province_n of_o narrow_a circuit_n of_o ground_n and_o how_o do_v it_o appear_v that_o a_o ecumenical_a council_n right_o so_o name_v can_v be_v for_o suppose_v it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o consist_v of_o all_o the_o bishop_n in_o the_o world_n but_o of_o some_o as_o delegate_n in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o yet_o it_o must_v consist_v of_o so_o many_o proportionable_o delegated_a from_o all_o in_o the_o several_a quarter_n as_o may_v signify_v the_o sense_n and_o consent_n of_o all_o hereupon_o let_v it_o be_v consider_v whether_o there_o be_v a_o possibility_n of_o such_o assembly_n much_o more_o whether_o there_o be_v a_o possibility_n of_o the_o continuation_n or_o of_o the_o succession_n of_o they_o in_o such_o frequency_n as_o will_v be_v requisite_a in_o case_n such_o a_o assembly_n be_v head_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o do_v it_o stand_v with_o reason_n that_o a_o ecumenical_a council_n in_o case_n it_o be_v existent_a can_v possible_o execute_v the_o authority_n that_o belong_v to_o the_o head_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n in_o overseeing_a all_o in_o receive_v appeal_n from_o all_o in_o make_v authoritative_a determination_n for_o all_o either_o immediate_o by_o itself_o or_o mediate_o by_o subordinate_a council_n judicatory_n and_o minister_n to_o be_v superintended_a regulate_v and_o determine_v by_o it_o in_o their_o proceed_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o notice_n give_v of_o the_o say_a headship_n of_o a_o general_n council_n more_o than_o of_o the_o pope_n or_o any_o other_o bishop_n universal_a headship_n in_o the_o primitive_a and_o authentic_a record_n of_o the_o charter_n that_o christ_n have_v give_v to_o his_o church_n to_o wit_n the_o holy_a scripture_n nor_o be_v any_o rule_n give_v therein_o for_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o general_n council_n whether_o it_o shall_v be_v make_v up_o only_o of_o the_o clergy_n or_o only_o of_o such_o bishop_n as_o be_v of_o a_o high_a order_n thâ—â—_n presbyter_n or_o of_o all_o such_o bishop_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n or_o if_o of_o some_o in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o what_o number_n there_o must_v be_v either_o definite_a or_o indefinite_a and_o proportionate_a to_o the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o be_v represent_v it_o be_v evident_a de_fw-fr facto_fw-la that_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n as_o the_o particular_a bishop_n or_o pastor_n and_o the_o association_n and_o convention_n of_o they_o do_v not_o derive_v their_o spiritual_a authority_n from_o a_o general_n council_n nor_o do_v it_o appear_v that_o de_fw-fr jure_fw-la they_o shall_v derive_v their_o power_n from_o it_o any_o more_o than_o from_o the_o pope_n §_o 11._o the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n examine_v the_o romanist_n assert_v a_o infallibility_n about_o matter_n of_o faith_n somewhere_o seat_v within_o the_o catholic_n church_n as_o the_o perpetual_a privilege_n thereof_o some_o of_o they_o place_n it_o in_o the_o pope_n and_o other_o in_o a_o general_n council_n hereupon_o this_o privilege_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v whether_o it_o be_v and_o what_o it_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o term_n be_v a_o be_v not_o liable_a to_o be_v deceive_v or_o to_o deceive_v about_o those_o matter_n about_o which_o it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v that_o the_o catholic_a church_n be_v infallible_a in_o the_o essential_o of_o the_o christian_n religion_n be_v a_o most_o indubitable_a truth_n for_o every_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n so_o remain_v be_v infallible_a so_o far_o it_o involve_v a_o a_o contradiction_n that_o any_o such_o shall_v err_v therein_o for_o it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o be_v a_o christian_n and_o no_o christian_n the_o query_n therefore_o be_v whether_o it_o be_v liable_a to_o error_n in_o the_o integral_n aâ—d_v accidental_n of_o religion_n now_o the_o church_n remain_v such_o be_v not_o necessary_o or_o in_o its_o nature_n infallible_a so_o far_o and_o therefore_o if_o it_o be_v infallible_a it_o must_v be_v so_o from_o the_o free_a grant_n of_o christ_n but_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o any_o such_o grant_n be_v make_v to_o the_o church_n what_o be_v the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o consequent_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n in_o their_o day_n obedient_a to_o their_o authority_n we_o know_v what_o the_o church_n universal_o hold_v in_o any_o one_o age_n touch_v all_o the_o integral_a part_n of_o religion_n much_o more_o concern_v accidental_n i_o conceive_v extreme_o difficult_a if_o not_o impossible_a to_o be_v know_v but_o that_o the_o church_n have_v de_fw-la facto_fw-la if_o not_o universal_o yet_o very_o general_o err_v in_o the_o same_o error_n about_o some_o integral_n of_o religion_n appear_v by_o the_o ancient_a general_a practice_n of_o some_o thing_n now_o general_o account_v erroneous_a as_o for_o instance_n the_o give_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n to_o infant_n moreover_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o its_o several_a part_n have_v err_v some_o in_o one_o point_n some_o in_o another_o and_o that_o no_o part_n thereof_o have_v be_v find_v in_o which_o have_v appear_v no_o error_n in_o some_o point_n of_o religion_n or_o other_o and_o if_o all_o the_o part_n may_v various_o err_v in_o several_a point_n why_o may_v not_o they_o also_o harmonious_o err_v all_o of_o they_o in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o point_n if_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v not_o infallible_a in_o all_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n much_o less_o be_v any_o such_o council_n infallible_a as_o be_v ever_o yet_o congregat_v or_o be_v ever_o like_a to_o be_v congregat_v hereupon_o it_o follow_v that_o in_o all_o controversy_n of_o doctrine_n we_o can_v stand_v final_o to_o the_o decision_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v have_v or_o to_o the_o decision_n of_o any_o the_o large_a council_n that_o can_v possible_o convene_v we_o can_v tell_v what_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v nor_o what_o particular_a church_n or_o person_n be_v sound_a part_n thereof_o but_o by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o what_o criterion_n can_v be_v bring_v beside_o they_o man_n bare_a testimony_n of_o themselves_o be_v not_o to_o be_v rest_v on_o how_o can_v we_o know_v that_o the_o first_o nicene_n council_n be_v orthodox_n in_o its_o determination_n about_o the_o sacred_a trinity_n and_o the_o second_o nicene_n council_n erroneous_a in_o its_o determination_n for_o image-worship_n but_o by_o find_v that_o the_o former_a be_v consonant_a and_o the_o latter_a dissonant_n to_o the_o scripture_n in_o their_o aforesaid_a determination_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o of_o council_n call_v general_n those_o that_o consist_v of_o great_a number_n of_o bishop_n must_v carry_v it_o against_o those_o that_o consist_v of_o lesser_a number_n let_v some_o proof_n either_o from_o scripture_n or_o reason_n be_v give_v for_o it_o what_o ground_n be_v there_o from_o either_o to_o conclude_v that_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o arrian_n heresy_n the_o major_a part_n of_o bishop_n in_o the_o roman_a empire_n or_o the_o major_a part_n of_o those_o that_o assemble_v in_o council_n and_o for_o instance_n in_o the_o first_o council_n at_o nice_a may_v not_o possible_o have_v be_v arrian_n moreover_o if_o the_o major_a part_n be_v to_o carry_v it_o in_o the_o first_o six_o century_n why_o not_o also_o in_o the_o ten_o last_n that_o promise_n of_o christ_n mat._n 28._o i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n may_v imply_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o successive_a continuation_n of_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n in_o the_o catholic_n church_n to_o the_o world_n end_n that_o shall_v be_v orthodox_n in_o the_o essential_o yea_o and_o in_o the_o integral_n of_o religion_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o imply_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v the_o great_a number_n of_o those_o that_o be_v call_v and_o repute_v bishop_n or_o pastor_n within_o christendom_n nor_o that_o the_o great_a number_n of_o those_o be_v convene_v in_o council_n shall_v not_o err_v in_o their_o conciliar_a determination_n about_o matter_n of_o faith_n §_o 12._o of_o the_o indefectibility_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n christ_n have_v promise_v the_o perpetuity_n of_o the_o church_n in_o general_n in_o say_v that_o he_o will_v build_v it_o on_o a_o rock_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o and_o i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n but_o how_o far_o and_o in_o what_o respect_n this_o perpetuity_n and_o indefectibility_n be_v promise_v aught_o to_o be_v inquire_v into_o lest_o we_o expect_v or_o insist_v upon_o more_o than_o the_o promise_n have_v insure_v that_o which_o christ_n have_v promise_v can_v be_v less_o than_o that_o there_o be_v always_o upon_o earth_n a_o number_n of_o true_a believer_n or_o faithful_a christian_n make_v visible_a by_o their_o external_a profession_n of_o christianity_n successive_o
continue_v till_o the_o end_n of_o all_o thing_n it_o be_v also_o ascertain_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v at_o least_o the_o essential_o of_o a_o church-state_n or_o church_n organical_a as_o some_o express_v it_o consist_v of_o a_o part_n govern_v and_o a_o part_n govern_v always_o continue_v somewhere_o upon_o earth_n for_o christ_n promise_n be_v to_o be_v with_o his_o apostle_n in_o the_o execute_n of_o their_o ministry_n always_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o it_o must_v be_v understand_v of_o they_o not_o bare_o consider_v as_o person_n but_o as_o his_o commission_v officer_n including_z their_o successor_n not_o in_o the_o apostolical_a and_o temporary_a but_o in_o the_o ordinary_a and_o perpetual_a authority_n which_o they_o have_v in_o common_a with_o pastor_n bishop_n or_o presbyter_n and_o eph._n 4.11_o show_v that_o the_o ministry_n be_v to_o endure_v till_o the_o whole_a mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n be_v complete_v but_o the_o promise_n do_v not_o import_n that_o any_o particular_a church_n or_o any_o particular_a combination_n of_o church_n in_o one_o frame_n of_o ecclesiastical_a polity_n how_o ample_a or_o illustrious_a soever_o shall_v be_v perpetuate_v by_o a_o uninterrupted_a succession_n of_o pastor_n and_o secure_v from_o a_o total_a defection_n and_o rejection_n either_o from_o a_o church_n state_n or_o from_o christianity_n itself_o if_o any_o particular_a church_n or_o any_o one_o large_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n have_v be_v preserve_v from_o the_o apostle_n day_n till_o now_o when_o other_o have_v be_v extinct_a it_o be_v by_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n who_o way_n and_o counsel_n be_v wise_a and_o holy_a yet_o unsearchable_a and_o past_a find_v out_o nor_o do_v the_o promise_n import_n that_o the_o true_a church_n shall_v be_v perpetual_o conspicuous_a though_o it_o be_v perpetual_o visible_a for_o in_o some_o age_n it_o may_v be_v more_o obscure_a in_o other_o more_o apparent_a it_o be_v grant_v by_o that_o party_n that_o much_o insist_o upon_o the_o conspicuousness_n of_o their_o church_n as_o a_o city_n on_o a_o hill_n that_o in_o the_o time_n of_o antichrist_n the_o church_n shall_v scarce_o be_v discern_v now_o in_o such_o a_o state_n it_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v though_o not_o absolute_o yet_o comparative_o invisible_a that_o be_v be_v compare_v with_o what_o it_o be_v when_o more_o conspicuous_o visible_a nor_o do_v it_o import_v that_o any_o particular_a church_n or_o any_o most_o ample_a and_o illustrious_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n shall_v perpetual_o abide_v in_o the_o apostolic_a purity_n of_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o government_n but_o that_o it_o may_v depart_v from_o it_o and_o fall_v into_o most_o enormous_a error_n and_o practice_n in_o the_o say_a point_n and_o yet_o may_v not_o lose_v the_o essential_o of_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o church-state_n the_o scripture_n foretell_v of_o a_o great_a fall_v away_o and_o a_o last_a defection_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o a_o long_a continue_a predominancy_n of_o a_o antichristian_a state_n therein_o nay_o for_o aught_o can_v be_v cogent_o infer_v from_o the_o aforesaid_a promise_n the_o say_a defection_n may_v have_v be_v so_o universal_a as_o to_o leave_v no_o part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n divide_v from_o the_o apostatical_a or_o antichristian_a state_n and_o party_n by_o a_o different_a external_a church-polity_n but_o the_o sound_n and_o sincere_a part_n of_o the_o church_n may_v truckle_n under_o it_o and_o be_v include_v in_o its_o external_a frame_n and_o keep_v themselves_o from_o be_v destroy_v by_o it_o some_o of_o they_o discern_v and_o shun_v the_o bainful_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n and_o other_o that_o be_v infect_v with_o it_o hold_v the_o truth_n predominant_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o life_n and_o so_o though_o not_o speculative_o yet_o practical_o prevail_v against_o the_o wicked_a error_n if_o in_o all_o time_n there_o have_v be_v some_o society_n of_o christian_n that_o do_v not_o fall_v away_o in_o the_o great_a defection_n nor_o incorporate_v with_o the_o antichristian_a state_n but_o be_v by_o themselves_o in_o a_o sever_a church-state_n yet_o christ_n have_v not_o promise_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v notice_n thereof_o throughout_o all_o christendom_n in_o the_o time_n when_o the_o say_v society_n be_v in_o be_v nor_o that_o history_n shall_v be_v write_v thereof_o for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o after_o age_n howbeit_o we_o have_v sufficient_a notice_n by_o credible_a history_n that_o there_o have_v be_v many_o ample_a christian_n church_n throughout_o all_o age_n that_o be_v not_o incorporate_v with_o the_o antichristian_a state_n and_o that_o do_v dissent_v from_o their_o great_a enormity_n in_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o government_n also_o that_o many_o worthy_n live_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o that_o great_a apostasy_n do_v during_o the_o whole_a time_n thereof_o successive_o bear_v witness_n for_o the_o truth_n against_o it_o and_o that_o for_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o time_n huge_a multitude_n also_o live_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o say_a apostasy_n separate_v from_o it_o and_o be_v embody_v into_o church_n of_o another_o constitution_n more_o conformable_a to_o the_o primitive_a christianity_n §_o 13._o the_o frame_n of_o the_o particular_a church_n mention_v in_o scripture_n as_o we_o find_v in_o scripture_n one_o catholic_n church_n relate_v as_o one_o kingdom_n family_n flock_n spouse_n and_o body_n to_o christ_n as_o its_o only_a king_n master_n shepherd_z husband_n and_o head_n so_o we_o find_v particular_a church_n as_o so_o many_o political_a society_n distinct_a from_o each_o other_o yet_o all_o compact_a together_o as_o part_n of_o that_o one_o ample_a society_n the_o catholic_n church_n as_o the_o church_n at_o antioch_n act_v 13.1_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n act_v 11.22_o act_n 15.4_o the_o church_n at_o caesarea_n act_v 18.22_o the_o church_n at_o cenchrea_n rom._n 10.1_o the_o church_n at_o corinth_n 1_o cor._n 1.2_o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n gal._n 1.2_o the_o church_n of_o the_o thessalonian_o 1_o thes_n 1.1_o the_o church_n at_o babylon_n 1_o pet._n 5_o 13._o and_o the_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n apoc._n 1_o &_o 2._o viz._n of_o ephesus_n smyrna_n pergamos_n thyatyra_n sardis_n thiladelphia_n and_o laodicea_n we_o likewise_o find_v that_o the_o christian_n of_o a_o city_n oâ—_n lesser_a precinct_n make_v one_o church_n as_o the_o church_n at_o corinth_n the_o church_n at_o cenchrea_n etc._n etc._n but_o the_o christian_n of_o a_o region_n or_o a_o large_a circuit_n make_v many_o church_n as_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n the_o church_n of_o galatiae_n we_o find_v also_o that_o each_o of_o these_o particular_a church_n do_v consist_v of_o a_o part_n govern_v and_o a_o part_n govern_v and_o consequent_o be_v political_a society_n every_o church_n have_v their_o proper_a elder_n or_o elder_n acts._n 4.23_o which_o elder_n be_v the_o same_o with_o bishop_n act_n 20.28_o tit._n 1.5_o 7._o 1_o pet._n 5.1_o 2._o and_o they_o be_v constitutive_a part_n of_o those_o church_n consider_v as_o political_a society_n we_o find_v also_o that_o these_o elder_n or_o bishop_n do_v personal_o superintend_v or_o oversee_v all_o the_o flock_n or_o every_o member_n of_o the_o church_n over_o which_o they_o do_v preside_v act_v 20_o 28_o 29._o 1_o thes_n 5.12_o heb._n 13.17_o this_o appear_v further_a by_o their_o particular_a work_n express_o mention_v in_o scripture_n to_o be_v personal_o perform_v towards_o all_o viz._n to_o be_v the_o ordinary_a teacher_n of_o all_o heb._n 13_o 7._o 1_o thes_n 5.12_o 13._o to_o admonish_v all_o that_o be_v unruly_a and_o to_o rebuke_v they_o open_o 1_o tim._n 5.20_o tit._n 1.10_o to_o visit_v and_o pray_v with_o the_o sick_a and_o all_o the_o sick_a be_v to_o send_v for_o they_o to_o that_o end_n james_z 5.14_o and_o no_o grant_n from_o christ_n to_o discharge_v the_o same_o by_o substitute_n or_o delegate_n can_v be_v find_v §_o 14._o the_o form_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n consider_v from_z the_o premise_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o all_o particular_a church_n mention_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v so_o constitute_v as_o that_o all_o the_o member_n thereof_o be_v capable_a of_o personal_a communion_n in_o worship_v god_n if_o not_o always_o at_o once_o together_o yet_o by_o turn_n at_o least_o and_o of_o live_v under_o the_o present_a personal_a superintendency_n of_o their_o proper_a elder_n or_o elder_n bishop_n or_o bishop_n whether_o to_o be_v embody_v or_o associate_v for_o personal_a communion_n in_o worship_n and_o for_o personal_a superintendency_n of_o the_o pastor_n over_o all_o the_o member_n be_v the_o true_a formal_a or_o essential_a constitution_n of_o particular_a church_n by_o divine_a right_n i_o leave_v to_o consideration_n but_o this_o be_v evident_a that_o all_o those_o church_n that_o the_o scripture_n take_v notice_n of_o be_v so_o constitute_v and_o that_o
the_o authority_n of_o the_o pastor_n but_o as_o they_o be_v make_v for_o the_o present_a or_o absent_a pastor_n who_o be_v separately_z of_o equal_a office_n power_n they_o be_v no_o law_n except_o in_o a_o equivocal_a sense_n but_o only_a agreement_n now_o in_o judge_v between_o these_o two_o way_n of_o the_o subordination_n inquire_v of_o let_v it_o be_v consider_v first_o that_o every_o particular_a church_n have_v power_n of_o government_n within_o itself_o as_o have_v be_v before_o observe_v 2._o that_o a_o particular_a church_n do_v not_o derive_v that_o power_n from_o any_o other_o particular_a church_n or_o collective_a body_n of_o church_n but_o have_v it_o immediate_o from_o christ_n 3._o that_o yet_o the_o act_n of_o government_n in_o every_o particular_a church_n have_v a_o influence_n into_o all_o the_o church_n be_v but_o integral_a part_n of_o one_o whole_a the_o catholic_n church_n and_o consequent_o they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o near_o concern_v in_o one_o another_o as_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n 4._o thereupon_o that_o particular_a church_n combine_v in_o such_o collective_a body_n and_o association_n as_o have_v be_v before_o mention_v be_v not_o arbitrary_a but_o their_o duty_n 5._o that_o the_o great_a collective_a body_n be_v in_o degree_n more_o august_n and_o venerable_a than_o the_o lesser_a include_v in_o they_o and_o in_o that_o regard_n ought_v to_o have_v sway_n with_o the_o lesser_a and_o not_o mere_o in_o regard_n of_o agreement_n for_o though_o in_o the_o great_a there_o be_v but_o the_o same_o power_n in_o specie_fw-la with_o that_o in_o the_o lesser_a yet_o it_o be_v more_o ample_o and_o illustrious_o exert_v 6._o that_o in_o all_o society_n every_o part_n be_v order_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a and_o the_o more_o ample_a and_o comprehensive_a part_n come_v near_o to_o the_o nature_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o whole_a than_o the_o lesser_a an_o comprehend_v the_o more_o ample_a part_n if_o they_o have_v not_o a_o proper_a govern_v power_n over_o the_o lesser_a have_v at_o least_o a_o preeminence_n over_o they_o for_o the_o end_n sake_n and_o this_o preeminence_n have_v the_o force_n of_o a_o proper_a superior_a power_n in_o bear_v sway_n 7._o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o act_n of_o synod_n if_o they_o be_v not_o direct_o act_n of_o government_n over_o the_o particular_a pastor_n yet_o they_o have_v the_o efficacy_n of_o government_n as_o be_v to_o be_v submit_v to_o for_o the_o end_n sake_n the_o general_a good_a §_o 22._o what_o be_v and_o what_o be_v not_o of_o divine_a right_n in_o ecclesiastical_a polity_n we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o the_o church_n as_o a_o church_n or_o a_o society_n divers_a in_o kind_n from_o all_o other_o society_n and_o those_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o it_o extrinsecal_o &_o upon_o a_o reason_n common_a to_o it_o with_o other_o regular_a society_n the_o former_a whole_o rest_n upon_o divine_a right_n the_o latter_a be_v in_o genere_fw-la requisite_a by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n which_o require_v decency_n and_o order_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v convenient_a in_o all_o society_n and_o so_o far_o they_o rest_v upon_o divine_a right_n but_o in_o specie_fw-la they_o be_v leave_v to_o human_a determination_n according_a to_o the_o general_a rule_n give_v of_o god_n in_o nature_n or_o scripture_n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o such_o be_v the_o sulness_n of_o scripture_n that_o it_o contain_v all_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n what_o soever_o in_o matter_n of_o church_n government_n do_v go_v to_o the_o formal_a constitution_n of_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v of_o divine_a right_n the_o frame_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_a as_o one_o spiritual_a society_n under_o christ_n the_o head_n as_o before_o describe_v whole_o rest_v upon_o divine_a right_n and_o so_o the_o frame_n of_o particular_a church_n as_o several_a spiritual_a polity_n and_o integral_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n as_o before_o describe_v be_v also_o of_o divine_a right_n if_o such_o right_o be_v sufficient_o signify_v by_o the_o precept_n and_o rule_n give_v by_o the_o apostle_n for_o the_o frame_n of_o they_o and_o by_o their_o practice_n therein_o moreover_o the_o parcel_a of_o that_o one_o great_a society_n the_o church-catholic_a into_o particular_a political_a society_n under_o their_o proper_a spiritual_a guide_n and_o ruler_n be_v so_o necessary_a in_o nature_n to_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a that_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n have_v make_v it_o unalterable_a it_o be_v intrinsic_a to_o all_o particular_a state_v church_n and_o so_o of_o divine_a right_n that_o there_o be_v public_a assembly_n thereof_o for_o the_o solemn_a worship_n of_o god_n that_o there_o be_v bishop_n elder_n or_o spiritual_a pastor_n therein_o and_o that_o these_o as_o christ_n officer_n guide_v the_o say_a assembly_n in_o public_a worship_n that_o therein_o they_o authoritative_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o in_o christ_n name_n offer_v the_o mercy_n of_o the_o gospel_n upon_o his_o term_n and_o denounce_v the_o threaten_n of_o the_o gospel_n against_o those_o that_o despise_v the_o mercy_n thereof_o that_o they_o dispense_v the_o sacrament_n to_o the_o meet_a partaker_n and_o the_o spiritual_a censure_n upon_o those_o that_o just_o fall_v under_o they_o that_o the_o member_n of_o these_o society_n explicit_o or_o implicit_o consent_v to_o their_o relation_n to_o their_o pastor_n and_o one_o towards_o another_o it_o do_v also_o intrinsical_o belong_v to_o particular_a church_n as_o they_o be_v integral_a part_n of_o one_o catholic_n church_n of_o which_o all_o the_o particular_a christian_n contain_v in_o they_o be_v member_n and_o consequent_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v of_o divine_a right_n that_o they_o hold_v communion_n one_o with_o another_o and_o that_o they_o be_v embody_a according_a to_o their_o capacity_n in_o such_o association_n as_o have_v be_v before_o describe_v as_o for_o all_o circumstantial_a variation_n and_o accidental_a modification_n of_o the_o thing_n aforesaid_a with_o respect_n to_o mere_a decency_n order_n and_o convenience_n according_a to_o time_n and_o occasion_n be_v extrinsic_a to_o the_o spiritual_a frame_n and_o polity_n of_o the_o church_n as_o such_o and_o belong_v in_o common_a to_o it_o with_o all_o orderly_a society_n they_o be_v of_o divine_a right_o only_o in_o genere_fw-la but_o in_o specie_fw-la they_o be_v leave_v to_o those_o to_o who_o the_o conduct_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v commit_v to_o be_v determine_v according_a to_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o god_n word_n much_o of_o the_o controversy_n of_o this_o age_n about_o several_a form_n of_o church-government_n be_v about_o thing_n extrinsic_a to_o the_o church-state_n and_o but_o accidental_a mode_n thereof_o though_o the_o several_a party_n in_o the_o controversy_n make_v those_o form_n to_o which_o they_o adhere_v to_o be_v of_o divine_a right_n and_o necessary_a to_o a_o church-state_n or_o as_o some_o speak_v a_o church-organical_a now_o in_o the_o say_v controvert_v form_n of_o government_n there_o may_v be_v a_o great_a difference_n for_o some_o may_v be_v congruous_a to_o the_o divine_a and_o constitutive_a frame_n of_o the_o church_n and_o advantageous_a to_o its_o end_n other_o may_v be_v incongruous_a to_o it_o and_o destructive_a to_o its_o end_n §_o 23._o of_o a_o true_a or_o false_a church_n many_o note_n of_o a_o true_a church_n be_v contentious_o bring_v in_o by_o those_o that_o will_v darken_v the_o truth_n by_o word_n without_o knowledge_n but_o without_o more_o ado_n the_o true_a and_o real_a be_v of_o a_o church_n stand_v in_o its_o conformity_n to_o that_o law_n of_o christ_n upon_o which_o his_o church_n be_v found_v this_o law_n be_v complete_o write_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o more_o of_o the_o aforesaid_a conformity_n be_v sound_a in_o any_o church_n the_o more_o true_a and_o sound_v it_o be_v and_o the_o less_o of_o it_o be_v find_v in_o any_o church_n the_o more_o corrupt_a and_o false_a it_o be_v and_o the_o more_o it_o decline_v from_o truth_n and_o soundness_n a_o church_n may_v bear_v so_o much_o conformity_n to_o its_o rule_n as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o the_o real_a be_v or_o essential_a state_n of_o a_o christian_a church_n and_o yet_o withal_o bear_v such_o disconformity_n to_o its_o rule_n as_o render_v it_o very_o enormous_a a_o church_n hold_v all_o the_o essential_o of_o faith_n worship_n ministry_n and_o government_n together_o with_o the_o addition_n of_o such_o doctrine_n worship_n ministry_n and_o government_n as_o be_v by_o consequence_n a_o denial_n of_o those_o essential_o and_o a_o subvert_v of_o the_o foundation_n be_v a_o true_a church_n as_o to_o the_o essential_o though_o very_o enormous_a and_o dangerous_a and_o they_o that_o be_v of_o the_o communion_n of_o such_o a_o church_n who_o hold_v the_o essential_o of_o religion_n
they_o grant_v a_o kind_n of_o certainty_n as_o the_o one_o by_o usurp_a authority_n impose_v upon_o man_n belief_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v man_n high_a concernment_n so_o the_o other_o take_v away_o or_o lessen_v that_o security_n of_o the_o mind_n which_o be_v reasonable_o require_v in_o so_o great_a a_o matter_n and_o give_v too_o great_a advantage_n to_o the_o pretender_n on_o the_o other_o extreme_a the_o term_n infallible_a may_v be_v take_v first_o in_o a_o passive_a signification_n and_o then_o it_o be_v that_o which_o can_v be_v deceive_v and_o so_o it_o may_v be_v apply_v either_o to_o the_o propounder_n or_o to_o the_o believer_n of_o a_o truth_n it_o may_v also_o be_v take_v in_o a_o active_a signification_n for_o that_o which_o can_v deceive_v and_o so_o it_o may_v be_v apply_v to_o the_o propounder_n as_o also_o to_o the_o truth_n itself_o propose_v and_o â—o_o the_o evidence_n thereof_o as_o in_o our_o english_a translation_n act._n 1.3_o by_o many_o infallible_a proof_n that_o be_v evidence_n that_o can_v not_o deceive_v infallibility_n as_o ascribe_v to_o the_o propounder_n or_o believer_n of_o a_o truth_n be_v subjective_a infallibility_n as_o ascribe_v to_o the_o truth_n propound_v or_o the_o evidence_n thereof_o it_o be_v objective_a infallibility_n which_o signify_v no_o more_o than_o that_o the_o thing_n can_v be_v false_a and_o can_v objective_o deceive_v now_o if_o there_o may_v be_v objective_n there_o may_v be_v also_o subjective_a infallibility_n if_o there_o be_v truth_n and_o a_o evidence_n of_o truth_n that_o can_v be_v false_a than_o a_o understanding_n apprehend_v that_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v can_v be_v deceive_v therein_o nor_o can_v deceive_v in_o propound_v the_o same_o to_o other_o beside_o objective_a infallibility_n be_v a_o insignificant_a thing_n in_o reference_n to_o a_o understanding_n uncapable_a of_o infallibility_n a_o object_n be_v denominate_v infallible_a with_o respect_n to_o the_o understanding_n to_o which_o it_o be_v or_o may_v be_v propound_v as_o not_o to_o be_v deceive_v in_o it_o §_o 12._o of_o infallibility_n which_o be_v hypothetical_a and_o limit_v and_o that_o which_o be_v absolute_a and_o unlimited_a infallibility_n therefore_o denote_v a_o impossibility_n of_o be_v deceive_v and_o of_o deceive_v inquire_v we_o into_o the_o subject_n to_o who_o it_o do_v belong_v some_o say_v a_o impossibility_n of_o be_v deceive_v belong_v only_o to_o a_o infinite_o perfect_a understanding_n we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o a_o impossibility_n of_o be_v deceive_v that_o be_v absolute_a and_o unlimited_a and_o that_o which_o be_v hypothetical_a and_o limit_v i_o grant_v that_o a_o absolute_a impossibility_n of_o be_v deceive_v belong_v not_o to_o a_o finite_a understanding_n and_o no_o asserter_n of_o infallibility_n in_o the_o creature_n intend_v the_o former_a but_o the_o latter_a kind_n hypothetical_n and_o limit_a impossibility_n of_o be_v deceive_v may_v belong_v to_o a_o finite_a and_o in_o particular_a to_o a_o humane_a understanding_n and_o it_o be_v that_o which_o suppose_v a_o full_a revelation_n natural_a or_o supernatural_a to_o the_o subject_n in_o who_o it_o be_v and_o be_v limit_v to_o the_o truth_n so_o reveal_v and_o this_o hypothetical_a infallibility_n do_v not_o rest_v bare_o upon_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o humane_a nature_n but_o upon_o this_o principle_n that_o god_n be_v true_a in_o his_o revelation_n both_o natural_a and_o supernatural_a and_o that_o he_o do_v not_o govern_v the_o world_n by_o falsehood_n now_o this_o be_v proper_a infallibility_n for_o upon_o this_o principle_n i_o be_o not_o only_o sure_a that_o i_o be_o not_o deceive_v but_o also_o that_o i_o can_v be_v deceive_v as_o to_o the_o particular_a truth_n so_o evident_a to_o i_o or_o to_o speak_v it_o plain_o it_o can_v be_v that_o i_o be_o therein_o deceive_v for_o it_o be_v a_o contradiction_n moreover_o that_o which_o be_v certain_a be_v so_o upon_o necessary_a ground_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v false_a and_o he_o that_o know_v it_o to_o be_v certain_a know_v it_o upon_o those_o necessary_a ground_n and_o consequent_o that_o it_o can_v be_v false_a and_o this_o be_v to_o know_v it_o infallible_o if_o we_o know_v nothing_o infallible_o we_o know_v nothing_o either_o as_o necessary_a or_o as_o impossible_a whether_o absolute_o or_o hypothetical_o §_o 13._o of_o state_v or_o permanent_a infallibility_n and_o that_o which_o be_v but_o pro_fw-la tempore_fw-la it_o have_v be_v show_v that_o a_o understanding_n that_o be_v not_o absolute_o or_o by_o the_o perfection_n of_o its_o nature_n infallible_a may_v be_v secure_v from_o possibility_n of_o mistake_n and_o a_o understanding_n that_o be_v not_o universal_o infallible_a may_v be_v secure_v from_o possibility_n of_o mistake_n and_o so_o be_v infallible_a in_o certain_a case_n and_o to_o certain_a intent_n now_o it_o be_v further_a to_o be_v note_v that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o state_v or_o permanent_a infallibility_n and_o that_o which_o be_v but_o temporary_a the_o former_a do_v belong_v to_o the_o establish_a prophet_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o their_o declaration_n to_o his_o people_n and_o to_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n in_o matter_n pertain_v to_o their_o apostolical_a commission_n for_o establish_v the_o religion_n and_o church_n of_o christ_n also_o upon_o supposition_n of_o the_o saint_n perseverance_n it_o belong_v to_o all_o true_a christian_n as_o to_o the_o essential_o of_o christianity_n the_o temporary_a infallibility_n belong_v to_o such_o person_n as_o receive_v the_o vision_n of_o god_n or_o be_v divine_o inspire_v not_o stated_o but_o occasional_o at_o some_o particular_a time_n or_o time_n as_o among_o holy_a man_n zacharias_n john_n baptist_n father_n gideon_n the_o parent_n of_o samson_n among_o the_o unholy_a balaam_n in_o his_o prophecy_n before_o balaac_n and_o saul_n who_o sometime_o be_v find_v prophesy_v §_o 14._o the_o infallibility_n of_o a_o finite_a understanding_n further_o clear_v it_o be_v grant_v by_o the_o denier_n of_o infallibility_n that_o that_o which_o be_v true_a be_v not_o possible_a to_o be_v false_a and_o thence_o i_o infer_v if_o i_o know_v it_o to_o be_v true_a i_o know_v it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o be_v false_a and_o so_o i_o infallible_o know_v it_o and_o my_o assent_n to_o a_o truth_n as_o for_o instance_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n can_v possible_o be_v false_a some_o that_o say_v a_o impossibility_n of_o be_v deceive_v belong_v only_o to_o a_o infinite_o perfect_a understanding_n do_v grant_v that_o a_o understanding_n liable_a to_o be_v deceive_v may_v not_o be_v deceive_v and_o be_v sure_a that_o he_o be_v not_o and_o i_o infer_v thereupon_o that_o he_o can_v be_v deceive_v in_o that_o particular_a assent_n i_o mean_v not_o that_o he_o can_v simple_o but_o in_o that_o state_n and_o circumstance_n wherein_o he_o be_v put_v he_o can_v be_v deceive_v therein_o and_o that_o he_o know_v he_o can_v because_o he_o know_v it_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v deceive_v in_o that_o wherein_o he_o be_v sure_a that_o he_o be_v not_o deceive_v for_o if_o i_o may_v be_v deceive_v in_o such_o a_o apprehension_n or_o assent_n not_o only_o simple_o but_o all_o circumstance_n be_v put_v i_o can_v be_v sure_a that_o i_o be_o not_o deceive_v therein_o likewise_o those_o that_o say_v a_o impossibility_n of_o be_v deceive_v belong_v only_o to_o a_o infinite_o perfect_a understanding_n do_v grant_v that_o a_o man_n can_v be_v deceive_v in_o that_o thing_n with_o the_o belief_n whereof_o god_n inspire_v he_o and_o give_v he_o such_o evidence_n thereof_o as_o can_v be_v false_a now_o this_o be_v a_o concession_n of_o hypothetical_a and_o limit_a infallibility_n to_o humane_a understanding_n for_o it_o be_v here_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o may_v be_v such_o evidence_n of_o divine_a inspiration_n as_o can_v be_v false_a and_o indeed_o i_o take_v it_o for_o a_o repugnancy_n in_o nature_n that_o god_n shall_v inspire_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o falsehood_n nevertheless_o a_o man_n divine_o inspire_v be_v not_o simple_o infallible_a in_o his_o apprehension_n of_o divine_a inspiration_n for_o he_o may_v sometime_o be_v deceive_v in_o think_v he_o be_v so_o inspire_v when_o he_o be_v not_o thus_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o a_o understanding_n that_o be_v not_o simple_o infallible_a in_o a_o matter_n may_v in_o the_o state_n and_o circumstance_n wherein_o he_o be_v put_v be_v therein_o infallible_a i_o think_v it_o better_a to_o explain_v and_o limit_v the_o term_n and_o notion_n of_o infallibility_n in_o the_o humane_a understanding_n than_o whole_o to_o reject_v it_o but_o howsoever_o they_o that_o reject_v or_o dislike_v it_o do_v grant_n and_o contend_v for_o a_o sufficient_o certrin_n evidence_n of_o truth_n and_o i_o will_v not_o quarrel_v if_o that_o will_v serve_v for_o infallibility_n and_o they_o will_v also_o grant_v that_o they_o who_o
be_v not_o immediate_o inspire_v of_o god_n have_v sufficient_o certain_a evidence_n in_o reason_n to_o the_o discern_a and_o choose_v of_o infallible_a guide_n that_o be_v immediate_o inspire_v §_o 15._o whether_o infallibility_n admit_v of_o degree_n and_o in_o what_o respect_n every_o truth_n be_v equal_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a for_o all_o thing_n that_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n be_v equal_o because_o utter_o impossible_a all_o be_v alike_o infallible_a in_o that_o wherein_o they_o be_v infallible_a and_o therein_o they_o can_v be_v more_o infallible_a because_o therein_o it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a that_o they_o shall_v be_v deceive_v and_o so_o it_o can_v be_v more_o impossible_a than_o it_o be_v already_o nevertheless_o there_o be_v different_a degree_n of_o evidence_n for_o be_v infallible_a in_o such_o or_o such_o a_o matter_n likewise_o there_o be_v different_a degree_n of_o clear_a apprehension_n of_o be_v infallible_a and_o so_o the_o sure_a knowledge_n of_o be_v infallible_a admit_v of_o degree_n that_o knowledge_n that_o be_v sufficient_o certain_a may_v be_v advance_v to_o be_v abundant_o certain_a and_o that_o which_o be_v abundant_a may_v be_v advance_v to_o yet_o more_o abundant_a whereupon_o i_o conclude_v that_o though_o infallibility_n in_o its_o formal_a reason_n admit_v of_o no_o degree_n yet_o there_o be_v different_a degree_n of_o the_o evidence_n and_o the_o clear_a apprehension_n thereof_o moreover_o infallibility_n be_v in_o a_o more_o noble_a and_o perfect_a state_n in_o one_o subject_n than_o in_o another_o and_o so_o the_o infallibility_n of_o a_o superior_a intellect_n as_o that_o of_o angel_n be_v in_o a_o more_o perfect_a and_o excellent_a than_o the_o hypothetical_a and_o the_o unlimited_a than_o the_o limit_a in_o the_o same_o subject_a infallibility_n may_v be_v in_o a_o more_o perfect_a state_n at_o one_o time_n than_o another_o according_a to_o the_o rise_n or_o fall_v of_o the_o evidence_n thereof_o §_o 16._o of_o the_o infallibility_n of_o sense_n that_o which_o be_v agreeable_a to_o sense_n right_o circumstantiate_v be_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a and_o that_o which_o be_v repugnant_a to_o sense_n right_o circumstantiate_v be_v impossible_a to_o be_v true_a for_o that_o the_o one_o shall_v be_v false_a and_o that_o the_o other_o shall_v be_v true_a imply_v a_o contradiction_n suppose_v the_o sensitive_a faculty_n to_o be_v true_a and_o if_o the_o sensitive_a faculty_n be_v not_o true_a it_o infer_v that_o impious_a and_o absurd_a opinion_n that_o god_n can_v or_o will_v not_o govern_v the_o material_a world_n but_o by_o falsehood_n the_o popish_a opinion_n of_o transubstantiation_n be_v no_o deception_n of_o the_o sense_n but_o of_o the_o understanding_n for_o they_o that_o have_v persuade_v themselves_o to_o believe_v it_o do_v not_o say_v they_o see_v or_o taste_v or_o feel_v christ_n body_n and_o blood_n but_o acknowledge_v what_o they_o see_v feel_v and_o taste_v to_o be_v the_o accident_n of_o the_o bread_n and_o wine_n which_o they_o say_v remain_v after_o transubstantion_n wherefore_o the_o impose_v be_v not_o upon_o the_o sense_n but_o upon_o the_o understanding_n which_o ought_v to_o judge_n by_o sense_n of_o matter_n that_o be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o sense_n §_o 17._o of_o infallibility_n of_o reason_n if_o sense_n may_v be_v the_o subject_n of_o infallibility_n why_o may_v not_o the_o understanding_n be_v so_o which_o be_v a_o more_o excellent_a faculty_n in_o the_o kind_n of_o perception_n or_o knowledge_n if_o the_o understanding_n be_v the_o subject_n of_o certainty_n why_o not_o also_o of_o infallibility_n in_o that_o limit_a sense_n as_o have_v be_v before_o explain_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o certainty_n be_v not_o that_o which_o may_v or_o may_v not_o be_v but_o that_o which_o must_v be_v or_o which_o be_v know_v to_o be_v such_o a_o indubitable_a certainty_n be_v acknowledge_v and_o from_o a_o indubitable_a certainty_n proper_o so_o call_v i_o think_v a_o good_a inference_n be_v make_v unto_o a_o infallible_a certainty_n to_o be_v indubitable_a in_o a_o matter_n be_v to_o be_v sure_a that_o i_o be_o not_o therein_o deceive_v and_o i_o can_v rational_o be_v sure_a that_o i_o be_o not_o deceive_v unless_o i_o be_o sure_a that_o it_o can_v be_v that_o the_o thing_n be_v otherwise_o than_o i_o apprehend_v and_o if_o i_o be_o sure_a that_o it_o can_v be_v otherwise_o than_o i_o apprehend_v i_o be_o as_o to_o that_o particular_a infallible_a because_o man_n in_o their_o most_o confident_a persuasion_n be_v common_o deceive_v by_o prejudice_n from_o passion_n interest_n education_n and_o the_o like_a it_o follow_v not_o that_o none_o can_v be_v secure_a from_o deception_n that_o be_v to_o know_v that_o it_o can_v be_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v deceive_v in_o such_o or_o such_o a_o matter_n certain_o a_o impartial_a and_o unbiased_a judgement_n may_v be_v find_v §_o 18._o logical_a physical_a moral_a and_o theological_a conclusision_n as_o well_o as_o mathematical_a admit_v of_o demonstrative_a evidence_n upon_o the_o forego_n inquiry_n i_o judge_v it_o very_o disadvantageous_a to_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n to_o speak_v as_o some_o do_v of_o a_o low_a evidence_n for_o it_o than_o demonstration_n and_o such_o as_o the_o matter_n be_v capable_a of_o whereas_o i_o suppose_v there_o be_v not_o sure_a and_o clear_a evidence_n for_o any_o thing_n than_o for_o true_a religion_n not_o only_o mathematical_a but_o logical_a physical_a moral_a and_o theological_a conclusion_n admit_v of_o demonstrative_a evidence_n whereas_o some_o say_v the_o existence_n of_o god_n be_v not_o mathematical_o demonstrable_a because_o only_o mathematical_a matter_n admit_v such_o kind_n of_o evidence_n if_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o that_o special_a evidence_n that_o be_v in_o the_o mathematics_n it_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n but_o if_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o evidence_n in_o general_n as_o demonstrative_a as_o mathematical_a evidence_n it_o be_v false_a for_o this_o truth_n admit_v the_o clear_a and_o strict_a demonstration_n this_o proposition_n that_o god_n be_v be_v demonstrative_a in_o the_o strict_a sense_n by_o a_o demonstration_n a_o posteriori_fw-la viz_o of_o the_o necessary_a cause_n from_o the_o effect_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o existence_n of_o god_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o existence_n of_o the_o world_n for_o that_o we_o can_v attribute_v the_o be_v of_o the_o phanomena_n or_o visible_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n to_o any_o other_o cause_n than_o such_o a_o be_v as_o we_o conceive_v god_n to_o be_v but_o we_o must_v offer_v violence_n to_o our_o own_o faculty_n this_o proposition_n that_o every_o word_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v fulfil_v according_a to_o the_o true_a and_o full_a intent_n of_o it_o be_v demonstrative_a in_o the_o strict_a sense_n a_o priori_fw-la from_o the_o veracity_n of_o god_n it_o be_v as_o evident_a that_o god_n be_v true_a as_o that_o he_o be_v as_o the_o existence_n so_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n have_v demonstrative_a evidence_n unless_o you_o have_v rather_o call_v they_o indemonstrable_a principle_n as_o have_v the_o great_a self-evidence_n from_o the_o essence_n and_o attribute_n of_o god_n and_o man_n dependence_n on_o he_o and_o relation_n to_o he_o moral_a and_o theological_a truth_n of_o demonstrative_a evidence_n be_v infer_v as_o touch_v god_n moral_a law_n the_o good_a of_o conformity_n and_o the_o evil_a of_o inconformity_n thereunto_o and_o a_o just_a retribution_n to_o man_n according_a to_o that_o difference_n §_o 19_o of_o the_o infallible_a knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n upon_o the_o ground_n here_o lay_v as_o the_o existence_n and_o attribute_n of_o god_n and_o man_n dependence_n on_o he_o and_o relation_n to_o he_o and_o his_o obligation_n thence_o arise_v may_v be_v demonstrate_v so_o also_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v of_o god_n as_o the_o author_n and_o that_o the_o contrary_n will_v involve_v a_o contradiction_n and_o i_o take_v this_o to_o have_v be_v demonstrate_v by_o learned_a man_n and_o need_v not_o here_o be_v large_o insist_v on_o only_o i_o shall_v set_v down_o a_o little_a of_o that_o much_o that_o have_v be_v write_v by_o mr._n baxter_n we_o may_v infallible_o know_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n to_o be_v of_o god_n by_o his_o unimitable_a image_n or_o impression_n which_o be_v upon_o it_o suppose_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o historical_a part_n likewise_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o historical_a part_n namely_o that_o this_o doctrine_n be_v deliver_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o that_o those_o thing_n be_v do_v by_o he_o and_o they_o which_o the_o scripture_n mention_v we_o may_v know_v infallible_o the_o apostle_n and_o other_o first_o witness_n know_v it_o infallible_o themselves_o by_o their_o present_a sense_n and_o reason_n with_o the_o concomitance_n of_o
death_n of_o mark_n and_o in_o other_o place_n by_o that_o example_n and_o it_o plain_o show_v as_o the_o apostle_n paul_n do_v that_o the_o church_n be_v govern_v by_o the_o common_a council_n of_o presbyter_n who_o be_v also_o bishop_n the_o testimony_n of_o irenaeus_n it_o be_v clear_a that_o this_o father_n make_v the_o presbyter_n to_o be_v the_o same_o with_o bishop_n and_o the_o successor_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o with_o he_o the_o succession_n of_o bishop_n be_v all_o one_o with_o the_o succession_n of_o presbyter_n lib._n 4._o c._n 43._o we_o must_v obey_v those_o presbyter_n which_o be_v in_o the_o church_n who_o together_o with_o the_o succession_n of_o episcopacy_n have_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o truth_n id._n l._n 3._o c._n 2._o unto_o that_o tradition_n which_o be_v in_o the_o church_n by_o the_o succession_n of_o presbyter_n we_o challenge_v they_o that_o say_v they_o be_v wise_a not_o only_o than_o the_o presbyter_n but_o the_o apostle_n id._n l._n 3._o c._n 3._o declare_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o great_a and_o ancient_a church_n and_o know_v to_o all_o even_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n found_v by_o peter_n and_o paul_n at_o rome_n that_o which_o it_o have_v from_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o faith_n declare_v to_o man_n and_o come_v to_o we_o by_o the_o succession_n of_o bishop_n etc._n etc._n id._n lib._n 4._o c._n 4._o we_o must_v forsake_v unjust_a presbyter_n serve_v their_o own_o lust_n and_o adhere_v to_o those_o who_o with_o the_o order_n of_o presbytery_n keep_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n find_v and_o their_o conversation_n without_o offence_n unto_o the_o information_n and_o correction_n of_o the_o rest_n the_o church_n nourish_v such_o presbyter_n whereof_o the_o prophet_n speak_v i_o will_v give_v thou_o prince_n in_o peace_n and_o thy_o bishop_n in_o righteousness_n id._n lib._n 4._o c._n 63._o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o ancient_a state_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n according_a to_o the_o succession_n of_o bishop_n to_o which_o they_o give_v the_o church_n which_o be_v in_o every_o place_n which_o be_v come_v even_o to_o we_o from_o these_o citation_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o this_o father_n do_v express_v one_o and_o the_o same_o order_n of_o episcopacy_n in_o all_o presbyter_n if_o any_o do_v use_v this_o evasion_n that_o he_o call_v all_o those_o that_o be_v true_a bishop_n by_o the_o name_n of_o presbyter_n let_v they_o show_v where_o he_o mention_n presbyter_n of_o another_o order_n or_o make_v two_o different_a order_n of_o episcopacy_n and_o presbyterate_a here_o i_o will_v take_v notice_n of_o the_o word_n of_o irenaus_n concern_v those_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n mention_v act_n 20._o lib._n 3._o c._n 14._o viz._n in_o miletum_n the_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n which_o be_v from_o ephesus_n and_o other_o the_o next_o city_n be_v convocate_v though_o it_o seem_v most_o reasonable_a by_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n there_o send_v for_o by_o paul_n to_o understand_v the_o elder_n of_o that_o particular_a church_n of_o ephesus_n to_o which_o the_o apostle_n then_o send_v and_o indeed_o if_o they_o have_v be_v from_o other_o city_n also_o it_o will_v have_v say_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n way_n of_o expression_n the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o admit_v what_o this_o father_n say_v hereof_o observe_v we_o that_o he_o speak_v of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n as_o congregat_v in_o the_o meeting_n and_o he_o may_v mention_v two_o name_n of_o the_o same_o office_n and_o the_o apostle_n speak_v to_o all_o those_o presbyter_n that_o there_o convened_a as_o those_o who_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v bishop_n of_o the_o flock_n and_o suppose_v they_o be_v the_o bishop_n of_o asia_n as_o some_o will_v have_v it_o yet_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o they_o be_v any_o other_o than_o bishop_n of_o single_a congregation_n or_o that_o they_o be_v such_o bishop_n as_o have_v subject_a presbyter_n of_o a_o low_a order_n under_o they_o the_o testimony_n of_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n he_o thus_o write_v stromat_n lib._n 6._o p._n 667._o he_o be_v real_o a_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n and_o a_o true_a deacon_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n if_o he_o teach_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o lord_n not_o as_o ordain_v by_o man_n nor_o esteem_v just_a because_o he_o be_v a_o presbyter_n but_o take_v into_o the_o presbytery_n because_o he_o be_v just_a here_o in_o the_o church_n be_v progression_n of_o bishop_n presbyter_n deacons_n imitation_n as_o i_o think_v of_o the_o angelical_a glory_n and_o of_o the_o heavenly_a dispensation_n which_o the_o scripture_n speak_v they_o expect_v who_o tread_v in_o the_o footstep_n of_o the_o apostle_n have_v live_v in_o the_o perfection_n of_o righteousness_n according_a to_o the_o gospel_n these_o the_o apostle_n write_v be_v take_v up_o into_o the_o cloud_n shall_v first_o be_v make_v deacons_n and_o then_o shall_v be_v take_v into_o the_o presbytery_n according_a to_o the_o progress_n of_o glory_n here_o this_o father_n first_o mention_n only_o two_o order_n presbyter_n and_o deacons_n afterward_o a_o progression_n of_o bishop_n presbyter_n and_o deacons_n as_o imitation_n of_o the_o heavenly_a dispensation_n but_o in_o the_o close_o apply_v the_o similitude_n to_o bless_a man_n take_v into_o heaven_n he_o make_v the_o progress_n to_o be_v only_o in_o be_v first_o as_o deacons_n then_o as_o presbyter_n mention_v no_o high_a order_n hence_o i_o conceive_v may_v be_v infer_v that_o he_o speak_v of_o presbyter_n and_o deacons_n as_o of_o two_o different_a order_n and_o of_o bishop_n but_o as_o a_o high_a degree_n in_o the_o order_n of_o presbyter_n this_o also_o may_v be_v further_o confirm_v stromat_n lib._n 7._o p._n 700._o where_n distinguish_v of_o a_o twofold_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o employment_n in_o secular_a affair_n viz._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o say_v that_o presbyter_n hold_v that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o make_v man_n better_a and_o the_o deacons_n that_n which_o consist_v in_o service_n his_o meaning_n be_v that_o as_o in_o the_o civil_a state_n there_o be_v two_o order_n the_o one_o govern_v and_o the_o other_o minister_a so_o there_o be_v likewise_o in_o the_o church_n the_o presbyter_n hold_v the_o one_o and_o the_o deacons_n the_o other_o these_o passage_n of_o this_o author_n i_o think_v fit_a to_o mention_v and_o have_v not_o find_v in_o he_o any_o more_o relate_v to_o the_o distinct_a minister_n of_o the_o church_n the_o testimony_n of_o jerome_n this_o father_n also_o speak_v of_o presbyter_n as_o the_o same_o with_o bishop_n and_o successor_n of_o the_o apostle_n on_o the_o epistle_n to_o titus_n c._n 1._o he_o say_v as_o presbyter_n know_v that_o they_o be_v by_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n subject_n to_o he_o that_o be_v set_v over_o they_o so_o let_v the_o bishop_n know_v that_o they_o be_v great_a than_o presbyter_n rather_o by_o custom_n than_o by_o the_o verity_n of_o the_o lord_n appointment_n he_o also_o testify_v that_o they_o do_v and_o ought_v to_o rule_v the_o church_n in_o common_a and_o that_o imparity_n come_v in_o by_o little_a and_o little_a in_o his_o epistle_n to_o evagrius_n he_o show_v that_o the_o presbyter_n of_o alexandria_n from_o mark_n till_o heraclas_n and_o dionysius_n have_v always_o one_o choose_v out_o of_o they_o and_o place_v in_o a_o high_a degree_n and_o name_v bishop_n as_o if_o a_o army_n make_v a_o emperor_n and_o deacon_n choose_v one_o who_o they_o know_v industrious_a and_o call_v he_o archdeacon_n here_o he_o mention_n not_o other_o make_n of_o bishop_n than_o by_o presbyter_n and_o that_o the_o presbyter_n make_v the_o bishop_n be_v a_o argument_n bring_v by_o he_o to_o prove_v the_o identity_n at_o first_o and_o afterward_o the_o nearness_n of_o their_o power_n and_o he_o ascribe_v to_o presbyter_n the_o make_n of_o their_o bishop_n and_o place_v he_o in_o a_o high_a degree_n and_o name_v he_o bishop_n and_o he_o distinguish_v the_o ancient_a way_n of_o make_v bishop_n by_o presbyter_n from_o that_o way_n of_o make_v they_o which_o follow_v the_o time_n of_o heraclas_n and_o dionysius_n which_o be_v by_o episcopal_a ordination_n this_o evidence_n be_v confirm_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o eutichius_n patriarch_n of_o alexandria_n who_o out_o of_o the_o record_n and_o tradition_n of_o that_o church_n in_o his_o arabic_a original_n say_v according_a to_o selden_n translation_n in_o his_o commentary_n p._n 29_o 30._o that_o the_o presbyter_n lay_v hand_n on_o he_o who_o they_o elect_v till_o the_o time_n of_o alexander_n patriarch_n of_o alexandria_n for_o he_o forbid_v the_o presbyter_n any_o long_o to_o create_v the_o patriarch_n and_o decree_v that_o the_o patriarch_n be_v decease_v bishop_n shall_v
convene_v and_o ordain_v one_o to_o the_o patriarchate_n and_o that_o they_o may_v choose_v the_o patriarch_n out_o of_o any_o region_n jerome_n as_o a_o historian_n only_o mention_n from_o the_o testimony_n of_o eusebius_n some_o bishop_n make_v by_o the_o apostle_n but_o who_o can_v prove_v that_o those_o bishop_n be_v of_o a_o high_a order_n than_o presbyter_n the_o testimony_n of_o other_o ancient_n in_o the_o same_o point_n cyprian_n lib._n 3._o epist_n 9_o erasmus_n his_o edit_n to_o rogatianus_n the_o deacon_n must_v remember_v that_o the_o lord_n choose_v apostle_n that_o be_v bishop_n and_o praepositi_fw-la but_o after_o the_o ascension_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o apostle_n make_v deacon_n to_o themselves_o as_o minister_n of_o their_o episcopacy_n and_o the_o church_n here_o be_v but_o two_o order_n mention_v 1._o bishop_n and_o praepositi_fw-la who_o be_v as_o the_o apostle_n 2._o deacon_n who_o be_v minister_n to_o they_o and_o the_o church_n id._n lib._n 1._o epist_n 11._o to_o pomponius_n when_o all_o aught_o to_o maintain_v discipline_n much_o more_o the_o praepositi_fw-la and_o the_o deacon_n from_o this_o and_o the_o other_o place_n before_o cite_v it_o may_v plain_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v no_o middle_a office_n between_o that_o of_o the_o praepositi_fw-la and_o the_o deacon_n and_o all_o the_o presbyter_n being_n praepositi_fw-la