omnipotentiam_fw-la non_fw-la credunt_fw-la it_o be_v true_a they_o be_v accuse_v for_o deprive_v the_o magistrate_n from_o the_o same_o authority_n and_o sovereign_a intendence_n over_o the_o ecclesiastical_a state_n as_o over_z that_o of_o the_o civil_a but_o notwithstanding_o they_o do_v sufficient_o satisfy_v all_o reasonable_a and_o considerate_a person_n of_o this_o in_o the_o four_o and_o twenty_o chapter_n of_o their_o confession_n beside_o those_o who_o condemn_v that_o collaterality_n of_o government_n and_o of_o tribunal_n the_o one_o ecclesiastical_a and_o the_o other_o civil_a in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o territory_n and_o who_o believe_v that_o it_o come_v from_o the_o forge_n of_o antichrist_n and_o that_o it_o have_v introduce_v popery_n into_o the_o world_n do_v not_o trouble_v themselves_o about_o resolve_v the_o difficulty_n nor_o about_o assign_v to_o each_o his_o law_n his_o court_n his_o officer_n his_o sovereign_n and_o the_o measure_n of_o his_o power_n and_o authority_n i_o add_v that_o as_o the_o force_n and_o efficacy_n of_o law_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o whither_o they_o be_v ecclesiastical_a or_o civil_a nor_o in_o their_o goodness_n justice_n and_o truth_n but_o in_o the_o will_n of_o he_o or_o those_o who_o sit_v at_o the_o helm_n of_o affair_n the_o congregational_a church_n must_v of_o necessity_n acknowledge_v the_o force_n of_o all_o those_o law_n whither_o for_o the_o ecclesiastical_a or_o the_o civil_a state_n only_o they_o affirm_v that_o as_o the_o magistrate_n be_v not_o infallible_a he_o may_v possible_o abuse_v his_o right_n and_o orr_n either_o in_o the_o publication_n or_o the_o execution_n of_o his_o law_n of_o what_o nature_n soever_o they_o be_v and_o as_o they_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o obey_v all_o civil_a law_n no_o more_o be_v they_o oblige_v to_o obey_v all_o law_n ecclesiastical_a they_o affirm_v also_o that_o as_o the_o empire_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v not_o over_o the_o body_n but_o over_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n the_o magistrate_n who_o be_v the_o protector_n and_o defender_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o his_o territory_n sin_n extreme_o when_o he_o make_v law_n and_o ordinance_n that_o do_v violence_n to_o the_o body_n of_o his_o subject_n and_o that_o take_v from_o they_o that_o liberty_n which_o every_o man_n ought_v to_o have_v in_o the_o choice_n of_o his_o religion_n and_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o serve_v god_n but_o that_o crime_n which_o be_v impose_v on_o they_o suppose_v it_o to_o be_v one_o be_v incomparable_o less_o than_o that_o of_o presbyterian_a church_n all_o which_o follow_v the_o establishment_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o calvin_n who_o set_v up_o in_o geneva_n a_o ecclesiastical_a tribunal_n independent_a and_o distinct_a from_o that_o of_o the_o magistrate_n insomuch_o that_o a_o learned_a man_n name_v mounseur_fw-fr jurieu_fw-fr have_v write_v a_o large_a book_n wherein_o he_o endeavour_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o sovereign_a magistrate_n consider_v as_o such_o have_v not_o any_o jurisdiction_n nor_o intendence_n over_o the_o collect_v church_n in_o his_o dominion_n and_o that_o he_o have_v no_o other_o right_n than_o that_o of_o inspection_n and_o consider_v as_o a_o christian_a and_o one_o of_o his_o principal_a member_n wherein_o mounseur_fw-fr jurieu_fw-fr be_v more_o independent_a than_o the_o independent_n themselves_o and_o he_o do_v not_o afford_v so_o much_o authority_n to_o the_o magistrate_n over_o the_o church_n that_o be_v collect_v within_o his_o territory_n and_o dominion_n as_o the_o independent_n do_v the_o independent_a church_n and_o their_o pastor_n be_v very_o wide_a from_o these_o thought_n and_o practice_n for_o the_o authority_n of_o every_o congregation_n be_v as_o that_o of_o every_o family_n what_o liberty_n soever_o it_o have_v to_o govern_v itself_o according_a to_o its_o own_o way_n and_o humour_n it_o be_v not_o neither_o in_o right_n nor_o in_o power_n nor_o even_o in_o will_n to_o set_v up_o a_o tribunal_n distinct_a from_o and_o independent_a on_o that_o of_o the_o magistrate_n after_o all_o a_o prince_n who_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o establish_v a_o arbitrary_a power_n in_o his_o kingdom_n that_o shall_v depend_v only_o upon_o god_n and_o his_o sword_n may_v imagine_v he_o shall_v be_v less_o hinder_v by_o several_a thousand_o of_o independent_a congregation_n not_o only_o on_o he_o and_o on_o his_o court_n but_o also_o the_o one_o independent_a on_o the_o other_o than_o by_o one_o entire_a body_n of_o all_o those_o church_n which_o shall_v set_v up_o by_o their_o deputy_n a_o ecclesiastical_a tribunal_n distinct_a from_o and_o independent_a on_o the_o civil_a for_o the_o strengeh_a of_o all_o those_o independent_a congregation_n will_v be_v like_o that_o of_o several_a thread_n which_o may_v easy_o be_v break_v one_o after_o another_o whereas_o the_o strength_n of_o all_o those_o church_n join_v in_o one_o body_n will_v be_v like_a to_o that_o of_o all_o those_o thread_n twist_v together_o which_o it_o will_v be_v almost_o if_o not_o absolute_o impossible_a to_o break_v or_o to_o undo_v but_o by_o the_o same_o way_n that_o alexander_n take_v to_o break_v the_o gordian-knot_n as_o the_o independent_a church_n do_v come_v the_o near_a to_o those_o of_o the_o apostle_n so_o likewise_o they_o be_v further_o off_o than_o any_o of_o the_o other_o reform_a church_n from_o that_o thought_n and_o practice_v which_o have_v accomplish_v the_o mystery_n of_o inquity_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o empire_n of_o the_o clergy_n and_o so_o consequent_o that_o of_o the_o pope_n in_o the_o empire_n of_o the_o secular_a power_n under_o the_o mask_n and_o disguise_n of_o religion_n and_o ecclesiastical_a power_n as_o to_o the_o objection_n that_o be_v make_v against_o they_o that_o in_o case_n there_o shall_v be_v no_o other_o ecclesiastical_a establishment_n in_o a_o kingdom_n than_o they_o the_o three_o fourth_n of_o the_o inhabitant_n will_v live_v in_o great_a negligence_n and_o a_o gross_a ignorance_n of_o religion_n to_o that_o they_o say_v that_o their_o way_n do_v not_o exempt_a pastor_n from_o attend_v upon_o the_o office_n of_o their_o ministry_n at_o all_o time_n and_o place_n both_z within_z and_o without_o their_o particular_a congregation_n and_o to_o take_v the_o same_o pain_n as_o the_o presbyterian_a minister_n do_v for_o what_o repect_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n in_o the_o most_o public_a place_n also_o they_o do_v very_o much_o approve_v that_o the_o magistrate_n shall_v erect_v academy_n and_o college_n assign_v tithe_n and_o revenue_n and_o temple_n establish_v person_n to_o be_v employ_v in_o the_o instruction_n of_o people_n in_o public_a to_o invite_v they_o to_o it_o and_o to_o excite_v the_o ignorant_a to_o frequent_v the_o school_n and_o the_o lecture_n of_o the_o professor_n of_o art_n and_o science_n where_o they_o shall_v go_v for_o the_o love_n of_o virtue_n and_o knowledge_n without_o be_v constrain_v as_o to_o the_o crime_n of_o schism_n which_o be_v impose_v on_o they_o as_o their_o be_v separate_v from_o all_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o the_o donatist_n the_o novatian_o and_o the_o luciferian_o do_v it_o be_v a_o false_a accu_fw-la sation_n those_o who_o accuse_v they_o of_o schism_n do_v not_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o schism_n 1._o it_o be_v not_o schism_n when_o a_o particular_a church_n separate_v from_o another_o church_n as_o the_o church_n of_o luther_n from_o that_o of_o calvin_n nor_o the_o protestant_n from_o the_o papist_n nor_o even_o one_o particular_a reform_a church_n from_o some_o other_o with_o which_o it_o make_v before_o but_o one_o body_n of_o a_o church_n but_o true_a schism_n be_v form_v among_o the_o member_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o particular_a church_n as_o be_v that_o of_o corinth_n 2._o it_o be_v not_o schism_n when_o a_o number_n of_o heretic_n separate_v from_o the_o orthodox_n party_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n to_o make_v a_o congregation_n apart_o to_o the_o end_n they_o may_v profess_v their_o heresy_n with_o great_a liberty_n but_o it_o be_v a_o apostasy_n and_o a_o abandon_v and_o forsake_v of_o the_o orthodox_n faith_n or_o church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v catholic_n and_o visible_a and_o upon_o this_o ground_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v not_o a_o schismatical_a but_o a_o apostate_n church_n although_o it_o be_v one_o for_o the_o first_o reason_n because_o that_o what_o engagement_n or_o tie_v soever_o all_o its_o member_n have_v to_o one_o head_n however_o they_o be_v not_o all_o agree_v together_o schism_n proper_o be_v when_o the_o member_n of_o one_o church_n be_v at_o variance_n as_o be_v those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o upon_o that_o account_n there_o be_v always_o a_o schism_n in_o the_o romish_a church_n 3._o there_o be_v no_o schism_n among_o several_a particular_a church_n that_o
differ_v one_o from_o the_o other_o in_o discipline_n but_o that_o retain_v and_o keep_v all_o the_o same_o foundation_n and_o ground_n of_o faith_n and_o who_o have_v for_o that_o point_n a_o great_a union_n and_o a_o strict_a correspondence_n with_o other_o church_n and_o this_o be_v so_o no_o more_o be_v there_o any_o schism_n when_o the_o congregationals_n be_v independent_a on_o other_o church_n and_o on_o their_o synod_n but_o when_o their_o church_n be_v so_o among_o themselves_o 4._o there_o be_v no_o schism_n among_o several_a particular_a church_n that_o agree_v in_o one_o and_o the_o fame_n faith_n and_o discipline_n as_o be_v those_o of_o metz_n and_o sedan_n but_o do_v their_o own_o business_n apart_o independant_o not_o only_o on_o one_o another_o but_o likewise_o on_o the_o synod_n it_o be_v with_o independent_a church_n or_o with_o several_a other_o particular_a church_n as_o with_o several_a family_n or_o neighbourhood_n or_o those_o that_o be_v pretty_a distant_a the_o one_o from_o the_o other_o who_o may_v all_o be_v good_a friend_n and_o live_v in_o good_a intelligence_n together_o without_o any_o thing_n of_o schism_n or_o rupture_n between_o they_o and_o yet_o every_o one_o do_v their_o own_o particular_a business_n by_o themselves_o 5._o the_o congregational_a man_n be_v no_o more_o guilty_a of_o schism_n when_o they_o form_n to_o themselves_o congregation_n distinct_a from_o parish_n contrary_a to_o the_o command_n of_o the_o magistrate_n it_o be_v a_o disobedience_n not_o to_o a_o national_a church_n which_o jesus_n christ_n have_v not_o institute_v much_o less_o invest_v with_o either_o jurisdiction_n or_o power_n to_o make_v law_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n but_o to_o the_o magistrate_n who_o to_o disobey_v be_v not_o schism_n but_o a_o crime_n of_o laesoe_n majestaetis_n or_o rebellion_n but_o yet_o it_o cease_v to_o be_v that_o too_o when_o it_o act_v only_o from_o this_o principle_n of_o obey_v god_n rather_o than_o man_n now_o this_o clear_n up_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o schism_n which_o strong_o establish_v the_o independency_n of_o the_o church_n and_o make_v it_o altogether_o reasonable_a do_v not_o destroy_v the_o confederation_n of_o the_o church_n into_o one_o body_n even_o under_o a_o national_a synod_n when_o for_o the_o mutual_a preservation_n of_o these_o church_n against_o a_o common_a enemy_n that_o persecute_v they_o they_o be_v constrain_v to_o make_v but_o one_o body_n of_o state_n or_o of_o church_n such_o as_o be_v the_o confederation_n of_o our_o church_n in_o france_n but_o then_o that_o necessity_n do_v not_o destroy_v the_o natural_a liberty_n of_o every_o particular_a church_n to_o be_v independent_a it_o be_v a_o confederation_n establish_v with_o prudence_n in_o that_o manner_n as_o be_v that_o of_o the_o city_n of_o achaida_n and_o as_o be_v at_o this_o day_n that_o of_o the_o low-countries_n and_o of_o the_o switzer_n the_o conjunction_n of_o which_o into_o one_o body_n and_o under_o one_o and_o the_o same_o jurisdiction_n do_v not_o divest_v any_o town_n or_o province_n of_o their_o natural_a freedom_n and_o liberty_n to_o be_v independent_a on_o one_o another_o there_o be_v however_o this_o temper_n and_o menage_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o this_o religious_a confederation_n that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v make_v not_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o power_n of_o bind_v and_o lose_v and_o of_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n which_o it_o be_v pretend_v that_o god_n have_v commit_v to_o pastor_n or_o synod_n but_o by_o virtue_n of_o a_o confederated_a discipline_n which_o be_v in_o the_o place_n of_o a_o magistrate_n also_o the_o council_n of_o monsieur_n amyraule_n shall_v be_v observe_v and_o it_o be_v the_o same_o that_o the_o city_n of_o achaia_n observe_v before_o viz._n that_o nothing_o shall_v pass_v in_o the_o general_a assembly_n but_o what_o have_v be_v first_o review_v and_o approve_v of_o by_o every_o particular_a church_n and_o this_o be_v that_o wherein_o the_o prudence_n of_o our_o first_o reformer_n in_o france_n have_v be_v want_v when_o they_o sit_v up_o a_o discipline_n by_o virtue_n of_o a_o ecclesiastical_a power_n distinct_a from_o that_o of_o the_o magistrate_n and_o from_o that_o which_o have_v its_o operation_n upon_o the_o heart_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o of_o a_o power_n fasten_v to_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o to_o that_o of_o bind_v and_o lose_v by_o virtue_n of_o which_o power_n they_o depose_v and_o excommunicate_v that_o be_v to_o say_v as_o mounseur_fw-fr claude_n say_v they_o deliver_v up_o a_o person_n to_o the_o devil_n but_o they_o also_o deliver_v he_o to_o he_o in_o the_o name_n and_o authority_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o so_o the_o people_n may_v not_o imagine_v this_o power_n to_o be_v that_o of_o the_o magistrate_n or_o of_o the_o confederate_a discipline_n but_o of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o mediator_n and_o king_n of_o his_o church_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o power_n that_o he_o exercise_n over_o it_o and_o of_o which_o the_o pastor_n and_o minister_n be_v the_o depositer_n as_o to_o those_o who_o blame_v as_o much_o the_o separation_n of_o the_o independent_n as_o that_o of_o the_o donatist_n the_o novatian_o and_o luciferian_o it_o be_v ill_o ground_v the_o vice_n of_o the_o donatist_n be_v in_o that_o they_o own_v no_o other_o church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o world_n than_o they_o for_o they_o rebaptise_v those_o who_o come_v from_o the_o catholic_n church_n to_o they_o the_o independent_n be_v far_o from_o these_o thought_n and_o practice_n they_o do_v as_o those_o who_o have_v a_o particular_a care_n of_o their_o health_n withdraw_v into_o a_o better_a place_n and_o sound_a air_n but_o yet_o they_o do_v not_o think_v but_o that_o they_o may_v do_v very_o well_o in_o place_n where_o the_o air_n be_v not_o so_o good_a before_o i_o go_v to_o another_o chapter_n i_o shall_v take_v notice_n that_o the_o result_n of_o the_o thought_n and_o of_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o congregationals_n their_o church_n and_o their_o pastor_n do_v come_v to_o these_o two_o maxim_n 1._o that_o to_o establish_v peace_n and_o true_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o among_o christian_n we_o must_v go_v back_o to_o the_o materia_fw-la prima_fw-la of_o the_o congregational_a church_n which_o be_v that_o every_o person_n and_o every_o society_n have_v the_o liberty_n to_o deliberate_v and_o consult_v about_o the_o choice_n of_o a_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o way_n to_o serve_v god_n and_o to_o take_v upon_o that_o point_n the_o counsel_n of_o wise_a and_o sincere_a person_n provide_v that_o that_o counsel_n tend_v not_o to_o irreligion_n and_o to_o some_o establishment_n of_o such_o maxim_n which_o shock_n the_o natural_a notion_n concern_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n his_o providence_n the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o necessity_n of_o a_o divine_a worship_n provide_v also_o that_o the_o manner_n which_o every_o person_n and_o every_o church_n have_v choose_v to_o govern_v itself_o by_o do_v not_o trouble_v the_o state_n in_o which_o one_o life_n unless_o that_o trouble_n happen_v by_o accident_n in_o the_o manner_n that_o jesus_n christ_n say_v of_o the_o gospel_n which_o excite_v trouble_n and_o bring_v war_n and_o contention_n into_o the_o world_n 2._o that_o this_o maxim_n of_o a_o national_a church_n in_o every_o territory_n with_o a_o uniformity_n of_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n distinct_a from_o the_o civil_a tribunal_n in_o jurisdiction_n and_o officer_n have_v introduce_v the_o pope_n into_o the_o world_n that_o it_o have_v be_v it_o be_v and_o it_o will_v be_v the_o cause_n that_o there_o never_o will_v be_v a_o church_n in_o the_o world_n in_o its_o true_a purity_n unless_o almighty_a god_n reserve_v some_o among_o the_o congregational_a church_n chap._n vii_o that_o the_o congregational_a way_n have_v be_v practise_v in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n i_o can_v easy_o show_v that_o for_o above_o this_o four_o thousand_o year_n before_o jesus_n christ_n and_o even_o during_o the_o height_n of_o popery_n and_o in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n god_n have_v always_o reserve_v some_o true_a worshipper_n of_o jesus_n christ_n by_o the_o way_n of_o congregational_a assembly_n there_o be_v a_o infinite_a number_n of_o they_o in_o the_o roman_a empire_n during_o the_o persecution_n that_o be_v set_v on_o foot_n by_o the_o arrian_n and_o when_o as_o st._n jerome_n say_v all_o the_o world_n be_v arrian_n but_o to_o come_v more_o particular_o to_o the_o thing_n they_o have_v have_v independent_a church_n in_o all_o time_n and_o in_o all_o place_n before_o the_o law_n and_o under_o the_o law_n in_o the_o time_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o after_o the_o apostle_n there_o be_v of_o they_o in_o the_o time_n of_o exos_fw-la the_o son_n of_o
that_o their_o spirit_n be_v not_o that_o of_o contention_n nor_o animosity_n one_o against_o another_o but_o of_o peace_n and_o concord_n if_o the_o book_n of_o that_o excellent_a author_n eutychius_n the_o patriarch_n of_o alexandria_n have_v appear_v with_o all_o its_o truth_n and_o have_v be_v see_v by_o all_o those_o that_o have_v eye_n and_o will_v use_v they_o during_o the_o life_n of_o monsieur_n salmasius_n mounseur_fw-fr blundel_n etc._n etc._n they_o have_v be_v yet_o more_o strong_o persuade_v than_o they_o be_v that_o all_o those_o circumstance_n so_o distant_a from_o the_o relation_n that_o eutychius_n make_v of_o they_o savour_v as_o much_o of_o romance_n as_o those_o three_o cross_n which_o helena_n mother_n of_o constantine_n find_v or_o as_o the_o donation_n of_o that_o emperor_n to_o silvester_n certain_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n do_v clear_o appear_v in_o the_o choice_n of_o those_o three_o hundred_o and_o eighteen_o bishop_n it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o god_n and_o not_o man_n when_o he_o raise_v up_o the_o good_a bishop_n of_o alexandria_n to_o recommend_v they_o to_o constantine_n and_o when_o he_o incline_v the_o heart_n of_o that_o prince_n to_o hearken_v to_o his_o counsel_n for_o if_o the_o emperor_n have_v let_v himself_o be_v overrule_v at_o the_o begin_n of_o that_o counsel_n by_o any_o other_o bishop_n as_o he_o do_v at_o the_o end_n of_o his_o life_n the_o first_o establishment_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n have_v be_v that_o of_o arrianisme_n whereas_o the_o orthodox_n faith_n take_v the_o first_o possession_n under_o the_o first_o christian_a emperor_n this_o serve_v most_o powerful_o to_o gain_v it_o credit_n and_o to_o make_v it_o pass_v and_o transmit_v it_o to_o posterity_n i_o will_v ask_v here_o by_o the_o way_n those_o that_o deprive_v the_o sovereign_a magistrate_n of_o the_o intendance_n of_o regulate_v by_o a_o sovereign_a authority_n in_o all_o place_n either_o of_o a_o empire_n or_o a_o territory_n the_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o give_v he_o no_o other_o authority_n than_o that_o of_o a_o private_a person_n i_o will_v ask_v those_o i_o say_v what_o expedient_a a_o good_a bishop_n such_o as_o this_o of_o alexandria_n can_v be_v able_a to_o find_v out_o to_o authorise_v the_o faith_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o that_o of_o arrius_n in_o case_n god_n have_v not_o incline_v the_o heart_n of_o constantine_n to_o establish_v it_o by_o his_o command_n in_o all_o the_o place_n of_o his_o empire_n i_o ought_v not_o to_o forget_v here_o one_o circumstance_n in_o our_o author_n that_o extreme_o fortify_v the_o right_a of_o the_o magistrate_n especial_o if_o he_o be_v orthodox_n to_o the_o sovereign_a intendance_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o which_o moreover_o strong_o prove_v that_o the_o rule_n canon_n censure_n and_o anathemas_n of_o council_n be_v only_a council_n and_o the_o declaration_n of_o wise_a and_o experience_a man_n before_o the_o magistrate_n have_v give_v they_o authority_n by_o his_o sanction_n in_o short_a this_o passage_n of_o eutychius_n be_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o pprophecy_n of_o s._n paul_n 1_o cor._n 6._o 2._o know_v you_o not_o that_o the_o saint_n shall_v judge_v the_o world_n that_o be_v to_o say_v know_v you_o not_o that_o god_n will_v one_o day_n establish_v faithful_a magistrate_n who_o shall_v be_v governor_n in_o chief_a of_o the_o church_n he_o say_v than_o that_o the_o choice_n of_o three_o hundred_o and_o eighteen_o bishop_n be_v make_v constantine_n enter_v into_o their_o assembly_n and_o after_o he_o have_v salute_v and_o harrangued_a to_o they_o he_o lay_v his_o sceptre_n upon_o the_o table_n his_o ring_n and_o his_o sword_n and_o say_v to_o they_o i_o give_v you_o the_o power_n of_o regulate_v the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n that_o do_v the_o father_n humble_o thank_v he_o for_o the_o authority_n which_o he_o be_v please_v to_o fortify_v they_o with_o and_o render_v he_o his_o sceptre_n his_o ring_n and_o his_o sword_n it_o be_v true_a if_o constantine_n have_v be_v a_o arrian_n his_o erroneous_a opinion_n have_v do_v as_o much_o mischief_n as_o the_o contrary_a opinion_n to_o that_o of_o arrius_n and_o wherewith_o he_o be_v possess_v do_v good_a by_o its_o establishment_n but_o it_o be_v true_a also_o that_o if_o the_o sovereign_n of_o a_o empire_n have_v no_o other_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n than_o that_o of_o a_o private_a person_n it_o will_v never_o be_v possible_a and_o it_o can_v never_o happen_v that_o a_o orthodox_n prince_n will_v be_v able_a to_o establish_v the_o true_a religion_n by_o his_o commandment_n in_o all_o the_o place_n of_o his_o empire_n it_o be_v true_a by_o this_o sovereign_a authority_n of_o the_o magistrate_n error_n and_o impiety_n may_v as_o well_o be_v establish_v by_o law_n as_o truth_n and_o piety_n but_o it_o be_v true_a also_o that_o when_o the_o sovereign_a magistrate_n either_o have_v no_o part_n nor_o be_v interest_v in_o the_o affair_n of_o religion_n as_o during_o the_o three_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n nothing_o can_v keep_v the_o bishop_n as_o be_v those_o two_o thousand_o and_o forty_o eight_o of_o who_o eutychius_n speak_v from_o divind_a into_o many_o erroneous_a party_n and_o the_o orthodox_n party_n to_o be_v always_o the_o least_o in_o number_n and_o this_o can_v happen_v when_o god_n give_v to_o the_o church_n such_o prince_n as_o resemble_v constantine_n the_o great_a theodosius_n and_o martian_a it_o happen_v notwithstanding_o that_o during_o such_o disorder_n and_o such_o confusion_n of_o diverse_a opinion_n as_o be_v those_o of_o the_o two_o thousand_o and_o forty_o that_o god_n reserve_v always_o a_o small_a number_n of_o good_a pastor_n as_o be_v those_o three_o hundred_o and_o eighteen_o who_o form_n in_o a_o great_a empire_n such_o as_o be_v the_o roman_a several_a little_a congregation_n all_o like_a to_o those_o of_o our_o independent_n who_o god_n make_v use_v of_o amid_o the_o great_a corruption_n and_o confusion_n to_o keep_v and_o perpetuate_v to_o himself_o a_o orthodox_n and_o faithful_a people_n in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v true_a then_o that_o whither_o god_n give_v a_o christian_a magistrate_n but_o a_o heretic_n or_o whether_o he_o do_v not_o give_v any_o if_o he_o be_v not_o possible_o a_o heathen_a as_o during_o the_o three_o first_o age_n the_o inconvenience_n be_v great_a but_o it_o be_v otherwise_o certain_a that_o when_o god_n bless_v his_o church_n with_o a_o magistrate_n that_o favour_v the_o orthodox_n and_o true_a worshipper_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o condition_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v incomparable_o more_o happy_a than_o under_o any_o other_o establishment_n of_o religion_n or_o of_o the_o state_n for_o although_o persecution_n ought_v to_o unite_v christian_n by_o a_o holy_a and_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o by_o a_o life_n correspondent_a to_o it_o yet_o it_o have_v not_o that_o efficacy_n nor_o that_o virtue_n to_o produce_v those_o two_o good_a effect_n which_o common_o follow_v under_o the_o reign_n of_o good_a prince_n as_o david_n hezekiah_n josiah_n constantine_n theodosius_n etc._n etc._n under_o who_o the_o people_n be_v unite_v well_o otherwise_o and_o keep_v in_o good_a order_n and_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o and_o a_o good_a religion_n which_o they_o be_v not_o under_o persecution_n for_o even_o the_o church_n be_v not_o without_o disorder_n and_o violent_a shake_n under_o the_o best_a and_o most_o orthodox_n prince_n which_o happen_v by_o their_o indulgence_n who_o keep_v not_o up_o that_o authority_n they_o ought_v to_o take_v in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o who_o delegate_v it_o to_o the_o clergy_n and_o permit_v they_o to_o exercise_v by_o a_o pretend_a power_n derive_v from_o jesus_n christ_n independent_a on_o the_o magistrate_n and_o who_o in_o short_a raise_v up_o bishop_n to_o such_o a_o greatness_n and_o wealth_n as_o to_o have_v credit_n enough_o to_o partake_v and_o share_v the_o sovereignty_n and_o to_o dispute_v the_o moiety_n of_o it_o with_o he_o who_o of_o right_n be_v the_o sovereign_n of_o the_o whole_a leave_v he_o the_o temporal_a sovereignty_n and_o reserve_v to_o themselves_o the_o spiritual_a as_o they_o call_v it_o but_o these_o matter_n i_o discourse_v of_o in_o my_o book_n not_o yet_o print_v entitle_v a_o essay_n towards_o a_o true_a ecclesiastical_a history_n one_o theophilus_n of_o alexandria_n and_o his_o successor_n cyrillus_n be_v equal_a and_o go_v check_v by_o jowl_n in_o authority_n with_o the_o emperor_n and_o have_v build_v a_o empire_n in_o that_o of_o their_o sovereign_n for_o even_o those_o and_o their_o successor_n have_v build_v several_a of_o they_o when_o a_o pope_n be_v set_v up_o among_o they_o who_o subjugate_v they_o all_o and_o make_v they_o all_o agree_v to_o set_v up_o but_o one_o catholic_n church_n for_o before_o there_o be_v in_o
be_v a_o pernicious_a sect_n which_o from_o the_o very_a foundation_n overthrow_v the_o empire_n and_o government_n of_o the_o world_n and_o other_o have_v no_o better_o opinion_n of_o they_o impute_v to_o they_o practice_n contrary_a to_o truth_n as_o to_o receive_v into_o their_o communion_n the_o most_o loose_a disorder_a and_o impious_a person_n though_o on_o the_o contrary_a their_o fault_n if_o it_o be_v one_o be_v just_a at_o the_o other_o extremity_n not_o to_o receive_v neither_o into_o their_o society_n nor_o their_o communion_n any_o but_o such_o in_o who_o they_o probable_o find_v the_o mark_n of_o regeneration_n and_o that_o beside_o their_o great_a crime_n be_v to_o condemn_v the_o practice_n of_o church_n as_o popish_a and_o tyrannical_a when_o by_o a_o right_a pretend_a to_o be_v divine_a and_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o of_o that_o of_o bind_v and_o lose_v they_o erect_v a_o tribunal_n or_o a_o national_a ecclesiastical_a power_n independent_a and_o distinct_a from_o that_o of_o the_o magistrate_n though_o otherwise_o they_o approve_v of_o the_o government_n of_o our_o church_n of_o france_n according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o those_o who_o establish_v it_o upon_o a_o natural_a right_n and_o upon_o a_o considerate_a discipline_n in_o a_o manner_n absolute_o like_a to_o the_o civil_a and_o politic_a for_o it_o be_v upon_o this_o ground_n of_o natural_a right_n of_o confederation_n of_o arbitrary_a discipline_n and_o pure_o humane_a which_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v change_v and_o alter_v according_a to_o time_n and_o place_n it_o be_v upon_o this_o ground_n i_o say_v that_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n of_o france_n be_v establish_v and_o found_v as_o the_o last_o article_n of_o their_o discipline_n say_v it_o in_o the_o very_a express_a term_n chap._n ii_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o congregational_a way_n above_o any_o other_o establishment_n of_o the_o church_n beside_o that_o it_o be_v the_o most_o reasonable_a and_o that_o oll_n other_o have_v insuperable_a inconvenience_n this_o congregational_a way_n have_v incredible_a advantage_n over_o and_o above_o all_o the_o other_o establishment_n of_o religion_n which_o most_o common_o be_v of_o the_o same_o extent_n as_o the_o civil_a state_n of_o every_o territory_n but_o beyond_o all_o this_o way_n introduce_v into_o all_o the_o church_n which_o conform_v to_o it_o or_o at_o least_o into_o a_o great_a many_o of_o those_o church_n a_o reformation_n in_o doctrine_n in_o discipline_n and_o in_o manner_n of_o government_n whole_o apostolical_a it_o be_v impossible_a that_o of_o a_o hundred_o congregation_n or_o particular_a church_n which_o shall_v differ_v one_o from_o another_o in_o faith_n and_o in_o the_o way_n of_o government_n otherwise_o independent_a each_o on_o the_o other_o or_o on_o the_o synod_n but_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o or_o other_o which_o do_v retain_v this_o apostolical_a holiness_n whereas_o it_o be_v not_o any_o way_n possible_a as_o we_o have_v see_v by_o experience_n since_o the_o time_n of_o constantine_n the_o great_a but_o that_o one_o national_a church_n of_o the_o same_o extent_n as_o the_o civil_a state_n or_o as_o the_o empire_n or_o dominion_n of_o a_o prince_n must_v needs_o have_v many_o defect_n error_n and_o apparent_a disorder_n not_o only_o in_o discipline_n but_o also_o in_o doctrine_n for_o these_o follow_a reason_n 1._o we_o must_v consider_v a_o national_a church_n either_o in_o the_o manner_n as_o it_o be_v establish_v by_o constantine_n theodostus_fw-la and_o justinian_n of_o as_o great_a a_o extent_n as_o the_o roman_a empire_n in_o which_o the_o state_n ecclesiastical_a be_v regulate_v after_o the_o model_n of_o the_o civil_a state_n where_o the_o bishop_n of_o a_o city_n or_o place_n who_o extent_n be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v parallel_n to_o the_o defensor_fw-la civitatis_fw-la or_o to_o the_o dux_n the_o archbishop_n or_o the_o metropolitan_a of_o the_o province_n be_v parallel_v to_o the_o praeses_fw-la or_o proconsul_n and_o corrector_n the_o diocesan_n the_o primate_n or_o the_o patriarch_n who_o be_v also_o the_o hexarch_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o calcedonian_a council_n be_v parallel_n to_o the_o legate_n of_o the_o emperor_n or_o vicarius_fw-la where_o the_o praetorium_n be_v and_o where_o there_o be_v in_o the_o ecclesiastical_a state_n a_o subordination_n of_o court_n and_o tribunal_n as_o in_o the_o civil_a state_n for_o that_o be_v the_o error_n of_o the_o ancient_n to_o adjust_a the_o ecclesiastical_a government_n to_o the_o civil_a instead_o of_o practise_v the_o quite_o contrary_a according_a to_o the_o judicious_a maxim_n of_o a_o wise_a italian_a politician_n bisogna_fw-it accomodare_fw-la la_fw-it ragione_fw-la di_fw-it stato_fw-it alla_fw-mi religione_fw-la &_o non_fw-fr la_fw-fr religione_fw-la alla_fw-fr rag_n one_o di_fw-mi stato_fw-it or_o we_o must_v consider_v the_o national_a church_n when_o the_o pastor_n be_v in_o a_o equality_n of_o rank_n and_o dignity_n but_o with_o subordination_n to_o provincial_n or_o national_a assembly_n consistory_n colloquy_n and_o synod_n now_o in_o either_o manner_n of_o establishment_n where_o there_o be_v observe_v in_o all_o thing_n a_o uniformity_n of_o doctrine_n and_o of_o discipline_n and_o which_o be_v press_v by_o the_o same_o rigorous_a severity_n in_o the_o state_n ecclesiastical_a as_o the_o law_n be_v in_o the_o civil_a in_o either_o manner_n i_o say_v even_o when_o the_o magistrate_n favour_v the_o true_a worshipper_n of_o jesus_n christ_n there_o happen_v error_n and_o disorder_n innumerable_a which_o never_o will_v be_v find_v in_o the_o establishment_n of_o the_o congregational_a way_n as_o when_o the_o bishop_n or_o a_o small_a number_n of_o pastor_n have_v the_o whole_a management_n and_o supervision_n of_o affair_n and_o where_o it_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o heresy_n ambition_n envy_n politic_a regard_n temporal_a interest_n the_o spirit_n of_o pride_n and_o grandeur_n and_o faction_n shall_v reign_v among_o they_o and_o that_o these_o error_n and_o disorder_n shall_v so_o easy_o be_v visible_a and_o take_v notice_n of_o as_o in_o a_o particular_a compose_v of_o one_o or_o two_o pastor_n and_o of_o a_o small_a number_n of_o people_n this_o be_v what_o have_v be_v observe_v by_o the_o historian_n socrates_n and_o sozomen_n and_o by_o the_o father_n gregory_n nazianzen_n say_v that_o he_o have_v never_o see_v synod_n to_o produce_v any_o good_a effect_n but_o that_o they_o have_v rather_o increase_v heresy_n then_o stifle_v and_o suppress_v it_o martin_n the_o bishop_n of_o tours_n have_v no_o better_a opinion_n of_o they_o all_o the_o synod_n especial_o the_o ecumenical_a have_v be_v shire_n hall_n house_n of_o confusion_n or_o even_a aceldama_n if_o the_o emperor_n or_o their_o commissary_n have_v not_o throw_v water_n upon_o the_o fire_n which_o they_o have_v kindle_v yet_o they_o can_v not_o always_o so_o hinder_v but_o that_o these_o two_o great_a evil_n of_o synod_n and_o bishop_n the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v transport_v they_o to_o the_o very_a extremity_n of_o tyranny_n and_o cruelty_n insomuch_o that_o dioscorus_n who_o be_v precedent_n in_o the_o second_o council_n of_o ephesus_n over_o four_o hundred_o person_n be_v so_o move_v with_o rage_n and_o passion_n against_o flavian_n bishop_n of_o antioch_n that_o he_o rise_v up_o from_o his_o seat_n and_o kill_v he_o with_o blow_n and_o kick_v and_o also_o trample_v upon_o his_o body_n after_o he_o be_v dead_a it_o be_v remarkable_a that_o the_o canon_n full_a of_o piety_n and_o pure_a doctrine_n be_v never_o make_v in_o numerous_n and_o ecumenical_a synod_n but_o in_o those_o that_o be_v private_a and_o compose_v of_o a_o few_o person_n such_o as_o be_v that_o of_o orange_n where_o we_o read_v these_o word_n that_o deserve_v to_o be_v write_v in_o gold_n tales_n nos_fw-la amat_fw-la deus_fw-la quales_fw-la futuri_fw-la sumus_fw-la ipsius_fw-la dono_fw-la non_fw-la quales_fw-la sumus_fw-la nostro_fw-la merito_fw-la have_v in_o it_o only_o the_o first_o nicene_n council_n which_o have_v produce_v we_o this_o most_o nervous_a confession_n concern_v the_o bless_a trinity_n i_o add_v that_o in_o the_o establishment_n of_o a_o national_a church_n which_o observe_v in_o a_o large_a extent_n of_o dominion_n the_o same_o uniformity_n of_o religion_n as_o of_o polity_n it_o be_v neither_o goodness_n nor_o truth_n neither_o sincerity_n nor_o a_o well-formed_a design_n that_o act_n but_o it_o be_v hazard_v worldly_a interest_n power_n and_o the_o great_a number_n which_o be_v oftentimes_o the_o most_o erroncous_a and_o the_o will_n of_o one_o single_a person_n invest_v with_o a_o absolute_a power_n which_o be_v most_o common_o take_v up_o by_o flatterer_n and_o counsellor_n who_o be_v animate_v with_o other_o motive_n than_o those_o of_o conscience_n or_o who_o how_o good_a soever_o and_o sincere_a otherwise_o be_v not_o illuminate_v
nor_o learned_a enough_o to_o give_v a_o right_a judgement_n about_o matter_n of_o religion_n carneades_n say_v that_o the_o state_n of_o athens_n be_v unhappy_a in_o which_o wise_a man_n make_v fair_a overture_n and_o give_v good_a counsel_n but_o fool_n judge_v of_o they_o and_o order_v all_o thing_n according_a to_o their_o idle_a and_o extravagant_a fancy_n and_o indeed_o wise_a man_n may_v consult_v but_o it_o be_v the_o great_a number_n or_o the_o long_a and_o best_a sword_n that_o determine_v which_o be_v too_o often_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o those_o who_o have_v more_o strength_n of_o power_n than_o force_n of_o judgement_n so_o that_o by_o this_o establishment_n of_o a_o national_a ecclesiastical_a government_n thousand_o of_o christian_n and_o faithful_a soul_n be_v as_o much_o oblige_v to_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o religion_n of_o a_o whole_a empire_n according_a to_o the_o establishment_n which_o shall_v be_v make_v of_o it_o by_o a_o idolatrous_a rehoboam_n by_o a_o 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of_o particular_a church_n on_o any_o other_o authority_n than_o that_o of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o his_o word_n but_o there_o be_v nothing_o which_o do_v more_o reasonable_o establish_v the_o independency_n of_o particular_a church_n nor_o which_o more_o powerful_o destroy_v this_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n by_o a_o divine_a right_n and_o the_o necessity_n there_o be_v that_o a_o person_n or_o a_o particular_a church_n shall_v depend_v upon_o its_o ordinance_n unless_o that_o supreme_a authority_n be_v infallible_a for_o if_o it_o be_v subject_a to_o error_n it_o must_v of_o necessity_n do_v violence_n to_o the_o christian_a liberty_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o so_o degenerate_a into_o a_o tyrannical_a authority_n there_o be_v nothing_o i_o say_v which_o establish_v more_o reasonable_o the_o independency_n of_o particular_a church_n nor_o which_o more_o powerful_o destroy_v their_o dependency_n than_o the_o account_n which_o the_o bishop_n of_o condom_n give_v of_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o independent_n and_o of_o the_o sentence_n that_o the_o synod_n of_o charenton_n pronounce_v against_o they_o they_o believe_v say_v he_o that_o every_o faithful_a member_n ought_v to_o follow_v the_o illumination_n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n without_o submit_v his_o judgement_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o body_n nor_o any_o ecclesiastical_a assembly_n and_o they_o do_v not_o refuse_v to_o submit_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n nor_o to_o embrace_v the_o decision_n of_o synod_n when_o after_o a_o due_a and_o through_o examination_n of_o they_o they_o find_v they_o reasonable_a that_o which_o they_o refuse_v to_o do_v be_v to_o submit_v their_o judgement_n to_o that_o of_o any_o assembly_n because_o it_o be_v a_o society_n of_o man_n that_o be_v subject_a to_o error_n the_o gospel_n itself_o be_v not_o more_o true_a than_o this_o persuasion_n of_o independent_n and_o that_o bishop_n can_v not_o approve_v of_o one_o more_o reasonable_a to_o wit_n that_o a_o particular_a person_n or_o church_n ought_v not_o to_o submit_v
their_o faith_n their_o religion_n nor_o the_o guidance_n of_o their_o manner_n to_o a_o authority_n which_o be_v subject_a to_o error_n but_o only_o to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v a_o infallible_a authority_n upon_o this_o ground_n the_o bishop_n of_o condom_n have_v reason_n to_o condemn_v the_o synod_n of_o charenton_n for_o have_v tax_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o independent_n with_o error_n which_o consist_v as_o say_v the_o synod_n in_o what_o they_o teach_v that_o every_o church_n ought_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o its_o own_o law_n without_o any_o dependence_n upon_o any_o in_o matter_n ecclesiastical_a and_o without_o any_o obligation_n to_o acknowledge_v the_o authority_n of_o synod_n for_o its_o governance_n and_o conduct_n than_o a_o little_a after_o this_o same_o synod_n decide_v that_o this_o sect_n be_v as_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o state_n as_o to_o the_o church_n that_o it_o open_v a_o door_n to_o all_o sort_n of_o irregularity_n and_o extravagancy_n that_o it_o take_v away_o all_o the_o mean_n of_o bring_v any_o remedy_n to_o they_o and_o that_o if_o it_o have_v field-room_n enough_o it_o will_v form_v to_o itself_o as_o many_o religion_n as_o parish_n or_o particular_a assembly_n these_o last_o word_n say_v the_o bishop_n discover_z that_o it_o be_v principal_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n that_o the_o synod_n will_v establish_v dependency_n since_o the_o great_a inconvenience_n that_o he_o take_v notice_n of_o into_o which_o the_o faithful_a people_n of_o god_n will_v fall_v by_o independency_n be_v that_o they_o will_v frame_v as_o many_o religion_n as_o parish_n then_o say_v he_o of_o necessity_n according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o that_o synod_n each_o church_n and_o by_o a_o strong_a reason_n each_o particular_a must_v depend_v as_o to_o what_o respect_v faith_n upon_o a_o supreme_a authority_n which_o reside_v in_o some_o assembly_n or_o in_o some_o body_n to_o which_o authority_n all_o the_o faithful_a people_n of_o god_n ought_v to_o submit_v their_o judgement_n this_o bishop_n can_v take_v notice_n of_o nothing_o more_o unreasonable_a and_o more_o extravagant_a in_o our_o synod_n than_o to_o oblige_v a_o private_a person_n to_o submit_v himself_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o a_o assembly_n who_o decision_n be_v not_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o be_v to_o say_v not_o infallible_a it_o be_v true_a that_o pre-supposing_a all_o supreme_a authority_n in_o the_o church_n whether_o in_o the_o protestant_n or_o romish_a be_v subject_a to_o error_n the_o government_n of_o the_o adversary_n of_o rome_n of_o independent_n or_o other_o protestant_n be_v equal_o justifiable_a when_o they_o refuse_v to_o pay_v submission_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o rome_n since_o that_o it_o be_v incomparable_o more_o defective_a than_o that_o which_o the_o protestant_n set_v up_o in_o their_o church_n but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o upon_o this_o ground_n the_o government_n of_o the_o independent_n be_v more_o justifiable_a and_o more_o reasonable_a than_o that_o of_o other_o protestant_n who_o blind_o submit_v themselves_o to_o a_o tribunal_n subject_a to_o error_n and_o who_o conduct_n and_o gonance_n be_v beyond_o all_o comparison_n further_o off_o from_o reason_n than_o be_v that_o of_o the_o papist_n for_o pre-supposing_a that_o the_o authority_n of_o rome_n be_v infallible_a the_o submission_n which_o the_o people_n pay_v to_o that_o supreme_a authority_n be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o reasonable_a as_o that_o of_o the_o protestant_n be_v the_o less_o when_o they_o submit_v to_o a_o supreme_a authority_n which_o they_o themselves_o believe_v be_v subject_a to_o error_n in_o short_a the_o bishop_n of_o condom_n have_v great_a reason_n to_o be_v sure_a that_o the_o protestant_n be_v mighty_o beside_o the_o cushion_n and_o to_o blame_v for_o condemn_v the_o infallibility_n of_o rome_n so_o long_o as_o the_o incontestability_n and_o indisputableness_n which_o they_o invest_v their_o supreme_a authority_n withal_o carry_v the_o same_o obligation_n along_o with_o it_o to_o obedience_n and_o submission_n a_o great_a divine_a of_o we_o who_o relate_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o protestant_n hereupon_o libr._n 1._o cap._n 8._o de_fw-la clavibus_fw-la express_v himself_o in_o these_o word_n huius_fw-la ligamenti_fw-la quo_fw-la pastor_n ecelesiae_fw-la constringunt_fw-la peccatores_fw-la tanta_fw-la est_fw-la vis_fw-la &_o certitudo_fw-la ut_fw-la christus_fw-la pronunciet_a si_fw-la quid_fw-la ligaverint_fw-la pastor_n in_fw-la terris_fw-la id_fw-la fore_fw-la ligâ—tum_fw-la in_o coelo_fw-la id_fw-la est_fw-la deum_fw-la ratum_fw-la habiturum_fw-la hanc_fw-la ligationem_fw-la potest_fw-la fieri_fw-la aliquando_fw-la ut_fw-la ligatio_fw-la sit_fw-la injusta_fw-la vult_fw-la tamen_fw-la christus_fw-la eam_fw-la ratam_fw-la esse_fw-la non_fw-la enim_fw-la fas_fw-la est_fw-la homini_fw-la qui_fw-la injust_a excommunicatus_fw-la est_fw-la invaaere_fw-la sacram_fw-la coenam_fw-la &_o invitis_fw-la pastoribus_fw-la irrumpere_fw-la in_o communionem_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la be_v not_o that_o to_o tell_v we_o that_o a_o man_n excommunicate_v unjust_o be_v as_o much_o oblige_v to_o submit_v himself_o to_o the_o excommunication_n pronounce_v against_o he_o by_o a_o authority_n which_o have_v err_v as_o when_o it_o be_v give_v by_o a_o authority_n which_o have_v not_o err_v and_o be_v not_o that_o to_o tell_v we_o that_o in_o every_o way_n whither_o just_o or_o unjust_o a_o person_n deliver_v to_o satan_n as_o be_v the_o general_a opinion_n of_o all_o protestant_n except_v my_o father_n that_o to_o deliver_v to_o satan_n and_o to_o excommunicate_v be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n ought_v not_o to_o dispute_v oâ—â—_n resist_v that_o authority_n which_o have_v deliver_v he_o up_o to_o that_o evil_a spirit_n to_o conclude_v be_v not_o that_o to_o speak_v in_o the_o language_n of_o the_o canon_n si_fw-mi papa_n distinct_a 40_o which_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n permit_v a_o person_n cast_v thus_o to_o the_o devil_n although_o against_o all_o right_a and_o justice_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o pope_n to_o resist_v that_o supreme_a authority_n the_o bishop_n likewise_o have_v no_o less_o good_a reason_n to_o be_v sure_a that_o the_o conjunction_n of_o all_o the_o part_n of_o romish_a church_n in_o one_o body_n will_v be_v unreasonable_a if_o they_o be_v not_o cement_v by_o infallibility_n and_o to_o divest_v it_o of_o its_o infallibility_n be_v to_o break_v it_o in_o piece_n be_v to_o cast_v every_o of_o its_o least_o part_n into_o independency_n and_o to_o give_v liberty_n to_o every_o of_o they_o to_o govern_v themselves_o according_a to_o their_o own_o mode_n and_o way_n and_o to_o do_v their_o business_n by_o themselves_o but_o here_o we_o shall_v observe_v as_o we_o go_v along_o that_o of_o two_o depth_n of_o satan_n the_o ecclesiastical_a power_n and_o infallibility_n the_o first_o be_v a_o lie_n a_o imposture_n and_o a_o cheat_n but_o that_o presuppose_v that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o cheat_n but_o a_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a and_o true_a and_o the_o use_n of_o which_o be_v necessary_a in_o the_o church_n infallibility_n be_v natural_o and_o reasonable_o a_o consequence_n of_o it_o and_o in_o truth_n our_o reformer_n have_v place_v incontestability_n in_o the_o room_n of_o infallibility_n but_o it_o be_v true_a also_o that_o if_o infallibility_n be_v a_o pure_a cheat_n the_o other_o be_v a_o pure_a and_o absolute_a tyranny_n and_o it_o be_v less_o reasonable_a in_o not_o be_v a_o natural_a consequence_n of_o ecclesiastical_a power_n incontestability_n be_v a_o thousand_o time_n worse_o than_o infallibility_n except_o it_o be_v in_o one_o thing_n and_o that_o be_v that_o it_o have_v not_o be_v of_o so_o long_a a_o duration_n it_o be_v here_o no_o doubt_n wherein_o the_o illumination_n of_o humane_a reason_n be_v not_o so_o great_a to_o our_o first_o reformer_n as_o to_o the_o generation_n of_o man_n in_o this_o age_n for_o as_o those_o soresaw_v in_o it_o that_o a_o submission_n of_o so_o many_o prince_n and_o people_n who_o differ_v in_o custom_n law_n and_o language_n to_o a_o authority_n subject_a to_o error_n be_v not_o only_o unreasonable_a but_o also_o impossible_a to_o prevent_v the_o revolt_n both_o of_o king_n and_o people_n they_o with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o justice_n invest_v it_o with_o infallibility_n and_o it_o be_v here_o too_o that_o the_o bishop_n of_o condom_n triumph_v over_o we_o and_o have_v great_a reason_n for_o it_o on_o his_o side_n when_o he_o reproach_n we_o that_o we_o have_v be_v deficient_a in_o our_o politic_n in_o not_o erect_v among_o we_o a_o infallible_a tribunal_n and_o that_o we_o be_v much_o to_o blame_v for_o oblige_v the_o faithful_a people_n of_o god_n with_o so_o much_o rigour_n and_o severity_n to_o submit_v to_o a_o tribunal_n subject_a to_o error_n but_o those_o of_o rome_n be_v not_o so_o for_o they_o oblige_v their_o people_n to_o submit_v to_o one_o that_o be_v infallible_a but_o the_o independent_n as_o they_o be_v lead_v by_o
be_v impossible_a i_o say_v that_o he_o can_v suffice_v and_o attend_v upon_o the_o instruction_n of_o all_o those_o auditor_n and_o of_o every_o one_o of_o they_o in_o particular_a which_o be_v most_o easy_a to_o be_v do_v by_o the_o way_n that_o the_o pastor_n of_o independent_a church_n take_v whereof_o every_o congregation_n be_v not_o at_o the_o most_o above_o two_o hundred_o person_n and_o who_o be_v also_o ease_v and_o help_v by_o their_o coadjutor_n in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a ministry_n so_o that_o this_o kind_n of_o congregational_a way_n seem_v to_o be_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o prophecy_n concern_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n which_o god_n be_v to_o make_v in_o the_o least_a time_n with_o his_o people_n where_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o more_o need_n to_o have_v recourse_n to_o the_o bishop_n or_o to_o his_o curate_n for_o receive_v instruction_n because_o every_o person_n who_o be_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n as_o the_o great_a number_n of_o 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erect_v a_o tribunal_n for_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n in_o which_o the_o magistrate_n shall_v not_o be_v see_v in_o the_o quality_n of_o magistrate_n but_o only_o as_o member_n of_o the_o consistory_n but_o yet_o a_o tribunal_n that_o shall_v be_v as_o much_o invest_v with_o incontestability_n and_o with_o a_o power_n not_o to_o appeal_v from_o it_o as_o that_o of_o rome_n be_v with_o infallibility_n and_o this_o be_v what_o calvin_n carry_v by_o main_a force_n not_o only_o against_o the_o will_n of_o the_o magistrate_n and_o of_o the_o people_n of_o geneva_n but_o against_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o church_n and_o against_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o the_o divine_n of_o his_o time_n but_o it_o have_v not_o be_v so_o with_o the_o establishment_n of_o the_o congregational_a way_n to_o which_o the_o people_n have_v have_v as_o great_a a_o inclination_n and_o natural_a forwardness_n as_o the_o pastor_n themselves_o which_o have_v be_v see_v in_o england_n for_o above_o this_o 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there_o be_v proportionable_o as_o many_o people_n as_o minister_n who_o join_v in_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o congregational_a way_n which_o they_o do_v with_o more_o heat_n and_o fervour_n than_o the_o parliament_n will_v have_v have_v they_o in_o so_o much_o that_o they_o be_v force_v to_o publish_v a_o declaration_n by_o which_o they_o exhort_v the_o people_n to_o put_v off_o the_o gather_n of_o church_n till_o the_o parliament_n have_v make_v a_o more_o public_a regulation_n thereof_o as_o to_o the_o opinion_n of_o erastus_n though_o it_o be_v not_o approve_v in_o the_o assembly_n but_o by_o two_o divine_n it_o have_v notwithstanding_o the_o applause_n of_o most_o of_o the_o magistrate_n of_o the_o learned_a and_o more_o illuminate_v who_o be_v not_o of_o the_o gown_n which_o discover_v 1._o that_o interest_n be_v the_o tool_n and_o engine_n that_o move_v most_o man_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o if_o the_o magistrate_n be_v for_o a_o intendance_n which_o the_o presbyterian_o 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pius_n two_o d._n who_o be_v a_o cardinal_n submit_v the_o pope_n to_o the_o council_n but_o he_o change_v his_o opinion_n as_o soon_o as_o ever_o he_o come_v to_o be_v pope_n himself_o much_o about_o twenty_o year_n since_o the_o learned_a dr._n stillingfleet_n prefer_v the_o presbyterian_a government_n to_o the_o episcopal_a but_o now_o he_o have_v have_v several_a fat_a benefice_n bestow_v upon_o he_o and_o he_o be_v advance_v to_o the_o deanery_n of_o s._n paul_n episcopacy_n be_v most_o excellent_a both_o in_o his_o esteem_n and_o opinion_n and_o in_o his_o write_n this_o way_n be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o excellent_a just_a and_o reasonable_a as_o it_o have_v a_o compatibility_n with_o the_o government_n of_o a_o national_a church_n which_o make_v but_o one_o entire_a body_n with_o that_o of_o the_o republic_n as_o under_o the_o legal_a oeconomy_n whereas_o the_o government_n of_o a_o national_a church_n distinct_a and_o independent_a upon_o that_o of_o the_o republic_n be_v not_o compatible_a with_o any_o government_n neither_o with_o that_o of_o the_o magistrate_n nor_o with_o that_o of_o the_o congregational_a church_n though_o the_o government_n of_o this_o latter_a may_v be_v compatible_a with_o all_o kind_n of_o government_n if_o it_o will_v be_v suffer_v for_o a_o multitude_n of_o small_a congregational_a church_n be_v as_o much_o compatible_a with_o the_o civil_a state_n as_o be_v a_o multitude_n of_o family_n because_o neither_o the_o one_o nor_o the_o other_o do_v form_n to_o themselves_o a_o body_n by_o their_o deputy_n which_o establish_v a_o tribunal_n distinct_a from_o and_o independent_a on_o that_o of_o the_o civil_a state_n whereas_o the_o popish_a episcopal_a and_o presbyterian_a government_n erect_v a_o tribunal_n in_o every_o territory_n independent_a on_o all_o other_o calvin_n give_v the_o first_o model_n of_o it_o in_o geneva_n volui_fw-la say_v he_o ut_fw-la judicium_fw-la ecclesiasticum_fw-la disticium_fw-la esset_fw-la à _fw-la civili_fw-la
fourteen_o remark_n upon_o the_o fault_n that_o some_o may_v find_v in_o the_o title_n of_o this_o discourse_n i_o will_v finish_v these_o conderation_n by_o the_o discussion_n and_o explication_n of_o the_o title_n of_o this_o discourse_n to_o which_o some_o have_v except_v because_o they_o find_v there_o be_v not_o one_o ecclesiastical_a government_n even_o of_o those_o which_o differ_v most_o from_o one_o another_o that_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o this_o conformity_n as_o indeed_o they_o have_v either_o more_o or_o less_o for_o there_o be_v not_o one_o of_o they_o no_o not_o even_o of_o those_o that_o be_v the_o far_a off_o from_o the_o doctrine_n and_o government_n of_o the_o ancient_a christian_n and_o that_o have_v but_o very_o little_a agreement_n one_o with_o the_o other_o there_o be_v not_o one_o i_o say_v but_o what_o have_v in_o something_o a_o conformity_n with_o they_o every_o way_n of_o government_n boast_v of_o their_o retain_v this_o conformity_n with_o the_o ancient_a christian_n i_o myself_o pretend_v to_o this_o glory_n in_o favour_n of_o the_o congregational_a way_n not_o long_o since_o a_o learned_a minister_n of_o roüen_o publish_v a_o book_n entitle_v the_o conformity_n of_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n of_o france_n to_o that_o of_o the_o ancient_a christian_n beside_o though_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v not_o any_o agreement_n with_o that_o of_o the_o church_n of_o france_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o two_o discipline_n so_o disagree_v to_o each_o other_o shall_v have_v both_o of_o they_o much_o conformity_n to_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o ancient_a christian_n yet_o it_o have_v so_o happen_v that_o a_o famous_a divine_a in_o his_o preface_n to_o his_o english_a translation_n of_o the_o novelty_n of_o popery_n maintain_v very_o zealous_o the_o same_o thing_n in_o favour_n of_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o mounseur_fw-fr larroque_n have_v do_v in_o favour_n of_o those_o of_o france_n if_o i_o be_v say_v he_o to_o speak_v to_o frenchman_n i_o will_v endeavour_v to_o convince_v they_o full_o that_o we_o retain_v in_o england_n more_o of_o the_o primitive_a and_o apostolic_a government_n than_o all_o the_o other_o church_n in_o the_o world_n dr._n floyd_n and_o dr._n tillotson_n say_v the_o same_o thing_n but_o i_o believe_v that_o this_o conformity_n be_v much_o what_o like_v to_o that_o which_o be_v between_o jesus_n christ_n and_o st._n francis_n for_o i_o do_v open_o maintain_v that_o of_o all_o the_o establishment_n of_o religion_n that_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v wide_a from_o the_o discipline_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o ancient_a christian_n but_o he_o be_v not_o the_o only_a person_n have_v speak_v after_o this_o manner_n england_n be_v full_a of_o book_n upon_o the_o subject_n of_o the_o conformity_n of_o its_o hierarchy_n and_o of_o its_o episcopal_a government_n to_o that_o of_o the_o ancient_a christian_n the_o bishop_n bilson_n andrews_n hall_n morton_n and_o pearson_n find_v it_o in_o clemens_n romanus_n and_o in_o ignatius_n some_o of_o the_o doctor_n of_o rome_n meet_v with_o it_o in_o denis_n the_o areopagite_n but_o unless_o this_o conformity_n be_v restrain_v to_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o which_o i_o find_v more_o footstep_n in_o the_o congregational_a way_n than_o in_o any_o other_o i_o believe_v we_o be_v all_o in_o a_o error_n as_o to_o what_o concern_v our_o conformity_n to_o the_o doctrine_n discipline_n and_o life_n of_o the_o ancient_a christian_n above_o all_o the_o disagreement_n be_v find_v in_o the_o life_n which_o be_v heretofore_o much_o more_o exact_a and_o exemplary_a than_o in_o these_o last_o time_n it_o be_v the_o devotion_n of_o our_o day_n be_v but_o cold_a and_o languish_a in_o comparison_n of_o they_o it_o be_v in_o that_o that_o their_o glory_n do_v consist_v whereas_o we_o be_v in_o have_v a_o great_a knowledge_n and_o a_o more_o full_a and_o ample_a illumination_n into_o the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n than_o the_o first_o christian_n have_v also_o to_o be_v better_o verse_v at_o this_o day_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o apostolical_a conduct_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o its_o authority_n and_o of_o that_o of_o its_o pastor_n who_o be_v the_o christian_n that_o immediate_o succeed_v the_o apostle_n i_o will_v finish_v where_o i_o begin_v and_o that_o shall_v be_v by_o the_o force_n of_o those_o prejudices_fw-la wherewith_o all_o christian_n as_o well_o protestant_n as_o papist_n be_v anticipate_v and_o prepossess_v when_o they_o general_o imagine_v that_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v more_o orthodox_n and_o pure_a in_o doctrine_n than_o that_o of_o the_o follow_a age_n because_o of_o their_o nearness_n with_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o i_o be_o as_o much_o persuade_v of_o the_o contrary_a as_o of_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v say_v that_o god_n never_o build_v a_o temple_n near_o to_o which_o the_o enemy_n of_o our_o salvation_n have_v not_o build_v a_o chapel_n but_o than_o it_o be_v a_o chapel_n both_o great_a and_o more_o spacious_a than_o the_o temple_n itself_o for_o during_o the_o time_n while_o god_n build_v a_o little_a temple_n wherein_o he_o have_v circumscribe_v the_o twelve_o apostle_n and_o a_o small_a flock_n of_o faithful_a people_n who_o conform_v themselves_o to_o the_o purity_n their_o doctrine_n and_o the_o holiness_n of_o their_o life_n a_o number_n incomparable_o great_a of_o false_a apostle_n false_a doctor_n and_o false_a brethren_n separate_v from_o they_o for_o even_o in_o the_o first_o three_o hundred_o year_n of_o christianity_n all_o or_o the_o most_o part_n of_o sincere_a person_n and_o also_o of_o father_n have_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o false_a allay_n mix_v among_o their_o gold_n this_o be_v what_o we_o learn_v from_o eutychius_n who_o live_v in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n from_o who_o we_o have_v the_o history_n of_o the_o church_n in_o arabyck_n publish_v by_o mr._n selden_n and_o mr._n pocock_n and_o who_o they_o recommend_v for_o a_o author_n of_o a_o irreprochable_a fidelity_n there_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o constantine_n the_o great_a send_v to_o all_o the_o church_n of_o his_o empire_n letter_n to_o let_v they_o understand_v that_o they_o be_v to_o make_v choice_n of_o the_o most_o religious_a bishop_n and_o those_o that_o be_v most_o learned_a in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o that_o they_o then_o immediate_o set_v themselves_o to_o obey_v the_o order_n of_o the_o emperor_n and_o that_o two_o thousand_o and_o forty_o eight_o bishop_n come_v to_o the_o town_n of_o nice_a whereof_o near_o two_o thousand_o how_o pious_a and_o sincere_a soever_o otherwise_o they_o be_v be_v either_o most_o ignorant_a or_o most_o erroneous_a in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o they_o be_v either_o manichee_n or_o murcionite_n or_o montanist_n or_o valentinian_o or_o samosatenian_o or_o arrian_n and_o in_o that_o great_a number_n of_o bishop_n there_o be_v but_o three_o hundred_o and_o eighteen_o who_o have_v a_o affection_n for_o and_o engage_v themselves_o to_o the_o orthodox_n faith_n which_o be_v that_o of_o alexander_n bishop_n of_o alexandria_n this_o relation_n according_a to_o eutychius_n be_v much_o more_o probable_a than_o after_o that_o manner_n as_o it_o be_v report_v by_o eusebius_n by_o socrates_n by_o baronius_n and_o by_o mounseur_fw-fr claude_n for_o what_o likelihood_n be_v there_o that_o that_o number_n of_o bishop_n convoke_v from_o all_o place_n of_o europe_n a_o great_a part_n of_o africa_n and_o also_o of_o asia_n phoenicia_n greece_n maceaonia_n thessalia_n palestine_n arabia_n pamphilia_n bythinia_n capadocia_n thrace_n cilicia_n pontus_n persia_n and_o scythia_n shall_v amount_v but_o to_o three_o hundred_o and_o eighteen_o bishop_n there_o be_v also_o less_o likelihood_n that_o those_o 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subscribe_v to_o it_o plain_o show_v