the_o true_a native_a beauty_n glory_n and_o use_v of_o evangelical_n church_n will_v be_v thankful_a for_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o deliverance_n whereas_o therefore_o for_o many_o age_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n with_o those_o claim_n under_o it_o and_o depend_v on_o it_o be_v esteem_v to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a church_n in_o the_o world_n and_o nothing_o be_v esteem_v so_o high_o criminal_a not_o murder_n treason_n nor_o incest_n as_o to_o think_v of_o or_o to_o assert_v any_o other_o church-state_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o wise_a man_n not_o utter_o infatuate_v can_v apprehend_v a_o church_n any_o church_n whatever_o to_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n or_o appointment_n for_o all_o the_o evil_n mention_v and_o other_o innumerable_a be_v not_o only_o occasion_v by_o it_o but_o they_o be_v effect_n of_o it_o and_o inseparable_a from_o its_o state_n and_o be_v and_o if_o any_o other_o church_n also_o which_o although_o the_o people_n whereof_o they_o consist_v be_v of_o another_o faith_n than_o those_o of_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v like_a unto_o it_o in_o their_o make_n and_o constitution_n exercise_v the_o right_n power_n and_o authority_n which_o they_o claim_v unto_o themselves_o by_o such_o way_n and_o mean_n as_o be_v plain_o of_o this_o world_n and_o of_o their_o own_o invention_n they_o do_v leave_v it_o high_o questionable_a from_o whence_o they_o be_v as_o such_o for_o it_o may_v be_v make_v to_o appear_v that_o such_o church_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v such_o be_v obstructive_a of_o the_o sole_a end_n of_o all_o church_n which_o be_v the_o edification_n of_o they_o that_o do_v believe_v however_o any_o that_o be_v of_o they_o or_o belong_v unto_o they_o may_v promote_v that_o end_n by_o their_o personal_a endeavour_n but_o notwithstanding_o all_o these_o thing_n it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o church_n be_v of_o a_o divine_a original_a that_o they_o be_v the_o ordinance_n and_o institution_n of_o christ._n i_o be_o not_o yet_o arrive_v in_o the_o order_n of_o this_o discourse_n to_o a_o convenient_a season_n of_o declare_v what_o be_v the_o especial_a nature_n use_n and_o end_n of_o such_o church_n as_o be_v so_o the_o institution_n of_o god_n and_o so_o to_o give_v a_o definition_n of_o they_o which_o shall_v be_v do_v afterward_o but_o treat_v only_o as_o unto_o the_o general_a notion_n of_o a_o church_n and_o what_o be_v signify_v thereby_o these_o be_v of_o god_n and_o in_o those_o church_n before_o describe_v under_o a_o corrupt_a degenerate_a estate_n three_o thing_n may_v be_v consider_v 1_o what_o be_v of_o man_n without_o the_o least_o pretence_n unto_o the_o appointment_n or_o command_n of_o god_n such_o be_v the_o very_a form_n fabric_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o those_o that_o depend_v thereon_o or_o be_v conform_v thereunto_o that_o which_o it_o be_v that_o whereby_o it_o be_v what_o it_o be_v in_o its_o kind_a government_n rule_n and_o end_v be_v all_o of_o man_n without_o the_o least_o countenance_n give_v unto_o it_o from_o any_o thing_n of_o god_n institution_n this_o be_v that_o which_o through_o a_o long_a effectual_a work_n of_o man_n and_o satan_n in_o a_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n it_o arrive_v unto_o herewith_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n ought_v to_o have_v no_o compliance_n but_o bear_v witness_n against_o it_o with_o their_o life_n if_o call_v thereunto_o this_o in_o due_a time_n the_o lord_n christ_n will_v utter_o destroy_v 2_o such_o thing_n as_o pretend_v unto_o a_o countenance_n to_o be_v give_v they_o by_o divine_a institution_n but_o horrible_o corrupt_v such_o be_v the_o name_n of_o a_o church_n and_o its_o power_n a_o worship_n pretend_v to_o be_v religious_a and_o divine_a a_o order_n as_o to_o officer_n and_o ruler_n different_a from_o the_o people_n with_o sundry_a thing_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n these_o thing_n be_v good_a in_o themselves_o but_o as_o ingross_v into_o a_o false_a church-state_n and_o worship_n corrupt_v in_o themselves_o they_o be_v of_o man_n and_o to_o be_v abhor_v of_o all_o that_o seek_v after_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ._n 3_o there_o be_v that_o which_o be_v the_o essence_n of_o a_o true_a church_n namely_o that_o it_o be_v a_o society_n of_o man_n unite_v for_o the_o celebration_n of_o divine_a worship_n this_o so_o far_o as_o it_o may_v be_v find_v among_o they_o be_v to_o be_v approve_v but_o church_n as_o be_v say_v be_v of_o a_o divine_a original_a and_o have_v the_o warrant_v of_o divine_a authority_n the_o whole_a scripture_n be_v a_o account_n of_o god_n institution_n of_o church_n and_o of_o his_o deal_n with_o they_o god_n lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o church_n society_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o they_o in_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n by_o the_o creation_n and_o constitution_n of_o it_o i_o speak_v of_o church_n in_o general_a as_o they_o be_v society_n of_o humane_a race_n one_o way_n or_o other_o join_v and_o unite_v together_o for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n now_o the_o sole_a end_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n be_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o that_o worship_n and_o obedience_n which_o it_o be_v fit_v and_o enable_v to_o perform_v for_o that_o end_n and_o no_o other_o be_v our_o nature_n create_v in_o all_o its_o capacity_n ability_n and_o perfection_n neither_o be_v man_n so_o make_v mere_o that_o every_o individual_a shall_v single_o and_o by_o himself_o perform_v this_o worship_n though_o that_o also_o every_o individual_a person_n be_v oblige_v unto_o every_o man_n alone_o and_o by_o himself_o will_v not_o only_o find_v himself_o indigent_a and_o want_v supply_n of_o sundry_a kind_n but_o also_o that_o he_o be_v utter_o disable_v to_o act_v sundry_a faculty_n and_o power_n of_o his_o soul_n which_o by_o nature_n he_o be_v endue_v withal_o hence_o the_o lord_n god_n say_v it_o be_v not_o good_a that_o man_n shall_v be_v alone_o gen._n 2.18_o these_o thing_n therefore_o be_v evident_a in_o themselves_o 1_o that_o god_n create_v our_o nature_n or_o make_v man_n for_o his_o own_o worship_n and_o service_n and_o fit_v the_o power_n and_o faculty_n of_o his_o soul_n thereunto_o 2_o that_o this_o nature_n be_v so_o fit_v for_o society_n so_o frame_v for_o it_o as_o its_o next_o end_n that_o without_o it_o it_o can_v act_v itself_o according_a unto_o what_o it_o be_v empower_v unto_o and_o this_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o order_n and_o government_n in_o the_o world_n among_o mankind_n 3_o that_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n this_o act_n in_o society_n be_v principal_o design_v unto_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n the_o power_n i_o say_v and_o necessity_n of_o act_v in_o society_n be_v give_v unto_o our_o nature_n for_o this_o end_n principal_o that_o we_o may_v thus_o glorify_v god_n in_o and_o by_o the_o worship_n which_o he_o require_v of_o we_o 4_o that_o without_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o society_n there_o will_v be_v a_o absolute_a failure_n of_o one_o principal_a end_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o man_n nor_o will_v any_o glory_n arise_v unto_o god_n from_o the_o constitution_n of_o his_o nature_n so_o fit_v for_o society_n as_o that_o it_o can_v act_v its_o own_o power_n without_o it_o 5_o all_o society_n be_v to_o be_v regulate_v in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n by_o such_o circumstance_n as_o whereby_o they_o be_v suit_v unto_o their_o end_n for_o which_o they_o may_v be_v either_o too_o large_a or_o too_o much_o restrain_v hence_o have_v we_o the_o original_a of_o church_n in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n man_n associate_a themselves_o together_o or_o unite_n in_o such_o society_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n which_o he_o require_v of_o they_o as_o may_v enable_v they_o unto_o a_o orderly_a performance_n of_o it_o be_v a_o church_n and_o hereunto_o it_o be_v require_v 1_o that_o the_o person_n so_o unite_n be_v sensible_a of_o their_o duty_n and_o have_v not_o lose_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o end_n of_o their_o creation_n and_o be_v 2_o that_o they_o be_v acquaint_v with_o that_o divine_a religious_a worship_n which_o god_n require_v of_o they_o the_o former_a light_n and_o persuasion_n be_v lose_v issue_v in_o atheism_n and_o by_o the_o loss_n of_o this_o instead_o of_o church_n the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n have_v coalesce_v into_o idolatrous_a combination_n 3_o that_o they_o do_v retain_v such_o innate_a principle_n of_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n as_o will_v guide_v they_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n in_o these_o society_n as_o 1_o that_o the_o society_n themselves_o be_v such_o as_o be_v meet_v for_o their_o end_n fit_a to_o exercise_v and_o express_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o they_o not_o such_o as_o who_o constitution_n make_v they_o unfit_a for_o any_o such_o end_n and_o this_o give_v the_o natural_a
ceremony_n without_o the_o enliven_a form_n of_o these_o spiritual_a gift_n i_o have_v prove_v sufficient_o in_o my_o discourse_n of_o spiritual_a gift_n and_o their_o continuance_n in_o the_o church_n wherefore_o a_o communication_n of_o spiritual_a gift_n peculiar_o enable_v man_n unto_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n antecedent_n unto_o their_o solemn_a separation_n unto_o the_o office_n in_o some_o good_a measure_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a unto_o the_o due_a continuance_n of_o the_o office_n and_o its_o work_n see_v ephes._n 4.7_o 11_o 12_o 13_o 14_o 15._o to_o suppose_v that_o the_o lord_n christ_n do_v call_v and_o appoint_v man_n unto_o a_o certain_a office_n and_o work_n in_o his_o church_n seclude_v all_o other_o from_o any_o interest_n in_o the_o one_o or_o other_o and_o yet_o not_o endow_v they_o with_o peculiar_a gift_n and_o ability_n for_o the_o discharge_n of_o that_o office_n and_o work_n be_v to_o ascribe_v that_o unto_o he_o which_o be_v every_o way_n unbecoming_a his_o wisdom_n and_o grace_n with_o his_o love_n unto_o the_o church_n but_o when_o man_n look_v on_o all_o church_n order_n as_o a_o lifeless_a machine_n to_o be_v act_v move_v and_o dispose_v by_o external_n rule_n law_n canon_n and_o order_n without_o respect_n unto_o the_o act_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n go_v before_o in_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o word_n to_o enliven_v every_o part_n of_o it_o the_o true_a disciple_n of_o christ_n will_v receive_v no_o advantage_n thereby_o 3._o it_o be_v of_o the_o same_o importance_n that_o person_n so_o call_v do_v take_v heed_n unto_o their_o ministry_n that_o they_o fulfil_v it_o that_o they_o give_v themselves_o unto_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n that_o they_o labour_v continual_o in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n and_o all_o those_o other_o duty_n which_o in_o the_o scripture_n be_v prescribe_v unto_o they_o and_o this_o not_o only_o as_o unto_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o but_o as_o unto_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o performance_n with_o zeal_n love_n compassion_n and_o diligence_n where_o there_o be_v a_o great_a defect_n in_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n on_o what_o pretence_n soever_o it_o be_v where_o man_n esteem_v themselves_o exempt_v from_o this_o work_n or_o not_o oblige_v unto_o it_o when_o they_o suppose_v that_o they_o may_v discharge_v their_o office_n at_o a_o cheap_a rate_n and_o with_o less_o trouble_n as_o unto_o their_o present_a interest_n by_o such_o way_n as_o i_o shall_v not_o here_o express_v no_o man_n be_v no_o man_n can_v be_v oblige_v to_o confine_v his_o church_n communion_n unto_o such_o a_o ministry_n 4._o it_o be_v require_v that_o they_o be_v example_n unto_o the_o flock_n in_o the_o expression_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o power_n of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o preach_v in_o their_o conversation_n especial_o in_o zeal_n humility_n self-denial_n and_o readiness_n for_o the_o cross._n where_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o there_o be_v such_o a_o defect_n in_o the_o fundamental_o of_o church_n practice_v as_o unto_o the_o ministry_n of_o it_o that_o no_o man_n who_o take_v care_n of_o his_o own_o edification_n can_v join_v himself_o unto_o a_o church_n labour_v under_o it_o for_o minister_n and_o church_n be_v nothing_o but_o institute_v mean_n of_o the_o conversion_n of_o sinner_n and_o the_o edification_n of_o believer_n and_o when_o any_o of_o they_o through_o their_o own_o default_n cease_v so_o to_o be_v there_o be_v no_o obligation_n unto_o any_o man_n to_o join_v or_o continue_v in_o their_o communion_n nor_o do_v they_o contract_v any_o gild_n in_o a_o peaceable_a departure_n from_o they_o but_o discharge_v their_o duty_n that_o this_o be_v do_v peaceable_o without_o strife_n or_o contention_n without_o judge_v of_o other_o as_o unto_o their_o interest_n in_o christ_n and_o eternal_a salvation_n the_o law_n of_o moral_a obedience_n do_v require_v that_o it_o be_v do_v with_o love_n and_o compassion_n and_o prayer_n towards_o and_o for_o they_o who_o be_v leave_v be_v the_o peculiar_a direction_n of_o that_o moral_a duty_n by_o the_o gospel_n such_o a_o practice_n at_o present_a will_v fall_v under_o severe_a charge_n and_o accusation_n as_o also_o brutish_a penalty_n in_o some_o place_n but_o when_o all_o church_n craft_n shall_v be_v defeat_v and_o the_o use_n that_o be_v make_v of_o its_o imaginary_a authority_n be_v discard_v there_o will_v be_v little_a occasion_n of_o this_o practice_n and_o none_o at_o all_o of_o offence_n again_o there_o be_v thing_n fundamental_a unto_o church_n practise_v and_o order_n in_o the_o church_n itself_o which_o where_o they_o be_v neglect_v no_o man_n ought_v of_o choice_n to_o join_v himself_o unto_o that_o church_n see_v he_o can_v do_v it_o without_o the_o prejudice_n of_o his_o edification_n the_o furtherance_n whereof_o he_o ought_v to_o design_n in_o that_o duty_n and_o these_o be_v 1._o that_o the_o discipline_n of_o christ_n be_v due_o exercise_v in_o it_o according_a unto_o his_o mind_n and_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o prescription_n there_o never_o be_v any_o sect_n order_n or_o society_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n design_v for_o the_o preservation_n and_o promotion_n of_o virtue_n and_o thing_n praiseworthy_a but_o they_o have_v rule_n of_o discipline_n proper_a unto_o the_o end_v of_o their_o design_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o and_o by_o all_o that_o belong_v unto_o they_o where_o the_o erection_n of_o such_o society_n be_v continue_v in_o the_o world_n as_o it_o be_v much_o in_o the_o papacy_n both_o their_o constitution_n and_o their_o conversation_n depend_v on_o the_o especial_a rule_n of_o discipline_n which_o they_o have_v frame_v unto_o themselves_o and_o this_o be_v do_v by_o they_o in_o great_a variety_n for_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o so_o esteem_v it_o insufficient_a unto_o their_o design_n they_o have_v make_v no_o end_n of_o coin_v rule_n unto_o themselves_o to_o suppose_v that_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o in_o this_o church_n state_n according_a unto_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n have_v erect_v the_o most_o perfect_a society_n for_o the_o most_o perfect_a end_n of_o religion_n of_o obedience_n towards_o god_n of_o love_n and_o usefulness_n among_o ourselves_o have_v not_o appoint_v a_o discipline_n and_o give_v rule_n concern_v its_o administration_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o that_o society_n and_o the_o attain_n of_o those_o end_n be_v high_o injurious_a unto_o his_o honour_n and_o glory_n where_o therefore_o there_o be_v a_o church_n or_o any_o society_n that_o pretend_v so_o to_o be_v wherein_o there_o be_v a_o utter_a neglect_n of_o this_o discipline_n of_o christ_n or_o the_o establishment_n of_o another_o not_o administer_v by_o the_o law_n and_o rule_n that_o he_o have_v prescribe_v no_o disciple_n of_o christ_n can_v be_v oblige_v to_o join_v unto_o or_o to_o continue_v in_o the_o total_a sole_a communion_n of_o such_o a_o church_n and_o whereas_o there_o be_v two_o part_n of_o this_o discipline_n of_o christ_n that_o which_o be_v private_a among_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o exercise_n and_o preservation_n of_o love_n and_o that_o which_o be_v public_a in_o and_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o purity_n and_o order_n a_o neglect_n in_o either_o of_o they_o do_v much_o impeach_v the_o fundamental_a constitution_n of_o a_o church_n as_o unto_o its_o practice_n 2._o there_o be_v sundry_a other_o thing_n which_o belong_v unto_o this_o discipline_n in_o general_n which_o be_v of_o great_a consideration_n in_o the_o discharge_v of_o the_o duty_n we_o inquire_v into_o among_o they_o be_v 1._o that_o constant_a difference_n be_v put_v between_o the_o good_a and_o the_o bad_a in_o all_o church_n administration_n 2._o that_o person_n open_o or_o flegitious_o wicked_a be_v not_o admit_v into_o the_o society_n of_o the_o church_n or_o a_o participation_n of_o its_o privilege_n 3._o that_o holiness_n love_n and_o usefulness_n be_v open_o avow_v as_o the_o design_n and_o interest_n of_o the_o church_n but_o they_o be_v all_o so_o comprise_v in_o the_o general_n head_n of_o discipline_n as_o that_o i_o shall_v not_o in_o particular_a insist_v upon_o they_o from_o what_o have_v be_v thus_o declare_v it_o will_v appear_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n what_o church_n it_o be_v that_o a_o discipline_n of_o christ_n who_o take_v due_a care_n of_o his_o own_o edification_n and_o salvation_n aught_o in_o duty_n to_o join_v himself_o unto_o in_o complete_a communion_n to_o answer_v this_o enquiry_n be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o those_o discourse_n and_o controversy_n which_o have_v be_v about_o the_o note_n of_o the_o true_a church_n i_o shall_v brief_o determine_v concern_v it_o according_a to_o the_o principle_n before_o evince_v 1._o it_o must_v be_v such_o a_o church_n as_o wherein_o all_o the_o fundamental_a truth_n of_o the_o
distribute_v the_o faithful_a at_o rome_n into_o distinct_a title_n or_o parish_n with_o distinct_a presbyter_n of_o their_o own_o for_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o in_o those_o day_n wherein_o persecution_n be_v at_o its_o height_n the_o meeting_n of_o believer_n be_v occasional_a with_o respect_n unto_o their_o security_n ofttimes_o by_o night_n sometime_o in_o cave_n under_o the_o earth_n or_o in_o desert_a burial_n place_n at_o best_a in_o private_a house_n and_o they_o have_v for_o what_o they_o do_v the_o example_n of_o the_o apostolical_a church_n act_v 1.13_o 14._o act_n 2.46_o chap._n 4.24_o 31._o chap._n 12.12_o chap._n 18.7_o chap._n 20.8_o chap._n 21.18_o instance_n of_o such_o meeting_n may_v be_v multiply_v especial_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o to_o manifest_v that_o they_o take_v this_o course_n upon_o necessity_n when_o peace_n begin_v to_o be_v restore_v at_o any_o time_n unto_o they_o they_o design_v temple_n that_o may_v receive_v the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o the_o church_n together_o the_o distribution_n mention_v into_o title_n and_o parish_n begin_v a_o long_a time_n after_o and_o in_o very_a few_o place_n within_o 300_o year_n in_o this_o state_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o conceive_v what_o alteration_n may_v fall_v out_o in_o some_o church_n from_o their_o primitive_a order_n especial_o how_o the_o people_n may_v desert_v their_o diligence_n and_o duty_n in_o attend_v unto_o all_o the_o concern_v of_o the_o church_n and_o if_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o apostle_n write_v unto_o they_o in_o their_o epistle_n the_o instruction_n direction_n and_o command_n how_o in_o all_o thing_n they_o shall_v act_v and_o deport_v themselves_o in_o the_o church_n be_v esteem_v to_o be_v obligatory_a in_o all_o age_n i_o can_v see_v how_o after_o the_o second_o century_n they_o be_v much_o comply_v withal_o unless_o it_o be_v in_o the_o single_a instance_n of_o choose_v their_o own_o officer_n or_o ruler_n but_o second_o after_o these_o there_o ensue_v great_a occasion_n of_o great_a variation_n from_o the_o primitive_a institution_n and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o people_n for_o 1._o such_o number_n of_o they_o be_v receive_v into_o a_o relation_n unto_o particular_a church_n as_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o end_n of_o their_o institution_n and_o the_o observance_n of_o the_o communion_n require_v in_o they_o as_o will_v afterward_o appear_v and_o the_o relief_n that_o be_v invent_v for_o this_o inconveniency_n in_o distinct_a convention_n supply_v with_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n from_o the_o first_o church_n or_o by_o state_v title_n do_v alter_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n among_o those_o multitude_n which_o be_v add_v unto_o the_o church_n especial_o in_o the_o four_o century_n many_o if_o not_o the_o most_o do_v come_v short_a inexpressible_o in_o knowledge_n gift_n grace_n holiness_n and_o uprightness_n of_o conversation_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n as_o the_o writer_n of_o that_o age_n complain_v and_o be_v hereby_o uncapable_a of_o walk_v according_a unto_o the_o order_n rule_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o apostolical_a church_n there_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o another_o rule_n of_o other_o way_n and_o mean_n for_o their_o government_n without_o their_o own_o concurrence_n or_o consent_n than_o what_o be_v at_o first_o appoint_v which_o be_v gradual_o introduce_v whence_o the_o original_a of_o a_o multitude_n of_o those_o canon_n which_o be_v arbitrary_o invent_v afterward_o for_o their_o rule_n and_o government_n be_v to_o be_v derive_v and_o it_o may_v be_v make_v to_o appear_v that_o the_o accommodation_n of_o the_o rule_n yea_o and_o of_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o several_a age_n of_o it_o unto_o the_o ignorance_n manner_n and_o inclination_n of_o the_o people_n who_o be_v then_o easy_o win_v unto_o the_o outward_a profession_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v one_o mean_n of_o the_o ruin_n of_o they_o both_o until_o they_o issue_v in_o downright_a tyranny_n and_o idolatry_n but_o much_o more_o of_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o deviation_n of_o the_o church_n from_o their_o primitive_a rule_n and_o order_n be_v to_o be_v ascribe_v unto_o the_o ambition_n and_o love_n of_o pre-eminence_n in_o many_o of_o the_o clergy_n or_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n but_o this_o be_v no_o place_n nor_o season_n to_o manifest_v this_o by_o instance_n beside_o it_o have_v be_v do_v by_o other_o i_o shall_v therefore_o inquire_v only_o into_o one_o or_o two_o thing_n in_o particular_a which_o be_v of_o principal_a consideration_n in_o the_o declension_n of_o the_o church_n from_o their_o primitive_a institution_n order_n and_o rule_n and_o 1._o it_o be_v evident_a that_o there_o be_v a_o alteration_n make_v in_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n as_o to_o its_o officer_n for_o it_o issue_v at_o last_o in_o pope_n patriarch_n cardinal_n metropolitan_a and_o diocesan_n bishop_n who_o be_v utter_o foreign_a unto_o the_o state_n and_o order_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o that_o for_o some_o age_n nor_o be_v these_o officer_n introduce_v into_o the_o church_n at_o one_o or_o in_o one_o age_n nor_o with_o the_o power_n which_o they_o afterward_o claim_v and_o assume_v unto_o themselves_o it_o be_v do_v gradual_o in_o many_o succeed_a age_n work_v by_o a_o design_n to_o accommodate_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n unto_o the_o political_a state_n of_o the_o empire_n in_o the_o distribution_n of_o its_o government_n 2._o the_o beginning_n of_o this_o great_a alteration_n be_v small_a nor_o at_o all_o perceive_v in_o the_o day_n wherein_o they_o be_v first_o act_v nor_o be_v it_o agree_v nor_o as_o far_o as_o i_o see_v will_v it_o ever_o be_v agree_v among_o learned_a man_n when_o first_o a_o disparity_n among_o the_o ordinary_a officer_n of_o the_o church_n in_o order_n degree_n or_o power_n do_v first_o begin_v nor_o by_o what_o mean_v it_o be_v bring_v about_o the_o apostle_n be_v all_o equal_a among_o themselves_o no_o one_o have_v either_o office_n or_o office-power_n above_o other_o so_o be_v all_o the_o ordinary_a bishop_n and_o presbyter_n mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o shall_v be_v prove_v afterward_o no_o intimation_n be_v give_v of_o any_o pre-eminence_n or_o superiority_n among_o they_o of_o one_o over_z other_o yet_o afterward_o in_o the_o three_o and_o four_o century_n much_o of_o that_o nature_n appear_v it_o begin_v to_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o bishop_n and_o elder_n mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o same_o and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n in_o name_n office_n or_o power_n during_o the_o apostle_n time_n which_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o hierome_n and_o our_o author_n seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n p._n 267._o but_o they_o say_v that_o after_o the_o decease_n of_o the_o apostle_n there_o be_v some_o appoint_v to_o succeed_v they_o in_o that_o part_n of_o their_o office_n which_o concern_v the_o rule_n of_o many_o church_n and_o this_o they_o say_v be_v do_v for_o the_o prevention_n of_o schism_n but_o with_o ill_a success_n for_o as_o clemens_n affirm_v that_o the_o apostle_n foresee_v that_o there_o will_v be_v strife_n and_o contention_n about_o episcopacy_n even_o when_o it_o be_v confine_v unto_o its_o original_a order_n because_o of_o the_o ambition_n of_o diotrephes_n and_o other_o like_v he_o so_o it_o become_v much_o more_o the_o cause_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o disorder_n in_o schism_n and_o heresy_n when_o it_o begin_v to_o exalt_v itself_o in_o dignity_n and_o reputation_n the_o first_o express_v attempt_n to_o corrupt_v and_o divide_v a_o church_n make_v from_o within_o itself_o be_v that_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n make_v by_o thebulis_fw-la because_o simon_n cleopas_n be_v choose_v bishop_n and_o he_o be_v refuse_v euseb._n lib._n 4._o cap._n 21._o the_o same_o rise_n have_v the_o schism_n of_o the_o novatian_o and_o donatist_n the_o heresy_n of_o arius_n and_o other_o neither_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n certain_a in_o this_o pretend_a succession_n of_o some_o person_n unto_o the_o apostle_n in_o that_o part_n of_o their_o office_n which_o concern_v the_o rule_n of_o many_o church_n by_o one_o overseer_n no_o intimation_n of_o any_o such_o appointment_n by_o the_o apostle_n or_o any_o of_o they_o no_o record_n of_o the_o concurrence_n of_o the_o church_n themselves_o in_o and_o unto_o this_o alteration_n can_v be_v produce_v nor_o be_v there_o any_o analogy_n between_o the_o extraordinary_a power_n of_o every_o apostle_n over_o all_o church_n and_o care_n for_o they_o and_o the_o ordinary_a power_n of_o a_o bishop_n over_o a_o small_a number_n which_o lot_n or_o accident_n dispose_v unto_o he_o beside_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v no_o instance_n can_v be_v give_v or_o have_v be_v for_o the_o space_n of_o 200_o year_n or_o until_o the_o end_n of_o the_o
of_o that_o nation_n and_o by_o live_v within_o such_o parochial_a precinct_n as_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n have_v arbitrary_o establish_v be_v member_n of_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a congregation_n at_o least_o they_o be_v account_v so_o far_o to_o belong_v unto_o these_o church_n as_o to_o render_v they_o liable_a unto_o all_o outward_a punishment_n that_o shall_v be_v think_v meet_a to_o be_v inflict_v on_o they_o who_o comply_v not_o with_o they_o so_o far_o as_o these_o persuasion_n and_o act_n according_a unto_o they_o do_v prevail_v so_o far_o be_v they_o destructive_a of_o the_o principal_a foundation_n of_o the_o external_a be_v and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n but_o that_o man_n join_n themselves_o in_o or_o unto_o any_o church_n society_n be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v a_o voluntary_a act_n or_o a_o act_n of_o free_a choice_n in_o mere_a obedience_n unto_o the_o authority_n and_o command_n of_o christ_n be_v so_o sacred_a a_o truth_n so_o evident_a in_o the_o scripture_n so_o necessary_a from_o its_o subject_a matter_n so_o testify_v unto_o by_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o the_o first_o church_n as_o that_o it_o despise_v all_o opposition_n and_o i_o know_v not_o how_o any_o can_v reconcile_v the_o common_a practice_n of_o give_v man_n the_o reputation_n or_o reality_n of_o be_v member_n of_o or_o belong_v unto_o this_o or_o that_o church_n as_o unto_o total_a communion_n who_o desire_n or_o choose_v no_o such_o thing_n unto_o this_o acknowledge_a principle_n 5._o there_o be_v a_o double_a join_n unto_o the_o church_n 1._o that_o which_o be_v as_o unto_o total_a communion_n in_o all_o the_o duty_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v that_o whereof_o we_o treat_v 2._o a_o adherence_n unto_o the_o church_n as_o unto_o the_o mean_n of_o instruction_n and_o edification_n to_o be_v attain_v thereby_o so_o person_n may_v adhere_v unto_o any_o church_n who_o yet_o be_v not_o meet_v or_o free_a on_o some_o present_a consideration_n to_o confederate_a with_o it_o as_o unto_o total_a communion_n see_v act._n 5.13_o 14._o and_o of_o this_o sort_n in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n be_v the_o baptise_a child_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n for_o although_o they_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o perform_v church-duty_n or_o enjoy_v churchâ—priviledges_n in_o their_o tender_a year_n nor_o can_v have_v a_o right_n unto_o total_a communion_n before_o the_o testification_n of_o their_o own_o voluntary_a consent_n thereunto_o and_o choice_n thereof_o yet_o be_v they_o in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n under_o the_o care_n and_o inspection_n of_o the_o church_n so_o far_o as_o the_o outward_a administration_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o all_o the_o mean_n of_o it_o be_v commit_v thereunto_o and_o their_o duty_n it_o be_v according_a to_o their_o capacity_n to_o attend_v unto_o the_o ministry_n of_o that_o church_n whereunto_o they_o do_v belong_v 6._o the_o proposition_n respect_v a_o visible_a profess_v church_n and_o i_o intend_v such_o a_o church_n in_o general_n as_o avow_v authority_n from_o christ_n 1._o for_o the_o ministerial_a preach_v of_o the_o word_n 2._o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n 3_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o evangelical_n discipline_n and_o 4._o to_o give_v a_o public_a testimony_n against_o the_o devil_n and_o the_o world_n not_o contradict_v their_o profession_n with_o any_o corrupt_a principle_n or_o practice_n inconsistent_a with_o it_o what_o be_v require_v in_o particular_a that_o any_o of_o they_o may_v be_v meet_a to_o be_v join_v unto_o such_o a_o church_n we_o shall_v afterward_o inquire_v 7._o it_o be_v general_o say_v that_o out_o of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v no_o salvation_n and_o the_o truth_n hereof_o be_v testify_v unto_o in_o the_o scripture_n act._n 2.47_o 1_o pet._n 3.20_o 21._o matth._n 16.18_o ephes._n 5.26_o 27._o joh._n 10.16_o 8_o this_o be_v true_a both_o positive_o and_o negative_o of_o the_o catholic_n church_n invisible_a of_o the_o elect_a all_o that_o be_v of_o it_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o none_o shall_v be_v save_v but_o those_o that_o belong_v unto_o it_o ephes._n 5.25_o 26_o 27._o of_o the_o catholic_n visible_a profess_v church_n negative_o that_o no_o adult_n person_n can_v be_v save_v that_o do_v not_o belong_v unto_o this_o church_n rom._n 10.10_o 9_o this_o position_n of_o truth_n be_v abuse_v by_o interest_n and_o pride_n a_o enclosure_n of_o it_o be_v make_v by_o they_o who_o of_o all_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n can_v lay_v the_o least_o and_o weak_a claim_n unto_o it_o namely_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v that_o catholic_n church_n out_o of_o which_o there_o be_v no_o salvation_n and_o wherein_o none_o can_v perish_v like_o the_o ark_n of_o noah_n that_o it_o require_v the_o high_a charity_n to_o reckon_v they_o unto_o that_o visible_a profess_v church_n whereof_o the_o great_a part_n may_v perish_v and_o do_v so_o undoubted_o 10._o our_o enquiry_n be_v what_o truth_n there_o be_v in_o this_o assertion_n with_o respect_n unto_o these_o particular_a church_n or_o society_n for_o the_o celebration_n of_o gospel-worship_n and_o discipline_n whereof_o we_o treat_v and_o i_o say_v 1._o no_o church_n of_o what_o denomination_n soever_o can_v lay_v a_o claim_n unto_o this_o privilege_n as_o belong_v unto_o itself_o alone_o this_o be_v the_o ancient_a donatism_n they_o confine_v salvation_n unto_o the_o church_n of_o their_o way_n alone_o and_o after_o many_o false_a charge_n of_o it_o on_o other_o it_o begin_v real_o to_o be_v renew_v in_o our_o day_n for_o some_o dispute_n that_o salvation_n be_v confine_v unto_o that_o church_n alone_o wherein_o there_o be_v a_o succession_n of_o diocesan_n bishop_n which_o be_v the_o height_n of_o donatism_n the_o judgement_n and_o determination_n make_v concern_v the_o eternal_a salvation_n or_o damnation_n of_o man_n by_o the_o measure_n of_o some_o difference_n among_o christian_n about_o church_n their_o state_n and_o order_n be_v absurd_a foolish_a and_o impious_a and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n use_v by_o they_o who_o sufficient_o proclaim_v that_o they_o know_v neither_o what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v save_v nor_o do_v use_v any_o diligence_n about_o the_o necessary_a mean_n of_o it_o salvation_n depend_v absolute_o on_o no_o particular_a church-state_n in_o the_o world_n he_o know_v not_o the_o gospel_n who_o can_v real_o think_v it_o do_v person_n of_o believer_n be_v not_o for_o the_o church_n but_o the_o church_n be_v for_o they_o if_o the_o ministry_n of_o angel_n be_v for_o they_o who_o be_v heir_n of_o salvation_n much_o more_o be_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n so_o if_o a_o man_n be_v a_o adulterer_n a_o idolater_n a_o railer_n a_o hater_n &_o scoffer_n of_o godliness_n if_o he_o choose_v to_o live_v in_o any_o know_a sin_n without_o repentance_n or_o in_o the_o neglect_n of_o any_o know_a duty_n if_o he_o be_v ignorant_a and_o profane_a in_o a_o word_n if_o he_o be_v not_o bear_v again_o from_o above_o be_v he_o of_o what_o church_n he_o will_v and_o whatsoever_o place_n he_o possess_v therein_o he_o can_v be_v save_v and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n if_o a_o man_n believe_v in_o christ_n jesus_n that_o be_v know_v he_o in_o his_o person_n office_n doctrine_n and_o grace_n trust_v unto_o he_o for_o all_o the_o end_n of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o love_n of_o god_n towards_o mankind_n in_o he_o if_o he_o endeavour_v to_o yield_v sincere_a and_o universal_a obedience_n unto_o all_o his_o command_n and_o to_o be_v conform_v unto_o he_o in_o all_o thing_n follow_v his_o example_n have_v for_o these_o end_n receive_v of_o his_o spirit_n though_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n shall_v reject_v he_o yet_o he_o shall_v undoubted_o be_v save_v if_o any_o shall_v hence_o infer_v that_o then_o it_o be_v all_o one_o of_o what_o church_n any_o one_o be_v i_o answer_v 1._o that_o although_o the_o be_v of_o this_o or_o that_o or_o any_o particular_a church_n in_o the_o world_n will_v not_o secure_v the_o salvation_n of_o any_o man_n yet_o the_o adherence_n unto_o some_o church_n or_o such_o as_o be_v so_o call_v in_o their_o constitution_n and_o worship_n may_v prejudice_v yea_o ruin_n the_o salvation_n of_o any_o that_o shall_v so_o do_v 2._o the_o choice_n of_o what_o church_n we_o will_v join_v unto_o belong_v unto_o the_o choice_n and_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n for_o our_o edification_n and_o he_o that_o make_v no_o conscience_n hereof_o but_o mere_o with_o respect_n unto_o the_o event_n of_o be_v save_v at_o last_o will_v probable_o come_v short_a thereof_o 2._o on_o this_o supposition_n that_o there_o be_v no_o insuperable_a difficulty_n lie_v in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o discharge_n of_o this_o duty_n as_o that_o a_o person_n be_v cast_v by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n into_o such_o a_o place_n or_o season_n as_o
3._o this_o therefore_o be_v that_o which_o he_o oppose_v namely_o that_o there_o be_v a_o deviation_n in_o various_a degree_n and_o fall_v of_o from_o the_o original_a institution_n order_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n until_o it_o issue_v in_o a_o fatal_a apostasy_n this_o be_v that_o which_o on_o the_o present_a occasion_n must_v be_v further_o speak_v unto_o for_o if_o this_o be_v not_o true_a i_o confess_v there_o be_v a_o end_n of_o this_o contest_v and_o we_o must_v all_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o state_n rule_n and_o order_n that_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n before_o the_o reformation_n but_o we_o may_v observe_v something_o yet_o far_a in_o the_o vindication_n and_o confirmation_n of_o this_o truth_n which_o i_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o that_o we_o plead_v for_o in_o point_n of_o church_n reformation_n as_o 1._o that_o the_o reason_n and_o arguing_n of_o the_o doctor_n in_o this_o matter_n the_o necessity_n of_o his_o cause_n compel_v he_o thereunto_o be_v the_o same_o with_o those_o of_o the_o papist_n about_o the_o apostasy_n of_o their_o church_n in_o faith_n order_n and_o worship_n wherewith_o they_o be_v charge_v namely_o when_o where_o how_o be_v this_o alteration_n make_v who_o make_v opposition_n unto_o it_o and_o the_o like_a when_o these_o inquiry_n be_v multiply_v by_o the_o papist_n as_o unto_o the_o whole_a cause_n between_o they_o and_o we_o he_o know_v well_o enough_o how_o to_o give_v satisfactory_a answer_n unto_o they_o and_o so_o may_v do_v in_o this_o particular_a unto_o himself_o also_o but_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o ease_v he_o of_o that_o trouble_n at_o present_a only_o i_o must_v say_v that_o it_o be_v fall_v out_o somewhat_o unexpected_o that_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o principle_n bulwark_n of_o the_o papacy_n which_o have_v be_v effectual_o demolish_v by_o the_o write_n of_o protestant_n of_o all_o sort_n shall_v be_v endeavour_v to_o be_v repair_v by_o a_o person_n just_o make_v eminent_a by_o his_o defence_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n against_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n 2._o but_o it_o may_v be_v plead_v that_o although_o the_o church_n follow_v the_o first_o age_n do_v insensible_o degenerate_a from_o the_o purity_n and_o simplicity_n of_o gospel_n faith_n and_o worship_n yet_o they_o neither_o do_v nor_o can_v do_v so_o from_o a_o adherence_n unto_o and_o abide_v in_o their_o original_a constitution_n or_o from_o the_o due_a observation_n of_o church_n order_n rule_n and_o discipline_n lest_o of_o all_o can_v this_o happen_v in_o the_o case_n of_o diocesan_n episcopacy_n i_o answer_v 1._o that_o as_o unto_o the_o original_a of_o any_o thing_n that_o look_v like_o diocesan_n episcopacy_n or_o the_o pastoral_n relation_n of_o one_o person_n of_o a_o distinct_a order_n from_o presbyter_n unto_o many_o particular_a complete_a church_n with_o officer_n of_o their_o own_o with_o power_n and_o jurisdiction_n in_o they_o and_o over_o they_o unto_o the_o abridgement_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o right_n and_o power_n unto_o their_o own_o edification_n which_o every_o true_a church_n be_v entrust_v withal_o by_o jesus_n christ_n it_o be_v very_o uncertain_a and_o be_v introduce_v by_o insensible_a degree_n according_a unto_o the_o effectual_a work_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n some_o say_v that_o there_o be_v two_o distinct_a order_n namely_o those_o of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n institute_v at_o first_o in_o all_o church_n plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n but_o as_o the_o contrary_n may_v be_v evident_o prove_v so_o a_o supposition_n of_o it_o will_v no_o way_n promote_v the_o cause_n of_o diocesan_n episcopacy_n until_o those_o who_o plead_v for_o it_o have_v demonstrate_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o they_o be_v place_v to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o those_o now_o call_v diocesan_n wherefore_o this_o hypothesis_n begin_v general_o to_o be_v desert_v as_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v by_o this_o author_n other_o suppose_v that_o immediate_o upon_o or_o at_o or_o after_o the_o decease_n of_o the_o apostle_n this_o new_a order_n of_o bishop_n be_v appoint_v to_o succeed_v the_o apostle_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v then_o gather_v or_o plant_v but_o how_o when_o or_o by_o who_o by_o what_o authority_n apostolical_a and_o divine_a or_o ecclesiastical_a only_a and_o humane_a none_o can_v declare_v see_v there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o footstep_n of_o any_o such_o thing_n either_o in_o the_o scripture_n or_o in_o the_o record_n that_o remain_v of_o the_o primitive_a church_n other_o think_v this_o new_a order_n of_o officer_n take_v its_o occasional_a rise_n from_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n at_o alexandria_n who_o choose_v out_o one_o among_o themselves_o constant_o to_o preside_v in_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o all_o matter_n of_o order_n unto_o who_o they_o ascribe_v some_o kind_n of_o pre-eminence_n and_o dignity_n peculiar_o appropriate_v unto_o he_o the_o namâ—_n of_o bishop_n and_o if_o this_o be_v true_a as_o unto_o matter_n of_o fact_n i_o reckon_v it_o unto_o the_o beginning_n of_o those_o less_o harmful_a deviation_n from_o their_o original_a constitution_n which_o i_o assign_v unto_o primitive_a church_n but_o many_o addition_n must_v be_v make_v hereunto_o before_o it_o will_v help_v the_o cause_n of_o diocesan_n episcopacy_n what_o other_o occasion_n hereof_o be_v give_v or_o take_v what_o advantage_n be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o promote_v this_o alteration_n shall_v be_v touch_v upon_o afterward_o 2._o why_o may_v not_o the_o church_n be_v suppose_v to_o have_v depart_v from_o their_o original_a constitution_n order_n and_o rule_n as_o well_o as_o from_o their_o first_o faith_n and_o worship_n which_o they_o do_v gradual_o in_o many_o successive_a age_n until_o both_o be_v utter_o corrupt_v the_o cause_n occasion_n and_o temptation_n lead_v unto_o the_o former_a be_v to_o the_o full_a as_o pregnant_a as_o those_o lead_n unto_o the_o latter_a for_o 1._o there_o be_v no_o vicious_a corrupt_a disposition_n of_o mind_n that_o begin_v more_o early_o to_o work_v in_o church_n officer_n nor_o do_v more_o grow_v and_o thrive_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o many_o than_o ambition_n with_o desire_n of_o pre-eminence_n dignity_n and_o rule_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v suppose_v that_o diotrephes_n be_v alone_o in_o his_o desire_n of_o pre-eminence_n nor_o in_o the_o irregular_a act_n of_o his_o undue_o assume_v authority_n however_o we_o have_v one_o signal_n instance_n in_o he_o of_o the_o deviation_n that_o be_v in_o the_o church_n with_o he_o from_o the_o rule_n of_o its_o original_a constitution_n for_o he_o prevail_v so_o far_o therein_o as_o by_o his_o own_o single_a episcopal_a power_n to_o reject_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o to_o cast_v they_o out_o of_o the_o church_n who_o comply_v not_o with_o his_o humour_n how_o effectual_o the_o same_o ambition_n wrought_v afterward_o in_o many_o other_o possess_v the_o same_o place_n in_o their_o church_n with_o diotrephes_n be_v sufficient_o evident_a in_o all_o ecclesiastical_a history_n it_o be_v far_o from_o be_v the_o only_a instance_n of_o the_o corruption_n of_o church_n order_n and_o rule_n by_o the_o influence_n of_o this_o ambition_n yet_o it_o be_v one_o that_o be_v pregnant_a which_o be_v give_v we_o by_o amâ—rose_n for_o say_v he_o ecclesia_fw-la ut_fw-la synagoga_fw-la seniores_fw-la habuâ—â—_fw-la quorum_fw-la sine_fw-la consilio_fw-la nihil_fw-la agebatur_fw-la in_o ecclesia_fw-la quod_fw-la qua_fw-la neglâ—gentia_fw-la obsoleverit_fw-la nescio_fw-la nisi_fw-la forte_fw-fr doctorum_fw-la desidia_fw-la aut_fw-la magis_fw-la superbia_fw-la dum_fw-la soli_fw-la volunt_fw-la aliquid_fw-la videri_fw-la in_o 1._o ad_fw-la timoth._n cap._n 5._o it_o seem_v there_o be_v some_o alteration_n in_o church_n rule_n and_o order_n in_o his_o time_n who_o beginning_n and_o progress_n he_o can_v not_o well_o discover_v and_o trace_v but_o know_v well_o enough_o that_o so_o it_o be_v then_o come_v to_o pass_v and_o if_o he_o who_o live_v so_o near_o the_o time_n wherein_o such_o alteration_n be_v make_v can_v not_o yet_o discover_v their_o first_o insinuation_n nor_o their_o subtle_a progress_n it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o exact_v a_o strict_a account_n of_o we_o in_o thing_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n who_o live_v so_o many_o age_n after_o their_o first_o introduction_n but_o this_o he_o judge_v that_o it_o be_v the_o pride_n or_o ambition_n of_o the_o doctor_n of_o the_o church_n which_o introduce_v that_o alteration_n in_o its_o order_n whereas_o therefore_o we_o see_v in_o the_o event_n that_o all_o deviation_n from_o the_o original_a constitution_n of_o church_n all_o alteration_n in_o their_o rule_n and_o order_n do_v issue_n in_o a_o compliance_n with_o the_o ambition_n of_o church_n ruler_n as_o it_o do_v in_o the_o papal_a church_n and_o this_o ambition_n be_v signal_o note_v
negligence_n i_o comprise_v both_o the_o ignorance_n sloth_n worldliness_n decay_n in_o gift_n and_o grace_n with_o superstition_n in_o sundry_a instance_n that_o in_o many_o of_o they_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o it_o dr._n still_o plead_v that_o it_o be_v very_o unlikely_a that_o the_o people_n will_v forego_v their_o interest_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n if_o ever_o they_o have_v any_o such_o thing_n without_o great_a noise_n and_o trouble_v for_o say_v he_o government_n be_v so_o nice_a and_o tender_a a_o thing_n that_o every_o one_o be_v so_o much_o concern_v for_o his_o share_n in_o it_o that_o man_n be_v not_o easy_o induce_v to_o part_v with_o it_o let_v we_o suppose_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n to_o have_v be_v democratical_a at_o first_o as_o dr._n o._n seem_v to_o do_v be_v it_o probable_a that_o the_o people_n will_v have_v be_v wheadle_v out_o of_o the_o sweetness_n of_o government_n so_o soon_o and_o make_v no_o noise_n about_o it_o pag._n 226._o his_o mistake_n about_o my_o judgement_n herein_o have_v be_v mark_v before_o no_o other_o interest_n or_o share_n in_o the_o government_n be_v ascribe_v by_o we_o unto_o the_o people_n but_o that_o they_o may_v be_v rule_v by_o their_o own_o consent_n and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v allow_v to_o yield_v obedience_n in_o the_o church_n unto_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n give_v unto_o they_o for_o that_o end_n this_o interest_n they_o neither_o do_v nor_o can_v forego_v without_o their_o own_o sin_n and_o gild_n in_o neglect_v the_o exercise_n of_o the_o gift_n and_o grace_n which_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v have_v and_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o duty_n whereunto_o they_o be_v oblige_v but_o for_o any_o engagement_n on_o their_o mind_n from_o the_o sweetness_n of_o government_n wherein_o their_o concern_v principal_o consist_v in_o a_o understanding_n voluntary_a obedience_n unto_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n they_o have_v nothing_o of_o it_o take_v also_o in_o general_n government_n to_o be_v as_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v mere_o a_o duty_n labour_n and_o service_n without_o those_o advantage_n of_o power_n ease_n dignity_n and_o wealth_n which_o have_v be_v annex_v unto_o it_o and_o it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o discover_v such_o a_o nicety_n or_o sweetness_n in_o it_o as_o to_o oblige_v unto_o pertinacy_n in_o a_o adherence_n unto_o it_o if_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v apprehend_v to_o consist_v in_o man_n give_v themselves_o whole_o to_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n in_o watch_v continual_o over_o the_o flock_n in_o accurate_a carefulness_n to_o do_v and_o act_v nothing_o in_o the_o church_n but_o in_o the_o name_n and_o authority_n of_o christ_n by_o the_o warranty_n of_o his_o command_n with_o a_o constant_a exercise_n of_o all_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v in_o these_o and_o all_o other_o duty_n of_o their_o office_n and_o that_o without_o the_o least_o appearance_n of_o domination_n or_o the_o procure_n of_o dignity_n secular_a honour_n and_o revenue_n thereby_o it_o may_v be_v a_o share_n and_o interest_n in_o it_o will_v not_o be_v so_o earnest_o covet_v and_o seek_v after_o as_o at_o present_v it_o be_v nor_o be_v there_o any_o more_o pertinency_n in_o his_o ensue_a supposal_n of_o a_o change_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o congregational_a church_n in_o london_n in_o set_v up_o one_o man_n to_o rule_v over_o they_o all_o and_o to_o appoint_v their_o several_a teacher_n etc._n etc._n p._n 227._o which_o can_v not_o be_v do_v without_o noise_n it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o fear_v it_o non_fw-la isto_fw-la vivimus_fw-la illic_fw-la quo_fw-la tu_fw-la veer_fw-la modo_fw-la and_o impertinent_a in_o this_o case_n to_o suppose_v it_o for_o it_o speak_v of_o a_o sudden_a total_a alteration_n in_o the_o state_n order_n and_o rule_n of_o church_n to_o be_v make_v at_o once_o whereas_o our_o discourse_n be_v of_o that_o which_o be_v gradual_a in_o many_o age_n by_o degree_n almost_o imperceptible_a but_o yet_o i_o can_v give_v no_o security_n that_o the_o church_n of_o our_o way_n shall_v not_o in_o process_n of_o time_n decline_v from_o their_o primitive_a constitution_n and_o order_n either_o in_o their_o power_n and_o spirit_n in_o faith_n and_o love_n or_o in_o the_o outward_a practice_n of_o they_o unless_o they_o continual_o watch_v against_o all_o beginning_n and_o occasion_n of_o such_o declension_n and_o frequent_o renew_v their_o reformation_n or_o if_o it_o be_v otherwise_o they_o will_v have_v better_a success_n than_o any_o church_n in_o the_o world_n ever_o yet_o have_v even_o those_o that_o be_v of_o the_o plant_n of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o as_o be_v manifest_v in_o the_o judgement_n that_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n pass_v on_o they_o rev._n 2._o and_o 3._o the_o negligence_n of_o the_o people_n which_o issue_v in_o their_o unfitness_n to_o be_v dispose_v of_o and_o rule_v according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o first_o constitution_n of_o church_n order_n may_v be_v consider_v either_o as_o it_o give_v occasion_n unto_o those_o lesser_a deviation_n from_o the_o rule_n which_o do_v not_o much_o prejudice_n the_o faith_n and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n or_o as_o it_o occasion_v great_a alteration_n in_o the_o ensue_a age_n and_o 1._o the_o great_a and_o perhaps_o in_o some_o thing_n excessive_a veneration_n which_o they_o have_v of_o their_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n do_v probable_o occasion_n in_o they_o some_o neglect_n of_o their_o own_o duty_n for_o they_o be_v easy_o induce_v hereon_o not_o only_o implicit_o to_o leave_v the_o mannagement_n of_o all_o church_n affair_n unto_o they_o but_o also_o zealous_o to_o comply_v with_o their_o mistake_v the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o martyrdom_n of_o holy_a polycarpus_n tell_v we_o that_o when_o he_o ascend_v the_o pile_n wherein_o he_o be_v to_o be_v burn_v that_o he_o pull_v off_o his_o own_o clothes_n and_o endeavour_v to_o pull_v off_o his_o shoe_n which_o he_o have_v not_o do_v before_o because_o the_o faithful_a strive_v among_o themselves_o who_o shall_v soon_o touch_v his_o body_n euseb._n lib._n 4._o cap._n 15._o i_o think_v there_o can_v be_v no_o veneration_n due_a to_o a_o man_n which_o be_v not_o so_o unto_o that_o great_a and_o holy_a person_n but_o those_o who_o do_v so_o express_v it_o may_v easy_o be_v induce_v to_o place_n too_o much_o of_o their_o religion_n in_o a_o implicit_a compliance_n with_o they_o unto_o who_o they_o be_v so_o devote_v hence_o a_o negligence_n in_o themselves_o as_o unto_o their_o particular_a duty_n do_v ensue_v they_o be_v quick_o far_o from_o esteem_v it_o their_o duty_n to_o say_v unto_o their_o pastor_n or_o bishop_n that_o he_o shall_v take_v heed_n unto_o the_o ministry_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v in_o the_o lord_n to_o fulfil_v it_o as_o the_o apostle_n enjoin_v the_o colossian_n to_o say_v to_o archippus_n their_o pastor_n chap._n 4.17_o but_o begin_v to_o think_v that_o the_o glory_n of_o obsequious_a obedience_n be_v all_o that_o be_v leave_v unto_o they_o and_o hence_o do_v some_o of_o the_o clergy_n begin_v to_o assume_v to_o themselves_o and_o to_o ascribe_v unto_o one_o another_o great_a swell_a title_n of_o honour_n and_o name_n of_o dignity_n among_o which_o the_o blasphemous_a title_n of_o his_o holiness_n be_v at_o length_n appropriate_v unto_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n wherein_o they_o open_o depart_v from_o apostolical_a simplicity_n and_o gravity_n but_o these_o thing_n fall_v out_o after_o the_o write_n of_o the_o epistle_n of_o clemens_n of_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o vienna_n and_o smyrna_n wherein_o no_o such_o title_n do_v appear_v 2._o many_o of_o the_o particular_a church_n of_o the_o first_o plantation_n increase_a great_o in_o the_o number_n of_o their_o member_n it_o be_v neither_o convenient_a nor_o safe_a that_o the_o whole_a multitude_n shall_v on_o all_o occasion_n come_v together_o as_o they_o do_v at_o first_o to_o consult_v about_o their_o common_a concern_v and_o discharge_v the_o duty_n of_o their_o communion_n for_o by_o reason_n of_o danger_n from_o their_o numerous_a convention_n they_o meet_v in_o several_a parcel_n as_o they_o have_v opportunity_n herewith_o they_o be_v content_v unless_o it_o be_v upon_o the_o great_a occasion_n of_o choose_v their_o officer_n and_o the_o like_a whereon_o the_o whole_a church_n meet_v together_o this_o make_v they_o leave_v the_o ordinary_a administration_n of_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n unto_o the_o elder_n of_o it_o not_o concern_v themselves_o further_o therein_o but_o still_o continue_v member_n of_o the_o same_o particular_a church_n it_o be_v altogether_o improbable_a what_o platina_n from_o damasus_n affirm_v in_o the_o life_n of_o evaristus_n about_o the_o end_n of_o the_o first_o century_n that_o he_o
any_o other_o that_o he_o be_v please_v to_o make_v use_n of_o therein_o for_o as_o he_o take_v it_o on_o himself_o as_o his_o own_o work_n to_o build_v his_o church_n and_o that_o upon_o himself_o as_o its_o foundation_n so_o he_o employ_v his_o apostle_n to_o act_v under_o he_o and_o from_o he_o in_o the_o carry_n on_o that_o work_n unto_o perfection_n but_o what_o be_v do_v by_o they_o be_v esteem_v to_o be_v do_v all_o by_o himself_o for_o 1_o it_o be_v immediate_o from_o he_o that_o they_o receive_v revelation_n of_o what_o do_v belong_v unto_o this_o church-state_n and_o what_o be_v to_o be_v prescribe_v therein_o they_o never_o do_v neither_o joint_o nor_o several_o once_o endeavour_v in_o their_o own_o wisdom_n or_o from_o their_o own_o invention_n or_o by_o their_o own_o authority_n to_o add_v or_o put_v into_o this_o church-state_n as_o of_o perpetual_a use_n and_o belong_v unto_o it_o as_o such_o either_o less_o or_o more_o any_o one_o thing_n great_a or_o less_o whatever_a it_o be_v true_a they_o give_v their_o advice_n in_o sundry_a case_n of_o present_a emergency_n in_o and_o about_o church_n affair_n they_o give_v direction_n for_o the_o due_a and_o orderly_a practice_n of_o what_o be_v reveal_v unto_o they_o and_o exercise_v authority_n both_o as_o unto_o the_o ordination_n of_o officer_n and_o the_o rejection_n of_o obstinate_a sinner_n from_o the_o society_n of_o all_o the_o church_n but_o to_o invent_v contrive_v institute_n or_o appoint_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n and_o its_o state_n which_o they_o have_v not_o by_o immediate_a revelation_n from_o christ_n they_o never_o attempt_v it_o nor_o go_v about_o it_o and_o unto_o this_o rule_n of_o proceed_v they_o be_v precise_o oblige_v by_o the_o express_a word_n of_o their_o commission_n mat_n 28.19_o 20._o this_o i_o say_v be_v so_o plain_o include_v in_o the_o tenor_n of_o their_o commission_n and_o so_o evident_a from_o all_o that_o be_v divine_o record_v of_o their_o practice_n that_o it_o will_v admit_v of_o no_o sober_a contradiction_n in_o what_o other_o think_v it_o meet_v to_o do_v in_o this_o kind_n we_o be_v not_o concern_v 2_o the_o authority_n whereby_o they_o act_v in_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o church_n in_o its_o order_n whereon_o the_o conscience_n of_o all_o believer_n be_v oblige_v to_o submit_v thereunto_o and_o to_o comply_v with_o it_o in_o a_o way_n of_o obedience_n be_v the_o authority_n of_o christ_n himself_o act_v in_o they_o and_o by_o they_o 4.5_o they_o every_z where_o disclaim_v any_o such_o power_n and_o authority_n in_o themselves_o they_o plead_v that_o they_o be_v only_a steward_n and_o minister_n not_o lord_n of_o the_o faith_n or_o obedience_n of_o the_o church_n but_o helper_n of_o its_o joy_n yea_o the_o servant_n of_o all_o the_o church_n for_o christ_n sake_n and_o hereon_o it_o follow_v that_o what_o be_v record_v of_o their_o practice_n in_o their_o institution_n order_v or_o dispose_n of_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n that_o be_v to_o be_v of_o a_o abide_a continuance_n have_v in_o it_o the_o oblige_a power_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n himself_o wherefore_o if_o the_o distinction_n that_o some_o make_v concern_v the_o apostle_n namely_o that_o they_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v as_o apostle_n or_o as_o church-governor_n shall_v be_v allow_v as_o it_o be_v liable_a to_o just_a exception_n yet_o will_v no_o advantage_n accrue_v thereby_o unto_o what_o be_v pretend_v from_o it_o for_o as_o what_o they_o do_v appoint_v and_o order_v in_o the_o church_n for_o its_o constant_a observation_n as_o apostle_n they_o do_v it_o by_o immediate_a revelation_n from_o christ_n and_o in_o his_o name_n and_o authority_n so_o what_o in_o distinction_n from_o hence_o as_o church_n governor_n they_o do_v or_o order_v they_o do_v it_o only_o by_o a_o due_a application_n unto_o present_a occasion_n of_o what_o they_o have_v receive_v by_o revelation_n but_o as_o they_o be_v apostle_n christ_n send_v they_o as_o his_o father_n send_v he_o and_o he_o be_v so_o send_v of_o the_o father_n as_o that_o he_o do_v stand_v and_o feed_v in_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o majesty_n of_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n his_o god_n micah_n 5.4_o so_o do_v they_o feed_v the_o sheep_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o strength_n and_o in_o the_o authority_n or_o majesty_n of_o his_o name_n 5._o christ_n therefore_o alone_o be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o gospel-church-state_n and_o because_o this_o be_v the_o only_a foundation_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o obedience_n as_o unto_o all_o that_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v do_v and_o practice_v by_o virtue_n of_o that_o church-state_n or_o in_o order_n thereunto_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o only_o plain_o affirm_v it_o but_o also_o declare_v the_o ground_n of_o it_o why_o it_o must_v be_v so_o and_o whence_o it_o be_v so_o as_o also_o wherein_o his_o do_v of_o it_o do_v consist_v 1._o three_o thing_n among_o other_o be_v eminent_o necessary_a in_o and_o unto_o he_o who_o be_v to_o constitute_v this_o church_n state_n with_o all_o that_o belong_v thereunto_o and_o as_o the_o scripture_n do_v eminent_o and_o express_o ascribe_v they_o all_o unto_o christ_n so_o no_o man_n nor_o all_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n can_v have_v any_o such_o interest_n in_o they_o as_o to_o render_v they_o meet_v for_o this_o work_n or_o any_o part_n of_o it_o the_o first_o of_o these_o be_v right_o and_o title_n he_o who_o institute_n this_o church-state_n must_v have_v right_o and_o title_n to_o dispose_v of_o all_o man_n in_o all_o their_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a concernment_n as_o seem_v good_a unto_o he_o for_o unto_o this_o church-state_n namely_o as_o it_o be_v pure_o evangelical_n no_o man_n be_v oblige_v by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n nor_o have_v any_o creature_n power_n to_o dispose_v of_o he_o into_o a_o condition_n whereon_o all_o his_o concernment_n spiritual_a and_o eternal_a shall_v depend_v this_o right_a and_o title_n to_o the_o sovereign_a disposal_n of_o mankind_n or_o of_o his_o church_n christ_n have_v alone_o and_o that_o upon_o a_o treble_a account_n 1_o of_o donation_n from_o the_o father_n he_o appoint_v he_o the_o heir_n of_o all_o thing_n heb._n 1.2_o 3._o he_o give_v he_o power_n over_o all_o flesh._n joh._n 17.2_o especial_o he_o have_v give_v unto_o he_o and_o put_v into_o his_o absolute_a disposal_n all_o those_o who_o be_v to_o be_v his_o church_n ver_fw-la 6._o 2_o by_o virtue_n of_o purchase_n he_o have_v by_o the_o price_n of_o his_o most_o precious_a blood_n purchase_v they_o unto_o his_o own_o power_n and_o disposal_n he_o purchase_v his_o church_n with_o his_o own_o blood_n act._n 20.28_o which_o the_o apostle_n make_v the_o ground_n of_o that_o care_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v have_v of_o it_o and_o this_o be_v plead_v as_o a_o sufficient_a reason_n why_o we_o shall_v be_v whole_o at_o his_o disposal_n only_o and_o be_v free_a from_o any_o imposition_n of_o man_n in_o thing_n spiritual_a 1_o cor._n 7.23_o you_o be_v buy_v with_o a_o price_n be_v you_o not_o the_o servant_n of_o man_n the_o purchase_n of_o this_o right_a and_o title_n be_v one_o great_a end_n of_o the_o principal_a mediatory_a act_n of_o christ._n rom._n 14.9_o 10._o for_o to_o this_o end_n etc._n etc._n 3_o of_o conquest_n for_o all_o those_o who_o be_v thus_o to_o be_v dispose_v by_o he_o be_v both_o under_o the_o power_n of_o his_o enemy_n and_o be_v themselves_o enemy_n unto_o he_o in_o their_o mind_n he_o can_v not_o therefore_o have_v a_o sovereign_n right_o unto_o their_o disposal_n but_o by_o a_o double_a conquest_n namely_o first_o of_o their_o enemy_n by_o his_o power_n and_o then_o of_o themselves_o by_o his_o word_n his_o spirit_n and_o his_o grace_n and_o this_o twofold_a conquest_n of_o he_o be_v full_o describe_v in_o the_o scripture_n whereas_o therefore_o there_o be_v a_o disposal_n of_o the_o person_n that_o be_v to_o belong_v unto_o this_o church-state_n as_o unto_o their_o soul_n conscience_n and_o all_o the_o eternal_a concernment_n of_o they_o by_o a_o indispensible_a moral_a obligation_n to_o a_o compliance_n therewithal_o until_o man_n can_v manifest_v that_o they_o have_v such_o a_o right_n and_o title_n over_o other_o and_o that_o either_o by_o the_o especial_a grant_n and_o donation_n of_o god_n the_o father_n or_o a_o purchase_n that_o they_o have_v make_v of_o they_o unto_o themselves_o or_o conquest_n they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v esteem_v to_o have_v either_o right_a or_o title_n to_o institute_v any_o thing_n that_o belong_v unto_o this_o church-state_n and_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a pretend_a as_o we_o shall_v see_v more_o afterward_o that_o christ_n indeed_o have_v appoint_v this_o church-state_n in_o general_a but_o that_o he_o have_v appoint_v no_o particular_a form_n of_o church_n or_o
their_o rule_n but_o leave_v that_o unto_o the_o discretion_n and_o authority_n of_o man_n as_o they_o think_v meet_v when_o they_o have_v outward_a power_n for_o their_o warranty_n but_o if_o by_o these_o particular_a appointment_n and_o framing_n of_o church_n with_o their_o order_n man_n be_v dispose_v of_o as_o unto_o their_o spiritual_a concernment_n beyond_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n or_o the_o moral_n â—aw_v we_o must_v yet_o inquire_v who_o give_v they_o this_o right_a and_o title_n to_o make_v this_o disposal_n of_o they_o 2._o authority_n as_o right_o and_o title_n respect_v the_o person_n of_o man_n to_o be_v reduce_v into_o a_o new_a form_n of_o government_n so_o authority_n respect_v the_o rule_n â—aws_n order_n and_o statute_n to_o be_v make_v prescribe_v and_o establish_v whereby_o the_o privilege_n of_o this_o new_a society_n be_v convey_v and_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o enjoin_v unto_o all_o that_o be_v take_v unto_o it_o earthly_a potentate_n who_o will_v dispose_v of_o man_n into_o a_o state_n and_o government_n absolute_o new_a unto_o they_o as_o unto_o all_o their_o temporal_a concernment_n of_o life_n liberty_n inheritance_n and_o possession_n so_o as_o that_o they_o shall_v hold_v all_o of_o they_o in_o dependence_n on_o and_o according_a unto_o the_o rule_n and_o law_n of_o their_o new_a government_n and_o kingdom_n must_v have_v these_o two_o thing_n namely_o right_o and_o title_n unto_o the_o person_n of_o man_n which_o they_o have_v by_o conquest_n or_o a_o absolute_a resignation_n of_o all_o their_o interest_n and_o concern_v into_o their_o disposal_n and_o authority_n thereon_o to_o constitute_v what_o order_n what_o kind_n of_o state_n rule_n and_o government_n they_o please_v without_o these_o they_o will_v quick_o find_v their_o endeavour_n and_o undertake_n frustrate_v the_o gospel_n church-state_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o and_o in_o all_o the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o it_o be_v absolute_o new_a whereunto_o all_o the_o world_n be_v natural_o foreigner_n and_o stranger_n as_o they_o have_v no_o right_n unto_o it_o as_o it_o contain_v privilege_n so_o they_o have_v no_o obligation_n unto_o it_o as_o it_o prescribe_v duty_n wherefore_o there_o be_v need_n of_o both_o those_o right_o as_o unto_o the_o person_n of_o man_n and_o authority_n as_o unto_o the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n unto_o the_o frame_n of_o it_o and_o until_o man_n can_v pretend_v unto_o these_o thing_n both_o unto_o this_o right_a and_o authority_n with_o respect_n unto_o all_o the_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a concernment_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o other_o they_o may_v do_v well_o to_o consider_v how_o dangerous_a it_o be_v to_o invade_v the_o right_n and_o inheritance_n of_o christ_n and_o leave_v hunt_v after_o a_o interest_n of_o power_n in_o the_o the_o frame_n or_o form_v evangelical_n church_n or_o make_v of_o law_n for_o their_o rule_n and_o government_n this_o authority_n be_v not_o only_o ascribe_v unto_o jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o scripture_n but_o it_o be_v enâ—â—â—sed_v unto_o he_o so_o as_o that_o no_o other_o can_v have_v any_o interest_n in_o it_o see_v mat._n 28.18_o rev._n 3.7_o isa._n 9.6_o 7_o by_o virtue_n hereof_o he_o be_v the_o only_a lawgiver_n of_o the_o church_n jam._n 4.12_o isa._n 22.22_o there_o be_v indeed_o a_o derivation_n of_o power_n and_o authority_n from_o he_o unto_o other_o but_o it_o extend_v itself_o no_o far_o save_v only_o that_o they_o shall_v direct_v teach_v and_o command_v those_o who_o he_o send_v they_o unto_o to_o do_v and_o observe_v what_o he_o have_v command_v matth._n 28.20_o he_o build_v his_o own_o house_n and_o he_o be_v over_o his_o own_o house_n heb._n 3.3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o he_o both_o constitute_v its_o state_n and_o gives_z law_n for_o its_o rule_n the_o disorder_n the_o confusion_n the_o turn_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n upside_o down_o which_o have_v enâ—ued_v upon_o the_o usurpation_n of_o man_n take_v upon_o they_o a_o legislative_a power_n in_o and_o over_o the_o church_n can_v easy_o be_v declare_v for_o upon_o a_o slight_a pretence_n no_o way_n suit_v or_o serviceable_a unto_o their_o end_n of_o the_o advice_n give_v and_o determination_n make_v by_o the_o apostle_n with_o the_o elder_n and_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o a_o temporary_a constitution_n about_o the_o use_n of_o christian_a liberty_n the_o bishop_n of_o the_o 4_o the_o and_o 5_o the_o century_n take_v upon_o themselves_o power_n to_o make_v law_n canon_n and_o constitution_n for_o the_o order_n of_o the_o government_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n bring_v in_o many_o new_a institution_n on_o a_o pretence_n of_o the_o same_o authority_n neither_o do_v other_o who_o follow_v they_o cease_v to_o build_v on_o their_o sandy_a foundation_n until_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o the_o church-state_n be_v alter_v a_o new_a law_n make_v for_o its_o government_n and_o a_o new_a christ_n or_o antichrist_n assume_v in_o the_o head_n of_o its_o rule_n by_o that_o law_n for_o all_o this_o pretend_a authority_n of_o make_v law_n and_o constitution_n for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n issue_v in_o that_o sink_v of_o abomination_n which_o they_o call_v the_o canon-law_n let_v any_o man_n but_o of_o a_o tolerable_a understanding_n and_o free_v from_o infatuate_a prejudices_fw-la but_o read_v the_o representation_n that_o be_v make_v of_o the_o gospel_n church_n state_n its_o order_n rule_n and_o government_n in_o the_o scripture_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o what_o representation_n be_v make_v on_o the_o other_o of_o a_o church_n state_n its_o order_n rule_n and_o government_n in_o the_o canon_n law_n the_o only_a effect_n of_o man_n assume_v to_o themselves_o a_o legislative_a power_n with_o respect_n unto_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n if_o he_o do_v not_o pronounce_v they_o to_o be_v contrary_a as_o light_n and_o darkness_n and_o that_o by_o the_o latter_a the_o former_a be_v utter_o destroy_v and_o take_v away_o i_o shall_v never_o trust_v to_o the_o use_n of_o man_n reason_n or_o their_o honesty_n any_o more_o this_o authority_n be_v first_o usurp_v by_o synod_n or_o counsel_n of_o bishop_n of_o what_o use_n they_o be_v at_o any_o time_n to_o declare_v and_o give_v testimony_n unto_o any_o article_n of_o the_o faith_n which_o in_o their_o day_n be_v oppose_v by_o heretic_n i_o shall_v not_o now_o inquire_v but_o as_o unto_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o authority_n claim_v by_o they_o to_o make_v law_n and_o canon_n for_o the_o rule_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v to_o be_v bewail_v there_o shall_v be_v such_o a_o monument_n leave_v of_o their_o weakness_n ambition_n self-interest_n and_o folly_n as_o there_o be_v in_o what_o remain_v of_o their_o constitution_n their_o whole_a endeavour_n in_o this_o kind_n be_v at_o best_o but_o the_o build_n of_o wood_n hay_o and_o stubble_n on_o the_o foundation_n in_o who_o consumption_n they_o shall_v suffer_v loss_n although_o they_o be_v save_v themselves_o but_o in_o make_v of_o law_n to_o bind_v the_o whole_a church_n in_o and_o about_o thing_n useless_a and_o trivial_a no_o way_n belong_v to_o the_o religion_n teach_v we_o by_o jesus_n christ_n in_o and_o for_o the_o establishment_n or_o increase_n of_o their_o own_o power_n jurisdiction_n authority_n and_o rule_n with_o the_o extent_n and_o bound_n of_o their_o several_a dominion_n in_o and_o for_o the_o constitution_n of_o new_a frames_n and_o state_n of_o church_n and_o new_a way_n of_o the_o government_n of_o they_o in_o the_o appointment_n of_o new_a modes_n rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o divine_a worship_n with_o the_o confusion_n that_o ensue_v thereon_o in_o mutual_a animosity_n fight_n division_n schism_n and_o anathematism_n to_o the_o horrible_a scandal_n of_o christian_a religion_n they_o cease_v not_o until_o they_o have_v utter_o destroy_v all_o the_o order_n rule_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n yea_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o it_o and_o introduce_v into_o its_o room_n a_o carnal_a worldly_a church-state_n and_o rule_n suit_v unto_o the_o interest_n of_o covetous_a ambitious_a and_o tyrannical_a prelate_n the_o most_o of_o they_o indeed_o know_v not_o for_o who_o they_o wrought_v in_o provide_v material_n for_o that_o babel_n which_o by_o a_o hide_a skill_n in_o a_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n be_v raise_v out_o of_o their_o provision_n for_o after_o they_o be_v hew_v and_o carve_v shape_a form_v and_o guild_v the_o pope_n appear_v in_o the_o head_n of_o it_o as_o it_o be_v with_o those_o word_n of_o his_o mouth_n be_v not_o this_o great_a babylon_n that_o i_o have_v build_v for_o the_o house_n of_o the_o kingdom_n by_o the_o might_n of_o my_o power_n and_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o my_o majesty_n this_o be_v the_o fatal_a event_n of_o man_n invade_v the_o right_n of_o christ_n and_o
entertain_v please_v dream_n of_o throne_n preeminency_n chief_z see_z secular_a grandeur_n and_o power_n nor_o frame_v so_o many_o law_n and_o canon_n about_o these_o thing_n turn_v the_o whole_a rule_n of_o the_o church_n into_o a_o worldly_a empire_n for_o such_o it_o be_v that_o as_o of_o all_o the_o pope_n which_o ever_o dwell_v at_o rome_n there_o be_v never_o any_o pretend_a or_o act_v a_o great_a zeal_n for_o the_o rule_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n by_o the_o law_n and_o canon_n that_o it_o have_v make_v for_o that_o end_n than_o gregory_n the_o 7_o the_o so_o if_o ever_o there_o be_v any_o antichrist_n in_o the_o world_n as_o there_o be_v many_o anti-christs_n he_o be_v one_o his_o luciferian_a pride_n his_o trample_v on_o all_o christian_a king_n and_o potentate_n his_o horrible_a tyranny_n over_o the_o conscience_n of_o all_o christian_n his_o abominable_a dictate_v assert_v of_o his_o own_o godlike_a sovereignty_n his_o require_v all_o man_n on_o the_o pain_n of_o damnation_n to_o be_v sinful_a subject_n to_o god_n and_o peter_n that_o be_v himself_z which_o his_o own_o act_n and_o epistle_n be_v fill_v withal_o do_v manifest_a both_o who_o and_o what_o he_o be_v unto_o that_o issue_n do_v this_o power_n of_o law_n or_o canon_n make_v for_o the_o honour_n and_o dignity_n of_o church_n ruler_n at_o length_n arrive_v 3._o let_v the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n by_o jesus_n christ_n abide_v and_o remain_v let_v the_o law_n for_o its_o rule_n government_n and_o worship_n which_o he_o have_v record_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v diligenty_n observe_v by_o they_o who_o duty_n it_o be_v to_o take_v care_n about_o they_o both_o to_o observe_v they_o themselves_o and_o to_o teach_v other_o so_o to_o do_v and_o we_o know_v full_a well_o there_o will_v be_v no_o occasion_n give_v or_o leave_v unto_o the_o least_o confusion_n or_o disorder_n in_o the_o church_n but_o if_o man_n will_v be_v froward_a and_o because_o they_o may_v not_o make_v law_n themselves_o or_o keep_v the_o statute_n make_v by_o other_o will_v neglect_v the_o due_a observation_n and_o execution_n of_o what_o christ_n have_v ordain_v or_o will_v deny_v that_o we_o may_v and_o aught_o in_o and_o for_o the_o due_a observation_n of_o his_o law_n to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o inbred_a light_n of_o nature_n and_o rule_n of_o common_a prudence_n the_o use_n and_o exercise_n of_o both_o which_o be_v include_v and_o enjoin_v in_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n in_o that_o he_o require_v a_o compliance_n with_o they_o in_o the_o way_n of_o obedience_n which_o we_o can_v perform_v without_o they_o i_o know_v of_o no_o relief_n against_o the_o perpetuity_n of_o our_o difference_n about_o these_o thing_n but_o after_o so_o much_o scorn_n and_o contempt_n have_v be_v cast_v upon_o that_o principle_n that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o observe_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n or_o divine_a worship_n in_o a_o constant_a way_n by_o virtue_n of_o any_o humane_a canon_n or_o law_n that_o be_v not_o prescribe_v in_o the_o scripture_n if_o we_o can_v prevail_v with_o man_n to_o give_v we_o one_o single_a instance_n which_o they_o will_v abide_v by_o wherein_o the_o rule_n and_o institution_n of_o christ_n be_v so_o defective_a as_o that_o without_o their_o canonical_a addition_n order_n can_v be_v observe_v in_o the_o church_n nor_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v due_o perform_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v diligent_o attend_v unto_o allow_v the_o general_n rule_v give_v we_o in_o the_o scripture_n for_o church-order_n and_o worship_n to_o be_v apply_v unto_o all_o proper_a occasion_n and_o circumstance_n with_o particular_a positive_a divine_a precept_n allow_v also_o that_o the_o apostle_n in_o what_o they_o do_v and_o act_v in_o the_o constitution_n and_o order_v of_o the_o church_n and_o their_o worship_n do_v and_o act_v it_o in_o the_o name_n and_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n as_o also_o that_o there_o need_v no_o other_o mean_n of_o affect_v and_o oblige_v our_o conscience_n in_o these_o thing_n but_o only_o that_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o christ_n be_v intimate_v and_o make_v know_v unto_o we_o though_o not_o in_o the_o form_n of_o a_o law_n give_v and_o promulgate_v which_o i_o suppose_v no_o man_n of_o sober_a mind_n or_o principle_n can_v disallow_v and_o then_o give_v a_o instance_n of_o such_o a_o deficiency_n as_o that_o mention_v in_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o whole_a difference_n in_o this_o matter_n will_v be_v right_o state_v and_o not_o else_o but_o to_o return_v from_o this_o digression_n two_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o only_o ascribe_v this_o authority_n unto_o christ_n alone_o but_o it_o give_v instance_n of_o his_o use_n and_o exercise_n thereof_o which_o comprise_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a unto_o the_o constitution_n and_o order_v of_o his_o church_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o they_o 1_o he_o build_v his_o own_o house_n heb._n 3.3_o 2_o he_o appoint_v office_n for_o rule_n in_o his_o church_n and_o officer_n 1_o cor._n 12_o 5._o rome_n 12.6_o 7_o 8._o 3_o he_o give_v gift_n for_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o church_n ephes._n 4.11_o 12_o 13._o 1_o cor._n 11_o 12._o 4_o he_o give_v power_n and_o authority_n unto_o they_o that_o be_v to_o minister_n and_o rule_n in_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n which_o thing_n must_v be_v afterward_o speak_v unto_o three_o as_o unto_o this_o constitution_n of_o the_o gospel-church-state_n the_o scripture_n assign_v in_o a_o especial_a manner_n faithfulness_n unto_o the_o lord_n christ_n heb._n 3.3_o 4_o 5._o this_o power_n be_v original_o in_o god_n himself_o it_o belong_v unto_o he_o alone_o as_o the_o great_a sovereign_n of_o all_o his_o creature_n unto_o christ_n as_o mediator_n it_o be_v give_v by_o the_o father_n and_o the_o whole_a of_o it_o entrust_v with_o he_o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o in_o the_o execution_n of_o it_o he_o have_v respect_n unto_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n as_o unto_o what_o he_o will_v have_v do_v and_o order_v with_o respect_n whereunto_o this_o power_n be_v commit_v unto_o he_o and_o here_o his_o faithfulness_n take_v place_n exert_v in_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o whole_a mind_n of_o god_n in_o this_o matter_n institute_v appoint_v and_o command_v all_o that_o god_n will_v have_v so_o ordain_v and_o nothing_o else_o and_o what_o can_v any_o man_n do_v that_o come_v after_o the_o king_n hereunto_o there_o be_v add_v on_o the_o same_o account_n the_o consideration_n of_o his_o wisdom_n his_o love_n and_o care_n for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n which_o in_o he_o be_v ineffable_a and_o inimitable_a by_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v he_o fit_v for_o his_o office_n and_o the_o work_n that_o be_v reserve_v for_o he_o so_o as_o that_o he_o may_v in_o all_o thing_n have_v the_o preeminency_n and_o this_o be_v to_o make_v the_o last_o and_o only_a full_a perfect_a complete_a revelation_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n as_o unto_o the_o state_n order_n faith_n obedience_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v no_o perfection_n in_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n until_o he_o take_v this_o work_n in_o hand_n wherefore_o it_o may_v just_o be_v suppose_v that_o he_o have_v so_o perfect_o state_v and_o establish_v all_o thing_n concern_v his_o church_n and_o worship_n therein_o be_v the_o last_o divine_a hand_n that_o be_v to_o be_v put_v to_o this_o work_n and_o this_o his_o hand_n heb._n 1.2_o 3._o that_o whatever_o be_v capable_a of_o a_o law_n or_o a_o constitution_n for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o church_n at_o all_o time_n or_o be_v needful_a for_o his_o disciple_n to_o observe_v be_v reveal_v declare_v and_o establish_v by_o he_o and_o in_o this_o persuasion_n i_o shall_v abide_v until_o i_o see_v better_a fruit_n and_o effect_n of_o the_o interposition_n of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o authority_n of_o man_n unto_o the_o same_o end_n which_o he_o design_v than_o as_o yet_o i_o have_v be_v able_a in_o any_o age_n to_o observe_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o thing_n plead_v may_v for_o the_o great_a evidence_n of_o their_o truth_n be_v reduce_v unto_o the_o ensue_a head_n or_o proposition_n 1._o every_o church-state_n that_o have_v a_o especial_a institution_n of_o its_o own_o give_v its_o especial_a kind_n suppose_v and_o have_v respect_n unto_o the_o law_n and_o light_n of_o nature_n require_v and_o direct_v in_o general_a those_o thing_n which_o belong_v unto_o the_o be_v order_n and_o preservation_n of_o such_o society_n as_o that_o be_v that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v society_n wherein_o man_n voluntary_o join_v together_o for_o the_o solemn_a performance_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o joint_a walk_v in_o obedience_n before_o god_n that_o these_o society_n ought_v to_o use_v such_o mean_n for_o their_o own_o
peace_n and_o order_n as_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n direct_v unto_o that_o where_o many_o have_v a_o common_a interest_n they_o ought_v to_o consult_v in_o common_a for_o the_o due_a management_n of_o it_o with_o other_o thing_n of_o the_o like_a importance_n be_v evident_a dictate_v of_o this_o light_n and_o law_n now_o whatever_o church-state_n may_v be_v superinduce_v by_o divine_a institution_n yet_o this_o light_n and_o law_n in_o all_o their_o evident_a dictate_v continue_v their_o oblige_a power_n in_o and_o over_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o must_v do_v so_o eternal_o wherefore_o thing_n that_o belong_v hereunto_o need_v no_o new_a institution_n in_o any_o church-state_n whatever_o but_o yet_o 2._o whatever_o be_v require_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n in_o such_o society_n as_o church_n as_o useful_a unto_o their_o order_n and_o conduce_v unto_o their_o end_n be_v a_o divine_a institution_n the_o lord_n christ_n in_o the_o institution_n of_o gospel_n church_n their_o state_n order_n rule_n and_o worship_n do_v not_o require_v of_o his_o disciple_n that_o in_o their_o observance_n of_o his_o appointment_n they_o shall_v cease_v to_o be_v man_n or_o forego_v the_o use_n and_o exercise_n of_o their_o rational_a ability_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o that_o exercise_n which_o be_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n yea_o because_o the_o rule_n and_o direction_n be_v in_o this_o case_n to_o be_v apply_v unto_o thing_n spiritual_a and_o of_o mere_a revelation_n he_o give_v wisdom_n prudence_n and_o understanding_n to_o make_v that_o application_n in_o a_o due_a manner_n unto_o those_o to_o who_o the_o guidance_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n be_v commit_v wherefore_o as_o unto_o all_o the_o thing_n which_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n direct_v we_o unto_o with_o respect_n unto_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o duty_n prescribe_v by_o christ_n in_o and_o unto_o the_o church_n we_o need_v no_o other_o institution_n but_o that_o of_o the_o use_n of_o the_o especial_a spiritual_a wisdom_n and_o prudence_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n give_v unto_o his_o church_n for_o that_o end_n 4._o there_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n general_a rule_n direct_v we_o in_o the_o application_n of_o natural_a light_n unto_o such_o a_o determination_n of_o all_o circumstance_n in_o the_o act_n of_o church_n rule_n and_o worship_n as_o be_v sufficient_a for_o their_o performance_n decent_o and_o in_o order_n wherefore_o as_o be_v say_v before_o it_o be_v utter_o in_o vain_a and_o useless_a to_o demand_v express_a institution_n of_o all_o the_o circumstance_n belong_v unto_o the_o government_n order_n rule_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n or_o for_o the_o due_a improvement_n of_o thing_n in_o themselves_o indifferent_a unto_o its_o edification_n as_o occasion_n shall_v require_v nor_o be_v they_o capable_a to_o be_v any_o otherwise_o state_v but_o as_o they_o lie_v in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o spiritual_a prudence_n direct_v by_o general_a rule_n of_o scripture_n these_o thing_n be_v premise_v our_o principal_a assertion_n be_v that_o christ_n alone_o be_v the_o author_n institutor_n and_o appointer_n in_o a_o way_n of_o authority_n and_o legislation_n of_o the_o gospel_n church-state_n its_o order_n rule_n and_o worship_n with_o all_o thing_n constant_o and_o perpetual_o belong_v thereunto_o or_o necessary_a to_o be_v observe_v therein_o what_o be_v not_o so_o be_v of_o man_n and_o not_o from_o heaven_n this_o be_v that_o which_o we_o have_v prove_v in_o general_a and_o shall_v far_o particular_o confirm_v in_o our_o progress_n hence_o 6._o there_o be_v no_o spiritual_a use_n nor_o benefit_n of_o any_o church-state_n nor_o of_o any_o thing_n therein_o perform_v but_o what_o on_o the_o part_n of_o man_n consist_v in_o act_n of_o obedience_n unto_o the_o authority_n of_o christ._n if_o in_o any_o thing_n we_o do_v of_o this_o nature_n we_o can_v answer_v that_o enquiry_n which_o god_n direct_v in_o this_o case_n to_o be_v make_v namely_o why_o we_o do_v this_o or_o that_o thing_n exod._n 12.25_o 26_o 27._o with_o this_o that_o it_o be_v because_o christ_n have_v require_v it_o of_o we_o we_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v he_o the_o lord_n over_o his_o own_o house_n nor_o hear_v he_o as_o the_o son_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o act_n of_o power_n to_o be_v put_v forth_o in_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n but_o in_o they_o by_o who_o it_o be_v exert_v it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o obedience_n unto_o christ_n or_o it_o be_v a_o mere_a usurpation_n all_o church_n power_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o faculty_n or_o ability_n to_o obey_v the_o command_n of_o christ_n in_o such_o a_o way_n and_o manner_n as_o he_o have_v appoint_v for_o it_o be_v his_o constitution_n that_o the_o administration_n of_o his_o solemn_a worship_n in_o the_o church_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o it_o as_o unto_o the_o observance_n of_o his_o command_n shall_v be_v commit_v unto_o some_o person_n set_v apart_o unto_o that_o end_n according_a unto_o his_o appointment_n this_o be_v all_o their_o authority_n all_o that_o they_o have_v of_o order_n or_o jurisdiction_n or_o by_o any_o other_o way_n whereby_o they_o be_v please_v to_o express_v it_o and_o where_o there_o be_v any_o gospel_n administration_n any_o act_n of_o rule_n or_o government_n in_o the_o church_n which_o those_o that_o perform_v it_o do_v not_o give_v a_o evidence_n that_o they_o do_v it_o in_o obedience_n unto_o christ_n it_o be_v null_a as_o unto_o any_o obligation_n on_o the_o conscience_n of_o his_o disciple_n the_o neglect_n hereof_o in_o the_o world_n wherein_o many_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o church_n discipline_n or_o any_o act_n that_o belong_v unto_o the_o rule_n of_o it_o think_v of_o nothing_o but_o their_o own_o office_n whereunto_o such_o power_n be_v annex_v by_o humane_a law_n and_o canon_n as_o enable_v they_o to_o act_n in_o their_o own_o name_n without_o design_v obedience_n unto_o christ_n in_o all_o that_o they_o do_v or_o to_o make_v a_o just_a representation_n of_o his_o authority_n wisdom_n and_o love_v thereby_o be_v ruinous_a unto_o church_n order_n and_o rule_n 7._o there_o be_v no_o legislative_a power_n in_o and_o over_o the_o church_n as_o unto_o its_o form_n order_n and_o worship_n leave_v unto_o any_o of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n under_o any_o qualification_n whatever_o for_o 1._o there_o be_v none_o of_o they_o who_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o those_o right_n qualification_n and_o endowment_n which_o be_v necessary_a unto_o a_o investiture_n into_o such_o a_o legislative_a power_n for_o what_o be_v give_v and_o grant_v unto_o christ_n himself_o unto_o this_o end_n that_o he_o may_v be_v the_o law_n giver_n of_o the_o church_n must_v be_v find_v also_o in_o they_o who_o pretend_v unto_o any_o interest_n therein_o have_v they_o any_o of_o they_o a_o right_n and_o title_n unto_o a_o disposal_n of_o the_o person_n of_o believer_n in_o what_o way_n they_o please_v as_o unto_o their_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a concernment_n have_v they_o sovereign_a authority_n over_o all_o thing_n to_o change_v their_o moral_a nature_n to_o give_v they_o new_a use_n and_o signification_n to_o make_v thing_n necessary_a that_o in_o themselves_o be_v indifferent_a and_o to_o order_v all_o those_o thing_n by_o sovereign_a authority_n in_o law_n oblige_v the_o conscience_n of_o man_n and_o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o his_o personal_a qualification_n of_o faithfulness_n wisdom_n love_n and_o care_n which_o be_v ascribe_v unto_o he_o in_o this_o work_n of_o give_v law_n unto_o his_o church_n as_o he_o be_v the_o lord_n over_o his_o own_o house_n 2_o the_o event_n of_o the_o assumption_n of_o this_o legislative_a power_n under_o the_o best_a pretence_n that_o can_v be_v give_v unto_o it_o namely_o in_o council_n or_o great_a assembly_n of_o bishop_n and_o prelate_n sufficient_o demonstrate_v how_o dangerous_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v for_o any_o man_n to_o be_v engage_v in_o for_o it_o issue_v at_o length_n in_o such_o a_o constitution_n of_o church_n and_o such_o law_n for_o the_o government_n of_o they_o as_o exalt_v the_o cannon_n law_n into_o the_o room_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o utter_o destroy_v the_o true_a nature_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o all_o the_o discipline_n require_v therein_o 3._o such_o a_o assumption_n be_v derogatory_n unto_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n especial_o as_o unto_o his_o faithfulness_n in_o and_o over_o the_o house_n of_o god_n wherein_o he_o be_v compare_v unto_o and_o prefer_v above_o moses_n heb._n 3.3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o now_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o moses_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o he_o do_v and_o appoint_v all_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o pattern_n show_v he_o in_o the_o mount_n that_o be_v all_o whatever_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o be_v reveal_v and_o appoint_v for_o the_o constitution_n order_n rule_n and_o worship_n of_o his_o
place_n unto_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o be_v a_o particular_a congregation_n 6._o the_o thing_n that_o he_o ascribe_v unto_o this_o leader_n to_o be_v do_v at_o this_o general_a meeting_n of_o the_o church_n every_o lord_n day_n be_v 1._o that_o he_o pray_v 2._o that_o after_o the_o read_n of_o the_o scripture_n he_o preach_v 3._o that_o he_o consecrate_v the_o eucharist_n the_o element_n of_o the_o bread_n and_o wine_n be_v distribute_v by_o the_o deacon_n unto_o the_o congregation_n 4._o that_o he_o close_v the_o whole_a worship_n of_o the_o day_n in_o prayer_n 7._o in_o the_o consecration_n of_o the_o sacramental_a element_n he_o observe_v that_o the_o precedent_n pray_v at_o large_a giving_z thanks_o to_o god_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d so_o vain_a be_v the_o pretence_n of_o some_o that_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n they_o consecrate_v the_o element_n by_o the_o repetition_n of_o the_o lord_n prayer_n only_o after_o the_o participation_n of_o the_o eucharist_n there_o be_v a_o collection_n make_v for_o the_o poor_a as_o he_o describe_v it_o at_o large_a what_o be_v so_o gather_v be_v commit_v to_o the_o pastor_n who_o take_v care_n for_o the_o distribution_n of_o it_o unto_o all_o sort_n of_o poor_a belong_v unto_o the_o church_n hereunto_o be_v add_v as_o tertullian_n observe_v the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n in_o their_o assembly_n whereof_o we_o shall_v speak_v afterward_o the_o close_a of_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n justin_n give_v we_o in_o these_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o pastor_n again_o according_a to_o his_o ability_n or_o power_n pour_v forth_o or_o send_v up_o prayer_n the_o people_n all_o joyful_o cry_v amen_o etc._n etc._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v as_o origen_n expound_v the_o phrase_n often_o use_v by_o himself_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d lib._n 8._o ad_fw-la cels._n according_a unto_o the_o present_a ability_n give_v unto_o he_o this_o be_v the_o state_n the_o order_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n with_o its_o method_n in_o the_o day_n of_o justin_n martyr_n this_o and_o no_o other_o be_v that_o which_o we_o plead_v for_o unto_o these_o time_n belong_v the_o most_o excellent_a epistle_n of_o the_o church_n of_o vienna_n and_o lion_n in_o france_n unto_o the_o brethren_n in_o asia_n and_o phrygia_n record_v at_o large_a by_o eusebius_n hist._n lib._n 5._o cap_n 1._o their_o design_n in_o it_o be_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o holy_a martyr_n who_o suffer_v in_o the_o persecution_n under_o marcus_n antoninus_n i_o be_o no_o way_n concern_v in_o what_o state_n irenaeus_n be_v in_o the_o church_n at_o lion_n whereon_o after_o the_o write_n of_o this_o epistle_n he_o be_v send_v to_o eleutherius_fw-la the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n which_o he_o give_v a_o account_n of_o chap._n 4._o he_o be_v indeed_o in_o that_o epistle_n call_v a_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n although_o as_o some_o suppose_v it_o be_v sundry_a year_n after_o the_o death_n of_o pothinus_n who_o they_o call_v bishop_n of_o lion_n into_o who_o room_n he_o immediate_o succeed_v and_o eusebius_n himself_o cap._n 8._o affirm_v that_o he_o will_v give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o ancient_a ecclesiastical_a presbyter_n in_o the_o first_o place_n produce_v those_o of_o irenaeus_n but_o these_o thing_n belong_v not_o unto_o our_o present_n contest_v the_o epistle_n we_o intend_v be_v write_v by_o the_o brethren_n of_o those_o church_n and_o it_o be_v write_v to_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n in_o asia_n and_o phrygia_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o scripture_n wherein_o the_o fraternity_n or_o body_n of_o the_o church_n be_v design_v or_o intend_v in_o all_o such_o epistle_n from_o they_o be_v this_o epistle_n and_o unto_o those_o of_o the_o same_o sort_n be_v it_o write_v not_o from_o one_o bishop_n unto_o another_o and_o as_o this_o manifest_v the_o concern_v of_o the_o brotherhood_n in_o all_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n so_o with_o all_o other_o circumstance_n it_o evidence_v that_o those_o church_n be_v particular_a or_o congregational_a only_a nor_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o whole_a epistle_n that_o shall_v give_v the_o least_o intimation_n of_o any_o other_o church_n state_n knowâ—_n unto_o they_o this_o epistle_n as_o record_v by_o eusebius_n give_v we_o as_o noble_a representation_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o communion_n that_o be_v then_o among_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v write_v with_o apostolical_a simplicity_n and_o gravity_n and_o remote_a from_o those_o title_n of_o honour_n and_o affect_v swell_a word_n which_o the_o feign_a write_n of_o that_o age_n and_o some_o that_o be_v genuine_a in_o those_o that_o follow_v be_v stuff_v withal_o tertullâ—an_n who_o live_v about_o the_o end_n of_o the_o second_o century_n give_v we_o the_o same_o account_n of_o the_o state_n order_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n as_o be_v give_v beâ—ore_o by_o justin_n martyr_n apol._n ad_fw-la gen._n cap._n 39_o the_o description_n of_o a_o church_n he_o first_o lay_v down_o in_o these_o word_n corpâ—s_fw-la sumus_fw-la de_fw-fr conscientia_fw-la religionis_fw-la &_o disciplinae_fw-la unitate_fw-la &_o spei_fw-la foedere_fw-la we_o be_v a_o body_n unite_v in_o the_o conscience_n of_o religion_n or_o a_o conscientious_a observation_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n by_o a_o agreement_n in_o discipline_n whereby_o it_o be_v usual_a with_o the_o ancient_n to_o express_v universal_a obedience_n unto_o the_o doctrine_n and_o command_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o a_o covenant_n of_o hope_n for_o whereas_o such_o a_o body_n or_o religious_a society_n can_v not_o be_v unite_v but_o by_o a_o covenant_n he_o call_v it_o a_o covenant_n of_o hope_n because_o the_o principal_a respect_n be_v have_v therein_o unto_o the_o thing_n hope_v foâ—_n they_o covenant_v together_o so_o to_o live_v and_o walk_v in_o the_o discipline_n of_o christ_n or_o obedience_n unto_o his_o command_n as_o that_o they_o may_v come_v together_o unto_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o eternal_a blessedness_n this_o religious_a body_n or_o society_n thus_o unite_v by_o covenant_n do_v meet_v together_o in_o the_o same_o assembly_n or_o congregation_n corpus_fw-la suâ—us_fw-la â—oâ—mus_fw-la in_o coeâ—um_fw-la &_o congregationem_fw-la ut_fw-la ad_fw-la deum_fw-la quasi_fw-la manu_fw-la facta_fw-la precationibus_fw-la ambiamus_fw-la orantes_fw-la and_o cogimur_fw-la ad_fw-la divinarum_fw-la literarum_fw-la commemorationem_fw-la etc._n etc._n design_v to_o declare_v as_o he_o do_v in_o particular_a negotia_fw-la christianae_n factionis_fw-la as_o he_o call_v they_o or_o the_o duty_n of_o christian_a religion_n which_o in_o their_o church_n they_o do_v attend_v unto_o he_o lay_v the_o foundation_n in_o their_o meeting_n in_o the_o saâ—â—_n assembly_n or_o congregation_n in_o these_o assembly_n there_o preside_v the_o elder_n that_o upon_o a_o testimony_n of_o their_o meetness_n unto_o that_o office_n be_v choose_v thereunto_o precedent_n probati_fw-la quique_fw-la seniores_fw-la honorem_fw-la istum_fw-la non_fw-la pretty_a sed_fw-la testimonio_fw-la adepti_fw-la and_o in_o the_o church_n thus_o meet_v together_o in_o the_o same_o place_n assembly_n or_o congregation_n under_o the_o rule_n and_o conduct_v of_o their_o elder_n among_o other_o thing_n they_o exercise_v discipline_n that_o be_v in_o the_o presence_n and_o by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o whole_a ibidem_fw-la etiam_fw-la exhortationes_fw-la castigationes_fw-la &_o censura_fw-la divina_fw-la no_o &_o judicatur_fw-la magno_fw-la cum_fw-la pondere_fw-la ut_fw-la apud_fw-la certos_fw-la de_fw-la dei_fw-la conspectu_fw-la summumque_fw-la futuri_fw-la judâ—cii_fw-la praejudicium_fw-la est_fw-la sâ—_n quis_fw-la ita_fw-la deliquerit_fw-la ut_fw-la à _fw-la communicatione_n oratinis_fw-la &_o conventus_fw-la &_o omnis_fw-la sancti_fw-la commercii_fw-la relegetur_fw-la the_o loss_n of_o this_o discipline_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o administration_n have_v be_v one_o of_o the_o principal_a mean_n of_o the_o apostasy_n of_o church_n from_o their_o primitive_a institution_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n do_v origen_n give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o the_o way_n of_o the_o gather_n and_o establish_v church_n under_o elder_n of_o their_o own_o choose_n in_o the_o close_a of_o his_o last_o book_n against_o celsus_n and_o although_o in_o the_o day_n of_o cyprian_a in_o the_o three_o century_n the_o distinction_n between_o the_o bishop_n in_o any_o church_n eminent_o so_o call_v and_o those_o who_o be_v only_a presbyter_n with_o their_o imparity_n and_o not_o only_o the_o precedency_n but_o superiority_n of_o one_o over_o other_o begin_v general_o to_o be_v admit_v yet_o it_o be_v sufficient_o manifest_a from_o his_o epistle_n that_o the_o church_n wherein_o he_o do_v preside_v be_v so_o far_o a_o particular_a church_n as_o that_o the_o whole_a body_n or_o fraternity_n of_o it_o be_v admit_v unto_o all_o advice_n in_o thing_n of_o common_a concernment_n unto_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o allow_v the_o exercise_n of_o their_o
state_v of_o the_o subject_a of_o our_o enquiry_n 1._o the_o diversity_n and_o division_n among_o church_n which_o respect_n be_v to_o be_v have_v unto_o in_o the_o choice_n of_o any_o which_o we_o will_v or_o aught_o to_o join_v unto_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n 1._o such_o as_o be_v occasion_v by_o the_o remain_a weakness_n infirmity_n and_o ignorance_n of_o the_o best_a of_o man_n whereby_o they_o know_v but_o in_o part_n and_o prophesy_v only_o in_o part_n wherein_o our_o edification_n be_v concern_v but_o our_o salvation_n not_o endanger_v 2._o such_o as_o be_v in_o and_o about_o thing_n fundamental_a in_o faith_n worship_n and_o obedience_n we_o shall_v speak_v to_o both_o of_o they_o 2._o all_o christian_n be_v original_o of_o one_o mind_n in_o all_o thing_n needful_a unto_o joint-communion_n so_o as_o that_o there_o may_v be_v among_o they_o all_o love_n without_o dissimulation_n howbeit_o there_o be_v great_a variety_n not_o only_o in_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o apprehension_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o truth_n but_o in_o some_o doctrine_n themselves_o as_o about_o the_o continuance_n of_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n or_o at_o least_o of_o some_o of_o they_o as_o also_o opposition_n from_o without_o unto_o the_o truth_n by_o heretic_n and_o apostate_n neither_o of_o which_o hinder_v the_o church_n communion_n of_o true_a believer_n but_o the_o diversity_n difference_n and_o division_n that_o be_v now_o among_o church_n in_o the_o world_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o great_a apostasy_n which_o befall_v they_o all_o in_o the_o latter_a age_n as_o unto_o the_o spirit_n rule_n and_o practice_n of_o those_o which_o be_v plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o will_v not_o be_v heal_v until_o that_o apostasy_n be_v abolish_v 3._o satan_n have_v possess_v himself_o of_o the_o advantage_n of_o these_o division_n whereof_o he_o be_v the_o author_n he_o make_v use_v of_o they_o to_o act_v his_o malice_n and_o rage_n in_o stir_v up_o and_o instigate_a one_o party_n to_o persecute_v oppress_v and_o devour_v another_o until_o the_o life_n power_n and_o glory_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v almost_o lose_v in_o the_o world_n it_o require_v therefore_o great_a wisdom_n to_o deport_v ourselves_o aright_o among_o these_o division_n so_o as_o to_o contribute_v nothing_o unto_o the_o end_v of_o malice_n design_v by_o satan_n in_o they_o 4._o in_o this_o state_n of_o thing_n until_o it_o may_v be_v cure_v which_o it_o will_v never_o be_v by_o any_o of_o the_o way_n yet_o propose_v and_o insist_v on_o the_o enquiry_n be_v concern_v the_o duty_n of_o any_o one_o who_o take_v care_n of_o his_o own_o soul_n as_o unto_o a_o conjunction_n with_o some_o church_n or_o other_o and_o on_o the_o negative_a part_n i_o say_v 1._o such_o a_o one_o be_v bind_v not_o to_o join_v with_o any_o church_n or_o society_n where_o any_o fundamental_a article_n of_o faith_n be_v reject_v or_o corrupt_v there_o may_v be_v a_o fundamental_a error_n in_o a_o true_a church_n for_o a_o season_n when_o the_o church_n err_v not_o fundamental_o 1_o cor._n 15._o 2_o tim._n 2.18_o but_o i_o suppose_v the_o error_n in_o or_o against_o the_o foundation_n be_v part_n of_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o church_n or_o society_n to_o be_v join_v unto_o for_o thereby_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o church_n be_v destroy_v it_o do_v not_o hold_v the_o head_n nor_o abide_v on_o the_o foundation_n nor_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o pillar_n of_o truth_n wherefore_o although_o the_o socinian_o under_o a_o pretence_n of_o love_n forbearance_n and_o mutual_a toleration_n do_v offer_v we_o the_o communion_n of_o their_o church_n wherein_o there_o be_v somewhat_o of_o order_n and_o discipline_n commendable_a yet_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o join_v in_o church_n fellowship_n or_o communion_n with_o they_o for_o their_o error_n about_o the_o trinity_n the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o satisfaction_n be_v destructive_a of_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o idolatry_n in_o the_o divine_a worship_n of_o a_o mere_a creature_n be_v introduce_v by_o they_o 2._o where_o there_o 〈…〉_z any_o church_n teach_v or_o allow_v a_o mixture_n of_o doctrine_n or_o opinion_n that_o be_v prejudicial_a unto_o gospel_n holiness_n or_o obedience_n no_o man_n that_o take_v due_a care_n of_o his_o salvation_n can_v join_v himself_o unto_o it_o for_o the_o original_a rule_n and_o measure_n of_o all_o church_n communion_n be_v agreement_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o truth_n where_o therefore_o there_o be_v either_o not_o a_o stable_a profession_n of_o the_o same_o doctrine_n in_o all_o substantial_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o a_o uncertain_a sound_n be_v give_v some_o say_v one_o thing_n some_o another_o or_o that_o opposition_n be_v make_v unto_o any_o truth_n of_o the_o importance_n before_o mention_v none_o can_v be_v bind_v or_o oblige_v to_o hold_v communion_n with_o it_o nor_o can_v incur_v any_o blame_n by_o refrain_v from_o it_o for_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o christian_a in_o all_o thing_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o to_o join_v with_o such_o a_o church_n will_v 1._o stain_v their_o profession_n 2._o hinder_v their_o edification_n 3_o establish_v a_o new_a rule_n of_o communion_n unknown_a to_o the_o scripture_n namely_o beside_o truth_n as_o may_v easy_o be_v manifest_v 3._o where_o the_o fundamental_o of_o religious_a worship_n be_v corrupt_v or_o overthrow_v it_o be_v absolute_o unlawful_a to_o join_v unto_o or_o abide_v in_o any_o church_n so_o be_v it_o with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n the_o various_a way_n whereby_o the_o foundation_n of_o divine_a religious_a worship_n be_v overthrow_v in_o that_o church_n by_o superstition_n and_o idolatry_n have_v be_v sufficient_o declare_v these_o render_v the_o communion_n of_o that_o church_n pernicious_a 4._o nor_o can_v any_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o join_v himself_o with_o any_o church_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v his_o duty_n so_o to_o do_v where_o the_o eternal_o fix_a rule_n and_o measure_n of_o religious_a worship_n namely_o that_o it_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n be_v vary_v or_o change_v by_o any_o addition_n unto_o it_o or_o subtraction_n from_o it_o for_o whereas_o one_o principal_a end_n of_o all_o church_n be_v the_o joint_a celebration_n of_o divine_a worship_n if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o certain_a stable_n rule_v thereof_o in_o any_o church_n of_o divine_a prescription_n no_o man_n can_v be_v oblige_v unto_o communion_n therewith_o 5._o where_o the_o fundamental_o of_o church_n order_n practice_n and_o discipline_n be_v destroy_v it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o any_o man_n to_o join_v in_o church_n communion_n these_o fundamental_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n 1._o such_o as_o concern_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n 2._o such_o as_o concern_v the_o church_n itself_o there_o be_v four_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a fundamental_o unto_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o ministry_n 1._o that_o all_o the_o minister_n or_o officer_n of_o it_o be_v due_o choose_v by_o the_o church_n itself_o and_o solemn_o set_v apart_o in_o the_o church_n unto_o their_o office_n according_a unto_o the_o rule_n and_o law_n of_o christ._n this_o be_v fundamental_a unto_o church_n order_n the_o root_n of_o it_o from_o whence_o all_o other_o part_n of_o it_o do_v spring_n and_o it_o be_v that_o which_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o express_o provide_v for_o in_o the_o scripture_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v if_o there_o be_v a_o neglect_v herein_o and_o no_o other_o relation_n require_v between_o minister_n elder_n ruler_n bishop_n and_o the_o church_n but_o what_o be_v raise_v and_o create_v by_o way_n and_o rule_n of_o man_n appointment_n or_o if_o there_o be_v a_o temporary_a disposal_n of_o person_n into_o a_o discharge_n of_o that_o office_n without_o a_o solemn_a call_v choice_n ordination_n and_o separation_n unto_o the_o office_n itself_o and_o its_o work_n the_o law_n of_o christ_n be_v violate_v and_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n disturb_v in_o its_o foundation_n 2._o that_o those_o who_o be_v call_v unto_o the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n be_v due_o qualify_v by_o their_o endowment_n with_o spiritual_a gift_n for_o the_o discharge_v of_o their_o duty_n be_v fundamental_a unto_o the_o ministry_n that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n do_v still_o continue_v his_o dispensation_n of_o spiritual_a gift_n unto_o man_n to_o fit_a and_o enable_v they_o unto_o the_o office_n and_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n that_o if_o he_o do_v not_o do_v so_o or_o shall_v at_o any_o time_n cease_v so_o to_o do_v the_o whole_a office_n of_o the_o ministry_n must_v cease_v and_o the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n with_o it_o that_o it_o be_v altogether_o useless_a for_o any_o church_n or_o person_n to_o erect_v a_o image_n of_o the_o gospel_n ministry_n by_o outward_a rite_n and_o
which_o have_v as_o they_o think_v undue_o enough_o fail_v in_o one_o or_o two_o instance_n it_o become_v the_o destruction_n of_o a_o church_n state_n not_o only_o in_o the_o church_n where_o such_o mistake_v have_v happen_v as_o they_o surmise_a but_o unto_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n that_o will_v hold_v communion_n with_o they_o but_o in_o these_o thing_n we_o have_v no_o concernment_n other_o notion_n of_o schism_n beside_o those_o insist_v on_o we_o acknowledge_v not_o nor_o be_v any_o other_o advance_v with_o the_o least_o probality_n of_o truth_n nor_o be_v we_o to_o be_v move_v with_o outcry_n about_o schism_n wherein_o without_o regard_n to_o truth_n or_o charity_n man_n contend_v for_o their_o own_o interest_n of_o those_o notion_n of_o it_o which_o have_v be_v receive_v by_o man_n sober_a and_o learned_a we_o decline_v a_o trial_n by_o none_o that_o only_o except_v that_o the_o refusal_n of_o obedience_n unto_o the_o pope_n and_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v all_o that_o be_v schism_n in_o the_o world_n which_o indeed_o be_v none_o at_o all_o that_o which_o be_v now_o so_o fierce_o plead_v by_o some_o concern_v different_a observation_n of_o external_a modes_n rite_n custom_n some_o more_o or_o none_o at_o all_o to_o make_v man_n schismatic_n be_v at_o once_o to_o judge_v all_o the_o primitive_a church_n to_o be_v schismatical_a their_o difference_n variety_n and_o diversity_n among_o they_o about_o these_o thing_n can_v be_v enumerate_v and_o so_o without_o any_o disadvantage_n unto_o the_o faith_n or_o breach_n of_o love_n they_o continue_v to_o be_v until_o all_o church_n order_n and_o power_n be_v swallow_v up_o in_o the_o papal_a tyranny_n ten_o thousand_o time_n more_o pernicious_a then_o ten_o thousand_o such_o dispute_n for_o a_o close_a unto_o this_o whole_a discourse_n concern_v the_o original_a nature_n and_o state_n of_o gospel_n church_n i_o shall_v use_v that_o liberty_n which_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n put_v into_o my_o possession_n church_n mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n ordain_v and_o appoint_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o certain_a number_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n convert_v to_o god_n by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n with_o their_o baptize_v seed_n associate_a themselves_o in_o obedience_n unto_o christ_n command_n and_o by_o the_o direction_n of_o his_o apostle_n for_o the_o common_a profession_n of_o the_o same_o faith_n the_o observance_n and_o performance_n of_o all_o divine_a institution_n of_o religious_a worship_n unto_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n their_o own_o edification_n and_o the_o conversion_n of_o other_o these_o believer_n thus_o associate_v in_o society_n know_v the_o command_n and_o appointment_n of_o jesus_n christ_n by_o his_o apostle_n for_o that_o end_n do_v choose_v from_o among_o themselves_o such_o as_o be_v to_o be_v their_o ruler_n in_o the_o name_n and_o authority_n of_o christ_n according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o order_n of_o his_o institution_n who_o in_o the_o scripture_n be_v call_v on_o various_a consideration_n elder_n bishop_n pastor_n and_o the_o like_a name_n of_o dignity_n authority_n and_o office_n who_o be_v to_o administer_v all_o the_o solemn_a ordinance_n of_o the_o church_n among_o they_o unto_o this_o office_n they_o be_v solemn_o appoint_v ordain_v or_o set_v apart_o by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o with_o fast_v prayer_n and_o imposition_n of_o hand_n or_o by_o other_o ordinary_a officer_n after_o their_o decease_n this_o be_v the_o way_n and_o method_n of_o the_o call_v and_o set_v apart_o of_o all_o ordinary_a officer_n in_o the_o church_n both_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o in_o the_o new_a it_o be_v found_v in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n in_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o ordinary_a church_n ruler_n under_o the_o law_n the_o people_n look_v out_o and_o choose_v fit_a person_n who_o moses_n set_v apart_o to_o the_o office_n deut._n 1.13_o 14_o 15._o and_o in_o the_o call_v of_o deacon_n act_n 6._o the_o apostle_n use_v the_o same_o word_n or_o word_n of_o the_o same_o importance_n unto_o the_o church_n as_o moses_n do_v to_o the_o people_n act_v 6.31_o assert_v the_o continuation_n of_o the_o same_o way_n and_o order_n in_o their_o call_n and_o whereas_o he_o who_o be_v first_o to_o be_v call_v to_o office_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n after_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ_n fall_v under_o a_o double_a consideration_n namely_o of_o a_o officer_n in_o general_n and_o of_o a_o apostle_n which_o office_n be_v extraordinary_a there_o be_v a_o threefold_a act_n in_o his_o call_n the_o people_n choose_v two_o one_o of_o which_o be_v to_o be_v a_o officer_n act_v 1.23_o god_n immediate_a determination_n of_o one_o as_o he_o be_v to_o be_v a_o apostle_n ver_fw-la 24._o and_o the_o obedient_a consent_n of_o the_o people_n in_o compliance_n with_o that_o determination_n ver_fw-la 26._o the_o foundation_n of_o these_o church_n be_v general_o in_o a_o small_a number_n of_o believer_n but_o their_o church_n state_n be_v not_o complete_a until_o they_o be_v supply_v with_o all_o ordinary_a officer_n as_o bishop_n and_o deacon_n the_o former_a be_v of_o of_o several_a sort_n as_o shall_v be_v prove_v hereafter_o and_o of_o they_o there_o be_v many_o in_o every_o church_n who_o number_n be_v increase_v as_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v multiply_v so_o god_n appoint_v in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o every_o ten_o family_n shall_v have_v a_o peculiar_a ruler_n of_o their_o own_o choice_n deut._n 1.13_o 14_o 15_o for_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n of_o any_o one_o single_a bishop_n or_o elder_n in_o any_o church_n of_o any_o sort_n whatever_o either_o absolute_o or_o by_o way_n of_o pre-eminence_n but_o as_o the_o elder_n of_o each_o church_n be_v many_o at_o least_o more_o thenone_o so_o there_o be_v a_o parity_n among_o they_o and_o a_o equality_n in_o order_n power_n and_o rule_n nor_o can_v any_o instance_n be_v give_v unto_o the_o contrary_a of_o these_o church_n one_o only_o be_v original_o plant_v in_o one_o city_n town_n or_o village_n this_o way_n be_v take_v from_o conveniency_n for_o edification_n and_o not_o from_o any_o positive_a institution_n and_o it_o may_v be_v otherwise_o where_o conveniency_n and_o opportunity_n do_v require_v it_o the_o number_n in_o these_o church_n multiply_v daily_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o the_o multiplication_n of_o bishop_n or_o elder_n among_o they_o hereon_o the_o advantage_n of_o some_o one_o person_n in_o priority_n of_o conversion_n or_o of_o ordination_n in_o age_n gift_n and_o grace_n especial_o in_o ability_n for_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o administer_a the_o holy_a ordinance_n of_o the_o church_n with_o the_o necessity_n of_o preserve_a order_n in_o the_o society_n of_o the_o elder_n themselves_o give_v he_o peculiar_a dignity_n pre-eminence_n and_o title_n he_o be_v soon_o after_o the_o bishop_n without_o any_o disadvantage_n to_o the_o church_n for_o in_o those_o church_n in_o some_o of_o they_o at_o least_o evangelist_n continue_v for_o a_o long_a season_n who_o have_v the_o administration_n of_o church_n affair_n in_o their_o hand_n and_o some_o there_o be_v who_o be_v of_o note_n among_o the_o apostle_n and_o eminent_o esteem_v by_o they_o who_o have_v eminent_a yea_o apostolical_a gift_n as_o to_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n which_o be_v the_o peculiar_a work_n of_o the_o apostle_n these_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d mention_v by_o clemens_n of_o the_o many_o other_o elder_n who_o be_v associate_v in_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n it_o may_v be_v not_o many_o have_v gift_n for_o the_o constant_a preach_v of_o the_o word_n nor_o be_v call_v thereunto_o hence_o justin_n martyr_n seem_v to_o assign_v the_o constant_a public_a administration_n of_o sacred_a ordinance_n unto_o one_o precedent_n and_o this_o also_o promote_v the_o constant_a presidency_n of_o one_o in_o who_o the_o apostolical_a aid_n by_o evangelist_n may_v be_v supply_v these_o church_n thus_o fix_v and_o settle_v in_o one_o place_n each_o of_o they_o city_n town_n or_o village_n be_v each_o of_o they_o entrust_v with_o all_o the_o power_n and_o privilege_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v grant_v unto_o or_o endue_v his_o church_n withal_o this_o power_n be_v call_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n or_o of_o bind_v and_o lose_v which_o have_v respect_n only_o unto_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n as_o unto_o thing_n spiritual_a and_o eternal_a be_v mere_o ministerial_a every_o one_o of_o these_o church_n be_v bind_v by_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n to_o live_v in_o peace_n and_o unity_n through_o the_o exercise_n of_o peculiar_a sincere_a and_o fervent_a love_n among_o all_o their_o member_n as_o also_o to_o walk_v in_o peace_n and_o useful_a communion_n with_o all_o othâ—â—_n church_n in_o the_o
thing_n not_o corruptive_a or_o destructive_a of_o this_o rule_n do_v differ_v from_o we_o but_o say_v our_o author_n the_o sense_n according_a to_o dr._n o._n be_v this_o that_o those_o who_o be_v agree_v in_o the_o substantial_o of_o religion_n shall_v go_v on_o and_o do_v their_o duty_n without_o regard_v lesser_a difference_n abate_v that_o expression_n of_o without_o regard_v lesser_a difference_n which_o be_v not_o i_o and_o supply_v in_o the_o room_n of_o it_o mutual_o forbear_v each_o other_o in_o lesser_a difference_n and_o be_v it_o so_o that_o it_o be_v my_o sense_n at_o first_o view_v it_o look_v as_o like_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o apostle_n as_o any_o man_n need_v desire_n but_o say_v the_o doctor_n this_o sense_n be_v uncertain_a because_o it_o set_v no_o bound_n to_o difference_n and_o suppose_v the_o continuance_n of_o such_o difference_n among_o they_o which_o he_o design_v to_o prevent_v by_o persuade_v they_o so_o often_o in_o this_o epistle_n to_o be_v of_o one_o mind_n beside_o the_o difference_n then_o on_o foot_n be_v none_o of_o the_o small_a difference_n of_o opinion_n but_o that_o which_o they_o differ_v about_o be_v urge_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o oppose_v on_o the_o other_o as_o pernicious_a and_o destructive_a unto_o it_o and_o again_o pag._n 169._o let_v dr._n o._n name_n any_o other_o small_a difference_n of_o opinion_n which_o may_v be_v a_o occasion_n of_o the_o apostle_n give_v such_o a_o rule_n of_o mutual_a forbearance_n i_o answer_v brief_o 1._o the_o sense_n be_v very_o certain_a because_o it_o give_v the_o due_a bound_n unto_o the_o difference_n suppose_v namely_o such_o as_o concern_v not_o the_o substantial_o of_o religion_n 2._o it_o do_v suppose_v the_o continuance_n of_o these_o difference_n because_o the_o apostle_n do_v suppose_v the_o same_o if_o any_o one_o be_v yet_o otherwise_o mind_a which_o hinder_v no_o kind_n of_o endeavour_n to_o compose_v or_o remove_v they_o 3._o the_o difference_n intend_v be_v not_o those_o between_o they_o who_o impose_v the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n on_o the_o gentile_n as_o necessary_a unto_o salvation_n and_o those_o by_o who_o they_o be_v oppose_v for_o the_o apostle_n give_v no_o such_o rule_n as_o this_o in_o that_o case_n 4._o i_o do_v express_o assign_v those_o lesser_a difference_n which_o the_o direction_n here_o be_v applicable_a unto_o namely_o those_o between_o the_o blind_a sort_n of_o jew_n mention_v before_o and_o the_o gentile_a believer_n which_o the_o apostle_n state_n and_o apply_v the_o same_o rule_n unto_o rom._n 14._o what_o remain_v in_o answer_n unto_o this_o second_o enquiry_n do_v proceed_v on_o mistake_v supposition_n and_o concern_v not_o the_o case_n under_o consideration_n pag._n 170._o he_o proceed_v unto_o his_o last_o enquiry_n which_o indeed_o be_v alone_o pertinent_a unto_o his_o purpose_n namely_o how_o this_o rule_n have_v a_o influence_n on_o our_o case_n what_o this_o rule_n be_v concern_v which_o this_o enquiry_n be_v make_v he_o do_v not_o declare_v either_o the_o precise_a signification_n of_o the_o rule_n in_o this_o place_n or_o the_o direction_n give_v with_o respect_n unto_o that_o rule_n may_v be_v intend_v that_o be_v the_o general_a rule_n of_o our_o walk_n in_o our_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o the_o especial_a rule_n give_v by_o the_o apostle_n with_o respect_n thereunto_o in_o the_o case_n under_o consideration_n may_v be_v so_o intend_v if_o by_o the_o rule_n in_o the_o first_o sense_n he_o understand_v a_o rule_n canon_n or_o command_v establish_v a_o church_n state_n with_o rite_n and_o mode_n of_o worship_n with_o ceremony_n order_n and_o government_n no_o where_o appoint_v in_o the_o scripture_n or_o of_o divine_a revelation_n it_o be_v open_o evident_a that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o rule_n then_o that_o no_o such_o be_v here_o intend_a but_o that_o only_o whereunto_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o mercy_n and_o peace_n be_v annex_v as_o gal._n 6.16_o which_o be_v not_o such_o a_o rule_n if_o he_o intend_v by_o it_o a_o direction_n that_o where_o there_o be_v different_a apprehension_n in_o matter_n of_o less_o importance_n not_o break_v in_o on_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n accompany_v with_o different_a practice_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v necessary_a from_o those_o different_a apprehension_n the_o major_a part_n of_o those_o among_o who_o the_o difference_n be_v shall_v compel_v the_o minor_a to_o forbear_v their_o practice_n according_a unto_o their_o apprehension_n and_o comply_v with_o they_o in_o all_o thing_n on_o all_o sort_n of_o penalty_n if_o they_o refuse_v so_o to_o do_v it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o find_v such_o a_o direction_n in_o these_o word_n yet_o this_o must_v be_v the_o rule_n and_o this_o the_o directionâ—hat_n â—hat_z can_v give_v any_o countenance_n unto_o the_o doctor_n be_v cause_v but_o if_o by_o this_o rule_n the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n as_o before_o describe_v be_v intend_v and_o the_o direction_n be_v to_o walk_v according_a to_o it_o with_o mutual_a forbearance_n and_o love_n as_o unto_o thing_n of_o lesser_a moment_n than_o this_o rule_n have_v little_a advantageous_a influence_n into_o it_o but_o than_o say_v the_o doctor_n so_o far_o as_o man_n agree_v they_o be_v bind_v to_o join_v together_o as_o to_o opinion_n or_o communion_n i_o grant_v it_o though_o it_o be_v not_o prove_v from_o this_o place_n where_o such_o a_o communion_n be_v require_v of_o they_o regular_o and_o in_o a_o way_n of_o duty_n and_o 2_o say_v he_o that_o the_o best_a christian_n be_v bind_v to_o unite_v with_o other_o though_o of_o low_a attainment_n and_o to_o keep_v within_o the_o same_o rule_n no_o doubt_n howbeit_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o no_o such_o thing_n in_o this_o place_n but_o only_o that_o we_o shall_v all_o walk_v according_a unto_o the_o same_o rule_n in_o what_o we_o have_v all_o attain_v yea_o but_o 3_o this_o rule_n take_v in_o all_o such_o order_n which_o be_v lawful_a and_o judge_v necessary_a to_o hold_v the_o member_n of_o a_o christian_a society_n together_o what_o rule_n do_v this_o who_o shall_v appoint_v the_o order_n intend_v who_o shall_v judge_v of_o their_o necessity_n be_v they_o of_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n be_v they_o determine_v to_o be_v necessary_a in_o the_o scripture_n the_o rule_n of_o faith_n if_o so_o we_o be_v agree_v but_o if_o by_o these_o order_n he_o intend_v such_o as_o man_n do_v or_o may_v at_o any_o time_n under_o pretence_n of_o church_n authority_n invent_v and_o impose_v as_o necessary_a make_v alteration_n in_o the_o original_a state_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o châ—rch_n as_o also_o in_o its_o worship_n and_o discipline_n it_o will_v be_v strange_a to_o i_o if_o he_o can_v find_v they_o out_o either_o in_o the_o rule_n here_o mention_v or_o the_o dirâ—â—tion_n give_v with_o reference_n unto_o it_o see_v such_o a_o practice_n seem_v to_o be_v plain_o condemn_v in_o the_o word_n themselves_o and_o it_o be_v know_v that_o this_o pretend_a power_n of_o rule_n or_o canon_n make_v for_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n be_v that_o which_o at_o length_n ruin_v all_o church_n in_o their_o state_n order_n and_o worship_n if_o such_o a_o ruin_n be_v acknowledge_v to_o have_v befall_v they_o in_o the_o roman_a apostasy_n he_o therefore_o object_n out_o of_o my_o discourse_n pag._n 171._o let_v the_o apostle_n rule_v be_v produce_v with_o any_o probability_n of_o proof_n to_o be_v his_o and_o we_o be_v all_o ready_a to_o subscribe_v and_o conform_v unto_o it_o to_o which_o he_o reply_v this_o be_v the_o apostle_n rule_v to_o go_v as_o far_o as_o they_o can_v and_o if_o they_o can_v go_v no_o far_o to_o sit_v down_o quiet_o and_o wait_v for_o further_a instruction_n and_o not_o to_o break_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o present_a dissatisfaction_n nor_o to_o gather_v new_a church_n out_o of_o other_o upon_o supposition_n of_o high_a attainment_n answ._n 1._o upon_o a_o supposition_n that_o those_o who_o make_v and_o impose_v these_o new_a unscriptual_a order_n be_v the_o church_n and_o that_o as_o the_o church_n they_o have_v authority_n so_o to_o make_v and_o impose_v they_o if_o this_o be_v not_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o apostle_n i_o believe_v some_o man_n judge_v it_o ought_v so_o to_o have_v be_v but_o 2._o the_o apostle_n rule_n be_v not_o that_o we_o shall_v go_v as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v as_o though_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n of_o dispute_n and_o difficulty_n in_o the_o matter_n but_o that_o so_o far_o as_o we_o have_v attain_v we_o shall_v walk_v according_a to_o the_o same_o rule_n 3._o he_o do_v not_o intimate_v any_o thing_n about_o break_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n but_o only_o what_o will_v do_v so_o by_o a_o imposition_n on_o one_o another_o in_o
difference_n of_o lesser_a moment_n whilst_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n be_v attend_v unto_o 4._o to_o be_v quiet_a and_o wait_v for_o further_a instruction_n be_v the_o direction_n give_v unto_o both_o party_n whilst_o the_o difference_n do_v continue_v between_o they_o and_o that_o in_o opposition_n unto_o mutual_a imposition_n 5._o a_o church_n that_o be_v real_o so_o or_o so_o esteem_v may_v break_v the_o peace_n with_o its_o own_o member_n and_o other_o as_o well_o as_o they_o with_o it_o and_o where_o the_o fault_n be_v must_v be_v determine_v by_o the_o cause_n of_o what_o be_v do_v 6._o for_o what_o be_v add_v about_o gather_v of_o church_n it_o shall_v be_v consider_v in_o its_o proper_a place_n but_o as_o unto_o the_o application_n of_o these_o thing_n unto_o the_o present_a case_n there_o lie_v in_o the_o bottom_n of_o they_o such_o a_o unproved_a presumption_n of_o their_o be_v the_o church_n that_o be_v according_a unto_o divine_a institution_n for_o in_o their_o be_v so_o in_o any_o other_o sense_n we_o be_v not_o concern_v of_o their_o church_n power_n and_o authority_n by_o who_o such_o order_n and_o rule_n be_v make_v as_o we_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n admit_v of_o i_o can_v more_o warrantable_o give_v this_o as_o the_o apostle_n rule_n than_o that_o of_o our_o author_n what_o you_o have_v attain_v unto_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n walk_v together_o in_o holy_a communion_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n but_o take_v heed_n that_o you_o multiply_v not_o new_a cause_n of_o division_n and_o difference_n by_o invent_v and_o impose_v new_a order_n in_o divine_a worship_n or_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n cast_v they_o out_o who_o agree_v with_o you_o in_o all_o thing_n of_o divine_a revelation_n and_o institution_n he_o add_v from_o my_o word_n if_o the_o rule_n reach_v our_o case_n it_o must_v be_v such_o as_o require_v thing_n to_o be_v observe_v as_o be_v never_o divine_o appoint_v as_o national_a church_n ceremony_n and_o mode_n of_o worship_n to_o which_o he_o reply_v and_o so_o this_o rule_n do_v in_o order_n unto_o peace_n require_v the_o observation_n of_o such_o thing_n which_o although_o they_o be_v not_o particular_o command_v of_o god_n yet_o be_v enjoin_v by_o lawful_a authority_n provide_v that_o they_o be_v not_o unlawful_a in_o themselves_o nor_o repugnant_a unto_o the_o word_n of_o god_n answ._n 1._o let_v the_o reader_n if_o he_o please_v consult_v the_o place_n whence_o these_o word_n be_v take_v in_o my_o discourse_n and_o he_o will_v find_v this_o evasion_n obviate_v 2._o what_o be_v intend_v by_o this_o rule_n be_v it_o the_o rule_n give_v by_o the_o apostle_n who_o that_o read_v the_o word_n can_v possible_o pretend_v unto_o any_o such_o conception_n of_o their_o meaning_n if_o he_o understand_v a_o rule_n of_o his_o own_o i_o know_v not_o what_o it_o may_v or_o may_v not_o include_v 3._o i_o deny_v and_o shall_v for_o ever_o deny_v that_o the_o rule_n here_o intend_v by_o the_o apostle_n do_v give_v the_o least_o countenance_n unto_o the_o invention_n and_o imposition_n of_o thing_n not_o divine_o institute_v not_o prescribe_v not_o command_v in_o the_o word_n on_o the_o pretence_n that_o those_o who_o so_o invent_v and_o impose_v they_o judge_v they_o lawful_a and_o that_o they_o have_v authority_n so_o to_o do_v he_o object_n again_o unto_o himself_o out_o of_o my_o discourse_n that_o the_o apostle_n never_o give_v any_o such_o rule_n themselves_o about_o outward_a modes_n of_o worship_n with_o ceremony_n feast_n fast_n liturgy_n etc._n etc._n whereunto_o he_o reply_v what_o then_o i_o say_v then_o 1._o it_o have_v be_v happy_a for_o christian_n and_o christian_a religion_n if_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o be_v their_o successor_n have_v follow_v their_o example_n and_o make_v no_o such_o rule_n at_o all_o that_o they_o will_v not_o have_v think_v themselves_o wise_a than_o they_o or_o more_o careful_a for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n or_o better_o acquaint_v with_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n in_o these_o thing_n than_o they_o be_v for_o that_o multiplication_n of_o rule_n law_n canon_n about_o the_o thing_n mention_v and_o other_o of_o a_o alike_a nature_n which_o the_o apostle_n never_o give_v any_o example_n of_o or_o encouragement_n unto_o which_o afterward_o ensue_v have_v be_v a_o principal_a mean_n of_o alter_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n from_o its_o original_a institution_n of_o corrupt_v its_o worship_n administer_a occasion_n unto_o scandal_n and_o endless_a strife_n 2._o if_o the_o apostle_n give_v no_o such_o rule_n themselves_o it_o may_v be_v conclude_v safe_o that_o it_o be_v because_o in_o their_o judgement_n no_o such_o rule_n be_v to_o be_v give_v other_o reason_n hereof_o can_v be_v assign_v for_o if_o it_o may_v have_v be_v do_v according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o commission_n which_o they_o have_v from_o he_o innumerable_a evil_n may_v have_v be_v preunt_v by_o the_o do_n of_o it_o they_o foresee_v what_o difference_n will_v arise_v in_o the_o church_n what_o division_n the_o darkness_n and_o corrupt_a lust_n of_o man_n will_v cast_v they_o into_o about_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o and_o probable_o know_v much_o whereunto_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n tend_v yet_o will_v they_o not_o appoint_v any_o arbitrary_a rule_n about_o thing_n not_o ordain_v by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n which_o may_v have_v give_v some_o bound_n unto_o the_o inclination_n of_o man_n in_o make_v and_o multiply_v rule_n of_o their_o own_o unto_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o church_n 3._o then_o i_o say_v we_o beg_v the_o pardon_n of_o all_o who_o concern_v themselves_o herein_o that_o we_o scruple_n the_o comply_v with_o such_o rule_n in_o religion_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n as_o the_o apostle_n think_v not_o meet_v to_o appoint_v or_o ordain_v but_o he_o add_v it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o they_o give_v this_o general_a rule_n that_o all_o lawful_a thing_n be_v to_o be_v do_v for_o the_o church_n peace_n answ._n what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v for_o the_o church_n peace_n we_o shall_v afterward_o consider_v to_o be_v do_v be_v intend_v of_o act_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n i_o say_v then_o the_o apostle_n never_o give_v any_o such_o rule_n as_o that_o pretend_a the_o rule_n they_o give_v be_v that_o all_o thing_n which_o christ_n have_v command_v be_v to_o be_v do_v and_o observe_v and_o for_o the_o do_v of_o any_o thing_n else_o they_o give_v no_o rule_n especial_o they_o give_v not_o such_o a_o large_a rule_n as_o this_o that_o may_v serve_v the_o turn_n and_o interest_n of_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n in_o impose_v on_o the_o church_n whatever_o they_o esteem_v lawful_a as_o not_o by_o virtue_n of_o any_o rule_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o in_o a_o open_a rejection_n of_o all_o they_o give_v it_o afterward_o fall_v out_o in_o the_o church_n this_o be_v a_o rule_n which_o will_v do_v the_o work_n to_o the_o purpose_n of_o all_o that_o have_v the_o reputation_n of_o governor_n in_o the_o church_n be_v it_o the_o pope_n or_o who_o it_o will_n for_o they_o be_v themselves_o the_o sole_a judge_n of_o what_o be_v lawful_a the_o people_n as_o it_o be_v pretend_v understand_v nothing_o of_o these_o thing_n whatever_o therefore_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o introduce_v into_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o to_o impose_v on_o the_o practice_n of_o man_n therein_o be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o virtue_n of_o this_o apostolical_a rule_n for_o the_o church_n peace_n provide_v they_o judge_v it_o lawful_a and_o sure_o no_o pope_n be_v ever_o yet_o so_o stark_o mad_a as_o to_o impose_v thing_n in_o religion_n which_o he_o himself_o judge_v unlawful_a beside_o thing_n may_v be_v lawful_a in_o themselves_o that_o be_v moral_o which_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o introduce_v into_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n because_o not_o expedient_a nor_o for_o edification_n yea_o thing_n may_v be_v lawful_a to_o be_v do_v sometime_o on_o some_o occasion_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n which_o yet_o it_o will_v be_v unlawful_a to_o impose_v by_o virtue_n of_o a_o general_a bind_a rule_n for_o all_o time_n and_o season_n instance_n may_v be_v multiply_v in_o each_o kind_n therefore_o i_o say_v the_o apostle_n never_o give_v this_o rule_n they_o open_v no_o such_o door_n unto_o arbitrary_a imposition_n they_o lay_v no_o such_o yoke_n on_o the_o neck_n of_o the_o disciple_n which_o may_v prove_v heavy_a and_o do_v so_o then_o that_o of_o the_o jewish_a ceremony_n which_o they_o have_v take_v away_o namely_o that_o they_o be_v to_o do_v and_o observe_v all_o that_o shall_v by_o their_o ruler_n be_v impose_v on_o they_o as_o lawful_a in_o their_o judgement_n this_o