which_o be_v the_o dishonour_n of_o the_o society_n 1_o corinth_n 4._o 1._o the_o spread_a of_o such_o corruption_n further_o if_o they_o pass_v uncensured_a 1_o corinth_n 5._o 6._o and_o amendment_n of_o the_o person_n 1_o cor._n 5._o 5._o upon_o these_o pillar_n the_o power_n of_o censure_n rest_v itself_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o main_a ground_n of_o penalty_n in_o all_o society_n whatsoever_o viz._n the_o preservation_n of_o the_o honour_n of_o they_o and_o prevent_v of_o further_a mischief_n and_o do_v good_a to_o the_o offend_a party_n and_o that_o which_o seem_v to_o add_v a_o great_a deal_n oâ—_n weight_n to_o this_o instance_n be_v that_o the_o apostle_n check_v the_o corinthian_n that_o before_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o apostolical_a rod_n they_o be_v not_o of_o themselves_o sensible_a of_o so_o great_a a_o dishonour_n to_o the_o church_n as_o that_o be_v and_o have_v not_o use_v some_o mean_n for_o the_o remove_n such_o a_o person_n from_o their_o society_n and_o you_o be_v puff_v up_o and_o have_v not_o rather_o mourn_v that_o he_o that_o have_v do_v this_o deed_n may_v be_v take_v away_o from_o among_o you_o 1_o corinth_n 5._o 2._o therein_o imply_v that_o whether_o there_o have_v be_v such_o a_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n or_o no_o as_o the_o apostolical_a rod_n it_o have_v be_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o christian_a society_n to_o have_v do_v their_o endeavour_n in_o order_n to_o the_o remove_v such_o a_o person_n from_o their_o number_n but_o further_a i_o can_v understand_v how_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o duty_n in_o christian_n to_o withdraw_v from_o every_o brother_n who_o walk_v disorderly_a and_o church-officer_n not_o to_o have_v power_n to_o pronounce_v such_o a_o person_n to_o be_v withdraw_v from_o which_o amount_v to_o excommunication_n it_o be_v not_o to_o i_o at_o 11._o all_o material_a whether_o they_o do_v immediate_o relate_v to_o civil_a or_o sacred_a converse_n concern_v which_o there_o be_v so_o much_o dispute_n 14._o for_o in_o which_o soever_o we_o place_v it_o if_o church-officer_n have_v a_o power_n to_o pronounce_v such_o a_o person_n to_o be_v withdraw_v from_o they_o have_v a_o power_n of_o excommunication_n so_o we_o consider_v this_o penalty_n as_o inflict_v on_o the_o person_n in_o his_o relation_n to_o the_o society_n as_o a_o christian_n and_o wiâ—hall_v how_o near_o conjoin_v their_o civil_a and_o spiritual_a eat_n be_v together_o 1_o corinth_n 11._o 20_o 21._o and_o how_o strong_o the_o argument_n will_v hold_v from_o civil_a to_o sacred_a viz._n à _fw-la remotione_fw-la unius_fw-la ad_fw-la remotionem_fw-la alterius_fw-la not_o from_o any_o fancy_a pollution_n in_o sacris_fw-la from_o the_o company_n of_o wicked_a man_n but_o from_o the_o dishonour_n reflect_v on_o the_o society_n from_o such_o unworthy_a person_n partake_v of_o the_o high_a privilege_n of_o it_o thus_o from_o these_o three_o hypothesis_n this_o corollary_n follow_v that_o where_o any_o person_n in_o a_o church_n do_v by_o their_o open_a and_o contumacious_a offence_n declare_v to_o the_o world_n that_o they_o be_v far_o from_o be_v the_o person_n they_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v in_o their_o admission_n into_o the_o church_n there_o be_v a_o power_n resident_a in_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n to_o debar_v such_o person_n from_o the_o privilege_n of_o it_o and_o consequent_o from_o communion_n in_o the_o lord_n supper_n 1._o because_o this_o express_v the_o near_a union_n and_o close_a confederation_n as_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d among_o the_o grecian_n commonwealth_n do_v 2._o because_o this_o have_v be_v always_o look_v on_o with_o great_a veneration_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v least_o of_o all_o fit_a those_o person_n shall_v be_v admit_v to_o the_o high_a privilege_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v unworthy_a of_o the_o low_a of_o they_o there_o remain_v only_o some_o few_o objection_n which_o be_v level_v 23._o against_o this_o opinion_n concern_v the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n which_o from_o the_o question_n be_v thus_o state_v and_o prove_v will_v be_v soon_o remove_v the_o first_o be_v that_o this_o excommunication_n be_v a_o outward_a punishment_n and_o therefore_o belong_v not_o to_o church_n officer_n but_o to_o the_o magistrate_n 2._o because_o it_o neither_o be_v nor_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o any_o church_n officer_n to_o debar_v any_o offend_a member_n from_o public_a worship_n because_o any_o heathen_n may_v come_v to_o it_o 3._o it_o can_v lie_v as_o to_o exclusion_n from_o the_o lord_n supper_n because_o christ_n be_v offer_v as_o spiritual_a food_n as_o well_o in_o the_o word_n preach_v as_o in_o the_o sacrament_n to_o these_o i_o answer_v 1._o i_o do_v not_o well_o understand_v what_o the_o objector_n mean_v by_o a_o outward_a punishment_n for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o punishment_n belong_v to_o a_o visible_a society_n such_o as_o the_o church_n be_v here_o consider_v to_o be_v but_o it_o must_v be_v visible_a i._n e._n outward_a or_o a_o thing_n to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o in_o the_o world_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n i_o deny_v that_o all_o visible_a punishment_n belong_v only_o to_o the_o magistrate_n but_o if_o by_o outward_a be_v meanâ—_n forcible_a punishment_n than_o i_o grant_v that_o all_o coactive_a power_n belong_v to_o the_o magistrate_n but_o i_o deny_v that_o excommunication_n formal_o consider_v be_v a_o forcible_a punishment_n 1._o because_o every_o person_n at_o his_o entrance_n into_o this_o society_n be_v suppose_v to_o declare_v his_o submission_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o society_n and_o therefore_o whatever_o he_o after_o undergo_v by_o way_n of_o penalty_n in_o this_o society_n do_v depend_v upon_o that_o consent_n 2._o a_o person_n stand_v excommunicate_v legal_o and_o the_o jure_fw-la who_o be_v declare_v authoritative_o to_o be_v no_o member_n of_o the_o society_n though_o he_o may_v be_v present_a at_o the_o act_n of_o it_o as_o a_o defranchised_a person_n may_v be_v at_o those_o of_o a_o corporation_n 3._o a_o person_n fall_v into_o those_o offence_n which_o merit_n excommunication_n be_v suppose_v in_o so_o do_v voluntary_o to_o renounce_v his_o interest_n in_o those_o privilege_n the_o enjoyment_n of_o which_o do_v depend_v upon_o abstain_v from_o those_o offence_n which_o he_o wilful_o fall_v into_o especial_o if_o contumacy_n be_v join_v with_o they_o a_o 〈…〉_z be_v before_o excommunication_n for_o than_o nothing_o be_v do_v forcible_o towards_o he_o for_o he_o first_o relinquish_v his_o right_n before_o the_o church-governor_n declare_v he_o exclude_v the_o society_n so_o that_o the_o offender_n do_v meritorious_o excommunicate_v himself_o the_o pastor_n do_v it_o formal_o by_o declare_v that_o he_o have_v make_v himself_o no_o member_n by_o his_o offence_n and_o contumacy_n join_v with_o they_o to_o the_o second_o i_o answer_v that_o i_o do_v not_o place_v the_o formality_n of_o excommunication_n in_o exclusion_n from_o hear_v the_o word_n but_o in_o debar_v the_o person_n from_o hear_v tanquam_fw-la pars_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la as_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o so_o his_o hear_n may_v be_v well_o join_v with_o that_o of_o heathen_n and_o infidel_n and_o not_o of_o member_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o three_o i_o answer_v that_o exclusion_n from_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v not_o on_o the_o account_v mention_v in_o the_o objection_n but_o because_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o chief_a privilege_n of_o the_o church_n as_o it_o be_v a_o visible_a society_n have_v thus_o clear_v and_o assert_v the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n in_o a_o christian_a church_n there_o remain_v only_o one_o enquiry_n more_o which_o be_v whether_o this_o power_n do_v remain_v formal_o in_o the_o church_n after_o its_o be_v incorporate_v into_o the_o common_a wealth_n or_o else_o do_v it_o then_o escheat_n whole_o into_o the_o civil_a power_n the_o resolution_n of_o which_o question_n main_o depend_v on_o another_o speak_v to_o already_o viz._n whether_o this_o power_n be_v only_o a_o kind_n of_o widow_n estate_n which_o belong_v to_o it_o only_o during_o its_o separation_n from_o the_o civil_a power_n or_o be_v the_o church_n absolute_o enfeoff_v of_o it_o as_o its_o perpetual_a right_n belong_v to_o it_o in_o all_o condition_n whatsoever_o it_o shall_v be_v in_o now_o that_o must_v appear_v by_o the_o tenure_n of_o it_o and_o the_o ground_n on_o which_o it_o be_v convey_v which_o have_v be_v prove_v already_o to_o be_v perpetual_a and_o universal_a it_o from_o thence_o appear_v that_o no_o accession_n to_o the_o church_n can_v invalidate_v its_o former_a title_n but_o then_o as_o in_o case_n of_o marriage_n the_o right_a of_o disposal_n and_o well_o management_n of_o the_o estate_n come_v by_o the_o wife_n belong_v to_o the_o husband_n so_o after_o the_o church_n be_v marry_v into_o the_o commonwealth_n the_o
sufficient_a for_o communion_n with_o a_o church_n which_o be_v sufficient_a for_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o certain_o those_o thing_n be_v sufficient_a for_o that_o which_o be_v lay_v down_o as_o the_o necessary_a duty_n of_o christianity_n by_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n in_o his_o word_n what_o ground_n can_v there_o be_v why_o christian_n shall_v not_o stand_v upon_o the_o same_o term_n now_o which_o they_o do_v in_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v not_o religion_n sufficient_o guard_v and_o fence_v in_o they_o be_v there_o ever_o more_o true_a and_o cordial_a reverence_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n what_o charter_n have_v christ_n give_v the_o church_n to_o bind_v man_n up_o to_o more_o than_o himself_o have_v do_v or_o to_o exclude_v those_o from_o her_o society_n who_o may_v be_v admit_v into_o heaven_n will_v christ_n ever_o thank_v man_n at_o the_o great_a day_n for_o keep_v such_o out_o from_o communion_n with_o his_o church_n who_o he_o will_v vouchsafe_v not_o only_a crown_n of_o glory_n to_o but_o it_o may_v be_v aureolae_fw-la too_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n there_o the_o grand_a commission_n the_o apostle_n be_v send_v out_o with_o be_v only_o to_o teach_v what_o christ_n have_v command_v they_o not_o the_o least_o intimation_n of_o any_o power_n give_v they_o to_o impose_v or_o require_v any_o thing_n beyond_o what_o himself_o have_v speak_v to_o they_o or_o they_o be_v direct_v to_o by_o the_o immediate_a guidance_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n it_o be_v not_o whether_o the_o thing_n command_v and_o require_v be_v lawful_a or_o no_o it_o be_v not_o whether_o indifferency_n may_v be_v determine_v or_o no_o it_o be_v not_o how_o far_a christian_n be_v bind_v to_o submit_v to_o a_o restraint_n of_o their_o christian_a liberty_n which_o i_o now_o inquire_v after_o of_o those_o thing_n in_o the_o treatise_n its_o self_n but_o whether_o they_o do_v consult_v for_o the_o church_n peace_n and_o unity_n who_o suspend_v it_o upon_o such_o thing_n how_o far_o either_o the_o example_n of_o our_o saviour_n or_o his_o apostle_n do_v warrant_v such_o rigorous_a imposition_n we_o never_o read_v the_o apostle_n make_v law_n but_o of_o thing_n suppose_v necessary_a when_o the_o council_n of_o apostle_n meet_v at_o jerusalem_n for_o decide_v a_o case_n that_o disturb_v the_o church_n peace_n we_o see_v they_o will_v lay_v no_o other_o burden_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d beside_o these_o necessary_a thing_n act_n 15._o 29._o it_o be_v not_o enough_o with_o they_o that_o the_o thing_n will_v be_v necessary_a when_o they_o have_v require_v they_o but_o they_o look_v on_o a_o antecedent_n necessity_n either_o absolute_a or_o for_o the_o present_a state_n which_o be_v the_o only_a ground_n of_o their_o impose_v those_o command_n upon_o the_o gentile-christians_a there_o be_v after_o this_o great_a diversity_n of_o practice_n and_o variety_n of_o observation_n among_o christian_n but_o the_o holy_a ghost_n never_o think_v those_o thing_n fit_a to_o be_v make_v matter_n of_o law_n to_o which_o all_o party_n shall_v conform_v all_o that_o the_o apostle_n require_v as_o to_o these_o be_v mutual_a forbearance_n and_o condescension_n towards_o each_o other_o in_o they_o the_o apostle_n value_v not_o indifferency_n at_o all_o and_o those_o thing_n it_o be_v evident_a they_o account_v such_o which_o whether_o man_n do_v they_o or_o not_o be_v not_o of_o concernment_n to_o salvation_n and_o what_o reason_n be_v there_o why_o man_n shall_v be_v so_o strict_o tie_v up_o to_o such_o thing_n which_o they_o may_v do_v or_o let_v alone_o and_o yet_o be_v very_o good_a christian_n still_o without_o all_o controversy_n the_o main_a inlet_n of_o all_o the_o distraction_n confusion_n and_o division_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n have_v be_v by_o add_v other_o condition_n of_o church-communion_n than_o christ_n have_v do_v have_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n never_o take_v upon_o she_o to_o add_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n nor_o impose_v idolatrous_a and_o superstitious_a practice_n all_o the_o injury_n she_o have_v do_v herself_o have_v be_v to_o have_v avoid_v that_o fearful_a schism_n which_o she_o have_v cause_v throughout_o the_o christian_a world_n will_v there_o ever_o be_v the_o less_o peace_n and_o unity_n in_o a_o church_n if_o a_o diversity_n be_v allow_v as_o to_o practice_n suppose_v indifferent_a yea_o there_o will_v be_v so_o much_o more_o as_o there_o be_v a_o mutual_a forbearance_n and_o condiscension_n as_o to_o such_o thing_n the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n be_v a_o unity_n of_o love_n and_o affection_n and_o not_o a_o bare_a uniformity_n of_o practice_n or_o opinion_n this_o latter_a be_v extreme_o desirable_a in_o a_o church_n but_o as_o long_o as_o there_o be_v several_a rank_n and_o size_n of_o man_n in_o it_o very_o hardly_o attainable_a because_o of_o the_o different_a persuasion_n of_o man_n mind_n as_o to_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o thing_n require_v and_o it_o be_v no_o commendation_n for_o a_o christian_n to_o have_v only_o the_o civility_n of_o procrustes_n to_o commensurate_a all_o other_o man_n to_o the_o bed_n of_o his_o own_o humour_n and_o opinion_n there_o be_v nothing_o the_o primitive_a church_n deserve_v great_a imitation_n by_o we_o in_o then_o in_o that_o admirable_a temper_n moderation_n and_o condescension_n which_o be_v use_v in_o it_o towards_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o it_o be_v never_o think_v worth_n the_o while_n to_o make_v any_o stand_a law_n for_o rite_n and_o custom_n that_o have_v no_o other_o original_a but_o tradition_n much_o less_o to_o suspend_v man_n she_o his_o communion_n for_o not_o observe_v they_o 19_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o sozomen_n tell_v we_o they_o judge_v it_o and_o that_o very_o just_o a_o foolish_a and_o frivolous_a thing_n for_o those_o that_o agree_v in_o the_o weighty_a matter_n of_o religion_n to_o separate_v from_o one_o another_o communion_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o some_o petty_a custom_n and_o observation_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o church_n agree_v in_o the_o same_o faith_n often_o differ_v in_o their_o rite_n and_o custom_n and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o different_a church_n but_o in_o different_a place_n belong_v to_o the_o same_o church_n for_o as_o he_o tell_v we_o many_o city_n and_o village_n in_o egypt_n not_o only_o differ_v from_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o mother-church_n of_o alexandria_n but_o from_o all_o other_o church_n beside_o in_o their_o public_a assembly_n on_o the_o evening_n of_o the_o sabbath_n and_o receive_v the_o eucharist_n after_o dinner_n this_o admirable_a temper_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n may_v be_v large_o clear_v from_o that_o liberty_n they_o allow_v free_o to_o dissenter_n from_o they_o in_o matter_n of_o practice_n and_o opinion_n as_o may_v be_v clear_v from_o cyprian_a austin_n jerome_n and_o other_o but_o that_o will_v exceed_v the_o bound_n of_o a_o preface_n the_o first_o who_o break_v this_o order_n in_o the_o church_n be_v the_o arrian_n donatist_n and_o circumcellian_n while_o the_o true_a church_n be_v still_o know_v by_o his_o pristine_a moderation_n and_o sweetness_n of_o deportment_n towards_o all_o its_o member_n the_o same_o we_o hope_v may_v remain_v as_o the_o most_o infallible_a evidence_n of_o the_o conformity_n of_o our_o church_n of_o england_n to_o the_o primitive_a not_o so_o much_o in_o use_v the_o same_o rite_n that_o be_v in_o use_n then_o as_o in_o not_o impose_v they_o but_o leave_v man_n to_o be_v win_v by_o the_o observe_v the_o true_a decency_n and_o order_n of_o church_n whereby_o those_o who_o act_n upon_o a_o true_a principle_n of_o christian_a ingenuity_n may_v be_v soon_o draw_v to_o a_o compliance_n in_o all_o lawful_a thing_n then_o by_o force_n and_o rigorous_a imposition_n which_o make_v man_n suspect_v the_o weight_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o when_o such_o force_n be_v use_v to_o make_v it_o enter_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n what_o cause_n have_v we_o to_o rejoice_v that_o almighty_a god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o restore_v we_o a_o prince_n of_o that_o excellent_a prudence_n and_o moderation_n who_o have_v so_o late_o give_v assurance_n to_o the_o world_n of_o his_o great_a indulgence_n towards_o all_o that_o have_v any_o pretence_n from_o conscience_n to_o differ_v with_o their_o brethren_n the_o only_a thing_n then_o seem_v to_o retard_v our_o peace_n be_v the_o controversy_n about_o church-government_n a_o unhappy_a controversy_n to_o we_o in_o england_n if_o ever_o there_o be_v any_o in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o more_o unhappy_a in_o that_o our_o contention_n about_o it_o have_v be_v so_o great_a and_o yet_o so_o few_o of_o the_o multitude_n engage_v in_o it_o that_o have_v true_o understand_v the_o matter_n they_o have_v so_o eager_o contend_v about_o for_o the_o state_n of_o the_o controversy_n as_o it_o concern_v
we_o lie_v not_o here_o as_o it_o be_v general_o mistake_v what_o form_n of_o government_n come_v the_o near_a to_o apostolical_a practice_n but_o whether_o any_o one_o individual_a form_n be_v found_v so_o upon_o divine_a right_n that_o all_o age_n and_o church_n be_v bind_v unalterable_o to_o observe_v it_o the_o clear_n up_o of_o which_o by_o a_o impartial_a inquiry_n into_o all_o the_o ground_n produce_v for_o it_o be_v of_o so_o great_a tendency_n to_o a_o accommodation_n of_o our_o present_a difference_n be_v the_o only_a motive_n which_o induce_v i_o to_o observe_v aristotle_n wild_a politic_n of_o expose_v this_o deform_a conception_n to_o the_o entertainment_n of_o the_o wide_a world_n and_o certain_o they_o who_o have_v espouse_v the_o most_o the_o interest_n of_o a_o jus_o divinum_fw-la can_v yet_o but_o say_v that_o if_o the_o opinion_n i_o maintain_v be_v true_a it_o do_v exceed_o conduce_v to_o a_o present_a settlement_n of_o the_o difference_n that_o be_v among_o we_o for_o then_o all_o party_n may_v retain_v their_o different_a opinion_n concern_v the_o primitive_a form_n and_o yet_o agree_v and_o pitch_n upon_o a_o form_n compound_v of_o all_o together_o as_o the_o most_o suitable_a to_o the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n among_o we_o that_o so_o the_o people_n interest_n be_v secure_v by_o consent_n and_o suffrage_n which_o be_v the_o pretence_n of_o the_o congregational_a way_n the_o due_a power_n of_o presbytery_n assert_v by_o their_o joynt-concurrence_n with_o the_o bishop_n as_o be_v lay_v down_o in_o that_o excellent_a model_n of_o the_o late_a incomparable_a primate_n of_o armagh_n and_o the_o just_a honour_n and_o dignity_n of_o the_o bishop_n assert_v as_o a_o very_a laudable_a and_o ancient_a constitution_n for_o preserve_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n so_o the_o learned_a is._n casaubon_n describe_v the_o polity_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n episcopi_fw-la in_o singulis_fw-la ecclesiis_fw-la constituti_fw-la cum_fw-la suis_fw-la prebyteriis_fw-la &_o propriam_fw-la sibi_fw-la cuique_fw-la peculiari_fw-la cura_fw-la &_o universam_fw-la omnes_fw-la in_o common_a curantes_fw-la admirabilis_fw-la cujusdam_fw-la aristocraâ—iae_fw-la speciem_fw-la referebant_fw-la my_o main_a design_n throughout_o this_o whole_a treatise_n be_v to_o show_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o argument_n draw_v from_o any_o pretence_n of_o a_o divine_a right_n that_o may_v hinder_v man_n from_o consent_v and_o yield_v to_o such_o a_o form_n of_o government_n in_o the_o church_n as_o may_v bear_v the_o great_a correspondency_n to_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o be_v most_o advantageous_o conducible_a to_o the_o peace_n unity_n and_o settlement_n of_o our_o divide_a church_n i_o plead_v not_o at_o all_o for_o any_o abuse_n or_o corruption_n incident_a to_o the_o best_a form_n of_o government_n through_o the_o corruption_n of_o man_n and_o time_n nay_o i_o dare_v not_o harbour_v so_o low_a apprehension_n of_o person_n enjoy_v so_o great_a dignity_n and_o honour_n in_o the_o church_n that_o they_o will_v in_o any_o wise_a be_v unwilling_a of_o themselves_o to_o reduce_v the_o form_n of_o church_n government_n among_o we_o to_o its_o primitive_a state_n and_o order_n by_o retrench_v all_o exorbitance_n of_o power_n and_o restore_v those_o presbytery_n which_o no_o law_n have_v forbid_v but_o only_o through_o disuse_n have_v be_v lay_v aside_o whereby_o they_o will_v give_v to_o the_o world_n that_o rare_a example_n of_o self-denial_n and_o the_o high_a christian_a prudence_n as_o may_v raise_v a_o honourable_a opinion_n of_o they_o even_o among_o those_o who_o have_v hitherto_o the_o most_o slight_v so_o ancient_a and_o venerable_a a_o order_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o thereby_o become_v the_o repairer_n of_o those_o otherwise_o irreparable_a breach_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n i_o conclude_v with_o the_o word_n of_o a_o late_a learned_a pious_a and_o moderate_a prelate_n in_o his_o via_fw-la media_fw-la i_o have_v do_v and_o now_o i_o make_v no_o other_o account_n but_o that_o it_o will_v fall_v out_o with_o i_o as_o it_o do_v common_o with_o he_o that_o offer_v to_o part_v a_o fray_n both_o part_n will_v perhaps_o drive_v at_o i_o for_o wish_v they_o no_o worse_o than_o peace_n my_o ambition_n of_o the_o public_a tranquillity_n shall_v willing_o carry_v i_o through_o this_o hazard_n let_v both_o beat_v i_o so_o their_o quarrel_n may_v cease_v i_o shall_v rejoice_v in_o those_o blow_n and_o scar_n which_o i_o shall_v take_v for_o the_o church_n safety_n the_o content_n of_o the_o chapter_n part_n i._o chap._n i._n thing_n necessary_a for_o the_o church_n peace_n must_v be_v clear_o reveal_v the_o form_n of_o government_n not_o so_o as_o appear_v by_o the_o remain_a controversy_n about_o it_o a_o evidence_n thence_o that_o christ_n never_o intend_v any_o one_o form_n as_o the_o only_a mean_n to_o peace_n in_o the_o church_n the_o nature_n of_o a_o divine_a right_o discuss_v right_o in_o general_a either_o make_v thing_n lawful_a or_o else_o due_a for_o the_o former_a a_o non-prohibition_n sufficient_a the_o latter_a a_o express_a command_n duty_n suppose_v legislation_n and_o promulgation_n the_o question_n state_v nothing_o bind_v unalterable_o but_o by_o virtue_n of_o a_o stand_a law_n and_o that_o two_o fold_n the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o positive_a law_n of_o god_n three_o way_n to_o know_v when_o positive_a law_n be_v unalterable_a the_o divine_a right_n arise_v from_o scripture-example_n divine_a act_n and_o divine_a approbation_n consider_v p._n 1._o chap._n ii_o six_o hypothesis_n lay_v down_o as_o the_o basis_n of_o the_o follow_a discourse_n 1._o the_o irreversible_a obligation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n either_o by_o humane_a or_o divine_a positive_a law_n in_o thing_n immediate_o flow_v from_o it_o 2._o thing_n agreeable_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n may_v be_v lawful_o practise_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n enlarge_v into_o five_o subservient_fw-fr proposition_n 3._o divine_a positive_a law_n concern_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o thing_n who_o substance_n be_v determine_v by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n must_v be_v obey_v by_o virtue_n of_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o natural_a law_n 4._o thing_n undetermined_a both_o by_o the_o natural_a and_o positive_a law_n of_o god_n may_v be_v lawful_o determine_v by_o the_o supreme_a authority_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n the_o magistrate_n power_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n large_o assert_v and_o clear_v the_o nature_n of_o indifferency_n in_o action_n state_v matter_n of_o christian_a liberty_n be_v subject_a to_o restraint_n large_o prove_v proposal_n for_o accommodation_n as_o to_o matter_n of_o indifferency_n 5._o what_o be_v thus_o determine_v by_o lawful_a authority_n do_v bind_v the_o conscience_n of_o man_n subject_a to_o that_o authority_n to_o obedience_n to_o those_o determination_n 6._o thing_n thus_o determine_v by_o lawful_a authority_n be_v not_o thereby_o make_v unalterable_a but_o may_v be_v revoke_v limit_v and_o change_v by_o the_o same_o authority_n p._n 27_o chap._n iii_o how_o far_o church_n government_n be_v found_v upon_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n two_o thing_n in_o it_o found_v thereon_o 1._o that_o there_o must_v be_v a_o society_n of_o man_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n 2._o that_o this_o society_n be_v govern_v in_o the_o most_o convenient_a manner_n a_o society_n for_o worship_n manifest_v gen_n 4._o 26._o consider_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o son_n of_o man_n who_o society_n for_o worship_n among_o heathen_n evidence_v by_o three_o thing_n 1._o solemnity_n of_o sacrifice_n sacrifice_v how_o far_o natural_a the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o feast_n of_o first-fruit_n large_o discover_v 2._o the_o original_a of_o festival_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o their_o deity_n 3._o the_o secrecy_n and_o solemnity_n of_o their_o mystery_n this_o further_o prove_v from_o man_n sociable_a nature_n the_o improvement_n of_o it_o by_o religion_n the_o honour_n redound_v to_o god_n by_o such_o a_o society_n for_o his_o worship_n p._n 72_o chap._n iu_o the_o second_o thing_n the_o law_n of_o nature_n dictate_v that_o this_o society_n be_v maintain_v and_o govern_v in_o the_o most_o convenient_a manner_n a_o further_a inquiry_n what_o particular_a order_n for_o government_n in_o the_o church_n come_v from_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n six_o lay_v down_o and_o evidence_v to_o be_v from_o thence_o first_o a_o distinction_n of_o some_o person_n and_o their_o superiority_n over_o other_o both_o in_o power_n and_o order_n clear_v to_o be_v from_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n the_o power_n and_o application_n of_o the_o power_n distinguish_v this_o latter_a not_o from_o any_o law_n of_o nature_n bind_v but_o permissive_a therefore_o may_v be_v restrain_v people_n right_a of_o choose_v pastor_n consider_v order_n distinguish_v from_o the_o form_n and_o manner_n of_o government_n the_o former_a natural_a the_o other_o not_o the_o
government_n all_o power_n in_o christ_n hand_n for_o govern_v the_o church_n what_o order_n christ_n take_v in_o order_n thereto_o when_o he_o be_v in_o the_o world_n call_v the_o apostle_n the_o first_o action_n respect_v outward_a government_n three_o step_n of_o the_o apostle_n call_v to_o be_v disciple_n in_o their_o first_o mission_n in_o their_o plenary_a commission_n several_a thing_n observe_v upon_o they_o pertinent_a to_o our_o purpose_n the_o name_n and_o office_n of_o apostle_n clear_v a_o equality_n among_o they_o prove_v during_o our_o saviour_n life_n peter_n not_o make_v monarch_n of_o the_o church_n by_o christ._n the_o plea_n for_o it_o answer_v the_o apostle_n power_n over_o the_o seventy_o disciple_n consider_v with_o the_o nature_n and_o quality_n of_o their_o office_n matth._n 20._o 25_o 26._o large_o discuss_v and_o explain_v it_o exclude_v all_o civil_a power_n but_o make_v not_o all_o inequality_n in_o church-officer_n unlawful_a by_o the_o difference_n of_o apostle_n and_o pastor_n of_o church_n matth._n 18._o 15_o 16_o 17._o full_o inquire_v into_o no_o evidence_n for_o any_o one_o form_n from_o thence_o because_o equal_o apply_v to_o several_a what_o the_o offence_n be_v there_o speak_v of_o what_o the_o church_n speak_v to_o not_o a_o ecclesiastical_a sanhedrin_n among_o the_o jew_n nor_o yet_o the_o civil_a sanhedrin_n as_o erastus_n and_o his_o follower_n explain_v it_o nor_o a_o consistorial_n or_o congregational_a church_n under_o the_o gospel_n but_o only_o a_o select_a company_n for_o end_v private_a difference_n among_o christian_n p._n 200_o chap._n vi_o the_o next_o and_o chief_a thing_n plead_v for_o determine_v the_o form_n of_o church-government_n be_v apostolical_a practice_n two_o thing_n inquire_v into_o concern_v that_o what_o it_o be_v how_o far_o it_o bind_v the_o apostle_n invest_v with_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o govern_v the_o whole_a church_n of_o christ_n by_o their_o commission_n john_n 20._o 21._o matth._n 28._o 19_o what_o the_o apostle_n do_v in_o order_n to_o church-government_n before_o pentecost_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d explain_v no_o division_n of_o province_n make_v among_o the_o apostle_n then_o make_v appear_v by_o several_a argument_n whether_o paul_n and_o peter_n be_v confine_v one_o to_o the_o circumcision_n the_o other_o to_o the_o uncircumcision_n and_o different_a church_n erect_v by_o they_o in_o the_o same_o city_n what_o course_n the_o apostle_n take_v in_o settle_v the_o government_n of_o particular_a church_n large_o prove_v that_o they_o observe_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o jewish_a synagogue_n the_o model_n of_o the_o synagogue_n government_n describe_v whether_o peculiar_a ordination_n for_o the_o synagogue_n officer_n the_o service_n of_o the_o synagogue_n set_v forth_o with_o the_o officer_n belong_v to_o it_o ground_n prove_v that_o the_o apostle_n copy_v forth_o the_o the_o synagogue_n model_n community_n of_o name_n and_o custom_n between_o jew_n and_o christian_n then_o form_v church_n out_o of_o synagogue_n whether_o any_o distinct_a coetus_fw-la of_o jewish_a and_o gentile_a christian_n in_o the_o same_o city_n correspondency_n of_o the_o church_n with_o the_o synagogue_n in_o the_o order_n of_o public_a service_n in_o the_o custom_n of_o ordination_n jerom_n explain_v the_o power_n of_o ordination_n in_o who_o it_o lodge_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n the_o opinion_n of_o jerom_n and_o aerin_n consider_v the_o name_n of_o presbyter_n and_o bishop_n explain_v three_o general_a consideration_n touch_v apostolical_a practice_n 1._o that_o we_o can_v attain_v to_o such_o a_o certainty_n of_o apostolical_a practice_n as_o thereon_o to_o ground_v a_o divine_a right_n the_o uncertainty_n of_o apostolical_a practice_n as_o to_o we_o full_o discover_v 1._o from_o the_o equivalency_n of_o the_o name_n which_o shall_v determine_v the_o controversy_n 2._o in_o that_o the_o place_n in_o controversy_n may_v without_o incongruity_n be_v understand_v of_o the_o different_a form_n 3._o from_o the_o defectiveness_n ambiguity_n partiality_n and_o repugnancy_n of_o the_o record_n of_o antiquity_n which_o shall_v inform_v we_o what_o the_o apostolical_a practice_n be_v these_o full_o discourse_v upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o eusebius_n irenaeus_n tertullian_n hilary_n jerom_n and_o ignatius_n discuss_v and_o these_o two_o last_o prove_v not_o to_o contradict_v each_o other_o episcopacy_n own_v as_o a_o humane_a instituiion_n by_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o church_n 2._o consideration_n that_o in_o all_o probability_n the_o apostle_n do_v not_o observe_v any_o one_o fix_a course_n of_o settle_v church_n government_n but_o settle_v it_o according_a to_o the_o several_a circumstance_n of_o time_n place_n and_o person_n several_a thing_n premise_v for_o clear_v it_o this_o opinion_n though_o seem_o new_a be_v prove_v at_o large_a to_o be_v most_o consonant_a to_o antiquity_n by_o the_o several_a testimony_n of_o clemens_n rom._n alexandrinus_n epiphanius_n who_o testimony_n be_v correct_v explain_v and_o vindicate_v hilary_n and_o divers_a other_o this_o opinion_n of_o great_a consequence_n towards_o our_o present_a peace_n no_o foundation_n for_o lay-elder_n either_o in_o scripture_n or_o antiquity_n 3._o consideration_n mere_a apostolical_a practice_n if_o suppose_v find_v not_o any_o divine_a right_n prove_v by_o a_o fourfold_a argument_n the_o right_a of_o tithe_n resolve_v upon_o the_o same_o principle_n with_o that_o of_o church_n government_n rite_n and_o institution_n apostolical_a grow_v quite_o out_o of_o use_n among_o the_o several_a contend_a party_n p._n 230._o chap._n vii_o the_o church_n polity_n in_o the_o age_n after_o the_o apostle_n consider_v evidence_n thence_o that_o no_o certain_a unalterable_a form_n of_o church-government_n be_v deliver_v to_o they_o 1._o because_o church_n power_n do_v enlarge_v as_o the_o church_n do_v whether_o any_o metropolitan_a church_n establish_v by_o the_o apostle_n seven_o church_n of_o asia_n whether_o metropolitical_a philippi_n no_o metropolis_n either_o in_o civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a sense_n several_a degree_n of_o enlargement_n of_o church_n church_n first_o the_o christian_n in_o whole_a city_n prove_v by_o several_a argument_n the_o eulogiae_fw-la a_o evidence_n of_o it_o church_n extend_v into_o the_o neighbour_n territory_n by_o the_o preach_v there_o of_o city_n presbyter_n thence_o come_v the_o subordination_n between_o they_o church_n by_o degree_n enlarge_v to_o diocese_n from_o thence_o to_o province_n the_o original_a of_o metropolitan_o and_o patriarch_n 2._o no_o certain_a form_n use_v in_o all_o church_n some_o church_n without_o bishop_n scot_n goth_n some_o with_o but_o one_o bishop_n in_o their_o whole_a country_n scythian_n aethiopian_a church_n how_o govern_v many_o city_n without_o bishop_n diocese_n much_o alter_v bishop_n discontinue_v in_o several_a church_n for_o many_o year_n 3._o conform_v ecclesiastical_a government_n to_o the_o civil_a in_o the_o extent_n of_o diocese_n the_o suburbicarian_a church_n what_o bishop_n answerable_a to_o the_o civil_a governor_n church_n power_n rise_v from_o the_o greatness_n of_o city_n 4._o validity_n of_o ordination_n by_o presbyter_n in_o place_n where_o bishop_n be_v the_o case_n of_o ischyras_n discuss_v instance_n give_v of_o ordination_n by_o presbyter_n not_o pronounce_v thursday_n 5._o the_o church_n prudence_n in_o manage_v its_o affair_n by_o the_o several_a canon_n provincial_a synod_n codex_fw-la canonum_fw-la p._n 346_o chap._n viii_o a_fw-la inquiry_n into_o the_o judgement_n of_o reform_a divine_v concern_v the_o unalterable_a divine_a right_n of_o particular_a form_n of_o church-government_n wherein_o it_o be_v make_v appear_v that_o the_o most_o emine_a nt_v divine_n of_o the_o reformation_n do_v never_o conceive_v any_o one_o form_n necessary_a manifest_v by_o three_o argument_n 1._o from_o the_o judgement_n of_o those_o who_o make_v the_o form_n of_o church-government_n mutable_a and_o to_o depend_v upon_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o magistrate_n and_o church_n this_o clear_v to_o have_v be_v the_o judgement_n of_o most_o divine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n since_o the_o reformation_n archbishop_n cranmers_n judgement_n with_o other_o of_o the_o reformation_n in_o edward_n the_o six_o time_n now_o first_o publish_v from_o his_o authentic_a ms._n the_o same_o ground_n of_o settle_v episcopacy_n in_o queen_n elizabeth_n time_n the_o judgement_n of_o archbishop_n whitgift_n bishop_n bridges_n dr._n loe_o mr._n hooker_n large_o to_o that_o purpose_n in_o king_n james_n his_o time_n the_o king_n own_o opinion_n dr._n sutâ—â—ffe_n since_o of_o grakanthorp_n mr._n hales_n mr._n chillingworth_n the_o testimony_n of_o foreign_a divine_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n chemnitius_n zanchy_a french_a divine_n peter_n moulin_n fregevil_n blondel_n bochartus_fw-la amyraldus_n other_o learned_a man_n grotius_n lord_n bacon_n etc._n etc._n 2._o those_o who_o look_v upon_o equality_n as_o the_o primitive_a form_n yet_o judge_v episcopacy_n lawful_a augâ—stane_n confession_n melanchthon_n articuli_fw-la smalcaldici_fw-la prince_n of_o anhalt_n hyperius_n hemingiâ—s_fw-la the_o practice_n of_o most_o
foreign_a church_n calvin_n and_o beza_n both_o approve_v episcopacy_n and_o diocesan_n church_n salmatius_n etc._n etc._n 3_o those_o who_o judge_v episcopacy_n to_o be_v the_o primitive_a form_n yet_o look_v not_o on_o it_o as_o necessary_a bishop_n jewel_n fulk_n field_n bishop_n downam_n bishop_n bancroft_n bishop_n morton_n bishop_n andrews_n saravia_n francis_n mason_n and_o other_o the_o conclusion_n hence_o lay_v in_o order_n to_o peace_n principle_n conduce_v thereto_o 1._o prudence_n must_v be_v use_v in_o church-government_n at_o last_o confess_v by_o all_o party_n independent_o in_o elective_a synod_n and_o church_n covenant_n admission_n of_o member_n number_n in_o congregation_n presbyterian_o in_o class_n and_o synod_n lay-elder_n etc._n etc._n episcopal_a in_o diocese_n cause_n rite_n etc._n etc._n 2._o that_o prudence_n best_o which_o come_v near_a primitive_a practice_n a_o presidency_n for_o life_n over_o a_o ecclesiastical_a senate_n show_v to_o be_v that_o form_n in_o order_n to_o it_o presbytery_n to_o be_v restore_v diocese_n lessen_v provincial_n synod_n keep_v twice_o a_o year_n the_o reasonableness_n and_o easiness_n of_o accommodation_n show_v the_o whole_a conclude_v p._n 383._o 384._o a_o weapon-salve_n for_o the_o church_n wound_n or_o the_o divine_a right_n of_o particular_a form_n of_o government_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n discuss_v and_o examine_v according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n the_o positive_a law_n of_o god_n the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o the_o judgement_n of_o reform_a divine_n part_n i._n chap._n i._n thing_n necessary_a for_o the_o church_n peace_n must_v be_v clear_o reveal_v the_o form_n of_o church-government_n not_o so_o as_o appear_v by_o the_o remain_a controversy_n about_o it_o a_o evidence_n thence_o that_o christ_n never_o intend_v any_o one_o form_n as_o the_o only_a mean_n to_o peace_n in_o the_o church_n the_o nature_n of_o a_o divine_a right_o discuss_v right_o in_o general_a either_o make_v thing_n lawful_a or_o else_o due_a for_o the_o former_a a_o non-prohibition_n sufficient_a the_o late_a a_o express_a command_n duty_n suppose_v legislation_n and_o promulgation_n the_o question_n state_v nothing_o bind_v unalterable_o but_o by_o virtue_n of_o a_o stand_a law_n and_o that_o twofold_a the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o positive_a law_n of_o god_n three_o way_n to_o know_v when_o positive_a law_n be_v unalterable_a the_o divine_a right_o arise_v from_o scripture-example_n divine_a act_n and_o divine_a approbation_n consider_v he_o that_o impose_v any_o matter_n of_o opinion_n upon_o the_o 1._o belief_n of_o other_o without_o give_v evidence_n of_o reason_n for_o it_o proportionable_a to_o the_o confidence_n of_o his_o assertion_n must_v either_o suppose_v the_o thing_n propound_v to_o carry_v such_o unquestionable_a credential_n of_o truth_n and_o reason_n with_o it_o that_o none_o who_o know_v what_o they_o mean_v can_v deny_v it_o entertainment_n or_o else_o that_o his_o own_o understanding_n have_v attain_v to_o so_o great_a perfection_n as_o to_o have_v authority_n sufficient_a to_o oblige_v all_o other_o to_o follow_v it_o this_o latter_a can_v be_v presume_v among_o any_o who_o have_v assert_v the_o freedom_n of_o their_o own_o understanding_n from_o the_o dictate_v of_o a_o infallible_a chair_n but_o if_o any_o shall_v forget_v themselves_o so_o far_o as_o to_o think_v so_o there_o need_v no_o other_o argument_n to_o prove_v they_o not_o to_o be_v infallible_a in_o their_o assertion_n than_o this_o one_o assertion_n that_o they_o be_v infallible_a it_o be_v a_o undoubted_a evidence_n that_o they_o be_v actual_o deceive_v who_o know_v so_o little_a the_o measure_n of_o their_o own_o understanding_n the_o former_a can_v never_o be_v pretend_v in_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o controversy_n among_o man_n who_o have_v not_o whole_o forget_v they_o be_v reasonable_a creature_n by_o their_o bring_v probable_a argument_n for_o the_o maintain_v one_o part_n of_o a_o opinion_n as_o well_o as_o another_o in_o which_o case_n though_o the_o argument_n bring_v be_v not_o convince_a for_o the_o necessary_a entertain_v either_o part_n to_o a_o unbiased_a understanding_n yet_o the_o difference_n of_o their_o opinion_n be_v argument_n sufficient_a that_o the_o thing_n contend_v for_o be_v not_o so_o clear_a as_o both_o party_n will_v make_v it_o to_o be_v on_o their_o own_o side_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o thing_n of_o necessity_n to_o salvation_n it_o give_v man_n ground_n to_o think_v that_o a_o final_a decision_n of_o the_o matter_n in_o controversy_n be_v never_o intend_v as_o a_o necessary_a mean_n for_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n for_o we_o can_v with_o any_o show_n of_o reason_n imagine_v that_o our_o supreme_a law_n giver_n and_o saviour_n who_o have_v make_v it_o a_o necessary_a duty_n in_o all_o true_a member_n of_o his_o church_n to_o endeavour_v after_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o it_o shall_v suspend_v the_o performance_n of_o that_o duty_n upon_o a_o matter_n of_o opinion_n which_o when_o man_n have_v use_v their_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o satisfy_v themselves_o about_o they_o yet_o find_v that_o those_o very_a ground_n which_o they_o be_v most_o inclinable_a to_o build_v their_o judgement_n upon_o be_v either_o whole_o reject_v by_o other_o as_o wise_a and_o able_a as_o themselves_o or_o else_o it_o may_v be_v they_o erect_v a_o far_o different_a fabric_n upon_o the_o very_a same_o foundation_n it_o be_v no_o way_n consistent_a with_o the_o wisdom_n of_o christ_n in_o sound_v his_o church_n and_o provide_v for_o the_o peace_n and_o settlement_n of_o it_o to_o leave_v it_o at_o the_o mercy_n of_o man_n private_a judgement_n and_o apprehension_n of_o thing_n than_o which_o nothing_o more_o uncertain_a and_o thereby_o make_v it_o to_o depend_v upon_o a_o condition_n never_o like_v to_o be_v attain_v in_o this_o world_n which_o be_v the_o agreement_n and_o uniformity_n of_o man_n opinion_n for_o as_o long_o as_o man_n face_n differ_v their_o judgement_n will_n and_o until_o there_o be_v a_o intellectus_fw-la averroisticus_fw-la the_o same_o understanding_n in_o all_o person_n we_o have_v little_a ground_n to_o hope_v for_o such_o a_o universal_a harmony_n in_o the_o intellectual_a world_n and_o yet_o even_o then_o the_o soul_n may_v pass_v a_o different_a judgement_n upon_o the_o colour_n of_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o different_a tincture_n of_o the_o several_a optick-glass_n in_o particular_a body_n which_o it_o take_v a_o prospect_n of_o thing_n through_o reason_n and_o experience_n then_o give_v we_o little_a hope_n of_o any_o peace_n in_o the_o church_n if_o the_o unity_n of_o man_n judgement_n be_v suppose_v the_o condition_n of_o it_o the_o next_o inquiry_n than_o be_v how_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v attain_v or_o preserve_v when_o man_n be_v under_o such_o different_a persuasion_n especial_o if_o they_o respect_v the_o mean_n in_o order_n to_o a_o peace_n and_o settlement_n for_o the_o way_n to_o peace_n like_o the_o fertile_a soil_n of_o greece_n have_v be_v ofttimes_o the_o occasion_n of_o the_o great_a quarrel_n and_o no_o sickness_n be_v so_o dangerous_a as_o that_o when_o man_n be_v sick_a of_o their_o remedy_n and_o nauseate_a that_o most_o which_o tend_v to_o their_o recovery_n but_o while_o physician_n quarrel_n about_o the_o method_n of_o cure_n the_o patient_n languish_v under_o their_o hand_n and_o when_o man_n increase_v contention_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o peace_n while_o they_o seem_v to_o court_v it_o they_o destroy_v it_o the_o only_a way_n leave_v for_o the_o church_n settlement_n and_o peace_n under_o such_o variety_n of_o apprehension_n concern_v the_o mean_n and_o method_n in_o order_n to_o it_o be_v to_o pitch_v upon_o such_o a_o foundation_n if_o possible_a to_o be_v find_v out_o whereon_o the_o different_a party_n retain_v their_o private_a apprehension_n may_v yet_o be_v agree_v to_o carry_v on_o the_o same_o work_n in_o common_a in_o order_n to_o the_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o can_v be_v by_o leave_v all_o absolute_o to_o follow_v their_o own_o way_n for_o that_o be_v to_o build_v a_o babel_n instead_o of_o salem_n confusion_n instead_o of_o peace_n it_o must_v be_v then_o by_o convince_a man_n that_o neither_o of_o those_o way_n to_o peace_n and_o order_n which_o they_o contend_v about_o be_v necessary_a by_o way_n of_o divine_a command_n though_o some_o be_v as_o a_o mean_n to_o a_o end_n but_o which_o particular_a way_n or_o form_v it_o must_v be_v be_v whole_o leave_v to_o the_o prudence_n of_o those_o in_o who_o power_n and_o trust_v it_o be_v to_o see_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n be_v secure_v on_o last_a foundation_n how_o near_o this_o concern_v the_o present_a debate_n about_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n any_o one_o
two_o we_o distinguish_v then_o between_o a_o power_n declarative_a of_o the_o obligation_n of_o former_a law_n and_o a_o power_n authoritative_a determine_v a_o new_a obligation_n between_o the_o office_n of_o counsel_v and_o advise_v what_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v do_v and_o a_o power_n determine_v what_o shall_v be_v do_v between_o the_o magistrate_n duty_n of_o consult_v in_o order_n to_o the_o do_v it_o and_o his_o derive_v his_o authority_n for_o the_o do_v it_o these_o thing_n premise_v i_o say_v first_o that_o the_o power_n of_o declare_v the_o obligation_n of_o former_a law_n and_o of_o consult_v and_o advise_v the_o magistrate_n for_o settle_v of_o new_a law_n for_o the_o policy_n of_o the_o church_n belong_v to_o the_o pastor_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n this_o belong_v to_o they_o as_o they_o be_v command_v to_o teach_v what_o christ_n have_v command_v 18._o they_o but_o no_o authority_n thereby_o give_v to_o make_v new_a law_n to_o bind_v the_o church_n but_o rather_o a_o tie_v they_o up_o to_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n already_o lay_v down_o in_o his_o word_n for_o a_o power_n to_o bind_v man_n conscience_n to_o their_o determination_n lodge_v in_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n must_v be_v derive_v either_o from_o a_o law_n of_o god_n give_v they_o this_o right_n or_o else_o only_o from_o the_o consent_n of_o party_n for_o any_o law_n of_o god_n there_o be_v none_o 17._o produce_v with_o any_o probability_n of_o reason_n but_o that_o obey_v those_o that_o be_v over_o you_o in_o the_o lord_n but_o that_o imply_v no_o more_o than_o submit_v to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o those_o who_o christ_n have_v constitute_v as_o pastor_n of_o his_o church_n wherein_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n do_v require_v obedience_n to_o they_o that_o be_v in_o look_v upon_o they_o and_o own_v they_o in_o their_o relation_n to_o they_o as_o pastor_n but_o that_o give_v they_o no_o authority_n to_o make_v any_o new_a law_n or_o constitution_n bind_v man_n conscience_n any_o more_o than_o a_o command_n from_o the_o supreme_a authority_n that_o inferior_a magistrate_n shall_v be_v obey_v do_v imply_v any_o power_n in_o they_o to_o make_v new_a law_n to_o bind_v they_o but_o thus_o far_o i_o acknowledge_v a_o bind_a power_n in_o ecclesiastical_a constitution_n though_o they_o neither_o bind_v by_o virtue_n of_o the_o matter_n nor_o of_o the_o authority_n command_v there_o be_v no_o legislative_a power_n lodge_v in_o the_o church_n yet_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o circumstance_n and_o the_o end_n they_o shall_v be_v obey_v unless_o i_o judge_v the_o thing_n unlawful_a that_o be_v command_v rather_o than_o manifest_v open_a contempt_n of_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n or_o be_v a_o scandal_n open_fw-mi to_o other_o by_o it_o but_o as_o to_o the_o other_o power_n arise_v from_o mutual_a compact_n and_o consent_n of_o party_n i_o acknowledge_v a_o power_n to_o bind_v all_o include_v under_o that_o compact_n not_o by_o virtue_n of_o any_o supreme_a bind_a power_n in_o they_o but_o from_o the_o free_a consent_n of_o the_o party_n submit_v which_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o church-power_n be_v not_o coactive_a but_o directive_n and_o such_o be_v the_o confederate_a discipline_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n before_o they_o have_v any_o christian_a magistrate_n and_o thence_o the_o decree_n of_o council_n be_v call_v canon_n and_o not_o law_n second_o though_o it_o be_v the_o magistrate_n duty_n to_o consult_v with_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n to_o know_v what_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o the_o settlement_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o the_o magistrate_n do_v not_o derive_v his_o authority_n in_o command_a thing_n from_o their_o sentence_n decree_n and_o judgement_n but_o do_v by_o virtue_n of_o his_o own_o power_n cause_v the_o obligation_n of_o man_n to_o what_o be_v so_o determine_v by_o his_o own_o enact_v what_o shall_v be_v do_v in_o the_o church_n the_o great_a use_n of_o synod_n and_o assembly_n of_o pastor_n of_o church_n be_v to_o be_v as_o the_o council_n of_o the_o church_n unto_o the_o king_n in_o matter_n belong_v to_o the_o church_n as_o the_o parliament_n be_v for_o matter_n of_o civil_a concernment_n and_o as_o the_o king_n for_o the_o settle_v civil_a law_n do_v take_v advice_n of_o such_o person_n who_o be_v most_o verse_v in_o matter_n of_o law_n so_o by_o proportion_n of_o reason_n in_o matter_n concern_v the_o church_n they_o be_v the_o fit_a council_n who_o have_v be_v the_o most_o verse_v in_o matter_n immediate_o belong_v to_o the_o church_n in_o the_o management_n of_o which_o affair_n as_o much_o if_o not_o more_o prudence_n experience_n judgement_n moderation_n be_v requisite_a as_o in_o the_o great_a affair_n of_o state_n for_o we_o have_v find_v by_o doleful_a experience_n that_o if_o a_o fire_n once_o catch_v the_o church_n and_o aaron_n bell_n ring_v backward_o what_o a_o combustion_n the_o whole_a state_n be_v sudden_o put_v into_o and_o how_o hardly_o the_o church_n instrument_n for_o quench_v such_o fire_n lachrymae_fw-la &_o preces_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la do_v attain_v their_o end_n the_o least_o peg_n serve_v up_o too_o high_a in_o the_o church_n soon_o cause_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o discord_n in_o the_o state_n and_o quick_o put_v man_n spirit_n out_o of_o tune_n whereas_o many_o irregularity_n may_v happen_v in_o the_o state_n and_o man_n live_v in_o quietness_n and_o peace_n but_o if_o phaâ—tons_n dâ—ive_n the_o chariot_n of_o the_o sun_n the_o world_n will_v be_v soon_o on_o fire_n i_o mean_v such_o in_o the_o church_n who_o brain_n like_o the_o unicorn_n run_v out_o into_o the_o length_n of_o the_o horn_n such_o who_o have_v more_o fury_n than_o zeal_n and_o yet_o more_o zeal_n than_o knowledge_n or_o moderation_n person_n therefore_o who_o calling_n stemper_n office_n and_o experience_n have_v best_a acquaint_v they_o with_o the_o state-action_n policy_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o the_o incomparable_a prudence_n and_o moderation_n then_o use_v be_v fit_a to_o debate_v consult_v deliberate_a and_o determine_v about_o the_o safe_a expedient_n for_o repair_a breach_n in_o a_o divide_a break_a distract_a church_n but_o yet_o i_o say_v when_o such_o man_n thus_o assemble_v have_v grave_o and_o mature_o advise_v and_o deliberate_v what_o be_v best_a and_o fit_v to_o te_fw-la do_v the_o force_n strength_n and_o obligation_n of_o the_o thing_n so_o determine_v do_v depend_v upon_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n for_o take_v the_o church_n as_o incorporate_v into_o the_o civil_a parmen_fw-la state_n as_o ecclesia_fw-la est_fw-la in_o republicâ_fw-la non_fw-la respublica_fw-la in_o ecclesia_fw-la according_a to_o that_o know_a speech_n of_o optatus_n milivetanus_n so_o though_o the_o object_n of_o these_o constitution_n and_o the_o person_n determine_v they_o and_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o be_v ecclesiastical_a yet_o the_o force_n and_o ground_n of_o the_o obligation_n of_o they_o be_v whole_o civil_a so_o peter_n martyr_v express_o no_o quod_fw-la ad_fw-la potestatem_fw-la 11._o ecclesiasticam_fw-la attinet_fw-la satis_fw-la est_fw-la civilis_fw-la magistratus_fw-la be_v enim_fw-la â—urare_fw-la debet_fw-la ut_fw-la omnes_fw-la officium_fw-la faciant_fw-la but_o for_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o reform_a divine_n about_o this_o see_v vedelius_fw-la de_fw-fr episcopatis_n constant._n m_o &_o officium_fw-la magistratus_fw-la christiani_n annex_v to_o grotius_n de_fw-fr imper._n etc._n etc._n i_o therefore_o proceed_v to_o lay_v down_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o first_o that_o whereby_o we_o be_v bind_v either_o to_o obedience_n or_o penalty_n upon_o disobedience_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o obligation_n but_o it_o be_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o magistrate_n power_n that_o we_o be_v either_o bind_v to_o obedience_n or_o to_o submit_v to_o penalty_n upon_o disobedience_n for_o it_o be_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o our_o general_a obligation_n to_o the_o magistrate_n that_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v any_o particular_a law_n or_o constitution_n because_o it_o be_v not_o the_o particular_a determination_n make_v by_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n which_o do_v immediate_o bind_v conscience_n but_o the_o general_a law_n of_o scripture_n require_v it_o as_o a_o duty_n from_o we_o to_o obey_v the_o magistrate_n in_o all_o thing_n lawful_a obedience_n to_o the_o magistrate_n be_v due_a immediate_o from_o conscience_n but_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o magistrate_n come_v not_o direct_o from_o conscience_n but_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o general_a obligation_n and_o therefore_o disobedience_n to_o the_o magistrate_n law_n be_v a_o immediate_a sin_n against_o conscience_n because_o it_o be_v against_o the_o general_a obligation_n but_o obedience_n to_o particular_a law_n arise_v not_o immediate_o from_o the_o obligation_n of_o conscience_n to_o
divide_v and_o separate_v from_o church-society_n so_o it_o be_v a_o offence_n on_o the_o other_o side_n to_o continue_v communion_n when_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n to_o withdraw_v it_o for_o the_o resolve_v this_o knotty_a and_o intricate_a question_n i_o shall_v lay_v down_o some_o thing_n by_o way_n of_o premisall_n and_o come_v close_o to_o the_o resolution_n of_o it_o first_o every_o christian_n be_v under_o a_o obligation_n to_o join_v in_o church-society_n with_o other_o because_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o profess_v himself_o a_o christian_n and_o to_o own_o his_o religion_n public_o and_o to_o partake_v of_o the_o ordinance_n and_o sacrament_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o can_v be_v without_o society_n with_o some_o church_n or_o other_o every_o christian_a as_o such_o be_v bind_v to_o look_v upon_o himself_o as_o the_o member_n of_o a_o body_n viz._n the_o visible_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o how_o can_v he_o be_v know_v to_o be_v a_o member_n who_o be_v not_o unite_v with_o other_o part_n of_o the_o body_n there_o be_v then_o a_o obligation_n upon_o all_o christianâ—_n to_o engage_v in_o a_o religious_a society_n with_o other_o for_o partake_v of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o have_v be_v a_o case_n dispute_v by_o some_o particular_o by_o grotius_n the_o suppose_a author_n of_o a_o little_a tract_n a_o semper_fw-la sit_fw-la communicandum_fw-la per_fw-la symbolu_fw-la when_o he_o design_v the_o syncretism_n with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n whether_o in_o a_o time_n when_o church_n be_v divide_v it_o be_v a_o christian_n duty_n to_o communicate_v with_o any_o of_o those_o party_n which_o divide_v the_o church_n and_o not_o rather_o to_o suspend_v communion_n from_o all_o of_o they_o a_o case_n not_o hard_a to_o be_v decide_v for_o either_o the_o person_n question_v it_o do_v suppose_v the_o church_n divide_v to_o remain_v true_a church_n but_o some_o to_o be_v more_o pure_a than_o other_o in_o which_o case_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o general_a obligation_n to_o communion_n he_o be_v bind_v to_o adhere_v to_o that_o church_n which_o appear_v most_o to_o retain_v its_o evangelicall_n purity_n or_o else_o he_o must_v suppose_v one_o to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n and_o the_o other_o not_o in_o which_o the_o case_n be_v clear_a that_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o communicate_v with_o the_o true_a church_n or_o he_o must_v judge_v they_o alike_o impure_a which_o be_v a_o case_n hard_a to_o be_v find_v but_o suppose_v it_o be_v so_o either_o he_o have_v join_v former_o with_o one_o of_o they_o or_o he_o be_v now_o to_o choose_v which_o to_o join_v with_o if_o he_o be_v join_v already_o with_o that_o church_n and_o see_v no_o other_o but_o as_o impure_a as_o that_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o declare_v against_o the_o impurity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o continue_v his_o communion_n with_o it_o if_o he_o be_v to_o choose_v communion_n he_o may_v so_o long_o suspend_v till_o he_o be_v satisfy_v which_o church_n come_v near_a to_o the_o primitive_a constitution_n and_o no_o long_o and_o therefore_o i_o know_v not_o whether_o chrysostom_n act_n be_v to_o be_v commend_v who_o after_o be_v make_v a_o deacon_n in_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n by_o meletius_n upon_o his_o death_n because_o flavianus_n come_v in_o irregular_o as_o bishop_n of_o the_o 3._o church_n will_v neither_o communicate_v with_o he_o nor_o with_o paulinus_n another_o bishop_n at_o that_o time_n in_o the_o city_n nor_o with_o the_o meletian_o but_o for_o three_o year_n time_n withdraw_v himself_o from_o communion_n with_o any_o of_o they_o much_o less_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o the_o haesitantes_fw-la as_o the_o latin_n call_v they_o to_o be_v commend_v who_o after_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o council_n of_o chalcedou_n against_o entyches_n because_o of_o great_a difference_n remain_v 4_o in_o egypt_n and_o the_o eastern_a church_n follow_v zenoes_n henoticum_fw-la and_o will_v communicate_v neither_o with_o the_o orthodox_n church_n nor_o eutychian_o but_o i_o see_v not_o what_o censure_n jâ—â—ome_v can_v in_o â—urr_n who_o go_v into_o the_o diocese_n of_o antioeh_n and_o find_v the_o church_n there_o under_o great_a division_n there_o be_v beside_o the_o arian_n bishop_n three_z other_o in_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n meletius_n paulinus_n and_o vitalis_n do_v so_o long_o suspend_v communion_n with_o any_o of_o they_o till_o he_o have_v satisfy_v himself_o about_o the_o occasion_n of_o the_o schism_n and_o the_o innocency_n of_o the_o person_n and_o church_n engage_v in_o it_o but_o if_o he_o have_v withdraw_v long_o he_o have_v offend_v against_o his_o obligation_n to_o join_v in_o church-society_n with_o other_o for_o participation_n of_o gospel-ordinance_n which_o be_v the_o necessary_a duty_n of_o every_o christian._n second_o every_o christian_a actual_o join_v in_o church-society_n 4._o with_o other_o be_v so_o long_o bind_v to_o maintain_v society_n with_o they_o till_o his_o communion_n with_o they_o become_v sin_n for_o nothing_o else_o can_v justify_v withdraw_v from_o such_o a_o society_n but_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o continue_v any_o long_o in_o it_o suppose_v a_o church_n then_o to_o remain_v true_a as_o to_o its_o constitution_n and_o essential_o but_o there_o be_v many_o corruption_n creep_v into_o that_o church_n whether_o be_v it_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o christian_n to_o withdraw_v from_o that_o church_n because_o of_o those_o corruption_n and_o to_o gather_v new_a church_n only_o for_o pure_a administration_n or_o to_o join_v with_o they_o only_o for_o that_o end_n this_o as_o far_o as_o i_o understand_v it_o be_v the_o state_n of_o the_o controversy_n between_o our_o parochial_a church_n and_o the_o congregationall_a the_o resolution_n of_o this_o great_a question_n must_v depend_v on_o this_o whether_o be_v it_o a_o sin_n to_o communicate_v with_o church_n true_a as_o to_o essentials_n but_o suppose_v corrupt_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n for_o parochial_a church_n be_v not_o deny_v to_o have_v the_o essentials_n of_o true_a church_n by_o any_o sober_a congregational_a man_n for_o there_o be_v in_o they_o the_o true_a word_n of_o god_n preach_v the_o true_a sacrament_n administer_v and_o a_o implicit_a covenant_n between_o pastor_n and_o people_n in_o their_o join_v together_o all_o that_o be_v plead_v then_o be_v corruption_n and_o defect_n in_o the_o exercise_n and_o administration_n of_o church_n order_n and_o discipline_n now_o that_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o christian_n to_o join_v with_o church_n so_o defective_a be_v not_o only_o acknowledge_v by_o reverend_a mr._n norton_n in_o his_o answer_n to_o apollius_n but_o large_o and_o full_o prove_v for_o 16._o which_o he_o lay_v down_o five_o proposition_n which_o deserve_v to_o be_v serious_o consider_v by_o all_o which_o make_v that_o a_o plea_n for_o withdraw_v from_o society_n with_o other_o church_n first_o a_o believer_n may_v lawful_o join_v himself_o in_o communion_n with_o such_o a_o church_n where_o he_o can_v enjoy_v all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n aâ—_n in_o the_o jewish_a church_n in_o our_o saviour_n time_n which_o refuse_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o baptism_n of_o john_n and_o yet_o our_o saviour_n bid_v we_o hear_v the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n sit_v in_o moses_n chair_n which_o hear_v say_v he_o do_v imply_v conjunctionem_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la judaicae_n a_o join_n with_o the_o jewish_a church_n and_o so_o with_o church_n reject_v a_o article_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o resurrection_n in_o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n the_o doctrine_n of_o ju_n 〈…〉_z ion_n by_o faith_n but_o the_o apostle_n nowhere_o require_v separation_n on_o that_o account_n from_o they_o second_o a_o believer_n may_v lawful_o join_v in_o communion_n with_o such_o a_o church_n in_o which_o some_o corruption_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v tolerate_v without_o reformation_n as_o the_o offering_n on_o high-place_n from_o solomon_n to_o hezâ—kiah_n in_o the_o church_n of_o juda_n observation_n of_o circumcision_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o keep_v the_o ceremonial_a law_n in_o the_o church_n of_o galaâ—ia_n three_o a_o believer_n may_v lawful_o join_v himself_o in_o communion_n with_o such_o a_o church_n in_o which_o such_o be_v admit_v to_o sacrament_n who_o give_v no_o evident_a sign_n of_o grace_n but_o seem_v to_o be_v lover_n of_o this_o world_n which_o he_o prove_v because_o it_o be_v every_o one_o main_a duty_n to_o examine_v himself_o and_o because_o another_o sin_n be_v no_o hurt_n to_o he_o and_o therefore_o can_v keep_v he_o from_o his_o duty_n and_o then_o by_o man_n come_v unworthy_o non_fw-la polluitur_fw-la communio_fw-la licet_fw-la minuitur_fw-la consolatio_fw-la the_o communion_n iâ—_n not_o defile_v though_o the_o comfort_n of_o it_o be_v diminish_v he_o bring_v instance_n from_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n among_o who_o be_v many_o
and_o we_o find_v by_o pliny_n that_o when_o the_o hetaeriae_fw-la be_v forbid_v he_o bring_v the_o christian_n in_o under_o that_o law_n the_o ground_n of_o those_o society_n be_v only_o a_o mutual_a compact_n and_o agreement_n among_o the_o person_n of_o it_o such_o as_o among_o the_o essen_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o school_n of_o philosopher_n among_o the_o greek_n josephus_n mention_n the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o those_o who_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o society_n of_o the_o essen_v and_o so_o in_o all_o other_o society_n 12._o which_o subsist_v only_o from_o mutual_a confederation_n in_o a_o commonwealth_n thus_o i_o acknowledge_v it_o to_o be_v in_o christianity_n that_o there_o must_v be_v such_o a_o suppose_a contract_n or_o voluntary_a consent_n in_o the_o person_n engage_v in_o such_o society_n but_o with_o this_o observable_a difference_n that_o although_o there_o must_v be_v a_o consent_n in_o both_o yet_o the_o one_o be_v whole_o free_a as_o to_o any_o pre-engagement_n or_o obligation_n to_o it_o as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o act_n its_o self_n but_o in_o religious_a society_n though_o the_o act_n of_o consent_n be_v free_a yet_o there_o be_v a_o antecedent_n obligation_n upon_o man_n bind_v they_o to_o this_o voluntary_a consent_n the_o want_n of_o the_o understanding_n this_o difference_n be_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o that_o opinion_n man_n call_v erastianism_n for_o the_o follower_n of_o erastus_n when_o they_o find_v that_o christian_n do_v act_n ex_fw-la confoederatâ_fw-la disciplinâ_fw-la they_o present_o conclude_v all_o church-power_n lie_v only_o in_o mutual_a consent_n it_o be_v grant_v church-power_n do_v suppose_v consent_n but_o then_o all_o christian_n be_v under_o a_o obligation_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o christianity_n to_o express_v this_o consent_n and_o to_o submit_v to_o all_o censure_n legal_o inflict_v about_o the_o hetaeriae_fw-la and_o society_n among_o the_o roman_n we_o may_v take_v notice_n of_o the_o law_n of_o twelve_o table_n so_o in_o the_o collection_n of_o lud._n charondus_n sodalibus_fw-la qui_fw-la ejusdem_fw-la collegii_fw-la sunt_fw-la &_o jus_o cotundi_fw-la habent_fw-la potestas_fw-la esto_fw-la pactionis_fw-la quam_fw-la volent_fw-la inter_fw-la se_fw-la ineunda_fw-la dum_fw-la nè_fw-la quid_fw-la ex_fw-la publicâ_fw-la lege_fw-la corrumpant_fw-la exit_fw-la caio_n c._n 4._o d._n de_fw-fr collec_n &_o corp_n i_o confess_v when_o person_n be_v enter_v into_o a_o visible_a church-so_a 4._o ciety_n by_o baptism_n if_o they_o will_v own_v that_o profession_n they_o be_v baptize_v into_o and_o be_v not_o guilty_a either_o of_o plain_a ignorance_n of_o it_o or_o manifest_a scandal_n and_o demand_v as_o their_o right_n the_o other_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n i_o see_v not_o by_o what_o power_n they_o may_v be_v exclude_v if_o we_o fix_v not_o in_o a_o serious_a visible_a procession_n as_o the_o ground_n of_o give_v right_a but_o require_v positive_a evidence_n of_o grace_n in_o every_o one_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o ordinance_n as_o the_o only_a thing_n give_v right_a for_o my_o part_n setting_z aside_o the_o many_o inconvenience_n beside_o which_o attend_v that_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o person_n to_o be_v admit_v i_o see_v not_o how_o with_o a_o safe_a and_o good_a conscience_n ordinance_n can_v be_v administer_v by_o any_o my_o reason_n be_v this_o every_o one_o especial_o a_o minister_n in_o that_o case_n ought_v to_o proceed_v upon_o certain_a ground_n that_o the_o person_n admit_v have_v right_a to_o the_o ordinance_n to_o be_v administer_v but_o if_o positive_a sign_n of_o grace_n be_v require_v a_o man_n conscience_n can_v proceed_v upon_o any_o certainty_n without_o infallible_a knowledge_n of_o another_o spiritual_a state_n which_o i_o suppose_v none_o will_v pretend_v to_o my_o meaning_n be_v that_o which_o give_v right_a must_v be_v something_o evident_a to_o the_o person_n admit_v into_o it_o if_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o inquire_v after_o it_o but_o if_o only_a positive_a sign_n of_o grace_n be_v look_v on_o as_o giving_z right_n the_o ground_n of_o right_n can_v never_o be_v so_o evident_a to_o another_o person_n as_o to_o proceed_v with_o a_o good_a conscience_n i._n e._n with_o a_o full_a persuasion_n of_o another_o right_n to_o the_o administration_n of_o any_o ordinance_n to_o he_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o these_o be_v require_v only_o as_o token_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a profession_n and_o it_o be_v that_o which_o give_v the_o right_a i_o reply_v our_o knowledge_n of_o and_o assent_v to_o the_o conclusion_n can_v be_v no_o strong_a nor_o more_o certain_a than_o to_o the_o premise_n from_o whenâ—â—_n it_o be_v infer_v if_o therefore_o true_a profession_n give_v right_a and_o our_o knowledge_n of_o that_o proceed_v upon_o our_o knowledge_n of_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n we_o be_v leave_v at_o the_o same_o uncertainty_n we_o be_v at_o before_o but_o if_o we_o say_v that_o a_o outward_a profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n where_o there_o be_v nothing_o render_v man_n uncapable_a of_o own_v it_o which_o be_v ignorance_n nor_o declare_v they_o do_v not_o own_v it_o which_o be_v scandal_n be_v that_o which_o give_v a_o visible_a right_n to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o church_n as_o visible_a we_o have_v something_o to_o fix_v ourselves_o upon_o and_o to_o bottom_v a_o persuasion_n of_o the_o right_n of_o person_n to_o ordinance_n christ_n when_o he_o institute_v church_n do_v institute_v they_o as_o visible_a society_n that_o be_v to_o have_v mark_n whereby_o to_o be_v know_v and_o distinguish_v as_o other_o society_n in_o the_o world_n be_v now_o that_o which_o put_v a_o difference_n between_o this_o and_o other_o society_n be_v a_o open_a profession_n of_o christianity_n which_o profession_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o the_o outward_a expression_n of_o the_o internal_a consent_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o outward_a evidence_n of_o consent_n where_o there_o be_v nothing_o evident_o and_o direct_o oppugn_v it_o be_v that_o which_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o admission_n of_o visible_a member_n be_v to_o proceed_v upon_o i_o nowhere_o find_v that_o ever_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n in_o make_v disciple_n or_o admit_v to_o church-membership_a do_v exact_v any_o more_o than_o a_o profess_a willingness_n to_o adhere_v to_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o preach_v nor_o that_o they_o refuse_v any_o who_o do_v declare_v their_o desire_n to_o join_v with_o they_o a_o own_v christianity_n be_v all_o we_o read_v of_o antecedent_n to_o admission_n of_o church-member_n and_o if_o any_o thing_n else_o be_v further_o require_v as_o necessary_a we_o must_v either_o say_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v defective_a in_o institution_n of_o necessity_n to_o the_o church_n which_o i_o suppose_v the_o assertor_n of_o it_o will_v not_o be_v so_o inconsistent_a to_o their_o own_o principle_n as_o to_o do_v or_o else_o must_v produce_v where_o any_o thing_n further_o be_v require_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o this_o we_o may_v see_v what_o to_o answer_v those_o who_o require_v a_o 7._o explicit_a covenant_n from_o all_o member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o that_o which_o give_v the_o form_n and_o be_v to_o a_o church_n if_o they_o mean_v only_o in_o the_o first_o constitution_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n a_o express_a own_n of_o the_o gospel-covenant_n there_o be_v none_o will_v deny_v that_o to_o be_v necessary_a to_o make_v one_o a_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o christ._n if_o they_o further_o mean_v that_o there_o must_v be_v a_o real_a confederation_n between_o those_o who_o join_v together_o in_o gospel-ordinance_n in_o order_n to_o their_o be_v a_o church_n i_o know_v none_o will_v question_v it_o that_o know_v what_o it_o be_v that_o make_v a_o society_n to_o be_v so_o which_o be_v such_o a_o real_a confederation_n with_o one_o another_o if_o they_o mean_v further_o that_o though_o christian_n be_v bind_v by_o virtue_n of_o their_o gospel-covenant_n to_o join_v with_o some_o church_n society_n yet_o not_o be_v determine_v by_o scripture_n to_o what_o particular_a church_n they_o shall_v join_v therefore_o for_o christian_n better_a understanding_n what_o their_o mutual_a duty_n be_v to_o one_o another_o and_o who_o that_o pastor_n be_v to_o who_o they_o owe_v the_o relation_n of_o member_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o significant_a declaration_n either_o by_o word_n or_o action_n of_o their_o willingness_n to_o join_v with_o such_o a_o particular_a society_n in_o gospel-ordinance_n i_o shall_v grant_v this_o to_o be_v necessary_a too_o but_o if_o beyond_o this_o their_o meaning_n be_v that_o a_o formal_a explicit_a covenant_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o make_v any_o one_o a_o member_n of_o a_o church_n i_o see_v no_o reason_n for_o it_o for_o 1._o if_o there_o may_v be_v a_o real_a confederation_n without_o this_o then_o this_o be_v not_o necessary_a but_o there_o
most_o eager_a disputer_n of_o the_o controversy_n about_o church-government_n but_o how_o necessary_a they_o be_v to_o be_v prove_v before_o any_o form_n of_o government_n be_v assert_v so_o necessary_a that_o without_o it_o there_o can_v be_v no_o true_a church_n any_o weak_a understanding_n may_v discern_v second_o suppose_v that_o apostolical_a practice_n be_v sufficient_o attest_v by_o the_o follow_a age_n yet_o unless_o it_o be_v clear_v from_o scripture_n that_o it_o be_v god_n intention_n that_o the_o apostle_n action_n shall_v continual_o bind_v the_o church_n there_o can_v be_v nothing_o infer_v that_o do_v concern_v we_o in_o point_n of_o conscience_n i_o say_v that_o though_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v evidence_v by_o posterity_n yet_o the_o obligatory_a nature_n of_o that_o fact_n must_v depend_v on_o scripture_n and_o the_o apostle_n intention_n must_v not_o be_v build_v upon_o man_n bare_a surmise_n nor_o upon_o after-practice_n especial_o if_o different_a from_o the_o constitution_n of_o thing_n during_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o here_o those_o have_v somewhat_o whereon_o to_o exercise_v their_o understanding_n who_o assert_v a_o obligation_n upon_o man_n to_o any_o form_n of_o government_n by_o virtue_n of_o a_o apostolical_a practice_n which_o must_v of_o necessity_n suppose_v a_o different_a state_n of_o thing_n from_o what_o they_o be_v when_o the_o apostle_n first_o establish_v governor_n over_o church_n as_o how_o those_o who_o be_v appoint_v governor_n over_o particular_a congregation_n by_o the_o apostle_n come_v to_o be_v by_o virtue_n of_o that_o ordination_n governor_n over_o many_o congregation_n of_o like_a nature_n and_o extent_n with_o that_o over_o which_o they_o be_v set_v and_o whither_o if_o it_o be_v the_o apostle_n intention_n that_o such_o governor_n shall_v be_v always_o in_o the_o church_n be_v it_o not_o necessary_a that_o that_o intention_n of_o they_o be_v declare_v by_o a_o stand_a law_n that_o such_o there_o must_v be_v for_o here_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o practice_n can_v be_v no_o evidence_n when_o it_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v different_a from_o the_o constitution_n of_o church_n afterward_o but_o of_o this_o more_o hereafter_o three_o suppose_v any_o form_n of_o government_n in_o its_o self_n necessary_a and_o that_o necessity_n not_o determine_v by_o a_o law_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o scripture_n be_v thereby_o apparent_o argue_v to_o be_v insufficient_a for_o its_o end_n for_o than_o deficit_fw-la in_o necessariis_fw-la some_o thing_n be_v necessary_a for_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o the_o scripture_n be_v whole_o silent_a in_o i_o say_v not_o that_o every_o thing_n about_o church-government_n must_v be_v write_v in_o scripture_n but_o suppose_v any_o one_o form_n necessary_a it_o must_v be_v there_o command_v or_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o imperfect_a rule_n which_o contain_v not_o all_o thing_n necessary_a by_o way_n of_o precept_n for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o necessity_n universal_a but_o either_o by_o way_n of_o mean_n to_o a_o end_n or_o by_o way_n of_o divine_a command_n i_o know_v none_o will_v say_v that_o any_o particular_a form_n of_o government_n be_v necessary_a absolute_o by_o way_n of_o mean_n to_o a_o end_n for_o certain_o suppose_v no_o obligation_n from_o scripture_n government_n by_o a_o equality_n of_o power_n in_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n or_o by_o superiority_n of_o one_o order_n above_o another_o be_v indifferent_a in_o order_n to_o the_o general_a end_n of_o government_n and_o one_o not_o more_o necessary_a than_o the_o other_o if_o any_o one_o form_n than_o be_v necessary_a it_o must_v be_v by_o that_o of_o command_n and_o if_o there_o be_v a_o command_n universal_o bind_v who_o footstep_n can_v be_v trace_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n how_o can_v the_o scripture_n be_v a_o perfect_a rule_n if_o it_o fail_v in_o determine_v bind_a law_n so_o that_o we_o must_v if_o we_o own_o the_o scripture_n sufficiency_n as_o a_o bind_a rule_n appeal_v to_o that_o about_o any_o thing_n plead_v as_o necessary_a by_o virtue_n of_o any_o divine_a command_n and_o if_o such_o a_o law_n can_v be_v meet_v with_o in_o scripture_n which_o determine_v the_o case_n in_o hand_n one_o way_n or_o other_o by_o way_n of_o necessary_a obligation_n i_o have_v ground_n to_o look_v upon_o that_o which_o be_v thus_o leave_v undetermined_a by_o god_n positive_a law_n to_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o christian-liberty_n and_o that_o neither_o part_n be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o necessary_a for_o the_o church_n of_o god_n as_o exclusive_a of_o the_o other_o this_o i_o suppose_v be_v the_o case_n as_o to_o particular_a form_n of_o government_n 3._o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n but_o that_o i_o may_v not_o only_o suppose_v but_o prove_v it_o i_o now_o come_v to_o the_o state_v of_o the_o question_n which_o if_o ever_o necessary_a to_o be_v do_v any_o where_o it_o be_v in_o the_o controversy_n of_o church-government_n the_o most_o of_o man_n heat_n in_o this_o matter_n arise_v from_o want_n of_o right_a understanding_n the_o thing_n in_o question_n between_o they_o in_o the_o state_v the_o question_n i_o shall_v proceed_v by_o degree_n and_o show_v how_o far_o we_o acknowledge_v any_o thing_n belong_v to_o government_n in_o the_o church_n to_o be_v of_o a_o unalterable_a divine_a right_n first_o that_o there_o must_v be_v a_o form_n of_o government_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v necessary_a by_o virtue_n not_o only_o of_o that_o law_n of_o nature_n which_o provide_v for_o the_o preservation_n of_o society_n but_o likewise_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o divine_a law_n which_o take_v care_n for_o the_o church_n preservation_n in_o peace_n and_o unity_n i_o engage_v not_o here_o in_o the_o controversy_n whether_o a_o particular_a congregation_n be_v the_o first_o political_a church_n or_o no_o it_o suffice_v for_o my_o purpose_n that_o there_o be_v other_o church_n beside_o particular_a congregation_n i_o mean_v not_o only_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n which_o be_v the_o first_o not_o only_o in_o order_n of_o consideration_n but_o nature_n too_o as_o a_o totum_fw-la integrale_fw-la before_o the_o similar_v part_n of_o it_o but_o in_o respect_n of_o all_o other_o accidental_a modification_n of_o church_n from_o the_o several_a way_n of_o their_o combination_n together_o they_o who_o define_v a_o church_n by_o state_v worship_v congregation_n do_v handsome_o beg_v the_o thing_n they_o desire_v by_o place_v that_o in_o their_o definition_n of_o a_o church_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n in_o question_n which_o be_v whether_o there_o be_v no_o other_o church_n but_o such_o particular_a congregation_n which_o be_v as_o if_o one_o shall_v go_v about_o to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v no_o civil_a society_n but_o in_o particular_a corporation_n and_o to_o prove_v it_o shall_v give_v such_o a_o definition_n of_o civil_a society_n that_o it_o be_v a_o company_n of_o man_n join_v together_o in_o a_o corporation_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o their_o right_n and_o privilege_n under_o the_o governor_n of_o such_o a_o place_n it_o must_v be_v first_o prove_v that_o no_o other_o company_n of_o man_n can_v be_v call_v a_o civil_a society_n beside_o a_o corporation_n and_o so_o that_o no_o other_o society_n of_o man_n join_v together_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n can_v be_v call_v a_o church_n but_o such_o as_o join_v in_o particular_a congregation_n to_o which_o purpose_n it_o be_v very_o observable_a that_o particular_a 4._o congregation_n be_v not_o the_o primariâ_fw-la intention_n divinâ_fw-la for_o if_o the_o whole_a world_n can_v join_v together_o in_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n no_o doubt_n that_o will_v be_v most_o proper_o a_o church_n but_o particular_a congregation_n be_v only_o accidental_a in_o reference_n to_o god_n intention_n of_o have_v a_o church_n because_o of_o the_o impossibility_n of_o all_o man_n join_v together_o for_o the_o convenient_a distribution_n of_o church-priviledge_n and_o administration_n of_o gospel-ordinance_n for_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o privilege_n and_o ordinance_n do_v immediate_o and_o primary_o belong_v to_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n in_o which_o christ_n to_o that_o end_n have_v set_v officer_n as_o the_o apostle_n clear_o express_v 1_o corinth_n 12._o 28._o for_o how_o apostle_n shall_v be_v set_v as_o officer_n over_o particular_a congregation_n who_o commission_n extend_v to_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v i_o think_v somewhat_o hard_o to_o understand_v but_o for_o the_o more_o convenient_a participation_n of_o privilege_n and_o ordinance_n particular_a congregation_n be_v necessary_a this_o will_v be_v best_a illustrate_v by_o example_n we_o read_v that_o esther_n 1._o 3._o king_n ahashuerus_n make_v a_o feast_n for_o all_o his_o prince_n and_o servant_n doubtless_o the_o king_n do_v equal_o respect_v they_o all_o as_o a_o body_n in_o the_o feast_n of_o they_o
will_v be_v with_o his_o disciple_n to_o the_o end_n of_o that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d if_o we_o take_v it_o for_o a_o state_n of_o thing_n or_o the_o gospel-dispensation_n that_o be_v as_o long_o as_o the_o evangelical_n church_n shall_v continue_v for_o that_o in_o scripture_n be_v sometime_o call_v the_o world_n to_o come_v and_o that_o 5._o phrase_n among_o the_o jew_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o world_n to_o come_v be_v set_v to_o express_v the_o time_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o it_o may_v be_v the_o apostle_n may_v refer_v to_o this_o when_o he_o speak_v of_o apostale_n taste_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v the_o force_n and_o energy_n of_o the_o gospel_n preach_v whence_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v say_v to_o be_v not_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o in_o word_n but_o in_o power_n which_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d speak_v of_o by_o the_o apostle_n elsewhere_o 20._o the_o powerful_a demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n accompany_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n when_o christ_n be_v call_v by_o the_o prophet_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o everlasting_a father_n the_o septuagint_n render_v it_o by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o so_o the_o vulgar_a latin_n 24._o pater_fw-la futuri_fw-la saeculi_fw-la the_o father_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v that_o be_v the_o gospel_n state_n and_o to_o this_o sense_n christ_n be_v say_v to_o be_v 11._o make_v a_o high_a priest_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o law_n to_o be_v a_o shadow_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o good_a thing_n which_o shall_v be_v under_o the_o new_a state_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o which_o be_v more_o plain_a to_o the_o 1._o purpose_n the_o apostle_n express_v what_o be_v come_v to_o pass_v in_o 7._o the_o day_n of_o the_o gospel_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o age_n to_o come_v where_o the_o very_a word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v use_v to_o this_o sense_n and_o 32._o according_a to_o this_o importance_n of_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d some_o very_o probable_o interpret_v that_o place_n of_o our_o saviour_n concern_v the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v forgive_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d neither_o in_o the_o present_a 3._o state_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n wherein_o there_o be_v no_o sacrifice_n of_o expiation_n for_o contumacious_a sinner_n but_o they_o that_o despise_a moses_n law_n die_v without_o mercy_n so_o neither_o shall_v there_o be_v any_o under_o the_o world_n to_o come_v that_o be_v the_o dispensation_n of_o gospel_n grace_n any_o pardon_n 28._o proclaim_v to_o any_o such_o sinner_n who_o â—â—ample_n under_o foot_n the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o offer_v despite_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n thus_o we_o see_v how_o proper_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d may_v agree_v here_o to_o the_o gospel-state_n and_o so_o christ_n promise_n of_o his_o presence_n do_v imply_v the_o perpetuity_n of_o that_o office_n as_o long_o as_o the_o evangelical_n state_n shall_v remain_v which_o will_v be_v to_o the_o world_n end_n the_o three_o thing_n whereby_o to_o know_v when_o positive_a institution_n 8._o be_v unalterable_a be_v when_o they_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o be_v succession_n and_o continuance_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n now_o this_o yield_v a_o further_a evidence_n of_o the_o perpetuity_n of_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n see_v the_o church_n its_o self_n can_v be_v preserve_v without_o the_o government_n and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o government_n without_o some_o to_o rule_v the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o to_o take_v care_n for_o a_o due_a administration_n of_o church-priviledge_n and_o to_o inflict_v censure_n upon_o offender_n which_o be_v the_o power_n they_o be_v invest_v in_o by_o the_o same_o authority_n which_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o their_o institution_n at_o first_o it_o be_v not_o conceivable_a how_o any_o society_n as_o the_o church_n be_v can_v be_v preserve_v without_o the_o continuance_n of_o church-officer_n among_o they_o as_o long_o as_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n must_v be_v edify_v there_o must_v be_v some_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d fit_v for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n which_o be_v appoint_v in_o order_n to_o that_o end_n for_o that_o i_o suppose_v be_v the_o apostle_n meaning_n in_o ephes._n 4._o 12._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d follow_v the_o complutensian_a copy_n leave_v out_o the_o comma_n between_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o make_v as_o though_o it_o be_v a_o distinct_a thing_n from_o the_o former_a whereas_o the_o original_a carry_v the_o sense_n on_o for_o otherwise_o it_o shall_v have_v be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n and_o those_o who_o follow_v the_o ordinary_a read_n be_v much_o at_o a_o loss_n how_o to_o explain_v that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d come_v in_o so_o in_o the_o midst_n without_o dependence_n upon_o the_o former_a therefore_o the_o vulg_n latin_n best_o render_v it_o ad_fw-la consummationem_fw-la sanctorum_fw-la ad_fw-la opus_fw-la ministerii_fw-la for_o the_o complete_n of_o the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n in_o order_n to_o the_o build_n up_o of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n musculus_fw-la inform_v we_o the_o german_a version_n render_v it_o and_o so_o we_o understand_v the_o enumeration_n in_o the_o verse_n before_o of_o apostle_n prophet_n evangelist_n 11_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n not_o for_o the_o person_n themselves_o but_o for_o the_o gift_n of_o those_o person_n the_o office_n of_o apostle_n evangelist_n pastor_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o eight_o verse_n he_o give_v gift_n to_o man_n now_o these_o gift_n say_v he_o christ_n give_v to_o man_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o the_o fit_v the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n not_o as_o a_o late_a democratical_a writer_n will_v persuade_v we_o as_o though_o all_o the_o saint_n be_v thereby_o fit_v for_o this_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o that_o the_o apostle_n exclude_v by_o the_o former_a enumeration_n for_o be_v all_o the_o saint_n fit_v for_o apostle_n be_v all_o prophet_n be_v all_o evangelist_n be_v all_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n as_o the_o apostle_n 11._o himself_o elsewhere_o argue_v and_o in_o the_o 8_o v_o of_o that_o chapter_n he_o particular_o mention_n the_o several_a gift_n qualify_a man_n for_o several_a useful_a employment_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n the_o spirit_n divide_v to_o every_o man_n several_o as_o he_o will_n therefore_o it_o can_v be_v that_o all_o the_o saint_n be_v hereby_o fit_v for_o this_o work_n but_o god_n have_v scatter_v these_o gift_n among_o the_o saint_n that_o those_o who_o have_v they_o may_v be_v fit_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d because_o god_n will_v not_o leave_v his_o church_n without_o person_n qualify_v for_o the_o service_n of_o himself_o in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n in_o order_n to_o the_o build_n up_o of_o the_o body_n of_o christ._n and_o by_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d here_o may_v be_v mean_v no_o other_o than_o those_o he_o speak_v of_o in_o the_o chapter_n before_o when_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o revelation_n make_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 5._o to_o his_o holy_a apostle_n and_o prophet_n and_o so_o god_n give_v these_o gift_n for_o the_o fiit_v the_o holy_a apostle_n etc._n etc._n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n it_o can_v be_v mean_v of_o all_o so_o as_o to_o destroy_v a_o peculiar_a function_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o god_n very_o give_v these_o gift_n to_o some_o and_o not_o to_o other_o be_v a_o evidence_n that_o the_o function_n be_v peculiar_a for_o else_o have_v the_o gift_n be_v common_a to_o all_o every_o saint_n have_v be_v a_o apostle_n every_o believer_n a_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n and_o then_o where_o have_v the_o people_n be_v that_o must_v have_v be_v rule_v and_o govern_v so_o that_o this_o very_a place_n do_v strong_o assert_v both_o the_o peculiarity_n of_o the_o function_n from_o the_o peculiarity_n of_o gift_n in_o order_n to_o fit_a man_n for_o it_o and_o the_o perpetuity_n of_o the_o function_n from_o the_o end_n of_o it_o the_o build_n up_o of_o the_o body_n of_o christ._n thus_o i_o have_v now_o assert_v the_o perpetual_a divine_a right_n of_o a_o gospel-ministry_n not_o only_o for_o teach_v the_o word_n but_o administration_n of_o ordinance_n and_o govern_v the_o church_n as_o a_o society_n which_o work_n belong_v to_o none_o but_o such_o as_o be_v appoint_v for_o it_o who_o be_v the_o same_o
i_o come_v to_o examine_v the_o argument_n from_o apostolical_a succession_n thus_o we_o see_v then_o that_o neither_o the_o qualification_n of_o the_o person_n nor_o the_o command_n for_o a_o right_a exercise_n of_o the_o office_n commit_v to_o they_o nor_o the_o whole_a epistle_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n do_v determine_v any_o one_o form_n of_o government_n to_o be_v necessary_a in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n three_o let_v we_o see_v whether_o the_o general_a rule_n do_v require_v 7._o any_o one_o form_n which_o rule_v in_o that_o they_o be_v general_a can_v determine_v nothing_o of_o the_o authority_n itself_o as_o to_o its_o particular_a mode_n be_v intend_v only_o for_o the_o regulation_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o authority_n in_o which_o man_n be_v place_v and_o it_o be_v a_o evidence_n that_o nothing_o be_v particular_o determine_v in_o this_o case_n when_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n only_o lay_v down_o such_o rule_n for_o government_n which_o be_v applyable_a to_o distinct_a form_n otherwise_o certain_o some_o rule_n will_v have_v be_v lay_v down_o which_o can_v 14._o have_v be_v apply_v to_o nothing_o but_o to_o that_o one_o form_n that_o none_o take_v the_o office_n of_o preach_v without_o a_o call_v nor_o go_v without_o send_v will_v equal_o hold_v whether_o the_o power_n of_o ordination_n lie_v in_o a_o bishop_n with_o presbyter_n or_o in_o presbyter_n act_v with_o equality_n of_o power_n that_o offender_n be_v censure_v and_o complaint_n make_v to_o the_o church_n in_o case_n of_o scandal_n determine_v nothing_o to_o who_o the_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n do_v sole_o belong_v nor_o what_o that_o church_n be_v which_o must_v receive_v these_o complaint_n that_o all_o thing_n be_v do_v with_o decency_n and_o order_n do_v prescribe_v nothing_o wherein_o that_o decency_n lie_v nor_o how_o far_o that_o order_n may_v extend_v nor_o yet_o who_o must_v be_v the_o judge_n of_o that_o decency_n and_o order_n that_o all_o be_v do_v for_o edification_n and_o the_o common_a benefit_n of_o the_o church_n do_v no_o way_n restrain_v his_o church_n freedom_n in_o dispose_v of_o its_o self_n as_o to_o the_o form_n of_o its_o government_n so_o the_o aim_n of_o the_o church_n be_v for_o the_o better_a edification_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o promote_v the_o benefit_n of_o it_o but_o methinks_v these_o general_a order_n and_o rule_n for_o discipline_n do_v imply_v the_o particular_a manner_n of_o government_n to_o be_v leave_v at_o liberty_n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n so_o that_o in_o all_o the_o several_a form_n these_o general_a rule_n be_v observe_v whereas_o have_v christ_n appoint_v a_o superior_a order_n to_o govern_v other_o subordinate_a officer_n and_o the_o church_n together_o christ_n command_n for_o govern_v the_o church_n will_v have_v be_v particular_o address_v to_o they_o and_o again_o have_v it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o christ_n there_o shall_v be_v no_o superior_a order_n above_o the_o pastor_n of_o particular_a church_n there_o will_v have_v be_v some_o express_a and_o direct_a prohibition_n of_o it_o which_o because_o we_o no_o where_o read_v it_o seem_v evident_a that_o christ_n have_v leave_v both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o to_o the_o freedom_n and_o liberty_n of_o his_o church_n so_o much_o shall_v serve_v in_o this_o place_n to_o show_v how_o improbable_a it_o be_v that_o christ_n do_v ever_o prescribe_v any_o one_o form_n of_o government_n in_o his_o church_n since_o he_o have_v only_o lay_v down_o general_a rule_n for_o the_o management_n of_o church_n government_n but_o this_o will_v not_o yet_o suffice_v those_o who_o plead_v that_o christ_n 8._o must_v determine_v one_o immutable_a form_n of_o government_n in_o his_o church_n but_o although_o it_o be_v a_o high_a presumption_n to_o determine_v first_o what_o christ_n must_v do_v before_o we_o examine_v what_o he_o have_v do_v yet_o we_o shall_v still_o proceed_v and_o examine_v all_o the_o pretence_n that_o be_v bring_v for_o this_o opinion_n the_o next_o thing_n then_o which_o be_v general_o urge_v for_o it_o be_v the_o equal_a necessity_n of_o christ_n institute_v a_o certain_a form_n as_o for_o any_o other_o legislator_n who_o model_n a_o commonwealth_n now_o for_o answer_v to_o this_o i_o say_v first_o that_o christ_n have_v institute_v such_o a_o immutable_a government_n in_o his_o church_n as_o be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o succession_n and_o continuance_n of_o it_o which_o be_v all_o which_o founder_n of_o commonwealth_n do_v look_v after_o viz._n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o order_n and_o distinction_n of_o person_n and_o subordination_n of_o one_o to_o the_o other_o that_o a_o society_n may_v still_o be_v preserve_v among_o they_o now_o this_o be_v sufficient_o provide_v for_o by_o christ_n appoint_v officer_n continual_o to_o rule_v his_o church_n and_o establish_v law_n for_o the_o perpetuate_n of_o such_o officer_n so_o whatsoever_o be_v necessary_a in_o order_n to_o the_o general_a end_n of_o government_n be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v appoint_v by_o jesus_n christ._n until_o then_o that_o it_o be_v prove_v that_o one_o form_n of_o government_n be_v in_o itself_o absolute_o necessary_a for_o the_o be_v of_o a_o church_n this_o argument_n can_v prove_v nothing_o for_o what_o be_v draw_v from_o necessity_n will_v prove_v nothing_o but_o in_o a_o case_n of_o necessity_n second_o i_o answer_v that_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o church_n be_v leave_v to_o christ_n liberty_n whether_o he_o will_v determine_v they_o or_o no_o and_o be_v no_o further_o to_o be_v look_v on_o as_o necessary_a then_o as_o he_o have_v determine_v by_o his_o law_n whether_o they_o shall_v be_v or_o no_o in_o his_o church_n the_o thing_n will_v be_v thus_o clear_v when_o i_o read_v that_o zaleucus_n lycurgus_n or_o numa_n do_v form_v a_o commonwealth_n and_o make_v law_n for_o it_o i_o present_o conclude_v that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o order_n or_o distinction_n of_o person_n in_o this_o common_a wealth_n and_o some_o rule_n whereby_o person_n must_v be_v govern_v and_o whereby_o other_o must_v rule_v but_o i_o can_v hence_o infer_v that_o zaleucus_n or_o lycurgus_n do_v institute_v monarchical_a aristocratical_a or_o democratical_a government_n because_o any_o of_o these_o form_n may_v be_v agreeable_a to_o their_o design_n and_o therefore_o what_o kind_n of_o government_n they_o do_v appoint_v can_v no_o otherwise_o be_v know_v then_o by_o take_v a_o view_n of_o the_o law_n which_o they_o make_v in_o order_n thereto_o so_o it_o be_v in_o reference_n to_o christ_n when_o we_o read_v that_o christ_n have_v institute_v a_o church_n always_o to_o continue_v in_o the_o world_n we_o present_o apprehend_v that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o power_n and_o order_n in_o the_o member_n of_o that_o society_n and_o law_n for_o the_o govern_v it_o but_o we_o can_v hence_o gather_v that_o he_o have_v bind_v up_o his_o officer_n to_o act_v in_o any_o one_o form_n because_o several_a form_n may_v in_o themselves_o equal_o tend_v to_o the_o promote_a the_o end_n of_o government_n in_o his_o church_n and_o therefore_o what_o christ_n have_v express_o determine_v in_o his_o positive_a law_n must_v be_v our_o rule_n of_o judge_v in_o this_o case_n and_o not_o any_o presumption_n of_o our_o own_o that_o such_o a_o form_n be_v necessary_a and_o therefore_o christ_n must_v institute_v and_o 11._o appoint_v it_o which_o be_v full_o express_v by_o judicious_a mr._n hooker_n who_o word_n will_v serve_v as_o a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o this_o objection_n as_o for_o those_o marvellous_a discourse_n whereby_o they_o adventure_v to_o argue_v that_o god_n must_v needs_o have_v do_v the_o thing_n which_o they_o imagine_v be_v to_o be_v do_v i_o must_v confess_v i_o have_v often_o wonder_v at_o their_o exceed_a boldness_n herein_o when_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o god_n have_v deliver_v in_o scripture_n as_o they_o affirm_v he_o have_v a_o complete_a particular_a immutable_a form_n of_o church-polity_n why_o take_v they_o that_o other_o both_o presumptuous_a and_o superfluous_a labour_n to_o prove_v he_o shall_v have_v do_v it_o there_o be_v no_o way_n in_o this_o case_n to_o prove_v the_o deed_n of_o god_n save_v only_o by_o produce_v that_o evidence_n wherein_o he_o have_v do_v it_o but_o if_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n apparent_a upon_o record_n they_o do_v as_o if_o one_o shall_v demand_v a_o legacy_n by_o force_n and_o virtue_n of_o some_o write_a testament_n wherein_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n specify_v he_o plead_v that_o there_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v and_o bring_v argument_n from_o the_o love_n and_o good_a will_n which_o always_o the_o testator_n bear_v imagine_v that_o these_o or_o the_o like_a proof_n will_v convict_v a_o testament_n to_o have_v that_o in_o it_o which_o other_o man_n can_v no_o
exercise_n of_o this_o power_n be_v not_o any_o unlawfulnesse_n in_o the_o thing_n but_o the_o preserve_n of_o order_n and_o conveniency_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n this_o be_v premise_v i_o say_v second_o that_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n may_v in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n attribute_v a_o large_a and_o more_o extensive_a power_n to_o some_o particular_a person_n for_o the_o more_o convenient_a exercise_n of_o their_o common_a power_n we_o have_v see_v already_o that_o their_o power_n extend_v to_o the_o care_n of_o the_o church_n in_o common_a that_o the_o restraint_n of_o this_o power_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o order_n and_o decency_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n now_o in_o matter_n of_o common_a concernment_n without_o all_o question_n it_o be_v not_o unlawful_a when_o the_o church_n judge_v it_o most_o for_o edification_n to_o grant_v to_o some_o the_o executive_a part_n of_o that_o power_n which_o be_v original_o and_o fundamental_o common_a to_o they_o all_o for_o our_o better_a understanding_n of_o this_o we_o must_v consider_v a_o twofold_a power_n belong_v to_o church-officer_n a_o power_n of_o order_n and_o a_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n for_o in_o every_o presbyter_n there_o be_v some_o thing_n inseparable_o join_v to_o his_o function_n and_o belong_v to_o every_o one_o in_o his_o personal_a capacity_n both_o in_o actu_fw-la primo_fw-la and_o in_o actu_fw-la secundo_fw-la both_o as_o to_o the_o right_n and_o power_n to_o do_v it_o and_o the_o exercise_n and_o execution_n of_o that_o power_n such_o be_v preach_v the_o word_n visit_v the_o sick_a administer_a sacrament_n etc._n etc._n but_o there_o be_v other_o thing_n which_o every_o presbyter_n have_v a_o aptitude_n and_o a_o jus_o to_o in_o actu_fw-la primo_fw-la but_o the_o limitation_n and_o exercise_n of_o that_o power_n do_v belong_v to_o the_o church_n in_o common_a and_o belong_v not_o to_o any_o one_o personal_o but_o by_o a_o further_a power_n of_o choice_n or_o delegation_n to_o it_o such_o be_v the_o power_n of_o visit_v church_n take_v care_n that_o particular_a pastor_n discharge_v their_o duty_n such_o be_v the_o power_n of_o ordination_n and_o church_n censure_n and_o make_v rule_n for_o decency_n in_o the_o church_n this_o be_v that_o we_o call_v the_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n now_o this_o latter_a power_n though_o it_o belong_v habitual_o and_o in_o actu_fw-la primo_fw-la to_o every_o presbyter_n yet_o be_v about_o matter_n of_o public_a and_o common_a concernment_n some_o further_a authority_n in_o a_o church_n constitute_v be_v necessary_a beside_o the_o power_n of_o order_n and_o when_o this_o power_n either_o by_o consent_n of_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n or_o by_o the_o appointment_n of_o a_o christian_a magistrate_n or_o both_o be_v devolve_v to_o some_o particular_a person_n though_o quoad_fw-la aptitudinem_fw-la the_o power_n remain_v in_o every_o presbyter_n yet_o quoad_fw-la executionem_fw-la it_o belong_v to_o those_o who_o be_v so_o appoint_v and_o therefore_o camero_n determin_n that_o ordinatio_fw-la non_fw-la fit_a à _fw-la pastore_fw-la 27._o quatenus_fw-la pastor_n est_fw-la sed_fw-la quatenus_fw-la ad_fw-la tempus_fw-la singularem_fw-la authoritatem_fw-la obtinet_fw-la i._n e._n that_o ordination_n do_v not_o belong_v to_o the_o power_n of_o order_n but_o to_o the_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n and_o therefore_o be_v subject_n to_o positive_a restraint_n by_o prudential_n determination_n by_o this_o we_o may_v understand_v how_o lawful_a the_o exercise_n of_o a_o episcopal_a power_n may_v be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n suppose_v a_o equality_n in_o all_o church-officer_n as_o to_o the_o power_n of_o order_n and_o how_o incongruous_o they_o speak_v who_o suppose_v a_o equality_n in_o the_o presbyter_n of_o church_n at_o first_o do_v cry_v out_o that_o the_o church_n take_v upon_o she_o the_o office_n of_o christ_n if_o she_o delegate_n any_o to_o a_o more_o peculiar_a exercise_n of_o the_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n the_o last_o thing_n plead_v why_o a_o immutable_a form_n of_o church-government_n 13._o must_v be_v lay_v down_o in_o scripture_n be_v from_o the_o perfection_n and_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o scripture_n because_o otherwise_o the_o scripture_n will_v be_v condemn_v of_o imperfection_n but_o this_o will_v receive_v a_o easy_a dispatch_n for_o first_o the_o controversy_n about_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o concern_v a_o essential_a or_o integral_a perfection_n but_o a_o perfection_n ratione_fw-la finis_fw-la &_o effectuum_fw-la in_o order_n to_o its_o end_n now_o the_o end_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v a_o 3._o adequate_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n and_o sufficient_a to_o bring_v man_n to_o salvation_n which_o it_o be_v sufficient_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v if_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v or_o practise_v be_v contain_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n now_o that_o which_o we_o assert_v not_o to_o be_v full_o lay_v down_o in_o scripture_n be_v not_o plead_v to_o be_v any_o way_n necessary_a nor_o to_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o faith_n but_o something_o leave_v to_o the_o church_n liberty_n but_o here_o it_o be_v say_v by_o some_o that_o this_o be_v add_v to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n which_o destroy_v the_o scripture_n perfection_n therefore_o i_o answer_v second_o whatever_o be_v do_v with_o a_o opinion_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o do_v it_o destroy_v the_o scripture_n perfection_n if_o it_o be_v not_o contain_v in_o it_o for_o that_o be_v to_o make_v it_o a_o imperfect_a rule_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n every_o additio_fw-la perficiens_fw-la be_v additio_fw-la corrumpens_fw-la because_o it_o take_v away_o from_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o rule_n which_o it_o be_v add_v to_o and_o thus_o popish_a tradition_n be_v destructive_a of_o the_o scripture_n sufficiency_n but_o the_o do_v of_o any_o thing_n not_o positive_o determine_v in_o scripture_n not_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o thing_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v from_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o observe_v the_o general_a rule_n of_o scripture_n in_o the_o do_v it_o be_v far_o from_o destroy_v the_o perfection_n or_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n three_o all_o essential_o of_o church-government_n be_v contain_v clear_o in_o scripture_n the_o essential_o of_o church-government_n be_v such_o as_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o preservation_n of_o such_o a_o society_n as_o the_o church_n be_v now_o all_o these_o thing_n have_v be_v not_o only_o grant_v but_o prove_v to_o be_v contain_v in_o scripture_n but_o whatever_o be_v not_o so_o necessary_a in_o its_o self_n can_v only_o become_v necessary_a by_o virtue_n of_o god_n express_v command_v and_o what_o be_v not_o so_o command_v be_v accidental_a and_o circumstantial_a and_o a_o matter_n of_o christian_a liberty_n and_o such_o we_o assert_v the_o form_n of_o church-government_n to_o be_v it_o be_v not_o our_o work_n to_o inquire_v why_o god_n have_v determine_v some_o thing_n that_o may_v seem_v more_o circumstantial_a than_o this_o and_o leave_v other_o thing_n at_o liberty_n but_o whether_o god_n have_v determine_v these_o thing_n or_o no._n which_o determination_n be_v once_o clear_v make_v the_o thing_n so_o command_v necessary_a as_o to_o our_o observance_n of_o it_o but_o if_o no_o such_o thing_n be_v make_v appear_v the_o thing_n remain_v a_o matter_n of_o liberty_n and_o so_o the_o scripture_n perfection_n as_o to_o necessary_n in_o order_n to_o salvation_n be_v no_o way_n impeach_v by_o it_o so_o much_o now_o for_o the_o necessity_n of_o christ_n determine_v the_o particular_a form_n of_o government_n we_o now_o proceed_v to_o the_o consideration_n of_o christ_n action_n whether_o by_o they_o the_o form_n of_o church-government_n be_v determine_v or_o no_o chap._n v._n whether_o any_o of_o christ_n action_n have_v determine_v the_o form_n of_o government_n all_o power_n in_o christ_n hand_n for_o govern_v his_o church_n what_o order_n christ_n take_v in_o order_n thereto_o when_o he_o be_v in_o the_o world_n call_v apostle_n the_o first_o action_n respect_v outward_a government_n the_o name_n and_o office_n of_o apostle_n clear_v a_o equality_n among_o they_o prove_v during_o our_o saviour_n life_n peter_n not_o make_v monarch_n of_o the_o church_n by_o christ._n the_o apostle_n power_n over_o the_o seventy_o disciple_n consider_v with_o the_o nature_n and_o quality_n of_o their_o office_n matth._n 20._o 25_o 26_o 27._o large_o discuss_v and_o explain_v it_o make_v not_o all_o inequality_n in_o church_n officer_n unlawful_a by_o the_o difference_n of_o apostle_n and_o pastor_n of_o church_n matth._n 18._o 15._o how_o far_o that_o determin_n the_o form_n of_o church-government_n no_o evidence_n of_o any_o exact_a order_n for_o church-government_n from_o thence_o matth._n 16._o 15_o 16_o 17_o 18._o consider_v how_o far_o that_o concern_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n have_v consider_v and_o answer_v the_o argument_n which_o 1._o be_v bring_v why_o christ_n must_v
continue_v forty_o day_n in_o this_o space_n of_o time_n john_n remove_v from_o jordan_n and_o come_v on_o the_o other_o side_n to_o bethabara_n thither_o christ_n come_v to_o john_n 29._o john_n not_o only_o own_v christ_n himself_o but_o tell_v his_o disciple_n this_o be_v he_o into_o who_o name_n he_o have_v baptize_v they_o upon_o this_o two_o 37._o of_o john_n disciple_n leave_v their_o master_n and_o follow_v christ._n these_o two_o be_v the_o first_o disciple_n we_o ever_o read_v our_o saviour_n have_v whereof_o the_o one_o be_v andrew_n peter_n brother_n and_o the_o other_o probable_o conceive_v to_o be_v john_n it_o be_v his_o custom_n to_o conceal_v his_o name_n when_o he_o speak_v of_o himself_o andrew_n call_v his_o brother_n peter_n christ_n next_o day_n call_v philip_n philip_n he_o find_v nathaniel_n and_o this_o as_o far_o as_o we_o read_v be_v the_o first_o number_n of_o christ_n disciple_n here_o we_o find_v two_o or_o three_o gather_v together_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o christ_n true_o in_o the_o 23._o midst_n of_o they_o these_o disciple_n it_o appear_v stay_v with_o christ_n sometime_o for_o they_o go_v with_o he_o to_o the_o marriage_n in_o cana_n and_o after_o go_v up_o with_o he_o to_o jerusalem_n when_o many_o profess_a to_o be_v his_o disciple_n from_o thence_o he_o go_v into_o judea_n where_o he_o gather_v many_o disciple_n and_o baptize_v they_o after_o 1._o this_o he_o return_v with_o his_o disciple_n by_o the_o way_n of_o samaria_n into_o galilee_n and_o these_o disciple_n be_v now_o again_o at_o home_n in_o probability_n do_v return_v for_o their_o livelihood_n to_o their_o old_a employment_n for_o some_o small_a time_n christ_n have_v not_o yet_o command_v they_o to_o forsake_v all_o and_o follow_v he_o not_o long_o after_o about_o a_o year_n space_n from_o the_o first_o call_v they_o jesus_n be_v in_o galilee_n go_v to_o the_o lake_n of_o genezareth_n there_o he_o find_v andrew_n and_o peter_n 17._o fish_v after_o the_o miracle_n there_o wrought_v he_o then_o in_o a_o more_o solemn_a manner_n call_v they_o to_o leave_v their_o employment_n for_o he_o have_v design_v they_o for_o a_o great_a which_o be_v to_o be_v fisher_n of_o men._n whereby_o our_o saviour_n express_v the_o care_n pain_n diligence_n design_n and_o end_n of_o the_o ministerial_a function_n he_o have_v appoint_v they_o for_o andrew_n and_o peter_n present_o leave_v all_o and_o follow_v christ_n the_o like_a do_v james_n and_o john_n who_o they_o meet_v with_o a_o little_a further_o upon_o the_o shore_n and_o now_o those_o who_o be_v before_o but_o as_o common_a disciple_n be_v admit_v into_o a_o high_a order_n and_o breed_v up_o by_o christ_n as_o person_n design_v for_o a_o employment_n of_o so_o high_a a_o nature_n we_o see_v here_o a_o necessity_n of_o make_v a_o double_a call_n of_o the_o apostle_n else_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o reconcile_v the_o narration_n of_o john_n with_o the_o other_o evangelist_n therefore_o augustine_n think_v their_o first_o be_v with_o christ_n in_o john_n 17._o be_v only_o for_o present_a satisfaction_n who_o he_o be_v which_o assoon_o as_o they_o understand_v and_o admire_v they_o return_v to_o their_o own_o habitation_n thomas_n he_o make_v three_o several_a calling_n of_o they_o the_o first_o ad_fw-la agnitionem_fw-la &_o familiaritatem_fw-la which_o be_v that_o in_o john_n the_o second_o ad_fw-la discipulatum_fw-la that_o speak_v of_o in_o luke_n 5._o 1._o the_o 36._o three_o ad_fw-la adhâ—sionem_fw-la matth._n 4._o 18._o mark_v 1._o 16._o but_o i_o see_v no_o reason_n to_o make_v the_o story_n in_o luke_n to_o be_v different_a from_o that_o of_o matthew_n and_o mark_n the_o former_a some_o say_n be_v vocatio_fw-la ad_fw-la fidem_fw-la a_o general_a preparatory_a call_n to_o the_o latter_a the_o latter_a be_v vocatio_fw-la ad_fw-la munus_fw-la apostolicum_fw-la although_o they_o be_v not_o choose_v to_o be_v apostle_n till_o afterward_o yet_o now_o christ_n make_v they_o candidores_o of_o the_o apostleship_n &_o amicos_fw-la interioris_fw-la admissionis_fw-la in_o order_n to_o that_o great_a employment_n he_o have_v design_v they_o for_o further_o we_o must_v take_v notice_n that_o from_o the_o time_n of_o the_o baptism_n of_o john_n the_o apostle_n do_v general_o continue_v with_o christ_n which_o appear_v from_o the_o qualification_n of_o a_o apostle_n give_v by_o peter_n at_o the_o choice_n of_o mathias_n of_o those_o man_n which_o have_v company_v with_o we_o all_o the_o time_n that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n go_v in_o and_o out_o 22._o among_o we_o begin_v from_o the_o baptism_n of_o john_n unto_o that_o same_o day_n he_o be_v take_v up_o from_o we_o the_o strength_n of_o which_o tehimony_n be_v impregnable_a for_o prove_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v general_o continue_v with_o christ_n after_o their_o be_v call_v to_o follow_v he_o but_o that_o time_n from_o the_o baptism_n of_o john_n must_v not_o be_v take_v strict_o for_o many_o of_o the_o apostle_n as_o matthew_n etc._n etc._n be_v not_o call_v till_o some_o time_n after_o about_o four_o month_n after_o christ_n more_o 50._o solemn_a call_n of_o the_o apostle_n at_o the_o time_n of_o pentecost_n as_o chemnitius_n conjecture_n our_o saviour_n proceed_v to_o a_o solemn_a choice_n of_o they_o into_o their_o office_n which_o be_v describe_v by_o luk._n 6._o 15._o 13._o after_o he_o have_v pray_v the_o whole_a night_n before_o v_o 12._o mark_n he_o acquaint_v we_o with_o the_o end_n of_o christ_n choose_v they_o first_o that_o they_o may_v continual_o attend_v upon_o he_o the_o better_a to_o be_v fit_v for_o their_o employment_n afterward_o which_o he_o express_v when_o he_o add_v that_o he_o may_v send_v they_o out_o to_o preach_v and_o to_o give_v they_o power_n over_o devil_n and_o disease_n to_o cast_v out_o the_o one_o and_o to_o cure_v the_o other_o their_o actual_a send_v out_o be_v not_o say_v some_o till_o half_a a_o year_n after_o which_o be_v the_o story_n relate_v by_o mat._n 10._o 1._o near_o a_o twelvemonth_n say_v other_o but_o present_o upon_o their_o choice_n christ_n make_v the_o sermon_n in_o the_o mount_n as_o appear_v by_o compare_v luk._n 6._o 17_o 20._o with_o mat._n 5._o 1._o wherein_o among_o other_o thing_n our_o saviour_n take_v occasion_n to_o declare_v their_o duty_n to_o they_o tell_v they_o they_o be_v the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n etc._n etc._n which_o he_o do_v the_o more_o to_o fit_v they_o for_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o employment_n have_v thus_o lay_v these_o thing_n together_o about_o the_o apostle_n 3._o from_o their_o first_o call_v to_o the_o time_n of_o their_o mission_n we_o shall_v take_v notice_n of_o those_o thing_n from_o they_o which_o may_v relate_v to_o the_o office_n which_o the_o apostle_n be_v call_v to_o and_o to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n by_o they_o first_o we_o here_o observe_v that_o our_o saviour_n no_o soon_o begin_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n himself_o but_o he_o make_v choice_n of_o some_o person_n as_o a_o peculiar_a order_n of_o man_n for_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o world_n the_o peculiarity_n of_o the_o function_n of_o a_o gospel-ministry_n under_o christ_n be_v we_o see_v design_v from_o christ_n first_o public_a appearance_n in_o his_o office_n he_o may_v have_v leave_v the_o apostle_n in_o the_o common_a order_n of_o disciple_n have_v he_o not_o intend_v a_o office_n in_o his_o church_n distinct_a and_o peculiar_a from_o all_o other_o employment_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o christ_n do_v not_o call_v the_o apostle_n off_o from_o their_o other_o employment_n till_o he_o design_v to_o make_v they_o apostle_n before_o when_o they_o be_v only_o private_a disciple_n they_o do_v follow_v their_o employment_n at_o some_o time_n still_o but_o when_o he_o call_v they_o to_o be_v fisher_n of_o man_n be_v bid_v they_o leave_v all_o and_o follow_v he_o second_o we_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o admirable_a wisdom_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o choice_n he_o make_v of_o the_o person_n for_o first_o sound_v his_o church_n and_o the_o mean_n he_o use_v to_o fit_v they_o for_o it_o the_o person_n be_v such_o as_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o his_o design_n the_o mean_v such_o as_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o the_o person_n the_o person_n be_v such_o who_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o know_a meanness_n of_o their_o condition_n and_o suppose_a weakness_n of_o ability_n be_v the_o fit_a to_o convince_v the_o world_n that_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o preach_v be_v not_o the_o product_n of_o humane_a wisdom_n but_o the_o express_a image_n and_o character_n of_o divine_a truth_n who_o nakedness_n and_o simplicity_n will_v gain_v more_o upon_o man_n belief_n by_o the_o power_n which_o accompany_v the_o preach_v of_o it_o than_o the_o most_o refine_a and_o sublimate_v notion_n of_o their_o
home_n our_o saviour_n take_v the_o word_n from_o common_a use_n but_o apply_v it_o in_o a_o special_a manner_n to_o a_o peculiar_a sense_n which_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o original_a of_o the_o word_n proper_o import_v such_o as_o be_v employ_v by_o commission_n from_o another_o for_o the_o dispatch_n of_o some_o business_n in_o his_o name_n so_o casaubon_n who_o be_v sufficient_o 4._o able_a to_o judge_n of_o the_o use_n of_o a_o greek_a word_n in_o communi_fw-la graecorum_n usu_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d dicebantur_fw-la certi_fw-la homines_fw-la qui_fw-la negotii_fw-la gerendi_fw-la gratiâ_fw-la magis_fw-la quam_fw-la deferendi_fw-la nuntii_fw-la aliquò_fw-la mittebantur_fw-la and_o so_o it_o be_v take_v john_n 13._o 16._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o that_o be_v send_v be_v not_o great_a than_o he_o that_o send_v he_o thence_o epaphroditus_n when_o employ_v upon_o a_o special_a message_n to_o paul_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d philippian_n 2._o 25._o which_o we_o translate_v your_o messenger_n and_o so_o titus_n and_o the_o two_o other_o send_v to_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n to_o gather_v their_o charity_n be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o 23._o messenger_n of_o the_o church_n thence_o paul_n full_o render_v the_o import_n and_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n apostle_n by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 2_o corinth_n 5._o 20._o we_o act_n as_o ambassaduor_n for_o christ._n to_o which_o purpose_n it_o be_v observable_a that_o the_o septuagint_n who_o greek_a be_v most_o follow_v by_o the_o new_a testament_n do_v render_v the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d when_o it_o signify_v to_o employ_v a_o messenger_n upon_o special_a service_n by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o 1_o king_n 21._o 11._o 1_o king_n 12._o 18._o exod_n 4._o 30._o and_o the_o very_a word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v use_v in_o this_o sense_n 1_o king_n 14._o 6._o where_o ahijah_n say_v i_o be_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o sad_a messenger_n to_o thou_o for_o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n whereby_o the_o full_a sense_n and_o importance_n of_o the_o word_n apostle_n appear_v to_o be_v one_o that_o be_v employ_v by_o a_o peculiar_a commission_n from_o he_o that_o have_v authority_n over_o he_o for_o the_o do_v some_o special_a service_n thus_o be_v christ_n disciple_n call_v apostle_n from_o the_o immediate_a commission_n which_o they_o have_v from_o christ_n for_o the_o discharge_n of_o that_o work_n which_o he_o employ_v they_o in_o thence_o our_o saviour_n make_v use_v of_o the_o word_n send_v in_o the_o proper_a and_o peculiar_a sense_n when_o he_o give_v the_o apostle_n their_o commission_n in_o those_o remarkable_a word_n of_o christ_n to_o they_o as_o the_o father_n have_v send_v i_o even_o so_o send_v i_o you_o john_n 20._o 21._o whereby_o our_o saviour_n delegate_n his_o power_n and_o authority_n which_o he_o have_v as_o doctor_n of_o the_o church_n to_o his_o apostle_n upon_o his_o leave_v the_o world_n not_o in_o a_o privative_a way_n so_o as_o to_o destroy_v his_o own_o authority_n over_o the_o church_n but_o in_o a_o cumulative_a way_n invest_v they_o with_o that_o authority_n which_o they_o have_v not_o before_o for_o both_o teach_v and_o govern_v the_o church_n no_o argument_n then_o can_v be_v draw_v for_o the_o right_n or_o form_n of_o church-government_n from_o christ_n action_n towards_o his_o disciple_n before_o the_o last_o and_o full_a commission_n be_v give_v unto_o they_o because_o they_o have_v no_o power_n of_o church-government_n before_o that_o time_n which_o will_v be_v further_o clear_v if_o we_o consider_v their_o first_o 5._o send_v out_o speak_v of_o matth._n 10._o 1._o mark_v 6._o 7._o luke_n 9_o 1._o several_a thing_n lie_v in_o our_o way_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o reference_n to_o this_o mission_n of_o the_o apostle_n first_o that_o though_o the_o apostle_n have_v be_v now_o for_o some_o competent_a time_n not_o only_o call_v to_o their_o office_n but_o solemn_o choose_v to_o it_o yet_o we_o no_o where_o read_v that_o they_o do_v ever_o exercise_v that_o office_n till_o now_o they_o be_v send_v forh_fw-mi by_o christ._n they_o remain_v still_o at_o christ_n foot_n learn_v for_o their_o own_o instruction_n and_o fit_v themselves_o for_o their_o future_a employment_n and_o think_v it_o no_o inconvenience_n while_o they_o lie_v for_o a_o wind_n to_o lay_v in_o sufficient_a lade_n and_o provision_n for_o their_o voyage_n baptise_v indeed_o they_o do_v before_o joh._n 4._o 2._o but_o that_o i_o suppose_v be_v do_v by_o they_o by_o a_o immediate_a present_a order_n from_o christ_n himself_o be_v by_o as_o the_o chief_a in_o the_o action_n thence_o christ_n in_o one_o place_n be_v say_v to_o baptize_v joh._n 3._o 22._o and_o yet_o he_o be_v say_v not_o to_o baptize_v but_o his_o disciple_n joh._n 4._o 2._o christ_n do_v it_o authoritative_o the_o disciple_n ministerial_o yet_o if_o we_o shall_v grant_v the_o disciple_n do_v then_o baptize_v as_o private_a man_n after_o the_o receive_a custom_n of_o the_o jew_n among_o who_o only_o a_o confessus_fw-la trium_fw-la be_v requisite_a to_o baptise_v a_o proselyte_n this_o do_v not_o at_o all_o take_v off_o from_o the_o peculiarity_n of_o a_o function_n both_o to_o preach_v and_o baptise_v because_o as_o yet_o the_o gospel-ministry_n be_v not_o institute_v and_o therefore_o what_o may_v be_v lawful_a before_o restraint_n do_v not_o follow_v it_o shall_v be_v so_o after_o when_o all_o those_o scatter_a ray_n and_o beam_n which_o be_v disperse_v abroad_o before_o be_v gather_v into_o the_o ministerial_a office_n upon_o christ_n appoint_v it_o as_o that_o great_a hemisphere_n of_o light_n in_o the_o creation_n be_v after_o swallow_v up_o in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o sun_n but_o now_o be_v the_o apostle_n first_o send_v out_o to_o preach_v and_o now_o god_n first_o begin_v to_o null_a the_o jewish_a ministry_n and_o set_v up_o another_o instead_o of_o it_o and_o make_v good_a that_o threaten_n that_o he_o be_v against_o the_o shepherd_n and_o will_v require_v the_o flock_n at_o their_o hand_n and_o cause_v they_o to_o cease_v to_o feed_v the_o flock_n etc._n etc._n here_o 10._o than_o we_o have_v the_o first_o exercise_n of_o the_o apostle_n ministry_n for_o which_o we_o see_v beside_o their_o former_a call_n and_o choice_n particular_a mission_n be_v after_o necessary_a second_o we_o observe_v that_o the_o employment_n christ_n send_v they_o upon_o now_o be_v only_o a_o temporary_a employment_n confine_v as_o to_o work_v and_o place_n and_o not_o the_o full_a apostolical_a work_n the_o want_n of_o consider_v and_o understand_v this_o have_v be_v the_o ground_n of_o very_a many_o mistake_n among_o man_n when_o they_o argue_v from_o the_o occasional_a precept_n here_o give_v the_o apostle_n as_o from_o a_o stand_v perpetual_a rule_n for_o a_o gospel-ministry_n whereas_o our_o saviour_n only_o suit_v these_o instruction_n to_o the_o present_a case_n and_o the_o nature_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o apostle_n present_a employment_n which_o be_v not_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n up_o and_o down_o themselves_o but_o to_o be_v as_o so_o many_o john_n baptist_n to_o call_v people_n to_o the_o hear_n of_o christ_n himself_o and_o therefore_o the_o doctrine_n they_o be_v to_o preach_v be_v the_o same_o with_o he_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v at_o 7_o hand_n whereby_o it_o appear_v their_o doctrine_n be_v only_o preparatory_a to_o christ_n it_o be_v only_o to_o raise_v up_o high_a expectation_n of_o the_o gospel-state_n under_o the_o messiah_n and_o these_o be_v they_o who_o the_o king_n now_o send_v into_o the_o highway_n to_o invite_v man_n to_o the_o marriage_n â—_o feast_n and_o to_o bid_v they_o to_o come_v in_o to_o he_o this_o be_v the_o only_a present_a employment_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o first_o mission_n in_o which_o they_o be_v confine_v to_o the_o city_n of_o judea_n that_o they_o may_v have_v the_o first_o refusal_n of_o the_o gospel-offers_a this_o mission_n then_o be_v occasional_a limit_v and_o temporary_a can_v yield_v no_o foundation_n for_o any_o thing_n perpetual_a to_o be_v build_v upon_o it_o three_o we_o observe_v that_o those_o who_o christ_n employ_v in_o the_o first_o disperse_v of_o the_o gospel_n abroad_o be_v furnish_v with_o argument_n sufficient_a to_o evince_v not_o only_o the_o credibility_n but_o the_o certain_a truth_n of_o what_o they_o preach_v therefore_o christ_n when_o he_o now_o send_v they_o out_o give_v they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o only_o a_o mere_a power_n to_o work_v miracle_n but_o a_o right_n conferrèd_v on_o they_o to_o 2._o do_v it_o as_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ._n these_o be_v the_o credential_n which_o the_o apostle_n carry_v along_o with_o they_o to_o show_v
from_o who_o they_o derive_v their_o power_n and_o by_o who_o authority_n they_o act_v and_o these_o be_v the_o most_o suitable_a to_o they_o as_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o a_o divine_a presence_n go_v along_o with_o they_o and_o therefore_o they_o can_v not_o salsifie_v to_o the_o world_n in_o what_o they_o declare_v unto_o they_o which_o be_v the_o best_a way_n for_o they_o to_o evidence_n the_o truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n because_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v discover_v by_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o but_o it_o depend_v upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o author_n and_o therefore_o the_o only_a way_n to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n be_v to_o confirm_v the_o credibility_n of_o the_o author_n which_o be_v best_a do_v by_o do_v something_o above_o what_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n can_v reach_v unto_o and_o this_o be_v the_o prerogative_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o first_o mission_n above_o john_n the_o baptist_n for_o of_o he_o it_o be_v say_v that_o he_o do_v no_o miracle_n four_o we_o observe_v that_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o mission_n be_v invest_v in_o no_o power_n over_o the_o church_n nor_o in_o any_o superiority_n of_o order_n one_o over_o another_o the_o first_o be_v evident_a because_o christ_n do_v not_o now_o send_v they_o abroad_o to_o gather_v church_n but_o only_o to_o call_v person_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o while_o christ_n be_v in_o the_o world_n among_o they_o he_o retain_v all_o church_n power_n and_o authority_n in_o his_o own_o hand_n when_o this_o temporary_a mission_n expire_v the_o apostle_n live_v as_o private_a person_n still_o under_o christ_n tutorage_n and_o we_o never_o read_v they_o act_v in_o the_o least_o as_o church-officer_n all_o that_o while_n which_o may_v appear_v from_o this_o one_o argument_n because_o all_o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v in_o the_o world_n he_o never_o make_v a_o total_a separation_n from_o the_o jewish_a church_n but_o frequent_v with_o his_o disciple_n the_o temple_n worship_n and_o service_n to_o the_o last_o although_o he_o superadd_v many_o gospel_n observation_n to_o those_o of_o the_o law_n and_o therefore_o when_o no_o church_n be_v gather_v the_o apostle_n can_v have_v no_o church_n power_n over_o they_o all_o that_o can_v be_v plead_v then_o in_o order_n to_o church-government_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o form_n of_o government_n as_o settle_v by_o our_o saviour_n must_v be_v either_o from_o a_o suppose_a inequality_n among_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o or_o their_o superiority_n over_o the_o lxx_o disciple_n or_o from_o some_o rule_n lay_v down_o by_o christ_n in_o order_n to_o the_o government_n of_o his_o church_n of_o which_o two_o be_v the_o most_o insist_v on_o matthew_n 20._o 25._o matth._n 18._o 17._o of_o these_o in_o their_o order_n the_o first_o argument_n draw_v for_o a_o establish_a form_n of_o government_n 6._o in_o the_o church_n from_o the_o state_n of_o the_o apostle_n under_o christ_n be_v from_o a_o suppose_a inequality_n among_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o superiority_n of_o one_o as_o monarch_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o papist_n plea_n from_o saint_n peter_n as_o the_o chief_a and_o head_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o loud_a exclamation_n for_o saint_n peter_n authority_n aâ—â—_n much_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o those_o of_o demetrius_n the_o silver-smith_n at_o ephesus_n with_o his_o fellow_n craftsman_n who_o cry_v up_o great_a be_v diana_n of_o the_o ephesian_n not_o from_o the_o honour_n they_o bear_v to_o she_o as_o diana_n but_o from_o the_o gain_n which_o come_v to_o they_o from_o her_o worship_n at_o ephesus_n but_o i_o dispute_v not_o now_o the_o entail_n of_o saint_n peter_n power_n what_o ever_o it_o be_v to_o the_o roman_a bishop_n but_o i_o only_o inquire_v into_o the_o plea_n draw_v for_o his_o authority_n from_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v write_v in_o so_o small_a a_o character_n that_o without_o the_o spectacle_n of_o a_o implicit_a faith_n they_o will_v scarce_o appear_v legible_a to_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n for_o what_o though_o christ_n change_v saint_n peter_n name_n must_v it_o therefore_o follow_v that_o christ_n baptize_v he_o monarch_n of_o his_o church_n be_v not_o john_n and_o james_n call_v by_o christ_n boanerges_n and_o yet_o who_o think_v that_o those_o son_n of_o thunder_n must_v therefore_o overturn_v all_o other_o power_n but_o their_o own_o christ_n give_v they_o new_a name_n to_o show_v his_o own_o authority_n over_o they_o and_o not_o their_o authority_n over_o other_o to_o be_v as_o monitor_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o not_o as_o instrument_n to_o convey_v power_n so_o chrysostome_n speak_v of_o the_o very_a name_n peter_n give_v to_o simon_n it_o be_v to_o show_v he_o his_o duty_n of_o be_v fix_v and_o stable_a in_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 105._o this_o name_n may_v be_v as_o a_o string_n upon_o his_o finger_n a_o continual_a remembrancer_n of_o his_o duty_n and_o likewise_o i_o conceive_v as_o a_o encouragement_n to_o he_o after_o his_o fall_n that_o he_o shall_v recover_v his_o former_a stability_n again_o else_o it_o shall_v seem_v strange_a that_o he_o alone_o of_o the_o apostle_n shall_v have_v his_o name_n from_o firmness_n and_o stability_n who_o fall_v the_o soon_a and_o the_o foul_a of_o any_o of_o the_o apostle_n unless_o it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o will_v be_v worse_a divinity_n than_o rhetoric_n the_o change_n then_o of_o st_n peter_n name_n import_v no_o such_o universal_a power_n neither_o from_o the_o change_n nor_o from_o the_o name_n but_o why_o then_o have_v saint_n peter_n the_o honour_n to_o be_v name_v first_o of_o all_o the_o apostle_n first_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v employ_v as_o a_o honour_n give_v to_o peter_n above_o the_o rest_n but_o do_v all_o honour_n carry_v a_o universal_a power_n along_o with_o it_o there_o may_v be_v order_n certain_o among_o equal_n and_o there_o may_v be_v first_o second_o and_o three_o etc._n etc._n where_o there_o be_v no_o imparity_n and_o jurisdiction_n in_o the_o first_o over_o all_o the_o rest_n primacy_n of_o order_n as_o among_o equal_n i_o know_v none_o will_v deny_v saint_n peter_n a_o primacy_n of_o power_n as_o over_o inferior_n i_o know_v none_o will_v grant_v but_o such_o as_o have_v subdue_v their_o reason_n to_o their_o passion_n and_o interest_n nay_o a_o further_a order_n than_o of_o mâ—er_a place_n may_v without_o danger_n be_v attribute_v to_o he_o a_o primacy_n in_o order_n of_o time_n as_o be_v of_o the_o first_o call_v and_o it_o may_v be_v the_o first_o who_o adhere_v to_o christ_n in_o order_n of_o age_n of_o which_o jerome_n aetati_fw-la delatum_fw-la quia_fw-la petrus_n senior_fw-la erat_fw-la speak_v of_o peter_n and_o john_n nay_o yet_o high_o some_o order_n of_o dignity_n too_o in_o regard_n of_o his_o jovin_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o the_o greek_a father_n speak_v so_o much_o of_o the_o fervency_n and_o heat_n of_o his_o spirit_n whence_o by_o eusebius_n he_o be_v call_v 14._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o prolocutor_n among_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v therefore_o most_o forward_o to_o inquire_v most_o ready_a to_o answer_v which_o chrysostome_n elegant_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d allude_v to_o the_o name_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v frequent_o give_v to_o peter_n by_o 16._o the_o father_n which_o import_v no_o more_o than_o praesultor_n in_o choreâ_fw-la he_o that_o that_o lead_v the_o dance_n among_o the_o disciple_n but_o his_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d imply_v no_o superiority_n of_o power_n for_o dyony_n 11._o haliarnass_n call_v appius_n claâ—dius_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d whereas_o all_o know_v that_o the_o decemviri_fw-la have_v a_o equality_n of_o power_n among_o themselves_o neither_o do_v his_o be_v as_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o disciple_n imply_v his_o power_n for_o aaron_n be_v a_o mouth_n to_o moses_n but_o moses_n be_v aaron_n master_n neither_o yet_o do_v this_o primacy_n of_o order_n always_o hold_v in_o reference_n to_o peter_n for_o although_o general_o he_o be_v name_v first_o of_o the_o aposty_n as_o matthew_n 10._o 2._o mark_v 3._o 16._o act_n 1._o 13._o mark_v 1._o 36._o luk_n 8._o 45._o act_n 2._o 14._o 37._o yet_o in_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n we_o find_v other_o apostle_n set_v in_o order_n before_o he_o as_o james_n galat._n 2._o 9_o paul_n and_o apollo_n and_o other_o 1_o cor._n 3._o 22._o 1_o cor._n 1._o 12._o 9_o 5._o no_o argument_n then_o can_v be_v draw_v hence_o if_o it_o will_v hold_v but_o only_o a_o primacy_n of_o order_n and_o yet_o even_o that_o fail_v too_o in_o the_o scripture_n change_v of_o the_o order_n so_o often_o
28._o 18._o what_o the_o apostle_n do_v in_o order_n to_o the_o church_n government_n before_o pentecost_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d explain_v how_o the_o apostle_n do_v divide_v province_n whether_o paul_n and_o peter_n be_v confine_v to_o the_o circumcision_n and_o uncircumcision_n and_o different_a church_n erect_v by_o they_o in_o the_o same_o city_n what_o the_o apostle_n do_v in_o order_n to_o settle_v particular_a church_n the_o name_n and_o office_n of_o bishop_n presbyter_n deacon_n consider_v four_o general_a consideration_n lay_v down_o about_o the_o apostle_n practice_n first_o it_o can_v be_v full_o know_v what_o be_v be_v 2._o great_a probability_n they_o observe_v no_o one_o certain_a form_n in_o settle_v church_n prove_v from_o epiphanius_n jerome_n ambrose_n or_o hilary_n 3._o their_o case_n different_a from_o we_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o paucity_n of_o believer_n 4._o if_o grant_v for_o any_o form_n yet_o prove_v not_o the_o thing_n in_o question_n for_o 1._o office_n appoint_v by_o they_o be_v cease_v widow_n deaconess_n abolish_v 2._o rite_n and_o custom_n apostolical_a grow_v out_o of_o use_n 1._o such_o as_o be_v found_v upon_o apostolical_a precept_n act_n 15._o 29._o consider_v 2._o such_o as_o be_v ground_v on_o their_o practice_n holy_a kiss_n love-feast_n dip_v in_o baptism_n community_n of_o good_n with_o several_a other_o have_v find_v nothing_o either_o in_o our_o saviour_n practice_n or_o in_o 1._o the_o rule_v lay_v down_o by_o he_o conceive_v to_o respect_n church-government_n which_o determine_v any_o necessity_n of_o one_o particular_a form_n the_o only_a argument_n remain_v which_o can_v be_v conceive_v of_o sufficient_a strength_n to_o found_v the_o necessity_n of_o any_o one_o form_n of_o government_n be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v by_o their_o employment_n and_o commission_n entrust_v with_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n for_o our_o saviour_n after_o his_o resurrection_n take_v care_n for_o the_o plant_v and_o govern_v of_o his_o church_n after_o his_o ascension_n to_o glory_n do_v at_o two_o several_a time_n call_v his_o apostle_n together_o and_o give_v now_o their_o full_a charter_n and_o commission_n to_o they_o the_o first_o contain_v chief_o the_o power_n itself_o confer_v upon_o they_o john_n 20._o 21._o the_o other_o the_o extent_n of_o that_o power_n matth._n 28._o 19_o in_o the_o former_a our_o saviour_n tell_v they_o as_o the_o father_n have_v send_v he_o so_o do_v he_o send_v they_o which_o we_o must_v not_o understand_v of_o a_o parity_n and_o equality_n of_o power_n but_o in_o a_o similitude_n of_o the_o mission_n that_o as_o christ_n before_o have_v manage_v the_o great_a affair_n of_o his_o church_n in_o his_o own_o person_n so_o now_o have_v according_o to_o the_o prophecy_n make_v of_o he_o at_o the_o end_n of_o seventy_o week_n make_v reconciliation_n for_o iniquity_n by_o his_o death_n and_o bring_v in_o everlasting_a righteousness_n by_o his_o resurrection_n he_o dispatch_v abroad_o his_o gospel_n herald_n to_o proclaim_v the_o jubilee_n now_o begin_v and_o the_o 15_o act_n of_o indemnity_n now_o past_a upon_o all_o penitent_a offender_n which_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o other_o part_n of_o their_o commission_n whosoever_o sin_n you_o remit_v they_o be_v remit_v and_o whosoever_o sin_n you_o retain_v they_o be_v retain_v john_n 20._o 23._o i_o e._n as_o many_o as_o upon_o the_o preach_a the_o gospel_n by_o you_o shall_v come_v in_o and_o yield_v up_o themselves_o to_o the_o tender_v of_o grace_n proclaim_v therein_o shall_v have_v their_o former_a rebellion_n pardon_v but_o such_o as_o will_v still_o continue_v obstinate_a their_o former_a guilt_n shall_v still_o continue_v to_o bind_v they_o over_o to_o deserve_a punishment_n and_o to_o the_o end_n the_o apostle_n may_v have_v some_o evidence_n of_o the_o power_n thus_o confer_v upon_o they_o he_o breathe_v the_o holy_a ghost_n on_o they_o and_o 12_o say_v receive_v you_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o we_o be_v not_o to_o understand_v of_o the_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v not_o receive_v till_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n act._n 2._o 1._o but_o of_o the_o authoritative_a power_n of_o preach_v the_o gospel_n which_o be_v now_o confer_v upon_o they_o by_o the_o solemn_a rite_n of_o breathe_v the_o holy_a ghost_n on_o the_o apostle_n in_o which_o sense_n the_o church_n of_o england_n understand_v that_o expression_n in_o the_o ordination_n of_o minister_n as_o it_o imply_v only_o the_o confer_v thereby_o a_o authority_n for_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v convey_v by_o ordination_n be_v fit_o express_v by_o the_o same_o wordâ—_n which_o our_o saviour_n use_v in_o the_o confer_v the_o same_o power_n upon_o his_o apostle_n at_o his_o send_v they_o forth_o to_o be_v gospel-preacher_n after_o this_o come_v the_o solemn_a appoint_a meeting_n of_o christ_n with_o his_o disciple_n at_o the_o mountain_n of_o galilee_n where_o in_o probability_n 16_o beside_o the_o eleven_o be_v present_v the_o five_o hundred_o 6_o brethren_n at_o once_o and_o here_o christ_n more_o solemn_o inaugurate_v the_o apostle_n in_o their_o office_n declare_v all_o power_n to_o be_v in_o his_o hand_n and_o therefore_o appoint_v the_o apostle_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o every_o creature_n that_o be_v to_o all_o man_n indefinite_o gentile_n 15._o as_o well_o as_o jew_n which_o matthew_n full_o express_v by_o all_o nation_n 19_o now_o be_v the_o apostle_n leave_v as_o chief_a governor_n of_o the_o church_n under_o christ_n and_o in_o this_o last_o commission_n wherein_o the_o extent_n of_o the_o apostle_n power_n be_v more_o full_o express_v there_o be_v nothing_o mention_v of_o any_o order_n for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n under_o they_o not_o what_o course_n shall_v be_v take_v by_o the_o church_n after_o their_o decease_n all_o that_o remain_v then_o to_o be_v inquire_v into_o be_v what_o the_o apostle_n practice_n be_v and_o how_o far_o they_o act_v for_o the_o determine_v any_o one_o form_n of_o government_n as_o necessary_a for_o the_o church_n the_o apostle_n be_v thus_o invest_v in_o their_o authority_n we_o proceed_v to_o consider_v the_o exercise_n of_o this_o authority_n for_o the_o govern_n of_o the_o church_n and_o here_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o present_o upon_o their_o last_o commission_n from_o christ_n go_v forth_o abroad_o in_o the_o world_n to_o preach_v but_o be_v command_v by_o christ_n to_o go_v first_o to_o jerusalem_n and_o there_o to_o expect_v the_o come_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n according_a to_o our_o saviour_n own_o appointment_n luke_n 24._o 49._o and_o therefore_o what_o mark_n add_v mark_v 16._o 20._o that_o after_o christ_n appearance_n to_o they_o the_o apostle_n go_v abroad_o and_o preach_v every_o where_o work_v miracle_n must_v either_o be_v understand_v of_o what_o they_o do_v only_o in_o their_o way_n return_v from_o galilee_n oh_o jerusalem_n or_o else_o more_o probable_o of_o what_o they_o do_v indefinite_o afterwarp_n for_o present_o after_o we_o find_v they_o meet_v together_o at_o jerusalem_n whence_o they_o come_v from_o mount_n olivet_n where_o christ_n ascension_n be_v here_o we_o find_v they_o employ_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d say_v saint_n luke_n 53_o in_o his_o gospel_n which_o we_o render_v the_o temple_n but_o i_o understand_v it_o rather_o as_o refer_v to_o the_o action_n than_o the_o place_n and_o be_v best_a explain_v by_o what_o luke_n say_v in_o act_n 1._o 14._o they_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d continue_v in_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n and_o that_o it_o can_v be_v mean_v of_o the_o temple_n appear_v by_o the_o mention_n of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o upper_a room_n where_o 13._o they_o continue_v together_o for_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v mean_v of_o any_o of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d about_o the_o temple_n be_v most_o improbable_a to_o conceive_v because_o not_o only_o those_o ninty_a cell_n about_o the_o temple_n be_v destine_v and_o appoint_v for_o the_o priest_n in_o their_o several_a 5._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o time_n of_o ministration_n and_o it_o be_v most_o unlikely_a the_o chief_a priest_n and_o master_n of_o the_o temple_n shall_v suffer_v those_o who_o they_o hate_v so_o much_o to_o continue_v â—o_o near_o they_o without_o any_o molestation_n or_o disturbance_n while_o the_o apostle_n continue_v here_o they_o proceed_v to_o the_o choice_n of_o a_o new_a apostle_n instead_o of_o judas_n thereby_o make_v it_o appear_v now_o necessary_a that_o number_n be_v to_o the_o first_o form_v of_o church_n when_o the_o vacant_a place_n must_v be_v supply_v with_o so_o great_a solemnity_n which_o office_n of_o apostleship_n which_o judas_n once_o have_v and_o mathias_n be_v now_o choose_v into_o be_v call_v by_o peter_n
call_v the_o ruler_n of_o the_o synagogue_n 14._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o scripture_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o in_o the_o importance_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n greek_n follow_v that_o of_o the_o alexandrian_a jew_n in_o the_o version_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n imply_v no_o more_o than_o a_o primacy_n of_o order_n in_o he_o above_o the_o rest_n he_o be_v join_v with_o and_o thence_o sometime_o we_o read_v of_o they_o in_o the_o plural_a number_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d act_v 13._o 15._o imply_v thereby_o a_o equality_n of_o power_n 25_o in_o many_o but_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o necessary_a primacy_n of_o one_o in_o order_n above_o the_o rest_n the_o name_n may_v be_v appropriate_v to_o the_o precedent_n of_o the_o college_n act_n 18._o 8_o 17._o we_o read_v of_o two_o viz._n crispus_n and_o sosthenes_n and_o either_o of_o they_o be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o can_v not_o be_v do_v the_o name_n import_v any_o peculiar_a power_n of_o jurisdiction_n lodge_v in_o one_o exclusive_a of_o the_o rest_n unless_o we_o make_v they_o to_o be_v of_o two_o synagogue_n which_o we_o have_v no_o evidence_n at_o all_o for_o i_o confess_v beza_n his_o 14_o argument_n from_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d mark_v 5._o 22._o for_o a_o multitude_n of_o those_o so_o call_v in_o the_o same_o synagogue_n be_v of_o no_o great_a force_n where_o we_o may_v probable_o suppose_v there_o be_v many_o synagogue_n but_o where_o there_o be_v no_o evidence_n of_o more_o than_o one_o in_o a_o place_n and_o we_o find_v the_o name_n attribute_v to_o more_o than_o one_o we_o have_v ground_n to_o think_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o power_n or_o jurisdiction_n in_o that_o one_o which_o be_v not_o common_a to_o more_o beside_o himself_o but_o grant_v some_o peculiarity_n of_o honour_n belong_v to_o one_o above_o the_o rest_n in_o a_o synagogue_n which_o in_o some_o place_n i_o see_v no_o great_a reason_n to_o to_o deny_v yet_o that_o imply_v not_o any_o power_n over_o and_o above_o the_o bench_n of_o which_o he_o be_v a_o member_n though_o the_o first_o in_o order_n much_o as_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o prince_n of_o the_o sanhedrin_n who_o place_n import_v no_o power_n peculiar_a to_o himself_o but_o only_o a_o priority_n of_o dignity_n in_o himself_o above_o his_o fellow_n senator_n as_o the_o princeps_fw-la senatûs_fw-la in_o the_o roman_a republic_n answer_v to_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o great_a sanhedrin_n who_o be_v next_o to_o the_o nasi_n as_o the_o princeps_fw-la senatûs_fw-la to_o the_o consul_n which_o be_v only_o a_o honorary_a dignity_n and_o nothing_o else_o under_o which_o disguise_n that_o politic_a prince_n augustus_n ravish_v the_o roman_a commonwealth_n of_o its_o former_a liberty_n the_o name_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d may_v i_o suppose_v in_o propriety_n of_o speech_n be_v render_v in_o latin_a magister_fw-la ordinis_fw-la he_o be_v by_o his_o office_n praesul_fw-la a_o name_n not_o original_o import_v any_o power_n but_o only_a dignity_n those_o who_o the_o greek_n call_v saturn_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o latin_n render_v magistros_fw-la svi_fw-la ordinis_fw-la and_o so_o suetonius_n interpret_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o magisterium_fw-la sacerdotii_fw-la they_o who_o meet_v then_o with_o the_o name_n archisynagogue_n either_o in_o lampridius_n vopiscus_n codex_fw-la theodosii_fw-la justinian_o novel_n in_o all_o who_o it_o occur_v and_o in_o some_o place_n as_o distinct_a from_o presbyter_n judaeis_n will_v learn_v to_o understand_v thereby_o only_o the_o high_a honour_n in_o the_o synagogue_n consider_v how_o little_a yea_o nothing_o of_o power_n the_o jew_n enjoy_v under_o either_o the_o heathen_a or_o christian_a emperor_n one_o thing_n more_o we_o add_v touch_v this_o honour_n of_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o synagogue_n among_o the_o jew_n that_o whatever_o honour_n title_n power_n or_o dignity_n be_v import_v by_o that_o name_n it_o come_v not_o from_o any_o law_n enforce_v or_o command_v it_o but_o from_o mutual_a conâ—oederation_n and_o agreement_n among_o the_o person_n employ_v in_o the_o synagogue_n who_o natural_a reason_n do_v dictate_v that_o where_o many_o have_v a_o equality_n of_o power_n it_o be_v most_o convenient_a by_o way_n of_o accumulation_n upon_o that_o person_n of_o a_o power_n more_o than_o he_o have_v but_o not_o by_o deprivation_n of_o themselves_o of_o that_o inherent_a power_n which_o they_o enjoy_v to_o entrust_v the_o management_n of_o the_o executive_a part_n of_o affair_n of_o common_a concernment_n to_o one_o person_n special_o choose_v and_o depute_v thereunto_o so_o it_o be_v in_o all_o the_o sanhedrin_n among_o the_o jew_n and_o in_o all_o well-ordered_a senate_n and_o council_n in_o the_o world_n and_o it_o will_v be_v very_o strange_a that_o any_o officer_n of_o a_o religious_a society_n shall_v upon_o that_o account_n be_v outlawed_n of_o those_o natural_a liberty_n which_o be_v the_o result_v and_o product_n of_o the_o free_a act_n of_o reason_n which_o thing_n as_o i_o have_v already_o observe_v god_n have_v look_v on_o to_o be_v so_o natural_a to_o man_n as_o when_o he_o be_v most_o strict_a and_o punctual_a in_o ceremonial_a command_n he_o yet_o leave_v these_o thing_n whole_o at_o liberty_n for_o we_o read_v not_o of_o any_o command_n that_o in_o the_o sanhedrin_n one_o shall_v have_v some_o peculiarity_n of_o honour_n above_o the_o rest_n this_o man_n natural_a reason_n will_v prompt_v they_o to_o by_o reason_n of_o a_o necessary_a priority_n of_o order_n in_o some_o above_o other_o which_o the_o very_a instinct_n of_o nature_n have_v teach_v irrational_a creature_n much_o more_o shall_v the_o light_n of_o reason_n direct_a man_n to_o but_o yet_o all_o order_n be_v not_o power_n nor_o all_o power_n juridical_a nor_o all_o juridical_a power_n a_o sole_a power_n therefore_o it_o be_v a_o mere_a paralogism_n in_o any_o from_o order_n to_o infer_v power_n or_o from_o a_o delegated_a power_n by_o consent_n to_o infer_v a_o juridical_a power_n by_o divine_a right_n or_o last_o from_o a_o power_n in_o common_a with_o other_o to_o deduce_v a_o power_n exclude_v other_o all_o which_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o who_o mere_o from_o the_o name_n of_o a_o archisynagogue_n will_v fetch_v a_o perpetual_a necessity_n of_o jurisdiction_n in_o one_o above_o the_o elder_n join_v with_o he_o or_o from_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o sanhedrin_n a_o power_n of_o a_o sole_a ordination_n in_o one_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o his_o fellow_n senator_n but_o of_o these_o afterward_o thus_o much_o may_v suffice_v for_o a_o draught_n in_o little_a of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o jewish_a synagogue_n have_v thus_o far_o represent_v the_o jewish_a synagogue_n that_o 8._o the_o idea_n of_o its_o government_n may_v be_v form_v in_o our_o understanding_n we_o now_o come_v to_o consider_v how_o far_o and_o in_o what_o the_o apostle_n in_o form_v christian_n churches_n do_v follow_v the_o pattern_n of_o the_o jewish_a synagogue_n which_o be_v a_o notion_n not_o yet_o so_o far_o improve_v as_o i_o conceive_v it_o may_v be_v and_o i_o know_v no_o one_o more_o conducible_a to_o the_o happy_a end_n of_o compose_v our_o difference_n touch_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n than_o this_o be_v i_o shall_v therefore_o for_o the_o full_a clear_n of_o it_o premise_v some_o general_a consideration_n to_o make_v way_n for_o the_o entertainment_n of_o this_o hypothesis_n in_o man_n mind_n at_o least_o as_o probable_a and_o then_o endeavour_v particular_o to_o show_v how_o the_o apostle_n do_v observe_v the_o model_n of_o the_o synagogue_n in_o its_o public_a service_n in_o ordination_n of_o church_n officer_n in_o form_v presbytery_n in_o the_o several_a church_n in_o rule_v and_o govern_v those_o presbytery_n the_o general_a consideration_n i_o premise_v to_o show_v the_o probability_n of_o what_o i_o be_o assert_v shall_v be_v from_o these_o thing_n from_o the_o community_n of_o name_n and_o custom_n between_o the_o believe_a jew_n and_o other_o at_o the_o first_o form_v of_o church_n from_o the_o apostle_n form_v church_n out_o of_o synagogue_n in_o their_o travel_v abroad_o from_o the_o agreeablenesse_n of_o that_o model_n of_o government_n to_o the_o state_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n at_o that_o time_n i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o from_o the_o community_n of_o name_n and_o custom_n between_o the_o believe_a and_o unbelieve_a jew_n at_o the_o first_o form_v church_n all_o the_o while_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v live_v in_o the_o world_n christ_n and_o his_o disciple_n go_v still_o under_o the_o name_n of_o jew_n they_o neither_o renounce_v the_o name_n nor_o the_o custom_n in_o use_n among_o they_o our_o saviour_n go_v up_o to_o the_o
let_v we_o see_v they_o at_o large_a unto_o the_o brethren_n which_o be_v of_o the_o gentile_n in_o antioch_n and_o syria_n and_o cilicia_n there_o be_v nothing_o then_o peculiar_a to_o those_o of_o the_o gentile_n at_o antioch_n more_o than_o in_o syria_n and_o cilicia_n and_o if_o those_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d imply_v a_o coetus_fw-la distinct_a of_o gentile-christians_a from_o the_o jew_n at_o antioch_n it_o must_v do_v so_o through_o all_o syria_n and_o cilicia_n 3._o which_o be_v paul_n province_n and_o not_o peter_n as_o appear_v by_o his_o travel_n in_o the_o acts._n eâ—theâ—_n then_o the_o apostle_n of_o the_o uncircumcision_n must_v form_v distinct_a church_n of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n in_o his_o preach_n through_o syria_n and_o silicia_n which_o be_v irreconcilable_a with_o the_o former_a pretence_n of_o distinct_a province_n assert_v by_o the_o same_o author_n who_o plead_v for_o distinct_a coetus_fw-la or_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d can_v imply_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o distinct_a church_n of_o gentile_n to_o whomsover_v it_o be_v speak_v and_o so_o not_o at_o antioch_n more_o than_o through_o all_o syria_n and_o silicia_n the_o plain_a ground_n then_o of_o the_o apostle_n inscribe_v the_o order_n of_o the_o council_n to_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o gentile_n be_v because_o the_o matter_n of_o that_o order_n do_v particular_o concern_v they_o and_o not_o the_o jew_n as_o be_v obvious_a to_o any_o that_o will_v but_o cast_v a_o eye_n upon_o the_o 23_o 24_o 29._o verse_n of_o the_o 15._o of_o the_o acts._n as_o well_o may_v then_o a_o order_n suppose_v from_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o several_a pastor_n of_o the_o church_n in_o thing_n concern_v they_o as_o such_o imply_v that_o they_o make_v distinct_a church_n from_o their_o people_n as_o this_o order_n concern_v the_o gentile_a brethren_n be_v therefore_o direct_v to_o they_o do_v imply_v their_o make_n distinct_a church_n from_o the_o jewish_a brethren_n in_o the_o city_n where_o they_o live_v together_o what_o be_v further_o produce_v out_o of_o antiquity_n to_o this_o purpose_n have_v neither_o evidence_n nor_o pertinency_n enough_o to_o stop_v the_o passage_n of_o one_o who_o be_v return_v from_o this_o digression_n to_o his_o former_a matter_n although_o then_o we_o grant_v not_o any_o such_o distinct_a coetus_fw-la of_o the_o jew_n from_o the_o christian_n yet_o that_o hinder_v not_o but_o that_o both_o jew_n and_o christian_n join_v together_o in_o one_o church_n may_v retain_v still_o the_o synagogue_n form_n of_o government_n among_o they_o which_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n at_o all_o why_o the_o christian_n shall_v scruple_n the_o use_n of_o either_o as_o jew_n or_o gentile_n because_o it_o import_v nothing_o either_o typical_a and_o ceremonial_a or_o heavy_a and_o burdensome_a which_o be_v the_o ground_n why_o former_a custom_n in_o use_n among_o the_o jew_n be_v lay_v aside_o by_o the_o christian_n but_o instead_o of_o that_o it_o be_v most_o suitable_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n in_o apostolical_a time_n which_o be_v the_o three_o consideration_n to_o make_v it_o probable_a that_o the_o synagogue_n form_n of_o government_n be_v use_v by_o the_o christian_n and_o the_o suitablenesse_n of_o this_o government_n to_o the_o church_n lay_v in_o the_o conveniency_n of_o it_o for_o the_o attain_v all_o end_n of_o government_n in_o that_o condition_n wherein_o the_o church_n be_v at_o that_o time_n for_o church_n officer_n act_v then_o either_o in_o gather_v or_o govern_v church_n without_o any_o authority_n from_o magistrate_n such_o a_o way_n of_o government_n be_v most_o suitable_a to_o their_o several_a church_n as_o whereby_o the_o church_n may_v be_v govern_v and_o yet_o have_v no_o dependency_n upon_o the_o secular_a power_n which_o the_o way_n of_o government_n in_o the_o synagogue_n be_v most_o convenient_a for_o for_o the_o jew_n though_o they_o enjoy_v a_o bare_a permission_n from_o the_o civil_a state_n where_o they_o live_v yet_o by_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o synagogue_n government_n they_o be_v able_a to_o order_v all_o affair_n belong_v to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o to_o keep_v all_o member_n belong_v to_o their_o several_a synagogue_n in_o unity_n and_o peace_n among_o themselves_o the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o as_o to_o synagogue_n and_o church_n these_o subsist_v by_o the_o same_o permission_n which_o the_o other_o enjoy_v the_o end_n of_o these_o be_v the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o preserve_v that_o order_n among_o they_o which_o may_v best_o become_v society_n so_o constitute_v there_o can_v be_v no_o reason_n then_o assign_v why_o the_o apostle_n in_o settle_v particular_a church_n shall_v not_o follow_v the_o synagogue_n in_o its_o model_n of_o government_n these_o thing_n may_v suffice_v to_o make_v it_o appear_v probable_a that_o they_o do_v so_o which_o be_v all_o these_o consideration_n tend_v to_o have_v thus_o prepare_v the_o way_n by_o make_v it_o probable_a i_o 10._o now_o further_o inquire_v into_o the_o particular_a part_n of_o government_n and_o what_o order_n in_o the_o synagogue_n be_v which_o there_o be_v any_o evidence_n for_o that_o the_o apostle_n do_v take_v up_o and_o follow_v here_o i_o begin_v with_o the_o thing_n first_o propound_v the_o order_n of_o public_a worship_n which_o do_v much_o resemble_v those_o of_o the_o synagogue_n only_o with_o those_o alteration_n which_o do_v arise_v from_o the_o advance_n of_o christianity_n that_o the_o christian_n have_v their_o public_a and_o set_v meeting_n for_o the_o service_n of_o god_n be_v evident_a from_o the_o first_o rise_v of_o a_o society_n constitute_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o christianity_n we_o read_v of_o the_o three_o thousand_o convert_v by_o peter_n sermon_n that_o they_o continue_v in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o 42._o fellowship_n and_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o prayer_n where_o we_o have_v all_o that_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o synagogue_n and_o somewhat_o more_o here_o there_o be_v public_a join_v together_o employ_v in_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d their_o solemn_a prayer_n express_v which_o be_v constant_o observe_v in_o the_o synagogue_n instead_o of_o read_v the_o section_n of_o the_o law_n and_o prophet_n we_o have_v the_o apostle_n teach_v by_o immediate_a inspiration_n and_o to_o all_o these_o as_o the_o proper_a service_n of_o christianity_n be_v set_v down_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o lords-supper_n which_o we_o shall_v seldom_o or_o ever_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n read_v the_o public_a service_n on_o lord_n day_n perform_v without_o during_o the_o apostolical_a time_n in_o which_o there_o be_v such_o a_o land-flood_n of_o extraordinary_a gift_n overflow_a the_o church_n in_o the_o public_a meeting_n we_o find_v those_o person_n who_o be_v endue_v with_o those_o gift_n to_o be_v much_o in_o exercise_v they_o as_o to_o the_o custom_n agree_v with_o the_o synagogue_n but_o as_o to_o the_o gift_n exceed_v it_o concern_v the_o order_n of_o which_o for_o the_o public_a edification_n of_o the_o church_n the_o apostle_n paul_n lay_v down_o so_o many_o rule_n in_o the_o fourteen_o chapter_n to_o the_o corinthian_n but_o assoon_o as_o this_o flood_n begin_v to_o abate_v which_o be_v then_o necessary_a for_o the_o quick_a soften_a the_o world_n for_o receive_v christianity_n the_o public_a service_n begin_v to_o run_v in_o its_o former_a channel_n as_o be_v apparent_a from_o the_o unquestionable_a testimony_n of_o justin_n martyr_n and_o tertullian_n who_o most_o full_o relate_v to_o we_o the_o order_n of_o public_a worship_n use_v among_o the_o christian_n at_o that_o time_n justin_n martyr_n the_o most_o ancient_a next_o to_o clemens_n who_o epistle_n be_v late_o recover_v to_o the_o christian_a world_n of_o the_o unquestionable_a writer_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n give_v we_o a_o clear_a narration_n of_o the_o public_a order_n observe_v by_o the_o church_n in_o his_o time_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d par._n upon_o the_o day_n call_v sunday_n all_o the_o christian_n whether_o in_o town_n or_o country_n assemble_v in_o the_o same_o place_n wherein_o the_o memoires_n or_o commentary_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o write_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v read_v as_o long_o as_o the_o time_n will_v permit_v then_o the_o reader_n sit_v down_o the_o precedent_n of_o the_o assembly_n stand_v up_o and_o make_v a_o sermon_n of_o instruction_n and_o exhortation_n to_o the_o follow_v so_o good_a example_n after_o this_o be_v end_v we_o all_o stand_v up_o to_o prayer_n prayer_n end_v the_o bread_n wine_n and_o water_n be_v all_o bring_v forth_o then_o the_o precedent_n again_o pray_v and_o praise_v to_o his_o utmost_a ability_n the_o people_n testify_v their_o consent_n by_o say_v amen_o what_o can_v have_v be_v speak_v with_o great_a congruity_n or_o correspondency_n to_o the_o synagogue_n abate_v the_o
380._o isidore_n succeed_v leander_n in_o sevill_n 600._o the_o council_n sit_v 619._o the_o council_n of_o aquen_n which_o tanscribe_v isidore_n and_o own_v his_o doctrine_n 816._o so_o that_o certain_o suppose_v the_o word_n of_o all_o to_o be_v the_o same_o yet_o the_o testimony_n be_v of_o great_a force_n as_o it_o be_v own_v in_o several_a age_n of_o the_o church_n by_o whole_a council_n without_o any_o the_o least_o control_n that_o we_o read_v of_o and_o if_o this_o then_o must_v not_o be_v look_v on_o as_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o church_n at_o that_o time_n i_o know_v not_o how_o we_o can_v come_v to_o understand_v it_o if_o what_o be_v positive_o maintain_v by_o different_a person_n in_o different_a age_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o different_a place_n without_o any_o oppose_v it_o by_o writer_n of_o those_o age_n or_o condemn_v it_o by_o council_n may_v not_o be_v conceive_v to_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o church_n at_o that_o time_n so_o that_o lay_v all_o these_o thing_n together_o we_o may_v have_v enough_o to_o conclude_v the_o ambiguity_n at_o least_o and_o thereby_o incompetency_n of_o the_o testimony_n of_o antiquity_n for_o find_v out_o the_o certain_a form_n which_o the_o apostle_n observe_v in_o plant_v church_n we_o proceed_v to_o the_o three_o thing_n to_o show_v the_o incompetency_n â—8_o of_o antiquity_n for_o decide_v this_o controversy_n which_o will_v be_v from_o the_o partiality_n of_o the_o testimony_n bring_v from_o thence_o two_o thing_n will_v sufficient_o manifest_v the_o partiality_n of_o the_o judgement_n of_o antiquity_n in_o this_o case_n first_o their_o apparent_a judge_v of_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o first_o primitive_a church_n according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o their_o own_o second_o their_o stiff_a and_o pertinacious_a adhere_n to_o private_a tradition_n contrary_a to_o one_o another_o and_o both_o side_n maintain_v they_o as_o apostolical_a first_o judge_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n by_o that_o of_o their_o own_o time_n as_o be_v evident_a by_o theodoret_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o greek_a commentator_n assign_v that_o as_o the_o reason_n why_o the_o presbyter_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n be_v not_o bishop_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o age_n because_o there_o can_v be_v but_o one_o bishop_n in_o a_o city_n whereas_o there_o be_v more_o express_v in_o those_o place_n as_o be_v in_o the_o several_a city_n whereas_o this_o be_v deny_v of_o apostolical_a time_n by_o the_o late_a pleader_n for_o episcopacy_n and_o it_o be_v say_v of_o they_o that_o they_o speak_v according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o their_o own_o time_n and_o it_o be_v now_o think_v there_o be_v two_o bishop_n in_o apostolical_a time_n in_o several_a city_n the_o one_o the_o head_n of_o the_o jewish_a coetus_fw-la and_o the_o other_o of_o the_o gentile_a i_o enter_v not_o the_o dispute_n again_o here_o whether_o it_o be_v so_o or_o no_o only_o i_o hence_o manifest_a how_o far_o those_o person_n themselves_o who_o plead_v for_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o father_n as_o decide_v this_o controversy_n be_v from_o think_v they_o impartial_a judge_n when_o as_o to_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o sentence_n they_o be_v confess_v to_o speak_v only_o of_o the_o practice_n of_o their_o own_o time_n who_o can_v imagine_v any_o force_n in_o chrysostom_n argument_n that_o the_o presbyter_n who_o lay_v hand_n on_o timothy_n must_v needs_o be_v bishop_n because_o none_o do_v ordain_v in_o the_o church_n but_o bishop_n unless_o he_o make_v this_o the_o medium_n of_o his_o argument_n that_o whatever_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o his_o day_n be_v so_o in_o apostolical_a time_n there_o be_v i_o know_v not_o what_o strange_a influence_n in_o a_o receive_a custom_n if_o general_o embrace_v that_o do_v possess_v man_n with_o a_o â—ancy_n it_o be_v never_o otherwise_o then_o it_o be_v with_o they_o nay_o when_o they_o imagine_v the_o necessity_n of_o such_o a_o custom_n at_o present_a in_o the_o church_n they_o present_o think_v it_o can_v never_o be_v otherwise_o then_o it_o be_v but_o of_o this_o i_o have_v speak_v somewhat_o already_o second_o that_o which_o make_v it_o appear_v how_o partial_a the_o judgement_n of_o antiquity_n be_v in_o adhere_v to_o their_o particular_a tradition_n and_o call_v they_o apostolical_a though_o contrary_a to_o one_o another_o how_o can_v we_o then_o fix_v upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o antiquity_n as_o any_o thing_n certain_a or_o impartial_a in_o this_o case_n when_o it_o have_v be_v find_v so_o evident_o partial_a in_o a_o case_n of_o less_o concernment_n than_o this_o be_v a_o witness_n that_o have_v once_o betray_v his_o faithfulness_n in_o the_o open_a court_n will_v hardly_o have_v his_o evidence_n take_v in_o a_o case_n of_o moment_n especial_o when_o the_o cause_n must_v stand_v or_o fall_v according_a to_o his_o single_a testimony_n for_o my_o part_n i_o see_v not_o how_o any_o man_n that_o will_v see_v reason_n for_o what_o he_o do_v can_v adhere_v to_o the_o church_n for_o a_o unquestionable_a tradition_n receive_v from_o the_o apostle_n when_o in_o the_o case_n of_o keep_v easter_n whether_o with_o the_o jew_n on_o the_o fourteen_o moon_n or_o only_o on_o the_o lord_n day_n there_o be_v so_o much_o unreasonable_a heat_n show_v on_o both_o side_n and_o such_o confidence_n that_o on_o either_o side_n their_o tradition_n be_v apostolical_a the_o story_n of_o which_o be_v relate_v by_o eusebius_n and_o socrates_n and_o many_o other_o they_o have_v herein_o all_o the_o advantage_n 21._o imaginable_a in_o order_n to_o the_o know_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o thing_n then_o in_o question_n among_o they_o as_o their_o nearness_n to_o apostolical_a time_n be_v but_o one_o remove_n from_o they_o yea_o the_o person_n contend_v plead_v personal_a acquaintance_n with_o some_o of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o as_o polycarp_n with_o john_n and_o anicetus_n of_o rome_n that_o he_o have_v his_o tradition_n from_o saint_n peter_n and_o yet_o so_o great_a be_v the_o heat_n so_o irreconcilable_a the_o controversy_n that_o they_o proceed_v to_o dart_v the_o thunderbolt_n of_o excommunication_n in_o one_o another_o face_n as_o victor_n with_o more_o zeal_n then_o piery_a throw_v present_o the_o asiatic_a church_n all_o out_o of_o communion_n only_o for_o differ_v as_o to_o this_o tradition_n the_o small_a coal_n of_o this_o fire_n kindle_v a_o whole_a aetna_n of_o contention_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n the_o smoke_n and_o ash_n nay_o the_o flame_n of_o which_o by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o air_n be_v blow_v over_o into_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o then_o almost_o infant_n northern_a church_n of_o britain_n where_o a_o solemn_a dispute_n be_v cause_v upon_o this_o quarrel_n between_o colmannus_fw-la on_o one_o side_n and_o wilfride_n on_o the_o other_o the_o like_a contest_v be_v upon_o this_o occasion_n between_o augustine_n the_o monk_n and_o the_o british_a bishop_n the_o observation_n of_o this_o strange_a combustion_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o so_o vain_a frivolous_a unnecessary_a a_o thing_n as_o this_o be_v draw_v this_o note_n from_o a_o learned_a and_o judicious_a man_n former_o quote_v in_o his_o tract_n of_o schism_n by_o this_o we_o may_v plain_o see_v the_o danger_n of_o our_o appeal_n to_o antiquity_n for_o resolution_n in_o controvert_v point_n of_o faith_n o_o how_o small_a relief_n be_v we_o to_o expect_v from_o thence_o for_o if_o the_o discretion_n of_o the_o chief_a guide_n and_o director_n of_o the_o church_n do_v in_o a_o point_n so_o trivial_a so_o inconsiderable_a so_o main_o fail_v they_o as_o not_o to_o see_v the_o truth_n in_o a_o subject_a wherein_o it_o be_v the_o great_a marvel_n how_o they_o can_v avoid_v the_o fight_n of_o it_o can_v we_o without_o the_o imputation_n of_o great_a grossness_n and_o folly_n think_v so_o poor-spirited_a person_n competent_a judge_n of_o the_o question_n now_o on_o foot_n betwixt_o the_o church_n thus_o that_o person_n as_o able_a to_o make_v the_o best_a improvement_n of_o the_o father_n as_o any_o of_o those_o who_o profess_v themselves_o the_o most_o superstitious_a admirer_n of_o antiquity_n but_o if_o we_o must_v stand_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o father_n let_v we_o stand_v to_o it_o in_o this_o that_o no_o tradition_n be_v any_o further_a to_o be_v embrace_v then_o as_o it_o be_v found_v on_o the_o word_n of_o god._n for_o which_o purpose_n those_o word_n of_o cyprian_a be_v very_o 13._o observable_a in_o compendio_fw-la est_fw-la autem_fw-la apud_fw-la religios_fw-la as_n &_o simplices_fw-la mentes_fw-la &_o errorem_fw-la deponere_fw-la &_o invenire_fw-la atque_fw-la eruere_fw-la veritatem_fw-la nam_fw-la si_fw-la ad_fw-la divinae_fw-la traditionis_fw-la caput_fw-la &_o originem_fw-la revertamur_fw-la cessat_fw-la error_n humanus_fw-la he_o assert_v it_o a_o easy_a
ordination_n of_o a_o bishop_n subscriptio_fw-la clericorum_fw-la honoratorum_fw-la testimonium_fw-la ordinis_fw-la consensus_fw-la &_o plebis_fw-la and_o in_o the_o same_o chapter_n speak_v 90._o of_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o bishop_n he_o say_v it_o be_v do_v subscribentibus_fw-la plus_fw-la minus_fw-la septuagintâ—_n presbyteris_fw-la and_o therefore_o it_o be_v observe_v that_o all_o the_o clergy_n concur_v to_o the_o choice_n even_o of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n till_o after_o the_o time_n of_o that_o hildebrand_n call_v greg._n 7._o in_o who_o time_n popery_n come_v to_o age_n thence_o 52._o casaubon_n call_v it_o haeresin_fw-la hildebrandinam_fw-la cornelius_n bishop_n of_o rome_n be_v choose_v clericoram_n pene_fw-la omnium_fw-la testimonio_fw-la and_o in_o the_o council_n at_o rome_n under_o syluâ—ster_n it_o be_v decree_v that_o none_o of_o the_o clergy_n shall_v be_v ordain_v nisi_fw-la cum_fw-la tota_fw-la adunata_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la 11._o many_o instance_n be_v bring_v from_o the_o council_n of_o carthage_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n which_o i_o pass_v over_o as_o common_o know_v it_o be_v account_v the_o matter_n of_o a_o accusation_n against_o chrysostom_n by_o his_o enemy_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 15._o that_o he_o ordain_v without_o the_o council_n and_o assistance_n of_o his_o clergy_n the_o presence_n of_o the_o clergy_n at_o council_n have_v be_v already_o show_v thus_o we_o see_v how_o when_o the_o church_n of_o the_o city_n be_v enlarge_v into_o the_o country_n the_o power_n of_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o city_n be_v extend_v with_o it_o the_o next_o step_n observable_a in_o the_o church_n increase_n be_v 5._o when_o several_a of_o these_o church_n lie_v together_o in_o one_o province_n do_v associate_v one_o with_o another_o the_o primitive_a church_n have_v a_o great_a eye_n to_o the_o preserve_a unity_n among_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o and_o thence_o they_o keep_v so_o strict_a a_o correspondency_n among_o the_o several_a bishop_n in_o the_o commercium_fw-la formatarum_fw-la the_o formula_fw-la of_o writing_n which_o to_o prevent_v deceit_n may_v be_v see_v in_o justellus_n his_o note_n on_o the_o codex_fw-la canonum_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la africanae_n and_o for_o a_o maintain_n 127._o of_o near_a correspondency_n among_o the_o bishop_n themselves_o of_o a_o province_n it_o be_v agree_v among_o themselves_o for_o the_o better_a carry_v on_o of_o their_o common_a work_n to_o call_v a_o provincial_a synod_n twice_o every_o year_n to_o debate_v all_o cause_n of_o concernment_n there_o among_o themselves_o and_o to_o agree_v upon_o such_o way_n as_o might_n most_o conduce_v to_o the_o advance_v the_o common_a interest_n of_o christianity_n of_o these_o tertullian_n speak_v aguntur_fw-la precept_n per_fw-la gracias_fw-la illas_fw-la certis_fw-la in_o locis_fw-la concilia_fw-la ex_fw-la universis_fw-la ecclesâ—is_fw-la per_fw-la quae_fw-la &_o altiora_fw-la quaeque_fw-la in_o communi_fw-la tractantur_fw-la &_o ipsa_fw-la psych_n repraesentatio_fw-la nominis_fw-la christiani_n magna_fw-la uâ—neratione_n celebratur_fw-la of_o these_o the_o thirty_o eight_o canon_n apostolical_a as_o it_o be_v call_v express_o speak_v which_o canon_n though_o not_o of_o authority_n sufficient_a to_o ground_v any_o right_n upon_o may_v yet_o be_v allow_v the_o place_n of_o a_o testimony_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n especial_o towards_o the_o three_o century_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 38._o twice_o a_o year_n a_o synod_n of_o bishop_n be_v to_o be_v keep_v for_o discuss_v matter_n of_o faith_n and_o resolve_v matter_n of_o practice_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n the_o council_n of_o antioch_n a._n d._n 343_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 99_o to_o these_o council_n the_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n come_v as_o appear_v by_o that_o canon_n of_o the_o council_n of_o antioch_n and_o in_o the_o seven_o canon_n of_o the_o nicene_n council_n by_o alphon_n we_o pisanus_n the_o same_o custom_n be_v decree_v but_o no_o such_o thing_n occurr_v in_o the_o codex_fw-la canonum_fw-la either_o of_o tilius_fw-la or_o justellus_n his_o edition_n and_o the_o arabic_a ediâ—â—â—â—_n of_o that_o council_n be_v conceive_v to_o have_v be_v compile_v above_o four_o hundred_o year_n after_o the_o council_n set_v but_o however_o we_o see_v evidence_n enough_o of_o this_o practice_n of_o celebrate_v provincial_a synod_n twice_o a_o year_n now_o in_o the_o assemble_v of_o these_o bishop_n together_o for_o mutual_a counsel_n in_o their_o affair_n there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o some_o order_n to_o be_v observe_v there_o be_v no_o difference_n as_o to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o bishop_n themselves_o who_o have_v all_o equal_a authority_n in_o their_o several_a church_n and_o none_o over_o one_o another_o for_o episcopatus_fw-la unus_fw-la â—st_fw-la cujus_fw-la â—_o singulis_fw-la in_o solidum_fw-la pars_fw-la tenetur_fw-la ecceles_n as_o cyprian_n speak_v and_o as_o jerome_n ubicunq_n episcopus_fw-la fuerit_fw-la sive_fw-la romae_fw-la sive_fw-la eugubii_n sive_fw-la constantinopoli_fw-it sive_fw-la râ—egii_fw-la sive_fw-la alexandria_n sive_fw-la tanis_n ejusdem_fw-la est_fw-la meriti_fw-la ejusdem_fw-la est_fw-la &_o sacerdotii_fw-la evagrun_n potentia_fw-la divitiarum_fw-la &_o paupertatis_fw-la humilitas_fw-la vel_fw-la sublimiorem_fw-la vel_fw-la inferiorem_fw-la episcopum_fw-la non_fw-la facit_fw-la caterum_fw-la omnes_fw-la apostolorum_fw-la successores_fw-la sunt_fw-la there_o be_v then_o no_o difference_n between_o they_o no_o man_n call_z himself_z episcopum_fw-la episcoporum_fw-la as_o cyprian_a elsewhere_o speak_v some_o other_o way_n must_v be_v find_v out_o to_o preserve_v order_n among_o they_o and_o to_o moderate_v the_o affair_n of_o the_o council_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v determine_v in_o the_o council_n of_o antioch_n that_o he_o that_o be_v the_o bishop_n of_o the_o metropolis_n shall_v have_v the_o honour_n of_o metropolitan_a among_o the_o bishop_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 17._o because_o of_o the_o great_a confluence_n of_o people_n to_o that_o city_n therefore_o he_o shall_v have_v the_o pre-eminence_n above_o the_o rest_n we_o see_v how_o far_o they_o be_v from_o attribute_v any_o divine_a right_n to_o metropolitaus_n and_o therefore_o the_o right_n of_o metropolitan_o be_v call_v by_o the_o six_o canon_n of_o the_o nicene_n council_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o have_v be_v a_o dishonourable_a introduction_n for_o the_o metropolitan_a right_n have_v they_o think_v they_o ground_v upon_o apostolical_a institution_n nothing_o more_o evident_a in_o antiquity_n then_o the_o honour_n of_o metropolitan_o depend_v upon_o their_o see_z thence_o when_o any_o city_n be_v raise_v by_o the_o emperor_n to_o the_o honour_n of_o metropoles_fw-la their_o bishop_n become_v a_o metropolitan_a as_o be_v most_o evident_a in_o justiniana_n prima_fw-la and_o for_o it_o there_o be_v canon_n in_o the_o council_n decree_a it_o but_o of_o this_o more_o afterward_o the_o chief_a bishop_n of_o africa_n be_v only_o call_v primae_fw-la sedis_fw-la episcop_n 〈…〉_z thence_o we_o have_v a_o canon_n in_o the_o codex_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la africanâ—_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 39_o that_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o chief_a see_v shall_v not_o be_v call_v the_o exarch_n of_o the_o priest_n or_o chief_a priest_n or_o any_o thing_n of_o like_a nature_n but_o only_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o chief_a seat_n therefore_o it_o have_v be_v well_o observe_v that_o the_o african_a church_n do_v retain_v long_o the_o primitive_a simplicity_n and_o humility_n among_o they_o and_o when_o the_o voice_n be_v say_v to_o be_v hear_v in_o the_o church_n upon_o the_o flow_a in_o of_o riches_n hodie_fw-la venenum_fw-la effusum_fw-la est_fw-la in_o ecclesiam_fw-la by_o the_o work_n of_o which_o poison_n the_o spirit_n of_o the_o prelate_n begin_v to_o swell_v with_o pride_n and_o ambition_n as_o be_v too_o evident_a in_o church_n history_n only_a africa_n escape_v the_o infection_n most_o and_o resist_v the_o tyrannical_a encroachment_n of_o the_o roman_a bishop_n with_o the_o great_a magnanimity_n and_o courage_n as_o may_v be_v see_v by_o the_o excellent_a epistle_n of_o the_o council_n of_o carthage_n to_o boniface_n bishop_n of_o rome_n 341_o in_o the_o codex_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la africanae_n so_o thaâ—_n however_o africa_n have_v be_v always_o fruitful_a of_o monster_n yet_o in_o that_o ambitious_a age_n it_o have_v no_o other_o wonder_n but_o only_o this_o that_o it_o shall_v escape_v so_o free_a from_o that_o typhus_fw-la saecularis_fw-la as_o they_o then_o call_v it_o that_o monstrous_a itch_n of_o pride_n and_o ambition_n from_o whence_o we_o may_v well_o rise_v to_o the_o last_o step_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v after_o the_o empire_n grow_v christian_n and_o many_o province_n do_v associate_v together_o than_o the_o honour_n and_o power_n of_o patriarch_n come_v upon_o the_o stage_n and_o now_o begin_v the_o whole_a christian_a world_n to_o be_v the_o cock_n pit_n wherein_o the_o two_o great_a prelate_n of_o rome_n and_o constantinople_n strive_v with_o their_o great_a force_n for_o mastery_n of_o one_o another_o and_o the_o whole_a world_n
be_v observe_v next_o to_o the_o scripture_n not_o from_o any_o obligation_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o but_o from_o the_o conduceableneâ—s_n of_o those_o thing_n as_o they_o judge_v they_o to_o the_o preserve_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n chap._n viii_o a_o inquiry_n into_o the_o judgement_n of_o reform_a divine_v concern_v the_o unalterable_a divine_a right_n of_o particular_a form_n of_o church-government_n wherein_o it_o be_v make_v appear_v that_o the_o most_o â—minent_a divines_n of_o the_o reformation_n do_v never_o conceive_v any_o one_o form_n necessary_a manifest_v by_o three_o argument_n 1._o from_o the_o judgement_n of_o those_o who_o make_v the_o form_n of_o church-government_n mutable_a and_o to_o depend_v upon_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o magistrate_n and_o church_n this_o clear_v to_o have_v be_v the_o judgement_n of_o most_o divine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n since_o the_o reformation_n archbishop_n cranmers_n judgement_n with_o other_o of_o the_o reformatiion_n in_o edward_n the_o sixth_n time_n now_o first_o publish_v from_o his_o authentic_a ms._n the_o same_o ground_n of_o settle_v episcopacy_n in_o queen_n elizabeth_n time_n the_o judgement_n of_o archbishop_n wâ—itgift_n bishop_n bridges_n dr._n â—oe_o mr._n hooker_n large_o to_o that_o purpose_n in_o king_n james_n his_o time_n the_o king_n own_o opinion_n dr._n suâ—clâ—ffe_n since_o of_o â—rakanâ—horp_n mr._n hales_n mr._n chillingworth_n the_o testimony_n of_o foreign_a divine_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n chemnitius_n zanchy_a french_a divine_n peter_n moulâ—n_n fregevil_n blondel_n bochartus_fw-la amyraldus_n other_o learned_a man_n groâ—â—uâ—_n lord_n bacon_n etc._n etc._n 2._o those_o who_o look_v upon_o equality_n as_o the_o primitive_a form_n yet_o judge_v episcopacy_n lawful_a augustane_n confession_n melâ—nchthon_n arâ—icuâ—â—_fw-la smaâ—caldici_fw-la prince_n of_o anhalt_n hyperius_n hemingius_fw-la the_o practice_n of_o most_o foreign_a church_n câ—lvin_n and_o beza_n both_o approve_v episcopacy_n and_o diocesan_n church_n salmasius_n etc._n etc._n 3._o those_o who_o judge_n episcopacy_n to_o be_v the_o primitive_a form_n yet_o look_v not_o on_o it_o as_o necessary_a bishop_n jewel_n fulk_n field_n bishop_n downam_n bishop_n bancâ—oâ—t_n bishop_n morton_n bishop_n andrews_n saravia_n francis_n mason_n and_o other_o the_o conclusion_n hence_o lay_v in_o order_n to_o peace_n principle_n conduce_v thereto_o 1._o prudence_n must_v be_v use_v in_o church-government_n at_o last_o confess_v by_o all_o party_n independent_o in_o elective_a synod_n and_o church_n covenant_n admission_n of_o member_n number_n in_o congregation_n presbyterian_o in_o class_n and_o synod_n lay-elder_n etc._n etc._n episcopal_a in_o diocese_n cause_n rite_n etc._n etc._n 2._o that_o prudence_n best_o which_o come_v near_a primitive_a practice_n a_o presidency_n for_o life_n over_o a_o ecclesiastical_a senate_n show_v to_o be_v that_o form_n in_o order_n to_o it_o presbytery_n to_o be_v restore_v diocese_n lessen_v provincial_n synod_n keep_v twice_o a_o year_n the_o reasonableness_n and_o easiness_n of_o accommodation_n show_v the_o whole_a conclude_v have_v thus_o far_o proceed_v through_o divine_a assistance_n in_o 1._o our_o intend_a method_n and_o have_v find_v nothing_o determine_v the_o necessity_n of_o any_o one_o form_n of_o government_n in_o the_o several_a law_n of_o nature_n and_o christ_n nor_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o apostle_n or_o primitive_a church_n the_o only_a thing_n possible_a to_o raise_v a_o suspicion_n of_o novelty_n in_o this_o opinion_n be_v that_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o several_a church_n of_o the_o reformation_n i_o know_v it_o be_v the_o last_o asylum_n which_o many_o run_v to_o when_o they_o be_v beat_v off_o from_o their_o imaginary_a fancy_n by_o pregnant_a testimony_n of_o scripture_n and_o reason_n to_o shelter_v themselves_o under_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o some_o particular_a person_n to_o who_o their_o understanding_n be_v bore_v in_o perpetual_a slavery_n but_o if_o man_n will_v but_o once_o think_v their_o understanding_n at_o age_n to_o judge_v for_o themselves_o and_o not_o make_v they_o live_v under_o a_o continual_a pupillage_n and_o but_o take_v the_o pain_n to_o travel_v over_o the_o several_a church_n of_o the_o reformation_n they_o will_v find_v themselves_o free_v of_o many_o strange_a misprision_n they_o be_v possess_v with_o before_o and_o understand_v far_o better_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o their_o pitch_v upon_o their_o several_a form_n than_o they_o seem_v to_o do_v who_o find_v all_o thing_n upon_o a_o divine_a right_n i_o believe_v there_o will_v upon_o the_o most_o impartial_a survey_n scarce_o be_v one_o church_n of_o the_o reformation_n bring_v which_o do_v embrace_v any_o form_n of_o government_n because_o it_o look_v upon_o that_o form_n as_o only_o necessary_a by_o a_o unalterable_a stand_a law_n but_o every_o one_o take_v up_o that_o form_n of_o government_n which_o be_v judge_v most_o suitable_a to_o the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o their_o several_a church_n but_o that_o i_o may_v the_o better_o make_v this_o appear_v i_o shall_v make_v use_n of_o some_o argument_n whereby_o to_o demonstrate_v that_o the_o most_o eminent_a divine_n that_o have_v live_v since_o the_o reformation_n have_v be_v all_o of_o this_o mind_n that_o no_o one_o form_n be_v determine_v as_o necessary_a for_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n for_o if_o many_o of_o they_o have_v in_o thesi_fw-la assert_v the_o form_n of_o church-government_n mutable_a if_o those_o who_o have_v think_v a_o equality_n among_o minister_n the_o primitive_a form_n have_v yet_o think_v a_o government_n by_o episcopacy_n lawful_a and_o useful_a if_o last_o those_o who_o have_v be_v for_o episcopacy_n have_v not_o judge_v it_o necessary_a than_o i_o suppose_v it_o will_v be_v evident_a that_o none_o of_o they_o have_v judge_v any_o one_o form_n take_v exclusive_o of_o other_o to_o be_v found_v upon_o a_o unalterable_a right_n for_o whatsoever_o be_v so_o found_v be_v make_v a_o necessary_a duty_n in_o all_o church_n to_o observe_v it_o and_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o vary_v from_o it_o or_o to_o change_v it_o according_a to_o the_o prudence_n of_o the_o church_n according_a to_o the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o it_o i_o now_o therefore_o undertake_v to_o make_v these_o thing_n out_o in_o their_o order_n first_o i_o begin_v with_o those_o who_o have_v in_o thesi_fw-la assert_v the_o mutability_n 2._o of_o the_o form_n of_o church_n government_n herein_o i_o shall_v not_o follow_v the_o english_a humour_n to_o be_v more_o acquaint_v with_o the_o state_n of_o foreign_a place_n then_o their_o own_o but_o it_o be_v of_o great_a concernment_n to_o know_v upon_o what_o account_v episcopal_a government_n be_v settle_v among_o ourselves_o in_o order_n to_o our_o submission_n to_o it_o i_o shall_v therefore_o make_v inquiry_n into_o the_o judgement_n of_o those_o person_n concern_v it_o who_o either_o have_v be_v instrumental_a in_o settle_v it_o or_o the_o great_a defender_n of_o it_o after_o its_o setlement_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o to_o make_v it_o evident_a that_o before_o these_o late_a unhappy_a time_n the_o main_a ground_n for_o settle_v episcopal_a government_n in_o this_o nation_n be_v not_o account_v any_o pretence_n of_o divine_a right_n but_o the_o conveniency_n of_o that_o form_n of_o church_n government_n to_o the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o this_o church_n at_o the_o time_n of_o its_o reformation_n for_o which_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o the_o reformation_n of_o our_o church_n be_v not_o wrought_v by_o the_o torrent_n of_o a_o popular_a fury_n nor_o the_o insurrection_n of_o one_o part_n of_o the_o nation_n against_o another_o but_o be_v wise_o grave_o and_o mature_o debate_v and_o settle_v with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o consideration_n i_o meddle_v not_o with_o the_o time_n of_o henry_n 8._o when_o i_o will_v not_o deny_v but_o the_o first_o quicken_n of_o the_o reformation_n may_v be_v but_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o be_v as_o yet_o rude_a and_o undigested_a i_o date_n the_o birth_n of_o it_o from_o the_o first_o setlement_n of_o that_o most_o excellent_a prince_n edward_n 6._o the_o phosphorus_n of_o our_o reformation_n who_o a._n d._n 1547._o be_v no_o soon_o enter_v upon_o his_o throne_n but_o some_o course_n be_v present_o take_v in_o order_n to_o reformation_n commissioner_n with_o injunction_n be_v dispatch_v to_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o land_n but_o the_o main_a business_n of_o the_o reformation_n be_v refer_v to_o the_o parliament_n call_v november_n 4._o the_o same_o year_n when_o all_o former_a statute_n about_o 657._o religion_n be_v recall_v as_o may_v be_v see_v at_o large_a in_o mr._n fox_n and_o liberty_n allow_v for_o profess_v the_o gospel_n according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o reformation_n all_o banish_a person_n for_o religion_n be_v call_v home_o upon_o this_o for_o the_o better_a establish_n of_o
may_v be_v determine_v by_o lawful_a authority_n and_o what_o be_v so_o determine_v by_o that_o authority_n do_v bind_v man_n to_o obedience_n as_o have_v be_v prove_v by_o the_o 5._o hypothesis_n in_o the_o entrance_n of_o 12._o this_o treatise_n i_o conclude_v all_o with_o this_o earnest_a desire_n that_o the_o wise_a and_o gracious_a god_n will_v send_v we_o one_o heart_n and_o one_o way_n that_o he_o will_v be_v the_o composer_n of_o our_o difference_n and_o the_o repairer_n of_o our_o breach_n that_o of_o our_o strange_a division_n and_o unchristian_a animosity_n while_o we_o pretend_v to_o serve_v the_o prince_n of_o peace_n we_o may_v at_o last_o see_v the_o end_n glory_n to_o god_n on_o high_a on_o earth_n peace_n good_a will_n towards_o man_n luke_n 2._o 14._o a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n in_o a_o christian_a church_n the_o name_n of_o power_n in_o a_o church_n explain_v the_o mistake_n of_o which_o the_o foundation_n of_o erastianism_n the_o notion_n of_o the_o church_n open_v as_o it_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o power_n the_o church_n prove_v to_o be_v a_o society_n distinct_a from_o the_o commonwealth_n by_o reason_n of_o its_o different_a nature_n and_o divine_a institution_n distinct_a officer_n different_z right_n and_o end_n and_o peculiar_a offence_n the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n do_v not_o arise_v from_o meâ—r_a confederation_n the_o church_n power_n found_v on_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o christian_a society_n and_o not_o on_o particular_a precept_n the_o power_n of_o church-officer_n not_o mere_o doctrinal_a prove_v by_o several_a argument_n church-power_n as_o to_o particular_a person_n antecedent_n to_o confederation_n the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n relate_v to_o baptism_n the_o church_n power_n extend_v to_o excommunication_n what_o it_o be_v and_o what_o ground_n it_o have_v under_o the_o law_n no_o exclusion_n from_o temple-worship_n among_o the_o jew_n excommunication_n necessary_a in_o a_o christian_a church_n because_o of_o the_o condition_n suppose_v to_o communion_n in_o it_o of_o the_o incestuous_a person_n and_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o apostolical_a censure_n objection_n against_o excommunication_n answer_v the_o fundamental_a right_n of_o the_o church_n continue_v after_o its_o be_v incorporate_v into_o the_o civil_a state_n the_o magistrate_n power_n as_o to_o excommunication_n clear_v it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o daily_a observation_n and_o experience_n 1._o in_o the_o world_n how_o hard_o it_o be_v to_o keep_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o understanding_n clear_a in_o its_o judgement_n of_o thing_n when_o it_o be_v too_o far_o engage_v in_o the_o dust_n of_o controversy_n it_o be_v so_o very_o difficult_a to_o well_o manage_v a_o impetuous_a pursuit_n after_o any_o opinion_n nothing_o be_v more_o common_a than_o to_o see_v man_n outrun_v their_o mark_n and_o through_o the_o force_n of_o their_o speed_n to_o be_v carry_v as_o far_o beyond_o it_o as_o other_o in_o their_o opinion_n fall_v short_a of_o it_o there_o be_v certain_o a_o kind_n of_o ebriety_n of_o the_o mind_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o body_n which_o make_v it_o so_o unstable_a and_o pendulous_a that_o it_o oft_o time_n reel_v from_o one_o extreme_a unto_o the_o quite_o contrary_a this_o as_o it_o be_v obvious_a in_o most_o eager_a controvertist_n of_o all_o age_n so_o especial_o in_o such_o who_o have_v discover_v the_o falsity_n of_o a_o opinion_n they_o be_v once_o confident_a of_o which_o they_o think_v they_o can_v never_o after_o run_v far_o enough_o from_o so_o that_o while_o they_o start_v at_o a_o apparition_n they_o so_o much_o dread_n they_o run_v into_o those_o untrodden_a path_n wherein_o they_o lose_v both_o themselves_o and_o the_o truth_n they_o seek_v for_o thus_o we_o find_v it_o to_o be_v in_o the_o present_a controversy_n for_o many_o 2._o out_o of_o their_o just_a zeal_n against_o the_o extravagancy_n of_o those_o who_o screw_v up_o church-power_n to_o so_o high_a a_o peg_n that_o it_o be_v think_v to_o make_v perpetual_a discord_n with_o the_o common_a wealth_n can_v never_o think_v themselves_o free_a from_o so_o great_a a_o inconvenience_n till_o they_o have_v melt_v down_o all_o spiritual_a power_n into_o the_o civil_a state_n and_o dissolve_v the_o church_n into_o the_o commonwealth_n but_o that_o the_o world_n way_n see_v i_o have_v not_o be_v more_o forward_o to_o assert_v the_o just_a power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n in_o ecclesiastical_n as_o well_o as_o civil_n than_o to_o defend_v the_o fundamental_a right_n of_o the_o church_n i_o have_v take_v this_o opportunity_n more_o full_o to_o explain_v and_o vindicate_v that_o part_n of_o the_o churches-power_n which_o lie_v in_o reference_n to_o offender_n it_o be_v the_o main_a thing_n strike_v at_o by_o those_o who_o be_v the_o follower_n of_o that_o note_a physician_n who_o handle_v the_o church_n so_o ill_o as_o to_o deprive_v she_o of_o her_o expulsive_a faculty_n of_o noxious_a humour_n and_o so_o leave_v she_o under_o a_o miserere_fw-la meî_fw-la 3._o i_o shall_v therefore_o endeavour_v to_o give_v the_o church_n her_o due_a as_o well_o as_o caesar_n his_o by_o make_v good_a this_o follow_a principle_n or_o hypothesis_n upon_o which_o the_o whole_a hinge_n of_o this_o controversy_n turn_v viz._n that_o the_o power_n of_o inflict_a censure_n upon_o offender_n in_o a_o christian_a church_n be_v a_o fundamental_a right_n resuâ—â—â—â—g_v from_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n as_o a_o society_n by_o jesus_n christ_n and_o that_o the_o seat_n of_o this_o power_n be_v in_o those_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n who_o have_v derive_v their_o power_n original_o from_o the_o founder_n of_o this_o society_n and_o act_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o law_n of_o it_o for_o the_o clear_a state_v of_o this_o controversy_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a 4._o to_o explain_v what_o that_o power_n be_v which_o i_o attribute_v to_o the_o church_n and_o in_o what_o notion_n the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v as_o it_o exercise_v this_o power_n first_o concern_v the_o proper_a notion_n of_o power_n by_o it_o i_o can_v see_v any_o thing_n else_o to_o be_v understand_v than_o a_o right_n of_o govern_v or_o order_v thing_n which_o belong_v to_o a_o society_n and_o so_o power_n imply_v only_o a_o moral_a faculty_n in_o the_o person_n enjoy_v it_o to_o take_v care_n ne_fw-fr quid_fw-la civitas_fw-la detrimenti_fw-la capiat_fw-la whereby_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o every_o well_o constitute_v society_n must_v suppose_v a_o power_n within_o its_o self_n of_o order_v thing_n belong_v to_o its_o welfare_n or_o else_o it_o be_v impossible_a either_o the_o be_v or_o the_o right_n and_o privilege_n of_o a_o society_n can_v be_v long_o preserve_v power_n then_o in_o its_o general_n and_o abstract_a notion_n do_v not_o necessary_o import_v either_o mere_a authority_n or_o proper_a coaction_n for_o these_o to_o any_o impartial_a judgement_n will_v appear_v to_o be_v rather_o the_o several_a mode_n whereby_o power_n be_v exercise_v than_o any_o proper_a ingredient_n of_o the_o specific_a nature_n of_o it_o which_o in_o general_n import_v no_o more_o than_o a_o right_a to_o govern_v a_o constitute_v society_n but_o how_o that_o right_a shall_v be_v exercise_v must_v be_v resolve_v not_o from_o the_o notion_n of_o power_n but_o from_o the_o nature_n and_o constitution_n of_o that_o particular_a society_n in_o which_o it_o be_v lodge_v and_o inherent_a it_o appear_v then_o from_o hence_o to_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n and_o abuse_v 5._o of_o well-natured_n reader_n when_o all_o power_n be_v necessary_o restrain_v either_o to_o that_o which_o be_v proper_o coercive_a or_o to_o that_o which_o be_v mere_o arbitrary_a and_o only_o from_o consent_n the_o original_a of_o which_o mistake_n be_v the_o state_v the_o notion_n of_o power_n from_o the_o use_n of_o the_o word_n either_o in_o ancient_a roman_a author_n or_o else_o in_o the_o civil_a law_n both_o which_o be_v free_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v stranger_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o any_o other_o power_n than_o that_o which_o iâ—_n mere_o authoritative_a and_o persuasive_a or_o that_o which_o be_v coactive_a and_o penal_a the_o ground_n of_o which_o be_v because_o they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o any_o other_o way_n of_o conveyance_n of_o power_n beside_o external_a force_n and_o arbitrary_a consent_n the_o one_o in_o those_o call_v legal_a society_n or_o civitates_fw-la the_o other_o collegia_fw-la and_o hetaeriae_fw-la but_o to_o as_o that_o do_v acknowledge_v that_o god_n have_v a_o right_a of_o command_a man_n to_o what_o duty_n he_o please_v himself_o and_o appoint_v a_o society_n upon_o what_o term_n best_o please_v he_o and_o give_v a_o power_n to_o particular_a person_n to_o govern_v that_o society_n in_o what_o way_n shall_v tend_v most_o to_o advance_v the_o honour_n of_o such_o a_o society_n may_v easy_o be_v make_v appear_v that_o there_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o power_n neither_o proper_o
only_o on_o confederation_n such_o thing_n be_v liable_a to_o a_o magistrate_n power_n there_o can_v be_v no_o plea_n from_o mutual_a consent_n to_o justify_v any_o opposition_n to_o supreme_a authority_n in_o a_o common_a wealth_n but_o then_o how_o such_o person_n can_v be_v christian_n when_o the_o magistrate_n will_v have_v they_o to_o be_v otherwise_o i_o can_v understand_v nor_o how_o the_o primitive_a martyr_n be_v any_o other_o than_o a_o company_n of_o fool_n or_o madman_n who_o will_v hazard_v their_o life_n for_o that_o which_o be_v a_o mere_a arbitrary_a thing_n and_o which_o they_o have_v no_o necessary_a obligation_n upon_o they_o to_o profess_v mistake_v i_o not_o i_o speak_v not_o here_o of_o mere_a act_n of_o discipline_n but_o of_o the_o duty_n of_o outward_a profess_v christianity_n if_o this_o be_v a_o duty_n than_o a_o christian_a society_n be_v settle_v by_o a_o positive_a law_n if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o duty_n than_o they_o be_v fool_n who_o suffer_v for_o it_o so_o that_o this_o question_n resolve_v into_o its_o principle_n lead_v we_o high_o than_o we_o think_v for_o and_o the_o main_a thing_n in_o debate_n must_v be_v whether_o there_o be_v a_o obligation_n upon_o conscience_n for_o man_n to_o associate_v in_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n or_o no_o if_o there_o be_v than_o the_o church_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o such_o a_o association_n be_v establish_v upon_o a_o positive_a law_n of_o christ_n if_o there_o be_v not_o than_o those_o inconvenience_n follow_v which_o be_v already_o mention_v we_o be_v tell_v indeed_o by_o the_o leviathan_n with_o confidence_n 14._o enough_o that_o no_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v law_n till_o enact_v by_o civil_a authority_n but_o it_o be_v little_a wonder_n that_o he_o who_o think_v a_o immaterial_a substance_n imply_v a_o contradiction_n shall_v think_v as_o much_o of_o call_v any_o thing_n a_o law_n but_o what_o have_v a_o civil_a sanction_n but_o i_o suppose_v all_o those_o who_o dare_v free_o own_o a_o supreme_a and_o infinite_a essence_n to_o have_v be_v the_o creator_n and_o to_o be_v the_o ruler_n of_o the_o world_n will_v acknowledge_v his_o power_n to_o oblige_v conscience_n without_o be_v behold_v to_o his_o own_o creature_n to_o enact_v his_o law_n that_o man_n may_v be_v bind_v to_o obey_v they_o be_v the_o great_a god_n say_v to_o be_v be_v hold_v to_o the_o civil_a authority_n he_o have_v over_o the_o jewish_a common_a wealth_n their_o government_n be_v a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o make_v his_o law_n obligatory_a to_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o jew_n what_o have_v not_o they_o their_o being_n from_o god_n and_o can_v there_o be_v any_o great_a ground_n of_o obligation_n to_o obedience_n than_o from_o thence_o whence_o come_v civil_a power_n to_o have_v any_o right_a to_o oblige_v man_n more_o than_o god_n consider_v as_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n can_v have_v can_v there_o be_v indeed_o no_o other_o law_n according_a to_o the_o leviathan_n hypothesis_n but_o only_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o civil_a law_n but_o i_o pray_v whence_o come_v the_o obligation_n to_o either_o of_o these_o that_o these_o be_v not_o as_o arbitrary_a as_o all_o other_o agreement_n be_v and_o be_v it_o not_o as_o strong_a a_o dictate_v of_o nature_n as_o any_o can_v be_v suppose_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o a_o creature_n which_o receive_v its_o be_v from_o another_o shall_v be_v bind_v to_o obey_v he_o not_o only_o in_o the_o resultancy_n of_o his_o own_o nature_n but_o with_o the_o arbitrary_a constitution_n of_o his_o will_n be_v adam_n bind_v to_o obey_v god_n or_o no_o as_o to_o that_o positive_a precept_n of_o eat_v the_o forbid_a fruit_n if_o no_o civil_a sanction_n have_v be_v add_v to_o that_o law_n the_o truth_n be_v such_o hypothesis_n as_o these_o be_v when_o they_o be_v follow_v close_o home_o will_v be_v sound_a to_o kennel_n in_o that_o black_a den_n from_o whence_o they_o be_v loath_a to_o be_v think_v to_o have_v proceed_v 15._o and_o now_o suppose_v that_o every_o full_a declaration_n of_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n as_o to_o any_o positive_a institution_n have_v the_o force_n and_o power_n of_o a_o law_n upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o all_o to_o who_o it_o be_v sufficient_o propose_v i_o proceed_v to_o make_v appear_v that_o such_o a_o divine_a positive_a laew_n there_o be_v for_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o church_n as_o a_o visible_a body_n and_o society_n in_o the_o world_n by_o which_o i_o be_o far_o from_o mean_v such_o a_o conspicuous_a society_n that_o must_v continue_v in_o a_o perpetual_a visibility_n in_o the_o same_o place_n i_o find_v not_o the_o least_o intimation_n of_o any_o such_o thing_n in_o scripture_n but_o that_o there_o shall_v always_o be_v somewhere_o or_o other_o in_o the_o world_n a_o society_n own_v and_o profess_v christianity_n may_v be_v easy_o deduce_v from_o thence_o and_o especial_o on_o this_o account_n that_o our_o saviour_n have_v require_v this_o as_o one_o of_o the_o condition_n in_o order_n to_o eternal_a felicity_n that_o all_o those_o who_o believe_v in_o their_o heart_n that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n must_v likewise_o confess_v he_o with_o their_o mouth_n to_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o as_o long_o at_o there_o be_v man_n to_o believe_v in_o christ_n there_o must_v be_v man_n that_o will_v not_o be_v ashamed_a to_o associate_v on_o the_o account_n of_o the_o doctrine_n he_o have_v promulge_v to_o the_o world_n that_o one_o phrase_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n so_o frequent_o use_v by_o our_o bless_a saviour_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n import_v a_o gospel-state_n do_v evident_o declare_v a_o society_n which_o be_v constitute_v by_o he_o on_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o gospel_n covenant_n wherefore_o shall_v our_o saviour_n call_v disciple_n and_o make_v apostle_n and_o send_v they_o abroad_o with_o full_a commission_n to_o gather_v and_o initiate_v disciple_n by_o baptism_n do_v he_o not_o intend_v a_o visible_a society_n for_o his_o church_n have_v it_o not_o be_v enough_o for_o man_n to_o have_v cordial_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o they_o must_v be_v enter_v in_o a_o solemn_a visible_a way_n and_o join_v in_o participation_n of_o visible_a symbol_n of_o bread_n and_o wine_n but_o that_o our_o saviour_n require_v external_a profession_n and_o society_n in_o the_o gospel_n as_o a_o necessary_a duty_n in_o order_n to_o obtain_v the_o privilege_n convey_v by_o his_o magna_fw-la charta_fw-la in_o the_o gospel_n i_o will_v fain_o know_v by_o what_o argument_n we_o can_v prove_v that_o any_o humane_a legislator_n do_v ever_o intend_v a_o common_a wealth_n to_o be_v govern_v according_a to_o his_o mode_n by_o which_o we_o can_v prove_v that_o christ_n by_o a_o positive_a law_n do_v command_v such_o a_o society_n as_o shall_v be_v govern_v in_o a_o visible_a manner_n as_o other_o society_n be_v do_v he_o not_o appoint_v officer_n himself_o in_o the_o church_n and_o that_o of_o many_o rank_n and_o degree_n do_v he_o not_o invest_v those_o officer_n with_o authority_n to_o rule_v his_o church_n be_v it_o not_o lay_v as_o a_o charge_n on_o they_o to_o take_v heed_n to_o that_o flock_n over_o which_o god_n have_v make_v they_o overseer_n be_v there_o not_o rule_n lay_v down_o for_o the_o peculiar_a exercise_n of_o their_o government_n over_o the_o church_n in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o be_v not_o these_o officer_n admit_v into_o theâ—â—_n function_n by_o a_o most_o solemn_a visible_a rite_n of_o imposition_n of_o hand_n and_o be_v all_o these_o solemn_a transaction_n a_o mere_a piece_n of_o sacred_a pageantry_n and_o they_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v little_o more_o if_o the_o society_n of_o the_o church_n be_v a_o mere_a arbitrary_a thing_n depend_v only_o upon_o consent_n and_o confederation_n and_o not_o subsist_v by_o virtue_n of_o any_o charter_n from_o christ_n or_o some_o positive_a law_n require_v all_o christian_n to_o join_v in_o church_n society_n together_o but_o if_o now_o from_o hence_o it_o appear_v as_o certain_o it_o can_v 16._o but_o appear_v that_o this_o society_n of_o the_o church_n do_v subsist_v by_o virtue_n of_o a_o divine_a positive_a law_n than_o it_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v distinct_a from_o a_o civil_a society_n and_o that_o on_o these_o account_n first_o because_o there_o be_v a_o antecedent_n obligation_n on_o conscience_n to_o associate_v on_o the_o account_n of_o christianity_n whether_o humane_a law_n prohibit_v or_o command_v it_o from_o whence_o of_o necessity_n it_o follow_v that_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n be_v real_o different_a from_o that_o of_o the_o commonwealth_n because_o whether_o the_o common_a wealth_n be_v for_o or_o against_o this_o society_n all_o that_o own_o it_o be_v bind_v to_o profess_v it_o open_o and_o declare_v