that_o whenas_o there_o be_v a_o fault_n commit_v in_o the_o lay_n of_o the_o foundation_n of_o a_o house_n the_o whole_a building_n will_v for_o ever_o be_v the_o worse_a for_o it_o the_o first_o thing_n therefore_o to_o be_v do_v in_o plant_v a_o church_n be_v to_o convert_v infidel_n to_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v do_v ordinary_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n deliver_v plain_o sincere_o &_o effectual_o as_o god_n have_v appoint_v notwithstanding_o which_o powerful_a mean_n the_o subdue_a of_o man_n to_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o hard_a matter_n yea_o it_o be_v much_o hard_a in_o these_o time_n than_o it_o be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n wherein_o the_o gospel_n be_v first_o preach_v for_o then_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o apostle_n evangelist_n and_o other_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v much_o more_o powerful_a and_o effectual_a than_o any_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n be_v in_o these_o day_n for_o they_o have_v not_o only_o extraordinary_a measure_n of_o those_o gift_n which_o do_v yet_o remain_v in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o build_n thereof_o as_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n knowledge_n wisdom_n zeal_n and_o all_o other_o of_o that_o kind_n but_o they_o have_v also_o other_o most_o wonderful_a gift_n bestow_v upon_o they_o as_o the_o gift_n of_o speak_v in_o strange_a language_n the_o gift_n of_o discern_a spirit_n heal_v the_o sick_a work_v of_o miracle_n and_o such_o other_o which_o serve_v only_o for_o this_o end_n to_o bring_v infidel_n to_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n 1._o cor._n 14.22_o not_o that_o true_a faith_n be_v ordinare_o wrought_v by_o these_o mean_n in_o man_n but_o only_a a_o general_n historical_a and_o temporary_a faith_n whereby_o they_o do_v believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o belief_n be_v profess_v be_v then_o and_o be_v at_o all_o time_n sufficient_a to_o make_v one_o a_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n here_o upon_o earth_n the_o which_o the_o apostle_n do_v labour_n by_o their_o ministry_n to_o bring_v to_o pass_v and_o do_v rejoice_v in_o it_o be_v effect_v although_o there_o do_v appear_v in_o those_o believer_n few_o or_o no_o sign_n of_o save_a faith_n which_o be_v a_o firm_a confidence_n in_o the_o â—ercy_n and_o love_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n effectual_o wrought_v in_o the_o hearâ—_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n arise_v of_o a_o certain_a persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n word_n whereof_o this_o general_a faith_n be_v only_o a_o resemblance_n shadow_n and_o appearance_n and_o further_o for_o this_o purpose_n the_o gift_n of_o miracle_n and_o such_o other_o do_v great_o avail_v for_o they_o do_v so_o astonish_v and_o amaze_v man_n that_o they_o do_v even_o wring_v out_o of_o they_o a_o approbation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n preach_v that_o it_o come_v from_o god_n and_o therefore_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v john_n 1.15_o act._n 13.11_o thus_o do_v the_o apostle_n plant_v church_n but_o they_o who_o since_o that_o time_n labour_n in_o this_o work_n be_v destitute_a of_o this_o help_n yea_o also_o of_o another_o far_o more_o effectual_a to_o wit_n of_o the_o wonderful_a and_o extraordinary_a blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o his_o church_n who_o do_v then_o pour_v forth_o his_o spirit_n so_o strange_o and_o so_o plentiful_o upon_o man_n in_o convert_n their_o heart_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o the_o like_a be_v not_o before_o have_v not_o be_v since_o neither_o shall_v be_v at_o any_o time_n in_o the_o church_n so_o that_o these_o help_n be_v want_v in_o these_o day_n we_o can_v look_v for_o the_o like_a success_n in_o this_o work_n to_o wit_n that_o the_o church_n shall_v have_v such_o a_o sudden_a and_o strange_a increase_n as_o it_o have_v in_o the_o beginning_n whenas_o many_o thousand_o be_v at_o once_o add_v unto_o it_o since_o act._n 2.41_o yet_o we_o be_v not_o to_o despair_v of_o good_a success_n forsomuch_o as_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o leave_v his_o ministry_n destitute_a of_o sufficient_a power_n to_o convert_v many_o man_n to_o the_o faith_n even_o those_o who_o never_o hear_v of_o christ_n before_o for_o although_o the_o extraordinary_a calling_n and_o gift_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n be_v not_o now_o in_o the_o church_n neither_o to_o be_v look_v for_o yet_o the_o force_n of_o they_o do_v remain_v still_o in_o that_o the_o very_a declaration_n of_o those_o wonderful_a miracle_n whereby_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v confirm_v at_o the_o first_o will_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n add_v authority_n and_o give_v success_n to_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n although_o they_o be_v much_o more_o effectual_a in_o those_o who_o do_v behold_v they_o with_o their_o eye_n yea_o we_o have_v some_o help_n which_o be_v not_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o for_o the_o supplier_fw-fr whereof_o those_o other_o be_v give_v to_o wit_n the_o consent_n of_o all_o age_n since_o the_o first_o publish_v of_o the_o gospel_n wherein_o many_o have_v not_o only_o profess_v the_o faith_n but_o also_o seal_v that_o their_o profession_n with_o thâ—ir_a blood_n and_o that_o not_o any_o small_a number_n but_o even_o whole_a nation_n have_v profess_v and_o do_v confess_v the_o gospel_n the_o which_o no_o doubt_n be_v a_o forcible_a argument_n and_o even_o as_o a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n whereby_o he_o who_o be_v obstinate_a in_o infidelity_n may_v be_v either_o convert_v or_o confound_v and_o put_v to_o silence_n yea_o this_o general_a embrace_v of_o the_o gospel_n by_o so_o many_o country_n and_o nation_n be_v that_o fullness_n of_o the_o gentile_n the_o which_o the_o lord_n have_v appoint_v as_o a_o mean_n whereby_o that_o obstinate_a and_o harde-hearted_n nation_n of_o the_o jew_n shall_v at_o the_o appoint_a time_n be_v convert_v and_o therefore_o it_o can_v but_o be_v effectual_a with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o gentile_n who_o be_v not_o so_o obstinate_a in_o infidelity_n as_o the_o jew_n be_v gospel_n but_o we_o be_v especial_o to_o rely_v upon_o that_o force_n which_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v plain_o and_o sincere_o deliver_v have_v in_o turn_v man_n heart_n unto_o god_n which_o will_v never_o return_v empty_a but_o in_o some_o measure_n perform_v the_o thing_n for_o which_o it_o be_v send_v thus_o much_o in_o general_a of_o the_o mean_n of_o convert_n infidel_n now_o of_o the_o same_o in_o particular_a the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n which_o be_v here_o to_o be_v use_v have_v two_o part_n the_o first_o be_v a_o preparative_n whereby_o infidel_n be_v of_o themselves_o altogether_o unfit_a to_o hear_v and_o unlike_a to_o believe_v the_o word_n be_v in_o some_o measure_n prepare_v for_o this_o purpose_n the_o second_o be_v to_o teach_v they_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o prepare_v ministry_n consist_v in_o two_o thing_n the_o first_o be_v to_o purge_v their_o mind_n from_o that_o false_a worship_n whereunto_o they_o be_v give_v gospel_n the_o second_o be_v to_o convince_v their_o conscience_n of_o sin_n for_o the_o first_o we_o can_v hope_v that_o man_n be_v full_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o own_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o deity_n power_n and_o goodness_n of_o those_o false_a god_n which_o they_o worship_v will_v embrace_v any_o new_a and_o strange_a religion_n thus_o do_v elias_n 1._o king_n 18.24_o bring_v the_o people_n from_o idolatry_n to_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o likewise_o paul_n deal_v with_o the_o idolatrous_a man_n of_o athens_n act._n 17.29_o and_o with_o they_o of_o lystra_n act._n 14.13_o and_o yet_o there_o be_v great_a moderation_n and_o wisdom_n to_o be_v use_v in_o this_o point_n so_o that_o we_o do_v not_o at_o the_o first_o speak_v so_o vile_o and_o base_o of_o their_o religion_n as_o it_o do_v deserve_v but_o rather_o tolerate_v they_o in_o their_o corruption_n and_o withal_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o truth_n that_o â—o_o the_o other_o false_a worship_n may_v slip_v out_o of_o their_o mind_n as_o it_o be_v without_o violence_n they_o leave_v it_o of_o their_o own_o accord_n for_o otherwise_o if_o they_o see_v their_o god_n and_o religion_n wherein_o they_o have_v be_v bring_v up_o and_o which_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o their_o ancestor_n to_o be_v blaspheme_v and_o evil_o speak_v off_o there_o be_v great_a danger_n lest_o at_o the_o first_o we_o so_o alienate_v their_o mind_n that_o they_o will_v not_o hear_v the_o word_n preach_v but_o become_v utter_a enemy_n unto_o it_o so_o the_o town_n clerk_n in_o the_o apology_n for_o paul_n act_n 19.37_o witness_v that_o he_o in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n have_v not_o blaspheme_v their_o goddess_n diana_n secondlie_o they_o must_v be_v prepare_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n
although_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o simple_a handle_n of_o the_o matter_n it_o be_v unworthy_a to_o be_v accept_v and_o red_a by_o the_o mean_a yet_o no_o man_n can_v doubt_v or_o will_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o fitness_n of_o the_o argument_n be_v a_o probable_a excuse_n for_o this_o presumptuous_a dedication_n last_o we_o desire_v thou_o good_a reader_n to_o use_n christian_n moderation_n in_o suspend_v thy_o judgement_n of_o we_o till_o happy_o time_n make_v that_o manifest_a which_o now_o be_v doubtful_a in_o regard_n of_o two_o opinion_n contain_v in_o these_o treatise_n the_o which_o will_v seem_v somewhat_o strange_a to_o some_o and_o perhaps_o to_o thyself_o among_o the_o rest_n the_o one_o be_v that_o we_o enfraunchize_v the_o papist_n arian_n &_o all_o other_o heretic_n profess_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n into_o the_o catholic_a church_n by_o the_o which_o we_o mean_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o whole_a church_n militant_a here_o on_o earth_n from_o the_o which_o many_o do_v utter_o reject_v they_o as_o mere_a infidel_n and_o stranger_n from_o the_o covenant_n and_o commonwealth_n of_o israel_n the_o other_o opinion_n be_v in_o that_o we_o give_v to_o the_o christian_n magistrate_n especial_o in_o great_a and_o absolute_a monarchy_n great_a authority_n both_o in_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a cause_n than_o seem_v to_o stand_v with_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n or_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n word_n for_o the_o former_a we_o need_v not_o trouble_v ourselves_o with_o the_o defence_n of_o it_o any_o further_a than_o it_o be_v declare_v in_o the_o treatise_n it_o be_v hold_v and_o profess_v by_o many_o sound_n divine_v who_o be_v in_o every_o respect_n far_o more_o able_a to_o maintain_v it_o likewise_o for_o the_o other_o we_o have_v nothing_o to_o say_v in_o this_o place_n save_v only_o that_o we_o be_v to_o desire_v thou_o not_o to_o attribute_v it_o to_o flattery_n rather_o than_o to_o a_o constant_a and_o settle_a persuasion_n the_o suspicion_n whereof_o it_o be_v hard_o for_o he_o to_o avoid_v who_o do_v any_o thing_n whereby_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o mighty_a man_n be_v maintain_v and_o enlarge_v and_o so_o their_o favour_n as_o usual_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v procure_v we_o do_v indeed_o intend_v in_o publish_v this_o treatise_n the_o good_a and_o peaceable_a estate_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o the_o maintain_n of_o that_o powerful_a and_o majestical_a authority_n whereunto_o it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o make_v we_o subject_a yea_o we_o do_v earnest_o desire_v of_o he_o that_o these_o treatise_n may_v have_v that_o effect_n in_o all_o their_o heart_n into_o who_o hand_n they_o shall_v come_v that_o they_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o who_o do_v nourish_v in_o their_o breast_n any_o sinister_a affection_n or_o opinion_n in_o this_o behalf_n may_v be_v by_o mean_n of_o they_o win_v to_o hearty_a love_n to_o so_o gracious_a a_o prince_n &_o loyal_a subjection_n to_o so_o lawful_a and_o excellent_a a_o kind_n of_o government_n yea_o that_o they_o who_o have_v already_o receive_v these_o grace_n from_o god_n may_v increase_v in_o they_o and_o perform_v all_o duty_n which_o be_v needful_a in_o regard_n either_o of_o the_o safety_n or_o the_o majesty_n of_o their_o prince_n more_o willing_o and_o cheerful_o then_o before_o as_o be_v perhaps_o resolve_v of_o some_o point_n â—hereof_o before_o they_o doubt_v and_o last_o that_o as_o touch_v the_o religion_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n profess_v in_o this_o land_n they_o who_o account_v we_o no_o church_n by_o who_o we_o affirm_v their_o opinion_n to_o be_v such_o as_o may_v easy_o be_v show_v out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o be_v erroneous_a have_v be_v vehement_o charge_v in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n to_o publish_v somewhat_o of_o the_o true_a nature_n and_o constitution_n of_o a_o church_n for_o the_o manifest_v of_o the_o truth_n in_o that_o behalf_n may_v be_v move_v to_o think_v and_o acknowledge_v that_o god_n iâ—_n true_o serve_v his_o word_n preach_v his_o sacrament_n administer_v and_o his_o name_n call_v upon_o in_o all_o the_o public_a assembly_n throughout_o this_o land_n especial_o by_o consider_v the_o doctrine_n nature_n and_o state_n of_o a_o public_a church_n the_o which_o kind_n of_o church_n not_o be_v in_o use_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o therefore_o not_o mention_v in_o their_o writing_n seem_v strange_a to_o many_o this_o we_o confess_v that_o we_o intend_v in_o this_o action_n and_o be_v persuade_v that_o we_o may_v lawful_o yea_o in_o some_o respect_n ought_v necessare_o to_o do_v but_o we_o trust_v that_o god_n will_v never_o so_o give_v we_o up_o to_o a_o senseless_a mind_n as_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n for_o the_o procure_n of_o the_o favour_n of_o man_n contrary_a to_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n word_n and_o the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n he_o make_v a_o evil_a bargain_n that_o throw_v himself_o into_o the_o bottomless_a sea_n or_o rather_o into_o the_o burn_a furnace_n of_o god_n wrath_n in_o adventure_n of_o man_n favour_n which_o be_v uncertain_a and_o momentaniâ—_n soon_o lose_v then_o get_v &_o in_o respect_n of_o true_a happiness_n altogether_o unprofitable_a but_o we_o trust_v good_a reader_n that_o this_o apology_n may_v have_v be_v spare_v and_o that_o thou_o will_v take_v these_o simple_a treatise_n in_o good_a part_n as_o thou_o have_v do_v the_o like_a heretofore_o thus_o i_o commend_v thou_o as_o i_o earnest_o desire_v to_o be_v commend_v by_o thou_o to_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o be_v lead_v into_o all_o truth_n and_o preserve_v without_o blame_n till_o the_o day_n of_o christ._n t._n m._n the_o argument_n of_o these_o treatise_n the_o former_a treatise_n declare_v the_o state_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n the_o which_o we_o have_v endeavour_v to_o learn_v and_o set_v down_o in_o plain_a manner_n out_o of_o the_o scripture_n wherein_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o truth_n especial_o out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o samuel_n the_o king_n &_o chronicle_n wherein_o the_o first_o original_n continuance_n and_o end_n yea_o the_o whole_a nature_n and_o condition_n of_o this_o government_n be_v at_o large_a declare_v where_o by_o the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n we_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o apostatical_a rebellious_a and_o idolatrous_a kingdom_n of_o the_o ten_o tribe_n usual_o call_v the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n or_o the_o kingdom_n of_o samaria_n but_o the_o kingdom_n of_o juda_n the_o which_o we_o call_v by_o the_o first_o ancient_a and_o right_a name_n of_o israel_n because_o our_o purpose_n be_v to_o entreat_v of_o the_o state_n of_o it_o as_o it_o be_v at_o the_o first_o institute_v by_o samuel_n and_o as_o it_o continue_v under_o saul_n david_n and_o solomon_n in_o who_o time_n it_o be_v call_v the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n but_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o reign_n of_o râ—boam_n it_o lose_v ten_o of_o the_o tribe_n and_o together_o the_o right_a name_n which_o usual_o follow_v the_o great_a part_n for_o the_o which_o cause_n in_o the_o time_n follow_v it_o be_v call_v the_o kingdom_n of_o juda_n for_o that_o the_o tribe_n of_o juda_n do_v not_o only_o make_v the_o great_a part_n of_o it_o but_o also_o have_v the_o prerogative_n of_o the_o kingdom_n annex_v unto_o it_o the_o cause_n by_o the_o which_o we_o be_v move_v to_o think_v the_o state_n of_o this_o kingdom_n most_o worthy_a to_o be_v careful_o seek_v out_o and_o true_o know_v be_v these_o because_o of_o all_o the_o kingdom_n in_o the_o world_n this_o only_o be_v institute_v by_o god_n himself_o or_o at_o the_o least_o approve_a by_o he_o and_o also_o register_v and_o full_o describe_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n yea_o and_o first_o practise_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o the_o which_o respect_n we_o can_v doubt_v but_o that_o the_o true_a and_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o it_o do_v great_o belong_v to_o the_o church_n and_o to_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o we_o do_v not_o speak_v of_o it_o as_o of_o the_o only_a lawful_a form_n of_o government_n and_o that_o which_o ought_v to_o be_v use_v of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o place_n for_o there_o be_v no_o kind_n of_o government_n which_o may_v not_o lawful_o be_v establish_v among_o christian_n and_o as_o lawful_o use_v amongst_o they_o as_o this_o neither_o as_n if_o all_o kingdom_n shall_v be_v square_v according_a to_o this_o rule_n from_o the_o which_o they_o may_v far_o differ_v without_o any_o blame_n for_o the_o judicial_a law_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n or_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n do_v not_o belong_v to_o the_o church_n neither_o yet_o do_v we_o affirm_v this_o kingdom_n to_o be_v the_o most_o excellent_a and_o convenient_a state_n and_o that_o which_o christian_n according_a to_o the_o example_n of_o
although_o more_o enjoy_v then_o consider_v as_o also_o for_o that_o they_o may_v in_o part_n be_v gather_v of_o that_o which_o have_v be_v speak_v sect._n iii_o thus_o we_o have_v by_o the_o general_a doctrine_n of_o magistracy_n a_o entrance_n make_v to_o the_o special_a doctrine_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n wherein_o we_o have_v many_o several_a point_n to_o consider_v which_o for_o order_n and_o memory_n sake_n may_v be_v reduce_v to_o two_o head_n whereof_o the_o first_o contain_v the_o state_n of_o this_o kingdom_n in_o respect_n of_o nâ—en_n or_o of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n the_o second_o the_o state_n of_o it_o in_o respect_n of_o god_n the_o first_o head_n have_v the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o difference_n of_o this_o kingdom_n from_o the_o former_a government_n of_o judge_n consist_v especial_o in_o two_o thing_n the_o special_a power_n which_o it_o have_v over_o the_o people_n and_o the_o special_a majesty_n of_o it_o both_o which_o be_v exceed_v great_a in_o this_o state_n yea_o so_o great_a that_o in_o these_o respect_n the_o government_n of_o the_o judge_n may_v seem_v not_o only_o a_o mean_a but_o almost_o a_o private_a estate_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o this_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n be_v by_o jacob_n prophesy_v of_o it_o gen._n 49.9_o compare_v to_o a_o lion_n the_o which_o do_v in_o strength_n and_o especial_o in_o a_o majestical_a stateliness_n so_o far_o exceed_v all_o other_o beast_n that_o it_o be_v usual_o call_v the_o king_n of_o they_o if_o we_o desire_v to_o know_v how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o there_o be_v so_o great_a power_n and_o majesty_n give_v to_o this_o kingdom_n we_o must_v have_v recourse_n to_o the_o original_n of_o it_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o set_n uppe_o of_o this_o estate_n be_v two_o the_o first_o be_v that_o which_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n to_o wit_n the_o eternal_a counsel_n and_o decree_n of_o god_n by_o the_o which_o it_o be_v before_o all_o age_n appoint_v that_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n shall_v be_v a_o type_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n and_o his_o temporary_a government_n a_o type_n of_o the_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n as_o be_v afterward_o to_o be_v declare_v now_o that_o this_o kingdom_n may_v be_v a_o fit_n and_o lively_a type_n it_o be_v needful_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v endue_v with_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o power_n and_o majesty_n that_o so_o it_o may_v the_o more_o lively_o represente_v the_o infinite_a power_n and_o authority_n which_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o have_v over_o all_o creature_n in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n and_o likewise_o his_o unspeakable_a and_o incomprehensible_a majesty_n and_o glory_n fill_v the_o heaven_n of_o heaven_n the_o second_o cause_n of_o the_o great_a power_n and_o majesty_n of_o this_o kingdom_n be_v the_o desire_n or_o rather_o the_o will_n of_o the_o people_n who_o do_v so_o earnest_o yea_o so_o eager_o and_o importunate_o call_v for_o this_o stately_a government_n that_o they_o will_v take_v no_o denial_n nor_o hear_v any_o thing_n which_o can_v be_v allege_v to_o be_v contrary_a for_o that_o the_o people_n do_v always_o desire_v this_o state_n we_o may_v see_v deutro_n 17.14_o where_o god_n foretell_v this_o that_o when_o they_o be_v once_o possess_v of_o the_o land_n they_o will_v have_v a_o king_n and_o judg._n 8.22_o where_o they_o offer_v to_o make_v gedeon_n king_n and_o more_o plain_o judge_n 9_o where_o they_o like_o abimeleches_n opinion_n say_v that_o it_o be_v better_a for_o they_o to_o have_v one_o then_o many_o to_o reign_v over_o they_o neither_o do_v they_o desire_v to_o have_v one_o set_v over_o they_o with_o the_o bare_a name_n and_o title_n of_o a_o king_n or_o with_o any_o mean_a authority_n but_o that_o he_o shall_v have_v power_n and_o majesty_n in_o the_o high_a degree_n for_o howsoever_o it_o may_v seem_v that_o this_o their_o desire_n be_v in_o some_o respect_n incommodious_a to_o themselves_o for_o that_o the_o great_a power_n they_o give_v to_o the_o king_n the_o less_o liberty_n they_o leave_v to_o themselves_o and_o the_o great_a that_o his_o pomp_n and_o majesty_n be_v the_o more_o heavy_a tribute_n must_v be_v impose_v on_o they_o for_o the_o maintain_n of_o it_o yet_o they_o do_v so_o vehementlie_o desire_v to_o be_v like_a to_o other_o nation_n in_o a_o stately_a monarchy_n that_o they_o think_v no_o price_n too_o great_a for_o it_o think_v belike_o as_o it_o be_v common_o say_v that_o it_o be_v great_a honour_n for_o they_o to_o make_v a_o mighty_a and_o a_o glorious_a king_n then_o to_o be_v king_n themselves_o as_o every_o one_o be_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o judge_n wherein_o every_o man_n do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a in_o his_o own_o eye_n because_o they_o have_v no_o king_n to_o order_v they_o judg._n 18.1.19.1_o and_o yet_o we_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o in_o ordain_v so_o mighty_a &_o majestical_a a_o authority_n they_o think_v it_o will_v be_v for_o their_o own_o good_a howsoever_o it_o may_v seem_v to_o derogate_v from_o their_o liberty_n and_o profit_n and_o that_o the_o commodity_n will_v be_v more_o and_o more_o weighty_a than_o the_o inconvenience_n of_o it_o wherein_o whether_o they_o do_v judge_v right_a or_o no_o let_v other_o determine_v sect._n four_o now_o we_o be_v to_o come_v to_o the_o particular_a declaration_n of_o these_o thing_n first_o of_o the_o power_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o second_o of_o the_o majesty_n of_o it_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o power_n have_v in_o it_o these_o four_o question_n the_o first_o be_v whether_o the_o power_n of_o the_o king_n be_v whole_a or_o divide_v the_o second_o whether_o it_o be_v general_a over_o all_o person_n and_o cause_n or_o restrain_v the_o three_o whether_o it_o be_v absolute_a or_o tie_v to_o law_n the_o last_o whether_o it_o be_v a_o mild_a or_o a_o peremptory_a power_n the_o power_n whereof_o we_o do_v entreat_v be_v the_o full_a supreme_a and_o universal_a authority_n for_o of_o any_o inferior_a power_n we_o do_v not_o speak_v of_o govern_v the_o people_n and_o of_o order_v all_o their_o public_a affair_n the_o which_o before_o that_o this_o kingdom_n be_v set_v up_o be_v not_o whole_o in_o any_o one_o hand_n but_o divide_v among_o many_o for_o it_o be_v partly_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n partly_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o judge_n which_o be_v for_o the_o time_n partly_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o elder_n or_o senate_n and_o partly_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n for_o the_o first_o where_o we_o say_v that_o god_n have_v a_o part_n of_o this_o authority_n we_o do_v not_o consider_v he_o simple_o as_o god_n for_o in_o that_o respect_n not_o a_o part_n only_o but_o the_o whole_a supreme_a power_n not_o of_o that_o country_n only_o but_o of_o all_o the_o nation_n in_o the_o world_n yea_o of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v and_o be_v in_o his_o hand_n but_o we_o consider_v he_o as_o he_o be_v after_o a_o special_a manner_n the_o king_n and_o ruler_n of_o this_o people_n israel_n so_o as_o he_o never_o be_v or_o will_v be_v to_o any_o other_o nation_n the_o action_n of_o god_n which_o do_v proceed_v from_o this_o his_o regal_a authority_n be_v these_o first_o that_o he_o give_v to_o this_o people_n judicial_a law_n and_o constitution_n which_o be_v part_n of_o the_o office_n not_o of_o god_n for_o then_o these_o judicial_a law_n shall_v belong_v to_o the_o whole_a world_n see_v god_n be_v the_o god_n not_o of_o the_o jew_n only_o but_o also_o of_o the_o gentiles_n but_o other_o nation_n be_v not_o tie_v to_o these_o law_n but_o only_o to_o the_o moral_a law_n and_o to_o these_o judicial_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v moral_a to_o wit_n to_o the_o ground_n and_o equity_n of_o they_o but_o not_o to_o the_o law_n themselves_o the_o second_o thing_n which_o god_n do_v by_o virtue_n of_o this_o authority_n be_v the_o supreme_a administration_n of_o their_o battle_n in_o case_n of_o great_a extremity_n for_o as_o great_a prince_n send_v captain_n to_o fight_v in_o their_o stead_n yet_o according_a to_o their_o direction_n and_o appointment_n so_o god_n do_v immediate_o either_o by_o his_o word_n or_o spirit_n stir_v up_o some_o man_n to_o fight_v the_o battle_n of_o the_o people_n and_o do_v directe_v they_o in_o such_o action_n and_o this_o gedeon_n acknowledge_v judge_n 7.20_o where_o he_o say_v the_o sword_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o of_o gedeon_n in_o these_o respect_n god_n be_v the_o king_n of_o this_o nation_n as_o gedeon_n do_v confess_v judge_n 8.23_o who_o so_o answer_v the_o people_n go_v about_o to_o make_v he_o king_n that_o neither_o he_o nor_o any_o of_o his_o posterity_n shall_v
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