remove_v yet_o the_o church_n have_v this_o purity_n in_o some_o measure_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o religious_a king_n of_o israel_n who_o do_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n all_o relic_n monument_n and_o shadow_n of_o corruption_n and_o likewise_o in_o diverse_a place_n since_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n especial_o in_o these_o last_o day_n wherein_o it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o bring_v his_o church_n out_o of_o that_o sink_n of_o antichristianisme_n and_o to_o reveal_v the_o right_a way_n and_o manner_n of_o his_o service_n yea_o church_n as_o they_o have_v a_o small_a beginning_n from_o the_o which_o they_o rise_v and_o a_o state_n unestablish_v wherein_o they_o continue_v for_o some_o space_n of_o time_n so_o also_o they_o may_v at_o lengh_n attain_v to_o a_o perfect_a state_n whereunto_o they_o do_v daily_o grow_v and_o whereat_o they_o ought_v continual_o to_o aim_v it_o be_v then_o attain_v unto_o whenas_o all_o those_o ordinance_n which_o christ_n have_v appoint_v for_o the_o govern_n of_o his_o church_n be_v full_o establish_v all_o the_o ecclesiastical_a function_n and_o all_o those_o mean_n whereby_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v edify_v in_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o faith_n be_v use_v so_o far_o forth_o as_o humane_a infirmity_n do_v permit_v for_o although_o we_o both_o prophecy_n govern_v teach_v exhortobey_v and_o practice_v only_o in_o part_n in_o this_o life_n 1._o cor._n 13._o yet_o the_o want_n that_o be_v in_o the_o particular_a action_n of_o man_n do_v not_o make_v a_o imperfection_n in_o the_o church_n so_o that_o when_o there_o be_v no_o office_n of_o the_o church_n want_v none_o negligent_o execute_v but_o that_o he_o that_o exhort_v labour_v in_o exhortation_n the_o teacher_n in_o doctrine_n he_o that_o distribute_v in_o simplicity_n and_o he_o that_o rule_v in_o diligence_n he_o that_o show_v mercy_n in_o chearfulnesse_n and_o whenas_o the_o people_n do_v by_o these_o mean_n lead_v a_o godly_a and_o a_o christian_n life_n agreeable_a to_o their_o profession_n then_o be_v there_o a_o perfect_a state_n of_o a_o church_n the_o which_o although_o as_o have_v be_v heretofore_o note_v it_o can_v hardly_o be_v attain_v especial_o of_o church_n consist_v of_o great_a multitude_n of_o professor_n yet_o we_o be_v to_o do_v our_o endeavour_n commit_v the_o success_n of_o our_o labour_n to_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n to_o who_o nothing_o be_v hard_a or_o impossible_a yea_o who_o do_v so_o bless_v and_o prosper_v they_o that_o labour_n in_o the_o build_n of_o his_o church_n far_o above_o their_o own_o expectation_n that_o they_o shall_v see_v such_o fruit_n of_o their_o labour_n which_o will_v seem_v impossible_a to_o be_v bring_v to_o pass_v by_o the_o mean_n of_o any_o man_n sect._n 3_o of_o the_o flourish_a estate_n of_o a_o church_n the_o lord_n in_o mercy_n be_v yet_o more_o gracious_a to_o his_o church_n and_o grant_v that_o in_o many_o place_n it_o shall_v have_v not_o only_o a_o perfect_a but_o also_o a_o flourish_a estate_n the_o which_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v in_o these_o thing_n first_o when_o as_o the_o church_n do_v consist_v not_o of_o a_o small_a company_n of_o believer_n daily_o but_o of_o great_a multitude_n profess_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n praise_v he_o call_v upon_o he_o and_o serve_v he_o the_o which_o no_o doubt_n be_v a_o happy_a thing_n and_o most_o earnest_o to_o be_v wish_v in_o this_o respect_n the_o church_n in_o these_o day_n do_v flourish_v as_o it_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v that_o they_o will_v do_v more_o and_o more_o for_o this_o be_v the_o time_n wherein_o the_o lord_n have_v appoint_v that_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o gentile_n shall_v come_v in_o and_o not_o only_o a_o few_o here_o and_o there_o but_o even_o whole_a country_n kingdom_n and_o nation_n submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o the_o great_a number_n of_o believer_n it_o come_v that_o there_o be_v in_o the_o church_n many_o notable_a example_n of_o godliness_n and_o of_o all_o spiritual_a grace_n yea_o great_a variety_n of_o they_o then_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o small_a congregation_n although_o usual_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v by_o the_o malice_n of_o satan_n and_o the_o corruption_n of_o man_n that_o multitude_n make_v confusion_n in_o the_o church_n and_o can_v hardly_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o due_a order_n of_o a_o church_n as_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v hereafter_o second_o the_o flourish_a estate_n of_o a_o church_n consist_v in_o the_o abâ—ndâ—â—ce_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n whenas_o knowledge_n wisdom_n the_o gift_n of_o teach_v and_o all_o other_o which_o make_v for_o the_o build_n of_o the_o church_n be_v plentiful_o pour_v upon_o it_o when_o as_o that_o come_v to_o pass_v which_o the_o prophet_n foretell_v of_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v pour_v upon_o all_o flesh_n the_o which_o as_o it_o be_v accomplish_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n on_o the_o which_o the_o lord_n do_v immediate_o and_o extraordinare_o pourefoorth_o all_o the_o grace_n of_o his_o spirit_n in_o such_o plentiful_a manner_n as_o be_v never_o in_o the_o church_n before_o not_o shall_v be_v till_o the_o church_n be_v perfect_v at_o the_o appear_v of_o christ_n so_o now_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o shorten_v but_o he_o do_v still_o continue_v this_o mercy_n to_o his_o church_n although_o after_o a_o diverse_a manner_n for_o now_o we_o be_v not_o to_o look_v for_o the_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o prophecy_n gift_n speak_v in_o strange_a tongue_n work_v miracle_n and_o such_o like_a by_o the_o which_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v most_o glorious_a and_o do_v flourish_v in_o most_o wonderful_a manner_n for_o these_o serve_v only_o for_o the_o first_o plant_n of_o the_o church_n neither_o be_v we_o to_o look_v either_o for_o the_o like_a measure_n of_o gift_n â—r_o for_o 〈◊〉_d grace_n of_o knowledge_n wisdom_n the_o gift_n of_o interpretation_n teach_v exhort_v or_o any_o other_o immediate_o from_o god_n as_o they_o have_v for_o this_o also_o be_v proper_a to_o those_o time_n in_o the_o which_o because_o it_o be_v not_o meet_v that_o the_o build_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v not_o go_v forward_o till_o man_n have_v attain_v these_o gift_n by_o ordinary_a mean_n therefore_o it_o please_v god_n immediate_o to_o supply_v their_o want_n but_o now_o these_o be_v not_o attain_v but_o by_o ordinary_a mean_n and_o yet_o the_o lord_n do_v oftentimes_o grant_v they_o to_o his_o church_n in_o such_o abundance_n and_o in_o so_o great_a measure_n as_o that_o they_o do_v make_v a_o flourish_a estate_n of_o a_o church_n a_o special_a note_n whereof_o in_o this_o behalf_n be_v when_o there_o be_v many_o endue_v with_o those_o excellent_a gift_n of_o knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n whereby_o the_o whole_a church_n may_v be_v furnish_v with_o wise_a and_o learned_a teacher_n this_o be_v to_o be_v look_v for_o in_o those_o place_n and_o country_n which_o god_n have_v bless_v with_o a_o long_a and_o continual_a peace_n so_o it_o be_v act._n 9.31_o the_o church_n have_v peace_n throughout_o galatia_n jury_n and_o samaria_n and_o be_v edify_v and_o do_v go_v on_o in_o the_o consolation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n for_o even_o as_o for_o the_o build_n of_o that_o glorious_a temple_n the_o lord_n do_v give_v a_o long_a time_n of_o peace_n in_o the_o day_n of_o solomon_n so_o do_v he_o also_o when_o it_o please_v he_o to_o have_v a_o flourish_a church_n in_o any_o place_n yea_o for_o a_o flourish_a estate_n in_o the_o gift_n of_o his_o spirit_n there_o be_v in_o these_o day_n require_v abundance_n of_o learning_n and_o of_o man_n endue_v with_o singular_a gift_n both_o of_o nature_n and_o industry_n for_o god_n do_v sanctify_v these_o for_o the_o edify_a and_o beautify_v of_o his_o church_n hereof_o it_o be_v that_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n &_o alexandria_n change_v their_o subtle_a and_o learned_a philosopher_n into_o most_o excellent_a divine_n but_o especial_o they_o of_o corinth_n do_v flourish_v notable_o in_o a_o wonderful_a abundance_n of_o all_o grace_n above_o all_o other_o church_n whereof_o we_o read_v that_o they_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n tongue_n interpretation_n yea_o and_o all_o other_o as_o the_o apostle_n witness_v 1._o cor._n 1.6_o and_o that_o in_o great_a measure_n in_o regard_v whereof_o the_o apostle_n saitâ—_n 1._o cor._n 4.8_o that_o they_o be_v enrich_v and_o do_v reign_v as_o king_n without_o he_o neither_o be_v these_o grace_n bestow_v only_o upon_o the_o teacher_n and_o ruler_n in_o the_o church_n but_o in_o this_o flourish_a estate_n they_o be_v even_o as_o that_o precious_a ointment_n which_o be_v pour_v upon_o aaron_n head_n do_v run_v down_o to_o the_o skirt_n of_o his_o garment_n so_o that_o
although_o more_o enjoy_v then_o consider_v as_o also_o for_o that_o they_o may_v in_o part_n be_v gather_v of_o that_o which_o have_v be_v speak_v sect._n iii_o thus_o we_o have_v by_o the_o general_a doctrine_n of_o magistracy_n a_o entrance_n make_v to_o the_o special_a doctrine_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n wherein_o we_o have_v many_o several_a point_n to_o consider_v which_o for_o order_n and_o memory_n sake_n may_v be_v reduce_v to_o two_o head_n whereof_o the_o first_o contain_v the_o state_n of_o this_o kingdom_n in_o respect_n of_o nâ—en_n or_o of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n the_o second_o the_o state_n of_o it_o in_o respect_n of_o god_n the_o first_o head_n have_v the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o difference_n of_o this_o kingdom_n from_o the_o former_a government_n of_o judge_n consist_v especial_o in_o two_o thing_n the_o special_a power_n which_o it_o have_v over_o the_o people_n and_o the_o special_a majesty_n of_o it_o both_o which_o be_v exceed_v great_a in_o this_o state_n yea_o so_o great_a that_o in_o these_o respect_n the_o government_n of_o the_o judge_n may_v seem_v not_o only_o a_o mean_a but_o almost_o a_o private_a estate_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o this_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n be_v by_o jacob_n prophesy_v of_o it_o gen._n 49.9_o compare_v to_o a_o lion_n the_o which_o do_v in_o strength_n and_o especial_o in_o a_o majestical_a stateliness_n so_o far_o exceed_v all_o other_o beast_n that_o it_o be_v usual_o call_v the_o king_n of_o they_o if_o we_o desire_v to_o know_v how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o there_o be_v so_o great_a power_n and_o majesty_n give_v to_o this_o kingdom_n we_o must_v have_v recourse_n to_o the_o original_n of_o it_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o set_n uppe_o of_o this_o estate_n be_v two_o the_o first_o be_v that_o which_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n to_o wit_n the_o eternal_a counsel_n and_o decree_n of_o god_n by_o the_o which_o it_o be_v before_o all_o age_n appoint_v that_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n shall_v be_v a_o type_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n and_o his_o temporary_a government_n a_o type_n of_o the_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n as_o be_v afterward_o to_o be_v declare_v now_o that_o this_o kingdom_n may_v be_v a_o fit_n and_o lively_a type_n it_o be_v needful_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v endue_v with_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o power_n and_o majesty_n that_o so_o it_o may_v the_o more_o lively_o represente_v the_o infinite_a power_n and_o authority_n which_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o have_v over_o all_o creature_n in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n and_o likewise_o his_o unspeakable_a and_o incomprehensible_a majesty_n and_o glory_n fill_v the_o heaven_n of_o heaven_n the_o second_o cause_n of_o the_o great_a power_n and_o majesty_n of_o this_o kingdom_n be_v the_o desire_n or_o rather_o the_o will_n of_o the_o people_n who_o do_v so_o earnest_o yea_o so_o eager_o and_o importunate_o call_v for_o this_o stately_a government_n that_o they_o will_v take_v no_o denial_n nor_o hear_v any_o thing_n which_o can_v be_v allege_v to_o be_v contrary_a for_o that_o the_o people_n do_v always_o desire_v this_o state_n we_o may_v see_v deutro_n 17.14_o where_o god_n foretell_v this_o that_o when_o they_o be_v once_o possess_v of_o the_o land_n they_o will_v have_v a_o king_n and_o judg._n 8.22_o where_o they_o offer_v to_o make_v gedeon_n king_n and_o more_o plain_o judge_n 9_o where_o they_o like_o abimeleches_n opinion_n say_v that_o it_o be_v better_a for_o they_o to_o have_v one_o then_o many_o to_o reign_v over_o they_o neither_o do_v they_o desire_v to_o have_v one_o set_v over_o they_o with_o the_o bare_a name_n and_o title_n of_o a_o king_n or_o with_o any_o mean_a authority_n but_o that_o he_o shall_v have_v power_n and_o majesty_n in_o the_o high_a degree_n for_o howsoever_o it_o may_v seem_v that_o this_o their_o desire_n be_v in_o some_o respect_n incommodious_a to_o themselves_o for_o that_o the_o great_a power_n they_o give_v to_o the_o king_n the_o less_o liberty_n they_o leave_v to_o themselves_o and_o the_o great_a that_o his_o pomp_n and_o majesty_n be_v the_o more_o heavy_a tribute_n must_v be_v impose_v on_o they_o for_o the_o maintain_n of_o it_o yet_o they_o do_v so_o vehementlie_o desire_v to_o be_v like_a to_o other_o nation_n in_o a_o stately_a monarchy_n that_o they_o think_v no_o price_n too_o great_a for_o it_o think_v belike_o as_o it_o be_v common_o say_v that_o it_o be_v great_a honour_n for_o they_o to_o make_v a_o mighty_a and_o a_o glorious_a king_n then_o to_o be_v king_n themselves_o as_o every_o one_o be_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o judge_n wherein_o every_o man_n do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a in_o his_o own_o eye_n because_o they_o have_v no_o king_n to_o order_v they_o judg._n 18.1.19.1_o and_o yet_o we_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o in_o ordain_v so_o mighty_a &_o majestical_a a_o authority_n they_o think_v it_o will_v be_v for_o their_o own_o good_a howsoever_o it_o may_v seem_v to_o derogate_v from_o their_o liberty_n and_o profit_n and_o that_o the_o commodity_n will_v be_v more_o and_o more_o weighty_a than_o the_o inconvenience_n of_o it_o wherein_o whether_o they_o do_v judge_v right_a or_o no_o let_v other_o determine_v sect._n four_o now_o we_o be_v to_o come_v to_o the_o particular_a declaration_n of_o these_o thing_n first_o of_o the_o power_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o second_o of_o the_o majesty_n of_o it_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o power_n have_v in_o it_o these_o four_o question_n the_o first_o be_v whether_o the_o power_n of_o the_o king_n be_v whole_a or_o divide_v the_o second_o whether_o it_o be_v general_a over_o all_o person_n and_o cause_n or_o restrain_v the_o three_o whether_o it_o be_v absolute_a or_o tie_v to_o law_n the_o last_o whether_o it_o be_v a_o mild_a or_o a_o peremptory_a power_n the_o power_n whereof_o we_o do_v entreat_v be_v the_o full_a supreme_a and_o universal_a authority_n for_o of_o any_o inferior_a power_n we_o do_v not_o speak_v of_o govern_v the_o people_n and_o of_o order_v all_o their_o public_a affair_n the_o which_o before_o that_o this_o kingdom_n be_v set_v up_o be_v not_o whole_o in_o any_o one_o hand_n but_o divide_v among_o many_o for_o it_o be_v partly_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n partly_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o judge_n which_o be_v for_o the_o time_n partly_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o elder_n or_o senate_n and_o partly_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n for_o the_o first_o where_o we_o say_v that_o god_n have_v a_o part_n of_o this_o authority_n we_o do_v not_o consider_v he_o simple_o as_o god_n for_o in_o that_o respect_n not_o a_o part_n only_o but_o the_o whole_a supreme_a power_n not_o of_o that_o country_n only_o but_o of_o all_o the_o nation_n in_o the_o world_n yea_o of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v and_o be_v in_o his_o hand_n but_o we_o consider_v he_o as_o he_o be_v after_o a_o special_a manner_n the_o king_n and_o ruler_n of_o this_o people_n israel_n so_o as_o he_o never_o be_v or_o will_v be_v to_o any_o other_o nation_n the_o action_n of_o god_n which_o do_v proceed_v from_o this_o his_o regal_a authority_n be_v these_o first_o that_o he_o give_v to_o this_o people_n judicial_a law_n and_o constitution_n which_o be_v part_n of_o the_o office_n not_o of_o god_n for_o then_o these_o judicial_a law_n shall_v belong_v to_o the_o whole_a world_n see_v god_n be_v the_o god_n not_o of_o the_o jew_n only_o but_o also_o of_o the_o gentiles_n but_o other_o nation_n be_v not_o tie_v to_o these_o law_n but_o only_o to_o the_o moral_a law_n and_o to_o these_o judicial_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v moral_a to_o wit_n to_o the_o ground_n and_o equity_n of_o they_o but_o not_o to_o the_o law_n themselves_o the_o second_o thing_n which_o god_n do_v by_o virtue_n of_o this_o authority_n be_v the_o supreme_a administration_n of_o their_o battle_n in_o case_n of_o great_a extremity_n for_o as_o great_a prince_n send_v captain_n to_o fight_v in_o their_o stead_n yet_o according_a to_o their_o direction_n and_o appointment_n so_o god_n do_v immediate_o either_o by_o his_o word_n or_o spirit_n stir_v up_o some_o man_n to_o fight_v the_o battle_n of_o the_o people_n and_o do_v directe_v they_o in_o such_o action_n and_o this_o gedeon_n acknowledge_v judge_n 7.20_o where_o he_o say_v the_o sword_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o of_o gedeon_n in_o these_o respect_n god_n be_v the_o king_n of_o this_o nation_n as_o gedeon_n do_v confess_v judge_n 8.23_o who_o so_o answer_v the_o people_n go_v about_o to_o make_v he_o king_n that_o neither_o he_o nor_o any_o of_o his_o posterity_n shall_v
king_n or_o to_o any_o but_o to_o the_o right_a owner_n and_o possessor_n but_o that_o it_o be_v now_o the_o part_n of_o all_o the_o people_n to_o contribute_v even_o of_o their_o best_a thing_n to_o the_o king_n use_n and_o the_o set_n forth_o of_o his_o majesty_n yea_o and_o that_o the_o king_n may_v lawful_o exact_v of_o they_o thing_n needful_a for_o these_o purpose_n this_o account_n the_o people_n do_v make_v that_o this_o government_n will_v be_v very_o chargeable_a unto_o they_o pleasure_n but_o yet_o they_o do_v not_o stick_v at_o the_o cost_n so_o they_o may_v have_v their_o mind_n fulfil_v neither_o can_v it_o be_v otherwise_o for_o even_o as_o a_o man_n may_v dwell_v in_o a_o base_a and_o simple_a house_n or_o cottage_n without_o any_o great_a cost_n but_o if_o he_o will_v needs_o have_v a_o great_a and_o stately_a palace_n over_o his_o head_n he_o can_v but_o think_v that_o both_o the_o build_n and_o also_o the_o maintain_n of_o it_o will_v be_v chargeable_a unto_o he_o so_o it_o be_v in_o this_o case_n the_o judge_n be_v destitute_a of_o this_o majesty_n without_o chariot_n horse_n army_n government_n palace_n great_a retinue_n costly_a diet_n and_o never_o put_v the_o people_n to_o any_o charge_n but_o see_v they_o will_v have_v a_o majestical_a and_o stately_a kingdom_n they_o can_v but_o consider_v that_o it_o must_v be_v both_o set_v up_o and_o also_o preserve_v at_o their_o charge_n yea_o this_o opinion_n of_o the_o stateliness_n of_o this_o kind_n of_o government_n be_v general_o and_o as_o it_o be_v natural_o hold_v of_o all_o man_n and_o therefore_o adoniah_n when_o he_o do_v affect_v the_o kingome_n say_v thus_o with_o himself_o now_o i_o will_v reign_v and_o get_v chariot_n and_o horseman_n and_o fifty_o man_n to_o run_v before_o my_o face_n 1._o king_n 1.5_o thus_o we_o see_v the_o majesty_n of_o this_o kingdom_n the_o which_o be_v so_o great_a as_o that_o it_o make_v the_o king_n to_o be_v not_o only_o high_o account_v of_o and_o have_v in_o great_a honour_n and_o estimation_n of_o the_o people_n estimation_n but_o also_o very_o dutiful_a and_o after_o a_o sort_n religious_o obey_v yea_o in_o truth_n too_o much_o obey_v as_o their_o often_o fall_v to_o idolatry_n by_o the_o commandment_n and_o example_n of_o their_o king_n do_v declare_v there_o be_v before_o this_o time_n a_o kingdom_n in_o israel_n set_v uppe_o by_o the_o man_n of_o sechem_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o abimelech_n judge_n 9.6_o but_o it_o be_v soon_o overthrow_v and_o tread_v under_o foot_n because_o it_o want_v these_o law_n to_o uphold_v it_o for_o it_o be_v not_o of_o god_n but_o of_o man_n not_o natural_a but_o found_v upon_o bloodshed_n and_o violence_n not_o ancient_a but_o a_o new_a upstart_n and_o destitute_a of_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o privilege_n and_o prop_n wherewith_o this_o kingdom_n be_v endue_v and_o uphold_v but_o this_o kingdom_n do_v continue_v till_o the_o utter_a desolation_n of_o the_o land_n when_o as_o the_o whole_a nation_n be_v carry_v captive_a to_o babel_n yea_o we_o may_v well_o think_v that_o if_o the_o subject_n of_o this_o kingdom_n which_o be_v the_o people_n itself_o have_v not_o be_v so_o take_v away_o that_o it_o will_v have_v continue_v in_o the_o first_o institution_n and_o according_a to_o the_o right_a order_n of_o it_o even_o till_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n the_o which_o be_v appoint_v by_o god_n to_o be_v the_o last_o period_n of_o it_o or_o rather_o of_o the_o outward_a and_o worldly_a show_n of_o it_o christ._n for_o in_o truth_n it_o stand_v yet_o in_o christ_n and_o shall_v stand_v till_o that_o christ_n give_v up_o all_o his_o power_n of_o government_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o father_n for_o if_o we_o set_v aside_o the_o defection_n of_o the_o ten_o tribe_n which_o be_v near_o to_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o be_v do_v by_o the_o special_a work_n of_o god_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o this_o kingdom_n be_v so_o firm_o establish_v that_o the_o people_n never_o offer_v to_o make_v any_o alteration_n of_o the_o estate_n for_o in_o that_o they_o go_v about_o to_o make_v absalon_n king_n they_o be_v persuade_v that_o they_o do_v right_a in_o set_v up_o the_o son_n in_o stead_n of_o his_o father_n be_v now_o strike_v in_o year_n yea_o the_o people_n do_v not_o only_o continual_o obey_v this_o authority_n but_o also_o have_v the_o person_n of_o the_o king_n in_o such_o estimation_n that_o they_o do_v make_v more_o account_n of_o he_o then_o of_o many_o thousand_o of_o themselves_o so_o they_o speak_v to_o david_n that_o he_o shall_v not_o go_v any_o more_o to_o the_o battle_n in_o his_o own_o person_n lest_o he_o shall_v put_v out_o the_o light_n that_o be_v all_o the_o glory_n and_o majesty_n of_o israel_n add_v further_a that_o it_o be_v much_o better_a that_o ten_o thousand_o of_o themselves_o shall_v perish_v themselves_o then_o that_o any_o evil_n shall_v befall_v he_o 2._o sam._n 21.17_o and_o now_o to_o conclude_v this_o whole_a matter_n we_o see_v the_o greatness_n both_o of_o the_o power_n and_o also_o of_o the_o majesty_n of_o this_o kind_n of_o government_n of_o both_o which_o jacob_n do_v prophesy_v in_o the_o 49._o of_o genesis_n 8._o verse_n say_v juda_n thy_o brethren_n shall_v praise_v thou_o that_o be_v they_o shall_v magnify_v and_o honour_v thou_o for_o the_o glory_n and_o majesty_n of_o thy_o kingdom_n thy_o hand_n in_o the_o neck_n of_o thy_o enemy_n that_o be_v thou_o shall_v subdue_v all_o thy_o enemy_n unto_o thou_o the_o son_n of_o thy_o father_n shall_v bow_v themselves_o unto_o thou_o that_o be_v they_o shall_v reverence_v honour_n and_o obey_v thy_o authority_n juda_n be_v the_o lion_n whelp_n he_o have_v bow_v himself_o and_o lay_v he_o down_o that_o be_v all_o his_o action_n and_o behaviour_n shall_v be_v full_a of_o majesty_n the_o which_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o lion_n more_o than_o in_o any_o other_o beast_n and_o who_o shall_v raise_v he_o that_o be_v who_o shall_v control_v his_o do_n and_o call_n he_o to_o account_v he_o shall_v wash_v his_o clothes_n in_o wine_n that_o be_v he_o shall_v have_v abundance_n yea_o superfluity_n of_o the_o best_a and_o most_o precious_a thing_n which_o be_v to_o be_v have_v do_v thus_o we_o see_v both_o the_o power_n and_o also_o the_o majesty_n of_o this_o kingdom_n in_o respect_n of_o both_o which_o we_o may_v say_v as_o it_o be_v act._n 14.11_o that_o god_n be_v come_v down_o unto_o we_o in_o the_o likeness_n of_o man_n that_o be_v such_o a_o pourefull_a and_o glorious_a magistracy_n as_o do_v after_o a_o sort_n resemble_v the_o infinite_a poâ—er_n and_o majesty_n of_o god_n sect._n xiiii_o hitherto_o we_o have_v speak_v of_o the_o judgement_n or_o doctrine_n of_o this_o kingdom_n as_o it_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o people_n it_o follow_v that_o we_o declare_v the_o state_n of_o it_o in_o respect_n of_o god_n and_o that_o by_o consider_v first_o how_o this_o state_n as_o it_o have_v be_v describe_v do_v please_v god_n second_o whether_o it_o be_v a_o lawful_a government_n or_o not_o and_o last_o how_o far_o the_o power_n of_o this_o kingdom_n be_v subject_a to_o god_n for_o the_o first_o it_o may_v seem_v that_o god_n do_v not_o like_o this_o kind_n of_o government_n but_o suffer_v it_o to_o be_v establish_v not_o as_o make_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o people_n but_o rather_o as_o a_o punishment_n for_o their_o sin_n for_o that_o he_o be_v so_o high_o offend_v with_o the_o people_n for_o ask_v a_o king_n as_o he_o himself_o do_v witness_v by_o his_o prophet_n ose._n 13.11_o i_o give_v they_o a_o king_n in_o my_o wrath_n but_o the_o truth_n be_v that_o this_o be_v always_o most_o please_a and_o acceptable_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n yet_o the_o action_n of_o the_o people_n in_o make_v this_o alteration_n do_v just_o offend_v he_o and_o that_o for_o diverse_a cause_n to_o wit_n for_o that_o by_o desire_v a_o king_n they_o show_v themselves_o unthankful_a diffident_a proud_a and_o disoobedient_a for_o the_o first_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n not_o only_o to_o be_v content_a with_o what_o government_n soever_o god_n do_v appoint_v for_o they_o king_n but_o also_o to_o think_v themselves_o the_o happy_a people_n in_o the_o world_n for_o that_o they_o have_v the_o glorious_a god_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n to_o be_v their_o king_n and_o ruler_n in_o a_o special_a manner_n second_o thâ—y_o trust_v more_o in_o a_o king_n then_o in_o god_n think_v that_o the_o cause_n of_o all_o their_o disorder_n and_o misery_n be_v in_o their_o government_n and_o that_o their_o king_n will_v certain_o deliver_v they_o from_o all_o wrong_n at_o home_n and_o bondage_n abroad_o whereas_o the_o cause_n of_o all_o their_o
more_o flourish_n the_o lord_n be_v more_o fervent_o and_o hearty_o serve_v and_o call_v upon_o all_o fault_n and_o corruption_n in_o life_n or_o doctrine_n be_v severe_o censure_v yea_o rather_o sharp_o punish_v but_o whenas_o it_o please_v god_n to_o give_v peace_n and_o prosperity_n to_o his_o church_n by_o the_o mean_n of_o christian_a emperor_n and_o king_n than_o do_v the_o number_n of_o believer_n mighty_o increase_v and_o the_o church_n do_v in_o that_o respect_n flourish_v but_o together_o with_o the_o number_n looseness_n in_o life_n &_o in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n schism_n heresy_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o corruption_n do_v come_v in_o &_o increase_v more_o and_o more_o so_o that_o these_o multitude_n of_o professor_n be_v not_o in_o regard_n of_o these_o inconvenience_n to_o be_v reject_v but_o rather_o we_o be_v to_o rejoice_v at_o this_o as_o the_o apostle_n do_v philip_n 1.18_o for_o that_o christ_n be_v preach_v although_o for_o vain_a glory_n &_o to_o praise_n god_n for_o that_o according_a as_o he_o promise_v by_o his_o prophet_n esa_n 54.2_o the_o church_n have_v enlarge_v her_o tent_n so_o that_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n do_v come_v into_o her_o bosom_n yea_o even_o this_o that_o the_o name_n of_o câ—rist_n be_v not_o blaspheme_v as_o among_o infidel_n but_o honour_v worship_v and_o call_v upon_o although_o it_o be_v in_o great_a confusion_n yet_o it_o make_v for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n faith_n and_o therefore_o all_o good_a christian_n ought_v to_o rejoice_v herein_o although_o they_o do_v whole_o mistake_v all_o corruption_n and_o the_o confusion_n which_o be_v usual_o in_o these_o public_a church_n last_o concern_v their_o call_n we_o be_v not_o to_o think_v that_o it_o be_v so_o strange_a a_o thing_n that_o they_o be_v call_v to_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n who_o be_v bear_v christians_n and_o do_v even_o as_o it_o be_v suck_v the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n from_o their_o mother_n breast_n of_o who_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o they_o be_v holy_a 1._o cor._n 7._o or_o yet_o they_o who_o be_v professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o hold_v the_o foundation_n of_o christian_n religion_n as_o it_o seem_v that_o papist_n and_o such_o other_o heretic_n do_v as_o we_o have_v declare_v more_o at_o large_a heretofore_o be_v bring_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o magistrate_n from_o a_o corrupt_a manner_n of_o serve_v god_n or_o from_o grievous_a heresy_n to_o a_o more_o sincere_a worship_n and_o profession_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o primative_a church_n whenas_o man_n be_v convert_v from_o heathenism_n to_o christianity_n and_o therefore_o all_o those_o who_o have_v be_v by_o baptism_n ingraff_v into_o the_o profession_n of_o christ_n in_o their_o young_a year_n and_o have_v afterward_o be_v continual_o bring_v up_o in_o the_o same_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n declare_v unto_o all_o man_n in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o their_o life_n that_o they_o do_v like_a love_n and_o embrace_v that_o profession_n which_o they_o take_v upon_o they_o and_o do_v serve_v and_o worship_n god_n in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v to_o be_v count_v member_n of_o the_o church_n although_o they_o have_v no_o effectual_a call_n to_o the_o unfeigned_a and_o true_a obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o conclude_v this_o point_n the_o example_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n will_v evident_o declare_v the_o true_a nature_n and_o whole_a estate_n of_o this_o kind_n of_o church_n and_o also_o resolve_v all_o doubt_n which_o can_v be_v move_v for_o in_o it_o all_o that_o receive_a circumcision_n be_v count_v member_n of_o the_o church_n yea_o the_o apostle_n witness_v that_o at_o the_o time_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v appoint_v that_o whole_a nation_n shall_v again_o become_v the_o church_n of_o god_n so_o that_o in_o what_o place_n soever_o whether_o town_n city_n commonwealth_n province_n or_o kingdom_n the_o people_n do_v general_o profess_v the_o faith_n or_o thus_o wheresoever_o the_o law_n ecclesiastical_a do_v stretch_v themselves_o as_o wide_a and_o do_v belong_v to_o as_o many_o as_o the_o civil_a or_o common_a law_n make_v for_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n there_o be_v a_o true_a public_a church_n set_v up_o sect._n 2._o of_o the_o conjunction_n of_o the_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n by_o set_v up_o a_o public_a church_n in_o any_o place_n it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o church_n &_o commonwealth_n be_v join_v together_o the_o which_o in_o a_o private_a state_n of_o a_o church_n have_v nothing_o to_o deal_v the_o one_o with_o the_o other_o for_o there_o the_o ch._n either_o lurk_v in_o secret_a if_o she_o have_v not_o he_o favour_n of_o the_o civil_a ruler_n or_o at_o the_o least_o dwell_v as_o in_o a_o private_a house_n if_o she_o have_v a_o toleration_n but_o now_o whenas_o any_o people_n general_o together_o with_o their_o magistrate_n do_v profess_v the_o faith_n the_o church_n may_v be_v compare_v to_o esther_n who_o be_v take_v from_o her_o private_a state_n wherein_o she_o live_v &_o be_v bring_v forth_o into_o open_a and_o public_a place_n be_v marry_v to_o the_o king_n so_o be_v the_o conjunction_n of_o the_o church_n &_o the_o commonwealth_n wherein_o we_o have_v these_o point_n consider_v first_o what_o be_v the_o bond_n of_o this_o conjunction_n second_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o three_o whether_o state_n be_v the_o superior_a four_o how_o they_o meddle_v with_o each_o other_o &_o last_o the_o commodity_n &_o discommodity_n which_o either_o the_o church_n or_o the_o commonwealth_n reap_v by_o this_o mean_n or_o the_o change_n &_o alteration_n which_o happen_v to_o either_o of_o they_o for_o the_o first_o the_o bond_n of_o this_o conjunction_n be_v the_o civil_a power_n which_o be_v the_o veâ—y_a fountain_n &_o head_n from_o the_o which_o both_o these_o estate_n do_v flow_v and_o by_o the_o which_o it_o be_v bring_v to_o pass_v that_o there_o be_v a_o public_a church_n in_o any_o place_n for_o howsoever_o great_a multitude_n of_o people_n may_v be_v convert_v only_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n yet_o we_o do_v not_o see_v that_o all_o general_o do_v profess_v the_o faith_n but_o only_o where_o the_o power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n join_v to_o the_o word_n do_v make_v the_o gospel_n to_o be_v public_o receive_v in_o that_o it_o make_v all_o that_o be_v member_n of_o the_o civil_a body_n to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n also_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o as_o soon_o as_o the_o civil_a power_n cease_v to_o maintain_v religion_n magistrate_n these_o public_a church_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n the_o bond_n be_v break_v whereby_o they_o be_v tie_v to_o the_o commonwealth_n so_o we_o read_v jud._n 2.7.19_o that_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n serve_v god_n as_o long_o as_o josua_n the_o elder_n or_o their_o judge_n live_v but_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o die_v they_o fall_v away_o to_o idolatry_n likewise_o in_o the_o first_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n there_o be_v no_o public_a church_n for_o diverse_a hundred_o year_n and_o all_o for_o want_v of_o this_o bond_n of_o christian_n ruler_n but_o as_o soon_o as_o the_o roman_a emperor_n do_v embrace_v the_o gospel_n than_o be_v public_a church_n set_v up_o in_o many_o place_n sect._n 3_o that_o a_o public_a church_n with_o the_o civil_a estate_n make_v one_o body_n under_o one_o head_n in_o the_o second_o place_n we_o be_v to_o see_v what_o manner_n of_o conjunction_n this_o be_v to_o wit_n whether_o that_o the_o church_n &_o commonwealth_n thus_o join_v together_o make_v one_o body_n or_o state_n rule_v by_o one_o &_o the_o same_o head_n or_o else_o be_v still_o two_o diverse_a body_n absolute_a and_o perfect_a each_o in_o itself_o without_o the_o other_o and_o order_v by_o the_o own_o proper_a head_n in_o all_o matter_n belong_v unto_o it_o for_o answer_v hereof_o it_o have_v be_v think_v that_o in_o this_o conjunction_n there_o be_v two_o body_n not_o only_o diverse_a but_o even_o clean_o opposite_a and_o contrary_a the_o one_o to_o the_o other_o every_o respect_n that_o they_o be_v order_v by_o two_o diverse_a supreme_a head_n and_o that_o all_o the_o function_n of_o these_o body_n be_v of_o so_o contrary_a nature_n that_o they_o can_v lawful_o meet_v together_o in_o the_o same_o subject_n this_o opinion_n which_o seem_v not_o to_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o truth_n have_v rise_v of_o a_o reverend_a religious_a yea_o as_o it_o prove_v at_o length_n a_o superstitious_a opinion_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a estate_n with_o too_o base_a and_o vile_a a_o opinion_n of_o the_o civil_a state_n the_o which_o have_v seem_v so_o profane_a and_o unholy_a as_o that_o it_o can_v not_o in_o any_o respect_n be_v join_v with_o the_o other_o without_o defile_v and_o profane_v it_o but_o the_o word_n of_o
god_n teach_v we_o that_o the_o civil_a power_n be_v a_o holy_a ordinance_n of_o god_n institute_v by_o god_n chief_o for_o this_o end_n to_o intermeddle_v with_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n and_o not_o only_o to_o suffer_v and_o tolerate_v religion_n as_o it_o do_v in_o a_o private_a church_n but_o also_o to_o set_v up_o and_o maintain_v it_o yea_o whole_o to_o effect_n it_o although_o by_o the_o mean_n &_o ministry_n of_o other_o in_o all_o place_n whither_o the_o say_a power_n do_v stretch_v itself_o as_o for_o the_o distinction_n of_o the_o civil_a &_o ecclesiastical_a state_n although_o it_o may_v be_v use_v to_o put_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o civil_a &_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n yet_o if_o thereby_o we_o mean_v that_o in_o a_o public_a church_n there_o be_v add_v to_o the_o civil_a state_n another_o full_a and_o perfect_a body_n endue_v with_o full_a authority_n to_o begin_v and_o effect_v all_o matter_n belong_v to_o itself_o &_o not_o rely_v upon_o the_o other_o but_o only_o use_v the_o help_n of_o it_o against_o outward_a violence_n as_o when_o two_o distinct_a nation_n do_v join_v themselves_o in_o league_n together_o for_o their_o great_a safety_n than_o we_o think_v far_o otherwise_o of_o these_o thing_n than_o the_o word_n of_o god_n do_v permit_v according_a to_o the_o which_o the_o political_a body_n together_o with_o a_o public_a church_n be_v but_o one_o body_n move_v and_o order_v by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o head_n for_o as_o when_o any_o people_n be_v barbarous_a rude_a unexpert_a in_o feat_n of_o war_n and_o altogether_o destitute_a of_o humane_a knowledge_n and_o all_o good_a literature_n become_v civil_a courteous_a warlike_a wise_a and_o learned_a there_o be_v not_o so_o many_o new_a estate_n or_o body_n add_v to_o the_o commonwealth_n but_o only_o the_o first_o state_n of_o it_o be_v make_v so_o many_o way_n better_o so_o it_o be_v whenas_o a_o people_n of_o pagan_n and_o infidel_n become_v the_o worshipper_n of_o the_o true_a god_n for_o there_o be_v not_o a_o new_a body_n or_o state_n but_o only_o the_o quality_n of_o religion_n be_v add_v to_o the_o civil_a body_n or_o rather_o idolatry_n be_v change_v into_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n the_o which_o do_v no_o more_o make_v a_o distinct_a body_n than_o idolatry_n do_v in_o a_o heathenish_a commonwealth_n as_o for_o the_o people_n they_o can_v no_o more_o be_v say_v to_o be_v another_o body_n because_o they_o be_v religious_a then_o for_o that_o they_o be_v a_o learned_a and_o warlike_a people_n but_o for_o the_o minister_n and_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n it_o may_v seem_v necessary_a to_o be_v grant_v that_o they_o do_v either_o make_v a_o distinct_a and_o perfect_a body_n or_o that_o the_o ministry_n be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o civil_a body_n whereunto_o we_o answer_v that_o the_o ministry_n be_v not_o a_o body_n in_o itself_o body_n neither_o be_v it_o the_o head_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n but_o only_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n distinguish_v from_o the_o rest_n in_o nature_n use_n and_o object_n and_o excel_v the_o other_o by_o a_o divine_a holiness_n which_o it_o have_v more_o than_o any_o other_o part_n or_o function_n of_o this_o body_n the_o truth_n hereof_o be_v to_o be_v lay_v open_a by_o declare_v first_o that_o this_o whole_a state_n consist_v of_o a_o political_a body_n and_o of_o a_o public_a church_n have_v but_o one_o head_n whereby_o the_o whole_a body_n be_v order_v and_o every_o member_n of_o it_o move_v in_o their_o several_a function_n and_o second_o the_o office_n of_o these_o two_o state_n may_v agree_v together_o in_o the_o same_o subject_n the_o head_n be_v the_o civil_a power_n whereof_o we_o speak_v rather_o than_o of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n for_o that_o in_o many_o place_n the_o power_n be_v not_o whole_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o magistrate_n but_o divide_v among_o the_o senate_n the_o nobility_n and_o the_o people_n but_o here_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o whole_a power_n the_o which_o we_o call_v the_o hand_n of_o this_o body_n by_o â—_o usual_a metaphor_n take_v from_o the_o natural_a body_n wherein_o we_o see_v that_o the_o whole_a motion_n come_v from_o the_o head_n without_o the_o which_o none_o of_o the_o member_n can_v move_v itself_o or_o do_v any_o function_n thus_o all_o man_n do_v grant_v that_o the_o civil_a power_n be_v the_o head_n of_o this_o body_n in_o regard_n of_o civil_a and_o worldly_a affair_n but_o that_o it_o may_v be_v so_o call_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n many_o do_v doubt_n or_o rather_o flat_o deny_v without_o any_o doubt_n think_v that_o neither_o the_o civil_a power_n do_v stretch_v itself_o to_o church_n affair_n neither_o if_o it_o do_v in_o some_o respect_n that_o it_o ought_v therefore_o or_o may_v lawful_o be_v call_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n as_o touch_v this_o point_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v how_o both_o the_o function_n and_o also_o the_o name_n of_o a_o head_n agree_v to_o the_o civil_a power_n for_o the_o first_o in_o the_o build_n of_o the_o church_n it_o please_v god_n to_o use_v the_o help_n and_o the_o ministry_n of_o man_n and_o that_o two_o diverse_a way_n according_a to_o the_o two_o diverse_a kind_n of_o build_v his_o church_n whereof_o the_o one_o be_v inward_a secret_a and_o spiritual_a whenas_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o sacremenes_n the_o church_n be_v edify_v in_o knowledge_n faith_n love_n obedience_n and_o in_o all_o manner_n of_o spiritual_a grace_n in_o this_o part_n of_o the_o building_n christ_n be_v the_o first_o and_o chief_a mover_n yea_o the_o head_n of_o his_o church_n unto_o the_o which_o he_o give_v spiritual_a motion_n by_o his_o minister_n as_o by_o instrument_n unto_o who_o he_o give_v spiritual_a grace_n fit_a for_o this_o purpose_n ephe._n 4.11_o he_o give_v some_o to_o be_v apostle_n some_o evangelist_n some_o pastor_n and_o doctor_n for_o the_o gather_n of_o his_o saint_n and_o for_o the_o build_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ._n thus_o christ_n only_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o whole_a visible_a church_n for_o no_o creature_n can_v either_o appoint_v ecclesiastical_a function_n or_o give_v spiritual_a grace_n either_o to_o the_o minister_n or_o to_o the_o people_n but_o whenas_o the_o church_n come_v to_o be_v build_v in_o any_o particular_a place_n there_o must_v be_v add_v a_o other_o part_n of_o this_o building_n more_o outward_a apparent_a and_o sensible_a than_o the_o other_o to_o wit_n whenas_o this_o spiritual_a building_n together_o with_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n which_o be_v the_o mean_n of_o it_o be_v not_o only_o receive_v when_o as_o it_o be_v offer_v but_o also_o diligent_o seek_v after_o when_o it_o be_v wanâ—â—ng_v and_o careful_o preserve_v after_o that_o it_o be_v get_v this_o kind_n of_o build_v also_o be_v to_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o man_n but_o yet_o it_o do_v not_o come_v from_o the_o same_o head_n or_o fountain_n for_o that_o spiritual_a building_n come_v from_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v lord_n and_o king_n of_o his_o church_n but_o this_o come_v from_o god_n the_o father_n the_o maker_n and_o preserver_n of_o mankind_n who_o in_o great_a mercy_n and_o wisdom_n have_v not_o left_a man_n in_o utter_a confusion_n but_o have_v give_v unto_o they_o the_o mean_n of_o have_v a_o church_n and_o his_o true_a worship_n this_o mean_n be_v his_o own_o power_n and_o authority_n communicate_v to_o certain_a man_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o rest_n to_o who_o he_o have_v give_v this_o charge_n that_o they_o do_v as_o by_o all_o other_o mean_n so_o chief_o by_o build_v his_o church_n in_o those_o place_n which_o be_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o their_o authority_n procure_v the_o good_a of_o man_n so_o that_o all_o whosoever_o have_v the_o rule_n of_o any_o place_n whether_o it_o be_v kingdom_n or_o country_n province_n or_o city_n town_n or_o family_n be_v bind_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o namely_o by_o the_o general_a law_n of_o magistracy_n to_o build_v the_o church_n in_o the_o say_a place_n the_o which_o thing_n if_o they_o do_v neglect_v as_o most_o of_o all_o the_o magistat_n in_o the_o world_n in_o all_o age_n have_v do_v than_o they_o do_v sin_n against_o god_n no_o less_o than_o the_o minister_n be_v lawful_o call_v to_o the_o function_n who_o do_v neglect_v the_o inward_a and_o spiritual_a edify_n of_o the_o church_n this_o the_o prophet_n foretell_v sa_v that_o king_n and_o queen_n shall_v be_v nurse_n father_n and_o nurse_n mother_n to_o the_o ch._n not_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n and_o of_o the_o spiritual_a nourishment_n unto_o they_o but_o only_o that_o they_o shall_v
reverence_v and_o obey_v yet_o this_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o this_o authority_n do_v not_o stretch_v itself_o to_o any_o church_n save_v only_o to_o those_o which_o join_v themselves_o together_o in_o this_o kind_n of_o government_n or_o rather_o in_o this_o subjection_n and_o therefore_o a_o council_n which_o be_v gather_v out_o of_o all_o the_o church_n of_o some_o country_n or_o part_n of_o the_o world_n can_v impose_v law_n upon_o the_o church_n of_o other_o country_n yea_o if_o in_o a_o ecumenical_a council_n any_o one_o church_n shall_v refuse_v to_o join_v itself_o with_o the_o rest_n the_o law_n of_o that_o council_n shall_v not_o build_v that_o one_o church_n for_o counsel_n have_v no_o authority_n but_o over_o those_o church_n from_o the_o which_o they_o have_v authority_n sect._n 2._o of_o who_o counsel_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o consist_v second_o we_o be_v to_o see_v of_o who_o these_o counsel_n ought_v to_o consist_v the_o answer_n be_v of_o man_n who_o the_o common_a consent_n of_o the_o church_n join_v together_o under_o this_o common_a government_n do_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o their_o gift_n to_o wit_n of_o zeal_n godliness_n wisdom_n learning_n experience_n faithfulness_n boldness_n diligence_n and_o such_o other_o grace_n requisite_a in_o this_o behalf_n judge_v fit_a for_o this_o purpose_n here_o we_o have_v two_o question_n to_o answer_v the_o first_o be_v whether_o that_o any_o beside_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n ought_v to_o be_v of_o these_o counsel_n the_o second_o be_v whether_o that_o a_o council_n may_v convenient_o consist_v whole_o of_o those_o who_o be_v not_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n for_o answer_v of_o both_o these_o question_n we_o confess_v that_o the_o minister_n ought_v to_o be_v account_v most_o fit_a to_o be_v admit_v into_o consultation_n of_o these_o weighty_a matter_n for_o that_o they_o ought_v not_o only_o to_o know_v the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o particular_a church_n better_v the_o any_o other_o it_o be_v their_o call_n and_o office_n to_o look_v unto_o they_o but_o also_o to_o be_v endue_v with_o more_o excellent_a gift_n than_o be_v to_o be_v expect_v usual_o in_o other_o yet_o these_o counsel_n may_v lawful_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n consist_v of_o other_o yea_o the_o constitution_n or_o decree_n of_o such_o counsel_n be_v no_o less_o to_o have_v the_o force_n reverence_n and_o obedience_n of_o ecclesiastical_a law_n then_o if_o they_o have_v be_v make_v by_o a_o council_n consist_v whole_o of_o minister_n for_o it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n which_o do_v consociate_v themselves_o in_o this_o manner_n to_o delegate_v their_o authority_n to_o who_o they_o will_v of_o what_o calling_n or_o condition_n soever_o he_o be_v for_o although_o the_o knowledge_n and_o care_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o all_o other_o grace_n have_v in_o corrupt_a time_n be_v appropriate_v to_o the_o minister_n the_o people_n be_v account_v ignorant_a and_o profane_a idol_n neither_o able_a nor_o worthy_a to_o deal_v with_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n much_o less_o to_o judge_v deterâ—ine_n and_o advise_v of_o â—_z of_o great_a importance_n yet_o we_o learn_v out_o of_o the_o word_n and_o see_v it_o ratify_v by_o experience_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o all_o spiritual_a grace_n do_v as_o well_o belong_v and_o be_v as_o often_o as_o plentiful_o yea_o some_o time_n in_o great_a measure_n grant_v to_o other_o christian_n then_o to_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n so_o that_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n can_v challenge_v to_o themselves_o authority_n and_o ability_n to_o be_v the_o only_a doer_n in_o this_o action_n but_o must_v admit_v into_o their_o company_n and_o consultation_n those_o of_o the_o people_n that_o be_v judge_v fit_n for_o this_o purpose_n yea_o although_o there_o be_v a_o sufficient_a number_n of_o minister_n able_a to_o perform_v whatsoever_o be_v require_v in_o this_o behalf_n yet_o it_o be_v diverse_a way_n inconvenient_a that_o counsel_n shall_v consist_v whole_o of_o they_o for_o first_o we_o know_v that_o a_o great_a part_n of_o these_o law_n do_v concern_v the_o minister_n themselves_o and_o the_o performance_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o function_n wherein_o if_o there_o be_v any_o general_a negligence_n want_n or_o oversight_n and_o error_n which_o be_v no_o strange_a thing_n as_o they_o know_v who_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o history_n and_o state_n of_o the_o church_n who_o shall_v lay_v open_a the_o fault_n &_o make_v law_n for_o the_o redress_v of_o it_o for_o although_o it_o may_v be_v suppose_v that_o they_o will_v do_v it_o of_o their_o own_o accord_n yet_o it_o stand_v not_o with_o their_o wisdom_n who_o have_v the_o choose_n of_o fit_a man_n for_o these_o counsel_n to_o commit_v the_o matter_n whole_o to_o they_o especial_o whenas_o the_o amend_v of_o the_o error_n be_v against_o the_o credit_n consultation_n commodity_n or_o ease_n of_o the_o minister_n yea_o it_o be_v not_o agreeable_a to_o any_o reason_n that_o they_o shall_v appoint_v to_o themselves_o the_o duty_n and_o work_n which_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o correct_v whatsoever_o be_v amiss_o therein_o for_o we_o know_v that_o most_o of_o all_o those_o corruption_n wherewith_o the_o church_n have_v be_v pollute_v and_o deface_v these_o many_o age_n have_v be_v both_o bring_v in_o and_o continue_v by_o the_o mean_n of_o these_o counsel_n consist_v of_o minister_n only_o beside_o this_o reject_v of_o the_o whole_a church_n as_o unfit_a to_o advise_v any_o thing_n for_o their_o own_o good_a be_v both_o injurious_a to_o god_n who_o especial_o in_o this_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n pour_v forth_o his_o spirit_n with_o a_o full_a and_o indifferent_a hand_n on_o all_o his_o servant_n that_o call_v upon_o he_o so_o that_o his_o grace_n bestow_v on_o the_o church_n be_v as_o the_o ointment_n which_o be_v pour_v upon_o aaron_n head_n run_v down_o even_o to_o the_o skirt_n of_o his_o garment_n and_o also_o reproachful_a to_o the_o church_n as_o be_v destitute_a of_o all_o spiritual_a wisdom_n and_o understanding_n last_o the_o exclude_v of_o all_o the_o people_n from_o counsel_n make_v the_o law_n enact_v by_o they_o to_o be_v unwilling_o receive_v for_o that_o the_o minister_n take_v all_o the_o authority_n into_o their_o own_o hand_n do_v easy_o incur_v the_o suspicion_n of_o tyrannize_a over_o the_o church_n whereas_o the_o law_n will_v be_v readely_a obey_v without_o murmur_a or_o repine_v if_o that_o some_o of_o the_o people_n have_v a_o hand_n in_o the_o make_n of_o they_o as_o touch_v the_o second_o question_n although_o a_o council_n gather_v about_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n may_v lawful_o consist_v whole_o of_o those_o who_o be_v not_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n yet_o it_o be_v seldom_o convenient_a that_o this_o shall_v be_v put_v in_o practice_n for_o first_o the_o ordinary_a authority_n wherewith_o the_o minister_n be_v endue_v in_o that_o they_o be_v the_o teacher_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o people_n although_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o make_v law_n yet_o it_o require_v that_o they_o shall_v usual_o bear_v the_o great_a sway_n in_o make_v those_o humane_a law_n whereby_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v govern_v yea_o by_o this_o mean_v it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o law_n have_v great_a force_n and_o authority_n among_o the_o people_n then_o when_o they_o come_v from_o man_n otherwise_o mere_o private_a yea_o the_o state_n of_o many_o church_n be_v so_o that_o few_o man_n of_o other_o calling_n beside_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n give_v themselves_o to_o the_o study_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o have_v sufficient_a knowledge_n for_o this_o purpose_n think_v that_o it_o do_v belong_v to_o minister_n only_o to_o know_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o government_n of_o his_o church_n and_o if_o we_o do_v suppose_v a_o flourish_a state_n of_o a_o church_n wherein_o knowledge_n do_v abound_v not_o only_o in_o the_o minister_n but_o also_o among_o the_o people_n so_o as_o they_o be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o sound_n judgement_n and_o good_a advice_n in_o these_o weighty_a matter_n yet_o the_o minister_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v exclude_v for_o if_o the_o people_n do_v abound_v with_o knowledge_n it_o be_v like_a yea_o necessary_a that_o the_o minister_n be_v much_o more_o fill_v with_o all_o spiritual_a understanding_n and_o wisdom_n yea_o it_o be_v seldom_o see_v that_o other_o know_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o people_n which_o in_o make_v these_o law_n be_v chief_o to_o be_v regard_v so_o well_o as_o the_o minister_n do_v who_o be_v continual_o exercise_v in_o look_v unto_o they_o sect._n 3_o of_o the_o necessary_a conjunction_n of_o particular_a church_n under_o the_o government_n
in_o the_o flourish_a time_n of_o the_o church_n many_o of_o the_o people_n do_v attain_v to_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n and_o all_o other_o grace_n and_o therefore_o those_o kingdom_n and_o nation_n which_o it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o bless_v with_o peace_n learning_n abundance_n of_o excellent_a man_n and_o such_o other_o blessing_n be_v to_o think_v that_o all_o this_o be_v do_v for_o this_o end_n that_o god_n may_v have_v not_o only_o a_o perfect_a but_o even_o a_o flourish_a church_n among_o they_o therefore_o whenas_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v most_o flourish_a in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o king_n of_o juda_n then_o be_v the_o temple_n the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o a_o most_o glorious_a estate_n yea_o although_o we_o have_v a_o church_n yet_o we_o be_v to_o desire_v this_o estate_n of_o it_o and_o to_o be_v sorry_a for_o the_o lack_n of_o it_o so_o esr._n 3.12_o we_o read_v that_o many_o of_o the_o priest_n levite_n and_o head_n of_o the_o father_n &_o elder_n who_o have_v see_v that_o most_o glorious_a temple_n of_o solomon_n do_v lament_v the_o mean_a estate_n of_o the_o second_o temple_n and_o no_o doubt_n but_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n which_o will_v wring_v tear_n out_o of_o any_o christian_n heart_n to_o behold_v the_o mean_a corrupt_a &_o imperfect_a estate_n of_o church_n in_o those_o kingdom_n and_o country_n which_o abound_v with_o learning_n man_n of_o wisdom_n knowledge_n zeal_n and_o of_o all_o spiritual_a grace_n which_o be_v needful_a for_o this_o purpose_n may_v have_v their_o church_n in_o most_o flourish_a estate_n if_o the_o lord_n will_v once_o put_v into_o their_o heart_n to_o employ_v those_o blessing_n which_o they_o have_v to_o beautify_v and_o adorn_v his_o church_n sect._n 4._o of_o that_o estate_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o the_o build_n of_o it_o be_v hinder_v hitherto_o we_o have_v declare_v how_o the_o frame_n of_o this_o spiritual_a house_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v set_v up_o the_o beginning_n progress_n and_o perfection_n of_o it_o and_o how_o it_o be_v to_o be_v continue_v and_o order_v in_o the_o several_a state_n the_o which_o happy_a and_o joyful_a success_n of_o this_o work_n although_o they_o who_o labour_n in_o it_o both_o aught_o earnest_o do_v desire_n as_o make_v great_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o also_o may_v lawful_o hope_v for_o for_o that_o it_o please_v god_n to_o grant_v it_o often_o to_o the_o church_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o so_o confident_o to_o look_v for_o it_o but_o that_o withal_o they_o do_v consider_v that_o the_o build_n of_o the_o church_n be_v also_o often_o yea_o usual_o and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n hinder_v and_o stop_v by_o one_o mean_n or_o other_o so_o that_o it_o can_v be_v begin_v or_o at_o the_o least_o not_o perfect_v and_o continue_v in_o any_o good_a estate_n the_o building_n of_o the_o church_n be_v hinder_v by_o some_o violent_a mean_n for_o of_o the_o natural_a hindrance_n we_o have_v already_o speak_v become_v hard_a troublesome_a and_o dangerous_a whereby_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o many_o who_o do_v before_o labour_v diligent_o and_o painful_o in_o this_o work_n do_v now_o faint_a and_o give_v it_o over_o so_o we_o read_v 2._o tim._n 4.15_o that_o although_o the_o apostle_n have_v many_o fellowlabourer_n at_o other_o time_n yet_o when_o persecution_n come_v all_o do_v forsake_v he_o as_o also_o the_o disciple_n do_v forsake_v christ_n at_o his_o apprehension_n it_o whereas_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v encourage_v to_o go_v on_o so_o much_o the_o more_o cheerefulie_o in_o this_o work_n consider_v that_o the_o lord_n do_v suffer_v it_o to_o be_v hinder_v that_o he_o may_v by_o this_o mean_n try_v their_o faithfulness_n and_o sincerity_n of_o love_n towards_o his_o glory_n if_o for_o the_o procure_n and_o advaunce_v of_o it_o they_o will_v not_o refuse_v any_o trouble_n danger_n or_o loss_n of_o temporal_a thing_n and_o further_a also_o that_o he_o may_v work_v and_o increase_v in_o they_o patience_n whereby_o they_o may_v quiet_o expect_v the_o time_n wherein_o he_o will_v give_v a_o prosperous_a success_n to_o their_o labour_n yea_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o learn_v to_o rely_v themselves_o whole_o upon_o he_o whenas_o they_o see_v that_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o adversary_n they_o can_v possible_o bring_v to_o pass_v that_o which_o they_o do_v desire_v the_o hinder_v of_o this_o work_n be_v to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o malice_n of_o sathan_n who_o see_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o which_o make_v so_o much_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n unto_o both_o which_o he_o be_v a_o profess_a enemy_n as_o do_v the_o build_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n do_v labour_n by_o all_o mean_n that_o this_o work_n shall_v either_o not_o be_v take_v in_o hand_n or_o at_o the_o least_o not_o go_v forward_o and_o continue_v as_o it_o ought_v and_o as_o he_o be_v strong_a and_o mighty_a both_o to_o haâ—e_v tâ—e_v câ—â—rch_n with_o a_o perfect_a and_o deadly_a mâ—lice_n and_o also_o to_o 〈◊〉_d the_o â—ame_n effectual_o thâ—_n lâ—rde_n â—o_o permit_v 〈…〉_o so_o great_a as_o that_o no_o mâ—n_z â—aâ—_n diâ—couâ—â—_n thoâ—e_v infinite_a sleight_n and_o way_n by_o the_o 〈◊〉_d he_o do_v hinder_v the_o edify_a both_o of_o the_o church_n and_o also_o of_o every_o particular_a member_n of_o it_o the_o which_o although_o they_o may_v in_o some_o measure_n be_v perceive_v of_o those_o who_o be_v exercise_v in_o thiâ—_n spiritual_a warfare_n as_o the_o apostle_n witness_v 2._o corin._n 2.11_o say_n we_o be_v not_o ignorant_a of_o the_o devise_n of_o satan_n yet_o they_o aâ—e_v full_o and_o perfect_o know_v unto_o the_o lord_n only_o who_o also_o do_v so_o frustrate_a and_o disannul_v they_o as_o that_o they_o shall_v never_o final_o prevail_v against_o any_o of_o his_o elect_a but_o of_o those_o hindrance_n which_o satan_n ca_v before_o particular_a man_n in_o the_o way_n of_o thâ—ir_a salvation_n we_o be_v not_o here_o to_o speak_v but_o only_o of_o those_o whereby_o he_o hinder_v the_o set_n up_o or_o continue_v of_o the_o frame_n of_o the_o church_n in_o any_o place_n wherein_o how_o wonderful_o he_o have_v prevail_v from_o time_n to_o time_n it_o may_v â—aselie_o appear_v to_o he_o that_o do_v consider_v in_o how_o few_o place_n of_o the_o world_n the_o church_n have_v at_o any_o time_n have_v any_o dwell_a place_n or_o at_o the_o least_o any_o good_a pure_a perfect_a and_o permanent_a â—state_n and_o to_o lâ—t_v pass_v the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n wherein_o the_o church_n be_v either_o shut_v up_o in_o one_o family_n or_o contain_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o one_o small_a country_n the_o whole_a world_n beside_o remain_v in_o ignorance_n idolatry_n and_o atheism_n if_o we_o come_v to_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n wherein_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v in_o the_o best_a and_o most_o flourish_a estate_n we_o shall_v sâ—e_v how_o strange_o sathan_n hinder_v the_o build_n of_o those_o church_n which_o the_o apostle_n do_v plant_v in_o many_o place_n of_o the_o world_n insomuch_o that_o many_o of_o they_o wâ—re_o soon_o disperse_v and_o most_o of_o those_o which_o do_v continue_v for_o some_o space_n of_o time_n do_v not_o grow_v on_o to_o any_o pure_a and_o perfect_a estate_n judgement_n but_o do_v daily_o decline_v from_o that_o purity_n wherein_o they_o be_v at_o the_o fiâ—st_o establish_a till_o such_o time_n as_o they_o be_v either_o clean_o overthrow_v and_o root_v out_o as_o weâ—_n see_v the_o church_n throughout_o asia_n africa_n and_o a_o great_a part_n of_o europe_n to_o have_v be_v or_o 〈◊〉_d jest_n so_o deface_v and_o corrupt_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o 〈…〉_o god_n the_o purity_n of_o doctrine_n and_o the_o order_n and_o government_n of_o they_o as_o that_o till_o of_o late_o we_o can_v scarce_o have_v acknowledge_v the_o visible_a church_n in_o any_o place_n yet_o the_o lord_n do_v never_o suffer_v sathan_n to_o prevail_v so_o far_o against_o the_o church_n as_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o take_v the_o name_n of_o it_o from_o off_o the_o earth_n and_o whole_o to_o overthrow_v it_o but_o do_v always_o reserve_v some_o place_n for_o his_o church_n to_o remain_v in_o where_o he_o will_v have_v his_o name_n call_v upon_o and_o his_o elect_a enjoy_v the_o mean_n of_o their_o salvation_n the_o building_n of_o the_o church_n be_v hinder_v by_o the_o malice_n of_o sathan_n yet_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o man_n who_o he_o use_v as_o instrument_n for_o the_o â—ffecting_n of_o his_o purpose_n yet_o not_o all_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n for_o some_o do_v indeed_o hinder_v this_o work_n which_o notwithstanding_o in_o desire_n