find_v in_o scripture_n that_o all_o ecclesiastic_a commission_n be_v either_o give_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o some_o of_o those_o first_o apostle_n who_o receive_v their_o commission_n immediate_o from_o our_o saviour_n or_o else_o by_o some_o of_o those_o secondary_a apostle_n that_o be_v admit_v into_o apostolic_a order_n by_o they_o which_o secondary_a apostle_n as_o be_v show_v before_o be_v the_o same_o with_o those_o who_o we_o now_o call_v bishop_n for_o so_o in_o act_n 6.3.6_o the_o seven_o first_o deacon_n we_o read_v of_o be_v ordain_v by_o the_o apostle_n the_o whole_a number_n of_o the_o disciple_n be_v present_a but_o the_o apostle_n only_o appoint_v and_o lay_v their_o hand_n on_o they_o and_o in_o act_n 14.23_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n two_o of_o the_o apostle_n ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o church_n that_o be_v of_o lystra_n iconium_n and_o antioch_n and_o though_o these_o two_o be_v ordain_v apostle_n of_o the_o gentile_n by_o certain_a prophet_n and_o teacher_n in_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n act_v 13.1.3_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o those_o prophet_n and_o teacher_n where_o such_o as_o have_v receive_v the_o apostolic_a character_n be_v ordain_v by_o the_o apostle_n bishop_n of_o the_o church_n of_o syria_n for_o otherwise_o how_o can_v they_o have_v derive_v it_o for_o so_o judas_n and_o silas_n be_v call_v prophet_n act_n 15.32_o and_o yet_o ver_fw-la 22._o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v ruler_n among_o the_o brethren_n or_o bishop_n of_o judea_n and_o afterward_o we_o find_v that_o ordination_n be_v confine_v to_o such_o as_o have_v be_v admit_v to_o the_o apostolate_a for_o so_o the_o power_n of_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v commit_v by_o s._n paul_n to_o timothy_n who_o he_o himself_o by_o the_o lay_n on_o of_o hand_n have_v ordain_v the_o apostle_n or_o bishop_n of_o that_o church_n 1_o tim._n 5.22_o 1_o tim._n 1.6_o so_o also_o the_o power_n of_o ordain_v in_o the_o church_n of_o crete_n be_v by_o s._n paul_n commit_v to_o titus_n who_o he_o have_v also_o ordain_v the_o apostle_n or_o bishop_n of_o that_o church_n tit._n 1.5_o for_o this_o cause_n leave_v i_o thou_o in_o crete_n to_o ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o city_n thus_o all_o through_o the_o whole_a scripture_n history_n we_o find_v the_o power_n of_o ordination_n administer_v by_o such_o and_o none_o but_o such_o as_o be_v of_o the_o apostolic_a order_n viz._n either_o by_o the_o prime_a apostle_n or_o by_o the_o secondary_a apostle_n or_o bishop_n and_o if_o we_o consult_v the_o primitive_a antiquity_n which_o to_o be_v sure_a in_o matter_n of_o fact_n at_o least_o be_v the_o best_a interpreter_n of_o scripture_n we_o shall_v always_o find_v the_o power_n of_o give_v order_n confine_v and_o limit_v to_o bishop_n which_o be_v so_o undeniable_a that_o s._n jerom_n himself_o who_o endeavour_v his_o utmost_a to_o equalise_v presbyter_n with_o bishop_n be_v yet_o fain_o to_o do_v it_o with_o a_o excepta_fw-la ordinatione_fw-la ep._n ad_fw-la evagr._fw-la quid_fw-la facit_fw-la excepta_fw-la ordinatione_fw-la episcopus_fw-la quod_fw-la presbyter_n non_fw-la faciat_fw-la what_o can_v the_o bishop_n do_v except_o ordain_v that_o the_o presbyter_n may_v not_o do_v also_o iii_o another_o peculiar_a ministry_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o execute_v that_o spiritual_a jurisdiction_n which_o christ_n have_v establish_v in_o it_o i._n e._n to_o cite_v such_o as_o be_v accuse_v of_o scandalous_a offence_n before_o their_o tribunal_n to_o inspect_v and_o examine_v the_o accusation_n and_o upon_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o to_o admonish_v the_o offender_n of_o his_o fault_n and_o in_o case_n he_o obstinate_o persist_v in_o it_o to_o exclude_v he_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o from_o all_o the_o benefit_n of_o christianity_n till_o such_o time_n as_o he_o give_v sufficient_a evidence_n of_o his_o repentance_n and_o amendment_n and_o then_o to_o receive_v he_o in_o again_o for_o that_o christ_n have_v establish_v such_o a_o jurisdiction_n in_o his_o church_n be_v evident_a from_o that_o passage_n mat._n 18.16_o 17_o 18._o moreover_o if_o thy_o brother_n shall_v trespass_v against_o thou_o go_v tell_v he_o his_o fault_n between_o he_o and_o thou_o alone_o if_o he_o shall_v hear_v thou_o thou_o have_v gain_v thy_o brother_n but_o if_o he_o will_v not_o hear_v thou_o then_o take_v with_o thou_o one_o or_o two_o more_o that_o in_o the_o mouth_n of_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n every_o word_n may_v be_v establish_v i._n e._n that_o thou_o may_v be_v able_a in_o case_n he_o do_v not_o then_o amend_v to_o produce_v sufficient_a testimony_n of_o his_o guilt_n before_o the_o church_n tribunal_n to_o which_o thou_o be_v next_o to_o apply_v thyself_o and_o if_o he_o shall_v neglect_v to_o hear_v they_o i._n e._n to_o promise_v amendment_n upon_o their_o admonition_n take_v they_o along_o with_o thou_o and_o tell_v it_o to_o the_o church_n that_o so_o she_o may_v examine_v the_o matter_n and_o upon_o thy_o prove_v his_o guilt_n by_o sufficient_a witness_n may_v authoritative_o admonish_v he_o to_o amend_v but_o if_o he_o neglect_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n and_o a_o publican_n i._n e._n give_v he_o over_o for_o a_o desperate_a sinner_n as_o one_o that_o be_v to_o be_v eject_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o no_o long_o to_o enjoy_v the_o common_a benefit_n of_o a_o christian_a for_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o that_o it_o be_v to_o you_o of_o the_o church_n before_o who_o this_o obstinate_a offender_n be_v cite_v and_o accuse_v for_o now_o he_o speak_v no_o long_o in_o the_o singular_a number_n whatsoever_o you_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n i._n e._n whosoever_o you_o shall_v for_o just_a cause_n eject_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n into_o the_o state_n of_o a_o heathen_a man_n and_o a_o publican_n i_o will_v certain_o exclude_v out_o of_o heaven_n unless_o he_o reconcile_v himself_o to_o you_o by_o confession_n and_o promise_v of_o amendment_n and_o if_o thereupon_o you_o pardon_v he_o and_o receive_v he_o into_o the_o church_n communion_n i_o will_v most_o certain_o pardon_v he_o too_o if_o he_o perform_v his_o promise_n for_o that_o by_o bind_v and_o lose_v upon_o earth_n our_o saviour_n mean_v exclude_v out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o receive_v in_o again_o be_v evident_a from_o that_o parallel_n passage_n mat._n 16.19_o i_o will_v give_v unto_o thou_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o thou_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o thou_o shall_v loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n where_o by_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v plain_o mean_v the_o authority_n of_o a_o steward_n to_o govern_v his_o church_n or_o family_n for_o so_o isa._n 22.21_o 22._o god_n promise_v eliachim_n that_o he_o will_v clothe_v he_o with_o the_o robe_n of_o shebna_n who_o be_v over_o the_o household_n ver_fw-la 15._o i._n e._n steward_n of_o the_o king_n family_n and_o that_o he_o will_v commit_v shebna_n be_v government_n into_o his_o hand_n etc._n etc._n and_o then_o it_o follow_v and_o the_o key_n of_o the_o house_n of_o david_n will_v i_o lay_v upon_o his_o shoulder_n so_o he_o shall_v open_v and_o none_o shall_v shut_v and_o he_o shall_v shut_v and_o none_o shall_v open_v that_o be_v in_o short_a i_o will_v make_v he_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o family_n and_o give_v he_o power_n to_o admit_v or_o exclude_v what_o servant_n he_o please_v and_o according_o by_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n must_v be_v mean_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n for_o so_o key_n denote_v authority_n to_o govern_v vid._n rev._n 3.7_o and_o by_o bind_v and_o lose_v the_o power_n of_o shut_v out_o of_o or_o readmit_v into_o it_o and_o therefore_o in_o john_n 20.23_o this_o bind_v and_o lose_v be_v thus_o express_v who_o sin_n you_o remit_v or_o loose_v shall_v be_v remit_v or_o loose_v who_o sin_n you_o retain_v or_o keep_v bind_v shall_v be_v retain_v or_o keep_v bind_v for_o though_o the_o word_n be_v different_a from_o those_o in_o s._n matthew_n yet_o they_o be_v of_o the_o same_o import_n and_o signification_n and_o consequent_o our_o saviour_n meaning_n must_v be_v the_o same_o here_o as_o there_o viz._n who_o sin_n you_o loose_a from_o the_o penalty_n of_o exclusion_n from_o the_o church_n i_o also_o will_v loose_v from_o the_o penalty_n of_o exclusion_n out_o of_o heaven_n and_o who_o sin_n
you_o keep_v bind_v or_o oblige_v to_o that_o penalty_n i_o also_o will_v keep_v bind_v and_o oblige_v to_o this_o this_o be_v the_o spirtual_a jurisdiction_n which_o christ_n have_v establish_v in_o his_o church_n to_o bind_v or_o loose_v suspend_v or_o restore_v excommunicate_a or_o absolve_v and_o this_o he_o have_v whole_o deposit_v in_o the_o episcopal_a order_n for_o in_o all_o the_o abovecited_a place_n it_o be_v only_o to_o his_o apostle_n that_o he_o derive_v this_o jurisdiction_n they_o alone_o be_v the_o steward_n to_o who_o he_o commit_v the_o key_n and_o government_n of_o his_o family_n and_o it_o be_v to_o they_o alone_o that_o he_o promise_v that_o they_o shall_v sit_v upon_o twelve_o throne_n judge_v the_o twelve_o tribe_n of_o israel_n that_o be_v to_o rule_n and_o govern_v the_o spiritual_a israel_n which_o be_v the_o christian_a church_n even_o as_o the_o phylarchae_n or_o chief_n of_o the_o tribe_n govern_v the_o twelve_o tribe_n of_o natural_a israel_n mat._n 19.28_o and_o hence_o in_o that_o mystical_a representation_n of_o the_o church_n by_o a_o city_n descend_v from_o heaven_n rev._n 21._o the_o wall_n of_o it_o be_v say_v to_o have_v twelve_o foundation_n and_o upon_o they_o twelve_o name_n of_o the_o twelve_o apostle_n ver_fw-la 14._o and_o those_o twelve_o foundation_n be_v compare_v to_o twelve_o precious_a stone_n to_o denote_v their_o power_n and_o dignity_n in_o the_o church_n ver_fw-la 19_o 20._o and_o the_o wall_n be_v exact_o mete_v be_v find_v to_o be_v 144_o cubit_n that_o be_v twelve_o time_n twelve_o to_o denote_v that_o these_o twelve_o apostle_n have_v each_o of_o they_o a_o equal_a portion_n allot_v he_o in_o the_o government_n and_o administration_n of_o the_o church_n ver_fw-la 17._o this_o spiritual_a jurisdiction_n therefore_o of_o govern_v the_o church_n and_o administer_a the_o censure_n of_o it_o be_v by_o our_o saviour_n whole_o lodge_v in_o the_o apostolate_a none_o can_v just_o claim_v or_o pretend_v to_o it_o but_o such_o as_o be_v of_o the_o apostolic_a order_n and_o according_o in_o the_o apostolic_a age_n we_o find_v it_o be_v always_o administer_v either_o immediate_o by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o or_o by_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o several_a church_n to_o who_o they_o communicate_v their_o order_n for_o thus_o in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n it_o be_v s._n paul_n who_o pronounce_v the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n against_o the_o incestuous_a person_n for_o i_o very_o as_o absent_v in_o body_n but_o present_a in_o spirit_n have_v judge_v or_o pronounce_v sentence_n already_o as_o though_o i_o be_v present_a concern_v he_o that_o have_v do_v this_o deed_n 1_o cor._n 5.3_o and_o what_o he_o order_v they_o to_o do_v ver_fw-la 4_o 5._o be_v only_o to_o declare_v and_o execute_v his_o sentence_n and_o 2_o cor._n 13.2_o he_o threaten_v they_o that_o heretofore_o have_v sin_v that_o if_o he_o come_v again_o he_o will_v not_o spare_v they_o and_o that_o by_o his_o not_o spare_v they_o he_o mean_v that_o he_o will_v proceed_v against_o they_o with_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n be_v evident_a from_o ver_fw-la 1._o in_o the_o mouth_n of_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n shall_v every_o word_n be_v establish_v which_o be_v the_o very_a word_n of_o our_o saviour_n matt._n 18.16_o when_o he_o institute_v the_o power_n of_o censure_v and_o then_o ver_fw-la 10._o he_o tell_v they_o that_o he_o write_v these_o thing_n be_v absent_a lest_o be_v present_a he_o shall_v use_v severity_n according_a to_o the_o power_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v they_o to_o edification_n and_o not_o to_o destruction_n by_o which_o it_o be_v plain_a he_o mean_v the_o power_n of_o excommunicate_v and_o 1_o cor._n 4.21_o he_o threaten_v to_o come_v to_o they_o with_o a_o rod_n that_o be_v to_o chastise_v they_o with_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n and_o with_o this_o rod_n as_o he_o himself_o tell_v he_o chastise_v hymenoeus_fw-la and_o alexander_n two_o stickle_a heretic_n in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n who_o he_o deliver_v unto_o satan_n that_o they_o may_v learn_v not_o to_o blaspheme_v 1_o tim._n 1.20_o and_o as_o he_o frequent_o execute_v the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n in_o his_o own_o person_n so_o he_o derive_v this_o spiritual_a jurisdiction_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n who_o he_o ordain_v apostle_n or_o bishop_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n and_o crete_n for_o so_o he_o order_v timothy_n against_o a_o elder_a receive_v not_o a_o accusation_n but_o before_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n which_o plain_o imply_v his_o authority_n to_o examine_v and_o try_v the_o cause_n even_o of_o the_o elder_n themselves_o when_o they_o be_v accuse_v and_o to_o punish_v they_o if_o he_o find_v they_o guilty_a for_o so_o it_o follow_v they_o that_o sin_n rebuke_n before_o all_o that_o other_o also_o may_v fear_v 1_o tim._n 5.19_o 20._o so_o also_o he_o exhort_v titus_n to_o exercise_v this_o his_o spiritual_a jurisdiction_n a_o man_n that_o be_v a_o heretic_n after_o the_o first_o and_o second_o admonition_n reject_v tit._n 3.10_o which_o plain_o imply_v that_o he_o have_v a_o authority_n inherent_a in_o he_o as_o he_o be_v the_o apostle_n or_o bishop_n of_o crete_n to_o cite_v examine_v admonish_v and_o censure_v person_n of_o erroneous_a principle_n and_o the_o same_o authority_n it_o be_v evident_a be_v inherent_a in_o the_o angel_n or_o bishop_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n thus_o the_o bishop_n of_o ephesus_n have_v authority_n to_o try_v such_o as_o say_v they_o be_v apostle_n and_o be_v not_o and_o to_o convict_v they_o for_o liar_n rev._n 2.2_o and_o the_o bishop_n of_o pergamus_n be_v blame_v for_o tolerate_v the_o sect_n of_o the_o nicolaitan_n in_o his_o church_n ver_fw-la 14_o 15._o and_o so_o also_o be_v the_o bishop_n of_o thyatira_n for_o suffer_v that_o woman_n jezebel_n ver_fw-la 20._o which_o plain_o imply_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o curb_v and_o correct_v those_o profligate_n sectary_n be_v inherent_a in_o they_o else_o why_o shall_v they_o be_v blame_v any_o more_o than_o other_o for_o not_o restrain_v they_o from_o all_o which_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o power_n of_o christian_a jurisdiction_n be_v original_o seat_v in_o the_o apostolate_a and_o that_o throughout_o the_o apostolic_a age_n it_o be_v always_o exercise_v by_o such_o and_o only_o such_o as_o be_v admit_v into_o that_o sovereign_a order_n viz._n either_o by_o the_o twelve_o prime_a apostle_n or_o by_o those_o secondary_a apostle_n who_o they_o ordain_v bishop_n of_o particular_a church_n and_o according_o we_o find_v in_o the_o primitive_a age_n the_o bishop_n be_v the_o sole_a administrator_n of_o this_o spiritual_a jurisdiction_n and_o though_o ordinary_o they_o administer_v it_o with_o the_o advice_n and_o concurrence_n of_o their_o presbytery_n yet_o this_o be_v more_o than_o they_o think_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o for_o thus_o s._n cyprian_n in_o the_o time_n of_o his_o recess_n do_v by_o his_o own_o single_a authority_n excommunicate_a felicissimus_n augendus_n and_o other_o of_o his_o presbyter_n ep._n 38_o 39_o and_o when_o rogatianus_n a_o bishop_n of_o his_o metropolitick_a church_n complain_v to_o he_o in_o a_o synod_n of_o a_o disorderly_a deacon_n he_o tell_v he_o that_o pro_fw-la episcopatus_fw-la vigore_fw-la &_o cathedrae_fw-la authoritate_fw-la i._n e._n by_o his_o own_o episcopal_a authority_n without_o appeal_n to_o the_o synod_n he_o may_v have_v chastise_v he_o and_o the_o five_o canon_n of_o the_o first_o nicene_n council_n plain_o show_v that_o it_o be_v then_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n that_o the_o power_n of_o spiritual_a jurisdiction_n be_v whole_o seat_v in_o the_o bishop_n for_o it_o decree_v that_o in_o every_o province_n there_o shall_v be_v twice_o a_o year_n a_o council_n of_o bishop_n to_o examine_v whether_o any_o person_n lay_v or_o clergy_n have_v be_v unjust_o excommunicate_v by_o his_o bishop_n which_o show_v that_o then_o this_o sentence_n be_v inflict_v by_o the_o bishop_n only_o though_o afterward_o to_o prevent_v abuse_v it_o be_v decree_v in_o the_o council_n of_o carthage_n that_o the_o bishop_n shall_v hear_v no_o man_n cause_n but_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o his_o clergy_n and_o that_o his_o sentence_n shall_v be_v void_a unless_o it_o be_v confirm_v by_o their_o presence_n but_o yet_o still_o the_o sentence_n be_v peculiar_o he_o and_o not_o his_o clergy_n in_o some_o church_n indeed_o the_o bishop_n do_v many_o time_n delegate_v power_n to_o their_o presbyter_n both_o to_o excommunicate_v and_o absolve_v as_o perhaps_o s._n paul_n himself_o do_v in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n but_o in_o this_o case_n the_o presbyter_n be_v only_o the_o bishop_n mouth_n and_o his_o sentence_n receive_v all_o its_o force_n from_o that_o episcopal_a authority_n he_o be_v arm_v with_o iv._o another_o peculiar_a ministry_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o governor_n of_o
hence_o we_o be_v say_v to_o have_v boldness_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o holy_a of_o holies_n that_o be_v to_o draw_v near_o by_o prayer_n to_o god_n by_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n by_o a_o new_a and_o live_a way_n which_o he_o have_v consecrate_v for_o we_o through_o the_o vail_n that_o be_v to_o say_v his_o flesh_n heb._n 10.19_o 20._o and_o our_o saviour_n himself_o assure_v we_o that_o whatsoever_o we_o shall_v ask_v in_o his_o name_n he_o will_v do_v it_o and_o again_o he_o repeat_v it_o if_o you_o shall_v ask_v any_o thing_n in_o my_o name_n i_o will_v do_v it_o john_n 14.13_o 14._o that_o be_v he_o will_v procure_v it_o for_o we_o by_o join_v his_o intercession_n with_o our_o prayer_n for_o so_o ver_fw-la 16._o he_o explain_v himself_o i_o will_v pray_v the_o father_n ii_o the_o other_o intent_n and_o purpose_n of_o his_o make_v this_o address_n or_o intercession_n for_o we_o to_o the_o father_n be_v to_o obtain_v of_o he_o power_n and_o authority_n to_o bestow_v on_o we_o all_o those_o grace_n and_o favour_n which_o in_o consideration_n of_o his_o sacrifice_n god_n have_v promise_v we_o it_o be_v not_o to_o move_v the_o father_n to_o bestow_v on_o we_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n immediate_o with_o his_o own_o hand_n that_o our_o saviour_n intercede_v but_o to_o empower_v himself_o as_o mediator_n between_o the_o father_n and_o we_o to_o bestow_v they_o upon_o we_o according_a to_o the_o term_n and_o condition_n upon_o which_o they_o be_v propose_v to_o we_o for_o though_o it_o be_v most_o certain_o true_a that_o every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n come_v down_o from_o above_o even_o from_o the_o father_n of_o light_n yet_o it_o be_v as_o certain_a that_o they_o come_v not_o down_o to_o we_o from_o the_o father_n immediate_o but_o be_v all_o derive_v to_o we_o through_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o son_n who_o by_o his_o continual_a intercession_n obtain_v continual_a power_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o father_n to_o derive_v and_o confer_v on_o we_o all_o those_o heavenly_a gift_n so_o that_o as_o the_o high_a priest_n when_o he_o have_v present_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o sacrifice_n in_o the_o holy_a of_o holies_n be_v authorize_v by_o god_n to_o bless_v the_o people_n vide_fw-la 1_o chron._n 23.13_o even_o so_o our_o bless_a saviour_n by_o present_v his_o meritorious_a sacrifice_n in_o heaven_n and_o in_o the_o virtue_n thereof_o intercede_v for_o we_o with_o the_o father_n be_v continual_o authorize_v by_o he_o effectual_o to_o bless_v we_o i_o e._n to_o confer_v on_o we_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n upon_o the_o term_n and_o condition_n that_o they_o be_v therein_o propose_v for_o this_o power_n he_o obtain_v of_o god_n by_o his_o perpetual_a intercession_n and_o hence_o he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v able_a to_o save_v all_o those_o to_o the_o utmost_a that_o come_v unto_o god_n by_o he_o see_v he_o ever_o live_v to_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o heb._n 7.25_o where_o his_o power_n or_o ability_n to_o save_v we_o to_o the_o utmost_a i._n e._n to_o confer_v on_o we_o all_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n be_v express_o attribute_v to_o his_o ever_o live_v to_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o which_o be_v a_o plain_a argument_n that_o the_o intent_n of_o his_o intercession_n be_v to_o move_v god_n to_o authorise_v he_o to_o save_v we_o see_v that_o in_o answer_n to_o his_o intercession_n he_o be_v continual_o impower_v and_o authorize_v thereunto_o for_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o this_o power_n and_o authority_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o appertain_v to_o his_o kingly_a office_n which_o he_o first_o arrive_v to_o and_o still_o continue_v in_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o intercession_n and_o indeed_o herein_o consist_v the_o royalty_n of_o his_o priesthood_n in_o that_o by_o intercede_v for_o we_o as_o priest_n in_o the_o virtue_n of_o his_o sacrifice_n and_o continue_v to_o do_v so_o he_o first_o obtain_v and_o still_o continue_v vest_v with_o kingly_a power_n and_o authority_n to_o bestow_v on_o we_o those_o heavenly_a blessing_n he_o intercede_v for_o and_o it_o be_v to_o this_o purpose_n that_o he_o intercede_v not_o that_o the_o father_n will_v bestow_v they_o on_o we_o immediate_o but_o that_o he_o will_v put_v and_o continue_v it_o in_o his_o power_n to_o bestow_v they_o as_o mediator_n between_o the_o father_n and_o we_o so_o that_o he_o acquire_v and_o hold_v his_o royalty_n by_o his_o priesthood_n and_o that_o kingly_a power_n by_o which_o he_o give_v we_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n god_n give_v and_o continue_v to_o he_o by_o way_n of_o answer_n and_o return_v to_o his_o priestly_a intercession_n and_o hence_o he_o be_v say_v upon_o his_o offering_n one_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n for_o ever_o i._n e._n upon_o the_o perpetual_a oblation_n of_o his_o sacrifice_n in_o heaven_n to_o have_v sit_v down_o on_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n i._n e._n in_o the_o throne_n of_o his_o kingly_a power_n and_o authority_n heb._n 10.12_o and_o according_o eph._n 4.8_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o upon_o his_o ascend_v up_o on_o high_a i._n e._n to_o present_v his_o sacrifice_a body_n in_o heaven_n he_o lead_v captivity_n captive_a and_o give_v gift_n unto_o man_n which_o necessary_o imply_v that_o he_o have_v receive_v power_n and_o authority_n from_o his_o father_n to_o give_v they_o and_o so_o psal._n 68.18_o whence_o these_o word_n be_v quote_v express_v it_o he_o receive_v gift_n for_o man_n i._n e._n upon_o the_o present_v his_o sacrifice_n as_o priest_n he_o receive_v of_o the_o father_n those_o gift_n for_o man_n which_o by_o his_o kingly_a power_n he_o afterward_o distribute_v among_o they_o so_o that_o what_o he_o give_v by_o his_o kingly_a power_n he_o receive_v by_o his_o priestly_a and_o both_o the_o gift_n which_o he_o give_v and_o the_o authority_n by_o which_o he_o give_v they_o be_v the_o fruit_n and_o return_n of_o that_o perpetual_a intercession_n which_o he_o make_v by_o his_o sacrifice_n and_o that_o by_o his_o intercession_n our_o saviour_n have_v acquire_v this_o royal_a power_n of_o give_v we_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n he_o himself_o do_v plain_o enough_o intimate_v for_o thus_o of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v one_o of_o those_o great_a blessing_n he_o tell_v his_o disciple_n it_o be_v expedient_a for_o you_o that_o i_o go_v away_o i._n e._n to_o heaven_n to_o intercede_v for_o you_o for_o if_o i_o go_v not_o away_o the_o comforter_n will_v not_o come_v i._n e._n he_o will_v not_o come_v but_o upon_o my_o intercession_n but_o if_o i_o depart_v i_o will_v send_v he_o unto_o you_o namely_o by_o that_o royal_a authority_n which_o upon_o my_o intercession_n i_o shall_v receive_v from_o the_o father_n joh._n 16.7_o and_o according_o st._n peter_n tell_v the_o jew_n that_o christ_n be_v exalt_v by_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n and_o have_v receive_v of_o the_o father_n the_o promise_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n i._n e._n upon_o his_o intercession_n in_o heaven_n he_o have_v shed_v forth_o this_o which_o you_o now_o see_v and_o hear_v i._n e._n the_o miraculous_a virtue_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n act_v 2.33_o and_o so_o for_o remission_n of_o sin_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o have_v the_o key_n of_o hell_n and_o death_n rev._n 1.18_o i_o e._n power_n to_o bind_v or_o loose_v to_o pardon_v or_o condemn_v and_o last_o for_o eternal_a life_n he_o express_o tell_v the_o church_n of_o laodicea_n to_o he_o that_o overcome_v will_v i_o grant_v to_o sit_v with_o i_o on_o my_o throne_n even_o as_o i_o have_v overcome_v and_o be_o sit_v down_o with_o my_o father_n on_o he_o rev._n 3.21_o by_o all_o which_o it_o be_v abundant_o evident_a that_o christ_n have_v a_o royal_a power_n delegated_a to_o he_o from_o the_o father_n upon_o his_o intercession_n to_o grant_v and_o bestow_v all_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n upon_o those_o that_o comply_v with_o its_o term_n and_o condition_n for_o so_o all_o the_o grace_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n be_v in_o scripture_n say_v to_o be_v derive_v in_o by_z or_o through_o jesus_n christ_n for_o so_o eph._n 1.3_o god_n the_o father_n be_v say_v to_o bless_v we_o with_o all_o spiritual_a blessing_n in_o or_o through_o christ_n and_o rom._n 6.23_o eternal_a life_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n and_o we_o be_v say_v to_o be_v heir_n of_o god_n or_o inheritor_n of_o his_o blessing_n through_o christ_n gal._n 4.7_o which_o plain_o imply_v that_o though_o it_o be_v from_o god_n the_o father_n original_o that_o all_o our_o mercy_n be_v derive_v yet_o it_o be_v through_o god_n the_o son_n immediate_o that_o they_o be_v all_o derive_v to_o we_o and_o that_o whatsoever_o god_n
obscure_v and_o burdensome_a and_o narrow_a it_o hence_o follow_v that_o that_o remnant_n of_o jew_n who_o receive_v and_o embrace_v it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o renounce_v their_o old_a religion_n that_o they_o still_o admit_v and_o profess_v and_o adhere_v to_o it_o under_o its_o great_a advantage_n and_o improvement_n that_o they_o renounce_v nothing_o of_o it_o but_o only_o its_o comparative_a defect_n and_o do_v only_o admit_v of_o these_o new_a reformation_n of_o it_o by_o which_o our_o saviour_n advance_v it_o to_o its_o utmost_a lustre_n and_o perfection_n and_o render_v it_o infinite_o more_o clear_a and_o easy_a and_o extensive_a and_o since_o it_o be_v their_o old_a religion_n thus_o reform_v and_o improve_v that_o they_o still_o embrace_v and_o continue_v in_o upon_o their_o turn_a christian_n it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o they_o do_v not_o become_v a_o new_a distinct_a church_n but_o be_v only_o a_o continue_a succession_n of_o the_o old_a one_o and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o christian_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v sometime_o call_v jew_n rev._n 2.9_o i_o e._n reform_v jew_n or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o true_a christian_n and_o sometime_o the_o israel_n of_o god_n gal._n 6.16_o and_o sometime_o the_o child_n of_o abraham_n gal._n 3.7_o and_o sometime_o a_o choose_a generation_n a_o royal_a priesthood_n a_o holy_a nation_n a_o peculiar_a people_n which_o be_v the_o proper_a character_n of_o the_o jew_n because_o by_o their_o faith_n and_o religion_n which_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o true_a spiritual_a and_o mystic_a judaisme_n they_o be_v jew_n and_o israelite_n and_o the_o child_n of_o abraham_n though_o they_o be_v not_o all_o so_o according_a to_o the_o flesh_n as_o the_o apostle_n distinguish_v 1_o cor._n 10.18_o and_o hence_o also_o it_o be_v that_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v call_v the_o new_a jerusalem_n rev._n 3.12_o because_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o old_a jerusalem_n or_o jewish_a church_n renew_v and_o enlarge_v eight_o and_o last_o that_o to_o this_o individual_a church_n or_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n thus_o reform_v and_o improve_v be_v superad_v all_o those_o gentile_n that_o be_v afterward_o convert_v to_o christianity_n when_o the_o main_a body_n of_o the_o jew_n have_v reject_v our_o saviour_n his_o kingdom_n be_v reduce_v to_o a_o very_a narrow_a compass_n and_o consist_v only_o of_o one_o single_a congregation_n of_o christian_n in_o jerusalem_n which_o through_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o indefatigable_a industry_n of_o his_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n be_v by_o degree_n spread_v and_o dilate_a over_o all_o the_o world._n for_o this_o single_a congregation_n be_v the_o primitive_a root_n out_o of_o which_o the_o vast_a stock_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n spring_v which_o have_v since_o branch_v forth_o itself_o into_o particular_a church_n to_o all_o the_o end_n of_o the_o earth_n for_o it_o be_v of_o this_o church_n that_o the_o apostle_n speak_v act_v 2.47_o when_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o lord_n add_v to_o the_o church_n daily_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v so_o that_o all_o that_o be_v convert_v to_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n be_v but_o so_o many_o addition_n to_o this_o primitive_a church_n so_o many_o live_a stone_n incorporate_v into_o this_o spiritual_a building_n which_o by_o the_o industry_n of_o its_o builder_n do_v soon_o increase_v and_o multiply_v into_o several_a other_o congregation_n and_o these_o congregation_n though_o they_o be_v several_a yet_o be_v not_o separate_v or_o independent_a but_o continue_v all_o of_o they_o unite_v to_o the_o first_o as_o homogeneous_a part_n grow_v out_o of_o the_o same_o body_n or_o distinct_a apartment_n superad_v to_o the_o same_o build_n so_o that_o the_o christian_a church_n begin_v in_o one_o congregation_n and_o by_o degree_n enlarge_v itself_o like_o a_o fruitful_a stock_n by_o branch_a forth_o itself_o into_o other_o congregation_n in_o a_o continue_a unity_n with_o its_o own_o body_n which_o for_o the_o convenience_n of_o worship_n and_o discipline_n be_v afterward_o form_v into_o several_a though_o not_o separate_v particular_a church_n under_o the_o conduct_n of_o their_o particular_a pastor_n and_o governor_n and_o thus_o all_o the_o particular_a church_n that_o be_v now_o in_o the_o world_n be_v only_o so_o many_o line_n draw_v from_o this_o primitive_a centre_n and_o unite_v in_o it_o and_o it_o be_v upon_o this_o account_n particular_o that_o they_o all_o of_o they_o constitute_v but_o one_o catholic_n church_n because_o they_o all_o grow_v out_o of_o one_o and_o so_o be_v but_o compart_v of_o the_o same_o body_n and_o branch_n of_o the_o same_o root_n and_o be_v only_o that_o one_o primitive_a church_n multiply_v into_o several_a church_n live_v in_o the_o same_o catholic_n communion_n and_o unity_n and_o according_o the_o gentile_a convert_v be_v say_v to_o be_v graft_v into_o the_o jewish_a church_n which_o the_o apostle_n call_v the_o good_a olive_n tree_n in_o rom._n 11.17_o 18_o for_o if_o some_o of_o the_o branch_n that_o be_v the_o unbelieve_a jew_n be_v break_v off_o i._n e._n reject_v from_o be_v any_o more_o the_o church_n and_o people_n of_o god_n and_o thou_o be_v a_o wild_a olive_n tree_n grow_v in_o the_o wild_a common_a of_o the_o world_n without_o the_o pale_a and_o enclosure_n of_o god_n church_n be_v graft_v in_o among_o they_o i._n e._n incorporate_v with_o the_o believe_a jew_n and_o make_v a_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o their_o church_n and_o with_o they_o partake_v of_o the_o root_n and_o fatness_n of_o the_o olive_n tree_n i._n e._n communicate_a with_o they_o in_o all_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n promise_n to_o abraham_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o their_o church_n boast_v not_o against_o the_o branch_n but_o if_o thou_o boast_v consider_v thou_o bear_v not_o the_o root_n but_o the_o root_n thou_o i._n e._n the_o jewish_a church_n grow_v not_o out_o of_o thou_o but_o thou_o out_o of_o that_o she_o be_v no_o branch_n of_o thou_o but_o thou_o of_o she_o as_o be_v ingraft_v into_o her_o stock_n and_o add_v to_o her_o communion_n by_o which_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o convert_v gentile_n be_v all_o but_o so_o many_o superaddition_n to_o that_o primitive_a church_n of_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v the_o only_a remainder_n of_o the_o ancient_a jewish_a church_n and_o which_o from_o one_o single_a congregation_n do_v by_o degree_n increase_v and_o multiply_v itself_o into_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o particular_a church_n in_o union_n with_o itself_o from_o one_o end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o other_o and_o this_o in_o short_a be_v the_o progress_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n which_o from_o adam_n to_o abraham_n consist_v of_o all_o such_o as_o be_v true_a worshipper_n of_o god_n of_o whatsoever_o kindred_n or_o nation_n from_o abraham_n to_o jesus_n christ_n principal_o of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n and_o when_o the_o great_a part_n of_o that_o nation_n have_v revolt_v from_o christ_n and_o renounce_v their_o relation_n to_o he_o his_o kingdom_n extend_v no_o far_a than_o to_o the_o small_a remnant_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o adhere_v to_o he_o who_o make_v up_o but_o one_o single_a congregation_n which_o congregation_n by_o the_o diligence_n of_o its_o minister_n and_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n increase_v and_o propagate_v from_o itself_o vast_a number_n of_o other_o congregation_n and_o these_o be_v form_v into_o particular_a church_n which_o like_o so_o many_o conquer_a province_n be_v still_o unite_v to_o that_o primitive_a kingdom_n till_o at_o last_o by_o a_o continue_a accession_n of_o new_a conquest_n it_o be_v spread_v and_o enlarge_v into_o a_o universal_a empire_n sect_n viii_o of_o the_o nature_n and_o constitution_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v phrase_n of_o a_o promiscuous_a use_n in_o holy_a scripture_n and_o do_v import_v the_o same_o thing_n thus_o matth._n 16.18_o 19_o thou_o be_v peter_n and_o upon_o this_o rock_n will_v i_o build_v my_o church_n and_o i_o will_v give_v unto_o thou_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n where_o the_o church_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o thus_o to_o be_v translate_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n col._n 1.13_o and_o call_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n 1_o thess._n 2.12_o import_v no_o more_o than_o to_o be_v make_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n and_o thus_o also_o by_o the_o kingdom_n matt._n 13.38_o by_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n matth._n 21.31_o by_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n matt._n 11.12_o and_o by_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n rev._n 11.15_o no_o other_o thing_n can_v be_v intend_v but_o only_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n i_o confess_v the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n take_v in_o the_o large_a sense_n extend_v a_o great_a deal_n far_o than_o the_o
and_o therefore_o the_o first_o distribution_n of_o it_o be_v into_o several_a congregation_n which_o in_o scripture_n be_v call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o church_n as_o be_v similar_v part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n even_o as_o every_o breath_n of_o air_n be_v call_v air_n and_o every_o drop_n of_o water_n water_n for_o thus_o those_o believer_n who_o be_v wont_a to_o assemble_v in_o any_o one_o particular_a house_n to_o worship_n god_n together_o be_v frequent_o call_v church_n as_o for_o instance_n the_o church_n in_o the_o house_n of_o priscilla_n and_o aquila_n rom._n 16.5_o the_o church_n in_o the_o house_n of_o nymphas_n 1_o cor._n 16.19_o the_o church_n in_o the_o house_n of_o philemon_n col._n 4.15_o in_o which_o house_n in_o all_o probability_n there_o be_v a_o upper_a room_n consecrate_a and_o set_v apart_o according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o jew_n for_o divine_a worship_n in_o which_o upper_a room_n not_o only_o the_o believer_n of_o the_o family_n but_o several_a other_o neighbour_a christian_n be_v wont_a to_o assemble_v for_o the_o public_a exercise_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o so_o where_o ever_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o several_a church_n in_o the_o same_o country_n as_o for_o instance_n the_o church_n of_o judea_n gal._n 1.22_o of_o samaria_n and_o galileâ—_n act_v 9.31_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o by_o these_o church_n no_o more_o be_v mean_v but_o only_o the_o several_a congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o those_o several_a church_n but_o these_o congregation_n grow_v numerous_a there_o be_v a_o second_o distribution_n make_v of_o they_o by_o which_o many_o of_o those_o congregation_n neighbour_a upon_o one_o another_o be_v collect_v into_o one_o body_n under_o one_o head_n or_o bishop_n who_o be_v the_o common_a guide_n and_o pastor_n of_o all_o the_o member_n whether_o lay_v or_o clergy_n appertain_v to_o they_o and_o these_o collection_n of_o several_a congregation_n under_o their_o several_a bishop_n or_o governor_n be_v in_o scripture_n also_o frequent_o call_v church_n for_o thus_o for_o instance_n the_o church_n of_o corinth_n contain_v in_o it_o several_a congregation_n and_o therefore_o though_o in_o the_o dedication_n of_o his_o epistle_n the_o apostle_n call_v it_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o the_o singular_a number_n which_o be_v at_o corinth_n 1_o cor._n 1.2_o yet_o in_o the_o epistle_n he_o enjoin_v that_o the_o woman_n shall_v keep_v silence_n in_o the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 14.34_o which_o be_v a_o plain_a evidence_n that_o in_o that_o church_n there_o be_v several_a church_n or_o congregation_n and_o so_o also_o we_o read_v of_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n and_o syria_n cilicia_n and_o macedonia_n all_o which_o be_v large_a country_n and_o do_v without_o doubt_n contain_v in_o they_o several_a congregation_n of_o christian_n and_o thus_o also_o we_o read_v of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o the_o singular_a number_n and_o so_o of_o antioch_n ephâ—sus_n etc._n etc._n which_o church_n doubtless_o consist_v of_o several_a congregation_n in_o and_o about_o thâ—se_a populous_a city_n which_o be_v all_o unite_a into_o one_o body_n under_o the_o care_n and_o inspection_n of_o one_o bishop_n or_o governor_n now_o as_o the_o first_o distribution_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n into_o distinct_a congregation_n be_v make_v for_o the_o convenience_n of_o worship_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o the_o whole_a church_n when_o it_o begin_v to_o increase_v and_o enlarge_v itself_o to_o celebrate_v the_o divine_a office_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o pastor_n so_o this_o second_o distribution_n of_o it_o into_o particular_a church_n consist_v of_o several_a congregation_n be_v make_v for_o the_o convenience_n of_o government_n and_o discipline_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o the_o whole_a church_n to_o maintain_v its_o order_n government_n and_o discipline_n under_o the_o single_a inspection_n of_o any_o one_o bishop_n or_o governor_n but_o yet_o notwithstanding_o thâ—se_a distribution_n the_o church_n unity_n still_o remain_v for_o as_o the_o empire_n be_v but_o one_o notwithstanding_o that_o for_o the_o convenience_n of_o society_n and_o government_n it_o be_v distribute_v into_o several_a city_n and_o region_n and_o those_o into_o several_a province_n because_o they_o be_v all_o incorporate_v together_o under_o one_o civil_a head_n the_o emperor_n so_o the_o church_n be_v but_o one_o though_o for_o the_o convenience_n of_o worship_n and_o government_n it_o be_v distribute_v into_o several_a congregation_n and_o those_o into_o several_a particular_a church_n or_o episcopacy_n because_o they_o be_v all_o incorporate_a under_o one_o spiritual_a head_n even_o jesus_n christ_n the_o supreme_a bishop_n and_o pastor_n of_o our_o soul_n six_o it_o be_v the_o universal_a society_n of_o all_o christian_a people_n distribute_v into_o particular_a church_n under_o lawful_a governor_n and_o pastor_n and_o it_o be_v this_o indeed_o that_o constitute_v they_o distinct_a church_n viz._n their_o be_v join_v and_o unite_v together_o under_o distinct_a pastor_n and_o governor_n for_o thus_o a_o single_a congregation_n be_v a_o distinct_a church_n because_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o do_v local_o communicate_v together_o in_o all_o the_o office_n of_o divine_a worship_n administer_v to_o they_o by_o a_o distinct_a pastor_n and_o so_o also_o a_o collection_n of_o several_a congregation_n be_v a_o distinct_a church_n because_o they_o all_o participate_v together_o of_o the_o direction_n and_o conduct_n of_o a_o distinct_a governor_n for_o as_o i_o show_v before_o the_o reason_n of_o these_o distribution_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n first_o into_o single_a congregation_n be_v the_o convenience_n of_o worship_n and_o then_o into_o several_a collection_n of_o several_a congregation_n be_v the_o convenience_n of_o government_n and_o therefore_o since_o that_o which_o serve_v the_o convenience_n of_o worship_n be_v the_o have_v distinct_a pastor_n to_o administer_v it_o and_o that_o which_o serve_v the_o convenience_n of_o government_n be_v the_o have_v distinct_a ruler_n to_o exercise_v it_o it_o hence_o necessary_o follow_v that_o that_o which_o make_v a_o congregation_n a_o distinct_a distribution_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n must_v be_v its_o worship_v together_o under_o a_o distinct_a pastor_n and_o that_o which_o make_v a_o collection_n of_o congregation_n a_o distinct_a distribution_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n must_v be_v its_o be_v unite_v together_o under_o a_o distinct_a governor_n because_o without_o their_o pastor_n or_o their_o governor_n they_o want_v the_o formal_a reason_n of_o their_o be_v distribute_v into_o distinct_a church_n and_o indeed_o there_o be_v no_o church_n whatsoever_o whether_o it_o be_v a_o single_a congregation_n or_o a_o collection_n of_o congregation_n can_v act_v as_o a_o church_n without_o a_o pastor_n or_o governor_n no_o congregation_n can_v lawful_o communicate_v in_o the_o public_a office_n of_o divine_a worship_n without_o a_o lawful_a pastor_n to_o administer_v it_o no_o collection_n of_o congregation_n can_v lawful_o exert_v any_o act_n of_o church-government_n without_o have_v a_o authorize_v governor_n to_o exercise_v it_o for_o the_o administration_n of_o all_o church-office_n be_v commit_v by_o our_o saviour_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o church_n officer_n it_o be_v to_o they_o that_o he_o have_v give_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n i._n e._n authority_n to_o admit_v or_o exclude_v or_o readmit_v man_n into_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v they_o alone_o who_o he_o have_v make_v the_o keeper_n of_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n viz._n baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n they_o alone_a who_o he_o have_v authorize_v to_o teach_v the_o gospel_n to_o bless_v the_o people_n and_o to_o offer_v up_o the_o public_a prayer_n of_o christian_a assembly_n and_o these_o be_v the_o proper_a act_n of_o a_o church_n consider_v as_o a_o church_n so_o that_o without_o pastor_n or_o governor_n there_o be_v no_o church_n can_v perform_v any_o of_o those_o act_n that_o be_v proper_a to_o a_o church_n and_o therefore_o since_o all_o action_n proceed_v from_o the_o essence_n of_o the_o agent_n pastor_n and_o governor_n without_o which_o church_n as_o such_o can_v act_v must_v necessary_o be_v essential_a to_o church_n and_o hence_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o great_a purpose_n for_o which_o christ_n ordain_v apostle_n prophet_n evangelist_n and_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o the_o compact_n or_o join_v together_o the_o saint_n as_o one_o body_n in_o church-communion_n and_o society_n eph._n 4.11_o 12._o and_o hence_o also_o you_o find_v the_o church_n of_o asia_n follow_v the_o number_n of_o the_o angel_n or_o ruler_n of_o they_o rev._n 1.20_o which_o plain_o imply_v that_o therefore_o they_o be_v seven_o distinct_a church_n because_o they_o have_v seven_o distinct_a ruler_n or_o bishop_n and_o therefore_o though_o the_o ordination_n of_o pastor_n and_o
scripture_n his_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n there_o to_o intercede_v for_o we_o represent_v as_o a_o triumphal_a progress_n to_o his_o coronation_n wherein_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o prince_n in_o that_o glorious_a solemnity_n he_o scatter_v a_o royal_a largess_n among_o his_o subject_n ephes._n 4.8_o it_o be_v true_a before_o his_o ascension_n he_o tell_v his_o disciple_n that_o all_o power_n be_v give_v he_o in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n matth._n 28.18_o but_o this_o it_o be_v evident_a he_o speak_v by_o way_n of_o prolepsis_n or_o anticipation_n a_o very_a usual_a scheme_n of_o speech_n in_o scripture_n which_o be_v to_o express_v thing_n of_o certain_a futurity_n as_o if_o they_o be_v actual_o exist_v according_a to_o which_o scheme_n all_o power_n be_v give_v i_o import_v no_o more_o than_o all_o power_n be_v short_o to_o be_v give_v i_o i._n e._n upon_o my_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n for_o so_o it_o be_v evident_a our_o saviour_n must_v be_v understand_v in_o that_o parallel_n expression_n john_n 5.22_o the_o father_n judge_v no_o man_n but_o have_v commit_v all_o judgement_n to_o the_o son_n which_o word_n he_o speak_v long_o before_o his_o death_n when_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o all_o judgement_n i._n e._n universal_a regal_a authority_n be_v not_o actual_o commit_v to_o he_o but_o there_o be_v only_o a_o certain_a futurity_n of_o it_o for_o so_o he_o himself_o tell_v we_o that_o his_o sit_v down_o with_o his_o father_n on_o his_o throne_n or_o investiture_n with_o that_o regal_a authority_n which_o he_o now_o exercise_n be_v the_o reward_n and_o consequence_n of_o his_o overcome_a or_o consummate_v victory_n on_o the_o cross_n rev._n 3.21_o by_o all_o which_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o it_o be_v upon_o his_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n and_o oblation_n of_o his_o sacrifice_n there_o by_o way_n of_o intercession_n that_o christ_n be_v install_v in_o his_o universal_a mediatorial_n kingdom_n it_o be_v true_a our_o saviour_n have_v a_o particular_a kingdom_n in_o this_o world_n viz._n the_o jewish_a church_n not_o only_o before_o his_o ascension_n but_o before_o his_o incarnation_n as_o i_o shall_v show_v hereafter_o but_o as_o for_o that_o right_n of_o dominion_n over_o the_o gentile_a world_n too_o by_o which_o he_o become_v universal_a lord_n and_o king_n he_o be_v not_o invest_v with_o it_o till_o his_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n and_o therefore_o he_o himself_o tell_v we_o that_o his_o mission_n into_o this_o world_n be_v pure_o to_o the_o lose_a sheep_n of_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n matth._n 15.24_o and_o according_o in_o the_o pursuance_n of_o this_o his_o mission_n when_o he_o send_v forth_o his_o minister_n to_o preach_v his_o gospel_n he_o order_v they_o not_o to_o go_v into_o the_o way_n of_o the_o gentile_n nor_o to_o enter_v into_o the_o city_n of_o the_o samaritan_n but_o to_o go_v rather_o to_o the_o lose_a sheep_n of_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n matth._n 10.5_o 6._o which_o imply_v that_o at_o that_o time_n he_o be_v not_o actual_o authorize_v to_o subdue_v and_o reduce_v the_o gentile_n under_o his_o dominion_n but_o that_o his_o authority_n extend_v only_o to_o the_o jewish_a nation_n but_o when_o he_o have_v tell_v his_o disciple_n in_o that_o proleptical_a speech_n after_o his_o resurrection_n that_o all_o power_n be_v give_v he_o in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n it_o immediate_o follow_v go_v you_o therefore_o and_o teach_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n etc._n etc._n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v now_o my_o commission_n and_o authority_n be_v enlarge_v and_o i_o be_o make_v universal_a lord_n and_o king_n go_v you_o therefore_o in_o pursuance_n of_o it_o and_o by_o your_o ministry_n endeavour_v to_o reduce_v all_o nation_n under_o my_o dominion_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o call_n of_o the_o gentile_n into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o reveal_v till_o after_o his_o ascension_n vid._n act_n 11.18_o because_o it_o be_v upon_o his_o ascension_n that_o he_o receive_v his_o universal_a kingly_a authority_n over_o they_o and_o till_o than_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o reveal_v it_o so_o that_o it_o be_v over_o the_o gentile_a world_n peculiar_o that_o he_o receive_v power_n and_o dominion_n upon_o his_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n he_o be_v king_n of_o the_o jew_n long_v before_o but_o upon_o his_o ascension_n he_o be_v invest_v with_o a_o right_n of_o dominion_n over_o the_o gentile_n too_o and_o thereupon_o become_v the_o universal_a lord_n and_o monarch_n of_o the_o world_n under_o the_o most_o high_a god_n and_o father_n of_o all_o thing_n but_o this_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n far_o to_o explain_v hereafter_o in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o this_o great_a argument_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v these_o six_o thing_n first_o to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o beginning_n and_o progress_n of_o this_o kingdom_n of_o christ._n second_o to_o explain_v the_o nature_n and_o constitution_n of_o it_o three_o to_o show_v who_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o it_o under_o christ._n four_o to_o assign_v and_o explain_v the_o regal_a act_n which_o christ_n have_v and_o do_v and_o will_v hereafter_o exercise_v in_o it_o five_o to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o end_n and_o conclusion_n of_o it_o six_o and_o last_o to_o show_v the_o reason_n and_o wisdom_n of_o this_o method_n of_o god_n govern_v sinful_a man_n by_o this_o his_o mediatorial_n king_n christ_n jesus_n sect_n vii_o of_o the_o rise_n and_o progress_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n as_o for_o the_o first_o viz._n the_o beginning_n and_o progress_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o it_o in_o these_o follow_a proposition_n first_o that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n be_v found_v upon_o the_o new_a covenant_n second_o that_o the_o new_a covenant_n commence_v immediate_o after_o the_o fall_n and_o be_v afterward_o particular_o renew_v to_o abraham_n and_o his_o posterity_n three_o that_o upon_o its_o first_o commencement_n christ_n be_v the_o mediator_n of_o it_o and_o so_o he_o continue_v all_o along_o in_o that_o particular_a renewal_n that_o be_v make_v of_o it_o to_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n four_o therefore_o that_o as_o mediator_n of_o this_o covenant_n christ_n be_v king_n of_o all_o that_o be_v admit_v into_o it_o and_o particular_o of_o abraham_n and_o his_o posterity_n or_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n with_o who_o it_o be_v renew_v five_o that_o after_o his_o come_n into_o the_o world_n he_o still_o retain_v his_o title_n of_o king_n of_o israel_n in_o particular_a till_o they_o final_o reject_v he_o and_o the_o covenant_n in_o which_o his_o kingdom_n be_v found_v six_o that_o though_o the_o main_a body_n of_o that_o nation_n reject_v he_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o remnant_n of_o it_o that_o receive_v and_o acknowledge_v he_o as_o their_o rightful_a lord_n and_o king._n seven_o that_o this_o remnant_n still_o continue_v the_o same_o individual_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n with_o the_o former_a though_o very_o much_o reform_v and_o improve_v eight_o that_o to_o this_o individual_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n thus_o reform_v and_o improve_v be_v superad_v all_o those_o gentile_n that_o be_v afterward_o convert_v to_o christianity_n first_o that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n be_v found_v in_o the_o new_a covenant_n for_o it_o be_v by_o the_o new_a covenant_n that_o he_o engage_v himself_o to_o we_o to_o be_v our_o gracious_a and_o merciful_a lord_n and_o that_o we_o engage_v ourselves_o to_o he_o to_o be_v his_o faithful_a and_o obedient_a subject_n and_o from_o these_o mutual_a engagement_n result_v the_o relation_n of_o king_n and_o subject_n between_o he_o and_o we_o so_o that_o the_o church_n or_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n consist_v of_o all_o those_o people_n nation_n and_o kindred_n who_o have_v be_v admit_v into_o this_o covenant-relation_n to_o he_o wherein_o by_o a_o solemn_a vow_n of_o fealty_n and_o allegiance_n they_o have_v indispensable_o oblige_v themselves_o to_o serve_v and_o obey_v he_o but_o of_o this_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o discourse_v more_o large_o hereafter_o second_o therefore_o this_o new_a covenant_n commence_v immediate_o afâ—er_v the_o fall_n and_o be_v afterward_o in_o a_o particular_a manner_n renew_v to_o abraham_n and_o his_o posterity_n for_o the_o new_a covenant_n be_v a_o plank_n throw_v forth_o to_o mankind_n immediate_o after_o that_o woeful_a shipwreck_n that_o be_v make_v by_o the_o fall._n for_o no_o soon_o have_v god_n denounce_v his_o deserve_a doom_n on_o our_o lapse_v parent_n but_o to_o support_v they_o from_o sink_v into_o utter_a desperation_n he_o subjoin_v that_o gracious_a promise_n gen._n 3.15_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n shall_v bruise_v the_o serpent_n head_n where_o by_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n not_o only_a christian_n but_o the_o ancient_a jewish_a interpreter_n understand_v the_o
church_n of_o christ._n for_o under_o god_n the_o father_n he_o be_v universal_a lord_n and_o king_n of_o the_o world_n his_o kingly_a power_n be_v upon_o his_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n extend_v as_o be_v show_v before_o to_o the_o utmost_a limit_n of_o the_o universe_n for_o so_o he_o himself_o tell_v we_o by_o way_n of_o anticipation_n that_o god_n have_v give_v he_o power_n over_o all_o flesh_n john_n 17.2_o i_o e._n over_o all_o mankind_n for_o his_o regal_a power_n extend_v as_o far_o as_o his_o power_n of_o judge_v which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o principal_a act_n of_o his_o regality_n and_o his_o power_n of_o judge_v be_v over_o all_o mankind_n for_o so_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o god_n have_v appoint_v a_o day_n in_o which_o he_o will_v judge_v the_o world_n by_o the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n act_v 17.31_o and_o that_o christ_n be_v ordain_v of_o god_n to_o be_v the_o judge_n of_o quick_a and_o dead_a act_v 10.42_o and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o that_o when_o he_o shall_v sit_v down_o upon_o the_o throne_n of_o his_o glory_n all_o nation_n shall_v be_v gather_v before_o he_o matth._n 25.31_o 32._o since_o therefore_o by_o the_o right_n of_o his_o royalty_n he_o shall_v judge_v all_o nation_n it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o all_o nation_n be_v under_o his_o empire_n and_o dominion_n and_o according_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o god_n have_v set_v he_o at_o his_o own_o right_a hand_n in_o the_o heavenly_a place_n far_o above_o all_o principality_n and_o power_n and_o might_n and_o dominion_n and_o every_o name_n that_o be_v name_v not_o only_o in_o this_o world_n but_o also_o in_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v and_o have_v put_v all_o thing_n under_o his_o foot_n and_o give_v he_o to_o be_v head_n over_o all_o thing_n to_o the_o church_n eph._n 1.20_o 21_o 22._o so_o that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n in_o a_o large_a sense_n extend_v to_o all_o nation_n in_o the_o world_n even_o to_o the_o heathen_n and_o infidel_n that_o never_o hear_v of_o his_o name_n and_o upon_o this_o account_n he_o be_v style_v the_o bless_a and_o only_a potentate_n the_o king_n of_o king_n and_o lord_n of_o lord_n 1_o tim._n 6.15_o and_o so_o also_o rev._n 17_o 14._o but_o the_o church_n be_v more_o peculiarly_a his_o kingdom_n as_o consist_v of_o that_o part_n of_o the_o world_n which_o own_v and_o acknowledge_v his_o authority_n make_v a_o visible_a profession_n of_o fealty_n to_o he_o and_o submission_n to_o his_o law_n and_o regulation_n as_o for_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o world_n they_o be_v all_o of_o right_a his_o subject_n by_o virtue_n of_o that_o universal_a regal_a authority_n wherewith_o the_o most_o high_a god_n and_o father_n of_o all_o thing_n have_v invest_v he_o but_o de_fw-la facto_fw-la they_o be_v slave_n to_o the_o prince_n of_o darkness_n all_o who_o dominion_n in_o this_o world_n be_v nothing_o but_o usurpation_n on_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ._n but_o the_o church_n be_v that_o part_n of_o the_o world_n that_o have_v throw_v off_o the_o yoke_n of_o this_o usurper_n and_o by_o a_o solemn_a profession_n surrender_v up_o itself_o to_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n its_o rightful_a lord_n and_o sovereign_n and_o hence_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v say_v to_o be_v translate_v out_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n col._n 1.13_o the_o church_n therefore_o be_v more_o peculiarly_a christ_n kingdom_n as_o be_v that_o part_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v actual_o subject_v to_o he_o and_o under_o his_o government_n i_o shall_v with_o as_o much_o brevity_n as_o the_o argument_n will_v admit_v inquire_v into_o the_o nature_n and_o constitution_n of_o it_o in_o general_a therefore_o the_o church_n or_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v thus_o define_v it_o be_v the_o one_o universal_a society_n of_o all_o christian_a people_n incorporate_v by_o the_o new_a covenant_n in_o baptism_n under_o jesus_n christ_n its_o supreme_a head_n and_o distribute_v under_o lawful_a governor_n and_o pastor_n into_o particular_a church_n hold_v communion_n with_o each_o other_o in_o all_o the_o essential_o of_o christian_a faith_n and_o worship_n and_o discipline_n for_o our_o better_a understanding_n of_o which_o definition_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o explain_v the_o several_a part_n of_o it_o first_o therefore_o it_o be_v the_o one_o universal_a society_n of_o all_o christian_a people_n second_o of_o all_o christian_a people_n incorporate_v by_o the_o new_a covenant_n three_o of_o all_o christian_a people_n incorporate_v by_o the_o new_a covenant_n in_o baptism_n four_o of_o all_o christian_a people_n incorporate_v under_o jesus_n christ_n its_o supreme_a head_n and_o governor_n five_o it_o be_v a_o society_n of_o all_o christian_a people_n distribute_v into_o particular_a church_n six_o it_o be_v distribute_v into_o particular_a church_n under_o lawful_a pastor_n and_o governor_n seven_o it_o be_v distribute_v into_o particular_a church_n hold_v communion_n with_o each_o other_o eight_o the_o communion_n which_o these_o particular_a church_n hold_v with_o each_o oâ—hâ—r_n be_v first_o in_o all_o the_o essential_o of_o christian_a faith_n and_o second_o in_o all_o the_o essential_o of_o christian_a worship_n three_o in_o all_o the_o essential_o of_o christian_a discipline_n first_o the_o church_n or_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n be_v one_o universal_a society_n consist_v of_o all_o christian_a people_n who_o as_o be_v show_v before_o be_v at_o first_o comprise_v in_o one_o single_a congregation_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o then_o this_o single_a congregation_n be_v the_o whole_a church_n or_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n which_o by_o the_o continual_a accession_n of_o new_a convert_v increase_v and_o multiply_v by_o degree_n till_o at_o length_n it_o be_v spread_v over_o the_o whole_a earth_n so_o that_o the_o christian_a society_n as_o it_o be_v now_o enlarge_v be_v nothing_o but_o that_o primitive_a church_n diffuse_v and_o dilate_a for_o it_o be_v not_o diffuse_v into_o separate_a and_o independent_a society_n but_o into_o similar_v part_n and_o member_n of_o the_o same_o society_n and_o therefore_o as_o a_o man_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o person_n when_o he_o be_v full_o grow_v as_o he_o be_v when_o he_o be_v a_o infant_n but_o of_o a_o span_n long_o because_o his_o growth_n consist_v not_o in_o a_o addition_n of_o other_o person_n to_o he_o but_o only_o of_o other_o part_n of_o the_o same_o person_n so_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o same_o individual_a church_n now_o since_o it_o be_v grow_v to_o this_o vast_a bulk_n and_o proportion_n that_o it_o be_v in_o its_o infant_n state_n when_o it_o extend_v no_o far_a than_o one_o single_a congregation_n because_o it_o grow_v not_o into_o other_o divide_a church_n but_o only_o into_o other_o distinct_a part_n of_o the_o same_o church_n and_o therefore_o since_o its_o growth_n consist_v only_o in_o new_a accession_n of_o similar_v part_n to_o the_o same_o body_n it_o must_v be_v as_o much_o one_o body_n or_o society_n now_o as_o it_o be_v at_o first_o when_o it_o be_v but_o one_o single_a congregation_n for_o this_o congregation_n be_v the_o root_n out_o of_o which_o the_o catholic_n church_n spring_v or_o as_o our_o saviour_n phrase_n it_o the_o grain_n of_o mustardseed_n which_o though_o a_o very_a small_a seed_n shoot_v up_o into_o a_o mighty_a tree_n in_o who_o far-spread_a branch_n the_o bird_n of_o the_o air_n come_v and_o lodge_v and_o therefore_o as_o the_o stock_n and_o branch_n grow_v up_o from_o the_o root_n in_o a_o continue_a union_n with_o it_o and_o all_o together_o make_v but_o one_o tree_n so_o all_o the_o christian_a people_n in_o the_o world_n spring_v out_o of_o this_o single_a congregation_n and_o as_o they_o spring_v be_v still_o incorporate_v and_o unite_v to_o it_o so_o as_o that_o all_o together_o they_o make_v but_o one_o church_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o in_o our_o creed_n be_v call_v the_o holy_a catholic_n or_o universal_a church_n for_o so_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o body_n or_o church_n as_o well_o as_o one_o spirit_n one_o lord_n one_o faith_n and_o one_o baptism_n eph._n 4.5_o 6._o and_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o other_o sheep_n have_v i_o mean_v the_o gentile_n which_o be_v not_o of_o this_o fold_n mean_v the_o jewish_a church_n and_o they_o shall_v hear_v my_o voice_n and_o there_o shall_v be_v one_o fold_n and_o one_o shepherd_n john_n 10.16_o for_o so_o the_o gentile_n add_v to_o the_o christian_a jewish_a church_n be_v say_v of_o twain_o to_o make_v one_o new_a man_n eph._n 2.13_o and_o both_o together_o be_v compare_v to_o a_o building_n fit_o frame_v together_o grow_v into_o a_o holy_a temple_n in_o the_o lord_n ibid._n ver_fw-la 21._o and_o indeed_o since_o all_o
by_o a_o angel_n require_v he_o to_o send_v to_o joppa_n for_o st._n peter_n to_o instruct_v he_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o act_n 10.3_o 4_o 5._o but_o since_o that_o christ_n have_v reveal_v his_o whole_a will_n to_o his_o church_n and_o transmit_v it_o down_o by_o a_o stand_a scripture_n this_o ministration_n of_o the_o holy_a angel_n be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n cease_v and_o to_o this_o write_a word_n of_o his_o we_o be_v entire_o refer_v as_o to_o the_o perpetual_a rule_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o manner_n insomuch_o that_o if_o thenceforth_o even_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n shall_v preach_v any_o other_o gospel_n to_o we_o than_o what_o we_o have_v there_o receive_v he_o be_v pronounce_v accurse_a gal._n 1.8_o not_o but_o that_o sometime_o and_o upon_o great_a emergency_n they_o may_v be_v still_o send_v from_o heaven_n with_o new_a message_n to_o we_o to_o discover_v some_o useful_a secret_n or_o to_o inspire_v our_o mind_n with_o the_o notice_n of_o some_o future_a contingency_n that_o be_v of_o great_a moment_n to_o we_o though_o this_o very_o rare_o it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o their_o ordinary_a ministry_n but_o since_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v complete_v to_o be_v sure_a they_o never_o reveal_v any_o new_a doctrine_n to_o we_o they_o may_v be_v assist_v genius_n to_o our_o understanding_n to_o excite_v in_o they_o a_o true_a apprehension_n of_o what_o be_v already_o reveal_v by_o impress_v our_o imagination_n with_o clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n and_o representation_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v reveal_v more_o obscure_o but_o to_o suppose_v that_o they_o still_o reveal_v new_a doctrinal_a truth_n to_o we_o be_v not_o only_o to_o deny_v the_o perfection_n of_o write_a revelation_n but_o to_o open_v a_o wide_a door_n to_o all_o manner_n of_o enthusiasm_n ii_o another_o instance_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o angel_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n be_v their_o guard_n and_o defend_v his_o subject_n against_o outward_a danger_n for_o thus_o the_o angel_n be_v say_v to_o encamp_v round_o about_o those_o that_o fear_n god_n to_o deliver_v they_o psal._n 34.7_o and_o though_o i_o see_v not_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o be_v full_o persuade_v that_o every_o faithful_a subject_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n have_v a_o appropriate_a guardian_n angel_n appoint_v to_o he_o yet_o from_o that_o caution_n of_o our_o saviour_n matt._n 18.10_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o he_o employ_v his_o angel_n to_o attend_v as_o a_o invisible_a lifeguard_n upon_o the_o person_n of_o all_o good_a christian_n for_o say_v he_o take_v heed_n that_o you_o despise_v not_o one_o of_o these_o little_a one_o for_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o that_o in_o heaven_n their_o angel_n do_v always_o behold_v the_o face_n of_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n i._n e._n those_o bless_a spirit_n which_o be_v appoint_v by_o god_n to_o be_v their_o guardian_n upon_o earth_n have_v yet_o their_o continual_a return_n and_o recourse_n to_o god_n glorious_a presence_n in_o heaven_n and_o have_v always_o access_n to_o he_o to_o offer_v up_o request_n or_o complaint_n in_o their_o behalf_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o very_a dangerous_a thing_n for_o any_o to_o presume_v to_o despise_v or_o offend_v they_o lest_o he_o thereby_o provoke_v those_o mighty_a spirit_n to_o sue_v out_o and_o execute_v some_o commission_n of_o vengeance_n upon_o he_o from_o whence_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o bless_a angel_n be_v great_o concern_v in_o the_o vindication_n and_o protection_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o that_o that_o promise_v psal._n 91.10_o 11_o 12._o be_v still_o in_o force_n viz._n there_o shall_v no_o evil_n befall_v thou_o for_o he_o shall_v give_v his_o angel_n charge_v over_o thou_o to_o keep_v thou_o in_o all_o thy_o way_n they_o shall_v bear_v thou_o up_o in_o their_o hand_n leave_v thou_o dash_v thy_o foot_n against_o a_o stone_n and_o this_o they_o do_v sometime_o by_o remove_v such_o evil_a accident_n from_o we_o as_o in_o the_o course_n of_o necessary_a cause_n must_v have_v befall_v we_o for_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o these_o powerful_a spirit_n have_v a_o mighty_a influence_n upon_o necessary_a cause_n at_o least_o upon_o a_o great_a many_o of_o they_o and_o can_v retard_v or_o precipitate_v or_o vary_v or_o divert_v their_o motion_n as_o they_o see_v occasion_n and_o thereby_o prevent_v a_o great_a many_o accident_n which_o must_v otherwise_o have_v befall_v have_v they_o permit_v they_o to_o proceed_v in_o their_o natural_a course_n other_o time_n again_o they_o divert_v the_o mischievous_a intention_n of_o our_o enemy_n by_o inject_v sudden_a fear_n into_o they_o and_o brandish_v horrid_a phantasm_n before_o their_o imagination_n as_o the_o angel_n do_v the_o flame_a sword_n before_o balaam_n when_o they_o be_v just_a upon_o execute_v their_o malice_n sometime_o again_o they_o warn_v we_o of_o danger_n approach_v either_o by_o some_o external_a sign_n or_o unaccountable_a impression_n on_o our_o fancy_n by_o which_o we_o be_v vehement_o solicit_v without_o any_o visible_a cause_n or_o reason_n either_o to_o proceed_v very_o cautious_o in_o the_o way_n where_o our_o danger_n lie_v or_o to_o stop_v and_o forbear_v a_o while_n or_o steer_v some_o other_o course_n of_o all_o which_o there_o be_v innumerable_a instance_n to_o be_v find_v in_o history_n iii_o another_o instance_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o angel_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n be_v their_o support_v and_o comfort_v his_o faithful_a subject_n upon_o difficult_a undertake_n and_o under_o great_a and_o press_a calamity_n for_o thus_o not_o only_o our_o saviour_n himself_o be_v comfort_v in_o his_o last_o agony_n by_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n luk._n 22.43_o but_o st._n paul_n also_o tell_v we_o that_o be_v in_o imminent_a danger_n of_o be_v shipwreck_v in_o a_o storm_n in_o his_o voyage_n to_o rome_n there_o stand_v by_o he_o in_o the_o night_n a_o angel_n of_o god_n who_o he_o be_v and_o who_o he_o serve_v say_v fear_v not_o paul_n thou_o must_v be_v bring_v before_o caesar_n and_o lo_o god_n have_v give_v thou_o all_o they_o that_o sail_n with_o thou_o act_v 27.23_o 24._o so_o also_o when_o the_o apostle_n by_o a_o order_n from_o the_o high_a priest_n be_v cast_v into_o the_o common_a prison_n the_o text_n tell_v we_o that_o a_o angel_n of_o the_o lord_n by_o night_n open_v the_o prison_n door_n and_o bring_v they_o forth_o and_o say_v go_v stand_v and_o speak_v in_o the_o temple_n to_o the_o people_n all_o the_o word_n of_o this_o life_n act_v 5.19_o 20._o so_o also_o in_o the_o ancient_a martyrology_n of_o the_o church_n we_o meet_v with_o sundry_a relation_n of_o the_o appearance_n of_o angel_n to_o the_o suffer_a martyr_n and_o of_o the_o wonderful_a comfort_n they_o administer_v to_o they_o to_o support_v their_o faith_n and_o patience_n under_o their_o agony_n and_o torment_n and_o although_o since_o the_o cessation_n of_o miracle_n they_o do_v not_o ordinary_o perform_v this_o ministry_n to_o we_o in_o visible_a appearance_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o as_o they_o be_v spirit_n they_o have_v spiritual_a and_o invisible_a way_n of_o converse_v with_o our_o spirit_n and_o of_o administer_a comfort_n to_o we_o in_o our_o need_n and_o extremity_n for_o though_o they_o can_v have_v no_o immediate_a access_n to_o our_o mind_n which_o be_v a_o dark_a mysterious_a chamber_n into_o which_o no_o other_o eye_n can_v penetrate_v but_o he_o who_o be_v the_o searcher_n of_o all_o heart_n yet_o that_o they_o can_v vehement_o impress_v our_o fancy_n with_o joyous_a representation_n and_o thereby_o exhilarate_v our_o droop_a spirit_n to_o that_o degree_n as_o to_o transport_v we_o into_o rapture_n of_o bodily_a passion_n be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v there_o be_v so_o many_o sensible_a experiment_n of_o it_o in_o the_o ancient_a prophet_n who_o imagination_n be_v sometime_o so_o vehement_o impress_v with_o frightful_a idea_n by_o the_o angel_n which_o converse_v with_o they_o as_o that_o they_o immediate_o fall_v into_o a_o agony_n and_o be_v seize_v with_o unaccountable_a horror_n and_o tremble_n and_o not_o only_o the_o prophet_n themselves_o that_o see_v the_o angel_n be_v thus_o affect_v but_o sometime_o their_o companion_n too_o that_o see_v he_o not_o of_o which_o you_o have_v a_o instance_n in_o dan._n 10.7_o where_o daniel_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o alone_o see_v the_o vision_n of_o the_o angel_n and_o that_o the_o man_n that_o be_v with_o he_o see_v not_o the_o vision_n but_o a_o great_a quake_a fell_a upon_o they_o so_o that_o they_o flee_v to_o hide_v themselves_o which_o be_v a_o plain_a evidence_n of_o the_o great_a power_n which_o the_o angel_n have_v over_o our_o bodily_a passion_n even_o when_o they_o be_v invisible_a to_o we_o so_o as_o to_o strike_v what_o note_n soever_o they_o please_v upon_o
word_n of_o my_o patience_n i_o also_o will_v keep_v thou_o from_o the_o hour_n of_o temptation_n which_o shall_v come_v upon_o all_o the_o world_n to_o try_v they_o that_o dwell_v upon_o the_o earth_n rev._n 3.10_o by_o which_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o power_n of_o protect_v and_o defend_v his_o subject_n be_v inherent_a in_o christ_n as_o a_o essential_a part_n of_o his_o regal_a authority_n and_o this_o power_n he_o continual_o exercise_v now_o he_o be_v be_v heaven_n for_o it_o be_v for_o this_o end_n among_o other_o that_o he_o promise_v to_o be_v with_o his_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n mat._n 28.20_o namely_o to_o guard_n and_o defend_v it_o by_o his_o providence_n against_o the_o outrageous_a attempt_n of_o its_o numerous_a enemy_n for_o it_o be_v for_o this_o end_n that_o the_o father_n have_v put_v all_o thing_n in_o subjection_n under_o he_o and_o that_o he_o have_v leave_v nothing_o that_o be_v not_o put_v under_o he_o heb._n 2.7_o 8._o that_o so_o have_v the_o universal_a government_n of_o all_o thing_n in_o his_o hand_n he_o may_v by_o his_o overrule_a providence_n render_v they_o all_o subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o interest_n of_o his_o church_n for_o so_o eph._n 1.21_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o the_o father_n have_v put_v all_o thing_n under_o his_o foot_n and_o give_v he_o to_o be_v head_n over_o all_o thing_n to_o his_o church_n i._n e._n have_v vest_v he_o with_o a_o universal_a power_n over_o all_o thing_n that_o so_o he_o may_v order_v and_o direct_v they_o all_o to_o the_o interest_n and_o advantage_n of_o his_o church_n and_o according_o now_o he_o be_v in_o heaven_n the_o defence_n and_o preservation_n of_o his_o church_n be_v the_o great_a business_n which_o he_o intend_v upon_o earth_n there_o he_o now_o sit_v look_v down_o from_o his_o throne_n with_o a_o watchful_a eye_n to_o observe_v all_o the_o motion_n and_o trace_v out_o all_o the_o dark_a design_n of_o her_o enemy_n and_o from_o thence_o he_o stretch_v forth_o his_o almighty_a hand_n to_o guard_n and_o defend_v she_o against_o they_o to_o repel_v or_o over-rule_v their_o malice_n to_o drive_v back_o their_o venomous_a dart_n upon_o themselves_o or_o to_o temper_v their_o poison_n into_o physic_n and_o extract_v a_o heal_a balm_n out_o of_o the_o sting_n of_o those_o scorpion_n in_o which_o how_o careful_a and_o diligent_a he_o have_v be_v be_v abundant_o manifest_a from_o the_o glorious_a success_n for_o consider_v the_o vast_a opposition_n that_o have_v be_v make_v against_o it_o even_o from_o its_o infancy_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a it_o can_v ever_o have_v subsist_v have_v it_o not_o be_v guard_v by_o a_o invisible_a hand_n no_o soon_o do_v this_o light_n upon_o a_o hill_n appear_v in_o the_o world_n but_o all_o the_o four_o wind_n immediate_o conspire_v to_o blow_v it_o out_o yet_o which_o be_v miraculous_a to_o consider_v still_o the_o hard_a they_o blow_v the_o bright_a it_o flame_v and_o though_o for_o the_o first_o 300_o year_n it_o be_v the_o main_a and_o almost_o constant_a exercise_n of_o the_o power_n and_o policy_n the_o wit_n and_o cruelty_n both_o of_o devil_n and_o man_n to_o suppress_v and_o ruin_v it_o yet_o still_o it_o thrive_v and_o increase_v under_o the_o most_o powerful_a mean_n of_o its_o extirpation_n it_o conquer_v by_o suffering_n gather_a strength_n by_o bleed_v and_o like_o a_o headstrong_a flood_n still_o the_o more_o it_o be_v check_v the_o more_o it_o swell_v and_o over-flowed_n till_o at_o length_n it_o fill_v the_o earth_n as_o the_o water_n cover_v the_o sea._n which_o if_o well_o consider_v be_v a_o amaze_a instance_n of_o the_o vigilant_a and_o powerful_a providence_n of_o our_o saviour_n which_o have_v not_o only_o preserve_v this_o burn_a bush_n from_o consume_a but_o make_v it_o spring_n and_o flourish_v in_o the_o flame_n and_o though_o since_o those_o primitive_a persecution_n he_o have_v many_o time_n for_o wise_a and_o gracious_a end_n let_v loose_v the_o wolf_n upon_o his_o flock_n and_o permit_v they_o to_o worry_v and_o sometime_o almost_o to_o devour_v it_o yet_o still_o he_o have_v keep_v a_o strict_a and_o steady_a reign_n upon_o their_o power_n and_o malice_n and_o when_o they_o have_v serve_v his_o end_n have_v check_v and_o stop_v they_o in_o their_o savage_a career_n and_o when_o they_o have_v think_v the_o tremble_a prey_n their_o own_o have_v stretch_v out_o his_o own_o almighty_a arm_n and_o snatch_v it_o from_o their_o devour_a jaw_n so_o that_o while_o they_o be_v club_a all_o their_o power_n and_o policy_n against_o it_o he_o that_o sit_v in_o the_o heaven_n laugh_v they_o to_o scorn_v the_o lord_n have_v they_o in_o derision_n and_o do_v contemn_v their_o impotent_a malice_n which_o he_o can_v manage_v as_o he_o please_v he_o can_v either_o prevent_v the_o mischievous_a effect_n of_o it_o or_o cause_v they_o to_o recoil_v upon_o themselves_o or_o make_v those_o very_a persecution_n with_o which_o they_o design_v to_o destroy_v his_o church_n the_o mean_n of_o its_o enlargement_n and_o propagation_n and_o what_o in_o his_o own_o infallible_a wisdom_n he_o think_v best_o that_o he_o have_v always_o do_v and_o will_v always_o do_v for_o his_o church_n and_o people_n for_o many_o a_o time_n have_v they_o afflict_v i_o from_o my_o youth_n may_v israel_n or_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n now_o say_v many_o a_o time_n have_v they_o afflict_v i_o from_o my_o youth_n yet_o have_v they_o not_o prevail_v against_o i_o the_o plower_n have_v plough_v upon_o my_o back_n they_o have_v make_v long_a furrow_n but_o the_o lord_n be_v righteous_a he_o have_v cut_v asunder_o the_o cord_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o in_o his_o own_o due_a time_n will_v confound_v and_o turn_v back_o those_o that_o hate_n zion_n and_o as_o he_o exercise_v a_o most_o vigilant_a providence_n over_o his_o church_n in_o general_n so_o do_v he_o also_o over_o all_o the_o faithful_a and_o obedient_a subject_n of_o it_o who_o interest_n be_v as_o dear_a and_o precious_a to_o he_o as_o his_o own_o blood_n for_o they_o be_v not_o only_o the_o purchase_n of_o his_o blood_n but_o also_o the_o trophy_n and_o conquest_n of_o his_o spirit_n which_o make_v they_o his_o by_o a_o double_a propriety_n and_o more_o peculiar_o entitle_v they_o to_o his_o care_n and_o protection_n they_o be_v live_v member_n of_o his_o own_o body_n and_o as_o such_o he_o feel_v their_o pain_n by_o a_o most_o tender_a sympathy_n and_o therefore_o his_o providence_n be_v as_o much_o concern_v for_o their_o defence_n as_o his_o eyelid_n be_v to_o defend_v the_o apple_n of_o his_o own_o eye_n zech._n 2.8_o and_o therefore_o though_o he_o exercise_v a_o merciful_a providence_n over_o all_o man_n yet_o these_o he_o enclose_v out_o of_o the_o common_a of_o the_o world_n and_o fence_n about_o with_o a_o peculiar_a care_n these_o be_v his_o jewel_n and_o he_o keep_v they_o in_o his_o treasury_n under_o the_o strong_a and_o most_o inviolable_a security_n he_o be_v always_o watch_v over_o they_o for_o good_a and_o it_o be_v his_o peculiar_a and_o continual_a concern_v to_o protect_v and_o defend_v they_o to_o keep_v off_o temptation_n from_o their_o soul_n and_o calamity_n from_o their_o body_n and_o so_o to_o over-rule_v and_o direct_v the_o course_n of_o thing_n as_o that_o whatever_o befall_v they_o may_v concentre_v in_o their_o happiness_n for_o though_o he_o many_o time_n correct_v they_o with_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o permit_v they_o to_o be_v oppress_v and_o afflict_v by_o other_o yet_o still_o he_o do_v it_o with_o a_o most_o gracious_a intention_n either_o to_o cure_v or_o prevent_v some_o disease_n in_o their_o mind_n or_o to_o excite_v and_o exercise_v their_o grace_n or_o to_o wean_v they_o from_o the_o love_n of_o this_o vain_a world_n and_o discipline_n they_o for_o a_o bless_a eternity_n and_o whatsoever_o evil_n happen_v to_o they_o in_o the_o course_n of_o his_o providence_n still_o he_o take_v care_n to_o extract_v good_a out_o of_o they_o and_o so_o to_o contrive_v and_o order_v the_o whole_a scene_n of_o affair_n as_o that_o in_o the_o issue_n all_o thing_n may_v still_o work_v together_o for_o good_a to_o they_o that_o love_n god_n and_o be_v call_v according_a to_o his_o purpose_n rom._n 8.28_o iu._n and_o last_o another_o of_o those_o regal_a act_n which_o our_o saviour_n have_v always_o and_o do_v always_o continue_v to_o perform_v in_o his_o blessing_n and_o reward_v all_o his_o faithful_a subject_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v for_o this_o as_o he_o himself_o declare_v he_o have_v power_n to_o do_v so_o rev._n 2.7_o to_o he_o that_o overcome_v will_v i_o give_v to_o eat_v of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n which_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o paradise_n of_o god_n i._n e._n i_o will_v admit_v he_o in_o a_o