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
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
each_o other_o and_o their_o general_a affair_n be_v so_o link_v together_o as_o that_o neither_o can_v be_v well_o order_v without_o respect_n have_v to_o the_o other_o as_o that_o we_o rather_o take_v it_o agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o the_o chief_a stroke_n in_o this_o action_n be_v give_v unto_o he_o for_o the_o further_a declaration_n hereof_o the_o make_n of_o law_n have_v two_o part_n the_o first_o be_v the_o counsel_v or_o advise_v of_o they_o the_o second_o be_v the_o establish_n or_o enact_v of_o they_o both_o which_o as_o it_o seem_v belong_v to_o the_o civil_a ruler_n the_o first_o in_o part_n the_o second_o whole_o the_o enact_v of_o the_o law_n be_v the_o make_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o in_o the_o first_o place_n we_o will_v endeavour_v to_o show_v that_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v advise_v for_o the_o order_n of_o a_o public_a church_n have_v both_o the_o name_n and_o the_o force_n of_o law_n from_o the_o civil_a power_n for_o first_o this_o must_v of_o necessititie_n be_v grant_v to_o it_o in_o the_o first_o sound_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o we_o be_v to_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v neither_o minister_n nor_o any_o believe_a people_n only_o the_o magistrate_n have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a god_n go_v about_o to_o bring_v the_o people_n thereunto_o the_o which_o thing_n he_o can_v do_v without_o make_v and_o establish_v law_n for_o that_o purpose_n so_o that_o as_o we_o see_v it_o to_o be_v in_o other_o matter_n in_o that_o the_o civil_a ruler_n be_v the_o first_o and_o sole_a founder_n of_o these_o public_a church_n he_o have_v the_o power_n of_o enact_v those_o law_n whereby_o the_o whole_a work_n be_v both_o begin_v continue_a and_o preserve_v thus_o the_o apostle_n be_v the_o first_o founder_n of_o the_o church_n do_v make_v law_n and_o constitution_n for_o the_o order_n of_o they_o as_o we_o may_v see_v 1._o cor._n 4.17_o where_o paul_n witness_v of_o himself_o that_o he_o do_v make_v the_o same_o constitution_n in_o all_o church_n in_o like_a manner_n the_o chief_a ruler_n although_o they_o have_v not_o apostolical_a calling_n office_n and_o gift_n yet_o for_o that_o in_o plant_v public_a church_n they_o do_v supply_v their_o place_n we_o be_v to_o grant_v unto_o they_o authority_n in_o this_o behalf_n and_o as_o this_o poâ—er_n can_v be_v deny_v to_o the_o magistrate_n in_o the_o first_o sound_n of_o a_o church_n so_o whenas_o the_o church_n be_v build_v his_o authority_n be_v not_o diminish_v or_o abate_v or_o give_v to_o any_o other_o but_o remain_v still_o in_o his_o own_o hand_n the_o truth_n whereof_o may_v be_v declare_v in_o this_o manner_n to_o make_v a_o lawgiver_n there_o must_v these_o thing_n concur_v first_o a_o public_a call_n whereby_o he_o have_v care_n and_o charge_n of_o the_o people_n to_o procure_v their_o good_a as_o by_o all_o other_o mean_n so_o especial_o by_o give_v they_o good_a and_o righteous_a law_n by_o the_o which_o they_o may_v be_v order_v second_o authority_n to_o command_v and_o also_o power_n to_o compel_v those_o who_o be_v rebellious_a to_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o the_o say_a law_n the_o which_o thing_n for_o so_o much_o as_o they_o be_v want_v in_o all_o other_o save_v in_o the_o chief_a ruler_n hereof_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o give_v of_o law_n can_v belong_v to_o any_o save_v to_o he_o only_o for_o the_o great_a evidence_n of_o this_o point_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v to_o who_o this_o make_n of_o ecclesiastical_a law_n be_v give_v be_v deny_v to_o the_o civil_a ruler_n namely_o to_o the_o whole_a ministry_n of_o the_o church_n establish_v who_o as_o they_o have_v the_o order_n and_o rule_v of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o great_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n in_o these_o affair_n so_o it_o may_v seem_v most_o meet_a that_o the_o make_n of_o law_n be_v permit_v unto_o they_o for_o the_o answer_v whereof_o this_o be_v to_o be_v mark_v that_o we_o do_v not_o here_o inquire_v who_o aâ—e_v most_o meet_a to_o advise_v ecclesiastical_a law_n and_o to_o be_v admit_v into_o consultation_n of_o they_o for_o we_o can_v doubt_v but_o that_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n be_v usual_o most_o fit_a for_o this_o purpose_n but_o who_o have_v this_o call_n office_n and_o authority_n to_o make_v these_o law_n all_o which_o seem_v to_o be_v want_v in_o the_o ministerâ—_n who_o calling_n and_o office_n be_v to_o be_v in_o particular_a church_n the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n of_o prayer_n of_o the_o sacrament_n &_o of_o discipline_n but_o not_o to_o be_v lawgiver_n in_o the_o church_n for_o so_o they_o shall_v rule_v over_o it_o as_o lord_n which_o be_v forbid_v 1._o pet._n 5.3_o yea_o they_o have_v no_o power_n to_o make_v and_o authorise_v law_n no_o not_o in_o a_o private_a church_n which_o be_v free_a from_o the_o civil_a power_n for_o although_o they_o bear_v the_o chief_a sway_n in_o this_o and_o in_o all_o other_o action_n yet_o the_o law_n take_v their_o authority_n not_o from_o the_o minister_n but_o from_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o church_n consist_v of_o minister_n and_o people_n but_o in_o a_o public_a church_n this_o authority_n go_v from_o the_o people_n to_o the_o civil_a ruler_n government_n by_o who_o authority_n it_o be_v plant_v build_v and_o prefer_v the_o word_n lawful_o preach_v in_o great_a assembly_n of_o the_o people_n the_o which_o otherwise_o be_v tumult_n yea_o the_o positive_a law_n of_o the_o church_n authorize_v &_o put_v in_o force_n so_o that_o in_o a_o private_a church_n the_o state_n iâ—_n popular_a but_o in_o a_o public_a church_n it_o be_v according_a to_o the_o civil_a state_n as_o namely_o monarchical_a in_o the_o rule_n of_o one_o if_o any_o do_v here_o object_v that_o definition_n of_o the_o office_n and_o duty_n of_o a_o ruler_n which_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n make_v 1._o sam._n 8.20_o say_n we_o will_v have_v a_o king_n who_o shall_v judge_v we_o and_o fight_v our_o battle_n for_o we_o and_o thereof_o gather_v that_o he_o be_v otherwise_o busy_v can_v use_v the_o mean_n of_o attain_v a_o sufficient_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n in_o order_v of_o the_o church_n we_o answer_v that_o this_o people_n have_v no_o care_n but_o of_o worldly_a matter_n and_o further_o that_o there_o be_v no_o ruler_n in_o his_o own_o person_n so_o continual_o employ_v in_o civil_a or_o warlike_a affair_n but_o that_o he_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o give_v himself_o to_o the_o study_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o use_n of_o all_o man_n whereby_o he_o may_v be_v make_v able_a for_o the_o discharge_n of_o this_o duty_n to_o the_o church_n the_o truth_n of_o this_o point_n appear_v in_o the_o example_n of_o josua_n who_o have_v a_o more_o weighty_a and_o troublesome_a charge_n lay_v upon_o he_o namely_o to_o bring_v the_o people_n of_o israel_n into_o the_o land_n of_o chanaan_n and_o to_o give_v they_o quiet_a possession_n of_o it_o than_o any_o ruler_n have_v in_o the_o ordinary_a government_n of_o his_o realm_n and_o yet_o the_o lord_n give_v he_o this_o commandment_n in_o the_o first_o place_n jos._n 1.8_o that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n shall_v never_o depart_v from_o he_o but_o that_o he_o shall_v meditate_v on_o it_o day_n and_o night_n if_o it_o be_v further_o ask_v why_o the_o apostle_n never_o make_v mention_n of_o any_o such_o authority_n that_o prince_n shall_v haâ—e_v in_o the_o church_n the_o answer_n be_v plain_a to_o wit_n that_o there_o be_v no_o public_a church_n in_o their_o day_n and_o therefore_o the_o civil_a ruler_n have_v no_o further_a to_o deal_v with_o they_o then_o to_o tolerate_v they_o within_o their_o dominion_n and_o to_o see_v that_o they_o live_v in_o civil_a peace_n and_o order_n as_o touch_v the_o advise_v of_o law_n although_o the_o civil_a ruler_n have_v the_o authority_n of_o enact_v they_o write_n yet_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v very_o spare_v and_o moderate_a in_o use_v it_o the_o which_o thing_n as_o it_o be_v necessarelie_o to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o civil_a government_n of_o all_o ruler_n who_o desire_v to_o have_v a_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a estate_n so_o it_o be_v much_o more_o requisite_a in_o order_v the_o churrch_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v rule_v after_o a_o most_o gentle_a and_o mild_a manner_n even_o as_o the_o prophet_n esay_n do_v teach_v we_o say_v that_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n king_n &_o queen_n shall_v be_v nourse-fathers_n and_o nourse-mothers_n to_o the_o church_n that_o be_v they_o shall_v rule_v and_o order_v it_o not_o tyrannical_o by_o force_n and_o violence_n but_o in_o a_o love_a and_o tender_a sort_n even_o as_o we_o see_v nurse_n deal_v with_o young_a child_n the_o which_o affection_n a_o christian_n ruler_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
absolute_a power_n think_v that_o as_o that_o wine_n be_v most_o wholesome_a which_o be_v take_v not_o in_o the_o full_a vigour_n and_o natural_a strength_n but_o temper_v and_o delay_v with_o some_o cold_a liquor_n so_o that_o manarchie_n be_v most_o safe_a and_o acceptable_a the_o power_n whereof_o be_v moderate_v and_o yoke_v with_o some_o other_o power_n of_o positive_a law_n or_o of_o parliamente_n of_o the_o nobility_n or_o of_o the_o people_n whereby_o it_o may_v be_v restrain_v from_o injury_n injustice_n and_o tyranny_n when_o it_o be_v needful_a thirdlye_o we_o answer_v that_o if_o we_o may_v as_o unskilful_a and_o ignorant_a man_n use_v to_o do_v judge_v of_o the_o cause_n by_o the_o effect_n and_o of_o counsel_n by_o the_o event_n it_o shall_v seem_v that_o this_o people_n do_v not_o loose_a much_o by_o this_o bargain_n for_o that_o the_o state_n of_o their_o commonwealth_n be_v much_o better_a under_o the_o government_n of_o the_o king_n then_o before_o when_o as_o the_o administration_n of_o civil_a affair_n be_v very_o dissolute_a and_o remiss_a yea_o often_o time_n whole_o want_v for_o that_o the_o public_a authority_n be_v as_o have_v be_v declare_v divide_v amongst_o many_o to_o wit_n the_o judge_n the_o high_a priest_n the_o elder_n the_o prince_n of_o the_o tribe_n and_o the_o people_n be_v either_o whole_o or_o in_o pâ—rt_n neglect_v of_o all_o so_o that_o as_o it_o be_v write_v judg._n 21.25_o every_o man_n do_v what_o he_o list_v both_o in_o commit_v and_o also_o in_o redress_v injury_n because_o there_o be_v no_o king_n in_o israel_n but_o after_o that_o there_o be_v once_o a_o king_n make_v they_o never_o want_v government_n yea_o they_o have_v it_o more_o strict_a and_o severe_a then_o perhaps_o they_o desire_v likewise_o for_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o government_n which_o be_v in_o warlike_a affair_n it_o be_v without_o question_n that_o their_o state_n be_v much_o better_v by_o this_o change_n before_o they_o be_v a_o common_a preie_n to_o the_o nation_n near_o unto_o they_o and_o so_o often_o subdue_v and_o captivate_v eight_o year_n to_o chusan_n king_n of_o syria_n judg._n 3.7_o to_o the_o king_n of_o moab_n 18._o to_o jabin_n 20_o year_n judg._n 4.3_o to_o the_o madianites_fw-la 7._o year_n judg._n 6.1_o to_o the_o ammonite_n 18._o year_n judg._n 10.8.9_o to_o the_o philistine_n 40._o year_n judg._n 13.2_o that_o it_o may_v seem_v true_a which_o many_o age_n afterward_o be_v speak_v of_o they_o that_o they_o be_v a_o nation_n bear_v to_o slavery_n but_o by_o their_o king_n they_o be_v not_o only_o free_v from_o be_v so_o often_o subdue_v but_o also_o make_v conqueror_n and_o ruler_n of_o other_o nation_n the_o judge_n deliver_v they_o from_o their_o enemy_n but_o their_o king_n deliver_v their_o enemy_n to_o they_o make_v they_o tributary_n to_o the_o people_n before_o they_o be_v not_o pinch_v with_o heavy_a tribut_n so_o as_o afterward_o by_o their_o king_n but_o they_o be_v much_o more_o often_o spoil_v and_o their_o land_n clean_o waste_v by_o foreign_a invasion_n before_o in_o the_o time_n of_o peace_n the_o common_a people_n do_v more_o abound_v with_o wealth_n because_o they_o be_v free_a from_o public_a burden_n but_o the_o public_a estate_n be_v very_o mean_a when_o as_o it_o be_v at_o the_o best_a &_o for_o the_o most_o part_n very_o beggarly_a and_o miserable_a under_o the_o king_n the_o commonalty_n be_v somewhat_o impoverish_v and_o yet_o they_o have_v as_o we_o say_v some_o thing_n for_o their_o money_n as_o namely_o a_o stately_a and_o glorious_a monarchy_n which_o they_o do_v vehement_o desire_v and_o whereof_o they_o be_v not_o a_o little_a proud_a sumptuous_a palace_n for_o their_o king_n to_o dwell_v in_o and_o many_o fair_a building_n for_o their_o prince_n and_o noble_n especial_o in_o jerusalem_n with_o all_o manner_n of_o provision_n correspondent_a thereunto_o second_o they_o have_v a_o costly_a and_o famous_a temple_n wherein_o to_o worship_n god_n renown_v throughout_o the_o whole_a world_n for_o beauty_n and_o magnificencie_n three_o they_o have_v horse_n and_o chariot_n troop_n of_o horseman_n army_n of_o common_a soldier_n keep_v at_o the_o king_n or_o rather_o at_o the_o common_a expense_n yea_o they_o have_v fence_a and_o wall_a city_n and_o all_o such_o like_a force_n whereby_o to_o resist_v and_o subdue_v their_o enemy_n so_o we_o read_v 2._o chro._n 1._o that_o solomon_n have_v a_o thousand_o and_o four_o hundred_o chariot_n and_o twelve_o thousand_o horseman_n yea_o he_o make_v silver_n as_o plentiful_a as_o stone_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o great_a sum_n of_o money_n be_v give_v to_o he_o for_o tribute_n of_o the_o king_n of_o egypt_n syria_n and_o other_o there_o about_o and_o in_o one_o word_n they_o have_v a_o public_a estate_n far_o pass_v in_o glory_n any_o country_n of_o kingdom_n near_o unto_o they_o former_a so_o that_o if_o it_o be_v as_o wise_a man_n do_v think_v better_o to_o have_v a_o hard_a government_n then_o a_o anarchy_n and_o confusion_n to_o have_v public_a liberty_n from_o foreign_a power_n then_o popular_a licence_n from_o obedience_n of_o law_n to_o be_v pinch_v in_o their_o purse_n then_o to_o be_v slay_v &_o captivate_v in_o their_o body_n wife_n and_o child_n to_o suffer_v injury_n at_o home_n than_o slavery_n abroad_o to_o maintain_v their_o own_o natural_a king_n then_o to_o enrich_v foreign_a nation_n to_o be_v private_o poor_a then_o public_o base_a to_o have_v their_o city_n fence_v then_o their_o house_n trim_v and_o furnish_v then_o this_o people_n be_v not_o so_o notorious_o foolish_a in_o choose_v this_o government_n as_o diverse_a wise_a man_n have_v think_v neither_o have_v they_o a_o very_a evil_a pennyworth_a though_o they_o buy_v it_o with_o the_o price_n of_o their_o own_o liberty_n but_o we_o do_v not_o take_v upon_o we_o to_o define_v any_o thing_n but_o leave_n it_o to_o those_o who_o be_v see_v and_o exercise_v in_o these_o matter_n only_o we_o say_v that_o the_o chief_a commodity_n which_o they_o look_v for_o by_o their_o king_n be_v safety_n from_o their_o enemy_n abroad_o and_o execution_n of_o justice_n at_o home_n as_o appear_v 1._o sam._n 8.20_o wherein_o they_o be_v not_o frustrate_v of_o their_o expectation_n sect._n ix_o thus_o we_o see_v that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n be_v whole_o in_o the_o king_n own_o hand_n no_o other_o have_a part_n thereof_o in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o be_v to_o see_v how_o far_o this_o power_n do_v stretch_v itself_o abroad_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o question_n be_v this_o that_o the_o power_n of_o this_o king_n do_v stretch_v itself_o as_o far_o as_o the_o limit_n of_o his_o kingdom_n or_o land_n do_v so_o that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o person_n or_o cause_n within_o the_o compass_n of_o his_o dominion_n exempte_v from_o it_o for_o the_o person_n of_o man_n there_o be_v no_o pre-eminence_n of_o office_n no_o nobility_n or_o royalty_n of_o blood_n no_o holiness_n of_o call_v or_o function_n neither_o any_o other_o prerogative_n whatsoever_o that_o can_v give_v unto_o any_o man_n this_o privilege_n that_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o jurisdiction_n and_o power_n of_o the_o king_n so_o joab_n be_v the_o grand-captayne_n in_o israel_n place_v in_o the_o high_a office_n in_o the_o land_n yea_o in_o such_o a_o office_n as_o do_v usual_o laugh_v at_o and_o contemn_v the_o power_n of_o the_o great_a prince_n such_o unrulie_a spirit_n do_v military_a licence_n breed_v in_o many_o man_n and_o so_o great_a a_o man_n as_o that_o david_n dare_v not_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o reign_n call_v he_o to_o account_v for_o murder_a abner_n but_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o son_n of_o seruiah_n be_v too_o hard_a for_o he_o as_o we_o may_v read_v 2._o sam._n 3.29_o yet_o we_o know_v that_o solomon_n a_o peaceable_a king_n make_v he_o stoop_v to_o his_o authority_n and_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n at_o his_o foot_n likewise_o adonia_n be_v a_o man_n more_o noble_a in_o blood_n then_o king_n solomon_n for_o he_o be_v his_o elder_a brother_n yet_o this_o royal_a prerogative_n can_v not_o save_v his_o life_n and_o therefore_o he_o be_v put_v to_o death_n by_o the_o sentence_n of_o solomon_n for_o aspire_a nay_o for_o look_v at_o or_o almost_o for_o think_v on_o the_o kingdom_n for_o the_o king_n perceive_v by_o his_o ask_n of_o abisage_n king_n david_n concubine_n that_o he_o still_o keep_v his_o first_o mind_n but_o although_o both_o great_a and_o noble_a man_n and_o all_o general_o which_o have_v any_o place_n office_n or_o call_v in_o the_o commonwealth_n be_v subject_a to_o this_o authority_n yet_o it_o may_v seem_v unmeete_a that_o they_o who_o be_v endue_v with_o holy_a function_n especial_o they_o who_o be_v place_v in_o the_o high_a authority_n in_o
the_o church_n shall_v be_v at_o the_o call_n and_o commandment_n of_o the_o secular_a power_n whereby_o they_o may_v be_v either_o whole_o dispossess_v of_o their_o place_n or_o continual_o trouble_v &_o interrupt_v in_o order_v the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o matter_n of_o god_n and_o final_o injurious_o and_o contumelious_o handle_v which_o thing_n the_o holiness_n of_o their_o place_n and_o person_n will_v in_o no_o wise_n suffer_v for_o the_o answer_n of_o this_o doubt_v it_o be_v plain_a in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o all_o ecclesiastical_a person_n whatsoever_o yea_o the_o chief_a priest_n &_o in_o they_o the_o high_a priest_n himself_o the_o prince_n and_o head_n of_o the_o priest_n who_o be_v the_o type_n of_o christ_n king_n the_o oracle_n of_o god_n and_o on_o who_o the_o whole_a glory_n and_o majesty_n of_o the_o priesthood_n be_v bestow_v be_v no_o less_o subject_n to_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o king_n than_o he_o which_o have_v the_o base_a place_n and_o call_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n the_o truth_n hereof_o appear_v by_o the_o lamentable_a tragedy_n of_o abimelech_n 1._o sam._n 2._o who_o be_v summon_v by_o saul_n to_o appear_v come_v with_o all_o the_o priest_n that_o be_v with_o he_o and_o be_v come_v acknowledge_v saulâ—_n to_o be_v his_o lord_n verse_n 12._o and_o do_v not_o appeal_v from_o his_o unjust_a sentence_n of_o death_n to_o any_o other_o power_n the_o same_o end_n befall_v his_o son_n abiather_n who_o for_o that_o he_o take_v part_n with_o adonia_n be_v by_o solomon_n put_v out_o of_o his_o office_n and_o condemn_v to_o die_v 1._o king_n 2.26_o and_o likewise_o zachariah_n the_o son_n of_o jehâ—ida_n 2._o chro._n 24.21_o now_o although_o two_o of_o these_o king_n do_v impious_o and_o tyrannical_o abuse_v their_o authority_n yet_o it_o do_v appear_v that_o they_o have_v authority_n over_o they_o yea_o not_o only_o these_o example_n but_o the_o course_n of_o the_o whole_a scripture_n and_o equity_n itself_o do_v show_v that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o we_o know_v that_o even_o christ_n himself_o more_o holy_a in_o person_n and_o office_n than_o all_o the_o priest_n man_n or_o angel_n in_o the_o world_n do_v throughout_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n submit_v himself_o to_o the_o civil_a power_n and_o at_o the_o end_n of_o it_o do_v suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v violent_o apprehend_v contumelious_o entreat_v yea_o unjust_o condemn_v by_o the_o deputy_n of_o a_o heathen_a emperor_n likewise_o the_o apostle_n paul_n do_v appeal_v and_o subject_n himself_o to_o the_o authority_n of_o caesar._n neither_o be_v there_o any_o cause_n or_o reason_n why_o it_o shall_v be_v otherwise_o for_o howsoever_o the_o romish_a prelate_n have_v not_o only_o draw_v out_o their_o neck_n from_o the_o subjection_n of_o prince_n but_o also_o have_v invade_v their_o throne_n and_o subdue_v they_o under_o their_o foot_n and_o the_o whole_a clergy_n say_v to_o the_o civil_a power_n come_v not_o near_a nor_o yet_o once_o touch_v i_o because_o i_o be_o holy_a than_o thou_o and_o think_v themselves_o too_o good_a to_o be_v judge_v by_o any_o but_o by_o their_o own_o ordinary_a yet_o the_o truth_n be_v that_o all_o person_n as_o well_o civil_a as_o ecclesiastical_a be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n equal_o subject_a to_o the_o civil_a power_n for_o shall_v christ_n himself_o and_o in_o he_o god_n himself_o stand_v before_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o prince_n and_o shall_v sinful_a man_n nay_o shall_v wretched_a worm_n think_v they_o too_o profane_a to_o be_v competent_a judge_n in_o their_o cause_n no_o no_o the_o servant_n be_v not_o above_o the_o master_n nor_o the_o creature_n above_o the_o creator_n and_o therefore_o we_o say_v with_o the_o apostle_n that_o all_o soul_n that_o be_v every_o man_n that_o have_v a_o soul_n that_o none_o shall_v think_v himself_o exempt_v ought_v to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o high_a power_n rom._n 13.1_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o contrary_a error_n be_v a_o arrogant_a opinion_n which_o presumptuous_a man_n bear_v function_n in_o the_o church_n have_v of_o their_o own_o holiness_n in_o respect_n of_o other_o whereas_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n man_n who_o have_v civil_a calling_n be_v no_o less_o holy_a than_o they_o who_o have_v ecclesiastical_a yea_o sometime_o much_o more_o holy_a they_o who_o have_v ecclesiastical_a &_o holy_a calling_n be_v otherwise_o wicked_a &_o profane_a for_o it_o be_v true_o say_v although_o impious_o apply_v by_o the_o rebellious_a company_n of_o corah_n numb_a 16.3_o that_o not_o only_a moses_n &_o aaron_n but_o even_o the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o the_o common_a people_n much_o more_o the_o lord_n anoint_v be_v holy_a in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o be_v to_o search_v whether_o that_o as_o all_o person_n so_o likewise_o all_o cause_n belong_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n first_o of_o civil_a then_o of_o ecclesiastical_a cause_n in_o the_o first_o kind_n it_o be_v not_o needful_a that_o we_o shall_v insist_v forsomuch_o as_o all_o man_n even_o they_o who_o be_v most_o spare_v and_o wary_a in_o give_v power_n to_o these_o king_n do_v acknowledge_v that_o all_o civil_a cause_n do_v proper_o belong_v to_o their_o jurisdiction_n and_o so_o it_o be_v indeed_o for_o the_o king_n have_v authority_n to_o appoint_v all_o the_o public_a officer_n of_o his_o kingdom_n who_o shall_v be_v his_o counsellor_n at_o home_n or_o his_o captain_n abroad_o who_o shall_v be_v the_o judge_n of_o the_o people_n and_o who_o of_o the_o chief_a senate_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o good_a reason_n it_o be_v that_o he_o shall_v have_v this_o power_n in_o these_o cause_n for_o see_v that_o his_o office_n be_v especial_o to_o judge_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o people_n and_o to_o fight_v their_o battle_n for_o the_o which_o purpose_n the_o people_n desire_v a_o king_n it_o can_v not_o be_v deny_v unto_o he_o to_o appoint_v those_o to_o be_v his_o deputy_n who_o he_o think_v most_o able_a to_o discharge_v these_o duty_n yea_o further_o it_o belong_v to_o he_o to_o call_v all_o public_a assembly_n and_o to_o order_v they_o to_o make_v peace_n with_o who_o he_o will_v and_o to_o go_v to_o battle_n against_o who_o â—e_v when_o 〈◊〉_d think_v good_a the_o truth_n of_o this_o point_n do_v 〈◊〉_d plain_o appear_v throughout_o the_o whole_a story_n that_o we_o need_v not_o insist_v in_o it_o sect._n x._o now_o we_o be_v to_o inquire_v what_o be_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o king_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o church_n to_o wit_n in_o order_v the_o state_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o service_n of_o god_n whereof_o there_o be_v great_a question_n make_v while_o some_o do_v whole_o exclude_v he_o out_o of_o the_o church_n not_o permit_v he_o to_o intermeddle_v with_o any_o affair_n belong_v unto_o it_o other_o suffer_v he_o to_o deal_v in_o these_o cause_n yet_o not_o to_o bear_v any_o great_a sway_n or_o to_o over-rule_v in_o they_o and_o the_o three_o sort_n give_v unto_o he_o the_o great_a part_n of_o that_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n which_o belong_v to_o man_n the_o which_o distinction_n be_v necessare_o to_o be_v consider_v for_o god_n have_v not_o give_v to_o any_o man_n such_o full_a and_o absolute_a authority_n in_o the_o church_n as_o in_o the_o commonwealth_n for_o he_o have_v make_v christ_n the_o sovereign_a lord_n and_o king_n of_o the_o church_n to_o rule_v it_o by_o his_o own_o law_n and_o word_n yet_o one_o part_n of_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n belong_v to_o man_n who_o be_v to_o establish_v the_o divine_a law_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o to_o make_v ecclesiastical_a constitution_n for_o that_o purpose_n but_o who_o have_v authority_n to_o do_v this_o there_o be_v all_o the_o controversy_n in_o the_o first_o opinion_n or_o rather_o gross_a and_o palpable_a error_n be_v the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n with_o their_o adherentes_fw-la who_o that_o they_o may_v through_o the_o church_n enter_v into_o the_o commonwealth_n invade_v the_o riches_n preferment_n and_o pleasure_n of_o king_n and_o usurp_v their_o state_n and_o crown_n have_v thrust_v out_o of_o the_o church_n this_o king_n of_o israel_n lest_o that_o by_o his_o example_n other_o magistrate_n shall_v challenge_v to_o themselves_o authority_n in_o cause_n ecclesiastical_a in_o the_o second_o opinion_n be_v man_n otherwise_o sincere_a in_o judgement_n who_o in_o a_o good_a meaning_n &_o affection_n to_o the_o church_n think_v it_o not_o safe_a or_o convenient_a to_o permit_v she_o whole_o to_o the_o civil_a power_n and_o in_o a_o reverend_a opinion_n of_o she_o judge_v it_o unmeete_a that_o civil_a ruler_n shall_v order_v divine_a matter_n and_o so_o make_v the_o church_n say_v unto_o the_o magistrate_n touch_v i_o not_o for_o i_o be_o more_o holy_a than_o thou_o
but_o we_o follow_v the_o third_o opinion_n think_v that_o the_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n of_o this_o land_n be_v chief_o yea_o in_o a_o manner_n whole_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o king_n and_o that_o by_o his_o authority_n the_o state_n of_o religion_n in_o general_n be_v whole_o set_v up_o maintain_v repair_v and_o order_v yea_o ecclesiastical_a law_n for_o this_o purpose_n establish_v howsoever_o in_o make_v they_o the_o advice_n and_o consent_n of_o other_o be_v for_o diverse_a necessary_a cause_n to_o be_v require_v the_o truth_n hereof_o will_v easy_o appear_v if_o we_o mark_v that_o god_n do_v defer_v the_o build_n of_o his_o temple_n the_o enlarge_n and_o beautify_v of_o his_o worship_n until_o the_o time_n of_o the_o king_n erect_v of_o who_o david_n and_o solomon_n which_o be_v in_o this_o respect_n to_o be_v count_v the_o first_o saul_n be_v reject_v do_v make_v the_o state_n of_o religion_n most_o glorious_a establish_v new_a order_n and_o law_n and_o that_o by_o their_o own_o authority_n although_o they_o have_v the_o word_n of_o god_n both_o in_o themselves_o and_o from_o other_o prophet_n for_o their_o direction_n yea_o the_o general_a practice_n of_o all_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n of_o who_o every_o one_o by_o his_o sole_a authority_n do_v either_o set_v up_o or_o pull_v down_o religion_n do_v declare_v how_o much_o they_o have_v to_o do_v in_o the_o govern_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o pass_v over_o with_o silence_n the_o rest_n of_o the_o king_n let_v we_o only_o see_v how_o far_o ezechia_n do_v meddle_v with_o church_n affair_n of_o who_o we_o read_v 2._o chro._n 29.3_o that_o he_o open_v the_o door_n of_o the_o temple_n bring_v the_o priest_n into_o it_o make_v a_o solemn_a oration_n unto_o they_o teach_v they_o their_o duty_n and_o stir_v they_o up_o to_o the_o careful_a performance_n thereof_o then_o when_o the_o priest_n have_v according_a to_o his_o direction_n cleanse_v the_o temple_n before_o they_o do_v any_o service_n in_o it_o they_o return_v to_o the_o king_n to_o know_v what_o he_o will_v have_v further_o do_v verse_n 18._o then_o the_o king_n with_o the_o noble_n come_v and_o bring_v a_o sinne-offering_a which_o the_o priest_n offer_v at_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o king_n verse_n 24._o then_o verse_n 27._o the_o king_n command_v that_o the_o whole_a burnt-offering_a shall_v be_v offer_v again_o verse_n 31._o he_o command_v that_o the_o people_n offering_n shall_v be_v bring_v in_o further_o in_o the_o 30._o chapter_n he_o hold_v a_o council_n &_o send_v his_o post_n for_o the_o keep_n of_o a_o passover_o yea_o which_o be_v worthy_a to_o be_v note_v when_o as_o the_o people_n be_v unclean_a do_v receive_v the_o passover_n ezechias_n himself_o do_v public_o pray_v for_o they_o and_o so_o make_v they_o clean_o verse_n 20._o likewise_o chap_n 31._o verse_n 2._o ezechia_n appoint_v sundry_a company_n of_o the_o priest_n and_o levite_n after_o the_o diversity_n of_o the_o ministration_n to_o serve_v in_o the_o temple_n and_o command_v the_o people_n to_o make_v provision_n of_o all_o thing_n needful_a for_o they_o and_o verse_n 8._o and_o 9_o he_o come_v and_o view_v their_o provision_n and_o question_v with_o the_o priest_n about_o it_o and_o vers_fw-la 11_o he_o bid_v prepare_v the_o chamber_n in_o the_o temple_n for_o store_n yea_o it_o be_v add_v verse_n 20._o that_o according_a to_o this_o manner_n he_o do_v throughout_o all_o juda_n and_o that_o all_o the_o work_n about_o the_o service_n of_o god_n be_v begin_v and_o prosperous_o end_v by_o he_o the_o same_o manner_n of_o order_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n appear_v in_o the_o story_n of_o josias_n and_o other_o king_n wherein_o this_o may_v plain_o be_v see_v that_o whatsoever_o be_v do_v in_o church_n matter_n be_v do_v by_o the_o commandment_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o king_n the_o occasion_n of_o the_o contrary_a opinion_n whereby_o the_o authority_n of_o this_o kingdom_n in_o this_o behalf_n be_v abridge_v and_o cut_v short_a either_o in_o whole_a or_o in_o part_n be_v these_o first_o for_o that_o it_o be_v think_v that_o as_o civil_a and_o divine_a temporal_a and_o eternal_a matter_n do_v not_o only_o great_o differ_v but_o also_o be_v opposite_a to_o each_o ooth_a so_o that_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o the_o church_n be_v two_o distinct_a yea_o contrary_a body_n govern_v and_o order_v by_o their_o several_a head_n as_o in_o this_o state_n they_o make_v the_o king_n to_o be_v the_o chief_a governor_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o the_o high_a priest_n of_o the_o church_n but_o it_o be_v far_o otherwise_o for_o the_o church_n be_v not_o here_o a_o perfect_a body_n by_o itself_o but_o make_v the_o civil_a body_n more_o excellent_a &_o happy_a body_n for_o even_o as_o when_o any_o people_n be_v rude_a and_o barbarous_a be_v bring_v to_o learning_n and_o all_o kind_n of_o humanity_n there_o be_v not_o a_o new_a state_n or_o body_n add_v unto_o they_o but_o the_o former_a estate_n become_v better_a so_o it_o be_v whenas_o any_o nation_n of_o infidel_n become_v religious_a they_o have_v not_o one_o head_n in_o respect_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o another_o in_o civil_a matter_n but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o for_o both_o but_o hereof_o more_o at_o large_a in_o the_o treatise_n of_o the_o public_a church_n neither_o ought_v we_o to_o think_v that_o either_o the_o office_n authority_n or_o person_n of_o this_o king_n be_v any_o way_n profane_a or_o unholy_a or_o in_o any_o respect_n unfit_a to_o intermeddle_v with_o divine_a matter_n for_o he_o be_v and_o that_o by_o the_o institution_n of_o god_n more_o holy_a than_o oâ—hers_n as_o for_o the_o hurt_n which_o come_v to_o the_o church_n by_o be_v permit_v to_o wicked_a king_n to_o be_v order_v at_o their_o pleasure_n we_o confess_v that_o it_o be_v very_o great_a for_o many_o of_o they_o do_v clean_o overthrow_v the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o remedy_n for_o it_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o any_o save_v only_o of_o god_n who_o be_v and_o be_v able_a to_o turn_v the_o heart_n of_o king_n as_o the_o river_n of_o water_n yea_o to_o shorten_v their_o day_n if_o they_o continue_v obstinate_a in_o their_o wickedness_n and_o to_o raise_v uppe_o in_o their_o place_n good_a and_o godly_a king_n zealous_a of_o his_o glory_n who_o abolish_n all_o idolatry_n and_o establish_v the_o true_a religion_n by_o their_o sovereign_n and_o absolute_a authority_n in_o ecclesiastical_a cause_n do_v recompense_v the_o loss_n and_o comfort_v the_o grief_n which_o the_o church_n have_v by_o the_o wicked_a king_n for_o if_o the_o peoele_n have_v resist_v the_o wicked_a and_o idolatrous_a king_n in_o their_o proceed_n they_o shall_v have_v diminish_v the_o authority_n of_o godly_a king_n king_n and_o by_o use_v violence_n against_o the_o wickedness_n of_o the_o one_o shall_v have_v bind_v the_o hand_n and_o hinder_v the_o godly_a endeavour_n of_o the_o other_o and_o this_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o man_n unto_o who_o the_o good_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n have_v be_v dear_a and_o precious_a have_v be_v loath_a to_o permit_v the_o order_n of_o churche-cause_n to_o civil_a ruler_n because_o many_o of_o they_o have_v be_v open_a enemy_n to_o all_o religion_n and_o godliness_n and_o author_n of_o all_o disorder_n yea_o emperor_n king_n and_o prince_n have_v so_o horrible_o stain_v themselves_o and_o be_v drink_v with_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n which_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v cherish_v and_o preserve_v and_o have_v so_o often_o overthowen_v the_o church_n which_o they_o shall_v have_v build_v and_o maintain_v that_o many_o be_v afraid_a to_o commit_v the_o church_n to_o their_o hand_n who_o have_v often_o show_v themselves_o cruel_a wolf_n then_o careful_a shepherd_n and_o therefore_o it_o have_v be_v say_v by_o many_o that_o prince_n shall_v look_v to_o their_o palace_n and_o leave_v the_o whole_a care_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n but_o we_o see_v the_o contrary_a in_o this_o example_n and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o speak_v untruethe_n no_o not_o in_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n or_o to_o maintain_v the_o state_n of_o religion_n in_o israel_n by_o spoil_v the_o king_n of_o that_o power_n which_o god_n have_v give_v unto_o he_o last_o as_o touch_v ecclesiastical_a law_n which_o be_v to_o be_v make_v by_o man_n for_o the_o put_n in_o practice_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n it_o may_v seem_v that_o although_o the_o set_n up_o and_o pull_v down_o the_o reform_v and_o deform_v of_o religion_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o king_n yet_o to_o be_v very_o unmeete_a that_o he_o shall_v meddle_v in_o the_o make_n of_o they_o whereunto_o we_o answer_v that_o if_o the_o whole_a order_n of_o the_o
general_a state_n of_o religion_n be_v permit_v unto_o he_o we_o can_v exclude_v he_o from_o the_o make_n of_o law_n whereby_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v execute_v the_o humane_a law_n of_o this_o church_n be_v very_o few_o because_o almost_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o service_n of_o god_n be_v prescribe_v by_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n yet_o there_o be_v always_o necessary_a occasion_n of_o make_v some_o king_n in_o the_o which_o work_n the_o king_n have_v the_o chief_a stroke_n thus_o do_v david_n and_o solomon_n make_v many_o ecclesiastical_a law_n which_o continue_v long_o after_o in_o the_o church_n and_o be_v mention_v by_o josias_n say_v 2._o chro._n 35.4_o prepare_v yourselves_o you_o levite_n by_o your_o company_n according_a to_o the_o write_n of_o david_n and_o the_o write_n of_o solomon_n yet_o these_o law_n be_v make_v by_o the_o advice_n of_o other_o to_o wit_n either_o of_o the_o prophet_n as_o we_o may_v see_v 2._o chro._n 33.15_o or_o of_o the_o church_n and_o people_n thus_o do_v ezechias_n hold_v a_o council_n 2._o chro_n 30.2_o wherein_o by_o the_o advice_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n the_o passover_o be_v hold_v in_o the_o second_o month_n likewise_o verse_n 13_o the_o whole_a assembly_n take_v counsel_n to_o keep_v the_o feast_n other_o seven_o day_n so_o that_o although_o these_o ecclesiastical_a constitution_n be_v establish_v by_o the_o sole_a authority_n of_o the_o king_n yet_o they_o be_v advise_v by_o other_o that_o nothing_o shall_v be_v do_v in_o the_o church_n peremptore_o by_o the_o absolute_a authority_n of_o the_o king_n or_o any_o other_o but_o rather_o by_o the_o counsel_n of_o other_o &_o so_o with_o the_o good_a like_n of_o all_o man_n yea_o a_o error_n commit_v in_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n be_v more_o grievous_a &_o dangerous_a &_o therefore_o be_v to_o be_v avoid_v as_o by_o all_o other_o mean_n so_o especial_o by_o take_v the_o advice_n of_o other_o in_o make_v law_n for_o this_o purpose_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o the_o king_n to_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o office_n of_o the_o high_a priest_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o example_n of_o ozias_n 2._o chro._n 26._o or_o to_o meddle_v with_o the_o proper_a duty_n of_o any_o other_o ecclesiastical_a person_n or_o yet_o to_o change_v the_o ceremonial_a law_n but_o only_o to_o order_v the_o public_a state_n of_o religion_n to_o make_v by_o the_o advice_n of_o other_o and_o to_o establish_v by_o his_o own_o authority_n those_o law_n which_o serve_v for_o that_o purpose_n sect._n xi_o there_o remain_v two_o other_o property_n of_o this_o regal_a power_n to_o wit_n that_o it_o be_v absolute_a and_o peremptory_a the_o which_o we_o will_v propound_v very_o brief_o for_o the_o first_o we_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o this_o power_n be_v so_o loose_v from_o law_n that_o the_o king_n may_v do_v what_o he_o list_v for_o he_o be_v tie_v to_o some_o law_n as_o namely_o first_o to_o the_o keep_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n yea_o upon_o pain_n of_o forfait_v and_o lose_v his_o kingdom_n if_o he_o do_v wicked_o transgress_v the_o same_o and_o if_o at_o any_o time_n he_o do_v command_v contrary_a to_o this_o law_n he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v obey_v 1._o king_n 18.13_o 1._o sam._n 22.17_o and_o second_o the_o fundamental_a law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n the_o state_n whereof_o it_o be_v not_o in_o his_o power_n to_o alter_v yea_o also_o he_o be_v tie_v to_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n contain_v the_o outward_a manner_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o he_o be_v loose_v first_o from_o the_o judicial_a law_n of_o god_n and_o second_o from_o all_o positive_a law_n make_v by_o man_n by_o the_o judicial_a law_n be_v usual_o mean_v all_o those_o law_n of_o moses_n which_o belong_v unto_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o second_o table_n and_o of_o such_o duty_n as_o we_o owe_v to_o our_o neighbour_n and_o it_o be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o addition_n to_o the_o second_o table_n as_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n be_v to_o the_o first_o but_o here_o we_o mean_v more_o special_o only_a so_o many_o of_o they_o as_o do_v belong_v to_o the_o public_a administration_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n which_o may_v proper_o be_v call_v political_a judicial_a or_o forensicall_a concern_v the_o manner_n of_o administer_a justice_n and_o judgement_n as_o namely_o in_o what_o order_n judgement_n ought_v to_o begin_v and_o proceed_v what_o punishment_n ought_v to_o be_v inflict_v for_o every_o several_a offence_n and_o also_o how_o they_o shall_v behave_v themselves_o in_o battle_n in_o all_o which_o the_o judge_n elder_n and_o people_n have_v a_o prescript_n form_n which_o they_o do_v follow_v and_o be_v bind_v by_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n so_o to_o do_v but_o the_o king_n be_v free_v from_o these_o law_n law_n so_o that_o if_o they_o do_v execute_v justice_n and_o judgement_n it_o be_v free_a for_o they_o to_o do_v it_o in_o what_o form_n &_o manner_n they_o think_v best_o as_o for_o example_n the_o judicial_a law_n require_v that_o when_o any_o have_v commit_v any_o heinous_a trespass_n there_o shall_v be_v two_o or_o three_o witness_n solemn_o produce_v and_o that_o they_o shall_v begin_v the_o execution_n and_o first_o throw_v stone_n at_o the_o offendor_n but_o the_o king_n namely_o saul_n david_n and_o solomon_n do_v put_v diverse_a to_o death_n without_o observation_n of_o any_o of_o these_o circumstance_n neither_o herein_o do_v they_o sin_n against_o god_n and_o his_o law_n because_o they_o be_v free_v from_o it_o yea_o it_o belong_v to_o the_o king_n to_o make_v these_o positive_a law_n of_o the_o circumstance_n of_o execute_v judgement_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v a_o judge_n a_o lawgiver_n a_o king_n and_o a_o defender_n from_o foreign_a enemy_n be_v all_o join_v together_o isa._n 23.22_o the_o lord_n be_v our_o judge_n our_o lawgiver_n our_o king_n and_o he_o shall_v save_v us._n yea_o the_o power_n of_o this_o kingdom_n be_v such_o in_o this_o behalf_n that_o the_o king_n may_v of_o himself_o without_o call_v any_o to_o consultation_n make_v publish_v establish_v and_o execute_v law_n and_o edict_n whereof_o there_o be_v many_o example_n yet_o it_o be_v more_o usual_a yea_o and_o convenient_a in_o regard_n both_o of_o king_n and_o people_n that_o the_o advice_n of_o the_o priest_n prophet_n ruler_n and_o elder_n of_o the_o people_n shall_v be_v take_v last_o this_o power_n of_o this_o kingdom_n herein_o differ_v from_o the_o power_n of_o the_o judge_n elder_n and_o of_o the_o people_n in_o that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o gentle_a and_o mild_a but_o after_o a_o sort_n a_o fierce_a and_o peremptory_a power_n as_o may_v easy_o be_v gather_v by_o that_o which_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o it_o for_o where_o there_o be_v a_o great_a general_a and_o absolute_a power_n whole_o in_o any_o one_o hand_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v of_o this_o nature_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o people_n stand_v in_o far_o great_a awe_n of_o this_o authority_n then_o of_o any_o other_o insomuch_o that_o the_o law_n edict_n and_o commandment_n of_o the_o king_n be_v like_a unto_o the_o roar_n of_o a_o lion_n whereat_o all_o the_o beast_n in_o the_o forest_n do_v tremble_v and_o quake_v for_o fear_n yea_o their_o whole_a behaviour_n be_v much_o more_o reverend_a to_o the_o king_n then_o to_o their_o other_o ruler_n so_o we_o read_v judg._n 8.1_o and_o 12._o that_o whenas_o gedeon_n and_o jephta_n have_v get_v notable_a victory_n of_o the_o enemy_n the_o ephramite_n come_v upon_o they_o very_o presumptuous_o to_o quarrel_v with_o they_o because_o for_o sooth_n they_o have_v not_o take_v they_o with_o they_o to_o the_o battle_n but_o they_o do_v not_o use_v to_o ask_v their_o king_n any_o such_o question_n or_o to_o require_v any_o reason_n of_o their_o do_n but_o do_v readelie_o come_v when_o they_o call_v go_v when_o they_o send_v and_o do_v whatsoever_o thing_n be_v enjoin_v by_o they_o yea_o we_o may_v well_o think_v that_o the_o cause_n why_o rehoboam_n give_v the_o people_n such_o a_o strange_a answer_n be_v not_o for_o that_o he_o mean_v to_o increase_v their_o tribute_n for_o there_o be_v no_o cause_n why_o he_o shall_v so_o do_v the_o temple_n and_o the_o king_n palace_n be_v build_v and_o the_o king_n be_v furnish_v with_o all_o thing_n requisite_a either_o for_o majesty_n at_o home_n or_o strength_n abroad_o for_o the_o which_o purpose_n those_o great_a tribute_n be_v impose_v but_o rather_o because_o he_o and_o his_o young_a counsel_n be_v high_o offend_v and_o inflame_v with_o anger_n against_o the_o people_n for_o that_o they_o do_v offer_v to_o make_v he_o a_o conditional_a king_n who_o shall_v not_o reign_v but_o upon_o those_o condition_n which_o they_o propound_v to_o take_v one_o example_n of_o
law_n of_o god_n from_o the_o priest_n and_o meditate_v thereon_o day_n and_o night_n that_o he_o may_v keep_v it_o without_o decline_v to_o the_o right_a hand_n or_o to_o the_o left_a yea_o the_o state_n of_o this_o kingdom_n do_v depend_v whole_o upon_o god_n and_o be_v hold_v by_o condition_n of_o obey_v he_o so_o that_o as_o a_o tenant_n or_o vassal_n do_v hold_v his_o land_n and_o live_n of_o his_o liege_n lord_n or_o king_n upon_o this_o condition_n word_n that_o he_o shall_v do_v he_o service_n and_o homage_n and_o to_o be_v at_o his_o command_n the_o which_o if_o he_o do_v not_o he_o do_v forthwith_o forfeit_v his_o title_n and_o dispossess_v himself_o of_o all_o in_o like_a manner_n this_o kingdom_n do_v hold_v of_o god_n by_o condition_n of_o obey_v he_o this_o law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n samuel_n do_v diligent_o teach_v 1._o sam._n 12.23_o if_o you_o do_v wicked_o then_o shall_v you_o perish_v both_o you_o and_o your_o king_n the_o which_o punishment_n be_v execute_v upon_o saul_n solomon_n and_o the_o whole_a race_n of_o idolatrous_a king_n in_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o nation_n sect._n xv._o hitherto_o we_o have_v declare_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n the_o which_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n we_o take_v to_o speak_v of_o now_o we_o come_v to_o the_o action_n of_o samuel_n mention_v in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n whereof_o the_o first_o be_v that_o he_o speak_v this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o people_n and_o that_o no_o doubt_n for_o this_o end_n that_o they_o may_v know_v the_o state_n of_o that_o government_n word_n what_o duty_n they_o be_v to_o perform_v to_o their_o king_n &_o in_o what_o manner_n they_o be_v to_o be_v subject_a &_o to_o obey_v he_o in_o who_o example_n all_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n may_v mark_v their_o duty_n that_o they_o ought_v with_o all_o care_n and_o diligence_n to_o teach_v the_o people_n to_o obey_v the_o civil_a power_n to_o honour_n love_n &_o fear_v it_o to_o be_v 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to_o who_o all_o law_n both_o divine_a and_o humane_a require_v that_o a_o gâ—â—at_a measure_n of_o honour_n obedience_n and_o maintenance_n be_v perform_v tâ—e_v second_o action_n of_o samuel_n be_v that_o he_o write_v this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o kingdom_n in_o a_o book_n and_o that_o for_o perpetuity_n that_o it_o may_v be_v preserve_v safe_a in_o time_n to_o come_v and_o so_o serve_v for_o the_o instruction_n of_o the_o age_n follow_v as_o touch_v this_o book_n it_o perish_v with_o many_o other_o write_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n and_o that_o by_o the_o negligence_n of_o the_o priest_n and_o people_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o sum_n or_o compendious_a abstract_n of_o it_o save_v from_o the_o injury_n of_o the_o time_n and_o the_o public_a calamity_n which_o befalling_a this_o nation_n do_v bury_v many_o notable_a monument_n the_o which_o we_o have_v record_v 1._o sam._n 8._o verse_n 10._o and_o so_o forth_o to_o the_o 19_o out_o of_o the_o which_o place_n this_o doctrine_n which_o have_v be_v deliver_v in_o this_o short_a treatise_n of_o the_o power_n and_o majesty_n of_o the_o kingdom_n may_v be_v gather_v the_o word_n be_v these_o now_o therefore_o hearken_v unto_o their_o voice_n howbeit_o yet_o testify_v unto_o they_o and_o show_v they_o israel_n the_o manner_n of_o the_o king_n that_o shall_v reign_v over_o they_o he_o will_v take_v your_o son_n and_o put_v they_o to_o his_o chariot_n and_o make_v they_o captain_n over_o thousand_o and_o over_o fifty_n and_o will_v set_v they_o to_o care_v his_o ground_n and_o to_o gather_v in_o his_o harvest_n and_o to_o make_v instrument_n of_o war_n and_o thing_n that_o serve_v for_o his_o chariot_n and_o he_o will_v take_v your_o daughter_n and_o make_v they_o apoticary_n cook_n and_o baker_n and_o he_o shall_v take_v your_o field_n and_o your_o vineyard_n and_o your_o best_a olive_n tree_n and_o give_v they_o to_o his_o servant_n and_o he_o shall_v takâ—_n the_o ten_o of_o your_o seed_n and_o of_o your_o vineyard_n and_o give_v to_o his_o eunuch_n and_o to_o his_o servant_n and_o he_o shall_v take_v your_o men-seruante_n and_o maidservant_n and_o the_o chief_a of_o your_o young_a man_n and_o your_o ass_n and_o put_v they_o to_o his_o work_n he_o will_v take_v the_o ten_o of_o youâ—_n sheep_n and_o you_o shall_v be_v his_o servant_n the_o second_o action_n give_v we_o this_o instruction_n that_o according_a to_o the_o example_n of_o samuel_n aâ—l_a christian_n ought_v to_o desire_v and_o they_o to_o who_o god_n have_v give_v gift_n fit_v for_o this_o purpose_n posterity_n by_o all_o mean_n to_o endeavour_v that_o they_o may_v profit_v the_o church_n not_o only_o while_o they_o lâ—â—e_v but_o also_o after_o their_o death_n by_o leave_v behind_o they_o those_o thing_n which_o may_v further_o the_o edification_n of_o it_o thus_o have_v the_o prophet_n apostle_n and_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n do_v from_o time_n to_o time_n who_o write_n do_v testify_v their_o care_n diligence_n and_o pain_n take_v in_o this_o behalf_n the_o which_o as_o we_o do_v now_o enjoy_v to_o our_o unspeakable_a profit_n and_o comfort_n so_o ought_v we_o to_o be_v stir_v up_o by_o their_o example_n to_o perform_v the_o like_a duty_n to_o other_o even_o as_o we_o commend_v the_o careful_a foresight_n of_o those_o man_n who_o as_o they_o eat_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o tree_n which_o their_o forefather_n do_v plant_v so_o they_o plant_v other_o tree_n which_o may_v serve_v for_o the_o use_n of_o their_o posterity_n for_o although_o no_o man_n can_v hope_v that_o his_o labour_n shall_v be_v in_o any_o measure_n so_o profitable_a to_o the_o church_n as_o the_o book_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n be_v who_o have_v the_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o prophecy_n and_o revelation_n and_o be_v direct_v by_o the_o continual_a assistance_n of_o god_n spirit_n yet_o the_o ordinary_a gift_n of_o knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n which_o god_n have_v give_v to_o be_v perpetual_a in_o his_o church_n will_v help_v forward_o the_o build_n of_o it_o chief_o in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o also_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o writing_n whereof_o there_o will_v be_v a_o necessary_a use_n as_o long_o as_o the_o church_n endure_v not_o only_o for_o the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o also_o for_o the_o scan_n of_o controversy_n the_o confute_v of_o heresy_n the_o reprove_v of_o vice_n the_o which_o will_v continual_o be_v new_a and_o fresh_a in_o the_o church_n the_o last_o action_n of_o samuel_n be_v that_o he_o lay_v this_o book_n before_o the_o face_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v in_o the_o place_n of_o god_n worship_n where_o he_o be_v so_o present_a that_o he_o may_v as_o it_o be_v be_v know_v and_o discern_v there_o even_o as_o one_o man_n be_v know_v from_o a_o other_o by_o his_o face_n this_o samuel_n do_v for_o this_o end_n that_o god_n may_v be_v both_o a_o witness_n of_o his_o faithfulness_n in_o teach_v the_o people_n their_o dueâ—ie_n in_o this_o behalf_n and_o also_o a_o maintainer_n of_o that_o â—state_n the_o which_o be_v establish_v by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n yea_o a_o revenger_n of_o all_o disorder_n and_o of_o all_o disloyalty_n which_o shall_v be_v any_o way_n commit_v against_o the_o state_n and_o so_o we_o need_v not_o doubt_v but_o that_o god_n do_v watch_n with_o the_o eye_n of_o his_o providence_n over_o king_n and_o prince_n after_o a_o special_a manner_n vouchsafe_v to_o they_o who_o be_v faithful_a and_o godly_a a_o great_a measure_n of_o wisdom_n and_o of_o all_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n meet_v for_o so_o high_a a_o call_n yea_o and_o do_v severe_o punish_v the_o resistance_n contempt_n &_o disgrace_n offer_v to_o those_o prince_n which_o be_v so_o
by_o the_o fame_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n some_o have_v be_v convert_v so_o be_v rahab_n live_v in_o jericho_n of_o who_o it_o be_v say_v heb._n 11._o that_o she_o believe_v or_o by_o read_v book_n contain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n last_o it_o may_v please_v god_n to_o use_v for_o this_o purpose_n that_o knowledge_n which_o remain_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n since_o the_o fall_n of_o adam_n and_o which_o be_v stir_v up_o by_o the_o contemplation_n of_o the_o creature_n and_o all_o those_o mean_n which_o natural_a man_n have_v for_o the_o attain_n of_o knowledge_n these_o or_o any_o other_o mean_v god_n may_v use_v extraordinary_o yea_o he_o may_v do_v it_o without_o any_o mean_n but_o in_o his_o ordinary_a work_a none_o of_o these_o aforesaid_a mean_n be_v available_a for_o faith_n be_v get_v ordinare_o only_a by_o hear_v the_o word_n preach_v and_o therefore_o we_o be_v to_o esteem_v and_o judge_v of_o they_o who_o have_v not_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n that_o they_o want_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o attain_v a_o true_a and_o save_a faith_n always_o except_v the_o power_n and_o extraordinary_a work_n of_o god_n the_o which_o be_v not_o tie_v to_o any_o mean_n chap._n iii_o of_o a_o particular_a church_n sect._n 1_o of_o the_o original_n of_o particular_a church_n thus_o much_o of_o the_o disperse_a member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n the_o which_o state_n god_n do_v accept_v where_o it_o can_v be_v amend_v but_o so_o that_o he_o will_v have_v all_o his_o servant_n to_o endeavour_n by_o all_o mean_v possible_a to_o come_v &_o live_v together_o for_o their_o mutual_a edification_n and_o therefore_o as_o for_o the_o more_o commodious_a maintain_n of_o our_o temporal_a life_n he_o have_v appoint_v civil_a society_n so_o for_o the_o beginning_n and_o maintain_v of_o spiritual_a strength_n and_o life_n in_o we_o he_o have_v appoint_v holy_a assembly_n which_o be_v particular_a church_n out_o of_o the_o which_o a_o christian_n may_v live_v this_o spiritual_a life_n but_o yet_o in_o great_a weakness_n and_o danger_n even_o as_o a_o man_n may_v preserve_v his_o natural_a life_n in_o a_o desert_n place_n but_o he_o can_v have_v perfect_a strength_n and_o health_n unless_o he_o live_v in_o some_o place_n frequent_v by_o man_n and_o replenish_v with_o thing_n needful_a for_o that_o purpose_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v now_o to_o declare_v what_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v sect._n 2._o of_o the_o definition_n of_o a_o parlicular_a church_n a_o particular_a church_n be_v a_o company_n of_o man_n separate_v from_o the_o infidel_n of_o the_o world_n to_o serve_v god_n under_o all_o the_o same_o divine_a and_o humane_a law_n or_o under_o the_o same_o ecclesiastical_a government_n both_o divine_a and_o humane_a this_o definition_n do_v in_o some_o sort_n comprehend_v in_o it_o the_o whole_a nature_n and_o essence_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n and_o therefore_o a_o great_a part_n of_o this_o treatise_n be_v to_o be_v spend_v in_o the_o explication_n of_o it_o wherein_o that_o we_o may_v proceed_v in_o some_o distinct_a and_o plain_a order_n we_o have_v these_o three_o head_n to_o observe_v first_o the_o separate_n of_o those_o of_o who_o the_o church_n be_v to_o consist_v from_o the_o infidel_n of_o the_o world_n second_o the_o divine_a law_n by_o the_o which_o they_o thus_o bring_v together_o be_v to_o be_v order_v and_o last_o the_o humane_a law_n which_o be_v add_v to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n for_o even_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o establish_n of_o a_o common_a wealth_n or_o kingdom_n first_o man_n must_v be_v bring_v together_o who_o be_v to_o be_v the_o inhabitant_n of_o that_o city_n or_o country_n second_o there_o must_v certain_a general_n and_o fundamental_a law_n be_v make_v contain_v the_o very_a state_n and_o form_n of_o government_n and_o of_o subjection_n which_o must_v stand_v in_o force_n continual_o without_o any_o alteration_n church_n and_o last_o there_o must_v be_v add_v some_o special_a positive_a law_n which_o be_v often_o to_o be_v change_v as_o present_v occasion_n shall_v require_v so_o be_v it_o in_o the_o establish_n of_o a_o church_n first_o man_n be_v call_v from_o infidelity_n to_o faith_n as_o from_o barbarism_n to_o civility_n then_o they_o have_v give_v unto_o they_o the_o law_n which_o god_n in_o 〈◊〉_d word_n have_v make_v for_o the_o government_n of_o his_o church_n till_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o last_o the_o changeable_a ecclesiastical_a law_n of_o man_n again_o as_o we_o see_v man_n do_v in_o the_o build_n of_o a_o house_n first_o they_o prepare_v stone_n than_o they_o join_v they_o together_o in_o some_o form_n of_o a_o house_n till_o by_o little_a and_o little_o they_o set_v up_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o it_o and_o last_o they_o add_v door_n window_n fence_n and_o whatsoever_o may_v serve_v for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o dweller_n in_o like_a manner_n the_o call_n of_o man_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o prepare_v of_o the_o matter_n of_o a_o church_n second_o the_o establish_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n &_o the_o manner_n of_o serve_v god_n be_v a_o set_n up_o of_o the_o frame_n of_o it_o a_o last_o the_o make_n of_o ecclesiastical_a constitution_n be_v the_o apply_v of_o this_o government_n to_o the_o special_a use_n of_o those_o man_n who_o we_o will_v bring_v unto_o the_o form_n of_o a_o church_n that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o fit_a dwell_a place_n for_o they_o this_o latter_a similitude_n we_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o mark_v the_o rather_o for_o that_o we_o be_v to_o use_v it_o throughout_o this_o whole_a treatise_n and_o that_o because_o it_o have_v please_v the_o spiritte_v of_o god_n to_o teach_v we_o so_o to_o do_v who_o in_o the_o scripture_n do_v for_o the_o most_o part_n compare_v the_o church_n to_o a_o house_n and_o to_o the_o building_n of_o it_o as_o we_o may_v see_v 1._o cor._n 3.11.12_o 1._o tim._n 3.15_o 1._o pet._n 4.17_o in_o this_o definition_n the_o last_o word_n only_a the_o rest_n be_v of_o themselves_o plain_a enough_o need_v this_o explication_n that_o by_o humane_a law_n we_o do_v not_o mean_v civil_a law_n but_o ecclesiastical_a constitution_n add_v to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n appoint_v in_o the_o word_n by_o the_o which_o humane_a law_n be_v always_o in_o some_o point_n or_o other_o differ_v from_o the_o law_n of_o other_o church_n particular_a church_n have_v their_o difference_n and_o distincte_n limit_n appoint_v to_o they_o church_n for_o therefore_o we_o have_v insert_v this_o partickle_a all_o in_o the_o definition_n because_o many_o yea_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n may_v agree_v in_o some_o ecclesiastical_a constitution_n but_o not_o in_o all_o so_o that_o the_o same_o government_n make_v one_o and_o the_o same_o church_n yea_o although_o they_o be_v distinguish_v into_o diverse_a congregation_n and_o have_v many_o distinct_a place_n of_o serve_v god_n as_o if_o the_o law_n of_o any_o town_n do_v stretch_v to_o the_o suburb_n and_o village_n about_o there_o be_v but_o one_o corporation_n or_o civil_a body_n and_o to_o use_v our_o accustom_a similitude_n as_o that_o be_v one_o family_n which_o have_v the_o same_o governor_n over_o it_o the_o same_o order_n in_o it_o although_o they_o be_v in_o diverse_a room_n so_o it_o be_v in_o this_o behalf_n a_o distincte_n government_n make_v a_o distinct_a church_n the_o government_n be_v then_o distincte_n when_o either_o the_o humane_a church_n law_n be_v diverse_a or_o at_o the_o least_o the_o ruler_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o company_n have_v in_o their_o hand_n authority_n to_o make_v diverse_a law_n in_o that_o manner_n which_o we_o be_v afterwards_o to_o declare_v so_o that_o where_o we_o see_v many_o distinct_a and_o diverse_a assembly_n or_o congregation_n of_o christian_n all_v to_o depend_v upon_o one_o company_n have_v in_o their_o hand_n the_o say_a authority_n and_o from_o thence_o to_o fetch_v all_o their_o constitution_n 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whole_a catholic_a church_n be_v or_o in_o the_o same_o divine_a government_n as_o the_o whole_a visible_a church_n be_v but_o also_o in_o the_o same_o humane_a government_n to_o wit_n in_o the_o same_o humane_a ecclesiastical_a law_n and_o the_o same_o governor_n sect._n 3_o of_o how_o many_o a_o particular_a church_n may_v consist_v as_o touch_v the_o number_n whereof_o a_o particular_a church_n do_v consist_v the_o least_o may_v be_v give_v but_o not_o the_o great_a the_o least_o be_v the_o least_o number_n of_o one_o private_a family_n within_o the_o compass_n whereof_o a_o particular_a church_n have_v often_o be_v contain_v family_n so_o in_o the_o begin_n there_o be_v a_o particular_a church_n in_o the_o family_n of_o adam_n for_o they_o do_v joint_o together_o and_o in_o common_a offer_n sacrìfice_n and_o serve_v god_n this_o church_n consist_v of_o four_o person_n at_o what_o time_n there_o be_v a_o public_a service_n of_o god_n namely_o adam_n eva_n cain_n and_o abel_n 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shall_v be_v make_v one_o church_n because_o it_o be_v needful_a in_o diverse_a respect_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v but_o one_o place_n of_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n one_o high_a priest_n one_o temple_n and_o place_n of_o offer_v sacrifice_n secondlie_o that_o the_o whole_a nation_n of_o the_o jew_n may_v more_o convenient_o meet_v together_o in_o the_o public_a service_n of_o god_n church_n than_o the_o hundred_o part_n of_o they_o can_v do_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o then_o the_o public_a service_n wherein_o all_o be_v bind_v to_o meet_v be_v but_o seldom_o to_o be_v perform_v to_o wit_n thrice_o in_o the_o year_n at_o the_o three_o solemn_a feast_n and_o then_o they_o do_v not_o give_v themselves_o so_o much_o to_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n and_o to_o public_a prayer_n as_o to_o the_o offering_n of_o the_o sacrifice_n command_v in_o the_o law_n so_o that_o that_o service_n do_v require_v only_o presence_n at_o jerusalem_n or_o about_o the_o temple_n but_o our_o service_n require_v particular_a and_o diligent_a attention_n on_o the_o other_o side_n in_o the_o gather_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n this_o be_v careful_o to_o be_v avoid_v that_o it_o do_v not_o consist_v of_o too_o few_o for_o we_o be_v not_o to_o think_v that_o any_o small_a number_n of_o believer_n do_v make_v a_o competent_a congregation_n but_o rather_o to_o desire_v that_o it_o may_v consist_v even_o of_o so_o many_o as_o may_v convenient_o come_v together_o into_o one_o place_n and_o there_o without_o confusion_n be_v make_v partaker_n of_o all_o those_o mean_n whereby_o they_o be_v to_o be_v edify_v in_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n for_o the_o more_o there_o be_v in_o the_o congregation_n there_o will_v be_v a_o great_a abundance_n of_o spiritual_a grace_n whereby_o the_o public_a function_n of_o the_o church_n yea_o all_o other_o want_n whatsoever_o few_o may_v be_v more_o easy_o and_o abundant_o supply_v there_o will_v also_o be_v find_v more_o pregnant_a example_n of_o special_a virtue_n and_o grace_n in_o the_o life_n of_o man_n and_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n will_v have_v many_o diverse_a strange_a and_o singular_a effect_n in_o man_n which_o can_v be_v have_v in_o a_o church_n consist_v of_o a_o small_a number_n chap._n four_o of_o the_o plant_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n sect._n 1_o of_o what_o people_n the_o church_n may_v be_v plant_v the_o plant_n of_o a_o church_n consist_v in_o two_o thing_n first_o and_o principal_o in_o bring_v a_o competent_a number_n of_o man_n to_o believe_v &_o embrace_v the_o gospel_n even_o as_o in_o the_o build_n of_o a_o house_n the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o work_n be_v to_o dig_v stone_n out_o of_o the_o ground_n for_o that_o purpose_n second_o in_o give_v unto_o they_o be_v thus_o call_v the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n as_o the_o badge_n of_o their_o profession_n this_o be_v to_o hew_v and_o make_v they_o fit_a for_o our_o purpose_n in_o the_o first_o part_n we_o have_v these_o point_n to_o consider_v first_o what_o kind_n of_o man_n be_v fit_a to_o be_v the_o matter_n whereof_o the_o church_n shall_v consist_v second_o by_o who_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v convert_v from_o infidelity_n to_o christianity_n and_o last_o after_o what_o manner_n of_o the_o first_o point_n the_o word_n of_o god_n do_v plain_o teach_v we_o that_o there_o be_v no_o people_n or_o nation_n in_o the_o world_n no_o state_n or_o condition_n of_o man_n whatsoever_o exclude_v but_o that_o the_o church_n may_v consist_v of_o they_o math._n 28.19_o go_v you_o and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o all_o nation_n god_n baptise_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n &_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o people_n in_o the_o world_n either_o so_o dull_a and_o blockish_a but_o that_o they_o may_v be_v teach_v or_o so_o savage_a fierce_a and_o barbarous_a but_o that_o they_o may_v be_v subdue_v to_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o the_o prophet_n esay_n foretell_v esay_n 11._o that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n shall_v be_v so_o great_a that_o man_n who_o of_o themselves_o be_v even_o as_o tiger_n lion_n leopard_n and_o as_o most_o savage_a beast_n shall_v be_v make_v tame_a and_o gentle_a yea_o this_o prophecy_n be_v ratify_v by_o the_o event_n of_o thing_n christian_n whereby_o we_o see_v that_o even_o the_o most_o barbarous_a nation_n and_o general_o all_o kind_n of_o people_n have_v submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ._n and_o yet_o some_o kind_n of_o people_n be_v more_o fit_a for_o this_o purpose_n than_o other_o and_o do_v more_o easy_o yea_o more_fw-it usual_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o gospel_n even_o as_o we_o see_v that_o there_o be_v difference_n in_o stone_n whereof_o some_o
that_o whenas_o there_o be_v a_o fault_n commit_v in_o the_o lay_n of_o the_o foundation_n of_o a_o house_n the_o whole_a building_n will_v for_o ever_o be_v the_o worse_a for_o it_o the_o first_o thing_n therefore_o to_o be_v do_v in_o plant_v a_o church_n be_v to_o convert_v infidel_n to_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v do_v ordinary_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n deliver_v plain_o sincere_o &_o effectual_o as_o god_n have_v appoint_v notwithstanding_o which_o powerful_a mean_n the_o subdue_a of_o man_n to_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o hard_a matter_n yea_o it_o be_v much_o hard_a in_o these_o time_n than_o it_o be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n wherein_o the_o gospel_n be_v first_o preach_v for_o then_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o apostle_n evangelist_n and_o other_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v much_o more_o powerful_a and_o effectual_a than_o any_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n be_v in_o these_o day_n for_o they_o have_v not_o only_o extraordinary_a measure_n of_o those_o gift_n which_o do_v yet_o remain_v in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o build_n thereof_o as_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n knowledge_n wisdom_n zeal_n and_o all_o other_o of_o that_o kind_n but_o they_o have_v also_o other_o most_o wonderful_a gift_n bestow_v upon_o they_o as_o the_o gift_n of_o speak_v in_o strange_a language_n the_o gift_n of_o discern_a spirit_n heal_v the_o sick_a work_v of_o miracle_n and_o such_o other_o which_o serve_v only_o for_o this_o end_n to_o bring_v infidel_n to_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n 1._o cor._n 14.22_o not_o that_o true_a faith_n be_v ordinare_o wrought_v by_o these_o mean_n in_o man_n but_o only_a a_o general_n historical_a and_o temporary_a faith_n whereby_o they_o do_v believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o belief_n be_v profess_v be_v then_o and_o be_v at_o all_o time_n sufficient_a to_o make_v one_o a_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n here_o upon_o earth_n the_o which_o the_o apostle_n do_v labour_n by_o their_o ministry_n to_o bring_v to_o pass_v and_o do_v rejoice_v in_o it_o be_v effect_v although_o there_o do_v appear_v in_o those_o believer_n few_o or_o no_o sign_n of_o save_a faith_n which_o be_v a_o firm_a confidence_n in_o the_o â—ercy_n and_o love_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n effectual_o wrought_v in_o the_o hearâ—_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n arise_v of_o a_o certain_a persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n word_n whereof_o this_o general_a faith_n be_v only_o a_o resemblance_n shadow_n and_o appearance_n and_o further_o for_o this_o purpose_n the_o gift_n of_o miracle_n and_o such_o other_o do_v great_o avail_v for_o they_o do_v so_o astonish_v and_o amaze_v man_n that_o they_o do_v even_o wring_v out_o of_o they_o a_o approbation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n preach_v that_o it_o come_v from_o god_n and_o therefore_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v john_n 1.15_o act._n 13.11_o thus_o do_v the_o apostle_n plant_v church_n but_o they_o who_o since_o that_o time_n labour_n in_o this_o work_n be_v destitute_a of_o this_o help_n yea_o also_o of_o another_o far_o more_o effectual_a to_o wit_n of_o the_o wonderful_a and_o extraordinary_a blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o his_o church_n who_o do_v then_o pour_v forth_o his_o spirit_n so_o strange_o and_o so_o plentiful_o upon_o man_n in_o convert_n their_o heart_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o the_o like_a be_v not_o before_o have_v not_o be_v since_o neither_o shall_v be_v at_o any_o time_n in_o the_o church_n so_o that_o these_o help_n be_v want_v in_o these_o day_n we_o can_v look_v for_o the_o like_a success_n in_o this_o work_n to_o wit_n that_o the_o church_n shall_v have_v such_o a_o sudden_a and_o strange_a increase_n as_o it_o have_v in_o the_o beginning_n whenas_o many_o thousand_o be_v at_o once_o add_v unto_o it_o since_o act._n 2.41_o yet_o we_o be_v not_o to_o despair_v of_o good_a success_n forsomuch_o as_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o leave_v his_o ministry_n destitute_a of_o sufficient_a power_n to_o convert_v many_o man_n to_o the_o faith_n even_o those_o who_o never_o hear_v of_o christ_n before_o for_o although_o the_o extraordinary_a calling_n and_o gift_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n be_v not_o now_o in_o the_o church_n neither_o to_o be_v look_v for_o yet_o the_o force_n of_o they_o do_v remain_v still_o in_o that_o the_o very_a declaration_n of_o those_o wonderful_a miracle_n whereby_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v confirm_v at_o the_o first_o will_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n add_v authority_n and_o give_v success_n to_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n although_o they_o be_v much_o more_o effectual_a in_o those_o who_o do_v behold_v they_o with_o their_o eye_n yea_o we_o have_v some_o help_n which_o be_v not_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o for_o the_o supplier_fw-fr whereof_o those_o other_o be_v give_v to_o wit_n the_o consent_n of_o all_o age_n since_o the_o first_o publish_v of_o the_o gospel_n wherein_o many_o have_v not_o only_o profess_v the_o faith_n but_o also_o seal_v that_o their_o profession_n with_o thâ—ir_a blood_n and_o that_o not_o any_o small_a number_n but_o even_o whole_a nation_n have_v profess_v and_o do_v confess_v the_o gospel_n the_o which_o no_o doubt_n be_v a_o forcible_a argument_n and_o even_o as_o a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n whereby_o he_o who_o be_v obstinate_a in_o infidelity_n may_v be_v either_o convert_v or_o confound_v and_o put_v to_o silence_n yea_o this_o general_a embrace_v of_o the_o gospel_n by_o so_o many_o country_n and_o nation_n be_v that_o fullness_n of_o the_o gentile_n the_o which_o the_o lord_n have_v appoint_v as_o a_o mean_n whereby_o that_o obstinate_a and_o harde-hearted_n nation_n of_o the_o jew_n shall_v at_o the_o appoint_a time_n be_v convert_v and_o therefore_o it_o can_v but_o be_v effectual_a with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o gentile_n who_o be_v not_o so_o obstinate_a in_o infidelity_n as_o the_o jew_n be_v gospel_n but_o we_o be_v especial_o to_o rely_v upon_o that_o force_n which_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v plain_o and_o sincere_o deliver_v have_v in_o turn_v man_n heart_n unto_o god_n which_o will_v never_o return_v empty_a but_o in_o some_o measure_n perform_v the_o thing_n for_o which_o it_o be_v send_v thus_o much_o in_o general_a of_o the_o mean_n of_o convert_n infidel_n now_o of_o the_o same_o in_o particular_a the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n which_o be_v here_o to_o be_v use_v have_v two_o part_n the_o first_o be_v a_o preparative_n whereby_o infidel_n be_v of_o themselves_o altogether_o unfit_a to_o hear_v and_o unlike_a to_o believe_v the_o word_n be_v in_o some_o measure_n prepare_v for_o this_o purpose_n the_o second_o be_v to_o teach_v they_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o prepare_v ministry_n consist_v in_o two_o thing_n the_o first_o be_v to_o purge_v their_o mind_n from_o that_o false_a worship_n whereunto_o they_o be_v give_v gospel_n the_o second_o be_v to_o convince_v their_o conscience_n of_o sin_n for_o the_o first_o we_o can_v hope_v that_o man_n be_v full_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o own_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o deity_n power_n and_o goodness_n of_o those_o false_a god_n which_o they_o worship_v will_v embrace_v any_o new_a and_o strange_a religion_n thus_o do_v elias_n 1._o king_n 18.24_o bring_v the_o people_n from_o idolatry_n to_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o likewise_o paul_n deal_v with_o the_o idolatrous_a man_n of_o athens_n act._n 17.29_o and_o with_o they_o of_o lystra_n act._n 14.13_o and_o yet_o there_o be_v great_a moderation_n and_o wisdom_n to_o be_v use_v in_o this_o point_n so_o that_o we_o do_v not_o at_o the_o first_o speak_v so_o vile_o and_o base_o of_o their_o religion_n as_o it_o do_v deserve_v but_o rather_o tolerate_v they_o in_o their_o corruption_n and_o withal_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o truth_n that_o â—o_o the_o other_o false_a worship_n may_v slip_v out_o of_o their_o mind_n as_o it_o be_v without_o violence_n they_o leave_v it_o of_o their_o own_o accord_n for_o otherwise_o if_o they_o see_v their_o god_n and_o religion_n wherein_o they_o have_v be_v bring_v up_o and_o which_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o their_o ancestor_n to_o be_v blaspheme_v and_o evil_o speak_v off_o there_o be_v great_a danger_n lest_o at_o the_o first_o we_o so_o alienate_v their_o mind_n that_o they_o will_v not_o hear_v the_o word_n preach_v but_o become_v utter_a enemy_n unto_o it_o so_o the_o town_n clerk_n in_o the_o apology_n for_o paul_n act_n 19.37_o witness_v that_o he_o in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n have_v not_o blaspheme_v their_o goddess_n diana_n secondlie_o they_o must_v be_v prepare_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n
do_v chief_o teach_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o law_n yet_o that_o they_o do_v also_o represent_v to_o our_o eye_n and_o seal_v uppe_o to_o our_o conscience_n forgiveness_n of_o sin_n in_o that_o both_o of_o they_o do_v take_v from_o we_o the_o filthiness_n of_o the_o flesh_n thus_o much_o of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o baptism_n the_o which_o be_v to_o be_v give_v so_o as_o that_o the_o body_n be_v dip_v into_o the_o water_n the_o signification_n of_o it_o may_v be_v more_o evident_a and_o the_o force_n the_o great_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o those_o who_o see_v or_o receive_v it_o thus_o do_v john_n baptist_n and_o therefore_o he_o choose_v our_o such_o place_n where_o there_o be_v much_o water_n john_n 3.23_o and_o this_o use_n do_v remain_v in_o some_o place_n in_o the_o age_n follow_v those_o who_o be_v after_o this_o manner_n convert_v and_o baptise_a be_v with_o all_o diligence_n to_o be_v strengthen_v in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o to_o be_v edify_v therein_o as_o be_v most_o forcible_a witness_n of_o the_o truth_n by_o who_o they_o who_o remain_v incredulous_a may_v be_v convince_v they_o be_v also_o in_o most_o earnest_a manner_n to_o be_v exhort_v to_o constancy_n in_o their_o profession_n because_o their_o fall_v away_o will_v great_o hinder_v the_o build_n of_o the_o church_n yea_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o have_v attain_v unto_o any_o measure_n of_o knowledge_n they_o be_v in_o like_a manner_n to_o be_v exhort_v to_o lead_v a_o life_n which_o may_v be_v without_o scandal_n unto_o those_o who_o do_v not_o as_o yet_o believe_v and_o so_o without_o reproach_n unto_o the_o gospel_n which_o they_o profess_v for_o the_o procure_n whereof_o there_o be_v in_o the_o first_o plant_n of_o the_o church_n great_a severity_n use_v both_o by_o god_n himself_o and_o also_o by_o his_o minister_n against_o all_o such_o offence_n where_o by_o this_o work_n may_v be_v hinder_v for_o while_o the_o church_n be_v as_o it_o be_v in_o motion_n because_o at_o the_o first_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o profession_n be_v call_v into_o question_n the_o fall_a back_n of_o one_o or_o any_o notorious_a offence_n do_v wonderful_o hinder_v the_o whole_a work_n therefore_o although_o many_o infirmity_n in_o knowledge_n and_o also_o in_o private_a conversation_n be_v yea_o and_o aught_o to_o be_v gentle_o delte_v withal_o till_o ripe_a year_n church_n yet_o those_o open_a offence_n whereby_o the_o build_n of_o the_o church_n be_v hinder_v in_o respect_n either_o of_o those_o who_o be_v without_o or_o of_o those_o who_o be_v in_o the_o church_n be_v severe_o to_o be_v punish_v hither_o we_o be_v to_o refer_v those_o strange_a judgment_n which_o the_o lord_n execute_v upon_o the_o wicked_a in_o establish_v the_o legal_a government_n by_o moses_n as_o upon_o corath_n dathan_n and_o abiram_n number_n 16.32_o yea_o that_o severity_n in_o put_v to_o death_n he_o that_o gather_v stick_n on_o the_o sabbath_n number_n 15.36_o yea_o also_o those_o fatherly_a correction_n which_o the_o lord_n most_o severe_o lay_v upon_o his_o own_o servant_n even_o on_o moses_n himself_o for_o doubt_v of_o his_o word_n yea_o upon_o the_o whole_a church_n for_o murmur_a and_o even_o for_o the_o least_o offence_n so_o be_v vzzath_v smite_v 2._o sam._n 6.7_o that_o david_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n who_o then_o go_v about_o the_o repair_n the_o enlarge_n and_o adorn_v of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n may_v fear_v the_o lord_n so_o in_o build_v the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n the_o least_o negligence_n of_o any_o of_o the_o people_n in_o further_a this_o work_n have_v a_o fearful_a curse_n annex_v unto_o it_o nehem._n 10.29_o so_o be_v ananias_n and_o sapphira_n smite_v with_o sudden_a death_n acts._n 5._o in_o so_o much_o that_o all_o both_o within_o and_o without_o the_o church_n do_v fear_v the_o lord_n so_o paul_n reject_v mark_n acts._n 15_o 38._o for_o leave_v they_o in_o that_o long_a â—ourney_n which_o they_o make_v for_o the_o spread_a of_o the_o gospel_n in_o this_o beginning_n it_o please_v god_n to_o give_v great_a increase_n unto_o his_o church_n so_o that_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v more_o effectual_a in_o this_o infancy_n of_o the_o church_n in_o convert_n many_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o faith_n than_o it_o be_v afterwards_o yea_o it_o be_v a_o great_a sign_n that_o they_o who_o do_v not_o yield_v obedience_n at_o the_o first_o will_v be_v afterward_o more_o and_o more_o harden_a as_o the_o apostle_n write_v 2._o cor._n 4.3_o if_o our_o gospel_n be_v yet_o hide_v it_o be_v hide_v to_o they_o that_o perish_v yet_o the_o call_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o tie_v to_o any_o time_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v still_o to_o use_v all_o good_a mean_n that_o those_o who_o do_v not_o at_o the_o first_o believe_v may_v be_v win_v at_o some_o other_o time_n 2._o timothy_n 2.25_o for_o the_o effect_n whereof_o there_o may_v more_o forcible_a mean_n be_v use_v now_o when_o as_o â—he_v truth_n have_v get_v some_o foot_n among_o they_o and_o be_v receive_v of_o many_o the_o vanity_n of_o their_o corrupt_a worship_n whatsoever_o it_o be_v be_v plain_o to_o be_v declare_v and_o also_o their_o miserable_a and_o fearful_a condition_n live_v in_o the_o same_o which_o at_o the_o first_o can_v not_o convenient_o have_v be_v do_v yea_o further_o they_o be_v careful_o by_o all_o mean_v possible_a to_o be_v allure_v to_o love_v the_o truth_n by_o the_o good_a behaviour_n and_o honest_a conversation_n of_o those_o who_o be_v call_v see_v they_o to_o be_v so_o wonderful_o change_v from_o ignorance_n to_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n from_o a_o corrupt_a and_o vicious_a course_n to_o a_o virtuous_a and_o godly_a life_n by_o their_o courteous_a and_o love_a behaviour_n towards_o they_o and_o general_o by_o avoid_v the_o offend_v they_o in_o all_o thing_n as_o far_o as_o may_v be_v the_o which_o mean_v be_v diligent_o use_v we_o be_v not_o to_o doubt_v but_o that_o god_n will_v give_v some_o good_a success_n and_o blessing_n in_o the_o conversion_n of_o many_o chap._n v._o of_o ecclesiastical_a government_n so_o far_o forth_o as_o it_o be_v determine_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n sect._n 1_o of_o the_o law_n appoint_v by_o god_n for_o the_o govern_n of_o the_o church_n in_o general_n see_v that_o we_o have_v declare_v in_o some_o sort_n what_o it_o be_v to_o prepare_v the_o matter_n for_o the_o build_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n we_o be_v now_o to_o go_v on_o with_o the_o build_n of_o it_o and_o by_o join_v these_o stone_n together_o in_o the_o foundation_n wall_n and_o other_o principal_a part_n to_o give_v unto_o it_o the_o denomination_n and_o form_n of_o a_o house_n for_o whenas_o a_o company_n of_o man_n be_v convert_v to_o the_o faith_n &_o baptize_v there_o be_v the_o beginning_n or_o first_o foundation_n of_o a_o church_n but_o not_o a_o church_n until_o they_o join_v together_o in_o some_o public_a profession_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o the_o service_n of_o god_n for_o even_o as_o when_o a_o great_a multitude_n of_o man_n be_v together_o in_o any_o place_n if_o they_o live_v private_o every_o one_o in_o his_o own_o house_n not_o have_v any_o thing_n common_a or_o to_o do_v one_o with_o another_o there_o be_v no_o common_a wealth_n because_o there_o want_v magistrate_n law_n and_o order_n to_o join_v they_o together_o again_o as_o where_o there_o be_v many_o stone_n dig_v out_o of_o the_o ground_n whereunto_o we_o resemble_v the_o conversion_n of_o man_n to_o the_o faith_n and_o also_o hew_v and_o wrought_v so_o that_o they_o have_v lose_v their_o natural_a rudeness_n and_o now_o have_v the_o form_n of_o stone_n fit_a to_o be_v lay_v in_o a_o building_n which_o we_o may_v not_o unfit_o call_v the_o baptise_v of_o those_o which_o do_v believe_v if_o they_o lie_v asunder_o here_o and_o there_o there_o be_v no_o house_n till_o such_o time_n as_o they_o be_v lay_v &_o fasten_v together_o â—n_a the_o just_a compass_n and_o form_n of_o a_o house_n so_o it_o be_v in_o this_o case_n man_n convert_v and_o baptize_v be_v indeed_o christian_n and_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n church_n yet_o not_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n neither_o do_v they_o make_v a_o particular_a church_n until_o they_o join_v together_o in_o some_o public_a service_n of_o god_n according_a to_o those_o law_n and_o order_n which_o he_o have_v appoint_v the_o which_o make_v these_o stone_n cleave_v together_o ephes._n 2.11_o in_o christ_n all_o the_o building_n be_v couple_v together_o grow_v to_o be_v a_o holy_a temple_n in_o the_o lord_n yea_o for_o the_o most_o part_n there_o be_v some_o space_n of_o time_n give_v to_o those_o who_o be_v convert_v to_o learn_v the_o order_n and_o condition_n of_o a_o church_n before_o
they_o be_v bring_v into_o the_o form_n of_o it_o so_o we_o read_v act._n 14.23_o after_o that_o they_o have_v believe_v now_o a_o good_a space_n of_o time_n they_o have_v elder_n appoint_v and_o so_o become_v a_o church_n for_o most_o common_o man_n convert_v be_v a_o few_o at_o the_o first_o and_o therefore_o must_v stay_v till_o they_o be_v a_o competent_a number_n yea_o when_o a_o sufficient_a number_n do_v believe_v there_o must_v be_v a_o time_n to_o consider_v the_o state_n of_o the_o people_n to_o provide_v fit_a teacher_n and_o ruler_n and_o to_o make_v humane_a constitution_n for_o the_o order_n of_o they_o and_o for_o the_o practise_v of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n the_o law_n &_o order_n the_o establish_n and_o practise_v whereof_o make_v a_o company_n of_o christian_n to_o become_v a_o church_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n humaâ—â—_n the_o first_o be_v the_o law_n of_o god_n appoint_v for_o the_o govern_n of_o the_o church_n these_o do_v contain_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o be_v the_o same_o at_o that_o same_o time_n to_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n the_o other_o sort_n be_v of_o humane_a constitution_n make_v for_o the_o establish_n of_o the_o former_a in_o some_o particular_a place_n and_o do_v define_v the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o former_a law_n and_o therefore_o be_v diverse_a in_o every_o church_n and_o to_o be_v change_v as_o the_o circumstance_n of_o place_n time_n person_n and_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o church_n do_v require_v first_o of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n then_o of_o the_o law_n of_o man_n the_o law_n common_o call_v church-government_n or_o from_o the_o latter_a part_n church-discipline_n be_v that_o part_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o prescribe_v how_o particular_a church_n several_o and_o joint_o aught_o to_o be_v order_v in_o use_v the_o public_a mean_n of_o the_o service_n of_o god_n the_o first_o word_n of_o this_o definition_n give_v we_o this_o to_o understand_v that_o god_n himself_o be_v the_o only_a lawgiver_n in_o his_o church_n as_o touch_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o government_n which_o be_v not_o any_o devise_n of_o man_n but_o a_o holy_a institution_n of_o god_n yea_o we_o must_v of_o necessity_n grant_v this_o royal_a prerogative_n to_o god_n church-government_n that_o he_o be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o law_n by_o the_o which_o his_o church_n be_v order_v and_o that_o because_o he_o only_o and_o no_o creature_n can_v show_v after_o what_o manner_n he_o will_v be_v worship_v so_o that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o other_o form_n of_o government_n devise_v by_o man_n it_o be_v wilworshippe_n and_o not_o only_o not_o acceptable_a but_o even_o abominable_a in_o his_o sight_n yea_o the_o church_n be_v the_o house_n of_o god_n wherein_o he_o dwell_v and_o whereof_o he_o be_v the_o author_n and_o owner_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v good_a reason_n that_o he_o only_o shall_v bear_v rule_n in_o it_o he_o rule_v civil_a society_n by_o the_o law_n of_o king_n and_o prince_n but_o his_o church_n by_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n his_o son_n who_o he_o have_v anoint_v the_o only_a king_n of_o his_o church_n hence_o it_o follow_v that_o these_o law_n be_v not_o changeable_a but_o perpetual_a and_o make_v to_o continue_v as_o long_o as_o the_o church_n remain_v in_o this_o world_n so._n 1._o tim._n 6.14_o after_o that_o the_o apostle_n have_v set_v down_o the_o sum_n of_o this_o doctrine_n he_o charge_v timothy_n to_o keep_v those_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v enjoin_v until_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v that_o he_o endeavour_v by_o teach_v they_o to_o other_o that_o they_o may_v continue_v for_o ever_o for_o that_o these_o word_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o these_o law_n it_o appear_v vers._n 21._o oâ—_n the_o 5._o chapter_n where_o the_o same_o obtestation_n be_v use_v in_o the_o same_o matter_n the_o doctrine_n of_o this_o government_n be_v full_o plain_o and_o perfect_o set_v set_v down_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n yea_o every_o part_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o whatsoever_o part_n of_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n can_v be_v authorize_v by_o the_o word_n it_o be_v to_o be_v reject_v for_o all_o the_o office_n gift_n function_n part_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o service_n of_o god_n be_v teach_v we_o both_o by_o precept_n and_o by_o example_n but_o it_o be_v otherwise_o with_o the_o circumstance_n of_o this_o government_n for_o they_o be_v not_o neither_o can_v possible_o be_v define_v in_o the_o word_n and_o therefore_o be_v to_o be_v change_v as_o the_o church_n shall_v think_v good_a but_o the_o substance_n of_o this_o government_n be_v perpetual_a even_o as_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o shall_v never_o be_v augment_v and_o as_o be_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n which_o shall_v not_o be_v alter_v yea_o as_o permanent_a as_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o as_o general_a for_o as_o there_o be_v but_o one_o faith_n and_o one_o god_n so_o there_o be_v but_o one_o mean_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o serve_v god_n not_o many_o as_o if_o there_o be_v ten_o thousand_o god_n to_o be_v worship_v and_o as_o if_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v a_o bird_n of_o diverse_a colour_n one_o be_v not_o like_a or_o conformable_a to_o another_o and_o therefore_o as_o prince_n which_o bear_v rule_v over_o many_o city_n do_v make_v they_o all_o live_v under_o the_o same_o form_n of_o law_n and_o as_o child_n of_o the_o same_o parent_n be_v like_a in_o countenance_n and_o suitable_a in_o their_o apparel_n so_o all_o the_o particular_a church_n in_o the_o world_n have_v one_o and_o the_o same_o government_n appoint_v for_o they_o the_o chief_a cause_n whereby_o many_o be_v induce_v to_o think_v that_o no_o certain_a form_n of_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v command_v by_o god_n be_v for_o that_o it_o be_v not_o handle_v at_o large_a and_o of_o set_a purpose_n in_o the_o scripture_n but_o only_o brief_o touch_v and_o mention_v by_o occasion_n whereunto_o we_o answer_v that_o so_o be_v many_o weighty_a point_n of_o religion_n not_o once_o in_o plain_a term_n to_o be_v find_v in_o any_o part_n of_o scripture_n and_o many_o bring_v in_o only_o upon_o some_o occasion_n the_o which_o to_o call_v in_o question_n be_v great_a impiety_n but_o there_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o substance_n of_o this_o government_n which_o be_v not_o plain_o set_v down_o in_o the_o word_n yea_o in_o these_o law_n the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n do_v so_o clear_o shine_v that_o the_o angelâ—_n do_v rejoice_v in_o behold_v that_o heavenly_a order_n by_o the_o which_o the_o church_n be_v govern_v so_o do_v the_o apostle_n collossian_n 2.5_o with_o joy_n think_v upon_o the_o order_n of_o that_o church_n although_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o even_o as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n belong_v a_o like_a to_o all_o there_o be_v one_o uniform_a order_n appoint_v for_o all_o yet_o the_o same_o be_v change_v by_o god_n himself_o as_o it_o do_v most_o fit_o agree_v to_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o do_v appear_v that_o manifold_a wisdom_n of_o god_n ephes._n 3.10_o but_o the_o foundation_n and_o groundwork_n of_o this_o government_n do_v always_o remain_v the_o same_o as_o we_o see_v the_o law_n of_o kingdom_n and_o commonwealth_n to_o be_v often_o change_v but_o yet_o the_o fundamental_a law_n whereon_o the_o state_n stand_v do_v always_o remain_v firm_a and_o unchaunged_a this_o government_n be_v always_o change_v unto_o a_o better_o and_o more_o perfect_a state_n even_o as_o the_o church_n do_v continual_o grow_v to_o perfection_n estate_n for_o if_o we_o compare_v the_o latter_a age_n of_o the_o church_n general_o with_o the_o former_a we_o shall_v find_v that_o as_o there_o be_v in_o particular_a man_n a_o growth_n in_o their_o body_n and_o soul_n so_o also_o in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o latter_a time_n do_v excel_v the_o former_a not_o only_o in_o number_n of_o professor_n but_o also_o in_o knowledge_n and_o in_o abundance_n of_o all_o spiritual_a grace_n the_o cause_n whereof_o be_v for_o that_o it_o please_v god_n to_o reveal_v himself_o to_o the_o world_n not_o all_o at_o once_o but_o by_o little_a and_o little_a heb._n 1.1_o even_o as_o his_o word_n have_v be_v in_o these_o last_o age_n more_o full_o declare_v to_o the_o church_n then_o before_o thus_o shall_v the_o church_n grow_v till_o we_o all_o meet_v in_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o stature_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ._n and_o herein_o we_o can_v resemble_v the_o deal_n of_o god_n more_o fit_o then_o to_o that_o usual_a manner_n which_o parent_n use_v in_o bring_v up_o their_o child_n who_o do_v not_o at_o
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
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
god_n and_o for_o a_o hearty_a and_o spiritual_a serve_v of_o god_n do_v institute_v a_o dead_a worship_n not_o pierce_v into_o the_o heart_n three_o where_o there_o be_v many_o law_n there_o be_v also_o necessare_o many_o transgression_n of_o law_n and_o so_o the_o necessary_a break_n of_o some_o make_v the_o rest_n to_o be_v less_o obey_v and_o esteem_v it_o remain_v that_o we_o shall_v show_v to_o who_o the_o make_n of_o ecclesiastical_a law_n do_v belong_v but_o as_o before_o we_o do_v defer_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o first_o mover_n in_o the_o plant_n of_o a_o church_n till_o we_o come_v to_o the_o distinct_a kind_n of_o a_o church_n so_o this_o question_n must_v be_v refer_v to_o the_o same_o place_n chap._n vii_o of_o the_o diverse_a state_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n sect._n 1_o of_o a_o unstablished_a state_n of_o a_o church_n thus_o we_o have_v declare_v as_o it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o give_v unto_o we_o the_o knowledge_n hereof_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n the_o matter_n whereof_o it_o consist_v be_v a_o company_n of_o christian_n call_v together_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n the_o form_n likewise_o be_v first_o and_o chief_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o second_o the_o positive_a law_n or_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n the_o which_o two_o kind_n of_o law_n divine_a and_o humane_a whenas_o they_o be_v join_v together_o and_o put_v in_o practice_n among_o a_o believe_a people_n then_o be_v the_o whole_a frame_n of_o the_o house_n of_o god_n set_v up_o the_o which_o although_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o one_o and_o the_o same_o and_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n ought_v to_o be_v full_o and_o pure_o establish_v in_o all_o place_n yet_o by_o reason_n of_o man_n infirmity_n not_o be_v able_a to_o perform_v the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o perfect_a manner_n and_o of_o the_o malice_n of_o satan_n labour_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o hinder_v this_o work_n when_o it_o be_v put_v in_o practice_n it_o receave_v many_o alteration_n whereof_o come_v the_o diverse_a state_n of_o a_o church_n in_o all_o which_o this_o be_v general_o to_o be_v note_v that_o they_o have_v many_o aberâ—ations_n from_o the_o form_n of_o government_n prescribe_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o which_o may_v lawful_o be_v tolerate_v where_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o church_n they_o can_v be_v amend_v yet_o so_o as_o that_o we_o do_v always_o aim_v at_o that_o which_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o let_v whereby_o this_o work_n be_v hinder_v that_o it_o can_v come_v to_o perfection_n at_o the_o first_o be_v of_o two_o kind_n natural_a &_o violent_a the_o first_o kind_n we_o call_v natural_a because_o they_o arise_v of_o no_o outward_a cause_n but_o even_o of_o the_o very_a hardness_n of_o the_o work_n itself_o as_o these_o for_o example_n it_o come_v often_o to_o pass_v that_o man_n although_o convert_v from_o infidelity_n to_o faith_n yet_o can_v at_o the_o first_o be_v bring_v to_o submit_v themselves_o whole_o to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n state_n yea_o there_o can_v hardly_o be_v get_v at_o the_o first_o a_o sufficient_a number_n of_o teacher_n endue_v with_o sufficient_a gift_n for_o this_o great_a work_n beside_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v hope_v that_o the_o law_n whereby_o the_o church_n be_v govern_v shall_v be_v soon_o bring_v to_o perfection_n for_o neither_o the_o law_n of_o god_n will_v be_v thorough_o know_v till_o they_o have_v be_v some_o time_n practise_v neither_o the_o humane_a constitution_n of_o the_o church_n make_v fit_a to_o the_o people_n and_o agreeable_a to_o all_o circumstance_n till_o use_v do_v show_v they_o to_o be_v convenient_a in_o all_o or_o else_o inconuenint_a in_o some_o respect_n what_o be_v want_v in_o they_o &_o what_o be_v superfluous_a by_o these_o mean_n and_o many_o other_o of_o the_o same_o kind_n it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o thâ—_n church_n be_v for_o some_o space_n of_o time_n although_o both_o found_v anâ—_n build_v yet_o not_o strong_o fasten_v together_o nor_o in_o any_o firm_a constant_a &_o settle_a estate_n yet_o this_o be_v not_o a_o imperfect_a state_n of_o a_o church_n wherein_o some_o part_n of_o the_o government_n be_v want_v but_o a_o state_n unestablish_v even_o as_o we_o see_v that_o although_o the_o part_n of_o the_o body_n of_o a_o child_n be_v not_o as_o yeâ—_n so_o firm_a and_o compact_a neither_o his_o whole_a body_n have_v attain_v to_o that_o strength_n and_o firm_a constitution_n whereunto_o it_o grow_v yet_o he_o be_v not_o therefore_o maim_v or_o imperfect_a so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n the_o which_o grow_v from_o one_o age_n state_n and_o strength_n to_o another_o even_o as_o a_o man_n body_n do_v in_o this_o estate_n all_o church_n be_v at_o the_o first_o and_o so_o do_v continue_v either_o a_o long_o or_o a_o short_a time_n as_o the_o hindrance_n of_o the_o build_n of_o they_o be_v many_o or_o few_o great_a or_o little_a thus_o be_v the_o church_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n yea_o many_o of_o they_o do_v continue_v so_o a_o long_a time_n because_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a difficulty_n to_o build_v they_o and_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o any_o good_a estate_n for_o then_o all_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n be_v strange_a unto_o they_o for_o that_o they_o be_v late_o ordain_v and_o have_v not_o be_v practise_v before_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o after_o they_o be_v plant_v and_o full_o build_v by_o the_o apostle_n they_o do_v still_o require_v their_o continual_a care_n as_o pâ—ule_n say_v of_o himself_o 2._o corin._n 11.28_o that_o the_o care_n of_o all_o the_o church_n lay_v upon_o himself_o for_o although_o he_o be_v present_a with_o they_o or_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o other_o do_v set_v all_o thing_n in_o due_a order_n yet_o they_o do_v not_o continue_v long_o in_o that_o estate_n but_o fall_v into_o many_o abuse_n and_o disorder_n in_o life_n doctrine_n and_o government_n the_o which_o may_v be_v see_v as_o in_o other_o so_o especial_o in_o the_o church_n at_o corinth_n the_o which_o while_o it_o be_v in_o this_o unestablished_a state_n be_v even_o over_o grow_v with_o disorder_n and_o so_o it_o be_v with_o other_o church_n being_n not_o full_o settle_v for_o as_o a_o â—ouse_n may_v be_v easy_o shake_v a_o sunder_o before_o the_o part_n of_o it_o be_v firm_o join_v together_o and_z as_o child_n in_o their_o young_a age_n be_v subject_a to_o many_o danger_n and_o be_v easy_o hurt_v so_o the_o government_n of_o church_n be_v most_o common_o confound_v and_o â—roden_v under_o foot_n before_o it_o be_v confime_v by_o use_n and_o practice_v in_o the_o which_o respect_n they_o to_o who_o the_o care_n of_o such_o church_n be_v commit_v aught_o to_o be_v so_o much_o more_o diligent_a and_o watchful_a as_o the_o danger_n be_v great_a than_o at_o other_o time_n yea_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o infancy_n or_o weak_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n they_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o remit_v somewhat_o of_o the_o strict_a form_n of_o government_n and_o especial_o of_o discipline_n whenas_o the_o good_a of_o the_o people_n shall_v so_o require_v thus_o as_o be_v before_o note_v deal_v paul_n with_o the_o corinthian_n unto_o who_o he_o give_v milk_n as_o to_o infant_n not_o strong_a meat_n 1._o cor._n 3.2_o and_o likewise_o with_o the_o thessalonian_o 1._o thess._n 2.7.8_o though_o we_o may_v have_v be_v burdensome_a to_o you_o as_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n yet_o we_o be_v tender_a among_o you_o even_o as_o a_o nurse_n cherish_v she_o own_o child_n sect._n 2._o of_o a_o pure_a and_o perfect_a state_n of_o a_o church_n when_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n with_o those_o other_o law_n appertain_v unto_o it_o be_v full_o establish_v and_o practise_v than_o the_o church_n have_v a_o pure_a and_o perfect_a estate_n both_o which_o in_o regard_n of_o outward_a government_n may_v be_v attain_v unto_o howsoever_o no_o christian_n man_n life_n several_o consider_v can_v possible_o be_v without_o diverse_a corruption_n and_o imperfection_n in_o this_o world_n a_o pure_a estate_n be_v that_o wherein_o god_n be_v serve_v according_a to_o his_o own_o will_n and_o ordinance_n only_o the_o whole_a order_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v free_a from_o all_o spot_v of_o idolatry_n superstition_n and_o all_o tradition_n or_o devise_n of_o man_n swerve_v from_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o example_n of_o this_o exact_a purity_n be_v very_o few_o beside_o the_o first_o church_n build_v by_o moses_n among_o the_o israelite_n and_o by_o the_o aposteles_a among_o the_o christian_n in_o jerusalem_n for_o immediate_o after_o their_o day_n creep_v in_o corruption_n the_o stain_n whereof_o be_v hardly_o
the_o church_n of_o god_n that_o he_o do_v by_o all_o mean_n labour_v to_o advance_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o beautify_v his_o church_n if_o nothing_o prevail_v than_o we_o arâ—_n to_o commend_v the_o cause_n to_o the_o lord_n who_o can_v easy_o movethe_v heart_n of_o ruler_n the_o which_o he_o do_v sometime_o by_o some_o judgement_n or_o plague_n lay_v upon_o they_o or_o their_o land_n as_o we_o read_v that_o elias_n make_v achab_n put_v away_o idolatry_n by_o bring_v a_o extreme_a famine_n upon_o his_o whole_a land_n but_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o this_o case_n if_o that_o none_o of_o these_o mean_n have_v be_v discreet_o faithful_o and_o importunatelie_o use_v can_v prevail_v that_o there_o ought_v not_o any_o outward_a force_n to_o be_v use_v against_o the_o will_n of_o the_o ruler_n unless_o it_o be_v in_o such_o a_o government_n wherein_o the_o ruler_n may_v after_o a_o sort_n be_v rule_v it_o have_v be_v declare_v there_o remain_v nothing_o to_o be_v do_v unless_o the_o church_n use_v her_o censure_n of_o excommunication_n against_o her_o disobedient_a son_n thus_o obstinate_o hinder_v this_o work_n but_o herein_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v and_o first_o whether_o this_o censure_n may_v lawful_o be_v use_v against_o the_o ruler_n or_o rather_o exercise_v upon_o they_o for_o the_o answer_n whereof_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o as_o there_o be_v but_o one_o salvation_n and_o one_o glory_n both_o for_o ruler_n and_o subject_n so_o also_o there_o be_v but_o one_o mean_n appoint_v by_o god_n in_o his_o church_n to_o attain_v thereunto_o belong_v equal_o to_o all_o that_o be_v within_o the_o church_n of_o what_o state_n or_o condition_n soever_o they_o be_v and_o therefore_o as_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n so_o likewise_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n tend_v to_o the_o same_o end_n people_n do_v belong_v to_o all_o that_o be_v of_o the_o church_n yea_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n most_o commendable_a in_o a_o prince_n that_o whenas_o no_o man_n can_v compel_v he_o to_o it_o of_o his_o own_o accord_n he_o submit_v himself_o unto_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o by_o this_o mean_n give_v example_n unto_o the_o people_n of_o obedience_n but_o although_o it_o may_v lawful_o be_v do_v yet_o there_o be_v so_o many_o incommodity_n which_o will_v follow_v the_o use_n of_o it_o that_o it_o will_v be_v find_v seldom_o or_o never_o convenient_a to_o be_v do_v for_o first_o by_o this_o mean_v the_o civil_a ruler_n who_o do_v profess_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o favourer_n of_o the_o church_n although_o he_o be_v not_o a_o sound_a friend_n may_v be_v alienate_v quite_o from_o it_o and_o so_o cast_v away_o all_o care_n of_o further_a the_o building_n of_o it_o by_o the_o which_o mean_v the_o church_n may_v come_v utter_o to_o ruin_v be_v destitute_a of_o his_o help_n who_o be_v the_o builder_n of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o public_a church_n as_o most_o common_o it_o be_v where_o the_o civil_a ruler_n be_v a_o member_n of_o it_o second_o it_o be_v great_o to_o be_v fear_v lest_o that_o by_o this_o mean_n the_o civil_a authority_n receive_v some_o disgrace_n the_o authority_n dignity_n &_o majesty_n whereof_o if_o it_o be_v of_o that_o kind_n ought_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o be_v maintain_v in_o regard_n of_o the_o first_o inconvenience_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v the_o disposition_n of_o the_o prince_n and_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o not_o to_o do_v it_o till_o that_o by_o mature_a deliberation_n it_o be_v find_v to_o be_v for_o the_o good_a both_o of_o the_o one_o and_o of_o the_o other_o for_o otherwise_o if_o the_o whole_a state_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v hazard_v by_o this_o mean_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o do_v it_o it_o be_v better_a to_o have_v a_o imperfect_a or_o corrupt_a state_n of_o a_o church_n with_o the_o favour_n of_o the_o ruler_n than_o none_o at_o all_o by_o his_o displeasure_n yea_o also_o in_o this_o respect_n it_o be_v needful_a that_o he_o do_v first_o acknowledge_v himself_o subject_a to_o the_o censure_n of_o his_o church_n before_o they_o can_v be_v use_v on_o he_o that_o so_o by_o his_o own_o confession_n at_o least_o in_o his_o conscience_n he_o may_v approve_v their_o do_v to_o be_v both_o agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o also_o not_o repugnant_a to_o that_o loyalty_n which_o they_o owe_v unto_o he_o which_o if_o he_o do_v not_o than_o this_o censure_n can_v be_v use_v because_o all_o law_n and_o constitution_n take_v hold_v of_o thâ—m_n who_o be_v under_o the_o same_o not_o of_o those_o who_o be_v not_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o second_o inconvenience_n these_o caution_n be_v to_o be_v use_v first_o that_o it_o be_v not_o do_v but_o upon_o a_o great_a urgent_a &_o evident_a cause_n as_o whenas_o his_o hinder_v of_o the_o build_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o so_o much_o of_o ignorance_n as_o of_o malice_n pride_n and_o some_o such_o corruption_n in_o he_o second_o that_o it_o be_v not_o sudden_o do_v but_o that_o first_o ruler_n all_o patience_n be_v use_v by_o forebeare_v and_o expect_v the_o change_v of_o his_o mind_n to_o acknowledge_v the_o truth_n three_o that_o unless_o it_o be_v needful_a to_o be_v otherwise_o it_o be_v do_v by_o the_o secret_a opinion_n and_o estimation_n of_o man_n account_v he_o not_o worthy_a the_o name_n of_o a_o godly_a and_o christian_a prince_n or_o of_o a_o faithful_a brother_n rather_o than_o by_o the_o open_a and_o public_a promulgation_n of_o the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n so_o we_o read_v 1._o sam._n 15.30.31_o that_o when_o as_o samuel_n do_v after_o a_o sort_n excommunicate_a saul_n the_o first_o king_n of_o the_o jew_n by_o declare_v he_o to_o be_v foresaken_v of_o god_n and_o cast_v out_o of_o his_o favouâ—_n yet_o he_o have_v care_n to_o keep_v the_o dignity_n or_o rather_o the_o majesty_n of_o his_o person_n and_o call_n before_o the_o people_n and_o therefore_o he_o do_v at_o his_o request_n go_v with_o he_o and_o honour_v he_o with_o his_o company_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o wâ—ole_a people_n and_o last_o that_o if_o it_o be_v needful_a that_o the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n shall_v be_v open_o pronounce_v yet_o that_o there_o be_v add_v a_o declaration_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o censure_n to_o wit_n that_o it_o do_v not_o touch_v his_o civil_a government_n or_o derogate_v any_o jot_n from_o the_o majesty_n of_o his_o person_n the_o authority_n of_o his_o place_n and_o calling_n the_o obedience_n which_o his_o subject_n owe_v unto_o he_o save_o only_o that_o a_o christian_n godly_a virtuous_a and_o religious_a prince_n who_o be_v zealous_a in_o advance_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o procure_v the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n ought_v more_o high_o to_o be_v esteem_v more_o cheerful_o obey_v and_o more_o entire_o love_v than_o a_o infiddel_n or_o then_o a_o wicked_a and_o obstinate_a ruler_n proffess_v faith_n for_o whenas_o we_o make_v it_o lawful_a to_o excommunicate_v the_o the_o civil_a ruler_n we_o do_v not_o mean_v any_o popish_a kind_n of_o excommunication_n whereby_o the_o pope_n do_v curse_v and_o depose_v all_o those_o prince_n which_o shake_v off_o the_o yoke_n of_o his_o corrupt_a and_o profane_a worship_n for_o the_o nature_n of_o excommunication_n be_v far_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o curse_n it_o be_v only_o a_o mere_a separation_n from_o the_o outward_a society_n of_o the_o church_n magistrate_n which_o do_v not_o in_o any_o respect_n touch_n or_o diminish_v his_o authority_n as_o have_v be_v say_v otherwise_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o excommunicate_v the_o civil_a ruler_n for_o so_o much_o as_o we_o be_v flat_o forbid_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o curse_v the_o ruler_n of_o the_o people_n therefore_o do_v paul_n call_v back_o that_o speech_n utter_v against_o the_o high_a priest_n malicious_o hinder_v the_o build_n of_o the_o church_n act._n 23.5_o sect._n 8._o of_o the_o church_n hinder_v by_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n as_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v the_o proper_a builder_n of_o the_o church_n so_o they_o be_v often_o use_v by_o sathan_n as_o a_o mean_n to_o hinder_v the_o same_o and_o no_o doubt_n but_o that_o they_o be_v most_o fit_a instrument_n for_o this_o purpose_n and_o whenas_o they_o be_v so_o set_v most_o dangerous_a and_o pernicious_a hinderer_n of_o this_o work_n as_o if_o the_o wolf_n can_v have_v the_o shepherd_n to_o put_v the_o sheep_n into_o his_o mouth_n what_o need_v he_o any_o more_o for_o the_o utter_a destroy_n of_o the_o whole_a flock_n and_o yet_o this_o kind_n of_o hinderer_n be_v very_o ordinary_a as_o we_o may_v see_v throughout_o the_o whole_a scripture_n
for_o so_o the_o build_n of_o the_o material_a temple_n be_v hinder_v by_o false_a prophet_n nehe._n 6._o yea_o none_o do_v so_o importunate_o hinder_v or_o so_o spiteful_o entreat_v the_o true_a prophet_n of_o god_n as_o do_v the_o false_a prophet_n and_o the_o whole_a company_n of_o worldly_a &_o carnal_a mind_a priest_n thus_o we_o se._n 2._o chro._n 18.23_o that_o zedekia_n do_v to_o micha_n and_o jere._n 20.1_o pashur_n to_o jeremie_n the_o priest_n scribe_n &_o pharise_n to_o our_o saviour_n christ_n the_o false_a apostle_n to_o paul_n such_o be_v those_o foolish_a &_o vainglorious_a preacher_n at_o corinth_n who_o swell_v in_o a_o fond_a opinion_n and_o a_o foolish_a use_n of_o humane_a wisdom_n do_v build_v upon_o the_o good_a foundation_n of_o the_o sincere_a plain_a and_o simple_a doctrine_n of_o the_o truth_n hay_n stubble_n wood_n and_o such_o thing_n as_o will_v be_v afterward_o consume_v with_o the_o fire_n that_o be_v will_v be_v find_v in_o examination_n to_o have_v no_o substance_n of_o true_a religion_n these_o do_v seem_v to_o build_v as_o well_o yea_o much_o more_o than_o the_o apostle_n but_o they_o be_v deceitful_a worker_n and_o by_o this_o work_n do_v great_o hinder_v the_o true_a build_n of_o the_o church_n for_o if_o there_o be_v no_o builder_n all_o man_n that_o do_v profess_v the_o faith_n will_v seek_v for_o some_o but_o these_o deceitful_a builder_n persuade_v man_n that_o they_o be_v the_o true_a minister_n of_o christ_n and_o no_o maruail_v when_o as_o satan_n himself_o that_o foul_a and_o loathsome_a spirit_n do_v transform_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n and_o so_o they_o hinder_v they_o of_o faithful_a and_o painful_a teacher_n last_o these_o hinderer_n may_v be_v know_v by_o their_o fruit_n as_o christ_n teach_v we_o math._n 7.15.16_o even_o by_o their_o dissolute_a life_n the_o which_o they_o spend_v in_o seek_v not_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n and_o god_n glory_v but_o their_o own_o pleasure_n ease_n commodity_n yea_o riches_n and_o preferment_n yea_o this_o their_o hypocrisy_n be_v to_o be_v detect_v lest_o otherwise_o their_o purpose_n of_o hinder_v the_o church_n do_v prevail_v and_o that_o both_o by_o word_n when_o occasion_n serve_v and_o also_o by_o the_o contrary_a sincerity_n of_o the_o true_a builder_n thus_o christ_n deal_v with_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisy_n math._n 23._o and_o in_o many_o other_o place_n sect._n 9_o of_o a_o imperfect_a state_n of_o a_o church_n whenas_o the_o build_n of_o the_o church_n be_v hinder_v by_o any_o mean_n it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o state_n of_o it_o be_v imperfect_a corrupt_a or_o both_o for_o although_o in_o christ_n the_o church_n be_v perfect_a and_o pure_a yet_o she_o be_v in_o this_o world_n be_v often_o otherwise_o a_o imperfect_a state_n of_o a_o church_n be_v when_o as_o some_o part_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v want_v as_o if_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n be_v want_v or_o if_o the_o minister_n do_v seldom_o and_o negligent_o preach_v the_o word_n of_o god_n unto_o the_o people_n yet_o not_o the_o want_n that_o be_v in_o any_o few_o man_n but_o those_o which_o be_v general_a and_o tolerate_v by_o the_o public_a law_n or_o the_o common_a consent_n of_o the_o church_n make_v a_o imperfect_a state_n the_o imperfection_n be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o grievous_a as_o the_o office_n or_o function_n of_o the_o office_n which_o be_v want_v be_v more_o needful_a in_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o whenas_o there_o be_v no_o preach_v ministry_n in_o the_o church_n the_o want_n be_v great_a and_o the_o case_n most_o lamentable_a because_o god_n have_v ordain_v that_o his_o church_n shall_v be_v build_v and_o his_o servant_n save_v by_o preach_v the_o which_o being_n want_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o salvation_n be_v also_o want_v the_o want_n of_o any_o office_n be_v to_o be_v supply_v by_o that_o which_o be_v near_a unto_o it_o supply_v so_o do_v the_o levite_n supply_v the_o want_n of_o the_o priest_n be_v by_o reason_n of_o their_o legal_a uncleanness_n not_o meet_v to_o sacrifice_v 2._o châ—o_o 29.34_o yea_o that_o which_o be_v public_o want_v be_v private_o to_o be_v supply_v what_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n or_o any_o thing_n belong_v to_o it_o soever_o it_o be_v yet_o we_o must_v not_o rest_v herein_o but_o careful_o labour_v for_o a_o full_a and_o perfect_a form_n of_o government_n whereof_o how_o much_o be_v want_v so_o much_o of_o the_o mean_n of_o our_o salvation_n be_v want_v and_o therefore_o we_o be_v here_o to_o consider_v how_o we_o may_v live_v in_o a_o imperfect_a church_n and_o how_o we_o ought_v to_o forsake_v it_o for_o the_o first_o we_o need_v not_o doubt_v but_o that_o we_o may_v lawful_o remain_v in_o a_o church_n the_o which_o want_v some_o office_n or_o function_n appoint_v by_o god_n yea_o that_o our_o service_n will_v be_v in_o some_o measure_n accept_v of_o god_n church_n who_o wink_v at_o the_o infirmity_n and_o imperfection_n of_o his_o faithful_a servant_n whether_o private_a or_o public_a even_o as_o he_o do_v at_o the_o passover_n offer_v by_o ezechias_n and_o the_o people_n wherein_o many_o thing_n require_v by_o the_o law_n be_v want_v yea_o the_o church_n seldom_o attain_v and_o keep_v so_o absolute_a &_o perfect_a as_o that_o nothing_o be_v want_v in_o it_o thus_o many_o of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n want_v some_o office_n which_o be_v afterwards_o supply_v and_o in_o the_o age_n follow_v the_o trouble_n and_o persecution_n of_o the_o church_n make_v many_o want_n in_o it_o the_o which_o may_v be_v bear_v with_o these_o condition_n first_o when_o as_o they_o be_v not_o so_o great_a but_o that_o notwithstanding_o they_o we_o have_v the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n &_o edificarion_n second_o if_o that_o the_o want_n be_v not_o wilful_a but_o constrain_v and_o necessary_a as_o when_o the_o jew_n intermit_v the_o use_n of_o circumcision_n in_o the_o wilderness_n last_o if_o that_o we_o do_v still_o aim_v at_o a_o perfect_a state_n consider_v that_o the_o other_o be_v neither_o so_o available_a for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n unto_o who_o we_o shall_v not_o offer_v any_o lame_a blind_a or_o maim_a sacrifice_n or_o any_o imperfect_a service_n or_o yet_o so_o effectual_a for_o our_o salvation_n for_o although_o a_o man_n may_v preserve_v his_o natural_a life_n with_o bread_n and_o water_n yet_o he_o ought_v to_o desire_v the_o use_n of_o other_o creature_n serve_v for_o his_o purpose_n that_o he_o may_v live_v in_o strength_n and_o vigour_n of_o body_n and_o mind_n sect._n 10._o of_o a_o corrupt_a state_n of_o a_o church_n special_o of_o idolatrous_a worship_n a_o corrupt_a state_n be_v whenas_o in_o steed_n of_o the_o true_a and_o sincere_a government_n appoint_v by_o god_n a_o false_a government_n contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n &_o hinder_v the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n be_v public_o establish_v or_o use_v or_o whenas_o some_o part_n of_o the_o government_n be_v corrupt_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o estate_n be_v these_o first_o a_o imperfect_a state_n for_o the_o want_n of_o any_o part_n of_o the_o government_n breed_v corruption_n for_o where_o there_o be_v no_o teach_n there_o must_v needs_o be_v general_a ignorance_n and_o many_o error_n in_o judgement_n where_o powerful_a exhortation_n be_v not_o use_v there_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n belong_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o christianity_n be_v want_v and_o where_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o in_o force_n there_o dissoluteness_n in_o the_o life_n of_o man_n must_v needs_o prevail_v the_o second_o cause_n be_v the_o relic_n of_o the_o former_a false_a worship_n be_v not_o whole_o abolish_v the_o which_o be_v like_a unto_o a_o root_n leave_v in_o the_o earth_n and_o to_o a_o wound_n or_o sore_o the_o which_o be_v not_o well_o cleanse_v will_v fester_v and_o send_v forth_o much_o corruption_n hence_o come_v that_o corruption_n of_o popery_n to_o wit_n from_o the_o relic_n of_o judaisme_n and_o heathenism_n and_o so_o that_o leaven_n have_v once_o infect_v the_o whole_a lump_n of_o the_o church_n we_o know_v that_o although_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o be_v take_v out_o yet_o the_o taste_n and_o sourness_n of_o it_o do_v remain_v in_o many_o place_n the_o kind_n of_o a_o corrupt_a state_n be_v many_o as_o be_v the_o part_n of_o the_o sincere_a government_n for_o the_o first_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n may_v be_v many_o way_n out_o of_o order_n as_o if_o it_o be_v sufficient_a and_o destitute_a of_o guilt_n needful_a or_o if_o the_o manner_n of_o execution_n of_o it_o be_v corrupt_a as_o when_o it_o be_v turn_v into_o vain_a ostentation_n and_o to_o a_o unprofitable_a affection_n of_o learning_n read_v wit_n
with_o the_o multitude_n there_o come_v in_o confusion_n and_o corruption_n and_o the_o civil_a power_n be_v in_o the_o person_n of_o the_o magistrate_n join_v to_o the_o church_n do_v often_o too_o much_o abridge_v the_o use_n of_o christian_n liberty_n take_v to_o itself_o as_o it_o may_v lawful_o do_v full_a power_n in_o make_v those_o ecclesiastical_a law_n which_o belong_v general_o to_o all_o the_o church_n within_o the_o compass_n of_o it_o but_o in_o these_o church_n the_o whole_a authority_n of_o establish_v law_n order_n and_o the_o appoint_v of_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n be_v in_o the_o church_n itself_o last_o it_o be_v usual_o object_v against_o these_o private_a church_n that_o they_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o tumult_n and_o civil_a dissension_n and_o so_o consequent_o do_v breâ—d_v the_o ruin_n of_o those_o commonwealth_n and_o kingdom_n wherein_o they_o aâ—e_v tolerate_v &_o therefore_o that_o it_o be_v the_o part_n of_o wise_a ruler_n who_o tender_v the_o good_a and_o peaceable_a estate_n of_o the_o people_n not_o to_o suffer_v they_o within_o their_o dominion_n to_o this_o we_o answer_v confess_v that_o through_o the_o perverseness_n of_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n the_o which_o be_v 〈◊〉_d inflame_v with_o bitter_a enmity_n against_o god_n and_o all_o goodness_n it_o come_v often_o to_o pass_v that_o â—â—uersitie_n of_o religion_n do_v stir_v up_o great_a debate_n in_o kingdom_n city_n and_o family_n for_o this_o cause_n the_o church_n desire_v to_o be_v separate_v in_o place_n from_o the_o idolatour_n least_o thâ—y_o shall_v exasperate_v their_o mind_n against_o they_o gen._n 46.34_o exod._n 8.26_o yea_o christ_n do_v profess_v that_o this_o will_v follow_v the_o gospel_n that_o the_o father_n shall_v be_v at_o deadly_a variance_n with_o the_o son_n and_o the_o mother_n with_o the_o daughter_n and_o that_o a_o man_n near_a friend_n shall_v for_o this_o cause_n become_v his_o cruel_a enemy_n yea_o the_o bloody_a and_o tragical_a tumult_n which_o have_v of_o late_a time_n rise_v and_o continue_v upon_o this_o occasion_n in_o diverse_a place_n do_v testify_v the_o truth_n here_o of_o but_o yet_o we_o ought_v not_o therefore_o to_o banish_v the_o church_n out_o of_o our_o dominion_n for_o it_o be_v better_a to_o have_v the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n with_o war_n trouble_n and_o dissension_n than_o idolatry_n with_o quietness_n so_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o say_v with_o christ_n that_o see_v the_o gospel_n be_v even_o as_o a_o firebrand_n in_o the_o world_n what_o shall_v be_v our_o desire_n but_o that_o it_o be_v preach_v for_o although_o for_o a_o time_n it_o breed_v trouble_v yet_o in_o the_o end_n it_o will_v be_v find_v the_o only_a mean_n of_o true_a quietness_n chap._n viiii_o of_o a_o public_a church_n sect._n 1_o of_o the_o objection_n which_o be_v make_v against_o public_a church_n thus_o much_o of_o a_o private_a church_n beside_o the_o which_o there_o be_v another_o kind_n of_o a_o church_n namely_o when_o any_o whole_a city_n country_n or_o nation_n do_v general_o profess_v the_o faith_n and_o so_o become_v a_o church_n consist_v not_o of_o any_o small_a or_o mean_a number_n but_o of_o great_a multitude_n of_o people_n even_o of_o whole_a nation_n as_o we_o see_v at_o this_o day_n that_o diveâ—s_v great_a kingdom_n and_o commonwealth_n have_v receive_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n so_o that_o in_o they_o the_o church_n do_v not_o lurk_v in_o any_o family_n or_o private_a corner_n or_o be_v in_o some_o few_o place_n but_o be_v open_o public_o and_o general_o set_v up_o in_o all_o place_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o civil_a ruler_n and_o the_o common_a consent_n of_o all_o man_n this_o we_o call_v a_o public_a church_n such_o as_o we_o see_v at_o this_o day_n most_o of_o all_o the_o city_n commonwealthe_n be_v country_n and_o kingdom_n in_o euâ—ope_n to_o be_v of_o the_o which_o one_o be_v distinguish_v from_o another_o by_o have_v a_o proper_a government_n of_o the_o own_o be_v rule_v by_o the_o same_o humane_a law_n both_o civil_a and_o also_o ecclesiastical_a but_o it_o may_v be_v here_o think_v that_o these_o country_n be_v no_o true_a church_n but_o that_o there_o be_v church_n in_o they_o and_o that_o not_o all_o the_o people_n general_o but_o only_o some_o few_o of_o they_o separate_v from_o the_o rest_n be_v to_o be_v account_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n and_o that_o for_o these_o reason_n first_o because_o there_o be_v no_o such_o church_n establish_v by_o the_o apostle_n or_o record_v to_o have_v be_v in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o gospel_n second_o for_o that_o although_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a to_o god_n to_o convert_v the_o heart_n of_o all_o man_n to_o embrace_v the_o gospel_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o agreeable_a to_o his_o usual_a deal_n so_o to_o bless_v any_o nation_n as_o that_o all_o of_o they_o without_o exception_n shall_v believe_v and_o become_v faithful_a man_n three_o because_o of_o the_o great_a confusion_n and_o many_o foul_a corruption_n which_o be_v usual_o find_v in_o such_o church_n the_o which_o seldom_o or_o never_o can_v be_v bring_v to_o the_o right_a order_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n last_o because_o they_o be_v not_o call_v to_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n force_v thereunto_o by_o the_o law_n &_o edict_n of_o prince_n and_o other_o ruler_n whereunto_o we_o answer_v that_o these_o thing_n do_v not_o hinder_v these_o whole_a city_n or_o nation_n from_o be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n as_o touch_v the_o first_o we_o do_v confess_v that_o there_o weâ—e_v no_o such_o public_a and_o general_a church_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n neither_o in_o the_o age_n follow_v the_o cause_n whereof_o we_o may_v plain_o see_v to_o be_v this_o that_o then_o be_v the_o â—ime_n of_o the_o infancy_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n it_o have_v be_v but_o late_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n but_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 apostle_n which_o be_v the_o conversion_n of_o whole_a nation_n and_o many_o country_n yea_o the_o apostle_n witness_v that_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o jew_n shall_v be_v then_o whenas_o that_o whole_a nation_n shall_v general_o embrace_v christ_n as_o the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n rom._n 11.26_o to_o the_o second_o doubt_n we_o answer_v that_o all_o the_o people_n of_o any_o country_n may_v have_v a_o general_a faith_n whereby_o they_o do_v know_v and_o profess_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n &_o that_o their_o profession_n hereof_o although_o it_o be_v not_o effectual_a to_o their_o salvation_n yea_o although_o it_o be_v mere_o hypocritical_a they_o think_v no_o such_o thing_n yet_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v they_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n as_o touch_v the_o corruption_n which_o be_v in_o such_o church_n we_o do_v confess_v that_o it_o be_v great_a than_o either_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v it_o be_v or_o then_o be_v in_o private_a church_n where_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n be_v less_o and_o that_o they_o can_v so_o easy_o be_v bring_v to_o and_o keep_v in_o that_o holy_a order_n which_o christ_n have_v appoint_v for_o his_o church_n private_a and_o further_o that_o these_o public_a church_n so_o seldom_o attain_v to_o any_o pure_a or_o perfect_a estate_n because_o in_o they_o the_o church_n and_o the_o commonwealth_n be_v so_o join_v &_o link_v together_o the_o whole_a affair_n and_o state_n of_o the_o church_n depend_v on_o the_o civil_a estate_n that_o the_o manifold_a alteration_n whereunto_o all_o kingdom_n &_o commonwealths_n be_v subject_a do_v make_v many_o change_n in_o the_o church_n yet_o this_o do_v not_o take_v from_o they_o either_o the_o be_v or_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n for_o it_o be_v no_o strange_a thing_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v great_a confusion_n and_o more_o corruption_n in_o great_a multitude_n of_o people_n then_o in_o small_a congregation_n for_o so_o we_o see_v even_o in_o the_o first_o congregation_n of_o christians_n which_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o do_v govern_v that_o when_o the_o number_n of_o disciple_n do_v increase_v than_o there_o be_v murmur_v among_o they_o and_o so_o even_o this_o private_a church_n do_v tend_v to_o some_o confusion_n act._n 6.1_o yea_o this_o thing_n have_v long_o ago_o be_v observe_v to_o have_v be_v continual_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n the_o which_o as_o long_o as_o it_o be_v in_o persecution_n do_v flourish_v not_o in_o the_o number_n so_o much_o as_o in_o the_o time_n of_o peace_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v far_o better_a order_v godliness_n love_n and_o virtue_n do_v
god_n teach_v we_o that_o the_o civil_a power_n be_v a_o holy_a ordinance_n of_o god_n institute_v by_o god_n chief_o for_o this_o end_n to_o intermeddle_v with_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n and_o not_o only_o to_o suffer_v and_o tolerate_v religion_n as_o it_o do_v in_o a_o private_a church_n but_o also_o to_o set_v up_o and_o maintain_v it_o yea_o whole_o to_o effect_n it_o although_o by_o the_o mean_n &_o ministry_n of_o other_o in_o all_o place_n whither_o the_o say_a power_n do_v stretch_v itself_o as_o for_o the_o distinction_n of_o the_o civil_a &_o ecclesiastical_a state_n although_o it_o may_v be_v use_v to_o put_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o civil_a &_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n yet_o if_o thereby_o we_o mean_v that_o in_o a_o public_a church_n there_o be_v add_v to_o the_o civil_a state_n another_o full_a and_o perfect_a body_n endue_v with_o full_a authority_n to_o begin_v and_o effect_v all_o matter_n belong_v to_o itself_o &_o not_o rely_v upon_o the_o other_o but_o only_o use_v the_o help_n of_o it_o against_o outward_a violence_n as_o when_o two_o distinct_a nation_n do_v join_v themselves_o in_o league_n together_o for_o their_o great_a safety_n than_o we_o think_v far_o otherwise_o of_o these_o thing_n than_o the_o word_n of_o god_n do_v permit_v according_a to_o the_o which_o the_o political_a body_n together_o with_o a_o public_a church_n be_v but_o one_o body_n move_v and_o order_v by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o head_n for_o as_o when_o any_o people_n be_v barbarous_a rude_a unexpert_a in_o feat_n of_o war_n and_o altogether_o destitute_a of_o humane_a knowledge_n and_o all_o good_a literature_n become_v civil_a courteous_a warlike_a wise_a and_o learned_a there_o be_v not_o so_o many_o new_a estate_n or_o body_n add_v to_o the_o commonwealth_n but_o only_o the_o first_o state_n of_o it_o be_v make_v so_o many_o way_n better_o so_o it_o be_v whenas_o a_o people_n of_o pagan_n and_o infidel_n become_v the_o worshipper_n of_o the_o true_a god_n for_o there_o be_v not_o a_o new_a body_n or_o state_n but_o only_o the_o quality_n of_o religion_n be_v add_v to_o the_o civil_a body_n or_o rather_o idolatry_n be_v change_v into_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n the_o which_o do_v no_o more_o make_v a_o distinct_a body_n than_o idolatry_n do_v in_o a_o heathenish_a commonwealth_n as_o for_o the_o people_n they_o can_v no_o more_o be_v say_v to_o be_v another_o body_n because_o they_o be_v religious_a then_o for_o that_o they_o be_v a_o learned_a and_o warlike_a people_n but_o for_o the_o minister_n and_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n it_o may_v seem_v necessary_a to_o be_v grant_v that_o they_o do_v either_o make_v a_o distinct_a and_o perfect_a body_n or_o that_o the_o ministry_n be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o civil_a body_n whereunto_o we_o answer_v that_o the_o ministry_n be_v not_o a_o body_n in_o itself_o body_n neither_o be_v it_o the_o head_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n but_o only_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n distinguish_v from_o the_o rest_n in_o nature_n use_n and_o object_n and_o excel_v the_o other_o by_o a_o divine_a holiness_n which_o it_o have_v more_o than_o any_o other_o part_n or_o function_n of_o this_o body_n the_o truth_n hereof_o be_v to_o be_v lay_v open_a by_o declare_v first_o that_o this_o whole_a state_n consist_v of_o a_o political_a body_n and_o of_o a_o public_a church_n have_v but_o one_o head_n whereby_o the_o whole_a body_n be_v order_v and_o every_o member_n of_o it_o move_v in_o their_o several_a function_n and_o second_o the_o office_n of_o these_o two_o state_n may_v agree_v together_o in_o the_o same_o subject_n the_o head_n be_v the_o civil_a power_n whereof_o we_o speak_v rather_o than_o of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n for_o that_o in_o many_o place_n the_o power_n be_v not_o whole_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o magistrate_n but_o divide_v among_o the_o senate_n the_o nobility_n and_o the_o people_n but_o here_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o whole_a power_n the_o which_o we_o call_v the_o hand_n of_o this_o body_n by_o â—_o usual_a metaphor_n take_v from_o the_o natural_a body_n wherein_o we_o see_v that_o the_o whole_a motion_n come_v from_o the_o head_n without_o the_o which_o none_o of_o the_o member_n can_v move_v itself_o or_o do_v any_o function_n thus_o all_o man_n do_v grant_v that_o the_o civil_a power_n be_v the_o head_n of_o this_o body_n in_o regard_n of_o civil_a and_o worldly_a affair_n but_o that_o it_o may_v be_v so_o call_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n many_o do_v doubt_n or_o rather_o flat_o deny_v without_o any_o doubt_n think_v that_o neither_o the_o civil_a power_n do_v stretch_v itself_o to_o church_n affair_n neither_o if_o it_o do_v in_o some_o respect_n that_o it_o ought_v therefore_o or_o may_v lawful_o be_v call_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n as_o touch_v this_o point_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v how_o both_o the_o function_n and_o also_o the_o name_n of_o a_o head_n agree_v to_o the_o civil_a power_n for_o the_o first_o in_o the_o build_n of_o the_o church_n it_o please_v god_n to_o use_v the_o help_n and_o the_o ministry_n of_o man_n and_o that_o two_o diverse_a way_n according_a to_o the_o two_o diverse_a kind_n of_o build_v his_o church_n whereof_o the_o one_o be_v inward_a secret_a and_o spiritual_a whenas_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o sacremenes_n the_o church_n be_v edify_v in_o knowledge_n faith_n love_n obedience_n and_o in_o all_o manner_n of_o spiritual_a grace_n in_o this_o part_n of_o the_o building_n christ_n be_v the_o first_o and_o chief_a mover_n yea_o the_o head_n of_o his_o church_n unto_o the_o which_o he_o give_v spiritual_a motion_n by_o his_o minister_n as_o by_o instrument_n unto_o who_o he_o give_v spiritual_a grace_n fit_a for_o this_o purpose_n ephe._n 4.11_o he_o give_v some_o to_o be_v apostle_n some_o evangelist_n some_o pastor_n and_o doctor_n for_o the_o gather_n of_o his_o saint_n and_o for_o the_o build_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ._n thus_o christ_n only_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o whole_a visible_a church_n for_o no_o creature_n can_v either_o appoint_v ecclesiastical_a function_n or_o give_v spiritual_a grace_n either_o to_o the_o minister_n or_o to_o the_o people_n but_o whenas_o the_o church_n come_v to_o be_v build_v in_o any_o particular_a place_n there_o must_v be_v add_v a_o other_o part_n of_o this_o building_n more_o outward_a apparent_a and_o sensible_a than_o the_o other_o to_o wit_n whenas_o this_o spiritual_a building_n together_o with_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n which_o be_v the_o mean_n of_o it_o be_v not_o only_o receive_v when_o as_o it_o be_v offer_v but_o also_o diligent_o seek_v after_o when_o it_o be_v wanâ—â—ng_v and_o careful_o preserve_v after_o that_o it_o be_v get_v this_o kind_n of_o build_v also_o be_v to_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o man_n but_o yet_o it_o do_v not_o come_v from_o the_o same_o head_n or_o fountain_n for_o that_o spiritual_a building_n come_v from_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v lord_n and_o king_n of_o his_o church_n but_o this_o come_v from_o god_n the_o father_n the_o maker_n and_o preserver_n of_o mankind_n who_o in_o great_a mercy_n and_o wisdom_n have_v not_o left_a man_n in_o utter_a confusion_n but_o have_v give_v unto_o they_o the_o mean_n of_o have_v a_o church_n and_o his_o true_a worship_n this_o mean_n be_v his_o own_o power_n and_o authority_n communicate_v to_o certain_a man_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o rest_n to_o who_o he_o have_v give_v this_o charge_n that_o they_o do_v as_o by_o all_o other_o mean_n so_o chief_o by_o build_v his_o church_n in_o those_o place_n which_o be_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o their_o authority_n procure_v the_o good_a of_o man_n so_o that_o all_o whosoever_o have_v the_o rule_n of_o any_o place_n whether_o it_o be_v kingdom_n or_o country_n province_n or_o city_n town_n or_o family_n be_v bind_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o namely_o by_o the_o general_a law_n of_o magistracy_n to_o build_v the_o church_n in_o the_o say_a place_n the_o which_o thing_n if_o they_o do_v neglect_v as_o most_o of_o all_o the_o magistat_n in_o the_o world_n in_o all_o age_n have_v do_v than_o they_o do_v sin_n against_o god_n no_o less_o than_o the_o minister_n be_v lawful_o call_v to_o the_o function_n who_o do_v neglect_v the_o inward_a and_o spiritual_a edify_n of_o the_o church_n this_o the_o prophet_n foretell_v sa_v that_o king_n and_o queen_n shall_v be_v nurse_n father_n and_o nurse_n mother_n to_o the_o ch._n not_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n and_o of_o the_o spiritual_a nourishment_n unto_o they_o but_o only_o that_o they_o shall_v
civil_a affair_n the_o prince_n of_o the_o family_n tribe_n and_o of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n be_v call_v the_o head_n of_o they_o because_o they_o do_v first_o move_v in_o all_o public_a action_n and_o yet_o the_o person_n of_o the_o civil_a ruler_n whether_o of_o the_o king_n of_o senator_n or_o of_o any_o other_o in_o particular_a be_v to_o be_v count_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o other_o man_n be_v thus_o we_o see_v that_o the_o church_n together_o with_o the_o civil_a state_n make_v not_o tâ—o_fw-la but_o one_o body_n under_o one_o and_o the_o same_o head_n sect._n 4._o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a calling_n may_v be_v in_o the_o same_o subject_n now_o we_o be_v to_o see_v how_o these_o two_o state_n may_v also_o agree_v in_o subject_n that_o be_v be_v order_v by_o the_o same_o person_n for_o this_o false_a distinction_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o body_n of_o the_o common_a wealth_n as_o it_o have_v spring_v from_o a_o false_a opinion_n of_o two_o distinct_a supreme_a head_n the_o one_o over_o the_o church_n the_o other_o over_o the_o civil_a state_n so_o it_o have_v be_v confirm_v by_o a_o false_a difference_n which_o have_v be_v put_v betwixt_o civil_a and_o eclesiasticall_a person_n as_o if_o the_o have_v of_o any_o function_n in_o the_o one_o state_n do_v quite_o cut_v a_o man_n off_o from_o meddle_v with_o the_o other_o and_o that_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o contrary_a nature_n of_o these_o two_o state_n and_o of_o the_o function_n belong_v unto_o they_o but_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n these_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a calling_n do_v not_o so_o fight_v but_o that_o they_o may_v meet_v together_o in_o one_o man_n without_o jar_v for_o it_o be_v not_o unlawful_a for_o one_o who_o bear_v some_o public_a function_n or_o be_v in_o any_o degree_n or_o place_n of_o honour_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n to_o meddle_v with_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n if_o he_o have_v gift_n from_o god_n and_o a_o lawful_a call_n from_o man_n or_o yet_o for_o he_o who_o be_v already_o a_o ecclesiastical_a person_n to_o have_v retain_v or_o take_v upon_o he_o any_o civil_a call_n the_o truth_n of_o this_o doctrine_n may_v be_v plain_o see_v in_o the_o scripture_n which_o show_v that_o both_o civil_a &_o ecclesiastical_a calling_n may_v lawful_o concur_v in_o the_o same_o person_n when_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n do_v so_o require_v for_o if_o we_o do_v consider_v the_o church_n before_o the_o law_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o first_o bear_v of_o the_o family_n be_v to_o the_o rest_n both_o a_o magistrate_n and_o a_o minister_n so_o that_o although_o the_o example_n of_o the_o church_n be_v in_o her_o infancy_n and_o imperfect_a estate_n ought_v not_o whole_o to_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o church_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n yet_o we_o may_v hereby_o know_v that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o contrariety_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o these_o calling_n but_o that_o they_o may_v be_v in_o the_o same_o person_n likewise_o we_o read_v that_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o law_n many_o who_o be_v appoint_v by_o god_n to_o his_o service_n do_v bear_v civil_a calling_n thus_o do_v samuel_n eli_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o priest_n and_o elder_n who_o be_v unto_o the_o people_n as_o judge_n &_o lawyer_n &_o do_v govern_v they_o even_o in_o the_o civil_a affair_n last_o if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o these_o function_n ought_v to_o be_v lay_v upon_o diverse_a man_n forasmuch_o as_o one_o man_n can_v be_v able_a to_o attend_v upon_o many_o calling_n we_o answer_v confess_v this_o to_o be_v true_a that_o for_o the_o better_a discharge_n of_o these_o calling_n they_o ought_v ordinarelie_o to_o be_v commit_v to_o diverse_a man_n yet_o that_o it_o be_v no_o more_o unlawful_a for_o one_o man_n to_o have_v a_o civil_a and_o a_o ecclesiastical_a call_n then_o to_o have_v two_o civil_a calling_n and_o that_o some_o man_n be_v endue_v with_o so_o great_a a_o measure_n of_o knowledge_n wisdom_n diligence_n and_o other_o gift_n that_o they_o may_v be_v employ_v in_o both_o these_o kind_n of_o calling_n by_o that_o which_o have_v be_v say_v of_o this_o second_o point_n we_o may_v easy_o gather_v the_o resolution_n of_o the_o three_o question_n to_o wit_n that_o in_o this_o conjunction_n the_o church_n have_v not_o the_o upper_a hand_n neither_o can_v command_v and_o over-rule_v but_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o civil_a power_n as_o to_o her_o superior_a by_o who_o leave_n she_o come_v into_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o by_o the_o which_o she_o be_v maintain_v uphold_v yea_o in_o great_a part_n order_v as_o hereafter_o will_v appear_v yea_o further_o we_o may_v know_v in_o part_n by_o the_o same_o conclusion_n what_o to_o think_v of_o the_o four_o point_n to_o wit_n how_o these_o state_n do_v meddle_v the_o one_o with_o the_o other_o and_o namely_o that_o the_o civil_a power_n do_v many_o way_n intermeddle_v with_o the_o church_n even_o as_o the_o head_n do_v with_o the_o body_n for_o it_o do_v not_o only_o suffer_v or_o procure_v the_o build_n of_o it_o but_o also_o effect_v it_o not_o only_o plant_v it_o but_o also_o establish_v and_o maintain_v yea_o repair_n it_o be_v fall_v purge_v it_o be_v corrupt_a and_o order_v it_o by_o ecclesiastical_a law_n as_o the_o process_n of_o this_o treatise_n will_v declare_v in_o particular_a as_o for_o the_o church_n it_o do_v not_o meddle_v with_o the_o civil_a state_n or_o government_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n but_o aught_o to_o leave_v it_o whole_o to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n sect._n 5._o of_o the_o change_n happen_v either_o to_o the_o church_n or_o the_o commonwealth_n by_o their_o conjunction_n last_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v what_o change_n commodity_n or_o discommodity_n do_v arise_v either_o to_o the_o church_n or_o to_o the_o commonwealth_n by_o this_o conjunction_n of_o they_o in_o one_o body_n and_o first_o that_o form_n or_o kind_n of_o civil_a government_n whether_o it_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o one_o of_o a_o few_o or_o of_o many_o whether_o the_o authority_n be_v absolute_a and_o great_a or_o conditional_a moderate_a and_o limit_v which_o be_v in_o use_n amongst_o any_o people_n before_o they_o do_v believe_v be_v not_o by_o this_o mean_v alter_v but_o remain_v in_o full_a force_n as_o before_o for_o a_o public_a church_n may_v stand_v with_o any_o form_n of_o government_n and_o be_v subject_a unto_o it_o without_o make_v any_o alteration_n government_n yet_o it_o cut_v off_o whatsoever_o be_v in_o the_o civil_a state_n in_o the_o law_n custom_n or_o office_n of_o it_o unlawful_a and_o repugnant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o the_o church_n can_v possible_o agree_v and_o be_v join_v with_o that_o which_o do_v not_o agree_v with_o the_o word_n other_o change_v it_o make_v none_o save_v only_o that_o the_o civil_a state_n become_v by_o this_o mean_n more_o happy_a sure_a and_o firm_a yea_o more_o glorious_a and_o flourish_a for_o beside_o the_o secret_a blessing_n which_o god_n do_v many_o way_n pour_v upon_o those_o country_n the_o which_o do_v honour_n he_o by_o profess_v the_o name_n of_o his_o son_n christ_n and_o so_o do_v give_v not_o only_o a_o poor_a harbour_n but_o even_o public_a and_o solâ—mne_a entertainment_n to_o his_o church_n as_o he_o do_v bless_v the_o house_n of_o obed_n edome_n 2._o sam._n 6.11_o for_o that_o the_o ark_n remain_v there_o for_o a_o season_n there_o be_v evident_a and_o necessary_a reason_n why_o it_o shall_v so_o be_v for_o there_o be_v no_o humane_a lawâ—s_n no_o fear_n of_o punishment_n or_o hope_v of_o reward_n whatsoeuâ—r_o that_o can_v bind_v man_n so_o sure_a to_o the_o performance_n both_o of_o faithful_a and_o loyal_a obedience_n to_o their_o ruler_n as_o also_o of_o all_o duty_n to_o their_o neighbour_n as_o do_v religion_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o although_o it_o â—e_v not_o to_o be_v hope_v especial_o in_o these_o public_a church_n that_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o man_n general_o shall_v be_v true_o possess_v with_o the_o fear_n god_n yet_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v preach_v leave_v even_o in_o the_o conscience_n of_o hypocrite_n a_o fear_n of_o commit_v heinous_a crime_n the_o which_o for_o the_o most_o part_n civil_a law_n do_v forbid_v yea_o in_o the_o church_n the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n reprove_v and_o also_o correct_v the_o least_o fault_n which_o be_v incident_a into_o the_o life_n of_o man_n whereby_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o theft_n murder_n and_o all_o other_o such_o gross_a crime_n be_v not_o once_o name_v last_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o honourable_a and_o glorious_a for_o any_o people_n as_o to_o have_v the_o true_a religion_n establish_v among_o
ought_v to_o have_v use_v and_o show_v in_o all_o his_o deal_n with_o the_o church_n and_o especial_o in_o give_v law_n for_o the_o order_n of_o it_o for_o although_o in_o other_o matter_n his_o will_n may_v in_o some_o sort_n stand_v for_o a_o law_n yet_o in_o this_o case_n he_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v so_o peremptory_a or_o wilful_a but_o that_o he_o do_v willing_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v rule_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v most_o agreeable_a unto_o it_o and_o forasmuch_o as_o in_o indifferent_a thing_n whereof_o these_o law_n be_v to_o be_v make_v it_o be_v not_o always_o easy_a to_o see_v what_o be_v most_o right_a and_o meet_v to_o be_v do_v and_o for_o that_o civil_a ruler_n have_v not_o the_o extraordinary_a assistance_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o direct_v they_o in_o these_o action_n therefore_o it_o be_v needful_a that_o they_o consult_v with_o other_o &_o take_v their_o advice_n in_o make_v law_n for_o the_o church_n and_o so_o much_o the_o rather_o as_o a_o oversight_n in_o govern_v the_o church_n be_v more_o hurtful_a than_o it_o be_v in_o civil_a mat_n if_o it_o be_v here_o ask_v who_o ought_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o this_o weighty_a consultation_n and_o what_o be_v the_o whole_a order_n of_o this_o action_n we_o referrâ—â—he_v answer_v hereof_o to_o the_o next_o chapter_n chap._n x._o of_o the_o conjunction_n of_o particular_a church_n sect._n 1_o of_o the_o voluntary_a conjunction_n of_o particular_a church_n under_o the_o government_n of_o counsel_n thus_o much_o of_o a_o particuiar_a church_n several_o consider_v and_o be_v distinguish_v from_o all_o other_o by_o the_o propriety_n of_o humane_a ecclesiastical_a law_n or_o more_o plain_o by_o a_o distinct_a government_n even_o as_o we_o see_v one_o city_n country_n or_o kingdom_n to_o be_v separate_v from_o another_o by_o the_o own_o limit_n whether_o hill_n river_n sea_n or_o any_o other_o thus_o the_o church_n which_o be_v plant_v at_o corinth_n by_o the_o apostle_n be_v free_a from_o all_o other_o church_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o their_o law_n and_o order_n yet_o often_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o they_o be_v join_v together_o and_o that_o even_o in_o this_o bond_n of_o humane_a government_n by_o the_o which_o they_o be_v usual_o sever_v one_o from_o another_o of_o this_o conjunction_n we_o be_v brief_o to_o entreat_v the_o which_o we_o find_v to_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n the_o one_o voluntary_a the_o other_o necessary_a voluntary_a conjunction_n be_v that_o whereby_o particular_a church_n which_o otherwise_o be_v free_a from_o all_o humane_a authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n do_v submit_v themselves_o to_o a_o common-guernment_a for_o their_o common_a good_a as_o we_o see_v that_o free_a city_n enter_v into_o a_o league_n and_o a_o common-government_n that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v the_o better_o order_v the_o subject_n of_o this_o authority_n be_v counsel_n provincial_a natural_a and_o general_a which_o be_v assembly_n of_o certain_a man_n send_v from_o particular_a church_n with_o authority_n to_o judge_v and_o determine_v of_o the_o weighty_a cause_n of_o those_o church_n in_o these_o counsel_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v first_o their_o original_n and_o authority_n and_o second_o of_o who_o they_o do_v consist_v for_o the_o first_o although_o the_o government_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v for_o the_o order_n of_o church_n in_o particular_a be_v in_o itself_o sufficient_a for_o that_o purpose_n yet_o there_o be_v many_o way_n great_a use_n of_o this_o common-government_n of_o counsel_n for_o there_o be_v not_o so_o great_a force_n and_o authority_n for_o the_o repress_v of_o the_o stubborn_a and_o disobedient_a for_o the_o resolve_v of_o doubt_n the_o decide_n of_o weighty_a controversy_n the_o confirm_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o doctrine_n the_o resuting_a of_o pernicious_a heresy_n counsel_n the_o make_n of_o ecclesiastical_a constitution_n of_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n and_o final_o for_o the_o order_n of_o great_a &_o weighty_a matter_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o any_o one_o church_n as_o there_o be_v in_o a_o great_a number_n who_o godliness_n wisdom_n and_o learning_n be_v famous_o know_v to_o all_o man_n yea_o there_o be_v among_o many_o excellent_a man_n great_a variety_n of_o knowledge_n wisdom_n and_o all_o spiritual_a grace_n the_o which_o be_v join_v together_o be_v more_o available_a for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o church_n then_o if_o they_o be_v only_o several_o use_v in_o particular_a church_n for_o these_o cause_n be_v this_o common_a government_n of_o counsel_n institute_v in_o the_o church_n at_o the_o first_o and_o have_v continue_v in_o all_o the_o age_n of_o it_o the_o first_o example_n of_o a_o council_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v act._n 15.6_o where_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n which_o be_v at_o jerusalem_n come_v together_o for_o the_o decide_n of_o a_o great_a controversy_n move_v about_o the_o keep_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n but_o this_o counsel_n although_o in_o force_n and_o authority_n it_o be_v ecumenical_a or_o general_a in_o that_o the_o constitution_n make_v then_o by_o the_o apostle_n do_v belong_v to_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o in_o act_n and_o in_o deed_n it_o be_v a_o particular_a assembly_n of_o that_o one_o church_n which_o be_v at_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o the_o apostle_n elder_n and_o of_o the_o whole_a people_n as_o appear_v vers._n 22._o so_o that_o this_o example_n serve_v not_o for_o our_o purpose_n neither_o prove_v the_o divine_a institution_n of_o provincial_a counsel_n yea_o as_o it_o seem_v we_o have_v not_o any_o example_n or_o precept_n of_o this_o conjunction_n of_o particular_a church_n mention_v in_o the_o act_n &_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n or_o elsewhere_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n whereof_o some_o have_v gather_v that_o these_o counsel_n be_v unlawful_a and_o their_o authority_n usurp_v be_v not_o of_o god_n but_o from_o man_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o government_n appoint_v for_o the_o church_n but_o that_o which_o may_v be_v have_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o every_o particular_a church_n for_o answer_v whereof_o we_o know_v that_o of_o lawful_a thing_n some_o be_v necessary_a be_v command_v by_o god_n so_o that_o the_o omit_v of_o they_o be_v sin_n in_o his_o sight_n but_o other_o thing_n be_v so_o lawful_a as_o that_o they_o may_v lawful_o be_v leave_v undo_v be_v not_o command_v but_o permit_v to_o we_o to_o do_v when_o we_o shall_v think_v they_o convenient_a of_o this_o latter_a kind_n be_v these_o common_a counsel_n and_o this_o voluntary_a conjunction_n of_o diverse_a church_n under_o one_o government_n for_o we_o have_v no_o flat_a commandment_n in_o the_o word_n as_o touch_v it_o neither_o can_v any_o church_n be_v compel_v to_o join_v in_o this_o manner_n yet_o one_o church_n may_v lawful_o use_v the_o help_n of_o a_o other_o for_o their_o mutual_a good_a if_o it_o be_v here_o object_v that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o man_n to_o appoint_v any_o other_o form_n of_o church-government_n than_o god_n himself_o have_v prescribe_v in_o his_o word_n we_o answer_v that_o these_o common_a counsel_n do_v not_o take_v away_o the_o government_n of_o particular_a church_n but_o rather_o do_v establish_v it_o yea_o make_v it_o more_o effectual_a and_o forcible_a and_o supply_v the_o want_n the_o which_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o infirmity_n and_o want_v of_o man_n be_v often_o find_v in_o it_o the_o reason_n why_o these_o counsel_n be_v not_o mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v for_o that_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o church_n can_v not_o join_v themselves_o together_o in_o this_o manner_n not_o only_o because_o they_o be_v not_o full_o settle_v within_o themselves_o but_o chief_o because_o they_o be_v few_o in_o number_n and_o so_o far_a distante_fw-la one_o from_o another_o that_o they_o can_v not_o with_o any_o convenience_n communicate_v ordinare_o together_o apostle_n yea_o the_o apostle_n be_v to_o they_o in_o steed_n of_o the_o most_o general_a counsel_n for_o they_o refer_v all_o their_o doubt_n controversy_n and_o matter_n of_o importance_n to_o their_o determination_n wherein_o the_o rest_v as_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n whereby_o it_o appear_v that_o although_o these_o counsel_n have_v not_o their_o original_n and_o authority_n immediate_o and_o direct_o from_o god_n as_o the_o ministry_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n have_v yet_o that_o they_o have_v be_v institute_v and_o use_v by_o the_o church_n for_o just_a and_o necessary_a cause_n according_a to_o the_o word_n and_o will_n of_o god_n likewise_o the_o authority_n of_o these_o council_n be_v the_o full_a authority_n of_o those_o church_n from_o the_o which_o the_o several_a commissioner_n or_o delegate_n be_v send_v and_o therefore_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v
reverence_v and_o obey_v yet_o this_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o this_o authority_n do_v not_o stretch_v itself_o to_o any_o church_n save_v only_o to_o those_o which_o join_v themselves_o together_o in_o this_o kind_n of_o government_n or_o rather_o in_o this_o subjection_n and_o therefore_o a_o council_n which_o be_v gather_v out_o of_o all_o the_o church_n of_o some_o country_n or_o part_n of_o the_o world_n can_v impose_v law_n upon_o the_o church_n of_o other_o country_n yea_o if_o in_o a_o ecumenical_a council_n any_o one_o church_n shall_v refuse_v to_o join_v itself_o with_o the_o rest_n the_o law_n of_o that_o council_n shall_v not_o build_v that_o one_o church_n for_o counsel_n have_v no_o authority_n but_o over_o those_o church_n from_o the_o which_o they_o have_v authority_n sect._n 2._o of_o who_o counsel_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o consist_v second_o we_o be_v to_o see_v of_o who_o these_o counsel_n ought_v to_o consist_v the_o answer_n be_v of_o man_n who_o the_o common_a consent_n of_o the_o church_n join_v together_o under_o this_o common_a government_n do_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o their_o gift_n to_o wit_n of_o zeal_n godliness_n wisdom_n learning_n experience_n faithfulness_n boldness_n diligence_n and_o such_o other_o grace_n requisite_a in_o this_o behalf_n judge_v fit_a for_o this_o purpose_n here_o we_o have_v two_o question_n to_o answer_v the_o first_o be_v whether_o that_o any_o beside_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n ought_v to_o be_v of_o these_o counsel_n the_o second_o be_v whether_o that_o a_o council_n may_v convenient_o consist_v whole_o of_o those_o who_o be_v not_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n for_o answer_v of_o both_o these_o question_n we_o confess_v that_o the_o minister_n ought_v to_o be_v account_v most_o fit_a to_o be_v admit_v into_o consultation_n of_o these_o weighty_a matter_n for_o that_o they_o ought_v not_o only_o to_o know_v the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o particular_a church_n better_v the_o any_o other_o it_o be_v their_o call_n and_o office_n to_o look_v unto_o they_o but_o also_o to_o be_v endue_v with_o more_o excellent_a gift_n than_o be_v to_o be_v expect_v usual_o in_o other_o yet_o these_o counsel_n may_v lawful_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n consist_v of_o other_o yea_o the_o constitution_n or_o decree_n of_o such_o counsel_n be_v no_o less_o to_o have_v the_o force_n reverence_n and_o obedience_n of_o ecclesiastical_a law_n then_o if_o they_o have_v be_v make_v by_o a_o council_n consist_v whole_o of_o minister_n for_o it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n which_o do_v consociate_v themselves_o in_o this_o manner_n to_o delegate_v their_o authority_n to_o who_o they_o will_v of_o what_o calling_n or_o condition_n soever_o he_o be_v for_o although_o the_o knowledge_n and_o care_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o all_o other_o grace_n have_v in_o corrupt_a time_n be_v appropriate_v to_o the_o minister_n the_o people_n be_v account_v ignorant_a and_o profane_a idol_n neither_o able_a nor_o worthy_a to_o deal_v with_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n much_o less_o to_o judge_v deterâ—ine_n and_o advise_v of_o â—_z of_o great_a importance_n yet_o we_o learn_v out_o of_o the_o word_n and_o see_v it_o ratify_v by_o experience_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o all_o spiritual_a grace_n do_v as_o well_o belong_v and_o be_v as_o often_o as_o plentiful_o yea_o some_o time_n in_o great_a measure_n grant_v to_o other_o christian_n then_o to_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n so_o that_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n can_v challenge_v to_o themselves_o authority_n and_o ability_n to_o be_v the_o only_a doer_n in_o this_o action_n but_o must_v admit_v into_o their_o company_n and_o consultation_n those_o of_o the_o people_n that_o be_v judge_v fit_n for_o this_o purpose_n yea_o although_o there_o be_v a_o sufficient_a number_n of_o minister_n able_a to_o perform_v whatsoever_o be_v require_v in_o this_o behalf_n yet_o it_o be_v diverse_a way_n inconvenient_a that_o counsel_n shall_v consist_v whole_o of_o they_o for_o first_o we_o know_v that_o a_o great_a part_n of_o these_o law_n do_v concern_v the_o minister_n themselves_o and_o the_o performance_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o function_n wherein_o if_o there_o be_v any_o general_a negligence_n want_n or_o oversight_n and_o error_n which_o be_v no_o strange_a thing_n as_o they_o know_v who_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o history_n and_o state_n of_o the_o church_n who_o shall_v lay_v open_a the_o fault_n &_o make_v law_n for_o the_o redress_v of_o it_o for_o although_o it_o may_v be_v suppose_v that_o they_o will_v do_v it_o of_o their_o own_o accord_n yet_o it_o stand_v not_o with_o their_o wisdom_n who_o have_v the_o choose_n of_o fit_a man_n for_o these_o counsel_n to_o commit_v the_o matter_n whole_o to_o they_o especial_o whenas_o the_o amend_v of_o the_o error_n be_v against_o the_o credit_n consultation_n commodity_n or_o ease_n of_o the_o minister_n yea_o it_o be_v not_o agreeable_a to_o any_o reason_n that_o they_o shall_v appoint_v to_o themselves_o the_o duty_n and_o work_n which_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o correct_v whatsoever_o be_v amiss_o therein_o for_o we_o know_v that_o most_o of_o all_o those_o corruption_n wherewith_o the_o church_n have_v be_v pollute_v and_o deface_v these_o many_o age_n have_v be_v both_o bring_v in_o and_o continue_v by_o the_o mean_n of_o these_o counsel_n consist_v of_o minister_n only_o beside_o this_o reject_v of_o the_o whole_a church_n as_o unfit_a to_o advise_v any_o thing_n for_o their_o own_o good_a be_v both_o injurious_a to_o god_n who_o especial_o in_o this_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n pour_v forth_o his_o spirit_n with_o a_o full_a and_o indifferent_a hand_n on_o all_o his_o servant_n that_o call_v upon_o he_o so_o that_o his_o grace_n bestow_v on_o the_o church_n be_v as_o the_o ointment_n which_o be_v pour_v upon_o aaron_n head_n run_v down_o even_o to_o the_o skirt_n of_o his_o garment_n and_o also_o reproachful_a to_o the_o church_n as_o be_v destitute_a of_o all_o spiritual_a wisdom_n and_o understanding_n last_o the_o exclude_v of_o all_o the_o people_n from_o counsel_n make_v the_o law_n enact_v by_o they_o to_o be_v unwilling_o receive_v for_o that_o the_o minister_n take_v all_o the_o authority_n into_o their_o own_o hand_n do_v easy_o incur_v the_o suspicion_n of_o tyrannize_a over_o the_o church_n whereas_o the_o law_n will_v be_v readely_a obey_v without_o murmur_a or_o repine_v if_o that_o some_o of_o the_o people_n have_v a_o hand_n in_o the_o make_n of_o they_o as_o touch_v the_o second_o question_n although_o a_o council_n gather_v about_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n may_v lawful_o consist_v whole_o of_o those_o who_o be_v not_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n yet_o it_o be_v seldom_o convenient_a that_o this_o shall_v be_v put_v in_o practice_n for_o first_o the_o ordinary_a authority_n wherewith_o the_o minister_n be_v endue_v in_o that_o they_o be_v the_o teacher_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o people_n although_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o make_v law_n yet_o it_o require_v that_o they_o shall_v usual_o bear_v the_o great_a sway_n in_o make_v those_o humane_a law_n whereby_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v govern_v yea_o by_o this_o mean_v it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o law_n have_v great_a force_n and_o authority_n among_o the_o people_n then_o when_o they_o come_v from_o man_n otherwise_o mere_o private_a yea_o the_o state_n of_o many_o church_n be_v so_o that_o few_o man_n of_o other_o calling_n beside_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n give_v themselves_o to_o the_o study_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o have_v sufficient_a knowledge_n for_o this_o purpose_n think_v that_o it_o do_v belong_v to_o minister_n only_o to_o know_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o government_n of_o his_o church_n and_o if_o we_o do_v suppose_v a_o flourish_a state_n of_o a_o church_n wherein_o knowledge_n do_v abound_v not_o only_o in_o the_o minister_n but_o also_o among_o the_o people_n so_o as_o they_o be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o sound_n judgement_n and_o good_a advice_n in_o these_o weighty_a matter_n yet_o the_o minister_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v exclude_v for_o if_o the_o people_n do_v abound_v with_o knowledge_n it_o be_v like_a yea_o necessary_a that_o the_o minister_n be_v much_o more_o fill_v with_o all_o spiritual_a understanding_n and_o wisdom_n yea_o it_o be_v seldom_o see_v that_o other_o know_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o people_n which_o in_o make_v these_o law_n be_v chief_o to_o be_v regard_v so_o well_o as_o the_o minister_n do_v who_o be_v continual_o exercise_v in_o look_v unto_o they_o sect._n 3_o of_o the_o necessary_a conjunction_n of_o particular_a church_n under_o the_o government_n
be_v urge_v by_o a_o cunning_a disputer_n will_v whole_o overthrow_v faith_n for_o the_o denial_n of_o faith_n be_v bring_v in_o about_o indirect_o and_o by_o many_o consequent_n infer_v one_o of_o another_o but_o the_o man_n corrupt_v with_o error_n do_v not_o consider_v any_o such_o thing_n but_o believe_v direct_o &_o resolute_o in_o jesus_n christ_n as_o in_o the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n yea_o although_o he_o be_v convince_v by_o argument_n ground_v upon_o his_o own_o assertion_n and_o error_n to_o deny_v the_o faith_n yet_o he_o will_v still_o hold_v it_o and_o rather_o deny_v the_o conclusion_n then_o renounce_v his_o faith_n even_o as_o a_o man_n be_v in_o temptation_n may_v have_v true_a faith_n although_o he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o answer_v those_o objection_n which_o satan_n and_o his_o own_o conscience_n do_v make_v against_o his_o faith_n but_o it_o be_v seldom_o see_v that_o a_o heretic_n be_v bring_v to_o see_v that_o his_o opinion_n and_o the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n can_v both_o stand_v together_o for_o he_o will_v have_v some_o shift_n or_o other_o to_o keep_v himself_o from_o grant_v that_o the_o error_n which_o he_o maintain_v bring_v with_o it_o any_o such_o absurdity_n it_o be_v write_v act._n 13.3_o that_o there_o do_v some_o believe_n which_o be_v of_o the_o heresy_n of_o the_o pharise_n and_o do_v still_o hold_v the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o law_n it_o be_v long_o to_o rehearse_v the_o error_n which_o have_v be_v maintain_v by_o many_o not_o only_o particular_a man_n error_n but_o also_o whole_a church_n about_o weighty_a point_n of_o who_o we_o may_v well_o think_v that_o a_o true_a faith_n have_v be_v in_o many_o live_n in_o as_o great_a and_o as_o many_o error_n as_o these_o heretic_n before_o mention_v for_o if_o we_o do_v consider_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n before_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o howsoever_o god_n do_v extraordinare_o reveal_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o messiah_n to_o some_o yet_o that_o not_o only_o the_o common_a &_o ignorant_a people_n live_v in_o the_o church_n but_o even_o many_o of_o the_o learned_a be_v ignorant_a of_o many_o fundamental_a point_n of_o christianity_n which_o christ_n himself_o do_v plain_o testify_v christ._n mat._n 13.16_o say_n bless_a be_v the_o eye_n which_o see_v the_o thing_n which_o you_o see_v for_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o that_o â—any_n prophet_n and_o righteous_a man_n have_v desire_v to_o see_v they_o and_o yet_o have_v not_o the_o which_o word_n be_v necessary_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o fundamental_a and_o most_o weighty_a point_n of_o faith_n for_o those_o do_v christ_n teach_v in_o his_o ministry_n they_o have_v in_o deed_n a_o constant_a faith_n in_o the_o messiah_n to_o come_v but_o no_o particular_a distinct_a and_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o his_o person_n nature_n office_n and_o manner_n of_o salvation_n which_o he_o shall_v bring_v in_o the_o 11._o chapter_n to_o the_o heb._n ver_fw-la 13._o it_o be_v say_v that_o rahab_n the_o harlot_n have_v faith_n but_o that_o she_o know_v distinct_o the_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o christ_n we_o can_v think_v and_o the_o like_a be_v to_o be_v say_v of_o many_o other_o of_o those_o who_o be_v there_o mention_v together_o and_o in_o other_o place_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n yet_o even_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n be_v ignorant_a of_o many_o of_o these_o thing_n and_o be_v in_o most_o grievous_a error_n after_o that_o they_o do_v believe_v philip_n know_v not_o the_o doctrine_n of_o â—he_n first_o person_n iâ—_n the_o trinity_n john_n 14.9_o as_o they_o at_o ephesus_n know_v noâ—_n whether_o there_o be_v a_o holy_a ghost_n or_o no._n act._n 19.2_o yea_o they_o do_v think_v that_o christ_n shall_v be_v a_o worldly_a king_n math._n 20.21_o act_n 1.6_o and_o peter_n do_v not_o hold_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n passion_n for_o he_o dissuade_v he_o from_o it_o math_n 16.22_o and_o yet_o they_o do_v believe_v before_o that_o time_n as_o christ_n the_o searcher_n of_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n do_v testify_v neither_o do_v the_o jew_n for_o the_o most_o part_n before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n once_o imagine_v that_o their_o messiah_n shall_v be_v put_v to_o a_o shameful_a death_n as_o may_v be_v gather_v john_n 12.34_o we_o confess_v that_o the_o difference_n of_o the_o time_n make_v these_o error_n to_o be_v more_o grievous_a under_o the_o gospel_n than_o they_o be_v before_o as_o he_o be_v more_o blind_a that_o can_v see_v at_o noon_n day_n than_o he_o who_o can_v distinguish_v thing_n rare_o in_o the_o morning_n before_o the_o sin_n do_v rise_v yet_o if_o these_o error_n may_v be_v join_v with_o faith_n in_o one_o time_n we_o may_v suppose_v the_o same_o at_o another_o time_n also_o but_o still_o we_o must_v note_v the_o great_a difference_n of_o time_n for_o we_o be_v not_o to_o think_v that_o man_n may_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v common_o save_v live_v in_o these_o error_n as_o they_o be_v before_o for_o than_o man_n be_v blind_a in_o darkness_n now_o they_o shut_v their_o eye_n against_o the_o light_n in_o they_o these_o error_n be_v simple_a another_o and_o mere_a ignorances_n but_o iâ—_n our_o heretic_n they_o be_v wilful_a and_o obstinate_a heresy_n before_o god_n do_v oversee_v those_o error_n but_o now_o he_o bid_v every_o one_o in_o pain_n of_o eternal_a damnation_n to_o seek_v understand_v and_o embrace_v the_o truth_n act._n 17.30_o before_o they_o can_v not_o but_o now_o man_n will_v not_o see_v the_o truth_n before_o they_o be_v the_o error_n of_o the_o time_n but_o now_o they_o be_v the_o error_n of_o man_n yet_o we_o be_v not_o to_o think_v the_o less_o reverent_o of_o those_o holy_a man_n of_o that_o time_n for_o these_o error_n neither_o to_o make_v any_o question_n of_o their_o salvation_n but_o now_o we_o be_v to_o learn_v of_o the_o apostle_n tit._n 3.10_o to_o avoid_v and_o abhor_v a_o heretic_n after_o one_o or_o two_o admonition_n know_v that_o such_o a_o one_o be_v subvert_v and_o sin_v be_v condemn_v by_o himself_o as_o we_o may_v well_o think_v that_o the_o first_o author_n of_o popery_n do_v not_o of_o ignorance_n but_o of_o set_a purpose_n forge_v these_o opinion_n for_o their_o own_o advantage_n and_o that_o many_o of_o those_o which_o since_o that_o time_n be_v endue_v with_o any_o measure_n of_o learning_n and_o judgement_n do_v in_o their_o conscience_n condemn_v themselves_o and_o those_o error_n which_o they_o hold_v yet_o we_o be_v not_o peremptorelie_o to_o judge_v they_o to_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o damnation_n for_o the_o common_a and_o unlearned_a people_n live_v in_o popery_n heretic_n do_v so_o whole_o rely_v themselves_o upon_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o church_n that_o they_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n ignorant_a even_o of_o the_o very_a error_n of_o popery_n wherein_o the_o more_o simple_a and_o unlearned_a that_o a_o man_n be_v the_o great_a hope_n we_o may_v have_v of_o his_o salvation_n yea_o many_o learned_a man_n amongst_o they_o have_v be_v carry_v headlong_o with_o the_o blindness_n of_o the_o time_n and_o in_o a_o kind_n of_o modesty_n or_o rather_o gross_a and_o sottish_a negligence_n have_v not_o inquire_v into_o those_o point_n which_o the_o whole_a church_n do_v maintain_v and_o yet_o some_o of_o thâ—se_a man_n live_v in_o these_o heresy_n have_v be_v so_o sound_a and_o constant_a in_o the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n gospel_n that_o we_o read_v that_o diverse_a of_o they_o have_v give_v their_o life_n in_o defence_n of_o it_o so_o that_o we_o can_v without_o injury_n deny_v unto_o they_o the_o name_n of_o christian_n which_o they_o have_v buy_v with_o the_o price_n of_o their_o own_o blood_n but_o as_o for_o those_o who_o do_v still_o hold_v these_o heresy_n since_o the_o time_n wherein_o it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o let_v the_o sun_n of_o truth_n to_o shine_v clear_o in_o the_o world_n their_o case_n be_v very_o fearful_a and_o especial_o those_o who_o have_v have_v the_o truth_n teach_v and_o offer_v unto_o they_o for_o as_o christ_n say_v john_n 10.3_o all_o his_o sheep_n know_v his_o voice_n and_o can_v distinguish_v it_o from_o the_o voice_n of_o false_a shepherd_n when_o it_o sound_v in_o their_o ear_n howsoever_o before_o they_o do_v not_o know_v it_o and_o the_o apostle_n write_v 1._o cor._n 14.37_o if_o any_o be_v spiritual_a let_v he_o acknowledge_v these_o thing_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o if_o any_o be_v ignorant_a let_v he_o be_v ignorant_a still_o in_o this_o sense_n paul_n write_v to_o the_o gal._n 5.2_o that_o if_o they_o be_v circumcise_v christ_n shall_v profit_v they_o nothing_o and_o yet_o act._n 21.20_o there_o be_v many_o thousand_o jew_n who_o do_v believe_v all_o of_o they_o
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