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 theâ—â—_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
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 only_o public_o reprove_v he_o for_o desert_v the_o orthodox_n faith_n but_o withdraw_v the_o people_n from_o communion_n with_o he_o and_o undertake_v advers._fw-la the_o charge_n of_o they_o themselves_o so_o when_o foelix_n be_v make_v bishop_n of_o rome_n none_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n will_v enter_v into_o the_o church_n while_o he_o be_v there_o and_o vincentius_n 16._o lyrinensis_n tell_v we_o a_o remarkable_a story_n of_o photinus_n bishop_n of_o syrmium_fw-la in_o pannonia_n a_o man_n of_o great_a ability_n and_o same_o who_o sudden_o turn_v from_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o though_o his_o people_n both_o love_v and_o admire_v he_o yet_o when_o they_o discern_v his_o error_n quem_fw-la antea_fw-la quasi_fw-la arietem_fw-la gregis_fw-la sequebantur_fw-la eundem_fw-la deinceps_fw-la veluti_fw-la lupum_fw-la fugere_fw-la coeperunt_fw-la who_o they_o follow_v before_o as_o the_o leader_n of_o the_o flock_n they_o now_o run_v away_o from_o as_o a_o devour_a wolf_n this_o 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 the_o public_a own_n and_o profess_v they_o and_o require_v they_o as_o necessary_a condition_n of_o communion_n from_o all_o the_o member_n of_o their_o church_n which_o make_v our_o withdraw_n from_o they_o unavoidable_o necessary_a as_o long_o as_o we_o judge_v they_o to_o be_v such_o corruption_n as_o indeed_o they_o be_v for_o man_n not_o to_o forsake_v the_o belief_n of_o error_n suppose_v they_o to_o be_v such_o be_v impossible_a and_o not_o to_o forsake_v the_o practice_n and_o profession_n of_o they_o upon_o such_o belief_n be_v the_o high_a hypocrisy_n and_o to_o do_v so_o and_o not_o to_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o that_o church_n where_o these_o be_v own_v be_v apparent_o contradictious_a as_o mr._n chill_a worth_n well_o observe_v see_v the_o condition_n of_o communion_n 22._o with_o it_o be_v that_o we_o must_v profess_v to_o believe_v all_o the_o doctrine_n of_o that_o church_n not_o only_o not_o to_o be_v error_n but_o to_o be_v certain_a and_o necessary_a truth_n so_o that_o on_o this_o account_n to_o believe_v there_o be_v any_o error_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v actual_o and_o ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la to_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o that_o church_n because_o the_o condition_n of_o its_o communion_n be_v the_o belief_n that_o there_o be_v none_o and_o so_o that_o learned_a and_o rational_a author_n there_o full_o prove_v that_o those_o who_o require_v unlawful_a and_o unnecessary_a condition_n of_o communion_n must_v take_v the_o imputation_n of_o schism_n upon_o themselves_o by_o make_v separation_n from_o they_o just_a and_o necessary_a in_o this_o case_n when_o corruption_n in_o opinion_n or_o practice_n be_v thus_o require_v as_o condition_n of_o communion_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o one_o to_o communicate_v with_o such_o a_o church_n without_o sin_n both_o material_o as_o the_o thing_n be_v unlawful_a which_o he_o join_v with_o they_o in_o and_o formal_o as_o he_o judge_v they_o so_o this_o be_v the_o first_o proposition_n the_o second_o be_v where_o a_o church_n retain_v the_o purity_n of_o doctrine_n 6._o in_o its_o public_a profession_n but_o have_v a_o mixture_n of_o some_o corruption_n as_o to_o practice_n which_o be_v only_o tolerate_v and_o not_o impose_v it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o withdraw_v communion_n from_o such_o a_o church_n much_o less_o to_o run_v into_o total_a separation_n from_o it_o for_o here_o be_v no_o just_a and_o lawful_a cause_n give_v of_o withdraw_a here_o be_v no_o own_a corruption_n of_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n nor_o any_o thing_n require_v as_o a_o condition_n of_o communion_n but_o what_o be_v in_o its_o self_n necessary_a and_o therefore_o there_o can_v be_v no_o plea_n but_o only_a pollution_n from_o such_o a_o communion_n which_o can_v be_v to_o any_o who_o do_v not_o own_o any_o such_o suppose_a corruption_n in_o the_o church_n man_n may_v communicate_v with_o a_o church_n and_o not_o communicate_v with_o the_o abuse_n of_o a_o church_n for_o the_o ground_n of_o his_o communicate_v be_v its_o be_v a_o church_n and_o not_o a_o corrupt_a or_o defective_a church_n and_o that_o man_n be_v not_o themselves_o guilty_a by_o partake_v with_o those_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o corruption_n in_o a_o church_n may_v be_v easy_o and_o large_o prove_v both_o from_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o case_n of_o elies_n son_n and_o the_o christian_a church_n of_o asâ—â—_n and_o corinth_n where_o we_o read_v of_o many_o corruption_n reprove_v yet_o nothing_o speak_v of_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o member_n of_o those_o church_n to_o separate_v from_o they_o which_o will_v have_v be_v have_v it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o communicate_v with_o those_o church_n when_o such_o corruption_n be_v in_o it_o beside_o what_o reason_n be_v there_o that_o one_o man_n sin_n shall_v defile_v another_o more_o than_o another_o grace_n sanctify_v another_o and_o why_o corruption_n in_o another_o shall_v defile_v he_o more_o than_o in_o himself_o and_o so_o keep_v he_o from_o communicate_v with_o himself_o and_o what_o security_n any_o one_o can_v have_v in_o the_o most_o refine_a church_n but_o that_o there_o be_v some_o scandalous_a or_o at_o least_o unworthy_a person_n among_o they_o and_o whether_o then_o it_o be_v not_o his_o duty_n to_o try_v and_o examine_v all_o himself_o particular_o with_o who_o he_o communicate_v and_o why_o his_o presence_n at_o one_o ordinance_n shall_v defile_v it_o more_o than_o at_o another_o and_o why_o at_o any_o more_o than_o in_o worldly_a converse_n and_o so_o turn_v at_o last_o to_o make_v man_n anchoret_n as_o it_o have_v do_v some_o many_o other_o reason_n 12._o may_v be_v produce_v against_o this_o which_o i_o forbear_v it_o be_v full_o speak_v to_o by_o other_o and_o so_o i_o come_v to_o the_o three_o proposition_n which_o be_v where_o any_o church_n retain_v the_o purity_n of_o doctrine_n do_v require_v the_o own_n of_o and_o conform_v to_o any_o unlawful_a or_o suspect_a practice_n man_n may_v 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
â—renâ—cum_fw-la a_o weapon-salve_n for_o the_o church_n wound_n or_o the_o divine_a right_n of_o particular_a form_n of_o church-government_n discuss_v and_o examine_v according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n the_o positive_a law_n of_o god_n the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o primitive_a church_n &_o the_o judgement_n of_o reform_a divine_n whereby_o a_o foundation_n be_v lay_v for_o the_o church_n peace_n and_o the_o accommodation_n of_o our_o present_a difference_n humble_o tender_v to_o consideration_n by_o edward_n stillingfleete_n rector_n of_o sutton_n in_o bedfordshire_n the_o second_o edition_n with_o a_o appendix_n concern_v the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n in_o a_o christian_a church_n let_v your_o moderation_n be_v know_v unto_o all_o man_n the_o lord_n be_v at_o hand_n phil._n 4._o 5._o si_fw-mi ad_fw-la decidendas_fw-la hodiernal_a controversias_fw-la jus_o divinum_fw-la à _fw-la positivo_fw-la seu_fw-la ecclesiastico_fw-la candidâ—_n separaretur_fw-la non_fw-la videretur_fw-la de_fw-fr iis_fw-la quae_fw-la sunt_fw-la absolutè_fw-la necessaria_fw-la inter_fw-la pios_fw-la aut_fw-la moderatos_fw-la viros_fw-la long_fw-mi aut_fw-la aeris_fw-la contentio_fw-la futura_fw-la isaac_n casaub._n ep_n ad_fw-la card._n perron_n multum_fw-la referâ—_n ad_fw-la reâ—inendam_fw-la ecclesiarum_fw-la pacem_fw-la inter_fw-la ea_fw-la quae_fw-la jure_fw-la divino_fw-la praecepta_fw-la sunt_fw-la &_o quae_fw-la non_fw-la sunt_fw-la accuratè_fw-la distinguere_fw-la grot._n de_fw-fr imper._n sum_fw-la potestat_fw-la circa_fw-la sacra_fw-la cap._n 11._o london_n print_v for_o henry_n mortlock_n at_o the_o phoenix_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n near_o the_o little_a north_n door_n 1662._o the_o preface_n to_o the_o reader_n i_o write_v not_o to_o increase_v the_o controversy_n of_o the_o time_n nor_o to_o foment_n the_o difference_n that_o be_v among_o we_o the_o one_o be_v by_o far_o too_o many_o the_o other_o too_o great_a already_o my_o only_a design_n be_v to_o allay_v the_o heat_n and_o abate_v the_o fury_n of_o that_o ignis_fw-la sacer_fw-la or_o erysipelas_n of_o contention_n which_o have_v rise_v in_o the_o face_n of_o our_o church_n by_o the_o overflow_a of_o that_o bilious_a humour_n which_o yet_o appear_v to_o have_v too_o great_a predominancy_n in_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n and_o although_o with_o the_o poor_a persian_a i_o can_v only_o bring_v a_o hand_n full_a of_o water_n yet_o that_o may_v be_v my_o just_a apology_n that_o it_o be_v for_o the_o quench_v those_o flame_n in_o the_o church_n which_o have_v cause_v the_o bell_n of_o aaron_n to_o jangle_n so_o much_o that_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o work_n of_o the_o great_a difficulty_n to_o make_v they_o tuneable_a and_o be_v this_o a_o age_n wherein_o any_o thing_n may_v be_v wonder_v at_o it_o will_v be_v matter_n of_o deserve_a admiration_n to_o hear_v the_o noise_n of_o these_o axe_n and_o hammer_n so_o much_o about_o the_o temple_n and_o that_o after_o these_o nigh_o twenty_o year_n carve_v and_o hew_v we_o be_v so_o rude_a and_o unpolished_a still_o and_o so_o far_o from_o be_v cement_v together_o in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n may_v we_o not_o just_o fear_v that_o voice_n migremus_fw-la hinc_fw-la when_o we_o see_v the_o veil_n of_o the_o temple_n so_o rend_v asunder_o and_o the_o church_n its_o self_n make_v a_o partition_n wall_n to_o divide_v the_o member_n of_o it_o and_o since_o the_o wise_a and_o gracious_a god_n have_v be_v please_v in_o such_o a_o almost_o miraculous_a manner_n so_o late_o to_o abatâ—_n the_o land-flood_n of_o our_o civil_a intestine_a division_n how_o strange_a must_v it_o needs_o seem_v if_o our_o sacred_a contention_n if_o contention_n may_v be_v call_v sacred_a like_o the_o water_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n shall_v rise_v from_o the_o ankle_n to_o the_o knee_n till_o at_o last_o they_o may_v grow_v unpassable_a must_v only_o the_o fire_n of_o our_o unchristian_a animosity_n be_v like_a that_o of_o the_o temple_n which_o be_v never_o to_o be_v extinguish_v however_o i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v never_o kindle_v from_o heaven_n nor_o blow_v up_o with_o any_o breathe_n of_o the_o holy_a and_o divine_a spirit_n and_o yet_o that_o have_v be_v the_o aggravation_n of_o our_o division_n that_o those_o who_o duty_n it_o be_v to_o lift_v up_o their_o voice_n like_o trumpet_n have_v rather_o sound_v a_o alarm_n to_o our_o contentious_a spirit_n than_o a_o parley_n or_o retreat_n which_o have_v be_v far_o more_o suitable_a to_o our_o messenger_n of_o peace_n in_o which_o respect_n it_o may_v be_v too_o true_o say_v of_o our_o church_n what_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o eagle_n in_o the_o greek_a apologue_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o eagle_n see_v her_o breast_n be_v wound_v sore_o she_o stand_v and_o weep_v much_o but_o grieve_v more_o but_o when_o she_o see_v the_o dart_n be_v feather_v say_v woo_v i_o for_o my_o own_o kind_n have_v i_o destroy_v it_o be_v not_o so_o long_o since_o that_o version_n of_o the_o vulgar_a latin_a psal._n 68_o 15._o inter_fw-la domini_fw-la cleros_fw-la might_n have_v be_v sad_o render_v to_o lie_v among_o the_o pot_n and_o pierius_n valerianus_n may_v have_v meet_v with_o too_o many_o example_n to_o have_v increase_v his_o book_n de_fw-fr literatorum_fw-la infoelicitate_fw-la and_o in_o the_o next_o age_n it_o may_v have_v be_v true_a again_o what_o matthew_n paris_n observe_v of_o the_o clergy_n in_o the_o conqueror_n time_n adeò_fw-la literaturâ_fw-la carebant_fw-la ut_fw-la caeteris_fw-la stupori_fw-la esset_fw-la qui_fw-la grammaticam_fw-la didicâ—sset_fw-la but_o bless_v be_v god_n who_o have_v free_v we_o from_o that_o daemonium_fw-la meridianum_fw-la of_o ignorance_n and_o barbarism_n may_v we_o be_v but_o as_o happy_o deliver_v from_o the_o plague_n of_o our_o division_n and_o animosity_n than_o which_o there_o have_v be_v no_o great_a scandal_n to_o the_o jew_n nor_o opprobrium_fw-la of_o our_o religion_n among_o heathen_n and_o mahometan_n nor_o more_o common_a objection_n among_o the_o papist_n nor_o any_o thing_n which_o have_v be_v more_o make_v a_o pretence_n even_o for_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n for_o our_o controversy_n about_o religion_n have_v bring_v at_o last_o even_o religion_n itself_o into_o of_o controversy_n among_o such_o who_o weak_a judgement_n have_v not_o be_v able_a to_o discern_v where_o the_o plain_a and_o unquestionable_a way_n to_o heaven_n have_v lie_v in_o so_o great_a a_o mist_n as_o our_o dispute_n have_v raise_v among_o we_o weak_a head_n when_o they_o once_o see_v the_o battlement_n shake_v be_v apt_a to_o suspect_v that_o the_o foundation_n its_o self_n be_v not_o firm_a enough_o and_o to_o conclude_v if_o any_o thing_n be_v call_v in_o question_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o certain_a and_o true_o it_o can_v but_o be_v look_v on_o as_o a_o sad_a presage_n of_o a_o approach_a famine_n not_o of_o bread_n but_o of_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o our_o lean_a cow_n have_v devour_v the_o fat_a and_o our_o thin_a ear_n the_o plump_a and_o full_a i_o mean_v our_o controversy_n and_o dispute_n have_v eat_v so_o much_o out_o the_o life_n and_o practice_n of_o christianity_n religion_n have_v be_v so_o much_o rarify_v into_o airy_a notion_n and_o speculation_n by_o the_o distemper_a heat_n of_o man_n spirit_n that_o its_o inward_a strength_n and_o the_o vital_n of_o it_o have_v be_v much_o abate_v and_o consume_v by_o it_o curiosity_n that_o green-sickness_n of_o the_o soul_n whereby_o it_o belong_v for_o novelty_n and_o loathe_v sound_a and_o wholesome_a truth_n have_v be_v the_o epidemical_a distemper_n of_o the_o age_n we_o live_v in_o of_o which_o it_o may_v be_v as_o true_o say_v as_o ever_o yet_o of_o any_o that_o it_o be_v saecolum_n fertile_a religionis_fw-la sterile_a pietatis_fw-la i_o fear_v this_o will_v be_v the_o character_n whereby_o our_o age_n will_v be_v know_v to_o posterity_n that_o it_o be_v the_o age_n wherein_o man_n talk_v of_o religion_n most_o and_o live_v it_o least_o few_o there_o be_v who_o be_v content_a with_o the_o dimensum_fw-la which_o god_n have_v set_v they_o every_o one_o almost_o be_v of_o the_o spanish_a jesuâ—tes_n mind_n beatus_fw-la qui_fw-la praedicat_fw-la verbum_fw-la inauditum_fw-la seek_v to_o find_v out_o somewhat_o whereby_o he_o may_v be_v reckon_v if_o not_o among_o the_o wise_a yet_o among_o the_o disputer_n of_o this_o world_n how_o small_a be_v the_o number_n of_o those_o sober_a christian_n of_o who_o it_o may_v be_v say_v as_o lucian_n of_o his_o parasite_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d they_o be_v not_o at_o leisure_n to_o be_v sick_a of_o this_o pica_fw-la 1_o tim._n â—_o 4._o such_o as_o long_v more_o to_o taste_v of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n then_o of_o the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n and_o as_o zenophon_n speak_v of_o the_o persian_n
foreign_a church_n calvin_n and_o beza_n both_o approve_v episcopacy_n and_o diocesan_n church_n salmatius_n etc._n etc._n 3_o those_o who_o judge_v episcopacy_n to_o be_v the_o primitive_a form_n yet_o look_v not_o on_o it_o as_o necessary_a bishop_n jewel_n fulk_n field_n bishop_n downam_n bishop_n bancroft_n bishop_n morton_n bishop_n andrews_n saravia_n francis_n mason_n and_o other_o the_o conclusion_n hence_o lay_v in_o order_n to_o peace_n principle_n conduce_v thereto_o 1._o prudence_n must_v be_v use_v in_o church-government_n at_o last_o confess_v by_o all_o party_n independent_o in_o elective_a synod_n and_o church_n covenant_n admission_n of_o member_n number_n in_o congregation_n presbyterian_o in_o class_n and_o synod_n lay-elder_n etc._n etc._n episcopal_a in_o diocese_n cause_n rite_n etc._n etc._n 2._o that_o prudence_n best_o which_o come_v near_a primitive_a practice_n a_o presidency_n for_o life_n over_o a_o ecclesiastical_a senate_n show_v to_o be_v that_o form_n in_o order_n to_o it_o presbytery_n to_o be_v restore_v diocese_n lessen_v provincial_n synod_n keep_v twice_o a_o year_n the_o reasonableness_n and_o easiness_n of_o accommodation_n show_v the_o whole_a conclude_v p._n 383._o 384._o a_o weapon-salve_n for_o the_o church_n wound_n or_o the_o divine_a right_n of_o particular_a form_n of_o government_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n discuss_v and_o examine_v according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n the_o positive_a law_n of_o god_n the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o the_o judgement_n of_o reform_a divine_n part_n i._n chap._n i._n thing_n necessary_a for_o the_o church_n peace_n must_v be_v clear_o reveal_v the_o form_n of_o church-government_n not_o so_o as_o appear_v by_o the_o remain_a controversy_n about_o it_o a_o evidence_n thence_o that_o christ_n never_o intend_v any_o one_o form_n as_o the_o only_a mean_n to_o peace_n in_o the_o church_n the_o nature_n of_o a_o divine_a right_o discuss_v right_o in_o general_a either_o make_v thing_n lawful_a or_o else_o due_a for_o the_o former_a a_o non-prohibition_n sufficient_a the_o late_a a_o express_a command_n duty_n suppose_v legislation_n and_o promulgation_n the_o question_n state_v nothing_o bind_v unalterable_o but_o by_o virtue_n of_o a_o stand_a law_n and_o that_o twofold_a the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o positive_a law_n of_o god_n three_o way_n to_o know_v when_o positive_a law_n be_v unalterable_a the_o divine_a right_o arise_v from_o scripture-example_n divine_a act_n and_o divine_a approbation_n consider_v he_o that_o impose_v any_o matter_n of_o opinion_n upon_o the_o 1._o belief_n of_o other_o without_o give_v evidence_n of_o reason_n for_o it_o proportionable_a to_o the_o confidence_n of_o his_o assertion_n must_v either_o suppose_v the_o thing_n propound_v to_o carry_v such_o unquestionable_a credential_n of_o truth_n and_o reason_n with_o it_o that_o none_o who_o know_v what_o they_o mean_v can_v deny_v it_o entertainment_n or_o else_o that_o his_o own_o understanding_n have_v attain_v to_o so_o great_a perfection_n as_o to_o have_v authority_n sufficient_a to_o oblige_v all_o other_o to_o follow_v it_o this_o latter_a can_v be_v presume_v among_o any_o who_o have_v assert_v the_o freedom_n of_o their_o own_o understanding_n from_o the_o dictate_v of_o a_o infallible_a chair_n but_o if_o any_o shall_v forget_v themselves_o so_o far_o as_o to_o think_v so_o there_o need_v no_o other_o argument_n to_o prove_v they_o not_o to_o be_v infallible_a in_o their_o assertion_n than_o this_o one_o assertion_n that_o they_o be_v infallible_a it_o be_v a_o undoubted_a evidence_n that_o they_o be_v actual_o deceive_v who_o know_v so_o little_a the_o measure_n of_o their_o own_o understanding_n the_o former_a can_v never_o be_v pretend_v in_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o controversy_n among_o man_n who_o have_v not_o whole_o forget_v they_o be_v reasonable_a creature_n by_o their_o bring_v probable_a argument_n for_o the_o maintain_v one_o part_n of_o a_o opinion_n as_o well_o as_o another_o in_o which_o case_n though_o the_o argument_n bring_v be_v not_o convince_a for_o the_o necessary_a entertain_v either_o part_n to_o a_o unbiased_a understanding_n yet_o the_o difference_n of_o their_o opinion_n be_v argument_n sufficient_a that_o the_o thing_n contend_v for_o be_v not_o so_o clear_a as_o both_o party_n will_v make_v it_o to_o be_v on_o their_o own_o side_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o thing_n of_o necessity_n to_o salvation_n it_o give_v man_n ground_n to_o think_v that_o a_o final_a decision_n of_o the_o matter_n in_o controversy_n be_v never_o intend_v as_o a_o necessary_a mean_n for_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n for_o we_o can_v with_o any_o show_n of_o reason_n imagine_v that_o our_o supreme_a law_n giver_n and_o saviour_n who_o have_v make_v it_o a_o necessary_a duty_n in_o all_o true_a member_n of_o his_o church_n to_o endeavour_v after_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o it_o shall_v suspend_v the_o performance_n of_o that_o duty_n upon_o a_o matter_n of_o opinion_n which_o when_o man_n have_v use_v their_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o satisfy_v themselves_o about_o they_o yet_o find_v that_o those_o very_a ground_n which_o they_o be_v most_o inclinable_a to_o build_v their_o judgement_n upon_o be_v either_o whole_o reject_v by_o other_o as_o wise_a and_o able_a as_o themselves_o or_o else_o it_o may_v be_v they_o erect_v a_o far_o different_a fabric_n upon_o the_o very_a same_o foundation_n it_o be_v no_o way_n consistent_a with_o the_o wisdom_n of_o christ_n in_o sound_v his_o church_n and_o provide_v for_o the_o peace_n and_o settlement_n of_o it_o to_o leave_v it_o at_o the_o mercy_n of_o man_n private_a judgement_n and_o apprehension_n of_o thing_n than_o which_o nothing_o more_o uncertain_a and_o thereby_o make_v it_o to_o depend_v upon_o a_o condition_n never_o like_v to_o be_v attain_v in_o this_o world_n which_o be_v the_o agreement_n and_o uniformity_n of_o man_n opinion_n for_o as_o long_o as_o man_n face_n differ_v their_o judgement_n will_n and_o until_o there_o be_v a_o intellectus_fw-la averroisticus_fw-la the_o same_o understanding_n in_o all_o person_n we_o have_v little_a ground_n to_o hope_v for_o such_o a_o universal_a harmony_n in_o the_o intellectual_a world_n and_o yet_o even_o then_o the_o soul_n may_v pass_v a_o different_a judgement_n upon_o the_o colour_n of_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o different_a tincture_n of_o the_o several_a optick-glass_n in_o particular_a body_n which_o it_o take_v a_o prospect_n of_o thing_n through_o reason_n and_o experience_n then_o give_v we_o little_a hope_n of_o any_o peace_n in_o the_o church_n if_o the_o unity_n of_o man_n judgement_n be_v suppose_v the_o condition_n of_o it_o the_o next_o inquiry_n than_o be_v how_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v attain_v or_o preserve_v when_o man_n be_v under_o such_o different_a persuasion_n especial_o if_o they_o respect_v the_o mean_n in_o order_n to_o a_o peace_n and_o settlement_n for_o the_o way_n to_o peace_n like_o the_o fertile_a soil_n of_o greece_n have_v be_v ofttimes_o the_o occasion_n of_o the_o great_a quarrel_n and_o no_o sickness_n be_v so_o dangerous_a as_o that_o when_o man_n be_v sick_a of_o their_o remedy_n and_o nauseate_a that_o most_o which_o tend_v to_o their_o recovery_n but_o while_o physician_n quarrel_n about_o the_o method_n of_o cure_n the_o patient_n languish_v under_o their_o hand_n and_o when_o man_n increase_v contention_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o peace_n while_o they_o seem_v to_o court_v it_o they_o destroy_v it_o the_o only_a way_n leave_v for_o the_o church_n settlement_n and_o peace_n under_o such_o variety_n of_o apprehension_n concern_v the_o mean_n and_o method_n in_o order_n to_o it_o be_v to_o pitch_v upon_o such_o a_o foundation_n if_o possible_a to_o be_v find_v out_o whereon_o the_o different_a party_n retain_v their_o private_a apprehension_n may_v yet_o be_v agree_v to_o carry_v on_o the_o same_o work_n in_o common_a in_o order_n to_o the_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o can_v be_v by_o leave_v all_o absolute_o to_o follow_v their_o own_o way_n for_o that_o be_v to_o build_v a_o babel_n instead_o of_o salem_n confusion_n instead_o of_o peace_n it_o must_v be_v then_o by_o convince_a man_n that_o neither_o of_o those_o way_n to_o peace_n and_o order_n which_o they_o contend_v about_o be_v necessary_a by_o way_n of_o divine_a command_n though_o some_o be_v as_o a_o mean_n to_o a_o end_n but_o which_o particular_a way_n or_o form_v it_o must_v be_v be_v whole_o leave_v to_o the_o prudence_n of_o those_o in_o who_o power_n and_o trust_v it_o be_v to_o see_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n be_v secure_v on_o last_a foundation_n how_o near_o this_o concern_v the_o present_a debate_n about_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n any_o one_o
determine_v the_o particular_a form_n of_o government_n our_o next_o task_n will_v be_v to_o inquire_v into_o those_o action_n of_o our_o saviour_n which_o be_v conceive_v to_o have_v any_o plausible_a aspect_n towards_o the_o settle_v the_o form_n of_o government_n in_o his_o church_n and_o be_v it_o not_o that_o man_n be_v general_o so_o wed_v to_o a_o hypothesis_n they_o have_v once_o drink_v in_o by_o the_o prevalency_n of_o interest_n or_o education_n we_o may_v have_v be_v supersede_v from_o our_o former_a labour_n but_o that_o man_n be_v so_o ready_a to_o think_v that_o opinion_n to_o be_v most_o necessary_a which_o they_o be_v most_o in_o love_n with_o and_o have_v appear_v most_o zealous_a for_o man_n be_v loath_a to_o be_v persuade_v that_o they_o have_v spend_v so_o much_o breath_n to_o so_o little_a purpose_n and_o have_v be_v so_o hot_a and_o eager_a for_o somewhat_o which_o at_o last_o appear_v to_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o christian_a liberty_n therefore_o we_o find_v very_o few_o that_o have_v be_v ever_o very_a earnest_n in_o the_o maintain_n or_o promote_a any_o matter_n of_o opinion_n but_o have_v lay_v more_o weight_n upon_o it_o than_o it_o will_v real_o bear_v lest_o man_n shall_v think_v that_o with_o all_o their_o sweat_n and_o toil_n they_o only_o beat_v the_o air_n and_o break_v their_o tooth_n in_o crack_v a_o nut_n with_o a_o hole_n in_o it_o which_o if_o they_o have_v be_v so_o wise_a as_o to_o discern_v before_o they_o may_v have_v save_v their_o pain_n for_o somewhat_o which_o will_v have_v better_o recompense_v they_o but_o thus_o it_o general_o fare_v with_o man_n they_o suck_v in_o principle_n according_a as_o interest_n and_o education_n dispose_v they_o which_o be_v once_o in_o have_v the_o advantage_n of_o insinuate_a themselves_o into_o the_o understanding_n and_o thereby_o raise_v a_o prejudice_n against_o whatever_o come_v to_o disturb_v they_o which_o prejudice_n be_v the_o yellow-jaundise_n of_o the_o soul_n leave_v such_o a_o tincture_n upon_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o understanding_n that_o till_o it_o be_v cure_v of_o that_o icterism_n it_o can_v discern_v thing_n in_o their_o proper_a colour_n now_o this_o prejudice_n be_v raise_v by_o nothing_o more_o strong_o than_o when_o the_o opinion_n receive_v be_v entertain_v upon_o a_o presumption_n that_o there_o be_v a_o divine_a stamp_n and_o impress_n upon_o it_o though_o no_o such_o effigy_n be_v discernible_a there_o hence_o come_v all_o the_o several_a contend_a party_n about_o church-government_n equal_o to_o plead_v a_o interest_n in_o this_o ius_n divinum_fw-la and_o whatever_o opinion_n they_o have_v espouse_v they_o present_o conceive_v it_o to_o be_v of_o no_o less_o than_o divine_a extract_n and_o original_a and_o as_o it_o sometime_o be_v with_o great_a personage_n among_o the_o heathen_n when_o their_o miscarriage_n be_v discernible_a to_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n the_o better_a to_o palliate_v they_o among_o the_o vulgar_a they_o give_v themselves_o out_o to_o be_v impreguate_v by_o some_o of_o their_o adore_a deity_n so_o i_o fear_v it_o have_v be_v among_o some_o who_o religion_n shall_v have_v teach_v they_o better_a thing_n when_o either_o faction_n design_n or_o interest_n have_v form_v some_o conception_n within_o they_o suitable_a thereunto_o to_o make_v they_o the_o more_o passable_a to_o the_o world_n they_o be_v bring_v forth_o under_o the_o pretence_n of_o divine_a truth_n far_o be_v it_o from_o i_o to_o charge_v any_o sincere_a humble_a sober_a christian_n with_o a_o offence_n of_o so_o high_a a_o nature_n who_o yet_o may_v be_v possess_v with_o some_o mistake_n and_o apprehension_n of_o this_o nature_n but_o these_o be_v only_o wrought_v on_o by_o the_o master_n of_o party_n who_o know_v unless_o they_o fly_v so_o high_a they_o shall_v never_o hit_v the_o game_n they_o aim_n at_o this_o be_v most_o discernible_a in_o the_o factor_n for_o the_o roman_a omnipotency_n as_o paulus_n the_o five_o be_v call_v omnipotentiae_fw-la pontificiâ—_n conservaton_n they_o who_o see_v not_o that_o interest_n and_o faction_n uphold_v that_o court_n rather_o than_o church_n may_v well_o be_v presume_v to_o be_v hood-winked_n with_o more_o than_o a_o implicit_a faith_n and_o yet_o if_o we_o believe_v the_o great_a supporter_n of_o that_o interest_n the_o power_n they_o plead_v for_o be_v plain_o give_v they_o from_o christ_n himself_o and_o not_o only_o offer_v to_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v so_o but_o that_o it_o be_v not_o consistent_a with_o the_o wisdom_n of_o christ_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v otherwise_o lest_o i_o shall_v seem_v to_o wrong_v those_o of_o any_o religion_n hear_v what_o the_o author_n of_o the_o gloss_n upon_o the_o extravagant_n sanctum_fw-la so_o they_o may_v be_v well_o call_v say_v to_o this_o purpose_n apply_v that_o place_n of_o our_o saviour_n all_o power_n be_v give_v to_o i_o in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n matthew_n 28._o 18._o to_o the_o pope_n add_v these_o word_n non_fw-la videretur_fw-la dominus_fw-la discretas_fw-la fuisse_fw-la ut_fw-la cum_fw-la reverentia_fw-la ejus_fw-la loquar_fw-la nisi_fw-la unicum_fw-la post_fw-la se_fw-la talem_fw-la vicarium_fw-la reliquisset_fw-la qui_fw-la hac_fw-la omne_fw-la posset_n we_o see_v by_o this_o what_o blasphemy_n man_n may_v run_v into_o when_o they_o argue_v from_o their_o private_a fancy_n and_o opinion_n to_o what_o must_v be_v do_v by_o the_o law_n of_o christ._n it_o therefore_o become_v all_o sober_a christian_n impartial_o to_o inquire_v what_o christ_n have_v do_v and_o to_o ground_v their_o opinion_n only_o upon_o that_o without_o any_o such_o presumptuous_a intrusion_n into_o the_o counsel_n of_o heaven_n we_o here_o therefore_o take_v our_o leave_n of_o the_o dispute_n why_o it_o be_v necessary_a a_o form_n of_o government_n shall_v be_v establish_v and_o now_o enter_v upon_o a_o survey_n of_o those_o ground_n which_o be_v take_v from_o any_o passage_n of_o our_o saviour_n common_o produce_v as_o a_o foundation_n for_o any_o particular_a form_n i_o shall_v not_o stand_v to_o prove_v that_o christ_n as_o mediator_n have_v all_o 2._o the_o power_n over_o the_o church_n in_o his_o own_o hand_n it_o be_v a_o thing_n so_o evident_a from_o scripture_n and_o so_o beyond_o all_o dispute_n with_o 18._o those_o who_o i_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o in_o which_o respect_n he_o be_v the_o only_a head_n of_o the_o church_n and_o from_o who_o all_o divine_a right_n 6._o for_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n must_v be_v derive_v which_o right_o can_v arise_v only_o from_o some_o action_n or_o law_n of_o christ_n which_o we_o therefore_o now_o search_v into_o the_o first_o public_a action_n of_o christ_n after_o his_o solemn_a entrance_n upon_o his_o office_n which_o can_v be_v conceive_v to_o have_v any_o reference_n to_o the_o government_n of_o his_o church_n be_v the_o call_v the_o apostle_n in_o who_o for_o our_o better_a methodize_v this_o discourse_n we_o shall_v observe_v these_o three_o several_a step_n first_o when_o they_o be_v call_v to_o be_v christ_n disciple_n second_o when_o christ_n send_v they_o out_o with_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n three_o when_o he_o give_v they_o their_o full_a commission_n of_o act_v with_o apostolical_a power_n all_o the_o world_n over_o these_o three_o season_n be_v accurate_o to_o be_v distinguish_v for_o â—he_n apostles_n do_v not_o enjoy_v so_o great_a power_n when_o they_o be_v disciple_n as_o when_o they_o be_v send_v abroad_o by_o christ_n neither_o have_v â—hey_n any_o proper_a power_n of_o church-government_n after_o that_o â—â—nding_v forth_o till_o after_o christ_n resurrection_n when_o christ_n tell_v â—hem_n all_o power_n be_v put_v into_o his_o hand_n and_o therefore_o give_v they_o 19_o â—â—ll_v commission_n to_o go_v and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o all_o nation_n the_o first_o step_n than_o we_o observe_v in_o the_o apostle_n towards_o their_o power_n of_o church-government_n be_v in_o their_o first_o call_v to_o be_v disciple_n two_o several_a call_n be_v observe_v in_o scripture_n concern_v the_o apostle_n the_o first_o be_v more_o general_a when_o they_o be_v call_v only_o to_o follow_v christ_n the_o second_o more_o special_a when_o christ_n tell_v they_o what_o he_o call_v they_o to_o and_o specify_v and_o describe_v their_o office_n to_o they_o by_o tell_v they_o he_o will_v make_v they_o fisher_n of_o men._n we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o digest_v the_o order_n of_o their_o call_n as_o clear_o and_o as_o brief_o as_o we_o â—an_v our_o bless_a saviour_n about_o the_o thirty_o year_n of_o his_o age_n solemn_o enter_v upon_o the_o discharge_n of_o his_o prophetical_a office_n 32._o in_o make_v know_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n to_o the_o world_n to_o make_v his_o appearance_n more_o public_a go_v to_o jordan_n and_o be_v 1._o there_o baptize_v of_o john_n present_o after_o he_o be_v lead_v up_o by_o the_o spirit_n into_o the_o wilderness_n where_o he_o
purpose_n likewise_o hierome_n understand_v it_o on_o the_o contrary_a those_o that_o say_v that_o these_o elder_n be_v those_o of_o the_o several_a church_n of_o asia_n be_v favour_v by_o v_o 18._o that_o from_o the_o first_o day_n he_o come_v into_o asia_n he_o have_v be_v with_o they_o at_o all_o season_n now_o paul_n do_v not_o remain_v all_o the_o time_n at_o ephesus_n as_o appear_v by_o act_n 19_o 10_o 22_o 26._o where_o he_o be_v say_v to_o preach_v the_o word_n abroad_o in_o asia_n and_o so_o in_o probability_n church_n be_v plant_v and_o ruler_n settle_v in_o they_o and_o that_o these_o be_v at_o this_o time_n call_v to_o miletus_n by_o paul_n be_v the_o express_a affirmation_n of_o irenaeus_n 14._o in_o mileto_n enim_fw-la convocatis_fw-la episcopis_fw-la &_o presbyteris_fw-la qui_fw-la eraâ—t_fw-la ab_fw-la epheso_fw-la &_o à _fw-la reliquis_fw-la proximis_fw-la civitatibus_fw-la quoniam_fw-la ipse_fw-la festinavit_fw-la hierosolymis_fw-la pentecostem_fw-la agere_fw-la here_o be_v nothing_o then_o either_o in_o the_o text_n or_o antiquity_n that_o do_v absolute_o determine_v whence_o these_o elder_n come_v but_o there_o may_v be_v a_o probability_n on_o either_o side_n and_o so_o no_o certainty_n or_o necessity_n of_o understand_v it_o either_o way_n and_o so_o for_o the_o other_o place_n in_o timothy_n and_o titus_n it_o be_v certain_a the_o care_n of_o those_o person_n do_v extend_v to_o many_o place_n and_o therefore_o the_o elder_n or_o bishop_n make_v by_o they_o be_v not_o necessary_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o a_o plurality_n of_o elder_n in_o one_o place_n thus_o we_o see_v that_o there_o be_v no_o incongruity_n in_o apply_v either_o of_o these_o two_o form_n to_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o place_n in_o question_n i_o dispute_v not_o which_o be_v the_o true_a or_o at_o least_o more_o probable_a sense_n but_o that_o we_o can_v find_v nothing_o in_o the_o several_a place_n which_o do_v necessary_o determine_v how_o they_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v as_o to_o one_o particular_a form_n of_o government_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n i_o now_o aim_v at_o the_o prove_v of_o and_o if_o neither_o form_n be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o these_o place_n how_o can_v any_o one_o be_v necessary_o infer_v from_o they_o as_o if_o the_o several_a motion_n and_o phaenomena_fw-la of_o the_o heaven_n may_v be_v with_o equal_a probability_n explain_v according_a to_o the_o ptolemaick_a or_o copernican_n hypothesis_n viz._n about_o the_o rest_n or_o motion_n of_o the_o earth_n than_o it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o from_o those_o phaenomena_n no_o argument_n can_v be_v draw_v evince_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o one_o hypothesis_n and_o overturning_a the_o probability_n of_o the_o other_o if_o that_o great_a wonder_n of_o nature_n the_o flux_n and_o reflux_n of_o the_o sea_n may_v with_o equal_a congruity_n be_v solve_v according_a to_o the_o different_a opinion_n of_o its_o be_v cause_v by_o subterraneous_a fire_n or_o from_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o moon_n or_o the_o depression_n of_o the_o lunar_a vortex_n or_o which_o to_o i_o be_v far_o the_o most_o probable_a by_o a_o motion_n of_o consent_n of_o the_o sea_n with_o all_o the_o other_o great_a body_n of_o the_o world_n we_o shall_v find_v no_o necessity_n at_o all_o of_o entertain_v one_o opinion_n above_o another_o but_o to_o look_v upon_o all_o as_o probable_a and_o none_o as_o certain_a so_o likewise_o for_o the_o composition_n and_o motion_n of_o all_o natural_a body_n the_o several_a hypothesis_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a philosophy_n imply_v no_o apparent_a incongruity_n to_o nature_n do_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o all_o or_o any_o of_o they_o may_v be_v embrace_v as_o ingenious_a romance_n in_o philosophy_n as_o they_o be_v no_o more_o but_o that_o none_o of_o they_o be_v the_o certain_a truth_n or_o can_v be_v make_v appear_v so_o to_o be_v to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n so_o it_o be_v in_o controversy_n in_o theology_n if_o the_o matter_n propound_v to_o be_v believe_v may_v as_o to_o the_o truth_n and_o substance_n of_o it_o be_v equal_o believe_v under_o different_a way_n of_o explication_n than_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n as_o to_o the_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n to_o believe_v it_o under_o such_o a_o explication_n of_o it_o more_o than_o under_o another_o as_o for_o instance_n in_o the_o case_n of_o christ_n descent_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d if_o i_o may_v true_o believe_v that_o christ_n do_v descend_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d whether_o by_o that_o we_o understand_v the_o state_n of_o the_o dead_a or_o a_o local_a descent_n to_o hell_n than_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n in_o order_n to_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o substance_n of_o that_o article_n of_o the_o ancient_a creed_n call_v the_o apostle_n under_o that_o restriction_n of_o a_o local_a descent_n by_o this_o time_n i_o suppose_v it_o be_v clear_a that_o if_o these_o place_n of_o scripture_n may_v be_v understand_v in_o these_o two_o different_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n elder_n viz._n either_o take_v collective_o in_o one_o city_n or_o distributive_o in_o many_o then_o there_o be_v no_o certainty_n which_o of_o these_o two_o sense_n must_v be_v embrace_v and_o so_o the_o form_n of_o church-government_n which_o must_v be_v thence_o derive_v be_v leave_v still_o at_o as_o great_a uncertainty_n as_o ever_o notwithstanding_o these_o place_n of_o scripture_n bring_v to_o demonstrate_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d three_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o the_o primitive_a form_n of_o government_n 16._o will_v be_v make_v appear_v from_o the_o defectivenesse_n ambiguity_n partiality_n and_o repugnancy_n of_o the_o record_n of_o the_o succeed_a age_n which_o shall_v inform_v we_o what_o apostolical_a practice_n be_v when_o man_n be_v by_o the_o force_n of_o the_o former_a argument_n drive_v off_o from_o scripture_n than_o they_o present_o run_v to_o take_v sanctuary_n in_o the_o record_n of_o succeed_a age_n to_o the_o apostle_n thus_o estius_n no_o mean_a school-man_n handle_v this_o very_a question_n of_o the_o difference_n of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n very_o fair_o quit_v the_o scripture_n and_o betake_v himself_o to_o other_o weapon_n quod_fw-la autem_fw-la jure_fw-la divino_fw-la sint_fw-la episcopi_fw-la presbyteris_fw-la superiores_fw-la et_fw-la si_fw-la non_fw-la ita_fw-la clarum_fw-la est_fw-la è_fw-la sacris_fw-la literis_fw-la aliunde_fw-la tamen_fw-la 25._o satis_fw-la efficaciter_fw-la probari_fw-la potest_fw-la ingenuous_o say_v however_o but_o all_o the_o difficulty_n be_v how_o a_o ius_n divinum_fw-la shall_v be_v prove_v when_o man_n leave_v the_o scripture_n which_o make_v other_o so_o loath_a to_o leave_v this_o hold_n although_o they_o do_v it_o in_o effect_n when_o they_o call_v in_o the_o help_n of_o succeed_a age_n to_o make_v the_o scripture_n speak_v plain_a for_o they_o we_o follow_v therefore_o the_o scent_n of_o the_o game_n into_o this_o wood_n of_o antiquity_n wherein_o it_o will_v be_v easy_a to_o lose_v ourselves_o then_o to_o find_v that_o which_o we_o be_v upon_o the_o pursuit_n of_o a_o ius_n divinum_fw-la of_o any_o one_o particular_a form_n of_o government_n i_o handle_v now_o only_o the_o testimony_n of_o antiquity_n for_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o will_v call_v for_o a_o particular_a discourse_n afterward_o and_o herein_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v the_o incompetency_n of_o this_o testimony_n as_o to_o the_o show_v what_o certain_a form_n of_o church-government_n be_v practise_v by_o the_o apostle_n for_o that_o i_o shall_v make_v use_n of_o this_o four_o fold_n argument_n from_o the_o defectivenesse_n of_o this_o testimony_n from_o the_o ambiguity_n of_o it_o from_o the_o partiality_n of_o it_o and_o from_o the_o repugnancy_n of_o it_o to_o its_o self_n first_o then_o for_o the_o defectivenesse_n of_o the_o testimony_n of_o antiquity_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o show_v what_o certain_a form_n the_o apostle_n observe_v in_o settle_v the_o government_n of_o church_n a_o threefold_a defectivenesse_n i_o observe_v in_o it_o as_o to_z place_n as_o to_z time_n as_o to_o person_n first_o defectivenesse_n as_o to_o place_n for_o he_o that_o will_v be_v satisfy_v what_o course_n the_o apostle_n take_v for_o govern_v church_n it_o will_v be_v very_o requisite_a to_o observe_v the_o uniformity_n of_o the_o apostle_n practice_n in_o all_o church_n of_o their_o plantation_n and_o if_o but_o one_o place_n vary_v it_o be_v enough_o to_o overthrow_v the_o necessity_n of_o any_o one_o form_n of_o government_n because_o thereby_o it_o will_v be_v evident_a that_o they_o observe_v no_o certain_a or_o constant_a course_n nor_o do_v they_o look_v upon_o themselves_o as_o oblige_v so_o to_o do_v now_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o such_o a_o universal_a testimony_n as_o to_o place_n be_v this_o we_o have_v already_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v no_o law_n of_o christ_n absolute_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
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 arguâ—â—â—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 â—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
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 saiâ—_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 truthâ—_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 overthroâ—â—_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 â—2_n h._n grotius_n speak_v of_o excommunication_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n neque_fw-la adâ—am_fw-la râ—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