particular_a ordinary_a congregation_n or_o parish_n now_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o we_o acknowledge_v we_o allow_v and_o do_v desire_v such_o election_n and_o excommunication_n by_o the_o people_n neither_o be_v this_o to_o be_v reckon_v any_o popularity_n which_o can_v be_v either_o prejudicious_a to_o prince_n or_o tumultuous_a in_o itself_o no_o it_o can_v not_o be_v a_o inconvenient_a order_n but_o most_o reasonable_a for_o any_o place_n or_o people_n in_o the_o world_n namely_o see_v we_o do_v express_o hold_v this_o assertion_n no_o otherwise_o and_o we_o hearty_o pray_v that_o it_o may_v be_v note_v but_o as_o it_o be_v ground_v on_o 4._o circumstance_n stand_v power_n circumstance_n whereon_o the_o fitness_n of_o the_o people_n consent_n stand_v 1._o stand_v 1._o in_o regard_n that_o it_o be_v as_o we_o be_v well_o assure_v a_o divine_a order_n and_o ordinance_n institute_v for_o each_o church_n by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n the_o truth_n whereof_o we_o hope_v have_v evident_o appear_v in_o this_o 2._o this_o 2._o reason_n last_o handle_v consider_v that_o we_o allow_v the_o people_n consent_n and_o voice-giving_a in_o election_n excommunication_n etc._n etc._n to_o be_v do_v only_o by_o the_o christian_a people_n of_o one_o parish_n that_o be_v of_o one_o particular_a ordinary_a congregation_n only_o and_o by_o no_o great_a nor_o large_a number_n of_o people_n by_o any_o mean_n as_o before_o have_v be_v likewise_o show_v 3._o show_v 3._o consider_v that_o in_o the_o manner_n hereof_o we_o hold_v this_o only_a to_o be_v necessary_a &_o ordinary_a that_o the_o ecclesiastical_a guide_n there_o apart_o from_o the_o people_n do_v first_o by_o themselves_o prepare_v and_o determine_v the_o whole_a matter_n namely_o in_o such_o sort_n that_o the_o people_n may_v not_o need_v to_o do_v aught_o afterward_o but_o only_o consent_v with_o they_o and_o free_o signify_v their_o consent_n it_o it_o 4._o it_o 4._o if_o any_o where_o it_o shall_v fall_v out_o that_o this_o people_n thus_o guide_v &_o be_v so_o few_o will_v yet_o presume_v to_o be_v in_o their_o churchelection_n etc._n etc._n unrulie_a and_o violent_a than_o the_o prince_n next_o dwell_n officer_n of_o justice_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o make_v they_o keep_v peace_n and_o quietness_n which_o thing_n how_o easy_a it_o be_v for_o the_o mean_a of_o they_o to_o do_v the_o simple_a may_v perceive_v all_o which_o very_o be_v well_o consider_v this_o ecclesiastical_a government_n questionless_a be_v most_o reasonable_a yea_o necessary_a and_o it_o be_v childish_a &_o without_o all_o wit_n to_o cry_v out_o against_o we_o as_o our_o adversary_n do_v popularity_n anarchy_n and_o enmity_n to_o prince_n for_o this_o our_o so_o well_o ground_v and_o so_o approve_v a_o assertion_n another_o thing_n be_v here_o to_o be_v well_o remember_v that_o m._n hooker_n and_o m._n tooker_n the_o noble_a patron_n of_o plurality_n and_o nonresidencie_n be_v utterlie_o defeat_v in_o this_o their_o purpose_n the_o former_a ulâ—im_fw-la former_a hook_n lib._n 5._o sect_n ulâ—im_fw-la make_v this_o his_o reason_n for_o they_o because_o it_o be_v a_o mistake_v say_v he_o to_o think_v that_o the_o particular_a congregation_n be_v by_o god_n ordinance_n so_o many_o distinct_a &_o proper_a church_n for_o as_o he_o hold_v there_o be_v but_o one_o visible_a church_n proper_o and_o the_o same_o universal_a through_o the_o whole_a world_n as_o for_o particular_a congregation_n they_o be_v not_o proper_o so_o many_o church_n neither_o distinguish_v at_o all_o by_o god_n but_o only_o by_o man_n and_o therefore_o every_o minister_n be_v a_o minister_n proper_o to_o the_o whole_a church_n but_o by_o man_n according_a to_o discretion_n only_o be_v limit_v to_o this_o or_o that_o congregation_n there_o to_o have_v maintenance_n make_v sure_a to_o he_o by_o law_n &_o there_o to_o teach_v till_o man_n see_v it_o fit_a to_o employ_v his_o gift_n in_o another_o benefice_n or_o elsewhere_o all_o which_o because_o they_o be_v mere_o man_n ordinance_n by_o man_n they_o may_v be_v dispose_v and_o dispense_v with_o again_o as_o to_o those_o in_o authority_n seem_v good_a and_o so_o both_o plurality_n of_o live_n and_o nonresidencie_n from_o the_o same_o shall_v be_v both_o lawful_a and_o honest_a this_o be_v the_o effect_n and_o drift_n of_o his_o reason_n and_o even_o on_o the_o same_o foundation_n also_o build_v d._n tooker_n yea_o only_o this_o ground_n he_o have_v and_o none_o other_o where_o nothing_o else_o need_v answer_n but_o this_o his_o assertion_n 45._o assertion_n fabric_n of_o the_o church_n pag._n 45._o distinction_n of_o parish_n churches_n be_v of_o mere_a positive_a law_n not_o of_o divine_a for_o my_o part_n i_o will_v grant_v this_o reason_n to_o be_v in_o deed_n sound_a and_o good_a for_o their_o purpose_n and_o not_o only_o for_o that_o but_o also_o singular_a and_o most_o pregnant_a to_o set_v up_o the_o roman_a papacy_n too_o if_o this_o their_o foundation_n be_v not_o manifest_o contrary_a to_o god_n word_n but_o before_o it_o have_v be_v show_v to_o be_v clear_a than_o the_o light_a that_o distinction_n of_o parish_n in_o some_o sort_n that_o be_v of_o particular_a church_n be_v by_o god_n own_o ordinance_n in_o the_o apostle_n write_n and_o not_o by_o the_o mere_a positive_a law_n of_o man_n wherefore_o this_o be_v evident_a to_o be_v a_o most_o ungodly_a and_o shameless_a defence_n plead_v for_o or_o excuse_v that_o wretched_a sin_n of_o soule-murdering_a nonresidencie_n as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n allowable_a and_o not_o simple_o evil_a it_o can_v not_o excuse_v this_o sin_n to_o allege_v that_o plurified_a man_n may_v have_v their_o 2._o benefice_n near_o together_o perhaps_o within_o half_a a_o mile_n a_o mile_n or_o 2._o mile_n the_o one_o of_o the_o other_o this_o will_v not_o help_v they_o any_o more_o than_o a_o man_n can_v be_v excuse_v who_o take_v &_o keep_v two_o wife_n at_o once_o though_o yet_o by_o the_o one_o he_o be_v not_o draw_v far_o away_o from_o the_o other_o god_n law_n disallow_v that_o former_a no_o less_o they_o this_o latter_a yea_o i_o avow_v there_o have_v be_v who_o have_v keep_v two_o wife_n at_o once_o honest_a man_n and_o more_o approve_a of_o god_n they_o any_o minister_n now_o in_o england_n have_v 2._o church_n or_o charge_n lie_v howsoever_o and_o yet_o i_o acknowledge_v to_o have_v two_o wife_n at_o once_o be_v simple_o against_o god_n word_n well_o yet_o this_o will_v not_o satisfy_v some_o neither_o will_v they_o yield_v that_o every_o particular_a congregation_n of_o christian_n shall_v be_v allow_v for_o a_o distinct_a and_o a_o proper_a church_n visible_a and_o so_o to_o enjoy_v their_o own_o ecclesiastical_a government_n within_o themselves_o albeit_o against_o it_o they_o have_v no_o reason_n unless_o perhaps_o this_o only_a if_o it_o be_v so_o they_o will_v say_v yet_o will_v not_o thereby_o all_o thing_n become_v perfect_a somewhat_o notwithstanding_o will_v be_v want_v or_o amiss_o oftentimes_o how_o then_o shall_v this_o be_v holpen_v or_o amend_v not_o by_o archbishop_n or_o diocesan_n ruling_n or_o lordbishop_n i_o answer_v somewhat_o will_v be_v amiss_o always_o in_o whatsoever_o ecclesiastical_a government_n upon_o earth_n nevertheless_o there_o be_v no_o need_n nor_o good_a use_n of_o these_o nor_o of_o any_o ecclesiastical_a unwritten_a tradition_n in_o christ_n church_n we_o believe_v and_o know_v god_n write_a word_n to_o be_v sufficient_a special_o see_v these_o be_v so_o direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o only_a true_a form_n and_o nature_n of_o christ_n visible_a church_n in_o his_o word_n as_o have_v be_v show_v a_o great_a ecclesiastical_a government_n than_o the_o church_n we_o know_v none_o there_o be_v nothing_o without_o the_o church_n above_o it_o viz._n ecclesiasticallie_o and_o spiritual_o see_v each_o church_n have_v her_o power_n and_o government_n as_o before_o be_v declare_v immediate_o from_o christ_n yet_o it_o be_v true_a beside_o the_o magistrate_n honourable_a assistance_n very_o oft_o there_o be_v great_a and_o singular_a yea_o sometime_o in_o a_o sort_n necessary_a help_n to_o be_v have_v by_o synod_n which_o be_v meeting_n of_o choice_n man_n out_o of_o many_o church_n and_o these_o be_v lesser_a or_o great_a as_o occasion_n require_v who_o counsaille_n advice_n and_o determination_n be_v most_o expedient_a and_o wholesome_a always_o but_o touch_v any_o certain_a government_n by_o synod_n or_o necessary_a impose_v of_o their_o synodall_n conclusion_n decree_n or_o canon_n upon_o church_n without_o their_o particular_a free_a consente_n this_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o mere_a humane_a ordinance_n i_o can_v not_o find_v it_o either_o express_o or_o by_o necessary_a consequence_n in_o any_o part_n of_o christ_n testament_n thus_o write_v hereof_o the_o reverend_n m._n whitaker_n 44._o whitaker_n whitak_n de_fw-fr council_n pag._n 44._o quod_fw-la omnes_fw-la atttngit_fw-la ab_fw-la omnibus_fw-la
either_o civil_a or_o natural_a or_o write_v in_o the_o word_n i_o say_v these_o particular_n only_o notwithstanding_o this_o commandment_n be_v permit_v to_o man_n to_o appoint_v or_o to_o change_v again_o at_o their_o discretion_n in_o this_o text_n then_o there_o be_v 3._o point_n to_o be_v note_v 1._o the_o matter_n 2._o the_o author_n 3._o the_o respect_n due_a from_o we_o unto_o the_o matter_n here_o contain_v the_o matter_n be_v the_o whole_a spiritual_a mean_n of_o worship_v the_o true_a god_n and_o namely_o the_o outward_a spiritual_a mean_n that_o be_v god_n visible_a church_n his_o ministry_n his_o whole_a outward_a worship_n and_o service_n 2._o the_o author_n of_o all_o this_o be_v precise_o determine_v viz._n god_n himself_o and_o no_o man._n 3_o such_o invention_n of_o man_n must_v have_v from_o god_n people_n no_o reverence_n but_o god_n own_o ordinance_n must_v and_o thus_o this_o 2._o commandment_n be_v true_o understand_v to_o this_o effect_n likewise_o â—re_n many_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n excellent_a exposition_n and_o interpretation_n of_o this_o main_a commandment_n as_o 32_o as_o deu._n 12_o 32_o whatsoever_o i_o command_v you_o take_v heed_n that_o you_o do_v it_o thou_o shall_v put_v nothing_o thereto_o nor_o take_v aught_o therefrom_o 30.21_o therefrom_o isa_n 30.21_o this_o be_v the_o way_n walk_v you_o in_o it_o turn_v not_o to_o the_o right_a hand_n nor_o to_o the_o left_a 19.7_o left_a psal_n 19.7_o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v perfect_a 119.113_o perfect_a psal_n 119.113_o i_o hate_v vain_a invention_n but_o thy_o law_n do_v i_o love_v 15.39_o love_v nomb._n 15.39_o you_o shall_v have_v fringe_n that_o when_o you_o look_v upon_o they_o you_o may_v remember_v all_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o do_v they_o and_o that_o you_o seek_v not_o after_o your_o own_o heart_n nor_o after_o your_o own_o eye_n after_o the_o which_o you_o go_v a_o whore_v 15.13_o whore_v matt._n 15.13_o every_o plant_n that_o my_o heavenly_a father_n have_v not_o plant_v shall_v be_v root_v up_o 3.16.17_o up_o 2._o tim._n 3.16.17_o the_o whole_a scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n make_v the_o man_n of_o god_n perfect_a unto_o every_o good_a work_n 16.13_o work_n joh._n 16.13_o the_o holy_a ghost_n shall_v lead_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n 3.15_o truth_n gal._n 3.15_o no_o man_n add_v to_o any_o thing_n to_o a_o man_n testament_n much_o less_o may_v we_o add_v unto_o christ_n testament_n which_o be_v only_o the_o holy_a scripture_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o nothing_o else_o in_o the_o world_n last_o 16.17.18_o last_o rom._n 16.17.18_o mark_v they_o which_o make_v schism_n and_o offence_n 1â—_n offence_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d scâ—_n gal._n 1.8_o 1._o cor._n 3_o 1â—_n beside_o the_o doctrine_n which_o you_o have_v learned_a and_o avoid_v they_o for_o such_o seruenot_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n etc._n etc._n with_o many_o other_o mo_z place_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n out_o of_o all_o which_o this_o doctrine_n remain_v clear_a and_o firm_a that_o all_o humane_a invention_n or_o unwritten_a tradition_n ecclesiastical_a be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o god_n word_n yea_o be_v but_o beside_o the_o scripture_n they_o be_v flat_o contrary_a to_o it_o in_o these_o place_n and_o therefore_o god_n own_o word_n which_o be_v only_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o be_v before_o note_v ought_v to_o be_v religious_o believe_v and_o hold_v to_o be_v for_o we_o as_o a_o most_o perfect_a and_o absolute_a demonstration_n of_o all_o thing_n whatsoever_o be_v proper_o and_o simple_o ecclesiastical_a or_o religious_a which_o be_v the_o special_a end_n and_o use_v they_o be_v give_v for_o as_o likewise_o they_o be_v give_v unto_o the_o jew_n even_o to_o be_v so_o absolute_a and_o perfect_a for_o they_o ever_o since_o god_n do_v give_v they_o any_o holy_a scripture_n from_o which_o ground_n &_o principal_a place_n of_o god_n worâ—e_v thus_o declare_v we_o will_v now_o conclude_v and_o frame_v our_o first_o reason_n reason_n 1_o if_o we_o have_v diocesan_n and_o provincial_n church_n use_v government_n &_o ministery_n or_o office_n proper_a to_o they_o and_o also_o ceremony_n that_o be_v rite_n now_o in_o controversy_n all_o which_o be_v invention_n &_o tradition_n utter_o without_o the_o scripture_n tradition_n unwritten_a tradition_n then_o we_o have_v some_o repute_a church_n as_o touch_v their_o outward_a visible_a form_n and_o ministery_n and_o ceremony_n contrary_a to_o god_n word_n but_o we_o have_v diocesan_n &_o provincial_n church_n use_v government_n their_o proper_a office_n viz._n the_o provincial_n &_o diocesan_n censure_n diocesan_n viz._n as_o they_o inflict_v ecclesiastical_a censure_n high_a commission_n provincial_n and_o diocesan_n rule_v bishop_n also_o controvert_v ceremony_n which_o be_v all_o ecclesiastical_a unwritten_a tradition_n no_o way_n contain_v in_o but_o clean_o beside_o the_o scripture_n therefore_o they_o be_v contrary_a to_o these_o place_n of_o god_n word_n they_o be_v simple_o evil_a &_o of_o necesitie_n the_o other_o viz._n the_o parish_n church_n in_o england_n ought_v to_o be_v reform_v free_v and_o clear_v of_o they_o all_o where_o it_o be_v first_o to_o be_v note_v note_v 1_o that_o alâ—_n those_o forename_a matter_n ecclesiastical_a or_o any_o other_o else_o which_o may_v or_o can_v be_v lawful_a be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v containeâ—_n in_o the_o scripture_n either_o express_o or_o by_o necessary_a consequence_n otherwise_o we_o affirm_v they_o be_v mere_o humane_a invention_n &_o tradition_n contrary_a to_o the_o scripture_n note_v two_o kind_n repute_a visible_a church_n of_o divers_a kind_n again_o it_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o in_o the_o estimation_n of_o man_n a_o visible_a church_n that_o be_v which_o be_v endue_v with_o power_n of_o spiritual_a outward_a government_n be_v of_o diâ—ers_n form_n and_o nature_n nevertheless_o in_o truth_n and_o in_o veâ—ie_a deed_n christ_n have_v ordain_v for_o we_o only_o one_o kind_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n in_o his_o word_n and_o this_o only_a aught_o to_o be_v allow_v and_o believe_v to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n by_o all_o christian_n for_o who_o be_v it_o that_o can_v or_o ever_o can_v make_v any_o society_n of_o people_n to_o be_v a_o visible_a church_n but_o christ_n only_o some_o man_n esteem_v the_o universal_a number_n of_o profess_a christian_n in_o the_o world_n to_o be_v one_o visible_a church_n call_v it_o the_o catholic_a or_o universal_a visible_a church_n and_o the_o catholic_n take_v hold_n hereof_o do_v conclude_v that_o likewise_o there_o be_v &_o aught_o to_o be_v one_o catholic_a and_o universal_a government_n ecclesiastical_a unto_o which_o all_o other_o church_n and_o their_o government_n must_v be_v subordinate_a but_o in_o god_n word_n there_o be_v no_o such_o visible_a church_n nor_o government_n any_o where_o to_o be_v find_v this_o be_v mere_o devise_v by_o the_o wit_n and_o will_n of_o man_n again_o man_n esteem_v a_o whole_a nation_n profess_v the_o gospel_n to_o be_v one_o visible_a church_n and_o they_o call_v it_o a_o national_a church_n likewise_o a_o province_n a_o provincial_a church_n and_o a_o diocese_n a_o diocesan_n church_n but_o none_o of_o these_o likewise_o can_v be_v find_v in_o the_o whole_a new_a testament_n of_o christ_n only_o a_o particular_a ordinary_a constant_a congregation_n of_o christian_n in_o christ_n testament_n be_v appoint_v and_o reckon_v to_o be_v a_o visible_a church_n church_n particular_a &_o parishional_a church_n be_v the_o only_a true_a visible_a church_n and_o therefore_o so_o stand_v the_o case_n now_o here_o with_o we_o in_o england_n also_o and_o so_o we_o ought_v to_o esteem_v it_o the_o which_o that_o it_o may_v more_o clearelie_o appear_v to_o be_v true_a i_o have_v think_v good_a to_o set_v down_o this_o brief_a table_n follow_v wherein_o all_o the_o divers_a and_o sundry_a sense_n of_o a_o church_n in_o the_o etc._n the_o we_o speak_v not_o of_o the_o jew_n church_n under_o the_o law_n which_o we_o know_v be_v nationall_n &_o only_a one_o in_o the_o world_n under_o one_o high_a priest_n which_o be_v figure_n and_o be_v cease_v such_o also_o be_v that_o one_o church_n in_o the_o wilderness_n act_v 7.38_o which_o be_v yet_o nevertheless_o but_o one_o particular_a assembly_n aâ—â—o_o in_o one_o plate_n gather_v to_o gather_v so_o near_o as_o such_o a_o multitude_n can_v be_v exod_v 19_o 11_o etc._n etc._n new_a testament_n be_v plain_o &_o distinctlie_o show_v and_o yet_o none_o of_o the_o 4._o forenamed_a visible_a church_n as_o some_o do_v repute_v they_o be_v any_o where_o there_o to_o be_v find_v a_o table_n brief_o show_v all_o the_o divers_a and_o sundry_a signification_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n of_o this_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o common_o we_o translate_v a_o church_n wherein_o we_o may_v easy_o see_v which_o be_v the_o onâ—â—e_o true_a and_o
cause_n whereby_o our_o innocence_n &_o sound_a judgement_n herein_o through_o god_n blessing_n shall_v be_v make_v manifest_a and_o our_o adversary_n chief_a evasion_n be_v take_v away_o the_o truth_n and_o necessity_n of_o this_o reformation_n be_v more_o distinct_o and_o clear_o demonstrate_v i_o deny_v not_o most_o noble_a prince_n but_o that_o there_o be_v divers_a brethren_n desire_v this_o reformation_n who_o yet_o affirm_v not_o all_o that_o i_o affirm_v in_o this_o treatise_n or_o something_o not_o so_o full_o neither_o be_v the_o diocesan_n bishop_n nor_o their_o follower_n all_o whole_o of_o one_o mind_n yet_o touch_v we_o i_o know_v we_o whole_o agree_v in_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o desire_n which_o be_v the_o sufficiency_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n word_n in_o whatsoever_o matter_n mere_o ecclesiastical_a i_o say_v mere_o ecclesiastical_a for_o in_o matter_n any_o way_n civil_a no_o man_n doubt_v but_o god_n have_v leave_v liberty_n unto_o man_n judgement_n and_o like_n howbeit_o not_o so_o in_o thing_n mere_o ecclesiastical_a as_o after_o shall_v further_o be_v show_v god_n will_v and_o thus_o every_o sober_a mind_a man_n well_o consider_v the_o reason_n hereafter_o deduce_v from_o this_o ground_n will_v i_o hope_v in_o short_a time_n not_o hardly_o accord_v with_o us._n but_o now_o it_o remain_v gracious_a sovereign_n that_o i_o entreat_v your_o majesty_n which_o in_o most_o lowly_a and_o humble_a manner_n i_o do_v to_o pardon_v my_o boldness_n first_o in_o gather_v these_o reason_n &_o to_o such_o a_o purpose_n as_o here_o be_v signify_v second_o in_o present_v they_o to_o your_o highness_n three_o in_o presume_v herein_o to_o allege_v and_o cite_v some_o of_o your_o own_o golden_a sentence_n your_o religious_a wisdom_n easy_o perceave_v that_o this_o purpose_n beside_o my_o own_o due_a defence_n concern_v a_o most_o weighty_a and_o holy_a work_n viz._n the_o reformation_n of_o many_o and_o great_a disorder_n as_o we_o be_v persuade_v in_o our_o church_n which_o hitherto_o have_v be_v the_o proper_a cause_n of_o unspeakable_a hindrance_n to_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o calamity_n to_o infinite_a faithful_a lover_n thereof_o among_o us._n in_o which_o regard_n how_o glorious_a a_o work_n this_o will_v be_v and_o how_o acceptable_a to_o god_n how_o honourable_a for_o yourself_o and_o how_o necessary_a for_o we_o your_o highness_n i_o be_o sure_a right_v well_o understand_v and_o i_o hope_v by_o view_v these_o small_a labour_n of_o i_o you_o may_v somewhat_o more_o understand_v my_o desire_n be_v to_o be_v brief_a and_o plain_a in_o so_o important_a a_o cause_n wherefore_o i_o have_v touch_v the_o pith_n of_o all_o in_o a_o few_o namely_o in_o 4._o assertion_n fortify_v with_o short_a and_o clear_a proof_n and_o to_o who_o ought_v i_o chief_o to_o offer_v they_o but_o to_o your_o highness_n consider_v that_o you_o have_v will_v we_o to_o press_v by_o patience_n and_o well_o ground_v reason_n to_o persuade_v all_o the_o rest_n to_o like_v of_o our_o judgement_n reader_n in_o basilicon_fw-la doron_n to_o the_o reader_n or_o where_o we_o see_v better_a ground_n on_o the_o other_o part_n to_o incline_v thereunto_o which_o by_o god_n grace_n we_o shall_v be_v ready_a always_o to_o perform_v consider_v also_o that_o you_o be_v the_o sovereign_a power_n here_o to_o give_v general_a redress_n to_o these_o our_o not_o only_o temporal_a but_o also_o spiritual_a grievance_n in_o our_o conscience_n and_o consider_v that_o you_o not_o only_o know_v but_o also_o embrace_v and_o profess_v most_o religious_o the_o same_o main_a principle_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o ground_n of_o this_o persuasion_n of_o our_o conscience_n which_o we_o rest_v upon_o viz._n the_o holy_a scripture_n absolute_a perfection_n in_o matter_n ecclesiastical_a last_o consider_v how_o you_o have_v establish_v the_o church_n in_o your_o majesty_n other_o kingdom_n of_o scotland_n and_o in_o your_o island_n of_o jersey_n and_o guernsey_n according_o already_o therefore_o have_v i_o be_v bold_a in_o all_o duty_n to_o offer_v these_o reason_n to_o your_o majesty_n as_o to_o one_o who_o they_o principal_o concern_v where_o also_o we_o do_v all_o beseech_v you_o to_o suffer_v these_o word_n of_o exhortation_n be_v strong_a in_o the_o lord_n and_o lose_v not_o the_o thing_n which_o you_o have_v do_v yea_o proceed_v and_o do_v this_o noble_a work_n among_o we_o also_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o you_o while_o you_o be_v with_o he_o when_o you_o follow_v close_a his_o way_n your_o very_a enemy_n shall_v be_v at_o peace_n with_o you_o it_o shall_v be_v easy_a to_o do_v it_o to_o your_o people_n general_o it_o will_v be_v most_o acceptable_a as_o a_o thing_n look_v for_o before_o to_o all_o neighbour_n protestant_n country_n joyful_a as_o wherein_o we_o shall_v be_v all_o near_o link_v together_o to_o be_v short_a every_o way_n it_o shall_v bring_v more_o honour_n and_o less_o inconvenience_n to_o your_o estate_n than_o perhaps_o you_o may_v suppose_v final_o gracious_a sovereign_n as_o touch_v my_o presumption_n in_o meddle_v with_o your_o writing_n and_o apply_v they_o to_o this_o purpose_n i_o can_v say_v nothing_o but_o only_o submit_v myself_o to_o your_o wise_n virtuous_a and_o religious_a consideration_n sure_o i_o be_o when_o we_o your_o loyal_a and_o faithful_a subject_n do_v first_o see_v and_o read_v the_o same_o it_o be_v the_o great_a joy_n and_o comfort_n to_o our_o heart_n that_o can_v come_v unto_o us._n and_o therefore_o i_o can_v not_o but_o give_v some_o notice_n thereof_o always_o in_o the_o most_o dutiful_a &_o obedient_a affection_n of_o my_o heart_n that_o i_o can_v express_v the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o mercy_n bless_v your_o majesty_n for_o ever_o &_o preserve_v your_o precious_a soul_n from_o flattery_n and_o falsehood_n amen_o your_o majesty_n humble_a obedient_a and_o faithful_a subject_n henry_n jacob_n a_o minister_n of_o god_n word_n colimus_fw-la imperatorem_fw-la ut_fw-la hominem_fw-la à _fw-la deo_fw-la secundum_fw-la &_o solo_fw-la deo_fw-la minorem_fw-la tertull._n ad_fw-la scapul_n the_o 1._o assertion_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o reform_v the_o church_n of_o england_n their_o ministry_n and_o ceremony_n a_o general_a argument_n all_o thing_n contrary_a to_o god_n word_n ought_v of_o necessity_n to_o be_v reform_v but_o with_o we_o in_o england_n there_o be_v form_n of_o some_o repute_a visible_a church_n viz._n use_v church-government_n their_o proper_a ministery_n or_o office_n and_o also_o divers_a ceremony_n contrary_a to_o god_n word_n therefore_o with_o we_o in_o england_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o reform_v the_o church_n their_o ministry_n and_o ceremony_n the_o assumption_n be_v prove_v in_o 8._o reason_n first_o we_o have_v the_o 2._o commandment_n in_o the_o decalogue_n 4.5_o decalogue_n exod._n 2d_o 4.5_o thou_o shall_v not_o make_v to_o thyself_o any_o image_n or_o likeness_n of_o any_o thing_n etc._n etc._n thou_o shall_v not_o bow_v down_o to_o it_o nor_o worship_n it_o which_o be_v a_o perpetual_a and_o universal_a law_n now_o still_o for_o all_o christian_n to_o the_o same_o very_a effect_n and_o purpose_n also_o as_o it_o be_v heretofore_o unto_o the_o jew_n where_o we_o must_v note_v that_o god_n forbid_v not_o the_o same_o idoll-worship_n here_o which_o be_v forbid_v proper_o in_o the_o 1._o commandment_n where_o he_o say_v 3._o say_v vers_fw-la 3._o thou_o shall_v not_o have_v any_o other_o god_n before_o i_o this_o here_o forbid_a be_v a_o other_o kind_n of_o idolatry_n in_o the_o first_o he_o forbid_v whatsoever_o divine_a or_o godly_a honour_n give_v unto_o any_o thing_n beside_o unto_o god_n himself_o but_o 4.5_o but_o vers_fw-la 4.5_o here_o he_o forbid_v all_o mean_n be_v humane_a invention_n whereby_o man_n will_v give_v honour_n to_o the_o true_a god_n and_o namely_o all_o outward_a mean_n which_o we_o call_v god_n liturgia_fw-la god_n externus_fw-la dei_fw-la cultus_fw-la liturgia_fw-la outward_a worship_n or_o service_n yet_o consider_v always_o that_o in_o this_o commandment_n such_o outward_a mean_n of_o honour_v god_n be_v not_o deny_v to_o man_n discretion_n as_o be_v civil_a either_o mere_o or_o mixt_o but_o only_o such_o be_v here_o deny_v as_o be_v mere_o ecclesiastical_a thing_n and_o serve_v simple_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n as_o all_o ecclesiastical_a rite_n action_n ministery_n &_o form_n of_o visible_a church_n which_o be_v as_o it_o be_v sensible_a image_n serve_v simple_o for_o religious_a or_o ecclesiastical_a use_n and_o be_v mere_o the_o invention_n of_o man_n must_v needs_o by_o this_o commandment_n be_v all_o simple_o unlawful_a or_o in_o god_n outward_a worship_n this_o commandment_n give_v leave_v to_o man_n discretion_n &_o wisdom_n only_o touch_v mere_a circumstance_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o occasional_a or_o accidental_a thing_n therein_o and_o these_o occasional_a circumstance_n or_o accident_n be_v always_o such_o particular_n as_o who_o general_n be_v
apostle_n and_o urge_v it_o even_o to_o bind_v we_o no_o les_fw-fr then_o if_o it_o be_v a_o formal_a precept_n and_o so_o we_o read_v that_o christ_n himself_o &_o his_o apostle_n too_o reason_v sundry_a time_n from_o the_o bare_a act_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o man_n of_o god_n in_o the_o old_a law_n i_o know_v in_o divers_a example_n there_o be_v to_o be_v find_v circumstance_n which_o fit_v not_o all_o time_n place_n nor_o person_n what_o then_o neither_o do_v precept_n common_o fit_v we_o in_o so_o general_a a_o manner_n by_o this_o shift_n than_o we_o may_v avoid_v express_a and_o direct_a precept_n also_o and_o thus_o scarce_o any_o thing_n in_o god_n word_n shall_v suffice_v to_o constrain_v and_o bind_v us._n wherefore_o always_o we_o urge_v no_o other_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n or_o not_o in_o any_o other_o point_n than_o such_o as_o do_v and_o may_v fit_v we_o continual_o and_o every_o where_o even_o so_o well_o as_o they_o fit_v those_o of_o old_a in_o which_o case_n it_o be_v a_o miserable_a denial_n to_o say_v example_n be_v no_o precept_n god_n grant_v we_o and_o all_o true_a christian_n to_o enjoy_v our_o church_n order_v after_o the_o apostle_n example_n and_o to_o have_v all_o other_o custom_n of_o man_n when_o once_o we_o discern_v they_o utter_o abandon_v but_o to_o proceed_v a_o little_a the_o apostle_n again_o 6.3.5.6_o again_o act._n 6.3.5.6_o charge_v the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n to_o choose_v their_o deacon_n therefore_o much_o more_o ought_v the_o church_n who_o be_v not_o ignorant_a beast_n but_o man_n teach_v of_o god_n to_o choose_v their_o pastor_n last_o they_o 14.23_o they_o act._n 14.23_o ordain_v elder_n to_o sundry_a church_n which_o be_v actuallie_o present_a and_o consent_v so_o much_o be_v most_o evident_a by_o the_o very_a text_n neither_o can_v any_o except_v against_o this_o which_o suffice_v our_o purpose_n so_o that_o it_o be_v vain_a where_o 70._o where_o perpet_n gov_fw-mi pag._n 70._o some_o contend_v that_o this_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d here_o use_v will_v not_o necessary_o prove_v that_o the_o church_n do_v elect_v their_o elder_n i_o answer_v this_o very_a word_n yea_o thus_o as_o it_o be_v here_o construe_v be_v not_o so_o weak_a for_o our_o purpose_n as_o be_v pretend_v for_o we_o find_v the_o same_o word_n in_o good_a author_n have_v the_o very_a like_o grammatical_a construction_n that_o be_v join_v not_o with_o the_o people_n but_o with_o the_o guide_n or_o principal_a in_o the_o assembly_n and_o yet_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o this_o word_n signify_v in_o the_o ordinary_a use_n thereof_o the_o custom_n which_o be_v then_o to_o give_v voice_n by_o lift_v up_o of_o hand_n impli_v the_o people_n concurrence_n and_o voycegiving_a joint_o with_o the_o guide_n of_o the_o assembly_n for_o asmuch_o as_o this_o gesture_n of_o lift_v up_o hand_n for_o voycegiving_a in_o the_o the_o public_a meeting_n do_v always_o and_o most_o chief_o concern_v the_o people_n in_o this_o very_a manner_n to_o this_o purpose_n we_o have_v this_o word_n in_o demosthenes_n timocr_n demosthenes_n contâ—_n timocr_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o of_o the_o law_n the_o nomothetae_n which_o be_v the_o principal_a author_n shall_v ordain_v or_o constitute_v by_o lift_v up_o of_o hand_n the_o same_o be_v ratify_v where_o notwithstanding_o the_o lift_v up_o of_o hand_n as_o be_v well_o know_v be_v not_o the_o nomothetaes_n or_o chief_a author_n part_v only_o but_o the_o people_n act_n be_v understand_v also_o by_o implication_n who_o part_n be_v chief_o to_o lift_v up_o hand_n either_o before_o or_o after_o the_o nomothetaes_n act_n even_o so_o likewise_o this_o same_o word_n use_v here_o in_o the_o act_n in_o the_o very_a same_o manner_n shall_v import_v the_o people_n part_n also_o viz._n a_o present_a consent_n in_o the_o appoint_v of_o their_o elder_n though_o only_o their_o guide_n the_o apostle_n voycegiving_a and_o ordain_v of_o they_o be_v name_v but_o we_o will_v not_o press_v this_o we_o may_v as_o i_o say_v clean_o omit_v this_o consideration_n and_o yet_o this_o text_n in_o the_o act_n do_v full_o serve_v our_o main_n purpose_n namely_o it_o prove_v full_o that_o these_o elder_n be_v ordain_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o presence_n and_o with_o the_o free_a like_n of_o the_o several_a church_n another_o conceit_n there_o be_v that_o the_o sense_n of_o this_o word_n here_o be_v the_o same_o which_o the_o greek_a ecclesiastical_a writer_n long_o after_o do_v use_v it_o in_o viz._n only_o to_o lay_v on_o hand_n in_o ordination_n and_o no_o more_o it_o be_v a_o idle_a conceit_n all_o do_v know_v that_o the_o late_a ecclesiastical_a greek_a writer_n have_v alter_v the_o original_n and_o proper_a use_n of_o this_o word_n as_o they_o yea_o and_o the_o latin_n also_o have_v do_v in_o other_o as_o after_o we_o thereof_o we_o in_o the_o 2._o assertion_n &_o 9_o reason_n in_o the_o end_n thereof_o shall_v further_o see_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n they_o speak_v the_o ordinary_a and_o know_v phrase_n take_v from_o the_o former_a time_n but_o then_o no_o man_n use_v this_o word_n in_o such_o sense_n they_o which_o follow_v some_o hundred_o year_n can_v not_o prove_v that_o the_o ancient_n speak_v like_o the_o aftercommer_n wherefore_o to_o our_o purpose_n again_o by_o all_o these_o text_n thus_o declare_v it_o remain_v evident_a that_o the_o church_n which_o be_v to_o have_v a_o minister_n aught_o to_o be_v present_a and_o to_o show_v like_v and_o consent_n free_o to_o their_o minister_n call_v since_o we_o have_v see_v that_o it_o be_v so_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o by_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n which_o also_o it_o seem_v our_o very_a book_n of_o ordination_n which_o be_v by_o law_n intend_v &_o require_v where_o it_o say_v take_v thou_o authority_n etc._n etc._n in_o this_o congregation_n the_o word_n this_o import_v that_o the_o very_a particular_a congregation_n wherein_o he_o shall_v have_v authority_n shall_v be_v present_a and_o why_o shall_v they_o necessary_o be_v present_a but_o free_o to_o consent_v also_o here_o by_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o law_n will_v not_o that_o any_o minister_n shall_v be_v ordain_v but_o to_o a_o certain_a congregation_n all_o which_o good_a necessary_a and_o christian_a rule_n how_o they_o be_v now_o every_o where_o break_a &_o despise_v who_o see_v not_o yea_o though_o the_o manifest_a intent_n of_o our_o law_n do_v require_v they_o a_o word_n more_o let_v we_o add_v touch_v d._n bilson_n approbation_n also_o of_o the_o church_n free_a consent_n in_o choose_v their_o pastor_n who_o testimony_n i_o do_v delight_n to_o apply_v to_o our_o purpose_n for_o divers_a good_a consideration_n 353.356_o consideration_n d_o â—ils_v again_o the_o seminar_n part_n 2._o pag._n 353.356_o say_v he_o we_o have_v the_o word_n and_o warrant_v of_o the_o h._n ghost_n for_o that_o which_o we_o say_v etc._n etc._n viz._n that_o the_o people_n can_v and_o aught_o to_o discern_v and_o try_v the_o doctrine_n and_o spirit_n of_o the_o teacher_n and_o so_o to_o choose_v and_o refuse_v they_o as_o they_o by_o the_o word_n shall_v see_v good_a 355._o good_a pag._n 355._o how_o can_v the_o people_n do_v either_o if_o they_o have_v not_o skill_n and_o leave_v to_o discern_v both_o 360._o both_o perpet_n gover_n pag._n 360._o the_o apostle_n leave_v election_n indifferent_o to_o the_o people_n and_o clergy_n at_o jerusalem_n the_o people_n have_v as_o much_o right_a to_o choose_v their_o pastor_n as_o the_o clergy_n that_o have_v more_o skill_n to_o judge_v 339._o judge_v pag._n 339._o well_o may_v the_o people_n interest_n stand_v upon_o the_o ground_n of_o reason_n and_o nature_n and_o be_v derive_v from_o the_o rule_n of_o christian_a equity_n 359._o equity_n pag._n 359._o the_o late_a bishop_n of_o rome_n have_v not_o cease_v curse_v &_o fight_v till_o exclude_v both_o prince_n and_o people_n they_o reduce_v the_o election_n whole_o to_o the_o clergy_n but_o he_o tell_v they_o by_o their_o leave_n it_o be_v not_o so_o from_o the_o beginning_n â—30_n beginning_n pag._n â—30_n i_o acknowledge_v each_o church_n &_o people_n stand_v free_a by_o god_n law_n to_o admit_v maintain_v &_o obey_v no_o man_n as_o their_o pastor_n without_o their_o like_n it_o be_v true_a he_o add_v this_o unless_o by_o law_n custom_n or_o consent_v they_o restrain_v themselves_o but_o this_o he_o himself_o elsewhere_o answer_v round_o â—â—_o round_o pag._n 22_o â—â—_o what_o authority_n have_v other_o after_o the_o apostle_n death_n to_o change_v the_o apostolic_a government_n and_o such_o addition_n he_o call_v 19_o call_v pag._n 19_o corruption_n of_o time_n invention_n of_o man_n and_o a_o transgress_a of_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n for_o the_o tradition_n of_o man_n and_o again_o he_o call_v this_o