reverence_v and_o obey_v yet_o this_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o this_o authority_n do_v not_o stretch_v itself_o to_o any_o church_n save_v only_o to_o those_o which_o join_v themselves_o together_o in_o this_o kind_n of_o government_n or_o rather_o in_o this_o subjection_n and_o therefore_o a_o council_n which_o be_v gather_v out_o of_o all_o the_o church_n of_o some_o country_n or_o part_n of_o the_o world_n can_v impose_v law_n upon_o the_o church_n of_o other_o country_n yea_o if_o in_o a_o ecumenical_a council_n any_o one_o church_n shall_v refuse_v to_o join_v itself_o with_o the_o rest_n the_o law_n of_o that_o council_n shall_v not_o build_v that_o one_o church_n for_o counsel_n have_v no_o authority_n but_o over_o those_o church_n from_o the_o which_o they_o have_v authority_n sect._n 2._o of_o who_o counsel_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o consist_v second_o we_o be_v to_o see_v of_o who_o these_o counsel_n ought_v to_o consist_v the_o answer_n be_v of_o man_n who_o the_o common_a consent_n of_o the_o church_n join_v together_o under_o this_o common_a government_n do_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o their_o gift_n to_o wit_n of_o zeal_n godliness_n wisdom_n learning_n experience_n faithfulness_n boldness_n diligence_n and_o such_o other_o grace_n requisite_a in_o this_o behalf_n judge_v fit_a for_o this_o purpose_n here_o we_o have_v two_o question_n to_o answer_v the_o first_o be_v whether_o that_o any_o beside_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n ought_v to_o be_v of_o these_o counsel_n the_o second_o be_v whether_o that_o a_o council_n may_v convenient_o consist_v whole_o of_o those_o who_o be_v not_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n for_o answer_v of_o both_o these_o question_n we_o confess_v that_o the_o minister_n ought_v to_o be_v account_v most_o fit_a to_o be_v admit_v into_o consultation_n of_o these_o weighty_a matter_n for_o that_o they_o ought_v not_o only_o to_o know_v the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o particular_a church_n better_v the_o any_o other_o it_o be_v their_o call_n and_o office_n to_o look_v unto_o they_o but_o also_o to_o be_v endue_v with_o more_o excellent_a gift_n than_o be_v to_o be_v expect_v usual_o in_o other_o yet_o these_o counsel_n may_v lawful_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n consist_v of_o other_o yea_o the_o constitution_n or_o decree_n of_o such_o counsel_n be_v no_o less_o to_o have_v the_o force_n reverence_n and_o obedience_n of_o ecclesiastical_a law_n then_o if_o they_o have_v be_v make_v by_o a_o council_n consist_v whole_o of_o minister_n for_o it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n which_o do_v consociate_v themselves_o in_o this_o manner_n to_o delegate_v their_o authority_n to_o who_o they_o will_v of_o what_o calling_n or_o condition_n soever_o he_o be_v for_o although_o the_o knowledge_n and_o care_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o all_o other_o grace_n have_v in_o corrupt_a time_n be_v appropriate_v to_o the_o minister_n the_o people_n be_v account_v ignorant_a and_o profane_a idol_n neither_o able_a nor_o worthy_a to_o deal_v with_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n much_o less_o to_o judge_v deterâ—ine_n and_o advise_v of_o â—_z of_o great_a importance_n yet_o we_o learn_v out_o of_o the_o word_n and_o see_v it_o ratify_v by_o experience_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o all_o spiritual_a grace_n do_v as_o well_o belong_v and_o be_v as_o often_o as_o plentiful_o yea_o some_o time_n in_o great_a measure_n grant_v to_o other_o christian_n then_o to_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n so_o that_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n can_v challenge_v to_o themselves_o authority_n and_o ability_n to_o be_v the_o only_a doer_n in_o this_o action_n but_o must_v admit_v into_o their_o company_n and_o consultation_n those_o of_o the_o people_n that_o be_v judge_v fit_n for_o this_o purpose_n yea_o although_o there_o be_v a_o sufficient_a number_n of_o minister_n able_a to_o perform_v whatsoever_o be_v require_v in_o this_o behalf_n yet_o it_o be_v diverse_a way_n inconvenient_a that_o counsel_n shall_v consist_v whole_o of_o they_o for_o first_o we_o know_v that_o a_o great_a part_n of_o these_o law_n do_v concern_v the_o minister_n themselves_o and_o the_o performance_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o function_n wherein_o if_o there_o be_v any_o general_a negligence_n want_n or_o oversight_n and_o error_n which_o be_v no_o strange_a thing_n as_o they_o know_v who_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o history_n and_o state_n of_o the_o church_n who_o shall_v lay_v open_a the_o fault_n &_o make_v law_n for_o the_o redress_v of_o it_o for_o although_o it_o may_v be_v suppose_v that_o they_o will_v do_v it_o of_o their_o own_o accord_n yet_o it_o stand_v not_o with_o their_o wisdom_n who_o have_v the_o choose_n of_o fit_a man_n for_o these_o counsel_n to_o commit_v the_o matter_n whole_o to_o they_o especial_o whenas_o the_o amend_v of_o the_o error_n be_v against_o the_o credit_n consultation_n commodity_n or_o ease_n of_o the_o minister_n yea_o it_o be_v not_o agreeable_a to_o any_o reason_n that_o they_o shall_v appoint_v to_o themselves_o the_o duty_n and_o work_n which_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o correct_v whatsoever_o be_v amiss_o therein_o for_o we_o know_v that_o most_o of_o all_o those_o corruption_n wherewith_o the_o church_n have_v be_v pollute_v and_o deface_v these_o many_o age_n have_v be_v both_o bring_v in_o and_o continue_v by_o the_o mean_n of_o these_o counsel_n consist_v of_o minister_n only_o beside_o this_o reject_v of_o the_o whole_a church_n as_o unfit_a to_o advise_v any_o thing_n for_o their_o own_o good_a be_v both_o injurious_a to_o god_n who_o especial_o in_o this_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n pour_v forth_o his_o spirit_n with_o a_o full_a and_o indifferent_a hand_n on_o all_o his_o servant_n that_o call_v upon_o he_o so_o that_o his_o grace_n bestow_v on_o the_o church_n be_v as_o the_o ointment_n which_o be_v pour_v upon_o aaron_n head_n run_v down_o even_o to_o the_o skirt_n of_o his_o garment_n and_o also_o reproachful_a to_o the_o church_n as_o be_v destitute_a of_o all_o spiritual_a wisdom_n and_o understanding_n last_o the_o exclude_v of_o all_o the_o people_n from_o counsel_n make_v the_o law_n enact_v by_o they_o to_o be_v unwilling_o receive_v for_o that_o the_o minister_n take_v all_o the_o authority_n into_o their_o own_o hand_n do_v easy_o incur_v the_o suspicion_n of_o tyrannize_a over_o the_o church_n whereas_o the_o law_n will_v be_v readely_a obey_v without_o murmur_a or_o repine_v if_o that_o some_o of_o the_o people_n have_v a_o hand_n in_o the_o make_n of_o they_o as_o touch_v the_o second_o question_n although_o a_o council_n gather_v about_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n may_v lawful_o consist_v whole_o of_o those_o who_o be_v not_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n yet_o it_o be_v seldom_o convenient_a that_o this_o shall_v be_v put_v in_o practice_n for_o first_o the_o ordinary_a authority_n wherewith_o the_o minister_n be_v endue_v in_o that_o they_o be_v the_o teacher_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o people_n although_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o make_v law_n yet_o it_o require_v that_o they_o shall_v usual_o bear_v the_o great_a sway_n in_o make_v those_o humane_a law_n whereby_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v govern_v yea_o by_o this_o mean_v it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o law_n have_v great_a force_n and_o authority_n among_o the_o people_n then_o when_o they_o come_v from_o man_n otherwise_o mere_o private_a yea_o the_o state_n of_o many_o church_n be_v so_o that_o few_o man_n of_o other_o calling_n beside_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n give_v themselves_o to_o the_o study_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o have_v sufficient_a knowledge_n for_o this_o purpose_n think_v that_o it_o do_v belong_v to_o minister_n only_o to_o know_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o government_n of_o his_o church_n and_o if_o we_o do_v suppose_v a_o flourish_a state_n of_o a_o church_n wherein_o knowledge_n do_v abound_v not_o only_o in_o the_o minister_n but_o also_o among_o the_o people_n so_o as_o they_o be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o sound_n judgement_n and_o good_a advice_n in_o these_o weighty_a matter_n yet_o the_o minister_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v exclude_v for_o if_o the_o people_n do_v abound_v with_o knowledge_n it_o be_v like_a yea_o necessary_a that_o the_o minister_n be_v much_o more_o fill_v with_o all_o spiritual_a understanding_n and_o wisdom_n yea_o it_o be_v seldom_o see_v that_o other_o know_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o people_n which_o in_o make_v these_o law_n be_v chief_o to_o be_v regard_v so_o well_o as_o the_o minister_n do_v who_o be_v continual_o exercise_v in_o look_v unto_o they_o sect._n 3_o of_o the_o necessary_a conjunction_n of_o particular_a church_n under_o the_o government_n
many_o and_o so_o to_o conclude_v this_o point_n and_o special_o the_o first_o edict_n which_o the_o first_o king_n make_v and_o that_o by_o the_o immediate_a motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n because_o this_o be_v most_o for_o the_o purpose_n of_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n we_o read_v 1._o sam._n 11.17_o that_o whenas_o saul_n be_v to_o call_v the_o people_n together_o to_o battle_n he_o give_v forth_o such_o a_o peremptory_a commandment_n as_o never_o any_o of_o the_o judge_n or_o elder_n do_v for_o take_v a_o couple_n of_o ox_n and_o devide_v they_o into_o piece_n he_o send_v they_o to_o all_o part_n of_o the_o land_n with_o this_o message_n that_o whosoever_o do_v not_o follow_v he_o to_o battle_n so_o shall_v it_o be_v do_v to_o his_o ox_n whereupon_o the_o people_n come_v roundly_o as_o one_o man_n for_o that_o as_o the_o text_n note_v the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v of_o this_o great_a power_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v to_o the_o king_n fall_v upon_o they_o saul_n may_v have_v say_v with_o david_n i_o be_o yet_o a_o tender_a and_o new_a king_n and_o have_v many_o enemy_n wherefore_o it_o be_v not_o meet_v that_o i_o shall_v exasperate_v the_o people_n by_o threaten_a they_o but_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o the_o people_n shall_v see_v in_o the_o begin_n to_o what_o a_o kind_n of_o power_n they_o have_v â—â—â—mitted_v themselves_o sect._n xii_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o power_n or_o authority_n of_o this_o kingdom_n the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o be_v the_o majesty_n of_o it_o &_o the_o fundamental_a law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n belong_v thereunto_o the_o majesty_n of_o the_o kingdom_n be_v the_o great_a glory_n and_o excellency_n wherein_o it_o far_o pass_v other_o kind_n of_o government_n and_o for_o the_o which_o it_o be_v much_o more_o high_o esteem_v it_o be_v procure_v by_o these_o mean_n first_o by_o that_o exceed_a great_a power_n whereof_o we_o have_v speak_v for_o whereas_o the_o whole_a administration_n of_o all_o thing_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o one_o there_o the_o good_a estate_n of_o all_o man_n public_o and_o of_o every_o one_o particular_o do_v depend_v on_o he_o majesty_n whereby_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o all_o man_n eye_n be_v set_v on_o he_o yea_o all_o man_n do_v honour_n praise_n and_o admire_v he_o in_o who_o they_o see_v great_a authority_n and_o riches_n and_o who_o wisdom_n be_v more_o conspicuous_a than_o any_o other_o beside_o second_o this_o kingdom_n be_v majestical_a by_o the_o first_o original_n of_o it_o which_o it_o have_v not_o from_o man_n but_o from_o god_n this_o law_n be_v write_v deut._n 17.14_o when_o thou_o have_v possess_v the_o land_n and_o say_v i_o will_v have_v a_o king_n to_o reign_v over_o i_o thou_o shall_v make_v he_o king_n who_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n shall_v choose_v and_o so_o the_o event_n prove_v for_o the_o state_n of_o this_o kingdom_n in_o general_n come_v from_o the_o people_n to_o who_o also_o it_o belong_v solemn_o to_o acknowledge_v he_o who_o god_n do_v appoint_v but_o the_o nomination_n of_o the_o particular_a man_n on_o who_o this_o honour_n shall_v be_v bestow_v come_v from_o god_n who_o appoint_v first_o saul_n with_o his_o posterity_n and_o afterwards_o saul_n be_v reject_v david_n and_o his_o seed_n by_o the_o which_o mean_v god_n do_v choose_v all_o the_o king_n in_o israel_n although_o he_o do_v immediate_o by_o his_o own_o voice_n only_o appoint_v the_o first_o three_o to_o wit_n saul_n majestical_a david_n and_o solomon_n for_o even_o as_o the_o fire_n wherewith_o the_o sacrifice_n be_v burn_v although_o it_o be_v nourish_v every_o day_n by_o the_o priest_n put_v fresh_a wood_n unto_o it_o and_o so_o preserve_v by_o the_o same_o mean_n whereby_o other_o fire_n be_v keep_v yet_o be_v cause_n at_o the_o first_o it_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n miraculous_o be_v therefore_o count_v holy_a and_o wonderful_a even_o so_o be_v this_o kingdom_n because_o at_o the_o first_o it_o come_v from_o god_n although_o afterwards_o it_o be_v continue_v by_o natural_a and_o ordinary_a propagation_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o this_o kingdom_n be_v call_v the_o kingdom_n of_o jehova_n 2._o chro._n 13.8_o the_o badge_n and_o seal_n of_o this_o divine_a original_n of_o this_o kingdom_n be_v that_o holy_a unction_n whereby_o these_o king_n be_v by_o the_o prophet_n of_o god_n solemn_o in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n inaugurate_v and_o therefore_o the_o sign_n be_v put_v for_o the_o thing_n signify_v this_o anoint_v betoken_v the_o holiness_n of_o it_o function_n insomuch_o that_o when_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n be_v as_o it_o be_v to_o be_v paint_v forth_o in_o the_o native_a colour_n of_o his_o majesty_n he_o be_v call_v the_o anoint_v of_o the_o lord_n thus_o 1._o sam._n 24.7_o god_n forbid_v say_v david_n that_o i_o shall_v lay_v my_o hand_n on_o saul_n see_v he_o be_v the_o anoint_a one_o of_o god._n and_o 2._o samuel_n 1.14_o he_o say_v to_o he_o who_o have_v help_v king_n saul_n to_o kill_v himself_o how_o be_v it_o that_o thou_o do_v not_o fear_v to_o put_v out_o thy_o hand_n to_o kill_v the_o lord_n anoint_v the_o three_o law_n tend_v to_o the_o majesty_n of_o this_o kingdom_n be_v that_o it_o be_v not_o any_o uncertain_a and_o movable_a state_n but_o constant_a and_o fix_v in_o one_o place_n it_o be_v tie_v first_o to_o one_o tribe_n namely_o to_o the_o tribe_n of_o juda_n &_o that_o by_o god_n speak_v by_o the_o mouth_n of_o jacob_n the_o first_o founder_n of_o this_o nation_n for_o in_o his_o son_n it_o begin_v to_o be_v divide_v into_o many_o tribe_n and_o family_n and_o so_o come_v into_o the_o form_n of_o a_o people_n the_o pprophecy_n iâ—_n write_v gen._n 49._o the_o rod_n shall_v not_o depart_v from_o juda_n nor_o a_o law_n giver_n etc._n etc._n second_o it_o be_v tie_v to_o one_o and_o the_o same_o family_n to_o wit_n to_o the_o house_n of_o david_n for_o ever_o and_o go_v by_o hereditary_a right_n and_o succession_n in_o lineal_a descent_n so_o that_o continual_o the_o son_n succeed_v the_o father_n the_o which_o law_n although_o it_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o like_a governemente_n in_o other_o place_n yet_o it_o can_v seldom_o take_v place_n for_o any_o long_a time_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o want_n of_o right_a successor_n but_o it_o be_v here_o keep_v in_o continual_a force_n and_o that_o by_o the_o marvelous_a providence_n of_o god_n who_o as_o he_o promise_v do_v always_o give_v to_o david_n his_o servant_n a_o son_n of_o his_o own_o loin_n to_o sit_v upon_o his_o throne_n the_o which_o providence_n of_o god_n may_v especial_o be_v note_v in_o the_o strange_a preservation_n of_o joas_n from_o the_o cruel_a hand_n of_o that_o monster_n athalia_fw-la 2._o king_n 11.3_o by_o this_o mean_v it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o this_o kingdom_n be_v both_o natural_a and_o in_o process_n of_o time_n ancient_a yea_o after_o a_o sort_n immortal_a for_o the_o first_o we_o need_v not_o doubt_v but_o that_o there_o be_v a_o exceed_a great_a love_n and_o reverence_n of_o this_o king_n wrought_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o people_n whenas_o they_o see_v that_o he_o have_v not_o obtain_v that_o place_n by_o ambition_n faction_n force_n of_o arm_n or_o any_o other_o sinister_a or_o violent_a mean_n but_o be_v even_o bear_v unto_o they_o and_o by_o nature_n or_o rather_o by_o god_n the_o ruler_n and_o desposer_n of_o all_o natural_a cause_n appoint_v and_o distinate_v to_o that_o call_n yea_o also_o in_o time_n by_o this_o hereditary_a succession_n the_o kingdom_n become_v of_o great_a antiquity_n which_o add_v much_o to_o the_o majesty_n of_o mean_a thing_n much_o more_o to_o those_o which_o in_o many_o other_o respect_n be_v excellent_a even_o as_o man_n do_v ascribe_v a_o kind_a noâ—_n only_o of_o reverence_n but_o even_o of_o religion_n to_o oak_n and_o other_o tree_n which_o have_v a_o long_a time_n keep_v their_o stand_n for_o so_o in_o continuance_n of_o time_n they_o take_v so_o deep_a root_n and_o gather_v such_o strength_n as_o that_o they_o can_v be_v move_v whereas_o at_o the_o first_o they_o may_v easy_o be_v shake_v down_o so_o kingdom_n continue_v long_o in_o the_o same_o stock_n become_v firm_a and_o majestical_a whereas_o be_v often_o transplant_v majestical_a they_o be_v weak_a and_o contemptible_a and_o do_v often_o fall_v even_o in_o the_o beginning_n thus_o fall_v abimelech_n his_o kingdom_n and_o even_o this_o kingdom_n be_v sore_o shake_v in_o the_o defection_n of_o the_o ten_o tribe_n because_o the_o memory_n of_o jerobaal_n grandfather_n to_o abimelech_n a_o private_a and_o base_a man_n and_o of_o isai_n the_o father_n of_o david_n be_v not_o clean_o wear_v away_o and_o therefore_o they_o say_v
the_o first_o lie_v upon_o they_o that_o straight_o and_o perfect_a kind_n of_o discipline_n which_o afterwards_o they_o use_v whenas_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o riperyare_n they_o be_v more_o capable_a of_o it_o yea_o this_o continual_a growth_n of_o the_o church_n be_v show_v by_o ezech._n 4.1_o vers_fw-la 3.4.5_o by_o the_o rise_n of_o the_o water_n to_o his_o ankle_n knee_n loin_n and_o head_n sect._n 2._o of_o the_o diverse_a stateâ—_n of_o ecclesiastical_a government_n we_o find_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n three_o kind_n of_o church-government_n the_o first_o of_o these_o be_v in_o force_n before_o the_o give_v of_o the_o law_n the_o second_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o law_n the_o three_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o first_o we_o may_v fit_o resemble_v unto_o the_o first_o infancy_n of_o a_o child_n be_v new_o bear_v in_o the_o which_o although_o there_o be_v all_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n yet_o they_o can_v as_o yet_o do_v their_o function_n and_o therefore_o can_v hardly_o be_v discern_v or_o distinguish_v so_o in_o this_o first_o state_n there_o be_v all_o the_o part_n of_o chuch-government_n although_o they_o do_v not_o so_o plain_o appear_v as_o in_o the_o other_o follow_v law_n there_o be_v a_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n although_o join_v or_o rather_o confound_v with_o the_o civil_a government_n for_o both_o the_o office_n lay_v upon_o the_o first_o bear_v in_o the_o family_n the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v in_o small_a measure_n and_o seldom_o reveal_v the_o same_o be_v confirm_v by_o diverse_a sacrament_n and_o also_o strengthen_v by_o censure_n against_o the_o disobedient_a but_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v little_o practise_v as_o also_o the_o number_n of_o professor_n be_v very_o small_a for_o this_o time_n be_v the_o first_o infancy_n of_o the_o church_n from_o which_o it_o be_v continual_o to_o grow_v on_o to_o perfection_n next_o unto_o this_o succeed_v the_o manner_n of_o government_n under_o the_o law_n institute_v by_o god_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o moses_n law_n be_v much_o more_o perfect_a than_o the_o former_a even_o as_o be_v the_o childhood_n to_o the_o infancy_n so_o that_o now_o all_o the_o faculty_n do_v their_o several_a function_n and_o may_v easy_o be_v perceave_v in_o themselves_o and_o distinguish_v from_o the_o other_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n great_o enlarge_v and_o the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o serve_v god_n increase_v to_o many_o million_o the_o will_n of_o god_n so_o plentiful_o and_o large_o reveal_v that_o it_o be_v of_o necessity_n commit_v to_o writing_n lest_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v forget_v many_o sacrament_n to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o against_o unbelief_n sharp_a and_o severe_a censure_n appoint_v for_o offender_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v but_o the_o childhood_n of_o the_o church_n â—al_a 4.1_o &_o be_v so_o far_o yea_o much_o more_o exceed_v in_o perfection_n of_o the_o three_o as_o it_o do_v exceed_v the_o former_a the_o three_o be_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n wherein_o the_o lord_n do_v as_o it_o be_v put_v the_o last_o hand_n to_o the_o government_n of_o his_o church_n bring_v it_o to_o that_o perfecton_n which_o shall_v continue_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n now_o be_v the_o number_n of_o those_o who_o serve_v god_n increase_v above_o measure_n in_o so_o much_o that_o the_o church_n must_v enlarge_v her_o tent_n and_o receive_v all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n come_v to_o dwell_v with_o she_o esa._n 54.1.2.3_o and_o according_o there_o be_v â—_o most_o perfect_a government_n appoint_v by_o christ_n the_o true_a nature_n whereof_o will_v the_o more_o easy_o appear_v if_o we_o compare_v it_o with_o the_o former_a from_o the_o which_o it_o do_v differ_v as_o do_v the_o ripe_a age_n of_o a_o man_n from_o his_o childhood_n so_o that_o now_o the_o church_n may_v true_o say_v when_o i_o be_v a_o child_n i_o understand_v speak_v and_o do_v as_o a_o child_n but_o now_o i_o have_v put_v away_o childish_a thing_n the_o ground_n of_o this_o difference_n be_v the_o come_n of_o christ_n in_o who_o all_o the_o treasure_n of_o the_o will_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n be_v both_o hide_v â—nd_n reveal_v to_o the_o church_n the_o shadow_n and_o ceremony_n use_v before_o be_v make_v of_o no_o use_n and_o instead_o of_o they_o the_o truth_n itself_o come_v in_o place_n now_o be_v all_o the_o mystery_n of_o our_o salvation_n uncover_v the_o shadow_n be_v drive_v away_o by_o the_o appear_a of_o the_o son_n of_o righteousness_n the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v now_o as_o it_o be_v with_o a_o full_a hand_n pour_v on_o those_o which_o believe_v which_o god_n keep_v in_o store_n till_o this_o time_n that_o by_o the_o plentiful_a pour_v of_o they_o out_o he_o may_v celebrate_v the_o glorious_a marriage_n of_o christ_n with_o his_o church_n gospel_n hereof_o do_v the_o whole_a difference_n arise_v we_o know_v that_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v either_o outward_a consist_v in_o bodily_a action_n or_o inward_a in_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o hart_n this_o do_v the_o lord_n require_v the_o other_o be_v not_o acceptable_a unto_o he_o but_o as_o it_o proceed_v from_o this_o fountain_n the_o outward_a worship_n will_v easy_o be_v perform_v although_o it_o have_v most_o straight_a condition_n annex_v unto_o it_o as_o we_o read_v mica_n 6.6_o where_o withal_o shall_v i_o come_v before_o the_o lord_n will_v he_o accept_v thâ—usands_n of_o ram_n etc._n etc._n but_o inward_a and_o spiritual_a worship_n be_v not_o only_o hard_a but_o also_o impossible_a to_o be_v perform_v without_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n as_o be_v clean_o contrary_a to_o our_o nature_n and_o therefore_o it_o please_v god_n in_o a_o tender_a regard_n which_o he_o have_v to_o his_o church_n under_o the_o law_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o weakness_n of_o it_o to_o appoint_v unto_o they_o more_o of_o that_o outward_a worship_n and_o to_o accept_v their_o spiritual_a service_n although_o it_o be_v in_o small_a measure_n but_o contrary_o now_o under_o the_o gospel_n he_o require_v a_o great_a measure_n of_o spiritual_a worship_n and_o enjoin_v little_a of_o the_o other_o this_o distinction_n be_v make_v by_o christ_n john_n 4.21.23_o the_o time_n come_v when_o neither_o at_o jerusalem_n nor_o on_o this_o mount_v you_o shall_v worship_v my_o father_n but_o in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n this_o be_v also_o that_o new_a covenant_n whereof_o joel_n speak_v whenas_o god_n shall_v pour_v his_o spirit_n upon_o all_o flâ—sh_n not_o but_o that_o the_o faithful_a under_o the_o law_n both_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o also_o perform_v unto_o he_o spiritual_a worship_n without_o the_o which_o the_o other_o be_v but_o abominable_a unto_o he_o but_o yet_o not_o in_o so_o great_a measure_n as_o now_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o whole_a worship_n of_o god_n under_o the_o law_n be_v very_o glorious_a in_o outward_a appearance_n for_o this_o end_n to_o purchase_v obedience_n and_o reverence_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o people_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o now_o the_o whole_a worship_n of_o god_n be_v base_a and_o contemptible_a in_o outward_a appearance_n but_o mighty_a in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o we_o read_v 1._o cor._n 14._o if_o all_o prophecy_n and_o there_o come_v in_o one_o that_o believe_v not_o or_o one_o unlearned_a he_o be_v rebuke_v of_o all_o man_n and_o be_v judge_v of_o all_o and_o so_o be_v the_o secret_n of_o his_o heart_n make_v manifest_a and_o so_o he_o will_v fall_v down_o on_o his_o face_n and_o worship_n god_n ceremony_n and_o say_v plain_o that_o god_n be_v in_o you_o indeed_o the_o which_o appear_v by_o the_o great_a abundance_n of_o spiritual_a grace_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o under_o the_o law_n the_o priest_n be_v not_o so_o endue_v which_o that_o measure_n of_o spiritual_a grace_n but_o in_o steed_n of_o they_o they_o have_v outward_a help_n to_o purchase_v reverence_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o to_o themselves_o among_o the_o people_n the_o temple_n for_o outward_a magnificence_n most_o glorious_a the_o holy_a place_n have_v in_o high_a account_v of_o all_o man_n the_o priest_n separate_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o people_n in_o many_o respect_n and_o for_o the_o same_o end_n the_o high_a priest_n be_v adorn_v with_o glorious_a robe_n that_o so_o he_o may_v the_o more_o excel_v but_o now_o none_o of_o these_o mean_n be_v in_o use_n only_o the_o powerful_a simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v instead_o far_o above_o all_o the_o church_n then_o have_v but_o a_o small_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n in_o comparison_n of_o these_o time_n and_o according_o be_v they_o teach_v but_o now_o the_o lord_n
remove_v yet_o the_o church_n have_v this_o purity_n in_o some_o measure_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o religious_a king_n of_o israel_n who_o do_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n all_o relic_n monument_n and_o shadow_n of_o corruption_n and_o likewise_o in_o diverse_a place_n since_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n especial_o in_o these_o last_o day_n wherein_o it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o bring_v his_o church_n out_o of_o that_o sink_n of_o antichristianisme_n and_o to_o reveal_v the_o right_a way_n and_o manner_n of_o his_o service_n yea_o church_n as_o they_o have_v a_o small_a beginning_n from_o the_o which_o they_o rise_v and_o a_o state_n unestablish_v wherein_o they_o continue_v for_o some_o space_n of_o time_n so_o also_o they_o may_v at_o lengh_n attain_v to_o a_o perfect_a state_n whereunto_o they_o do_v daily_o grow_v and_o whereat_o they_o ought_v continual_o to_o aim_v it_o be_v then_o attain_v unto_o whenas_o all_o those_o ordinance_n which_o christ_n have_v appoint_v for_o the_o govern_n of_o his_o church_n be_v full_o establish_v all_o the_o ecclesiastical_a function_n and_o all_o those_o mean_n whereby_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v edify_v in_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o faith_n be_v use_v so_o far_o forth_o as_o humane_a infirmity_n do_v permit_v for_o although_o we_o both_o prophecy_n govern_v teach_v exhortobey_v and_o practice_v only_o in_o part_n in_o this_o life_n 1._o cor._n 13._o yet_o the_o want_n that_o be_v in_o the_o particular_a action_n of_o man_n do_v not_o make_v a_o imperfection_n in_o the_o church_n so_o that_o when_o there_o be_v no_o office_n of_o the_o church_n want_v none_o negligent_o execute_v but_o that_o he_o that_o exhort_v labour_v in_o exhortation_n the_o teacher_n in_o doctrine_n he_o that_o distribute_v in_o simplicity_n and_o he_o that_o rule_v in_o diligence_n he_o that_o show_v mercy_n in_o chearfulnesse_n and_o whenas_o the_o people_n do_v by_o these_o mean_n lead_v a_o godly_a and_o a_o christian_n life_n agreeable_a to_o their_o profession_n then_o be_v there_o a_o perfect_a state_n of_o a_o church_n the_o which_o although_o as_o have_v be_v heretofore_o note_v it_o can_v hardly_o be_v attain_v especial_o of_o church_n consist_v of_o great_a multitude_n of_o professor_n yet_o we_o be_v to_o do_v our_o endeavour_n commit_v the_o success_n of_o our_o labour_n to_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n to_o who_o nothing_o be_v hard_a or_o impossible_a yea_o who_o do_v so_o bless_v and_o prosper_v they_o that_o labour_n in_o the_o build_n of_o his_o church_n far_o above_o their_o own_o expectation_n that_o they_o shall_v see_v such_o fruit_n of_o their_o labour_n which_o will_v seem_v impossible_a to_o be_v bring_v to_o pass_v by_o the_o mean_n of_o any_o man_n sect._n 3_o of_o the_o flourish_a estate_n of_o a_o church_n the_o lord_n in_o mercy_n be_v yet_o more_o gracious_a to_o his_o church_n and_o grant_v that_o in_o many_o place_n it_o shall_v have_v not_o only_o a_o perfect_a but_o also_o a_o flourish_a estate_n the_o which_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v in_o these_o thing_n first_o when_o as_o the_o church_n do_v consist_v not_o of_o a_o small_a company_n of_o believer_n daily_o but_o of_o great_a multitude_n profess_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n praise_v he_o call_v upon_o he_o and_o serve_v he_o the_o which_o no_o doubt_n be_v a_o happy_a thing_n and_o most_o earnest_o to_o be_v wish_v in_o this_o respect_n the_o church_n in_o these_o day_n do_v flourish_v as_o it_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v that_o they_o will_v do_v more_o and_o more_o for_o this_o be_v the_o time_n wherein_o the_o lord_n have_v appoint_v that_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o gentile_n shall_v come_v in_o and_o not_o only_o a_o few_o here_o and_o there_o but_o even_o whole_a country_n kingdom_n and_o nation_n submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o the_o great_a number_n of_o believer_n it_o come_v that_o there_o be_v in_o the_o church_n many_o notable_a example_n of_o godliness_n and_o of_o all_o spiritual_a grace_n yea_o great_a variety_n of_o they_o then_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o small_a congregation_n although_o usual_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v by_o the_o malice_n of_o satan_n and_o the_o corruption_n of_o man_n that_o multitude_n make_v confusion_n in_o the_o church_n and_o can_v hardly_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o due_a order_n of_o a_o church_n as_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v hereafter_o second_o the_o flourish_a estate_n of_o a_o church_n consist_v in_o the_o abâ—ndâ—â—ce_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n whenas_o knowledge_n wisdom_n the_o gift_n of_o teach_v and_o all_o other_o which_o make_v for_o the_o build_n of_o the_o church_n be_v plentiful_o pour_v upon_o it_o when_o as_o that_o come_v to_o pass_v which_o the_o prophet_n foretell_v of_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v pour_v upon_o all_o flesh_n the_o which_o as_o it_o be_v accomplish_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n on_o the_o which_o the_o lord_n do_v immediate_o and_o extraordinare_o pourefoorth_o all_o the_o grace_n of_o his_o spirit_n in_o such_o plentiful_a manner_n as_o be_v never_o in_o the_o church_n before_o not_o shall_v be_v till_o the_o church_n be_v perfect_v at_o the_o appear_v of_o christ_n so_o now_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o shorten_v but_o he_o do_v still_o continue_v this_o mercy_n to_o his_o church_n although_o after_o a_o diverse_a manner_n for_o now_o we_o be_v not_o to_o look_v for_o the_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o prophecy_n gift_n speak_v in_o strange_a tongue_n work_v miracle_n and_o such_o like_a by_o the_o which_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v most_o glorious_a and_o do_v flourish_v in_o most_o wonderful_a manner_n for_o these_o serve_v only_o for_o the_o first_o plant_n of_o the_o church_n neither_o be_v we_o to_o look_v either_o for_o the_o like_a measure_n of_o gift_n â—r_o for_o 〈◊〉_d grace_n of_o knowledge_n wisdom_n the_o gift_n of_o interpretation_n teach_v exhort_v or_o any_o other_o immediate_o from_o god_n as_o they_o have_v for_o this_o also_o be_v proper_a to_o those_o time_n in_o the_o which_o because_o it_o be_v not_o meet_v that_o the_o build_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v not_o go_v forward_o till_o man_n have_v attain_v these_o gift_n by_o ordinary_a mean_n therefore_o it_o please_v god_n immediate_o to_o supply_v their_o want_n but_o now_o these_o be_v not_o attain_v but_o by_o ordinary_a mean_n and_o yet_o the_o lord_n do_v oftentimes_o grant_v they_o to_o his_o church_n in_o such_o abundance_n and_o in_o so_o great_a measure_n as_o that_o they_o do_v make_v a_o flourish_a estate_n of_o a_o church_n a_o special_a note_n whereof_o in_o this_o behalf_n be_v when_o there_o be_v many_o endue_v with_o those_o excellent_a gift_n of_o knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n whereby_o the_o whole_a church_n may_v be_v furnish_v with_o wise_a and_o learned_a teacher_n this_o be_v to_o be_v look_v for_o in_o those_o place_n and_o country_n which_o god_n have_v bless_v with_o a_o long_a and_o continual_a peace_n so_o it_o be_v act._n 9.31_o the_o church_n have_v peace_n throughout_o galatia_n jury_n and_o samaria_n and_o be_v edify_v and_o do_v go_v on_o in_o the_o consolation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n for_o even_o as_o for_o the_o build_n of_o that_o glorious_a temple_n the_o lord_n do_v give_v a_o long_a time_n of_o peace_n in_o the_o day_n of_o solomon_n so_o do_v he_o also_o when_o it_o please_v he_o to_o have_v a_o flourish_a church_n in_o any_o place_n yea_o for_o a_o flourish_a estate_n in_o the_o gift_n of_o his_o spirit_n there_o be_v in_o these_o day_n require_v abundance_n of_o learning_n and_o of_o man_n endue_v with_o singular_a gift_n both_o of_o nature_n and_o industry_n for_o god_n do_v sanctify_v these_o for_o the_o edify_a and_o beautify_v of_o his_o church_n hereof_o it_o be_v that_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n &_o alexandria_n change_v their_o subtle_a and_o learned_a philosopher_n into_o most_o excellent_a divine_n but_o especial_o they_o of_o corinth_n do_v flourish_v notable_o in_o a_o wonderful_a abundance_n of_o all_o grace_n above_o all_o other_o church_n whereof_o we_o read_v that_o they_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n tongue_n interpretation_n yea_o and_o all_o other_o as_o the_o apostle_n witness_v 1._o cor._n 1.6_o and_o that_o in_o great_a measure_n in_o regard_v whereof_o the_o apostle_n saitâ—_n 1._o cor._n 4.8_o that_o they_o be_v enrich_v and_o do_v reign_v as_o king_n without_o he_o neither_o be_v these_o grace_n bestow_v only_o upon_o the_o teacher_n and_o ruler_n in_o the_o church_n but_o in_o this_o flourish_a estate_n they_o be_v even_o as_o that_o precious_a ointment_n which_o be_v pour_v upon_o aaron_n head_n do_v run_v down_o to_o the_o skirt_n of_o his_o garment_n so_o that_o