god_n will_v so_o far_o condescend_v as_o to_o make_v they_o but_o upon_o the_o like_a legal_a security_n of_o duty_n to_o be_v perform_v by_o his_o creature_n which_o when_o it_o be_v mutual_a on_o both_o party_n we_o call_v a_o covenant_n and_o these_o promise_n of_o duty_n confirm_v in_o a_o solemn_a way_n by_o a_o covenant_n on_o our_o part_n be_v the_o only_a rational_a inducement_n likely_a to_o prevail_v with_o god_n to_o make_v these_o promise_n it_o be_v not_o credible_a that_o he_o will_v design_v those_o favour_n for_o any_o but_o such_o as_o give_v he_o this_o solemn_a security_n which_o may_v induce_v he_o to_o it_o for_o even_o this_o external_a solemnity_n be_v very_o considerable_a in_o regard_n of_o the_o influence_n it_o may_v have_v on_o the_o obligation_n and_o security_n of_o a_o covenant_n especial_o as_o transact_v with_o a_o multitude_n how_o little_a soever_o it_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v so_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o rational_a obligation_n of_o the_o mutual_a consent_n of_o the_o interest_v party_n nor_o be_v it_o only_o thus_o rational_a in_o itself_o that_o god_n shall_v thus_o confine_v his_o promise_n to_o his_o covenant_n but_o it_o appear_v to_o have_v be_v his_o actual_a design_n in_o the_o contrivance_n of_o it_o as_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o show_v more_o full_o in_o my_o future_a discourse_n §_o xvi_o i_o be_o aware_a some_o of_o our_o calvinian_a brethren_n may_v be_v tempt_v to_o think_v this_o discourse_n for_o prove_v the_o confinement_n of_o the_o promise_n to_o such_o as_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o the_o new_a covenant_n purchase_v by_o christ_n to_o be_v both_o needless_a as_o to_o themselves_o and_o to_o be_v disagreeable_a to_o our_o own_o principle_n in_o the_o remonstrant_a controversy_n to_o be_v needle_n as_o to_o they_o because_o they_o be_v for_o a_o great_a confinement_n than_o we_o can_v approve_v of_o so_o as_o not_o only_o to_o confine_v they_o in_o the_o event_n but_o also_o as_o to_o the_o 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they_o continue_v so_o scatter_v but_o also_o that_o it_o shall_v not_o as_o much_o as_o purchase_v that_o actual_a grace_n for_o they_o even_o in_o that_o condition_n which_o may_v put_v it_o in_o their_o power_n to_o be_v incorporate_v into_o the_o church_n there_o have_v be_v some_o ground_n for_o this_o mistake_n but_o these_o sense_n be_v far_o from_o be_v we_o nor_o be_v it_o indeed_o our_o interest_n that_o we_o shall_v own_v they_o for_o they_o will_v fail_v we_o when_o we_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o use_v they_o that_o be_v when_o we_o shall_v undertake_v to_o show_v that_o they_o be_v not_o in_o the_o church_n and_o their_o danger_n in_o continue_v so_o nor_o be_v it_o less_o disserviceable_a to_o our_o design_n to_o suppose_v that_o person_n out_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n be_v so_o deprive_v of_o the_o promise_n by_o their_o be_v so_o as_o to_o want_v that_o degree_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a for_o make_v their_o return_n to_o it_o possible_a if_o that_o be_v their_o case_n to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v we_o endeavour_v either_o to_o convince_v they_o of_o the_o dangerousness_n of_o their_o present_a condition_n or_o persuade_v they_o to_o come_v out_o of_o it_o to_o talk_v to_o people_n of_o do_v that_o which_o we_o already_o know_v they_o can_v do_v be_v not_o to_o persuade_v but_o to_o upbraid_v they_o and_o it_o be_v not_o good_a will_n to_o they_o but_o inhumanity_n as_o much_o as_o to_o discover_v to_o they_o that_o danger_n which_o we_o know_v it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o to_o escape_v it_o will_v but_o add_v to_o they_o the_o trouble_n of_o their_o present_a fear_n over_o and_o above_o the_o future_a mischief_n of_o it_o when_o it_o shall_v befall_v they_o §_o xvii_o our_o plain_a meaning_n therefore_o be_v that_o we_o believe_v god_n design_n to_o have_v be_v unfeigned_o for_o the_o salvation_n of_o all_o mankind_n as_o well_o those_o who_o be_v out_o of_o the_o church_n as_o those_o who_o be_v within_o it_o yet_o so_o as_o that_o this_o general_a design_n be_v not_o actual_o available_a for_o the_o salvation_n of_o any_o particular_a in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n so_o as_o that_o the_o person_n may_v have_v the_o comfort_n of_o it_o without_o the_o church_n nay_o not_o within_o it_o without_o universal_a and_o sincere_a obedience_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o this_o design_n to_o person_n without_o the_o church_n be_v to_o promise_v salvation_n and_o a_o gracious_a acceptance_n of_o them·_n on_o condition_n of_o their_o incorporate_n themselves_o into_o it_o and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n to_o give_v that_o grace_n which_o if_o not_o resist_v by_o their_o own_o free_a will_n may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o invite_v they_o into_o it_o so_o also_o the_o present_a effect_n even_o on_o vicious_a liver_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v actual_o save_v whilst_o they_o continue_v so_o but_o that_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o be_v in_o covenant_n they_o can_v challenge_v acceptance_n upon_o repentance_n and_o plead_v promise_n upon_o performance_n of_o condition_n and_o can_v have_v a_o free_a and_o open_a access_n to_o the_o ordinary_a channel_n of_o grace_n to_o enable_v they_o to_o perform_v condition_n none_o of_o which_o can_v agree_v to_o person_n without_o the_o church_n who_o can_v as_o yet_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v any_o actual_a interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n and_o upon_o these_o supposal_n it_o will_v be_v easy_a to_o conceive_v how_o not_o only_o the_o actual_a performance_n of_o but_o the_o very_a title_n to_o promise_n may_v be_v confine_v to_o the_o church_n and_o yet_o god_n may_v sincere_o design_v the_o universal_a salvation_n of_o mankind_n for_o i_o think_v none_o can_v question_v but_o a_o design_n on_o performable_a condition_n may_v be_v easy_o conceive_v to_o be_v sincere_a though_o it_o shall_v fail_v of_o the_o event_n through_o a_o voluntary_a non-performance_n of_o condition_n on_o the_o creature_n part_n and_o it_o hence_o appear_v that_o such_o a_o confinement_n of_o the_o promise_n to_o the_o church_n be_v very_o reconcilable_a with_o such_o a_o design_n as_o this_o be_v for_o the_o universal_a salvation_n of_o mankind_n §_o xviii_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o think_v we_o may_v with_o more_o confidence_n pretend_v to_o all_o those_o tent_n produce_v by_o they_o for_o confine_a god_n design_n of_o benefit_n to_o be_v convey_v by_o virtue_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n to_o the_o elect_n than_o they_o can_v for_o our_o notion_n of_o a_o church_n be_v more_o obvious_a and_o ordinary_o intelligible_a in_o that_o age_n and_o even_o in_o the_o scripture_n itself_o than_o that_o which_o they_o pretend_v to_o and_o it_o be_v exceed_o agreeable_a with_o the_o design_n of_o god_n in_o erect_v the_o church_n a_o body_n politic_a thus_o to_o oblige_v man_n to_o enter_v into_o it_o and_o to_o submit_v to_o its_o rule_n of_o discipline_n however_o the_o secular_a state_n shall_v stand_v affect_v and_o it_o be_v better_a suit_v to_o the_o capacity_n and_o practice_n of_o even_o the_o very_a vulgar_a of_o that_o age_n for_o who_o use_n principal_o the_o scripture_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v write_v in_o that_o condescend_v stile_n in_o which_o we_o find_v they_o for_o what_o use_n can_v there_o be_v in_o practice_n of_o either_o of_o these_o discourse_n if_o the_o person_n hear_v they_o can_v make_v out_o their_o interest_n in_o they_o and_o it_o be_v certain_o more_o easy_a for_o the_o most_o vulgar_a capacity_n whatsoever_o to_o prove_v their_o interest_n in_o a_o visible_a church_n than_o in_o a_o invisible_a one_o consist_v only_o of_o elect_a person_n and_o i_o do_v not_o know_v but_o they_o may_v indeed_o find_v that_o it_o be_v this_o election_n to_o grace_n actual_o and_o to_o glory_n in_o design_n which_o the_o
it_o and_o it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o excuse_v presumption_n to_o presume_v that_o to_o be_v true_a concern_v god_n which_o be_v most_o worthy_a of_o he_o where_o either_o there_o be_v no_o argument_n at_o all_o or_o where_o the_o argument_n appear_v in_o other_o regard_v equal_a but_o it_o be_v also_o a_o great_a argument_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o hypothesis_n when_o all_o thing_n answer_v it_o so_o as_o they_o will_v or_o must_v have_v do_v if_o god_n himself_o have_v be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o §_o v_o now_o that_o the_o hypothesis_n here_o give_v be_v indeed_o thus_o fit_v for_o practice_n will_v appear_v if_o it_o be_v consider_v that_o general_a case_n be_v those_o which_o all_o prudent_a contriver_n of_o government_n do_v take_v themselves_o to_o be_v oblige_v to_o foresee_v if_o these_o thing_n be_v sufficient_o provide_v for_o they_o will_v not_o think_v their_o reputation_n concern_v if_o thing_n fall_v out_o hard_a in_o particular_a case_n not_o only_o the_o impossibility_n for_o humane_a prudence_n to_o foresee_v all_o particular_n which_o will_v concern_v man_n but_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o will_v reach_v even_o god_n himself_o will_v make_v such_o inconvenience_n as_o those_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v avoid_v but_o where_o these_o general_a case_n be_v not_o provide_v for_o that_o be_v a_o certain_a disrepute_n to_o the_o whole_a contrivance_n and_o therefore_o a_o certain_a conviction_n of_o a_o contrivance_n pretend_v to_o come_v from_o god_n and_o where_o they_o be_v best_a provide_v for_o that_o aught_o to_o be_v a_o prevail_a presumption_n that_o such_o a_o particular_a hypothesis_n come_v from_o god_n where_o it_o be_v certain_a and_o suppose_a that_o some_o do_v so_o §_o vi_o but_o the_o general_a case_n relate_v to_o government_n be_v they_o which_o concern_v the_o multitude_n of_o those_o who_o be_v to_o be_v govern_v and_o therefore_o those_o of_o mean_a and_o ordinary_a capacity_n and_o unimproved_a by_o 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many_o competitor_n pretend_v to_o the_o title_n of_o superior_n and_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o extent_n of_o that_o duty_n which_o they_o be_v to_o perform_v to_o those_o true_a superior_n §_o vii_o 1._o it_o will_v be_v most_o easy_a by_o these_o principle_n even_o for_o such_o capacity_n to_o distinguish_v their_o true_a superior_n from_o the_o multitude_n of_o false_a pretender_n to_o that_o name_n these_o ordinary_a person_n i_o be_o speak_v of_o need_v not_o trouble_v themselves_o with_o those_o dispute_n of_o our_o brethren_n concern_v the_o form_n of_o government_n settle_v in_o that_o part_n of_o the_o apostle_n age_n whereof_o the_o scripture_n do_v inform_v we_o no_o nor_o in_o the_o history_n of_o those_o age_n which_o immediate_o succeed_v the_o apostle_n either_o for_o clear_v the_o sense_n of_o those_o scripture_n or_o for_o show_v what_o be_v introduce_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o that_o late_a end_n of_o their_o age_n wherein_o the_o church_n be_v more_o ripe_a for_o settle_v a_o succession_n of_o government_n and_o whereof_o the_o scripture_n history_n do_v not_o pretend_v to_o give_v we_o any_o account_n nor_o for_o discover_v what_o be_v introduce_v by_o the_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o the_o church_n of_o party_n concern_v as_o well_o as_o other_o and_o which_o be_v moral_o impossible_a to_o have_v be_v without_o the_o knowledge_n or_o approbation_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o much_o more_o impossible_a that_o it_o shall_v have_v obtain_v so_o sudden_o and_o universal_o if_o the_o apostle_n have_v know_v and_o disapprove_v it_o these_o dispute_n beside_o that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o certain_a in_o such_o a_o loss_n and_o obscurity_n of_o primitive_a monument_n by_o which_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v decide_v be_v withal_o matter_n of_o learning_n beyond_o the_o reach_n of_o the_o person_n i_o be_o now_o discourse_v of_o but_o they_o way_n of_o judge_v which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n in_o opposition_n to_o other_o schismatical_a one_o by_o succession_n as_o it_o be_v more_o certain_a in_o itself_o so_o its_o proof_n depend_v on_o thing_n much_o more_o capable_a of_o be_v judge_v of_o by_o these_o person_n for_o §_o viii_o 1._o it_o be_v plain_a and_o plain_a even_o to_o such_o illiterate_a person_n who_o do_v but_o understand_v what_o it_o be_v to_o reason_n that_o grant_v the_o principle_n of_o our_o present_a discourse_n there_o must_v be_v such_o a_o succession_n own_v somewhere_o unless_o we_o will_v question_v the_o validity_n of_o all_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v indeed_o to_o question_v the_o continuance_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o at_o least_o as_o it_o be_v a_o body_n politic_a and_o this_o be_v certain_a will_v be_v a_o rational_a presumption_n of_o the_o falsehood_n of_o any_o argument_n produce_v to_o the_o contrary_a though_o they_o can_v not_o tell_v how_o to_o answer_v they_o especial_o if_o they_o depend_v on_o thing_n of_o which_o such_o person_n find_v themselves_o less_o competent_a judge_n than_o they_o be_v of_o this_o whence_o it_o will_v also_o follow_v that_o such_o argument_n can_v in_o reason_n expect_v a_o bear_n from_o such_o person_n till_o they_o be_v first_o convince_v of_o the_o insolidity_n of_o these_o principle_n §_o ix_o and_o 2._o it_o may_v even_o to_o such_o person_n be_v also_o notorious_a by_o the_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o all_o person_n skill_v in_o the_o history_n of_o those_o age_n that_o for_o many_o century_n before_o the_o reformation_n succession_n from_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o maintain_v so_o much_o as_o in_o any_o one_o individual_a church_n in_o the_o world_n by_o any_o government_n but_o episcopal_n this_o be_v not_o a_o thing_n controvert_v even_o by_o they_o who_o do_v indeed_o dispute_v the_o right_n of_o episcopal_a government_n and_o therefore_o here_o unskilful_a person_n may_v secure_o trust_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o skilful_a because_o they_o be_v unanimous_a on_o the_o same_o account_n of_o prudence_n whereby_o they_o find_v themselves_o oblige_v in_o other_o case_n wherein_o they_o have_v no_o skill_n to_o trust_v they_o who_o be_v skilful_a now_o from_o this_o unanimous_a acknowledgement_n of_o this_o matter_n of_o fact_n in_o our_o present_a case_n it_o will_v follow_v both_o that_o the_o succession_n be_v then_o maintain_v in_o the_o episcopal_a government_n even_o as_o then_o administer_v see_v it_o must_v otherwise_o have_v be_v perfect_o lose_v and_o that_o all_o pretence_n to_o this_o succession_n in_o any_o person_n now_o must_v be_v derive_v from_o that_o episcopal_a government_n which_o immediate_o precede_v the_o contrary_a innovation_n because_o no_o other_o can_v then_o pretend_v to_o such_o a_o succession_n §_o x_o and_o 3._o upon_o these_o term_n of_o trial_n the_o same_o common_a prudence_n which_o enable_v even_o such_o illiterate_a person_n for_o manage_v their_o worldly_a concernment_n wherein_o they_o have_v equal_a occasion_n for_o know_v something_o not_o do_v within_o their_o own_o cognizance_n and_o wherein_o they_o must_v consequent_o be_v oblige_v to_o rely_v on_o the_o testimony_n of_o other_o credible_a person_n and_o the_o same_o industry_n which_o even_o that_o common_a prudence_n will_v dictate_v to_o be_v necessary_a for_o so_o great_a and_o near_a concernment_n as_o those_o be_v of_o eternity_n these_o i_o say_v will_v enable_v these_o same_o person_n to_o judge_n which_o of_o these_o different_a pretender_n be_v real_o invest_v with_o authority_n and_o consequent_o to_o which_o of_o they_o they_o be_v bind_v as_o subject_n to_o pay_v obedience_n for_o §_o xi_o 1._o the_o innovation_n be_v so_o late_o and_o of_o so_o clear_a and_o remarkable_a a_o original_a as_o that_o it_o need_v no_o great_a learning_n even_o for_o such_o a_o person_n to_o inform_v himself_o when_o they_o begin_v and_o what_o government_n then_o prevail_v universal_o he_o may_v be_v assure_v it_o be_v episcopacy_n if_o he_o shall_v distrust_v his_o own_o enquiry_n
god_n and_o the_o present_a sense_n of_o their_o occidental_a church_n the_o standard_n of_o tradition_n without_o recourse_n to_o the_o monument_n of_o the_o primitive_a time_n and_o admit_v withal_o so_o many_o incompetent_a way_n of_o bring_v in_o new_a opinion_n as_o new_a pretend_a revelation_n attest_v by_o justly-suspicious_a miracle_n not_o to_o mention_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o pope_n whereby_o it_o come_v to_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o a_o few_o to_o impose_v upon_o the_o whole_a it_o can_v not_o be_v admire_v that_o the_o further_o they_o pursue_v the_o consequence_n of_o these_o principle_n the_o more_o they_o shall_v prove_v mistake_v and_o that_o mean_a person_n who_o have_v the_o happiness_n to_o examine_v thing_n by_o more_o certain_a principle_n shall_v discover_v many_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v oversee_v and_o as_o to_o the_o mean_n of_o information_n that_o those_o age_n of_o popery_n wherein_o their_o error_n be_v introduce_v want_v many_o such_o mean_n with_o which_o god_n have_v bless_v the_o world_n at_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o reformation_n such_o be_v the_o edition_n of_o many_o of_o the_o unquestionable_a record_n of_o the_o primitive_a time_n the_o study_n of_o the_o tongue_n wherein_o the_o scripture_n and_o those_o primitive_a monument_n be_v write_v the_o exacter_n skill_n in_o ecclesiastical_a antiquity_n by_o which_o they_o be_v better_o enable_v to_o distinguish_v counterfeit_a from_o genuine_a writer_n with_o these_o assistance_n it_o can_v not_o be_v admire_v if_o mean_a person_n make_v great_a discovery_n than_o great_a multitude_n of_o other_o who_o be_v otherwise_o more_o sagacious_a if_o they_o want_v they_o §_o fourteen_o the_o same_o plea_n i_o have_v to_o make_v against_o our_o present_a adversary_n both_o as_o to_o principle_n and_o as_o to_o the_o mean_n of_o information_n as_o to_o principle_n that_o one_o great_a principle_n by_o they_o oppose_v to_o the_o other_o extreme_a of_o the_o romanist_n that_o the_o scripture_n alone_o be_v the_o adequate_a digest_v of_o all_o ecclesiastical_a practice_n as_o well_o as_o of_o matter_n of_o belief_n be_v by_o rational_a consequence_n like_a to_o lead_v they_o into_o multitude_n of_o error_n into_o a_o contempt_n of_o authority_n into_o a_o rejection_n of_o ecclesiastical_a constitution_n prudent_o fit_v to_o circumstance_n of_o present_a practice_n into_o a_o impossibility_n of_o ecclesiastical_a peace_n till_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n laic_n as_o well_o as_o clergyman_n may_v be_v agree_v on_o which_o side_n the_o scripture_n be_v clear_a in_o many_o thing_n whereof_o if_o this_o principle_n shall_v prove_v false_a no_o account_n at_o all_o be_v to_o be_v expect_v in_o the_o scripture_n now_o the_o mistake_n of_o these_o man_n be_v not_o in_o any_o thing_n that_o concern_v their_o ability_n but_o mere_o in_o their_o infelicity_n in_o light_v on_o such_o a_o very_a fallacious_a principle_n they_o judge_v of_o the_o consequence_n and_o judge_v right_o and_o i_o be_o so_o far_o of_o their_o mind_n that_o these_o and_o the_o like_a thing_n be_v indeed_o just_a consequence_n from_o that_o principle_n but_o the_o principle_n it_o self_n they_o take_v up_o as_o a_o principle_n that_o be_v precarious_o either_o without_o any_o reason_n at_o all_o or_o upon_o such_o reason_n as_o can_v signify_v nothing_o with_o any_o but_o such_o as_o be_v already_o possess_v with_o a_o great_a favour_n to_o it_o they_o do_v not_o ordinary_o dispute_v it_o without_o some_o indignation_n at_o the_o suppose_a impiety_n of_o he_o who_o question_n it_o and_z by_o their_o whole_a behaviour_n clear_o show_v that_o it_o be_v rather_o their_o affection_n and_o the_o insensible_a prejudices_fw-la of_o education_n that_o have_v engage_v they_o in_o defence_n of_o it_o than_o any_o show_n of_o reason_n either_o that_o it_o be_v true_a or_o that_o it_o be_v impious_a to_o question_v it_o and_o can_v we_o think_v it_o any_o reflection_n on_o the_o ability_n of_o such_o to_o be_v insensible_o carry_v away_o into_o a_o belief_n of_o such_o principle_n when_o they_o make_v so_o little_a use_n of_o their_o ability_n in_o judge_v concern_v they_o §_o xv_o the_o like_a may_v be_v also_o say_v concern_v our_o mean_n of_o information_n that_o our_o adversary_n general_o use_v such_o mean_n of_o understand_v the_o scripture_n as_o must_v necessary_o leave_v they_o ignorant_a of_o many_o thing_n which_o yet_o may_v certain_o have_v be_v design_v by_o the_o sacred_a writer_n and_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o inspire_v they_o which_o be_v one_o general_a way_n of_o their_o make_n dispute_v endless_a by_o require_v a_o resolution_n in_o such_o case_n wherein_o their_o own_o unwary_a state_v of_o thing_n have_v make_v they_o uncapable_a of_o a_o resolution_n they_o be_v for_o expound_v the_o scripture_n only_o by_o themselves_o especial_o in_o matter_n doctrinal_a without_o allusion_n to_o the_o sense_n of_o those_o time_n in_o term_n of_o art_n which_o be_v plain_o suit_v to_o the_o capacity_n of_o they_o who_o use_v those_o term_n without_o allusion_n to_o the_o notion_n and_o doctrine_n of_o those_o time_n which_o be_v either_o confirm_v or_o confute_v by_o the_o sacred_a writer_n without_o allusion_n to_o the_o whole_a systeme_n of_o principle_n then_o maintain_v though_o they_o be_v very_o forward_o to_o expound_v difficult_a obscure_a passage_n by_o their_o modern_a systeme_n without_o so_o much_o as_o offer_v to_o show_v that_o any_o then_o maintain_v they_o which_o yet_o they_o call_v expound_v it_o by_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n without_o allusion_n to_o the_o systeme_n of_o the_o immediate_o succeed_a age_n of_o the_o church_n who_o certain_o take_v up_o their_o systeme_n from_o what_o they_o understand_v of_o the_o apostle_n mind_n from_o their_o write_n and_o preach_n and_o conversation_n to_o who_o capacity_n the_o sacred_a write_n themselves_o be_v more_o immediate_o accommodate_v than_o they_o be_v to_o we_o upon_o these_o and_o the_o like_a principle_n most_o of_o those_o thing_n be_v ground_v which_o may_v look_v like_o paradox_n in_o my_o exposition_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o at_o present_a in_o defence_n of_o they_o because_o something_o have_v be_v suggest_v to_o that_o purpose_n in_o several_a part_n of_o this_o discourse_n but_o principal_o and_o profess_o in_o my_o prolegomena_n to_o my_o tutor_n book_n de_fw-la obstinatione_fw-la whither_o i_o must_v again_o by_o all_o mean_n refer_v my_o reader_n who_o shall_v be_v curious_a to_o know_v what_o i_o have_v to_o say_v in_o favour_n of_o these_o seem_a novelty_n all_o that_o i_o shall_v at_o present_a remark_n to_o my_o present_a purpose_n be_v that_o by_o either_o not_o think_v on_o these_o thing_n or_o by_o utter_o neglect_v they_o if_o they_o do_v think_v of_o they_o they_o must_v have_v deprive_v themselves_o of_o all_o possibility_n of_o understand_v those_o scripture_n which_o be_v not_o intelligible_a without_o they_o and_o then_o what_o wonder_n be_v it_o that_o many_o thing_n may_v be_v clear_v by_o these_o assistance_n which_o they_o have_v never_o think_v on_o nay_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v clear_v by_o one_o who_o have_v be_v incomparable_o less_o able_a to_o clear_v they_o if_o he_o as_o well_o as_o they_o have_v want_v these_o assistance_n §_o xvi_o but_o to_o give_v they_o all_o they_o can_v with_o any_o show_n of_o reason_n desire_v suppose_v i_o be_v as_o much_o mistake_v as_o it_o the_o interest_n of_o their_o cause_n to_o wish_v i_o shall_v be_v suppose_v their_o condition_n be_v not_o indeed_o so_o dangerous_a as_o i_o conceive_v it_o to_o be_v yet_o why_o shall_v they_o take_v it_o ill_o to_o be_v warn_v of_o a_o danger_n which_o i_o think_v to_o be_v a_o danger_n though_o i_o be_v mistake_v in_o think_v so_o can_v i_o do_v otherwise_o if_o i_o will_v let_v they_o see_v my_o hearty_a well-wish_n for_o their_o welfare_n can_v i_o do_v it_o more_o fair_o or_o with_o less_o suspicion_n of_o impose_v on_o they_o than_o by_o tender_v my_o reason_n why_o i_o think_v their_o condition_n dangerous_a to_o their_o impartial_a consideration_n and_o what_o hurt_n be_v do_v they_o if_o my_o reason_n shall_v prove_v less_o convince_a must_v it_o not_o be_v a_o great_a satisfaction_n to_o themselves_o to_o be_v assure_v that_o those_o reason_n be_v not_o convince_a which_o make_v other_o think_v their_o condition_n dangerous_a must_v it_o not_o be_v much_o more_o satisfactory_a even_o to_o themselves_o to_o know_v the_o uttermost_a of_o those_o reason_n than_o only_o to_o be_v leave_v to_o indefinite_a suspicion_n which_o usual_o in_o matter_n wherein_o man_n fear_n be_v concern_v make_v man_n apt_a to_o think_v they_o may_v be_v more_o solid_a than_o they_o appear_v to_o be_v upon_o enquiry_n no_o doubt_v they_o will_v think_v so_o who_o be_v as_o serious_a and_o sincere_a for_o their_o spiritual_a
particular_a examination_n of_o its_o ground_n it_o may_v appear_v to_o be_v well_o ground_v but_o if_o the_o declaration_n be_v conceive_v to_o be_v authentical_a as_o it_o be_v perform_v by_o such_o person_n the_o meaning_n of_o that_o must_v be_v that_o it_o must_v be_v general_o presume_v valid_a so_o that_o the_o case_n may_v be_v but_o rare_a wherein_o the_o person_n obnoxious_a to_o it_o may_v presume_v his_o own_o cause_n so_o good_a as_o to_o venture_v to_o stand_v out_o in_o opposition_n to_o it_o and_o to_o that_o purpose_n it_o will_v be_v requisite_a that_o the_o sentence_n be_v presume_v valid_a before_o god_n even_o in_o case_n wherein_o governor_n may_v themselves_o be_v mistake_v in_o the_o cause_n of_o their_o infliction_n as_o i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o they_o may_v not_o where_o the_o mistake_n be_v at_o the_o uttermost_a no_o more_o than_o a_o imprudence_n not_o a_o sin_n either_o to_o governor_n or_o govern_v for_o in_o such_o a_o case_n though_o the_o omission_n itself_o be_v not_o sinful_a as_o consider_v precise_o yet_o it_o may_v as_o obstinacy_n against_o lawful_a governor_n and_o disobedience_n and_o violation_n of_o peace_n which_o will_v oblige_v we_o to_o condescend_v in_o instance_n however_o imprudent_a if_o not_o sinful_a may_v make_v it_o so_o or_o that_o the_o instance_n wherein_o they_o may_v prove_v invalid_n before_o god_n be_v either_o so_o rare_a or_o so_o difficult_a to_o be_v know_v more_o secure_o by_o a_o man_n private_a judgement_n than_o by_o the_o public_a as_o that_o it_o can_v very_o rare_o be_v judge_v safe_a or_o prudent_a for_o a_o man_n to_o rely_v on_o his_o own_o private_a judgement_n concern_v they_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o public_a §_o xlvi_o especial_o consider_v 3_o that_o this_o church_n government_n be_v by_o all_o acknowledge_v fallible_a in_o matter_n of_o that_o nature_n for_o which_o we_o be_v concern_v in_o our_o present_a controversy_n the_o very_a romanist_n themselves_o confess_v their_o ordinary_a ecclesiastical_a governor_n at_o least_o fallible_a in_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o in_o rule_n of_o prudence_n and_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n themselves_o do_v not_o charge_v our_o imposition_n with_o heresy_n or_o immorality_n but_o if_o the_o censure_n of_o a_o fallible_a church_n can_v be_v presume_v valid_a in_o any_o instance_n wherein_o we_o can_v be_v assure_v that_o she_o be_v not_o actual_o mistake_v and_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v such_o as_o do_v not_o afford_v certain_a argument_n on_o either_o side_n but_o general_o contrary_a probability_n on_o both_o such_o a_o government_n must_v general_o prove_v vseless_a and_o vnpracticable_a and_o therefore_o unlikely_a to_o have_v be_v settle_v by_o god_n §_o xlvii_o and_o then_o 4._o the_o very_a design_n of_o the_o constitution_n of_o this_o body_n politic_a be_v spiritual_a the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n must_v be_v so_o too_o and_o therefore_o that_o subject_n may_v be_v encourage_v to_o obedience_n and_o discourage_v from_o disobedience_n it_o will_v be_v requisite_a that_o they_o may_v as_o confident_o presume_v that_o they_o shall_v receive_v such_o spiritual_a advantage_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o admission_n into_o such_o a_o society_n to_o which_o no_o private_a disposition_n whatsoever_o can_v so_o assure_o entitle_v they_o i_o do_v not_o say_v if_o they_o have_v prove_v negligent_a in_o their_o address_n to_o be_v admit_v into_o it_o but_o also_o if_o they_o have_v not_o submit_v to_o all_o imposition_n not_o sinful_a in_o order_n to_o their_o reception_n into_o it_o and_o have_v as_o just_a and_o probable_a reason_n for_o fear_v spiritual_a inconvenience_n by_o their_o exclusion_n from_o it_o as_o secular_a subject_n be_v assure_v of_o secular_a advantage_n or_o disadvantage_n by_o their_o admission_n to_o or_o exclusion_n from_o secular_a society_n §_o xlviii_o and_o 5._o it_o be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o the_o same_o design_n that_o where_o exclusion_n do_v not_o as_o it_o do_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n expose_v the_o person_n to_o external_a visible_a corporal_a infliction_n as_o now_o general_o it_o do_v not_o there_o it_o be_v at_o least_o understand_v to_o deprive_v the_o person_n exclude_v of_o all_o the_o privilege_n he_o enjoy_v by_o virtue_n of_o his_o be_v a_o member_n of_o such_o a_o society_n and_o so_o to_o expose_v he_o to_o those_o mischief_n whatever_o they_o be_v that_o be_v necessary_o consequent_a to_o such_o a_o deprivation_n §_o xlix_o and_o 6._o it_o be_v also_o very_o consequent_a to_o the_o same_o purpose_n that_o the_o privilege_n of_o such_o a_o society_n be_v understand_v to_o be_v all_o the_o advantage_n design_v by_o god_n in_o its_o erection_n and_o therefore_o whatever_o good_a be_v design_v to_o mankind_n in_o the_o gospel_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o he_o design_v it_o for_o any_o particular_n any_o far_a than_o as_o they_o shall_v approve_v themselves_o willing_a to_o submit_v to_o such_o term_n as_o he_o be_v please_v to_o prescribe_v they_o and_o it_o be_v not_o credible_a that_o if_o he_o be_v please_v to_o erect_v a_o body_n politic_a he_o shall_v be_v think_v at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o allow_v such_o encouragement_n out_o of_o it_o and_o independent_a on_o it_o as_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v leave_v to_o the_o liberty_n of_o particular_a subject_n either_o to_o enter_v themselves_o into_o it_o or_o not_o to_o enter_v themselves_o or_o to_o submit_v to_o its_o constitution_n or_o to_o refuse_v submission_n §_o l_o and_o 7._o that_o these_o hope_n and_o fear_n may_v prove_v in_o a_o external_a way_n coercive_a it_o be_v very_o convenient_a that_o their_o application_n to_o particular_a person_n be_v transact_v with_o particular_a external_a solemnity_n for_o it_o be_v by_o this_o mean_v that_o particular_a person_n may_v be_v just_o terrify_v with_o the_o loss_n of_o the_o spiritual_a advantage_n when_o they_o be_v exclude_v from_o the_o external_a solemnity_n of_o application_n without_o which_o they_o be_v not_o ordinary_o to_o be_v expect_v and_o this_o be_v all_o which_o can_v be_v do_v by_o governor_n to_o exclude_v particular_a subject_n from_o such_o solemnity_n which_o can_v be_v of_o no_o efficacy_n for_o terrify_v conscientious_a person_n if_o the_o advantage_n to_o be_v gain_v by_o they_o may_v also_o be_v easy_o expect_v without_o they_o and_o as_o all_o this_o be_v very_o natural_o consequent_a to_o a_o design_n of_o erect_v the_o church_n into_o a_o body_n politic_a and_o do_v effectual_o promote_v that_o design_n by_o let_v subject_n understand_v their_o obligation_n to_o submit_v to_o all_o imposition_n not_o sinful_a under_o pain_n of_o lose_v all_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o intitle_v themselves_o to_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o certain_o it_o must_v give_v man_n the_o most_o satisfactory_a account_n that_o god_n have_v actual_o intend_v such_o a_o design_n to_o let_v they_o understand_v that_o this_o be_v the_o very_a method_n observe_v by_o god_n in_o the_o actual_a constitution_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o gospel_n and_o indeed_o whoever_o deny_v any_o of_o they_o will_v make_v government_n so_o unpracticable_a as_o that_o it_o will_v be_v improbable_a to_o have_v be_v design_v by_o god_n §_o li_n but_o for_o prove_v all_o this_o i_o can_v think_v it_o reasonable_a to_o confine_v my_o discourse_n to_o express_v scripture_n both_o because_o as_o i_o have_v already_o observe_v we_o do_v not_o find_v the_o scripture_n to_o enlarge_v profess_o on_o instance_n of_o this_o nature_n but_o rather_o occasional_o to_o intimate_v they_o as_o coincident_a with_o its_o principal_a design_n as_o presume_v they_o already_o sufficient_o notorious_a from_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o mean_a idiotes_n then_o live_v and_o because_o it_o be_v not_o usual_a for_o the_o scripture_n even_o where_o they_o do_v indeed_o allude_v to_o notorious_a practice_n to_o insist_v critical_o on_o their_o true_a design_n and_o usefullness_n which_o be_v then_o also_o so_o very_o notorious_a from_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o practice_n as_o that_o the_o weak_a fort_n of_o christian_n for_o who_o use_n the_o scripture_n be_v principal_o accommodate_v can_v not_o be_v presume_v ignorant_a of_o they_o as_o they_o be_v then_o concern_v to_o know_v they_o and_o because_o it_o be_v not_o the_o letter_n but_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n for_o which_o i_o be_o at_o present_a principal_o concern_v and_o it_o be_v in_o prudence_n the_o most_o advisable_a mean_n to_o expound_v the_o sense_n of_o all_o law_n especial_o concern_v power_n by_o the_o actual_o avow_a practice_n of_o the_o court_n of_o their_o respective_a jurisdiction_n and_o because_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o those_o primitive_a age_n especial_o those_o concern_v the_o power_n of_o the_o several_a order_n of_o governor_n undoubted_o establish_v by_o the_o
apostle_n be_v not_o permit_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o church_n officer_n only_o as_o they_o be_v able_a to_o inform_v themselves_o out_o of_o the_o scripture_n but_o be_v as_o undoubted_o settle_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o personal_o where_o themselves_o have_v propagate_v their_o doctrine_n and_o therefore_o as_o agreeable_o to_o their_o mind_n as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v express_v in_o the_o scripture_n itself_o and_o according_o those_o primitive_a author_n on_o who_o credit_n alone_o we_o can_v be_v rational_o assure_v of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o be_v as_o confident_a that_o what_o they_o can_v thus_o make_v out_o from_o such_o practice_n institute_v by_o the_o apostle_n be_v as_o agreeable_a to_o the_o apostle_n mind_n as_o what_o be_v write_v by_o they_o and_o be_v as_o confident_a that_o several_a of_o these_o practice_n be_v indeed_o derive_v from_o the_o apostle_n as_o they_o be_v that_o several_a of_o these_o book_n which_o they_o have_v recommend_v to_o we_o be_v write_v by_o they_o and_o because_o the_o usefullness_n of_o argument_n deduce_v from_o scripture-consequence_n be_v general_o own_a by_o that_o sort_n of_o adversary_n with_o who_o i_o be_o at_o present_a deal_n but_o yet_o i_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o make_v use_n of_o any_o other_o argument_n for_o clear_v the_o design_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o these_o particular_n but_o such_o as_o be_v in_o prudence_n most_o proper_a for_o discover_v it_o and_o such_o as_o be_v in_o all_o likelihood_n make_v use_v of_o by_o those_o then_o live_v for_o who_o use_n the_o scripture_n be_v primary_o write_v either_o plain_a consequence_n or_o plain_a correspondency_n to_o those_o pattern_n from_o which_o they_o be_v original_o derive_v and_o notorious_a and_o vniversally-received_n practice_n then_o prevail_v and_o certain_o if_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v any_o design_n to_o be_v understand_v by_o they_o he_o must_v have_v express_v himself_o so_o as_o that_o the_o sense_n which_o he_o see_v they_o inclinable_a to_o conclude_v from_o the_o use_n of_o those_o mean_n they_o be_v likely_a to_o judge_v most_o prudent_a must_v have_v be_v that_o which_o be_v intend_v by_o himself_o and_o it_o can_v be_v reasonable_a for_o we_o to_o fear_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v misguide_v by_o those_o mean_n now_o by_o which_o they_o be_v secure_o conduct_v then_o the_o distinct_a proof_n of_o these_o particular_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v as_o they_o fall_v in_o with_o the_o principal_a design_n of_o my_o follow_a discourse_n not_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v more_o tedious_a than_o my_o subject_n will_v necessary_o oblige_v i_o §_o lii_o but_o as_o that_o noble_a society_n which_o have_v entitle_v our_o nation_n to_o the_o honour_n of_o be_v the_o first_o that_o have_v carry_v on_o a_o public_a design_n for_o the_o reformation_n of_o natural_a philosophy_n and_o render_v it_o useful_a for_o material_a purpose_n in_o humane_a conversation_n have_v now_o unanimous_o agree_v on_o it_o as_o the_o most_o prudent_a course_n for_o erect_v a_o rational_a solid_a hypothesis_n first_o to_o inform_v themselves_o accurate_o of_o the_o phaenomena_n by_o a_o natural_a history_n prudent_o collect_v and_o credible_o attest_v so_o the_o like_a method_n of_o adjoin_v historical_a experiment_n to_o our_o other_o information_n in_o order_n to_o our_o pass_v a_o accurate_a judgement_n of_o the_o whole_a must_v needs_o be_v of_o universal_a use_n in_o all_o kind_n of_o knowledge_n which_o be_v only_o probable_a and_o conjectural_a and_o a_o posteriori_fw-la but_o more_o especial_o in_o matter_n of_o practice_n and_o even_o among_o they_o yet_o more_o especial_o in_o such_o as_o depend_v on_o arbitrary_a institution_n as_o matter_n of_o government_n general_o do_v nor_o will_v it_o only_o be_v a_o please_a entertainment_n to_o the_o reader_n in_o affair_n of_o this_o nature_n to_o find_v the_o principle_n so_o exact_o agreeable_a to_o practice_n and_o experience_n and_o the_o reason_n so_o illustrate_v by_o all_o the_o stage_n and_o period_n of_o history_n even_o where_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o to_o reconcile_v they_o but_o the_o intrinsical_a agreeableness_n of_o their_o nature_n but_o a_o very_a solid_a argument_n for_o mutual_o prove_v both_o the_o reason_n and_o the_o history_n for_o as_o it_o will_v appear_v that_o the_o practice_n of_o that_o power_n can_v be_v except_v against_o as_o unfit_a to_o be_v propose_v to_o we_o as_o a_o precedent_n when_o it_o be_v find_v agreeable_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o government_n so_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o very_a strong_a conviction_n that_o those_o principle_n of_o the_o government_n be_v genuine_a and_o natural_a which_o exact_o be_v find_v answerable_a to_o all_o its_o justifiable_a practice_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o true_a hypothesis_n whatever_o that_o be_v must_v necessary_o be_v suppose_v agreeable_a with_o all_o its_o justifiable_a practice_n and_o though_o it_o may_v be_v possible_a that_o a_o false_a one_o may_v be_v so_o too_o yet_o neither_o be_v it_o likely_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v false_a which_o be_v find_v to_o do_v so_o and_o if_o it_o be_v yet_o it_o will_v serve_v our_o purpose_n for_o the_o direction_n of_o our_o practice_n which_o be_v all_o for_o which_o we_o be_v concern_v in_o its_o truth_n so_o well_o as_o that_o our_o mistake_n can_v prove_v prejudicial_a to_o we_o and_o we_o may_v therefore_o as_o confident_o rely_v on_o it_o as_o ordinary_o astronomer_n do_v on_o their_o hypothesis_n of_o the_o heaven_n in_o their_o calculation_n for_o which_o they_o have_v no_o better_a security_n beside_o this_o way_n of_o proceed_v will_v mutual_o supply_v each_o other_o defectiveness_n for_o as_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n so_o clear_a in_o reason_n and_o express_v testimony_n as_o that_o by_o they_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o judge_n concern_v practice_n who_o allowableness_n or_o unlawfullness_n be_v not_o so_o clear_a from_o the_o history_n by_o which_o they_o be_v deliver_v to_o we_o so_o on_o the_o other_o side_n there_o be_v some_o practice_n of_o who_o allowableness_n we_o may_v be_v better_o assure_v from_o their_o history_n than_o by_o the_o antecedent_n evidence_n of_o those_o principle_n on_o which_o they_o be_v immediate_o ground_v so_o that_o from_o both_o a_o much_o more_o entire_a account_n may_v be_v expect_v concern_v this_o whole_a affair_n than_o from_o either_o single_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o have_v induce_v i_o to_o divide_v my_o discourse_n according_o into_o two_o part_n the_o rational_a and_o historical_a for_o i_o conceive_v it_o more_o convenient_a thus_o to_o consider_v they_o distinct_o than_o to_o mix_v they_o together_o both_o that_o i_o may_v thus_o confine_v they_o within_o more_o legible_a limit_n and_o because_o in_o a_o discourse_n of_o this_o nature_n wherein_o a_o series_n of_o principles_n be_v endeavour_v the_o very_a interruption_n which_o must_v have_v be_v occasion_v by_o so_o frequent_a digression_n must_v needs_o hinder_v the_o reader_n from_o discern_v the_o closeness_n of_o the_o discourse_n in_o this_o former_a part_n i_o keep_v close_o to_o my_o method_n and_o be_o more_o solicitous_a to_o prove_v my_o assertion_n and_o to_o prevent_v any_o adversary_n exception_n than_o to_o make_v formal_a answer_n to_o every_o one_o particular_o which_o will_v be_v very_o easy_a to_o any_o who_o have_v understand_v my_o principle_n but_o i_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o neglect_v any_o thing_n that_o i_o conceive_v considerable_a and_o to_o multiply_v word_n concern_v such_o thing_n as_o upon_o my_o state_v of_o the_o question_n appear_v to_o be_v plain_a misunderstanding_n of_o it_o i_o can_v conceive_v likely_a to_o prove_v grateful_a to_o the_o intelligent_a reader_n in_o the_o late_a i_o intend_v not_o only_o to_o show_v that_o by_o the_o notion_n of_o shism_n which_o be_v condemn_v for_o such_o in_o the_o first_o and_o pure_a age_n our_o separate_a brethren_n can_v be_v excuse_v from_o its_o gild_n but_o also_o that_o the_o several_a principle_n on_o which_o i_o ground_n it_o be_v own_v by_o they_o and_o be_v certain_o agreeable_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o apostle_n separation_n of_o church_n from_o episcopal_a government_n as_o practise_v by_o the_o non-conformists'_a prove_v schismatical_a etc._n etc._n chap._n i._o lesle_n security_n of_o salvation_n out_o of_o the_o episcopal_a communion_n than_o in_o it_o sufficient_a to_o oblige_v to_o submit_v to_o all_o unsinful_a condition_n of_o continue_v in_o it_o the_o content_n 1._o that_o for_o prove_v our_o obligation_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n it_o be_v not_o requisite_a to_o prove_v that_o we_o must_v otherwise_o be_v exclude_v from_o all_o hope_n of_o salvation_n but_o it_o be_v abundant_o sufficient_a to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o we_o can_v be_v otherwise_o so_o well_o assure_v of_o it_o this_o prove_v as_o to_o
our_o judgement_n be_v always_o so_o uncorrupt_a as_o that_o we_o may_v always_o be_v sensible_a of_o our_o own_o interest_n or_o all_o our_o duty_n be_v accommodate_v not_o only_o to_o our_o great_a and_o more_o solid_a interest_n but_o to_o our_o humour_n also_o and_o we_o be_v likely_a always_o to_o continue_v in_o the_o same_o humour_n or_o at_o least_o secure_a from_o a_o frequent_a change_n there_o may_v then_o be_v some_o pretence_n that_o our_o duty_n may_v general_o be_v secure_v without_o contradiction_n of_o our_o humour_n but_o see_v none_o of_o these_o can_v be_v presume_v certain_a and_o constant_a nay_o see_v all_n of_o they_o do_v most_o frequent_o fall_v out_o otherwise_o than_o it_o be_v requisite_a they_o shall_v for_o secure_v the_o performance_n of_o our_o duty_n that_o we_o be_v frequent_o either_o prejudice_v against_o our_o duty_n or_o change_v from_o our_o former_a humour_n therefore_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o secure_v performance_n that_o we_o do_v our_o duty_n on_o constant_a and_o immutable_a reason_n such_o as_o may_v not_o be_v obnoxious_a to_o the_o change_n and_o vicissitude_n of_o our_o humour_n and_o such_o be_v that_o and_o only_o that_o of_o do_v our_o duty_n with_o regard_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o he_o who_o have_v require_v it_o §_o fourteen_o now_o for_o discover_v this_o whether_o duty_n be_v perform_v on_o account_n of_o the_o authority_n require_v it_o a_o visible_a body_n politic_a wherein_o man_n may_v be_v invest_v with_o the_o divine_a authority_n and_o may_v therefore_o be_v allow_v for_o authentical_a expositor_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n that_o so_o our_o obedience_n to_o god_n may_v be_v know_v by_o our_o obedience_n to_o person_n thus_o empower_v by_o he_o be_v much_o better_o accommodate_v than_o if_o we_o confine_v the_o divine_a authority_n in_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n to_o the_o scripture_n and_o allow_v the_o exposition_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o the_o conscience_n of_o particular_a subject_n as_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o practice_n for_o as_o the_o scripture_n be_v now_o manage_v by_o they_o who_o reject_v all_o prudent_a use_n of_o ecclesiastical_a tradition_n for_o expound_v they_o it_o be_v easy_a for_o they_o who_o will_v take_v their_o own_o fancy_n for_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o then_o concern_v themselves_o not_o so_o much_o to_o prove_v what_o they_o have_v so_o presume_v as_o to_o evade_v what_o may_v be_v object_v against_o they_o to_o evade_v all_o possible_a confutation_n how_o false_a soever_o the_o error_n may_v be_v which_o on_o these_o term_n they_o shall_v undertake_v to_o maintain_v for_o it_o be_v impossible_a on_o these_o term_n so_o to_o assure_v any_o one_o sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o favour_n of_o any_o one_o side_n of_o a_o controversy_n new_o raise_v to_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o to_o exclude_v all_o other_o sense_n inconsistent_a with_o it_o especial_o in_o matter_n of_o practice_n of_o a_o temporary_a obligation_n and_o such_o be_v the_o particular_n controvert_v by_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n wherein_o whatever_o be_v pretend_v it_o can_v never_o appear_v that_o the_o sacred_a writer_n themselves_o design_v to_o be_v so_o accurate_a and_o particular_a as_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n conceive_v and_o it_o be_v least_o of_o all_o credible_a that_o they_o shall_v right_o understand_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n or_o assure_v any_o thing_n that_o may_v prevent_v licentious_a and_o dangerous_a exposition_n of_o other_o who_o wave_v the_o history_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n at_o or_o near_o those_o age_n wherein_o these_o book_n be_v write_v which_o must_v certain_o be_v of_o most_o use_n for_o explain_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o sacred_a writer_n in_o such_o matter_n §_o xv_o beside_o though_o there_o have_v be_v even_o on_o their_o principle_n better_a mean_n for_o assure_v a_o particular_a sense_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o such_o particular_n as_o these_o that_o may_v not_o be_v evade_v by_o a_o person_n desirous_a to_o practise_v otherwise_o yet_o how_o can_v we_o be_v assure_v that_o person_n act_v sincere_o in_o follow_v their_o conviction_n how_o shall_v we_o know_v that_o person_n of_o a_o violent_a temper_n and_o seditious_a may_v not_o pretend_v the_o command_n of_o god_n to_o be_v contrary_a to_o those_o of_o their_o ordinary_a ecclesiastical_a governor_n not_o that_o either_o they_o themselves_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v so_o or_o that_o they_o be_v at_o all_o solicitous_a for_o do_v god_n will_v but_o mere_o that_o so_o they_o may_v make_v use_n of_o a_o plausible_a pretence_n for_o gratify_v their_o seditious_a humour_n without_o the_o infamy_n of_o be_v think_v seditious_a it_o be_v certain_a many_o may_v do_v so_o who_o may_v either_o not_o be_v guilty_a of_o any_o inclination_n to_o any_o of_o those_o scandalous_a vice_n which_o be_v of_o ill_a repute_n with_o the_o vulgar_a or_o if_o they_o be_v yet_o they_o may_v count_v it_o politic_a not_o only_o to_o conceal_v they_o but_o also_o to_o make_v a_o open_a solemn_a profession_n for_o the_o contrary_a in_o order_n to_o the_o gain_n of_o a_o reputation_n to_o their_o ill_a design_n and_o these_o be_v case_n which_o consider_v the_o humour_n of_o the_o age_n and_o the_o haughty_a behaviour_n of_o many_o who_o be_v deep_o engage_v in_o the_o several_a party_n may_v without_o any_o uncharitableness_n be_v suppose_v likely_a to_o prove_v ordinary_a now_o when_o we_o find_v person_n exceed_o pretend_v to_o be_v religious_a impatient_a of_o all_o restraint_n that_o we_o can_v judge_n of_o either_o to_o be_v likely_a to_o proceed_v from_o god_n or_o to_o be_v think_v by_o they_o to_o do_v so_o and_o only_o pretend_v to_o subjection_n to_o god_n in_o such_o instance_n which_o may_v be_v as_o likely_a to_o be_v design_v for_o their_o own_o gratification_n as_o for_o the_o service_n of_o god_n where_o we_o can_v either_o not_o be_v satisfy_v of_o their_o sincerity_n that_o they_o do_v in_o earnest_n believe_v their_o own_o practice_n to_o be_v warrant_v by_o divine_a authority_n or_o where_o though_o they_o be_v sincere_a yet_o the_o evidence_n on_o which_o they_o proceed_v be_v of_o so_o ambiguous_a interpretation_n as_o to_o be_v very_o capable_a of_o a_o compliance_n with_o their_o own_o desire_n whatever_o they_o be_v and_o so_o never_o likely_a to_o impose_v any_o thing_n on_o they_o contrary_a to_o their_o own_o inclination_n which_o be_v the_o only_a case_n wherein_o we_o can_v conclude_v that_o what_o be_v perform_v by_o they_o be_v perform_v with_o regard_n to_o the_o divine_a authority_n how_o can_v we_o conclude_v that_o they_o have_v any_o real_a reverence_n for_o the_o injunction_n themselves_o or_o for_o the_o authority_n by_o which_o they_o be_v impose_v but_o further_a §_o xvi_o 2._o he_o be_v also_o as_o a_o governor_n concern_v to_o oblige_v we_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o our_o duty_n by_o such_o mean_n as_o may_v prove_v most_o effectual_a with_o we_o for_o that_o purpose_n and_o certain_o the_o external_a solemnity_n of_o undertake_v they_o be_v such_o a_o mean_n and_o most_o likely_a to_o prove_v successful_a that_o he_o be_v as_o a_o governor_n concern_v to_o oblige_v we_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o our_o duty_n by_o such_o mean_n as_o may_v prove_v most_o likely_a to_o prevail_v with_o we_o for_o its_o actual_a performance_n will_v appear_v if_o it_o be_v consider_v that_o he_o be_v as_o a_o governor_n concern_v for_o such_o thing_n as_o may_v make_v for_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o society_n in_o general_a and_o that_o withal_o it_o be_v much_o for_o the_o reputation_n of_o the_o goodness_n and_o prudence_n of_o his_o government_n to_o reconcile_v this_o public_a benefit_n with_o the_o least_o prejudice_n to_o particular_a member_n of_o the_o society_n and_o it_o be_v much_o more_o for_o its_o repute_n if_o it_o may_v prove_v advantageous_a to_o the_o interest_n of_o most_o of_o the_o particular_a member_n and_o for_o both_o these_o purpose_n the_o performance_n of_o duty_n by_o the_o particular_a person_n oblige_v be_v very_o useful_a §_o xvii_o it_o be_v useful_a for_o the_o public_a for_o this_o be_v indeed_o to_o the_o commendation_n of_o the_o prudence_n of_o any_o government_n in_o general_n and_o particular_o of_o the_o divine_a government_n to_o make_v the_o duty_n of_o particular_a subject_n subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a community_n nor_o be_v this_o only_a true_a of_o the_o duty_n of_o subordinate_a ecclesiastical_a governor_n who_o peculiar_a province_n it_o be_v to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o public_a though_o it_o be_v indeed_o most_o obvious_o and_o eminent_o true_a concern_v they_o and_o god_n be_v as_o peculiar_o concern_v as_o a_o governor_n to_o take_v care_n that_o such_o mean_n may_v be_v use_v
common_o use_v of_o particular_a testimony_n now_o as_o they_o suppose_v themselves_o alone_o to_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o the_o other_o world_n so_o the_o reason_n why_o they_o suppose_v it_o be_v because_o they_o pretend_v alone_o to_o have_v another_o soul_n distinct_a from_o other_o which_o be_v natural_o immortal_a make_v they_o thereby_o capable_a of_o such_o a_o interest_n 26._o vid._n selden_n de_fw-fr success_n in_o bon_fw-fr des_fw-fr cap._n 26._o and_o this_o they_o suppose_v infuse_v into_o their_o proselyte_n of_o justice_n immediate_o upon_o their_o baptism_n by_o which_o they_o be_v admit_v to_o this_o proselytism_n and_o that_o the_o change_n make_v hereupon_o may_v not_o be_v only_o take_v for_o a_o change_n of_o quality_n they_o plain_o say_v that_o they_o be_v not_o afterward_o the_o same_o person_n they_o be_v before_o and_o therefore_o that_o if_o before_o they_o be_v relate_v to_o any_o henceforward_o that_o relation_n cease_v and_o that_o they_o may_v thereupon_o marry_v with_o they_o though_o within_o prohibit_v degree_n if_o there_o remain_v no_o other_o impediment_n on_o account_n of_o their_o difference_n in_o religion_n and_o upon_o this_o same_o account_n they_o say_v that_o if_o a_o proselyte_n die_v before_o he_o have_v beget_v a_o israelite_n he_o have_v no_o heir_n at_o all_o because_o all_o his_o former_a relation_n cease_v even_o those_o of_o his_o natural_a son_n which_o be_v beget_v before_o his_o proselytism_n now_o by_o this_o hypothesis_n it_o be_v plain_o suppose_v that_o before_o his_o proselytism_n he_o want_v this_o new_a soul_n because_o so_o long_o they_o acknowledge_v his_o natural_a relation_n to_o hold_v which_o all_o fail_v as_o soon_o as_o this_o new_a soul_n be_v infuse_v into_o he_o i_o know_v the_o jew_n do_v on_o other_o occasion_n call_v new_a moral_a disposition_n by_o the_o name_n of_o a_o new_a soul_n jud._n buxtorf_n synag_fw-mi jud._n as_o when_o they_o tell_v we_o of_o the_o sabatical_a soul_n which_o they_o make_v necessary_a for_o the_o observation_n of_o their_o sabbath_n but_o the_o effect_n now_o mention_v in_o law_n concern_v marriage_n and_o inheritance_n and_o their_o conceive_n that_o it_o be_v this_o new_a soul_n alone_o which_o be_v immortal_a and_o entitle_v they_o to_o a_o interest_n in_o the_o other_o world_n do_v sure_a in_o this_o case_n argue_v that_o they_o think_v the_o change_n substantial_a §_o xx_o i_o may_v have_v show_v how_o very_o agreeable_a this_o hypothesis_n be_v to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n 23_o 1_o thes._n v._o 23_o that_o this_o do_v also_o plain_o distinguish_v the_o notion_n of_o soul_n and_o spirit_n that_o it_o make_v the_o soul_n derive_v from_o the_o first_o adam_n 45.49_o 1_o cor._n xv_o 45.49_o and_o account_v we_o to_o bear_v the_o image_n of_o the_o first_o adam_n by_o the_o soul_n which_o we_o receive_v from_o he_o and_o according_o to_o bear_v the_o image_n also_o of_o the_o second_o adam_n by_o the_o spirit_n which_o we_o receive_v from_o he_o that_o the_o soul_n we_o receive_v from_o the_o first_o adam_n be_v only_o a_o live_a soul_n but_o the_o spirit_n which_o we_o receive_v from_o the_o second_o adam_n only_o be_v a_o quicken_a spirit_n that_o as_o we_o be_v in_o adam_n 22._o ver._n 22._o that_o be_v as_o we_o bear_v his_o image_n by_o the_o soul_n receive_v from_o he_o we_o all_o die_v that_o be_v at_o least_o as_o to_o the_o death_n of_o the_o body_n of_o which_o he_o be_v there_o discourse_v so_o as_o we_o be_v in_o the_o second_o adam_n we_o shall_v all_o be_v make_v alive_a that_o be_v also_o as_o to_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n of_o which_o he_o be_v there_o discourse_v that_o be_v at_o least_o with_o such_o a_o resurrection_n as_o can_v make_v we_o capable_a of_o inherit_v eternal_a life_n as_o it_o be_v usual_a in_o the_o scripture_n to_o speak_v of_o that_o 54._o that_o 1_o cor._n xv_o 42_o 43_o 44._o st._n joh._n vi_fw-la 39_o 40_o 44_o 54._o resurrection_n as_o if_o it_o be_v indeed_o the_o only_a resurrection_n so_o that_o by_o these_o degree_n if_o we_o can_v have_v eternal_a life_n without_o such_o a_o resurrection_n as_o this_o be_v nor_o such_o a_o resurrection_n without_o the_o spirit_n nor_o the_o spirit_n without_o baptism_n it_o plain_o follow_v that_o we_o can_v have_v eternal_a life_n without_o baptism_n that_o this_o spirit_n be_v the_o seed_n 9_o seed_n 1_o pet._n i_o 23_o 1_o joh._n three_o 9_o of_o god_n and_o a_o 4_o a_o 2_o pet._n i_o 4_o divine_a nature_n which_o be_v also_o expression_n intimate_v a_o more_o than_o moral_a change_n i_o may_v also_o have_v show_v how_o very_o agreeable_a this_o same_o hypothesis_n be_v to_o the_o sentiment_n of_o the_o primitive_a writer_n and_o of_o how_o very_o great_a use_n it_o may_v prove_v for_o give_v a_o intelligible_a account_n of_o some_o of_o the_o most_o difficult_a controversy_n which_o have_v perplex_v christendom_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v very_o likely_a that_o if_o this_o be_v a_o privilege_n then_o challenge_v by_o the_o jew_n to_o the_o carnal_a israel_n it_o will_v be_v challenge_v by_o christian_n to_o themselves_o as_o be_v the_o spiritual_a israel_n as_o i_o have_v already_o observe_v and_o that_o even_o the_o modern_a jew_n have_v not_o innovate_v in_o these_o notion_n as_o certain_o they_o have_v in_o other_o from_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o predecessor_n i_o be_o therefore_o the_o more_o inclinable_a to_o believe_v because_o they_o can_v have_v so_o little_a ground_n for_o they_o from_o the_o peripatetic_a philosophy_n as_o explain_v by_o the_o arabian_n which_o we_o may_v plain_o perceive_v to_o have_v be_v that_o from_o whence_o they_o derive_v most_o of_o their_o innovation_n §_o xxi_o however_o because_o i_o confess_v i_o be_o much_o more_o confident_a that_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o hellenistical_a philosophy_n be_v general_o receive_v by_o the_o jew_n of_o that_o age_n and_o withal_o be_v more_o likely_a to_o be_v allude_v to_o by_o our_o saviour_n who_o design_n it_o be_v to_o gain_v the_o heathen_n who_o philosophy_n that_o be_v as_o well_o as_o the_o jew_n i_o think_v it_o will_v be_v the_o most_o likely_a way_n for_o discover_v the_o sense_n of_o this_o and_o the_o like_a scripture_n to_o show_v the_o meaning_n of_o they_o by_o the_o principle_n of_o that_o philosophy_n especial_o as_o it_o be_v explain_v in_o term_n of_o that_o philosophy_n and_o in_o some_o thing_n receive_v by_o the_o jew_n themselves_o 3.17_o paemandr_n c._n 3.17_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v a_o term_n express_o use_v by_o the_o author_n who_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o trismegistus_n who_o if_o he_o be_v real_o a_o christian_n as_o i_o believe_v real_o he_o be_v yet_o seem_v at_o least_o to_o have_v personate_v the_o person_n who_o name_n he_o be_v please_v to_o assume_v and_o consequent_o in_o he_o to_o have_v personate_v the_o egyptian_a philosophy_n as_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v many_o other_o do_v for_o the_o same_o purpose_n when_o i_o consider_v the_o great_a number_n of_o book_n pretend_v in_o jamblichus_n to_o have_v be_v write_v under_o the_o name_n of_o hermes_n aegyptior_fw-la de_fw-fr myster_n aegyptior_fw-la and_o according_o this_o practice_n be_v imitate_v by_o those_o other_o sect_n of_o the_o philosopher_n who_o be_v traveller_n and_o who_o take_v up_o their_o notion_n rather_o from_o tradition_n than_o from_o their_o own_o discourse_n so_o plato_n when_o he_o will_v give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o socrates_n or_o timaeus_n bring_v they_o in_o discourse_v in_o their_o own_o word_n and_o though_o pythagoras_n himself_o be_v say_v to_o have_v write_v nothing_o yet_o the_o golden_a verse_n and_o other_o thing_n quote_v by_o the_o ancient_n bear_v his_o name_n and_o very_o probable_o the_o same_o account_n may_v serve_v for_o the_o orphaick_n that_o they_o be_v also_o design_v by_o the_o several_a author_n to_o express_v the_o sense_n of_o orpheus_n and_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o religion_n introduce_v by_o he_o and_o i_o believe_v several_a of_o those_o ancient_a work_n which_o at_o present_a bear_v false_a title_n be_v first_o inscribe_v with_o those_o title_n by_o the_o author_n for_o this_o very_a reason_n without_o any_o design_n of_o impose_v on_o the_o world_n as_o therefore_o on_o these_o account_n it_o will_v appear_v probable_a that_o the_o author_n intend_v to_o deliver_v the_o principle_n of_o the_o egyptian_a philosophy_n which_o pretend_v to_o hermes_n as_o its_o first_o author_n so_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a also_o that_o he_o mean_v that_o scheme_n of_o it_o which_o prevail_v in_o his_o own_o time_n at_o alexandria_n which_o be_v the_o elective_a make_v up_o of_o the_o several_a sect_n that_o agree_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o sceptic_n and_o atheist_n and_o
the_o present_a possessor_n of_o the_o power_n of_o government_n yet_o that_o will_v give_v no_o title_n to_o the_o discoverer_n of_o that_o failure_n and_o therefore_o can_v justify_v their_o proceed_n on_o presumption_n of_o such_o a_o title_n from_o usurpation_n and_o that_o even_o in_o this_o case_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o expect_v that_o god_n shall_v supply_v in_o equity_n what_o they_o can_v justify_v by_o a_o legal_a claim_n §_o xx_o 1._o than_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o security_n of_o visible_a government_n as_o such_o that_o a_o presumptive_a title_n be_v not_o reject_v but_o on_o very_o evident_a proof_n to_o the_o contrary_n by_o a_o presumptive_a title_n i_o mean_v such_o a_o one_o as_o the_o first_o innovator_n find_v settle_v when_o they_o begin_v their_o innovation_n especial_o if_o they_o themselves_o have_v former_o submit_v to_o it_o and_o find_v all_o who_o may_v pretend_v competition_n with_o it_o submit_v to_o it_o also_o nay_o if_o they_o find_v it_o unanimous_o receive_v without_o any_o accountable_a appearance_n of_o force_n or_o fraud_n in_o the_o first_o original_n of_o it_o this_o be_v plain_o the_o case_n of_o our_o dissenter_n in_o relation_n to_o episcopal_a government_n from_o which_o they_o make_v their_o separation_n they_o can_v so_o much_o as_o pretend_v any_o other_o place_n where_o any_o other_o form_n of_o government_n have_v be_v derive_v in_o a_o succession_n from_o the_o apostle_n to_o those_o time_n they_o can_v mention_v no_o place_n where_o the_o bishop_n be_v not_o actual_o possess_v of_o their_o §_o v_o power_n with_o the_o consent_n and_o submission_n of_o the_o presbyter_n themselves_o nay_o and_o the_o people_n also_o and_o indeed_o of_o all_o those_o who_o may_v be_v pretend_v to_o have_v be_v injure_v by_o they_o and_o who_o have_v therefore_o be_v concern_v to_o interrupt_v the_o peaceableness_n of_o the_o prescription_n which_o may_v in_o time_n go_v far_o to_o legitimate_a their_o enjoyment_n before_o so_o long_a a_o time_n may_v pass_v they_o as_o may_v serve_v for_o a_o prescription_n all_o law_n of_o all_o society_n do_v presume_v in_o favour_n of_o such_o a_o title_n §_o xxi_o and_o allow_v it_o no_o more_o than_o the_o force_n of_o a_o presumption_n yet_o so_o itself_o it_o be_v the_o interest_n of_o all_o government_n that_o want_v of_o evidence_n of_o its_o original_a right_n be_v not_o allow_v alone_o for_o a_o sufficient_a reason_n for_o any_o to_o call_v the_o justice_n of_o it_o in_o question_n at_o least_o not_o so_o far_o to_o question_v it_o as_o to_o venture_v to_o oppose_v it_o in_o practice_n it_o be_v otherwise_o moral_o impossible_a that_o any_o government_n shall_v pass_v unquestionable_a to_o many_o succession_n and_o by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o man_n usual_o think_v it_o better_o ground_v by_o its_o long_a continuance_n it_o must_v indeed_o be_v more_o liable_a to_o exception_n if_o the_o inevidence_n of_o its_o original_a right_n be_v allow_v to_o be_v a_o just_a exception_n against_o it_o length_n of_o time_n will_v either_o obliterate_v the_o original_a record_n or_o make_v they_o accidental_o obscure_v in_o thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v very_o clear_a when_o they_o be_v first_o write_v by_o make_v alteration_n in_o the_o tongue_n and_o custom_n and_o opinion_n of_o the_o age_n then_o allude_v to_o which_o change_v though_o they_o be_v insensible_a in_o the_o particular_a degree_n by_o which_o they_o be_v make_v yet_o it_o can_v be_v expect_v otherwise_o but_o that_o they_o must_v grow_v extreme_o considerable_a in_o the_o process_n of_o a_o long_a time_n in_o this_o regard_n it_o be_v for_o the_o interest_n of_o all_o society_n whatsoever_o that_o want_v of_o evidence_n be_v not_o allow_v for_o sufficient_a to_o question_v any_o part_n of_o the_o challenge_n of_o the_o present_a supreme_a visible_a governor_n of_o the_o society_n without_o very_o evident_a proof_n to_o the_o contrary_n §_o xxii_o and_o it_o can_v be_v suppose_v agreeable_a to_o god_n will_v that_o when_o god_n be_v sound_v a_o society_n which_o be_v to_o continue_v through_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n he_o shall_v make_v the_o conveyance_n of_o authority_n in_o it_o to_o depend_v on_o such_o mean_n as_o shall_v be_v moral_o impossible_a to_o be_v so_o convey_v or_o that_o the_o right_n of_o government_n shall_v in_o course_n grow_v more_o questionable_a in_o those_o time_n which_o shall_v need_v its_o being_n more_o unquestionable_a when_o both_o subject_n will_v grow_v more_o unruly_a and_o a_o coercive_a power_n shall_v be_v therefore_o more_o necessary_a than_o it_o be_v at_o first_o when_o they_o be_v of_o themselves_o more_o dutiful_o dispose_v and_o when_o withal_o the_o ordinary_a governor_n shall_v want_v those_o extraordinary_a credential_n which_o recommend_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o apostolical_a age_n yet_o this_o very_a presumption_n if_o it_o hold_v will_v overthrow_v all_o that_o our_o adversary_n can_v say_v to_o clear_v themselves_o from_o the_o guilt_n of_o schism_n they_o can_v say_v that_o the_o scripture_n forbid_v they_o the_o use_n of_o their_o authority_n in_o thing_n indifferent_a but_o only_o that_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v to_o they_o that_o it_o allow_v they_o to_o use_v it_o §_o xxiii_o but_o though_o this_o inevidence_n be_v not_o allowable_a by_o the_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o government_n to_o question_v any_o part_n of_o the_o authority_n in_o those_o who_o be_v true_o invest_v with_o it_o yet_o why_o will_v they_o say_v may_v not_o the_o inevidence_n of_o particular_a person_n be_v lawful_o invest_v in_o the_o right_n of_o government_n excuse_v we_o from_o duty_n to_o such_o person_n concern_v who_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o they_o be_v our_o lawful_a governor_n this_o will_v serve_v their_o purpose_n for_o they_o need_v not_o be_v solicitous_a concern_v their_o duty_n to_o government_n if_o they_o may_v be_v excuse_v from_o duty_n to_o all_o person_n pretend_v to_o a_o right_a to_o govern_v they_o and_o there_o will_v be_v no_o person_n to_o who_o they_o will_v be_v oblige_v to_o pay_v any_o duty_n if_o this_o inevidence_n of_o the_o legal_a manner_n of_o their_o come_n by_o their_o office_n may_v be_v allow_v as_o sufficient_a to_o excuse_v they_o from_o their_o duty_n for_o this_o the_o scripture_n will_v not_o do_v but_o it_o will_v be_v further_a necessary_a to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o history_n of_o every_o particular_a person_n ordination_n and_o not_o only_o of_o all_o in_o this_o age_n but_o of_o all_o in_o all_o the_o age_n which_o may_v have_v pass_v between_o this_o and_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n especial_o of_o all_o those_o person_n in_o each_o of_o they_o from_o who_o our_o present_a order_n be_v derive_v but_o this_o be_v a_o thing_n which_o no_o record_n be_v keep_v of_o nor_o if_o any_o have_v be_v keep_v be_v we_o secure_v of_o their_o conveyance_n to_o we_o at_o such_o a_o distance_n in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n or_o do_v we_o think_v providence_n oblige_v to_o secure_v they_o to_o we_o by_o a_o extraordinary_a one_o it_o must_v therefore_o be_v grant_v further_o by_o those_o principle_n whereby_o the_o conveyance_n of_o any_o government_n to_o posterity_n be_v secure_v that_o no_o inevidence_n of_o this_o kind_n can_v excuse_v subject_n from_o their_o duty_n even_o to_o present_a governor_n especial_o when_o it_o be_v otherwise_o know_v in_o general_a that_o if_o the_o canon_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n be_v observe_v the_o person_n ordain_v according_a to_o such_o canon_n must_v have_v be_v valid_o ordain_v and_o that_o all_o the_o ordain_v as_o well_o as_o the_o ordainer_n be_v oblige_v in_o interest_n to_o have_v the_o canon_n observe_v without_o which_o they_o must_v have_v weaken_v their_o title_n to_o the_o benefit_n and_o privilege_n of_o their_o order_n so_o uncanonical_o receive_v §_o xxiv_o these_o be_v such_o presumption_n on_o which_o the_o succession_n of_o all_o government_n and_o all_o the_o authority_n of_o future_a governor_n in_o the_o several_a age_n of_o succession_n do_v subsist_v and_o which_o no_o society_n allow_v to_o be_v questionable_a in_o the_o case_n of_o any_o particular_a governor_n without_o particular_a express_a proof_n of_o a_o failure_n in_o his_o particular_a case_n 3._o mat._n xxiii_o 2_o 3._o and_o certain_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n who_o in_o our_o saviour_n time_n sit_v in_o moses_n chair_n and_o be_v therefore_o suppose_v by_o he_o to_o have_v the_o authority_n of_o moses_n can_v not_o possible_o make_v out_o their_o succession_n at_o that_o distance_n and_o after_o so_o many_o revolution_n of_o their_o state_n and_o so_o great_a miscarriage_n both_o of_o their_o discipline_n and_o record_n which_o must_v needs_o have_v be_v occasion_v by_o those_o revolution_n by_o great_a assurance_n than_o these_o be_v §_o xxv_o i_o confess_v
this_o opinion_n can_v not_o think_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o give_v this_o power_n to_o simple_a presbyter_n as_o to_o the_o canonical_a exercise_n of_o their_o power_n presbyter_n still_o depend_v on_o their_o bishop_n even_o in_o thing_n not_o exceed_v their_o power_n as_o presbyter_n but_o when_o a_o simple_a presbyter_n be_v license_v to_o preach_v or_o hear_v confession_n this_o be_v not_o proper_o call_v a_o extension_n of_o his_o character_n by_o which_o it_o seem_v most_o likely_a that_o by_o this_o extension_n of_o the_o character_n they_o do_v not_o only_o mean_v a_o canonical_a liberty_n to_o exercise_v more_o act_n of_o the_o same_o power_n which_o they_o suppose_v they_o to_o have_v receive_v before_o but_o a_o addition_n of_o a_o new_a branch_n of_o power_n which_o because_o presbyter_n want_v if_o they_o presume_v to_o exercise_v it_o their_o do_v so_o must_v prove_v not_o only_o vncanonical_a but_o invalid_a though_o they_o believe_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o power_n to_o have_v be_v the_o same_o yet_o certain_o the_o least_o that_o can_v have_v be_v mean_v by_o the_o difference_n of_o degree_n between_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n must_v have_v be_v that_o bishop_n have_v that_o same_o power_n independent_o which_o the_o presbyter_n have_v dependent_o on_o the_o bishop_n as_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o undoubted_o this_o they_o do_v grant_v who_o hold_v this_o opinion_n of_o st._n hierome_n in_o the_o great_a rigour_n in_o those_o age_n i_o be_o speak_v of_o if_o they_o do_v not_o grant_v something_o more_o and_o yet_o this_o be_v sufficient_a for_o my_o present_a design_n both_o to_o show_v why_o these_o very_a person_n may_v not_o have_v think_v it_o fit_a to_o give_v this_o power_n of_o ordination_n to_o simple_a presbyter_n and_o why_o it_o be_v very_o rational_a for_o we_o also_o to_o presume_v that_o they_o do_v not_o actual_o give_v it_o they_o §_o ix_o for_o by_o the_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o all_o society_n the_o power_n of_o give_v power_n to_o other_o be_v still_o reserve_v as_o a_o prerogative_n of_o he_o who_o have_v that_o same_o power_n independent_o and_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o be_v very_o plain_a as_o to_o both_o part_n as_o to_o he_o that_o have_v the_o power_n dependent_o and_o as_o to_o he_o who_o have_v it_o independent_o he_o who_o have_v the_o power_n of_o administer_a the_o sacrament_n yet_o so_o as_o to_o depend_v on_o the_o authority_n of_o another_o in_o the_o exercise_v of_o that_o power_n can_v therefore_o with_o any_o justice_n make_v a_o valid_a conveyance_n of_o that_o power_n to_o another_o because_o he_o can_v himself_n be_v take_v for_o a_o absolute_a master_n of_o that_o power_n though_o the_o power_n itself_o be_v give_v irrevocable_o yet_o while_o it_o be_v give_v with_o the_o condition_n of_o dependence_n be_v not_o be_v alienable_a by_o the_o person_n to_o who_o it_o be_v give_v without_o the_o giver_n consent_n because_o the_o right_n of_o alienation_n suppose_v a_o property_n of_o our_o own_o and_o dependence_n imply_v a_o reservation_n of_o right_n to_o he_o on_o who_o we_o do_v depend_v which_o right_o as_o it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o a_o entire_a alienation_n so_o it_o can_v with_o any_o justice_n or_o validity_n be_v dispose_v of_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o he_o who_o property_n it_o be_v beside_o that_o give_v of_o power_n do_v plain_o belong_v to_o the_o exercise_n of_o power_n and_o to_o a_o high_a degree_n of_o exercise_n of_o it_o than_o that_o of_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o power_n so_o give_v as_o it_o imply_v a_o great_a power_n to_o give_v a_o power_n which_o include_v a_o capacity_n of_o all_o the_o act_n belong_v to_o it_o than_o only_o to_o give_v a_o liberty_n to_o exercise_v a_o particular_a act._n and_o therefore_o he_o who_o have_v not_o a_o just_a title_n to_o give_v way_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o power_n so_o give_v can_v be_v much_o less_o suppose_a to_o have_v one_o to_o that_o high_a exercise_n of_o power_n by_o which_o the_o power_n itself_o be_v dispose_v of_o it_o be_v also_o clear_a as_o to_o he_o that_o have_v the_o power_n independent_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o government_n that_o all_o other_o do_v depend_v on_o those_o who_o be_v themselves_o suppose_v independent_a but_o this_o can_v be_v understand_v unless_o the_o independent_a power_n alone_o be_v allow_v the_o power_n of_o admit_v to_o office_n who_o he_o please_v if_o other_o may_v be_v allow_v to_o give_v their_o power_n they_o will_v soon_o make_v themselves_o independent_a if_o they_o be_v not_o so_o at_o first_o by_o make_v a_o party_n and_o perpetuate_n it_o but_o because_o this_o whole_a power_n of_o give_v power_n in_o the_o person_n i_o be_o speak_v of_o be_v so_o eternal_o irreconcilable_a with_o the_o safety_n of_o society_n therefore_o it_o be_v fit_v it_o shall_v never_o be_v give_v they_o and_o therefore_o in_o the_o way_n of_o presumption_n for_o which_o i_o be_o at_o present_a concern_v it_o be_v to_o be_v presume_v that_o it_o never_o be_v intend_v for_o they_o §_o x_o but_o if_o our_o brethren_n will_v be_v please_v to_o reflect_v on_o the_o principle_n on_o which_o these_o person_n proceed_v in_o make_v one_o order_n of_o episcopacy_n and_o presbytery_n they_o will_v find_v that_o they_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o oblige_v they_o to_o believe_v that_o this_o power_n of_o ordain_v other_o be_v a_o right_a of_o simple_a presbyter_n the_o plain_a reason_n be_v that_o they_o make_v their_o distinction_n of_o order_n only_o in_o relation_n to_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o eucharist_n and_o because_o simple_a priest_n have_v the_o full_a power_n of_o this_o sacrament_n of_o consecrate_v as_o well_o as_o of_o administer_a it_o so_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o high_o requisite_a for_o the_o completion_n of_o this_o solemnity_n reserve_v to_o the_o bishop_n nor_o capable_a of_o be_v reserve_v to_o he_o therefore_o there_o be_v on_o this_o account_n no_o room_n leave_v for_o any_o order_n above_o priesthood_n and_o because_o this_o power_n of_o transubstantiate_v the_o eucharistical_a element_n be_v then_o look_v on_o as_o the_o high_a instance_n of_o power_n that_o can_v be_v communicate_v to_o mortal_n because_o this_o be_v think_v sufficient_a to_o exempt_v from_o all_o subjection_n to_o temporal_a prince_n nay_o to_o place_v the_o spiritual_a power_n above_o the_o prince_n and_o yet_o in_o this_o instance_n of_o power_n which_o have_v be_v so_o extreme_o extol_v in_o the_o dispute_n of_o those_o age_n between_o the_o pope_n and_o prince_n the_o bishop_n can_v pretend_v to_o do_v no_o more_o than_o what_o be_v performable_a by_o every_o ordinary_a priest_n therefore_o it_o can_v be_v no_o wonder_n if_o in_o this_o regard_n many_o of_o they_o can_v not_o allow_v any_o order_n superior_a to_o that_o of_o simple_a priesthood_n he_o that_o be_v but_o a_o little_a conversant_a in_o the_o writing_n of_o that_o age_n will_v find_v that_o as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n be_v very_o eager_o maintain_v as_o the_o great_a recommendation_n of_o the_o sacred_a power_n in_o those_o dispute_n which_o be_v then_o raise_v concern_v it_o so_o it_o be_v particular_o urge_v for_o the_o honour_n of_o presbytery_n as_o often_o as_o they_o be_v put_v upon_o magnify_v their_o office_n and_o this_o i_o therefore_o take_v in_o earnest_a to_o have_v be_v the_o true_a reason_n that_o incline_v those_o of_o the_o writer_n of_o that_o age_n that_o follow_v this_o opinion_n rather_o than_o the_o pretend_a instance_n of_o scripture_n or_o even_o the_o authority_n of_o st._n hierome_n himself_o for_o these_o be_v principle_n for_o which_o as_o they_o be_v more_o firm_o interest_v so_o i_o believe_v they_o be_v also_o much_o more_o hearty_o believe_v in_o that_o age_n than_o any_o onâ—_n particular_a controvert_v sense_n of_o scripture_n recommend_v on_o the_o authority_n of_o one_o particular_a father_n and_o therefore_o whatever_o superiority_n of_o bishop_n over_o priest_n be_v reconcilable_a with_o this_o allowance_n of_o a_o power_n of_o consecrate_v the_o eucharist_n to_o simple_a priest_n all_o this_o may_v have_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o these_o very_a person_n notwithstanding_o their_o make_v they_o the_o same_o order_n and_o consider_v that_o this_o power_n of_o ordination_n be_v thus_o reconcilable_a this_o opinion_n can_v not_o hinder_v those_o person_n from_o appropriate_a it_o to_o the_o bishop_n §_o xi_o for_o notwithstanding_o this_o power_n of_o the_o priesthood_n over_o the_o corpus_fw-la christi_fw-la verum_fw-la be_v think_v common_a to_o they_o with_o the_o bishop_n yet_o the_o power_n over_o the_o corpus_fw-la christi_fw-la mysticum_fw-la this_o be_v the_o language_n of_o those_o age_n be_v then_o acknowledge_v for_o the_o peculiar_a right_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o what_o can_v our_o adversary_n think_v themselves_o gainer_n