be_v a_o christian_a church_n in_o a_o commonwealth_n that_o be_v not_o christian_n indeed_o in_o that_o case_n the_o christian_n take_v personal_o be_v member_n not_o sever_v from_o the_o commonwealth_n but_o part_n of_o it_o but_o the_o spiritual_a society_n which_o they_o make_v be_v no_o part_n of_o it_o but_o real_o sever_v from_o it_o when_o a_o commonwealth_n become_v christian_a the_o church_n be_v not_o to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o swallow_v up_o in_o the_o commonwealth_n but_o they_o remain_v distinct_a society_n notwithstanding_o the_o intimate_a conjunction_n that_o be_v between_o they_o and_o they_o differ_v in_o their_o kind_n and_o formal_a state_n from_o each_o other_o the_o foundation_n upon_o which_o the_o commonwealth_n rest_v and_o its_o constitutive_a part_n formal_o take_v be_v of_o another_o nature_n than_o the_o foundation_n on_o which_o the_o church_n rest_v and_o its_o constitutive_a part_n formal_o take_v the_o former_a be_v immediate_o found_v in_o humane_a law_n and_o compact_n and_o essential_o make_v up_o of_o several_a order_n and_o rank_n of_o man_n diverse_o endue_v with_o temporal_a qualification_n power_n and_o liberty_n join_v by_o civil_a band_n and_o subordinate_a one_o to_o another_o but_o the_o latter_a be_v immediate_o found_v in_o divine_a law_n not_o only_o natural_a but_o positive_a and_o essential_o make_v up_o of_o several_a order_n and_o rank_n of_o man_n spiritual_o distinguish_v and_o endue_v with_o spiritual_a qualification_n power_n and_o liberty_n join_v by_o spiritual_a band_n and_o subordinate_a one_o to_o another_o hereupon_o none_o become_v member_n of_o the_o church_n mere_o as_o member_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o none_o become_v cives_fw-la or_o member_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n mere_o as_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o they_o that_o be_v deprive_v of_o the_o right_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n may_v still_o enjoy_v the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n and_o they_o that_o be_v deprive_v of_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n may_v still_o enjoy_v the_o right_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n indeed_o a_o christian_a commonwealth_n ultimate_o intend_v those_o high_a and_o excellent_a end_n which_o the_o church_n do_v next_o and_o immediate_o viz._n the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o eternal_a happiness_n of_o man_n and_o procure_v the_o same_o in_o its_o own_o way_n as_o the_o church_n do_v in_o its_o way_n and_o the_o magistrate_n and_o officer_n of_o a_o commonwealth_n must_v proceed_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o christianity_n in_o their_o civil_a administration_n as_o well_o as_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n in_o their_o sacred_a administration_n and_o they_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o christ_n the_o mediator_n not_o only_o as_o christian_n but_o as_o magistrate_n and_o christianity_n do_v influence_n its_o professor_n consider_v as_o member_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o church_n in_o these_o respect_n such_o a_o commonwealth_n have_v attain_v a_o more_o excellent_a state_n and_o exist_v in_o a_o more_o perfect_a mode_n than_o other_o commonwealth_n nevertheless_o the_o church_n be_v another_o and_o high_a thing_n than_o that_o high_a mode_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n as_o christian_a and_o have_v a_o essential_o different_a polity_n be_v a_o society_n of_o another_o foundation_n and_o specifical_o different_a constitution_n it_o be_v questionable_a to_o say_v the_o least_o whether_o the_o civil_a power_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o the_o spiritual_a power_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n may_v lawful_o reside_v in_o the_o same_o person_n i_o do_v not_o now_o speak_v of_o that_o power_n in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v objective_o ecclesiastical_a but_o formal_o civil_a such_o as_o be_v the_o king_n supremacy_n in_o all_o cause_n and_o over_o all_o person_n ecclesiastical_a within_o his_o dominion_n but_o of_o power_n formal_o spiritual_a and_o if_o both_o spiritual_a and_o civil_a power_n may_v lawful_o reside_v in_o the_o same_o person_n yet_o that_o person_n though_o natural_o but_o one_o will_v be_v political_o two_o and_o the_o people_n subordinate_a to_o he_o in_o those_o two_o capacity_n though_o they_o be_v the_o same_o person_n yet_o they_o will_v be_v two_o society_n distinguish_v in_o their_o essential_a form_n when_o the_o commonwealth_n fail_v the_o church_n may_v still_o subsist_v and_o when_o the_o church_n fail_v the_o commonwealth_n may_v still_o subsist_v the_o commonwealth_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o be_v a_o theocracy_n suffer_v a_o intercision_n during_o the_o babylonish_n captivity_n yet_o their_o church_n then_o remain_v though_o it_o be_v great_o wound_v it_o be_v not_o extinct_a and_o afterward_o when_o they_o be_v no_o commonwealth_n of_o themselves_o but_o a_o province_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n their_o ecclesiastical_a society_n and_o polity_n stand_v entire_a till_o it_o be_v to_o give_v place_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n §_o 4._o of_o the_o church_n as_o visible_a and_o invisible_a the_o notion_n of_o visible_a and_o invisible_a must_v not_o here_o be_v take_v strict_o for_o that_o which_o be_v or_o be_v not_o the_o object_n of_o see_v only_o but_o of_o other_o sensitive_a perception_n or_o of_o any_o humane_a intuition_n all_o other_o society_n of_o man_n admit_v not_o this_o distinction_n because_o they_o be_v constitute_v in_o their_o formal_a be_v by_o thing_n that_o do_v appear_v outward_o but_o this_o of_o the_o church_n be_v constitute_v in_o its_o formal_a be_v primary_o by_o thing_n that_o in_o themselves_o do_v not_o appear_v outward_o and_o but_o secondary_o by_o thing_n that_o appear_v as_o expression_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o in_o themselves_o appear_v not_o the_o church_n be_v a_o society_n of_o regenerate_a person_n join_v to_o the_o lord_n christ_n as_o their_o head_n and_o to_o one_o another_o as_o fellow-member_n by_o a_o mystical_a union_n through_o the_o holy_a ghost_n reside_v in_o they_o all_o and_o through_o faith_n unfeigned_a towards_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o holy_a love_n towards_o one_o another_o justify_v sanctify_a and_o adopt_v to_o the_o inheritance_n of_o eternal_a glory_n now_o the_o say_a qualification_n relation_n and_o privilege_n be_v in_o themselves_o hide_v from_o man_n knowledge_n and_o judgement_n do_v primary_o constitute_v the_o church_n which_o be_v thereupon_o in_o its_o primary_n consideration_n a_o society_n mystical_a and_o invisible_a it_o be_v also_o a_o society_n of_o person_n profess_v christianity_n or_o regeneration_n and_o external_o join_v to_o christ_n and_o to_o one_o another_o by_o the_o profession_n of_o unfeigned_a faith_n and_o love_n and_o by_o the_o symbol_n of_o that_o profession_n and_o partaker_n of_o the_o external_a privilege_n belong_v to_o it_o and_o according_a to_o this_o external_a constitution_n which_o be_v necessary_a though_o it_o be_v not_o primary_n it_o be_v name_v visible_a so_o then_o the_o church_n invisible_a and_o visible_a be_v not_o two_o society_n but_o the_o same_o society_n distinguish_v by_o its_o divers_a formal_a consideration_n and_o constitution_n the_o one_o primary_n the_o other_o secondary_a and_o the_o former_a be_v not_o for_o the_o latter_a but_o the_o latter_a for_o the_o former_a these_o two_o distinct_a consideration_n or_o mode_n or_o form_n of_o the_o same_o society_n be_v not_o commensurate_a to_o each_o other_o but_o the_o church_n in_o its_o visible_a form_n be_v of_o a_o large_a extent_n than_o in_o its_o invisible_a form_n for_o many_o profess_v christianity_n or_o dedication_n to_o god_n in_o christ_n that_o be_v not_o real_o that_o be_v hearty_o and_o entire_o so_o dedicate_v this_o society_n as_o understand_v in_o the_o complete_a notion_n thereof_o can_v be_v extend_v any_o further_a than_o its_o primary_n that_o be_v its_o invisible_a form_n do_v reach_v whatsoever_o lie_v without_o that_o compass_n be_v but_o the_o shadow_n without_o the_o substance_n the_o image_n without_o the_o life_n thereof_o and_o therefore_o all_o they_o that_o be_v join_v to_o it_o mere_o according_a to_o its_o visible_a form_n be_v of_o it_o not_o adequate_o univocal_o and_o simple_o but_o inadequate_o analogical_o &_o secundum_fw-la quid_fw-la they_o that_o upon_o their_o credible_a profession_n be_v of_o this_o society_n but_o analogical_o as_o to_o the_o external_a form_n only_o have_v just_a right_n and_o title_n to_o its_o external_a privilege_n according_a to_o their_o capacity_n and_o disposedness_n before_o they_o that_o can_v discern_v and_o direct_o judge_v only_o of_o thing_n that_o appear_v outward_o so_o that_o if_o man_n debar_v they_o of_o those_o privilege_n they_o do_v they_o wrong_n for_o though_o god_n allow_v they_o not_o and_o thâ—y_v have_v no_o right_n in_o his_o judgement_n which_o be_v always_o according_a to_o truth_n and_o not_o bate_v appearance_n yet_o he_o have_v command_v man_n to_o admit_v they_o and_o consequent_o give_v they_o right_o before_o man_n credible_a profession_n in_o whatsoever_o degree_n high_a or_o low_o can_v ground_n but_o a_o judgement_n of_o charity_n
be_v refer_v to_o a_o synod_n consist_v of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n other_o precept_n give_v they_o be_v above_o the_o proper_a work_n of_o a_o bishop_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n to_o erect_v and_o govern_v church_n in_o a_o hundred_o city_n and_o to_o govern_v such_o presbyter_n who_o according_a to_o dr._n hammond_n be_v bishop_n belong_v not_o to_o a_o ordinary_a bishop_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n wherefore_o this_o latter_a sort_n of_o duty_n belong_v to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n as_o evangelist_n or_o general_a minister_n who_o have_v a_o kind_n of_o vice-apostolick_a office_n of_o which_o sort_n be_v barnabas_n silas_n apollo_n titus_n timothy_n and_o epaphroditus_n and_o other_o ambrose_n on_o eph._n 4._o say_v they_o be_v style_v evangelist_n who_o do_v evangelizare_fw-la sine_fw-la cathedra_fw-la it_o often_o happen_v that_o those_o unfixed_a officer_n reside_v for_o a_o long_a time_n in_o some_o place_n and_o then_o they_o manage_v the_o affair_n of_o those_o church_n in_o chief_a during_o the_o time_n of_o their_o residence_n §_o 10._o concern_v the_o angel_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n it_o be_v much_o insist_v on_o that_o these_o angel_n be_v bishop_n of_o a_o superior_a order_n to_o that_o of_o presbyter_n whereupon_o let_v it_o be_v consider_v 1._o that_o the_o title_n of_o star_n and_o angel_n be_v not_o proper_a but_o figurative_a and_o mystical_a name_n make_v use_v of_o in_o a_o mystical_a book_n and_o that_o the_o say_v name_n be_v common_a to_o all_o minister_n gregory_n the_o great_a l._n 34._o mor._n on_o joâ—_n c._n 4._o say_v that_o these_o angel_n be_v the_o preacher_n of_o the_o church_n 2._o that_o the_o name_n angel_n may_v be_v take_v collective_o not_o individual_o augustine_n homily_n on_o the_o apoc_n on_o these_o word_n i_o will_v remove_v thy_o candlestick_n say_v that_o john_n call_v the_o church_n the_o angel_n as_o the_o civil_a state_n of_o the_o pagano-christian_a empire_n be_v call_v the_o beast_n and_o the_o ecclesiastical_a state_n the_o whore_n so_o angel_n may_v signify_v the_o whole_a presbytery_n but_o put_v in_o the_o singular_a number_n to_o hold_v proportion_n to_o the_o seven_o star_n which_o signify_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o the_o seven_o candlestick_n in_o these_o epistle_n to_o the_o church_n there_o be_v indication_n that_o not_o a_o single_a person_n but_o a_o company_n be_v represent_v under_o this_o name_n rev._n 2.10_o 16_o 24_o 25._o 3._o beza_n say_v that_o this_o angel_n be_v only_o praeses_fw-la indeed_o he_o to_o who_o the_o title_n of_o bishop_n be_v appropriate_v by_o the_o ancient_a father_n be_v the_o precedent_n of_o the_o presbytery_n ambrose_n on_o 1_o tim._n c._n 3._o say_v he_o be_v the_o bishop_n who_o be_v first_o among_o the_o presbyter_n this_o priority_n or_o presidency_n be_v in_o history_n observe_v to_o have_v begin_v first_o at_o alexandria_n the_o people_n whereof_o above_o other_o man_n be_v give_v to_o schism_n and_o sedition_n as_o socrates_n say_v of_o they_o l_o 7._o c._n 13._o if_o this_o presidency_n begin_v at_o alexandria_n upon_o the_o death_n of_o mark_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v long_o before_o the_o death_n of_o john_n the_o apostle_n howbeit_o clement_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n take_v no_o notice_n of_o such_o a_o priority_n or_o presidency_n of_o one_o above_o the_o rest_n in_o that_o church_n and_o jerome_n have_v mention_v john_n as_o the_o last_o of_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o afterward_o one_o be_v set_v over_o the_o rest_n now_o whereas_o i_o call_v the_o imparity_n of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n a_o apostolical_a tradition_n it_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o with_o he_o a_o apostolical_a tradition_n and_o ecclesiastical_a custom_n be_v the_o same_o but_o the_o main_a thing_n still_o remain_v unprove_v for_o aught_o that_o be_v to_o be_v gather_v from_o this_o title_n of_o angel_n or_o from_o any_o thing_n contain_v in_o these_o epistle_n to_o the_o asian_a church_n namely_o that_o these_o angel_n whatsoever_o they_o may_v be_v be_v bishop_n of_o a_o superior_a order_n than_o that_o of_o presbyter_n or_o that_o they_o have_v a_o superiority_n of_o jurisdiction_n over_o the_o presbyter_n or_o that_o they_o be_v bishop_n set_v over_o divers_a settle_a church_n or_o fix_v congregation_n with_o their_o pastor_n or_o that_o they_o have_v the_o sole_a power_n of_o jurisdiction_n and_o ordination_n the_o main_a point_n in_o controversy_n be_v not_o whether_o bishop_n but_o whether_o such_o as_o the_o present_a diocesan_n bishop_n have_v continue_v from_o the_o apostle_n time_n to_o this_o age._n the_o ancient_a bishop_n be_v the_o officer_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n not_o a_o general_a officer_n of_o many_o church_n he_o be_v not_o a_o bishop_n of_o bishop_n that_o be_v he_o do_v not_o assume_v a_o power_n of_o roll_a bishop_n who_o have_v their_o proper_a state_v church_n cypr._n in_o conc._n carth._n say_v none_o of_o we_o call_v himself_o or_o make_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o bishop_n of_o bishop_n or_o by_o tyrannical_a terror_n drive_v his_o colleague_n to_o a_o necessity_n of_o obey_v the_o ancient_a bishop_n do_v not_o govern_v alone_o but_o in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o presbyter_n of_o his_o church_n he_o do_v not_o and_o may_v not_o ordain_v without_o the_o counsel_n of_o his_o clergy_n ignatius_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o trall_n say_v what_o be_v the_o presbytery_n but_o the_o sacred_a assembly_n of_o the_o councillor_n and_o confessor_n of_o the_o bishop_n cyprian_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o cornelius_n wish_v he_o to_o read_v his_o letter_n to_o the_o flourish_a clergy_n at_o rome_n that_o do_v preside_v with_o he_o id._n l._n 3._o ep._n 14._o erasm_n edit_fw-la from_o the_o beginning_n of_o my_o episcopacy_n i_o resolve_v to_o do_v nothing_o without_o your_o counsel_n and_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o my_o people_n 4._o conc._n carthag_n 23._o the_o sentence_n of_o a_o bishop_n shall_v be_v void_a without_o the_o presence_n of_o his_o cleric_o council_n caâ—thag_fw-mi c._n 22._o let_v not_o a_o bishop_n ordain_v clericks_n without_o a_o council_n of_o his_o cleric_o the_o present_a ecclesiastical_a government_n compare_v with_o the_o ancient_a episcopacy_n it_o be_v common_o object_v against_o the_o nonconformist_n that_o they_o be_v enemy_n to_o episcopacy_n and_o that_o they_o renounce_v the_o ancient_a government_n receive_v in_o all_o the_o church_n the_o truth_n of_o this_o objection_n may_v easy_o be_v believe_v by_o those_o that_o hear_v of_o episcopal_a government_n and_o consider_v only_o the_o name_n thereof_o which_o have_v continue_v the_o same_o till_o now_o but_o not_o the_o thing_n signify_v by_o that_o name_n which_o be_v so_o change_v that_o it_o be_v of_o another_o nature_n and_o kind_n from_o what_o be_v in_o the_o first_o age_n there_o be_v nonconformist_n who_o think_v they_o be_v more_o for_o the_o ancient_a episcopacy_n than_o the_o assertor_n of_o the_o present_a hierarchy_n be_v and_o who_o believe_v they_o be_v able_a to_o make_v it_o evident_a may_v they_o be_v permit_v something_o to_o this_o purpose_n be_v here_o in_o a_o short_a scheme_n tender_v to_o consideration_n and_o proof_n be_v ready_a to_o be_v make_v of_o each_o particular_a here_o assert_v touch_v the_o state_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n 1._o in_o the_o first_o age_n a_o political_a church_n constitute_v as_o well_o for_o government_n and_o discipline_n as_o for_o divine_a worship_n be_v one_o particular_a society_n of_o christian_n have_v its_o proper_a and_o immediate_a bishop_n or_o bishop_n pastor_n or_o pastor_n in_o these_o time_n the_o low_a political_a church_n be_v a_o diocese_n usual_o consist_v of_o many_o hundred_o parish_n have_v according_a to_o the_o hierarchical_a principle_n no_o bishop_n but_o the_o diocesan_n yet_o these_o parish_n be_v state_v ecclesiastical_a society_n have_v their_o proper_a pastor_n be_v real_o so_o many_o particular_a church_n 2._o in_o the_o first_o age_n the_o bishop_n be_v bishop_n of_o one_o state_v ecclesiastical_a society_n or_o particular_a church_n but_o in_o the_o present_a age_n bishop_n that_o be_v of_o the_o low_a rank_n according_a to_o the_o hierarchical_a principle_n be_v bishop_n of_o many_o hundred_o church_n which_o kind_n of_o bishop_n the_o ancient_a church_n do_v not_o know_v and_o which_o differ_v as_o much_o from_o the_o ancient_a bishop_n as_o the_o general_n of_o a_o army_n from_o the_o captain_n of_o a_o single_a company_n 3._o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o first_o age_n be_v a_o bishop_n over_o his_o own_o church_n but_o he_o be_v not_o a_o bishop_n of_o bishop_n that_o be_v he_o be_v not_o a_o ruler_n of_o the_o pastor_n of_o other_o church_n but_o the_o present_a bishop_n even_o of_o the_o low_a rank_n according_a to_o the_o hierarchical_a principle_n be_v a_o bishop_n of_o bishop_n namely_o of_o the_o presbyter_n of_o
continue_v till_o the_o end_n of_o all_o thing_n it_o be_v also_o ascertain_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v at_o least_o the_o essential_o of_o a_o church-state_n or_o church_n organical_a as_o some_o express_v it_o consist_v of_o a_o part_n govern_v and_o a_o part_n govern_v always_o continue_v somewhere_o upon_o earth_n for_o christ_n promise_n be_v to_o be_v with_o his_o apostle_n in_o the_o execute_n of_o their_o ministry_n always_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o it_o must_v be_v understand_v of_o they_o not_o bare_o consider_v as_o person_n but_o as_o his_o commission_v officer_n including_z their_o successor_n not_o in_o the_o apostolical_a and_o temporary_a but_o in_o the_o ordinary_a and_o perpetual_a authority_n which_o they_o have_v in_o common_a with_o pastor_n bishop_n or_o presbyter_n and_o eph._n 4.11_o show_v that_o the_o ministry_n be_v to_o endure_v till_o the_o whole_a mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n be_v complete_v but_o the_o promise_n do_v not_o import_n that_o any_o particular_a church_n or_o any_o particular_a combination_n of_o church_n in_o one_o frame_n of_o ecclesiastical_a polity_n how_o ample_a or_o illustrious_a soever_o shall_v be_v perpetuate_v by_o a_o uninterrupted_a succession_n of_o pastor_n and_o secure_v from_o a_o total_a defection_n and_o rejection_n either_o from_o a_o church_n state_n or_o from_o christianity_n itself_o if_o any_o particular_a church_n or_o any_o one_o large_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n have_v be_v preserve_v from_o the_o apostle_n day_n till_o now_o when_o other_o have_v be_v extinct_a it_o be_v by_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n who_o way_n and_o counsel_n be_v wise_a and_o holy_a yet_o unsearchable_a and_o past_a find_v out_o nor_o do_v the_o promise_n import_n that_o the_o true_a church_n shall_v be_v perpetual_o conspicuous_a though_o it_o be_v perpetual_o visible_a for_o in_o some_o age_n it_o may_v be_v more_o obscure_a in_o other_o more_o apparent_a it_o be_v grant_v by_o that_o party_n that_o much_o insist_o upon_o the_o conspicuousness_n of_o their_o church_n as_o a_o city_n on_o a_o hill_n that_o in_o the_o time_n of_o antichrist_n the_o church_n shall_v scarce_o be_v discern_v now_o in_o such_o a_o state_n it_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v though_o not_o absolute_o yet_o comparative_o invisible_a that_o be_v be_v compare_v with_o what_o it_o be_v when_o more_o conspicuous_o visible_a nor_o do_v it_o import_v that_o any_o particular_a church_n or_o any_o most_o ample_a and_o illustrious_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n shall_v perpetual_o abide_v in_o the_o apostolic_a purity_n of_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o government_n but_o that_o it_o may_v depart_v from_o it_o and_o fall_v into_o most_o enormous_a error_n and_o practice_n in_o the_o say_a point_n and_o yet_o may_v not_o lose_v the_o essential_o of_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o church-state_n the_o scripture_n foretell_v of_o a_o great_a fall_v away_o and_o a_o last_a defection_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o a_o long_a continue_a predominancy_n of_o a_o antichristian_a state_n therein_o nay_o for_o aught_o can_v be_v cogent_o infer_v from_o the_o aforesaid_a promise_n the_o say_a defection_n may_v have_v be_v so_o universal_a as_o to_o leave_v no_o part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n divide_v from_o the_o apostatical_a or_o antichristian_a state_n and_o party_n by_o a_o different_a external_a church-polity_n but_o the_o sound_n and_o sincere_a part_n of_o the_o church_n may_v truckle_n under_o it_o and_o be_v include_v in_o its_o external_a frame_n and_o keep_v themselves_o from_o be_v destroy_v by_o it_o some_o of_o they_o discern_v and_o shun_v the_o bainful_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n and_o other_o that_o be_v infect_v with_o it_o hold_v the_o truth_n predominant_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o life_n and_o so_o though_o not_o speculative_o yet_o practical_o prevail_v against_o the_o wicked_a error_n if_o in_o all_o time_n there_o have_v be_v some_o society_n of_o christian_n that_o do_v not_o fall_v away_o in_o the_o great_a defection_n nor_o incorporate_v with_o the_o antichristian_a state_n but_o be_v by_o themselves_o in_o a_o sever_a church-state_n yet_o christ_n have_v not_o promise_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v notice_n thereof_o throughout_o all_o christendom_n in_o the_o time_n when_o the_o say_v society_n be_v in_o be_v nor_o that_o history_n shall_v be_v write_v thereof_o for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o after_o age_n howbeit_o we_o have_v sufficient_a notice_n by_o credible_a history_n that_o there_o have_v be_v many_o ample_a christian_n church_n throughout_o all_o age_n that_o be_v not_o incorporate_v with_o the_o antichristian_a state_n and_o that_o do_v dissent_v from_o their_o great_a enormity_n in_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o government_n also_o that_o many_o worthy_n live_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o that_o great_a apostasy_n do_v during_o the_o whole_a time_n thereof_o successive_o bear_v witness_n for_o the_o truth_n against_o it_o and_o that_o for_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o time_n huge_a multitude_n also_o live_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o say_a apostasy_n separate_v from_o it_o and_o be_v embody_v into_o church_n of_o another_o constitution_n more_o conformable_a to_o the_o primitive_a christianity_n §_o 13._o the_o frame_n of_o the_o particular_a church_n mention_v in_o scripture_n as_o we_o find_v in_o scripture_n one_o catholic_n church_n relate_v as_o one_o kingdom_n family_n flock_n spouse_n and_o body_n to_o christ_n as_o its_o only_a king_n master_n shepherd_z husband_n and_o head_n so_o we_o find_v particular_a church_n as_o so_o many_o political_a society_n distinct_a from_o each_o other_o yet_o all_o compact_a together_o as_o part_n of_o that_o one_o ample_a society_n the_o catholic_n church_n as_o the_o church_n at_o antioch_n act_v 13.1_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n act_v 11.22_o act_n 15.4_o the_o church_n at_o caesarea_n act_v 18.22_o the_o church_n at_o cenchrea_n rom._n 10.1_o the_o church_n at_o corinth_n 1_o cor._n 1.2_o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n gal._n 1.2_o the_o church_n of_o the_o thessalonian_o 1_o thes_n 1.1_o the_o church_n at_o babylon_n 1_o pet._n 5_o 13._o and_o the_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n apoc._n 1_o &_o 2._o viz._n of_o ephesus_n smyrna_n pergamos_n thyatyra_n sardis_n thiladelphia_n and_o laodicea_n we_o likewise_o find_v that_o the_o christian_n of_o a_o city_n oâ—_n lesser_a precinct_n make_v one_o church_n as_o the_o church_n at_o corinth_n the_o church_n at_o cenchrea_n etc._n etc._n but_o the_o christian_n of_o a_o region_n or_o a_o large_a circuit_n make_v many_o church_n as_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n the_o church_n of_o galatiae_n we_o find_v also_o that_o each_o of_o these_o particular_a church_n do_v consist_v of_o a_o part_n govern_v and_o a_o part_n govern_v and_o consequent_o be_v political_a society_n every_o church_n have_v their_o proper_a elder_n or_o elder_n acts._n 4.23_o which_o elder_n be_v the_o same_o with_o bishop_n act_n 20.28_o tit._n 1.5_o 7._o 1_o pet._n 5.1_o 2._o and_o they_o be_v constitutive_a part_n of_o those_o church_n consider_v as_o political_a society_n we_o find_v also_o that_o these_o elder_n or_o bishop_n do_v personal_o superintend_v or_o oversee_v all_o the_o flock_n or_o every_o member_n of_o the_o church_n over_o which_o they_o do_v preside_v act_v 20_o 28_o 29._o 1_o thes_n 5.12_o heb._n 13.17_o this_o appear_v further_a by_o their_o particular_a work_n express_o mention_v in_o scripture_n to_o be_v personal_o perform_v towards_o all_o viz._n to_o be_v the_o ordinary_a teacher_n of_o all_o heb._n 13_o 7._o 1_o thes_n 5.12_o 13._o to_o admonish_v all_o that_o be_v unruly_a and_o to_o rebuke_v they_o open_o 1_o tim._n 5.20_o tit._n 1.10_o to_o visit_v and_o pray_v with_o the_o sick_a and_o all_o the_o sick_a be_v to_o send_v for_o they_o to_o that_o end_n james_z 5.14_o and_o no_o grant_n from_o christ_n to_o discharge_v the_o same_o by_o substitute_n or_o delegate_n can_v be_v find_v §_o 14._o the_o form_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n consider_v from_z the_o premise_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o all_o particular_a church_n mention_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v so_o constitute_v as_o that_o all_o the_o member_n thereof_o be_v capable_a of_o personal_a communion_n in_o worship_v god_n if_o not_o always_o at_o once_o together_o yet_o by_o turn_n at_o least_o and_o of_o live_v under_o the_o present_a personal_a superintendency_n of_o their_o proper_a elder_n or_o elder_n bishop_n or_o bishop_n whether_o to_o be_v embody_v or_o associate_v for_o personal_a communion_n in_o worship_n and_o for_o personal_a superintendency_n of_o the_o pastor_n over_o all_o the_o member_n be_v the_o true_a formal_a or_o essential_a constitution_n of_o particular_a church_n by_o divine_a right_n i_o leave_v to_o consideration_n but_o this_o be_v evident_a that_o all_o those_o church_n that_o the_o scripture_n take_v notice_n of_o be_v so_o constitute_v and_o that_o
either_o by_o the_o immediate_a agency_n of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o act_v 14.23_o or_o of_o other_o by_o their_o appointment_n tit._n 1.5_o yet_o i_o do_v not_o hereby_o mean_a that_o every_o congregation_n or_o assembly_n for_o worship_n or_o act_n of_o government_n be_v a_o whole_a political_a church_n for_o some_o such_o congregation_n may_v be_v only_a part_n of_o a_o church_n meeting_n according_a to_o convenience_n but_o still_o the_o say_v personal_a communion_n be_v in_o the_o whole_a church_n simul_fw-la or_o per_fw-la vice_n and_o there_o be_v a_o personal_a superintendency_n of_o the_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n over_o the_o whole_a in_o all_o the_o act_n of_o his_o pastoral_a office_n as_o for_o such_o a_o particular_a church_n as_o consist_v of_o many_o it_o may_v be_v several_a hundred_o state_v congregation_n have_v each_o of_o they_o their_o proper_a presbyter_n or_o presbyter_n and_o be_v govern_v by_o one_o sole_a bishop_n the_o aforesaid_a presbyter_n be_v say_v to_o be_v no_o bishop_n and_o who_o member_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o personal_a communion_n among_o themselves_o either_o simul_fw-la or_o per_fw-la vice_n nor_o of_o the_o personal_a superintendency_n of_o their_o bishop_n in_o the_o necessary_a act_n of_o his_o pastoral_a office_n if_o there_o be_v any_o scripture-precedent_n or_o divine_a rule_n for_o the_o same_o i_o be_o ready_a to_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o §_o 15._o the_o due_a place_n of_o constitute_v a_o particular_a church_n ordinary_o the_o place_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v a_o city_n and_o from_o the_o city_n the_o church_n ordinary_o take_v its_o denomination_n nevertheless_o nothing_o be_v find_v in_o scripture_n to_o make_v a_o city_n the_o only_a proper_a mansion_n of_o a_o church_n so_o that_o no_o village_n can_v be_v a_o fit_a receptacle_n of_o it_o yea_o the_o scripture_n mention_n a_o church_n which_o be_v not_o a_o city-church_n viz_o that_o at_o cenchrea_n which_o be_v not_o a_o city_n but_o the_o haven_n of_o corinth_n city_n be_v place_n of_o the_o confluence_n of_o people_n have_v ordinary_o the_o gospel_n first_o preach_v and_o first_o receive_v in_o they_o and_o consequent_o first_o afford_v the_o material_n of_o a_o church_n and_o they_o be_v the_o fit_a place_n for_o the_o erection_n of_o a_o church_n in_o order_n to_o the_o make_n of_o more_o convert_v to_o be_v add_v to_o they_o beside_o other_o convenience_n and_o therefore_o right_a reason_n without_o a_o particular_a divine_a command_n will_v direct_v those_o master-builder_n the_o apostle_n to_o erect_v church_n in_o city_n howbeit_o the_o city-churche_n be_v not_o confine_v to_o the_o respective_a city_n but_o common_o take_v in_o all_o the_o christian_n of_o the_o adjacent_a village_n and_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n the_o christian_n both_o of_o a_o city_n and_o its_o adjacent_a village_n do_v ordinary_o but_o make_v up_o one_o competent_a congregation_n or_o in_o its_o number_n it_o do_v not_o exceed_v one_o of_o our_o parish_n though_o some_o very_a few_o church_n quick_o grow_v numerous_a yet_o most_o rational_o it_o may_v be_v conceive_v that_o they_o do_v not_o exceed_v many_o nor_o equal_v some_o of_o our_o very_a populous_a parish_n here_o it_o must_v be_v consider_v that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o a_o city_n be_v any_o town_n corporate_a and_o that_o every_o such_o that_o have_v christian_n in_o any_o competent_a number_n have_v a_o state_v church_n in_o it_o and_o the_o rule_n be_v not_o then_o as_o now_o that_o the_o church_n and_o its_o bishop_n do_v make_v that_o a_o city_n which_o otherwise_o will_v not_o be_v but_o that_o every_o city_n or_o town_n corporate_a or_o place_n of_o confluence_n of_o people_n where_o there_o be_v christian_n shall_v have_v its_o church_n with_o its_o proper_a bishop_n §_o 16._o each_o particular_a church_n be_v a_o distinct_a political_a society_n as_o city_n in_o a_o kingdom_n so_o be_v particular_a church_n in_o the_o church_n universal_a this_o similitude_n hold_v in_o the_o main_a but_o not_o in_o all_o respect_n as_o a_o whole_a kingdom_n have_v its_o fundamental_a constitution_n by_o which_o it_o subsist_v and_o its_o magna_fw-la charta_fw-la for_o privilege_n belong_v to_o the_o whole_a so_o the_o church_n universal_a have_v its_o fundamental_a constitution_n and_o charter_n by_o which_o it_o subsist_v in_o its_o proper_a state_n and_o as_o every_o city_n be_v a_o distinct_a body-politick_a under_o the_o king_n and_o have_v from_o he_o its_o charter_n by_o which_o it_o subsist_v so_o every_o particular_a church_n as_o a_o distinct_a political_a society_n under_o christ_n have_v its_o charter_n from_o he_o by_o which_o it_o subsist_v in_o its_o proper_a state_n the_o erect_n of_o particular_a church_n as_o several_a political_a society_n by_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v christ_n authorize_v agent_n for_o erect_v his_o special_a kingdom_n the_o church_n and_o guide_v therein_o by_o his_o infallible_a spirit_n and_o by_o other_o at_o their_o direction_n and_o according_a to_o the_o same_o rule_n be_v a_o sufficient_a charter_n for_o the_o constitution_n of_o such_o church_n wherever_o there_o be_v fit_a material_n beside_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n require_v the_o parcel_a the_o church_n universal_a into_o such_o distinct_a society_n under_o their_o proper_a pastor_n that_o church-communion_n and_o pastoral_n superintendency_n may_v not_o be_v transient_a and_o uncertain_a but_o permanent_a and_o certain_a the_o several_a city_n in_o the_o same_o kingdom_n may_v have_v their_o special_a law_n and_o privilege_n divers_a from_o each_o other_o according_a to_o the_o diversity_n of_o their_o charter_n grant_v by_o the_o king_n but_o particular_a church_n have_v not_o municipal_a law_n and_o privilege_n divers_a from_o each_o other_o but_o the_o same_o in_o common_a to_o they_o all_o because_o they_o have_v all_o the_o same_o charter_n in_o specie_fw-la here_o note_n that_o they_o may_v be_v right_o call_v distinct_a political_a society_n that_o have_v each_o of_o they_o their_o own_o charter_n though_o it_o be_v not_o divers_a but_o the_o same_o in_o kind_n among_o they_o all_o he_o that_o be_v a_o citizen_n or_o a_o magistrate_n of_o one_o city_n be_v not_o a_o citizen_n magistrate_n or_o officer_n in_o all_o city_n of_o the_o same_o kingdom_n but_o a_o member_n or_o a_o pastor_n of_o one_o particular_a church_n have_v a_o habitual_a or_o fundamental_a right_n of_o be_v a_o member_n or_o pastor_n in_o any_o particular_a church_n throughout_o the_o world_n which_o be_v not_o actual_o to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o but_o in_o a_o due_a order_n as_o have_v be_v above_o note_v particular_a church_n though_o they_o consist_v of_o dissimilar_v part_n be_v all_o of_o they_o similar_v part_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n partake_v of_o its_o name_n and_o nature_n whereas_o city_n be_v dissimilar_v part_n of_o a_o kingdom_n from_o these_o premise_n it_o follow_v that_o the_o qualification_n requisite_a to_o make_v man_n member_n or_o minister_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n do_v sufficient_o qualify_v they_o to_o be_v member_n or_o minister_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n wherewith_o they_o be_v natural_o capable_a of_o communion_n §_o 17._o of_o the_o local_a bound_n of_o church_n all_o the_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n be_v one_o holy_a society_n and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a they_o shall_v have_v local_a presential_a communion_n one_o with_o another_o but_o that_o be_v impossible_a by_o reason_n of_o the_o large_a extent_n of_o the_o society_n they_o be_v necessary_o parcel_v into_o several_a congregation_n for_o the_o capacity_n of_o such_o communion_n be_v the_o end_n of_o erect_v particular_a church_n in_o all_o reason_n they_o shall_v consist_v of_o person_n who_o by_o their_o cohabitation_n in_o a_o vicinity_n be_v make_v capable_a of_o it_o and_o there_o may_v not_o be_v a_o great_a local_a distance_n of_o the_o person_n from_o each_o other_o than_o can_v stand_v with_o it_o moreover_o all_o christian_n of_o the_o same_o local_a precinct_n not_o more_o populous_a nor_o of_o large_a extent_n than_o to_o allow_v personal_a communion_n be_v most_o convenient_o bring_v into_o one_o and_o the_o same_o state_v church_n that_o there_o may_v be_v the_o great_a union_n among_o they_o and_o that_o the_o occasion_n of_o straggle_a and_o run_v into_o sever_a party_n may_v be_v avoid_v and_o so_o we_o find_v in_o scripture_n that_o all_o the_o christian_n within_o such_o a_o local_a precinct_n common_o make_v but_o one_o church_n though_o it_o be_v high_o convenient_a that_o particular_a church_n be_v so_o bound_v as_o to_o take_v in_o all_o the_o christian_n of_o the_o same_o precinct_n as_o aforesaid_a and_o therefore_o necessary_a when_o some_o special_a reason_n do_v not_o compel_v to_o vary_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a in_o reason_n nor_o do_v we_o find_v any_o divine_a institution_n to_o make_v it_o invariable_a though_o
jowe_v political_a church_n but_o as_o constitute_v by_o the_o political_a union_n of_o congregational_a or_o parochial_a church_n hold_v also_o to_o be_v political_a under_o a_o officer_n of_o another_o order_n and_o the_o proper_a superior_a of_o those_o officer_n under_o which_o the_o parochial_a church_n immediate_o be_v then_o let_v it_o be_v observe_v that_o a_o church_n of_o this_o frame_n be_v not_o proper_o a_o episcopal_a but_o a_o archiepiscopal_a church_n for_o the_o church_n whereof_o it_o be_v compact_v be_v proper_o episcopal_a be_v such_o as_o have_v each_o of_o they_o their_o own_o bishop_n pastor_n or_o elder_n but_o the_o divine_a right_n of_o such_o a_o archiepiscopal_a church_n i_o leave_v to_o further_a inquiry_n as_o for_o a_o national_a church_n i_o come_v now_o to_o inquire_v in_o what_o sense_n it_o may_v or_o may_v not_o be_v grant_v in_o a_o more_o general_a notion_n it_o be_v some_o part_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n distinguish_v and_o sever_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o that_o body_n by_o the_o limit_n of_o a_o nation_n or_o of_o a_o civil_a state_n or_o in_o other_o term_n a_o nation_n of_o christian_a church_n or_o the_o christian_a church_n of_o a_o nation_n but_o there_o be_v more_o express_a and_o special_a notion_n thereof_o respect_v the_o frame_n of_o ecclesiastical_a polity_n which_o be_v discrepant_a from_o each_o other_o and_o about_o the_o be_v thereof_o in_o these_o special_a notion_n man_n judgement_n vary_v some_o own_o a_o national_a church_n in_o this_o sense_n only_o viz._n a_o nation_n of_o church_n or_o the_o church_n of_o a_o nation_n agree_v at_o least_o in_o the_o essential_o of_o christian_n dectrine_n divine_a worship_n and_o church-government_n some_o own_o a_o national_a church_n in_o a_o strict_a sense_n namely_o the_o say_a church_n not_o only_o agree_v in_o the_o point_v aforesaid_a but_o political_o unite_v by_o the_o same_o common_a band_n of_o ecclesiastical_a government_n under_o one_o head_n personal_a or_o collective_a and_o this_o strict_a sense_n have_v a_o subdivision_n for_o it_o may_v be_v understand_v of_o the_o church_n unite_v in_o a_o civil_a ecclesiastical_a polity_n under_o a_o civil_a head_n or_o supreme_a or_o of_o the_o church_n embody_v in_o the_o band_n of_o a_o polity_n pure_o ecclesiastical_a under_o a_o spiritual_a head_n or_o supreme_a i_o own_o the_o rightful_a be_v and_o divine_a warrant_n of_o a_o national_a church_n as_o unite_v in_o one_o civil_a ecclesiastical_a polity_n under_o one_o civil_a head_n or_o supreme_a either_o personal_a as_o in_o a_o monarchy_n or_o collective_a as_o in_o a_o republic_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n i_o assent_v to_o the_o national_a church_n of_o england_n viz._n all_o the_o church_n in_o england_n political_o unite_v under_o one_o supreme_a civil_a church-governour_n the_o king_n majesty_n yet_o it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v that_o the_o partition_n of_o a_o church_n by_o the_o bound_n of_o a_o nation_n or_o of_o a_o civil_a state_n be_v but_o extrinsical_a or_o accidental_a to_o the_o church_n as_o such_o also_o that_o the_o union_n of_o the_o church_n of_o a_o nation_n in_o the_o band_n of_o civil_a church-polity_n under_o a_o civil_a head_n be_v but_o a_o extrinsical_a and_o not_o a_o intrinsical_v union_n but_o i_o question_v the_o divine_a warrant_n of_o a_o national_a church_n embody_v in_o the_o band_n of_o one_o national_a polity_n pure_o ecclesiastical_a under_o one_o spiritual_a head_n or_o supreme_a either_o personal_a as_o a_o primate_n or_o patriarch_n or_o collective_a as_o a_o consistory_n of_o bishop_n or_o elder_n intrinsical_o belong_v to_o it_o and_o be_v a_o constitutive_a part_n of_o it_o for_o i_o find_v no_o canon_n or_o precedent_n for_o it_o in_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o adequate_a rule_n of_o divine_a right_n in_o the_o frame_n of_o church_n and_o of_o what_o intrinsical_o belong_v thereuntò_fw-la and_o i_o do_v not_o know_v any_o such_o spiritual_a head_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o for_o the_o archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n and_o york_n they_o at_o the_o most_o can_v be_v head_n but_o of_o their_o respective_a province_n and_o be_v not_o subordinate_a but_o coordinate_a to_o each_o other_o in_o point_n of_o archiepiscopal_a government_n however_o the_o case_n be_v between_o they_o in_o point_n of_o precedency_n yet_o if_o the_o civil_a supreme_a power_n shall_v constitute_v a_o person_n or_o person_n ecclesiastical_a to_o be_v head_n of_o a_o national_a church_n or_o the_o church_n of_o a_o nation_n political_o embody_a i_o here_o offer_v nothing_o against_o it_o or_o for_o it_o but_o if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o national_a constitution_n be_v but_o humane_a it_o be_v but_o extrinsical_a and_o accidental_a to_o the_o church_n and_o be_v derive_v from_o the_o civil_a supreme_a it_o be_v but_o a_o civil_a church-polity_n §_o 21._o the_o subordination_n of_o particular_a church_n to_o a_o association_n or_o collective_a body_n of_o the_o same_o church_n consider_v i_o come_v to_o inquire_v whether_o there_o be_v a_o subordination_n of_o church_n take_v distributive_o to_o a_o association_n oâ—_n collective_a body_n of_o the_o same_o church_n or_o a_o assembly_n thereof_o and_o again_o whether_o there_o be_v a_o subordination_n of_o that_o collective_a body_n to_o a_o large_a association_n of_o more_o collective_a body_n or_o to_o a_o assembly_n thereof_o and_o so_o forward_o till_o we_o come_v to_o the_o large_a that_o can_v be_v reach_v unto_o the_o association_n of_o particular_a church_n be_v of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v put_v in_o practice_n according_a to_o their_o capacity_n though_o there_o be_v no_o positive_a law_n for_o it_o for_o they_o be_v all_o so_o many_o distinct_a member_n of_o one_o great_a body_n or_o integral_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o they_o be_v all_o concern_v in_o each_o other_o well_o be_v both_o in_o reference_n to_o themselves_o as_o fellow_n member_n of_o one_o body_n and_o to_o christ_n their_o head_n who_o honour_n and_o interest_n they_o must_v promote_v each_o church_n not_o only_o within_o themselves_o but_o throughout_o all_o the_o church_n to_o the_o utmost_a extent_n of_o their_o agency_n and_o they_o natural_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o each_o other_o help_v in_o thing_n that_o concern_v they_o several_o and_o joint_o likewise_o that_o there_o be_v great_a and_o lesser_a association_n act_v in_o their_o several_a sphere_n high_a or_o low_o the_o one_o include_v in_o the_o other_o be_v of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n or_o of_o natural_a convenience_n for_o the_o more_o ample_a capacity_n and_o more_o orderly_o contribute_v of_o the_o mutual_a help_n aforesad_a such_o as_o have_v be_v call_v classical_a provincial_a and_o national_a assembly_n use_v in_o one_o form_n of_o church-government_n yea_o and_o beyond_o this_o the_o association_n of_o the_o church_n of_o many_o nation_n as_o far_o towards_o a_o ecumenical_a council_n as_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o convening_n be_v of_o the_o same_o reason_n but_o of_o a_o ecumenical_a association_n true_o so_o call_v that_o be_v of_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n the_o moral_a impossibility_n thereof_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o before_o it_o be_v also_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n most_o convenienient_a that_o in_o the_o lesser_a association_n all_o the_o roll_a officer_n personal_o meet_v and_o that_o in_o the_o large_a they_o meet_v by_o their_o delegate_n or_o representative_n choose_v by_o all_o and_o send_v in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o which_o meeting_n be_v call_v assembly_n or_o synod_n and_o the_o convenience_n of_o meeting_n by_o delegate_n be_v that_o the_o particular_a church_n be_v not_o for_o a_o time_n leave_v whole_o destitute_a of_o their_o guide_n and_o that_o there_o may_v be_v less_o trouble_n and_o difficulty_n and_o danger_n of_o disorder_n in_o the_o whole_a management_n note_v that_o what_o be_v most_o natural_o convenient_a have_v in_o it_o the_o reason_n of_o necessary_a or_o be_v matter_n of_o duty_n unless_o when_o something_o gainsay_v or_o hinder_v and_o then_o indeed_o it_o cease_v to_o be_v convenient_a and_o that_o there_o be_v some_o kind_n of_o subordination_n in_o the_o say_a association_n and_o their_o respective_a assembly_n be_v of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n which_o require_v order_n but_o as_o to_o the_o kind_n or_o manner_n of_o subordination_n man_n go_v several_a way_n some_o place_n it_o in_o a_o proper_a authority_n or_o govern_v power_n that_o the_o collective_a body_n of_o church_n have_v over_o the_o several_a church_n include_v in_o they_o other_o place_v it_o in_o the_o agreement_n of_o the_o several_a church_n and_o some_o of_o these_o make_v this_o further_a explanation_n that_o the_o canon_n make_v by_o synod_n as_o they_o be_v make_v for_o the_o people_n who_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o pastor_n be_v a_o sort_n of_o law_n and_o oblige_v by_o
bishop_n to_o delegate_v his_o episcopal_a power_n to_o a_o layman_n yea_o or_o to_o a_o clergyman_n if_o that_o clergyman_n be_v not_o as_o christ_n commission_v officer_n authorize_v to_o exert_v that_o power_n 18._o the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n be_v denounce_v for_o any_o non_fw-fr observance_n of_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o court_n though_o in_o case_n of_o doubtful_a right_n and_o in_o the_o small_a matter_n but_o no_o proof_n of_o such_o practice_n can_v be_v produce_v from_o the_o first_o age_n and_o let_v the_o bishop_n themselves_o judge_v howsoever_o contempt_n may_v be_v pretend_v in_o the_o case_n whether_o many_o who_o be_v usual_o so_o sentence_v either_o upon_o doubtful_a or_o trivial_a matter_n do_v indeed_o deserve_v to_o be_v adjudge_v to_o such_o a_o state_n as_o that_o sentence_n due_o administer_v do_v import_v 19_o the_o parish_n minister_n be_v bind_v to_o denounce_v in_o his_o church_n the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n decree_v by_o the_o court_n though_o he_o have_v no_o cognizance_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o though_o he_o know_v the_o sentence_n to_o be_v unjust_a but_o no_o such_o practice_n be_v know_v in_o the_o ancient_a church_n 20._o minister_n at_o their_o ordination_n receive_v that_o office_n which_o essential_o include_v a_o authority_n and_o obligation_n to_o teach_v their_o flock_n yet_o they_o may_v not_o preach_v without_o a_o licence_n from_o the_o bishop_n in_o their_o own_o proper_a charge_n or_o cure_n though_o they_o perform_v other_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n but_o ancient_o it_o be_v not_o so_o 21._o the_o present_a bishop_n require_v of_o their_o clergy_n a_o oath_n of_o canonical_a obedience_n but_o let_v any_o proof_n be_v give_v that_o the_o ancient_a bishop_n do_v ever_o impose_v such_o a_o oath_n or_o that_o the_o presbyter_n ever_o take_v it_o 22_o the_o parish_n minister_n have_v not_o the_o liberty_n of_o examine_v whether_o the_o infant_n bring_v to_o baptism_n be_v a_o capable_a subject_n thereof_o that_o be_v whether_o he_o be_v the_o child_n of_o a_o christian_a or_o infidel_n but_o he_o must_v baptize_v the_o child_n of_o every_o one_o that_o be_v present_v by_o godfather_n and_o godmother_n who_o common_o have_v little_a or_o no_o interest_n in_o the_o infant_n nor_o care_n of_o its_o education_n and_o who_o not_o seldom_o be_v but_o boy_n and_o girl_n 23._o confirmation_n be_v to_o be_v administer_v only_o by_o the_o bishop_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n impossible_a for_o he_o to_o examine_v all_o person_n to_o be_v confirm_v by_o he_o within_o his_o diocese_n consequent_o it_o can_v be_v due_o administer_v to_o multitude_n of_o person_n that_o be_v to_o be_v present_v thereunto_o and_o they_o that_o be_v confirm_v be_v few_o in_o comparison_n of_o those_o that_o be_v not_o but_o the_o ancient_a bishop_n be_v bishop_n of_o one_o particular_a church_n be_v capable_a of_o take_v the_o oversight_n of_o every_o particular_a person_n of_o their_o flock_n and_o do_v personal_o perform_v the_o same_o 24._o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o adult_a member_n of_o parish-church_n be_v such_o as_o understand_v not_o what_o christianity_n be_v but_o the_o ancient_a church_n be_v careful_a that_o all_o their_o member_n may_v be_v competent_o know_v in_o the_o religion_n which_o they_o profess_v as_o appear_v by_o their_o discipline_n towards_o the_o catechumeni_fw-la and_o the_o long_a time_n before_o they_o admit_v they_o to_o baptism_n 25._o the_o parish_n minister_n have_v no_o remedy_n but_o to_o give_v the_o sacrament_n to_o ignorant_a and_o scandalous_a person_n that_o offer_v themselves_o thereunto_o they_o can_v but_o accuse_v the_o open_o wicked_a in_o the_o chancellor_n court_n and_o but_o for_o one_o time_n deny_v the_o sacrament_n to_o some_o kind_n of_o notorious_a sinner_n but_o then_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o prosecute_v they_o in_o the_o court_n and_o to_o procure_v a_o sentence_n against_o they_o there_o where_o not_o one_o notorious_a sinner_n of_o a_o multitude_n be_v or_o can_v be_v bring_v to_o a_o due_a trial_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o way_n of_o proceed_v in_o ecclesiastical_a court_n and_o the_o multitude_n of_o soul_n in_o every_o diocese_n the_o consequent_a hereof_o be_v the_o general_a intrusion_n of_o the_o gross_o ignorant_a and_o profane_a who_o pollute_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o eat_v and_o drink_v damnation_n to_o themselves_o 26._o all_o parishioner_n that_o be_v of_o age_n be_v compel_v to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n how_o unfit_a or_o unwilling_a soever_o they_o be_v by_o the_o terror_n of_o penalty_n subsequent_a to_o excommunication_n and_o those_o that_o have_v be_v excommunicate_v for_o refuse_v to_o receive_v be_v absolve_v from_o that_o sentence_n if_o be_v drive_v thereunto_o they_o will_v receive_v the_o sacrament_n rather_o than_o lie_v in_o gaol_n and_o the_o parish-minister_n be_v compel_v to_o give_v the_o sacrament_n to_o such_o 27._o many_o orthodox_n learned_a and_o pious_a man_n due_o qualify_v for_o the_o ministry_n be_v cast_v and_o keep_v out_o of_o it_o for_o not_o declare_v a_o unfeigned_a assent_n and_o consent_n to_o all_o and_o every_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o liturgy_n and_o book_n of_o ordination_n let_v any_o proof_n be_v give_v that_o ever_o any_o of_o the_o ancient_a bishop_n or_o church_n think_v all_o the_o point_v contain_v in_o those_o book_n so_o necessary_a to_o be_v assent_v and_o consent_v to_o or_o that_o any_o of_o they_o so_o severe_o require_v the_o like_a conformity_n to_o opinion_n form_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n and_o reason_n 28._o the_o present_a bishop_n debar_v all_o christian_n from_o the_o lord_n supper_n who_o through_o unfeigned_a scruple_n of_o conscience_n refuse_v to_o kneel_v in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v the_o sacramental_a bread_n and_o wine_n and_o they_o debar_v from_o baptism_n the_o child_n of_o those_o parent_n who_o judge_v it_o unlawful_a for_o they_o to_o permit_v the_o sign_v of_o their_o child_n with_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n but_o the_o ancient_a bishop_n do_v not_o so_o nor_o do_v the_o practice_n of_o antiquity_n warrant_v the_o same_o 29._o the_o great_a severity_n of_o the_o present_a church-discipline_n be_v direct_v against_o minister_n and_o people_n who_o observe_v not_o full_a conformity_n to_o the_o rule_n form_n right_n and_o ceremony_n prescribe_v in_o the_o liturgy_n and_o canon_n but_o the_o ancient_a bishop_n exercise_v it_o against_o those_o who_o subvert_v the_o christian_a faith_n by_o damnable_a heresy_n or_o enormous_o transgress_v the_o rule_n of_o soberness_n righteousness_n and_o godliness_n prescribe_v of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n 30._o the_o oath_n impose_v upon_o the_o churchwarden_n to_o make_v their_o presentment_n according_a to_o the_o book_n of_o article_n frame_v by_o the_o bishop_n have_v have_v this_o consequence_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v lay_v to_o heart_n that_o common_o they_o will_v rather_o overlook_v their_o oath_n than_o become_v accuser_n of_o their_o honest_a neighbour_n not_o only_o those_o who_o withdraw_v from_o but_o those_o who_o hold_v communion_n with_o the_o parish_n church_n 31._o the_o require_v of_o the_o reordination_n of_o those_o minister_n who_o have_v be_v ordain_v by_o presbyter_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n it_o contradict_v the_o judgement_n of_o many_o eminent_a bishop_n and_o other_o divine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n who_o have_v maintain_v the_o validity_n of_o presbyterial_a ordination_n it_o nullify_v the_o ministry_n of_o all_o the_o foreign_a reform_a church_n and_o of_o most_o if_o not_o of_o all_o the_o lutheran_n church_n and_o it_o advance_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n above_o they_o for_o the_o priest_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n upon_o their_o conversion_n be_v receive_v without_o reordination_n whereas_o those_o that_o come_v from_o the_o foreign_a reform_a church_n must_v be_v reordain_v before_o they_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o ministry_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o all_o this_o be_v do_v when_o in_o scripture_n the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o and_o the_o difference_n between_o they_o come_v in_o afterward_o by_o ecclesiastical_a custom_n it_o be_v common_o say_v that_o church_n and_o bishop_n be_v now_o deliver_v from_o their_o ancient_a low_a and_o distress_a state_n under_o the_o tyranny_n and_o persecution_n of_o the_o heathen_a power_n and_o enjoy_v the_o patronage_n and_o bounty_n of_o christian_a ruler_n shall_v not_o be_v consign_v to_o their_o ancient_a meanness_n narrowness_n and_o weakness_n but_o be_v enlarge_v in_o opulency_n amplitude_n and_o potency_n answerable_a to_o the_o civil_a state_n ans_fw-fr it_o be_v free_o grant_v that_o the_o state_n ecclesiastical_a shall_v in_o reasonable_a proportion_n partake_v of_o the_o prosperity_n of_o the_o civil_a state_n but_o the_o question_n still_o remain_v 1._o whether_o
can_v be_v without_o some_o alteration_n here_o the_o question_n that_o concern_v i_o be_v whether_o there_o lie_v no_o secondary_a obligation_n from_o this_o covenant_n upon_o any_o person_n that_o take_v it_o to_o do_v that_o which_o he_o be_v antecedent_o oblige_v to_o do_v viz._n to_o endeavour_v in_o his_o own_o place_n and_o calling_n and_o only_o by_o legal_a way_n that_o alteration_n of_o government_n in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v just_a and_o necessary_a to_o be_v make_v it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o the_o renunciation_n require_v be_v to_o declare_v not_o only_o that_o there_o lie_v no_o obligation_n from_o the_o covenant_n to_o endeavour_v a_o alteration_n of_o the_o substance_n of_o church-government_n to_o wit_n episcopacy_n but_o that_o there_o lie_v no_o obligation_n thence_o to_o endeavour_v any_o alteration_n of_o government_n in_o the_o church_n the_o extent_n of_o the_o word_n do_v equal_o respect_v any_o change_n in_o any_o point_n though_o never_o so_o just_a and_o necessary_a it_o be_v a_o point_n too_o high_a for_o i_o to_o judge_n of_o all_o person_n whatsoever_o who_o have_v take_v this_o covenant_n how_o far_o they_o be_v or_o be_v not_o bind_v thereby_o and_o put_v case_n i_o may_v not_o be_v so_o clear_a and_o sure_a in_o this_o matter_n as_o to_o assert_v the_o obligation_n thereof_o i_o may_v also_o not_o be_v so_o clear_a and_o sure_a therein_o as_o to_o renounce_v the_o obligation_n thereof_o as_o god_n moral_a law_n primary_o oblige_v to_o endeavour_v church-reformation_n while_o there_o be_v corruption_n in_o the_o church_n so_o a_o solemn_a swear_v or_o vow_v thereof_o infer_v a_o secondary_a or_o further_a obligation_n thereunto_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o oath_n or_o vow_n god_n be_v a_o party_n in_o a_o oath_n or_o vow_n of_o duty_n direct_o respect_v he_o and_o antecedent_o require_v by_o his_o law_n no_o humane_a authority_n can_v nullify_v the_o obligation_n thereof_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o the_o imposition_n and_o the_o defect_n of_o authority_n in_o the_o imposer_n or_o that_o it_o be_v take_v constrain_o or_o in_o sinful_a circumstance_n do_v not_o nullify_v the_o obligation_n of_o a_o oath_n or_o vow_n when_o the_o matter_n thereof_o be_v in_o itself_o a_o duty_n the_o conjunction_n of_o thing_n unlawful_a in_o a_o oath_n or_o vow_n do_v not_o make_v it_o null_a as_o to_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v antecedent_o necessary_a this_o covenant_n consist_v of_o many_o part_n which_o be_v indeed_o for_o the_o matter_n so_o many_o several_a vow_n and_o those_o part_n which_o be_v of_o thing_n lawful_a and_o necessary_a do_v not_o rise_v from_o nor_o depend_v upon_o those_o part_n that_o be_v object_v to_o be_v unlawful_a but_o stand_v entire_a by_o their_o own_o force_n and_o valour_n now_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o those_o part_n which_o be_v of_o thing_n lawful_a and_o necessary_a can_v be_v make_v void_a by_o the_o conjunction_n of_o those_o other_o part_v object_v to_o be_v unlawful_a the_o obligation_n of_o this_o covenant_n can_v cease_v by_o the_o mutual_a consent_n of_o the_o covenanter_n because_o it_o be_v not_o sole_o or_o chief_o a_o league_n between_o man_n but_o chief_o a_o oath_n or_o vow_n to_o god_n of_o thing_n to_o be_v perform_v towards_o he_o and_o the_o union_n and_o association_n of_o man_n therein_o be_v in_o vow_v to_o god_n who_o be_v the_o party_n chief_o intend_v in_o it_o though_o a_o vow_n of_o thing_n in_o themselves_o arbitrary_a be_v make_v by_o such_o as_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o another_o may_v be_v disannul_v by_o he_o under_o who_o power_n they_o be_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o so_o in_o vow_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v duty_n antecedent_o to_o be_v oblige_v by_o this_o covenant_n to_o endeavour_v alteration_n of_o government_n in_o the_o church_n so_o far_o as_o that_o alteration_n be_v just_a and_o necessary_a to_o be_v make_v be_v against_o no_o due_a of_o obedience_n to_o governor_n no_o just_a right_n of_o superior_n or_o any_o person_n whatsoever_o this_o covenant_n can_v oblige_v to_o any_o such_o endeavour_n of_o alteration_n as_o include_v the_o determine_n of_o matter_n of_o public_a government_n against_o the_o law_n and_o mind_n of_o the_o sovereign_n it_o be_v only_o a_o endeavour_n of_o a_o just_a and_o necessary_a alteration_n by_o lawful_a way_n and_o mean_n which_o be_v here_o take_v into_o consideration_n several_a thing_n of_o moment_n in_o the_o ecclesiastical_a government_n may_v need_v reformation_n though_o episcopacy_n remain_v as_o it_o be_v receive_v in_o the_o ancient_a church_n it_o be_v a_o ordinary_a and_o necessary_a practice_n to_o make_v a_o alteration_n of_o law_n and_o so_o of_o government_n both_o in_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n from_o time_n to_o time_n so_o far_o as_o need_n require_v i_o free_o declare_v that_o there_o lie_v no_o obligation_n from_o this_o covenant_n upon_o any_o person_n to_o endeavour_v any_o alteration_n of_o government_n in_o church_n or_o state_n by_o rebellion_n sedition_n or_o any_o other_o unlawful_a mean_n there_o lie_v no_o obligation_n from_o this_o covenant_n upon_o any_o person_n to_o endeavour_v by_o any_o mean_n any_o such_o alteration_n of_o government_n in_o church_n or_o state_n as_o may_v not_o lawful_o be_v make_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o king_n and_o parliament_n nor_o be_v endeavour_v by_o other_o in_o subordination_n to_o the_o say_a authority_n i_o consent_v to_o the_o episcopacy_n that_o be_v of_o ancient_a ecclesiastical_a custom_n as_o in_o the_o time_n of_o ignatius_n tertullian_n or_o cyprian_a i_o consent_v to_o bishop_n vsher_n model_n of_o government_n by_o bishop_n and_o archbishop_n with_o their_o presbyter_n which_o be_v present_v to_o his_o majesty_n by_o the_o divine_v call_v presbyterian_a for_o a_o groundwork_n of_o accommodation_n i_o be_o willing_a to_o exercise_v the_o ministry_n under_o the_o present_a ecclesiastical_a government_n and_o to_o promise_v obedience_n to_o the_o ordinary_a in_o thing_n lawful_a and_o honest_a if_o there_o be_v a_o relaxation_n about_o some_o injunction_n which_o i_o scruple_n or_o if_o the_o ground_n of_o my_o scruple_n about_o they_o be_v remove_v i_o be_o ready_a to_o engage_v not_o to_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o not_o to_o endeavour_v any_o point_n of_o alteration_n in_o its_o government_n by_o rebellious_a seditious_a or_o any_o unlawful_a way_n i_o be_o ready_a to_o engage_v also_o that_o i_o will_v not_o any_o way_n endeavour_v any_o point_n of_o alteration_n to_o be_v make_v in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n otherwise_o than_o by_o authority_n of_o king_n of_o parliament_n yea_o for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o couâ—d_v willing_o engage_v that_o i_o will_v not_o any_o way_n endeavour_v a_o change_n of_o church_n government_n from_o episcopâ—l_n to_o presbyterial_a the_o ancient_a conjunction_n of_o episcopacy_n with_o presbytrey_n be_v that_o which_o i_o wish_v may_v be_v restore_v to_o the_o church_n some_o have_v argue_v that_o the_o renounce_n of_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v to_o be_v take_v in_o a_o restrain_a sense_n viz._n that_o there_o lie_v no_o obligation_n from_o this_o covenant_n by_o seditious_a factious_a turbulent_a and_o tumultuous_a way_n to_o disturb_v the_o public_a peace_n and_o government_n now_o establish_v in_o church_n or_o state_n ans_fw-fr 1._o it_o be_v hard_o to_o warrant_v this_o restrain_a sense_n of_o the_o declaration_n by_o sufficient_a proof_n or_o good_a authority_n 2._o when_o we_o intend_v to_o declare_v the_o non_fw-fr obligation_n of_o a_o oath_n or_o vow_n only_o in_o a_o limit_a sense_n it_o be_v not_o saâ—e_v to_o declare_v it_o in_o such_o word_n as_o express_v its_o non-obligation_n in_o any_o sense_n whatsoever_o both_o the_o take_n and_o renounce_v of_o a_o oath_n have_v need_n be_v do_v in_o word_n of_o unexceptionable_a clearness_n at_o least_o in_o such_o word_n as_o be_v not_o liable_a to_o great_a exception_n not_o only_o the_o thing_n intend_v by_o a_o oath_n but_o the_o expression_n thereof_o have_v need_n be_v warrantable_a 3._o this_o covenant_n have_v be_v so_o handle_v and_o the_o form_n of_o the_o renunciation_n be_v so_o express_v as_o that_o one_o will_v easy_o think_v that_o the_o lawmaker_n intend_v a_o utter_a renounce_n of_o all_o manner_n of_o obligation_n from_o it_o of_o divine_a worship_n in_o three_o part_n the_o first_o of_o the_o nature_n kind_n part_n and_o adjunct_n of_o divine_a worship_n the_o second_o of_o idolatry_n the_o three_o of_o superstition_n less_o than_o idolatry_n to_o make_v diligent_a search_n into_o the_o nature_n of_o divine_a worship_n i_o have_v judge_v myself_o concern_v as_o a_o christian_a and_o a_o minister_n and_o a_o sufferer_n for_o conscientious_a dissent_n and_o doubt_n about_o some_o point_n thereof_o in_o join_v by_o authority_n some_o delineation_n of_o what_o i_o discern_v in_o this_o
the_o remain_v of_o the_o reverend_n and_o learned_a mr_n john_n corbet_n late_o of_o chichester_n print_a from_o his_o own_o manuscript_n london_n print_v for_o thomas_n parkhurst_n at_o the_o bible_n and_o three_o crown_n in_o cheapside_n near_o mercer_n chapel_n 1684._o a_o advertisement_n to_o the_o reader_n here_o thou_o have_v the_o remain_n of_o the_o reverend_n and_o learned_a mr._n corbet_n late_a of_o chichester_n those_o that_o know_v he_o say_v that_o he_o be_v a_o man_n endue_v with_o the_o wisdom_n that_o be_v from_o above_o that_o be_v first_o pure_a and_o then_o peaceable_a gentle_a meek_a moderate_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v entreat_v full_a of_o mercy_n and_o good_a fruit_n without_o partiality_n without_o hypocrisy_n therefore_o it_o be_v conceive_v that_o any_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v design_v for_o public_a use_n may_v be_v well_o accept_v of_o by_o all_o those_o that_o desire_v to_o follow_v after_o peace_n with_o all_o man_n so_o far_o as_o be_v consistent_a with_o purity_n whether_o the_o design_n of_o these_o remain_v of_o his_o be_v not_o to_o vindicate_v the_o truth_n and_o to_o promote_v purity_n first_o and_o then_o peace_n be_v leave_v to_o thou_o to_o judge_v after_o thou_o have_v impartial_o peruse_v and_o consider_v they_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o if_o in_o any_o measure_n they_o conduce_v to_o so_o good_a a_o end_n it_o be_v hope_v thou_o will_v be_v thankful_a to_o god_n for_o the_o benefit_n which_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o therein_o thyself_o may_v receive_v by_o the_o use_n of_o they_o thou_o have_v they_o just_a as_o they_o be_v leave_v under_o his_o own_o hand_n if_o himself_o have_v live_v to_o publish_v they_o thou_o may_v possible_o have_v have_v they_o better_a polish_a but_o it_o be_v not_o think_v fit_a that_o any_o other_o person_n shall_v take_v upon_o he_o to_o alter_v any_o thing_n in_o they_o there_o be_v print_v of_o this_o author_n and_o sell_v by_o thomas_n parkhurst_n the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n among_o man_n together_o with_o a_o tract_n of_o church_n unity_n and_o schism_n self-employment_n in_o secret_n contain_v evidence_n upon_o self-examination_n thought_n upon_o painful_a affliction_n memorial_n for_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n §_o 1._o of_o the_o church_n and_o ministry_n as_o relate_v to_o each_o other_o whether_o the_o church_n or_o the_o ministry_n be_v first_o in_o nature_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o for_o the_o more_o orderly_o handle_v of_o both_o we_o may_v know_v which_o of_o they_o to_o begin_v with_o for_o that_o seem_v to_o require_v the_o precedency_n of_o handle_v that_o have_v the_o priority_n of_o nature_n or_o the_o be_v whereof_o be_v presuppose_v to_o the_o be_v of_o the_o other_o now_o some_o have_v thus_o resolve_v it_o as_o the_o question_n whether_o the_o hen_n or_o the_o egg_n be_v first_o be_v resolve_v by_o the_o creation_n that_o god_n make_v the_o hen_n first_o so_o be_v the_o question_n whether_o the_o church_n or_o ministry_n be_v first_o by_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o christ_n and_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o ministry_n be_v first_o institute_v or_o at_o least_o that_o it_o be_v first_o in_o existence_n in_o set_v up_o the_o christian_a church_n christ_n set_v up_o the_o ministry_n first_o to_o convert_v man_n or_o make_v they_o christian_n moreover_o the_o ministry_n as_o take_v for_o the_o collective_a body_n of_o minister_n be_v a_o constitutive_a part_n of_o the_o church_n consider_v not_o entitatiuè_a but_o organicè_fw-la as_o some_o phrase_n the_o distinction_n that_o be_v not_o as_o a_o mere_a company_n of_o believer_n gather_v to_o christ_n but_o as_o a_o political_a society_n or_o spiritual_a commonwealth_n in_o this_o world_n and_o the_o constitutive_a part_n shall_v be_v distinct_o treat_v of_o before_o the_o whole_a that_o be_v constitute_v of_o they_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o church_n be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o ministry_n eph._n 4.11_o and_o in_o design_n or_o intention_n before_o it_o and_o consequent_o the_o ministry_n have_v a_o respect_n of_o subserviency_n to_o the_o church_n and_o be_v adapt_v to_o the_o state_n thereof_o likewise_o the_o ministry_n be_v in_o the_o church_n as_o the_o lesser_a in_o the_o great_a as_o a_o part_n in_o the_o whole_a as_o a_o thing_n reside_v in_o the_o seat_n of_o its_o residence_n as_o stewardship_n in_o a_o family_n this_o indeed_o hold_v principal_o and_o perpetual_o of_o the_o church_n universal_a 1_o cor._n 12.28_o moreover_o the_o minister_n power_n and_o virtue_n be_v they_o as_o they_o be_v the_o church_n which_o indeed_o have_v the_o propriety_n of_o they_o and_o their_o ministerial_a gift_n as_o be_v all_o under_o god_n and_o christ_n final_o for_o its_o behoof_n upon_o these_o consideration_n i_o shall_v discourse_v first_o of_o the_o church_n and_o then_o of_o the_o ministry_n §_o 2._o of_o the_o church_n its_o name_n and_o nature_n the_o word_n ecclesia_fw-la be_v note_v to_o signify_v 1._o a_o assembly_n call_v together_o by_o a_o superior_a 2._o any_o multitude_n gather_v into_o one_o place_n 3._o according_a to_o the_o use_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n a_o certain_a multitude_n that_o retain_v the_o name_n as_o well_o when_o they_o be_v a_o part_n as_o when_o they_o be_v meet_v together_o a_o assembly_n at_o large_a be_v call_v ecclesia_fw-la but_o appellatiuè_fw-la but_o they_o that_o be_v now_o so_o call_v by_o special_a appropriation_n of_o the_o word_n be_v a_o society_n stand_v in_o a_o special_a relation_n to_o god_n as_o his_o devote_a people_n and_o that_o both_o when_o they_o be_v assemble_v and_o when_o they_o be_v apart_o and_o whether_o they_o be_v the_o universal_a society_n of_o god_n people_n or_o the_o particular_a society_n that_o be_v the_o integral_a part_n of_o the_o universal_a the_o word_n church_n be_v the_o english_a of_o ecclesia_fw-la in_o its_o appropriate_v signification_n and_o it_o be_v take_v divers_a way_n but_o all_o agree_n in_o the_o aforesaid_a notion_n 1._o for_o the_o whole_a company_n of_o god_n elect_n comprise_v the_o uncalled_a and_o the_o militant_a and_o the_o triumphant_a eph._n 5.25_o 26._o 2._o for_o the_o whole_a company_n of_o the_o faithful_a both_o militant_a and_o triumphant_a col._n 1.18_o heb._n 12.23_o 3._o for_o all_o professor_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n or_o visible_a christian_n act_n 5.11_o act_n 8.3_o act_n 12.1_o 4._o for_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n as_o a_o political_a society_n 1_o cor._n 12.28_o 5._o for_o the_o particular_a church_n part_n of_o the_o catholic_n as_o comprise_v the_o church_n officer_n and_o the_o people_n or_o community_n of_o the_o faithful_a as_o the_o church_n at_o corinth_n 1_o cor._n 1.2_o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n gal._n 1.2_o and_o in_o many_o other_o place_n 6._o for_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n or_o community_n of_o the_o faithful_a as_o distinct_a from_o their_o spiritual_a ruler_n act_n 15.4_o 22._o 7._o for_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n as_o distinct_a from_o the_o govern_v mat._n 18.17_o 18_o 19_o 8._o for_o a_o church-assemble_o come_v together_o for_o divine_a worship_n 1_o cor._n 14.19_o 34._o 9_o for_o the_o faithful_a in_o some_o one_o family_n rom._n 16.5_o philem_n 2._o if_o it_o do_v not_o signify_v a_o church_n meet_v in_o those_o house_n these_o several_a acception_n of_o the_o word_n agree_v in_o the_o say_v common_a notion_n of_o a_o number_n of_o people_n associate_v in_o a_o peculiar_a and_o spiritual_a relation_n to_o god_n yet_o the_o say_a notion_n be_v more_o noble_a and_o complete_a in_o some_o of_o they_o than_o in_o other_o beside_o all_o these_o there_o be_v the_o vulgar_a use_n of_o the_o word_n for_o the_o house_n set_v a_o part_n for_o the_o church_n to_o meet_v in_o for_o god_n public_a worship_n and_o no_o doubt_n but_o the_o word_n may_v be_v lawful_o so_o use_v it_o be_v a_o trope_n in_o ordinary_a use_n to_o put_v the_o name_n of_o the_o person_n contain_v upon_o the_o place_n contain_v as_o also_o the_o name_n of_o the_o place_n contain_v upon_o the_o person_n contain_v but_o that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o use_n of_o the_o word_n in_o holy_a scripture_n to_o i_o be_v not_o evident_a as_o for_o the_o text_n 1_o cor._n 11.22_o have_v you_o not_o house_n to_o eat_v and_o drink_v in_o or_o despise_v you_o the_o church_n of_o god_n it_o seem_v not_o to_o i_o to_o be_v infer_v from_o it_o for_o the_o church_n of_o god_n there_o say_v to_o be_v despise_v may_v be_v understand_v rather_o of_o god_n people_n assemble_v §_o 3._o the_o church_n be_v a_o society_n distinct_a from_o the_o commonwealth_n it_o have_v be_v well_o note_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o great_a evidence_n of_o real_a distinction_n than_o actual_a separation_n and_o the_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n be_v separate_v wheresoever_o there_o
in_o a_o high_a or_o low_a degree_n about_o one_o part_n in_o this_o society_n according_a to_o its_o invisible_a form_n yet_o it_o can_v ground_v a_o judgement_n of_o certainty_n about_o one_o part_n in_o the_o same_o according_a to_o its_o visible_a form_n so_o that_o although_o god_n only_o know_v those_o who_o he_o accept_v yet_o the_o church_n may_v know_v certain_o who_o she_o ought_v to_o admit_v and_o as_o god_n in_o the_o matter_n belong_v to_o his_o cognizance_n to_o wit_n the_o sincerity_n of_o profession_n and_o the_o right_n consequent_a thereunto_o so_o the_o church_n in_o the_o matter_n belong_v to_o its_o cognizance_n to_o wit_n the_o credibility_n of_o profession_n and_o the_o right_n consequent_a thereunto_o proceed_v upon_o certain_a knowledge_n §_o 5._o of_o the_o catholic_n church_n invisible_a and_o visible_a it_o have_v be_v well_o observe_v that_o the_o term_n catholic_n church_n have_v be_v sometime_o use_v of_o a_o particular_a church_n hold_v the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o be_v the_o same_o with_o apostolical_a and_o in_o this_o sense_n any_o bishop_n of_o a_o true_a apostolical_a church_n may_v be_v call_v a_o catholic_n bishop_n but_o here_o the_o term_n catholic_n signify_v the_o same_o with_o ecumenical_a or_o the_o church_n that_o be_v throughout_o the_o whole_a world_n or_o the_o whole_a world_n of_o christian_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n the_o church_n be_v term_v catholic_n not_o as_o actual_o extend_v to_o the_o whole_a world_n but_o potential_o no_o nation_n or_o people_n be_v exclude_v but_o all_o have_a liberty_n to_o accept_v and_o enjoy_v the_o privilege_n thereof_o in_o this_o notion_n there_o be_v one_o catholic_n church_n both_o in_o the_o invisible_a and_o visible_a form_n the_o catholic_n church_n invisible_a be_v the_o whole_a company_n of_o true_a believer_n throughout_o the_o world_n who_o make_v that_o part_n of_o christ_n mystical_a body_n which_o in_o militant_a here_o on_o earth_n the_o catholic_n church_n visible_a be_v the_o whole_a company_n of_o visible_a believer_n throughout_o the_o world_n or_o believer_n according_a to_o humane_a judgement_n §_o 6._o the_o unity_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n visible_a the_o catholic_n church_n be_v not_o only_o notional_o but_o real_o existent_a and_o have_v relation_n to_o particular_a church_n as_o a_o intregal_a whole_a to_o integral_a part_n the_o same_o relation_n it_o have_v also_o to_o particular_a christian_n yea_o and_o to_o such_o as_o be_v not_o fix_v member_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n there_o be_v one_o peculiar_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n throughout_o the_o world_n distinct_a from_o the_o world_n in_o general_n visible_o constitute_v and_o administer_v not_o by_o humane_a law_n and_o coercive_a power_n as_o secular_a kingdom_n be_v but_o by_o divine_a law_n and_o power_n direct_o and_o pure_o respect_v the_o conscience_n there_o must_v needs_o be_v one_o caetholick_n visible_a church_n the_o catholic_n church_n in_o its_o visible_a form_n be_v one_o political_a society_n or_o spiritual_a commonwealth_n the_o city_n of_o god_n the_o more_o special_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n upon_o earth_n for_o the_o world_n in_o general_n be_v his_o kingdom_n at_o large_a the_o unity_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v a_o political_a society_n arise_v not_o out_o of_o a_o local_a contiguity_n but_o out_o of_o the_o moral_a and_o political_a union_n of_o the_o part_n and_o if_o the_o invisible_a church_n be_v one_o body_n the_o visible_a must_v be_v so_o likewise_o for_o these_o term_n the_o church_n visible_a and_o invisible_a do_v not_o signify_v two_o society_n as_o have_v be_v show_v but_o the_o same_o society_n distinguish_v by_o its_o diver_n consideration_n the_o visible_a catholic_n church_n have_v one_o head_n and_o supreme_a lord_n even_o christ_n one_o charter_n and_o systeme_n of_o law_n member_n that_o be_v free_a denizen_n of_o the_o whole_a society_n one_o form_n of_o admission_n or_o solemn_a initiation_n for_o all_o its_o member_n one_o spiritual_a polity_n or_o one_o divine_a form_n of_o government_n and_o one_o kind_n of_o ecclesiastical_a power_n the_o member_n of_o one_o particular_a church_n be_v entitle_v to_o the_o privilege_n grant_v of_o god_n to_o visible_a christian_n in_o any_o other_o church_n wheresoever_o they_o come_v to_o be_v enjoy_v by_o they_o according_a to_o their_o capacity_n and_o in_o a_o due_a order_n and_o wheresoever_o any_o christian_a come_v as_o a_o stranger_n he_o be_v by_o his_o relation_n to_o the_o universal_a church_n bind_v to_o have_v communion_n with_o the_o particular_a church_n or_o church_n of_o that_o place_n in_o god_n ordinance_n according_a to_o his_o capacity_n and_o opportunity_n and_o if_o it_o be_v say_v he_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o transient_a member_n of_o that_o particular_a church_n where_o he_o come_v as_o a_o stranger_n i_o answer_v that_o it_o arise_v from_o his_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n which_o contain_v all_o particular_a church_n as_o a_o integral_a whole_a its_o several_a part_n for_o it_o be_v his_o right_n and_o not_o a_o favour_n or_o a_o matter_n of_o mere_a charity_n whosoever_o be_v just_o and_o orderly_o cast_v out_o of_o one_o church_n be_v thereby_o virtual_o cast_v out_o of_o all_o church_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v receive_v by_o none_o this_o can_v be_v mere_o by_o compact_n among_o the_o church_n or_o by_o the_o mutual_a relation_n of_o mere_a concordant_a or_o sister_n church_n but_o by_o their_o be_v integral_a part_n of_o one_o society_n for_o the_o ejection_n out_o of_o all_o de_fw-la jure_fw-la follow_v natural_o necessary_o ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la from_o the_o ejection_n out_o of_o one_o the_o apostle_n be_v general_a officer_n of_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n as_o of_o one_o visible_a society_n and_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o it_o lose_v its_o unity_n by_o their_o death_n the_o ordinary_a pastor_n and_o teacher_n though_o actual_o and_o in_o exercise_n overseeing_a their_o own_o part_n be_v habitual_o and_o radical_o relate_v to_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n and_o thereby_o be_v enable_v to_o exercise_v their_o ministerial_a authority_n in_o any_o other_o part_n wheresoever_o they_o come_v without_o a_o new_a ordination_n or_o receive_v a_o new_a pastoral_a authority_n so_o that_o they_o do_v it_o in_o a_o due_a order_n this_o show_v that_o the_o several_a church_n be_v part_n of_o one_o political_a society_n otherwise_o the_o officer_n can_v not_o act_v authoritative_o out_o of_o their_o own_o particular_a congregation_n no_o more_o than_o as_o one_o well_o observe_v a_o mayor_n or_o constable_n can_v exercise_v their_o office_n in_o other_o corporation_n §_o 7._o the_o priority_n in_o nature_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n to_o particular_a church_n forasmuch_o aâ—_n man_n be_v christian_n in_o order_n of_o nature_n before_o they_o be_v member_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n and_o minister_n in_o general_a before_o they_o be_v minister_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n they_o be_v member_n and_o minister_n first_o of_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o order_n of_o nature_n and_o then_o of_o particular_a church_n and_o the_o charter_n and_o body_n of_o law_n and_o ordinance_n by_o which_o the_o church_n subsist_v do_v first_o belong_v to_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o then_o to_o particular_a church_n as_o part_n thereof_o to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n give_v only_o the_o opportunity_n of_o enjoy_v divine_a ordinance_n and_o church_n privilege_n but_o immediate_a right_n thereunto_o be_v gain_v by_o be_v a_o visible_a believer_n or_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n one_o may_v be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n and_o yet_o not_o a_o fix_a member_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n and_o that_o in_o some_o case_n occessary_o and_o in_o that_o state_n he_o have_v right_a to_o god_n ordinance_n the_o ethiopian_a eunuch_n be_v of_o no_o particular_a church_n and_o yet_o baptize_v by_o philip._n the_o promise_n threaten_v and_o precent_n of_o christ_n be_v dispense_v by_o his_o minister_n to_o the_o member_n of_o his_o church_n primary_o not_o as_o member_n of_o a_o particular_a but_o of_o the_o universal_a church_n and_o therefore_o the_o minister_n dispense_v the_o same_o with_o authority_n in_o christ_n name_n even_o to_o stranger_n that_o come_v into_o his_o congregation_n 8._o the_o visibility_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n as_o a_o large_a empire_n be_v visible_a to_o the_o eye_n of_o sense_n not_o in_o the_o whole_a at_o one_o view_n but_o in_o the_o several_a part_n one_o after_o another_o so_o be_v the_o catholich_n church_n as_o a_o large_a empire_n be_v visible_a in_o the_o whole_a at_o one_o view_n by_o a_o act_n of_o the_o understanding_n which_o be_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o mind_n so_o be_v the_o catholic_n church_n as_o the_o unity_n of_o a_o large_a empire_n be_v not_o judge_v invisible_a
the_o apostle_n and_o their_o coadjutor_n be_v lead_v to_o this_o way_n by_o the_o natural_a convenience_n of_o it_o but_o if_o any_o where_o a_o great_a inconvenience_n come_v or_o a_o great_a benefit_n be_v lose_v by_o such_o a_o partition_n of_o church_n than_o the_o convenience_n of_o it_o can_v countervail_v there_o the_o partition_n must_v be_v make_v as_o it_o may_v be_v that_o be_v as_o the_o state_n of_o thing_n will_v admit_v it_o be_v suppose_v by_o some_o learned_a man_n that_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n there_o be_v several_a church_n at_o rome_n under_o their_o several_a bishop_n or_o pastor_n as_o one_o of_o the_o circumcision_n another_o of_o the_o uncircumcision_n within_o the_o same_o local_a precinct_n and_o if_o there_o be_v not_o so_o the_o facto_fw-la i_o think_v few_o will_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o state_n of_o christian_n then_o and_o there_o may_v have_v be_v such_o as_o to_o have_v make_v such_o a_o partition_n of_o church_n among_o they_o lawful_a and_o expedient_a §_o 18._o of_o the_o power_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n the_o power_n of_o a_o church_n be_v but_o the_o power_n of_o the_o roll_a part_n thereof_o and_o therefore_o the_o power_n of_o particular_a church_n be_v according_a to_o the_o power_n of_o their_o particular_a bishop_n or_o pastor_n the_o nature_n whereof_o shall_v be_v open_v when_o i_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o pastoral_a office_n it_o appear_v by_o what_o have_v be_v already_o show_v of_o the_o frame_n of_o particular_a church_n mention_v in_o scripture_n that_o they_o all_o have_v the_o government_n within_o themselves_o every_o state_v church_n have_v its_o proper_a pastor_n or_o pastor_n have_v authority_n of_o teach_v and_o rule_v it_o in_o christ_n name_n if_o a_o distinction_n of_o church_n into_o such_o as_o have_v pastoral_a government_n within_o they_o and_o such_o as_o have_v it_o not_o be_v assert_v it_o must_v be_v prove_v by_o the_o assertor_n from_o divine_a testimony_n and_o if_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o every_o organical_a church_n have_v in_o it_o its_o authoritative_a teacher_n or_o guide_n under_o christ_n and_o in_o his_o name_n it_o must_v be_v grant_v as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v see_v that_o it_o have_v in_o it_o its_o ruler_n also_o for_o rule_v be_v but_o by_o teach_v and_o guide_v the_o small_a church_n have_v the_o same_o power_n in_o its_o narrow_a sphere_n that_o the_o great_a church_n or_o any_o association_n of_o church_n have_v in_o their_o large_a sphere_n that_o be_v it_o have_v the_o same_o power_n intensive_o though_o not_o extensive_o indeed_o the_o authoritative_a act_n of_o large_a church_n and_o association_n in_o regard_n of_o their_o amplitude_n may_v be_v just_o esteem_v in_o degree_n more_o solemn_a august_n and_o venerable_n §_o 19_o the_o subordination_n of_o church_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n consider_v touch_v this_o point_n of_o the_o subordination_n of_o church_n there_o be_v three_o part_n of_o the_o enquiry_n 1._o whether_o there_o be_v a_o subordination_n of_o one_o or_o more_o particular_a church_n to_o another_o particular_a church_n who_o constitution_n and_o frame_n be_v the_o same_o in_o specie_fw-la with_o they_o 2._o whether_o there_o be_v a_o subordination_n of_o particular_a church_n to_o some_o other_o church_n specifical_o different_a from_o they_o in_o the_o frame_n thereof_o and_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o great_a sublimity_n and_o amplitude_n 3._o whether_o there_o be_v a_o subordination_n of_o particular_a church_n take_v distributive_o to_o a_o association_n or_o collective_a body_n of_o the_o same_o church_n or_o a_o assembly_n thereof_o and_o of_o that_o collective_a body_n to_o a_o large_a association_n of_o more_o such_o collective_a body_n conjunct_a with_o it_o or_o to_o a_o assembly_n thereof_o and_o so_o forward_o till_o we_o come_v to_o the_o large_a that_o can_v be_v reach_v unto_o 1._o whether_o there_o be_v a_o subordination_n of_o one_o or_o more_o particular_a church_n to_o another_o particular_a church_n who_o constitution_n and_o frame_n be_v the_o same_o in_o specie_fw-la with_o they_o and_o who_o officer_n be_v of_o the_o same_o holy_a order_n such_o as_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n be_v in_o relation_n one_o to_o another_o and_o as_o congregational_a church_n be_v to_o each_o other_o and_z as_o diocesan_n church_n be_v to_o each_o other_o if_o de_fw-fr jure_fw-la there_o be_v such_o church_n now_o as_o touch_v subordination_n in_o this_o kind_n what_o have_v be_v or_o may_v be_v by_o humane_a right_n upon_o prudential_a consideration_n either_o stated_o or_o pro_fw-la tempore_fw-la be_v not_o here_o examine_v but_o what_o be_v by_o divine_a right_n infer_v a_o obligation_n upon_o one_o church_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o another_o of_o the_o same_o specific_a frame_n with_o itself_o sometime_o a_o church_n have_v be_v call_v a_o mother-church_n in_o relation_n to_o other_o church_n either_o because_o they_o have_v issue_v from_o it_o as_o swarm_n from_o a_o hive_n or_o because_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o christian_a faith_n from_o it_o or_o because_o they_o have_v be_v erect_v by_o some_o send_v forth_o from_o it_o etc._n etc._n now_o that_o these_o latter_a church_n do_v owe_v a_o reverential_a regard_n and_o observance_n to_o the_o first_o which_o be_v call_v the_o mother-church_n be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v and_o such_o regard_n or_o observance_n every_o small_a or_o obscure_a church_n owe_v to_o those_o that_o be_v more_o ample_a illustrious_a or_o renown_a but_o that_o the_o say_a mother_n church_n can_v by_o divine_a right_n or_o warrant_v claim_v a_o govern_v power_n over_o those_o church_n that_o have_v issue_v from_o it_o or_o that_o the_o more_o ample_a and_o illustrious_a church_n can_v claim_v the_o like_a over_o the_o small_a and_o obscure_a i_o do_v not_o find_v any_o proof_n but_o i_o judge_v the_o contrary_a because_o notwithstanding_o the_o aforesaid_a diversity_n or_o disparity_n of_o condition_n they_o all_o rest_n upon_o the_o same_o basiâ—_n christ_n charter_n by_o which_o they_o be_v constitute_v which_o be_v the_o same_o to_o all_o and_o alike_o immediate_o give_v to_o all_o so_o that_o in_o this_o respect_n they_o all_o stand_v upon_o the_o same_o level_n and_o be_v equal_a now_o one_o equal_a have_v not_o govern_v power_n over_o another_o in_o that_o wherein_o they_o be_v both_o equal_a §_o 20._o the_o subordination_n of_o church_n of_o different_a kind_n consider_v as_o touch_v the_o subordination_n of_o church_n to_o some_o other_o church_n specifical_o different_a from_o they_o as_o of_o parochial_a or_o congregational_a church_n to_o a_o diocesan_n provincial_a national_a church_n be_v it_o first_o observe_v that_o the_o diocesan_n church_n be_v not_o mere_o the_o incorporate_a society_n of_o a_o cathedral_n nor_o any_o one_o parcular_a church_n beside_o the_o parochial_a church_n nor_o be_v it_o material_o divers_a from_o they_o joint_o take_v nor_o the_o provincial_a church_n from_o the_o diocesan_n church_n nor_o the_o national_a church_n from_o the_o provincial_a church_n joint_o take_v but_o in_o their_o several_a rank_n they_o differ_v formal_o as_o be_v each_o of_o they_o one_o body_n politic_a constitute_v by_o the_o political_a compage_n of_o the_o church_n include_v in_o each_o of_o they_o and_o let_v what_o be_v before_o observe_v be_v here_o reminded_a that_o each_o congregational_a or_o parochial_a church_n have_v its_o proper_a presbyter_n or_o elder_n invest_v with_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v a_o political_a church_n or_o such_o as_o have_v its_o government_n within_o itself_o and_o thereupon_o the_o divine_a warrant_n of_o such_o a_o diocesan_n church_n as_o be_v the_o low_a that_o have_v government_n within_o itself_o and_o consequent_o that_o swallow_v hundred_o of_o political_a church_n that_o be_v of_o christ_n institution_n be_v call_v in_o question_n and_o still_o i_o desire_v the_o asserter_n of_o it_o to_o give_v some_o proof_n of_o its_o divine_a right_n indeed_o the_o postscript_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o titus_n mention_n he_o as_o ordain_v the_o first_o bishop_n of_o the_o cretan_n of_o what_o authority_n that_o postscript_n be_v i_o know_v not_o but_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o where_o there_o be_v christian_n there_o be_v to_o be_v church_n in_o every_o city_n of_o crete_n and_o there_o be_v reckon_v a_o hundred_o city_n in_o that_o no_o very_o large_a island_n and_o those_o church_n be_v political_a society_n within_o themselves_o have_n their_o proper_a elder_n or_o bishop_n and_o upon_o supposition_n that_o the_o whole_a island_n make_v but_o one_o large_a church_n constitute_v by_o the_o political_a union_n of_o the_o say_v particular_a church_n in_o every_o city_n under_o titus_n it_o must_v be_v such_o as_o be_v now_o call_v a_o provincial_a church_n under_o one_o archbishop_n now_o if_o the_o diocesan_n church_n be_v not_o look_v upon_o as_o the_o
the_o authority_n of_o the_o pastor_n but_o as_o they_o be_v make_v for_o the_o present_a or_o absent_a pastor_n who_o be_v separately_z of_o equal_a office_n power_n they_o be_v no_o law_n except_o in_o a_o equivocal_a sense_n but_o only_a agreement_n now_o in_o judge_v between_o these_o two_o way_n of_o the_o subordination_n inquire_v of_o let_v it_o be_v consider_v first_o that_o every_o particular_a church_n have_v power_n of_o government_n within_o itself_o as_o have_v be_v before_o observe_v 2._o that_o a_o particular_a church_n do_v not_o derive_v that_o power_n from_o any_o other_o particular_a church_n or_o collective_a body_n of_o church_n but_o have_v it_o immediate_o from_o christ_n 3._o that_o yet_o the_o act_n of_o government_n in_o every_o particular_a church_n have_v a_o influence_n into_o all_o the_o church_n be_v but_o integral_a part_n of_o one_o whole_a the_o catholic_n church_n and_o consequent_o they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o near_o concern_v in_o one_o another_o as_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n 4._o thereupon_o that_o particular_a church_n combine_v in_o such_o collective_a body_n and_o association_n as_o have_v be_v before_o mention_v be_v not_o arbitrary_a but_o their_o duty_n 5._o that_o the_o great_a collective_a body_n be_v in_o degree_n more_o august_n and_o venerable_a than_o the_o lesser_a include_v in_o they_o and_o in_o that_o regard_n ought_v to_o have_v sway_n with_o the_o lesser_a and_o not_o mere_o in_o regard_n of_o agreement_n for_o though_o in_o the_o great_a there_o be_v but_o the_o same_o power_n in_o specie_fw-la with_o that_o in_o the_o lesser_a yet_o it_o be_v more_o ample_o and_o illustrious_o exert_v 6._o that_o in_o all_o society_n every_o part_n be_v order_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a and_o the_o more_o ample_a and_o comprehensive_a part_n come_v near_o to_o the_o nature_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o whole_a than_o the_o lesser_a an_o comprehend_v the_o more_o ample_a part_n if_o they_o have_v not_o a_o proper_a govern_v power_n over_o the_o lesser_a have_v at_o least_o a_o preeminence_n over_o they_o for_o the_o end_n sake_n and_o this_o preeminence_n have_v the_o force_n of_o a_o proper_a superior_a power_n in_o bear_v sway_n 7._o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o act_n of_o synod_n if_o they_o be_v not_o direct_o act_n of_o government_n over_o the_o particular_a pastor_n yet_o they_o have_v the_o efficacy_n of_o government_n as_o be_v to_o be_v submit_v to_o for_o the_o end_n sake_n the_o general_a good_a §_o 22._o what_o be_v and_o what_o be_v not_o of_o divine_a right_n in_o ecclesiastical_a polity_n we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o the_o church_n as_o a_o church_n or_o a_o society_n divers_a in_o kind_n from_o all_o other_o society_n and_o those_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o it_o extrinsecal_o &_o upon_o a_o reason_n common_a to_o it_o with_o other_o regular_a society_n the_o former_a whole_o rest_n upon_o divine_a right_n the_o latter_a be_v in_o genere_fw-la requisite_a by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n which_o require_v decency_n and_o order_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v convenient_a in_o all_o society_n and_o so_o far_o they_o rest_v upon_o divine_a right_n but_o in_o specie_fw-la they_o be_v leave_v to_o human_a determination_n according_a to_o the_o general_a rule_n give_v of_o god_n in_o nature_n or_o scripture_n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o such_o be_v the_o sulness_n of_o scripture_n that_o it_o contain_v all_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n what_o soever_o in_o matter_n of_o church_n government_n do_v go_v to_o the_o formal_a constitution_n of_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v of_o divine_a right_n the_o frame_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_a as_o one_o spiritual_a society_n under_o christ_n the_o head_n as_o before_o describe_v whole_o rest_v upon_o divine_a right_n and_o so_o the_o frame_n of_o particular_a church_n as_o several_a spiritual_a polity_n and_o integral_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n as_o before_o describe_v be_v also_o of_o divine_a right_n if_o such_o right_o be_v sufficient_o signify_v by_o the_o precept_n and_o rule_n give_v by_o the_o apostle_n for_o the_o frame_n of_o they_o and_o by_o their_o practice_n therein_o moreover_o the_o parcel_a of_o that_o one_o great_a society_n the_o church-catholic_a into_o particular_a political_a society_n under_o their_o proper_a spiritual_a guide_n and_o ruler_n be_v so_o necessary_a in_o nature_n to_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a that_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n have_v make_v it_o unalterable_a it_o be_v intrinsic_a to_o all_o particular_a state_v church_n and_o so_o of_o divine_a right_n that_o there_o be_v public_a assembly_n thereof_o for_o the_o solemn_a worship_n of_o god_n that_o there_o be_v bishop_n elder_n or_o spiritual_a pastor_n therein_o and_o that_o these_o as_o christ_n officer_n guide_v the_o say_a assembly_n in_o public_a worship_n that_o therein_o they_o authoritative_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o in_o christ_n name_n offer_v the_o mercy_n of_o the_o gospel_n upon_o his_o term_n and_o denounce_v the_o threaten_n of_o the_o gospel_n against_o those_o that_o despise_v the_o mercy_n thereof_o that_o they_o dispense_v the_o sacrament_n to_o the_o meet_a partaker_n and_o the_o spiritual_a censure_n upon_o those_o that_o just_o fall_v under_o they_o that_o the_o member_n of_o these_o society_n explicit_o or_o implicit_o consent_v to_o their_o relation_n to_o their_o pastor_n and_o one_o towards_o another_o it_o do_v also_o intrinsical_o belong_v to_o particular_a church_n as_o they_o be_v integral_a part_n of_o one_o catholic_n church_n of_o which_o all_o the_o particular_a christian_n contain_v in_o they_o be_v member_n and_o consequent_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v of_o divine_a right_n that_o they_o hold_v communion_n one_o with_o another_o and_o that_o they_o be_v embody_a according_a to_o their_o capacity_n in_o such_o association_n as_o have_v be_v before_o describe_v as_o for_o all_o circumstantial_a variation_n and_o accidental_a modification_n of_o the_o thing_n aforesaid_a with_o respect_n to_o mere_a decency_n order_n and_o convenience_n according_a to_o time_n and_o occasion_n be_v extrinsic_a to_o the_o spiritual_a frame_n and_o polity_n of_o the_o church_n as_o such_o and_o belong_v in_o common_a to_o it_o with_o all_o orderly_a society_n they_o be_v of_o divine_a right_o only_o in_o genere_fw-la but_o in_o specie_fw-la they_o be_v leave_v to_o those_o to_o who_o the_o conduct_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v commit_v to_o be_v determine_v according_a to_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o god_n word_n much_o of_o the_o controversy_n of_o this_o age_n about_o several_a form_n of_o church-government_n be_v about_o thing_n extrinsic_a to_o the_o church-state_n and_o but_o accidental_a mode_n thereof_o though_o the_o several_a party_n in_o the_o controversy_n make_v those_o form_n to_o which_o they_o adhere_v to_o be_v of_o divine_a right_n and_o necessary_a to_o a_o church-state_n or_o as_o some_o speak_v a_o church-organical_a now_o in_o the_o say_v controvert_v form_n of_o government_n there_o may_v be_v a_o great_a difference_n for_o some_o may_v be_v congruous_a to_o the_o divine_a and_o constitutive_a frame_n of_o the_o church_n and_o advantageous_a to_o its_o end_n other_o may_v be_v incongruous_a to_o it_o and_o destructive_a to_o its_o end_n §_o 23._o of_o a_o true_a or_o false_a church_n many_o note_n of_o a_o true_a church_n be_v contentious_o bring_v in_o by_o those_o that_o will_v darken_v the_o truth_n by_o word_n without_o knowledge_n but_o without_o more_o ado_n the_o true_a and_o real_a be_v of_o a_o church_n stand_v in_o its_o conformity_n to_o that_o law_n of_o christ_n upon_o which_o his_o church_n be_v found_v this_o law_n be_v complete_o write_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o more_o of_o the_o aforesaid_a conformity_n be_v sound_a in_o any_o church_n the_o more_o true_a and_o sound_v it_o be_v and_o the_o less_o of_o it_o be_v find_v in_o any_o church_n the_o more_o corrupt_a and_o false_a it_o be_v and_o the_o more_o it_o decline_v from_o truth_n and_o soundness_n a_o church_n may_v bear_v so_o much_o conformity_n to_o its_o rule_n as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o the_o real_a be_v or_o essential_a state_n of_o a_o christian_a church_n and_o yet_o withal_o bear_v such_o disconformity_n to_o its_o rule_n as_o render_v it_o very_o enormous_a a_o church_n hold_v all_o the_o essential_o of_o faith_n worship_n ministry_n and_o government_n together_o with_o the_o addition_n of_o such_o doctrine_n worship_n ministry_n and_o government_n as_o be_v by_o consequence_n a_o denial_n of_o those_o essential_o and_o a_o subvert_v of_o the_o foundation_n be_v a_o true_a church_n as_o to_o the_o essential_o though_o very_o enormous_a and_o dangerous_a and_o they_o that_o be_v of_o the_o communion_n of_o such_o a_o church_n who_o hold_v the_o essential_o of_o religion_n
more_o prevalent_o in_o their_o judgement_n and_o practice_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o life_n than_o the_o superadded_a error_n and_o corruption_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o renounce_v those_o error_n and_o corruption_n if_o they_o see_v their_o inconsistence_n with_o the_o essential_o be_v true_a christian_n otherwise_o they_o be_v not_o such_o the_o same_o church_n may_v be_v a_o true_a and_o a_o false_a church_n in_o different_a respect_n or_o formal_a consideration_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o essential_o of_o christian_a faith_n worship_n and_o ministry_n it_o may_v be_v a_o true_a church_n and_o in_o respect_n of_o some_o devise_a church-form_n superad_v by_o which_o over_o and_o above_o the_o say_a essential_o it_o be_v constitute_v and_o denominate_v it_o may_v be_v in_o that_o distinct_a formal_a consideration_n a_o false_a church_n of_o the_o ministry_n §_o 1._o the_o nature_n of_o the_o holy_a ministry_n in_o general_n the_o holy_a ministry_n be_v a_o state_n of_o authority_n and_o obligation_n to_o perform_v some_o special_a holy_a work_n and_o service_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o church_n so_o that_o whosoever_o be_v in_o a_o holy_a order_n or_o office_n be_v qua_fw-la talis_fw-la authorize_v and_o oblige_v to_o the_o work_n and_o service_n that_o be_v appropriate_v to_o it_o and_o whosoever_o stated_o and_o de_fw-fr jure_fw-la do_v the_o work_n and_o service_n appropriate_v to_o a_o holy_a order_n be_v real_o in_o or_o of_o that_o order_n although_o man_n may_v not_o give_v he_o the_o name_n thereof_o whether_o the_o magistratical_a and_o ministerial_a office_n may_v reside_v together_o in_o the_o same_o person_n be_v not_o here_o consider_v but_o if_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o they_o may_v they_o will_v essential_o differ_v from_o each_o other_o for_o the_o magistrate_n as_o such_o have_v receive_v no_o authority_n formal_o ministerial_a nor_o have_v any_o minister_n as_o such_o the_o power_n of_o a_o civil_a magistrate_n some_o thus_o distinguish_v between_o the_o magistratical_a and_o ministerial_a authority_n that_o the_o one_o be_v directive_n and_o the_o other_o imperative_fw-it i_o take_v not_o this_o to_o be_v a_o competent_a distinction_n for_o that_o authority_n that_o infer_v a_o obligation_n on_o the_o subject_n to_o obey_v be_v proper_o imperative_fw-it and_o the_o ministerial_a authority_n do_v so_o as_o the_o scripture_n speak_v express_o heb._n 13.17_o paul_n be_v no_o magistrate_n but_o as_o a_o minister_n he_o speak_v 2_o cor._n 10.6_o have_v in_o readiness_n to_o revenge_v all_o disobedience_n and_o he_o express_o declare_v his_o ministerial_a authority_n to_o be_v imperative_fw-it phil._n v._n 8._o the_o i_o may_v make_v hold_n in_o christ_n to_o enjoin_v thou_o that_o which_o be_v convenient_a etc._n etc._n and_o v._o 21._o have_v confidence_n in_o thy_o obedience_n i_o write_v unto_o thou_o now_o they_o have_v right_o distinguish_v if_o instead_o of_o imperative_fw-it they_o have_v put_v coercive_a coactive_a or_o imperial_a for_o all_o directive_n authority_n by_o special_a office_n be_v imperative_fw-it whosoever_o do_v by_o special_a office_n direct_v unto_o duty_n in_o the_o name_n of_o his_o king_n and_o according_a to_o his_o will_n as_o a_o minister_n do_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n do_v therein_o command_v but_o a_o coactive_a power_n be_v something_o more_o an_o belong_v not_o to_o a_o minister_n as_o such_o the_o magistrate_n rule_v by_o the_o sword_n and_o the_o minister_n by_o the_o word_n §_o 2._o of_o the_o efficient_a cause_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o its_o authority_n as_o christ_n alone_o have_v the_o power_n of_o appoint_v the_o work_n or_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a ministry_n to_o be_v do_v in_o his_o name_n either_o towards_o believer_n or_o the_o unbelieving_a towards_o the_o church_n joint_o or_o towards_o particular_a person_n several_o so_o he_o alone_o have_v the_o power_n of_o appoint_v the_o holy_a order_n or_o office_n that_o contain_v a_o authority_n and_o obligation_n to_o perform_v the_o same_o and_o see_v christ_n have_v already_o appoint_v all_o the_o ministerial_a work_n and_o appropriate_v the_o same_o to_o certain_a ministerial_a order_n no_o new_a order_n or_o office_n of_o the_o holy_a ministry_n can_v be_v institute_v by_o man_n for_o they_o can_v institute_v other_o ministerial_a work_n to_o be_v do_v in_o christ_n name_n than_o what_o he_o have_v appoint_v but_o the_o circumstance_n and_o accidental_a mode_n and_o subservient_fw-fr office_n about_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n be_v of_o that_o nature_n as_o that_o they_o well_o may_v be_v appoint_v by_o man_n and_o according_o the_o officer_n for_o the_o management_n thereof_o may_v be_v so_o appoint_v and_o such_o mode_n and_o circumstance_n be_v necessary_o subject_a to_o great_a variation_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o great_a diversity_n of_o occasion_n can_v well_o be_v pre-defined_n the_o holy_a ministry_n and_o power_n belong_v to_o it_o be_v confer_v neither_o by_o magistrate_n nor_o by_o prelate_n nor_o by_o any_o spiritual_a officer_n or_o officer_n as_o the_o proper_a giver_n thereof_o but_o by_o christ_n alone_o and_o though_o christ_n give_v it_o in_o some_o respect_n by_o the_o mediation_n of_o man_n yet_o not_o by_o they_o as_o give_v the_o office_n power_n but_o as_o instrument_n either_o of_o design_v the_o person_n to_o who_o he_o give_v it_o or_o of_o the_o solemn_a investiture_n of_o that_o person_n therein_o as_o the_o king_n be_v the_o immediate_a giver_n of_o the_o power_n of_o a_o mayor_n in_o a_o town_n corporate_a when_o he_o give_v it_o by_o the_o mediation_n of_o the_o elector_n not_o as_o give_v the_o power_n but_o design_v the_o person_n to_o be_v invest_v with_o it_o or_o by_o the_o mediation_n of_o some_o other_o officer_n as_o instrument_n of_o the_o solemn_a investiture_n neither_o magistrate_n nor_o prelate_n nor_o any_o spiritual_a officer_n or_o officer_n can_v dsiannul_v or_o take_v away_o that_o spiritual_a office_n whereof_o they_o be_v not_o the_o author_n nor_o in_o proper_a sense_n the_o giver_n nor_o can_v they_o enlarge_v or_o lessen_v it_o as_o to_o its_o essential_a state_n or_o define_v it_o otherwise_o than_o christ_n have_v define_v it_o and_o if_o the_o ordainer_n in_o convey_v the_o holy_a office_n or_o order_n shall_v use_v any_o any_o word_n or_o action_n that_o import_v the_o lessen_v thereof_o in_o its_o essential_a state_n they_o be_v void_a and_o null_a as_o if_o a_o minister_n that_o join_v a_o man_n and_o woman_n in_o marriage_n according_a to_o the_o true_a intent_n of_o that_o ordinance_n shall_v add_v some_o word_n that_o forbid_v the_o husband_n the_o government_n of_o his_o wife_n that_o addition_n be_v a_o nullity_n §_o 3._o of_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n elder_n or_o pastor_n the_o ministry_n of_o god_n appointment_n be_v either_o extraordinary_a and_o temporary_a as_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n and_o evangelist_n also_o if_o so_o be_v they_o be_v only_o the_o itinerary_a assistant_n of_o the_o apostle_n or_o ordinary_a and_o perpetual_a as_o that_o of_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n the_o word_n elder_a bishop_n pastor_n be_v name_n of_o the_o same_o sacred_a office_n as_o appear_v act_n 20.17_o 28._o where_o their_o ministry_n towards_o the_o church_n be_v set_v forth_o in_o paul_n word_n to_o the_o elder_n which_o he_o send_v for_o from_o ephesus_n to_o miletum_n take_v heed_n to_o yourselves_o and_o to_o all_o the_o flock_n over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v you_o overseer_n to_o feed_v the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v purchase_v with_o his_o own_o blood_n the_o apostle_n beside_o their_o extraordinary_a office_n of_o apostleship_n have_v also_o the_o ordinary_a office_n of_o bishop_n pastor_n and_o elder_n or_o to_o speak_v peradventure_o more_o proper_o they_o have_v these_o ordinary_a office_n include_v in_o their_o apostleship_n christ_n say_v to_o peter_n feed_v my_o sheep_n and_o peter_n call_v himself_o a_o elder_n 1_o pet._n 5.1_o and_o john_n in_o his_o second_o and_o three_o epistle_n so_o call_v himself_o and_o indeed_o if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o they_o can_v have_v no_o successor_n or_o partaker_n howbeit_o the_o scripture_n give_v we_o no_o evidence_n of_o their_o be_v fix_a bishop_n or_o pastor_n to_o particular_a church_n as_o for_o the_o meaning_n of_o these_o name_n the_o word_n bishop_n import_v a_o overseer_n elder_n be_v a_o name_n of_o authority_n borrow_v from_o age_n and_o apply_v to_o a_o ruling-officer_n the_o word_n pastor_n be_v metaphorical_a signify_v that_o this_o officer_n be_v to_o the_o congregation_n of_o god_n as_o a_o shepherd_n to_o a_o flock_n of_o sheep_n to_o feed_v they_o this_o feed_n consist_v in_o teach_v and_o rule_v so_o that_o every_o pastor_n be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o office_n a_o teacher_n and_o he_o feed_v by_o doctrine_n and_o indeed_o pastoral_a ruling_n be_v by_o
teach_v so_o that_o every_o authoritative_a church-teacher_n be_v a_o pastor_n for_o the_o pastor_n rule_v only_o by_o the_o spiritual_a sword_n which_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o discipline_n which_o he_o exercise_v be_v no_o more_o than_o than_o the_o personal_a application_n of_o christ_n word_n in_o his_o name_n to_o judge_v the_o impenitent_a and_o absolve_v the_o penitent_a and_o every_o authoritative_a teacher_n in_o christ_n name_n have_v power_n to_o make_v such_o personal_a application_n of_o the_o word_n the_o pastoral_a office_n have_v its_o work_n not_o only_o towards_o those_o that_o be_v within_o but_o towards_o those_o also_o that_o be_v without_o to_o bring_v they_o into_o the_o fold_n as_o christ_n the_o prince_n of_o pastor_n or_o chief_a shepherd_n do_v by_o virtue_n of_o that_o office_n not_o only_o feed_v the_o sheep_n that_o be_v gather_v to_o he_o but_o go_v out_o also_o into_o the_o wilderness_n to_o seek_v the_o lose_a sheep_n even_o so_o the_o ministerial_a pastor_n or_o bishop_n be_v by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n under_o christ_n to_o seek_v those_o that_o be_v as_o yet_o go_v astray_o and_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o christ_n the_o shepherd_n and_o bishop_n of_o their_o soul_n thus_o the_o name_n pastor_n do_v very_o congruous_o denote_v the_o ministerial_a authority_n towards_o the_o unbelieving_a and_o unconvert_v as_o well_o as_o towards_o believer_n and_o convert_n moreover_o the_o say_a officer_n be_v style_v preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n 1_o cor._n 9.14_o steward_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 4.1_o ambassador_n of_o christ_n that_o have_v the_o ministry_n of_o reconciliation_n commit_v to_o they_o 2_o cor._n 5.18_o 20._o and_o these_o title_n infer_v a_o office_n and_o ministry_n relate_v as_o well_o to_o those_o that_o be_v without_o and_o to_o be_v bring_v into_o the_o fold_n as_o to_o those_o that_o be_v within_o and_o to_o be_v keep_v there_o and_o in_o reference_n to_o both_o sort_n it_o be_v for_o the_o edify_a or_o build_v of_o the_o church_n in_o short_a the_o pastoral_a office_n be_v a_o state_n of_o authority_n and_o obligation_n to_o dispense_v the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n and_o disciplinary_a censure_n of_o christ_n the_o mediator_n in_o his_o name_n the_o ministerial_a dispensation_n of_o the_o word_n differ_v quoad_fw-la formale_a from_o spiritual_a instruction_n reproof_n exhortation_n give_v in_o a_o common_a way_n of_o christian_a charity_n or_o in_o a_o special_a way_n of_o oeconomical_a or_o civil_a authority_n be_v perform_v by_o christ_n commission_v officer_n and_o steward_n in_o holy_a thing_n and_o separate_v or_o devote_v thereunto_o and_o herein_o the_o minister_n as_o ambassador_n or_o herald_n according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v publish_v and_o offer_v the_o mercy_n of_o christ_n upon_o his_o term_n and_o denounce_v the_o threaten_n of_o christ_n to_o those_o that_o refuse_v his_o mercy_n the_o sacrament_n be_v seal_v annex_v by_o christ_n to_o the_o word_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o a_o visible_a word_n be_v also_o to_o be_v dispense_v by_o they_o to_o who_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o word_n be_v commit_v the_o disciplinary_a censure_n of_o authoritative_a reproof_n suspension_n and_o excommunication_n of_o person_n convict_v of_o ungodliness_n and_o impenitency_n be_v a_o particular_a and_o personal_a application_n of_o the_o threaten_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o a_o declare_v and_o judge_v of_o the_o person_n unmeet_a for_o fellowship_n with_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n be_v likewise_o to_o be_v administer_v by_o the_o same_o officer_n §_o 4._o the_o nature_n of_o the_o spiritual_a power_n reside_v in_o the_o pastor_n the_o spiritual_a power_n of_o pastor_n bishop_n or_o elder_n be_v express_v by_o the_o author_n and_o giver_n of_o it_o in_o these_o term_n viz._n the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n bind_v and_o lose_v remit_v and_o retain_v sin_n to_o understand_v the_o true_a import_n of_o these_o term_n be_v to_o understand_v the_o power_n inquire_v of_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n signify_v the_o stewardship_n of_o christ_n gospel_n to_o dispense_v to_o every_o one_o a_o due_a portion_n thereof_o according_a to_o his_o command_n bind_v and_o lose_v be_v a_o ministerial_a authority_n of_o hold_v impenitent_a sinner_n under_o the_o curse_n and_o absolve_v the_o penitent_a from_o it_o only_o by_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n general_o or_o personal_o apply_v and_o it_o may_v further_o signify_v a_o ministerial_a prohibit_v of_o that_o which_o be_v unlawful_a and_o allow_v of_o that_o which_o be_v lawful_a by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o power_n of_o remit_v and_o retain_v sin_n as_o grant_v to_o minister_n be_v only_o that_o of_o mere_a steward_n or_o dispenser_n of_o the_o blessing_n or_o the_o curse_n that_o have_v proceed_v out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o christ_n their_o lord_n and_o there_o appear_v no_o grant_n from_o christ_n to_o his_o minister_n of_o other_o power_n than_o what_o be_v here_o express_v or_o what_o be_v employ_v in_o it_o or_o by_o necessary_a consequence_n follow_v from_o it_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o ministerial_a power_n a_o great_a scholar_n distinguish_v between_o a_o vicar_n and_o a_o mere_a minister_n and_o say_v a_o vicar_n do_v produce_v action_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n with_o he_o who_o vicar_n he_o be_v his_o word_n be_v actiones_fw-la congeneres_fw-la though_o less_o perfect_o but_o a_o mere_a minister_n do_v not_o produce_v such_o action_n but_o only_o such_o as_o be_v serviceable_a to_o the_o action_n of_o the_o principal_a cause_n therefore_o the_o name_n of_o the_o same_o action_n be_v proper_o yet_o analogical_o attribute_v to_o the_o vicar_n as_o to_o the_o principal_a as_o for_o example_n to_o pass_v sentence_n but_o to_o the_o minister_n only_o tropical_o as_o remit_v and_o retain_v of_o sin_n indeed_o the_o sentence_n of_o a_o vicarious_a judge_n whether_o just_a or_o unjust_a be_v decisive_a or_o definitive_a and_o valid_a as_o to_o matter_n of_o legal_a right_n till_o it_o be_v reverse_v by_o the_o principal_a but_o the_o action_n of_o a_o minister_n for_o the_o remit_v and_o retain_v of_o sin_n be_v of_o no_o force_n no_o not_o for_o a_o moment_n if_o it_o be_v unjust_a or_o do_v as_o the_o common_a expression_n be_v errante_fw-la cleave_v hereupon_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o ministerial_a power_n of_o remit_v and_o retain_v sin_n and_o of_o bind_v and_o lose_v at_o least_o as_o to_o the_o conscience_n be_v mere_o declarative_a that_o be_v it_o have_v its_o force_n and_o virtue_n as_o it_o be_v a_o true_a declaration_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n in_o that_o particular_a otherwise_o it_o be_v void_a and_o of_o no_o effect_n the_o power_n of_o pastor_n in_o the_o act_n aforesaid_a be_v but_o the_o power_n of_o herald_n or_o ambassador_n and_o therefore_o only_o declarative_a god_n and_o christ_n do_v by_o the_o law_n of_o grace_n absolve_v or_o justify_v the_o penitent_a constitutiuè_fw-la even_o before_o the_o pastor_n pronounce_v absolution_n every_o penitent_a be_v by_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n justify_v or_o make_v righteous_a therefore_o the_o pastor_n do_v absolve_v or_o justify_v he_o only_o declaratiuè_fw-la for_o when_o a_o man_n be_v justify_v by_o the_o law_n of_o grace_n and_o consequent_o so_o esteem_v and_o judge_v of_o god_n what_o have_v his_o officer_n or_o minister_v afterward_o to_o do_v in_o his_o name_n but_o to_o declare_v what_o be_v already_o do_v in_o law_n as_o for_o the_o say_n of_o dominus_fw-la expectat_fw-la servum_fw-la that_o be_v before_o god_n justify_v the_o penitent_a believer_n who_o be_v ready_a to_o submit_v to_o all_o his_o term_n he_o stay_v for_o the_o sentence_n of_o absolution_n to_o be_v pronounce_v by_o the_o minister_n i_o confess_v i_o understand_v not_o its_o consistence_n with_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n wherefore_o the_o pastoral_a sentence_n of_o absolution_n do_v confer_v no_o new_a right_n nor_o do_v it_o perfect_a the_o right_a already_o give_v by_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n but_o it_o do_v authoritative_o declare_v that_o right_n and_o strengthen_v the_o assurance_n and_o comfort_v the_o conscience_n of_o the_o penitent_a the_o pastoral_a bind_n of_o the_o impenitent_a be_v not_o the_o add_v of_o a_o further_a curse_n or_o obligation_n to_o divine_a vengeance_n but_o mere_o a_o solemn_a declaration_n of_o the_o curse_n already_o past_a upon_o the_o sinner_n by_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n but_o as_o the_o solemn_a declaration_n of_o the_o king_n pardon_n to_o repent_v rebel_n and_o the_o denunciation_n of_o vengeance_n to_o the_o obstinate_a by_o a_o authorize_v officer_n according_a to_o the_o law_n do_v strengthen_v the_o assurance_n of_o the_o conditional_a mercy_n and_o increase_v the_o guilt_n of_o continue_v in_o rebellion_n and_o more_o forcible_o press_v to_o obedience_n so_o the_o like_a declarative_a act_n
against_o the_o episcopacy_n of_o a_o bishop_n infimi_fw-la gradus_fw-la over_o many_o church_n make_v not_o against_o the_o right_n of_o a_o overseer_n of_o other_o bishop_n such_o as_o titus_n must_v needs_o be_v if_o he_o be_v indeed_o bishop_n of_o crete_n which_o contain_v a_o hundred_o city_n and_o where_o bishop_n or_o elder_n be_v ordain_v in_o every_o city_n if_o either_o scripture_n or_o prudence_n guide_v by_o scripture_n be_v for_o such_o a_o office_n i_o oppose_v it_o not_o now_o a_o bishop_n of_o bishop_n may_v be_v take_v in_o a_o twofold_a notion_n either_o for_o one_o of_o a_o high_a order_n that_o be_v to_o say_v of_o a_o office_n specifical_o different_a from_o the_o subordinate_a bishop_n or_o for_o one_o of_o a_o high_a degree_n only_o in_o the_o same_o order_n i_o suppose_v our_o archbishop_n of_o province_n do_v not_o own_o the_o former_a notion_n of_o a_o bishop_n of_o bishop_n but_o the_o latter_a only_o but_o the_o bishop_n of_o a_o diocese_n be_v de_fw-fr facto_fw-la that_o which_o the_o archbishop_n of_o a_o province_n do_v not_o own_o namely_o a_o bishop_n of_o bishop_n in_o a_o different_a order_n from_o the_o presbyter_n of_o his_o diocese_n who_o have_v be_v already_o prove_v from_o scripture_n to_o be_v bishop_n hereupon_o the_o present_a inquiry_n be_v whether_o the_o word_n of_o god_n do_v warrant_v the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n of_o bishop_n in_o either_o of_o the_o say_a notion_n and_o in_o this_o inquiry_n i_o shall_v consider_v what_o kind_n of_o government_n the_o apostle_n have_v over_o the_o pastor_n or_o elder_n of_o particular_a church_n 2._o the_o episcopacy_n of_o timothy_n and_o titus_n much_o allege_v by_o the_o hierarchical_a divine_n 3._o the_o preeminence_n of_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asian_a apoc._n 1._o and_o 2._o §_o 9_o the_o bishop_n plen_n of_o be_v the_o apostle_n successor_n in_o their_o governing-power_n examine_v though_o the_o apostle_n in_o respect_n of_o that_o in_o they_o which_o be_v common_a to_o other_o officer_n call_v themselves_o presbyter_n and_o minister_n but_o never_o bishop_n yet_o it_o be_v assert_v by_o the_o asserter_n of_o prelacy_n that_o bishop_n superior_a to_o presbyter_n be_v the_o apostle_n successor_n and_o thereupon_o have_v a_o governing-power_n over_o presbyter_n wherefore_o the_o apostle_n governing-power_n and_o the_o say_a bishop_n right_a of_o succession_n thereunto_o be_v necessary_o to_o be_v consider_v as_o touch_v this_o claim_v succession_n in_o the_o govern_n power_n the_o defender_n of_o prelacy_n say_v that_o presbyter_n qua_fw-la presbyter_n succeed_v the_o apostle_n in_o the_o office_n of_o govern_v but_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o warrant_v this_o divide_n of_o the_o office_n of_o teach_v and_o govern_v and_o if_o the_o division_n can_v be_v prove_v in_o case_n there_o be_v a_o succession_n it_o must_v be_v into_o the_o whole_a and_o not_o into_o a_o part_n and_o so_o the_o presbyter_n must_v succeed_v as_o well_o in_o rule_v as_o in_o teach_v beside_o it_o have_v be_v already_o prove_v that_o a_o authoritative_a teacher_n of_o the_o church_n be_v qua_fw-la talis_fw-la a_o ruler_n the_o apostle_n have_v no_o successor_n in_o their_o special_a office_n of_o apostleship_n for_o not_o only_o the_o unction_n or_o qualification_n of_o a_o apostle_n but_o also_o the_o entire_a apostolic_a office_n as_o in_o its_o formal_a state_n or_o specific_a difference_n be_v extraordinary_a and_o expire_v with_o their_o person_n it_o be_v a_o office_n by_o immediate_a vocation_n from_o christ_n without_o the_o intervention_n of_o man_n by_o election_n or_o ordination_n for_o the_o authentic_a promulgation_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o the_o erect_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n throughout_o the_o world_n which_o be_v build_v on_o the_o foundation_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o for_o the_o govern_n of_o all_o church_n wherever_o they_o come_v and_o it_o eminent_o contain_v all_o the_o power_n of_o ordinary_a bishop_n and_o pastor_n the_o continuation_n of_o teach_v and_o govern_v in_o the_o church_n do_v no_o more_o prove_v that_o the_o office_n of_o teach_v and_o govern_v in_o the_o apostle_n be_v quoad_fw-la formale_n a_o ordinary_a office_n than_o that_o the_o office_n of_o teach_v and_o govern_v in_o christ_n himself_o be_v so_o but_o their_o teach_n and_o govern_v be_v by_o immediate_a call_n and_o authentic_a and_o uncontrollable_a and_o therefore_o extraordinary_a and_o i_o do_v not_o know_v that_o the_o bishop_n say_v they_o be_v apostle_n though_o they_o say_v they_o be_v the_o successor_n of_o the_o apostle_n moreover_o in_o proper_a speak_n the_o ordinary_a bishop_n or_o elder_n can_v be_v reckon_v the_o successor_n of_o the_o apostle_n for_o they_o be_v not_o succedaneous_a to_o they_o but_o contemporary_a with_o they_o from_o the_o first_o plant_n of_o church_n and_o do_v by_o divine_a right_n receive_v and_o exercise_v their_o governing-power_n and_o the_o bishop_n or_o elder_n of_o all_o succeed_a age_n be_v proper_o the_o successor_n of_o those_o first_o bishop_n or_o elder_n and_o can_v rightful_o claim_v no_o more_o power_n than_o they_o have_v nevertheless_o let_v the_o apostle_n govern_v power_n be_v inquire_v into_o as_o also_o what_o interest_n the_o bishop_n of_o the_o hierarchical_a state_n have_v therein_o and_o in_o this_o query_n it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o the_o presbyter_n who_o the_o apostle_n ordain_v and_o govern_v be_v bishop_n both_o in_o name_n and_o thing_n and_o consequent_o their_o example_n of_o ordain_v and_o rule_v such_o presbyter_n be_v not_o right_o allege_v to_o prove_v that_o bishop_n as_o their_o successor_n have_v a_o appropriate_v power_n of_o ordain_v and_o rule_v presbyter_n of_o a_o inferior_a order_n which_o in_o scripture_n time_n be_v not_o in_o be_v further_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v whether_o the_o say_a governing-power_n be_v only_o a_o supereminent_a authority_n which_o they_o have_v as_o apostle_n and_o infallible_a and_o to_o who_o the_o last_o appeal_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o be_v make_v or_o a_o ordinary_a govern_v power_n over_o the_o church_n and_o the_o bishop_n or_o elder_n thereof_o i_o conceive_v it_o most_o rational_a to_o take_v it_o in_o the_o former_a sense_n for_o we_o find_v that_o the_o ordinary_a state_v government_n of_o particular_a church_n be_v in_o the_o particular_a bishop_n or_o elder_n and_o we_o find_v not_o that_o any_o of_o the_o apostle_n do_v take_v away_o the_o same_o from_o they_o or_o that_o it_o be_v supercede_v by_o their_o presence_n or_o that_o they_o reserve_v to_o themselves_o a_o negative_a voice_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n now_o if_o their_o govern_n power_n be_v only_o the_o say_v supereminent_a apostolic_a authority_n they_o have_v no_o successor_n therein_o and_o though_o teach_n and_o rule_v be_v of_o stand_a necessity_n and_o consequent_o of_o perpetual_a duration_n in_o the_o church_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o stand_a necessity_n of_o that_o teach_n and_o rule_v as_o take_v formal_o in_o that_o extraordinary_a state_n and_o manner_n as_o before_o express_v but_o if_o they_o exercise_v a_o ordinary_a governing-power_n over_o the_o church_n and_o bishop_n to_o be_v continue_v by_o succession_n such_o kind_n of_o bishop_n over_o who_o that_o power_n be_v exercise_v can_v claim_v a_o right_n of_o succession_n into_o the_o same_o but_o they_o must_v be_v officer_n of_o a_o high_a orb_n consequent_o if_o the_o hierarchical_a bishop_n claim_v the_o right_n of_o succession_n to_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o governing-power_n they_o must_v needs_o be_v of_o a_o high_a orb_n than_o the_o first_o bishop_n of_o particular_a church_n over_o who_o that_o power_n be_v exercise_v and_o if_o this_o hypothesis_n of_o the_o apostle_n have_v a_o ordinary_a governing-power_n over_o the_o church_n and_o bishop_n do_v sufficient_o prove_v the_o right_n of_o the_o succession_n of_o bishop_n of_o a_o high_a orb_n in_o the_o same_o power_n i_o shall_v not_o oppose_v it_o but_o only_o i_o take_v notice_n that_o these_o high_a bishop_n be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o kind_n with_o those_o first_o bishop_n that_o be_v under_o that_o govern_n power_n and_o of_o which_o we_o read_v in_o scripture_n that_o the_o apostle_n shall_v be_v diocesan_n bishop_n be_v not_o consistent_a with_o their_o apostolic_a office_n be_v a_o general_a charge_n extend_v to_o the_o church_n universal_a that_o any_o apostle_n do_v appropriate_v a_o diocese_n to_o himself_o and_o challenge_v the_o sole_a episcopal_a authority_n therein_o can_v be_v prove_v the_o several_a apostle_n for_o the_o better_a carry_v on_o of_o the_o work_n of_o their_o office_n do_v make_v choice_n of_o several_a region_n more_o especial_o to_o exercise_v their_o function_n in_o there_o be_v a_o agreement_n that_o peter_n shall_v go_v to_o the_o circumcision_n and_o paul_n to_o the_o uncircumcision_n but_o as_o
as_o nothing_o be_v lawful_a to_o the_o levite_n that_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o the_o priest_n so_o nothing_o be_v lawful_a to_o deacon_n that_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o presbyter_n in_o matter_n of_o sacred_a administration_n and_o the_o bishop_n or_o elder_n have_v the_o chief_a dispensation_n of_o the_o church_n money_n else_o how_o can_v he_o be_v enjoin_v to_o be_v give_v to_o hospitality_n §_o 17._o of_o a_o call_n to_o the_o ministry_n minister_n be_v steward_n overseer_n herald_n ambassadors_z which_o be_v name_n of_o special_a office_n and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n declare_v the_o perpetuity_n of_o this_o sacred_a function_n eph._n 4.14_o in_o declare_v the_o end_n thereof_o to_o be_v the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n till_o christ_n mystical_a body_n be_v complete_a which_o be_v not_o till_o the_o end_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o though_o some_o office_n as_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n be_v for_o the_o first_o time_n only_o yet_o other_o as_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n be_v for_o all_o time_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o difference_n be_v manifest_a the_o work_n of_o the_o one_o be_v extraordinary_a and_o temporary_a and_o of_o the_o other_o ordinary_a and_o perpetual_a and_o that_o the_o work_n which_o be_v do_v by_o minister_n be_v not_o leave_v in_o common_a to_o all_o but_o appropriate_v to_o a_o special_a office_n or_o a_o state_n of_o authority_n and_o obligation_n to_o do_v that_o work_n there_o be_v a_o perpetual_a necessity_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n for_o it_o be_v a_o work_n of_o the_o great_a importance_n in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o there_o be_v in_o some_o a_o state_n of_o special_a obligation_n thereunto_o lest_o be_v leave_v as_o every_o man_n work_n in_o the_o issue_n it_o prove_v to_o be_v no_o man_n work_n the_o ministry_n be_v not_o a_o state_n common_a to_o all_o but_o a_o special_a office_n it_o be_v usurpation_n and_o intrusion_n for_o any_o one_o to_o take_v it_o up_o without_o a_o due_a call_v thereunto_o that_o be_v a_o commission_n or_o warrant_v to_o instate_v he_o in_o it_o as_o none_o can_v be_v a_o herald_n or_o ambassador_n or_o steward_n by_o assume_v any_o of_o these_o office_n to_o himself_o but_o he_o must_v have_v commission_n or_o warrant_n from_o the_o prince_n or_o housholder_n so_o none_o can_v be_v authoritative_a preacher_n of_o christ_n gospel_n or_o steward_n of_o his_o mystery_n without_o a_o commission_n from_o he_o the_o scripture_n declare_v that_o a_o mission_n be_v necessary_a rom._n 10.15_o how_o shall_v they_o preach_v except_o they_o be_v send_v that_o be_v without_o mission_n none_o preach_v with_o the_o authority_n of_o one_o of_o christ_n herald_n according_o a_o rule_n be_v give_v for_o call_v man_n to_o the_o ministry_n which_o rule_n be_v to_o be_v keep_v till_o the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n 1_o tim_n 6.14_o compare_v with_o chap._n 5.17_o 21._o what_o manner_n of_o preach_v the_o gospel_n be_v lawful_a for_o they_o that_o be_v no_o minister_n have_v be_v before_o speak_v of_o the_o essence_n of_o the_o call_v to_o the_o ministry_n lie_v in_o christ_n command_n to_o any_o man_n to_o do_v the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o in_o his_o own_o consent_n according_o to_o give_v up_o himself_o thereunto_o the_o say_a command_n be_v the_o efficient_a cause_n of_o a_o man_n be_v a_o minister_n and_o the_o sufficient_a signification_n of_o that_o command_n and_o a_o man_n own_o consent_n be_v each_o of_o they_o a_o causa_fw-la sine_fw-la qua_fw-la non_fw-la or_o a_o necessary_a condition_n thereof_o for_o it_o have_v be_v already_o show_v it_o be_v christ_n only_o that_o give_v the_o office_n and_o power_n intrinsic_a to_o it_o and_o he_o do_v it_o by_o his_o public_a stand_a act_n in_o his_o law_n and_o in_o proper_a speak_n it_o be_v no_o more_o give_v by_o man_n than_o the_o power_n of_o a_o mayor_n be_v give_v by_o the_o citizen_n that_o elect_v he_o or_o by_o the_o city-officer_n that_o be_v appoint_v for_o his_o solemn_a investiture_n §_o 18._o of_o the_o immediate_a and_o mediate_a call_n to_o the_o ministry_n the_o immediate_a call_n to_o the_o ministry_n be_v extraordinary_a and_o it_o be_v either_o that_o which_o be_v altogether_o without_o the_o intervention_n of_o man_n as_o the_o call_v of_o john_n baptist_n of_o the_o twelve_o apostle_n and_o of_o paul_n gal._n 1.1_o or_o that_o wherein_o though_o god_n use_v some_o ministry_n of_o man_n yet_o he_o make_v a_o immediate_a designation_n of_o the_o person_n in_o a_o extraordinary_a way_n as_o the_o call_n of_o aaron_n and_o his_o son_n to_o the_o priesthood_n and_o of_o mathias_n to_o the_o apostleship_n they_o that_o receive_v a_o immediate_a call_n be_v able_a to_o give_v proof_n of_o it_o either_o by_o the_o gift_n of_o miracle_n or_o some_o other_o extraordinary_a testimony_n of_o god_n the_o extraordinary_a and_o immediate_a call_n do_v belong_v to_o the_o extraordinary_a office_n but_o a_o ordinary_a and_o mediate_a call_n to_o the_o ordinary_a stand_a office_n it_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o at_o certain_a time_n in_o a_o ordinary_a office_n such_o eminent_a qualification_n and_o success_n may_v be_v give_v to_o some_o as_o exceed_v the_o common_a measure_n yet_o their_o call_n be_v not_o extraordinary_a for_o the_o kind_n thereof_o luther_n in_o that_o high_a and_o eminent_a service_n which_o be_v do_v by_o he_o do_v not_o pretend_v a_o extraordinary_a and_o immediate_a call_n and_o none_o of_o our_o first_o reformer_n renounce_v that_o ordinary_a call_v which_o they_o have_v under_o the_o corrupt_a state_n of_o the_o church_n the_o mediate_a call_n be_v by_o the_o intervention_n of_o man_n in_o the_o ordinary_a way_n of_o election_n and_o ordination_n which_o be_v so_o to_o be_v understand_v that_o neither_o the_o elector_n nor_o ordainer_n do_v proper_o make_v a_o minister_n nor_o give_v the_o ministerial_a authority_n nor_o do_v the_o minister_n act_n by_o authority_n derive_v from_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o nor_o in_o their_o name_n as_o their_o officer_n commission_v by_o they_o but_o by_o authority_n derive_v from_o christ_n and_o in_o his_o name_n as_o his_o officer_n it_o be_v christ_n therefore_o that_o give_v the_o office_n by_o the_o stand_a act_n of_o his_o law_n immediate_o that_o be_v without_o any_o mediate_a efficient_a cause_n yet_o by_o the_o mediation_n of_o man_n as_o design_v and_o inaugurate_v the_o person_n that_o receive_v it_o as_o the_o king_n be_v the_o immediate_a giver_n of_o the_o power_n of_o a_o mayor_n though_o the_o corporation_n design_v the_o person_n that_o receive_v it_o and_o god_n be_v the_o immediate_a giver_n of_o the_o husband_n power_n but_o the_o application_n of_o it_o to_o such_o a_o person_n be_v by_o the_o woman_n consent_n now_o in_o the_o mediate_a call_n man_n part_n be_v necessary_a as_o well_o as_o god_n part_n and_o therefore_o in_o no_o wise_a to_o be_v neglect_v for_o what_o be_v do_v by_o man_n be_v necessary_a to_o give_v a_o sufficient_a signification_n of_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n to_o put_v this_o or_o that_o person_n into_o the_o ministry_n §_o 19_o of_o election_n belong_v to_o the_o ministerial_a call_n that_o election_n which_o belong_v to_o the_o set_n up_o of_o government_n be_v not_o always_o a_o act_n of_o government_n but_o sometime_o of_o mere_a liberty_n as_o when_o a_o people_n elect_v a_o ruler_n over_o they_o mere_a election_n to_o the_o ministry_n make_v by_o man_n do_v not_o confer_v the_o office_n nor_o apply_v it_o to_o the_o person_n but_o the_o most_o that_o it_o do_v be_v to_o apply_v the_o person_n invest_v with_o the_o office_n to_o a_o certain_a company_n in_o the_o relation_n of_o their_o proper_a minister_n much_o controversy_n have_v be_v about_o the_o right_n of_o election_n to_o who_o it_o belong_v the_o people_n elect_v of_o their_o own_o minister_n be_v just_a by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n if_o it_o be_v not_o otherwise_o ordain_v by_o positive_a law_n as_o natural_o all_o man_n choose_v physician_n for_o themselves_o and_o schoolmaster_n for_o their_o child_n yet_o in_o some_o place_n and_o case_n it_o be_v otherwise_o ordain_v and_o guardian_n be_v appoint_v by_o the_o supreme_a power_n and_o physician_n and_o schoolmaster_n in_o like_a manner_n yet_o so_o as_o none_o be_v constrain_v to_o use_v they_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o the_o divine_a law_n have_v prescribe_v any_o certain_a way_n of_o election_n to_o the_o ministry_n as_o unfixed_a beside_o the_o mutual_a consent_n of_o the_o ordainer_n and_o ordain_v no_o proof_n of_o any_o as_o to_o the_o general_a ministry_n be_v choose_v by_o the_o people_n appear_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o apostle_n and_o the_o seventy_o have_v a_o divine_a election_n timothy_n be_v elect_v by_o prophecy_n and_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v act._n 1._o that_o the_o
preservative_n and_o accumulative_a not_o destructive_a or_o diminutive_a the_o church_n be_v christ_n family_n and_o the_o magistrate_n be_v not_o the_o lord_n but_o a_o member_n of_o it_o and_o can_v govern_v it_o at_o his_o pleasure_n but_o only_o as_o the_o lord_n himself_o have_v allow_v and_o the_o state_n thereof_o require_v in_o short_a the_o magistrate_n as_o well_o as_o the_o minister_n have_v receive_v his_o authority_n for_o edisication_n not_o for_o destruction_n the_o magistrate_n can_v make_v any_o new_a essential_a or_o integral_a part_n of_o religion_n either_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n or_o divine_a worship_n but_o he_o be_v as_o much_o bind_v up_o to_o the_o religion_n that_o be_v of_o god_n make_v as_o the_o mean_a of_o his_o subject_n for_o he_o and_o they_o be_v god_n subject_n both_o alike_o but_o by_o his_o civil_a sanction_n he_o may_v strengthen_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o enforce_v the_o observance_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v meet_v they_o shall_v be_v enforce_v by_o humane_a law_n and_o this_o be_v the_o most_o noble_a part_n of_o his_o work_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n the_o magistrate_n may_v and_o must_v take_v care_n that_o sacred_a thing_n be_v due_o administer_v by_o sacred_a or_o spiritual_a officer_n and_o he_o may_v and_o must_v punish_v they_o for_o maladministration_n he_o may_v and_o must_v restrain_v person_n of_o impious_a principle_n from_o vent_v their_o wicked_a error_n and_o from_o any_o open_a impious_a practice_n by_o a_o power_n formal_o civil_a though_o objective_o ecclesiastical_a he_o may_v convocate_v synod_n or_o council_n of_o ecclesiastical_a person_n to_o advise_v and_o conclude_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n how_o the_o church_n be_v corrupt_a be_v to_o be_v reform_v and_o how_o to_o be_v guide_v and_o govern_v when_o reform_v and_o he_o ought_v to_o use_v his_o own_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n concern_v the_o decree_n and_o judgement_n of_o ecclesiastical_a person_n in_o reference_n to_o his_o own_o act_n of_o political_a ratify_v the_o same_o the_o magistrate_n can_v maâ—e_n any_o new_a kind_n of_o sacred_a or_o spiritual_a office_n because_o he_o can_v institute_v any_o new_a sacred_a work_n and_o the_o work_n that_o christ_n have_v institute_v â—ath_v a_o officer_n of_o his_o own_o institution_n already_o appoint_v for_o it_o also_o because_o a_o spiritual_a office_n be_v to_o be_v administer_v not_o in_o the_o magistrate_n but_o in_o christ_n name_n yet_o he_o may_v make_v new_a office_n for_o civil_a service_n about_o sacred_a thing_n he_o can_v appoint_v any_o thing_n in_o religion_n that_o be_v forbid_v by_o the_o divine_a law_n nor_o forbid_v any_o thing_n appoint_v by_o the_o divine_a law_n all_o his_o authority_n be_v from_o god_n can_v be_v against_o he_o and_o therefore_o such_o injunction_n and_o prohibition_n can_v lay_v no_o obligation_n of_o obedience_n upon_o the_o subject_n hereupon_o he_o can_v forbid_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o the_o administer_a of_o sacrament_n for_o than_o it_o be_v at_o his_o pleasure_n whether_o christ_n shall_v have_v a_o church_n or_o kingdom_n upon_o earth_n he_o can_v take_v one_o part_n of_o the_o pastor_n office_n from_o he_o while_o he_o continue_v he_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o other_o for_o that_o be_v to_o maim_v and_o mar_v the_o office_n he_o can_v deprive_v a_o pastor_n of_o his_o pastoral_a office_n or_o discharge_v he_o from_o fulfil_v his_o ministry_n because_o it_o be_v hold_v from_o christ_n and_o not_o from_o he_o he_o may_v not_o compel_v aminister_v to_o give_v the_o sacrament_n to_o who_o he_o please_v nor_o may_v he_o compel_v any_o to_o profess_v either_o in_o word_n or_o deed_n what_o they_o believe_v not_o or_o to_o take_v that_o which_o god_n have_v make_v the_o specia_fw-la privilege_n of_o believer_n the_o accidental_a part_n mode_n and_o circumstance_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v necessary_a in_o general_n and_o leave_v undetermined_a of_o god_n in_o particular_a the_o magistrate_n have_v power_n to_o determine_v according_a to_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o god_n word_n forasmuch_o as_o the_o divine_a law_n do_v constitute_v more_o particular_n and_o leave_v less_o to_o humane_a liberty_n and_o god_n be_v more_o jealous_a and_o conscience_n more_o scrupulous_a in_o sacred_a than_o in_o common_a thing_n it_o behoove_v the_o magistrate_n to_o be_v wary_a humble_a and_o sober_a in_o his_o determination_n about_o these_o matter_n he_o may_v regulate_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n provide_v that_o regulation_n be_v for_o the_o furtherance_n not_o the_o hindrance_n thereof_o and_o that_o can_v be_v no_o part_n of_o due_a order_n that_o cause_v the_o destruction_n or_o dangerous_a detriment_n of_o the_o thing_n order_v the_o magistrate_n may_v not_o appoint_v that_o which_o be_v not_o simple_o forbid_v of_o god_n if_o it_o be_v scandalous_a or_o mischievous_a in_o the_o consequent_n nor_o may_v he_o forbid_v that_o which_o god_n have_v not_o appoint_v but_o leave_v indifferent_a if_o the_o omission_n of_o it_o be_v scandalous_a or_o mischievous_a in_o the_o consequent_n because_o in_o such_o case_n god_n have_v forbid_v the_o former_a and_o require_v the_o latter_a by_o his_o general_a command_n and_o because_o the_o magistrate_n have_v his_o authority_n as_o be_v say_v for_o edification_n not_o for_o destruction_n of_o certainty_n and_o infallibility_n §_o 1._o of_o certainty_n in_o general_n i_o begin_v the_o enquiry_n by_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o common_a distinction_n of_o objective_n and_o subjective_a certainty_n objective_a certainty_n or_o certainty_n in_o the_o object_n be_v the_o immutable_a verity_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o for_o that_o a_o thing_n be_v what_o it_o be_v be_v unchangeable_o true_a subjective_a certainty_n be_v the_o firmness_n of_o assent_n to_o a_o thing_n apprehend_v as_o it_o be_v it_o be_v this_o late_a which_o i_o inquire_v into_o and_o it_o presuppose_v the_o former_a it_o must_v be_v suppose_v that_o our_o faculty_n be_v true_a that_o be_v that_o in_o their_o sound_a state_n and_o set_v in_o due_a circumstance_n they_o be_v adapt_v to_o discern_v thing_n as_o they_o be_v indeed_o otherwise_o the_o question_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o certainty_n be_v out_o of_o door_n there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n certainty_n of_o assent_n include_v three_o thing_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v firm_a without_o stagger_v 2._o that_o it_o be_v true_a and_o not_o erroneous_a 3._o that_o it_o rest_v upon_o firm_a and_o sure_a ground_n the_o first_o be_v evident_o necessary_a because_o it_o be_v the_o very_a notation_n of_o the_o word_n certainty_n the_o notion_n we_o mean_v thereby_o be_v not_o to_o doubt_v or_o stagger_v in_o our_o apprehension_n of_o a_o thing_n the_o second_o be_v as_o evident_o necessary_a for_o certainty_n be_v a_o affection_n of_o knowledge_n but_o a_o erroneous_a apprehension_n be_v not_o knowledge_n but_o ignorance_n a_o confident_a mistake_n can_v be_v certainty_n the_o three_o also_o be_v clear_a for_o if_o the_o ground_n be_v either_o false_a or_o weak_a the_o knowledge_n build_v thereon_o can_v be_v sure_a though_o the_o assent_n be_v true_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o object_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o certain_a in_o this_o case_n because_o not_o judicious_a nor_o solid_a yea_o though_o the_o apprehension_n be_v according_a to_o the_o thing_n yet_o as_o far_o as_o it_o rest_v upon_o a_o false_a or_o weak_a ground_n it_o be_v not_o knowledge_n proper_o so_o call_v but_o a_o casual_a confidence_n or_o presumption_n and_o when_o the_o insufficiency_n of_o the_o ground_n shall_v appear_v the_o apprehension_n fail_v and_o vanish_v away_o mere_a probability_n be_v not_o certainty_n strict_o so_o call_v it_o be_v indeed_o a_o affection_n or_o mode_n both_o of_o knowledge_n and_o of_o error_n which_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o ignorance_n for_o that_o which_o be_v only_o probable_a may_v either_o be_v or_o not_o be_v what_o it_o be_v apprehend_v to_o be_v and_o so_o the_o apprehension_n thereof_o may_v be_v either_o true_a or_o false_a either_o knowledge_n or_o error_n yet_o the_o apprehend_n of_o a_o probable_a thing_n only_o as_o probable_a be_v always_o a_o right_a apprehension_n for_o whether_o the_o thing_n be_v or_o not_o be_v it_o be_v certain_o true_a that_o it_o be_v probable_a the_o reason_n of_o probability_n lie_v in_o a_o sufficient_a evidence_n that_o a_o thing_n not_o only_o may_v be_v but_o be_v so_o indeed_o rather_o than_o not_o so_o as_o it_o be_v apprehend_v to_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o certainty_n lie_v in_o a_o sufficient_a evidence_n that_o a_o thing_n must_v needs_o be_v as_o it_o be_v apprehend_v for_o if_o there_o be_v not_o such_o evidence_n then_o if_o we_o indeed_o consider_v the_o matter_n we_o present_o apprehend_v that_o in_o regard_n the_o thing_n may_v be_v otherwise_o it_o be_v so_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v and_o that_o
experience_n consider_v we_o whether_o a_o man_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o have_v a_o certainty_n therein_o and_o of_o what_o sort_n it_o be_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n doubtless_o it_o be_v not_o such_o a_o certainty_n as_o expel_v all_o fear_n of_o carefulness_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o be_v doubtless_o such_o a_o certainty_n at_o least_o as_o expel_v anxiety_n and_o be_v sufficient_a to_o settle_v the_o peace_n of_o conscience_n and_o i_o think_v in_o this_o both_o papist_n and_o protestant_n do_v agree_v there_o be_v a_o certainty_n that_o expel_v all_o apprehension_n that_o the_o contrary_n may_v be_v true_a whereof_o this_o be_v a_o instance_n that_o there_o be_v such_o person_n as_o alexander_n the_o great_a and_o julius_n cesar_n and_o this_o have_v gain_v the_o name_n of_o moral_a certainty_n though_o i_o think_v it_o may_v be_v call_v natural_a as_o ground_v on_o natural_o certain_a evidence_n and_o that_o a_o man_n may_v have_v such_o a_o certainty_n of_o his_o unfeigned_a faith_n be_v hold_v by_o protestant_n in_o general_a and_o some_o papist_n nevertheless_o the_o papist_n in_o general_n grant_v not_o this_o kind_n but_o only_o a_o low_a kind_n of_o certainty_n hereof_o which_o they_o call_v conjectural_a yet_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v certainty_n true_o so_o call_v that_o it_o expel_v fluctuation_n and_o suspense_n and_o bring_v peace_n and_o joy_n and_o security_n and_o withal_o they_o say_v that_o the_o just_o believe_v indeed_o that_o they_o be_v not_o herein_o deceive_v but_o not_o that_o they_o can_v be_v deceive_v but_o how_o this_o low_a kind_n can_v be_v certainty_n proper_o so_o call_v i_o see_v not_o for_o a_o apprehension_n that_o the_o thing_n be_v otherwise_o than_o i_o think_v exclude_v all_o certainty_n proper_o or_o strict_o so_o call_v the_o above_o say_v moral_a certainty_n of_o justification_n or_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n be_v not_o attain_v by_o all_o justify_v person_n and_o where_o it_o be_v attain_v it_o be_v not_o ordinary_o continue_v without_o interruption_n nor_o ordinary_o in_o the_o same_o degree_n because_o justify_v person_n even_o the_o best_a of_o they_o do_v not_o continue_v without_o interruption_n in_o the_o same_o degree_n of_o faith_n and_o holiness_n on_o the_o internal_a sense_n whereof_o this_o certainty_n depend_v the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o ancient_a episcopacy_n §_o 1_o what_o be_v ancient_o a_o bishop_n church_n the_o name_n church_n be_v the_o first_o and_o only_a scripture-name_n proper_o belong_v to_o a_o bishop_n charge_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n bishop_n or_o pastor_n have_v their_o church_n in_o city_n or_o town_n and_o common_o the_o convert_v of_o the_o adjacent_a village_n be_v by_o reason_n of_o their_o paucity_n take_v in_o as_o part_n of_o the_o city_n congregation_n and_o all_o make_v but_o one_o particular_a church_n the_o member_n whereof_o have_v local_a communion_n with_o each_o other_o according_o the_o name_n of_o city_n apply_v to_o a_o bishop_n charge_n can_v be_v but_o extrinsical_a it_o be_v not_o the_o name_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o but_o only_o of_o the_o place_n where_o it_o be_v congregate_v the_o name_n of_o parish_n come_v next_o in_o use_n for_o the_o say_a charge_n and_o this_o name_n be_v still_o in_o use_n for_o a_o particular_a church_n or_o congregation_n which_o have_v its_o proper_a and_o immediate_a bishop_n or_o pastor_n the_o word_n diocese_n as_o relate_v to_o a_o bishop_n be_v unknown_a for_o several_a age_n of_o christianity_n but_o afterward_o it_o be_v borrow_v from_o civil_a use_n and_o apply_v to_o the_o church_n a_o diocese_n be_v one_o of_o the_o large_a division_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n and_o comprehend_v several_a province_n according_o when_o it_o be_v first_o apply_v to_o the_o church_n it_o be_v use_v for_o the_o same_o circuit_n and_o as_o a_o province_n be_v the_o charge_n of_o a_o metropolitan_a who_o have_v many_o bishop_n under_o he_o so_o a_o diocese_n be_v the_o charge_n of_o a_o patriarch_n who_o have_v many_o metropolitan_o under_o he_o and_o according_a to_o this_o sense_n there_o be_v a_o canon_n make_v to_o forbid_v the_o run_n for_o ordination_n without_o the_o diocese_n that_o be_v without_o or_o beyond_o the_o foresay_a patriarchal_a circuit_n but_o the_o use_n of_o the_o word_n for_o the_o charge_n of_o such_o a_o bishop_n as_o have_v no_o bishop_n but_o only_a presbyter_n under_o he_o come_v up_o in_o latter_a time_n from_o the_o first_o and_o only_a scripture-name_n proper_o belong_v to_o a_o bishop_n charge_n it_o be_v infer_v that_o a_o bishop_n and_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v correlate_n a_o particular_a church_n as_o such_o have_v its_o own_o proper_a bishop_n and_o a_o bishop_n as_o such_o have_v his_o particular_a church_n as_o his_o proper_a and_o immediate_a charge_n the_o bishop_n church_n be_v ancient_o but_o one_o society_n ecclesiastical_a which_o may_v and_o do_v personal_o meet_v together_o at_o once_o or_o by_o turn_n for_o worship_n and_o discipline_n under_o the_o same_o immediate_a pastor_n which_o appear_v by_o the_o proof_n here_o follow_v 1._o all_o the_o member_n thereof_o even_o man_n servant_n and_o maidservant_n as_o well_o as_o other_o may_v and_o shall_v be_v know_v by_o name_n to_o the_o bishop_n ignat._n ep._n to_o policarp_n id._n ad_fw-la trall_n in_o the_o panegyric_n of_o paulinus_n bishop_n of_o tyre_n euseb_n lib._n 10._o cap._n 4._o it_o be_v say_v it_o be_v the_o work_n of_o a_o bishop_n to_o be_v intimate_o acquaint_v with_o the_o mind_n and_o state_n of_o every_o one_o of_o the_o flock_n when_o by_o experience_n and_o time_n he_o have_v make_v inquiry_n into_o every_o one_o of_o they_o 2._o one_o church_n have_v but_o one_o altar_n and_o consequent_o but_o one_o state_v assembly_n for_o full_a communion_n ignat._n ep._n ad_fw-la philadelph_n to_o the_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n my_o fellow_n servant_n if_o one_o bishop_n must_v here_o be_v take_v numerical_o so_o must_v one_o altar_n the_o apostle_n canon_n c._n 5.32_o make_v it_o appear_v there_o be_v but_o one_o altar_n and_o one_o bishop_n with_o the_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n in_o a_o church_n also_o council_n antiochen_n c._n 5._o hereupon_o mr._n mede_n say_v that_o before_o diocese_n be_v divide_v into_o parish_n they_o have_v not_o only_o one_o altar_n in_o one_o church_n or_o dominicum_fw-la but_o one_o altar_n to_o a_o church_n take_v church_n for_o the_o company_n or_o corporation_n of_o the_o faithful_a unite_v under_o one_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n and_o that_o be_v in_o the_o city_n or_o place_n where_o the_o bishop_n have_v his_o sea_n or_o residence_n add_v hereunto_o that_o to_o set_v up_o another_o altar_n be_v account_v a_o note_n of_o schism_n 3._o each_o single_a church_n have_v its_o proper_a and_o immediate_a bishop_n ignat_fw-la ad_fw-la philad_n as_o before_o to_o every_o church_n one_o altar_n one_o bishop_n he_o show_v also_o that_o without_o a_o bishop_n the_o state_n of_o a_o church_n exist_v not_o ep._n ad_fw-la smyrn_n wheresoever_o the_o bishop_n appear_v there_o be_v the_o church_n as_o wheresoever_o jesus_n christ_n appear_v there_o be_v the_o catholic_n church_n a_o particular_a church_n be_v then_o no_o large_a than_o that_o where_o the_o bishop_n appear_v id._n ad_fw-la trall_n the_o bishop_n be_v a_o type_n of_o the_o high_a father_n and_o the_o presbyter_n be_v as_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o god_n and_o the_o bond_n of_o apostolical_a concord_n ib._n be_v subject_n to_o the_o bishop_n likewise_o to_o the_o presbyter_n and_o deacons_n this_o show_v that_o the_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n be_v together_o in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o particular_a church_n and_o joint_o take_v the_o immediate_a charge_n of_o the_o flock_n 4._o some_o of_o the_o ancient_n testify_v that_o the_o apostle_n place_v only_a bishop_n without_o presbyter_n in_o some_o church_n epiphan_n heres_fw-la 65._o 5._o concern_v the_o largeness_n of_o a_o bishop_n church_n let_v that_o instance_n of_o gregory_n thaumaturgus_n be_v consider_v he_o be_v make_v bishop_n of_o neocaesarea_n when_o he_o have_v but_o seventeen_o christian_n afterward_o when_o many_o be_v convert_v at_o comana_n a_o small_a town_n that_o be_v near_o he_o do_v not_o make_v it_o a_o part_n of_o his_o own_o diocese_n but_o ordain_v alexander_n the_o collier_n a_o right_a worthy_a person_n to_o be_v their_o bishop_n and_o they_o be_v of_o no_o great_a number_n than_o what_o meet_v to_o choose_v he_o and_o hear_v he_o preach_v 6._o the_o ordinary_a work_n of_o a_o bishop_n show_v that_o it_o be_v but_o one_o single_a church_n that_o he_o have_v charge_n of_o justin_n martyr_n set_v forth_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o church_n assembly_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o precedent_n himself_o preach_v give_v thanks_o administer_v the_o eucharist_n and_o exercise_v discipline_n tertullian_n
de_fw-fr corona_fw-la militis_fw-la c._n 3._o say_v we_o take_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o eucharist_n from_o the_o hand_n of_o no_o other_o than_o of_o the_o precedent_n it_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o in_o those_o time_n they_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n at_o least_o every_o lord_n day_n and_o it_o be_v confess_v by_o episcopal_a divine_n that_o this_o precedent_n be_v the_o bishop_n but_o if_o any_o say_v that_o he_o be_v a_o mere_a presbyter_n they_o must_v grant_v that_o a_o presbyter_n have_v the_o name_n of_o precedent_n and_o a_o govern_v power_n 7._o it_o be_v much_o assert_v among_o the_o hierarchical_a divine_n that_o ancient_o bishop_n only_o be_v allow_v to_o preach_v and_o if_o this_o be_v so_o it_o be_v and_o can_v be_v but_o one_o single_a church_n that_o a_o bishop_n have_v as_o his_o immediate_a charge_n for_o we_o can_v imagine_v that_o there_o be_v church_n which_o ordinary_o have_v no_o preach_v or_o in_o which_o preach_v be_v not_o ordinary_o allow_v yea_o the_o presbyter_n may_v not_o baptize_v without_o the_o bishop_n command_n or_o consent_n this_o show_v that_o each_o particular_a church_n have_v its_o proper_a bishop_n 8._o that_o church_n in_o which_o divine_a worship_n be_v perform_v have_v also_o discipline_n exercise_v in_o it_o tertul._n apol._n c._n 39_o 9_o the_o bishop_n church_n be_v no_o great_a than_o that_o all_o the_o people_n can_v meet_v together_o and_o choose_v their_o bishop_n in_o cyprian_n time_n at_o the_o ordain_v of_o a_o bishop_n the_o next_o bishop_n come_v to_o the_o people_n for_o who_o the_o bishop_n be_v to_o be_v ordain_v and_o every_o one_o be_v acquaint_v with_o his_o conversation_n cypr._n lib._n 1._o ep._n 4._o erasmus_fw-la edit_fw-la to_o felix_n a_o presbyter_n nor_o let_v the_o people_n flatter_v themselves_o as_o free_v from_o the_o contagion_n of_o the_o sin_n when_o they_o communicate_v with_o a_o priest_n that_o be_v a_o sinner_n they_o ought_v to_o separate_v themselves_o from_o he_o see_v they_o chief_o have_v the_o power_n either_o of_o choose_v worthy_a or_o refuse_v unworthy_a priest_n sacerdotal_a ordination_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v make_v but_o under_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o assist_a people_n the_o custom_n be_v with_o we_o and_o almost_o throughout_o all_o province_n that_o to_o the_o celebrate_n of_o ordination_n all_o the_o next_o bishop_n of_o the_o same_o province_n assemble_v with_o the_o people_n to_o who_o the_o praepositus_fw-la be_v ordain_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n we_o find_v much_o in_o very_a many_o of_o his_o epistle_n this_o be_v the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o the_o first_o age_n for_o all_o the_o people_n to_o choose_v their_o bishop_n and_o to_o be_v present_a thereat_o for_o which_o a_o multitude_n of_o testimony_n may_v easy_o be_v produce_v 10._o apost_n can._n c._n 5._o show_n that_o the_o bishop_n with_o his_o presbyter_n and_o deacons_n live_v on_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o same_o altar_n it_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o bishop_n and_o their_o presbyter_n to_o dwell_v together_o and_o be_v in_o common_a 11._o the_o numerousness_n of_o the_o ancient_a bishop_n and_o their_o church_n show_v that_o those_o church_n be_v of_o no_o large_a extent_n in_o the_o first_o council_n of_o carthage_n it_o be_v decree_v c._n 11._o that_o for_o examine_v every_o ordinary_a cause_n of_o a_o accuse_a presbyter_n six_o bishop_n out_o of_o the_o neighbouring-place_n be_v to_o hear_v and_o determine_v and_o for_o every_o cause_n of_o a_o deacon_n three_o bishop_n it_o be_v report_v that_o patrick_n plant_v in_o ireland_n three_o hundred_o sixty_o five_o church_n and_o as_o many_o bishop_n in_o the_o vandalick_a persecution_n six_o hundred_o and_o sixty_o bishop_n flee_v out_o of_o one_o part_n of_o africa_n beside_o all_o that_o be_v murder_v imprison_a and_o tolerate_v many_o proof_n hereof_o may_v be_v allege_v but_o in_o general_a it_o suffice_v to_o note_v that_o a_o great_a number_n of_o bishop_n can_v on_o a_o sudden_a meet_v together_o in_o a_o provincial_a assembly_n as_o in_o the_o six_o council_n of_o carthage_n two_o hundred_o and_o seventeen_o bishop_n be_v meet_v and_o in_o the_o time_n of_o persecution_n under_o the_o heathen_a emperor_n there_o be_v numerous_a assembly_n of_o bishop_n when_o they_o go_v in_o fear_n of_o their_o life_n 12._o the_o paucity_n of_o presbyter_n in_o a_o bishop_n church_n show_v that_o it_o be_v not_o very_o large_a in_o great_a church_n they_o have_v a_o great_a number_n of_o presbyter_n but_o in_o small_a they_o have_v often_o two_o sometime_o one_o sometime_o none_o the_o matter_n here_o consider_v touch_v the_o ancient_a form_n and_o state_n of_o a_o bishop_n church_n will_v be_v further_o clear_v in_o the_o follow_a section_n §_o 2._o of_o the_o place_n where_o a_o bishop_n church_n ancient_o be_v and_o may_v be_v constitute_v that_o every_o city_n which_o have_v a_o competent_a number_n of_o christian_n have_v a_o bishop_n with_o his_o church_n be_v grant_v on_o all_o side_n and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o bishop_n seat_n which_o make_v that_o a_o city_n which_o otherwise_o will_v not_o have_v be_v so_o but_o that_o every_o town_n or_o burrough_n be_v a_o city_n receptive_a or_o capable_a of_o a_o bishop_n can_v reasonable_o be_v deny_v the_o scripture_n use_v the_o word_n city_n for_o any_o town_n or_o burrough_n mat._n 12.25_o mat._n 23.34_o luk._n 2.3_o luk._n 7.11_o act._n 15_o 21._o crete_n which_o be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d can_v not_o have_v a_o hundred_o city_n in_o it_o unless_o such_o as_o our_o burrough_n and_o in_o every_o such_o city_n the_o rule_n be_v to_o ordain_v elder_n or_o bishop_n tit._n 1.5_o what_o argument_n from_o scripture_n or_o reason_n can_v be_v bring_v why_o worcester_n gloucester_n chichester_n etc._n etc._n shall_v be_v make_v city_n and_o seat_n of_o bishop_n rather_o than_o shrewsbury_n ipswich_n blimouth_n &_o c_o in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n all_o town_n be_v city_n to_o this_o intent_n without_o any_o difference_n yea_o any_o place_n of_o great_a confluence_n of_o people_n be_v in_o the_o same_o capacity_n of_o have_v church_n theophilus_n alexandrius_n epist_n pascal_n in_o bibliotheca_fw-la patrum_fw-la 3_o tom._n mention_n bishop_n in_o very_o small_a city_n zozoman_n say_v that_o spiridion_n be_v bishop_n of_o the_o town_n trimethus_n and_o say_v to_o be_v keeper_n of_o sheep_n in_o that_o town_n after_o he_o be_v bishop_n there_o be_v also_o sufficient_a proof_n that_o bishop_n be_v ordain_v in_o village_n or_o in_o place_n that_o be_v no_o city_n majuma_n be_v the_o port_n of_o gaza_n and_o because_o it_o have_v many_o christian_n it_o be_v honour_v by_o constantine_n with_o the_o name_n of_o a_o city_n and_o a_o bishop_n of_o its_o own_o and_o when_o julian_n in_o malice_n take_v from_o it_o the_o honour_n of_o be_v a_o city_n it_o still_o keep_v its_o own_o bishop_n though_o it_o have_v the_o same_o magistrate_n and_o military_a governor_n with_o gaza_n and_o when_o the_o bishop_n of_o gaza_n seek_v to_o subject_v the_o clergy_n of_o majuma_n to_o himself_o say_v it_o be_v unmeet_a that_o one_o city_n shall_v have_v two_o bishop_n a_o council_n in_o palestine_n call_v for_o that_o purpose_n confirm_v the_o privilege_n of_o majuma_n sozomen_fw-la l._n 5._o cap._n 3._o cenchrea_fw-mi be_v but_o a_o port_n of_o corinth_n as_o pyraeus_n of_o athens_n yet_o we_o find_v a_o church_n constitute_v there_o rom._n 16.1_o they_o who_o say_v it_o be_v a_o parish_n subordinate_a to_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n have_v only_o a_o presbyter_n assign_v to_o it_o be_v bind_v to_o prove_v it_o clemens_n apostolical_a constitution_n lib._n 7._o c._n 84._o say_v that_o cenchrea_n near_o corinth_n have_v lucius_n a_o bishop_n sozomen_fw-fr l._n 7._o c_o 19_o say_v when_o throughout_o scythia_n there_o be_v many_o city_n which_o have_v all_o one_o bishop_n there_o be_v other_o nation_n where_o bishop_n be_v ordain_v in_o village_n as_o among_o the_o arabian_n and_o cyprian_n and_o phrygian_a montanist_n in_o the_o counccil_n of_o sardica_n can._n 6._o it_o be_v decree_v that_o bishop_n may_v not_o be_v ordain_v in_o village_n or_o in_o small_a city_n where_o one_o presbyter_n will_v suffice_v lest_o the_o name_n and_o authority_n of_o a_o bishop_n shall_v become_v vile_a but_o this_o be_v do_v in_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o four_o century_n and_o the_o decree_n imply_v that_o till_o then_o bishop_n have_v be_v allow_v in_o village_n and_o small_a city_n the_o chorepiscopi_fw-la be_v place_v in_o country_n village_n when_o christian_n grow_v so_o numerous_a as_o to_o have_v church_n in_o they_o and_o this_o prove_v that_o the_o church_n then_o keep_v in_o a_o narrow_a compass_n the_o canon_n make_v to_o express_v this_o sort_n of_o minister_n and_o to_o turn_v they_o into_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d
death_n of_o mark_n and_o in_o other_o place_n by_o that_o example_n and_o it_o plain_o show_v as_o the_o apostle_n paul_n do_v that_o the_o church_n be_v govern_v by_o the_o common_a council_n of_o presbyter_n who_o be_v also_o bishop_n the_o testimony_n of_o irenaeus_n it_o be_v clear_a that_o this_o father_n make_v the_o presbyter_n to_o be_v the_o same_o with_o bishop_n and_o the_o successor_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o with_o he_o the_o succession_n of_o bishop_n be_v all_o one_o with_o the_o succession_n of_o presbyter_n lib._n 4._o c._n 43._o we_o must_v obey_v those_o presbyter_n which_o be_v in_o the_o church_n who_o together_o with_o the_o succession_n of_o episcopacy_n have_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o truth_n id._n l._n 3._o c._n 2._o unto_o that_o tradition_n which_o be_v in_o the_o church_n by_o the_o succession_n of_o presbyter_n we_o challenge_v they_o that_o say_v they_o be_v wise_a not_o only_o than_o the_o presbyter_n but_o the_o apostle_n id._n l._n 3._o c._n 3._o declare_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o great_a and_o ancient_a church_n and_o know_v to_o all_o even_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n found_v by_o peter_n and_o paul_n at_o rome_n that_o which_o it_o have_v from_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o faith_n declare_v to_o man_n and_o come_v to_o we_o by_o the_o succession_n of_o bishop_n etc._n etc._n id._n lib._n 4._o c._n 4._o we_o must_v forsake_v unjust_a presbyter_n serve_v their_o own_o lust_n and_o adhere_v to_o those_o who_o with_o the_o order_n of_o presbytery_n keep_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n find_v and_o their_o conversation_n without_o offence_n unto_o the_o information_n and_o correction_n of_o the_o rest_n the_o church_n nourish_v such_o presbyter_n whereof_o the_o prophet_n speak_v i_o will_v give_v thou_o prince_n in_o peace_n and_o thy_o bishop_n in_o righteousness_n id._n lib._n 4._o c._n 63._o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o ancient_a state_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n according_a to_o the_o succession_n of_o bishop_n to_o which_o they_o give_v the_o church_n which_o be_v in_o every_o place_n which_o be_v come_v even_o to_o we_o from_o these_o citation_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o this_o father_n do_v express_v one_o and_o the_o same_o order_n of_o episcopacy_n in_o all_o presbyter_n if_o any_o do_v use_v this_o evasion_n that_o he_o call_v all_o those_o that_o be_v true_a bishop_n by_o the_o name_n of_o presbyter_n let_v they_o show_v where_o he_o mention_n presbyter_n of_o another_o order_n or_o make_v two_o different_a order_n of_o episcopacy_n and_o presbyterate_a here_o i_o will_v take_v notice_n of_o the_o word_n of_o irenaus_n concern_v those_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n mention_v act_n 20._o lib._n 3._o c._n 14._o viz._n in_o miletum_n the_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n which_o be_v from_o ephesus_n and_o other_o the_o next_o city_n be_v convocate_v though_o it_o seem_v most_o reasonable_a by_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n there_o send_v for_o by_o paul_n to_o understand_v the_o elder_n of_o that_o particular_a church_n of_o ephesus_n to_o which_o the_o apostle_n then_o send_v and_o indeed_o if_o they_o have_v be_v from_o other_o city_n also_o it_o will_v have_v say_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n way_n of_o expression_n the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o admit_v what_o this_o father_n say_v hereof_o observe_v we_o that_o he_o speak_v of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n as_o congregat_v in_o the_o meeting_n and_o he_o may_v mention_v two_o name_n of_o the_o same_o office_n and_o the_o apostle_n speak_v to_o all_o those_o presbyter_n that_o there_o convened_a as_o those_o who_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v bishop_n of_o the_o flock_n and_o suppose_v they_o be_v the_o bishop_n of_o asia_n as_o some_o will_v have_v it_o yet_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o they_o be_v any_o other_o than_o bishop_n of_o single_a congregation_n or_o that_o they_o be_v such_o bishop_n as_o have_v subject_a presbyter_n of_o a_o low_a order_n under_o they_o the_o testimony_n of_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n he_o thus_o write_v stromat_n lib._n 6._o p._n 667._o he_o be_v real_o a_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n and_o a_o true_a deacon_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n if_o he_o teach_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o lord_n not_o as_o ordain_v by_o man_n nor_o esteem_v just_a because_o he_o be_v a_o presbyter_n but_o take_v into_o the_o presbytery_n because_o he_o be_v just_a here_o in_o the_o church_n be_v progression_n of_o bishop_n presbyter_n deacons_n imitation_n as_o i_o think_v of_o the_o angelical_a glory_n and_o of_o the_o heavenly_a dispensation_n which_o the_o scripture_n speak_v they_o expect_v who_o tread_v in_o the_o footstep_n of_o the_o apostle_n have_v live_v in_o the_o perfection_n of_o righteousness_n according_a to_o the_o gospel_n these_o the_o apostle_n write_v be_v take_v up_o into_o the_o cloud_n shall_v first_o be_v make_v deacons_n and_o then_o shall_v be_v take_v into_o the_o presbytery_n according_a to_o the_o progress_n of_o glory_n here_o this_o father_n first_o mention_n only_o two_o order_n presbyter_n and_o deacons_n afterward_o a_o progression_n of_o bishop_n presbyter_n and_o deacons_n as_o imitation_n of_o the_o heavenly_a dispensation_n but_o in_o the_o close_o apply_v the_o similitude_n to_o bless_a man_n take_v into_o heaven_n he_o make_v the_o progress_n to_o be_v only_o in_o be_v first_o as_o deacons_n then_o as_o presbyter_n mention_v no_o high_a order_n hence_o i_o conceive_v may_v be_v infer_v that_o he_o speak_v of_o presbyter_n and_o deacons_n as_o of_o two_o different_a order_n and_o of_o bishop_n but_o as_o a_o high_a degree_n in_o the_o order_n of_o presbyter_n this_o also_o may_v be_v further_o confirm_v stromat_n lib._n 7._o p._n 700._o where_n distinguish_v of_o a_o twofold_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o employment_n in_o secular_a affair_n viz._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o say_v that_o presbyter_n hold_v that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o make_v man_n better_a and_o the_o deacons_n that_n which_o consist_v in_o service_n his_o meaning_n be_v that_o as_o in_o the_o civil_a state_n there_o be_v two_o order_n the_o one_o govern_v and_o the_o other_o minister_a so_o there_o be_v likewise_o in_o the_o church_n the_o presbyter_n hold_v the_o one_o and_o the_o deacons_n the_o other_o these_o passage_n of_o this_o author_n i_o think_v fit_a to_o mention_v and_o have_v not_o find_v in_o he_o any_o more_o relate_v to_o the_o distinct_a minister_n of_o the_o church_n the_o testimony_n of_o jerome_n this_o father_n also_o speak_v of_o presbyter_n as_o the_o same_o with_o bishop_n and_o successor_n of_o the_o apostle_n on_o the_o epistle_n to_o titus_n c._n 1._o he_o say_v as_o presbyter_n know_v that_o they_o be_v by_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n subject_n to_o he_o that_o be_v set_v over_o they_o so_o let_v the_o bishop_n know_v that_o they_o be_v great_a than_o presbyter_n rather_o by_o custom_n than_o by_o the_o verity_n of_o the_o lord_n appointment_n he_o also_o testify_v that_o they_o do_v and_o ought_v to_o rule_v the_o church_n in_o common_a and_o that_o imparity_n come_v in_o by_o little_a and_o little_a in_o his_o epistle_n to_o evagrius_n he_o show_v that_o the_o presbyter_n of_o alexandria_n from_o mark_n till_o heraclas_n and_o dionysius_n have_v always_o one_o choose_v out_o of_o they_o and_o place_v in_o a_o high_a degree_n and_o name_v bishop_n as_o if_o a_o army_n make_v a_o emperor_n and_o deacon_n choose_v one_o who_o they_o know_v industrious_a and_o call_v he_o archdeacon_n here_o he_o mention_n not_o other_o make_n of_o bishop_n than_o by_o presbyter_n and_o that_o the_o presbyter_n make_v the_o bishop_n be_v a_o argument_n bring_v by_o he_o to_o prove_v the_o identity_n at_o first_o and_o afterward_o the_o nearness_n of_o their_o power_n and_o he_o ascribe_v to_o presbyter_n the_o make_n of_o their_o bishop_n and_o place_v he_o in_o a_o high_a degree_n and_o name_v he_o bishop_n and_o he_o distinguish_v the_o ancient_a way_n of_o make_v bishop_n by_o presbyter_n from_o that_o way_n of_o make_v they_o which_o follow_v the_o time_n of_o heraclas_n and_o dionysius_n which_o be_v by_o episcopal_a ordination_n this_o evidence_n be_v confirm_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o eutichius_n patriarch_n of_o alexandria_n who_o out_o of_o the_o record_n and_o tradition_n of_o that_o church_n in_o his_o arabic_a original_n say_v according_a to_o selden_n translation_n in_o his_o commentary_n p._n 29_o 30._o that_o the_o presbyter_n lay_v hand_n on_o he_o who_o they_o elect_v till_o the_o time_n of_o alexander_n patriarch_n of_o alexandria_n for_o he_o forbid_v the_o presbyter_n any_o long_o to_o create_v the_o patriarch_n and_o decree_v that_o the_o patriarch_n be_v decease_v bishop_n shall_v
for_o the_o increase_n of_o the_o wealth_n power_n and_o splendour_n of_o bishop_n and_o other_o chief_a clergyman_n or_o for_o any_o political_a consideration_n the_o essential_a form_n of_o a_o bishop_n church_n constitute_v by_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v immediate_o commission_v from_o christ_n shall_v be_v change_v from_o a_o single_a congregation_n or_o society_n of_o which_o the_o bishop_n take_v the_o personal_a oversight_n to_o a_o diocese_n consist_v of_o many_o yea_o common_o of_o many_o hundred_o stare_v congregation_n have_v each_o of_o they_o their_o proper_a presbyter_n and_o all_o of_o they_o but_o one_o bishop_n to_o who_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o take_v the_o personal_a oversight_n of_o the_o soul_n therein_o and_o to_o perform_v towards_o they_o all_o the_o duty_n which_o be_v the_o ordinary_a work_n of_o the_o ancient_a bishop_n 2._o whether_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n or_o elder_n of_o one_o single_a church_n institute_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n shall_v be_v change_v into_o mother_n essential_o different_a office_n viz._n of_o a_o bishop_n of_o many_o yea_o many_o hundred_o single_a church_n each_o whereof_o have_v their_o proper_a pastor_n or_o presbyter_n who_o according_a to_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o same_o with_o bishop_n 3._o whether_o the_o office_n of_o presbyter_n or_o elder_n of_o divine_a institution_n who_o according_a to_o the_o scripture_n be_v true_o and_o proper_o a_o bishop_n shall_v be_v change_v into_o a_o office_n essential_o different_a viz._n of_o a_o presbyter_n who_o be_v no_o bishop_n but_o only_o the_o bishop_n subject_n substitute_n or_o curate_n and_o whether_o the_o say_a office_n shall_v be_v stated_o bereave_v of_o the_o power_n of_o discipline_n which_o be_v essential_a to_o it_o 4._o whether_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n which_o be_v a_o trust_n give_v by_o christ_n to_o be_v personal_o discharge_v by_o he_o that_o receive_v it_o shall_v be_v execute_v by_o delegation_n to_o a_o layman_n yea_o or_o to_o a_o clergyman_n who_o be_v hold_v to_o be_v no_o bishop_n 5._o whether_o the_o ancient_a government_n of_o the_o church_n by_o a_o bishop_n in_o conjunction_n with_o his_o presbyter_n shall_v be_v change_v into_o a_o government_n by_o the_o bishop_n alone_o and_o by_o his_o chancellor_n and_o official_o who_o authority_n be_v derive_v from_o he_o concession_n concern_v episcopacy_n i_o hold_v it_o lawful_a and_o expedient_a that_o the_o elder_n or_o pastor_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n shall_v stated_o defer_v to_o one_o that_o be_v able_a among_o they_o a_o guide_a power_n over_o they_o in_o ordination_n and_o discipline_n and_o other_o church_n affair_n i_o hold_v it_o not_o unfit_a that_o this_o person_n shall_v for_o distinction_n sake_n have_v the_o title_n of_o bishop_n give_v he_o though_o he_o be_v not_o of_o a_o essential_o different_a order_n from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o pastor_n but_o only_o of_o a_o superior_a degree_n in_o the_o same_o holy_a order_n some_o nonconformist_n think_v upon_o probable_a ground_n that_o tâ—â—â—e_n shall_v be_v a_o general_a sort_n of_o bishop_n who_o shall_v take_v care_n of_o â—â—he_n common_a government_n of_o particular_a church_n and_o the_o bishop_n thereof_o and_o that_o they_o shall_v have_v a_o chief_a hand_n in_o the_o ordain_v and_o place_v and_o displace_v of_o the_o pastor_n or_o bishop_n of_o particular_a church_n and_o from_o this_o i_o dissent_v not_o a_o consideration_n of_o the_o present_a state_n of_o conformity_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o consider_v the_o term_n of_o conformity_n now_o enjoin_v i_o be_o not_o forgetsul_n of_o the_o reverence_n due_a to_o ruler_n i_o do_v not_o herein_o presume_v to_o judge_n their_o public_a act_n but_o i_o only_o exercise_v a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n about_o my_o own_o act_n in_o reference_n to_o their_o injunction_n which_o sure_o they_o will_v not_o disallow_v to_o consider_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o those_o thing_n of_o which_o a_o unfeigned_a approbation_n be_v require_v be_v a_o unquestionable_a duty_n if_o i_o shall_v profess_v what_o i_o believe_v not_o or_o practice_n what_o i_o allow_v not_o my_o sin_n be_v heinous_a and_o inexcusable_a the_o reason_n of_o my_o dissent_n be_v here_o express_v as_o inoffensive_o as_o can_v be_v do_v by_o i_o who_o be_o to_o show_n that_o it_o be_v not_o nothing_o for_o which_o i_o have_v quit_v the_o station_n which_o i_o former_o hold_v in_o the_o church_n i_o have_v no_o reason_n nor_o will_n to_o lay_v a_o heavy_a yoke_n upon_o myself_o than_o the_o law_n do_v or_o to_o set_v such_o bar_n in_o my_o own_o way_n as_o the_o law_n do_v not_o i_o therefore_o admit_v that_o more_o restrain_a sense_n of_o the_o declaration_n which_o be_v think_v by_o many_o to_o make_v the_o enjoin_a term_n more_o easy_a i_o be_o concern_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o small_a as_o well_v as_o great_a matter_n because_o as_o well_o the_o one_o as_o the_o other_o be_v alike_o to_o be_v own_v though_o i_o will_v not_o differ_v with_o the_o church_n about_o little_a thing_n yet_o i_o may_v not_o profess_v a_o allowance_n of_o any_o little_a thing_n which_o i_o believe_v be_v not_o allowable_a i_o desire_v to_o proceed_v in_o this_o enquiry_n with_o good_a judgement_n and_o to_o do_v nothing_o weak_o but_o however_o it_o be_v i_o have_v rather_o be_v think_v to_o be_v injudicious_a and_o overscrupulous_a in_o make_v objection_n than_o want_v a_o sufficient_a clearness_n in_o a_o business_n of_o this_o nature_n i_o take_v no_o pleasure_n in_o make_v objection_n against_o the_o book_n of_o common_a prayer_n but_o i_o do_v it_o by_o constraint_n that_o i_o may_v give_v a_o account_n of_o that_o nonconformity_n to_o which_o by_o a_o irresistible_a force_n of_o conscience_n i_o be_o necessitate_v if_o all_o thing_n contain_v and_o prescribe_v in_o the_o say_a book_n be_v right_a and_o good_a i_o hearty_o wish_v that_o i_o and_o all_o man_n be_v convince_v of_o it_o i_o join_v with_o the_o congregation_n in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o liturgy_n and_o i_o acknowledge_v that_o by_o join_v in_o it_o i_o declare_v my_o consent_n to_o the_o use_n of_o it_o as_o in_o the_o main_a a_o allowable_a form_n of_o worship_n but_o this_o do_v not_o as_o i_o suppose_v signify_v my_o allow_v of_o all_o thing_n therein_o contain_v of_o the_o declaration_n of_o unfeigned_a assent_n and_o consent_v require_v by_o the_o act_n of_o uniformity_n the_o true_a intent_n of_o this_o declaration_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v by_o the_o form_n of_o word_n wherein_o it_o be_v express_v it_o seem_v to_o signify_v no_o less_o than_o assent_n to_o and_o approbation_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o of_o every_o thing_n contain_v and_o prescribe_v in_o and_o by_o the_o book_n of_o common-prayer_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o no_o man_n can_v make_v this_o declaration_n that_o be_v not_o satisfy_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o every_o thing_n contain_v and_o the_o lawfulness_n and_o allowableness_n of_o every_o thing_n prescribe_v in_o the_o say_a book_n nothing_o be_v more_o evident_a to_o i_o than_o that_o i_o ought_v not_o to_o dissemble_v or_o lie_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n but_o so_o i_o do_v if_o i_o declare_v my_o unfeigned_a assent_n and_o consent_n to_o those_o thing_n contain_v and_o prescribe_v in_o the_o liturgy_n from_o which_o i_o real_o dissent_v but_o this_o meaning_n thereof_o be_v not_o acknowledge_v by_o many_o and_o very_o judicious_a person_n among_o the_o conformist_n they_o grant_v indeed_o that_o the_o word_n will_v not_o only_o bear_v this_o sense_n but_o will_v seem_v to_o incline_v to_o it_o if_o the_o meaning_n of_o they_o be_v not_o evident_o limit_v by_o the_o law_n itself_o and_o that_o in_o the_o very_a clause_n wherein_o it_o do_v impose_v it_o that_o the_o law_n do_v express_o determine_v this_o assent_n to_o the_o use_n of_o the_o liturgy_n they_o say_v be_v evident_a from_o these_o word_n he_o shall_v declare_v his_o unfeigned_a assent_n and_o consent_n to_o the_o use_n of_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o say_a book_n contain_v and_o prescribe_v in_o these_o word_n and_o no_o other_o ay_o a._n b._n do_v here_o declare_v etc._n etc._n now_o by_o all_o rule_n of_o interpret_n law_n we_o be_v direct_v say_v they_o to_o understand_v what_o be_v say_v more_o general_o in_o any_o law_n according_a to_o the_o limitation_n which_o the_o law_n itself_o give_v especial_o if_o it_o be_v in_o express_a word_n i_o admit_v this_o late_a and_o more_o restrain_a sense_n of_o the_o declaration_n as_o probable_a and_o in_o this_o disquisition_n i_o proceed_v according_o take_v the_o declare_a assent_n and_o consent_v as_o limit_v to_o the_o use_n of_o thing_n nevertheless_o it_o must_v necessary_o extend_v to_o the_o use_n of_o all_o thing_n contain_v and_o prescribe_v in_o the_o liturgy_n and_o thereupon_o i_o judge_v that_o not_o only_o all_o
permanent_o or_o unalterable_o holy_a as_o well_o sanctify_v the_o duty_n therein_o perform_v as_o sanctify_v by_o they_o so_o i_o suppose_v that_o the_o appoint_a feast_n or_o at_o least_o some_o of_o they_o be_v set_v apart_o by_o the_o church_n to_o a_o state_n of_o like_a holiness_n i_o confess_v that_o as_o touch_v the_o dedication_n of_o such_o day_n and_o time_n as_o some_o of_o those_o be_v which_o be_v appoint_v by_o the_o church_n i_o have_v not_o a_o clearness_n of_o judgement_n to_o determine_v for_o or_o against_o the_o warrantableness_n thereof_o nor_o will_v i_o break_v with_o the_o church_n upon_o this_o account_n but_o will_v make_v those_o day_n a_o occasion_n of_o join_v in_o the_o unquestionable_a divine_a worship_n then_o celebrate_v but_o i_o know_v not_o how_o to_o declare_v a_o unfeigned_a assent_n and_o consent_n to_o the_o sanctify_a of_o those_o day_n because_o in_o so_o do_v i_o shall_v not_o speak_v the_o truth_n while_o i_o doubt_v of_o the_o warrantableness_n thereof_o of_o the_o order_n for_o morning_n and_o evening-prayer_n the_o second_o rubric_n before_o morning-prayer_n be_v take_v to_o enjoin_v the_o use_n of_o the_o surplice_n suppose_v that_o the_o use_n thereof_o be_v not_o in_o itself_o unlawful_a nevertheless_o i_o question_v whether_o i_o may_v lawful_o consent_v to_o a_o rule_n enjoin_v the_o use_n of_o it_o to_o such_o minister_n and_o in_o such_o congregation_n by_o which_o the_o use_n thereof_o be_v judge_v unlawful_a or_o to_o which_o it_o be_v odious_a or_o great_o offensive_a by_o invincible_a or_o inveterate_a prejudice_n i_o inquire_v whether_o a_o consent_n to_o the_o use_n of_o this_o rubric_n do_v not_o imply_v a_o consent_n to_o the_o enjoin_v of_o this_o vestment_n for_o the_o enjoin_v retain_v and_o use_v of_o it_o so_o that_o sacred_a ministration_n shall_v not_o be_v perform_v without_o it_o be_v the_o subject_a matter_n of_o the_o rubric_n i_o inquire_v also_o whether_o i_o may_v lawful_o declare_v my_o consent_n to_o the_o use_n of_o this_o vestment_n suppose_v that_o though_o i_o do_v not_o scruple_n the_o bare_a lawfulness_n of_o use_v it_o yet_o i_o wish_v in_o my_o heart_n the_o use_n thereof_o be_v not_o retain_v but_o lay_v aside_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o great_a offence_n take_v at_o it_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n unnecessary_a and_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v as_o decent_o and_o profitable_o perform_v without_o it_o as_o with_o it_o moreover_o what_o be_v those_o ornament_n in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v in_o use_n by_o authority_n of_o parliament_n in_o the_o second_o year_n of_o the_o reign_n of_o king_n edward_n the_o six_o i_o do_v not_o well_o know_v some_o say_v this_o rubric_n seem_v to_o bring_v back_o the_o cope_n and_o other_o vestment_n forbid_v in_o the_o common-prayer-book_n 5_o 6._o of_o edw._n 6._o to_o the_o use_n whereof_o i_o do_v not_o see_v it_o fit_a for_o i_o to_o declare_v my_o consent_n the_o responsal_n of_o the_o clerk_n and_o people_n the_o multiply_a repetition_n of_o the_o gloria_fw-la patri_fw-la and_o the_o lord_n prayer_n the_o omission_n of_o the_o doxology_n in_o the_o lord_n prayer_n the_o composure_n of_o many_o short_a collect_v instead_o of_o one_o continue_a prayer_n i_o can_v submit_v unto_o and_o declare_v my_o consent_n to_o they_o as_o to_o thing_n passable_a but_o if_o the_o declaration_n of_o consent_n imply_v not_o only_o the_o simple_a allowableness_n but_o also_o the_o laudableness_n and_o comparative_a usefulness_n or_o expediency_n of_o these_o thing_n i_o be_o not_o clear_a therein_o of_o the_o creed_n of_o st._n athanasius_n i_o hearty_o own_o the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o of_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n as_o set_v forth_o in_o this_o creed_n yet_o i_o be_o not_o satisfy_v to_o declare_v my_o assent_n to_o these_o assertion_n which_o faith_n except_o every_o one_o do_v keep_v whole_a and_o undefiled_a without_o doubt_n he_o shall_v perish_v everlasting_o also_o this_o be_v the_o catholic_n faith_n which_o except_o a_o man_n believe_v faithful_o he_o can_v be_v save_v also_o he_o therefore_o that_o will_v be_v save_v must_v thus_o think_v of_o the_o trinity_n this_o creed_n do_v contain_v deep_a mystery_n as_o that_o the_o son_n be_v not_o make_v nor_o create_v but_o beget_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v neither_o make_v nor_o create_v nor_o beget_v but_o proceed_v the_o difference_n between_o eternal_a generation_n and_o eternal_a procession_n be_v a_o mystery_n wherein_o the_o great_a divine_n see_v but_o dark_o we_o may_v be_v just_o afraid_a to_o condemn_v all_o person_n as_o uncapable_a of_o salvation_n who_o do_v not_o understand_v and_o explicit_o believe_v these_o mystery_n likewise_o the_o procession_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n from_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n be_v here_o deliver_v as_o a_o part_n of_o the_o faith_n concern_v which_o it_o be_v assert_v that_o except_o every_o one_o do_v keep_v whole_a without_o doubt_n he_o shall_v perish_v everlasting_o the_o undoubted_a damnation_n of_o those_o church_n and_o christian_n who_o hold_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n proceed_v from_o the_o father_n only_o seem_v to_o be_v thence_o infer_v the_o best_a answer_n to_o these_o objection_n that_o i_o have_v see_v i_o here_o transcribe_v out_o of_o a_o book_n late_o write_v it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o in_o this_o creed_n there_o be_v some_o thing_n contain_v and_o express_v as_o necessary_a point_n of_o faith_n and_o other_o thing_n for_o the_o more_o clear_a and_o useful_a explication_n of_o the_o truth_n though_o they_o be_v not_o of_o equal_a necessity_n to_o be_v understand_v and_o believe_v even_o by_o the_o mean_a capacity_n thus_o if_o we_o first_o consider_v the_o contexture_n of_o this_o creed_n the_o faith_n declare_v necessary_a concern_v the_o trinity_n be_v thus_o express_v in_o the_o begin_n thereof_o the_o catholic_n faith_n be_v this_o that_o we_o worship_v one_o god_n in_o trinity_n and_o trinity_n in_o unity_n neither_o confound_v the_o person_n nor_o divide_v the_o substance_n after_o this_o follow_v a_o explication_n useful_a to_o set_v forth_o the_o true_a christian_a doctrine_n which_o begin_v for_o there_o be_v one_o person_n of_o the_o father_n etc._n etc._n after_o which_o explication_n the_o same_o necessary_a doctrine_n to_o be_v know_v and_o believe_v be_v thus_o again_o express_v and_o distinguish_v from_o that_o explication_n in_o these_o word_n so_o that_o in_o all_o thing_n as_o aforesaid_a the_o unity_n in_o trinity_n and_o the_o trinity_n in_o unity_n be_v to_o be_v worship_v he_o therefore_o who_o will_v be_v save_v must_v thus_o think_v of_o the_o trinity_n what_o be_v contain_v in_o this_o consideration_n be_v the_o more_o clear_a by_o the_o follow_a observation_n that_o our_o church_n do_v both_o here_o and_o in_o her_o article_n evident_o receive_v the_o athanasian_n creed_n and_o yet_o from_o the_o manner_n of_o use_v the_o apostle_n creed_n in_o the_o form_n of_o baptism_n as_o contain_v the_o profession_n of_o that_o faith_n into_o which_o we_o be_v baptize_v in_o the_o catechism_n as_o contain_v all_o the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o in_o the_o visitation_n of_o the_o sick_a as_o be_v the_o rule_n to_o try_v whether_o he_o believe_v as_o a_o christian_a man_n shall_v or_o not_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o no_o more_o be_v esteem_v in_o our_o church_n of_o necessity_n to_o salvation_n for_o all_o man_n to_o believe_v than_o that_o only_o which_o be_v contain_v and_o express_v in_o the_o apostle_n creed_n hereunto_o i_o make_v this_o reply_n in_o this_o point_n the_o question_n be_v not_o what_o the_o church_n of_o england_n but_o what_o the_o athanasian_n creed_n appoint_v by_o this_o church_n to_o be_v read_v on_o certain_a solemn_a day_n instead_o of_o the_o apostle_n creed_n declare_v to_o be_v of_o necessity_n to_o salvation_n now_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v manifest_o assert_v in_o this_o creed_n to_o be_v of_o necessity_n to_o salvation_n be_v the_o entire_a belief_n of_o the_o catholic_n faith_n as_o it_o be_v there_o express_v for_o it_o be_v say_v which_o faith_n except_o every_o one_o keep_v whole_a etc._n etc._n wherefore_o to_o distinguish_v the_o summary_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n set_v down_o in_o the_o beginning_n and_o the_o conclusion_n from_o the_o whole_a intermediate_v explication_n thereof_o as_o if_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o one_o but_o not_o of_o the_o other_o be_v affirm_v to_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n be_v a_o very_a force_a and_o unwarrantable_a narrow_n of_o the_o intendment_n of_o the_o word_n the_o explication_n as_o well_o as_o the_o say_v summary_n be_v set_v forth_o as_o that_o catholic_n faith_n which_o except_o every_o one_o keep_v whole_a and_o undefiled_a he_o shall_v without_o doubt_n perish_v everlasting_o yea_o it_o be_v express_o say_v in_o
such_o as_o the_o popish_a whip_n or_o such_o as_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_n with_o pious_a intention_n but_o superstitious_o use_v as_o perpetual_a abide_n on_o the_o top_n of_o a_o pillar_n never_o to_o sleep_v but_o stand_v etc._n etc._n and_o there_o be_v austerity_n inconvenient_a for_o measure_n by_o excess_n in_o that_o which_o be_v for_o kind_a suitable_a and_o comely_a as_o immoderate_a abstinence_n and_o abasement_n all_o such_o be_v to_o be_v reject_v come_v not_o into_o the_o present_a consideration_n but_o the_o query_n be_v whether_o allowable_a austerity_n may_v be_v not_o only_a adjunct_n but_o also_o act_n or_o matter_n of_o worship_n humiliation_n or_o prostration_n of_o soul_n in_o self_n abasement_n before_o god_n be_v a_o act_n of_o internal_a worship_n and_o i_o do_v not_o see_v but_o the_o austerity_n we_o now_o speak_v of_o may_v be_v lawful_o use_v as_o direct_v and_o immediate_a sign_n of_o such_o humiliation_n and_o consequent_o as_o act_n of_o worship_n whatsoever_o be_v direct_o and_o immediate_o expressive_a of_o internal_a worship_n be_v external_a worship_n and_o so_o fast_v and_o other_o abstinence_n may_v be_v esteem_v not_o only_o as_o fit_a adjunct_n of_o worship_n and_o help_v therein_o but_o act_n thereof_o vow_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a allowable_a austerity_n to_o be_v continue_v in_o for_o term_v of_o life_n or_o notable_a length_n of_o time_n be_v dangerous_a and_o apt_a to_o ensnare_v the_o conscience_n and_o if_o a_o special_a religious_a state_n be_v place_v in_o they_o more_o than_o what_o belong_v to_o christianity_n as_o such_o they_o be_v superstition_n and_o will-worship_n matrimonial_a purity_n §_o 1._o marriage_n be_v the_o bond_n of_o a_o individual_a conjunction_n between_o man_n and_o woman_n institute_v of_o god_n to_o a_o individual_a conversation_n or_o course_n of_o life_n this_o bond_n can_v be_v dissolve_v by_o man_n because_o it_o be_v not_o man_n but_o god_n that_o make_v it_o though_o the_o marry_a party_n voluntary_o enter_v into_o it_o and_o public_a officer_n instrumental_o authorise_v their_o act_n according_a to_o god_n law_n hence_o it_o be_v say_v who_o god_n have_v join_v let_v no_o man_n put_v asunder_o but_o this_o rule_n put_v no_o bar_n to_o god_n right_a of_o dissolve_v this_o bond_n by_o a_o act_n of_o his_o law_n upon_o cause_n therein_o declare_v §_o 1._o by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n matrimony_n be_v hold_v a_o sacrament_n upon_o this_o ground_n that_o god_n have_v consecrate_v it_o to_o be_v a_o symbol_n of_o the_o indissoluble_a conjunction_n of_o christ_n with_o the_o church_n and_o of_o grace_n to_o be_v confer_v upon_o those_o that_o enter_v into_o it_o indeed_o it_o be_v use_v in_o scripture_n as_o a_o similitude_n to_o express_v or_o illustrate_v the_o mystical_a union_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n but_o every_o similitude_n use_v in_o scripture_n to_o express_v a_o holy_a mystery_n as_o that_o of_o the_o vine_n and_o branch_n to_o express_v the_o union_n between_o christ_n and_o the_o faithful_a do_v not_o thereby_o become_v a_o consecrate_a symbol_n thereof_o with_o a_o promise_n of_o grace_n annex_v to_o it_o as_o so_o consecrate_v nevertheless_o though_o matrimony_n be_v not_o a_o institute_v symbol_n of_o divine_a grace_n yet_o grace_v suitable_a to_o this_o state_n of_o life_n be_v promise_v to_o the_o faithful_a and_o this_o state_n as_o all_o other_o thing_n be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o prayer_n unto_o those_o holy_a end_n which_o god_n have_v design_v in_o it_o §_o 3._o the_o cause_n for_o which_o matrimony_n be_v ordain_v be_v excellent_o set_v by_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o these_o word_n first_o it_o be_v ordain_v for_o the_o procreation_n of_o child_n to_o be_v bring_v up_o in_o the_o fear_n and_o nurture_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o the_o praise_n of_o his_o holy_a name_n second_o it_o be_v ordain_v for_o a_o remedy_n against_o sin_n and_o to_o avoid_v fornication_n that_o such_o as_o have_v not_o the_o gift_n of_o continency_n may_v marry_v and_o keep_v themselves_o undefiled_a member_n of_o christ_n body_n three_o it_o be_v ordain_v for_o the_o mutual_a society_n help_n and_o comfort_n that_o the_o one_o ought_v to_o have_v of_o the_o other_o both_o in_o prosperity_n and_o adversity_n it_o belong_v to_o the_o substance_n of_o matrimony_n that_o the_o man_n and_o the_o woman_n give_v and_o take_v the_o power_n of_o their_o body_n mutual_o unto_o the_o conjugal_a due_n call_v benevolence_n 1_o cor._n 7.3_o 4._o and_o they_o be_v so_o equal_a in_o the_o matter_n of_o wedlock_n that_o both_o of_o they_o be_v both_o superior_a and_o inferior_a in_o ask_v and_o render_v the_o say_v due_a hence_o it_o be_v a_o resolve_a case_n that_o sterility_n be_v not_o a_o impediment_n of_o marriage_n because_o though_o the_o primary_n end_n which_o be_v procreation_n be_v thereby_o hinder_v yet_o the_o secondary_a end_n to_o be_v a_o remedy_n against_o sin_n which_o be_v also_o of_o god_n ordain_v be_v obtain_v but_o frigidity_n or_o total_a impotency_n be_v a_o just_a impediment_n because_o in_o that_o case_n both_o the_o primary_n and_o secondary_a end_n of_o marriage_n be_v make_v void_a and_o the_o essential_a due_n thereof_o can_v be_v render_v §_o 4._o as_o concern_v the_o ancient_a polygamy_n or_o plurality_n of_o wife_n at_o once_o some_o conceive_v that_o it_o be_v only_o by_o divine_a connivance_n and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o sinful_a practice_n which_o god_n wink_v at_o other_o conceive_v that_o it_o be_v by_o divine_a dispensation_n and_o that_o the_o law_n of_o the_o conjunction_n of_o one_o man_n and_o one_o woman_n be_v most_o consentaneous_a to_o nature_n but_o that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o nature_n immutable_a and_o indispensable_a but_o such_o as_o may_v be_v change_v the_o state_n of_o thing_n and_o person_n be_v change_v yet_o than_o not_o to_o be_v change_v but_o by_o his_o authority_n from_o who_o all_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n do_v proceed_v but_o whether_o polygamy_n be_v allow_v or_o only_o wink_v at_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v whole_o disallow_v by_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v never_o as_o yet_o admit_v in_o any_o christian_a commonwealth_n if_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n a_o man_n put_v away_o his_o wife_n and_o marry_v another_o commit_v adultery_n much_o more_o do_v he_o commit_v adultery_n if_o keep_v the_o former_a wife_n he_o marry_v another_o the_o concubine_n mention_v in_o the_o old-testament_n be_v not_o as_o in_o our_o day_n unmarried_a but_o proper_o wife_n though_o in_o respect_n of_o some_o matrimonial_a privilege_n inferior_a to_o wife_n strict_o so_o call_v for_o their_o carnal_a conjunction_n with_o any_o beside_o he_o who_o they_o be_v be_v a_o defile_n of_o the_o marriagebed_n concern_v reuben_n who_o lie_v with_o bilhah_n jacob_n concubine_n this_o be_v denounce_v thou_o shall_v not_o excel_v because_o thou_o wente_v up_o to_o thy_o father_n bed_n than_o defile_v thou_o it_o gen._n 49.4_o §_o 5._o as_o concern_v the_o honour_n of_o matrimony_n it_o be_v write_v heb._n 13.4_o marriage_n be_v honourable_a among_o all_o man_n and_o the_o bed_n undefiled_a but_o whoremonger_n and_o adulterer_n god_n will_v judge_n this_o be_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n on_o the_o contrary_a the_o hypocrisy_n and_o the_o counterfeit_v sanctity_n of_o those_o liar_n who_o be_v to_o bring_v in_o the_o great_a apostasy_n upon_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v foretell_v to_o consist_v among_o other_o thing_n in_o forbid_v to_o marry_v 1_o tim._n 4.3_o and_o the_o prohibition_n of_o it_o to_o divers_a order_n of_o man_n and_o other_o unjust_a restriction_n lay_v upon_o it_o be_v one_o kind_n of_o the_o forbid_v to_o marry_v intend_v in_o that_o prediction_n the_o wise_a and_o most_o civilise_a commonwealth_n that_o be_v not_o christian_n have_v testify_v their_o great_a respect_n to_o marriage_n by_o encourage_v it_o with_o many_o privilege_n as_o more_o conduce_v to_o the_o public_a good_a than_o the_o single_a life_n by_o the_o roman_a law_n in_o time_n of_o gentilism_n marriage_n be_v privilege_v and_o the_o single_a life_n disadvantage_v §_o 6._o the_o debase_v of_o matrimony_n come_v in_o with_o the_o degeneracy_n of_o the_o church_n quick_o after_o the_o apostle_n age_n christian_n depart_v from_o the_o simplicity_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n by_o devise_v rule_n of_o life_n which_o christ_n require_v not_o and_o build_v upon_o the_o precious_a foundation_n which_o have_v be_v lay_v wood_n hay_o and_o stubble_n and_o the_o devotion_n both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n be_v carry_v forth_o to_o a_o self-devised_n religiousness_n yet_o the_o essential_o of_o christianity_n be_v preserve_v sound_a according_o many_a of_o the_o father_n of_o the_o church_n extol_v celibate_n and_o virginity_n with_o excessive_a praise_n and_o think_v of_o marriage_n as_o of_o a_o state_n
less_o perfect_a and_o some_o of_o they_o as_o jerome_n be_v almost_o contumelious_a against_o it_o yet_o in_o those_o time_n some_o appear_v to_o give_v some_o check_n to_o those_o contumely_n cast_v upon_o marriage_n when_o christianity_n obtain_v the_o empire_n those_o law_n which_o be_v make_v in_o special_a favour_n of_o marriage_n and_o disadvantage_n of_o single_a life_n be_v abrogate_a and_o the_o monastic_a state_n be_v great_o propagate_v and_o privilege_v yea_o in_o late_a time_n marry_a person_n be_v encourage_v to_o forsake_v their_o yokefellow_n and_o go_v into_o monastery_n §_o 7._o upon_o this_o occasion_n i_o be_o lead_v to_o consider_v what_o worth_n or_o excellence_n in_o celebate_n and_o virginity_n more_o than_o in_o the_o marry_a life_n can_v be_v show_v from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n or_o from_o right_a reason_n in_o the_o scripture_n we_o find_v no_o great_a excellence_n ascribe_v to_o single_a continence_n than_o to_o matrimonial_a chastity_n it_o be_v say_v 1_o cor._n 7.1_o it_o be_v good_a for_o a_o man_n not_o to_o touch_v a_o woman_n the_o goodness_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v a_o moral_a convenience_n and_o in_o that_o respect_n to_o abstain_v from_o marriage_n be_v here_o say_v to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o virtuous_a for_o it_o be_v virtuous_a to_o choose_v that_o which_o be_v most_o commodious_a to_o christian_a life_n and_o to_o avoid_v all_o avoidable_a hindrance_n of_o the_o free_a exercise_n of_o godliness_n now_o divers_a care_n and_o trouble_n which_o accompany_v marriage_n may_v well_o be_v avoid_v by_o one_o who_o have_v the_o special_a gift_n of_o continence_n and_o those_o difficulty_n and_o suffering_n which_o come_v upon_o we_o in_o time_n of_o the_o church_n calamity_n may_v be_v better_o bear_v and_o the_o temptation_n thereof_o more_o easy_o escape_v in_o a_o single_a than_o in_o a_o marry_a life_n in_o the_o same_o chapter_n vers_fw-la 25_o 26._o virginity_n be_v commend_v not_o from_o its_o intrinsic_a excellency_n as_o far_o as_o that_o appear_v but_o from_o its_o conveniency_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o distress_n of_o the_o church_n the_o apostle_n say_v it_o be_v good_a for_o the_o present_a distress_n here_o also_o he_o use_v the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o show_v that_o the_o thing_n be_v virtuous_o good_a but_o upon_o what_o account_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o have_v in_o that_o state_n of_o thing_n a_o moral_a convenience_n and_o therefore_o to_o make_v choice_n of_o it_o be_v virtuous_a yet_o he_o show_v vers_fw-la 28._o that_o to_o marry_v in_o such_o a_o time_n be_v no_o sin_n though_o not_o to_o marry_o be_v more_o expedient_a likewise_o vers_fw-la 32_o 33_o 34._o and_o so_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n single_a life_n be_v prefer_v before_o marriage_n by_o reason_n of_o its_o convenience_n and_o on_o no_o other_o account_n §_o 8._o marriage_n be_v institute_v for_o man_n in_o the_o state_n of_o innocence_n and_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v acknowleege_v by_o all_o that_o in_o that_o state_n it_o will_v have_v be_v altogether_o as_o pure_a and_o perfect_a as_o celibate_n and_o virginity_n if_o matrimony_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o fall_n be_v accompany_v with_o some_o unavoidable_a irregularity_n or_o inordinate_a motion_n in_o the_o sensitive_a nature_n single_a life_n be_v a_o like_a yea_o perhaps_o more_o obnoxious_a in_o that_o respect_n matrimonial_a chastity_n be_v as_o true_o chastity_n as_o virginal_a chastity_n and_o the_o same_o degree_n of_o matrimonial_a chastity_n be_v equal_o pure_a with_o the_o same_o degree_n of_o virginal_a chastity_n or_o to_o speak_v in_o other_o term_n there_o may_v be_v as_o great_a chastity_n both_o of_o body_n and_o mind_n in_o matrimony_n as_o in_o virginity_n if_o there_o be_v a_o glory_n and_o excellency_n in_o that_o victory_n over_o sense_n which_o they_o have_v who_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o continence_n abstain_v from_o the_o sensitive_a pleasure_n of_o the_o marriagebed_n it_o may_v be_v equal_v by_o the_o sobriety_n and_o regularity_n of_o the_o use_n of_o the_o marriage_n bed_n be_v accompany_v with_o a_o christian_a wisdom_n fortitude_n and_o patience_n in_o bear_v and_o manage_v the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o marry_a condition_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n beside_o the_o private_a good_a of_o family_n and_o there_o appear_v much_o less_o self-denial_n in_o a_o single_a than_o in_o a_o marry_a life_n to_o be_v exercise_v by_o those_o that_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o continence_n §_o 9_o principle_n tend_v to_o render_v marriage_n vile_a and_o loathsome_a have_v be_v propagate_v by_o some_o out_o of_o a_o excessive_a admiration_n of_o virginity_n and_o total_a abstinence_n from_o carnal_a conjunction_n and_o by_o other_o who_o interest_n it_o be_v to_o enhance_v the_o reputation_n of_o single_a life_n for_o the_o strengthen_n of_o the_o papal_a kingdom_n of_o which_o sort_n be_v these_o viz._n the_o natural_a desire_n of_o copulation_n be_v prohibit_v lust_n that_o corporeal_a delight_n may_v not_o be_v intend_v in_o the_o conjugal_a act_n that_o a_o man_n desire_n of_o pleasure_n with_o his_o own_o wife_n can_v be_v without_o sin_n that_o a_o man_n do_v sin_n except_o he_o come_v to_o the_o act_n with_o grief_n according_o some_o popish_a writer_n have_v say_v that_o most_o frequent_o mortal_a sin_n and_o always_o venial_a sin_n be_v commit_v in_o the_o conjugal_a act_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v if_o these_o thing_n be_v true_a they_o be_v enough_o to_o deter_v from_o marriage_n all_o those_o that_o have_v a_o due_a care_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n some_o of_o great_a name_n among_o the_o ancient_n hold_v that_o there_o shall_v have_v be_v no_o commixtion_n of_o sex_n in_o the_o state_n of_o innocence_n because_o though_o it_o be_v use_v for_o procreation_n alone_o yet_o as_o they_o think_v it_o can_v not_o have_v be_v without_o shameful_a lust_n §_o 10._o now_o for_o the_o redargation_n of_o such_o opinion_n let_v it_o be_v consider_v that_o when_o man_n otherwise_o very_o worthy_a shall_v give_v scope_n to_o their_o own_o conceit_n and_o shall_v advance_v self-chosen_a way_n they_o will_v overlook_v the_o clear_a evidence_n both_o of_o scripture_n and_o reason_n for_o what_o other_o cause_n can_v be_v render_v for_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o different_a sex_n but_o the_o foresay_a commixtion_n and_o of_o a_o man_n and_o his_o wife_n in_o the_o state_n of_o innocence_n it_o be_v say_v they_o shall_v be_v one_o flesh_n and_o for_o the_o vehement_a desire_n of_o the_o say_a conjunction_n it_o be_v in_o itself_o a_o animal_n faculty_n for_o the_o conservation_n of_o the_o species_n as_o the_o like_a desire_n of_o ingestion_n and_o egestion_n be_v for_o the_o conservation_n of_o the_o individual_a since_o the_o fall_n the_o sensitive_a appetite_n ought_v to_o be_v distinguish_v from_o its_o inordinacy_n from_o which_o by_o grace_n it_o may_v be_v separate_v and_o so_o it_o may_v be_v alike_o pure_a and_o sinless_a with_o other_o part_n of_o human_a nature_n in_o this_o imperfect_a state_n and_o this_o be_v grant_v in_o other_o kind_n of_o sensitive_a appetite_n why_o shall_v it_o be_v deny_v in_o the_o kind_n here_o treat_v of_o some_o say_v of_o it_o that_o it_o be_v a_o brutify_v act_n and_o that_o the_o mind_n be_v so_o carry_v away_o therein_o that_o it_o can_v think_v nothing_o worthy_a of_o a_o wise_a man_n but_o i_o make_v no_o question_n but_o godly_a person_n know_v the_o contrary_a by_o experience_n and_o i_o can_v see_v no_o reason_n but_o that_o they_o who_o have_v crucify_v the_o flesh_n with_o its_o affection_n and_o lust_n as_o all_o true_a christian_n have_v may_v by_o due_a care_n carry_v themselves_o in_o this_o matter_n with_o a_o due_a sobriety_n and_o regularity_n and_o that_o the_o more_o perfect_a christian_n ordinary_o do_v so_o and_o though_o herein_o they_o be_v not_o perfect_o yet_o they_o be_v prevalent_o pure_a and_o that_o it_o be_v perfect_o pure_a can_v scarce_o be_v say_v of_o any_o good_a act_n in_o the_o present_a state_n of_o mankind_n the_o delight_n of_o eat_v and_o drink_v after_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n or_o of_o rest_n after_o labour_n do_v swallow_v up_o reason_n in_o the_o vicious_a or_o more_o or_o less_o disturb_v it_o according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o their_o intemperance_n and_o so_o the_o delight_n here_o consider_v do_v swallow_v up_o reason_n in_o they_o that_o use_v it_o inordinate_o and_o that_o more_o or_o less_o according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o their_o inordinacy_n but_o as_o the_o delight_n of_o eat_v and_o drink_v do_v not_o brutifie_v the_o temperate_a so_o the_o delight_n here_o consider_v do_v not_o brutifie_v they_o that_o use_v it_o pure_o and_o sober_o not_o in_o opposition_n but_o subordination_n to_o spiritual_a delight_n §_o 11._o indeed_o it_o
and_o make_v use_n of_o our_o reason_n which_o be_v a_o auxiliary_a to_o faith_n but_o above_o all_o let_v we_o implore_v the_o help_n of_o god_n his_o sufficient_a grace_n and_o let_v we_o conceive_v of_o he_o as_o the_o infinite_a goodness_n willing_a to_o help_v in_o so_o do_v we_o honour_v god_n and_o be_v please_v to_o he_o and_o set_v ourselves_o in_o a_o sure_a way_n of_o deliverance_n i_o will_v look_v again_o towards_o thy_o holy_a temple_n the_o temple_n be_v a_o symbol_n of_o the_o gracious_a presence_n of_o god_n among_o his_o people_n according_a to_o his_o covenant_n the_o divine_a presence_n be_v on_o the_o mercy-seat_n in_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n which_o do_v represent_v god_n as_o propitious_a through_o christ_n the_o faithful_a recover_v out_o of_o temptation_n by_o look_v to_o god_n sit_v on_o his_o mercy-seat_n in_o his_o holy_a temple_n in_o the_o high_a heaven_n that_o be_v as_o propitious_a in_o christ_n according_a to_o his_o covenant_n of_o grace_n to_o all_o penitent_a believer_n this_o mercy-seat_n erect_v in_o christ_n be_v the_o hope_n that_o be_v set_v before_o we_o in_o all_o our_o distress_n and_o trouble_v and_o to_o those_o that_o be_v flee_v for_o refuge_n to_o it_o there_o be_v strong_a consolation_n heb._n 6.18_o god_n be_v propitious_a in_o christ_n the_o great_a propitiation_n there_o be_v a_o sure_a covenant_n and_o a_o everlasting_a covenant_n of_o peace_n whosoever_o take_v hold_v of_o it_o shall_v be_v save_v this_o covenant_n in_o christ_n hold_v forth_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o plenteous_a redemption_n to_o all_o that_o take_v hold_v of_o it_o this_o be_v the_o rock_n of_o age_n and_o whosoever_o do_v rest_v their_o faith_n on_o it_o their_o soul_n shall_v be_v at_o rest_n when_o we_o be_v cast_v into_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o sea_n when_o we_o lie_v as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o belly_n of_o hell_n let_v we_o look_v unto_o god_n in_o his_o holy_a temple_n and_o that_o both_o in_o case_n of_o our_o particular_a distress_n and_o in_o case_n of_o the_o common_a distress_n of_o god_n church_n psal_n 11.3_o 4._o if_o the_o foundation_n be_v destroy_v what_o can_v the_o righteous_a do_v the_o lord_n be_v in_o his_o holy_a temple_n the_o lord_n throne_n be_v in_o heaven_n how_o distress_a soever_o our_o state_n be_v even_o to_o the_o destroy_n of_o the_o foundation_n and_o how_o provoke_v soever_o our_o sin_n have_v be_v yet_o god_n be_v in_o his_o holy_a temple_n he_o be_v propitious_a in_o christ_n god_n be_v in_o christ_n reconcile_a sinner_n to_o himself_o not_o impute_v sin_n to_o penitent_a sinner_n in_o all_o our_o distress_n let_v we_o plead_v before_o he_o these_o thing_n 1._o the_o mercifulness_n of_o his_o nature_n 2._o christ_n the_o great_a propitiatory_a sacrifice_n for_o sin_n 3._o the_o steadfastness_n of_o his_o covenant_n make_v in_o christ_n 4._o the_o erect_n of_o his_o mercy-seat_n and_o the_o place_n of_o himself_o upon_o a_o throne_n of_o grace_n and_o so_o let_v we_o hear_v what_o he_o will_v answer_v we_o and_o see_v what_o he_o will_v do_v for_o we_o john_n xvi_o 33._o in_o the_o world_n you_o shall_v have_v tribulation_n they_o who_o have_v peace_n in_o christ_n be_v liable_a to_o and_o must_v look_v for_o tribulation_n or_o press_a affliction_n in_o the_o world_n they_o must_v look_v for_o all_o manner_n of_o temptation_n and_o trial_n of_o affliction_n in_o mind_n in_o body_n in_o estate_n in_o relation_n in_o reputation_n in_o their_o worldly_a affair_n in_o all_o thing_n belong_v to_o they_o 1_o pet._n 1.6_o james_n 1.2_o 1._o the_o state_n of_o the_o world_n be_v difficult_a and_o troublesome_a eccles_n 1.8_o all_o thing_n be_v full_a of_o labour_n and_o the_o faithful_a in_o this_o world_n have_v their_o share_n in_o the_o common_a condition_n of_o mankind_n eccles_n 9_o 2._o all_o thing_n come_v alike_o to_o all_o 2._o god_n do_v exercise_v a_o corrective_a discipline_n over_o the_o godly_a in_o this_o world_n as_o he_o do_v over_o israel_n in_o the_o wilderness_n deut_n 8.5_o thou_o shall_v consider_v in_o thy_o heart_n that_o as_o a_o man_n chasten_v his_o son_n so_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n chasten_v thou_o the_o godly_a be_v here_o in_o a_o imperfect_a state_n and_o be_v therein_o probationer_n for_o a_o perfect_a state_n in_o another_o world_n and_o god_n deal_v with_o they_o according_o to_z train_z they_o up_o for_o that_o future_a state_n by_o present_a trouble_n 3._o the_o faithful_a be_v liable_a to_o persecution_n from_o the_o hatred_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v adverse_a to_o christ_n and_o to_o they_o upon_o his_o account_n john_n 15.19_o in_o the_o primitive_a and_o ancient_a time_n of_o the_o church_n christian_n suffer_v from_o the_o pagan_a world_n in_o after-times_a the_o follower_n of_o the_o lamb_n suffer_v from_o the_o antichristian_a power_n and_o at_o all_o time_n sincere_a christian_n suffer_v from_o those_o that_o have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n but_o deny_v the_o power_n thereof_o 4._o the_o devil_n hatred_n be_v great_a against_o those_o who_o christ_n have_v rescue_v out_o of_o his_o power_n and_o he_o will_v do_v they_o all_o the_o spite_n he_o can_v as_o far_o as_o god_n will_v suffer_v he_o as_o we_o see_v in_o job_n case_n he_o stir_v up_o the_o malignant_a world_n against_o the_o true_a church_n he_o raise_v prejudice_n against_o they_o and_o make_v they_o odious_a by_o slander_n and_o fill_v his_o instrument_n with_o rage_n yea_o by_o his_o stratagem_n he_o do_v too_o often_o set_v the_o church_n against_o itself_o and_o make_v one_o party_n of_o sincere_a christian_n to_o persecute_v another_o this_o be_v a_o brief_a account_n of_o the_o trouble_n of_o the_o faithful_a in_o the_o world_n all_o this_o be_v do_v under_o the_o holy_a and_o wise_a government_n of_o god_n he_o be_v the_o supreme_a disposer_n of_o all_o the_o mischief_n that_o be_v do_v and_o all_o the_o misery_n that_o be_v undergo_v in_o the_o world_n the_o malice_n of_o man_n and_o devil_n and_o the_o manifold_a temptation_n of_o the_o godly_a he_o do_v over-rule_v and_o dispose_v to_o his_o holy_a end_n god_n attribute_n be_v much_o glorify_v in_o this_o state_n of_o thing_n his_o holiness_n and_o justice_n be_v exercise_v and_o make_v manifest_a in_o the_o suffering_n of_o the_o godly_a in_o that_o though_o he_o have_v accept_v they_o in_o christ_n yet_o he_o will_v declare_v his_o displeasure_n against_o their_o sin_n by_o make_v they_o feel_v some_o smart_a suffering_n his_o power_n and_o mercy_n be_v likewise_o exercise_v in_o support_v they_o under_o suffering_n and_o in_o deliver_v they_o out_o of_o suffering_n his_o wisdom_n and_o faithfulness_n be_v exercise_v in_o proportion_v their_o suffering_n to_o their_o strength_n so_o that_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o bear_v and_o by_o bear_v overcome_v so_o that_o his_o people_n may_v be_v sure_a of_o that_o which_o be_v paul_n comfort_n 2_o tim._n 4.18_o the_o lord_n shall_v deliver_v i_o from_o every_o evil_a work_n and_o will_v preserve_v i_o to_o his_o heavenly_a kingdom_n as_o god_n attribute_n be_v glorify_v so_o the_o good_a of_o the_o faithful_a be_v much_o promote_v in_o this_o state_n of_o thing_n for_o their_o suffering_n be_v correction_n to_o humble_v they_o trial_n to_o prove_v they_o exercise_n to_o prepare_v they_o for_o the_o glory_n that_o shall_v follow_v and_o preservative_n to_o keep_v they_o to_o it_o the_o use_n to_o be_v make_v hereof_o be_v for_o the_o patience_n and_o comfort_n of_o believer_n during_o their_o abode_n in_o this_o world_n this_o be_v needful_a as_o it_o be_v say_v you_o have_v need_n of_o patience_n heb._n 10.36_o and_o for_o this_o end_n god_n have_v provide_v a_o rich_a treasure_n of_o comfort_n for_o they_o in_o his_o word_n as_o it_o be_v write_v rom._n 15.4_o that_o you_o through_o patience_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o scripture_n may_v have_v hope_n here_o i_o have_v several_a head_n of_o consolation_n to_o propound_v and_o to_o show_v how_o they_o may_v be_v improve_v the_o first_o be_v that_o tribulation_n in_o the_o world_n be_v well_o consistent_a with_o peace_n in_o christ_n according_a to_o his_o word_n that_o in_o i_o you_o may_v have_v peace_n in_o the_o world_n you_o shall_v have_v tribulation_n yea_o it_o further_v this_o peace_n for_o it_o drive_v we_o under_o the_o wing_n of_o christ_n and_o make_v we_o to_o abide_v under_o it_o yea_o the_o world_n enmity_n will_v follow_v christ_n peace_n persecution_n be_v affix_v to_o christ_n follower_n 2_o tim._n 3.12_o the_o certainty_n and_o inevitability_n of_o persecution_n do_v more_o especial_o respect_n time_n and_o place_n wherein_o the_o devil_n reign_v by_o false_a religion_n as_o in_o the_o pagan_a and_o antichristian_a idolatry_n to_o which_o may_v be_v add_v the_o mahometan_a infidelity_n yet_o where_o true_a religion_n