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be_v a_o sin_n unto_o death_n say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o john_n v._n 16._o i_o say_v not_o that_o you_o pray_v for_o it_o this_o be_v common_o understand_v of_o deny_v god_n truth_n against_o that_o light_n which_o convince_v the_o conscience_n which_o if_o it_o be_v true_a the_o apostle_n precept_n can_v never_o come_v into_o practice_n see_v no_o man_n can_v know_v unless_o by_o revelation_n against_o what_o light_n his_o neighbour_n sin_v but_o the_o novatian_o at_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a as_o socrates_n and_o sozomenus_n both_o report_n eccles_n hist_o i._o 7._o i._o 23._o answer_v constantine_n that_o they_o refuse_v penance_n only_o to_o those_o that_o sin_v the_o sin_n unto_o death_n do_v give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o s._n john_n be_v understand_v by_o the_o church_n not_o to_o command_v that_o apostate_n be_v admit_v to_o penance_n and_o so_o also_o tertullian_n in_o many_o place_n of_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr pudicit_fw-la as_o cap._n fourteen_o argue_v from_o this_o place_n that_o penance_n be_v not_o to_o be_v grant_v to_o adulterer_n which_o show_v that_o the_o church_n understand_v the_o place_n in_o the_o same_o sense_n though_o it_o admit_v not_o his_o consequence_n so_o also_o origen_n in_o mat._n xviii_o 18._o tract_n vii_o i_o be_v long_o doubtful_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o interpretation_n because_o the_o apostle_n premise_v if_o any_o man_n see_v his_o brother_n sin_n a_o sin_n not_o unto_o death_n let_v he_o ask_v of_o god_n seem_v to_o speak_v of_o private_a prayer_n of_o particular_a person_n but_o the_o word_n of_o s._n james_n v._o 16._o have_v clear_v i_o of_o this_o doubt_n confess_v your_o sin_n one_o to_o another_o say_v he_o and_o pray_v for_o one_o another_o that_o you_o may_v be_v heal_v in_o which_o word_n i_o make_v no_o doubt_n but_o he_o speak_v of_o public_a penance_n for_o have_v premise_v that_o the_o presbyter_n be_v send_v for_o to_o the_o sick_a that_o they_o confess_v their_o sin_n to_o the_o presbyter_n that_o they_o pray_v for_o they_o anoint_v they_o with_o oil_n that_o their_o sin_n may_v be_v forgive_v they_o to_o show_v nevertheless_o that_o according_a to_o the_o custom_n aforesaid_a in_o case_n they_o recover_v they_o be_v to_o stand_v bind_v to_o penance_n he_o add_v confess_v your_o sin_n to_o one_o another_o to_o signify_v that_o this_o confession_n and_o penance_n remain_v due_a before_o the_o church_n as_o we_o understand_v by_o the_o xii_o canon_n of_o nice_a that_o the_o practice_n be_v so_o long_o afterward_o and_o this_o be_v prove_v by_o the_o precept_n of_o both_o apostle_n to_o pray_v for_o one_o another_o for_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o there_o be_v two_o mean_n to_o obtain_v remission_n of_o sin_n in_o this_o case_n the_o humiliation_n which_o the_o church_n prescribe_v and_o the_o penitent_n perform_v and_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n which_o s._n john_n prescribe_v not_o to_o be_v grant_v to_o apostate_n the_o very_a same_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n vi_o 6._o when_o he_o pronounce_v it_o unpossible_a that_o those_o that_o fall_v away_o be_v renew_a again_o to_o repentance_n for_o as_o they_o that_o stand_v for_o baptism_n when_o they_o be_v catechize_v in_o christianity_n be_v proper_o say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o be_v instruct_v or_o dedicate_v to_o repentance_n because_o of_o the_o repentance_n from_o dead_a work_n which_o they_o profess_v so_o they_o that_o forfeit_v their_o christianity_n by_o violate_v the_o contract_n of_o baptism_n be_v no_o less_o proper_o say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o be_v renew_v instruct_v and_o dedicate_v again_o to_o repentance_n and_o the_o apostle_n reason_n agree_v for_o because_o the_o earth_n that_o receive_v rain_n and_o render_v no_o fruit_n be_v near_o the_o curse_n therefore_o the_o church_n will_v not_o easy_o believe_v that_o such_o a_o one_o shall_v light_o obtain_v of_o god_n the_o grace_n to_o become_v a_o sincere_a christian_a and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n say_v not_o that_o it_o be_v unpossible_a that_o such_o a_o one_o shall_v repent_v but_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v instruct_v again_o to_o repentance_n to_o wit_n by_o the_o church_n as_o the_o novatian_o answer_v constantine_n that_o they_o remit_v such_o person_n to_o god_n not_o prejudice_v their_o salvation_n but_o not_o admit_v they_o to_o the_o mean_n of_o reconciliation_n by_o the_o church_n and_o herewith_o agree_v the_o example_n of_o esau_n use_v by_o the_o apostle_n again_o xii_o 17._o saying_n that_o he_o find_v not_o place_n of_o repentance_n allude_v to_o that_o room_n in_o the_o church_n where_o penitent_n be_v place_v apart_o by_o themselves_o and_o again_o x._o 26._o the_o allusion_n which_o he_o make_v to_o the_o custom_n under_o the_o law_n understand_v by_o the_o hebrew_n to_o who_o he_o write_v consist_v in_o this_o that_o as_o there_o be_v no_o sacrifice_n to_o be_v make_v for_o apostate_n though_o for_o ethnic_n for_o this_o be_v the_o use_n of_o the_o law_n as_o we_o understand_v by_o moses_n maimoni_n in_o the_o title_n of_o dress_n oblation_n cap._n iii_o num_fw-la 3_o 5._o so_o the_o christian_a sacrifice_n of_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o to_o be_v offer_v for_o those_o that_o have_v renounce_v christianity_n if_o it_o be_v thus_o you_o will_v ask_v what_o be_v the_o fault_n of_o the_o novatian_o see_v they_o understand_v this_o text_n right_a and_o my_o answer_n be_v that_o nevertheless_o they_o be_v heretic_n extend_v the_o name_n of_o heretic_n to_o those_o who_o now_o we_o call_v schismatic_n as_o i_o have_v show_v you_o in_o the_o little_a discourse_n pag._n 197._o that_o it_o be_v often_o use_v for_o s._n john_n as_o he_o command_v not_o so_o he_o forbid_v not_o that_o they_o be_v admit_v to_o penance_n the_o other_o apostle_n tell_v they_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o let_v they_o know_v that_o they_o must_v not_o expect_v it_o but_o neither_o say_v that_o the_o church_n can_v not_o give_v it_o when_o therefore_o the_o church_n to_o preserve_v unity_n be_v necessitate_v to_o grant_v it_o as_o we_o see_v by_o s._n cyprian_n the_o novatian_o be_v no_o less_o schismatic_n in_o make_v separation_n upon_o the_o quarrel_n though_o perhaps_o the_o reason_n be_v not_o urge_v by_o their_o adversary_n then_o if_o they_o have_v understand_v the_o text_n amiss_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n be_v of_o more_o moment_n than_o much_o understanding_n in_o the_o scripture_n and_o so_o perhaps_o s._n paul_n word_n will_v belong_v to_o this_o purpose_n 1_o tim._n 5._o 19_o as_o not_o only_o the_o socinian_o of_o late_a but_o pacianus_n among_o the_o ancient_n paraen_n ad_fw-la poenitentiam_fw-la and_o matthaeus_n galenus_n among_o modern_a writer_n do_v expound_v they_o to_o wit_n that_o when_o he_o say_v lay_v hand_n sudden_o on_o no_o man_n nor_o partake_v of_o other_o man_n sin_n he_o leave_v it_o to_o timothy_n judgement_n who_o to_o admit_v who_o not_o to_o admit_v to_o penance_n because_o this_o blessing_n with_o imposition_n of_o hand_n be_v not_o the_o mark_n of_o absolution_n but_o of_o admission_n to_o penance_n as_o well_o as_o the_o ceremony_n of_o ordination_n and_o though_o this_o text_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v understand_v in_o particular_a of_o ordination_n yet_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n which_o he_o allege_v it_o be_v to_o be_v extend_v to_o all_o act_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v bless_v by_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n with_o imposition_n of_o hand_n for_o if_o timothy_n by_o impose_v hand_n upon_o those_o who_o he_o ordain_v become_v accessary_a to_o their_o sin_n if_o they_o be_v unfit_a to_o be_v ordain_v by_o the_o same_o reason_n if_o he_o impose_v hand_n that_o be_v grant_v penance_n unto_o they_o that_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o it_o he_o become_v accessary_a to_o the_o sin_n which_o they_o commit_v by_o be_v admit_v to_o it_o imposition_n of_o hand_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o ceremony_n of_o that_o benediction_n which_o signify_v that_o those_o act_n to_o which_o it_o be_v grant_v be_v allow_v and_o authorize_v by_o the_o public_a power_n of_o the_o church_n so_o imposition_n of_o hand_n in_o confirmation_n be_v the_o admission_n of_o he_o that_o be_v confirm_v to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n in_o penance_n the_o restore_n of_o he_o in_o ordination_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o or_o that_o function_n in_o the_o church_n prayer_n over_o the_o sick_a which_o the_o apostle_n command_v james_n v._n 14._o and_o our_o lord_n in_o the_o gospel_n make_v with_o imposition_n of_o hand_n signify_v the_o admit_v of_o the_o sick_a to_o penance_n and_o it_o be_v say_v that_o in_o some_o eastern_a church_n to_o this_o day_n marriage_n be_v bless_v with_o imposition_n of_o hand_n in_o signification_n that_o the_o church_n
must_v needs_o remain_v distinct_a body_n when_o the_o church_n be_v ingraff_v into_o the_o state_n and_o the_o same_o christian_n member_n of_o both_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o relation_n right_n and_o obligation_n which_o in_o the_o same_o person_n remain_v distinct_a according_a to_o the_o distinct_a society_n and_o quality_n of_o several_a person_n in_o the_o same_o therefore_o as_o i_o say_v in_o the_o beginning_n that_o no_o christian_a as_o a_o christian_a can_v challenge_v any_o temporal_a right_n by_o his_o christianity_n which_o the_o state_n wherein_o he_o be_v call_v to_o be_v a_o christian_n give_v he_o not_o so_o on_o the_o other_o side_n no_o man_n by_o his_o rank_n in_o any_o state_n be_v invest_v with_o any_o power_n proceed_v from_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o church_n as_o it_o be_v the_o church_n so_o that_o which_o be_v true_a in_o the_o part_n hold_v in_o the_o whole_a the_o church_n be_v endow_v with_o no_o temporal_a right_n therefore_o the_o state_n be_v endow_v with_o no_o ecclesiastical_a right_n though_o it_o have_v great_a right_n in_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n of_o which_o in_o due_a time_n for_o all_o this_o right_n suppose_v the_o church_n already_o establish_v by_o that_o power_n on_o which_o it_o stand_v and_o so_o must_v maintain_v it_o upon_o the_o same_o term_n which_o it_o find_v the_o homage_n which_o the_o church_n pai_v to_o god_n for_o the_o protection_n of_o the_o state_n be_v not_o to_o betray_v the_o right_n found_v on_o the_o express_a charter_n of_o god_n to_o power_n subsist_v by_o the_o work_n of_o his_o mediate_a providence_n but_o to_o subdue_v subject_n to_o that_o obedience_n for_o conscience_n which_o the_o state_n exact_v by_o force_n for_o there_o be_v necessary_o this_o difference_n between_o the_o principle_n upon_o which_o the_o church_n and_o civil_a community_n subsist_v the_o charter_n of_o the_o one_o be_v reveal_v by_o grace_n the_o other_o stand_v upon_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o nation_n and_o act_n which_o providence_n inable_v man_n to_o do_v agreeable_a to_o the_o same_o therefore_o as_o no_o state_n stand_v by_o the_o gospel_n so_o no_o right_n settle_v by_o the_o gospel_n can_v belong_v to_o any_o state_n or_o person_n as_o a_o member_n of_o any_o state_n beside_o kingdom_n and_o state_n have_v their_o several_a bound_n many_o sovereignty_n be_v contain_v in_o christendom_n whereas_o the_o church_n be_v by_o god_n ordinance_n one_o visible_a society_n of_o all_o christian_n now_o it_o be_v manifest_a first_o that_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n which_o equal_o concern_v the_o whole_a church_n and_o all_o part_n of_o it_o second_o that_o in_o thing_n which_o concern_v the_o whole_a church_n no_o part_n thereof_o in_o any_o state_n or_o kingdom_n can_v be_v conclude_v by_o that_o state_n or_o kingdom_n again_o the_o apostle_n rule_n be_v 1_o cor._n vii_o 24._o that_o every_o man_n abide_v in_o the_o state_n wherein_o he_o be_v call_v to_o be_v a_o christian_n and_o this_o prove_v that_o no_o christian_n can_v challenge_v any_o temporal_a right_n by_o his_o christianity_n because_o state_n subsist_v before_o they_o be_v christian_a therefore_o it_o prove_v also_o that_o no_o state_n or_o member_n of_o it_o be_v by_o be_v such_o endow_v with_o any_o right_n ground_v on_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o see_v the_o church_n subsist_v three_o hundred_o year_n before_o any_o state_n profess_v christianity_n whatsoever_o right_n it_o use_v during_o that_o time_n manifest_o it_o ought_v therefore_o still_o to_o use_v and_o enjoy_v this_o be_v the_o most_o pertinent_a evidence_n to_o show_v the_o bound_n of_o it_o in_o particular_a as_o to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o excommunication_n the_o act_n of_o it_o see_v the_o intent_n of_o it_o be_v to_o admit_v into_o the_o visible_a society_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o presumption_n that_o by_o the_o right_a use_n of_o it_o sin_n be_v take_v away_o and_o the_o person_n admit_v to_o the_o invisible_a society_n of_o life_n everlasting_a and_o see_v no_o commonwealth_n no_o quality_n in_o any_o pretend_v to_o take_v away_o sin_n or_o to_o judge_v in_o who_o it_o be_v take_v away_o it_o follow_v that_o no_o man_n whatsoever_o by_o virtue_n of_o any_o rank_n in_o any_o state_n be_v qualify_v to_o manage_v this_o power_n or_o can_v presume_v so_o to_o do_v chap._n ii_o that_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o christian_n contain_v in_o several_a city_n and_o the_o territory_n of_o they_o make_v several_a church_n depend_v upon_o the_o church_n of_o great_a city_n therefore_o the_o people_n be_v not_o endow_v with_o the_o chief_a power_n in_o any_o church_n have_v see_v thus_o far_o upon_o what_o patent_n the_o community_n of_o the_o church_n be_v establish_v and_o the_o power_n thereof_o found_v it_o will_v be_v necessary_a far_o to_o dispute_v in_o what_o hand_n this_o power_n be_v deposit_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o what_o person_n be_v trust_v with_o it_o which_o point_n before_o it_o be_v void_v we_o can_v neither_o determine_v what_o form_n of_o government_n god_n have_v ordain_v in_o his_o church_n nor_o how_o it_o may_v be_v exercise_v in_o christian_a state_n without_o cross_v the_o right_n which_o they_o challenge_v in_o church_n matter_n the_o presbyterian_o have_v design_v several_a presbytery_n for_o the_o government_n of_o several_a congregation_n that_o assemble_v together_o for_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o have_v cry_v up_o this_o design_n for_o the_o throne_n of_o christ_n the_o new_a jerusalem_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n see_v there_o be_v no_o question_n make_v that_o where_o there_o be_v a_o presbytery_n there_o be_v a_o church_n and_o where_o there_o be_v a_o church_n there_o be_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n which_o god_n have_v endow_v his_o church_n with_o seem_v to_o have_v give_v those_o of_o the_o congregation_n occasion_n to_o infer_v that_o every_o congregation_n that_o assemble_v for_o the_o common_a service_n of_o god_n be_v by_o consequence_n to_o have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n to_o excommunicate_v whereunto_o add_v another_o principle_n that_o the_o chief_a power_n of_o every_o congregation_n be_v in_o the_o people_n it_o follow_v that_o they_o be_v all_o absolute_a without_o dependence_n on_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o church_n but_o all_o this_o while_n both_o run_v away_o with_o a_o presumption_n for_o which_o they_o can_v show_v we_o never_o a_o title_n or_o syllable_n of_o evidence_n in_o all_o the_o scripture_n for_o presbyter_n and_o presbytery_n they_o may_v show_v we_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o no_o grandmercy_o unless_o they_o can_v show_v we_o how_o to_o understand_v they_o better_o than_o they_o do_v but_o that_o every_o congregation_n that_o assemble_v together_o to_o serve_v god_n in_o common_a shall_v have_v a_o company_n of_o presbyter_n for_o the_o government_n of_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n so_o contrary_a to_o all_o the_o intelligence_n we_o have_v concern_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n either_o under_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o by_o the_o scripture_n or_o any_o primitive_a record_n of_o the_o church_n or_o in_o the_o succeed_a age_n of_o the_o church_n that_o they_o must_v demand_v of_o all_o man_n to_o renounce_v common_a sense_n and_o all_o faith_n of_o historical_a as_o well_o as_o divine_a truth_n before_o they_o can_v believe_v it_o whereas_o by_o the_o same_o evidence_n by_o which_o the_o rest_n of_o christianity_n be_v convey_v and_o commend_v unto_o we_o that_o be_v by_o the_o scripture_n interpret_v by_o the_o original_a and_o universal_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n it_o will_v appear_v that_o the_o apostle_n plant_v christianity_n not_o only_o in_o those_o city_n where_o they_o preach_v most_o because_o there_o the_o harvest_n be_v great_a but_o in_o the_o country_n adjoin_v which_o by_o the_o custom_n of_o all_o civil_a nation_n every_o where_o resort_n to_o their_o city_n for_o justice_n design_v the_o several_a body_n of_o christian_n that_o shall_v be_v find_v abide_v in_o several_a city_n and_o the_o territory_n of_o the_o same_o to_o make_v several_a church_n the_o government_n whereof_o they_o plant_v in_o those_o city_n both_o for_o themselves_o and_o for_o the_o country_n that_o resort_v unto_o they_o and_o as_o in_o the_o civil_a government_n of_o all_o civil_a people_n particular_a city_n depend_v upon_o mother_n city_n head_n of_o province_n government_n or_o sovereignty_n so_o the_o church_n of_o particular_a city_n to_o depend_v upon_o the_o church_n of_o those_o mother_n city_n that_o by_o the_o union_n and_o correspondence_n of_o those_o church_n draw_v along_o with_o they_o all_o the_o church_n under_o they_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n consist_v of_o they_o all_o may_v be_v establish_v and_o entertain_v this_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o that_o observation_n which_o i_o advance_v in_o the_o little_a
paul_n and_o barnabas_n be_v ordain_v by_o the_o immediate_a act_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o preach_v to_o the_o gentile_n the_o solemnity_n thereof_o be_v perform_v by_o those_o in_o who_o we_o can_v imagine_v the_o power_n of_o send_v they_o to_o rest_v in_o which_o opinion_n i_o be_o much_o confirm_v by_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o synagogue_n for_o though_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o custom_n of_o promote_a judge_n by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n come_v from_o the_o example_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o ordain_v of_o the_o lxx_o elder_n and_o joshua_n yet_o we_o must_v believe_v their_o record_n compile_v by_o maimoni_n â—â—_o de_fw-fr synedrio_fw-la cap._n iu._n when_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o in_o process_n of_o time_n it_o be_v do_v without_o that_o solemnity_n by_o a_o instrument_n or_o so_o and_o yet_o still_o call_v nevertheless_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v imposition_n of_o hand_n and_o now_o let_v they_o that_o demand_n what_o be_v that_o special_a act_n which_o bishop_n be_v able_a to_o do_v and_o presbyter_n not_o take_v their_o choice_n if_o they_o be_v content_a that_o the_o bishop_n act_v with_o this_o interest_n that_o without_o he_o nothing_o be_v do_v be_v count_v a_o special_a act_n they_o have_v the_o special_a act_n which_o they_o demand_v in_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v in_o the_o church_n if_o they_o be_v not_o though_o it_o be_v easy_a enough_o to_o dispute_v it_o everlasting_o yet_o i_o will_v not_o contend_v with_o they_o about_o it_o see_v it_o be_v enough_o that_o nothing_o be_v do_v without_o he_o to_o make_v he_o a_o fair_a step_n above_o his_o presbyter_n and_o yet_o i_o conceive_v there_o be_v a_o act_n to_o be_v name_v peculiar_a to_o bishop_n which_o be_v to_o sit_v in_o a_o council_n which_o consist_v of_o the_o representative_n of_o all_o church_n and_o not_o capable_a of_o all_o presbyter_n and_o the_o bishop_n right_o be_v that_o without_o he_o nothing_o be_v do_v in_o his_o church_n it_o follow_v that_o by_o the_o right_n by_o which_o he_o be_v a_o bishop_n he_o be_v a_o member_n of_o his_o synod_n which_o no_o priest_n can_v be_v but_o by_o privilege_n see_v the_o whole_a order_n can_v and_o this_o according_a to_o the_o scripture_n for_o by_o the_o premise_n the_o apostle_n have_v place_n in_o the_o council_n at_o jerusalem_n as_o ordinary_a governor_n of_o the_o church_n concern_v in_o it_o which_o church_n have_v there_o no_o other_o representative_n but_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n as_o head_n of_o the_o church_n which_o they_o have_v found_v so_o late_o act_v xiii_o fourteen_o as_o it_o appear_v when_o by_o they_o the_o decree_n be_v deliver_v to_o execution_n in_o the_o church_n act_n xvi_o 4._o as_o for_o the_o presbyter_n mention_v in_o it_o the_o same_o evidence_n which_o assure_v we_o that_o they_o be_v presbyter_n assure_v we_o also_o that_o they_o be_v presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o none_o else_o this_o i_o conceive_v the_o fit_a to_o be_v think_v the_o special_a act_n of_o a_o bishop_n for_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n arise_v from_o the_o power_n deposit_v in_o each_o church_n by_o virtue_n whereof_o he_o that_o communicate_v with_o any_o one_o church_n in_o any_o rank_n of_o it_o communicate_v with_o all_o church_n in_o the_o same_o which_o be_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n the_o effect_n of_o the_o literae_fw-la formatae_fw-la or_o letter_n of_o mark_n by_o which_o this_o unity_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n be_v maintain_v in_o as_o much_o as_o he_o that_o travel_v with_o such_o a_o testimony_n of_o his_o rank_n in_o any_o one_o church_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o same_o be_v receive_v in_o all_o church_n where_o he_o come_v and_o therefore_o synesius_n in_o the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n against_o andronicus_n which_o by_o his_o fifty_o seven_o epistle_n he_o publish_v to_o the_o church_n add_v that_o if_o any_o church_n contemn_v the_o sentence_n of_o his_o church_n as_o a_o small_a and_o a_o poor_a one_o shall_v receive_v andronieu_n to_o communion_n without_o satisfaction_n give_v to_o he_o and_o his_o church_n thereby_o it_o shall_v become_v guilty_a of_o schism_n this_o hold_v as_o such_o act_n be_v not_o question_v by_o any_o great_a part_n of_o the_o church_n as_o not_o concern_v the_o state_n of_o other_o church_n which_o if_o they_o be_v then_o as_o no_o church_n can_v be_v conclude_v but_o by_o the_o act_n to_o which_o themselves_o concur_v whereby_o all_o excommunication_n &_o ordination_n as_o well_o as_o make_v of_o canon_n be_v the_o subject_n of_o synod_n so_o the_o chief_a power_n must_v needs_o be_v most_o see_v in_o that_o act_n which_o conclude_v all_o church_n concern_v which_o be_v the_o act_n of_o a_o synod_n as_o concern_v the_o objection_n that_o there_o be_v no_o precept_n in_o the_o scripture_n that_o bishop_n govern_v all_o church_n and_o that_o many_o thing_n ordain_v by_o the_o apostle_n be_v abolish_v in_o the_o church_n it_o be_v a_o question_n whether_o it_o come_v from_o less_o skill_n or_o proceed_v to_o worse_a consequence_n for_o unless_o we_o will_v betray_v the_o advantage_n of_o the_o church_n to_o very_o many_o and_o perhaps_o to_o all_o heresy_n and_o schism_n that_o ever_o be_v we_o must_v confess_v that_o as_o there_o be_v precept_n in_o the_o scripture_n that_o oblige_v not_o so_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n not_o set_v down_o in_o the_o scripture_n in_o the_o form_n of_o precept_n that_o oblige_v what_o can_v be_v deliver_v in_o a_o more_o express_a form_n of_o precept_n then_o that_o of_o saint_n paul_n that_o woman_n pray_v with_o their_o head_n cover_v man_n with_o they_o uncovered_v and_o yet_o where_o be_v it_o in_o force_n the_o same_o be_v to_o be_v say_v of_o the_o decree_n of_o jerusalem_n against_o eat_v thing_n strangle_v and_o blood_n on_o the_o other_o side_n we_o find_v by_o the_o scripture_n that_o the_o apostle_n keep_v the_o lord_n day_n but_o do_v not_o find_v there_o that_o they_o command_v it_o to_o be_v keep_v as_o for_o the_o four_o commandment_n i_o suppose_v it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o rest_n on_o the_o day_n that_o god_n cease_v his_o work_n and_o another_o on_o the_o day_n that_o he_o begin_v it_o and_o if_o there_o be_v precept_n in_o the_o scripture_n that_o now_o oblige_v not_o why_o may_v not_o secinus_fw-la dispute_n that_o the_o precept_n of_o baptism_n be_v temporary_a for_o they_o that_o have_v be_v enemy_n to_o the_o faith_n afore_o and_o though_o i_o say_v not_o that_o he_o shall_v have_v the_o better_a hand_n for_o the_o truth_n can_v be_v contrary_a to_o the_o truth_n yet_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v possible_a for_o every_o christian_n to_o discern_v whether_o he_o have_v it_o or_o no_o unless_o there_o be_v some_o more_o sensible_a ballast_n then_o nice_a consequence_n from_o the_o text_n of_o the_o scripture_n if_o it_o be_v thus_o of_o baptism_n much_o more_o of_o the_o eucharist_n which_o as_o you_o see_v be_v not_o use_v any_o more_o in_o the_o church_n as_o it_o be_v institute_v as_o for_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n it_o be_v absolute_o by_o this_o answer_n betray_v to_o the_o socinian_o who_o will_v have_v it_o peculiar_a to_o the_o apostle_n for_o it_o be_v not_o where_o deliver_v as_o a_o precept_n but_o only_o as_o a_o privilege_n what_o mean_n be_v there_o then_o to_o end_v everlasting_a difficulty_n sure_o the_o same_o that_o there_o be_v to_o understand_v all_o positive_a law_n that_o ever_o be_v for_o if_o the_o ancient_a interruption_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o any_o law_n secure_v the_o church_n that_o it_o be_v not_o give_v to_o all_o time_n and_o place_n sure_a that_o which_o be_v not_o mention_v as_o a_o precept_n and_o yet_o have_v be_v always_o in_o practice_n without_o interruption_n as_o it_o be_v in_o force_n afore_o it_o be_v mention_v so_o be_v intend_v to_o oblige_v not_o by_o the_o mention_n but_o by_o the_o act_n that_o first_o establish_v it_o evidence_v by_o practice_n which_o if_o it_o be_v so_o then_o be_v there_o no_o power_n on_o earth_n able_a to_o abolish_v the_o order_n of_o bishop_n have_v be_v in_o force_n in_o all_o church_n ever_o since_o the_o apostle_n i_o must_v not_o pass_v this_o place_n of_o limit_v all_o interest_n without_o a_o word_n or_o two_o of_o the_o office_n of_o deacon_n in_o the_o church_n in_o regard_n of_o two_o extreme_a opinion_n one_o of_o geneva_n that_o make_v they_o mere_a lay_v man_n collector_n of_o alm_n by_o necessary_a consequence_n because_o under_o their_o lay_n elder_n the_o other_o of_o some_o that_o will_v have_v they_o understand_v to_o be_v presbyter_n as_o oft_o as_o s._n paul_n mention_n but_o two_o order_n of_o bishop_n and_o deacon_n phil._n i._n 1._o 1_o tim._n ii_o 9_o but_o as_o
power_n wherein_o sovereignty_n consist_v which_o subordinate_a power_n enjoy_v not_o by_o any_o title_n but_o as_o derive_v from_o the_o sovereign_n wherefore_o have_v premise_v for_o a_o principle_n in_o the_o beginning_n that_o christianity_n make_v no_o alteration_n in_o the_o state_n of_o civil_a society_n but_o establish_v all_o in_o the_o same_o right_n whereof_o they_o stand_v possess_v when_o they_o come_v to_o embrace_v christianity_n i_o must_v infer_v that_o the_o public_a power_n of_o christian_a state_n have_v as_o good_a right_n to_o the_o dispose_n of_o matter_n of_o christianity_n so_o that_o according_a to_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n nothing_o do_v by_o the_o church_n may_v prove_v prejudicial_a to_o the_o state_n as_o any_o sovereign_a power_n that_o be_v not_o christian_n have_v in_o the_o dispose_n of_o matter_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o they_o profess_v for_o see_v it_o be_v part_n of_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n to_o confirm_v and_o 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to_o the_o maintenance_n and_o protection_n of_o it_o for_o see_v this_o power_n in_o the_o person_n endow_v with_o it_o by_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n be_v a_o very_a considerable_a part_n of_o that_o right_n which_o god_n have_v establish_v in_o his_o church_n it_o follow_v necessary_o that_o no_o power_n ordain_v to_o the_o maintenance_n of_o all_o part_n thereof_o can_v extinguish_v this_o and_o true_o he_o that_o advise_v but_o with_o his_o own_o common_a sense_n shall_v easy_o perceive_v that_o ecclesiastical_a power_n may_v be_v able_a to_o preserve_v order_n and_o discipline_n in_o the_o church_n by_o itself_o so_o long_o as_o the_o world_n that_o be_v the_o state_n profess_v not_o christianity_n as_o we_o see_v it_o be_v before_o the_o roman_a empire_n be_v christian_n but_o when_o the_o state_n profess_v christianity_n it_o can_v be_v imagine_v that_o person_n qualify_v by_o the_o state_n will_v ever_o willing_o submit_v to_o acknowledge_v and_o ratify_v the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o the_o act_n and_o proceed_n thereof_o unless_o the_o coactive_a power_n of_o the_o sovereign_n enforce_v it_o all_o state_n therefore_o have_v sovereign_a power_n as_o well_o in_o matter_n of_o christian_a religion_n as_o in_o other_o point_n of_o sovereignty_n that_o be_v they_o be_v able_a to_o do_v all_o act_n of_o sovereign_a power_n in_o church_n matter_n to_o give_v law_n as_o well_o concern_v matter_n of_o religion_n as_o civil_a affair_n to_o exercise_v jurisdiction_n about_o ecclesiastical_a cause_n to_o command_v in_o the_o same_o which_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o most_o eminent_a act_n of_o sovereignty_n see_v that_o give_v of_o law_n and_o jurisdiction_n be_v but_o particular_n of_o that_o general_a the_o one_o that_o be_v give_v law_n in_o general_n the_o other_o that_o be_v jurisdiction_n in_o particular_a cause_n and_o both_o of_o they_o tend_v to_o limit_v that_o power_n of_o command_n or_o empire_n which_o otherwise_o be_v absolute_a in_o the_o disposition_n and_o will_n of_o the_o sovereign_n and_o therefore_o the_o most_o civil_a people_n that_o ever_o be_v the_o roman_n have_v denominate_v sovereignty_n by_o this_o act_n of_o command_n imperium_fw-la or_o empire_n but_o all_o these_o act_n of_o sovereign_a power_n in_o church_n matter_n be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o like_a act_n of_o ecclesiastical_a power_n not_o by_o their_o material_n but_o formal_a object_n that_o be_v not_o by_o the_o thing_n person_n or_o cause_n in_o which_o but_o by_o the_o reason_n upon_o which_o and_o the_o intent_n to_o which_o they_o be_v exercise_v must_v needs_o leave_v the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n entire_a to_o all_o purpose_n as_o it_o find_v the_o same_o in_o those_o that_o have_v it_o by_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n here_o be_v two_o point_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v settle_v before_o we_o go_v any_o further_o not_o because_o of_o any_o affinity_n or_o dependence_n between_o they_o but_o because_o the_o reason_n be_v the_o same_o which_o cause_v the_o difficulty_n in_o both_o whether_o there_o be_v a_o original_a power_n in_o the_o church_n to_o give_v law_n as_o to_o the_o society_n of_o the_o church_n whether_o there_o be_v a_o original_a right_n in_o the_o church_n to_o tithe_n oblation_n first-fruit_n and_o general_o to_o all_o consecrate_v thing_n seem_v to_o most_o man_n more_o than_o disputable_a because_o the_o accessary_a act_n of_o secular_a power_n which_o in_o all_o christian_a state_n have_v make_v the_o law_n by_o which_o christianity_n be_v exercise_v the_o law_n of_o those_o several_a state_n have_v establish_v the_o endowment_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o it_o by_o that_o coactive_a power_n which_o they_o only_o in_o chief_n be_v endow_v with_o be_v most_o visible_a to_o common_a sense_n seem_v to_o have_v obscure_v the_o original_a right_n of_o the_o church_n in_o both_o particular_n over_o and_o beside_o all_o this_o those_o of_o the_o congregation_n deny_v the_o church_n all_o power_n of_o give_v law_n rule_n canon_n or_o however_o you_o please_v to_o call_v they_o to_o the_o church_n for_o to_o this_o purpose_n they_o make_v all_o congregation_n absolute_a and_o sovereign_a that_o nothing_o be_v do_v in_o the_o church_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o every_o member_n of_o it_o not_o acknowledge_v so_o much_o as_o that_o rule_n which_o all_o humane_a society_n beside_o acknowledge_v the_o whole_a to_o be_v bind_v by_o the_o act_n of_o the_o great_a part_n but_o require_v that_o every_o man_n conscience_n be_v satisfy_v in_o every_o thing_n that_o the_o church_n do_v unless_o some_o happy_o appear_v wilful_a who_o by_o way_n of_o penalty_n they_o neglect_v for_o that_o time_n as_o for_o those_o of_o the_o presbytery_n i_o can_v deny_v that_o they_o grant_v the_o church_n this_o power_n but_o it_o seem_v upon_o condition_n that_o it_o may_v rest_v in_o themselves_o for_o to_o the_o law_n of_o this_o church_n in_o which_o they_o receive_v
by_o the_o immediate_a dictate_v of_o the_o spirit_n by_o the_o same_o reason_n can_v conclude_v nothing_o to_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o the_o true_a intent_n of_o his_o word_n without_o it_o this_o if_o it_o be_v mean_v only_o of_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n witness_v with_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o seal_v the_o assurance_n of_o this_o favour_n to_o our_o person_n and_o action_n than_o will_v it_o not_o take_v away_o the_o ground_n upon_o which_o and_o the_o mean_n by_o which_o we_o be_v effectual_o move_v and_o bring_v to_o be_v christian_n both_o in_o profession_n and_o in_o deed_n so_o that_o by_o consequence_n mean_n may_v be_v have_v whereby_o a_o man_n be_v own_o spirit_n may_v be_v enable_v to_o discern_v between_o the_o dictate_v of_o god_n spirit_n and_o that_o of_o the_o world_n but_o be_v advance_v in_o answer_n to_o this_o difficulty_n as_o the_o first_o ground_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o last_o resolution_n of_o it_o can_v be_v so_o understand_v but_o of_o necessity_n import_v that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v assure_v by_o the_o assurance_n of_o faith_n of_o any_o truth_n without_o that_o mean_n by_o which_o god_n reveal_v himself_o to_o they_o by_o who_o he_o declare_v his_o will_n to_o other_o that_o either_o any_o person_n on_o behalf_n of_o the_o church_n or_o any_o private_a spirit_n shall_v pretend_v to_o any_o such_o endowment_n be_v contrary_a to_o common_a sense_n and_o their_o own_o proceed_n when_o they_o use_v the_o like_a mean_n to_o inform_v themselves_o both_o why_o to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n and_o what_o the_o meaning_n of_o it_o and_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v as_o other_o man_n do_v and_o if_o they_o do_v pretend_v more_o they_o must_v show_v such_o evidence_n as_o god_n have_v ordain_v to_o convince_v the_o world_n before_o they_o can_v pretend_v to_o oblige_v any_o man_n to_o believe_v they_o beside_o that_o so_o it_o will_v not_o be_v possible_a to_o render_v a_o reason_n why_o god_n have_v give_v his_o scripture_n at_o all_o see_v that_o notwithstanding_o he_o must_v furnish_v either_o some_o person_n in_o behalf_n of_o the_o church_n or_o all_o believer_n with_o revelation_n to_o convince_v they_o what_o be_v his_o will_n and_o meaning_n by_o the_o scripture_n but_o if_o they_o admit_v of_o such_o mean_n as_o god_n have_v appoint_v christian_n to_o decide_v whether_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n or_o of_o the_o world_n that_o witness_v with_o their_o spirit_n then_o be_v the_o question_n where_o it_o be_v because_o as_o god_n give_v his_o spirit_n to_o those_o that_o be_v christian_n upon_o such_o quality_n and_o to_o such_o intent_n as_o they_o who_o pretend_v to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n aught_o to_o find_v in_o themselves_o and_o to_o propose_v to_o themselves_o and_o no_o other_o so_o be_v they_o assure_v that_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o move_v they_o because_o they_o be_v assure_v of_o those_o quality_n and_o intention_n in_o themselves_o and_o by_o no_o other_o mean_n now_o have_v show_v before_o upon_o what_o ground_n christianity_n be_v to_o be_v embrace_v i_o demand_v whether_o it_o be_v in_o the_o compass_n of_o any_o reason_n that_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n to_o question_v whether_o the_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v or_o not_o certain_o he_o be_v a_o strange_a man_n that_o shall_v consent_v to_o be_v a_o jew_n or_o a_o mahumetane_a and_o yet_o make_v a_o question_n whether_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n come_v from_o moses_n or_o the_o alcoran_n from_o mahomet_n or_o not_o therefore_o suppose_v that_o we_o stand_v convict_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n by_o the_o same_o mean_n we_o stand_v assure_v that_o god_n have_v cause_v those_o great_a work_n to_o be_v do_v by_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n by_o our_o lord_n and_o his_o apostle_n by_o which_o the_o world_n stand_v convict_v that_o they_o be_v send_v by_o god_n and_o by_o the_o same_o that_o the_o scripture_n wherein_o those_o work_n and_o their_o doctrine_n be_v relate_v be_v from_o god_n neither_o can_v the_o church_n act_n to_o the_o assure_v of_o any_o body_n herein_o as_o the_o church_n but_o as_o a_o multitude_n of_o man_n endow_v with_o common_a sense_n which_o can_v agree_v to_o deceive_v or_o to_o be_v deceive_v for_o if_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n go_v before_o the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n and_o christianity_n can_v be_v receive_v till_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v with_o the_o record_n thereof_o to_o be_v from_o god_n than_o this_o assurance_n though_o it_o come_v from_o the_o agreement_n of_o the_o man_n that_o make_v the_o church_n go_v in_o nature_n before_o the_o quality_n of_o a_o church_n and_o therefore_o come_v as_o well_o from_o the_o consent_n of_o jew_n for_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o of_o christian_n for_o the_o new_a nor_o let_v it_o trouble_v any_o man_n that_o by_o this_o mean_n faith_n may_v seem_v to_o be_v the_o work_n of_o reason_n &_o not_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n see_v it_o may_v very_o reasonable_o be_v demand_v where_o be_v the_o necessity_n of_o grace_n to_o enable_v a_o man_n to_o believe_v what_o he_o see_v reason_n to_o believe_v for_o though_o the_o matter_n of_o faith_n be_v credible_a of_o itself_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o evident_a of_o itself_o &_o though_o sufficient_a reason_n may_v be_v show_v why_o a_o man_n ought_v to_o believe_v yet_o on_o the_o other_o side_n there_o be_v many_o scandal_n and_o stumble_a block_n in_o the_o way_n to_o hinder_v he_o from_o believe_v the_o chief_a of_o which_o be_v the_o offence_n of_o the_o cross_n whereof_o our_o lord_n say_v happy_a be_v he_o that_o be_v not_o offend_v at_o i_o for_o it_o can_v seem_v strange_a that_o a_o man_n shall_v refuse_v to_o believe_v that_o which_o he_o see_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o convince_v he_o to_o believe_v when_o as_o by_o believe_v he_o become_v liable_a to_o bear_v the_o cross_n of_o christ_n special_o not_o be_v enforce_v by_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n evidence_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n and_o determine_v the_o assent_n of_o the_o mind_n as_o fire_n do_v wood_n to_o burn_v but_o sway_v by_o external_a motive_n work_v upon_o the_o mind_n according_a as_o they_o find_v it_o dispose_v to_o goodness_n for_o when_o this_o disposition_n be_v not_o perfect_o wrought_v by_o god_n grace_n nothing_o hinder_v sufficient_a motive_n to_o prove_v uneffectual_a to_o they_o who_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n scandalize_v this_o be_v resolve_v it_o follow_v by_o necessary_a consequence_n upon_o what_o reason_n and_o by_o what_o mean_n the_o meaning_n of_o the_o scripture_n or_o rather_o the_o will_n of_o god_n concern_v all_o matter_n question_v in_o christianity_n be_v determinable_a for_o it_o be_v not_o the_o same_o thing_n many_o time_n to_o know_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o it_o be_v to_o know_v how_o far_o it_o be_v god_n will_n that_o it_o bind_v the_o church_n the_o name_n of_o the_o scripture_n enforce_v no_o more_o but_o that_o all_o be_v true_a which_o it_o contain_v now_o it_o contain_v many_o time_n the_o say_n and_o do_n of_o evil_a man_n as_o well_o as_o of_o good_a of_o satan_n himself_o sometime_o wherein_o it_o intend_v only_o to_o assure_v that_o such_o and_o such_o thing_n be_v say_v and_o do_v and_o not_o to_o insist_v on_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n which_o be_v all_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o no_o part_n of_o it_o bind_v to_o we_o as_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n because_o another_o disposition_n of_o god_n will_v may_v appear_v by_o other_o scripture_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n itself_o be_v find_v many_o thing_n that_o now_o have_v not_o the_o force_n of_o precept_n though_o it_o appear_v that_o they_o do_v sometime_o bind_v the_o church_n such_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o feast_n of_o love_n which_o s._n paul_n press_v so_o hard_a as_o i_o show_v afore_o such_o be_v his_o precept_n that_o woman_n be_v veil_v man_n bare_a when_o they_o pray_v in_o the_o church_n the_o decree_n of_o the_o apostle_n at_o jerusalem_n against_o eat_v blood_n and_o thing_n strangle_v and_o sacrifice_v to_o idol_n the_o precept_n of_o s._n james_n of_o anoint_v the_o sick_a the_o ceremony_n of_o baptism_n which_o i_o show_v afore_o out_o of_o s._n paul_n to_o have_v be_v in_o use_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n yea_o the_o very_a custom_n of_o drench_a in_o baptism_n which_o no_o man_n doubt_v but_o the_o institution_n signify_v and_o yet_o be_v now_o scarce_o any_o where_n in_o use_n if_o therefore_o there_o be_v question_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n what_o be_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o how_o far_o it_o bind_v the_o church_n the_o
one_o in_o the_o great_a city_n and_o the_o most_o populous_a for_o number_n of_o christian_n that_o be_v mention_v in_o all_o the_o scripture_n though_o no_o common_a reason_n can_v question_v but_o there_o be_v more_o congregation_n consider_v that_o it_o can_v be_v think_v that_o all_o the_o christian_n contain_v in_o the_o great_a and_o most_o christian_n of_o all_o those_o city_n can_v assemble_v together_o at_o once_o for_o the_o common_a service_n of_o god_n upon_o these_o premise_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o infer_v that_o the_o apostle_n order_n be_v that_o which_o we_o see_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o their_o practice_n that_o the_o several_a body_n of_o those_o that_o shall_v be_v convert_v to_o christianity_n within_o several_a city_n and_o the_o territory_n thereof_o shall_v constitute_v several_a church_n to_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o several_a presbytery_n thereof_o constitute_v and_o regulate_v as_o shall_v be_v declare_v in_o the_o consequence_n which_o be_v establish_v it_o will_v not_o be_v difficult_a to_o infer_v that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o the_o consequence_n thereof_o be_v deposit_v in_o the_o say_a church_n that_o be_v trust_v with_o they_o that_o be_v endow_v with_o the_o power_n of_o govern_v those_o church_n to_o which_o if_o you_o add_v this_o that_o the_o church_n of_o particular_a city_n be_v to_o depend_v upon_o the_o church_n of_o mother_n city_n upon_o which_o particular_a city_n depend_v for_o the_o civil_a government_n you_o have_v a_o reason_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o church_n government_n design_v by_o the_o apostle_n as_o general_a as_o can_v be_v give_v to_o a_o society_n that_o be_v to_o consist_v of_o several_a nation_n and_o sovereignty_n without_o limit_n but_o not_o more_o general_a than_o the_o original_a constitution_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n derive_v from_o their_o design_n will_v evidence_n to_o be_v agreeable_a to_o those_o impression_n and_o mark_n of_o it_o which_o be_v here_o produce_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n this_o position_n be_v liable_a to_o a_o objection_n from_o those_o which_o the_o ancient_a canon_n of_o the_o greekish_a counsel_n call_v chorepiscopi_fw-la which_o we_o may_v translate_v country_n bishop_n because_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d proper_o signify_v the_o country_n in_o opposition_n to_o or_o in_o difference_n from_o the_o city_n for_o if_o church_n constitute_v in_o city_n have_v their_o several_a presbytery_n the_o head_n whereof_o be_v bishop_n be_v by_o consequent_a governor_n in_o chief_a of_o their_o respective_a church_n how_o be_v bishop_n constitute_v in_o the_o country_n that_o be_v in_o any_o of_o the_o chief_a village_n under_o any_o city_n for_o by_o this_o mean_n either_o we_o have_v a_o church_n in_o a_o village_n or_o a_o bishop_n without_o a_o church_n and_o so_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n not_o to_o be_v reconcile_v with_o that_o which_o i_o make_v the_o design_n of_o the_o apostle_n if_o either_o be_v true_a the_o answer_n to_o this_o in_o general_a must_v come_v from_o that_o which_o you_o have_v here_o afterward_o p._n 62._o that_o the_o rule_n be_v as_o general_o express_v in_o these_o term_n as_o any_o rule_n general_a to_o those_o case_n that_o may_v fall_v out_o so_o divers_a for_o the_o general_a intent_n and_o reason_n of_o it_o be_v to_o preserve_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n by_o the_o subordination_n and_o dependence_n of_o the_o part_n thereof_o to_o and_o from_o other_o part_n and_o so_o the_o whole_a if_o some_o particular_a provision_n prove_v necessary_a some_o time_n and_o place_n to_o attain_v this_o end_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v think_v that_o the_o general_a rule_n hold_v not_o therefore_o for_o the_o particular_a here_o in_o hand_n one_o thing_n i_o conceive_v may_v be_v questionable_a in_o point_n of_o fact_n and_o matter_n of_o historical_a truth_n concern_v these_o country_n bishop_n which_o the_o canon_n quote_v p._n 146._o speak_v of_o for_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o xi_o canon_n of_o antiochia_n it_o be_v say_v that_o they_o receive_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o ordination_n of_o bishop_n in_o the_o end_n of_o it_o it_o be_v provide_v that_o they_o be_v ordain_v by_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o city_n to_o who_o they_o be_v subject_a the_o first_o clause_n seem_v to_o intimate_v that_o they_o have_v the_o same_o ordination_n with_o other_o bishop_n which_o be_v by_o the_o synod_n of_o the_o province_n or_o those_o that_o represent_v the_o same_o beside_o that_o we_o find_v by_o the_o subscription_n of_o the_o counsel_n that_o they_o be_v call_v to_o counsel_n as_o if_o they_o receive_v their_o trust_n immediate_o from_o the_o synod_n of_o their_o province_n by_o the_o second_o clause_n it_o seem_v they_o receive_v their_o authority_n immediate_o from_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o province_n whereupon_o they_o be_v call_v vicarii_fw-la episcoporum_fw-la the_o bishop_n deputy_n as_o you_o see_v in_o the_o place_n afore_o name_v what_o my_o judgement_n be_v in_o this_o point_n you_o may_v have_v see_v before_o p._n 146._o neither_o do_v i_o see_v cause_n to_o repent_v i_o of_o it_o for_o howsoever_o they_o be_v ordain_v and_o from_o whosoever_o they_o receive_v their_o trust_n it_o be_v manifest_a by_o the_o canon_n of_o ancyra_n and_o laodicea_n there_o quote_v that_o they_o receive_v it_o upon_o such_o term_n as_o to_o be_v subordinate_a to_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o city_n which_o otherwise_o bishop_n be_v not_o but_o immediate_o to_o the_o synod_n of_o the_o province_n and_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o mother_n city_n neither_o be_v it_o contrary_a to_o the_o ground_n of_o that_o general_a rule_n which_o i_o maintain_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v within_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n contain_v in_o any_o province_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o synod_n of_o the_o same_o to_o ordain_v that_o in_o regard_n some_o village_n under_o some_o city_n of_o that_o province_n grow_v considerable_a for_o the_o extent_n of_o it_o and_o the_o multitude_n of_o christian_a soul_n contain_v in_o it_o therefore_o it_o shall_v have_v a_o bishop_n beside_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o city_n always_o provide_v that_o the_o dependence_n of_o church_n may_v be_v preserve_v wherein_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o whole_a consist_v but_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o this_o dependence_n may_v be_v maintain_v two_o several_a way_n suppose_v a_o bishop_n to_o be_v constitute_v in_o a_o village_n first_o ordain_v he_o to_o be_v subordinate_a to_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o city_n which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o those_o who_o we_o speak_v of_o who_o power_n be_v tie_v up_o as_o you_o have_v see_v by_o the_o say_a canon_n of_o ancyra_n and_o laodicea_n but_o shall_v they_o be_v leave_v free_a from_o all_o dependence_n on_o the_o city_n bishop_n than_o be_v they_o absolute_a bishop_n and_o their_o church_n though_o in_o village_n and_o therefore_o less_o yet_o for_o their_o respective_a power_n and_o right_n the_o same_o with_o other_o church_n constitute_v in_o city_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o church_n of_o africa_n where_o bishop_n be_v so_o plentiful_a that_o every_o good_a village_n must_v needs_o be_v the_o seat_n of_o a_o episcopal_a church_n neither_o do_v this_o destroy_v the_o rule_n which_o i_o maintain_v that_o city_n and_o church_n be_v original_o convertible_a but_o argue_v that_o village_n in_o some_o country_n have_v that_o privilege_n which_o in_o other_o be_v proper_a to_o city_n to_o that_o which_o be_v say_v p._n 53._o of_o the_o difference_n between_o prophecy_n and_o between_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n i_o add_v this_o consideration_n that_o the_o apostle_n of_o our_o lord_n be_v necessary_o prophet_n because_o of_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o lead_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n to_o remember_v they_o of_o our_o lord_n doctrine_n and_o to_o make_v they_o understand_v the_o scripture_n all_o which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o thing_n signify_v by_o this_o word_n prophesy_v though_o the_o original_n thereof_o import_v only_o foretell_v thing_n to_o come_v as_o it_o be_v manifest_a by_o s._n paul_n 1_o cor._n fourteen_o but_o all_o prophet_n be_v not_o necessary_o apostle_n that_o be_v send_v by_o god_n to_o declare_v their_o commission_n to_o his_o people_n or_o to_o charge_v they_o with_o those_o thing_n which_o god_n reveal_v to_o themselves_o i_o grant_v that_o the_o prophet_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v such_o by_o reason_n of_o that_o law_n by_o which_o god_n appoint_v they_o to_o be_v obey_v and_o therefore_o give_v a_o rule_n how_o to_o discern_v between_o true_a and_o false_a prophet_n deut._n xviii_o 18._o and_o hereupon_o it_o be_v that_o their_o writing_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o prophecy_n be_v say_v to_o have_v fail_v after_o those_o who_o write_n we_o
their_o right_n for_o in_o this_o quality_n do_v those_o elder_n of_o the_o people_n of_o which_o justellus_n write_v act_n in_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n as_o you_o may_v see_v by_o that_o which_o i_o have_v say_v in_o the_o apostolical_a form_n of_o divine_a service_n p._n 96._o and_o in_o all_o other_o the_o particular_n which_o he_o allege_v and_o if_o this_o be_v it_o which_o the_o presbyterian_o demand_n in_o behalf_n of_o their_o lie_v elder_n let_v they_o first_o accord_v themselves_o with_o those_o of_o the_o congregation_n concern_v the_o due_a interest_n of_o the_o people_n in_o church_n matter_n and_o my_o opinion_n shall_v be_v that_o the_o church_n may_v safe_o join_v issue_n with_o they_o not_o to_o yield_v a_o double_a number_n of_o vote_n to_o lay_v elder_n in_o the_o proceed_n of_o all_o church_n matter_n as_o the_o ordinance_n for_o establish_v the_o presbytery_n appoint_v which_o be_v to_o make_v the_o clergy_n true_o minister_n not_o of_o god_n but_o of_o the_o people_n but_o to_o grant_v they_o a_o right_n of_o intercession_n in_o behalf_n of_o the_o people_n when_o as_o the_o proceed_n may_v be_v argue_v to_o be_v contrary_a to_o god_n law_n ground_v upon_o the_o practice_n record_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o continue_v under_o the_o primitive_a church_n by_o which_o the_o people_n be_v satisfy_v even_o of_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o in_o church_n matter_n for_o by_o this_o right_a and_o interest_n the_o act_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v not_o be_v do_v by_o any_o vote_n of_o the_o people_n but_z the_o rule_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n according_a to_o god_n law_n shall_v be_v preserve_v which_o be_v the_o inheritance_n of_o christian_a people_n the_o second_o be_v concern_v the_o different_a interest_n of_o clergy_n and_o people_n in_o judge_v the_o cause_n of_o christian_n before_o any_o state_n profess_v christianity_n suppose_v that_o which_o have_v be_v prove_v in_o the_o first_o chapter_n that_o our_o lord_n and_o his_o apostle_n ordain_v that_o they_o go_v not_o forth_o of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v judge_v in_o heathen_a court_n upon_o pain_n of_o excommunication_n to_o they_o that_o carry_v they_o forth_o for_o s._n paul_n seem_v to_o appoint_v that_o the_o least_o esteem_v of_o the_o church_n be_v constitute_v judge_n in_o those_o cause_n 1_o cor._n vi_o 4._o and_o therefore_o not_o bishop_n nor_o presbyter_n nor_o deacon_n which_o must_v needs_o be_v of_o most_o esteem_n in_o the_o society_n of_o the_o church_n but_o the_o simple_a of_o the_o people_n which_o though_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v say_v by_o way_n of_o concession_n or_o supposition_n that_o be_v that_o they_o shall_v rather_o appoint_v such_o man_n then_o carry_v their_o cause_n to_o secular_a court_n otherwise_o it_o be_v too_o gross_a a_o inconvenience_n to_o imagine_v that_o the_o apostle_n command_v they_o to_o appoint_v the_o simple_a to_o be_v their_o judge_n yet_o see_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o word_n require_v that_o the_o supposition_n be_v possible_a so_o that_o it_o may_v in_o some_o case_n come_v to_o effect_n it_o seem_v that_o his_o injunction_n come_v to_o this_o that_o in_o case_n the_o chief_a of_o the_o church_n the_o clergy_n be_v so_o employ_v that_o they_o can_v not_o attend_v to_o judge_v their_o controversy_n within_o themselves_o they_o shall_v make_v judge_n out_o of_o the_o people_n which_o seem_v not_o suitable_a to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o clergy_n hitherto_o challenge_v this_o difficulty_n be_v to_o be_v answer_v by_o distinguish_v as_o the_o roman_a law_n distinguish_v between_o jurisdiction_n and_o judge_v though_o in_o far_o less_o matter_n for_o jurisdiction_n be_v sometime_o describe_v in_o the_o roman_a law_n to_o be_v the_o power_n of_o appoint_v a_o judge_n because_o it_o be_v never_o intend_v that_o the_o magistrate_n which_o be_v endow_v with_o jurisdiction_n shall_v judge_v all_o in_o person_n but_o shall_v give_v execution_n and_o force_n to_o the_o sentence_n of_o such_o judge_n as_o himself_o shall_v appoint_v so_o that_o the_o advice_n of_o the_o apostle_n suppose_v indeed_o that_o some_o of_o the_o people_n may_v be_v appoint_v to_o judge_v the_o cause_n of_o christian_n within_o the_o church_n but_o leave_v the_o jurisdiction_n in_o those_o hand_n by_o who_o they_o shall_v be_v appoint_v judge_n which_o though_o it_o be_v attribute_v to_o the_o church_n indistinct_o by_o the_o apostle_n yet_o see_v by_o our_o lord_n appointment_n the_o sentence_n be_v to_o be_v execute_v by_o excommunication_n therefore_o of_o necessity_n the_o appoint_v of_o judge_n must_v proceed_v upon_o the_o same_o difference_n of_o interess_n as_o it_o have_v be_v show_v that_o excommunication_n do_v and_o though_o saint_n paul_n suppose_v that_o there_o may_v be_v cause_n to_o have_v recourse_n to_o layman_n for_o the_o sentence_n of_o difference_n in_o the_o church_n as_o indeed_o the_o life_n of_o s._n peter_n in_o the_o pontifical_a book_n relate_v that_o he_o do_v ordain_v or_o appoint_v certain_a person_n to_o attend_v upon_o this_o business_n that_o himself_o may_v be_v free_a for_o more_o spiritual_a employment_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v mean_v of_o layman_n constitute_v judge_n yet_o by_o the_o apostolical_a constitution_n we_o find_v that_o it_o be_v usual_o do_v by_o the_o clergy_n ii_o 47._o and_o polycarpus_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o philippian_n exhort_v the_o presbyter_n not_o to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d rigid_a in_o judgement_n must_v needs_o be_v think_v to_o have_v respect_n to_o this_o office_n and_o beside_o many_o more_o instance_n that_o may_v be_v produce_v of_o good_a antiquity_n in_o the_o church_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o this_o be_v the_o begin_n of_o bishop_n audience_n chap._n iu._n that_o which_o be_v say_v p._n 166._o that_o christian_a state_n have_v as_o good_a right_n to_o dispose_v of_o matter_n of_o christianity_n as_o any_o state_n that_o be_v not_o christian_a have_v to_o dispose_v of_o matter_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o it_o profess_v proceed_v upon_o that_o ground_n of_o interest_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v common_a to_o all_o state_n to_o wit_n that_o the_o dispose_n of_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v a_o part_n of_o that_o right_n wherein_o sovereignty_n consist_v in_o as_o much_o as_o it_o concern_v all_o civil_a society_n to_o provide_v that_o under_o pretence_n of_o religion_n nothing_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o public_a peace_n thereof_o may_v be_v do_v and_o true_o those_o religion_n that_o come_v not_o from_o god_n may_v very_o well_o contain_v thing_n prejudicial_a to_o civil_a society_n in_o as_o much_o as_o those_o unclean_a spirit_n which_o be_v the_o author_n of_o counterfeit_a religion_n do_v also_o take_v delight_n in_o confound_v the_o good_a order_n of_o humane_a affair_n notwithstanding_o in_o regard_n the_o obligation_n which_o we_o have_v to_o civil_a society_n be_v more_o feel_v and_o better_o understand_v then_o that_o which_o we_o have_v to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n therefore_o those_o that_o be_v seduce_v from_o true_a religion_n be_v nevertheless_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n enable_v to_o maintain_v civil_a society_n against_o any_o thing_n which_o under_o pretence_n of_o religion_n may_v prove_v prejudicial_a to_o the_o same_o this_o be_v then_o the_o common_a ground_n of_o the_o interest_n of_o all_o state_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n which_o christianity_n both_o particular_o and_o express_o establish_v particular_o in_o as_o much_o as_o they_o that_o assure_v themselves_o to_o have_v receive_v their_o religion_n from_o the_o true_a god_n must_v needs_o rest_v assure_v that_o he_o who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o civil_a society_n do_v not_o require_v to_o be_v worship_v with_o any_o judgement_n or_o disposition_n of_o mind_n prejudicial_a to_o his_o own_o ordinance_n which_o reason_n because_o it_o take_v place_n also_o in_o judaisme_n i_o have_v therefore_o as_o i_o find_v occasion_n endeavour_v to_o declare_v how_o that_o contain_v nothing_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nation_n and_o express_o in_o as_o much_o as_o the_o gospel_n address_v itself_o to_o all_o nation_n with_o this_o provision_n that_o nothing_o be_v innovate_v in_o the_o civil_a state_n of_o any_o upon_o pretence_n thereof_o but_o that_o all_o out_o of_o conscience_n to_o god_n submit_v to_o maintain_v that_o estate_n wherein_o they_o come_v to_o be_v christian_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o change_v by_o some_o course_n of_o humane_a right_n for_o when_o s._n paul_n 1_o cor._n vii_o 22_o command_n all_o man_n to_o serve_v god_n in_o that_o condition_n of_o circumcision_n or_o uncircumcision_n single_a life_n or_o wedlock_n bondage_n or_o freedom_n wherein_o they_o be_v call_v to_o be_v christian_n his_o meaning_n be_v not_o to_o say_v that_o a_o slave_n may_v not_o
to_o baptise_v such_o as_o shall_v submit_v to_o the_o gospel_n and_o so_o to_o judge_v whether_o each_o man_n do_v so_o or_o not_o which_o they_o that_o be_v trust_v with_o the_o gospel_n be_v by_o consequence_n trust_v to_o judge_n the_o effect_n of_o this_o trust_n be_v see_v in_o the_o many_o order_n and_o canon_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n by_o which_o those_o that_o desire_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n be_v limit_v to_o the_o trial_n of_o several_a year_n to_o examine_v their_o profession_n whether_o sincere_a or_o not_o and_o such_o as_o gain_v their_o live_n by_o such_o trade_n as_o christianity_n allow_v not_o reject_v until_o they_o renounce_v they_o not_o that_o my_o intent_n be_v to_o say_v that_o these_o canon_n be_v limit_v by_o the_o apostle_n but_o because_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o always_o to_o judge_v who_o shall_v be_v admit_v to_o baptism_n and_o who_o not_o be_v another_o manner_n of_o power_n then_o to_o baptize_v be_v the_o power_n of_o they_o that_o be_v able_a to_o settle_v such_o canon_n though_o it_o be_v plain_a by_o the_o scripture_n that_o those_o rule_n have_v their_o beginning_n from_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o for_o when_o s._n peter_n say_v 1_o pet._n iii_o 21._o that_o the_o baptism_n which_o save_v we_o be_v not_o the_o lay_n down_o the_o filth_n of_o the_o flesh_n but_o the_o examination_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n to_o god_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o show_v that_o the_o interrogatory_n which_o the_o ancient_a church_n use_v to_o propound_v to_o they_o that_o be_v to_o be_v baptize_v be_v then_o in_o use_n and_o establish_v by_o the_o apostle_n as_o the_o condition_n of_o a_o contract_n between_o the_o church_n and_o they_o oblige_v themselves_o to_o live_v according_a to_o the_o gospel_n as_o disciple_n and_o the_o apostle_n heb._n vi_o 2._o speak_v of_o the_o foundation_n of_o repentance_n from_o dead_a work_n the_o doctrine_n of_o baptism_n and_o imposition_n of_o hand_n manifest_o show_v the_o succeed_a custom_n of_o the_o church_n that_o they_o which_o sue_v for_o baptism_n shall_v be_v catechize_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o contract_n with_o the_o church_n to_o forsake_v such_o course_n of_o the_o world_n as_o stand_v not_o with_o it_o to_o be_v bring_v in_o by_o the_o apostle_n this_o be_v it_o which_o be_v here_o call_v the_o doctrine_n of_o baptism_n in_o the_o plural_a number_n not_o for_o that_o frantic_a reason_n which_o the_o distemper_n of_o this_o time_n have_v bring_v forth_o because_o there_o be_v two_o baptism_n one_o of_o john_n by_o water_n another_z of_o christ_n by_o the_o spirit_n but_o because_o it_o be_v several_o teach_v several_a person_n before_o they_o be_v admit_v to_o their_o several_a baptism_n and_o therefore_o call_v also_o the_o doctrine_n of_o imposition_n of_o hand_n because_o we_o understand_v by_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n paedag._n iii_o 11._o and_o by_o the_o apostolical_a constitution_n vii_o 40._o that_o when_o they_o come_v to_o the_o church_n to_o be_v catechize_v and_o be_v catechize_v they_o be_v then_o dismiss_v by_o he_o that_o catechize_v they_o with_o imposition_n of_o hand_n that_o be_v with_o prayer_n for_o they_o that_o they_o may_v in_o due_a time_n become_v good_a christian_n all_o visible_a mark_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n in_o judge_v whether_o a_o man_n be_v fit_a for_o baptism_n or_o not_o to_o which_o i_o will_v add_v only_o that_o of_o eusebius_n de_fw-fr vitâ_fw-la constant_n iv_o where_o speak_v of_o the_o baptism_n of_o constantine_n he_o say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o confess_v his_o sin_n he_o be_v admit_v to_o prayer_n with_o imposition_n of_o hand_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o there_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n three_o thousand_o in_o a_o day_n act_v ii_o 41._o which_o can_v not_o be_v thus_o catechize_v and_o try_v my_o answer_n be_v that_o two_o case_n be_v always_o except_v from_o the_o rule_n the_o first_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o death_n the_o second_o when_o by_o the_o eagerness_n of_o those_o that_o desire_a baptism_n the_o hand_n of_o god_n appear_v extraordinary_a in_o the_o work_n of_o their_o conversion_n to_o christianity_n beside_o it_o be_v not_o say_v that_o they_o be_v baptize_v that_o day_n but_o that_o they_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n that_o day_n which_o be_v true_a though_o they_o only_o profess_v themselves_o disciple_n for_o the_o present_a pass_v nevertheless_o their_o examination_n and_o instruction_n as_o the_o case_n require_v if_o therefore_o there_o be_v a_o power_n settle_v in_o the_o church_n by_o god_n to_o judge_v who_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v admit_v into_o it_o then_o be_v the_o same_o power_n enable_v to_o refuse_v he_o that_o shall_v appear_v unfit_a then_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n to_o exclude_v he_o that_o prove_v himself_o unfit_a after_o he_o be_v admit_v this_o be_v the_o next_o argument_n which_o i_o will_v ground_n upon_o the_o discipline_n of_o penance_n as_o it_o be_v ancient_o practise_v in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v open_v by_o the_o observation_n advance_v in_o the_o 127_o p._n of_o this_o little_a discourse_n that_o those_o who_o contrary_a to_o this_o contract_n with_o the_o church_n fall_v into_o sin_n destructive_a to_o christianity_n be_v fain_o to_o sue_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o penance_n which_o suppose_v that_o till_o they_o have_v give_v satisfaction_n of_o their_o sincerity_n in_o christianity_n they_o remain_v stranger_n to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n for_o it_o appear_v by_o the_o most_o ancient_a of_o church_n writer_n that_o for_o divers_a age_n the_o great_a sinner_n as_o apostate_n murderer_n &_o adulterer_n be_v whole_o exclude_v from_o penance_n for_o though_o tertullian_n be_v a_o montanist_n when_o he_o cry_v out_o upon_o zephyrinus_n bishop_n of_o rome_n for_o admit_v adulterer_n to_o penance_n in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr pudicitiâ_fw-la yet_o it_o be_v manifest_a by_o his_o case_n that_o it_o have_v former_o be_v refuse_v in_o the_o church_n because_o the_o grant_n of_o it_o make_v he_o a_o montanist_n and_o s._n cyprian_n epist_n ad_fw-la antonianum_fw-la testify_v that_o divers_a african_a bishop_n afore_o he_o have_v refuse_v it_o maintain_v communion_n nevertheless_o with_o those_o that_o grant_v it_o irenaeus_n also_o i_o 9_o say_v of_o a_o certain_a woman_n that_o have_v be_v seduce_v and_o defile_v by_o marcus_n the_o heretic_n that_o after_o she_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o sight_n of_o her_o sin_n by_o some_o christian_n she_o spend_v all_o her_o day_n in_o bewal_n it_o therefore_o without_o recover_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n again_o and_o he_o that_o shall_v but_o look_v upon_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o eliberitane_n council_n shall_v easy_o see_v many_o kind_n of_o sin_n censure_v some_o of_o they_o not_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o communion_n till_o the_o point_n other_o not_o at_o the_o point_n of_o death_n in_o this_o case_n and_o in_o this_o estate_n these_o only_a who_o be_v exclude_v from_o be_v admit_v to_o penance_n be_v proper_o excommunicate_a neither_o can_v those_o that_o be_v admit_v to_o penance_n be_v absolute_o count_v so_o because_o in_o danger_n of_o death_n they_o be_v to_o receive_v the_o communion_n though_o in_o case_n they_o recover_v they_o stand_v bind_v to_o complete_a their_o penance_n and_o from_o hence_o afterward_o also_o those_o that_o have_v once_o be_v admit_v to_o penance_n if_o they_o fall_v into_o the_o like_a sin_n again_o be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o penance_n the_o second_o time_n council_n tolet._n x._o can._n xi_o eliber_n can._n iii_o &_o vii_o ambros_n de_fw-fr poenit._n ii_o 10_o 11._o innoc._n i._o ep._n i._o august_n epist_n l._n &_o liv._o it_o be_v a_o easy_a thing_n to_o say_v that_o this_o rigour_n be_v a_o infirmity_n in_o the_o church_n of_o those_o time_n not_o understand_v aright_o free_a justification_n by_o faith_n but_o as_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o this_o rigour_n of_o discipline_n abate_v more_o and_o more_o age_n by_o age_n till_o that_o now_o it_o be_v come_v to_o nothing_o so_o if_o we_o go_v upward_o and_o compare_v the_o writing_n of_o the_o apostle_n with_o the_o original_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n it_o will_v appear_v that_o the_o rigour_n of_o it_o be_v bring_v in_o by_o they_o because_o it_o abate_v by_o degree_n from_o age_n to_o age_n till_o at_o length_n it_o be_v almost_o quite_o lose_v that_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n consist_v in_o retain_v it_o that_o we_o shall_v do_v so_o much_o prejudice_n to_o christianity_n as_o we_o shall_v by_o undue_a interpretation_n make_v justification_n by_o faith_n inconsistent_a with_o it_o and_o in_o fine_a it_o will_v appear_v that_o all_o penance_n presuppose_v excommunication_n be_v only_o some_o abatement_n of_o it_o there_o