the_o whole_a church_n as_o unto_o faith_n in_o general_n but_o only_o the_o belief_n before_o describe_v 2._o this_o communion_n in_o faith_n respect_v the_o church_n itself_o as_o its_o material_a object_n for_o it_o be_v require_v hereunto_o that_o we_o believe_v that_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v have_v in_o all_o age_n and_o especial_o have_v in_o that_o wherein_o we_o live_v a_o church_n on_o the_o earth_n confine_v unto_o no_o place_n nor_o party_n of_o man_n no_o empire_n nor_o dominion_n or_o capable_a of_o any_o confinement_n as_o also_o that_o this_o church_n be_v redeem_a call_v sanctify_v by_o he_o that_o it_o be_v his_o kingdom_n his_o interest_n his_o concernment_n in_o the_o world_n that_o thereunto_o and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n do_v belong_v and_o be_v confine_v that_o this_o church_n he_o will_v save_v preserve_v and_o deliver_v from_o all_o opposition_n so_o as_o that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o and_o after_o death_n will_v raise_v it_o up_o and_o glorify_v it_o at_o the_o last_o day_n this_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n concern_v itself_o which_o be_v a_o ancient_a fundamental_a article_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o if_o any_o one_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o church_n call_v out_o of_o the_o world_n separate_v from_o it_o unto_o which_o alone_a and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n do_v appertain_v in_o contradistinction_n unto_o all_o other_o or_o confine_v it_o unto_o a_o party_n unto_o who_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o appropriate_a he_o cut_v himself_o off_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n in_o the_o faith_n hereof_o all_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n throughout_o the_o world_n have_v a_o comfort_a refresh_a communion_n which_o be_v the_o spring_n of_o many_o duty_n in_o they_o continual_o 3._o this_o communion_n of_o church_n in_o faith_n consist_v much_o in_o the_o principal_a fruit_n of_o it_o namely_o prayer_n so_o be_v it_o state_v ephes._n 2.18_o for_o through_o christ_n we_o have_v a_o access_n by_o one_o spirit_n unto_o the_o father_n and_o that_o therein_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n do_v consist_v the_o apostle_n declare_v in_o the_o follow_a verse_n 19_o 20_o 21_o 22._o now_o therefore_o etc._n etc._n for_o prayer_n in_o all_o church_n have_v one_o object_n which_o be_v god_n even_o the_o father_n god_n as_o the_o father_n proceed_v in_o all_o from_o one_o and_o the_o same_o spirit_n give_v unto_o they_o as_o a_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n to_o make_v intercession_n for_o they_o and_o all_o of_o they_o continual_o offer_v unto_o god_n by_o the_o same_o highpriest_n who_o add_v unto_o it_o the_o incense_n of_o his_o own_o intercession_n and_o by_o who_o they_o have_v all_o a_o access_n unto_o the_o same_o throne_n of_o grace_n they_o have_v all_o a_o bless_a communion_n herein_o continual_o and_o this_o communion_n be_v the_o more_o express_a in_o that_o the_o prayer_n of_o all_o be_v for_o all_o so_o as_o that_o there_o be_v no_o particular_a church_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o world_n not_o any_o one_o member_n of_o any_o of_o they_o but_o they_o have_v the_o prayer_n of_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n and_o of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o they_o every_o day_n and_o however_o this_o communion_n be_v invisible_a unto_o the_o eye_n of_o flesh_n yet_o be_v it_o glorious_a and_o conspicuous_a unto_o the_o eye_n of_o faith_n and_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n the_o mediator_n in_o heaven_n this_o prayer_n proceed_v from_o or_o wrought_v by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o spirit_n in_o they_o all_o equal_o bestow_v on_o they_o all_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o christ_n have_v the_o same_o object_n even_o god_n as_o a_o father_n and_o offer_v unto_o he_o by_o the_o same_o highpriest_n together_o with_o his_o own_o intercession_n give_v unto_o all_o church_n a_o communion_n far_o more_o glorious_a than_o what_o consist_v in_o some_o outward_a rite_n and_o order_n of_o man_n devise_v but_o now_o if_o there_o be_v any_o other_o person_n or_o church_n who_o have_v any_o other_o object_n of_o their_o prayer_n but_o god_n even_o the_o father_n and_o as_o our_o father_n in_o christ_n or_o have_v any_o other_o mediator_n or_o intercessor_n by_o who_o to_o convey_v or_o present_v their_o prayer_n unto_o god_n but_o christ_n alone_o the_o only_a highpriest_n of_o the_o church_n or_o do_v renounce_v the_o aid_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n as_o a_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n they_o cut_v themselves_o off_o from_o all_o communion_n with_o the_o catholic_n church_n herein_o 4._o the_o unity_n of_o faith_n in_o all_o church_n affect_v communion_n among_o they_o in_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o same_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n these_o be_v the_o same_o in_o unto_z and_o among_o they_o all_o neither_o do_v some_o variation_n in_o the_o outward_a manner_n of_o their_o administration_n interrupt_v that_o communion_n but_o wherever_o the_o continuation_n of_o these_o ordinance_n be_v deny_v or_o their_o nature_n or_o use_n be_v pervert_v or_o idolatrous_a worship_n be_v annex_v unto_o their_o administration_n there_o communion_n with_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v renounce_v 5._o they_o have_v also_o by_o faith_n communion_n herein_o in_o that_o all_o church_n do_v profess_v a_o subjection_n unto_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o a_o obligation_n upon_o they_o to_o do_v and_o observe_v all_o whatsoever_o he_o have_v command_v other_z instance_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n may_v be_v give_v but_o these_o be_v sufficient_a to_o manifest_v how_o unscriptural_a the_o notion_n be_v that_o there_o be_v no_o proper_a communion_n with_o or_o among_o church_n but_o what_o consist_v in_o a_o compliance_n with_o certain_a power_n order_n and_o rite_n the_o press_v whereof_o under_o the_o name_n of_o uniformity_n have_v cast_v all_o thought_n of_o real_a evangelical_n church_n communion_n into_o oblivion_n second_o church_n ordain_v and_o constitute_v in_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n and_o for_o the_o end_v declare_v in_o our_o former_a discourse_n on_o this_o subject_a and_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o union_n unto_o christ_n and_o among_o themselves_o live_v constant_o in_o all_o place_n of_o the_o world_n in_o the_o actual_a exercise_n of_o that_o communion_n which_o consist_v in_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o same_o church-duty_n towards_o god_n in_o christ_n unto_o their_o own_o continuation_n increase_v and_o edification_n have_v also_o a_o especial_a union_n among_o themselves_o and_o a_o mutual_a communion_n thence_o arise_v the_o bond_n of_o this_o union_n be_v love_n not_o the_o common_a regulate_v affection_n of_o humane_a nature_n so_o call_v not_o mere_o that_o power_n and_o duty_n which_o be_v engrave_v on_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n by_o the_o law_n of_o creation_n towards_o all_o of_o the_o same_o kind_a and_o blood_n with_o themselves_o but_o a_o especial_a grace_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n act_v in_o the_o church_n as_o the_o principle_n and_o bond_n of_o its_o union_n unto_o its_o self_n whence_o the_o command_n of_o it_o be_v call_v a_o new_a commandment_n because_o in_o itself_o as_o unto_o the_o only_a example_n of_o it_o in_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n the_o cause_n and_o motive_n unto_o it_o with_o its_o peculiar_a end_n and_o proper_a exercise_n it_o be_v absolute_o new_a and_o evangelical_n a_o explanation_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o belong_v not_o unto_o this_o place_n although_o it_o be_v a_o grace_n and_o a_o duty_n of_o so_o much_o importance_n wherein_o so_o much_o of_o the_o life_n power_n and_o peculiar_a glory_n of_o christian_a religion_n do_v consist_v and_o be_v either_o so_o utter_o lose_v or_o have_v such_o vile_a image_n of_o it_o set_v up_o in_o the_o world_n that_o it_o deserve_v a_o full_a consideration_n which_o it_o may_v receive_v in_o another_o place_n i_o say_v the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o love_n be_v give_v from_o christ_n the_o fountain_n and_o centre_n of_o all_o church-union_n to_o dwell_v in_o and_o abide_v with_o his_o church_n thereby_o unite_n it_o unto_o himself_o do_v work_n in_o it_o and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o that_o mutual_a love_n which_o may_v and_o do_v animate_v they_o unto_o all_o those_o mutual_a act_n which_o be_v proper_a unto_o the_o relation_n wherein_o they_o stand_v by_o virtue_n of_o their_o union_n unto_o christ_n their_o head_n as_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n one_o with_o another_o herein_o consist_v the_o union_n of_o every_o church_n in_o itself_o of_o all_o church_n among_o themselves_o and_o so_o of_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n their_o communion_n consist_v
get_v a_o pretence_n of_o its_o power_n administer_v by_o such_o way_n and_o mean_n as_o wherein_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n neither_o of_o those_o by_o who_o it_o be_v administer_v nor_o of_o those_o unto_o who_o it_o be_v apply_v be_v any_o way_n concern_v with_o respect_n unto_o the_o authority_n or_o any_o institution_n of_o jesus_n christ._n from_o a_o observation_n hereof_o and_o a_o desire_n to_o vindicate_v as_o well_o christian_n religion_n from_o such_o a_o scandalous_a abuse_n as_o mankind_n from_o bondage_n to_o such_o a_o monstrous_a fiction_n as_o be_v the_o present_a power_n and_o exercise_v of_o it_o some_o have_v fall_v into_o another_o extreme_a deny_v that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o excommunication_n appoint_v or_o approve_v by_o the_o gospel_n but_o this_o neither_o be_v nor_o ever_o will_v be_v a_o way_n to_o reduce_v religion_n nor_o any_o thing_n in_o it_o unto_o its_o primitive_a order_n and_o purity_n to_o deny_v the_o be_v of_o any_o thing_n because_o it_o have_v be_v abuse_v when_o there_o can_v have_v be_v no_o abuse_n of_o it_o but_o upon_o a_o supposition_n of_o its_o be_v be_v not_o a_o rational_a way_n to_o reprove_v and_o convince_v that_o abuse_n and_o when_o those_o who_o have_v corrupt_v this_o institution_n find_v the_o insufficiency_n of_o the_o argument_n produce_v to_o prove_v that_o there_o never_o be_v any_o such_o institution_n it_o make_v they_o secure_a in_o the_o practice_n of_o their_o own_o abuse_n of_o it_o for_o they_o imagine_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o incumbent_a on_o they_o to_o justify_v their_o present_a possession_n and_o exercise_n of_o the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n but_o that_o excommunication_n itself_o be_v appoint_v in_o the_o church_n by_o christ_n whereas_o the_o true_a consideration_n of_o this_o appointment_n be_v the_o only_a mean_n to_o divest_v they_o of_o their_o power_n and_o practice_n for_o the_o most_o effectual_a course_n to_o discharge_v and_o disprove_v all_o corruption_n in_o the_o agenda_fw-la or_o practical_n of_o religion_n as_o the_o sacrament_n public_a worship_n rule_n and_o the_o like_a be_v to_o propose_v and_o declare_v the_o thing_n themselves_o in_o their_o original_a simplicity_n and_o purity_n as_o appoint_v by_o christ_n and_o record_v in_o the_o scripture_n a_o real_a view_n of_o they_o in_o such_o a_o proposal_n will_v divest_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n not_o corrupt_v and_o harden_v by_o prejudice_n and_o interest_n of_o those_o erroneous_a conception_n of_o they_o that_o from_o some_o kind_n of_o tradition_n they_o have_v be_v prepossess_v withal_o and_o this_o i_o shall_v now_o attempt_v in_o this_o particular_a of_o excommunication_n there_o have_v be_v great_a enquiry_n about_o the_o nature_n and_o exercise_n of_o this_o ordinance_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n with_o the_o account_n give_v of_o it_o by_o the_o latter_a jew_n for_o the_o right_n and_o power_n of_o it_o in_o general_a belong_v unto_o a_o church_n as_o such_o every_o church_n and_o not_o that_o which_o be_v pure_o evangelical_n only_o this_o i_o shall_v not_o inquire_v into_o it_o have_v be_v sift_v to_o the_o bran_n already_o and_o intermix_v with_o many_o rabbinical_a conjecture_n and_o mistake_n in_o general_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o certain_a than_o that_o there_o be_v a_o doublâ—_n removal_n of_o person_n by_o church-authority_n from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o whole_a congregation_n in_o divine_a worship_n the_o one_o for_o a_o season_n the_o other_o for_o ever_o whereof_o i_o have_v give_v instance_n elsewhere_o but_o i_o intend_v only_o the_o consideration_n of_o what_o belong_v unto_o church_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o to_o this_o end_n we_o may_v observe_v 1._o that_o all_o lawful_a society_n constitute_v such_o by_o voluntary_a confederation_n according_a unto_o peculiar_a law_n and_o rule_n of_o their_o own_o choice_n unto_o especial_a duty_n and_o end_n have_v a_o right_n and_o power_n by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n to_o receive_v into_o their_o society_n those_o that_o be_v willing_a and_o meet_a engage_v themselves_o to_o observe_v the_o rule_n law_n and_o end_n of_o the_o society_n and_o to_o expel_v they_o out_o of_o it_o who_o wilful_o deviate_v from_o those_o rule_n this_o be_v the_o life_n and_o form_n of_o every_o lawful_a society_n or_o community_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n without_o which_o they_o can_v neither_o coalesce_v nor_o subsist_v but_o it_o be_v require_v hereunto_o 1._o that_o those_o who_o so_o enter_v into_o such_o a_o society_n have_v right_o or_o power_n so_o to_o do_v and_o many_o thing_n be_v require_v unto_o this_o end_n as_o 1._o that_o those_o who_o enter_v into_o such_o a_o society_n be_v svi_fw-la juris_fw-la have_v a_o lawful_a right_o to_o dispose_v of_o themselves_o as_o unto_o all_o the_o duty_n and_o end_n of_o such_o a_o society_n hence_o child_n servant_n subject_n have_v no_o power_n in_o themselves_o to_o enter_v into_o such_o society_n without_o the_o interposition_n of_o and_o obligation_n from_o a_o power_n superior_a unto_o that_o of_o parent_n master_n or_o prince_n namely_o that_o of_o god_n himself_o 2._o that_o the_o rule_n law_n and_o end_n of_o the_o society_n be_v lawful_a good_a and_o useful_a unto_o themselves_o and_o other_o for_o there_o may_v be_v a_o confederation_n in_o and_o for_o evil_a which_o be_v a_o combination_n that_o give_v no_o right_a nor_o power_n over_o one_o another_o or_o towards_o other_o that_o enter_v into_o it_o 3._o that_o it_o contain_v nothing_o that_o be_v prejudicial_a unto_o other_o in_o thing_n divine_a or_o humane_a 4._o nor_o oblige_v unto_o the_o omission_n or_o neglect_n of_o any_o duty_n that_o man_n by_o virtue_n of_o any_o relation_n natural_a moral_a or_o political_n do_v owe_v unto_o other_o nor_o 5._o be_v hurtful_a unto_o themselves_o in_o their_o life_n liberty_n name_n reputation_n usefulness_n in_o the_o world_n or_o any_o thing_n else_o unto_o who_o preservation_n they_o be_v oblige_v by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n nor_o 6._o can_v be_v or_o be_v such_o person_n oblige_v to_o forsake_v the_o conduct_n of_o themselves_o in_o thing_n divine_a and_o humane_a by_o the_o light_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n by_o a_o engagement_n of_o blind_a obedience_n unto_o other_o which_o will_v render_v every_o society_n unlawful_a by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o light_n of_o nature_n 7._o lest_o of_o all_o have_v any_o person_n right_o or_o power_n to_o oblige_v themselves_o in_o such_o society_n unto_o thing_n evil_a sinful_a superstitious_a or_o idolatrous_a these_o thing_n be_v plain_a and_o evident_a in_o themselves_o and_o every_o way_n sufficient_a to_o divest_v all_o the_o religious_a society_n and_o fraternity_n that_o be_v erect_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n of_o all_o that_o right_n and_o power_n which_o belong_v unto_o lawful_a society_n constitute_v by_o voluntary_a confederation_n and_o if_o any_o thing_n inconsistent_a with_o these_o principle_n of_o natural_a light_n be_v pretend_v in_o church_n it_o dive_v they_o of_o all_o power_n as_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o by_o virtue_n of_o any_o compact_n or_o confederation_n whatever_o 2._o it_o be_v require_v that_o a_o society_n by_o voluntary_a consent_n vest_v with_o the_o right_n and_o power_n mention_v do_v neither_o give_v nor_o take_v away_o any_o right_n privilege_n or_o advantage_n to_o or_o from_o any_o member_n of_o the_o society_n which_o belong_v unto_o they_o natural_o or_o political_o but_o their_o power_n be_v confine_v unto_o those_o thing_n alone_o wherein_o man_n may_v be_v benefit_v and_o advantage_v by_o the_o society_n and_o this_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o political_a society_n man_n for_o the_o sake_n and_o benefit_n of_o they_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o forego_v many_o particular_a advantage_n which_o without_o they_o they_o may_v make_v unto_o themselves_o but_o they_o can_v forego_v any_o of_o those_o right_n which_o in_o their_o several_a relation_n be_v inseparable_o annex_v unto_o they_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n nor_o give_v power_n over_o themselves_o in_o such_o thing_n unto_o the_o society_n so_o be_v it_o with_o church_n the_o power_n of_o expulsion_n out_o of_o their_o society_n extend_v only_o unto_o the_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n which_o the_o society_n as_o such_o do_v afford_v and_o communicate_v now_o these_o be_v only_a thing_n spiritual_a if_o church_n be_v a_o institution_n of_o he_o who_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world._n the_o power_n then_o that_o be_v in_o church_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o be_v what_o they_o be_v extend_v not_o itself_o unto_o any_o outward_a concernment_n of_o man_n as_o unto_o their_o life_n liberty_n natural_a or_o political_a privilege_n estate_n or_o possession_n unless_o we_o shall_v say_v that_o man_n hold_v and_o possess_v these_o thing_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o relation_n unto_o the_o church_n which_o be_v to_o overthrow_v
edification_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n whereunto_o it_o be_v design_v wherefore_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n in_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n have_v constitute_v his_o church_n in_o such_o a_o state_n and_o order_n as_o wherein_o none_o of_o they_o be_v able_a of_o themselves_o always_o and_o in_o all_o instance_n to_o attain_v all_o the_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v appoint_v with_o respect_n unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n and_o he_o do_v it_o for_o this_o end_n that_o whereas_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n be_v animate_v by_o one_o spirit_n which_o be_v the_o bond_n of_o union_n between_o all_o particular_a church_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v every_o one_o of_o they_o may_v act_n the_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o it_o unto_o the_o preservation_n and_o edification_n of_o the_o whole_a herein_o then_o we_o acknowledge_v lie_v the_o great_a difference_n which_o we_o have_v with_o other_o about_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o world_n we_o do_v believe_v that_o the_o mutual_a communion_n of_o particular_a church_n among_o themselves_o in_o a_o equality_n of_o power_n and_o order_n though_o not_o of_o gift_n and_o usefulness_n be_v the_o only_a way_n appoint_v by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n after_o the_o death_n of_o the_o apostle_n for_o the_o attain_v the_o general_a end_n of_o all_o particular_a church_n which_o be_v the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n in_o faith_n love_n and_o peace_n other_o way_n and_o mean_n have_v be_v find_v out_o in_o the_o world_n for_o this_o end_n which_o we_o must_v speak_v unto_o immediate_o wherefore_o it_o behove_v we_o to_o use_v some_o diligence_n in_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o cause_n nature_n and_o use_v of_o this_o communion_n of_o church_n but_o it_o must_v be_v moreover_o premise_v that_o whereas_o this_o communion_n of_o church_n be_v radical_o and_o essential_o the_o same_o among_o all_o church_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o as_o unto_o the_o ordinary_a actual_a exercise_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o it_o be_v confine_v and_o limit_v by_o divine_a providence_n unto_o such_o church_n as_o the_o natural_a mean_n of_o the_o discharge_n of_o such_o duty_n may_v extend_v unto_o that_o be_v unto_o those_o which_o be_v plant_v within_o such_o line_n of_o communication_n such_o precinct_n or_o boundary_n of_o place_n and_o country_n as_o may_v not_o render_v the_o mutual_a performance_n of_o such_o duty_n insuperable_o difficult_a yet_o be_v not_o the_o world_n itself_o so_o wide_o but_o that_o all_o place_n be_v make_v pervious_a by_o navigation_n this_o communion_n of_o church_n may_v be_v visible_o profess_v and_o in_o some_o instance_n practise_v among_o all_o church_n from_o the_o rise_n of_o the_o sun_n even_o unto_o the_o going-down_a of_o the_o same_o where_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n be_v know_v among_o the_o gentile_n wherein_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o its_o union_n do_v consist_v which_o be_v utter_o overthrow_v by_o the_o most_o vehement_a pretence_n that_o be_v make_v unto_o it_o as_o those_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n wherefore_o such_o a_o communion_n of_o church_n be_v to_o be_v inquire_v after_o as_o from_o which_o no_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n be_v or_o can_v be_v exclude_v in_o who_o actual_a exercise_n they_o may_v and_o aught_o all_o to_o live_v and_o whereby_o the_o general_a end_n of_o all_o church_n in_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n may_v be_v attain_v this_o be_v the_o true_a and_o only_a catholicism_n of_o the_o church_n which_o whoever_o depart_v from_o or_o substitute_n any_o thing_n else_o in_o the_o room_n of_o it_o under_o that_o name_n destroy_v its_o whole_a nature_n and_o disturb_v the_o whole_a ecclesiastical_a harmony_n that_o be_v of_o christ_n institution_n however_o therefore_o we_o plead_v for_o the_o right_n of_o particular_a church_n yet_o our_o real_a controversy_n with_o most_o in_o the_o world_n be_v for_o the_o be_v union_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n which_o be_v various_o pervert_v by_o many_o and_o separate_v it_o into_o party_n and_o confine_v it_o to_o rule_n measure_n and_o canon_n of_o their_o own_o find_v out_o and_o establishment_n for_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o belong_v neither_o to_o the_o internal_a nor_o external_a form_n of_o that_o catholic_n church_n who_o be_v in_o the_o world_n we_o believe_v and_o who_o union_n we_o be_v oblige_v to_o preserve_v and_o whoever_o give_v any_o description_n of_o or_o limitation_n to_o the_o catholic_n church_n beside_o what_o consist_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o particular_a church_n intend_v do_v utter_o overthrow_v it_o and_o therein_o a_o article_n of_o our_o faith._n but_o this_o communion_n of_o church_n can_v be_v due_o apprehend_v unless_o we_o inquire_v and_o determine_v wherein_o their_o union_n do_v consist_v for_o communion_n be_v a_o act_n of_o union_n that_o receive_v both_o its_o nature_n and_o power_n from_o it_o or_o by_o virtue_n of_o it_o for_o of_o what_o nature_n soever_o the_o union_n of_o thing_n distinct_a in_o themselves_o be_v of_o the_o same_o be_v the_o communion_n that_o they_o have_v among_o themselves_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n the_o person_n of_o the_o pope_n as_o he_o be_v pope_n be_v the_o head_n and_o centre_n of_o all_o church_n union_n nor_o be_v there_o allow_v any_o union_n of_o particular_a church_n with_o christ_n or_o among_o themselves_o but_o in_o and_o through_o he_o a_o universal_a subjection_n unto_o he_o and_o his_o authority_n be_v the_o original_a spring_n of_o all_o church_n union_n among_o they_o and_o if_o any_o one_o soul_n fail_v herein_o if_o as_o unto_o thing_n of_o faith_n and_o divine_a worship_n he_o do_v not_o depend_v on_o the_o pope_n and_o live_v in_o subjection_n unto_o he_o he_o be_v repute_v a_o stranger_n and_o forâ—â—â—ner_n unto_o the_o catholic_n church_n yea_o they_o affirm_v that_o be_v a_o man_n never_o so_o willing_a for_o and_o desirous_a of_o a_o interest_n in_o christ_n he_o can_v have_v it_o but_o by_o the_o pope_n the_o communion_n of_o church_n congenial_a and_o suit_v unto_o this_o union_n proceed_v from_o it_o and_o exercise_v by_o virtue_n of_o it_o arise_v from_o a_o various_a contignation_n of_o order_n or_o the_o erection_n of_o one_o story_n of_o church_n interest_n upon_o another_o until_o we_o come_v to_o the_o idol_n place_v on_o the_o top_n of_o this_o babel_n so_o be_v this_o communion_n carry_v on_o from_o the_o obedience_n and_o subjection_n of_o the_o low_a rubbish_n of_o ecclesiastical_a order_n unto_o diocesan_n of_o they_o to_o metropolitan_n of_o they_o to_o patriarch_n or_o cardinal_n of_o they_o to_o the_o pope_n or_o a_o ascent_n be_v make_v from_o diocesan_n synod_n by_o provincial_n and_o national_a to_o those_o that_o be_v call_v ecumenical_a who_o head_n be_v the_o pope_n yet_o two_o thing_n must_v be_v far_o observe_v to_o clear_v this_o communion_n of_o the_o roman_n catholic_n church_n as_o 1._o that_o there_o be_v no_o ascent_n of_o church-order_n or_o power_n by_o a_o vital_a act_n of_o communion_n from_o the_o low_a degree_n order_n or_o consociation_n and_o by_o they_o to_o the_o pope_n as_o though_o he_o shall_v receive_v any_o thing_n of_o church-power_n from_o they_o but_o all_o the_o plenitude_n of_o it_o be_v original_o vest_v in_o he_o by_o these_o several_a order_n and_o degree_n he_o communicate_v of_o it_o unto_o all_o church_n as_o the_o life_n of_o their_o conjunction_n and_o communion_n 2._o that_o no_o man_n be_v so_o joint_v in_o this_o order_n so_o compact_v in_o this_o body_n but_o that_o he_o be_v also_o personal_o and_o immediate_o subject_a to_o the_o pope_n and_o depend_v on_o he_o as_o unto_o his_o whole_a profession_n of_o religion_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o constitute_v he_o formal_o to_o be_v what_o he_o be_v that_o be_v antichrist_n and_o the_o church-state_n arise_v from_o its_o union_n unto_o he_o hold_v he_o as_o its_o head_n subsist_v in_o a_o communion_n by_o virtue_n of_o power_n receive_v through_o various_a order_n and_o constitution_n from_o he_o to_o be_v anti-christian_n for_o he_o and_o it_o be_v set_v up_o in_o the_o room_n of_o and_o in_o direct_a opposition_n unto_o the_o lord_n christ_n as_o the_o head_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o the_o church_n state_n thereon_o depend_v this_o we_o have_v describe_v ephes._n 4.15_o 16._o speak_v the_o truth_n in_o love_n may_v grow_v up_o etc._n etc._n as_o also_o col._n 2.19_o where_o there_o be_v a_o rejection_n of_o they_o who_o belong_v not_o unto_o the_o church_n catholic_n take_v from_o its_o relation_n unto_o christ_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o its_o dependence_n on_o he_o not_o hold_v the_o head_n etc._n etc._n when_o man_n shall_v cease_v to_o be_v wilful_o blind_a or_o when_o the_o power_n of_o
from_o the_o scripture_n in_o doctrine_n or_o give_v counsel_n as_o unto_o practice_n synodical_o unto_o they_o who_o proper_a representative_n be_v present_a in_o it_o who_o decree_n and_o determination_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v and_o submit_v unto_o on_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o truth_n and_o necessity_n as_o recommend_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o synod_n from_o the_o promise_a presence_n of_o christ_n among_o they_o be_v suitable_a unto_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o example_n give_v by_o the_o apostle_n act._n 15._o hence_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o in_o and_o after_o such_o synod_n it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o church_n concern_v humble_o to_o consider_v and_o weigh_v 1._o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n in_o they_o from_o the_o manner_n cause_n and_o end_n of_o their_o assemble_v and_o from_o their_o deportment_n therein_o 2._o what_o regard_n in_o their_o constitution_n and_o determination_n there_o have_v be_v unto_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o whether_o in_o all_o thing_n it_o have_v have_v its_o due_a pre-eminence_n 3._o how_o all_o their_o determination_n have_v be_v educe_v from_o its_o truth_n and_o be_v confirm_v by_o its_o authority_n without_o a_o due_a exercise_n of_o judgement_n with_o respect_n unto_o these_o thing_n none_o can_v be_v oblige_v by_o any_o synodical_a determination_n see_v without_o they_o and_o on_o the_o want_n of_o they_o many_o assembly_n of_o bishop_n who_o have_v have_v the_o outward_a appearance_n and_o title_n of_o synod_n or_o council_n have_v be_v den_n of_o thief_n robber_n idolater_n manage_v their_o synodical_a affair_n with_o fury_n wrath_n horrible_a craft_n according_a to_o their_o interest_n unto_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o church_n such_o be_v the_o second_o ephesine_n the_o second_o at_o nice_a and_o that_o at_o trent_n and_o other_o not_o a_o few_o hence_o nothing_o be_v more_o to_o be_v fear_v especial_o in_o a_o state_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o it_o be_v decline_v in_o faith_n worship_n and_o holiness_n than_o synod_n according_a to_o the_o usual_a way_n of_o their_o call_n and_o convention_n where_o these_o thing_n be_v absent_a for_o they_o have_v already_o be_v the_o principal_a mean_n of_o lead_v on_o and_o justify_v all_o the_o apostasy_n which_o church_n have_v fall_v into_o for_o never_o be_v there_o yet_o synod_n of_o that_o nature_n which_o do_v not_o confirm_v all_o the_o error_n and_o superstition_n which_o have_v in_o common_a practice_n enter_v into_o the_o church_n and_o open_v a_o door_n to_o a_o progress_n in_o they_o nor_o be_v ever_o the_o pretence_n of_o any_o of_o they_o for_o outward_a reformation_n of_o any_o use_n or_o signification_n 2._o the_o authority_n of_o a_o synod_n determine_v article_n of_o faith_n constitute_v order_n and_o decree_n for_o the_o conscientious_a observance_n of_o thing_n of_o their_o own_o appointment_n to_o be_v submit_v unto_o and_o obey_v on_o the_o reason_n of_o that_o authority_n under_o the_o penalty_n of_o excommunication_n and_o the_o trouble_n by_o custom_n and_o tyranny_n thereto_o annex_v or_o act_v in_o a_o way_n of_o jurisdiction_n over_o church_n or_o person_n be_v a_o mere_a humane_a invention_n for_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v plead_v but_o prescription_n from_o the_o four_o century_n of_o the_o church_n when_o the_o progress_n of_o the_o fatal_a apostasy_n become_v visible_a the_o proof_n of_o both_o these_o assertion_n depend_v on_o what_o be_v before_o declare_v of_o the_o nature_n and_o use_n of_o these_o synod_n for_o if_o they_o be_v such_o as_o we_o have_v evince_v no_o other_o power_n or_o authority_n can_v be_v ascribe_v unto_o they_o but_o that_o here_o allow_v yet_o the_o whole_a may_v be_v far_o illustrate_v by_o some_o brief_a consideration_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o jerusalem_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o synod_n record_v act._n 15._o 1._o the_o occasion_n of_o it_o be_v a_o difference_n in_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n which_o they_o can_v not_o compose_v among_o themselves_o because_o those_o who_o cause_v the_o difference_n pretend_a authority_n from_o the_o apostle_n as_o be_v evident_a v._n 1._o and_o 14._o 2._o the_o mean_n of_o its_o convention_n be_v the_o desire_n and_o voluntary_a reference_n of_o the_o matter_n in_o debate_n make_v by_o the_o church_n at_o antioch_n where_o the_o difference_n be_v unto_o that_o at_o jerusalem_n whence_o as_o it_o be_v pretend_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o difference_n arise_v unto_o the_o hazard_n of_o their_o mutual_a communion_n to_o be_v consult_v of_o with_o their_o own_o messenger_n 3._o the_o person_n constitute_v the_o synod_n be_v the_o apostle_n elder_n and_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o messenger_n of_o that_o antioch_n with_o who_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n be_v join_v in_o the_o same_o delegation_n 4._o the_o matter_n in_o difference_n be_v debate_v as_o unto_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n concern_v it_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o out_o of_o the_o scripture_n on_o james_n proposal_n the_o determination_n be_v make_v 5._o there_o be_v nothing_o impose_v a_o new_a on_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n only_a direction_n be_v give_v in_o one_o particular_a instance_n as_o unto_o duty_n necessary_a on_o many_o account_n unto_o the_o gentile_a convert_v namely_o to_o abstain_v from_o fornication_n and_o from_o the_o use_n of_o their_o liberty_n in_o such_o instance_n of_o its_o practice_n as_o whereon_o scandal_n will_v ensue_v which_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o christian_n even_o before_o this_o determination_n and_o be_v so_o still_o in_o many_o other_o instance_n beside_o those_o mention_v in_o the_o decree_n only_o it_o be_v now_o declare_v unto_o they_o 6._o the_o ground_n whereon_o the_o synod_n propose_v the_o reception_n of_o and_o compliance_n with_o its_o decree_n be_v four_o 1._o that_o what_o they_o have_v determine_v be_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n it_o please_v the_o holy_a ghost_n this_o mind_n they_o know_v either_o by_o inspiration_n or_o immediate_a revelation_n make_v unto_o themselves_o or_o by_o what_o be_v write_v or_o record_v in_o the_o scripture_n which_o on_o all_o other_o occasion_n they_o allege_v as_o what_o be_v the_o word_n and_o speak_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o it_o be_v this_o latter_a way_n namely_o a_o discovery_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o scripture_n that_o be_v intend_v however_o it_o be_v conclude_v that_o nothing_o be_v propose_v or_o confirm_v in_o synod_n but_o what_o be_v well_o know_v to_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o scripture_n either_o by_o immediate_a inspiration_n or_o by_o scripture_n revelation_n 2._o the_o authority_n of_o the_o assembly_n as_o convene_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o presence_n whereof_o we_o have_v speak_v before_o it_o please_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o we_o 3._o that_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v determine_v be_v necessary_a that_o be_v antecedent_o so_o unto_o that_o determination_n namely_o the_o abstain_v from_o the_o use_n of_o their_o liberty_n in_o thing_n indifferent_a in_o case_n of_o scandal_n 4._o from_o the_o duty_n with_o respect_n unto_o the_o peace_n and_o mutual_a communion_n of_o the_o jewish_a and_o gentile_a church_n do_v thus_o say_v they_o you_o shall_v do_v well_o which_o be_v all_o the_o sanction_n of_o their_o decree_n manifest_v that_o it_o be_v doctrinal_a not_o authoritative_a in_o way_n of_o jurisdiction_n 7._o the_o doctrinal_a abridgement_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o gentile_a christian_n in_o case_n of_o scandal_n they_o call_v the_o impose_v of_o no_o other_o burden_n in_o opposition_n unto_o what_o they_o reject_v namely_o the_o impose_v a_o yoke_n of_o ceremony_n upon_o they_o v_o 10._o so_o as_o that_o the_o meaning_n of_o these_o word_n be_v that_o they_o will_v lay_v no_o burden_n on_o they_o at_o all_o but_o only_o advise_v they_o unto_o thing_n necessary_a for_o the_o avoidance_n of_o scandal_n for_o it_o be_v impious_a to_o imagine_v that_o the_o apostle_n will_v impose_v any_o yoke_n or_o lay_v any_o burden_n on_o the_o disciple_n but_o only_o the_o yoke_n and_o burden_n of_o christ_n as_o be_v contrary_a to_o their_o commission_n matth._n 28.19_o 20._o hence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o a_o synod_n convene_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n by_o the_o voluntary_a consent_n of_o several_a church_n concern_v in_o mutual_a communion_n may_v declare_v and_o determine_v of_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o scripture_n and_o decree_v the_o observation_n of_o thing_n true_a and_o necessary_a because_o reveal_v and_o appoint_v in_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v own_a and_o observe_v on_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o they_o and_o the_o ministerial_a authority_n of_o the_o synod_n itself_o finis_fw-la errata_fw-la page_n 16._o line_n 31._o for_o to_o read_v do_v p._n 23._o l._n 34._o r._n state_n p._n 27_o l._n 2._o r._n believer_n be_v p._n 31._o l._n 11._o r._n mat._n 20._o p._n 40._o l._n 23._o r._n if_o so_o be_v p._n 41._o l._n 25._o r._n we_o inquire_v not_o p._n 47._o l._n ult_n r._n these_o p._n 53._o l._n 6._o ephes._n 4.7_o p._n 71._o l._n 33._o r._n light._n p._n 72._o l._n 8._o r._n mere_a p._n 103_o l._n 33._o r._n auricular_a p._n 112._o l._n 29._o r._n conc._n p_o 117._o l._n 9_o after_o public_o add_v read._n p._n 119._o l._n 22_o r._n their_o mix_a p._n 129._o l._n 5._o for_o 18_o r._n 28._o p._n 132._o l._n 9_o for_o 9_o r._n 3._o p._n 141._o l._n 30._o read_v over_o you_o p._n 147._o l._n 25._o for_o 39_o r._n 38._o p._n 168._o l._n 20._o for_o 24._o r._n 21._o p._n 186._o l._n 20._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p_o 192._o l._n 14._o r._n will_v full_o p_o 205._o l._n 35_o r._n this_o p._n 228._o l._n 21_o r._n do_v p._n 244._o l._n 9_o r._n furnace_n p_o 256._o l._n 15._o r._n probable_a psal._n 15.1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5._o psal._n 24.3_o 4._o psal._n 93_o 5._o 2_o cor._n 8.23_o ephes._n 5.27_o 2_o tim._n 3.1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5._o ezek._n 22.26_o joh._n 3.3_o tit._n 3.3_o 4_o 5._o joh._n 3.5_o act._n 2.38_o 1_o pet._n 3.21_o phil._n 3_o 18_o 19_o tit._n 1.15_o 16._o act._n 15.8_o revel_v 2.23_o act._n 8.13_o 1_o cor._n 6.9_o 10_o 11._o phil._n 3.18_o 19_o 2_o thes._n 3.6_o 2_o tim._n 3.5_o rom._n 9.6_o 7._o tit._n 1.16_o mat._n 18.16_o 17_o 18._o 1_o cor._n 5.11_o rom._n 10.10_o 2_o cor._n 8.5_o chap._n 9.13_o matth._n 10.32_o 33._o luke_n 9.16_o 2_o tim._n 2.12_o rom._n 15.9_o joh._n 12.42_o 1_o joh._n 4.2_o 3_o 15._o matth._n 28.18_o 19_o 20._o 2_o cor._n 8.5_o matth._n 10.37_o 38_o 39_o mar._n 8.34_o 38._o luke_n 9.23_o phil._n 3.18_o act._n 4.10_o 11_o 20._o act._n 24.14_o matth._n 28.19_o 20._o 1_o cor._n 10.32_o phil._n 1.10_o ☞_o ☞_o matth._n 18.1_o 2_o 3_o 4._o chap._n 23.7_o 8_o 9_o 10_o 11._o luke_n 22.24_o 25_o 26_o 27._o 1_o pet._n 5.1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5._o 2_o joh._n 9.10_o act._n 20.18_o 29._o 1_o pet._n 5.2_o 3._o cant._n 1.7_o jerem._n 13.17_o chap._n 23.2_o ezek._n 34.3_o gen._n 49.24_o psal._n 23.1_o psal._n 80.1_o joh._n 10.11_o 14_o 16._o heb._n 13.20_o 1_o pet._n 2.25_o chap._n 5.4_o ☜_o ☞_o jam_fw-la 5.16_o joh._n 17.20_o exod._n 32.11_o deut._n 9.18_o levit._fw-la 16.24_o 1_o sam._n 12.23_o 2_o cor._n 13.7_o 9_o ephes._n 1.15_o 16_o 17._o ch._n 3.14_o phil._n 1.4_o col._n 1.3_o 2_o thess._n 1.11_o ☞_o ☜_o ☞_o ☞_o ☜_o ☞_o
or_o benefactor_n their_o rule_n as_o unto_o the_o kind_a and_o administration_n of_o it_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n he_o approve_v of_o and_o such_o a_o power_n or_o pre-eminence_n it_o be_v namely_o good_a and_o just_a in_o itself_o not_o tyrannical_a and_o oppressive_a that_o the_o two_o disciple_n desire_v in_o his_o kingdom_n which_o give_v occasion_n unto_o this_o declaration_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o the_o rule_n thereof_o for_o in_o this_o power_n or_o dominion_n two_o thing_n may_v be_v consider_v 1._o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o over_o the_o person_n good_n and_o life_n of_o man_n by_o court_n coercive_a jurisdiction_n process_n of_o law_n and_o external_n force_v in_o punishment_n 2._o the_o state_n grandeur_n pre-eminence_n wealth_n exaltation_n above_o other_o which_o be_v necessary_a unto_o the_o maintenance_n of_o their_o authority_n and_o power_n both_o these_o in_o the_o least_o participation_n of_o they_o in_o the_o least_o degree_n whatever_o be_v forbid_v by_o our_o saviour_n to_o be_v admit_v in_o his_o kingdom_n or_o to_o have_v any_o place_n therein_o on_o what_o pretence_n soever_o he_o will_v have_v nothing_o of_o lordship_n domination_n pre-eminence_n in_o lordly_a power_n in_o his_o church_n no_o court_n no_o coercive_a jurisdiction_n no_o exercise_n of_o any_o humane_a authority_n do_v he_o allow_v therein_o for_o by_o these_o mean_n do_v the_o prince_n of_o the_o gentile_n those_o that_o be_v the_o benefactor_n of_o their_o country_n rule_n among_o they_o and_o this_o be_v most_o evident_a from_o what_o in_o opposition_n hereunto_o he_o prescribe_v unto_o his_o own_o disciple_n the_o great_a the_o best_a in_o office_n grace_n and_o gift_n namely_o a_o ministry_n only_o to_o be_v discharge_v in_o the_o way_n of_o service_n how_o well_o this_o great_a command_n and_o direction_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v be_v and_o be_v comply_v withal_o by_o those_o who_o have_v take_v on_o they_o to_o be_v ruler_n in_o the_o church_n be_v sufficient_o know_v wherefore_o there_o be_v no_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n but_o what_o be_v ministerial_a consist_v in_o a_o authoritative_a declaration_n and_o application_n of_o the_o command_n and_o will_v of_o christ_n unto_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n wherein_z those_o who_o exercise_v it_o be_v servant_n unto_o the_o church_n for_o its_o edification_n for_o jesus_n sake_n 2_o cor._n 4.5_o it_o hence_o follow_v that_o the_o introduction_n of_o humane_a authority_n into_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o any_o kind_n destroy_v the_o nature_n of_o it_o and_o make_v his_o kingdom_n to_o be_v of_o this_o world_n and_o some_o of_o his_o disciple_n to_o be_v in_o their_o measure_n like_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o gentile_n nor_o be_v it_o ofttimes_o from_o themselves_o that_o they_o be_v not_o more_o like_o they_o than_o they_o be_v the_o church_n be_v the_o house_n of_o christ_n his_o family_n his_o kingdom_n to_o act_v any_o power_n in_o its_o rule_n which_o be_v not_o he_o which_o derive_v not_o from_o he_o which_o be_v not_o communicate_v by_o his_o legal_a grant_n or_o to_o act_v any_o power_n by_o way_n process_n rule_n and_o law_n not_o of_o his_o appointment_n be_v a_o invasion_n of_o his_o right_n and_o dominion_n it_o can_v no_o otherwise_o be_v if_o the_o church_n be_v his_o family_n his_o house_n his_o kingdom_n for_o what_o father_n will_v endure_v that_o any_o power_n shall_v be_v exercise_v in_o his_o family_n as_o to_o the_o disposal_n of_o his_o child_n and_o estate_n but_o his_o own_o what_o earthly_a prince_n will_v bear_v with_o such_o a_o intrusion_n into_o his_o right_n and_o dominion_n foreign_a papal_a power_n be_v severe_o exclude_v here_o in_o england_n because_o it_o entrenche_n on_o the_o right_n of_o the_o crown_n by_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n not_o derive_v from_o the_o king_n according_a unto_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n and_o we_o shall_v do_v well_o to_o take_v care_n that_o at_o the_o same_o time_n we_o do_v not_o encroach_v upon_o the_o dominion_n of_o christ_n by_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o authority_n not_o derive_v from_o he_o or_o by_o law_n and_o rule_n not_o enact_v by_o he_o but_o more_o foreign_a unto_o his_o kingdom_n than_o the_o canon_n law_n or_o the_o pope_n rule_n be_v unto_o the_o law_n of_o this_o nation_n lest_o we_o fall_v under_o the_o statute_n of_o praemunire_n matth._n 10.26_o 27_o 28._o the_o power_n of_o rule_n in_o the_o church_n then_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o right_a to_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n in_o such_o a_o way_n by_o such_o rule_n and_o for_o such_o end_n as_o wherein_o and_o whereby_o his_o authority_n be_v to_o be_v act_v the_o person_n concern_v in_o this_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n both_o those_o that_o rule_n and_o those_o that_o be_v to_o be_v rule_v as_o unto_o all_o their_o civil_a and_o political_a concern_v in_o this_o world_n be_v subject_a unto_o the_o civil_a government_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o place_n wherein_o they_o inhabit_v and_o there_o be_v sundry_a thing_n which_o concern_v the_o outward_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v at_o the_o disposal_n of_o the_o governor_n of_o this_o world_n but_o whereas_o the_o power_n to_o be_v exercise_v in_o the_o church_n be_v mere_o spiritual_a as_o unto_o its_o object_n which_o be_v the_o conscience_n of_o man_n and_o as_o unto_o its_o end_n which_o be_v the_o tendency_n of_o their_o soul_n unto_o god_n their_o spiritual_a obedience_n in_o christ_n and_o eternal_a life_n it_o be_v a_o frenzy_n to_o dream_v of_o any_o other_o power_n or_o authority_n in_o this_o rule_n but_o that_o of_o christ_n alone_o to_o sum_n up_o this_o discourse_n if_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n the_o great_a of_o they_o have_v only_o a_o ministerial_a power_n commit_v unto_o they_o and_o be_v precise_o limit_v thereunto_o if_o in_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o they_o be_v servant_n of_o the_o church_n unto_o its_o edification_n if_o all_o lordly_a domination_n in_o a_o exaltation_n above_o the_o church_n or_o the_o member_n of_o it_o in_o dignity_n and_o authority_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o power_n by_o external_a coercive_a jurisdiction_n be_v forbid_v unto_o they_o if_o the_o whole_a power_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n be_v spiritual_a and_o not_o carnal_a mighty_a through_o god_n and_o not_o through_o the_o law_n of_o man_n and_o be_v to_o be_v exercise_v by_o spiritual_a mean_n for_o spiritual_a end_n only_o it_o be_v apparent_a how_o it_o have_v be_v lose_v in_o or_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o world_n for_o the_o introduction_n of_o a_o lordly_a domination_n a_o secular_a coercive_a jurisdiction_n with_o law_n and_o power_n no_o way_n derive_v from_o christ_n in_o the_o room_n thereof_o neither_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o any_o man_n alive_a to_o reconcile_v the_o present_a government_n of_o some_o church_n either_o as_o unto_o the_o officer_n who_o have_v the_o administration_n of_o that_o rule_n or_o the_o rule_n and_o law_n whereby_o they_o act_n and_o proceed_v or_o power_n which_o they_o exercise_v or_o the_o jurisdiction_n which_o they_o claim_v or_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o proceed_n in_o its_o administration_n unto_o any_o tolerable_a consistency_n with_o the_o principle_n rule_n and_o law_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n give_v by_o christ_n himself_o and_o this_o alone_a be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n why_o those_o who_o endeavour_n to_o preserve_v their_o loyalty_n entire_a unto_o jesus_n christ_n shall_v in_o their_o own_o practice_n seek_v after_o the_o reduction_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n unto_o his_o command_n and_o appointment_n in_o the_o public_a disposal_n of_o nation_n we_o have_v no_o concernment_n 4._o whereas_o therefore_o there_o be_v a_o power_n and_o authority_n for_o its_o rule_n unto_o edification_n give_v and_o commit_v by_o the_o lord_n christ_n unto_o his_o church_n i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o inquire_v how_o ☞_o this_o power_n be_v communicate_v what_o it_o be_v and_o to_o who_o it_o be_v grant_v which_o shall_v be_v declare_v in_o the_o ensue_a observation_n 1._o there_o be_v a_o extraordinary_a church_n power_n commit_v by_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n unto_o his_o apostle_n who_o in_o their_o own_o person_n be_v the_o first_o and_o only_a subject_n of_o it_o it_o be_v not_o grant_v unto_o the_o church_n by_o it_o to_o be_v communicate_v unto_o they_o according_a unto_o any_o rule_v prescribe_v thereunto_o for_o their_o office_n as_o it_o be_v apostolical_a be_v antecedent_n unto_o the_o existence_n of_o any_o gospel_n church_n state_n proper_o so_o call_v neither_o have_v any_o church_n the_o least_o concurrence_n or_o influence_n into_o their_o call_n or_o mission_n howbeit_o when_o there_o be_v a_o church_n state_n the_o
too_o credulous_a of_o his_o insinuation_n see_v the_o other_o evangelist_n ascribe_v it_o to_o they_o also_o but_o the_o same_o pretence_n on_o the_o same_o ground_n in_o follow_v age_n be_v turn_v unto_o the_o great_a advantage_n of_o hypocrisy_n and_o covetousness_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world._n for_o under_o this_o pretence_n of_o provide_v for_o the_o poor_a the_o thief_n who_o have_v get_v the_o bag_n that_o be_v the_o rule_v part_n of_o the_o clergy_n with_o the_o priest_n friar_n and_o monk_n who_o serve_v they_o allow_v man_n in_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o great_a and_o most_o important_a duty_n of_o religion_n towards_o christ_n himself_o so_o as_o that_o they_o will_v give_v all_o that_o they_o have_v to_o the_o poor_a not_o that_o they_o care_v for_o the_o poor_a but_o because_o they_o be_v thief_n and_o have_v the_o bag_n by_o which_o mean_n they_o possess_v themselves_o of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o wealth_n of_o the_o nation_n profess_v christian_a religion_n this_o be_v their_o compliance_n with_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n which_o they_o equal_o make_v use_v of_o in_o other_o thing_n this_o foundation_n of_o their_o office_n be_v far_o raise_v by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n among_o the_o poor_a many_o of_o they_o who_o first_o receive_v it_o be_v of_o that_o state_n and_o condition_n as_o the_o scripture_n every_o where_o testify_v the_o poor_a be_v evangelize_v matth._n 11.5_o god_n have_v choose_v the_o poor_a jam._n 2.5_o and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n where_o the_o provision_n for_o they_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o eminent_a grace_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n in_o those_o day_n and_o this_o way_n become_v the_o original_a propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o it_o be_v make_v manifest_a thereby_o that_o the_o doctrine_n and_o profession_n of_o it_o be_v not_o a_o matter_n of_o worldly_a design_n or_o advantage_n god_n also_o declare_v therein_o of_o how_o little_a esteem_n with_o he_o the_o riches_n of_o this_o world_n be_v and_o also_o provision_n be_v make_v for_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o rich_a in_o their_o supply_n the_o only_a way_n whereby_o they_o may_v glorify_v god_n with_o their_o substance_n and_o it_o be_v well_o if_o all_o church_n and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o they_o will_v wise_o consider_v how_o eminent_a be_v this_o grace_n how_o excellent_a be_v this_o duty_n of_o make_v provision_n for_o the_o poor_a how_o much_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n and_o honour_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v concern_v herein_o for_o whereas_o for_o the_o most_o part_n it_o be_v look_v on_o as_o a_o ordinary_a work_n to_o be_v perform_v transient_o and_o curious_o scarce_o deserve_v any_o of_o the_o time_n which_o be_v allot_v unto_o the_o church_n public_a service_n and_o duty_n it_o be_v indeed_o one_o of_o the_o most_o eminent_a duty_n of_o christian_a society_n wherein_o the_o principal_a exercise_n of_o the_o second_o evangelical_n grace_n namely_o love_n do_v consist_v the_o care_n of_o make_v provision_n for_o the_o poor_a be_v make_v in_o the_o church_n a_o institution_n of_o christ_n be_v natural_o incumbent_a on_o they_o who_o be_v the_o first_o only_a officer_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v the_o apostle_n this_o be_v plain_a from_o the_o occasion_n of_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o office_n of_o the_o deacon_n act._n 6._o the_o whole_a work_n and_o care_n of_o the_o church_n be_v in_o their_o hand_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o they_o shall_v attend_v unto_o the_o whole_a and_o all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o in_o any_o manner_n whereas_o therefore_o they_o give_v themselves_o according_a to_o their_o duty_n most_o unto_o those_o part_n of_o their_o work_n which_o be_v incomparable_o more_o excellent_a and_o necessary_a than_o the_o other_o namely_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n there_o be_v such_o a_o defect_n in_o this_o other_o part_n of_o ministration_n unto_o the_o poor_a as_o must_v unavoidable_o accompany_v the_o act_n of_o humane_a nature_n not_o able_a to_o apply_v itself_o constant_o unto_o thing_n of_o diverse_a nature_n at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o hereon_o those_o who_o be_v concern_v quick_o as_o the_o manner_n of_o all_o be_v express_v their_o resentment_n of_o a_o neglect_n in_o somewhat_o a_o undue_a order_n there_o be_v a_o murmur_a about_o it_o ver._n 1._o the_o apostle_n hereon_o declare_v that_o the_o principal_a part_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n in_o the_o church_n namely_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n be_v sufficient_a for_o they_o constant_o to_o attend_v unto_o afterward_o indeed_o man_n begin_v to_o think_v that_o they_o can_v do_v all_o in_o the_o church_n themselves_o but_o it_o be_v when_o they_o begin_v to_o do_v nothing_o in_o a_o due_a manner_n and_o whereas_o the_o apostle_n choose_v as_o their_o duty_n the_o work_n of_o prayer_n and_o preach_v as_o that_o which_o they_o will_v and_o ought_v entire_o give_v up_o themselves_o unto_o and_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o that_o work_n will_v deposit_v the_o care_n of_o other_o thing_n on_o other_o hand_n they_o be_v a_o strange_a kind_n of_o successor_n unto_o they_o who_o lie_v aside_o that_o work_n which_o they_o determine_v to_o belong_v unto_o they_o principal_o and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o apply_v themselves_o unto_o any_o thing_n else_o whatever_a yet_o do_v not_o the_o apostle_n hereon_o utter_o forgo_v the_o care_n of_o provide_v for_o the_o poor_a which_o be_v original_o commit_v unto_o they_o by_o jesus_n christ_n they_o will_v not_o divest_v themselves_o whole_o of_o it_o but_o by_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n they_o provide_v such_o assistance_n in_o the_o work_n as_o that_o for_o the_o future_a it_o may_v require_v no_o more_o of_o their_o time_n or_o pain_n but_o what_o they_o shall_v spare_v from_o their_o principal_a employment_n and_o the_o same_o care_n be_v still_o incumbent_a on_o the_o ordinary_a pastor_n and_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n so_o far_o as_o the_o execution_n of_o it_o do_v not_o interfere_v with_o their_o principal_a work_n and_o duty_n from_o which_o those_o who_o understand_v it_o aright_o can_v spare_v but_o little_a of_o their_o time_n and_o strength_n hereon_o the_o apostle_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n and_o direction_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n under_o who_o infallible_a guidance_n they_o be_v in_o all_o the_o general_a concernment_n of_o the_o church_n institute_v the_o office_n of_o deacon_n for_o the_o discharge_n of_o this_o necessary_a and_o important_a duty_n in_o the_o church_n which_o they_o can_v not_o attend_v unto_o themselves_o and_o whereas_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v in_o a_o especial_a manner_n commit_v the_o care_n of_o the_o poor_a unto_o the_o disciple_n there_o be_v now_o a_o declaration_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n in_o what_o way_n and_o by_o what_o mean_v he_o will_v have_v they_o provide_v for_o and_o it_o be_v the_o institution_n of_o a_o new_a office_n and_o not_o a_o present_a supply_n in_o a_o work_n of_o business_n which_o they_o design_v for_o the_o limitation_n of_o a_o especial_a ecclesiastical_a work_n with_o the_o designation_n of_o person_n unto_o that_o work_n with_o authority_n for_o the_o discharge_n of_o it_o set_v over_o this_o business_n with_o a_o separation_n unto_o it_o do_v complete_o constitute_v a_o office_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n more_o require_v thereunto_o but_o whereas_o there_o be_v three_o thing_n that_o concur_v and_o be_v require_v unto_o the_o ministration_n unto_o the_o poor_a of_o the_o church_n 1._o the_o love_n charity_n bounty_n and_o benevolence_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n in_o contribution_n unto_o that_o ministration_n 2._o the_o care_n and_o oversight_n of_o the_o discharge_n of_o it_o and_o 3._o the_o actual_a exercise_n and_o application_n of_o it_o the_o last_o only_o belong_v unto_o the_o office_n of_o the_o deacon_n and_o neither_o of_o the_o first_o be_v discharge_v by_o the_o institution_n of_o it_o for_o the_o first_o be_v both_o a_o duty_n of_o the_o light_n and_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o in_o its_o moral_a part_n enforce_v by_o many_o especial_a command_n of_o christ_n so_o as_o that_o nothing_o can_v absolve_v man_n from_o their_o obligation_n thereunto_o the_o office_n and_o work_n of_o the_o deacon_n be_v to_o excite_v direct_a and_o help_v they_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o grace_n and_o discharge_v of_o the_o duty_n therein_o incumbent_a on_o they_o nor_o be_v any_o man_n by_o the_o entrust_v a_o due_a proportion_n of_o his_o good_a thing_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o deacon_n for_o its_o distribution_n absolve_v thereby_o from_o his_o own_o personal_a discharge_n of_o it_o also_o for_o it_o be_v a_o moral_a duty_n require_v in_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n it_o receive_v peculiar_a obligation_n