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scripture_n holy_a tradition_n unwritten_a 2,627 5 12.0852 5 false
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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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article_n only_o one_o or_o two_o passage_n peradventure_o except_v so_o far_o as_o they_o may_v import_v the_o assert_v of_o prelacy_n and_o humane_a mystical_a ceremony_n they_o insist_v much_o on_o the_o necessity_n of_o regeneration_n and_o therein_o lie_v the_o groundwork_n for_o the_o practice_n of_o godliness_n they_o press_v upon_o themselves_o and_o other_o the_o severe_a exercise_n not_o of_o a_o popish_a outside_n formal_a but_o a_o spiritual_a and_o real_a mortification_n and_o self-denial_n according_a to_o the_o power_n of_o christianity_n they_o be_v strict_a observer_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n and_o constant_a in_o family_n prayer_n they_o abstain_v from_o oath_n yea_o petty_a oath_n and_o the_o irreverent_a usage_n of_o god_n name_n in_o common_a discourse_n and_o in_o a_o word_n they_o be_v sober_a just_a and_o circumspect_a in_o their_o whole_a behaviour_n such_o be_v the_o temper_n and_o constitution_n of_o this_o party_n which_o in_o its_o full_a latitude_n lie_v in_o the_o middle_n between_o those_o that_o affect_v a_o ceremonial_a worship_n and_o the_o height_n of_o hierarchical_a government_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o those_o that_o reject_v a_o ordain_a ministry_n and_o settle_a church_n order_n and_o regular_a unity_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n section_n vi._n within_o these_o extensive_a limit_n the_o presbyterian_a party_n contain_v several_a thousand_o of_o learned_a godly_a orthodox_n minister_n be_v diligent_a and_o profitable_a preacher_n of_o the_o word_n and_o exemplary_a in_o their_o conversation_n among_o who_o there_o be_v not_o a_o few_o that_o excel_v in_o polemical_a and_o practical_a divinity_n also_o of_o the_o judicious_a sober_a serious_a part_n of_o the_o people_n in_o who_o affection_n his_o majesty_n be_v most_o concern_v they_o be_v not_o the_o lesser_a number_n by_o mean_n of_o a_o practical_a ministry_n this_o way_n like_o the_o leaven_n in_o the_o gospel_n parable_n have_v spread_v and_o season_v the_o more_o considerate_a and_o teachable_a sort_n in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o especial_o in_o the_o more_o civilise_a place_n as_o city_n and_o to_n for_o indeed_o such_o as_o be_v of_o this_o mind_n and_o this_o way_n do_v make_v religion_n their_o business_n and_o imitate_v the_o berean_o commend_v nobleness_n resolve_v not_o to_o take_v up_o religion_n upon_o trust_n but_o to_o search_v the_o scripture_n daily_o whether_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o hear_v be_v so_o that_o they_o may_v judicious_o embrace_v the_o truth_n add_v hereunto_o that_o one_o of_o his_o majesty_n kingdom_n be_v presbyterian_a certain_o such_o a_o people_n may_v claim_v a_o portion_n in_o their_o gracious_a sovereign_n and_o sure_o he_o do_v not_o he_o will_v not_o in_o any_o wise_a refuse_v they_o section_n vii_o the_o man_n of_o this_o persuasion_n be_v not_o lukewarm_a but_o true_a zealot_n nevertheless_o they_o have_v no_o fellowship_n with_o the_o spirit_n of_o enthusiastical_a and_o anabaptistical_n fancy_n and_o frenzy_n they_o be_v no_o fanatic_n although_o they_o begin_v to_o be_v by_o some_o abuse_v under_o that_o name_n but_o they_o be_v person_n of_o know_a learning_n prudence_n piety_n and_o gravity_n in_o great_a number_n beside_o of_o inferior_a rank_n a_o vast_a multitude_n of_o know_v serious_a honest_a people_n none_o of_o all_o which_o be_v lead_v blindfold_a by_o tradition_n or_o implicit_a faith_n or_o do_v run_v headlong_o into_o fanatic_a delusion_n but_o they_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o the_o sole_a direction_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n wherefore_o impartial_a reason_n will_v conclude_v that_o they_o choose_v this_o way_n as_o with_o sincerity_n of_o affection_n so_o with_o gravity_n of_o judgement_n and_o that_o the_o thing_n themselves_o even_o the_o more_o disputable_a part_n thereof_o as_o that_o against_o the_o hierarchy_n and_o ceremony_n as_o such_o as_o may_v frequent_o prevail_v with_o good_a and_o wise_a man_n in_o as_o much_o as_o they_o appear_v to_o those_o that_o have_v embrace_v they_o to_o have_v the_o impress_n of_o divine_a authority_n and_o the_o character_n of_o evangelical_n purity_n section_n viii_o for_o the_o reason_n aforegoing_a the_o infringement_n of_o due_a liberty_n in_o these_o matter_n will_v perpetuate_v most_o unhappy_a controversy_n in_o the_o church_n from_o age_n to_o age._n let_v the_o former_a time_n come_v in_o and_o give_v evidence_n as_o touch_v ceremony_n the_o contest_v begin_v early_o even_o in_o king_n edward_n reign_n between_o hooper_n and_o other_o bishop_n the_o consecration_n of_o hooper_n elect_a bishop_n of_o gloucester_n be_v stay_v because_o he_o refuse_v to_o wear_v certain_a garment_n use_v by_o popish_a bishop_n he_o obtain_v letter_n from_o the_o king_n and_o from_o the_o earl_n of_o warwick_n to_o the_o archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n and_o other_o that_o he_o may_v not_o be_v burden_a with_o certain_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n and_o a_o oath_n common_o use_v in_o the_o consecration_n of_o bishop_n which_o be_v offensive_a to_o his_o conscience_n nevertheless_o he_o find_v but_o harsh_a deal_n from_o his_o fellow_n bishop_n whereof_o some_o be_v afterward_o his_o fellow_n martyr_n and_o ridley_n among_o other_o who_o afterward_o thus_o write_v unto_o he_o when_o they_o be_v both_o prisoner_n for_o the_o gospel_n however_o in_o time_n pass_v in_o certain_a circumstance_n and_o by-matter_n of_o religion_n your_o wisdom_n and_o my_o simplicity_n i_o grant_v have_v a_o little_a jar_v each_o of_o we_o follow_v the_o abundance_n of_o his_o own_o sense_n and_o judgement_n now_o be_v assure_v that_o even_o with_o my_o whole_a heart_n in_o the_o bowel_n of_o christ_n i_o love_v you_o in_o the_o truth_n and_o for_o the_o truth_n sake_n which_o abide_v in_o we_o some_o godly_a martyr_n in_o queen_n mary_n day_n dislike_v the_o ceremony_n and_o none_o of_o they_o die_v in_o the_o defence_n of_o ceremony_n liturgy_n and_o prelacy_n in_o opposition_n to_o all_o other_o ecclesiastical_a government_n and_o order_n it_o be_v the_o protestant_a verity_n which_o they_o witness_v and_o seal_v in_o blood_n in_o opposition_n to_o popery_n especial_o the_o prodigious_a opinion_n of_o transubstantiation_n and_o the_o abomination_n of_o the_o romish_a mass_n or_o sacrifice_n in_o the_o same_o bloody_a day_n certain_a english_a protestant_n be_v flee_v for_o refuge_n into_o germany_n and_o settle_v in_o frankford_n be_v divide_v among_o themselves_o about_o the_o service-book_n even_o with_o scandalous_a breach_n of_o charity_n and_o in_o the_o issue_n the_o congregation_n be_v sad_o break_v and_o dissipate_v the_o gospel_n return_v under_o queen_n elizabeth_n these_o differnce_n be_v revive_v and_o hold_v up_o by_o dispute_n write_n and_o address_n to_o several_a parliament_n and_o there_o be_v great_a thought_n of_o heart_n for_o these_o division_n nevertheless_o the_o difference_n remain_v uncompounded_a in_o process_n of_o time_n severe_a canon_n be_v frame_v and_o with_o much_o rigour_n impose_v and_o so_o continue_v minister_n be_v distinguish_v into_o conformist_n and_o nonconformist_n and_o a_o multitude_n of_o painful_a preacher_n suffer_v deprivation_n for_o nonconformity_n be_v it_o here_o observe_v that_o the_o person_n know_v by_o the_o name_n of_o nonconformist_n be_v not_o separatist_n but_o earnest_o oppose_v the_o separation_n of_o the_o brownist_n and_o hold_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n in_o public_a worship_n upon_o this_o pacific_a principle_n that_o we_o may_v not_o separate_v from_o a_o true_a church_n blemish_v with_o some_o corruption_n and_o error_n while_o we_o be_v not_o compel_v to_o subscribe_v to_o those_o error_n nor_o in_o our_o own_o practice_n to_o submit_v to_o those_o corruption_n howbe_v it_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o minister_n name_v puritan_n yie_v conformity_n to_o those_o controvert_v rite_n and_o form_n that_o be_v by_o law_n or_o ganon_n establish_v as_o to_o thing_n burdensome_a not_o desirable_a in_o their_o nature_n suppose_v indifferent_a but_o in_o their_o use_n many_o way_n
offensive_a and_o groan_v more_o and_o more_o under_o that_o yoke_n of_o bondage_n as_o they_o coneeive_v they_o wait_v for_o deliverance_n and_o be_v in_o the_o main_a of_o one_o soul_n and_o spirit_n with_o the_o nonconformist_n and_o even_o then_o the_o way_n call_v puritanism_n do_v not_o give_v but_o get_v ground_n but_o now_o the_o tenant_n of_o this_o way_n be_v root_v more_o than_o ever_o and_o those_o thing_n former_o impose_v be_v now_o by_o many_o if_o not_o by_o the_o most_o of_o this_o way_n account_v not_o only_o burdensome_a but_o unlawful_a and_o after_o a_o long_a time_n of_o search_n and_o practice_n the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v fix_v in_o this_o opinion_n and_o be_v not_o like_a to_o be_v reduce_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o former_a time_n and_o therefore_o in_o all_o reason_n the_o impose_v of_o such_o matter_n of_o controversy_n as_o by_o so_o many_o be_v hold_v unlawful_a and_o by_o those_o that_o have_v a_o zeal_n for_o they_o judge_v indifferent_a not_o necessary_a can_v procure_v the_o peace_n of_o church_n and_o kingdom_n section_n ix_o that_o this_o numerous_a party_n will_v not_o vary_v from_o its_o self_n or_o vanish_v upon_o change_n in_o government_n or_o new_a accident_n do_v hence_o appear_v in_o that_o it_o do_v not_o rest_n upon_o any_o private_a temporary_a variable_a occasion_n but_o upon_o a_o cause_n perpetual_a and_o everlasting_a those_o forementioned_a principle_n of_o science_n and_o practice_n which_o give_v it_o its_o proper_a be_v be_v of_o that_o firm_a and_o fix_a nature_n that_o new_a contingency_n will_v not_o alter_v they_o nor_o length_n of_o time_n wear_v they_o out_o they_o be_v the_o great_a thing_n of_o god_n which_o have_v a_o great_a power_n over_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n and_o they_o be_v embrace_v by_o such_o as_o high_o prize_v they_o not_o for_o temporal_a advantage_n whereof_o they_o have_v no_o appearance_n but_o for_o a_o internal_a excellency_n discern_v in_o they_o as_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n and_o consequent_o to_o these_o man_n it_o be_v not_o satisfactory_a at_o all_o adventure_n to_o be_v of_o the_o state-religion_n or_o to_o believe_v as_o the_o church_n believe_v neither_o will_v they_o be_v dissolve_v or_o much_o weaken_v by_o the_o decline_a haply_o of_o some_o principal_a one_o who_o be_v buy_v off_o by_o preferment_n may_v turn_v prevaricator_n for_o notwithstanding_o such_o a_o fall_v off_o the_o inward_a spirit_n that_o actuate_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o they_o and_o knit_v they_o to_o each_o other_o will_v remain_v in_o full_a strength_n and_o vigour_n and_o though_o many_o other_o through_o weakness_n or_o mildness_n shall_v stagger_v and_o give_v ground_n in_o the_o point_n of_o lesser_a moment_n and_o more_o controvert_v yet_o the_o root_n of_o the_o matter_n may_v remain_v in_o they_o and_o as_o to_o the_o main_a they_o may_v be_v still_o where_o they_o be_v but_o what_o be_v those_o great_a thing_n for_o which_o this_o sort_n of_o man_n contend_v sure_o they_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o lively_a open_n of_o the_o pure_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o uphold_v of_o all_o divine_a institution_n particular_o the_o strict_a observation_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n a_o laborious_a and_o efficacious_a ministry_n take_v hold_n of_o the_o conscience_n and_o reach_v to_o the_o heart_n a_o godly_a discipline_n correct_v true_a and_o real_a scandal_n and_o disobedience_n in_o a_o word_n all_o the_o necessary_a and_o effectual_a mean_n of_o unfeigned_a faith_n and_o holy_a life_n that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n may_v come_v in_o power_n and_o for_o these_o thing_n sake_n they_o be_v alienate_v from_o the_o height_n of_o prelacy_n and_o the_o pomp_n of_o ceremonious_a worship_n this_o be_v well_o know_v and_o provide_v against_o by_o the_o sway_a part_n of_o the_o late_a prelatist_n for_o in_o as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v not_o quell_v the_o puritan_n by_o the_o rigid_a injunction_n of_o conformity_n that_o they_o may_v give_v a_o blow_n at_o the_o root_n lecture_n be_v suppress_v afternoon_n sermon_n on_o the_o lord_n day_n prohibit_v under_o pretence_n of_o catechise_v which_o be_v only_o a_o bare_a rehearsal_n of_o the_o form_n of_o catechism_n for_o child_n without_o explication_n or_o application_n of_o those_o principle_n a_o book_n for_o sport_n and_o pastime_n on_o sundays_n enjoin_v to_o be_v read_v by_o minister_n in_o their_o parish_n church_n under_o penalty_n of_o deprivation_n sundry_a superstitious_a innovation_n introduce_v a_o new_a book_n of_o canon_n compose_v and_o a_o new_a oath_n for_o uphold_v the_o hierarchy_n enforce_v far_o be_v it_o from_o i_o to_o impute_v these_o thing_n to_o all_o that_o be_v in_o judgement_n episcopal_n for_o i_o be_o persuade_v a_o great_a if_o not_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o disallow_v these_o innovation_n nevertheless_o those_o other_o that_o be_v most_o vehement_a active_a watchful_a vigorous_a do_v not_o by_o all_o the_o aforesaid_a mean_n advance_v but_o rather_o weaken_v their_o cause_n and_o lessen_v themselves_o in_o the_o esteem_n of_o observe_v man_n and_o the_o oppress_a party_n increase_v in_o number_n and_o vigour_n it_o be_v therefore_o evident_a that_o this_o interest_n for_o which_o we_o plead_v be_v not_o like_o a_o meteor_n which_o after_o a_o while_n vanish_v away_o but_o be_v of_o a_o solid_a and_o firm_a consistence_n like_o a_o fix_a constellation_n and_o the_o injury_n do_v unto_o it_o be_v not_o of_o that_o nature_n as_o to_o be_v act_v once_o and_o for_o all_o and_o then_o to_o pass_v into_o the_o grave_n of_o oblivion_n but_o they_o be_v last_a pressure_n to_o a_o perpetual_a regret_n and_o grievance_n and_o shall_v not_o these_o be_v do_v away_o especial_o when_o the_o occasion_n thereof_o will_v be_v find_v not_o necessary_a but_o superfluous_a section_n x._o there_o remain_v yet_o some_o great_a thing_n which_o strike_v deep_a into_o this_o enquiry_n which_o at_o the_o first_o glance_n perhaps_o may_v seem_v a_o fancy_n but_o by_o impartial_a judgement_n will_v be_v find_v a_o manifest_a and_o weighry_a truth_n namely_o that_o as_o this_o interest_n will_v never_o vary_v from_o its_o self_n so_o it_o will_v never_o be_v extinguish_v while_o the_o state_n of_o england_n continue_v protestant_n i_o do_v not_o now_o argue_v from_o maxim_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n as_o that_o the_o life_n and_o power_n of_o christianity_n shall_v never_o fail_v that_o after_o the_o great_a havoc_n of_o the_o true_a church_n there_o will_v be_v a_o remnant_n a_o seed_n that_o shall_v spring_v up_o to_o a_o great_a increase_n after_o a_o little_a season_n but_o i_o have_v here_o enter_v upon_o a_o way_n of_o reason_n and_o let_v man_n of_o reason_n judge_n suppose_v that_o the_o person_n now_o in_o be_v of_o this_o strict_a profession_n be_v general_o ruin_v and_o root_v out_o yet_o let_v but_o the_o protestant_a doctrine_n as_o it_o be_v by_o law_n establish_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v uphold_v and_o preach_v and_o it_o will_v raise_v up_o a_o genuine_a offspring_n of_o this_o people_n who_o way_n be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o life_n and_o power_n of_o that_o doctrine_n as_o it_o be_v not_o only_o receive_v by_o tradition_n education_n example_n or_o any_o humane_a authority_n but_o also_o imprint_v upon_o the_o spirit_n by_o a_o lively_a energy_n and_o operation_n and_o this_o i_o further_o say_v and_o testify_v let_v but_o the_o free_a use_n of_o the_o holy_a bible_n be_v permit_v to_o the_o common_a people_n and_o this_o generation_n of_o man_n will_v spring_v up_o afresh_o by_o the_o immortal_a seed_n of_o the_o word_n for_o that_o pure_a spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a doctrine_n press_v internal_a renovation_n or_o the_o new_a birth_n and_o the_o way_n of_o holy_a singularity_n and_o circumspection_n and_o be_v write_v with_o such_o authority_n and_o majesty_n must_v needs_o beget_v though_o not_o in_o the_o most_o yet_o in_o may_v a_o disposition_n and_o practice_n in_o some_o sort_n thereunto_o conformable_a this_o be_v evident_a in_o reason_n if_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n be_v apt_a to_o make_v deep_a and_o strong_a impression_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o whosoever_o deny_v this_o as_o he_o be_v in_o point_n of_o religion_n atheistical_a so_o of_o understanding_n brutish_a for_o even_o those_o impious_a politician_n who_o in_o heart_n make_v no_o account_n of_o religion_n yet_o will_v make_v show_n of_o give_v reverence_n to_o it_o because_o it_o be_v always_o see_v to_o have_v a_o mighty_a influence_n upon_o man_n of_o all_o rank_n and_o degree_n wherefore_o upon_o the_o ground_n aforesaid_a i_o hold_v it_o a_o matter_n of_o unquestionable_a verity_n that_o the_o way_n in_o scorn_n call_v puritanism_n will_v never_o utter_o sink_v unto_o protestantism_n itself_o shall_v fail_v
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
the_o wear_n of_o the_o best_a apparel_n upon_o solemn_a sacred_a time_n all_o which_o be_v recommend_v in_o the_o general_a rule_n let_v all_o thing_n be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n which_o rule_v proper_o be_v of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o will_v oblige_v christian_n though_o it_o have_v not_o be_v write_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o the_o thing_n before_o mention_v we_o perceive_v a_o good_a accord_n but_o here_o lie_v the_o difference_n the_o presbyterian_o stick_v at_o ceremony_n proper_o sacred_a and_o significant_a by_o humane_a institution_n which_o they_o conceive_v to_o be_v more_o than_o mere_a circumstance_n even_o part_n of_o worship_n and_o whatsoever_o institute_v worship_n be_v not_o ordain_v of_o god_n they_o hold_v unlawful_a to_o the_o make_n up_o of_o the_o ceremony_n now_o in_o question_n they_o observe_v these_o thing_n humane_a institution_n mystical_a and_o institute_v not_o natural_a signification_n and_o appropriation_n to_o divine_a worship_n and_o it_o alter_v not_o the_o case_n that_o they_o be_v by_o nature_n apt_a to_o signify_v for_o so_o be_v all_o sacrament_n if_o they_o do_v not_o actual_o signify_v without_o institution_n that_o such_o ceremony_n be_v part_n of_o divine_a worship_n they_o prove_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o worship_n in_o general_n which_o require_v no_o more_o then_o that_o it_o have_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n for_o its_o direct_a and_o immediate_a end_n it_o be_v something_o not_o reductive_o but_o direct_o sacred_a and_o religious_a and_o a_o immediate_a expression_n of_o our_o observance_n of_o god_n and_o obligation_n to_o he_o and_o such_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o controvert_v ceremony_n much_o differ_v from_o matter_n of_o order_n and_o decency_n which_o proper_o and_o immediate_o respect_v man_n that_o use_v they_o as_o the_o church_n or_o temple_n be_v immediate_o and_o direct_o for_o the_o assemble_v of_o people_n a_o communion_n cup_n for_o drink_v a_o table_n cloth_n for_o cover_v decency_n be_v no_o part_n of_o worship_n but_o a_o circumstance_n thereof_o not_o proper_a to_o it_o but_o common_a with_o grave_a civil_a action_n and_o do_v no_o more_o become_v sacred_a when_o apply_v to_o sacred_a use_n than_o a_o sacred_a thing_n as_o prayer_n become_v civil_a when_o apply_v to_o civil_a use_n time_n consider_v as_o a_o mere_a circumstance_n of_o a_o sacred_a action_n belong_v to_o it_o not_o precise_o as_o sacred_a but_o as_o a_o action_n because_o without_o time_n no_o action_n can_v be_v perform_v and_o be_v a_o mere_a circumstance_n it_o need_v not_o be_v determine_v of_o god_n but_o be_v leave_v to_o humane_a prudence_n according_a to_o occasion_n whether_o for_o private_a or_o public_a worship_n which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o time_n for_o private_a devotion_n and_o day_n of_o public_a humiliation_n and_o thanksgiving_n but_o they_o that_o scruple_n our_o mystical_a significant_a ceremony_n conceive_v that_o they_o be_v proper_o and_o mere_o sacred_a as_o have_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n for_o their_o direct_a and_o immediate_a end_n that_o the_o surplice_n be_v not_o for_o gravity_n nor_o mere_o for_o decent_a distinction_n but_o a_o religious_a mystical_a habit_n the_o character_n or_o badge_n of_o a_o sacred_a office_n or_o service_n conformable_a to_o the_o linen_n ephod_n under_o the_o law_n the_o sign_v with_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n they_o conceive_v be_v more_o evident_o sacred_a than_o the_o former_a as_o baptism_n consecrate_v the_o child_n so_o do_v the_o cross._n it_o be_v use_v as_o a_o seal_a sign_n of_o our_o obligation_n to_o christ_n as_o the_o word_n use_v in_o the_o application_n thereof_o do_v manifest_a and_o the_o book_n of_o canon_n do_v declare_v express_o which_o say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o honourable_a hadge_n whereby_o the_o infant_n be_v dedicate_v to_o the_o service_n of_o he_o that_o die_v on_o the_o cross_n as_o by_o the_o word_n use_v in_o the_o book_n of_o common_a prayer_n it_o may_v appear_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v in_o that_o respect_n sacramental_a beside_o if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o seal_a sign_n but_o only_o for_o mystical_a teach_n it_o have_v the_o same_o nature_n with_o divers_a levitical_a ceremony_n which_o be_v not_o typical_a but_o doctrinal_a teach_v some_o moral_a duty_n a_o holy_a day_n or_o time_n proper_o sacred_a whether_o by_o divine_a institution_n as_o the_o lord_n day_n or_o humane_a as_o other_o sacred_a festival_n be_v not_o a_o mere_a circumstance_n but_o a_o part_n of_o worship_n for_o it_o be_v not_o only_o belong_v to_o a_o sacred_a action_n as_o a_o action_n but_o precise_o as_o a_o sacred_a action_n on_o that_o day_n to_o be_v perform_v yea_o it_o be_v of_o itself_o sacred_a and_o be_v not_o only_o sanctify_v by_o the_o service_n but_o also_o sanctify_v the_o service_n the_o truth_n be_v sacred_a ceremony_n may_v in_o some_o respect_n be_v call_v circumstance_n as_o be_v inferior_a thing_n subservient_fw-fr to_o moral_a worship_n which_o be_v the_o main_a yet_o they_o be_v also_o part_n of_o worship_n in_o general_n for_o worship_n be_v either_o moral_a or_o ceremonial_a and_o that_o ceremonial_a worship_n which_o be_v command_v of_o god_n be_v lawful_a and_o good_a but_o that_o which_o be_v not_o command_v by_o he_o be_v neither_o good_a nor_o lawful_a nevertheless_o it_o be_v worship_n on_o this_o manner_n the_o nonconformist_n and_o presbyterian_o have_v debate_v this_o controversy_n and_o argue_v further_o that_o humane_a discretion_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o order_n and_o method_n nature_n and_o civil_a custom_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o decency_n but_o only_a scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o institute_v worship_n wherein_o both_o addition_n and_o diminution_n be_v alike_o forbid_v it_o the_o english_a ceremony_n be_v warrantable_o use_v what_o hinder_v the_o use_n of_o divers_a other_o ceremony_n use_v in_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v it_o say_v their_o multitude_n will_v become_v burdensome_a and_o inconvenient_a but_o who_o can_v determine_v the_o convenient_a number_n and_o however_o a_o exchange_n of_o one_o ceremony_n for_o another_o be_v not_o unlawful_a for_o what_o reason_n may_v not_o some_o other_o romish_a rite_n in_o baptism_n be_v use_v as_o well_o as_o the_o cross_n see_v they_o be_v nothing_o less_o significant_a or_o inoffensive_a nay_o peradventure_o much_o more_o inoffensive_a because_o the_o papist_n by_o give_v divine_a worship_n to_o the_o cross_n have_v abuse_v it_o to_o gross_a idolatry_n we_o take_v this_o to_o be_v sound_a speech_n or_o discourse_n that_o can_v be_v gainsay_v and_o sure_o those_o of_o temperate_a spirit_n that_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v may_v well_o conceive_v that_o it_o have_v such_o probable_a appearance_n as_o may_v possible_o take_v with_o learned_a and_o pious_a man_n and_o see_v the_o one_o side_n allow_v and_o commend_v all_o natural_a external_a worship_n and_o all_o matter_n of_o decency_n and_o order_n and_o desire_v to_o be_v spare_v in_o mystical_a ceremony_n of_o humane_a institution_n the_o other_o side_n shall_v not_o in_o reason_n or_o charity_n insist_v on_o the_o say_a ceremony_n as_o the_o term_n of_o church_n communion_n and_o privilege_n and_o or_o christian_a unity_n and_o amity_n section_n xxv_o as_o concern_v the_o liturgy_n the_o presbyterian_o do_v not_o gainsay_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o a_o stint_a form_n of_o prayer_n in_o as_o much_o as_o the_o observe_v either_o of_o a_o form_n or_o a_o directory_n be_v not_o of_o the_o substance_n of_o prayer_n but_o a_o accident_n or_o circumstance_n belong_v to_o it_o and_o leave_v to_o humane_a determination_n it_o be_v further_a grant_v by_o they_o that_o in_o some_o part_n of_o public_a worship_n a_o form_n be_v ordinary_o necessary_a as_o in_o the_o sacramental_a action_n in_o the_o act_n of_o baptise_v and_o of_o consecrate_v and_o deliver_v the_o lord_n supper_n and_o herein_o will_v be_v no_o dis-harmony_n because_o they_o be_v scripture_n form_n likewise_o in_o such_o part_n of_o divine_a service_n where_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a they_o can_v submit_v unto_o it_o for_o the_o church_n peace_n nevertheless_o they_o be_v not_o satisfy_v in_o the_o present_a liturgy_n but_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v lay_v aside_o or_o much_o reform_v and_o what_o solid_a reason_n withstand_v the_o equity_n of_o this_o desire_n moderate_a prelatist_n have_v acknowledge_v considerable_a imperfection_n in_o the_o book_n of_o common-prayer_n and_o bishop_n Ê‹sher_n have_v collect_v sundry_a particular_n in_o his_o direction_n concern_v the_o same_o present_v to_o the_o house_n of_o commons_o upon_o their_o request_n let_v sober_a judgement_n consider_v whether_o this_o or_o that_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v of_o the_o substance_n of_o that_o sacred_a exercise_n or_o only_o its_o outward_a shape_n and_o dress_v if_o it_o be_v of_o the_o substance_n of_o religious_a worship_n it_o will_v require_v divine_a institution_n to_o make_v it_o lawful_a as_o do_v other_o
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