in_o a_o high_a or_o low_a degree_n about_o one_o part_n in_o this_o society_n according_a to_o its_o invisible_a form_n yet_o it_o can_v ground_v a_o judgement_n of_o certainty_n about_o one_o part_n in_o the_o same_o according_a to_o its_o visible_a form_n so_o that_o although_o god_n only_o know_v those_o who_o he_o accept_v yet_o the_o church_n may_v know_v certain_o who_o she_o ought_v to_o admit_v and_o as_o god_n in_o the_o matter_n belong_v to_o his_o cognizance_n to_o wit_n the_o sincerity_n of_o profession_n and_o the_o right_n consequent_a thereunto_o so_o the_o church_n in_o the_o matter_n belong_v to_o its_o cognizance_n to_o wit_n the_o credibility_n of_o profession_n and_o the_o right_n consequent_a thereunto_o proceed_v upon_o certain_a knowledge_n §_o 5._o of_o the_o catholic_n church_n invisible_a and_o visible_a it_o have_v be_v well_o observe_v that_o the_o term_n catholic_n church_n have_v be_v sometime_o use_v of_o a_o particular_a church_n hold_v the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o be_v the_o same_o with_o apostolical_a and_o in_o this_o sense_n any_o bishop_n of_o a_o true_a apostolical_a church_n may_v be_v call_v a_o catholic_n bishop_n but_o here_o the_o term_n catholic_n signify_v the_o same_o with_o ecumenical_a or_o the_o church_n that_o be_v throughout_o the_o whole_a world_n or_o the_o whole_a world_n of_o christian_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n the_o church_n be_v term_v catholic_n not_o as_o actual_o extend_v to_o the_o whole_a world_n but_o potential_o no_o nation_n or_o people_n be_v exclude_v but_o all_o have_a liberty_n to_o accept_v and_o enjoy_v the_o privilege_n thereof_o in_o this_o notion_n there_o be_v one_o catholic_n church_n both_o in_o the_o invisible_a and_o visible_a form_n the_o catholic_n church_n invisible_a be_v the_o whole_a company_n of_o true_a believer_n throughout_o the_o world_n who_o make_v that_o part_n of_o christ_n mystical_a body_n which_o in_o militant_a here_o on_o earth_n the_o catholic_n church_n visible_a be_v the_o whole_a company_n of_o visible_a believer_n throughout_o the_o world_n or_o believer_n according_a to_o humane_a judgement_n §_o 6._o the_o unity_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n visible_a the_o catholic_n church_n be_v not_o only_o notional_o but_o real_o existent_a and_o have_v relation_n to_o particular_a church_n as_o a_o intregal_a whole_a to_o integral_a part_n the_o same_o relation_n it_o have_v also_o to_o particular_a christian_n yea_o and_o to_o such_o as_o be_v not_o fix_v member_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n there_o be_v one_o peculiar_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n throughout_o the_o world_n distinct_a from_o the_o world_n in_o general_n visible_o constitute_v and_o administer_v not_o by_o humane_a law_n and_o coercive_a power_n as_o secular_a kingdom_n be_v but_o by_o divine_a law_n and_o power_n direct_o and_o pure_o respect_v the_o conscience_n there_o must_v needs_o be_v one_o caetholick_n visible_a church_n the_o catholic_n church_n in_o its_o visible_a form_n be_v one_o political_a society_n or_o spiritual_a commonwealth_n the_o city_n of_o god_n the_o more_o special_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n upon_o earth_n for_o the_o world_n in_o general_n be_v his_o kingdom_n at_o large_a the_o unity_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v a_o political_a society_n arise_v not_o out_o of_o a_o local_a contiguity_n but_o out_o of_o the_o moral_a and_o political_a union_n of_o the_o part_n and_o if_o the_o invisible_a church_n be_v one_o body_n the_o visible_a must_v be_v so_o likewise_o for_o these_o term_n the_o church_n visible_a and_o invisible_a do_v not_o signify_v two_o society_n as_o have_v be_v show_v but_o the_o same_o society_n distinguish_v by_o its_o diver_n consideration_n the_o visible_a catholic_n church_n have_v one_o head_n and_o supreme_a lord_n even_o christ_n one_o charter_n and_o systeme_n of_o law_n member_n that_o be_v free_a denizen_n of_o the_o whole_a society_n one_o form_n of_o admission_n or_o solemn_a initiation_n for_o all_o its_o member_n one_o spiritual_a polity_n or_o one_o divine_a form_n of_o government_n and_o one_o kind_n of_o ecclesiastical_a power_n the_o member_n of_o one_o particular_a church_n be_v entitle_v to_o the_o privilege_n grant_v of_o god_n to_o visible_a christian_n in_o any_o other_o church_n wheresoever_o they_o come_v to_o be_v enjoy_v by_o they_o according_a to_o their_o capacity_n and_o in_o a_o due_a order_n and_o wheresoever_o any_o christian_a come_v as_o a_o stranger_n he_o be_v by_o his_o relation_n to_o the_o universal_a church_n bind_v to_o have_v communion_n with_o the_o particular_a church_n or_o church_n of_o that_o place_n in_o god_n ordinance_n according_a to_o his_o capacity_n and_o opportunity_n and_o if_o it_o be_v say_v he_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o transient_a member_n of_o that_o particular_a church_n where_o he_o come_v as_o a_o stranger_n i_o answer_v that_o it_o arise_v from_o his_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n which_o contain_v all_o particular_a church_n as_o a_o integral_a whole_a its_o several_a part_n for_o it_o be_v his_o right_n and_o not_o a_o favour_n or_o a_o matter_n of_o mere_a charity_n whosoever_o be_v just_o and_o orderly_o cast_v out_o of_o one_o church_n be_v thereby_o virtual_o cast_v out_o of_o all_o church_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v receive_v by_o none_o this_o can_v be_v mere_o by_o compact_n among_o the_o church_n or_o by_o the_o mutual_a relation_n of_o mere_a concordant_a or_o sister_n church_n but_o by_o their_o be_v integral_a part_n of_o one_o society_n for_o the_o ejection_n out_o of_o all_o de_fw-la jure_fw-la follow_v natural_o necessary_o ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la from_o the_o ejection_n out_o of_o one_o the_o apostle_n be_v general_a officer_n of_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n as_o of_o one_o visible_a society_n and_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o it_o lose_v its_o unity_n by_o their_o death_n the_o ordinary_a pastor_n and_o teacher_n though_o actual_o and_o in_o exercise_n overseeing_a their_o own_o part_n be_v habitual_o and_o radical_o relate_v to_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n and_o thereby_o be_v enable_v to_o exercise_v their_o ministerial_a authority_n in_o any_o other_o part_n wheresoever_o they_o come_v without_o a_o new_a ordination_n or_o receive_v a_o new_a pastoral_a authority_n so_o that_o they_o do_v it_o in_o a_o due_a order_n this_o show_v that_o the_o several_a church_n be_v part_n of_o one_o political_a society_n otherwise_o the_o officer_n can_v not_o act_v authoritative_o out_o of_o their_o own_o particular_a congregation_n no_o more_o than_o as_o one_o well_o observe_v a_o mayor_n or_o constable_n can_v exercise_v their_o office_n in_o other_o corporation_n §_o 7._o the_o priority_n in_o nature_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n to_o particular_a church_n forasmuch_o aâ—_n man_n be_v christian_n in_o order_n of_o nature_n before_o they_o be_v member_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n and_o minister_n in_o general_a before_o they_o be_v minister_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n they_o be_v member_n and_o minister_n first_o of_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o order_n of_o nature_n and_o then_o of_o particular_a church_n and_o the_o charter_n and_o body_n of_o law_n and_o ordinance_n by_o which_o the_o church_n subsist_v do_v first_o belong_v to_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o then_o to_o particular_a church_n as_o part_n thereof_o to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n give_v only_o the_o opportunity_n of_o enjoy_v divine_a ordinance_n and_o church_n privilege_n but_o immediate_a right_n thereunto_o be_v gain_v by_o be_v a_o visible_a believer_n or_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n one_o may_v be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n and_o yet_o not_o a_o fix_a member_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n and_o that_o in_o some_o case_n occessary_o and_o in_o that_o state_n he_o have_v right_a to_o god_n ordinance_n the_o ethiopian_a eunuch_n be_v of_o no_o particular_a church_n and_o yet_o baptize_v by_o philip._n the_o promise_n threaten_v and_o precent_n of_o christ_n be_v dispense_v by_o his_o minister_n to_o the_o member_n of_o his_o church_n primary_o not_o as_o member_n of_o a_o particular_a but_o of_o the_o universal_a church_n and_o therefore_o the_o minister_n dispense_v the_o same_o with_o authority_n in_o christ_n name_n even_o to_o stranger_n that_o come_v into_o his_o congregation_n 8._o the_o visibility_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n as_o a_o large_a empire_n be_v visible_a to_o the_o eye_n of_o sense_n not_o in_o the_o whole_a at_o one_o view_n but_o in_o the_o several_a part_n one_o after_o another_o so_o be_v the_o catholich_n church_n as_o a_o large_a empire_n be_v visible_a in_o the_o whole_a at_o one_o view_n by_o a_o act_n of_o the_o understanding_n which_o be_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o mind_n so_o be_v the_o catholic_n church_n as_o the_o unity_n of_o a_o large_a empire_n be_v not_o judge_v invisible_a
because_o it_o can_v be_v see_v without_o a_o act_n of_o the_o understanding_n no_o more_o may_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v for_o that_o reason_n judge_v invisible_a i_o have_v already_o show_v that_o the_o adequate_a notion_n of_o visible_a and_o invisible_a in_o this_o subject_n be_v to_o be_v not_o only_o the_o object_n of_o the_o bodily_a eye_n or_o other_o external_a sense_n but_o also_o of_o any_o humane_a intuition_n or_o certain_a perception_n or_o that_o which_o fall_v under_o humane_a cognizance_n and_o judgement_n §_o 9_o the_o polity_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n the_o catholic_n church_n be_v not_o as_o secular_a kingdom_n or_o commonwealth_n be_v autonomical_a that_o be_v have_v within_o itself_o that_o power_n of_o its_o own_o fundamental_a constitution_n and_o of_o the_o law_n and_o officer_n and_o administration_n belong_v to_o it_o as_o a_o church_n or_o spiritual_a polity_n but_o it_o have_v receive_v all_o these_o from_o christ_n its_o head_n king_n and_o law_n giver_n indeed_o as_o it_o include_v christ_n the_o head_n it_o be_v in_o reference_n to_o he_o autonomical_a but_o here_o we_o consider_v it_o as_o a_o political_a body_n visible_a upon_o earth_n and_o abstract_v from_o its_o head_n nevertheless_o it_o have_v according_a to_o the_o capacity_n of_o its_o act_n that_o be_v in_o its_o several_a part_n a_o power_n of_o secondary_a law_n or_o canon_n either_o to_o impress_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n upon_o its_o member_n or_o to_o regulate_v circumstantial_o and_o accidental_n in_o religion_n by_o determine_v thing_n necessary_a in_o genere_fw-la and_o not_o determine_v of_o christ_n in_o spâ—câ—â—_n but_o leave_v to_o humane_a determination_n the_o spiritual_a authority_n seat_v in_o the_o church_n be_v not_o seat_v in_o the_o church_n as_o catholic_n so_o as_o to_o descend_v from_o it_o by_o way_n of_o derivation_n and_o communication_n to_o particular_a church_n but_o it_o be_v immediate_o seat_v in_o the_o several_a particular_a church_n as_o similar_v part_n of_o one_o political_a body_n the_o church_n catholic_n the_o church_n catholic_n be_v as_o one_o universal_a or_o ecumenical_a kingdom_n have_v one_o supreme_a lord_n one_o body_n of_o lawâ—_n one_o form_n of_o government_n one_o way_n of_o enrollment_n into_o it_o and_o subject_n who_o have_v freedom_n throughout_o the_o whole_a extent_n thereof_o radical_o and_o fundamental_o always_o and_o actual_o to_o be_v use_v according_a to_o their_o occasion_n and_o capacity_n but_o have_v no_o terrene_a universal_a administrator_n or_o vicegerent_n personal_a or_o collective_a but_o several_a administrator_n in_o the_o several_a province_n or_o part_n thereof_o invest_v with_o the_o same_o kind_n of_o authority_n respect_v the_o whole_a kingdom_n radical_o or_o fundamental_o but_o to_o be_v exercise_v ordinary_o in_o their_o own_o state_v limit_n and_o occasional_o any_o where_n else_o according_a to_o a_o due_a call_n and_o order_n wherefore_o though_o it_o be_v one_o political_a society_n yet_o not_o so_o as_o to_o have_v one_o terrestrial_a vicarious_a head_n personal_a or_o collective_a have_v legislation_n and_o jurisdiction_n over_o the_o whole_a and_o indeed_o no_o terrestrial_a head_n be_v capable_a of_o the_o government_n and_o christ_n the_o supreme_a head_n and_o lord_n be_v powerful_o present_a throughout_o the_o whole_a by_o his_o spirit_n cause_v that_o such_o a_o vicarious_a head_n be_v not_o want_v indeed_o the_o apostle_n as_o such_o be_v universal_a officer_n have_v apostolic_a authority_n not_o only_o radical_o or_o habitual_o but_o actual_o also_o over_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n in_o regard_n they_o be_v divine_o inspire_v and_o immediate_o commission_v by_o christ_n under_o he_o to_o erect_v his_o church_n and_o to_o establish_v his_o religion_n even_o the_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n that_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v by_o all_o christian_n but_o this_o office_n be_v but_o temporary_a in_o the_o nature_n and_o formal_a reason_n of_o it_o and_o so_o expire_v with_o their_o person_n and_o be_v not_o of_o the_o essence_n or_o a_o constitutive_a part_n of_o this_o society_n §_o 10._o the_o headship_n of_o a_o general_n council_n examine_v by_o headship_n over_o the_o church_n in_o this_o inquiry_n be_v not_o mean_v a_o dominion_n and_o desporick_n power_n over_o it_o for_o the_o church_n have_v no_o lord_n but_o christ_n nor_o sovereign_a authority_n over_o it_o which_o be_v the_o power_n of_o legislation_n and_o final_a decisive_a judgement_n by_o which_o man_n stand_v or_o fall_v final_o for_o the_o church_n have_v no_o king_n but_o christ_n i_o exclude_v headship_n in_o any_o such_o sense_n as_o not_o fit_a to_o come_v under_o consideration_n but_o the_o query_n be_v whether_o a_o general_a council_n be_v supreme_a in_o that_o kind_n of_o power_n which_o reside_v in_o the_o church_n and_o be_v only_o ministerial_a and_o dispensatory_a that_o be_v whether_o it_o have_v a_o supreme_a ministry_n or_o geconomy_n over_o the_o catholic_n church_n so_o that_o all_o church_n and_o minister_n have_v their_o power_n convey_v to_o they_o from_o the_o same_o not_o as_o from_o the_o fountain_n which_o be_v christ_n alone_a but_o as_o from_o the_o first_o receptacle_n thereof_o and_o be_v subject_a to_o its_o authoritative_a regulation_n and_o determination_n and_o final_o accountable_a to_o it_o for_o their_o administration_n who_o can_v affirm_v that_o a_o ecumenical_a council_n right_o so_o name_v be_v ever_o in_o be_v the_o council_n that_o have_v bear_v that_o name_n be_v convention_n of_o bishop_n within_o the_o roman_a empire_n except_o some_o very_o few_o that_o be_v without_o it_o and_o those_o live_n near_o the_o confine_n of_o it_o whereupon_o let_v it_o be_v consider_v whether_o the_o say_v council_n be_v true_o ecumenical_a or_o just_a representative_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n that_o which_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v say_v for_o the_o affirmative_a be_v that_o no_o bishop_n be_v exclude_v from_o the_o right_n of_o vote_v therein_o but_o from_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n they_o may_v come_v to_o they_o as_o rightful_a member_n of_o they_o if_o they_o will_v but_o what_o if_o no_o great_a number_n of_o bishop_n meet_v upon_o a_o summons_n to_o a_o general_n council_n than_o do_v at_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n may_v such_o a_o convention_n be_v call_v a_o ecumenical_a council_n because_o all_o may_v come_v that_o will_v when_o so_o small_a a_o number_n come_v as_o be_v comparative_o nothing_o to_o the_o number_n of_o bishop_n throughout_o the_o world_n or_o can_v the_o convention_n of_o a_o great_a number_n suppose_v as_o many_o as_o meet_v in_o the_o first_o nicene_n council_n be_v just_o call_v a_o representative_a of_o the_o catholic_n church_n or_o carry_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o when_o it_o bear_v no_o more_o proportion_n to_o it_o sure_o it_o be_v not_o their_o freedom_n of_o access_n but_o their_o actual_a convening_n at_o least_o in_o a_o proportionable_a number_n that_o can_v just_o give_v the_o denomination_n and_o what_o if_o the_o bishop_n without_o the_o limit_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n will_v not_o come_v to_o a_o general_n council_n call_v by_o the_o mandate_n of_o the_o roman_a emperor_n especial_o they_o that_o live_v in_o the_o remote_a part_n as_o ethiopia_n and_o india_n &_o c_o be_v they_o oblige_v to_o come_v to_o a_o general_a council_n in_o case_n it_o have_v be_v summon_v in_o another_o especial_o a_o remote_a empire_n or_o dominionâ—_n moreover_o what_o if_o they_o can_v not_o come_v which_o may_v well_o be_v suppose_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o restraint_n of_o their_o several_a prince_n or_o the_o length_n of_o the_o journey_n or_o insuperable_a difficulty_n or_o utter_a incapacity_n though_o the_o most_o illustrious_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o roman_a empire_n yet_o a_o assembly_n of_o the_o bishop_n thereof_o can_v no_o more_o make_v a_o representative_a of_o the_o catholic_n church_n than_o a_o assembly_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o world_n without_o they_o can_v have_v do_v if_o there_o have_v be_v such_o a_o assembly_n beside_o the_o ancient_a general_n council_n be_v usual_o call_v in_o the_o eastern_a part_n of_o the_o empire_n and_o though_o the_o bishop_n of_o those_o part_n may_v convene_v in_o a_o considerable_a number_n yet_o the_o number_n from_o the_o western_a part_n be_v inconsiderable_a and_o as_o none_o comparative_o to_o a_o just_a proportion_n let_v it_o be_v hereupon_o consider_v whether_o the_o say_v council_n be_v a_o just_a representative_a and_o do_v carry_v the_o sense_n of_o that_o part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n that_o be_v include_v in_o that_o empire_n and_o in_o this_o consideration_n it_o be_v not_o of_o little_a moment_n to_o observe_v what_o number_n of_o bishop_n be_v ordinary_o congregat_v in_o the_o many_o provincial_a assembly_n and_o that_o within_o
continue_v till_o the_o end_n of_o all_o thing_n it_o be_v also_o ascertain_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v at_o least_o the_o essential_o of_o a_o church-state_n or_o church_n organical_a as_o some_o express_v it_o consist_v of_o a_o part_n govern_v and_o a_o part_n govern_v always_o continue_v somewhere_o upon_o earth_n for_o christ_n promise_n be_v to_o be_v with_o his_o apostle_n in_o the_o execute_n of_o their_o ministry_n always_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o it_o must_v be_v understand_v of_o they_o not_o bare_o consider_v as_o person_n but_o as_o his_o commission_v officer_n including_z their_o successor_n not_o in_o the_o apostolical_a and_o temporary_a but_o in_o the_o ordinary_a and_o perpetual_a authority_n which_o they_o have_v in_o common_a with_o pastor_n bishop_n or_o presbyter_n and_o eph._n 4.11_o show_v that_o the_o ministry_n be_v to_o endure_v till_o the_o whole_a mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n be_v complete_v but_o the_o promise_n do_v not_o import_n that_o any_o particular_a church_n or_o any_o particular_a combination_n of_o church_n in_o one_o frame_n of_o ecclesiastical_a polity_n how_o ample_a or_o illustrious_a soever_o shall_v be_v perpetuate_v by_o a_o uninterrupted_a succession_n of_o pastor_n and_o secure_v from_o a_o total_a defection_n and_o rejection_n either_o from_o a_o church_n state_n or_o from_o christianity_n itself_o if_o any_o particular_a church_n or_o any_o one_o large_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n have_v be_v preserve_v from_o the_o apostle_n day_n till_o now_o when_o other_o have_v be_v extinct_a it_o be_v by_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n who_o way_n and_o counsel_n be_v wise_a and_o holy_a yet_o unsearchable_a and_o past_a find_v out_o nor_o do_v the_o promise_n import_n that_o the_o true_a church_n shall_v be_v perpetual_o conspicuous_a though_o it_o be_v perpetual_o visible_a for_o in_o some_o age_n it_o may_v be_v more_o obscure_a in_o other_o more_o apparent_a it_o be_v grant_v by_o that_o party_n that_o much_o insist_o upon_o the_o conspicuousness_n of_o their_o church_n as_o a_o city_n on_o a_o hill_n that_o in_o the_o time_n of_o antichrist_n the_o church_n shall_v scarce_o be_v discern_v now_o in_o such_o a_o state_n it_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v though_o not_o absolute_o yet_o comparative_o invisible_a that_o be_v be_v compare_v with_o what_o it_o be_v when_o more_o conspicuous_o visible_a nor_o do_v it_o import_v that_o any_o particular_a church_n or_o any_o most_o ample_a and_o illustrious_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n shall_v perpetual_o abide_v in_o the_o apostolic_a purity_n of_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o government_n but_o that_o it_o may_v depart_v from_o it_o and_o fall_v into_o most_o enormous_a error_n and_o practice_n in_o the_o say_a point_n and_o yet_o may_v not_o lose_v the_o essential_o of_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o church-state_n the_o scripture_n foretell_v of_o a_o great_a fall_v away_o and_o a_o last_a defection_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o a_o long_a continue_a predominancy_n of_o a_o antichristian_a state_n therein_o nay_o for_o aught_o can_v be_v cogent_o infer_v from_o the_o aforesaid_a promise_n the_o say_a defection_n may_v have_v be_v so_o universal_a as_o to_o leave_v no_o part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n divide_v from_o the_o apostatical_a or_o antichristian_a state_n and_o party_n by_o a_o different_a external_a church-polity_n but_o the_o sound_n and_o sincere_a part_n of_o the_o church_n may_v truckle_n under_o it_o and_o be_v include_v in_o its_o external_a frame_n and_o keep_v themselves_o from_o be_v destroy_v by_o it_o some_o of_o they_o discern_v and_o shun_v the_o bainful_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n and_o other_o that_o be_v infect_v with_o it_o hold_v the_o truth_n predominant_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o life_n and_o so_o though_o not_o speculative_o yet_o practical_o prevail_v against_o the_o wicked_a error_n if_o in_o all_o time_n there_o have_v be_v some_o society_n of_o christian_n that_o do_v not_o fall_v away_o in_o the_o great_a defection_n nor_o incorporate_v with_o the_o antichristian_a state_n but_o be_v by_o themselves_o in_o a_o sever_a church-state_n yet_o christ_n have_v not_o promise_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v notice_n thereof_o throughout_o all_o christendom_n in_o the_o time_n when_o the_o say_v society_n be_v in_o be_v nor_o that_o history_n shall_v be_v write_v thereof_o for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o after_o age_n howbeit_o we_o have_v sufficient_a notice_n by_o credible_a history_n that_o there_o have_v be_v many_o ample_a christian_n church_n throughout_o all_o age_n that_o be_v not_o incorporate_v with_o the_o antichristian_a state_n and_o that_o do_v dissent_v from_o their_o great_a enormity_n in_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o government_n also_o that_o many_o worthy_n live_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o that_o great_a apostasy_n do_v during_o the_o whole_a time_n thereof_o successive_o bear_v witness_n for_o the_o truth_n against_o it_o and_o that_o for_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o time_n huge_a multitude_n also_o live_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o say_a apostasy_n separate_v from_o it_o and_o be_v embody_v into_o church_n of_o another_o constitution_n more_o conformable_a to_o the_o primitive_a christianity_n §_o 13._o the_o frame_n of_o the_o particular_a church_n mention_v in_o scripture_n as_o we_o find_v in_o scripture_n one_o catholic_n church_n relate_v as_o one_o kingdom_n family_n flock_n spouse_n and_o body_n to_o christ_n as_o its_o only_a king_n master_n shepherd_z husband_n and_o head_n so_o we_o find_v particular_a church_n as_o so_o many_o political_a society_n distinct_a from_o each_o other_o yet_o all_o compact_a together_o as_o part_n of_o that_o one_o ample_a society_n the_o catholic_n church_n as_o the_o church_n at_o antioch_n act_v 13.1_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n act_v 11.22_o act_n 15.4_o the_o church_n at_o caesarea_n act_v 18.22_o the_o church_n at_o cenchrea_n rom._n 10.1_o the_o church_n at_o corinth_n 1_o cor._n 1.2_o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n gal._n 1.2_o the_o church_n of_o the_o thessalonian_o 1_o thes_n 1.1_o the_o church_n at_o babylon_n 1_o pet._n 5_o 13._o and_o the_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n apoc._n 1_o &_o 2._o viz._n of_o ephesus_n smyrna_n pergamos_n thyatyra_n sardis_n thiladelphia_n and_o laodicea_n we_o likewise_o find_v that_o the_o christian_n of_o a_o city_n oâ—_n lesser_a precinct_n make_v one_o church_n as_o the_o church_n at_o corinth_n the_o church_n at_o cenchrea_n etc._n etc._n but_o the_o christian_n of_o a_o region_n or_o a_o large_a circuit_n make_v many_o church_n as_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n the_o church_n of_o galatiae_n we_o find_v also_o that_o each_o of_o these_o particular_a church_n do_v consist_v of_o a_o part_n govern_v and_o a_o part_n govern_v and_o consequent_o be_v political_a society_n every_o church_n have_v their_o proper_a elder_n or_o elder_n acts._n 4.23_o which_o elder_n be_v the_o same_o with_o bishop_n act_n 20.28_o tit._n 1.5_o 7._o 1_o pet._n 5.1_o 2._o and_o they_o be_v constitutive_a part_n of_o those_o church_n consider_v as_o political_a society_n we_o find_v also_o that_o these_o elder_n or_o bishop_n do_v personal_o superintend_v or_o oversee_v all_o the_o flock_n or_o every_o member_n of_o the_o church_n over_o which_o they_o do_v preside_v act_v 20_o 28_o 29._o 1_o thes_n 5.12_o heb._n 13.17_o this_o appear_v further_a by_o their_o particular_a work_n express_o mention_v in_o scripture_n to_o be_v personal_o perform_v towards_o all_o viz._n to_o be_v the_o ordinary_a teacher_n of_o all_o heb._n 13_o 7._o 1_o thes_n 5.12_o 13._o to_o admonish_v all_o that_o be_v unruly_a and_o to_o rebuke_v they_o open_o 1_o tim._n 5.20_o tit._n 1.10_o to_o visit_v and_o pray_v with_o the_o sick_a and_o all_o the_o sick_a be_v to_o send_v for_o they_o to_o that_o end_n james_z 5.14_o and_o no_o grant_n from_o christ_n to_o discharge_v the_o same_o by_o substitute_n or_o delegate_n can_v be_v find_v §_o 14._o the_o form_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n consider_v from_z the_o premise_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o all_o particular_a church_n mention_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v so_o constitute_v as_o that_o all_o the_o member_n thereof_o be_v capable_a of_o personal_a communion_n in_o worship_v god_n if_o not_o always_o at_o once_o together_o yet_o by_o turn_n at_o least_o and_o of_o live_v under_o the_o present_a personal_a superintendency_n of_o their_o proper_a elder_n or_o elder_n bishop_n or_o bishop_n whether_o to_o be_v embody_v or_o associate_v for_o personal_a communion_n in_o worship_n and_o for_o personal_a superintendency_n of_o the_o pastor_n over_o all_o the_o member_n be_v the_o true_a formal_a or_o essential_a constitution_n of_o particular_a church_n by_o divine_a right_n i_o leave_v to_o consideration_n but_o this_o be_v evident_a that_o all_o those_o church_n that_o the_o scripture_n take_v notice_n of_o be_v so_o constitute_v and_o that_o
jowe_v political_a church_n but_o as_o constitute_v by_o the_o political_a union_n of_o congregational_a or_o parochial_a church_n hold_v also_o to_o be_v political_a under_o a_o officer_n of_o another_o order_n and_o the_o proper_a superior_a of_o those_o officer_n under_o which_o the_o parochial_a church_n immediate_o be_v then_o let_v it_o be_v observe_v that_o a_o church_n of_o this_o frame_n be_v not_o proper_o a_o episcopal_a but_o a_o archiepiscopal_a church_n for_o the_o church_n whereof_o it_o be_v compact_v be_v proper_o episcopal_a be_v such_o as_o have_v each_o of_o they_o their_o own_o bishop_n pastor_n or_o elder_n but_o the_o divine_a right_n of_o such_o a_o archiepiscopal_a church_n i_o leave_v to_o further_a inquiry_n as_o for_o a_o national_a church_n i_o come_v now_o to_o inquire_v in_o what_o sense_n it_o may_v or_o may_v not_o be_v grant_v in_o a_o more_o general_a notion_n it_o be_v some_o part_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n distinguish_v and_o sever_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o that_o body_n by_o the_o limit_n of_o a_o nation_n or_o of_o a_o civil_a state_n or_o in_o other_o term_n a_o nation_n of_o christian_a church_n or_o the_o christian_a church_n of_o a_o nation_n but_o there_o be_v more_o express_a and_o special_a notion_n thereof_o respect_v the_o frame_n of_o ecclesiastical_a polity_n which_o be_v discrepant_a from_o each_o other_o and_o about_o the_o be_v thereof_o in_o these_o special_a notion_n man_n judgement_n vary_v some_o own_o a_o national_a church_n in_o this_o sense_n only_o viz._n a_o nation_n of_o church_n or_o the_o church_n of_o a_o nation_n agree_v at_o least_o in_o the_o essential_o of_o christian_n dectrine_n divine_a worship_n and_o church-government_n some_o own_o a_o national_a church_n in_o a_o strict_a sense_n namely_o the_o say_a church_n not_o only_o agree_v in_o the_o point_v aforesaid_a but_o political_o unite_v by_o the_o same_o common_a band_n of_o ecclesiastical_a government_n under_o one_o head_n personal_a or_o collective_a and_o this_o strict_a sense_n have_v a_o subdivision_n for_o it_o may_v be_v understand_v of_o the_o church_n unite_v in_o a_o civil_a ecclesiastical_a polity_n under_o a_o civil_a head_n or_o supreme_a or_o of_o the_o church_n embody_v in_o the_o band_n of_o a_o polity_n pure_o ecclesiastical_a under_o a_o spiritual_a head_n or_o supreme_a i_o own_o the_o rightful_a be_v and_o divine_a warrant_n of_o a_o national_a church_n as_o unite_v in_o one_o civil_a ecclesiastical_a polity_n under_o one_o civil_a head_n or_o supreme_a either_o personal_a as_o in_o a_o monarchy_n or_o collective_a as_o in_o a_o republic_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n i_o assent_v to_o the_o national_a church_n of_o england_n viz._n all_o the_o church_n in_o england_n political_o unite_v under_o one_o supreme_a civil_a church-governour_n the_o king_n majesty_n yet_o it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v that_o the_o partition_n of_o a_o church_n by_o the_o bound_n of_o a_o nation_n or_o of_o a_o civil_a state_n be_v but_o extrinsical_a or_o accidental_a to_o the_o church_n as_o such_o also_o that_o the_o union_n of_o the_o church_n of_o a_o nation_n in_o the_o band_n of_o civil_a church-polity_n under_o a_o civil_a head_n be_v but_o a_o extrinsical_a and_o not_o a_o intrinsical_v union_n but_o i_o question_v the_o divine_a warrant_n of_o a_o national_a church_n embody_v in_o the_o band_n of_o one_o national_a polity_n pure_o ecclesiastical_a under_o one_o spiritual_a head_n or_o supreme_a either_o personal_a as_o a_o primate_n or_o patriarch_n or_o collective_a as_o a_o consistory_n of_o bishop_n or_o elder_n intrinsical_o belong_v to_o it_o and_o be_v a_o constitutive_a part_n of_o it_o for_o i_o find_v no_o canon_n or_o precedent_n for_o it_o in_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o adequate_a rule_n of_o divine_a right_n in_o the_o frame_n of_o church_n and_o of_o what_o intrinsical_o belong_v thereuntò_fw-la and_o i_o do_v not_o know_v any_o such_o spiritual_a head_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o for_o the_o archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n and_o york_n they_o at_o the_o most_o can_v be_v head_n but_o of_o their_o respective_a province_n and_o be_v not_o subordinate_a but_o coordinate_a to_o each_o other_o in_o point_n of_o archiepiscopal_a government_n however_o the_o case_n be_v between_o they_o in_o point_n of_o precedency_n yet_o if_o the_o civil_a supreme_a power_n shall_v constitute_v a_o person_n or_o person_n ecclesiastical_a to_o be_v head_n of_o a_o national_a church_n or_o the_o church_n of_o a_o nation_n political_o embody_a i_o here_o offer_v nothing_o against_o it_o or_o for_o it_o but_o if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o national_a constitution_n be_v but_o humane_a it_o be_v but_o extrinsical_a and_o accidental_a to_o the_o church_n and_o be_v derive_v from_o the_o civil_a supreme_a it_o be_v but_o a_o civil_a church-polity_n §_o 21._o the_o subordination_n of_o particular_a church_n to_o a_o association_n or_o collective_a body_n of_o the_o same_o church_n consider_v i_o come_v to_o inquire_v whether_o there_o be_v a_o subordination_n of_o church_n take_v distributive_o to_o a_o association_n oâ—_n collective_a body_n of_o the_o same_o church_n or_o a_o assembly_n thereof_o and_o again_o whether_o there_o be_v a_o subordination_n of_o that_o collective_a body_n to_o a_o large_a association_n of_o more_o collective_a body_n or_o to_o a_o assembly_n thereof_o and_o so_o forward_o till_o we_o come_v to_o the_o large_a that_o can_v be_v reach_v unto_o the_o association_n of_o particular_a church_n be_v of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v put_v in_o practice_n according_a to_o their_o capacity_n though_o there_o be_v no_o positive_a law_n for_o it_o for_o they_o be_v all_o so_o many_o distinct_a member_n of_o one_o great_a body_n or_o integral_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o they_o be_v all_o concern_v in_o each_o other_o well_o be_v both_o in_o reference_n to_o themselves_o as_o fellow_n member_n of_o one_o body_n and_o to_o christ_n their_o head_n who_o honour_n and_o interest_n they_o must_v promote_v each_o church_n not_o only_o within_o themselves_o but_o throughout_o all_o the_o church_n to_o the_o utmost_a extent_n of_o their_o agency_n and_o they_o natural_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o each_o other_o help_v in_o thing_n that_o concern_v they_o several_o and_o joint_o likewise_o that_o there_o be_v great_a and_o lesser_a association_n act_v in_o their_o several_a sphere_n high_a or_o low_o the_o one_o include_v in_o the_o other_o be_v of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n or_o of_o natural_a convenience_n for_o the_o more_o ample_a capacity_n and_o more_o orderly_o contribute_v of_o the_o mutual_a help_n aforesad_a such_o as_o have_v be_v call_v classical_a provincial_a and_o national_a assembly_n use_v in_o one_o form_n of_o church-government_n yea_o and_o beyond_o this_o the_o association_n of_o the_o church_n of_o many_o nation_n as_o far_o towards_o a_o ecumenical_a council_n as_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o convening_n be_v of_o the_o same_o reason_n but_o of_o a_o ecumenical_a association_n true_o so_o call_v that_o be_v of_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n the_o moral_a impossibility_n thereof_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o before_o it_o be_v also_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n most_o convenienient_a that_o in_o the_o lesser_a association_n all_o the_o roll_a officer_n personal_o meet_v and_o that_o in_o the_o large_a they_o meet_v by_o their_o delegate_n or_o representative_n choose_v by_o all_o and_o send_v in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o which_o meeting_n be_v call_v assembly_n or_o synod_n and_o the_o convenience_n of_o meeting_n by_o delegate_n be_v that_o the_o particular_a church_n be_v not_o for_o a_o time_n leave_v whole_o destitute_a of_o their_o guide_n and_o that_o there_o may_v be_v less_o trouble_n and_o difficulty_n and_o danger_n of_o disorder_n in_o the_o whole_a management_n note_v that_o what_o be_v most_o natural_o convenient_a have_v in_o it_o the_o reason_n of_o necessary_a or_o be_v matter_n of_o duty_n unless_o when_o something_o gainsay_v or_o hinder_v and_o then_o indeed_o it_o cease_v to_o be_v convenient_a and_o that_o there_o be_v some_o kind_n of_o subordination_n in_o the_o say_a association_n and_o their_o respective_a assembly_n be_v of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n which_o require_v order_n but_o as_o to_o the_o kind_n or_o manner_n of_o subordination_n man_n go_v several_a way_n some_o place_n it_o in_o a_o proper_a authority_n or_o govern_v power_n that_o the_o collective_a body_n of_o church_n have_v over_o the_o several_a church_n include_v in_o they_o other_o place_v it_o in_o the_o agreement_n of_o the_o several_a church_n and_o some_o of_o these_o make_v this_o further_a explanation_n that_o the_o canon_n make_v by_o synod_n as_o they_o be_v make_v for_o the_o people_n who_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o pastor_n be_v a_o sort_n of_o law_n and_o oblige_v by_o