former_a course_n of_o life_n have_v not_o be_v correspond_v to_o so_o holy_a a_o call_v but_o that_o we_o blame_v they_o for_o be_v that_o they_o take_v upon_o they_o the_o honour_n and_o office_n of_o the_o priesthood_n not_o be_v call_v thereunto_o as_o be_v aaron_n that_o they_o despise_v the_o church_n ordination_n by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n that_o they_o handle_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o sacrament_n with_o black_a foul_a and_o unwashed_a hand_n that_o they_o presume_v that_o they_o have_v those_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o indeed_o they_o have_v not_o that_o they_o usurp_v upon_o the_o place_n and_o function_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o too_o much_o undervalue_v the_o cure_n of_o soul_n which_o as_o saint_n gregory_n right_o define_v it_o be_v ars_fw-la artium_fw-la the_o art_n of_o all_o art_n and_o s._n paul_n by_o the_o question_n he_o propound_v resolve_v as_o much_o say_v 16._o who_o be_v sufficient_a for_o these_o thing_n but_o now_o as_o the_o practice_n be_v and_o the_o common_a estimation_n of_o the_o vulgar_a we_o may_v cross_v s._n paul_n question_n with_o a_o contrary_a interrogatory_n who_o be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o these_o thing_n since_o coachman_n weaver_n feltmaker_n and_o other_o base_a mechanic_n be_v now_o by_o some_o think_v able_a minister_n and_o profound_a doctor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o exercise_n as_o they_o term_v it_o not_o only_o in_o private_a conventicle_n but_o also_o per_fw-la famam_fw-la &_o populum_fw-la in_o great_a church_n and_o public_a assembly_n to_o the_o great_a dishonour_n of_o god_n profanation_n of_o his_o ordinance_n and_o scandal_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n artic_a 5._o concern_v taking_n a_o oath_n especial_o ex_fw-la officio_fw-la anabaptist_n no_o christian_a may_v lawful_o take_v a_o oath_n dicere_fw-la no_o not_o though_o it_o be_v require_v by_o a_o magistrate_n especial_o such_o a_o oath_n whereby_o they_o may_v hazard_v their_o life_n liberty_n or_o estate_n the_o refutation_n though_o this_o assertion_n of_o the_o anabaptist_n as_o they_o maintain_v it_o have_v a_o gloss_n and_o varnish_n put_v upon_o it_o of_o piety_n prudence_n and_o justice_n of_o piety_n in_o prevent_v all_o occasion_n both_o of_o false_a and_o vain_a oath_n of_o prudence_n in_o not_o ensnare_a ourselves_o of_o justice_n in_o not_o concur_v active_o to_o our_o own_o prejudice_n or_o wrong_v yet_o upon_o due_a examination_n it_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v repugnant_a to_o all_o three_o to_o piety_n by_o rob_v god_n of_o a_o part_n of_o his_o substantial_a worship_n to_o wit_n a_o holy_a kind_n of_o invocation_n to_o prudence_n by_o unfurnish_v ourselves_o sometime_o of_o our_o best_a defence_n which_o be_v to_o clear_v our_o innocency_n by_o oath_n to_o justice_n by_o deprive_v all_o court_n of_o justice_n of_o this_o sovereign_a evidence_n of_o truth_n and_o all_o humane_a society_n both_o of_o the_o sure_a tie_n of_o fidelity_n and_o the_o ready_a mean_n to_o end_v all_o strife_n and_o controversy_n for_o the_o far_a manifestation_n whereof_o i_o be_o to_o clear_v three_o point_n 1._o that_o oath_n may_v lawful_o be_v take_v by_o christian_n 2._o that_o some_o oath_n may_v be_v lawful_o exact_v of_o they_o and_o impose_v upon_o they_o 3._o that_o oath_n may_v be_v lawful_o urge_v and_o exact_v not_o only_o in_o civil_a but_o in_o criminal_a cause_n such_o as_o be_v common_o term_v oath_n ex_fw-la officio_fw-la when_o a_o man_n be_v require_v to_o answer_v upon_o oath_n concern_v some_o crime_n or_o fault_n object_v to_o he_o or_o article_v against_o he_o some_o deny_v it_o to_o be_v lawful_a to_o take_v any_o oath_n other_o allow_v of_o oath_n free_o take_v but_o not_o impose_v a_o three_o sort_n dislike_v not_o all_o oath_n impose_v but_o only_o except_o against_o oath_n ex_fw-la officio_fw-la these_o three_o question_n hang_v as_o it_o be_v upon_o one_o string_n for_o if_o no_o oath_n may_v be_v lawful_o take_v certain_o none_o may_v be_v lawful_o impose_v and_o if_o oath_n may_v not_o be_v impose_v lest_o of_o all_o the_o oath_n ex_fw-la officio_fw-la whereby_o we_o hazard_v and_o endanger_v our_o life_n liberty_n limb_n or_o estate_n if_o we_o confess_v but_o our_o soul_n if_o we_o deny_v upon_o oath_n what_o be_v true_o lay_v to_o our_o charge_n again_o on_o the_o contrary_a if_o the_o oath_n ex_fw-la officio_fw-la in_o some_o case_n may_v be_v lawful_o impose_v than_o other_o oath_n may_v be_v impose_v with_o much_o less_o difficulty_n and_o if_o oath_n may_v be_v lawful_o impose_v certain_o they_o may_v be_v lawful_o take_v yet_o must_v these_o question_n of_o necessity_n be_v handle_v apart_o for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o scrupulous_a conscience_n who_o first_o must_v be_v persuade_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o take_v a_o oath_n in_o general_a before_o they_o will_v suffer_v a_o oath_n to_o be_v impose_v upon_o they_o and_o second_o that_o the_o magistrate_n have_v a_o lawful_a power_n to_o exact_a oath_n before_o they_o will_v take_v such_o and_o such_o a_o kind_n of_o oath_n require_v of_o they_o to_o lay_v the_o foundation_n therefore_o firm_a before_o we_o build_v any_o thing_n thereupon_o first_o i_o prove_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o take_v oath_n the_o condition_n prescribe_v by_o the_o prophet_n be_v observe_v 2._o namely_o that_o we_o swear_v in_o judgement_n righteousness_n and_o truth_n in_o truth_n not_o false_o in_o judgement_n not_o rash_o in_o righteousness_n not_o wicked_o to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o equity_n or_o breach_n of_o christian_a charity_n argument_n i._n whatsoever_o god_n command_v be_v lawful_a for_o god_n command_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o good_a his_o command_n make_v that_o good_a which_o otherwise_o be_v evil_a as_o abraham_n offer_n to_o kill_v his_o son_n and_o the_o jew_n rob_v the_o egyptian_n of_o jewel_n of_o gold_n and_o silver_n and_o in_o like_a manner_n his_o prohibition_n make_v that_o evil_a which_o otherwise_o in_o itself_o be_v good_a as_o work_v in_o a_o man_n calling_n on_o the_o sabbath_n the_o spare_v the_o fat_a of_o the_o cattle_n for_o sacrifice_n by_o saul_n if_o every_o sin_n be_v a_o transgression_n of_o the_o law_n it_o can_v be_v sin_n to_o fulfil_v it_o but_o god_n command_v take_v of_o oath_n as_o part_v of_o his_o worship_n deut._n 6._o 13._o thou_o shall_v fear_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n and_o serve_v he_o and_o swear_v by_o his_o name_n deut._n 10._o 20._o to_o the_o lord_n thou_o shall_v cleave_v and_o swear_v by_o his_o name_n he_o be_v thy_o praise_n and_o he_o be_v thy_o god_n and_o jer._n 4._o 2._o thou_o shall_v swear_v the_o lord_n live_v in_o truth_n judgement_n and_o justice_n and_o to_o such_o as_o swear_v in_o such_o a_o holy_a and_o religious_a manner_n god_n promise_v a_o blessing_n both_o outward_a and_o inward_a outward_a jer._n 12._o 16._o if_o they_o will_v diligent_o learn_v the_o way_n of_o my_o people_n to_o swear_v by_o my_o name_n then_o shall_v they_o be_v build_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o my_o people_n inward_a psal._n 63._o 11._o the_o king_n shall_v rejoice_v in_o god_n and_o every_o one_o that_o swear_v by_o he_o shall_v rejoice_v or_o glory_v in_o he_o ergo_fw-la to_o swear_v be_v lawful_a for_o christian_n anabap_n answer_n it_o be_v lawful_a to_o swear_v when_o god_n command_v it_o under_o the_o law_n but_o it_o be_v not_o now_o lawful_a for_o christian_n since_o christ_n have_v forbid_v it_o in_o the_o gospel_n reply_n 1._o the_o same_o god_n be_v lawgiver_n both_o to_o the_o jew_n and_o christian_n and_o the_o same_o truth_n shine_v in_o the_o law_n and_o in_o the_o gospel_n only_o with_o this_o difference_n in_o the_o law_n it_o shine_v through_o a_o tiffany_n or_o veil_n of_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n but_o in_o the_o gospel_n as_o it_o be_v with_o open_a face_n the_o veil_n be_v now_o take_v away_o whereof_o religious_a swear_n by_o the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v no_o part_n for_o a_o oath_n contain_v not_o a_o resemblance_n of_o christ_n but_o a_o worship_n of_o god_n it_o be_v no_o type_n or_o sign_n of_o grace_n but_o seal_n of_o truth_n the_o sense_n whereof_o be_v mere_a moral_n the_o law_n of_o it_o natural_a the_o use_n perpetual_a the_o worship_n perform_v in_o it_o to_o god_n be_v essential_a when_o we_o call_v god_n to_o witness_v a_o hide_a truth_n in_o the_o sincerity_n of_o our_o intention_n we_o agnize_v his_o sovereign_a greatness_n for_o every_o oath_n be_v by_o a_o great_a heb._n 6._o 16._o we_o profess_v his_o all-seeing_a wisdom_n we_o invocate_v his_o revenge_a justice_n which_o be_v not_o ritual_a but_o substantial_a part_n of_o worship_n in_o which_o regard_n in_o the_o text_n of_o the_o prophet_n jeremy_n above_o allege_v swear_v be_v join_v with_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o cleave_v to_o he_o both_o duty_n of_o the_o
gain_v nothing_o by_o their_o father_n or_o mother_n faith_n but_o rather_o lose_v for_o if_o they_o remain_v still_o in_o their_o judaisme_n not_o believe_v in_o christ_n yet_o their_o child_n be_v to_o receive_v the_o outward_a seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o wit_n circumcision_n whereby_o they_o be_v reckon_v among_o god_n people_n and_o have_v such_o outward_a federall_a holiness_n as_o that_o sacrament_n may_v give_v they_o sith_o therefore_o this_o gloss_n of_o the_o anabaptist_n no_o way_n agree_v with_o the_o scope_n and_o intention_n of_o the_o apostle_n nor_o with_o the_o truth_n itself_o it_o remain_v that_o we_o admit_v of_o that_o interpretation_n which_o the_o best_a of_o the_o ancient_a and_o latter_a expositor_n give_v of_o the_o text_n to_o wit_n the_o unbelieved_a husband_n be_v so_o far_o sanctify_v by_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o wife_n and_o the_o unbelieved_a wife_n by_o the_o faith_n of_o her_o husband_n that_o their_o child_n thereby_o be_v entitle_v to_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o therefore_o the_o minister_n of_o god_n have_v a_o good_a ground_n and_o warrant_v to_o administer_v baptism_n unto_o they_o which_o be_v the_o seal_n of_o their_o entrance_n into_o that_o covenant_n artic_a 3._o concern_v set_v form_n of_o prayer_n anabaptist_n no_o set_n or_o stint_a form_n of_o prayer_n ought_v to_o be_v use_v in_o public_a on_o private_a but_o all_o that_o pray_v aught_o to_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n in_o a_o conceive_a form_n variable_a according_a to_o several_a occasion_n the_o refutation_n though_o we_o condemn_v not_o all_o conceive_a or_o ex_fw-la tempore_fw-la prayer_n especial_o in_o private_a when_o we_o lie_v open_a our_o want_n to_o our_o father_n in_o secret_a and_o rip_v up_o our_o conscience_n before_o he_o yet_o set_v or_o stint_a form_n of_o prayer_n in_o public_a be_v not_o only_o warrantable_a by_o god_n word_n and_o very_o profitable_a but_o in_o some_o case_n necessary_a argument_n i._n what_o god_n appoint_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o appertain_v to_o his_o substantial_a worship_n it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o abrogate_a rite_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v observe_v by_o we_o under_o the_o gospel_n but_o set_v form_n of_o blessing_n thanksgiving_n and_o prayer_n be_v appoint_v by_o god_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o be_v no_o type_n and_o figure_n of_o christ_n nor_o part_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n ergo_fw-la they_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v observe_v by_o we_o under_o the_o gospel_n of_o the_o major_a or_o first_o proposition_n there_o can_v be_v no_o doubt_n for_o that_o can_v be_v evil_a whereof_o god_n be_v the_o author_n and_o though_o the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n be_v different_a yet_o the_o substance_n of_o god_n worship_n be_v the_o same_o both_o under_o the_o law_n and_o under_o the_o gospel_n the_o assumption_n or_o minor_a proposition_n be_v confirm_v by_o the_o express_a letter_n of_o these_o text_n numb_a 6._o 23._o 24._o 25._o 26._o speak_v unto_o aaron_n and_o his_o son_n say_v on_o this_o wise_a you_o shall_v bless_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n say_v unto_o they_o the_o lord_n bless_v thou_o and_o keep_v thou_o the_o lord_n make_v his_o face_n shine_v upon_o thou_o and_o be_v gracious_a unto_o thou_o the_o lord_n lift_v up_o his_o countenance_n upon_o thou_o and_o give_v thou_o peace_n and_o deut._n 26._o 5._o and_o thou_o shall_v speak_v and_o say_v before_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n a_o syrian_a ready_a to_o perish_v be_v my_o father_n and_o he_o go_v down_o into_o egypt_n and_o sojourn_v there_o with_o a_o few_o and_o become_v there_o a_o nation_n great_a mighty_a and_o populous_a etc._n etc._n and_o hosea_n 14._o 2._o take_v with_o you_o word_n and_o turn_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o say_v unto_o he_o take_v away_o all_o iniquity_n and_o receive_v we_o gracious_o so_o will_v we_o render_v the_o calf_n of_o our_o lip_n and_o joel_n 2._o 17._o let_v the_o priest_n the_o minister_n of_o the_o lord_n weep_v between_o the_o porch_n &_o the_o altar_n and_o let_v they_o say_v spare_v thy_o people_n o_o lord_n and_o give_v not_o thy_o heritage_n to_o reproach_n that_o the_o heathen_a shall_v rule_v over_o they_o wherefore_o shall_v they_o say_v among_o the_o people_n where_o be_v their_o god_n anabap_n answer_n the_o form_n mention_v in_o holy_a scripture_n be_v compose_v by_o those_o that_o be_v prophet_n and_o immediate_o inspire_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n such_o be_v not_o the_o composer_n of_o our_o liturgy_n and_o therefore_o the_o argument_n will_v not_o follow_v from_o the_o one_o to_o the_o other_o reply_n first_o the_o question_n be_v not_o now_o whether_o we_o ought_v to_o use_v no_o form_n but_o such_o as_o be_v immediate_o inspire_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o whether_o set_v or_o stint_a form_n either_o inspire_v or_o not_o inspire_v may_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o church_n that_o they_o may_v we_o prove_v by_o god_n own_o command_n which_o must_v not_o be_v restrain_v to_o prayer_n immediate_o inspire_v and_o dictate_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o than_o none_o shall_v pray_v but_o prophet_n and_o by_o that_o reason_n as_o none_o that_o be_v not_o immediate_o inspire_v may_v use_v set_v form_n of_o prayer_n so_o neither_o conceive_v or_o extempore_o prayer_n second_o though_o none_o now_o pray_v by_o immediate_a inspiration_n yet_o we_o have_v now_o the_o spirit_n of_o supplication_n and_o we_o pray_v by_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o if_o our_o prayer_n in_o matter_n and_o form_n be_v agreeable_a to_o god_n word_n they_o be_v acceptable_a unto_o he_o and_o they_o can_v be_v unacceptable_a unto_o he_o hoc_fw-la nomine_fw-la for_o that_o they_o be_v deliver_v in_o set_a form_n because_o god_n himself_o be_v the_o first_o author_n of_o they_o and_o have_v leave_v they_o in_o scripture_n for_o our_o direction_n and_o imitation_n three_o in_o our_o liturgy_n a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n use_v by_o we_o be_v form_n compose_v by_o prophet_n immediate_o inspire_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o namely_o the_o lord_n prayer_n the_o psalm_n of_o david_n the_o magnificat_fw-la the_o benedictus_n nunc_fw-la dimittis_fw-la and_o the_o close_a of_o all_o our_o prayer_n the_o grace_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n etc._n etc._n why_o then_o do_v they_o not_o at_o the_o least_o join_v with_o we_o in_o rehearse_v these_o set_a form_n if_o these_o may_v be_v rehearse_v without_o quench_v or_o restrain_v the_o spirit_n why_o may_v not_o other_o also_o frame_v according_a to_o these_o pattern_n argument_n ii_o whatsoever_o the_o prophet_n and_o saint_n of_o god_n practise_v in_o the_o substantial_a worship_n of_o god_n under_o the_o law_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v a_o precedent_n for_o we_o but_o they_o use_v set_v or_o stint_a form_n of_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n ergo_fw-la their_o practice_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v a_o precedent_n for_o we_o the_o major_a or_o first_o proposition_n need_v no_o proof_n because_o the_o substance_n of_o god_n worship_n be_v the_o same_o under_o the_o law_n and_o under_o the_o gospel_n and_o what_o the_o prophet_n and_o holy_a man_n of_o old_a do_v or_o speak_v they_o do_v or_o speak_v as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 2_o pet._n 1._o 21._o the_o assumption_n or_o minor_a be_v abundant_o prove_v by_o manifold_a allegation_n out_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o namely_o numb_a 10._o 35_o 36._o and_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v when_o the_o ark_n set_v forward_o that_o moses_n say_v rise_v up_o lord_n and_o let_v thy_o enemy_n be_v scatter_v and_o let_v they_o that_o hate_v thou_o flee_v before_o thou_o and_o when_o it_o rest_v he_o say_v return_v o_o lord_n unto_o the_o many_o thousand_o of_o israel_n and_o 1_o chron._n 25._o 6_o 7._o all_o these_o be_v under_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o father_n for_o song_n in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n with_o cymbal_n psalterie_n and_o harp_n for_o the_o service_n of_o the_o house_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o king_n order_n to_o asaph_n jeduthun_n and_o heman_n so_o the_o number_n of_o they_o with_o their_o brethren_n that_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o song_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v 288._o and_o 2_o chron._n 29._o 30._o moreover_o hezekiah_n the_o king_n and_o the_o prince_n command_v the_o levite_n to_o sing_v praise_n to_o the_o lord_n with_o the_o word_n of_o david_n and_o of_o asa_n the_o seer_n 20._o and_o they_o sing_v praise_n with_o gladness_n the_o word_n of_o david_n be_v those_o which_o be_v extant_a in_o the_o book_n of_o psalm_n under_o the_o name_n of_o david_n the_o word_n of_o asa_n be_v comprehend_v in_o those_o psalm_n which_o bear_v this_o title_n a_o psalm_n of_o asaph_n as_o namely_o psal._n 73_o 74_o 75_o
every_o man_n have_v praise_n of_o god_n the_o apostle_n speak_v not_o in_o that_o place_n against_o any_o judicial_a proceed_n 1._o but_o against_o private_a rash_a and_o uncharitable_a judge_v of_o our_o brother_n and_o take_v his_o word_n in_o the_o worst_a part_n without_o any_o just_a ground_n or_o censure_v not_o so_o much_o his_o outward_a action_n or_o speech_n as_o inward_a intention_n know_v only_o go_v god_n such_o perverse_a judge_n our_o saviour_n condemn_v matth._n 7._o 1._o and_o this_o apostle_n rom._n 2._o 1._o therefore_o thou_o be_v unexcusable_a o_o man_n whosoever_o thou_o be_v that_o judge_v as_o in_o the_o sky_n sometime_o there_o be_v clear_a light_n and_o perfect_a day_n sometime_o perfect_a darkness_n and_o yet_o beside_o these_o a_o three_o condition_n which_o we_o call_v twilight_n neither_o so_o light_a as_o day_n nor_o so_o dark_a as_o night_n so_o the_o action_n of_o man_n for_o which_o they_o be_v questionable_a in_o spiritual_a or_o temporal_a court_n be_v of_o three_o sort_n some_o be_v altogether_o hide_v of_o which_o there_o can_v be_v bring_v no_o sure_a proof_n nor_o strong_a presumption_n the_o judgement_n of_o these_o must_v be_v reserve_v to_o the_o last_o day_n when_o christ_n shall_v reveal_v the_o secret_n of_o all_o heart_n some_o be_v do_v as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o sun_n whereof_o there_o may_v be_v strong_a and_o evident_a proof_n bring_v in_o such_o case_n a_o judge_n ought_v to_o proceed_v secundum_fw-la allegata_fw-la &_o probata_fw-la and_o not_o put_v the_o conscience_n of_o any_o man_n as_o it_o be_v upon_o the_o wrack_n to_o extort_v the_o truth_n from_o he_o by_o oath_n last_o some_o be_v of_o a_o mix_a nature_n neither_o full_o open_a and_o manifest_a nor_o altogether_o hide_v such_o whereof_o there_o be_v strong_a presumption_n and_o a_o general_a fame_n but_o no_o pregnant_a proof_n in_o such_o case_n the_o oath_n ex_fw-la officio_fw-la be_v of_o use_n whereby_o the_o truth_n may_v be_v more_o and_o more_o discover_v and_o the_o party_n either_o clear_v upon_o his_o denial_n or_o convict_v upon_o his_o confession_n or_o hold_v pro_fw-la confesso_fw-la by_o his_o evasion_n and_o tergiversation_n and_o refuse_v to_o be_v put_v to_o the_o test_n of_o his_o oath_n artic_a 6._o concern_v the_o office_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n there_o remain_v many_o other_o error_n of_o the_o anabaptist_n some_o blasphemous_a as_o the_o deny_v the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o bless_a virgin_n some_o impure_a and_o lascivious_a mortality_n as_o maintain_v the_o plurality_n of_o wife_n some_o drowsy_a and_o sottish_a as_o the_o cast_n of_o the_o soul_n into_o a_o endymion_n sleep_n until_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n but_o because_o these_o absurd_a position_n be_v not_o at_o this_o day_n general_o own_v by_o our_o anabaptist_n the_o last_o error_n which_o i_o intend_v to_o encounter_v at_o this_o present_a be_v that_o pernicious_a assertion_n of_o they_o concern_v the_o exauctorate_n all_o civil_a magistrate_n whereby_o they_o dull_v the_o edge_n or_o wring_v out_o of_o their_o hand_n the_o sword_n of_o justice_n other_o of_o their_o error_n fight_v against_o the_o church_n but_o this_o against_o the_o state_n other_o agaisnt_v piety_n but_o this_o against_o polity_n deorum_fw-la yet_o as_o velleius_n in_o tully_n go_v about_o by_o reason_n to_o prove_v that_o nothing_o be_v more_o hurtful_a to_o man_n then_o the_o gift_n of_o reason_n so_o this_o error_n against_o policy_n be_v most_o politic_o devise_v by_o they_o for_o there_o be_v but_o two_o censure_n which_o any_o need_n to_o fear_v the_o ecclesiastical_a and_o the_o civil_a and_o they_o regard_v not_o the_o ecclesiastical_a because_o they_o be_v out_o of_o the_o pale_a of_o the_o church_n if_o they_o can_v keep_v themselves_o out_o of_o the_o reach_n and_o stroke_n of_o the_o civil_a sword_n all_o be_v cocksure_a with_o they_o they_o may_v every_v where_o secure_o both_o vent_n their_o error_n and_o practice_v their_o villainy_n this_o be_v the_o true_a reason_n why_o they_o so_o vehement_o contend_v that_o the_o coercive_a power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n can_v no_o way_n consist_v with_o the_o perfection_n of_o christianity_n now_o although_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n be_v ordain_v of_o god_n for_o the_o suppression_n of_o all_o vice_n and_o heresy_n yet_o above_o all_o other_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o this_o for_o this_o have_v a_o peculiar_a antipathy_n to_o magistracy_n the_o magistrate_n shall_v bear_v his_o sword_n in_o vain_a indeed_o if_o he_o let_v other_o heresy_n grow_v but_o if_o this_o thrive_v in_o any_o kingdom_n state_n or_o commonwealth_n he_o shall_v not_o bear_v his_o sword_n at_o all_o there_o be_v that_o contrariety_n and_o repugnancy_n between_o this_o heresy_n and_o that_o call_n that_o if_o magistracy_n do_v not_o speedy_o root_v out_o this_o heresy_n this_o heresy_n will_v extirpate_v all_o magistracy_n for_o thus_o much_o it_o profess_v in_o formal_a term_n anabaptist_n no_o christian_a may_v with_o a_o good_a conscience_n execute_v the_o office_n of_o a_o civil_a magistrate_n refutation_n before_o i_o cut_v off_o this_o heresy_n against_o the_o material_a sword_n with_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n i_o will_v present_v to_o the_o anabaptist_n a_o glass_n wherein_o they_o may_v see_v their_o own_o face_n draw_v to_o the_o life_n saint_n peter_n 8._o and_o saint_n jude_n speak_v against_o false_a prophet_n in_o their_o day_n so_o describe_v they_o that_o all_o man_n may_v see_v who_o be_v the_o grandfather_n of_o these_o heretic_n who_o trouble_v the_o church_n at_o this_o day_n they_o walk_v say_v saint_n peter_n after_o the_o flesh_n in_o the_o lust_n of_o uncleanness_n and_o despise_v government_n and_o dominion_n presumptuous_a be_v they_o self-willed_n videantur_fw-la they_o be_v not_o afraid_a to_o speak_v evil_a of_o dignity_n whereas_o angel_n which_o be_v great_a in_o power_n and_o might_n bring_v not_o rail_v accusation_n against_o they_o before_o the_o lord_n but_o these_o as_o natural_a brute_n beast_n make_v to_o be_v take_v and_o destroy_v speak_v evil_a of_o the_o thing_n they_o understand_v not_o and_o shall_v utter_o perish_v in_o their_o own_o corruption_n i_o entreat_v the_o reader_n to_o take_v special_a notice_n of_o the_o word_n of_o these_o two_o apostle_n which_o fall_v so_o pat_o upon_o our_o present_a anabaptist_n as_o if_o the_o apostle_n have_v particular_o aim_v at_o they_o but_o to_o leave_v pâ—urtraying_v they_o and_o fall_v to_o refute_v they_o argument_n i._n every_o office_n appoint_v by_o god_n for_o the_o administration_n of_o justice_n and_o preservation_n of_o peace_n both_o in_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n may_v with_o a_o good_a conscience_n be_v execute_v by_o a_o christian_a call_v thereunto_o but_o the_o office_n of_o civil_a magistrate_n be_v a_o office_n appoint_v by_o god_n for_o the_o administration_n of_o justice_n and_o preservation_n of_o peace_n both_o in_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n exod._n 18._o 20_o 21._o 2_o chron._n 19_o 6._o 7._o 11._o prov._n 8._o 15._o dan._n 2._o 21._o ergo_fw-la the_o office_n of_o a_o magistrate_n may_v with_o a_o good_a conscience_n be_v execute_v by_o a_o christian._n anabaptist_n answer_v although_o god_n appoint_v magistrate_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o jew_n be_v keep_v in_o order_n by_o they_o yet_o it_o follow_v not_o that_o christian_n may_v exercise_v that_o power_n one_o over_o another_o or_o that_o they_o need_v any_o civil_a magistrate_n at_o all_o for_o they_o be_v call_v by_o christ_n to_o a_o great_a perfection_n they_o must_v not_o resist_v evil_a but_o give_v place_n to_o wrath_n reply_n there_o be_v a_o like_a necessity_n of_o the_o office_n of_o a_o judge_n and_o magistrate_n as_o well_o under_o the_o gospel_n as_o under_o the_o law_n for_o both_o the_o scripture_n teach_v we_o act_v 6._o 1._o 1_o cor._n 3._o 3_o 4._o &_o 6._o 6_o 7._o phil._n 3._o 18._o james_n 4._o 1._o and_o daily_a experience_n show_v that_o such_o disorder_n fall_v out_o among_o christian_n as_o do_v among_o jew_n and_o that_o through_o the_o corruption_n of_o our_o nature_n we_o be_v subject_a to_o those_o passion_n that_o unless_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n interpose_v his_o authority_n there_o will_v be_v no_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a live_n and_o if_o the_o malady_n still_o remain_v we_o must_v use_v the_o remedy_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v it_o be_v false_a which_o they_o affirm_v that_o christ_n in_o the_o 5._o of_o matthew_n add_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o law_n which_o the_o prophet_n david_n psalm_n 19_o 7._o affirm_v to_o be_v perfect_a convert_v the_o soul_n but_o only_o he_o vindicate_v it_o from_o the_o corrupt_a gloss_n and_o false_a interpretation_n make_v thereof_o by_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n for_o even_o
jurisdiction_n so_o saint_n bernard_n gloss_v upon_o the_o text_n if_o thou_o be_v a_o apostle_n of_o christ_n thou_o must_v not_o lord_n it_o if_o thou_o be_v a_o lord_n thou_o must_v not_o meddle_v with_o the_o apostle_n function_n thou_o be_v forbid_v to_o exercise_v both_o aude_n ergo_fw-la usurpare_fw-la aut_fw-la apostolatum_fw-la si_fw-la dominus_fw-la es_fw-la aut_fw-la si_fw-la apostolicus_n es_fw-la volâ—_n dominatum_fw-la so_o calvin_n christ_n purpose_n here_o be_v to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o office_n of_o a_o apostle_n and_o a_o prince_n for_o this_o his_o speech_n be_v occasion_v by_o a_o strife_n that_o fall_v among_o the_o apostle_n which_o of_o they_o be_v the_o great_a in_o christ_n kingdom_n to_o take_v away_o this_o strife_n he_o admonish_v they_o that_o his_o kingdom_n be_v spiritual_a and_o that_o it_o consist_v not_o in_o worldly_a pomp_n greatness_n or_o dominion_n 2._o that_o in_o these_o word_n christ_n forbid_v not_o simple_o all_o rule_n and_o dominion_n but_o the_o ambitious_a affect_v and_o tyrannical_a exercise_v it_o and_o they_o prove_v this_o to_o be_v the_o meaning_n 1._o from_o the_o adjunct_n gentiles_n he_o say_v not_o simple_o king_n exercise_n lordship_n over_o they_o but_o king_n of_o the_o gentile_n but_o you_o shall_v not_o do_v so_o that_o be_v you_o shall_v not_o rule_v one_o over_o another_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o heathen_n 2._o from_o the_o preposition_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v common_o take_v in_o the_o worst_a sense_n as_o in_o catachresis_fw-la cataphryges_n catabaptista_n so_o likewise_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o word_n use_v in_o the_o original_a signify_v to_o abuse_v the_o magistrate_n power_n and_o to_o rule_v tyrannical_o 3._o by_o the_o consequence_n but_o he_o that_o be_v great_a among_o you_o let_v he_o be_v as_o the_o young_a and_o he_o that_o be_v chief_a as_o he_o that_o do_v serve_v which_o word_n evident_o imply_v a_o impâ—rity_n among_o christian_n but_o such_o as_o may_v stand_v with_o christian_a humility_n and_o mutual_a service_n one_o to_o another_o 4._o by_o the_o comparison_n verse_n 28._o as_o you_o have_v i_o for_o a_o example_n who_o though_o you_o just_o call_v lord_n and_o master_n for_o so_o i_o be_o yet_o i_o be_o among_o you_o as_o he_o that_o serve_v three_o 3_o as_o before_o they_o wrest_v our_o saviour_n speech_n so_o now_o in_o a_o three_o place_n they_o do_v his_o practice_n the_o same_o mind_n say_v they_o aught_o to_o be_v in_o all_o christian_n as_o be_v in_o christ_n himself_o but_o he_o refuse_v a_o kingdom_n when_o it_o be_v offer_v he_o john_n 6._o 15._o therefore_o no_o christian_n ought_v to_o accept_v of_o the_o office_n of_o a_o king_n or_o civil_a magistrate_n the_o sinew_n of_o this_o argument_n as_o the_o former_a be_v weak_a sol._n for_o there_o be_v special_a reason_n for_o which_o christ_n refuse_v to_o be_v make_v a_o king_n which_o concern_v not_o christian_n for_o first_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n who_o kingdom_n be_v not_o to_o be_v temporal_a but_o spiritual_a as_o you_o hear_v in_o the_o solution_n to_o the_o first_o objection_n second_o the_o country_n of_o judea_n be_v at_o this_o time_n reduce_v into_o the_o condition_n of_o a_o province_n under_o the_o roman_a empire_n neither_o have_v the_o people_n any_o power_n to_o choose_v they_o a_o king_n if_o then_o christ_n have_v yield_v to_o their_o motion_n he_o shall_v have_v be_v the_o author_n of_o a_o tumult_n and_o sedition_n in_o the_o state_n and_o bring_v a_o great_a scandal_n and_o oblequie_n upon_o the_o gospel_n three_o christ_n when_o he_o come_v into_o the_o world_n take_v upon_o he_o the_o form_n of_o a_o servant_n and_o the_o chief_a end_n of_o his_o come_n be_v to_o bear_v our_o infirmity_n and_o carry_v our_o sorrow_n to_o receive_v the_o chastisement_n of_o our_o peace_n and_o to_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o our_o ransom_n which_o ignominious_a death_n and_o suffering_n will_v not_o well_o consort_v with_o the_o majesty_n of_o a_o pussiant_a temporal_a king_n and_o how_o will_v it_o follow_v that_o because_o by_o christ_n example_n no_o christian_n ought_v to_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v make_v a_o king_n by_o a_o popular_a tumult_n that_o therefore_o no_o christian_a may_v accept_v of_o a_o crown_n in_o a_o elective_a kingdom_n if_o it_o be_v lawful_o offer_v unto_o he_o or_o in_o a_o successive_a if_o it_o be_v his_o right_n by_o descent_n four_o 4._o they_o work_v upon_o christ_n refusal_n to_o interpose_v in_o a_o quarrel_n between_o two_o brother_n about_o their_o patrimony_n that_o which_o christ_n decline_v say_v they_o no_o christian_n ought_v to_o undertake_v but_o christ_n decline_v the_o office_n of_o a_o judge_n or_o arbitratour_n in_o a_o litigious_a suit_n like_o to_o grow_v among_o brethren_n luke_n 12._o 13_o 14._o therefore_o no_o christian_a may_v take_v the_o like_a office_n upon_o he_o but_o shallow_a as_o they_o be_v sol._n they_o reach_v not_o the_o depth_n of_o our_o saviour_n reason_n why_o he_o refuse_v to_o be_v umpire_n or_o arbitratour_n in_o that_o controversy_n belong_v to_o the_o law_n concern_v right_o of_o inheritance_n which_o be_v not_o because_o he_o simple_o dislike_v such_o a_o employment_n as_o inconsistent_a with_o christian_a perfection_n for_o among_o the_o eight_o beatitude_n he_o allow_v one_o to_o peace_n maker_n mat._n 5._o 9_o and_o saint_n paul_n who_o write_v by_o his_o spirit_n warrant_v and_o commend_v this_o work_n of_o christian_a charity_n to_o compose_v difference_n among_o brethren_n and_o prevent_v law_n suit_n 1._o cor._n 6._o 2._o dare_v any_o of_o you_o have_v a_o matter_n against_o another_o go_v to_o law_n before_o the_o unjust_a and_o not_o before_o the_o saint_n do_v you_o not_o know_v the_o saint_n shall_v judge_v the_o world_n and_o if_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v judge_v by_o you_o be_v you_o unworthy_a to_o judge_v the_o small_a matter_n but_o because_o he_o have_v no_o call_n thereunto_o who_o say_v he_o make_v i_o a_o judge_n or_o a_o divider_n over_o you_o though_o it_o have_v be_v a_o good_a work_n in_o itself_o to_o set_v a_o period_n to_o a_o vexatious_a suit_n among_o brethren_n yet_o christ_n be_v not_o send_v to_o that_o end_n and_o if_o he_o have_v embrace_v business_n of_o this_o nature_n as_o when_o he_o begin_v to_o cure_v man_n miraculous_o all_o the_o sick_a be_v bring_v to_o he_o both_o far_o and_o near_o so_o if_o like_o another_o solomon_n he_o have_v sit_v upon_o the_o bench_n of_o justice_n to_o sentence_v cause_n and_o determine_v man_n right_v he_o shall_v never_o have_v want_v work_n all_o man_n will_v have_v choose_v such_o a_o arbitratour_n and_o all_o perplex_a a_o entangle_a suit_n will_v have_v be_v refer_v to_o his_o compromise_n and_o hereby_o he_o will_v have_v be_v much_o hinder_v in_o his_o holy_a progress_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n in_o all_o place_n and_o much_o of_o his_o precious_a time_n will_v have_v be_v take_v up_o in_o judicature_n and_o sacrilegious_o rob_v from_o the_o church_n and_o more_o holy_a employment_n for_o the_o good_a of_o soul_n the_o instruction_n we_o be_v to_o gather_v from_o christ_n refusal_n to_o intermeddle_v with_o business_n of_o that_o nature_n be_v first_o to_o walk_v within_o the_o duty_n of_o our_o call_n not_o to_o sit_v upon_o the_o bench_n without_o a_o commission_n the_o eye_n must_v not_o do_v the_o office_n of_o the_o hand_n nor_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o foot_n but_o every_o member_n his_o own_o work_n it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o be_v a_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o another_o to_o be_v a_o judge_n and_o though_o it_o be_v a_o good_a and_o charitable_a work_n to_o clear_a man_n title_n to_o their_o land_n upon_o earth_n yet_o it_o be_v better_a to_o clear_v their_o title_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n we_o must_v not_o therefore_o intermit_v or_o neglect_v the_o duty_n of_o our_o sacred_a function_n for_o any_o civil_a whatsoever_o nor_o upon_o any_o fair_a and_o plausible_a pretence_n engage_v ourselves_o in_o such_o business_n which_o may_v any_o way_n stop_v or_o hinder_v we_o in_o the_o course_n of_o our_o ministry_n five_o 2._o they_o cast_v some_o of_o that_o dust_n in_o our_o eye_n on_o which_o our_o saviour_n write_v with_o his_o finger_n joh._n 8._o 6._o when_o the_o woman_n take_v in_o adultery_n be_v bring_v before_o he_o the_o punishment_n say_v they_o of_o adultery_n be_v as_o necessary_a as_o of_o any_o other_o crime_n yet_o christ_n will_v not_o inflict_v it_o nor_o pronounce_v sentence_n against_o the_o woman_n shameful_o take_v in_o that_o gross_a act_n of_o uncleanness_n therefore_o christian_n ought_v not_o to_o inflict_v civil_a punishment_n or_o make_v use_n of_o the_o material_a sword_n but_o content_v themselves_o with_o the_o spiritual_a of_o excommunication_n to_o