else_o overturn_v that_o government_n under_o which_o they_o then_o live_v so_o when_o moses_n deliver_v the_o israelite_n from_o the_o egyptian_a bondage_n he_o lead_v they_o into_o the_o desert_n of_o arabia_n and_o when_o romulus_n have_v resolve_v to_o erect_v a_o new_a commonwealth_n he_o first_o withdraw_v himself_o from_o the_o subjection_n of_o the_o king_n of_o alba_n and_o such_o of_o the_o neighbour_a country_n as_o be_v for_o be_v member_n of_o that_o new_a commonwealth_n do_v leave_v their_o former_a habitation_n and_o settle_a themselves_o in_o rome_n but_o neither_o christ_n nor_o his_o apostle_n do_v ever_o remove_v christian_n from_o their_o habitation_n to_o other_o place_n but_o allow_v every_o body_n to_o remain_v in_o the_o same_o station_n and_o under_o the_o same_o government_n without_o the_o least_o prejudice_n to_o the_o former_a right_n of_o their_o sovereign_n over_o they_o from_o whence_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o christian_n though_o never_o so_o numerous_a can_v not_o be_v in_o a_o condition_n to_o settle_v themselves_o under_o any_o one_o state_n of_o their_o own_o for_o since_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o right_n of_o sovevereigns_n over_o their_o subject_n life_n and_o good_n be_v not_o take_v away_o or_o impair_v and_o no_o body_n can_v be_v subject_a to_o two_o master_n there_o can_v be_v no_o pretence_n of_o erect_v a_o new_a sovereignty_n especial_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o another_o commonwealth_n nay_o it_o be_v beyond_o their_o power_n even_o to_o enter_v into_o such_o a_o society_n as_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o least_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o right_n of_o their_o present_a 1â—_n rom._n 13._o 1._o 1_o pet._n 2._o 1â—_n sovereign_n who_o can_v be_v so_o ignorant_a in_o civil_a affair_n as_o not_o to_o understand_v what_o prodigious_a sum_n of_o money_n be_v require_v for_o the_o maintainig_n of_o a_o state_n and_o though_o the_o right_n of_o sovereign_n do_v not_o extend_v so_o far_o as_o to_o take_v away_o from_o subject_n the_o private_a disposal_n of_o their_o good_n nevertheless_o may_v they_o lawful_o restrain_v the_o extravagancy_n of_o their_o subject_n if_o they_o pretend_v to_o dispose_v of_o their_o good_n in_o prejudice_n of_o the_o state_n for_o if_o this_o liberty_n shall_v be_v grant_v to_o the_o subject_n without_o limitation_n the_o state_n if_o deprive_v oâ—_n its_o nourishment_n will_v quick_o be_v reduce_v to_o a_o languish_a condition_n or_o else_o private_a man_n may_v be_v enable_v to_o erect_v a_o new_a state_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o old_a one_o or_o at_o least_o to_o impair_v and_o endanger_v the_o public_a safety_n and_o since_o those_o sovereign_n under_o who_o jurisdiction_n the_o apostle_n live_v have_v the_o same_o right_n over_o the_o fortune_n of_o their_o subject_n as_o other_o government_n have_v and_o the_o right_n of_o sovereign_n be_v not_o take_v away_o by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o provision_n make_v for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o those_o congregation_n as_o such_o but_o what_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o lawful_a right_n of_o their_o sovereign_n and_o as_o much_o only_a as_o may_v lawful_o be_v give_v by_o private_a person_n which_o can_v not_o exceed_v a_o private_a fortune_n and_o be_v nothing_o more_o than_o voluntary_a contribution_n or_o alm_n and_o whatsoever_o of_o any_o real_a estate_n be_v attribute_v to_o these_o use_v be_v thereby_o not_o exempt_v from_o pay_v of_o tax_n no_o more_o than_o the_o estate_n of_o other_o subject_n §_o 32._o but_o if_o we_o take_v a_o full_a view_n of_o the_o state_n the_o inward_a structure_n of_o the_o church_n be_v quite_o different_a from_o that_o of_o a_o state_n whole_a structure_n of_o civil_a society_n and_o by_o what_o mean_v subject_n be_v unite_v under_o one_o government_n we_o shall_v find_v they_o to_o differ_v as_o heaven_n and_o earth_n from_o that_o union_n which_o belong_v proper_o to_o the_o body_n of_o a_o church_n if_o we_o trace_v that_o original_a of_o civil_a society_n or_o commonwealth_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o man_n have_v find_v the_o inconvenience_n and_o danger_n which_o attend_v a_o solitary_a life_n in_o the_o free_a natural_a state_n do_v enter_v and_o unite_v themselves_o into_o society_n for_o their_o common_a security_n and_o have_v agree_v to_o a_o certain_a form_n of_o government_n do_v constitute_v one_o certain_a person_n or_o a_o counsel_n who_o be_v to_o be_v the_o supreme_a governor_n of_o that_o society_n unto_o who_o they_o submit_v themselves_o and_o their_o fortune_n for_o the_o common_a benefit_n of_o that_o society_n but_o church_n be_v erect_v upon_o quite_o another_o foundation_n for_o here_o man_n be_v make_v sensible_a of_o their_o miserable_a condition_n do_v not_o by_o their_o own_o accord_n and_o a_o general_a agreement_n turn_v themselves_o to_o god_n almighty_a but_o be_v on_o the_o contrary_n overwhelm_v with_o darkness_n and_o ignorance_n so_o as_o to_o be_v over_o secure_a and_o neglect_v their_o own_o salvation_n god_n do_v send_v his_o messenger_n among_o they_o command_v all_o man_n every_o where_o to_o repent_v here_o be_v not_o the_o least_o 30._o act_n 1â—_n 30._o footstep_n of_o any_o general_a agreement_n of_o man_n to_o erect_v and_o submit_v themselves_o under_o one_o church_n but_o each_o particular_a person_n for_o himself_o without_o any_o respect_n or_o regard_n to_o other_o do_v follow_v christ_n and_o his_o doctrine_n and_o whereas_o in_o a_o civil_a state_n the_o whole_a family_n have_v its_o dependency_n from_o their_o master_n and_o enjoy_v all_o the_o privilege_n belong_v to_o they_o under_o his_o protection_n it_o be_v quite_o different_a in_o the_o church_n where_o the_o wife_n be_v not_o oblige_v to_o follow_v her_o husband_n religion_n nor_o the_o servant_n the_o master_n so_o be_v in_o the_o family_n of_o 21._o 1_o cor._n 7._o 12._o 21._o nacissus_n who_o himself_o be_v not_o a_o christian_a several_a christian_a servant_n who_o be_v salute_v as_o such_o by_o s._n paul_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n be_v to_o be_v â—â—_o â—â—m_fw-la 16._o â—â—_o take_v what_o be_v say_v by_o christ_n he_o that_o love_v father_n or_o mother_n son_n or_o daughter_n more_o than_o i_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o i_o as_o likewise_o â—6_n mat._n 10._o 3â—_n c_o 12_o 5â—_n luk._n 1â—_n â—6_n what_o be_v mention_v concern_v division_n discord_n dissension_n which_o be_v to_o be_v raise_v by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n among_o the_o near_a friend_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o strict_a union_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o the_o believer_n which_o surpass_v and_o be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o all_o the_o tie_v of_o consangninity_n among_o men._n so_o 34._o mat._n â—0_n 34._o that_o if_o a_o father_n husband_n or_o master_n shall_v turn_v apostate_n the_o son_n wife_n or_o servant_n be_v not_o oblige_v to_o follow_v their_o footstep_n neither_o be_v it_o requisite_a to_o be_v solicitous_a about_o any_o particular_a or_o certain_a form_n of_o government_n in_o the_o church_n viz._n whether_o the_o same_o aught_o to_o be_v monarchical_a aristocratical_a or_o democratical_a for_o these_o seveveral_a form_n belong_v only_o to_o a_o civil_a government_n be_v very_o preposterous_o make_v use_n of_o in_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v far_o different_a from_o a_o temporal_a state_n and_o as_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n be_v erect_v for_o different_a end_n so_o the_o office_n belong_v to_o both_o be_v altogether_o of_o a_o different_a nature_n who_o be_v so_o ignorant_a as_o not_o to_o know_v that_o for_o the_o obtain_v the_o end_n of_o civil_a society_n it_o be_v requisite_a to_o constitute_v various_a degree_n of_o dignity_n appertain_v to_o the_o manager_n of_o the_o state_n whereas_o the_o most_o plain_a and_o natural_a distinction_n betwixt_o christian_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o church_n be_v only_o that_o of_o teacher_n and_o auditor_n §_o 33._o beside_o all_o this_o the_o teacher_n in_o a_o state_n 9_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n betwixt_o teacher_n in_o a_o church_n and_o the_o governor_n of_o a_o state_n church_n do_v not_o only_o differ_v from_o temporal_a governor_n in_o a_o state_n in_o that_o these_o be_v constitute_v for_o different_a end_n but_o the_o main_a difference_n be_v the_o very_a nature_n of_o their_o constitution_n we_o will_v not_o insist_v here_o upon_o the_o point_n of_o succession_n by_o which_o a_o great_a many_o sovereign_n obtain_v their_o sovereign_a power_n which_o be_v quite_o otherwise_o in_o the_o church_n but_o we_o will_v only_o treat_v in_o this_o place_n concern_v the_o different_a constitution_n betwixt_o teacher_n and_o such_o sovereign_n as_o exercise_v the_o supreme_a civil_a power_n by_o virtue_n of_o election_n when_o therefore_o the_o sovereign_a power_n be_v lodge_v in_o any_o person_n by_o election_n the_o rest_n who_o have_v thus_o choose_v they_o their_o
a_o right_n of_o constitute_v minister_n for_o say_v he_o their_o right_n be_v the_o same_o but_o a_o prince_n who_o make_v not_o profession_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n though_o he_o have_v christian_a subject_n under_o his_o jurisdiction_n and_o allow_v they_o the_o free_a exercise_n of_o their_o religion_n have_v nevertheless_o not_o the_o least_o power_n over_o their_o church_n as_o be_v no_o member_n of_o it_o it_o be_v no_o less_o false_a what_o he_o say_v that_o since_o prince_n be_v become_v christian_n the_o vocation_n of_o minister_n do_v no_o more_o depend_v from_o the_o church_n just_o as_o a_o man_n by_o submit_v himself_o under_o another_o jurisdiction_n be_v no_o more_o at_o his_o own_o disposal_n for_o a_o prince_n by_o become_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n do_v thereby_o not_o make_v himself_o master_n of_o that_o church_n but_o rather_o submit_v to_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ_n the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o do_v not_o encroach_v all_o its_o right_n to_o himself_o but_o only_o can_v claim_v his_o share_n as_o such_o unless_o a_o certain_a church_n shall_v voluntary_o surrender_v its_o right_n as_o far_o as_o it_o lie_v in_o its_o power_n to_o the_o sovereign_n and_o i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o the_o church_n may_v not_o be_v under_o the_o protection_n of_o a_o christian_a sovereign_a as_o represent_v a_o certain_a person_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o therefore_o to_o act_n and_o decree_n by_o plurality_n of_o vote_n which_o imply_v a_o right_a at_o least_o by_o consent_n for_o there_o be_v a_o medium_fw-la betwixt_o the_o state_n or_o commonwealth_n and_o a_o disorderly_a multitude_n viz._n a_o college_n where_o there_o be_v no_o occasion_n for_o a_o coercive_v sovereign_a power_n this_o may_v be_v illustrate_v by_o a_o example_n for_o suppose_v in_o a_o commonwealth_n a_o certain_a society_n or_o company_n of_o merchant_n regulate_v by_o certain_a stature_n of_o their_o own_o under_o the_o direction_n of_o some_o of_o its_o own_o member_n into_o this_o college_n a_o prince_n have_v a_o mind_n to_o be_v receive_v as_o a_o member_n pay_v his_o certain_a share_n by_o be_v thus_o make_v a_o member_n of_o this_o company_n he_o have_v not_o obtain_v a_o absolute_a disposal_n over_o this_o society_n but_o rather_o have_v accommodate_v himself_o to_o the_o statute_n of_o the_o college_n neither_o can_v he_o claim_v any_o other_o prerogative_n there_o but_o what_o be_v derive_v either_o from_o his_o share_n in_o that_o company_n or_o from_o a_o free_a gift_n and_o voluntary_a consent_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o its_o member_n and_o as_o a_o member_n of_o this_o college_n he_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v not_o as_o a_o prince_n but_o as_o a_o merchant_n there_o be_v nevertheless_o one_o remarkable_a difference_n viz._n that_o it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o a_o sovereign_a to_o hinder_v the_o set_n up_o of_o such_o a_o society_n which_o be_v not_o the_o same_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o church_n he_o plain_o betray_v his_o ignorance_n when_o he_o say_v that_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v as_o a_o multitude_n of_o people_n comprehend_v in_o the_o person_n of_o one_o prince_n from_o whence_o the_o prince_n represent_v the_o people_n like_o one_o public_a person_n through_o who_o the_o whole_a people_n declare_v their_o sentiment_n for_o though_o this_o be_v appliable_a to_o the_o commonwealth_n it_o be_v not_o to_o the_o church_n they_o be_v quite_o different_a from_o one_o another_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o those_o who_o have_v the_o sovereign_a power_n in_o the_o state_n may_v enact_v what_o law_n they_o think_v most_o convenient_a but_o to_o attribute_v the_o same_o power_n to_o sovereign_n over_o the_o church_n be_v a_o madness_n and_o savour_v of_o blasphemy_n and_o suppose_v a_o prince_n shall_v be_v mislead_v into_o error_n or_o heresy_n must_v therefore_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v account_v erroneous_a or_o heretical_a except_o he_o will_v persuade_v we_o also_o that_o prince_n be_v infallible_a wherefore_o in_o those_o place_n where_o the_o election_n of_o minister_n be_v independent_a from_o the_o prince_n it_o be_v suppose_v to_o proceed_v from_o a_o right_o transfer_v unto_o he_o by_o the_o church_n the_o same_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v where_o this_o election_n be_v manage_v either_o by_o the_o bishop_n or_o presbyter_n but_o in_o case_n the_o same_o be_v do_v by_o the_o whole_a church_n it_o will_v be_v preposterous_a to_o say_v that_o such_o a_o election_n be_v make_v by_o virtue_n of_o a_o privilege_n grant_v by_o the_o prince_n mr._n houtuyn_n have_v grant_v before_o that_o the_o pastoral_a function_n not_o be_v annex_v to_o any_o certain_a person_n consider_v as_o such_o have_v no_o dependency_n from_o the_o civil_a jurisdiction_n but_o owe_v its_o institution_n to_o christ_n nevertheless_o in_o §_o lxvi_o he_o affirm_v that_o the_o actual_a administration_n of_o the_o ministerial_a function_n be_v a_o external_n public_a act_n such_o as_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o civil_a power_n which_o be_v the_o same_o in_o effect_n as_o if_o he_o say_v matrimony_n be_v a_o divine_a institution_n but_o it_o depend_v from_o the_o prince_n whether_o he_o will_v allow_v his_o subject_n to_o marry_v actual_o or_o not_o for_o suppose_v a_o sovereign_n shall_v take_v a_o resolution_n to_o forbid_v the_o ancient_a exercise_n of_o the_o ministerial_a function_n what_o will_v in_o such_o a_o case_n become_v of_o this_o pastoral_n or_o ministerial_a function_n it_o be_v also_o insufferable_a what_o he_o say_v immediate_o after_o a_o election_n be_v a_o voluntary_a act_n therefore_o revocable_a at_o pleasure_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o it_o can_v be_v do_v without_o impair_n the_o reputation_n of_o the_o minister_n what_o relate_v to_o §_o lxvii_o it_o be_v deny_v that_o nebuchadonosor_n have_v any_o legal_a authority_n to_o put_v to_o death_n such_o as_o refuse_v to_o adore_v the_o great_a statue_n set_v up_o by_o his_o order_n for_o a_o prince_n who_o inflict_v any_o punishment_n upon_o his_o subject_n against_o the_o express_a command_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n do_v not_o at_o that_o time_n exercise_v his_o legal_a authority_n but_o commit_v a_o hostile_a and_o tyrannical_a act._n so_o when_o king_n ahab_n under_o pretence_n of_o a_o legal_a process_n and_o by_o subborn_v of_o false_a witness_n possess_v himself_o of_o naboth_n vineyard_n do_v no_o more_o exercise_n his_o legal_a jurisdiction_n than_o a_o guardian_n may_v be_v say_v to_o do_v when_o he_o commit_v a_o rape_n upon_o a_o pupil_n commit_v to_o his_o management_n but_o when_o the_o same_o nebuchadonosor_n publish_v his_o edict_n that_o no_o body_n dare_v to_o blaspheme_v the_o god_n of_o the_o jew_n he_o do_v without_o all_o question_n nothing_o but_o what_o belong_v to_o his_o high_a station_n he_o run_v on_o further_a viz._n that_o peter_n john_n stephen_n paul_n nay_o even_o our_o saviour_n himself_o do_v appear_v before_o the_o sanhedrim_n before_o foelix_n festus_n caesar_n and_o pilate_n without_o take_v the_o least_o exception_n against_o the_o legality_n of_o their_o jurisdiction_n what_o can_v be_v more_o false_o invent_v do_v peter_n and_o john_n acknowledge_v the_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o sanhedrim_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n when_o they_o tell_v they_o to_o their_o very_a face_n that_o they_o will_v not_o obey_v their_o command_n of_o not_o preach_v in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n do_v stephen_n acknowledge_v the_o jurisdiction_n 20._o act._n 4._o 19_o 20._o of_o the_o sanhedrim_n when_o he_o tell_v they_o you_o uncircumcised_a in_o your_o heart_n and_o ear_n you_o always_o resist_v the_o holy_a ghost_n neither_o be_v it_o a_o argument_n that_o paul_n and_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o martyr_n do_v acknowledge_v the_o jurisdiction_n of_o those_o prince_n and_o other_o civil_a magistrate_n when_o they_o be_v force_v to_o appear_v before_o they_o endeavour_v to_o prove_v their_o innocence_n there_o be_v no_o other_o tribunal_n to_o which_o they_o can_v appeal_v and_o it_o be_v at_o that_o time_n look_v upon_o as_o a_o crime_n deserve_v death_n for_o any_o one_o to_o profess_v himself_o a_o christian_n all_o the_o defence_n they_o make_v may_v be_v reduce_v under_o two_o head_n for_o they_o either_o deny_v those_o crime_n lay_v to_o their_o charge_n as_o calumnious_a or_o else_o they_o assert_v even_o to_o the_o last_o that_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n do_v not_o depend_v from_o the_o civil_a jurisdiction_n and_o those_o magistrate_n that_o absolve_v the_o confessor_n of_o this_o truth_n do_v in_o effect_n give_v this_o sentence_n that_o this_o be_v a_o cause_n not_o belong_v to_o their_o jurisdiction_n it_o be_v a_o wonder_n to_o i_o how_o mr._n houtuyn_n who_o pretend_v to_o be_v a_o lawyer_n can_v find_v out_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o least_o resemble_v a_o legal_a process_n in_o that_o
to_o examine_v both_o their_o natural_a qualification_n in_o reference_n to_o civil_a society_n for_o if_o this_o which_o be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o the_o foundation_n stone_n be_v well_o secure_v and_o we_o afterward_o do_v look_v into_o the_o scripture_n to_o investigate_v in_o what_o manner_n christ_n himself_o have_v represent_v his_o doctrine_n to_o we_o it_o will_v be_v no_o difficult_a task_n to_o judge_v whether_o according_a to_o the_o institution_n of_o our_o saviour_n there_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o ecclesiastical_a sovereignty_n exercise_v by_o priest_n or_o whether_o prince_n have_v a_o right_a to_o make_v use_n of_o a_o absolute_a power_n or_o can_v compel_v their_o subject_n to_o obedience_n by_o force_n of_o arm_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n §_o 1._o that_o there_o be_v a_o supreme_a be_v the_o institute_v conceâ—â—ing_v religion_n before_o civil_a society_n wâ—râ—_n institute_v author_n and_o creator_n both_o of_o the_o universe_n and_o especial_o of_o mankind_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v acknowledge_v and_o worship_v as_o such_o by_o menkind_n as_o they_o be_v rational_a creature_n have_v be_v general_o receive_v not_o only_o among_o christian_n but_o also_o by_o most_o of_o the_o pagan_a philosopher_n that_o to_o pretend_v to_o demonstrate_v it_o here_o will_v be_v superfluous_a and_o perhaps_o may_v be_v take_v as_o do_v in_o prejudice_n of_o the_o judicious_a reader_n since_o scarce_o any_o body_n that_o be_v not_o beyond_o his_o right_a wit_n can_v be_v suppose_v now_o a_o day_n to_o make_v the_o least_o doubt_n of_o the_o verity_n of_o this_o assertion_n the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o divine_a worship_n arise_v from_o two_o several_a spring_n for_o we_o either_o by_o true_a ratioâ—ination_n deduce_v out_o of_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n may_v be_v convince_v of_o those_o sentiment_n we_o ought_v to_o have_v of_o god_n and_o what_o reverence_n be_v due_a to_o he_o from_o we_o mortal_n or_o else_o some_o matter_n be_v beyond_o our_o apprehension_n by_o the_o bare_a light_n of_o nature_n be_v by_o god_n special_a command_n reveal_v to_o mankind_n both_o kind_n be_v to_o be_v the_o subject_a of_o the_o follow_a treatise_n with_o this_o restriction_n nevertheless_o not_o to_o insist_v upon_o each_o particular_a head_n of_o either_o of_o they_o any_o further_a than_o they_o have_v relation_n to_o civil_a society_n §_o 2._o the_o first_o thing_n which_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v both_o in_o natural_a and_o reveal_v religion_n religion_n every_o man_n be_v accountable_a for_o his_o religion_n be_v that_o every_o body_n be_v oblige_v to_o worship_n god_n in_o his_o own_o person_n religious_a duty_n be_v not_o to_o be_v perform_v by_o a_o deputy_n but_o by_o himself_o in_o person_n who_o expect_v to_o reap_v the_o benefit_n of_o religious_a worship_n promise_v by_o god_n almighty_a for_o man_n be_v a_o rational_a creature_n owe_v its_o offspring_n to_o god_n alone_o be_v thereby_o put_v under_o such_o a_o indispensible_a obligation_n that_o the_o cosideration_n of_o worship_v he_o to_o the_o utmost_a of_o his_o power_n can_v never_o be_v entire_o exstinguish_v in_o a_o rational_a soul_n and_o here_o lie_v the_o main_a difference_n betwixt_o that_o care_n which_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v our_o soul_n and_o that_o of_o our_o body_n the_o latter_a of_o which_o may_v be_v commit_v to_o the_o management_n of_o other_o who_o be_v to_o be_v accountable_a for_o all_o injury_n which_o may_v befall_v we_o under_o their_o tuition_n we_o be_v thereby_o free_v from_o any_o gild_n against_o ourselves_o so_o do_v we_o commit_v ourselves_o when_o we_o pass_v the_o sea_n to_o the_o management_n of_o the_o master_n of_o a_o ship_n by_o who_o sole_a care_n without_o our_o own_o assistance_n we_o be_v conduct_v to_o the_o desire_v port._n but_o no_o body_n can_v so_o entire_o transfer_v the_o care_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o religious_a worship_n from_o himself_o to_o another_o man_n as_o to_o make_v he_o alone_o accountable_a for_o all_o miscarriage_n and_o to_o free_v himself_o from_o punishment_n every_o one_o of_o we_o shall_v give_v 3._o rom._n 14._o 12._o rom._n 9_o 3._o account_n of_o himself_o to_o god_n and_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a for_o st._n paul_n to_o wish_v to_o be_v accurse_v from_o christ_n for_o his_o brethren_n his_o kinsman_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n and_o though_o it_o be_v undeniable_a that_o those_o who_o have_v be_v negligent_a in_o take_v care_n of_o other_o people_n soul_n that_o be_v commit_v to_o their_o charge_n shall_v receive_v punishment_n nevertheless_o these_o who_o soul_n have_v be_v thus_o neglect_v shall_v perish_v with_o they_o for_o have_v put_v too_o much_o trust_v in_o other_o and_o neglect_v their_o own_o salvation_n as_o it_o be_v plain_o express_v by_o the_o prophet_n ezekiel_n 33._o 7_o 8._o and_o the_o 16._o habak_v 2._o 4._o mark_v 16._o 16._o just_a shall_v live_v by_o faith_n and_o the_o evangelist_n st._n mark_n speak_v without_o any_o reservation_n he_o that_o believe_v not_o shall_v be_v damn_v without_o distinction_n whether_o you_o be_v seduce_v by_o other_o or_o whether_o you_o have_v renounce_v your_o faith_n for_o worldly_a ends._n §_o 3._o from_o whence_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o religion_n nature_n how_o the_o same_o be_v to_o be_v exercise_v in_o the_o free_a state_n of_o nature_n have_v its_o relation_n to_o god_n the_o same_o may_v be_v exercise_v without_o the_o communion_n of_o a_o great_a many_o and_o that_o a_o man_n ought_v not_o to_o judge_v of_o the_o soundness_n of_o his_o doctrine_n or_o religion_n by_o the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o adhere_v to_o it_o so_o that_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o at_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n our_o first_o parent_n may_v and_o do_v real_o perform_v religious_a duty_n and_o that_o if_o one_o alone_o or_o a_o few_o together_o live_v in_o a_o solitary_a place_n they_o be_v therefore_o not_o to_o be_v deem_v to_o live_v without_o religion_n because_o they_o do_v not_o make_v up_o a_o congregation_n for_o god_n be_v the_o only_a judge_n of_o what_o be_v best_a please_v to_o he_o in_o his_o worship_n know_v and_o search_v the_o very_a bottom_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o since_o we_o be_v not_o able_a without_o his_o assistance_n to_o perform_v religious_a duty_n the_o same_o can_v be_v esteem_v proper_o our_o own_o invention_n as_o those_o that_o live_v in_o the_o free_a state_n of_o nature_n be_v not_o subject_a to_o any_o human_a power_n so_o in_o the_o same_o state_n their_o religion_n have_v only_o a_o relation_n to_o god_n almighty_a unto_o who_o alone_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o pay_v reverence_n it_o be_v free_a from_o all_o human_a force_n or_o power_n which_o in_o this_o state_n of_o natural_a freedom_n they_o may_v exercise_v either_o according_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n or_o according_a to_o divine_a revelation_n and_o according_a to_o the_o best_a of_o their_o knowledge_n may_v dispose_v the_o outward_a form_n of_o their_o religious_a worship_n without_o be_v accountable_a to_o any_o body_n but_o god_n almighty_a neither_o can_v they_o be_v control_v or_o force_v rather_o to_o worship_n god_n according_a to_o another_o than_o their_o own_o opinion_n but_o if_o any_o body_n pretend_v to_o bring_v they_o over_o to_o his_o side_n he_o ought_v with_o suitable_a argument_n to_o convince_v they_o how_o far_o he_o be_v in_o the_o right_n and_o they_o in_o the_o wrong_n there_o may_v be_v beside_o this_o another_o reason_n be_v give_v why_o no_o body_n in_o what_o condition_n soever_o aught_o to_o be_v force_v to_o another_o man_n religion_n because_o the_o knowledge_n of_o truth_n can_v be_v implant_v in_o we_o without_o proper_a and_o convince_a argument_n such_o as_o be_v capable_a of_o prepare_v our_o mind_n for_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o religion_n and_o as_o to_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o transcend_v our_o reason_n these_o must_v be_v acquire_v by_o the_o assistance_n of_o divine_a grace_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o all_o violence_n it_o be_v true_a a_o prince_n may_v force_v a_o subject_a to_o make_v a_o outward_a confession_n by_o way_n of_o mouth_n to_o comply_v in_o his_o behaviour_n with_o his_o command_n and_o to_o dissemble_v his_o thought_n or_o to_o speak_v contrary_a to_o his_o belief_n but_o he_o can_v force_v no_o body_n to_o believe_v contrary_a to_o his_o own_o opinion_n for_o we_o ought_v to_o believe_v with_o 37._o actâ—_n â—_o 37._o all_o our_o heart_n but_o whatever_o be_v do_v in_o order_n to_o obtain_v any_o worldly_a advantage_n or_o to_o avoid_v a_o imminent_a evil_n of_o this_o kind_n can_v be_v do_v with_o all_o our_o heart_n but_o faith_n come_v by_o hear_v 17._o rom._n 1â—_n 17._o and_o hear_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n neither_o do_v our_o saviour_n force_v his_o word_n upon_o
founder_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n show_v himself_o in_o his_o behaviour_n from_o moses_n moses_n be_v command_v by_o god_n to_o deliver_v the_o posterity_n of_o the_o patriarch_n from_o the_o bondage_n of_o egypt_n and_o to_o lead_v they_o according_a to_o god_n covenant_n with_o they_o into_o canaan_n the_o land_n of_o promise_n where_o he_o be_v to_o erect_v a_o new_a commonwealth_n and_o to_o establish_v their_o ecclesiastical_a and_o civil_a law_n at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o better_a therefore_o to_o establish_v his_o authority_n not_o only_o among_o his_o countryman_n over_o who_o he_o have_v no_o other_o lawful_a jurisdiction_n but_o also_o to_o gain_v credit_n with_o the_o egyptian_n that_o hitherto_o have_v keep_v the_o other_o under_o their_o jurisdiction_n he_o do_v by_o his_o extraordinary_a and_o miraculous_a deed_n give_v they_o most_o evident_a demonstration_n of_o his_o divine_a commission_n and_o of_o a_o secret_a correspondence_n with_o god_n almighty_a these_o miracle_n strike_v such_o a_o terror_n into_o the_o egyptian_a king_n that_o his_o obstinacy_n be_v at_o last_o overcome_v who_o else_o in_o all_o likelihood_n will_v not_o have_v part_v upon_o easy_a term_n with_o so_o vast_a a_o number_n of_o his_o subject_n their_o number_n be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v up_o a_o new_a and_o strong_a people_n and_o the_o jew_n move_v by_o his_o miracle_n and_o in_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o benefit_n receive_v from_o his_o hand_n and_o be_v sensible_a that_o god_n stand_v by_o he_o in_o all_o his_o undertake_n willing_o receive_v he_o for_o their_o prince_n and_o general_n as_o long_o as_o he_o live_v he_o exercise_v this_o princely_a authority_n in_o the_o high_a degree_n for_o he_o do_v constitute_v among_o they_o both_o their_o ecclesiastical_a and_o civil_a law_n and_o ordain_v and_o establish_v their_o whole_a government_n he_o use_v to_o administer_v justice_n inflict_v punishent_n upon_o those_o that_o be_v find_v criminal_a he_o have_v the_o power_n of_o constitate_v magistrate_n and_o other_o that_o be_v to_o aid_v and_o assist_v he_o in_o his_o office_n and_o those_o that_o attempt_v against_o his_o authority_n he_o make_v sensible_a of_o their_o folly_n by_o inflict_v most_o severe_a punishment_n upon_o they_o there_o be_v all_o that_o time_n no_o occasion_n for_o the_o levy_n of_o tax_n upon_o the_o people_n except_z what_o be_v requisite_a for_o the_o maintenance_n and_o ornament_n of_o their_o public_a religious_a service_n he_o be_v very_o watchful_a for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o people_n and_o if_o they_o be_v attack_v by_o their_o enemy_n use_v to_o defend_v they_o by_o force_n of_o arms._n last_o when_o he_o know_v that_o he_o be_v short_o to_o depart_v this_o life_n he_o constitute_v his_o successor_n who_o be_v to_o be_v their_o general_n and_o under_o who_o conduct_n they_o be_v to_o be_v put_v into_o possession_n of_o the_o so_o long_o desire_v land_n of_o promise_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o moses_n as_o long_o as_o he_o live_v bear_v the_o office_n of_o a_o prince_n and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o founder_n of_o the_o state_n or_o commonwealth_n of_o the_o jew_n §_o 13._o but_o if_o we_o look_v upon_o our_o saviour_n church_n what_o on_o the_o other_o â—and_v our_o saviour_n do_v when_o he_o establish_v his_o church_n jesus_n christ_n he_o act_v in_o a_o quite_o different_a manner_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o his_o intention_n be_v not_o to_o erect_v a_o new_a state_n here_o upon_o earth_n it_o be_v true_a he_o gain_v to_o himself_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o credit_n and_o authority_n by_o his_o miracle_n but_o these_o be_v no_o terrify_a miracle_n or_o such_o as_o ever_o prove_v injurious_a to_o any_o so_o when_o his_o disciple_n will_v have_v persuade_v he_o to_o command_v fire_n to_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n and_o consume_v those_o that_o refuse_v â—5_n luke_n 9_o 54_o â—5_n to_o receive_v he_o they_o meet_v with_o a_o severe_a rebuke_n the_o main_a demonstration_n he_o use_v to_o give_v they_o of_o his_o diviniâ—y_n always_o tend_v to_o the_o benefit_n of_o other_o and_o the_o miracle_n perform_v by_o he_o be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o must_v needs_o attract_v the_o love_n and_o favour_n of_o all_o man_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v apparent_a and_o convince_a proof_n of_o his_o divinity_n not_o any_o thing_n less_o than_o a_o divine_a power_n be_v able_a to_o cause_v a_o new_a motion_n or_o alteration_n in_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n without_o natural_a mean_n for_o he_o go_v about_o do_v good_a and_o he_o al_v 38._o act_n 16._o 38._o all_o that_o be_v oppress_v of_o the_o devil_n all_o which_o have_v not_o the_o least_o relation_n towards_o the_o lay_n of_o the_o foundation_n of_o a_o new_a state_n he_o have_v some_o disciple_n but_o these_o be_v few_o in_o number_n unarm_v poor_a of_o a_o mean_a profession_n and_o condition_n and_o of_o so_o little_a authority_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o to_o make_v the_o least_o pretention_n of_o set_v up_o a_o state_n of_o their_o own_o or_o of_o raise_v any_o commotion_n or_o disturbance_n in_o another_o state_n and_o when_o the_o multitude_n in_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o benefit_n receive_v by_o his_o doctrine_n and_o miracle_n will_v at_o several_a time_n have_v proclaim_v he_o king_n he_o abscond_v and_o make_v his_o escape_n the_o principal_a care_n he_o take_v of_o his_o follower_n be_v to_o instruct_v they_o by_o his_o doctrine_n from_o whence_o they_o be_v call_v disciple_n and_o they_o in_o return_n use_v to_o give_v he_o the_o name_n of_o master_n or_o teacher_n neither_o do_v he_o constitute_v any_o new_a law_n at_o least_o not_o any_o that_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v any_o reference_n towards_o the_o establishment_n of_o a_o new_a state_n but_o the_o ancient_a law_n as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v give_v to_o mankind_n in_o general_n be_v explain_v and_o the_o people_n exhort_v to_o a_o due_a observance_n of_o it_o he_o do_v never_o execute_v 14._o luke_n 12._o 13_o 14._o the_o office_n of_o a_o judge_n nay_o he_o refuse_v to_o be_v a_o arbitrator_n to_o convince_v the_o world_n that_o hâ—s_v 11._o joh._n 8_o 11._o come_v be_v intend_v for_o no_o such_o purpose_n last_o he_o do_v himself_o pay_v tax_n to_o other_o and_o though_o it_o be_v in_o his_o power_n to_o prevent_v it_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v judge_v and_o execute_v all_o which_o be_v altogether_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o nature_n and_o office_n of_o a_o temporal_a sovereign_n §_o 14._o this_o will_v appear_v more_o clear_o to_o we_o if_o people_n châ—ist_o do_v not_o constitute_v a_o nâ—w_a people_n we_o due_o consider_v that_o christ_n never_o act_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o those_o that_o intend_v to_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o a_o new_a state_n for_o their_o principal_a and_o first_o care_n be_v to_o constitute_v a_o new_a people_n that_o be_v to_o bring_v over_o to_o their_o side_n such_o a_o number_n of_o people_n as_o be_v willing_a and_o sufficient_a to_o be_v join_v under_o one_o civil_a government_n this_o multitude_n of_o people_n be_v either_o assemble_v at_o once_o and_o draw_v out_o of_o another_o commonwealth_n as_o moses_n do_v or_o by_o degree_n bring_v over_o out_o of_o other_o commonwealth_n as_o romulus_n gather_v the_o people_n of_o rome_n but_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o be_v see_v that_o our_o saviour_n intention_n be_v of_o a_o quite_o different_a nature_n his_o disciple_n be_v not_o so_o many_o in_o number_n as_o to_o have_v the_o least_o resemblance_n with_o a_o nation_n or_o people_n neither_o be_v they_o instruct_v in_o those_o matter_n which_o have_v the_o least_o relation_n to_o the_o establishment_n of_o a_o new_a commonwealth_n their_o dependence_n from_o he_o be_v not_o near_o the_o same_o which_o subject_n have_v of_o their_o prince_n have_v never_o swear_v allegiance_n to_o he_o but_o only_o as_o disciple_n from_o their_o master_n be_v influence_v by_o the_o love_n and_o admiration_n they_o have_v both_o for_o his_o person_n and_o doctrine_n sometime_o 68_o john_n 6._o â—6_n â—â—_o 68_o a_o great_a multitude_n of_o people_n will_v flock_v about_o he_o but_o these_o only_o come_v to_o hear_v he_o preach_v and_o to_o be_v spectator_n of_o his_o miracle_n which_o be_v do_v they_o return_v to_o their_o respective_a home_n and_o christ_n never_o show_v the_o least_o inclination_n to_o command_v over_o or_o to_o withdraw_v they_o from_o the_o obedience_n due_a to_o their_o sovereign_n last_o when_o the_o time_n of_o his_o death_n approach_v his_o most_o trusty_a and_o particular_a friend_n and_o follower_n abscond_v and_o dare_v not_o as_o much_o as_o make_v any_o public_a appearance_n when_o we_o therefore_o speak_v of_o christian_n we_o do_v not_o understand_v a_o certain_a nation_n or_o people_n subject_n
religion_n but_o in_o case_n divine_v out_o of_o other_o country_n be_v to_o be_v call_v unto_o this_o convocation_n or_o assembly_n it_o be_v i_o think_v a_o plain_a case_n that_o these_o can_v appear_v there_o without_o leave_n first_o obtain_v from_o their_o sovereign_n and_o if_o a_o council_n shall_v be_v call_v consist_v of_o select_a divine_n out_o of_o a_o great_a many_o commonwealth_n this_o can_v be_v do_v without_o a_o forego_n agreement_n make_v betwixt_o those_o sovereign_n that_o be_v concern_v therein_o for_o it_o be_v not_o allowable_a for_o subject_n of_o another_o state_n to_o come_v to_o we_o upon_o such_o a_o account_n noâ—_n can_v we_o go_v to_o they_o upon_o such_o a_o errand_n unless_o by_o joint_a consent_n of_o the_o high_a power_n and_o since_o sovereign_n can_v claim_v any_o jurisdiction_n over_o one_o another_o there_o will_v be_v no_o place_n leave_v for_o any_o prerogative_n but_o matter_n must_v be_v transact_v according_a to_o mutual_a contract_n §_o 47._o for_o what_o reason_n the_o primitive_a church-discipline_n theâ—r_o right_o concern_v church-discipline_n christian_n do_v introduce_v church_n discipline_n viz._n to_o be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o heathen_n by_o their_o holy_a life_n and_o conversation_n and_o to_o supply_v the_o defect_n of_o the_o civil_a pagan_a law_n which_o do_v not_o restrain_v they_o from_o such_o vice_n as_o be_v abominable_a to_o the_o christian_n have_v be_v sufficient_o explain_v before_o this_o reason_n take_v no_o more_o place_n now_o after_o whole_a commonwealth_n as_o well_o as_o their_o sovereign_n be_v enter_v into_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n for_o there_o be_v not_o the_o same_o occasion_n now_o to_o be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o heathen_n by_o a_o unspotted_a conversation_n after_o the_o root_n out_o of_o the_o pagan_a religion_n all_o christian_n be_v under_o a_o equal_a obligation_n to_o endeavour_v a_o unblemished_a life_n but_o notwithstanding_o the_o general_a conversion_n of_o whole_a commonwealth_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n care_v aught_o to_o be_v take_v that_o holiness_n of_o life_n be_v not_o lay_v aside_o among_o christian_n from_o whence_o arise_v this_o question_n whether_o it_o be_v better_a to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n discipline_n now_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o it_o be_v practise_v in_o the_o primitive_a time_n or_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o more_o expedient_a to_o admit_v of_o some_o alteration_n after_o sovereign_n be_v enter_v into_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n the_o last_o of_o these_o two_o seem_v to_o be_v most_o probable_a because_o this_o ancient_a church_n discipline_n which_o be_v introduce_v for_o a_o certain_a time_n to_o supply_v the_o deficiency_n of_o the_o pagan_a law_n and_o to_o amend_v their_o vicious_a life_n and_o conversation_n and_o be_v thus_o leave_v to_o the_o direction_n of_o certain_a people_n be_v not_o a_o essential_a part_n of_o christianity_n and_o beside_o this_o carry_v this_o inconveniency_n along_o with_o it_o that_o it_o may_v easy_o degenerate_v into_o a_o kind_n of_o a_o pretend_a sovereignty_n and_o prove_v prejudicial_a to_o the_o civil_a power_n and_o as_o sovereign_n have_v a_o right_a to_o provide_v against_o every_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v the_o probable_a cause_n of_o convulsion_n in_o the_o state_n so_o may_v this_o defect_n be_v supply_v by_o the_o civil_a law_n and_o vice_n may_v be_v suppress_v by_o civil_a punishment_n neither_o do_v i_o see_v any_o reason_n to_o the_o contrary_a why_o vice_n shall_v not_o be_v as_o easy_o correct_v by_o punishment_n prescribe_v by_o the_o civil_a law_n as_o by_o church-censure_n or_o why_o the_o first_o shall_v not_o prove_v as_o effectual_a as_o the_o latter_a for_o the_o suppress_n of_o public_a scandal_n it_o will_v perhaps_o be_v object_v that_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n have_v a_o much_o great_a influence_n over_o christian_n towards_o the_o amendment_n of_o their_o life_n than_o civil_a punishment_n because_o the_o first_o penetrate_v into_o the_o heart_n whereas_o civil_a punishment_n do_v not_o touch_v we_o but_o superficial_o unto_o this_o it_o may_v be_v answer_v that_o church-discipline_n do_v not_o always_o answer_v this_o end_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o that_o some_o man_n though_o they_o undergo_v all_o the_o church-penances_a retain_v in_o their_o heart_n the_o same_o vicious_a inclination_n or_o sometime_o grow_v more_o stubborn_a and_o bold_a but_o if_o it_o be_v take_v as_o a_o expiation_n for_o our_o sin_n in_o regard_n of_o god_n almighty_n it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o if_o we_o pretend_v to_o a_o expiation_n for_o any_o trespass_n which_o fall_v under_o the_o cognizance_n of_o humane_a law_n we_o must_v therein_o be_v direct_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o do_v not_o prescribe_v church-penance_n as_o a_o proper_a satisfaction_n in_o this_o case_n for_o our_o sin_n be_v not_o remit_v because_o we_o have_v undergo_v church-penance_n but_o because_o our_o heart_n be_v purify_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n provide_v we_o by_o the_o faith_n apply_v his_o suffering_n unto_o we_o but_o suppose_v it_o shall_v be_v think_v most_o convenient_a that_o some_o sort_n of_o vice_n ought_v to_o be_v correct_v by_o church-discipline_n the_o best_a expedient_a will_v be_v to_o leave_v it_o first_o to_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o civil_a judge_n who_o according_a to_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o case_n aught_o to_o send_v the_o delinquent_n to_o the_o ecclesiastical_a court_n there_o to_o undergo_v the_o church-censure_n for_o christian_n sovereign_n have_v a_o unquestionable_a right_n to_o determine_v what_o sort_n of_o misdemeanour_n be_v punishable_a by_o the_o civil_a law_n and_o which_o of_o they_o come_v under_o the_o cognizance_n of_o ecclesiastical_a court_n and_o consequent_o to_o decree_v what_o sort_n of_o church-censure_n ought_v to_o be_v lay_v upon_o the_o delinquent_n according_a to_o the_o different_a nature_n of_o the_o trespass_n which_o may_v be_v put_v in_o execution_n by_o the_o minister_n according_o concern_v excommunication_n the_o same_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v put_v in_o practice_n but_o with_o this_o caution_n that_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o discretion_n of_o priest_n so_o as_o to_o be_v inflict_v by_o they_o aâ—_n pleasure_n but_o this_o power_n ought_v to_o be_v limit_v by_o certain_a rule_n prescribe_v by_o those_o that_o have_v the_o legislative_a power_n in_o a_o state_n for_o in_o a_o christian_a commonwealth_n excommunication_n alter_v the_o civil_a condition_n of_o a_o subject_a and_o â—enders_v he_o infamous_a and_o detestable_a among_o his_o fellow-christians_a and_o as_o it_o affect_v the_o civil_a state_n of_o subject_n sovereign_n unless_o they_o will_v let_v other_o encroach_v upon_o their_o prerogative_n aught_o to_o determine_v concern_v its_o legality_n §_o 48._o since_o the_o christian_a religion_n do_v not_o statute_n concern_v the_o power_n of_o make_v ecclesiastical_a canon_n or_o statute_n in_o any_o wise_a diminish_v the_o right_n of_o sovereign_n these_o if_o enter_v into_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n have_v a_o power_n to_o examine_v what_o canon_n or_o ecclesiastical_a statute_n be_v receive_v in_o the_o church_n and_o if_o some_o of_o they_o be_v find_v superfluous_a or_o interfere_v with_o the_o sovereign_a power_n to_o abolish_v the_o same_o and_o if_o there_o appear_v any_o deficiency_n to_o supply_v what_o be_v want_v towards_o the_o maintain_v a_o good_a order_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o church_n which_o however_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v do_v without_o the_o advice_n at_o least_o of_o the_o chief_a man_n of_o the_o church_n and_o last_o give_v to_o those_o statute_n the_o force_n of_o civil_a law_n this_o power_n nevertheless_o of_o make_v ecclesiastical_a statute_n must_v be_v exercise_v with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o caution_n the_o same_o be_v limit_v to_o the_o outward_a form_n of_o the_o church-government_n and_o to_o maintain_v its_o order_n and_o decency_n christian_n be_v not_o to_o be_v over-heaped_a with_o a_o vast_a number_n of_o canon_n for_o those_o that_o stretch_v â—4_n colos_n 2._o 16._o 21_o 22._o 1_o tim._n 4._o â—4_n the_o power_n of_o sovereign_n to_o such_o a_o pitch_n as_o to_o make_v they_o the_o absolute_a judge_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o to_o attribute_v to_o they_o a_o right_n of_o establish_v certain_a article_n of_o faith_n by_o civil_a law_n or_o to_o annex_v to_o they_o a_o force_n equal_a to_o the_o civil_a constitution_n and_o to_o force_v upon_o their_o subject_n a_o certain_a religion_n under_o severe_a penalty_n or_o oblige_v they_o either_o to_o profess_v or_o to_o deny_v certain_a point_n of_o doctrine_n which_o be_v controvert_v among_o christian_n these_o i_o say_v act_n quite_o contrary_a to_o the_o true_a genius_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o to_o the_o method_n make_v use_v of_o by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n for_o the_o
magistrate_n what_o likelihood_n can_v there_o be_v in_o all_o this_o that_o the_o protestant_n shall_v be_v as_o much_o concern_v for_o a_o temporal_a by-interest_n as_o the_o popish_a clergy_n for_o whereas_o they_o first_o can_v expect_v no_o more_o than_o what_o be_v allot_v they_o already_o the_o latter_a have_v no_o less_o in_o view_n than_o vast_a riches_n and_o the_o possession_n of_o whole_a kingdom_n all_o these_o matter_n due_o consider_v may_v be_v convince_a proof_n that_o all_o the_o clamour_n which_o the_o popish_a clergy_n make_v against_o the_o protestant_n be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o that_o of_o demetrius_n at_o ephesus_n when_o he_o exclaim_v against_o st._n paul_n love_n and_o meekness_n be_v the_o product_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n the_o cruelty_n of_o the_o popish_a clergy_n exercise_v against_o protestant_n aught_o to_o be_v suspect_v by_o prince_n and_o serve_v they_o as_o a_o forewarn_n what_o good_a be_v to_o be_v expect_v from_o those_o that_o prosecute_v with_o so_o much_o barbarity_n all_o such_o as_o oppose_v their_o pride_n and_o ambition_n after_o the_o persecution_n be_v cease_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n the_o arian_n be_v the_o first_o who_o show_v their_o tooth_n to_o the_o christian_n but_o they_o will_v have_v blush_v for_o shame_n if_o they_o shall_v have_v attempt_v to_o propagate_v their_o religion_n by_o force_n of_o arm_n and_o such_o other_o cruel_a persecution_n as_o be_v now_o in_o vogue_n among_o the_o popish_a clergy_n if_o we_o be_v not_o sufficient_o convince_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o envy_n be_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n we_o may_v be_v instruct_v as_o to_o this_o point_n by_o our_o saviour_n himself_o when_o he_o rebuke_v james_n and_o john_n who_o will_v have_v 56._o luk._n 9_o 54_o 55_o 56._o fire_n come_v down_o from_o heaven_n in_o these_o word_n you_o know_v not_o what_o manner_n of_o spirit_n you_o be_v of_o for_o the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v not_o come_v to_o destroy_v man_n life_n but_o to_o save_v they_o the_o sword_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o girt_v on_o the_o side_n of_o man_n but_o go_v out_o of_o his_o mouth_n and_o in_o all_o the_o 15._o rev._n 19_o 15._o holy_a scripture_n there_o be_v not_o one_o passage_n where_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o be_v drunken_a with_o the_o blood_n of_o heretic_n but_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o whore_n of_o babylon_n that_o she_o be_v drunken_a with_o the_o 6._o rev._n 17._o 6._o blood_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o with_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o martyr_n of_o christ_n §_o 52._o last_o since_o sovereign_n ought_v to_o be_v pretext_n sovereign_n be_v often_o encroach_v upon_o in_o their_o right_n under_o a_o religious_a pretext_n jealous_a of_o their_o own_o prerogative_n they_o may_v without_o injustice_n make_v a_o enquiry_n whether_o the_o protestant_n or_o the_o popish_a religion_n be_v most_o encroach_a upon_o their_o authority_n and_o which_o of_o these_o two_o be_v most_o consistent_a with_o the_o civil_a government_n for_o whenever_o the_o civil_a power_n bear_v any_o diminution_n under_o a_o religious_a pretence_n it_o be_v then_o high_a time_n for_o sovereign_n to_o look_v about_o they_o to_o examine_v upon_o what_o foundation_n these_o pretension_n be_v build_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o civil_a government_n be_v introduce_v before_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o that_o therefore_o it_o ought_v plain_o to_o be_v demonstrate_v how_o civil_a authority_n come_v to_o be_v diminish_v by_o the_o christian_a religion_n now_o if_o we_o look_v into_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o popish_a clergy_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o by_o many_o step_n and_o degree_n and_o by_o various_a artifices_fw-la and_o intrigue_n they_o have_v at_o last_o patch_v up_o a_o potent_a state_n of_o their_o own_o and_o that_o their_o supreme_a head_n for_o these_o many_o age_n past_a be_v possess_v of_o great_a territory_n and_o act_n as_o a_o sovereign_n and_o not_o only_o this_o but_o also_o obtrude_v his_o authority_n upon_o all_o such_o as_o profess_v the_o roman_n catholic_n religion_n for_o they_o do_v think_v it_o sufficient_a that_o the_o whole_a clergy_n have_v their_o dependence_n from_o he_o but_o he_o pretend_v to_o a_o absolute_a authority_n of_o determine_v all_o matter_n of_o faith_n by_o which_o mean_n he_o be_v sure_a to_o guide_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o people_n where_o ever_o he_o please_v if_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n be_v destructive_a to_o the_o civil_a power_n it_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v this_o when_o a_o party_n inhabit_v their_o territory_n disow_v their_o jurisdiction_n and_o depend_v from_o a_o foreign_a power_n deny_v the_o authority_n of_o their_o natural_a prince_n over_o they_o or_o at_o least_o acknowledge_v it_o no_o long_o than_o they_o think_v it_o convenient_a if_o neighbour_a state_n be_v common_o the_o most_o jealous_a of_o one_o another_o must_v it_o not_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o great_a solocism_n of_o state_n to_o permit_v such_o as_o depend_v from_o a_o foreign_a jurisdiction_n to_o abide_v in_o the_o commonwealth_n it_o be_v next_o door_n to_o take_v foreign_a garrison_n into_o our_o fort_n or_o to_o allow_v a_o foreign_a force_n to_o encamp_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o our_o dominion_n and_o this_o mischief_n seem_v to_o be_v the_o more_o pernicious_a when_o the_o revenue_n by_o which_o the_o grandeur_n of_o this_o ecclesiastical_a state_n be_v maintain_v be_v squeeze_v out_o of_o the_o subject_n of_o any_o prince_n and_o the_o best_a part_n of_o his_o territory_n exhaust_v whereas_o on_o the_o contrary_a these_o leech_n be_v not_o only_o free_v from_o all_o manner_n of_o tax_n but_o also_o pretend_v to_o a_o legislative_a authority_n so_o as_o to_o inflict_v punishment_n upon_o the_o subject_n and_o to_o absolve_v they_o from_o their_o allegiance_n due_a to_o their_o sovereign_n i_o can_v see_v how_o prince_n without_o great_a prejudice_n to_o the_o commonweal_n can_v allow_v the_o least_o authority_n over_o their_o person_n to_o the_o clergy_n for_o if_o the_o prince_n and_o they_o happen_v to_o jar_v together_o the_o poor_a subject_n pay_v for_o it_o with_o a_o vengeance_n when_o they_o be_v to_o serve_v two_o master_n of_o a_o contrary_a side_n at_o one_o time_n and_o the_o tax_n must_v fall_v the_o heavy_a upon_o the_o subject_n where_o the_o clergy_n be_v exempt_v from_o all_o contribution_n last_o be_v it_o not_o a_o heavy_a burden_n to_o the_o subject_n to_o be_v subject_a both_o to_o a_o ecclesiastical_a and_o temporal_a jurisdiction_n the_o former_a be_v general_o the_o most_o severe_a as_o be_v most_o evident_a in_o spain_n and_o italy_n where_o the_o court_n of_o inquisition_n be_v in_o vogue_n it_o be_v therefore_o beyond_o all_o question_n that_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v practise_v by_o the_o roman_a catholic_n but_o in_o no_o wise_a by_o the_o protestant_n such_o prince_n as_o be_v mislead_v by_o the_o popish_a clergy_n endeavour_v to_o extirpate_v their_o protestant_a subject_n act_n not_o only_o contrary_a to_o justice_n but_o even_o against_o the_o very_a dicrates_n of_o right_a reason_n what_o have_v be_v object_v by_o some_o viz._n that_o protestant_n have_v not_o be_v altogether_o free_a from_o the_o imputation_n of_o raise_v disturbance_n in_o the_o state_n and_o have_v join_v with_o a_o foreign_a power_n scarce_o deserve_v a_o answer_n for_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v impute_v to_o religion_n itself_o but_o rather_o to_o some_o dangerous_a juncture_n and_o other_o circumstance_n which_o often_o prove_v the_o occasion_n of_o dangerous_a commotion_n in_o a_o state_n or_o else_o the_o papist_n have_v first_o begin_v the_o dance_n and_o what_o wonder_n be_v it_o if_o some_o protestant_n to_o avoid_v their_o cruel_a design_n against_o they_o have_v endeavour_v to_o repel_v the_o fury_n of_o their_o adversary_n and_o when_o they_o find_v themselves_o insufficient_a have_v seek_v for_o aid_n by_o foreign_a prince_n for_o as_o it_o be_v the_o great_a piece_n of_o injustice_n to_o compel_v subject_n by_o force_n of_o arm_n to_o any_o religion_n so_o these_o may_v just_o defend_v their_o religion_n by_o force_n of_o arm_n especial_o if_o they_o live_v under_o a_o government_n where_o they_o have_v a_o right_o belong_v to_o they_o of_o protect_v their_o liberty_n against_o any_o invader_n §_o 53._o last_o of_o all_o it_o very_o well_o deserve_v to_o reformation_n concern_v the_o right_n of_o reformation_n make_v a_o enquiry_n who_o it_o be_v that_o have_v the_o power_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n to_o amend_v such_o error_n and_o abuse_n as_o be_v creep_v into_o the_o church_n either_o in_o point_n of_o doctrine_n morality_n or_o church-government_n or_o which_o turn_v to_o the_o same_o account_n who_o have_v the_o right_a of_o reformation_n where_o first_o of_o all_o it_o be_v unquestionable_a that_o there_o be_v no_o occasion_n of_o a_o reformation_n where_o the_o
clergy_n upon_o admonition_n desist_v from_o these_o abuse_n like_v as_o when_o a_o creditor_n upon_o summons_n be_v pay_v by_o his_o debtor_n aught_o to_o supercede_v his_o action_n against_o he_o but_o put_v the_o case_n that_o the_o clergy_n either_o absolute_o refuse_v or_o from_o time_n to_o time_n protract_v to_o desist_v from_o such_o abuse_n so_o that_o there_o be_v but_o two_o way_n leave_v to_o be_v choose_v either_o patient_o to_o submit_v to_o their_o capricious_a humour_n or_o else_o certain_a person_n in_o the_o state_n be_v damnify_v by_o these_o abuse_n have_v a_o right_n and_o power_n to_o control_v their_o extravagancy_n those_o that_o maintain_v the_o first_o position_n must_v prove_v that_o the_o clergy_n have_v be_v invest_v with_o such_o a_o unlimited_a power_n by_o god_n almighty_a to_o impose_v upon_o christian_n even_o the_o most_o absurd_a matter_n at_o leisure_n without_o be_v liable_a to_o be_v contrâ—â—ued_v by_o any_o power_n upon_o earth_n or_o they_o must_v demonstrate_v that_o christian_n have_v absolute_o submit_v their_o faith_n to_o the_o clergy_n and_o that_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o every_o thing_n which_o shall_v be_v ordain_v by_o they_o shall_v be_v receive_v for_o truth_n with_o all_o imaginable_a submission_n and_o patience_n but_o because_o it_o will_v savour_v of_o too_o much_o impudence_n to_o pretend_v to_o the_o first_o it_o lie_v then_o at_o their_o door_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o clergy_n and_o their_o supreme_a head_n do_v never_o err_v either_o in_o point_n of_o doctrine_n ceremony_n or_o church-government_n all_o which_o have_v be_v sufficient_o demonstrate_v to_o the_o contrary_a by_o the_o consent_n of_o several_a christian_a nation_n we_o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o when_o any_o abuse_n be_v creep_v into_o the_o church_n which_o be_v prejudicial_a to_o the_o commonwealth_n or_o the_o authority_n of_o sovereign_n these_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o sovereign_a right_n and_o prerogative_n have_v a_o power_n to_o abolish_v and_o reform_v all_o such_o matter_n as_o interfere_v with_o the_o public_a good_a and_o civil_a authority_n at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o in_o a_o case_n of_o such_o moment_n it_o may_v be_v very_o convenient_a to_o acquaint_v the_o people_n with_o the_o reason_n of_o such_o a_o reformation_n lest_o they_o shall_v be_v surprise_v at_o it_o and_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o innovation_n which_o may_v prove_v of_o dangerous_a consequence_n and_o if_o especial_o the_o right_n of_o the_o people_n be_v invade_v by_o these_o abuse_n this_o reformation_n ought_v to_o be_v undertake_v with_o the_o knowledge_n and_o approbation_n of_o the_o subject_n it_o may_v be_v object_v that_o by_o such_o a_o reformation_n division_n be_v raise_v in_o the_o church_n but_o this_o be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o matter_n of_o no_o great_a weight_n such_o a_o division_n be_v not_o to_o be_v impute_v to_o those_o that_o rectify_v such_o error_n but_o to_o those_o that_o obstinate_o refuse_v to_o return_v into_o the_o right_a path_n either_o out_o â—_o self-interest_n or_o pride_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o obvious_a out_o of_o the_o ancient_a ecclesiastical_a history_n than_o that_o such_o as_o be_v plain_o convict_v of_o a_o error_n use_v to_o be_v exclude_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n but_o such_o as_o begin_v a_o reformation_n upon_o a_o good_a and_o legal_a account_n can_v under_o no_o colour_n whatsoever_o be_v accuse_v of_o schism_n or_o rebellion_n for_o those_o be_v rebel_n who_o by_o forcible_a way_n endeavour_v to_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o the_o allegiance_n due_a to_o their_o lawful_a sovereign_n whereas_o all_o such_o as_o free_v themselves_o from_o abuse_n unjust_o impose_v upon_o they_o without_o their_o own_o consent_n or_o any_o divine_a authority_n rather_o deserve_v to_o be_v style_v defender_n of_o their_o own_o liberty_n and_o conscience_n especial_o if_o these_o abuse_n and_o error_n be_v dangerous_a to_o their_o soul_n for_o no_o teacher_n no_o bishop_n no_o convention_n whatsoever_o be_v ever_o invest_v with_o a_o absolute_a power_n of_o domineer_a over_o christian_n at_o pleasure_n so_o that_o no_o remedy_n shall_v be_v leave_v against_o their_o usurpation_n it_o can_v therefore_o but_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o great_a piece_n of_o impudence_n in_o the_o roman_n catholic_n party_n when_o they_o assume_v to_o themselves_o whole_o and_o entire_o the_o title_n of_o the_o church_n with_o exclusion_n to_o all_o other_o that_o be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o communion_n for_o they_o either_o must_v pretend_v their_o church_n to_o be_v the_o universal_a or_o else_o a_o particular_a church_n by_o the_o universal_a church_n be_v according_a to_o the_o tenure_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n understand_v the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o the_o believer_n wheresoever_o disperse_v in_o the_o world_n who_o union_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o they_o acknowledge_v one_o god_n one_o redeemer_n one_o baptism_n one_o faith_n and_o eternal_a salvation_n from_o whence_o only_o be_v exclude_v such_o as_o pretend_v to_o dissolve_v this_o union_n that_o be_v who_o deny_v the_o true_a god_n and_o his_o son_n christ_n and_o who_o do_v not_o agree_v with_o the_o very_a fundamental_a principle_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n this_o be_v the_o true_a catholic_n church_n not_o the_o pope_n with_o his_o ecclesiastic_n and_o ceremony_n who_o impose_v their_o authority_n upon_o christendom_n and_o since_o those_o that_o for_o weighty_a reason_n have_v withdraw_v themselves_o from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n may_v and_o do_v believe_v a_o true_a baptism_n a_o true_a god_n and_o father_n a_o faith_n agreeable_a to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v for_o the_o universal_a church_n and_o that_o a_o christian_n may_v be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o true_a catholic_n church_n in_o a_o right_a sense_n notwithstanding_o that_o he_o never_o be_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n or_o upon_o better_a consideration_n have_v free_v himself_o from_o its_o abuse_n and_o error_n but_o the_o popish_a religion_n consider_v as_o a_o particular_a church_n as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v though_o if_o we_o unravel_v the_o bottom_n of_o its_o modern_a constitution_n it_o will_v easy_o appear_v that_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o that_o church_n be_v not_o so_o much_o adapt_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o a_o christian_a congregation_n as_o to_o a_o temporal_a state_n where_o under_o a_o religious_a pretext_n the_o chief_a aim_n be_v to_o extend_v its_o sovereignty_n over_o the_o great_a part_n of_o europe_n those_o that_o have_v withdraw_v themselves_o from_o that_o communion_n be_v no_o more_o to_o be_v count_v rebel_n than_o our_o modern_a philosopher_n be_v to_o be_v take_v for_o fool_n and_o madman_n because_o they_o differ_v in_o opinion_n from_o aristotle_n for_o all_o believer_n who_o adhere_v to_o the_o true_a faith_n be_v in_o regard_n of_o their_o head_n jesus_n christ_n of_o a_o equal_a degree_n and_o aim_n all_o at_o the_o same_o end_n and_o christ_n have_v give_v this_o promise_n to_o all_o believer_n that_o where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o 20._o mat._n 18._o 20._o in_o his_o name_n there_o will_v he_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o no_o church_n can_v claim_v any_o prerogative_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o number_n of_o its_o adherent_n what_o the_o romanist_n allege_v for_o themselves_o out_o of_o the_o apostolical_a creed_n be_v so_o full_a of_o absurdity_n that_o it_o contradict_v itself_o viz._n out_o of_o these_o word_n i_o believe_v one_o holy_a catholic_n and_o apostolical_a church_n for_o except_o they_o can_v cajole_v we_o into_o a_o belief_n that_o these_o word_n imply_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v there_o be_v but_o one_o true_a church_n upon_o earth_n which_o be_v the_o roman_n catholic_n there_o be_v no_o other_o beside_o that_o i_o can_v see_v what_o inference_n can_v be_v draw_v from_o thence_o to_o their_o advantage_n beside_o that_o the_o very_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n contradict_v this_o interpretation_n if_o reason_n the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o experience_n itself_o do_v not_o sufficient_o convince_v we_o to_o the_o contrary_n it_o be_v beyond_o contradiction_n that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o true_a church_n upon_o earth_n there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n one_o christ_n one_o baptism_n and_o one_o faith_n but_o concern_v one_o point_n many_o error_n and_o abuse_n may_v be_v commit_v neither_o have_v the_o popish_a party_n any_o reason_n to_o brag_v of_o a_o particular_a holiness_n especial_o concern_v these_o matter_n wherein_o they_o differ_v from_o the_o protestant_n the_o word_n catholic_n relate_v here_o to_o a_o doctrine_n not_o to_o a_o sovereign_a state_n who_o authority_n be_v to_o be_v universal_a over_o christendom_n so_o that_o that_o church_n be_v to_o be_v esteem_v a_o catholic_n church_n which_o
contain_v every_o particular_a point_n of_o doctrine_n in_o the_o true_a sense_n as_o they_o be_v propose_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o those_o be_v call_v heretic_n who_o only_o profess_v some_o particular_a point_n out_o of_o the_o holy_a writ_n for_o such_o as_o absolute_o reject_v it_o be_v count_v infidel_n and_o reprobate_n but_o either_o deny_v or_o explain_v the_o rest_n in_o a_o wrong_n and_o pervert_v sense_n how_o can_v the_o popish_a clergy_n therefore_o assume_v the_o title_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n before_o they_o have_v and_o that_o without_o contradiction_n prove_v every_o point_n of_o their_o faith_n out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n or_o exclude_v we_o protestant_n from_o that_o title_n till_o they_o have_v prove_v that_o our_o doctrine_n be_v contrary_a to_o it_o last_o it_o be_v call_v the_o apostolical_a church_n as_o be_v found_v upon_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o true_a church_n lose_v nothing_o of_o its_o intrinsic_a value_n whether_o it_o have_v be_v plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n or_o whether_o the_o apostolical_a doctrine_n have_v be_v transmit_v to_o they_o by_o other_o §_o 54._o but_o it_o be_v not_o a_o very_a difficult_a task_n to_o religion_n whether_o subject_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o their_o sovereign_n may_v separate_v themselves_o from_o a_o erroneous_a religion_n introduce_v a_o reformation_n in_o religion_n with_o the_o mutual_a consent_n of_o sovereign_n and_o subject_n so_o it_o may_v be_v question_v whether_o subject_n may_v attempt_v a_o reformation_n when_o their_o sovereign_n and_o the_o whole_a clergy_n or_o at_o least_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v their_o error_n but_o rather_o pretend_v to_o maintain_v it_o in_o this_o case_n it_o be_v our_o opinion_n that_o provide_v these_o error_n â—o_o touch_v the_o fundamental_a point_n of_o our_o 〈…〉_o subject_n as_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o â—ight_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n have_v attainâ—â—he_v true_a knowledge_n may_v separate_v themselves_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o that_o church_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o their_o sovereign_n of_o the_o clergy_n for_o every_o body_n be_v accountable_a to_o god_n for_o his_o religion_n and_o answerable_a for_o his_o own_o soul_n â—hose_v salvation_n can_v absolute_o be_v commit_v to_o any_o body_n else_o and_o a_o christian_a in_o matter_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o altogether_o to_o rely_v upon_o his_o sovereign_n or_o the_o clergy_n at_o lest_o no_o far_o than_o their_o doctrine_n be_v congruous_a with_o the_o holy_a scripture_n it_o be_v undeniable_a that_o subject_n may_v separate_v themselves_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o that_o church_n which_o be_v process_v by_o their_o sovereign_n and_o clergy_n provide_v they_o can_v make_v it_o evident_o appear_v that_o such_o a_o church_n be_v infect_v with_o gross_a abuse_n and_o dangerous_a error_n for_o the_o church_n be_v a_o college_n who_o member_n be_v not_o keep_v in_o union_n by_o any_o temporal_a power_n but_o by_o the_o union_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o whosoever_o relinquish_v that_o he_o dissolve_v the_o sacred_a tie_n of_o the_o believer_n beside_o that_o it_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a for_o our_o salvation_n that_o the_o church_n be_v compose_v of_o a_o great_a number_n but_o the_o same_o may_v be_v obtain_v either_o by_o a_o great_a or_o lesser_a number_n of_o the_o believer_n neither_o can_v this_o separation_n prove_v in_o the_o least_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o sovereign_a authority_n it_o be_v suppose_v that_o those_o who_o have_v separate_v themselves_o adhere_v to_o the_o true_a pure_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n free_a from_o all_o poison_n and_o principle_n dangerous_a or_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o government_n for_o civil_a society_n be_v not_o institute_v for_o religion_n sake_n neither_o do_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n participate_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o temporal_a state_n and_o therefore_o a_o prince_n that_o embrace_v the_o christian_a faith_n do_v not_o thereby_o acquire_v a_o absolute_a sovereignty_n over_o the_o church_n or_o man_n conscience_n so_o that_o if_o notwithstanding_o this_o separation_n the_o subject_n pay_v due_a allegiance_n to_o their_o prince_n in_o temporal_a affair_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n sufficient_a which_o can_v oblige_v he_o to_o trouble_v they_o mere_o upon_o the_o score_n of_o their_o conscience_n for_o what_o loss_n be_v it_o to_o the_o prince_n whether_o his_o subject_n be_v of_o the_o same_o religion_n with_o himself_o or_o of_o unother_n or_o which_o be_v suppose_v before_o whether_o they_o do_v maintain_v the_o same_o error_n as_o he_o do_v the_o case_n indeed_o will_v be_v quite_o different_a if_o they_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o their_o allegiance_n to_o set_v up_o a_o separate_a society_n without_o his_o consent_n though_o it_o be_v undeniable_a that_o there_o be_v some_o case_n of_o necessity_n when_o this_o civil_a tie_n or_o allegiance_n may_v be_v dissolve_v as_o for_o instance_n when_o subject_n for_o want_v of_o sufficient_a protection_n from_o their_o natural_a prince_n be_v so_o hardly_o press_v upon_o by_o a_o more_o potent_a enemy_n that_o they_o be_v force_v to_o submit_v to_o his_o power_n and_o grant_v the_o power_n of_o sovereign_n in_o the_o church_n to_o be_v much_o great_a than_o in_o effect_n it_o be_v subject_n be_v nevertheless_o bind_v to_o take_v care_n of_o their_o soul_n who_o salvation_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o all_o other_o thing_n in_o regard_n of_o which_o they_o may_v separate_v themselves_o from_o a_o establish_v religion_n provide_v they_o be_v convince_v of_o its_o error_n for_o that_o subject_a who_o sacrifice_n his_o life_n for_o his_o prince_n do_v doubtless_o a_o glorious_a action_n but_o what_o prince_n can_v be_v so_o unreasonable_a as_o to_o expect_v that_o his_o subject_n shall_v sacrifice_v their_o soul_n to_o the_o devil_n for_o his_o sake_n that_o prince_n therefore_o who_o do_v trouble_v his_o faithful_a subject_n for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o because_o they_o can_v conform_v to_o his_o opinion_n especial_o if_o they_o can_v maintain_v they_o out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n commit_v a_o act_n of_o injustice_n nay_o i_o can_v see_v how_o he_o can_v with_o justice_n force_v they_o out_o of_o his_o territory_n it_o be_v true_a he_o may_v refuse_v to_o receive_v heretic_n into_o his_o dominion_n unless_o it_o be_v for_o reason_n of_o state_n neither_o can_v a_o true_a believer_n take_v it_o amiss_o if_o he_o be_v not_o permit_v to_o settle_v in_o a_o commonwealth_n govern_v by_o heretic_n for_o the_o right_a of_o naturalisation_n belong_v to_o sovereign_n which_o they_o may_v refuse_v and_o give_v to_o who_o they_o think_v it_o convenient_a but_o as_o it_o be_v certain_o the_o great_a injustice_n in_o the_o world_n to_o force_v a_o inborn_a natural_a subject_n who_o have_v settle_v all_o his_o fortune_n in_o a_o commonwealth_n mere_o for_o his_o religion_n sake_n without_o be_v convict_v of_o his_o error_n out_o of_o his_o native_a country_n to_o the_o great_a detriment_n and_o danger_n of_o himself_o and_o his_o family_n so_o if_o a_o subject_a incline_v voluntary_o to_o leave_v his_o native_a country_n either_o to_o avoid_v the_o frown_n of_o his_o prince_n or_o the_o hatred_n of_o the_o clergy_n and_o common_a people_n and_o to_o serve_v god_n with_o more_o freedom_n according_a to_o his_o own_o conscience_n it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v refuse_v by_o his_o sovereign_n i_o remember_v there_o be_v a_o certain_a proverb_n use_v among_o the_o german_n viz._n he_o that_o command_v the_o country_n command_v religion_n but_o this_o can_v be_v apply_v to_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o roman_n catholic_n religion_n who_o can_v lay_v any_o claim_n to_o it_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o popish_a clergy_n do_v not_o allow_v any_o such_o thing_n to_o these_o prince_n and_o as_o to_o what_o concern_v the_o protestant_a estate_n of_o germany_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o they_o make_v use_v of_o this_o pretention_n against_o the_o emperor_n at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o reformation_n which_o however_o ought_v to_o be_v thus_o interpret_v that_o they_o deny_v the_o emperor_n to_o have_v any_o power_n of_o intermeddle_v in_o the_o affair_n relate_v to_o their_o own_o dominion_n not_o that_o only_o they_o claim_v it_o as_o belong_v to_o the_o right_n of_o sovereignty_n to_o impose_v any_o religion_n though_o never_o so_o false_a upon_o their_o subject_n notwithstanding_o all_o which_o there_o be_v not_o want_v example_n that_o prince_n have_v act_v conformable_a to_o this_o proverb_n with_o their_o subject_n a_o prince_n who_o trouble_v his_o faithful_a subject_n mere_o upon_o the_o score_n of_o religion_n commit_v a_o gross_a error_n no_o christian_a prince_n be_v oblige_v to_o propagate_v his_o religion_n by_o forcible_a mean_n provide_v his_o subject_n stand_v firm_a to_o their_o allegiance_n to_o he_o
he_o be_v not_o answerable_a in_o particular_a for_o their_o religion_n it_o can_v be_v take_v notice_n of_o without_o astonishment_n how_o both_o in_o former_a time_n and_o our_o age_n some_o prince_n who_o be_v natural_o not_o incline_v to_o cruelty_n have_v in_o other_o respect_v give_v great_a proof_n of_o their_o clemency_n yet_o have_v be_v prevail_v upon_o to_o raise_v the_o most_o horrid_a persecution_n against_o their_o subject_n bare_o upon_o the_o score_n of_o religion_n but_o it_o have_v be_v foretell_v in_o holy_a scripture_n that_o this_o fate_n shall_v attend_v the_o christian_a church_n when_o it_o be_v say_v that_o mighty_a king_n upon_o earth_n shall_v commit_v 3._o rev._n 18._o 3._o whoredom_n with_o the_o whore_n of_o babylon_n and_o who_o be_v ignorant_a that_o gallant_n will_v often_o commit_v the_o most_o barbarous_a act_n mere_o to_o please_v their_o harlot_n all_o true_a christian_n therefore_o ought_v courageous_o to_o oppose_v the_o threat_n and_o attempt_v of_o this_o beast_n commit_v the_o rest_n to_o divine_a providence_n and_o as_o for_o such_o prince_n and_o state_n as_o have_v shake_v off_o the_o yoke_n of_o popish_a slavery_n if_o they_o serious_o reflect_v how_o their_o fellow-protestants_a be_v persecute_v and_o in_o what_o barbarous_a manner_n they_o be_v treat_v will_n questionless_a without_o my_o advice_n take_v such_o measure_n as_o may_v be_v most_o convenient_a for_o to_o secure_v themselves_o from_o so_o imminent_a a_o danger_n the_o follow_a animadversion_n make_v by_o the_o author_n upon_o some_o passage_n of_o a_o book_n entitle_v a_o political_a epitome_n concern_v the_o power_n of_o sovereign_n in_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n write_a by_o adrian_z houtuyn_n have_v a_o very_a near_o relation_n to_o the_o former_a treatise_n it_o be_v thought_n sit_v to_o insert_v they_o here_o by_o way_n of_o appendix_n it_o be_v a_o question_n of_o the_o great_a moment_n which_o if_o right_o determine_v tend_v to_o the_o benefit_n of_o mankind_n in_o general_n viz._n unto_o who_o and_o under_o what_o limitation_n the_o power_n in_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n be_v to_o be_v ascribe_v in_o the_o state_n if_o the_o old_a proverb_n that_o those_o who_o choose_v the_o middle_a way_n be_v common_o the_o most_o successful_a have_v not_o lose_v its_o force_n it_o may_v without_o question_n be_v most_o proper_o apply_v in_o this_o case_n where_o both_o extreme_n be_v equal_o dangerous_a since_o thereby_o the_o conscience_n of_o subject_n be_v leave_v to_o the_o arbitrary_a disposal_n either_o of_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n or_o their_o sovereign_n there_o have_v not_o be_v want_v both_o in_o the_o last_o and_o our_o age_n man_n eminent_a for_o their_o learning_n who_o have_v with_o very_o solid_a argument_n oppose_v the_o tyranny_n of_o the_o first_o it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a for_o we_o to_o take_v heed_n that_o since_o we_o have_v escape_v the_o danger_n of_o scylla_n we_o may_v not_o be_v swallow_v up_o by_o charybdis_n for_o as_o scarce_o any_o body_n that_o be_v in_o his_o right_a sense_n can_v go_v about_o to_o deny_v that_o the_o sovereign_a power_n owe_v its_o original_a either_o to_o god_n or_o the_o general_a consent_n of_o the_o people_n so_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n mutual_o advantageous_a both_o to_o the_o prince_n and_o subject_n to_o understand_v how_o far_o this_o power_n be_v limit_v in_o the_o state_n that_o the_o first_o may_v not_o transgress_v their_o due_a bound_n and_o instead_o of_o be_v father_n of_o their_o subject_n prove_v their_o most_o dangerous_a enemy_n adrian_n houtuyn_n a_o civilian_n in_o holland_n have_v in_o a_o treatise_n call_v a_o political_a epitome_n insert_v several_a assertion_n tend_v to_o the_o latter_a of_o these_o two_o extreme_n and_o it_o have_v be_v observe_v of_o late_a that_o this_o book_n have_v be_v recommend_v by_o some_o doctor_n in_o the_o law_n to_o the_o great_a detriment_n of_o young_a student_n i_o think_v it_o not_o amiss_o to_o make_v some_o animadversion_n upon_o his_o lxiii_o and_o follow_v section_n which_o may_v serve_v as_o a_o guide_n to_o the_o young_a sort_n lest_o they_o under_o the_o cloak_n of_o assert_v the_o prerogative_n of_o sovereign_n may_v be_v mislead_v into_o the_o latter_a of_o these_o extreme_n and_o attribute_n that_o to_o the_o prince_n which_o god_n have_v reserve_v as_o his_o own_o prerogative_n and_o thus_o irrecoverable_o play_v the_o prodigal_n with_o their_o own_o liberty_n and_o property_n this_o author_n speak_v concern_v the_o prerogative_n of_o prince_n sect._n lxiii_o run_v on_o thus_o he_o have_v a_o uncontrolled_a power_n over_o all_o external_n ecclesiastical_a affair_n which_o be_v not_o determine_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n he_o allege_v for_o a_o reason_n because_o that_o power_n be_v grant_v to_o sovereign_n at_o the_o same_o time_n when_o subject_n submit_v themselves_o and_o their_o fortune_n to_o their_o disposal_n but_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v take_v into_o consideration_n that_o certain_a matter_n belong_v to_o the_o external_a exercise_n of_o religious_a worship_n have_v so_o strict_a a_o union_n with_o the_o internal_a part_n that_o if_o the_o first_o be_v not_o dispose_v in_o a_o manner_n agreeable_a to_o this_o inseparable_a tie_n the_o latter_a must_v of_o necessity_n undergo_v such_o alteration_n as_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o its_o nature_n and_o since_o mr._n houtuyn_n do_v not_o leave_v the_o internal_a part_n to_o the_o disposal_n of_o sovereign_n how_o can_v the_o exterior_a worship_n be_v submit_v to_o their_o mere_a pleasure_n consider_v this_o strict_a union_n betwixt_o they_o beside_o this_o general_a submission_n he_o speak_v of_o admit_v of_o limitation_n in_o regard_n of_o that_o end_n for_o which_o civil_a society_n be_v institute_v which_o be_v the_o mutual_a defence_n against_o violence_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o there_o be_v certain_a matter_n belong_v to_o every_o private_a person_n derive_v from_o the_o state_n of_o natural_a freedom_n which_o be_v not_o absolute_o leave_v to_o the_o disposal_n of_o sovereign_n at_o least_o no_o further_o than_o they_o be_v necessary_a to_o obtain_v that_o end_n religion_n have_v not_o any_o relation_n to_o this_o end_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o subject_n do_v submit_v their_o religion_n to_o the_o arbitrary_a pleasure_n of_o sovereign_n and_o it_o be_v unquestionable_a that_o subject_n may_v exercise_v certain_a act_n belong_v to_o they_o by_o virtue_n of_o a_o inherent_a right_n derive_v from_o the_o free_a state_n of_o nature_n and_o independent_a from_o their_o sovereign_n it_o may_v rational_o be_v conclude_v that_o when_o subject_n do_v submit_v themselves_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n to_o their_o sovereign_n it_o be_v do_v with_o this_o supposition_n that_o both_o the_o prince_n and_o subject_n be_v of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o religion_n and_o that_o the_o external_a exercise_n of_o religious_a worship_n be_v not_o leave_v to_o the_o disposal_n of_o the_o first_o any_o further_a than_o in_o such_o matter_n as_o be_v indifferent_a in_o regard_n of_o the_o internal_a part_n of_o it_o what_o be_v allege_v concern_v the_o the_o maintain_v a_o good_a order_n and_o avoid_v of_o confusion_n it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o this_o be_v not_o the_o main_a end_n for_o which_o civil_a society_n be_v institute_v nor_o have_v it_o any_o relation_n to_o it_o but_o only_o thus_o far_o as_o it_o may_v be_v instrumental_a to_o maintain_v the_o public_a tranquillity_n as_o to_o n._n 2._o it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o because_o priest_n have_v a_o dependence_n from_o the_o civil_a power_n in_o certain_a respect_n belong_v to_o its_o jurisdiction_n this_o do_v not_o involve_v religion_n consider_v as_o such_o under_o the_o same_o subjection_n the_o follow_a word_n ought_v also_o to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o a_o christian_a prince_n command_v over_o the_o church_n as_o be_v a_o college_n and_o represent_v one_o single_a person_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n the_o church_n thus_o consider_v be_v a_o civil_a society_n or_o body_n politic_a found_v upon_o the_o public_a authority_n and_o power_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v regard_v as_o be_v in_o the_o same_o condition_n with_o other_o college_n and_o body_n politic_a and_o in_o this_o sense_n a_o king_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n in_o his_o dominion_n whoever_o will_v consider_v the_o real_a difference_n betwixt_o the_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n must_v needs_o find_v as_o many_o error_n as_o there_o be_v word_n here_o for_o because_o a_o prince_n have_v the_o sovereign_a jurisdiction_n in_o a_o commonweath_n consist_v of_o christian_a subject_n no_o inference_n be_v to_o be_v make_v that_o therefore_o he_o may_v in_o the_o same_o degree_n exercise_v his_o sovereignty_n in_o the_o church_n as_o in_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o that_o in_o the_o same_o sense_n he_o may_v be_v call_v the_o supreme_a head_n of_o the_o church_n as_o of_o the_o