although_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o simple_a handle_n of_o the_o matter_n it_o be_v unworthy_a to_o be_v accept_v and_o red_a by_o the_o mean_a yet_o no_o man_n can_v doubt_v or_o will_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o fitness_n of_o the_o argument_n be_v a_o probable_a excuse_n for_o this_o presumptuous_a dedication_n last_o we_o desire_v thou_o good_a reader_n to_o use_n christian_n moderation_n in_o suspend_v thy_o judgement_n of_o we_o till_o happy_o time_n make_v that_o manifest_a which_o now_o be_v doubtful_a in_o regard_n of_o two_o opinion_n contain_v in_o these_o treatise_n the_o which_o will_v seem_v somewhat_o strange_a to_o some_o and_o perhaps_o to_o thyself_o among_o the_o rest_n the_o one_o be_v that_o we_o enfraunchize_v the_o papist_n arian_n &_o all_o other_o heretic_n profess_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n into_o the_o catholic_a church_n by_o the_o which_o we_o mean_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o whole_a church_n militant_a here_o on_o earth_n from_o the_o which_o many_o do_v utter_o reject_v they_o as_o mere_a infidel_n and_o stranger_n from_o the_o covenant_n and_o commonwealth_n of_o israel_n the_o other_o opinion_n be_v in_o that_o we_o give_v to_o the_o christian_n magistrate_n especial_o in_o great_a and_o absolute_a monarchy_n great_a authority_n both_o in_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a cause_n than_o seem_v to_o stand_v with_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n or_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n word_n for_o the_o former_a we_o need_v not_o trouble_v ourselves_o with_o the_o defence_n of_o it_o any_o further_a than_o it_o be_v declare_v in_o the_o treatise_n it_o be_v hold_v and_o profess_v by_o many_o sound_n divine_v who_o be_v in_o every_o respect_n far_o more_o able_a to_o maintain_v it_o likewise_o for_o the_o other_o we_o have_v nothing_o to_o say_v in_o this_o place_n save_v only_o that_o we_o be_v to_o desire_v thou_o not_o to_o attribute_v it_o to_o flattery_n rather_o than_o to_o a_o constant_a and_o settle_a persuasion_n the_o suspicion_n whereof_o it_o be_v hard_o for_o he_o to_o avoid_v who_o do_v any_o thing_n whereby_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o mighty_a man_n be_v maintain_v and_o enlarge_v and_o so_o their_o favour_n as_o usual_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v procure_v we_o do_v indeed_o intend_v in_o publish_v this_o treatise_n the_o good_a and_o peaceable_a estate_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o the_o maintain_n of_o that_o powerful_a and_o majestical_a authority_n whereunto_o it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o make_v we_o subject_a yea_o we_o do_v earnest_o desire_v of_o he_o that_o these_o treatise_n may_v have_v that_o effect_n in_o all_o their_o heart_n into_o who_o hand_n they_o shall_v come_v that_o they_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o who_o do_v nourish_v in_o their_o breast_n any_o sinister_a affection_n or_o opinion_n in_o this_o behalf_n may_v be_v by_o mean_n of_o they_o win_v to_o hearty_a love_n to_o so_o gracious_a a_o prince_n &_o loyal_a subjection_n to_o so_o lawful_a and_o excellent_a a_o kind_n of_o government_n yea_o that_o they_o who_o have_v already_o receive_v these_o grace_n from_o god_n may_v increase_v in_o they_o and_o perform_v all_o duty_n which_o be_v needful_a in_o regard_n either_o of_o the_o safety_n or_o the_o majesty_n of_o their_o prince_n more_o willing_o and_o cheerful_o then_o before_o as_o be_v perhaps_o resolve_v of_o some_o point_n â—hereof_o before_o they_o doubt_v and_o last_o that_o as_o touch_v the_o religion_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n profess_v in_o this_o land_n they_o who_o account_v we_o no_o church_n by_o who_o we_o affirm_v their_o opinion_n to_o be_v such_o as_o may_v easy_o be_v show_v out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o be_v erroneous_a have_v be_v vehement_o charge_v in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n to_o publish_v somewhat_o of_o the_o true_a nature_n and_o constitution_n of_o a_o church_n for_o the_o manifest_v of_o the_o truth_n in_o that_o behalf_n may_v be_v move_v to_o think_v and_o acknowledge_v that_o god_n iâ—_n true_o serve_v his_o word_n preach_v his_o sacrament_n administer_v and_o his_o name_n call_v upon_o in_o all_o the_o public_a assembly_n throughout_o this_o land_n especial_o by_o consider_v the_o doctrine_n nature_n and_o state_n of_o a_o public_a church_n the_o which_o kind_n of_o church_n not_o be_v in_o use_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o therefore_o not_o mention_v in_o their_o writing_n seem_v strange_a to_o many_o this_o we_o confess_v that_o we_o intend_v in_o this_o action_n and_o be_v persuade_v that_o we_o may_v lawful_o yea_o in_o some_o respect_n ought_v necessare_o to_o do_v but_o we_o trust_v that_o god_n will_v never_o so_o give_v we_o up_o to_o a_o senseless_a mind_n as_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n for_o the_o procure_n of_o the_o favour_n of_o man_n contrary_a to_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n word_n and_o the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n he_o make_v a_o evil_a bargain_n that_o throw_v himself_o into_o the_o bottomless_a sea_n or_o rather_o into_o the_o burn_a furnace_n of_o god_n wrath_n in_o adventure_n of_o man_n favour_n which_o be_v uncertain_a and_o momentaniâ—_n soon_o lose_v then_o get_v &_o in_o respect_n of_o true_a happiness_n altogether_o unprofitable_a but_o we_o trust_v good_a reader_n that_o this_o apology_n may_v have_v be_v spare_v and_o that_o thou_o will_v take_v these_o simple_a treatise_n in_o good_a part_n as_o thou_o have_v do_v the_o like_a heretofore_o thus_o i_o commend_v thou_o as_o i_o earnest_o desire_v to_o be_v commend_v by_o thou_o to_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o be_v lead_v into_o all_o truth_n and_o preserve_v without_o blame_n till_o the_o day_n of_o christ._n t._n m._n the_o argument_n of_o these_o treatise_n the_o former_a treatise_n declare_v the_o state_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n the_o which_o we_o have_v endeavour_v to_o learn_v and_o set_v down_o in_o plain_a manner_n out_o of_o the_o scripture_n wherein_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o truth_n especial_o out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o samuel_n the_o king_n &_o chronicle_n wherein_o the_o first_o original_n continuance_n and_o end_n yea_o the_o whole_a nature_n and_o condition_n of_o this_o government_n be_v at_o large_a declare_v where_o by_o the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n we_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o apostatical_a rebellious_a and_o idolatrous_a kingdom_n of_o the_o ten_o tribe_n usual_o call_v the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n or_o the_o kingdom_n of_o samaria_n but_o the_o kingdom_n of_o juda_n the_o which_o we_o call_v by_o the_o first_o ancient_a and_o right_a name_n of_o israel_n because_o our_o purpose_n be_v to_o entreat_v of_o the_o state_n of_o it_o as_o it_o be_v at_o the_o first_o institute_v by_o samuel_n and_o as_o it_o continue_v under_o saul_n david_n and_o solomon_n in_o who_o time_n it_o be_v call_v the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n but_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o reign_n of_o râ—boam_n it_o lose_v ten_o of_o the_o tribe_n and_o together_o the_o right_a name_n which_o usual_o follow_v the_o great_a part_n for_o the_o which_o cause_n in_o the_o time_n follow_v it_o be_v call_v the_o kingdom_n of_o juda_n for_o that_o the_o tribe_n of_o juda_n do_v not_o only_o make_v the_o great_a part_n of_o it_o but_o also_o have_v the_o prerogative_n of_o the_o kingdom_n annex_v unto_o it_o the_o cause_n by_o the_o which_o we_o be_v move_v to_o think_v the_o state_n of_o this_o kingdom_n most_o worthy_a to_o be_v careful_o seek_v out_o and_o true_o know_v be_v these_o because_o of_o all_o the_o kingdom_n in_o the_o world_n this_o only_o be_v institute_v by_o god_n himself_o or_o at_o the_o least_o approve_a by_o he_o and_o also_o register_v and_o full_o describe_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n yea_o and_o first_o practise_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o the_o which_o respect_n we_o can_v doubt_v but_o that_o the_o true_a and_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o it_o do_v great_o belong_v to_o the_o church_n and_o to_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o we_o do_v not_o speak_v of_o it_o as_o of_o the_o only_a lawful_a form_n of_o government_n and_o that_o which_o ought_v to_o be_v use_v of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o place_n for_o there_o be_v no_o kind_n of_o government_n which_o may_v not_o lawful_o be_v establish_v among_o christian_n and_o as_o lawful_o use_v amongst_o they_o as_o this_o neither_o as_n if_o all_o kingdom_n shall_v be_v square_v according_a to_o this_o rule_n from_o the_o which_o they_o may_v far_o differ_v without_o any_o blame_n for_o the_o judicial_a law_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n or_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n do_v not_o belong_v to_o the_o church_n neither_o yet_o do_v we_o affirm_v this_o kingdom_n to_o be_v the_o most_o excellent_a and_o convenient_a state_n and_o that_o which_o christian_n according_a to_o the_o example_n of_o
and_o of_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n that_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o may_v be_v drive_v to_o christ_n and_o even_o compel_v to_o embrace_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o as_o the_o iron_n must_v first_o be_v make_v hot_a in_o the_o fire_n before_o it_o will_v receive_v any_o new_a foâ—me_n so_o must_v the_o hard_a heart_n be_v mollify_v in_o the_o furnace_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n before_o it_o will_v receive_v the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v needful_a that_o there_o shall_v by_o this_o mean_v a_o way_n be_v make_v for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o man_n must_v first_o be_v make_v to_o see_v their_o sin_n and_o the_o punishment_n of_o eternal_a death_n due_a unto_o they_o before_o they_o can_v learn_v the_o use_n and_o necessity_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o his_o righteousness_n for_o the_o physician_n come_v not_o to_o whole_a man_n neither_o do_v the_o surgeon_n lay_v his_o plaster_n but_o upon_o wound_a and_o bruise_a member_n thus_o do_v john_n go_v before_o christ_n in_o the_o spirit_n of_o elias_n to_o prepare_v the_o people_n for_o the_o lord_n luk._n 1.17_o and_o thus_o christ_n prepare_v the_o young_a man_n math._n 19.21_o and_o peter_n the_o jew_n act_n 2.37_o who_o when_o they_o be_v prick_v in_o their_o heart_n by_o hear_v their_o sin_n they_o come_v to_o the_o apostle_n say_v man_n and_o brethren_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v and_o paul_n the_o man_n of_o athens_n act._n 17.31_o and_o last_o thus_o do_v god_n himself_o by_o a_o fearful_a earthquake_n prepare_v the_o jailer_n act_n 16.30_o and_o according_a to_o these_o exmple_n all_o other_o unbeliever_n be_v to_o be_v convert_v by_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o sight_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o anger_n of_o god_n and_o that_o especial_o by_o mention_v and_o urge_v those_o sin_n which_o be_v most_o heinous_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n and_o by_o the_o confession_n of_o all_o man_n which_o they_o can_v least_o excuse_v and_o whereof_o they_o be_v most_o ashamed_a yea_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o law_n ought_v to_o go_v before_o because_o it_o will_v more_o easy_o be_v receive_v and_o believe_v forsomuch_o as_o it_o be_v natural_a to_o man_n be_v ingraft_v in_o every_o man_n mind_n since_o the_o first_o creation_n of_o man_n for_o although_o it_o be_v by_o the_o fall_n of_o adam_n great_o diminish_v obscure_v and_o pervert_v yet_o there_o remain_v a_o confuse_a and_o dark_a knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a of_o right_a and_o wrong_n and_o also_o of_o the_o reward_n belong_v to_o obedience_n and_o the_o punishment_n of_o death_n due_a to_o sin_n rom._n 1.32_o the_o gentile_n know_v the_o law_n of_o god_n that_o they_o who_o commit_v sin_n be_v worthy_a of_o death_n yea_o of_o this_o knowledge_n come_v a_o conscience_n in_o infidel_n sometime_o excuse_v they_o although_o false_o but_o for_o the_o most_o part_n accuse_v they_o for_o their_o sin_n before_o god_n so_o that_o this_o their_o knowledge_n of_o the_o law_n and_o conscience_n of_o sin_n may_v easy_o be_v enlighten_v and_o stir_v uppe_o by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o law_n whereas_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n be_v contrary_n to_o natural_a reason_n and_o therefore_o hard_a to_o be_v persuade_v thus_o we_o see_v the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n to_o wit_n that_o whereby_o infidel_n be_v to_o be_v prepare_v for_o the_o gospel_n this_o be_v do_v than_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christian_n religion_n be_v brief_o and_o summarelie_o to_o be_v propund_v even_o as_o the_o apostle_n do_v use_v to_o preach_v christ._n infidel_n the_o sum_n of_o who_o sermon_n be_v this_o that_o salvation_n be_v to_o be_v have_v by_o faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o redeemer_n of_o the_o world_n the_o truth_n of_o this_o doctrine_n be_v to_o be_v prove_v by_o such_o testimony_n as_o be_v of_o most_o force_n as_o the_o law_n and_o prophet_n be_v with_o the_o jew_n out_o of_o the_o which_o we_o see_v that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v continual_o prove_v that_o which_o they_o speak_v likewise_o as_o touch_v the_o gentile_n although_o the_o main_a point_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v contrary_a to_o humane_a reason_n and_o therefore_o not_o to_o be_v ground_v thereon_o yet_o we_o be_v not_o destitute_a of_o many_o help_n and_o evident_a argument_n draw_v out_o of_o their_o own_o poet_n philosopher_n prophetess_n and_o oracle_n whereby_o the_o probability_n truth_n and_o necessity_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v be_v declare_v even_o to_o the_o heathen_a the_o which_o who_o so_o desire_v to_o know_v may_v see_v they_o in_o those_o book_n which_o be_v write_v for_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_n religion_n both_o in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n as_o also_o in_o these_o latter_a time_n especial_o the_o vanity_n of_o that_o false_a and_o idolatrous_a worship_n be_v to_o be_v lay_v open_a unto_o they_o that_o so_o they_o be_v as_o it_o be_v drive_v from_o that_o may_v be_v constrain_v to_o seek_v the_o true_a religion_n as_o have_v be_v declare_v sect._n 4._o how_o man_n convert_v to_o the_o faith_n ought_v to_o be_v order_v so_o many_o of_o they_o as_o can_v be_v win_v by_o this_o mean_n to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n deliver_v be_v upon_o confession_n of_o their_o faith_n to_o have_v baptism_n administer_v unto_o they_o to_o be_v a_o seal_n of_o their_o faith_n to_o themselves_o and_o a_o badge_n of_o their_o profession_n to_o other_o and_o so_o to_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o rest_n as_o those_o of_o who_o the_o church_n be_v to_o consist_v yea_o although_o they_o do_v not_o at_o the_o first_o express_v the_o power_n of_o religion_n in_o true_a repentance_n and_o a_o christian_n life_n yet_o if_o they_o do_v believe_v that_o to_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n of_o god_n and_o be_v content_a to_o profess_v the_o same_o then_o be_v they_o to_o be_v account_v member_n of_o the_o church_n so_o we_o read_v act_n 8.16_o that_o many_o of_o the_o samaritan_n be_v baptize_v and_o so_o receive_v into_o the_o church_n whenas_o none_o of_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o only_o believe_v in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n as_o they_o be_v teach_v so_o the_o eunuch_n be_v baptize_v act_n 8._o upon_o this_o confession_n i_o believe_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o even_o as_o they_o who_o labour_n in_o dig_v metal_n out_o of_o the_o earth_n do_v at_o the_o first_o â—ake_v for_o gold_n whatsoever_o do_v glister_n and_o afterward_o purge_v the_o pure_a gold_n from_o the_o corrupt_a dross_n and_o from_o all_o base_a mettle_n and_o as_o fisher_n take_v for_o fish_n whatsoever_o come_v to_o the_o net_n but_o afterward_o separate_v the_o good_a from_o the_o bad_a math._n 13.47.48_o so_o at_o the_o first_o the_o ministry_n receave_v all_o that_o seem_v to_o believe_v but_o in_o process_n of_o time_n it_o separate_v the_o hypocrite_n from_o the_o believer_n and_o the_o wicked_a from_o the_o godly_a although_o not_o perfect_o but_o before_o the_o administration_n of_o baptism_n the_o summarie_a doctrine_n of_o it_o must_v be_v teach_v that_o so_o it_o may_v be_v receive_v with_o great_a fruit_n to_o wit_n that_o this_o sacrament_n be_v appoint_v by_o god_n himself_o as_o john_n the_o first_o minister_n of_o it_o do_v testify_v john_n 2.33_o to_o be_v in_o his_o church_n a_o badge_n and_o common_a liveray_fw-fr of_o all_o his_o servant_n whereby_o they_o be_v to_o profess_v his_o name_n christian_n and_o to_o be_v know_v from_o unbeliever_n and_o also_o for_o their_o own_o edification_n that_o by_o baptism_n they_o may_v be_v confirm_v in_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n both_o of_o the_o law_n and_o of_o the_o gospel_n and_o further_o that_o it_o belong_v chief_o to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o law_n in_o that_o by_o drown_v we_o in_o water_n it_o put_v we_o in_o remembrance_n of_o that_o eternal_a death_n whereunto_o we_o be_v subject_a before_o as_o the_o apostle_n teach_v rom._n 6.4_o and_o that_o it_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o use_n with_o circumcision_n the_o which_o do_v under_o the_o law_n both_o distinguishe_v the_o jew_n as_o god_n people_n from_o all_o other_o nation_n as_o profane_v death_n and_o also_o set_v before_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o receiver_n eternal_a death_n as_o the_o other_o ordinary_a sacrament_n of_o the_o passover_n do_v eternal_a life_n for_o the_o one_o sacrament_n be_v of_o a_o bloody_a signification_n wound_v the_o body_n and_o so_o threaten_a death_n but_o the_o other_o grave_a the_o comfortable_a nourishment_n of_o life_n and_o so_o do_v baptism_n &_o the_o lord_n supper_n differ_v last_o that_o both_o baptism_n and_o circumcision_n although_o they_o
god_n and_o for_o a_o hearty_a and_o spiritual_a serve_v of_o god_n do_v institute_v a_o dead_a worship_n not_o pierce_v into_o the_o heart_n three_o where_o there_o be_v many_o law_n there_o be_v also_o necessare_o many_o transgression_n of_o law_n and_o so_o the_o necessary_a break_n of_o some_o make_v the_o rest_n to_o be_v less_o obey_v and_o esteem_v it_o remain_v that_o we_o shall_v show_v to_o who_o the_o make_n of_o ecclesiastical_a law_n do_v belong_v but_o as_o before_o we_o do_v defer_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o first_o mover_n in_o the_o plant_n of_o a_o church_n till_o we_o come_v to_o the_o distinct_a kind_n of_o a_o church_n so_o this_o question_n must_v be_v refer_v to_o the_o same_o place_n chap._n vii_o of_o the_o diverse_a state_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n sect._n 1_o of_o a_o unstablished_a state_n of_o a_o church_n thus_o we_o have_v declare_v as_o it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o give_v unto_o we_o the_o knowledge_n hereof_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n the_o matter_n whereof_o it_o consist_v be_v a_o company_n of_o christian_n call_v together_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n the_o form_n likewise_o be_v first_o and_o chief_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o second_o the_o positive_a law_n or_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n the_o which_o two_o kind_n of_o law_n divine_a and_o humane_a whenas_o they_o be_v join_v together_o and_o put_v in_o practice_n among_o a_o believe_a people_n then_o be_v the_o whole_a frame_n of_o the_o house_n of_o god_n set_v up_o the_o which_o although_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o one_o and_o the_o same_o and_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n ought_v to_o be_v full_o and_o pure_o establish_v in_o all_o place_n yet_o by_o reason_n of_o man_n infirmity_n not_o be_v able_a to_o perform_v the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o perfect_a manner_n and_o of_o the_o malice_n of_o satan_n labour_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o hinder_v this_o work_n when_o it_o be_v put_v in_o practice_n it_o receave_v many_o alteration_n whereof_o come_v the_o diverse_a state_n of_o a_o church_n in_o all_o which_o this_o be_v general_o to_o be_v note_v that_o they_o have_v many_o aberâ—ations_n from_o the_o form_n of_o government_n prescribe_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o which_o may_v lawful_o be_v tolerate_v where_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o church_n they_o can_v be_v amend_v yet_o so_o as_o that_o we_o do_v always_o aim_v at_o that_o which_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o let_v whereby_o this_o work_n be_v hinder_v that_o it_o can_v come_v to_o perfection_n at_o the_o first_o be_v of_o two_o kind_n natural_a &_o violent_a the_o first_o kind_n we_o call_v natural_a because_o they_o arise_v of_o no_o outward_a cause_n but_o even_o of_o the_o very_a hardness_n of_o the_o work_n itself_o as_o these_o for_o example_n it_o come_v often_o to_o pass_v that_o man_n although_o convert_v from_o infidelity_n to_o faith_n yet_o can_v at_o the_o first_o be_v bring_v to_o submit_v themselves_o whole_o to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n state_n yea_o there_o can_v hardly_o be_v get_v at_o the_o first_o a_o sufficient_a number_n of_o teacher_n endue_v with_o sufficient_a gift_n for_o this_o great_a work_n beside_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v hope_v that_o the_o law_n whereby_o the_o church_n be_v govern_v shall_v be_v soon_o bring_v to_o perfection_n for_o neither_o the_o law_n of_o god_n will_v be_v thorough_o know_v till_o they_o have_v be_v some_o time_n practise_v neither_o the_o humane_a constitution_n of_o the_o church_n make_v fit_a to_o the_o people_n and_o agreeable_a to_o all_o circumstance_n till_o use_v do_v show_v they_o to_o be_v convenient_a in_o all_o or_o else_o inconuenint_a in_o some_o respect_n what_o be_v want_v in_o they_o &_o what_o be_v superfluous_a by_o these_o mean_n and_o many_o other_o of_o the_o same_o kind_n it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o thâ—_n church_n be_v for_o some_o space_n of_o time_n although_o both_o found_v anâ—_n build_v yet_o not_o strong_o fasten_v together_o nor_o in_o any_o firm_a constant_a &_o settle_a estate_n yet_o this_o be_v not_o a_o imperfect_a state_n of_o a_o church_n wherein_o some_o part_n of_o the_o government_n be_v want_v but_o a_o state_n unestablish_v even_o as_o we_o see_v that_o although_o the_o part_n of_o the_o body_n of_o a_o child_n be_v not_o as_o yeâ—_n so_o firm_a and_o compact_a neither_o his_o whole_a body_n have_v attain_v to_o that_o strength_n and_o firm_a constitution_n whereunto_o it_o grow_v yet_o he_o be_v not_o therefore_o maim_v or_o imperfect_a so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n the_o which_o grow_v from_o one_o age_n state_n and_o strength_n to_o another_o even_o as_o a_o man_n body_n do_v in_o this_o estate_n all_o church_n be_v at_o the_o first_o and_o so_o do_v continue_v either_o a_o long_o or_o a_o short_a time_n as_o the_o hindrance_n of_o the_o build_n of_o they_o be_v many_o or_o few_o great_a or_o little_a thus_o be_v the_o church_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n yea_o many_o of_o they_o do_v continue_v so_o a_o long_a time_n because_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a difficulty_n to_o build_v they_o and_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o any_o good_a estate_n for_o then_o all_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n be_v strange_a unto_o they_o for_o that_o they_o be_v late_o ordain_v and_o have_v not_o be_v practise_v before_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o after_o they_o be_v plant_v and_o full_o build_v by_o the_o apostle_n they_o do_v still_o require_v their_o continual_a care_n as_o pâ—ule_n say_v of_o himself_o 2._o corin._n 11.28_o that_o the_o care_n of_o all_o the_o church_n lay_v upon_o himself_o for_o although_o he_o be_v present_a with_o they_o or_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o other_o do_v set_v all_o thing_n in_o due_a order_n yet_o they_o do_v not_o continue_v long_o in_o that_o estate_n but_o fall_v into_o many_o abuse_n and_o disorder_n in_o life_n doctrine_n and_o government_n the_o which_o may_v be_v see_v as_o in_o other_o so_o especial_o in_o the_o church_n at_o corinth_n the_o which_o while_o it_o be_v in_o this_o unestablished_a state_n be_v even_o over_o grow_v with_o disorder_n and_o so_o it_o be_v with_o other_o church_n being_n not_o full_o settle_v for_o as_o a_o â—ouse_n may_v be_v easy_o shake_v a_o sunder_o before_o the_o part_n of_o it_o be_v firm_o join_v together_o and_z as_o child_n in_o their_o young_a age_n be_v subject_a to_o many_o danger_n and_o be_v easy_o hurt_v so_o the_o government_n of_o church_n be_v most_o common_o confound_v and_o â—roden_v under_o foot_n before_o it_o be_v confime_v by_o use_n and_o practice_v in_o the_o which_o respect_n they_o to_o who_o the_o care_n of_o such_o church_n be_v commit_v aught_o to_o be_v so_o much_o more_o diligent_a and_o watchful_a as_o the_o danger_n be_v great_a than_o at_o other_o time_n yea_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o infancy_n or_o weak_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n they_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o remit_v somewhat_o of_o the_o strict_a form_n of_o government_n and_o especial_o of_o discipline_n whenas_o the_o good_a of_o the_o people_n shall_v so_o require_v thus_o as_o be_v before_o note_v deal_v paul_n with_o the_o corinthian_n unto_o who_o he_o give_v milk_n as_o to_o infant_n not_o strong_a meat_n 1._o cor._n 3.2_o and_o likewise_o with_o the_o thessalonian_o 1._o thess._n 2.7.8_o though_o we_o may_v have_v be_v burdensome_a to_o you_o as_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n yet_o we_o be_v tender_a among_o you_o even_o as_o a_o nurse_n cherish_v she_o own_o child_n sect._n 2._o of_o a_o pure_a and_o perfect_a state_n of_o a_o church_n when_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n with_o those_o other_o law_n appertain_v unto_o it_o be_v full_o establish_v and_o practise_v than_o the_o church_n have_v a_o pure_a and_o perfect_a estate_n both_o which_o in_o regard_n of_o outward_a government_n may_v be_v attain_v unto_o howsoever_o no_o christian_n man_n life_n several_o consider_v can_v possible_o be_v without_o diverse_a corruption_n and_o imperfection_n in_o this_o world_n a_o pure_a estate_n be_v that_o wherein_o god_n be_v serve_v according_a to_o his_o own_o will_n and_o ordinance_n only_o the_o whole_a order_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v free_a from_o all_o spot_v of_o idolatry_n superstition_n and_o all_o tradition_n or_o devise_n of_o man_n swerve_v from_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o example_n of_o this_o exact_a purity_n be_v very_o few_o beside_o the_o first_o church_n build_v by_o moses_n among_o the_o israelite_n and_o by_o the_o aposteles_a among_o the_o christian_n in_o jerusalem_n for_o immediate_o after_o their_o day_n creep_v in_o corruption_n the_o stain_n whereof_o be_v hardly_o
civil_a affair_n the_o prince_n of_o the_o family_n tribe_n and_o of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n be_v call_v the_o head_n of_o they_o because_o they_o do_v first_o move_v in_o all_o public_a action_n and_o yet_o the_o person_n of_o the_o civil_a ruler_n whether_o of_o the_o king_n of_o senator_n or_o of_o any_o other_o in_o particular_a be_v to_o be_v count_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o other_o man_n be_v thus_o we_o see_v that_o the_o church_n together_o with_o the_o civil_a state_n make_v not_o tâ—o_fw-la but_o one_o body_n under_o one_o and_o the_o same_o head_n sect._n 4._o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a calling_n may_v be_v in_o the_o same_o subject_n now_o we_o be_v to_o see_v how_o these_o two_o state_n may_v also_o agree_v in_o subject_n that_o be_v be_v order_v by_o the_o same_o person_n for_o this_o false_a distinction_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o body_n of_o the_o common_a wealth_n as_o it_o have_v spring_v from_o a_o false_a opinion_n of_o two_o distinct_a supreme_a head_n the_o one_o over_o the_o church_n the_o other_o over_o the_o civil_a state_n so_o it_o have_v be_v confirm_v by_o a_o false_a difference_n which_o have_v be_v put_v betwixt_o civil_a and_o eclesiasticall_a person_n as_o if_o the_o have_v of_o any_o function_n in_o the_o one_o state_n do_v quite_o cut_v a_o man_n off_o from_o meddle_v with_o the_o other_o and_o that_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o contrary_a nature_n of_o these_o two_o state_n and_o of_o the_o function_n belong_v unto_o they_o but_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n these_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a calling_n do_v not_o so_o fight_v but_o that_o they_o may_v meet_v together_o in_o one_o man_n without_o jar_v for_o it_o be_v not_o unlawful_a for_o one_o who_o bear_v some_o public_a function_n or_o be_v in_o any_o degree_n or_o place_n of_o honour_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n to_o meddle_v with_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n if_o he_o have_v gift_n from_o god_n and_o a_o lawful_a call_n from_o man_n or_o yet_o for_o he_o who_o be_v already_o a_o ecclesiastical_a person_n to_o have_v retain_v or_o take_v upon_o he_o any_o civil_a call_n the_o truth_n of_o this_o doctrine_n may_v be_v plain_o see_v in_o the_o scripture_n which_o show_v that_o both_o civil_a &_o ecclesiastical_a calling_n may_v lawful_o concur_v in_o the_o same_o person_n when_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n do_v so_o require_v for_o if_o we_o do_v consider_v the_o church_n before_o the_o law_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o first_o bear_v of_o the_o family_n be_v to_o the_o rest_n both_o a_o magistrate_n and_o a_o minister_n so_o that_o although_o the_o example_n of_o the_o church_n be_v in_o her_o infancy_n and_o imperfect_a estate_n ought_v not_o whole_o to_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o church_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n yet_o we_o may_v hereby_o know_v that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o contrariety_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o these_o calling_n but_o that_o they_o may_v be_v in_o the_o same_o person_n likewise_o we_o read_v that_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o law_n many_o who_o be_v appoint_v by_o god_n to_o his_o service_n do_v bear_v civil_a calling_n thus_o do_v samuel_n eli_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o priest_n and_o elder_n who_o be_v unto_o the_o people_n as_o judge_n &_o lawyer_n &_o do_v govern_v they_o even_o in_o the_o civil_a affair_n last_o if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o these_o function_n ought_v to_o be_v lay_v upon_o diverse_a man_n forasmuch_o as_o one_o man_n can_v be_v able_a to_o attend_v upon_o many_o calling_n we_o answer_v confess_v this_o to_o be_v true_a that_o for_o the_o better_a discharge_n of_o these_o calling_n they_o ought_v ordinarelie_o to_o be_v commit_v to_o diverse_a man_n yet_o that_o it_o be_v no_o more_o unlawful_a for_o one_o man_n to_o have_v a_o civil_a and_o a_o ecclesiastical_a call_n then_o to_o have_v two_o civil_a calling_n and_o that_o some_o man_n be_v endue_v with_o so_o great_a a_o measure_n of_o knowledge_n wisdom_n diligence_n and_o other_o gift_n that_o they_o may_v be_v employ_v in_o both_o these_o kind_n of_o calling_n by_o that_o which_o have_v be_v say_v of_o this_o second_o point_n we_o may_v easy_o gather_v the_o resolution_n of_o the_o three_o question_n to_o wit_n that_o in_o this_o conjunction_n the_o church_n have_v not_o the_o upper_a hand_n neither_o can_v command_v and_o over-rule_v but_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o civil_a power_n as_o to_o her_o superior_a by_o who_o leave_n she_o come_v into_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o by_o the_o which_o she_o be_v maintain_v uphold_v yea_o in_o great_a part_n order_v as_o hereafter_o will_v appear_v yea_o further_o we_o may_v know_v in_o part_n by_o the_o same_o conclusion_n what_o to_o think_v of_o the_o four_o point_n to_o wit_n how_o these_o state_n do_v meddle_v the_o one_o with_o the_o other_o and_o namely_o that_o the_o civil_a power_n do_v many_o way_n intermeddle_v with_o the_o church_n even_o as_o the_o head_n do_v with_o the_o body_n for_o it_o do_v not_o only_o suffer_v or_o procure_v the_o build_n of_o it_o but_o also_o effect_v it_o not_o only_o plant_v it_o but_o also_o establish_v and_o maintain_v yea_o repair_n it_o be_v fall_v purge_v it_o be_v corrupt_a and_o order_v it_o by_o ecclesiastical_a law_n as_o the_o process_n of_o this_o treatise_n will_v declare_v in_o particular_a as_o for_o the_o church_n it_o do_v not_o meddle_v with_o the_o civil_a state_n or_o government_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n but_o aught_o to_o leave_v it_o whole_o to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n sect._n 5._o of_o the_o change_n happen_v either_o to_o the_o church_n or_o the_o commonwealth_n by_o their_o conjunction_n last_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v what_o change_n commodity_n or_o discommodity_n do_v arise_v either_o to_o the_o church_n or_o to_o the_o commonwealth_n by_o this_o conjunction_n of_o they_o in_o one_o body_n and_o first_o that_o form_n or_o kind_n of_o civil_a government_n whether_o it_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o one_o of_o a_o few_o or_o of_o many_o whether_o the_o authority_n be_v absolute_a and_o great_a or_o conditional_a moderate_a and_o limit_v which_o be_v in_o use_n amongst_o any_o people_n before_o they_o do_v believe_v be_v not_o by_o this_o mean_v alter_v but_o remain_v in_o full_a force_n as_o before_o for_o a_o public_a church_n may_v stand_v with_o any_o form_n of_o government_n and_o be_v subject_a unto_o it_o without_o make_v any_o alteration_n government_n yet_o it_o cut_v off_o whatsoever_o be_v in_o the_o civil_a state_n in_o the_o law_n custom_n or_o office_n of_o it_o unlawful_a and_o repugnant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o the_o church_n can_v possible_o agree_v and_o be_v join_v with_o that_o which_o do_v not_o agree_v with_o the_o word_n other_o change_v it_o make_v none_o save_v only_o that_o the_o civil_a state_n become_v by_o this_o mean_n more_o happy_a sure_a and_o firm_a yea_o more_o glorious_a and_o flourish_a for_o beside_o the_o secret_a blessing_n which_o god_n do_v many_o way_n pour_v upon_o those_o country_n the_o which_o do_v honour_n he_o by_o profess_v the_o name_n of_o his_o son_n christ_n and_o so_o do_v give_v not_o only_o a_o poor_a harbour_n but_o even_o public_a and_o solâ—mne_a entertainment_n to_o his_o church_n as_o he_o do_v bless_v the_o house_n of_o obed_n edome_n 2._o sam._n 6.11_o for_o that_o the_o ark_n remain_v there_o for_o a_o season_n there_o be_v evident_a and_o necessary_a reason_n why_o it_o shall_v so_o be_v for_o there_o be_v no_o humane_a lawâ—s_n no_o fear_n of_o punishment_n or_o hope_v of_o reward_n whatsoeuâ—r_o that_o can_v bind_v man_n so_o sure_a to_o the_o performance_n both_o of_o faithful_a and_o loyal_a obedience_n to_o their_o ruler_n as_o also_o of_o all_o duty_n to_o their_o neighbour_n as_o do_v religion_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o although_o it_o â—e_v not_o to_o be_v hope_v especial_o in_o these_o public_a church_n that_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o man_n general_o shall_v be_v true_o possess_v with_o the_o fear_n god_n yet_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v preach_v leave_v even_o in_o the_o conscience_n of_o hypocrite_n a_o fear_n of_o commit_v heinous_a crime_n the_o which_o for_o the_o most_o part_n civil_a law_n do_v forbid_v yea_o in_o the_o church_n the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n reprove_v and_o also_o correct_v the_o least_o fault_n which_o be_v incident_a into_o the_o life_n of_o man_n whereby_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o theft_n murder_n and_o all_o other_o such_o gross_a crime_n be_v not_o once_o name_v last_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o honourable_a and_o glorious_a for_o any_o people_n as_o to_o have_v the_o true_a religion_n establish_v among_o
ought_v to_o have_v use_v and_o show_v in_o all_o his_o deal_n with_o the_o church_n and_o especial_o in_o give_v law_n for_o the_o order_n of_o it_o for_o although_o in_o other_o matter_n his_o will_n may_v in_o some_o sort_n stand_v for_o a_o law_n yet_o in_o this_o case_n he_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v so_o peremptory_a or_o wilful_a but_o that_o he_o do_v willing_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v rule_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v most_o agreeable_a unto_o it_o and_o forasmuch_o as_o in_o indifferent_a thing_n whereof_o these_o law_n be_v to_o be_v make_v it_o be_v not_o always_o easy_a to_o see_v what_o be_v most_o right_a and_o meet_v to_o be_v do_v and_o for_o that_o civil_a ruler_n have_v not_o the_o extraordinary_a assistance_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o direct_v they_o in_o these_o action_n therefore_o it_o be_v needful_a that_o they_o consult_v with_o other_o &_o take_v their_o advice_n in_o make_v law_n for_o the_o church_n and_o so_o much_o the_o rather_o as_o a_o oversight_n in_o govern_v the_o church_n be_v more_o hurtful_a than_o it_o be_v in_o civil_a mat_n if_o it_o be_v here_o ask_v who_o ought_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o this_o weighty_a consultation_n and_o what_o be_v the_o whole_a order_n of_o this_o action_n we_o referrâ—â—he_v answer_v hereof_o to_o the_o next_o chapter_n chap._n x._o of_o the_o conjunction_n of_o particular_a church_n sect._n 1_o of_o the_o voluntary_a conjunction_n of_o particular_a church_n under_o the_o government_n of_o counsel_n thus_o much_o of_o a_o particuiar_a church_n several_o consider_v and_o be_v distinguish_v from_o all_o other_o by_o the_o propriety_n of_o humane_a ecclesiastical_a law_n or_o more_o plain_o by_o a_o distinct_a government_n even_o as_o we_o see_v one_o city_n country_n or_o kingdom_n to_o be_v separate_v from_o another_o by_o the_o own_o limit_n whether_o hill_n river_n sea_n or_o any_o other_o thus_o the_o church_n which_o be_v plant_v at_o corinth_n by_o the_o apostle_n be_v free_a from_o all_o other_o church_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o their_o law_n and_o order_n yet_o often_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o they_o be_v join_v together_o and_o that_o even_o in_o this_o bond_n of_o humane_a government_n by_o the_o which_o they_o be_v usual_o sever_v one_o from_o another_o of_o this_o conjunction_n we_o be_v brief_o to_o entreat_v the_o which_o we_o find_v to_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n the_o one_o voluntary_a the_o other_o necessary_a voluntary_a conjunction_n be_v that_o whereby_o particular_a church_n which_o otherwise_o be_v free_a from_o all_o humane_a authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n do_v submit_v themselves_o to_o a_o common-guernment_a for_o their_o common_a good_a as_o we_o see_v that_o free_a city_n enter_v into_o a_o league_n and_o a_o common-government_n that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v the_o better_o order_v the_o subject_n of_o this_o authority_n be_v counsel_n provincial_a natural_a and_o general_a which_o be_v assembly_n of_o certain_a man_n send_v from_o particular_a church_n with_o authority_n to_o judge_v and_o determine_v of_o the_o weighty_a cause_n of_o those_o church_n in_o these_o counsel_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v first_o their_o original_n and_o authority_n and_o second_o of_o who_o they_o do_v consist_v for_o the_o first_o although_o the_o government_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v for_o the_o order_n of_o church_n in_o particular_a be_v in_o itself_o sufficient_a for_o that_o purpose_n yet_o there_o be_v many_o way_n great_a use_n of_o this_o common-government_n of_o counsel_n for_o there_o be_v not_o so_o great_a force_n and_o authority_n for_o the_o repress_v of_o the_o stubborn_a and_o disobedient_a for_o the_o resolve_v of_o doubt_n the_o decide_n of_o weighty_a controversy_n the_o confirm_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o doctrine_n the_o resuting_a of_o pernicious_a heresy_n counsel_n the_o make_n of_o ecclesiastical_a constitution_n of_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n and_o final_o for_o the_o order_n of_o great_a &_o weighty_a matter_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o any_o one_o church_n as_o there_o be_v in_o a_o great_a number_n who_o godliness_n wisdom_n and_o learning_n be_v famous_o know_v to_o all_o man_n yea_o there_o be_v among_o many_o excellent_a man_n great_a variety_n of_o knowledge_n wisdom_n and_o all_o spiritual_a grace_n the_o which_o be_v join_v together_o be_v more_o available_a for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o church_n then_o if_o they_o be_v only_o several_o use_v in_o particular_a church_n for_o these_o cause_n be_v this_o common_a government_n of_o counsel_n institute_v in_o the_o church_n at_o the_o first_o and_o have_v continue_v in_o all_o the_o age_n of_o it_o the_o first_o example_n of_o a_o council_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v act._n 15.6_o where_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n which_o be_v at_o jerusalem_n come_v together_o for_o the_o decide_n of_o a_o great_a controversy_n move_v about_o the_o keep_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n but_o this_o counsel_n although_o in_o force_n and_o authority_n it_o be_v ecumenical_a or_o general_a in_o that_o the_o constitution_n make_v then_o by_o the_o apostle_n do_v belong_v to_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o in_o act_n and_o in_o deed_n it_o be_v a_o particular_a assembly_n of_o that_o one_o church_n which_o be_v at_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o the_o apostle_n elder_n and_o of_o the_o whole_a people_n as_o appear_v vers._n 22._o so_o that_o this_o example_n serve_v not_o for_o our_o purpose_n neither_o prove_v the_o divine_a institution_n of_o provincial_a counsel_n yea_o as_o it_o seem_v we_o have_v not_o any_o example_n or_o precept_n of_o this_o conjunction_n of_o particular_a church_n mention_v in_o the_o act_n &_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n or_o elsewhere_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n whereof_o some_o have_v gather_v that_o these_o counsel_n be_v unlawful_a and_o their_o authority_n usurp_v be_v not_o of_o god_n but_o from_o man_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o government_n appoint_v for_o the_o church_n but_o that_o which_o may_v be_v have_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o every_o particular_a church_n for_o answer_v whereof_o we_o know_v that_o of_o lawful_a thing_n some_o be_v necessary_a be_v command_v by_o god_n so_o that_o the_o omit_v of_o they_o be_v sin_n in_o his_o sight_n but_o other_o thing_n be_v so_o lawful_a as_o that_o they_o may_v lawful_o be_v leave_v undo_v be_v not_o command_v but_o permit_v to_o we_o to_o do_v when_o we_o shall_v think_v they_o convenient_a of_o this_o latter_a kind_n be_v these_o common_a counsel_n and_o this_o voluntary_a conjunction_n of_o diverse_a church_n under_o one_o government_n for_o we_o have_v no_o flat_a commandment_n in_o the_o word_n as_o touch_v it_o neither_o can_v any_o church_n be_v compel_v to_o join_v in_o this_o manner_n yet_o one_o church_n may_v lawful_o use_v the_o help_n of_o a_o other_o for_o their_o mutual_a good_a if_o it_o be_v here_o object_v that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o man_n to_o appoint_v any_o other_o form_n of_o church-government_n than_o god_n himself_o have_v prescribe_v in_o his_o word_n we_o answer_v that_o these_o common_a counsel_n do_v not_o take_v away_o the_o government_n of_o particular_a church_n but_o rather_o do_v establish_v it_o yea_o make_v it_o more_o effectual_a and_o forcible_a and_o supply_v the_o want_n the_o which_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o infirmity_n and_o want_v of_o man_n be_v often_o find_v in_o it_o the_o reason_n why_o these_o counsel_n be_v not_o mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v for_o that_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o church_n can_v not_o join_v themselves_o together_o in_o this_o manner_n not_o only_o because_o they_o be_v not_o full_o settle_v within_o themselves_o but_o chief_o because_o they_o be_v few_o in_o number_n and_o so_o far_a distante_fw-la one_o from_o another_o that_o they_o can_v not_o with_o any_o convenience_n communicate_v ordinare_o together_o apostle_n yea_o the_o apostle_n be_v to_o they_o in_o steed_n of_o the_o most_o general_a counsel_n for_o they_o refer_v all_o their_o doubt_n controversy_n and_o matter_n of_o importance_n to_o their_o determination_n wherein_o the_o rest_v as_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n whereby_o it_o appear_v that_o although_o these_o counsel_n have_v not_o their_o original_n and_o authority_n immediate_o and_o direct_o from_o god_n as_o the_o ministry_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n have_v yet_o that_o they_o have_v be_v institute_v and_o use_v by_o the_o church_n for_o just_a and_o necessary_a cause_n according_a to_o the_o word_n and_o will_n of_o god_n likewise_o the_o authority_n of_o these_o council_n be_v the_o full_a authority_n of_o those_o church_n from_o the_o which_o the_o several_a commissioner_n or_o delegate_n be_v send_v and_o therefore_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v
of_o the_o same_o civil_a power_n thus_o much_o of_o the_o voluntary_a conjunction_n of_o particular_a church_n under_o the_o government_n of_o counsel_n now_o follow_v the_o necessary_a conjunction_n of_o they_o so_o call_v because_o it_o be_v not_o in_o their_o power_n to_o shake_v off_o that_o common_a authority_n whereunto_o they_o be_v subject_a this_o necessary_a conjunction_n have_v place_n then_o whenas_o diverse_a particular_a church_n be_v tie_v together_o in_o obedience_n to_o the_o same_o civil_a authority_n by_o the_o which_o they_o be_v rule_v as_o have_v be_v declare_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n yea_o it_o may_v be_v see_v almost_o in_o all_o public_a church_n the_o which_o usual_o consist_v of_o so_o great_a a_o number_n of_o professor_n as_o can_v possible_o be_v contain_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o one_o church_n for_o if_o any_o one_o populous_a city_n do_v general_o profess_v the_o gospel_n it_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v divide_v into_o diverse_a particular_a church_n much_o more_o a_o christian_n country_n nation_n or_o kingdom_n can_v but_o contain_v in_o it_o many_o particular_a church_n all_o which_o although_o they_o have_v their_o proper_a ruler_n or_o teacher_n and_o order_n as_o free_a church_n have_v yet_o they_o have_v also_o a_o common_a government_n and_o law_n proceed_v from_o the_o civil_a power_n to_o the_o obedience_n whereof_o they_o be_v all_o bind_v for_o in_o public_a church_n the_o civil_a power_n have_v the_o great_a sway_n in_o govern_v by_o the_o which_o be_v one_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o every_o particular_a assembly_n be_v bring_v to_o a_o conformity_n both_o in_o doctrine_n as_o also_o in_o government_n yea_o it_o be_v requisite_a &_o needful_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o for_o otherwise_o if_o every_o particular_a church_n do_v differ_v from_o the_o rest_n in_o government_n the_o whole_a church_n can_v not_o be_v order_v without_o great_a trouble_n and_o confusion_n but_o yet_o this_o common_a government_n of_o the_o magistrate_n do_v not_o take_v away_o the_o grovernment_n of_o particular_a church_n no_o more_o than_o the_o counsel_n whereof_o we_o have_v speak_v do_v from_o free_a church_n this_o be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o civil_a ruler_n yet_o by_o the_o advice_n of_o other_o in_o the_o choice_n of_o who_o as_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o the_o prince_n to_o call_v or_o pass_v over_o who_o he_o think_v meet_a or_o unmeete_a so_o it_o will_v be_v convenient_a for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n the_o which_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o he_o either_o whole_o to_o neglect_v or_o light_o to_o regard_v to_o call_v of_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n those_o who_o be_v endue_v with_o best_a gift_n yet_o so_o that_o some_o be_v have_v out_o of_o every_o particular_a church_n as_o if_o they_o be_v free_a church_n and_o especial_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n be_v to_o be_v call_v for_o the_o reason_n declare_v in_o the_o former_a section_n when_o they_o by_o his_o authority_n be_v gather_v together_o he_o be_v to_o take_v unto_o himself_o the_o roll_a of_o the_o whole_a action_n unless_o it_o be_v needful_a that_o he_o delegate_v his_o authority_n to_o some_o other_o and_o by_o pray_v for_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o their_o consultation_n &_o declare_v the_o cause_n of_o their_o meeting_n to_o begin_v it_o then_o he_o be_v to_o propound_v in_o the_o first_o place_n those_o want_n fault_n and_o corruption_n of_o the_o ch._n which_o he_o himself_o have_v observe_v &_o will_v have_v supply_v and_o take_v away_o to_o show_v the_o manner_n how_o he_o think_v it_o most_o meet_a to_o be_v do_v which_o be_v do_v he_o be_v to_o give_v liberty_n to_o every_o one_o present_a to_o speak_v their_o mind_n free_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v propound_v as_o also_o of_o any_o other_o thing_n which_o they_o think_v good_a for_o the_o church_n that_o which_o be_v agree_v upon_o &_o do_v appear_v to_o all_o or_o to_o the_o most_o of_o they_o right_o &_o meet_v to_o be_v decree_v he_o be_v to_o establish_v give_v unto_o it_o the_o virtue_n of_o a_o ecclesiastical_a law_n the_o which_o the_o whole_a ch._n ought_v to_o obey_v that_o which_o can_v be_v agree_v upon_o be_v to_o be_v defer_v to_o another_o time_n of_o meeting_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v somuch_o the_o soon_o as_o the_o matter_n controverse_v be_v of_o great_a importance_n for_o more_o mature_a deliberation_n with_o themselves_o and_o other_o will_v make_v that_o clear_a and_o evident_a which_o before_o be_v doubtful_a if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n which_o neither_o can_v be_v agree_v upon_o by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o great_a part_n neither_o yet_o defer_v without_o great_a hurt_n to_o the_o church_n the_o chief_a ruler_n may_v with_o the_o consent_n of_o some_o of_o the_o council_n decree_n and_o enact_v that_o which_o they_o think_v needful_a to_o be_v do_v yet_o he_o be_v not_o to_o use_v this_o authority_n in_o this_o manner_n but_o upon_o urgent_a necessity_n for_o many_o inconvenience_n do_v follow_v the_o enact_v of_o ecclesiastical_a laweâ—_n without_o the_o full_a consent_n of_o the_o council_n yea_o the_o suspicion_n of_o tyrannize_v over_o the_o ch._n of_o god_n be_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o be_v avoid_v in_o regard_v whereof_o many_o christian_n emperor_n &_o ruler_n do_v resign_v their_o authority_n which_o they_o have_v in_o govern_v the_o ch_n to_o these_o counsel_n ruler_n insomuch_o that_o they_o have_v the_o full_a power_n not_o only_o of_o advise_v law_n but_o also_o of_o enact_v or_o the_o give_n unto_o they_o the_o force_n of_o law_n but_o as_o have_v be_v show_v this_o mâ—y_n easy_o turn_v to_o the_o hurt_n of_o the_o ch._n and_o therefore_o it_o ought_v not_o whole_o to_o bâ—_n follow_v yet_o it_o show_v how_o great_a regard_n civil_a ruler_n ought_v to_o have_v of_o the_o judgement_n &_o advice_n of_o those_o who_o be_v godly_a wise_a and_o learned_a in_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n subject_n unto_o they_o and_o therefore_o that_o which_o the_o council_n think_v good_a to_o be_v do_v or_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v great_o regard_v yet_o if_o the_o chief_a ruler_n can_v be_v bring_v to_o give_v his_o assent_n unto_o it_o it_o can_v have_v the_o force_n of_o a_o ecclesiastical_a law_n or_o be_v impose_v upon_o the_o whole_a ch._n in_o that_o name_n as_o touch_v the_o number_n whereof_o any_o national_a council_n do_v consist_v there_o can_v any_o be_v define_v but_o it_o must_v be_v leave_v to_o the_o appointment_n of_o the_o chief_a ruler_n to_o who_o the_o depose_n &_o authorise_v of_o this_o whole_a action_n do_v belong_v yet_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v proportionable_a to_o the_o quantity_n of_o the_o ch._n &_o to_o the_o number_n of_o the_o particular_a church_n so_o that_o if_o some_o be_v have_v out_o of_o every_o one_o of_o they_o it_o will_v make_v the_o law_n enact_v to_o be_v much_o more_o willing_o receive_v &_o obey_v whenas_o it_o shall_v be_v know_v that_o some_o of_o themselves_o do_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o rest_n consent_n unto_o they_o and_o especial_o this_o be_v requisite_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o chief_a end_n and_o use_v of_o these_o counsel_n both_o in_o free_a and_o public_a church_n whereof_o we_o will_v brief_o speak_v the_o which_o be_v to_o bring_v the_o whole_a church_n to_o a_o conformity_n of_o doctrine_n this_o be_v needful_a and_o good_a to_o be_v do_v and_o that_o for_o these_o cause_n first_o for_o the_o repress_v of_o heresy_n which_o do_v continual_o arise_v in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o which_o purpose_n the_o general_a consent_n of_o the_o church_n be_v very_o forcible_a for_o either_o the_o consent_n and_o judgement_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n will_v be_v of_o great_a weight_n to_o take_v the_o say_a heresy_n out_o of_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o who_o do_v maintain_v they_o or_o else_o the_o authority_n by_o which_o the_o truth_n oppugn_v be_v public_o establish_v will_v be_v able_a to_o remove_v the_o maintainer_n of_o they_o out_o of_o the_o church_n second_o this_o form_n of_o doctrine_n agree_v upon_o by_o many_o will_v be_v effectual_a to_o strengthen_v and_o confirm_v those_o who_o be_v weak_a in_o the_o faith_n and_o not_o full_o ground_v in_o some_o point_n of_o christian_n religion_n yea_o it_o may_v be_v a_o mean_n to_o help_v forward_o those_o who_o have_v not_o as_o yet_o take_v upon_o they_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n not_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o build_v our_o faith_n upon_o the_o authority_n of_o man_n faith_n but_o for_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o take_v from_o the_o church_n a_o confirmation_n of_o our_o faith_n see_v we_o may_v be_v great_o help_v and_o strengthen_v by_o this_o mean_n and_o last_o this_o form_n of_o
from_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o people_n of_o state_n and_o commonwealthe_n the_o ground_n square_a and_o end_n of_o all_o good_a policy_n carry_v with_o it_o such_o a_o fair_a show_n of_o equity_n and_o necessity_n that_o like_a unto_o a_o violent_a stream_n it_o have_v carry_v many_o headlong_a in_o heat_n to_o condemn_v and_o reject_v utter_o these_o absolute_a monarchy_n as_o tyrannical_a and_o barbarous_a kind_n of_o government_n pernicious_a to_o man_n yea_o altogether_o unlawful_a and_o unmeete_a for_o the_o church_n of_o god_n but_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v deceive_v by_o any_o appearance_n or_o pretence_n whatsoever_o or_o in_o respect_n of_o any_o inconvenience_n although_o never_o so_o great_a to_o judge_v that_o to_o be_v unlawful_a and_o profane_a which_o god_n by_o establish_v it_o in_o his_o church_n have_v show_v to_o be_v holy_a and_o lawful_a but_o for_o the_o further_o resolve_v of_o this_o question_n it_o be_v requisite_a that_o we_o again_o put_v you_o in_o mind_n that_o we_o do_v not_o here_o speak_v either_o what_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o state_n of_o all_o kingdom_n in_o this_o behalf_n or_o that_o this_o be_v the_o best_a kind_n of_o government_n but_o only_o do_v show_v what_o be_v the_o state_n of_o this_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n in_o the_o which_o it_o seem_v that_o the_o whole_a power_n of_o rule_v the_o land_n be_v give_v by_o god_n and_o by_o the_o people_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o king_n without_o any_o exception_n whatsoever_o insomuch_o that_o the_o people_n do_v not_o reserve_v to_o themselves_o any_o power_n whereby_o they_o may_v lawful_o resist_v his_o authority_n or_o oppose_v themselves_o to_o his_o proceed_n although_o unlawful_a and_o unjust_a much_o less_o take_v from_o he_o the_o kingdom_n or_o to_o offer_v any_o manner_n of_o violence_n unto_o his_o person_n for_o the_o authority_n of_o this_o king_n over_o his_o people_n be_v no_o less_o than_o be_v the_o authority_n of_o a_o father_n in_o his_o family_n in_o respect_n of_o his_o child_n child_n who_o if_o he_o do_v injurious_o entreat_v any_o of_o they_o or_o not_o careful_o keep_v his_o own_o good_n or_o live_v any_o way_n disorderly_a it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o his_o child_n if_o not_o with_o silence_n to_o suffer_v it_o yet_o with_o great_a modesty_n to_o admonish_v he_o of_o it_o but_o if_o they_o shall_v join_v themselves_o together_o and_o offer_v any_o violence_n unto_o he_o especial_o if_o they_o shall_v throw_v he_o out_o of_o his_o house_n all_o man_n will_v count_v they_o rebellious_a and_o ungracious_a child_n but_o if_o they_o shall_v take_v his_o life_n from_o he_o they_o be_v to_o be_v esteem_v notorious_o wicked_a you_o rather_o as_o monster_n worthy_a to_o be_v abhor_v of_o all_o man_n so_o it_o seem_v that_o the_o state_n of_o this_o kingdom_n be_v such_o as_o that_o no_o subject_n of_o what_o place_n soever_o no_o not_o the_o whole_a people_n joint_o can_v lawful_o use_v any_o violence_n against_o the_o king_n person_n or_o proceed_n and_o that_o the_o king_n may_v although_o not_o lawful_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n of_o man_n or_o of_o nature_n yet_o safe_o and_o free_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o subject_n do_v whatsoever_o please_v he_o according_a as_o jacob_n foretell_v gen._n 49.9_o that_o juda_n the_o king_n of_o his_o brethren_n shall_v be_v as_o the_o great_a lion_n who_o when_o he_o lay_v himself_o down_o who_o shall_v raise_v he_o uppe_o or_o disquiet_v he_o the_o truth_n hereof_o appear_v in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o the_o story_n of_o the_o king_n who_o praesume_v upon_o this_o whole_a and_o undevided_a authority_n do_v never_o fear_v or_o doubt_v to_o do_v whatsoever_o they_o list_v without_o ask_v leave_n either_o at_o noble_n elder_n or_o people_n hence_o come_v that_o foolish_a and_o tyrannical_a answer_n which_o rehoboan_n make_v to_o the_o people_n threaten_v they_o 1._o king_n 12.12_o in_o this_o manner_n my_o least_o part_n shall_v be_v heavy_a than_o my_o father_n loin_n whereby_o he_o mean_v that_o he_o will_v increase_v those_o heavy_a burden_n of_o tribute_n which_o his_o father_n have_v lay_v upon_o they_o for_o but_o that_o he_o know_v very_o well_o the_o state_n of_o his_o kingdom_n to_o be_v such_o as_o that_o he_o may_v both_o say_v and_o do_v what_o he_o list_v without_o controlment_n he_o have_v be_v more_o than_o mad_a to_o make_v such_o a_o answer_n and_o hence_o it_o come_v that_o the_o idolatrous_a king_n do_v never_o stick_v by_o their_o sole_a authority_n to_o set_v up_o open_a idolatry_n not_o once_o mind_v who_o will_v be_v offend_v therewith_o and_o likewise_o the_o continual_a practice_n of_o the_o people_n do_v declare_v that_o they_o do_v not_o violent_o oppose_v themselves_o to_o the_o do_n either_o of_o the_o good_a or_o of_o the_o wicked_a king_n but_o suffer_v religion_n to_o stand_v and_o fall_v according_a to_o their_o pleasure_n yea_o the_o deal_n of_o god_n himself_o do_v prove_v the_o same_o who_o when_o he_o purpose_v to_o preserve_v david_n against_o the_o fury_n of_o saul_n will_v never_o suffer_v he_o to_o oppose_v ceila_n or_o any_o other_o of_o saules_n â—_z against_o he_o but_o make_v he_o fly_v first_o into_o the_o mountain_n and_o desert_n and_o afterwards_o out_o of_o the_o land_n to_o the_o philistine_n yea_o david_n although_o he_o be_v appoint_v by_o the_o express_a word_n of_o god_n to_o succee_v saul_n in_o the_o kingdom_n yet_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o lay_v violent_a hand_n upon_o he_o that_o as_o we_o read_v 1._o sam._n 24.6_o his_o heart_n smite_v he_o that_o be_v his_o conscience_n do_v accuse_v he_o that_o he_o have_v behave_v himself_o disloyal_o against_o the_o king_n in_o that_o he_o have_v offer_v violence_n to_o the_o king_n garment_n because_o that_o be_v as_o a_o threaten_n of_o death_n unto_o he_o and_o a_o great_a disgrace_n yea_o further_o we_o do_v not_o read_v that_o god_n do_v ever_o by_o any_o of_o his_o prophet_n stir_v up_o the_o people_n to_o maintain_v his_o true_a worship_n by_o violence_n against_o the_o king_n king_n or_o ever_o reprove_v they_o because_o they_o have_v suffer_v they_o to_o set_v uppe_o idolatry_n which_o be_v a_o evident_a proof_n of_o this_o point_n for_o if_o it_o have_v be_v lawful_a to_o resist_v in_o any_o case_n then_o sure_o in_o the_o maintenance_n of_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o glory_n but_o hereof_o there_o be_v a_o great_a question_n make_v for_o although_o this_o king_n have_v power_n in_o civil_a matter_n to_o do_v not_o only_o right_a &_o justice_n without_o the_o help_n of_o any_o other_o power_n but_o also_o wrong_a without_o resistance_n shall_v we_o therefore_o give_v unto_o he_o this_o power_n in_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n that_o he_o may_v deface_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n at_o his_o pleasure_n it_o may_v seem_v much_o better_a that_o not_o only_a king_n shall_v be_v throw_v down_o from_o their_o throne_n but_o also_o that_o heaven_n and_o earth_n shall_v go_v together_o then_o that_o god_n shall_v be_v dishonour_v and_o detestable_a idolatry_n erect_v we_o confess_v that_o it_o be_v a_o most_o fearful_a thing_n that_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n who_o have_v his_o authority_n from_o god_n shall_v use_v the_o same_o to_o dishonour_n god_n and_o thrust_v not_o only_a man_n out_o of_o their_o house_n &_o land_n but_o also_o the_o great_a god_n of_o heaven_n &_o earth_n out_o of_o his_o temple_n and_o church_n yea_o in_o truth_n in_o some_o sort_n out_o of_o the_o world_n for_o god_n have_v tie_v his_o visible_a church_n to_o this_o land_n and_o therefore_o we_o answer_v that_o as_o it_o be_v usual_o say_v si_fw-mi ius_fw-la violandum_fw-la regni_fw-la causâ_fw-la violandum_fw-la so_o si_fw-mi ius_fw-la regni_fw-la sit_fw-la violandum_fw-la religionis_fw-la causa_fw-la est_fw-la violandum_fw-la that_o if_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n for_o any_o cause_n to_o resist_v their_o lawful_a king_n religion_n it_o be_v lawful_a in_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o god_n glory_n but_o as_o have_v be_v say_v it_o seem_v that_o the_o state_n of_o this_o kingdom_n will_v not_o bear_v any_o resistance_n no_o not_o in_o this_o case_n much_o less_o in_o any_o other_o no_o man_n yea_o no_o company_n of_o man_n can_v for_o any_o offence_n commit_v by_o the_o king_n either_o against_o god_n or_o man_n the_o first_o or_o second_o table_n call_v he_o to_o account_v summon_v he_o to_o appear_v in_o judgement_n or_o use_v any_o manner_n of_o violence_n either_o in_o word_n or_o deed_n against_o he_o now_o we_o be_v to_o answer_v those_o thing_n which_o may_v be_v object_v against_o this_o assertion_n sect._n vi._n first_o it_o may_v seem_v agreeable_a to_o reason_n that_o
king_n or_o to_o any_o but_o to_o the_o right_a owner_n and_o possessor_n but_o that_o it_o be_v now_o the_o part_n of_o all_o the_o people_n to_o contribute_v even_o of_o their_o best_a thing_n to_o the_o king_n use_n and_o the_o set_n forth_o of_o his_o majesty_n yea_o and_o that_o the_o king_n may_v lawful_o exact_v of_o they_o thing_n needful_a for_o these_o purpose_n this_o account_n the_o people_n do_v make_v that_o this_o government_n will_v be_v very_o chargeable_a unto_o they_o pleasure_n but_o yet_o they_o do_v not_o stick_v at_o the_o cost_n so_o they_o may_v have_v their_o mind_n fulfil_v neither_o can_v it_o be_v otherwise_o for_o even_o as_o a_o man_n may_v dwell_v in_o a_o base_a and_o simple_a house_n or_o cottage_n without_o any_o great_a cost_n but_o if_o he_o will_v needs_o have_v a_o great_a and_o stately_a palace_n over_o his_o head_n he_o can_v but_o think_v that_o both_o the_o build_n and_o also_o the_o maintain_n of_o it_o will_v be_v chargeable_a unto_o he_o so_o it_o be_v in_o this_o case_n the_o judge_n be_v destitute_a of_o this_o majesty_n without_o chariot_n horse_n army_n government_n palace_n great_a retinue_n costly_a diet_n and_o never_o put_v the_o people_n to_o any_o charge_n but_o see_v they_o will_v have_v a_o majestical_a and_o stately_a kingdom_n they_o can_v but_o consider_v that_o it_o must_v be_v both_o set_v up_o and_o also_o preserve_v at_o their_o charge_n yea_o this_o opinion_n of_o the_o stateliness_n of_o this_o kind_n of_o government_n be_v general_o and_o as_o it_o be_v natural_o hold_v of_o all_o man_n and_o therefore_o adoniah_n when_o he_o do_v affect_v the_o kingome_n say_v thus_o with_o himself_o now_o i_o will_v reign_v and_o get_v chariot_n and_o horseman_n and_o fifty_o man_n to_o run_v before_o my_o face_n 1._o king_n 1.5_o thus_o we_o see_v the_o majesty_n of_o this_o kingdom_n the_o which_o be_v so_o great_a as_o that_o it_o make_v the_o king_n to_o be_v not_o only_o high_o account_v of_o and_o have_v in_o great_a honour_n and_o estimation_n of_o the_o people_n estimation_n but_o also_o very_o dutiful_a and_o after_o a_o sort_n religious_o obey_v yea_o in_o truth_n too_o much_o obey_v as_o their_o often_o fall_v to_o idolatry_n by_o the_o commandment_n and_o example_n of_o their_o king_n do_v declare_v there_o be_v before_o this_o time_n a_o kingdom_n in_o israel_n set_v uppe_o by_o the_o man_n of_o sechem_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o abimelech_n judge_n 9.6_o but_o it_o be_v soon_o overthrow_v and_o tread_v under_o foot_n because_o it_o want_v these_o law_n to_o uphold_v it_o for_o it_o be_v not_o of_o god_n but_o of_o man_n not_o natural_a but_o found_v upon_o bloodshed_n and_o violence_n not_o ancient_a but_o a_o new_a upstart_n and_o destitute_a of_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o privilege_n and_o prop_n wherewith_o this_o kingdom_n be_v endue_v and_o uphold_v but_o this_o kingdom_n do_v continue_v till_o the_o utter_a desolation_n of_o the_o land_n when_o as_o the_o whole_a nation_n be_v carry_v captive_a to_o babel_n yea_o we_o may_v well_o think_v that_o if_o the_o subject_n of_o this_o kingdom_n which_o be_v the_o people_n itself_o have_v not_o be_v so_o take_v away_o that_o it_o will_v have_v continue_v in_o the_o first_o institution_n and_o according_a to_o the_o right_a order_n of_o it_o even_o till_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n the_o which_o be_v appoint_v by_o god_n to_o be_v the_o last_o period_n of_o it_o or_o rather_o of_o the_o outward_a and_o worldly_a show_n of_o it_o christ._n for_o in_o truth_n it_o stand_v yet_o in_o christ_n and_o shall_v stand_v till_o that_o christ_n give_v up_o all_o his_o power_n of_o government_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o father_n for_o if_o we_o set_v aside_o the_o defection_n of_o the_o ten_o tribe_n which_o be_v near_o to_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o be_v do_v by_o the_o special_a work_n of_o god_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o this_o kingdom_n be_v so_o firm_o establish_v that_o the_o people_n never_o offer_v to_o make_v any_o alteration_n of_o the_o estate_n for_o in_o that_o they_o go_v about_o to_o make_v absalon_n king_n they_o be_v persuade_v that_o they_o do_v right_a in_o set_v up_o the_o son_n in_o stead_n of_o his_o father_n be_v now_o strike_v in_o year_n yea_o the_o people_n do_v not_o only_o continual_o obey_v this_o authority_n but_o also_o have_v the_o person_n of_o the_o king_n in_o such_o estimation_n that_o they_o do_v make_v more_o account_n of_o he_o then_o of_o many_o thousand_o of_o themselves_o so_o they_o speak_v to_o david_n that_o he_o shall_v not_o go_v any_o more_o to_o the_o battle_n in_o his_o own_o person_n lest_o he_o shall_v put_v out_o the_o light_n that_o be_v all_o the_o glory_n and_o majesty_n of_o israel_n add_v further_a that_o it_o be_v much_o better_a that_o ten_o thousand_o of_o themselves_o shall_v perish_v themselves_o then_o that_o any_o evil_n shall_v befall_v he_o 2._o sam._n 21.17_o and_o now_o to_o conclude_v this_o whole_a matter_n we_o see_v the_o greatness_n both_o of_o the_o power_n and_o also_o of_o the_o majesty_n of_o this_o kind_n of_o government_n of_o both_o which_o jacob_n do_v prophesy_v in_o the_o 49._o of_o genesis_n 8._o verse_n say_v juda_n thy_o brethren_n shall_v praise_v thou_o that_o be_v they_o shall_v magnify_v and_o honour_v thou_o for_o the_o glory_n and_o majesty_n of_o thy_o kingdom_n thy_o hand_n in_o the_o neck_n of_o thy_o enemy_n that_o be_v thou_o shall_v subdue_v all_o thy_o enemy_n unto_o thou_o the_o son_n of_o thy_o father_n shall_v bow_v themselves_o unto_o thou_o that_o be_v they_o shall_v reverence_v honour_n and_o obey_v thy_o authority_n juda_n be_v the_o lion_n whelp_n he_o have_v bow_v himself_o and_o lay_v he_o down_o that_o be_v all_o his_o action_n and_o behaviour_n shall_v be_v full_a of_o majesty_n the_o which_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o lion_n more_o than_o in_o any_o other_o beast_n and_o who_o shall_v raise_v he_o that_o be_v who_o shall_v control_v his_o do_n and_o call_n he_o to_o account_v he_o shall_v wash_v his_o clothes_n in_o wine_n that_o be_v he_o shall_v have_v abundance_n yea_o superfluity_n of_o the_o best_a and_o most_o precious_a thing_n which_o be_v to_o be_v have_v do_v thus_o we_o see_v both_o the_o power_n and_o also_o the_o majesty_n of_o this_o kingdom_n in_o respect_n of_o both_o which_o we_o may_v say_v as_o it_o be_v act._n 14.11_o that_o god_n be_v come_v down_o unto_o we_o in_o the_o likeness_n of_o man_n that_o be_v such_o a_o pourefull_a and_o glorious_a magistracy_n as_o do_v after_o a_o sort_n resemble_v the_o infinite_a poâ—er_n and_o majesty_n of_o god_n sect._n xiiii_o hitherto_o we_o have_v speak_v of_o the_o judgement_n or_o doctrine_n of_o this_o kingdom_n as_o it_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o people_n it_o follow_v that_o we_o declare_v the_o state_n of_o it_o in_o respect_n of_o god_n and_o that_o by_o consider_v first_o how_o this_o state_n as_o it_o have_v be_v describe_v do_v please_v god_n second_o whether_o it_o be_v a_o lawful_a government_n or_o not_o and_o last_o how_o far_o the_o power_n of_o this_o kingdom_n be_v subject_a to_o god_n for_o the_o first_o it_o may_v seem_v that_o god_n do_v not_o like_o this_o kind_n of_o government_n but_o suffer_v it_o to_o be_v establish_v not_o as_o make_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o people_n but_o rather_o as_o a_o punishment_n for_o their_o sin_n for_o that_o he_o be_v so_o high_o offend_v with_o the_o people_n for_o ask_v a_o king_n as_o he_o himself_o do_v witness_v by_o his_o prophet_n ose._n 13.11_o i_o give_v they_o a_o king_n in_o my_o wrath_n but_o the_o truth_n be_v that_o this_o be_v always_o most_o please_a and_o acceptable_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n yet_o the_o action_n of_o the_o people_n in_o make_v this_o alteration_n do_v just_o offend_v he_o and_o that_o for_o diverse_a cause_n to_o wit_n for_o that_o by_o desire_v a_o king_n they_o show_v themselves_o unthankful_a diffident_a proud_a and_o disoobedient_a for_o the_o first_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n not_o only_o to_o be_v content_a with_o what_o government_n soever_o god_n do_v appoint_v for_o they_o king_n but_o also_o to_o think_v themselves_o the_o happy_a people_n in_o the_o world_n for_o that_o they_o have_v the_o glorious_a god_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n to_o be_v their_o king_n and_o ruler_n in_o a_o special_a manner_n second_o thâ—y_o trust_v more_o in_o a_o king_n then_o in_o god_n think_v that_o the_o cause_n of_o all_o their_o disorder_n and_o misery_n be_v in_o their_o government_n and_o that_o their_o king_n will_v certain_o deliver_v they_o from_o all_o wrong_n at_o home_n and_o bondage_n abroad_o whereas_o the_o cause_n of_o all_o their_o
that_o whenas_o there_o be_v a_o fault_n commit_v in_o the_o lay_n of_o the_o foundation_n of_o a_o house_n the_o whole_a building_n will_v for_o ever_o be_v the_o worse_a for_o it_o the_o first_o thing_n therefore_o to_o be_v do_v in_o plant_v a_o church_n be_v to_o convert_v infidel_n to_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v do_v ordinary_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n deliver_v plain_o sincere_o &_o effectual_o as_o god_n have_v appoint_v notwithstanding_o which_o powerful_a mean_n the_o subdue_a of_o man_n to_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o hard_a matter_n yea_o it_o be_v much_o hard_a in_o these_o time_n than_o it_o be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n wherein_o the_o gospel_n be_v first_o preach_v for_o then_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o apostle_n evangelist_n and_o other_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v much_o more_o powerful_a and_o effectual_a than_o any_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n be_v in_o these_o day_n for_o they_o have_v not_o only_o extraordinary_a measure_n of_o those_o gift_n which_o do_v yet_o remain_v in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o build_n thereof_o as_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n knowledge_n wisdom_n zeal_n and_o all_o other_o of_o that_o kind_n but_o they_o have_v also_o other_o most_o wonderful_a gift_n bestow_v upon_o they_o as_o the_o gift_n of_o speak_v in_o strange_a language_n the_o gift_n of_o discern_a spirit_n heal_v the_o sick_a work_v of_o miracle_n and_o such_o other_o which_o serve_v only_o for_o this_o end_n to_o bring_v infidel_n to_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n 1._o cor._n 14.22_o not_o that_o true_a faith_n be_v ordinare_o wrought_v by_o these_o mean_n in_o man_n but_o only_a a_o general_n historical_a and_o temporary_a faith_n whereby_o they_o do_v believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o belief_n be_v profess_v be_v then_o and_o be_v at_o all_o time_n sufficient_a to_o make_v one_o a_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n here_o upon_o earth_n the_o which_o the_o apostle_n do_v labour_n by_o their_o ministry_n to_o bring_v to_o pass_v and_o do_v rejoice_v in_o it_o be_v effect_v although_o there_o do_v appear_v in_o those_o believer_n few_o or_o no_o sign_n of_o save_a faith_n which_o be_v a_o firm_a confidence_n in_o the_o â—ercy_n and_o love_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n effectual_o wrought_v in_o the_o hearâ—_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n arise_v of_o a_o certain_a persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n word_n whereof_o this_o general_a faith_n be_v only_o a_o resemblance_n shadow_n and_o appearance_n and_o further_o for_o this_o purpose_n the_o gift_n of_o miracle_n and_o such_o other_o do_v great_o avail_v for_o they_o do_v so_o astonish_v and_o amaze_v man_n that_o they_o do_v even_o wring_v out_o of_o they_o a_o approbation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n preach_v that_o it_o come_v from_o god_n and_o therefore_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v john_n 1.15_o act._n 13.11_o thus_o do_v the_o apostle_n plant_v church_n but_o they_o who_o since_o that_o time_n labour_n in_o this_o work_n be_v destitute_a of_o this_o help_n yea_o also_o of_o another_o far_o more_o effectual_a to_o wit_n of_o the_o wonderful_a and_o extraordinary_a blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o his_o church_n who_o do_v then_o pour_v forth_o his_o spirit_n so_o strange_o and_o so_o plentiful_o upon_o man_n in_o convert_n their_o heart_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o the_o like_a be_v not_o before_o have_v not_o be_v since_o neither_o shall_v be_v at_o any_o time_n in_o the_o church_n so_o that_o these_o help_n be_v want_v in_o these_o day_n we_o can_v look_v for_o the_o like_a success_n in_o this_o work_n to_o wit_n that_o the_o church_n shall_v have_v such_o a_o sudden_a and_o strange_a increase_n as_o it_o have_v in_o the_o beginning_n whenas_o many_o thousand_o be_v at_o once_o add_v unto_o it_o since_o act._n 2.41_o yet_o we_o be_v not_o to_o despair_v of_o good_a success_n forsomuch_o as_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o leave_v his_o ministry_n destitute_a of_o sufficient_a power_n to_o convert_v many_o man_n to_o the_o faith_n even_o those_o who_o never_o hear_v of_o christ_n before_o for_o although_o the_o extraordinary_a calling_n and_o gift_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n be_v not_o now_o in_o the_o church_n neither_o to_o be_v look_v for_o yet_o the_o force_n of_o they_o do_v remain_v still_o in_o that_o the_o very_a declaration_n of_o those_o wonderful_a miracle_n whereby_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v confirm_v at_o the_o first_o will_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n add_v authority_n and_o give_v success_n to_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n although_o they_o be_v much_o more_o effectual_a in_o those_o who_o do_v behold_v they_o with_o their_o eye_n yea_o we_o have_v some_o help_n which_o be_v not_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o for_o the_o supplier_fw-fr whereof_o those_o other_o be_v give_v to_o wit_n the_o consent_n of_o all_o age_n since_o the_o first_o publish_v of_o the_o gospel_n wherein_o many_o have_v not_o only_o profess_v the_o faith_n but_o also_o seal_v that_o their_o profession_n with_o thâ—ir_a blood_n and_o that_o not_o any_o small_a number_n but_o even_o whole_a nation_n have_v profess_v and_o do_v confess_v the_o gospel_n the_o which_o no_o doubt_n be_v a_o forcible_a argument_n and_o even_o as_o a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n whereby_o he_o who_o be_v obstinate_a in_o infidelity_n may_v be_v either_o convert_v or_o confound_v and_o put_v to_o silence_n yea_o this_o general_a embrace_v of_o the_o gospel_n by_o so_o many_o country_n and_o nation_n be_v that_o fullness_n of_o the_o gentile_n the_o which_o the_o lord_n have_v appoint_v as_o a_o mean_n whereby_o that_o obstinate_a and_o harde-hearted_n nation_n of_o the_o jew_n shall_v at_o the_o appoint_a time_n be_v convert_v and_o therefore_o it_o can_v but_o be_v effectual_a with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o gentile_n who_o be_v not_o so_o obstinate_a in_o infidelity_n as_o the_o jew_n be_v gospel_n but_o we_o be_v especial_o to_o rely_v upon_o that_o force_n which_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v plain_o and_o sincere_o deliver_v have_v in_o turn_v man_n heart_n unto_o god_n which_o will_v never_o return_v empty_a but_o in_o some_o measure_n perform_v the_o thing_n for_o which_o it_o be_v send_v thus_o much_o in_o general_a of_o the_o mean_n of_o convert_n infidel_n now_o of_o the_o same_o in_o particular_a the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n which_o be_v here_o to_o be_v use_v have_v two_o part_n the_o first_o be_v a_o preparative_n whereby_o infidel_n be_v of_o themselves_o altogether_o unfit_a to_o hear_v and_o unlike_a to_o believe_v the_o word_n be_v in_o some_o measure_n prepare_v for_o this_o purpose_n the_o second_o be_v to_o teach_v they_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o prepare_v ministry_n consist_v in_o two_o thing_n the_o first_o be_v to_o purge_v their_o mind_n from_o that_o false_a worship_n whereunto_o they_o be_v give_v gospel_n the_o second_o be_v to_o convince_v their_o conscience_n of_o sin_n for_o the_o first_o we_o can_v hope_v that_o man_n be_v full_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o own_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o deity_n power_n and_o goodness_n of_o those_o false_a god_n which_o they_o worship_v will_v embrace_v any_o new_a and_o strange_a religion_n thus_o do_v elias_n 1._o king_n 18.24_o bring_v the_o people_n from_o idolatry_n to_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o likewise_o paul_n deal_v with_o the_o idolatrous_a man_n of_o athens_n act._n 17.29_o and_o with_o they_o of_o lystra_n act._n 14.13_o and_o yet_o there_o be_v great_a moderation_n and_o wisdom_n to_o be_v use_v in_o this_o point_n so_o that_o we_o do_v not_o at_o the_o first_o speak_v so_o vile_o and_o base_o of_o their_o religion_n as_o it_o do_v deserve_v but_o rather_o tolerate_v they_o in_o their_o corruption_n and_o withal_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o truth_n that_o â—o_o the_o other_o false_a worship_n may_v slip_v out_o of_o their_o mind_n as_o it_o be_v without_o violence_n they_o leave_v it_o of_o their_o own_o accord_n for_o otherwise_o if_o they_o see_v their_o god_n and_o religion_n wherein_o they_o have_v be_v bring_v up_o and_o which_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o their_o ancestor_n to_o be_v blaspheme_v and_o evil_o speak_v off_o there_o be_v great_a danger_n lest_o at_o the_o first_o we_o so_o alienate_v their_o mind_n that_o they_o will_v not_o hear_v the_o word_n preach_v but_o become_v utter_a enemy_n unto_o it_o so_o the_o town_n clerk_n in_o the_o apology_n for_o paul_n act_n 19.37_o witness_v that_o he_o in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n have_v not_o blaspheme_v their_o goddess_n diana_n secondlie_o they_o must_v be_v prepare_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n
memory_n and_o other_o common_a gift_n then_o follow_v a_o corrupt_a worship_n consist_v in_o outward_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n in_o vain_a babble_n in_o suffer_v hunger_n or_o in_o other_o bodily_a exercise_n further_o if_o in_o steed_n of_o true_a doctrine_n error_n be_v public_o teach_v and_o general_o receive_v or_o if_o in_o steed_n of_o a_o christian_n life_n sin_n do_v abound_v by_o these_o mean_n and_o many_o other_o which_o it_o be_v not_o needful_a to_o rehearse_v come_v a_o corrupt_a state_n of_o a_o church_n but_o here_o we_o be_v brief_o to_o touch_v a_o question_n which_o have_v be_v in_o part_n handle_v alone_o chap._n 1._o sect._n 4._o to_o wit_n how_o far_o a_o church_n may_v be_v corrupt_a before_o it_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n that_o be_v a_o church_n true_o and_o indeed_o for_o answer_v whereof_o it_o seem_v that_o wheresoever_o a_o company_n of_o man_n do_v joint_o and_o public_o by_o worship_v the_o true_a god_n in_o christ_n profess_v the_o substance_n of_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n that_o there_o be_v a_o true_a church_n notwithstanding_o any_o corruption_n whatsoever_o yea_o although_o it_o be_v of_o that_o nature_n that_o it_o may_v be_v make_v by_o consequent_a of_o argument_n to_o fight_v with_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o christian_n religion_n and_o so_o heinous_a as_o that_o in_o respect_n thereof_o church_n the_o people_n stain_v with_o this_o corruption_n be_v worthy_a to_o be_v abhor_v of_o all_o man_n and_o unworthy_a to_o be_v call_v the_o church_n of_o god_n we_o will_v take_v a_o instance_n of_o a_o people_n which_o together_o with_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n do_v maintain_v and_o use_v idolatry_n not_o worship_v a_o false_a god_n for_o than_o they_o be_v without_o all_o question_n to_o be_v count_v infidel_n but_o the_o true_a god_n after_o a_o false_a and_o devise_a manner_n these_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o church_n although_o they_o do_v profane_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n after_o a_o most_o horrible_a &_o grievous_a mâ—nner_n thus_o as_o it_o may_v seem_v some_o christians_n do_v in_o the_o first_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n who_o do_v both_o believe_v in_o some_o sort_n &_o yet_o can_v not_o of_o a_o sudden_a shake_v off_o that_o idolatry_n wherein_o they_o have_v live_v so_o many_o year_n for_o so_o paul_n write_v 1._o cor._n 5.11_o if_o any_o that_o be_v call_v a_o brother_n that_o be_v a_o christian_n be_v a_o fornicatour_n or_o covetous_a or_o a_o worshipper_n of_o image_n this_o kind_n of_o wâ—rship_n be_v in_o use_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n the_o which_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o church_n although_o in_o the_o low_a degree_n that_o can_v be_v imagine_v god_n unless_o as_o it_o seem_v that_o we_o may_v do_v we_o will_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n the_o people_n of_o the_o ten_o trib_n who_o be_v idolater_n &_o yet_o by_o circumcision_n &_o some_o otherways_o do_v profess_v the_o name_n of_o jehova_n as_o we_o may_v note_v out_o of_o many_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n and_o first_o out_o of_o those_o place_n where_o they_o be_v call_v the_o people_n of_o god_n as_o we_o read_v ro._n 10.25.26_o where_o the_o people_n of_o god_n the_o belove_a of_o god_n and_o the_o child_n of_o the_o live_a god_n gâ—d_n do_v all_o signify_v a_o true_a church_n in_o the_o 1._o king_n 16.2_o they_o be_v twice_o so_o call_v where_o god_n say_v that_o he_o make_v bahasa_n the_o captain_n of_o his_o people_n israel_n second_o god_n be_v call_v the_o god_n of_o the_o ten_o tribe_n and_o say_v to_o be_v among_o they_o 1._o king_n 20.28_o because_o the_o syrian_n speak_v of_o the_o god_n of_o the_o ten_o tribe_n of_o who_o they_o be_v overcome_v say_v that_o jehova_n be_v god_n of_o the_o hill_n only_o and_o 1._o king_n 18.35_o thou_o be_v the_o god_n of_o israel_n three_o for_o that_o they_o always_o have_v the_o true_a prophet_n of_o god_n and_o by_o they_o do_v ask_v and_o receive_v counsel_n of_o god_n in_o their_o weighty_a affair_n thus_o 1._o king_n 22.5.6.7.11_o achab_n ask_v counsel_n of_o god_n 2._o king_n 2.16_o ahazia_n be_v reprove_v by_o god_n for_o that_o he_o send_v to_o ask_v counsel_n at_o baalsebub_n as_o though_o there_o be_v not_o a_o god_n in_o isâ—ael_n who_o word_n he_o may_v have_v seek_v after_o likewise_o 1._o king_n 5.8_o eliseus_n say_v this_o be_v a_o most_o certain_a thing_n that_o israel_n be_v not_o at_o any_o time_n without_o a_o prophet_n the_o truth_n hereof_o may_v be_v gather_v also_o 1._o king_n 18.21_o where_o elias_n say_v that_o the_o people_n do_v halt_v betwixt_o god_n and_o baal_n that_o be_v do_v serve_v they_o both_o together_o and_o last_o by_o that_o which_o be_v often_o say_v that_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n do_v evil_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n that_o be_v in_o that_o place_n whereupon_o god_n do_v as_o yet_o look_v with_o the_o eye_n of_o his_o mercy_n as_o upon_o his_o church_n so_o that_o although_o they_o do_v want_n almost_o the_o whole_a public_a worship_n and_o therefore_o be_v say_v 2._o chro._n 15.3_o to_o be_v without_o god_n without_o priest_n and_o the_o law_n yet_o because_o the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v general_o by_o circumcision_n profess_v of_o they_o they_o seem_v to_o retain_v the_o name_n of_o a_o church_n and_o oâ—_n the_o people_n of_o god_n even_o as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n serve_v god_n and_o christ_n by_o baptism_n and_o by_o profess_v his_o name_n otherways_o although_o they_o have_v no_o part_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n uncorrupted_a and_o so_o the_o ten_o tribe_n gâ—thâ—r_n some_o christian_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n the_o papist_n and_o as_o we_o may_v think_v king_n solomon_n with_o many_o other_o join_a idolatry_n &_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n together_o as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o samaritan_n that_o they_o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o worship_v idol_n 2._o king_n 17.41_o yet_o these_o samaritan_n be_v not_o a_o church_n for_o they_o do_v only_o in_o their_o mind_n slavish_o fear_v god_n but_o all_o their_o outward_a worship_n be_v do_v unto_o idol_n sect._n 11._o of_o a_o church_n corrupt_v in_o doctrine_n now_o we_o be_v to_o inquire_v how_o far_o a_o people_n may_v be_v corrupt_a in_o doctrine_n and_o yet_o remain_v a_o church_n whereunto_o we_o answer_v as_o before_o that_o all_o they_o who_o hold_v the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o be_v count_v a_o church_n although_o together_o they_o be_v infect_v with_o many_o grievous_a error_n by_o the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n we_o do_v not_o mean_v any_o one_o particular_a point_n no_o not_o the_o weighty_a point_n or_o those_o which_o come_v near_a to_o the_o foundation_n itself_o but_o the_o general_a and_o main_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n the_o which_o be_v before_o the_o come_n of_o châ—ist_n this_o i_o believe_v in_o the_o messiah_n who_o be_v to_o come_v of_o the_o seed_n of_o david_n and_o since_o his_o come_n it_o be_v this_o i_o believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v christ_n as_o the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n be_v define_v by_o the_o apostle_n 1._o cor._n 3.11_o the_o truth_n hereof_o may_v evident_o appear_v by_o consider_v the_o state_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n especial_o as_o it_o be_v at_o the_o time_n of_o his_o come_n in_o the_o which_o although_o god_n do_v reveal_v his_o will_n more_o clear_o to_o some_o of_o his_o prophet_n &_o people_n christ._n yet_o the_o church_n general_o be_v altogether_o ignorant_a of_o the_o weighty_a point_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o of_o christ_n the_o trinity_n two_o distinct_a nature_n the_o union_n of_o they_o of_o his_o office_n death_n and_o resurrection_n now_o although_o simple_a ignorance_n be_v not_o so_o grievous_a a_o sin_n as_o wilful_a heresy_n neither_o a_o heresy_n before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n as_o one_o since_o his_o come_n yet_o in_o this_o respect_n they_o be_v all_o one_o for_o a_o man_n do_v err_v in_o that_o point_n which_o he_o do_v not_o know_v hold_v the_o error_n contrary_a to_o the_o say_a truth_n even_o as_o the_o jew_n not_o know_v the_o head_n of_o doctrine_n before_o name_v do_v always_o in_o all_o age_n and_o do_v to_o this_o day_n so_o many_o as_o continue_v in_o unbelief_n deny_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n for_o they_o make_v but_o one_o person_n to_o wit_n god_n the_o father_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o deity_n of_o christ_n think_v that_o the_o messiah_n shall_v be_v a_o mere_a man_n they_o deny_v his_o office_n think_v that_o he_o shall_v be_v a_o temporal_a king_n only_o and_o therefore_o they_o know_v not_o the_o doctrine_n of_o regeneration_n as_o we_o see_v in_o
doctrine_n ought_v to_o be_v esteem_v the_o public_a confession_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n whereby_o they_o do_v make_v know_v not_o only_o to_o other_o church_n but_o also_o to_o the_o whole_a world_n that_o they_o do_v profess_v &_o maintain_v the_o truth_n of_o christian_n religion_n and_o of_o every_o part_n thereof_o &_o do_v detest_v &_o abhor_v all_o the_o false_a worship_n of_o the_o jew_n turk_n and_o all_o other_o infidel_n whatsoever_o and_o also_o that_o they_o be_v free_a from_o all_o false_a &_o erroneous_a opinion_n all_o gross_a &_o blasphemous_a heresy_n of_o man_n profess_v the_o faith_n wherewith_o the_o church_n have_v be_v at_o all_o time_n and_o be_v trouble_v at_o this_o day_n this_o public_a profession_n of_o the_o faith_n be_v with_o great_a care_n &_o diligence_n make_v and_o approve_v by_o the_o general_a consent_n of_o the_o whole_a council_n be_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o chief_a ruler_n to_o be_v enjoin_v to_o the_o whole_a ch._n so_o as_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o any_o man_n to_o deny_v or_o refute_v any_o point_n of_o it_o yet_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o contain_v in_o it_o the_o determination_n of_o all_o controversy_n but_o only_o a_o declaration_n of_o the_o chief_a point_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o profession_n whereof_o the_o life_n &_o as_o it_o be_v the_o very_a essence_n or_o be_v of_o the_o church_n do_v consist_v for_o as_o touch_v matter_n of_o less_o moment_n in_o the_o which_o man_n may_v err_v without_o any_o danger_n to_o their_o own_o salvation_n or_o hurt_n to_o the_o church_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o all_o man_n shall_v be_v bring_v to_o think_v and_o profess_v the_o same_o thing_n but_o there_o will_v be_v continual_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n in_o these_o point_n in_o every_o church_n yet_o it_o do_v belong_v to_o this_o public_a council_n to_o consider_v &_o to_o determine_v even_o of_o other_o doubt_n &_o controversy_n which_o do_v trouble_v the_o church_n that_o by_o this_o mean_v contention_n may_v be_v take_v away_o and_o as_o the_o apostle_n write_v 1._o cor._n 1.10_o all_o may_v say_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o be_v knit_v together_o in_o one_o mind_n and_o in_o one_o judgement_n yet_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o council_n of_o these_o light_a point_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v impose_v upon_o any_o man_n to_o think_v or_o to_o profess_v but_o every_o man_n leave_v to_o think_v as_o it_o shall_v please_v god_n to_o give_v he_o to_o understand_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o that_o behalf_n either_o keep_v his_o opinion_n dissent_v frâ—m_o the_o church_n to_o himself_o or_o else_o impart_v it_o to_o other_o in_o that_o moderate_a wise_a and_o christian_n manner_n as_o that_o no_o man_n be_v just_o offend_v by_o he_o or_o the_o public_a peace_n of_o the_o church_n disquiet_v but_o rather_o all_o in_o some_o measure_n edify_v sect._n 4._o of_o the_o govern_n of_o the_o several_a province_n of_o a_o national_a church_n thus_o much_o of_o a_o public_a or_o national_a council_n gather_v order_v and_o establish_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o chief_a ruler_n for_o this_o end_n to_o bring_v the_o whole_a church_n to_o a_o conformity_n both_o in_o outward_a rite_n and_o order_n and_o also_o in_o the_o truth_n of_o doctrine_n wherein_o this_o be_v especial_o to_o be_v consider_v and_o therefore_o not_o unfit_a to_o be_v repeat_v that_o there_o be_v regard_n have_v unto_o the_o liberty_n of_o inferior_a synod_n for_o as_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o make_v all_o man_n think_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o all_o point_n so_o also_o it_o be_v unmeet_a yea_o impossible_a that_o the_o general_a council_n shall_v so_o define_v of_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v incident_a into_o the_o govern_n of_o church_n as_o that_o nothing_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o discretion_n and_o disposition_n of_o inferior_a assembly_n and_o therefore_o the_o decree_n and_o law_n make_v by_o the_o general_a council_n ought_v to_o be_v as_o rule_n to_o direct_v they_o in_o their_o action_n although_o all_o particular_a case_n and_o circumstance_n yea_o matter_n of_o less_o importance_n be_v neither_o determine_v nor_o yet_o mention_v in_o they_o now_o we_o be_v to_o come_v to_o provincial_a counsel_n for_o so_o much_o as_o there_o do_v daily_o many_o doubt_n and_o controversy_n arise_v yea_o great_a and_o weighty_a affair_n do_v offer_v themselves_o amongst_o the_o church_n which_o neither_o for_o the_o greatness_n can_v sufficient_o be_v determine_v and_o order_v by_o a_o few_o minister_n neither_o yet_o convenient_o be_v defer_v to_o a_o general_a meeting_n which_o can_v be_v have_v without_o great_a trouble_n to_o the_o church_n therefore_o provincial_a synod_n have_v a_o necessary_a use_n they_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o general_a counsel_n save_v only_o that_o they_o belong_v not_o to_o the_o whole_a ch._n but_o only_o to_o some_o part_n of_o it_o as_o it_o be_v distinguish_v they_o be_v to_o be_v call_v order_v and_o establish_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o civil_a ruler_n and_o do_v deal_v in_o the_o same_o matter_n and_o in_o the_o manner_n aforesaid_a for_o the_o care_n and_o order_v not_o only_o of_o a_o whole_a national_a ch._n general_a but_o also_o of_o the_o several_a province_n of_o it_o do_v belong_v to_o the_o civil_a ruler_n so_o that_o although_o it_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o his_o office_n to_o enter_v into_o particular_a congregation_n and_o there_o to_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o ordinary_a governor_n or_o teacher_n yet_o he_o ought_v to_o see_v and_o procure_v that_o they_o be_v in_o good_a order_n that_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n do_v their_o duty_n diligent_o and_o sincere_o that_o the_o people_n live_v in_o obedience_n to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ._n but_o in_o great_a nation_n and_o kingdom_n it_o be_v not_o often_o see_v that_o the_o chief_a ruler_n can_v keep_v in_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o discharge_v in_o his_o own_o person_n this_o duty_n of_o overseeing_a the_o several_a province_n of_o the_o ch._n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v as_o always_o lawful_a so_o often_o needful_a that_o he_o delegate_v and_o commit_v this_o part_n of_o his_o duty_n to_o some_o other_o even_o to_o whosoever_o he_o think_v meet_a for_o this_o purpose_n neither_o be_v we_o to_o exclude_v those_o who_o be_v minister_n of_o the_o word_n from_o this_o call_n as_o if_o they_o only_o be_v unmeete_a whenas_o they_o be_v in_o some_o respect_v fit_a than_o other_o have_v be_v many_o year_n exercise_v in_o the_o affair_n of_o some_o particular_a church_n and_o therefore_o if_o it_o please_v the_o civil_a ruler_n to_o call_v any_o who_o do_v perform_v some_o ordinary_a ministry_n in_o some_o particular_a church_n to_o this_o office_n of_o overseeing_a many_o church_n he_o do_v nothing_o but_o that_o which_o be_v agreeable_a to_o reason_n and_o warrantable_a by_o the_o word_n of_o god._n for_o man_n have_v take_v upon_o they_o any_o ministry_n be_v not_o so_o tie_v unto_o it_o but_o that_o they_o may_v leave_v it_o when_o as_o they_o shall_v be_v call_v by_o the_o chief_a ruler_n to_o perform_v any_o other_o more_o weighty_a and_o public_a duty_n yea_o although_o it_o be_v in_o some_o civil_a office_n and_o much_o more_o to_o have_v the_o care_n of_o many_o church_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o meet_v that_o any_o man_n have_v this_o office_n shall_v withal_o have_v any_o function_n in_o a_o particular_a church_n as_o do_v necessare_o require_v his_o presence_n for_o beside_o other_o inconvenience_n it_o will_v be_v to_o he_o a_o occasion_n of_o negligence_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o his_o duty_n and_o a_o evil_a example_n to_o other_o which_o as_o it_o be_v a_o grievous_a thing_n in_o any_o man_n to_o do_v the_o work_n of_o god_n negligent_o so_o it_o be_v much_o more_o offensive_a in_o he_o who_o office_n and_o call_v it_o be_v to_o see_v that_o the_o church_n be_v well_o order_v thus_o much_o of_o the_o common_a government_n of_o diverse_a church_n whether_o they_o be_v free_a or_o subject_a to_o the_o same_o civil_a power_n from_o this_o common_a government_n whole_a nation_n and_o kingdom_n consist_v of_o many_o church_n be_v often_o call_v one_o particular_a church_n because_o they_o all_o have_v the_o same_o humane_a law_n although_o if_o we_o speak_v proper_o they_o be_v diverse_a church_n because_o they_o have_v not_o all_o the_o same_o law_n but_o only_o some_o public_a common_a and_o general_a law_n pertain_v to_o all_o chap._n xi_o thus_o much_o of_o a_o partìcular_a church_n both_o several_o and_o also_o joint_o consider_v in_o the_o next_o and_o last_o place_n we_o be_v to_o come_v to_o the_o visible_a church_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o collection_n of_o all_o the_o particular_a church_n in_o the_o world_n into_o one_o body_n or_o sum_n which_o