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truth_n apostle_n church_n prove_v 2,236 5 6.1879 4 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A61558 Irenicum A weapon-salve for the churches wounds, or The divine right of particular forms of church-government : discuss'd and examin'd according to the principles of the law of nature .../ by Edward Stillingfleete ... Stillingfleet, Edward, 1635-1699. 1662 (1662) Wing S5597A_VARIANT; ESTC R33863 392,807 477

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evangelist_n and_o 12._o some_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n but_o it_o do_v not_o thence_o follow_v that_o christ_n have_v determine_v whether_o the_o power_n of_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n shall_v continue_v in_o his_o church_n or_o no_o as_o it_o imply_v superiority_n over_o the_o ordinary_a pastor_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o whether_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v act_v in_o a_o equality_n in_o their_o govern_v church_n i_o grant_v that_o all_o church-government_n must_v be_v perform_v by_o officer_n of_o christ_n appoint_v but_o that_o which_o i_o say_v be_v not_o determine_v in_o scripture_n be_v the_o way_n and_o manner_n whereby_o they_o shall_v govern_v church_n in_o common_a it_o be_v yet_o further_o argue_v that_o if_o the_o form_n of_o church_n government_n 11._o be_v not_o immutable_o determine_v in_o scripture_n than_o it_o be_v in_o the_o c._n church_n power_n to_o make_v new_a officer_n which_o christ_n never_o make_v which_o must_v be_v a_o plain_a addition_n to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n and_o must_v argue_v the_o scripture_n of_o imperfection_n this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o main_a argument_n i_o have_v reserve_v it_o to_o the_o place_n of_o the_o triarii_n and_o shall_v now_o examine_v what_o strength_n there_o lie_v in_o it_o to_o this_o therefore_o i_o answer_v first_o those_o officer_n be_v only_o say_v to_o be_v new_a which_o be_v never_o appoint_v by_o christ_n and_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o first_o appointment_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o regulate_v of_o his_o church_n such_o it_o be_v grant_v the_o church_n have_v no_o power_n to_o institute_v but_o if_o by_o new_a officer_n be_v mean_v only_o such_o as_o have_v a_o charge_v over_o more_o than_o one_o particular_a congregation_n by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o pastor_n themselves_o than_o it_o be_v evident_a such_o a_o office_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v new_a for_o beside_o the_o general_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n from_o the_o first_o primitive_a 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avoid_n of_o her_o error_n and_o not_o partake_v of_o her_o sin_n be_v thence_o we_o read_v in_o scripture_n of_o reject_v such_o as_o be_v heretic_n and_o withdraw_v from_o their_o society_n which_o will_v as_o well_o hold_v to_o church_n as_o to_o person_n and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o as_o the_o corruption_n be_v more_o dangerous_a and_o the_o relation_n near_o of_o a_o member_n to_o a_o church_n then_o of_o one_o man_n to_o another_o and_o from_o the_o reason_n of_o that_o command_n we_o read_v in_o ecclesiastical_a history_n that_o when_o eulalius_n euphronius_n and_o placentius_n be_v constitute_v bishop_n of_o antioch_n be_v arrian_n many_o both_o of_o the_o clergy_n and_o people_n 22._o who_o resolve_v to_o adhere_v to_o the_o true_a faith_n withdraw_v from_o the_o public_a meeting_n and_o have_v private_a assembly_n of_o their_o own_o and_o after_o when_o leontius_n be_v make_v bishop_n of_o antioch_n who_o 24._o favour_v the_o arrian_n flavianus_n and_o diodorus_n not_o 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be_v the_o first_o thing_n which_o make_v separation_n and_o withdrawment_n of_o communion_n lawful_a and_o necessary_a viz._n corruption_n of_o doctrine_n the_o second_o be_v corruption_n of_o practice_n i_o speak_v not_o of_o practice_n as_o relate_v to_o the_o civil_a conversation_n of_o man_n but_o as_o it_o take_v in_o the_o agenda_fw-la of_o religion_n when_o idolatrous_a custom_n and_o superstitious_a practice_n be_v not_o only_o creep_v into_o a_o church_n but_o be_v the_o prescribe_a devotion_n of_o it_o such_o as_o the_o adoration_n of_o the_o eucharist_n chief_o insist_v on_o by_o mr._n daillé_n in_o his_o apology_n as_o a_o cause_n of_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n invocation_n of_o saint_n and_o angel_n worship_v image_n and_o other_o of_o a_o like_a nature_n use_v among_o the_o papist_n which_o be_v of_o themselves_o sufficient_a to_o make_v our_o separation_n from_o they_o necessary_a but_o than_o three_o as_o a_o accession_n to_o these_o two_o be_v 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lawful_o deny_v conformity_n to_o and_o communion_n with_o that_o church_n in_o such_o thing_n without_o incur_v the_o guilt_n of_o schism_n i_o say_v not_o man_n may_v proceed_v to_o positive_a schism_n as_o it_o be_v call_v that_o be_v erect_v of_o new_a church_n which_o from_o cyprian_n be_v call_v erigere_fw-la altar_n contra_fw-la altar_n but_o only_o that_o withdraw_a communion_n from_o a_o church_n in_o unlawful_a or_o suspect_a thing_n do_v not_o lay_v man_n under_o the_o guilt_n of_o schism_n which_o because_o i_o know_v it_o may_v meet_v with_o some_o opposition_n from_o those_o man_n who_o will_v soon_o call_v man_n schismatic_n than_o prove_v they_o so_o i_o shall_v offer_v this_o reason_n for_o it_o to_o consideration_n if_o our_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v therefore_o lawful_a because_o she_o require_v unlawful_a thing_n as_o condition_n of_o her_o communion_n then_o wherever_o such_o thing_n be_v require_v by_o any_o church_n non-communion_n
toto_fw-la orbe_fw-la decretum_fw-la ut_fw-la unus_fw-la de_fw-la presbyteris_fw-la electus_fw-la superponeretur_fw-la caeteris_fw-la quomodo_fw-la enim_fw-la say_v a_o learned_a man_n fieri_fw-la po●uit_fw-la ut_fw-la toto_fw-la hoc_fw-la orbe_fw-la decerneretur_fw-la nullo_n jam_fw-la oecumenico_fw-la concilio_n ad_fw-la illud_fw-la decernendum_fw-la congrega●o_fw-la si_fw-la non_fw-la ab_fw-la apostolis_n ipsis_fw-la fidem_fw-la toto_fw-la orbe_fw-la promulgantibiss_fw-la &_o cum_fw-la fide_fw-la hanc_fw-la regendi_fw-la ecclesias_fw-la formam_fw-la constituentibus_fw-la factum_fw-la sit_fw-la so_o that_o he_o conceive_v so_o general_a a_o order_n can_v not_o be_v make_v unless_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o at_o that_o time_n be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o but_o first_o jeroms_n in_o toto_fw-la orbe_fw-la dicret●m_fw-la est_fw-la relate_v not_o to_o a_o antecedent_n order_n which_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o institution_n of_o episcopacy_n but_o to_o the_o universal_a establishment_n of_o that_o order_n which_o come_v up_o upon_o the_o occasion_n of_o so_o many_o schism_n it_o be_v something_o therefore_o consequent_a upon_o the_o first_o set_v up_o episcopacy_n which_o be_v the_o general_a obtain_n of_o it_o in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n when_o they_o see_v its_o usefulness_n in_o order_n to_o the_o church_n peace_n therefore_o the_o emphasis_n lie_v not_o in_o decretum_fw-la est_fw-la but_o in_o toto_fw-la orbe_fw-la note_v how_o sudden_o this_o order_n meet_v with_o universal_a acceptance_n when_o it_o first_o be_v bring_v up_o in_o the_o church_n after_o the_o apostle_n death_n which_o that_o it_o be_v jeroms_n meaning_n appear_v by_o what_o he_o say_v after_o paulatim_fw-la verò_fw-la ut_fw-la dissensionum_fw-la plantaria_fw-la evellerentur_fw-la ad_fw-la unum_fw-la omnem_fw-la solicitudinem_fw-la esse_fw-la delatam_fw-la where_o he_o note_v the_o gradual_a obtain_n of_o it_o which_o i_o suppose_v be_v thus_o according_a to_o his_o opinion_n first_o in_o the_o college_n of_o presbyter_n appoint_v by_o the_o apostle_n there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o order_n there_o be_v a_o precedent_n among_o they_o who_o have_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o the_o precedent_n of_o the_o senate_n i._n e._n do_v moderate_a the_o affair_n of_o the_o assembly_n by_o propose_v matter_n to_o it_o gather_v voice_n be_v the_o first_o in_o all_o matter_n of_o concernment_n but_o he_o have_v not_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o casaubon_n very_o well_o distinguish_v they_o i._n e._n have_v no_o power_n 12._o over_o his_o fellow-presbyter_n but_o that_o still_o reside_v in_o the_o college_n or_o body_n of_o they_o after_o this_o when_o the_o apostle_n be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o way_n who_o keep_v the_o main_a power_n in_o their_o own_o hand_n of_o rule_v the_o several_a presbytery_n or_o delegated_a some_o to_o do_v it_o who_o have_v a_o main_a hand_n in_o the_o plant_n church_n with_o the_o apostle_n and_o thence_o be_v call_v in_o scripture_n sometime_o fellow-labourer_n in_o the_o lord_n and_o sometime_o evangelist_n and_o by_o theodoret_n apostle_n but_o of_o a_o second_o order_n after_o i_o say_v these_o be_v decease_v and_o the_o main_a power_n leave_v in_o the_o presbytery_n the_o several_a presbyter_n enjoy_v a_o equal_a power_n among_o themselves_o especial_o be_v many_o in_o one_o city_n thereby_o great_a occasion_n be_v give_v to_o many_o schism_n partly_o by_o the_o bandy_n of_o the_o presbyter_n one_o against_o another_o partly_o by_o the_o siding_n of_o the_o people_n with_o some_o against_o the_o rest_n partly_o by_o the_o too_o common_a use_n of_o the_o power_n of_o ordination_n in_o presbyter_n by_o which_o they_o be_v more_o able_a to_o increase_v their_o own_o party_n by_o ordain_v those_o who_o will_v join_v with_o they_o and_o by_o this_o mean_n to_o perpetuate_v schism_n in_o the_o church_n upon_o this_o when_o the_o wise_a and_o grave_a sort_n consider_v the_o abuse_n follow_v the_o promiscuous_a use_n of_o this_o power_n of_o ordination_n and_o withal_o have_v in_o their_o mind_n the_o excellent_a frame_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o deputy_n and_o for_o prevent_v of_o future_a schism_n and_o division_n among_o themselves_o they_o unanimous_o agree_v to_o choose_v one_o out_o of_o their_o number_n who_o be_v best_a qualify_v for_o the_o management_n of_o so_o great_a a_o trust_n and_o to_o devolve_v the_o exercise_n of_o the_o power_n of_o ordination_n and_o jurisdiction_n to_o he_o yet_o so_o as_o that_o he_o ●ct_v nothing_o of_o importance_n without_o the_o consent_n and_o concurrence_n of_o the_o presbyter_n who_o be_v still_o to_o be_v as_o the_o common_a council_n to_o the_o bishop_n this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o true_a and_o just_a account_n of_o the_o original_a of_o episcopacy_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n according_a to_o jerome_n which_o model_n of_o government_n thus_o contrive_v and_o frame_v set_v forth_o to_o we_o a_o most_o lively_a character_n of_o that_o great_a wisdom_n and_o moderation_n which_o then_o rule_v the_o head_n and_o heart_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n and_o which_o when_o man_n have_v search_v and_o study_v all_o other_o way_n the_o abuse_n incident_a to_o this_o government_n through_o the_o corruption_n of_o man_n and_o time_n be_v retrench_v will_v be_v find_v the_o most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o primitive_a form_n both_o as_o assert_v the_o due_a interest_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o allow_v the_o due_a honour_n of_o episcopacy_n and_o by_o the_o joint_a harmony_n of_o both_o carry_v on_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n with_o the_o great_a unity_n concord_n and_o peace_n which_o form_n of_o government_n i_o can_v see_v how_o any_o possible_a reason_n can_v be_v produce_v by_o either_o party_n why_o they_o may_v not_o with_o cheerfulness_n embrace_v it_o second_o another_o evidence_n that_o jerome_n by_o decretum_fw-la est_fw-la do_v not_o mean_v a_o order_n of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o be_v by_o the_o word_n which_o follow_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o decree_n viz._n ut_fw-la unus_fw-la de_fw-la presbyteris_fw-la electus_fw-la superponeretur_fw-la caeteris_fw-la one_o choose_a not_o only_o out_o of_o but_o by_o the_o presbyter_n shall_v be_v set_v above_o the_o rest_n for_o so_o jerome_n must_v be_v understand_v for_o the_o apostle_n can_v not_o themselves_o choose_v out_o of_o all_o presbytery_n one_o person_n to_o be_v set_v above_o the_o rest_n and_o withal_o the_o instance_n bring_v of_o the_o church_n of_o alexandria_n make_v it_o evident_a to_o be_v mean_v of_o the_o choose_n by_o the_o presbyter_n and_o not_o by_o the_o apostle_n beside_o do_v jerome_n mean_a choose_n by_o the_o apostle_n he_o will_v have_v give_v some_o intimation_n of_o the_o hand_n the_o apostle_n have_v in_o it_o which_o we_o see_v not_o in_o he_o the_o least_o ground_n for_o and_o as_o for_o that_o pretence_n that_o ecclesiae_fw-la consuetudo_fw-la be_v apostolica_fw-la traditio_fw-la i_o have_v already_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o apostolica_fw-la traditio_fw-la in_o jerome_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o consuetudo_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la which_o i_o shall_v now_o confirm_v by_o a_o pregnant_a and_o unanswerable_a testimony_n out_o of_o jerome_n himself_o unaquaeque_fw-la provincia_fw-la abundet_fw-la in_o sensu_fw-la svo_fw-la &_o praecepta_fw-la lucinum_n majorum_fw-la leges_fw-la apostolicas_fw-la arbitretur_fw-la let_v every_o province_n abound_v in_o its_o own_o sense_n and_o account_v of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o their_o ancestor_n as_o of_o apostolical_a law_n nothing_o can_v have_v be_v speak_v more_o full_o to_o open_v to_o we_o what_o jerome_n mean_v by_o apostolical_a tradition_n viz_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o former_a age_n though_o not_o come_v from_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o thus_o we_o have_v once_o more_o clear_v jerome_n and_o the_o truth_n together_o i_o only_o wish_v all_o that_o be_v of_o his_o judgement_n for_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v of_o his_o temper_n for_o the_o practice_n of_o their_o own_o and_o while_o they_o own_v not_o episcopacy_n as_o necessary_a by_o a_o divine_a right_n yet_o be_v due_o moderate_v and_o join_v with_o presbytery_n they_o may_v embrace_v it_o as_o not_o only_o a_o lawful_a but_o very_o useful_a constitution_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n by_o which_o we_o may_v see_v what_o a_o excellent_a temper_n may_v be_v find_v out_o most_o full_o consonant_a to_o the_o primitive_a church_n for_o the_o management_n of_o ordination_n and_o church_n power_n viz._n by_o the_o presidency_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o the_o concurrence_n of_o the_o presbytery_n for_o the_o top-gallant_n of_o episcopacy_n can_v never_o be_v so_o well_o manage_v for_o the_o right_n steer_v the_o ship_n of_o the_o church_n as_o when_o it_o be_v join_v with_o the_o under-sail_n of_o a_o moderate_a presbytery_n so_o much_o shall_v suffice_v to_o speak_v here_o as_o to_o the_o power_n of_o ordination_n which_o we_o have_v find_v to_o be_v derive_v from_o the_o synagogue_n and_o the_o custom_n observe_v in_o
command_v one_o form_n and_o forbid_v all_o other_o we_o have_v no_o way_n then_o leave_v to_o know_v whether_o the_o apostle_n do_v look_v upon_o themselves_o as_o bound_v to_o settle_v one_o form_n but_o by_o their_o practice_n this_o practice_n must_v be_v certain_a and_o uniform_a in_o they_o this_o uniformity_n must_v be_v make_v know_v to_o we_o by_o some_o unquestionable_a way_n the_o scripture_n they_o be_v very_o silent_a in_o it_o mention_v very_o little_o more_o than_o paul_n practice_n nor_o that_o full_o and_o clear_o therefore_o we_o must_v gather_v it_o from_o antiquity_n and_o the_o record_n of_o follow_a age_n if_o these_o now_o fall_v short_a of_o our_o expectation_n and_o can_v give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o what_o be_v do_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o several_a church_n plant_v by_o they_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a we_o shall_v attain_v any_o certainty_n of_o what_o the_o apostle_n practice_n be_v now_o that_o antiquity_n be_v so_o defective_a as_o to_o place_n will_v appear_v from_o the_o general_a silence_n as_o to_o the_o church_n plant_v by_o many_o of_o the_o apostle_n grant_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o eusebius_n tell_v we_o that_o thomas_n go_v into_o parthia_n andrew_n into_o scythia_n john_n into_o the_o lesser_a asia_n peter_n to_o the_o jew_n in_o pontus_n galatia_n bythinia_n cappadocia_n 1._o asia_n beside_o what_o we_o read_v in_o scripture_n of_o paul_n what_o a_o pitiful_a short_a account_n have_v we_o here_o give_v in_o of_o all_o the_o apostle_n travel_n and_o their_o several_a fellow-labourer_n and_o for_o all_o these_o little_a or_o nothing_o speak_v of_o the_o way_n they_o take_v in_o settle_v the_o church_n by_o they_o plant_v who_o be_v it_o will_v undertake_v to_o tell_v we_o what_o course_n andrew_n take_v in_o scythiae_n in_o govern_v church_n if_o we_o believe_v the_o record_n of_o after-age_n there_o be_v but_o one_o bishop_n viz._n of_o tomis_n for_o the_o whole_a country_n how_o different_a be_v this_o from_o the_o pretend_a course_n of_o paul_n set_v up_o a_o single_a bishop_n in_o every_o city_n where_o do_v we_o read_v of_o the_o presbytery_n settle_v by_o thomas_n in_o parthia_n or_o the_o indies_n what_o course_n philip_n bartholomew_n matthew_n simon_n zelotes_n mathias_n take_v may_v not_o they_o for_o any_o thing_n we_o know_v settle_v another_o kind_n of_o government_n from_o what_o we_o read_v paul_n peter_n or_o john_n do_v unless_o we_o have_v some_o evidence_n that_o they_o be_v all_o bind_v to_o observe_v the_o same_o nay_o what_o evidence_n have_v we_o what_o course_n peter_n take_v in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o circumcision_n whether_o he_o leave_v they_o to_o their_o synagogue_n way_n or_o alter_v it_o and_o how_o or_o wherein_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v make_v appear_v to_o give_v man_n a_o certainty_n of_o the_o way_n and_o course_n the_o apostle_n do_v observe_v in_o the_o settle_n church_n by_o they_o plant_v but_o instead_o of_o this_o we_o have_v a_o general_a silence_n in_o antiquity_n and_o nothing_o but_o the_o forgery_n of_o latter_a age_n to_o supply_v the_o vacuity_n whereby_o they_o fill_v up_o empty_a place_n as_o plutarch_n theseo_n express_v it_o as_o geographer_n do_v map_n with_o some_o fabulous_a creature_n of_o their_o own_o invention_n here_o be_v work_v now_o for_o a_o nicephorus_n callisthus_fw-la a_o simeon_n metaphrastes_n the_o very_a jacobus_n de_fw-fr voragine_fw-la of_o the_o greek_a church_n as_o one_o well_o call_v he_o those_o historical_a tinker_n that_o think_v to_o mend_v a_o hole_n where_o they_o find_v it_o and_o make_v three_o instead_o of_o it_o this_o be_v the_o first_o defect_n in_o antiquity_n as_o to_o place_n the_o second_o be_v as_o observable_a as_o to_o time_n and_o what_o be_v most_o considerable_a antiquity_n be_v most_o defective_a where_o it_o be_v most_o useful_a viz._n in_o the_o time_n immediate_o after_o the_o apostle_n which_o must_v have_v be_v most_o helpful_a to_o we_o in_o this_o inquiry_n for_o who_o dare_v with_o confidence_n believe_v the_o conjecture_n of_o eusebius_n at_o three_o hundred_o year_n distance_n from_o apostolical_a time_n when_o he_o have_v no_o other_o testimony_n to_o vouch_v but_o the_o hypotypose_n of_o a_o uncertain_a clement_n certain_o not_o he_o of_o alexandria_n if_o jos._n scaliger_n may_v be_v credit_v and_o the_o commentary_n of_o hegesippus_n who_o relation_n and_o authority_n be_v as_o questionable_a as_o many_o of_o the_o report_n of_o eusebius_n himself_o be_v in_o reference_n to_o those_o elder_a time_n for_o which_o i_o need_v no_o other_o testimony_n but_o eusebius_n in_o a_o place_n enough_o of_o its_o self_n to_o blast_v the_o whole_a credit_n of_o antiquity_n as_o to_o the_o matter_n now_o in_o debate_n for_o speak_v of_o paul_n and_o peter_n and_o the_o church_n by_o they_o plant_v and_o come_v to_o inquire_v after_o their_o successor_n he_o make_v this_o very_a ingenuous_a confession_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 4._o say_v you_o so_o be_v it_o so_o hard_a a_o matter_n to_o find_v out_o who_o succeed_v the_o apostle_n in_o the_o church_n plant_v by_o they_o unless_o it_o be_v those_o mention_v in_o the_o write_n of_o paul_n what_o become_v then_o of_o our_o unquestionable_a line_n of_o succession_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o several_a church_n and_o the_o large_a diagramm_v make_v of_o the_o apostolical_a church_n with_o every_o one_o name_n set_v down_o in_o his_o order_n as_o if_o the_o writer_n have_v be_v clarenceaulx_n to_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o be_v it_o come_v to_o this_o at_o last_o that_o we_o have_v nothing_o certain_a but_o what_o we_o have_v in_o scripture_n and_o must_v then_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n be_v our_o rule_n to_o interpret_v scripture_n by_o a_o excellent_a way_n to_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n doubtless_o to_o bend_v the_o rule_n to_o the_o crooked_a stick_n to_o make_v the_o judge_n stand_v to_o the_o opinion_n of_o his_o lackey_n what_o sentence_n he_o shall_v pass_v upon_o the_o cause_n in_o question_n to_o make_v scripture_n stand_v cap_n in_o hand_n to_o tradition_n to_o know_v whether_o it_o may_v have_v leave_n to_o speak_v or_o no_o be_v all_o the_o great_a outcry_n of_o apostolical_a tradition_n of_o personal_a succession_n of_o unquestionable_a record_n resolve_v at_o last_o into_o the_o scripture_n its_o self_n by_o he_o from_o who_o all_o these_o long_a pedigree_n be_v fetch_v then_o let_v succession_n know_v its_o place_n and_o learn_v to_o veil_v bonnet_n to_o the_o scripture_n and_o withal_o let_v man_n take_v heed_n of_o overreaching_a themselves_o when_o they_o will_v bring_v down_o so_o large_a a_o catalogue_n of_o single_a bishop_n from_o the_o first_o and_o pure_a time_n of_o the_o church_n for_o it_o will_v be_v hard_a for_o other_o to_o believe_v they_o when_o eusebius_n profess_v it_o be_v so_o hard_a to_o find_v they_o well_o might_n scaliger_n then_o complain_v that_o the_o interval_n from_o the_o last_o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n to_o the_o middle_n of_o trajan_n in_o which_o time_n quadratus_n and_o ignatius_n begin_v to_o eusebii_n flourish_v be_v tempus_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o varro_n speak_v a_o mere_a chaos_n of_o time_n fill_v up_o with_o the_o rude_a concept_n once_o of_o papias_n hermes_n and_o other_o who_o like_o hann_n ibal_n when_o they_o can_v not_o find_v a_o way_n through_o will_v make_v one_o either_o by_o force_n or_o fraud_n but_o yet_o three_o here_o be_v another_o defect_n consequent_a to_o that_o of_o time_n which_o be_v that_o of_o person_n arise_v not_o only_a from_o a_o defect_n of_o record_n the_o diptych_n of_o the_o church_n be_v lose_v which_o will_v have_v acquaint_v we_o with_o the_o time_n of_o suffer_v of_o the_o several_a martyr_n by_o they_o call_v their_o natalitia_fw-la at_o which_o time_n their_o several_a name_n be_v enrol_v in_o these_o martyrology_n which_o some_o as_o junius_n observe_v have_v ignorant_o mistake_v for_o the_o time_n of_o their_o be_v make_v bishop_n of_o the_o place_n wherein_o their_o 18._o name_n be_v enter_v as_o anacletus_fw-la clitus_n and_o clemens_n at_o rome_n i_o say_v the_o defect_n as_o to_o person_n not_o only_o arise_v hence_o but_o because_o the_o christian_n be_v so_o much_o harass_v with_o persecution_n that_o they_o can_v not_o have_v that_o leisure_n then_o to_o write_v those_o thing_n which_o the_o leisure_n and_o peace_n of_o our_o age_n have_v make_v we_o so_o eager_o inquisitive_a after_o hence_o even_o the_o martyrology_n be_v so_o full_o stuff_v with_o fable_n witness_v one_o for_o all_o the_o famous_a legend_n of_o catharina_n who_o suffer_v say_v they_o in_o diocletian_n 16._o time_n and_o true_o the_o story_n of_o ignatius_n as_o much_o as_o it_o be_v defend_v with_o his_o epistle_n do_v not_o seem_v to_o be_v any_o of_o the_o most_o probable_a for_o wherefore_o shall_v
of_o necessity_n be_v valid_a which_o i_o have_v already_o show_v do_v evident_o prove_v that_o episcopal_a government_n be_v not_o found_v upon_o any_o unalterable_a divine_a right_n for_o which_o purpose_n many_o evidence_n be_v produce_v from_o dr._n field_n of_o the_o church_n lib._n 3._o c._n 39_o b._n downam_n l._n 3._o c._n 4._o b._n jewel_n p._n 2._o p._n 131._o saravia_n cap._n 2._o p._n 10._o 11._o b._n alley_n praelect_a 3._o &_o 6._o b._n pilkinton_n b._n bridges_n b._n bilson_n d._n nowell_n b._n davenant_n b._n prideaux_n b._n andrews_n and_o other_o by_o our_o 63._o reverend_n and_o learned_a m._n baxter_n in_o his_o christian_a concord_n to_o who_o may_v be_v add_v the_o late_a most_o reverend_a and_o eminent_a the_o bishop_n of_o durham_n apolog._n cathol_n p._n 1._o l._n 1._o c._n 21._o and_o the_o primate_n of_o armagh_n who_o judgement_n be_v well_o know_v as_o to_o the_o point_n of_o ordination_n so_o much_o may_v suffice_v to_o show_v that_o both_o those_o who_o hold_v a_o equality_n among_o minister_n to_o be_v the_o apostolical_a form_n and_o those_o that_o do_v hold_v episcopacy_n to_o have_v be_v it_o do_v yet_o both_o of_o they_o agree_v at_o last_o in_o this_o that_o no_o one_o form_n be_v settle_v by_o a_o unalterable_a law_n of_o christ_n nor_o consequent_o found_v upon_o divine_a right_n for_o the_o former_a notwithstanding_o their_o opinion_n of_o the_o primitive_a form_n do_v hold_v episcopacy_n lawful_a and_o the_o latter_a who_o hold_v episcopacy_n to_o have_v be_v the_o primitive_a form_n do_v not_o hold_v it_o perpetual_o and_o immutable_o necessary_a but_o that_o presbyter_n where_o bishop_n can_v be_v have_v may_v lawful_o discharge_v the_o office_n belong_v to_o bishop_n both_o which_o concession_n do_v necessary_o destroy_v the_o perpetual_a divine_a right_n of_o that_o form_n of_o government_n they_o assert_v which_o be_v the_o thing_n i_o have_v be_v so_o long_o in_o prove_v and_o i_o hope_v make_v it_o evident_a to_o any_o unprejudicate_v mind_n have_v lay_v down_o this_o now_o as_o a_o sure_a foundation_n for_o peace_n 8._o and_o union_n it_o be_v a_o very_a easy_a matter_n to_o improve_v it_o in_o order_n to_o a_o accommodation_n of_o our_o present_a difference_n about_o church_n government_n i_o shall_v only_o lay_v down_o three_o general_a principle_n deducible_a from_o hence_o and_o leave_v the_o whole_a to_o the_o mature_a consideration_n of_o the_o lover_n of_o truth_n and_o peace_n the_o first_o principle_n be_v that_o prudence_n must_v be_v use_v in_o settle_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n this_o have_v be_v the_o whole_a design_n of_o this_o treatise_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o form_n of_o church-government_n be_v a_o mere_a matter_n of_o prudence_n regulate_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o i_o need_v not_o insist_v on_o the_o argument_n already_o bring_v to_o prove_v it_o for_o as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v find_v although_o the_o several_a party_n in_o their_o contention_n with_o one_o another_o plead_v for_o divine_a right_n yet_o when_o any_o one_o of_o they_o come_v to_o settle_v their_o own_o particular_a form_n they_o be_v fain_o to_o call_v in_o the_o help_n of_o prudence_n even_o in_o thing_n suppose_v by_o the_o several_a party_n as_o necessary_a to_o the_o establishment_n of_o their_o own_o form_n the_o congregational_a man_n may_v despair_v of_o ever_o find_v elective_a synod_n a_o explicit_a church-covenant_n or_o positive_a sign_n of_o grace_n in_o admission_n of_o church-member_n in_o any_o law_n of_o christ_n nay_o they_o will_v not_o general_o plead_v for_o any_o more_o for_o they_o then_o general_a rule_n of_o scripture_n fine_a similitude_n and_o analogy_n and_o evidence_n of_o natural_a reason_n and_o what_o be_v all_o these_o at_o last_o to_o a_o express_a law_n of_o christ_n without_o which_o it_o be_v pretend_v nothing_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n the_o presbyterian_o seem_v more_o general_o to_o own_o the_o use_n of_o general_n rule_n and_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n in_o order_n to_o the_o form_n of_o church_n government_n as_o in_o the_o subordination_n of_o court_n classical_a assembly_n and_o the_o more_o moderate_a sort_n as_o to_o lay_v elder_n the_o episcopal_a man_n will_v hardly_o find_v any_o evidence_n in_o scripture_n or_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n for_o church_n consist_v of_o many_o fix_a congregation_n for_o worship_n under_o the_o charge_n of_o one_o person_n nor_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n for_o the_o ordination_n of_o a_o bishop_n without_o the_o precede_a election_n of_o the_o clergy_n and_o at_o least_o consent_n and_o approbation_n of_o the_o people_n and_o neither_o in_o scripture_n nor_o antiquity_n the_o least_o footstep_n of_o a_o delegation_n of_o church-power_n so_o that_o upon_o the_o matter_n at_o last_o all_o of_o they_o make_v use_n of_o those_o thing_n in_o church_n government_n which_o have_v no_o other_o foundation_n but_o the_o principle_n of_o humane_a prudence_n guide_v by_o the_o scripture_n and_o it_o be_v well_o if_o that_o be_v observe_v still_o the_o second_o principle_n be_v that_o form_n of_o government_n be_v the_o best_a according_a to_o principle_n of_o christian_a prudence_n which_o come_v the_o near_a to_o apostolical_a practice_n and_o tend_v most_o to_o the_o advance_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n what_o that_o form_n be_v i_o presume_v not_o to_o define_v and_o determine_v but_o leave_v it_o to_o be_v gather_v from_o the_o evidence_n of_o scripture_n and_o antiquity_n as_o to_o the_o primitive_a practice_n and_o from_o the_o nature_n state_n and_o condition_n of_o that_o church_n wherein_o it_o be_v to_o be_v settle_v as_o to_o its_o tendency_n to_o the_o advancement_n of_o peace_n and_o unity_n in_o it_o in_o order_n to_o the_o find_v out_o of_o which_o that_o proposal_n of_o his_o late_a most_o excellent_a majesty_n of_o glorious_a memory_n sin●_n be_v most_o high_o just_a and_o reasonable_a his_o majesty_n think_v it_o well_o worthy_a the_o study_n and_o endeavour_n of_o divine_n of_o both_o opinion_n lay_v aside_o emulation_n and_o private_a interest_n to_o reduce_v episcopacy_n and_o presbytery_n into_o such_o a_o well-proportioned_a form_n of_o superiority_n and_o subordination_n as_o may_v best_o resemble_v the_o apostolical_a and_o primitive_a time_n so_o far_o forth_o as_o the_o different_a condition_n of_o the_o time_n and_o the_o exigence_n of_o all_o considerable_a circumstance_n will_v admit_v if_o this_o proposal_n be_v embrace_v as_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n why_o it_o shall_v not_o then_o all_o such_o thing_n must_v be_v retrieve_v which_o be_v unquestionable_o of_o the_o primitive_a practice_n but_o have_v be_v grow_v out_o of_o use_n through_o the_o length_n and_o corruption_n of_o time_n such_o be_v the_o restore_n of_o the_o presbytery_n of_o several_a church_n as_o the_o senate_n to_o the_o bishop_n with_o whole_a counsel_n and_o advice_n all_o thing_n be_v do_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n the_o contract_n of_o diocese_n into_o such_o a_o compass_n as_o may_v be_v fit_v for_o the_o personal_a inspection_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o care_n of_o himself_o and_o the_o senate_n the_o place_n of_o bishop_n in_o all_o great_a town_n of_o resort_n especial_o county_n town_n that_o according_a to_o the_o ancient_a course_n of_o the_o church_n its_o government_n may_v be_v proportion_v etc._n to_o the_o civil_a government_n the_o constant_a preach_n of_o the_o bishop_n in_o some_o church_n of_o his_o charge_n and_o residence_n in_o his_o diocese_n the_o solemnity_n of_o ordination_n with_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n the_o observe_v provincial_a synod_n twice_o every_o year_n the_o employ_v of_o none_o in_o judge_a church_n matter_n but_o the_o clergy_n these_o be_v thing_n unquestionable_o of_o the_o primitive_a practice_n and_o no_o argument_n can_v be_v draw_v from_o the_o present_a state_n of_o thing_n why_o they_o be_v not_o as_o much_o if_o not_o more_o necessary_a than_o ever_o and_o therefore_o all_o who_o appeal_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n must_v condemn_v themselves_o if_o they_o justify_v the_o neglect_n of_o they_o but_o i_o only_o touch_v at_o these_o thing_n my_o design_n be_v only_o to_o lay_v a_o foundation_n for_o a_o happy_a union_n last_o what_o form_n of_o government_n be_v determine_v by_o lawful_a authority_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n ought_v so_o far_o to_o be_v submit_v to_o as_o it_o contain_v nothing_o repugnant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o that_o let_v man_n judgement_n be_v what_o they_o will_v concern_v the_o primitive_a form_n see_v it_o have_v be_v prove_v that_o that_o form_n do_v not_o bind_v unalterable_o and_o necessary_o it_o remain_v that_o the_o determine_n of_o the_o form_n of_o government_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o liberty_n in_o the_o church_n and_o what_o be_v so_o
only_o on_o confederation_n such_o thing_n be_v liable_a to_o a_o magistrate_n power_n there_o can_v be_v no_o plea_n from_o mutual_a consent_n to_o justify_v any_o opposition_n to_o supreme_a authority_n in_o a_o common_a wealth_n but_o then_o how_o such_o person_n can_v be_v christian_n when_o the_o magistrate_n will_v have_v they_o to_o be_v otherwise_o i_o can_v understand_v nor_o how_o the_o primitive_a martyr_n be_v any_o other_o than_o a_o company_n of_o fool_n or_o madman_n who_o will_v hazard_v their_o life_n for_o that_o which_o be_v a_o mere_a arbitrary_a thing_n and_o which_o they_o have_v no_o necessary_a obligation_n upon_o they_o to_o profess_v mistake_v i_o not_o i_o speak_v not_o here_o of_o mere_a act_n of_o discipline_n but_o of_o the_o duty_n of_o outward_a profess_v christianity_n if_o this_o be_v a_o duty_n than_o a_o christian_a society_n be_v settle_v by_o a_o positive_a law_n if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o duty_n than_o they_o be_v fool_n who_o suffer_v for_o it_o so_o that_o this_o question_n resolve_v into_o its_o principle_n lead_v we_o high_o than_o we_o think_v for_o and_o the_o main_a thing_n in_o debate_n must_v be_v whether_o there_o be_v a_o obligation_n upon_o conscience_n for_o man_n to_o associate_v in_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n or_o no_o if_o there_o be_v than_o the_o church_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o such_o a_o association_n be_v establish_v upon_o a_o positive_a law_n of_o christ_n if_o there_o be_v not_o than_o those_o inconvenience_n follow_v which_o be_v already_o mention_v we_o be_v tell_v indeed_o by_o the_o leviathan_n with_o confidence_n 14._o enough_o that_o no_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v law_n till_o enact_v by_o civil_a authority_n but_o it_o be_v little_a wonder_n that_o he_o who_o think_v a_o immaterial_a substance_n imply_v a_o contradiction_n shall_v think_v as_o much_o of_o call_v any_o thing_n a_o law_n but_o what_o have_v a_o civil_a sanction_n but_o i_o suppose_v all_o those_o who_o dare_v free_o own_o a_o supreme_a and_o infinite_a essence_n to_o have_v be_v the_o creator_n and_o to_o be_v the_o ruler_n of_o the_o world_n will_v acknowledge_v his_o power_n to_o oblige_v conscience_n without_o be_v behold_v to_o his_o own_o creature_n to_o enact_v his_o law_n that_o man_n may_v be_v bind_v to_o obey_v they_o be_v the_o great_a god_n say_v to_o be_v be_v hold_v to_o the_o civil_a authority_n he_o have_v over_o the_o jewish_a common_a wealth_n their_o government_n be_v a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o make_v his_o law_n obligatory_a to_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o jew_n what_o have_v not_o they_o their_o being_n from_o god_n and_o can_v there_o be_v any_o great_a ground_n of_o obligation_n to_o obedience_n than_o from_o thence_o whence_o come_v civil_a power_n to_o have_v any_o right_a to_o oblige_v man_n more_o than_o god_n consider_v as_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n can_v have_v can_v there_o be_v indeed_o no_o other_o law_n according_a to_o the_o leviathan_n hypothesis_n but_o only_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o civil_a law_n but_o i_o pray_v whence_o come_v the_o obligation_n to_o either_o of_o these_o that_o these_o be_v not_o as_o arbitrary_a as_o all_o other_o agreement_n be_v and_o be_v it_o not_o as_o strong_a a_o dictate_v of_o nature_n as_o any_o can_v be_v suppose_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o a_o creature_n which_o receive_v its_o be_v from_o another_o shall_v be_v bind_v to_o obey_v he_o not_o only_o in_o the_o resultancy_n of_o his_o own_o nature_n but_o with_o the_o arbitrary_a constitution_n of_o his_o will_n be_v adam_n bind_v to_o obey_v god_n or_o no_o as_o to_o that_o positive_a precept_n of_o eat_v the_o forbid_a fruit_n if_o no_o civil_a sanction_n have_v be_v add_v to_o that_o law_n the_o truth_n be_v such_o hypothesis_n as_o these_o be_v when_o they_o be_v follow_v close_o home_o will_v be_v sound_a to_o kennel_n in_o that_o black_a den_n from_o whence_o they_o be_v loath_a to_o be_v think_v to_o have_v proceed_v 15._o and_o now_o suppose_v that_o every_o full_a declaration_n of_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n as_o to_o any_o positive_a institution_n have_v the_o force_n and_o power_n of_o a_o law_n upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o all_o to_o who_o it_o be_v sufficient_o propose_v i_o proceed_v to_o make_v appear_v that_o such_o a_o divine_a positive_a laew_n there_o be_v for_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o church_n as_o a_o visible_a body_n and_o society_n in_o the_o world_n by_o which_o i_o be_o far_o from_o mean_v such_o a_o conspicuous_a society_n that_o must_v continue_v in_o a_o perpetual_a visibility_n in_o the_o same_o place_n i_o find_v not_o the_o least_o intimation_n of_o any_o such_o thing_n in_o scripture_n but_o that_o there_o shall_v always_o be_v somewhere_o or_o other_o in_o the_o world_n a_o society_n own_v and_o profess_v christianity_n may_v be_v easy_o deduce_v from_o thence_o and_o especial_o on_o this_o account_n that_o our_o saviour_n have_v require_v this_o as_o one_o of_o the_o condition_n in_o order_n to_o eternal_a felicity_n that_o all_o those_o who_o believe_v in_o their_o heart_n that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n must_v likewise_o confess_v he_o with_o their_o mouth_n to_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o as_o long_o at_o there_o be_v man_n to_o believe_v in_o christ_n there_o must_v be_v man_n that_o will_v not_o be_v ashamed_a to_o associate_v on_o the_o account_n of_o the_o doctrine_n he_o have_v promulge_v to_o the_o world_n that_o one_o phrase_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n so_o frequent_o use_v by_o our_o bless_a saviour_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n import_v a_o gospel-state_n do_v evident_o declare_v a_o society_n which_o be_v constitute_v by_o he_o on_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o gospel_n covenant_n wherefore_o shall_v our_o saviour_n call_v disciple_n and_o make_v apostle_n and_o send_v they_o abroad_o with_o full_a commission_n to_o gather_v and_o initiate_v disciple_n by_o baptism_n do_v he_o not_o intend_v a_o visible_a society_n for_o his_o church_n have_v it_o not_o be_v enough_o for_o man_n to_o have_v cordial_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o they_o must_v be_v enter_v in_o a_o solemn_a visible_a way_n and_o join_v in_o participation_n of_o visible_a symbol_n of_o bread_n and_o wine_n but_o that_o our_o saviour_n require_v external_a profession_n and_o society_n in_o the_o gospel_n as_o a_o necessary_a duty_n in_o order_n to_o obtain_v the_o privilege_n convey_v by_o his_o magna_fw-la charta_fw-la in_o the_o gospel_n i_o will_v fain_o know_v by_o what_o argument_n we_o can_v prove_v that_o any_o humane_a legislator_n do_v ever_o intend_v a_o common_a wealth_n to_o be_v govern_v according_a to_o his_o mode_n by_o which_o we_o can_v prove_v that_o christ_n by_o a_o positive_a law_n do_v command_v such_o a_o society_n as_o shall_v be_v govern_v in_o a_o visible_a manner_n as_o other_o society_n be_v do_v he_o not_o appoint_v officer_n himself_o in_o the_o church_n and_o that_o of_o many_o rank_n and_o degree_n do_v he_o not_o invest_v those_o officer_n with_o authority_n to_o rule_v his_o church_n be_v it_o not_o lay_v as_o a_o charge_n on_o they_o to_o take_v heed_n to_o that_o flock_n over_o which_o god_n have_v make_v they_o overseer_n be_v there_o not_o rule_n lay_v down_o for_o the_o peculiar_a exercise_n of_o their_o government_n over_o the_o church_n in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o be_v not_o these_o officer_n admit_v into_o the●●_n function_n by_o a_o most_o solemn_a visible_a rite_n of_o imposition_n of_o hand_n and_o be_v all_o these_o solemn_a transaction_n a_o mere_a piece_n of_o sacred_a pageantry_n and_o they_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v little_o more_o if_o the_o society_n of_o the_o church_n be_v a_o mere_a arbitrary_a thing_n depend_v only_o upon_o consent_n and_o confederation_n and_o not_o subsist_v by_o virtue_n of_o any_o charter_n from_o christ_n or_o some_o positive_a law_n require_v all_o christian_n to_o join_v in_o church_n society_n together_o but_o if_o now_o from_o hence_o it_o appear_v as_o certain_o it_o can_v 16._o but_o appear_v that_o this_o society_n of_o the_o church_n do_v subsist_v by_o virtue_n of_o a_o divine_a positive_a law_n than_o it_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v distinct_a from_o a_o civil_a society_n and_o that_o on_o these_o account_n first_o because_o there_o be_v a_o antecedent_n obligation_n on_o conscience_n to_o associate_v on_o the_o account_n of_o christianity_n whether_o humane_a law_n prohibit_v or_o command_v it_o from_o whence_o of_o necessity_n it_o follow_v that_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n be_v real_o different_a from_o that_o of_o the_o commonwealth_n because_o whether_o the_o common_a wealth_n be_v for_o or_o against_o this_o society_n all_o that_o own_o it_o be_v bind_v to_o profess_v it_o open_o and_o declare_v
prove_v by_o some_o who_o have_v undertake_v it_o i_o know_v no_o opinion_n will_v bid_v so_o sai●_n for_o acceptance_n as_o scepticism_n and_o that_o in_o reference_n to_o many_o weighty_a and_o important_a truth●_n for_o how_o weak_o have_v some_o prove_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o deity_n the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n by_o such_o argument_n that_o if_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o overthro●●_n a_o opinion_n to_o be_v able_a to_o answer_v some_o argument_n bring_v for_o it_o atheism_n itself_o will_v become_v plausible_a it_o can_v be_v then_o no_o evidence_n that_o a_o thing_n be_v not_o true_a because_o some_o argument_n will_v not_o prove_v it_o and_o true_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n i_o be_o full_o of_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o excellent_a ●2_n h._n grotius_n speak_v of_o excommunication_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n neque_fw-la ad●am_fw-la r●m_fw-la peculiare_a praeceptum_fw-la desideratur_fw-la eum_fw-la ecclestae_fw-la coetu_fw-la à_fw-la christo_fw-la semel_fw-la constituto_fw-la omne_fw-la illa_fw-la imperata_fw-la censeri_fw-la debent_fw-la sine_fw-la quibus_fw-la ejus_fw-la coeiûs_fw-la puritas_fw-la retineri_fw-la non_fw-la potest_fw-la and_o therefore_o man_n spend_v needless_a pain_n to_o prove_v a_o institution_n of_o this_o power_n by_o some_o positive_a precept_n when_o christ_n sound_n his_o church_n as_o a_o peculiar_a society_n be_v sufficient_a proof_n he_o have_v endow_v it_o with_o this_o fundamental_a right_n without_o which_o the_o society_n be_v arena_fw-la sino_fw-la calce_fw-la a_o company_n of_o person_n without_o any_o common_a tie_n of_o union_n among_o they_o for_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o union_n it_o must_v depend_v on_o some_o condition_n to_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o member_n of_o that_o society_n which_o how_o can_v they_o require_v from_o they_o if_o they_o have_v not_o power_n to_o exclude_v they_o upon_o non_fw-fr performance_n 2._o i_o prove_v the_o divine_a original_n of_o this_o power_n from_o the_o special_a appointment_n and_o designation_n of_o particular_a officer_n by_o jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o rule_n of_o this_o society_n now_o i_o say_v that_o law_n which_o provide_v there_o shall_v be_v officer_n to_o govern_v do_v give_v they_o power_n to_o govern_v suitable_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o society_n either_o than_o you_o must_v deny_v that_o christ_n have_v by_o a_o unalterable_a institution_n appoint_v a_o gospel_n ministry_n or_o that_o this_o ministry_n have_v no_o power_n in_o the_o church_n or_o that_o their_o power_n extend_v not_o to_o excommunication_n the_o first_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v the_o second_o follow_v from_o their_o appointment_n for_o by_o all_o the_o title_n give_v to_o church_n officer_n in_o scripture_n it_o appear_v they_o have_v a_o power_n over_o the_o church_n as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d all_o which_o as_o you_o well_o know_v do_v import_v a_o right_a to_o govern_v the_o society_n over_o which_o they_o be_v set_v and_o that_o this_o power_n shall_v not_o extend_v to_o a_o power_n to_o exclude_v convict_v offender_n seem_v very_o strange_a when_o no_o other_o punishment_n can_v be_v more_o suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o society_n than_o this_o be_v which_o be_v a_o debar_v he_o from_o the_o privilege_n of_o that_o society_n which_o the_o offender_n have_v so_o much_o dishonour_v can_v there_o be_v any_o punishment_n less_o imagine_v towards_o contumacious_a offender_n than_o this_o be_v or_o that_o carry_v in_o it_o less_o of_o outward_a and_o coactive_a force_n it_o imply_v nothing_o but_o what_o the_o offender_n himself_o free_o yield_v to_o at_o his_o entrance_n into_o this_o society_n all_o that_o i_o can_v find_v reply_v by_o any_o of_o the_o adversary_n of_o the_o 18._o opinion_n i_o here_o assert_v to_o the_o argument_n draw_v from_o the_o institution_n and_o title_n of_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n be_v that_o all_o those_o title_n which_o be_v give_v to_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o do_v import_v rule_n and_o government_n be_v all_o to_o be_v take_v in_o a_o spiritual_a sense_n as_o they_o be_v christ_n minister_n and_o ambassador_n to_o preach_v his_o word_n and_o declare_v his_o will_n to_o his_o church_n so_o that_o all_o power_n such_o person_n conceive_v to_o lie_v in_o those_o title_n be_v only_o doctrinal_a and_o declarative_a but_o how_o true_a that_o be_v let_v any_o one_o judge_n that_o consider_v these_o thing_n 1._o that_o there_o be_v certain_o a_o power_n of_o discipline_n then_o in_o the_o church_n constitute_v by_o the_o apostle_n which_o be_v most_o evident_a not_o only_o from_o the_o passage_n relate_v to_o offender_n in_o saint_n paul_n epistle_n especial_o to_o the_o corinthian_n and_o thessalonian_n but_o from_o the_o continue_a practice_n of_o succeed_a age_n manifest_v by_o tertullian_n cyprian_n and_o many_o other_o there_o be_v then_o a_o power_n of_o discipline_n in_o apostolical_a church_n there_o be_v a_o necessity_n it_o shall_v be_v administer_v by_o some_o person_n who_o have_v the_o care_n of_o those_o church_n and_o who_o be_v they_o but_o the_o several_a pastor_n of_o they_o it_o be_v then_o evident_a that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o power_n do_v it_o not_o stand_v to_o common_a sense_n it_o shall_v be_v employ_v in_o such_o title_n which_o in_o their_o natural_a importance_n do_v signify_v a_o right_a to_o govern_v as_o the_o name_n of_o pastor_n and_o ruler_n do_v 2._o there_o be_v a_o diversity_n in_o scripture_n make_v between_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n ephes._n 4._o 11._o though_o this_o may_v not_o as_o it_o do_v not_o imply_v a_o necessity_n of_o two_o distinct_a office_n in_o the_o church_n yet_o it_o do_v a_o different_a respect_n and_o connotation_n in_o the_o same_o person_n and_o so_o import_v that_o ruling_n carry_v in_o it_o somewhat_o more_o than_o mere_a teach_v and_o so_o the_o power_n employ_v in_o pastor_n to_o be_v more_o then_o mere_o doctrinal_a which_o be_v all_o i_o contend_v for_o viz._n a_o right_a to_o govern_v the_o flock_n commit_v to_o their_o charge_n 3._o what_o possible_a difference_n can_v be_v assign_v between_o the_o elder_n that_o rule_v well_o and_o those_o which_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n 1_o timothy_n 5._o 17._o if_o all_o their_o rule_v be_v mere_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n and_o all_o their_o govern_n nothing_o but_o teach_v i_o intend_v not_o to_o prove_v a_o office_n of_o ruler_n distinct_a from_o teacher_n from_o hence_o which_o i_o know_v neither_o this_o place_n nor_o any_o other_o will_v do_v but_o that_o the_o formal_a conception_n of_o rule_v be_v different_a from_o that_o of_o teach_v 4._o i_o argue_v from_o the_o analogy_n between_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o the_o synagogue_n that_o as_o many_o of_o the_o name_n be_v take_v from_o thence_o where_o they_o carry_v a_o power_n of_o discipline_n with_o they_o so_o they_o must_v do_v in_o some_o proportion_n in_o the_o church_n or_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a understanding_n they_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o synagogue_n have_v a_o power_n of_o rule_v and_o can_v you_o conceive_v the_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n have_v none_o when_o the_o society_n be_v much_o of_o the_o same_o constitution_n and_o the_o government_n of_o the_o one_o be_v transscribe_v from_o the_o other_o as_o have_v be_v already_o large_o prove_v 5._o the_o act_n attribute_v to_o pastor_n in_o scripture_n imply_v a_o power_n of_o govern_v distinct_a from_o mere_a teach_v such_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d use_v for_o a_o right_a to_o govern_v matth._n 2._o 6._o revel_v 12._o 5._o 19_o 15._o which_o word_n be_v attribute_v to_o pastor_n of_o church_n in_o reference_n to_o their_o flock_n act_n 20._o 28._o 1_o pet._n 5._o 2._o and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v apply_v to_o minister_n when_o they_o be_v so_o frequent_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o note_v praesidentiam_fw-la cum_fw-la potestate_fw-la for_o hesychius_n render_v it_o by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d at_o athens_n have_v certain_o a_o power_n of_o government_n in_o they_o 6._o the_o very_a word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v attribute_v to_o those_o who_o have_v oversight_n of_o church_n 1_o cor._n 12._o 8._o by_o which_o it_o be_v certain_o evident_a that_o a_o power_n more_o than_o doctrinal_a be_v understand_v as_o that_o it_o can_v not_o then_o be_v understand_v of_o a_o power_n mere_o civil_a and_o this_o i_o suppose_v may_v suffice_v to_o vindicate_v this_o argument_n from_o the_o title_n of_o church_n officer_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o they_o be_v not_o insignificant_a thing_n but_o the_o person_n who_o enjoy_v they_o have_v a_o right_a to_o govern_v the_o society_n over_o which_o the_o
themselves_o member_n of_o it_o whereas_o be_v the_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n real_o and_o formal_o the_o same_o all_o obligation_n to_o church_n society_n will_v arise_v mere_o from_o the_o legislative_a power_n of_o the_o common_a wealth_n but_o now_o there_o be_v a_o divine_a law_n bind_v in_o conscience_n who_o obligation_n can_v be_v supersede_v by_o any_o humane_a law_n it_o be_v plain_a and_o evident_a where_o be_v such_o vast_o different_a obligation_n there_o be_v different_a power_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n i_o know_v no_o incongruity_n in_o admit_v imperium_fw-la in_o imperio_fw-la if_o by_o it_o we_o understand_v no_o external_a coactive_a power_n but_o a_o internal_a power_n lay_v obligation_n on_o conscience_n distinct_a from_o the_o power_n lodge_v in_o a_o commonwealth_n consider_v as_o such_o a_o outward_a coactive_a power_n be_v always_o disow_v by_o christ_n but_o certain_o not_o a_o internal_a power_n over_o conscience_n to_o oblige_v all_o his_o disciple_n to_o what_o duty_n he_o think_v fit_a second_o i_o argue_v from_o those_o officer_n who_o right_n to_o govern_v this_o society_n be_v found_v on_o that_o charter_n whereby_o the_o society_n itself_o subsist_v now_o i_o will_v willing_o know_v why_o when_o our_o saviour_n disow_v all_o outward_a power_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o he_o shall_v constitute_v a_o society_n and_o appoint_v officer_n in_o it_o do_v he_o not_o intend_v a_o peculiar_a distinct_a society_n from_o the_o other_o society_n of_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o the_o argument_n frequent_o use_v against_o church-power_n because_o it_o have_v no_o outward_a force_n with_o it_o by_o the_o constitution_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o strong_a argument_n to_o i_o of_o the_o peculiarity_n of_o a_o christian_a society_n from_o a_o commonwealth_n because_o christ_n so_o institute_v it_o as_o not_o to_o have_v it_o rule_v at_o first_o by_o any_o outward_a force_n or_o power_n when_o christ_n say_v his_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n he_o imply_v that_o he_o have_v a_o society_n that_o be_v govern_v by_o his_o law_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o distinct_a from_o all_o mundane_a society_n have_v not_o our_o saviour_n intend_v his_o church_n to_o have_v be_v a_o peculiar_a society_n distinct_a from_o a_o commonwealth_n it_o be_v hard_o to_o conceive_v why_o our_o saviour_n shall_v interdict_v the_o apostle_n the_o use_n of_o a_o civil_a coactive_a power_n or_o why_o instead_o of_o send_v abroad_o apostle_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n he_o do_v not_o employ_v the_o governor_n of_o commonwealth_n to_o have_v enforce_v christianity_n by_o law_n and_o temporal_a edict_n and_o the_o several_a magistrate_n to_o have_v empower_v several_a person_n under_o they_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n in_o their_o several_a territory_n and_o can_v any_o thing_n be_v more_o plain_a by_o our_o saviour_n take_v a_o contrary_a course_n than_o that_o he_o intend_v a_o church_n society_n to_o be_v distinct_a from_o civil_a and_o the_o power_n belong_v to_o it_o as_o well_o as_o the_o officer_n to_o be_v of_o a_o different_a nature_n from_o that_o which_o be_v settle_v in_o a_o commonwealth_n i_o here_o suppose_v that_o christ_n have_v by_o a_o positive_a law_n establish_v the_o government_n of_o his_o church_n upon_o officer_n of_o his_o own_o appointment_n 2._o which_o i_o have_v large_o prove_v elsewhere_o and_o therefore_o suppose_v it_o now_o three_o i_o argu●●●om_v the_o peculiar_a right_n belong_v to_o these_o society_n for_o if_o every_o one_o bear_v in_o the_o commonwealth_n have_v not_o thereby_o a_o right_a to_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o every_o one_o by_o be_v of_o the_o church_n any_o right_n to_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n it_o must_v necessary_o follow_v that_o these_o be_v distinct_a from_o one_o another_o if_o any_o one_o by_o be_v of_o the_o commonwealth_n have_v right_o to_o church-priviledge_n than_o every_o one_o bear_v in_o a_o commonwealth_n may_v challenge_v a_o right_n to_o the_o lord_n supper_n without_o baptism_n or_o open_o profess_v christianity_n which_o i_o can_v think_v any_o will_v be_v very_o ready_a to_o grant_v now_o there_o be_v by_o divine_a appointment_n the_o several_a right_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n as_o peculiar_a badge_n of_o the_o church_n as_o a_o visible_a society_n it_o be_v evident_a christ_n do_v intend_v it_o a_o society_n distinct_a from_o the_o common_a wealth_n four_o i_o argue_v from_o the_o different_a end_n of_o these_o society_n a_o commonwealth_n be_v constitute_v for_o civil_a end_n and_o the_o church_n for_o spiritual_a for_o end_n be_v to_o be_v judge_v by_o the_o primary_n constitution_n but_o now_o it_o be_v plain_a the_o end_n of_o civil_a society_n be_v for_o preservation_n of_o man_n right_n as_o man_n therefore_o magistracy_n be_v call_v by_o st._n peter_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o this_o christian_a society_n do_v not_o respect_n man_n under_o the_o connotation_n of_o man_n but_o as_o christian_n the_o answer_n give_v to_o this_o be_v very_o short_a and_o insufficient_a when_o it_o be_v say_v that_o every_o man_n in_o a_o commonwealth_n be_v to_o act_v upon_o spiritual_a account_n and_o end_n for_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o difference_n between_o christianity_n have_v a_o influence_n upon_o man_n act_n in_o a_o commonwealth_n and_o make_v a_o society_n the_o same_o with_o a_o commonwealth_n to_o argue_v therefore_o from_o one_o to_o another_o be_v a_o shortness_n of_o discourse_n i_o can_v but_o wonder_v at_o unless_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o christianity_n aim_v at_o nothing_o else_o but_o regulate_v man_n in_o the_o affair_n of_o a_o commonwealth_n which_o be_v a_o task_n i_o suppose_v will_v not_o be_v undertake_v last_o i_o argue_v from_o the_o peculiar_a offence_n against_o this_o society_n which_o be_v or_o ●ay_v be_v distinct_a from_o those_o against_o a_o commonwealth_n i_o deny_v not_o but_o most_o time_n they_o be_v the_o same_o but_o frequent_o they_o differ_v and_o when_o they_o be_v the_o same_o yet_o the_o consideration_n of_o they_o be_v different_a in_o the_o church_n and_o common_a wealth_n for_o which_o i_o shall_v suppose_v the_o six_o argument_n produce_v in_o the_o last_o chapter_n of_o the_o first_o part_n to_o stand_v good_a which_o 8._o will_v strong_o hold_v to_o excommunication_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n though_o there_o produce_v 〈…〉_z lie_v for_o the_o jewish_a i_o will_v fain_o know_v what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o many_o offence_n know_v to_o be_v against_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n and_o which_o tend_v to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o the_o christian_a society_n which_o the_o civil_a and_o municipal_a law_n either_o do_v not_o or_o may_v not_o take_v cognizance_n of_o thus_o much_o may_v serve_v as_o i_o think_v to_o make_v evident_a that_o the_o church_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n be_v a_o peculiar_a society_n distinct_a from_o a_o commonwealth_n which_o be_v the_o first_o proposition_n to_o be_v prove_v 17._o the_o second_o be_v that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n over_o its_o member_n in_o case_n of_o offence_n do_v not_o arise_v mere_o from_o confederation_n and_o consent_n though_o it_o do_v suppose_v it_o this_o church_n power_n may_v be_v consider_v two_o way_n either_o first_o as_o it_o imply_v the_o right_a in_o some_o of_o inflict_a censure_n or_o second_o as_o it_o imply_v in_o other_o the_o duty_n of_o submit_v to_o censure_n inflict_v now_o as_o to_o both_o these_o i_o shall_v prove_v that_o their_o original_n be_v high_a than_o mere_a confederation_n 1._o as_o to_o the_o right_n of_o inflict_a censure_n on_o these_o account_n first_o what_o ever_o society_n do_v subsist_v by_o virtue_n of_o a_o divine_a constitution_n do_v by_o virtue_n thereof_o derive_v all_o power_n for_o its_o preservation_n in_o peace_n unity_n and_o purity_n but_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o a_o power_n of_o censure_a offender_n be_v necessary_a for_o the_o church_n preservation_n in_o peace_n and_o purity_n and_o it_o be_v already_o prove_v that_o the_o church_n have_v its_o charter_n from_o christ_n and_o therefore_o from_o he_o it_o have_v a_o power_n to_o inflict_v punishment_n on_o offender_n suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o society_n they_o be_v of_o i_o be_o very_o prone_a to_o think_v that_o the_o ground_n of_o all_o the_o mistake_v on_o this_o subject_n have_v rise_v from_o hence_o that_o some_o imprudent_o enough_o have_v fix_v the_o original_n of_o this_o power_n on_o some_o ambiguous_a place_n of_o scripture_n which_o may_v and_o it_o may_v be_v aught_o to_o be_v take_v in_o a_o different_a sense_n and_o their_o adversary_n find_v those_o place_n weak_a and_o insufficient_a proof_n of_o such_o a_o power_n have_v from_o thence_o reject_v any_o such_o kind_n of_o power_n at_o all_o but_o certain_o if_o we_o shall_v reject_v every_o truth_n that_o be_v weak_o