themselves_o can_v not_o sufficient_o secure_v we_o of_o the_o event_n unless_o 3._o we_o may_v also_o be_v assure_v further_a that_o neither_o the_o frequent_a imperfection_n and_o faileurs_fw-fr to_o which_o the_o most_o regular_a life_n here_o be_v obnoxious_a shall_v be_v rigorous_o insist_v on_o to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o principal_a duty_n to_o which_o they_o do_v adhere_v nor_o that_o even_o those_o lapse_n into_o sin_n to_o which_o sincerely-meaning_n person_n be_v sometime_o inclinable_a shall_v hinder_v their_o reception_n again_o upon_o a_o serious_a repentance_n and_o reformation_n and_o yet_o further_o after_o all_o heaven_n be_v a_o supernatural_a reward_n and_o therefore_o not_o due_a nor_o proportionable_a to_o our_o performance_n of_o duty_n though_o it_o have_v be_v more_o accurate_a than_o we_o can_v pretend_v it_o be_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v requisite_a 4._o that_o we_o be_v assure_v actual_o of_o these_o supernatural_a reward_n on_o performance_n of_o these_o duty_n which_o though_o perform_v by_o the_o assistance_n of_o divine_a grace_n and_o expiate_v from_o their_o appendent_a weakness_n and_o imperfection_n do_v very_o much_o fall_v short_a of_o a_o adequate_a proportion_n to_o so_o glorious_a a_o reward_n these_o be_v the_o true_a inducement_n to_o all_o those_o duty_n which_o be_v require_v of_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n and_o upon_o these_o depend_v all_o that_o rational_a comfort_n of_o our_o conscience_n which_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o receive_v in_o this_o life_n even_o from_o the_o performance_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o therefore_o those_o be_v the_o mean_n of_o our_o salvation_n by_o which_o we_o may_v be_v secure_v of_o they_o §_o iii_o and_o the_o difference_n betwixt_o ordinary_a and_o extraordinary_a mean_n upon_o these_o principle_n be_v that_o we_o call_v those_o ordinary_n to_o which_o god_n have_v leave_v the_o generality_n of_o that_o part_n of_o mankind_n for_o who_o he_o have_v intend_v these_o favour_n to_o assure_v themselves_o of_o their_o performance_n but_o those_o extraordinary_a by_o which_o those_o may_v assure_v themselves_o of_o they_o who_o case_n have_v something_o singular_a not_o comprehend_v under_o those_o general_n for_o which_o ordinary_a mean_n be_v calculate_v and_o therefore_o not_o capable_a of_o be_v judge_v by_o those_o general_n measure_v by_o which_o other_o man_n case_n be_v general_o to_o be_v judge_v and_o yet_o withal_o have_v something_o singular_a not_o only_o to_o excuse_v the_o deviation_n but_o also_o to_o entitle_v to_o the_o principal_a benefit_n attainable_a in_o the_o use_n of_o ordinary_a mean_n by_o the_o equity_n of_o god_n design_n in_o settle_v those_o that_o be_v ordinary_a for_o without_o these_o excuse_v circumstance_n which_o may_v expiate_v the_o deviation_n and_o without_o these_o recommend_v which_o may_v in_o equity_n entitle_v they_o to_o the_o reward_n according_a to_o the_o true_a design_n of_o god_n in_o give_v it_o the_o singularity_n of_o such_o a_o person_n case_n be_v so_o far_o from_o intitle_v he_o to_o extraordinary_a mean_n of_o salvation_n that_o as_o it_o plain_o suppose_v he_o destitute_a of_o all_o good_a hope_n by_o god_n ordinary_a provision_n so_o it_o can_v secure_v he_o no_o other_o refuge_n in_o that_o destitute_a condition_n §_o iv_o so_o that_o to_o explain_v this_o difference_n by_o a_o ordinary_a familiar_a parallel_n the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o salvation_n be_v like_o our_o court_n of_o common_a law_n by_o which_o he_o only_o can_v expect_v any_o benefit_n who_o can_v justify_v his_o title_n by_o rule_v case_n or_o stand_a law_n or_o some_o such_o other_o express_a provision_n of_o the_o legislative_a power_n but_o the_o extraordinary_a be_v like_o our_o court_n of_o chancery_n to_o which_o he_o only_o have_v recourse_n who_o find_v himself_o unable_a to_o hold_v out_o in_o a_o legal_a way_n of_o trial_n and_o who_o can_v expect_v no_o advantage_n to_o his_o cause_n from_o the_o general_a express_a provision_n but_o only_o from_o the_o equity_n of_o the_o true_a design_n of_o the_o legislator_n §_o v_o these_o thing_n therefore_o be_v thus_o premise_v to_o clear_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o term_n i_o now_o proceed_v more_o immediate_o to_o show_v the_o thing_n design_v that_o we_o can_v be_v so_o well_o assure_v of_o our_o salvation_n in_o the_o use_n of_o extraordinary_a as_o of_o ordinary_a mean_n and_o though_o i_o may_v from_o the_o explication_n now_o give_v appeal_v to_o the_o conscience_n of_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n themselves_o whether_o themselves_o will_v not_o be_v more_o confident_a of_o a_o title_n which_o may_v abide_v a_o legal_a trial_n than_o of_o such_o a_o one_o as_o must_v need_v the_o relief_n of_o chancery_n and_o of_o such_o a_o one_o as_o may_v be_v clear_v from_o the_o plain_a and_o express_v word_n of_o the_o legislator_n than_o of_o such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v capable_a of_o no_o other_o evidence_n than_o only_a conjecture_n concern_v the_o design_n of_o the_o legislator_n and_o conjectural_a consequence_n deduce_v from_o it_o which_o may_v be_v judge_v of_o so_o very_o different_o by_o different_a person_n yet_o to_o satisfy_v they_o of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o it_o and_o to_o make_v a_o more_o particular_a application_n to_o their_o case_n and_o that_o they_o may_v not_o think_v my_o follow_a discourse_n superstruct_v on_o any_o gratuitous_a presumption_n which_o have_v not_o be_v prove_v true_a in_o that_o sense_n which_o be_v requisite_a for_o my_o design_n i_o shall_v therefore_o consider_v it_o a_o little_a more_o particular_o in_o order_n whereunto_o i_o consider_v that_o though_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n whereby_o man_n be_v to_o assure_v themselves_o of_o the_o particular_n now_o mention_v which_o be_v necessary_a to_o assure_v they_o of_o their_o salvation_n be_v before_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n at_o least_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n no_o better_a than_o such_o indefinite_a conjecture_n concern_v the_o divine_a goodness_n yet_o god_n may_v alter_v that_o case_n and_o actual_o have_v do_v it_o since_o the_o gospel_n and_o clear_a and_o express_v revelation_n of_o his_o will_n when_o they_o be_v make_v be_v as_o capable_a of_o be_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n whereby_o mankind_n may_v assure_v themselves_o of_o their_o security_n in_o these_o particular_n as_o those_o indefinite_a conjecture_n to_o which_o they_o have_v be_v necessitate_v former_o for_o want_n of_o better_a evidence_n but_o we_o do_v not_o call_v express_a revelation_n a_o extraordinary_a mean_n though_o it_o have_v be_v concern_v a_o particular_a case_n which_o be_v the_o only_a possible_a pretence_n for_o call_v it_o extraordinary_a §_o vi_o however_o as_o to_o what_o we_o be_v at_o present_a concern_v for_o it_o be_v plain_a and_o i_o believe_v unquestionable_a by_o our_o adversary_n themselves_o that_o the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v such_o only_a as_o be_v common_a to_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o favour_n there_o promise_v to_o particular_a person_n but_o such_o as_o may_v be_v equal_o expect_v by_o all_o upon_o a_o equal_a performance_n of_o condition_n so_o that_o though_o mean_v of_o salvation_n provide_v for_o by_o express_a revelation_n may_v in_o propriety_n of_o speech_n be_v call_v extraordinary_a yet_o that_o be_v not_o a_o thing_n capable_a of_o be_v plead_v in_o our_o case_n and_o therefore_o all_o the_o assurance_n of_o which_o a_o person_n be_v capable_a who_o case_n be_v so_o singular_a as_o that_o it_o can_v be_v judge_v of_o by_o the_o general_a provision_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o who_o therefore_o can_v derive_v no_o comfort_n from_o any_o topick_n deducible_a from_o thence_o can_v only_o be_v ground_v on_o those_o general_a indefinite_a notion_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n whereby_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o pardon_v unavoidable_a fail_n and_o to_o accept_v of_o our_o will_n and_o sincere_a design_n for_o performance_n even_o in_o order_n to_o the_o reward_n which_o he_o have_v design_v for_o we_o upon_o performance_n when_o it_o be_v not_o our_o own_o fault_n that_o we_o be_v hinder_v from_o actual_a performance_n i_o shall_v therefore_o endeavour_v to_o show_v 1._o that_o the_o assurance_n which_o can_v be_v ground_v on_o this_o notion_n of_o the_o divine_a vncovenant_v goodness_n be_v not_o such_o as_o may_v afford_v a_o person_n concern_v any_o solid_a comfort_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o thing_n now_o mention_v 2._o that_o though_o it_o may_v afford_v some_o comfort_n yet_o that_o comfort_n can_v be_v comparable_a to_o that_o which_o may_v be_v have_v from_o those_o general_a ordinary_a mean_n which_o god_n have_v provide_v for_o by_o express_a revelation_n 3._o that_o the_o expectation_n from_o extraordinary_n be_v not_o seasonable_a in_o our_o adversary_n case_n who_o may_v obtain_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n by_o concession_n not_o sinful_a and_o 4._o that_o
or_o excusable_a to_o prosecute_v their_o difference_n so_o far_o as_o to_o divide_v the_o church_n for_o they_o and_o if_o the_o person_n concern_v will_v be_v please_v to_o consider_v further_o what_o all_o wise_a man_n that_o be_v any_o thing_n conversant_a in_o controversy_n will_v acknowledge_v from_o their_o own_o experience_n that_o it_o be_v in_o all_o question_n much_o more_o easy_a to_o object_n than_o to_o establish_v any_o thing_n positive_a that_o especial_o matter_n of_o practice_n be_v only_o capable_a of_o high_a probability_n or_o moral_o certain_a presumption_n which_o not_o amount_v to_o a_o proof_n a_o priori_fw-la may_v therefore_o be_v conceive_v very_o consistent_a with_o the_o unaccountableness_n of_o many_o phaenomena_n so_o that_o if_o we_o be_v never_o to_o presume_v any_o thing_n true_a in_o order_n to_o practice_n till_o we_o be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o positive_a account_n of_o all_o objection_n against_o it_o much_o the_o great_a part_n of_o man_n life_n must_v be_v spend_v in_o a_o pyrrhonick_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o see_v this_o be_v so_o and_o that_o it_o must_v be_v therefore_o prudent_a to_o proceed_v to_o practice_n in_o many_o case_n wherein_o we_o can_v answer_v contrary_a objection_n therefore_o it_o must_v be_v the_o wise_a course_n to_o rule_v ourselves_o by_o positive_a consistent_a notion_n fit_v for_o the_o difficulty_n on_o both_o side_n rather_o than_o by_o particular_a objection_n §_o x_o which_o if_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n will_v observe_v and_o will_v therefore_o consider_v the_o interest_n of_o the_o church_n in_o a_o due_a respect_n to_o be_v pay_v to_o governor_n in_o order_n to_o the_o establishment_n of_o a_o just_a and_o solid_a peace_n as_o well_o as_o in_o preserve_v the_o liberty_n of_o private_a christian_n and_o prevent_v tyrannical_a imposition_n and_o will_v therefore_o be_v so_o wary_a in_o their_o argument_n for_o the_o latter_a as_o that_o they_o may_v not_o prejudice_v the_o former_a but_o will_v therefore_o first_o think_v of_o a_o prudent_a mean_n which_o may_v avoid_v both_o extreme_n and_o reconcile_v both_o objection_n and_o then_o be_v wary_a that_o the_o argument_n insist_v on_o may_v prove_v no_o more_o than_o what_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v consequent_o to_o such_o a_o hypothesis_n if_o i_o say_v they_o will_v serious_o consider_v these_o thing_n this_o will_v prove_v both_o a_o more_o prudent_a expedient_a for_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n than_o that_o which_o be_v usual_o observe_v by_o they_o and_o i_o very_o believe_v will_v in_o the_o event_n discover_v to_o they_o the_o fallacy_n of_o many_o of_o their_o argument_n §_o xi_o it_o will_v better_o help_v they_o to_o find_v the_o truth_n for_o they_o will_v thus_o be_v forewarn_v how_o much_o their_o argument_n must_v prove_v and_o therefore_o which_o if_o they_o exceed_v they_o may_v just_o be_v presume_v fallacious_a though_o their_o particular_a fallacy_n be_v not_o as_o yet_o discover_v which_o must_v needs_o be_v of_o excellent_a use_n in_o affair_n of_o practice_n thus_o they_o who_o admit_v of_o the_o church_n be_v a_o body_n politic_a and_o subject_a to_o a_o government_n proper_o so_o call_v and_o yet_o withal_o hold_v the_o unlawfulness_n of_o some_o imposition_n on_o subject_n must_v consequent_o be_v assure_v that_o all_o those_o argument_n in_o favour_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o subject_n which_o either_o encroach_v on_o the_o right_n of_o government_n in_o general_n or_o render_v the_o government_n of_o that_o particular_a society_n unpracticable_a in_o such_o circumstance_n with_o which_o all_o humane_a government_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v or_o overthrow_v the_o moral_a possibility_n of_o catholic_n peace_n on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o those_o which_o so_o favour_v the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n as_o to_o make_v all_o their_o imposition_n oblige_v even_o in_o those_o instance_n wherein_o their_o subject_n have_v a_o right_n to_o liberty_n on_o the_o other_o they_o must_v i_o say_v proceed_v on_o these_o principle_n be_v assure_v that_o both_o these_o sort_n of_o argument_n how_o plausible_a soever_o they_o may_v seem_v yet_o be_v real_o fallacious_a §_o xii_o it_o will_v also_o discover_v to_o they_o the_o fallaciousness_n of_o their_o own_o argument_n for_o let_v this_o principle_n only_o be_v take_v for_o grant_v that_o all_o argument_n plead_v for_o the_o liberty_n of_o subject_n from_o ecclesiastical_a imposition_n so_o that_o by_o a_o unavoidable_a parity_n of_o consequence_n they_o overthrow_v the_o moral_a possibility_n of_o catholic_n peace_n conclude_v too_o much_o and_o therefore_o indeed_o conclude_v nothing_o at_o all_o and_o it_o will_v then_o concern_v they_o to_o beware_v that_o their_o own_o argument_n be_v not_o chargeable_a with_o this_o fallaciousness_n §_o xiii_o but_o because_o man_n be_v extreme_o partial_a in_o judge_v concern_v a_o cause_n which_o they_o have_v already_o espouse_v therefore_o it_o will_v be_v much_o more_o equal_a to_o represent_v their_o own_o case_n in_o other_o person_n before_o they_o pass_v their_o censure_n concern_v it_o i_o take_v it_o therefore_o for_o grant_v that_o god_n have_v establish_v catholic_n unity_n on_o such_o term_n as_o be_v not_o likely_a to_o fail_v frequent_o and_o perpetual_o among_o pious_a well-disposed_a person_n nay_o not_o at_o all_o perpetual_o this_o i_o do_v not_o therefore_o take_v for_o grant_v because_o i_o think_v it_o difficult_a to_o be_v prove_v but_o because_o i_o conceive_v its_o proof_n easy_a and_o unnecessary_a this_o therefore_o be_v suppose_v it_o will_v follow_v that_o if_o by_o the_o general_a principle_n of_o our_o nonconforming_a brethren_n many_o and_o perpetual_a division_n must_v in_o all_o probability_n happen_v even_o among_o pious_a well-disposed_a person_n the_o preservation_n of_o catholic_n peace_n be_v on_o these_o principle_n moral_o impossible_a and_o therefore_o that_o the_o principle_n themselves_o be_v certain_o fallacious_a §_o fourteen_o and_o that_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n themselves_o may_v understand_v this_o i_o shall_v entreat_v they_o to_o consider_v whether_o upon_o the_o same_o principle_n by_o which_o they_o excuse_v their_o separation_n from_o we_o and_o their_o erect_v opposite_a communion_n which_o be_v the_o way_n to_o perpetuate_v their_o separation_n they_o have_v not_o give_v other_o pious_a person_n a_o apology_n by_o themselves_o unanswerable_a to_o separate_v also_o from_o themselves_o who_o yet_o they_o will_v undoubted_o blame_v for_o do_v so_o which_o will_v consequent_o oblige_v they_o when_o this_o be_v prove_v true_a to_o acknowledge_v the_o fallaciousness_n of_o their_o own_o argument_n for_o what_o can_v be_v pretend_v in_o defence_n of_o their_o separation_n from_o we_o that_o may_v not_o be_v plead_v by_o other_o against_o themselves_o for_o justify_v eternal_a subdivision_n of_o their_o own_o congregation_n into_o inconsiderable_a fraction_n §_o xv_o be_v it_o the_o moment_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o they_o be_v as_o little_a momentous_a as_o be_v possible_a even_o such_o as_o themselves_o confess_v to_o be_v only_a circumstantial_o of_o religion_n and_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n perfect_o indifferent_a it_o be_v easy_a here_o to_o retort_v the_o argument_n themselves_o make_v use_v of_o to_o persuade_v our_o governor_n to_o yield_v they_o for_o can_v they_o pretend_v that_o they_o be_v indifferent_a to_o be_v yield_v by_o governor_n in_o condescension_n to_o their_o weak_a subject_n and_o can_v they_o at_o the_o same_o time_n think_v they_o not_o equal_o indifferent_a for_o subject_n to_o be_v comply_v with_o in_o submission_n to_o their_o governor_n or_o can_v any_o cause_n be_v think_v too_o frivolous_a and_o inconsiderable_a for_o justify_v a_o separation_n when_o such_o as_o these_o be_v think_v sufficient_a for_o it_o §_o xvi_o or_o be_v it_o the_o imposition_n of_o such_o thing_n that_o be_v think_v so_o very_o grievous_a though_o the_o thing_n themselves_o be_v as_o calvin_n be_v please_v to_o call_v they_o tolerable_a folly_n indeed_o this_o might_n rational_o be_v urge_v to_o persuade_v governor_n to_o forbear_v the_o interposition_n of_o their_o authority_n in_o such_o case_n where_o there_o be_v so_o little_a need_n to_o interess_n it_o but_o that_o itself_o be_v only_o rational_a when_o governor_n be_v also_o persuade_v of_o their_o needlesness_n but_o when_o it_o be_v further_o urge_v as_o it_o be_v by_o they_o to_o justify_v the_o separation_n of_o subject_n in_o such_o case_n wherein_o governor_n can_v be_v convince_v of_o their_o needlesness_n how_o can_v they_o answer_v such_o as_o on_o the_o same_o term_n shall_v be_v desirous_a to_o separate_v from_o themselves_o for_o if_o this_o be_v so_o governor_n must_v never_o expect_v to_o be_v obey_v but_o in_o such_o case_n wherein_o subject_n be_v equal_o convince_v with_o themselves_o of_o the_o particular_a necessity_n of_o their_o imposition_n which_o must_v make_v government_n perfect_o useless_a and_o must_v necessary_o
a_o governor_n or_o as_o a_o covenanter_n if_o as_o a_o governor_n than_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o all_o his_o inferior_a governor_n be_v impower_v by_o his_o commission_n to_o act_v by_o his_o authority_n which_o commission_n if_o they_o want_v they_o can_v be_v say_v to_o act_v by_o his_o authority_n and_o no_o illegal_a authority_n can_v confer_v a_o valid_a legal_a title_n if_o as_o a_o covenanter_n he_o can_v be_v thus_o oblige_v without_o his_o own_o will_n and_o therefore_o none_o can_v celebrate_v a_o covenant_n in_o god_n name_n so_o as_o to_o oblige_v he_o to_o performance_n of_o it_o unless_o god_n signify_v it_o to_o be_v his_o pleasure_n to_o empower_v he_o to_o do_v so_o as_o in_o law_n none_o can_v be_v oblige_v by_o another_o act_n who_o have_v not_o be_v empower_v to_o act_v in_o his_o name_n by_o his_o letter_n of_o proxy_n and_o he_o that_o presume_v of_o himself_o to_o make_v a_o covenant_n wherein_o god_n be_v by_o he_o engage_v as_o a_o party_n without_o be_v so_o empower_v by_o god_n as_o what_o he_o do_v can_v in_o any_o legal_a exposition_n be_v repute_v as_o god_n act_n so_o neither_o can_v it_o infer_v any_o legal_a obligation_n on_o he_o to_o performance_n §_o xi_o nor_o be_v these_o sacrament_n invalid_a only_o as_o to_o the_o title_n but_o also_o even_o as_o to_o the_o possession_n of_o the_o benefit_n to_o be_v convey_v by_o they_o for_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o the_o case_n be_v very_o different_a betwixt_o the_o power_n give_v by_o god_n to_o minister_n for_o the_o conveyance_n of_o spiritual_a blessing_n by_o the_o sacrament_n and_o that_o which_o be_v give_v by_o worldly_a prince_n to_o inferior_a officer_n for_o the_o conveyance_n of_o secular_a favour_n for_o because_o the_o possession_n of_o land_n be_v in_o effect_n subject_n to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o sword_n the_o inferior_a officer_n who_o have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o sword_n and_o withal_o have_v the_o land_n within_o the_o jurisdiction_n wherein_o that_o power_n be_v allow_v they_o as_o they_o may_v decree_v wrong_a in_o give_v land_n to_o person_n who_o have_v no_o legal_a right_n to_o they_o so_o they_o may_v also_o for_o a_o time_n put_v they_o in_o possession_n of_o they_o but_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o sacrament_n be_v spiritual_a and_o consequent_o their_o possession_n as_o well_o as_o right_o must_v depend_v whole_o on_o the_o divine_a pleasure_n and_o it_o can_v be_v presume_v likely_a to_o please_v god_n to_o give_v any_o validity_n to_o the_o act_n of_o usurper_n nay_o that_o a_o curse_n instead_o of_o a_o blessing_n be_v to_o be_v fear_v from_o ordinance_n so_o administer_v will_v appear_v by_o the_o same_o principle_n of_o government_n for_o there_o be_v no_o crime_n more_o punishable_a by_o these_o principle_n than_o those_o which_o encroach_v on_o the_o supreme_a government_n and_o none_o repute_v more_o treasonable_a than_o pretend_v a_o commission_n where_o none_o be_v give_v and_o counterfeit_v the_o broad_a seal_n especial_o when_o they_o proceed_v so_o far_o as_o to_o raise_v actual_a sedition_n on_o these_o pretence_n now_o of_o all_o these_o crime_n these_o vnauthorized_a sacrament_n must_v be_v charge_v by_o these_o principle_n §_o xii_o the_o administrer_n of_o they_o pretend_v a_o commission_n from_o god_n when_o they_o have_v none_o because_o they_o plain_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o intermeddle_v in_o that_o government_n which_o nothing_o can_v empower_v they_o to_o intermeddle_v in_o without_o a_o express_a commission_n at_o least_o they_o can_v expect_v to_o be_v trust_v and_o submit_v to_o by_o loyal_a subject_n without_o such_o a_o pretence_n they_o presume_v to_o counterfeit_v the_o broad_a seal_n for_o such_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n themselves_o conceive_v the_o sacrament_n to_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n and_o according_o charge_v the_o romanist_n with_o counterfeit_v the_o broad_a seal_n of_o heaven_n for_o add_v to_o the_o number_n of_o the_o sacrament_n in_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o oblige_v god_n as_o a_o party_n of_o a_o covenant_n and_o pretend_v to_o set_v his_o seal_n to_o it_o without_o power_n receive_v from_o he_o to_o do_v so_o they_o raise_v sedition_n by_o set_v up_o society_n within_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o those_o church_n whereof_o themselves_o be_v original_o member_n and_o yet_o independent_a on_o the_o government_n of_o those_o church_n which_o if_o it_o be_v not_o sedition_n by_o the_o principle_n of_o government_n in_o general_n not_o as_o confine_v particular_o to_o that_o which_o be_v civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a for_o my_o part_n i_o must_v confess_v i_o do_v not_o understand_v what_o sedition_n be_v and_o certain_o the_o principle_n of_o government_n in_o general_n as_o prescind_v from_o both_o these_o kind_n must_v be_v admit_v in_o these_o dispute_n unless_o we_o will_v pretend_v ecclesiastical_a government_n not_o to_o agree_v with_o that_o which_o be_v secular_a in_o as_o much_o as_o one_o vnivocal_a notion_n which_o be_v indeed_o to_o divest_v it_o of_o any_o thing_n of_o government_n but_o a_o bare_a name_n and_o then_o by_o the_o same_o principle_n of_o government_n not_o only_o they_o be_v traitor_n who_o raise_v the_o rebellion_n but_o also_o they_o who_o maintain_v and_o abet_v it_o when_o it_o be_v raise_v which_o will_v involve_v the_o communicant_o in_o these_o sacrament_n in_o this_o capital_a gild_n as_o well_o as_o the_o administrer_n of_o they_o §_o xiii_o and_o that_o indeed_o the_o valid_a administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n be_v thus_o confine_v to_o the_o regularly-ordeined_n clergy_n will_v appear_v whether_o we_o consider_v the_o sacrament_n as_o confederation_n into_o a_o body_n politic_a or_o only_o as_o sacred_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n institute_v by_o god_n in_o order_n to_o some_o great_a effect_n to_o be_v promote_v by_o they_o without_o any_o design_n upon_o a_o body_n politic_a if_o we_o consider_v they_o as_o confederation_n into_o a_o body_n politic_a that_o be_v as_o baptism_n do_v admit_v a_o member_n into_o the_o church_n and_o as_o the_o bless_a eucharist_n do_v not_o only_o signify_v but_o perpetuate_v and_o effect_v that_o union_n with_o christ_n the_o head_n of_o this_o mystical_a body_n and_o with_o their_o brethren_n as_o fellow-member_n which_o may_v make_v they_o capable_a of_o receive_v those_o vital_a influence_n which_o be_v here_o expect_v the_o same_o way_n as_o a_o member_n of_o the_o natural_a body_n by_o be_v vital_o unite_v to_o the_o live_a head_n and_o member_n be_v make_v capable_a of_o receive_v that_o communication_n of_o blood_n and_o spirit_n by_o which_o the_o life_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n be_v maintain_v then_o they_o will_v plain_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o right_n of_o governor_n for_o in_o all_o government_n the_o right_a of_o admit_v member_n into_o their_o society_n at_o first_o or_o continue_v they_o in_o it_o in_o order_n to_o the_o instate_v they_o in_o the_o legal_a privilege_n of_o such_o society_n be_v never_o conceive_v to_o belong_v to_o particular_a member_n but_o only_o to_o governor_n so_o that_o if_o a_o particular_a vnauthorized_a member_n shall_v presume_v to_o admit_v a_o member_n into_o the_o body_n politic_a whereof_o he_o be_v himself_o a_o member_n such_o a_o act_n be_v not_o only_o irregular_a but_o invalid_n in_o itself_o so_o that_o a_o member_n so_o admit_v can_v be_v repute_v a_o legal_a member_n of_o such_o a_o society_n nor_o consequent_o be_v legal_o entitle_v to_o the_o privilege_n of_o it_o without_o a_o new_a admission_n for_o consider_v that_o this_o admission_n and_o continuance_n of_o member_n in_o a_o society_n do_v withal_o entitle_v they_o to_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o it_o if_o the_o power_n of_o this_o admission_n and_o deprivation_n be_v not_o confine_v to_o the_o governor_n they_o must_v consequent_o be_v deprive_v of_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n for_o indeed_o the_o privilege_n man_n gain_v by_o be_v of_o any_o society_n be_v the_o only_a reward_n that_o be_v proper_a and_o natural_a to_o invite_v man_n to_o it_o or_o continue_v they_o in_o it_o and_o the_o deprivation_n of_o those_o privilege_n especial_o if_o they_o be_v so_o necessary_a for_o their_o preservation_n as_o that_o the_o loss_n of_o they_o must_v inevitable_o expose_v person_n so_o deprive_v to_o the_o great_a inconvenience_n be_v the_o only_a natural_a punishment_n to_o discourage_v man_n from_o do_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o will_n of_o the_o governor_n of_o such_o a_o society_n and_o how_o possible_a it_o be_v for_o any_o government_n to_o be_v maintain_v in_o a_o society_n where_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n be_v not_o at_o the_o disposal_n of_o the_o governor_n i_o believe_v our_o brethren_n themselves_o will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o explain_v and_o therefore_o pursuant_n to_o these_o principle_n for_o my_o part_n i_o must_v confess_v
belong_v to_o he_o as_o a_o presbyter_n though_o he_o be_v not_o also_o a_o precedent_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o therefore_o can_v take_v it_o for_o a_o prerogative_n of_o his_o office_n as_o precedent_n that_o it_o be_v therefore_o from_o some_o such_o a_o presbytery_n as_o this_o that_o they_o must_v derive_v the_o validity_n of_o their_o order_n appear_v from_o the_o principle_n already_o premise_v that_o no_o other_o presbytery_n can_v make_v out_o their_o succession_n from_o the_o apostle_n that_o particular_a member_n of_o even_o these_o presbytery_n can_v do_v it_o alone_o in_o a_o separation_n from_o they_o that_o multitude_n of_o such_o particular_a person_n though_o meet_v together_o can_v make_v up_o such_o a_o church_n among_o they_o as_o be_v requisite_a to_o attest_v the_o order_n of_o person_n ordain_v to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n who_o maintain_v correspondence_n with_o they_o §_o xiii_o consider_v therefore_o these_o episcopal_a presbytery_n only_o as_o presbyter_n and_o the_o bishop_n himself_o as_o act_v herein_o by_o no_o high_a a_o power_n than_o that_o of_o a_o ordinary_a presbyter_n yet_o even_o so_o no_o order_n can_v be_v valid_a but_o those_o which_o be_v confer_v by_o the_o prevail_a vote_n of_o even_o such_o a_o presbytery_n at_o least_o those_o be_v invalid_a which_o be_v give_v by_o the_o vote_n of_o a_o small_a over_v vote_v part_n of_o they_o even_o by_o the_o principle_n of_o aristocratical_a government_n though_o it_o be_v doubtful_a whether_o the_o great_a part_n may_v dispose_v a_o right_n common_a to_o they_o all_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o every_o particular_a yet_o it_o hardly_o can_v be_v doubtful_a whether_o a_o small_a part_n can_v dispose_v of_o such_o a_o common_a right_n though_o over-voted_n by_o a_o great_a number_n of_o suffrage_n than_o their_o own_o though_o it_o may_v be_v think_v reasonable_a that_o some_o reserve_a case_n of_o that_o nature_n wherein_o the_o whole_a society_n be_v deep_o concern_v shall_v not_o pass_v without_o the_o unanimous_a suffrage_n of_o every_o individual_a member_n yet_o as_o there_o be_v no_o justice_n antecedent_o to_o compact_n that_o any_o individual_n shall_v dispose_v of_o the_o right_n of_o other_o though_o less_o considerable_a than_o themselves_o till_o by_o the_o general_a act_n and_o compact_n of_o all_o whereby_o polyarchical_a society_n be_v most_o natural_o settle_v such_o general_a rule_n be_v agree_v on_o by_o which_o some_o particular_a member_n may_v for_o peace_n sake_n be_v allow_v to_o dispose_v of_o the_o common_a right_n of_o their_o fellow-member_n without_o their_o express_a consent_n in_o the_o particular_a but_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o general_a consent_n once_o give_v to_o such_o general_a rule_n so_o neither_o be_v there_o any_o reason_n in_o prudence_n that_o where_o unanimous_a consent_n can_v be_v have_v and_o it_o be_v therefore_o necessary_a that_o one_o part_n yield_v to_o the_o other_o the_o great_a shall_v be_v sway_v by_o the_o small_a part_n the_o fundamental_a rule_n of_o all_o this_o public_a justice_n be_v that_o where_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o a_o choice_n the_o public_a be_v prefer_v before_o private_a interest_n that_o therefore_o it_o be_v very_o just_a to_o bear_v with_o injury_n to_o private_a person_n when_o they_o can_v be_v avoid_v without_o injury_n to_o the_o public_a which_o will_v in_o generosity_n oblige_v a_o small_a part_n to_o yield_v to_o a_o great_a but_o can_v on_o no_o term_n oblige_v the_o great_a to_o yield_v to_o the_o small_a because_o indeed_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o great_a part_n be_v more_o the_o public_a interest_n than_o that_o of_o the_o small_a §_o fourteen_o beside_o the_o reason_n of_o all_o compact_n of_o this_o kind_n of_o refer_v their_o difference_n to_o a_o public_a decision_n be_v the_o presume_a equality_n of_o the_o decision_n above_o what_o will_v be_v among_o the_o interest_v person_n themselves_o and_o the_o power_n to_o execute_v what_o be_v resolve_v on_o beyond_o the_o resistance_n of_o those_o against_o who_o the_o cause_n be_v decide_v and_o therefore_o if_o we_o shall_v again_o suppose_v man_n free_a as_o they_o be_v before_o these_o compact_n i_o be_o speak_v of_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o presume_v that_o they_o will_v settle_v this_o power_n of_o decide_v their_o difference_n in_o such_o hand_n where_o there_o may_v be_v presume_v less_o danger_n of_o corruption_n and_o where_o there_o be_v the_o great_a power_n to_o execute_v their_o own_o decree_n and_o both_o these_o reason_n give_v the_o preference_n to_o these_o major_a vote_n above_o the_o small_a part_n it_o be_v to_o be_v presume_v that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o easy_a to_o corrupt_v a_o great_a as_o it_o be_v to_o corrupt_v a_o small_a part_n and_o when_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o the_o decree_n be_v execute_v the_o power_n of_o the_o great_a be_v great_a than_o that_o of_o the_o small_a part_n where_o the_o particular_a subject_n of_o power_n be_v suppose_v equal_a as_o they_o be_v in_o our_o present_a case_n and_o though_o it_o be_v very_o possible_a in_o after_o case_n that_o it_o may_v so_o fall_v out_o that_o the_o great_a right_n may_v sometime_o belong_v to_o that_o side_n where_o there_o be_v the_o small_a power_n yet_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o only_a reason_n why_o it_o come_v to_o be_v so_o be_v the_o unexpectedness_n of_o revolution_n to_o which_o humane_a affair_n be_v obnoxious_a which_o can_v not_o be_v so_o much_o as_o probable_o foresee_v when_o the_o rule_n of_o such_o society_n be_v first_o agree_v on_o otherwise_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o presume_v that_o at_o the_o first_o constitution_n of_o those_o rule_n they_o will_v choose_v the_o great_a power_n and_o interest_n for_o the_o fit_a seat_n of_o authority_n because_o they_o will_v by_o that_o be_v best_o secure_v of_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o sentence_n give_v by_o they_o and_o therefore_o where_o we_o may_v presume_v the_o great_a power_n lie_v at_o the_o pass_n of_o those_o compact_n and_o where_o they_o who_o make_v those_o compact_n have_v reason_n to_o see_v the_o great_a power_n will_v always_o be_v there_o we_o have_v also_o reason_n to_o presume_v that_o they_o will_v intend_v to_o place_v the_o great_a authority_n §_o xv_o and_o this_o be_v a_o reason_n which_o may_v in_o all_o probability_n induce_v they_o to_o resolve_v that_o the_o major_a vote_n shall_v prevail_v through_o all_o succeed_a generation_n because_o the_o major_a vote_n in_o the_o case_n i_o be_o speak_v of_o must_v inseparable_o carry_v with_o it_o the_o great_a power_n and_o this_o be_v a_o reason_n that_o alike_o concern_v all_o by_o who_o the_o government_n be_v at_o first_o settle_v whether_o it_o be_v by_o compact_n of_o the_o party_n themselves_o who_o be_v to_o be_v govern_v or_o whether_o the_o government_n be_v place_v over_o they_o by_o a_o power_n who_o have_v a_o jurisdiction_n over_o they_o antecedent_o to_o their_o own_o consent_n there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n why_o such_o a_o power_n shall_v decree_v that_o the_o small_a number_n of_o suffrage_n in_o opposition_n to_o a_o great_a number_n shall_v be_v null_a in_o society_n to_o be_v establish_v by_o he_o as_o that_o the_o party_n themselves_o shall_v at_o first_o agree_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o the_o reason_n now_o mention_v proceed_v alike_o in_o both_o case_n which_o i_o therefore_o observe_v that_o our_o adversary_n may_v perceive_v that_o as_o to_o the_o case_n of_o which_o i_o be_o now_o speak_v it_o will_v come_v to_o the_o same_o event_n whether_o the_o power_n of_o the_o presbytery_n do_v come_v from_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o particular_a presbyter_n or_o whether_o it_o proceed_v immediate_o from_o the_o divine_a institution_n still_o it_o be_v to_o be_v presume_v that_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v decide_v by_o the_o vote_n of_o the_o great_a part_n where_o nothing_o be_v otherwise_o express_o determine_v because_o this_o way_n of_o determination_n be_v so_o certain_o for_o the_o public_a interest_n for_o which_o we_o have_v as_o much_o reason_n to_o presume_v that_o god_n will_v be_v solicitous_a as_o that_o the_o presbyter_n themselves_o will_v be_v so_o §_o xvi_o by_o this_o it_o appear_v even_o from_o the_o principle_n of_o aristocratical_a government_n how_o invalid_a as_o well_o as_o how_o irregular_a it_o must_v be_v for_o a_o small_a over-voted_n number_n of_o the_o presbyter_n to_o undertake_v to_o dispose_v of_o the_o common_a right_n of_o the_o whole_a presbytery_n whether_o as_o act_v by_o themselves_o or_o as_o act_v in_o presbytery_n make_v up_o of_o multitude_n of_o such_o presbyter_n as_o have_v be_v several_o over-voted_n in_o the_o presbytery_n to_o which_o each_o of_o they_o do_v at_o first_o belong_v now_o that_o the_o power_n give_v in_o the_o ordination_n of_o a_o presbyter_n
ordain_v other_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v from_o the_o notion_n of_o those_o time_n §_o vii_o nor_o from_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n §_o viii_o ix_o the_o principle_n on_o which_o these_o person_n proceed_v in_o make_v onâ—_n order_n of_o episcopacy_n and_o presbytery_n do_v not_o oblige_v they_o to_o believe_v that_o the_o power_n of_o ordain_v other_o be_v a_o right_a of_o simple_a presbyter_n §_o x_o xi_o xii_o xiii_o fourteen_o answ._n 4._o they_o who_o then_o hold_v this_o opinion_n do_v in_o all_o likelihood_n neither_o intend_v nor_o think_v of_o any_o consequence_n from_o it_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o establishment_n then_o receive_v §_o xv_o xvi_o p._n 491._o chap._n xxiv_o this_o supposition_n that_o the_o bishop_n have_v the_o right_n of_o preside_v over_o ecclesiastical_a assembly_n sufficient_a for_o our_o purpose_n §_o i._o 1._o in_o regard_n of_o that_o power_n which_o must_v be_v grant_v due_a to_o he_o even_o as_o precedent_n this_o prove_v by_o these_o degree_n 1._o even_o by_o the_o principle_n of_o aristocratical_a government_n no_o power_n can_v be_v give_v but_o by_o the_o act_n of_o that_o body_n wherein_o the_o right_a of_o government_n be_v original_o seat_v §_o ii_o 2._o no_o act_n can_v be_v presume_v to_o be_v the_o act_n of_o that_o body_n but_o what_o have_v pass_v they_o in_o their_o public_a assembly_n §_o iii_o 3._o no_o assembly_n can_v dispose_v of_o the_o right_n of_o such_o society_n but_o such_o as_o be_v lawful_a one_o according_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o society_n §_o iv_o v._o 4._o the_o indiction_n of_o the_o assembly_n by_o the_o precedent_n be_v a_o right_n consequent_a to_o the_o office_n of_o a_o precedent_n as_o a_o precedent_n and_o a_o circumstance_n requisite_a to_o make_v the_o assembly_n itself_o lawful_a §_o vi_o vii_o 5._o the_o bishop_n have_v always_o be_v the_o precedent_n of_o ecclesiastical_a assembly_n even_o as_o high_a as_o our_o adversary_n themselves_o do_v grant_v the_o practice_n of_o preside_a presbyter_n §_o viii_o ix_o this_o invalidate_n the_o order_n of_o our_o adversary_n §_o x._o this_o be_v a_o right_n which_o no_o bishop_n how_o great_a assertor_n soever_o of_o the_o identity_n of_o their_o order_n with_o that_o of_o presbyter_n ever_o do_v renounce_v or_o can_v renounce_v without_o make_v their_o government_n unpracticable_a §_o xi_o though_o the_o bishop_n have_v receive_v their_o power_n from_o their_o election_n by_o man_n yet_o that_o will_v not_o suffice_v to_o make_v valid_a any_o act_n of_o the_o same_o man_n without_o their_o consent_n after_o their_o election_n §_o xii_o xiii_o this_o right_n of_o presidency_n may_v hold_v though_o the_o whole_a right_n of_o their_o power_n have_v be_v pure_o humane_a §_o fourteen_o but_o suppose_v that_o right_a divine_a all_o that_o man_n can_v do_v can_v be_v only_o to_o determine_v the_o person_n not_o to_o confine_v the_o power_n the_o reason_v here_o use_v will_v proceed_v though_o bishop_n have_v be_v make_v by_o presbyter_n alone_o without_o the_o concurrence_n and_o consecration_n of_o other_o bishop_n §_o xv._o the_o primitive_a bishop_n seem_v indeed_o to_o have_v be_v make_v so_o by_o presbyter_n without_o bishop_n §_o xvi_o p._n 508._o chap._n xxv_o 2._o the_o nullity_n of_o the_o same_o ordination_n prove_v even_o from_o the_o principle_n of_o aristocratical_a government_n from_o the_o right_n which_o episcopal_a presbytery_n ought_v to_o have_v in_o give_v order_n as_o they_o be_v consider_v as_o presbytery_n §_o ay_o ii_o this_o prove_v by_o these_o degree_n though_o a_o presbyter_n when_o he_o be_v once_o make_v be_v a_o presbyter_n in_o the_o catholic_n church_n yet_o the_o reason_n that_o make_v he_o so_o be_v the_o correspondence_n of_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n with_o that_o particular_a one_o of_o which_o he_o be_v make_v a_o member_n at_o his_o ordination_n §_o iii_o iv_o five_o vi_o 2._o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o he_o who_o can_v valid_o make_v out_o his_o authority_n in_o the_o particular_a church_n in_o which_o he_o pretend_v to_o have_v receive_v his_o order_n can_v in_o reason_n expect_v that_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o authority_n shall_v be_v ratify_v in_o other_o church_n who_o can_v thus_o be_v satisfy_v that_o he_o have_v receive_v they_o §_o vii_o 3._o the_o church_n by_o which_o the_o validity_n of_o the_o order_n of_o every_o particular_a presbyter_n must_v expect_v to_o be_v try_v must_v not_o be_v a_o church_n that_o derive_v its_o beginning_n from_o he_o but_o such_o a_o one_o as_o must_v be_v suppose_v settle_v and_o establish_v before_o he_o can_v be_v capable_a of_o any_o pretension_n to_o order_n apply_v to_o single_a presbyter_n §_o viii_o to_o whole_a presbytery_n make_v up_o of_o over-voted_n single_a presbyter_n §_o ix_o x_o xi_o 4._o no_o order_n can_v be_v presume_v to_o have_v be_v valid_o receive_v in_o any_o particular_a episcopal_a church_n as_o presbyterian_a without_o the_o prevail_a suffrage_n of_o the_o presbytery_n §_o xii_o a_o small_a over_v vote_v number_n of_o presbyter_n can_v valid_o dispose_v of_o the_o common_a right_n of_o the_o whole_a presbytery_n §_o xiii_o fourteen_o xv._o the_o power_n give_v in_o the_o ordination_n of_o a_o presbyter_n be_v a_o right_a of_o the_o presbytery_n in_o common_a by_o the_o principle_n of_o aristocratical_a government_n §_o xvi_o xvii_o xviii_o xix_o a_o objection_n answer_v §_o xx_o xxi_o xxii_o another_o objection_n answer_v §_o xxiii_o xxiv_o retort_v §_o xxv_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o retortion_n give_v §_o xxvi_o p._n 525._o chap._n xxvi_o 2._o the_o episcopal_a communion_n to_o which_o every_o one_o be_v oblige_v to_o join_v himself_o as_o he_o will_v secure_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o his_o own_o particular_a salvation_n be_v the_o episcopal_a communion_n of_o the_o place_n wherein_o he_o live_v while_o he_o live_v in_o it_o §_o i._o this_o prove_v against_o the_o several_a sort_n of_o the_o nonconformist_n according_a to_o their_o several_a principle_n §_o ii_o 1._o as_o to_o the_o presbyterian_o and_o those_o who_o acknowledge_v a_o obligation_n of_o government_n antecedent_o to_o the_o consent_n of_o particular_a subject_n and_o that_o by_o these_o degree_n 1._o that_o by_o the_o obligation_n of_o government_n in_o general_n all_o those_o particular_n must_v be_v oblige_v without_o which_o it_o can_v be_v practicable_a §_o iii_o 2._o many_o of_o the_o presbyterian_o themselves_o do_v acknowledge_v the_o determination_n of_o particular_a circumstance_n and_o the_o application_n of_o general_a rule_n to_o particular_a case_n to_o belong_v to_o the_o office_n of_o ecclesiastical_a governor_n §_o iv_o 3._o it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a for_o the_o practicableness_n of_o government_n in_o general_n that_o every_o subject_n know_v his_o governor_n and_o he_o particular_o to_o who_o be_v in_o particular_a owe_v obedience_n §_o v._o 4._o the_o mean_n whereby_o every_o particular_a person_n may_v be_v convince_v to_o who_o it_o be_v that_o he_o in_o particular_a owe_v subjection_n must_v be_v such_o as_o may_v be_v presume_v notorious_a to_o the_o whole_a community_n and_o such_o whereof_o other_o may_v judge_v as_o well_o as_o the_o person_n particular_o concern_v and_o by_o which_o they_o may_v judge_n as_o well_o concern_v his_o duty_n as_o their_o own_o §_o vi_o 5._o the_o authority_n of_o these_o mean_n must_v be_v from_o god_n §_o vii_o viii_o two_o consequence_n infer_v from_o hence_o 1._o positive_a that_o they_o must_v be_v under_o a_o divine_a obligation_n to_o own_o the_o authority_n of_o these_o jurisdiction_n while_o they_o live_v within_o they_o §_o ix_o 2._o negative_a that_o from_o this_o divine_a authority_n of_o jurisdiction_n they_o must_v find_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o forbear_v all_o opposite_a communion_n or_o assembly_n within_o those_o jurisdiction_n §_o x_o xi_o xii_o application_n make_v particular_o to_o the_o presbyterian_o §_o xiii_o 2._o as_o to_o the_o independent_o who_o deny_v all_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n antecedent_o to_o the_o voluntary_a obligation_n of_o particular_a person_n §_o fourteen_o xv._o that_o there_o be_v real_o a_o power_n of_o government_n in_o the_o church_n §_o xvi_o that_o this_o power_n be_v not_o derive_v from_o the_o multitude_n §_o xvii_o xviii_o p._n 547._o chap._n xxvii_o 2._o that_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o obligation_n to_o submit_v to_o all_o unsinful_a condition_n of_o the_o episcopal_a communion_n be_v such_o as_o will_v make_v they_o guilty_a of_o the_o sin_n of_o schism_n who_o will_v rather_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v separate_v than_o they_o will_v submit_v to_o such_o condition_n the_o notion_n of_o schism_n as_o it_o be_v only_o a_o breach_n of_o correspondence_n not_o sufficient_a for_o my_o purpose_n §_o i._o as_o it_o be_v a_o breach_n of_o a_o body_n politic_a it_o be_v application_n to_o our_o adversary_n §_o ii_o that_o by_o the_o principle_n
though_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o such_o a_o person_n to_o nourish_v some_o hope_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o so_o easy_o intelligible_a how_o he_o can_v rational_o enjoy_v any_o comfort_n §_o vi_o this_o i_o be_o sure_a seem_v agreeable_a to_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n and_o i_o think_v i_o may_v appeal_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n themselves_o concern_v it_o where_o they_o be_v disinterest_v it_o be_v well_o know_v what_o advantage_n the_o romanist_n make_v of_o the_o ingenuity_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o acknowledge_v a_o possibility_n of_o salvation_n to_o particular_a person_n of_o their_o communion_n and_o it_o be_v as_o well_o know_v how_o unreasonable_a as_o well_o as_o unequal_a they_o be_v think_v by_o protestant_n in_o this_o way_n of_o proceed_v and_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o argument_n producible_a by_o they_o to_o prove_v it_o unreasonable_a which_o may_v not_o be_v apply_v to_o show_v the_o unconclusiveness_n of_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n supposal_n of_o the_o security_n of_o some_o person_n out_o of_o the_o external_n communion_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n to_o prove_v the_o prudence_n of_o their_o venture_n on_o it_o for_o will_v they_o say_v that_o notwithstanding_o this_o salvability_n of_o particular_a person_n in_o the_o romish_a communion_n yet_o it_o be_v so_o little_a to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o their_o be_v of_o that_o communion_n as_o that_o their_o be_v so_o be_v rather_o a_o prejudice_n than_o a_o advantage_n to_o their_o salvation_n to_o be_v rather_o excuse_v than_o recommend_v nay_o that_o their_o danger_n be_v so_o great_a and_o the_o escape_v so_o rare_a and_o so_o incapable_a to_o be_v make_v out_o to_o the_o comfort_n of_o the_o person_n concern_v as_o that_o not_o only_o that_o communion_n can_v prudent_o be_v choose_v upon_o equal_a term_n where_o a_o better_a may_v be_v have_v but_o that_o all_o tolerable_a term_n that_o be_v all_o that_o be_v not_o sinful_a be_v rather_o to_o be_v bear_v with_o than_o that_o a_o better_a shall_v not_o be_v actual_o obtain_v and_o be_v not_o this_o a_o plain_a confession_n that_o a_o bare_a possibility_n of_o salvation_n out_o of_o the_o external_a communion_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o excuse_v they_o from_o submit_v to_o all_o lawful_a however_o inconvenient_a term_n of_o obtain_v this_o external_a communion_n especial_o when_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o this_o state_n of_o want_v this_o external_a communion_n be_v and_o may_v be_v notwithstanding_o this_o argument_n as_o prejudicial_a to_o salvation_n and_o as_o dangerous_a and_o as_o rare_o escape_v and_o as_o little_a capable_a of_o administer_a comfort_n to_o the_o party_n concern_v as_o that_o of_o popery_n and_o this_o be_v as_o much_o as_o i_o be_o concern_v for_o at_o present_a only_o to_o show_v the_o weakness_n of_o this_o argument_n from_o the_o acknowledge_a salvability_n of_o some_o particular_a person_n out_o of_o the_o external_a communion_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n to_o overthrow_v the_o necessity_n of_o our_o join_n with_o it_o in_o order_n to_o our_o comfort_n and_o assurance_n of_o salvation_n whence_o it_o also_o appear_v clear_o how_o little_a we_o be_v concern_v to_o disprove_v that_o salvability_n §_o vii_o i_o proceed_v therefore_o 2._o to_o show_v far_o positive_o that_o for_o prove_v this_o obligation_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o external_a communion_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o show_v that_o without_o such_o a_o external_a communion_n we_o can_v so_o well_o be_v assure_v of_o our_o salvation_n and_o that_o this_o supposition_n alone_o of_o our_o less_o security_n without_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v we_o oblige_v to_o submit_v to_o all_o term_n not_o direct_o sinful_a however_o in-expedient_a in_o order_n to_o the_o procure_v this_o external_a communion_n this_o will_v be_v easy_a if_o it_o be_v consider_v 1._o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o rational_a obligation_n in_o prudence_n to_o secure_v our_o own_o interest_n and_o what_o may_v prove_v conducive_a thereunto_o and_o to_o avoid_v such_o thing_n as_o may_v prove_v prejudicial_a to_o they_o as_o well_o as_o a_o authoritative_a obligation_n to_o submit_v to_o the_o imposition_n of_o any_o superior_n whatsoever_o nay_o this_o rational_a obligation_n be_v so_o far_o from_o fall_v short_a of_o that_o which_o be_v authoritative_a as_o some_o less_o wary_a person_n may_v conceive_v as_o that_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o authoritative_a obligation_n for_o all_o authoritative_a sanction_n be_v impose_v on_o subject_n only_o in_o virtue_n of_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n annex_v to_o they_o so_o that_o as_o he_o who_o undervalue_v the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n can_v have_v no_o rational_a inducement_n to_o submit_v to_o the_o law_n so_o the_o only_a original_a reason_n of_o value_v the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n can_v only_o be_v the_o value_n of_o those_o interest_n which_o be_v concern_v in_o they_o and_o as_o in_o this_o regard_n this_o kind_n of_o obligation_n be_v general_o great_a than_o that_o which_o be_v legal_a so_o there_o can_v be_v a_o secure_a measure_n for_o discern_v the_o great_a or_o lesser_a obligation_n of_o thing_n of_o this_o kind_n than_o by_o the_o great_a or_o lesser_a momentousness_n of_o the_o interest_n concern_v in_o they_o for_o as_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o lesser_a interest_n ought_v in_o prudence_n to_o give_v way_n to_o great_a and_o consequent_o may_v be_v deny_v in_o compliance_n with_o those_o imposition_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v submit_v to_o in_o order_n to_o the_o secure_v those_o which_o be_v great_a so_o the_o great_a of_o all_o be_v most_o obligatory_a and_o can_v never_o yield_v to_o any_o law_n whatsoever_o because_o no_o reward_n or_o punishment_n whatsoever_o can_v be_v ever_o suppose_v sufficient_a to_o countervail_v they_o now_o this_o be_v the_o case_n exact_o here_o there_o be_v no_o other_o interest_n comparable_a to_o that_o of_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n §_o viii_o hence_o it_o will_v be_v easy_a to_o infer_v 2._o that_o all_o term_n not_o direct_o sinful_a however_o in_o expedient_a be_v necessary_a to_o be_v submit_v to_o in_o order_n to_o the_o secure_v this_o great_a interest_n of_o our_o salvation_n for_o as_o this_o obligation_n to_o secure_v our_o great_a interest_n in_o the_o first_o place_n be_v the_o first_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o all_o law_n so_o the_o second_o be_v this_o that_o for_o secure_v our_o great_a interest_n we_o be_v in_o prudence_n oblige_v to_o yield_v those_o which_o be_v inferior_a for_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o law_n even_o contrary_a to_o our_o own_o humour_n and_o interest_n of_o lesser_a concernment_n because_o the_o interest_n yield_v in_o obedience_n to_o law_n be_v less_o than_o the_o interest_n procure_v by_o the_o reward_n and_o other_o advantage_n of_o the_o society_n establish_v by_o they_o and_o because_o the_o prejudice_n incur_v by_o the_o performance_n of_o duty_n be_v less_o than_o the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o penalty_n or_o of_o the_o dissolution_n or_o disturbance_n of_o the_o society_n itself_o see_v therefore_o that_o all_o term_n not_o sinful_a be_v lesser_a evil_n than_o the_o loss_n of_o our_o salvation_n it_o will_v follow_v by_o this_o second_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o humane_a society_n that_o they_o be_v all_o to_o be_v yield_v as_o far_o as_o such_o yield_n may_v prove_v necessary_a for_o the_o security_n of_o this_o but_o because_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o the_o hazard_n of_o our_o salvation_n it_o self_n as_o the_o hazard_n of_o our_o assurance_n of_o it_o and_o consequent_o of_o our_o present_a comfort_n of_o it_o that_o we_o can_v so_o proper_o take_v for_o grant_v in_o our_o present_a discourse_n therefore_o it_o will_v concern_v we_o to_o show_v that_o though_o our_o condition_n be_v never_o so_o secure_a in_o itself_o yet_o even_o the_o loss_n of_o our_o assurance_n that_o it_o be_v so_o and_o of_o that_o evidence_n which_o be_v requisite_a for_o ground_v a_o prudent_a rational_a assurance_n be_v a_o mischief_n to_o we_o great_a than_o any_o we_o can_v suffer_v by_o the_o most_o i_o do_v not_o say_v imprudent_a but_o oppressive_a ecclesiastical_a constitution_n if_o they_o be_v not_o sinful_a which_o will_v therefore_o by_o these_o principle_n of_o obligation_n oblige_v we_o rather_o to_o yield_v to_o all_o compliance_n of_o this_o nature_n than_o to_o hazard_v the_o loss_n or_o considerable_a diminution_n even_o of_o this_o assurance_n §_o ix_o to_o this_o purpose_n i_o consider_v further_o 3._o that_o this_o security_n of_o great_a interest_n design_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o compliance_n in_o yield_v of_o lesser_a be_v not_o indeed_o bare_o for_o the_o secure_v those_o interest_n in_o themselves_o but_o also_o and_o principal_o the_o secure_v they_o to_o
the_o necessary_a and_o useful_a influence_n of_o this_o establishment_n for_o the_o end_n of_o government_n in_o order_n whereunto_o i_o consider_v §_o xii_o 1._o that_o the_o great_a reason_n of_o god_n enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o we_o be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o assure_v we_o of_o his_o promise_n to_o be_v perform_v on_o his_o part_n for_o that_o may_v have_v be_v sufficient_o perform_v by_o external_a revelation_n as_o to_o assure_v the_o performance_n of_o duty_n on_o our_o part_n for_o this_o fickleness_n and_o inconstancy_n in_o we_o which_o will_v make_v we_o general_o fall_v short_a of_o the_o actual_a benefit_n of_o promise_n how_o much_o soever_o we_o may_v have_v be_v assure_v of_o performance_n as_o long_o as_o they_o be_v only_o conditional_a as_o it_o be_v requisite_a they_o shall_v be_v for_o the_o end_n of_o government_n which_o require_v that_o subject_n be_v treat_v in_o a_o moral_a and_o rational_a way_n only_o of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n be_v a_o thing_n indeed_o very_o suitable_a to_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n government_n who_o it_o concern_v as_o a_o good_a governor_n to_o take_v care_n that_o too_o great_a multitude_n of_o his_o subject_n shall_v not_o miscarry_v under_o his_o inspection_n for_o this_o indeed_o belong_v to_o the_o reputation_n of_o any_o government_n even_o among_o man_n that_o it_o attain_v its_o end_n with_o the_o generality_n of_o its_o subject_n to_o put_v they_o in_o a_o prosperous_a conditition_n though_o when_o all_o be_v do_v man_n be_v suppose_v as_o weak_a as_o they_o be_v and_o the_o inducement_n to_o obedience_n only_o moral_a it_o can_v be_v avoid_v but_o that_o some_o will_v fail_v of_o the_o reward_n and_o fall_v under_o the_o punishment_n this_o clear_o answer_v the_o objection_n for_o though_o it_o be_v indeed_o true_a that_o there_o be_v indeed_o no_o need_n of_o these_o solemnity_n of_o the_o covenant_n on_o god_n part_n to_o assure_v we_o of_o of_o his_o fair_a and_o candid_a deal_n with_o we_o nor_o indeed_o on_o our_o part_n to_o let_v god_n know_v the_o sincerity_n of_o our_o own_o deal_n with_o he_o yet_o there_o may_v be_v inas-much_a as_o our_o sincerity_n for_o perform_v the_o moral_a part_n of_o our_o duty_n may_v be_v signify_v to_o other_o and_o this_o signification_n of_o it_o to_o other_o in_o a_o solemn_a way_n may_v lay_v a_o restraint_n on_o we_o for_o its_o more_o punctual_a performance_n and_o this_o restraint_n may_v secure_v our_o actual_a performance_n even_o to_o god_n himself_o when_o we_o believe_v our_o whole_a comfort_n of_o the_o covenant_n not_o capable_a of_o be_v solid_o ground_v otherwise_o than_o on_o the_o external_a solemnity_n of_o our_o admission_n and_o continuance_n in_o it_o §_o xiii_o 2._o therefore_o god_n in_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o we_o do_v accommodate_v himself_o as_o we_o have_v see_v to_o our_o custom_n and_o humour_n that_o so_o he_o may_v make_v use_n of_o the_o same_o motive_n to_o induce_v we_o to_o obedience_n to_o himself_o who_o be_v invisible_a as_o be_v â—ound_v efficacious_a on_o we_o for_o secure_v performance_n in_o our_o ordinary_a deal_n with_o mankind_n §_o fourteen_o and_o 3._o these_o external_a solemnity_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v very_o suitable_a to_o god_n design_n in_o make_v it_o and_o very_o effectual_o conducive_a to_o it_o nay_o their_o imposition_n as_o the_o only_a ordinary_a mean_n of_o admission_n into_o it_o be_v so_o also_o and_o therefore_o be_v very_o likely_a to_o have_v be_v design_v by_o god_n as_o he_o be_v solicitous_a for_o our_o good_a the_o end_n be_v both_o to_o confederate_n we_o into_o a_o body_n politic_a and_o to_o lay_v a_o obligation_n on_o we_o more_o likely_a to_o prevail_v on_o we_o for_o the_o performance_n of_o our_o duty_n than_o any_o private_a promise_n however_o plain_o make_v and_o serious_o intend_v and_o the_o promotion_n of_o both_o of_o these_o be_v both_o very_a proper_a and_o likely_a to_o have_v be_v design_v by_o god_n as_o a_o gracious_a covenanter_n and_o governor_n and_o both_o of_o they_o consider_v the_o influence_n that_o the_o custom_n and_o humour_n of_o mankind_n have_v ordinary_o on_o their_o actual_a performance_n be_v more_o likely_a to_o be_v attain_v by_o insist_v on_o these_o solemnity_n as_o the_o only_a ordinary_a mean_n of_o admission_n to_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o covenant_n than_o they_o will_v be_v otherwise_o §_o xv_o they_o be_v very_o proper_a to_o have_v be_v design_v by_o he_o 1._o the_o confederate_v we_o into_o a_o body_n politic_a be_v so_o this_o be_v proper_a to_o have_v be_v design_v by_o he_o 1._o as_o a_o covenanter_n for_o covenant_n be_v proper_o to_o be_v transact_v between_o two_o party_n only_o and_o be_v proper_o multiply_v though_o possible_o in_o the_o same_o form_n when_o many_o be_v concern_v now_o though_o it_o be_v indeed_o possible_a that_o mankind_n consider_v only_o as_o a_o multitude_n consist_v of_o disunit_a individual_n may_v make_v a_o party_n in_o this_o covenant_n and_o though_o this_o may_v indeed_o be_v likely_a to_o have_v be_v actual_o true_a if_o every_o individual_a have_v be_v only_o oblige_v to_o duty_n to_o be_v perform_v only_o by_o himself_o in_o his_o single_a capacity_n such_o as_o the_o moral_a duty_n general_o be_v yet_o even_o so_o there_o will_v be_v requisite_a particular_a solemnity_n for_o admit_v particular_a person_n into_o it_o just_a as_o in_o the_o instance_n now_o mention_v of_o a_o covenant_n with_o many_o the_o bond_n be_v several_o repeat_v according_a as_o new_a person_n be_v admit_v into_o it_o there_o may_v indeed_o be_v indefinite_a and_o yet_o oblige_v promise_v to_o any_o who_o shall_v perform_v the_o annex_v condition_n and_o such_o as_o may_v be_v pleadable_a upon_o such_o performance_n but_o the_o name_n of_o a_o covenant_n especial_o as_o understand_v as_o in_o the_o rigour_n of_o the_o legal_a notion_n of_o it_o in_o that_o age_n as_o i_o have_v show_v it_o must_v be_v understand_v be_v not_o so_o proper_o intelligible_a without_o the_o external_a solemnity_n by_o which_o it_o be_v transact_v oblige_v digest_v l._n xlv_o tit._n i._o de_fw-la verbor·_fw-la oblige_v for_o such_o the_o presence_n of_o both_o party_n be_v think_v necessary_a so_o that_o if_o any_o person_n absent_a be_v desirous_a to_o covenant_n he_o must_v do_v it_o by_o his_o servant_n according_a to_o which_o god_n also_o be_v absent_a from_o our_o sense_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n for_o which_o we_o be_v concern_v in_o order_n to_o deal_n with_o he_o must_v be_v understand_v to_o covenant_n with_o we_o by_o the_o mediation_n of_o his_o visible_a minister_n and_o beside_o the_o case_n itself_o be_v plain_o against_o the_o apostle_n who_o account_v the_o child_n of_o believe_a parent_n holy_a at_o least_o in_o a_o federal_n sense_n by_o the_o faith_n of_o their_o parent_n 14_o 1_o cor._n seven_o 14_o which_o can_v not_o be_v if_o the_o covenant_n of_o parent_n do_v not_o at_o least_o so_o far_o concern_v their_o child_n as_o to_o give_v they_o a_o remote_a title_n of_o admission_n to_o it_o by_o the_o external_a solemnity_n of_o it_o for_o if_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o moral_a condition_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n be_v the_o only_a ordinary_a mean_n of_o intitle_v person_n to_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o they_o be_v so_o also_o as_o they_o may_v make_v the_o person_n such_o immediate_o as_o god_n expect_v he_o shall_v immediate_o be_v in_o order_n to_o a_o immediate_a title_n to_o it_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o the_o child_n can_v no_o more_o have_v any_o actual_a benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n on_o their_o parent_n account_v than_o they_o can_v be_v make_v actual_o faithful_a and_o penitent_n by_o their_o parent_n faith_n and_o repentance_n but_o then_o especial_o child_n who_o can_v not_o expect_v to_o be_v account_v holy_a on_o their_o parent_n account_v can_v not_o themselves_o be_v repute_v holy_a in_o regard_n of_o this_o holiness_n which_o depend_v on_o the_o performance_n of_o moral_a condition_n but_o i_o may_v elsewhere_o have_v a_o further_a occasion_n of_o clear_v this_o argument_n from_o the_o practice_n and_o sense_n of_o those_o age_n §_o xvi_o but_o further_o though_o the_o duty_n alone_o be_v principal_o design_v by_o god_n to_o entitle_v we_o to_o the_o benefit_n of_o this_o covenant_n yet_o even_o this_o will_v not_o excuse_v we_o from_o the_o solemnity_n of_o it_o for_o i_o consider_v that_o god_n do_v not_o only_o oblige_v we_o to_o such_o religious_a duty_n as_o concern_v we_o single_o consider_v but_o also_o to_o public_a and_o solemn_a one_o 25_o heb._n x._o 25_o of_o not_o forsake_v the_o assemble_v of_o ourselves_o together_o whatever_o worldly_a inconvenience_n may_v follow_v it_o and_o of_o all_o the_o duty_n there_o to_o be_v perform_v such_o as_o be_v
as_o a_o governor_n than_o that_o of_o any_o possession_n whatsoever_o for_o majesty_n may_v be_v preserve_v without_o private_a possession_n but_o not_o without_o the_o free_a distribution_n of_o office_n but_o if_o we_o judge_v of_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o sacrilege_n by_o the_o value_n of_o the_o thing_n invade_v by_o it_o office_n will_v appear_v much_o more_o valuable_a than_o any_o possession_n for_o both_o by_o office_n a_o dominion_n be_v get_v over_o man_n person_n which_o none_o will_v deny_v to_o be_v more_o valuable_a than_o their_o possession_n and_o from_o this_o dominion_n over_o their_o person_n there_o arise_v secondary_o a_o dominion_n over_o their_o possession_n also_o which_o be_v also_o proportionable_o true_a in_o this_o spiritual_a as_o it_o be_v in_o natural_a dominion_n for_o by_o this_o sacred_a power_n the_o distribution_n of_o all_o spiritual_a benefit_n be_v also_o consequent_o gain_v which_o be_v true_o more_o valuable_a to_o man_n than_o all_o their_o worldly_a possession_n and_o by_o this_o sacredness_n of_o office_n man_n become_v entitle_v even_o to_o that_o worldly_a maintenance_n in_o which_o god_n be_v allow_v to_o have_v a_o real_a property_n so_o that_o it_o will_v prove_v in_o practice_n impossible_a to_o rob_v god_n of_o one_o without_o the_o other_o §_o xxiii_o or_o be_v it_o last_o that_o god_n under_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o conceive_v to_o be_v so_o rigorous_a in_o exact_v external_a punctuality_n as_o under_o the_o law_n this_o i_o confess_v be_v a_o true_a reason_n why_o so_o few_o external_a observance_n have_v be_v impose_v on_o we_o under_o the_o gospel_n but_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n at_o all_o that_o appear_v to_o i_o to_o urge_v it_o further_o as_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n do_v to_o prove_v that_o god_n will_v be_v less_o severe_a now_o than_o former_o in_o exact_v the_o performance_n of_o those_o few_o external_o which_o he_o have_v be_v please_v to_o require_v both_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o dispensation_n and_o the_o great_a concernment_n of_o the_o church_n peace_n in_o order_n to_o the_o great_a design_n of_o the_o gospel-dispensation_n and_o the_o natural_a influence_n of_o government_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o that_o peace_n and_o of_o disobedience_n even_o in_o thing_n seem_o small_a to_o the_o contempt_n of_o government_n and_o the_o apostle_n argument_n heb._n ii_o 3_o will_v rather_o incline_v we_o otherwise_o to_o argue_v that_o all_o violation_n of_o the_o gospel-authority_n must_v expect_v a_o severe_a vengeance_n than_o those_o of_o the_o law_n §_o xxiv_o and_o if_o this_o way_n of_o argue_v from_o the_o authority_n even_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n may_v not_o be_v allow_v not_o to_o prove_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v now_o a_o sin_n by_o its_o positive_a prescription_n but_o only_o to_o prove_v how_o high_o criminal_a a_o sin_n be_v in_o the_o account_n of_o god_n and_o how_o severe_a a_o punishment_n person_n now_o guilty_a of_o it_o may_v expect_v when_o it_o be_v otherwise_o prove_v to_o be_v a_o sin_n by_o immutable_a and_o unalterable_a reason_n that_o it_o can_v neither_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o sin_n nor_o cease_v to_o be_v criminal_a in_o such_o a_o degree_n and_o therefore_o if_o it_o be_v criminal_a in_o such_o a_o degree_n under_o the_o law_n it_o must_v be_v so_o under_o the_o gospel_n too_o or_o if_o it_o admit_v of_o any_o variation_n of_o degree_n by_o the_o variation_n of_o circumstance_n as_o certain_o these_o sin_n against_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n may_v if_o not_o in_o the_o kind_a yet_o at_o least_o in_o individual_a instance_n that_o all_o the_o alteration_n of_o circumstance_n under_o the_o gospel_n tend_v rather_o to_o its_o aggravation_n than_o its_o excuse_n if_o i_o say_v this_o way_n of_o argue_v even_o from_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v not_o now_o admit_v as_o conclusive_a under_o the_o new_a it_o will_v utter_o destroy_v all_o use_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o a_o rule_n of_o manner_n to_o christian_n for_o it_o will_v by_o the_o same_o way_n of_o argue_v be_v easy_a to_o evade_v all_o proof_n from_o it_o by_o plead_v our_o present_a unconcernedness_n in_o it_o and_o if_o its_o authority_n be_v take_v for_o nothing_o not_o as_o much_o as_o for_o the_o degree_n of_o criminalness_n of_o a_o sin_n in_o the_o actual_a esteem_n of_o god_n but_o that_o other_o rational_a proof_n must_v be_v demand_v even_o for_o that_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o sin_n itself_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o thus_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n in_o affair_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v plain_o slight_v and_o all_o be_v ultimate_o resolve_v into_o reason_n independent_a on_o it_o which_o be_v a_o crime_n of_o which_o i_o believe_v our_o dissent_v brethren_n will_v be_v very_o unwilling_a to_o prove_v guilty_a §_o xxv_o 9_o therefore_o the_o administration_n of_o sacrament_n thus_o depend_v on_o the_o authority_n of_o those_o that_o administer_v they_o there_o be_v none_o that_o can_v lay_v a_o just_a claim_n to_o that_o authority_n now_o that_o god_n do_v not_o appear_v immediate_o himself_o to_o authorize_v they_o but_o leave_v they_o to_o the_o use_n of_o ordinary_a mean_n but_o they_o who_o can_v show_v a_o succession_n continue_v in_o all_o the_o intermediate_v age_n from_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o who_o be_v thus_o immediate_o authorize_v as_o no_o commission_n can_v be_v derive_v from_o a_o prince_n who_o can_v immediate_o be_v consult_v but_o by_o the_o mediation_n of_o his_o ordinary_a subordinate_a governor_n the_o proof_n of_o this_o i_o shall_v not_o now_o insist_v on_o because_o i_o believe_v i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o do_v it_o in_o my_o follow_a discourse_n and_o as_o it_o have_v thus_o appear_v that_o this_o confinement_n of_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n to_o the_o external_n solemnity_n of_o it_o be_v very_o useful_a for_o confederate_v we_o into_o a_o body_n politic_a so_o §_o xxvi_o 2._o this_o solemnity_n of_o promise_n be_v more_o likely_a to_o secure_v our_o performance_n of_o duty_n than_o any_o private_a resolution_n or_o promise_n whatsoever_o i_o know_v indeed_o that_o in_o reason_n a_o promise_n make_v with_o equal_a freedom_n be_v as_o obligatory_a if_o make_v in_o private_a as_o if_o make_v before_o never_o so_o great_a a_o assembly_n of_o witness_n nay_o that_o in_o reason_n a_o assembly_n can_v so_o little_o contribute_v to_o advance_v our_o obligation_n as_o that_o it_o will_v rather_o weaken_v it_o for_o how_o can_v he_o in_o reason_n be_v think_v capable_a of_o be_v awe_v by_o man_n who_o be_v not_o afraid_a to_o break_v those_o promise_n which_o be_v make_v to_o god_n and_o wherein_o god_n be_v also_o invoke_v as_o a_o witness_n nay_o rather_o may_v make_v we_o distrust_v our_o have_v that_o due_a respect_n for_o god_n when_o we_o shall_v find_v ourselves_o so_o much_o more_o efficacious_o influence_v by_o man_n and_o i_o know_v withal_o that_o only_o the_o performance_n of_o duty_n on_o truly-rational_a motive_n do_v make_v they_o strict_o virtuous_a and_o rewardable_a but_o have_v already_o premise_v that_o god_n do_v in_o covenant_v with_o we_o and_o more_o in_o govern_v we_o treat_v we_o suitable_o to_o our_o humour_n and_o do_v according_o bear_v with_o the_o imperfection_n if_o the_o duty_n themselves_o be_v perform_v both_o because_o the_o external_n performance_n of_o duty_n how_o little_a virtuous_a soever_o they_o be_v to_o the_o person_n perform_v they_o yet_o be_v of_o great_a use_n to_o the_o public_a for_o edify_v other_o and_o for_o maintain_v the_o reputation_n of_o the_o government_n which_o be_v the_o prime_a design_n of_o governor_n and_o as_o in_o process_n of_o time_n a_o custom_n of_o materially-virtuous_a act_n will_v natural_o produce_v even_o in_o the_o person_n who_o exert_v they_o a_o materially-virtuous_a habit_n which_o when_o it_o be_v get_v be_v easy_o make_v formally-virtuous_a only_o by_o change_v the_o design_n on_o which_o it_o be_v perform_v which_o will_v then_o be_v also_o easy_a and_o because_o all_o the_o design_n of_o religion_n be_v with_o beginner_n to_o suppose_v and_o therefore_o to_o indulge_v these_o imperfection_n which_o be_v natural_o consequent_a to_o the_o condition_n of_o man_n in_o this_o life_n where_o not_o be_v pure_a spirit_n nor_o free_a from_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o our_o complexion_n we_o be_v not_o so_o capable_a of_o pure_a and_o naked_a reason_n and_o that_o therefore_o it_o do_v not_o here_o concern_v he_o to_o make_v use_n of_o such_o inducement_n as_o be_v most_o solid_o conclusive_a of_o his_o purpose_n so_o much_o as_o of_o such_o as_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o prevail_v with_o we_o how_o weak_a soever_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o these_o thing_n i_o say_v be_v consider_v my_o concernment_n at_o present_a be_v only_o to_o show_v that_o the_o solemnity_n of_o a_o covenant_n
so_o that_o the_o perjurer_n must_v lose_v the_o reputation_n as_o well_o as_o the_o truth_n of_o be_v conscientious_a §_o xxxiii_o this_o be_v the_o great_a assurance_n man_n can_v have_v and_o he_o who_o can_v be_v trust_v on_o these_o term_n be_v look_v on_o as_o uncapable_a of_o any_o trust_n at_o all_o and_o unfit_a for_o any_o humane_a conversation_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o apply_v all_o this_o to_o our_o sacramental_a obligation_n and_o to_o show_v that_o all_o those_o circumstance_n which_o can_v make_v a_o humane_a obligation_n formidable_a do_v here_o concur_v that_o they_o be_v in_o matter_n of_o the_o great_a importance_n that_o the_o mischief_n to_o be_v fear_v on_o these_o breach_n be_v most_o insupportable_a that_o they_o be_v most_o deliberate_a for_o man_n be_v particular_o warn_v to_o examine_v and_o try_v themselves_o before_o they_o come_v to_o they_o that_o god_n be_v not_o here_o as_o in_o other_o oath_n concern_v only_o as_o a_o witness_v but_o as_o a_o party_n too_o and_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v perform_v with_o the_o great_a solemnity_n this_o last_o thing_n especial_o be_v that_o for_o which_o i_o be_o now_o most_o near_o concern_v to_o show_v the_o sense_n of_o mankind_n how_o much_o the_o solemnity_n of_o these_o obligation_n do_v contribute_v to_o their_o efficacy_n which_o appear_v plain_o in_o this_o that_o no_o obligation_n whatsoever_o do_v give_v that_o satisfaction_n to_o the_o party_n concern_v for_o its_o performance_n as_o when_o it_o be_v undertake_v solemn_o which_o be_v a_o plain_a sign_n that_o they_o look_v on_o the_o solemnity_n itself_o as_o likely_a to_o make_v it_o efficacious_a to_o humane_a nature_n and_o therefore_o by_o the_o observation_n now_o lay_v down_o it_o real_o be_v so_o and_o therefore_o be_v very_o suitable_a to_o god_n purpose_n thus_o to_o oblige_v man_n to_o undertake_v their_o religious_a obligation_n in_o the_o same_o way_n which_o be_v find_v most_o effectual_a to_o secure_v performance_n even_o in_o their_o worldly_a concern_v chap._n vii_o the_o same_o thing_n further_o prosecute_v the_o content_n 2._o that_o at_o least_o our_o partake_n in_o the_o external_n solemnity_n of_o this_o evangelical_n covenant_n be_v the_o only_a ordinary_a mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v satisfy_v of_o our_o title_n to_o the_o covenant_n itself_o §_o i.ii._n this_o prove_v by_o three_o degree_n 1._o that_o for_o our_o satisfaction_n it_o be_v requisite_a that_o we_o have_v positive_a argument_n for_o we_o as_o well_o as_o that_o there_o appear_v no_o positive_a argument_n against_o we_o §_o iii_o ju.u.vi.vii_n 2._o that_o no_o argument_n can_v comfort_v but_o such_o as_o may_v external_o appear_v and_o so_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v judge_v of_o by_o the_o person_n concern_v §_o viii_o 3._o our_o partake_n of_o the_o external_n solemnity_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v at_o least_o the_o only_a argument_n appear_v to_o we_o whereby_o we_o can_v be_v assure_v of_o any_o legal_a title_n to_o the_o benefit_n of_o it_o §_o ix_o x.xi.xii_n a_o further_a presumption_n for_o prove_v the_o same_o thing_n §_o xiii_o §_o i_o but_o 2._o suppose_v that_o this_o partake_n in_o the_o external_n solemnity_n of_o the_o evangelical_n covenant_n have_v not_o be_v so_o necessary_a to_o confer_v a_o valid_a legal_a title_n to_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n yet_o certain_o it_o be_v necessary_a in_o order_n to_o our_o satisfaction_n that_o we_o in_o particular_a have_v any_o title_n to_o they_o and_o this_o alone_o will_v be_v sufficient_a for_o my_o present_a design_n for_o unless_o we_o may_v be_v satisfy_v of_o our_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n we_o can_v have_v no_o comfort_n of_o it_o and_o it_o have_v already_o appear_v that_o this_o consideration_n alone_o of_o be_v better_o assure_v of_o pardon_n and_o assistance_n and_o acceptance_n on_o the_o performance_n of_o duty_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o be_v better_o secure_v from_o the_o danger_n of_o miscarriage_n than_o we_o can_v have_v be_v out_o of_o it_o especial_o when_o it_o also_o appear_v that_o the_o ordinary_a argument_n of_o probability_n be_v for_o the_o advantage_n of_o those_o who_o be_v in_o communion_n and_o all_o the_o ordinary_a argument_n of_o improbability_n either_o of_o salvation_n or_o security_n from_o danger_n be_v applicable_a to_o they_o who_o be_v out_o of_o it_o be_v sufficient_a in_o prudence_n to_o oblige_v all_o as_o they_o tender_v their_o own_o comfort_n and_o security_n to_o submit_v to_o all_o unsinful_a condition_n of_o the_o church_n communion_n rather_o than_o want_v it_o §_o two_o now_o in_o order_n to_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o i_o desire_v that_o these_o three_o thing_n may_v be_v consider_v 1._o that_o in_o order_n to_o our_o comfort_n and_o satisfaction_n out_o of_o the_o church_n communion_n it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a that_o there_o be_v no_o positive_a argument_n against_o we_o to_o prove_v we_o certain_o liable_a to_o damnation_n but_o there_o be_v also_o requisite_a positive_a argument_n to_o prove_v the_o security_n of_o our_o present_a condition_n 2._o that_o no_o argument_n concern_v even_o the_o security_n of_o our_o present_a condition_n can_v comfort_v we_o but_o such_o as_o may_v external_o appear_v and_o so_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v judge_v of_o by_o the_o person_n concern_v and_o 3._o that_o though_o the_o thing_n may_v be_v true_a that_o we_o may_v indeed_o have_v even_o a_o legal_a title_n to_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o evangelical_n covenant_n without_o partake_v in_o the_o external_n solemnity_n of_o it_o yet_o the_o external_n solemnity_n be_v the_o only_a argument_n whereby_o we_o can_v judge_n of_o our_o title_n and_o therefore_o that_o where_o we_o want_v they_o there_o we_o must_v at_o least_o want_v such_o argument_n as_o we_o can_v judge_n of_o of_o these_o very_o brief_o now_o because_o i_o have_v elsewhere_o discourse_v something_o concern_v they_o §_o iii_o 1._o than_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o our_o comfort_n and_o satisfaction_n out_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n that_o there_o be_v no_o positive_a argument_n to_o prove_v we_o certain_o liable_a to_o damnatation_n but_o there_o be_v also_o requisite_a positive_a argument_n to_o prove_v the_o security_n of_o our_o present_a condition_n this_o be_v plain_a from_o the_o common_a experience_n of_o mankind_n for_o no_o man_n in_o a_o storm_n think_v it_o a_o ground_n of_o positive_a comfort_n that_o there_o be_v no_o certain_a argument_n of_o actual_a shipwreck_n as_o long_o as_o there_o be_v also_o no_o probability_n of_o escape_v it_o the_o want_n of_o such_o positive_a contrary_a argument_n may_v indeed_o in_o reason_n prevent_v his_o perfect_a despair_n if_o indeed_o his_o contrary_a discouragement_n do_v not_o make_v he_o uncapable_a of_o so_o very_o little_a support_a reason_n but_o can_v so_o much_o as_o in_o reason_n be_v think_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o any_o positive_a comfort_n at_o least_o not_o prudent_a person_n let_v his_o temper_n be_v never_o so_o inclinable_a to_o hope_v and_o therefore_o let_v he_o be_v never_o so_o ready_a to_o lay_v hold_n on_o any_o argument_n for_o this_o purpose_n can_v think_v this_o hope_n so_o valuable_a as_o to_o be_v willing_a to_o continue_v in_o it_o if_o he_o may_v be_v relieve_v from_o it_o on_o any_o tolerable_a condicondition_n and_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v that_o all_o condition_n not_o sinful_a be_v to_o be_v think_v tolerable_a in_o such_o circumstance_n §_o iv_o but_o indeed_o we_o find_v by_o experience_n that_o the_o predominate_a argument_n be_v that_o which_o determine_v man_n affection_n they_o will_v therefore_o not_o fear_v at_o all_o if_o all_o weighty_a and_o probable_a argument_n persuade_v their_o confidence_n and_o very_o few_o and_o weak_a and_o inconsiderable_a one_o discourage_v they_o and_o we_o find_v withal_o by_o the_o same_o experience_n that_o this_o want_n of_o contrary_a argument_n be_v of_o all_o weak_a argument_n that_o which_o have_v the_o least_o influence_n on_o humane_a nature_n no_o man_n think_v it_o a_o prudent_a argument_n of_o fear_n in_o pass_v the_o street_n because_o he_o be_v not_o sure_a that_o the_o next_o tile_n he_o pass_v under_o shall_v not_o fall_v on_o his_o head_n §_o v_o and_o if_o this_o argument_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o make_v man_n fearful_a when_o all_o appear_a probable_a argument_n make_v for_o their_o comfort_n much_o less_o can_v it_o be_v think_v sufficient_a to_o give_v they_o any_o hope_n where_o all_o appear_v probable_a argument_n oblige_v they_o to_o be_v fearful_a for_o of_o the_o two_o humane_a nature_n be_v natural_o more_o inclinable_a to_o fear_v than_o hope_n as_o appear_v from_o those_o superstition_n which_o have_v general_o prevail_v in_o most_o ignorant_a nation_n how_o resolute_a soever_o otherwise_o which_o be_v not_o so_o accountable_a on_o any_o other_o principle_n as_o
unaccountable_a mistake_n or_o humour_n but_o god_n can_v be_v oblige_v by_o any_o thing_n but_o certain_a reason_n nor_o be_v mistake_v in_o judge_v any_o thing_n reasonable_a when_o it_o be_v not_o nor_o sway_v by_o any_o partial_a affection_n to_o do_v what_o he_o do_v not_o judge_n reasonable_a and_o therefore_o we_o can_v hope_v that_o god_n will_v ever_o think_v himself_o oblige_v by_o that_o which_o be_v not_o real_o sufficient_a to_o infer_v a_o legal_a obligation_n nor_o can_v we_o expect_v from_o he_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v act_v by_o fondness_n or_o any_o other_o unaccountable_a unreasonable_a affection_n to_o do_v what_o he_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o do_v §_o ix_o especial_o consider_v 4._o that_o the_o case_n of_o which_o i_o be_o now_o speak_v be_v such_o as_o where_o it_o do_v not_o oblige_v he_o to_o performance_n will_v oblige_v he_o to_o punish_v such_o usurper_n of_o his_o authority_n this_o it_o will_v do_v in_o several_a regard_n whether_o we_o consider_v it_o as_o a_o act_n of_o private_a injury_n to_o god_n himself_o as_o far_o as_o he_o be_v capable_a of_o receive_v such_o a_o private_a injury_n or_o whether_o we_o consider_v it_o as_o a_o injury_n to_o his_o government_n and_o as_o a_o mischievous_a precedent_n for_o the_o society_n for_o which_o he_o be_v concern_v as_o a_o governor_n §_o x_o if_o we_o consider_v it_o on_o a_o private_a account_n as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o we_o by_o consideration_n to_o divest_v god_n of_o the_o public_a person_n he_o bear_v in_o this_o matter_n yet_o even_o so_o it_o must_v be_v a_o great_a injury_n to_o he_o as_o it_o will_v be_v to_o any_o other_o private_a person_n for_o any_o to_o presume_v to_o act_n in_o his_o name_n and_o to_o engage_v his_o credit_n for_o performance_n of_o their_o act_n in_o his_o name_n without_o his_o authority_n though_o the_o thing_n be_v never_o so_o agreeable_a to_o his_o will_n yet_o even_o private_a person_n will_v think_v themselves_o oblige_v in_o prudence_n not_o only_o to_o revenge_v themselves_o of_o such_o usurper_n where_o no_o law_n oblige_v they_o to_o the_o contrary_a which_o be_v god_n case_n but_o also_o to_o refuse_v to_o stand_v to_o such_o obligation_n purposely_o that_o they_o may_v discountenance_v the_o usurpation_n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v remember_v that_o what_o be_v only_o injurious_a though_o in_o a_o very_a high_a degree_n when_o consider_v with_o regard_n to_o a_o private_a person_n do_v when_o it_o be_v consider_v with_o relation_n to_o god_n put_v on_o a_o aggravation_n of_o a_o high_a nature_n of_o be_v also_o impious_a and_o sacrilegious_a §_o xi_o but_o when_o god_n be_v consider_v thus_o as_o a_o private_a person_n he_o be_v in_o reason_n to_o be_v suppose_v more_o at_o liberty_n to_o forgive_v what_o be_v injurious_a to_o he_o only_o on_o such_o a_o private_a account_n than_o when_o he_o be_v consider_v as_o a_o governor_n though_o every_o one_o be_v at_o liberty_n to_o forgive_v injury_n against_o himself_o yet_o he_o be_v not_o in_o reason_n suppose_v to_o be_v at_o the_o same_o liberty_n to_o forgive_v injury_n and_o mischief_n against_o other_o who_o he_o be_v by_o his_o office_n oblige_v to_o secure_a from_o injury_n if_o we_o therefore_o consider_v god_n as_o a_o governor_n so_o the_o whole_a society_n for_o which_o he_o be_v concern_v must_v suffer_v by_o such_o usurpation_n of_o his_o authority_n this_o will_v leave_v it_o at_o the_o liberty_n of_o every_o bold_a pretender_n to_o impose_v what_o burden_n and_o command_v he_o please_v on_o the_o subject_n if_o he_o may_v be_v allow_v to_o pretend_v to_o the_o supreme_a authority_n without_o any_o dreadful_a apprehension_n of_o be_v severe_o accountable_a for_o do_v so_o this_o must_v needs_o overthrow_v all_o the_o authority_n of_o inferior_a subordinate_a governor_n when_o they_o may_v be_v control_v by_o pretend_v countermand_v from_o the_o supreme_a and_o countermand_v derive_v by_o such_o undiscernible_a evidence_n as_o that_o they_o never_o can_v distinguish_v between_o real_a countermand_v and_o such_o as_o be_v only_o pretend_v for_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o may_v be_v resist_v as_o often_o as_o their_o subject_n be_v please_v to_o pretend_v a_o countermand_n which_o may_v be_v as_o often_o as_o they_o be_v unwilling_a to_o observe_v their_o duty_n and_o consider_v that_o the_o practicableness_n of_o the_o supreme_a government_n itself_o depend_v on_o the_o authority_n of_o subordinate_a governor_n who_o be_v peculiar_o entrust_v with_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o injunction_n of_o the_o supreme_a so_o that_o the_o supreme_a never_o execute_v any_o thing_n but_o by_o they_o this_o will_v oblige_v the_o supreme_a government_n in_o interest_n to_o look_v on_o the_o ordinary_a contempt_n of_o inferior_a governor_n as_o tend_v to_o the_o dissolution_n of_o its_o own_o authority_n beside_o even_o personal_a injury_n to_o magistrate_n be_v always_o take_v for_o affront_n to_o the_o whole_a society_n when_o they_o relate_v to_o they_o as_o invest_v with_o majesty_n as_o certain_o this_o do_v for_o any_o to_o usurp_v a_o authority_n as_o from_o god_n which_o have_v not_o be_v entrust_v to_o he_o §_o xii_o these_o injury_n to_o authority_n whatever_o man_n may_v think_v of_o they_o who_o be_v concern_v to_o disparage_v they_o for_o the_o alleviation_n of_o their_o own_o guilt_n be_v of_o much_o more_o heinous_a consequence_n than_o the_o violation_n of_o any_o particular_a law_n because_o indeed_o they_o reach_v that_o from_o whence_o the_o obligation_n of_o all_o particular_a law_n be_v derive_v and_o which_o if_o once_o destroy_v will_v bring_v in_o a_o impunity_n for_o the_o violation_n of_o all_o particular_a law_n at_o least_o such_o a_o impunity_n in_o this_o world_n as_o be_v all_o which_o wicked_a man_n regard_n and_o as_o on_o this_o account_n all_o society_n whatsoever_o have_v agree_v in_o make_v the_o crime_n against_o majesty_n most_o heinous_a and_o unpardonable_a by_o the_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o society_n as_o they_o have_v also_o agree_v in_o make_v this_o particular_a offence_n of_o pretend_v false_o to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n to_o be_v a_o crime_n against_o majesty_n so_o it_o must_v receive_v its_o degree_n of_o aggravation_n from_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o majesty_n against_o who_o the_o crime_n be_v commit_v and_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o society_n for_o which_o he_o be_v concern_v in_o the_o roman_a empire_n treason_n against_o the_o emperor_n have_v be_v much_o more_o heinous_a than_o treason_n against_o herod_n or_o any_o of_o those_o inferior_a king_n who_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o emperor_n and_o of_o who_o empire_n herod_n kingdom_n be_v a_o less_o considerable_a part_n by_o which_o rule_v of_o aggravation_n no_o offence_n can_v exceed_v this_o which_o be_v commit_v against_o god_n not_o only_o in_o regard_n of_o his_o office_n of_o govern_v the_o world_n but_o in_o regard_n of_o this_o part_n of_o his_o office_n which_o he_o value_v as_o the_o dear_a that_o be_v the_o government_n of_o soul_n §_o xiii_o the_o inference_n which_o i_o will_v draw_v from_o the_o greatness_n of_o this_o crime_n be_v not_o only_o to_o show_v what_o obligation_n do_v thence_o follow_v for_o god_n not_o only_o not_o to_o pardon_v but_o to_o punish_v it_o in_o those_o who_o be_v real_o guilty_a of_o it_o but_o also_o to_o let_v they_o who_o be_v concern_v see_v upon_o how_o difficult_a term_n they_o must_v expect_v to_o be_v clear_v of_o this_o guilt_n and_o secure_v from_o the_o actual_a infliction_n of_o that_o punishment_n to_o which_o they_o have_v render_v themselves_o obnoxious_a by_o it_o for_o it_o be_v to_o be_v expect_v that_o where_o the_o mischief_n follow_v on_o a_o mistake_n be_v great_a there_o the_o evidence_n which_o may_v encourage_v any_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o what_o be_v like_a to_o prove_v so_o dangerous_a if_o he_o shall_v prove_v mistake_v aught_o also_o to_o be_v very_o great_a proportionable_o so_o that_o our_o adversary_n can_v expect_v that_o even_o their_o good_a meaning_n shall_v go_v so_o far_o to_o excuse_v they_o here_o as_o they_o may_v where_n the_o mistake_n be_v of_o less_o dangerous_a consequence_n for_o where_o the_o the_o mistake_n be_v dangerous_a it_o be_v very_o just_a and_o necessary_a for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o public_a that_o person_n be_v oblige_v to_o consider_v the_o security_n as_o well_o as_o the_o truth_n of_o such_o proposition_n in_o order_n to_o their_o practice_n and_o where_o the_o danger_n be_v not_o only_o of_o a_o temporal_a mischief_n but_o of_o a_o mischief_n in_o point_n of_o conscience_n there_o it_o be_v fit_a that_o such_o a_o mischief_n shall_v be_v take_v as_o a_o motive_n of_o conscience_n as_o well_o as_o the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n of_o the_o proposition_n themselves_o so_o that_o he_o be_v
on_o the_o person_n who_o be_v to_o be_v try_v though_o it_o be_v also_o very_o observable_a that_o even_o in_o that_o age_n wherein_o these_o extraordinary_a mean_n be_v use_v yet_o because_o they_o be_v not_o evident_a to_o any_o but_o they_o to_o who_o they_o be_v make_v at_o least_o not_o certain_o therefore_o even_o then_o they_o be_v not_o intend_v immediate_o for_o the_o multitude_n but_o for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o ordeiner_n who_o when_o they_o be_v themselves_o by_o these_o mean_v inform_v of_o the_o qualification_n of_o the_o person_n to_o be_v ordain_v then_o invest_v they_o with_o the_o power_n so_o that_o as_o it_o be_v most_o probable_a even_o then_o that_o it_o be_v not_o their_o gift_n of_o which_o these_o extraordinary_a discovery_n be_v only_a testimony_n but_o the_o solemnity_n of_o this_o investiture_n that_o immediate_o give_v they_o the_o power_n itself_o so_o it_o be_v much_o more_o certain_a that_o in_o this_o way_n of_o proceed_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o ordeiner_n concern_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o these_o evidence_n and_o the_o testimony_n give_v by_o they_o by_o the_o act_n of_o ordination_n itself_o be_v even_o then_o the_o only_a assurance_n by_o which_o the_o vulgar_a be_v enable_v to_o judge_n concern_v the_o authority_n of_o any_o who_o be_v place_v over_o they_o even_o by_o god_n himself_o and_o therefore_o in_o this_o way_n of_o trial_n none_o can_v be_v presume_v to_o have_v authority_n from_o god_n but_o they_o who_o the_o ordinary_a governor_n judge_v to_o have_v receive_v it_o which_o will_v as_o to_o all_o intent_n of_o practice_n oblige_v they_o to_o as_o near_o a_o dependence_n on_o the_o ordinary_a governor_n of_o the_o church_n as_o if_o they_o have_v receive_v their_o authority_n from_o those_o governor_n themselves_o and_o certain_o the_o reason_n will_v be_v much_o more_o cogent_a to_o oblige_v they_o to_o a_o dependence_n on_o governor_n who_o can_v make_v out_o no_o better_a a_o title_n to_o the_o call_v itself_o then_o what_o they_o can_v receive_v from_o the_o governor_n than_o those_o who_o may_v pretend_v that_o their_o obligation_n to_o depend_v on_o they_o be_v only_o for_o their_o approbation_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o authority_n commit_v to_o they_o not_o for_o derive_v the_o authority_n itself_o these_o if_o their_o pretence_n be_v true_a can_v only_o be_v punish_v for_o the_o disorderliness_n of_o their_o proceed_n but_o they_o who_o derive_v their_o power_n not_o from_o any_o supernatural_a gift_n receive_v by_o they_o antecedent_o to_o their_o ordination_n but_o from_o their_o ordination_n itself_o must_v expect_v that_o their_o proceed_n be_v not_o only_o disorderly_a but_o invalid_a if_o they_o presume_v to_o exercise_v any_o divine_a authority_n not_o receive_v by_o ordination_n §_o viii_o hence_o therefore_o i_o infer_v 4._o that_o god_n do_v leave_v they_o to_o those_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o judge_v concern_v the_o right_a of_o their_o governor_n which_o have_v be_v usual_a among_o they_o in_o judge_v concern_v their_o secular_a governor_n these_o be_v best_a suit_v to_o vulgar_a understanding_n that_o they_o may_v the_o same_o way_n judge_v of_o the_o title_n of_o their_o spiritual_a governor_n by_o which_o even_o they_o have_v be_v use_v and_o often_o be_v oblige_v to_o judge_n of_o the_o title_n of_o their_o secular_a governor_n and_o the_o better_a such_o mean_n be_v suit_v to_o popular_a understanding_n by_o so_o much_o they_o must_v prove_v more_o serviceable_a to_o the_o great_a end_n of_o government_n they_o must_v have_v be_v more_o easy_o applicable_a to_o this_o particular_a design_n of_o government_n than_o any_o new_a mean_n that_o can_v have_v be_v introduce_v for_o this_o purpose_n and_o it_o be_v always_o to_o be_v presume_v that_o all_o prudent_a governor_n will_v rather_o make_v use_n of_o present_a mean_n than_o any_o other_o if_o they_o may_v withal_o serve_v their_o end_n as_o well_o in_o such_o a_o case_n the_o very_a avoid_v innovation_n be_v a_o very_a considerable_a advantage_n of_o such_o a_o mean_n above_o any_o other_o beside_o it_o be_v to_o be_v presume_v that_o these_o be_v the_o mean_v intend_v if_o no_o express_a provision_n be_v make_v for_o any_o other_o for_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v the_o present_a custom_n and_o notion_n of_o that_o age_n as_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o revelation_n to_o be_v reform_v where_o they_o be_v amiss_o and_o to_o be_v assure_v where_o they_o be_v uncertain_a especial_o where_o the_o subject_n be_v of_o consequence_n and_o therefore_o where_o something_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v practise_v and_o no_o new_a order_n be_v take_v for_o the_o introduction_n of_o any_o thing_n new_a there_o it_o be_v most_o natural_a to_o presume_v that_o christ_n do_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o make_v any_o alteration_n and_o therefore_o that_o he_o be_v please_v with_o what_o be_v already_o receive_v §_o ix_o certain_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o this_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o that_o age_n and_o therefore_o if_o it_o have_v be_v a_o mistake_n he_o will_v in_o all_o likelihood_n have_v prevent_v it_o especial_o in_o the_o first_o beginning_n of_o christianity_n not_o only_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o moment_n of_o the_o thing_n so_o far_o as_o that_o age_n itself_o be_v concern_v in_o it_o but_o also_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o ill_a influence_n a_o mistake_n in_o that_o age_n must_v have_v on_o all_o succeed_a age_n and_o the_o great_a difficulty_n of_o ever_o reform_v any_o such_o mistake_n afterward_o when_o the_o mistake_n shall_v have_v the_o advantage_n of_o a_o present_a possession_n and_o the_o averseness_n which_o be_v natural_a to_o man_n against_o change_v any_o thing_n that_o have_v such_o possession_n when_o also_o such_o a_o possession_n receive_v from_o such_o person_n who_o have_v best_a reason_n to_o know_v what_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v receive_v will_v pass_v for_o a_o presumption_n against_o the_o right_n of_o innovate_a any_o thing_n and_o when_o withal_o the_o credential_n of_o person_n who_o will_v afterward_o be_v desirous_a to_o reform_v they_o shall_v decay_v as_o this_o prescription_n and_o presumption_n will_v grow_v strong_a and_o prevail_v more_o on_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n this_o therefore_o be_v suppose_v that_o the_o scripture_n silence_n concern_v any_o new_a provision_n be_v a_o strong_a presumption_n that_o the_o sacred_a writer_n and_o the_o apostle_n who_o history_n they_o write_v never_o intend_v any_o this_o i_o say_v will_v let_v our_o brethren_n see_v how_o insufficient_a their_o reason_n be_v from_o this_o silence_n of_o the_o scripture_n concern_v any_o certain_a rule_n prescribe_v for_o succession_n to_o conclude_v against_o any_o confinement_n of_o this_o power_n to_o those_o certain_a person_n through_o who_o hand_n this_o succession_n be_v to_o be_v continue_v when_o by_o this_o mean_n of_o management_n it_o be_v prove_v to_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o the_o contrary_n and_o they_o must_v needs_o apprehend_v it_o as_o a_o great_a distress_n to_o their_o cause_n to_o be_v oblige_v to_o produce_v any_o direct_a or_o positive_a argument_n either_o to_o disprove_v this_o confinement_n of_o the_o power_n to_o person_n in_o authority_n for_o the_o time_n be_v for_o maintain_v succession_n or_o to_o prove_v that_o they_o who_o pretend_v to_o a_o authority_n which_o they_o have_v not_o receive_v from_o their_o superior_n can_v justify_v their_o claim_n by_o any_o other_o solid_a principle_n yet_o to_o this_o distress_n they_o must_v needs_o be_v reduce_v by_o this_o observation_n §_o x_o 5._o therefore_o if_o this_o be_v the_o case_n indeed_o that_o god_n intend_v that_o the_o spiritual_a power_n shall_v be_v the_o same_o way_n derive_v to_o posterity_n as_o the_o temporal_a power_n be_v than_o the_o matter_n will_v be_v plain_a that_o none_o may_v pretend_v to_o this_o spiritual_a power_n but_o they_o who_o have_v receive_v it_o from_o those_o man_n to_o who_o it_o be_v first_o commit_v for_o in_o derive_v temporal_a power_n this_o method_n be_v still_o observe_v punctual_o not_o only_o that_o they_o who_o be_v authorize_v by_o they_o who_o first_o receive_v the_o authority_n be_v valid_o authorize_v but_o that_o none_o else_o be_v so_o and_o this_o negative_a that_o none_o may_v pretend_v to_o power_n but_o they_o who_o have_v receive_v it_o from_o those_o man_n who_o have_v at_o first_o a_o power_n to_o give_v it_o have_v by_o all_o wise_a legislator_n be_v think_v as_o necessary_a to_o oblige_v inferior_a governor_n to_o a_o dependence_n on_o their_o superior_n as_o this_o dependence_n have_v be_v also_o think_v necessary_a for_o the_o practicableness_n of_o all_o visible_a government_n beside_o wherever_o prince_n be_v oblige_v in_o extraordinary_a case_n to_o give_v extraordinary_a command_n and_o authority_n to_o some_o particular_a person_n without_o the_o formality_n of_o
this_o opinion_n can_v not_o think_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o give_v this_o power_n to_o simple_a presbyter_n as_o to_o the_o canonical_a exercise_n of_o their_o power_n presbyter_n still_o depend_v on_o their_o bishop_n even_o in_o thing_n not_o exceed_v their_o power_n as_o presbyter_n but_o when_o a_o simple_a presbyter_n be_v license_v to_o preach_v or_o hear_v confession_n this_o be_v not_o proper_o call_v a_o extension_n of_o his_o character_n by_o which_o it_o seem_v most_o likely_a that_o by_o this_o extension_n of_o the_o character_n they_o do_v not_o only_o mean_v a_o canonical_a liberty_n to_o exercise_v more_o act_n of_o the_o same_o power_n which_o they_o suppose_v they_o to_o have_v receive_v before_o but_o a_o addition_n of_o a_o new_a branch_n of_o power_n which_o because_o presbyter_n want_v if_o they_o presume_v to_o exercise_v it_o their_o do_v so_o must_v prove_v not_o only_o vncanonical_a but_o invalid_a though_o they_o believe_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o power_n to_o have_v be_v the_o same_o yet_o certain_o the_o least_o that_o can_v have_v be_v mean_v by_o the_o difference_n of_o degree_n between_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n must_v have_v be_v that_o bishop_n have_v that_o same_o power_n independent_o which_o the_o presbyter_n have_v dependent_o on_o the_o bishop_n as_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o undoubted_o this_o they_o do_v grant_v who_o hold_v this_o opinion_n of_o st._n hierome_n in_o the_o great_a rigour_n in_o those_o age_n i_o be_o speak_v of_o if_o they_o do_v not_o grant_v something_o more_o and_o yet_o this_o be_v sufficient_a for_o my_o present_a design_n both_o to_o show_v why_o these_o very_a person_n may_v not_o have_v think_v it_o fit_a to_o give_v this_o power_n of_o ordination_n to_o simple_a presbyter_n and_o why_o it_o be_v very_o rational_a for_o we_o also_o to_o presume_v that_o they_o do_v not_o actual_o give_v it_o they_o §_o ix_o for_o by_o the_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o all_o society_n the_o power_n of_o give_v power_n to_o other_o be_v still_o reserve_v as_o a_o prerogative_n of_o he_o who_o have_v that_o same_o power_n independent_o and_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o be_v very_o plain_a as_o to_o both_o part_n as_o to_o he_o that_o have_v the_o power_n dependent_o and_o as_o to_o he_o who_o have_v it_o independent_o he_o who_o have_v the_o power_n of_o administer_a the_o sacrament_n yet_o so_o as_o to_o depend_v on_o the_o authority_n of_o another_o in_o the_o exercise_v of_o that_o power_n can_v therefore_o with_o any_o justice_n make_v a_o valid_a conveyance_n of_o that_o power_n to_o another_o because_o he_o can_v himself_n be_v take_v for_o a_o absolute_a master_n of_o that_o power_n though_o the_o power_n itself_o be_v give_v irrevocable_o yet_o while_o it_o be_v give_v with_o the_o condition_n of_o dependence_n be_v not_o be_v alienable_a by_o the_o person_n to_o who_o it_o be_v give_v without_o the_o giver_n consent_n because_o the_o right_n of_o alienation_n suppose_v a_o property_n of_o our_o own_o and_o dependence_n imply_v a_o reservation_n of_o right_n to_o he_o on_o who_o we_o do_v depend_v which_o right_o as_o it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o a_o entire_a alienation_n so_o it_o can_v with_o any_o justice_n or_o validity_n be_v dispose_v of_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o he_o who_o property_n it_o be_v beside_o that_o give_v of_o power_n do_v plain_o belong_v to_o the_o exercise_n of_o power_n and_o to_o a_o high_a degree_n of_o exercise_n of_o it_o than_o that_o of_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o power_n so_o give_v as_o it_o imply_v a_o great_a power_n to_o give_v a_o power_n which_o include_v a_o capacity_n of_o all_o the_o act_n belong_v to_o it_o than_o only_o to_o give_v a_o liberty_n to_o exercise_v a_o particular_a act._n and_o therefore_o he_o who_o have_v not_o a_o just_a title_n to_o give_v way_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o power_n so_o give_v can_v be_v much_o less_o suppose_a to_o have_v one_o to_o that_o high_a exercise_n of_o power_n by_o which_o the_o power_n itself_o be_v dispose_v of_o it_o be_v also_o clear_a as_o to_o he_o that_o have_v the_o power_n independent_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o government_n that_o all_o other_o do_v depend_v on_o those_o who_o be_v themselves_o suppose_v independent_a but_o this_o can_v be_v understand_v unless_o the_o independent_a power_n alone_o be_v allow_v the_o power_n of_o admit_v to_o office_n who_o he_o please_v if_o other_o may_v be_v allow_v to_o give_v their_o power_n they_o will_v soon_o make_v themselves_o independent_a if_o they_o be_v not_o so_o at_o first_o by_o make_v a_o party_n and_o perpetuate_n it_o but_o because_o this_o whole_a power_n of_o give_v power_n in_o the_o person_n i_o be_o speak_v of_o be_v so_o eternal_o irreconcilable_a with_o the_o safety_n of_o society_n therefore_o it_o be_v fit_v it_o shall_v never_o be_v give_v they_o and_o therefore_o in_o the_o way_n of_o presumption_n for_o which_o i_o be_o at_o present_a concern_v it_o be_v to_o be_v presume_v that_o it_o never_o be_v intend_v for_o they_o §_o x_o but_o if_o our_o brethren_n will_v be_v please_v to_o reflect_v on_o the_o principle_n on_o which_o these_o person_n proceed_v in_o make_v one_o order_n of_o episcopacy_n and_o presbytery_n they_o will_v find_v that_o they_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o oblige_v they_o to_o believe_v that_o this_o power_n of_o ordain_v other_o be_v a_o right_a of_o simple_a presbyter_n the_o plain_a reason_n be_v that_o they_o make_v their_o distinction_n of_o order_n only_o in_o relation_n to_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o eucharist_n and_o because_o simple_a priest_n have_v the_o full_a power_n of_o this_o sacrament_n of_o consecrate_v as_o well_o as_o of_o administer_a it_o so_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o high_o requisite_a for_o the_o completion_n of_o this_o solemnity_n reserve_v to_o the_o bishop_n nor_o capable_a of_o be_v reserve_v to_o he_o therefore_o there_o be_v on_o this_o account_n no_o room_n leave_v for_o any_o order_n above_o priesthood_n and_o because_o this_o power_n of_o transubstantiate_v the_o eucharistical_a element_n be_v then_o look_v on_o as_o the_o high_a instance_n of_o power_n that_o can_v be_v communicate_v to_o mortal_n because_o this_o be_v think_v sufficient_a to_o exempt_v from_o all_o subjection_n to_o temporal_a prince_n nay_o to_o place_v the_o spiritual_a power_n above_o the_o prince_n and_o yet_o in_o this_o instance_n of_o power_n which_o have_v be_v so_o extreme_o extol_v in_o the_o dispute_n of_o those_o age_n between_o the_o pope_n and_o prince_n the_o bishop_n can_v pretend_v to_o do_v no_o more_o than_o what_o be_v performable_a by_o every_o ordinary_a priest_n therefore_o it_o can_v be_v no_o wonder_n if_o in_o this_o regard_n many_o of_o they_o can_v not_o allow_v any_o order_n superior_a to_o that_o of_o simple_a priesthood_n he_o that_o be_v but_o a_o little_a conversant_a in_o the_o writing_n of_o that_o age_n will_v find_v that_o as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n be_v very_o eager_o maintain_v as_o the_o great_a recommendation_n of_o the_o sacred_a power_n in_o those_o dispute_n which_o be_v then_o raise_v concern_v it_o so_o it_o be_v particular_o urge_v for_o the_o honour_n of_o presbytery_n as_o often_o as_o they_o be_v put_v upon_o magnify_v their_o office_n and_o this_o i_o therefore_o take_v in_o earnest_a to_o have_v be_v the_o true_a reason_n that_o incline_v those_o of_o the_o writer_n of_o that_o age_n that_o follow_v this_o opinion_n rather_o than_o the_o pretend_a instance_n of_o scripture_n or_o even_o the_o authority_n of_o st._n hierome_n himself_o for_o these_o be_v principle_n for_o which_o as_o they_o be_v more_o firm_o interest_v so_o i_o believe_v they_o be_v also_o much_o more_o hearty_o believe_v in_o that_o age_n than_o any_o onâ—_n particular_a controvert_v sense_n of_o scripture_n recommend_v on_o the_o authority_n of_o one_o particular_a father_n and_o therefore_o whatever_o superiority_n of_o bishop_n over_o priest_n be_v reconcilable_a with_o this_o allowance_n of_o a_o power_n of_o consecrate_v the_o eucharist_n to_o simple_a priest_n all_o this_o may_v have_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o these_o very_a person_n notwithstanding_o their_o make_v they_o the_o same_o order_n and_o consider_v that_o this_o power_n of_o ordination_n be_v thus_o reconcilable_a this_o opinion_n can_v not_o hinder_v those_o person_n from_o appropriate_a it_o to_o the_o bishop_n §_o xi_o for_o notwithstanding_o this_o power_n of_o the_o priesthood_n over_o the_o corpus_fw-la christi_fw-la verum_fw-la be_v think_v common_a to_o they_o with_o the_o bishop_n yet_o the_o power_n over_o the_o corpus_fw-la christi_fw-la mysticum_fw-la this_o be_v the_o language_n of_o those_o age_n be_v then_o acknowledge_v for_o the_o peculiar_a right_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o what_o can_v our_o adversary_n think_v themselves_o gainer_n
by_o this_o opinion_n as_o it_o be_v maintain_v then_o if_o they_o do_v not_o think_v the_o peculiarity_n of_o this_o power_n sufficient_a to_o constitute_v a_o distinct_a order_n what_o matter_n be_v it_o whether_o they_o own_v the_o word_n or_o no_o so_o long_o as_o they_o own_v the_o thing_n which_o our_o adversary_n may_v possible_o think_v more_o proper_o import_v by_o the_o word_n whatever_o the_o word_n do_v most_o proper_o signify_v yet_o when_o we_o use_v it_o as_o we_o do_v now_o to_o judge_n of_o the_o meaning_n of_o those_o who_o use_v it_o we_o be_v to_o take_v it_o as_o they_o understand_v it_o how_o improper_o soever_o they_o understand_v it_o and_o we_o have_v the_o rather_o reason_v to_o do_v so_o in_o this_o case_n because_o the_o word_n have_v no_o notorious_a sense_n antecedent_n to_o those_o age_n which_o they_o may_v be_v oblige_v to_o mean_v and_o which_o they_o may_v therefore_o be_v presume_v to_o mean_v where_o they_o do_v not_o very_o express_o declare_v the_o contrary_n the_o term_n of_o ordo_fw-la and_o gradus_fw-la as_o they_o be_v term_n of_o art_n be_v entire_o introduce_v by_o themselves_o unmentioned_a in_o the_o sacred_a writer_n no_o nor_o as_o the_o constant_a language_n of_o the_o church_n neither_o of_o the_o catholic_n church_n nor_o even_o of_o the_o latin_a church_n for_o many_o of_o the_o most_o ancient_a age_n and_o why_o may_v not_o they_o be_v allow_v to_o impose_v their_o own_o signification_n on_o their_o own_o term_n §_o xii_o if_o our_o adversary_n say_v that_o the_o allowance_n of_o this_o power_n only_o to_o bishop_n will_v make_v they_o a_o distinct_a order_n than_o they_o must_v confess_v that_o the_o author_n we_o be_v speak_v of_o be_v of_o our_o mind_n in_o the_o thing_n and_o of_o they_o only_o in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o word_n which_o they_o will_v find_v will_v stand_v they_o in_o no_o stead_n for_o the_o present_a design_n of_o prove_v their_o succession_n they_o must_v then_o say_v that_o those_o author_n make_v episcopacy_n real_o a_o distinct_a order_n with_o we_o though_o they_o be_v please_v to_o call_v it_o only_o a_o distinct_a degree_n with_o they_o but_o if_o they_o grant_v that_o this_o power_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o make_v they_o a_o distinct_a order_n we_o shall_v not_o be_v very_o solicitous_a whether_o they_o use_v that_o word_n so_o long_o as_o they_o acknowledge_v this_o power_n this_o power_n of_o government_n be_v appropriate_v to_o the_o bishop_n will_v in_o the_o consequence_n appropriate_v the_o power_n of_o ordination_n to_o they_o not_o only_o as_o ordination_n imply_v the_o give_v of_o the_o power_n of_o government_n to_o inferior_a governor_n but_o also_o as_o it_o be_v requisite_a for_o the_o end_n of_o government_n not_o to_o give_v simple_a presbyter_n a_o power_n of_o give_v their_o power_n to_o other_o for_o fear_v of_o that_o independence_n which_o will_v in_o course_n follow_v thereupon_o even_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o power_n whatever_o our_o adversary_n may_v think_v of_o this_o reason_n in_o it_o self_n yet_o certain_o they_o can_v deny_v it_o to_o have_v be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o actual_a notion_n of_o those_o time_n which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o i_o be_o concern_v for_o at_o present_a §_o xiii_o and_o if_o we_o will_v according_a to_o another_o notion_n of_o those_o time_n find_v the_o power_n over_o the_o corpus_fw-la christi_fw-la mysticum_fw-la on_o the_o power_n over_o the_o corpus_fw-la christi_fw-la verum_fw-la yet_o even_o so_o there_o be_v room_n leave_v for_o assert_v the_o power_n of_o ordination_n to_o the_o bishop_n alone_o for_o though_o the_o power_n over_o the_o corpus_fw-la christi_fw-la verum_fw-la be_v take_v for_o the_o high_a exercise_n of_o power_n that_o be_v communicate_v to_o mortal_n yet_o even_o in_o that_o exercise_n of_o power_n there_o be_v several_a degree_n which_o may_v very_o probable_o incline_v they_o to_o acknowledge_v a_o distinction_n rather_o in_o degree_n than_o in_o order_n between_o the_o person_n distinguish_v by_o they_o and_o this_o distinction_n of_o degree_n be_v sufficient_a for_o appropriate_v the_o power_n of_o ordination_n to_o the_o bishop_n alone_o even_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o power_n he_o who_o have_v a_o power_n to_o give_v his_o power_n to_o another_o must_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v a_o great_a degree_n of_o that_o same_o power_n than_o he_o who_o have_v it_o only_o for_o his_o own_o person_n and_o so_o that_o it_o must_v expire_v with_o his_o life_n whether_o this_o be_v a_o distinct_a power_n or_o a_o distinct_a degree_n of_o the_o same_o power_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v the_o main_a dispute_n between_o they_o who_o dispute_v whether_o episcopacy_n be_v a_o distinct_a order_n or_o degree_n from_o presbytery_n whoever_o be_v in_o the_o right_n it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o my_o purpose_n that_o they_o be_v both_o agree_v in_o this_o that_o this_o supreme_a whether_o we_o call_v it_o power_n or_o only_a degree_n of_o power_n be_v appropriate_v to_o the_o bishop_n so_o that_o it_o be_v never_o so_o much_o as_o give_v to_o ordinary_a presbyter_n and_o what_o matter_n be_v it_o whether_o they_o call_v the_o character_n of_o the_o bishop_n a_o new_a one_o oâ—_n a_o extension_n of_o the_o old_a one_o which_o he_o have_v when_o he_o be_v make_v presbyter_n these_o be_v also_o term_n first_o bring_v into_o general_a use_n by_o themselves_o from_o the_o private_a use_n of_o st._n augustine_n and_o it_o be_v in_o their_o pleasure_n how_o they_o will_v use_v they_o it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o i_o that_o the_o power_n of_o ordain_v other_o be_v not_o ground_v bare_o on_o the_o character_n itself_o but_o on_o the_o character_n as_o extend_v and_o therefore_o can_v not_o be_v valid_o challenge_v by_o they_o who_o have_v the_o character_n alone_o give_v they_o without_o its_o extension_n §_o fourteen_o and_o though_o the_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n over_o the_o corpus_fw-la christi_fw-la mysticum_fw-la for_o term_n of_o life_n be_v ground_v on_o the_o power_n over_o the_o corpus_fw-la christi_fw-la verum_fw-la for_o time_n of_o life_n also_o so_o that_o he_o who_o have_v the_o power_n over_o the_o corpus_fw-la christi_fw-la verum_fw-la can_v oblige_v the_o mystical_a body_n to_o what_o term_n he_o please_v and_o set_v up_o what_o jurisdiction_n he_o please_v over_o they_o when_o they_o can_v not_o have_v the_o true_a body_n without_o he_o yet_o so_o itself_o there_o be_v a_o right_n reservable_a to_o the_o bishop_n over_o the_o true_a body_n which_o may_v both_o oblige_v priest_n to_o a_o dependence_n on_o the_o bishop_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n to_o a_o near_o and_o more_o necessary_a dependency_n on_o episcopacy_n than_o on_o the_o priesthood_n the_o priest_n not_o have_v the_o exercise_n of_o their_o power_n over_o the_o true_a body_n but_o by_o appointment_n of_o the_o bishop_n must_v oblige_v the_o mystical_a body_n to_o a_o great_a dependence_n on_o the_o bishop_n than_o on_o priest_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o common_a power_n for_o this_o will_v it_o put_v in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o bishop_n to_o deprive_v the_o mystical_a body_n of_o the_o true_a body_n if_o he_o shall_v forbid_v the_o priest_n the_o exercise_n of_o their_o power_n though_o against_o their_o consent_n and_o will_v withal_o put_v it_o out_o of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o priest_n to_o oblige_v the_o mystical_a to_o any_o dependence_n on_o they_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o bishop_n by_o deny_v they_o the_o true_a body_n when_o the_o bishop_n require_v they_o to_o give_v it_o because_o their_o presume_v to_o refuse_v it_o in_o such_o a_o case_n must_v be_v a_o invasion_n of_o the_o bishop_n right_a and_o must_v consequent_o infer_v a_o nullity_n in_o what_o they_o do_v without_o right_a to_o do_v it_o but_o the_o priest_n not_o have_v this_o power_n give_v they_o of_o give_v their_o power_n to_o other_o this_o must_v in_o regard_n of_o this_o dependence_n of_o the_o mystical_a body_n on_o the_o true_a body_n free_v the_o people_n from_o a_o dependence_n on_o the_o priesthood_n which_o can_v secure_v they_o of_o the_o true_a body_n in_o another_o generation_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o bishop_n have_v this_o power_n give_v they_o and_o to_o they_o alone_o this_o will_v oblige_v the_o mystical_a body_n to_o depend_v on_o they_o for_o a_o succession_n because_o they_o alone_o can_v continue_v the_o administration_n of_o the_o true_a body_n to_o they_o through_o all_o age_n of_o succession_n §_o xv_o and_o as_o these_o doctrine_n be_v very_o reconcilable_a with_o that_o of_o make_v episcopacy_n and_o presbytery_n one_o order_n on_o the_o principle_n now_o mention_v so_o they_o be_v certain_o the_o actual_a sense_n of_o those_o who_o follow_v that_o doctrine_n in_o that_o age._n most_o certain_o they_o who_o be_v of_o this_o opinion_n can_v not_o
intend_v to_o follow_v the_o doctrine_n i_o do_v not_o say_v of_o the_o aerian_o who_o have_v be_v reckon_v in_o the_o catalogue_n of_o heretic_n epiphanli_fw-la s._n augustini_fw-la &_o epiphanli_fw-la long_o before_o their_o own_o time_n but_o even_o of_o the_o wiclevist_n and_o waldenses_n who_o have_v be_v more_o late_o censure_v for_o maintain_v the_o equality_n of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n they_o who_o know_v how_o odious_a the_o name_n of_o heretic_n be_v in_o those_o day_n and_o how_o express_a condemnation_n of_o they_o be_v require_v from_o person_n who_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o preferment_n and_o how_o these_o catalogue_n and_o council_n who_o have_v censure_v these_o person_n be_v the_o standard_n whereby_o such_o person_n be_v oblige_v to_o judge_n who_o be_v heretic_n they_o i_o say_v can_v believe_v that_o the_o bishop_n of_o that_o age_n can_v have_v keep_v either_o their_o communion_n or_o their_o preferment_n if_o they_o have_v be_v of_o our_o adversary_n mind_n in_o assert_v the_o order_n and_o character_n of_o episcopacy_n to_o have_v be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o of_o priesthood_n and_o they_o must_v still_o remember_v that_o it_o be_v by_o what_o be_v maintain_v by_o they_o with_o a_o good_a conscience_n that_o we_o must_v judge_v what_o power_n be_v actual_o design_v for_o the_o presbyter_n ordain_v by_o they_o we_o must_v not_o therefore_o understand_v these_o opinion_n so_o as_o to_o think_v that_o the_o person_n who_o maintain_v they_o in_o the_o age_n we_o be_v speak_v of_o intend_v to_o exclude_v all_o difference_n between_o the_o two_o office_n and_o if_o any_o difference_n be_v acknowledge_v it_o must_v have_v be_v this_o of_o ordination_n which_o st._n hierome_n himself_o the_o principal_a author_n of_o this_o opinion_n have_v acknowledge_v for_o such_o a_o inseparable_a peculiar_a prerogative_n of_o episcopacy_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v all_o the_o reason_n we_o can_v desire_v to_o presume_v that_o even_a person_n of_o this_o persuasion_n in_o that_o age_n do_v intend_v to_o reserve_v this_o power_n from_o the_o presbyter_n that_o be_v ordain_v by_o they_o §_o xvi_o for_o it_o be_v particular_o considerable_a that_o this_o case_n of_o they_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o that_o apology_n for_o submit_v to_o a_o unjust_a government_n which_o be_v usual_o and_o i_o think_v very_o just_o make_v use_v of_o to_o excuse_v st._n hierome_n he_o indeed_o seem_v to_o have_v think_v that_o in_o the_o apostle_n age_n the_o presbyter_n have_v a_o great_a interest_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n than_o be_v allow_v they_o in_o his_o own_o but_o this_o do_v not_o hinder_v his_o submission_n to_o the_o government_n even_o of_o his_o own_o time_n though_o it_o have_v not_o be_v so_o just_a nay_o do_v not_o hinder_v he_o from_o think_v that_o it_o may_v then_o have_v a_o very_a just_a though_o a_o only_o humane_a right_n it_o be_v his_o sense_n not_o of_o the_o government_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n but_o of_o the_o government_n of_o his_o own_o time_n that_o concern_v his_o present_a practice_n but_o that_o which_o these_o person_n teach_v who_o make_v bishop_n and_o presbytery_n of_o the_o same_o order_n concern_v not_o only_o the_o apostle_n age_n but_o their_o own_o they_o think_v they_o still_o to_o be_v not_o only_a de_fw-fr jure_fw-la but_o de_fw-la facto_fw-la of_o the_o same_o order_n and_o therefore_o can_v not_o think_v themselves_o under_o any_o high_a duty_n to_o their_o bishop_n than_o what_o be_v consistent_a with_o their_o be_v of_o the_o same_o order_n and_o therefore_o if_o this_o have_v allow_v they_o a_o power_n of_o ordain_v other_o why_o do_v they_o not_o challenge_v that_o power_n why_o do_v they_o suffer_v the_o bishop_n to_o engross_v it_o to_o themselves_o and_o to_o secure_v their_o present_a usurpation_n to_o posterity_n for_o ever_o by_o a_o unquestioned_a peaceable_a prescription_n can_v not_o any_o one_o bold_a spirit_n be_v find_v who_o will_v stand_v up_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o order_n can_v neither_o interest_n nor_o conscience_n neither_o animate_v some_o to_o give_v a_o preâ—edent_n of_o contradict_v it_o they_o do_v not_o seem_v in_o those_o age_n to_o have_v be_v general_o so_o meâ—k_v and_o so_o fearful_a of_o disturb_v the_o public_a peace_n for_o what_o they_o think_v to_o be_v their_o right_n mighty_a quarrel_n be_v then_o engage_v on_o for_o matter_n of_o incomparable_o more_o trivial_a concernment_n and_o where_o withal_o they_o have_v less_o interest_n either_o to_o provoke_v or_o animate_v they_o than_o here_o and_o if_o indeed_o they_o have_v think_v of_o any_o such_o consequence_n as_o they_o must_v have_v think_v if_o their_o meaning_n in_o this_o assertion_n be_v such_o as_o our_o adversary_n be_v apt_a to_o understand_v it_o to_o have_v be_v how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o it_o escape_v the_o censure_n of_o their_o then_o present_a superior_n be_v it_o likely_a that_o it_o can_v have_v escape_v those_o censure_n in_o such_o a_o age_n wherein_o policy_n be_v their_o principal_a study_n and_o the_o principal_a employment_n of_o their_o zeal_n be_v the_o maintenance_n of_o their_o present_a establishment_n do_v none_o of_o these_o person_n who_o maintain_v these_o opinion_n ever_o come_v themselves_o to_o be_v governor_n and_o if_o their_o opinion_n alter_v with_o their_o interest_n must_v they_o not_o then_o have_v be_v conscious_a of_o the_o ill_a consequence_n and_o mischievousness_n of_o what_o they_o have_v maintain_v former_o if_o none_o of_o they_o have_v be_v conscious_a of_o these_o thing_n from_o their_o own_o experience_n yet_o sure_o their_o jealousy_n and_o the_o momentousness_n of_o the_o thing_n will_v have_v make_v they_o suspicious_a though_o they_o want_v solid_a ground_n if_o they_o have_v only_a likelihood_n and_o these_o suspicion_n be_v sufficient_a to_o have_v awaken_v all_o their_o diligence_n for_o suppress_v they_o when_o i_o consider_v these_o thing_n i_o can_v but_o think_v that_o the_o person_n who_o then_o maintain_v this_o opinion_n concern_v the_o identity_n of_o the_o order_n of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n must_v needs_o have_v be_v very_o far_o from_o think_v of_o any_o consequence_n prejudicial_a to_o their_o present_a establishment_n much_o less_o from_o attempt_v any_o thing_n in_o practice_n till_o pure_a necessity_n as_o well_o as_o opportunity_n force_v they_o upon_o it_o they_o do_v not_o therefore_o pretend_v to_o excuse_v presbyter_n from_o the_o least_o instance_n of_o their_o canonical_a obedience_n to_o their_o ordinary_n even_o of_o that_o obedience_n which_o be_v prescribe_v by_o the_o canon_n of_o those_o time_n so_o far_o it_o be_v from_o be_v probable_a that_o they_o intend_v to_o give_v they_o the_o peculiar_a prerogative_n of_o the_o bishop_n the_o power_n of_o ordain_v other_o nay_o so_o far_o do_v they_o seem_v from_o so_o much_o as_o judge_v it_o fit_a in_o conscience_n that_o this_o power_n shall_v be_v give_v to_o they_o who_o be_v then_o ordain_v presbyter_n and_o yet_o from_o what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v it_o appear_v sufficient_o that_o nothing_o short_a of_o their_o actual_a intention_n to_o give_v they_o this_o power_n can_v suffice_v to_o legitimate_a our_o brethren_n present_a ordination_n chap._n xxiv_o the_o nullity_n of_o the_o ordination_n of_o the_o nonconformist_n prove_v from_o the_o power_n of_o the_o bishop_n even_o as_o precedent_n over_o the_o presbytery_n the_o content_n §_o i_o this_o supposition_n that_o the_o bishop_n have_v the_o right_n of_o preside_v over_o ecclesiastical_a assembly_n sufficient_a for_o our_o purpose_n §_o i._o 1._o in_o regard_n of_o that_o power_n which_o must_v be_v grant_v due_a to_o he_o even_o as_o precedent_n this_o prove_v by_o these_o degree_n 1._o even_o by_o the_o principle_n of_o aristocratical_a government_n no_o power_n can_v be_v give_v but_o by_o the_o act_n of_o that_o body_n wherein_o the_o right_a of_o government_n be_v original_o seat_v §_o ii_o 2._o no_o act_n can_v be_v presume_v to_o be_v the_o act_n of_o that_o body_n but_o what_o have_v pass_v they_o in_o their_o public_a assembly_n §_o iii_o 3._o no_o assembly_n can_v dispose_v of_o the_o right_n of_o such_o society_n but_o such_o as_o be_v lawful_a one_o according_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o society_n §_o iv_o v._o 4._o the_o indiction_n of_o the_o assembly_n by_o the_o precedent_n be_v a_o right_n consequent_a to_o the_o office_n of_o a_o precedent_n as_o a_o precedent_n and_o a_o circumstance_n requisite_a to_o make_v the_o assembly_n itself_o lawful_a §_o vi_o vii_o 5._o the_o bishop_n have_v always_o be_v the_o precedent_n of_o ecclesiastical_a assembly_n even_o as_o high_a as_o our_o adversary_n themselves_o do_v grant_v the_o practice_n of_o preside_a presbyter_n §_o viii_o ix_o this_o invalidate_n the_o order_n of_o our_o adversary_n §_o x._o this_o be_v a_o right_n which_o no_o
and_o therefore_o can_v agree_v to_o any_o but_o the_o precedent_n who_o authority_n alone_o can_v be_v antecedent_n to_o the_o meeting_n of_o the_o assembly_n so_o that_o if_o it_o be_v the_o right_n of_o any_o it_o must_v be_v he_o because_o none_o beside_o he_o be_v capable_a of_o it_o and_o this_o be_v more_o certain_o true_a of_o he_o who_o have_v a_o right_a to_o preside_v in_o assembly_n when_o they_o be_v convene_v by_o virtue_n of_o his_o general_a right_n to_o preside_v over_o the_o whole_a society_n as_o well_o when_o assembly_n be_v not_o convene_v as_o when_o they_o be_v than_o of_o he_o who_o be_v choose_v by_o the_o particular_a assembly_n for_o their_o particular_a occasion_n and_o he_o who_o have_v his_o presidency_n not_o by_o virtue_n of_o any_o particular_a election_n distinct_a from_o that_o whereby_o he_o receive_v his_o office_n if_o his_o office_n be_v not_o arbitrary_a or_o confine_v within_o a_o certain_a time_n but_o give_v he_o for_o term_n of_o life_n must_v have_v such_o a_o presidency_n as_o i_o be_o speak_v of_o concern_v such_o a_o precedent_n as_o this_o the_o negative_a argument_n will_v hold_v for_o which_o i_o be_o at_o present_a concern_v not_o only_o that_o the_o assembly_n convene_v by_o he_o be_v in_o that_o regard_n lawful_a as_o they_o be_v convene_v by_o he_o but_o also_o that_o no_o assembly_n be_v lawful_a but_o what_o be_v call_v by_o he_o because_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n of_o make_v they_o lawful_a but_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o their_o call_n nor_o any_o power_n to_o call_v they_o distinct_a from_o that_o of_o such_o a_o precedent_n §_o viii_o 5._o the_o bishop_n be_v not_o only_o in_o the_o more_o modern_a age_n of_o which_o i_o have_v be_v discourse_v the_o precedent_n of_o their_o ecclesiastical_a assembly_n and_o that_o not_o arbitrary_o or_o by_o virtue_n of_o particular_a election_n but_o constant_a and_o for_o term_n of_o life_n i_o say_v not_o only_o then_o but_o as_o high_a as_o our_o adversary_n themselves_o do_v grant_v the_o practice_n of_o preside_a presbyter_n which_o as_o they_o among_o they_o who_o understand_v any_o thing_n of_o antiquity_n do_v not_o deny_v to_o have_v be_v very_o early_o after_o the_o apostle_n day_n so_o true_o i_o do_v not_o understand_v how_o they_o can_v deny_v it_o to_o have_v be_v practise_v even_o then_o without_o destroy_v the_o very_a historical_a faith_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n without_o weaken_v that_o testimony_n on_o which_o we_o receive_v the_o canon_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o a_o matter_n as_o notorious_a to_o they_o as_o that_o canon_n itself_o not_o to_o mention_v the_o testimony_n of_o ignatius_n though_o true_o i_o think_v they_o who_o question_v it_o since_o the_o late_a excellent_a dallaeum_n excellent_a in_o vindic_n ignat_fw-la count_v dallaeum_n defence_n of_o it_o perform_v with_o as_o great_a evidence_n as_o a_o matter_n of_o that_o antiquity_n after_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o so_o many_o primitive_a record_n be_v capable_a of_o may_v as_o well_o have_v question_v several_a book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n itself_o which_o notwithstanding_o they_o receive_v on_o lesser_a evidence_n i_o say_v not_o to_o mention_v this_o what_o can_v they_o say_v to_o the_o angel_n in_o the_o revelation_n what_o to_o the_o testimony_n of_o st._n irenaeus_n 14_o irenaeus_n iren._n l.iii._fw-la adv_fw-la haer._n &_o apud_fw-la eus._n hist._n four_o 14_o concern_v st._n polycarp_n who_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v one_o of_o they_o who_o he_o make_v to_o have_v be_v ordain_v bishop_n of_o smyrna_n by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o what_o to_o the_o testimony_n of_o clemens_n 23_o clemens_n clem._n al._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d apud_fw-la eus._n hist._n iii._o 23_o alexandrinus_n who_o mention_n bishop_n among_o other_o office_n of_o the_o church_n settle_v by_o st._n john_n what_o to_o the_o testimony_n of_o hegesippus_n 20._o hegesippus_n eus._n l.iii._n hist._n eccl._n c._n 20._o who_o make_v the_o kinsman_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o have_v be_v make_v bishop_n from_o domitian_n time_n to_o that_o of_o trajan_n what_o to_o those_o who_o mention_n st._n james_n 1_o james_n eus._n hist._n two_o 1_o to_o have_v be_v make_v bishop_n of_o jerusalem_n by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o what_o of_o the_o seven_o polycrates_n 24_o polycrates_n eus._n hist._n v._n 24_o mention_n as_o bishop_n in_o his_o own_o see_v before_o himself_o the_o first_o of_o which_o seem_v in_o all_o likelihood_n to_o have_v begin_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n nay_o what_o to_o all_o those_o catalogue_n of_o bishop_n succeed_v in_o the_o four_o patriarchal_a see_v particular_o the_o fifteen_o in_o 5_o in_o eus._n hist._n four_o 5_o jerusalem_n from_o st._n james_n to_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o jew_n under_o adrian_n nay_o what_o to_o the_o succession_n of_o all_o the_o haer._n the_o tertull._n praescr_n iren._n adv_o haer._n apostolical_a see_v to_o which_o the_o father_n of_o the_o second_o century_n do_v so_o solemn_o appeal_v to_o prove_v their_o own_o doctrine_n apostolical_a in_o opposition_n to_o the_o contrary_a pretence_n of_o the_o heretic_n §_o ix_o can_n they_o think_v they_o all_o to_o have_v be_v either_o wilful_a forgery_n or_o general_a mistake_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n so_o near_o their_o own_o time_n without_o so_o much_o as_o any_o likely_a ground_n in_o history_n how_o will_v they_o then_o assure_v we_o that_o they_o be_v not_o mistake_v in_o deliver_v to_o we_o the_o book_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o be_v not_o more_o notorious_a to_o they_o than_o their_o government_n and_o what_o can_v have_v be_v a_o more_o likely_a occasion_n of_o their_o mistake_n of_o the_o bishop_n be_v the_o governor_n of_o their_o respective_a diocese_n than_o this_o that_o they_o be_v at_o least_o the_o ordinary_a precedent_n of_o their_o ecclesiastical_a assembly_n they_o will_v not_o when_o they_o consider_v it_o find_v it_o so_o easy_a to_o avoid_v this_o presidency_n of_o bishop_n even_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n whatever_o they_o may_v think_v of_o their_o absolute_a monarchy_n they_o will_v not_o find_v their_o argument_n concern_v the_o confusion_n of_o the_o name_n of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n in_o those_o first_o time_n to_o proceed_v so_o firm_o against_o this_o though_o both_o these_o name_n have_v belong_v to_o the_o same_o office_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v but_o that_o one_o of_o that_o same_o rank_n may_v have_v be_v first_o and_z by_o his_o privilege_n of_o be_v so_o may_v have_v have_v the_o power_n of_o their_o ecclesiastical_a assembly_n though_o he_o have_v no_o further_a jurisdiction_n over_o the_o particular_a member_n of_o such_o assembly_n when_o they_o be_v once_o convene_v and_o without_o grant_v thus_o much_o at_o least_o they_o will_v not_o find_v it_o so_o easy_a as_o they_o may_v think_v before_o they_o try_v it_o to_o solve_v the_o phaenomena_n now_o object_v the_o most_o learned_a of_o our_o adversary_n do_v themselves_o grant_v as_o much_o as_o i_o be_o concern_v to_o infer_v from_o they_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o which_o they_o account_v for_o these_o thing_n amount_v to_o as_o much_o as_o i_o desire_v at_o present_a and_o 6._o and_o speak_v of_o the_o office_n of_o the_o first_o presbyter_n in_o his_o first_o period_n before_o the_o year_n 136._o he_o say_v they_o do_v publicae_fw-la in_o collectis_fw-la sedulis_fw-la universam_fw-la fraternitatem_fw-la hortamentis_fw-la ad_fw-la bonum_fw-la pietatis_fw-la certamen_fw-la fidaque_fw-la charitatis_fw-la obsequia_fw-la excitare_fw-la eandem_fw-la precibus_fw-la excitare_fw-la ordinis_fw-la consessus_fw-la cogere_fw-la etc._n etc._n praef._n ad_fw-la apol._n pro_fw-la s._n hieronym_n p._n 6._o blondell_n do_v express_o grant_v that_o these_o early_a bishop_n who_o live_v before_o the_o deviation_n as_o he_o think_v it_o from_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o apostle_n have_v this_o power_n of_o call_v the_o ecclesiastical_a assembly_n §_o x_o by_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o though_o we_o judge_v of_o the_o rightful_a possession_n of_o those_o time_n by_o a_o recourse_n to_o the_o primitive_a establishment_n of_o the_o apostle_n yet_o it_o will_v be_v impossible_a for_o our_o adversary_n to_o convict_v the_o bishop_n of_o the_o age_n i_o be_o speak_v of_o of_o usurp_a this_o right_a at_o least_o of_o preside_v in_o the_o ecclesiastical_a assembly_n and_o that_o even_o for_o term_v of_o life_n and_o therefore_o if_o by_o this_o concession_n the_o order_n of_o our_o adversary_n may_v be_v convict_v of_o a_o perfect_a nullity_n it_o will_v then_o very_o near_o concern_v they_o to_o consider_v how_o they_o can_v clear_v themselves_o of_o the_o sacrilege_n of_o such_o exercise_v such_o order_n how_o they_o can_v expect_v any_o blessing_n or_o comfort_n in_o such_o administration_n now_o that_o this_o be_v so_o will_v appear_v clear_o from_o the_o principle_n now_o
mention_v for_o grant_v this_o power_n of_o perpetual_a preside_v to_o the_o bishop_n and_o it_o will_v then_o follow_v that_o the_o right_n of_o convening_n ecclesiastical_a assembly_n will_v belong_v to_o they_o therefore_o those_o assembly_n which_o meet_v without_o their_o call_v as_o all_o those_o must_v do_v which_o meet_v out_o of_o their_o communion_n can_v be_v no_o lawful_a assembly_n but_o the_o act_n of_o unlawful_a assembly_n though_o otherwise_o consist_v of_o such_o person_n as_o have_v a_o real_a power_n in_o lawful_a one_o be_v nullity_n can_v oblige_v the_o society_n to_o nothing_o much_o less_o can_v they_o dispose_v of_o a_o thing_n of_o so_o great_a moment_n to_o they_o as_o their_o power_n they_o be_v not_o only_a nullity_n but_o offence_n of_o that_o nature_n as_o that_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o oblige_v the_o society_n in_o any_o equity_n to_o confirm_v they_o as_o that_o they_o do_v oblige_v they_o by_o the_o high_a common_a interest_n to_o punish_v they_o which_o plain_o show_v that_o though_o presbyter_n have_v be_v allow_v a_o power_n of_o ordination_n yet_o they_o can_v not_o valid_o exercise_v it_o out_o of_o the_o episcopal_a communion_n and_o therefore_o that_o whatever_o may_v be_v say_v to_o that_o question_n yet_o that_o can_v make_v it_o questionable_a whether_o the_o order_n of_o our_o present_a adversary_n be_v valid_a §_o xi_o this_o right_n of_o preside_v in_o the_o assembly_n be_v a_o thing_n which_o the_o high_a asserter_n of_o the_o identity_n of_o order_n between_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n in_o the_o modern_a age_n i_o be_o speak_v of_o do_v undoubted_o never_o think_v the_o bishop_n oblige_v to_o renounce_v nor_o can_v any_o bishop_n how_o hearty_o soever_o he_o believe_v that_o opinion_n be_v presume_v to_o give_v the_o presbyter_n ordain_v by_o he_o a_o power_n of_o meeting_n without_o his_o leave_n when_o themselves_o please_v and_o yet_o undoubted_o the_o bishop_n be_v actual_o possess_v of_o that_o power_n by_o a_o peaceable_a prescription_n of_o many_o century_n and_o by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o presbyter_n themselves_o who_o live_v in_o they_o so_o that_o the_o presbyter_n then_o ordain_v can_v lay_v no_o claim_n to_o it_o without_o a_o express_a gift_n from_o the_o bishop_n who_o ordain_v they_o because_o they_o never_o have_v that_o power_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o remain_v then_o who_o can_v give_v it_o they_o beside_o the_o bishop_n and_o indeed_o the_o bishop_n can_v not_o renounce_v this_o power_n without_o dissolve_v the_o society_n by_o make_v the_o exercise_n of_o government_n unpracticable_a or_o without_o change_v the_o whole_a frame_n of_o government_n for_o suppose_v they_o have_v renounce_v this_o right_a who_o must_v have_v have_v it_o if_o none_o have_v it_o how_o can_v the_o society_n be_v secure_v that_o assembly_n shall_v meet_v if_o none_o have_v power_n to_o call_v they_o if_o none_o have_v power_n to_o oblige_v particular_a member_n to_o be_v present_a at_o they_o when_o call_v if_o any_o particular_a presbyter_n have_v be_v entrust_v with_o it_o that_o have_v only_o be_v a_o alteration_n of_o the_o person_n not_o of_o the_o right_n of_o the_o office_n the_o new_a entrust_v presbyter_n will_v thereby_o become_v the_o bishop_n by_o what_o name_n soever_o they_o will_v be_v please_v to_o call_v he_o and_o all_o the_o change_n that_o ordinary_a presbyter_n will_v find_v by_o such_o a_o act_n will_v be_v only_o of_o their_o master_n not_o of_o their_o subjection_n if_o it_o have_v be_v give_v away_o indefinite_o no_o particular_a presbyter_n can_v lay_v a_o better_a claim_n to_o it_o than_o all_o his_o brethren_n and_o by_o all_o it_o be_v not_o practicable_a till_o they_o be_v consider_v as_o convene_v in_o a_o assembly_n if_o it_o have_v therefore_o be_v give_v to_o the_o whole_a assembly_n either_o they_o must_v thenceforth_o have_v state_v time_n allot_v they_o for_o meeting_n or_o every_o meeting_n must_v be_v allow_v to_o adjourn_v themselves_o and_o to_o appoint_v the_o time_n and_o place_n for_o meet_v again_o if_o at_o any_o time_n no_o meeting_n be_v ascertain_v the_o government_n will_v be_v dissolve_v this_o be_v indeed_o the_o way_n practise_v in_o peliarchical_a government_n but_o such_o a_o resignation_n of_o the_o bishop_n as_o this_o must_v therefore_o have_v alter_v the_o very_a frame_n of_o the_o government_n and_o where_o can_v our_o adversary_n give_v any_o precedent_n either_o in_o catholic_n tradition_n or_o even_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o scripture_n itself_o wherein_o any_o such_o thing_n be_v practise_v by_o presbytery_n where_o be_v it_o ever_o hear_v that_o they_o call_v or_o adjourn_v themselves_o without_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o precedent_n of_o their_o assembly_n by_o what_o name_n soever_o our_o brethren_n will_v be_v please_v to_o call_v they_o §_o xii_o nor_o be_o i_o concern_v by_o my_o present_a interest_n how_o the_o bishop_n come_v by_o their_o power_n of_o preside_v whether_o by_o the_o election_n of_o their_o clergy_n or_o people_n or_o whether_o by_o a_o new_a consecration_n by_o bishop_n only_o let_v the_o guess_n of_o st._n hierome_n the_o counterfeit_a ambrose_n and_o eutychius_n be_v as_o true_a as_o our_o adversary_n can_v wish_v they_o let_v it_o be_v so_o that_o the_o bishop_n receive_v no_o new_a consecration_n of_o their_o own_o order_n that_o no_o man_n but_o the_o presbyter_n be_v concern_v in_o give_v their_o power_n to_o they_o our_o adversary_n usual_o think_v they_o have_v perform_v a_o great_a matter_n when_o they_o have_v produce_v these_o conjecture_n of_o these_o author_n and_o yet_o when_o they_o have_v make_v all_o they_o can_v of_o they_o they_o be_v no_o better_a than_o conjecture_n these_o author_n live_v too_o far_o from_o the_o time_n they_o speak_v of_o to_o assure_v we_o of_o any_o thing_n historical_o nor_o do_v they_o pretend_v to_o any_o history_n we_o know_v not_o of_o that_o may_v put_v we_o in_o any_o hope_n that_o they_o speak_v what_o they_o say_v on_o better_a ground_n than_o eonjecture_v yet_o these_o be_v the_o only_a ground_n of_o all_o that_o our_o adversary_n say_v positive_o in_o this_o matter_n but_o i_o say_v grant_v that_o these_o conjecture_n be_v true_a and_o that_o not_o only_o the_o ancient_a bishop_n but_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o age_n we_o be_v speak_v of_o have_v no_o new_a consecration_n nor_o consequent_o have_v any_o new_a power_n from_o what_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o receive_v by_o the_o canonical_a election_n of_o their_o clergy_n and_o grant_v therefore_o that_o all_o the_o further_a power_n they_o pretend_v to_o by_o their_o consecration_n be_v no_o just_a accession_n of_o power_n and_o therefore_o none_o at_o all_o i_o do_v not_o see_v how_o even_o by_o this_o power_n which_o they_o may_v receive_v by_o their_o election_n our_o adversary_n can_v defend_v the_o validity_n of_o their_o present_a ordination_n for_o what_o if_o the_o bishop_n have_v receive_v his_o power_n from_o the_o presbyter_n do_v it_o therefore_o follow_v that_o the_o presbytery_n must_v not_o depend_v on_o he_o when_o he_o have_v receive_v it_o do_v it_o follow_v that_o they_o must_v still_o have_v power_n as_o free_o as_o former_o to_o assemble_v themselves_o without_o his_o leave_n and_o either_o to_o depose_v he_o or_o to_o set_v up_o another_o in_o his_o stead_n or_o at_o least_o to_o erect_v themselves_o a_o independent_a body_n on_o any_o superior_a do_v it_o follow_v that_o such_o practice_n of_o they_o will_v be_v valid_a if_o they_o shall_v attempt_v they_o §_o xiii_o nay_o the_o very_a contrary_n have_v be_v take_v hitherto_o for_o the_o only_a solid_a security_n of_o peace_n in_o all_o prudent_a humane_a establishment_n in_o all_o elective_a kingdom_n the_o interreges_fw-la have_v a_o power_n during_o the_o vacancy_n to_o dispose_v of_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o kingdom_n till_o a_o new_a king_n be_v elect_v but_o they_o as_o well_o as_o other_o subject_n will_v be_v guilty_a of_o treason_n if_o they_o shall_v attempt_v the_o same_o thing_n afterward_o their_o assembly_n will_v be_v as_o illegal_a and_o their_o proceed_n in_o they_o of_o as_o little_a validity_n as_o those_o of_o other_o subject_n so_o in_o st._n hieromes_n instance_n euagr._fw-la ep._n ad_fw-la euagr._fw-la the_o army_n choose_v the_o emperor_n and_o when_o he_o be_v so_o choose_v he_o be_v not_o invest_v in_o his_o power_n by_o any_o authority_n superior_a to_o that_o of_o the_o army_n yet_o that_o power_n of_o the_o army_n expire_v as_o soon_o as_o he_o be_v once_o peaceable_o settle_v in_o the_o power_n receive_v from_o they_o they_o can_v not_o then_o meet_v as_o they_o have_v do_v former_o if_o they_o do_v such_o meeting_n be_v thenceforwards_o illegal_a and_o their_o proceed_n null_a much_o less_o can_v they_o justify_v a_o revolt_n from_o he_o or_o valid_o defend_v their_o
of_o a_o popular_a party_n §_o two_o this_o be_v not_o allow_v in_o any_o society_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n though_o the_o alderman_n of_o corporation_n have_v a_o power_n together_o with_o the_o mayor_n to_o dispose_v of_o the_o office_n belong_v to_o their_o respective_a corporation_n yet_o if_o the_o whole_a table_n shall_v meet_v by_o themselves_o in_o separation_n from_o the_o mayor_n and_o in_o opposition_n to_o he_o however_o they_o may_v over-vote_n he_o if_o he_o have_v be_v present_a and_o their_o assembly_n lawful_a yet_o what_o they_o shall_v do_v in_o the_o case_n we_o be_v now_o suppose_v will_v be_v a_o perfect_a nullity_n and_o unoblige_v to_o the_o corporation_n but_o if_o any_o single_a alderman_n shall_v separate_v from_o all_o his_o brethren_n also_o and_o shall_v of_o himself_o undertake_v to_o dispose_v of_o the_o thing_n or_o office_n of_o the_o corporation_n can_v any_o of_o our_o brethren_n themselves_o approve_v they_o in_o it_o can_v they_o think_v the_o office_n so_o dispose_v of_o by_o they_o valid_o dispose_v of_o can_v they_o think_v the_o corporation_n oblige_v to_o ratify_v they_o and_o yet_o it_o be_v strange_a that_o they_o shall_v not_o see_v how_o like_o this_o case_n be_v to_o that_o of_o their_o own_o predecessor_n the_o first_o minister_n they_o have_v ordain_v in_o the_o separation_n be_v ordain_v by_o such_o presbyter_n as_o these_o and_o by_o such_o a_o act_n as_o this_o now_o mention_v and_o their_o whole_a succession_n since_o that_o time_n have_v be_v maintain_v general_o on_o no_o better_a a_o title_n this_o representation_n of_o their_o case_n may_v possible_o affect_v some_o popular_a capacity_n better_a than_o the_o naked_a reason_n but_o that_o the_o more_o judicious_a among_o they_o may_v see_v that_o my_o desire_n it_o to_o deal_v fair_o and_o candid_o with_o they_o and_o not_o to_o represent_v their_o cause_n more_o invidious_o than_o it_o deserve_v or_o to_o take_v any_o advantage_n that_o may_v be_v take_v from_o a_o false_a representation_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o reduce_v the_o reason_n to_o a_o more_o close_a way_n of_o management_n under_o the_o follow_a consideration_n which_o i_o shall_v entreat_v our_o adversary_n to_o consider_v impartial_o §_o iii_o 1._o that_o though_o a_o presbyter_n when_o he_o be_v once_o make_v be_v a_o presbyter_n in_o the_o catholic_n church_n yet_o the_o reason_n that_o make_v he_o so_o be_v the_o correspondence_n of_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n with_o that_o particular_a one_o of_o which_o he_o be_v make_v a_o member_n at_o his_o ordination_n by_o his_o be_v a_o presbyter_n in_o the_o catholic_n church_n when_o he_o be_v once_o make_v i_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o he_o may_v canonical_o exercise_v his_o power_n in_o all_o particular_a church_n where_o he_o may_v have_v occasion_n to_o come_v without_o dependence_n on_o the_o respective_a governor_n but_o that_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o power_n in_o his_o own_o church_n be_v to_o be_v ratify_v over_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n in_o general_n that_o they_o be_v to_o suppose_v the_o sacrament_n administer_v by_o he_o to_o be_v valid_o administer_v and_o that_o therefore_o they_o be_v not_o to_o rebaptize_v person_n baptize_v by_o he_o when_o they_o come_v to_o live_v among_o they_o nor_o to_o refuse_v their_o communion_n to_o such_o to_o who_o he_o think_v fit_a to_o give_v it_o nor_o to_o receive_v to_o their_o communion_n those_o who_o be_v exclude_v from_o he_o and_o that_o they_o be_v also_o so_o far_o to_o ratify_v the_o authority_n receive_v in_o his_o own_o church_n from_o those_o who_o have_v power_n to_o give_v it_o he_o as_o that_o if_o they_o think_v fit_a to_o permit_v he_o to_o exercise_v his_o power_n within_o their_o jurisdiction_n they_o do_v it_o without_o pretend_v to_o give_v he_o a_o new_a authority_n but_o only_o a_o new_a licence_n and_o that_o wherever_o he_o can_v exercise_v his_o authority_n without_o canonical_a injury_n as_o in_o heathenish_a or_o heretical_a country_n where_o no_o canon_n do_v oblige_v ratify_v all_o his_o act_n of_o power_n the_o same_o way_n as_o if_o he_o have_v perform_v they_o within_o his_o own_o canonical_a jurisdiction_n this_o be_v more_o than_o be_v observe_v in_o civil_a society_n one_o country_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o confirm_v the_o censure_n of_o another_o they_o be_v neither_o oblige_v to_o banish_v their_o exile_n nor_o to_o receive_v their_o countryman_n to_o the_o same_o privilege_n among_o themselves_o which_o they_o enjoy_v in_o their_o own_o country_n nor_o to_o receive_v their_o magistrate_n to_o exercise_v power_n among_o themselves_o without_o a_o new_a commission_n which_o may_v give_v they_o a_o new_a power_n which_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o own_o country_n be_v not_o able_a to_o give_v they_o §_o iv_o and_o the_o reason_n why_o i_o level_v my_o discourse_n against_o the_o power_n that_o the_o presbyter_n of_o our_o adversary_n may_v pretend_v to_o on_o account_n of_o their_o be_v presbyter_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v because_o this_o be_v the_o only_a pretence_n that_o they_o can_v plausible_o make_v for_o the_o validity_n of_o what_o they_o do_v canonical_a licence_n they_o can_v so_o much_o as_o pretend_v to_o for_o exercise_v their_o power_n within_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o other_o without_o their_o leave_n and_o it_o have_v already_o appear_v that_o they_o can_v make_v out_o no_o succession_n from_o the_o apostle_n but_o what_o must_v original_o have_v come_v from_o episcopal_a ordination_n that_o therefore_o they_o shall_v expect_v that_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o power_n receive_v from_o the_o bishop_n yet_o exercise_v within_o their_o jurisdiction_n without_o the_o licence_n of_o the_o bishop_n nay_o contrary_a to_o their_o express_a prohibition_n shall_v be_v count_v valid_a how_o unlawful_a soever_o must_v be_v from_o the_o irrevocableness_n of_o the_o authority_n at_o first_o receive_v by_o they_o and_o the_o unconfinedness_n of_o the_o design_n of_o that_o power_n antecedent_o to_o those_o canon_n by_o which_o it_o be_v afterward_o make_v irregular_a in_o its_o practice_n be_v it_o not_o for_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o unconfinedness_n of_o this_o power_n they_o can_v not_o pretend_v to_o any_o right_a to_o exercise_v it_o out_o of_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o he_o who_o give_v it_o they_o nor_o even_o within_o that_o jurisdiction_n without_o his_o leave_n and_o therefore_o if_o this_o will_v not_o do_v it_o they_o can_v have_v nothing_o that_o can_v defend_v their_o usurpation_n from_o be_v invalid_a as_o well_o as_o uncanonical_a §_o v_o and_o that_o this_o correspondence_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n with_o that_o particular_a one_o in_o which_o he_o be_v ordain_v be_v the_o true_a reason_n why_o all_o other_o church_n be_v oblige_v to_o ratify_v the_o act_n of_o every_o particular_a presbyter_n will_v appear_v if_o it_o be_v consider_v that_o by_o his_o ordination_n in_o his_o own_o particular_a church_n he_o can_v have_v no_o jurisdiction_n give_v he_o over_o any_o other_o which_o be_v not_o under_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o that_o particular_a church_n from_o which_o he_o have_v receive_v his_o order_n and_o therefore_o the_o reason_n why_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o confirm_v his_o censure_n can_v be_v any_o authoritative_a deference_n they_o owe_v to_o he_o such_o as_o subject_n owe_v to_o even_o their_o fallible_a superior_n even_o in_o matter_n wherein_o they_o think_v they_o actual_o mistake_v yet_o so_o to_o practice_v as_o if_o they_o think_v they_o not_o mistake_v but_o pure_o their_o own_o actual_a conviction_n concern_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o because_o they_o either_o know_v or_o presume_v it_o to_o be_v fit_a that_o his_o censure_n shall_v be_v confirm_v but_o this_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n will_v not_o hold_v be_v it_o not_o that_o his_o church_n and_o they_o be_v in_o those_o thing_n the_o same_o and_o as_o they_o give_v the_o same_o advantage_n so_o they_o require_v the_o same_o qualification_n which_o whoever_o be_v presume_v to_o have_v in_o one_o can_v by_o they_o by_o who_o he_o be_v presume_v to_o have_v they_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n presume_v to_o want_v they_o in_o the_o other_o in_o other_o society_n where_o the_o privilege_n confer_v be_v proper_a to_o the_o society_n the_o qualification_n be_v so_o too_o and_o therefore_o though_o one_o society_n be_v real_o satisfy_v that_o a_o subject_a have_v deserve_v well_o of_o another_o and_o that_o he_o have_v deserve_o receive_v his_o reward_n for_o his_o eminent_a desert_n from_o that_o authority_n which_o have_v power_n to_o give_v he_o it_o and_o therefore_o that_o he_o have_v a_o just_a title_n to_o a_o reward_n yet_o be_v they_o not_o oblige_v in_o any_o reason_n to_o give_v he_o the_o same_o honour_n in_o their_o own_o for_o the_o nature_n of_o these_o society_n be_v so_o little_o
conscience_n especial_o they_o who_o urge_v it_o in_o that_o extravagant_a sense_n in_o which_o some_o seem_v to_o mean_v it_o and_o more_o be_v oblige_v to_o mean_v it_o by_o the_o interest_n of_o their_o reason_n §_o xxi_o and_o yet_o 2._o this_o power_n must_v not_o be_v so_o confine_v to_o the_o conscience_n but_o that_o it_o may_v also_o have_v a_o secondary_a influence_n on_o the_o external_a action_n of_o man_n to_o oblige_v they_o to_o perform_v such_o external_a duty_n upon_o account_n of_o conscience_n which_o they_o may_v otherwise_o have_v be_v unwilling_a to_o have_v perform_v of_o themselves_o for_o unless_o this_o obligation_n of_o conscience_n have_v a_o influence_n on_o the_o external_a action_n it_o can_v be_v of_o no_o use_n for_o the_o external_a government_n we_o be_v speak_v of_o who_o subject_n be_v man_n who_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o be_v edify_v by_o our_o thought_n any_o far_a than_o as_o they_o be_v signify_v to_o they_o by_o our_o action_n and_o it_o be_v administer_v by_o man_n who_o can_v judge_n of_o the_o observation_n of_o their_o own_o injunction_n otherwise_o than_o by_o our_o external_a action_n in_o order_n to_o the_o reward_v the_o obedient_a or_o punish_v the_o disobedient_a and_o indeed_o for_o who_o end_n only_o external_a action_n be_v useful_a as_o be_v already_o observe_v and_o yet_o they_o must_v not_o only_o be_v those_o external_a action_n to_o which_o their_o own_o prudence_n will_v oblige_v they_o for_o their_o own_o intrinsic_a usefulness_n but_o also_o such_o wherein_o subject_n may_v differ_v from_o the_o judgement_n of_o their_o superior_n that_o they_o must_v be_v oblige_v in_o conscience_n to_o observe_v in_o order_n to_o the_o end_n of_o government_n for_o no_o government_n whatsoever_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v administer_v by_o fallible_a person_n unless_o their_o subject_n conceive_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o submit_v to_o they_o even_o in_o such_o case_n wherein_o they_o shall_v believe_v they_o actual_o mistake_v in_o point_n of_o prudence_n for_o the_o generality_n of_o moral_a affair_n and_o especial_o the_o prudential_a command_n of_o governor_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o any_o more_o than_o probable_a evidence_n and_o in_o such_o case_n it_o be_v very_o possible_a for_o such_o governor_n to_o be_v real_o mistake_v and_o for_o subject_n to_o believe_v they_o mistake_v and_o yet_o if_o they_o be_v not_o observe_v even_o in_o such_o case_n other_o instance_n be_v so_o very_o rare_a as_o that_o their_o government_n itself_o must_v prove_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n useless_a and_o unpracticable_a for_o without_o a_o coercive_a power_n over_o subject_n no_o government_n proper_o so_o call_v can_v be_v maintain_v and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o coercion_n if_o subject_n be_v permit_v to_o do_v only_o what_o they_o think_v fit_v themselves_o §_o xxii_o and_z 3._o these_o impression_n of_o conscience_n must_v be_v such_o as_o may_v oblige_v they_o not_o only_o to_o perform_v such_o external_a action_n as_o otherwise_o they_o will_v not_o if_o they_o have_v be_v leave_v to_o their_o own_o liberty_n but_o also_o to_o perform_v such_o action_n in_o compliance_n to_o visible_a superior_n so_o that_o in_o order_n to_o the_o maintain_v the_o authority_n of_o this_o government_n on_o their_o conscience_n it_o be_v requisite_a that_o the_o authority_n command_v be_v judge_v to_o be_v a_o reason_n oblige_v they_o in_o conscience_n to_o perform_v whatsoever_o be_v so_o command_v and_o that_o these_o visible_a superior_n be_v to_o be_v take_v for_o authentic_a judge_n of_o their_o obedience_n or_o disobedience_n so_o that_o though_o they_o may_v not_o always_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v their_o judgement_n concern_v their_o own_o behaviour_n true_a yet_o they_o must_v always_o external_o acquiesce_v in_o their_o determination_n believe_v themselves_o oblige_v in_o conscience_n to_o give_v they_o active_a obedience_n in_o thing_n lawful_a and_o passive_a in_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o so_o for_o external_a authority_n can_v be_v maintain_v over_o the_o conscience_n without_o a_o obligation_n even_o in_o conscience_n to_o obedience_n and_o the_o act_n can_v be_v obedience_n if_o it_o be_v not_o perform_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o authority_n require_v it_o and_o no_o obedience_n short_a of_o this_o now_o mention_v can_v reach_v the_o end_n of_o a_o visible_a external_a authority_n and_o therefore_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v extreme_o vain_a for_o they_o to_o think_v to_o satisfy_v their_o conscience_n of_o their_o obedience_n by_o appeal_n from_o their_o governor_n to_o god_n as_o the_o judge_n of_o their_o conscience_n this_o be_v indeed_o a_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n if_o god_n have_v institute_v no_o external_a society_n of_o man_n but_o have_v do_v so_o it_o be_v plain_o a_o refusal_n of_o their_o duty_n to_o their_o ecclesiastical_a superior_n when_o their_o authority_n be_v not_o admit_v neither_o for_o its_o own_o sake_n nor_o as_o a_o authentic_a expositor_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n as_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o action_n but_o the_o divine_a authority_n be_v appeal_v to_o independent_o on_o they_o and_o plain_o a_o resist_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n as_o vest_v in_o they_o as_o god_n have_v require_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v obey_v for_o his_o sake_n and_o as_o by_o leave_v no_o remedy_n for_o appellant_n in_o this_o world_n wherein_o alone_o it_o be_v that_o this_o authority_n can_v be_v useful_a he_o have_v sufficient_o intimate_v it_o to_o be_v his_o pleasure_n that_o their_o authority_n shall_v be_v unappealable_a here_o in_o order_n to_o the_o forementioned_a obedience_n §_o xxiii_o and_z 4._o this_o authority_n over_o conscience_n must_v be_v such_o as_o may_v awe_v even_o wicked_a man_n themselves_o who_o be_v not_o altogether_o of_o a_o profligate_n and_o fear_v conscience_n and_o therefore_o the_o mischief_n attend_v disobedience_n must_v be_v very_o great_a as_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o it_o may_v by_o they_o be_v conceive_v sufficient_a to_o oversway_v the_o mischief_n they_o apprehend_v in_o want_v the_o gratification_n of_o their_o vicious_a appetite_n and_o very_o clear_a and_o unobnoxious_a to_o dispute_v on_o the_o acknowledge_a principle_n of_o christianity_n that_o it_o may_v be_v own_v for_o such_o even_o by_o they_o who_o be_v so_o strong_o interest_v and_o therefore_o prejudice_v against_o it_o for_o wicked_a man_n be_v they_o who_o constitute_v the_o great_a part_n of_o all_o great_a society_n and_o it_o be_v principal_o for_o they_o that_o all_o coercive_a government_n be_v settle_v not_o only_o that_o man_n of_o different_a judgement_n but_o also_o of_o different_a affection_n may_v be_v necessitate_v to_o a_o external_a compliance_n now_o in_o order_n to_o the_o establish_v such_o a_o government_n as_o this_o what_o can_v be_v more_o conducive_a or_o more_o become_v the_o divine_a wisdom_n than_o this_o systeme_n of_o principle_n on_o which_o i_o have_v be_v hitherto_o insist_v §_o xxiv_o for_o it_o be_v certain_a 1._o that_o they_o can_v oblige_v their_o subject_n thus_o in_o conscience_n to_o comply_v with_o they_o against_o their_o will_n unless_o there_o be_v some_o benefit_n to_o their_o conscience_n to_o be_v gain_v by_o their_o obedience_n and_o some_o prejudice_n also_o to_o their_o conscience_n to_o be_v incur_v by_o their_o disobedience_n possible_o some_o few_o good_a subject_n may_v be_v move_v by_o the_o command_n of_o god_n and_o the_o general_a indefinite_a expectation_n of_o reward_n from_o his_o good_a will_n or_o punishment_n from_o his_o displeasure_n as_o some_o few_o good_a subject_n will_v be_v move_v by_o those_o constitution_n of_o their_o prince_n which_o be_v ratify_v by_o no_o other_o penalty_n than_o that_o of_o his_o displeasure_n but_o as_o in_o secular_o this_o be_v very_o rare_o find_v sufficient_a in_o experience_n for_o the_o government_n of_o great_a community_n without_o specification_n of_o the_o immediate_a reward_n or_o punishment_n which_o shall_v attend_v their_o obedience_n or_o disobedience_n to_o particular_a command_n so_o it_o will_v be_v as_o necessary_a to_o observe_v this_o same_o method_n for_o a_o government_n of_o this_o nature_n even_o in_o spiritual_n for_o the_o nature_n of_o those_o person_n who_o be_v apt_a to_o transgress_v be_v usual_o so_o dull_a as_o not_o to_o be_v very_o apprehensive_a of_o spiritual_a and_o future_a inconvenience_n if_o there_o be_v not_o something_o particular_o to_o be_v fear_v at_o present_a upon_o the_o neglect_n of_o their_o duty_n some_o advantage_n to_o their_o conscience_n that_o may_v even_o at_o present_a prove_v more_o considerable_a to_o they_o than_o the_o pleasure_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o some_o disadvantage_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n that_o may_v at_o present_a oversway_v the_o loss_n of_o their_o sinful_a pleasure_n and_o the_o contradiction_n of_o their_o appetite_n in_o such_o performance_n of_o their_o duty_n §_o xxv_o and_z 2._o
covenant_n to_o condemn_v who_o the_o church_n condemn_v though_o the_o person_n so_o condemn_v can_v plead_v any_o legal_a interest_n in_o the_o divine_a covenant_n for_o his_o salvation_n so_o that_o by_o these_o principle_n god_n be_v under_o no_o legal_a obligation_n to_o punish_v he_o yet_o his_o loss_n of_o a_o legal_a title_n to_o the_o promise_n may_v be_v indeed_o a_o great_a discomfort_n to_o he_o in_o this_o life_n which_o as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v to_o be_v sufficient_a for_o maintain_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v only_o a_o government_n for_o this_o life_n so_o it_o may_v just_o be_v inflict_v even_o on_o particular_a innocent_a person_n for_o so_o great_a a_o advantage_n of_o the_o society_n by_o the_o same_o principle_n of_o justice_n by_o which_o all_o great_a society_n be_v govern_v who_o never_o think_v it_o unequal_a to_o suffer_v some_o few_o innocent_n in_o rare_a case_n to_o suffer_v some_o inconvenience_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o it_o make_v amends_o to_o they_o for_o all_o that_o even_o by_o our_o principle_n god_n be_v still_o at_o liberty_n to_o be_v as_o bountiful_a as_o he_o please_v to_o they_o in_o the_o other_o life_n he_o may_v there_o give_v they_o those_o blessing_n to_o which_o they_o have_v indeed_o no_o legal_a title_n much_o more_o of_o which_o they_o can_v not_o in_o this_o life_n assure_v themselves_o by_o any_o legal_a claim_n in_o case_n they_o real_o have_v a_o legal_a title_n however_o this_o may_v suffice_v to_o show_v how_o this_o contrivance_n of_o thing_n will_v secure_v the_o church_n as_o great_a a_o coercive_a power_n over_o she_o own_o subject_n as_o she_o can_v be_v suppose_v capable_a of_o even_o in_o time_n of_o the_o severe_a persecution_n which_o will_v by_o the_o principle_n now_o lay_v down_o show_v how_o very_o likely_a it_o be_v that_o this_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o ecclesiastical_a unity_n and_o therefore_o withal_o how_o very_o probable_a it_o be_v that_o in_o violate_v this_o unity_n they_o must_v prove_v guilty_a of_o that_o which_o will_v proper_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o schism_n §_o xxxii_o i_o now_o proceed_v 2._o to_o show_v how_o that_o by_o the_o same_o principle_n the_o best_a account_n may_v be_v give_v of_o the_o real_a danger_n and_o mischievousness_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o schism_n the_o ordinary_a way_n of_o state_v it_o have_v either_o extreme_o obscure_v the_o thing_n or_o the_o danger_n of_o it_o to_o resolve_v the_o blame_n of_o a_o separation_n as_o our_o brethren_n do_v into_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o particular_a thing_n for_o which_o the_o separation_n be_v make_v and_o to_o make_v no_o further_o mischief_n in_o abet_v the_o wrong_a side_n of_o the_o controversy_n or_o advantage_n in_o follow_v the_o right_a than_o that_o of_o believe_v a_o false_a or_o disbelieve_v a_o true_a proposition_n which_o yet_o be_v dispute_v among_o good_a wise_a man_n whether_o it_o be_v true_a or_o false_a must_v leave_v the_o generality_n of_o illiterate_a person_n in_o a_o indifferency_n with_o what_o communion_n they_o join_v which_o be_v in_o truth_n the_o case_n we_o general_o find_v they_o in_o or_o involve_v they_o in_o inextricable_a perplexity_n in_o choose_v the_o right_a one_o for_o how_o can_v they_o think_v pure_o intellectual_a mistake_v very_o piacular_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n especial_o where_o they_o be_v so_o very_o reconcilable_a with_o a_o good_a meaning_n and_o a_o innocent_a practice_n or_o if_o they_o be_v so_o in_o question_n of_o a_o clear_a resolution_n and_o to_o learned_a and_o judicious_a person_n who_o may_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v such_o ability_n and_o opportunity_n for_o resolve_v they_o as_o that_o they_o can_v hardly_o be_v mistake_v in_o they_o without_o be_v extreme_o want_v to_o themselves_o yet_o how_o can_v they_o think_v it_o credible_a that_o god_n shall_v be_v so_o extreme_o severe_a to_o exact_v a_o belief_n of_o the_o true_a side_n in_o matter_n so_o extreme_o disputable_a to_o exact_v it_o even_o from_o unskilful_a laic_n and_o that_o even_o where_o their_o guide_n who_o they_o must_v needs_o trust_v who_o find_v themselves_o so_o unqualify_v to_o guide_v themselves_o in_o such_o dispute_v be_v themselves_o so_o extreme_o divide_v where_o opinion_n be_v so_o very_o different_a and_o contradictory_n the_o most_o illiterate_a person_n that_o be_v who_o have_v but_o common_a sense_n must_v needs_o think_v some_o of_o they_o mistake_v and_o can_v he_o at_o the_o same_o time_n find_v in_o his_o heart_n to_o believe_v that_o god_n will_v treat_v himself_o with_o any_o severity_n for_o not_o discover_v those_o truth_n concern_v which_o he_o find_v person_n incomparable_o more_o qualify_v than_o himself_o to_o be_v mistake_v this_o i_o be_o very_o persuade_v not_o only_o to_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o this_o sort_n of_o person_n but_o also_o to_o be_v their_o actual_a discourse_n whenever_o they_o allow_v themselves_o the_o liberty_n of_o any_o serious_a thought_n concern_v this_o matter_n it_o be_v so_o very_o agreeable_a to_o their_o practice_n we_o see_v they_o go_v indifferent_o to_o church_n or_o conventicle_n according_a as_o they_o be_v affect_v to_o the_o minister_n not_o on_o any_o constant_a principle_n concern_v the_o communion_n §_o xxxiii_o i_o know_v they_o do_v endeavour_v to_o charge_v heavy_a accusation_n on_o the_o practice_n of_o schism_n than_o bare_o the_o wrong_a belief_n or_o disbelief_n of_o a_o disputable_a proposition_n but_o when_o they_o come_v to_o be_v examine_v close_o either_o they_o will_v prove_v so_o small_a or_o be_v again_o resolve_v into_o such_o nice_a and_o intricate_a dispute_n in_o order_n to_o the_o charge_v any_o with_o their_o actual_a guilt_n as_o that_o no_o particular_a conscience_n can_v be_v move_v with_o any_o great_a horror_n of_o they_o either_o to_o believe_v they_o criminal_a in_o any_o high_a degree_n or_o that_o themselves_o in_o any_o particular_a case_n be_v guilty_a of_o they_o they_o pretend_v that_o charity_n require_v forbearance_n and_o a_o keep_n in_o mutual_a communion_n as_o far_o as_o be_v possible_a and_o therefore_o that_o schism_n be_v a_o violation_n of_o this_o grace_n which_o be_v indeed_o the_o sum_n of_o practical_a christianity_n but_o when_o again_o both_o these_o particular_n be_v examine_v by_o their_o principle_n no_o person_n need_v to_o be_v very_o apprehensive_a of_o this_o danger_n for_o what_o great_a crime_n can_v it_o be_v to_o separate_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o man_n for_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n what_o great_a horror_n can_v they_o have_v at_o it_o suppose_v they_o shall_v prove_v mistake_v in_o the_o event_n nay_o be_v not_o their_o charity_n to_o god_n pretend_v as_o the_o reason_n why_o they_o conceive_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o separate_v from_o their_o brethren_n this_o be_v a_o thing_n they_o have_v not_o yet_o endeavour_v to_o explain_v by_o any_o principle_n how_o their_o love_n to_o god_n to_o use_v the_o apostle_n expression_n oblige_v they_o to_o love_v their_o brethren_n also_o and_o to_o communicate_v with_o they_o who_o communion_n be_v with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n nay_o according_a to_o they_o it_o be_v very_o hard_a to_o reconcile_v their_o love_n to_o god_n with_o their_o love_n to_o ecclesiastical_a communion_n even_o a_o probable_a persuasion_n of_o their_o conscience_n be_v according_a to_o their_o principle_n sufficient_a to_o excuse_v their_o separation_n and_o beside_o that_o this_o do_v again_o resolve_v the_o debate_n into_o disputable_a preposition_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o extreme_o barren_a cause_n indeed_o that_o can_v be_v destitute_a of_o so_o much_o as_o probable_a argument_n for_o its_o support_n §_o xxxiv_o but_o wherein_o can_v this_o great_a uncharitableness_n consist_v not_o in_o any_o great_a mischief_n do_v to_o themselves_o by_o their_o separation_n they_o do_v not_o much_o value_n the_o loss_n of_o the_o sacramental_a element_n though_o they_o shall_v be_v force_v to_o lose_v they_o the_o same_o reason_n which_o make_v they_o believe_v that_o their_o separation_n from_o man_n be_v for_o god_n sake_n will_v also_o incline_v they_o to_o believe_v that_o if_o they_o have_v a_o great_a opinion_n of_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o sacrament_n than_o it_o appear_v they_o have_v yet_o the_o spiritual_a advantage_n of_o the_o sacrament_n shall_v be_v supply_v by_o he_o for_o who_o cause_n they_o have_v make_v the_o separation_n and_o in_o that_o case_n the_o want_n of_o the_o external_a element_n can_v be_v no_o great_a loss_n indeed_o nor_o be_v they_o by_o their_o principle_n oblige_v even_o in_o that_o case_n to_o lose_v the_o element_n themselves_o for_o they_o can_v easy_o join_v in_o a_o confederacy_n among_o themselves_o and_o when_o they_o have_v do_v so_o this_o very_a necessity_n be_v either_o think_v a_o sufficient_a call_v
they_o have_v give_v they_o so_o pregnant_a and_o undeniable_a a_o precedent_n of_o opposition_n to_o their_o own_o superior_n §_o xxi_o but_o admit_v that_o some_o thing_n be_v indeed_o so_o evident_a as_o that_o no_o industrious_a and_o ingenuous_a person_n can_v differ_v concern_v they_o yet_o it_o will_v further_o have_v concern_v our_o brethren_n to_o have_v inquire_v 2._o whether_o the_o matter_n wherein_o they_o differ_v from_o their_o ecclesiastical_a superior_n be_v general_o capable_a of_o such_o a_o degree_n of_o evidence_n for_o if_o they_o be_v only_o capable_a of_o probable_a evidence_n it_o can_v be_v presume_v that_o the_o generality_n of_o those_o who_o unanimity_n must_v on_o these_o principle_n be_v necessary_a for_o the_o preservation_n of_o ecclesiastical_a peace_n can_v be_v induce_v to_o a_o unanimity_n by_o the_o intrinsic_a merit_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o general_o matter_n of_o practice_n such_o as_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o our_o divide_v dispute_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o strong_a argument_n than_o probability_n especial_o such_o of_o they_o as_o be_v prudential_o fit_v to_o present_a circumstance_n either_o therefore_o they_o must_v acknowledge_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o yield_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o their_o superior_n which_o may_v especial_o prove_v often_o reasonable_a in_o such_o case_n where_o many_o time_n the_o extrinsic_a probability_n deduce_v from_o such_o authority_n may_v be_v great_a than_o that_o which_o be_v intrinsic_a from_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n or_o they_o must_v as_o indeed_o they_o seem_v inclinable_a to_o do_v deny_v the_o use_n of_o authority_n general_o in_o such_o prudential_n interposition_n if_o the_o former_a that_o though_o it_o be_v indeed_o a_o excellent_a expedient_a for_o peace_n yet_o i_o doubt_v they_o will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o explain_v how_o it_o be_v reconcilable_a with_o their_o own_o practice_n if_o the_o latter_a they_o must_v deny_v all_o authority_n in_o those_o case_n wherein_o authority_n be_v principal_o needful_a for_o indeed_o this_o be_v the_o principal_a use_n of_o a_o succession_n of_o authorize_v person_n not_o only_o to_o make_v application_n of_o the_o perpetual_a stand_a law_n of_o a_o society_n to_o particular_a case_n though_o even_o that_o must_v require_v a_o decision_n of_o many_o doubtful_a case_n undecided_a by_o the_o law_n themselves_o and_o many_o time_n capable_a of_o as_o little_a evidence_n as_o those_o we_o be_v discourse_v of_o and_o yet_o in_o such_o our_o brethren_n can_v themselves_o deny_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o stand_a authority_n which_o yet_o be_v not_o intelligible_a at_o least_o not_o practicable_a without_o a_o reciprocal_a duty_n of_o submission_n in_o their_o subject_n but_o also_o to_o provide_v for_o those_o vary_a case_n which_o because_o they_o be_v themselves_o so_o obnoxious_a to_o change_v in_o variety_n of_o circumstance_n be_v not_o therefore_o so_o fit_v for_o the_o determination_n of_o law_n perpetual_o obligatory_a for_o though_o the_o circumstance_n themselves_o be_v of_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a yet_o their_o determination_n be_v many_o time_n absolute_o necessary_a for_o render_v those_o general_a law_n practicable_a so_o that_o in_o such_o case_n they_o be_v not_o proper_o so_o indifferent_a as_o our_o adversary_n conceive_v they_o and_o yet_o if_o they_o be_v prescribe_v by_o general_a immutable_a law_n they_o must_v have_v be_v prescribe_v in_o such_o case_n wherein_o they_o have_v not_o be_v either_o expedient_a or_o good_a which_o i_o believe_v our_o dissent_v brethren_n themselves_o will_v judge_n unreasonable_a and_o if_o when_o they_o be_v good_a or_o evil_n there_o be_v no_o power_n to_o make_v provision_n concern_v they_o methinks_v all_o wise_a man_n shall_v look_v on_o it_o as_o a_o considerable_a defect_n in_o the_o polity_n of_o that_o society_n which_o be_v concern_v for_o they_o but_o if_o any_o provision_n be_v it_o must_v either_o be_v by_o a_o particular_a conviction_n of_o every_o particular_a person_n for_o it_o be_v the_o unanimity_n of_o their_o observation_n that_o make_v they_o edify_v and_o useful_a and_o that_o can_v be_v expect_v in_o matter_n of_o so_o obscure_a evidence_n and_o so_o variable_a a_o nature_n or_o by_o the_o determination_n of_o superior_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n they_o be_v so_o desirous_a to_o avoid_v §_o xxii_o according_a to_o the_o topic_n insist_v on_o by_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n against_o these_o imposition_n i_o can_v conceive_v any_o evidence_n so_o great_a as_o that_o if_o themselves_o will_v be_v please_v candid_o and_o calm_o to_o reflect_v on_o it_o they_o can_v think_v it_o sufficient_a to_o persuade_v all_o inquisitive_a unconcerned_a governor_n infallible_o to_o their_o opinion_n as_o for_o clear_a scripture_n against_o they_o it_o be_v not_o as_o much_o as_o pretend_v all_o that_o be_v pretend_v to_o prove_v their_o contrariety_n to_o it_o be_v its_o silence_n concern_v they_o but_o how_o far_o from_o infallibly-convincing_a evidence_n be_v those_o argument_n which_o they_o produce_v to_o prove_v this_o silence_n to_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o disapprobation_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v perfect_a none_o will_v deny_v they_o nor_o that_o they_o adaequate_o contain_v all_o those_o thing_n for_o which_o they_o be_v design_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o a_o adequate_a rule_n but_o what_o those_o thing_n be_v for_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n design_v the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o a_o adequate_a rule_n see_v they_o depend_v on_o his_o unsearchable_a counsel_n and_o his_o arbitrary_a pleasure_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o be_v very_o confident_a of_o till_o we_o be_v assure_v by_o very_o particular_a and_o very_o express_v revelation_n and_o here_o where_o the_o true_a stress_n of_o the_o controversy_n lie_v where_o be_v that_o evidence_n which_o may_v be_v presume_v sufficient_a to_o prevail_v with_o all_o candid_a industrious_a person_n to_o make_v they_o infallible_o of_o one_o mind_n if_o any_o probability_n may_v be_v allow_v so_o inevident_a in_o themselves_o as_o even_o such_o after_o all_o their_o industry_n and_o candour_n may_v be_v presume_v still_o likely_a to_o differ_v concern_v they_o how_o do_v they_o prove_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n ever_o intend_v it_o as_o a_o adequate_a rule_n of_o discipline_n i_o do_v not_o only_o mean_v so_o as_o to_o prejudg_v against_o all_o provisional_n constitution_n of_o ordinary_a governor_n fit_v to_o the_o circumstance_n of_o future_a age_n but_o even_o so_o as_o that_o any_o platform_n of_o government_n even_o of_o that_o age_n be_v design_v to_o be_v explain_v to_o we_o much_o less_o recommend_v or_o impose_v as_o a_o unalterable_a unimprovable_a precedent_n to_o all_o succeed_a generation_n none_o of_o the_o sacred_a writer_n ever_o tell_v we_o that_o this_o be_v so_o much_o as_o design_v by_o they_o nor_o can_v it_o be_v necessary_o conclude_v from_o the_o design_n of_o any_o particular_a book_n in_o it_o nay_o rather_o by_o all_o the_o way_n by_o which_o we_o can_v judge_n of_o such_o a_o thing_n we_o have_v reason_n to_o presume_v that_o even_o those_o part_n of_o discipline_n which_o be_v occasional_o allude_v to_o be_v never_o design_v for_o the_o information_n of_o posterity_n for_o no_o more_o be_v mention_v concern_v they_o than_o what_o fall_v in_o very_o apposite_o with_o their_o other_o design_n and_o even_o those_o that_o be_v mention_v be_v not_o explain_v but_o presume_v as_o notorious_a to_o those_o to_o who_o their_o write_n be_v address_v as_o other_o antiquity_n and_o custom_n peculiar_a to_o that_o age_n in_o which_o posterity_n be_v never_o likely_a to_o be_v further_o concern_v and_o where_o be_v then_o this_o evidence_n which_o may_v be_v presume_v by_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n themselves_o infallible_o convictive_a of_o all_o candid_a and_o industrious_a person_n §_o xxiii_o but_o that_o which_o will_v have_v be_v more_o likely_a to_o have_v discover_v to_o they_o the_o fundamental_a mistake_n of_o this_o kind_n of_o discourse_n be_v to_o consider_v 3._o in_o what_o case_n there_o be_v indeed_o any_o need_n of_o this_o particular_a conviction_n indeed_o where_o the_o mistake_n may_v involve_v they_o in_o a_o sin_n that_o may_v be_v impute_v as_o such_o to_o their_o particular_a person_n i_o confess_v they_o can_v not_o be_v too_o wary_a in_o inquire_v after_o particular_a conviction_n but_o where_o the_o matter_n be_v of_o itself_o natural_o indifferent_a where_o it_o be_v only_o the_o unanimity_n of_o its_o observance_n that_o make_v it_o good_a and_o useful_a and_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o this_o unanimity_n be_v best_a procure_v by_o stand_v to_o the_o arbitrement_n of_o governor_n such_o submission_n must_v even_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o every_o private_a person_n be_v esteem_v the_o most_o prudent_a expedient_a for_o secure_v a_o good_a practice_n which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o a_o private_a person_n be_v concern_v for_o and_o indeed_o this_o preserve_a order_n and_o
a_o due_a respect_n to_o governor_n be_v a_o consideration_n so_o principal_a in_o this_o kind_n of_o performance_n as_o may_v make_v amends_o for_o any_o mistake_n in_o the_o expediency_n of_o particular_a imposition_n nay_o i_o may_v have_v show_v that_o the_o great_a end_n of_o public_a edification_n may_v on_o these_o supposal_n have_v be_v as_o effectual_o promote_v in_o many_o mistake_a imposition_n as_o if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o mistake_n at_o all_o and_o where_o the_o mistake_n be_v so_o no_o way_n dangerous_a where_o it_o have_v so_o very_o little_a if_o any_o influence_n on_o that_o which_o alone_o in_o the_o estimation_n of_o equal_a person_n make_v the_o practice_n commendable_a nay_o where_o disobedience_n be_v certain_o a_o great_a evil_n than_o can_v be_v fear_v from_o any_o mistake_n in_o the_o imposition_n itself_o what_o imaginable_a reason_n be_v there_o why_o we_o shall_v be_v refractory_a §_o xxiv_o beside_o the_o mistake_n if_o any_o be_v belong_v not_o to_o our_o province_n and_o consequent_o can_v be_v imputable_a to_o we_o but_o our_o superior_n and_o though_o the_o mistake_n be_v chargeable_a on_o we_o as_o a_o imprudence_n yet_o how_o can_v it_o be_v repute_v as_o a_o sin_n especial_o consider_v that_o it_o neither_o involve_v we_o in_o the_o violation_n of_o any_o of_o the_o divine_a commandment_n nor_o even_o in_o a_o sinful_a violation_n of_o the_o moral_a obligation_n of_o prudence_n itself_o for_o can_v they_o think_v all_o our_o less_o discreet_a action_n to_o be_v formal_a sin_n on_o account_n of_o their_o be_v so_o or_o can_v it_o be_v a_o sinful_a violation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o prudence_n itself_o to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v not_o so_o serviceable_a to_o its_o immediate_a end_n with_o a_o design_n upon_o a_o great_a and_o be_v not_o that_o the_o case_n exact_o here_o be_v not_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o church_n peace_n by_o a_o compliance_n with_o less_o prudent_a imposition_n a_o more_o considerable_a end_n than_o the_o edification_n of_o particular_a person_n by_o the_o suitableness_n of_o every_o particular_a ceremony_n will_n themselves_o think_v it_o agreeable_a to_o the_o law_n of_o christian_a prudence_n sometime_o to_o comply_v with_o the_o weakness_n nay_o with_o the_o humoursomness_n of_o well-meaning_a brethren_n who_o they_o think_v mistake_v and_o can_v they_o think_v the_o same_o condescension_n sinful_a and_o imprudent_a only_a when_o it_o connive_n at_o the_o equally-pardonable_a mistake_n of_o a_o lawful_a authority_n if_o these_o presumption_n be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o governor_n to_o exert_v their_o authority_n over_o refractory_a subject_n that_o either_o the_o matter_n themselves_o be_v of_o so_o little_a concernment_n as_o that_o the_o conscience_n of_o their_o subject_n can_v be_v reasonable_o prejudice_v by_o any_o mistake_v concern_v they_o or_o if_o otherwise_o that_o the_o native_a evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v sufficient_a to_o satisfy_v all_o inquisitive_a well-meaning_a person_n i_o confess_v i_o do_v not_o see_v how_o they_o can_v avoid_v make_v the_o duty_n of_o governor_n intricate_a and_o unpracticable_a which_o certain_o be_v to_o make_v it_o otherwise_o than_o god_n have_v make_v it_o and_o if_o governor_n act_v bona_fw-la fide_fw-la on_o these_o presumption_n must_v necessary_o interfere_v with_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o their_o well-meaning_a and_o inquisitive_a subject_n as_o i_o think_v it_o follow_v unavoidable_o from_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n principle_n this_o methinks_v will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o discover_v the_o falsehood_n of_o they_o for_o certain_o the_o catholic_n peace_n of_o the_o church_n as_o a_o body_n politic_a be_v fundamental_o ground_v on_o this_o reconcileableness_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o well-meaning_a conscientious_a governor_n with_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o their_o well-meaning_a conscientious_a subject_n and_o therefore_o those_o principle_n which_o hinder_v the_o possibility_n of_o reconcile_a they_o must_v on_o that_o very_a account_n remain_v convict_v of_o be_v false_a as_o well_o as_o vnpeaceable_a §_o xxv_o and_o if_o our_o brethren_n do_v not_o allow_v this_o power_n to_o the_o governor_n of_o their_o own_o party_n why_o do_v they_o censure_v or_o separate_v from_o dissenter_n from_o themselves_o if_o they_o do_v how_o can_v they_o excuse_v themselves_o for_o separate_v from_o their_o own_o governor_n at_o first_o and_z giving_z other_o a_o precedent_n by_o they_o unanswerable_a i_o be_o confident_a their_o own_o doctrine_n and_o decree_n be_v not_o in_o many_o case_n capable_a of_o high_a evidence_n than_o we_o as_o little_a clear_a from_o express_a scripture_n or_o any_o obvious_a consequence_n deduce_v from_o it_o and_o according_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o any_o judicious_a impartial_a person_n as_o liable_a to_o mistake_v if_o therefore_o notwithstanding_o this_o they_o think_v their_o proof_n sufficient_a to_o ground_v a_o presumption_n of_o their_o ingenuity_n even_o in_o person_n dissent_v from_o they_o i_o do_v not_o understand_v any_o disparity_n why_o they_o shall_v not_o admit_v the_o like_a presumption_n for_o our_o ecclesiastical_a governor_n §_o xxvi_o i_o know_v there_o be_v a_o complaint_n take_v up_o by_o some_o of_o our_o modern_a adversary_n that_o we_o misrepresent_v they_o as_o often_o as_o we_o tell_v they_o that_o they_o break_v off_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o which_o they_o be_v member_n for_o thing_n indifferent_a nor_o do_v i_o conceive_v it_o necessary_a on_o this_o occasion_n to_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o mistake_n and_o our_o own_o fidelity_n by_o reference_n to_o their_o own_o more_o ancient_a and_o famous_a author_n for_o my_o part_n i_o do_v not_o think_v that_o there_o be_v any_o real_a difference_n betwixt_o even_o they_o and_o their_o predecessor_n but_o only_o in_o a_o misunderstanding_n of_o the_o notion_n of_o indifferency_n that_o be_v ascribe_v to_o such_o imposition_n of_o their_o superior_n for_o if_o by_o indifferency_n be_v mean_v a_o indifferency_n in_o the_o circumstance_n of_o practice_n after_o they_o be_v impose_v we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o think_v that_o they_o believe_v they_o thus_o indifferent_a as_o that_o we_o ourselves_o do_v not_o believe_v they_o so_o nor_o consequent_o have_v we_o here_o that_o ordinary_a occasion_n of_o such_o mistake_n of_o ascribe_v our_o own_o sentiment_n to_o they_o we_o ourselves_o believe_v they_o as_o necessary_a to_o be_v do_v when_o they_o be_v command_v by_o our_o lawful_a superior_n as_o they_o believe_v they_o necessary_a to_o be_v omit_v the_o indifferency_n therefore_o which_o we_o ourselves_o believe_v to_o be_v in_o they_o and_o wherein_o we_o believe_v our_o brethren_n also_o to_o be_v of_o our_o mind_n be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o antecedent_o to_o the_o determination_n of_o ordinary_a ecclesiastical_a superior_n §_o xxvii_o and_o if_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v they_o indifferent_a in_o this_o sense_n why_o do_v they_o insist_v on_o the_o same_o argument_n with_o their_o predecessor_n concern_v christian_n liberty_n and_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o scripture_n for_o can_v they_o pretend_v christian_a liberty_n in_o such_o instance_n wherein_o christ_n himself_o have_v impose_v on_o their_o liberty_n or_o do_v they_o think_v that_o the_o scripture_n take_v no_o notice_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v sufficient_a not_o only_o to_o make_v the_o thing_n so_o omit_v unlawful_a to_o be_v impose_v but_o unlawful_a also_o to_o be_v practise_v §_o xxviii_o this_o acknowledge_a indifferency_n therefore_o of_o the_o thing_n antecedent_o to_o the_o interposition_n of_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n be_v the_o thing_n we_o conceive_v they_o to_o believe_v and_o their_o belief_n that_o the_o thing_n be_v thus_o indifferent_a antecedent_o to_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n and_o yet_o be_v unlawful_a when_o authority_n have_v interpose_v this_o i_o say_v we_o conceive_v perfect_o destructive_a of_o such_o authority_n for_o by_o this_o mean_v such_o authority_n can_v never_o oblige_v we_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n for_o its_o own_o sake_n when_o its_o interposition_n in_o a_o thing_n otherwise_o lawful_a in_o itself_o be_v conceive_v sufficient_a to_o make_v it_o unlawful_a for_o it_o can_v be_v discern_v what_o be_v do_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o this_o authority_n but_o only_o in_o such_o instance_n where_o no_o other_o reason_n of_o do_v a_o thing_n can_v be_v pretend_v if_o therefore_o nothing_o be_v do_v for_o it_o it_o can_v be_v conceive_v to_o have_v any_o obligation_n of_o its_o own_o which_o if_o it_o have_v not_o it_o be_v impossible_a it_o shall_v be_v own_v as_o a_o authority_n §_o xxix_o as_o for_o the_o authority_n of_o propose_v divine_a law_n obligatory_a antecedent_o to_o their_o proposal_n beside_o that_o when_o it_o come_v to_o practice_n it_o will_v not_o be_v find_v very_o significant_a with_o our_o brethren_n when_o every_o private_a person_n among_o they_o be_v permit_v to_o judge_n so_o free_o for_o himself_o
bishop_n how_o great_a assertor_n soever_o of_o the_o identity_n of_o their_o order_n with_o that_o of_o presbyter_n ever_o do_v renounce_v or_o can_v renounce_v without_o make_v their_o government_n unpracticable_a §_o xi_o though_o the_o bishop_n have_v receive_v their_o power_n from_o their_o election_n by_o man_n yet_o that_o will_v not_o suffice_v to_o make_v valid_a any_o act_n of_o the_o same_o man_n without_o their_o consent_n after_o their_o election_n §_o xii_o xiii_o this_o right_n of_o presidency_n may_v hold_v though_o the_o whole_a right_n of_o their_o power_n have_v be_v pure_o humane_a §_o fourteen_o but_o suppose_v that_o right_a divine_a all_o that_o man_n can_v do_v can_v be_v only_o to_o determine_v the_o person_n not_o to_o confine_v the_o power_n the_o reason_v here_o use_v will_v proceed_v though_o bishop_n have_v be_v make_v by_o presbyter_n alone_o without_o the_o concurrence_n and_o consecration_n of_o other_o bishop_n §_o xv._o the_o primitive_a bishop_n seem_v indeed_o to_o have_v be_v make_v so_o by_o presbyter_n without_o bishop_n §_o xvi_o but_o though_o we_o shall_v suppose_v those_o person_n then_o to_o have_v be_v altogether_o of_o the_o same_o mind_n which_o they_o conceive_v those_o to_o have_v be_v of_o who_o live_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n though_o we_o suppose_v not_o only_o that_o they_o think_v it_o fit_a that_o the_o whole_a power_n of_o the_o bishop_n shall_v be_v give_v to_o presbyter_n but_o that_o they_o have_v actual_o give_v it_o they_o suppose_v we_o that_o the_o bishop_n have_v no_o more_o authority_n reserve_v to_o he_o than_o only_o to_o preside_v in_o their_o assembly_n that_o be_v to_o call_v they_o and_o to_o fit_v in_o the_o first_o place_n of_o they_o when_o they_o be_v convene_v that_o be_v suppose_v that_o the_o bishop_n authority_n be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o aristocratical_a form_n of_o government_n which_o they_o conceive_v to_o have_v be_v observe_v in_o the_o primitive_a time_n though_o this_o supposition_n be_v notorious_o false_a concern_v the_o age_n i_o be_o speak_v of_o yet_o i_o do_v not_o see_v how_o even_o this_o way_n our_o brethren_n can_v defend_v the_o validity_n of_o their_o ordination_n by_o single_a presbyter_n especial_o as_o it_o be_v practise_v among_o they_o even_o by_o the_o principle_n of_o aristocratical_a government_n no_o power_n can_v be_v give_v i_o do_v not_o mean_v only_o that_o it_o can_v be_v give_v canonical_o but_o that_o it_o can_v be_v give_v valid_o but_o to_o person_n who_o be_v at_o least_o in_o conjunction_n with_o those_o from_o who_o they_o receive_v their_o power_n then_o at_o least_o when_o they_o actual_o receive_v it_o which_o will_v consequent_o null_a all_o the_o ordination_n which_o have_v be_v make_v in_o the_o state_n of_o separation_n and_o will_v therefore_o make_v it_o impossible_a for_o any_o schism_n which_o be_v make_v by_o single_a presbyter_n in_o the_o way_n that_o have_v be_v observe_v by_o our_o adversary_n to_o maintain_v itself_o with_o any_o pretence_n of_o authority_n beyond_o one_o generation_n and_o this_o must_v sure_o be_v very_o acceptable_a to_o those_o generous_a spirit_n who_o be_v more_o solicitous_a for_o catholic_n unity_n then_o for_o the_o party_n in_o which_o they_o be_v bear_v §_o two_o and_o that_o this_o be_v so_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v in_o two_o regard_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o power_n that_o must_v be_v allow_v to_o the_o bishop_n even_o as_o the_o precedent_n of_o these_o assembly_n and_o in_o regard_n of_o that_o which_o must_v be_v allow_v to_o other_o presbyter_n as_o fellow-member_n of_o the_o same_o assembly_n 1._o in_o regard_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o bishop_n as_o precedent_n of_o those_o assembly_n for_o by_o the_o fundamental_a principle_n even_o of_o aristocratical_a government_n it_o be_v certain_a 1._o that_o no_o power_n can_v be_v give_v but_o by_o the_o act_n of_o that_o body_n wherein_o the_o right_a of_o government_n be_v original_o seat_v that_o be_v in_o our_o case_n of_o the_o whole_a presbytery_n it_o be_v against_o the_o interest_n of_o all_o society_n and_o the_o principle_n of_o all_o government_n that_o single_a member_n even_o of_o those_o who_o have_v otherwise_o power_n in_o conjunction_n with_o other_o to_o dispose_v of_o the_o government_n of_o a_o society_n shall_v be_v allow_v the_o power_n of_o dispose_n of_o it_o in_o their_o single_a capacity_n but_o it_o be_v peculiar_o against_o the_o right_n of_o a_o polyarchical_a government_n because_o no_o particular_a member_n have_v the_o right_a of_o the_o whole_a society_n and_o therefore_o can_v dispose_v of_o the_o government_n of_o it_o which_o whether_o it_o be_v supreme_a or_o subordinate_a must_v imply_v either_o a_o power_n over_o the_o whole_a society_n or_o a_o power_n necessary_o derive_v from_o that_o which_o be_v so_o even_o subordinate_a authority_n must_v be_v derive_v from_o the_o supreme_a that_o there_o may_v be_v such_o a_o essential_a dependence_n upon_o it_o as_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o safety_n of_o all_o society_n this_o will_v therefore_o make_v it_o a_o nullity_n in_o the_o thing_n if_o single_a member_n do_v presume_v to_o dispose_v of_o that_o which_o be_v not_o their_o own_o right_n alone_o but_o the_o right_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n §_o iii_o and_z 2._o as_o by_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o government_n the_o right_a of_o it_o must_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v in_o the_o whole_a body_n so_o neither_o can_v any_o act_n be_v presume_v to_o be_v the_o act_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n but_o what_o have_v pass_v they_o in_o their_o public_a assembly_n though_o every_o particular_a member_n for_o himself_o shall_v signify_v his_o own_o consent_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o take_v for_o the_o act_n of_o the_o society_n till_o it_o be_v also_o signify_v in_o a_o assembly_n and_o it_o be_v take_v for_o the_o act_n of_o the_o whole_a society_n if_o it_o pass_v they_o in_o their_o assembly_n though_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o every_o particular_a person_n so_o it_o have_v the_o prevail_a vote_n nay_o though_o that_o prevail_a vote_n be_v not_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o society_n so_o it_o be_v only_o of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o those_o which_o be_v present_a in_o such_o assembly_n for_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o i_o say_v no_o more_o at_o present_a but_o that_o it_o be_v find_v necessary_a for_o all_o multitude_n to_o agree_v on_o these_o rule_n for_o settle_v assembly_n and_o for_o give_v this_o power_n to_o what_o be_v do_v in_o such_o assembly_n to_o conclude_v the_o whole_a society_n and_o to_o the_o prevail_a vote_n of_o those_o assembly_n to_o conclude_v the_o whole_a assembly_n before_o they_o can_v pass_v out_o of_o the_o state_n of_o a_o multitude_n into_o that_o of_o a_o society_n that_o be_v before_o they_o can_v have_v any_o government_n that_o can_v solid_o unite_v they_o at_o least_o before_o they_o can_v have_v any_o government_n that_o can_v be_v practicable_a the_o same_o reason_n which_o make_v this_o fit_a to_o be_v agree_v on_o in_o any_o one_o society_n be_v common_a to_o all_o society_n as_o society_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v allow_v the_o same_o force_n in_o those_o that_o be_v ecclesiastical_a as_o in_o those_o that_o be_v civil_a as_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v administer_v in_o this_o life_n and_o therefore_o god_n himself_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v make_v a_o government_n even_o of_o his_o own_o institution_n practicable_a till_o he_o have_v settle_v these_o rule_n of_o administer_a it_o and_o when_o they_o be_v once_o settle_v however_o they_o come_v to_o be_v so_o whether_o by_o god_n own_o appointment_n or_o by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n it_o will_v then_o be_v very_o just_a as_o well_o as_o fit_a to_o conclude_v that_o what_o be_v do_v on_o pretence_n of_o the_o right_n of_o the_o society_n out_o of_o such_o a_o assembly_n can_v valid_o confer_v any_o right_n of_o the_o society_n because_o on_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o agreement_n on_o these_o assembly_n they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v repute_v as_o act_n of_o the_o society_n and_o certain_o as_o nothing_o but_o the_o society_n itself_o can_v in_o justice_n make_v a_o valid_a conveyance_n of_o its_o own_o right_n so_o it_o be_v not_o conceivable_a how_o the_o society_n itself_o can_v do_v it_o by_o any_o thing_n but_o its_o own_o act_n beside_o the_o very_a reason_n of_o agree_v on_o these_o assembly_n as_o the_o most_o convenient_a mean_n for_o administer_a the_o power_n of_o the_o society_n seem_v to_o be_v purposely_o to_o preclude_v all_o surreptitious_a act_n that_o may_v be_v pretend_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o society_n if_o design_v man_n may_v be_v allow_v in_o their_o pretence_n concern_v what_o may_v be_v transact_v private_o and_o therefore_o the_o main_a