be_v desperse_v over_o the_o whole_a world_n yet_o not_o all_o nor_o many_o in_o comparison_n of_o the_o infidel_n but_o a_o very_a few_o belong_v unto_o it_o and_o therefore_o we_o be_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o see_v who_o be_v the_o member_n of_o it_o and_o of_o who_o it_o do_v consist_v the_o answer_n to_o this_o point_n we_o have_v in_o the_o definition_n which_o say_v that_o all_o who_o serve_v god_n in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v of_o the_o catholic_a church_n for_o as_o a_o king_n may_v divide_v the_o whole_a world_n into_o his_o own_o subject_n who_o live_v within_o his_o dominion_n know_v obey_v and_o honour_v he_o and_o into_o forrenner_n who_o be_v without_o the_o compass_n of_o his_o jurisdiction_n do_v he_o no_o service_n make_v no_o account_n of_o he_o and_o in_o brief_a have_v no_o kind_n of_o deal_n with_o he_o so_o all_o man_n live_v in_o the_o world_n be_v either_o god_n subject_n and_o servant_n live_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n and_o as_o it_o be_v write_v ephes._n 2.12.19_o citizen_n with_o the_o faint_n and_o of_o the_o household_n of_o god_n or_o else_o they_o be_v aliante_n from_o the_o common_a wealth_n of_o israel_n without_o the_o promise_n covenant_n or_o hope_n of_o salvation_n yea_o without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n but_o forsomuch_o as_o god_n be_v serve_v many_o way_n in_o deed_n or_o in_o show_v only_o sincere_o or_o hypocritical_o pure_o or_o corrupt_o full_o or_o after_o a_o imperfect_a manner_n in_o knowledge_n or_o in_o ignorance_n and_o after_o many_o other_o difference_n therefore_o we_o be_v to_o search_v out_o what_o manner_n of_o serve_v god_n do_v make_v a_o man_n to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n whereunto_o we_o answer_v church_n that_o the_o outward_a profession_n of_o the_o true_a service_n of_o god_n although_o join_v with_o impotency_n of_o perform_v any_o actual_a service_n yea_o with_o hypocrisy_n corruption_n imperfection_n error_n and_o heresy_n will_v serve_v for_o this_o purpose_n and_o do_v make_v a_o man_n a_o true_a member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n for_o the_o first_o difference_n some_o serve_v god_n actual_o by_o pray_v to_o god_n or_o praise_v he_o by_o hear_v his_o word_n and_o obey_v it_o or_o which_o be_v all_o in_o all_o by_o trust_v fear_v and_o love_v god_n in_o heart_n namely_o so_o many_o of_o the_o church_n as_o have_v come_v to_o year_n of_o discretion_n but_o there_o be_v some_o who_o can_v serve_v god_n by_o any_o of_o these_o mean_n or_o any_o other_o of_o the_o same_o kind_n to_o wit_n infant_n who_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o infirmity_n of_o their_o age_n can_v hear_v or_o understande_v and_o therefore_o can_v neither_o know_v nor_o believe_v god_n or_o serve_v he_o in_o any_o actual_a manner_n yet_o they_o may_v and_o do_v by_o the_o help_n of_o other_o take_v upon_o they_o and_o bear_v the_o true_a profession_n of_o the_o service_n of_o god_n by_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n of_o initiation_n or_o first_o entrance_n into_o the_o church_n church_n by_o the_o which_o mean_n they_o become_v true_a member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n as_o well_o as_o man_n of_o ripe_a age_n the_o truth_n hereof_o appear_v 1._o corin._n 7.14_o where_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o the_o child_n of_o the_o christian_n be_v holy_a mean_v even_o the_o young_a infant_n as_o they_o be_v bear_v of_o faithful_a parent_n not_o that_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o parent_n or_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o church_n do_v add_v any_o inward_a and_o real_a holiness_n unto_o they_o but_o only_o give_v unto_o they_o a_o holy_a profession_n or_o a_o outward_a profession_n of_o holiness_n and_o of_o faith_n and_o also_o impute_a righteousness_n and_o suppose_a holiness_n if_o they_o belong_v to_o god_n election_n in_o like_a manner_n under_o the_o law_n all_o the_o young_a child_n of_o the_o jew_n especial_o after_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o sacrament_n of_o circumcision_n be_v count_v member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o the_o number_n of_o the_o holy_a people_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o god_n complain_v of_o the_o jew_n offer_v their_o young_a one_o in_o sacrifice_n to_o idol_n that_o they_o give_v his_o child_n to_o moloch_n ezec._n 16.21_o thus_o much_o of_o those_o who_o become_v member_n of_o the_o church_n by_o mere_a profession_n now_o we_o come_v to_o the_o actual_a serve_v of_o god_n the_o which_o where_o it_o be_v in_o sincerity_n of_o hart_n and_o life_n perform_v it_o make_v one_o a_o member_n of_o christâ—s_n mystical_a body_n much_o more_o theâ—_n of_o his_o church_n here_o on_o earth_n but_o all_o the_o controversy_n be_v of_o they_o in_o who_o this_o actual_a service_n be_v imperfect_a as_o it_o be_v first_o in_o hypocrite_n who_o want_v the_o inward_a service_n of_o the_o heart_n as_o also_o heretic_n do_v some_o part_n of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o doctrine_n and_o dissolute_a man_n the_o service_n of_o outward_a life_n and_o ignorant_a idiote_n the_o service_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o last_o as_o the_o disperse_a member_n of_o the_o church_n want_v the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n the_o answer_n in_o general_n be_v this_o that_o howsoever_o the_o imperfect_a service_n of_o hypocrite_n wicked_a man_n heretic_n and_o idiote_n be_v not_o acceptable_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n yet_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v they_o true_a member_n of_o the_o militant_a church_n but_o we_o will_v come_v to_o the_o several_a consideration_n of_o they_o and_o first_o of_o hypocrite_n by_o the_o which_o name_n we_o call_v those_o man_n in_o who_o the_o outward_a service_n be_v perfect_a in_o that_o they_o both_o hold_v and_o profess_v the_o whole_a truth_n of_o christian_n religion_n and_o also_o express_v the_o same_o in_o their_o life_n both_o in_o word_n and_o deed_n and_o yet_o do_v not_o serve_v god_n in_o spiritte_v and_o truth_n but_o be_v destitute_a of_o true_a faith_n and_o of_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o effectual_a grace_n of_o the_o sanctify_v spiritte_v spring_v thereof_o this_o manner_n of_o serve_v god_n be_v not_o please_v but_o rather_o odious_a and_o abominable_a to_o he_o esay_n 1.14_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o available_a for_o the_o salvation_n of_o any_o church_n but_o rather_o make_v man_n damnation_n the_o more_o just_a yet_o it_o give_v unto_o they_o the_o name_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n for_o it_o be_v confess_v of_o all_o that_o hypocrite_n may_v be_v true_a minister_n in_o a_o particular_a church_n as_o judas_n be_v a_o true_a apostle_n whereof_o it_o do_v necessarelie_o follow_v that_o they_o be_v true_a member_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o teacher_n and_o ruler_n of_o a_o church_n be_v the_o chief_a member_n of_o it_o so_o that_o as_o in_o a_o commonwealth_n or_o kingdom_n they_o who_o have_v freedom_n and_o interest_n in_o such_o body_n either_o by_o nature_n or_o favour_n be_v count_v true_a subject_n as_o long_o as_o they_o live_v in_o outward_a obedience_n to_o law_n yea_o though_o they_o be_v know_v to_o bear_v in_o their_o heart_n a_o unnatural_a and_o disloyal_a affection_n to_o their_o country_n or_o prince_n so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n with_o hypocrite_n destitute_a of_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o love_n of_o god_n but_o how_o can_v hypocrite_n be_v make_v true_a member_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n see_v that_o they_o have_v no_o conjunction_n with_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o resolve_v of_o this_o doubt_n we_o must_v consider_v both_o christ_n the_o head_n and_o the_o church_n his_o body_n two_o diverse_a way_n for_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v a_o saviour_n be_v a_o head_n to_o the_o mystical_a body_n of_o the_o elect_a only_o unto_o who_o he_o give_v by_o his_o spirit_n effectual_a grace_n spiritual_a motion_n and_o eternal_a life_n in_o this_o respect_n hypocrite_n have_v no_o more_o to_o do_v with_o christ_n or_o his_o church_n than_o darkness_n have_v with_o light_n but_o here_o we_o do_v not_o meddle_v with_o the_o mystical_a body_n of_o the_o church_n secondlie_o christ_n be_v the_o king_n lord_n and_o ruler_n of_o his_o church_n militant_a here_o on_o earth_n in_o the_o which_o respect_n he_o be_v a_o head_n not_o only_o to_o the_o faithful_a but_o also_o to_o hypocrite_n to_o who_o he_o give_v spiritual_a grace_n ministerial_a gift_n and_o ecclesiastical_a function_n even_o as_o he_o make_v the_o sun_n to_o shine_v upon_o the_o just_a and_o the_o unjust_a first_o he_o communicate_v to_o they_o the_o gift_n of_o knowledge_n wisdom_n doctrine_n and_o exhortation_n of_o tongue_n of_o miracle_n and_o prophesy_v ephesian_n 4.8_o where_o he_o like_v a_o victorious_a king_n triumph_v over_o his_o enemy_n ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o give_v
zealous_a of_o the_o law_n yea_o paul_n by_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n do_v go_v about_o to_o make_v the_o jew_n believe_v that_o he_o also_o do_v live_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n act._n 21.26_o and_o therefore_o we_o must_v think_v that_o he_o warn_v the_o galathian_o that_o if_o now_o in_o so_o great_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o teach_v the_o abrogation_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n and_o after_o so_o much_o teach_v and_o so_o many_o admonition_n they_o do_v still_o remain_v blind_a and_o obstinate_a yea_o and_o do_v turn_v back_o again_o to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o law_n that_o then_o it_o be_v a_o evident_a sign_n that_o they_o be_v as_o yet_o destitute_a of_o the_o true_a knowledge_n and_o obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o if_o this_o have_v be_v the_o first_o time_n wherein_o they_o have_v be_v teach_v christ_n he_o will_v easy_o have_v wink_v at_o this_o great_a error_n of_o join_v the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n together_o likewise_o as_o concern_v that_o detestable_a heresy_n of_o arianismâ—_n we_o may_v well_o think_v the_o author_n spreader_n beginner_n furtherer_n and_o maintainer_n of_o it_o to_o have_v be_v man_n destitute_a of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o that_o this_o heresy_n be_v especial_o in_o these_o age_n a_o fearful_a sign_n of_o eternalll_v reprobation_n yet_o we_o be_v not_o to_o think_v so_o hardly_o of_o those_o they_o who_o be_v corrupt_v with_o it_o â—fter_a that_o it_o have_v overspr_v the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o so_o be_v carry_v away_o with_o the_o multitude_n to_o evil_a although_o it_o be_v in_o that_o time_n also_o a_o fearful_a token_n of_o a_o reprobate_a mind_n for_o as_o in_o a_o common_a infection_n of_o the_o air_n we_o can_v judge_v of_o the_o state_n of_o man_n body_n by_o popular_a disease_n and_o death_n whenas_o both_o strong_a and_o weak_a man_n be_v in_o the_o same_o case_n so_o neither_o in_o the_o common_a reign_v of_o any_o heresy_n can_v we_o perfect_o discern_v the_o state_n of_o man_n mind_n and_o soul_n by_o that_o token_n forsomuch_o as_o god_n do_v savesome_a even_o by_o pull_v they_o out_o of_o the_o fire_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v charitable_o to_o hope_v the_o best_a of_o they_o who_o live_v in_o grievous_a error_n not_o of_o wilful_a blindness_n but_o of_o simple_a ignorance_n and_o not_o to_o doubt_v but_o that_o ignorant_a heretic_n be_v religious_a and_o zealous_a seruer_n of_o god_n be_v in_o far_o bettâ—r_a state_n as_o touch_v their_o salvation_n than_o they_o who_o profess_v the_o sincere_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v in_o their_o profane_a life_n deny_v the_o power_n thereof_o but_o that_o heretic_n be_v to_o be_v account_v member_n of_o the_o church_n we_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o declare_v when_o we_o come_v to_o the_o corrupt_a state_n of_o a_o church_n so_o that_o to_o conclude_v this_o point_n we_o do_v and_o that_o as_o we_o trust_v and_o be_v persuade_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n give_v the_o name_n of_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o christian_n to_o all_o that_o do_v in_o outward_a profession_n hold_v the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n the_o which_o although_o in_o effect_n it_o be_v the_o same_o both_o before_o and_o since_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n yet_o it_o have_v some_o difference_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o diversity_n of_o the_o time_n for_o before_o christ_n be_v exhibit_v in_o the_o flesh_n this_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n i_o put_v my_o whole_a trust_n and_o confidence_n for_o my_o happiness_n in_o the_o messiah_n who_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o send_v for_o the_o redemption_n and_o salvation_n of_o the_o people_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o david_n this_o foundation_n do_v the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n profess_v when_o christ_n come_v and_o therefore_o every_o one_o of_o that_o people_n be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n howsoever_o they_o do_v together_o hold_v grosser_n heresy_n christ._n than_o the_o papist_n do_v at_o this_o day_n but_o since_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n this_o be_v to_o hold_v the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n i_o believe_v jesus_n the_o son_n of_o mary_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o promise_a messiah_n the_o lord_n and_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o in_o he_o only_o salvation_n be_v to_o be_v have_v as_o it_o be_v more_o brief_o set_v down_o by_o the_o apostle_n 1._o cor._n 3.11_o another_o foundation_n can_v no_o man_n lay_v but_o that_o which_o be_v lay_v to_o wit_n that_o jesus_n be_v christ._n to_o the_o which_o doctrine_n all_o opinion_n and_o assertion_n which_o be_v contrary_a be_v pernicious_a heresy_n and_o such_o as_o bring_v certain_a damnation_n 2._o peter_n 2.1_o there_o be_v many_o false_a prophet_n among_o the_o people_n as_o there_o be_v falsâ—_n teacher_n amongâ—_n you_o which_o bring_v in_o damnable_a heresy_n to_o wit_n these_o deny_v the_o lord_n jesuâ—_n who_o buy_v they_o these_o bring_v upon_o themselves_o swift_a damnation_n that_o be_v may_v certain_o be_v account_v for_o damn_a as_o for_o the_o heresy_n of_o those_o who_o do_v confess_v the_o lord_n jesus_n as_o they_o be_v more_o weighty_a and_o do_v near_o approach_v to_o the_o grand_a heresy_n of_o those_o who_o do_v not_o confess_v the_o lord_n jesus_n so_o they_o be_v more_o dangerous_a yet_o of_o themselves_o not_o be_v join_v with_o obstinate_a and_o wilful_a blindness_n not_o so_o desperate_a sect._n 5._o of_o those_o who_o dissemble_v their_o profession_n but_o before_o we_o leave_v this_o point_n this_o question_n may_v i_o move_v whether_o as_o the_o outward_a profession_n of_o faith_n without_o the_o truth_n thereof_o in_o heart_n so_o the_o inward_a faith_n of_o the_o heart_n without_o out_o ward_v profession_n be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o true_a member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n we_o answer_v that_o where_o true_a faith_n be_v there_o necessare_o be_v also_o some_o outward_a service_n of_o god_n and_o some_o confession_n of_o the_o mouth_n by_o prayer_n or_o some_o other_o mean_n which_o be_v it_o never_o so_o little_a be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n but_o as_o for_o open_a and_o public_a profession_n of_o our_o faith_n before_o man_n true_a faith_n be_v weak_a may_v be_v destitute_a thereof_o so_o we_o read_v john_n 12.40_o that_o many_o of_o the_o chief_a ruler_n believe_v in_o christ_n but_o neither_o do_v nor_o dare_v profess_v he_o before_o man_n these_o be_v member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n which_o be_v in_o visible_a but_o not_o of_o any_o particular_a church_n unless_o they_o do_v profess_v their_o faith_n before_o other_o beside_o themselves_o so_o that_o outward_a profession_n of_o the_o faith_n although_o it_o be_v secret_a and_o private_a make_v a_o man_n a_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n and_o open_a profession_n make_v we_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n but_o it_o may_v be_v object_v against_o this_o whole_a doctrine_n that_o if_o the_o outward_a profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v a_o true_a member_n of_o the_o church_n than_o the_o devil_n which_o confess_v jesus_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o godâ—_n be_v true_o christian_n we_o answer_v that_o this_o confession_n be_v extort_a from_o they_o by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o sometime_o come_v from_o the_o malice_n of_o their_o nature_n that_o so_o they_o may_v procure_v danger_n to_o christ_n faith_n but_o they_o do_v not_o by_o faith_n rely_v themselves_o on_o god_n in_o christ_n for_o happiness_n neither_o do_v they_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v his_o servant_n and_o that_o they_o be_v to_o love_v he_o and_o labour_n to_o glorify_v he_o as_o all_o christian_n do_v so_o then_o as_o many_o be_v member_n of_o the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o his_o church_n which_o be_v not_o as_o yet_o member_n of_o his_o visible_a body_n which_o be_v the_o visible_a church_n militant_a here_o on_o earth_n they_o not_o be_v as_o yet_o call_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o many_o be_v call_v to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n who_o be_v not_o choose_v sect._n 6._o who_o be_v without_o the_o catholic_a church_n and_o thus_o we_o see_v what_o manner_n of_o serve_v god_n be_v mean_v in_o the_o definition_n the_o other_o word_n which_o follow_v have_v their_o use_n for_o in_o that_o we_o require_v the_o service_n of_o the_o true_a god_n we_o exclude_v all_o heathenish_a and_o pagan_a people_n from_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n because_o as_o it_o be_v rom._n 1.23_o they_o pass_v by_o the_o creator_n worship_v creature_n as_o go_n and_o last_o we_o add_v these_o word_n in_o jesus_n christ_n because_o there_o be_v no_o true_a serve_v of_o god_n the_o
careful_a to_o serve_v he_o to_o set_v forth_o his_o glory_n and_o to_o build_v his_o church_n as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v last_o to_o conclude_v this_o whole_a treatise_n we_o learn_v by_o these_o two_o last_o action_n that_o as_o samuel_n howsoever_o he_o do_v great_o mislike_v the_o alteration_n of_o the_o former_a state_n and_o the_o set_n up_o of_o this_o new_a government_n yet_o whenas_o it_o be_v once_o by_o the_o permission_n of_o god_n and_o the_o importunity_n of_o the_o people_n establish_v he_o do_v labour_n that_o it_o shall_v continue_v for_o ever_o for_o the_o which_o purpose_n he_o do_v both_o write_v the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o in_o a_o book_n and_o also_o lay_v the_o say_a book_n before_o the_o lord_n so_o we_o do_v labour_n to_o continue_v that_o government_n which_o be_v in_o force_n in_o that_o place_n or_o country_n where_o we_o live_v although_o we_o do_v perhaps_o imagine_v yea_o &_o persuade_v ourselves_o that_o we_o can_v find_v out_o a_o better_a form_n of_o government_n dangerous_a &_o which_o shall_v be_v void_a of_o those_o in_o convenience_n which_o we_o see_v in_o the_o present_a state_n for_o as_o the_o wise_a man_n of_o this_o world_n teach_v we_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o troublesome_a dangerous_a yea_o pernicious_a to_o any_o people_n than_o the_o alteration_n of_o the_o form_n of_o government_n which_o be_v in_o force_n and_o as_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n speak_v in_o the_o scripture_n noâ—â—ing_n be_v more_o heinous_a &_o odious_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o man_n then_o to_o seek_v the_o subversion_n of_o magistrate_n state_n and_o kingdom_n finis_fw-la print_a at_o london_n for_o robert_n dexter_n 1596._o chap._n i._o of_o the_o catholic_a church_n sect._n 1_o of_o the_o name_n and_o definition_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n the_o church_n whereof_o we_o be_v now_o to_o entreat_v in_o greek_n and_o latin_n be_v call_v ecclesia_fw-la the_o which_o word_n be_v diverse_o take_v in_o the_o scripture_n for_o in_o the_o natural_a acception_n it_o do_v general_o signify_v any_o assembly_n of_o man_n meet_v about_o any_o matter_n as_o we_o may_v see_v act._n 19.39_o but_o for_o somuch_o as_o the_o scripture_n do_v only_o by_o occasion_n make_v mention_n of_o civil_a meeting_n therefore_o it_o do_v for_o the_o most_o part_n signify_v a_o holy_a assembly_n of_o man_n meet_v about_o holy_a and_o divine_a matter_n whereof_o the_o book_n of_o god_n do_v whole_o and_o of_o set_a purpose_n entreat_v yea_o in_o this_o second_o sense_n it_o be_v diverse_o use_v first_o for_o the_o triumphant_a church_n of_o the_o state_n whereof_o we_o do_v not_o speak_v any_o thing_n in_o this_o treatise_n because_o it_o be_v neither_o needful_a nor_o yet_o possible_a for_o we_o to_o know_v it_o and_o therefore_o not_o lawful_a to_o labour_v in_o the_o curious_a search_n of_o it_o it_o be_v not_o reveal_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n second_o the_o word_n ecclesia_fw-la be_v use_v to_o signify_v the_o church_n militant_a wherein_o we_o be_v now_o conversant_a and_o therefore_o it_o do_v great_o belong_v unto_o we_o to_o know_v the_o state_n of_o it_o because_o god_n have_v appoint_v it_o to_o be_v the_o way_n whereby_o we_o must_v pass_v to_o the_o triumphant_a church_n in_o this_o sense_n we_o do_v here_o entreat_v of_o the_o church_n and_o last_o even_o in_o this_o three_o sense_n the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n be_v diverse_o use_v to_o wit_n first_o for_o the_o whole_a church_n here_o on_o earth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o all_o those_o place_n where_o it_o be_v put_v for_o all_o the_o faithful_a people_n in_o the_o world_n as_o namely_o 1._o cor._n 10.32_o give_v no_o offence_n neither_o to_o the_o jew_n or_o gentile_n nor_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n that_o be_v to_o none_o that_o believe_v second_o for_o the_o whole_a visible_a church_n as_o we_o read_v 1._o cor._n 12.28_o god_n have_v put_v in_o his_o church_n apostles_n prophet_n pastor_n doctor_n for_o although_o neither_o the_o catholic_a nor_o yet_o the_o visible_a church_n do_v come_v together_o in_o one_o place_n yet_o because_o all_o the_o member_n of_o they_o both_o be_v join_v together_o in_o the_o bond_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o in_o the_o unity_n of_o faith_n the_o word_n ecclesia_fw-la be_v proper_o give_v unto_o they_o last_o it_o signify_v a_o particular_a church_n which_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o whole_a as_o the_o church_n at_o corinth_n or_o any_o other_o mention_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o in_o the_o first_o place_n we_o be_v to_o speak_v not_o of_o the_o particular_a church_n but_o of_o the_o whole_a church_n here_o on_o earth_n which_o be_v usual_o call_v the_o church_n militant_a because_o it_o fight_v against_o the_o enemy_n of_o our_o salvation_n to_o wit_n this_o present_a world_n sin_n sathan_n and_o his_o manifold_a temptation_n it_o be_v also_o call_v although_o not_o in_o the_o scripture_n the_o catholic_a church_n scripture_n the_o word_n catholic_a be_v most_o common_o oppose_v to_o heretical_a and_o attribute_v to_o that_o man_n or_o church_n which_o do_v hold_v the_o sincere_a doctrine_n of_o religion_n without_o any_o great_a error_n especial_o by_o they_o who_o do_v false_o imagine_v and_o teach_v that_o the_o great_a part_n be_v always_o the_o sound_a and_o more_o sincere_a in_o doctrine_n but_o here_o we_o use_v it_o in_o the_o proper_a and_o natural_a sense_n to_o signify_v the_o whole_a universal_a church_n which_o be_v thus_o define_v the_o catholic_a church_n be_v the_o whole_a number_n of_o those_o man_n who_o in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o world_n serve_v the_o true_a god_n in_o jesus_n christ._n in_o this_o definition_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v and_o explain_v diverse_a point_n sect._n 2._o of_o the_o place_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n and_o first_o of_o the_o place_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n it_o be_v not_o any_o one_o town_n city_n province_n nation_n or_o kingdom_n whatsoever_o but_o the_o whole_a world_n 1._o cor._n 1_o 1._o in_o every_o part_n whereof_o god_n have_v some_o that_o serve_v he_o because_o he_o will_v have_v no_o part_n whole_o either_o shut_v out_o from_o the_o participation_n of_o his_o mercy_n or_o leave_v without_o excuse_n or_o yet_o destitute_a of_o his_o presence_n as_o if_o he_o be_v thrust_v clean_o out_o from_o the_o possession_n of_o it_o the_o truth_n whereof_o appear_v in_o the_o scripture_n which_o show_v that_o howsoever_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o the_o open_a profession_n of_o religion_n be_v till_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n shut_v up_o within_o one_o family_n kindred_n or_o country_n yet_o that_o god_n be_v both_o know_v and_o serve_v by_o some_o in_o other_o place_n even_o in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o world_n so_o we_o read_v act_n 2._o that_o there_o be_v man_n of_o all_o the_o nation_n under_o heaven_n which_o fear_v god_n and_o there_o a_o particular_a enumeration_n be_v make_v of_o they_o parthian_n mede_n elamite_n the_o inhabitant_n of_o mesopotamia_n of_o judea_n cappadocia_n pontus_n asia_n phrygia_n and_o pamphilia_n egypt_n lybia_n cyrene_n rome_n creta_n and_o arabia_n so_o christ_n give_v commission_n to_o his_o apostle_n mark_n 16.15_o to_o preach_v to_o all_o nation_n in_o the_o world_n and_o according_o paul_n witness_v that_o the_o gospel_n be_v spread_v into_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o do_v daily_o fructify_v and_o increase_v coll._n 1.6_o likewise_o peter_n do_v observe_v this_o point_n of_o the_o universality_n of_o the_o church_n act._n 10.34.35_o in_o cornelius_n say_v i_o perceive_v of_o a_o truth_n that_o god_n do_v not_o regard_v person_n that_o be_v that_o he_o do_v not_o tie_v himself_o to_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n or_o to_o any_o other_o but_o that_o in_o every_o nation_n he_o that_o fear_v god_n be_v accept_v of_o he_o so_o act._n 13.17_o yet_o this_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o whenas_o all_o the_o people_n of_o the_o world_n be_v bring_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o one_o place_n than_o the_o catholic_a church_n also_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o same_o place_n &_o so_o it_o become_v a_o particular_a church_n so_o in_o the_o beginning_n whenas_o there_o be_v no_o man_n live_v out_o of_o adam_n family_n the_o catholic_a church_n be_v contain_v within_o the_o limit_n thereof_o family_n likewise_o in_o the_o general_a destruction_n of_o the_o world_n both_o all_o the_o people_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v shut_v up_o in_o noah_n ark_n this_o exception_n be_v make_v this_o doctrine_n stand_v true_a that_o no_o particular_a place_n house_n city_n country_n or_o nation_n whatsoever_o but_o even_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v the_o subject_n and_o place_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n sect._n 3._o that_o hypocrite_n be_v member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n although_o the_o catholic_a church_n
gift_n to_o man_n some_o to_o be_v apostle_n some_o evangelist_n etc._n etc._n secondlie_o he_o impart_v to_o they_o grace_n tend_v to_o their_o own_o salvation_n as_o a_o kind_n of_o faith_n of_o repentance_n of_o spiritual_a joy_n love_n and_o in_o general_a whatsoever_o grace_n be_v in_o the_o true_a believer_n the_o like_a may_v be_v find_v in_o a_o hypocrite_n and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o show_n and_o appearance_n but_o also_o in_o truth_n mark_v 4.16_o hypocrite_n receive_v the_o word_n with_o joy_n yet_o there_o be_v this_o difference_n in_o the_o faithful_a these_o grace_n be_v sincere_a evident_a effectual_a constant_a and_o perpetual_a but_o in_o hypocrite_n they_o be_v obscure_a in_o small_a measure_n unprofitable_a and_o temporary_a yea_o mix_v with_o much_o hypocrisy_n so_o that_o both_o faithful_a and_o hypocritical_a man_n be_v join_v to_o christ_n and_o to_o the_o church_n by_o the_o bond_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o where_o there_o be_v one_o spirit_n there_o be_v also_o one_o body_n but_o the_o one_o to_o christ_n as_o to_o their_o saviour_n the_o other_o to_o he_o as_o to_o their_o lord_n the_o one_o to_o the_o church_n in_o heaven_n the_o other_o to_o the_o church_n on_o earth_n the_o one_o by_o a_o mighty_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o other_o after_o a_o light_a manner_n the_o one_o for_o a_o time_n the_o other_o for_o ever_o sect._n 4._o that_o heretic_n be_v member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n but_o although_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o hypocrite_n be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n so_o many_o of_o they_o as_o both_o hold_v the_o whole_a truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o also_o lead_v a_o life_n in_o outward_a appearance_n correspondent_a thereunto_o do_v full_o profess_v the_o service_n of_o god_n yet_o it_o may_v be_v doubt_v what_o we_o shall_v think_v of_o they_o in_o who_o this_o profession_n be_v in_o a_o great_a part_n want_v as_o it_o be_v in_o all_o those_o who_o either_o lead_v a_o life_n or_o maintain_v some_o heresy_n contrary_a to_o their_o own_o profession_n and_o to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o answer_n for_o both_o kind_n seem_v to_o be_v this_o that_o they_o who_o profess_v jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n and_o themselves_o to_o be_v his_o servant_n ready_a to_o obey_v his_o will_n and_o word_n although_o they_o do_v indirect_o by_o wickedness_n of_o life_n or_o heresy_n in_o doctrine_n deny_v their_o own_o profession_n yet_o be_v to_o be_v account_v christian_n and_o true_a member_n of_o the_o church_n here_o on_o earth_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v save_v who_o be_v not_o justify_v by_o faith_n nor_o yet_o have_v faith_n who_o be_v not_o sanctify_v from_o a_o wicked_a life_n yet_o man_n of_o dissolute_a life_n yea_o though_o they_o be_v by_o excommunication_n cut_v off_o from_o the_o body_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n that_o be_v from_o all_o particular_a church_n church_n yet_o they_o remain_v member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n from_o the_o which_o no_o censure_n can_v separate_v save_o only_a death_n likewise_o as_o touch_v ignorant_a man_n who_o live_v in_o the_o church_n and_o yet_o know_v scarce_o any_o one_o point_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n although_o they_o be_v in_o a_o evil_a estate_n in_o regard_n of_o their_o salvation_n yet_o they_o be_v to_o be_v account_v christian_n because_o of_o their_o profession_n but_o there_o be_v great_a question_n make_v of_o heretic_n who_o do_v maintain_v some_o grievous_a heresy_n and_o that_o about_o the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n as_o they_o who_o think_v erroneous_o of_o the_o trinity_n of_o the_o person_n or_o nature_n of_o christ_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o our_o justification_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o sacramenteâ—_n or_o of_o â—ny_n other_o such_o weighty_a point_n of_o doctrine_n whether_o these_o be_v to_o be_v account_v christian_n and_o member_n of_o the_o church_n we_o answer_v that_o such_o be_v as_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v account_v christian_n although_o their_o heresy_n be_v both_o many_o and_o grievous_a yea_o such_o as_o if_o they_o be_v thorough_o urge_v will_v by_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o argument_n overthrow_n faith_n and_o all_o religion_n and_o to_o make_v instance_n in_o the_o gross_a and_o most_o blasphemous_a heresy_n that_o ever_o be_v invent_v to_o wit_n the_o heresy_n of_o arius_n who_o deny_v by_o divinity_n of_o christ_n this_o do_v almost_o direct_o overthrow_v christianity_n for_o if_o christ_n be_v not_o god_n he_o be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a mediator_n &_o then_o our_o faith_n be_v in_o vain_a this_o will_v follow_v plain_o of_o that_o heresy_n and_o yet_o such_o be_v their_o blindness_n that_o maintain_v it_o that_o they_o do_v together_o maintain_v and_o profess_v zealous_o the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n beside_o and_o do_v believe_v obey_v and_o honour_n christ_n as_o the_o only_a saviour_n of_o the_o world_n church_n the_o which_o dotâ—_n appear_v by_o that_o confession_n of_o faith_n which_o ariuâ—_n the_o chief_a maintaineâ—_n of_o that_o heresy_n do_v exhibit_v to_o constantine_n wherein_o although_o he_o do_v dissemble_v his_o heresy_n yet_o it_o show_v what_o he_o and_o his_o follower_n hold_v in_o the_o test_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n 〈◊〉_d 4._o pag._n 13.42_o yea_o this_o heresy_n be_v common_a in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o iâ—wes_n before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n for_o it_o be_v evident_a thaâ—_n very_o â—ewe_a of_o they_o do_v think_v that_o the_o messiah_n shall_v be_v god_n for_o what_o be_v think_v of_o christ_n even_o of_o many_o of_o his_o disciple_n we_o may_v gather_v by_o the_o word_n of_o cleophas_n lâ—ke_n 24._o have_v thou_o not_o hear_v of_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n who_o be_v a_o prophet_n etc._n etc._n yea_o it_o may_v be_v plain_o show_v that_o many_o of_o the_o church_n both_o before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n and_o also_o after_o do_v not_o think_v that_o the_o messiah_n shall_v be_v god_n and_o not_o to_o overpasse_v in_o â—â—lence_n popery_n the_o most_o common_a heresy_n of_o our_o time_n wherewith_o the_o church_n both_o be_v now_o most_o annoy_v and_o have_v in_o time_n past_o be_v lamentable_o oppress_v and_o almost_o clean_o ourthrowen_v it_o do_v consist_v of_o so_o many_o grievous_a error_n that_o most_o man_n do_v think_v it_o not_o to_o be_v a_o heresy_n but_o a_o false_a religion_n and_o the_o maintainer_n &_o professor_n of_o it_o to_o be_v alienates_v from_o â—he_n commonwealth_n of_o israel_n which_o be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n as_o namely_o of_o those_o great_a heresy_n of_o idolatry_n transubstantiation_n the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o mass_n mean_v justification_n by_o work_n freewill_n and_o invocation_n of_o saint_n yea_o of_o many_o other_o great_a error_n insomuch_o that_o we_o may_v say_v of_o they_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n from_o the_o top_n of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d to_o the_o sole_a of_o the_o foot_n there_o be_v no_o whole_a part_n but_o all_o full_a of_o loath_a some_o and_o dangerous_a â—oreâ—_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o marvel_n that_o they_o seemâ—_n to_o many_o to_o have_v in_o they_o no_o life_n of_o christian_n faith_n but_o to_o be_v dead_a &_o rot_a stock_n yea_o to_o have_v no_o outward_a profession_n of_o christianity_n but_o yet_o if_o due_a consideration_n be_v have_v how_o far_o â—he_v nature_n and_o name_n of_o a_o church_n and_o of_o christian_n do_v stretch_v itself_o it_o will_v appear_v that_o we_o may_v true_o account_v theâ—_n christian_n and_o so_o consequent_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o because_o they_o do_v still_o profess_v hold_v and_o maintain_v the_o chief_a fundamental_a point_n of_o religion_n religion_n of_o god_n of_o christ_n of_o hiâ—_n dâ—ath_v and_o passion_n of_o the_o resurrection_n and_o all_o the_o rest_n contain_v in_o that_o sum_n of_o religion_n call_v the_o apostle_n creed_n so_o that_o although_o by_o 〈…〉_o they_o do_v wound_n and_o in_o a_o manner_n kill_v themselves_o yet_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o truth_n which_o they_o keep_v there_o remain_v 〈◊〉_d they_o some_o life_n of_o christianity_n and_o so_o be_v fit_o compare_v to_o a_o man_n who_o although_o he_o both_o lack_v many_o part_n of_o his_o body_n and_o also_o have_v the_o rest_n corrupt_v with_o pestilent_a disease_n yâ—t_o draw_v breath_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o a_o dead_a 〈◊〉_d but_o a_o live_a man_n the_o reason_n by_o the_o which_o we_o be_v persuade_v to_o think_v that_o papist_n and_o other_o heretic_n do_v still_o retain_v the_o name_n of_o christian_n be_v this_o for_o that_o faith_n and_o especial_o a_o general_a and_o historical_a faith_n the_o profession_n whereof_o be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v a_o man_n be_v account_v a_o christian_n may_v be_v lodge_v in_o a_o man_n mind_n together_o with_o such_o error_n as_o
father_n but_o in_o the_o son_n in_o who_o only_o he_o be_v well_o please_v and_o therefore_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n have_v reject_v christ_n be_v by_o that_o mean_v reject_v of_o god_n from_o be_v his_o people_n neither_o be_v they_o to_o be_v account_v member_n of_o the_o church_n although_o they_o serve_v god_n with_o never_o so_o great_a zeal_n rom._n 11._o the_o same_o account_n we_o be_v to_o make_v of_o the_o turk_n saracen_n moor_n and_o all_o those_o nation_n which_o profess_v the_o religion_n of_o mahomet_n the_o which_o we_o confess_v do_v retain_v diverse_a point_n of_o christianity_n yea_o and_o that_o if_o it_o be_v well_o mark_v it_o will_v be_v sound_a a_o close_a or_o mystical_a arianisme_n ariaanisme_n cover_v and_o gloss_v over_o many_o weighty_a point_n of_o faith_n with_o judaical_a type_n and_o poetical_a fiction_n that_o it_o be_v by_o this_o mean_n make_v dark_a and_o enigmatical_a may_v be_v more_o high_o esteem_v by_o blind_a and_o ignorant_a man_n whereas_o if_o it_o have_v be_v set_v down_o in_o a_o plain_a and_o simple_a manner_n it_o will_v have_v be_v easy_o understand_v dispute_v of_o and_o in_o the_o end_n altogether_o contemn_v yet_o forsomuch_o as_o this_o religion_n do_v not_o worship_n and_o honour_n jesus_n christ_n as_o the_o only_a son_n of_o god_n and_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n as_o the_o first_o arian_n therefore_o 〈◊〉_d the_o professor_n of_o it_o can_v be_v account_v member_n of_o the_o church_n but_o mere_a infidel_n separate_v from_o christ_n and_o void_a of_o the_o hope_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n sect._n 7._o of_o the_o attribute_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n thus_o we_o have_v the_o definition_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n be_v further_a to_o consider_v the_o nature_n and_o state_n of_o it_o in_o certain_a property_n which_o be_v attribute_v unto_o it_o of_o the_o which_o this_o may_v be_v the_o first_o that_o out_o of_o the_o catholic_a church_n there_o be_v no_o salvation_n salvation_n and_o therefore_o all_o the_o heathen_a all_o unbelieve_a jew_n turk_n and_o general_o all_o infidel_n whatsoever_o do_v live_v and_o die_v to_o the_o judgement_n and_o sight_n of_o man_n in_o the_o state_n of_o eternal_a damnation_n this_o the_o scripture_n witness_v in_o many_o place_n as_o namely_o 2._o thes._n 2.8_o god_n in_o the_o last_o judgement_n shall_v render_v vengeance_n to_o all_o that_o know_v not_o god_n and_o obey_v not_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o yet_o this_o sentence_n of_o damnation_n which_o the_o scripture_n pronounce_v on_o infidel_n be_v so_o to_o be_v understand_v as_o that_o we_o do_v always_o except_v the_o infinite_a power_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n who_o both_o can_v &_o as_o have_v be_v before_o touch_v do_v in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n save_o some_o and_o that_o by_o extraordinary_a mean_n unknowen_a to_o we_o where_o the_o ordinary_a way_n be_v want_v the_o second_o attribute_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n be_v this_o religion_n that_o it_o can_v never_o err_v in_o the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v all_o one_o as_o if_o we_o do_v say_v the_o catholic_a church_n never_o cease_v to_o be_v or_o with_o this_o there_o be_v continual_o in_o the_o world_n a_o number_n of_o man_n which_o serve_v the_o true_a god_n in_o jesus_n christ._n the_o truth_n of_o this_o appear_v by_o the_o story_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o in_o other_o book_n which_o show_v by_o who_o and_o in_o what_o place_n god_n have_v be_v true_o worship_v in_o every_o several_a age_n and_o no_o marvel_n for_o if_o the_o church_n shall_v cease_v to_o be_v in_o the_o world_n than_o the_o world_n itself_o shall_v have_v a_o end_n which_o be_v create_v and_o do_v continue_v chief_o for_o this_o end_n to_o wit_n to_o be_v a_o habitation_n for_o the_o church_n as_o we_o read_v 1._o cor._n 2.16_o all_o thing_n be_v you_o even_o the_o very_a world_n that_o be_v all_o thing_n do_v serve_v as_o mean_n for_o your_o good_a and_o for_o the_o work_n of_o your_o salvation_n in_o this_o sense_n the_o apostle_n say_v 1._o tim._n 3.13_o that_o the_o church_n be_v the_o pillar_n and_o firmament_n that_o be_v a_o most_o firm_a and_o sure_a pillar_n of_o truth_n to_o wit_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o the_o catholic_a church_n may_v err_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n yea_o even_o in_o those_o point_n which_o be_v weighty_a and_o be_v near_o about_o the_o foundation_n itself_o although_o it_o always_o remain_v sure_a and_o steadfast_a error_n so_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o ignorances_n and_n error_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v from_o the_o begin_n until_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n be_v both_o many_o and_o great_a as_o have_v be_v note_v before_o and_o how_o great_a error_n have_v prevail_v throughout_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o most_o of_o the_o age_n since_o that_o time_n we_o who_o live_v in_o this_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v easy_o and_o plain_o see_v yea_o we_o know_v that_o which_o the_o apostle_n say_v 1._o cor._n 13._o that_o while_n the_o faithful_a be_v in_o this_o world_n they_o see_v know_v and_o prophesy_v but_o in_o part_n and_o can_v be_v whole_o free_v from_o error_n till_o they_o see_v the_o lord_n perfect_o and_o in_o he_o all_o thing_n so_o we_o read_v levit._n 4.13_o that_o there_o be_v a_o sacrifice_n appoint_v for_o the_o expiation_n of_o the_o general_a error_n of_o the_o whole_a people_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o then_o be_v the_o whole_a visible_a church_n of_o god_n knowledge_n thirdlie_o the_o catholic_a church_n do_v continual_o increase_v in_o number_n and_o do_v consist_v of_o more_o in_o the_o latter_a age_n of_o the_o world_n then_o in_o the_o former_a for_o before_o the_o time_n of_o the_o law_n the_o lord_n be_v know_v and_o worship_v only_o of_o a_o few_o family_n or_o kindred_n but_o afterwards_o of_o a_o great_a populous_a nation_n but_o since_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n the_o church_n â—oth_v enlarge_v her_o tent_n and_o receive_v all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n likewise_o in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o gospel_n there_o be_v no_o nation_n country_n or_o city_n no_o not_o any_o one_o town_n or_o village_n which_o do_v general_o receive_v it_o but_o only_o a_o few_o here_o and_o there_o the_o rest_n remain_v in_o infidelity_n but_o in_o the_o age_n follow_v great_a nation_n general_o yea_o infinite_a multitude_n of_o people_n become_v christian_n yea_o this_o number_n shall_v continual_o increase_v until_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o gentile_n be_v come_v into_o the_o church_n whereof_o the_o apostle_n speak_v rom._n 11._o and_o then_o shall_v the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n make_v a_o notable_a addition_n to_o this_o number_n the_o cause_n of_o this_o increase_n be_v for_o that_o god_n do_v not_o reveal_v himself_o and_o his_o word_n all_o at_o once_o to_o the_o world_n but_o by_o degree_n by_o little_a and_o little_a where_o this_o may_v also_o profitable_o be_v note_v that_o as_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n so_o also_o their_o knowledge_n do_v increase_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v much_o more_o plentiful_o reveal_v in_o the_o latter_a time_n they_o be_v general_o consider_v than_o it_o be_v in_o the_o former_a as_o touch_v the_o number_n we_o know_v that_o the_o visible_a church_n by_o the_o which_o we_o may_v certain_o gather_v the_o state_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n be_v until_o the_o time_n of_o moses_n contain_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o one_o kindred_n &_o till_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n in_o one_o nation_n but_o afterward_o it_o spread_v itself_o over_o the_o whole_a world_n yea_o the_o latter_a time_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v daily_o more_o and_o more_o exceed_v the_o first_o in_o number_n of_o believer_n because_o now_o both_o the_o full_a number_n of_o the_o gentile_n and_o also_o of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n be_v to_o come_v into_o the_o church_n and_o in_o like_a manner_n the_o latter_a time_n do_v exceed_v the_o former_a in_o knowledge_n four_o the_o catholic_a church_n have_v no_o head_n or_o ruler_n here_o on_o earth_n government_n neither_o any_o external_a government_n but_o be_v order_v by_o the_o spiritual_a government_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o only_a head_n of_o it_o for_o the_o government_n and_o rule_v prescribe_v by_o god_n to_o his_o church_n have_v place_n and_o be_v put_v in_o practice_n only_o in_o particular_a church_n which_o be_v the_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n five_o the_o catholic_a church_n be_v invisible_a invisible_a for_o that_o it_o consist_v not_o only_o of_o particular_a church_n which_o be_v visible_a but_o also_o of_o particular_a man_n which_o serve_v god_n yet_o so_o as_o that_o they_o be_v not_o know_v by_o
and_o of_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n that_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o may_v be_v drive_v to_o christ_n and_o even_o compel_v to_o embrace_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o as_o the_o iron_n must_v first_o be_v make_v hot_a in_o the_o fire_n before_o it_o will_v receive_v any_o new_a foâ—me_n so_o must_v the_o hard_a heart_n be_v mollify_v in_o the_o furnace_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n before_o it_o will_v receive_v the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v needful_a that_o there_o shall_v by_o this_o mean_v a_o way_n be_v make_v for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o man_n must_v first_o be_v make_v to_o see_v their_o sin_n and_o the_o punishment_n of_o eternal_a death_n due_a unto_o they_o before_o they_o can_v learn_v the_o use_n and_o necessity_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o his_o righteousness_n for_o the_o physician_n come_v not_o to_o whole_a man_n neither_o do_v the_o surgeon_n lay_v his_o plaster_n but_o upon_o wound_a and_o bruise_a member_n thus_o do_v john_n go_v before_o christ_n in_o the_o spirit_n of_o elias_n to_o prepare_v the_o people_n for_o the_o lord_n luk._n 1.17_o and_o thus_o christ_n prepare_v the_o young_a man_n math._n 19.21_o and_o peter_n the_o jew_n act_n 2.37_o who_o when_o they_o be_v prick_v in_o their_o heart_n by_o hear_v their_o sin_n they_o come_v to_o the_o apostle_n say_v man_n and_o brethren_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v and_o paul_n the_o man_n of_o athens_n act._n 17.31_o and_o last_o thus_o do_v god_n himself_o by_o a_o fearful_a earthquake_n prepare_v the_o jailer_n act_n 16.30_o and_o according_a to_o these_o exmple_n all_o other_o unbeliever_n be_v to_o be_v convert_v by_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o sight_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o anger_n of_o god_n and_o that_o especial_o by_o mention_v and_o urge_v those_o sin_n which_o be_v most_o heinous_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n and_o by_o the_o confession_n of_o all_o man_n which_o they_o can_v least_o excuse_v and_o whereof_o they_o be_v most_o ashamed_a yea_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o law_n ought_v to_o go_v before_o because_o it_o will_v more_o easy_o be_v receive_v and_o believe_v forsomuch_o as_o it_o be_v natural_a to_o man_n be_v ingraft_v in_o every_o man_n mind_n since_o the_o first_o creation_n of_o man_n for_o although_o it_o be_v by_o the_o fall_n of_o adam_n great_o diminish_v obscure_v and_o pervert_v yet_o there_o remain_v a_o confuse_a and_o dark_a knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a of_o right_a and_o wrong_n and_o also_o of_o the_o reward_n belong_v to_o obedience_n and_o the_o punishment_n of_o death_n due_a to_o sin_n rom._n 1.32_o the_o gentile_n know_v the_o law_n of_o god_n that_o they_o who_o commit_v sin_n be_v worthy_a of_o death_n yea_o of_o this_o knowledge_n come_v a_o conscience_n in_o infidel_n sometime_o excuse_v they_o although_o false_o but_o for_o the_o most_o part_n accuse_v they_o for_o their_o sin_n before_o god_n so_o that_o this_o their_o knowledge_n of_o the_o law_n and_o conscience_n of_o sin_n may_v easy_o be_v enlighten_v and_o stir_v uppe_o by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o law_n whereas_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n be_v contrary_n to_o natural_a reason_n and_o therefore_o hard_a to_o be_v persuade_v thus_o we_o see_v the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n to_o wit_n that_o whereby_o infidel_n be_v to_o be_v prepare_v for_o the_o gospel_n this_o be_v do_v than_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christian_n religion_n be_v brief_o and_o summarelie_o to_o be_v propund_v even_o as_o the_o apostle_n do_v use_v to_o preach_v christ._n infidel_n the_o sum_n of_o who_o sermon_n be_v this_o that_o salvation_n be_v to_o be_v have_v by_o faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o redeemer_n of_o the_o world_n the_o truth_n of_o this_o doctrine_n be_v to_o be_v prove_v by_o such_o testimony_n as_o be_v of_o most_o force_n as_o the_o law_n and_o prophet_n be_v with_o the_o jew_n out_o of_o the_o which_o we_o see_v that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v continual_o prove_v that_o which_o they_o speak_v likewise_o as_o touch_v the_o gentile_n although_o the_o main_a point_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v contrary_a to_o humane_a reason_n and_o therefore_o not_o to_o be_v ground_v thereon_o yet_o we_o be_v not_o destitute_a of_o many_o help_n and_o evident_a argument_n draw_v out_o of_o their_o own_o poet_n philosopher_n prophetess_n and_o oracle_n whereby_o the_o probability_n truth_n and_o necessity_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v be_v declare_v even_o to_o the_o heathen_a the_o which_o who_o so_o desire_v to_o know_v may_v see_v they_o in_o those_o book_n which_o be_v write_v for_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_n religion_n both_o in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n as_o also_o in_o these_o latter_a time_n especial_o the_o vanity_n of_o that_o false_a and_o idolatrous_a worship_n be_v to_o be_v lay_v open_a unto_o they_o that_o so_o they_o be_v as_o it_o be_v drive_v from_o that_o may_v be_v constrain_v to_o seek_v the_o true_a religion_n as_o have_v be_v declare_v sect._n 4._o how_o man_n convert_v to_o the_o faith_n ought_v to_o be_v order_v so_o many_o of_o they_o as_o can_v be_v win_v by_o this_o mean_n to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n deliver_v be_v upon_o confession_n of_o their_o faith_n to_o have_v baptism_n administer_v unto_o they_o to_o be_v a_o seal_n of_o their_o faith_n to_o themselves_o and_o a_o badge_n of_o their_o profession_n to_o other_o and_o so_o to_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o rest_n as_o those_o of_o who_o the_o church_n be_v to_o consist_v yea_o although_o they_o do_v not_o at_o the_o first_o express_v the_o power_n of_o religion_n in_o true_a repentance_n and_o a_o christian_n life_n yet_o if_o they_o do_v believe_v that_o to_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n of_o god_n and_o be_v content_a to_o profess_v the_o same_o then_o be_v they_o to_o be_v account_v member_n of_o the_o church_n so_o we_o read_v act_n 8.16_o that_o many_o of_o the_o samaritan_n be_v baptize_v and_o so_o receive_v into_o the_o church_n whenas_o none_o of_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o only_o believe_v in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n as_o they_o be_v teach_v so_o the_o eunuch_n be_v baptize_v act_n 8._o upon_o this_o confession_n i_o believe_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o even_o as_o they_o who_o labour_n in_o dig_v metal_n out_o of_o the_o earth_n do_v at_o the_o first_o â—ake_v for_o gold_n whatsoever_o do_v glister_n and_o afterward_o purge_v the_o pure_a gold_n from_o the_o corrupt_a dross_n and_o from_o all_o base_a mettle_n and_o as_o fisher_n take_v for_o fish_n whatsoever_o come_v to_o the_o net_n but_o afterward_o separate_v the_o good_a from_o the_o bad_a math._n 13.47.48_o so_o at_o the_o first_o the_o ministry_n receave_v all_o that_o seem_v to_o believe_v but_o in_o process_n of_o time_n it_o separate_v the_o hypocrite_n from_o the_o believer_n and_o the_o wicked_a from_o the_o godly_a although_o not_o perfect_o but_o before_o the_o administration_n of_o baptism_n the_o summarie_a doctrine_n of_o it_o must_v be_v teach_v that_o so_o it_o may_v be_v receive_v with_o great_a fruit_n to_o wit_n that_o this_o sacrament_n be_v appoint_v by_o god_n himself_o as_o john_n the_o first_o minister_n of_o it_o do_v testify_v john_n 2.33_o to_o be_v in_o his_o church_n a_o badge_n and_o common_a liveray_fw-fr of_o all_o his_o servant_n whereby_o they_o be_v to_o profess_v his_o name_n christian_n and_o to_o be_v know_v from_o unbeliever_n and_o also_o for_o their_o own_o edification_n that_o by_o baptism_n they_o may_v be_v confirm_v in_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n both_o of_o the_o law_n and_o of_o the_o gospel_n and_o further_o that_o it_o belong_v chief_o to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o law_n in_o that_o by_o drown_v we_o in_o water_n it_o put_v we_o in_o remembrance_n of_o that_o eternal_a death_n whereunto_o we_o be_v subject_a before_o as_o the_o apostle_n teach_v rom._n 6.4_o and_o that_o it_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o use_n with_o circumcision_n the_o which_o do_v under_o the_o law_n both_o distinguishe_v the_o jew_n as_o god_n people_n from_o all_o other_o nation_n as_o profane_v death_n and_o also_o set_v before_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o receiver_n eternal_a death_n as_o the_o other_o ordinary_a sacrament_n of_o the_o passover_n do_v eternal_a life_n for_o the_o one_o sacrament_n be_v of_o a_o bloody_a signification_n wound_v the_o body_n and_o so_o threaten_a death_n but_o the_o other_o grave_a the_o comfortable_a nourishment_n of_o life_n and_o so_o do_v baptism_n &_o the_o lord_n supper_n differ_v last_o that_o both_o baptism_n and_o circumcision_n although_o they_o
those_o place_n or_o by_o the_o favour_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n obtain_v that_o great_a authority_n for_o themselves_o and_o their_o posterity_n yea_o often_o a_o temperate_a and_o mean_a power_n be_v grant_v do_v increase_v to_o this_o immoderate_a and_o absolute_a authority_n whereof_o we_o speak_v the_o which_o although_o it_o be_v at_o the_o first_o conquer_v by_o violence_n and_o unjust_a deal_n dominion_n yet_o if_o afterwards_o it_o be_v by_o the_o general_a and_o continual_a consent_n of_o the_o people_n admit_v acknowledge_v and_o obey_v it_o be_v to_o be_v account_v a_o lawful_a authority_n now_o in_o many_o of_o those_o kingdom_n the_o ruler_n be_v not_o tie_v to_o any_o covenant_n or_o condition_n by_o the_o which_o they_o shall_v rule_v but_o only_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o they_o do_v voluntary_o submit_v themselves_o for_o the_o more_o quiet_a obtain_n &_o enjoy_v of_o their_o kingdom_n yea_o they_o have_v the_o full_a and_o absolute_a authority_n of_o the_o land_n in_o their_o own_o hand_n and_o inherent_a in_o their_o own_o person_n insomuch_o that_o all_o other_o within_o their_o dominion_n joint_o and_o several_o consider_v be_v in_o respect_n of_o they_o private_a man_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n as_o have_v be_v show_v in_o the_o former_a treatise_n and_o many_o other_o in_o the_o which_o that_o we_o may_v apply_v this_o to_o our_o purpose_n it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o any_o of_o the_o people_n to_o resist_v the_o civil_a authority_n by_o open_a force_n no_o not_o in_o the_o cause_n of_o set_v up_o or_o maintain_v the_o church_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o history_n and_o example_n of_o the_o say_a king_n yea_o this_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o teach_v that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a but_o by_o good_a lawful_a and_o ordinary_a mean_n but_o to_o resist_v the_o civil_a power_n be_v evil_a and_o great_o displease_v in_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n yet_o we_o ought_v to_o use_v all_o lawful_a mean_n for_o the_o set_n forward_o of_o this_o work_n when_o it_o be_v hinder_v by_o these_o magistrate_n as_o first_o to_o solicit_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o church_n at_o their_o hand_n yea_o even_o with_o our_o own_o danger_n as_o do_v hester_n est._n 4.14.16_o &_o nehemias_n neh._n â—_o 4_o and_o to_o labour_v to_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n yea_o further_o if_o it_o be_v so_o needful_a to_o redeem_v the_o freedom_n of_o religion_n with_o our_o good_n by_o pay_v to_o our_o ruler_n great_a tribute_n that_o the_o church_n may_v be_v establish_v also_o by_o show_v our_o faithful_a obedience_n loyal_a submission_n and_o dutiful_a service_n even_o to_o the_o unbelieve_a ruler_n as_o do_v daniel_n nehemias_n and_o many_o other_o godly_a man_n by_o the_o which_o mean_n and_o such_o like_a the_o lord_n work_v together_o in_o who_o hand_n the_o heart_n of_o king_n be_v to_o turn_v at_o his_o pleasure_n it_o may_v happy_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o they_o will_v become_v lover_n and_o furtherer_n yea_o member_n of_o the_o church_n or_o at_o the_o least_o not_o hater_n and_o hinderer_n of_o it_o but_o if_o they_o do_v continue_v obstinate_a and_o as_o it_o usual_o come_v to_o pass_v become_v persecutor_n of_o the_o church_n then_o in_o the_o first_o kind_n of_o government_n the_o people_n may_v use_v either_o that_o secret_a authority_n which_o as_o yet_o remain_v in_o their_o own_o hand_n or_o else_o the_o liberty_n and_o benefit_n of_o conditional_a obedience_n and_o so_o notwithstanding_o the_o civil_a ruler_n build_v the_o church_n as_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v but_o in_o the_o other_o kind_n of_o government_n we_o may_v not_o build_v with_o the_o one_o hand_n &_o hold_v our_o weapon_n with_o the_o other_o against_o that_o great_a absolute_a and_o majestical_a authority_n for_o here_o god_n give_v no_o other_o weapon_n where_o withal_o to_o fight_v save_o only_a patience_n to_o suffer_v their_o ungodly_a deal_n and_o if_o they_o become_v malicious_a and_o bloody_a persecutor_n of_o the_o church_n wing_n to_o fly_v for_o that_o in_o time_n of_o persecution_n move_v either_o by_o our_o own_o magistrate_n or_o by_o any_o other_o power_n we_o may_v fly_v for_o our_o safety_n we_o be_v teach_v even_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n which_o move_v every_o one_o to_o preserve_v his_o life_n by_o all_o good_a mean_n but_o nature_n be_v a_o evil_a counsellor_n in_o case_n of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v a_o more_o sure_a ground_n whereon_o to_o rest_v in_o this_o behalf_n even_o the_o word_n of_o god_n whereunto_o we_o be_v to_o hearken_v give_v we_o this_o liberty_n yea_o this_o counsel_n that_o when_o we_o be_v persecute_v in_o one_o place_n we_o shall_v fly_v to_o another_o as_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v disperse_v except_o the_o apostle_n act._n 8.1_o yea_o this_o be_v good_a not_o only_o for_o ourselves_o but_o also_o for_o the_o church_n for_o by_o this_o mean_v we_o preserve_v the_o church_n which_o otherwise_o will_v be_v destroy_v in_o us._n beside_o those_o who_o be_v weak_a and_o doubt_v of_o their_o constancy_n ought_v not_o to_o tempt_v god_n by_o undergo_n extreme_a danger_n church_n yea_o the_o lord_n use_v thiâ—_n mean_n for_o the_o enlarge_n of_o his_o church_n act._n 8.4_o yet_o sometime_o god_n do_v not_o grant_v unto_o we_o this_o liberty_n of_o fly_v but_o give_v the_o persecutor_n power_n over_o we_o that_o by_o this_o mean_v he_o may_v try_v our_o soundness_n and_o constancy_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o his_o truth_n yea_o sometime_o it_o be_v also_o expedient_a for_o the_o church_n that_o we_o do_v not_o use_v this_o liberty_n though_o we_o may_v as_o if_o our_o suffering_n be_v like_a to_o bring_v many_o to_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n or_o to_o confirm_v the_o weak_a or_o to_o avoid_v the_o slander_n of_o the_o enemy_n object_v to_o we_o fearfulness_n hypocrisy_n want_v of_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n sect._n 7._o of_o the_o build_n of_o the_o church_n hinder_v by_o the_o civil_a ruler_n be_v a_o christian_n thus_o much_o of_o profess_a hinderer_n be_v open_a enemy_n to_o the_o church_n now_o we_o come_v to_o those_o who_o although_o they_o profess_v themselves_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o such_o as_o do_v by_o all_o mean_n labour_v to_o build_v it_o yet_o in_o truth_n they_o do_v hinder_v the_o same_o yea_o often_o more_o than_o the_o open_a enemy_n do_v and_o to_o let_v other_o pass_v the_o great_a hurt_n be_v do_v by_o those_o who_o be_v public_a in_o the_o church_n unto_o who_o the_o building_n and_o further_a of_o this_o work_n do_v belong_v as_o namely_o the_o civil_a ruler_n be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o ecclesiastical_a governor_n or_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n for_o as_o when_o the_o light_n of_o the_o body_n be_v darkness_n how_o great_a be_v that_o darkness_n so_o when_o the_o builder_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o hinderer_n of_o it_o how_o great_a be_v that_o hurt_n for_o the_o first_o the_o civil_a ruler_n for_o so_o we_o speak_v as_o of_o one_o because_o that_o kind_a of_o government_n be_v most_o usual_a may_v great_o hinder_v the_o build_n of_o the_o church_n although_o he_o do_v in_o part_n further_o the_o same_o as_o namely_o if_o together_o with_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n he_o do_v retain_v some_o part_n of_o some_o false_a worship_n or_o the_o relic_n and_o memorial_n of_o it_o whereby_o many_o be_v offend_v and_o hinder_v second_o if_o he_o hinder_v the_o establish_n of_o any_o part_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n command_v in_o the_o word_n or_o else_o the_o function_n of_o any_o office_n and_o final_o if_o he_o do_v by_o any_o mean_n hinder_v the_o course_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o build_n of_o god_n church_n in_o that_o place_n here_o we_o have_v other_o mean_n to_o use_v the_o civil_a ruler_n be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n for_o first_o we_o may_v be_v more_o bold_a in_o move_v he_o to_o regard_v the_o build_n of_o the_o church_n the_o which_o do_v as_o much_o concern_v his_o own_o good_a and_o salvation_n as_o the_o good_a of_o any_o other_o we_o may_v also_o have_v great_a hope_n that_o he_o will_v be_v move_v by_o the_o advice_n of_o they_o who_o be_v godly_a wise_a and_o learned_a in_o his_o realm_n yea_o those_o that_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o who_o mean_n the_o church_n be_v build_v may_v deal_v more_o plain_o with_o he_o and_o exhort_v yea_o charge_v he_o in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n who_o will_v one_o day_n take_v a_o account_v of_o he_o how_o he_o have_v discharge_v his_o duty_n to_o
of_o the_o same_o civil_a power_n thus_o much_o of_o the_o voluntary_a conjunction_n of_o particular_a church_n under_o the_o government_n of_o counsel_n now_o follow_v the_o necessary_a conjunction_n of_o they_o so_o call_v because_o it_o be_v not_o in_o their_o power_n to_o shake_v off_o that_o common_a authority_n whereunto_o they_o be_v subject_a this_o necessary_a conjunction_n have_v place_n then_o whenas_o diverse_a particular_a church_n be_v tie_v together_o in_o obedience_n to_o the_o same_o civil_a authority_n by_o the_o which_o they_o be_v rule_v as_o have_v be_v declare_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n yea_o it_o may_v be_v see_v almost_o in_o all_o public_a church_n the_o which_o usual_o consist_v of_o so_o great_a a_o number_n of_o professor_n as_o can_v possible_o be_v contain_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o one_o church_n for_o if_o any_o one_o populous_a city_n do_v general_o profess_v the_o gospel_n it_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v divide_v into_o diverse_a particular_a church_n much_o more_o a_o christian_n country_n nation_n or_o kingdom_n can_v but_o contain_v in_o it_o many_o particular_a church_n all_o which_o although_o they_o have_v their_o proper_a ruler_n or_o teacher_n and_o order_n as_o free_a church_n have_v yet_o they_o have_v also_o a_o common_a government_n and_o law_n proceed_v from_o the_o civil_a power_n to_o the_o obedience_n whereof_o they_o be_v all_o bind_v for_o in_o public_a church_n the_o civil_a power_n have_v the_o great_a sway_n in_o govern_v by_o the_o which_o be_v one_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o every_o particular_a assembly_n be_v bring_v to_o a_o conformity_n both_o in_o doctrine_n as_o also_o in_o government_n yea_o it_o be_v requisite_a &_o needful_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o for_o otherwise_o if_o every_o particular_a church_n do_v differ_v from_o the_o rest_n in_o government_n the_o whole_a church_n can_v not_o be_v order_v without_o great_a trouble_n and_o confusion_n but_o yet_o this_o common_a government_n of_o the_o magistrate_n do_v not_o take_v away_o the_o grovernment_n of_o particular_a church_n no_o more_o than_o the_o counsel_n whereof_o we_o have_v speak_v do_v from_o free_a church_n this_o be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o civil_a ruler_n yet_o by_o the_o advice_n of_o other_o in_o the_o choice_n of_o who_o as_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o the_o prince_n to_o call_v or_o pass_v over_o who_o he_o think_v meet_a or_o unmeete_a so_o it_o will_v be_v convenient_a for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n the_o which_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o he_o either_o whole_o to_o neglect_v or_o light_o to_o regard_v to_o call_v of_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n those_o who_o be_v endue_v with_o best_a gift_n yet_o so_o that_o some_o be_v have_v out_o of_o every_o particular_a church_n as_o if_o they_o be_v free_a church_n and_o especial_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n be_v to_o be_v call_v for_o the_o reason_n declare_v in_o the_o former_a section_n when_o they_o by_o his_o authority_n be_v gather_v together_o he_o be_v to_o take_v unto_o himself_o the_o roll_a of_o the_o whole_a action_n unless_o it_o be_v needful_a that_o he_o delegate_v his_o authority_n to_o some_o other_o and_o by_o pray_v for_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o their_o consultation_n &_o declare_v the_o cause_n of_o their_o meeting_n to_o begin_v it_o then_o he_o be_v to_o propound_v in_o the_o first_o place_n those_o want_n fault_n and_o corruption_n of_o the_o ch._n which_o he_o himself_o have_v observe_v &_o will_v have_v supply_v and_o take_v away_o to_o show_v the_o manner_n how_o he_o think_v it_o most_o meet_a to_o be_v do_v which_o be_v do_v he_o be_v to_o give_v liberty_n to_o every_o one_o present_a to_o speak_v their_o mind_n free_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v propound_v as_o also_o of_o any_o other_o thing_n which_o they_o think_v good_a for_o the_o church_n that_o which_o be_v agree_v upon_o &_o do_v appear_v to_o all_o or_o to_o the_o most_o of_o they_o right_o &_o meet_v to_o be_v decree_v he_o be_v to_o establish_v give_v unto_o it_o the_o virtue_n of_o a_o ecclesiastical_a law_n the_o which_o the_o whole_a ch._n ought_v to_o obey_v that_o which_o can_v be_v agree_v upon_o be_v to_o be_v defer_v to_o another_o time_n of_o meeting_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v somuch_o the_o soon_o as_o the_o matter_n controverse_v be_v of_o great_a importance_n for_o more_o mature_a deliberation_n with_o themselves_o and_o other_o will_v make_v that_o clear_a and_o evident_a which_o before_o be_v doubtful_a if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n which_o neither_o can_v be_v agree_v upon_o by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o great_a part_n neither_o yet_o defer_v without_o great_a hurt_n to_o the_o church_n the_o chief_a ruler_n may_v with_o the_o consent_n of_o some_o of_o the_o council_n decree_n and_o enact_v that_o which_o they_o think_v needful_a to_o be_v do_v yet_o he_o be_v not_o to_o use_v this_o authority_n in_o this_o manner_n but_o upon_o urgent_a necessity_n for_o many_o inconvenience_n do_v follow_v the_o enact_v of_o ecclesiastical_a laweâ—_n without_o the_o full_a consent_n of_o the_o council_n yea_o the_o suspicion_n of_o tyrannize_v over_o the_o ch._n of_o god_n be_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o be_v avoid_v in_o regard_v whereof_o many_o christian_n emperor_n &_o ruler_n do_v resign_v their_o authority_n which_o they_o have_v in_o govern_v the_o ch_n to_o these_o counsel_n ruler_n insomuch_o that_o they_o have_v the_o full_a power_n not_o only_o of_o advise_v law_n but_o also_o of_o enact_v or_o the_o give_n unto_o they_o the_o force_n of_o law_n but_o as_o have_v be_v show_v this_o mâ—y_n easy_o turn_v to_o the_o hurt_n of_o the_o ch._n and_o therefore_o it_o ought_v not_o whole_o to_o bâ—_n follow_v yet_o it_o show_v how_o great_a regard_n civil_a ruler_n ought_v to_o have_v of_o the_o judgement_n &_o advice_n of_o those_o who_o be_v godly_a wise_a and_o learned_a in_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n subject_n unto_o they_o and_o therefore_o that_o which_o the_o council_n think_v good_a to_o be_v do_v or_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v great_o regard_v yet_o if_o the_o chief_a ruler_n can_v be_v bring_v to_o give_v his_o assent_n unto_o it_o it_o can_v have_v the_o force_n of_o a_o ecclesiastical_a law_n or_o be_v impose_v upon_o the_o whole_a ch._n in_o that_o name_n as_o touch_v the_o number_n whereof_o any_o national_a council_n do_v consist_v there_o can_v any_o be_v define_v but_o it_o must_v be_v leave_v to_o the_o appointment_n of_o the_o chief_a ruler_n to_o who_o the_o depose_n &_o authorise_v of_o this_o whole_a action_n do_v belong_v yet_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v proportionable_a to_o the_o quantity_n of_o the_o ch._n &_o to_o the_o number_n of_o the_o particular_a church_n so_o that_o if_o some_o be_v have_v out_o of_o every_o one_o of_o they_o it_o will_v make_v the_o law_n enact_v to_o be_v much_o more_o willing_o receive_v &_o obey_v whenas_o it_o shall_v be_v know_v that_o some_o of_o themselves_o do_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o rest_n consent_n unto_o they_o and_o especial_o this_o be_v requisite_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o chief_a end_n and_o use_v of_o these_o counsel_n both_o in_o free_a and_o public_a church_n whereof_o we_o will_v brief_o speak_v the_o which_o be_v to_o bring_v the_o whole_a church_n to_o a_o conformity_n of_o doctrine_n this_o be_v needful_a and_o good_a to_o be_v do_v and_o that_o for_o these_o cause_n first_o for_o the_o repress_v of_o heresy_n which_o do_v continual_o arise_v in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o which_o purpose_n the_o general_a consent_n of_o the_o church_n be_v very_o forcible_a for_o either_o the_o consent_n and_o judgement_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n will_v be_v of_o great_a weight_n to_o take_v the_o say_a heresy_n out_o of_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o who_o do_v maintain_v they_o or_o else_o the_o authority_n by_o which_o the_o truth_n oppugn_v be_v public_o establish_v will_v be_v able_a to_o remove_v the_o maintainer_n of_o they_o out_o of_o the_o church_n second_o this_o form_n of_o doctrine_n agree_v upon_o by_o many_o will_v be_v effectual_a to_o strengthen_v and_o confirm_v those_o who_o be_v weak_a in_o the_o faith_n and_o not_o full_o ground_v in_o some_o point_n of_o christian_n religion_n yea_o it_o may_v be_v a_o mean_n to_o help_v forward_o those_o who_o have_v not_o as_o yet_o take_v upon_o they_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n not_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o build_v our_o faith_n upon_o the_o authority_n of_o man_n faith_n but_o for_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o take_v from_o the_o church_n a_o confirmation_n of_o our_o faith_n see_v we_o may_v be_v great_o help_v and_o strengthen_v by_o this_o mean_n and_o last_o this_o form_n of_o
doctrine_n ought_v to_o be_v esteem_v the_o public_a confession_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n whereby_o they_o do_v make_v know_v not_o only_o to_o other_o church_n but_o also_o to_o the_o whole_a world_n that_o they_o do_v profess_v &_o maintain_v the_o truth_n of_o christian_n religion_n and_o of_o every_o part_n thereof_o &_o do_v detest_v &_o abhor_v all_o the_o false_a worship_n of_o the_o jew_n turk_n and_o all_o other_o infidel_n whatsoever_o and_o also_o that_o they_o be_v free_a from_o all_o false_a &_o erroneous_a opinion_n all_o gross_a &_o blasphemous_a heresy_n of_o man_n profess_v the_o faith_n wherewith_o the_o church_n have_v be_v at_o all_o time_n and_o be_v trouble_v at_o this_o day_n this_o public_a profession_n of_o the_o faith_n be_v with_o great_a care_n &_o diligence_n make_v and_o approve_v by_o the_o general_a consent_n of_o the_o whole_a council_n be_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o chief_a ruler_n to_o be_v enjoin_v to_o the_o whole_a ch._n so_o as_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o any_o man_n to_o deny_v or_o refute_v any_o point_n of_o it_o yet_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o contain_v in_o it_o the_o determination_n of_o all_o controversy_n but_o only_o a_o declaration_n of_o the_o chief_a point_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o profession_n whereof_o the_o life_n &_o as_o it_o be_v the_o very_a essence_n or_o be_v of_o the_o church_n do_v consist_v for_o as_o touch_v matter_n of_o less_o moment_n in_o the_o which_o man_n may_v err_v without_o any_o danger_n to_o their_o own_o salvation_n or_o hurt_n to_o the_o church_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o all_o man_n shall_v be_v bring_v to_o think_v and_o profess_v the_o same_o thing_n but_o there_o will_v be_v continual_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n in_o these_o point_n in_o every_o church_n yet_o it_o do_v belong_v to_o this_o public_a council_n to_o consider_v &_o to_o determine_v even_o of_o other_o doubt_n &_o controversy_n which_o do_v trouble_v the_o church_n that_o by_o this_o mean_v contention_n may_v be_v take_v away_o and_o as_o the_o apostle_n write_v 1._o cor._n 1.10_o all_o may_v say_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o be_v knit_v together_o in_o one_o mind_n and_o in_o one_o judgement_n yet_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o council_n of_o these_o light_a point_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v impose_v upon_o any_o man_n to_o think_v or_o to_o profess_v but_o every_o man_n leave_v to_o think_v as_o it_o shall_v please_v god_n to_o give_v he_o to_o understand_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o that_o behalf_n either_o keep_v his_o opinion_n dissent_v frâ—m_o the_o church_n to_o himself_o or_o else_o impart_v it_o to_o other_o in_o that_o moderate_a wise_a and_o christian_n manner_n as_o that_o no_o man_n be_v just_o offend_v by_o he_o or_o the_o public_a peace_n of_o the_o church_n disquiet_v but_o rather_o all_o in_o some_o measure_n edify_v sect._n 4._o of_o the_o govern_n of_o the_o several_a province_n of_o a_o national_a church_n thus_o much_o of_o a_o public_a or_o national_a council_n gather_v order_v and_o establish_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o chief_a ruler_n for_o this_o end_n to_o bring_v the_o whole_a church_n to_o a_o conformity_n both_o in_o outward_a rite_n and_o order_n and_o also_o in_o the_o truth_n of_o doctrine_n wherein_o this_o be_v especial_o to_o be_v consider_v and_o therefore_o not_o unfit_a to_o be_v repeat_v that_o there_o be_v regard_n have_v unto_o the_o liberty_n of_o inferior_a synod_n for_o as_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o make_v all_o man_n think_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o all_o point_n so_o also_o it_o be_v unmeet_a yea_o impossible_a that_o the_o general_a council_n shall_v so_o define_v of_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v incident_a into_o the_o govern_n of_o church_n as_o that_o nothing_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o discretion_n and_o disposition_n of_o inferior_a assembly_n and_o therefore_o the_o decree_n and_o law_n make_v by_o the_o general_a council_n ought_v to_o be_v as_o rule_n to_o direct_v they_o in_o their_o action_n although_o all_o particular_a case_n and_o circumstance_n yea_o matter_n of_o less_o importance_n be_v neither_o determine_v nor_o yet_o mention_v in_o they_o now_o we_o be_v to_o come_v to_o provincial_a counsel_n for_o so_o much_o as_o there_o do_v daily_o many_o doubt_n and_o controversy_n arise_v yea_o great_a and_o weighty_a affair_n do_v offer_v themselves_o amongst_o the_o church_n which_o neither_o for_o the_o greatness_n can_v sufficient_o be_v determine_v and_o order_v by_o a_o few_o minister_n neither_o yet_o convenient_o be_v defer_v to_o a_o general_a meeting_n which_o can_v be_v have_v without_o great_a trouble_n to_o the_o church_n therefore_o provincial_a synod_n have_v a_o necessary_a use_n they_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o general_a counsel_n save_v only_o that_o they_o belong_v not_o to_o the_o whole_a ch._n but_o only_o to_o some_o part_n of_o it_o as_o it_o be_v distinguish_v they_o be_v to_o be_v call_v order_v and_o establish_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o civil_a ruler_n and_o do_v deal_v in_o the_o same_o matter_n and_o in_o the_o manner_n aforesaid_a for_o the_o care_n and_o order_v not_o only_o of_o a_o whole_a national_a ch._n general_a but_o also_o of_o the_o several_a province_n of_o it_o do_v belong_v to_o the_o civil_a ruler_n so_o that_o although_o it_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o his_o office_n to_o enter_v into_o particular_a congregation_n and_o there_o to_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o ordinary_a governor_n or_o teacher_n yet_o he_o ought_v to_o see_v and_o procure_v that_o they_o be_v in_o good_a order_n that_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n do_v their_o duty_n diligent_o and_o sincere_o that_o the_o people_n live_v in_o obedience_n to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ._n but_o in_o great_a nation_n and_o kingdom_n it_o be_v not_o often_o see_v that_o the_o chief_a ruler_n can_v keep_v in_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o discharge_v in_o his_o own_o person_n this_o duty_n of_o overseeing_a the_o several_a province_n of_o the_o ch._n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v as_o always_o lawful_a so_o often_o needful_a that_o he_o delegate_v and_o commit_v this_o part_n of_o his_o duty_n to_o some_o other_o even_o to_o whosoever_o he_o think_v meet_a for_o this_o purpose_n neither_o be_v we_o to_o exclude_v those_o who_o be_v minister_n of_o the_o word_n from_o this_o call_n as_o if_o they_o only_o be_v unmeete_a whenas_o they_o be_v in_o some_o respect_v fit_a than_o other_o have_v be_v many_o year_n exercise_v in_o the_o affair_n of_o some_o particular_a church_n and_o therefore_o if_o it_o please_v the_o civil_a ruler_n to_o call_v any_o who_o do_v perform_v some_o ordinary_a ministry_n in_o some_o particular_a church_n to_o this_o office_n of_o overseeing_a many_o church_n he_o do_v nothing_o but_o that_o which_o be_v agreeable_a to_o reason_n and_o warrantable_a by_o the_o word_n of_o god._n for_o man_n have_v take_v upon_o they_o any_o ministry_n be_v not_o so_o tie_v unto_o it_o but_o that_o they_o may_v leave_v it_o when_o as_o they_o shall_v be_v call_v by_o the_o chief_a ruler_n to_o perform_v any_o other_o more_o weighty_a and_o public_a duty_n yea_o although_o it_o be_v in_o some_o civil_a office_n and_o much_o more_o to_o have_v the_o care_n of_o many_o church_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o meet_v that_o any_o man_n have_v this_o office_n shall_v withal_o have_v any_o function_n in_o a_o particular_a church_n as_o do_v necessare_o require_v his_o presence_n for_o beside_o other_o inconvenience_n it_o will_v be_v to_o he_o a_o occasion_n of_o negligence_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o his_o duty_n and_o a_o evil_a example_n to_o other_o which_o as_o it_o be_v a_o grievous_a thing_n in_o any_o man_n to_o do_v the_o work_n of_o god_n negligent_o so_o it_o be_v much_o more_o offensive_a in_o he_o who_o office_n and_o call_v it_o be_v to_o see_v that_o the_o church_n be_v well_o order_v thus_o much_o of_o the_o common_a government_n of_o diverse_a church_n whether_o they_o be_v free_a or_o subject_a to_o the_o same_o civil_a power_n from_o this_o common_a government_n whole_a nation_n and_o kingdom_n consist_v of_o many_o church_n be_v often_o call_v one_o particular_a church_n because_o they_o all_o have_v the_o same_o humane_a law_n although_o if_o we_o speak_v proper_o they_o be_v diverse_a church_n because_o they_o have_v not_o all_o the_o same_o law_n but_o only_o some_o public_a common_a and_o general_a law_n pertain_v to_o all_o chap._n xi_o thus_o much_o of_o a_o partìcular_a church_n both_o several_o and_o also_o joint_o consider_v in_o the_o next_o and_o last_o place_n we_o be_v to_o come_v to_o the_o visible_a church_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o collection_n of_o all_o the_o particular_a church_n in_o the_o world_n into_o one_o body_n or_o sum_n which_o
that_o whenas_o there_o be_v a_o fault_n commit_v in_o the_o lay_n of_o the_o foundation_n of_o a_o house_n the_o whole_a building_n will_v for_o ever_o be_v the_o worse_a for_o it_o the_o first_o thing_n therefore_o to_o be_v do_v in_o plant_v a_o church_n be_v to_o convert_v infidel_n to_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v do_v ordinary_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n deliver_v plain_o sincere_o &_o effectual_o as_o god_n have_v appoint_v notwithstanding_o which_o powerful_a mean_n the_o subdue_a of_o man_n to_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o hard_a matter_n yea_o it_o be_v much_o hard_a in_o these_o time_n than_o it_o be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n wherein_o the_o gospel_n be_v first_o preach_v for_o then_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o apostle_n evangelist_n and_o other_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v much_o more_o powerful_a and_o effectual_a than_o any_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n be_v in_o these_o day_n for_o they_o have_v not_o only_o extraordinary_a measure_n of_o those_o gift_n which_o do_v yet_o remain_v in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o build_n thereof_o as_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n knowledge_n wisdom_n zeal_n and_o all_o other_o of_o that_o kind_n but_o they_o have_v also_o other_o most_o wonderful_a gift_n bestow_v upon_o they_o as_o the_o gift_n of_o speak_v in_o strange_a language_n the_o gift_n of_o discern_a spirit_n heal_v the_o sick_a work_v of_o miracle_n and_o such_o other_o which_o serve_v only_o for_o this_o end_n to_o bring_v infidel_n to_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n 1._o cor._n 14.22_o not_o that_o true_a faith_n be_v ordinare_o wrought_v by_o these_o mean_n in_o man_n but_o only_a a_o general_n historical_a and_o temporary_a faith_n whereby_o they_o do_v believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o belief_n be_v profess_v be_v then_o and_o be_v at_o all_o time_n sufficient_a to_o make_v one_o a_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n here_o upon_o earth_n the_o which_o the_o apostle_n do_v labour_n by_o their_o ministry_n to_o bring_v to_o pass_v and_o do_v rejoice_v in_o it_o be_v effect_v although_o there_o do_v appear_v in_o those_o believer_n few_o or_o no_o sign_n of_o save_a faith_n which_o be_v a_o firm_a confidence_n in_o the_o â—ercy_n and_o love_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n effectual_o wrought_v in_o the_o hearâ—_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n arise_v of_o a_o certain_a persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n word_n whereof_o this_o general_a faith_n be_v only_o a_o resemblance_n shadow_n and_o appearance_n and_o further_o for_o this_o purpose_n the_o gift_n of_o miracle_n and_o such_o other_o do_v great_o avail_v for_o they_o do_v so_o astonish_v and_o amaze_v man_n that_o they_o do_v even_o wring_v out_o of_o they_o a_o approbation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n preach_v that_o it_o come_v from_o god_n and_o therefore_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v john_n 1.15_o act._n 13.11_o thus_o do_v the_o apostle_n plant_v church_n but_o they_o who_o since_o that_o time_n labour_n in_o this_o work_n be_v destitute_a of_o this_o help_n yea_o also_o of_o another_o far_o more_o effectual_a to_o wit_n of_o the_o wonderful_a and_o extraordinary_a blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o his_o church_n who_o do_v then_o pour_v forth_o his_o spirit_n so_o strange_o and_o so_o plentiful_o upon_o man_n in_o convert_n their_o heart_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o the_o like_a be_v not_o before_o have_v not_o be_v since_o neither_o shall_v be_v at_o any_o time_n in_o the_o church_n so_o that_o these_o help_n be_v want_v in_o these_o day_n we_o can_v look_v for_o the_o like_a success_n in_o this_o work_n to_o wit_n that_o the_o church_n shall_v have_v such_o a_o sudden_a and_o strange_a increase_n as_o it_o have_v in_o the_o beginning_n whenas_o many_o thousand_o be_v at_o once_o add_v unto_o it_o since_o act._n 2.41_o yet_o we_o be_v not_o to_o despair_v of_o good_a success_n forsomuch_o as_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o leave_v his_o ministry_n destitute_a of_o sufficient_a power_n to_o convert_v many_o man_n to_o the_o faith_n even_o those_o who_o never_o hear_v of_o christ_n before_o for_o although_o the_o extraordinary_a calling_n and_o gift_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n be_v not_o now_o in_o the_o church_n neither_o to_o be_v look_v for_o yet_o the_o force_n of_o they_o do_v remain_v still_o in_o that_o the_o very_a declaration_n of_o those_o wonderful_a miracle_n whereby_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v confirm_v at_o the_o first_o will_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n add_v authority_n and_o give_v success_n to_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n although_o they_o be_v much_o more_o effectual_a in_o those_o who_o do_v behold_v they_o with_o their_o eye_n yea_o we_o have_v some_o help_n which_o be_v not_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o for_o the_o supplier_fw-fr whereof_o those_o other_o be_v give_v to_o wit_n the_o consent_n of_o all_o age_n since_o the_o first_o publish_v of_o the_o gospel_n wherein_o many_o have_v not_o only_o profess_v the_o faith_n but_o also_o seal_v that_o their_o profession_n with_o thâ—ir_a blood_n and_o that_o not_o any_o small_a number_n but_o even_o whole_a nation_n have_v profess_v and_o do_v confess_v the_o gospel_n the_o which_o no_o doubt_n be_v a_o forcible_a argument_n and_o even_o as_o a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n whereby_o he_o who_o be_v obstinate_a in_o infidelity_n may_v be_v either_o convert_v or_o confound_v and_o put_v to_o silence_n yea_o this_o general_a embrace_v of_o the_o gospel_n by_o so_o many_o country_n and_o nation_n be_v that_o fullness_n of_o the_o gentile_n the_o which_o the_o lord_n have_v appoint_v as_o a_o mean_n whereby_o that_o obstinate_a and_o harde-hearted_n nation_n of_o the_o jew_n shall_v at_o the_o appoint_a time_n be_v convert_v and_o therefore_o it_o can_v but_o be_v effectual_a with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o gentile_n who_o be_v not_o so_o obstinate_a in_o infidelity_n as_o the_o jew_n be_v gospel_n but_o we_o be_v especial_o to_o rely_v upon_o that_o force_n which_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v plain_o and_o sincere_o deliver_v have_v in_o turn_v man_n heart_n unto_o god_n which_o will_v never_o return_v empty_a but_o in_o some_o measure_n perform_v the_o thing_n for_o which_o it_o be_v send_v thus_o much_o in_o general_a of_o the_o mean_n of_o convert_n infidel_n now_o of_o the_o same_o in_o particular_a the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n which_o be_v here_o to_o be_v use_v have_v two_o part_n the_o first_o be_v a_o preparative_n whereby_o infidel_n be_v of_o themselves_o altogether_o unfit_a to_o hear_v and_o unlike_a to_o believe_v the_o word_n be_v in_o some_o measure_n prepare_v for_o this_o purpose_n the_o second_o be_v to_o teach_v they_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o prepare_v ministry_n consist_v in_o two_o thing_n the_o first_o be_v to_o purge_v their_o mind_n from_o that_o false_a worship_n whereunto_o they_o be_v give_v gospel_n the_o second_o be_v to_o convince_v their_o conscience_n of_o sin_n for_o the_o first_o we_o can_v hope_v that_o man_n be_v full_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o own_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o deity_n power_n and_o goodness_n of_o those_o false_a god_n which_o they_o worship_v will_v embrace_v any_o new_a and_o strange_a religion_n thus_o do_v elias_n 1._o king_n 18.24_o bring_v the_o people_n from_o idolatry_n to_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o likewise_o paul_n deal_v with_o the_o idolatrous_a man_n of_o athens_n act._n 17.29_o and_o with_o they_o of_o lystra_n act._n 14.13_o and_o yet_o there_o be_v great_a moderation_n and_o wisdom_n to_o be_v use_v in_o this_o point_n so_o that_o we_o do_v not_o at_o the_o first_o speak_v so_o vile_o and_o base_o of_o their_o religion_n as_o it_o do_v deserve_v but_o rather_o tolerate_v they_o in_o their_o corruption_n and_o withal_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o truth_n that_o â—o_o the_o other_o false_a worship_n may_v slip_v out_o of_o their_o mind_n as_o it_o be_v without_o violence_n they_o leave_v it_o of_o their_o own_o accord_n for_o otherwise_o if_o they_o see_v their_o god_n and_o religion_n wherein_o they_o have_v be_v bring_v up_o and_o which_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o their_o ancestor_n to_o be_v blaspheme_v and_o evil_o speak_v off_o there_o be_v great_a danger_n lest_o at_o the_o first_o we_o so_o alienate_v their_o mind_n that_o they_o will_v not_o hear_v the_o word_n preach_v but_o become_v utter_a enemy_n unto_o it_o so_o the_o town_n clerk_n in_o the_o apology_n for_o paul_n act_n 19.37_o witness_v that_o he_o in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n have_v not_o blaspheme_v their_o goddess_n diana_n secondlie_o they_o must_v be_v prepare_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n