of_o the_o governor_n act_v in_o it_o but_o that_o care_n which_o paul_n have_v over_o all_o the_o church_n will_v have_v prompt_v he_o especial_o be_v assist_v and_o guide_v by_o a_o infallible_a spirit_n in_o the_o pen_n those_o epistle_n to_o have_v lay_v down_o some_o certain_a rule_n for_o the_o act_n of_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n after_o the_o departure_n of_o timothy_n and_o titus_n consider_v especial_o that_o the_o epistle_n then_o write_v by_o he_o be_v to_o be_v of_o stand_v perpetual_a use_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o by_o which_o the_o church_n in_o after-age_n be_v to_o be_v guide_v as_o well_o as_o those_o that_o be_v then_o in_o be_v the_o apostle_n in_o both_o epistle_n take_v care_n for_o a_o succession_n of_o pastor_n in_o those_o church_n timothy_n be_v charge_v to_o commit_v the_o thing_n he_o have_v 2._o hear_v of_o paul_n to_o faithful_a man_n who_o shall_v be_v fit_a to_o teach_v other_o have_v it_o not_o be_v as_o requisite_a to_o have_v charge_v he_o to_o have_v commit_v his_o power_n of_o government_n to_o man_n fit_a for_o that_o have_v the_o apostle_n look_v on_o the_o form_n of_o government_n to_o be_v as_o necessary_a as_o the_o office_n of_o preach_v paul_n say_v he_o leave_v titus_n in_o crete_n on_o purpose_n to_o settle_v the_o church_n and_o ordain_v presbyter_n 5._o in_o every_o city_n have_v it_o not_o be_v as_o necessary_a to_o have_v show_v in_o what_o order_n the_o church_n must_v be_v settle_v and_o what_o power_n do_v belong_v to_o those_o presbyter_n and_o how_o they_o shall_v act_v in_o the_o govern_n their_o church_n have_v he_o think_v the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n do_v depend_v upon_o the_o form_n of_o their_o act_n we_o see_v here_o then_o that_o st._n paul_n do_v not_o express_v any_o thing_n necessary_o infer_v any_o one_o constant_a form_n to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o whence_o can_v we_o infer_v any_o necessity_n of_o it_o but_o from_o the_o scripture_n lay_v it_o down_o as_o a_o duty_n that_o such_o a_o form_n and_o no_o other_o there_o must_v be_v use_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n for_o all_o that_o we_o can_v see_v then_o by_o paul_n direction_n for_o church-government_n when_o if_o ever_o this_o shall_v have_v be_v express_v it_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o christian_a wisdom_n and_o prudence_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n and_o crect_n to_o consult_v and_o determine_v in_o what_o manner_n the_o government_n of_o their_o church_n shall_v be_v provide_v for_o upon_o the_o departure_n of_o timothy_n and_o titus_n from_o they_o but_o here_o it_o will_v be_v soon_o reply_v that_o though_o nothing_o be_v 6._o express_v in_o paul_n epistle_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n yet_o paul_n appoint_v timothy_n and_o titus_n over_o those_o church_n do_v determine_v the_o form_n of_o government_n and_o they_o be_v entrust_v with_o a_o power_n to_o provide_v for_o future_a governor_n after_o they_o to_o this_o â—answer_n first_o the_o superiority_n which_o timothy_n and_o titus_n have_v over_o those_o church_n do_v not_o prove_v that_o form_n of_o government_n necessary_a in_o all_o church_n i_o dispute_v not_o whether_o they_o be_v evangelist_n or_o no_o or_o act_v as_o such_o in_o that_o superiority_n of_o that_o afterward_o it_o be_v evident_a they_o may_v be_v so_o there_o be_v no_o convince_a argument_n to_o the_o contrary_n and_o the_o bare_a possibility_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o negative_a destroy_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o affirmative_a of_o a_o proposition_n as_o si_fw-mi posibile_fw-it est_fw-la hominem_fw-la non_fw-la esse_fw-la animal_n than_o that_o proposition_n be_v false_a necesse_fw-la est_fw-la hominem_fw-la esse_fw-la animal_n for_o necesse_fw-la est_fw-la esse_fw-la and_o non_fw-la possibile_fw-la est_fw-la non_fw-la esse_fw-la be_v â—quipollents_n on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o possibile_fw-la est_fw-la non_fw-la esse_fw-la et_fw-la non_fw-la necesse_fw-la est_fw-la esse_fw-la be_v â—quipollents_n on_o the_o other_o possibile_fw-la est_fw-la non_fw-la esse_fw-la must_v be_v contradictory_n to_o necesse_fw-la est_fw-la esse_fw-la as_o non_fw-la possibile_fw-la est_fw-la non_fw-la esse_fw-la be_v to_o non_fw-la necesse_fw-la est_fw-la esse_fw-la so_o that_o if_o only_a the_o possibility_n of_o their_o act_n as_o evangelist_n that_o be_v by_o a_o extraordinary_a commission_n be_v evict_v which_o i_o know_v none_o will_v deny_v the_o necessity_n of_o their_o act_n as_o fix_v bishop_n be_v destroy_v and_o consequent_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o continuance_n of_o their_o office_n too_o which_o depend_v upon_o the_o former_a for_o if_o they_o act_v not_o as_o bishop_n nothing_o can_v be_v draw_v from_o their_o example_n necessary_o enforce_v the_o continuance_n of_o the_o superiority_n which_o they_o enjoy_v but_o though_o nothing_o can_v be_v infer_v from_o hence_o as_o to_o the_o necessity_n of_o that_o office_n to_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n which_o timothy_n and_o titus_n be_v invest_v in_o yet_o from_o the_o superiority_n of_o that_o power_n which_o they_o enjoy_v over_o those_o church_n whether_o as_o evangelist_n or_o as_o fix_a bishop_n these_o two_o thing_n may_v be_v infer_v first_o that_o the_o superiority_n of_o some_o church-officer_n over_o other_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o all_o party_n acknowledge_v the_o superiority_n of_o their_o power_n above_o the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o several_a city_n only_o the_o continuance_n of_o this_o power_n â—â—_o dispute_v by_o many_o but_o if_o they_o have_v any_o such_o power_n at_o all_o it_o be_v enough_o for_o my_o present_a design_n viz._n that_o such_o a_o superiority_n be_v not_o contrary_a to_o the_o gospel-rule_n or_o that_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n do_v not_o imply_v a_o necessary_a equality_n among_o the_o governor_n of_o it_o second_o hence_o i_o infer_v that_o it_o be_v not_o repugnant_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o church_n in_o apostolical_a time_n for_o man_n to_o have_v power_n over_o more_o than_o one_o particular_a congregation_n for_o such_o a_o power_n timothy_n and_o titus_n have_v which_o have_v it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o regiment_n of_o church_n we_o shall_v never_o have_v read_v of_o in_o the_o first_o plant_v church_n so_o that_o if_o those_o popular_a argument_n of_o a_o necessary_a relation_n between_o a_o pastor_n and_o particular_a people_n of_o personal_a knowledge_n care_n and_o inspection_n do_v destroy_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o extend_v that_o care_n and_o charge_n to_o many_o particular_a congregation_n they_o will_v likewise_o overthrow_v the_o nature_n end_n and_o design_n of_o the_o office_n which_o timothy_n and_o titus_n act_v in_o which_o have_v a_o relation_n to_o a_o multitude_n of_o particular_a and_o congregational_a church_n whether_o their_o power_n be_v extraordinary_a or_o no_o i_o now_o dispute_v not_o but_o whether_o such_o a_o power_n be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o gospel_n or_o no_o which_o from_o their_o practice_n be_v evident_a that_o it_o be_v not_o but_o than_o other_o who_o will_v make_v this_o office_n necessary_a urge_v further_o that_o timothy_n or_o titus_n may_v ordain_v and_o appoint_v other_o to_o succeed_v they_o in_o their_o place_n and_o care_n over_o all_o those_o church_n under_o their_o charge_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v first_o what_o they_o may_v do_v be_v not_o the_o question_n but_o what_o they_o do_v as_o they_o may_v do_v it_o so_o they_o may_v not_o do_v it_o if_o no_o other_o evidence_n be_v bring_v to_o prove_v it_o for_o quod_fw-la possibile_fw-la est_fw-la esse_fw-la possibile_fw-la â—st_fw-la non_fw-la esse_fw-la second_o neither_o what_o they_o do_v be_v the_o whole_a question_n but_o what_o they_o do_v with_o a_o opinion_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o do_v it_o whether_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v it_o or_o no_o and_o if_o so_o whether_o by_o any_o law_n extant_a in_o scripture_n and_o give_v they_o by_o paul_n in_o his_o epistle_n or_o some_o private_a command_n and_o particular_a instruction_n when_o he_o depute_v they_o to_o their_o several_a charge_n if_o the_o former_a that_o law_n and_o command_n must_v be_v produce_v which_o will_v hardly_o be_v if_o we_o embrace_v only_o the_o receive_a canon_n of_o the_o scripture_n if_o the_o latter_a we_o must_v then_o fetch_v some_o stand_a rule_n and_o law_n from_o unwritten_a tradition_n for_o no_o other_o evidence_n can_v be_v give_v of_o the_o instruction_n by_o word_n of_o mouth_n give_v by_o paul_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n at_o the_o take_v their_o charge_n upon_o they_o but_o yet_o three_o be_v it_o only_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o be_v dispute_v that_o will_v hold_v a_o controversy_n still_o viz._n whether_o any_o do_v succeed_v timothy_n and_o titus_n in_o their_o office_n but_o this_o i_o shall_v leave_v to_o its_o proper_a place_n to_o be_v discuss_v when_o
exercise_n of_o this_o power_n be_v not_o any_o unlawfulnesse_n in_o the_o thing_n but_o the_o preserve_n of_o order_n and_o conveniency_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n this_o be_v premise_v i_o say_v second_o that_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n may_v in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n attribute_v a_o large_a and_o more_o extensive_a power_n to_o some_o particular_a person_n for_o the_o more_o convenient_a exercise_n of_o their_o common_a power_n we_o have_v see_v already_o that_o their_o power_n extend_v to_o the_o care_n of_o the_o church_n in_o common_a that_o the_o restraint_n of_o this_o power_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o order_n and_o decency_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n now_o in_o matter_n of_o common_a concernment_n without_o all_o question_n it_o be_v not_o unlawful_a when_o the_o church_n judge_v it_o most_o for_o edification_n to_o grant_v to_o some_o the_o executive_a part_n of_o that_o power_n which_o be_v original_o and_o fundamental_o common_a to_o they_o all_o for_o our_o better_a understanding_n of_o this_o we_o must_v consider_v a_o twofold_a power_n belong_v to_o church-officer_n a_o power_n of_o order_n and_o a_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n for_o in_o every_o presbyter_n there_o be_v some_o thing_n inseparable_o join_v to_o his_o function_n and_o belong_v to_o every_o one_o in_o his_o personal_a capacity_n both_o in_o actu_fw-la primo_fw-la and_o in_o actu_fw-la secundo_fw-la both_o as_o to_o the_o right_n and_o power_n to_o do_v it_o and_o the_o exercise_n and_o execution_n of_o that_o power_n such_o be_v preach_v the_o word_n visit_v the_o sick_a administer_a sacrament_n etc._n etc._n but_o there_o be_v other_o thing_n which_o every_o presbyter_n have_v a_o aptitude_n and_o a_o jus_o to_o in_o actu_fw-la primo_fw-la but_o the_o limitation_n and_o exercise_n of_o that_o power_n do_v belong_v to_o the_o church_n in_o common_a and_o belong_v not_o to_o any_o one_o personal_o but_o by_o a_o further_a power_n of_o choice_n or_o delegation_n to_o it_o such_o be_v the_o power_n of_o visit_v church_n take_v care_n that_o particular_a pastor_n discharge_v their_o duty_n such_o be_v the_o power_n of_o ordination_n and_o church_n censure_n and_o make_v rule_n for_o decency_n in_o the_o church_n this_o be_v that_o we_o call_v the_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n now_o this_o latter_a power_n though_o it_o belong_v habitual_o and_o in_o actu_fw-la primo_fw-la to_o every_o presbyter_n yet_o be_v about_o matter_n of_o public_a and_o common_a concernment_n some_o further_a authority_n in_o a_o church_n constitute_v be_v necessary_a beside_o the_o power_n of_o order_n and_o when_o this_o power_n either_o by_o consent_n of_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n or_o by_o the_o appointment_n of_o a_o christian_a magistrate_n or_o both_o be_v devolve_v to_o some_o particular_a person_n though_o quoad_fw-la aptitudinem_fw-la the_o power_n remain_v in_o every_o presbyter_n yet_o quoad_fw-la executionem_fw-la it_o belong_v to_o those_o who_o be_v so_o appoint_v and_o therefore_o camero_n determin_n that_o ordinatio_fw-la non_fw-la fit_a à _fw-la pastore_fw-la 27._o quatenus_fw-la pastor_n est_fw-la sed_fw-la quatenus_fw-la ad_fw-la tempus_fw-la singularem_fw-la authoritatem_fw-la obtinet_fw-la i._n e._n that_o ordination_n do_v not_o belong_v to_o the_o power_n of_o order_n but_o to_o the_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n and_o therefore_o be_v subject_n to_o positive_a restraint_n by_o prudential_n determination_n by_o this_o we_o may_v understand_v how_o lawful_a the_o exercise_n of_o a_o episcopal_a power_n may_v be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n suppose_v a_o equality_n in_o all_o church-officer_n as_o to_o the_o power_n of_o order_n and_o how_o incongruous_o they_o speak_v who_o suppose_v a_o equality_n in_o the_o presbyter_n of_o church_n at_o first_o do_v cry_v out_o that_o the_o church_n take_v upon_o she_o the_o office_n of_o christ_n if_o she_o delegate_n any_o to_o a_o more_o peculiar_a exercise_n of_o the_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n the_o last_o thing_n plead_v why_o a_o immutable_a form_n of_o church-government_n 13._o must_v be_v lay_v down_o in_o scripture_n be_v from_o the_o perfection_n and_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o scripture_n because_o otherwise_o the_o scripture_n will_v be_v condemn_v of_o imperfection_n but_o this_o will_v receive_v a_o easy_a dispatch_n for_o first_o the_o controversy_n about_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o concern_v a_o essential_a or_o integral_a perfection_n but_o a_o perfection_n ratione_fw-la finis_fw-la &_o effectuum_fw-la in_o order_n to_o its_o end_n now_o the_o end_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v a_o 3._o adequate_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n and_o sufficient_a to_o bring_v man_n to_o salvation_n which_o it_o be_v sufficient_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v if_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v or_o practise_v be_v contain_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n now_o that_o which_o we_o assert_v not_o to_o be_v full_o lay_v down_o in_o scripture_n be_v not_o plead_v to_o be_v any_o way_n necessary_a nor_o to_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o faith_n but_o something_o leave_v to_o the_o church_n liberty_n but_o here_o it_o be_v say_v by_o some_o that_o this_o be_v add_v to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n which_o destroy_v the_o scripture_n perfection_n therefore_o i_o answer_v second_o whatever_o be_v do_v with_o a_o opinion_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o do_v it_o destroy_v the_o scripture_n perfection_n if_o it_o be_v not_o contain_v in_o it_o for_o that_o be_v to_o make_v it_o a_o imperfect_a rule_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n every_o additio_fw-la perficiens_fw-la be_v additio_fw-la corrumpens_fw-la because_o it_o take_v away_o from_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o rule_n which_o it_o be_v add_v to_o and_o thus_o popish_a tradition_n be_v destructive_a of_o the_o scripture_n sufficiency_n but_o the_o do_v of_o any_o thing_n not_o positive_o determine_v in_o scripture_n not_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o thing_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v from_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o observe_v the_o general_a rule_n of_o scripture_n in_o the_o do_v it_o be_v far_o from_o destroy_v the_o perfection_n or_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n three_o all_o essential_o of_o church-government_n be_v contain_v clear_o in_o scripture_n the_o essential_o of_o church-government_n be_v such_o as_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o preservation_n of_o such_o a_o society_n as_o the_o church_n be_v now_o all_o these_o thing_n have_v be_v not_o only_o grant_v but_o prove_v to_o be_v contain_v in_o scripture_n but_o whatever_o be_v not_o so_o necessary_a in_o its_o self_n can_v only_o become_v necessary_a by_o virtue_n of_o god_n express_v command_v and_o what_o be_v not_o so_o command_v be_v accidental_a and_o circumstantial_a and_o a_o matter_n of_o christian_a liberty_n and_o such_o we_o assert_v the_o form_n of_o church-government_n to_o be_v it_o be_v not_o our_o work_n to_o inquire_v why_o god_n have_v determine_v some_o thing_n that_o may_v seem_v more_o circumstantial_a than_o this_o and_o leave_v other_o thing_n at_o liberty_n but_o whether_o god_n have_v determine_v these_o thing_n or_o no._n which_o determination_n be_v once_o clear_v make_v the_o thing_n so_o command_v necessary_a as_o to_o our_o observance_n of_o it_o but_o if_o no_o such_o thing_n be_v make_v appear_v the_o thing_n remain_v a_o matter_n of_o liberty_n and_o so_o the_o scripture_n perfection_n as_o to_o necessary_n in_o order_n to_o salvation_n be_v no_o way_n impeach_v by_o it_o so_o much_o now_o for_o the_o necessity_n of_o christ_n determine_v the_o particular_a form_n of_o government_n we_o now_o proceed_v to_o the_o consideration_n of_o christ_n action_n whether_o by_o they_o the_o form_n of_o church-government_n be_v determine_v or_o no_o chap._n v._n whether_o any_o of_o christ_n action_n have_v determine_v the_o form_n of_o government_n all_o power_n in_o christ_n hand_n for_o govern_v his_o church_n what_o order_n christ_n take_v in_o order_n thereto_o when_o he_o be_v in_o the_o world_n call_v apostle_n the_o first_o action_n respect_v outward_a government_n the_o name_n and_o office_n of_o apostle_n clear_v a_o equality_n among_o they_o prove_v during_o our_o saviour_n life_n peter_n not_o make_v monarch_n of_o the_o church_n by_o christ._n the_o apostle_n power_n over_o the_o seventy_o disciple_n consider_v with_o the_o nature_n and_o quality_n of_o their_o office_n matth._n 20._o 25_o 26_o 27._o large_o discuss_v and_o explain_v it_o make_v not_o all_o inequality_n in_o church_n officer_n unlawful_a by_o the_o difference_n of_o apostle_n and_o pastor_n of_o church_n matth._n 18._o 15._o how_o far_o that_o determin_n the_o form_n of_o church-government_n no_o evidence_n of_o any_o exact_a order_n for_o church-government_n from_o thence_o matth._n 16._o 15_o 16_o 17_o 18._o consider_v how_o far_o that_o concern_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n have_v consider_v and_o answer_v the_o argument_n which_o 1._o be_v bring_v why_o christ_n must_v
command_v one_o form_n and_o forbid_v all_o other_o we_o have_v no_o way_n then_o leave_v to_o know_v whether_o the_o apostle_n do_v look_v upon_o themselves_o as_o bound_v to_o settle_v one_o form_n but_o by_o their_o practice_n this_o practice_n must_v be_v certain_a and_o uniform_a in_o they_o this_o uniformity_n must_v be_v make_v know_v to_o we_o by_o some_o unquestionable_a way_n the_o scripture_n they_o be_v very_o silent_a in_o it_o mention_v very_o little_o more_o than_o paul_n practice_n nor_o that_o full_o and_o clear_o therefore_o we_o must_v gather_v it_o from_o antiquity_n and_o the_o record_n of_o follow_a age_n if_o these_o now_o fall_v short_a of_o our_o expectation_n and_o can_v give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o what_o be_v do_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o several_a church_n plant_v by_o they_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a we_o shall_v attain_v any_o certainty_n of_o what_o the_o apostle_n practice_n be_v now_o that_o antiquity_n be_v so_o defective_a as_o to_o place_n will_v appear_v from_o the_o general_a silence_n as_o to_o the_o church_n plant_v by_o many_o of_o the_o apostle_n grant_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o eusebius_n tell_v we_o that_o thomas_n go_v into_o parthia_n andrew_n into_o scythia_n john_n into_o the_o lesser_a asia_n peter_n to_o the_o jew_n in_o pontus_n galatia_n bythinia_n cappadocia_n 1._o asia_n beside_o what_o we_o read_v in_o scripture_n of_o paul_n what_o a_o pitiful_a short_a account_n have_v we_o here_o give_v in_o of_o all_o the_o apostle_n travel_n and_o their_o several_a fellow-labourer_n and_o for_o all_o these_o little_a or_o nothing_o speak_v of_o the_o way_n they_o take_v in_o settle_v the_o church_n by_o they_o plant_v who_o be_v it_o will_v undertake_v to_o tell_v we_o what_o course_n andrew_n take_v in_o scythiae_n in_o govern_v church_n if_o we_o believe_v the_o record_n of_o after-age_n there_o be_v but_o one_o bishop_n viz._n of_o tomis_n for_o the_o whole_a country_n how_o different_a be_v this_o from_o the_o pretend_a course_n of_o paul_n set_v up_o a_o single_a bishop_n in_o every_o city_n where_o do_v we_o read_v of_o the_o presbytery_n settle_v by_o thomas_n in_o parthia_n or_o the_o indies_n what_o course_n philip_n bartholomew_n matthew_n simon_n zelotes_n mathias_n take_v may_v not_o they_o for_o any_o thing_n we_o know_v settle_v another_o kind_n of_o government_n from_o what_o we_o read_v paul_n peter_n or_o john_n do_v unless_o we_o have_v some_o evidence_n that_o they_o be_v all_o bind_v to_o observe_v the_o same_o nay_o what_o evidence_n have_v we_o what_o course_n peter_n take_v in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o circumcision_n whether_o he_o leave_v they_o to_o their_o synagogue_n way_n or_o alter_v it_o and_o how_o or_o wherein_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v make_v appear_v to_o give_v man_n a_o certainty_n of_o the_o way_n and_o course_n the_o apostle_n do_v observe_v in_o the_o settle_n church_n by_o they_o plant_v but_o instead_o of_o this_o we_o have_v a_o general_a silence_n in_o antiquity_n and_o nothing_o but_o the_o forgery_n of_o latter_a age_n to_o supply_v the_o vacuity_n whereby_o they_o fill_v up_o empty_a place_n as_o plutarch_n theseo_n express_v it_o as_o geographer_n do_v map_n with_o some_o fabulous_a creature_n of_o their_o own_o invention_n here_o be_v work_v now_o for_o a_o nicephorus_n callisthus_fw-la a_o simeon_n metaphrastes_n the_o very_a jacobus_n de_fw-fr voragine_fw-la of_o the_o greek_a church_n as_o one_o well_o call_v he_o those_o historical_a tinker_n that_o think_v to_o mend_v a_o hole_n where_o they_o find_v it_o and_o make_v three_o instead_o of_o it_o this_o be_v the_o first_o defect_n in_o antiquity_n as_o to_o place_n the_o second_o be_v as_o observable_a as_o to_o time_n and_o what_o be_v most_o considerable_a antiquity_n be_v most_o defective_a where_o it_o be_v most_o useful_a viz._n in_o the_o time_n immediate_o after_o the_o apostle_n which_o must_v have_v be_v most_o helpful_a to_o we_o in_o this_o inquiry_n for_o who_o dare_v with_o confidence_n believe_v the_o conjecture_n of_o eusebius_n at_o three_o hundred_o year_n distance_n from_o apostolical_a time_n when_o he_o have_v no_o other_o testimony_n to_o vouch_v but_o the_o hypotypose_n of_o a_o uncertain_a clement_n certain_o not_o he_o of_o alexandria_n if_o jos._n scaliger_n may_v be_v credit_v and_o the_o commentary_n of_o hegesippus_n who_o relation_n and_o authority_n be_v as_o questionable_a as_o many_o of_o the_o report_n of_o eusebius_n himself_o be_v in_o reference_n to_o those_o elder_a time_n for_o which_o i_o need_v no_o other_o testimony_n but_o eusebius_n in_o a_o place_n enough_o of_o its_o self_n to_o blast_v the_o whole_a credit_n of_o antiquity_n as_o to_o the_o matter_n now_o in_o debate_n for_o speak_v of_o paul_n and_o peter_n and_o the_o church_n by_o they_o plant_v and_o come_v to_o inquire_v after_o their_o successor_n he_o make_v this_o very_a ingenuous_a confession_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 4._o say_v you_o so_o be_v it_o so_o hard_a a_o matter_n to_o find_v out_o who_o succeed_v the_o apostle_n in_o the_o church_n plant_v by_o they_o unless_o it_o be_v those_o mention_v in_o the_o write_n of_o paul_n what_o become_v then_o of_o our_o unquestionable_a line_n of_o succession_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o several_a church_n and_o the_o large_a diagramm_v make_v of_o the_o apostolical_a church_n with_o every_o one_o name_n set_v down_o in_o his_o order_n as_o if_o the_o writer_n have_v be_v clarenceaulx_n to_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o be_v it_o come_v to_o this_o at_o last_o that_o we_o have_v nothing_o certain_a but_o what_o we_o have_v in_o scripture_n and_o must_v then_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n be_v our_o rule_n to_o interpret_v scripture_n by_o a_o excellent_a way_n to_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n doubtless_o to_o bend_v the_o rule_n to_o the_o crooked_a stick_n to_o make_v the_o judge_n stand_v to_o the_o opinion_n of_o his_o lackey_n what_o sentence_n he_o shall_v pass_v upon_o the_o cause_n in_o question_n to_o make_v scripture_n stand_v cap_n in_o hand_n to_o tradition_n to_o know_v whether_o it_o may_v have_v leave_n to_o speak_v or_o no_o be_v all_o the_o great_a outcry_n of_o apostolical_a tradition_n of_o personal_a succession_n of_o unquestionable_a record_n resolve_v at_o last_o into_o the_o scripture_n its_o self_n by_o he_o from_o who_o all_o these_o long_a pedigree_n be_v fetch_v then_o let_v succession_n know_v its_o place_n and_o learn_v to_o veil_v bonnet_n to_o the_o scripture_n and_o withal_o let_v man_n take_v heed_n of_o overreaching_a themselves_o when_o they_o will_v bring_v down_o so_o large_a a_o catalogue_n of_o single_a bishop_n from_o the_o first_o and_o pure_a time_n of_o the_o church_n for_o it_o will_v be_v hard_a for_o other_o to_o believe_v they_o when_o eusebius_n profess_v it_o be_v so_o hard_a to_o find_v they_o well_o might_n scaliger_n then_o complain_v that_o the_o interval_n from_o the_o last_o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n to_o the_o middle_n of_o trajan_n in_o which_o time_n quadratus_n and_o ignatius_n begin_v to_o eusebii_n flourish_v be_v tempus_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o varro_n speak_v a_o mere_a chaos_n of_o time_n fill_v up_o with_o the_o rude_a concept_n once_o of_o papias_n hermes_n and_o other_o who_o like_o hann_n ibal_n when_o they_o can_v not_o find_v a_o way_n through_o will_v make_v one_o either_o by_o force_n or_o fraud_n but_o yet_o three_o here_o be_v another_o defect_n consequent_a to_o that_o of_o time_n which_o be_v that_o of_o person_n arise_v not_o only_a from_o a_o defect_n of_o record_n the_o diptych_n of_o the_o church_n be_v lose_v which_o will_v have_v acquaint_v we_o with_o the_o time_n of_o suffer_v of_o the_o several_a martyr_n by_o they_o call_v their_o natalitia_fw-la at_o which_o time_n their_o several_a name_n be_v enrol_v in_o these_o martyrology_n which_o some_o as_o junius_n observe_v have_v ignorant_o mistake_v for_o the_o time_n of_o their_o be_v make_v bishop_n of_o the_o place_n wherein_o their_o 18._o name_n be_v enter_v as_o anacletus_fw-la clitus_n and_o clemens_n at_o rome_n i_o say_v the_o defect_n as_o to_o person_n not_o only_o arise_v hence_o but_o because_o the_o christian_n be_v so_o much_o harass_v with_o persecution_n that_o they_o can_v not_o have_v that_o leisure_n then_o to_o write_v those_o thing_n which_o the_o leisure_n and_o peace_n of_o our_o age_n have_v make_v we_o so_o eager_o inquisitive_a after_o hence_o even_o the_o martyrology_n be_v so_o full_o stuff_v with_o fable_n witness_v one_o for_o all_o the_o famous_a legend_n of_o catharina_n who_o suffer_v say_v they_o in_o diocletian_n 16._o time_n and_o true_o the_o story_n of_o ignatius_n as_o much_o as_o it_o be_v defend_v with_o his_o epistle_n do_v not_o seem_v to_o be_v any_o of_o the_o most_o probable_a for_o wherefore_o shall_v
as_o yet_o stranger_n to_o the_o covenant_n of_o promise_n and_o alien_n from_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d society_n of_o christian_n and_o here_o i_o conceive_v a_o mistake_n of_o some_o man_n lie_v when_o they_o think_v the_o apostle_n respect_v only_o the_o rule_v of_o those_o which_o be_v already_o convert_v for_o though_o this_o be_v one_o part_n of_o their_o work_n yet_o they_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o the_o main_a design_n then_o on_o foot_n the_o subject_v the_o world_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n in_o order_n to_o which_o it_o be_v necessity_n in_o place_n of_o great_a resort_n and_o extent_n to_o place_v not_o only_o such_o as_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o superintend_v the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n but_o such_o as_o may_v lay_v out_o themselves_o the_o most_o in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n in_o order_n to_o convert_v other_o have_v lay_v down_o these_o thing_n by_o way_n of_o premisal_n we_o will_v see_v what_o advantage_n we_o can_v make_v of_o they_o in_o order_n to_o our_o purpose_n first_o than_o i_o say_v that_o in_o church_n consist_v of_o a_o small_a number_n of_o believer_n where_o there_o be_v no_o great_a probability_n of_o a_o large_a increase_n afterward_o one_o single_a pastor_n with_o deacon_n under_o he_o be_v only_o constitute_v by_o the_o apostle_n for_o the_o rule_n of_o those_o church_n where_o the_o work_n be_v not_o so_o great_a but_o a_o pastor_n and_o deacon_n may_v do_v it_o what_o need_n be_v there_o of_o have_v more_o and_o in_o the_o great_a scarcity_n of_o fit_a person_n for_o settle_a ruler_n then_o and_o the_o great_a multitude_n and_o necessity_n of_o unfixed_a officer_n for_o preach_v the_o gospel_n abroad_o many_o person_n fit_a for_o that_o work_n can_v not_o be_v spare_v to_o be_v constant_o resident_n upon_o a_o place_n now_o that_o in_o some_o place_n at_o first_o there_o be_v none_o place_v but_o only_o a_o pastor_n and_o deacon_n i_o shall_v confirm_v by_o these_o follow_a testimony_n the_o first_o be_v that_o of_o clement_n in_o his_o epistle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 54._o the_o apostle_n therefore_o preach_v abroad_o through_o country_n and_o city_n ordain_v the_o first-fruit_n of_o such_o as_o believe_v have_v prove_v they_o by_o the_o spirit_n to_o be_v bishop_n and_o deacon_n for_o they_o that_o shall_v afterward_o believe_v whether_o by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d we_o understand_v village_n or_o region_n be_v not_o material_a for_o it_o be_v certain_a here_o the_o author_n take_v it_o as_o distinct_a from_o city_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o i_o grant_v express_v where_o the_o apostle_n do_v place_n bishop_n and_o deacon_n exclusive_a of_o other_o place_n i._n e._n whither_o only_o in_o city_n or_o country_n but_o it_o be_v evident_a by_o this_o that_o wherever_o they_o plant_v church_n they_o ordain_v bishop_n and_o deacon_n whether_o those_o church_n be_v in_o the_o city_n or_o country_n and_o here_o we_o find_v no_o other_o officer_n settle_v in_o those_o church_n but_o bishop_n and_o deacon_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o in_o those_o church_n than_o he_o speak_v of_o appear_v from_o his_o design_n of_o parallel_v the_o church-officer_n in_o the_o gospel_n to_o those_o under_o the_o law_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v here_o necessary_a to_o enumerate_v all_o that_o be_v then_o in_o the_o church_n the_o main_a controversy_n be_v what_o these_o bishop_n be_v whether_o many_o in_o one_o place_n or_o only_o one_o and_o if_o but_o one_o whether_o a_o bishop_n in_o the_o modern_a sense_n or_o no._n for_o the_o first_o here_o be_v nothing_o imply_v any_o necessity_n of_o have_v more_o than_o one_o in_o a_o place_n which_o will_v further_o be_v make_v appear_v by_o and_o by_o out_o of_o other_o testimony_n which_o will_v help_v to_o explain_v this_o as_o for_o the_o other_o thing_n we_o must_v distinguish_v of_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o bishop_n for_o he_o be_v either_o such_o a_o one_o as_o have_v none_o over_o he_o in_o the_o church_n or_o he_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o have_v a_o power_n over_o presbyter_n act_v under_o he_o and_o by_o authority_n derive_v from_o he_o if_o we_o take_v it_o in_o the_o first_o sense_n so_o every_o pastor_n of_o a_o church_n have_v none_o exercise_v jurisdiction_n over_o he_o be_v a_o bishop_n and_o so_o every_o such_o single_a pastor_n in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o primitive_a time_n be_v a_o bishop_n in_o this_o sense_n as_o every_o master_n of_o a_o family_n before_o society_n for_o government_n be_v introduce_v may_v be_v call_v a_o king_n because_o he_o have_v none_o above_o he_o to_o command_v he_o but_o if_o we_o take_v a_o bishop_n in_o the_o more_o proper_a sense_n for_o one_o that_o have_v power_n over_o presbyter_n and_o people_n such_o a_o one_o these_o single_a pastor_n be_v not_o can_v not_o be_v for_o it_o be_v suppose_v that_o these_o be_v only_o single_a pastor_n but_o than_o it_o be_v say_v that_o after_o other_o presbyter_n be_v appoint_v than_o these_o single_a pastor_n be_v proper_o bishop_n but_o to_o that_o i_o answer_v first_o they_o can_v not_o be_v proper_a bishop_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o first_o constitution_n for_o than_o they_o have_v no_o power_n over_o any_o presbyter_n but_o only_o over_o the_o deacon_n and_o people_n and_o therefore_o it_o will_v be_v well_o worth_a consider_v how_o a_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n over_o presbyter_n can_v be_v derive_v from_o those_o single_a pastor_n of_o church_n that_o have_v no_o presbyter_n join_v with_o they_o it_o must_v be_v then_o clear_o and_o evident_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v the_o apostle_n intention_n that_o these_o single_a pastor_n shall_v have_v the_o power_n over_o presbyter_n when_o the_o church_n necessity_n do_v require_v their_o help_n which_o intention_n must_v be_v manifest_v and_o declare_v by_o some_o manifestation_n of_o it_o as_o a_o law_n of_o christ_n or_o nothing_o can_v thence_o be_v deduce_v of_o perpetual_a concernment_n to_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n second_o either_o they_o be_v bishop_n before_o or_o only_o after_o the_o appointment_n of_o presbyter_n if_o before_o than_o a_o bishop_n and_o a_o presbyter_n have_v no_o bishop_n over_o he_o be_v all_o one_o if_o after_o only_a than_o it_o be_v by_o his_o communicate_v power_n to_o presbyter_n to_o be_v such_o or_o their_o choice_n which_o make_v he_o their_o bishop_n if_o the_o first_o than_o presbyter_n quoad_fw-la ordinem_fw-la be_v only_o a_o humane_a institution_n it_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o no_o evidence_n can_v be_v bring_v from_o scripture_n for_o they_o and_o for_o any_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n not_o record_v in_o scripture_n for_o the_o constitute_n of_o they_o it_o must_v go_v among_o unwritten_a tradition_n and_o if_o that_o be_v a_o law_n still_o bind_v the_o church_n than_o there_o be_v such_o which_o occur_v not_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o so_o that_o must_v be_v a_o imperfect_a copy_n of_o divine_a law_n if_o he_o be_v make_v bishop_n by_o a_o act_n of_o the_o presbyter_n than_o presbyter_n have_v power_n to_o make_v a_o bishop_n and_o so_o episcopacy_n be_v a_o humane_a institution_n depend_v upon_o the_o voluntary_a act_n of_o presbyter_n but_o the_o clear_a evidence_n for_o one_o single_a pastor_n with_o deacon_n in_o some_o church_n at_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n be_v that_o of_o epiphanius_n which_o though_o somewhat_o large_a i_o shall_v recite_v because_o if_o i_o mistake_v not_o the_o curtail_v of_o this_o testimony_n have_v make_v it_o speak_v otherwise_o then_o ever_o epiphanius_n mean_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d peâ—av_n etc._n etc._n the_o sense_n of_o epiphanius_n be_v very_o intricate_a and_o obscure_a we_o â—hall_v endeavour_v to_o explain_v it_o he_o be_v give_v aerius_n a_o account_n why_o paul_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n mention_n only_a bishop_n and_o deacon_n and_o pass_v over_o presbyter_n his_o account_n be_v this_o first_o he_o change_v aerius_n with_o ignorance_n of_o the_o series_n of_o history_n which_o he_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o profound_a and_o ancient_a record_n the_o church_n wherein_o it_o be_v express_v that_o upon_o the_o first_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n the_o apostle_n write_v according_a to_o the_o present_a state_n of_o thing_n where_o bishop_n be_v not_o yet_o appoint_v for_o so_o certain_o it_o shall_v be_v read_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o than_o he_o must_v contradict_v himself_o the_o apostle_n write_v to_o bishop_n and_o deacon_n for_o the_o apostle_n can_v not_o settle_v all_o thing_n at_o first_o for_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n for_o by_o these_o two_o order_n all_o ecclesiastical_a office_n may_v be_v perform_v for_o where_o so_o i_o read_v it_o 〈◊〉_d
vacuae_fw-la observationis_fw-la &_o superstitioni_fw-la deputanda_fw-la as_o superstitious_a which_o be_v do_v sine_fw-la ulliâ—s_fw-la dominici_n aâ—t_fw-la apostolici_fw-la praecepti_fw-la autoritate_fw-la without_o the_o warrant_n of_o divine_a command_n although_o even_o here_o we_o may_v say_v too_o that_o it_o be_v not_o mere_o the_o want_n of_o a_o divine_a precept_n which_o make_v any_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n uncommand_v by_o god_n unlawful_a but_o the_o general_n prohibition_n that_o nothing_o shall_v be_v do_v in_o the_o immediate_a worship_n of_o god_n but_o what_o we_o have_v a_o divine_a command_n for_o however_o in_o matter_n of_o mere_a decency_n and_o order_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n or_o in_o any_o other_o civil_a action_n of_o the_o life_n of_o man_n it_o be_v enough_o to_o make_v thing_n lawful_a if_o they_o be_v not_o forbid_v but_o against_o this_o that_o a_o non-prohibition_n be_v warrant_n enough_o to_o make_v any_o thing_n lawful_a this_o objection_n will_v be_v soon_o levy_v that_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n ab_fw-la authoritate_fw-la negatiuè_fw-la and_o therefore_o be_v of_o no_o force_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o rule_n if_o take_v without_o limitation_n upon_o which_o this_o objection_n be_v found_v be_v not_o true_a for_o although_o a_o argument_n ab_fw-la authoritate_fw-la negatiuè_fw-la as_o to_o matter_n of_o fact_n avail_v not_o yet_o the_o negative_a from_o authority_n as_o to_o matter_n of_o law_n and_o command_n be_v of_o great_a force_n and_o strength_n i_o grant_v the_o argument_n hold_v not_o here_o we_o do_v not_o read_v that_o ever_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n do_v such_o a_o thing_n therefore_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v do_v but_o this_o we_o read_v of_o no_o law_n or_o precept_n command_v we_o to_o do_v it_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o unlawful_a not_o to_o do_v it_o and_o we_o read_v of_o no_o prohibition_n forbid_v we_o to_o do_v it_o therefore_o it_o may_v be_v lawful_o do_v this_o hold_v true_a and_o good_a and_o that_o upon_o this_o twofold_a reason_n first_o from_o god_n intention_n in_o make_v know_v his_o will_n which_o be_v not_o to_o record_v every_o particular_a fact_n do_v by_o himself_o or_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n but_o it_o be_v to_o lay_v down_o those_o general_a and_o stand_a law_n whereby_o his_o church_n in_o all_o age_n shall_v be_v guide_v and_o rule_v and_o in_o order_n to_o a_o perpetual_a obligation_n upon_o the_o conscience_n there_o must_v be_v a_o sufficient_a promulgation_n of_o those_o law_n which_o must_v bind_v man_n thus_o in_o the_o case_n of_o infant-baptism_n it_o be_v a_o very_a weak_a unconclude_a argument_n to_o say_v that_o infant_n must_v not_o be_v baptize_v because_o we_o never_o read_v that_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n do_v it_o for_o this_o be_v a_o negative_a in_o matter_n of_o fact_n but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n it_o be_v a_o evidence_n that_o infant_n be_v not_o to_o be_v exclude_v from_o baptism_n because_o there_o be_v no_o divine_a law_n which_o do_v prohibit_v their_o admission_n into_o the_o church_n by_o it_o for_o this_o be_v the_o negative_a of_o a_o law_n and_o if_o it_o have_v be_v christ_n intention_n to_o have_v exclude_v any_o from_o admission_n into_o the_o church_n who_o be_v admit_v before_o as_o insant_n be_v there_o must_v have_v be_v some_o positive_a law_n whereby_o such_o a_o intention_n of_o christ_n shall_v have_v be_v express_v for_o nothing_o can_v make_v that_o unlawful_a which_o be_v a_o duty_n before_o but_o a_o direct_a and_o express_a prohibition_n from_o the_o legislator_n himself_o who_o alone_a have_v power_n to_o rescind_v as_o well_o as_o to_o make_v law_n and_o therefore_o antipaedobaptist_n must_v instead_o of_o require_v a_o positive_a command_n for_o baptise_v infant_n themselves_o produce_v a_o express_a prohibition_n exclude_v they_o or_o there_o can_v be_v no_o appearance_n of_o reason_n give_v why_o the_o gospel_n shall_v exclude_v any_o from_o those_o privilege_n which_o the_o law_n admit_v they_o to_o second_o i_o argue_v from_o the_o intention_n and_o end_n of_o law_n which_o be_v to_o circumscribe_v and_o restrain_v the_o natural_a liberty_n of_o man_n by_o bind_v he_o to_o the_o observation_n of_o some_o particular_a precept_n and_o therefore_o where_o there_o be_v not_o a_o particular_a command_n and_o prohibition_n it_o be_v in_o nature_n and_o reason_n suppose_v that_o man_n be_v leave_v to_o their_o natural_a freedom_n as_o be_v plain_a in_o positive_a humane_a law_n wherein_o man_n by_o compact_n and_o agreement_n for_o their_o mutual_a good_a in_o society_n be_v willing_a to_o restrain_v themselves_o from_o those_o thing_n which_o shall_v prejudice_v the_o good_a of_o the_o community_n this_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o man_n first_o enclose_v their_o right_n and_o common_a privilege_n it_o must_v be_v suppose_v that_o what_o be_v not_o so_o enclose_v be_v leave_v common_a to_o all_o as_o their_o just_a right_n and_o privilege_n still_o so_o it_o be_v in_o divine_a positive_a law_n god_n intend_v to_o bring_v some_o of_o mankind_n to_o happiness_n by_o condition_n of_o his_o own_o appoint_v have_v lay_v down_o many_o positive_a precept_n bind_v man_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o thing_n as_o duty_n which_o be_v command_v by_o he_o but_o where_o we_o find_v no_o command_n for_o performance_n we_o can_v look_v upon_o that_o as_o a_o immediate_a duty_n because_o of_o the_o necessary_a relation_n between_o duty_n and_o law_n and_o so_o where_o we_o find_v no_o prohibition_n there_o we_o can_v have_v no_o ground_n to_o think_v that_o man_n be_v debar_v from_o the_o liberty_n of_o do_v thing_n not_o forbid_v for_o as_o we_o say_v of_o exception_n as_o to_o general_a law_n and_o rule_n that_o a_o exception_n express_v firmat_n regulam_fw-la in_o non_fw-la exceptis_fw-la make_v the_o rule_n strong_a in_o thing_n not_o express_v as_o except_v so_o it_o be_v as_o to_o divine_a prohibition_n as_o to_o the_o positives_n that_o those_o prohibition_n we_o read_v in_o scripture_n make_v other_o thing_n not-prohibited_n to_o be_v therefore_o lawful_a because_o not_o express_o forbid_v as_o god_n forbid_v adam_n to_o taste_v of_o the_o fruit_n of_o one_o tree_n do_v give_v he_o a_o liberty_n to_o taste_v of_o all_o the_o rest_n indeed_o have_v not_o god_n at_o all_o reveal_v his_o will_n and_o law_n to_o we_o by_o his_o word_n there_o may_v have_v be_v some_o plea_n why_o man_n shall_v have_v wait_v for_o particular_a revelation_n to_o dictate_v the_o goodness_n or_o evil_n of_o particular_a action_n not_o determine_v by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n but_o since_o god_n have_v reveal_v his_o will_n there_o can_v be_v no_o reason_n give_v why_o those_o thing_n shall_v not_o be_v lawful_a to_o do_v which_o god_n have_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o forbid_v man_n the_o do_v of_o further_o we_o be_v to_o observe_v that_o in_o these_o thing_n which_o be_v thus_o undetermined_a in_o reference_n to_o a_o obligation_n to_o duty_n but_o leave_v to_o our_o natural_a liberty_n as_o thing_n lawful_a the_o contrary_a to_o that_o which_o be_v thus_o lawful_a be_v not_o thereby_o make_v unlawful_a but_o both_o part_n be_v leave_v in_o man_n power_n to_o do_v or_o not_o to_o do_v they_o as_o be_v evident_a in_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o carry_v a_o general_a equity_n with_o they_o and_o be_v therefore_o consonant_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n but_o have_v no_o particular_a obligation_n as_o not_o flow_v immediate_o from_o any_o dictate_v of_o the_o natural_a law_n thus_o community_n of_o good_n be_v lawful_a by_o the_o law_n and_o principle_n of_o nature_n yet_o every_o man_n have_v a_o lawful_a right_n to_o his_o good_n by_o dominion_n and_o propriety_n and_o in_o a_o state_n of_o community_n it_o be_v the_o right_n of_o every_o man_n to_o impropriate_a upon_o a_o just_a equality_n suppose_v a_o precede_a compact_n and_o mutual_a agreement_n whence_o it_o be_v that_o some_o of_o the_o schoolman_n say_v that_o although_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n be_v immutable_a as_o to_o its_o precept_n and_o prohibition_n yet_o not_o as_o to_o its_o demonstration_n as_o they_o call_v they_o as_o do_v as_o you_o will_v be_v do_v to_o bind_v always_o indispensable_o but_o that_o in_o a_o state_n of_o nature_n all_o thing_n be_v common_a to_o all_o this_o be_v true_a but_o it_o bind_v not_o man_n to_o the_o necessary_a observance_n 3._o of_o it_o these_o which_o they_o call_v demonstration_n be_v only_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v agreeable_a to_o nature_n but_o not_o particular_o command_v by_o any_o indispensable_a precept_n of_o it_o thus_o likewise_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o nature_n that_o the_o next_o of_o the_o kindred_n shall_v be_v heir_n to_o he_o who_o die_v intestate_a but_o he_o may_v lawful_o wave_v his_o interest_n if_o he_o please_v now_o to_o apply_v this_o to_o
our_o present_a case_n according_a to_o this_o sense_n of_o jus_o for_o that_o which_o be_v lawful_a those_o thing_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v jure_fw-la divino_fw-la which_o be_v not_o determine_v one_o way_n or_o other_o by_o any_o positive_a law_n of_o god_n but_o be_v leave_v whole_o as_o thing_n lawful_a to_o the_o prudence_n of_o man_n to_o determine_v they_o in_o a_o way_n agreeable_a to_o natural_a light_n and_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o which_o sense_n i_o assert_v any_o particular_a form_n of_o government_n agree_v on_o by_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n consonant_n to_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o scripture_n to_o be_v by_o divine_a right_n i._n e._n god_n by_o his_o own_o law_n have_v give_v man_n a_o power_n and_o liberty_n to_o determine_v the_o particular_a form_n of_o church-government_n among_o they_o and_o hence_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o though_o one_o form_n of_o government_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o another_o be_v not_o or_o because_o one_o be_v lawful_a another_o be_v unlawful_a but_o one_o form_n may_v be_v more_o agreeable_a to_o some_o part_n place_n people_n and_o time_n than_o other_o be_v in_o which_o case_n that_o form_n of_o government_n be_v to_o be_v settle_v which_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o present_a state_n of_o a_o place_n and_o be_v most_o advantageous_o conducible_a to_o the_o promote_a the_o end_n of_o church-government_n in_o that_o place_n or_o nation_n i_o conclude_v then_o according_a to_o this_o sense_n of_o jus_o that_o the_o ratio_fw-la regiminis_fw-la ecclesiastici_fw-la be_v juris_fw-la divini_fw-la naturalis_fw-la that_o be_v that_o the_o reason_n of_o church-government_n be_v immutable_a and_o hold_v in_o all_o time_n and_o place_n which_o be_v the_o preservation_n of_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n but_o the_o modus_fw-la regiminis_fw-la ecclesiastici_fw-la the_o particular_a form_n of_o that_o government_n be_v juris_fw-la divini_fw-la permissivi_fw-la that_o both_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o nature_n have_v leave_v it_o to_o the_o prudence_n of_o particular_a church_n to_o determine_v it_o this_o may_v be_v clear_v by_o a_o parallel_n instance_n the_o reason_n and_o the_o science_n of_o physic_n be_v immutable_a but_o the_o particular_a prescription_n of_o that_o science_n be_v much_o vary_v according_a to_o the_o different_a temper_n of_o patient_n and_o the_o very_a same_o reason_n in_o physic_n which_o prescribe_v one_o sort_n of_o physic_n to_o one_o do_v prescribe_v a_o different_a sort_n to_o another_o because_o the_o temper_n or_o disease_n of_o the_o one_o call_v for_o a_o different_a method_n of_o cure_n yet_o the_o ground_n and_o end_n of_o both_o prescription_n be_v the_o very_a same_o to_o recover_v the_o patient_n from_o his_o distemper_n so_o i_o say_v in_o our_o present_a case_n the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o government_n in_o the_o church_n be_v unalterable_a by_o divine_a right_n yea_o and_o that_o very_a reason_n which_o determine_v the_o particular_a form_n but_o yet_o these_o particular_a form_n flow_v from_o that_o immutable_a reason_n may_v be_v very_o different_a in_o themselves_o and_o may_v alter_v according_a to_o the_o several_a circumstance_n of_o time_n and_o place_n and_o person_n for_o the_o more_o commodious_a advance_v the_o main_a end_n of_o government_n as_o in_o morality_n there_o can_v be_v but_o one_o thing_n to_o a_o man_n in_o genere_fw-la summi_fw-la boni_fw-la as_o the_o chief_a good_a quò_fw-la tendit_fw-la &_o in_fw-la quod_fw-la dirigit_fw-la aroum_n to_o which_o he_o refer_v all_o other_o thing_n yet_o there_o may_v be_v many_o thing_n in_o genere_fw-la boni_fw-la conducentis_fw-la as_o mean_n in_o order_n to_o attain_v that_o end_n so_o though_o church-government_n vary_v not_o as_o to_o the_o ground_n end_n and_o reason_n of_o it_o yet_o it_o may_v as_o to_o the_o particular_a form_n of_o it_o as_o be_v further_a evident_a as_o to_o form_n of_o civil_a government_n though_o the_o end_n of_o all_o be_v the_o same_o yet_o monarchy_n aristocracy_n and_o democracy_n be_v in_o themselves_o lawful_a mean_n for_o the_o attain_v the_o same_o common_a end_n and_o as_o alensis_n determine_v it_o in_o the_o case_n of_o community_n of_o good_n by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n that_o the_o same_o reason_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n which_o do_v dictate_v community_n of_o good_n to_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o man_n in_o the_o state_n of_o innocency_n do_v in_o his_o fall_a estate_n prescribe_v a_o propriety_n of_o good_n as_o most_o agreeable_a to_o it_o so_o that_o herein_o the_o modus_fw-la observantine_n disser_v but_o the_o ratio_fw-la praecepti_fw-la be_v the_o same_o still_o which_o be_v man_n comfortable_a enjoyment_n of_o the_o accommodation_n of_o life_n which_o in_o innocency_n may_v have_v be_v best_o do_v by_o community_n but_o in_o man_n degenerate_a condition_n must_v be_v by_o a_o propriety_n so_o the_o same_o reason_n of_o church-government_n may_v call_v for_o a_o equality_n in_o the_o person_n act_v as_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n in_o one_o place_n which_o may_v call_v for_o superiority_n and_o subordination_n in_o another_o have_v now_o dispatch_v the_o first_o sense_n of_o a_o divine_a right_n 3._o i_o come_v to_o the_o other_o which_o be_v the_o main_a seat_n of_o the_o controversy_n and_o therefore_o will_v require_v a_o long_a debate_n and_o so_o jus_o be_v that_o which_o make_v a_o thing_n to_o become_v a_o duty_n so_o jus_o quasi_fw-la jussum_fw-la and_o jussa_fw-la jura_fw-la as_o festus_n explain_v it_o i._n e._n that_o whereby_o a_o thing_n be_v not_o only_a licitum_fw-la in_o man_n lawful_a power_n to_o do_v it_o or_o no_o but_o be_v make_v dâ—bitum_fw-la and_o be_v constitute_v a_o duty_n by_o the_o force_n and_o virtue_n of_o a_o divine_a command_n now_o man_n obligation_n to_o any_o thing_n as_o a_o duty_n do_v suppose_v on_o the_o part_n of_o he_o from_o who_o authority_n he_o derive_v his_o obligation_n both_o legislation_n and_o promulgation_n first_o there_o must_v be_v a_o legislative_a power_n command_v it_o which_o if_o it_o respect_v only_o the_o outward_a action_n of_o a_o man_n in_o a_o nation_n embody_a by_o law_n be_v the_o supreme_a magistrate_n but_o if_o the_o obligation_n respect_v the_o conscience_n of_o all_o man_n direct_o and_o immediate_o than_o none_o have_v the_o power_n to_o settle_v any_o thing_n by_o way_n of_o a_o universal_a stand_a law_n but_o god_n himself_o who_o by_o be_v sole_a creator_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n have_v alone_o absolute_a and_o independent_a dominion_n and_o authority_n over_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n but_o beside_o legislation_n another_o thing_n necessary_a to_o man_n obligation_n to_o duty_n be_v a_o sufficient_a promulgation_n of_o the_o law_n make_v because_o though_o before_o this_o there_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o obedience_n on_o man_n part_n to_o all_o god_n command_n yet_o there_o must_v be_v a_o particular_a declaration_n of_o the_o law_n whereby_o man_n be_v bind_v in_o order_n to_o the_o determination_n of_o man_n duty_n which_o in_o positives_n be_v so_o absolute_o necessary_a that_o unless_o there_o be_v a_o sufficient_a promulgation_n and_o declaration_n of_o the_o will_n of_o the_o lawgiver_n man_n ignorance_n be_v excusable_a in_o reference_n to_o they_o and_o so_o free_v from_o guilt_n and_o the_o obligation_n to_o punishment_n but_o it_o be_v otherwise_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o dictate_v of_o the_o natural_a law_n wherein_o though_o man_n be_v at_o a_o loss_n for_o they_o yet_o his_o own_o contract_a pravity_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o his_o blindness_n leave_v he_o without_o excuse_n hence_o it_o be_v say_v with_o good_a reason_n that_o though_o man_n under_o the_o moral_a law_n be_v bind_v to_o obey_v gospel-precept_n as_o to_o the_o reason_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o duty_n by_o they_o command_v as_o faith_n repentance_n from_o dead_a work_n and_o new_a obedience_n yet_o a_o more_o full_a and_o particular_a revelation_n by_o the_o gospel_n be_v necessary_a for_o the_o particular_a determination_n of_o the_o general_a act_n of_o obedience_n to_o particular_a object_n under_o their_o several_a modification_n express_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o faith_n and_o repentance_n under_o the_o moral_a law_n take_v as_o a_o transcript_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n be_v require_v under_o their_o general_a notion_n as_o act_n of_o obedience_n but_o not_o in_o that_o particular_a relation_n which_o those_o act_n have_v under_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n which_o particular_a determination_n of_o the_o general_a act_n to_o special_a object_n under_o different_a respect_n some_o call_v new_a precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n other_o new_a light_n but_o take_v that_o light_n as_o it_o have_v a_o influence_n upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n the_o difference_n be_v so_o small_a that_o it_o deserve_v not_o to_o be_v
power_n be_v always_o to_o be_v understand_v in_o all_o law_n to_o be_v reserve_v to_o god_n where_o he_o have_v not_o himself_o declare_v that_o he_o will_v not_o use_v it_o which_o be_v do_v either_o by_o the_o annex_v a_o oath_n on_o a_o promise_n which_o the_o apostle_n call_v the_o two_o immutable_a thing_n in_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a 1â—_n for_o god_n to_o lie_v for_o though_o god_n be_v free_a to_o promise_v yet_o when_o he_o have_v promise_v his_o own_o nature_n and_o faithfulness_n bind_v he_o to_o performance_n in_o which_o sense_n i_o understand_v those_o who_o say_v god_n in_o make_v promise_n be_v bind_v only_o to_o himself_o and_o not_o to_o man_n that_o be_v that_o the_o ground_n of_o performance_n arise_v from_o god_n faithfulness_n for_o else_o if_o we_o respect_v the_o right_a come_n by_o the_o promise_n that_o must_v immediate_o respect_v the_o person_n to_o who_o it_o be_v make_v and_o in_o respect_n of_o which_o we_o common_o say_v that_o the_o promiser_n be_v bind_v to_o performance_n but_o the_o case_n be_v otherwise_o in_o penal_a law_n which_o think_v never_o so_o strict_a do_v imply_v a_o power_n of_o relaxation_n in_o the_o legislator_n because_o penal_a law_n do_v only_o constitute_v the_o debstum_fw-la poenae_fw-la and_o bind_v the_o sinner_n over_o to_o punishment_n but_o do_v not_o bind_v the_o legislator_n to_o a_o actual_a execution_n upon_o the_o debt_n which_o be_v the_o ground_n that_o the_o person_n of_o a_o mediator_n be_v admittable_a in_o the_o place_n of_o fall_a man_n because_o it_o be_v a_o penal_a law_n and_o therefore_o relaxable_a but_o because_o the_o debt_n of_o punishment_n be_v immediate_o contract_v upon_o the_o breach_n of_o the_o law_n therefore_o satisfaction_n be_v necessary_a to_o god_n as_o lawgiver_n either_o by_o the_o person_n himself_o or_o another_o for_o he_o because_o it_o be_v not_o consistent_a with_o the_o holiness_n of_o god_n nature_n and_o his_o wisdom_n as_o governor_n to_o relax_v a_o establish_a law_n without_o valuable_a consideration_n now_o for_o the_o three_o kind_n of_o god_n law_n beside_o promissory_a and_o penal_a viz_o such_o as_o be_v mere_o positive_a respect_v duty_n which_o become_v such_o by_o virtue_n of_o a_o express_a command_n these_o though_o they_o be_v revocable_a in_o themselves_o yet_o be_v revocable_a only_o by_o god_n himself_o and_o his_o own_o power_n since_o he_o have_v already_o in_o his_o word_n full_o reveal_v his_o will_n unless_o therein_o he_o have_v declare_v when_o their_o obligation_n shall_v cease_v they_o continue_v irreversible_a this_o be_v the_o case_n as_o to_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o be_v command_v mere_o positive_a yet_o christ_n command_v christian_n as_o christian_n to_o observe_v they_o and_o not_o as_o christian_n of_o the_o first_o and_o second_o age_n of_o the_o church_n his_o mind_n can_v be_v no_o otherwise_o interpret_v concern_v they_o then_o that_o he_o do_v intend_v immutable_o to_o bind_v all_o christian_n to_o the_o observance_n of_o they_o for_o all_o though_o the_o socinian_o say_v that_o baptism_n 4._o be_v only_o a_o rite_n institute_v by_o christ_n for_o the_o pass_a man_n from_o judaisme_n and_o gentilism_n to_o christianity_n yet_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o look_v upon_o all_o as_o reason_n that_o come_v from_o those_o who_o profess_v themselves_o the_o admirer_n of_o it_o for_o christ_n command_n nowhere_o imply_v such_o a_o limitation_n and_o a_o outward_a visible_a profession_n of_o christianity_n be_v a_o duty_n now_o and_o the_o covenant_n enter_v into_o by_o that_o rite_n of_o initiation_n as_o obligatory_a as_o ever_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o christ_n command_n do_v not_o reach_v we_o now_o especial_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o as_o many_o as_o god_n shall_v call_v and_o consequent_o the_o same_o duty_n require_v 38._o which_o be_v then_o in_o order_n to_o the_o obtain_n of_o the_o same_o end_n a_o three_o way_n to_o discern_v the_o immutability_n of_o positive_a law_n be_v when_o the_o thing_n command_v in_o particular_a be_v necessary_a to_o the_o be_v succession_n and_o continuance_n of_o such_o a_o society_n of_o man_n profess_v the_o gospel_n as_o be_v institute_v and_o approve_v by_o christ_n himself_o for_o christ_n must_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v the_o power_n himself_o to_o order_v what_o society_n he_o please_v and_o appoint_v what_o order_n he_o please_v to_o be_v observe_v by_o they_o what_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n to_o be_v use_v in_o admission_n of_o member_n into_o his_o church_n in_o their_o continue_n in_o it_o in_o the_o way_n mean_n manner_n of_o ejection_n out_o of_o it_o in_o the_o preserve_n the_o succession_n of_o his_o church_n and_o the_o administration_n of_o ordinance_n of_o his_o appointment_n these_o be_v thus_o necessary_a for_o the_o maintain_n and_o uphold_v this_o society_n they_o be_v thereby_o of_o a_o nature_n as_o unalterable_a as_o the_o duty_n of_o observe_v what_o christ_n have_v command_v be_v how_o much_o these_o thing_n concern_v the_o resolution_n of_o the_o question_n propose_v will_v appear_v afterward_o thus_o we_o have_v gain_v a_o resolution_n of_o the_o second_o thing_n whereon_o a_o unalterable_a divine_a right_n be_v found_v viz_o either_o upon_o the_o dictate_v of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n concur_v with_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o write_a word_n or_o upon_o express_v positive_a law_n of_o god_n who_o reason_n be_v immutable_a or_o which_o god_n have_v declare_v shall_v continue_v as_o necessary_a to_o the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n the_o next_o thing_n be_v to_o examine_v the_o other_o pretence_n which_o be_v 8â—_n bring_v for_o a_o divine_a right_n which_o be_v either_o scripture_n example_n or_o divine_a act_n or_o divine_a approbation_n for_o scripture-example_n first_o i_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v on_o all_o hand_n that_o all_o scripture_n example_n do_v not_o bind_v we_o to_o follow_v they_o such_o be_v the_o mediatory_a act_n of_o christ_n the_o heroical_a act_n of_o extraordinary_a person_n all_o accidental_a and_o occasional_a action_n example_n do_v not_o bind_v we_o as_o a_o example_n for_o then_o all_o example_n be_v to_o be_v follow_v and_o so_o we_o shall_v of_o necessity_n go_v quà _fw-la itur_fw-la non_fw-la quà _fw-la eundum_fw-la walk_v by_o the_o most_o example_n and_o not_o by_o rule_n there_o be_v then_o no_o obligatory_a force_n in_o example_n itself_o second_o there_o must_v be_v then_o some_o rule_n fix_v to_o know_v when_o example_n bind_v and_o when_o not_o for_o otherwise_o there_o can_v be_v no_o discrimination_n put_v between_o example_n which_o we_o be_v to_o follow_v and_o which_o to_o avoid_v this_o rule_n must_v be_v either_o immediate_o obligatory_a make_v it_o a_o duty_n to_o follow_v such_o example_n or_o else_o directive_n declare_v what_o example_n be_v to_o be_v â—ollowed_v and_o yet_o even_o this_o latter_a do_v imply_v as_o well_o as_o the_o former_a that_o the_o follow_v these_o example_n thus_o declare_v be_v become_v a_o duty_n there_o can_v be_v no_o duty_n without_o a_o law_n make_v it_o to_o be_v a_o duty_n and_o consequent_o it_o be_v the_o law_n make_v it_o to_o be_v a_o duty_n to_o follow_v such_o example_n which_o give_v a_o divine_a right_n to_o those_o example_n and_o not_o bare_o the_o example_n themselves_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o follow_v christ_n example_n not_o bare_o because_o he_o do_v such_o and_o such_o thing_n for_o many_o thing_n he_o do_v we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o follow_v he_o in_o but_o because_o he_o himself_o have_v by_o a_o command_n make_v it_o our_o duty_n to_o follow_v he_o in_o his_o humility_n patience_n self-denial_n 22._o etc._n etc._n and_o in_o whatever_o thing_n be_v set_v out_o in_o scripture_n for_o our_o imitation_n when_o man_n speak_v then_o with_o so_o much_o confidence_n that_o scripture-example_n do_v bind_v we_o unalterable_o they_o either_o mean_v that_o the_o example_n itself_o make_v it_o a_o duty_n which_o i_o have_v show_v already_o to_o be_v absurd_a or_o else_o that_o the_o moral_a nature_n of_o the_o action_n do_v in_o that_o example_n or_o else_o the_o law_n make_v it_o our_o duty_n to_o follow_v the_o example_n though_o in_o its_o self_n it_o be_v of_o no_o moral_a nature_n if_o the_o former_a of_o these_o two_o than_o it_o be_v the_o morality_n of_o the_o action_n bind_v we_o without_o its_o be_v incarnate_a in_o the_o example_n for_o the_o example_n in_o action_n not_o moral_a bind_v not_o at_o all_o and_o therefore_o the_o example_n bind_v only_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o morality_n of_o it_o and_o consequent_o it_o be_v the_o morality_n of_o the_o action_n which_o bind_v and_o not_o the_o example_n if_o the_o latter_a the_o rule_n make_v it_o our_o duty_n than_o it_o it_o be_v more_o apparent_a that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o example_n which_o
they_o in_o particular_a but_o to_o the_o magistrate_n in_o general_n so_o that_o in_o thing_n leave_v lawful_a and_o undetermined_a by_o the_o word_n where_o there_o arise_v no_o obligation_n from_o the_o matter_n it_o must_v arise_v from_o our_o subjection_n and_o relation_n to_o the_o magistrate_n and_o what_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o obedience_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o obligation_n second_o he_o have_v only_o the_o power_n of_o obligation_n who_o have_v the_o power_n of_o make_v sanction_n to_o those_o law_n by_o sanction_n i_o mean_v here_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o civil_a law_n eas_fw-la legum_fw-la part_n quibus_fw-la poenas_fw-la constituimus_fw-la adversus_fw-la eos_fw-la qui_fw-la contra_fw-la leges_fw-la fecerint_fw-la those_o part_n of_o the_o law_n which_o determine_v the_o punishment_n of_o the_o violater_n of_o it_o now_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o he_o only_o have_v power_n to_o oblige_v who_o have_v power_n 23._o to_o punish_v upon_o disobedience_n and_o it_o be_v as_o evident_a that_o none_o have_v power_n to_o punish_v but_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n i_o speak_v of_o legal_a penalty_n which_o be_v annex_v to_o such_o law_n as_o concern_v the_o church_n now_o there_o be_v no_o coercive_a or_o coactive_a power_n belong_v to_o the_o church_n as_o such_o all_o the_o force_n of_o such_o law_n as_o respect_v the_o outward_a polity_n of_o the_o church_n must_v be_v derive_v from_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n three_o he_o who_o can_v null_n and_o declare_v all_o other_o obligation_n void_a do_v without_o his_o power_n have_v the_o only_a power_n to_o oblige_v for_o whatsoever_o destroy_v a_o former_a obligation_n must_v of_o necessity_n imply_v a_o power_n to_o oblige_v because_o i_o be_o bind_v to_o obey_v he_o in_o the_o abstain_v from_o that_o i_o be_v former_o oblige_v to_o but_o this_o power_n belong_v to_o the_o magistrate_n for_o suppose_v in_o some_o indifferent_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n the_o church_n representative_a that_o be_v the_o governor_n of_o it_o pro_fw-la tempore_fw-la do_v prescribe_v they_o to_o be_v observe_v by_o all_o the_o supreme_a power_n forbid_v the_o do_v of_o those_o thing_n if_o this_o do_v not_o null_a the_o former_a suppose_a obligation_n i_o must_v inevitable_o run_v upon_o these_o absurdity_n first_o that_o there_o be_v two_o supreme_a power_n in_o a_o nation_n at_o the_o same_o time_n second_o that_o a_o man_n may_v lie_v under_o two_o different_a obligation_n as_o to_o the_o same_o thing_n he_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v it_o by_o one_o power_n and_o not_o to_o do_v it_o by_o the_o other_o three_o the_o same_o action_n may_v be_v a_o duty_n and_o a_o sin_n a_o duty_n in_o obey_v the_o one_o power_n a_o sin_n in_o disobey_v the_o other_o therefore_o there_o can_v be_v but_o one_o power_n to_o oblige_v which_o be_v that_o of_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n have_v thus_o far_o assert_v the_o magistrate_n due_a power_n and_o 8._o authority_n as_o to_o matter_n of_o religion_n we_o proceed_v to_o examine_v the_o extent_n of_o this_o power_n in_o determine_v thing_n leave_v at_o liberty_n by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o order_n to_o the_o peace_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n for_o our_o clear_a and_o distinct_a proceed_n i_o shall_v ascend_v by_o these_o three_o step_n first_o to_o show_v that_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n leave_v undetermined_a by_o the_o word_n second_o that_o these_o thing_n be_v capable_a of_o positive_a determination_n and_o restraint_n three_o that_o there_o be_v some_o bound_n and_o limit_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o state_v and_o determine_v these_o thing_n first_o that_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n leave_v undetermined_a by_o the_o word_n by_o determine_v here_o i_o do_v not_o mean_v determine_v whether_o thing_n be_v lawful_a or_o no_o for_o so_o there_o be_v no_o ritâ—_n or_o ceremony_n whatsoever_o but_o be_v determine_v by_o the_o scripture_n in_o that_o sense_n or_o may_v be_v gather_v from_o the_o application_n of_o particular_a action_n to_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o scripture_n but_o by_o determine_v i_o mean_v whether_o all_o thing_n concern_v the_o church_n polity_n and_o order_n be_v determine_v as_o duty_n or_o no_o viz._n that_o this_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o observe_v and_o the_o other_o not_o as_o for_o instance_n what_o time_n manner_n method_n gesture_n habit_n be_v use_v in_o preach_v the_o word_n whether_o baptism_n must_v be_v by_o dip_v or_o sprinkle_v at_o what_o day_n time_n place_n the_o child_n shall_v be_v baptize_v and_o other_o thing_n of_o a_o like_a nature_n with_o these_o those_o who_o assert_v any_o of_o these_o as_o duty_n must_v produce_v necessary_o the_o command_n make_v they_o to_o be_v so_o for_o duty_n and_o command_n have_v a_o necessary_a respect_n and_o relation_n to_o one_o another_o if_o no_o command_n be_v bring_v it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o they_o be_v leave_v at_o liberty_n so_o as_o to_o the_o lord_n supper_n calvin_n say_v whether_o the_o communicant_n take_v the_o bread_n themselves_o or_o receive_v it_o be_v give_v they_o whether_o they_o shall_v 19_o give_v the_o cup_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o deacon_n or_o to_o their_o next_o neighbour_n whether_o the_o bread_n be_v leaven_v or_o not_o the_o wine_n red_a or_o white_a nihil_fw-la refert_fw-la it_o matter_n not_o haec_fw-la indifferentia_fw-la sunt_fw-la &_o in_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la libertate_fw-la posita_fw-la they_o be_v matter_n of_o indifferency_n and_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o church_n liberty_n but_o this_o matter_n of_o indifferency_n be_v not_o yet_o so_o clear_a as_o it_o be_v general_o think_v to_o be_v we_o shall_v therefore_o bare_a the_o ground_n a_o little_a by_o some_o necessary_a distinction_n to_o see_v where_o the_o root_n of_o indifferency_n lie_v which_o we_o shall_v the_o rather_o do_v because_o it_o be_v strong_o assert_v by_o a_o honourable_a person_n that_o there_o be_v no_o indifferency_n in_o the_o thing_n themselves_o which_o be_v still_o either_o unlawful_a or_o necessary_a if_o lawful_a at_o this_o time_n in_o these_o circumstance_n but_o all_o indifferency_n lie_v in_o the_o darkness_n and_o shortness_n of_o our_o understanding_n which_o may_v 5._o make_v some_o thing_n seem_v so_o to_o we_o but_o that_o honourable_a person_n clear_o run_v upon_o a_o double_a mistake_n first_o that_o indifferency_n be_v a_o medium_n participationis_fw-la of_o both_o extreme_n and_o not_o only_a negationis_fw-la viz._n that_o as_o intermediate_v colour_n partake_v both_o of_o black_a and_o white_a and_o yet_o be_v neither_o so_o in_o morality_n between_o good_a and_o bad_a there_o be_v a_o intermediate_v entity_n which_o be_v neither_o but_o indifferent_a to_o either_o whereas_o the_o nature_n of_o indifferency_n lie_v not_o in_o any_o thing_n intermediate_v between_o good_a and_o bad_a but_o in_o some_o thing_n undetermined_a by_o divine_a law_n as_o to_o the_o necessity_n of_o it_o so_o that_o if_o we_o speak_v as_o to_o the_o extreme_n of_o it_o it_o be_v something_o lie_v between_o a_o necessary_a duty_n and_o a_o intrinsical_a evil_a the_o other_o mistake_n be_v that_o throughout_o that_o discourse_n he_o take_v indifferency_n as_o circumstantiate_v in_o individual_a action_n and_o as_o the_o morality_n of_o the_o action_n be_v determine_v by_o its_o circumstance_n whereas_o the_o proper_a notion_n of_o indifferency_n lie_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o action_n consider_v in_o its_o self_n abstract_o and_o so_o these_o thing_n be_v employ_v in_o a_o indifferent_a action_n first_o absolute_a undetermination_n as_o to_o the_o general_a nature_n of_o the_o act_n by_o a_o divine_a law_n that_o god_n have_v leave_v it_o free_a for_o man_n to_o do_v it_o or_o no._n second_o that_o one_o part_n have_v not_o more_o propension_n to_o the_o rule_n then_o the_o other_o for_o if_o the_o do_v of_o it_o come_v near_a to_o the_o rule_n then_o the_o omission_n or_o on_o the_o contrary_a this_o action_n be_v not_o whole_o indifferent_a three_o that_o neither_o part_n have_v any_o repugnancy_n to_o the_o rule_n for_o that_o which_o have_v so_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v indifferent_a that_o it_o become_v unlawful_a so_o that_o a_o indifferent_a action_n be_v therein_o like_o the_o iron_n accost_v by_o two_o lodestone_n on_o either_o side_n of_o equal_a virtue_n and_o so_o hover_v in_o medio_fw-la incline_v to_o neither_o but_o suppose_v any_o degree_n of_o virtue_n add_v to_o the_o one_o above_o the_o other_o it_o than_o incline_v towards_o it_o or_o as_o the_o magnetical_a needle_n about_o the_o azore_n keep_v its_o self_n direct_o parallel_v to_o the_o axis_n of_o the_o world_n without_o variation_n because_o it_o be_v suppose_v then_o to_o be_v at_o a_o equal_a distance_n from_o the_o two_o great_a magnet_n the_o continent_n of_o europe_n and_o america_n but_o no_o soon_o be_v it_o remove_v from_o thence_o but_o it_o have_v its_o variation_n so_o indifferency_n take_v in_o
be_v not_o such_o particular_a organise_v church_n but_o they_o be_v as_o the_o first_o matter_n of_o many_o congregation_n to_o be_v propagate_v out_o of_o they_o which_o after_o make_v one_o society_n consist_v of_o those_o several_a congregation_n embody_v together_o and_o rule_v by_o one_o common_a government_n as_o in_o a_o college_n every_o tutor_n have_v his_o own_o pupil_n which_o he_o rule_v and_o if_o we_o suppose_v but_o one_o tutor_n at_o first_o in_o the_o college_n with_o his_o pupil_n all_o the_o power_n both_o common_a to_o the_o society_n and_o peculiar_a to_o his_o flock_n be_v join_v together_o but_o when_o there_o be_v many_o more_o tutor_n have_v pupil_n under_o their_o charge_n all_o these_o for_o their_o better_a order_v as_o a_o society_n must_v be_v govern_v by_o the_o common_a government_n of_o the_o college_n to_o which_o the_o particular_a government_n of_o every_o tutor_n be_v and_o must_v be_v subordinate_a but_o this_o will_v be_v more_o full_o make_v appear_v in_o the_o original_a of_o civil_a government_n it_o be_v far_o more_o evident_a that_o all_o civil_a power_n lie_v at_o first_o in_o adam_n and_o his_o family_n and_o afterward_o in_o particular_a family_n than_o that_o all_o church-power_n lay_v in_o particular_a congregation_n at_o first_o we_o may_v then_o with_o as_o good_a reason_n say_v that_o there_o be_v no_o lawful_a civil_a government_n now_o but_o that_o of_o particular_a family_n and_o that_o no_o national_n government_n have_v any_o right_a or_o power_n over_o particular_a family_n because_o family_n have_v once_o all_o civil_a power_n within_o themselves_o as_o because_o it_o â—â—_o suppose_a that_o all_o church-power_n lie_v first_o in_o particular_a congregation_n therefore_o there_o must_v be_v no_o church-power_n above_o they_o nor_o that_o particular_a congregation_n be_v subject_a to_o such_o government_n as_o be_v requisite_a for_o the_o regulate_v of_o the_o society_n in_o common_a as_o comprehend_v in_o it_o many_o particular_a congregation_n let_v they_o show_v then_o how_o any_o government_n in_o the_o state_n be_v lawful_a when_o family_n have_v the_o first_o power_n and_o by_o what_o right_n now_o those_o family_n be_v subordinate_a to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n and_o what_o necessity_n there_o be_v for_o it_o and_o by_o the_o very_a same_o reason_n will_v we_o show_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o government_n in_o the_o church_n over_o many_o congregation_n and_o that_o those_o be_v by_o the_o same_o right_n and_o upon_o the_o same_o necessity_n to_o subordinate_a themselves_o to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n considereâ—â—â—_n a_o society_n take_v in_o many_o particular_a congregation_n the_o parallel_n run_v on_o further_a and_o clear_a still_o for_o as_o the_o head_n of_o the_o several_a family_n after_o the_o flood_n have_v the_o command_n over_o all_o dwell_n under_o their_o roof_n while_o they_o remain_v in_o one_o family_n and_o when_o that_o increase_v into_o more_o there_o power_n be_v extend_v over_o they_o too_o which_o be_v the_o first_o original_a of_o monarchy_n in_o the_o world_n so_o the_o planter_n of_o the_o first_o church_n that_o while_o the_o church_n be_v but_o one_o congregation_n have_v power_n over_o it_o when_o this_o congregation_n be_v multiply_v into_o more_o their_o power_n equal_o extend_v over_o they_o all_o and_o as_o afterward_o several_a head_n of_o family_n upon_o their_o increase_n do_v constitute_v distinct_a civil_a government_n wherein_o be_v subordinate_a officer_n but_o those_o government_n themselves_o be_v coordinate_a one_o with_o another_o so_o in_o the_o church_n so_o many_o congregation_n as_o make_v up_o one_o provincial_a or_o national_a society_n as_o succession_n and_o prudence_n do_v order_v the_o bound_n of_o they_o do_v make_v up_o several_a particular_a church_n enjoy_v their_o officer_n rule_v they_o but_o subordinare_a to_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n in_o common_a which_o society_n national_a or_o provincial_a be_v subordinate_a to_o none_o beyond_o its_o self_n but_o enjoy_v a_o free_a power_n within_o its_o self_n of_o order_v thing_n for_o its_o own_o government_n as_o it_o judge_v most_o convenient_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o scripture_n the_o sum_n then_o of_o what_o i_o say_v concern_v subordination_n of_o officer_n and_o power_n in_o the_o society_n of_o the_o church_n be_v this_o that_o by_o the_o light_n and_o law_n of_o nature_n it_o appear_v that_o no_o individual_a company_n or_o congregation_n have_v a_o absolute_a independent_a power_n within_o its_o self_n but_o that_o for_o the_o redress_v grievance_n happen_v in_o they_o appeal_n be_v 〈…〉_z to_o the_o party_n aggrieve_v and_o a_o subordination_n of_o that_o particu_n 〈…〉_z congregation_n to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o society_n in_o common_a 〈…〉_z at_o the_o right_a of_o appeal_n and_o original_a of_o subordination_n be_v from_o nature_n the_o particular_a manner_n and_o form_n of_o subordinate_a and_o superior_a court_n be_v to_o be_v fetch_v passim_fw-la from_o positive_a law_n the_o limitation_n of_o appeal_n extent_n of_o jurisdiction_n the_o bind_a power_n of_o sentence_n so_o far_o as_o concern_v external_a unity_n in_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v fetch_v from_o the_o power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n and_o civil_a sanction_n and_o constitution_n the_o church_n power_n as_o to_o divine_a law_n be_v only_a directive_n and_o declarative_n but_o be_v confirm_v by_o a_o civil_a sanction_n be_v juridical_a and_o obligatory_a concern_v the_o magistrate_n power_n to_o call_v confirm_v alter_v repeal_v the_o decree_n of_o synod_n see_v grotius_n chamier_n whitaker_n casaubon_n mornay_n and_o other_o who_o full_o and_o large_o handle_v it_o to_o who_o have_v nothing_o to_o add_v i_o will_v take_v nothing_o at_o all_o from_o they_o as_o for_o that_o time_n when_o the_o church_n be_v without_o magistrate_n rule_v in_o it_o in_o those_o thing_n leave_v undetermined_a by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n they_o act_v out_o of_o principle_n of_o christian_a prudence_n agreeable_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o scripture_n and_o from_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n one_o of_o which_o we_o come_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o speak_v to_o so_o much_o for_o the_o church_n power_n consider_v as_o a_o society_n for_o end_v controversy_n arise_v within_o its_o self_n tend_v to_o break_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o it_o chap._n vii_o the_o five_o thing_n dictate_v by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n that_o all_o that_o be_v admit_v into_o this_o society_n must_v consent_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o law_n and_o rule_n of_o it_o civil_a society_n found_v upon_o mutual_a consent_n express_v in_o the_o first_o entrance_n implicit_a in_o other_o bear_v under_o society_n actual_o form_v consent_v as_o to_o a_o church_n necessary_a the_o manner_n of_o consent_n determine_v by_o christ_n by_o baptism_n and_o profession_n implicit_a consent_n suppose_v in_o all_o baptize_v explicit_a declare_v by_o challenge_v the_o privilege_n and_o observe_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o covenant_n explicite_fw-la by_o express_v own_v the_o gospel_n when_o adult_n very_o useful_a for_o recover_v the_o credit_n of_o christianity_n the_o discipline_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n clear_v from_o origen_n justin_n martyr_n pliny_n tertullian_n the_o necessary_a requisite_n of_o church_n membership_n whether_o positive_a sign_n of_o grace_n explicite_fw-la covenant_n how_o far_o necessary_a not_o the_o formal_a constitution_n of_o a_o church_n *_o prove_v by_o several_a argument_n the_o law_n of_o nature_n dictate_v that_o all_o who_o be_v admit_v into_o 1._o this_o society_n must_v consent_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o law_n and_o rule_n of_o that_o society_n according_a to_o its_o constitution_n for_o none_o can_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o member_n of_o a_o society_n but_o such_o a_o one_o as_o submit_v to_o the_o rule_n and_o law_n of_o the_o society_n as_o constitute_v at_o the_o time_n of_o his_o entrance_n into_o it_o that_o all_o civil_a society_n be_v found_v upon_o voluntary_a consent_n and_o agreement_n of_o party_n and_o do_v depend_v upon_o contract_n and_o covenant_n make_v between_o they_o be_v evident_a to_o any_o that_o consider_v that_o man_n be_v not_o bind_v by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n to_o associate_v themselves_o with_o any_o but_o who_o they_o shall_v judge_v fit_a that_o dominion_n and_o propriety_n be_v introduce_v by_o free_a consent_n of_o man_n and_o so_o there_o must_v be_v law_n and_o bond_n fit_a agreement_n make_v and_o submission_n acknowledge_v to_o those_o law_n else_o man_n may_v plead_v their_o natural_a right_n and_o freedom_n still_o which_o will_v be_v destructive_a to_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o these_o society_n when_o man_n than_o do_v first_o part_n with_o their_o natural_a liberty_n two_o thing_n be_v necessary_a in_o the_o most_o express_a term_n to_o be_v declare_v first_o a_o free_a and_o voluntary_a consent_n to_o part_v with_o
most_o eager_a disputer_n of_o the_o controversy_n about_o church-government_n but_o how_o necessary_a they_o be_v to_o be_v prove_v before_o any_o form_n of_o government_n be_v assert_v so_o necessary_a that_o without_o it_o there_o can_v be_v no_o true_a church_n any_o weak_a understanding_n may_v discern_v second_o suppose_v that_o apostolical_a practice_n be_v sufficient_o attest_v by_o the_o follow_a age_n yet_o unless_o it_o be_v clear_v from_o scripture_n that_o it_o be_v god_n intention_n that_o the_o apostle_n action_n shall_v continual_o bind_v the_o church_n there_o can_v be_v nothing_o infer_v that_o do_v concern_v we_o in_o point_n of_o conscience_n i_o say_v that_o though_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v evidence_v by_o posterity_n yet_o the_o obligatory_a nature_n of_o that_o fact_n must_v depend_v on_o scripture_n and_o the_o apostle_n intention_n must_v not_o be_v build_v upon_o man_n bare_a surmise_n nor_o upon_o after-practice_n especial_o if_o different_a from_o the_o constitution_n of_o thing_n during_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o here_o those_o have_v somewhat_o whereon_o to_o exercise_v their_o understanding_n who_o assert_v a_o obligation_n upon_o man_n to_o any_o form_n of_o government_n by_o virtue_n of_o a_o apostolical_a practice_n which_o must_v of_o necessity_n suppose_v a_o different_a state_n of_o thing_n from_o what_o they_o be_v when_o the_o apostle_n first_o establish_v governor_n over_o church_n as_o how_o those_o who_o be_v appoint_v governor_n over_o particular_a congregation_n by_o the_o apostle_n come_v to_o be_v by_o virtue_n of_o that_o ordination_n governor_n over_o many_o congregation_n of_o like_a nature_n and_o extent_n with_o that_o over_o which_o they_o be_v set_v and_o whither_o if_o it_o be_v the_o apostle_n intention_n that_o such_o governor_n shall_v be_v always_o in_o the_o church_n be_v it_o not_o necessary_a that_o that_o intention_n of_o they_o be_v declare_v by_o a_o stand_a law_n that_o such_o there_o must_v be_v for_o here_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o practice_n can_v be_v no_o evidence_n when_o it_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v different_a from_o the_o constitution_n of_o church_n afterward_o but_o of_o this_o more_o hereafter_o three_o suppose_v any_o form_n of_o government_n in_o its_o self_n necessary_a and_o that_o necessity_n not_o determine_v by_o a_o law_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o scripture_n be_v thereby_o apparent_o argue_v to_o be_v insufficient_a for_o its_o end_n for_o than_o deficit_fw-la in_o necessariis_fw-la some_o thing_n be_v necessary_a for_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o the_o scripture_n be_v whole_o silent_a in_o i_o say_v not_o that_o every_o thing_n about_o church-government_n must_v be_v write_v in_o scripture_n but_o suppose_v any_o one_o form_n necessary_a it_o must_v be_v there_o command_v or_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o imperfect_a rule_n which_o contain_v not_o all_o thing_n necessary_a by_o way_n of_o precept_n for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o necessity_n universal_a but_o either_o by_o way_n of_o mean_n to_o a_o end_n or_o by_o way_n of_o divine_a command_n i_o know_v none_o will_v say_v that_o any_o particular_a form_n of_o government_n be_v necessary_a absolute_o by_o way_n of_o mean_n to_o a_o end_n for_o certain_o suppose_v no_o obligation_n from_o scripture_n government_n by_o a_o equality_n of_o power_n in_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n or_o by_o superiority_n of_o one_o order_n above_o another_o be_v indifferent_a in_o order_n to_o the_o general_a end_n of_o government_n and_o one_o not_o more_o necessary_a than_o the_o other_o if_o any_o one_o form_n than_o be_v necessary_a it_o must_v be_v by_o that_o of_o command_n and_o if_o there_o be_v a_o command_n universal_o bind_v who_o footstep_n can_v be_v trace_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n how_o can_v the_o scripture_n be_v a_o perfect_a rule_n if_o it_o fail_v in_o determine_v bind_a law_n so_o that_o we_o must_v if_o we_o own_o the_o scripture_n sufficiency_n as_o a_o bind_a rule_n appeal_v to_o that_o about_o any_o thing_n plead_v as_o necessary_a by_o virtue_n of_o any_o divine_a command_n and_o if_o such_o a_o law_n can_v be_v meet_v with_o in_o scripture_n which_o determine_v the_o case_n in_o hand_n one_o way_n or_o other_o by_o way_n of_o necessary_a obligation_n i_o have_v ground_n to_o look_v upon_o that_o which_o be_v thus_o leave_v undetermined_a by_o god_n positive_a law_n to_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o christian-liberty_n and_o that_o neither_o part_n be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o necessary_a for_o the_o church_n of_o god_n as_o exclusive_a of_o the_o other_o this_o i_o suppose_v be_v the_o case_n as_o to_o particular_a form_n of_o government_n 3._o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n but_o that_o i_o may_v not_o only_o suppose_v but_o prove_v it_o i_o now_o come_v to_o the_o state_v of_o the_o question_n which_o if_o ever_o necessary_a to_o be_v do_v any_o where_o it_o be_v in_o the_o controversy_n of_o church-government_n the_o most_o of_o man_n heat_n in_o this_o matter_n arise_v from_o want_n of_o right_a understanding_n the_o thing_n in_o question_n between_o they_o in_o the_o state_v the_o question_n i_o shall_v proceed_v by_o degree_n and_o show_v how_o far_o we_o acknowledge_v any_o thing_n belong_v to_o government_n in_o the_o church_n to_o be_v of_o a_o unalterable_a divine_a right_n first_o that_o there_o must_v be_v a_o form_n of_o government_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v necessary_a by_o virtue_n not_o only_o of_o that_o law_n of_o nature_n which_o provide_v for_o the_o preservation_n of_o society_n but_o likewise_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o divine_a law_n which_o take_v care_n for_o the_o church_n preservation_n in_o peace_n and_o unity_n i_o engage_v not_o here_o in_o the_o controversy_n whether_o a_o particular_a congregation_n be_v the_o first_o political_a church_n or_o no_o it_o suffice_v for_o my_o purpose_n that_o there_o be_v other_o church_n beside_o particular_a congregation_n i_o mean_v not_o only_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n which_o be_v the_o first_o not_o only_o in_o order_n of_o consideration_n but_o nature_n too_o as_o a_o totum_fw-la integrale_fw-la before_o the_o similar_v part_n of_o it_o but_o in_o respect_n of_o all_o other_o accidental_a modification_n of_o church_n from_o the_o several_a way_n of_o their_o combination_n together_o they_o who_o define_v a_o church_n by_o state_v worship_v congregation_n do_v handsome_o beg_v the_o thing_n they_o desire_v by_o place_v that_o in_o their_o definition_n of_o a_o church_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n in_o question_n which_o be_v whether_o there_o be_v no_o other_o church_n but_o such_o particular_a congregation_n which_o be_v as_o if_o one_o shall_v go_v about_o to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v no_o civil_a society_n but_o in_o particular_a corporation_n and_o to_o prove_v it_o shall_v give_v such_o a_o definition_n of_o civil_a society_n that_o it_o be_v a_o company_n of_o man_n join_v together_o in_o a_o corporation_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o their_o right_n and_o privilege_n under_o the_o governor_n of_o such_o a_o place_n it_o must_v be_v first_o prove_v that_o no_o other_o company_n of_o man_n can_v be_v call_v a_o civil_a society_n beside_o a_o corporation_n and_o so_o that_o no_o other_o society_n of_o man_n join_v together_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n can_v be_v call_v a_o church_n but_o such_o as_o join_v in_o particular_a congregation_n to_o which_o purpose_n it_o be_v very_o observable_a that_o particular_a 4._o congregation_n be_v not_o the_o primariâ_fw-la intention_n divinâ_fw-la for_o if_o the_o whole_a world_n can_v join_v together_o in_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n no_o doubt_n that_o will_v be_v most_o proper_o a_o church_n but_o particular_a congregation_n be_v only_o accidental_a in_o reference_n to_o god_n intention_n of_o have_v a_o church_n because_o of_o the_o impossibility_n of_o all_o man_n join_v together_o for_o the_o convenient_a distribution_n of_o church-priviledge_n and_o administration_n of_o gospel-ordinance_n for_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o privilege_n and_o ordinance_n do_v immediate_o and_o primary_o belong_v to_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n in_o which_o christ_n to_o that_o end_n have_v set_v officer_n as_o the_o apostle_n clear_o express_v 1_o corinth_n 12._o 28._o for_o how_o apostle_n shall_v be_v set_v as_o officer_n over_o particular_a congregation_n who_o commission_n extend_v to_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v i_o think_v somewhat_o hard_o to_o understand_v but_o for_o the_o more_o convenient_a participation_n of_o privilege_n and_o ordinance_n particular_a congregation_n be_v necessary_a this_o will_v be_v best_a illustrate_v by_o example_n we_o read_v that_o esther_n 1._o 3._o king_n ahashuerus_n make_v a_o feast_n for_o all_o his_o prince_n and_o servant_n doubtless_o the_o king_n do_v equal_o respect_v they_o all_o as_o a_o body_n in_o the_o feast_n of_o they_o
beside_o if_o either_o that_o place_n of_o joel_n or_o that_o of_o jeremy_n cite_v heb._n 8._o 11._o or_o the_o unction_n of_o the_o spirit_n 1_o john_n 2._o 20_o 27._o do_v take_v away_o the_o use_n of_o preach_v how_o do_v the_o apostle_n themselves_o understand_v their_o meaning_n when_o they_o be_v so_o diligent_a in_o preach_v and_o instruct_v other_o john_n write_v to_o those_o to_o try_v the_o spirit_n of_o who_o he_o say_v they_o have_v a_o 20._o unction_n to_o know_v all_o thing_n and_o those_o to_o who_o the_o apostle_n write_v that_o they_o need_v not_o teach_v every_o one_o his_o neighbour_n of_o they_o he_o say_v that_o they_o have_v need_v to_o be_v teach_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o the_o 12._o oracle_n of_o god_n and_o even_o in_o that_o very_a chapter_n where_o he_o seem_v to_o say_v they_o that_o be_v under_o the_o new_a covenant_n need_v not_o be_v teach_v he_o bring_v that_o very_a speech_n in_o as_o a_o argument_n that_o the_o old_a dispensation_n of_o the_o law_n be_v do_v away_o and_o so_o go_v about_o to_o teach_v when_o he_o seem_v to_o take_v away_o the_o use_n of_o it_o these_o speech_n than_o must_v not_o be_v understand_v in_o their_o absolute_a and_o literal_a sense_n but_o with_o a_o reflection_n upon_o and_o comparison_n with_o the_o state_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o time_n wherein_o those_o prophecy_n be_v utter_v for_o god_n to_o heighten_v the_o jew_n apprehension_n of_o the_o great_a blessing_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v set_v 28._o they_o forth_o under_o a_o kind_n of_o hyperbolical_a expression_n that_o the_o dull_a capacity_n of_o the_o jew_n may_v at_o least_o apprehend_v the_o just_a weight_n and_o magnitude_n of_o they_o which_o they_o will_v not_o otherwise_o have_v do_v so_o in_o that_o place_n of_o jeremy_n god_n to_o make_v 31._o they_o understand_v how_o much_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o gospel_n exceed_v that_o under_o the_o law_n do_v as_o it_o be_v set_v it_o down_o in_o this_o hyperbolical_a way_n that_o it_o will_v exceed_v it_o as_o much_o as_o one_o that_o need_v no_o teach_n at_o all_o do_v one_o that_o be_v yet_o but_o in_o his_o rudiment_n of_o learning_n so_o that_o the_o place_n do_v not_o deny_v the_o use_n of_o teach_v under_o the_o gospel_n but_o because_o teach_v do_v common_o suppose_v ignorance_n to_o show_v the_o great_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n he_o do_v it_o in_o that_o way_n as_o though_o the_o knowledge_n shall_v be_v so_o great_a that_o man_n shall_v not_o need_v be_v teach_v in_o such_o a_o way_n of_o rudiment_n as_o the_o jew_n be_v viz_o by_o type_n and_o ceremony_n and_o such_o thing_n we_o see_v then_o no_o such_o dispensation_n be_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n for_o the_o same_o apostle_n after_o this_o in_o chapt._n 10._o 25._o bid_v they_o not_o to_o forsake_v the_o assemble_v themselves_o together_o as_o some_o do_v wherefore_o be_v these_o assembly_n but_o for_o instruction_n and_o in_o the_o last_o 25._o chapter_n bid_v they_o obey_v their_o ruler_n what_o need_v ruler_n if_o no_o need_n of_o teach_v but_o so_o senseless_a a_o dream_n will_v be_v too_o much_o 7._o honour_v with_o any_o long_a confutation_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n then_o there_o be_v no_o such_o dispensation_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o do_v take_v away_o the_o use_n of_o ministry_n and_o ordinance_n if_o it_o be_v expect_v since_o their_o time_n i_o will_v know_v whence_o it_o appear_v that_o any_o have_v a_o great_a measure_n of_o the_o spirit_n than_o be_v pour_v out_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n for_o then_o the_o ministry_n be_v join_v with_o the_o spirit_n and_o what_o prophecy_n be_v fulfil_v now_o which_o be_v not_o then_o or_o if_o they_o pretend_v to_o a_o doctrine_n distinct_a from_o and_o above_o what_o the_o apostle_n teach_v let_v they_o produce_v their_o evidence_n and_o work_v those_o miracle_n which_o may_v induce_v man_n to_o believe_v they_o or_o let_v they_o show_v what_o obligation_n any_o have_v to_o believe_v pretend_v new_a revelation_n without_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n attest_v that_o those_o revelation_n come_v from_o god_n or_o whereon_o man_n must_v build_v their_o faith_n if_o it_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o dictate_v of_o a_o pretend_a spirit_n of_o revelation_n or_o what_o way_n be_v leave_v to_o discern_v the_o good_a spirit_n from_o the_o bad_a in_o its_o act_n upon_o man_n mind_n if_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v not_o our_o rule_n still_o or_o how_o god_n be_v say_v to_o have_v speak_v in_o the_o last_o day_n by_o his_o son_n if_o a_o 1._o further_o speak_v be_v yet_o expect_v for_o the_o gospel-dispensation_n be_v therefore_o call_v the_o last_o day_n because_o no_o other_o be_v to_o be_v expect_v time_n be_v difference_v in_o scripture_n according_a to_o god_n way_n of_o reveal_v himself_o to_o man_n but_o so_o much_o for_o this_o the_o second_o way_n whereby_o to_o know_v when_o positive_a law_n be_v 5._o unalterable_a be_v when_o god_n have_v declare_v that_o such_o law_n shall_v bind_v still_o two_o way_n whereby_o god_n do_v express_v his_o own_o will_n concern_v the_o perpetuity_n of_o a_o office_n found_v on_o his_o own_o institution_n first_o if_o such_o thing_n be_v the_o work_n belong_v to_o it_o which_o be_v of_o necessary_a and_o perpetual_a use_n second_o if_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o assist_v they_o in_o it_o perpetual_o in_o the_o do_n of_o their_o work_n first_o the_o object_n of_o the_o ministerial_a office_n be_v such_o thing_n which_o be_v of_o necessary_a and_o perpetual_a use_n i_o mean_v the_o administration_n of_o gospel-ordinance_n viz._n the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n which_o be_v appoint_v by_o christ_n for_o a_o perpetual_a use._n the_o word_n as_o a_o mean_n of_o conversion_n and_o edification_n the_o sacrament_n not_o only_o as_o note_n of_o distinction_n of_o professor_n of_o the_o true_a faith_n from_o other_o but_o as_o seal_n to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o covenant_n on_o god_n part_n towards_o we_o and_o as_o instrument_n to_o convey_v the_o blessing_n seal_v in_o the_o covenant_n to_o the_o heart_n of_o believer_n now_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o these_o thing_n do_v imply_v their_o perpetuity_n and_o continuance_n in_o the_o world_n as_o long_o as_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o church_n of_o god_n in_o it_o for_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o typi_fw-la rerum_fw-la futurarum_fw-la only_a ceremony_n to_o represent_v something_o to_o come_v but_o they_o be_v symbola_fw-la rerum_fw-la invisibilium_fw-la sign_n to_o represent_v to_o our_o sense_n thing_n invisible_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n and_o between_o these_o two_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n as_o to_o the_o perpetuity_n of_o they_o for_o type_n of_o thing_n as_o to_o come_v must_v of_o necessity_n expire_v when_o the_o thing_n typify_v appear_v but_o representation_n of_o invisible_a thing_n can_v expire_v on_o that_o account_n because_o the_o thing_n represent_v as_o invisible_a can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v make_v visible_a and_o so_o to_o evacuate_v the_o use_n of_o the_o sign_n which_o represent_v they_o to_o we_o type_n represent_v a_o thing_n which_o be_v at_o present_a invisible_a but_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o it_o as_o future_a symbol_n represent_v a_o thing_n at_o present_a invisible_a but_o as_o present_v and_o therefore_o symbol_n be_v design_v by_o god_n institution_n for_o a_o perpetual_a help_n to_o the_o weakness_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o therefore_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v appoint_v to_o set_v forth_o the_o lord_n 26._o death_n till_o he_o come_v whereby_o the_o continuance_n of_o it_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v necessary_o imply_v now_o then_o if_o these_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o the_o ministerial_a function_n be_v of_o a_o perpetual_a nature_n when_o these_o thing_n be_v declare_v to_o be_v of_o a_o abide_a nature_n it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o that_o function_n to_o which_o it_o belong_v to_o administer_v these_o thing_n must_v be_v of_o a_o perpetual_a nature_n especial_o if_o we_o consider_v in_o the_o second_o place_n that_o christ_n 6._o have_v promise_v to_o be_v with_o they_o continual_o in_o the_o administration_n of_o these_o thing_n for_o that_o notwithstanding_o the_o dust_n late_o throw_v upon_o it_o we_o have_v a_o clear_a place_n matth._n 28._o 19_o go_v teach_v and_o baptize_v etc._n etc._n loe_o i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n if_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v not_o signify_v perpetuity_n yet_o certain_o the_o latter_a word_n do_v for_o how_o can_v christ_n be_v with_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o personal_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n it_o must_v be_v therefore_o with_o they_o and_o all_o that_o succeed_v they_o in_o the_o office_n of_o teach_v and_o baptise_v to_o the_o world_n end_n for_o that_o i_o
comparison_n of_o christ_n with_o moses_n from_o the_o equal_a necessity_n of_o form_n of_o government_n now_o which_o there_o be_v for_o other_o 6._o society_n from_o the_o perfection_n and_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o scripture_n all_o other_o argument_n be_v reducible_a to_o these_o three_o head_n of_o these_o in_o their_o order_n first_o from_o the_o comparison_n of_o christ_n with_o moses_n they_o argue_v 1._o thus_o if_o moses_n be_v faithful_a in_o his_o house_n as_o a_o servant_n much_o more_o christ_n as_o a_o son_n now_o moses_n appoint_v a_o particular_a form_n of_o government_n for_o the_o church_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n therefore_o christ_n do_v certain_o lay_v down_o a_o form_n of_o church_n government_n for_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v first_o faithfulness_n imply_v the_o discharge_n 1._o of_o a_o trust_n repose_v in_o one_o by_o another_o so_o that_o it_o be_v say_v vers_fw-la 2._o he_o be_v faithful_a to_o he_o that_o appoint_v he_o christ_n faithfulness_n than_o lie_v in_o discharge_v the_o work_n which_o his_o father_n lay_v upon_o he_o which_o be_v the_o work_n of_o mediation_n between_o god_n and_o we_o and_o therefore_o the_o comparison_n be_v here_o institute_v between_o moses_n as_o typical_a mediator_n and_o christ_n as_o the_o true_a mediator_n that_o as_o moses_n be_v faithful_a in_o his_o work_n so_o be_v christ_n in_o his_o now_o moses_n his_o faithfulness_n lie_v in_o keep_v close_o to_o the_o pattern_n receive_v in_o the_o mount_n that_o be_v observe_v the_o command_v of_o god_n now_o therefore_o if_o christ_n be_v faithful_a in_o his_o office_n do_v imply_v the_o settle_v any_o one_o form_n of_o government_n in_o the_o church_n it_o must_v be_v make_v appear_v that_o the_o serling_n of_o this_o form_n be_v part_n of_o christ_n mediatory_a work_n and_o that_o which_o the_o father_n command_v he_o to_o do_v as_o mediator_n and_o that_o christ_n receive_v such_o a_o form_n from_o the_o father_n for_o the_o christian_a church_n as_o moses_n do_v for_o the_o jewish_a to_o this_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o government_n be_v lay_v upon_o christ_n shoulder_n and_o all_o power_n in_o his_o hand_n and_o therefore_o it_o belong_v to_o he_o as_o mediator_n 18._o christ_n i_o grant_v be_v the_o king_n of_o the_o church_n and_o do_v govern_v it_o outward_o by_o his_o law_n and_o inward_o by_o the_o conduct_n of_o his_o spirit_n but_o shall_v we_o say_v that_o therefore_o any_o one_o form_n of_o government_n be_v necessary_a which_o be_v neither_o contain_v in_o his_o law_n nor_o dictate_v by_o his_o spirit_n the_o main_a original_n of_o mistake_n here_o be_v the_o confound_a the_o external_a and_o internal_a government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o thence_o whensoever_o man_n read_v of_o christ_n power_n authority_n and_o government_n they_o fancy_v it_o refer_v to_o the_o outward_a government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v intend_v of_o his_o internal_a mediatory_a power_n over_o the_o heart_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n but_o withal_o i_o acknowledge_v that_o christ_n for_o the_o better_a government_n of_o his_o church_n and_o people_n have_v appoint_v officer_n in_o his_o church_n invest_v they_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o own_o power_n with_o a_o authority_n to_o preach_v and_o baptize_v and_o administer_v all_o gospel-ordinance_n in_o his_o own_o name_n 19_o that_o be_v by_o his_o authority_n for_o it_o be_v clear_o make_v know_v to_o we_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o christ_n have_v appoint_v these_o thing_n but_o then_o whether_o any_o shall_v succeed_v the_o apostle_n in_o superiority_n of_o power_n over_o presbyter_n or_o all_o remain_n govern_v the_o church_n in_o a_o equality_n of_o power_n be_v nowhere_o determine_v by_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n in_o scripture_n which_o contain_v his_o royal_a law_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o any_o thing_n flow_v from_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o christ_n as_o mediator_n and_o so_o not_o necessary_o bind_v christian_n second_o i_o answer_v if_o the_o correspondency_n between_o christ_n 2._o and_o moses_n in_o their_o work_n do_v imply_v a_o equal_a exactness_n in_o christ_n dispose_n of_o every_o thing_n in_o his_o church_n as_o moses_n do_v among_o the_o jew_n then_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n must_v be_v equal_o bind_v to_o all_o circumstance_n of_o worship_n as_o the_o jew_n be_v for_o there_o be_v nothing_o appertain_v in_o the_o least_o to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o be_v full_o set_v down_o even_o to_o the_o pin_n of_o the_o tabernacle_n in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n but_o we_o find_v no_o such_o thing_n in_o the_o gospel_n the_o main_a duty_n and_o ordinance_n be_v prescribe_v indeed_o but_o their_o circumstance_n and_o manner_n of_o performance_n be_v leave_v as_o matter_n of_o christian-liberty_n and_o only_o couch_v under_o some_o general_a rule_n which_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o the_o legal_a and_o gospel-state_n under_o the_o law_n all_o ceremony_n and_o circumstance_n be_v exact_o prescribe_v but_o in_o the_o gospel_n we_o read_v of_o some_o general_a rule_n of_o direction_n for_o christian_n carriage_n in_o all_o circumstantial_a thing_n these_o four_o especial_o contain_v all_o the_o direction_n of_o scripture_n concern_v circumstantial_o 40._o all_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n all_o to_o be_v do_v for_o edification_n give_v no_o offence_n do_v all_o to_o the_o glory_n 26._o of_o god_n so_o that_o the_o particular_a circumstance_n be_v leave_v to_o christian-liberty_n with_o the_o observation_n of_o general_a rule_n it_o be_v evident_a 32._o as_o to_o baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n which_o be_v unquestionable_o 31._o of_o divine_a institution_n yet_o as_o to_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o administration_n of_o they_o how_o much_o less_o circumstantial_a be_v christ_n 7._o then_o moses_n be_v as_o to_o circumcision_n and_o the_o pass-ove_a under_o the_o law_n the_o age_n time_n person_n manner_n place_n form_n all_o full_o set_v down_o but_o nothing_o so_o under_o the_o gospel_n whether_o baptism_n shall_v be_v administer_v to_o infant_n or_o no_o be_v not_o set_v down_o in_o express_a word_n but_o left_a to_o be_v gather_v by_o analogy_n and_o consequence_n what_o manner_n it_o shall_v be_v administer_v in_o whether_o by_o dip_v or_o sprinkle_v be_v not_o absolute_o determine_v what_o form_n of_o word_n to_o be_v use_v whether_o in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o three_o person_n or_o sometime_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n only_o as_o in_o the_o act_n 5._o we_o read_v if_o that_o be_v the_o sense_n and_o not_o rather_o in_o christ_n name_n i._n e._n by_o christ_n authority_n whether_o sprinkle_n or_o dip_v shall_v be_v thrice_o as_o some_o church_n use_v it_o or_o only_o once_o as_o other_o these_o thing_n we_o see_v relate_v to_o a_o ordinance_n of_o divine_a institution_n be_v yet_o pass_v over_o without_o any_o express_a command_n determine_v either_o way_n in_o scripture_n so_o as_o to_o the_o lord_n supper_n what_o person_n to_o be_v admit_v to_o it_o whether_o all_o visible_a professor_n or_o only_o sincere_a christian_n upon_o what_o term_n whether_o by_o previous_a examination_n of_o church-officer_n or_o by_o a_o open_a profession_n of_o their_o faith_n or_o else_o only_o by_o their_o own_o trial_n of_o themselves_o require_v of_o they_o as_o their_o duty_n by_o their_o minister_n whether_o it_o shall_v be_v always_o after_o supper_n as_o christ_n himself_o do_v it_o whether_o take_v fast_v or_o after_o meat_n whether_o kneel_v or_o sit_v or_o lean_v whether_o to_o be_v consecrate_v in_o one_o form_n of_o word_n or_o several_a these_o thing_n be_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o be_v determine_v by_o any_o positive_a command_n of_o christ_n but_o leave_v to_o the_o exercise_n of_o christian-liberty_n the_o like_a be_v as_o to_o preach_v the_o word_n public_a prayer_n sing_v of_o psalm_n the_o duty_n be_v require_v but_o the_o particular_a modes_n be_v leave_v undetermined_a the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o as_o to_o church-governwent_a that_o the_o church_n be_v govern_v and_o that_o it_o be_v govern_v by_o its_o proper_a officer_n be_v thing_n of_o divine_a appointment_n but_o whether_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v govern_v by_o many_o join_n together_o in_o a_o equality_n or_o by_o subordination_n of_o some_o person_n to_o other_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o same_o liberty_n which_o all_o other_o circumstance_n be_v this_o be_v not_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o but_o only_o the_o manner_n of_o performance_n of_o it_o 3._o i_o answer_v that_o there_o be_v a_o manifest_a disparity_n between_o the_o 3._o gospel_n and_o jewish_a state_n and_o therefore_o reason_n may_v be_v give_v why_o all_o punctilio_n be_v determine_v then_o which_o be_v not_o now_o as_o 1._o the_o perfection_n and_o
that_o there_o be_v a_o peculiar_a government_n belong_v to_o the_o synagogue_n distinct_a from_o the_o civil_a judicature_n have_v thus_o far_o proceed_v in_o clear_v that_o there_o be_v a_o peculiar_a 7._o form_n of_o government_n in_o the_o synagogue_n we_o now_o inquire_v what_o that_o be_v and_o by_o what_o law_n and_o rule_n it_o be_v observe_v the_o government_n of_o the_o synagogue_n either_o relate_v to_o the_o public_a service_n of_o god_n in_o it_o or_o the_o public_a rule_n of_o it_o as_o a_o society_n as_o for_o the_o service_n of_o god_n to_o be_v perform_v in_o it_o as_o there_o be_v many_o part_n of_o it_o so_o there_o be_v many_o officer_n peculiar_o appoint_v for_o it_o the_o main_a part_n of_o public_a service_n lie_v in_o the_o read_n and_o expound_v the_o scripture_n for_o both_o the_o know_a place_n of_o philo_n will_v give_v we_o light_v for_o understand_v they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d esse_fw-la come_v to_o their_o holy_a place_n call_v synagogue_n they_o sit_v down_o in_o convenient_a order_n acâ—â—â—ding_v to_o their_o several_a form_n ready_a to_o hear_v the_o young_a under_o 〈…〉_z der_fw-ge then_o one_o take_v the_o book_n and_o read_v another_o of_o those_o best_a skill_a come_v after_o and_o expound_v it_o for_o so_o grotius_n read_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d out_o of_o eusebius_n 16_o we_o see_v two_o several_a office_n here_o the_o one_o of_o the_o reader_n in_o the_o synagogue_n the_o other_o of_o he_o that_o do_v interpret_v what_o be_v read_v great_a difference_n i_o find_v among_o learned_a man_n about_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o synagogue_n some_o by_o he_o understand_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d call_v sometime_o in_o scripture_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o so_o make_v he_o the_o under_o reader_n in_o the_o synagogue_n and_o hence_o i_o suppose_v it_o be_v 20._o and_o not_o from_o look_v to_o the_o poor_a which_o be_v the_o office_n of_o the_o parnasim_n that_o the_o office_n of_o deacon_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v answerable_a to_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d among_o the_o jew_n for_o the_o deacon_n office_n in_o the_o church_n be_v the_o public_a read_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o hence_o epiphanius_n parallel_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d among_o ebeonite_n the_o jew_n to_o the_o bishop_n presbyter_n and_o deacon_n among_o the_o christian_n but_o other_o make_v the_o office_n of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o be_v of_o a_o high_a nature_n not_o to_o be_v take_v for_o the_o reader_n himself_o for_o that_o be_v no_o office_n but_o upon_o every_o sabbath_n day_n seven_o be_v call_v out_o to_o do_v that_o work_n as_o buxtorf_n tell_v we_o first_o a_o priest_n 1â—_n than_o a_o levite_n and_o after_o any_o five_o of_o the_o people_n and_o these_o have_v every_o one_o their_o set-part_n in_o every_o section_n to_o read_v which_o be_v still_o mark_v by_o the_o number_n in_o some_o bibles_n but_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v he_o that_o do_v call_v out_o every_o one_o of_o these_o in_o their_o order_n to_o read_v and_o do_v observe_v their_o read_n whether_o they_o do_v it_o exact_o verb._n or_o no._n so_o buxtorf_n speak_v of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d hic_fw-la maximè_fw-la oratione_fw-la sive_fw-la precibus_fw-la &_o cantu_fw-la ecclesiâ—_n praeibat_fw-la praeerat_fw-la lectioni_fw-la legali_fw-la docens_fw-la quod_fw-la &_o quomodo_fw-la legendum_fw-la &_o similibus_fw-la quae_fw-la ad_fw-la sacra_fw-la pertinebant_fw-la so_o that_o according_a to_o he_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v the_o superintendent_n of_o all_o the_o public_a service_n thence_o other_o make_v he_o parallel_v to_o he_o they_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n legatus_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la l'empereur_n render_v it_o as_o though_o 149._o the_o name_n be_v impose_v on_o he_o as_o act_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n which_o can_v only_o be_v in_o offer_v up_o public_a prayer_n but_o he_o be_v angelus_n dei_fw-la as_o he_o be_v inspector_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la because_o the_o angel_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v more_o immediate_o present_a in_o and_o supervisor_n over_o the_o public_a place_n and_o duty_n of_o worship_n see_v 1_o cor._n 11._o 10._o this_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v by_o l'empereur_n often_o render_v concionator_n synagogae_fw-la as_o though_o it_o belong_v to_o he_o to_o expound_v the_o meaning_n of_o what_o be_v read_v in_o the_o synagogue_n but_o he_o that_o do_v that_o be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o inquire_v thence_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o enquir_a or_o disputer_n of_o this_o world_n 20â—_n thence_o r._n moses_n haddarsan_n but_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o seek_v for_o several_a office_n from_o several_a name_n nay_o it_o seem_v not_o evident_a that_o there_o be_v any_o set-officer_n in_o the_o jewish_a church_n for_o expound_v scripture_n in_o all_o synagogue_n or_o at_o least_o not_o so_o fix_v but_o that_o any_o one_o that_o enjoy_v any_o repute_n for_o religion_n or_o knowledge_n in_o the_o law_n be_v allow_v a_o free_a liberty_n of_o speak_v for_o the_o instruction_n of_o the_o people_n as_o we_o see_v in_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n for_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o synagogue_n send_v to_o paul_n and_o 15._o barnabas_n after_o the_o read_n of_o the_o law_n that_o if_o they_o have_v any_o word_n of_o exhortation_n they_o shall_v speak_v on_o from_o hence_o it_o be_v evident_a there_o be_v more_o than_o one_o who_o have_v rule_v over_o the_o synagogue_n they_o be_v call_v ruler_n here_o it_o seem_v very_o probable_a that_o in_o every_o city_n where_o there_o be_v ten_o wise_a man_n as_o there_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v in_o every_o place_n where_o there_o be_v a_o synagogue_n that_o they_o do_v all_o joint_o concur_v for_o the_o roll_a the_o affair_n of_o the_o synagogue_n but_o what_o the_o distinct_a office_n of_o all_o these_o be_v it_o be_v hard_o to_o make_v out_o but_o all_o join_n together_o seem_v to_o make_v the_o consistory_n or_o bench_n as_o some_o call_v it_o which_o do_v unanimous_o moderate_v the_o affair_n of_o the_o synagogue_n who_o manner_n of_o sit_v in_o the_o synagogue_n be_v thus_o describe_v by_o mr._n thorndike_n out_o of_o maimonides_n who_o word_n 56._o be_v these_o how_o sit_v the_o people_n in_o the_o synagogue_n the_o elder_n sit_v with_o their_o face_n towards_o the_o people_n and_o their_o back_n towards_o the_o heâ—all_n the_o place_n where_o they_o lie_v the_o copy_n of_o the_o law_n and_o all_o the_o people_n sit_v rank_n before_o rank_n the_o face_n of_o every_o rank_n towards_o the_o back_n of_o the_o rank_n before_o it_o so_o the_o face_n of_o all_o the_o people_n be_v towards_o the_o sanctuary_n and_o towards_o the_o elder_n and_o towards_o the_o ark_n and_o when_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o synagogue_n stand_v up_o to_o prayer_n he_o stand_v on_o the_o ground_n before_o the_o ark_n with_o his_o face_n to_o the_o sanctuary_n as_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o people_n several_a thing_n be_v observable_a to_o our_o purpose_n in_o this_o testimony_n of_o maimonides_n first_o that_o there_o be_v so_o many_o elder_n in_o the_o synagogue_n as_o to_o make_v a_o bench_n or_o consistory_n and_o therefore_o have_v a_o place_n by_o themselves_o as_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o synagogue_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v after_o their_o dispersion_n we_o shall_v find_v little_a government_n among_o they_o but_o what_o be_v in_o their_o synagogue_n unless_o it_o be_v where_o they_o have_v liberty_n for_o erect_v school_n of_o learning_n beside_o this_o college_n of_o presbyter_n we_o here_o see_v the_o public_a minister_n of_o the_o synagogue_n the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._o e._n episcopus_fw-la congregationis_fw-la the_o superintendent_n over_o the_o congregation_n who_o peculiar_a office_n it_o be_v to_o pray_v for_o and_o to_o bless_v the_o people_n we_o be_v here_o further_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o form_n of_o their_o sit_v in_o the_o synagogue_n the_o presbyter_n sit_v together_o upon_o a_o bench_n by_o themselves_o with_o their_o face_n towards_o the_o people_n which_o be_v in_o a_o hemicycle_n the_o form_n wherein_o all_o the_o court_n of_o judicature_n among_o they_o sit_v which_o be_v full_o describe_v by_o mr._n selden_n and_o 3._o mr._n thorndike_n in_o the_o place_n abovecited_a this_o be_v afterward_o the_o form_n wherein_o the_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n use_v to_o sit_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n as_o the_o last_o name_v learned_a author_n large_o observe_v and_o prove_v beside_o this_o college_n of_o presbyter_n there_o seem_v to_o be_v one_o particular_o
any_o particular_a form_n of_o church-government_n settle_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n which_o can_v be_v draw_v from_o the_o help_n of_o the_o record_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n which_o must_v be_v first_o clear_v of_o all_o defectiveness_n ambiguity_n partiality_n and_o confusion_n before_o the_o thing_n we_o inquire_v for_o can_v be_v extract_v out_o of_o they_o have_v thus_o far_o show_v that_o we_o have_v no_o absolute_a certainty_n 19_o of_o what_o form_n of_o government_n be_v settle_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o several_a church_n of_o their_o plantation_n the_o next_o consideration_n which_o follow_v to_o be_v speak_v to_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n in_o probability_n do_v not_o observe_v any_o one_o fix_a course_n of_o settle_v the_o government_n of_o church_n but_o settle_v it_o according_a to_o the_o several_a circumstance_n of_o place_n and_o person_n which_o they_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o this_o will_v be_v ex_fw-la abundanti_fw-la as_o to_z the_o thing_n by_o i_o design_v which_o will_v be_v sufficient_o clear_v without_o this_o and_o therefore_o i_o lay_v it_o not_o as_o the_o foundation_n of_o my_o thesis_n but_o only_o as_o a_o doctrine_n of_o probability_n which_o may_v serve_v to_o reconcile_v the_o controversy_n on_o foot_n about_o church-government_n for_o if_o this_o be_v make_v appear_v than_o it_o may_v be_v both_o grant_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v settle_v the_o government_n in_o the_o church_n in_o a_o college_n of_o presbyter_n and_o in_o a_o bishop_n and_o deacon_n too_o according_a to_o the_o diversity_n of_o place_n and_o the_o variety_n of_o circumstance_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o observe_v that_o as_o to_o rite_n and_o custom_n in_o the_o church_n the_o original_a of_o most_o man_n mistake_n be_v conclude_v that_o to_o be_v the_o general_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n which_o they_o meet_v with_o in_o some_o place_n whereas_o that_o be_v most_o true_a which_o firmiliam_n tell_v we_o in_o plurimis_fw-la provinciis_fw-la multa_fw-la pro_fw-la 5._o locorum_fw-la &_o nominum_fw-la l._n hominum_fw-la diversitate_fw-la variantur_fw-la nec_fw-la tamen_fw-la propter_fw-la hoc_fw-la ab_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la catholicae_fw-la pace_fw-la atque_fw-la unitate_fw-la discossum_fw-la est_fw-la those_o rite_n vary_v in_o divers_a place_n retain_v still_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n so_o as_o to_o matter_n of_o government_n man_n mistake_n do_v arise_v from_o a_o universal_a conclusion_n deduce_v out_o of_o particular_a premise_n and_o what_o they_o think_v be_v do_v in_o one_o place_n they_o conclude_v must_v be_v do_v in_o all_o whereas_o these_o be_v the_o ground_n induce_v i_o probable_o to_o conclude_v that_o they_o observe_v not_o the_o same_o course_n in_o all_o place_n which_o when_o a_o impartial_a reader_n have_v sober_o consider_v with_o what_o have_v go_v before_o i_o be_o in_o hope_n the_o novelty_n of_o this_o opinion_n may_v not_o prejudicate_v its_o entertainment_n with_o he_o my_o 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to_o the_o probability_n of_o increase_n of_o believer_n and_o in_o order_n thereto_o in_o some_o great_a place_n first_o that_o god_n do_v not_o give_v the_o apostle_n equal_a success_n to_o their_o labour_n in_o all_o place_n after_o god_n call_v they_o to_o be_v fisher_n of_o man_n it_o be_v not_o every_o draught_n which_o fill_v their_o net_n with_o whole_a shoal_n of_o fish_n sometime_o they_o may_v toil_v all_o night_n still_o and_o catch_v nothing_o or_o very_o little_a it_o be_v not_o every_o sermon_n of_o peter_n which_o convert_v three_o thousand_o the_o whole_a world_n may_v at_o that_o rate_n soon_o have_v become_v christian_n although_o there_o have_v be_v but_o few_o preacher_n beside_o the_o apostle_n god_n give_v they_o strange_a success_n at_o first_o to_o encourage_v they_o the_o better_a to_o meet_v with_o difficulty_n afterward_o in_o 〈…〉_z es_fw-ge god_n tell_v they_o he_o have_v much_o people_n in_o other_o we_o read_v but_o of_o few_o that_o believe_v at_o corinth_n paul_n plant_n and_o apollo_n water_n and_o god_n give_v a_o abundant_a increase_n but_o at_o athens_n where_o if_o moral_a disposition_n have_v fit_v man_n for_o grace_n and_o the_o improvement_n of_o nature_n we_o may_v have_v expect_v the_o great_a number_n of_o convert_v yet_o here_o we_o read_v of_o many_o mock_n and_o other_o delay_v and_o but_o of_o very_a few_o believe_v dionysius_n and_o damaris_n 34._o and_o some_o other_o with_o they_o the_o plantation_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v very_o different_a not_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o soil_n they_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o but_o from_o the_o different_a influence_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n upon_o their_o endeavour_n in_o several_a place_n we_o can_v think_v that_o the_o church_n at_o cenchrea_n for_o so_o it_o be_v 2._o call_v be_v as_o well_o stock_v with_o believer_n as_o that_o at_o corinth_n nay_o the_o church_n general_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n be_v not_o so_o fill_v with_o number_n as_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o imagine_v they_o to_o be_v i_o can_v as_o soon_o hope_v to_o find_v in_o apostolical_a time_n diocesan_n church_n as_o classical_a and_o provincial_a yet_o this_o do_v not_o much_o advantage_n the_o principle_n of_o the_o congregational_a man_n 129._o as_o i_o have_v already_o demonstrate_v yet_o i_o do_v not_o think_v that_o all_o church_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n be_v but_o one_o congregation_n but_o as_o there_o be_v in_o city_n many_o synagogue_n so_o there_o may_v be_v many_o church_n out_o of_o those_o synagogue_n enjoy_v their_o former_a liberty_n and_o privilege_n and_o they_o that_o will_v show_v i_o where_o five_o thousand_o jew_n and_o more_o do_v ordinary_o meet_v in_o one_o of_o their_o synagogue_n for_o public_a worship_n may_v gain_v something_o upon_o i_o in_o order_n to_o believe_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n to_o be_v but_o one_o congregation_n and_o yet_o not_o persuade_v i_o till_o they_o have_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o christian_n than_o 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of_o officer_n lie_v in_o reference_n to_o the_o people_n where_o the_o people_n be_v but_o few_o one_o constant_a settle_a officer_n with_o deacon_n under_o he_o may_v with_o as_o much_o ease_n discharge_v the_o work_n as_o in_o a_o numerous_a church_n the_o joint_a help_n of_o many_o officer_n be_v necessary_a to_o carry_v it_o on_o the_o same_o reason_n which_o tell_v we_o that_o a_o large_a flock_n of_o sheep_n consist_v of_o many_o thousand_o do_v call_v for_o many_o shepherd_n to_o attend_v they_o do_v likewise_o tell_v we_o that_o a_o small_a flock_n may_v be_v govern_v with_o the_o care_n of_o one_o single_a shepherd_n watch_v continual_o over_o they_o the_o three_o premisall_n be_v that_o in_o great_a city_n the_o apostle_n do_v not_o only_o respect_v the_o present_a guidance_n of_o those_o that_o be_v convert_v but_o establish_v such_o as_o may_v be_v useful_a for_o the_o convert_n and_o bring_v in_o of_o other_o to_o the_o faith_n who_o be_v
only_o to_o poor_a and_o private_a men._n nature_n and_o religion_n agree_v in_o this_o that_o neither_o of_o they_o have_v a_o hand_n in_o this_o heraldry_n of_o secundum_fw-la sub_fw-la &_o supra_fw-la all_o this_o come_v from_o composition_n and_o agreement_n of_o man_n among_o themselves_o wherefore_o this_o abuse_n of_o christianity_n to_o make_v it_o lackey_n to_o ambition_n be_v a_o vice_n for_o which_o i_o have_v no_o extraordinary_a name_n of_o ignominy_n and_o a_o ordinary_a i_o will_v not_o give_v it_o lest_o you_o shall_v take_v so_o transcendent_a a_o vice_n to_o be_v but_o trivial_a thus_o that_o grave_n and_o wise_a person_n who_o word_n savour_v of_o a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a tincture_n of_o a_o true_a spirit_n of_o christianity_n that_o scorn_v to_o make_v religion_n a_o footstool_n to_o pride_n and_o ambition_n we_o see_v plain_o he_o make_v all_o difference_n between_o church-officer_n to_o arise_v from_o consent_n of_o party_n and_o not_o from_o any_o divine_a law_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n master_n chillingworth_n propound_v this_o question_n among_o many_o other_o 39_o to_o his_o adversary_n whether_o any_o one_o kind_n of_o these_o external_a form_n and_o order_n and_o government_n be_v so_o necessary_a to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o church_n but_o that_o they_o may_v be_v diverse_a in_o divers_a place_n and_o that_o a_o good_a and_o peaceable_a christian_a may_v and_o aught_o to_o submit_v himself_o to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o place_n where_o he_o live_v whosoever_o he_o be_v which_o question_n according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o rest_n to_o which_o it_o be_v join_v must_v as_o to_o the_o former_a part_n be_v resolve_v in_o the_o negative_a and_o as_o to_o the_o latter_a in_o the_o affirmative_a which_o be_v the_o very_a thing_n i_o have_v be_v so_o long_o in_o prove_v of_o viz._n that_o no_o one_o form_n of_o church-government_n be_v so_o necessary_a to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o church_n but_o that_o a_o good_a and_o peaceable_a christian_a may_v and_o aught_o to_o conform_v himself_o to_o the_o government_n of_o that_o place_n where_o he_o live_v so_o much_o i_o suppose_v may_v suffice_v to_o show_v that_o the_o opinion_n which_o i_o have_v assert_v be_v no_o stranger_n in_o our_o own_o nation_n no_o not_o among_o those_o who_o have_v be_v profess_a defender_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a government_n of_o this_o church_n have_v thus_o far_o acquaint_v ourselves_o with_o the_o state_n and_o 4._o custom_n of_o our_o own_o country_n we_o may_v be_v allow_v the_o liberty_n of_o visit_v foreign_a church_n to_o see_v how_o far_o they_o concur_v with_o we_o in_o the_o matter_n in_o question_n the_o first_o person_n who_o judgement_n we_o shall_v produce_v assert_v the_o mutability_n of_o the_o form_n of_o church-government_n be_v that_o great_a light_n of_o the_o german_a church_n chemnitius_n who_o brightman_n have_v so_o high_a a_o opinion_n of_o as_o to_o make_v he_o to_o be_v one_o of_o the_o angel_n in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o revelation_n he_o discourse_v about_o the_o sacrament_n of_o order_n as_o the_o papist_n call_v it_o lay_v down_o these_o follow_a hypothesis_n as_o certain_a truthâ—_n 1._o non_fw-la esse_fw-la dei_fw-la verbo_fw-la mandatum_fw-la 414._o qui_fw-la vel_fw-la quot_fw-la tale_n gradus_fw-la seu_fw-la ordines_fw-la esse_fw-la debeant_fw-la 2._o non_fw-la fuisse_fw-la tempore_fw-la apostolorum_fw-la in_o omnibus_fw-la ecclesiis_fw-la &_o semper_fw-la cosdem_fw-la &_o totidem_fw-la gradus_fw-la seu_fw-la ordines_fw-la id_fw-la quod_fw-la ex_fw-la epistolis_fw-la pauli_n ad_fw-la diversas_fw-la ecclesias_fw-la scriptis_fw-la manifestè_fw-la colligitur_fw-la 3._o non_fw-la fuit_fw-la tempore_fw-la apostolorum_fw-la talis_fw-la distributio_fw-la graduum_fw-la illorum_fw-la quin_fw-la saepius_fw-la unus_fw-la &_o idem_fw-la omne_fw-la illa_fw-la officia_fw-la quae_fw-la ad_fw-la ministerium_fw-la pertinent_a sustineret_fw-la liberae_fw-la igitur_fw-la fuerunt_fw-la apostolorum_fw-la tempore_fw-la tale_n ordinationes_fw-la habitâ_fw-la ratione_fw-la ordinis_fw-la decori_fw-la &_o aedificationis_fw-la etc._n etc._n illud_fw-la apostolorum_fw-la exemplum_fw-la primitiva_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la eadem_fw-la ratione_fw-la &_o simili_fw-la libertate_fw-la imitata_fw-la est_fw-la gradus_fw-la enim_fw-la officior_fw-la they_o ministerii_fw-la distributi_fw-la fuerunt_fw-la non_fw-la autem_fw-la eadem_fw-la plane_n ratione_fw-la sicut_fw-la in_o corinthiaca_fw-la vel_fw-la ephesina_n ecclesia_fw-la sed_fw-la pro_fw-la ratione_fw-la circumstantiarum_fw-la cujusque_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la unde_fw-la colligitur_fw-la quae_fw-la fuerit_fw-la in_o distributione_n illorum_fw-la graduum_fw-la libertas_fw-la the_o main_a thing_n he_o assert_n be_v the_o curches_n freedom_n and_o liberty_n as_o to_o the_o order_n and_o degree_n of_o those_o who_o superintend_v the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n which_o he_o build_v on_o a_o threefold_a foundation_n 1._o that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n no_o where_o command_n what_o or_o how_o many_o degree_n and_o order_n of_o minister_n there_o shall_v be_v 2._o that_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n there_o be_v not_o the_o like_a number_n in_o all_o church_n as_o be_v evivident_n from_o paul_n epistle_n 3._o that_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n in_o some_o place_n one_o person_n do_v manage_v the_o several_a office_n belong_v to_o a_o church_n which_o three_o proposition_n of_o this_o learned_a divine_a be_v the_o very_a basis_n and_o foundation_n of_o all_o our_o forego_n discourse_n wherein_o we_o have_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v these_o several_a thing_n at_o large_a the_o same_o learned_a person_n have_v a_o set_a discourse_n to_o show_v how_o by_o degree_n the_o office_n in_o the_o church_n do_v rise_v not_o from_o any_o set_n or_o stand_a law_n but_o for_o the_o convenient_a managery_n of_o the_o church_n affair_n and_o 413._o conclude_v his_o discourse_n thus_o et_fw-la haec_fw-la prima_fw-la graduum_fw-la seu_fw-la ordinum_fw-la origo_fw-la in_o ecclesia_fw-la apostolica_fw-la ostendit_fw-la quae_fw-la causa_fw-la quae_fw-la ratio_fw-la quis_fw-la usus_fw-la &_o finis_fw-la esse_fw-la debeat_fw-la hujusmodi_fw-la seu_fw-la graduum_fw-la seu_fw-la ordinum_fw-la ut_fw-la scilicet_fw-la pro_fw-la ratione_fw-la coetus_fw-la ecclesiastici_fw-la singula_fw-la officia_fw-la quae_fw-la ad_fw-la ministerium_fw-la pertinent_a commodius_fw-la rectius_fw-la diligentius_fw-la &_o ordine_fw-la cum_fw-la aliqua_fw-la gravitate_fw-la ad_fw-la aedificationem_fw-la obeantur_fw-la the_o sum_n be_v it_o appear_v by_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostolical_a church_n that_o the_o state_n condition_n and_o necessity_n of_o every_o particular_a church_n aught_o to_o be_v the_o standard_n and_o measure_n what_o office_n and_o degree_n of_o person_n ought_v to_o be_v in_o it_o as_o to_o the_o uncertain_a number_n of_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n in_o apostolical_a time_n we_o have_v a_o full_a and_o express_a testimony_n of_o the_o famous_a centurioator_n 7._o of_o magdeburge_n quot_fw-la verò_fw-la in_o qualibet_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la personae_fw-la ministerio_fw-la functae_fw-la sint_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la in_o flistoriis_fw-la annotatum_fw-la nec_fw-la usquam_fw-la est_fw-la praeceptum_fw-la ut_fw-la aeque_fw-la multi_fw-la in_o singulis_fw-la essent_fw-la sed_fw-la prout_fw-la paucitas_fw-la aut_fw-la multitudo_fw-la coetus_fw-la postulavit_fw-la ita_fw-la pauciores_fw-la aut_fw-la plures_fw-la administerium_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la sunt_fw-la adhibiti_fw-la we_o see_v by_o they_o there_o be_v no_o other_o certain_a rule_n lay_v down_o in_o scripture_n what_o number_n of_o person_n shall_v act_v in_o the_o govern_n every_o church_n only_o general_a prudence_n according_a to_o the_o church_n necessity_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o determine_v the_o number_n then_o and_o must_v be_v so_o still_o the_o next_o person_n who_o judgement_n be_v full_o on_o our_o side_n be_v a_o person_n both_o of_o learning_n and_o moderation_n and_o a_o earnest_a restorer_n of_o discipline_n as_o well_o as_o doctrine_n in_o the_o church_n i_o mean_v hieron_n zanchy_a who_o in_o several_a place_n have_v express_v his_o judgement_n to_o the_o purpose_n we_o be_v now_o upon_o the_o full_a place_n be_v in_o his_o confession_n of_o faith_n pen_v by_o he_o in_o the_o lxx_o year_n of_o his_o age_n and_o if_o ever_o a_o man_n speak_v his_o mind_n it_o must_v be_v certain_o when_o he_o profess_v his_o judgement_n in_o a_o solemn_a manner_n by_o way_n of_o his_o last_o will_n and_o testament_n to_o the_o world_n that_o when_o the_o soul_n be_v go_v into_o another_o world_n he_o may_v leave_v his_o mind_n behind_o he_o thus_o do_v zanch_n in_o that_o confession_n in_o which_o he_o declare_v this_o to_o be_v his_o judgement_n as_o miscel._n to_o the_o form_n of_o church-government_n that_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n there_o be_v but_o two_o order_n under_o they_o viz._n of_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n but_o present_o subjoin_v these_o word_n interea_fw-la tamen_fw-la non_fw-la improbamus_fw-la patres_fw-la quod_fw-la juxta_fw-la variam_fw-la tum_fw-la verbi_fw-la dispensandi_fw-la tum_fw-la regendae_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la rationem_fw-la varios_fw-la quoquâ—_n ordines_fw-la ministrorum_fw-la multiplicarint_fw-la quando_fw-la id_fw-la iis_fw-la liberum_fw-la fuit_fw-la sicut_fw-la &_o nobis_fw-la &_o quando_fw-la constat_fw-la id_fw-la ab_fw-la illis_fw-la factum_fw-la honestis_fw-la de_fw-la causis_fw-la
ad_fw-la ordinem_fw-la ad_fw-la decorum_n &_o ad_fw-la aedificationem_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la pro_fw-la co_fw-la tempore_fw-la pertinentibus_fw-la and_o in_o the_o next_o section_n novimus_fw-la enim_fw-la deum_fw-la nostrum_fw-la deum_fw-la esse_fw-la ordinis_fw-la non_fw-la confusionis_fw-la &_o ecclesiam_fw-la seruari_fw-la ordine_fw-la perdi_fw-la autem_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d qua_fw-la de_fw-la causa_fw-la multos_fw-la etiam_fw-la &_o diversos_fw-la non_fw-la solum_fw-la olim_fw-la in_o israele_n verum_fw-la etiam_fw-la post_fw-la in_o ecclesia_fw-la ex_fw-la judaeis_n &_o gentibus_fw-la collecta_fw-la ministrorum_fw-la ordines_fw-la instituit_fw-la &_o eandem_fw-la etiam_fw-la ob_fw-la causam_fw-la liberum_fw-la reliquit_fw-la ecclesiis_fw-la ut_fw-la plures_fw-la adderent_fw-la vel_fw-la non_fw-la adderent_fw-la modo_fw-la ad_fw-la aedificationem_fw-la fieret_fw-la he_o assert_v it_o to_o be_v in_o the_o church_n power_n and_o liberty_n to_o add_v several_a order_n of_o minister_n according_a as_o it_o judge_v they_o tend_v to_o edification_n and_o say_v he_o be_v far_o from_o condemn_v the_o course_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n in_o erect_v one_o as_o bishop_n over_o the_o presbyter_n for_o better_a manage_n church_n affair_n yea_o arch-bishop_n metropolitan_o and_o patriarch_n as_o institute_v by_o the_o primitive_a church_n before_o the_o nicene_n council_n he_o think_v may_v be_v both_o excuse_v and_o defend_v although_o afterward_o they_o degenerate_v into_o tyranny_n and_o ambition_n and_o in_o his_o observation_n upon_o his_o confession_n pen_v chief_o upon_o the_o occasion_n of_o the_o exception_n of_o magnus_fw-la quidam_fw-la vir_fw-la some_o will_v guess_v who_o that_o be_v take_v at_o the_o free_a delivery_n of_o his_o mind_n concern_v the_o polity_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n he_o have_v expression_n to_o this_o purpose_n that_o what_o be_v unanimous_o determine_v by_o the_o primitive_a church_n without_o any_o contradiction_n to_o scripture_n do_v come_v from_o the_o holy_a spirit_n hinc_fw-la fit_n say_v he_o ut_fw-la quae_fw-la sint_fw-la hujuscemodi_fw-la ea_fw-la ego_fw-la improbare_fw-la nec_fw-la velim_fw-la nec_fw-la audeam_fw-la bona_fw-la conscientia_fw-la quis_fw-la autem_fw-la ego_fw-la sim_fw-la qui_fw-la quod_fw-la tota_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la approbavit_fw-la improbem_fw-la such_o thing_n say_v he_o as_o be_v so_o determine_v i_o neither_o will_v nor_o can_v with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n condemn_v for_o who_o be_o i_o that_o i_o shall_v condemn_v that_o which_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o god_n have_v approve_v a_o sentence_n as_o full_a of_o judgement_n as_o modesty_n and_o that_o he_o may_v show_v he_o be_v not_o alone_o in_o this_o opinion_n he_o produce_v two_o large_a and_o excellent_a discourse_n of_o martin_n bucer_n concern_v the_o polity_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n which_o he_o recite_v with_o approbation_n the_o one_o out_o of_o his_o commentary_n on_o the_o ephesian_n the_o other_o de_fw-fr disciplina_fw-la clericali_fw-la whereby_o we_o have_v gain_v another_o testimony_n of_o that_o famous_a and_o peaceable_a divine_a who_o â—_o judgement_n be_v too_o large_a to_o be_v here_o insert_v the_o same_o opinion_n of_o zanchy_a may_v be_v see_v in_o his_o commentary_n upon_o the_o four_o command_n wherein_o he_o assert_v no_o particular_a form_n to_o be_v prescribe_v but_o only_o general_a rule_n lay_v down_o in_o scripture_n that_o all_o be_v do_v to_o edification_n speak_v of_o the_o original_a of_o episcopacy_n which_o come_v not_o dispositione_n divina_fw-la but_o consuetudine_fw-la ecclesiastica_fw-la atque_fw-la ea_fw-la quidem_fw-la minime_fw-la improbanda_fw-la neque_fw-la enim_fw-la hunc_fw-la ordinem_fw-la prohibuit_fw-la christus_fw-la sed_fw-la potius_fw-la regulam_fw-la generalem_fw-la reliquit_fw-la per_fw-la apostolum_n nt_v in_o ecclesia_fw-la omne_fw-la fiant_fw-la ad_fw-la edificationem_fw-la it_o be_v then_o most_o clear_a and_o evident_a that_o neither_o bucer_n chemnitius_n or_o zanchy_a do_v look_v upon_o the_o church_n as_o so_o bind_v up_o by_o any_o immutable_a form_n of_o church-government_n lay_v down_o in_o scripture_n but_o it_o may_v lawful_o and_o laudable_o alter_v it_o for_o better_a edification_n of_o the_o church_n for_o these_o learned_a divine_n conceive_n that_o at_o first_o in_o the_o church_n there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n and_o commend_v the_o polity_n of_o the_o church_n when_o episcopacy_n be_v set_v in_o a_o high_a order_n they_o must_v of_o necessity_n hold_v that_o there_o be_v no_o obligation_n to_o observe_v that_o form_n which_o be_v use_v in_o apostolical_a time_n our_o next_o inquiry_n be_v into_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o french_a church_n and_o the_o eminent_a divine_n therein_o for_o calvin_n and_o bâ—za_n we_o have_v design_v they_o under_o another_o rank_n at_o present_a we_o speak_v of_o those_o who_o in_o thesi_fw-la assert_v the_o form_n of_o church-government_n mutable_a the_o first_o we_o meet_v with_o here_o who_o full_o lay_v down_o his_o opinion_n as_o to_o this_o matter_n be_v joh._n fregevil_n who_o although_o in_o his_o palma_n christiana_n he_o seem_v to_o assert_v the_o divine_a etc._n right_n of_o primacy_n in_o the_o church_n yet_o in_o his_o politic_a reformer_n he_o assert_v both_o form_n of_o government_n by_o equality_n and_o inequality_n to_o be_v lawful_a and_o we_o shall_v the_o rather_o produce_v his_o testimony_n because_o of_o the_o high_a character_n give_v of_o he_o by_o the_o late_a reverend_a bishop_n hall_n wise_a fregevil_n a_o deep_a head_n 20._o and_o one_o that_o be_v able_a to_o cut_v even_o betwixt_o the_o league_n the_o church_n and_o state_n his_o word_n be_v these_o as_o for_o the_o english_a government_n i_o say_v it_o be_v ground_v upon_o god_n word_n so_o far_o forth_o as_o it_o keep_v the_o state_n of_o the_o clergy_n institute_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o confirm_v in_o the_o new_a and_o concern_v the_o government_n of_o the_o french_a church_n so_o far_o as_o concern_v the_o equality_n of_o minister_n it_o have_v the_o like_a foundation_n in_o god_n word_n namely_o in_o the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o may_v suffice_v to_o authorise_v both_o these_o form_n of_o estate_n albeit_o in_o several_a time_n and_o place_n none_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o apostle_n among_o themselves_o be_v equal_a as_o concern_v authority_n albeit_o there_o be_v a_o order_n for_o their_o precedency_n when_o the_o apostle_n first_o plant_v church_n the_o same_o be_v small_a and_o in_o affliction_n there_o be_v not_o as_o yet_o any_o other_o bishop_n priest_n or_o deacon_n but_o themselves_o they_o be_v the_o bishop_n and_o deacon_n and_o together_o serve_v the_o table_n those_o man_n therefore_o who_o god_n raise_v up_o to_o plant_v a_o church_n can_v do_v no_o better_o then_o after_o the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o bear_v themselves_o in_o equal_a authority_n for_o this_o cause_n have_v the_o french_a minister_n planter_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o france_n usurp_v it_o howbeit_o provisional_o reserve_v liberty_n to_o alter_v it_o according_a to_o the_o occurrence_n but_o the_o equality_n that_o rest_v among_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n do_v increase_v as_o the_o church_n increase_v and_o thence_o proceed_v the_o creation_n of_o deacon_n and_o afterward_o of_o other_o bishop_n and_o priest_n yet_o cease_v not_o the_o apostle_n equality_n in_o authority_n but_o they_o that_o be_v create_v have_v not_o like_a authority_n with_o the_o apostle_n but_o the_o apostle_n remain_v as_o sovereign_a bishop_n neither_o be_v any_o great_a than_o they_o hereof_o i_o do_v infer_v that_o in_o the_o state_n of_o a_o mighty_a and_o peaceable_a church_n as_o be_v the_o church_n of_o england_n or_o as_o the_o church_n of_o france_n be_v or_o such_o may_v be_v if_o god_n shall_v call_v it_o to_o reformation_n the_o state_n of_o the_o clergy_n ought_v to_o be_v preserve_v for_o equality_n will_v be_v hurtful_a to_o the_o state_n and_o in_o time_n breed_v confusion_n but_o as_o the_o apostle_n continue_v church_n in_o their_o equality_n so_o long_o as_o the_o church_n by_o they_o plant_v be_v small_a so_o shall_v equality_n be_v apply_v in_o the_o plant_n of_o a_o church_n or_o so_o long_a as_o the_o church_n continue_v small_a or_o under_o persecution_n yet_o may_v it_o also_o be_v admit_v as_o not_o repugnant_a to_o god_n word_n in_o those_o place_n where_o already_o it_o be_v receive_v rather_o than_o to_o innovate_v anything_o i_o say_v therefore_o that_o even_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n the_o state_n of_o the_o clergy_n increase_v as_o the_o church_n increase_v neither_o be_v the_o government_n under_o the_o bondage_n of_o egypt_n and_o during_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n alike_o for_o israelite_n have_v first_o judge_n and_o after_o their_o state_n increase_v king_n thus_o far_o that_o politic_a reformer_n who_o word_n be_v so_o full_a and_o pertinent_a to_o the_o scope_n and_o drift_n of_o this_o whole_a treatise_n that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o commentary_n to_o draw_v they_o to_o my_o sense_n the_o
next_o i_o shall_v pitch_v upon_o in_o the_o french_a church_n be_v a_o triumvirate_n of_o three_o as_o learned_a person_n in_o their_o several_a way_n as_o most_o that_o church_n or_o any_o since_o the_o reformation_n have_v breed_v they_o be_v blondel_n bochartus_fw-la and_o amyraldus_n the_o first_o be_v that_o great_a church_n antiquary_n blondel_n the_o know_a and_o learned_a assertor_n of_o jeromes_n opinion_n concern_v the_o primitive_a equality_n of_o presbyter_n who_o be_v likewise_o of_o jeromes_n mind_n as_o to_o the_o mutability_n of_o that_o form_n if_o the_o church_n see_v fit_a as_o appear_v by_o these_o word_n of_o his_o speak_n of_o that_o form_n of_o ecclesiastical_a polity_n 53._o which_o hilary_n speak_v of_o viz._n the_o elder_a presbyter_n have_v the_o primacy_n of_o order_n above_o the_o rest_n fac_n tamen_fw-la say_v he_o apostolis_n non_fw-la modo_fw-la non_fw-la improbantibus_fw-la sed_fw-la palam_fw-la laudantibus_fw-la ortam_fw-la ego_fw-la sanè_fw-la liberè_fw-la ab_fw-la initio_fw-la observatam_fw-la christianisque_fw-la sive_fw-la ab_fw-la apostolis_n sive_fw-la ab_fw-la eorum_fw-la discipulis_fw-la traditam_fw-la sed_fw-la ut_fw-la mutabilem_fw-la &_o pro_fw-la usu_fw-la ac_fw-la arbitrio_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la mutandam_fw-la prout_fw-la in_fw-la causâ_fw-la consimili_fw-la piae_fw-la memoriae_fw-la crakanthorpius_fw-la sensis_fw-la crediderim_fw-la and_o not_o long_o after_o nec_fw-la concessus_fw-la capite_fw-la carentes_fw-la aut_fw-la multicipite_n minùs_fw-la horremus_fw-la quam_fw-la fervidiores_fw-la hierarchici_n quibus_fw-la indagandum_fw-la curatiùs_fw-la incumbit_fw-la a_o pastorum_fw-la cviquam_fw-la quocunque_fw-la ritulo_fw-la nunâ—_n gaudeat_fw-la divino_fw-la jure_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d eaque_fw-la perpetua_fw-la decreta_fw-la sit_fw-la a_o verò_fw-la in_o arbitrio_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la ipse_fw-la qui_fw-la praeest_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la spiritus_fw-la religuerit_fw-la ut_fw-la quocunque_fw-la modo_fw-la liberet_fw-la sibi_fw-la de_fw-la capite_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d collegia_fw-la providerent_fw-la whereby_o that_o most_o learned_a writer_n for_o presbytery_n as_o some_o have_v call_v he_o evident_o assert_v the_o mutability_n of_o the_o particular_a form_n of_o church_n government_n and_o that_o it_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o prudence_n and_o arbitrement_n of_o the_o church_n to_o conclude_v and_o determine_v in_o what_o way_n and_o manner_n the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v act_v for_o moderate_v the_o common_a concernment_n of_o the_o church_n the_o next_o be_v the_o learned_a and_o ingenuous_a bochartus_n who_o ex_fw-la professo_fw-la do_v assert_v the_o opinion_n i_o have_v be_v plead_v thus_o long_o in_o the_o behalf_n of_o in_o his_o epistle_n to_o dr._n morley_n he_o have_v 5._o declare_v himself_o to_o be_v of_o jeromes_n mind_n as_o to_o the_o apostle_n time_n that_o the_o church_n be_v govern_v communi_fw-la consilio_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la and_o withal_o assert_v the_o great_a antiquity_n of_o episcopacy_n as_o arising-soon_a after_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o that_o magno_fw-la cum_fw-la fructu_fw-la as_o a_o very_a useful_a form_n of_o government_n he_o subjoin_v these_o word_n direct_o overthrow_v the_o dâ—vine_a right_n of_o either_o form_n of_o government_n by_o episcopacy_n or_o presbytery_n nâ—â—_n apostolorum_fw-la praxim_n puto_fw-la vim_o habuisse_fw-la legis_fw-la in_fw-la rebus_fw-la suâ—_n natura_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d proinde_fw-la tam_fw-la qui_fw-la presbyteralem_fw-la quam_fw-la episcopalem_fw-la ordinem_fw-la juris_fw-la divini_fw-la esse_fw-la asserunt_fw-la videntur_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o therefore_o assert_n that_o the_o form_n of_o government_n must_v be_v determine_v as_o that_o in_o the_o state_n be_v according_a to_o the_o suitableness_n of_o it_o to_o the_o state_n temper_n etc._n and_o condition_n of_o the_o people_n it_o be_v intend_v for_o the_o last_o be_v judicious_a amyraldus_n who_o one_o deserve_o call_v one_o of_o the_o great_a wit_n of_o this_o age._n in_o his_o proposal_n for_o peace_n with_o the_o lutheran_n speak_v of_o the_o different_a form_n of_o church-government_n in_o the_o several_a church_n of_o the_o reformation_n he_o lay_v down_o this_o for_o a_o foundation_n of_o union_n among_o the_o several_a church_n quando_fw-la igitur_fw-la christus_fw-la quidem_fw-la &_o apostoli_fw-la hoc_fw-la diserté_fw-fr constituerunt_fw-la debere_fw-la particulares_fw-la ecclesias_fw-la omnes_fw-la gubernari_fw-la à _fw-la pastoribus_fw-la &_o aliquâ_fw-la regiminis_fw-la forma_fw-la temperari_fw-la quod_fw-la ipsa_fw-la rei_fw-la necessitas_fw-la flagitat_fw-la quae_fw-la verò_fw-la regiminis_fw-la ista_fw-la forma_fw-la potissimùm_fw-la esse_fw-la debeat_fw-la utrum_fw-la alii_fw-la aliis_fw-la auctoritate_fw-la praecellant_fw-la necne_fw-la neque_fw-la rei_fw-la natura_fw-la definivit_fw-la neque_fw-la à _fw-la christo_fw-la aut_fw-la apostolis_n aeque_fw-la disertè_fw-la constitutum_fw-la est_fw-la id_fw-la primò_fw-la in_o pacificatione_fw-la statuendum_fw-la esse_fw-la videtur_fw-la ut_fw-la quo_fw-la jure_fw-la hactenus_fw-la fuerunt_fw-la ecclesiarum_fw-la evangelicarum_fw-la pastor_n eodem_fw-la porrò_fw-la esse_fw-la pergant_fw-la neque_fw-la aliae_fw-la aliarum_fw-la statum_fw-la convellere_fw-la nitantur_fw-la that_o every_o church_n be_v permit_v free_o to_o enjoy_v its_o own_o form_n since_o some_o kind_n of_o government_n be_v necessary_a in_o all_o church_n but_o no_o one_o form_n be_v prescribe_v by_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n and_o more_o full_o afterward_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n quemadmodum_fw-la igitur_fw-la etsi_fw-la politiarum_fw-la formae_fw-la aliae_fw-la aliis_fw-la aptiores_fw-la ad_fw-la finem_fw-la illum_fw-la politicum_fw-la obtinendum_fw-la &_o accomodatiores_fw-la esse_fw-la videntur_fw-la deus_fw-la tamen_fw-la qui_fw-la omnis_fw-la societatis_fw-la auctor_fw-la est_fw-la atque_fw-la custos_fw-la noluit_fw-la omnes_fw-la hominum_fw-la coetus_fw-la eodem_fw-la jure_fw-la teneri_fw-la sed_fw-la cuique_fw-la communitati_fw-la potestatem_fw-la esse_fw-la voluit_fw-la svas_fw-la leges_fw-la sibi_fw-la condendi_fw-la quas_fw-la ipse_fw-la divinâ_fw-la suâ_fw-la auctoritate_fw-la sancit_fw-la sic_fw-la dubitandum_fw-la quidem_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la quin_fw-la ex_fw-la variis_fw-la illis_fw-la administrandarum_fw-la ecclesiarum_fw-la rationibus_fw-la nonnullae_fw-la sint_fw-la aliquanto_fw-la quam_fw-la aliae_fw-la conducibiliores_fw-la ad_fw-la eum_fw-la finem_fw-la adipiscendum_fw-la quem_fw-la religio_fw-la constitutune_n habet_fw-la at_o voluit_fw-la tamen_fw-la sapientissimus_fw-la indulgentissimusque_fw-la deus_fw-la cuique_fw-la ecclesiaejus_n esse_fw-la sibi_fw-la leges_fw-la eas_fw-la ferendi_fw-la quae_fw-la ad_fw-la arsembly_n disciplinam_fw-la spectant_fw-la &_o ad_fw-la ordinem_fw-la conservandum_fw-la whereby_o he_o grant_v as_o much_o freedom_n and_o liberty_n to_o every_o church_n to_o prescribe_v law_n to_o its_o self_n for_o the_o regulate_v the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n as_o to_o any_o state_n to_o pitch_v upon_o its_o particular_a rule_n and_o way_n of_o government_n so_o the_o church_n do_v in_o its_o order_n but_o observe_v the_o general_n rule_v lay_v down_o in_o scripture_n have_v thus_o full_o show_v how_o many_o of_o he_o most_o eminent_a divine_n of_o the_o reformation_n have_v embrace_v this_o opinion_n of_o the_o mutability_n of_o the_o form_n of_o church-government_n both_o in_o our_o own_o and_o foreign_a church_n who_o be_v far_o from_o be_v the_o proselyte_n of_o erastus_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o add_v mantissae_n loco_fw-la the_o concurrent_a judgement_n of_o many_o very_a learned_a man_n as_o the_o excellent_a hugo_n grotius_n my_o lord_n bacon_n sir_n will._n morice_n and_o other_o who_o have_v in_o print_n deliver_v this_o as_o their_o judgement_n but_o see_v such_o be_v the_o temper_n of_o ma_fw-fr ny_fw-fr as_o to_o cast_v by_o their_o judgement_n with_o a_o opinion_n of_o their_o partiality_n towards_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n i_o have_v therefore_o content_v myself_o with_o the_o judgement_n of_o divine_n most_o of_o they_o of_o the_o high_a rank_n since_o the_o reformation_n who_o judgement_n certain_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o remove_v that_o prejudice_n wherewith_o this_o opinion_n have_v be_v entertain_v among_o the_o blind_a follower_n of_o the_o several_a party_n so_o much_o for_o those_o who_o in_o term_n assert_v the_o form_n of_o church-government_n not_o to_o depend_v upon_o a_o unalterable_a law_n but_o to_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o prudence_n and_o discretion_n of_o every_o particular_a church_n to_o determine_v it_o according_a to_o its_o suitableness_n to_o the_o state_n condition_n and_o temper_n of_o the_o people_n whereof_o it_o consist_v and_o conduceableness_n to_o the_o end_n for_o which_o it_o be_v institute_v we_o come_v now_o in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o those_o who_o though_o 6._o they_o look_v upon_o equality_n of_o minister_n as_o the_o primitive_a form_n yet_o do_v allow_v episcopal_a government_n in_o the_o church_n as_o a_o very_a lawful_a and_o useful_a constitution_n by_o which_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o do_v not_o judge_v the_o primitive_a form_n to_o carry_v a_o universal_a obligation_n along_o with_o it_o over_o all_o church_n age_n and_o place_n upon_o this_o account_n our_o learned_a crakanthorp_n free_v all_o the_o reform_a church_n from_o the_o charge_n of_o aërianisin_n lay_v upon_o they_o by_o the_o archbishop_n of_o spalleto_n when_o he_o lick_v up_o his_o former_a vomit_n in_o his_o consilium_fw-la reditûs_fw-la crakanthorps_n word_n be_v 6._o these_o speak_v of_o
of_o necessity_n be_v valid_a which_o i_o have_v already_o show_v do_v evident_o prove_v that_o episcopal_a government_n be_v not_o found_v upon_o any_o unalterable_a divine_a right_n for_o which_o purpose_n many_o evidence_n be_v produce_v from_o dr._n field_n of_o the_o church_n lib._n 3._o c._n 39_o b._n downam_n l._n 3._o c._n 4._o b._n jewel_n p._n 2._o p._n 131._o saravia_n cap._n 2._o p._n 10._o 11._o b._n alley_n praelect_a 3._o &_o 6._o b._n pilkinton_n b._n bridges_n b._n bilson_n d._n nowell_n b._n davenant_n b._n prideaux_n b._n andrews_n and_o other_o by_o our_o 63._o reverend_n and_o learned_a m._n baxter_n in_o his_o christian_a concord_n to_o who_o may_v be_v add_v the_o late_a most_o reverend_a and_o eminent_a the_o bishop_n of_o durham_n apolog._n cathol_n p._n 1._o l._n 1._o c._n 21._o and_o the_o primate_n of_o armagh_n who_o judgement_n be_v well_o know_v as_o to_o the_o point_n of_o ordination_n so_o much_o may_v suffice_v to_o show_v that_o both_o those_o who_o hold_v a_o equality_n among_o minister_n to_o be_v the_o apostolical_a form_n and_o those_o that_o do_v hold_v episcopacy_n to_o have_v be_v it_o do_v yet_o both_o of_o they_o agree_v at_o last_o in_o this_o that_o no_o one_o form_n be_v settle_v by_o a_o unalterable_a law_n of_o christ_n nor_o consequent_o found_v upon_o divine_a right_n for_o the_o former_a notwithstanding_o their_o opinion_n of_o the_o primitive_a form_n do_v hold_v episcopacy_n lawful_a and_o the_o latter_a who_o hold_v episcopacy_n to_o have_v be_v the_o primitive_a form_n do_v not_o hold_v it_o perpetual_o and_o immutable_o necessary_a but_o that_o presbyter_n where_o bishop_n can_v be_v have_v may_v lawful_o discharge_v the_o office_n belong_v to_o bishop_n both_o which_o concession_n do_v necessary_o destroy_v the_o perpetual_a divine_a right_n of_o that_o form_n of_o government_n they_o assert_v which_o be_v the_o thing_n i_o have_v be_v so_o long_o in_o prove_v and_o i_o hope_v make_v it_o evident_a to_o any_o unprejudicate_v mind_n have_v lay_v down_o this_o now_o as_o a_o sure_a foundation_n for_o peace_n 8._o and_o union_n it_o be_v a_o very_a easy_a matter_n to_o improve_v it_o in_o order_n to_o a_o accommodation_n of_o our_o present_a difference_n about_o church_n government_n i_o shall_v only_o lay_v down_o three_o general_a principle_n deducible_a from_o hence_o and_o leave_v the_o whole_a to_o the_o mature_a consideration_n of_o the_o lover_n of_o truth_n and_o peace_n the_o first_o principle_n be_v that_o prudence_n must_v be_v use_v in_o settle_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n this_o have_v be_v the_o whole_a design_n of_o this_o treatise_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o form_n of_o church-government_n be_v a_o mere_a matter_n of_o prudence_n regulate_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o i_o need_v not_o insist_v on_o the_o argument_n already_o bring_v to_o prove_v it_o for_o as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v find_v although_o the_o several_a party_n in_o their_o contention_n with_o one_o another_o plead_v for_o divine_a right_n yet_o when_o any_o one_o of_o they_o come_v to_o settle_v their_o own_o particular_a form_n they_o be_v fain_o to_o call_v in_o the_o help_n of_o prudence_n even_o in_o thing_n suppose_v by_o the_o several_a party_n as_o necessary_a to_o the_o establishment_n of_o their_o own_o form_n the_o congregational_a man_n may_v despair_v of_o ever_o find_v elective_a synod_n a_o explicit_a church-covenant_n or_o positive_a sign_n of_o grace_n in_o admission_n of_o church-member_n in_o any_o law_n of_o christ_n nay_o they_o will_v not_o general_o plead_v for_o any_o more_o for_o they_o then_o general_a rule_n of_o scripture_n fine_a similitude_n and_o analogy_n and_o evidence_n of_o natural_a reason_n and_o what_o be_v all_o these_o at_o last_o to_o a_o express_a law_n of_o christ_n without_o which_o it_o be_v pretend_v nothing_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n the_o presbyterian_o seem_v more_o general_o to_o own_o the_o use_n of_o general_n rule_n and_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n in_o order_n to_o the_o form_n of_o church_n government_n as_o in_o the_o subordination_n of_o court_n classical_a assembly_n and_o the_o more_o moderate_a sort_n as_o to_o lay_v elder_n the_o episcopal_a man_n will_v hardly_o find_v any_o evidence_n in_o scripture_n or_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n for_o church_n consist_v of_o many_o fix_a congregation_n for_o worship_n under_o the_o charge_n of_o one_o person_n nor_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n for_o the_o ordination_n of_o a_o bishop_n without_o the_o precede_a election_n of_o the_o clergy_n and_o at_o least_o consent_n and_o approbation_n of_o the_o people_n and_o neither_o in_o scripture_n nor_o antiquity_n the_o least_o footstep_n of_o a_o delegation_n of_o church-power_n so_o that_o upon_o the_o matter_n at_o last_o all_o of_o they_o make_v use_n of_o those_o thing_n in_o church_n government_n which_o have_v no_o other_o foundation_n but_o the_o principle_n of_o humane_a prudence_n guide_v by_o the_o scripture_n and_o it_o be_v well_o if_o that_o be_v observe_v still_o the_o second_o principle_n be_v that_o form_n of_o government_n be_v the_o best_a according_a to_o principle_n of_o christian_a prudence_n which_o come_v the_o near_a to_o apostolical_a practice_n and_o tend_v most_o to_o the_o advance_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n what_o that_o form_n be_v i_o presume_v not_o to_o define_v and_o determine_v but_o leave_v it_o to_o be_v gather_v from_o the_o evidence_n of_o scripture_n and_o antiquity_n as_o to_o the_o primitive_a practice_n and_o from_o the_o nature_n state_n and_o condition_n of_o that_o church_n wherein_o it_o be_v to_o be_v settle_v as_o to_o its_o tendency_n to_o the_o advancement_n of_o peace_n and_o unity_n in_o it_o in_o order_n to_o the_o find_v out_o of_o which_o that_o proposal_n of_o his_o late_a most_o excellent_a majesty_n of_o glorious_a memory_n sinâ—_n be_v most_o high_o just_a and_o reasonable_a his_o majesty_n think_v it_o well_o worthy_a the_o study_n and_o endeavour_n of_o divine_n of_o both_o opinion_n lay_v aside_o emulation_n and_o private_a interest_n to_o reduce_v episcopacy_n and_o presbytery_n into_o such_o a_o well-proportioned_a form_n of_o superiority_n and_o subordination_n as_o may_v best_o resemble_v the_o apostolical_a and_o primitive_a time_n so_o far_o forth_o as_o the_o different_a condition_n of_o the_o time_n and_o the_o exigence_n of_o all_o considerable_a circumstance_n will_v admit_v if_o this_o proposal_n be_v embrace_v as_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n why_o it_o shall_v not_o then_o all_o such_o thing_n must_v be_v retrieve_v which_o be_v unquestionable_o of_o the_o primitive_a practice_n but_o have_v be_v grow_v out_o of_o use_n through_o the_o length_n and_o corruption_n of_o time_n such_o be_v the_o restore_n of_o the_o presbytery_n of_o several_a church_n as_o the_o senate_n to_o the_o bishop_n with_o whole_a counsel_n and_o advice_n all_o thing_n be_v do_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n the_o contract_n of_o diocese_n into_o such_o a_o compass_n as_o may_v be_v fit_v for_o the_o personal_a inspection_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o care_n of_o himself_o and_o the_o senate_n the_o place_n of_o bishop_n in_o all_o great_a town_n of_o resort_n especial_o county_n town_n that_o according_a to_o the_o ancient_a course_n of_o the_o church_n its_o government_n may_v be_v proportion_v etc._n to_o the_o civil_a government_n the_o constant_a preach_n of_o the_o bishop_n in_o some_o church_n of_o his_o charge_n and_o residence_n in_o his_o diocese_n the_o solemnity_n of_o ordination_n with_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n the_o observe_v provincial_a synod_n twice_o every_o year_n the_o employ_v of_o none_o in_o judge_a church_n matter_n but_o the_o clergy_n these_o be_v thing_n unquestionable_o of_o the_o primitive_a practice_n and_o no_o argument_n can_v be_v draw_v from_o the_o present_a state_n of_o thing_n why_o they_o be_v not_o as_o much_o if_o not_o more_o necessary_a than_o ever_o and_o therefore_o all_o who_o appeal_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n must_v condemn_v themselves_o if_o they_o justify_v the_o neglect_n of_o they_o but_o i_o only_o touch_v at_o these_o thing_n my_o design_n be_v only_o to_o lay_v a_o foundation_n for_o a_o happy_a union_n last_o what_o form_n of_o government_n be_v determine_v by_o lawful_a authority_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n ought_v so_o far_o to_o be_v submit_v to_o as_o it_o contain_v nothing_o repugnant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o that_o let_v man_n judgement_n be_v what_o they_o will_v concern_v the_o primitive_a form_n see_v it_o have_v be_v prove_v that_o that_o form_n do_v not_o bind_v unalterable_o and_o necessary_o it_o remain_v that_o the_o determine_n of_o the_o form_n of_o government_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o liberty_n in_o the_o church_n and_o what_o be_v so_o