of_o the_o same_o civil_a power_n thus_o much_o of_o the_o voluntary_a conjunction_n of_o particular_a church_n under_o the_o government_n of_o counsel_n now_o follow_v the_o necessary_a conjunction_n of_o they_o so_o call_v because_o it_o be_v not_o in_o their_o power_n to_o shake_v off_o that_o common_a authority_n whereunto_o they_o be_v subject_a this_o necessary_a conjunction_n have_v place_n then_o whenas_o diverse_a particular_a church_n be_v tie_v together_o in_o obedience_n to_o the_o same_o civil_a authority_n by_o the_o which_o they_o be_v rule_v as_o have_v be_v declare_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n yea_o it_o may_v be_v see_v almost_o in_o all_o public_a church_n the_o which_o usual_o consist_v of_o so_o great_a a_o number_n of_o professor_n as_o can_v possible_o be_v contain_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o one_o church_n for_o if_o any_o one_o populous_a city_n do_v general_o profess_v the_o gospel_n it_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v divide_v into_o diverse_a particular_a church_n much_o more_o a_o christian_n country_n nation_n or_o kingdom_n can_v but_o contain_v in_o it_o many_o particular_a church_n all_o which_o although_o they_o have_v their_o proper_a ruler_n or_o teacher_n and_o order_n as_o free_a church_n have_v yet_o they_o have_v also_o a_o common_a government_n and_o law_n proceed_v from_o the_o civil_a power_n to_o the_o obedience_n whereof_o they_o be_v all_o bind_v for_o in_o public_a church_n the_o civil_a power_n have_v the_o great_a sway_n in_o govern_v by_o the_o which_o be_v one_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o every_o particular_a assembly_n be_v bring_v to_o a_o conformity_n both_o in_o doctrine_n as_o also_o in_o government_n yea_o it_o be_v requisite_a &_o needful_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o for_o otherwise_o if_o every_o particular_a church_n do_v differ_v from_o the_o rest_n in_o government_n the_o whole_a church_n can_v not_o be_v order_v without_o great_a trouble_n and_o confusion_n but_o yet_o this_o common_a government_n of_o the_o magistrate_n do_v not_o take_v away_o the_o grovernment_n of_o particular_a church_n no_o more_o than_o the_o counsel_n whereof_o we_o have_v speak_v do_v from_o free_a church_n this_o be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o civil_a ruler_n yet_o by_o the_o advice_n of_o other_o in_o the_o choice_n of_o who_o as_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o the_o prince_n to_o call_v or_o pass_v over_o who_o he_o think_v meet_a or_o unmeete_a so_o it_o will_v be_v convenient_a for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n the_o which_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o he_o either_o whole_o to_o neglect_v or_o light_o to_o regard_v to_o call_v of_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n those_o who_o be_v endue_v with_o best_a gift_n yet_o so_o that_o some_o be_v have_v out_o of_o every_o particular_a church_n as_o if_o they_o be_v free_a church_n and_o especial_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n be_v to_o be_v call_v for_o the_o reason_n declare_v in_o the_o former_a section_n when_o they_o by_o his_o authority_n be_v gather_v together_o he_o be_v to_o take_v unto_o himself_o the_o roll_a of_o the_o whole_a action_n unless_o it_o be_v needful_a that_o he_o delegate_v his_o authority_n to_o some_o other_o and_o by_o pray_v for_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o their_o consultation_n &_o declare_v the_o cause_n of_o their_o meeting_n to_o begin_v it_o then_o he_o be_v to_o propound_v in_o the_o first_o place_n those_o want_n fault_n and_o corruption_n of_o the_o ch._n which_o he_o himself_o have_v observe_v &_o will_v have_v supply_v and_o take_v away_o to_o show_v the_o manner_n how_o he_o think_v it_o most_o meet_a to_o be_v do_v which_o be_v do_v he_o be_v to_o give_v liberty_n to_o every_o one_o present_a to_o speak_v their_o mind_n free_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v propound_v as_o also_o of_o any_o other_o thing_n which_o they_o think_v good_a for_o the_o church_n that_o which_o be_v agree_v upon_o &_o do_v appear_v to_o all_o or_o to_o the_o most_o of_o they_o right_o &_o meet_v to_o be_v decree_v he_o be_v to_o establish_v give_v unto_o it_o the_o virtue_n of_o a_o ecclesiastical_a law_n the_o which_o the_o whole_a ch._n ought_v to_o obey_v that_o which_o can_v be_v agree_v upon_o be_v to_o be_v defer_v to_o another_o time_n of_o meeting_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v somuch_o the_o soon_o as_o the_o matter_n controverse_v be_v of_o great_a importance_n for_o more_o mature_a deliberation_n with_o themselves_o and_o other_o will_v make_v that_o clear_a and_o evident_a which_o before_o be_v doubtful_a if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n which_o neither_o can_v be_v agree_v upon_o by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o great_a part_n neither_o yet_o defer_v without_o great_a hurt_n to_o the_o church_n the_o chief_a ruler_n may_v with_o the_o consent_n of_o some_o of_o the_o council_n decree_n and_o enact_v that_o which_o they_o think_v needful_a to_o be_v do_v yet_o he_o be_v not_o to_o use_v this_o authority_n in_o this_o manner_n but_o upon_o urgent_a necessity_n for_o many_o inconvenience_n do_v follow_v the_o enact_v of_o ecclesiastical_a laweâ—_n without_o the_o full_a consent_n of_o the_o council_n yea_o the_o suspicion_n of_o tyrannize_v over_o the_o ch._n of_o god_n be_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o be_v avoid_v in_o regard_v whereof_o many_o christian_n emperor_n &_o ruler_n do_v resign_v their_o authority_n which_o they_o have_v in_o govern_v the_o ch_n to_o these_o counsel_n ruler_n insomuch_o that_o they_o have_v the_o full_a power_n not_o only_o of_o advise_v law_n but_o also_o of_o enact_v or_o the_o give_n unto_o they_o the_o force_n of_o law_n but_o as_o have_v be_v show_v this_o mâ—y_n easy_o turn_v to_o the_o hurt_n of_o the_o ch._n and_o therefore_o it_o ought_v not_o whole_o to_o bâ—_n follow_v yet_o it_o show_v how_o great_a regard_n civil_a ruler_n ought_v to_o have_v of_o the_o judgement_n &_o advice_n of_o those_o who_o be_v godly_a wise_a and_o learned_a in_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n subject_n unto_o they_o and_o therefore_o that_o which_o the_o council_n think_v good_a to_o be_v do_v or_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v great_o regard_v yet_o if_o the_o chief_a ruler_n can_v be_v bring_v to_o give_v his_o assent_n unto_o it_o it_o can_v have_v the_o force_n of_o a_o ecclesiastical_a law_n or_o be_v impose_v upon_o the_o whole_a ch._n in_o that_o name_n as_o touch_v the_o number_n whereof_o any_o national_a council_n do_v consist_v there_o can_v any_o be_v define_v but_o it_o must_v be_v leave_v to_o the_o appointment_n of_o the_o chief_a ruler_n to_o who_o the_o depose_n &_o authorise_v of_o this_o whole_a action_n do_v belong_v yet_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v proportionable_a to_o the_o quantity_n of_o the_o ch._n &_o to_o the_o number_n of_o the_o particular_a church_n so_o that_o if_o some_o be_v have_v out_o of_o every_o one_o of_o they_o it_o will_v make_v the_o law_n enact_v to_o be_v much_o more_o willing_o receive_v &_o obey_v whenas_o it_o shall_v be_v know_v that_o some_o of_o themselves_o do_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o rest_n consent_n unto_o they_o and_o especial_o this_o be_v requisite_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o chief_a end_n and_o use_v of_o these_o counsel_n both_o in_o free_a and_o public_a church_n whereof_o we_o will_v brief_o speak_v the_o which_o be_v to_o bring_v the_o whole_a church_n to_o a_o conformity_n of_o doctrine_n this_o be_v needful_a and_o good_a to_o be_v do_v and_o that_o for_o these_o cause_n first_o for_o the_o repress_v of_o heresy_n which_o do_v continual_o arise_v in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o which_o purpose_n the_o general_a consent_n of_o the_o church_n be_v very_o forcible_a for_o either_o the_o consent_n and_o judgement_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n will_v be_v of_o great_a weight_n to_o take_v the_o say_a heresy_n out_o of_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o who_o do_v maintain_v they_o or_o else_o the_o authority_n by_o which_o the_o truth_n oppugn_v be_v public_o establish_v will_v be_v able_a to_o remove_v the_o maintainer_n of_o they_o out_o of_o the_o church_n second_o this_o form_n of_o doctrine_n agree_v upon_o by_o many_o will_v be_v effectual_a to_o strengthen_v and_o confirm_v those_o who_o be_v weak_a in_o the_o faith_n and_o not_o full_o ground_v in_o some_o point_n of_o christian_n religion_n yea_o it_o may_v be_v a_o mean_n to_o help_v forward_o those_o who_o have_v not_o as_o yet_o take_v upon_o they_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n not_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o build_v our_o faith_n upon_o the_o authority_n of_o man_n faith_n but_o for_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o take_v from_o the_o church_n a_o confirmation_n of_o our_o faith_n see_v we_o may_v be_v great_o help_v and_o strengthen_v by_o this_o mean_n and_o last_o this_o form_n of_o
knowledge_n which_o man_n have_v at_o the_o beginning_n may_v seem_v to_o have_v be_v great_a ignorance_n and_o darkness_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o light_n which_o now_o do_v appear_v so_o that_o according_a to_o the_o difference_n of_o time_n we_o must_v also_o make_v a_o diversity_n of_o ecclesiaâ—tcall_a law_n and_o that_o in_o respect_n not_o only_o of_o the_o people_n but_o even_o of_o they_o also_o who_o do_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n advise_v and_o appoint_v thâ—se_a law_n who_o although_o they_o do_v excel_v all_o other_o in_o knowledge_n yet_o they_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o ignoraunce_n and_o error_n of_o the_o time_n wherein_o they_o live_v from_o the_o which_o no_o man_n can_v be_v whole_o free_v as_o may_v be_v declare_v at_o large_a if_o it_o be_v needful_a to_o be_v stand_v upon_o by_o the_o which_o mean_v it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o they_o do_v see_v much_o more_o in_o process_n of_o time_n than_o they_o do_v at_o the_o first_o insomuch_o that_o they_o will_v acknowledge_v many_o imperfection_n in_o those_o law_n wherein_o before_o there_o seem_v nothing_o to_o be_v want_v thus_o we_o see_v that_o the_o liberty_n or_o rather_o the_o necessity_n of_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o gentiles_n be_v in_o time_n reveal_v unto_o the_o church_n whereof_o at_o the_o first_o they_o never_o dream_v acts._n 11.18_o second_o if_o this_o be_v grant_v that_o they_o to_o who_o the_o advise_v of_o law_n for_o the_o church_n be_v commmit_v do_v see_v the_o whole_a truth_n of_o those_o matter_n whereof_o they_o do_v consult_v yet_o there_o must_v be_v regard_n have_v of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o people_n for_o who_o these_o law_n be_v to_o be_v make_v as_o the_o apostle_n witness_v that_o he_o can_v not_o speak_v to_o the_o corinthian_n 1_o cor._n 3.1_o as_o unto_o spiritual_a but_o as_o unto_o carnal_a man_n and_o that_o in_o consideration_n of_o this_o their_o estate_n he_o give_v they_o milk_n and_o not_o strong_a meat_n and_o in_o like_a manner_n he_o write_v to_o the_o roman_n that_o their_o salvation_n be_v now_o much_o near_a than_o when_o they_o do_v first_o believe_v rom._n 13._o where_o he_o show_v that_o the_o night_n of_o ignorance_n and_o atheism_n wherein_o they_o have_v live_v have_v go_v on_o and_o pass_v away_o by_o little_a &_o little_a and_o in_o like_a manner_n the_o day_n have_v approach_v for_o the_o apostle_n do_v see_v that_o the_o gentiles_n which_o have_v embrace_v the_o gospel_n can_v not_o at_o the_o first_o let_v go_v their_o whole_a course_n of_o life_n whereunto_o they_o have_v be_v continual_o accustom_v and_o do_v in_o that_o respect_n no_o doubt_n tolerate_v many_o thing_n among_o they_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o time_n which_o afterward_o be_v not_o to_o be_v suffer_v in_o regard_n of_o the_o diverse_a nature_n of_o the_o people_n we_o may_v consider_v that_o some_o need_n more_o sharp_a and_o straight_o law_n to_o keep_v they_o in_o order_n than_o other_o do_v the_o which_o consideration_n the_o apostle_n do_v commend_v to_o titus_n another_o tit._n 1.13_o that_o forasmuch_o as_o the_o gratian'ss_n be_v always_o liar_n evil_a beast_n and_o slow_a belly_n therefore_o he_o shall_v reprove_v they_o sharp_o and_o special_o we_o be_v here_o to_o note_v the_o sin_n whereunto_o the_o people_n be_v general_o and_o after_o a_o sort_n natural_o give_v that_o they_o may_v be_v repress_v by_o many_o law_n and_o sharp_a censure_n and_o punishment_n appoint_v for_o they_o who_o do_v offend_v and_o by_o cut_v off_o the_o usual_a occasion_n of_o those_o sinneâ—_n yea_o the_o manner_n and_o behaviour_n of_o man_n common_o receive_v be_v often_o time_n to_o be_v mark_v in_o appoint_v the_o outward_a order_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n for_o many_o thing_n be_v decent_a and_o orderly_a in_o one_o country_n which_o will_v be_v strange_a and_o unseemly_a in_o another_o three_o for_o the_o present_a state_n of_o that_o church_n which_o we_o do_v go_v about_o to_o put_v in_o good_a order_n by_o these_o law_n we_o be_v to_o have_v a_o special_a regard_n unto_o it_o the_o which_o as_o it_o be_v diverse_a and_o subject_a to_o many_o alteration_n so_o ought_v the_o law_n to_o be_v change_v so_o as_o they_o may_v best_o fit_v the_o present_a state_n for_o as_o the_o church_n be_v either_o in_o plant_v or_o else_o in_o grow_v to_o a_o ripe_a age_n either_o in_o great_a motion_n or_o else_o full_o establish_v and_o settle_v pure_a or_o corrupt_a perfect_a or_o imperfect_a so_o all_o the_o law_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v alter_v and_o frame_v according_o of_o all_o which_o estate_n we_o be_v hereafter_o to_o entreat_v four_o the_o law_n of_o the_o church_n be_v so_o to_o be_v make_v as_o that_o they_o do_v not_o cross_v the_o law_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n wherein_o the_o church_n be_v by_o hinder_v the_o church_n from_o perform_v any_o civil_a duty_n which_o be_v lawful_a to_o be_v do_v and_o to_o omit_v many_o other_o respect_n which_o herein_o be_v to_o be_v have_v this_o be_v diligent_o to_o be_v regard_v that_o we_o do_v labour_n to_o conform_v our_o law_n to_o the_o law_n of_o those_o church_n which_o be_v most_o pure_a and_o sincere_a in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n that_o as_o we_o have_v the_o same_o faith_n and_o substance_n of_o government_n so_o also_o we_o may_v have_v the_o same_o ceremony_n and_o ecclesiastical_a order_n although_o not_o all_o for_o that_o can_v be_v yet_o in_o the_o great_a part_n for_o beside_o that_o this_o full_a agreement_n of_o church_n in_o all_o matter_n both_o of_o lesser_a and_o great_a importance_n without_o any_o jar_a be_v as_o a_o sweet_a harmony_n in_o the_o ear_n of_o god_n and_o most_o decent_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o all_o man_n even_o of_o those_o who_o be_v stranger_n from_o the_o faith_n it_o do_v also_o bring_v great_a estimation_n authority_n and_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o several_a church_n for_o that_o hardly_o any_o christian_n will_v be_v find_v so_o perverse_a and_o wilful_a as_o to_o contemn_v or_o reject_v those_o order_n which_o be_v approve_v and_o practise_v by_o many_o church_n this_o argument_n the_o apostle_n do_v often_o use_v to_o establish_v and_o keep_v in_o force_n the_o good_a order_n of_o the_o church_n as_o we_o may_v see_v 1._o cor._n 11.16_o and_o 14.36_o and_o 1._o thâ—ss_n 2.14_o sect._n 5_o of_o the_o number_n of_o ecclesiastical_a law_n the_o number_n of_o these_o law_n ought_v to_o be_v define_v by_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o church_n that_o they_o be_v so_o many_o as_o be_v needful_a for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o good_a estate_n and_o order_n thereof_o so_o that_o if_o any_o be_v take_v away_o there_o will_v a_o manifest_a inconvenience_n follow_v neither_o ought_v the_o number_n to_o exceed_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o for_o these_o cause_n first_o because_o the_o multitude_n of_o law_n be_v contrary_a to_o christian_n liberty_n in_o that_o it_o do_v both_o restrain_v man_n from_o do_v thing_n which_o otherwise_o be_v very_o commodious_a for_o they_o to_o do_v and_o also_o impose_v duty_n the_o performance_n whereof_o be_v otherwise_o needless_a be_v a_o burden_n and_o trouble_n to_o the_o church_n avoid_v this_o reason_n ought_v to_o be_v of_o great_a force_n for_o this_o purpose_n especial_o in_o this_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n wherein_o it_o have_v please_v god_n in_o great_a mercy_n and_o wisdom_n to_o take_v from_o his_o church_n that_o heavy_a yoke_n of_o ceremonial_a law_n wherewith_o she_o be_v grievous_o clog_v before_o and_o to_o endue_v she_o be_v now_o more_o near_o join_v to_o christ_n her_o husband_n with_o this_o notable_a privilege_n and_o benefit_n of_o christian_a liberty_n the_o which_o be_v give_v by_o god_n man_n can_v without_o great_a injury_n both_o to_o god_n and_o man_n take_v away_o and_o here_o by_o the_o way_n we_o may_v see_v what_o a_o impious_a and_o intolerable_a tyranny_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v exercise_v in_o and_o over_o the_o church_n of_o god_n impose_v such_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o vain_a and_o ridiculous_a ceremony_n as_o do_v far_o exceed_v the_o number_n both_o of_o judicial_a &_o also_o of_o heathenish_a ceremony_n and_o therefore_o herein_o we_o be_v to_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n act._n 15.28_o it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o to_o we_o not_o to_o lay_v any_o burden_n of_o observation_n upon_o the_o church_n more_o than_o be_v needful_a second_o the_o multitude_n of_o ecclesiastical_a law_n do_v bring_v with_o it_o a_o multitude_n of_o ceremony_n which_o in_o no_o case_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v for_o that_o it_o do_v derogate_v from_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o
doctrine_n ought_v to_o be_v esteem_v the_o public_a confession_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n whereby_o they_o do_v make_v know_v not_o only_o to_o other_o church_n but_o also_o to_o the_o whole_a world_n that_o they_o do_v profess_v &_o maintain_v the_o truth_n of_o christian_n religion_n and_o of_o every_o part_n thereof_o &_o do_v detest_v &_o abhor_v all_o the_o false_a worship_n of_o the_o jew_n turk_n and_o all_o other_o infidel_n whatsoever_o and_o also_o that_o they_o be_v free_a from_o all_o false_a &_o erroneous_a opinion_n all_o gross_a &_o blasphemous_a heresy_n of_o man_n profess_v the_o faith_n wherewith_o the_o church_n have_v be_v at_o all_o time_n and_o be_v trouble_v at_o this_o day_n this_o public_a profession_n of_o the_o faith_n be_v with_o great_a care_n &_o diligence_n make_v and_o approve_v by_o the_o general_a consent_n of_o the_o whole_a council_n be_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o chief_a ruler_n to_o be_v enjoin_v to_o the_o whole_a ch._n so_o as_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o any_o man_n to_o deny_v or_o refute_v any_o point_n of_o it_o yet_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o contain_v in_o it_o the_o determination_n of_o all_o controversy_n but_o only_o a_o declaration_n of_o the_o chief_a point_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o profession_n whereof_o the_o life_n &_o as_o it_o be_v the_o very_a essence_n or_o be_v of_o the_o church_n do_v consist_v for_o as_o touch_v matter_n of_o less_o moment_n in_o the_o which_o man_n may_v err_v without_o any_o danger_n to_o their_o own_o salvation_n or_o hurt_n to_o the_o church_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o all_o man_n shall_v be_v bring_v to_o think_v and_o profess_v the_o same_o thing_n but_o there_o will_v be_v continual_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n in_o these_o point_n in_o every_o church_n yet_o it_o do_v belong_v to_o this_o public_a council_n to_o consider_v &_o to_o determine_v even_o of_o other_o doubt_n &_o controversy_n which_o do_v trouble_v the_o church_n that_o by_o this_o mean_v contention_n may_v be_v take_v away_o and_o as_o the_o apostle_n write_v 1._o cor._n 1.10_o all_o may_v say_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o be_v knit_v together_o in_o one_o mind_n and_o in_o one_o judgement_n yet_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o council_n of_o these_o light_a point_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v impose_v upon_o any_o man_n to_o think_v or_o to_o profess_v but_o every_o man_n leave_v to_o think_v as_o it_o shall_v please_v god_n to_o give_v he_o to_o understand_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o that_o behalf_n either_o keep_v his_o opinion_n dissent_v frâ—m_o the_o church_n to_o himself_o or_o else_o impart_v it_o to_o other_o in_o that_o moderate_a wise_a and_o christian_n manner_n as_o that_o no_o man_n be_v just_o offend_v by_o he_o or_o the_o public_a peace_n of_o the_o church_n disquiet_v but_o rather_o all_o in_o some_o measure_n edify_v sect._n 4._o of_o the_o govern_n of_o the_o several_a province_n of_o a_o national_a church_n thus_o much_o of_o a_o public_a or_o national_a council_n gather_v order_v and_o establish_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o chief_a ruler_n for_o this_o end_n to_o bring_v the_o whole_a church_n to_o a_o conformity_n both_o in_o outward_a rite_n and_o order_n and_o also_o in_o the_o truth_n of_o doctrine_n wherein_o this_o be_v especial_o to_o be_v consider_v and_o therefore_o not_o unfit_a to_o be_v repeat_v that_o there_o be_v regard_n have_v unto_o the_o liberty_n of_o inferior_a synod_n for_o as_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o make_v all_o man_n think_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o all_o point_n so_o also_o it_o be_v unmeet_a yea_o impossible_a that_o the_o general_a council_n shall_v so_o define_v of_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v incident_a into_o the_o govern_n of_o church_n as_o that_o nothing_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o discretion_n and_o disposition_n of_o inferior_a assembly_n and_o therefore_o the_o decree_n and_o law_n make_v by_o the_o general_a council_n ought_v to_o be_v as_o rule_n to_o direct_v they_o in_o their_o action_n although_o all_o particular_a case_n and_o circumstance_n yea_o matter_n of_o less_o importance_n be_v neither_o determine_v nor_o yet_o mention_v in_o they_o now_o we_o be_v to_o come_v to_o provincial_a counsel_n for_o so_o much_o as_o there_o do_v daily_o many_o doubt_n and_o controversy_n arise_v yea_o great_a and_o weighty_a affair_n do_v offer_v themselves_o amongst_o the_o church_n which_o neither_o for_o the_o greatness_n can_v sufficient_o be_v determine_v and_o order_v by_o a_o few_o minister_n neither_o yet_o convenient_o be_v defer_v to_o a_o general_a meeting_n which_o can_v be_v have_v without_o great_a trouble_n to_o the_o church_n therefore_o provincial_a synod_n have_v a_o necessary_a use_n they_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o general_a counsel_n save_v only_o that_o they_o belong_v not_o to_o the_o whole_a ch._n but_o only_o to_o some_o part_n of_o it_o as_o it_o be_v distinguish_v they_o be_v to_o be_v call_v order_v and_o establish_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o civil_a ruler_n and_o do_v deal_v in_o the_o same_o matter_n and_o in_o the_o manner_n aforesaid_a for_o the_o care_n and_o order_v not_o only_o of_o a_o whole_a national_a ch._n general_a but_o also_o of_o the_o several_a province_n of_o it_o do_v belong_v to_o the_o civil_a ruler_n so_o that_o although_o it_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o his_o office_n to_o enter_v into_o particular_a congregation_n and_o there_o to_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o ordinary_a governor_n or_o teacher_n yet_o he_o ought_v to_o see_v and_o procure_v that_o they_o be_v in_o good_a order_n that_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n do_v their_o duty_n diligent_o and_o sincere_o that_o the_o people_n live_v in_o obedience_n to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ._n but_o in_o great_a nation_n and_o kingdom_n it_o be_v not_o often_o see_v that_o the_o chief_a ruler_n can_v keep_v in_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o discharge_v in_o his_o own_o person_n this_o duty_n of_o overseeing_a the_o several_a province_n of_o the_o ch._n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v as_o always_o lawful_a so_o often_o needful_a that_o he_o delegate_v and_o commit_v this_o part_n of_o his_o duty_n to_o some_o other_o even_o to_o whosoever_o he_o think_v meet_a for_o this_o purpose_n neither_o be_v we_o to_o exclude_v those_o who_o be_v minister_n of_o the_o word_n from_o this_o call_n as_o if_o they_o only_o be_v unmeete_a whenas_o they_o be_v in_o some_o respect_v fit_a than_o other_o have_v be_v many_o year_n exercise_v in_o the_o affair_n of_o some_o particular_a church_n and_o therefore_o if_o it_o please_v the_o civil_a ruler_n to_o call_v any_o who_o do_v perform_v some_o ordinary_a ministry_n in_o some_o particular_a church_n to_o this_o office_n of_o overseeing_a many_o church_n he_o do_v nothing_o but_o that_o which_o be_v agreeable_a to_o reason_n and_o warrantable_a by_o the_o word_n of_o god._n for_o man_n have_v take_v upon_o they_o any_o ministry_n be_v not_o so_o tie_v unto_o it_o but_o that_o they_o may_v leave_v it_o when_o as_o they_o shall_v be_v call_v by_o the_o chief_a ruler_n to_o perform_v any_o other_o more_o weighty_a and_o public_a duty_n yea_o although_o it_o be_v in_o some_o civil_a office_n and_o much_o more_o to_o have_v the_o care_n of_o many_o church_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o meet_v that_o any_o man_n have_v this_o office_n shall_v withal_o have_v any_o function_n in_o a_o particular_a church_n as_o do_v necessare_o require_v his_o presence_n for_o beside_o other_o inconvenience_n it_o will_v be_v to_o he_o a_o occasion_n of_o negligence_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o his_o duty_n and_o a_o evil_a example_n to_o other_o which_o as_o it_o be_v a_o grievous_a thing_n in_o any_o man_n to_o do_v the_o work_n of_o god_n negligent_o so_o it_o be_v much_o more_o offensive_a in_o he_o who_o office_n and_o call_v it_o be_v to_o see_v that_o the_o church_n be_v well_o order_v thus_o much_o of_o the_o common_a government_n of_o diverse_a church_n whether_o they_o be_v free_a or_o subject_a to_o the_o same_o civil_a power_n from_o this_o common_a government_n whole_a nation_n and_o kingdom_n consist_v of_o many_o church_n be_v often_o call_v one_o particular_a church_n because_o they_o all_o have_v the_o same_o humane_a law_n although_o if_o we_o speak_v proper_o they_o be_v diverse_a church_n because_o they_o have_v not_o all_o the_o same_o law_n but_o only_o some_o public_a common_a and_o general_a law_n pertain_v to_o all_o chap._n xi_o thus_o much_o of_o a_o partìcular_a church_n both_o several_o and_o also_o joint_o consider_v in_o the_o next_o and_o last_o place_n we_o be_v to_o come_v to_o the_o visible_a church_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o collection_n of_o all_o the_o particular_a church_n in_o the_o world_n into_o one_o body_n or_o sum_n which_o
man_n as_o they_o who_o contemn_v and_o labour_v to_o overthrow_v all_o authority_n speak_v evil_a of_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o know_v not_o have_v imagine_v but_o a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n rom._n 13.12_o there_o be_v no_o power_n but_o of_o god_n he_o therefore_o that_o resist_v the_o power_n resist_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n but_o it_o may_v be_v think_v that_o it_o be_v not_o god_n ordinance_n see_v it_o can_v be_v show_v that_o ever_o it_o be_v establish_v by_o god_n throughout_o the_o world_n ordinance_n but_o rather_o invent_v and_o continue_v by_o man_n excel_v other_o in_o strength_n and_o in_o ambition_n whereby_o they_o be_v both_o move_v to_o desire_v superiority_n and_o also_o enable_v to_o accomplish_v their_o desire_n and_o so_o have_v by_o violence_n bloodshed_n outrage_n tyranny_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o impiety_n against_o god_n and_o injustice_n in_o regard_n of_o man_n both_o get_v and_o usurp_v the_o place_n of_o ruler_n so_o that_o see_v this_o have_v be_v the_o original_n of_o the_o authority_n almost_o of_o all_o ruler_n we_o can_v make_v it_o the_o institution_n of_o god_n especial_o see_v that_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o god_n do_v ever_o command_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v magistrate_n set_v uppe_o over_o the_o people_n throughout_o the_o whole_a world_n only_o among_o the_o jew_n magistracy_n be_v set_v up_o by_o his_o commandment_n but_o not_o in_o any_o place_n beside_o whereunto_o we_o answer_v that_o the_o abuse_n of_o magistracy_n although_o many_o and_o grievous_a can_v take_v away_o the_o lawful_a use_n of_o it_o and_o further_o that_o the_o cause_n why_o there_o be_v no_o express_a commandment_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n enjoin_v that_o magistracy_n shall_v be_v set_v up_o in_o all_o place_n be_v for_o that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n do_v not_o belong_v to_o the_o whole_a world_n but_o only_o to_o the_o church_n which_o be_v in_o all_o time_n and_o especial_o be_v in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o world_n the_o least_o part_n yea_o sometime_o as_o nothing_o in_o comparison_n of_o the_o huge_a number_n of_o infidel_n but_o in_o the_o church_n god_n have_v from_o time_n to_o time_n both_o command_v and_o establish_v the_o use_n of_o magistracy_n and_o severe_o punish_v the_o contempt_n of_o it_o magistracy_n as_o may_v be_v show_v by_o example_n in_o all_o age_n for_o although_o there_o can_v be_v no_o public_a magistracy_n in_o the_o church_n till_o the_o day_n of_o moses_n because_o until_o that_o time_n the_o church_n be_v contain_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o one_o or_o a_o few_o family_n yet_o there_o be_v private_a government_n which_o have_v no_o less_o force_n and_o authority_n then_o when_o the_o number_n of_o the_o church_n increase_a to_o a_o whole_a nation_n public_a magistracy_n be_v erect_v for_o the_o first_o bear_v of_o the_o family_n be_v the_o ruler_n and_o as_o it_o be_v a_o lord_n to_o the_o rest_n as_o jacob_n do_v call_v esau_n genesis_n 33.13.14_o but_o although_o magistracy_n have_v be_v by_o the_o express_a commandment_n of_o god_n establish_v only_o in_o the_o church_n yet_o it_o belong_v as_o much_o to_o infidel_n for_o it_o be_v institute_v by_o god_n not_o â—s_a he_o be_v the_o saviour_n of_o his_o church_n but_o as_o he_o be_v the_o creator_n and_o preserver_n of_o all_o man_n therefore_o howsoever_o god_n do_v not_o vouchsafe_v his_o love_n and_o eternal_a life_n come_v thereof_o to_o any_o of_o those_o who_o be_v not_o of_o his_o church_n yet_o as_o the_o apostle_n witness_v roman_n 3.29_o he_o be_v the_o god_n not_o only_o of_o the_o jew_n who_o only_o be_v then_o his_o church_n but_o also_o of_o the_o gentile_n in_o this_o respect_n as_o also_o in_o regard_n of_o his_o faithful_a people_n with_o who_o they_o live_v and_o for_o other_o cause_n he_o do_v bestow_v upon_o they_o many_o temporal_a blessing_n let_v the_o rain_n to_o fall_v down_o and_o the_o sun_n to_o shine_v upon_o they_o and_o also_o in_o make_v they_o partaker_n of_o this_o ordinance_n of_o magistracy_n by_o the_o which_o they_o may_v live_v in_o order_n and_o peace_n safe_o and_o quiet_o enjoy_v all_o the_o temporal_a commodity_n of_o this_o present_a life_n the_o mean_n by_o the_o which_o god_n do_v set_v uppe_o this_o his_o ordinance_n amongst_o infidel_n who_o be_v destitute_a of_o his_o word_n be_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n remain_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n infidel_n by_o the_o which_o they_o do_v easy_o both_o see_v the_o manifold_a commodity_n which_o come_v by_o magistracy_n and_o also_o desire_v to_o be_v make_v partaker_n thereof_o for_o although_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o corruption_n of_o our_o nature_n few_o can_v live_v in_o due_a subjection_n unto_o authority_n with_o a_o content_a mind_n yet_o almost_o all_o man_n when_o they_o be_v without_o magistrate_n do_v of_o themselves_o desire_v to_o have_v some_o to_o govern_v and_o no_o marvel_n see_v that_o the_o deformity_n and_o inconvenience_n which_o the_o want_n of_o magistrate_n bring_v be_v evidente_a to_o all_o man_n for_o that_o a_o people_n in_o such_o a_o state_n be_v like_o a_o to_o body_n without_o a_o head_n to_o move_v it_o the_o experience_n hereof_o we_o have_v even_o in_o this_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o do_v voluntary_o without_o any_o compulsion_n desire_v a_o king_n and_o that_o in_o a_o most_o earnest_a manner_n thus_o we_o see_v that_o magistracy_n be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n whereof_o this_o do_v necessary_o ensue_v that_o it_o be_v not_o as_o a_o unholie_a profane_a and_o impure_a state_n or_o to_o be_v vile_o esteem_v of_o as_o many_o do_v affirm_v and_o account_v it_o to_o be_v who_o do_v false_o think_v that_o the_o beauty_n of_o the_o church_n can_v appear_v neither_o her_o authority_n be_v sufficient_o extol_v and_o establish_v but_o by_o deform_v and_o tread_v under_o foot_n this_o divine_a ordinance_n of_o civil_a magistracy_n the_o which_o as_o it_o be_v most_o acceptable_a to_o god_n so_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v have_v in_o great_a honour_n by_o all_o man_n magistracy_n last_o the_o end_n why_o magistracy_n be_v appoint_v by_o god_n be_v two_o the_o first_o be_v the_o represent_v of_o his_o glory_n here_o on_o earth_n the_o second_o be_v the_o procure_n of_o the_o good_a of_o man_n for_o the_o first_o the_o magistrate_n be_v god_n deputy_n and_o vice_n gerent_fw-la here_o on_o earth_n to_o govern_v man_n and_o to_o keep_v the_o world_n in_o order_n without_o confusion_n even_o as_o we_o see_v that_o great_a monarch_n have_v many_o legate_n and_o deputy_n by_o who_o they_o rule_v their_o several_a province_n and_o therefore_o god_n do_v communicate_v to_o they_o as_o his_o office_n so_o also_o his_o name_n and_o call_v they_o god_n in_o the_o which_o respect_n the_o magistrate_n be_v a_o lively_a god_n yea_o a_o live_a image_n of_o god_n first_o of_o his_o excellency_n in_o that_o he_o be_v take_v from_o the_o common_a sort_n and_o condition_n of_o man_n and_o set_v aloft_o therefore_o he_o be_v to_o be_v honour_v second_o of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o foresee_v imminent_a danger_n to_o make_v fit_a law_n and_o order_n to_o judge_v of_o right_n and_o wrong_n and_o to_o keep_v his_o people_n in_o peace_n and_o mutual_a concord_n and_o therefore_o he_o be_v to_o be_v reverence_v and_o to_o be_v obey_v in_o his_o law_n and_o edict_n three_o of_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n in_o that_o he_o do_v severe_o punish_v the_o great_a misdemeanour_n of_o malefactor_n and_o therefore_o he_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v four_o of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o that_o he_o do_v gracious_o with_o favour_n pass_v by_o and_o wink_v at_o small_a offence_n and_o therefore_o he_o be_v to_o be_v praise_v and_o last_o he_o carry_v the_o image_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o that_o by_o his_o mean_n foresee_v prevent_v and_o repel_v all_o danger_n and_o trouble_n we_o do_v enjoy_v all_o manner_n of_o blessing_n both_o temporal_a and_o eternal_a even_a life_n and_o liberty_n plenty_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o prosperity_n house_n and_o land_n wife_n and_o child_n friend_n and_o acquaintance_n and_o that_o which_o be_v much_o more_o to_o be_v esteem_v the_o true_a service_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n his_o holy_a word_n and_o in_o one_o word_n all_o thing_n needful_a in_o regard_n either_o of_o body_n or_o soul_n and_o therefore_o the_o magistrate_n be_v unfeigned_o to_o be_v love_v and_o praise_v the_o second_o end_n why_o magistracy_n be_v appoint_v be_v the_o good_a of_o man_n that_o by_o this_o mean_n they_o may_v live_v in_o peace_n safety_n and_o order_n but_o of_o the_o several_a commodity_n which_o magistracy_n bring_v we_o do_v not_o purpose_n to_o entreat_v because_o they_o be_v common_o know_v
although_o more_o enjoy_v then_o consider_v as_o also_o for_o that_o they_o may_v in_o part_n be_v gather_v of_o that_o which_o have_v be_v speak_v sect._n iii_o thus_o we_o have_v by_o the_o general_a doctrine_n of_o magistracy_n a_o entrance_n make_v to_o the_o special_a doctrine_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n wherein_o we_o have_v many_o several_a point_n to_o consider_v which_o for_o order_n and_o memory_n sake_n may_v be_v reduce_v to_o two_o head_n whereof_o the_o first_o contain_v the_o state_n of_o this_o kingdom_n in_o respect_n of_o nâ—en_n or_o of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n the_o second_o the_o state_n of_o it_o in_o respect_n of_o god_n the_o first_o head_n have_v the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o difference_n of_o this_o kingdom_n from_o the_o former_a government_n of_o judge_n consist_v especial_o in_o two_o thing_n the_o special_a power_n which_o it_o have_v over_o the_o people_n and_o the_o special_a majesty_n of_o it_o both_o which_o be_v exceed_v great_a in_o this_o state_n yea_o so_o great_a that_o in_o these_o respect_n the_o government_n of_o the_o judge_n may_v seem_v not_o only_o a_o mean_a but_o almost_o a_o private_a estate_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o this_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n be_v by_o jacob_n prophesy_v of_o it_o gen._n 49.9_o compare_v to_o a_o lion_n the_o which_o do_v in_o strength_n and_o especial_o in_o a_o majestical_a stateliness_n so_o far_o exceed_v all_o other_o beast_n that_o it_o be_v usual_o call_v the_o king_n of_o they_o if_o we_o desire_v to_o know_v how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o there_o be_v so_o great_a power_n and_o majesty_n give_v to_o this_o kingdom_n we_o must_v have_v recourse_n to_o the_o original_n of_o it_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o set_n uppe_o of_o this_o estate_n be_v two_o the_o first_o be_v that_o which_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n to_o wit_n the_o eternal_a counsel_n and_o decree_n of_o god_n by_o the_o which_o it_o be_v before_o all_o age_n appoint_v that_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n shall_v be_v a_o type_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n and_o his_o temporary_a government_n a_o type_n of_o the_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n as_o be_v afterward_o to_o be_v declare_v now_o that_o this_o kingdom_n may_v be_v a_o fit_n and_o lively_a type_n it_o be_v needful_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v endue_v with_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o power_n and_o majesty_n that_o so_o it_o may_v the_o more_o lively_o represente_v the_o infinite_a power_n and_o authority_n which_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o have_v over_o all_o creature_n in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n and_o likewise_o his_o unspeakable_a and_o incomprehensible_a majesty_n and_o glory_n fill_v the_o heaven_n of_o heaven_n the_o second_o cause_n of_o the_o great_a power_n and_o majesty_n of_o this_o kingdom_n be_v the_o desire_n or_o rather_o the_o will_n of_o the_o people_n who_o do_v so_o earnest_o yea_o so_o eager_o and_o importunate_o call_v for_o this_o stately_a government_n that_o they_o will_v take_v no_o denial_n nor_o hear_v any_o thing_n which_o can_v be_v allege_v to_o be_v contrary_a for_o that_o the_o people_n do_v always_o desire_v this_o state_n we_o may_v see_v deutro_n 17.14_o where_o god_n foretell_v this_o that_o when_o they_o be_v once_o possess_v of_o the_o land_n they_o will_v have_v a_o king_n and_o judg._n 8.22_o where_o they_o offer_v to_o make_v gedeon_n king_n and_o more_o plain_o judge_n 9_o where_o they_o like_o abimeleches_n opinion_n say_v that_o it_o be_v better_a for_o they_o to_o have_v one_o then_o many_o to_o reign_v over_o they_o neither_o do_v they_o desire_v to_o have_v one_o set_v over_o they_o with_o the_o bare_a name_n and_o title_n of_o a_o king_n or_o with_o any_o mean_a authority_n but_o that_o he_o shall_v have_v power_n and_o majesty_n in_o the_o high_a degree_n for_o howsoever_o it_o may_v seem_v that_o this_o their_o desire_n be_v in_o some_o respect_n incommodious_a to_o themselves_o for_o that_o the_o great_a power_n they_o give_v to_o the_o king_n the_o less_o liberty_n they_o leave_v to_o themselves_o and_o the_o great_a that_o his_o pomp_n and_o majesty_n be_v the_o more_o heavy_a tribute_n must_v be_v impose_v on_o they_o for_o the_o maintain_n of_o it_o yet_o they_o do_v so_o vehementlie_o desire_v to_o be_v like_a to_o other_o nation_n in_o a_o stately_a monarchy_n that_o they_o think_v no_o price_n too_o great_a for_o it_o think_v belike_o as_o it_o be_v common_o say_v that_o it_o be_v great_a honour_n for_o they_o to_o make_v a_o mighty_a and_o a_o glorious_a king_n then_o to_o be_v king_n themselves_o as_o every_o one_o be_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o judge_n wherein_o every_o man_n do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a in_o his_o own_o eye_n because_o they_o have_v no_o king_n to_o order_v they_o judg._n 18.1.19.1_o and_o yet_o we_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o in_o ordain_v so_o mighty_a &_o majestical_a a_o authority_n they_o think_v it_o will_v be_v for_o their_o own_o good_a howsoever_o it_o may_v seem_v to_o derogate_v from_o their_o liberty_n and_o profit_n and_o that_o the_o commodity_n will_v be_v more_o and_o more_o weighty_a than_o the_o inconvenience_n of_o it_o wherein_o whether_o they_o do_v judge_v right_a or_o no_o let_v other_o determine_v sect._n four_o now_o we_o be_v to_o come_v to_o the_o particular_a declaration_n of_o these_o thing_n first_o of_o the_o power_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o second_o of_o the_o majesty_n of_o it_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o power_n have_v in_o it_o these_o four_o question_n the_o first_o be_v whether_o the_o power_n of_o the_o king_n be_v whole_a or_o divide_v the_o second_o whether_o it_o be_v general_a over_o all_o person_n and_o cause_n or_o restrain_v the_o three_o whether_o it_o be_v absolute_a or_o tie_v to_o law_n the_o last_o whether_o it_o be_v a_o mild_a or_o a_o peremptory_a power_n the_o power_n whereof_o we_o do_v entreat_v be_v the_o full_a supreme_a and_o universal_a authority_n for_o of_o any_o inferior_a power_n we_o do_v not_o speak_v of_o govern_v the_o people_n and_o of_o order_v all_o their_o public_a affair_n the_o which_o before_o that_o this_o kingdom_n be_v set_v up_o be_v not_o whole_o in_o any_o one_o hand_n but_o divide_v among_o many_o for_o it_o be_v partly_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n partly_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o judge_n which_o be_v for_o the_o time_n partly_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o elder_n or_o senate_n and_o partly_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n for_o the_o first_o where_o we_o say_v that_o god_n have_v a_o part_n of_o this_o authority_n we_o do_v not_o consider_v he_o simple_o as_o god_n for_o in_o that_o respect_n not_o a_o part_n only_o but_o the_o whole_a supreme_a power_n not_o of_o that_o country_n only_o but_o of_o all_o the_o nation_n in_o the_o world_n yea_o of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v and_o be_v in_o his_o hand_n but_o we_o consider_v he_o as_o he_o be_v after_o a_o special_a manner_n the_o king_n and_o ruler_n of_o this_o people_n israel_n so_o as_o he_o never_o be_v or_o will_v be_v to_o any_o other_o nation_n the_o action_n of_o god_n which_o do_v proceed_v from_o this_o his_o regal_a authority_n be_v these_o first_o that_o he_o give_v to_o this_o people_n judicial_a law_n and_o constitution_n which_o be_v part_n of_o the_o office_n not_o of_o god_n for_o then_o these_o judicial_a law_n shall_v belong_v to_o the_o whole_a world_n see_v god_n be_v the_o god_n not_o of_o the_o jew_n only_o but_o also_o of_o the_o gentiles_n but_o other_o nation_n be_v not_o tie_v to_o these_o law_n but_o only_o to_o the_o moral_a law_n and_o to_o these_o judicial_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v moral_a to_o wit_n to_o the_o ground_n and_o equity_n of_o they_o but_o not_o to_o the_o law_n themselves_o the_o second_o thing_n which_o god_n do_v by_o virtue_n of_o this_o authority_n be_v the_o supreme_a administration_n of_o their_o battle_n in_o case_n of_o great_a extremity_n for_o as_o great_a prince_n send_v captain_n to_o fight_v in_o their_o stead_n yet_o according_a to_o their_o direction_n and_o appointment_n so_o god_n do_v immediate_o either_o by_o his_o word_n or_o spirit_n stir_v up_o some_o man_n to_o fight_v the_o battle_n of_o the_o people_n and_o do_v directe_v they_o in_o such_o action_n and_o this_o gedeon_n acknowledge_v judge_n 7.20_o where_o he_o say_v the_o sword_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o of_o gedeon_n in_o these_o respect_n god_n be_v the_o king_n of_o this_o nation_n as_o gedeon_n do_v confess_v judge_n 8.23_o who_o so_o answer_v the_o people_n go_v about_o to_o make_v he_o king_n that_o neither_o he_o nor_o any_o of_o his_o posterity_n shall_v
zealous_a of_o the_o law_n yea_o paul_n by_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n do_v go_v about_o to_o make_v the_o jew_n believe_v that_o he_o also_o do_v live_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n act._n 21.26_o and_o therefore_o we_o must_v think_v that_o he_o warn_v the_o galathian_o that_o if_o now_o in_o so_o great_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o teach_v the_o abrogation_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n and_o after_o so_o much_o teach_v and_o so_o many_o admonition_n they_o do_v still_o remain_v blind_a and_o obstinate_a yea_o and_o do_v turn_v back_o again_o to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o law_n that_o then_o it_o be_v a_o evident_a sign_n that_o they_o be_v as_o yet_o destitute_a of_o the_o true_a knowledge_n and_o obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o if_o this_o have_v be_v the_o first_o time_n wherein_o they_o have_v be_v teach_v christ_n he_o will_v easy_o have_v wink_v at_o this_o great_a error_n of_o join_v the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n together_o likewise_o as_o concern_v that_o detestable_a heresy_n of_o arianismâ—_n we_o may_v well_o think_v the_o author_n spreader_n beginner_n furtherer_n and_o maintainer_n of_o it_o to_o have_v be_v man_n destitute_a of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o that_o this_o heresy_n be_v especial_o in_o these_o age_n a_o fearful_a sign_n of_o eternalll_v reprobation_n yet_o we_o be_v not_o to_o think_v so_o hardly_o of_o those_o they_o who_o be_v corrupt_v with_o it_o â—fter_a that_o it_o have_v overspr_v the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o so_o be_v carry_v away_o with_o the_o multitude_n to_o evil_a although_o it_o be_v in_o that_o time_n also_o a_o fearful_a token_n of_o a_o reprobate_a mind_n for_o as_o in_o a_o common_a infection_n of_o the_o air_n we_o can_v judge_v of_o the_o state_n of_o man_n body_n by_o popular_a disease_n and_o death_n whenas_o both_o strong_a and_o weak_a man_n be_v in_o the_o same_o case_n so_o neither_o in_o the_o common_a reign_v of_o any_o heresy_n can_v we_o perfect_o discern_v the_o state_n of_o man_n mind_n and_o soul_n by_o that_o token_n forsomuch_o as_o god_n do_v savesome_a even_o by_o pull_v they_o out_o of_o the_o fire_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v charitable_o to_o hope_v the_o best_a of_o they_o who_o live_v in_o grievous_a error_n not_o of_o wilful_a blindness_n but_o of_o simple_a ignorance_n and_o not_o to_o doubt_v but_o that_o ignorant_a heretic_n be_v religious_a and_o zealous_a seruer_n of_o god_n be_v in_o far_o bettâ—r_a state_n as_o touch_v their_o salvation_n than_o they_o who_o profess_v the_o sincere_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v in_o their_o profane_a life_n deny_v the_o power_n thereof_o but_o that_o heretic_n be_v to_o be_v account_v member_n of_o the_o church_n we_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o declare_v when_o we_o come_v to_o the_o corrupt_a state_n of_o a_o church_n so_o that_o to_o conclude_v this_o point_n we_o do_v and_o that_o as_o we_o trust_v and_o be_v persuade_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n give_v the_o name_n of_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o christian_n to_o all_o that_o do_v in_o outward_a profession_n hold_v the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n the_o which_o although_o in_o effect_n it_o be_v the_o same_o both_o before_o and_o since_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n yet_o it_o have_v some_o difference_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o diversity_n of_o the_o time_n for_o before_o christ_n be_v exhibit_v in_o the_o flesh_n this_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n i_o put_v my_o whole_a trust_n and_o confidence_n for_o my_o happiness_n in_o the_o messiah_n who_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o send_v for_o the_o redemption_n and_o salvation_n of_o the_o people_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o david_n this_o foundation_n do_v the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n profess_v when_o christ_n come_v and_o therefore_o every_o one_o of_o that_o people_n be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n howsoever_o they_o do_v together_o hold_v grosser_n heresy_n christ._n than_o the_o papist_n do_v at_o this_o day_n but_o since_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n this_o be_v to_o hold_v the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n i_o believe_v jesus_n the_o son_n of_o mary_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o promise_a messiah_n the_o lord_n and_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o in_o he_o only_o salvation_n be_v to_o be_v have_v as_o it_o be_v more_o brief_o set_v down_o by_o the_o apostle_n 1._o cor._n 3.11_o another_o foundation_n can_v no_o man_n lay_v but_o that_o which_o be_v lay_v to_o wit_n that_o jesus_n be_v christ._n to_o the_o which_o doctrine_n all_o opinion_n and_o assertion_n which_o be_v contrary_a be_v pernicious_a heresy_n and_o such_o as_o bring_v certain_a damnation_n 2._o peter_n 2.1_o there_o be_v many_o false_a prophet_n among_o the_o people_n as_o there_o be_v falsâ—_n teacher_n amongâ—_n you_o which_o bring_v in_o damnable_a heresy_n to_o wit_n these_o deny_v the_o lord_n jesuâ—_n who_o buy_v they_o these_o bring_v upon_o themselves_o swift_a damnation_n that_o be_v may_v certain_o be_v account_v for_o damn_a as_o for_o the_o heresy_n of_o those_o who_o do_v confess_v the_o lord_n jesus_n as_o they_o be_v more_o weighty_a and_o do_v near_o approach_v to_o the_o grand_a heresy_n of_o those_o who_o do_v not_o confess_v the_o lord_n jesus_n so_o they_o be_v more_o dangerous_a yet_o of_o themselves_o not_o be_v join_v with_o obstinate_a and_o wilful_a blindness_n not_o so_o desperate_a sect._n 5._o of_o those_o who_o dissemble_v their_o profession_n but_o before_o we_o leave_v this_o point_n this_o question_n may_v i_o move_v whether_o as_o the_o outward_a profession_n of_o faith_n without_o the_o truth_n thereof_o in_o heart_n so_o the_o inward_a faith_n of_o the_o heart_n without_o out_o ward_v profession_n be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o true_a member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n we_o answer_v that_o where_o true_a faith_n be_v there_o necessare_o be_v also_o some_o outward_a service_n of_o god_n and_o some_o confession_n of_o the_o mouth_n by_o prayer_n or_o some_o other_o mean_n which_o be_v it_o never_o so_o little_a be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n but_o as_o for_o open_a and_o public_a profession_n of_o our_o faith_n before_o man_n true_a faith_n be_v weak_a may_v be_v destitute_a thereof_o so_o we_o read_v john_n 12.40_o that_o many_o of_o the_o chief_a ruler_n believe_v in_o christ_n but_o neither_o do_v nor_o dare_v profess_v he_o before_o man_n these_o be_v member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n which_o be_v in_o visible_a but_o not_o of_o any_o particular_a church_n unless_o they_o do_v profess_v their_o faith_n before_o other_o beside_o themselves_o so_o that_o outward_a profession_n of_o the_o faith_n although_o it_o be_v secret_a and_o private_a make_v a_o man_n a_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n and_o open_a profession_n make_v we_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n but_o it_o may_v be_v object_v against_o this_o whole_a doctrine_n that_o if_o the_o outward_a profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v a_o true_a member_n of_o the_o church_n than_o the_o devil_n which_o confess_v jesus_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o godâ—_n be_v true_o christian_n we_o answer_v that_o this_o confession_n be_v extort_a from_o they_o by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o sometime_o come_v from_o the_o malice_n of_o their_o nature_n that_o so_o they_o may_v procure_v danger_n to_o christ_n faith_n but_o they_o do_v not_o by_o faith_n rely_v themselves_o on_o god_n in_o christ_n for_o happiness_n neither_o do_v they_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v his_o servant_n and_o that_o they_o be_v to_o love_v he_o and_o labour_n to_o glorify_v he_o as_o all_o christian_n do_v so_o then_o as_o many_o be_v member_n of_o the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o his_o church_n which_o be_v not_o as_o yet_o member_n of_o his_o visible_a body_n which_o be_v the_o visible_a church_n militant_a here_o on_o earth_n they_o not_o be_v as_o yet_o call_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o many_o be_v call_v to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n who_o be_v not_o choose_v sect._n 6._o who_o be_v without_o the_o catholic_a church_n and_o thus_o we_o see_v what_o manner_n of_o serve_v god_n be_v mean_v in_o the_o definition_n the_o other_o word_n which_o follow_v have_v their_o use_n for_o in_o that_o we_o require_v the_o service_n of_o the_o true_a god_n we_o exclude_v all_o heathenish_a and_o pagan_a people_n from_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n because_o as_o it_o be_v rom._n 1.23_o they_o pass_v by_o the_o creator_n worship_v creature_n as_o go_n and_o last_o we_o add_v these_o word_n in_o jesus_n christ_n because_o there_o be_v no_o true_a serve_v of_o god_n the_o
other_o so_o to_o do_v six_o the_o catholic_a church_n be_v never_o pure_a here_o on_o earth_n no_o more_o than_o the_o goldly_v in_o the_o bowel_n of_o the_o earth_n but_o have_v hypocrite_n mix_v with_o true_a believer_n yea_o the_o number_n of_o hypocrite_n be_v far_o great_a then_o of_o the_o other_o for_o many_o be_v call_v but_o few_o be_v choose_v sect._n 8._o of_o the_o distribution_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n thus_o we_o see_v in_o general_a the_o nature_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n now_o we_o be_v to_o descend_v into_o a_o more_o particular_a consideration_n of_o it_o in_o the_o member_n the_o which_o be_v either_o scatter_v abroad_o of_o the_o which_o we_o be_v to_o entreat_v in_o the_o first_o place_n because_o they_o be_v in_o nature_n most_o simple_a or_o else_o be_v join_v together_o make_v a_o particular_a church_n the_o conjunction_n of_o all_o particular_a church_n do_v make_v the_o visible_a church_n the_o which_o with_o the_o disperse_a member_n make_v the_o catholic_a church_n the_o which_o we_o divide_v in_o the_o first_o place_n into_o disperse_a member_n church_n and_o particular_a church_n even_o as_o the_o people_n of_o any_o kingdom_n or_o country_n may_v be_v bring_v to_o these_o two_o head_n the_o one_o of_o those_o who_o do_v wander_v hither_o and_o thither_o not_o belong_v to_o any_o society_n company_n or_o corporation_n the_o other_o of_o those_o who_o dwell_v together_o in_o some_o town_n or_o city_n under_o law_n government_n and_o in_o due_a order_n chap._n ii_o of_o the_o disperse_a member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n sect._n 1_o for_o what_o cause_n man_n be_v separate_v from_o the_o church_n although_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n do_v ordinare_o and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n live_v together_o by_o the_o institution_n and_o commandment_n of_o god_n for_o their_o mutual_a edification_n yet_o it_o come_v often_o to_o pass_v that_o some_o be_v sever_v from_o the_o company_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o upon_o diverse_a occasion_n of_o all_o which_o in_o general_a this_o be_v to_o be_v hold_v that_o they_o be_v either_o necessary_a constrain_a man_n against_o their_o will_n or_o else_o unlawful_a and_o condemn_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o as_o touch_v that_o voluntary_a or_o rather_o wilful_a separation_n of_o the_o eremites_n in_o time_n past_a who_o forsake_v the_o company_n of_o man_n do_v choose_v to_o live_v in_o desert_n place_n unawfull_a it_o be_v in_o no_o case_n to_o be_v imitate_v for_o that_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n who_o in_o great_a wisdom_n have_v appoint_v as_o civil_a society_n for_o the_o great_a commodity_n of_o our_o temporal_a life_n so_o also_o the_o spiritual_a and_o holy_a assembly_n of_o his_o servant_n that_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o may_v be_v help_v each_o by_o other_o in_o matter_n pertain_v to_o their_o eternal_a salvation_n for_o in_o the_o church_n we_o have_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n we_o have_v private_a exhortation_n and_o admonition_n of_o one_o to_o another_o yea_o the_o example_n of_o a_o godly_a life_n in_o our_o brethren_n and_o final_o all_o the_o mean_n of_o edification_n whereof_o these_o eremites_n make_v themselves_o destitute_a and_o therefore_o in_o so_o do_v as_o they_o do_v sin_n against_o their_o own_o body_n in_o that_o leave_v those_o place_n where_o all_o the_o creature_n of_o god_n needful_a for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o this_o pesent_a life_n may_v convenient_o be_v have_v do_v by_o suffer_a hunger_n thirst_n cold_a and_o nakedness_n make_v themselves_o altogether_o unfit_a for_o the_o perform_v of_o any_o christian_n duty_n so_o they_o do_v much_o more_o sin_n against_o their_o own_o soul_n which_o they_o suffer_v to_o pine_v away_o through_o want_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o which_o they_o do_v lay_v open_a to_o the_o manifold_a temptation_n and_o delusion_n of_o sathan_n yea_o they_o do_v inflict_v upon_o themselves_o and_o that_o not_o unworthe_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o pride_n and_o wilful_a contempt_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n that_o most_o fearful_a punishment_n which_o the_o scripture_n 1._o cor._n 3._o call_v give_v up_o to_o sathan_n in_o that_o they_o do_v deprive_v themselves_o of_o the_o inestimable_a benefit_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n if_o they_o object_n for_o their_o own_o defence_n the_o example_n of_o the_o prophet_n jeremy_n 9.2_o who_o wish_v that_o he_o have_v a_o cottage_n in_o the_o wilderness_n that_o so_o he_o may_v not_o see_v the_o wickedness_n of_o the_o people_n we_o answer_v first_o that_o the_o prophet_n do_v speak_v diverse_a thing_n in_o the_o zeal_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o a_o hyperbolical_a manner_n of_o speech_n yea_o sometime_o also_o in_o humane_a impatience_n which_o he_o do_v never_o put_v in_o practice_n as_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o he_o do_v this_o desire_n second_o that_o they_o do_v it_o in_o no_o such_o mind_n but_o in_o a_o vain_a presumption_n pretend_v the_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n and_o their_o own_o sufficiency_n to_o work_v their_o salvation_n without_o the_o help_n of_o other_o and_o of_o those_o mean_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v we_o confess_v indeed_o that_o so_o many_o of_o they_o as_o live_v in_o those_o time_n wherein_o popery_n do_v corrupt_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n have_v just_a cause_n of_o separation_n and_o that_o they_o may_v more_o commodious_o and_o lawful_o serve_v god_n in_o the_o vast_a desert_n then_o in_o the_o most_o populous_a church_n be_v in_o that_o case_n but_o most_o of_o these_o eremites_n be_v more_o foolish_o superstitious_a than_o they_o be_v who_o they_o leave_v and_o few_o or_o none_o of_o they_o have_v that_o knowledge_n and_o grace_n vouchsafe_v to_o they_o of_o god_n to_o see_v and_o abhor_v those_o palpable_a corruption_n as_o for_o those_o who_o although_o they_o live_v in_o desert_n place_n yet_o they_o have_v the_o company_n of_o other_o who_o join_v with_o they_o in_o that_o kind_n of_o life_n their_o do_v be_v more_o probable_a because_o they_o seem_v by_o this_o mean_n to_o live_v in_o the_o form_n of_o a_o church_n yet_o not_o justifiable_a by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n if_o this_o their_o separation_n be_v make_v from_o a_o church_n serve_v god_n aright_o in_o any_o measure_n but_o it_o come_v often_o to_o pass_v that_o some_o be_v constrain_v by_o urgent_a and_o necessary_a cause_n to_o live_v out_o of_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n as_o in_o the_o time_n of_o persecution_n whenas_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n can_v without_o evident_a danger_n meet_v together_o so_o we_o read_v act._n 8.1_o that_o the_o whole_a church_n which_o be_v at_o jerusalem_n be_v disperse_v abroad_o save_o the_o apostle_n likewise_o whenas_o any_o of_o they_o be_v take_v captive_n and_o by_o violence_n carry_v into_o those_o country_n where_o there_o be_v no_o church_n and_o there_o detain_v as_o if_o a_o christian_n be_v constrain_v to_o abide_v among_o the_o turk_n jew_n or_o any_o other_o infidel_n yea_o many_o have_v in_o all_o time_n serve_v god_n who_o never_o be_v of_o any_o particular_a church_n but_o be_v call_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n by_o extraordinary_a mean_n have_v continual_o live_v amongst_o infidel_n these_o although_o they_o ought_v to_o make_v repair_n to_o those_o place_n where_o they_o understand_v the_o church_n to_o be_v and_o to_o make_v their_o abode_n there_o yet_o often_o they_o abide_v in_o their_o native_a country_n upon_o diverse_a occasion_n as_o namely_o for_o that_o they_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o small_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n and_o of_o faith_n can_v easy_o overcome_v the_o frailty_n of_o the_o flesh_n which_o counsel_v they_o that_o in_o no_o case_n they_o forsake_v their_o country_n kindred_n friend_n house_n and_o land_n and_o cast_v themselves_o into_o infinite_a danger_n trouble_n and_o misery_n which_o for_o the_o most_o part_n do_v accompany_v they_o who_o live_v in_o strange_a place_n yea_o it_o may_v be_v that_o they_o know_v not_o either_o what_o or_o where_o the_o church_n be_v and_o so_o can_v endeavour_v to_o come_v to_o it_o and_o last_o even_a man_n live_v in_o the_o church_n may_v have_v necessary_a cause_n constrain_a they_o to_o live_v from_o the_o society_n of_o the_o same_o as_o contagious_a disease_n as_o the_o leprosy_n be_v amongst_o the_o israelite_n for_o the_o which_o we_o read_v that_o king_n ozias_n be_v separate_v a_o long_a time_n from_o the_o church_n yea_o man_n which_o be_v excommunicate_v and_o do_v so_o continue_v be_v still_o to_o be_v account_v member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n so_o long_o as_o they_o continue_v in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n howsoever_o they_o be_v not_o member_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n
god_n and_o for_o a_o hearty_a and_o spiritual_a serve_v of_o god_n do_v institute_v a_o dead_a worship_n not_o pierce_v into_o the_o heart_n three_o where_o there_o be_v many_o law_n there_o be_v also_o necessare_o many_o transgression_n of_o law_n and_o so_o the_o necessary_a break_n of_o some_o make_v the_o rest_n to_o be_v less_o obey_v and_o esteem_v it_o remain_v that_o we_o shall_v show_v to_o who_o the_o make_n of_o ecclesiastical_a law_n do_v belong_v but_o as_o before_o we_o do_v defer_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o first_o mover_n in_o the_o plant_n of_o a_o church_n till_o we_o come_v to_o the_o distinct_a kind_n of_o a_o church_n so_o this_o question_n must_v be_v refer_v to_o the_o same_o place_n chap._n vii_o of_o the_o diverse_a state_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n sect._n 1_o of_o a_o unstablished_a state_n of_o a_o church_n thus_o we_o have_v declare_v as_o it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o give_v unto_o we_o the_o knowledge_n hereof_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n the_o matter_n whereof_o it_o consist_v be_v a_o company_n of_o christian_n call_v together_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n the_o form_n likewise_o be_v first_o and_o chief_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o second_o the_o positive_a law_n or_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n the_o which_o two_o kind_n of_o law_n divine_a and_o humane_a whenas_o they_o be_v join_v together_o and_o put_v in_o practice_n among_o a_o believe_a people_n then_o be_v the_o whole_a frame_n of_o the_o house_n of_o god_n set_v up_o the_o which_o although_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o one_o and_o the_o same_o and_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n ought_v to_o be_v full_o and_o pure_o establish_v in_o all_o place_n yet_o by_o reason_n of_o man_n infirmity_n not_o be_v able_a to_o perform_v the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o perfect_a manner_n and_o of_o the_o malice_n of_o satan_n labour_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o hinder_v this_o work_n when_o it_o be_v put_v in_o practice_n it_o receave_v many_o alteration_n whereof_o come_v the_o diverse_a state_n of_o a_o church_n in_o all_o which_o this_o be_v general_o to_o be_v note_v that_o they_o have_v many_o aberâ—ations_n from_o the_o form_n of_o government_n prescribe_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o which_o may_v lawful_o be_v tolerate_v where_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o church_n they_o can_v be_v amend_v yet_o so_o as_o that_o we_o do_v always_o aim_v at_o that_o which_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o let_v whereby_o this_o work_n be_v hinder_v that_o it_o can_v come_v to_o perfection_n at_o the_o first_o be_v of_o two_o kind_n natural_a &_o violent_a the_o first_o kind_n we_o call_v natural_a because_o they_o arise_v of_o no_o outward_a cause_n but_o even_o of_o the_o very_a hardness_n of_o the_o work_n itself_o as_o these_o for_o example_n it_o come_v often_o to_o pass_v that_o man_n although_o convert_v from_o infidelity_n to_o faith_n yet_o can_v at_o the_o first_o be_v bring_v to_o submit_v themselves_o whole_o to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n state_n yea_o there_o can_v hardly_o be_v get_v at_o the_o first_o a_o sufficient_a number_n of_o teacher_n endue_v with_o sufficient_a gift_n for_o this_o great_a work_n beside_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v hope_v that_o the_o law_n whereby_o the_o church_n be_v govern_v shall_v be_v soon_o bring_v to_o perfection_n for_o neither_o the_o law_n of_o god_n will_v be_v thorough_o know_v till_o they_o have_v be_v some_o time_n practise_v neither_o the_o humane_a constitution_n of_o the_o church_n make_v fit_a to_o the_o people_n and_o agreeable_a to_o all_o circumstance_n till_o use_v do_v show_v they_o to_o be_v convenient_a in_o all_o or_o else_o inconuenint_a in_o some_o respect_n what_o be_v want_v in_o they_o &_o what_o be_v superfluous_a by_o these_o mean_n and_o many_o other_o of_o the_o same_o kind_n it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o thâ—_n church_n be_v for_o some_o space_n of_o time_n although_o both_o found_v anâ—_n build_v yet_o not_o strong_o fasten_v together_o nor_o in_o any_o firm_a constant_a &_o settle_a estate_n yet_o this_o be_v not_o a_o imperfect_a state_n of_o a_o church_n wherein_o some_o part_n of_o the_o government_n be_v want_v but_o a_o state_n unestablish_v even_o as_o we_o see_v that_o although_o the_o part_n of_o the_o body_n of_o a_o child_n be_v not_o as_o yeâ—_n so_o firm_a and_o compact_a neither_o his_o whole_a body_n have_v attain_v to_o that_o strength_n and_o firm_a constitution_n whereunto_o it_o grow_v yet_o he_o be_v not_o therefore_o maim_v or_o imperfect_a so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n the_o which_o grow_v from_o one_o age_n state_n and_o strength_n to_o another_o even_o as_o a_o man_n body_n do_v in_o this_o estate_n all_o church_n be_v at_o the_o first_o and_o so_o do_v continue_v either_o a_o long_o or_o a_o short_a time_n as_o the_o hindrance_n of_o the_o build_n of_o they_o be_v many_o or_o few_o great_a or_o little_a thus_o be_v the_o church_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n yea_o many_o of_o they_o do_v continue_v so_o a_o long_a time_n because_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a difficulty_n to_o build_v they_o and_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o any_o good_a estate_n for_o then_o all_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n be_v strange_a unto_o they_o for_o that_o they_o be_v late_o ordain_v and_o have_v not_o be_v practise_v before_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o after_o they_o be_v plant_v and_o full_o build_v by_o the_o apostle_n they_o do_v still_o require_v their_o continual_a care_n as_o pâ—ule_n say_v of_o himself_o 2._o corin._n 11.28_o that_o the_o care_n of_o all_o the_o church_n lay_v upon_o himself_o for_o although_o he_o be_v present_a with_o they_o or_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o other_o do_v set_v all_o thing_n in_o due_a order_n yet_o they_o do_v not_o continue_v long_o in_o that_o estate_n but_o fall_v into_o many_o abuse_n and_o disorder_n in_o life_n doctrine_n and_o government_n the_o which_o may_v be_v see_v as_o in_o other_o so_o especial_o in_o the_o church_n at_o corinth_n the_o which_o while_o it_o be_v in_o this_o unestablished_a state_n be_v even_o over_o grow_v with_o disorder_n and_o so_o it_o be_v with_o other_o church_n being_n not_o full_o settle_v for_o as_o a_o â—ouse_n may_v be_v easy_o shake_v a_o sunder_o before_o the_o part_n of_o it_o be_v firm_o join_v together_o and_z as_o child_n in_o their_o young_a age_n be_v subject_a to_o many_o danger_n and_o be_v easy_o hurt_v so_o the_o government_n of_o church_n be_v most_o common_o confound_v and_o â—roden_v under_o foot_n before_o it_o be_v confime_v by_o use_n and_o practice_v in_o the_o which_o respect_n they_o to_o who_o the_o care_n of_o such_o church_n be_v commit_v aught_o to_o be_v so_o much_o more_o diligent_a and_o watchful_a as_o the_o danger_n be_v great_a than_o at_o other_o time_n yea_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o infancy_n or_o weak_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n they_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o remit_v somewhat_o 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be_v without_o diverse_a corruption_n and_o imperfection_n in_o this_o world_n a_o pure_a estate_n be_v that_o wherein_o god_n be_v serve_v according_a to_o his_o own_o will_n and_o ordinance_n only_o the_o whole_a order_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v free_a from_o all_o spot_v of_o idolatry_n superstition_n and_o all_o tradition_n or_o devise_n of_o man_n swerve_v from_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o example_n of_o this_o exact_a purity_n be_v very_o few_o beside_o the_o first_o church_n build_v by_o moses_n among_o the_o israelite_n and_o by_o the_o aposteles_a among_o the_o christian_n in_o jerusalem_n for_o immediate_o after_o their_o day_n creep_v in_o corruption_n the_o stain_n whereof_o be_v hardly_o
remove_v yet_o the_o church_n have_v this_o purity_n in_o some_o measure_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o religious_a king_n of_o israel_n who_o do_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n all_o relic_n monument_n and_o shadow_n of_o corruption_n and_o likewise_o in_o diverse_a place_n since_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n especial_o in_o these_o last_o day_n wherein_o it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o bring_v his_o church_n out_o of_o that_o sink_n of_o antichristianisme_n and_o to_o reveal_v the_o right_a way_n and_o manner_n of_o his_o service_n yea_o church_n as_o they_o have_v a_o small_a beginning_n from_o the_o which_o they_o rise_v and_o a_o state_n unestablish_v wherein_o they_o continue_v for_o some_o space_n of_o time_n so_o also_o they_o may_v at_o lengh_n attain_v to_o a_o perfect_a state_n whereunto_o they_o do_v daily_o grow_v and_o whereat_o they_o ought_v continual_o to_o aim_v it_o be_v then_o attain_v unto_o whenas_o all_o those_o ordinance_n which_o christ_n have_v 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christian_n life_n agreeable_a to_o their_o profession_n then_o be_v there_o a_o perfect_a state_n of_o a_o church_n the_o which_o although_o as_o have_v be_v heretofore_o note_v it_o can_v hardly_o be_v attain_v especial_o of_o church_n consist_v of_o great_a multitude_n of_o professor_n yet_o we_o be_v to_o do_v our_o endeavour_n commit_v the_o success_n of_o our_o labour_n to_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n to_o who_o nothing_o be_v hard_a or_o impossible_a yea_o who_o do_v so_o bless_v and_o prosper_v they_o that_o labour_n in_o the_o build_n of_o his_o church_n far_o above_o their_o own_o expectation_n that_o they_o shall_v see_v such_o fruit_n of_o their_o labour_n which_o will_v seem_v impossible_a to_o be_v bring_v to_o pass_v by_o the_o mean_n of_o any_o man_n sect._n 3_o of_o the_o flourish_a estate_n of_o a_o church_n the_o lord_n in_o mercy_n be_v yet_o more_o gracious_a to_o his_o church_n and_o grant_v that_o in_o many_o place_n it_o shall_v have_v not_o only_o a_o perfect_a but_o also_o a_o flourish_a estate_n the_o which_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v in_o these_o thing_n first_o when_o as_o the_o church_n do_v consist_v not_o of_o a_o small_a company_n of_o believer_n daily_o but_o of_o great_a multitude_n profess_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n praise_v he_o call_v upon_o he_o and_o serve_v he_o the_o which_o no_o doubt_n be_v a_o happy_a thing_n and_o most_o earnest_o to_o be_v wish_v in_o this_o respect_n the_o church_n in_o these_o day_n do_v flourish_v as_o it_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v that_o they_o will_v do_v more_o and_o more_o for_o this_o be_v the_o time_n wherein_o the_o lord_n have_v appoint_v that_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o gentile_n shall_v come_v in_o and_o not_o only_o a_o few_o here_o and_o there_o but_o even_o whole_a country_n kingdom_n and_o nation_n submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o the_o great_a number_n of_o believer_n it_o come_v that_o there_o be_v in_o the_o church_n many_o notable_a example_n of_o godliness_n and_o of_o all_o spiritual_a grace_n yea_o great_a variety_n of_o they_o then_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o small_a congregation_n although_o usual_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v by_o the_o malice_n of_o satan_n and_o the_o corruption_n of_o man_n that_o multitude_n make_v confusion_n in_o the_o church_n and_o can_v hardly_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o due_a order_n of_o a_o church_n as_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v hereafter_o second_o the_o flourish_a estate_n of_o a_o church_n consist_v in_o the_o abâ—ndâ—â—ce_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n whenas_o knowledge_n wisdom_n the_o gift_n of_o teach_v and_o all_o other_o which_o make_v for_o the_o build_n of_o the_o church_n be_v plentiful_o pour_v upon_o it_o when_o as_o that_o come_v to_o pass_v which_o the_o prophet_n foretell_v of_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v pour_v upon_o all_o flesh_n the_o which_o as_o it_o be_v accomplish_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n on_o the_o which_o the_o lord_n do_v immediate_o and_o extraordinare_o pourefoorth_o all_o the_o grace_n of_o his_o spirit_n in_o such_o plentiful_a manner_n as_o be_v never_o in_o the_o church_n before_o not_o shall_v be_v till_o the_o church_n be_v perfect_v at_o the_o appear_v of_o christ_n so_o now_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o shorten_v but_o he_o do_v still_o continue_v this_o mercy_n to_o his_o church_n although_o after_o a_o diverse_a manner_n for_o now_o we_o be_v not_o to_o look_v for_o the_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o prophecy_n gift_n speak_v in_o strange_a tongue_n work_v miracle_n and_o such_o like_a by_o the_o which_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v most_o glorious_a and_o do_v flourish_v in_o most_o wonderful_a manner_n for_o these_o serve_v only_o for_o the_o first_o plant_n of_o the_o church_n neither_o be_v we_o to_o look_v either_o for_o the_o like_a measure_n of_o gift_n â—r_o for_o 〈◊〉_d grace_n of_o knowledge_n wisdom_n the_o gift_n of_o interpretation_n teach_v exhort_v or_o any_o other_o immediate_o from_o god_n as_o they_o have_v for_o this_o also_o be_v proper_a to_o those_o time_n in_o the_o which_o because_o it_o be_v not_o meet_v that_o the_o build_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v not_o go_v forward_o till_o man_n have_v attain_v these_o gift_n by_o ordinary_a mean_n therefore_o it_o please_v god_n immediate_o to_o supply_v their_o want_n but_o now_o these_o be_v not_o attain_v but_o by_o ordinary_a mean_n and_o yet_o the_o lord_n do_v oftentimes_o grant_v they_o to_o his_o church_n in_o such_o abundance_n and_o in_o so_o great_a measure_n as_o that_o they_o do_v make_v a_o flourish_a estate_n of_o a_o church_n a_o special_a note_n whereof_o in_o this_o behalf_n be_v when_o there_o be_v many_o endue_v with_o those_o excellent_a gift_n of_o knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n whereby_o the_o whole_a church_n may_v be_v furnish_v with_o wise_a and_o learned_a teacher_n this_o be_v to_o be_v look_v for_o in_o those_o place_n and_o country_n which_o god_n have_v bless_v with_o a_o long_a and_o continual_a peace_n so_o it_o be_v act._n 9.31_o the_o church_n have_v peace_n throughout_o galatia_n jury_n and_o samaria_n and_o be_v edify_v and_o do_v go_v on_o in_o the_o consolation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n for_o even_o as_o for_o the_o build_n of_o that_o glorious_a temple_n the_o lord_n do_v give_v a_o long_a time_n of_o peace_n in_o the_o day_n of_o solomon_n so_o do_v he_o also_o when_o it_o please_v he_o to_o have_v a_o flourish_a church_n in_o any_o place_n yea_o for_o a_o flourish_a estate_n in_o the_o gift_n of_o his_o spirit_n there_o be_v in_o these_o day_n require_v abundance_n of_o learning_n and_o of_o man_n endue_v with_o singular_a gift_n both_o of_o nature_n and_o industry_n for_o god_n do_v sanctify_v these_o for_o the_o edify_a and_o beautify_v of_o his_o church_n hereof_o it_o be_v that_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n &_o alexandria_n change_v their_o subtle_a and_o learned_a philosopher_n into_o most_o excellent_a divine_n but_o especial_o they_o of_o corinth_n do_v flourish_v notable_o in_o a_o wonderful_a abundance_n of_o all_o grace_n above_o all_o other_o church_n whereof_o we_o read_v that_o they_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n tongue_n interpretation_n yea_o and_o all_o other_o as_o the_o apostle_n witness_v 1._o cor._n 1.6_o and_o that_o in_o great_a measure_n in_o regard_v whereof_o the_o apostle_n saitâ—_n 1._o cor._n 4.8_o that_o they_o be_v enrich_v and_o do_v reign_v as_o king_n without_o he_o neither_o be_v these_o grace_n bestow_v only_o upon_o the_o teacher_n and_o ruler_n in_o the_o church_n but_o in_o this_o flourish_a estate_n they_o be_v even_o as_o that_o precious_a ointment_n which_o be_v pour_v upon_o aaron_n head_n do_v run_v down_o to_o the_o skirt_n of_o his_o garment_n so_o that_o
affection_n and_o endeavour_n do_v help_v it_o forward_o as_o they_o who_o do_v build_v out_o of_o order_n or_o not_o in_o due_a time_n aâ—d_v season_n but_o there_o be_v another_o kâ—â—d_n of_o hinderer_n who_o aâ—e_v tru_o and_o proper_o so_o call_v and_o these_o do_v of_o set_a purpose_n â—â—nder_v the_o build_n of_o it_o the_o which_o no_o doubt_n be_v not_o only_o a_o strange_a thing_n although_o it_o be_v most_o usual_a in_o the_o world_n that_o any_o man_n shall_v be_v give_v up_o to_o such_o a_o reprobate_n and_o senseless_a mind_n as_o to_o labour_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o overthrow_n and_o deface_v that_o wherein_o his_o chief_a felicity_n do_v consist_v but_o also_o a_o most_o fearful_a case_n for_o as_o the_o apostle_n witness_v 1._o cor._n 3.17_o who_o so_o destroy_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n which_o be_v holy_a he_o shall_v god_n destroy_v and_o philip_n 1.28_o to_o be_v a_o adversary_n to_o the_o church_n be_v a_o sign_n of_o perdition_n howsoever_o the_o lord_n may_v change_v the_o hart_n of_o the_o most_o fierce_a enemy_n which_o his_o church_n have_v and_o make_v he_o become_v a_o favourer_n of_o it_o as_o we_o see_v in_o the_o example_n of_o paul_n sect._n 5._o how_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v build_v against_o profess_a hinderer_n they_o who_o do_v of_o set_a purpose_n hinder_v the_o build_n of_o the_o church_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n to_o wit_v profess_v or_o hypocritical_a of_o both_o these_o kind_n the_o apostle_n forewarneth_a the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v at_o ephesus_n act._n 20.29_o say_n i_o know_v that_o after_o my_o departure_n fierce_a wolf_n shall_v come_v in_o upon_o you_o not_o spare_v the_o flock_n the_o other_o kind_n follow_v and_o of_o yourselves_o there_o shall_v arise_v man_n speak_v perverse_a thing_n to_o draw_v disciple_n after_o they_o and_o so_o do_v christ_n his_o disciple_n math._n 24.9.10_o open_a persecutor_n shall_v kill_v you_o and_o you_o shall_v be_v hate_v of_o all_o man_n yea_o many_o that_o believe_v shall_v be_v offend_v and_o one_o shall_v betray_v a_o other_o and_o many_o false_a prophet_n shall_v arise_v and_o deceive_v many_o these_o hinderer_n as_o they_o be_v diverse_a so_o they_o be_v diverse_o to_o be_v deal_v withal_o yet_o this_o belong_v unto_o they_o all_o that_o whenas_o they_o be_v obstinate_o and_o desperate_o malicious_a in_o hinder_v the_o build_n of_o the_o church_n they_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o imprecation_n of_o the_o say_a church_n neh._n 6.14_o and_o 2._o timo._n 4.14_o profess_a hinderer_n be_v such_o as_o be_v not_o member_n of_o the_o church_n for_o no_o man_n can_v profess_v himself_o to_o be_v both_o a_o servant_n to_o christ_n and_o a_o hinderer_n and_o defacer_n of_o his_o glory_n which_o shine_v only_o in_o the_o church_n and_o be_v obscure_v by_o hinder_v the_o build_n of_o it_o more_o than_o by_o any_o other_o mean_n but_o they_o who_o hate_v christian_n religion_n do_v by_o all_o mean_n labour_v to_o hinder_v the_o propagation_n of_o it_o and_o that_o most_o common_o by_o open_a violence_n these_o may_v lawful_o be_v resist_v by_o violence_n as_o they_o do_v oppugn_v the_o truth_n as_o we_o read_v that_o the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n do_v who_o do_v build_v with_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o hold_v their_o weapon_n with_o the_o other_o neh._n 4.17_o therefore_o these_o be_v call_v the_o lord_n battle_n and_o hereof_o we_o need_v not_o doubt_n but_o that_o the_o force_n of_o open_a enemy_n labour_v to_o overthrow_v the_o church_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v resist_v by_o force_n there_o be_v no_o cause_n of_o war_n so_o just_a as_o be_v the_o defence_n of_o the_o church_n neither_o any_o wherein_o we_o may_v be_v more_o bold_a to_o look_v even_o for_o the_o extraordinary_a help_n and_o blessing_n of_o god_n in_o fight_v for_o we_o for_o the_o good_a and_o safety_n whereof_o all_o the_o creature_n in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n do_v serve_v thus_o joah_n incourage_v his_o brother_n 2._o sam._n 10.12_o quit_v thou_o like_o a_o man_n and_o let_v we_o be_v valiant_a for_o our_o people_n and_o for_o the_o city_n of_o our_o god_n sect._n 6._o how_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v build_v whenas_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n be_v a_o profess_a enemy_n to_o the_o gospel_n it_o come_v often_o to_o pass_v that_o the_o build_n of_o the_o church_n be_v hinder_v by_o the_o civil_a ruler_n who_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o chief_a furtherer_n of_o it_o be_v place_v by_o god_n in_o authority_n for_o this_o end_n that_o by_o their_o mean_n the_o people_n may_v live_v a_o quiet_a life_n in_o all_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n 1._o timo._n 2.2_o but_o the_o people_n by_o their_o sin_n do_v often_o pull_v upon_o themselves_o as_o diverse_a other_o judgment_n so_o also_o profane_a and_o godless_a ruler_n so_o much_o abhor_v from_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n that_o they_o do_v not_o only_o not_o embrace_v it_o themselves_o but_o also_o hinder_v their_o subject_n from_o use_v it_o the_o which_o be_v a_o lamentable_a case_n &_o even_o a_o horrible_a confusion_n of_o all_o thing_n whenas_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o magistrate_n be_v stretch_v out_o against_o the_o church_n the_o member_n and_o builder_n of_o it_o which_o be_v appoint_v chief_o for_o the_o maintain_n of_o it_o yet_o we_o have_v many_o example_n hereof_o in_o all_o age_n of_o king_n prince_n emperor_n &_o all_o kind_n of_o ruler_n who_o have_v oppose_v their_o whole_a power_n and_o authority_n to_o the_o build_n of_o the_o church_n this_o be_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o space_n of_o diverse_a hundred_o year_n in_o the_o first_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o which_o do_v miserable_o labour_v under_o the_o cross_n of_o persecute_v emperor_n &_o the_o like_a may_v be_v see_v in_o every_o age_n and_o therefore_o it_o belong_v to_o all_o christian_n to_o know_v how_o far_o they_o may_v go_v in_o build_v the_o church_n in_o this_o state_n of_o thing_n and_o whether_o that_o it_o be_v lawful_a as_o before_o to_o build_v the_o church_n and_o to_o maintain_v the_o same_o be_v build_v by_o force_n against_o the_o violence_n of_o the_o civil_a power_n the_o answer_n to_o this_o question_n be_v diverse_a according_a to_o the_o diversity_n of_o rule_n and_o of_o subjection_n for_o some_o magistrate_n do_v so_o rule_v 〈◊〉_d aâ—_n that_o they_o themselves_o be_v in_o some_o sort_n to_o be_v overrule_v by_o other_o yea_o they_o be_v subject_a to_o law_n as_o other_o man_n be_v so_o as_o if_o they_o do_v transgress_v either_o in_o their_o private_a life_n or_o in_o public_a administration_n they_o be_v to_o be_v call_v to_o account_v and_o to_o be_v bring_v into_o order_n by_o the_o people_n or_o by_o the_o chief_a and_o noble_a of_o they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o rest_n these_o may_v lawful_o by_o the_o aforesaid_a power_n of_o â—he_n people_n but_o not_o by_o any_o private_a man_n or_o company_n of_o man_n be_v compel_v to_o suffer_v the_o build_n of_o the_o church_n to_o go_v forward_o but_o this_o be_v no_o answer_n to_o the_o question_n for_o here_o subject_n do_v not_o resist_v a_o high_a power_n but_o the_o civil_a power_n be_v divide_v betwixt_o the_o people_n and_o the_o ruler_n one_o part_n of_o it_o resist_v the_o other_o in_o the_o which_o combat_n the_o low_a power_n ought_v to_o give_v place_n to_o the_o high_a and_o therefore_o the_o magistrate_n to_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o people_n by_o the_o which_o they_o be_v put_v in_o office_n to_o rule_v they_o several_o and_o joint_o in_o the_o name_n and_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o all_o for_o this_o kind_n of_o magistrate_n be_v to_o be_v accounpt_v as_o deputy_n or_o substitute_n to_o the_o people_n and_o may_v lawful_o be_v depose_v by_o they_o when_o the_o common_a good_a do_v so_o require_v yea_o if_o any_o people_n have_v submit_v themselves_o to_o any_o authority_n with_o condition_n of_o have_v the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o the_o free_a use_n of_o it_o they_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o obey_v if_o the_o say_a condition_n be_v break_v church_n but_o there_o be_v another_o kind_n of_o government_n wherein_o the_o ruler_n for_o usual_o he_o be_v but_o one_o have_v great_a authority_n and_o a_o more_o sure_a stand_n in_o his_o place_n in_o that_o he_o be_v not_o choose_v or_o appoint_v by_o the_o people_n to_o rule_v neither_o do_v take_v his_o authority_n at_o their_o hand_n as_o their_o gift_n but_o have_v it_o from_o god_n from_o his_o predecessor_n and_o from_o himself_o these_o ruler_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n great_a king_n and_o monarch_n who_o do_v obtain_v kingdom_n by_o hereditary_a succession_n from_o their_o ancestor_n authoâ—itie_n have_v either_o by_o force_n conquer_v the_o dominion_n of_o
with_o the_o multitude_n there_o come_v in_o confusion_n and_o corruption_n and_o the_o civil_a power_n be_v in_o the_o person_n of_o the_o magistrate_n join_v to_o the_o church_n do_v often_o too_o much_o abridge_v the_o use_n of_o christian_n liberty_n take_v to_o itself_o as_o it_o may_v lawful_o do_v full_a power_n in_o make_v those_o ecclesiastical_a law_n which_o belong_v general_o to_o all_o the_o church_n within_o the_o compass_n of_o it_o but_o in_o these_o church_n the_o whole_a authority_n of_o establish_v law_n order_n and_o the_o appoint_v of_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n be_v in_o the_o church_n itself_o last_o it_o be_v usual_o object_v against_o these_o private_a church_n that_o they_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o tumult_n and_o civil_a dissension_n and_o so_o consequent_o do_v breâ—d_v the_o ruin_n of_o those_o commonwealth_n and_o kingdom_n wherein_o they_o aâ—e_v tolerate_v &_o therefore_o that_o it_o be_v the_o part_n of_o wise_a ruler_n who_o tender_v the_o good_a and_o peaceable_a estate_n of_o the_o people_n not_o to_o suffer_v they_o within_o their_o dominion_n to_o this_o we_o answer_v confess_v that_o through_o the_o perverseness_n of_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n the_o which_o be_v 〈◊〉_d inflame_v with_o bitter_a enmity_n against_o god_n and_o all_o goodness_n it_o come_v often_o to_o pass_v that_o â—â—uersitie_n of_o religion_n do_v stir_v up_o great_a debate_n in_o kingdom_n city_n and_o family_n for_o this_o cause_n the_o church_n desire_v to_o be_v separate_v in_o place_n from_o the_o idolatour_n least_o thâ—y_o shall_v exasperate_v their_o mind_n against_o they_o gen._n 46.34_o exod._n 8.26_o yea_o christ_n do_v profess_v that_o this_o will_v follow_v the_o gospel_n that_o the_o father_n shall_v be_v at_o deadly_a variance_n with_o the_o son_n and_o the_o mother_n with_o the_o daughter_n and_o that_o a_o man_n near_a friend_n shall_v for_o this_o cause_n become_v his_o cruel_a enemy_n yea_o the_o bloody_a and_o tragical_a tumult_n which_o have_v of_o late_a time_n rise_v and_o continue_v upon_o this_o occasion_n in_o diverse_a place_n do_v testify_v the_o truth_n here_o of_o but_o yet_o we_o ought_v not_o therefore_o to_o banish_v the_o church_n out_o of_o our_o dominion_n for_o it_o be_v better_a to_o have_v the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n with_o war_n trouble_n and_o dissension_n than_o idolatry_n with_o quietness_n so_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o say_v with_o christ_n that_o see_v the_o gospel_n be_v even_o as_o a_o firebrand_n in_o the_o world_n what_o shall_v be_v our_o desire_n but_o that_o it_o be_v preach_v for_o although_o for_o a_o time_n it_o breed_v trouble_v yet_o in_o the_o end_n it_o will_v be_v find_v the_o only_a mean_n of_o true_a quietness_n chap._n viiii_o of_o a_o public_a church_n sect._n 1_o of_o the_o objection_n which_o be_v make_v against_o public_a church_n thus_o much_o of_o a_o private_a church_n beside_o the_o which_o there_o be_v another_o kind_n of_o a_o church_n namely_o when_o any_o whole_a city_n country_n or_o nation_n do_v general_o profess_v the_o faith_n and_o so_o become_v a_o church_n consist_v not_o of_o any_o small_a or_o mean_a number_n but_o of_o great_a multitude_n of_o people_n even_o of_o whole_a nation_n as_o we_o see_v at_o this_o day_n that_o diveâ—s_v great_a kingdom_n and_o commonwealth_n have_v receive_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n so_o that_o in_o they_o the_o church_n do_v not_o lurk_v in_o any_o family_n or_o private_a corner_n or_o be_v in_o some_o few_o place_n but_o be_v open_o public_o and_o general_o set_v up_o in_o all_o place_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o civil_a ruler_n and_o the_o common_a consent_n of_o all_o man_n this_o we_o call_v a_o public_a church_n such_o as_o we_o see_v at_o this_o day_n most_o of_o all_o the_o city_n commonwealthe_n be_v country_n and_o kingdom_n in_o euâ—ope_n to_o be_v of_o the_o which_o one_o be_v distinguish_v from_o another_o by_o have_v a_o proper_a government_n of_o the_o own_o be_v rule_v by_o the_o same_o humane_a law_n both_o civil_a and_o also_o ecclesiastical_a but_o it_o may_v be_v here_o think_v that_o these_o country_n be_v no_o true_a church_n but_o that_o there_o be_v church_n in_o they_o and_o that_o not_o all_o the_o people_n general_o but_o only_o some_o few_o of_o they_o separate_v from_o the_o rest_n be_v to_o be_v account_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n and_o that_o for_o these_o reason_n first_o because_o there_o be_v no_o such_o church_n establish_v by_o the_o apostle_n or_o record_v to_o have_v be_v in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o gospel_n second_o for_o that_o although_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a to_o god_n to_o convert_v the_o heart_n of_o all_o man_n to_o embrace_v the_o gospel_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o agreeable_a to_o his_o usual_a deal_n so_o to_o bless_v any_o nation_n as_o that_o all_o of_o they_o without_o exception_n shall_v believe_v and_o become_v faithful_a man_n three_o because_o of_o the_o great_a confusion_n and_o many_o foul_a corruption_n which_o be_v usual_o find_v in_o such_o church_n the_o which_o seldom_o or_o never_o can_v be_v bring_v to_o the_o right_a order_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n last_o because_o they_o be_v not_o call_v to_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n force_v thereunto_o by_o the_o law_n &_o edict_n of_o prince_n and_o other_o ruler_n whereunto_o we_o answer_v that_o these_o thing_n do_v not_o hinder_v these_o whole_a city_n or_o nation_n from_o be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n as_o touch_v the_o first_o we_o do_v confess_v that_o there_o weâ—e_v no_o such_o public_a and_o general_a church_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n neither_o in_o the_o age_n follow_v the_o cause_n whereof_o we_o may_v plain_o see_v to_o be_v this_o that_o then_o be_v the_o â—ime_n of_o the_o infancy_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n it_o have_v be_v but_o late_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n but_o this_o be_v the_o time_n wherein_o the_o lord_n have_v appoint_v that_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o gentile_n shall_v come_v in_o apostle_n which_o be_v the_o conversion_n of_o whole_a nation_n and_o many_o country_n yea_o the_o apostle_n witness_v that_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o jew_n shall_v be_v then_o whenas_o that_o whole_a nation_n shall_v general_o embrace_v christ_n as_o the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n rom._n 11.26_o to_o the_o second_o doubt_n we_o answer_v that_o all_o the_o people_n of_o any_o country_n may_v have_v a_o general_a faith_n whereby_o they_o do_v know_v and_o profess_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n &_o that_o their_o profession_n hereof_o although_o it_o be_v not_o effectual_a to_o their_o salvation_n yea_o although_o it_o be_v mere_o hypocritical_a they_o think_v no_o such_o thing_n yet_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v they_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n as_o touch_v the_o corruption_n which_o be_v in_o such_o church_n we_o do_v confess_v that_o it_o be_v great_a than_o either_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v it_o be_v or_o then_o be_v in_o private_a church_n where_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n be_v less_o and_o that_o they_o can_v so_o easy_o be_v bring_v to_o and_o keep_v in_o that_o holy_a order_n which_o christ_n have_v appoint_v for_o his_o church_n private_a and_o further_o that_o these_o public_a church_n so_o seldom_o attain_v to_o any_o pure_a or_o perfect_a estate_n because_o in_o they_o the_o church_n and_o the_o commonwealth_n be_v so_o join_v &_o link_v together_o the_o whole_a affair_n and_o state_n of_o the_o church_n depend_v on_o the_o civil_a estate_n that_o the_o manifold_a alteration_n whereunto_o all_o kingdom_n &_o commonwealths_n be_v subject_a do_v make_v many_o change_n in_o the_o church_n yet_o this_o do_v not_o take_v from_o they_o either_o the_o be_v or_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n for_o it_o be_v no_o strange_a thing_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v great_a confusion_n and_o more_o corruption_n in_o great_a multitude_n of_o people_n then_o in_o small_a congregation_n for_o so_o we_o see_v even_o in_o the_o first_o congregation_n of_o christians_n which_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o do_v govern_v that_o when_o the_o number_n of_o disciple_n do_v increase_v than_o there_o be_v murmur_v among_o they_o and_o so_o even_o this_o private_a church_n do_v tend_v to_o some_o confusion_n act._n 6.1_o yea_o this_o thing_n have_v long_o ago_o be_v observe_v to_o have_v be_v continual_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n the_o which_o as_o long_o as_o it_o be_v in_o persecution_n do_v flourish_v not_o in_o the_o number_n so_o much_o as_o in_o the_o time_n of_o peace_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v far_o better_a order_v godliness_n love_n and_o virtue_n do_v
they_o and_o nothing_o more_o shameful_a and_o ignominious_a by_o the_o general_a consent_n of_o all_o man_n then_o for_o any_o people_n to_o be_v blockish_a in_o divine_a matter_n and_o not_o able_a to_o discern_v which_o be_v the_o right_a worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n now_o let_v we_o see_v what_o the_o church_n gain_v by_o this_o bargain_n and_o covenant_n make_v with_o the_o civil_a state_n first_o by_o this_o mean_v she_o become_v safe_a from_o outward_a danger_n and_o from_o the_o violence_n of_o malicious_a persecutor_n by_o who_o private_a church_n be_v continual_o trouble_v and_o often_o quite_o overthrow_v be_v neither_o willing_a to_o resist_v by_o force_n of_o arm_n their_o own_o magistrate_n labour_v to_o deface_v the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n neither_o for_o the_o most_o part_n able_a to_o withstand_v foreign_a invasion_n and_o therefore_o they_o may_v fit_o be_v compare_v to_o a_o vineyard_n which_o want_v a_o hedge_n or_o fence_n so_o that_o all_o the_o wild_a beast_n of_o the_o forest_n do_v enter_v in_o and_o root_v it_o up_o but_o a_o public_a church_n be_v guard_v by_o the_o civil_a power_n against_o all_o danger_n not_o only_o outward_a but_o also_o inward_a arise_v of_o the_o stubborn_a wilfulness_n of_o those_o who_o will_v not_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o those_o civil_a state_n which_o be_v well_o order_v be_v far_o more_o fit_a harbour_n for_o the_o church_n state_n than_o confuse_a commonwealth_n be_v for_o whenas_o man_n be_v not_o teach_v to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o civil_a government_n which_o forbid_v only_o heinous_a offence_n be_v more_o gentle_a and_o remiss_a how_o shall_v they_o bear_v the_o yoke_n of_o ecclesiastical_a government_n which_o look_v more_o narrow_o into_o the_o life_n of_o man_n and_o be_v far_o more_o streite_z and_o severe_a so_o that_o a_o people_n subdue_v to_o civil_a obedience_n be_v as_o horse_n break_v and_o wild_a beast_n tame_v and_o may_v more_o easy_o be_v bring_v into_o the_o formâ—_n of_o a_o church_n we_o do_v confess_v that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n preach_v be_v of_o sufficient_a force_n and_o power_n to_o make_v the_o most_o lawless_a and_o barbarous_a man_n good_a christian_n and_o as_o tame_a as_o lamb_n and_o that_o without_o the_o help_n of_o this_o civil_a power_n as_o we_o see_v in_o private_a church_n yet_o for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o outward_a order_n of_o these_o public_a church_n this_o mean_n be_v of_o great_a force_n last_o the_o increase_n of_o number_n which_o come_v by_o this_o mean_n be_v to_o be_v count_v no_o small_a commodity_n be_v simple_o consider_v howsoever_o usual_o it_o bring_v with_o it_o confusion_n and_o imperfect_a state_n and_o sundry_a such_o discommodity_n sect._n 6._o of_o the_o first_o mover_n in_o the_o plant_n of_o a_o public_a church_n now_o we_o be_v to_o come_v to_o the_o special_n which_o be_v in_o plant_v of_o a_o public_a church_n and_o first_o to_o the_o beginner_n or_o first_o mover_n in_o this_o work_n for_o the_o declare_v of_o the_o truth_n hereof_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v the_o very_a original_n and_o first_o plant_v of_o church_n the_o which_o be_v found_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n in_o many_o place_n yea_o they_o also_o commit_v the_o care_n of_o continue_v those_o church_n unto_o faithful_a man_n that_o they_o may_v provide_v for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v but_o neither_o the_o apostle_n can_v bring_v to_o pass_v that_o all_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v bring_v to_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n neither_o the_o care_n of_o those_o ordinary_a minister_n to_o who_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o say_a church_n be_v commit_v can_v so_o prevail_v but_o that_o even_o in_o those_o place_n where_o the_o apostle_n plant_v church_n religion_n afterward_o be_v by_o the_o malice_n of_o satan_n not_o only_o deface_v but_o even_o so_o root_v out_o as_o in_o most_o of_o those_o place_n there_o remane_v not_o any_o shadow_n of_o a_o church_n the_o apostle_n and_o other_o extraordinary_a minister_n be_v dead_a their_o office_n and_o call_v which_o be_v to_o plant_v church_n in_o all_o place_n do_v cease_v after_o who_o there_o remain_v in_o the_o church_n ordinary_a minister_n to_o accomplish_v that_o work_n which_o they_o have_v begin_v namely_o to_o build_v out_o those_o church_n which_o they_o have_v plant_v yet_o they_o have_v no_o call_v to_o build_v church_n in_o all_o country_n but_o in_o some_o one_o place_n where_o unto_o they_o be_v appoint_v for_o if_o ordinary_a minister_n which_o be_v now_o in_o those_o place_n where_o the_o church_n be_v have_v this_o calling_n to_o preach_v in_o diverse_a country_n and_o to_o diverse_a nation_n than_o they_o shall_v have_v gift_n needful_a for_o this_o work_n as_o the_o gift_n of_o discern_a spirit_n the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n without_o the_o which_o none_o can_v preach_v to_o a_o strange_a people_n but_o these_o gift_n be_v cease_v as_o also_o these_o calling_n neither_o have_v any_o ordinary_a minister_n by_o his_o calling_n any_o charge_n of_o any_o other_o people_n and_o country_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o be_v a_o church_n and_o as_o for_o extraordinary_a man_n although_o god_n may_v raise_v up_o such_o when_o he_o will_v yet_o we_o be_v not_o to_o look_v for_o any_o such_o in_o these_o day_n as_o for_o the_o bishope_fw-mi of_o rome_n who_o challenge_v unto_o himself_o the_o care_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n as_o be_v christ_n vicar_n general_a we_o know_v that_o his_o authority_n in_o the_o ch._n be_v but_o usurp_v and_o his_o allegation_n frivolous_a he_o have_v destroy_v the_o church_n &_o therefore_o we_o be_v not_o to_o look_v that_o he_o shall_v be_v the_o chief_a doer_n in_o the_o build_n and_o plant_v of_o church_n who_o then_o shall_v we_o make_v to_o be_v the_o first_o mover_n in_o the_o plant_n or_o repair_v of_o a_o public_a church_n in_o a_o city_n commonwealth_n or_o kingdom_n even_o the_o chief_a ruler_n and_o magistrate_n of_o those_o place_n as_o have_v be_v declare_v in_o the_o second_o section_n of_o this_o chapter_n so_o then_o the_o first_o thing_n in_o the_o plant_n of_o a_o public_a church_n in_o any_o country_n be_v this_o that_o we_o suppose_v the_o civil_a ruler_n willing_a and_o desirous_a to_o take_v this_o work_n in_o hand_n and_o that_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o some_o of_o his_o subject_n make_v humble_a supplication_n to_o he_o in_o this_o behalf_n or_o by_o some_o neighbour_n church_n stir_v he_o up_o by_o their_o example_n to_o erect_v the_o church_n within_o his_o dominion_n and_o commend_v this_o work_n unto_o he_o as_o the_o most_o excellent_a and_o happy_a thing_n as_o it_o be_v indeed_o sect._n 7._o of_o the_o special_a manner_n of_o plant_v a_o public_a church_n the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v be_v how_o the_o civil_a ruler_n be_v willing_a to_o plant_v the_o ch·_n shall_v know_v the_o manner_n of_o this_o work_n and_o the_o right_a frame_n of_o it_o whereof_o at_o the_o first_o we_o must_v suppose_v both_o he_o and_o his_o people_n to_o be_v ignorant_a the_o mean_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v for_o this_o end_n be_v this_o although_o at_o the_o first_o he_o do_v not_o send_v his_o apostle_n to_o all_o country_n to_o plant_v church_n neither_o do_v since_o that_o time_n send_v any_o other_o as_o apostle_n yet_o in_o that_o he_o do_v by_o they_o at_o the_o first_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o plant_v church_n in_o most_o part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o do_v continual_o preserve_v the_o fame_n in_o one_o place_n or_o other_o he_o give_v sufficient_a mean_n of_o have_v the_o knowleege_n of_o his_o true_a worship_n to_o those_o that_o will_v embrace_v it_o and_o leave_v the_o rest_n inexcusable_a the_o first_o building_n of_o church_n in_o so_o many_o place_n be_v so_o conspicuous_a even_o as_o a_o city_n set_v on_o the_o top_n of_o a_o hill_n that_o it_o may_v easy_o be_v see_v of_o all_o man_n so_o that_o even_o as_o the_o gentile_n which_o dwell_v far_o off_o from_o hierusalem_fw-la hear_v of_o the_o fame_n of_o it_o be_v move_v many_o of_o they_o to_o repair_v thither_o to_o learn_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a god_n so_o all_o they_o now_o even_o the_o jew_n also_o when_o god_n shall_v turn_v their_o heart_n and_o open_a their_o eye_n to_o see_v some_o glimmer_n of_o the_o gospel_n aught_o to_o resort_v to_o those_o place_n where_o the_o church_n be_v there_o to_o get_v the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o manner_n of_o his_o true_a worship_n and_o all_o other_o mean_n which_o may_v further_o their_o purpose_n and_o this_o be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o procure_v man_n of_o knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n to_o come_v and_o instruct_v both_o ruler_n and_o people_n how_o
these_o thing_n ought_v to_o be_v perform_v these_o be_v to_o be_v have_v from_o those_o place_n where_o the_o church_n be_v already_o build_v as_o one_o of_o the_o priest_n which_o be_v translate_v out_o of_o samaria_n be_v send_v back_o again_o to_o teach_v the_o new_a inhabitant_n of_o the_o country_n how_o to_o fear_v and_o worship_v the_o god_n of_o israel_n and_o first_o they_o be_v to_o call_v the_o people_n to_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n by_o preach_v unto_o they_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o law_n and_o of_o the_o gospel_n in_o that_o manner_n which_o have_v already_o be_v declare_v for_o civil_a ruler_n do_v not_o themselves_o ordinarelie_o build_v the_o church_n but_o they_o as_o it_o be_v hire_n workman_n to_o do_v it_o and_o take_v order_n that_o the_o people_n who_o they_o will_v bring_v into_o the_o form_n of_o a_o church_n be_v teach_v and_o instruct_v in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n thus_o to_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n whereby_o alone_o private_a church_n be_v build_v the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o magistrate_n be_v add_v or_o rather_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n be_v add_v to_o the_o civil_a authority_n which_o have_v the_o first_o place_n in_o order_n although_o not_o in_o efficacy_n that_o as_o the_o one_o do_v labour_n to_o bring_v the_o body_n and_o outward_a action_n of_o the_o people_n into_o the_o due_a order_n of_o a_o church_n and_o to_o conform_v themselves_o to_o the_o right_a worship_n of_o god_n so_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n may_v move_v their_o mind_n to_o know_v and_o their_o heart_n to_o obey_v the_o will_n of_o god_n the_o which_o work_n of_o the_o magistrate_n and_o minister_n consist_v in_o two_o thing_n the_o first_o be_v to_o take_v away_o the_o false_a religion_n the_o other_o to_o establish_v that_o which_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o both_o which_o there_o be_v diverse_a thing_n to_o be_v consider_v and_o special_o in_o the_o first_o forsomuch_o as_o it_o be_v a_o hard_a and_o dangerous_a matter_n to_o abolish_v that_o corrupt_a worship_n which_o they_o have_v always_o use_v and_o which_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o their_o ancestor_n for_o man_n be_v very_o zealous_a of_o the_o tradition_n of_o their_o forefather_n wherein_o they_o themselves_o also_o have_v be_v bring_v up_o to_o abrogate_v all_o at_o once_o and_o instead_o thereof_o to_o plant_v the_o true_a religion_n be_v altogether_o strange_a and_o unknowen_a unto_o they_o little_a be_v both_o dangerous_a to_o the_o civil_a estate_n as_o that_o which_o be_v very_o like_a to_o breed_v sedition_n and_o uproar_n among_o the_o people_n and_o also_o contrary_a to_o the_o right_a manner_n of_o lay_v a_o sure_a foundation_n of_o a_o church_n for_o they_o be_v force_v by_o authority_n to_o renounce_v their_o own_o religion_n will_v rather_o hate_v that_o in_o their_o heart_n whereunto_o there_o be_v force_v then_o true_o love_v and_o embrace_v it_o yea_o upon_o every_o occasion_n they_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o fall_v a_o way_n from_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o and_o so_o be_v further_o off_o then_o they_o be_v at_o the_o first_o and_o therefore_o the_o corrupt_a worship_n be_v to_o be_v tolerate_v for_o a_o while_n till_o such_o time_n as_o by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n some_o good_a number_n be_v convert_v which_o be_v do_v then_o both_o the_o minister_n in_o reprove_v and_o the_o magistrate_n in_o abrogate_a their_o false_a kind_n of_o worship_n may_v be_v more_o bold_a yet_o not_o all_o at_o once_o but_o at_o the_o first_o that_o which_o be_v most_o gross_a and_o corrupt_a the_o vanity_n and_o falsehood_n whereof_o be_v most_o palpable_a and_o may_v most_o easy_o be_v show_v then_o as_o touch_v the_o true_a religion_n they_o who_o as_o yet_o do_v not_o embrace_v it_o may_v be_v compel_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o magistrate_n first_o not_o to_o speak_v evil_a of_o it_o nor_o to_o injury_n or_o molest_v either_o by_o word_n or_o deed_n the_o professor_n of_o it_o this_o we_o may_v learn_v of_o nabuchadnezzer_n daniel_n 3.18_o who_o make_v a_o decree_n that_o whosoever_o shall_v blaspheme_v or_o speak_v amiss_o of_o the_o god_n of_o sidrach_n misach_n and_o abednego_n he_o shall_v be_v put_v to_o death_n second_o they_o be_v also_o to_o be_v urge_v to_o hear_v reverent_o the_o word_n of_o god_n preach_v unto_o they_o by_o the_o which_o mean_n we_o nâ—ed_v not_o doubt_v but_o that_o the_o truth_n will_v daily_o more_o and_o more_o prevail_v so_o that_o great_a multitude_n of_o people_n will_v either_o in_o truth_n and_o from_o their_o heart_n love_n and_o embrace_v it_o or_o at_o the_o least_o make_v outward_a profession_n the_o which_o as_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v reject_v for_o that_o it_o can_v certain_o be_v discern_v to_o be_v hypocritical_a we_o be_v bind_v to_o think_v the_o best_a of_o all_o man_n which_o do_v profess_v christ_n and_o not_o to_o judge_v they_o of_o hypocrisy_n so_o it_o be_v good_a in_o this_o respect_n for_o that_o they_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o outward_a profession_n will_v diligent_o and_o willing_o hear_v the_o word_n use_v religious_a exercise_n and_o all_o such_o mean_n the_o which_o we_o may_v hope_v will_v be_v effectual_a at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o to_o their_o unfeigned_a conversion_n they_o who_o do_v not_o yield_v to_o be_v professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v still_o to_o be_v compel_v to_o hear_v the_o word_n which_o must_v be_v preach_v to_o they_o in_o a_o distinct_a assembly_n and_o of_o set_a purpose_n for_o that_o the_o ordinary_a ministry_n which_o edifi_v those_o who_o be_v already_o convert_v can_v be_v so_o effectual_a and_o serve_v so_o fit_o for_o this_o end_n if_o it_o be_v here_o ask_v whether_o that_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n may_v not_o compel_v they_o by_o inflict_v some_o punishment_n on_o they_o to_o submit_v and_o conform_v themselves_o whole_o to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o become_v member_n of_o it_o the_o answer_n be_v that_o this_o may_v be_v do_v to_o those_o who_o do_v once_o profess_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o afterwards_o do_v fall_v away_o but_o man_n who_o never_o do_v conceive_v in_o their_o mind_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n can_v by_o force_v be_v make_v member_n of_o a_o church_n church_n but_o be_v debar_v from_o the_o use_n of_o their_o false_a worship_n and_o also_o compel_v to_o hear_v the_o word_n preach_v be_v to_o be_v leave_v for_o their_o conversion_n to_o the_o lord_n yet_o if_o they_o continue_v professor_n of_o that_o worship_n which_o the_o civil_a ruler_n do_v abhor_v they_o be_v if_o not_o subject_a to_o banishment_n loss_n of_o good_n imprisonment_n or_o some_o less_o danger_n trouble_n or_o punishment_n yet_o clean_o shut_v out_o of_o his_o favour_n and_o so_o debar_v from_o all_o preferment_n honour_n or_o dignity_n yea_o from_o any_o good_a condition_n of_o life_n for_o the_o avoid_n whereof_o many_o will_v become_v professor_n of_o the_o truth_n who_o in_o their_o heart_n do_v not_o embrace_v it_o sect._n 8._o how_o a_o public_a church_n be_v plant_v be_v to_o be_v establish_v thus_o when_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n be_v so_o increase_v that_o as_o for_o the_o most_o part_n it_o be_v in_o public_a church_n either_o for_o number_n or_o for_o distance_n of_o place_n they_o can_v convenient_o ordinarelie_o come_v together_o than_o they_o be_v to_o be_v divide_v in_o diverse_a assembly_n &_o so_o to_o be_v bring_v into_o the_o form_n of_o a_o church_n by_o appoint_v fit_a man_n to_o teach_v and_o lead_v they_o in_o the_o way_n of_o everlasting_a life_n that_o so_o they_o may_v serve_v god_n and_o live_v in_o that_o holy_a order_n of_o a_o church_n which_o he_o have_v appoint_v and_o forsomuch_o as_o it_o may_v be_v ask_v where_o there_o can_v in_o this_o first_o plant_n of_o a_o church_n be_v have_v such_o a_o number_n of_o minister_n as_o may_v be_v sufficient_a word_n therefore_o we_o be_v herein_o to_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o whenas_o a_o competent_a number_n be_v win_v to_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n they_o do_v after_o some_o space_n of_o time_n choose_v out_o of_o that_o number_n those_o who_o be_v endue_v with_o best_a gift_n yea_o although_o they_o be_v not_o learn_v in_o any_o other_o knowledge_n yet_o if_o they_o have_v attain_v the_o sound_a knowledge_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o christian_n religion_n so_o that_o they_o be_v able_a to_o teach_v the_o sâ—me_n to_o other_o if_o they_o be_v mâ—n_z of_o a_o unblameable_a life_n so_o that_o they_o may_v bold_o and_o effectualie_a exhort_v other_o to_o the_o same_o than_o be_v they_o judge_v meet_v to_o be_v set_v over_o the_o rest_n to_o teach_v and_o govern_v they_o
yea_o this_o course_n do_v esra_n take_v in_o a_o like_a case_n by_o the_o counsel_n and_o commandment_n of_o king_n artaxarxes_n as_o we_o read_v in_o the_o seven_o of_o that_o book_n vers._n 25._o and_o thou_o ezra_n according_a to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o thy_o god_n which_o be_v in_o thou_o appoint_v judge_n even_o all_o that_o know_v the_o law_n of_o thy_o god_n and_o if_o it_o be_v object_v but_o there_o aâ—e_v not_o a_o sufficient_a number_n of_o man_n which_o know_v how_o to_o judge_v instruct_v and_o order_v the_o people_n therefore_o he_o add_v and_o those_o that_o know_v not_o make_v they_o to_o know_v how_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v these_o thing_n so_o that_o by_o the_o good_a direction_n and_o counsel_n of_o those_o who_o be_v the_o chief_a workman_n in_o this_o plant_n of_o a_o church_n man_n otherwise_o ignorant_a and_o unexpert_a may_v become_v able_a to_o teach_v &_o govern_v other_o neither_o ought_v this_o to_o seem_v strange_a unto_o we_o consider_v the_o weak_a and_o simple_a state_n of_o the_o people_n at_o the_o first_o be_v such_o as_o that_o although_o in_o some_o respect_n they_o have_v need_n of_o most_o expert_a master-builder_n yet_o they_o may_v be_v help_v and_o teach_v by_o those_o who_o do_v themselves_o need_v to_o be_v instruct_v and_o according_a to_o the_o mean_a estate_n both_o of_o the_o teacher_n and_o also_o of_o the_o people_n we_o must_v be_v content_a as_o no_o doubt_n the_o lord_n in_o mercy_n do_v accept_v it_o with_o a_o small_a measure_n both_o of_o knowledge_n and_o also_o of_o obedience_n in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n and_o if_o it_o here_o be_v object_v that_o which_o the_o apostle_n forbid_v timothy_n to_o wit_n that_o none_o new_o convert_v from_o paganism_n shall_v be_v a_o bishop_n or_o elder_n we_o answer_v that_o if_o that_o be_v his_o meaning_n yet_o this_o commandment_n must_v give_v place_n to_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o church_n yea_o many_o such_o may_v be_v know_v to_o be_v very_o sound_a in_o the_o faith_n so_o that_o we_o need_v not_o fear_v any_o apostasy_n in_o they_o and_o forasmuch_o as_o it_o may_v be_v well_o think_v that_o these_o man_n can_v so_o soon_o be_v endue_v with_o such_o a_o measure_n of_o knowledge_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o the_o teach_n and_o order_v of_o the_o people_n but_o that_o they_o will_v be_v want_v in_o many_o thing_n and_o oftentimes_o err_v in_o administration_n it_o be_v of_o itself_o so_o hard_o and_o difficult_a as_o that_o even_o they_o who_o have_v all_o their_o life_n time_n labour_v in_o this_o work_n and_o be_v teacher_n and_o governor_n in_o the_o church_n shall_v find_v themselves_o in_o many_o respect_n insufficient_a yea_o ignorant_a and_o unexpert_a in_o many_o case_n which_o do_v often_o fall_v out_o among_o the_o people_n therefore_o they_o by_o who_o mean_n and_o ministry_n the_o church_n be_v first_o found_v even_o as_o by_o most_o wise_a maister-builder_n must_v still_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o the_o several_a congregation_n and_o set_v those_o thing_n in_o order_n which_o be_v amiss_o resolve_v the_o doubt_n which_o be_v rise_v among_o they_o strengthen_v confirm_v and_o encourage_v both_o the_o people_n in_o their_o profession_n and_o obedience_n which_o they_o perform_v both_o to_o god_n and_o to_o his_o minister_n which_o be_v set_v over_o they_o and_o especial_o they_o be_v to_o strengthen_v the_o teacher_n themselves_o lest_o they_o faint_v under_o the_o weight_n of_o this_o most_o painful_a and_o troublesome_a call_n wherein_o they_o find_v so_o many_o offence_n in_o the_o people_n so_o many_o infirmity_n and_o want_n in_o themselves_o yea_o so_o many_o lâ—ts_n and_o hindrance_n of_o their_o ministry_n lay_v by_o the_o malice_n of_o sathan_n and_o the_o mean_n of_o wicked_a man_n thus_o do_v the_o apostle_n paul_n exhort_v confirm_v and_o encourage_v the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n at_o ephesus_n act._n 20._o who_o example_n be_v to_o be_v follow_v of_o all_o in_o this_o case_n who_o be_v endue_v with_o more_o excellent_a gift_n of_o knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n in_o govern_v the_o church_n of_o god_n than_o these_o be_v to_o who_o in_o the_o want_n of_o man_n full_o sufficient_a the_o congregation_n of_o the_o people_n be_v commit_v sect._n 9_o to_o who_o the_o enact_v of_o ecclesiastical_a law_n in_o a_o public_a church_n do_v belong_v it_o remain_v that_o we_o consider_v to_o who_o it_o belong_v to_o make_v ecclesiastical_a law_n in_o a_o public_a church_n in_o private_a church_n this_o aught_o to_o be_v do_v as_o have_v be_v say_v by_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o church_n consist_v of_o the_o ruler_n and_o the_o people_n for_o these_o church_n be_v as_o it_o wâ—re_v free_a city_n exempt_v in_o regard_n of_o divine_a matter_n from_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o all_o superior_a power_n save_v only_o of_o christ_n howsoever_o they_o be_v subject_a to_o magistrate_n as_o touch_v civil_a obedience_n but_o it_o be_v far_o otherwise_o in_o public_a church_n the_n which_o come_v into_o the_o commonwealth_n come_v within_o the_o dominion_n and_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n not_o to_o spoil_v he_o of_o his_o power_n either_o in_o whole_a as_o when_o the_o civil_a state_n be_v rule_v by_o any_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n or_o in_o part_n as_o when_o the_o church_n take_v to_o herself_o full_a and_o supreme_a authority_n in_o the_o order_n of_o her_o own_o matter_n and_o so_o exempt_n herself_o from_o the_o civil_a power_n do_v restrain_v it_o from_o meddle_v with_o all_o matter_n within_o that_o dominion_n but_o the_o church_n become_v public_a do_v subject_v herself_o to_o the_o say_a power_n as_o to_o a_o superior_a or_o heâ—d_a and_o suffer_v herself_o to_o be_v order_v by_o it_o in_o great_a part_n for_o even_o as_o a_o man_n as_o long_o as_o he_o live_v in_o a_o desert_n place_n or_o keep_v himself_o within_o his_o own_o house_n may_v live_v according_a to_o his_o own_o will_n but_o as_o soon_o as_o he_o join_v himself_o to_o a_o commonwealth_n and_o come_v into_o a_o public_a place_n he_o must_v square_v his_o action_n according_a to_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o magistrate_n so_o stand_v the_o case_n with_o the_o church_n the_o which_o be_v free_a as_o long_o as_o she_o be_v private_a but_o be_v public_a be_v overrule_v by_o the_o civil_a power_n yea_o even_o in_o make_v ecclesiastical_a law_n this_o civil_a power_n have_v place_n where_o by_o ecclesiastical_a law_n we_o do_v not_o mean_v those_o which_o prescribe_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o the_o substance_n of_o church-government_n for_o these_o be_v appoint_v by_o god_n in_o the_o word_n and_o can_v be_v change_v by_o any_o creature_n but_o we_o mean_v law_n make_v only_o of_o the_o circumstance_n of_o god_n worship_n be_v thing_n indifferent_a neither_o command_v forbid_a nor_o express_v in_o the_o scripture_n there_o be_v a_o other_o kind_n of_o law_n which_o also_o may_v be_v call_v ecclesiastical_a for_o that_o they_o concern_v the_o church_n make_v to_o allow_v command_n and_o authorise_v the_o public_a build_n of_o it_o such_o be_v the_o edict_n of_o cyrus_n darius_n and_o artaxerxes_n for_o the_o re-edify_n of_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n &_o likewise_o the_o law_n of_o the_o good_a king_n of_o juda_n for_o the_o overthrow_v of_o idolatry_n and_o the_o public_a establish_n of_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n these_o law_n be_v to_o be_v make_v by_o the_o sole_a authority_n of_o the_o civil_a ruler_n or_o at_o the_o least_o by_o that_o authority_n whereby_o civil_a law_n be_v make_v neither_o can_v there_o any_o question_n be_v make_v hereof_o for_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o no_o man_n can_v make_v the_o build_n of_o a_o public_a church_n either_o peaceable_a or_o lawful_a but_o they_o who_o have_v the_o rule_n of_o that_o place_n wherein_o it_o be_v to_o be_v build_v but_o as_o touch_v the_o giver_n or_o maker_n of_o the_o other_o law_n there_o be_v great_a question_n for_o it_o seem_v to_o many_o very_a unmeete_a that_o the_o civil_a power_n shall_v enter_v so_o far_o into_o the_o church_n as_o to_o have_v to_o do_v with_o the_o make_n of_o the_o law_n whereby_o it_o be_v to_o be_v order_v yea_o that_o it_o be_v without_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o magistrate_n call_v to_o meddle_v with_o these_o matter_n but_o it_o seem_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o far_o from_o exclude_v the_o civil_a ruler_n from_o the_o make_n of_o these_o law_n which_o be_v in_o some_o sort_n to_o take_v the_o sceptre_n out_o of_o his_o hand_n forasmuch_o as_o where_o there_o be_v a_o church_n public_o set_v up_o in_o any_o realm_n there_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o commonwealth_n do_v very_o much_o depend_v of_o
each_o other_o and_o their_o general_a affair_n be_v so_o link_v together_o as_o that_o neither_o can_v be_v well_o order_v without_o respect_n have_v to_o the_o other_o as_o that_o we_o rather_o take_v it_o agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o the_o chief_a stroke_n in_o this_o action_n be_v give_v unto_o he_o for_o the_o further_a declaration_n hereof_o the_o make_n of_o law_n have_v two_o part_n the_o first_o be_v the_o counsel_v or_o advise_v of_o they_o the_o second_o be_v the_o establish_n or_o enact_v of_o they_o both_o which_o as_o it_o seem_v belong_v to_o the_o civil_a ruler_n the_o first_o in_o part_n the_o second_o whole_o the_o enact_v of_o the_o law_n be_v the_o make_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o in_o the_o first_o place_n we_o will_v endeavour_v to_o show_v that_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v advise_v for_o the_o order_n of_o a_o public_a church_n have_v both_o the_o name_n and_o the_o force_n of_o law_n from_o the_o civil_a power_n for_o first_o this_o must_v of_o necessititie_n be_v grant_v to_o it_o in_o the_o first_o sound_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o we_o be_v to_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v neither_o minister_n nor_o any_o believe_a people_n only_o the_o magistrate_n have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a god_n go_v about_o to_o bring_v the_o people_n thereunto_o the_o which_o thing_n he_o can_v do_v without_o make_v and_o establish_v law_n for_o that_o purpose_n so_o that_o as_o we_o see_v it_o to_o be_v in_o other_o matter_n in_o that_o the_o civil_a ruler_n be_v the_o first_o and_o sole_a founder_n of_o these_o public_a church_n he_o have_v the_o power_n of_o enact_v those_o law_n whereby_o the_o whole_a work_n be_v both_o begin_v continue_a and_o preserve_v thus_o the_o apostle_n be_v the_o first_o founder_n of_o the_o church_n do_v make_v law_n and_o constitution_n for_o the_o order_n of_o they_o as_o we_o may_v see_v 1._o cor._n 4.17_o where_o paul_n witness_v of_o himself_o that_o he_o do_v make_v the_o same_o constitution_n in_o all_o church_n in_o like_a manner_n the_o chief_a ruler_n although_o they_o have_v not_o apostolical_a calling_n office_n and_o gift_n yet_o for_o that_o in_o plant_v public_a church_n they_o do_v supply_v their_o place_n we_o be_v to_o grant_v unto_o they_o authority_n in_o this_o behalf_n and_o as_o this_o poâ—er_n can_v be_v deny_v to_o the_o magistrate_n in_o the_o first_o sound_n of_o a_o church_n so_o whenas_o the_o church_n be_v build_v his_o authority_n be_v not_o diminish_v or_o abate_v or_o give_v to_o any_o other_o but_o remain_v still_o in_o his_o own_o hand_n the_o truth_n whereof_o may_v be_v declare_v in_o this_o manner_n to_o make_v a_o lawgiver_n there_o must_v these_o thing_n concur_v first_o a_o public_a call_n whereby_o he_o have_v care_n and_o charge_n of_o the_o people_n to_o procure_v their_o good_a as_o by_o all_o other_o mean_n so_o especial_o by_o give_v they_o good_a and_o righteous_a law_n by_o the_o which_o they_o may_v be_v order_v second_o authority_n to_o command_v and_o also_o power_n to_o compel_v those_o who_o be_v rebellious_a to_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o the_o say_a law_n the_o which_o thing_n for_o so_o much_o as_o they_o be_v want_v in_o all_o other_o save_v in_o the_o chief_a ruler_n hereof_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o give_v of_o law_n can_v belong_v to_o any_o save_v to_o he_o only_o for_o the_o great_a evidence_n of_o this_o point_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v to_o who_o this_o make_n of_o ecclesiastical_a law_n be_v give_v be_v deny_v to_o the_o civil_a ruler_n namely_o to_o the_o whole_a ministry_n of_o the_o church_n establish_v who_o as_o they_o have_v the_o order_n and_o rule_v of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o great_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n in_o these_o affair_n so_o it_o may_v seem_v most_o meet_a that_o the_o make_n of_o law_n be_v permit_v unto_o they_o for_o the_o answer_v whereof_o this_o be_v to_o be_v mark_v that_o we_o do_v not_o here_o inquire_v who_o aâ—e_v most_o meet_a to_o advise_v ecclesiastical_a law_n and_o to_o be_v admit_v into_o consultation_n of_o they_o for_o we_o can_v doubt_v but_o that_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n be_v usual_o most_o fit_a for_o this_o purpose_n but_o who_o have_v this_o call_n office_n and_o authority_n to_o make_v these_o law_n all_o which_o seem_v to_o be_v want_v in_o the_o ministerâ—_n who_o calling_n and_o office_n be_v to_o be_v in_o particular_a church_n the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n of_o prayer_n of_o the_o sacrament_n &_o of_o discipline_n but_o not_o to_o be_v lawgiver_n in_o the_o church_n for_o so_o they_o shall_v rule_v over_o it_o as_o lord_n which_o be_v forbid_v 1._o pet._n 5.3_o yea_o they_o have_v no_o power_n to_o make_v and_o authorise_v law_n no_o not_o in_o a_o private_a church_n which_o be_v free_a from_o the_o civil_a power_n for_o although_o they_o bear_v the_o chief_a sway_n in_o this_o and_o in_o all_o other_o action_n yet_o the_o law_n take_v their_o authority_n not_o from_o the_o minister_n but_o from_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o church_n consist_v of_o minister_n and_o people_n but_o in_o a_o public_a church_n this_o authority_n go_v from_o the_o people_n to_o the_o civil_a ruler_n government_n by_o who_o authority_n it_o be_v plant_v build_v and_o prefer_v the_o word_n lawful_o preach_v in_o great_a assembly_n of_o the_o people_n the_o which_o otherwise_o be_v tumult_n yea_o the_o positive_a law_n of_o the_o church_n authorize_v &_o put_v in_o force_n so_o that_o in_o a_o private_a church_n the_o state_n iâ—_n popular_a but_o in_o a_o public_a church_n it_o be_v according_a to_o the_o civil_a state_n as_o namely_o monarchical_a in_o the_o rule_n of_o one_o if_o any_o do_v here_o object_v that_o definition_n of_o the_o office_n and_o duty_n of_o a_o ruler_n which_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n make_v 1._o sam._n 8.20_o say_n we_o will_v have_v a_o king_n who_o shall_v judge_v we_o and_o fight_v our_o battle_n for_o we_o and_o thereof_o gather_v that_o he_o be_v otherwise_o busy_v can_v use_v the_o mean_n of_o attain_v a_o sufficient_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n in_o order_v of_o the_o church_n we_o answer_v that_o this_o people_n have_v no_o care_n but_o of_o worldly_a matter_n and_o further_o that_o there_o be_v no_o ruler_n in_o his_o own_o person_n so_o continual_o employ_v in_o civil_a or_o warlike_a affair_n but_o that_o he_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o give_v himself_o to_o the_o study_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o use_n of_o all_o man_n whereby_o he_o may_v be_v make_v able_a for_o the_o discharge_n of_o this_o duty_n to_o the_o church_n the_o truth_n of_o this_o point_n appear_v in_o the_o example_n of_o josua_n who_o have_v a_o more_o weighty_a and_o troublesome_a charge_n lay_v upon_o he_o namely_o to_o bring_v the_o people_n of_o israel_n into_o the_o land_n of_o chanaan_n and_o to_o give_v they_o quiet_a possession_n of_o it_o than_o any_o ruler_n have_v in_o the_o ordinary_a government_n of_o his_o realm_n and_o yet_o the_o lord_n give_v he_o this_o commandment_n in_o the_o first_o place_n jos._n 1.8_o that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n shall_v never_o depart_v from_o he_o but_o that_o he_o shall_v meditate_v on_o it_o day_n and_o night_n if_o it_o be_v further_o ask_v why_o the_o apostle_n never_o make_v mention_n of_o any_o such_o authority_n that_o prince_n shall_v haâ—e_v in_o the_o church_n the_o answer_n be_v plain_a to_o wit_n that_o there_o be_v no_o public_a church_n in_o their_o day_n and_o therefore_o the_o civil_a ruler_n have_v no_o further_a to_o deal_v with_o they_o then_o to_o tolerate_v they_o within_o their_o dominion_n and_o to_o see_v that_o they_o live_v in_o civil_a peace_n and_o order_n as_o touch_v the_o advise_v of_o law_n although_o the_o civil_a ruler_n have_v the_o authority_n of_o enact_v they_o write_n yet_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v very_o spare_v and_o moderate_a in_o use_v it_o the_o which_o thing_n as_o it_o be_v necessarelie_o to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o civil_a government_n of_o all_o ruler_n who_o desire_v to_o have_v a_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a estate_n so_o it_o be_v much_o more_o requisite_a in_o order_v the_o churrch_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v rule_v after_o a_o most_o gentle_a and_o mild_a manner_n even_o as_o the_o prophet_n esay_n do_v teach_v we_o say_v that_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n king_n &_o queen_n shall_v be_v nourse-fathers_n and_o nourse-mothers_n to_o the_o church_n that_o be_v they_o shall_v rule_v and_o order_v it_o not_o tyrannical_o by_o force_n and_o violence_n but_o in_o a_o love_a and_o tender_a sort_n even_o as_o we_o see_v nurse_n deal_v with_o young_a child_n the_o which_o affection_n a_o christian_n ruler_n
ought_v to_o have_v use_v and_o show_v in_o all_o his_o deal_n with_o the_o church_n and_o especial_o in_o give_v law_n for_o the_o order_n of_o it_o for_o although_o in_o other_o matter_n his_o will_n may_v in_o some_o sort_n stand_v for_o a_o law_n yet_o in_o this_o case_n he_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v so_o peremptory_a or_o wilful_a but_o that_o he_o do_v willing_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v rule_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v most_o agreeable_a unto_o it_o and_o forasmuch_o as_o in_o indifferent_a thing_n whereof_o these_o law_n be_v to_o be_v make_v it_o be_v not_o always_o easy_a to_o see_v what_o be_v most_o right_a and_o meet_v to_o be_v do_v and_o for_o that_o civil_a ruler_n have_v not_o the_o extraordinary_a assistance_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o direct_v they_o in_o these_o action_n therefore_o it_o be_v needful_a that_o they_o consult_v with_o other_o &_o take_v their_o advice_n in_o make_v law_n for_o the_o church_n and_o so_o much_o the_o rather_o as_o a_o oversight_n in_o govern_v the_o church_n be_v more_o hurtful_a than_o it_o be_v in_o civil_a mat_n if_o it_o be_v here_o ask_v who_o ought_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o this_o weighty_a consultation_n and_o what_o be_v the_o whole_a order_n of_o this_o action_n we_o referrâ—â—he_v answer_v hereof_o to_o the_o next_o chapter_n chap._n x._o of_o the_o conjunction_n of_o particular_a church_n sect._n 1_o of_o the_o voluntary_a conjunction_n of_o particular_a church_n under_o the_o government_n of_o counsel_n thus_o much_o of_o a_o particuiar_a church_n several_o consider_v and_o be_v distinguish_v from_o all_o other_o by_o the_o propriety_n of_o humane_a ecclesiastical_a law_n or_o more_o plain_o by_o a_o distinct_a government_n even_o as_o we_o see_v one_o city_n country_n or_o kingdom_n to_o be_v separate_v from_o another_o by_o the_o own_o limit_n whether_o hill_n river_n sea_n or_o any_o other_o thus_o the_o church_n which_o be_v plant_v at_o corinth_n by_o the_o apostle_n be_v free_a from_o all_o other_o church_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o their_o law_n and_o order_n yet_o often_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o they_o be_v join_v together_o and_o that_o even_o in_o this_o bond_n of_o humane_a government_n by_o the_o which_o they_o be_v usual_o sever_v one_o from_o another_o of_o this_o conjunction_n we_o be_v brief_o to_o entreat_v the_o which_o we_o find_v to_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n the_o one_o voluntary_a the_o other_o necessary_a voluntary_a conjunction_n be_v that_o whereby_o particular_a church_n which_o otherwise_o be_v free_a from_o all_o humane_a authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n do_v submit_v themselves_o to_o a_o common-guernment_a for_o their_o common_a good_a as_o we_o see_v that_o free_a city_n enter_v into_o a_o league_n and_o a_o common-government_n that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v the_o better_o order_v the_o subject_n of_o this_o authority_n be_v counsel_n provincial_a natural_a and_o general_a which_o be_v assembly_n of_o certain_a man_n send_v from_o particular_a church_n with_o authority_n to_o judge_v and_o determine_v of_o the_o weighty_a cause_n of_o those_o church_n in_o these_o counsel_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v first_o their_o original_n and_o authority_n and_o second_o of_o who_o they_o do_v consist_v for_o the_o first_o although_o the_o government_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v for_o the_o order_n of_o church_n in_o particular_a be_v in_o itself_o sufficient_a for_o that_o purpose_n yet_o there_o be_v many_o way_n great_a use_n of_o this_o common-government_n of_o counsel_n for_o there_o be_v not_o so_o great_a force_n and_o authority_n for_o the_o repress_v of_o the_o stubborn_a and_o disobedient_a for_o the_o resolve_v of_o doubt_n the_o decide_n of_o weighty_a controversy_n the_o confirm_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o doctrine_n the_o resuting_a of_o pernicious_a heresy_n counsel_n the_o make_n of_o ecclesiastical_a constitution_n of_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n and_o final_o for_o the_o order_n of_o great_a &_o weighty_a matter_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o any_o one_o church_n as_o there_o be_v in_o a_o great_a number_n who_o godliness_n wisdom_n and_o learning_n be_v famous_o know_v to_o all_o man_n yea_o there_o be_v among_o many_o excellent_a man_n great_a variety_n of_o knowledge_n wisdom_n and_o all_o spiritual_a grace_n the_o which_o be_v join_v together_o be_v more_o available_a for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o church_n then_o if_o they_o be_v only_o several_o use_v in_o particular_a church_n for_o these_o cause_n be_v this_o common_a government_n of_o counsel_n institute_v in_o the_o church_n at_o the_o first_o and_o have_v continue_v in_o all_o the_o age_n of_o it_o the_o first_o example_n of_o a_o council_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v act._n 15.6_o where_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n which_o be_v at_o jerusalem_n come_v together_o for_o the_o decide_n of_o a_o great_a controversy_n move_v about_o the_o keep_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n but_o this_o counsel_n although_o in_o force_n and_o authority_n it_o be_v ecumenical_a or_o general_a in_o that_o the_o constitution_n make_v then_o by_o the_o apostle_n do_v belong_v to_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o in_o act_n and_o in_o deed_n it_o be_v a_o particular_a assembly_n of_o that_o one_o church_n which_o be_v at_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o the_o apostle_n elder_n and_o of_o the_o whole_a people_n as_o appear_v vers._n 22._o so_o that_o this_o example_n serve_v not_o for_o our_o purpose_n neither_o prove_v the_o divine_a institution_n of_o provincial_a counsel_n yea_o as_o it_o seem_v we_o have_v not_o any_o example_n or_o precept_n of_o this_o conjunction_n of_o particular_a church_n mention_v in_o the_o act_n &_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n or_o elsewhere_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n whereof_o some_o have_v gather_v that_o these_o counsel_n be_v unlawful_a and_o their_o authority_n usurp_v be_v not_o of_o god_n but_o from_o man_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o government_n appoint_v for_o the_o church_n but_o that_o which_o may_v be_v have_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o every_o particular_a church_n for_o answer_v whereof_o we_o know_v that_o of_o lawful_a thing_n some_o be_v necessary_a be_v command_v by_o god_n so_o that_o the_o omit_v of_o they_o be_v sin_n in_o his_o sight_n but_o other_o thing_n be_v so_o lawful_a as_o that_o they_o may_v lawful_o be_v leave_v undo_v be_v not_o command_v but_o permit_v to_o we_o to_o do_v when_o we_o shall_v think_v they_o convenient_a of_o this_o latter_a kind_n be_v these_o common_a counsel_n and_o this_o voluntary_a conjunction_n of_o diverse_a church_n under_o one_o government_n for_o we_o have_v no_o flat_a commandment_n in_o the_o word_n as_o touch_v it_o neither_o can_v any_o church_n be_v compel_v to_o join_v in_o this_o manner_n yet_o one_o church_n may_v lawful_o use_v the_o help_n of_o a_o other_o for_o their_o mutual_a good_a if_o it_o be_v here_o object_v that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o man_n to_o appoint_v any_o other_o form_n of_o church-government_n than_o god_n himself_o have_v prescribe_v in_o his_o word_n we_o answer_v that_o these_o common_a counsel_n do_v not_o take_v away_o the_o government_n of_o particular_a church_n but_o rather_o do_v establish_v it_o yea_o make_v it_o more_o effectual_a and_o forcible_a and_o supply_v the_o want_n the_o which_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o infirmity_n and_o want_v of_o man_n be_v often_o find_v in_o it_o the_o reason_n why_o these_o counsel_n be_v not_o mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v for_o that_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o church_n can_v not_o join_v themselves_o together_o in_o this_o manner_n not_o only_o because_o they_o be_v not_o full_o settle_v within_o themselves_o but_o chief_o because_o they_o be_v few_o in_o number_n and_o so_o far_a distante_fw-la one_o from_o another_o that_o they_o can_v not_o with_o any_o convenience_n communicate_v ordinare_o together_o apostle_n yea_o the_o apostle_n be_v to_o they_o in_o steed_n of_o the_o most_o general_a counsel_n for_o they_o refer_v all_o their_o doubt_n controversy_n and_o matter_n of_o importance_n to_o their_o determination_n wherein_o the_o rest_v as_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n whereby_o it_o appear_v that_o although_o these_o counsel_n have_v not_o their_o original_n and_o authority_n immediate_o and_o direct_o from_o god_n as_o the_o ministry_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n have_v yet_o that_o they_o have_v be_v institute_v and_o use_v by_o the_o church_n for_o just_a and_o necessary_a cause_n according_a to_o the_o word_n and_o will_n of_o god_n likewise_o the_o authority_n of_o these_o council_n be_v the_o full_a authority_n of_o those_o church_n from_o the_o which_o the_o several_a commissioner_n or_o delegate_n be_v send_v and_o therefore_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v