_a may_v be_v put_v in_o execution_n to_o extirpate_v these_o difference_n in_o religion_n they_o allege_v that_o as_o much_o more_o precious_a our_o soul_n be_v before_o our_o body_n the_o more_o sovereign_n be_v oblige_v to_o be_v watchful_a over_o they_o and_o that_o the_o true_a love_n which_o a_o sovereign_n bear_v to_o his_o subject_n can_v never_o be_v more_o conspicuous_a than_o when_o he_o take_v effectual_a care_n of_o their_o salvation_n these_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v be_v very_o specious_a pretence_n and_o have_v sometime_o have_v such_o powerful_a influence_n over_o prince_n who_o be_v else_o natural_o not_o incline_v to_o severity_n that_o they_o have_v nevertheless_o by_o these_o plausible_a argument_n be_v prevail_v upon_o to_o assist_v with_o their_o authority_n the_o cruel_a design_n of_o priest_n it_o will_v therefore_o not_o be_v beyond_o our_o scope_n to_o make_v a_o strict_a enquiry_n what_o account_n ought_v to_o be_v make_v of_o these_o so_o specious_a reason_n in_o a_o well_o constitute_v government_n in_o the_o first_o place_n then_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o it_o have_v be_v foretell_v by_o our_o saviour_n that_o there_o shall_v always_o be_v in_o the_o church_n weed_n among_o the_o wheat_n that_o be_v to_o say_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v false_a doctrine_n raise_v in_o the_o church_n and_o these_o according_a to_o the_o command_v of_o our_o saviour_n be_v not_o to_o be_v extirpate_v root_n and_o branch_n but_o to_o be_v reserve_v for_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n for_o a_o sovereign_n that_o take_v to_o such_o violent_a course_n may_v make_v a_o havoc_n among_o his_o subject_n which_o common_o prove_v equal_o pernicious_a to_o the_o innocent_a and_o guilty_a nevertheless_o he_o will_v find_v it_o impracticable_a quite_o to_o abolish_v all_o error_n and_o difference_n in_o the_o church_n never_o do_v any_o body_n show_v a_o great_a love_n to_o mankind_n than_o our_o saviour_n who_o sacrifice_v himself_o for_o our_o salvation_n yet_o he_o make_v use_v of_o no_o other_o way_n to_o propagate_v his_o doctrine_n than_o teach_v when_o he_o may_v have_v command_v twelve_o legion_n of_o angel_n to_o force_v mankind_n to_o obedience_n how_o can_v a_o prince_n be_v esteem_v to_o follow_v the_o footstep_n of_o christ_n who_o make_v such_o profligate_v wretch_n as_o the_o dragoon_n his_o apostle_n for_o the_o conversion_n of_o his_o subject_n that_o pretence_n of_o the_o love_n of_o sovereign_n towards_o their_o subject_n let_v it_o be_v never_o so_o specious_a he_o ought_v not_o under_o that_o colour_n endeavour_n to_o subvert_v or_o alter_v the_o method_n of_o propagate_a the_o christian_a doctrine_n according_a to_o the_o true_a genius_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n beside_o this_o it_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o maintain_v the_o public_a tranquillity_n that_o all_o the_o subject_n in_o general_n shall_v be_v of_o one_o religion_n or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o in_o effect_n the_o difference_n about_o some_o point_n in_o religion_n consider_v bare_o as_o such_o be_v not_o the_o true_a cause_n of_o disturbance_n in_o a_o state_n but_o the_o heat_n and_o animosity_n ambition_n
clergy_n upon_o admonition_n desist_v from_o these_o abuse_n like_v as_o when_o a_o creditor_n upon_o summons_n be_v pay_v by_o his_o debtor_n aught_o to_o supercede_v his_o action_n against_o he_o but_o put_v the_o case_n that_o the_o clergy_n either_o absolute_o refuse_v or_o from_o time_n to_o time_n protract_v to_o desist_v from_o such_o abuse_n so_o that_o there_o be_v but_o two_o way_n leave_v to_o be_v choose_v either_o patient_o to_o submit_v to_o their_o capricious_a humour_n or_o else_o certain_a person_n in_o the_o state_n be_v damnify_v by_o these_o abuse_n have_v a_o right_n and_o power_n to_o control_v their_o extravagancy_n those_o that_o maintain_v the_o first_o position_n must_v prove_v that_o the_o clergy_n have_v be_v invest_v with_o such_o a_o unlimited_a power_n by_o god_n almighty_a to_o impose_v upon_o christian_n even_o the_o most_o absurd_a matter_n at_o leisure_n without_o be_v liable_a to_o be_v contrâ—â—ued_v by_o any_o power_n upon_o earth_n or_o they_o must_v demonstrate_v that_o christian_n have_v absolute_o submit_v their_o faith_n to_o the_o clergy_n and_o that_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o every_o thing_n which_o shall_v be_v ordain_v by_o they_o shall_v be_v receive_v for_o truth_n with_o all_o imaginable_a submission_n and_o patience_n but_o because_o it_o will_v savour_v of_o too_o much_o impudence_n to_o pretend_v to_o the_o first_o it_o lie_v then_o at_o their_o door_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o clergy_n and_o their_o supreme_a head_n do_v never_o err_v either_o in_o point_n of_o doctrine_n ceremony_n or_o church-government_n all_o which_o have_v be_v sufficient_o demonstrate_v to_o the_o contrary_a by_o the_o consent_n of_o several_a christian_a nation_n we_o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o when_o any_o abuse_n be_v creep_v into_o the_o church_n which_o be_v prejudicial_a to_o the_o commonwealth_n or_o the_o authority_n of_o sovereign_n these_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o sovereign_a right_n and_o prerogative_n have_v a_o power_n to_o abolish_v and_o reform_v all_o such_o matter_n as_o interfere_v with_o the_o public_a good_a and_o civil_a authority_n at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o in_o a_o case_n of_o such_o moment_n it_o may_v be_v very_o convenient_a to_o acquaint_v the_o people_n with_o the_o reason_n of_o such_o a_o reformation_n lest_o they_o shall_v be_v surprise_v at_o it_o and_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o innovation_n which_o may_v prove_v of_o dangerous_a consequence_n and_o if_o especial_o the_o right_n of_o the_o people_n be_v invade_v by_o these_o abuse_n this_o reformation_n ought_v to_o be_v undertake_v with_o the_o knowledge_n and_o approbation_n of_o the_o subject_n it_o may_v be_v object_v that_o by_o such_o a_o reformation_n division_n be_v raise_v in_o the_o church_n but_o this_o be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o matter_n of_o no_o great_a weight_n such_o a_o division_n be_v not_o to_o be_v impute_v to_o those_o that_o rectify_v such_o error_n but_o to_o those_o that_o obstinate_o refuse_v to_o return_v into_o the_o right_a path_n either_o out_o â—_o self-interest_n or_o pride_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o obvious_a out_o of_o the_o ancient_a ecclesiastical_a history_n than_o that_o such_o as_o be_v plain_o convict_v of_o a_o error_n use_v to_o be_v exclude_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n but_o such_o as_o begin_v a_o reformation_n upon_o a_o good_a and_o legal_a account_n can_v under_o no_o colour_n whatsoever_o be_v accuse_v of_o schism_n or_o rebellion_n for_o those_o be_v rebel_n who_o by_o forcible_a way_n endeavour_v to_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o the_o allegiance_n due_a to_o their_o lawful_a sovereign_n whereas_o all_o such_o as_o free_v themselves_o from_o abuse_n unjust_o impose_v upon_o they_o without_o their_o own_o consent_n or_o any_o divine_a authority_n rather_o deserve_v to_o be_v style_v defender_n of_o their_o own_o liberty_n and_o conscience_n especial_o if_o these_o abuse_n and_o error_n be_v dangerous_a to_o their_o soul_n for_o no_o teacher_n no_o bishop_n no_o convention_n whatsoever_o be_v ever_o invest_v with_o a_o absolute_a power_n of_o domineer_a over_o christian_n at_o pleasure_n so_o that_o no_o remedy_n shall_v be_v leave_v against_o their_o usurpation_n it_o can_v therefore_o but_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o great_a piece_n of_o impudence_n in_o the_o roman_n catholic_n party_n when_o they_o assume_v to_o themselves_o whole_o and_o entire_o the_o title_n of_o the_o church_n with_o exclusion_n to_o all_o other_o that_o be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o communion_n for_o they_o either_o must_v pretend_v their_o church_n to_o be_v the_o universal_a or_o else_o a_o particular_a church_n by_o the_o universal_a church_n be_v according_a to_o the_o tenure_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n understand_v the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o the_o believer_n wheresoever_o disperse_v in_o the_o world_n who_o union_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o they_o acknowledge_v one_o god_n one_o redeemer_n one_o baptism_n one_o faith_n and_o eternal_a salvation_n from_o whence_o only_o be_v exclude_v such_o as_o pretend_v to_o dissolve_v this_o union_n that_o be_v who_o deny_v the_o true_a god_n and_o his_o son_n christ_n and_o who_o do_v not_o agree_v with_o the_o very_a fundamental_a principle_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n this_o be_v the_o true_a catholic_n church_n not_o the_o pope_n with_o his_o ecclesiastic_n and_o ceremony_n who_o impose_v their_o authority_n upon_o christendom_n and_o since_o those_o that_o for_o weighty_a reason_n have_v withdraw_v themselves_o from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n may_v and_o do_v believe_v a_o true_a baptism_n a_o true_a god_n and_o father_n a_o faith_n agreeable_a to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v for_o the_o universal_a church_n and_o that_o a_o christian_n may_v be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o true_a catholic_n church_n in_o a_o right_a sense_n notwithstanding_o that_o he_o never_o be_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n or_o upon_o better_a consideration_n have_v free_v himself_o from_o its_o abuse_n and_o error_n but_o the_o popish_a religion_n consider_v as_o a_o particular_a church_n as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v though_o if_o we_o unravel_v the_o bottom_n of_o its_o modern_a constitution_n it_o will_v easy_o appear_v that_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o that_o church_n be_v not_o so_o much_o adapt_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o a_o christian_a congregation_n as_o to_o a_o temporal_a state_n where_o under_o a_o religious_a pretext_n the_o chief_a aim_n be_v to_o extend_v its_o sovereignty_n over_o the_o great_a part_n of_o europe_n those_o that_o have_v withdraw_v themselves_o from_o that_o communion_n be_v no_o more_o to_o be_v count_v rebel_n than_o our_o modern_a philosopher_n be_v to_o be_v take_v for_o fool_n and_o madman_n because_o they_o differ_v in_o opinion_n from_o aristotle_n for_o all_o believer_n who_o adhere_v to_o the_o true_a faith_n be_v in_o regard_n of_o their_o head_n jesus_n christ_n of_o a_o equal_a degree_n and_o aim_n all_o at_o the_o same_o end_n and_o christ_n have_v give_v this_o promise_n to_o all_o believer_n that_o where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o 20._o mat._n 18._o 20._o in_o his_o name_n there_o will_v he_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o no_o church_n can_v claim_v any_o prerogative_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o number_n of_o its_o adherent_n what_o the_o romanist_n allege_v for_o themselves_o out_o of_o the_o apostolical_a creed_n be_v so_o full_a of_o absurdity_n that_o it_o contradict_v itself_o viz._n out_o of_o these_o word_n i_o believe_v one_o holy_a catholic_n and_o apostolical_a church_n for_o except_o they_o can_v cajole_v we_o into_o a_o belief_n that_o these_o word_n imply_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v there_o be_v but_o one_o true_a church_n upon_o earth_n which_o be_v the_o roman_n catholic_n there_o be_v no_o other_o beside_o that_o i_o can_v see_v what_o inference_n can_v be_v draw_v from_o thence_o to_o their_o advantage_n beside_o that_o the_o very_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n contradict_v this_o interpretation_n if_o reason_n the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o experience_n itself_o do_v not_o sufficient_o convince_v we_o to_o the_o contrary_n it_o be_v beyond_o contradiction_n that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o true_a church_n upon_o earth_n there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n one_o christ_n one_o baptism_n and_o one_o faith_n but_o concern_v one_o point_n many_o error_n and_o abuse_n may_v be_v commit_v neither_o have_v the_o popish_a party_n any_o reason_n to_o brag_v of_o a_o particular_a holiness_n especial_o concern_v these_o matter_n wherein_o they_o differ_v from_o the_o protestant_n the_o word_n catholic_n relate_v here_o to_o a_o doctrine_n not_o to_o a_o sovereign_a state_n who_o authority_n be_v to_o be_v universal_a over_o christendom_n so_o that_o that_o church_n be_v to_o be_v esteem_v a_o catholic_n church_n which_o
contain_v every_o particular_a point_n of_o doctrine_n in_o the_o true_a sense_n as_o they_o be_v propose_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o those_o be_v call_v heretic_n who_o only_o profess_v some_o particular_a point_n out_o of_o the_o holy_a writ_n for_o such_o as_o absolute_o reject_v it_o be_v count_v infidel_n and_o reprobate_n but_o either_o deny_v or_o explain_v the_o rest_n in_o a_o wrong_n and_o pervert_v sense_n how_o can_v the_o popish_a clergy_n therefore_o assume_v the_o title_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n before_o they_o have_v and_o that_o without_o contradiction_n prove_v every_o point_n of_o their_o faith_n out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n or_o exclude_v we_o protestant_n from_o that_o title_n till_o they_o have_v prove_v that_o our_o doctrine_n be_v contrary_a to_o it_o last_o it_o be_v call_v the_o apostolical_a church_n as_o be_v found_v upon_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o true_a church_n lose_v nothing_o of_o its_o intrinsic_a value_n whether_o it_o have_v be_v plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n or_o whether_o the_o apostolical_a doctrine_n have_v be_v transmit_v to_o they_o by_o other_o §_o 54._o but_o it_o be_v not_o a_o very_a difficult_a task_n to_o religion_n whether_o subject_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o their_o sovereign_n may_v separate_v themselves_o from_o a_o erroneous_a religion_n introduce_v a_o reformation_n in_o religion_n with_o the_o mutual_a consent_n of_o sovereign_n and_o subject_n so_o it_o may_v be_v question_v whether_o subject_n may_v attempt_v a_o reformation_n when_o their_o sovereign_n and_o the_o whole_a clergy_n or_o at_o least_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v their_o error_n but_o rather_o pretend_v to_o maintain_v it_o in_o this_o case_n it_o be_v our_o opinion_n that_o provide_v these_o error_n â—o_o touch_v the_o fundamental_a point_n of_o our_o 〈…〉_o subject_n as_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o â—ight_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n have_v attainâ—â—he_v true_a knowledge_n may_v separate_v themselves_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o that_o church_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o their_o sovereign_n of_o the_o clergy_n for_o every_o body_n be_v accountable_a to_o god_n for_o his_o religion_n and_o answerable_a for_o his_o own_o soul_n â—hose_v salvation_n can_v absolute_o be_v commit_v to_o any_o body_n else_o and_o a_o christian_a in_o matter_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o altogether_o to_o rely_v upon_o his_o sovereign_n or_o the_o clergy_n at_o lest_o no_o far_o than_o their_o doctrine_n be_v congruous_a with_o the_o holy_a scripture_n it_o be_v undeniable_a that_o subject_n may_v separate_v themselves_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o that_o church_n which_o be_v process_v by_o their_o sovereign_n and_o clergy_n provide_v they_o can_v make_v it_o evident_o appear_v that_o such_o a_o church_n be_v infect_v with_o gross_a abuse_n and_o dangerous_a error_n for_o the_o church_n be_v a_o college_n who_o member_n be_v not_o keep_v in_o union_n by_o any_o temporal_a power_n but_o by_o the_o union_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o whosoever_o relinquish_v that_o he_o dissolve_v the_o sacred_a tie_n of_o the_o believer_n beside_o that_o it_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a for_o our_o salvation_n that_o the_o church_n be_v compose_v of_o a_o great_a number_n but_o the_o same_o may_v be_v obtain_v either_o by_o a_o great_a or_o lesser_a number_n of_o the_o believer_n neither_o can_v this_o separation_n prove_v in_o the_o least_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o sovereign_a authority_n it_o be_v suppose_v that_o those_o who_o have_v separate_v themselves_o adhere_v to_o the_o true_a pure_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n free_a from_o all_o poison_n and_o principle_n dangerous_a or_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o government_n for_o civil_a society_n be_v not_o institute_v for_o religion_n sake_n neither_o do_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n participate_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o temporal_a state_n and_o therefore_o a_o prince_n that_o embrace_v the_o christian_a faith_n do_v not_o thereby_o acquire_v a_o absolute_a sovereignty_n over_o the_o church_n or_o man_n conscience_n so_o that_o if_o notwithstanding_o this_o separation_n the_o subject_n pay_v due_a allegiance_n to_o their_o prince_n in_o temporal_a affair_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n sufficient_a which_o can_v oblige_v he_o to_o trouble_v they_o mere_o upon_o the_o score_n of_o their_o conscience_n for_o what_o loss_n be_v it_o to_o the_o prince_n whether_o his_o subject_n be_v of_o the_o same_o religion_n with_o himself_o or_o of_o unother_n or_o which_o be_v suppose_v before_o whether_o they_o do_v maintain_v the_o same_o error_n as_o he_o do_v the_o case_n indeed_o will_v be_v quite_o different_a if_o they_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o their_o allegiance_n to_o set_v up_o a_o separate_a society_n without_o his_o consent_n though_o it_o be_v undeniable_a that_o there_o be_v some_o case_n of_o necessity_n when_o this_o civil_a tie_n or_o allegiance_n may_v be_v dissolve_v as_o for_o instance_n when_o subject_n for_o want_v of_o sufficient_a protection_n from_o their_o natural_a prince_n be_v so_o hardly_o press_v upon_o by_o a_o more_o potent_a enemy_n that_o they_o be_v force_v to_o submit_v to_o his_o power_n and_o grant_v the_o power_n of_o sovereign_n in_o the_o church_n to_o be_v much_o great_a than_o in_o effect_n it_o be_v subject_n be_v nevertheless_o bind_v to_o take_v care_n of_o their_o soul_n who_o salvation_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o all_o other_o thing_n in_o regard_n of_o which_o they_o may_v separate_v themselves_o from_o a_o establish_v religion_n provide_v they_o be_v convince_v of_o its_o error_n for_o that_o subject_a who_o sacrifice_n his_o life_n for_o his_o prince_n do_v doubtless_o a_o glorious_a action_n but_o what_o prince_n can_v be_v so_o unreasonable_a as_o to_o expect_v that_o his_o subject_n shall_v sacrifice_v their_o soul_n to_o the_o devil_n for_o his_o sake_n that_o prince_n therefore_o who_o do_v trouble_v his_o faithful_a subject_n for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o because_o they_o can_v conform_v to_o his_o opinion_n especial_o if_o they_o can_v maintain_v they_o out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n commit_v a_o act_n of_o injustice_n nay_o i_o can_v see_v how_o he_o can_v with_o justice_n force_v they_o out_o of_o his_o territory_n it_o be_v true_a he_o may_v refuse_v to_o receive_v heretic_n into_o his_o dominion_n unless_o it_o be_v for_o reason_n of_o state_n neither_o can_v a_o true_a believer_n take_v it_o amiss_o if_o he_o be_v not_o permit_v to_o settle_v in_o a_o commonwealth_n govern_v by_o heretic_n for_o the_o right_a of_o naturalisation_n belong_v to_o sovereign_n which_o they_o may_v refuse_v and_o give_v to_o who_o they_o think_v it_o convenient_a but_o as_o it_o be_v certain_o the_o great_a injustice_n in_o the_o world_n to_o force_v a_o inborn_a natural_a subject_n who_o have_v settle_v all_o his_o fortune_n in_o a_o commonwealth_n mere_o for_o his_o religion_n sake_n without_o be_v convict_v of_o his_o error_n out_o of_o his_o native_a country_n to_o the_o great_a detriment_n and_o danger_n of_o himself_o and_o his_o family_n so_o if_o a_o subject_a incline_v voluntary_o to_o leave_v his_o native_a country_n either_o to_o avoid_v the_o frown_n of_o his_o prince_n or_o the_o hatred_n of_o the_o clergy_n and_o common_a people_n and_o to_o serve_v god_n with_o more_o freedom_n according_a to_o his_o own_o conscience_n it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v refuse_v by_o his_o sovereign_n i_o remember_v there_o be_v a_o certain_a proverb_n use_v among_o the_o german_n viz._n he_o that_o command_v the_o country_n command_v religion_n but_o this_o can_v be_v apply_v to_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o roman_n catholic_n religion_n who_o can_v lay_v any_o claim_n to_o it_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o popish_a clergy_n do_v not_o allow_v any_o such_o thing_n to_o these_o prince_n and_o as_o to_o what_o concern_v the_o protestant_a estate_n of_o germany_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o they_o make_v use_v of_o this_o pretention_n against_o the_o emperor_n at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o reformation_n which_o however_o ought_v to_o be_v thus_o interpret_v that_o they_o deny_v the_o emperor_n to_o have_v any_o power_n of_o intermeddle_v in_o the_o affair_n relate_v to_o their_o own_o dominion_n not_o that_o only_o they_o claim_v it_o as_o belong_v to_o the_o right_n of_o sovereignty_n to_o impose_v any_o religion_n though_o never_o so_o false_a upon_o their_o subject_n notwithstanding_o all_o which_o there_o be_v not_o want_v example_n that_o prince_n have_v act_v conformable_a to_o this_o proverb_n with_o their_o subject_n a_o prince_n who_o trouble_v his_o faithful_a subject_n mere_o upon_o the_o score_n of_o religion_n commit_v a_o gross_a error_n no_o christian_a prince_n be_v oblige_v to_o propagate_v his_o religion_n by_o forcible_a mean_n provide_v his_o subject_n stand_v firm_a to_o their_o allegiance_n to_o he_o
so_o that_o the_o original_a signification_n of_o the_o word_n ecclesia_n imply_v not_o that_o of_o a_o state_n but_o only_o a_o certain_a qualification_n of_o a_o democratical_a government_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o a_o great_a number_n of_o 〈◊〉_d can_v convenient_o give_v their_o assent_n to_o a_o thing_n unless_o they_o be_v convene_v in_o one_o place_n in_o the_o translation_n the_o lxx_o interpreter_n this_o word_n be_v take_v for_o a_o convention_n ot_fw-mi meeting_n of_o a_o considerable_a number_n of_o people_n meet_v not_o only_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o divine_a worship_n but_o also_o for_o unlawful_a ends._n so_o the_o greek_a word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v take_v for_o the_o â—8_o ps_n 26_o 5_o luk._n 2d_o 3._o 4_o c_o â—8_o 24._o act_n 19_o 32_o 3â—_n num._n 20._o 8_o 10_o jos_n 16._o 1_o 2._o 2_o chron._n 15._o 9_o c._n 34_o â—8_o call_v and_o summon_v a_o assembly_n about_o matter_n concern_v the_o commonwealth_n but_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o word_n ecclesia_fw-la be_v general_o take_v either_o for_o all_o the_o christian_n in_o general_n wherever_o disperse_v or_o for_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o believer_n in_o a_o certain_a country_n city_n private_a house_n or_o family_n in_o either_o sense_n if_o we_o due_o weigh_v the_o attribute_n and_o action_n proper_o belong_v to_o the_o church_n for_o by_o these_o we_o ought_v to_o judge_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o thing_n in_o moral_a case_n we_o do_v not_o meet_v with_o any_o thing_n which_o have_v a_o relation_n to_o church_n what_o action_n be_v celebrate_v in_o scripture_n as_o belong_v to_o the_o church_n a_o civil_a state_n the_o true_a â—ncomium_fw-la most_o frequent_o give_v to_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v that_o they_o be_v brother_n holy_a and_o redeem_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n their_o chief_a action_n be_v say_v to_o be_v to_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o pray_v unto_o and_o praise_n god_n to_o be_v charitable_a to_o walk_v in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n to_o fast_o and_o to_o provide_v for_o the_o poor_a it_o be_v speak_v of_o st._n paul_n and_o barnabas_n that_o 23._o act_n 1._o 4._o 23._o they_o do_v constitute_v elder_n in_o those_o church_n which_o they_o have_v plant_v in_o asia_n where_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v make_v â—se_n of_o which_o imply_v as_o much_o as_o have_v make_v they_o by_o suffrage_n of_o the_o congregation_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o the_o decree_v use_v to_o pass_v in_o the_o ancient_a democracy_n by_o the_o plurality_n of_o vote_n by_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o they_o pretend_v to_o no_o absolute_a power_n of_o constitute_v elder_n over_o they_o but_o such_o as_o 〈◊〉_d approve_v of_o by_o the_o congregation_n and_o it_o iâ—_n remarkable_a that_o these_o nevertheless_o be_v say_v to_o have_v be_v make_v overseer_n over_o the_o church_n by_o the_o holy_a 5_o act._n 20_o â—8_o 2_o chron._n 10._o 5_o ghost_n so_o be_v the_o judge_n that_o be_v set_v in_o the_o land_n by_o jehosaphat_n style_v judge_n for_o the_o lord_n because_o whoever_o be_v fit_o qualify_v for_o any_o office_n or_o function_n not_o contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o have_v obtain_v the_o same_o by_o lawful_a way_n and_o mean_n may_v just_o be_v say_v to_o have_v be_v constitute_v in_o that_o same_o office_n by_o god_n almighty_a and_o though_o it_o belong_v most_o proper_o to_o the_o church_n to_o constitute_v teacher_n this_o nevertheless_o do_v not_o imply_v any_o act_n of_o sovereignty_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o a_o private_a college_n or_o society_n subject_n to_o another_o jurisdiction_n may_v lawful_o enjoy_v the_o same_o power_n a_o diffension_n be_v arosen_v concern_v a_o article_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o church_n of_o antiocha_n they_o determine_v 2_o act._n 15._o 2_o that_o some_o of_o they_o shall_v go_v concern_v this_o question_n then_o in_o dispute_n to_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o these_o deputy_n be_v by_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o brethren_n conduct_v out_o of_o the_o town_n in_o their_o way_n to_o jerusalem_n where_o this_o question_n have_v be_v debate_v and_o determine_v they_o send_v word_n thus_o to_o their_o brethren_n it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o we_o etc._n etc._n where_o it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o to_o send_v deputy_n concern_v such_o matter_n as_o be_v not_o intend_v in_o prejudice_n of_o the_o sovereign_a power_n for_o one_o congregation_n to_o consult_v another_o concern_v any_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o determine_v any_o difference_n about_o they_o be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o action_n of_o such_o a_o nature_n which_o do_v not_o imply_v a_o sovereign_n and_o absolute_a power_n but_o may_v legal_o belong_v to_o a_o private_a college_n or_o sometime_o a_o private_a person_n provide_v the_o business_n in_o hand_n be_v not_o impose_v upon_o its_o member_n but_o transact_v and_o admit_v by_o common_a consent_n so_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n choose_v certain_a man_n who_o be_v to_o be_v overseer_n 1._o act._n 6._o 1_o 1._o of_o the_o poor_a which_o they_o have_v a_o right_a to_o do_v as_o be_v a_o society_n or_o college_n in_o the_o same_o sense_n ought_v to_o be_v take_v what_o be_v say_v in_o the_o 2_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n c._n 8._o 19_o that_o the_o church_n have_v choose_v one_o to_o travel_v with_o st._n paul_n the_o church_n be_v call_v a_o flock_n which_o be_v to_o be_v â—ed_v by_o the_o bishop_n with_o the_o pure_a word_n of_o 28._o act_n 20_o 28._o god_n who_o be_v to_o preserve_v it_o from_o the_o wolf_n that_o be_v to_o say_v from_o man_n speak_v perverse_a thing_n to_o draw_v away_o disciple_n after_o they_o against_o those_o teacher_n of_o the_o church_n ought_v to_o be_v watchful_a not_o cease_v to_o admonish_v their_o auditor_n to_o avoid_v their_o snare_n what_o concern_v that_o passage_n in_o the_o 1_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n c._n 6._o 1._o and_o follow_v verse_n it_o be_v apparent_a enough_o that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o sovereign_a authority_n or_o jurisdiction_n grant_v to_o the_o christian_n bare_o consider_v as_o christian_n but_o the_o apostle_n enjoin_v they_o that_o in_o case_n of_o any_o difference_n in_o civil_a affair_n among_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n they_o shall_v rather_o refer_v it_o to_o the_o arbitration_n of_o the_o brethren_n than_o to_o go_v to_o law_n before_o the_o gentile_n and_o fall_v under_o the_o censure_n of_o be_v avaricious_a in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n it_o be_v plain_o express_v that_o no_o body_n by_o become_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n do_v change_v his_o qualification_n or_o function_n which_o belong_v to_o he_o as_o a_o subject_a or_o that_o christianity_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o subjection_n to_o a_o civil_a government_n a_o servant_n therefore_o by_o be_v a_o christian_n do_v not_o become_v a_o freeman_n neither_o be_v a_o subject_a thereby_o absolve_v from_o the_o allegiance_n due_a to_o his_o sovereign_n concern_v the_o union_n and_o modesty_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v practise_v in_o the_o church_n or_o the_o christian_a congregation_n where_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v preach_v and_o the_o sacrament_n 2._o ep._n rom._n 13_o 1._o 2_o tim._n 5_o 8._o 14_o c._n 6._o 1_o 2._o administer_v st._n paul_n speak_v in_o the_o 1_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n c._n 11._o 18_o and_o follow_v verse_n and_o in_o the_o 14_o chap._n 34_o 40_o verse_n and_o what_o sort_n of_o religious_a exercise_n be_v to_o be_v use_v in_o these_o congregation_n be_v express_v in_o the_o 1_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n c._n 14._o viz._n to_o be_v 2._o with_fw-mi eph._n 4._o 2._o hymn_n doctrine_n tongue_n prophecy_n revelation_n interpretation_n all_o which_o be_v to_o be_v apply_v to_o edify_v the_o congregation_n and_o in_o the_o 12_o chapter_n 28_o verse_n the_o several_a degree_n and_o function_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v thus_o enumerate_v first_o apostles_n secondary_o prophet_n three_o teacher_n after_o that_o miracle_n than_o gift_n of_o healing_n help_n government_n diversity_n of_o tongue_n all_o which_o be_v requisite_n 11_o eph._n 4._o 11_o belong_v to_o the_o propagate_a and_o establish_v of_o the_o gospel_n and_o be_v gift_n of_o that_o self_n same_o spirit_n who_o dispense_v his_o gift_n to_o every_o man_n as_o he_o please_v so_o that_o he_o that_o have_v receive_v more_o noble_a endowment_n can_v therefore_o not_o claim_v any_o prerogative_n as_o be_v a_o more_o honourable_a member_n of_o this_o mystical_a body_n or_o pretend_v to_o any_o jurisdiction_n over_o such_o as_o be_v not_o endow_v with_o these_o qualification_n in_o the_o same_o degree_n as_o himself_o and_o charity_n which_o be_v the_o inseparable_a attribute_n of_o all_o christian_n be_v more_o 8._o 1_o cor._n
16._o 1._o 2_o cor._n 8._o 2_o 3_o 8._o noble_a and_o excellent_a than_o â—â—_o other_o spiritual_a gift_n alm_n be_v the_o only_a tax_n which_o belong_v to_o the_o church_n and_o these_o also_o can_v be_v exact_v 16._o 1_o tim._n 5._o 16._o by_o the_o sovereign_a authority_n of_o the_o church_n though_o it_o be_v undeniable_a that_o every_o church_n be_v oblige_v 〈…〉_o phil._n 4._o 1â—_n cor_fw-la 9_o â—â—_o 〈…〉_o to_o maintain_v its_o minister_n in_o the_o 2_o epist_n to_o the_o corinthian_n c._n 11._o 28._o st._n paul_n profess_v that_o the_o care_n of_o all_o the_o church_n lie_v upon_o he_o to_o strengthen_v those_o that_o be_v weak_a and_o to_o obâ—â—ate_a scandal_n and_o in_o the_o next_o follow_v chapter_n he_o say_v that_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n be_v a_o no_o wise_a inferior_a to_o other_o church_n which_o be_v plant_v by_o other_o who_o have_v exercise_v the_o apostolical_a function_n before_o he_o neither_o be_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v meet_v withal_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o prove_v the_o subordination_n of_o one_o church_n to_o another_o nay_o the_o congregation_n of_o small_a town_n and_o even_o of_o private_a family_n be_v often_o style_v church_n as_o those_o of_o vast_a city_n and_o those_o particular_a church_n which_o 4._o 1_o thâ—â—_n 2._o 14._o 2_o thâ—â—_n 1._o 4._o be_v plant_v in_o judea_n be_v call_v the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o ephesian_n c._n 1._o 22._o c._n 5._o 23._o and_o to_o the_o colossians_n c._n 1_o 18_o 24._o christ_n be_v call_v the_o head_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n which_o he_o have_v present_v to_o himself_o a_o glorious_a church_n not_o have_v spot_n or_o wrinkle_n or_o any_o such_o thing_n but_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v holy_a and_o without_o blemish_n sanctify_v by_o christ_n redemption_n and_o 27._o ephes_n 5._o 26_o 27._o cleanse_v with_o the_o wash_n of_o water_n by_o the_o word_n what_o qualification_n be_v require_v in_o a_o bishop_n or_o a_o governor_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v express_v in_o the_o 1_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n c._n 3._o 2._o and_o follow_v verse_n in_o the_o 2_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n c._n 4._o 2._o in_o the_o epistle_n to_o titus_n c._n 1._o 2_o 8_o 9_o and_o c._n 2._o 7._o all_o which_o if_o due_o examine_v have_v a_o relation_n mere_o to_o the_o purity_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o his_o be_v blameless_a in_o his_o behaviour_n and_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o savour_n of_o any_o thing_n proper_o belong_v to_o the_o supreme_a governor_n of_o a_o state_n for_o it_o be_v say_v that_o he_o must_v be_v the_o husband_n of_o one_o wife_n vigilant_a sober_a of_o a_o good_a behaviour_n give_v to_o hospitality_n apt_a to_o teach_v not_o give_v to_o wine_n no_o striker_n not_o greedy_a of_o filthy_a lucre_n but_o patient_a not_o a_o bawler_n not_o covetous_a one_o that_o rule_v well_o his_o own_o house_n have_v his_o child_n in_o subjection_n with_o all_o gravity_n not_o a_o novice_n not_o lift_v up_o with_o pride_n all_o which_o be_v such_o virtue_n as_o belong_v proper_o to_o a_o teacher_n or_o a_o private_a person_n in_o the_o 1_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n c._n 3._o 15._o the_o church_n be_v call_v the_o house_n of_o god_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n like_v we_o be_v use_v to_o affix_v proclamation_n to_o great_a pillar_n to_o the_o view_n of_o every_o body_n though_o some_o ancient_a manuscript_n refer_v these_o word_n the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n to_o the_o follow_a sentence_n the_o precede_a end_v with_o the_o word_n the_o church_n of_o the_o live_a god_n then_o begin_v a_o new_a sentence_n thus_o the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n and_o without_o controversy_n great_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n god_n be_v manifest_a in_o the_o flesh_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o in_o this_o sense_n this_o passage_n be_v parallel_n to_o what_o christ_n tell_v st._n peter_n by_o st._n matthew_n c._n 16._o 18._o and_o to_o that_o of_o st._n john_n c._n 20._o 31._o the_o title_n of_o honour_n belong_v to_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v recite_v in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n c._n 12._o 22._o where_o it_o be_v call_v the_o mount_n of_o zion_n the_o city_n of_o the_o live_a god_n the_o heavenly_a jerusalem_n the_o innumerable_a company_n of_o angel_n the_o general_n assembly_n and_o church_n of_o the_o first_o bear_v which_o be_v write_v in_o heaven_n where_o god_n be_v the_o judge_n of_o all_o and_o jesus_n the_o mediator_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a and_o in_o the_o revelation_n c._n 2._o 3._o the_o church_n of_o asia_n be_v praise_v for_o their_o good_a deed_n and_o their_o vice_n expose_v with_o a_o severe_a commination_n that_o if_o they_o do_v not_o repent_v their_o candlestick_n which_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v take_v away_o from_o they_o which_o be_v sufficient_a to_o show_v that_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v be_v extinguish_v in_o particular_a church_n all_o these_o passage_n if_o due_o compare_v and_o examine_v do_v not_o furnish_v we_o with_o any_o matter_n prove_v the_o christian_a church_n to_o be_v a_o state_n or_o to_o have_v any_o resemblance_n to_o a_o temporal_a sovereignty_n itself_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v such_o as_o not_o to_o permit_v a_o sovereignty_n within_o itself_o §_o 31._o but_o beside_o what_o have_v be_v say_v already_o a_o great_a many_o reason_n may_v be_v allege_v which_o sufficient_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o plant_v a_o church_n resemble_v in_o power_n to_o a_o temporal_a sovereignty_n if_o they_o have_v entertain_v any_o thought_n of_o attempt_v a_o design_n both_o unnecessary_a and_o illegal_a the_o common_a security_n be_v the_o main_a end_n of_o every_o government_n whereby_o man_n be_v enable_v to_o defend_v themselves_o by_o their_o unite_a strength_n against_o all_o injury_n which_o can_v be_v perform_v without_o a_o considerable_a number_n of_o stout_a and_o well_o appoint_v men._n but_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n be_v often_o give_v to_o the_o congregation_n of_o a_o indifferent_a town_n nay_o even_o of_o private_a family_n and_o do_v not_o our_o saviour_n himself_o 20._o mat._n 1â—_n 20._o say_v where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v in_o my_o name_n there_o be_o i_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o which_o move_v tertullian_n to_o say_v three_o make_v up_o a_o church_n as_o well_o as_o a_o college_n and_o where_o christ_n be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o congregation_n certain_o there_o can_v be_v want_v sufficient_a mean_n to_o obtain_v salvation_n viz._n the_o word_n the_o minister_n and_o the_o sacrament_n so_o that_o the_o end_n and_o scope_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n may_v be_v attain_v to_o even_o in_o a_o indifferent_a numerous_a congregation_n of_o the_o believer_n neither_o do_v the_o great_a number_n of_o the_o believer_n join_v in_o one_o church_n like_o a_o vast_a number_n of_o people_n be_v necessary_a for_o the_o erect_n of_o a_o state_n in_o itself_o consider_v add_v any_o thing_n or_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o obtain_v the_o end_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n it_o be_v indifferent_a in_o regard_n of_o obtain_v salvation_n whether_o a_o man_n worship_n god_n in_o a_o great_a or_o small_a congregation_n from_o whence_o this_o inference_n may_v be_v make_v that_o in_o case_n the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v separate_v itself_o from_o the_o other_o the_o rest_n notwithstanding_o all_o this_o may_v pursue_v and_o obtain_v the_o end_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n quite_o otherwise_o as_o it_o be_v with_o temporal_a commonweath_n where_o if_o the_o great_a part_n of_o its_o inhabitant_n happen_v to_o be_v root_v out_o the_o rest_n will_v be_v thereby_o disenable_v to_o maintain_v the_o state_n these_o qualification_n belong_v to_o subject_n especial_o to_o such_o of_o they_o as_o be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o other_o in_o a_o state_n either_o for_o their_o usefulness_n or_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n be_v not_o esteem_v the_o same_o in_o the_o church_n so_o that_o he_o who_o do_v not_o excel_v in_o riches_n strength_n or_o wisdom_n shall_v therefore_o not_o be_v deem_v a_o good_a christian_n furthermore_o 22._o 1_o cor._n 20._o 21_o 22._o those_o that_o pretend_v to_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o a_o new_a state_n must_v have_v territory_n belong_v to_o they_o where_o their_o new_a subject_n may_v settle_v themselves_o and_o their_o fortune_n and_o all_o such_o as_o live_v or_o be_v seat_v in_o a_o commonwealth_n if_o they_o pretend_v to_o set_v up_o a_o new_a state_n must_v either_o transplant_v themselves_o into_o another_o country_n or_o
supreme_a governor_n do_v thereby_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o disposal_n of_o those_o their_o sovereign_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o to_o oblige_v themselves_o that_o whatsoever_o they_o think_v conduce_v for_o the_o public_a welfare_n shall_v be_v take_v as_o such_o by_o the_o whole_a body_n and_o that_o they_o will_v always_o be_v ready_a to_o execute_v their_o command_n wherefore_o sovereign_n be_v always_o invest_v with_o a_o full_a power_n to_o force_v their_o subject_n to_o a_o compliance_n with_o their_o command_n by_o inflict_a punishment_n â—pon_v they_o but_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a to_o imagine_v that_o any_o church_n or_o congregation_n of_o the_o believer_n shall_v ever_o or_o aught_o to_o submit_v themselves_o so_o entire_o to_o the_o pleasure_n and_o disposal_n of_o their_o teacher_n as_o to_o oblige_v themselves_o to_o acquiesce_v bare_o in_o and_o to_o follow_v blind_o whatever_o shall_v be_v propose_v by_o they_o as_o conduce_v and_o lead_v to_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n it_o be_v certain_a without_o contradiction_n that_o none_o of_o the_o believer_n do_v entire_o submit_v themselves_o and_o their_o faith_n to_o any_o body_n but_o to_o god_n almighty_a who_o will_n and_o command_n ought_v to_o be_v interpret_v by_o the_o teacher_n of_o the_o church_n and_o their_o auditor_n to_o be_v exhort_v to_o a_o due_a compliance_n with_o they_o for_o whoever_o it_o be_v that_o propose_v any_o doctrine_n surpass_v human_a reason_n if_o he_o pretend_v to_o gain_v credit_n by_o his_o auditor_n must_v either_o claim_v it_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o own_o authority_n or_o by_o compulsion_n or_o by_o virtue_n of_o a_o more_o superior_a power_n but_o any_o man_n that_o offer_v matter_n not_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n do_v thereby_o expose_v himself_o and_o so_o lose_v his_o authority_n except_o he_o can_v by_o other_o more_o powerful_a mean_n maintain_v his_o doctrine_n and_o gain_v credit_n with_o his_o auditor_n it_o be_v for_o this_o reason_n that_o to_o the_o greek_n who_o be_v man_n that_o seek_v after_o wisdom_n and_o reason_n the_o preach_a of_o the_o apostle_n be_v foolishness_n and_o s._n paul_n be_v for_o the_o same_o reason_n nickname_v 23._o 1_o cor._n 1._o 23._o a_o babbler_n by_o the_o athenian_a philosopher_n neither_o be_v any_o human_a power_n capable_a of_o enforce_v 18._o act_n 17._o 18._o the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n upon_o people_n for_o which_o reason_n christ_n tell_v his_o apostle_n go_v and_o teach_v and_o believe_v and_o that_o with_o all_o your_o heart_n to_o obtain_v which_o all_o human_a mean_n which_o imply_v any_o temporal_a advantage_n or_o be_v forcible_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n be_v to_o be_v take_v for_o trifle_n and_o insufficient_a there_o be_v then_o no_o other_o way_n leave_v but_o that_o such_o doctrine_n must_v be_v verify_v by_o a_o superior_a be_v or_o principle_n 20._o mark_v 16._o 20._o viz._n the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o always_o accompany_v the_o gospel_n and_o those_o miracle_n wherewith_o the_o apostle_n ancient_o authorize_v their_o 4._o act_n 14._o â—_o heb._n 2_o 4._o doctrine_n though_o it_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n undeniable_a that_o since_o the_o gospel_n be_v sufficient_o spread_v abroad_o in_o the_o world_n we_o do_v not_o now_o any_o more_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o such_o miracle_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o the_o thunder_n and_o lightning_n which_o be_v hear_v at_o the_o publish_v of_o the_o ten_o commandment_n be_v never_o repeat_v afterward_o among_o the_o jew_n the_o christian_n therefore_o have_v submit_v their_o faith_n and_o reason_n only_o to_o christ_n who_o authority_n be_v unquestionable_a as_o be_v god_n himself_o and_o be_v testify_v by_o his_o father_n voice_n from_o heaven_n when_o he_o say_v this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o 22._o mat._n â—_o 17._o luk._n 3._o 22._o i_o be_o well_o please_v and_o as_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n willing_o submit_v their_o faith_n to_o moses_n as_o soon_o as_o he_o have_v give_v they_o plain_a demonstration_n of_o his_o divine_a commission_n so_o be_v 19_o exod_n 20._o 19_o they_o oblige_v to_o subimt_fw-la their_o faith_n to_o the_o apostle_n after_o they_o have_v once_o verify_v their_o divine_a commission_n by_o their_o miracle_n though_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o their_o doctrine_n do_v sometime_o produce_v good_a effect_n without_o miracle_n it_o be_v therefore_o very_o observable_a that_o when_o they_o preach_v and_o teach_v their_o doctrine_n to_o such_o as_o be_v â—well_v verse_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n they_o do_v not_o take_v it_o amiss_o if_o their_o auditor_n examine_v their_o word_n whether_o they_o be_v consonant_a with_o the_o prophecy_n contain_v therein_o from_o whence_o it_o be_v sufficent_o 1â—â—â—_n act_n 1â—â—â—_n apparent_a that_o no_o body_n ought_v to_o engage_v himself_o unto_o a_o blind_a obedience_n of_o such_o teacher_n as_o can_v verify_v their_o immediate_a divine_a commission_n by_o miracle_n so_o as_o to_o make_v his_o faith_n absolute_o dependent_a from_o their_o doctrine_n without_o exception_n but_o only_o so_o far_o as_o their_o doctrine_n be_v sound_a agreeable_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o those_o who_o have_v give_v manifest_a demonstration_n of_o their_o divine_a authority_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d it_o â—â—_o not_o sufficient_a for_o a_o teacher_n in_o the_o church_n to_o say_v so_o it_o be_v and_o so_o it_o shall_v and_o must_v â—â—_o but_o he_o lie_v under_o a_o indispensible_a obligation_n of_o maâ—â—ing_v it_o plain_a and_o apparent_a that_o what_o 〈…〉_o to_o his_o auditor_n be_v absolute_o 〈◊〉_d to_o the_o doctrine_n publish_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n neither_o ought_v the_o auditor_n pâ—â—_n their_o faith_n upon_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o teacher_n but_o to_o refer_v themselves_o to_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n and_o his_o word_n which_o be_v the_o touchstone_n by_o which_o the_o teacher_n doctrine_n into_o be_v examine_v and_o approve_v the_o school_n of_o philosopher_n use_v to_o take_v their_o name_n from_o their_o chief_a teacher_n or_o founder_n as_o we_o may_v observe_v in_o the_o school_n of_o plato_n aristoteles_n and_o zeno_n but_o the_o church_n ought_v to_o have_v no_o other_o name_n but_o that_o she_o be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n or_o christ_n it_o be_v upon_o that_o score_n when_o s._n paul_n rebuke_v the_o corinthian_n because_o some_o of_o they_o say_v they_o be_v of_o paul_n some_o of_o apollo_n some_o of_o cephas_n and_o 12_o 1_o cor._n 1_o 12_o some_o of_o christ_n so_o that_o since_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v now_o establish_v among_o we_o christian_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v like_o the_o disciple_n of_o pythagoras_n who_o use_v for_o their_o motto_n that_o old_a say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o himself_o have_v speak_v it_o but_o they_o have_v sufficient_a authority_n to_o look_v themselves_o into_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o to_o examine_v whether_o the_o doctrine_n of_o their_o teacher_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n for_o christ_n when_o he_o say_v search_v â—â—e_v scripture_n do_v not_o only_o speak_v to_o his_o disciple_n but_o to_o his_o auditor_n in_o general_n and_o 4â—_n joh._n 5._o 39_o 1_o thes_n â—_o 21._o 1_o joh_n 4â—_n s._n paul_n bid_v we_o to_o prove_v all_o thing_n and_o to_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a s._n john_n say_v that_o we_o shall_v try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n neither_o can_v i_o conceive_v how_o the_o examination_n of_o ourselves_o which_o s._n paul_n so_o high_o recommend_v to_o all_o that_o intend_v to_o be_v 28_o 1_o cor_fw-la 11._o 28_o partaker_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n can_v be_v due_o perform_v without_o meditate_v the_o scripture_n for_o in_o this_o case_n i_o take_v the_o condition_n of_o a_o teacher_n and_o of_o a_o physician_n to_o be_v quite_o different_a it_o be_v only_o require_v in_o the_o latter_a to_o understand_v the_o art_n of_o physic_n and_o to_o apply_v the_o same_o to_o his_o patient_n which_o may_v be_v do_v with_o good_a success_n though_o they_o be_v never_o so_o ignorant_a but_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o a_o teacher_n of_o a_o church_n to_o be_v alone_o verse_v in_o the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o church_n be_v to_o be_v deem_v most_o excellent_a where_o the_o auditor_n be_v not_o inferior_a to_o their_o teacher_n in_o the_o cognition_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o faith_n for_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o shun_v to_o declare_v unto_o mankind_n all_o the_o counsel_n â—7_n act._n â—0_n â—7_n of_o god_n have_v not_o commit_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n to_o the_o care_n and_o custody_n of_o one_o particular_a person_n who_o be_v to_o be_v the_o only_a interpreter_n of_o it_o as_o the_o sibyllin_n oracle_n be_v ancient_o at_o rome_n in_o the_o custody_n of_o the_o
decemviri_fw-la and_o because_o christian_n do_v not_o build_v their_o faith_n upon_o any_o human_a authority_n but_o upon_o the_o word_n of_o god_n alone_o they_o be_v 4â—_n joh._n 6._o 1â—_n 1_o thes_n 4â—_n say_v to_o be_v teach_v of_o god_n for_o which_o reason_n s._n paul_n utter_o deny_v that_o they_o have_v any_o dominion_n over_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o corinthian_n or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o in_o effect_n that_o they_o can_v exercise_v any_o dominion_n over_o they_o under_o the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o faith_n for_o the_o rest_n as_o christian_n 〈…〉_o 〈…〉_o which_o be_v well_o verse_v in_o the_o scripture_n may_v without_o great_a difficulty_n try_v their_o teacher_n doctrine_n by_o the_o touchstone_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n so_o the_o catechism_n and_o other_o compendious_a instruction_n relate_v to_o the_o chief_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n may_v be_v sufficient_a for_o those_o of_o a_o mean_a capacity_n wherein_o all_o christian_n ought_v to_o be_v well_o instruct_v in_o their_o young_a year_n both_o by_o their_o parent_n and_o teacher_n of_o the_o church_n this_o be_v likely_a to_o prove_v more_o useful_a to_o those_o of_o a_o indifferent_a capacity_n than_o all_o the_o other_o subtlety_n and_o controversy_n which_o in_o themselves_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a or_o requisite_a to_o be_v understand_v by_o every_o christian_a in_o particular_a and_o if_o we_o due_o consider_v what_o be_v require_v by_o the_o apostle_n for_o the_o obtain_n of_o â—â—_o rom._n 10._o 9_o 10._o â—â—m_fw-la 1._o â—_o 2_o â—â—m_fw-la 2._o â—â—_o salvation_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o this_o knowledge_n may_v be_v attain_v to_o without_o much_o difficulty_n because_o the_o confession_n that_o jesus_n be_v christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v the_o foundation_n stone_n and_z as_o it_o be_v the_o centre_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o that_o this_o article_n be_v chief_o 3._o 〈◊〉_d 20._o 3._o oppose_v by_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n the_o apostle_n s_o john_n prescribe_v this_o as_o a_o general_a rule_n to_o be_v particular_o take_v notice_n of_o by_o such_o as_o be_v of_o a_o mean_a capacity_n hereby_o know_v you_o say_v he_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n every_o spirit_n that_o confess_v â—_o 〈◊〉_d 4_o â—_o â—_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v come_v in_o the_o flesh_n be_v of_o god_n and_o every_o spirit_n that_o confess_v not_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v come_v in_o the_o flesh_n be_v not_o of_o god_n though_o from_o hence_o no_o inference_n ought_v to_o be_v make_v as_o if_o christian_a may_v neglect_v or_o ought_v not_o also_o to_o be_v well_o instruct_v concern_v all_o the_o other_o article_n of_o faith_n or_o that_o it_o be_v indifferent_a for_o any_o christian_n to_o believe_v what_o he_o pleaseâ—_n concern_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n §_o 34._o it_o be_v then_o evident_a that_o there_o 〈…〉_o 〈…〉_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n betwixt_o the_o condition_n of_o particular_a church_n and_o that_o of_o a_o state_n or_o commonwealth_n it_o may_v further_o he_o inquire_v into_o whether_o perhaps_o those_o church_n unite_v do_v it_o make_v up_o a_o body_n like_o to_o that_o of_o a_o grâ—â—t_a state_n for_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o word_n church_n be_v in_o the_o scripture_n attribute_v to_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o believer_n wheresoever_o disperse_v throughout_o the_o world_n yet_o so_o that_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o appearance_n if_o a_o duâ—_n regard_v he_o have_v to_o our_o saviour_n intention_n of_o a_o design_n to_o erect_v a_o state_n go_v you_o into_o all_o the_o world_n and_o â—â—_o mark_n 16._o â—â—_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o every_o creature_n be_v the_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o his_o disciple_n here_o be_v no_o mention_n make_v of_o any_o person_n who_o shall_v be_v the_o supreme_a governor_n over_o the_o rest_n as_o be_v usual_a and_o absolute_o necessary_a in_o a_o state_n nor_o any_o certain_a place_n of_o residence_n appoint_v for_o these_o governor_n from_o whence_o the_o rest_n shall_v receive_v their_o order_n neither_o be_v the_o least_o care_n take_v by_o what_o mean_v they_o shall_v maintain_v a_o correspondency_n with_o their_o capital_a city_n and_o true_o consider_v the_o vast_a extent_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o prodigious_a distance_n of_o those_o country_n where_o the_o apostle_n preach_v the_o gospel_n beside_o that_o there_o be_v a_o mortal_a enmity_n betwixt_o some_o of_o these_o state_n these_o be_v unsurmountable_a obstacle_n for_o the_o settle_n and_o maintain_v a_o correspondency_n betwixt_o they_o so_o that_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v by_o what_o mean_v all_o the_o christian_n can_v be_v unite_v under_o one_o state_n it_o be_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o there_o be_v often_o mention_v make_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o union_n of_o the_o christian_n as_o in_o the_o 1_o cor._n c._n 12._o 12_o 13._o as_o the_o body_n be_v one_o and_o have_v many_o member_n and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o that_o one_o body_n be_v many_o be_v one_o body_n so_o also_o be_v christ_n for_o by_o one_o spirit_n be_v we_o all_o baptize_v into_o one_o body_n whether_o we_o be_v jew_n or_o gentile_n whether_o we_o be_v bond_n or_o free_a and_o have_v be_v all_o make_v to_o drink_v into_o one_o spirit_n christ_n say_v in_o the_o 10._o chap._n of_o s._n john_n ver_fw-la 16_o my_o sheep_n hear_v my_o voice_n and_o there_o shall_v be_v one_o fold_n and_o one_o shepherd_n which_o show_v that_o all_o the_o sheep_n be_v bring_v into_o one_o flock_n by_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o their_o pastor_n who_o be_v christ_n so_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o ephesian_n ch_n 4._o ver_fw-la 2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o forbear_v one_o another_o in_o love_n endeavour_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n there_o be_v one_o body_n and_o one_o spirit_n even_o as_o you_o be_v call_v in_o one_o hope_n of_o your_o call_n one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n one_o god_n and_o father_n of_o all_o and_o christ_n in_o his_o farewell_n sermon_n do_v 13_o joh._n 13_o chief_o recommend_v to_o his_o disciple_n charity_n and_o unity_n as_o the_o true_a badge_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o name_n of_o brother_n which_o particular_o 10._o vid._n 1_o cor._n 13._o colos_n 3._o 14._o gal._n 6._o 10._o belong_v to_o the_o christian_n seem_v to_o imply_v a_o general_a union_n betwixt_o they_o but_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o these_o holy_a tie_v we_o may_v easy_o observe_v they_o to_o have_v be_v in_o no_o way_n adapt_v to_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o temporal_a government_n but_o proper_o belong_v to_o the_o establishment_n and_o union_n of_o a_o mystical_a body_n for_o as_o none_o of_o they_o require_v of_o imply_v any_o dependency_n from_o a_o temporal_a power_n so_o they_o may_v belong_v in_o common_a to_o all_o christian_n though_o live_v in_o far_o distant_a country_n and_o several_a jurisdiction_n §_o 35._o neither_o do_v it_o appear_v for_o what_o end_n state_n 〈…〉_o for_o christians_o 〈…〉_o unite_a under_o one_o state_n or_o purpose_v all_o the_o christian_n in_o general_n shall_v be_v reduce_v under_o one_o state_n for_o each_o congregation_n or_o church_n may_v with_o more_o â—ase_n and_o conveniency_n constitute_v teacher_n in_o their_o church_n sit_o qualify_v for_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o have_v a_o more_o watchful_a eye_n over_o those_o who_o be_v know_v and_o near_o at_o hand_n than_o can_v be_v expect_v from_o one_o single_a person_n though_o never_o so_o wise_a live_v at_o a_o great_a distance_n who_o be_v beside_o this_o ovewhelm_v with_o multitude_n of_o business_n be_v force_v to_o see_v with_o other_o people_n eye_n and_o to_o hear_v with_o other_o people_n ear_n neither_o be_v it_o a_o sufficient_a reason_n what_o be_v allege_v that_o for_o the_o compose_n and_o determine_v of_o such_o difference_n as_o may_v arise_v betwixt_o the_o teacher_n of_o the_o church_n or_o betwixt_o they_o and_o other_o a_o general_n court_n ought_v to_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o such_o case_n can_v be_v no_o where_o determine_v with_o more_o conveniency_n than_o in_o the_o same_o government_n where_o they_o live_v and_o that_o there_o can_v any_o sufficient_a reason_n be_v give_v why_o they_o shall_v not_o acknowledge_v the_o same_o jurisdiction_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o fellow_n subject_n there_o be_v one_o objection_n which_o have_v something_o of_o colour_n in_o it_o for_o it_o be_v allege_v that_o if_o all_o the_o christian_a church_n throughout_o the_o world_n be_v unite_v under_o one_o head_n whether_o under_o one_o person_n or_o a_o certain_a assembly_n matter_n not_o the_o unity_n of_o faith_n may_v be_v better_o preserve_v
of_o the_o church_n be_v either_o for_o a_o time_n deprive_v from_o enjoy_v the_o benefit_n of_o the_o public_a worship_n or_o entire_o exclude_v from_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n this_o be_v the_o utmost_a unto_o which_o any_o college_n can_v pretend_v viz._n entire_o to_o exclude_v a_o member_n of_o their_o society_n this_o exclusion_n though_o in_o itself_o consider_v of_o the_o great_a moment_n since_o thereby_o a_o christian_a be_v deprive_v of_o the_o whole_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n nevertheless_o do_v not_o alter_v the_o civil_a state_n or_o condition_n of_o a_o subject_a but_o those_o that_o be_v thus_o excommunicate_v suffer_v no_o loss_n in_o their_o dignity_n honour_n right_n or_o fortune_n for_o that_o the_o church_n censure_n shall_v extend_v to_o the_o real_a prejudice_n of_o the_o civil_a condition_n of_o any_o subject_a be_v not_o any_o way_n requisite_a for_o the_o obtain_v the_o end_n for_o which_o the_o church_n be_v establish_v neither_o can_v it_o be_v suppose_v that_o without_o defraud_v sovereign_n of_o their_o right_n such_o a_o power_n can_v be_v exercise_v over_o subject_n unless_o with_o their_o own_o consent_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o a_o public_a civil_a authority_n §_o 40._o the_o next_o thing_n which_o deserve_v our_o consideration_n be_v whether_o the_o church_n be_v and_o prince_n concern_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o church_n under_o christian_a prince_n how_o far_o it_o receive_v any_o alteration_n from_o its_o former_a condition_n after_o prince_n whole_a kingdom_n and_o state_n do_v profess_v the_o christian_a religion_n where_o it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o the_o church_n do_v thereby_o not_o receive_v any_o essential_a perfection_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o christian_a religion_n can_v be_v exercise_v and_o subsist_v without_o the_o state_n and_o commonwealth_n do_v not_o depend_v from_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o scope_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o of_o civil_a government_n be_v quite_o different_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n for_o our_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d our_o conversation_n 19_o phil._n 3._o 20._o 2_o cor._n 5_o â—_o 8._o 1_o cor._n 14_o 19_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o if_o in_o this_o life_n only_o we_o have_v hope_n in_o christ_n we_o be_v of_o all_o man_n most_o miserable_a for_o this_o reason_n it_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v never_o forward_a to_o appear_v before_o prince_n though_o they_o may_v have_v obtain_v a_o easy_a access_n by_o their_o miraculous_a deed_n so_o herod_n be_v exceed_v glad_a when_o he_o see_v jesus_n because_o he_o hope_v to_o have_v see_v some_o miracle_n do_v 8._o luke_n 23._o 8._o by_o he_o but_o they_o be_v very_o cautious_a in_o this_o point_n lest_o it_o may_v appear_v to_o some_o as_o if_o the_o gospel_n want_v to_o be_v maintain_v by_o human_a strength_n or_o that_o perhaps_o those_o prince_n may_v pretend_v to_o a_o great_a authority_n over_o they_o than_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n notwithstanding_o all_o this_o the_o christian_a religion_n do_v not_o in_o any_o wise_a impair_n or_o eclipse_v the_o legal_a right_n of_o sovereign_n but_o rather_o confirm_v and_o establish_v the_o civil_a power_n 24._o mat._n 22._o 21._o joh._n 18._o 2._o rom._n 13._o 1_o cor._n 35._o 24._o as_o be_v apparent_a out_o of_o several_a passage_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n if_o it_o shall_v be_v grant_v that_o the_o church_n be_v a_o state_n independent_a from_o any_o temporal_a jurisdiction_n the_o consequence_n will_v be_v this_o that_o the_o civil_a power_n can_v not_o but_o receive_v a_o most_o remarkable_a limitation_n and_o diminution_n and_o the_o condition_n of_o a_o subject_a must_v receive_v a_o great_a alteration_n whereas_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o condition_n of_o christian_n or_o of_o teacher_n in_o the_o church_n consider_v as_o such_o be_v neither_o abolish_v nor_o alter_v because_o either_o the_o prince_n or_o the_o subject_n in_o general_n do_v receive_v the_o christian_a faith_n there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o footstep_n to_o be_v meet_v withal_o in_o the_o scripture_n imply_v any_o such_o alteration_n beside_o this_o there_o be_v not_o any_o express_a command_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n direct_v to_o sovereign_n which_o entitle_v they_o to_o any_o particular_a prerogative_n in_o the_o church_n like_v to_o that_o which_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n have_v receive_v in_o the_o 17_o chap._n of_o deuteronomy_n from_o whence_o arise_v this_o conclusion_n that_o what_o right_a sovereign_n can_v claim_v in_o the_o church_n and_o church_n affair_n must_v be_v deduce_v either_o out_o of_o the_o natural_a constitution_n of_o the_o civil_a power_n or_o out_o of_o the_o true_a genius_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n or_o else_o must_v owe_v its_o offspring_n to_o the_o free_a consent_n of_o the_o church_n §_o 41._o out_o of_o what_o have_v be_v lay_v down_o it_o college_n church_n do_v not_o alter_v their_o nature_n of_o be_v a_o college_n appear_v first_o of_o all_o that_o if_o a_o prince_n or_o whole_a commonwealth_n do_v receive_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n the_o church_n do_v thereby_o not_o receive_v any_o other_o alteration_n as_o to_o her_o natural_a constitution_n but_o that_o whereas_o she_o be_v former_o to_o be_v consider_v only_o as_o a_o private_a society_n or_o college_n yet_o such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v subordinate_a to_o the_o law_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v cherish_v by_o the_o high_a power_n who_o have_v no_o legal_a right_o to_o disturb_v prosecute_v or_o destroy_v it_o she_o now_o be_v put_v under_o the_o particular_a protection_n of_o her_o sovereign_n enjoy_v a_o great_a share_n of_o security_n and_o be_v beyond_o the_o reach_n of_o the_o persecution_n of_o the_o infidel_n notwithstanding_o this_o the_o church_n be_v thereby_o not_o exalt_v from_o a_o college_n to_o a_o state_n since_z by_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o civil_a government_n do_v not_o undergo_v any_o alteration_n or_o diminution_n on_o the_o contrary_a sovereign_n loose_a nothing_o of_o their_o legal_a right_n neither_o be_v subject_n in_o any_o wise_a absolve_v from_o their_o duty_n and_o obligation_n for_o it_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n that_o a_o double_a sovereignty_n and_o two_o different_a sort_n of_o obligation_n in_o the_o subject_n shall_v be_v lodge_v in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o commonwealth_n it_o be_v a_o frivolous_a objection_n that_o the_o church_n and_o civil_a government_n have_v different_a end_n and_o object_n not_o repugnant_a to_o one_o another_o for_o from_o thence_o be_v not_o to_o be_v infer_v that_o the_o church_n must_v be_v a_o state_n or_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n can_v be_v propagate_v maintain_v or_o exercise_v without_o the_o church_n assume_v the_o same_o power_n that_o belong_v to_o the_o civil_a government_n in_o these_o place_n therefore_o where_o the_o whole_a people_n and_o the_o prince_n profess_v the_o christian_a religion_n the_o commonwealth_n receive_v the_o church_n into_o its_o protection_n and_o though_o strict_o unite_v there_o be_v no_o collision_n or_o emulation_n betwixt_o they_o nor_o do_v either_o of_o they_o receive_v any_o prejudice_n in_o their_o respective_a right_n but_o without_o the_o least_o interference_n with_o one_o another_o the_o church_n remain_v a_o college_n whereof_o the_o prince_n and_o all_o the_o subject_n be_v now_o become_v member_n so_o that_o each_o subject_n beside_o the_o person_n he_o represent_v in_o the_o state_n have_v assume_v that_o of_o a_o christian_a and_o in_o this_o respect_n be_v esteem_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n neither_o be_v every_o one_o to_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o church_n according_a to_o the_o station_n or_o dignity_n he_o bear_v in_o the_o commonwealth_n but_o these_o qualification_n be_v as_o it_o be_v lay_v aside_o there_o and_o he_o be_v only_o regard_v as_o a_o christian_a so_o that_o the_o general_n of_o a_o army_n can_v claim_v any_o prerogative_n to_o himself_o in_o the_o church_n beyond_o the_o private_a centinel_n and_o it_o be_v pass_v all_o doubt_n that_o one_o and_o the_o same_o man_n may_v represent_v several_a person_n according_a to_o the_o several_a function_n and_o obligation_n belong_v to_o he_o §_o 42._o it_o be_v also_o according_a to_o my_o opinion_n bishop_n 〈…〉_o make_v bishop_n beyond_o question_n that_o king_n prince_n or_o other_o civil_a magistrate_n by_o receive_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v not_o constitute_v bishop_n or_o teacher_n in_o the_o church_n this_o function_n not_o proper_o belong_v to_o every_o christian_a but_o only_o to_o such_o as_o have_v a_o lawful_a vocation_n and_o be_v fit_o qualify_v for_o it_o beside_o this_o the_o royal_a office_n and_o that_o of_o teacher_n be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n that_o they_o can_v convenient_o be_v administer_v by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o person_n not_o because_o of_o any_o natural_a repugnancy_n betwixt_o
religion_n but_o in_o case_n divine_v out_o of_o other_o country_n be_v to_o be_v call_v unto_o this_o convocation_n or_o assembly_n it_o be_v i_o think_v a_o plain_a case_n that_o these_o can_v appear_v there_o without_o leave_n first_o obtain_v from_o their_o sovereign_n and_o if_o a_o council_n shall_v be_v call_v consist_v of_o select_a divine_n out_o of_o a_o great_a many_o commonwealth_n this_o can_v be_v do_v without_o a_o forego_n agreement_n make_v betwixt_o those_o sovereign_n that_o be_v concern_v therein_o for_o it_o be_v not_o allowable_a for_o subject_n of_o another_o state_n to_o come_v to_o we_o upon_o such_o a_o account_n noâ—_n can_v we_o go_v to_o they_o upon_o such_o a_o errand_n unless_o by_o joint_a consent_n of_o the_o high_a power_n and_o since_o sovereign_n can_v claim_v any_o jurisdiction_n over_o one_o another_o there_o will_v be_v no_o place_n leave_v for_o any_o prerogative_n but_o matter_n must_v be_v transact_v according_a to_o mutual_a contract_n §_o 47._o for_o what_o reason_n the_o primitive_a church-discipline_n theâ—r_o right_o concern_v church-discipline_n christian_n do_v introduce_v church_n discipline_n viz._n to_o be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o heathen_n by_o their_o holy_a life_n and_o conversation_n and_o to_o supply_v the_o defect_n of_o the_o civil_a pagan_a law_n which_o do_v not_o restrain_v they_o from_o such_o vice_n as_o be_v abominable_a to_o the_o christian_n have_v be_v sufficient_o explain_v before_o this_o reason_n take_v no_o more_o place_n now_o after_o whole_a commonwealth_n as_o well_o as_o their_o sovereign_n be_v enter_v into_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n for_o there_o be_v not_o the_o same_o occasion_n now_o to_o be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o heathen_n by_o a_o unspotted_a conversation_n after_o the_o root_n out_o of_o the_o pagan_a religion_n all_o christian_n be_v under_o a_o equal_a obligation_n to_o endeavour_v a_o unblemished_a life_n but_o notwithstanding_o the_o general_a conversion_n of_o whole_a commonwealth_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n care_v aught_o to_o be_v take_v that_o holiness_n of_o life_n be_v not_o lay_v aside_o among_o christian_n from_o whence_o arise_v this_o question_n whether_o it_o be_v better_a to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n discipline_n now_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o it_o be_v practise_v in_o the_o primitive_a time_n or_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o more_o expedient_a to_o admit_v of_o some_o alteration_n after_o sovereign_n be_v enter_v into_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n the_o last_o of_o these_o two_o seem_v to_o be_v most_o probable_a because_o this_o ancient_a church_n discipline_n which_o be_v introduce_v for_o a_o certain_a time_n to_o supply_v the_o deficiency_n of_o the_o pagan_a law_n and_o to_o amend_v their_o vicious_a life_n and_o conversation_n and_o be_v thus_o leave_v to_o the_o direction_n of_o certain_a people_n be_v not_o a_o essential_a part_n of_o christianity_n and_o beside_o this_o carry_v this_o inconveniency_n along_o with_o it_o that_o it_o may_v easy_o degenerate_v into_o a_o kind_n of_o a_o pretend_a sovereignty_n and_o prove_v prejudicial_a to_o the_o civil_a power_n and_o as_o sovereign_n have_v a_o right_a to_o provide_v against_o every_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v the_o probable_a cause_n of_o convulsion_n in_o the_o state_n so_o may_v this_o defect_n be_v supply_v by_o the_o civil_a law_n and_o vice_n may_v be_v suppress_v by_o civil_a punishment_n neither_o do_v i_o see_v any_o reason_n to_o the_o contrary_a why_o vice_n shall_v not_o be_v as_o easy_o correct_v by_o punishment_n prescribe_v by_o the_o civil_a law_n as_o by_o church-censure_n or_o why_o the_o first_o shall_v not_o prove_v as_o effectual_a as_o the_o latter_a for_o the_o suppress_n of_o public_a scandal_n it_o will_v perhaps_o be_v object_v that_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n have_v a_o much_o great_a influence_n over_o christian_n towards_o the_o amendment_n of_o their_o life_n than_o civil_a punishment_n because_o the_o first_o penetrate_v into_o the_o heart_n whereas_o civil_a punishment_n do_v not_o touch_v we_o but_o superficial_o unto_o this_o it_o may_v be_v answer_v that_o church-discipline_n do_v not_o always_o answer_v this_o end_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o that_o some_o man_n though_o they_o undergo_v all_o the_o church-penances_a retain_v in_o their_o heart_n the_o same_o vicious_a inclination_n or_o sometime_o grow_v more_o stubborn_a and_o bold_a but_o if_o it_o be_v take_v as_o a_o expiation_n for_o our_o sin_n in_o regard_n of_o god_n almighty_n it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o if_o we_o pretend_v to_o a_o expiation_n for_o any_o trespass_n which_o fall_v under_o the_o cognizance_n of_o humane_a law_n we_o must_v therein_o be_v direct_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o do_v not_o prescribe_v church-penance_n as_o a_o proper_a satisfaction_n in_o this_o case_n for_o our_o sin_n be_v not_o remit_v because_o we_o have_v undergo_v church-penance_n but_o because_o our_o heart_n be_v purify_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n provide_v we_o by_o the_o faith_n apply_v his_o suffering_n unto_o we_o but_o suppose_v it_o shall_v be_v think_v most_o convenient_a that_o some_o sort_n of_o vice_n ought_v to_o be_v correct_v by_o church-discipline_n the_o best_a expedient_a will_v be_v to_o leave_v it_o first_o to_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o civil_a judge_n who_o according_a to_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o case_n aught_o to_o send_v the_o delinquent_n to_o the_o ecclesiastical_a court_n there_o to_o undergo_v the_o church-censure_n for_o christian_n sovereign_n have_v a_o unquestionable_a right_n to_o determine_v what_o sort_n of_o misdemeanour_n be_v punishable_a by_o the_o civil_a law_n and_o which_o of_o they_o come_v under_o the_o cognizance_n of_o ecclesiastical_a court_n and_o consequent_o to_o decree_v what_o sort_n of_o church-censure_n ought_v to_o be_v lay_v upon_o the_o delinquent_n according_a to_o the_o different_a nature_n of_o the_o trespass_n which_o may_v be_v put_v in_o execution_n by_o the_o minister_n according_o concern_v excommunication_n the_o same_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v put_v in_o practice_n but_o with_o this_o caution_n that_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o discretion_n of_o priest_n so_o as_o to_o be_v inflict_v by_o they_o aâ—_n pleasure_n but_o this_o power_n ought_v to_o be_v limit_v by_o certain_a rule_n prescribe_v by_o those_o that_o have_v the_o legislative_a power_n in_o a_o state_n for_o in_o a_o christian_a commonwealth_n excommunication_n alter_v the_o civil_a condition_n of_o a_o subject_a and_o â—enders_v he_o infamous_a and_o detestable_a among_o his_o fellow-christians_a and_o as_o it_o affect_v the_o civil_a state_n of_o subject_n sovereign_n unless_o they_o will_v let_v other_o encroach_v upon_o their_o prerogative_n aught_o to_o determine_v concern_v its_o legality_n §_o 48._o since_o the_o christian_a religion_n do_v not_o statute_n concern_v the_o power_n of_o make_v ecclesiastical_a canon_n or_o statute_n in_o any_o wise_a diminish_v the_o right_n of_o sovereign_n these_o if_o enter_v into_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n have_v a_o power_n to_o examine_v what_o canon_n or_o ecclesiastical_a statute_n be_v receive_v in_o the_o church_n and_o if_o some_o of_o they_o be_v find_v superfluous_a or_o interfere_v with_o the_o sovereign_a power_n to_o abolish_v the_o same_o and_o if_o there_o appear_v any_o deficiency_n to_o supply_v what_o be_v want_v towards_o the_o maintain_v a_o good_a order_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o church_n which_o however_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v do_v without_o the_o advice_n at_o least_o of_o the_o chief_a man_n of_o the_o church_n and_o last_o give_v to_o those_o statute_n the_o force_n of_o civil_a law_n this_o power_n nevertheless_o of_o make_v ecclesiastical_a statute_n must_v be_v exercise_v with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o caution_n the_o same_o be_v limit_v to_o the_o outward_a form_n of_o the_o church-government_n and_o to_o maintain_v its_o order_n and_o decency_n christian_n be_v not_o to_o be_v over-heaped_a with_o a_o vast_a number_n of_o canon_n for_o those_o that_o stretch_v â—4_n colos_n 2._o 16._o 21_o 22._o 1_o tim._n 4._o â—4_n the_o power_n of_o sovereign_n to_o such_o a_o pitch_n as_o to_o make_v they_o the_o absolute_a judge_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o to_o attribute_v to_o they_o a_o right_n of_o establish_v certain_a article_n of_o faith_n by_o civil_a law_n or_o to_o annex_v to_o they_o a_o force_n equal_a to_o the_o civil_a constitution_n and_o to_o force_v upon_o their_o subject_n a_o certain_a religion_n under_o severe_a penalty_n or_o oblige_v they_o either_o to_o profess_v or_o to_o deny_v certain_a point_n of_o doctrine_n which_o be_v controvert_v among_o christian_n these_o i_o say_v act_n quite_o contrary_a to_o the_o true_a genius_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o to_o the_o method_n make_v use_v of_o by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n for_o the_o
§_o lxv_o he_o entire_o and_o without_o limitation_n ascribe_v to_o the_o prince_n the_o power_n of_o constitute_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o if_o they_o be_v minister_n of_o the_o state_n but_o in_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o the_o jew_n regulate_v according_a to_o god_n own_o institution_n no_o such_o power_n be_v grant_v to_o their_o king_n neither_o have_v the_o apostle_n themselves_o though_o the_o most_o general_a teacher_n that_o ever_o be_v as_o be_v send_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o all_o the_o world_n their_o authority_n of_o teach_v from_o any_o temporal_a sovereign_n neither_o can_v it_o be_v prove_v that_o the_o church_n at_o the_o time_n when_o sovereign_n first_o embrace_v the_o christian_a faith_n do_v transferr_v this_o power_n of_o constitute_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n without_o limitation_n to_o those_o prince_n though_o at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o sovereign_n have_v a_o considerable_a share_n in_o it_o his_o argument_n take_v from_o the_o care_n parent_n ought_v to_o have_v of_o the_o salvation_n of_o their_o child_n do_v not_o reach_v to_o what_o he_o pretend_v to_o prove_v for_o say_v he_o prince_n be_v the_o public_a father_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n it_o belong_v to_o their_o princely_a office_n to_o provide_v for_o the_o eternal_a salvation_n of_o their_o subject_n for_o beside_o that_o the_o title_n of_o father_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n be_v a_o metaphorical_a expression_n the_o fatherly_a and_o the_o regal_a office_n depend_v from_o a_o quite_o different_a principle_n and_o the_o care_n to_o be_v take_v of_o child_n of_o a_o tender_a age_n be_v of_o another_o nature_n with_o that_o which_o ought_v to_o be_v employ_v for_o the_o safety_n of_o a_o whole_a people_n neither_o be_v sovereign_n invest_v with_o the_o supreme_a authority_n to_o enable_v they_o to_o procure_v eternal_a salvation_n to_o their_o subject_n god_n have_v prescribe_v other_o way_n and_o mean_n for_o the_o obtain_n of_o it_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o a_o prince_n must_v not_o be_v regardless_o of_o this_o care_n nevertheless_o ought_v the_o same_o not_o to_o reach_v beyond_o its_o due_a bound_n but_o must_v be_v effect_v by_o such_o method_n as_o be_v approve_v of_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o suit_n with_o the_o true_a genius_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n wherefore_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o attribute_v to_o sovereign_n a_o power_n of_o obtrude_a any_o religion_n at_o pleasure_n upon_o their_o subject_n it_o be_v beyond_o question_n that_o not_o all_o religion_n be_v conduce_v to_o obtain_v eternal_a salvation_n so_o abraham_n the_o father_n of_o believer_n do_v not_o impose_v upon_o his_o child_n what_o religion_n he_o think_v most_o convenient_a but_o he_o charge_v they_o to_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n such_o as_o be_v manifest_v to_o they_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n what_o st._n paul_n say_v 1_o tim._n 2._o 2._o be_v very_o well_o worth_a take_a notice_n of_o viz._n that_o the_o chief_a care_n of_o the_o supreme_a governor_n shall_v be_v so_o to_o rule_v over_o their_o subject_n that_o they_o may_v live_v under_o they_o not_o only_o honest_o but_o pious_o this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o eternal_a salvation_n it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o those_o prince_n for_o who_o the_o apostle_n enjoin_v the_o christian_n to_o pray_v be_v pagan_n make_v but_o little_a account_n of_o piety_n especial_o of_o that_o belong_v to_o the_o christian_n but_o it_o be_v think_v sufficient_a for_o the_o christian_n to_o enjoy_v the_o common_a benefit_n of_o the_o public_a tranquillity_n under_o their_o protection_n the_o rest_n be_v leave_v to_o their_o own_o care_n so_o we_o read_v that_o the_o poet_n enjoyment_n of_o his_o muse_n be_v owe_v to_o augustus_n caesar_n protection_n nevertheless_o the_o emperor_n do_v not_o concern_v himself_o about_o the_o rule_n of_o poetry_n furthermore_o it_o be_v a_o very_a gross_a way_n of_o argue_v when_o he_o assert_n that_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o church_n be_v both_o one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n under_o a_o christian_a prince_n who_o subject_n also_o profess_v the_o christian_a religion_n the_o only_a difference_n be_v in_o respect_n of_o their_o different_a qualification_n they_o be_v in_o the_o commonwealth_n to_o be_v consider_v as_o they_o be_v subject_n in_o the_o church_n as_o believer_n it_o seem_v mr._n houtuyn_n look_v upon_o that_o difference_n to_o be_v of_o little_a moment_n which_o arise_v from_o divers_a moral_a qualification_n and_o include_v different_a obligation_n and_o be_v found_v upon_o another_o legal_a principle_n it_o be_v confess_v that_o in_o such_o a_o case_n where_o the_o head_n be_v not_o differ_v in_o his_o natural_a constitution_n from_o the_o right_n and_o power_n belong_v to_o he_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o member_n though_o different_o consider_v under_o divers_a qualification_n be_v nevertheless_o to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o one_o and_o the_o same_o society_n as_o for_o instance_n if_o a_o prince_n put_v himself_o at_o the_o head_n of_o all_o his_o subject_n upon_o a_o expedition_n these_o though_o they_o may_v be_v consider_v either_o as_o soldier_n or_o subject_n yet_o do_v not_o differ_v in_o any_o essential_a part_n as_o for_o example_n the_o people_n of_o israel_n when_o go_v upon_o their_o expedition_n under_o the_o conduct_n of_o joshua_n be_v the_o very_a same_o that_o afterward_o under_o his_o protection_n enjoy_v and_o inhabit_v the_o country_n of_o canaan_n but_o the_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n though_o compose_v out_o of_o the_o selfsame_a person_n do_v not_o only_o differ_v in_o their_o very_a foundation_n but_o also_o a_o sovereign_n can_v claim_v the_o same_o right_n and_o name_v of_o be_v the_o supreme_a head_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o same_o sense_n as_o he_o be_v the_o supreme_a governor_n of_o the_o state_n for_o in_o the_o latter_a he_o exercise_v his_o authority_n without_o control_n be_v subject_a to_o no_o body_n but_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n be_v christ_n who_o rule_v it_o by_o his_o word_n announce_v to_o we_o by_o the_o teacher_n of_o the_o church_n so_o that_o a_o sovereign_n can_v as_o much_o as_o claim_v the_o right_n of_o be_v christ_n vicegerent_n in_o the_o church_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n though_o it_o be_v say_v of_o christ_n that_o all_o power_n be_v give_v unto_o he_o in_o heaven_n and_o upon_o earth_n nevertheless_o it_o can_v be_v say_v of_o he_o to_o be_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n the_o head_n of_o civil_a society_n as_o of_o the_o church_n the_o next_o follow_v assertion_n run_v thus_o where_o the_o whole_a commonwealth_n be_v not_o compose_v out_o of_o christian_n the_o church_n be_v a_o congregation_n of_o the_o believer_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n but_o where_o all_o subject_n be_v christian_n the_o church_n be_v nevertheless_o nothing_o else_o than_o a_o college_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n but_o what_o he_o allege_v of_o the_o church_n be_v sometime_o take_v in_o the_o same_o sense_n with_o the_o commonwealth_n be_v absolute_o false_a for_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o act_n 14_o 23._o and_o those_o in_o titus_n 1._o 5._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v no_o synom_n but_o the_o latter_a be_v to_o be_v understand_v thus_o in_o all_o the_o town_n and_o city_n where_o there_o be_v any_o christian_a church_n the_o inference_n he_o will_v make_v from_o the_o military_a function_n and_o the_o administration_n of_o justice_n be_v both_o include_v in_o one_o government_n be_v to_o no_o purpose_n both_o of_o they_o owe_v their_o offspring_n to_o that_o end_n for_o which_o civil_a society_n be_v institute_v which_o be_v not_o the_o same_o in_o the_o church_n and_o sovereign_n be_v entrust_v with_o the_o sword_n of_o war_n and_o justice_n not_o with_o the_o ministerial_a function_n of_o preach_v the_o gospel_n from_o whence_o it_o come_v that_o general_n and_o judge_n be_v subordinate_a to_o the_o princely_a office_n but_o not_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o be_v bare_o consider_v as_o such_o not_o proper_o minister_n of_o the_o prince_n and_o state_n but_o minister_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o church_n he_o say_v further_a that_o the_o assignation_n of_o the_o ministerial_a function_n do_v not_o appertain_v to_o the_o internal_a part_n of_o religion_n but_o if_o faith_n come_v from_o hear_v and_o no_o body_n can_v believe_v without_o be_v instruct_v it_o be_v undeniable_a that_o those_o that_o preach_v the_o gospel_n have_v a_o share_n in_o the_o internal_a part_n of_o religion_n they_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v as_o the_o instrument_n by_o the_o help_n of_o who_o the_o gospel_n and_o consequent_o the_o faith_n be_v convey_v to_o their_o auditor_n it_o be_v false_a when_o he_o assert_n that_o sovereign_n though_o no_o christian_n have_v