nor_o learned_a enough_o to_o give_v a_o right_a judgement_n about_o matter_n of_o religion_n carneades_n say_v that_o the_o state_n of_o athens_n be_v unhappy_a in_o which_o wise_a man_n make_v fair_a overture_n and_o give_v good_a counsel_n but_o fool_n judge_v of_o they_o and_o order_v all_o thing_n according_a to_o their_o idle_a and_o extravagant_a fancy_n and_o indeed_o wise_a man_n may_v consult_v but_o it_o be_v the_o great_a number_n or_o the_o long_a and_o best_a sword_n that_o determine_v which_o be_v too_o often_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o those_o who_o have_v more_o strength_n of_o power_n than_o force_n of_o judgement_n so_o that_o by_o this_o establishment_n of_o a_o national_a ecclesiastical_a government_n thousand_o of_o christian_n and_o faithful_a soul_n be_v as_o much_o oblige_v to_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o religion_n of_o a_o whole_a empire_n according_a to_o the_o establishment_n which_o shall_v be_v make_v of_o it_o by_o a_o idolatrous_a rehoboam_n by_o a_o arrian_n constantius_n by_o a_o apostate_n julian_n by_o a_o popish_a mary_n queen_n of_o england_n as_o to_z that_o which_o shall_v be_v set_v up_o by_o a_o david_n by_o a_o constantine_n the_o the_o great_a and_o by_o a_o queen_n elizabeth_n of_o ever_o bless_a memory_n which_o inconvenience_n neither_o can_v nor_o ever_o will_v be_v able_a to_o happen_v in_o a_o place_n where_o the_o congregational_a way_n shall_v be_v establish_v it_o may_v be_v one_o sovereign_a who_o shall_v be_v as_o heretic_n as_o constantius_n will_v issue_v forth_o his_o command_n for_o the_o establishment_n of_o his_o heresy_n in_o all_o the_o place_n of_o his_o dominion_n as_o theodosius_n the_o second_o make_v another_o for_o that_o of_o the_o orthodox_n faith_n when_o he_o command_v that_o all_o the_o subject_n of_o his_o empire_n shall_v receive_v the_o faith_n from_o damaseus_fw-la of_o rome_n and_o from_o peter_n of_o alexandria_n but_o it_o may_v likewise_o fall_v out_o that_o that_o same_o emperor_n to_o wit_n theodosius_n the_o second_o may_v make_v two_o ordinance_n which_o may_v mutual_o destroy_v one_o another_o for_o he_o convoke_v the_o first_o synod_n of_o ephesus_n which_o condemn_v the_o opinion_n of_o nestorius_n and_o some_o year_n after_o he_o convoke_v the_o second_o synod_n of_o ephesus_n which_o contradict_v it_o and_o allow_v the_o opinion_n of_o nestorius_n 2._o this_o same_o inconvenience_n be_v verify_v by_o the_o establishment_n of_o the_o best_a reform_a church_n in_o the_o world_n i_o mean_v that_o of_o luther_n and_o of_o calvin_n for_o as_o the_o reformation_n be_v that_o of_o a_o national_a church_n of_o the_o same_o extent_n with_o that_o of_o the_o territory_n of_o the_o sovereign_n where_o it_o be_v establish_v so_o likewise_o do_v it_o carry_v the_o obligation_n into_o germany_n sweedland_n and_o denmark_n that_o they_o shall_v submit_v to_o consubstantiation_n without_o any_o body_n have_v the_o liberty_n to_o form_v assembly_n to_o themselves_o which_o may_v reject_v it_o which_o church_n may_v do_v if_o they_o be_v independent_a the_o same_o inconvenience_n be_v happen_v and_o must_v happen_v from_o the_o national_a establishment_n of_o the_o reformation_n which_o calvin_n have_v make_v in_o england_n holland_n some_o part_n of_o germany_n and_o elsewhere_o and_o how_o pure_a soever_o the_o reformation_n be_v as_o for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o that_o holy_a man_n it_o be_v extreme_o defective_a as_o to_o the_o discipline_n the_o power_n ecclesiastic_a and_o that_o tribunal_n which_o he_o erect_v in_o geneva_n distinct_a and_o independent_a on_o the_o magistrate_n by_o virtue_n of_o a_o pretend_a divine_a right_n and_o power_n which_o have_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o those_o infinite_a disorder_n confusion_n and_o even_a schism_n in_o england_n scotland_n holland_n and_o geneva_n even_o in_o the_o time_n of_o calvin_n as_o we_o read_v in_o his_o epistle_n 3._o one_o great_a convenience_n which_o be_v find_v in_o the_o establishment_n of_o a_o national_a government_n be_v that_o it_o be_v always_o ground_v upon_o humane_a principle_n cruel_a and_o barbarous_a as_o to_o constrain_v to_o persecute_v and_o even_o to_o burn_v those_o who_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n do_v not_o embrace_v that_o of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a state_n or_o of_o the_o magistrate_n that_o establish_v it_o and_o do_v not_o conform_v to_o all_o the_o practice_n that_o he_o appoint_v and_o command_v 4._o they_o say_v that_o this_o national_a establishment_n of_o ecclesiastical_a government_n deprive_v man_n of_o his_o reason_n and_o his_o natural_a and_o religious_a liberty_n in_o the_o choice_n he_o ought_v to_o make_v of_o his_o god_n and_o of_o the_o worship_n he_o ought_v to_o render_v he_o and_o to_o which_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v constrain_v but_o persuade_v neither_o to_o be_v bring_v to_o it_o by_o custom_n nor_o by_o birth_n nor_o likewise_o by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o magistrate_n unless_o he_o be_v convince_v that_o his_o ordinance_n and_o command_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v conformable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o they_o press_v mighty_o upon_o this_o consideration_n that_o this_o establishment_n dive_v man_n of_o the_o same_o liberty_n in_o his_o religious_a life_n as_o he_o have_v in_o the_o civil_a where_o he_o be_v not_o restrain_v by_o any_o law_n of_o the_o magistrate_n to_o choose_v his_o house_n his_o wife_n his_o master_n his_o servant_n his_o lawyer_n his_o physician_n his_o call_v nor_o any_o one_o particular_a manner_n how_o to_o govern_v his_o family_n provide_v it_o may_v be_v do_v without_o break_v the_o public_a peace_n 5._o they_o say_v that_o how_o unjust_a or_o how_o extravagant_a soever_o the_o law_n of_o the_o magistrate_n may_v be_v for_o the_o regulate_v of_o polity_n yet_o there_o be_v nothing_o unreasonable_a neither_o in_o the_o magistrate_n general_o to_o command_v the_o practice_n of_o they_o nor_o in_o all_o subject_n submit_v to_o they_o without_o reserve_n or_o exception_n so_o long_a as_o the_o importance_n of_o those_o law_n do_v not_o extend_v beyond_o the_o present_a life_n but_o if_o it_o reach_v further_o and_o conscience_n and_o eternal_a salvation_n be_v concern_v therein_o they_o believe_v that_o a_o uniformity_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o religion_n which_o shall_v be_v impose_v upon_o we_o how_o good_a so_o ever_o the_o thing_n may_v be_v in_o its_o self_n it_o will_v be_v wicked_a and_o unreasonable_a because_o it_o will_v do_v violence_n to_o the_o conscience_n of_o which_o the_o magistrate_n be_v not_o the_o master_n nor_o the_o arbiter_n as_o he_o be_v of_o the_o body_n and_o estate_n of_o men._n chap._n iii_o that_o upon_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o hypothesis_n that_o every_o supreme_a authority_n either_o in_o the_o popish_a or_o the_o presbyterian_a church_n be_v subject_a to_o error_n mounseur_fw-fr de_fw-fr condom_n have_v reason_n to_o approve_v of_o the_o congregational_a way_n and_o the_o independency_n of_o particular_a church_n on_o any_o other_o authority_n than_o that_o of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o his_o word_n but_o there_o be_v nothing_o which_o do_v more_o reasonable_o establish_v the_o independency_n of_o particular_a church_n nor_o which_o more_o powerful_o destroy_v this_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n by_o a_o divine_a right_n and_o the_o necessity_n there_o be_v that_o a_o person_n or_o a_o particular_a church_n shall_v depend_v upon_o its_o ordinance_n unless_o that_o supreme_a authority_n be_v infallible_a for_o if_o it_o be_v subject_a to_o error_n it_o must_v of_o necessity_n do_v violence_n to_o the_o christian_a liberty_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o so_o degenerate_a into_o a_o tyrannical_a authority_n there_o be_v nothing_o i_o say_v which_o establish_v more_o reasonable_o the_o independency_n of_o particular_a church_n nor_o which_o more_o powerful_o destroy_v their_o dependency_n than_o the_o account_n which_o the_o bishop_n of_o condom_n give_v of_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o independent_n and_o of_o the_o sentence_n that_o the_o synod_n of_o charenton_n pronounce_v against_o they_o they_o believe_v say_v he_o that_o every_o faithful_a member_n ought_v to_o follow_v the_o illumination_n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n without_o submit_v his_o judgement_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o body_n nor_o any_o ecclesiastical_a assembly_n and_o they_o do_v not_o refuse_v to_o submit_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n nor_o to_o embrace_v the_o decision_n of_o synod_n when_o after_o a_o due_a and_o through_o examination_n of_o they_o they_o find_v they_o reasonable_a that_o which_o they_o refuse_v to_o do_v be_v to_o submit_v their_o judgement_n to_o that_o of_o any_o assembly_n because_o it_o be_v a_o society_n of_o man_n that_o be_v subject_a to_o error_n the_o gospel_n itself_o be_v not_o more_o true_a than_o this_o persuasion_n of_o independent_n and_o that_o bishop_n can_v not_o approve_v of_o one_o more_o reasonable_a to_o wit_n that_o a_o particular_a person_n or_o church_n ought_v not_o to_o submit_v
their_o faith_n their_o religion_n nor_o the_o guidance_n of_o their_o manner_n to_o a_o authority_n which_o be_v subject_a to_o error_n but_o only_o to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v a_o infallible_a authority_n upon_o this_o ground_n the_o bishop_n of_o condom_n have_v reason_n to_o condemn_v the_o synod_n of_o charenton_n for_o have_v tax_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o independent_n with_o error_n which_o consist_v as_o say_v the_o synod_n in_o what_o they_o teach_v that_o every_o church_n ought_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o its_o own_o law_n without_o any_o dependence_n upon_o any_o in_o matter_n ecclesiastical_a and_o without_o any_o obligation_n to_o acknowledge_v the_o authority_n of_o synod_n for_o its_o governance_n and_o conduct_n than_o a_o little_a after_o this_o same_o synod_n decide_v that_o this_o sect_n be_v as_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o state_n as_o to_o the_o church_n that_o it_o open_v a_o door_n to_o all_o sort_n of_o irregularity_n and_o extravagancy_n that_o it_o take_v away_o all_o the_o mean_n of_o bring_v any_o remedy_n to_o they_o and_o that_o if_o it_o have_v field-room_n enough_o it_o will_v form_v to_o itself_o as_o many_o religion_n as_o parish_n or_o particular_a assembly_n these_o last_o word_n say_v the_o bishop_n discover_z that_o it_o be_v principal_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n that_o the_o synod_n will_v establish_v dependency_n since_o the_o great_a inconvenience_n that_o he_o take_v notice_n of_o into_o which_o the_o faithful_a people_n of_o god_n will_v fall_v by_o independency_n be_v that_o they_o will_v frame_v as_o many_o religion_n as_o parish_n then_o say_v he_o of_o necessity_n according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o that_o synod_n each_o church_n and_o by_o a_o strong_a reason_n each_o particular_a must_v depend_v as_o to_o what_o respect_v faith_n upon_o a_o supreme_a authority_n which_o reside_v in_o some_o assembly_n or_o in_o some_o body_n to_o which_o authority_n all_o the_o faithful_a people_n of_o god_n ought_v to_o submit_v their_o judgement_n this_o bishop_n can_v take_v notice_n of_o nothing_o more_o unreasonable_a and_o more_o extravagant_a in_o our_o synod_n than_o to_o oblige_v a_o private_a person_n to_o submit_v himself_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o a_o assembly_n who_o decision_n be_v not_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o be_v to_o say_v not_o infallible_a it_o be_v true_a that_o pre-supposing_a all_o supreme_a authority_n in_o the_o church_n whether_o in_o the_o protestant_n or_o romish_a be_v subject_a to_o error_n the_o government_n of_o the_o adversary_n of_o rome_n of_o independent_n or_o other_o protestant_n be_v equal_o justifiable_a when_o they_o refuse_v to_o pay_v submission_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o rome_n since_o that_o it_o be_v incomparable_o more_o defective_a than_o that_o which_o the_o protestant_n set_v up_o in_o their_o church_n but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o upon_o this_o ground_n the_o government_n of_o the_o independent_n be_v more_o justifiable_a and_o more_o reasonable_a than_o that_o of_o other_o protestant_n who_o blind_o submit_v themselves_o to_o a_o tribunal_n subject_a to_o error_n and_o who_o conduct_n and_o gonance_n be_v beyond_o all_o comparison_n further_o off_o from_o reason_n than_o be_v that_o of_o the_o papist_n for_o pre-supposing_a that_o the_o authority_n of_o rome_n be_v infallible_a the_o submission_n which_o the_o people_n pay_v to_o that_o supreme_a authority_n be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o reasonable_a as_o that_o of_o the_o protestant_n be_v the_o less_o when_o they_o submit_v to_o a_o supreme_a authority_n which_o they_o themselves_o believe_v be_v subject_a to_o error_n in_o short_a the_o bishop_n of_o condom_n have_v great_a reason_n to_o be_v sure_a that_o the_o protestant_n be_v mighty_o beside_o the_o cushion_n and_o to_o blame_v for_o condemn_v the_o infallibility_n of_o rome_n so_o long_o as_o the_o incontestability_n and_o indisputableness_n which_o they_o invest_v their_o supreme_a authority_n withal_o carry_v the_o same_o obligation_n along_o with_o it_o to_o obedience_n and_o submission_n a_o great_a divine_a of_o we_o who_o relate_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o protestant_n hereupon_o libr._n 1._o cap._n 8._o de_fw-la clavibus_fw-la express_v himself_o in_o these_o word_n huius_fw-la ligamenti_fw-la quo_fw-la pastor_n ecelesiae_fw-la constringunt_fw-la peccatores_fw-la tanta_fw-la est_fw-la vis_fw-la &_o certitudo_fw-la ut_fw-la christus_fw-la pronunciet_a si_fw-la quid_fw-la ligaverint_fw-la pastor_n in_fw-la terris_fw-la id_fw-la fore_fw-la ligâ—tum_fw-la in_o coelo_fw-la id_fw-la est_fw-la deum_fw-la ratum_fw-la habiturum_fw-la hanc_fw-la ligationem_fw-la potest_fw-la fieri_fw-la aliquando_fw-la ut_fw-la ligatio_fw-la sit_fw-la injusta_fw-la vult_fw-la tamen_fw-la christus_fw-la eam_fw-la ratam_fw-la esse_fw-la non_fw-la enim_fw-la fas_fw-la est_fw-la homini_fw-la qui_fw-la injust_a excommunicatus_fw-la est_fw-la invaaere_fw-la sacram_fw-la coenam_fw-la &_o invitis_fw-la pastoribus_fw-la irrumpere_fw-la in_o communionem_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la be_v not_o that_o to_o tell_v we_o that_o a_o man_n excommunicate_v unjust_o be_v as_o much_o oblige_v to_o submit_v himself_o to_o the_o excommunication_n pronounce_v against_o he_o by_o a_o authority_n which_o have_v err_v as_o when_o it_o be_v give_v by_o a_o authority_n which_o have_v not_o err_v and_o be_v not_o that_o to_o tell_v we_o that_o in_o every_o way_n whither_o just_o or_o unjust_o a_o person_n deliver_v to_o satan_n as_o be_v the_o general_a opinion_n of_o all_o protestant_n except_v my_o father_n that_o to_o deliver_v to_o satan_n and_o to_o excommunicate_v be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n ought_v not_o to_o dispute_v oâ—â—_n resist_v that_o authority_n which_o have_v deliver_v he_o up_o to_o that_o evil_a spirit_n to_o conclude_v be_v not_o that_o to_o speak_v in_o the_o language_n of_o the_o canon_n si_fw-mi papa_n distinct_a 40_o which_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n permit_v a_o person_n cast_v thus_o to_o the_o devil_n although_o against_o all_o right_a and_o justice_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o pope_n to_o resist_v that_o supreme_a authority_n the_o bishop_n likewise_o have_v no_o less_o good_a reason_n to_o be_v sure_a that_o the_o conjunction_n of_o all_o the_o part_n of_o romish_a church_n in_o one_o body_n will_v be_v unreasonable_a if_o they_o be_v not_o cement_v by_o infallibility_n and_o to_o divest_v it_o of_o its_o infallibility_n be_v to_o break_v it_o in_o piece_n be_v to_o cast_v every_o of_o its_o least_o part_n into_o independency_n and_o to_o give_v liberty_n to_o every_o of_o they_o to_o govern_v themselves_o according_a to_o their_o own_o mode_n and_o way_n and_o to_o do_v their_o business_n by_o themselves_o but_o here_o we_o shall_v observe_v as_o we_o go_v along_o that_o of_o two_o depth_n of_o satan_n the_o ecclesiastical_a power_n and_o infallibility_n the_o first_o be_v a_o lie_n a_o imposture_n and_o a_o cheat_n but_o that_o presuppose_v that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o cheat_n but_o a_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a and_o true_a and_o the_o use_n of_o which_o be_v necessary_a in_o the_o church_n infallibility_n be_v natural_o and_o reasonable_o a_o consequence_n of_o it_o and_o in_o truth_n our_o reformer_n have_v place_v incontestability_n in_o the_o room_n of_o infallibility_n but_o it_o be_v true_a also_o that_o if_o infallibility_n be_v a_o pure_a cheat_n the_o other_o be_v a_o pure_a and_o absolute_a tyranny_n and_o it_o be_v less_o reasonable_a in_o not_o be_v a_o natural_a consequence_n of_o ecclesiastical_a power_n incontestability_n be_v a_o thousand_o time_n worse_o than_o infallibility_n except_o it_o be_v in_o one_o thing_n and_o that_o be_v that_o it_o have_v not_o be_v of_o so_o long_a a_o duration_n it_o be_v here_o no_o doubt_n wherein_o the_o illumination_n of_o humane_a reason_n be_v not_o so_o great_a to_o our_o first_o reformer_n as_o to_o the_o generation_n of_o man_n in_o this_o age_n for_o as_o those_o soresaw_v in_o it_o that_o a_o submission_n of_o so_o many_o prince_n and_o people_n who_o differ_v in_o custom_n law_n and_o language_n to_o a_o authority_n subject_a to_o error_n be_v not_o only_o unreasonable_a but_o also_o impossible_a to_o prevent_v the_o revolt_n both_o of_o king_n and_o people_n they_o with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o justice_n invest_v it_o with_o infallibility_n and_o it_o be_v here_o too_o that_o the_o bishop_n of_o condom_n triumph_v over_o we_o and_o have_v great_a reason_n for_o it_o on_o his_o side_n when_o he_o reproach_n we_o that_o we_o have_v be_v deficient_a in_o our_o politic_n in_o not_o erect_v among_o we_o a_o infallible_a tribunal_n and_o that_o we_o be_v much_o to_o blame_v for_o oblige_v the_o faithful_a people_n of_o god_n with_o so_o much_o rigour_n and_o severity_n to_o submit_v to_o a_o tribunal_n subject_a to_o error_n but_o those_o of_o rome_n be_v not_o so_o for_o they_o oblige_v their_o people_n to_o submit_v to_o one_o that_o be_v infallible_a but_o the_o independent_n as_o they_o be_v lead_v by_o
impression_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o congregational_a way_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n than_o will_v that_o of_o a_o divine_a of_o a_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o any_o other_o person_n engage_v by_o profession_n either_o to_o the_o episcopal_a presbyterian_a or_o even_o to_o the_o congregational_a way_n as_o reason_n and_o grace_n in_o the_o hope_n of_o glory_n be_v the_o three_o ressort_n or_o principle_n which_o have_v always_o move_v and_o govern_v i_o in_o all_o the_o course_n of_o my_o life_n and_o in_o all_o my_o write_n so_o have_v they_o be_v always_o less_o violent_a by_o the_o prejudices_fw-la and_o interest_n in_o the_o profession_n i_o make_v of_o a_o physician_n than_o if_o i_o have_v be_v either_o a_o divine_a or_o a_o lawyer_n i_o ought_v here_o also_o to_o acknowledge_v my_o obligation_n to_o the_o bishop_n of_o condom_n not_o only_o for_o the_o first_o hint_n of_o this_o truth_n that_o the_o congregational_a way_n be_v of_o all_o the_o establishment_n of_o discipline_n and_o government_n the_o most_o conformable_a to_o reason_n to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o primitive_a christian_n but_o for_o have_v absolute_o confirm_v i_o in_o this_o truth_n though_o the_o design_n of_o that_o bishop_n have_v not_o be_v to_o put_v the_o congregational_a way_n above_o the_o romish_a but_o only_o to_o discover_v and_o this_o he_o have_v do_v by_o argument_n that_o come_v very_o near_o to_o demonstration_n that_o go_v upon_o the_o hypothesis_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o set_v up_o a_o tribunal_n in_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o submission_n of_o the_o people_n to_o that_o tribunal_n as_o be_v the_o only_a rampiâ—r_n of_o the_o orthodox_n faith_n and_o the_o only_a mean_n of_o unite_n christian_n preserve_v peace_n and_o good_a order_n among_o they_o it_o be_v incomparable_o more_o reasonable_a that_o such_o submission_n shall_v be_v make_v to_o a_o infallible_a tribunal_n than_o to_o one_o that_o be_v subject_a to_o error_n and_o that_o upon_o this_o ground_n of_o all_o the_o ecclesiastical_a way_n in_o the_o world_n which_o acknowledge_v that_o every_o ecclesiastical_a tribunal_n either_o supreme_a or_o subordinate_a that_o every_o council_n either_o ecumenical_a or_o topical_a be_v fallible_a and_o subject_a to_o error_n the_o congregational_a way_n which_o refuse_v all_o manner_n of_o submission_n to_o a_o tribunal_n subject_a to_o error_n be_v the_o most_o reasonable_a and_o the_o most_o just_a chap._n xiii_o the_o explication_n of_o one_o difficulty_n which_o run_v throughout_o the_o whole_a precedent_n discourse_n as_o it_o be_v in_o my_o thought_n to_o finish_v this_o discourse_n by_o the_o word_n finis_fw-la a_o learned_a presbyterian_a come_n in_o and_o have_v apprehend_v my_o design_n put_v one_o objection_n to_o i_o against_o the_o defeat_n and_o overthrow_n i_o pretend_v to_o make_v of_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o tribunal_n in_o the_o church_n he_o say_v that_o since_o that_o tribunal_n which_o require_v the_o people_n to_o submit_v themselves_o to_o it_o be_v as_o much_o set_v up_o in_o a_o independent_a church_n as_o in_o a_o national_a and_o since_o both_o presuppose_v that_o that_o tribunal_n be_v subject_a to_o error_n the_o submission_n of_o the_o people_n be_v altogether_o as_o reasonable_a to_o the_o tribunal_n of_o a_o national_a church_n as_o to_o that_o of_o a_o congregational_a i_o confess_v there_o be_v some_o weight_n in_o this_o objection_n which_o monsieur_n jurieu_o have_v not_o think_v of_o but_o which_o nevertheless_o be_v easy_a to_o be_v answer_v according_a to_o the_o principle_n i_o lay_v down_o 1._o that_o all_o manner_n of_o government_n presbyterian_a congregational_a national_a episcopal_n hierarchical_a papal_a be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o that_o of_o the_o magistrate_n 2._o that_o the_o submission_n require_v and_o give_v to_o all_o manner_n of_o ecclesiastical_a government_n be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o that_o which_o be_v require_v and_o give_v to_o a_o civil_a and_o political_a government_n the_o ressort_n of_o which_o be_v not_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n nor_o the_o power_n of_o bind_v and_o lose_v but_o the_o will_n of_o the_o strong_a and_o most_o numerous_a that_o have_v so_o ordain_v it_o 3._o and_o consequent_o that_o the_o censure_n of_o excommunication_n and_o deposition_n be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o the_o law_n of_o the_o magistrate_n the_o validity_n of_o which_o be_v not_o in_o the_o justice_n nor_o equity_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o in_o the_o will_n of_o those_o that_o decree_n and_o ordain_v it_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v account_v as_o a_o civil_a punishment_n these_o three_o consideration_n destroy_v that_o erection_n of_o a_o ecclesiastical_a tribunal_n which_o be_v equal_a with_o the_o civil_a in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o territory_n since_o both_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n it_o will_v be_v a_o pure_a piece_n of_o gallimaufry_n and_o hodgepodge_n to_o offer_v to_o establish_v two_o civil_a government_n in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o dominion_n or_o territory_n which_o shall_v be_v independent_a one_o on_o the_o other_o also_o this_o difficulty_n be_v easy_a to_o be_v overcome_v according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o independent_n the_o inconvenience_n of_o a_o excommunicate_v or_o depose_v person_n unjust_o by_o his_o congregation_n be_v not_o great_a so_o long_o as_o it_o do_v not_o extend_v beyond_o his_o jurisdiction_n and_o that_o of_o a_o hundred_o congregation_n in_o one_o territory_n it_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o at_o least_o there_o may_v be_v one_o to_o recompense_v the_o justice_n of_o his_o cause_n which_o be_v not_o a_o thing_n feasible_a if_o he_o be_v strike_v by_o a_o national_a judgement_n unless_o he_o leave_v his_o country_n and_o since_o the_o person_n oppress_v be_v in_o the_o liberty_n of_o frame_v to_o himself_o a_o congregation_n independent_a on_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o world_n though_o it_o be_v but_o of_o seven_o or_o eight_o person_n his_o innocence_n and_o legitimate_a right_n will_v easy_o furnish_v he_o with_o the_o mean_n to_o do_v it_o i_o add_v further_o that_o a_o person_n who_o be_v sensible_a he_o be_v guilty_a of_o disorder_n can_v easy_o conceal_v they_o in_o the_o crowd_n of_o a_o national_a church_n which_o he_o can_v so_o well_o do_v in_o a_o small_a number_n of_o person_n and_o common_o prevent_v the_o censure_n of_o his_o congregation_n and_o not_o expect_v that_o they_o shall_v excommunicate_v he_o and_o drive_v he_o out_o of_o it_o which_o be_v do_v in_o that_o manner_n as_o st._n jerome_n and_o bishop_n godeau_n will_v have_v the_o heretic_n of_o who_o s._n paul_n speak_v in_o the_o 3_o of_o titus_n 11._o know_v that_o he_o that_o be_v such_o i._n e._n a_o heretic_n be_v subvert_v and_o sin_v be_v condemn_v of_o himself_o to_o do_v when_o he_o excommunicate_v himself_o and_o save_v his_o church_n that_o trouble_n it_o must_v not_o be_v forget_v that_o though_o there_o be_v no_o government_n so_o perfect_a wherein_o one_o can_v find_v some_o fault_n and_o some_o inconvenience_n yet_o it_o be_v certain_a there_o be_v find_v less_o in_o the_o congregational_a way_n whereas_o you_o may_v find_v almost_o a_o infinity_n in_o that_o of_o the_o national_a whereof_o a_o thousand_o person_n that_o deserve_v the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v not_o one_o of_o they_o that_o undergo_v it_o because_o its_o discipline_n be_v like_a to_o spider_n web_n where_o the_o fly_n be_v be_v take_v but_o the_o bird_n pass_v through_o and_o where_o it_o be_v impossible_a in_o a_o town_n or_o a_o church_n of_o many_o thousand_o of_o christian_n that_o one_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n can_v possible_o have_v a_o exact_a inspection_n over_o they_o whereas_o in_o a_o congregational_a church_n compose_v but_o of_o a_o few_o person_n and_o those_o all_o cull_a out_o of_o the_o multitude_n who_o fun_n after_o vanitic_n and_o vice_n one_o have_v but_o little_a or_o no_o use_n of_o excommunication_n and_o deposition_n and_o where_o avarice_n ambition_n heresy_n and_o quarrel_n do_v not_o enter_v as_o in_o national_a church_n these_o consideration_n give_v i_o to_o hope_v that_o the_o learned_a and_o illuminate_v of_o the_o congregational_a way_n will_v agree_v and_o join_v with_o my_o principle_n or_o hypothesis_n to_o establish_v the_o true_a nature_n of_o their_o jurisdiction_n and_o to_o undo_v with_o case_n the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o objection_n although_o according_a to_o their_o principle_n it_o resemble_v the_o foil_n which_o touch_v the_o person_n but_o do_v not_o wound_v it_o for_o in_o case_n of_o a_o wound_n they_o have_v a_o thousand_o remedy_n to_o heal_v it_o present_o whereas_o there_o be_v no_o remedy_n either_o against_o infallibility_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n or_o against_o incontestability_n in_o a_o national_a church_n chap._n
in_o his_o catechism_n yet_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o from_o the_o second_o age_n they_o be_v distinguish_v in_o name_n and_o office_n that_o the_o first_o priest_n or_o bishop_n attend_v more_o peculiarly_a upon_o preach_v in_o public_a and_o the_o priest_n and_o deacon_n upon_o the_o function_n of_o lesser_a consequence_n as_o almsgiving_n etc._n etc._n from_o whence_o it_o be_v that_o we_o read_v so_o often_o of_o the_o first_o bishop_n of_o rome_n that_o such_o a_o one_o create_v so_o many_o priest_n so_o many_o deacon_n and_o that_o hyggen_n in_o the_o year_n 141._o create_v fifteen_o priest_n fifteen_o deacon_n and_o six_o bishop_n that_o eleutherius_fw-la in_o the_o year_n 184_o ordain_v 12_o priest_n 8_o deacon_n and_o 15_o bishop_n not_o to_o serve_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o in_o other_o place_n where_o the_o bishop_n who_o have_v ordain_v they_o be_v to_o attend_v upon_o the_o preach_n in_o public_a and_o the_o priest_n and_o deacon_n upon_o the_o other_o function_n of_o the_o holy_a ministry_n for_o their_o ministry_n be_v less_o fix_v they_o go_v to_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n they_o instruct_v they_o comfort_v they_o confirm_v christian_n and_o those_o who_o they_o call_v fideles_fw-la in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o piety_n and_o draw_v over_o jew_n and_o gentile_n to_o they_o and_o they_o baptize_v they_o add_v every_o day_n some_o or_o other_o to_o the_o church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v save_v in_o a_o word_n they_o form_v almost_o as_o many_o independent_a church_n as_o there_o be_v family_n but_o which_o then_o do_v not_o constitute_v a_o communion_n distinct_a from_o that_o of_o the_o same_o fideles_fw-la in_o the_o great_a and_o more_o numerous_a assembly_n and_o where_o they_o assist_v not_o only_o at_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n but_o also_o at_o the_o participation_n of_o the_o holy_a supper_n and_o all_o the_o sacred_a ceremony_n as_o mounsieur_fw-fr le_fw-fr sueur_n tell_v we_o i_o must_v needs_o make_v one_o observation_n here_o which_o will_v be_v of_o no_o mean_a consequence_n as_o to_o what_o i_o have_v say_v about_o the_o diversity_n of_o the_o name_n of_o bishop_n priest_n elder_n sacerdote_fw-la and_o deacon_n in_o the_o same_o ministry_n against_o those_o who_o will_v fain_o persuade_v we_o that_o not_o only_o this_o intendance_n of_o a_o bishop_n over_o the_o priest_n but_o also_o the_o prerogative_n that_o they_o attribute_v to_o themselves_o of_o have_v alone_o the_o authority_n and_o the_o right_a to_o ordain_v pastor_n be_v of_o divine_a right_n and_o by_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o apostle_n i_o must_v needs_o observe_v i_o say_v that_o since_o the_o word_n and_o the_o office_n have_v be_v distinguish_v christian_a antiquity_n never_o think_v this_o intendance_n and_o prerogative_n to_o be_v of_o divine_a right_n because_o it_o be_v in_o the_o liberty_n of_o a_o bishop_n to_o abandon_v the_o order_n or_o office_n of_o bishop_n without_o quit_v the_o office_n of_o priest_n or_o of_o minister_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o indeed_o without_o be_v able_a to_o do_v it_o unless_o he_o be_v constrain_v to_o it_o by_o the_o sentence_n of_o deposition_n they_o do_v deprive_v themselves_o then_o of_o a_o humane_a arbitrary_a and_o mutable_a order_n unto_o which_o they_o be_v call_v by_o man_n but_o they_o can_v not_o divest_v themselves_o of_o that_o which_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o council_n of_o ancyra_n in_o the_o year_n 314._o which_o have_v depose_v some_o person_n from_o the_o episcopacy_n jest_n they_o in_o the_o presbytry_n this_o be_v what_o the_o six_o ecumenical_a council_n do_v canon_n twenty_o which_o depose_v a_o bishop_n but_o do_v not_o take_v from_o he_o the_o presbytry_n so_o that_o if_o there_o be_v then_o a_o indelible_a character_n it_o be_v not_o that_o of_o bishop_n but_o that_o of_o tresbyter_n and_o this_o be_v the_o far_o confirm_v and_o more_o strong_o by_o this_o consideration_n that_o as_o it_o be_v a_o usurpation_n or_o at_o least_o a_o right_n pure_o humane_a when_o one_o of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o presbytry_n who_o be_v call_v bishop_n attribute_v to_o himself_o alone_o the_o right_n and_o the_o office_n of_o preach_v in_o public_a and_o not_o of_o communicate_v it_o to_o other_o but_o only_o as_o far_o as_o he_o please_v the_o same_o judgement_n ought_v to_o be_v make_v of_o this_o intendance_n over_o priest_n and_o this_o prerogative_n to_o ordain_v and_o to_o conclude_v that_o neither_o episcopacy_n nor_o the_o power_n to_o ordain_v nor_o that_o to_o preach_v in_o public_a which_o one_o person_n reserve_v peculiar_o to_o himself_o be_v of_o christ_n institution_n this_o be_v if_o i_o be_o not_o mistake_v a_o observation_n which_o have_v not_o as_o yet_o by_o any_o be_v think_v on_o but_o which_o be_v the_o unravel_v of_o all_o the_o difficulty_n that_o those_o great_a man_n mounsieur_fw-fr daille_n the_o father_n mounsieur_fw-fr larroque_n etc._n etc._n on_o one_o side_n and_o mounsieur_fw-fr pearson_n bishop_n of_o chester_n on_o the_o other_o have_v form_v concern_v either_o the_o establishment_n or_o the_o overthrow_n of_o episcopacy_n and_o here_o now_o be_v the_o resolution_n of_o the_o word_n of_o saint_n jerome_n which_o have_v put_v so_o many_o people_n on_o the_o rack_n and_o have_v spend_v both_o so_o much_o precious_a time_n and_o paper_n quid_fw-la facit_fw-la episcopus_fw-la quod_fw-la non_fw-la facit_fw-la presbyter_n except_o ordinatione_n which_o word_n marsillus_n de_fw-fr padoüa_n understand_v of_o the_o power_n that_o the_o bishop_n reserve_v alone_o to_o himself_o by_o a_o right_n pure_o humane_a to_o regulate_v the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n because_o it_o will_v be_v a_o thing_n altogether_o absurd_a to_o make_v saint_n jerome_n say_v that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v in_o all_o thing_n equal_v the_o priest_n to_o the_o bishop_n except_o the_o power_n to_o ordain_v and_o now_o also_o you_o may_v see_v by_o all_o these_o declaration_n and_o discovery_n a_o very_a strong_a establishment_n of_o the_o congregational_a way_n but_o i_o now_o will_v return_v from_o this_o digression_n to_o pursue_v the_o subject_n i_o leave_v off_o for_o it_o the_o conduct_n and_o government_n of_o the_o christian_n under_o the_o time_n of_o persecution_n and_o before_o that_o of_o constantine_n differ_v very_o much_o from_o the_o manner_n which_o be_v observe_v when_o the_o emperor_n be_v christian_n and_o when_o they_o assemble_v together_o both_o more_o public_o and_o in_o great_a number_n enjoy_v their_o full_a liberty_n as_o a_o rigorous_a discipline_n under_o those_o christian_a emperor_n can_v not_o be_v practise_v but_o upon_o a_o small_a number_n in_o great_a town_n as_o rome_n antioch_n alexandria_n canstantinople_n etc._n etc._n most_o of_o the_o person_n who_o can_v not_o be_v distinguish_v one_o from_o another_o in_o the_o crowd_n and_o multitude_n and_o on_o who_o they_o can_v lay_v nothing_o by_o way_n of_o reproach_n either_o enter_v into_o no_o discipline_n and_o be_v neither_o poenitentes_fw-la nor_o catechumeni_fw-la or_o else_o they_o pass_v for_o those_o who_o be_v call_v fideles_fw-la and_o who_o they_o never_o so_o much_o as_o question_v whether_o they_o be_v baptize_v or_o not_o for_o saint_n ambrose_n who_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o very_a good_a man_n and_o one_o of_o the_o fideles_fw-la that_o frequent_v the_o religious_a assembly_n both_o in_o public_a and_o private_a be_v neither_o in_o order_n nor_o baptize_v when_o the_o people_n of_o milan_n take_v he_o and_o carry_v he_o away_o as_o a_o holy_a body_n to_o be_v a_o bishop_n will_v they_o say_v that_o after_o he_o be_v a_o bishop_n he_o pass_v through_o all_o the_o degree_n of_o discipline_n or_o penitence_n and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o catechumen_n and_o afterward_o a_o fidelis_fw-la which_o name_n be_v give_v only_o to_o those_o who_o be_v call_v lay_v or_o secular_a person_n and_o the_o example_n of_o constantine_n the_o great_a who_o be_v baptize_v at_o the_o very_a point_n and_o moment_n of_o his_o death_n and_o that_o of_o satyrus_n the_o brother_n of_o ambrose_n and_o of_o valentinian_n who_o that_o father_n so_o high_o commend_v and_o who_o die_v before_o they_o be_v baptize_v be_v a_o very_a strong_a proof_n and_o argument_n for_o that_o which_o i_o here_o maintain_v now_o those_o of_o the_o faithful_a who_o be_v so_o rather_o in_o reality_n than_o the_o name_n do_v not_o under_o those_o christian_a emperor_n quit_v their_o good_a custom_n of_o convert_v their_o house_n and_o their_o family_n into_o so_o many_o little_a church_n they_o perform_v there_o the_o same_o exercise_n of_o piety_n both_o during_o their_o repast_n and_o out_o of_o they_o but_o i_o must_v here_o make_v one_o remark_n by_o the_o way_n upon_o the_o passage_n of_o
that_o of_o thuanus_n before_o his_o history_n and_o the_o preface_n of_o casaubon_n in_o his_o edition_n of_o polybius_n it_o will_v no_o doubt_n be_v expect_v that_o i_o shall_v add_v the_o order_n which_o be_v observe_v and_o practise_v in_o the_o independent_a church_n to_o their_o confession_n which_o ought_v to_o follow_v but_o as_o they_o profess_v a_o perfect_a harmony_n among_o themselves_o so_o likewise_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v this_o same_o absolute_a necessity_n as_o to_o that_o which_o concern_v discipline_n for_o except_v some_o few_o apostolical_a and_o perpetual_a rule_n which_o admit_v no_o change_n according_a to_o time_n and_o place_n concern_v the_o equality_n of_o pastor_n that_o choice_n that_o every_o church_n be_v to_o make_v of_o its_o pastor_n in_o which_o monsieur_n mestrezat_n and_o monsieur_n claude_n make_v the_o true_a ordination_n to_o consist_v the_o solemn_a benediction_n of_o that_o pastor_n by_o fast_v and_o prayer_n and_o the_o refusal_n they_o 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conformity_n with_o the_o pure_a church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n will_v be_v easy_o persuade_v that_o neither_o wisdom_n nor_o prudence_n have_v be_v want_v to_o they_o when_o with_o that_o conformity_n of_o faith_n that_o there_o be_v between_o they_o and_o the_o church_n that_o be_v at_o great_a distance_n from_o popery_n they_o have_v preserve_v to_o themselves_o their_o liberty_n as_o to_o matter_n of_o discipline_n to_o do_v their_o business_n a_o part_n independant_o one_o on_o the_o other_o and_o on_o all_o other_o authority_n beside_o that_o of_o jesus_n christ_n without_o make_v use_n of_o that_o way_n of_o reconciliation_n which_o have_v be_v practise_v in_o all_o age_n by_o the_o mean_n of_o conference_n and_o synod_n which_o have_v rather_o sharp'n_v and_o exasperate_v spirit_n and_o perpetuate_v quarrel_n than_o any_o way_n appease_v and_o hush_v they_o and_o whereof_o all_o the_o advantage_n that_o can_v be_v hope_v be_v at_o most_o to_o make_v such_o a_o accord_n as_o it_o may_v be_v dissemble_v or_o disguise_n or_o else_o suppress_v the_o truth_n this_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o appear_v in_o the_o colloquy_n of_o poissy_n where_o the_o great_a defender_n of_o transubstantiation_n and_o those_o who_o combat_v and_o oppose_v it_o as_o a_o vile_a monster_n of_o rome_n concur_v together_o upon_o the_o article_n of_o the_o real_a presence_n in_o the_o eucharist_n and_o this_o be_v what_o appear_v also_o in_o the_o overture_n of_o reconciliation_n which_o be_v make_v in_o the_o year_n 1578._o in_o the_o synod_n of_o saint_n foy_n with_o the_o lutheran_n by_o the_o mean_n of_o a_o formulary_a or_o precedent_n of_o such_o a_o profession_n of_o faith_n as_o shall_v be_v general_a and_o common_a with_o all_o church_n as_o they_o propose_v to_o draw_v up_o but_o that_o overture_n can_v only_o tend_v to_o a_o reconciliation_n as_o difficult_a as_o that_o of_o find_v a_o medium_fw-la between_o transubstantiation_n and_o the_o opinion_n of_o our_o church_n 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fourteen_o remark_n upon_o the_o fault_n that_o some_o may_v find_v in_o the_o title_n of_o this_o discourse_n i_o will_v finish_v these_o conderation_n by_o the_o discussion_n and_o explication_n of_o the_o title_n of_o this_o discourse_n to_o which_o some_o have_v except_v because_o they_o find_v there_o be_v not_o one_o ecclesiastical_a government_n even_o of_o those_o which_o differ_v most_o from_o one_o another_o that_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o this_o conformity_n as_o indeed_o they_o have_v either_o more_o or_o less_o for_o there_o be_v not_o one_o of_o they_o no_o not_o even_o of_o those_o that_o be_v the_o far_a off_o from_o the_o doctrine_n and_o government_n of_o the_o ancient_a christian_n and_o that_o have_v but_o very_o little_a agreement_n one_o with_o the_o other_o there_o be_v not_o one_o i_o say_v but_o what_o have_v in_o something_o a_o conformity_n with_o they_o every_o way_n of_o government_n boast_v of_o their_o retain_v this_o conformity_n with_o the_o ancient_a 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bishop_n bilson_n andrews_n hall_n morton_n and_o pearson_n find_v it_o in_o clemens_n romanus_n and_o in_o ignatius_n some_o of_o the_o doctor_n of_o rome_n meet_v with_o it_o in_o denis_n the_o areopagite_n but_o unless_o this_o conformity_n be_v restrain_v to_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o which_o i_o find_v more_o footstep_n in_o the_o congregational_a way_n than_o in_o any_o other_o i_o believe_v we_o be_v all_o in_o a_o error_n as_o to_o what_o concern_v our_o conformity_n to_o the_o doctrine_n discipline_n and_o life_n of_o the_o ancient_a christian_n above_o all_o the_o disagreement_n be_v find_v in_o the_o life_n which_o be_v heretofore_o much_o more_o exact_a and_o exemplary_a than_o in_o these_o last_o time_n it_o be_v the_o devotion_n of_o our_o day_n be_v but_o cold_a and_o languish_a in_o comparison_n of_o they_o it_o be_v in_o that_o that_o their_o glory_n do_v consist_v whereas_o we_o be_v in_o have_v a_o great_a knowledge_n and_o a_o more_o full_a and_o ample_a illumination_n into_o the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n than_o the_o first_o christian_n have_v also_o to_o be_v better_o verse_v at_o this_o day_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o apostolical_a conduct_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o its_o authority_n and_o of_o that_o of_o its_o pastor_n who_o be_v the_o christian_n that_o immediate_o succeed_v the_o apostle_n i_o will_v finish_v where_o i_o begin_v and_o that_o shall_v be_v by_o the_o force_n of_o those_o prejudices_fw-la wherewith_o all_o christian_n as_o well_o protestant_n as_o papist_n be_v anticipate_v and_o prepossess_v when_o they_o general_o imagine_v that_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v more_o orthodox_n and_o pure_a in_o doctrine_n than_o that_o of_o the_o follow_a age_n because_o of_o their_o nearness_n with_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o i_o be_o as_o much_o persuade_v of_o the_o contrary_a as_o of_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v say_v that_o god_n never_o build_v a_o temple_n near_o to_o which_o the_o enemy_n of_o our_o salvation_n have_v not_o build_v a_o chapel_n but_o than_o it_o be_v a_o chapel_n both_o great_a and_o more_o spacious_a than_o the_o temple_n itself_o for_o during_o the_o time_n while_o god_n build_v a_o little_a temple_n wherein_o he_o have_v circumscribe_v the_o twelve_o apostle_n and_o a_o small_a flock_n of_o faithful_a people_n who_o conform_v themselves_o to_o the_o purity_n their_o doctrine_n and_o the_o holiness_n of_o their_o life_n a_o number_n incomparable_o great_a of_o false_a apostle_n false_a doctor_n and_o false_a brethren_n separate_v from_o they_o for_o even_o in_o the_o first_o three_o hundred_o year_n of_o christianity_n all_o or_o the_o most_o part_n of_o sincere_a person_n and_o also_o of_o father_n have_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o false_a allay_n mix_v among_o their_o gold_n this_o be_v what_o we_o learn_v from_o eutychius_n who_o live_v in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n from_o who_o we_o have_v the_o history_n of_o the_o church_n in_o arabyck_n publish_v by_o mr._n selden_n and_o mr._n pocock_n and_o who_o they_o recommend_v for_o a_o author_n of_o a_o irreprochable_a fidelity_n there_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o constantine_n the_o great_a send_v to_o all_o the_o church_n of_o his_o empire_n letter_n to_o let_v they_o understand_v that_o they_o be_v to_o make_v choice_n of_o the_o most_o religious_a bishop_n and_o those_o that_o be_v most_o learned_a in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o that_o they_o then_o immediate_o set_v themselves_o to_o obey_v the_o order_n of_o the_o emperor_n and_o that_o two_o thousand_o and_o forty_o eight_o bishop_n come_v to_o the_o town_n of_o nice_a whereof_o near_o two_o thousand_o how_o pious_a and_o sincere_a soever_o otherwise_o they_o be_v be_v either_o most_o ignorant_a or_o most_o erroneous_a in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o they_o be_v either_o manichee_n or_o murcionite_n or_o montanist_n or_o valentinian_o or_o samosatenian_o or_o arrian_n and_o in_o that_o great_a number_n of_o bishop_n there_o be_v but_o three_o hundred_o and_o eighteen_o who_o have_v a_o affection_n for_o and_o engage_v themselves_o to_o the_o orthodox_n faith_n which_o be_v that_o of_o alexander_n bishop_n of_o alexandria_n this_o relation_n according_a to_o eutychius_n be_v much_o more_o probable_a than_o after_o that_o manner_n as_o it_o be_v report_v by_o eusebius_n by_o socrates_n by_o baronius_n and_o by_o mounseur_fw-fr claude_n for_o what_o likelihood_n be_v there_o that_o that_o number_n of_o bishop_n convoke_v from_o all_o place_n of_o europe_n a_o great_a part_n of_o africa_n and_o also_o of_o asia_n phoenicia_n greece_n maceaonia_n thessalia_n palestine_n arabia_n pamphilia_n bythinia_n capadocia_n thrace_n cilicia_n pontus_n persia_n and_o scythia_n shall_v amount_v but_o to_o three_o hundred_o and_o eighteen_o bishop_n there_o be_v also_o less_o likelihood_n that_o those_o three_o hundred_o and_o eighteen_o bishop_n shall_v appear_v so_o sharp_a and_o so_o divide_v among_o themselves_o as_o to_o put_v out_o libel_n of_o accusation_n one_o against_o another_o and_o that_o during_o their_o session_n they_o make_v a_o cruel_a war_n within_o themselves_o these_o accusation_n may_v be_v true_a as_o to_o the_o other_o bishop_n who_o be_v as_o much_o divide_v in_o affection_n as_o in_o judgement_n but_o not_o of_o these_o three_o hundred_o and_o eighteen_o who_o because_o they_o be_v all_o orthodox_n and_o child_n of_o peace_n and_o well_o unite_v in_o their_o affection_n such_o as_o be_v alexander_n spiridion_n and_o paphnutius_fw-la be_v choose_v by_o constantine_n and_o alexander_n out_o of_o the_o multitude_n of_o heretic_n factious_a and_o contentious_a person_n beside_o the_o unanimity_n of_o these_o three_o hundred_o and_o eighteen_o bishop_n in_o the_o compose_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o council_n have_v but_o four_o bishop_n that_o refuse_v subscribe_v to_o it_o plain_o show_v
commend_v what_o i_o do_v not_o approve_v in_o the_o bottom_n of_o my_o heart_n since_o i_o do_v not_o join_v myself_o to_o it_o they_o will_v say_v likewise_o that_o i_o have_v have_v no_o other_o design_n than_o to_o gain_v my_o own_o sentiment_n credit_v with_o which_o they_o say_v i_o be_o most_o fond_o in_o love_n in_o adjust_v they_o to_o those_o of_o the_o independent_n and_o because_o i_o condemn_v ecclesiastical_a power_n and_o excommunication_n which_o i_o have_v undertake_v to_o possess_v the_o world_n with_o the_o belief_n of_o that_o so_o they_o shall_v banish_v the_o use_n of_o it_o to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o though_o i_o shall_v join_v myself_o to_o their_o assembly_n it_o will_v be_v no_o argument_n that_o i_o shall_v approve_v of_o all_o the_o thing_n they_o do_v and_o all_o they_o believe_v as_o they_o can_v conclude_v by_o my_o not_o join_v to_o their_o congregation_n that_o i_o have_v not_o the_o congregational_a way_n in_o great_a and_o high_a esteem_n than_o any_o other_o as_o i_o be_o a_o frenchman_n and_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n i_o join_v to_o the_o church_n of_o my_o own_o nation_n to_o which_o i_o be_o so_o much_o the_o more_o strong_o invite_v by_o the_o holiness_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o life_n of_o our_o excellent_a pastor_n mounseur_fw-fr mussard_n and_o mounseur_fw-fr primrose_n and_o because_o they_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o jesus_n christ_n do_v it_o with_o his_o disciple_n not_o have_v any_o thing_n to_o give_v i_o offence_n in_o their_o conduct_n unless_o that_o they_o be_v not_o absolute_o undeceive_v of_o the_o practice_n of_o our_o pastor_n in_o france_n of_o excommunicate_v in_o the_o name_n and_o authority_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o of_o interpose_v the_o same_o sacred_a name_n and_o the_o same_o sacred_a authority_n to_o excommunicate_a as_o st._n paul_n make_v use_v of_o to_o deliver_v the_o incestuous_a person_n over_o to_o satan_n though_o they_o can_v find_v this_o authority_n of_o excommunicate_v in_o all_o the_o bible_n nor_o justify_v it_o unless_o they_o elude_v that_o harshness_n of_o expression_n by_o this_o way_n of_o sweeten_v that_o their_o only_a intention_n be_v to_o declare_v that_o those_o sinner_n of_o who_o they_o make_v the_o number_n take_v the_o lord_n supper_n to_o their_o condemnation_n if_o they_o do_v not_o repent_v beforehand_o as_o for_o other_o accusation_n although_o i_o believe_v that_o of_o all_o establishment_n of_o religion_n that_o of_o the_o independent_a church_n be_v the_o most_o apostolical_a yet_o i_o do_v not_o believe_v it_o be_v infallible_a and_o i_o can_v approve_v of_o all_o they_o say_v nor_o all_o they_o practise_v concern_v discipline_n nor_o concern_v the_o use_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a power_n and_o excommunication_n though_o this_o usage_n be_v not_o in_o all_o the_o same_o nor_o in_o all_o the_o church_n because_o some_o among_o they_o do_v retain_v it_o jure_fw-la societatis_fw-la &_o vi_o &_o virtute_fw-la paoti_fw-la &_o federis_fw-la eniti_fw-la however_o it_o be_v both_o of_o they_o make_v use_n of_o ecclesiastical_a power_n and_o excommunication_n very_o innocent_o for_o they_o do_v not_o set_v up_o a_o national_a tribunal_n independent_a on_o the_o magistrate_n and_o they_o attribute_v to_o their_o synod_n no_o other_o authority_n than_o that_o of_o persuasion_n both_o from_o wise_a and_o experience_a person_n moreover_o from_o the_o manner_n that_o they_o express_v themselves_o in_o the_o vii_o article_n of_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o their_o confession_n of_o faith_n one_o may_v conclude_v that_o beside_o the_o jurisdiction_n which_o work_v upon_o heart_n by_o the_o word_n they_o acknowledge_v no_o other_o than_o that_o which_o be_v take_v by_o a_o natural_a right_n and_o that_o wisdom_n and_o prudence_n have_v not_o be_v want_v to_o they_o by_o their_o have_v in_o a_o joint_a consent_n agree_v in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o doctrine_n because_o it_o be_v of_o divine_a and_o perpetual_a right_n but_o in_o not_o have_v establish_v any_o thing_n determinative_o to_o be_v a_o perpetual_a rule_n upon_o a_o arbitrary_a and_o changeable_a matter_n and_o of_o humane_a right_n as_o be_v the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o pastor_n in_o their_o conduct_n and_o government_n but_o although_o they_o shall_v have_v retain_v some_o usage_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a power_n and_o excommunication_n which_o be_v so_o many_o relic_n of_o rome_n that_o have_v accomplish_v the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n and_o bring_v the_o pope_n into_o the_o world_n they_o will_v be_v no_o less_o privilege_v than_o st._n paul_n and_o the_o other_o apostle_n who_o after_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o great_a measure_n than_o all_o the_o holy_a man_n that_o have_v be_v before_o they_o yet_o they_o always_o retain_v some_o leven_a of_o affection_n to_o the_o moysaicall_a ceremony_n if_o the_o christian_n that_o come_v from_o paganism_n have_v always_o keep_v some_o pollution_n of_o it_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v any_o great_a surprise_n to_o see_v the_o pure_a church_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o not_o thorough_o cleanse_v from_o all_o the_o impurity_n of_o rome_n for_o these_o consideration_n i_o feed_v myself_o with_o the_o hope_n that_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o independent_a church_n who_o be_v too_o much_o illuminate_v long_o to_o remain_v in_o the_o belief_n and_o use_n of_o this_o illusion_n of_o ecclesiastical_a power_n which_o have_v bring_v episcopacy_n that_o be_v the_o first_o step_n of_o ascension_n to_o the_o papacy_n and_o after_o that_o excommunication_n and_o infallibility_n and_o that_o they_o will_v put_v in_o practice_n instead_o of_o excommunication_n that_o denunciation_n which_o s._n paul_n recommend_v to_o his_o disciple_n and_o son_n timothy_n it_o be_v that_o in_o case_n any_o disorderly_a or_o wicked_a person_n of_o the_o congregation_n can_v be_v persuade_v to_o change_v his_o opinion_n and_o life_n and_o voluntary_o to_o leave_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n it_o shall_v be_v publish_v aloud_o in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o faithful_a shall_v be_v exhort_v to_o shun_v his_o company_n and_o in_o case_n that_o he_o persevere_v in_o such_o refractoriness_n he_o ought_v to_o be_v expel_v by_o force_n as_o well_o from_o the_o table_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o from_o the_o church_n and_o this_o be_v what_o may_v be_v practise_v by_o a_o natural_a right_n &_o de_fw-fr jure_fw-la societatis_fw-la without_o any_o need_n of_o make_v such_o expulsion_n of_o credit_n by_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o by_o the_o power_n of_o bind_v and_o lose_v in_o short_a i_o hope_v they_o will_v be_v persuade_v by_o this_o consideration_n that_o the_o benefit_n which_o come_v by_o the_o ecclesiastical_a power_n and_o excommunication_n will_v never_o recompense_v the_o pernicious_a effect_n that_o they_o have_v produce_v now_o i_o believe_v that_o these_o three_o consideration_n that_o i_o be_o a_o physician_n that_o i_o be_o a_o frenchman_n and_o that_o i_o do_v not_o join_v to_o any_o one_o certain_a congregational_a assembly_n as_o a_o member_n of_o it_o will_v give_v more_o authority_n and_o credit_n to_o the_o relation_n i_o have_v make_v of_o their_o government_n and_o conduct_n and_o make_v it_o less_o the_o suspect_a than_o if_o i_o be_v of_o their_o number_n of_o their_o nation_n and_o a_o divine_a by_o profession_n for_o if_o i_o be_v qualify_v in_o three_o way_n i_o can_v not_o speak_v as_o a_o person_n disinterest_v but_o as_o have_v a_o personal_a inclination_n to_o the_o way_n i_o shall_v have_v espouse_v and_o that_o be_v the_o weakness_n of_o all_o those_o who_o plead_v for_o their_o own_o cause_n as_o we_o learn_v from_o s._n austin_n and_o optatus_n milevitanus_fw-la who_o be_v of_o this_o opinion_n that_o a_o sincere_a pagan_a or_o heathen_a whether_o a_o physician_n a_o sophister_n a_o philosopher_n or_o belong_v to_o the_o magistracy_n be_v more_o competent_a judge_n in_o matter_n of_o divinity_n and_o difference_n among_o christian_n than_o person_n of_o the_o priesthood_n and_o sacerdotal_a function_n as_o s._n paul_n can_v not_o elect_v a_o more_o disinterest_v person_n to_o gain_v the_o christian_a religion_n credit_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o to_o write_v his_o gospel_n as_o he_o call_v it_o and_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n than_o s._n luke_n the_o physician_n to_o who_o the_o world_n be_v more_o oblige_v than_o to_o a_o thousand_o s._n chrysostom_n and_o s._n augustine_n and_o to_o all_o the_o person_n of_o the_o sacred_a order_n without_o so_o much_o as_o except_v the_o very_a apostle_n themselves_o i_o believe_v that_o the_o same_o judgement_n ought_v to_o be_v make_v of_o i_o and_o that_o my_o quality_n of_o a_o physician_n ought_v to_o give_v strong_a