breach_n of_o communion_n and_o i_o know_v there_o be_v and_o have_v be_v many_o eminent_a man_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n who_o have_v whole_o differ_v in_o their_o judgement_n about_o some_o abstruse_a point_n of_o divinity_n without_o prejudice_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n either_o of_o the_o church_n or_o state_n in_o regard_n they_o defend_v they_o only_o as_o their_o private_a persuasion_n and_o be_v both_o too_o modest_a prudent_a and_o charitable_o honest_a to_o disturb_v the_o peace_n and_o quiet_a of_o the_o church_n or_o state_n by_o endeavour_v to_o impose_v their_o particular_a judgement_n in_o thing_n not_o clear_a and_o evident_a as_o necessary_a doctrine_n of_o faith_n or_o practice_n upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o all_o other_o men._n the_o main_a and_o grand_a difference_n between_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o all_o those_o who_o have_v separate_v themselves_o from_o her_o communion_n so_o far_o as_o i_o be_o able_a to_o discover_v by_o the_o write_n of_o the_o several_a party_n be_v either_o about_o the_o government_n itself_o or_o about_o the_o circumstance_n and_o manner_n of_o worship_n that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v government_n in_o the_o church_n i_o suppose_v all_o party_n will_v ready_o acknowledge_v because_o a_o great_a apostle_n tell_v we_o god_n be_v the_o god_n of_o order_n and_o not_o of_o confusion_n 39_o 1_o cor._n 14.33_o 39_o in_o all_o the_o church_n of_o god_n by_o which_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o that_o be_v no_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v not_o under_o government_n or_o which_o countenance_n confusion_n and_o therefore_o the_o same_o apostle_n absolute_o command_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v do_v decent_o and_o with_o order_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v complain_v of_o be_v that_o this_o way_n of_o government_n by_o the_o episcopal_a hierarchy_n be_v no_o where_n in_o plain_a and_o positive_a word_n and_o command_n thus_o set_v down_o order_v and_o establish_v in_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n therefore_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v impose_v tyrannical_o and_o imperious_o upon_o man_n of_o weak_a and_o tender_a conscience_n especial_o when_o another_o and_o better_a way_n of_o government_n more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o primitive_a simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v now_o find_v out_o and_o discover_v for_o though_o government_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a yet_o where_o god_n do_v not_o interpose_v any_o positive_a command_n or_o direction_n as_o he_o do_v concern_v the_o jewish_a church_n there_o this_o or_o that_o government_n be_v equal_o indifferent_a and_o the_o best_a be_v to_o be_v choose_v and_o prefer_v before_o the_o rest_n how_o weak_a a_o plea_n and_o refuge_n this_o be_v to_o call_v for_o and_o expect_v plain_a and_o express_v word_n command_n or_o direction_n from_o scripture_n for_o every_o thing_n we_o do_v or_o believe_v every_o man_n must_v acknowledge_v who_o do_v but_o consider_v that_o we_o owe_v even_o the_o belief_n of_o some_o of_o the_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n to_o consequence_n from_o scripture_n and_o not_o to_o plain_a positive_a and_o express_v word_n as_o for_o example_n that_o of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o glorious_a trinity_n in_o unity_n three_o person_n but_o one_o god_n which_o word_n be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o all_o the_o holy_a canon_n how_o much_o more_o unreasonable_a be_v it_o then_o to_o expect_v express_a word_n and_o command_n of_o scripture_n for_o government_n in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v of_o a_o far_o more_o inferior_a concern_v than_o faith_n and_o how_o dangerous_a a_o matter_n it_o be_v to_o admit_v of_o this_o proposition_n that_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v or_o do_v for_o which_o there_o can_v be_v bring_v a_o clear_a and_o positive_a place_n of_o scripture_n let_v all_o christian_n judge_n and_o whither_o if_o it_o be_v as_o hearty_o practise_v as_o it_o be_v by_o some_o man_n vigorous_o press_v it_o will_v not_o root_v out_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o all_o religion_n but_o we_o will_v join_v issue_n with_o they_o upon_o the_o point_n and_o give_v they_o a_o fair_a trial_n at_o the_o bar_n of_o conscience_n their_o own_o judge_n upon_o their_o own_o assertion_n if_o therefore_o government_n be_v undetermined_a by_o scripture_n be_v indifferent_a whether_o this_o or_o that_o and_o the_o best_a to_o be_v prefer_v how_o shall_v it_o be_v determine_v and_o by_o what_o authority_n which_o way_n of_o government_n in_o the_o church_n be_v the_o best_a for_o till_o there_o be_v such_o a_o determination_n as_o before_o have_v be_v make_v appear_v it_o can_v be_v no_o more_o than_o private_a opinion_n and_o therefore_o can_v lay_v no_o more_o obligation_n upon_o any_o man_n conscience_n to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o it_o than_o any_o other_o particular_a persuasion_n do_v which_o can_v only_o oblige_v those_o who_o be_v of_o the_o same_o persuasion_n and_o only_o so_o long_o as_o they_o continue_v so_o and_o no_o long_o nor_o any_o other_o who_o be_v not_o so_o persuade_v and_o therefore_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n be_v free_a and_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v impose_v upon_o for_o fear_n of_o wound_v their_o tender_a conscience_n which_o be_v the_o direct_a and_o ready_a way_n to_o have_v as_o many_o several_a government_n and_o distinct_a church_n as_o there_o be_v man_n of_o several_a mind_n and_o persuasion_n about_o which_o be_v the_o best_a it_o be_v certain_a that_o if_o man_n be_v leave_v to_o their_o liberty_n every_o man_n abound_v in_o his_o own_o sense_n will_v esteem_v best_a of_o his_o own_o way_n and_o according_a to_o the_o proverb_n every_o crow_n will_v think_v his_o own_o bird_n fair_o which_o in_o plain_a english_a at_o last_o must_v amount_v to_o anarchy_n instead_o of_o unity_n and_o confusion_n in_o the_o room_n of_o that_o decency_n and_o order_n which_o god_n expect_v and_o require_v in_o all_o his_o church_n for_o the_o scripture_n leave_v it_o in_o suspense_n and_o at_o least_o be_v silent_a as_o to_o most_o particularity_n of_o government_n there_o be_v no_o more_o plain_a and_o express_v word_n for_o any_o sort_n of_o government_n which_o any_o of_o the_o dissenter_n will_v establish_v than_o there_o be_v for_o that_o against_o which_o they_o contend_v and_o all_o party_n will_v plead_v the_o scripture_n speak_v as_o much_o or_o more_o for_o their_o way_n of_o government_n than_o for_o any_o other_o let_v we_o therefore_o try_v who_o will_v have_v the_o advantage_n and_o bid_v fair_a for_o such_o a_o determination_n as_o shall_v oblige_v all_o man_n conscience_n according_a to_o the_o forementioned_a rule_n how_o any_o indifferent_a matter_n of_o opinion_n or_o persuasion_n such_o as_o the_o question_n in_o dispute_n must_v be_v according_a as_o they_o have_v state_v it_o become_v necessary_a and_o obligatory_a to_o all_o man_n conscience_n first_o therefore_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o way_n of_o government_n now_o establish_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v the_o best_a because_o we_o find_v it_o do_v not_o contradict_v any_o know_a rule_n or_o positive_a command_n of_o scripture_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a all_o its_o command_n direction_n doctrine_n and_o practise_v be_v found_v upon_o and_o derive_v if_o not_o from_o plain_a word_n as_o most_o of_o they_o be_v yet_o from_o most_o evident_a sense_n and_o consequence_n of_o scripture_n which_o as_o before_o be_v intimate_v concern_v the_o article_n of_o faith_n be_v as_o obligatory_a to_o conscience_n as_o scripture_n itself_o second_o this_o way_n of_o government_n as_o it_o be_v now_o establish_v appear_v to_o follow_v the_o better_a more_o sure_a and_o warrantable_a part_n of_o our_o judgement_n in_o indifferent_a thing_n so_o as_o to_o make_v they_o become_v oblige_v and_o that_o in_o both_o its_o branch_n viz._n first_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o judgement_n approbation_n example_n and_o practise_v of_o the_o best_a man_n in_o all_o age_n from_o the_o apostolic_a time_n as_o will_v be_v evident_a to_o all_o who_o shall_v without_o partiality_n peruse_v the_o scripture_n themselves_o where_o there_o be_v many_o not_o imperfect_a trace_n and_o footstep_n of_o this_o way_n of_o government_n so_o far_o establish_v as_o the_o power_n of_o the_o heathen_a government_n who_o then_o have_v all_o the_o civil_a and_o temporal_a jurisdiction_n will_v permit_v but_o there_o be_v a_o whole_a cloud_n of_o witness_n for_o it_o in_o the_o universal_a consent_n practice_n approbation_n and_o defence_n of_o all_o those_o holy_a man_n from_o the_o apostle_n time_n who_o though_o not_o divine_o inspire_v yet_o be_v man_n of_o such_o eminent_a integrity_n and_o piety_n as_o will_v not_o permit_v they_o to_o write_v any_o thing_n direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o primitive_a truth_n which_o some_o of_o they_o do_v immediate_o receive_v from_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o
part_n of_o the_o creation_n which_o do_v in_o obedience_n to_o his_o will_n endeavour_v to_o promote_v those_o excellent_a end_n and_o design_n of_o his_o glory_n in_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o creation_n shall_v as_o the_o reward_n from_o his_o bounty_n upon_o their_o obedience_n be_v make_v partaker_n of_o that_o happiness_n they_o be_v capable_a of_o and_o which_o in_o his_o wisdom_n he_o see_v best_o for_o they_o both_o here_o and_o hereafter_o and_o that_o those_o part_n of_o the_o creation_n who_o in_o opposition_n or_o contempt_n of_o so_o great_a goodness_n excellency_n and_o power_n endeavour_v to_o cross_v hinder_v and_o obstruct_v these_o great_a end_n of_o the_o creation_n shall_v therefore_o be_v miserable_a both_o here_o and_o hereafter_o by_o the_o want_n of_o that_o happiness_n as_o also_o by_o such_o other_o penalty_n as_o the_o greatness_n of_o their_o crime_n deserve_v and_o their_o nature_n be_v capable_a of_o chap._n v._n of_o conscience_n its_o description_n what_o be_v its_o proper_a employment_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o operation_n have_v show_v what_o principle_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o conscience_n viz._n a_o sense_n of_o that_o duty_n which_o we_o owe_v to_o god_n and_o to_o one_o another_o the_o next_o inquiry_n must_v of_o necessity_n be_v how_o these_o duty_n be_v to_o be_v perform_v so_o as_o they_o may_v be_v agreeable_a and_o acceptable_a to_o those_o to_o who_o we_o be_v to_o pay_v they_o and_o herein_o common_a reason_n oblige_v we_o to_o believe_v that_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o follow_v the_o direction_n of_o the_o supreme_a be_v so_o far_o as_o he_o have_v be_v please_v to_o manifest_v his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n to_o we_o among_o christian_n the_o canon_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n have_v always_o be_v take_v for_o this_o rule_n of_o direction_n as_o be_v the_o divine_a revelation_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god._n and_o whosoever_o do_v serious_o and_o attentive_o consider_v the_o scope_n of_o those_o sacred_a write_n must_v of_o necessity_n confess_v they_o to_o owe_v their_o original_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n suppose_v it_o such_o as_o have_v before_o be_v describe_v and_o universal_o believe_v for_o all_o their_o command_n instruction_n and_o exhortation_n be_v direct_o level_v at_o these_o great_a and_o glorious_a design_n of_o the_o most_o excellent_a spirit_n by_o promote_a his_o glory_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n both_o here_o in_o this_o life_n and_o hereafter_o in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v so_o that_o now_o have_v find_v we_o owe_v a_o duty_n and_o have_v likewise_o find_v a_o rule_n for_o our_o direction_n how_o we_o ought_v to_o perform_v this_o duty_n there_o will_v be_v no_o great_a difficulty_n to_o find_v what_o conscience_n be_v for_o it_o be_v no_o other_o thing_n than_o that_o principle_n which_o judge_n whether_o we_o have_v discharge_v our_o duty_n according_a to_o this_o rule_n and_o these_o direction_n i_o do_v purposely_o avoid_v the_o nicety_n of_o the_o school_n as_o too_o full_a of_o curiosity_n and_o not_o at_o all_o conduce_v to_o my_o design_n which_o be_v to_o avoid_v all_o intricacy_n and_o perplexedness_n and_o to_o give_v such_o a_o easy_a proper_a and_o natural_a description_n and_o notion_n of_o conscience_n that_o every_o man_n may_v find_v it_o in_o his_o own_o breast_n conscience_n therefore_o be_v that_o power_n which_o every_o man_n have_v within_o his_o own_o mind_n of_o judge_v all_o his_o thought_n word_n and_o action_n whether_o they_o be_v agreeable_a to_o that_o which_o be_v the_o best_a rule_n by_o which_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v direct_v thus_o from_o a_o belief_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o from_o the_o command_n in_o scripture_n to_o worship_v he_o and_o he_o only_o my_o conscience_n or_o power_n that_o i_o have_v of_o judge_v myself_o immediate_o inform_v i_o that_o i_o ought_v not_o to_o neglect_v his_o worship_n or_o to_o give_v it_o to_o any_o creature_n if_o therefore_o i_o do_v either_o whole_o or_o in_o part_n omit_v it_o or_o misplace_v my_o worship_n my_o conscience_n tell_v i_o i_o have_v do_v amiss_o because_o i_o have_v not_o follow_v the_o direction_n of_o the_o rule_n thus_o from_o the_o belief_n that_o i_o ought_v to_o contribute_v all_o i_o can_v to_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o great_a and_o good_a design_n of_o the_o almighty_a be_v in_o promote_a the_o happiness_n of_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o creation_n my_o conscience_n present_o inform_v i_o that_o i_o ought_v to_o do_v all_o the_o good_a i_o can_v in_o all_o sense_n unto_o all_o man_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o therefore_o i_o must_v be_v careful_a to_o avoid_v do_v any_o wilful_a injury_n to_o myself_o or_o to_o any_o other_o person_n whereby_o their_o present_a happiness_n may_v be_v impair_v or_o their_o future_a lessen_v or_o prevent_v because_o in_o so_o do_v i_o follow_v the_o direction_n of_o the_o rule_n which_o only_o be_v satisfactory_a to_o conscience_n who_o office_n be_v to_o accuse_v i_o if_o i_o do_v wrong_a to_o encourage_v and_o acquit_v i_o if_o i_o do_v what_o be_v right_a and_o what_o i_o ought_v to_o do_v so_o that_o to_o make_v up_o conscience_n there_o must_v be_v first_o a_o true_a and_o exact_a rule_n for_o all_o our_o action_n which_o we_o take_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v as_o be_v as_o st._n paul_n say_v sufficient_a to_o make_v the_o man_n of_o god_n wise_a unto_o salvation_n which_o i_o think_v be_v a_o sufficiency_n for_o a_o rule_n beyond_o all_o exception_n and_o they_o who_o expect_v a_o better_a rule_n certain_o expect_v another_o end_n better_a i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v impossible_a and_o as_o before_o be_v intimate_v if_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n it_o be_v no_o hard_a task_n to_o prove_v the_o scripture_n in_o all_o particular_n the_o most_o excellent_a rule_n for_o the_o management_n of_o all_o humane_a action_n in_o order_n to_o the_o forementioned_a end_n of_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o universe_n second_o there_o must_v be_v a_o true_a knowledge_n of_o this_o rule_n scientia_fw-la before_o conscientia_fw-la which_o preposition_n denote_v only_o the_o private_a application_n of_o this_o knowledge_n to_o particular_a person_n and_o thing_n for_o this_o be_v most_o clear_a and_o evident_a that_o i_o must_v first_o know_v this_o or_o that_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v or_o do_v and_o after_o this_o or_o that_o manner_n before_o i_o can_v believe_v it_o to_o be_v my_o duty_n or_o be_v able_a to_o pass_v a_o judgement_n upon_o myself_o that_o i_o have_v do_v well_o or_o ill_o in_o believe_v or_o not_o believe_v do_v or_o not_o do_v any_o thing_n or_o not_o do_v it_o as_o i_o ought_v according_a to_o the_o direction_n of_o my_o rule_n last_o there_o must_v be_v a_o impartial_a and_o true_a judgement_n of_o my_o action_n by_o this_o rule_n that_o be_v whether_o they_o have_v be_v according_a to_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o rule_n which_o be_v the_o proper_a employment_n of_o conscience_n who_o work_n be_v to_o measure_v my_o thought_n word_n and_o action_n and_o to_o try_v whether_o they_o be_v conformable_a to_o the_o rule_n by_o which_o i_o be_o bind_v to_o act_v and_o according_a to_o that_o judgement_n either_o to_o absolve_v or_o condemn_v i_o for_o they_o so_o that_o conscience_n thus_o proper_o take_v can_v only_o be_v exercise_v about_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v certain_o know_v and_o by_o consequence_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v do_v for_o such_o be_v all_o and_o only_o the_o command_n and_o direction_n of_o the_o rule_n according_a to_o that_o remarkable_a place_n of_o st._n paul_n 24.16_o act_n 24.16_o concern_v his_o own_o practice_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o man_n and_o herein_o do_v i_o exercise_v myself_o to_o have_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o men._n that_o be_v the_o proper_a and_o peculiar_a employ_v of_o conscience_n be_v to_o judge_v and_o determine_v whether_o i_o do_v my_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o my_o neighbour_n according_a to_o what_o i_o know_v be_v he_o will_v reveal_v in_o his_o holy_a word_n now_o in_o regard_n that_o upon_o this_o true_a notion_n of_o conscience_n there_o lie_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o weight_n and_o it_o be_v the_o common_a mistake_n among_o weak_a mind_n to_o take_v every_o thing_n which_o be_v offer_v to_o they_o as_o such_o without_o a_o due_a examination_n for_o a_o matter_n of_o conscience_n in_o the_o strict_a sense_n i_o will_v endeavour_v to_o clear_v this_o point_n and_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o conscience_n be_v only_o direct_o concern_v about_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v certain_o know_v and_o therefore_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o do_v or_o not_o do_v first_o therefore_o we_o will_v inquire_v into_o the_o nature_n and_o as_o i_o
apostle_n and_o disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o many_o of_o they_o be_v such_o as_o by_o martyrdom_n do_v with_o their_o dear_a blood_n set_v their_o seal_n to_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n such_o who_o live_v in_o those_o age_n before_o rome_n and_o her_o bishop_n ever_o think_v of_o usurp_a the_o title_n of_o universal_a and_o therefore_o can_v be_v think_v guilty_a of_o any_o combination_n with_o they_o in_o erect_v or_o impose_v this_o way_n of_o government_n upon_o the_o christian_n world_n second_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o judgement_n that_o this_o way_n of_o government_n be_v the_o best_a follow_v the_o better_a more_o sure_a and_o warrantable_a part_n viz._n the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n peace_n and_o unity_n charity_n with_o the_o first_o best_a and_o past_a age_n of_o the_o church_n who_o all_o live_v and_o die_v under_o obedience_n to_o this_o way_n of_o government_n of_o all_o which_o glorious_a martyr_n saint_n and_o confessor_n it_o be_v the_o most_o uncharitable_a opinion_n to_o judge_v and_o condemn_v they_o as_o be_v guilty_a of_o live_v and_o die_v in_o defend_v maintain_v and_o practise_v a_o way_n of_o government_n altogether_o unagreeable_a and_o contrary_a to_o the_o word_n and_o will_n of_o god_n as_o all_o dissenter_n will_v persuade_v the_o world_n whilst_o they_o tell_v they_o this_o government_n be_v unlawful_a and_o antichristian_a it_o follow_v likewise_o peace_n and_o unity_n both_o with_o that_o part_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v now_o triumphant_a and_o with_o the_o universal_a church_n militant_a over_o all_o the_o world_n who_o except_o some_o few_o of_o the_o disciple_n of_o calvin_n all_o agree_v in_o this_o way_n of_o government_n last_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v this_o way_n of_o government_n to_o be_v the_o best_a in_o regard_n that_o it_o do_v more_o than_o any_o other_o whatsoever_o promote_v the_o great_a design_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o almighty_a god_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n here_o by_o piety_n peace_n justice_n and_o unity_n in_o order_n to_o their_o eternal_a happiness_n hereafter_o follow_v herein_o the_o doctrine_n command_n and_o example_n of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n and_o his_o holy_a apostle_n without_o turn_v to_o the_o right_a hand_n or_o to_o the_o left_a beside_o we_o have_v other_o very_a strong_a inducement_n to_o persuade_v we_o that_o this_o government_n in_o the_o church_n be_v the_o best_a as_o be_v that_o which_o by_o god_n own_o appointment_n and_o approbation_n be_v establish_v in_o the_o very_a infancy_n of_o the_o church_n by_o the_o divine_o inspire_a apostle_n and_o for_o this_o belief_n these_o among_o many_o other_o be_v very_o probable_a and_o persuasive_a reason_n first_o the_o great_a blessing_n which_o god_n have_v impart_v to_o the_o world_n under_o this_o way_n of_o government_n by_o episcopacy_n for_o it_o be_v notorious_o know_v that_o all_o the_o world_n which_o do_v embrace_v the_o christian_a faith_n receive_v 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holy_a write_n which_o contain_v the_o fundamental_o of_o our_o faith_n which_o heaven_n have_v appear_v so_o solicitous_a to_o preserve_v unaltered_a and_o uncorrupted_a as_o this_o way_n of_o government_n in_o the_o whole_a christian_n world_n last_o this_o very_a argument_n which_o with_o so_o much_o pomp_n and_o triumphant_a solemnity_n be_v perpetual_o by_o all_o dissenter_n urge_v as_o invincible_a and_o unanswerable_a if_o it_o be_v well_o examine_v will_v depose_v plain_o for_o episcopacy_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o positive_a rule_n or_o command_v in_o scripture_n for_o it_o be_v aâ—_n strong_a and_o it_o may_v be_v a_o more_o powerful_a argument_n for_o it_o than_o they_o who_o make_v use_v of_o it_o be_v aware_a of_o and_o the_o true_a reason_n why_o in_o scripture_n there_o be_v no_o more_o say_v to_o justify_v it_o with_o the_o high_a probability_n may_v be_v believe_v to_o be_v because_o with_o a_o nemine_fw-la contradicente_fw-la it_o be_v by_o a_o unquestioned_a consent_n acknowledge_v by_o all_o those_o who_o do_v embrace_v the_o christian_a faith_n and_o there_o be_v none_o find_v then_o nor_o in_o many_o age_n after_o so_o impious_a or_o audacious_a to_o oppose_v or_o contradict_v it_o and_o have_v there_o be_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o government_n either_o unreasonable_a or_o contrary_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n the_o jew_n and_o heathen_n who_o hatred_n make_v they_o curious_o inquisitive_a into_o whatsoever_o may_v appear_v a_o defect_n in_o christian_a religion_n will_v certain_o with_o their_o quick-sighted_a malice_n have_v discover_v it_o the_o discovery_n of_o which_o will_v have_v import_v as_o much_o as_o they_o do_v desire_v that_o be_v the_o subversion_n of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o very_a foundation_n but_o so_o great_a be_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o christian_n in_o this_o point_n and_o so_o excellent_a and_o irreprehensible_a do_v the_o government_n appear_v that_o in_o all_o the_o opposition_n religion_n meet_v withal_o though_o not_o a_o article_n of_o the_o faith_n can_v escape_v their_o censure_n we_o do_v not_o meet_v with_o any_o thing_n against_o this_o way_n of_o government_n and_o well_o it_o be_v there_o be_v then_o such_o unity_n for_o can_v those_o enemy_n of_o our_o religion_n have_v meet_v with_o half_a those_o division_n which_o now_o christian_n have_v make_v among_o themselves_o they_o will_v certain_o without_o the_o assistance_n of_o a_o miracle_n to_o preserve_v it_o have_v improve_v they_o to_o the_o utter_a ruin_n of_o the_o church_n to_o which_o there_o be_v no_o road_n lead_v so_o direct_o as_o that_o which_o undermine_v the_o government_n in_o short_a i_o do_v hearty_o wish_v that_o all_o those_o who_o be_v so_o zealous_o it_o be_v well_o if_o i_o may_v not_o say_v furious_o bend_v and_o opposite_a against_o root_n and_o branch_n of_o episcopacy_n will_v consider_v serious_o at_o what_o they_o strike_v and_o whether_o they_o do_v not_o real_o affront_v he_o who_o as_o the_o root_n of_o it_o be_v by_o st._n peter_n style_v the_o great_a shepherd_n and_o bishop_n of_o our_o soul_n 2.25_o 1_o pet._n 2.25_o chap._n ix_o the_o pretence_n of_o dissenter_n that_o their_o way_n of_o government_n be_v the_o best_a and_o to_o be_v prefer_v before_o episcopacy_n examine_v and_o try_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n abovementioned_a concern_v indifferent_a thing_n and_o action_n let_v we_o now_o see_v any_o other_o form_n of_o government_n in_o the_o church_n which_o can_v make_v so_o fair_a so_o true_a so_o just_a a_o plea_n for_o itself_o as_o episcopacy_n have_v do_v whether_o presbyterian_a independent_a anabaptist_n quaker_n or_o any_o other_o of_o what_o name_n or_o distinction_n soever_o who_o dissent_v from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o fly_v from_o her_o communion_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o present_a government_n by_o bishop_n first_o there_o be_v not_o any_o of_o these_o that_o can_v show_v express_a word_n or_o command_v of_o scripture_n for_o that_o way_n of_o government_n which_o they_o will_v introduce_v and_o therefore_o they_o be_v unjust_a to_o we_o whilst_o they_o cry_v up_o their_o own_o way_n and_o endeavour_v to_o impose_v it_o upon_o the_o world_n as_o matter_n of_o conscience_n since_o as_o before_o have_v be_v prove_v nothing_o can_v be_v so_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n for_o which_o there_o be_v not_o a_o plain_a and_o positive_a command_n or_o a_o natural_a and_o true_a consequence_n from_o scripture_n the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n or_o admit_v their_o proposition_n that_o all_o government_n be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a and_o the_o best_a to_o be_v prefer_v how_o do_v they_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o best_a i_o hope_v they_o be_v better_o reconcile_v to_o common_a sense_n reason_n and_o custom_n than_o to_o think_v their_o own_o assertion_n or_o testimony_n sufficient_a to_o convince_v we_o that_o it_o be_v so_o since_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o be_v truth_n itself_o yet_o
tell_v we_o if_o i_o bear_v witness_n of_o myself_o my_o witness_n be_v not_o true_a that_o be_v 5.31_o joh._n 5.31_o if_o he_o have_v no_o other_o witness_n and_o therefore_o he_o refer_v the_o unbelieve_a jew_n to_o john_n who_o all_o man_n account_v a_o prophet_n to_o the_o scripture_n which_o he_o bid_v they_o search_v to_o moses_n in_o who_o they_o trust_v and_o in_o another_o place_n to_o his_o miracle_n and_o wonderful_a work_n which_o they_o see_v with_o their_o own_o eye_n come_v we_o therefore_o to_o the_o common_a rule_n and_o it_o be_v no_o more_o but_o just_a that_o they_o shall_v receive_v the_o same_o measure_n and_o stand_v to_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o same_o judge_n to_o who_o they_o have_v make_v their_o appeal_n in_o the_o second_o place_n therefore_o every_o one_o of_o these_o way_n of_o government_n which_o they_o will_v establish_v with_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o present_a contradict_v a_o know_a rule_n nay_o many_o plain_a command_n of_o scripture_n for_o whilst_o they_o go_v about_o to_o overthrow_v the_o old_a government_n and_o introduce_v a_o new_a one_o they_o be_v disobedient_a to_o those_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o they_o both_o in_o church_n and_o state_n who_o they_o find_v vest_v with_o that_o authority_n and_o which_o for_o any_o thing_n they_o be_v able_a to_o prove_v to_o the_o contrary_a be_v of_o god_n own_o appointment_n for_o so_o say_v st._n paul_n the_o power_n that_o be_v be_v ordain_v of_o god_n even_o those_o heathen_a and_o true_o antichristian_a power_n how_o much_o more_o than_o the_o supporter_n and_o defender_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n they_o resist_v a_o authority_n warrant_v with_o long_a succession_n support_v with_o many_o prudent_a and_o ancient_a law_n law_n to_o which_o they_o themselves_o and_o their_o ancestor_n by_o their_o free_a representative_n in_o parliament_n have_v give_v their_o vote_n and_o suffrage_n and_o therefore_o by_o their_o own_o voluntary_a act_n and_o deed_n and_o some_o of_o they_o by_o the_o strict_a obligation_n of_o most_o sacred_a and_o repeat_v oath_n they_o be_v bind_v with_o the_o strong_a tie_n of_o conscience_n to_o live_v under_o in_o all_o dutiful_a obedience_n which_o st._n paul_n enjoin_v under_o the_o pain_n of_o damnation_n the_o severe_a of_o all_o the_o penalty_n god_n almighty_a can_v inflict_v upon_o mankind_n and_o therefore_o he_o tell_v they_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v subject_a for_o conscience_n sake_n three_o in_o their_o determination_n that_o their_o way_n or_o form_n of_o church_n government_n be_v the_o best_a they_o do_v not_o follow_v the_o better_a more_o sure_a and_o warrantable_a part_n of_o judgement_n in_o indifferent_a thing_n let_v they_o show_v we_o in_o all_o antiquity_n except_o some_o mistranslated_a place_n in_o the_o english_a new_a testament_n where_o presbyter_n be_v false_o render_v elder_n the_o least_o footstep_n approbation_n defence_n or_o practice_n of_o any_o other_o manner_n of_o government_n in_o the_o church_n for_o this_o sixteen_o hundred_o year_n and_o upward_o beside_o the_o episcopal_a if_o they_o can_v do_v this_o than_o they_o may_v lawful_o pretend_v they_o do_v not_o overthrow_v the_o old_a but_o revive_v it_o by_o overthrow_v the_o new_a model_n of_o government_n but_o if_o they_o can_v as_o i_o be_o sure_a if_o it_o can_v have_v be_v do_v we_o have_v hear_v it_o on_o both_o side_n of_o our_o ear_n long_o before_o this_o let_v they_o dread_v the_o fearful_a doom_n which_o the_o wise_a solomon_n pronounce_v against_o those_o who_o remove_v the_o ancient_a landmark_n 24.22_o prov._n 24.22_o and_o be_v give_v to_o change_v for_o their_o calamity_n shall_v come_v sudden_o and_o who_o know_v the_o ruin_n of_o they_o both_o both_o of_o those_o who_o fear_v not_o god_n because_o they_o fear_v not_o their_o lawful_a king_n his_o vicegerent_n but_o be_v give_v to_o change_v delight_v with_o novelty_n and_o innovation_n last_o this_o their_o determination_n be_v far_o from_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n peace_n and_o unity_n either_o with_o the_o past_a or_o present_a age_n and_o much_o further_a from_o promote_a the_o great_a design_n of_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n either_o here_o or_o hereafter_o let_v all_o europe_n witness_v this_o sad_a truth_n and_o particular_o these_o british_a isle_n which_o by_o this_o best_a way_n of_o government_n of_o ancient_a albion_n white_a and_o happy_a be_v change_v into_o aceldama_n a_o dismal_a field_n of_o blood_n it_o be_v endless_a to_o recount_v what_o war_n rapine_n sacrilege_n desolation_n and_o confusion_n bloodshed_n and_o most_o unparalleled_a solemn_a murder_n of_o majesty_n the_o most_o sacred_a thing_n on_o earth_n have_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o endeavour_v to_o set_v up_o and_o establish_v these_o new_a way_n of_o church_n government_n and_o wherever_o any_o of_o these_o new_a discipline_n do_v prevail_v they_o quick_o verify_v the_o advice_n of_o young_a rhehoboam_n hotheaded_a counsellor_n make_v their_o little_a finger_n heavy_a than_o the_o loin_n of_o episcopacy_n and_o change_v the_o whip_n with_o which_o those_o reverend_a father_n chastise_v such_o as_o real_o deserve_v it_o into_o scorpion_n axe_n and_o halter_n nor_o do_v they_o spare_v either_o life_n or_o fortune_n that_o stand_v in_o their_o way_n or_o dare_v oppose_v they_o and_o this_o be_v the_o true_a reason_n why_o even_o those_o person_n who_o be_v so_o violent_a against_o root_n and_o branch_n of_o episcopacy_n notwithstanding_o their_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n yet_o their_o wisdom_n fear_v or_o policy_n will_v never_o give_v they_o leave_v to_o establish_v presbytery_n which_o they_o find_v a_o government_n so_o imperious_a absolute_a and_o insupportable_a nor_o be_v this_o fair_a and_o honest_a deal_n in_o dissenter_n to_o pretend_v that_o because_o all_o sort_n of_o government_n be_v indisserent_a therefore_o why_o shall_v not_o they_o be_v choose_v which_o be_v the_o best_a when_o by_o experience_n we_o have_v find_v the_o contrary_a and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n not_o to_o allow_v we_o a_o bare_a indifferency_n but_o to_o persuade_v their_o credulous_a follower_n with_o the_o great_a confidence_n that_o our_o way_n of_o government_n by_o bishop_n be_v popish_a unlawful_a and_o antichristian_a contrary_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o their_o own_o way_n be_v agreeable_a to_o they_o and_o the_o primitive_a discipline_n of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o as_o a_o matter_n of_o conscience_n and_o the_o main_a matter_n too_o the_o one_o to_o be_v avoid_v and_o the_o other_o to_o be_v embrace_v by_o all_o those_o who_o hope_v for_o salvation_n of_o their_o soul_n that_o cause_n though_o it_o be_v the_o good_a old_a cause_n betray_v itself_o to_o be_v very_o weak_a which_o be_v to_o be_v support_v by_o such_o unworthy_a feeble_a and_o corner_n art_n and_o argument_n as_o pagan_n and_o heathen_a philosopher_n will_v blush_v to_o have_v be_v find_v guilty_a of_o as_o for_o that_o common_a objection_n of_o they_o against_o lord_n bishop_n we_o will_v easy_o grant_v they_o that_o the_o primitive_a clergy_n do_v not_o abound_v in_o temporality_n but_o then_o they_o have_v such_o advantage_n as_o i_o believe_v none_o of_o these_o people_n will_v be_v willing_a to_o gratify_v the_o most_o belove_a of_o their_o pastor_n withal_o when_o they_o who_o have_v possession_n sell_v they_o and_o lay_v down_o the_o price_n at_o the_o foot_n of_o the_o apostle_n 34._o act_n 4_o 34._o to_o dispose_v of_o as_o to_o they_o seem_v most_o sit_v this_o will_v be_v a_o hard_a say_n who_o will_v bear_v it_o nor_o indeed_o can_v it_o be_v convenient_a as_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n stand_v at_o present_a but_o these_o honour_n which_o the_o present_a clergy_n do_v enjoy_v be_v temporal_a be_v not_o by_o we_o believe_v to_o be_v at_o all_o essential_a to_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n and_o be_v only_o annex_v by_o the_o bounty_n of_o prince_n as_o be_v also_o their_o estate_n for_o the_o necessary_a support_n of_o the_o rank_n they_o be_v in_o for_o the_o encouragement_n of_o learning_n and_o piety_n and_o for_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o public_a as_o it_o be_v a_o politic_a society_n of_o men._n and_o they_o may_v as_o well_o maintain_v a_o level_a principle_n and_o quarrel_v with_o all_o honour_n and_o estate_n that_o be_v above_o they_o as_o with_o these_o for_o if_o any_o temporal_a estate_n or_o dignity_n may_v by_o free_a gift_n or_o succession_n divolve_v upon_o a_o churchman_n why_o not_o these_o and_o that_o this_o may_v happen_v without_o offence_n or_o scandal_n beside_o the_o experience_n we_o have_v have_v in_o a_o illustrious_a peer_n of_o this_o nation_n who_o kent_n earl_n of_o kent_n not_o many_o year_n ago_o from_o a_o private_a priest_n by_o succession_n come_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o one_o of_o the_o first_o earl_n in_o england_n i_o appeal_v to_o
themselves_o who_o will_v think_v it_o the_o great_a injustice_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o be_v churchman_n to_o lose_v a_o good_a temporal_a estate_n from_o their_o ancestor_n or_o a_o barony_n either_o by_o descent_n or_o royal_a bounty_n beside_o let_v all_o man_n judge_v if_o this_o will_v not_o be_v the_o way_n to_o furnish_v we_o with_o jeroboam_n priest_n of_o the_o mean_a and_o low_a of_o the_o people_n not_o only_o for_o birth_n but_o learning_n part_n and_o ability_n and_o what_o a_o discouragement_n it_o will_v be_v to_o the_o gentry_n and_o nobility_n who_o by_o their_o generous_a birth_n advantageous_a education_n noble_a alliance_n and_o many_o other_o excellent_a circumstance_n and_o qualification_n be_v fit_v by_o the_o great_a influence_n they_o may_v have_v both_o upon_o the_o prince_n and_o people_n to_o do_v both_o the_o church_n and_o sit_v the_o most_o considerable_a honour_n and_o service_n i_o be_o afraid_a few_o of_o they_o will_v addict_v themselves_o to_o the_o more_o serious_a and_o painful_a study_n of_o divinity_n if_o by_o their_o devote_v themselves_o to_o a_o immediate_a attendance_n upon_o god_n altar_n they_o must_v cast_v off_o the_o entail_v of_o temporal_a honour_n and_o estate_n from_o themselves_o nor_o do_v this_o derogate_a a_o little_a from_o the_o superlative_a bounty_n and_o goodness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n to_o think_v that_o he_o who_o do_v so_o plentiful_o frequent_o and_o free_o bestow_v these_o honour_n and_o estate_n as_o blessing_n upon_o all_o other_o condition_n of_o man_n shall_v prohibit_v and_o deny_v they_o to_o those_o who_o have_v voluntary_o oblige_v themselves_o to_o his_o peculiar_a service_n and_o upon_o who_o he_o be_v please_v to_o confer_v the_o excellent_a title_n of_o his_o ambassador_n 5.20_o 2_o cor._n 5.20_o and_o therefore_o most_o certain_o do_v allow_v they_o honourable_o so_o as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o support_v the_o dignity_n of_o so_o high_a a_o character_n especial_o since_o they_o have_v his_o royal_a word_n and_o promise_n for_o it_o 2.30_o 1_o sam._n 2.30_o they_o that_o honour_v i_o i_o will_v honour_v prince_n and_o priest_n be_v not_o by_o god_n think_v inconsistent_a under_o the_o law_n in_o that_o government_n which_o he_o himself_o constitute_v and_o establish_v and_o therefore_o one_o word_n in_o the_o hebrew_n language_n signisy_n both_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o till_o such_o time_n as_o he_o be_v please_v to_o declare_v his_o mind_n to_o the_o contrary_a i_o know_v not_o upon_o what_o pretence_n any_o man_n shall_v divorce_v those_o two_o which_o he_o have_v once_o make_v one_o neither_o by_o virtue_n of_o these_o lordship_n do_v bishop_n lord_n it_o over_o christ_n flock_n as_o by_o the_o scoff_a wantonness_n of_o some_o man_n who_o shall_v be_v more_o serious_a than_o to_o be_v witty_a at_o the_o expense_n of_o scripture_n they_o be_v say_v to_o do_v since_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o their_o temporal_a barony_n give_v they_o not_o the_o least_o influence_n upon_o church_n affair_n more_o than_o they_o give_v unto_o the_o other_o noble_a peerage_n of_o the_o realm_n and_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o a_o bishop_n as_o a_o bishop_n and_o a_o bishop_n as_o a_o baron_n be_v as_o whole_o distinct_a as_o that_o of_o a_o lord_n of_o a_o manor_n or_o any_o other_o lord_n be_v from_o the_o power_n of_o a_o bishop_n in_o his_o diocese_n 3.2_o 1_o tim._n 3.2_o in_o a_o word_n a_o bishop_n must_v be_v give_v to_o hospitality_n how_o shall_v he_o be_v able_a to_o do_v that_o without_o a_o estate_n if_o he_o must_v have_v a_o estate_n he_o must_v be_v lord_n of_o it_o for_o so_o be_v every_o man_n of_o what_o he_o do_v possess_v and_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v think_v fit_a by_o royal_a authority_n the_o fountain_n of_o honour_n to_o add_v to_o that_o common_a right_n a_o more_o particular_a and_o distinguish_a title_n of_o honour_n that_o may_v offend_v some_o man_n ambition_n or_o envy_n but_o can_v never_o be_v find_v to_o be_v either_o diadvantageous_a to_o the_o church_n or_o state_n or_o contrary_a to_o the_o scripture_n the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v it_o appear_v that_o no_o other_o way_n of_o government_n in_o the_o church_n can_v real_o pretend_v to_o those_o advantage_n which_o may_v make_v a_o indifferent_a thing_n become_v necessary_a and_o oblige_v to_o conscience_n except_o the_o episcopal_a by_o which_o it_o follow_v that_o to_o submit_v to_o this_o form_n of_o government_n as_o it_o be_v now_o establish_v in_o the_o church_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v against_o a_o good_a conscience_n that_o no_o man_n can_v resist_v it_o without_o sin_v against_o conscience_n since_o it_o have_v all_o the_o qualisication_n which_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o make_v a_o indifferent_a thing_n become_v obligatory_a to_o every_o man_n conscience_n which_o all_o the_o other_o pretender_n want_v viz._n it_o come_v near_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o scripture_n it_o follow_v the_o better_a more_o sure_a and_o warrantable_a part_n of_o our_o judgement_n it_o answer_v all_o the_o end_n of_o government_n by_o promote_a the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o contribute_v to_o the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n here_o by_o procure_v peace_n unity_n and_o concord_n and_o hereafter_o by_o teach_v command_a and_o practise_v true_a piety_n and_o holiness_n and_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o to_o dissent_v from_o this_o government_n can_v never_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o conscience_n but_o of_o opinion_n or_o persuasion_n neither_o of_o which_o can_v lay_v any_o obligation_n upon_o man_n mind_n which_o be_v absolute_a and_o indispensible_a as_o before_o have_v be_v make_v most_o evident_o appear_v i_o wish_v that_o all_o dissenter_n will_v serious_o reflect_v with_o themselves_o whilst_o they_o do_v so_o violent_o cry_v up_o conscience_n and_o pretend_v it_o for_o their_o separation_n whether_o they_o have_v not_o abuse_v themselves_o and_o the_o world_n in_o mistake_v opinion_n and_o persuasion_n for_o it_o of_o which_o they_o may_v easy_o be_v satisfy_v by_o a_o impartial_a application_n of_o what_o have_v before_o be_v say_v of_o this_o particular_a after_o all_o this_o we_o shall_v difficult_o be_v persuade_v to_o relinquish_v the_o plea_n of_o a_o divine_a right_n in_o episcopacy_n for_o which_o so_o much_o reason_n have_v be_v and_o may_v be_v bring_v to_o prove_v it_o and_o upon_o which_o we_o shall_v have_v occasion_n brief_o to_o touch_v hereafter_o chap._n x._o of_o the_o manner_n and_o circumstance_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o how_o from_o be_v indifferent_a they_o may_v become_v necessary_a to_o be_v do_v and_o oblige_v to_o conscience_n thus_o have_v we_o see_v that_o though_o private_a and_o false_a opinion_n or_o prejudice_v and_o mistake_v persuasion_n and_o it_o may_v be_v malicious_a design_n and_o interest_n combine_v with_o discontent_a envy_n may_v be_v loud_a and_o clamorous_a against_o this_o government_n of_o the_o church_n by_o the_o excellent_a and_o ancient_a way_n of_o episcopacy_n yet_o conscience_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v against_o it_o that_o it_o be_v whole_o and_o clear_o for_o it_o let_v we_o now_o come_v to_o examine_v the_o manner_n of_o performance_n of_o divine_a worship_n which_o have_v occasion_v no_o small_a stir_n tumult_n and_o division_n among_o we_o and_o here_o likewise_o i_o suppose_v that_o all_o party_n do_v thus_o far_o agree_v that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v some_o modes_n and_o circumstance_n in_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n that_o be_v some_o time_n some_o place_n some_o word_n gesture_n posture_n and_o habit_n for_o the_o performance_n both_o of_o public_a and_o private_a worship_n which_o conscience_n tell_v we_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o pay_v unto_o almighty_a god_n herein_o likewise_o i_o suppose_v that_o all_o party_n be_v agree_v that_o these_o thing_n or_o however_o such_o of_o they_o as_o be_v in_o controversy_n among_o we_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a and_o therefore_o proper_o the_o subject_n of_o opinion_n or_o persuasion_n and_o be_v there_o no_o determination_n on_o either_o side_n provide_v the_o duty_n of_o worship_n be_v perform_v it_o may_v be_v do_v this_o way_n or_o the_o other_o and_o from_o hence_o likewise_o it_o appear_v that_o no_o circumstance_n of_o religious_a worship_n be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n simple_o unlawful_a because_o no_o where_n in_o scripture_n prohibit_v either_o in_o direct_a word_n or_o by_o necessary_a consequence_n so_o that_o no_o man_n conscience_n can_v be_v just_o offend_v by_o the_o performance_n of_o any_o of_o they_o since_o where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n there_o can_v be_v no_o transgression_n let_v any_o dissenter_n therefore_o show_v either_o a_o positive_a command_n or_o a_o plain_a consequence_n from_o scripture_n why_o i_o shall_v not_o serve_v god_n in_o a_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n and_o praise_n or_o
thou_o shall_v not_o covet_v last_o that_o authority_n be_v lawful_a which_o by_o choice_n and_o common_a consent_n for_o their_o mutual_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n man_n agree_v to_o and_o by_o lawful_a way_n stipulate_v and_o oblige_v themselves_o one_o or_o more_o to_o govern_v and_o rule_v and_o the_o rest_n to_o obey_v for_o this_o be_v found_v upon_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o nation_n which_o teach_v all_o people_n that_o faith_n in_o solemn_a deliberate_a and_o lawful_a contract_n such_o as_o this_o be_v be_v most_o sacred_o to_o be_v keep_v inviolated_a otherwise_o there_o can_v not_o be_v any_o society_n government_n law_n or_o live_v in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o holy_a write_n confirm_v the_o same_o when_o they_o tell_v we_o our_o solemn_a compact_n and_o contract_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v though_o to_o our_o loss_n and_o detriment_n or_o else_o we_o must_v never_o expect_v to_o ascend_v the_o holy_a and_o heavenly_a hill_n 15.4_o psal_n 15.4_o except_o we_o be_v such_o as_o though_o we_o swear_v that_o be_v make_v a_o solemn_a lawful_a contract_n though_o to_o our_o own_o prejudice_n in_o the_o event_n and_o yet_o nevertheless_o change_v not_o but_o stand_v firm_a to_o our_o promise_n and_o obligation_n now_o all_o these_o several_a way_n of_o any_o authority_n become_v lawful_a so_o as_o to_o have_v a_o just_a power_n and_o dominion_n in_o make_v law_n for_o the_o determination_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n which_o among_o many_o be_v most_o conducive_a to_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o public_a advantage_n of_o those_o under_o their_o dominion_n both_o in_o civil_a and_o religious_a affair_n be_v most_o eminent_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o present_a authority_n of_o these_o nation_n first_o there_o be_v divine_a appointment_n and_o ordination_n whether_o we_o respect_v monarchy_n or_o episcopacy_n and_o if_o we_o can_v prove_v there_o be_v king_n and_o bishop_n in_o the_o world_n when_o st._n paul_n wirt_z his_o epistle_n i_o think_v notwithstanding_o what_o many_o have_v say_v against_o it_o the_o case_n will_v be_v clear_a 13.1_o rom._n 13.1_o for_o say_v he_o there_o be_v no_o power_n but_o of_o god_n that_o be_v lawful_a power_n such_o as_o the_o than_o roman_a emperor_n who_o by_o succession_n become_v lawful_a for_o we_o can_v imagine_v he_o mean_v to_o countenance_v unlawful_a and_o usurp_a power_n and_o therefore_o he_o add_v the_o power_n that_o be_v that_o be_v the_o present_a roman_a emperor_n and_o their_o subordinate_a magistrate_n and_o minister_n be_v ordain_v of_o god_n whosoever_o therefore_o resist_v the_o power_n resist_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o they_o that_o resist_v shall_v receive_v damnation_n now_o that_o there_o be_v king_n when_o he_o write_v be_v plain_a from_o that_o place_n where_o he_o command_v that_o first_o of_o all_o supplication_n prayer_n intercession_n and_o give_v of_o thanks_o be_v make_v for_o all_o man_n for_o king_n 2.1_o 1_o tim._n 2.1_o and_o all_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n if_o st._n paul_n write_n be_v a_o rule_n for_o those_o age_n they_o be_v likewise_o a_o rule_n for_o we_o and_o for_o all_o people_n to_o the_o world_n end_n and_o then_o the_o argument_n will_v hold_v good_a if_o king_n in_o st._n paul_n time_n have_v a_o divine_a right_n to_o their_o crown_n they_o have_v so_o still_o or_o else_o what_o be_v scripture_n then_o be_v not_o so_o now_o the_o danger_n of_o which_o consequence_n be_v so_o apparent_a that_o i_o can_v imagine_v there_o will_v be_v find_v any_o that_o will_v venture_v to_o own_o it_o the_o great_a question_n will_v be_v whether_o there_o be_v bishop_n then_o for_o if_o there_o be_v they_o likewise_o by_o the_o apostle_n rule_n be_v ordain_v of_o god_n or_o else_o they_o have_v no_o power_n that_o there_o be_v bishop_n it_o be_v plain_a for_o we_o have_v the_o name_n very_o frequent_a in_o scripture_n christ_n himself_o from_o who_o the_o rest_n so_o often_o mention_v derive_v their_o office_n and_o authority_n as_o before_o we_o take_v notice_n be_v call_v the_o great_a bishop_n as_o well_o as_o pastor_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o that_o these_o bishop_n have_v a_o power_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n and_o exercise_v the_o same_o office_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n as_o the_o present_a bishop_n do_v be_v no_o less_o evident_a and_o that_o in_o this_o very_a point_n of_o determine_v indifferent_a thing_n in_o divine_a worship_n thus_o st._n paul_n take_v upon_o he_o to_o order_v the_o church_n of_o the_o corinthian_n about_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o after_o that_o do_v tell_v they_o if_o there_o be_v any_o other_o thing_n in_o difference_n or_o disorder_n the_o rest_n will_v i_o set_v in_o order_n when_o i_o come_v 11.34_o 1_o cor._n 11.34_o and_o that_o he_o do_v this_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o office_n and_o by_o a_o power_n derive_v from_o christ_n the_o first_o and_o great_a bishop_n he_o tell_v they_o that_o he_o receive_v of_o the_o lord_n that_o which_o he_o deliver_v unto_o they_o 23._o ver._n 23._o and_o wherever_o he_o be_v positive_a in_o give_v any_o rule_n or_o direction_n of_o government_n decency_n or_o order_n we_o may_v assure_v ourselves_o he_o do_v it_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o power_n of_o his_o office_n for_o otherwise_o he_o will_v tell_v we_o it_o be_v but_o his_o private_a judgement_n or_o persuasion_n which_o he_o will_v not_o impose_v upon_o christian_n though_o he_o have_v a_o fair_a pretence_n so_o to_o do_v as_o appear_v by_o that_o place_n concern_v virginity_n and_o marriag_n 7.25_o 2_o cor._n 7.25_o now_o concern_v virgin_n i_o have_v no_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n yet_o i_o give_v my_o judgement_n as_o one_o that_o have_v obtain_v mercy_n to_o be_v faithful_a but_o if_o any_o person_n shall_v pretend_v he_o do_v this_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o apostolical_a office_n which_o be_v a_o immediate_a commission_n from_o the_o mouth_n of_o christ_n at_o his_o miraculous_a conversion_n to_o convince_v they_o that_o a_o bishop_n who_o be_v no_o apostle_n have_v the_o same_o power_n and_o exercise_v the_o same_o office_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o plain_a than_o that_o place_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o titus_n for_o this_o purpose_n leave_v i_o thou_o in_o crete_n 1.5_o tit._n 1.5_o that_o thou_o shall_v set_v in_o order_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v want_v and_o ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o city_n in_o which_o place_n i_o think_v our_o english_a translation_n have_v not_o right_o express_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o original_a greek_a and_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o proper_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n that_o st._n paul_n have_v be_v himself_o in_o crete_n employment_n the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d translate_v ordain_v signify_v to_o constitute_v and_o appoint_v a_o person_n over_o a_o certain_a place_n and_o employment_n and_o set_v many_o thing_n in_o order_n he_o leave_v titus_n there_o to_o place_v such_o priest_n as_o he_o before_o have_v ordain_v in_o the_o several_a city_n of_o that_o island_n and_o put_v they_o into_o the_o power_n and_o office_n of_o bishop_n which_o he_o have_v not_o do_v as_o may_v appear_v by_o the_o follow_a description_n of_o a_o bishop_n what_o manner_n of_o man_n he_o ought_v to_o be_v and_o for_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v translate_v elder_n it_o signify_v in_o all_o antiquity_n the_o best_a expositor_n of_o the_o idiom_n of_o word_n priest_n who_o be_v therefore_o so_o call_v because_o always_o choose_v out_o of_o the_o ancient_a convert_v to_o christianity_n and_o the_o long_a stander_n in_o religion_n and_o the_o rule_n hold_v good_a concern_v priest_n as_o well_o as_o bishop_n that_o in_o their_o election_n they_o shall_v not_o choose_v a_o novice_n that_o be_v one_o late_o convert_v lest_o want_v the_o ballast_n of_o age_n experience_n and_o discretion_n the_o height_n of_o so_o honourable_a a_o office_n shall_v puff_n up_o such_o a_o one_o with_o pride_n and_o so_o he_o fall_v into_o the_o condemnation_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o that_o titus_n who_o be_v the_o first_o or_o chief_a bishop_n in_o crete_n as_o well_o in_o order_n of_o place_n as_o time_n 3.6_o 1_o tim._n 3.6_o and_o so_o have_v many_o inferior_a bishop_n under_o he_o we_o have_v the_o postscript_n or_o rather_o superscription_n of_o the_o epistle_n which_o for_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v prove_v to_o the_o contrary_a may_v be_v as_o ancient_a as_o the_o epistle_n beside_o that_o he_o be_v the_o first_o bishop_n in_o order_n of_o time_n we_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o all_o antiquity_n who_o never_o once_o doubt_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o so_o that_o monarchy_n and_o episcopacy_n be_v then_o power_n in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o power_n that_o then_o be_v be_v ordain_v of_o god_n it_o follow_v plain_o that_o they_o have_v
happiness_n hereafter_o in_o the_o life_n of_o immortality_n and_o glory_n and_o therefore_o do_v so_o frequent_o promise_v to_o the_o obedient_a all_o those_o thing_n which_o may_v compose_v the_o happiness_n even_o of_o this_o life_n the_o bona_fw-la corporis_fw-la animi_fw-la &_o fortunae_fw-la all_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o body_n and_o mind_n and_o estate_n according_a to_o that_o say_n of_o the_o apostle_n 4.8_o 1_o tim._n 6.6_o 1_o tim._n 4.8_o godliness_n with_o contentment_n which_o it_o only_o can_v give_v be_v great_a gain_n have_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o life_n that_o now_o be_v and_o of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v now_o the_o mean_n which_o god_n command_v we_o to_o use_v and_o the_o mean_n which_o he_o direct_v be_v the_o most_o certain_a rule_n for_o we_o to_o make_v a_o judgement_n what_o be_v the_o end_n at_o which_o he_o will_v have_v we_o arrive_v for_o god_n be_v true_a and_o can_v lie_v though_o all_o man_n may_v be_v liar_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v he_o and_o that_o he_o can_v tell_v we_o one_o thing_n when_o he_o mean_v another_o direct_o contrary_a to_o it_o as_o some_o man_n who_o call_v themselves_o divine_v have_v both_o by_o word_n and_o write_v public_o avow_v and_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n if_o we_o look_v upon_o the_o command_v of_o the_o law_n such_o as_o be_v not_o only_o particular_a to_o the_o jewish_a nation_n in_o their_o typical_a service_n but_o common_a to_o all_o the_o child_n of_o abraham_n by_o faith_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o they_o all_o aim_n at_o this_o and_o the_o two_o table_n write_v with_o the_o divine_a character_n by_o the_o immediate_a finger_n of_o god_n direct_a first_o his_o worship_n second_o man_n happiness_n by_o obedience_n to_o superior_n in_o the_o first_o commandment_n with_o promise_n by_o justice_n chastity_n temperance_n truth_n and_o honesty_n and_o all_o other_o virtue_n which_o conduce_v to_o our_o happiness_n here_o in_o this_o life_n and_o by_o make_v we_o partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n fit_v and_o prepare_v we_o for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o heaven_n and_o happiness_n hereafter_o and_o if_o we_o examine_v either_o the_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n of_o all_o holy_a man_n so_o far_o as_o their_o practice_n be_v record_v for_o our_o example_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o they_o have_v all_o a_o tendency_n to_o these_o very_a ends._n if_o we_o come_v to_o look_v into_o that_o royal_a law_n of_o liberty_n the_o gospel_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o all_o its_o command_n and_o direction_n lead_v we_o to_o our_o own_o happiness_n witness_v that_o golden_a and_o even_o by_o heathen_n much_o celebrate_v rule_n of_o our_o bless_a jesus_n to_o do_v to_o all_o man_n 7.12_o matth._n 7.12_o as_o we_o will_v that_o they_o shall_v do_v unto_o we_o a_o rule_n to_o make_v all_o the_o world_n happy_a and_o a_o rule_n which_o i_o be_o sure_a no_o dissenter_n dare_v abide_v by_o and_o which_o surpass_v all_o that_o ever_o go_v before_o it_o and_o be_v the_o high_a exaltation_n of_o humane_a nature_n even_o to_o such_o a_o degree_n as_o bring_v it_o to_o a_o near_a affinity_n and_o resemblance_n of_o the_o bless_a divinity_n finem_fw-la matth._n 5.44_o ad_fw-la finem_fw-la who_o make_v his_o sun_n to_o shine_v upon_o the_o just_a and_o unjust_a to_o love_v our_o enemy_n to_o bless_v those_o that_o curse_v we_o to_o do_v good_a to_o they_o that_o hate_v we_o and_o to_o pray_v for_o they_o that_o despiteful_o use_v we_o and_o persecute_v we_o and_o the_o disciple_n speak_v the_o same_o language_n of_o their_o great_a lord_n and_o master_n who_o leave_v his_o peace_n and_o command_v of_o unity_n to_o love_v one_o another_o as_o a_o legacy_n among_o they_o and_o enforce_v it_o upon_o they_o with_o the_o most_o powerful_a persuasive_a if_o you_o love_v i_o keep_v my_o commandment_n 14.15_o joh._n 14.15_o tell_v they_o this_o love_n and_o unity_n shall_v be_v the_o badge_n and_o distinction_n of_o their_o profession_n 13.35_o joh._n 13.35_o by_o this_o shall_v all_o man_n know_v that_o you_o be_v my_o disciple_n if_o you_o love_v one_o another_o thus_o there_o fore_o they_o command_v piety_n and_o unity_n peace_n and_o charity_n love_v unfeigned_a obedience_n to_o magistrate_n and_o minister_n that_o duty_n honour_n and_o respect_n which_o be_v due_a to_o any_o to_o be_v give_v unto_o they_o to_o live_v just_o sober_o religious_o in_o this_o present_a world_n in_o all_o honesty_n quietness_n humility_n chastity_n temperance_n and_o all_o other_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n one_o towards_o another_o and_o as_o we_o have_v opportunity_n to_o do_v good_a unto_o all_o let_v any_o man_n judge_n if_o these_o rule_n be_v exact_o follow_v if_o the_o golden_a age_n will_v not_o return_v and_o all_o man_n be_v as_o happy_a as_o heart_n can_v wish_v the_o effect_n which_o they_o will_v produce_v plain_o demonstrate_v the_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v design_v beside_o all_o agree_v to_o this_o that_o the_o great_a design_n of_o the_o creation_n be_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o creator_n now_o the_o same_o thing_n which_o glorify_v the_o creator_n do_v also_o make_v the_o creature_n happy_a and_o that_o be_v obedience_n to_o his_o will_n law_n and_o command_v and_o that_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v glorify_v by_o the_o obedience_n and_o not_o punishment_n of_o his_o creature_n as_o his_o first_o design_n in_o their_o creation_n have_v already_o from_o his_o own_o protestation_n be_v show_v and_o the_o apostle_n be_v as_o plain_a as_o positive_a in_o this_o point_n that_o god_n will_v have_v all_o man_n to_o be_v save_v 6._o 1_o tim._n 3.3,4_o ver_fw-la 6._o by_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o for_o this_o purpose_n that_o christ_n give_v himself_o a_o ransom_n for_o all_o and_o whosoever_o do_v peruse_v the_o holy_a gospel_n shall_v be_v force_v to_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o whole_a design_n of_o it_o be_v that_o all_o man_n by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o of_o jesus_n christ_n may_v come_v to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o his_o holy_a law_n and_o direction_n and_o that_o by_o follow_v they_o 7._o 2_o pet._n 1.2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7._o they_o may_v escape_v the_o pollution_n and_o corruption_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n through_o lust_n and_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n by_o live_v just_o righteous_o and_o godlike_a blameless_a and_o harmless_a as_o the_o son_n of_o god_n here_o in_o this_o world_n that_o so_o through_o the_o all-sufficient_a merit_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o only_a son_n of_o god_n they_o may_v as_o the_o end_n of_o their_o faith_n hope_n charity_n and_o constancy_n be_v make_v partaker_n of_o that_o glorious_a life_n and_o immortality_n which_o he_o have_v purchase_v for_o they_o with_o his_o most_o precious_a blood_n so_o that_o as_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o suitable_a to_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o divine_a be_v than_o a_o design_n in_o their_o creation_n that_o they_o shall_v all_o be_v happy_a according_a to_o their_o several_a capacity_n so_o nothing_o be_v more_o clear_a from_o the_o unanimous_a consent_n and_o design_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o contain_v the_o will_n of_o god_n than_o that_o this_o be_v the_o great_a and_o ultimate_a end_n of_o the_o omnipotent_a creator_n in_o the_o frame_n the_o world_n and_o particular_o in_o the_o creation_n of_o mankind_n to_o be_v happy_a both_o here_o and_o hereafter_o in_o a_o future_a state_n chap._n fourteen_o some_o necessary_a corollary_n from_o the_o former_a discourse_n with_o the_o conclusion_n to_o all_o man_n to_o endeavour_v after_o peace_n and_o unity_n from_o what_o have_v before_o be_v say_v we_o may_v draw_v these_o necessary_a and_o practical_a consequence_n and_o conclusion_n first_o that_o every_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o conscience_n upon_o pain_n of_o eternal_a damnation_n because_o every_o man_n be_v oblige_v under_o that_o penalty_n to_o walk_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n rule_n which_o be_v that_o by_o which_o conscience_n judge_v every_o man_n whether_o he_o do_v right_a or_o wrong_n according_a to_o what_o st._n john_n tell_v we_o 3.5_o 1_o joh._n 3.5_o if_o our_o heart_n that_o be_v our_o conscience_n condemn_v we_o god_n be_v great_a than_o our_o heart_n and_o know_v all_o thing_n and_o most_o certain_o will_v condemn_v we_o in_o that_o great_a and_o fearful_a judgment-day_n and_o whosoever_o violate_v a_o know_a command_n of_o scripture_n however_o he_o may_v colour_v it_o over_o with_o the_o fair_a pretence_n of_o religion_n yet_o as_o st._n paul_n say_v 3.7_o rom._n 3.7_o though_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n shall_v abound_v through_o my_o lie_n unto_o his_o glory_n yet_o i_o shall_v be_v also_o judge_v as_o a_o sinner_n and_o so_o shall_v all_o those_o who_o with_o pretence_n of_o advance_v