so_o that_o the_o original_a signification_n of_o the_o word_n ecclesia_n imply_v not_o that_o of_o a_o state_n but_o only_o a_o certain_a qualification_n of_o a_o democratical_a government_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o a_o great_a number_n of_o 〈◊〉_d can_v convenient_o give_v their_o assent_n to_o a_o thing_n unless_o they_o be_v convene_v in_o one_o place_n in_o the_o translation_n the_o lxx_o interpreter_n this_o word_n be_v take_v for_o a_o convention_n ot_fw-mi meeting_n of_o a_o considerable_a number_n of_o people_n meet_v not_o only_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o divine_a worship_n but_o also_o for_o unlawful_a ends._n so_o the_o greek_a word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v take_v for_o the_o â—8_o ps_n 26_o 5_o luk._n 2d_o 3._o 4_o c_o â—8_o 24._o act_n 19_o 32_o 3â—_n num._n 20._o 8_o 10_o jos_n 16._o 1_o 2._o 2_o chron._n 15._o 9_o c._n 34_o â—8_o call_v and_o summon_v a_o assembly_n about_o matter_n concern_v the_o commonwealth_n but_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o word_n ecclesia_fw-la be_v general_o take_v either_o for_o all_o the_o christian_n in_o general_n wherever_o disperse_v or_o for_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o believer_n in_o a_o certain_a country_n city_n private_a house_n or_o family_n in_o either_o sense_n if_o we_o due_o weigh_v the_o attribute_n and_o action_n proper_o belong_v to_o the_o church_n for_o by_o these_o we_o ought_v to_o judge_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o thing_n in_o moral_a case_n we_o do_v not_o meet_v with_o any_o thing_n which_o have_v a_o relation_n to_o church_n what_o action_n be_v celebrate_v in_o scripture_n as_o belong_v to_o the_o church_n a_o civil_a state_n the_o true_a â—ncomium_fw-la most_o frequent_o give_v to_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v that_o they_o be_v brother_n holy_a and_o redeem_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n their_o chief_a action_n be_v say_v to_o be_v to_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o pray_v unto_o and_o praise_n god_n to_o be_v charitable_a to_o walk_v in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n to_o fast_o and_o to_o provide_v for_o the_o poor_a it_o be_v speak_v of_o st._n paul_n and_o barnabas_n that_o 23._o act_n 1._o 4._o 23._o they_o do_v constitute_v elder_n in_o those_o church_n which_o they_o have_v plant_v in_o asia_n where_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v make_v â—se_n of_o which_o imply_v as_o much_o as_o have_v make_v they_o by_o suffrage_n of_o the_o congregation_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o the_o decree_v use_v to_o pass_v in_o the_o ancient_a democracy_n by_o the_o plurality_n of_o vote_n by_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o they_o pretend_v to_o no_o absolute_a power_n of_o constitute_v elder_n over_o they_o but_o such_o as_o 〈◊〉_d approve_v of_o by_o the_o congregation_n and_o it_o iâ—_n remarkable_a that_o these_o nevertheless_o be_v say_v to_o have_v be_v make_v overseer_n over_o the_o church_n by_o the_o holy_a 5_o act._n 20_o â—8_o 2_o chron._n 10._o 5_o ghost_n so_o be_v the_o judge_n that_o be_v set_v in_o 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the_o brethren_n conduct_v out_o of_o the_o town_n in_o their_o way_n to_o jerusalem_n where_o this_o question_n have_v be_v debate_v and_o determine_v they_o send_v word_n thus_o to_o their_o brethren_n it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o we_o etc._n etc._n where_o it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o to_o send_v deputy_n concern_v such_o matter_n as_o be_v not_o intend_v in_o prejudice_n of_o the_o sovereign_a power_n for_o one_o congregation_n to_o consult_v another_o concern_v any_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o determine_v any_o difference_n about_o they_o be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o action_n of_o such_o a_o nature_n which_o do_v not_o imply_v a_o sovereign_n and_o absolute_a power_n but_o may_v legal_o belong_v to_o a_o private_a college_n or_o sometime_o a_o private_a person_n provide_v the_o business_n in_o hand_n be_v not_o impose_v upon_o its_o member_n but_o transact_v and_o admit_v by_o common_a consent_n so_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n choose_v certain_a man_n who_o be_v to_o be_v overseer_n 1._o act._n 6._o 1_o 1._o of_o the_o poor_a which_o they_o have_v a_o right_a to_o do_v as_o be_v a_o society_n or_o college_n in_o the_o same_o sense_n ought_v to_o be_v take_v what_o be_v say_v in_o the_o 2_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n c._n 8._o 19_o that_o the_o church_n have_v choose_v one_o to_o travel_v with_o st._n paul_n the_o church_n be_v call_v a_o flock_n which_o be_v to_o be_v â—ed_v by_o the_o bishop_n with_o the_o pure_a word_n of_o 28._o act_n 20_o 28._o god_n who_o be_v to_o preserve_v it_o from_o the_o wolf_n that_o be_v to_o say_v from_o man_n speak_v perverse_a thing_n to_o draw_v away_o disciple_n after_o they_o against_o those_o teacher_n of_o the_o church_n ought_v to_o be_v watchful_a not_o cease_v to_o admonish_v their_o auditor_n to_o avoid_v their_o snare_n what_o concern_v that_o passage_n in_o the_o 1_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n c._n 6._o 1._o and_o follow_v verse_n it_o be_v apparent_a enough_o that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o sovereign_a authority_n or_o jurisdiction_n grant_v to_o the_o christian_n bare_o consider_v as_o christian_n but_o the_o apostle_n enjoin_v they_o that_o in_o case_n of_o any_o difference_n in_o civil_a affair_n among_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n they_o shall_v rather_o refer_v it_o to_o the_o arbitration_n of_o the_o brethren_n than_o to_o go_v to_o law_n before_o the_o gentile_n and_o fall_v under_o the_o censure_n of_o be_v avaricious_a in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n it_o be_v plain_o express_v that_o no_o body_n by_o become_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n do_v change_v his_o qualification_n or_o function_n which_o belong_v to_o he_o as_o a_o subject_a or_o that_o christianity_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o subjection_n to_o a_o civil_a government_n a_o servant_n therefore_o by_o be_v a_o christian_n do_v not_o become_v a_o freeman_n neither_o be_v a_o subject_a thereby_o absolve_v from_o the_o allegiance_n due_a to_o his_o sovereign_n concern_v the_o union_n and_o modesty_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v practise_v in_o the_o church_n or_o the_o christian_a congregation_n where_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v preach_v and_o the_o sacrament_n 2._o ep._n rom._n 13_o 1._o 2_o tim._n 5_o 8._o 14_o c._n 6._o 1_o 2._o administer_v st._n paul_n speak_v in_o the_o 1_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n c._n 11._o 18_o and_o follow_v verse_n and_o in_o the_o 14_o chap._n 34_o 40_o verse_n and_o what_o sort_n of_o religious_a exercise_n be_v to_o be_v use_v in_o these_o congregation_n be_v express_v in_o the_o 1_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n c._n 14._o viz._n to_o be_v 2._o with_fw-mi eph._n 4._o 2._o hymn_n doctrine_n tongue_n prophecy_n revelation_n interpretation_n all_o which_o be_v to_o be_v apply_v to_o edify_v the_o congregation_n and_o in_o the_o 12_o chapter_n 28_o verse_n the_o several_a degree_n and_o function_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v thus_o enumerate_v first_o apostles_n secondary_o prophet_n three_o teacher_n after_o that_o miracle_n than_o gift_n of_o healing_n help_n government_n diversity_n of_o tongue_n all_o which_o be_v requisite_n 11_o eph._n 4._o 11_o belong_v to_o the_o propagate_a and_o establish_v of_o the_o gospel_n and_o be_v gift_n of_o that_o self_n same_o spirit_n who_o dispense_v his_o gift_n to_o every_o man_n as_o he_o please_v so_o that_o he_o that_o have_v receive_v more_o noble_a endowment_n can_v therefore_o not_o claim_v any_o prerogative_n as_o be_v a_o more_o honourable_a member_n of_o this_o mystical_a body_n or_o pretend_v to_o any_o jurisdiction_n over_o such_o as_o be_v not_o endow_v with_o these_o qualification_n in_o the_o same_o degree_n as_o himself_o and_o charity_n which_o be_v the_o inseparable_a attribute_n of_o all_o christian_n be_v more_o 8._o 1_o cor._n
decemviri_fw-la and_o because_o christian_n do_v not_o build_v their_o faith_n upon_o any_o human_a authority_n but_o upon_o the_o word_n of_o god_n alone_o they_o be_v 4â—_n joh._n 6._o 1â—_n 1_o thes_n 4â—_n say_v to_o be_v teach_v of_o god_n for_o which_o reason_n s._n paul_n utter_o deny_v that_o they_o have_v any_o dominion_n over_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o corinthian_n or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o in_o effect_n that_o they_o can_v exercise_v any_o dominion_n over_o they_o under_o the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o faith_n for_o the_o rest_n as_o christian_n 〈…〉_o 〈…〉_o which_o be_v well_o verse_v in_o the_o scripture_n may_v without_o great_a difficulty_n try_v their_o teacher_n doctrine_n by_o the_o touchstone_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n so_o the_o catechism_n and_o other_o compendious_a instruction_n relate_v to_o the_o chief_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n may_v be_v sufficient_a for_o those_o of_o a_o mean_a capacity_n wherein_o all_o christian_n ought_v to_o be_v well_o instruct_v in_o their_o young_a year_n both_o by_o their_o parent_n and_o teacher_n of_o the_o church_n this_o be_v likely_a to_o prove_v more_o useful_a to_o those_o of_o a_o indifferent_a capacity_n than_o all_o the_o other_o subtlety_n and_o controversy_n which_o in_o themselves_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a or_o requisite_a to_o be_v understand_v by_o every_o christian_a in_o particular_a and_o if_o we_o due_o consider_v what_o be_v require_v by_o the_o apostle_n for_o the_o obtain_n of_o â—â—_o rom._n 10._o 9_o 10._o â—â—m_fw-la 1._o â—_o 2_o â—â—m_fw-la 2._o â—â—_o salvation_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o this_o knowledge_n may_v be_v attain_v to_o without_o much_o difficulty_n because_o the_o confession_n that_o jesus_n be_v christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v the_o foundation_n stone_n and_z as_o it_o be_v the_o centre_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o that_o this_o article_n be_v chief_o 3._o 〈◊〉_d 20._o 3._o oppose_v by_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n the_o apostle_n s_o john_n prescribe_v this_o as_o a_o general_a rule_n to_o be_v particular_o take_v notice_n of_o by_o such_o as_o be_v of_o a_o mean_a capacity_n hereby_o know_v you_o say_v he_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n every_o spirit_n that_o confess_v â—_o 〈◊〉_d 4_o â—_o â—_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v come_v in_o the_o flesh_n be_v of_o god_n and_o every_o spirit_n that_o confess_v not_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v come_v in_o the_o flesh_n be_v not_o of_o god_n though_o from_o hence_o no_o inference_n ought_v to_o be_v make_v as_o if_o christian_a may_v neglect_v or_o ought_v not_o also_o to_o be_v well_o instruct_v concern_v all_o the_o other_o article_n of_o faith_n or_o that_o it_o be_v indifferent_a for_o any_o christian_n to_o believe_v what_o he_o pleaseâ—_n concern_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n §_o 34._o it_o be_v then_o evident_a that_o there_o 〈…〉_o 〈…〉_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n betwixt_o the_o condition_n of_o particular_a church_n and_o that_o of_o a_o state_n or_o commonwealth_n it_o may_v further_o he_o inquire_v into_o whether_o perhaps_o those_o church_n unite_v do_v it_o make_v up_o a_o body_n like_o to_o that_o of_o a_o grâ—â—t_a state_n for_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o word_n church_n be_v in_o the_o scripture_n attribute_v to_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o believer_n wheresoever_o disperse_v throughout_o the_o world_n yet_o so_o that_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o appearance_n if_o a_o duâ—_n regard_v he_o have_v to_o our_o saviour_n intention_n of_o a_o design_n to_o erect_v a_o state_n go_v you_o into_o all_o the_o world_n and_o â—â—_o mark_n 16._o â—â—_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o every_o creature_n be_v the_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o his_o disciple_n here_o be_v no_o mention_n make_v of_o any_o person_n who_o shall_v be_v the_o supreme_a governor_n over_o the_o rest_n as_o be_v usual_a and_o absolute_o necessary_a in_o a_o state_n nor_o any_o certain_a place_n of_o residence_n appoint_v for_o these_o governor_n from_o whence_o the_o rest_n shall_v receive_v their_o order_n neither_o be_v the_o least_o care_n take_v by_o what_o mean_v they_o shall_v maintain_v a_o correspondency_n with_o their_o capital_a city_n and_o true_o consider_v the_o vast_a extent_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o prodigious_a distance_n of_o those_o country_n where_o the_o apostle_n preach_v the_o gospel_n beside_o that_o there_o be_v a_o mortal_a enmity_n betwixt_o some_o of_o these_o state_n these_o be_v unsurmountable_a obstacle_n for_o the_o settle_n and_o maintain_v a_o correspondency_n betwixt_o they_o so_o that_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v by_o what_o mean_v all_o the_o christian_n can_v be_v unite_v under_o one_o state_n it_o be_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o there_o be_v often_o mention_v make_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o union_n of_o the_o christian_n as_o in_o the_o 1_o cor._n c._n 12._o 12_o 13._o as_o the_o body_n be_v one_o and_o have_v many_o member_n and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o that_o one_o body_n be_v many_o be_v one_o body_n so_o also_o be_v christ_n for_o by_o one_o spirit_n be_v we_o all_o baptize_v into_o one_o body_n whether_o we_o be_v jew_n or_o gentile_n whether_o we_o be_v bond_n or_o free_a and_o have_v be_v all_o make_v to_o drink_v into_o one_o spirit_n christ_n say_v in_o the_o 10._o chap._n of_o s._n john_n ver_fw-la 16_o my_o sheep_n hear_v my_o voice_n and_o there_o shall_v be_v one_o fold_n and_o one_o shepherd_n which_o show_v that_o all_o the_o sheep_n be_v bring_v into_o one_o flock_n by_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o their_o pastor_n who_o be_v christ_n so_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o ephesian_n ch_n 4._o ver_fw-la 2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o forbear_v one_o another_o in_o love_n endeavour_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n there_o be_v one_o body_n and_o one_o spirit_n even_o as_o you_o be_v call_v in_o one_o hope_n of_o your_o call_n one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n one_o god_n and_o father_n of_o all_o and_o christ_n in_o his_o farewell_n sermon_n do_v 13_o joh._n 13_o chief_o recommend_v to_o his_o disciple_n charity_n and_o unity_n as_o the_o true_a badge_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o name_n of_o brother_n which_o particular_o 10._o vid._n 1_o cor._n 13._o colos_n 3._o 14._o gal._n 6._o 10._o belong_v to_o the_o christian_n seem_v to_o imply_v a_o general_a union_n betwixt_o they_o but_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o these_o holy_a tie_v we_o may_v easy_o observe_v they_o to_o have_v be_v in_o no_o way_n adapt_v to_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o temporal_a government_n but_o proper_o belong_v to_o the_o establishment_n and_o union_n of_o a_o mystical_a body_n for_o as_o none_o of_o they_o require_v of_o imply_v any_o dependency_n from_o a_o temporal_a power_n so_o they_o may_v belong_v in_o common_a to_o all_o christian_n though_o live_v in_o far_o distant_a country_n and_o several_a jurisdiction_n §_o 35._o neither_o do_v it_o appear_v for_o what_o end_n state_n 〈…〉_o for_o christians_o 〈…〉_o unite_a under_o one_o state_n or_o purpose_v all_o the_o christian_n in_o general_n shall_v be_v reduce_v under_o one_o state_n for_o each_o congregation_n or_o church_n may_v with_o more_o â—ase_n and_o conveniency_n constitute_v teacher_n in_o their_o church_n sit_o qualify_v for_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o have_v a_o more_o watchful_a eye_n over_o those_o who_o be_v know_v and_o near_o at_o hand_n than_o can_v be_v expect_v from_o one_o single_a person_n though_o never_o so_o wise_a live_v at_o a_o great_a distance_n who_o be_v beside_o this_o ovewhelm_v with_o multitude_n of_o business_n be_v force_v to_o see_v with_o other_o people_n eye_n and_o to_o hear_v with_o other_o people_n ear_n neither_o be_v it_o a_o sufficient_a reason_n what_o be_v allege_v that_o for_o the_o compose_n and_o determine_v of_o such_o difference_n as_o may_v arise_v betwixt_o the_o teacher_n of_o the_o church_n or_o betwixt_o they_o and_o other_o a_o general_n court_n ought_v to_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o such_o case_n can_v be_v no_o where_o determine_v with_o more_o conveniency_n than_o in_o the_o same_o government_n where_o they_o live_v and_o that_o there_o can_v any_o sufficient_a reason_n be_v give_v why_o they_o shall_v not_o acknowledge_v the_o same_o jurisdiction_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o fellow_n subject_n there_o be_v one_o objection_n which_o have_v something_o of_o colour_n in_o it_o for_o it_o be_v allege_v that_o if_o all_o the_o christian_a church_n throughout_o the_o world_n be_v unite_v under_o one_o head_n whether_o under_o one_o person_n or_o a_o certain_a assembly_n matter_n not_o the_o unity_n of_o faith_n may_v be_v better_o preserve_v
second_o admonition_n lest_o we_o 9_o tit._n 3._o 10._o thes_n 2._o 14._o 2_o pet._n 2._o 1._o 2_o gal._n 1._o 8_o 9_o shall_v be_v infect_v with_o his_o false_a doctrine_n for_o which_o he_o be_v to_o expect_v due_a punishment_n from_o god_n almighty_a neither_o do_v that_o passage_n in_o the_o 1_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n 5._o 1._o and_o follow_v verse_n and_o in_o the_o 2_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n 13._o 2_o 10._o where_o st._n paul_n declare_v that_o according_a to_o the_o power_n give_v he_o he_o intend_v to_o deliver_v the_o incestuous_a person_n to_o satan_n take_v it_o in_o what_o sense_n you_o please_v involve_v any_o civil_a jurisdiction_n or_o command_n no_o more_o than_o those_o in_o the_o 1_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n 6._o 9_o seq_n in_o the_o 1_o timothy_n 1._o 20._o in_o the_o 2_o epist_n of_o john_n 5._o 10._o all_o which_o passage_n signify_v no_o more_o than_o that_o every_o body_n may_v free_o decline_v the_o conversation_n of_o such_o people_n as_o he_o think_v may_v be_v reproach_n or_o hurtful_a to_o he_o without_o imply_v a_o prejudice_n to_o their_o reputation_n in_o civil_a affair_n so_o that_o by_o avoid_v the_o conversation_n of_o ill_a liver_n we_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o retire_v from_o the_o world_n that_o be_v we_o need_v not_o be_v so_o scrupulous_a in_o avoid_v such_o conversation_n as_o to_o neglect_v our_o duty_n or_o other_o necessary_a business_n appertain_v to_o civil_a society_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n it_o be_v appliable_a as_o well_o to_o christian_n as_o to_o pagan_n of_o a_o ill_a conversation_n power_n the_o commission_n of_o the_o apostle_n contain_v nothing_o resemble_v any_o sovereign_a power_n §_o 28._o last_o if_o we_o cast_v our_o eye_n upon_o those_o instruction_n which_o christ_n give_v to_o his_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n it_o will_v evident_o appear_v that_o their_o commission_n have_v not_o the_o least_o relation_n to_o the_o establishment_n of_o a_o sovereign_a state_n a_o state_n can_v be_v without_o a_o supreme_a head_n who_o have_v power_n to_o bestow_v honour_n and_o dignity_n this_o general_o prove_v the_o occasion_n of_o ambitious_a design_n a_o state_n can_v be_v maintain_v without_o considerable_a revenue_n which_o entice_v man_n to_o avarice_n but_o if_o we_o look_v upon_o our_o saviour_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o his_o main_a endeavour_n be_v to_o keep_v his_o disciple_n from_o ambitious_a 16._o mat._n 18_o 1_o 2_o 3_o 4._o c._n 23_o 8._o mark_v 9_o 33._o luke_n 9_o 46._o joh._n 13._o 13_o 14_o 15_o 16._o design_n and_o covetousness_n the_o instruction_n give_v by_o christ_n to_o his_o disciple_n in_o s._n matthew_n 10._o when_o after_o have_v endow_v they_o with_o the_o gift_n of_o miracle_n he_o send_v they_o as_o it_o be_v to_o make_v their_o first_o trial_n among_o the_o jew_n deserve_v particular_o here_o to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o though_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v question_v but_o that_o the_o same_o instruction_n remain_v in_o force_n for_o the_o most_o part_n after_o they_o be_v send_v among_o the_o gentile_n the_o first_o precept_n in_o this_o instruction_n be_v that_o they_o shall_v take_v heed_n not_o to_o abuse_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o the_o gift_n of_o miracle_n for_o the_o heap_v up_o of_o gold_n and_o silver_n which_o be_v otherwise_o account_v the_o sinew_n of_o a_o state_n as_o you_o have_v receive_v it_o for_o nothing_o so_o you_o shall_v give_v it_o for_o nothing_o be_v the_o command_n which_o be_v very_o well_o observe_v by_o st._n peter_n when_o he_o say_v silver_n and_o gold_n have_v i_o 6._o act._n 3._o 6._o none_o and_o lest_o they_o shall_v under_o pretence_n of_o subsistance_n and_o acquire_v necessary_n be_v entice_v to_o avarice_n christ_n forbid_v they_o even_o to_o provide_v two_o coat_n shoe_n staff_n or_o a_o purse_n but_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v content_v with_o what_o they_o receive_v from_o their_o auditor_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o this_o command_n may_v chief_o be_v apply_v to_o such_o journey_n as_o be_v not_o to_o be_v too_o long_o or_o in_o far_o distant_a country_n but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o ought_v to_o be_v take_v into_o consideration_n that_o the_o allowance_n to_o be_v give_v to_o those_o that_o preach_v the_o gospel_n be_v compare_v to_o the_o wage_n of_o workman_n which_o seldom_o amount_v to_o any_o more_o than_o be_v necessary_a for_o subsistance_n or_o at_o the_o most_o can_v exceed_v a_o private_a fortune_n have_v not_o the_o least_o comparison_n with_o those_o vast_a revenue_n which_o be_v require_v to_o maintain_v a_o state_n as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o mat._n 10._o 10._o luk._n 10._o 7._o 1_o cor_n 9_o 11._o and_o the_o passage_n in_o the_o 1_o epist_n to_o timothyâ—_n â—_z 18._o chief_o relate_v to_o the_o priesthood_n where_o it_o be_v express_o forbid_v not_o to_o make_v a_o trade_n of_o their_o office_n and_o to_o sly_a avarice_n as_o the_o root_n of_o all_o evil_a and_o consequent_o of_o all_o those_o abuse_n and_o superstition_n which_o have_v overwhelm_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o that_o by_o their_o number_n they_o may_v not_o appear_v terrible_a christ_n only_o send_v they_o two_o and_o two_o with_o this_o express_a 7._o mark_v 6._o 7._o command_n not_o to_o force_v their_o doctrine_n upon_o any_o body_n but_o to_o seek_v for_o reception_n by_o a_o kind_a salute_n and_o if_o they_o find_v they_o incline_v to_o receive_v their_o doctrine_n to_o abide_v there_o but_o to_o leave_v those_o who_o they_o find_v unworthy_a and_o not_o ready_a to_o hear_v their_o word_n and_o even_o to_o shake_v off_o the_o dust_n of_o their_o foot_n after_o these_o instruction_n give_v christ_n foretell_v they_o what_o persecution_n and_o danger_n they_o must_v undergo_v all_o which_o he_o will_v have_v they_o to_o overcome_v not_o by_o force_n but_o by_o patience_n by_o show_v their_o innocence_n 11._o mat._n 5._o 10_o 11._o or_o fly_v to_o another_o place_n the_o quite_o contrary_a be_v practise_v in_o temporal_a government_n who_o founder_n lay_v this_o down_o for_o a_o sure_a maxim_n of_o state_n tu_fw-la contra_fw-la audentior_fw-la into_fw-mi never_o shrink_v before_o your_o enemy_n after_o the_o ascension_n of_o our_o saviour_n they_o disperse_v into_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n according_a as_o they_o be_v inspire_v without_o have_v appoint_v any_o certain_a place_n of_o residence_n for_o their_o government_n from_o whence_o they_o may_v receive_v their_o instruction_n or_o commission_n and_o where_o they_o be_v to_o be_v accountable_a concern_v their_o negotiation_n or_o where_o to_o fix_v the_o centre_n of_o their_o correspondency_n at_o least_o thus_o much_o be_v certain_a that_o nothing_o like_o it_o be_v record_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n neither_o be_v it_o in_o their_o power_n to_o have_v acquire_v any_o great_a territory_n it_o be_v obvious_a that_o they_o live_v always_o under_o another_o jurisdiction_n and_o in_o such_o place_n where_o the_o government_n be_v already_o establish_v nor_o have_v they_o any_o authority_n to_o exact_v upon_o their_o auditor_n except_o what_o they_o be_v please_v to_o allot_v they_o by_o voluntary_a contribution_n for_o if_o they_o shall_v have_v attempt_v any_o thing_n beyond_o it_o no_o doubt_n but_o those_o magistrate_n under_o who_o jurisdiction_n they_o live_v may_v legal_o have_v stop_v their_o proceed_n as_o do_v in_o prejudice_n of_o their_o authority_n for_o in_o case_n the_o generality_n or_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o christian_n shall_v have_v attempt_v to_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o some_o of_o their_o brethren_n at_o jerusalem_n who_o be_v for_o have_v 5._o act_n 2._o 44_o 45._o c._n 4._o 5._o all_o thing_n in_o common_a it_o have_v be_v lawful_a for_o their_o sovereign_n to_o put_v a_o stop_n to_o their_o inconsiderate_a design_n which_o needs_o must_v have_v tend_v to_o the_o great_a detriment_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n last_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o oblige_v their_o auditor_n to_o leave_v their_o ancient_a habitation_n like_o moses_n lead_v the_o israelite_n out_o of_o egypt_n but_o leave_v they_o in_o quiet_a possession_n of_o their_o former_a station_n and_o honest_a function_n not_o pretend_v to_o any_o innovation_n but_o that_o they_o shall_v receive_v the_o christian_a religion_n §_o 29._o it_o be_v furthermore_o to_o be_v consicer_v whether_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n which_o unite_v sovereignty_n the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n imply_v no_o temporal_a sovereignty_n our_o heart_n under_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ_n by_o the_o faith_n do_v not_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o union_n constitute_v a_o certain_a sovereignty_n resemble_v the_o sovereign_a power_n of_o our_o civil_a government_n to_o this_o we_o answer_v in_o the_o negative_a as_o it_o may_v plain_o appear_v to_o those_o that_o will_v due_o consider_v the_o nature_n and_o qualification_n
controversy_n soon_o compose_v and_o heresy_n suppress_v or_o quite_o extinguish_v but_o if_o the_o whole_a matter_n be_v due_o weigh_v it_o will_v appear_v that_o such_o a_o ecclesiastical_a monarch_n may_v be_v very_o easy_o spare_v in_o the_o church_n for_o grant_v such_o church_n whether_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o set_v up_o a_o general_a judge_n of_o all_o controversy_n in_o the_o church_n a_o universal_a judge_n of_o all_o controversy_n arise_v in_o the_o church_n he_o must_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v infallible_a and_o that_o beyond_o all_o contradiction_n as_o well_o in_o point_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n as_o to_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o case_n for_o it_o may_v so_o happen_v that_o it_o be_v plain_a enough_o whether_o a_o doctrine_n be_v erroneous_a or_o not_o when_o at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o may_v be_v disputable_a whether_o the_o say_a error_n ought_v to_o be_v lay_v to_o a_o certain_a man_n charge_n or_o not_o for_o if_o a_o appeal_n be_v allow_v from_o this_o judge_n after_o sentence_n pronounce_v there_o will_v never_o be_v a_o end_n of_o the_o process_n it_o be_v therefore_o absolute_o requisite_a that_o this_o infallible_a authority_n shall_v be_v so_o manifest_o prove_v that_o it_o can_v reasonable_o be_v call_v in_o question_n for_o unless_o this_o authority_n be_v unquestionable_a for_o the_o decision_n of_o this_o controversy_n we_o must_v run_v from_o this_o judge_n to_o another_o who_o must_v also_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v infallible_a and_o so_o in_o infinite_a it_o be_v grant_v by_o all_o without_o exception_n that_o no_o body_n ought_v to_o be_v a_o judge_n in_o his_o own_o case_n and_o since_o this_o privilege_n of_o be_v infallible_a can_v not_o be_v grant_v by_o any_o body_n but_o by_o god_n alone_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o christian_n be_v not_o invest_v with_o such_o a_o power_n it_o must_v plain_o be_v prove_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n that_o this_o particular_a prerogative_n and_o authority_n be_v grant_v to_o one_o certain_a person_n for_o he_o and_o his_o successor_n to_o decide_v all_o controversy_n concern_v the_o article_n of_o faith_n without_o be_v liable_a to_o any_o error_n but_o of_o this_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o footstep_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n nay_o the_o apostle_n when_o they_o be_v send_v by_o christ_n into_o all_o the_o world_n be_v endue_v with_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o have_v a_o equal_a authority_n so_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o way_n now_o leave_v for_o the_o attain_n to_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n both_o for_o the_o teacher_n in_o the_o church_n and_o all_o believer_n in_o general_a which_o be_v to_o study_v the_o scripture_n devout_o and_o without_o intermission_n and_o whoever_o pretend_v to_o inspiration_n 15._o 2_o tim._n 3._o 14._o 15._o or_o to_o a_o prophetical_a spirit_n aught_o by_o undeniable_a demonstration_n to_o justify_v his_o pretension_n these_o qualification_n which_o the_o apostle_n paul_n describe_v in_o the_o 2_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n c._n 2._o 24_o 25_o aught_o to_o be_v apply_v to_o all_o bishop_n and_o teacher_n in_o general_a and_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n he_o say_v must_v not_o strive_v but_o be_v gentle_a unto_o all_o man_n apt_a to_o teach_v patient_o in_o meekness_n instruct_v those_o that_o oppose_v themselves_o if_o god_n peradventure_o will_v give_v they_o repentance_n to_o the_o acknowledge_v of_o the_o truth_n out_o of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v it_o be_v apparent_a that_o if_o any_o one_o now_o adays_o do_v pretend_v to_o any_o prerogative_n or_o infallibility_n in_o decide_v controversy_n as_o to_o matter_n of_o faith_n he_o ought_v to_o be_v endue_v with_o such_o extraordinary_a qualification_n as_o be_v most_o requisite_a for_o the_o due_a explain_v and_o interpret_n the_o sense_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o this_o in_o so_o high_a a_o degree_n as_o that_o the_o other_o teacher_n in_o the_o church_n be_v not_o able_a to_o stand_v in_o competition_n with_o he_o nay_o that_o even_o all_o their_o joint_a endeavour_n in_o this_o kind_n be_v not_o to_o be_v compare_v to_o his_o judgement_n beside_o this_o it_o must_v be_v suppose_v that_o this_o universal_a judge_n except_o he_o be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o useless_a engine_n must_v be_v invest_v with_o a_o power_n to_o execute_v his_o decree_n and_o to_o oblige_v all_o christian_n to_o acquiesce_v in_o his_o judgement_n for_o if_o it_o be_v suppose_v that_o his_o decree_n have_v no_o other_o force_n than_o as_o far_o as_o they_o influence_n people_n by_o the_o force_n of_o truth_n they_o will_v be_v either_o useless_a or_o else_o this_o judge_n in_o vain_a pretend_v thereby_o to_o any_o further_a prerogative_n but_o what_o he_o have_v in_o common_a with_o other_o christian_n that_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o study_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n furthermore_o this_o oblige_a power_n must_v either_o have_v be_v obtain_v by_o a_o peculiar_a privilegde_v grant_v by_o god_n almighty_a or_o by_o a_o general_a consent_n of_o the_o christian_n or_o by_o a_o inherent_a right_n to_o a_o sovereignty_n over_o all_o the_o christian_a church_n as_o for_o a_o privilege_n grant_v by_o god_n or_o the_o general_a consent_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o proof_n of_o it_o as_o far_o as_o ever_o i_o can_v find_v and_o as_o to_o the_o pretend_a sovereign_a power_n its_o legal_a title_n ought_v to_o be_v prove_v by_o such_o document_n as_o be_v suitable_a to_o so_o great_a a_o pretention_n for_o it_o be_v a_o very_a insignificant_a proof_n to_o allege_v in_o a_o case_n of_o such_o moment_n tradition_n and_o a_o long_a continue_a usurpation_n which_o add_v nothing_o to_o the_o right_n of_o a_o long_o continue_v illegal_a possession_n and_o can_v be_v take_v for_o a_o solid_a foundation_n whereupon_o to_o build_v a_o real_a pretention_n to_o such_o a_o sovereignty_n for_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o whereas_o something_o of_o a_o prerogative_n be_v intend_v in_o the_o primitive_a time_n the_o same_o in_o process_n of_o time_n have_v be_v abuse_v and_o consequent_o degenerate_v into_o a_o insufferable_a tyranny_n we_o can_v therefore_o but_o look_v upon_o such_o a_o tradition_n aâ—â—_n aâ—_n not_o the_o least_o foundation_n in_o the_o scripture_n as_o very_o suspicious_a especial_o when_o we_o consider_v that_o such_o a_o sovereign_a power_n be_v quite_o contrary_a to_o the_o true_a genius_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n it_o may_v perhaps_o be_v object_v that_o nothing_o else_o can_v be_v so_o powerful_a to_o put_v a_o stop_n to_o all_o controversy_n but_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v consider_v also_o that_o thereby_o the_o worse_a sort_n of_o slavery_n must_v be_v introduce_v worse_o than_o that_o whereof_o tacitus_n complain_v in_o his_o time_n adempto_fw-la per_fw-la inquisitiones_fw-la &_o loquendi_fw-la audiendioque_fw-la 〈◊〉_d â—â—_o que_fw-fr ipsacum_fw-la voce_fw-la memoria_fw-la perdatur_fw-la si_fw-la tam_fw-la in_o nostra_fw-la potestate_fw-la foret_fw-la oblivisci_fw-la quam_fw-la tacere_fw-la by_o the_o inquisition_n the_o benefit_n of_o our_o tongue_n and_o ear_n be_v take_v away_o at_o once_o and_o if_o it_o be_v as_o easy_a to_o control_v man_n memory_n as_o it_o be_v to_o bridle_v their_o tongue_n the_o very_a remembrance_n of_o thing_n past_a have_v be_v long_o ago_o abolish_v among_o we_o true_o by_o such_o method_n perhaps_o the_o commonwealth_n may_v be_v stock_v with_o hypocrite_n and_o dissemble_a heretic_n but_o few_o will_v be_v bring_v over_o to_o the_o orthodox_n christian_n faith_n as_o it_o be_v therefore_o absolute_o requisite_a that_o a_o hide_a ulcer_n shall_v be_v lay_v open_a whereby_o it_o may_v the_o soon_o be_v purge_v from_o its_o malignancy_n and_o proper_a remedy_n more_o immediate_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o affect_a part_n so_o be_v it_o much_o conduce_v in_o the_o church_n that_o such_o scruple_n and_o erroneous_a opinion_n as_o have_v seize_v our_o mind_n shall_v be_v bring_v to_o light_v that_o by_o apply_v timely_a remedy_n they_o may_v be_v remove_v before_o they_o be_v go_v too_o far_o than_o by_o couch_v they_o over_o to_o let_v they_o run_v into_o a_o malignant_a suppuration_n which_o at_o last_o may_v turn_v to_o a_o incurable_a gangrene_n it_o be_v also_o to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o that_o if_o this_o ecclesiastical_a sovereignty_n be_v grant_v there_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v a_o double_a head_a sovereign_a power_n in_o one_o state_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o subject_n will_v be_v oblige_v to_o acknowledge_v the_o authority_n of_o this_o ecclesiastical_a judge_n in_o point_n of_o controversy_n as_o well_o and_o in_o the_o same_o measure_n as_o they_o do_v the_o authority_n of_o their_o civil_a governor_n in_o civil_a action_n and_o since_o this_o ecclesiastical_a sovereignty_n have_v a_o different_a scope_n from_o that_o for_o which_o civil_a society_n be_v erect_v it_o must_v
consequent_o be_v of_o a_o quite_o different_a nature_n and_o make_v up_o a_o particular_a sovereignty_n wherefore_o if_o both_o these_o shall_v happen_v to_o be_v join_v in_o one_o person_n he_o become_v thereby_o at_o once_o master_n over_o our_o life_n and_o conscience_n but_o if_o this_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n be_v lodge_v in_o another_o person_n he_o must_v either_o at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v acknowledge_v to_o have_v a_o power_n of_o execute_v his_o decree_n by_o his_o own_o prerogative_n or_o else_o to_o have_v only_o a_o authority_n of_o give_v sentence_n leave_v the_o execution_n of_o it_o to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n if_o the_o first_o of_o these_o two_o be_v suppose_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o a_o double_a head_a sovereignty_n must_v carry_v along_o with_o it_o great_a inconvenience_n and_o distraction_n and_o if_o the_o latter_a those_o that_o exercise_v the_o sovereignty_n in_o the_o state_n must_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o executioner_n only_o to_o this_o holy_a judge_n all_o these_o thing_n due_o consider_v as_o they_o must_v needs_o occasion_v great_a convulsion_n in_o the_o state_n so_o no_o man_n that_o be_v not_o beyond_o his_o wit_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o imagine_v unless_o it_o be_v make_v appear_v by_o most_o evident_a proof_n that_o christ_n intend_v to_o introduce_v by_o his_o doctrine_n such_o pernicious_a disease_n into_o civil_a society_n for_o though_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o no_o controversy_n shall_v be_v raise_v in_o the_o church_n like_o christ_n himself_o have_v foretell_v it_o in_o the_o parable_n by_o matthew_n c._n 13._o 24._o and_o st._n paul_n in_o the_o 1_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n c._n 11._o 19_o nevertheless_o if_o any_o controversy_n do_v arise_v he_o that_o be_v the_o first_o author_n of_o it_o must_v of_o necessity_n maintain_v his_o opinion_n under_o a_o colour_n at_o least_o of_o its_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o scripture_n for_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v pretend_v to_o introduce_v a_o new_a article_n of_o faith_n without_o endeavour_v to_o prove_v it_o out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n he_o will_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o mad_a man_n though_o he_o shall_v call_v to_o his_o aid_n all_o the_o sophistication_n of_o the_o philosopher_n and_o if_o he_o shall_v insist_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o tradition_n without_o the_o scripture_n this_o will_v only_o serve_v to_o disclose_v the_o weakness_n of_o that_o foundation_n whereupon_o he_o build_v his_o doctrine_n but_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v make_v a_o attempt_n against_o any_o article_n of_o faith_n receive_v already_o as_o such_o in_o the_o church_n he_o be_v scarce_o worth_a take_a notice_n of_o unless_o he_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o allege_v at_o least_o some_o specious_a reason_n out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o his_o opinion_n and_o in_o such_o a_o case_n especial_o if_o his_o endeavour_n seem_v to_o proceed_v from_o a_o real_a love_n to_o truth_n he_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v absolute_o slight_v without_o be_v hear_v and_o his_o reason_n examine_v so_o that_o then_o the_o whole_a decision_n of_o the_o matter_n must_v depend_v from_o a_o right_a interpretation_n of_o the_o several_a passage_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n relate_v to_o this_o controversy_n and_o to_o find_v out_o this_o interpretation_n i_o see_v not_o any_o necessity_n which_o oblige_v we_o to_o have_v recourse_n to_o a_o sovereign_a power_n or_o any_o infallible_a authority_n but_o only_o to_o such_o mâ—ans_n as_o â—â—_o most_o proper_a for_o the_o search_n into_o and_o find_v out_o the_o genuine_a sense_n of_o other_o author_n viz._n by_o a_o true_a knowledge_n of_o the_o tongue_n and_o a_o diligent_a search_n into_o the_o nature_n and_o whole_a sâ—ame_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o by_o due_o compare_v the_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o observe_v their_o annology_n and_o connexion_n whosoever_o beside_o this_o have_v a_o natural_a good_a judgement_n and_o be_v not_o propossess_v with_o prejudice_n private_a interest_n or_o passion_n it_o will_v oâ—_n no_o such_o difficult_a task_n for_o he_o to_o find_v out_o the_o genuine_a sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o to_o demonstrate_v it_o so_o plain_o that_o such_o as_o oppose_v he_o will_n by_o the_o consent_n of_o all_o understanding_n people_n be_v judge_v to_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n so_o do_v our_o saviour_n at_o several_a time_n convince_v the_o pharisee_n and_o saduceans_n out_o of_o the_o whole_a scripture_n and_o by_o the_o force_n of_o his_o argument_n take_v from_o thence_o that_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o make_v any_o further_a reply_n and_o why_o shall_v it_o not_o be_v reasonable_o suppose_v that_o in_o each_o christian_a church_n there_o may_v be_v find_v a_o sufficient_a number_n of_o teacher_n capable_a of_o disprove_v such_o as_o pretend_v to_o introduce_v among_o they_o innovation_n and_o false_a doctrine_n but_o suppose_v that_o these_o alone_a shall_v prove_v insufficient_a they_o may_v call_v to_o their_o aid_n those_o of_o the_o neighbour_a most_o famous_a church_n from_o whence_o it_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v no_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o acknowledge_v a_o judge_n general_n of_o controversy_n in_o the_o church_n and_o put_v the_o case_n that_o those_o that_o dissent_n from_o the_o church_n be_v so_o numerous_a as_o to_o have_v spread_v their_o doctrine_n all_o over_o the_o state_n this_o judge_n will_v prove_v useless_a in_o his_o office_n for_o if_o he_o pretend_v to_o have_v recourse_n to_o violent_a mean_n to_o make_v they_o renounce_v their_o false_a opinion_n they_o will_v in_o all_o probability_n oppose_v force_n to_o force_v but_o if_o he_o take_v the_o other_o way_n and_o endeavour_n to_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o earor_n by_o argument_n take_v out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n this_o may_v be_v do_v as_o well_o by_o other_o teacher_n sit_o qualify_v for_o their_o office_n than_o by_o such_o a_o judge_n general_n in_o the_o church_n neither_o ought_v we_o to_o be_v so_o over_o timorous_a as_o to_o believe_v that_o error_n shall_v in_o so_o much_o prevail_v over_o truth_n as_o to_o domineer_v always_o and_o every_o where_n over_o it_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v question_v but_o that_o by_o help_n of_o the_o most_o clear-sighted_a teacher_n in_o the_o church_n these_o cloud_n may_v be_v soon_o disperse_v and_o truth_n again_o appear_v in_o its_o splendour_n i_o appeal_v to_o experience_n whether_o not_o a_o great_a many_o heresy_n by_o the_o only_a help_n of_o prevail_a truth_n without_o the_o assistance_n of_o such_o a_o judge_n or_o any_o human_a force_n have_v by_o degree_n dwindle_v away_o and_o at_o last_o quite_o disappear_v it_o must_v be_v confess_v there_o be_v some_o erroneous_a opinion_n which_o be_v nourish_v and_o maintain_v by_o a_o temporal_a interest_n and_o certain_a reason_n of_o state_n of_o some_o particular_a church_n be_v not_o so_o easy_a to_o be_v suppress_v of_o this_o kind_n be_v those_o controversy_n wherein_o the_o protestant_n differ_v with_o the_o papish_n all_o which_o if_o due_o consider_v be_v so_o deep_o entangle_v with_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o popish_a monarchy_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o the_o roman_a catholic_n to_o recede_v a_o inch_n from_o the_o point_n of_o the_o controvert_v article_n without_o diminution_n of_o their_o authority_n and_o endanger_v their_o great_a revenue_n so_o that_o all_o hope_n of_o a_o union_n betwixt_o they_o and_o the_o protestant_n be_v in_o vain_a unless_o the_o latter_a can_v resolve_v to_o submit_v themselves_o under_o the_o same_o popish_a yoke_n which_o they_o have_v shake_v off_o so_o long_o ago_o i_o can_v sufficient_o admire_v that_o gross_a way_n of_o argue_v make_v use_v of_o by_o the_o papish_n when_o they_o talk_v of_o nothing_o else_o but_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o church_n tell_v we_o that_o if_o we_o will_v but_o once_o acknowledge_v the_o same_o all_o the_o difference_n and_o question_n concern_v the_o chief_a article_n of_o faith_n will_v fall_v a-course_n make_v themselves_o both_o party_n and_o judge_n and_o pretend_v to_o give_v sentence_n in_o their_o own_o case_n according_a to_o their_o own_o testimony_n they_o always_o make_v use_n of_o this_o sophism_n that_o they_o attribute_v only_o to_o themselves_o the_o glorious_a name_n of_o the_o true_a church_n exclude_v all_o orhe_a christian_n from_o it_o but_o such_o as_o be_v of_o the_o same_o communion_n with_o they_o and_o to_o back_o this_o pretence_n nothing_o be_v more_o common_a among_o they_o than_o to_o lay_v aside_o all_o manner_n of_o demonstrative_a argument_n found_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o in_o lien_n thereof_o to_o find_v out_o new_a method_n unknown_a to_o the_o apostle_n of_o convert_v people_n and_o to_o endeavour_v to_o establish_v their_o authority_n by_o all_o manner_n of_o violence_n against_o those_o that_o dare_v to_o maintain_v truth_n in_o opposition_n to_o their_o doctrine_n for_o which_o
which_o be_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n attribute_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n here_o upon_o earth_n it_o be_v without_o question_n that_o the_o union_n of_o the_o believer_n under_o christ_n their_o king_n aught_o to_o be_v consider_v as_o a_o kingdom_n or_o empire_n but_o such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n and_o consequent_o of_o a_o quite_o different_a nature_n from_o that_o sovereign_a power_n which_o be_v exercise_v in_o a_o civil_a government_n christ_n be_v there_o the_o king_n who_o have_v withdraw_v himself_o from_o our_o sight_n have_v as_o it_o may_v be_v say_v settle_a his_o court_n in_o heaven_n his_o subject_n be_v disperse_v throughout_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n where_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v teach_v and_o receive_v by_o the_o believer_n who_o by_o the_o intrinlick_a virtue_n of_o this_o doctrine_n be_v confirm_v in_o their_o faith_n and_o make_v proof_n against_o all_o the_o temptation_n and_o malice_n of_o this_o world_n the_o civil_a power_n do_v not_o reach_v this_o kingdom_n true_a piety_n be_v not_o to_o be_v implant_v by_o human_a force_n which_o be_v insufficient_a to_o procure_v god_n grace_n or_o raise_v those_o inward_a motion_n which_o be_v chief_o acceptable_a to_o god_n almighty_a and_o without_o which_o all_o our_o exterior_a action_n that_o may_v be_v enforce_v by_o a_o civil_a authority_n be_v to_o be_v deem_v vain_a and_o fruitless_a for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o kingdom_n of_o truth_n it_o require_v no_o civil_a power_n or_o force_n for_o truth_n by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o with_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n grace_n do_v gentle_o insinuate_v itself_o into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o the_o reward_n or_o punishment_n which_o those_o be_v to_o receive_v that_o either_o accept_v or_o despise_v this_o doctrine_n be_v reserve_v for_o the_o life_n to_o come_v he_o that_o will_v be_v please_v to_o examine_v those_o several_a passage_n where_o mention_n be_v make_v of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n or_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n may_v soon_o be_v convince_v that_o not_o any_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v meet_v withal_o there_o which_o have_v the_o least_o resemblance_n to_o a_o civil_a power_n or_o sovereignty_n those_o that_o expect_v to_o enter_v into_o this_o kingdom_n 35._o mat._n 3._o 2._o c._n 4._o 1â—_n c._n 4._o 23._o c._n 9_o 35._o must_v qualify_v themselves_o by_o repentance_n it_o be_v speak_v of_o christ_n himself_o that_o he_o go_v about_o seq_n mat._n 5._o 1._o seq_n preach_v the_o gospel_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n the_o virtue_n and_o qualification_n which_o christ_n require_v in_o those_o that_o will_v enter_v into_o his_o kingdom_n and_o consequent_o be_v bless_v with_o eternal_a salvation_n have_v but_o little_a relation_n to_o the_o qualification_n of_o a_o subject_a in_o a_o civil_a government_n 52._o mat._n 5._o 19_o c._n 7._o 21._o c._n 6._o 33._o c._n 13._o 21._o 33._o 44_o 45_o 52._o in_o that_o kingdom_n every_o one_o be_v call_v great_a or_o the_o least_o according_a to_o his_o proficiency_n in_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o according_a to_o his_o obedience_n or_o disobedience_n to_o it_o we_o be_v command_v first_o to_o seek_v the_o righteousness_n of_o this_o kingdom_n the_o great_a mystery_n of_o this_o kingdom_n be_v the_o powerful_a operation_n of_o the_o word_n of_o 47._o c._n 24._o 47._o god_n in_o this_o kingdom_n be_v not_o only_o suffer_v those_o that_o be_v foreigner_n to_o it_o but_o also_o its_o enemy_n which_o be_v against_o the_o maxim_n of_o a_o 19_o mat._n 16._o 19_o civil_a government_n the_o key_n of_o this_o kingdom_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o what_o be_v teach_v we_o concern_v 42._o mat._n 18._o 1._o c._n 10._o 21._o c._n 23._o 8._o mark_v 9_o 33_o 34._o c._n 10._o 42._o precedency_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v quite_o contrary_a to_o what_o be_v practise_v in_o a_o civil_a state_n it_o be_v allowable_a by_o the_o civil_a constitution_n for_o every_o one_o to_o pursue_v his_o right_n but_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n he_o be_v count_v a_o ill_a subject_n who_o will_v not_o remit_v a_o trespass_n to_o 14._o mat._n 18._o 23._o c._n 21._o 14._o mark_v 10._o 14._o his_o brother_n the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n be_v also_o of_o the_o little_a child_n those_o that_o be_v employ_v in_o this_o kingdom_n have_v different_a task_n and_o undergo_v different_a sort_n of_o hardship_n and_o yet_o their_o reward_n be_v the_o same_o this_o kingdom_n be_v 23_o mat._n 20._o 1._o c._n 21._o 23_o take_v from_o those_o that_o refuse_v it_o whereas_o it_o be_v a_o maxim_n of_o temporal_a sovereign_n to_o force_v such_o 2._o c._n 2d_o 2._o as_o be_v refractory_a to_o obedience_n and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o after_o the_o jew_n have_v despise_v it_o it_o be_v offer_v to_o the_o gentile_n he_o that_o will_v 1._o c._n 25._o 1._o enjoy_v the_o benefit_n of_o this_o kingdom_n must_v not_o be_v slothful_a the_o rich_a find_v always_o the_o easy_a reception_n in_o a_o civil_a state_n but_o the_o rich_a man_n shall_v hardly_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n 32._o mat._n 19_o 23._o mark_v 10_o 23._o luke_n 12_o 32._o he_o be_v account_v a_o good_a subject_n in_o a_o state_n who_o be_v industrious_a and_o gather_v riches_n by_o all_o lawful_a way_n and_o mean_n but_o this_o be_v reckon_v as_o superfluous_a in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n one_o of_o the_o chief_a motive_n which_o induce_v mankind_n to_o enter_v into_o civil_a society_n be_v to_o preserve_v themselves_o and_o their_o possession_n but_o christ_n say_v whoever_o he_o be_v of_o you_o that_o forsake_v not_o all_o that_o he_o have_v he_o can_v be_v my_o disciple_n 33._o luk._n 1â—_n 33._o and_o last_o of_o all_o he_o say_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n come_v not_o with_o observation_n neither_o shall_v they_o say_v lo_o here_o or_o lo_o there_o for_o behold_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v within_o you_o it_o will_v be_v superfluous_a to_o 21._o c._n 17._o 21._o allege_v more_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v most_o of_o they_o the_o same_o in_o substance_n §_o 30._o though_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o union_n state_n whether_o the_o church_n be_v a_o state_n of_o the_o believer_n under_o christ_n their_o king_n and_o that_o mystical_a body_n who_o head_n be_v christ_n the_o member_n of_o all_o the_o believer_n in_o general_a can_v be_v consider_v as_o a_o temporal_a state_n nevertheless_o it_o be_v worth_a our_o enquiry_n whether_o not_o all_o those_o in_o general_n that_o profess_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n may_v be_v consider_v as_o a_o body_n belong_v under_o one_o civil_a government_n or_o at_o least_o have_v a_o near_a resemblance_n to_o a_o civil_a commonwealth_n or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o in_o effect_n whether_o the_o church_n according_a to_o our_o saviour_n intention_n ought_v to_o be_v consider_v as_o a_o state_n or_o commonwealth_n we_o take_v here_o the_o word_n state_n in_o its_o common_a acceptation_n viz._n for_o a_o certain_a society_n of_o man_n which_o be_v independent_a from_o any_o foreign_a jurisdiction_n live_v under_o the_o protection_n of_o their_o own_o sovereign_n the_o main_a intention_n of_o this_o question_n be_v that_o after_o we_o shall_v have_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o church_n according_a to_o the_o intention_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n neither_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v a_o state_n it_o may_v from_o thence_o be_v conclude_v whether_o that_o church_n which_o pretend_v to_o a_o sovereignty_n consider_v as_o such_o be_v christ_n church_n but_o to_o trace_v the_o very_a original_n of_o this_o question_n it_o ought_v first_o of_o all_o to_o be_v consider_v in_o what_o 〈◊〉_d what_o be_v understand_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n by_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d sense_n the_o word_n ecclesia_fw-la or_o church_n be_v take_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o word_n ecclesia_fw-la have_v its_o offspring_n out_o of_o the_o democracy_n of_o the_o greek_n whereby_o they_o understand_v a_o convention_n meet_v or_o sometime_o a_o concourse_n of_o the_o people_n or_o of_o a_o considerable_a part_n of_o their_o citizen_n in_o order_n to_o receive_v proposition_n to_o consult_v and_o make_v decree_n concern_v matte_n belong_v to_o the_o commonwealth_n it_o be_v derive_v of_o â—vocare_fw-la or_o to_o call-forth_a not_o that_o there_o by_o be_v always_o understand_v a_o assembly_n summon_v out_o of_o a_o great_a multitude_n for_o i_o â—â—_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o not_o all_o the_o citizen_n have_v right_o to_o appear_v in_o those_o assembly_n but_o because_o they_o be_v call_v out_o of_o their_o private_a dwelling-place_n and_o from_o their_o ordinarâ—â—usiness_n to_o meet_v in_o a_o public_a place_n