rational_a discourse_n and_o manifestation_n of_o themselves_o in_o man_n conscience_n witness_v to_o by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o authorise_v by_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n general_o of_o beneficence_n or_o do_v good_a and_o in_o some_o but_o spare_v instance_n of_o infliction_n of_o bodily_a pain_n or_o death_n quest_n do_v the_o apostle_n never_o err_v in_o their_o administration_n answ_n whenever_o that_o infallible_a guidance_n be_v not_o present_a to_o they_o they_o may_v err_v as_o be_v before_o observe_v in_o the_o apostle_n peter_n miscarriage_n which_o no_o doubt_n be_v record_v to_o show_v their_o power_n be_v not_o in_o themselves_o but_o in_o the_o divine_a spirit_n act_v by_o they_o that_o none_o in_o after-age_n may_v pretend_v to_o dictate_v as_o their_o successor_n have_v not_o their_o power_n and_o yet_o require_v obedience_n as_o if_o they_o have_v it_o whereas_o even_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o may_v err_v and_o so_o lose_v their_o power_n if_o never_o so_o 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whole_a church_n together_o be_v no_o other_o than_o in_o that_o word_n of_o truth_n public_o offer_v by_o it_o the_o apostle_n power_n be_v only_o the_o presence_n of_o that_o word_n to_o they_o by_o the_o immediate_a revelation_n and_o infallible_a guidance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n for_o the_o preach_a it_o throughout_o the_o world_n and_o thereby_o sound_v the_o christian_a church_n such_o be_v the_o ordinary_a power_n of_o any_o extraordinary_a minister_n under_o they_o the_o and_o constant_a rulership_n of_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n remain_v unmovable_o in_o the_o word_n which_o it_o be_v their_o office_n to_o speak_v quest_n be_v not_o those_o we_o distinguish_o call_v bishop_n successor_n to_o the_o apostle_n in_o that_o preeminency_n they_o have_v over_o other_o pastor_n and_o elder_n answ_n that_o successor_n to_o the_o preeminency_n of_o the_o apostle_n may_v be_v well_o establish_v three_o thing_n be_v necessary_a 1._o that_o there_o be_v find_v and_o produce_v distinct_a command_n give_v in_o scripture_n to_o the_o inferior_a minister_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o obey_v superior_a minister_n or_o bishop_n command_v to_o christian_n to_o obey_v inferior_a minister_n or_o ordinary_a presbyter_n as_o inferior_a minister_n with_o respect_n to_o superior_a minister_n and_o those_o superior_a minister_n as_o superior_n we_o must_v find_v the_o apostle_n distinguish_v ordinary_a presbyter_n as_o inferior_a minister_n with_o respect_n to_o superior_a minister_n and_o those_o superior_a minister_n as_o superior_n as_o we_o find_v he_o distinguish_v civil_a magistrate_n into_o the_o king_n as_o supreme_a and_o governor_n as_o those_o that_o be_v send_v by_o he_o 2._o see_v it_o be_v very_o clear_a and_o apparent_a there_o be_v nothing_o more_o distant_a from_o the_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o to_o constitute_v any_o thing_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o make_v a_o great_a figure_n without_o as_o great_a a_o use_n or_o end_v and_o that_o christ_n have_v not_o give_v power_n to_o his_o ruler_n to_o command_v the_o very_a lest_o thing_n but_o as_o command_v by_o himself_o first_o for_o than_o they_o will_v be_v lord_n which_o he_o plain_o declare_v against_o and_o absolute_o deny_v to_o they_o and_o that_o what_o they_o do_v as_o command_v by_o he_o they_o shall_v do_v so_o in_o duty_n and_o service_n to_o the_o supreme_a lord_n and_o subordinate_o to_o his_o church_n as_o not_o to_o be_v call_v or_o esteem_v benefactor_n for_o their_o service_n so_o that_o it_o must_v be_v evident_a what_o their_o superior_a service_n be_v it_o must_v be_v plain_o express_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o there_o at_o least_o so_o determinate_o set_v down_o as_o to_o be_v deduce_v with_o great_a clearness_n to_o the_o understanding_n and_o conscience_n of_o christian_n and_o distinguish_o from_o the_o service_n of_o other_o subordinate_a ruler_n appoint_v by_o christ_n that_o so_o it_o may_v be_v wait_v for_o and_o receive_v according_a to_o his_o ordinance_n with_o faith_n and_o obedience_n 3._o see_v christ_n appoint_v none_o to_o a_o eminency_n of_o service_n without_o a_o suitable_a eminency_n of_o ability_n as_o be_v plain_a in_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n it_o be_v therefore_o reasonable_a to_o expect_v some_o extraordinary_a promise_n of_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n to_o those_o superior_a minister_n to_o assist_v they_o in_o the_o conduct_n of_o their_o superiority_n wherein_o they_o may_v above_o any_o other_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n visible_o and_o experimental_o make_v some_o approach_n to_o the_o eminent_a assistance_n the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n have_v in_o the_o time_n of_o their_o ministry_n and_o that_o they_o have_v continue_v and_o succeed_v in_o their_o high_a function_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n so_o that_o the_o history_n of_o the_o real_a substantial_a service_n of_o bishop_n to_o christianity_n have_v come_v near_o to_o the_o act_n of_o apostle_n and_o as_o much_o excel_v that_o of_o common_a presbyter_n as_o the_o order_n itself_o be_v suppose_v to_o do_v now_o without_o these_o three_o self_n evident_a concurrent_a mark_n of_o superiority_n secret_a invisible_a character_n be_v of_o no_o signification_n quest_n how_o then_o be_v such_o a_o succession_n of_o bishop_n in_o a_o superiority_n over_o presbyter_n so_o uncontrolable_o deduce_v from_o antiquity_n answ_n beside_o all_o other_o coincident_a account_n there_o be_v this_o to_o be_v give_v after_o the_o apostle_n there_o be_v but_o a_o gradual_a cessation_n of_o apostolic_a man_n man_n of_o eminent_a grace_n and_o extraordinary_a gift_n though_o not_o of_o the_o infallible_a guidance_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n for_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o the_o write_n of_o scripture_n yet_o of_o more_o immediate_a divine_a assistance_n in_o resemblance_n of_o timothy_n and_o titus_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o church_n plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n supervisal_n over_o they_o and_o care_n for_o they_o and_o also_o for_o the_o further_a propagation_n of_o christianity_n which_o be_v but_o new_o set_v out_o have_v not_o arrive_v many_o place_n where_o it_o be_v to_o come_v and_o so_o need_v some_o more_o than_o ordinary_a assistance_n even_o as_o miracle_n do_v not_o immediate_o cease_v no_o more_o do_v these_o personage_n extraordinary_a in_o their_o endowment_n such_o as_o these_o be_v worthy_o in_o a_o degree_n of_o superiority_n over_o those_o that_o have_v not_o the_o same_o miraculous_a inablement_n nor_o knowledge_n as_o yet_o in_o christianity_n afterward_o such_o manifestation_n of_o the_o divine_a presence_n by_o degree_n retire_v and_o christianity_n have_v fix_v itself_o where_o it_o be_v then_o to_o go_v and_o the_o church_n settle_v the_o best_a account_n of_o the_o continue_a distinction_n between_o those_o that_o be_v upon_o the_o same_o level_n in_o regard_n of_o their_o gift_n and_o grace_n be_v but_o humane_a prudence_n and_o order_n which_o oblige_v no_o
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quest_n what_o be_v a_o particular_a church_n answ_n it_o be_v the_o catholic_n church_n in_o a_o neighbourhood_n or_o number_n of_o christian_n communicate_v one_o with_o another_o ordinary_o even_o as_o the_o whole_a cotholick_a church_n will_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a communicate_v with_o itself_o in_o the_o ordinance_n and_o worship_n of_o christ_n exact_o according_a the_o to_o rule_n of_o his_o word_n wherein_o this_o be_v the_o distinguish_a character_n of_o the_o true_a church_n that_o its_o communion_n be_v not_o with_o itself_o primary_o but_o â—ts_v communion_n be_v so_o with_o itself_o as_o to_o be_v with_o the_o father_n and_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n principal_o as_o the_o fountainhead_n centre_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o communion_n and_o therein_o it_o hold_v out_o and_o invite_v to_o its_o communion_n cap._n x._o of_o the_o officer_n appoint_v by_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n quest_n can_v there_o be_v either_o a_o orderly_a or_o a_o effectual_a actuation_n of_o the_o truth_n by_o the_o church_n as_o a_o congregation_n without_o distinct_a and_o separate_a office_n and_o officer_n that_o may_v attend_v continual_o on_o this_o very_a thing_n answ_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o assembly_n without_o order_n will_v cease_v to_o be_v a_o assembly_n and_o fall_v into_o a_o confusion_n or_o rude_a multitude_n all_o wise_a and_o prudent_a assembly_n have_v always_o have_v elder_n to_o preside_v over_o they_o and_o our_o lord_n have_v ordain_v such_o to_o moderate_v throughout_o his_o congregation_n or_o church_n to_o conduct_v all_o the_o public_a service_n of_o religion_n for_o all_o thing_n therein_o be_v actual_o administer_v by_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n the_o noble_a organical_a part_n of_o the_o church_n like_o those_o sense_n that_o attend_v upon_o the_o understanding_n most_o immediate_o see_v eye_n and_o hear_v ear_n so_o these_o upon_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v most_o fit_v engage_v and_o provoke_v hereunto_o they_o be_v even_o according_a to_o the_o very_a law_n of_o nature_n separate_v to_o their_o office_n and_o unto_o all_o preparation_n for_o they_o by_o read_v and_o meditation_n as_o to_o their_o proper_a call_v and_o business_n of_o life_n see_v they_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o immediate_a and_o extraordinary_a inablement_n or_o excitation_n to_o their_o service_n quest_n what_o title_n or_o character_n do_v the_o new_a testament_n place_n upon_o these_o officer_n answ_n those_o that_o we_o have_v especial_a respect_n to_o for_o in_o the_o deacon_n if_o strict_o take_v we_o be_v less_o concern_v receive_v denomination_n either_o from_o their_o work_n and_o service_n or_o from_o that_o honour_n and_o estimation_n due_a to_o the_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o such_o a_o service_n from_o their_o work_n they_o be_v style_v apostle_n evangelist_n pastor_n teacher_n minister_n servant_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o in_o a_o just_a sense_n of_o the_o church_n also_o from_o the_o estimation_n and_o honour_n due_a to_o the_o discharge_v of_o their_o work_n and_o the_o authority_n it_o ought_v to_o carry_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o conscience_n of_o christian_n they_o be_v style_v bishop_n elder_n ruler_n guide_n and_o ensample_n as_o also_o ambassador_n and_o the_o work_n and_o the_o honour_n do_v so_o enclose_v one_o another_o that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v separate_v and_o be_v in_o their_o institution_n the_o measure_n one_o of_o another_o extend_v both_o to_o obedience_n and_o support_v of_o they_o in_o their_o work_n and_o the_o title_n be_v so_o prepare_v by_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v change_v for_o any_o other_o nor_o the_o scripture-language_n herein_o to_o be_v alter_v for_o any_o word_n not_o import_v the_o same_o proper_a sense_n quest_n how_o shall_v the_o true_a minister_n of_o christ_n be_v know_v that_o there_o may_v be_v that_o obedience_n and_o submission_n pay_v to_o they_o that_o be_v command_v answ_n there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o mean_n to_o discern_v they_o but_o by_o the_o word_n of_o righteousness_n of_o which_o all_o true_a minister_n be_v the_o minister_n on_o account_n of_o which_o alone_o obedience_n and_o submission_n to_o they_o be_v due_a their_o bring_v that_o word_n in_o its_o own_o life_n evidence_n and_o power_n be_v their_o best_a commission_n quest_n but_o how_o be_v they_o most_o orderly_o install_v into_o so_o high_a a_o function_n answ_n christ_n as_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n have_v ascend_v up_o on_o high_a and_o give_v gift_n to_o man_n and_o as_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o harvest_n take_v it_o upon_o he_o as_o his_o supreme_a care_n to_o thrust_v forth_o labourer_n into_o his_o harvest_n the_o several_a congregation_n of_o christian_n observe_v ministerial_a ability_n and_o meetness_n to_o teach_v call_v out_o to_o such_o to_o help_v they_o and_o herein_o in_o the_o cessation_n of_o extraordinary_a gift_n the_o school_n of_o learning_n and_o religious_a education_n like_o the_o school_n of_o the_o prophet_n do_v best_a prepare_v and_o the_o judgement_n of_o those_o that_o have_v be_v pastor_n and_o teacher_n before_o they_o do_v most_o orderly_o recommend_v to_o choice_n and_o acceptance_n in_o the_o great_a service_n such_o as_o be_v scribe_n instruct_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o commit_v to_o they_o the_o charge_n of_o teach_v other_o for_o in_o this_o as_o in_o all_o other_o act_n the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o preside_v with_o due_a respect_n to_o the_o congregation_n quest_n be_v the_o lord_n christ_n please_v then_o to_o act_v general_o by_o the_o elder_n and_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n answ_n general_o and_o ordinary_o he_o do_v so_o the_o officer_n be_v therefore_o more_o particular_o entrust_v by_o christ_n with_o the_o key_n even_o as_o the_o church_n in_o general_n be_v thus_o eminent_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o apostle_n our_o lord_n found_v his_o church_n and_o so_o edify_v and_o build_v it_o up_o in_o after-age_n by_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n and_o when_o great_a defection_n have_v prevail_v upon_o it_o summon_v it_o to_o reformation_n by_o some_o raise_v up_o among_o those_o officer_n and_o who_o he_o send_v out_o as_o such_o to_o reform_v and_o recover_v his_o church_n yet_o still_o all_o this_o power_n be_v in_o and_o according_a to_o his_o word_n and_o no_o other_o and_o so_o that_o in_o all_o thing_n as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v the_o knowledge_n judgement_n and_o approbation_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v join_v in_o all_o the_o officer_n do_v as_o have_v their_o interest_n in_o the_o key_n also_o because_o they_o have_v their_o interest_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o the_o understanding_n open_v and_o apply_v of_o which_o to_o particular_a case_n the_o whole_a power_n of_o the_o key_n rest_v the_o apostle_n elder_n and_o the_o brethren_n or_o whole_a church_n be_v together_o please_v and_o together_o join_v in_o that_o famous_a conciliary_a epistle_n act_v 15._o 22._o quest_n i_o desire_v your_o more_o full_a explanation_n of_o the_o public_a office_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o the_o power_n accompany_v it_o answ_n i_o will_v very_o willing_o do_v as_o you_o desire_v and_o begin_v with_o the_o apostle_n quest_n wherein_o stand_v their_o power_n answ_n it_o stand_v in_o their_o preach_v act_v direct_v govern_v by_o that_o immediate_a and_o infallible_a assistance_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n by_o which_o they_o write_v and_o seal_v scripture_n and_o by_o which_o they_o be_v so_o guard_v every_o way_n that_o they_o can_v turn_v neither_o to_o the_o right_a hand_n nor_o to_o the_o left_a in_o any_o thing_n wherein_o they_o exercise_v this_o power_n quest_n how_o be_v this_o power_n justify_v answ_n by_o the_o divineness_n substantial_a goodness_n and_o reasonableness_n of_o all_o their_o prescription_n propose_v in_o all_o the_o method_n of_o
by_o god_n and_o christ_n if_o there_o be_v that_o value_n and_o love_n for_o one_o another_o in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o they_o unite_v and_o agree_v a_o desire_n of_o interest_n in_o and_o benefit_n by_o one_o another_o prayer_n and_o a_o joy_n in_o the_o gift_n grace_n and_o spiritual_a ability_n one_o of_o another_o a_o care_n mutual_o to_o impart_v and_o receive_v the_o benefit_n of_o they_o as_o far_o as_o may_v be_v such_o a_o union_n in_o thing_n command_v by_o god_n shall_v over-rule_v the_o little_a distance_n in_o indifference_n and_o no_o more_o divide_v than_o worship_v god_n in_o different_a congregation_n by_o reason_n of_o distance_n of_o place_n or_o the_o church_n of_o god_n use_v differ_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n in_o different_a country_n and_o place_n quest_n but_o what_o if_o beside_o these_o mere_a and_o simple_a dissocation_n of_o themselves_o and_o use_v or_o non-use_a of_o these_o indifference_n there_o be_v anger_n strife_n emulation_n bitter_a zeal_n in_o one_o against_o another_o as_o be_v general_o and_o usual_o see_v do_v not_o these_o sour_a passion_n beget_v schism_n answ_n wherever_o these_o be_v find_v they_o must_v needs_o amount_v to_o that_o kind_n of_o schism_n that_o christian_n do_v not_o love_v christian_n in_o the_o truth_n and_o in_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n since_o it_o be_v suppose_v that_o each_o part_n be_v unite_v in_o the_o fundamental_o of_o faith_n and_o divine_a command_n upon_o which_o ought_v to_o flow_v from_o the_o love_n every_o sincere_a christian_a have_v to_o god_n and_o christ_n in_o these_o love_v to_o one_o another_o also_o for_o faith_n work_v or_o be_v effectual_a by_o love_n and_o this_o be_v love_n that_o we_o keep_v his_o command_n this_o love_n therefore_o must_v needs_o to_o all_o unite_a in_o these_o mighty_a thing_n wherein_o true_a christian_n be_v unite_v surmount_v the_o disaffection_n that_o arise_v in_o the_o disunion_n about_o tything_n mint_n or_o cummin_n or_o else_o we_o must_v value_v our_o confidence_n in_o small_a thing_n or_o our_o doubt_n about_o they_o above_o the_o clear_a and_o undoubted_a truth_n and_o command_n of_o god_n which_o must_v indeed_o needs_o be_v schismatical_a in_o both_o part_n or_o on_o whatever_o part_n be_v be_v find_v quest_n but_o see_v these_o contention_n be_v so_o hard_a to_o be_v avoid_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o different_a judgement_n and_o especial_o divers_a practice_n of_o christian_n and_o in_o so_o distinct_a congregation_n and_o that_o in_o the_o eye_n of_o one_o another_o and_o further_o that_o the_o assembly_n of_o christian_n together_o ought_v to_o be_v as_o universal_a numerous_a or_o at_o least_o as_o free_a and_o mutual_a as_o be_v possible_a in_o regard_n of_o nearness_n of_o place_n one_o to_o another_o for_o that_o it_o be_v most_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o christianity_n they_o shall_v be_v so_o and_o most_o advantageous_a to_o the_o impart_v spiritual_a gift_n and_o grace_n between_o all_o the_o pastor_n and_o people_n see_v all_o this_o be_v so_o undeniable_a how_o can_v separation_n from_o the_o assembly_n of_o one_o another_o do_v less_o than_o carry_v the_o guilt_n of_o schism_n answ_n there_o can_v be_v no_o schism_n in_o keep_v close_o to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o command_n of_o christ_n without_o add_v or_o diminish_v turn_v to_o the_o right-hand_a or_o to_o the_o left_a for_o therein_o as_o have_v be_v often_o say_v be_v the_o bond_n of_o the_o church_n union_n therein_o alone_o be_v the_o church_n a_o church_n and_o the_o peace_n lie_v enfold_v in_o the_o truth_n the_o more_o than_o the_o consideration_n forenamed_a be_v press_v and_o they_o deserve_v very_o earnest_o to_o be_v press_v the_o more_o absolute_o necessary_a it_o be_v to_o stay_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n and_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n or_o which_o be_v as_o true_o the_o command_n of_o god_n the_o dictate_v of_o nature_n nay_o it_o be_v better_a to_o allow_v man_n a_o suspension_n of_o their_o assent_n to_o some_o truth_n and_o of_o their_o compliance_n with_o some_o command_n that_o be_v but_o upon_o the_o outward_a skirt_n and_o march_n of_o christianity_n and_o so_o not_o so_o evident_o reveal_v than_o rush_v they_o upon_o a_o precipitate_a belief_n of_o a_o blind_a obedience_n the_o plain_a thing_n and_o those_o be_v always_o the_o most_o necessary_a be_v the_o safe_a to_o pitch_v christian_a communion_n severe_o upon_o quest_n but_o may_v it_o not_o be_v reasonable_o suppose_v that_o according_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o church_n governor_n by_o christ_n they_o have_v a_o power_n in_o thing_n neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v by_o god_n to_o interpose_v their_o authority_n and_o to_o determine_v they_o this_o way_n or_o that_o way_n and_o that_o obedience_n can_v be_v refuse_v without_o schism_n answ_n there_o be_v very_o great_a reason_n against_o any_o such_o supposal_n 1._o the_o apostle_n the_o high_a authority_n under_o christ_n as_o will_v be_v easy_o acknowledge_v have_v commission_n only_o to_o teach_v the_o observation_n of_o thing_n command_v they_o by_o the_o lord_n himself_o 2._o there_o be_v a_o constant_a disclaimer_n in_o the_o gospel_n of_o any_o despotic_a or_o lordlike_o power_n in_o church-ruler_n christ_n express_o compare_v the_o power_n he_o give_v with_o civil_a power_n and_o resolve_v it_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o among_o his_o disciple_n as_o be_v among_o they_o he_o say_v the_o chief_a among_o they_o shall_v be_v minister_n and_o servant_n deliver_v the_o will_n of_o their_o lord_n and_o not_o lord_n themselves_o they_o must_v have_v no_o will_n of_o their_o own_o to_o promulge_v they_o profess_v they_o preach_v jesus_n the_o lord_n and_z themselves_z servants_z for_o jesus_n sake_n servant_n of_o those_o they_o preach_v to_o as_o they_o minister_v to_o they_o the_o divine_a will_n not_o lord_n over_o god_n heritage_n but_o ensample_n of_o the_o flock_n ambassador_n deliver_v only_o the_o message_n of_o their_o master_n and_o beseech_v man_n but_o if_o the_o whole_a scope_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n be_v give_v they_o for_o a_o dominion_n how_o great_a will_v it_o be_v 3._o these_o circumstance_n in_o religion_n may_v grow_v so_o bulky_a and_o cumbersome_a and_o make_v such_o a_o medley_n in_o it_o that_o no_o one_o will_v know_v what_o religion_n itself_o be_v 4._o the_o free_a vote_n and_o suffrage_n of_o christian_n in_o all_o thing_n they_o receive_v as_o most_o con-decent_a and_o convenient_a be_v that_o more_o abundant_a honour_n god_n have_v give_v to_o the_o mean_a member_n of_o his_o church_n thus_o the_o whole_a affair_n in_o that_o council_n act_v 11._o be_v manage_v by_o not_o only_o the_o apostle_n the_o elder_n but_o the_o brethren_n also_o each_o according_a to_o their_o station_n and_o situation_n in_o the_o body_n the_o church_n for_o that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o despotique_a power_n what_o be_v command_v by_o christ_n must_v be_v so_o represent_v that_o the_o evidence_n it_o be_v so_o command_v must_v be_v due_o represent_v and_o the_o divine_a authority_n sufficient_o remonstrate_v what_o be_v of_o advice_n and_o conveniency_n must_v be_v carry_v by_o free_a suffrage_n and_o consent_v quest_n but_o still_o the_o church_n be_v a_o society_n and_o the_o best_a of_o society_n it_o must_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n concern_v society_n and_o what_o be_v carry_v by_o the_o vote_n of_o people_n be_v always_o subject_a to_o turbulence_n and_o confusion_n have_v we_o not_o great_a assurance_n see_v christ_n reverse_a nothing_o natural_a but_o confirm_v it_o that_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n not_o write_v in_o scripture_n but_o leave_v to_o their_o necessity_n and_o expediency_n according_a to_o nature_n law_n and_o so_o what_o be_v near_a to_o monarchick_a be_v far_o from_o confusion_n the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n and_o among_o they_o the_o bishop_n aught_o to_o determine_v all_o thing_n neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v by_o god_n answ_n there_o be_v in_o the_o church_n the_o perfect_a and_o absolute_a monarchy_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o word_n and_o beside_o this_o there_o be_v no_o other_o nor_o can_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n dictate_v any_o other_o there_o be_v one_o lawgiver_n who_o be_v able_a to_o save_v or_o destroy_v and_o there_o need_v not_o any_o more_o master_n for_o more_o will_v certain_o breed_v confusion_n whatever_o therefore_o be_v clear_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o to_o be_v make_v out_o to_o be_v so_o whatever_o be_v the_o evident_a dictate_v of_o nature_n as_o distinction_n of_o sex_n 1_o cor._n 11._o 3._o in_o their_o public_a appearance_n in_o religious_a assembly_n administration_n of_o divine_a service_n in_o a_o know_a language_n 1_o cor._n 14._o v._n 5._o the_o speak_v of_o one_o prophet_n only_o at_o once_o and_o not_o in_o a_o confusion_n of_o voice_n v._o 31._o all_o such_o natural_a
deserve_v very_o ill_o quest_n what_o be_v the_o great_a security_n under_o the_o divine_a grace_n and_o providence_n against_o so_o great_a desolation_n upon_o true_a christian_a religion_n answ_n a_o perfect_a acquiescency_n of_o the_o protestant_a nation_n upon_o the_o foursquare_n of_o divine_a truth_n and_o resolvedness_n not_o to_o move_v from_o thence_o for_o as_o a_o foursquare_n never_o remove_v from_o its_o own_o base_a because_o it_o be_v all_o base_a so_o they_o that_o be_v square_v to_o it_o and_o settle_v upon_o it_o never_o move_v for_o it_o always_o bear_v they_o alike_o with_o itself_o and_o by_o its_o own_o justness_n recall_v they_o if_o they_o offer_v to_o wander_v mere_a angry_a prejudice_n against_o this_o or_o that_o false_a religion_n be_v not_o enough_o without_o be_v thus_o ground_v upon_o truth_n entertainment_n of_o truth_n with_o any_o addittament_n will_v secure_v no_o man_n for_o he_o that_o receive_v one_o addition_n may_v receive_v another_o he_o that_o receive_v truth_n lie_v foursquare_n with_o itself_o be_v call_v back_o by_o that_o even_o of_o truth_n he_o that_o add_v one_o to_o it_o and_o make_v it_o odd_a may_v go_v on_o indefinite_o as_o popery_n have_v do_v because_o he_o have_v forsakent_a he_o just_o even_o that_o shall_v stay_v he_o he_o can_v no_o long_o wait_v for_o the_o voice_n of_o truth_n that_o by_o itself_o always_o answer_v itself_o but_o to_o what_o be_v not_o like_o itself_o it_o will_v not_o answer_v but_o discover_v it_o to_o be_v off_o from_o this_o square_n it_o will_v not_o on_o any_o respect_n harken_v to_o any_o thing_n different_a because_o it_o will_v not_o be_v solicit_v to_o move_v from_o itself_o so_o that_o upon_o the_o whole_a the_o law_n of_o symmetry_n and_o commensuration_n be_v the_o great_a security_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o ascertain_v the_o true_a church_n both_o to_o itself_o and_o all_o beholder_n for_o addition_n to_o religion_n like_o surd_o or_o irrational_a figure_n incommensurable_a to_o the_o rational_a square_n can_v never_o be_v reduce_v to_o this_o foursquare_n of_o truth_n but_o be_v like_o the_o deaf_a adder_n that_o will_v not_o hearken_v to_o the_o voice_n of_o reason_n charm_v never_o so_o wise_o nor_o can_v they_o ever_o be_v reduce_v to_o a_o certainty_n or_o exactness_n with_o themselves_o but_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o day_n another_o to_o morrow_n but_o divine_a truth_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d rational_a certain_a express_o itself_o deaf_a indeed_o to_o any_o thing_n else_o but_o in_o itself_o it_o be_v testerday_o and_o to_o day_n the_o same_o for_o ever_o he_o therefore_o that_o daily_o ponder_v meditate_v upon_o have_v a_o just_a measure_n of_o the_o fundamental_o of_o divine_a truth_n and_o do_v all_o thing_n in_o a_o regular_a square_n with_o they_o shall_v know_v the_o doctrine_n that_o be_v of_o god_n all_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n though_o they_o be_v various_a yet_o come_v all_o within_o the_o apostolic_a twelve_o and_o he_o that_o have_v a_o spiritual_a gust_n exercise_v to_o discern_v betwixt_o good_a and_o evil_a by_o taste_v any_o aright_o will_v taste_v all_o and_o find_v they_o apostolical_a and_o know_v whatever_o pretend_v and_o be_v not_o and_o so_o reject_v it_o he_o will_v know_v all_o the_o gate_n of_o wisdom_n and_o truth_n and_o the_o angelical_a guard_n attend_v at_o they_o and_o go_v in_o and_o out_o by_o they_o but_o the_o disorderly_a breach_n and_o gap_n that_o wild_a beast_n or_o deceitful_a fox_n have_v make_v he_o avoid_v know_v they_o exceed_v the_o apostolic_a twelve_o and_o be_v therefore_o dangerous_a and_o pernicious_a and_o whatever_o apparation_n of_o angel_n may_v be_v at_o they_o he_o know_v it_o be_v only_a satan_n transform_v into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n and_o his_o minister_n transform_v as_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o minister_n of_o righteousness_n thus_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n number_v and_o measure_v exact_o by_o itself_o be_v the_o security_n of_o the_o twelve_o tribe_n of_o israel_n that_o be_v of_o the_o true_a church_n cap._n fourteen_o of_o the_o power_n of_o magistrate_n in_o religion_n and_o of_o national_a religion_n quest_n it_o be_v i_o think_v very_o clear_a by_o all_o that_o have_v be_v speak_v that_o the_o settlement_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v most_o stable_a and_o certain_a and_o that_o by_o no_o power_n he_o have_v give_v in_o his_o church_n it_o can_v be_v change_v nor_o receive_v any_o arbitrary_a addition_n that_o shall_v be_v obligatory_a but_o i_o be_o in_o great_a doubt_n how_o to_o reconcile_v those_o command_n of_o scripture_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o principality_n and_o power_n with_o those_o strict_a precept_n to_o keep_v close_o to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o to_o turn_v neither_o to_o the_o right_a hand_n nor_o to_o the_o left_a where_o ruler_n so_o often_o prescribe_v in_o religion_n contrary_a to_o or_o different_a from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n answ_n i_o acknowledge_v the_o resolution_n of_o this_o doubt_n contain_v many_o difficulty_n in_o it_o and_o can_v be_v give_v at_o once_o but_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v so_o to_o lead_v your_o question_n by_o every_o degree_n of_o answer_n as_o may_v direct_v into_o the_o best_a method_n for_o your_o satisfaction_n quest_n what_o i_o pray_v you_o be_v the_o first_o step_n necessary_a to_o be_v take_v in_o order_n to_o the_o resolve_v this_o doubt_n answ_n to_o settle_v a_o true_a understanding_n how_o the_o magistrate_n power_n and_o authority_n in_o religion_n make_v entrance_n into_o the_o world_n quest_n i_o very_o much_o desire_n to_o know_v that_o and_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v of_o very_o great_a influence_n into_o all_o thing_n that_o concern_v the_o unfolding_a this_o question_n answ_n this_o than_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o best_a account_n of_o it_o after_o the_o apparent_a degeneracy_n of_o humane_a nature_n so_o that_o the_o law_n write_v in_o man_n heart_n be_v evident_o deface_v and_o blot_v by_o contrary_a practice_n there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o form_v the_o great_a notion_n of_o natural_a religion_n godliness_n righteousness_n and_o soberness_n into_o law_n that_o man_n may_v be_v thereby_o preserve_v from_o high_a irregularity_n and_o excess_n under_o the_o pretence_n of_o be_v at_o liberty_n or_o every_o man_n be_v a_o lawgiver_n to_o himself_o quest_n i_o desire_v you_o further_a to_o explain_v how_o this_o bring_v in_o magistracy_n answ_n that_o such_o law_n may_v be_v make_v and_o execute_v there_o must_v be_v some_o supreme_a legislative_a and_o executive_a power_n in_o every_o community_n whether_o place_v in_o one_o or_o more_o whether_o by_o the_o title_n of_o paternity_n or_o primogeniture_n whether_o hereditary_a and_o successive_a or_o elective_a whether_o by_o agreement_n and_o covenant_n primary_o or_o by_o submission_n and_o pact_n after_o conquest_n these_o thing_n be_v various_o order_v by_o god_n in_o his_o paramount_n but_o secret_a government_n of_o the_o world_n but_o the_o law_n of_o godliness_n righteousness_n and_o soberness_n be_v so_o necessary_a and_o man_n know_v they_o to_o be_v so_o necessary_a that_o they_o can_v be_v without_o they_o nor_o without_o some_o supreme_a legislation_n and_o execution_n of_o law_n form_v according_a to_o they_o they_o that_o be_v above_o see_v a_o necessity_n of_o govern_v by_o they_o they_o that_o be_v below_o see_v a_o necessity_n of_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o same_o and_o therefore_o submit_v by_o common_a consent_n to_o some_o supreme_a authority_n and_o subordinate_a magistrate_n under_o the_o supreme_a to_o that_o end_n mankind_n be_v touch_v by_o this_o impression_n from_o god_n and_o all_o that_o be_v not_o be_v brand_v as_o son_n of_o belial_n quest_n but_o how_o be_v prince_n and_o magistrate_n secure_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o power_n against_o those_o that_o will_v not_o be_v subject_a answ_n beside_o the_o law_n of_o god_n write_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o promulge_v in_o the_o world_n beside_o the_o secret_a touch_v and_o motion_n of_o providence_n and_o interlinking_n of_o common_a interest_n with_o the_o right_n of_o sovereignty_n prince_n and_o sovereign_a ruler_n be_v both_o by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o the_o common_a consent_n of_o mankind_n surround_v with_o grandeur_n of_o high_a estate_n that_o they_o may_v draw_v subject_n into_o their_o service_n and_o dependence_n upon_o they_o by_o the_o greatness_n of_o their_o reward_n be_v both_o the_o fountain_n of_o honour_n and_o of_o splendour_n of_o condition_n but_o especial_o they_o be_v arm_v with_o the_o power_n of_o the_o sword_n entrust_v with_o they_o by_o god_n that_o by_o the_o awe_n of_o their_o wrath_n and_o vengeance_n they_o may_v bring_v people_n into_o subjection_n and_o a_o readiness_n to_o obey_v thus_o they_o appear_v as_o god_n in_o the_o world_n as_o live_v
it_o may_v be_v make_v the_o clear_a will_v you_o give_v the_o distinction_n between_o sovereign_a power_n and_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n for_o they_o be_v both_o call_v ruler_n they_o be_v both_o call_v the_o minister_n of_o god_n answ_n this_o be_v indeed_o most_o necessary_a to_o be_v know_v as_o tend_v much_o to_o illustrate_v this_o whole_a matter_n 1._o the_o power_n of_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n lie_v whole_o and_o entire_o in_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n they_o minister_v without_o which_o their_o person_n be_v invest_v with_o no_o power_n or_o authority_n at_o all_o but_o there_o be_v a_o sacred_a character_n upon_o sovereign_a power_n and_o their_o very_a person_n so_o that_o reverence_n prostration_n obeisance_n honourable_a title_n and_o obedience_n in_o all_o lawful_a thing_n be_v due_a to_o they_o even_o when_o their_o command_n in_o some_o thing_n be_v unlawful_a can_v be_v obey_v as_o appear_v every_o where_n in_o 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and_o govern_v according_a to_o truth_n wherein_o the_o divine_a spirit_n be_v please_v often_o to_o be_v so_o immediate_o present_a with_o they_o that_o a_o divine_a sentence_n be_v in_o the_o king_n lip_n that_o they_o may_v direct_v according_a to_o truth_n and_o in_o all_o truth_n they_o be_v to_o be_v obey_v not_o only_o for_o the_o truth_n sake_n but_o for_o that_o authority_n sake_n also_o god_n have_v invest_v they_o with_o 3._o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n lose_v their_o power_n by_o err_v from_o truth_n and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o of_o what_o authority_n be_v the_o false_a prophet_n or_o the_o false_a teacher_n but_o prince_n and_o sovereign_a power_n have_v a_o power_n though_o misapply_v to_o vindicate_v their_o authority_n upon_o those_o that_o can_v obey_v they_o except_o they_o shall_v disobey_v god_n to_o obey_v magistrate_n which_o none_o dare_v assert_v that_o acknowledge_v god_n in_o which_o power_n magistrate_n must_v not_o be_v resist_v even_o while_o they_o cause_v man_n to_o suffer_v for_o righteousness_n sake_n 4._o the_o admonition_n excommunication_n anathema_n of_o church_n ruler_n have_v no_o force_n when_o not_o ground_v upon_o divine_a truth_n nor_o aught_o to_o make_v impression_n upon_o conscience_n but_o to_o be_v reject_v with_o disdain_n but_o the_o penal_a sentence_n and_o vindictive_a decree_n of_o sovereign_a power_n have_v their_o effect_n so_o far_o even_o when_o they_o be_v unjust_a as_o to_o be_v receive_v as_o a_o ordination_n of_o power_n appoint_v by_o god_n though_o use_v to_o a_o wrong_a purpose_n where_o the_o word_n of_o a_o king_n be_v there_o be_v power_n and_o his_o wrath_n be_v as_o the_o roar_a of_o a_o lion_n and_o it_o be_v so_o appoint_v by_o god_n against_o such_o a_o supreme_a executive_a power_n arm_v with_o the_o supreme_a legislative_a power_n of_o a_o nation_n there_o be_v no_o rise_n up_o no_o remedy_n but_o appeal_v to_o god_n by_o prayer_n and_o tear_n quest_n this_o whole_a account_n may_v be_v much_o illustrate_v if_o it_o be_v declare_v on_o the_o other_o side_n what_o obedience_n be_v due_a to_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n whether_o extraordinary_a as_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n or_o ordinary_a as_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n even_o when_o supreme_a magistrate_n command_v the_o contrary_a answ_n the_o word_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n be_v of_o so_o supreme_a authority_n that_o though_o the_o minister_n of_o it_o be_v of_o no_o authority_n separate_v from_o that_o word_n yet_o the_o word_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n of_o which_o they_o be_v ambassador_n be_v much_o high_a than_o the_o king_n and_o prince_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o there_o be_v no_o compare_n between_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o god_n therefore_o raise_v up_o extraordinary_o what_o messenger_n he_o please_v and_o send_v they_o with_o what_o message_n he_o think_v good_a to_o what_o prince_n or_o magistrate_n soever_o because_o immediate_o from_o god_n the_o king_n of_o king_n and_o lord_n of_o lord_n and_o yet_o these_o extraordinary_a minister_n in_o all_o thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v not_o command_v by_o god_n preserve_v the_o just_a right_n of_o sovereignty_n thus_o the_o word_n of_o god_n ought_v by_o ordinary_a minister_n to_o be_v faithful_o declare_v by_o those_o who_o be_v call_v to_o do_v it_o and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o declare_v it_o have_v and_o aught_o to_o have_v a_o sovereignty_n above_o all_o earthly_a sovereignty_n both_o with_o prince_n and_o subject_n and_o yet_o the_o publisher_n of_o it_o and_o they_o to_o who_o it_o be_v publish_v stand_v in_o their_o just_a distance_n and_o in_o all_o thing_n pay_v the_o homage_n due_a to_o sovereignty_n by_o obedience_n active_a wherein_o they_o be_v not_o countermand_v by_o god_n or_o by_o submission_n to_o penal_a law_n and_o decree_v make_v against_o they_o by_o the_o supreme_a legislative_a power_n of_o a_o nation_n wherein_o they_o can_v obey_v god_n and_o the_o power_n at_o once_o because_o so_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o they_o shall_v by_o suffer_v for_o well_o do_v put_v to_o silence_v the_o cavil_n of_o the_o ignorant_a or_o malicious_n quest_n but_o ought_v we_o not_o to_o expect_v that_o prince_n shall_v be_v the_o supreme_a interpreter_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n that_o so_o their_o command_n and_o superiority_n may_v be_v more_o absolute_a and_o because_o that_o government_n that_o do_v not_o determine_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o subject_a can_v have_v so_o free_a a_o display_v of_o itself_o nor_o rest_n so_o secure_a as_o be_v necessary_a to_o government_n answ_n while_o the_o holy_a patriarch_n rule_v who_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n more_o unsullied_a so_o near_o the_o creation_n by_o pure_a tradition_n by_o divine_a revelation_n vouchsafe_v to_o they_o as_o occasion_v require_v preserve_v religion_n undefiled_a supreme_a authority_n and_o instruction_n in_o true_a religion_n reside_v in_o the_o same_o person_n yet_o even_o then_o their_o authority_n in_o religion_n be_v from_o the_o evidence_n of_o divine_a truth_n even_o as_o afterward_o in_o moses_n samuel_n david_n and_o solomon_n who_o be_v both_o supreme_a prince_n and_o immediate_o commissioned_n by_o god_n as_o prophet_n for_o wherever_o man_n be_v depute_a by_o god_n either_o as_o ordinary_a or_o extraordinary_a minister_n of_o his_o truth_n the_o authority_n be_v not_o in_o man_n but_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n evidence_v itself_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n when_o therefore_o the_o patriarchal_a both_o power_n and_o holiness_n expire_v and_o the_o revolt_n of_o prince_n and_o people_n from_o true_a religion_n grow_v great_a god_n begin_v to_o instruct_v his_o church_n by_o messenger_n send_v on_o purpose_n and_o separate_v betwixt_o prince_n and_o prophet_n yea_o even_o in_o the_o time_n of_o so_o sacred_a a_o priesthood_n establish_v by_o god_n himself_o among_o the_o jew_n he_o teach_v his_o church_n very_o often_o by_o prophet_n of_o a_o extraordinary_a and_o immediate_a character_n and_o last_o by_o the_o apostle_n found_v the_o christian_a church_n without_o any_o consultation_n with_o or_o concurrence_n of_o the_o power_n at_o that_o time_n in_o the_o world_n and_o yet_o those_o apostle_n teach_v all_o subjection_n to_o those_o very_a power_n until_o the_o whole_a be_v settle_v in_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n consent_v with_o which_o be_v now_o the_o only_a credential_n of_o a_o teacher_n appoint_v by_o god_n however_o he_o be_v ordinate_v by_o men._n quest_n what_o be_v to_o be_v infer_v from_o hence_o answ_n especial_o that_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n be_v so_o independent_a upon_o all_o humane_a sovereignty_n that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v accept_v only_o upon_o trial_n by_o its_o own_o evidence_n and_o not_o by_o those_o of_o humane_a authority_n this_o treasure_n be_v therefore_o for_o the_o most_o
in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n to_o be_v confine_v within_o the_o monarchy_n and_o word_n of_o christ_n and_o nothing_o to_o be_v impose_v or_o forbid_v but_o according_a to_o that_o so_o it_o do_v every_o where_o disinterest_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o judge_v or_o intermeddle_v in_o civil_a government_n or_o thing_n pertain_v to_o it_o it_o suppose_v civil_a power_n will_v oblige_v to_o and_o determine_v indifferency_n in_o civil_a thing_n this_o way_n or_o that_o way_n as_o they_o please_v and_o therein_o exercise_v a_o lordship_n but_o christ_n have_v declare_v it_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o among_o his_o disciple_n do_v yet_o command_v by_o himself_o and_o his_o apostle_n all_o obedience_n to_o these_o principality_n and_o power_n even_o thus_o command_v if_o not_o against_o god_n command_n direct_o so_o that_o in_o all_o such_o thing_n the_o doubt_v conscience_n be_v only_o to_o be_v instruct_v in_o its_o rule_n and_o duty_n but_o can_v have_v no_o more_o relief_n against_o obedience_n to_o civil_a command_n than_o it_o have_v against_o obedience_n to_o the_o command_v of_o god_n when_o it_o be_v mistake_v about_o those_o command_n for_o such_o obedience_n to_o magistrate_n be_v obedience_n to_o the_o divine_a command_n quest_n there_o appear_v so_o near_o a_o affinity_n in_o the_o command_v concern_v indifferent_a thing_n of_o those_o that_o have_v rule_n in_o the_o church_n with_o the_o command_v of_o those_o that_o have_v civil_a rule_n that_o the_o one_o may_v be_v a_o measure_n for_o the_o other_o or_o wherein_o be_v the_o difference_n especial_o when_o they_o join_v in_o one_o in_o their_o command_n concern_v these_o indifferoncy_n answ_n the_o command_v of_o civil_a authority_n concern_v indifferent_a thing_n in_o religion_n deserve_v a_o particular_a consideration_n for_o which_o a_o proper_a place_n shall_v be_v reserve_v but_o that_o the_o church_n be_v such_o a_o kind_n of_o political_a regiment_n that_o shall_v set_v up_o for_o itself_o as_o one_o of_o the_o polity_n of_o this_o world_n by_o canon_n and_o constitution_n of_o its_o own_o not_o found_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o introduce_v on_o other_o pretence_n and_o that_o if_o christian_n do_v not_o submit_v to_o they_o they_o shall_v be_v account_v schismatic_n and_o excommunicate_v as_o heathen_n if_o they_o do_v not_o hear_v the_o church_n that_o be_v the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n thus_o ordain_v in_o their_o own_o wisdom_n and_o all_o this_o by_o the_o charter_n of_o the_o key_n or_o the_o power_n of_o bind_v or_o loose_v be_v as_o gross_a a_o forgery_n as_o popery_n have_v any_o in_o this_o point_n indeed_o if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o state_n of_o thing_n there_o be_v reason_n to_o believe_v the_o whole_a church_n shall_v by_o proper_a way_n and_o mean_n find_v out_o by_o christ_n be_v model_v into_o one_o universal_a uniformity_n of_o government_n and_o ceremony_n see_v the_o whole_a church_n be_v but_o one_o and_o that_o the_o roman_a suppose_v it_o have_v not_o so_o gross_o contradict_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n may_v soon_o pretend_v to_o be_v the_o metropolis_n of_o it_o and_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n the_o head_n of_o the_o unity_n than_o any_o other_o it_o be_v the_o first_o imperial_a city_n that_o be_v famous_a for_o christianity_n but_o how_o little_a uniformity_n be_v to_o christ_n or_o his_o kingdom_n in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o he_o have_v not_o interpose_v at_o all_o but_o leave_v christian_n free_a and_o intend_v they_o shall_v be_v free_a appear_v in_o the_o ununiform_a unity_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o evangelist_n concern_v his_o life_n doctrine_n death_n and_o resurrection_n to_o suppose_v therefore_o the_o church_n to_o be_v in_o this_o manner_n uniformed_a by_o the_o prudence_n of_o its_o governor_n be_v to_o turn_v it_o so_o far_o into_o a_o civil_a state_n and_o the_o bishop_n of_o it_o into_o lay-elders_a cap._n xiii_o of_o the_o antichurch_n and_o its_o opposition_n in_o every_o thing_n to_o the_o true_a church_n quest_n be_v there_o not_o a_o antichurch_n or_o antichristian-church_n that_o stand_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o true-church_n answ_n there_o be_v and_o have_v be_v so_o for_o many_o age_n and_o that_o have_v take_v upon_o it_o in_o the_o most_o public_a way_n to_o be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n the_o house_n of_o the_o live_a god_n the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n quest_n with_o what_o advantage_n have_v it_o be_v arm_v thus_o to_o take_v upon_o itself_o at_o all_o the_o name_n of_o a_o church_n answ_n it_o have_v rise_v out_o of_o the_o true_a ancient_a apostolic_a church_n that_o receive_v the_o true_a christianity_n from_o the_o apostle_n at_o rome_n and_o the_o faith_n of_o which_o as_o the_o apostle_n paul_n witness_n rom._n 1._o 8._o be_v speak_v of_o throughout_o the_o world_n it_o have_v retain_v the_o scripture_n and_o the_o fundamental_o of_o christianity_n the_o write_n of_o the_o first_o christian_n and_o apostolical_a man_n and_o so_o have_v continue_v to_o do_v from_o that_o very_a time_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o this_o day_n and_o have_v also_o actuate_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o those_o fundamental_o of_o it_o according_a as_o its_o interest_n have_v lead_v it_o in_o some_o age_n more_o in_o some_o less_o as_o shall_v be_v present_o more_o discover_v quest_n have_v then_o the_o scripture_n those_o fundamental_o of_o christianity_n and_o the_o discourse_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n and_o doctor_n upon_o they_o in_o such_o a_o length_n of_o time_n with_o what_o reason_n can_v it_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o anti_n or_o antichristian-church_n answ_n with_o very_o great_a reason_n because_o by_o a_o multitude_n of_o addition_n foul_a idolatrous_a and_o superstitious_a corruption_n and_o false_a interpretation_n upon_o the_o scripture_n the_o fundamental_o of_o christianity_n and_o the_o discourse_n of_o the_o ancient_n shameful_o interpolate_v and_o by_o spurious_a write_n under_o their_o name_n despite_v it_o have_v turn_v whole_a christianity_n into_o a_o very_a contrary_a thing_n to_o itself_o while_o therefore_o it_o hold_v those_o point_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o record_n of_o it_o in_o veneration_n and_o yet_o support_v all_o its_o falsehood_n thereby_o it_o become_v perfect_o a_o antichurch_n or_o antichristian_a it_o have_v in_o regard_n of_o those_o article_n of_o truth_n it_o hold_v and_o actuate_v so_o much_o as_o to_o have_v the_o name_n of_o a_o church_n and_o christian_a and_o yet_o have_v they_o so_o falsify_v corrupt_v and_o change_v from_o themselves_o it_o become_v a_o mock-church_n a_o mock-christianity_n that_o be_v a_o antichurch_n and_o anti-christian_n in_o despite_n of_o the_o true-church_n and_o true-christianity_n and_o as_o to_o its_o actuation_n of_o truth_n it_o have_v so_o actuate_v truth_n as_o to_o actuate_v by_o truth_n its_o own_o falsehood_n and_o lie_v upon_o truth_n quest_n how_o then_o do_v it_o rise_v to_o such_o a_o eminency_n and_o pretence_n of_o be_v catholic_n and_o public_a answ_n the_o many_o concurrence_n of_o divine_a providence_n under_o his_o deep_a and_o unsearchable_a judgement_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n in_o relation_n to_o that_o state_n he_o have_v appoint_v for_o his_o church_n i_o leave_v to_o the_o history_n of_o the_o church_n and_o roman_a empire_n in_o those_o time_n by_o which_o may_v be_v understand_v how_o the_o papacy_n take_v the_o advantage_n to_o exalt_v itself_o not_o only_o above_o the_o episcopal_a chair_n then_o in_o a_o ambitious_a contest_v for_o supremacy_n but_o above_o all_o that_o be_v call_v god_n that_o be_v the_o imperial_a power_n itself_o and_o so_o set_v its_o foot_n upon_o the_o neck_n of_o christian_a prince_n throughout_o the_o world_n till_o the_o great_a cheat_n begin_v to_o be_v detect_v and_o all_o this_o by_z and_o upon_o pretence_n of_o be_v the_o vicar_n of_o christ_n or_o the_o head_n of_o the_o catholic_n that_o be_v the_o 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not_o to_o resist_v the_o power_n vindicate_v its_o command_n by_o suffering_n and_o penalty_n upon_o those_o that_o can_v active_o obey_v wherein_o religion_n justice_n or_o soberness_n be_v contradict_v which_o be_v god_n and_o must_v be_v render_v to_o he_o according_a to_o themselves_o who_o be_v able_a to_o make_v they_o recompense_v who_o suffer_v for_o righteousness_n sake_n as_o he_o please_v in_o this_o world_n or_o most_o certain_o in_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o just_a but_o if_o there_o be_v not_o such_o a_o absolute_a legislative_a and_o executive_a power_n in_o every_o community_n thus_o fix_v and_o unmoveable_a and_o accountable_a only_o to_o god_n the_o restless_a love_n of_o change_n will_v be_v always_o disturb_v and_o call_v to_o account_v government_n and_o every_o man_n take_v upon_o he_o to_o be_v a_o lawgiver_n and_o a_o justicy_a or_o indeed_o to_o be_v licentious_a and_o inordinate_a and_o as_o they_o can_v consult_v and_o together_o collect_v themselves_o 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