claim_v a_o interest_n in_o authority_n to_o give_v law_n to_o the_o church_n this_o therefore_o be_v absolute_o deny_v by_o we_o namely_o that_o any_o man_n under_o what_o pretence_n or_o name_n soever_o have_v any_o right_a or_o authority_n to_o constitute_v any_o new_a frame_n or_o order_n of_o the_o church_n to_o make_v any_o law_n of_o their_o own_o for_o its_o rule_n or_o government_n that_o shall_v oblige_v the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n in_o point_n of_o conscience_n unto_o their_o observation_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o this_o assertion_n that_o shall_v in_o the_o least_o impeach_v the_o power_n of_o mastrate_n with_o reference_n unto_o the_o outward_a civil_a and_o political_n concern_v of_o the_o church_n or_o the_o public_a profession_n of_o religion_n within_o their_o territory_n nothing_o that_o shall_v take_v off_o from_o thâ—_n just_a authority_n of_o the_o lawful_a guide_n of_o the_o church_n in_o order_v appoint_v and_o command_v the_o observation_n of_o all_o thing_n in_o they_o according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n shall_v be_v afterward_o declare_v in_o these_o thing_n the_o lord_n be_v our_o judge_n the_o lord_n be_v our_o statute-maker_n the_o lord_n be_v our_o king_n he_o will_v save_v we_o it_o be_v then_o but_o weak_o plead_v that_o see_v the_o magistrate_n can_v appoint_v or_o command_v nothing_o in_o religion_n that_o god_n have_v forbid_v nor_o be_v there_o any_o need_n that_o he_o shall_v appoint_v or_o command_v what_o god_n have_v already_o appoint_v and_o command_v if_o so_o be_v he_o may_v not_o by_o law_n command_v such_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n as_o before_o be_v neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v but_o indifferent_a which_o be_v the_o proper_a field_n of_o his_o ecclesiastical_a legislative_a power_n then_o have_v he_o no_o power_n nor_o authority_n about_o religion_n at_o all_o that_o be_v if_o he_o have_v not_o the_o same_o and_o a_o coordinate_a power_n with_o god_n or_o christ_n he_o have_v none_o at_o all_o one_o of_o the_o best_a argument_n that_o can_v be_v use_v for_o the_o power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n in_o thing_n ecclesiastical_a be_v take_v from_o the_o approve_a example_n of_o the_o good_a king_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n but_o they_o think_v it_o honour_n enough_o unto_o they_o and_o their_o duty_n to_o see_v and_o take_v care_n that_o the_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v and_o ordain_v shall_v be_v diligent_o observe_v by_o all_o those_o concern_v therein_o both_o priest_n and_o people_n and_o to_o destroy_v what_o god_n have_v forbid_v to_o appoint_v any_o thing_n of_o themselves_o to_o make_v that_o necessary_a in_o the_o church_n and_o the_o worship_n thereof_o which_o god_n have_v not_o make_v so_o they_o never_o esteem_v it_o to_o be_v in_o their_o power_n or_o to_o belong_v unto_o their_o duty_n when_o they_o do_v any_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n and_o thereby_o make_v any_o addition_n unto_o the_o outward_a worship_n of_o god_n not_o before_o command_v they_o do_v it_o by_o immediate_a revelation_n from_o god_n and_o so_o by_o divine_a authority_n 1_o chron._n 28.19_o and_o it_o be_v leave_v as_o a_o brand_n on_o those_o that_o be_v wicked_a not_o only_o that_o they_o command_v and_o make_v statute_n for_o the_o observation_n of_o what_o god_n have_v forbid_v mic._n 6.16_o but_o also_o that_o they_o command_v and_o appoint_v what_o god_n have_v not_o appoint_v 1_o king_n 12.32_o 33._o and_o it_o will_v be_v find_v at_o last_o to_o be_v honour_n enough_o to_o the_o great_a potentate_n under_o heaven_n to_o take_v care_n that_o what_o christ_n have_v appoint_v in_o his_o church_n and_o worship_n be_v observe_v without_o claim_v a_o power_n like_o unto_o that_o of_o the_o most_o high_a to_o give_v law_n unto_o the_o church_n for_o the_o observation_n of_o thing_n find_v out_o and_o invent_v by_o themselves_o or_o other_o man_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n be_v the_o other_o part_n of_o their_o plea_n against_o this_o denial_n of_o a_o legislative_a power_n in_o man_n with_o respect_n unto_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o evangelical_n church-state_n or_o the_o ordain_v of_o any_o thing_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o it_o that_o christ_n have_v not_o appoint_v for_o it_o be_v say_v that_o if_o this_o be_v allow_v as_o all_o the_o dignity_n power_n and_o honour_n of_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n will_v be_v reject_v or_o despise_v so_o all_o manner_n of_o confusion_n and_o disorder_n will_v be_v bring_v into_o the_o church_n itself_o for_o how_o can_v it_o otherwise_o be_v when_o all_o power_n of_o law-making_a in_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o dignity_n of_o the_o ruler_n and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n be_v take_v away_o and_o therefore_o we_o see_v it_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o church_n in_o former_a age_n than_o all_o the_o principal_a law_n and_o canon_n that_o they_o make_v in_o their_o council_n or_o otherwise_o be_v design_v unto_o the_o exaltation_n and_o preservation_n of_o the_o dignity_n of_o church_n ruler_n wherefore_o take_v this_o power_n away_o and_o you_o will_v bring_v in_o all_o confusion_n into_o the_o church_n ans._n 1._o they_o do_v not_o in_o my_o judgement_n sufficient_o think_v of_o who_o and_o of_o what_o they_o speak_v who_o plead_v after_o this_o manner_n for_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o plea_n be_v that_o if_o the_o church_n have_v its_o whole_a frame_n constitution_n order_n rule_n and_o government_n from_o christ_n alone_o though_o man_n shall_v faithful_o discharge_v their_o duty_n in_o do_v and_o observe_v all_o what_o he_o have_v command_v there_o will_v be_v nothing_o in_o it_o but_o disorder_n and_o confusion_n whether_o this_o become_v that_o reverence_n which_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v of_o he_o or_o be_v suit_v unto_o that_o faithfulness_n and_o wisdom_n which_o be_v particular_o ascribe_v unto_o he_o in_o the_o constitution_n and_o order_v of_o his_o church_n be_v not_o hard_a to_o determine_v and_o the_o untruth_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v afterward_o demonstrate_v 2._o as_o unto_o the_o dignity_n and_o honour_n of_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n the_o subject_n of_o so_o many_o ecclesiastical_a law_n they_o be_v in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o be_v desire_v themselves_o to_o remember_v the_o example_n of_o christ_n himself_o in_o his_o personal_a ministry_n here_o on_o earth_n matth._n 20.28_o even_o as_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v not_o to_o be_v minister_v unto_o but_o to_o minister_v and_o to_o give_v his_o life_n a_o ransom_n for_o many_o with_o the_o rule_n prescribe_v by_o he_o thereon_o ver_fw-la 25_o 26_o 27._o but_o jesus_n call_v they_o unto_o he_o and_o say_v you_o know_v that_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o gentile_n exercise_v dominion_n over_o they_o and_o they_o that_o be_v great_a exercise_n authority_n upon_o they_o but_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o among_o you_o but_o whosoever_o shall_v be_v great_a among_o you_o let_v he_o be_v your_o minister_n and_o whosoever_o will_v be_v chief_a among_o you_o let_v he_o be_v your_o servant_n with_o the_o occasion_n of_o the_o instruction_n give_v therein_o unto_o his_o apostle_n ver_fw-la 24._o and_o when_o the_o ten_o hear_v it_o they_o be_v move_v with_o indignation_n against_o the_o two_o brethren_n as_o also_o the_o injunction_n give_v they_o by_o the_o apostle_n peter_n on_o who_o for_o their_o own_o advantage_n some_o will_v fasten_v a_o monarchy_n over_o the_o whole_a church_n 1_o epist._n 5.2_o 3._o feed_v the_o flock_n of_o god_n which_o be_v among_o you_o take_v the_o oversight_n thereof_o not_o by_o constraint_n but_o willing_o not_o for_o filthy_a lucre_n but_o of_o a_o ready_a mind_n neither_o as_o be_v lord_n over_o god_n heritage_n but_o be_v ensample_n to_o the_o flock_n and_o the_o bless_a expression_n of_o the_o apostolical_a state_n by_o paul_n 1_o cor._n 4.1_o let_v a_o man_n so_o account_v of_o we_o as_o of_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n and_o steward_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n 2_o cor._n 1.24_o not_o for_o that_o we_o have_v dominion_n over_o your_o faith_n but_o be_v helper_n of_o your_o joy_n 2_o cor._n 4_o 5._o for_o we_o preach_v not_o ourselves_o but_o christ_n jesus_n the_o lord_n and_o ourselves_o your_o servant_n for_o jesus_n sake_n it_o may_v prepare_v their_o mind_n for_o the_o right_a mannagement_n of_o that_o honour_n which_o be_v their_o due_n for_o 2_o there_o be_v in_o and_o by_o the_o constitution_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o express_a law_n a_o honour_n and_o respect_v due_a unto_o those_o church_n guide_n which_o he_o have_v appoint_v abide_v in_o the_o duty_n which_o he_o require_v if_o man_n have_v not_o be_v weary_a of_o apostolical_a simplicity_n and_o humility_n if_o they_o can_v have_v content_v themselves_o with_o the_o honour_n and_o dignity_n annex_v unto_o their_o office_n and_o work_v by_o christ_n himself_o they_o have_v never_o
the_o lord_n christ_n have_v ordain_v no_o power_n nor_o order_n in_o his_o church_n no_o office_n or_o duty_n that_o shall_v stand_v in_o need_n of_o the_o civil_a authority_n sanction_n or_o force_n to_o preserve_v it_o or_o make_v it_o effectual_a unto_o its_o proper_a end_n it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o discharge_v any_o thing_n of_o a_o pretence_n to_o be_v a_o appointment_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n if_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a unto_o its_o own_o proper_a end_n without_o the_o help_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n that_o church-state_n which_o be_v either_o constitute_v by_o humane_a authority_n or_o can_v consist_v without_o it_o be_v not_o from_o he_o that_o ordinance_n which_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n divine_a or_o be_v pretend_v so_o to_o be_v so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v not_o effectual_a unto_o its_o end_n without_o the_o aid_n of_o humane_a authority_n be_v not_o of_o he_o he_o need_v it_o not_o he_o will_v not_o borrow_v the_o assistance_n of_o civil_a authority_n to_o rule_v in_o and_o over_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n with_o respect_n unto_o their_o live_n to_o god_n and_o come_v unto_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o himself_o the_o way_n of_o require_v the_o sanction_n of_o civil_a authority_n unto_o ecclesiastical_a order_n and_o determination_n begin_v with_o the_o use_n of_o general_n council_n in_o the_o day_n of_o constantine_n and_o when_o once_o it_o be_v engage_v in_o and_o approve_a so_o far_o as_o that_o what_o be_v determine_v in_o the_o synod_n either_o as_o to_o doctrine_n or_o as_o unto_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v confirm_v by_o the_o imperial_a authority_n with_o penalty_n on_o all_o that_o shall_v gainsay_v such_o determination_n it_o be_v deplorable_a to_o consider_v what_o mutual_a havoc_n be_v make_v among_o christian_n upon_o the_o various_a sentiment_n of_o synod_n and_o emperor_n yet_o this_o way_n please_v the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n so_o well_o and_o as_o they_o think_v ease_v they_o of_o so_o much_o trouble_n that_o it_o be_v so_o far_o improve_v among_o they_o that_o at_o last_o they_o leave_v no_o power_n in_o or_o about_o religion_n or_o religious_a person_n unto_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n but_o what_o be_v to_o be_v exercise_v in_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o decree_n and_o determination_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v necessary_a from_o this_o institution_n of_o particular_a church_n that_o they_o have_v their_o subsistence_n continuation_n order_n and_o the_o efficacy_n of_o all_o that_o they_o act_n and_o do_v as_o church_n from_o christ_n himself_n for_o whereas_o all_o that_o they_o be_v and_o do_v be_v heavenly_a spiritual_a and_o not_o of_o this_o world_n that_o it_o reach_v nothing_o of_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n that_o be_v the_o life_n and_o body_n of_o man_n and_o all_o civil_a interest_n appertain_v to_o they_o and_o affect_v nothing_o but_o what_o no_o power_n of_o all_o the_o magistrate_n under_o heaven_n can_v reach_v unto_o that_o be_v the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n no_o trouble_n can_v hence_o arise_v unto_o any_o ruler_n of_o the_o world_n no_o contest_v about_o what_o they_o ought_v and_o what_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o confirm_v which_o have_v cause_v great_a disorder_n among_o many_o 3._o in_o particular_a also_o there_o neither_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v in_o this_o church-state_n the_o least_o pretence_n of_o power_n or_o authority_n to_o be_v act_v towards_o or_o over_o the_o person_n of_o king_n or_o ruler_n which_o shall_v either_o impeach_v their_o right_n or_o impede_fw-la the_o exercise_n of_o their_o just_a authority_n for_o as_o christ_n have_v grant_v no_o such_o power_n unto_o the_o church_n so_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o pretence_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v seat_v in_o a_o particular_a congregation_n especial_o be_v gather_v on_o this_o principle_n that_o there_o be_v no_o church_n power_n proper_o so_o call_v but_o what_o be_v so_o seat_v and_o that_o no_o concurrence_n agreement_n or_o association_n of_o many_o church_n can_v add_v a_o new_a great_a or_o other_o power_n or_o authority_n unto_o they_o than_o what_o they_o have_v single_o before_o and_o what_o power_n can_v such_o church_n act_n towards_o king_n potentate_n or_o ruler_n of_o nation_n have_v they_o not_o the_o high_a security_n that_o it_o be_v uttter_o impossible_a that_o ever_o their_o authority_n or_o their_o person_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v impeach_v hinder_v or_o receive_v any_o detriment_n from_o any_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o this_o church-state_n these_o principle_n i_o say_v be_v sufficient_a to_o secure_v christian_a religion_n and_o the_o state_n order_n and_o power_n of_o church_n institute_v therein_o from_o all_o reflection_n of_o inconsistency_n with_o civil_a government_n or_o of_o influence_a man_n into_o attempt_n of_o its_o change_n or_o ruin_n the_o sum_n be_v let_v the_o outward_a frame_n and_o order_n of_o righteous_a government_n be_v of_o what_o sort_n it_o will_v nothing_o inconsistent_a with_o it_o nothing_o entrench_v on_o it_o nothing_o make_v opposition_n unto_o it_o be_v appoint_v by_o jesus_n christ_n or_o do_v belong_v unto_o that_o church-state_n which_o he_o have_v ordain_v and_o establish_v two_o thing_n only_o must_v be_v add_v unto_o these_o principle_n that_o we_o may_v not_o seem_v so_o to_o distinguish_v the_o civil_a state_n and_o the_o church_n as_o to_o make_v they_o unconcerned_a in_o each_o other_o for_o 1._o it_o be_v the_o unquestionable_a duty_n of_o the_o ruler_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n upon_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n to_o receive_v its_o truth_n and_o so_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o its_o command_n and_o whereas_o all_o power_n and_o office_n be_v to_o be_v discharge_v for_o god_n who_o minister_n all_o ruler_n be_v they_o be_v bind_v in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o office_n to_o countenance_n supply_n and_o protect_v the_o profession_n and_o professor_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o be_v the_o church_n according_a unto_o the_o degree_n and_o measure_n which_o they_o shall_v judge_v necessary_a 2._o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n material_o consider_v that_o be_v of_o all_o those_o who_o be_v member_n of_o it_o in_o any_o kingdom_n or_o commonwealth_n to_o be_v useful_o subservient_fw-fr even_o as_o christian_n unto_o that_o rule_n which_o be_v over_o they_o as_o man_n in_o all_o those_o way_n and_o by_o all_o those_o mean_n which_o the_o law_n usage_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o country_n whereof_o they_o be_v do_v direct_a and_o prescribe_v but_o these_o thing_n be_v frequent_o speak_v unto_o there_o be_v sundry_a other_o consideration_n whereby_o it_o may_v be_v evince_v not_o only_o that_o this_o order_n and_o state_n of_o gospel-churche_n be_v not_o only_o consistent_a with_o every_o righteous_a government_n in_o the_o world_n i_o mean_v that_o be_v so_o in_o its_o constitution_n though_o as_o all_o other_o form_n it_o be_v capable_a of_o maladministration_n but_o the_o most_o useful_a and_o subservient_fw-fr unto_o its_o righteous_a administration_n be_v utter_o uncapable_a of_o immix_v itself_o as_o such_o in_o any_o of_o those_o occasion_n of_o the_o world_n or_o state-affair_n as_o may_v create_v the_o least_o difficulty_n or_o trouble_n unto_o ruler_n with_o other_o it_o be_v not_o so_o it_o be_v know_v that_o the_o very_a constitution_n of_o the_o papal_a church_n as_o it_o be_v state_v in_o the_o canon_n of_o it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o just_a right_n of_o king_n and_o ruler_n and_o ofttimes_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o its_o power_n destructive_a unto_o their_o person_n and_o dominion_n and_o herein_o concur_v the_o prelatical_a church-state_n of_o england_n whilst_o it_o continue_v in_o their_o communion_n and_o hold_v its_o dependence_n on_o the_o roman_a church_n for_o although_o they_o have_v all_o their_o power_n original_o from_o the_o king_n of_o this_o realm_n as_o the_o record_n and_o law_n of_o it_o do_v express_o affirm_v that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v found_v in_o episcopacy_n by_o the_o king_n and_o his_o noble_n yet_o they_o claim_v such_o a_o addition_n of_o power_n and_o authority_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n from_o the_o papal_a omnipotency_n as_o that_o they_o be_v ringleader_n in_o perplex_v the_o government_n of_o this_o nation_n under_o the_o pretence_n of_o maintain_v of_o what_o they_o call_v the_o right_n of_o the_o church_n and_o hereunto_o they_o be_v enable_v by_o the_o very_a constitution_n of_o their_o church-order_n which_o give_v they_o that_o power_n grandeur_n with_o political_a interest_n that_o be_v needful_a to_o effectuate_v their_o design_n and_o since_o they_o have_v be_v take_v off_o from_o this_o foundation_n of_o contest_a king_n and_o prince_n on_o their_o own_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n and_o deprive_v of_o their_o dependence_n on_o the_o power_n
and_o interest_n of_o the_o papal_a see_v have_v no_o bottom_n for_o or_o supportment_n of_o their_o church_n state_n and_o order_n but_o regal_a favour_n and_o mutable_a law_n there_o have_v on_o such_o cause_n and_o reason_n which_o i_o shall_v not_o mention_v ensue_v such_o emulation_n of_o the_o nobility_n and_o gentry_n and_o such_o contempt_n of_o the_o commonâ—people_n as_o leave_v it_o questionable_a whether_o their_o adherence_n unto_o the_o government_n be_v not_o more_o burdensome_a and_o dangerous_a unto_o it_o than_o be_v their_o ancient_a contest_v and_o opposition_n chap._n vii_o no_o other_o church-state_n of_o divine_a institution_n it_o may_v be_v it_o will_v be_v general_o grant_v i_o be_o sure_a it_o can_v be_v modest_o deny_v that_o particular_a church_n or_o congregation_n be_v of_o a_o divine_a original_a institution_n as_o also_o that_o the_o primitive_a church_n continue_v long_o in_o that_o form_n or_o order_n but_o it_o will_v be_v far_o plead_v that_o grant_v or_o suppose_v this_o divine_a institution_n of_o particular_a church_n yet_o there_o may_v be_v church_n of_o another_o form_n and_o order_n also_o as_o diocesan_n or_o national_a that_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o submit_v unto_o for_o although_o the_o apostle_n appoint_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v bishop_n or_o elder_n ordain_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v in_o every_o city_n and_o town_n where_o christian_a religion_n be_v receive_v and_o clemens_n affirm_v that_o they_o do_v themselves_o constitute_v bishop_n and_o deacon_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o region_n or_o village_n and_o city_n yet_o there_o be_v another_o form_n afterward_o introduce_v theodoret_n bishop_n of_o cyprus_n affirm_v that_o there_o be_v eight_o hundred_o church_n commit_v to_o his_o care_n epist._n 113._o whereof_o many_o be_v in_o town_n and_o city_n have_v no_o bishop_n of_o their_o own_o the_o whole_a country_n of_o scythia_n though_o there_o be_v in_o it_o many_o city_n village_n and_o fortress_n yet_o have_v but_o one_o bishop_n who_o residence_n be_v at_o tomis_n all_o other_o church_n be_v under_o he_o as_o zozoman_n declare_v lib._n 6._o cap._n 20._o so_o it_o be_v at_o this_o day_n in_o divers_a province_n belong_v of_o old_a unto_o the_o greek-church_n as_o in_o moldavia_n and_o walachia_n where_o they_o have_v one_o who_o they_o call_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o leader_n or_o ruler_n that_o preside_v over_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o nation_n and_o this_o oâ—der_n of_o thing_n that_o there_o shall_v not_o be_v a_o bishop_n in_o small_a church_n be_v first_o confirm_v in_o the_o six_o canon_n of_o the_o council_n of_o sardis_n in_o the_o year_n 347._o in_o answer_n hereunto_o i_o shall_v do_v these_o two_o thing_n first_o i_o shall_v show_v that_o there_o be_v no_o church_n order_n state_n or_o church-form_n of_o divine_a institution_n that_o do_v any_o way_n impede_fw-la take_v away_o or_o overthrow_v the_o liberty_n power_n and_o order_n of_o particular_a congregation_n such_o as_o we_o have_v describe_v second_o i_o shall_v inquire_v into_o the_o cause_n of_o church_n of_o another_o state_n or_o order_n as_o the_o power_n of_o magistrate_n and_o ruler_n or_o their_o own_o choice_n and_o consent_n 1._o there_o be_v no_o form_n order_n or_o church_n state_n divine_o institute_v that_o shall_v annul_v the_o institution_n of_o particular_a congregation_n or_o abridge_v they_o of_o their_o liberty_n or_o deprive_v they_o of_o the_o power_n commit_v unto_o they_o it_o be_v such_o a_o church-state_n alone_o that_o we_o be_v now_o concern_v to_o inquire_v after_o whatever_o of_o that_o kind_a either_o be_v or_o may_v be_v imagine_v that_o entrenche_n not_o on_o the_o state_n liberty_n and_o power_n of_o particular_a congregation_n be_v not_o of_o our_o present_a consideration_n man_n may_v frame_v and_o order_n what_o they_o please_v and_o what_o advantage_n they_o make_v thereby_o shall_v not_o be_v envy_v unto_o they_o whilst_o they_o injure_v not_o any_o of_o the_o institution_n of_o christ._n but_o 1._o these_o church_n as_o they_o be_v church_n be_v meet_v and_o able_a to_o attain_v the_o end_n of_o church_n to_o say_v they_o be_v church_n and_o yet_o have_v not_o in_o themselves_o power_n to_o attain_v the_o end_n of_o church_n be_v to_o speak_v contradiction_n or_o to_o grant_v and_o deny_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o the_o same_o breath_n for_o a_o church_n be_v nothing_o but_o such_o a_o society_n as_o have_v power_n ability_n and_o fitness_n to_o attain_v those_o end_n for_o which_o christ_n have_v ordain_v church_n that_o which_o have_v so_o be_v a_o church_n and_o that_o which_o have_v not_o so_o be_v none_o man_n may_v if_o they_o please_v deny_v they_o to_o be_v church_n but_o then_o i_o know_v not_o where_o they_o will_v find_v any_o that_o be_v so_o for_o instance_n suppose_v man_n shall_v deny_v all_o the_o parochial_a church_n in_o england_n to_o be_v such_o church_n as_o be_v entrust_v with_o church-power_n and_o administration_n what_o church_n in_o the_o first_o instance_n can_v they_o require_v our_o communion_n withal_o will_v they_o say_v it_o be_v with_o the_o national_a or_o diocesan_n church_n neither_o of_o these_o do_v or_o can_v as_o such_o administer_v sacred_a ordinance_n a_o man_n can_v preach_v nor_o hear_v the_o word_n but_o in_o a_o particular_a assembly_n the_o lord_n supper_n can_v be_v administer_v but_o in_o a_o particular_a congregation_n nor_o any_o presential_a local_a communion_n of_o believer_n among_o themselves_o like_o that_o describe_v by_o the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n chap._n 12._o and_o chap._n 14._o be_v otherwise_o attain_v no_o communion_n be_v first_o and_o immediate_o require_v or_o can_v be_v require_v with_o diocesan_n church_n as_o such_o wherefore_o it_o be_v parochial_a particular_a church_n that_o we_o be_v require_v to_o hold_v communion_n with_o we_o say_v therefore_o these_o parochial_a church_n be_v either_o real_o and_o true_o so_o endue_v with_o church-power_n and_o liberty_n or_o they_o be_v not_o if_o they_o be_v or_o be_v acknowledge_v so_o to_o be_v we_o have_v herein_o obtain_v what_o we_o plead_v for_o if_o they_o be_v not_o then_o be_v we_o require_v to_o join_v in_o church_n communion_n with_o those_o society_n that_o be_v not_o church_n and_o if_o we_o refrain_v so_o do_v we_o be_v charge_v with_o schism_n which_o be_v to_o turn_v religion_n into_o ridicule_n for_o 2._o it_o be_v utter_o foreign_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o a_o monster_n unto_o antiquity_n i_o mean_v that_o which_o be_v pure_a and_o regardable_a in_o this_o cause_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v church_n with_o a_o part_n half_a more_o or_o less_o of_o church-power_n and_o not_o the_o whole_a neither_o in_o right_a nor_o exercise_n or_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v church-officer_n elder_n presbyter_n or_o bishop_n that_o shall_v have_v a_o partiary_a power_n half_a or_o a_o three_o part_n or_o less_o of_o that_o which_o entire_o belong_v unto_o the_o office_n they_o hold_v let_v one_o testimony_n be_v give_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n or_o that_o antiquity_n which_o we_o appeal_v unto_o unto_o this_o purpose_n and_o we_o shall_v cease_v our_o plea_n but_o this_o be_v that_o which_o our_o understanding_n be_v set_v on_o rack_n withal_o every_o day_n there_o be_v a_o national_a church_n that_o be_v entrust_v with_o supreme_a church-power_n in_o the_o nation_n whereof_o it_o be_v here_o at_o the_o entrance_n we_o fall_v into_o a_o double_a disquietment_n for_o 1._o we_o know_v not_o as_o yet_o what_o this_o national_a church_n be_v here_o or_o in_o france_n nor_o of_o what_o person_n it_o do_v consist_v 2._o we_o know_v not_o whether_o this_o national_a church_n have_v all_o the_o power_n that_o christ_n have_v give_v unto_o the_o church_n or_o that_o there_o be_v a_o reserve_v for_o some_o addition_n from_o beyond_o sea_n if_o thing_n be_v well_o accommodate_v then_o that_o there_o be_v diocesan_n church_n who_o original_a with_o the_o cause_n and_o occasion_n of_o their_o bound_n limit_n power_n and_o manner_n of_o administration_n i_o think_v god_n alone_o know_v perfect_o we_o do_v but_o guess_v for_o there_o be_v not_o one_o word_n mention_v of_o any_o of_o their_o concernment_n in_o the_o scripture_n and_o we_o know_v that_o these_o church_n can_v be_v say_v to_o have_v all_o the_o power_n that_o christ_n have_v entrust_v his_o church_n withal_o because_o there_o be_v another_o church_n unto_o which_o they_o be_v in_o subjection_n and_o on_o which_o they_o do_v depend_v but_o it_o seem_v they_o have_v the_o next_o degree_n of_o power_n unto_o that_o which_o be_v uppermost_a but_o whatever_o their_o power_n be_v it_o be_v so_o administer_v by_o chancellor_n commissary_n official_o in_o such_o way_n and_o for_o such_o end_n that_o i_o shall_v believe_v a_o dissent_n from_o they_o and_o it_o
to_o be_v schism_n when_o i_o believe_v it_o be_v midnight_n whilst_o the_o sun_n shine_v in_o his_o full_a strength_n and_o glory_n and_o then_o we_o be_v tell_v of_o parochial_a church_n who_o have_v this_o power_n only_o that_o if_o we_o do_v not_o in_o they_o whatever_o be_v require_v of_o we_o not_o by_o they_o but_o those_o that_o be_v put_v over_o they_o they_o can_v inform_v against_o we_o that_o we_o may_v be_v mulct_v and_o punish_v three_o it_o will_v be_v say_v that_o these_o church_n as_o such_o be_v indeed_o original_o entrust_v and_o invest_v with_o all_o church-rights_a power_n and_o authority_n but_o for_o many_o weighty_a reason_n be_v abridge_v in_o sundry_a thing_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o they_o for_o who_o can_v think_v it_o meet_v that_o every_o single_a parish_n shall_v be_v entrust_v with_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o church-rule_n and_o power_n among_o themselves_o answ._n 1_o who_o fault_n be_v it_o that_o these_o church_n be_v not_o meet_v for_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o power_n which_o christ_n have_v grant_v unto_o such_o church_n if_o it_o be_v from_o themselves_o their_o negligence_n or_o ignorance_n or_o wickedness_n it_o be_v high_a time_n they_o be_v reform_v and_o bring_v into_o that_o state_n and_o condition_n wherein_o they_o may_v be_v fit_a and_o able_a to_o answer_v the_o end_n of_o their_o institution_n 2._o they_o be_v indeed_o sorry_a church_n that_o be_v not_o as_o meet_v to_o exercise_v all_o church-power_n according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o chancellor_n court._n 3._o there_o be_v no_o power_n plead_v for_o in_o congregational_a church_n but_o what_o be_v grant_v unto_o they_o by_o the_o word_n and_o constitution_n of_o christ._n and_o who_o be_v he_o that_o shall_v take_v this_o from_o they_o or_o deprive_v they_o of_o its_o exercise_n or_o right_o thereunto_o 1._o it_o be_v not_o do_v nor_o ever_o be_v by_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o he_o do_v not_o pull_v down_o what_o himself_o have_v build_v nor_o do_v any_o one_o institution_n of_o he_o in_o the_o least_o interfere_v with_o any_o other_o it_o be_v true_a the_o lord_n christ_n by_o his_o law_n deprive_v all_o church_n of_o their_o power_n yea_o of_o their_o state_n who_o walk_v act_n and_o exercise_v a_o power_n not_o derive_v from_o he_o but_o set_v up_o against_o he_o and_o use_v unto_o such_o end_n as_o be_v opposite_a unto_o and_o destructive_a of_o the_o end_n of_o churchâ—order_n â—order_z by_o he_o appoint_v but_o to_o imagine_v that_o whilst_o a_o church_n claim_v no_o power_n but_o what_o it_o receive_v from_o he_o use_v it_o only_o for_o he_o and_o in_o obedience_n unto_o his_o command_n that_o he_o have_v by_o any_o act_n order_n or_o constitution_n take_v away_o that_o power_n or_o any_o part_n of_o it_o from_o such_o a_o church_n be_v a_o vain_a supposition_n 2._o such_o church_n can_v by_o any_o act_n of_o their_o own_o deprive_v themselves_o of_o this_o right_a and_o power_n for_o 1._o it_o be_v commit_v unto_o they_o in_o a_o way_n of_o trust_n which_o they_o falsify_v if_o by_o their_o own_o consent_n they_o part_v with_o it_o 2._o without_o it_o they_o can_v discharge_v many_o duty_n require_v of_o they_o to_o part_v with_o this_o power_n be_v to_o renounce_v their_o duty_n which_o be_v the_o only_a way_n whereby_o they_o may_v lose_v it_o and_o if_o it_o be_v neither_o take_v from_o they_o by_o any_o law_n rule_n or_o constitution_n of_o christ_n nor_o can_v be_v renounce_v or_o forgo_v by_o themselves_o what_o other_o power_n under_o heaven_n can_v just_o deprive_v they_o of_o it_o or_o hinder_v they_o in_o its_o execution_n the_o truth_n be_v the_o principal_a mean_n which_o have_v render_v the_o generality_n of_o parochial_a church_n unmeet_a for_o the_o exercise_n of_o any_o church-power_n be_v that_o their_o interest_n in_o it_o and_o right_a unto_o it_o have_v be_v so_o long_o unjust_o detain_v from_o they_o as_o that_o they_o know_v not_o at_o all_o what_o belong_v thereunto_o be_v hide_v from_o they_o by_o those_o who_o shall_v instruct_v they_o in_o it_o and_o may_v they_o be_v admit_v under_o the_o conduct_n of_o pious_a and_o prudent_a officer_n unto_o any_o part_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n in_o their_o assembly_n their_o understanding_n in_o it_o will_v quick_o be_v increase_v that_o right_o power_n or_o authority_n which_o we_o thus_o assign_v unto_o all_o particular_a church_n gather_v according_a unto_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n be_v that_o and_o that_o only_a which_o be_v necessary_a to_o their_o own_o preservation_n in_o their_o state_n and_o purity_n and_o unto_o the_o discharge_n of_o all_o those_o duty_n which_o christ_n require_v of_o the_o church_n now_o although_o they_o may_v not_o just_o by_o any_o be_v deprive_v hereof_o yet_o it_o may_v be_v inquire_v whether_o there_o may_v not_o a_o addition_n of_o ecclesiastical_a power_n be_v make_v unto_o that_o which_o be_v of_o original_a institution_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a number_n of_o church_n that_o be_v of_o the_o same_o communion_n and_o this_o may_v be_v do_v either_o by_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n with_o respect_n unto_o all_o the_o church_n in_o his_o dominion_n or_o it_o may_v be_v so_o by_o the_o church_n themselves_o erect_v a_o new_a power_n in_o a_o combination_n of_o some_o many_o or_o all_o of_o they_o which_o they_o have_v not_o in_o they_o single_o and_o distinct_o before_o for_o the_o power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n in_o and_o about_o religion_n it_o have_v be_v much_o debate_v and_o dispute_v in_o some_o latter_a age_n for_o three_o hundred_o year_n there_o be_v no_o mention_n of_o it_o in_o the_o church_n because_o no_o supreme_a power_n do_v then_o own_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o the_o next_o three_o hundred_o year_n there_o be_v great_a ascription_n unto_o supreme_a magistrate_n to_o the_o exaltation_n of_o their_o power_n and_o much_o use_n be_v make_v thereof_o among_o the_o church_n by_o such_o as_o have_v the_o best_a interest_n in_o they_o the_o next_o three_o hundred_o year_n be_v as_o unto_o this_o case_n much_o take_v up_o with_o dispute_n about_o this_o power_n between_o the_o emperor_n and_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n sometime_o one_o side_n gain_v the_o advantage_n in_o some_o especial_a instance_n sometime_o the_o other_o but_o from_o that_o period_n of_o time_n or_o thereabouts_o the_o contest_v come_v to_o blow_n and_o the_o blood_n of_o some_o hundred_o thousand_o be_v shed_v in_o the_o controversy_n namely_o about_o the_o power_n of_o emperor_n and_o king_n on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n on_o the_o other_o in_o the_o issue_n the_o pope_n abode_n master_n of_o the_o field_n and_o continue_v in_o actual_a possession_n of_o all_o ecclesiastical_a power_n though_o sometime_o mix_v with_o the_o rebellion_n of_o one_o stubborn_a prince_n or_o other_o as_o here_o frequent_o in_o england_n who_o control_v they_o in_o some_o of_o their_o new_a acquisition_n upon_o the_o public_a reformation_n of_o religion_n many_o prince_n throw_v off_o the_o yoke_n of_o the_o papal_a rule_n and_o according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o reformer_n assume_v unto_o themselves_o the_o power_n which_o as_o they_o judge_v the_o godly_a king_n of_o judah_n of_o old_a and_o the_o first_o christian_n emperor_n do_v exercise_n about_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n from_o that_o time_n there_o have_v be_v great_a and_o vehement_a dispute_n about_o the_o ecclesiastical_a power_n of_o sovereign_a prince_n and_o state_n i_o shall_v not_o here_o undertake_v to_o treat_v concern_v it_o although_o it_o iâ—_n a_o matter_n of_o no_o great_a difficulty_n to_o demonstrate_v the_o extreme_n that_o many_o have_v run_v into_o some_o by_o grant_v too_o much_o and_o some_o too_o little_a unto_o they_o and_o i_o shall_v grant_v for_o my_o part_n that_o too_o much_o can_v well_o be_v assign_v unto_o they_o whilst_o these_o two_o principle_n be_v preserve_v 1._o that_o no_o supreme_a magistrate_n have_v power_n to_o deprive_v or_o abridge_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n of_o any_o right_n authority_n or_o liberty_n grant_v unto_o they_o by_o jesus_n christ._n 2._o nor_o have_v any_o to_o coerce_v punish_v or_o kill_v any_o person_n be_v civil_o peaceable_a and_o moral_o honest_a because_o they_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v in_o thing_n concern_v gospel-faith_n and_o worship_n than_o he_o be_v it_o have_v not_o yet_o be_v dispute_v whether_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n have_v power_n to_o ordain_v institute_v and_o appoint_v any_o new_a form_n or_o state_n of_o church_n supposed_o suit_v unto_o the_o civil_a interest_n which_o be_v never_o ordain_v or_o appoint_v by_o christ._n it_o have_v not_o i_o say_v be_v dispute_v under_o these_o term_n express_o though_o real_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o controversy_n