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scripture_n church_n word_n write_a 3,648 5 10.7659 5 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A34537 The interest of England in the matter of religion the first and second parts : unfolded in the solution of three questions / written by John Corbet. Corbet, John, 1620-1680. 1661 (1661) Wing C6256; ESTC R2461 85,526 278

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and_o pull_v down_o but_o not_o to_o build_v up_o they_o do_v not_o hang_v in_o the_o air_n burr_n build_v upon_o a_o firm_a ground_n they_o have_v settle_v principle_n consistent_a with_o the_o rule_n of_o stable_a policy_n contrariwise_o fanatic_n true_o and_o not_o abusive_o so_o call_v do_v build_v castle_n in_o the_o air_n and_o be_v fit_a instrument_n to_o disturb_v and_o destroy_v and_o root_v out_o but_o never_o to_o compose_v and_o plant_v and_o settle_v for_o which_o cause_n their_o kingdom_n can_v never_o hold_v long_o in_o any_o time_n or_o place_n of_o the_o world_n upon_o this_o ground_n presbytery_n not_o sectarian_a anarchy_n have_v be_v assault_v with_o great_a violence_n by_o the_o more_o observe_v prelatist_n against_o this_o they_o have_v raise_v their_o main_a battery_n this_o appear_v formidable_a for_o it_o be_v stable_n and_o uniform_a and_o like_a to_o hold_v if_o once_o settle_v in_o good_a earnest_n this_o party_n do_v not_o run_v so_o fast_o but_o they_o 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a_o enjoin_v silence_n put_v over_o 〈◊〉_d the_o next_o synod_n which_o be_v hold_v twice_o a_o 〈…〉_z which_o the_o pastor_n of_o that_o quarter_n or_o province_n do_v due_o resort_v accompany_v with_o their_o elder_n and_o any_o question_n of_o doubt_n be_v either_o decide_v by_o that_o assembly_n or_o with_o charge_n of_o silence_n reserve_v to_o a_o national_a synod_n which_o they_o hold_v every_o year_n once_o whither_o come_v not_o the_o pastor_n only_o but_o the_o king_n himself_o or_o his_o commissioner_n and_o some_o of_o all_o order_n and_o degree_n sufficient_o authorize_v for_o determine_v of_o any_o controversy_n that_o shall_v arise_v among_o they_o can_v the_o bishop_n in_o former_a time_n procure_v a_o great_a unity_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n whence_o therefore_o shall_v this_o charge_n arise_v peradventure_o some_o presbyterian_o have_v turn_v sectary_n sure_o it_o will_v be_v take_v for_o a_o weak_a argue_v to_o say_v that_o prelacy_n be_v the_o way_n to_o 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under_o the_o burden_n in_o
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flock_n but_o this_o be_v no_o way_n violate_v by_o admit_v a_o state_v moderator_n or_o precedent_n bishop_n as_o concern_v worship_n or_o divine_a service_n
indulgent_a to_o presbytery_n withstand_v the_o re-ordaining_a of_o those_o scottish_a presbyter_n elect_v bishop_n upon_o this_o reason_n that_o they_o may_v not_o seem_v to_o question_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n for_o which_o cause_n who_o can_v forbear_v to_o censure_v the_o palpable_a absurdity_n of_o some_o latter_a prelatist_n that_o unchurch_n all_o the_o foreign_a reform_a church_n and_o nullify_v their_o ministry_n and_o ordinance_n they_o have_v take_v up_o a_o most_o destructive_a kill_a opinion_n which_o 〈◊〉_d the_o unspeakable_a advantage_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n let_v out_o the_o vital_n of_o the_o protestant_a cause_n and_o religion_n and_o shall_v any_o that_o be_v hearty_a protestant_n be_v fond_a of_o such_o opinionist_n moreover_o it_o be_v no_o less_o evident_a that_o the_o prelacy_n as_o it_o stand_v in_o england_n be_v without_o the_o warrant_n of_o divine_a right_n and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o regard_n of_o lordly_a title_n and_o exercise_n of_o temporal_a dominion_n but_o also_o in_o regard_n of_o sole_a jurisdiction_n and_o deputation_n of_o power_n be_v there_o any_o text_n in_o the_o scripture_n where_o the_o name_n and_o work_v of_o a_o bishop_n be_v appropriate_v to_o a_o superior_a order_n or_o degree_n in_o the_o ministry_n do_v not_o all_o the_o text_n of_o scripture_n that_o mention_v the_o name_n and_o work_v of_o a_o bishop_n attribute_n both_o to_o all_o ordain_a minister_n can_v there_o be_v a_o clear_a evidence_n that_o a_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n be_v the_o same_o spiritual_a officer_n beside_o to_o maintain_v the_o divine_a right_n of_o prelacy_n it_o suffice_v not_o to_o show_v from_o scripture_n any_o kind_n of_o difference_n between_o a_o bishop_n and_o a_o presbyter_n unless_o it_o can_v be_v likewise_o prove_v that_o the_o bishop_n be_v the_o alone_a subject_n or_o receptacle_n of_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n that_o he_o alone_o have_v rule_v and_o government_n over_o all_o the_o presbyter_n within_o his_o limit_n yea_o and_o over_o all_o the_o church_n leave_v no_o power_n to_o the_o presbyter_n but_o to_o execute_v his_o injunction_n but_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o express_v then_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v all_o presbyter_n to_o be_v bishop_n or_o overseer_n and_o have_v command_v they_o to_o rule_v the_o church_n and_o to_o exercise_v episcopacy_n or_o to_o take_v the_o oversight_n thereof_o and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v manifest_a by_o appoint_v the_o exhortation_n of_o saint_n paul_n to_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n and_o the_o character_n and_o qualification_n of_o bishop_n write_v by_o the_o same_o apostle_n unto_o timothy_n to_o be_v read_v unto_o presbyter_n at_o the_o time_n of_o their_o ordination_n hereupon_o a_o late_a famous_a defender_n of_o prelacy_n be_v drive_v to_o leave_v the_o beat_a path_n of_o episcopal_a divine_n and_o to_o take_v a_o new_a way_n but_o to_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o cause_n maintain_v by_o he_o he_o say_v that_o although_o the_o title_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d elder_n have_v be_v extend_v to_o a_o second_o order_n in_o the_o church_n and_o be_v now_o in_o use_n only_o for_o they_o under_o the_o name_n of_o presbyter_n yet_o in_o the_o scripture_n time_n it_o belong_v principal_o if_o not_o only_o to_o bishop_n there_o be_v no_o evidence_n that_o any_o of_o that_o second_o order_n be_v then_o institute_v though_o soon_o after_o before_o the_o write_n of_o ignatius_n such_o be_v institute_v in_o all_o church_n here_o it_o be_v full_o grant_v that_o the_o scripture_n presbyter_n be_v bishop_n and_o that_o the_o second_o order_n of_o mere_a presbyter_n which_o be_v no_o bishop_n be_v not_o then_o institute_v whereupon_o it_o follow_v that_o a_o mere_a presbyter_n who_o be_v no_o bishop_n be_v not_o of_o divine_a institution_n but_o a_o mere_a humane_a creature_n if_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v the_o perfect_a rule_n of_o all_o divine_a institution_n neither_o be_v the_o abatement_n of_o prelacy_n unto_o moderate_a episcopacy_n or_o presidency_n any_o departure_n from_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n but_o a_o true_a revive_n of_o the_o same_o which_o be_v a_o election_n make_v by_o the_o presbyter_n of_o one_o of_o their_o own_o number_n to_o preside_v among_o they_o and_o that_o upon_o no_o pretence_n of_o divine_a right_n but_o for_o remedy_n of_o schism_n as_o i_o witness_v and_o with_o this_o bishop_n or_o precedent_n the_o whole_a presbytery_n join_v in_o the_o common_a government_n of_o the_o church_n bishop_n usher_z plain_o show_v how_o easy_o the_o ancient_a form_n of_o government_n may_v be_v revive_v again_o and_o with_o what_o little_a show_n of_o alteration_n namely_o by_o erect_v a_o suffragan_n bishop_n in_o every_o rural_a deanery_n into_o which_o every_o diocese_n be_v subdivide_v who_o may_v every_o month_n assemble_v a_o synod_n of_o all_o the_o incumbent_a pastor_n within_o the_o precinct_n and_o according_a to_o the_o major_a part_n of_o voice_n conclude_v all_o matter_n that_o shall_v be_v bring_v into_o debate_n before_o they_o yet_o with_o a_o liberty_n to_o appeal_v if_o need_v require_v to_o the_o diocesan_n provincial_a national_a synod_n that_o the_o number_n of_o bishop_n shall_v be_v very_o much_o augment_v do_v evident_o appear_v to_o all_o that_o know_v and_o consider_v the_o weight_n of_o episcopal_a superintendency_n and_o the_o learned_a bishop_n now_o mention_v give_v a_o hint_n that_o their_o number_n may_v be_v very_o well_o conform_v to_o the_o number_n of_o rural_a deanery_n sure_o so_o many_o hundred_o populous_a parish_n now_o under_o the_o government_n of_o one_o bishop_n may_v be_v well_o divide_v into_o many_o dioceses_n ample_a enough_o and_o such_o a_o course_n will_v make_v not_o only_o for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o church_n by_o the_o more_o effectual_a inspection_n of_o many_o bishop_n for_o one_o but_o also_o for_o the_o advancement_n of_o learning_n by_o the_o multiplication_n of_o preferment_n wherefore_o nothing_o of_o the_o church_n be_v or_o well-being_n nothing_o of_o divine_a institution_n or_o primitive_a practice_n do_v withstand_v the_o reduction_n of_o prelacy_n to_o moderate_a episcopacy_n or_o the_o ancient_a synodical_a government_n to_o which_o the_o presbyterian_o may_v conform_v without_o repugnancy_n to_o their_o principle_n section_n xxiv_o the_o point_n of_o ceremony_n come_v next_o under_o debate_n and_o for_o as_o much_o as_o it_o concern_v divine_a worship_n it_o be_v of_o high_a importance_n and_o a_o tender_a point_n of_o conscience_n and_o herein_o we_o affirm_v that_o the_o presbyterian_a concession_n be_v no_o way_n defective_a but_o sufficient_a and_o ample_a unto_o all_o regular_a devotion_n in_o divine_a service_n all_o natural_a expression_n of_o devotion_n or_o natural_a external_a worship_n they_o ready_o acknowledge_v as_o kneel_v and_o lift_v up_o of_o the_o hand_n and_o eye_n in_o prayer_n and_o such_o like_a which_o be_v call_v natural_a because_o nature_n itself_o teach_v all_o nation_n to_o use_v they_o without_o any_o divine_a or_o humane_a institution_n and_o a_o rational_a man_n by_o the_o mere_a light_n of_o nature_n be_v direct_v to_o they_o yet_o not_o without_o some_o government_n of_o counsel_n and_o discretion_n for_o in_o these_o thing_n nature_n be_v in_o part_n determine_v and_o limit_v by_o the_o custom_n of_o several_a age_n and_o country_n and_o by_o the_o difference_n of_o several_a case_n in_o the_o act_n of_o adoration_n the_o prostration_n of_o the_o body_n be_v use_v according_a to_o nature_n in_o some_o age_n place_n and_o occasion_n and_o not_o in_o other_o in_o ancient_a time_n the_o wear_n of_o fackcloth_n and_o ash_n and_o rent_v of_o clothes_n be_v fit_a expression_n of_o humiliation_n and_o that_o according_a to_o nature_n yet_o the_o same_o suit_v not_o with_o our_o time_n for_o herein_o nature_n be_v subject_a unto_o some_o variety_n and_o now_o adays_o the_o wear_n of_o the_o mean_a apparel_n be_v suitable_a in_o a_o day_n of_o humiliation_n because_o it_o be_v now_o a_o convenient_a natural_a expression_n of_o self-abasement_n and_o a_o kind_n of_o abstinence_n likewise_o kneel_v be_v a_o natural_a prayer-posture_n but_o where_o it_o can_v be_v use_v convenient_o stand_v be_v natural_o agreeable_a nevertheless_o neither_o the_o one_o nor_o the_o other_o be_v necessary_a where_o infirmity_n or_o other_o necessity_n make_v it_o inconvenient_a moreover_o they_o do_v not_o scruple_n the_o mere_a circumstance_n of_o order_n as_o time_n place_n and_o method_n without_o which_o humane_a action_n can_v be_v perform_v they_o allow_v and_o commend_v all_o matter_n of_o decency_n as_o decent_a church_n or_o meet_v place_n and_o furniture_n as_o a_o pulpit_n cloth_n communion_n cup_n and_o a_o grave_a habit_n for_o a_o minister_n and_o in_o holy_a duty_n a_o grave_a posture_n of_o body_n &_o compose_a countenance_n and_o
not_o with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n be_v present_a at_o the_o popish_a mass_n because_o he_o wound_v his_o conscience_n by_o impious_a dissimulation_n thereby_o make_v a_o show_n of_o approve_v that_o pretend_a expiatory_a sacrifice_n in_o another_o question_n he_o resolve_v that_o papist_n be_v bind_v to_o be_v present_a at_o the_o english_a divine_a service_n because_o nothing_o occur_v therein_o that_o can_v be_v by_o themselves_o reprove_v in_o apply_v this_o to_o our_o case_n it_o be_v far_o from_o my_o thought_n to_o make_v the_o comparison_n between_o presbyterian_o and_o prelatist_n parallel_v with_o that_o between_o protestant_n and_o papist_n but_o i_o make_v the_o reason_n of_o both_o case_n parallel_v for_o as_o papist_n find_v nothing_o in_o the_o protestant_a liturgy_n according_a to_o their_o own_o principle_n impious_a or_o unsound_a in_o like_a manner_n the_o prelatist_n can_v find_v no_o positive_a thing_n in_o the_o propound_a term_n of_o accommodation_n contrary_a to_o divine_v right_a and_o primitive_a practice_n only_o as_o the_o papist_n find_v not_o so_o much_o as_o they_o will_v have_v in_o our_o liturgy_n so_o the_o prelatist_n in_o the_o say_a proposal_n nay_o the_o papist_n have_v better_a colour_n of_o reason_n to_o separate_v from_o our_o public_a service_n because_o although_o they_o find_v nothing_o positive_o unsound_a yet_o according_a to_o the_o roman_a faith_n they_o may_v pretend_v fundamental_a defect_n therein_o as_o the_o want_n of_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o mass_n but_o the_o prelatist_n can_v here_o allege_v no_o such_o thing_n the_o suppose_a defect_n and_o omission_n be_v only_o in_o thing_n remote_a from_o the_o foundation_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n for_o we_o trust_v the_o great_a number_n of_o they_o do_v not_o hold_v that_o there_o be_v no_o church_n without_o a_o prelate_n have_v sole_a jurisdiction_n over_o the_o clergy_n that_o there_o be_v no_o ministry_n but_o what_o be_v ordain_v by_o such_o a_o prelate_n that_o there_o be_v no_o true_a divine_a service_n where_o the_o common-prayer_n book_n be_v not_o use_v and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o acceptable_a worship_n without_o humane_a mystical_a ceremony_n let_v they_o that_o have_v take_v up_o such_o opinion_n sad_o consider_v whether_o they_o be_v lead_v therein_o by_o conscience_n or_o by_o humour_n and_o design_n section_n xxviii_o the_o great_a show_n of_o reason_n oppose_v this_o moderation_n be_v a_o pretend_a fixation_n in_o religion_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v but_o a_o show_n and_o colour_n that_o religion_n be_v a_o thing_n unmoveable_a all_o that_o be_v true_o religious_a do_v from_o the_o heart_n acknowledge_v and_o for_o the_o immobility_n thereof_o none_o contend_v more_o earnest_o than_o the_o presbyterian_o but_o they_o fix_v its_o unmovable_a state_n in_o the_o canonical_a scripture_n and_o they_o continual_o cry_v to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n against_o humane_a tradition_n and_o invention_n in_o one_o extreme_a and_o against_o enthusiasm_n in_o the_o other_o upon_o occasion_n of_o any_o aberration_n in_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n they_o recall_v we_o to_o the_o primitive_a rule_n and_o pattern_n and_o what_o be_v receive_v from_o the_o lord_n that_o deliver_v they_o to_o the_o church_n that_o sacred_a rule_n they_o willing_o suffer_v not_o to_o be_v captivate_v in_o its_o interpretation_n by_o the_o church_n infallibility_n as_o do_v the_o papist_n nor_o by_o proud_a and_o arrogant_a reason_n as_o the_o socinian_o nor_o by_o impulse_n and_o imagination_n as_o the_o euthusiast_n but_o they_o maintain_v it_o in_o its_o full_a authority_n to_o interpret_v itself_o who_o authentic_a interpretation_n we_o be_v enable_v to_o discern_v by_o rational_a inference_n and_o deduction_n wherein_o we_o make_v use_v of_o reason_n not_o as_o a_o argument_n but_o as_o instrument_n as_o for_o the_o decree_n and_o canon_n of_o the_o church_n what_o rightful_a authority_n do_v make_v they_o as_o the_o law_n of_o the_o mede_n and_o persian_n that_o alter_v not_o must_v thing_n be_v enact_v by_o the_o church_n once_o and_o for_o ever_o and_o whether_o they_o be_v little_a or_o great_a clear_a or_o doubtful_a necessary_a or_o superfluous_a must_v they_o be_v hold_v unquestionable_a and_o indisputable_a sure_o this_o be_v to_o idolise_v humane_a constitution_n and_o to_o equalise_v they_o with_o divine_a and_o to_o lead_v the_o people_n to_o a_o blind_a implicit_a faith_n and_o a_o neglect_n of_o search_v the_o scripture_n and_o upon_o this_o ground_n those_o large_a church_n as_o the_o roman_a grecian_a aethiopick_n armenian_n indian_a and_o the_o rest_n be_v obstinate_o divide_v for_o many_o age_n from_o each_o other_o and_o hold_v to_o this_o principle_n of_o unalterable_a tradition_n and_o constitution_n they_o will_v be_v divide_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n have_v not_o all_o ecclesiastical_a canon_n and_o decree_n a_o beginning_n and_o that_o at_o sundry_a time_n and_o in_o divers_a manner_n and_o be_v not_o many_o of_o they_o as_o it_o be_v but_o of_o yesterday_o and_o when_o they_o be_v bring_v in_o where_o be_v the_o pretend_a fixation_n doubtless_o religion_n may_v be_v alike_o alter_v by_o addition_n as_o by_o substraction_n nay_o have_v there_o not_o be_v substraction_n also_o be_v not_o divers_a custom_n and_o ceremony_n of_o great_a antiquity_n now_o quite_o abolish_v among_o we_o if_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n may_v err_v why_o not_o the_o church_n of_o england_n indeed_o the_o papist_n that_o hold_v their_o church_n infallible_a may_v hold_v the_o decree_n thereof_o unalterable_a but_o the_o church_n of_o england_n claim_v no_o such_o privilege_n be_v it_o necessary_a that_o our_o first_o reformer_n shall_v see_v all_o thing_n at_o the_o first_o daybreak_n out_o of_o the_o night_n of_o popery_n or_o if_o they_o see_v all_o thing_n requisite_a for_o their_o own_o time_n can_v they_o foresee_v all_o future_a event_n and_o provide_v remedy_n for_o inconvenience_n which_o time_n may_v bring_v forth_o it_o be_v a_o wise_a say_n of_o a_o learned_a man_n that_o time_n itself_o be_v the_o great_a innovator_n and_o again_o that_o physic_n be_v a_o innovation_n sure_o as_o the_o natural_a so_o the_o body_n politic_a sometime_o need_v physic_n and_o oftentimes_o moderate_a reformation_n do_v prevent_v abolition_n and_o extirpation_n beside_o a_o great_a alteration_n in_o this_o kind_n have_v continue_v in_o a_o state_v posture_n for_o many_o year_n which_o infer_v a_o great_a necessity_n of_o a_o accommodation_n nevertheless_o there_o be_v no_o attempt_n or_o question_v make_v of_o change_v any_o thing_n that_o touch_v sound_a faith_n and_o good_a life_n or_o the_o substance_n of_o divine_a worship_n yet_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n something_o possible_o may_v have_v be_v insert_v as_o a_o article_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v but_o problematical_a and_o in_o a_o fundamental_a article_n some_o inconvenient_a expression_n may_v be_v use_v and_o this_o questionless_a may_v be_v alter_v without_o any_o imputation_n of_o uncertainty_n to_o the_o establish_a doctrine_n some_o change_n in_o the_o outward_a form_n and_o ceremony_n which_o be_v but_o a_o garb_n or_o dress_n be_v no_o real_a change_n of_o the_o worship_n some_o change_n in_o the_o late_a external_a jurisdiction_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v not_o formal_o ecclesiastical_a and_o spiritual_a but_o temporal_a and_o coercive_a invest_v in_o the_o bishop_n by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n be_v no_o change_n in_o the_o true_a spiritual_a power_n that_o be_v intrinsical_v to_o their_o spiritual_a office_n nay_o the_o reformation_n may_v be_v encompass_v with_o little_a variation_n as_o to_o the_o outward_a model_n and_o platform_n the_o kingdom_n be_v already_o square_v for_o it_o as_o have_v be_v above_o show_v in_o the_o offer_v make_v by_o some_o bishop_n only_o the_o power_n will_v be_v more_o diffuse_v be_v distribute_v among_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n in_o due_a proportion_n be_v it_o object_v once_o remove_v the_o ancient_a bound_n and_o we_o know_v not_o where_o to_o stop_v we_o must_v serve_v every_o humour_n and_o a_o inundation_n of_o error_n and_o schism_n will_v break_v in_o sure_o papist_n have_v as_o much_o to_o say_v herein_o against_o the_o protestant_n as_o the_o prelatist_n against_o the_o presbyterian_o for_o they_o say_v that_o protestantism_n be_v the_o womb_n of_o all_o sect_n and_o that_o we_o have_v forsake_v the_o infallible_a guide_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v lose_v ourselves_o in_o a_o wilderness_n of_o error_n beside_o who_o be_v they_o that_o remove_v the_o ancient_a bound_n set_v in_o the_o first_o english_a reformation_n by_o introduce_v many_o innovation_n but_o to_o give_v a_o direct_a answer_n be_v not_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n and_o christ_n holy_a institution_n sufficient_a bound_n and_o landmark_n can_v prudent_a and_o faithful_a church-guides_a keep_v the_o flock_n from_o wander_v unless_o they_o hedge_v they_o in_o by_o unchangeable_a canon_n
in_o worship_n and_o church-communion_n and_o also_o in_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o ecclesiastic_n compact_v by_o several_a joint_n and_o ligament_n under_o one_o papal_a head_n thus_o the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n be_v wise_a in_o their_o generation_n and_o let_v the_o child_n of_o light_n borrow_v this_o point_n of_o wisdom_n from_o they_o which_o be_v to_o take_v care_n that_o our_o different_a opinion_n do_v not_o brangle_v our_o church-communion_n and_o ecclesiastical_a polity_n and_o in_o as_o much_o as_o protestant_n have_v not_o that_o popish_a way_n of_o quick_a dispatch_n for_o all_o controversy_n which_o be_v to_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o church_n infallibility_n but_o according_a to_o their_o principle_n they_o must_v seek_v their_o warrant_n from_o scripture_n by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o church_n directive_n and_o their_o own_o discretive_a judgement_n the_o only_a way_n for_o they_o to_o hold_v themselves_o in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n be_v to_o avoid_v all_o imposition_n of_o thing_n unnecessary_a in_o which_o it_o be_v exceed_o difficult_a or_o moral_o impossible_a for_o all_o sound_a protestant_n to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o persuasion_n section_n fourteen_o let_v we_o here_o take_v notice_n of_o another_o singular_a point_n of_o wisdom_n follow_v by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n which_o be_v to_o shun_v as_o a_o rock_n the_o determine_n of_o such_o doctrine_n as_o be_v controvert_v among_o the_o catholic_n and_o according_a to_o this_o settle_a rule_n the_o debate_n of_o that_o council_n be_v govern_v oft_o time_n indeed_o there_o arise_v hot_a contest_v among_o the_o divine_n about_o scholastical_a nicety_n the_o several_a order_n of_o friar_n be_v therein_o passionate_o addict_v to_o their_o several_a opinion_n but_o the_o prelate_n who_o alone_o have_v the_o decisive_a voice_n will_v always_o bring_v thing_n to_o a_o temper_n and_o the_o decree_n be_v so_o frame_v that_o the_o opinion_n of_o neither_o party_n be_v condemn_v let_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n mingle_v this_o wisdom_n of_o the_o serpent_n with_o his_o dovelike_a innocency_n to_o wit_n not_o to_o urge_v with_o severity_n thing_n dispute_v among_o sound_n and_o sober_a protestant_n but_o it_o have_v seem_v good_a to_o some_o protestant_n to_o walk_v by_o a_o contrary_a rule_n to_o heighten_v difference_n between_o themselves_o and_o those_o who_o they_o call_v puritan_n and_o to_o judge_v they_o irreconcilable_a and_o to_o lessen_v difference_n between_o themselves_o and_o the_o romanist_n in_o order_n to_o a_o pacification_n we_o hope_v that_o this_o error_n be_v or_o may_v be_v perceive_v by_o those_o that_o have_v be_v enchant_v into_o it_o i_o be_o inform_v by_o a_o writer_n of_o our_o ecclesiastical_a history_n who_o be_v of_o the_o episcopal_a persuasion_n that_o a_o episcopal_a doctor_n of_o great_a note_n and_o now_o a_o bishop_n do_v within_o these_o few_o year_n use_v his_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o gain_v upon_o the_o sorbonist_n in_o paris_n and_o thereupon_o that_o he_o comply_v with_o they_o as_o far_o as_o he_o can_v do_v in_o christian_a prudence_n and_o with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n now_o the_o sorbonist_n be_v the_o most_o moderate_a papist_n and_o the_o say_a doctor_n be_v know_v to_o be_v far_o enough_o from_o the_o least_o smatch_n of_o puritanism_n yet_o not_o any_o accommodation_n can_v be_v hear_v of_o between_o they_o but_o rather_o the_o contrary_a even_o in_o the_o point_n of_o the_o apocrypha_fw-la see_v these_o thing_n be_v so_o one_o may_v wonder_v that_o any_o learned_a man_n zealous_a of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n shall_v remain_v averse_a from_o the_o true_a way_n of_o unity_n among_o disagree_v protestant_n when_o the_o pacification_n between_o protestant_n and_o papist_n be_v become_v desperate_a one_o will_v conclude_v that_o wise_a and_o learned_a man_n can_v not_o be_v so_o oversee_v if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o deep_a mystery_n in_o this_o business_n whereupon_o i_o pass_v to_o a_o further_a inquiry_n whether_o the_o foment_v of_o these_o discord_n do_v not_o proceed_v from_o a_o carnal_a design_n and_o i_o shall_v argue_v even_o upon_o the_o case_n of_o a_o worldly_a interest_n whether_o the_o way_n of_o severe_a impose_v or_o of_o moderate_a condescend_v be_v the_o more_o advisable_v section_n xv._n if_o the_o settlement_n of_o the_o church_n peace_n by_o give_v needful_a satisfaction_n and_o security_n to_o the_o presbyterian_o and_o the_o enlargement_n of_o the_o church_n interest_n by_o take_v in_o the_o multitude_n of_o that_o denomination_n be_v neglect_v in_o this_o discern_a age_n we_o must_v needs_o believe_v that_o the_o root_n of_o this_o dissension_n go_v deep_a than_o passion_n prejudices_fw-la and_o mis-apprehension_n and_o that_o some_o carnal_a and_o partial_a interest_n be_v that_o root_n of_o bitterness_n that_o bear_v this_o gall_n and_o wormwood_n papist_n themselves_o have_v note_v that_o the_o court_n of_o rome_n have_v rather_o abandon_v the_o hope_n of_o regain_n three_o kingdom_n to_o their_o pretend_a catholic_n church_n then_o declare_v it_o lawful_a for_o the_o english_a papist_n to_o take_v the_o oath_n of_o allegiance_n when_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n be_v hold_v &_o most_o of_o the_o prince_n that_o send_v ambassador_n to_o the_o council_n be_v instant_a that_o some_o regard_n may_v be_v have_v of_o the_o protestant_n and_o their_o recovery_n endeavour_v by_o moderation_n and_o reformation_n the_o pope_n know_v that_o their_o return_n upon_o such_o term_n can_v never_o be_v hope_v for_o without_o the_o diminution_n of_o the_o revenue_n and_o authority_n of_o his_o court_n judge_v it_o most_o necessary_a for_o the_o interest_n of_o his_o pretend_a apostolic_a see_v to_o make_v the_o division_n strong_a and_o the_o party_n irreconcilable_a that_o those_o country_n and_o people_n which_o continue_v in_o obedience_n to_o he_o may_v be_v keep_v entire_o popish_a when_o man_n contend_v for_o the_o immutability_n of_o mutable_a order_n and_o stiff_o oppose_v the_o due_a regulation_n of_o thing_n exorbitant_a and_o excessive_a and_o resolve_v to_o give_v no_o ground_n for_o the_o gain_n of_o dissent_v brethren_n it_o be_v not_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n but_o perverse_a self-love_n and_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n that_o constrain_v they_o such_o interest_v person_n be_v never_o good_a counsellor_n for_o the_o public_a weal._n section_n xvi_o now_o in_o as_o much_o as_o some_o particular_a carnal_a interest_n be_v just_o suspect_v in_o the_o impetuous_a and_o obstinate_a pursuance_n of_o the_o thing_n in_o controversy_n we_o be_v willing_a here_o to_o make_v it_o a_o question_n of_o interest_n and_o upon_o that_o account_n to_o make_v a_o address_n to_o the_o reason_n even_o of_o those_o that_o be_v carry_v forth_o with_o great_a vehemence_n in_o favour_n of_o the_o episcopal_a and_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o presbyterian_a party_n all_o enterprise_n that_o have_v their_o beginning_n in_o judgement_n and_o not_o in_o passion_n be_v direct_v to_o a_o certain_a end_n set_v up_o as_o a_o mark_n and_o that_o end_n be_v not_o a_o business_n at_o rover_n but_o some_o particular_a steady_a issue_n of_o thing_n certain_o or_o probable_o apprehend_v and_o expect_v wherefore_o let_v wise_a man_n consider_v the_o mark_n whereat_o they_o level_v and_o to_o what_o issue_n and_o state_n of_o thing_n their_o action_n tend_v here_o be_v a_o numerous_a party_n not_o of_o the_o dregs_n and_o refuse_v of_o the_o nation_n but_o of_o the_o judicious_a and_o serious_a part_n thereof_o what_o will_v they_o do_v with_o they_o and_o how_o will_v they_o order_v the_o matter_n concern_v they_o will_v they_o destroy_v they_o i_o solemn_o profess_v that_o i_o abhor_v to_o think_v so_o by_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o episcopal_a persuasion_n i_o will_v disdain_v to_o mention_v such_o a_o unreasonable_a impiety_n be_v it_o not_o to_o show_v the_o inconsiderate_a and_o absurd_a proceed_n of_o a_o unalterable_a opposition_n as_o that_o it_o can_v drive_v to_o any_o form_a end_n and_o issue_n that_o protestant_n shall_v destroy_v protestant_n for_o dissent_v in_o the_o point_n of_o ceremony_n and_o sole_a jurisdiction_n of_o bishop_n be_v so_o dreadful_a a_o violation_n of_o charity_n and_o common_a honesty_n that_o it_o be_v a_o most_o uncharitable_a and_o dishonest_a thing_n to_o suppose_v it_o of_o they_o what_o then_o will_v they_o bear_v they_o down_o or_o keep_v they_o under_o hard_a condition_n shall_v all_o person_n that_o can_v yield_v exact_a obedience_n to_o ecclesiastical_a injunction_n concern_v all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o liturgy_n and_o ceremony_n be_v suspend_v and_o deprive_v as_o former_o shall_v minister_n of_o this_o judgement_n be_v cast_v and_o keep_v out_o of_o ecclesiastical_a preferment_n and_o employment_n shall_v all_o private_a conference_n of_o godly_a peaceable_a christian_n for_o mutual_a edification_n be_v hold_v unlawful_a conventicle_n it_o have_v be_v think_v by_o wise_a man_n
party_n which_o can_v be_v root_v out_o but_o will_v be_v always_o considerable_a either_o as_o friend_n or_o enemy_n especial_o when_o those_o term_n do_v comprise_v some_o part_n of_o their_o victory_n that_o shall_v accept_v they_o let_v the_o episcopal_a clergy_n observe_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o time_n that_o they_o may_v right_o comprehend_v the_o measure_n of_o their_o own_o hope_n the_o english_a be_v a_o generous_a nation_n and_o as_o they_o delight_v in_o the_o majesty_n and_o glory_n of_o their_o king_n so_o also_o in_o the_o splendid_a condition_n of_o subordinate_a governor_n that_o their_o manner_n of_o live_v be_v in_o some_o sort_n conformable_a to_o the_o dignity_n and_o opulency_n of_o the_o nation_n according_o they_o seem_v to_o take_v pleasure_n that_o the_o ecclesiastical_a state_n be_v uphold_v by_o a_o fair_a revenue_n and_o competent_a dignity_n yet_o with_o moderation_n for_o if_o the_o clergy_n do_v rise_v to_o princely_a or_o lordly_a wealth_n and_o power_n they_o may_v become_v the_o envy_n of_o the_o nobility_n and_o gentry_n let_v they_o remember_v they_o stand_v by_o grace_n not_o by_o their_o own_o strength_n but_o by_o their_o prince_n his_o favour_n the_o nation_n in_o general_n may_v be_v take_v with_o a_o grave_n and_o masculine_a decency_n in_o all_o sacred_a thing_n suitable_a to_o their_o spiritual_a majesty_n but_o i_o make_v a_o question_n whether_o in_o this_o noontide_a of_o the_o gospel_n they_o will_v fall_v in_o love_n with_o excessive_a gaudiness_n pompous_a show_n and_o various_a affect_a gesture_n in_o sacred_a administration_n and_o not_o rather_o esteem_v they_o vanity_n too_o much_o detract_n from_o the_o dignity_n and_o purity_n of_o gospel-worship_n in_o this_o noontide_a of_o the_o gospel_n the_o bishop_n can_v magnify_v their_o office_n but_o by_o other_o course_n than_o what_o be_v take_v in_o former_a and_o dark_a time_n mere_a formality_n will_v no_o long_o dazzle_v our_o eye_n we_o shall_v think_v they_o have_v work_v of_o a_o high_a nature_n then_o to_o look_v only_o to_o the_o observation_n of_o outward_a form_n and_o rite_n ann_n ceremony_n they_o must_v make_v a_o near_a approach_n to_o the_o presbyterian_a practice_n in_o the_o constant_a preach_v of_o the_o word_n in_o the_o strict_a observation_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n in_o keep_v a_o true_a watch_n over_o the_o flock_n and_o in_o correct_v the_o real_a scandal_n that_o break_v forth_o in_o man_n conversation_n and_o if_o they_o walk_v in_o these_o path_n the_o prelatist_n and_o presbyterian_o will_v not_o be_v far_o asunder_o perhaps_o the_o friend_n of_o prelacy_n may_v imagine_v that_o in_o this_o coalition_n presbytery_n may_v at_o length_n undermine_v episcopacy_n but_o reason_n show_v that_o episcopacy_n will_v stand_v more_o firm_a in_o conjunction_n with_o presbytery_n then_o by_o itself_o alone_o in_o the_o body_n natural_a there_o be_v some_o predominant_a humour_n as_o sanguine_a choleric_a melancholy_a or_o phlegmatic_a yet_o none_o of_o these_o do_v subsist_v alone_o without_o the_o mixture_n of_o the_o rest_n in_o a_o due_a temperament_n in_o like_a manner_n the_o body_n ecclesiastical_a may_v be_v of_o several_a complexion_n or_o constitution_n as_o episcopal_a or_o presbyterial_a according_a to_o the_o predominant_a quality_n now_o if_o the_o presbyterian_a church_n will_v become_v more_o firm_a and_o stable_a by_o the_o superintendency_n of_o one_o grave_a precedent_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v in_o all_o presbytery_n there_o appear_v some_o episcopacy_n either_o formal_a or_o virtual_a so_o a_o episcopal_a church_n may_v be_v judge_v more_o firm_a and_o stable_a by_o a_o bishop_n superintendency_n in_o consociation_n with_o assistant_n presbyter_n and_o to_o remove_v the_o fear_n of_o the_o encroachment_n of_o presbytery_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o discern_v that_o episcopacy_n if_o it_o contain_v itself_o within_o moderate_a bound_n will_v be_v always_o in_o this_o national_a church_n the_o predominant_a quality_n in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o discourse_n let_v i_o offer_v these_o few_o essay_n concern_v the_o path_n of_o peace_n section_n xlv_o the_o glorify_v and_o please_v of_o the_o high_a potentate_n and_o universal_a monarch_n and_o the_o eternal_a happiness_n of_o immortal_a precious_a soul_n be_v the_o most_o noble_a and_o bless_a end_n of_o government_n let_v his_o majesty_n reign_n be_v happy_a and_o glorious_a in_o attain_v these_o end_n a_o christian_a king_n esteem_v it_o the_o excellency_n of_o his_o regal_a power_n to_o hold_v and_o manage_v it_o as_o the_o servant_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v a_o protector_n of_o the_o true_a church_n the_o body_n of_o christ_n the_o lamb_n wife_n for_o who_o redemption_n christ_n die_v and_o for_o who_o gather_v and_o perfect_v the_o world_n be_v continue_v it_o be_v the_o character_n of_o this_o true_a church_n to_o make_v the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o perfect_a rule_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o life_n to_o worship_n god_n in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n according_a to_o the_o power_n and_o spiritual_a worship_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o walk_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o new_a creature_n in_o spiritual_a mortification_n and_o crucifixion_n to_o the_o world_n to_o study_v holiness_n in_o sincerity_n to_o strive_v to_o advance_v it_o in_o themselves_o and_o other_o and_o to_o have_v influence_n upon_o other_o unto_o sound_a knowledge_n faith_n humility_n godliness_n justice_n temperance_n charity_n the_o true_a church_n lie_v in_o the_o middle_n between_o two_o extreme_n formalist_n and_o fanatic_n they_o be_v of_o circumspect_a and_o regular_a walk_n no_o way_n forward_o in_o attempt_v or_o desire_v alteration_n in_o a_o civil_a state_n a_o prince_n do_v hold_v they_o in_o obedience_n under_o a_o double_a bond_n for_o they_o know_v they_o must_v needs_o be_v subject_a not_o only_o for_o wrath_n but_o for_o conscience_n sake_n indeed_o we_o will_v not_o conceal_v that_o in_o lawful_a way_n they_o assert_v that_o liberty_n which_o be_v settle_v by_o the_o know_a law_n and_o fundamental_a constitution_n the_o maintain_v whereof_o be_v the_o princ_n as_o much_o as_o the_o people_n safety_n section_n xlvi_o that_o be_v the_o happy_a polity_n that_o be_v found_v in_o true_a religion_n and_o most_o full_o suit_v to_o man_n everlasting_a concernment_n it_o great_o behove_v governor_n to_o mark_v and_o avoid_v those_o thing_n which_o bring_v religion_n into_o contempt_n and_o tend_v to_o the_o increase_n of_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n the_o many_o various_a sect_n and_o absurd_a opinion_n and_o fancy_n and_o pretend_a revelation_n of_o these_o latter_a time_n have_v much_o lessen_v the_o reverence_n of_o religion_n in_o england_n this_o be_v a_o great_a evil_n and_o much_o observe_v and_o decry_v by_o the_o present_a time_n there_o be_v another_o evil_n no_o less_o injurious_a to_o the_o honour_n and_o estimation_n of_o christian_a piety_n to_o wit_n ceremonial_a strictness_n with_o real_a profaneness_n or_o at_o the_o most_o but_o lukewarmness_n in_o the_o real_a part_n of_o religion_n and_o this_o be_v the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o papacy_n by_o occasion_n whereof_o atheist_n have_v so_o abound_v in_o italy_n machiavelli_n observe_v in_o his_o time_n that_o christianity_n be_v no_o where_o less_o honour_v then_o in_o rome_n which_o be_v the_o pretend_a head_n thereof_o let_v this_o evil_n be_v see_v prevent_v and_o remedy_v that_o the_o sacred_a name_n of_o the_o church_n be_v give_v to_o a_o society_n not_o carnal_a but_o true_o spiritual_a according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n we_o be_v the_o circumcision_n which_o worship_n god_n in_o the_o spirit_n and_o rejoice_v in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o have_v no_o confidence_n in_o the_o flesh_n section_n xlvii_o it_o be_v the_o pre-eminence_n of_o his_o majesty_n as_o general_a bishop_n of_o the_o land_n for_o so_o he_o be_v in_o a_o political_a sense_n to_o visit_v his_o people_n of_o all_o rank_n by_o his_o prudent_a inspection_n and_o it_o be_v worthy_a of_o his_o chief_a care_n and_o search_v to_o know_v whether_o every_o pastor_n be_v resident_a with_o his_o own_o flock_n and_o do_v constant_o on_o every_o sabbath_n teach_v they_o the_o good_a knowledge_n of_o god_n what_o pluralist_n do_v seize_v upon_o several_a congregation_n thrust_v or_o bar_v out_o laborious_a minister_n and_o leave_v the_o sheep_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o one_o who_o be_v a_o mere_a mercenary_a and_o care_v not_o for_o they_o whether_o preach_v in_o cathedral_n church_n be_v more_o frequent_a since_o the_o revive_n of_o dean_n and_o chapter_n then_o before_o when_o those_o place_n be_v supply_v by_o one_o or_o two_o stipendiary_a minister_n whether_o the_o precinct_n of_o cathedral_n be_v the_o pure_a part_n of_o the_o land_n and_o the_o member_n thereof_o the_o pure_a part_n of_o the_o clergy_n as_o in_o reason_n they_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o all_o his_o majesty_n superintendency_n there_o be_v
nothing_o of_o great_a moment_n then_o to_o provide_v that_o the_o order_n and_o frame_n of_o ecclesiastic_n have_v not_o a_o tendency_n to_o make_v the_o superior_a clergy_n proud_a and_o covetous_a and_o the_o inferior_a poor_a and_o vicious_a section_n xlviii_o a_o good_a constitution_n or_o frame_n of_o ecclesiastical_a polity_n be_v incomparable_o more_o available_a to_o produce_v good_a effect_n then_o good_a canon_n or_o good_a governor_n can_v be_v where_o the_o constitution_n be_v naught_o for_o in_o such_o a_o state_n good_a canon_n and_o good_a governor_n will_v not_o be_v able_a to_o reform_v abuse_n and_o correct_v scandal_n and_o promote_v the_o true_a end_n of_o church_n discipline_n in_o the_o trent-council_n the_o papalin_n or_o the_o pope_n creature_n hold_v this_o for_o a_o maxim_n that_o the_o decree_n of_o reformation_n can_v not_o diminish_v the_o profit_n of_o the_o court_n of_o rome_n as_o long_o as_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o apostolic_a see_v be_v not_o impair_v the_o council_n be_v end_v and_o the_o decree_n come_v to_o be_v ratify_v by_o the_o pope_n and_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o court_n represent_v their_o loss_n and_o prejudices_fw-la by_o the_o ratification_n and_o the_o pope_n thereby_o perplex_v and_o the_o cardinal_n divide_v in_o their_o opinion_n one_o bishop_n a_o man_n well_o conversant_a in_o court_n affair_n say_v that_o he_o can_v not_o choose_v but_o wonder_n at_o this_o great_a fear_n concern_v the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o decree_n which_o he_o see_v do_v arise_v without_o reason_n for_o that_o law_n have_v no_o power_n but_o what_o be_v give_v they_o by_o he_o that_o govern_v that_o the_o pope_n by_o his_o exposition_n may_v give_v they_o a_o large_a or_o a_o strict_a sense_n yea_o and_o contrary_a to_o that_o which_o the_o word_n do_v import_v that_o he_o may_v ordain_v a_o particular_a congregation_n for_o expound_v the_o council_n and_o affectual_o provide_v that_o none_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o allege_v the_o decree_n in_o prejudice_n of_o the_o court_n the_o pope_n be_v satisfy_v with_o these_o reason_n be_v persuade_v that_o it_o will_v fall_v out_o as_o the_o bishop_n have_v say_v and_o so_o the_o decree_n of_o reformation_n prove_v of_o no_o effect_n to_o reform_v the_o enormity_n of_o the_o court_n of_o rome_n by_o this_o it_o appear_v that_o new_a law_n and_o decree_n work_v little_a where_o a_o corrupt_a frame_n remain_v still_o in_o force_n if_o in_o such_o a_o state_n of_o thing_n good_a man_n promote_v to_o government_n shall_v do_v their_o utmost_a to_o rule_v well_o they_o be_v no_o more_o able_a to_o reform_v the_o church_n commit_v to_o they_o than_o the_o two_o cato_n to_o reform_v the_o roman_a commonwealth_n when_o it_o be_v whole_o corrupt_v and_o out_o of_o frame_n beside_o in_o a_o corrupt_a frame_n of_o polity_n there_o be_v these_o two_o great_a evil_n the_o one_o that_o good_a man_n will_v soon_o degenerate_a the_o other_o that_o bad_a man_n lead_v by_o ambition_n and_o avarice_n will_v by_o art_n proper_a to_o the_o time_n more_o easy_o get_v promotion_n and_o a_o good_a prince_n shall_v see_v it_o and_o not_o know_v how_o to_o help_v it_o that_o polity_n whether_o civil_a or_o eccesiastical_a be_v well_o constitute_v that_o in_o its_o frame_n be_v apt_a to_o bridle_v humane_a desire_n but_o that_o be_v ill_o constitute_v which_o let_v loose_v the_o reins_o to_o appetite_n no_o function_n or_o call_n be_v exempt_v from_o the_o corruption_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n through_o lust_n and_o the_o grandeur_n of_o this_o world_n be_v not_o more_o perilous_a to_o any_o then_o to_o ecclesiastical_a person_n section_n xlix_o it_o be_v a_o singular_a excellency_n in_o any_o frame_n of_o polity_n that_o the_o power_n of_o do_v good_a be_v very_o ample_a and_o that_o a_o power_n to_o hurt_v be_v as_o much_o contract_v and_o restrain_v as_o the_o end_n of_o government_n will_v permit_v and_o very_o no_o wise_a and_o gracious_a person_n will_v willing_o be_v tempt_v with_o a_o power_n to_o hurt_v if_o they_o be_v sufficient_o impower_v to_o do_v good_a without_o it_o beside_o it_o be_v a_o odious_a power_n and_o make_v the_o office_n hateful_a now_o the_o way_n to_o this_o happy_a order_n of_o thing_n be_v obvious_a let_v not_o severe_a law_n and_o canon_n concern_v thing_n disputable_a and_o unnecessary_a which_o may_v ensnare_v the_o conscience_n of_o godly_a orthodox_n and_o peaceable_a person_n remain_v in_o force_n the_o most_o zealous_a assertor_n and_o rigid_a imposer_n of_o ceremony_n acknowledge_v that_o they_o be_v not_o necessary_a part_n of_o worship_n the_o declare_v that_o holiness_n be_v not_o to_o be_v place_v in_o they_o be_v their_o best_a defence_n against_o the_o charge_n of_o will-worship_n therefore_o to_o suspend_v and_o silence_v able_a and_o painful_a minister_n to_o vex_v and_o punish_v other_o godly_a christian_n that_o can_v submit_v to_o those_o ceremony_n be_v to_o procure_v much_o evil_n without_o a_o benefit_n to_o countervail_v it_o a_o power_n of_o do_v much_o harm_n and_o little_a good_a be_v unhappy_o place_v in_o any_o sort_n of_o man_n but_o especial_o in_o christ_n spiritual_a officer_n who_o according_a to_o the_o apostle_n word_n have_v receive_v authority_n from_o the_o lord_n for_o edification_n and_o not_o for_o destruction_n section_n l._n the_o most_o renown_a politician_n observe_v that_o those_o kingdom_n republic_n and_o sect_n of_o religion_n subsist_v long_a that_o be_v often_o renew_v or_o bring_v back_o to_o their_o first_o beginning_n for_o the_o beginning_n of_o all_o these_o must_v needs_o contain_v some_o goodness_n in_o they_o by_o mean_n whereof_o they_o rise_v to_o their_o first_o reputation_n and_o increase_n now_o in_o process_n of_o time_n that_o goodness_n will_v be_v overgrow_v by_o corruption_n and_o unless_o something_o happen_v to_o reduce_v it_o to_o the_o just_a mark_n those_o society_n must_v needs_o be_v destroy_v and_o touch_v religion_n he_o prove_v these_o reformation_n necessary_a by_o the_o example_n of_o the_o roman_a religion_n say_v if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v reduce_v again_o to_o its_o principle_n by_o st._n francis_n and_o st._n dominick_n it_o will_v have_v be_v quite_o deface_v for_o these_o by_o their_o poverty_n and_o imitation_n of_o christ_n life_n make_v a_o new_a impression_n thereof_o in_o man_n mind_n which_o be_v quite_o blot_v out_o thence_o and_o their_o new_a rule_n be_v so_o powerful_a and_o be_v now_o the_o cause_n that_o the_o dishonesty_n of_o the_o prelate_n and_o head_n of_o religion_n do_v not_o ruin_v it_o partly_o by_o their_o live_n in_o poverty_n and_o partly_o by_o the_o credit_n they_o have_v in_o confess_v the_o people_n and_o preach_v to_o they_o indeed_o this_o author_n do_v not_o hit_v the_o mark_n and_o no_o marvel_n touch_v the_o true_a principle_n of_o christianity_n and_o right_a imitation_n of_o christ_n the_o revive_n whereof_o he_o ascribe_v to_o those_o two_o popish_a saint_n but_o his_o reason_n of_o religion_n in_o general_n be_v solid_a and_o excellent_a and_o his_o instance_n in_o particular_a be_v right_a and_o sound_a be_v apply_v as_o they_o be_v to_o the_o uphold_v of_o the_o popish_a religion_n as_o for_o religion_n true_o christian_n the_o way_n to_o preserve_v it_o in_o its_o power_n and_o glory_n be_v frequent_o to_o reduce_v it_o to_o its_o first_o beginning_n for_o than_o be_v its_o goodness_n most_o eminent_a the_o primitive_a spirit_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v a_o spirit_n of_o power_n and_o glory_n and_o the_o primitive_a order_n be_v most_o spiritual_a and_o powerful_a let_v christ_n holy_a institution_n let_v apostolical_a precept_n and_o practice_n be_v the_o pattern_n of_o our_o reformation_n what_o sound_a protestant_n will_v deny_v the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o be_v a_o perfect_a rule_n of_o all_o divine_a institution_n to_o they_o we_o appeal_v by_o they_o will_v we_o stand_v or_o fall_v and_o they_o mention_v no_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o be_v not_o bishop_n rule_v the_o flock_n but_o in_o pursuance_n of_o peace_n touch_v the_o matter_n of_o episcopacy_n the_o moderate_a presbyterian_o be_v willing_a to_o descend_v to_o the_o time_n low_a by_o one_o degree_n and_o to_o come_v to_o the_o age_n next_o follow_v the_o scripture-time_n and_o to_o accept_v what_o they_o do_v present_a unto_o we_o to_o wit_n a_o president-bishop_n rule_v in_o consort_n with_o presbyter_n and_o officer_n not_o of_o a_o other_o order_n then_o presbyter_n but_o of_o a_o high_a degree_n in_o the_o same_o order_n we_o appeal_v to_o those_o time_n concern_v this_o matter_n and_o they_o that_o admire_v and_o almost_o adore_v antiquity_n shall_v not_o deny_v our_o just_a appeal_n and_o wherein_o stand_v the_o power_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o church_n militant_a do_v it_o stand_v in_o the_o pompous_a show_n of_o ceremonious_a worship_n with_o the_o