remove_v yet_o the_o church_n have_v this_o purity_n in_o some_o measure_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o religious_a king_n of_o israel_n who_o do_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n all_o relic_n monument_n and_o shadow_n of_o corruption_n and_o likewise_o in_o diverse_a place_n since_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n especial_o in_o these_o last_o day_n wherein_o it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o bring_v his_o church_n out_o of_o that_o sink_n of_o antichristianisme_n and_o to_o reveal_v the_o right_a way_n and_o manner_n of_o his_o service_n yea_o church_n as_o they_o have_v a_o small_a beginning_n from_o the_o which_o they_o rise_v and_o a_o state_n unestablish_v wherein_o they_o continue_v for_o some_o space_n of_o time_n so_o also_o they_o may_v at_o lengh_n attain_v to_o a_o perfect_a state_n whereunto_o they_o do_v daily_o grow_v and_o whereat_o they_o ought_v continual_o to_o aim_v it_o be_v then_o attain_v unto_o whenas_o all_o those_o ordinance_n which_o christ_n have_v 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christian_n life_n agreeable_a to_o their_o profession_n then_o be_v there_o a_o perfect_a state_n of_o a_o church_n the_o which_o although_o as_o have_v be_v heretofore_o note_v it_o can_v hardly_o be_v attain_v especial_o of_o church_n consist_v of_o great_a multitude_n of_o professor_n yet_o we_o be_v to_o do_v our_o endeavour_n commit_v the_o success_n of_o our_o labour_n to_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n to_o who_o nothing_o be_v hard_a or_o impossible_a yea_o who_o do_v so_o bless_v and_o prosper_v they_o that_o labour_n in_o the_o build_n of_o his_o church_n far_o above_o their_o own_o expectation_n that_o they_o shall_v see_v such_o fruit_n of_o their_o labour_n which_o will_v seem_v impossible_a to_o be_v bring_v to_o pass_v by_o the_o mean_n of_o any_o man_n sect._n 3_o of_o the_o flourish_a estate_n of_o a_o church_n the_o lord_n in_o mercy_n be_v yet_o more_o gracious_a to_o his_o church_n and_o grant_v that_o in_o many_o place_n it_o shall_v have_v not_o only_o a_o perfect_a but_o also_o a_o flourish_a estate_n the_o which_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v in_o these_o thing_n first_o when_o as_o the_o church_n do_v consist_v not_o of_o a_o small_a company_n of_o believer_n daily_o but_o of_o great_a multitude_n profess_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n praise_v he_o call_v upon_o he_o and_o serve_v he_o the_o which_o no_o doubt_n be_v a_o happy_a thing_n and_o most_o earnest_o to_o be_v wish_v in_o this_o respect_n the_o church_n in_o these_o day_n do_v flourish_v as_o it_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v that_o they_o will_v do_v more_o and_o more_o for_o this_o be_v the_o time_n wherein_o the_o lord_n have_v appoint_v that_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o gentile_n shall_v come_v in_o and_o not_o only_o a_o few_o here_o and_o there_o but_o even_o whole_a country_n kingdom_n and_o nation_n submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o the_o great_a number_n of_o believer_n it_o come_v that_o there_o be_v in_o the_o church_n many_o notable_a example_n of_o godliness_n and_o of_o all_o spiritual_a grace_n yea_o great_a variety_n of_o they_o then_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o small_a congregation_n although_o usual_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v by_o the_o malice_n of_o satan_n and_o the_o corruption_n of_o man_n that_o multitude_n make_v confusion_n in_o the_o church_n and_o can_v hardly_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o due_a order_n of_o a_o church_n as_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v hereafter_o second_o the_o flourish_a estate_n of_o a_o church_n consist_v in_o the_o abâ—ndâ—â—ce_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n whenas_o knowledge_n wisdom_n the_o gift_n of_o teach_v and_o all_o other_o which_o make_v for_o the_o build_n of_o the_o church_n be_v plentiful_o pour_v upon_o it_o when_o as_o that_o come_v to_o pass_v which_o the_o prophet_n foretell_v of_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v pour_v upon_o all_o flesh_n the_o which_o as_o it_o be_v accomplish_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n on_o the_o which_o the_o lord_n do_v immediate_o and_o extraordinare_o pourefoorth_o all_o the_o grace_n of_o his_o spirit_n in_o such_o plentiful_a manner_n as_o be_v never_o in_o the_o church_n before_o not_o shall_v be_v till_o the_o church_n be_v perfect_v at_o the_o appear_v of_o christ_n so_o now_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o shorten_v but_o he_o do_v still_o continue_v this_o mercy_n to_o his_o church_n although_o after_o a_o diverse_a manner_n for_o now_o we_o be_v not_o to_o look_v for_o the_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o prophecy_n gift_n speak_v in_o strange_a tongue_n work_v miracle_n and_o such_o like_a by_o the_o which_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v most_o glorious_a and_o do_v flourish_v in_o most_o wonderful_a manner_n for_o these_o serve_v only_o for_o the_o first_o plant_n of_o the_o church_n neither_o be_v we_o to_o look_v either_o for_o the_o like_a measure_n of_o gift_n â—r_o for_o 〈◊〉_d grace_n of_o knowledge_n wisdom_n the_o gift_n of_o interpretation_n teach_v exhort_v or_o any_o other_o immediate_o from_o god_n as_o they_o have_v for_o this_o also_o be_v proper_a to_o those_o time_n in_o the_o which_o because_o it_o be_v not_o meet_v that_o the_o build_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v not_o go_v forward_o till_o man_n have_v attain_v these_o gift_n by_o ordinary_a mean_n therefore_o it_o please_v god_n immediate_o to_o supply_v their_o want_n but_o now_o these_o be_v not_o attain_v but_o by_o ordinary_a mean_n and_o yet_o the_o lord_n do_v oftentimes_o grant_v they_o to_o his_o church_n in_o such_o abundance_n and_o in_o so_o great_a measure_n as_o that_o they_o do_v make_v a_o flourish_a estate_n of_o a_o church_n a_o special_a note_n whereof_o in_o this_o behalf_n be_v when_o there_o be_v many_o endue_v with_o those_o excellent_a gift_n of_o knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n whereby_o the_o whole_a church_n may_v be_v furnish_v with_o wise_a and_o learned_a teacher_n this_o be_v to_o be_v look_v for_o in_o those_o place_n and_o country_n which_o god_n have_v bless_v with_o a_o long_a and_o continual_a peace_n so_o it_o be_v act._n 9.31_o the_o church_n have_v peace_n throughout_o galatia_n jury_n and_o samaria_n and_o be_v edify_v and_o do_v go_v on_o in_o the_o consolation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n for_o even_o as_o for_o the_o build_n of_o that_o glorious_a temple_n the_o lord_n do_v give_v a_o long_a time_n of_o peace_n in_o the_o day_n of_o solomon_n so_o do_v he_o also_o when_o it_o please_v he_o to_o have_v a_o flourish_a church_n in_o any_o place_n yea_o for_o a_o flourish_a estate_n in_o the_o gift_n of_o his_o spirit_n there_o be_v in_o these_o day_n require_v abundance_n of_o learning_n and_o of_o man_n endue_v with_o singular_a gift_n both_o of_o nature_n and_o industry_n for_o god_n do_v sanctify_v these_o for_o the_o edify_a and_o beautify_v of_o his_o church_n hereof_o it_o be_v that_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n &_o alexandria_n change_v their_o subtle_a and_o learned_a philosopher_n into_o most_o excellent_a divine_n but_o especial_o they_o of_o corinth_n do_v flourish_v notable_o in_o a_o wonderful_a abundance_n of_o all_o grace_n above_o all_o other_o church_n whereof_o we_o read_v that_o they_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n tongue_n interpretation_n yea_o and_o all_o other_o as_o the_o apostle_n witness_v 1._o cor._n 1.6_o and_o that_o in_o great_a measure_n in_o regard_v whereof_o the_o apostle_n saitâ—_n 1._o cor._n 4.8_o that_o they_o be_v enrich_v and_o do_v reign_v as_o king_n without_o he_o neither_o be_v these_o grace_n bestow_v only_o upon_o the_o teacher_n and_o ruler_n in_o the_o church_n but_o in_o this_o flourish_a estate_n they_o be_v even_o as_o that_o precious_a ointment_n which_o be_v pour_v upon_o aaron_n head_n do_v run_v down_o to_o the_o skirt_n of_o his_o garment_n so_o that_o
father_n but_o in_o the_o son_n in_o who_o only_o he_o be_v well_o please_v and_o therefore_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n have_v reject_v christ_n be_v by_o that_o mean_v reject_v of_o god_n from_o be_v his_o people_n neither_o be_v they_o to_o be_v account_v member_n of_o the_o church_n although_o they_o serve_v god_n with_o never_o so_o great_a zeal_n rom._n 11._o the_o same_o account_n we_o be_v to_o make_v of_o the_o turk_n saracen_n moor_n and_o all_o those_o nation_n which_o profess_v the_o religion_n of_o mahomet_n the_o which_o we_o confess_v do_v retain_v diverse_a point_n of_o christianity_n yea_o and_o that_o if_o it_o be_v well_o mark_v it_o will_v be_v sound_a a_o close_a or_o mystical_a arianisme_n ariaanisme_n cover_v and_o gloss_v over_o many_o weighty_a point_n of_o faith_n with_o judaical_a type_n and_o poetical_a fiction_n that_o it_o be_v by_o this_o mean_n make_v dark_a and_o enigmatical_a may_v be_v more_o high_o esteem_v by_o blind_a and_o ignorant_a man_n whereas_o if_o it_o have_v be_v set_v down_o in_o a_o plain_a and_o simple_a manner_n it_o will_v have_v be_v easy_o understand_v dispute_v of_o and_o in_o the_o end_n altogether_o contemn_v yet_o forsomuch_o as_o this_o religion_n do_v not_o worship_n and_o honour_n jesus_n christ_n as_o the_o only_a son_n of_o god_n and_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n as_o the_o first_o arian_n therefore_o 〈◊〉_d the_o professor_n of_o it_o can_v be_v account_v member_n of_o the_o church_n but_o mere_a infidel_n separate_v from_o christ_n and_o void_a of_o the_o hope_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n sect._n 7._o of_o the_o attribute_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n thus_o we_o have_v the_o definition_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n be_v further_a to_o consider_v the_o nature_n and_o state_n of_o it_o in_o certain_a property_n which_o be_v attribute_v unto_o it_o of_o the_o which_o this_o may_v be_v the_o first_o that_o out_o of_o the_o catholic_a church_n there_o be_v no_o salvation_n salvation_n and_o therefore_o all_o the_o heathen_a all_o unbelieve_a jew_n turk_n and_o general_o all_o infidel_n whatsoever_o do_v live_v and_o die_v to_o the_o judgement_n and_o sight_n of_o man_n in_o the_o state_n of_o eternal_a damnation_n this_o the_o scripture_n witness_v in_o many_o place_n as_o namely_o 2._o thes._n 2.8_o god_n in_o the_o last_o judgement_n shall_v render_v vengeance_n to_o all_o that_o know_v not_o god_n and_o obey_v not_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o yet_o this_o sentence_n of_o damnation_n which_o the_o scripture_n pronounce_v on_o infidel_n be_v so_o to_o be_v understand_v as_o that_o we_o do_v always_o except_v the_o infinite_a power_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n who_o both_o can_v &_o as_o have_v be_v before_o touch_v do_v in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n save_o some_o and_o that_o by_o extraordinary_a mean_n unknowen_a to_o we_o where_o the_o ordinary_a way_n be_v want_v the_o second_o attribute_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n be_v this_o religion_n that_o it_o can_v never_o err_v in_o the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v all_o one_o as_o if_o we_o do_v say_v the_o catholic_a church_n never_o cease_v to_o be_v or_o with_o this_o there_o be_v continual_o in_o the_o world_n a_o number_n of_o man_n which_o serve_v the_o true_a god_n in_o jesus_n christ._n the_o truth_n of_o this_o appear_v by_o the_o story_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o in_o other_o book_n which_o show_v by_o who_o and_o in_o what_o place_n god_n have_v be_v true_o worship_v in_o every_o several_a age_n and_o no_o marvel_n for_o if_o the_o church_n shall_v cease_v to_o be_v in_o the_o world_n than_o the_o world_n itself_o shall_v have_v a_o end_n which_o be_v create_v and_o do_v continue_v chief_o for_o this_o end_n to_o wit_n to_o be_v a_o habitation_n for_o the_o church_n as_o we_o read_v 1._o cor._n 2.16_o all_o thing_n be_v you_o even_o the_o very_a world_n that_o be_v all_o thing_n do_v serve_v as_o mean_n for_o your_o good_a and_o for_o the_o work_n of_o your_o salvation_n in_o this_o sense_n the_o apostle_n say_v 1._o tim._n 3.13_o that_o the_o church_n be_v the_o pillar_n and_o firmament_n that_o be_v a_o most_o firm_a and_o sure_a pillar_n of_o truth_n to_o wit_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o the_o catholic_a church_n may_v err_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n yea_o even_o in_o those_o point_n which_o be_v weighty_a and_o be_v near_o about_o the_o foundation_n itself_o although_o it_o always_o remain_v sure_a and_o steadfast_a error_n so_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o ignorances_n and_n error_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v from_o the_o begin_n until_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n be_v both_o many_o and_o great_a as_o have_v be_v note_v before_o and_o how_o great_a error_n have_v prevail_v throughout_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o most_o of_o the_o age_n since_o that_o time_n we_o who_o live_v in_o this_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v easy_o and_o plain_o see_v yea_o we_o know_v that_o which_o the_o apostle_n say_v 1._o cor._n 13._o that_o while_n the_o faithful_a be_v in_o this_o world_n they_o see_v know_v and_o prophesy_v but_o in_o part_n and_o can_v be_v whole_o free_v from_o error_n till_o they_o see_v the_o lord_n perfect_o and_o in_o he_o all_o thing_n so_o we_o read_v levit._n 4.13_o that_o there_o be_v a_o sacrifice_n appoint_v for_o the_o expiation_n of_o the_o general_a error_n of_o the_o whole_a people_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o then_o be_v the_o whole_a visible_a church_n of_o god_n knowledge_n thirdlie_o the_o catholic_a church_n do_v continual_o increase_v in_o number_n and_o do_v consist_v of_o more_o in_o the_o latter_a age_n of_o the_o world_n then_o in_o the_o former_a for_o before_o the_o time_n of_o the_o law_n the_o lord_n be_v know_v and_o worship_v only_o of_o a_o few_o family_n or_o kindred_n but_o afterwards_o of_o a_o great_a populous_a nation_n but_o since_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n the_o church_n â—oth_v enlarge_v her_o tent_n and_o receive_v all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n likewise_o in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o gospel_n there_o be_v no_o nation_n country_n or_o city_n no_o not_o any_o one_o town_n or_o village_n which_o do_v general_o receive_v it_o but_o only_o a_o few_o here_o and_o there_o the_o rest_n remain_v in_o infidelity_n but_o in_o the_o age_n follow_v great_a nation_n general_o yea_o infinite_a multitude_n of_o people_n become_v christian_n yea_o this_o number_n shall_v continual_o increase_v until_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o gentile_n be_v come_v into_o the_o church_n whereof_o the_o apostle_n speak_v rom._n 11._o and_o then_o shall_v the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n make_v a_o notable_a addition_n to_o this_o number_n the_o cause_n of_o this_o increase_n be_v for_o that_o god_n do_v not_o reveal_v himself_o and_o his_o word_n all_o at_o once_o to_o the_o world_n but_o by_o degree_n by_o little_a and_o little_a where_o this_o may_v also_o profitable_o be_v note_v that_o as_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n so_o also_o their_o knowledge_n do_v increase_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v much_o more_o plentiful_o reveal_v in_o the_o latter_a time_n they_o be_v general_o consider_v than_o it_o be_v in_o the_o former_a as_o touch_v the_o number_n we_o know_v that_o the_o visible_a church_n by_o the_o which_o we_o may_v certain_o gather_v the_o state_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n be_v until_o the_o time_n of_o moses_n contain_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o one_o kindred_n &_o till_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n in_o one_o nation_n but_o afterward_o it_o spread_v itself_o over_o the_o whole_a world_n yea_o the_o latter_a time_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v daily_o more_o and_o more_o exceed_v the_o first_o in_o number_n of_o believer_n because_o now_o both_o the_o full_a number_n of_o the_o gentile_n and_o also_o of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n be_v to_o come_v into_o the_o church_n and_o in_o like_a manner_n the_o latter_a time_n do_v exceed_v the_o former_a in_o knowledge_n four_o the_o catholic_a church_n have_v no_o head_n or_o ruler_n here_o on_o earth_n government_n neither_o any_o external_a government_n but_o be_v order_v by_o the_o spiritual_a government_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o only_a head_n of_o it_o for_o the_o government_n and_o rule_v prescribe_v by_o god_n to_o his_o church_n have_v place_n and_o be_v put_v in_o practice_n only_o in_o particular_a church_n which_o be_v the_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n five_o the_o catholic_a church_n be_v invisible_a invisible_a for_o that_o it_o consist_v not_o only_o of_o particular_a church_n which_o be_v visible_a but_o also_o of_o particular_a man_n which_o serve_v god_n yet_o so_o as_o that_o they_o be_v not_o know_v by_o
look_v for_o another_o measure_n of_o knowledge_n and_o therefore_o other_o mean_n of_o attain_v it_o be_v necessary_o to_o be_v use_v last_o this_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o this_o church-government_n be_v never_o alter_v but_o by_o the_o express_a commandment_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v ordain_v by_o he_o only_o god_n the_o change_v of_o it_o be_v confirm_v by_o miracle_n to_o be_v from_o god_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o institute_n of_o the_o legal_a government_n by_o moses_n and_o this_o under_o the_o gospel_n by_o the_o apostle_n and_o that_o change_n 2._o chron._n 8.26_o and_o 35.15_o be_v by_o special_a direction_n from_o god_n yea_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n both_o typical_a before_o the_o gospel_n and_o real_a in_o the_o time_n of_o it_o be_v institute_v by_o extraordinary_a prophet_n to_o wit_n adam_n moses_n and_o christ_n apostle_n and_o so_o leave_v to_o ordinary_a minister_n name_n lie_v to_o the_o first_o bear_v then_o to_o the_o levit_n and_o last_o to_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n thus_o much_o in_o general_a of_o church-government_n and_o of_o the_o three_o diverse_a state_n of_o it_o whereof_o order_n require_v that_o we_o shall_v here_o entreat_v in_o particular_a but_o we_o can_v in_o this_o short_a treatise_n enter_v into_o this_o wide_a and_o large_a field_n and_o therefore_o suppose_v for_o order_n sake_n this_o argument_n to_o be_v here_o handle_v we_o go_v on_o to_o that_o which_o follow_v chap._n vi_o of_o ecclesiastical_a humane_a law_n sect._n 1_o how_o they_o differ_v from_o the_o law_n of_o god_n thus_o much_o of_o the_o law_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v for_o the_o order_n of_o his_o church_n now_o we_o be_v to_o come_v to_o the_o humane_a law_n of_o the_o church_n the_o which_o we_o will_v consider_v first_o by_o compare_v they_o with_o the_o aforesaid_a law_n of_o god_n and_o second_o as_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o for_o the_o first_o both_o kind_n agree_v in_o name_n be_v both_o call_v ecclesiastical_a and_o in_o the_o end_n which_o be_v the_o good_a order_n of_o the_o church_n and_o also_o in_o the_o general_a subject_n which_o be_v the_o public_a service_n of_o god_n together_o with_o those_o action_n which_o belong_v unto_o it_o yet_o they_o differ_v in_o many_o respect_n first_o and_o especial_o in_o the_o author_n or_o efficient_a the_o former_a kind_n be_v make_v by_o god_n himself_o the_o other_o by_o man_n whereof_o it_o come_v that_o the_o first_o kind_n be_v far_o more_o excellent_a than_o the_o other_o the_o one_o consist_v whole_o and_o mere_o of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n the_o other_o have_v in_o they_o much_o weakness_n and_o ignorance_n the_o one_o absolute_a and_o perfect_a the_o other_o continual_o have_v want_n and_o imperfection_n and_o therefore_o the_o one_o kind_n be_v temporary_a and_o mutable_a law_n the_o other_o perpetual_a and_o constant_a although_o when_o the_o appoint_a time_n of_o they_o be_v expire_v they_o be_v change_v by_o god_n but_o they_o admit_v no_o alteration_n from_o man_n further_n the_o law_n of_o god_n belong_v to_o the_o whole_a visible_a church_n and_o to_o every_o particular_a church_n but_o the_o other_o only_o to_o some_o one_o or_o a_o few_o of_o they_o for_o as_o a_o king_n who_o have_v dominion_n oâ—er_v many_o city_n do_v use_v himself_o to_o make_v the_o chief_a law_n by_o â—he_n which_o all_o and_o each_o one_o of_o those_o city_n be_v to_o be_v govern_v yet_o he_o leave_v to_o they_o this_o power_n to_o take_v up_o and_o retain_v custom_n fashion_n and_o order_n proper_a to_o themselves_o yea_o to_o make_v particular_a law_n of_o matter_n of_o less_o moment_n as_o may_v best_o agree_v to_o their_o several_a state_n and_o condition_n so_o have_v christ_n the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n himself_o make_v the_o chief_a order_n but_o leave_v the_o rest_n for_o the_o church_n to_o make_v last_o the_o first_o kind_n be_v about_o the_o substance_n &_o very_a form_n of_o the_o service_n of_o god_n the_o other_o about_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o the_o add_v of_o this_o latter_a kind_n to_o the_o former_a do_v not_o add_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o substance_n of_o church-government_n but_o only_o do_v establish_v it_o and_o make_v that_o it_o may_v convenient_o be_v use_v even_o as_o we_o do_v often_o see_v that_o the_o whole_a and_o perfect_a frame_n of_o a_o house_n in_o the_o full_a proportion_n of_o it_o be_v set_v up_o not_o want_v either_o foundation_n wall_n or_o roof_n but_o afterward_o there_o be_v add_v to_o it_o nail_n and_o pin_n to_o keep_v the_o frame_n fast_o together_o yea_o doreâ—_n window_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v requisite_a to_o make_v the_o say_v frame_v a_o commodious_a dwell_a place_n for_o the_o builder_n of_o it_o even_o so_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n as_o it_o be_v appoint_v by_o god_n and_o have_v in_o some_o part_n be_v describe_v be_v the_o perfect_a frame_n of_o the_o house_n of_o god_n the_o law_n of_o man_n be_v the_o other_o implemente_n which_o be_v add_v thereunto_o sect._n 2._o of_o the_o matter_n of_o ecclesiastical_a humane_a laweâ—_n and_o how_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n thus_o much_o brief_o of_o these_o law_n by_o way_n of_o comparison_n with_o the_o other_o worship_n now_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o they_o more_o plain_o and_o distinct_o first_o for_o the_o matter_n of_o these_o law_n we_o see_v that_o they_o be_v of_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n to_o wit_n at_o what_o time_n in_o what_o place_n yea_o and_o how_o often_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v use_v all_o which_o be_v usual_o call_v rite_n or_o ceremony_n and_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o fashion_n of_o the_o church_n as_o for_o example_n the_o lawâ—_n of_o god_n be_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v minister_n in_o the_o church_n to_o teach_v the_o people_n but_o how_o often_o they_o shall_v teach_v at_o what_o special_a time_n where_o and_o with_o what_o gesture_n these_o thing_n be_v not_o determine_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o leave_v to_o the_o ecclesiastical_a law_n of_o man_n if_o it_o be_v ask_v why_o it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o deck_v and_o beautify_v his_o church_n under_o the_o law_n not_o only_o with_o the_o substance_n of_o government_n but_o also_o with_o so_o many_o ceremonial_a law_n that_o scarce_o any_o circumstance_n of_o any_o action_n be_v leave_v unappoint_v by_o himself_o and_o to_o suffer_v his_o church_n now_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v naked_a and_o destitute_a almost_o of_o all_o ceremonial_a law_n but_o such_o as_o be_v make_v by_o man_n we_o answer_v render_v three_o cause_n thereof_o the_o first_o be_v for_o that_o the_o church_n under_o the_o law_n be_v without_o that_o ripeness_n of_o knowledge_n whereunto_o she_o have_v come_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o have_v need_n to_o have_v all_o the_o particular_n of_o every_o action_n prescribe_v but_o now_o the_o church_n be_v endue_v with_o more_o knowledge_n have_v these_o thing_n leave_v to_o her_o discretion_n even_o as_o we_o see_v man_n use_v to_o deal_v who_o if_o they_o commit_v any_o business_n to_o one_o who_o they_o think_v to_o be_v endue_v with_o wisdom_n and_o experience_n they_o do_v not_o tell_v he_o the_o particular_a manner_n of_o do_v but_o only_o thus_o much_o in_o general_a that_o they_o will_v have_v such_o a_o thing_n do_v otherwise_o if_o he_o want_v this_o knowledge_n than_o they_o leave_v nothing_o arbitrarie_a to_o he_o but_o set_v down_o every_o point_n and_o the_o special_a circumstance_n thereof_o the_o second_o cause_n be_v this_o in_o the_o make_n of_o these_o church-lawe_n there_o must_v be_v great_a regard_n have_v as_o we_o afterward_o be_v to_o show_v of_o the_o nature_n manner_n behaviour_n and_o state_n of_o that_o people_n for_o who_o they_o be_v to_o be_v make_v now_o under_o the_o law_n the_o visible_a church_n do_v consist_v of_o one_o nation_n only_o to_o wit_n of_o the_o jew_n but_o under_o the_o gospel_n all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o of_o the_o church_n so_o that_o law_n agreeable_a to_o each_o people_n will_v have_v be_v so_o infinite_a that_o they_o can_v not_o have_v be_v write_v neither_o do_v the_o word_n of_o god_n now_o belong_v in_o any_o part_n to_o any_o one_o nation_n but_o general_o and_o equal_o to_o all_o thirdlie_o the_o church_n be_v bind_v in_o regard_n of_o her_o infancy_n to_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o legal_a ceremony_n now_o the_o church_n be_v set_v in_o full_a liberty_n by_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n and_o no_o further_o tie_v to_o such_o outward_a
rite_n than_o she_o list_v herself_o so_o that_o these_o ecclesiastical_a law_n make_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n do_v not_o stretch_v themselves_o unto_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n as_o to_o the_o institution_n of_o any_o office_n beside_o those_o which_o be_v express_o mention_v in_o the_o word_n if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o david_n do_v add_v unto_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n the_o office_n of_o singer_n 1._o chro._n 6.31_o the_o answer_n be_v that_o he_o do_v this_o by_o himself_o and_o other_o as_o by_o prophet_n not_o by_o any_o ordinary_a authority_n in_o the_o second_o place_n we_o be_v to_o see_v after_o what_o manner_n and_o by_o what_o rule_n these_o law_n be_v to_o be_v make_v we_o answer_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o square_a of_o all_o christian_n and_o spiritual_a action_n not_o only_o in_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n but_o also_o throughout_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o a_o christian_n man_v life_n but_o see_v that_o they_o be_v not_o express_o mention_v in_o the_o word_n how_o do_v it_o appear_v that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v frame_v according_a to_o this_o rule_n the_o answer_n be_v that_o the_o word_n do_v show_v what_o ought_v to_o be_v do_v in_o these_o thing_n first_o by_o give_v general_a rule_n to_o guide_v we_o as_o these_o that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v nothing_o in_o these_o law_n unlawful_a or_o contrary_a to_o the_o moral_a law_n of_o god_n nothing_o inconvenient_a offensive_a or_o hurtful_a to_o the_o church_n god_n nothing_o needless_a and_o superfluous_a yea_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o make_v as_o they_o may_v most_o tend_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n but_o these_o rule_n do_v belong_v as_o well_o to_o the_o particular_a action_n of_o private_a man_n as_o to_o the_o public_a consultation_n of_o the_o church_n so_o that_o they_o can_v be_v any_o certain_a direction_n in_o this_o behalf_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v come_v to_o the_o second_o help_n which_o the_o scripture_n do_v afford_v we_o for_o the_o make_n of_o these_o law_n to_o wit_n particular_a example_n of_o the_o like_a case_n which_o give_v a_o great_a light_n in_o these_o action_n and_o be_v a_o sufficient_a warrant_n for_o we_o to_o imitate_v the_o difference_n betwixt_o those_o case_n and_o those_o which_o we_o have_v in_o hand_n be_v wise_o observe_v but_o neither_o this_o second_o mean_n be_v sufficient_a forsomuch_o as_o particular_a case_n be_v so_o infinite_a and_o diverse_a that_o there_o can_v always_o be_v find_v like_o example_n yea_o the_o difference_n of_o the_o example_n be_v find_v do_v easy_o breed_v great_a controversy_n doubt_n and_o erroure_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v have_v recourse_n to_o the_o three_o and_o last_o mean_n which_o be_v that_o those_o humane_a law_n be_v make_v agreeable_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o the_o ceremony_n to_o the_o substance_n of_o church-government_n so_o as_o they_o may_v most_o fit_o express_v and_o resemble_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o action_n but_o neither_o this_o three_o way_n do_v always_o serve_v for_o the_o find_v out_o of_o the_o truth_n because_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o see_v the_o true_a nature_n oâ—_n the_o action_n where_o unto_o the_o ceremony_n be_v to_o be_v make_v conformable_a especial_o since_o the_o time_n wherein_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n have_v be_v pervert_v alter_v and_o almost_o whole_o corrupt_v as_o also_o because_o that_o it_o be_v not_o always_o easy_a to_o judge_v a_o right_n of_o the_o general_a rule_n and_o of_o the_o example_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o of_o those_o other_o point_n which_o we_o be_v now_o â—o_o consider_v yet_o these_o be_v the_o mean_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v for_o this_o purpose_n and_o which_o be_v diligent_o use_v will_n by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n lead_v we_o to_o the_o truth_n thus_o we_o see_v that_o the_o devise_v of_o these_o law_n ought_v to_o be_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o so_o that_o they_o be_v leave_v arbitrarie_a to_o the_o church_n not_o â—s_a if_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o they_o to_o do_v what_o they_o lift_v in_o the_o least_o action_n of_o their_o private_a life_n much_o less_o in_o the_o public_a order_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n must_v be_v our_o rule_n according_a to_o the_o which_o all_o action_n and_o law_n be_v to_o be_v square_v and_o try_v for_o even_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a &_o leave_v to_o our_o own_o choice_n to_o do_v or_o not_o to_o do_v be_v general_o consider_v yet_o whenas_o they_o come_v to_o be_v practise_v &_o weigh_v with_o special_a circumstance_n so_o that_o the_o truth_n do_v appear_v unto_o we_o than_o they_o be_v no_o more_o indifferent_a as_o before_o but_o either_o good_a or_o evil_n to_o be_v do_v or_o not_o to_o be_v do_v as_o in_o the_o foresay_a instance_n at_o what_o time_n the_o word_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v public_o preach_v be_v a_o thing_n indifferent_a whereof_o there_o be_v no_o commandment_n in_o the_o word_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o church_n to_o determine_v yet_o if_o they_o appoint_v those_o time_n at_o which_o the_o people_n can_v convenient_o come_v together_o than_o they_o do_v even_o in_o this_o indifferent_a thing_n offend_v against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o command_v that_o in_o all_o our_o action_n both_o private_a and_o much_o more_o public_a we_o do_v that_o which_o may_v make_v most_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o edification_n of_o our_o brethren_n and_o yet_o these_o law_n which_o be_v so_o make_v that_o they_o be_v only_o inconvenient_a to_o the_o church_n not_o simple_o unlawful_a although_o they_o can_v lawful_o be_v make_v yet_o they_o may_v lawful_o be_v obey_v for_o although_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o any_o man_n to_o bring_v grief_n or_o inconvenience_n to_o his_o brother_n obey_v yet_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o take_v and_o bear_v that_o inconvenience_n whenas_o it_o can_v convenient_o be_v avoid_v sect._n 4._o according_a to_o what_o rule_v ecclesiastical_a humane_a laweâ—_n ought_v to_o be_v make_v thus_o we_o see_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o chief_a rule_n of_o these_o law_n in_o advise_v whereof_o there_o must_v consideration_n be_v have_v of_o all_o circumstance_n whatsoever_o that_o as_o far_o as_o may_v be_v they_o may_v agree_v withal_o and_o fight_v with_o none_o and_o especial_o of_o these_o first_o of_o the_o age_n or_o condition_n of_o the_o time_n wherein_o the_o church_n be_v second_o of_o the_o nature_n disposition_n and_o fashion_n of_o the_o people_n three_o of_o the_o state_n of_o that_o church_n for_o which_o the_o law_n be_v to_o be_v make_v four_o of_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o civil_a estate_n of_o the_o kingdom_n or_o commonwealth_n wherein_o the_o church_n be_v build_v and_o last_o of_o the_o law_n of_o other_o church_n we_o say_v that_o in_o make_v church_n law_n beside_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o word_n diverse_a other_o rule_n be_v necessare_o to_o be_v observe_v first_o the_o state_n of_o the_o time_n wherein_o we_o live_v whether_o it_o be_v a_o time_n of_o knowledge_n wherein_o man_n do_v common_o know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n or_o a_o time_n of_o ignorance_n and_o blindness_n wherein_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v rare_a as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o eli._n 1._o samuel_n 3.1_o hereof_o due_a regard_n be_v to_o be_v have_v that_o neither_o less_o nor_o more_o be_v exact_v of_o the_o people_n by_o the_o law_n than_o the_o time_n present_a can_v afford_v for_o private_a ignoraunce_n may_v be_v sudden_o take_v away_o but_o public_a blindness_n can_v be_v full_o amend_v but_o in_o progress_n of_o time_n for_o some_o time_n the_o truth_n of_o god_n shine_v clear_o even_o as_o the_o sun_n at_o noon_n day_n which_o at_o other_o time_n be_v overcast_v with_o cloud_n and_o mist_n of_o blindness_n time_n and_o shine_v more_o dark_o even_o as_o the_o sun_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o day_n this_o have_v be_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n now_o these_o many_o age_n wherein_o blindness_n and_o palpable_a darkness_n bring_v in_o by_o antichrist_n have_v overshadow_a the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n but_o now_o by_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n the_o truth_n have_v these_o many_o year_n and_o do_v daily_o more_o and_o more_o appear_v unto_o we_o insomuch_o that_o if_o we_o do_v compare_v this_o present_a time_n with_o those_o day_n wherein_o it_o please_v god_n not_o many_o year_n past_a to_o reveal_v his_o will_n unto_o we_o we_o shall_v find_v a_o great_a difference_n of_o knowledge_n in_o the_o church_n yea_o so_o great_a â—s_n that_o the_o
in_o the_o flourish_a time_n of_o the_o church_n many_o of_o the_o people_n do_v attain_v to_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n and_o all_o other_o grace_n and_o therefore_o those_o kingdom_n and_o nation_n which_o it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o bless_v with_o peace_n learning_n abundance_n of_o excellent_a man_n and_o such_o other_o blessing_n be_v to_o think_v that_o all_o this_o be_v do_v for_o this_o end_n that_o god_n may_v have_v not_o only_o a_o perfect_a but_o even_o a_o flourish_a church_n among_o they_o therefore_o whenas_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v most_o flourish_a in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o king_n of_o juda_n then_o be_v the_o temple_n the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o a_o most_o glorious_a estate_n yea_o although_o we_o have_v a_o church_n yet_o we_o be_v to_o desire_v this_o estate_n of_o it_o and_o to_o be_v sorry_a for_o the_o lack_n of_o it_o so_o esr._n 3.12_o we_o read_v that_o many_o of_o the_o priest_n levite_n and_o head_n of_o the_o father_n &_o elder_n who_o have_v see_v that_o most_o glorious_a temple_n of_o solomon_n do_v lament_v the_o mean_a estate_n of_o the_o second_o temple_n and_o no_o doubt_n but_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n which_o will_v wring_v tear_n out_o of_o any_o christian_n heart_n to_o behold_v the_o mean_a corrupt_a &_o imperfect_a estate_n of_o church_n in_o those_o kingdom_n and_o country_n which_o abound_v with_o learning_n man_n of_o wisdom_n knowledge_n zeal_n and_o of_o all_o spiritual_a grace_n which_o be_v needful_a for_o this_o purpose_n may_v have_v their_o church_n in_o most_o flourish_a estate_n if_o the_o lord_n will_v once_o put_v into_o their_o heart_n to_o employ_v those_o blessing_n which_o they_o have_v to_o beautify_v and_o adorn_v his_o church_n sect._n 4._o of_o that_o estate_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o the_o build_n of_o it_o be_v hinder_v hitherto_o we_o have_v declare_v how_o the_o frame_n of_o this_o spiritual_a house_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v set_v up_o the_o beginning_n progress_n and_o perfection_n of_o it_o and_o how_o it_o be_v to_o be_v continue_v and_o order_v in_o the_o several_a state_n the_o which_o happy_a and_o joyful_a success_n of_o this_o work_n although_o they_o who_o labour_n in_o it_o both_o aught_o earnest_o do_v desire_n as_o make_v great_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o also_o may_v lawful_o hope_v for_o for_o that_o it_o please_v god_n to_o grant_v it_o often_o to_o the_o church_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o so_o confident_o to_o look_v for_o it_o but_o that_o withal_o they_o do_v consider_v that_o the_o build_n of_o the_o church_n be_v also_o often_o yea_o usual_o and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n hinder_v and_o stop_v by_o one_o mean_n or_o other_o so_o that_o it_o can_v be_v begin_v or_o at_o the_o least_o not_o perfect_v and_o continue_v in_o any_o good_a estate_n the_o building_n of_o the_o church_n be_v hinder_v by_o some_o violent_a mean_n for_o of_o the_o natural_a hindrance_n we_o have_v already_o speak_v become_v hard_a troublesome_a and_o dangerous_a whereby_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o many_o who_o do_v before_o labour_v diligent_o and_o painful_o in_o this_o work_n do_v now_o faint_a and_o give_v it_o over_o so_o we_o read_v 2._o tim._n 4.15_o that_o although_o the_o apostle_n have_v many_o fellowlabourer_n at_o other_o time_n yet_o when_o persecution_n come_v all_o do_v forsake_v he_o as_o also_o the_o disciple_n do_v forsake_v christ_n at_o his_o apprehension_n it_o whereas_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v encourage_v to_o go_v on_o so_o much_o the_o more_o cheerefulie_o in_o this_o work_n consider_v that_o the_o lord_n do_v suffer_v it_o to_o be_v hinder_v that_o he_o may_v by_o this_o mean_n try_v their_o faithfulness_n and_o sincerity_n of_o love_n towards_o his_o glory_n if_o for_o the_o procure_n and_o advaunce_v of_o it_o they_o will_v not_o refuse_v any_o trouble_n danger_n or_o loss_n of_o temporal_a thing_n and_o further_a also_o that_o he_o may_v work_v and_o increase_v in_o they_o patience_n whereby_o they_o may_v quiet_o expect_v the_o time_n wherein_o he_o will_v give_v a_o prosperous_a success_n to_o their_o labour_n yea_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o learn_v to_o rely_v themselves_o whole_o upon_o he_o whenas_o they_o see_v that_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o adversary_n they_o can_v possible_o bring_v to_o pass_v that_o which_o they_o do_v desire_v the_o hinder_v of_o this_o work_n be_v to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o malice_n of_o sathan_n who_o see_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o which_o make_v so_o much_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n unto_o both_o which_o he_o be_v a_o profess_a enemy_n as_o do_v the_o build_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n do_v labour_n by_o all_o mean_n that_o this_o work_n shall_v either_o not_o be_v take_v in_o hand_n or_o at_o the_o least_o not_o go_v forward_o and_o continue_v as_o it_o ought_v and_o as_o he_o be_v strong_a and_o mighty_a both_o to_o haâ—e_v tâ—e_v câ—â—rch_n with_o a_o perfect_a and_o deadly_a mâ—lice_n and_o also_o to_o 〈◊〉_d the_o â—ame_n effectual_o thâ—_n lâ—rde_n â—o_o permit_v 〈…〉_o so_o great_a as_o that_o no_o mâ—n_z â—aâ—_n diâ—couâ—â—_n thoâ—e_v infinite_a sleight_n and_o way_n by_o the_o 〈◊〉_d he_o do_v hinder_v the_o edify_a both_o of_o the_o church_n and_o also_o of_o every_o particular_a member_n of_o it_o the_o which_o although_o they_o may_v in_o some_o measure_n be_v perceive_v of_o those_o who_o be_v exercise_v in_o thiâ—_n spiritual_a warfare_n as_o the_o apostle_n witness_v 2._o corin._n 2.11_o say_n we_o be_v not_o ignorant_a of_o the_o devise_n of_o satan_n yet_o they_o aâ—e_v full_o and_o perfect_o know_v unto_o the_o lord_n only_o who_o also_o do_v so_o frustrate_a and_o disannul_v they_o as_o that_o they_o shall_v never_o final_o prevail_v against_o any_o of_o his_o elect_a but_o of_o those_o hindrance_n which_o satan_n ca_v before_o particular_a man_n in_o the_o way_n of_o thâ—ir_a salvation_n we_o be_v not_o here_o to_o speak_v but_o only_o of_o those_o whereby_o he_o hinder_v the_o set_n up_o or_o continue_v of_o the_o frame_n of_o the_o church_n in_o any_o place_n wherein_o how_o wonderful_o he_o have_v prevail_v from_o time_n to_o time_n it_o may_v â—aselie_o appear_v to_o he_o that_o do_v consider_v in_o how_o few_o place_n of_o the_o world_n the_o church_n have_v at_o any_o time_n have_v any_o dwell_a place_n or_o at_o the_o least_o any_o good_a pure_a perfect_a and_o permanent_a â—state_n and_o to_o lâ—t_v pass_v the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n wherein_o the_o church_n be_v either_o shut_v up_o in_o one_o family_n or_o contain_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o one_o small_a country_n the_o whole_a world_n beside_o remain_v in_o ignorance_n idolatry_n and_o atheism_n if_o we_o come_v to_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n wherein_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v in_o the_o best_a and_o most_o flourish_a estate_n we_o shall_v sâ—e_v how_o strange_o sathan_n hinder_v the_o build_n of_o those_o church_n which_o the_o apostle_n do_v plant_v in_o many_o place_n of_o the_o world_n insomuch_o that_o many_o of_o they_o wâ—re_o soon_o disperse_v and_o most_o of_o those_o which_o do_v continue_v for_o some_o space_n of_o time_n do_v not_o grow_v on_o to_o any_o pure_a and_o perfect_a estate_n judgement_n but_o do_v daily_o decline_v from_o that_o purity_n wherein_o they_o be_v at_o the_o fiâ—st_o establish_a till_o such_o time_n as_o they_o be_v either_o clean_o overthrow_v and_o root_v out_o as_o weâ—_n see_v the_o church_n throughout_o asia_n africa_n and_o a_o great_a part_n of_o europe_n to_o have_v be_v or_o 〈◊〉_d jest_n so_o deface_v and_o corrupt_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o 〈…〉_o god_n the_o purity_n of_o doctrine_n and_o the_o order_n and_o government_n of_o they_o as_o that_o till_o of_o late_o we_o can_v scarce_o have_v acknowledge_v the_o visible_a church_n in_o any_o place_n yet_o the_o lord_n do_v never_o suffer_v sathan_n to_o prevail_v so_o far_o against_o the_o church_n as_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o take_v the_o name_n of_o it_o from_o off_o the_o earth_n and_o whole_o to_o overthrow_v it_o but_o do_v always_o reserve_v some_o place_n for_o his_o church_n to_o remain_v in_o where_o he_o will_v have_v his_o name_n call_v upon_o and_o his_o elect_a enjoy_v the_o mean_n of_o their_o salvation_n the_o building_n of_o the_o church_n be_v hinder_v by_o the_o malice_n of_o sathan_n yet_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o man_n who_o he_o use_v as_o instrument_n for_o the_o â—ffecting_n of_o his_o purpose_n yet_o not_o all_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n for_o some_o do_v indeed_o hinder_v this_o work_n which_o notwithstanding_o in_o desire_n
yea_o this_o course_n do_v esra_n take_v in_o a_o like_a case_n by_o the_o counsel_n and_o commandment_n of_o king_n artaxarxes_n as_o we_o read_v in_o the_o seven_o of_o that_o book_n vers._n 25._o and_o thou_o ezra_n according_a to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o thy_o god_n which_o be_v in_o thou_o appoint_v judge_n even_o all_o that_o know_v the_o law_n of_o thy_o god_n and_o if_o it_o be_v object_v but_o there_o aâ—e_v not_o a_o sufficient_a number_n of_o man_n which_o know_v how_o to_o judge_v instruct_v and_o order_v the_o people_n therefore_o he_o add_v and_o those_o that_o know_v not_o make_v they_o to_o know_v how_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v these_o thing_n so_o that_o by_o the_o good_a direction_n and_o counsel_n of_o those_o who_o be_v the_o chief_a workman_n in_o this_o plant_n of_o a_o church_n man_n otherwise_o ignorant_a and_o unexpert_a may_v become_v able_a to_o teach_v &_o govern_v other_o neither_o ought_v this_o to_o seem_v strange_a unto_o we_o consider_v the_o weak_a and_o simple_a state_n of_o the_o people_n at_o the_o first_o be_v such_o as_o that_o although_o in_o some_o respect_n they_o have_v need_n of_o most_o expert_a master-builder_n yet_o they_o may_v be_v help_v and_o teach_v by_o those_o who_o do_v themselves_o need_v to_o be_v instruct_v and_o according_a to_o the_o mean_a estate_n both_o of_o the_o teacher_n and_o also_o of_o the_o people_n we_o must_v be_v content_a as_o no_o doubt_n the_o lord_n in_o mercy_n do_v accept_v it_o with_o a_o small_a measure_n both_o of_o knowledge_n and_o also_o of_o obedience_n in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n and_o if_o it_o here_o be_v object_v that_o which_o the_o apostle_n forbid_v timothy_n to_o wit_n that_o none_o new_o convert_v from_o paganism_n shall_v be_v a_o bishop_n or_o elder_n we_o answer_v that_o if_o that_o be_v his_o meaning_n yet_o this_o commandment_n must_v give_v place_n to_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o church_n yea_o many_o such_o may_v be_v know_v to_o be_v very_o sound_a in_o the_o faith_n so_o that_o we_o need_v not_o fear_v any_o apostasy_n in_o they_o and_o forasmuch_o as_o it_o may_v be_v well_o think_v that_o these_o man_n can_v so_o soon_o be_v endue_v with_o such_o a_o measure_n of_o knowledge_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o the_o teach_n and_o order_v of_o the_o people_n but_o that_o they_o will_v be_v want_v in_o many_o thing_n and_o oftentimes_o err_v in_o administration_n it_o be_v of_o itself_o so_o hard_o and_o difficult_a as_o that_o even_o they_o who_o have_v all_o their_o life_n time_n labour_v in_o this_o work_n and_o be_v teacher_n and_o governor_n in_o the_o church_n shall_v find_v themselves_o in_o many_o respect_n insufficient_a yea_o ignorant_a and_o unexpert_a in_o many_o case_n which_o do_v often_o fall_v out_o among_o the_o people_n therefore_o they_o by_o who_o mean_n and_o ministry_n the_o church_n be_v first_o found_v even_o as_o by_o most_o wise_a maister-builder_n must_v still_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o the_o several_a congregation_n and_o set_v those_o thing_n in_o order_n which_o be_v amiss_o resolve_v the_o doubt_n which_o be_v rise_v among_o they_o strengthen_v confirm_v and_o encourage_v both_o the_o people_n in_o their_o profession_n and_o obedience_n which_o they_o perform_v both_o to_o god_n and_o to_o his_o minister_n which_o be_v set_v over_o they_o and_o especial_o they_o be_v to_o strengthen_v the_o teacher_n themselves_o lest_o they_o faint_v under_o the_o weight_n of_o this_o most_o painful_a and_o troublesome_a call_n wherein_o they_o find_v so_o many_o offence_n in_o the_o people_n so_o many_o infirmity_n and_o want_n in_o themselves_o yea_o so_o many_o lâ—ts_n and_o hindrance_n of_o their_o ministry_n lay_v by_o the_o malice_n of_o sathan_n and_o the_o mean_n of_o wicked_a man_n thus_o do_v the_o apostle_n paul_n exhort_v confirm_v and_o encourage_v the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n at_o ephesus_n act._n 20._o who_o example_n be_v to_o be_v follow_v of_o all_o in_o this_o case_n who_o be_v endue_v with_o more_o excellent_a gift_n of_o knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n in_o govern_v the_o church_n of_o god_n than_o these_o be_v to_o who_o in_o the_o want_n of_o man_n full_o sufficient_a the_o congregation_n of_o the_o people_n be_v commit_v sect._n 9_o to_o who_o the_o enact_v of_o ecclesiastical_a law_n in_o a_o public_a church_n do_v belong_v it_o remain_v that_o we_o consider_v to_o who_o it_o belong_v to_o make_v ecclesiastical_a law_n in_o a_o public_a church_n in_o private_a church_n this_o aught_o to_o be_v do_v as_o have_v be_v say_v by_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o church_n consist_v of_o the_o ruler_n and_o the_o people_n for_o these_o church_n be_v as_o it_o wâ—re_v free_a city_n exempt_v in_o regard_n of_o divine_a matter_n from_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o all_o superior_a power_n save_v only_o of_o christ_n howsoever_o they_o be_v subject_a to_o magistrate_n as_o touch_v civil_a obedience_n but_o it_o be_v far_o otherwise_o in_o public_a church_n the_n which_o come_v into_o the_o commonwealth_n come_v within_o the_o dominion_n and_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n not_o to_o spoil_v he_o of_o his_o power_n either_o in_o whole_a as_o when_o the_o civil_a state_n be_v rule_v by_o any_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n or_o in_o part_n as_o when_o the_o church_n take_v to_o herself_o full_a and_o supreme_a authority_n in_o the_o order_n of_o her_o own_o matter_n and_o so_o exempt_n herself_o from_o the_o civil_a power_n do_v restrain_v it_o from_o meddle_v with_o all_o matter_n within_o that_o dominion_n but_o the_o church_n become_v public_a do_v subject_v herself_o to_o the_o say_a power_n as_o to_o a_o superior_a or_o heâ—d_a and_o suffer_v herself_o to_o be_v order_v by_o it_o in_o great_a part_n for_o even_o as_o a_o man_n as_o long_o as_o he_o live_v in_o a_o desert_n place_n or_o keep_v himself_o within_o his_o own_o house_n may_v live_v according_a to_o his_o own_o will_n but_o as_o soon_o as_o he_o join_v himself_o to_o a_o commonwealth_n and_o come_v into_o a_o public_a place_n he_o must_v square_v his_o action_n according_a to_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o magistrate_n so_o stand_v the_o case_n with_o the_o church_n the_o which_o be_v free_a as_o long_o as_o she_o be_v private_a but_o be_v public_a be_v overrule_v by_o the_o civil_a power_n yea_o even_o in_o make_v ecclesiastical_a law_n this_o civil_a power_n have_v place_n where_o by_o ecclesiastical_a law_n we_o do_v not_o mean_v those_o which_o prescribe_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o the_o substance_n of_o church-government_n for_o these_o be_v appoint_v by_o god_n in_o the_o word_n and_o can_v be_v change_v by_o any_o creature_n but_o we_o mean_v law_n make_v only_o of_o the_o circumstance_n of_o god_n worship_n be_v thing_n indifferent_a neither_o command_v forbid_a nor_o express_v in_o the_o scripture_n there_o be_v a_o other_o kind_n of_o law_n which_o also_o may_v be_v call_v ecclesiastical_a for_o that_o they_o concern_v the_o church_n make_v to_o allow_v command_n and_o authorise_v the_o public_a build_n of_o it_o such_o be_v the_o edict_n of_o cyrus_n darius_n and_o artaxerxes_n for_o the_o re-edify_n of_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n &_o likewise_o the_o law_n of_o the_o good_a king_n of_o juda_n for_o the_o overthrow_v of_o idolatry_n and_o the_o public_a establish_n of_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n these_o law_n be_v to_o be_v make_v by_o the_o sole_a authority_n of_o the_o civil_a ruler_n or_o at_o the_o least_o by_o that_o authority_n whereby_o civil_a law_n be_v make_v neither_o can_v there_o any_o question_n be_v make_v hereof_o for_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o no_o man_n can_v make_v the_o build_n of_o a_o public_a church_n either_o peaceable_a or_o lawful_a but_o they_o who_o have_v the_o rule_n of_o that_o place_n wherein_o it_o be_v to_o be_v build_v but_o as_o touch_v the_o giver_n or_o maker_n of_o the_o other_o law_n there_o be_v great_a question_n for_o it_o seem_v to_o many_o very_a unmeete_a that_o the_o civil_a power_n shall_v enter_v so_o far_o into_o the_o church_n as_o to_o have_v to_o do_v with_o the_o make_n of_o the_o law_n whereby_o it_o be_v to_o be_v order_v yea_o that_o it_o be_v without_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o magistrate_n call_v to_o meddle_v with_o these_o matter_n but_o it_o seem_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o far_o from_o exclude_v the_o civil_a ruler_n from_o the_o make_n of_o these_o law_n which_o be_v in_o some_o sort_n to_o take_v the_o sceptre_n out_o of_o his_o hand_n forasmuch_o as_o where_o there_o be_v a_o church_n public_o set_v up_o in_o any_o realm_n there_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o commonwealth_n do_v very_o much_o depend_v of_o
reverence_v and_o obey_v yet_o this_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o this_o authority_n do_v not_o stretch_v itself_o to_o any_o church_n save_v only_o to_o those_o which_o join_v themselves_o together_o in_o this_o kind_n of_o government_n or_o rather_o in_o this_o subjection_n and_o therefore_o a_o council_n which_o be_v gather_v out_o of_o all_o the_o church_n of_o some_o country_n or_o part_n of_o the_o world_n can_v impose_v law_n upon_o the_o church_n of_o other_o country_n yea_o if_o in_o a_o ecumenical_a council_n any_o one_o church_n shall_v refuse_v to_o join_v itself_o with_o the_o rest_n the_o law_n of_o that_o council_n shall_v not_o build_v that_o one_o church_n for_o counsel_n have_v no_o authority_n but_o over_o those_o church_n from_o the_o which_o they_o have_v authority_n sect._n 2._o of_o who_o counsel_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o consist_v second_o we_o be_v to_o see_v of_o who_o these_o counsel_n ought_v to_o consist_v the_o answer_n be_v of_o man_n who_o the_o common_a consent_n of_o the_o church_n join_v together_o under_o this_o common_a government_n do_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o their_o gift_n to_o wit_n of_o zeal_n godliness_n wisdom_n learning_n experience_n faithfulness_n boldness_n diligence_n and_o such_o other_o grace_n requisite_a in_o this_o behalf_n judge_v fit_a for_o this_o purpose_n here_o we_o have_v two_o question_n to_o answer_v the_o first_o be_v whether_o that_o any_o beside_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n ought_v to_o be_v of_o these_o counsel_n the_o second_o be_v whether_o that_o a_o council_n may_v convenient_o consist_v whole_o of_o those_o who_o be_v not_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n for_o answer_v of_o both_o these_o question_n we_o confess_v that_o the_o minister_n ought_v to_o be_v account_v most_o fit_a to_o be_v admit_v into_o consultation_n of_o these_o weighty_a matter_n for_o that_o they_o ought_v not_o only_o to_o know_v the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o particular_a church_n better_v the_o any_o other_o it_o be_v their_o call_n and_o office_n to_o look_v unto_o they_o but_o also_o to_o be_v endue_v with_o more_o excellent_a gift_n than_o be_v to_o be_v expect_v usual_o in_o other_o yet_o these_o counsel_n may_v lawful_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n consist_v of_o other_o yea_o the_o constitution_n or_o decree_n of_o such_o counsel_n be_v no_o less_o to_o have_v the_o force_n reverence_n and_o obedience_n of_o ecclesiastical_a law_n then_o if_o they_o have_v be_v make_v by_o a_o council_n consist_v whole_o of_o minister_n for_o it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n which_o do_v consociate_v themselves_o in_o this_o manner_n to_o delegate_v their_o authority_n to_o who_o they_o will_v of_o what_o calling_n or_o condition_n soever_o he_o be_v for_o although_o the_o knowledge_n and_o care_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o all_o other_o grace_n have_v in_o corrupt_a time_n be_v appropriate_v to_o the_o minister_n the_o people_n be_v account_v ignorant_a and_o profane_a idol_n neither_o able_a nor_o worthy_a to_o deal_v with_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n much_o less_o to_o judge_v deterâ—ine_n and_o advise_v of_o â—_z of_o great_a importance_n yet_o we_o learn_v out_o of_o the_o word_n and_o see_v it_o ratify_v by_o experience_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o all_o spiritual_a grace_n do_v as_o well_o belong_v and_o be_v as_o often_o as_o plentiful_o yea_o some_o time_n in_o great_a measure_n grant_v to_o other_o christian_n then_o to_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n so_o that_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n can_v challenge_v to_o themselves_o authority_n and_o ability_n to_o be_v the_o only_a doer_n in_o this_o action_n but_o must_v admit_v into_o their_o company_n and_o consultation_n those_o of_o the_o people_n that_o be_v judge_v fit_n for_o this_o purpose_n yea_o although_o there_o be_v a_o sufficient_a number_n of_o minister_n able_a to_o perform_v whatsoever_o be_v require_v in_o this_o behalf_n yet_o it_o be_v diverse_a way_n inconvenient_a that_o counsel_n shall_v consist_v whole_o of_o they_o for_o first_o we_o know_v that_o a_o great_a part_n of_o these_o law_n do_v concern_v the_o minister_n themselves_o and_o the_o performance_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o function_n wherein_o if_o there_o be_v any_o general_a negligence_n want_n or_o oversight_n and_o error_n which_o be_v no_o strange_a thing_n as_o they_o know_v who_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o history_n and_o state_n of_o the_o church_n who_o shall_v lay_v open_a the_o fault_n &_o make_v law_n for_o the_o redress_v of_o it_o for_o although_o it_o may_v be_v suppose_v that_o they_o will_v do_v it_o of_o their_o own_o accord_n yet_o it_o stand_v not_o with_o their_o wisdom_n who_o have_v the_o choose_n of_o fit_a man_n for_o these_o counsel_n to_o commit_v the_o matter_n whole_o to_o they_o especial_o whenas_o the_o amend_v of_o the_o error_n be_v against_o the_o credit_n consultation_n commodity_n or_o ease_n of_o the_o minister_n yea_o it_o be_v not_o agreeable_a to_o any_o reason_n that_o they_o shall_v appoint_v to_o themselves_o the_o duty_n and_o work_n which_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o correct_v whatsoever_o be_v amiss_o therein_o for_o we_o know_v that_o most_o of_o all_o those_o corruption_n wherewith_o the_o church_n have_v be_v pollute_v and_o deface_v these_o many_o age_n have_v be_v both_o bring_v in_o and_o continue_v by_o the_o mean_n of_o these_o counsel_n consist_v of_o minister_n only_o beside_o this_o reject_v of_o the_o whole_a church_n as_o unfit_a to_o advise_v any_o thing_n for_o their_o own_o good_a be_v both_o injurious_a to_o god_n who_o especial_o in_o this_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n pour_v forth_o his_o spirit_n with_o a_o full_a and_o indifferent_a hand_n on_o all_o his_o servant_n that_o call_v upon_o he_o so_o that_o his_o grace_n bestow_v on_o the_o church_n be_v as_o the_o ointment_n which_o be_v pour_v upon_o aaron_n head_n run_v down_o even_o to_o the_o skirt_n of_o his_o garment_n and_o also_o reproachful_a to_o the_o church_n as_o be_v destitute_a of_o all_o spiritual_a wisdom_n and_o understanding_n last_o the_o exclude_v of_o all_o the_o people_n from_o counsel_n make_v the_o law_n enact_v by_o they_o to_o be_v unwilling_o receive_v for_o that_o the_o minister_n take_v all_o the_o authority_n into_o their_o own_o hand_n do_v easy_o incur_v the_o suspicion_n of_o tyrannize_a over_o the_o church_n whereas_o the_o law_n will_v be_v readely_a obey_v without_o murmur_a or_o repine_v if_o that_o some_o of_o the_o people_n have_v a_o hand_n in_o the_o make_n of_o they_o as_o touch_v the_o second_o question_n although_o a_o council_n gather_v about_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n may_v lawful_o consist_v whole_o of_o those_o who_o be_v not_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n yet_o it_o be_v seldom_o convenient_a that_o this_o shall_v be_v put_v in_o practice_n for_o first_o the_o ordinary_a authority_n wherewith_o the_o minister_n be_v endue_v in_o that_o they_o be_v the_o teacher_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o people_n although_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o make_v law_n yet_o it_o require_v that_o they_o shall_v usual_o bear_v the_o great_a sway_n in_o make_v those_o humane_a law_n whereby_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v govern_v yea_o by_o this_o mean_v it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o law_n have_v great_a force_n and_o authority_n among_o the_o people_n then_o when_o they_o come_v from_o man_n otherwise_o mere_o private_a yea_o the_o state_n of_o many_o church_n be_v so_o that_o few_o man_n of_o other_o calling_n beside_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n give_v themselves_o to_o the_o study_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o have_v sufficient_a knowledge_n for_o this_o purpose_n think_v that_o it_o do_v belong_v to_o minister_n only_o to_o know_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o government_n of_o his_o church_n and_o if_o we_o do_v suppose_v a_o flourish_a state_n of_o a_o church_n wherein_o knowledge_n do_v abound_v not_o only_o in_o the_o minister_n but_o also_o among_o the_o people_n so_o as_o they_o be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o sound_n judgement_n and_o good_a advice_n in_o these_o weighty_a matter_n yet_o the_o minister_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v exclude_v for_o if_o the_o people_n do_v abound_v with_o knowledge_n it_o be_v like_a yea_o necessary_a that_o the_o minister_n be_v much_o more_o fill_v with_o all_o spiritual_a understanding_n and_o wisdom_n yea_o it_o be_v seldom_o see_v that_o other_o know_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o people_n which_o in_o make_v these_o law_n be_v chief_o to_o be_v regard_v so_o well_o as_o the_o minister_n do_v who_o be_v continual_o exercise_v in_o look_v unto_o they_o sect._n 3_o of_o the_o necessary_a conjunction_n of_o particular_a church_n under_o the_o government_n
heretic_n heretic_n have_v give_v their_o life_n for_o the_o gospel_n difference_n to_o be_v put_v betwixt_o the_o simple_a professor_n of_o error_n and_o the_o obstinate_a maintainer_n of_o they_o what_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o reliligion_n before_o and_o since_o the_o come_n of_o christ._n the_o devil_n have_v knowledge_n but_o neither_o faith_n nor_o the_o profession_n of_o faith_n mahometisme_n a_o mystical_a ariaanisme_n no_o salvation_n the_o catholic_a church_n can_v err_v in_o the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n the_o catholic_a church_n have_v often_o be_v in_o most_o grievous_a error_n the_o catholic_a church_n do_v continual_o increase_v in_o number_n and_o in_o knowledge_n the_o catholic_a church_n have_v no_o head_n oâ—_n outward_a government_n the_o catholic_a church_n invisible_a disperse_v christian_n with_o the_o church_n profess_v the_o gospel_n make_v the_o catholic_a church_n eremeticall_a separation_n from_o the_o church_n unawfull_a how_o the_o sacrament_n may_v be_v private_o receive_v god_n accept_v the_o imperfect_a service_n of_o those_o who_o can_v be_v in_o the_o visible_a church_n disperse_v christian_n ought_v to_o labour_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o join_v themselves_o to_o some_o church_n by_o what_o mean_v god_n call_v those_o who_o be_v with_o out_o the_o visible_a church_n three_o thing_n require_v to_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o church_n a_o diverse_a government_n make_v a_o distinct_a church_n the_o whole_a nation_n of_o the_o jew_n make_v but_o one_o particular_a church_n a_o particular_a church_n often_o contain_v in_o one_o family_n why_o it_o be_v needful_a that_o the_o whole_a nation_n of_o the_o jew_n shall_v be_v one_o particular_a church_n better_o for_o a_o church_n to_o consist_v of_o many_o christian_n then_o of_o a_o few_o no_o kind_n of_o man_n exclude_v from_o be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n the_o most_o barbarous_a may_v become_v christian_n the_o plant_n of_o church_n belong_v to_o they_o who_o have_v either_o extraordinary_a calling_n or_o the_o most_o excellent_a gife_n great_a care_n to_o be_v have_v in_o plant_v a_o church_n the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n be_v more_o effectual_a in_o the_o primitive_a church_n than_o it_o have_v be_v at_o any_o time_n since_o the_o jew_n be_v to_o be_v convert_v by_o the_o general_a consent_n of_o the_o gentile_n in_o receive_v the_o gospel_n how_o infidel_n ought_v to_o be_v prepare_v for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n how_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o be_v propound_v to_o infidel_n baptism_n be_v the_o badge_n or_o liveray_fw-fr of_o christian_n baptism_n &_o circumcision_n sacrament_n of_o the_o law_n &_o of_o death_n great_a severity_n in_o punish_v open_a offence_n to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o plant_n of_o church_n the_o establish_n of_o ecclesiastical_a law_n among_o believer_n make_v a_o church_n ecclesiastical_a law_n or_o ecclesiastical_a government_n be_v partly_o divine_a and_o partly_o humaâ—â—_n none_o but_o god_n can_v appoint_v the_o substance_n of_o church-government_n the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n always_o change_v to_o a_o better_a estate_n what_o be_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n before_o the_o law_n what_o be_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o law_n the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n thâ—_n church_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v more_o of_o inward_a grace_n &_o less_o in_o outward_a show_n and_o ceremony_n the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n never_o alter_v but_o by_o man_n send_v immediate_o from_o god_n the_o difference_n betwixt_o divine_a and_o humane_a ecclesiastical_a law_n humane_a ecclesiastical_a law_n be_v make_v of_o the_o circumstance_n of_o god_n worship_n how_o humane_a ecclesiastical_a law_n be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o convenient_a law_n may_v lawful_o be_v obey_v in_o make_v ecclesiastical_a law_n regard_n must_v be_v have_v of_o the_o knowledge_n or_o ignornance_n of_o the_o time_n sharp_a law_n to_o be_v make_v for_o one_o people_n then_o for_o another_o for_o what_o cause_v the_o multitude_n of_o ecclesiastical_a law_n ought_v to_o be_v avoid_v the_o difficulty_n of_o plant_v a_o church_n make_v a_o unestablished_a state_n the_o number_n of_o christian_n be_v to_o increase_v daily_o the_o primitive_a church_n do_v most_o flourish_v in_o spiritual_a gift_n god_n make_v the_o build_n of_o the_o church_n troublesome_a and_o dangerous_a for_o the_o trial_n of_o those_o who_o build_v it_o the_o church_n uttâ—râ—y_o â—uer_o throw_v to_o man_n judgement_n two_o kiâ—des_n of_o civil_a authority_n and_o 〈◊〉_d what_o magistrate_n may_v be_v resist_v in_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o church_n the_o original_n of_o absolute_a authoâ—itie_n unjust_a conquest_n and_o usurpation_n may_v become_v a_o lawful_a dominion_n fliâ—ht_a iâ—_n time_n of_o persecution_n always_o lawful_a and_o often_o good_a for_o the_o church_n the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n belong_v as_o well_o to_o christian_n ruler_n as_o to_o â—he_n people_n what_o caution_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v in_o excommunicate_v the_o câ—uill_a ruler_n excommunication_n be_v no_o curse_n neither_o touch_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o magistrate_n public_a want_n be_v to_o be_v private_o supply_v how_o we_o may_v lawful_o remain_v in_o a_o imperfect_a church_n no_o corruption_n make_v they_o who_o hold_v the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n to_o be_v no_o church_n the_o ten_o tribe_n in_o their_o defection_n be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n the_o ten_o tribe_n in_o thâ—ir_a defect_n on_o be_v the_o church_n of_o gâ—d_n idolatry_n &_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n join_v gâ—thâ—r_n the_o error_n of_o the_o iâ—wes_n before_o the_o come_n of_o christ._n no_o public_a church_n sauâ—_n the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n till_o the_o day_n of_o constantine_n the_o cause_n of_o a_o private_a church_n private_a man_n may_v plant_v private_a church_n every_o one_o ought_v to_o build_v the_o church_n so_o far_o as_o his_o authority_n stretch_v christian_n in_o private_a church_n ought_v not_o to_o abhor_v the_o company_n of_o infidel_n private_a church_n consist_v of_o the_o most_o sweeâ—e_a christians_n what_o a_o public_a church_n be_v why_o there_o be_v no_o public_a ch._n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n why_o public_a church_n can_v not_o be_v so_o perfect_a as_o private_a how_o public_a church_n be_v call_v to_o the_o faith_n public_a church_n stand_v no_o long_o than_o they_o be_v uphold_v by_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n the_o ministry_n be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o civil_a body_n magistrate_n have_v charge_n of_o the_o soul_n their_o subject_n no_o man_n ought_v to_o pass_v the_o limit_n of_o his_o call_n in_o build_v the_o church_n christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n after_o another_o manner_n than_o man_n be_v the_o set_n up_o of_o a_o public_a church_n do_v not_o alter_v the_o form_n of_o civil_a government_n civil_a state_n well_o order_v be_v more_o fit_a harbour_n for_o the_o ch._n then_o disorder_v state_n in_o the_o first_o plant_n of_o a_o public_a church_n the_o false_a worship_n be_v to_o bâ—_n abrogate_a by_o little_a &_o little_a obstinate_a infidel_n may_v be_v compel_v to_o hear_v the_o word_n but_o not_o to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n in_o case_n of_o necessity_n man_n of_o mean_a gift_n may_v be_v admit_v to_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n the_o state_n of_o a_o private_a church_n be_v popular_a but_o the_o state_n of_o a_o public_a church_n be_v according_a to_o the_o form_n of_o the_o civil_a government_n why_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o civil_a ruler_n over_o the_o church_n be_v not_o mention_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o write_n the_o use_n of_o counsel_n why_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n make_v of_o counsel_n in_o the_o writing_n of_o the_o apostle_n for_o what_o cause_v other_o beside_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o ecclesiastical_a consultation_n no_o ecclesiastical_a law_n can_v be_v make_v make_v in_o a_o public_a ch._n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o civil_a ruler_n the_o general_a consent_n of_o the_o church_n confirm_v faith_n how_o the_o visible_a church_n have_v change_v the_o dwell_a place_n
zealous_a of_o the_o law_n yea_o paul_n by_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n do_v go_v about_o to_o make_v the_o jew_n believe_v that_o he_o also_o do_v live_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n act._n 21.26_o and_o therefore_o we_o must_v think_v that_o he_o warn_v the_o galathian_o that_o if_o now_o in_o so_o great_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o teach_v the_o abrogation_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n and_o after_o so_o much_o teach_v and_o so_o many_o admonition_n they_o do_v still_o remain_v blind_a and_o obstinate_a yea_o and_o do_v turn_v back_o again_o to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o law_n that_o then_o it_o be_v a_o evident_a sign_n that_o they_o be_v as_o yet_o destitute_a of_o the_o true_a knowledge_n and_o obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o if_o this_o have_v be_v the_o first_o time_n wherein_o they_o have_v be_v teach_v christ_n he_o will_v easy_o have_v wink_v at_o this_o great_a error_n of_o join_v the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n together_o likewise_o as_o concern_v that_o detestable_a heresy_n of_o arianismâ—_n we_o may_v well_o think_v the_o author_n spreader_n beginner_n furtherer_n and_o maintainer_n of_o it_o to_o have_v be_v man_n destitute_a of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o that_o this_o heresy_n be_v especial_o in_o these_o age_n a_o fearful_a sign_n of_o eternalll_v reprobation_n yet_o we_o be_v not_o to_o think_v so_o hardly_o of_o those_o they_o who_o be_v corrupt_v with_o it_o â—fter_a that_o it_o have_v overspr_v the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o so_o be_v carry_v away_o with_o the_o multitude_n to_o evil_a although_o it_o be_v in_o that_o time_n also_o a_o fearful_a token_n of_o a_o reprobate_a mind_n for_o as_o in_o a_o common_a infection_n of_o the_o air_n we_o can_v judge_v of_o the_o state_n of_o man_n body_n by_o popular_a disease_n and_o death_n whenas_o both_o strong_a and_o weak_a man_n be_v in_o the_o same_o case_n so_o neither_o in_o the_o common_a reign_v of_o any_o heresy_n can_v we_o perfect_o discern_v the_o state_n of_o man_n mind_n and_o soul_n by_o that_o token_n forsomuch_o as_o god_n do_v savesome_a even_o by_o pull_v they_o out_o of_o the_o fire_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v charitable_o to_o hope_v the_o best_a of_o they_o who_o live_v in_o grievous_a error_n not_o of_o wilful_a blindness_n but_o of_o simple_a ignorance_n and_o not_o to_o doubt_v but_o that_o ignorant_a heretic_n be_v religious_a and_o zealous_a seruer_n of_o god_n be_v in_o far_o bettâ—r_a state_n as_o touch_v their_o salvation_n than_o they_o who_o profess_v the_o sincere_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v in_o their_o profane_a life_n deny_v the_o power_n thereof_o but_o that_o heretic_n be_v to_o be_v account_v member_n of_o the_o church_n we_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o declare_v when_o we_o come_v to_o the_o corrupt_a state_n of_o a_o church_n so_o that_o to_o conclude_v this_o point_n we_o do_v and_o that_o as_o we_o trust_v and_o be_v persuade_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n give_v the_o name_n of_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o christian_n to_o all_o that_o do_v in_o outward_a profession_n hold_v the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n the_o which_o although_o in_o effect_n it_o be_v the_o same_o both_o before_o and_o since_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n yet_o it_o have_v some_o difference_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o diversity_n of_o the_o time_n for_o before_o christ_n be_v exhibit_v in_o the_o flesh_n this_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n i_o put_v my_o whole_a trust_n and_o confidence_n for_o my_o happiness_n in_o the_o messiah_n who_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o send_v for_o the_o redemption_n and_o salvation_n of_o the_o people_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o david_n this_o foundation_n do_v the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n profess_v when_o christ_n come_v and_o therefore_o every_o one_o of_o that_o people_n be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n howsoever_o they_o do_v together_o hold_v grosser_n heresy_n christ._n than_o the_o papist_n do_v at_o this_o day_n but_o since_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n this_o be_v to_o hold_v the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n i_o believe_v jesus_n the_o son_n of_o mary_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o promise_a messiah_n the_o lord_n and_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o in_o he_o only_o salvation_n be_v to_o be_v have_v as_o it_o be_v more_o brief_o set_v down_o by_o the_o apostle_n 1._o cor._n 3.11_o another_o foundation_n can_v no_o man_n lay_v but_o that_o which_o be_v lay_v to_o wit_n that_o jesus_n be_v christ._n to_o the_o which_o doctrine_n all_o opinion_n and_o assertion_n which_o be_v contrary_a be_v pernicious_a heresy_n and_o such_o as_o bring_v certain_a damnation_n 2._o peter_n 2.1_o there_o be_v many_o false_a prophet_n among_o the_o people_n as_o there_o be_v falsâ—_n teacher_n amongâ—_n you_o which_o bring_v in_o damnable_a heresy_n to_o wit_n these_o deny_v the_o lord_n jesuâ—_n who_o buy_v they_o these_o bring_v upon_o themselves_o swift_a damnation_n that_o be_v may_v certain_o be_v account_v for_o damn_a as_o for_o the_o heresy_n of_o those_o who_o do_v confess_v the_o lord_n jesus_n as_o they_o be_v more_o weighty_a and_o do_v near_o approach_v to_o the_o grand_a heresy_n of_o those_o who_o do_v not_o confess_v the_o lord_n jesus_n so_o they_o be_v more_o dangerous_a yet_o of_o themselves_o not_o be_v join_v with_o obstinate_a and_o wilful_a blindness_n not_o so_o desperate_a sect._n 5._o of_o those_o who_o dissemble_v their_o profession_n but_o before_o we_o leave_v this_o point_n this_o question_n may_v i_o move_v whether_o as_o the_o outward_a profession_n of_o faith_n without_o the_o truth_n thereof_o in_o heart_n so_o the_o inward_a faith_n of_o the_o heart_n without_o out_o ward_v profession_n be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o true_a member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n we_o answer_v that_o where_o true_a faith_n be_v there_o necessare_o be_v also_o some_o outward_a service_n of_o god_n and_o some_o confession_n of_o the_o mouth_n by_o prayer_n or_o some_o other_o mean_n which_o be_v it_o never_o so_o little_a be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n but_o as_o for_o open_a and_o public_a profession_n of_o our_o faith_n before_o man_n true_a faith_n be_v weak_a may_v be_v destitute_a thereof_o so_o we_o read_v john_n 12.40_o that_o many_o of_o the_o chief_a ruler_n believe_v in_o christ_n but_o neither_o do_v nor_o dare_v profess_v he_o before_o man_n these_o be_v member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n which_o be_v in_o visible_a but_o not_o of_o any_o particular_a church_n unless_o they_o do_v profess_v their_o faith_n before_o other_o beside_o themselves_o so_o that_o outward_a profession_n of_o the_o faith_n although_o it_o be_v secret_a and_o private_a make_v a_o man_n a_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n and_o open_a profession_n make_v we_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n but_o it_o may_v be_v object_v against_o this_o whole_a doctrine_n that_o if_o the_o outward_a profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v a_o true_a member_n of_o the_o church_n than_o the_o devil_n which_o confess_v jesus_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o godâ—_n be_v true_o christian_n we_o answer_v that_o this_o confession_n be_v extort_a from_o they_o by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o sometime_o come_v from_o the_o malice_n of_o their_o nature_n that_o so_o they_o may_v procure_v danger_n to_o christ_n faith_n but_o they_o do_v not_o by_o faith_n rely_v themselves_o on_o god_n in_o christ_n for_o happiness_n neither_o do_v they_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v his_o servant_n and_o that_o they_o be_v to_o love_v he_o and_o labour_n to_o glorify_v he_o as_o all_o christian_n do_v so_o then_o as_o many_o be_v member_n of_o the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o his_o church_n which_o be_v not_o as_o yet_o member_n of_o his_o visible_a body_n which_o be_v the_o visible_a church_n militant_a here_o on_o earth_n they_o not_o be_v as_o yet_o call_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o many_o be_v call_v to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n who_o be_v not_o choose_v sect._n 6._o who_o be_v without_o the_o catholic_a church_n and_o thus_o we_o see_v what_o manner_n of_o serve_v god_n be_v mean_v in_o the_o definition_n the_o other_o word_n which_o follow_v have_v their_o use_n for_o in_o that_o we_o require_v the_o service_n of_o the_o true_a god_n we_o exclude_v all_o heathenish_a and_o pagan_a people_n from_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n because_o as_o it_o be_v rom._n 1.23_o they_o pass_v by_o the_o creator_n worship_v creature_n as_o go_n and_o last_o we_o add_v these_o word_n in_o jesus_n christ_n because_o there_o be_v no_o true_a serve_v of_o god_n the_o
be_v hard_a and_o dry_a that_o they_o can_v hardly_o be_v hew_v square_a or_o make_v fit_a for_o build_v as_o flint_n adamant_n and_o many_o other_o kind_n which_o as_o it_o be_v repel_v the_o tool_n of_o the_o mason_n not_o suffer_v it_o to_o enter_v or_o take_v any_o hold_n of_o they_o but_o other_o kind_n do_v more_o easy_o take_v any_o fashion_n whatsoever_o it_o please_v the_o workman_n to_o give_v unto_o they_o so_o it_o be_v in_o this_o case_n some_o man_n be_v much_o more_o unfit_a and_o untoward_a for_o the_o make_n of_o a_o church_n than_o other_o as_o namely_o those_o who_o live_v in_o extreme_a barbarism_n without_o that_o natural_a knowledge_n of_o god_n civil_a honesty_n and_o good_a literature_n the_o which_o it_o please_v god_n to_o use_v as_o mean_n in_o the_o conversion_n of_o man_n from_o infidelity_n to_o faith_n as_o for_o that_o natural_a knowledge_n we_o know_v that_o the_o apostle_n and_o other_o who_o have_v labour_v in_o convert_n infidel_n which_o have_v no_o write_a word_n do_v always_o go_v about_o to_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o erroneous_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o to_o establish_v the_o true_a worship_n by_o argument_n take_v from_o the_o ground_n of_o reason_n which_o the_o infidel_n themselves_o do_v confess_v to_o be_v true_a likewise_o 1._o pet._n 3.1_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v that_o the_o christian_a woman_n shall_v be_v in_o subjection_n to_o their_o husband_n that_o the_o infidel_n see_v their_o chaste_a honest_a and_o orderly_a life_n may_v be_v convert_v by_o this_o mean_n not_o that_o this_o be_v a_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o convert_n man_n but_o only_o as_o it_o be_v a_o preparative_n whereby_o man_n may_v be_v make_v more_o tractable_a and_o affect_v with_o a_o general_a love_n of_o the_o gospel_n although_o they_o do_v not_o as_o yet_o know_v it_o likewise_o the_o apostle_n note_v 1._o cor._n 1._o that_o the_o contrary_a to_o this_o extreme_a barbarism_n to_o wit_n abundance_n of_o knowledge_n wisdom_n yea_o nobility_n riches_n and_o all_o other_o such_o outward_a prerogative_n be_v hindrance_n in_o the_o first_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o he_o say_v brethren_n you_o see_v your_o call_n that_o not_o many_o wise_a many_o mighty_a or_o noble_a do_v become_v christian_n and_o since_o that_o time_n we_o read_v that_o in_o the_o conversion_n of_o diverse_a country_n to_o the_o gospel_n after_o that_o the_o common_a people_n be_v win_v the_o nobility_n do_v general_o for_o the_o space_n of_o many_o year_n remain_v obstinate_a in_o idolatry_n the_o which_o also_o may_v be_v observe_v at_o this_o day_n in_o diverse_a place_n the_o reason_n whereof_o be_v plain_a to_o wit_n for_o that_o outward_a excellency_n in_o any_o kind_n â—oth_v puff_n up_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n with_o pride_n whereby_o he_o be_v hinder_v from_o submit_v himself_o to_o the_o service_n of_o christ._n sect._n 2._o to_o who_o it_o belong_v to_o plant_v church_n in_o the_o second_o place_n we_o be_v to_o inquire_v to_o who_o it_o belong_v to_o plant_v church_n the_o agentes_fw-la in_o this_o work_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n the_o one_o be_v of_o the_o beginner_n or_o first_o mover_n in_o it_o the_o other_o be_v of_o those_o who_o be_v proper_o call_v the_o workman_n &_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o instrument_n in_o this_o action_n for_o as_o in_o the_o build_n of_o a_o material_a house_n there_o be_v one_o who_o be_v the_o chief_a cause_n of_o the_o work_n and_o other_o who_o be_v by_o he_o set_v a_o work_n &_o employ_v in_o this_o business_n even_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o build_n of_o the_o church_n one_o begin_v a_o other_o do_v perform_v and_o accomplish_v it_o the_o first_o kind_n be_v diverse_a according_a as_o the_o church_n which_o be_v to_o be_v plant_v be_v either_o public_a or_o private_a and_o therefore_o we_o be_v not_o to_o entreat_v of_o they_o till_o we_o come_v to_o the_o diverse_a kind_n of_o a_o church_n but_o the_o workman_n be_v the_o same_o in_o both_o kind_n and_o therefore_o here_o to_o be_v consider_v these_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n unto_o who_o god_n have_v commit_v the_o dispensation_n of_o his_o word_n by_o the_o which_o as_o by_o a_o most_o sharp_a and_o fit_a instrument_n they_o convert_v man_n from_o infidelity_n to_o believe_v the_o gospel_n rom._n 10.14_o how_o shall_v they_o believe_v of_o who_o they_o have_v not_o hear_v how_o shall_v they_o hear_v without_o a_o preacher_n but_o yet_o not_o every_o true_a minister_n of_o the_o word_n can_v perform_v or_o aught_o to_o take_v in_o hand_n the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o work_n forsomuch_o as_o it_o be_v of_o great_a difficulty_n than_o the_o rest_n for_o even_o as_o in_o the_o build_n of_o a_o house_n every_o one_o of_o the_o builder_n can_v lay_v the_o foundation_n but_o only_o he_o who_o do_v far_o excel_v the_o common_a workman_n in_o skill_n so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o plant_n of_o a_o church_n as_o the_o apostle_n do_v plain_o testify_v 1._o cor._n 3.10_o where_o he_o say_v that_o he_o himself_o as_o a_o most_o wise_a and_o cunning_a master_n builder_n have_v lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o leave_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o work_n for_o other_o to_o do_v this_o be_v agreeable_a to_o reason_n &_o common_a experience_n which_o teach_v we_o that_o it_o be_v much_o easy_a to_o continue_v any_o work_n then_o to_o begin_v it_o yea_o even_o in_o natural_a body_n it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n to_o preserve_v and_o maintain_v life_n where_o it_o be_v present_a but_o to_o begin_v life_n or_o to_o put_v life_n into_o a_o body_n destitute_a of_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n to_o man_n strength_n altogether_o impossible_a so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o life_n of_o our_o soul_n for_o to_o continue_v and_o increase_v faith_n where_o it_o be_v already_o begin_v be_v not_o so_o hard_a a_o matter_n but_o that_o by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n it_o may_v be_v do_v by_o ordinary_a gift_n and_o mean_n but_o to_o begin_v it_o in_o a_o infidel_n there_o be_v require_v a_o extraordinary_a work_n of_o god_n and_o most_o rare_a &_o singular_a gift_n in_o the_o minister_n by_o who_o god_n work_v and_o therefore_o it_o please_v god_n for_o the_o plant_n of_o the_o first_o church_n to_o institute_v a_o extraordinary_a ministry_n of_o apostle_n prophet_n &_o evangelist_n who_o he_o endue_v with_o gift_n correspondent_a to_o their_o extraordinary_a calling_n that_o they_o may_v be_v as_o his_o most_o strong_a champion_n arm_v to_o stand_v in_o the_o before_o front_n of_o the_o great_a battle_n for_o the_o overthrow_v of_o infidelity_n idolatry_n ignorance_n sin_n atheism_n &_o whatsoever_o power_n do_v resist_v the_o kingdom_n of_o christ._n thus_o do_v god_n plant_v his_o church_n in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o these_o extraordinary_a calling_n and_o gift_n do_v cease_v in_o the_o time_n follow_v gife_n to_o who_o then_o do_v it_o belong_v now_o to_o plant_v church_n we_o answer_v that_o god_n do_v never_o leave_v his_o church_n destitute_a in_o this_o behalf_n but_o do_v continual_o endue_v some_o with_o a_o rare_a and_o special_a measure_n of_o gift_n whereby_o they_o may_v be_v able_a in_o some_o measure_n to_o perform_v this_o great_a work_n yea_o since_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n god_n have_v call_v &_o may_v when_o it_o please_v he_o to_o call_v &_o also_o furnish_v man_n extraordinare_o to_o this_o work_n but_o when_o this_o be_v want_v as_o we_o be_v not_o now_o to_o look_v for_o immediate_a calling_n the_o plant_n of_o church_n be_v to_o be_v commit_v to_o those_o who_o among_o the_o ordinary_a minister_n of_o the_o church_n be_v endue_v with_o best_a gift_n &_o do_v excel_v the_o rest_n in_o godliness_n zeal_n wisdom_n knowledge_n &_o all_o other_o spiritual_a grace_n needful_a for_o this_o purpose_n sect._n 3_o how_o the_o word_n be_v to_o be_v preach_v to_o infidel_n now_o that_o we_o have_v the_o workman_n to_o who_o it_o belong_v to_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o church_n we_o be_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o consider_v how_o they_o ought_v to_o begin_v this_o weighty_a work_n and_o also_o after_o what_o manner_n they_o be_v to_o proceed_v in_o the_o same_o in_o both_o which_o there_o be_v great_a care_n and_o circumspection_n to_o be_v use_v both_o because_o the_o first_o plant_n of_o a_o church_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a difficulty_n church_n as_o also_o for_o that_o the_o whole_a state_n of_o it_o will_v be_v according_a to_o the_o beginning_n in_o so_o much_o as_o if_o this_o place_n be_v by_o negligence_n or_o any_o other_o mean_v out_o of_o order_n there_o be_v no_o hope_n that_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o building_n shall_v go_v on_o right_n as_o we_o see_v
the_o first_o lie_v upon_o they_o that_o straight_o and_o perfect_a kind_n of_o discipline_n which_o afterwards_o they_o use_v whenas_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o riperyare_n they_o be_v more_o capable_a of_o it_o yea_o this_o continual_a growth_n of_o the_o church_n be_v show_v by_o ezech._n 4.1_o vers_fw-la 3.4.5_o by_o the_o rise_n of_o the_o water_n to_o his_o ankle_n knee_n loin_n and_o head_n sect._n 2._o of_o the_o diverse_a stateâ—_n of_o ecclesiastical_a government_n we_o find_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n three_o kind_n of_o church-government_n the_o first_o of_o these_o be_v in_o force_n before_o the_o give_v of_o the_o law_n the_o second_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o law_n the_o three_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o first_o we_o may_v fit_o resemble_v unto_o the_o first_o infancy_n of_o a_o child_n be_v new_o bear_v in_o the_o which_o although_o there_o be_v all_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n yet_o they_o can_v as_o yet_o do_v their_o function_n and_o therefore_o can_v hardly_o be_v discern_v or_o distinguish_v so_o in_o this_o first_o state_n there_o be_v all_o the_o part_n of_o chuch-government_n although_o they_o do_v not_o so_o plain_o appear_v as_o in_o the_o other_o follow_v law_n there_o be_v a_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n although_o join_v or_o rather_o confound_v with_o the_o civil_a government_n for_o both_o the_o office_n lay_v upon_o the_o first_o bear_v in_o the_o family_n the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v in_o small_a measure_n and_o seldom_o reveal_v the_o same_o be_v confirm_v by_o diverse_a sacrament_n and_o also_o strengthen_v by_o censure_n against_o the_o disobedient_a but_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v little_o practise_v as_o also_o the_o number_n of_o professor_n be_v very_o small_a for_o this_o time_n be_v the_o first_o infancy_n of_o the_o church_n from_o which_o it_o be_v continual_o to_o grow_v on_o to_o perfection_n next_o unto_o this_o succeed_v the_o manner_n of_o government_n under_o the_o law_n institute_v by_o god_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o moses_n law_n be_v much_o more_o perfect_a than_o the_o former_a even_o as_o be_v the_o childhood_n to_o the_o infancy_n so_o that_o now_o all_o the_o faculty_n do_v their_o several_a function_n and_o may_v easy_o be_v perceave_v in_o themselves_o and_o distinguish_v from_o the_o other_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n great_o enlarge_v and_o the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o serve_v god_n increase_v to_o many_o million_o the_o will_n of_o god_n so_o plentiful_o and_o large_o reveal_v that_o it_o be_v of_o necessity_n commit_v to_o writing_n lest_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v forget_v many_o sacrament_n to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o against_o unbelief_n sharp_a and_o severe_a censure_n appoint_v for_o offender_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v but_o the_o childhood_n of_o the_o church_n â—al_a 4.1_o &_o be_v so_o far_o yea_o much_o more_o exceed_v in_o perfection_n of_o the_o three_o as_o it_o do_v exceed_v the_o former_a the_o three_o be_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n wherein_o the_o lord_n do_v as_o it_o be_v put_v the_o last_o hand_n to_o the_o government_n of_o his_o church_n bring_v it_o to_o that_o perfecton_n which_o shall_v continue_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n now_o be_v the_o number_n of_o those_o who_o serve_v god_n increase_v above_o measure_n in_o so_o much_o that_o the_o church_n must_v enlarge_v her_o tent_n and_o receive_v all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n come_v to_o dwell_v with_o she_o esa._n 54.1.2.3_o and_o according_o there_o be_v â—_o most_o perfect_a government_n appoint_v by_o christ_n the_o true_a nature_n whereof_o will_v the_o more_o easy_o appear_v if_o we_o compare_v it_o with_o the_o former_a from_o the_o which_o it_o do_v differ_v as_o do_v the_o ripe_a age_n of_o a_o man_n from_o his_o childhood_n so_o that_o now_o the_o church_n may_v true_o say_v when_o i_o be_v a_o child_n i_o understand_v speak_v and_o do_v as_o a_o child_n but_o now_o i_o have_v put_v away_o childish_a thing_n the_o ground_n of_o this_o difference_n be_v the_o come_n of_o christ_n in_o who_o all_o the_o treasure_n of_o the_o will_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n be_v both_o hide_v â—nd_n reveal_v to_o the_o church_n the_o shadow_n and_o ceremony_n use_v before_o be_v make_v of_o no_o use_n and_o instead_o of_o they_o the_o truth_n itself_o come_v in_o place_n now_o be_v all_o the_o mystery_n of_o our_o salvation_n uncover_v the_o shadow_n be_v drive_v away_o by_o the_o appear_a of_o the_o son_n of_o righteousness_n the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v now_o as_o it_o be_v with_o a_o full_a hand_n pour_v on_o those_o which_o believe_v which_o god_n keep_v in_o store_n till_o this_o time_n that_o by_o the_o plentiful_a pour_v of_o they_o out_o he_o may_v celebrate_v the_o glorious_a marriage_n of_o christ_n with_o his_o church_n gospel_n hereof_o do_v the_o whole_a difference_n arise_v we_o know_v that_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v either_o outward_a consist_v in_o bodily_a action_n or_o inward_a in_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o hart_n this_o do_v the_o lord_n require_v the_o other_o be_v not_o acceptable_a unto_o he_o but_o as_o it_o proceed_v from_o this_o fountain_n the_o outward_a worship_n will_v easy_o be_v perform_v although_o it_o have_v most_o straight_a condition_n annex_v unto_o it_o as_o we_o read_v mica_n 6.6_o where_o withal_o shall_v i_o come_v before_o the_o lord_n will_v he_o accept_v thâ—usands_n of_o ram_n etc._n etc._n but_o inward_a and_o spiritual_a worship_n be_v not_o only_o hard_a but_o also_o impossible_a to_o be_v perform_v without_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n as_o be_v clean_o contrary_a to_o our_o nature_n and_o therefore_o it_o please_v god_n in_o a_o tender_a regard_n which_o he_o have_v to_o his_o church_n under_o the_o law_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o weakness_n of_o it_o to_o appoint_v unto_o they_o more_o of_o that_o outward_a worship_n and_o to_o accept_v their_o spiritual_a service_n although_o it_o be_v in_o small_a measure_n but_o contrary_o now_o under_o the_o gospel_n he_o require_v a_o great_a measure_n of_o spiritual_a worship_n and_o enjoin_v little_a of_o the_o other_o this_o distinction_n be_v make_v by_o christ_n john_n 4.21.23_o the_o time_n come_v when_o neither_o at_o jerusalem_n nor_o on_o this_o mount_v you_o shall_v worship_v my_o father_n but_o in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n this_o be_v also_o that_o new_a covenant_n whereof_o joel_n speak_v whenas_o god_n shall_v pour_v his_o spirit_n upon_o all_o flâ—sh_n not_o but_o that_o the_o faithful_a under_o the_o law_n both_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o also_o perform_v unto_o he_o spiritual_a worship_n without_o the_o which_o the_o other_o be_v but_o abominable_a unto_o he_o but_o yet_o not_o in_o so_o great_a measure_n as_o now_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o whole_a worship_n of_o god_n under_o the_o law_n be_v very_o glorious_a in_o outward_a appearance_n for_o this_o end_n to_o purchase_v obedience_n and_o reverence_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o people_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o now_o the_o whole_a worship_n of_o god_n be_v base_a and_o contemptible_a in_o outward_a appearance_n but_o mighty_a in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o we_o read_v 1._o cor._n 14._o if_o all_o prophecy_n and_o there_o come_v in_o one_o that_o believe_v not_o or_o one_o unlearned_a he_o be_v rebuke_v of_o all_o man_n and_o be_v judge_v of_o all_o and_o so_o be_v the_o secret_n of_o his_o heart_n make_v manifest_a and_o so_o he_o will_v fall_v down_o on_o his_o face_n and_o worship_n god_n ceremony_n and_o say_v plain_o that_o god_n be_v in_o you_o indeed_o the_o which_o appear_v by_o the_o great_a abundance_n of_o spiritual_a grace_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o under_o the_o law_n the_o priest_n be_v not_o so_o endue_v which_o that_o measure_n of_o spiritual_a grace_n but_o in_o steed_n of_o they_o they_o have_v outward_a help_n to_o purchase_v reverence_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o to_o themselves_o among_o the_o people_n the_o temple_n for_o outward_a magnificence_n most_o glorious_a the_o holy_a place_n have_v in_o high_a account_v of_o all_o man_n the_o priest_n separate_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o people_n in_o many_o respect_n and_o for_o the_o same_o end_n the_o high_a priest_n be_v adorn_v with_o glorious_a robe_n that_o so_o he_o may_v the_o more_o excel_v but_o now_o none_o of_o these_o mean_n be_v in_o use_n only_o the_o powerful_a simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v instead_o far_o above_o all_o the_o church_n then_o have_v but_o a_o small_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n in_o comparison_n of_o these_o time_n and_o according_o be_v they_o teach_v but_o now_o the_o lord_n
knowledge_n which_o man_n have_v at_o the_o beginning_n may_v seem_v to_o have_v be_v great_a ignorance_n and_o darkness_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o light_n which_o now_o do_v appear_v so_o that_o according_a to_o the_o difference_n of_o time_n we_o must_v also_o make_v a_o diversity_n of_o ecclesiaâ—tcall_a law_n and_o that_o in_o respect_n not_o only_o of_o the_o people_n but_o even_o of_o they_o also_o who_o do_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n advise_v and_o appoint_v thâ—se_a law_n who_o although_o they_o do_v excel_v all_o other_o in_o knowledge_n yet_o they_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o ignoraunce_n and_o error_n of_o the_o time_n wherein_o they_o live_v from_o the_o which_o no_o man_n can_v be_v whole_o free_v as_o may_v be_v declare_v at_o large_a if_o it_o be_v needful_a to_o be_v stand_v upon_o by_o the_o which_o mean_v it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o they_o do_v see_v much_o more_o in_o process_n of_o time_n than_o they_o do_v at_o the_o first_o insomuch_o that_o they_o will_v acknowledge_v many_o imperfection_n in_o those_o law_n wherein_o before_o there_o seem_v nothing_o to_o be_v want_v thus_o we_o see_v that_o the_o liberty_n or_o rather_o the_o necessity_n of_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o gentiles_n be_v in_o time_n reveal_v unto_o the_o church_n whereof_o at_o the_o first_o they_o never_o dream_v acts._n 11.18_o second_o if_o this_o be_v grant_v that_o they_o to_o who_o the_o advise_v of_o law_n for_o the_o church_n be_v commmit_v do_v see_v the_o whole_a truth_n of_o those_o matter_n whereof_o they_o do_v consult_v yet_o there_o must_v be_v regard_n have_v of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o people_n for_o who_o these_o law_n be_v to_o be_v make_v as_o the_o apostle_n witness_v that_o he_o can_v not_o speak_v to_o the_o corinthian_n 1_o cor._n 3.1_o as_o unto_o spiritual_a but_o as_o unto_o carnal_a man_n and_o that_o in_o consideration_n of_o this_o their_o estate_n he_o give_v they_o milk_n and_o not_o strong_a meat_n and_o in_o like_a manner_n he_o write_v to_o the_o roman_n that_o their_o salvation_n be_v now_o much_o near_a than_o when_o they_o do_v first_o believe_v rom._n 13._o where_o he_o show_v that_o the_o night_n of_o ignorance_n and_o atheism_n wherein_o they_o have_v live_v have_v go_v on_o and_o pass_v away_o by_o little_a &_o little_a and_o in_o like_a manner_n the_o day_n have_v approach_v for_o the_o apostle_n do_v see_v that_o the_o gentiles_n which_o have_v embrace_v the_o gospel_n can_v not_o at_o the_o first_o let_v go_v their_o whole_a course_n of_o life_n whereunto_o they_o have_v be_v continual_o accustom_v and_o do_v in_o that_o respect_n no_o doubt_n tolerate_v many_o thing_n among_o they_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o time_n which_o afterward_o be_v not_o to_o be_v suffer_v in_o regard_n of_o the_o diverse_a nature_n of_o the_o people_n we_o may_v consider_v that_o some_o need_n more_o sharp_a and_o straight_o law_n to_o keep_v they_o in_o order_n than_o other_o do_v the_o which_o consideration_n the_o apostle_n do_v commend_v to_o titus_n another_o tit._n 1.13_o that_o forasmuch_o as_o the_o gratian'ss_n be_v always_o liar_n evil_a beast_n and_o slow_a belly_n therefore_o he_o shall_v reprove_v they_o sharp_o and_o special_o we_o be_v here_o to_o note_v the_o sin_n whereunto_o the_o people_n be_v general_o and_o after_o a_o sort_n natural_o give_v that_o they_o may_v be_v repress_v by_o many_o law_n and_o sharp_a censure_n and_o punishment_n appoint_v for_o they_o who_o do_v offend_v and_o by_o cut_v off_o the_o usual_a occasion_n of_o those_o sinneâ—_n yea_o the_o manner_n and_o behaviour_n of_o man_n common_o receive_v be_v often_o time_n to_o be_v mark_v in_o appoint_v the_o outward_a order_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n for_o many_o thing_n be_v decent_a and_o orderly_a in_o one_o country_n which_o will_v be_v strange_a and_o unseemly_a in_o another_o three_o for_o the_o present_a state_n of_o that_o church_n which_o we_o do_v go_v about_o to_o put_v in_o good_a order_n by_o these_o law_n we_o be_v to_o have_v a_o special_a regard_n unto_o it_o the_o which_o as_o it_o be_v diverse_a and_o subject_a to_o many_o alteration_n so_o ought_v the_o law_n to_o be_v change_v so_o as_o they_o may_v best_o fit_v the_o present_a state_n for_o as_o the_o church_n be_v either_o in_o plant_v or_o else_o in_o grow_v to_o a_o ripe_a age_n either_o in_o great_a motion_n or_o else_o full_o establish_v and_o settle_v pure_a or_o corrupt_a perfect_a or_o imperfect_a so_o all_o the_o law_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v alter_v and_o frame_v according_o of_o all_o which_o estate_n we_o be_v hereafter_o to_o entreat_v four_o the_o law_n of_o the_o church_n be_v so_o to_o be_v make_v as_o that_o they_o do_v not_o cross_v the_o law_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n wherein_o the_o church_n be_v by_o hinder_v the_o church_n from_o perform_v any_o civil_a duty_n which_o be_v lawful_a to_o be_v do_v and_o to_o omit_v many_o other_o respect_n which_o herein_o be_v to_o be_v have_v this_o be_v diligent_o to_o be_v regard_v that_o we_o do_v labour_n to_o conform_v our_o law_n to_o the_o law_n of_o those_o church_n which_o be_v most_o pure_a and_o sincere_a in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n that_o as_o we_o have_v the_o same_o faith_n and_o substance_n of_o government_n so_o also_o we_o may_v have_v the_o same_o ceremony_n and_o ecclesiastical_a order_n although_o not_o all_o for_o that_o can_v be_v yet_o in_o the_o great_a part_n for_o beside_o that_o this_o full_a agreement_n of_o church_n in_o all_o matter_n both_o of_o lesser_a and_o great_a importance_n without_o any_o jar_a be_v as_o a_o sweet_a harmony_n in_o the_o ear_n of_o god_n and_o most_o decent_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o all_o man_n even_o of_o those_o who_o be_v stranger_n from_o the_o faith_n it_o do_v also_o bring_v great_a estimation_n authority_n and_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o several_a church_n for_o that_o hardly_o any_o christian_n will_v be_v find_v so_o perverse_a and_o wilful_a as_o to_o contemn_v or_o reject_v those_o order_n which_o be_v approve_v and_o practise_v by_o many_o church_n this_o argument_n the_o apostle_n do_v often_o use_v to_o establish_v and_o keep_v in_o force_n the_o good_a order_n of_o the_o church_n as_o we_o may_v see_v 1._o cor._n 11.16_o and_o 14.36_o and_o 1._o thâ—ss_n 2.14_o sect._n 5_o of_o the_o number_n of_o ecclesiastical_a law_n the_o number_n of_o these_o law_n ought_v to_o be_v define_v by_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o church_n that_o they_o be_v so_o many_o as_o be_v needful_a for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o good_a estate_n and_o order_n thereof_o so_o that_o if_o any_o be_v take_v away_o there_o will_v a_o manifest_a inconvenience_n follow_v neither_o ought_v the_o number_n to_o exceed_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o for_o these_o cause_n first_o because_o the_o multitude_n of_o law_n be_v contrary_a to_o christian_n liberty_n in_o that_o it_o do_v both_o restrain_v man_n from_o do_v thing_n which_o otherwise_o be_v very_o commodious_a for_o they_o to_o do_v and_o also_o impose_v duty_n the_o performance_n whereof_o be_v otherwise_o needless_a be_v a_o burden_n and_o trouble_n to_o the_o church_n avoid_v this_o reason_n ought_v to_o be_v of_o great_a force_n for_o this_o purpose_n especial_o in_o this_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n wherein_o it_o have_v please_v god_n in_o great_a mercy_n and_o wisdom_n to_o take_v from_o his_o church_n that_o heavy_a yoke_n of_o ceremonial_a law_n wherewith_o she_o be_v grievous_o clog_v before_o and_o to_o endue_v she_o be_v now_o more_o near_o join_v to_o christ_n her_o husband_n with_o this_o notable_a privilege_n and_o benefit_n of_o christian_a liberty_n the_o which_o be_v give_v by_o god_n man_n can_v without_o great_a injury_n both_o to_o god_n and_o man_n take_v away_o and_o here_o by_o the_o way_n we_o may_v see_v what_o a_o impious_a and_o intolerable_a tyranny_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v exercise_v in_o and_o over_o the_o church_n of_o god_n impose_v such_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o vain_a and_o ridiculous_a ceremony_n as_o do_v far_o exceed_v the_o number_n both_o of_o judicial_a &_o also_o of_o heathenish_a ceremony_n and_o therefore_o herein_o we_o be_v to_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n act._n 15.28_o it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o to_o we_o not_o to_o lay_v any_o burden_n of_o observation_n upon_o the_o church_n more_o than_o be_v needful_a second_o the_o multitude_n of_o ecclesiastical_a law_n do_v bring_v with_o it_o a_o multitude_n of_o ceremony_n which_o in_o no_o case_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v for_o that_o it_o do_v derogate_v from_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o