Selected quad for the lemma: order_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
order_n apostle_n bishop_n power_n 3,023 5 5.3607 4 false
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A42270 A short defence of the church and clergy of England wherein some of the common objections against both are answered, and the means of union briefly considered. Grove, Robert, 1634-1696. 1681 (1681) Wing G2160; ESTC R21438 56,753 96

There are 6 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

whereof_o antioch_n be_v the_o chief_a city_n and_o therefore_o he_o can_v be_v deny_v to_o have_v have_v many_o presbyter_n under_o he_o and_o it_o may_v be_v several_a diocesan_n bishop_n which_o very_o probable_o be_v then_o establish_v in_o so_o large_a a_o country_n as_o that_o be_v the_o last_o example_n that_o i_o shall_v bring_v be_v that_o of_o polycarpus_n of_o smyrna_n he_o be_v one_o that_o have_v converse_v with_o 24._o st_n john_n and_o other_o apostle_n and_o as_o some_o say_v be_v make_v bishop_n of_o smyrna_n by_o st_n hieron_n john_n who_o scholar_n he_o be_v but_o su-pra_a irenaeus_n who_o know_v he_o and_o have_v hear_v he_o with_o great_a attention_n when_o he_o discourse_v of_o many_o thing_n that_o he_o have_v hear_v from_o st_n john_n own_o mouth_n and_o from_o other_o that_o have_v see_v the_o lord_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o be_v make_v 3._o bishop_n of_o smyrna_n by_o the_o apostle_n and_o if_o so_o than_o this_o polycarpus_n must_v be_v that_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n to_o who_o st_n john_n write_v one_o of_o his_o epistle_n in_o the_o revelation_n for_o that_o book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n be_v not_o write_v till_o after_o the_o death_n of_o the_o other_o apostle_n and_o if_o he_o be_v make_v bishop_n by_o they_o for_o which_o we_o have_v the_o undoubted_a testimony_n of_o one_o that_o know_v he_o then_o he_o must_v be_v confess_v to_o have_v be_v the_o angel_n of_o that_o church_n who_o st_n john_n do_v so_o high_o commend_v and_o that_o he_o have_v authority_n over_o many_o presbyter_n can_v be_v question_v because_o he_o collect_v the_o forementioned_a epistle_n of_o ignatius_n and_o among_o the_o rest_n that_o to_o his_o own_o church_n of_o smyrna_n and_o send_v they_o to_o the_o philippian_n in_o all_o which_o this_o power_n be_v most_o full_o and_o evident_o assert_v i_o have_v make_v choice_n of_o these_o few_o example_n out_o of_o many_o more_o because_o they_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v very_o clear_a and_o be_v all_o of_o they_o unquestionable_o within_o the_o time_n that_o the_o apostle_n live_v and_o therefore_o it_o may_v appear_v from_o hence_o that_o the_o episcopal_a government_n in_o the_o church_n be_v a_o constitution_n that_o be_v allow_v and_o establish_v by_o they_o but_o if_o this_o can_v not_o be_v prove_v yet_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o soon_o after_o it_o be_v universal_o receive_v all_o over_o the_o christian_a world_n for_o from_o about_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o second_o century_n and_o so_o downward_o there_o be_v not_o a_o instance_n of_o any_o church_n that_o have_v not_o a_o bishop_n under_o who_o government_n it_o be_v the_o church_n in_o the_o roman_a empire_n and_o those_o without_o it_o do_v most_o unanimous_o agree_v in_o this_o that_o they_o all_o own_v the_o episcopal_a superiority_n and_o this_o be_v a_o very_a strong_a argument_n that_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o apostolical_a institution_n for_o it_o be_v not_o otherwise_o conceivable_a how_o it_o can_v be_v bring_v into_o such_o general_a use_n throughout_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n in_o so_o short_a a_o time_n if_o any_o shall_v think_v that_o it_o may_v be_v determine_v in_o a_o general_n council_n soon_o after_o the_o decease_n of_o the_o apostle_n this_o be_v a_o good_a testimony_n that_o it_o be_v still_o apostolical_a for_o else_o it_o will_v never_o have_v be_v decree_v by_o those_o some_o of_o which_o in_o all_o probability_n must_v have_v see_v and_o converse_v with_o some_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o who_o be_v wont_n constant_o to_o contend_v for_o such_o thing_n as_o they_o have_v hear_v from_o they_o and_o to_o reject_v all_o other_o as_o illegal_a innovation_n but_o that_o there_o be_v never_o any_o such_o council_n seem_v to_o be_v beyond_o dispute_n for_o it_o can_v not_o be_v assemble_v in_o a_o time_n when_o the_o church_n be_v often_o in_o a_o state_n of_o persecution_n and_o always_o look_v upon_o with_o a_o jealous_a eye_n by_o the_o civil_a power_n which_o will_v not_o have_v suffer_v so_o great_a a_o number_n of_o christian_a minister_n to_o meet_v together_o without_o give_v they_o some_o great_a disturbance_n or_o if_o we_o shall_v suppose_v they_o may_v have_v be_v permit_v to_o meet_v quiet_o yet_o that_o they_o do_v so_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o mention_n or_o intimation_n in_o any_o ecclesiastical_a writer_n and_o it_o can_v be_v conceive_v that_o they_o can_v have_v be_v silent_a in_o a_o matter_n so_o considerable_a as_o this_o when_o they_o have_v punctual_o record_v so_o many_o of_o far_o less_o importance_n but_o if_o any_o can_v be_v incline_v to_o believe_v that_o the_o episcopal_a superiority_n be_v a_o mere_a usurpation_n of_o one_o presbyter_n in_o a_o diocese_n over_o the_o rest_n without_o the_o decree_n of_o any_o council_n it_o be_v exceed_o strange_a that_o all_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v impose_v upon_o about_o the_o same_o time_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n without_o ever_o consult_v one_o with_o another_o and_o who_o can_v imagine_v that_o the_o primitive_a bishop_n who_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o have_v be_v such_o pious_a mortify_v and_o self-denying_a man_n can_v be_v guilty_a of_o a_o ambition_n to_o advance_v themselves_o above_o their_o brethren_n contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o apostle_n especial_o when_o they_o be_v like_a to_o get_v nothing_o by_o their_o aspire_n but_o to_o be_v the_o first_o that_o shall_v burn_v at_o a_o stake_n in_o the_o marketplace_n or_o be_v tear_v in_o piece_n in_o the_o amphitheatre_n or_o if_o we_o can_v suppose_v they_o to_o have_v be_v so_o wicked_a and_o foolish_a too_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o they_o can_v have_v gain_v this_o new_a power_n without_o some_o considerable_a opposition_n man_n be_v natural_o very_o jealous_a of_o any_o encroachment_n that_o can_v be_v make_v upon_o their_o right_n and_o the_o presbyter_n of_o those_o time_n may_v well_o be_v think_v to_o have_v have_v as_o great_a a_o care_n of_o preserve_v their_o liberty_n as_o we_o have_v now_o of_o we_o it_o be_v not_o therefore_o at_o all_o credible_a that_o they_o shall_v as_o it_o be_v with_o one_o consent_n put_v their_o neck_n quiet_o under_o this_o new_a invent_a yoke_n and_o submit_v without_o struggle_v to_o the_o usurp_a power_n of_o one_o of_o their_o equal_n and_o that_o this_o defection_n shall_v be_v so_o universal_a that_o the_o ancient_a parity_n if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o such_o shall_v not_o keep_v its_o possession_n in_o one_o church_n in_o all_o christendom_n and_o from_o hence_o it_o seem_v very_o plain_a that_o the_o episcopal_a government_n that_o be_v exercise_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o by_o other_o in_o their_o time_n and_o receive_v in_o all_o church_n must_v be_v institute_v by_o they_o and_o they_o certain_o do_v not_o act_n in_o a_o case_n of_o that_o high_a concernment_n to_o the_o perpetual_a peace_n and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n without_o the_o particular_a command_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n or_o the_o immediate_a inspiration_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n i_o have_v draw_v together_o in_o as_o clear_a and_o plain_a a_o method_n as_o i_o can_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o argument_n that_o may_v be_v make_v for_o the_o power_n of_o the_o bishop_n over_o many_o presbyter_n and_o if_o to_o all_o this_o and_o whatever_o else_o may_v be_v allege_v it_o shall_v be_v think_v reply_n enough_o to_o say_v that_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n begin_v to_o work_v in_o the_o 7._o apostle_n day_n and_o that_o therefore_o we_o be_v not_o to_o be_v oblige_v by_o any_o example_n though_o never_o so_o old_a if_o this_o shall_v be_v plead_v as_o i_o think_v it_o have_v be_v sometime_o it_o may_v be_v answer_v thus_o that_o episcopacy_n may_v be_v prove_v upon_o good_a ground_n out_o of_o the_o scripture_n itself_o i_o be_o sure_a far_o better_a than_o any_o other_o form_n of_o government_n can_v pretend_v unto_o but_o then_o be_v explain_v by_o the_o practice_n of_o that_o and_o all_o follow_a age_n it_o will_v put_v the_o thing_n beyond_o all_o controversy_n if_o the_o sacred_a text_n alone_o shall_v not_o be_v clear_a enough_o to_o convince_v we_o of_o it_o but_o if_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n shall_v be_v still_o insist_v on_o this_o can_v be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o our_o cause_n unless_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o such_o a_o episcopacy_n as_o we_o plead_v for_o be_v that_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n which_o be_v speak_v of_o that_o it_o be_v not_o seem_v to_o i_o very_o evident_a because_o i_o can_v think_v that_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n though_o it_o do_v work_v very_o early_o shall_v so_o mighty_o prevail_v that_o in_o a_o very_a short_a time_n there_o shall_v not_o be_v any_o church_n any_o where_o that_o can_v be_v hear_v of_o that_o
which_o god_n have_v not_o give_v they_o and_o the_o rest_n which_o have_v no_o suffrage_n in_o the_o case_n willing_o obey_v and_o esteem_v themselves_o bind_v to_o submit_v to_o their_o injunction_n and_o when_o any_o controversy_n happen_v to_o arise_v in_o such_o matter_n the_o question_n be_v not_o whether_o the_o church_n have_v any_o such_o authority_n to_o command_v but_o whether_o the_o thing_n command_v be_v real_o indifferent_a or_o not_o so_o it_o be_v in_o that_o famous_a dispute_n about_o the_o time_n of_o keep_v of_o easter_n which_o cause_v so_o much_o dissension_n in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n they_o do_v not_o contend_v against_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n to_o determine_v thing_n indifferent_a but_o both_o side_n suppose_v themselves_o to_o be_v oblige_v by_o a_o apostolical_a tradition_n from_o which_o they_o think_v it_o unlawful_a to_o depart_v but_o where_o they_o judge_v the_o matter_n not_o to_o be_v contrary_a to_o some_o unalterable_a rule_n they_o never_o oppose_v the_o command_n of_o their_o governor_n and_o the_o protestant_a church_n have_v be_v all_o of_o the_o same_o opinion_n they_o have_v all_o make_v some_o ecclesiastical_a law_n for_o external_a order_n and_o discipline_n to_o which_o they_o require_v obedience_n from_o all_o of_o their_o own_o communion_n though_o these_o particular_a law_n be_v not_o express_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n provide_v they_o be_v not_o repugnant_a unto_o it_o and_o i_o think_v our_o dissent_v brethren_n themselves_o do_v all_o of_o they_o make_v use_n of_o such_o a_o power_n and_o indeed_o i_o do_v not_o see_v how_o it_o can_v be_v otherwise_o for_o they_o will_v all_o several_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o power_n among_o they_o to_o which_o every_o person_n that_o join_v with_o their_o assembly_n ought_v to_o be_v subject_n in_o all_o act_n of_o discipline_n and_o these_o not_o be_v particular_o determine_v in_o the_o scripture_n must_v be_v determine_v by_o this_o power_n or_o else_o their_o discipline_n can_v be_v put_v into_o practice_n and_o if_o it_o may_v be_v thus_o determine_v once_o it_o may_v be_v so_o again_o and_o again_o and_o so_o as_o often_o as_o the_o like_a case_n shall_v occur_v and_o therefore_o it_o may_v be_v pass_v into_o a_o law_n or_o rule_n by_o which_o all_o matter_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n may_v be_v constant_o decide_v for_o the_o future_a and_o a_o collection_n of_o many_o such_o law_n will_v be_v so_o far_o equivalent_a to_o a_o book_n of_o canon_n that_o it_o will_v contain_v divers_a rule_n and_o determination_n of_o thing_n which_o the_o scripture_n have_v not_o particular_o determine_v if_o this_o be_v not_o grant_v that_o some_o such_o rule_n may_v be_v establish_v than_o all_o determination_n not_o make_v in_o scripture_n which_o will_v be_v very_o many_o must_v be_v leave_v to_o the_o discretion_n of_o those_o that_o have_v the_o church_n authority_n in_o their_o hand_n and_o then_o the_o only_a difference_n in_o this_o matter_n betwixt_o they_o and_o we_o will_v be_v this_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v govern_v by_o know_a and_o stand_a law_n and_o they_o by_o a_o uncertain_a arbitrary_a power_n but_o since_o where_o any_o power_n be_v allow_v some_o such_o determination_n must_v be_v make_v in_o the_o one_o way_n or_o the_o other_o it_o seem_v clear_a that_o they_o which_o do_v blame_v the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o admit_v ecclesiastical_a law_n do_v not_o only_o condemn_v the_o apostolical_a practice_n and_o all_o church_n both_o ancient_a and_o modern_a but_o themselves_o too_o beside_o this_o power_n we_o be_v now_o discourse_v of_o seem_v to_o have_v so_o clear_a a_o foundation_n in_o scripture_n that_o it_o can_v well_o be_v dispute_v the_o apostle_n write_v to_o the_o hebrew_n exhort_v they_o thus_o obey_v they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o and_o submit_v yourselves_o if_o they_o be_v 17._o bind_v to_o obey_v and_o submit_v then_o certain_o their_o guide_n or_o ruler_n have_v authority_n to_o command_v and_o if_o they_o may_v command_v in_o any_o thing_n without_o doubt_n they_o may_v do_v it_o in_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o forbid_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o these_o be_v not_o sinful_a in_o themselves_o neither_o can_v they_o be_v make_v so_o by_o be_v enjoin_v by_o our_o superior_n unless_o obedience_n must_v be_v esteem_v a_o sin_n but_o how_o can_v that_o be_v when_o we_o be_v here_o express_o command_v to_o obey_v another_o place_n there_o be_v which_o have_v be_v always_o urge_v to_o this_o purpose_n and_o never_o yet_o i_o think_v receive_v any_o full_a and_o satisfactory_a answer_n let_v all_o thing_n be_v 4c_fw-la do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n this_o be_v speak_v upon_o occasion_n of_o some_o irregular_a proceed_n there_o have_v be_v in_o their_o religious_a assembly_n at_o corinth_n and_o it_o be_v lay_v down_o as_o a_o rule_n and_o expedient_a whereby_o they_o may_v avoid_v the_o like_a inconvenience_n for_o the_o future_a and_o that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v universal_o oblige_v may_v appear_v from_o the_o grand_a reason_n of_o it_o which_o we_o find_v mention_v a_o little_a before_o in_o the_o same_o chapter_n 33._o god_n be_v not_o the_o author_n of_o confusion_n but_o of_o peace_n and_o that_o not_o in_o this_o or_o the_o other_o particular_a church_n not_o for_o this_o or_o that_o time_n but_o in_o all_o church_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o all_o place_n and_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n whatsoever_o and_o then_o the_o precept_n itself_o be_v to_o be_v extend_v to_o all_o thing_n whatever_o they_o be_v that_o be_v do_v in_o the_o church_n they_o must_v be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n but_o it_o be_v not_o any_o where_o particular_o express_v what_o be_v orderly_o and_o decent_a and_o if_o it_o may_v not_o now_o or_o at_o any_o time_n be_v determine_v what_o be_v so_o then_o this_o great_a rule_n in_o which_o all_o church_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v concern_v will_v be_v whole_o void_a and_o of_o no_o effect_n as_o to_o any_o use_n that_o can_v possible_o be_v make_v of_o it_o for_o though_o we_o shall_v acknowledge_v ourselves_o oblige_v to_o do_v all_o thing_n decent_o and_o in_o order_n as_o we_o must_v yet_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v suppose_v that_o we_o may_v not_o presume_v to_o determine_v of_o this_o where_o the_o scripture_n be_v silent_a as_o here_o it_o be_v we_o can_v never_o make_v any_o practical_a application_n of_o this_o apostolical_a command_n to_o our_o own_o circumstance_n and_o so_o it_o will_v be_v all_o one_o unto_o we_o as_o if_o we_o have_v never_o receive_v it_o but_o if_o it_o may_v be_v determine_v than_o it_o must_v be_v do_v either_o by_o public_a authority_n or_o else_o according_a to_o every_o man_n private_a judgement_n if_o the_o former_a be_v grant_v it_o be_v that_o which_o we_o contend_v for_o that_o ecclesiastical_a law_n may_v be_v make_v for_o the_o decent_a and_o orderly_a administration_n of_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n if_o the_o latter_a be_v allow_v than_o every_o one_o may_v determine_v for_o himself_o and_o then_o consider_v the_o strange_a variety_n of_o fancy_n that_o there_o be_v especial_o in_o matter_n of_o decency_n we_o shall_v scarce_o find_v two_o it_o may_v be_v in_o a_o thousand_o that_o will_v be_v bring_v to_o agree_v in_o the_o same_o opinion_n and_o by_o consequence_n this_o general_a canon_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o be_v intend_v for_o the_o preservation_n of_o good_a order_n among_o christian_n will_v occasion_v the_o most_o absolute_a confusion_n that_o can_v be_v imagine_v and_o for_o the_o avoid_n of_o this_o the_o determine_v what_o be_v decent_a and_o orderly_o must_v be_v leave_v to_o our_o governor_n and_o it_o will_v be_v our_o duty_n to_o submit_v to_o what_o they_o shall_v enjoin_v in_o such_o matter_n as_o these_o i_o shall_v name_v one_o passage_n more_o which_o may_v give_v some_o far_a light_n and_o confirmation_n unto_o this_o it_o be_v some_o chapter_n before_o where_o st_n paul_n tell_v the_o corinthian_n thus_o the_o rest_n will_v i_o set_v in_o order_n when_o i_o come_v here_o 34._o it_o be_v very_o obvious_a to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o that_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n to_o be_v regulate_v which_o he_o shall_v leave_v undecided_a in_o this_o epistle_n but_o design_v to_o take_v care_n about_o they_o at_o his_o be_v at_o corinth_n whither_o he_o intend_v to_o go_v the_o first_o convenient_a opportunity_n now_o these_o thing_n it_o be_v very_o probable_a he_o do_v set_v in_o order_n afterward_o as_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o do_v but_o we_o do_v not_o know_v either_o what_o they_o be_v or_o in_o what_o manner_n he_o dispose_v they_o but_o whatever_o they_o be_v or_o however_o he_o determine_v they_o thus_o much_o may_v be_v reasonable_o gather_v from_o
it_o that_o there_o may_v some_o thing_n happen_v in_o the_o church_n which_o may_v lawful_o be_v set_v in_o order_n that_o be_v not_o express_o determine_v in_o scripture_n for_o such_o be_v those_o here_o mention_v which_o if_o they_o be_v any_o where_o determine_v it_o must_v be_v in_o the_o second_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n but_o there_o it_o can_v be_v for_o beside_o that_o it_o will_v be_v difficult_a to_o show_v the_o place_n where_o it_o be_v do_v that_o second_o epistle_n be_v write_v not_o long_o after_o the_o first_o before_o the_o holy_a penman_n of_o it_o have_v get_v any_o leisure_n to_o come_v among_o they_o but_o these_o case_n be_v reserve_v till_o then_o when_o i_o come_v he_o forbear_v to_o write_v any_o thing_n of_o they_o because_o he_o intend_v to_o decide_v they_o when_o he_o shall_v be_v personal_o present_a but_o what_o he_o do_v then_o we_o have_v nothing_o in_o the_o sacred_a write_n that_o acquaint_v we_o and_o therefore_o it_o seem_v that_o some_o thing_n may_v be_v determine_v which_o be_v not_o enter_v into_o those_o holy_a record_n this_o be_v a_o matter_n that_o have_v be_v always_o esteem_v so_o very_o plain_a that_o it_o be_v never_o make_v a_o controversy_n in_o former_a age_n but_o of_o late_a some_o have_v be_v exceed_o jealous_a of_o it_o because_o as_o they_o conceive_v it_o seem_v to_o derogate_v from_o the_o great_a protestant_a doctrine_n of_o the_o fullness_n and_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o scripture_n if_o i_o can_v see_v any_o argument_n to_o persuade_v i_o that_o it_o do_v so_o indeed_o i_o shall_v be_v easy_o induce_v to_o reject_v it_o with_o as_o much_o indignation_n as_o any_o of_o those_o that_o do_v contend_v the_o most_o zealous_o against_o it_o but_o we_o do_v ready_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n do_v contain_v all_o thing_n necessary_a 6._o to_o salvation_n that_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v as_o a_o article_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v not_o there_o clear_o reveal_v that_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v impose_v as_o a_o duty_n in_o itself_o acceptable_a unto_o god_n which_o may_v not_o be_v manifest_o prove_v from_o thence_o that_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v account_v a_o essential_a part_n of_o divine_a worship_n which_o be_v not_o there_o express_o command_v all_o that_o we_o attribute_v to_o our_o governor_n be_v only_o a_o power_n of_o determine_v about_o indifferent_a thing_n which_o the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v not_o determine_v and_o these_o we_o hold_v to_o have_v no_o other_o influence_n upon_o our_o future_a happiness_n or_o misery_n but_o only_o as_o we_o take_v obedience_n to_o superior_n to_o be_v our_o duty_n and_o that_o we_o ought_v not_o obstinate_o to_o oppose_v they_o in_o such_o thing_n as_o we_o may_v have_v innocent_o do_v if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v prescribe_v by_o their_o authority_n where_o the_o scripture_n have_v forbid_v or_o command_v any_o thing_n as_o it_o have_v whatever_o be_v necessary_a there_o all_o the_o power_n upon_o earth_n be_v bind_v to_o submit_v where_o the_o scripture_n be_v silent_a as_o it_o be_v in_o many_o matter_n of_o lesser_a moment_n there_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o comply_v with_o the_o injunction_n of_o a_o lawful_a power_n so_o that_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o scripture_n may_v be_v very_o consistent_a with_o the_o make_n of_o certain_a rule_n for_o external_a order_n and_o decency_n but_o some_o have_v think_v that_o if_o we_o shall_v allow_v any_o power_n in_o the_o church_n of_o impose_v such_o thing_n we_o may_v by_o degree_n have_v so_o many_o of_o they_o impose_v as_o may_v be_v extreme_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o state_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o true_a piety_n may_v be_v stifle_v and_o bury_v as_o it_o be_v under_o the_o rubbish_n of_o a_o huge_a number_n of_o needless_a ceremony_n and_o therefore_o they_o think_v that_o no_o such_o power_n ought_v to_o be_v admit_v but_o all_o that_o can_v be_v prove_v by_o this_o way_n of_o reason_v will_v amount_v but_o to_o thus_o much_o that_o such_o a_o power_n may_v possible_o be_v abuse_v but_o it_o be_v not_o well_o argue_v from_o the_o abuse_n of_o a_o power_n to_o the_o nullity_n of_o it_o it_o have_v be_v always_o suppose_v that_o parliament_n have_v a_o power_n of_o grant_v money_n upon_o the_o subject_a but_o if_o any_o shall_v say_v they_o can_v tell_v but_o that_o they_o may_v in_o time_n grant_v away_o their_o whole_a estate_n and_o therefore_o shall_v conceive_v that_o they_o can_v not_o grant_v any_o thing_n at_o all_o such_o a_o fond_a surmise_n will_v never_o be_v think_v to_o have_v force_n enough_o to_o deprive_v they_o of_o their_o undoubted_a right_n but_o in_o church_n power_n as_o it_o be_v now_o bound_v there_o can_v be_v any_o just_a apprehension_n of_o such_o a_o excess_n as_o be_v pretend_v for_o beside_o the_o restraint_n that_o common_a prudence_n must_v lay_v upon_o those_o that_o have_v the_o management_n of_o it_o it_o be_v limit_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n by_o the_o scripture_n that_o it_o can_v command_v any_o thing_n contrary_a unto_o that_o and_o on_o the_o other_o by_o the_o civil_a authority_n who_o approbation_n will_v be_v requisite_a to_o give_v a_o validity_n to_o every_o order_n of_o the_o church_n and_o here_o then_o be_v a_o sufficient_a check_n to_o prevent_v all_o exorbitancy_n that_o can_v be_v fear_v if_o any_o thing_n be_v impose_v that_o be_v not_o confirm_v by_o the_o civil_a power_n it_o will_v not_o be_v think_v oblige_v if_o any_o thing_n be_v prescribe_v that_o be_v contrary_a to_o scripture_n it_o most_o not_o be_v obey_v but_o if_o any_o constitution_n shall_v be_v make_v which_o be_v only_o esteem_v burdensome_a by_o reason_n of_o their_o number_n but_o be_v not_o otherwise_o unlawful_a the_o fault_n will_v be_v in_o those_o that_o impose_v they_o and_o not_o in_o those_o that_o submit_v unto_o they_o this_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o have_v be_v ancient_o complain_v of_o but_o neither_o those_o that_o make_v the_o complaint_n do_v separate_v from_o the_o church_n themselves_o nor_o persuade_v other_o to_o do_v it_o upon_o that_o account_n for_o where_o the_o imposition_n be_v real_o burdensome_a they_o be_v to_o be_v blame_v that_o lay_v it_o on_o but_o they_o that_o quiet_o bear_v it_o will_v make_v their_o obedience_n the_o more_o acceptable_a by_o add_v patience_n and_o humility_n unto_o it_o but_o this_o objection_n can_v be_v make_v in_o our_o particular_a case_n the_o injunction_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v for_o their_o nature_n innocent_a and_o for_o their_o number_n not_o many_o and_o if_o they_o shall_v be_v judge_v to_o be_v unlawful_o impose_v because_o they_o may_v be_v excessive_o multiply_v i_o think_v there_o be_v no_o occasion_n now_o for_o such_o a_o fear_n however_o it_o will_v be_v time_n enough_o to_o apply_v the_o remedy_n when_o we_o feel_v the_o distemper_n grow_v upon_o we_o but_o it_o be_v always_o dangerous_a tamper_n with_o physic_n when_o we_o find_v ourselves_o in_o perfect_a health_n every_o extravagant_a jealousy_n of_o what_o may_v happen_v hereafter_o ought_v not_o to_o shake_v what_o be_v well_o establish_v at_o the_o present_a for_o if_o the_o contrary_a principle_n shall_v be_v allow_v it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o church_n or_o state_n in_o the_o world_n ever_o to_o enjoy_v one_o minute_n repose_v our_o church_n then_o be_v so_o far_o very_o blameless_a that_o have_v admit_v of_o a_o power_n of_o make_v some_o law_n for_o the_o more_o orderly_a conduct_n of_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n since_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n very_o reasonable_a in_o itself_o very_o agreeable_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o age_n and_o very_o consonant_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o scripture_n from_o who_o fullness_n it_o do_v not_o detract_v neither_o can_v the_o possibility_n of_o its_o be_v abuse_v make_v it_o whole_o null_a i_o have_v hitherto_o endeavour_v to_o lay_v together_o the_o sum_n of_o what_o i_o conceive_v may_v not_o be_v impertinent_o urge_v in_o defence_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o to_o the_o three_o principal_a part_n of_o her_o constitution_n episcopacy_n liturgy_n and_o ecclesiastical_a law_n all_o which_o as_o they_o be_v here_o establish_v be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o best_a church_n consonant_n to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o may_v therefore_o be_v conform_v unto_o with_o a_o good_a conscience_n sect_n v._o i_o shall_v now_o give_v some_o answer_n to_o several_a objection_n that_o have_v be_v make_v against_o she_o especial_o those_o that_o i_o have_v observe_v to_o be_v the_o most_o popular_a and_o which_o have_v raise_v the_o strong_a prejudice_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o such_o as_o do_v not_o approve_v of_o our_o present_a establishment_n and_o these_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n some_o that_o be_v make_v against_o the_o constitution_n
itself_o and_o other_o against_o the_o clergy_n that_o conform_v unto_o it_o i_o will_v a_o little_a examine_v a_o few_o of_o either_o kind_n and_o for_o those_o of_o the_o first_o kind_n one_o be_v that_o in_o our_o church_n the_o people_n be_v deny_v the_o liberty_n of_o choose_v their_o own_o pastor_n to_o which_o some_o of_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n do_v conceive_v that_o they_o have_v always_o have_v a_o inherent_a right_n and_o beside_o a_o example_n or_o two_o they_o think_v they_o can_v find_v in_o the_o scripture_n they_o suppose_v they_o have_v evident_a testimony_n out_o of_o antiquity_n to_o confirm_v this_o practice_n of_o popular_a election_n and_o it_o be_v true_a the_o people_n approbation_n have_v be_v always_o think_v so_o far_o necessary_a that_o when_o hand_n be_v to_o be_v lay_v upon_o any_o for_o their_o admission_n into_o any_o sacred_a function_n if_o they_o know_v they_o to_o be_v of_o a_o loose_a and_o scandalous_a conversation_n they_o may_v object_v it_o and_o by_o that_o mean_n hinder_v their_o promotion_n and_o so_o much_o be_v still_o retain_v among_o we_o but_o far_o it_o will_v not_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o in_o some_o place_n very_o ancient_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o diocese_n be_v choose_v or_o nominate_v by_o the_o people_n of_o the_o city_n where_o he_o common_o reside_v but_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o the_o several_a presbyter_n that_o may_v be_v appoint_v to_o certain_a cure_n equivalent_a to_o our_o parochial_a church_n be_v ever_o wont_a to_o be_v choose_v by_o the_o particular_a congregation_n upon_o which_o they_o do_v attend_v they_o be_v appoint_v by_o the_o bishop_n who_o office_n it_o be_v to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o whole_a diocese_n and_o to_o see_v that_o these_o presbyter_n be_v not_o negligent_a in_o discharge_v the_o trust_n that_o be_v repose_v in_o they_o they_o be_v the_o diocesan_n bishop_n that_o be_v sometime_o choose_v by_o the_o people_n and_o they_o that_o insist_v stiff_o upon_o this_o privilege_n must_v acknowledge_v the_o antiquity_n of_o these_o or_o else_o they_o must_v declare_v themselves_o to_o be_v very_o partial_a whilst_o they_o make_v use_v of_o so_o much_o of_o the_o testimony_n only_o as_o they_o think_v make_v for_o they_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o choice_n and_o reject_v or_o overlook_v the_o rest_n that_o be_v clear_o against_o they_o in_o the_o question_n about_o such_o a_o episcopacy_n but_o however_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o this_o custom_n of_o the_o people_n choice_n be_v ever_o universal_o receive_v and_o where_o it_o be_v it_o often_o create_v such_o disturbance_n that_o the_o secular_a power_n be_v quick_o force_v to_o interpose_v and_o nominate_v the_o bishop_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o public_a peace_n and_o it_o be_v not_o long_o before_o this_o liberty_n of_o choice_n be_v whole_o lay_v aside_o by_o the_o imperial_a and_o canon_n law_n which_o be_v a_o clear_a proof_n that_o whatever_o it_o be_v it_o be_v look_v upon_o then_o but_o as_o a_o voluntary_a concession_n of_o their_o governor_n and_o not_o any_o inherent_a and_o unalterable_a right_n and_o therefore_o there_o can_v be_v no_o necessity_n either_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v set_v up_o where_o it_o never_o be_v or_o restore_v again_o where_o it_o have_v be_v discontinue_v for_o so_o many_o age_n and_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o if_o it_o be_v general_o practise_v in_o this_o nation_n it_o will_v infallible_o produce_v such_o animosity_n and_o confusion_n that_o the_o people_n will_v soon_o grow_v weary_a of_o it_o themselves_o and_o desire_v to_o be_v devest_v of_o such_o a_o uneasy_a power_n and_o that_o thing_n may_v be_v let_v alone_o to_o run_v quiet_o in_o the_o old_a channel_n but_o because_o those_o that_o have_v be_v please_v to_o use_v this_o argument_n against_o our_o church_n be_v not_o at_o all_o to_o be_v prevail_v upon_o by_o the_o most_o pregnant_a example_n of_o ancient_a time_n in_o other_o case_n they_o ought_v not_o if_o they_o can_v to_o make_v any_o advantage_n of_o they_o in_o this_o let_v we_o see_v then_o what_o ground_n they_o have_v in_o the_o scripture_n for_o the_o people_n choice_n which_o be_v the_o only_a rule_n by_o which_o all_o side_n must_v confess_v themselves_o to_o be_v equal_o bind_v and_o here_o i_o can_v tell_v that_o there_o be_v any_o positive_a command_n that_o be_v ever_o urge_v and_o i_o know_v but_o of_o two_o example_n that_o have_v be_v allege_v for_o it_o and_o i_o will_v brief_o consider_v they_o both_o the_o one_o be_v in_o the_o people_n choice_n of_o the_o seven_o deacon_n 5._o and_o suppose_v that_o they_o have_v a_o original_a right_n of_o choose_v these_o this_o will_v not_o amount_v to_o a_o sufficient_a proof_n that_o they_o have_v therefore_o a_o right_a of_o choose_v their_o pastor_n the_o admit_v they_o to_o name_v the_o person_n that_o be_v to_o serve_v in_o a_o inferior_a office_n do_v not_o imply_v that_o they_o be_v therefore_o entrust_v with_o the_o choice_n of_o those_o that_o be_v to_o be_v advance_v to_o a_o great_a and_o there_o be_v particular_a reason_n why_o the_o deacon_n shall_v be_v choose_v by_o they_o they_o be_v to_o be_v the_o dispenser_n of_o the_o money_n that_o be_v collect_v for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o the_o people_n may_v be_v encourage_v to_o give_v more_o liberal_o and_o all_o occasion_n of_o murmur_v for_o the_o future_a may_v be_v take_v away_o when_o the_o public_a charity_n be_v distribute_v by_o person_n of_o know_a integrity_n and_o such_o as_o they_o themselves_o have_v choose_v so_o that_o this_o instance_n do_v not_o seem_v full_o to_o reach_v the_o purpose_n i_o shall_v therefore_o inquire_v into_o the_o other_o it_o be_v where_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n be_v say_v to_o have_v 23._o ordain_v they_o elder_n in_o every_o church_n a_o man_n will_v wonder_v how_o the_o people_n power_n of_o choose_v their_o pastor_n shall_v ever_o be_v prove_v from_o this_o place_n but_o it_o be_v attempt_v to_o be_v do_v by_o a_o critical_a observation_n upon_o the_o greek_a word_n which_o be_v here_o render_v ordain_v for_o it_o do_v first_o signify_v a_o popular_a way_n of_o election_n by_o majority_n of_o voice_n which_o be_v discern_v by_o lift_v up_o of_o hand_n and_o therefore_o some_o have_v imagine_v that_o these_o elder_n be_v ordain_v in_o the_o church_n by_o their_o election_n and_o suffrage_n but_o this_o be_v more_o than_o can_v be_v manifest_o prove_v from_o the_o word_n for_o though_o the_o original_a signification_n of_o it_o be_v what_o i_o mention_v but_o now_o yet_o afterward_o it_o begin_v to_o be_v use_v promiscuous_o b._n for_o the_o appoint_v of_o any_o one_o to_o a_o office_n whether_o it_o be_v by_o a_o popular_a choice_n or_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o single_a person_n and_o therefore_o since_o this_o act_n of_o ordination_n or_o appointment_n to_o office_n denote_v by_o the_o greek_a word_n here_o use_v be_v many_o time_n apply_v to_o the_o authoritative_a proceed_n of_o particular_a man_n without_o any_o regard_n to_o the_o suffrage_n of_o the_o people_n and_o since_o it_o be_v here_o attribute_v to_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n and_o not_o to_o the_o multitude_n of_o believer_n it_o do_v not_o appear_v from_o this_o place_n that_o the_o whole_a community_n have_v or_o rather_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o have_v not_o any_o hand_n in_o the_o appointment_n of_o these_o elder_n for_o i_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o one_o passage_n can_v be_v produce_v out_o of_o any_o good_a author_n where_o the_o magistrate_n or_o other_o superior_a issaid_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o thus_o to_o ordain_v when_o the_o choice_n or_o appointment_n of_o the_o officer_n be_v in_o the_o people_n and_o therefore_o when_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n be_v here_o say_v to_o have_v ordain_v if_o we_o shall_v suppose_v that_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o multitude_n be_v employ_v in_o this_o expression_n it_o will_v be_v a_o acception_n of_o the_o word_n for_o which_o we_o have_v not_o any_o example_n but_o if_o we_o shall_v yield_v that_o by_o a_o unheard_a of_o strain_v of_o the_o phrase_n here_o we_o may_v possible_o find_v some_o little_a colour_n for_o the_o people_n choice_n of_o their_o pastor_n it_o can_v yet_o be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o favourable_a concession_n make_v unto_o they_o upon_o that_o occasion_n for_o that_o the_o suffrage_n of_o the_o multitude_n be_v not_o always_o necessary_a to_o the_o constitute_n of_o elder_n seem_v very_o plain_a from_o those_o word_n of_o st_n paul_n for_o this_o cause_n leave_v i_o thou_o in_o crete_n that_o thou_o shall_v set_v in_o order_n 5._o the_o thing_n that_o be_v want_v and_o ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o city_n as_o i_o have_v appoint_v thou_o here_o titus_n be_v entrust_v with_o a_o power_n
of_o ordain_v elder_n and_o other_o matter_n relate_v to_o the_o better_a regulation_n of_o church_n affair_n and_o he_o be_v not_o choose_v to_o this_o office_n by_o the_o people_n but_o appoint_v unto_o it_o by_o st_n paul_n and_o when_o he_o have_v thus_o receive_v this_o authority_n from_o he_o we_o can_v think_v that_o he_o be_v to_o depend_v upon_o the_o people_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o for_o he_o alone_o be_v commission_v to_o ordain_v elder_n without_o any_o mention_n of_o the_o suffrage_n of_o the_o multitude_n and_o there_o can_v be_v the_o least_o shadow_n of_o a_o conjecture_n frame_v to_o the_o contrary_a from_o the_o nice_a consideration_n of_o the_o word_n for_o that_o which_o be_v here_o translate_v 〈◊〉_d ordain_v be_v not_o the_o same_o with_o that_o which_o be_v use_v in_o the_o other_o place_n for_o it_o signify_v plain_o to_o constitute_v place_n or_o set_v up_o without_o any_o intimation_n of_o lift_v up_o of_o hand_n or_o any_o way_n of_o popular_a election_n whatsoever_o so_o that_o we_o have_v neither_o precept_n not_o example_n in_o the_o scripture_n for_o the_o people_n right_a to_o the_o choice_n of_o their_o pastor_n but_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v still_o urge_v against_o we_o that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v to_o be_v condemn_v for_o want_v of_o such_o a_o free_a choice_n as_o may_v be_v always_o pretend_v but_o i_o believe_v will_v never_o be_v prove_v necessary_a then_o to_o this_o we_o do_v reply_n that_o this_o freedom_n of_o choice_n be_v in_o some_o sort_n retain_v in_o our_o church_n for_o all_o the_o minister_n in_o it_o be_v appoint_v according_a to_o the_o know_a law_n of_o this_o land_n and_o to_o these_o every_o one_o of_o we_o by_o our_o representative_n have_v at_o least_o virtual_o give_v our_o consent_n and_o a_o virtual_a consent_n in_o this_o case_n be_v allow_v to_o be_v sufficient_a by_o some_o of_o the_o able_a patron_n of_o the_o people_n right_a of_o election_n sect_n vi_o but_o it_o be_v object_v far_o that_o the_o want_n of_o discipline_n in_o our_o parochial_a church_n be_v a_o very_a great_a and_o unsufferable_a defect_n but_o there_o be_v no_o cause_n give_v for_o such_o a_o exception_n for_o every_o minister_n have_v the_o approbation_n of_o those_o that_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v and_o be_v impower_v to_o reject_v scandalous_a offender_n from_o the_o holy_a communion_n and_o these_o be_v certain_o part_n of_o discipline_n which_o with_o the_o other_o act_n of_o the_o ministerial_a office_n show_v that_o there_o be_v some_o order_n and_o government_n in_o our_o parochial_a assembly_n if_o this_o shall_v not_o be_v esteem_v enough_o because_o in_o they_o we_o can_v inflict_v the_o high_a kind_n of_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n we_o do_v not_o conceive_v that_o there_o be_v any_o necessity_n that_o such_o a_o power_n shall_v be_v grant_v unto_o they_o since_o it_o be_v abundant_o supply_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o diocesan_n which_o reach_v every_o particular_a church_n in_o the_o whole_a jurisdiction_n and_o it_o will_v be_v as_o unreasonable_a to_o think_v that_o there_o be_v no_o discipline_n in_o a_o parish_n because_o there_o be_v some_o act_n of_o it_o which_o can_v be_v there_o perform_v as_o it_o will_v be_v for_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o a_o village_n or_o hamlet_n to_o complain_v that_o they_o be_v under_o no_o government_n because_o they_o have_v not_o the_o power_n of_o life_n and_o death_n among_o themselves_o for_o the_o defect_n of_o the_o one_o be_v make_v up_o by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o diocesan_n church_n and_o those_o of_o the_o other_o by_o that_o of_o the_o commonwealth_n whereof_o they_o be_v respective_a part_n i_o do_v not_o find_v that_o our_o saviour_n or_o his_o apostle_n have_v make_v it_o necessary_a that_o all_o offence_n shall_v be_v final_o censure_v by_o the_o sole_a power_n of_o that_o congregation_n where_o they_o be_v commit_v this_o be_v to_o set_v up_o a_o uncontrollable_a authority_n in_o every_o private_a assembly_n and_o every_o twenty_o or_o thirty_o man_n or_o it_o may_v be_v few_o that_o shall_v be_v please_v to_o enter_v into_o covenant_n together_o and_o call_v themselves_o a_o church_n as_o some_o contend_v they_o may_v will_v be_v ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la invest_v with_o a_o power_n of_o determine_v all_o matter_n of_o ecclesiastical_a cognizance_n without_o appeal_n which_o be_v more_o than_o most_o papist_n will_v allow_v to_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n what_o foundation_n there_o be_v for_o the_o erect_v such_o a_o boundless_a power_n i_o can_v tell_v neither_o can_v i_o guess_v what_o good_a use_n be_v ever_o like_a to_o be_v make_v of_o it_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v grant_v but_o this_o i_o know_v that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o be_v a_o society_n of_o christian_n embody_a under_o certain_a law_n and_o governor_n can_v be_v accuse_v for_o want_v of_o discipline_n if_o she_o do_v not_o permit_v the_o full_a exercise_n of_o it_o in_o our_o parochial_a church_n for_o in_o all_o community_n every_o member_n be_v influence_v and_o direct_v by_o the_o good_a constitution_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n and_o what_o can_v be_v legal_o judge_v in_o a_o low_a may_v be_v reserve_v for_o the_o decision_n of_o a_o superior_a court_n sect_n vii_o but_o some_o be_v still_o dissatisfy_v with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n because_o they_o imagine_v it_o be_v not_o a_o pure_a church_n and_o if_o they_o have_v a_o opportunity_n of_o join_v with_o another_o which_o they_o can_v suppose_v to_o be_v pure_a they_o think_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o do_v it_o for_o the_o resolution_n of_o this_o doubt_n these_o few_o thing_n may_v be_v consider_v what_o it_o be_v that_o make_v a_o pure_a church_n whether_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v such_o a_o one_o whether_o we_o be_v always_o bind_v to_o join_v with_o that_o church_n which_o we_o conceive_v to_o be_v the_o most_o pure_a now_o that_o church_n questionless_a may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v pure_a who_o doctrine_n be_v consonant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n where_o the_o sacrament_n be_v due_o administer_v where_o all_o the_o fundamental_a article_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v public_o embrace_v where_o man_n be_v not_o require_v to_o profess_v or_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o holy_a gospel_n such_o a_o church_n can_v be_v deny_v to_o be_v pure_a for_o here_o be_v not_o the_o mixture_n of_o any_o unclean_a thing_n that_o can_v taint_v it_o with_o the_o least_o imaginable_a impurity_n or_o impress_v any_o blot_n or_o stain_v upon_o it_o then_o that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v thus_o pure_a it_o will_v not_o be_v difficult_a to_o show_v before_o any_o impartial_a judge_n for_o what_o doctrine_n do_v she_o teach_v that_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n what_o sacrament_n do_v she_o deprive_v the_o people_n of_o either_o in_o the_o whole_a or_o in_o part_n what_o article_n of_o our_o belief_n be_v it_o that_o she_o reject_v what_o be_v it_o that_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n which_o she_o oblige_v we_o either_o to_o believe_v or_o practice_v do_v she_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o element_n in_o the_o holy_a encharist_n be_v transubstantiate_v by_o a_o few_o syllable_n pronounce_v by_o he_o that_o officiate_n do_v she_o teach_v we_o to_o adore_v saint_n and_o image_n and_o to_o pray_v for_o the_o dead_a do_v she_o cheat_v the_o people_n with_o forge_a miracle_n and_o impose_v upon_o their_o credulity_n with_o foppish_a legend_n do_v she_o kindle_v a_o imaginary_a purgatory_n fire_n in_o the_o other_o world_n that_o she_o may_v set_v up_o a_o thrive_a trade_n for_o indulgence_n in_o this_o can_v she_o be_v accuse_v of_o these_o corruption_n or_o a_o hundred_o more_o that_o may_v be_v name_v be_v not_o her_o doctrine_n confess_v to_o be_v pure_a and_o be_v not_o her_o discipline_n such_o at_o least_o as_o be_v not_o forbid_v and_o if_o she_o be_v sound_a in_o both_o these_o i_o do_v not_o discern_v from_o what_o other_o fountain_n any_o impurity_n can_v be_v derive_v upon_o she_o and_o for_o what_o have_v be_v common_o except_v concern_v the_o use_n of_o some_o external_a and_o indifferent_a thing_n she_o can_v possible_o contract_v any_o thing_n of_o pollution_n from_o these_o for_o if_o they_o do_v not_o defile_v 20._o a_o man_n much_o less_o will_v they_o be_v able_a to_o corrupt_v a_o church_n but_o though_o the_o church_n of_o england_n shall_v be_v prove_v and_o grant_v to_o be_v a_o pure_a church_n yet_o we_o be_v still_o to_o inquire_v whether_o if_o we_o can_v find_v some_o other_o which_o we_o esteem_v to_o be_v more_o pure_a we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o join_v with_o that_o and_o to_o this_o it_o may_v be_v answer_v that_o when_o a_o church_n be_v so_o
succeed_v the_o other_o do_v direct_o cross_v the_o end_n it_o pretend_v to_o aim_v at_o as_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v they_o single_o by_o comprehension_n be_v usual_o understand_v some_o kind_n of_o relaxation_n to_o be_v make_v by_o law_n that_o some_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o most_o scruple_v be_v take_v away_o some_o of_o those_o that_o now_o separate_v from_o we_o may_v be_v satisfy_v and_o join_v themselves_o to_o the_o establish_a church_n this_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o have_v be_v much_o discourse_v of_o and_o some_o thing_n have_v be_v attempt_v in_o it_o by_o man_n of_o several_a persuasion_n and_o it_o have_v be_v various_o censure_v or_o approve_v as_o the_o party_n have_v be_v different_o affect_v and_o it_o be_v confess_v that_o those_o thing_n that_o have_v be_v appoint_v mere_o for_o external_a order_n and_o decency_n may_v be_v alter_v when_o it_o shall_v seem_v good_a to_o the_o same_o power_n that_o first_o enjoin_v they_o but_o then_o those_o that_o have_v submit_v and_o subscribe_v unto_o it_o can_v believe_v that_o any_o such_o alteration_n be_v necessary_a to_o be_v make_v in_o our_o present_a constitution_n and_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v make_v they_o be_v afraid_a that_o it_o will_v bring_v but_o very_o few_o dissenter_n into_o the_o church_n because_o they_o that_o scruple_n what_o be_v already_o in_o use_n may_v upon_o the_o same_o ground_n except_o against_o any_o thing_n else_o that_o can_v be_v prescribe_v but_o yet_o if_o the_o wisdom_n of_o our_o governor_n be_v as_o be_v reasonable_a before_o hand_n inform_v what_o will_v give_v satisfaction_n shall_v judge_v it_o expedient_a to_o make_v any_o concession_n of_o this_o nature_n i_o know_v no_o man_n that_o be_v not_o ready_a to_o join_v his_o hearty_a prayer_n that_o it_o may_v succeed_v to_o the_o put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o our_o division_n and_o the_o last_a peace_n and_o security_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n but_o it_o be_v just_o fear_v that_o this_o will_v not_o produce_v that_o happy_a effect_n which_o be_v so_o much_o desire_v by_o all_o good_a man_n because_o most_o of_o those_o that_o differ_v from_o we_o seem_v now_o to_o be_v resolve_v against_o all_o manner_n of_o imposition_n though_o it_o shall_v be_v of_o thing_n otherwise_o never_o so_o innocent_a and_o then_o term_n may_v be_v alter_v and_o enlarge_v if_o it_o be_v think_v fit_a but_o whatever_o be_v do_v they_o that_o will_v be_v true_a to_o this_o principle_n can_v be_v comprehend_v by_o any_o thing_n but_o their_o own_o pleasure_n some_o therefore_o understand_v well_o how_o ineffectual_a this_o be_v like_a to_o prove_v have_v think_v the_o only_a way_n to_o unite_v we_o must_v be_v by_o a_o toleration_n and_o that_o either_o with_o some_o restriction_n or_o without_o a_o unlimited_a toleration_n without_o any_o restriction_n be_v condemn_v by_o most_o that_o pretend_v to_o any_o degree_n of_o sobriety_n and_o if_o every_o man_n as_o some_o have_v think_v have_v a_o natural_a right_n to_o the_o choice_n and_o exercise_n of_o his_o own_o way_n of_o worship_n than_o a_o toleration_n must_v be_v grant_v to_o all_o and_o it_o can_v be_v limit_v without_o the_o manifest_a injury_n of_o those_o that_o be_v or_o shall_v be_v exclude_v from_o the_o benefit_n of_o it_o by_o such_o limitation_n but_o however_o it_o be_v desire_v whether_o limit_v or_o unlimited_a which_o i_o think_v will_v never_o be_v perfect_o agree_v among_o those_o that_o be_v for_o it_o the_o conformist_n out_o of_o the_o kindness_n they_o have_v for_o many_o well_o dispose_v people_n that_o may_v be_v mislead_v will_v be_v very_o much_o incline_v to_o a_o toleration_n if_o beside_o the_o other_o great_a inconvenience_n that_o will_v follow_v they_o have_v not_o these_o exception_n against_o it_o it_o do_v not_o seem_v to_o be_v equal_a deal_n that_o our_o dissenter_n shall_v lay_v claim_n to_o such_o a_o indulgence_n which_o all_o sort_n of_o they_o have_v most_o rigorous_o deny_v to_o other_o wherever_o they_o have_v have_v the_o power_n to_o do_v it_o and_o divers_a of_o they_o now_o will_v not_o allow_v their_o child_n and_o servant_n that_o liberty_n which_o they_o expect_v themselves_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o whereas_o the_o best_a emperor_n have_v make_v the_o severe_a law_n against_o all_o manner_n of_o sectary_n 2._o julian_n the_o apostate_n the_o most_o subtle_a and_o bitter_a enemy_n that_o christianity_n ever_o have_v be_v the_o man_n that_o set_v up_o this_o way_n of_o toleration_n for_o he_o send_v for_o the_o prelate_n and_o some_o other_o of_o the_o several_a sect_n of_o christian_n and_o when_o they_o be_v come_v into_o the_o palace_n he_o advise_v they_o very_o kind_o as_o it_o may_v seem_v to_o lay_v aside_o their_o difference_n and_o that_o every_o one_o shall_v attend_v upon_o his_o own_o religion_n and_o never_o fear_v because_o no_o body_n shall_v hinder_v any_o of_o they_o of_o that_o freedom_n here_o be_v as_o much_o liberty_n and_o as_o ready_o grant_v as_o any_o man_n can_v wish_v but_o he_o do_v not_o intend_v any_o advantage_n to_o christianity_n by_o it_o no_o he_o hope_v by_o the_o licence_n he_o give_v they_o to_o increase_v their_o dissension_n that_o so_o he_o may_v have_v the_o less_o reason_n to_o fear_v their_o unanimous_a oppose_v of_o his_o grand_a design_n which_o be_v to_o restore_v paganism_n and_o idolatry_n again_o this_o be_v hint_v in_o some_o ecclesiastical_a 5._o historian_n but_o no_o where_o so_o full_o lay_v open_a as_o it_o be_v do_v by_o ammianus_n marcellinus_n who_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o know_v the_o whole_a secret_a of_o the_o business_n for_o he_o have_v be_v a_o soldier_n in_o julian_n army_n and_o be_v a_o heathen_a too_o though_o not_o so_o great_a a_o zealot_n as_o his_o master_n but_o by_o this_o any_o one_o may_v see_v that_o the_o most_o implacable_a cunning_a and_o dangerous_a adversary_n that_o the_o devil_n ever_o raise_v up_o to_o oppose_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n do_v of_o his_o own_o accord_n devise_v and_o procure_v a_o toleration_n as_o the_o most_o likely_a mean_n utter_o to_o destroy_v the_o christian_a faith_n and_o to_o revive_v a_o most_o gross_a obsolete_a superstitious_a idolatrous_a religion_n which_o be_v enough_o to_o show_v that_o this_o fair_a and_o plausible_a invention_n may_v be_v design_v for_o very_o bad_a purpose_n and_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o suspect_v it_o the_o more_o because_o be_v it_o well_o know_v that_o the_o papist_n have_v always_o endeavour_v to_o widen_v our_o difference_n and_o when_o they_o have_v be_v pretty_a successful_a in_o that_o they_o be_v of_o late_o become_v earnest_a sollicitour_n for_o the_o indulge_v of_o protestant_a dissenter_n but_o sure_o no_o man_n will_v believe_v that_o this_o can_v proceed_v from_o any_o particular_a kindness_n they_o owe_v they_o more_o than_o we_o but_o only_o they_o hope_v that_o by_o this_o mean_v our_o division_n may_v be_v easy_o multiply_v and_o the_o church_n of_o england_n by_o consequence_n exceed_o weaken_v and_o then_o they_o know_v they_o shall_v have_v the_o most_o promise_a opportunity_n of_o work_v their_o end_n upon_o we_o all_o for_o when_o this_o be_v do_v they_o may_v free_o send_v abroad_o their_o emissary_n in_o the_o likeness_n of_o anabaptist_n quaker_n fifth-monarchy_n man_n or_o what_o other_o shape_n they_o please_v to_o assume_v and_o when_o they_o have_v break_v we_o into_o several_a scatter_a independent_a troop_n that_o be_v not_o agree_v among_o themselves_o in_o what_o manner_n to_o resist_v the_o enemy_n they_o may_v overcome_v we_o with_o less_o difficulty_n than_o if_o we_o be_v join_v in_o one_o regular_a entire_a well_o discipline_v body_n and_o that_o this_o have_v be_v their_o grand_a design_n be_v not_o a_o mere_a conjecture_n of_o we_o we_o have_v evidence_n and_o witness_n of_o it_o which_o can_v be_v question_v therefore_o many_o conformist_n that_o take_v no_o delight_n in_o see_v the_o law_n severe_o execute_v be_v yet_o very_o apprehensive_a of_o the_o danger_n of_o a_o toleration_n for_o they_o be_v much_o afraid_a that_o if_o it_o be_v once_o grant_v the_o effect_n of_o it_o will_v rather_o be_v what_o have_v be_v hope_v for_o by_o the_o popish_a agent_n than_o what_o be_v intend_v by_o those_o at_o who_o immediate_a instance_n it_o may_v be_v procure_v but_o whatever_o the_o issue_n shall_v be_v it_o be_v certain_a it_o will_v be_v any_o thing_n soon_o than_o a_o union_n for_o it_o will_v be_v a_o plain_a settlement_n and_o encourage_v of_o our_o division_n by_o give_v they_o the_o countenance_n and_o protection_n of_o the_o law_n and_o if_o such_o a_o thing_n shall_v ever_o chance_v to_o pass_v into_o a_o act_n that_o when_o it_o be_v do_v will_v only_o take_v away_o the_o penalty_n lay_v