thus_o submit_v yourselves_o to_o every_o humane_a creature_n to_o this_o i_o say_v the_o word_n humane_a creature_n be_v better_o understand_v of_o the_o law_n make_v by_o humane_a authority_n than_o of_o the_o magistrate_n themselves_o for_o as_o the_o most_o high_a god_n and_o he_o only_o can_v give_v be_v and_o power_n to_o a_o divine_a law_n insomuch_o that_o no_o power_n on_o earth_n can_v create_v such_o a_o law_n so_o earthly_a god_n and_o none_o but_o they_o can_v create_v and_o give_v power_n to_o a_o humane_a law_n and_o law_n thus_o make_v be_v right_o call_v humane_a creature_n or_o ordinance_n of_o man_n as_o our_o english_a express_v it_o and_o when_o law_n be_v thus_o make_v though_o they_o shall_v happen_v to_o be_v ill_a law_n as_o it_o sometime_o happen_v to_o be_v so_o yet_o they_o must_v be_v obey_v either_o active_o or_o passive_o because_o the_o power_n magistratical_a must_v not_o be_v resist_v only_o the_o error_n of_o a_o ill_a law_n must_v be_v refuse_v by_o all_o faithful_a man_n especial_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n as_o we_o have_v show_v before_o 4._o this_o great_a power_n which_o god_n have_v give_v to_o king_n and_o ruler_n of_o the_o earth_n to_o make_v law_n be_v as_o i_o conceive_v the_o chief_a cause_n why_o they_o be_v call_v god_n psal_n 82._o 6._o i_o have_v say_v you_o be_v god_n and_o all_o of_o you_o be_v child_n of_o the_o most_o high_a that_o be_v because_o of_o that_o resemblance_n which_o they_o have_v to_o god_n himself_o be_v deck_v with_o power_n and_o majesty_n to_o make_v and_o execute_v law_n in_o this_o low_a world_n which_o concern_v the_o child_n of_o man_n as_o such_o 5._o and_o as_o to_o the_o form_n of_o kingly_a government_n for_o this_o be_v all_o that_o i_o can_v find_v in_o my_o text_n let_v we_o hear_v what_o god_n himself_o say_v by_o i_o king_n reign_n and_o prince_n decree_v justice_n by_o i_o prince_n rule_v and_o noble_n even_o all_o the_o judge_n of_o the_o earth_n what_o can_v be_v say_v more_o in_o this_o case_n if_o any_o shall_v say_v it_o be_v not_o god_n but_o wisdom_n that_o speak_v these_o word_n prov._n 8._o 15_o 16._o i_o answer_v it_o be_v folly_n that_o make_v the_o objection_n for_o this_o wisdom_n be_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n because_o it_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n king_n be_v call_v the_o lord_n anoint_v and_o not_o only_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n but_o even_o heathen_a king_n also_o isa_n 45._o 1._o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n to_o his_o anoint_v even_o to_o cirus_n now_o cirus_n be_v king_n of_o persia_n ezra_n 1._o 1._o 6._o if_o yet_o it_o be_v say_v that_o government_n but_o not_o the_o form_n of_o government_n be_v of_o god_n but_o of_o human_a choice_n etc._n etc._n i_o answer_v i_o speak_v not_o of_o a_o government_n to_o be_v form_v and_o not_o yet_o in_o be_v but_o of_o one_o establish_v and_o therefore_o i_o say_v the_o distinction_n be_v dangerous_a but_o how_o shall_v it_o be_v a_o power_n or_o government_n without_o its_o form_n do_v god_n make_v a_o ordinance_n or_o any_o thing_n else_o without_o form_n if_o so_o what_o can_v you_o call_v it_o it_o be_v the_o form_n that_o give_v every_o thing_n to_o be_v or_o at_o least_o to_o be_v call_v what_o it_o be_v it_o be_v bad_a venture_v to_o say_v that_o god_n make_v a_o ordinance_n and_o leave_v man_n to_o form_v it_o as_o to_o the_o essential_o of_o it_o and_o see_v no_o nation_n can_v long_o endure_v without_o government_n nor_o that_o government_n subsist_v without_o form_n it_o seem_v necessary_a that_o both_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v of_o god_n and_o consequent_o where_o the_o form_n of_o government_n be_v regal_a or_o kingly_a it_o be_v of_o god_n and_o as_o such_o to_o be_v have_v in_o honour_n that_o god_n do_v by_o his_o providence_n order_n and_o permit_v man_n to_o transact_v order_n and_o settle_v the_o mode_n of_o government_n in_o nation_n which_o yet_o be_v unsettle_a in_o that_o respect_n do_v not_o prove_v that_o the_o form_n or_o settlement_n when_o make_v be_v not_o of_o god_n or_o not_o to_o be_v esteem_v so_o because_o in_o such_o a_o emergency_n the_o voice_n of_o the_o people_n together_o with_o god_n providence_n must_v herein_o be_v acknowledge_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n for_o thus_o in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n be_v that_o say_v true_a by_o i_o king_n reign_n and_o prince_n decree_v justice_n by_o i_o prince_n rule_v and_o noble_n even_o all_o the_o judge_n of_o the_o earth_n it_o be_v the_o most_o high_a god_n which_o give_v nabuchadnezzar_n a_o kingdom_n majesty_n glory_n and_o honour_n dan._n 5._o 18._o who_o then_o may_v question_v his_o regal_a power_n to_o be_v of_o god_n it_o be_v ill_a murmur_a worse_o dispute_v worst_a of_o all_o to_o fight_v against_o god_n sure_o if_o nabuchadnezzar_n must_v have_v this_o honour_n give_v to_o he_o as_o king_n even_o by_o daniel_n that_o servant_n of_o god_n because_o by_o the_o almighty_a he_o be_v thus_o exalt_v although_o otherwise_o he_o be_v a_o sinful_a man_n a_o great_a idolater_n it_o must_v needs_o resolve_v all_o doubt_n that_o may_v arise_v about_o the_o warrantableness_n of_o kingly_a government_n and_o all_o christian_n obedience_n to_o it_o with_o respect_n to_o all_o king_n under_o who_o they_o live_v whatsoever_o if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o some_o may_v usurp_v kingly_a government_n and_o some_o that_o have_v it_o may_v abuse_v it_o i_o answer_v though_o this_o be_v true_a yet_o it_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n for_o this_o be_v incident_a to_o all_o other_o form_n of_o government_n and_o when_o god_n permit_v such_o thing_n it_o be_v usual_o for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o people_n as_o it_o be_v write_v for_o the_o transgression_n of_o a_o land_n many_o be_v the_o prince_n thereof_o prov._n 28._o 2._o he_o give_v they_o a_o king_n in_o his_o wrath_n but_o this_o be_v because_o israel_n have_v reject_v god_n and_o his_o prophet_n samuel_n otherwise_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o give_v his_o people_n a_o king_n numb_a 23._o 21._o yea_o the_o government_n of_o moses_n himself_o be_v after_o a_o sort_n a_o regal_a or_o kingly_a government_n deut._n 33._o 4_o 5._o if_o then_o it_o so_o fall_v out_o that_o king_n or_o other_o ruler_n do_v oppress_v their_o subject_n i_o know_v no_o remedy_n for_o the_o subject_a but_o prayer_n and_o tear_n that_o god_n will_v turn_v their_o own_o heart_n more_o to_o his_o fear_n and_o the_o heart_n of_o their_o prince_n towards_o they_o for_o the_o heart_n of_o king_n be_v in_o his_o hand_n and_o with_o patient_a suffer_v and_o humble_a supplication_n to_o seek_v for_o favour_n for_o rebellion_n must_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v admit_v for_o it_o be_v as_o the_o sin_n of_o witchcraft_n be_v against_o god_n as_o well_o as_o against_o the_o king_n because_o it_o be_v against_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o hence_o tertullian_n well_o say_v the_o christian_n know_v that_o the_o emperor_n be_v constitute_v of_o god_n and_o say_v the_o prophet_n i_o have_v deliver_v all_o these_o country_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o nabuchadnezzar_n who_o then_o may_v take_v they_o out_o of_o his_o hand_n sure_a none_o but_o god_n who_o set_v up_o one_o and_o put_v down_o another_o as_o please_v he_o for_o he_o that_o give_v can_v only_o rightful_o take_v away_o and_o he_o do_v so_o when_o man_n abuse_v what_o he_o give_v mene_n mene_n takel_n vpharsin_n god_n have_v number_v thy_o kingdom_n and_o finish_v it_o and_o give_v it_o to_o the_o mede_n and_o persian_n dan._n 5._o 25_o 26._o if_o it_o be_v object_v from_o that_o passage_n they_o have_v set_v up_o king_n and_o not_o by_o i_o that_o kingly_a government_n be_v of_o man_n not_o of_o god_n i_o answer_v this_o rather_o prove_v the_o contrary_a for_o here_o a_o disorder_n only_o be_v reprove_v in_o the_o way_n of_o do_v that_o which_o they_o can_v not_o do_v right_o but_o by_o he_o that_o be_v god_n they_o so_o set_v up_o a_o king_n as_o they_o reject_v god_n that_o he_o shall_v not_o reign_v over_o they_o 1_o sam._n 8._o 7._o hence_o it_o be_v that_o samuel_n give_v they_o that_o reproof_n and_o exhortation_n 1_o sam._n 12._o 20._o you_o have_v do_v all_o this_o wickedness_n yet_o turn_v not_o aside_o from_o follow_v the_o lord_n but_o serve_v the_o lord_n with_o all_o your_o heart_n but_o god_n do_v not_o deny_v they_o a_o king_n no_o but_o he_o have_v give_v they_o direction_n how_o to_o choose_v they_o a_o king_n deut._n 17._o 14_o 15_o 16._o and_o most_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o of_o all_o civil_a government_n which_o god_n have_v set_v up_o in_o the_o world_n kingly_a government_n be_v the_o most_o frequent_a and_o permanent_a so_o far_o as_o the_o scripture_n give_v
of_o the_o commission_n give_v to_o ezra_n by_o artaxerxes_n that_o these_o thing_n be_v evident_a 1._o that_o the_o king_n do_v not_o himself_o embrace_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n but_o retain_v still_o his_o former_a religion_n for_o though_o he_o do_v fear_v the_o god_n of_o israel_n yet_o he_o never_o call_v he_o his_o god_n but_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o god_n of_o ezra_n etc._n etc._n 2._o that_o god_n have_v by_o a_o special_a providence_n and_o motion_n from_o himself_o dispose_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o king_n of_o persia_n to_o give_v free_a liberty_n to_o the_o jew_n which_o be_v captive_n in_o his_o dominion_n to_o go_v forth_o to_o serve_v their_o god_n vers_fw-la 13._o i_o make_v a_o decree_n that_o all_o they_o of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n and_o of_o his_o priest_n and_o levite_n in_o my_o realm_n which_o be_v mind_v of_o their_o own_o free_a will_n to_o go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n to_o go_v with_o thou_o to_o do_v whatsoever_o shall_v seem_v good_a to_o they_o after_o the_o will_n of_o your_o god_n 3._o the_o king_n do_v not_o only_o give_v a_o present_a supply_n to_o ezra_n as_o a_o free-will-offering_a to_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n vers_fw-la 15._o but_o also_o provide_v for_o his_o necessary_a supply_n for_o the_o future_a out_o of_o the_o king_n treasury_n vers_fw-la 20._o 4._o the_o king_n fear_v the_o displeasure_n of_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n against_o himself_o and_o his_o son_n do_v require_v ezra_n that_o whatsoever_o be_v require_v by_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n shall_v be_v diligent_o do_v 5._o the_o king_n also_o empower_v ezra_n to_o set_v magistrate_n and_o judge_n over_o the_o people_n and_o in_o so_o do_v give_v ezra_n a_o magistratical_a power_n or_o make_v he_o a_o magistrate_n and_o so_o give_v order_n that_o whosoever_o will_v not_o be_v obedient_a to_o he_o shall_v be_v punish_v vers_fw-la 25_o 26._o this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o commission_n give_v to_o ezra_n by_o the_o king_n of_o persia_n in_o all_o which_o nothing_o appear_v that_o any_o of_o his_o subject_n shall_v be_v compel_v to_o alter_v their_o religion_n nor_o be_v force_v to_o be_v all_o of_o one_o religion_n but_o a_o free_a liberty_n be_v give_v to_o the_o jew_n as_o well_o as_o to_o other_o to_o serve_v their_o god_n according_a to_o his_o law_n and_o a_o restraint_n lay_v upon_o they_o that_o will_v hinder_v they_o and_o ezra_n be_v empower_v indeed_o to_o punish_v those_o that_o be_v under_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n according_a to_o that_o law_n if_o they_o will_v not_o do_v it_o and_o such_o as_o withstand_v his_o authority_n as_o a_o magistrate_n which_o he_o receive_v from_o the_o king_n be_v to_o be_v punish_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o king_n of_o persia_n who_o have_v the_o power_n of_o life_n and_o death_n in_o his_o hand_n which_o the_o jewish_a nation_n have_v not_o at_o this_o time_n 6._o we_o may_v learn_v hence_o that_o it_o be_v indeed_o a_o bless_a thing_n for_o all_o king_n to_o fear_v the_o god_n of_o heaven_n and_o to_o advance_v the_o interest_n of_o religion_n in_o their_o dominion_n and_o it_o be_v as_o evident_a that_o religion_n must_v always_o be_v settle_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n with_o the_o great_a care_n that_o may_v be_v and_o none_o punish_v for_o keep_v the_o law_n of_o god_n but_o for_o break_v the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o the_o law_n of_o the_o king_n which_o do_v concur_v with_o the_o law_n of_o god_n here_o be_v great_a punishment_n assign_v and_o yet_o not_o to_o be_v insist_v on_o too_o rash_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n nor_o in_o case_n pure_o evangelical_n or_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v dignify_v above_o the_o principle_n of_o common_a reason_n and_o morality_n in_o these_o case_n i_o can_v see_v how_o it_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o magistrate_n to_o compel_v any_o against_o their_o will_n see_v its_o god_n not_o man_n that_o make_v christian_n ephes_n 2._o 10._o we_o be_v his_o workmanship_n create_v in_o christ_n jesus_n unto_o good_a work_n which_o god_n have_v before_o ordain_v that_o we_o shall_v walk_v in_o they_o and_o god_n give_v none_o the_o privilege_n of_o his_o child_n until_o they_o be_v his_o child_n nor_o be_v they_o his_o child_n till_o they_o be_v bear_v not_o of_o blood_n nor_o of_o flesh_n nor_o of_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n john_n 1._o 12_o 13._o 7._o nor_o must_v we_o deny_v but_o acknowledge_v that_o god_n vicegerent_n be_v authorize_v by_o the_o almighty_a to_o be_v keeper_n of_o both_o table_n so_o as_o to_o defend_v his_o sovereignty_n and_o to_o encourage_v true_a religion_n against_o atheist_n and_o idolater_n that_o worship_v a_o creature_n instead_o of_o the_o creator_n for_o so_o it_o be_v write_v job_n 31._o 26_o 27_o 28._o if_o i_o behold_v the_o sun_n when_o it_o shine_v or_o the_o moon_n walk_v in_o brightness_n and_o my_o heart_n have_v be_v secret_o entice_v or_o my_o mouth_n have_v kiss_v my_o hand_n this_o also_o be_v a_o iniquity_n to_o be_v punish_v by_o the_o judge_n for_o i_o shall_v have_v deny_v god_n that_o be_v above_o now_o let_v we_o write_v or_o desire_v the_o lord_n to_o write_v the_o word_n of_o our_o text_n in_o our_o heart_n honour_v all_o man_n love_v the_o brotherhood_n fear_v god_n honour_v the_o king_n sure_o that_o christian_a that_o shall_v make_v it_o his_o business_n to_o do_v these_o thing_n hearty_o shall_v be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o approve_v of_o man_n there_o shall_v be_v no_o occasion_n of_o stumble_v in_o he_o but_o if_o christian_n be_v too_o busy_a to_o inspect_v matter_n of_o state_n or_o to_o meddle_v with_o those_o that_o contrive_v or_o project_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o disturbance_n and_o subversion_n of_o the_o government_n in_o the_o kingdom_n where_o they_o live_v they_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o recommend_v their_o religion_n be_v it_o never_o so_o good_a in_o itself_o to_o the_o acceptance_n of_o their_o governor_n nor_o to_o obtain_v from_o they_o to_o be_v nursing-fathers_n to_o it_o but_o shall_v certain_o expose_v themselves_o to_o the_o displeasure_n of_o god_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o wrath_n of_o prince_n and_o god_n himself_o will_v vindicate_v the_o honour_n of_o his_o ordinance_n of_o worldly_a government_n against_o all_o that_o despise_v it_o as_o well_o as_o against_o all_o that_o abuse_v their_o power_n in_o it_o for_o there_o be_v no_o respect_n of_o person_n with_o god_n rom._n 2._o 11._o let_v i_o therefore_o exhort_v you_o my_o brethren_n as_o you_o know_v it_o have_v be_v my_o manner_n these_o thirty_o year_n to_o follow_v peace_n with_o all_o man_n and_o holiness_n to_o study_v to_o be_v quiet_a and_o especial_o in_o troublesome_a time_n to_o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o the_o king_n and_o meddle_v not_o with_o they_o that_o be_v give_v to_o change_v prov._n 24._o 21._o many_o have_v undo_v themselves_o by_o itch_a after_o change_n in_o worldly_a government_n god_n only_o know_v what_o be_v best_a for_o you_o and_o for_o the_o nation_n they_o that_o be_v weary_a of_o this_o be_v soon_o weary_a of_o that_o few_o know_v what_o they_o will_v have_v and_o who_o be_v able_a to_o devise_v any_o thing_n that_o will_v please_v all_o humour_n and_o suit_v all_o interest_n bless_v god_n for_o your_o prince_n and_o for_o the_o peace_n you_o have_v enjoy_v under_o he_o and_o pray_v for_o he_o and_o for_o all_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n that_o under_o they_o if_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v so_o you_o may_v lead_v quiet_a and_o peaceable_a life_n in_o all_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n they_o that_o will_v not_o pray_v for_o all_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n do_v not_o fear_n god_n for_o they_o contemn_v his_o word_n 1_o tim._n 2._o 1._o they_o do_v not_o love_v and_o so_o they_o can_v honour_v the_o king_n you_o be_v at_o present_a under_o suffering_n for_o the_o conscientious_a performance_n of_o what_o you_o believe_v to_o be_v your_o duty_n towards_o god_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n humble_v yourselves_o under_o the_o mighty_a hand_n of_o god_n and_o suffer_v patient_o what_o trial_n it_o shall_v please_v god_n to_o exercise_v you_o under_o that_o as_o our_o apostle_n have_v it_o 1_o pet._n 1._o 7._o the_o trial_n of_o your_o faith_n be_v much_o more_o precious_a than_o that_o of_o gold_n that_o perish_v though_o it_o be_v try_v with_o fire_n may_v be_v find_v unto_o praise_n and_o honour_n and_o glory_n at_o the_o appear_v of_o jesus_n christ_n i_o say_v no_o more_o the_o lord_n direct_v you_o amen_o now_o if_o it_o shall_v please_v god_n to_o bring_v this_o faithful_a though_o unpolished_a discourse_v to_o his_o majesty_n royal_a hand_n i_o do_v hereby_o
must_v be_v obey_v in_o thing_n religious_a though_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o earth_n say_v nay_o and_o to_o this_o agree_v the_o holy_a psalmist_n psal_n 119._o 23._o prince_n sit_v and_o speak_v against_o i_o that_o be_v they_o sit_v on_o the_o throne_n and_o deree_v thing_n against_o he_o but_o thy_o servant_n do_v meditate_v in_o thy_o statute_n he_o will_v not_o depart_v from_o the_o way_n of_o god_n though_o he_o be_v persecute_v psal_n 119._o 161._o prince_n perfecute_v i_o without_o a_o cause_n but_o my_o heart_n stand_v in_o awe_n of_o thy_o word_n but_o here_o it_o may_v be_v fit_a to_o obviate_v a_o objection_n it_o will_v be_v say_v though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o all_o that_o fear_n god_n be_v bind_v thus_o to_o obey_v god_n and_o not_o man_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o to_o suffer_v patient_o rather_o than_o to_o sin_n yet_o whether_o in_o thing_n indifferent_a which_o be_v neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v if_o prince_n here_o make_v ufe_fw-fr of_o their_o authority_n christian_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o obey_v active_o as_o for_o example_n about_o the_o place_n of_o worship_n etc._n etc._n to_o this_o it_o may_v be_v answer_v see_v god_n have_v forbid_v no_o place_n if_o that_o be_v all_o the_o business_n he_o be_v a_o mad_a man_n that_o will_v not_o actual_o obey_v and_o consequent_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v authority_n in_o every_o case_n that_o be_v like_o it_o as_o thus_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n for_o a_o nation_n in_o a_o time_n of_o common_a calamity_n to_o humble_v themselves_o by_o fast_v and_o prayer_n and_o doubtless_o it_o be_v best_o this_o be_v do_v at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o none_o so_o fit_a to_o order_v this_o as_o the_o magistrate_n if_o therefore_o authority_n command_v the_o ten_o twenty_o or_o thirty_o day_n of_o such_o a_o month_n for_o such_o a_o service_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o he_o shall_v be_v guilty_a of_o sin_n that_o shall_v in_o this_o refuse_v such_o time_n mere_o because_o it_o be_v appoint_v by_o the_o magistrate_n authority_n and_o if_o there_o be_v a_o hundred_o case_n of_o this_o kind_n the_o same_o answer_n must_v be_v give_v in_o they_o all_o for_o aught_o i_o see_v or_o else_o under_o pretence_n of_o fear_v god_n we_o shall_v dishonour_v the_o king_n which_o be_v a_o sin_n of_o a_o high_a nature_n though_o christian_n be_v subject_n to_o prince_n yet_o prince_n be_v subject_n to_o god_n and_o in_o the_o sphere_n where_o god_n have_v set_v they_o can_v do_v nothing_o more_o please_v to_o he_o than_o to_o promote_v the_o interest_n of_o religion_n by_o discountenance_v profaneness_n and_o irreligion_n and_o by_o give_v encouragement_n to_o the_o lover_n of_o it_o but_o then_o as_o they_o be_v subject_n to_o christ_n they_o be_v fellow-servant_n with_o their_o subject_n yea_o the_o angel_n think_v not_o themselves_o too_o high_a to_o be_v call_v so_o rev._n 19_o 10._o and_o therefore_o must_v with_o their_o subject_n be_v obedient_a to_o one_o lawgiver_n even_o jesus_n and_o not_o assume_v power_n to_o make_v law_n for_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n in_o religion_n nor_o to_o force_v they_o to_o go_v beyond_o their_o knowledge_n and_o faith_n in_o thing_n of_o that_o kind_n see_v what_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n and_o we_o must_v every_o one_o give_v a_o account_n of_o himself_o unto_o god_n 5._o the_o last_o particular_a i_o shall_v insist_v upon_o as_o necessary_a to_o the_o true_a fear_n of_o god_n be_v to_o avoid_v covetousness_n and_o worldly-mindedness_a covetousness_n be_v say_v to_o be_v idolatry_n and_o he_o that_o be_v a_o covetous_a person_n make_v little_o further_o use_v of_o religion_n than_o to_o be_v a_o cloak_n for_o his_o iniquity_n he_o fear_v not_o god_n he_o serve_v not_o the_o lord_n christ_n but_o his_o own_o belly_n for_o this_o he_o preach_v for_o this_o he_o pray_v and_o without_o this_o he_o will_v do_v neither_o these_o be_v the_o man_n that_o make_v merchandise_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n suppose_v as_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o gain_n be_v godliness_n i_o meet_v with_o a_o notable_a passage_n in_o our_o english_a chronicle_n in_o the_o six_o century_n it_o be_v say_v the_o clergy_n of_o britain_n set_v all_o their_o mind_n to_o serve_v god_n and_o not_o the_o world_n the_o heart_n and_o not_o the_o belly_n wherefore_o then_o be_v they_o have_v in_o great_a reverence_n and_o honour_n but_o as_o they_o increase_v in_o earthly_a treasure_n so_o they_o decrease_v in_o heavenly_a treasure_n fab._n chron._n 5_o part_n cap._n 134._o let_v all_o that_o fear_n god_n beware_v of_o this_o evil_a disease_n especial_o such_o as_o be_v minister_n of_o christ_n no_o man_n can_v serve_v two_o master_n you_o can_v serve_v god_n and_o mammon_n say_v our_o saviour_n mat._n 6._o 24._o thus_o much_o of_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n let_v we_o now_o consider_v the_o debt_n which_o we_o owe_v to_o our_o king_n honour_n the_o king_n although_o by_o the_o order_n of_o our_o text_n we_o be_v to_o speak_v of_o this_o weighty_a subject_n in_o the_o last_o place_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o the_o least_o part_n of_o our_o duty_n for_o as_o the_o ancient_a christian_n be_v wont_a to_o speak_v so_o it_o remain_v a_o eternal_a truth_n that_o as_o god_n be_v above_o the_o emperor_n so_o none_o other_o be_v above_o the_o emperor_n but_o god_n and_o consequent_o our_o duty_n next_o to_o almighty_a god_n be_v to_o our_o prince_n as_o we_o see_v here_o in_o our_o text_n the_o honour_n of_o the_o king_n be_v provide_v for_o next_o to_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n we_o have_v already_o show_v in_o the_o open_n of_o the_o word_n that_o the_o king_n here_o mean_v or_o immediate_o speak_v of_o be_v a_o heathen_a king_n and_o a_o great_a idolater_n in_o his_o religion_n and_o yet_o the_o holy-ghost_n do_v here_o oblige_v all_o christian_n even_o of_o the_o high_a rank_n to_o honour_v such_o king_n peter_n himself_o and_o consequent_o all_o his_o successor_n not_o except_v for_o indeed_o he_o have_v learn_v this_o obedience_n of_o one_o high_a than_o himself_o even_o jesus_n christ_n and_o therefore_o must_v needs_o recommend_v the_o same_o to_o all_o christian_n and_o hence_o the_o doctrine_n be_v doct._n iu._n all_o christian_n be_v bind_v by_o gospel-rule_n to_o be_v good_a subject_n to_o prince_n to_o honour_v their_o person_n and_o conscientious_o to_o obey_v their_o authority_n 1._o to_o evince_v this_o great_a truth_n it_o may_v be_v needful_a to_o show_v that_o kingly_a power_n or_o government_n be_v of_o god_n not_o in_o the_o sense_n profane_o object_v by_o some_o writer_n wherein_o plague_n disease_n and_o punishment_n be_v of_o god_n for_o the_o apostle_n paul_n do_v express_o contradict_v such_o a_o ungodly_a exposition_n rom._n 15._o 1_o etc._n etc._n wherein_o he_o aver_v even_o of_o the_o same_o kingly_a power_n speak_v of_o by_o peter_n that_o it_o be_v ordain_v of_o god_n that_o the_o magistrate_n be_v god_n minister_n to_o the_o christian_a man_n as_o well_o as_o any_o other_o for_o good_a to_o execute_v wrath_n upon_o he_o that_o do_v evil._n which_o word_n minister_n refer_v evident_o to_o he_o that_o bear_v the_o sword_n of_o justice_n and_o not_o to_o the_o power_n only_o which_o yet_o he_o affirm_v to_o be_v of_o god_n and_o confirm_v it_o by_o this_o argument_n for_o there_o be_v no_o power_n but_o of_o god_n the_o power_n that_o be_v be_v ordain_v of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v the_o only_a comfortable_a ground_n of_o obedience_n to_o the_o high_a power_n to_o be_v well_o satisfy_v in_o this_o that_o whether_o it_o fall_v out_o our_o obedience_n shall_v be_v active_a or_o passive_a yet_o therein_o we_o conform_v ourselves_o to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n or_o to_o his_o ordinance_n and_o he_o that_o shall_v resist_v the_o power_n do_v resist_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n 2._o that_o kingly_a government_n be_v of_o god_n as_o clear_o if_o not_o more_o clear_o than_o any_o other_o form_n of_o government_n be_v very_o plain_a from_o the_o text_n itself_o consider_v with_o the_o context_n vers_fw-la 13_o 14._o submit_v yourselves_o to_o every_o ordinance_n of_o man_n for_o the_o lord_n sake_n whether_o it_o be_v to_o the_o king_n as_o supreme_a or_o unto_o governor_n as_o unto_o they_o that_o be_v send_v by_o he_o etc._n etc._n where_o supremacy_n over_o all_o person_n in_o thing_n civil_a be_v so_o clear_o give_v to_o the_o king_n by_o god_n himself_o even_o over_o governor_n as_o well_o as_o the_o people_n govern_v that_o it_o must_v in_o no_o wise_n be_v deny_v 3._o if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o though_o the_o power_n magistratical_a be_v of_o god_n yet_o the_o form_n or_o mode_n of_o it_o be_v of_o man_n because_o according_a to_o the_o greek_a 1_o pet._n 2._o 13._o may_v be_v read_v
this_o example_n 2._o our_o saviour_n have_v lead_v we_o the_o right_a way_n give_v unto_o caesar_n the_o thing_n which_o be_v caesar_n but_o what_o thing_n be_v they_o why_o the_o thing_n which_o bear_v his_o image_n and_o superscription_n who_o image_n and_o superscription_n be_v this_o say_v christ_n they_o say_v caesar_n therefore_o say_v christ_n give_v unto_o caesar_n etc._n etc._n we_o may_v hence_o fair_o infer_v that_o whatsoever_o bear_v the_o king_n authority_n or_o be_v require_v in_o his_o name_n must_v be_v obey_v submit_v yourselves_o to_o every_o ordinance_n of_o man_n for_o the_o lord_n sake_n whether_o it_o be_v to_o the_o king_n as_o supreme_a or_o unto_o governor_n as_o unto_o those_o that_o be_v send_v by_o he_o mark_v if_o they_o be_v send_v by_o he_o they_o bear_v his_o image_n or_o superscription_n they_o represent_v the_o king_n submit_v submit_v either_o active_o or_o passive_o here_o be_v no_o resist_v for_o here_o come_v caesar_n only_o here_o it_o must_v be_v mind_v caesar_n superscription_n be_v only_o to_o be_v put_v to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o man._n none_o can_v put_v a_o divine_a character_n upon_o a_o law_n but_o god_n and_o we_o must_v give_v to_o god_n the_o thing_n which_o be_v god_n divine_a obedience_n or_o obedience_n in_o all_o divine_a thing_n to_o god_n civil_a obedience_n or_o obedience_n in_o all_o civil_a thing_n to_o caesar_n thus_o have_v our_o saviour_n divide_v the_o matter_n of_o christian_n and_o all_o man_n obedience_n to_o god_n and_o to_o caesar_n let_v we_o hold_v to_o this_o most_o just_a settlement_n a_o better_a can_v possible_o be_v give_v 3._o st._n paul_n will_v have_v christian_n subjection_n to_o caesar_n to_o proceed_v from_o they_o of_o pure_a conscience_n or_o for_o conscience_n sake_n rom._n 13._o not_o only_a wrath._n and_o of_o this_o reason_n will_v that_o we_o give_v all_o the_o assurance_n that_o we_o can_v to_o prince_n that_o we_o be_v hearty_o their_o subject_n and_o willing_o obedient_a in_o all_o thing_n which_o concern_v their_o government_n over_o we_o this_o principle_n of_o obedience_n in_o the_o heart_n will_v make_v our_o obedience_n to_o prince_n delightful_a and_o durable_a they_o that_o have_v this_o good_a principle_n in_o they_o will_v never_o be_v weary_a of_o any_o reasonable_a labour_n service_n or_o hazard_v for_o their_o king_n where_o it_o be_v want_v the_o king_n can_v put_v no_o confidence_n in_o they_o this_o be_v so_o reasonable_a so_o necessary_a that_o he_o that_o have_v not_o such_o a_o heart_n for_o his_o sovereign_n be_v unworthy_a the_o name_n of_o a_o subject_a he_o be_v no_o subject_a from_o this_o principle_n we_o be_v to_o pay_v tribute_n also_o rom._n 13._o 6_o 7._o and_o not_o grudge_o and_o when_o prince_n see_v man_n ready_a in_o conscience_n of_o their_o duty_n to_o serve_v they_o as_o god_n vicegerent_n how_o natural_o will_v this_o draw_v back_o again_o the_o influence_n of_o all_o princely_a favour_n that_o prince_n who_o be_v thus_o happy_a in_o the_o obedience_n of_o his_o subject_n will_v doubtless_o as_o a_o love_a father_n contrive_v the_o best_a to_o make_v his_o subject_n happy_a under_o his_o government_n 4._o how_o clear_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o our_o superior_n deliver_v by_o st._n paul_n tit._n 3._o 1_o etc._n etc._n put_v they_o in_o mind_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o principality_n and_o power_n to_o obey_v magistrate_n to_o be_v ready_a to_o every_o good_a work_n let_v the_o power_n be_v in_o this_o or_o the_o other_o form_n for_o all_o nation_n have_v not_o the_o same_o form_n of_o government_n you_o must_v not_o dispute_v that_o you_o must_v cheerful_o obey_v as_o become_v man_n of_o a_o ready_a mind_n to_o do_v the_o good_a command_v by_o magistrate_n you_o must_v not_o ask_v whether_o they_o be_v heathen_a king_n or_o christian_a king_n you_o must_v obey_v all_o king_n or_o magistrate_n for_o they_o be_v god_n minister_n attend_v on_o this_o very_a thing_n i._n e._n the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n a_o very_a necessary_a thing_n without_o which_o human_a society_n can_v subsist_v here_o be_v no_o limitation_n of_o time_n for_o your_o subjection_n to_o prince_n power_n and_o magistrate_n you_o be_v under_o this_o obligation_n so_o long_o as_o st._n paul_n epistle_n to_o titus_n be_v canonical_a let_v not_o then_o any_o idle_a dream_n of_o the_o change_n of_o dispensation_n subvert_v you_o from_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel-rule_n deliver_v in_o this_o great_a case_n in_o which_o the_o happiness_n of_o christian_a man_n as_o such_o be_v much_o concern_v for_o who_o shall_v harm_v they_o if_o they_o be_v careful_a follower_n of_o that_o which_o be_v good_a 1_o pet._n 3._o 13._o but_o if_o it_o so_o fall_v out_o that_o notwithstanding_o your_o care_n in_o this_o matter_n you_o must_v suffer_v for_o righteousness_n sake_n then_o happy_a be_v you_o etc._n etc._n for_o still_o religious_a obedience_n be_v due_a to_o god_n and_o must_v be_v pay_v to_o he_o 5._o this_o place_n tit._n 3._o 1._o command_n christian_n to_o be_v ready_a to_o every_o good_a work_n obj._n what_o if_o the_o power_n command_v otherwise_o what_o then_o for_o answer_v to_o this_o we_o know_v we_o have_v a_o obligation_n to_o obey_v god_n antecedent_n to_o that_o of_o our_o obedience_n to_o king_n as_o have_v be_v show_v he_o command_v we_o to_o abstain_v from_o every_o appearance_n of_o evil_a 1_o thess_n 5._o 22._o wherefore_o if_o the_o power_n shall_v be_v so_o unhappy_a to_o command_v otherwise_o as_o it_o fall_v out_o in_o the_o case_n of_o nabuchadnezzar_n dan._n 5._o there_o the_o penalty_n must_v be_v patient_o endure_v and_o then_o the_o power_n be_v still_o obey_v and_o though_o some_o vain_o upbraid_v we_o that_o there_o either_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o passive_a obedience_n or_o that_o our_o obedience_n in_o this_o be_v like_o the_o obedience_n of_o a_o felon_n when_o he_o go_v to_o the_o gallow_n etc._n etc._n such_o blind_a byard_n may_v be_v please_v to_o know_v the_o felon_n have_v ordinary_o nothing_o to_o choose_v but_o must_v necessary_o die_v whereas_o the_o suffer_a christian_n have_v life_n and_o liberty_n offer_v if_o he_o will_v but_o worship_v so_o or_o so_o now_o here_o he_o choose_v rather_o to_o suffer_v than_o to_o do_v that_o which_o he_o conceive_v at_o least_o to_o be_v sin_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n that_o so_o he_o may_v be_v a_o faithful_a witness_n for_o god_n and_o therein_o a_o blessing_n to_o his_o prince_n and_o to_o his_o nation_n which_o be_v his_o only_a way_n to_o silence_v the_o ignorance_n of_o foolish_a man_n who_o unwary_a objection_n reflect_v not_o only_o upon_o all_o true_a martyr_n since_o the_o world_n begin_v but_o upon_o christ_n himself_o who_o for_o this_o cause_n be_v hate_v and_o persecute_v because_o he_o bear_v witness_v to_o the_o truth_n joh._n 18._o 37._o and_o that_o the_o work_n of_o the_o world_n be_v evil_a john_n 7._o 7._o 6._o but_o if_o it_o shall_v happen_v that_o prince_n shall_v some_o way_n entrench_v upon_o the_o civil_a right_n of_o their_o subject_n what_o then_o must_v we_o do_v what_o then_o why_o it_o be_v dangerous_a to_o contend_v with_o they_o in_o such_o case_n we_o be_v teach_v otherwise_o by_o the_o example_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o his_o direction_n to_o st._n peter_n in_o the_o case_n of_o pay_v tribute_n to_o the_o roman_a magistrate_n mat._n 17._o 25_o 26_o 27._o for_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o this_o place_n that_o our_o saviour_n be_v not_o oblige_v by_o law_n to_o pay_v custom_n or_o tribute_n but_o be_v free_a in_o that_o case_n yet_o it_o be_v demand_v he_o advise_v peter_n to_o pay_v it_o both_o for_o himself_o and_o his_o master_n so_o careful_a be_v he_o to_o avoid_v offence_n that_o he_o will_v pay_v tribute_n and_o advise_v his_o follower_n to_o do_v it_o too_o though_o it_o be_v in_o their_o own_o wrong_n a_o good_a precedent_n to_o all_o christian_n to_o be_v humble_a and_o not_o to_o contend_v with_o authority_n in_o or_o about_o indifferent_a thing_n will_v god_n they_o will_v consider_v it_o 7._o but_o it_o may_v here_o be_v demand_v whether_o prince_n may_v not_o warrantable_o punish_v such_o as_o submit_v not_o to_o the_o religion_n by_o they_o establish_v from_o the_o example_n of_o king_n artaxerxes_n ezra_n 7._o 26._o whosoever_o will_v not_o do_v the_o law_n of_o thy_o god_n and_o the_o law_n of_o the_o king_n let_v judgement_n be_v execute_v speedy_o upon_o he_o whether_o it_o be_v unto_o death_n or_o to_o banishment_n or_o to_o confiscation_n of_o good_n or_o to_o imprisonment_n i_o confess_v this_o objection_n require_v a_o serious_a answer_n and_o with_o submission_n to_o better_a judgement_n i_o shall_v say_v a_o few_o thing_n in_o answer_n to_o it_o and_o it_o seem_v by_o the_o scope_n and_o contexture_n
word_n at_o any_o time_n or_o in_o any_o place_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a command_v every_o man_n that_o have_v a_o ear_n to_o hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n rev._n 2._o 7._o saying_n to_o day_n if_o you_o will_v hear_v his_o voice_n harden_v not_o your_o heart_n psal_n 95._o 7._o proclaim_v to_o every_o one_o that_o thirst_v to_o come_v and_o take_v of_o the_o water_n of_o life_n free_o isa_n 55._o 1._o to_o who_o gracious_a invitation_n the_o spirit_n and_o the_o bride_n the_o church_n agree_v say_v come_v rev._n 22._o 17._o it_o must_v needs_o be_v very_o dangerous_a for_o any_o man_n to_o say_v do_v not_o come_v when_o they_o desire_v to_o drink_v of_o these_o live_a water_n which_o flow_v in_o the_o lively_a preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o how_o can_v we_o think_v that_o our_o gracious_a god_n who_o in_o thing_n pertain_v to_o this_o life_n will_v not_o allow_v we_o to_o say_v to_o our_o neighbour_n go_v away_o and_o come_v again_o to_o morrow_n and_o i_o will_v give_v when_o we_o have_v it_o by_o we_o prov._n 3._o 27_o 28._o will_n ever_o accept_v we_o with_o a_o well-done_a good_a and_o faithful_a servant_n if_o in_o the_o more_o weighty_a matter_n of_o his_o law_n we_o put_v man_n off_o with_o delatory_a answer_n behold_v now_o be_v the_o accept_a time_n behold_v now_o be_v the_o day_n of_o salvation_n it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o the_o church_n be_v the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n a_o city_n set_v upon_o a_o hill_n that_o can_v be_v hide_v whilst_o therefore_o we_o be_v conscionable_o and_o we_o trust_v ground_o persuade_v that_o we_o be_v a_o part_n of_o this_o church_n a_o necessity_n lie_v upon_o we_o to_o make_v manifest_a the_o savour_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n in_o every_o place_n for_o as_o it_o be_v true_o say_v to_o christ_n that_o no_o man_n do_v any_o thing_n in_o secret_a and_o himself_o desire_v to_o be_v know_v open_o so_o neither_o must_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n obscure_v her_o light_n by_o a_o secret_a profession_n of_o christianity_n lest_o she_o contradict_v she_o own_o prayer_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n hold_v forth_o in_o these_o word_n god_n be_v merciful_a to_o we_o and_o bless_v we_o and_o cause_v his_o face_n to_o shine_v upon_o we_o that_o his_o way_n may_v be_v know_v upon_o the_o earth_n and_o his_o saving-health_n among_o all_o nation_n and_o now_o lord_n behold_v their_o threaten_n and_o grant_v unto_o thy_o servant_n that_o with_o all_o boldness_n they_o may_v speak_v thy_o word_n and_o they_o speak_v the_o word_n with_o boldness_n and_o they_o overcome_v he_o by_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o lamb_n by_o the_o word_n of_o their_o testimony_n and_o they_o love_v not_o their_o life_n unto_o the_o death_n and_o become_v follower_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n have_v receive_v the_o word_n in_o much_o affliction_n with_o joy_n of_o the_o holy-ghost_n and_o if_o for_o the_o like_a faithful_a testimony_n we_o must_v still_o suffer_v as_o we_o have_v do_v we_o shall_v rejoice_v as_o christ_n have_v exhort_v we_o the_o church_n be_v teach_v of_o god_n to_o hold_v fast_o not_o her_o faith_n only_o but_o also_o the_o profession_n of_o her_o faith_n and_o this_o not_o by_o start_n and_o gird_n as_o man_n give_v they_o licence_n or_o toleration_n but_o with_o all_o constancy_n and_o without_o waver_v and_o sure_o our_o lord_n foresee_v and_o by_o his_o apostle_n foreshow_v what_o will_v come_v to_o pass_v require_v that_o this_o profession_n be_v hold_v without_o waver_v in_o the_o business_n of_o church-assembling_a heb._n 10._o 25._o because_o without_o such_o assembly_n the_o whole_a service_n of_o god_n in_o a_o churchway_n be_v like_a to_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n this_o duty_n as_o it_o be_v of_o great_a importance_n so_o it_o be_v found_v upon_o heaven_n authority_n forsake_v not_o the_o assemble_v of_o yourselves_o together_o and_o it_o be_v grant_v by_o the_o learned_a protestant_n that_o against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n or_o nature_n no_o contrary_a custom_n do_v ever_o prevail_v dr._n field_n of_o the_o church_n lib._n 4._o he_o that_o do_v any_o thing_n by_o command_n from_o the_o king_n contrary_a to_o the_o command_n of_o god_n do_v not_o fear_n god_n say_v dr._n savage_n chaplain_n to_o k._n charles_n two_o in_o his_o dew_n of_o hermon_n p._n 36_o to_o 39_o and_o speak_v of_o the_o first_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o say_v their_o ruler_n enjoin_v they_o not_o to_o preach_v christ_n and_o therein_o they_o do_v well_o to_o disobey_v for_o otherwise_o they_o have_v not_o fear_v god_n inasmuch_o as_o though_o their_o ruler_n be_v above_o they_o yet_o god_n be_v above_o they_o both_o for_o in_o command_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o word_n and_o will_n of_o god_n they_o abuse_v their_o power_n either_o through_o their_o ignorance_n or_o wilfulness_n and_o in_o that_o case_n mere_o passive_a obedience_n be_v to_o be_v yield_v these_o latter_a sentence_n be_v the_o more_o remarkable_a be_v write_v by_o one_o of_o his_o majesty_n chaplain_n in_o answer_n to_o a_o book_n write_v by_o the_o baptise_a believer_n in_o this_o age_n entitle_v sion_n groan_n for_o her_o distress_a which_o book_n whilst_o he_o pretend_v to_o confute_v he_o have_v confirm_v it_o in_o the_o main_a scope_n and_o intent_n of_o it_o as_o it_o be_v impossible_a by_o mulct_n and_o penalty_n to_o overcome_v the_o faithful_a professor_n of_o the_o truth_n for_o that_o which_o be_v of_o god_n man_n can_v overthrow_v act_v 5._o 39_o so_o neither_o will_v those_o that_o be_v zealous_a for_o error_n be_v vanquish_v by_o that_o way_n and_o the_o mischief_n be_v their_o error_n be_v by_o their_o suffering_n make_v the_o more_o take_v with_o those_o of_o weak_a judgement_n what_o then_o be_v the_o result_n of_o persecution_n for_o religion_n be_v it_o not_o common_o this_o that_o the_o hypocrite_n or_o time-servers_a do_v fill_v that_o church_n which_o have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n on_o her_o side_n and_o suppose_v she_o have_v the_o truth_n on_o her_o side_n yet_o those_o temporizer_n come_v not_o to_o her_o communion_n for_o the_o truth_n sake_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v a_o blessing_n to_o she_o nor_o she_o to_o they_o nay_o these_o shall_v the_o soon_a of_o all_o other_o betray_v she_o when_o ever_o time_n shall_v minister_v occasion_n for_o those_o who_o be_v not_o true_a to_o god_n and_o their_o own_o conscience_n will_v never_o be_v faithful_a to_o men._n they_o worship_v not_o the_o king_n of_o heaven_n but_o the_o earthly_a crown_n and_o sceptre_n much_o like_o euripus_n carry_v headlong_o sometime_o this_o way_n sometime_o that_o way_n socrat._v lib._n 3._o cap._n 21._o but_o short_o to_o sum_v up_o what_o be_v or_o may_v be_v further_o say_v in_o this_o case_n 1._o to_o restrict_n our_o assembly_n to_o the_o limit_n of_o the_o say_a act_n be_v to_o obey_v man_n rather_o than_o god_n who_o give_v liberty_n without_o limit_v the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o meet_v to_o worship_v he_o in_o a_o churchway_n and_o whilst_o we_o believe_v our_o assembly_n be_v true_a church_n we_o must_v endeavour_v to_o meet_v in_o god_n way_n whoever_o countermand_v it_o 2._o for_o thus_o to_o limit_v our_o assembly_n to_o the_o number_n of_o four_o will_v certain_o destroy_v all_o our_o church-assembly_n for_o suppose_v some_o congregation_n or_o church_n consist_v but_o of_o a_o hundred_o person_n these_o be_v divide_v into_o four_n have_v no_o church-assemble_o unless_o every_o of_o these_o four_o be_v a_o church_n and_o if_o the_o magistrate_n have_v just_a power_n to_o divide_v we_o into_o four_n or_o five_o he_o have_v power_n to_o subdivide_v we_o into_o two_o and_o by_o consequence_n to_o dissolve_v all_o our_o assembly_n i_o confess_v a_o small_a number_n may_v constitute_v a_o true_a church_n gregory_n thaumaturgus_n though_o a_o bishop_n have_v a_o church_n consist_v but_o of_o seventeen_o person_n basil_n de_fw-fr spirit_n sanct._n cap._n 29._o our_o saviour_n have_v promise_v his_o presence_n where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v meet_v together_o in_o his_o name_n but_o then_o in_o his_o name_n signify_v in_o his_o authority_n and_o according_a to_o his_o appointment_n now_o christ_n have_v no_o where_o appoint_v that_o four_o and_o no_o more_o shall_v come_v together_o into_o one_o house_n or_o place_n no_o though_o a_o hundred_o person_n be_v come_v together_o if_o more_o do_v come_v they_o can_v be_v prohibit_v by_o all_o that_o power_n which_o god_n have_v give_v to_o man_n as_o we_o have_v show_v 3._o our_o zealous_a countryman_n of_o the_o parochial_a way_n will_v think_v it_o very_o unlawful_a to_o be_v limit_v in_o their_o meeting_n to_o four_o or_o five_o and_o yet_o they_o ought_v to_o
the_o apostle_n themselves_o will_v in_o all_o likelihood_n throw_v the_o power_n of_o ordination_n out_o of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n at_o this_o day_n especial_o if_o we_o stand_v upon_o the_o due_a election_n and_o qualification_n of_o person_n so_o claim_v succession_n from_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o because_o due_a qualification_n and_o election_n be_v as_o necessary_a to_o a_o true_a minister_n of_o christ_n as_o ordination_n see_v it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o unless_o god_n do_v first_o make_v man_n minister_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o the_o church_n right_o to_o make_v they_o minister_n we_o shall_v here_o add_v that_o beside_o his_o moral_a virtue_n and_o spiritual_a gift_n he_o that_o be_v regular_o call_v to_o the_o ministry_n must_v first_o be_v a_o true_a member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o choose_v by_o a_o true_a church_n to_o that_o sacred_a employment_n and_o then_o we_o may_v bold_o yet_o modest_o suppose_v that_o true_a ordination_n at_o least_o in_o some_o part_n of_o it_o be_v only_o find_v in_o the_o congregation_n of_o baptise_a believer_n at_o this_o day_n for_o where_o true_a baptism_n be_v not_o ordination_n can_v be_v regular_a again_o due_a election_n be_v find_v among_o they_o whilst_o neglect_v both_o by_o papist_n and_o prelatist_n and_o further_o the_o true_a form_n and_o order_n of_o ordination_n be_v find_v in_o our_o church_n the_o first_o be_v evident_a of_o itself_o no_o baptism_n no_o due_a ordination_n be_v a_o truth_n without_o exception_n among_o all_o that_o own_o ordination_n and_o for_o the_o second_o it_o be_v certain_a none_o be_v ordain_v to_o any_o office_n in_o the_o baptise_a church_n till_o elect_v by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n or_o the_o major_a part_n to_o who_o they_o be_v to_o minister_v and_o herein_o they_o follow_v the_o footstep_n of_o the_o apostle_n act_n 1._o when_o one_o must_v be_v choose_v in_o the_o room_n of_o judas_n the_o 120_o which_o be_v the_o whole_a assembly_n allow_v the_o choice_n of_o two_o and_o good_a reason_n there_o be_v that_o where_o all_o be_v equal_o concern_v they_o shall_v all_o be_v satisfy_v in_o the_o choice_n of_o such_o as_o to_o who_o they_o commit_v the_o care_n and_o feed_n of_o their_o soul_n when_o the_o seven_o deacon_n be_v to_o be_v ordain_v the_o whole_a church_n be_v consult_v act_v 6._o and_o the_o election_n make_v by_o they_o who_o know_v the_o qualification_n of_o the_o person_n and_o as_o holy_a scripture_n so_o antiquity_n stand_v with_o we_o in_o this_o case_n the_o nicene_n council_n write_v their_o mind_n to_o the_o church_n at_o alexandria_n concern_v some_o that_o be_v to_o succeed_v other_o bishop_n give_v these_o direction_n if_o so_o be_v they_o shall_v seem_v to_o be_v worthy_a and_o the_o people_n shall_v choose_v they_o what_o rule_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v in_o respect_n of_o their_o worthiness_n for_o ministerial_a employment_n may_v be_v gather_v from_o clement_n epist_n ad_fw-la corinth_n have_v say_v he_o make_v trial_n of_o they_o by_o the_o spirit_n to_o be_v bishop_n and_o deacon_n and_o again_o other_o well_o approve_v of_o shall_v succeed_v into_o the_o office_n and_o ministry_n who_o therefore_o have_v be_v constitute_v by_o famous_a and_o discreet_a man_n with_o the_o good_a like_n and_o consent_n of_o all_o the_o church_n and_o who_o withal_o have_v of_o a_o long_a time_n have_v a_o good_a testimony_n from_o all_o men._n leo_n give_v the_o same_o direction_n epist_n 84._o c._n 5._o charge_v that_o none_o be_v ordain_v against_o the_o will_n and_o petition_n of_o the_o people_n and_o again_o epist_n 49._o the_o custom_n be_v that_o he_o shall_v be_v choose_v of_o all_o that_o be_v to_o be_v over_o all_o and_o will_n that_o the_o like_n of_o the_o people_n and_o their_o testimony_n be_v seek_v that_o in_o ordination_n the_o rule_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o father_n ought_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o he_o that_o be_v to_o be_v over_o the_o church_n shall_v not_o only_o have_v the_o allowance_n of_o the_o faithful_a but_o the_o testimony_n also_o of_o they_o that_o be_v without_o cyprian_n be_v as_o clear_v for_o we_o ep._n l._n 1._o the_o people_n who_o full_o well_o and_o perfect_o know_v the_o life_n of_o he_o that_o be_v to_o be_v ordain_v bishop_n be_v to_o be_v present_a and_o to_o be_v choose_v with_o their_o allowance_n who_o know_v the_o conversation_n of_o every_o one_o and_o he_o bring_v salinius_n his_o colleague_n for_o instance_n who_o be_v choose_v by_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o whole_a brotherhood_n and_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o bishop_n which_o come_v together_o each_o church_n stand_v free_a say_v dr._n bilson_n perpet_n govern._n by_o god_n law_n to_o admit_v maintain_v and_o obey_v no_o man_n as_o their_o pastor_n without_o their_o like_n and_o that_o the_o people_n election_n depend_v on_o humane_a fellowship_n and_o first_o principle_n of_o humane_a society_n and_o assembly_n dr._n field_n inform_v we_o that_o this_o right_n of_o the_o people_n have_v be_v invade_v many_o way_n 1._o by_o great_a personage_n and_o magistrate_n 2._o when_o the_o bishop_n grow_v to_o great_a pomp_n and_o the_o clergy_n begin_v to_o be_v enrich_v by_o benefice_n election_n be_v and_o to_o this_o day_n be_v make_v according_a to_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o rich_a and_o strong_a whilst_o the_o people_n be_v not_o only_o deprive_v of_o but_o become_v ignorant_a that_o any_o right_n remain_v in_o they_o to_o choose_v their_o own_o minister_n or_o pastor_n now_o this_o privilege_n though_o lose_v in_o most_o national_a church_n be_v restore_v and_o maintain_v in_o the_o baptise_a church_n where_o none_o be_v elect_v messenger_n bishop_n or_o deacon_n without_o the_o free_a choice_n of_o the_o brotherhood_n where_o such_o election_n be_v make_v and_o after_o such_o election_n of_o person_n of_o know_a integrity_n and_o competent_a ability_n we_o proceed_v to_o ordination_n with_o fast_v and_o prayer_n and_o the_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n act_v 13._o 3._o when_o they_o have_v fast_v and_o pray_v they_o lay_v their_o hand_n on_o they_o and_o send_v they_o away_o thus_o for_o the_o ordination_n of_o messenger_n which_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o some_o be_v call_v bishop_n act_n 14._o 23._o and_o when_o they_o have_v ordain_v they_o elder_n in_o every_o church_n and_o pray_v with_o fast_v they_o commend_v they_o to_o the_o lord_n on_o who_o they_o believe_v act_n 6._o 5_o 6._o and_o they_o choose_v stephen_n a_o man_n full_a of_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o holy-ghost_n and_o philip_n and_o prochorus_n and_o nicanor_n and_o timon_z and_o parmenas_n and_o nicholas_n who_o they_o set_v before_o the_o apostle_n and_o when_o they_o have_v pray_v they_o lay_v their_o hand_n on_o they_o thus_o for_o the_o ordination_n of_o deacon_n all_o which_o apostolical_a practice_n be_v religious_o restore_v and_o observe_v in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o baptise_a believer_n without_o any_o devise_a adjunct_n of_o our_o own_o or_o other_o by_o all_o which_o it_o may_v appear_v they_o have_v a_o lawful_a call_v to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n here_o i_o meet_v with_o a_o objection_n it_o be_v doubt_v by_o some_o whether_o a_o man_n have_v receive_v ordination_n as_o a_o presbyter_n may_v afterward_o have_v ordination_n as_o a_o messenger_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n the_o objector_n suppose_v that_o the_o first_o ordination_n be_v sufficient_a only_o the_o church_n must_v give_v he_o another_o commission_n this_o objection_n i_o answer_v three_o way_n 1._o by_o antiquity_n 2._o by_o reason_n 3._o by_o scripture_n 1._o antiquity_n be_v direct_o against_o this_o objection_n be_v rather_o for_o a_o threefold_a ordination_n than_o only_o one_o as_o i_o shall_v show_v by_o and_o by_o but_o first_o i_o marvel_v how_o the_o objector_n will_v give_v a_o man_n a_o ministerial_a commission_n without_o ordination_n the_o church_n have_v no_o other_o way_n at_o all_o 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