father_n but_o in_o the_o son_n in_o who_o only_o he_o be_v well_o please_v and_o therefore_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n have_v reject_v christ_n be_v by_o that_o mean_v reject_v of_o god_n from_o be_v his_o people_n neither_o be_v they_o to_o be_v account_v member_n of_o the_o church_n although_o they_o serve_v god_n with_o never_o so_o great_a zeal_n rom._n 11._o the_o same_o account_n we_o be_v to_o make_v of_o the_o turk_n saracen_n moor_n and_o all_o those_o nation_n which_o profess_v the_o religion_n of_o mahomet_n the_o which_o we_o confess_v do_v retain_v diverse_a point_n of_o christianity_n yea_o and_o that_o if_o it_o be_v well_o mark_v it_o will_v be_v sound_a a_o close_a or_o mystical_a arianisme_n ariaanisme_n cover_v and_o gloss_v over_o many_o weighty_a point_n of_o faith_n with_o judaical_a type_n and_o poetical_a fiction_n that_o it_o be_v by_o this_o mean_n make_v dark_a and_o enigmatical_a may_v be_v more_o high_o esteem_v by_o blind_a and_o ignorant_a man_n whereas_o if_o it_o have_v be_v set_v down_o in_o a_o plain_a and_o simple_a manner_n it_o will_v have_v be_v easy_o understand_v dispute_v of_o and_o in_o the_o end_n altogether_o contemn_v yet_o forsomuch_o as_o this_o religion_n do_v not_o worship_n and_o honour_n jesus_n christ_n as_o the_o only_a son_n of_o god_n and_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n as_o the_o first_o arian_n therefore_o 〈◊〉_d the_o professor_n of_o it_o can_v be_v account_v member_n of_o the_o church_n but_o mere_a infidel_n separate_v from_o christ_n and_o void_a of_o the_o hope_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n sect._n 7._o of_o the_o attribute_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n thus_o we_o have_v the_o definition_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n be_v further_a to_o consider_v the_o nature_n and_o state_n of_o it_o in_o certain_a property_n which_o be_v attribute_v unto_o it_o of_o the_o which_o this_o may_v be_v the_o first_o that_o out_o of_o the_o catholic_a church_n there_o be_v no_o salvation_n salvation_n and_o therefore_o all_o the_o heathen_a all_o unbelieve_a jew_n turk_n and_o general_o all_o infidel_n whatsoever_o do_v live_v and_o die_v to_o the_o judgement_n and_o sight_n of_o man_n in_o the_o state_n of_o eternal_a damnation_n this_o the_o scripture_n witness_v in_o many_o place_n as_o namely_o 2._o thes._n 2.8_o god_n in_o the_o last_o judgement_n shall_v render_v vengeance_n to_o all_o that_o know_v not_o god_n and_o obey_v not_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o yet_o this_o sentence_n of_o damnation_n which_o the_o scripture_n pronounce_v on_o infidel_n be_v so_o to_o be_v understand_v as_o that_o we_o do_v always_o except_v the_o infinite_a power_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n who_o both_o can_v &_o as_o have_v be_v before_o touch_v do_v in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n save_o some_o and_o that_o by_o extraordinary_a mean_n unknowen_a to_o we_o where_o the_o ordinary_a way_n be_v want_v the_o second_o attribute_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n be_v this_o religion_n that_o it_o can_v never_o err_v in_o the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v all_o one_o as_o if_o we_o do_v say_v the_o catholic_a church_n never_o cease_v to_o be_v or_o with_o this_o there_o be_v continual_o in_o the_o world_n a_o number_n of_o man_n which_o serve_v the_o true_a god_n in_o jesus_n christ._n the_o truth_n of_o this_o appear_v by_o the_o story_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o in_o other_o book_n which_o show_v by_o who_o and_o in_o what_o place_n god_n have_v be_v true_o worship_v in_o every_o several_a age_n and_o no_o marvel_n for_o if_o the_o church_n shall_v cease_v to_o be_v in_o the_o world_n than_o the_o world_n itself_o shall_v have_v a_o end_n which_o be_v create_v and_o do_v continue_v chief_o for_o this_o end_n to_o wit_n to_o be_v a_o habitation_n for_o the_o church_n as_o we_o read_v 1._o cor._n 2.16_o all_o thing_n be_v you_o even_o the_o very_a world_n that_o be_v all_o thing_n do_v serve_v as_o mean_n for_o your_o good_a and_o for_o the_o work_n of_o your_o salvation_n in_o this_o sense_n the_o apostle_n say_v 1._o tim._n 3.13_o that_o the_o church_n be_v the_o pillar_n and_o firmament_n that_o be_v a_o most_o firm_a and_o sure_a pillar_n of_o truth_n to_o wit_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o the_o catholic_a church_n may_v err_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n yea_o even_o in_o those_o point_n which_o be_v weighty_a and_o be_v near_o about_o the_o foundation_n itself_o although_o it_o always_o remain_v sure_a and_o steadfast_a error_n so_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o ignorances_n and_n error_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v from_o the_o begin_n until_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n be_v both_o many_o and_o great_a as_o have_v be_v note_v before_o and_o how_o great_a error_n have_v prevail_v throughout_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o most_o of_o the_o age_n since_o that_o time_n we_o who_o live_v in_o this_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v easy_o and_o plain_o see_v yea_o we_o know_v that_o which_o the_o apostle_n say_v 1._o cor._n 13._o that_o while_n the_o faithful_a be_v in_o this_o world_n they_o see_v know_v and_o prophesy_v but_o in_o part_n and_o can_v be_v whole_o free_v from_o error_n till_o they_o see_v the_o lord_n perfect_o and_o in_o he_o all_o thing_n so_o we_o read_v levit._n 4.13_o that_o there_o be_v a_o sacrifice_n appoint_v for_o the_o expiation_n of_o the_o general_a error_n of_o the_o whole_a people_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o then_o be_v the_o whole_a visible_a church_n of_o god_n knowledge_n thirdlie_o the_o catholic_a church_n do_v continual_o increase_v in_o number_n and_o do_v consist_v of_o more_o in_o the_o latter_a age_n of_o the_o world_n then_o in_o the_o former_a for_o before_o the_o time_n of_o the_o law_n the_o lord_n be_v know_v and_o worship_v only_o of_o a_o few_o family_n or_o kindred_n but_o afterwards_o of_o a_o great_a populous_a nation_n but_o since_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n the_o church_n â—oth_v enlarge_v her_o tent_n and_o receive_v all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n likewise_o in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o gospel_n there_o be_v no_o nation_n country_n or_o city_n no_o not_o any_o one_o town_n or_o village_n which_o do_v general_o receive_v it_o but_o only_o a_o few_o here_o and_o there_o the_o rest_n remain_v in_o infidelity_n but_o in_o the_o age_n follow_v great_a nation_n general_o yea_o infinite_a multitude_n of_o people_n become_v christian_n yea_o this_o number_n shall_v continual_o increase_v until_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o gentile_n be_v come_v into_o the_o church_n whereof_o the_o apostle_n speak_v rom._n 11._o and_o then_o shall_v the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n make_v a_o notable_a addition_n to_o this_o number_n the_o cause_n of_o this_o increase_n be_v for_o that_o god_n do_v not_o reveal_v himself_o and_o his_o word_n all_o at_o once_o to_o the_o world_n but_o by_o degree_n by_o little_a and_o little_a where_o this_o may_v also_o profitable_o be_v note_v that_o as_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n so_o also_o their_o knowledge_n do_v increase_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v much_o more_o plentiful_o reveal_v in_o the_o latter_a time_n they_o be_v general_o consider_v than_o it_o be_v in_o the_o former_a as_o touch_v the_o number_n we_o know_v that_o the_o visible_a church_n by_o the_o which_o we_o may_v certain_o gather_v the_o state_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n be_v until_o the_o time_n of_o moses_n contain_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o one_o kindred_n &_o till_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n in_o one_o nation_n but_o afterward_o it_o spread_v itself_o over_o the_o whole_a world_n yea_o the_o latter_a time_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v daily_o more_o and_o more_o exceed_v the_o first_o in_o number_n of_o believer_n because_o now_o both_o the_o full_a number_n of_o the_o gentile_n and_o also_o of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n be_v to_o come_v into_o the_o church_n and_o in_o like_a manner_n the_o latter_a time_n do_v exceed_v the_o former_a in_o knowledge_n four_o the_o catholic_a church_n have_v no_o head_n or_o ruler_n here_o on_o earth_n government_n neither_o any_o external_a government_n but_o be_v order_v by_o the_o spiritual_a government_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o only_a head_n of_o it_o for_o the_o government_n and_o rule_v prescribe_v by_o god_n to_o his_o church_n have_v place_n and_o be_v put_v in_o practice_n only_o in_o particular_a church_n which_o be_v the_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n five_o the_o catholic_a church_n be_v invisible_a invisible_a for_o that_o it_o consist_v not_o only_o of_o particular_a church_n which_o be_v visible_a but_o also_o of_o particular_a man_n which_o serve_v god_n yet_o so_o as_o that_o they_o be_v not_o know_v by_o
with_o the_o multitude_n there_o come_v in_o confusion_n and_o corruption_n and_o the_o civil_a power_n be_v in_o the_o person_n of_o the_o magistrate_n join_v to_o the_o church_n do_v often_o too_o much_o abridge_v the_o use_n of_o christian_n liberty_n take_v to_o itself_o as_o it_o may_v lawful_o do_v full_a power_n in_o make_v those_o ecclesiastical_a law_n which_o belong_v general_o to_o all_o the_o church_n within_o the_o compass_n of_o it_o but_o in_o these_o church_n the_o whole_a authority_n of_o establish_v law_n order_n and_o the_o appoint_v of_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n be_v in_o the_o church_n itself_o last_o it_o be_v usual_o object_v against_o these_o private_a church_n that_o they_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o tumult_n and_o civil_a dissension_n and_o so_o consequent_o do_v breâ—d_v the_o ruin_n of_o those_o commonwealth_n and_o kingdom_n wherein_o they_o aâ—e_v tolerate_v &_o therefore_o that_o it_o be_v the_o part_n of_o wise_a ruler_n who_o tender_v the_o good_a and_o peaceable_a estate_n of_o the_o people_n not_o to_o suffer_v they_o within_o their_o dominion_n to_o this_o we_o answer_v confess_v that_o through_o the_o perverseness_n of_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n the_o which_o be_v 〈◊〉_d inflame_v with_o bitter_a enmity_n against_o god_n and_o all_o goodness_n it_o come_v often_o to_o pass_v that_o â—â—uersitie_n of_o religion_n do_v stir_v up_o great_a debate_n in_o kingdom_n city_n and_o family_n for_o this_o cause_n the_o church_n desire_v to_o be_v separate_v in_o place_n from_o the_o idolatour_n least_o thâ—y_o shall_v exasperate_v their_o mind_n against_o they_o gen._n 46.34_o exod._n 8.26_o yea_o christ_n do_v profess_v that_o this_o will_v follow_v the_o gospel_n that_o the_o father_n shall_v be_v at_o deadly_a variance_n with_o the_o son_n and_o the_o mother_n with_o the_o daughter_n and_o that_o a_o man_n near_a friend_n shall_v for_o this_o cause_n become_v his_o cruel_a enemy_n yea_o the_o bloody_a and_o tragical_a tumult_n which_o have_v of_o late_a time_n rise_v and_o continue_v upon_o this_o occasion_n in_o diverse_a place_n do_v testify_v the_o truth_n here_o of_o but_o yet_o we_o ought_v not_o therefore_o to_o banish_v the_o church_n out_o of_o our_o dominion_n for_o it_o be_v better_a to_o have_v the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n with_o war_n trouble_n and_o dissension_n than_o idolatry_n with_o quietness_n so_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o say_v with_o christ_n that_o see_v the_o gospel_n be_v even_o as_o a_o firebrand_n in_o the_o world_n what_o shall_v be_v our_o desire_n but_o that_o it_o be_v preach_v for_o although_o for_o a_o time_n it_o breed_v trouble_v yet_o in_o the_o end_n it_o will_v be_v find_v the_o only_a mean_n of_o true_a quietness_n chap._n viiii_o of_o a_o public_a church_n sect._n 1_o of_o the_o objection_n which_o be_v make_v against_o public_a church_n thus_o much_o of_o a_o private_a church_n beside_o the_o which_o there_o be_v another_o kind_n of_o a_o church_n namely_o when_o any_o whole_a city_n country_n or_o nation_n do_v general_o profess_v the_o faith_n and_o so_o become_v a_o church_n consist_v not_o of_o any_o small_a or_o mean_a number_n but_o of_o great_a multitude_n of_o people_n even_o of_o whole_a nation_n as_o we_o see_v at_o this_o day_n that_o diveâ—s_v great_a kingdom_n and_o commonwealth_n have_v receive_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n so_o that_o in_o they_o the_o church_n do_v not_o lurk_v in_o any_o family_n or_o private_a corner_n or_o be_v in_o some_o few_o place_n but_o be_v open_o public_o and_o general_o set_v up_o in_o all_o place_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o civil_a ruler_n and_o the_o common_a consent_n of_o all_o man_n this_o we_o call_v a_o public_a church_n such_o as_o we_o see_v at_o this_o day_n most_o of_o all_o the_o city_n commonwealthe_n be_v country_n and_o kingdom_n in_o euâ—ope_n to_o be_v of_o the_o which_o one_o be_v distinguish_v from_o another_o by_o have_v a_o proper_a government_n of_o the_o own_o be_v rule_v by_o the_o same_o humane_a law_n both_o civil_a and_o also_o ecclesiastical_a but_o it_o may_v be_v here_o think_v that_o these_o country_n be_v no_o true_a church_n but_o that_o there_o be_v church_n in_o they_o and_o that_o not_o all_o the_o people_n general_o but_o only_o some_o few_o of_o they_o separate_v from_o the_o rest_n be_v to_o be_v account_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n and_o that_o for_o these_o reason_n first_o because_o there_o be_v no_o such_o church_n establish_v by_o the_o apostle_n or_o record_v to_o have_v be_v in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o gospel_n second_o for_o that_o although_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a to_o god_n to_o convert_v the_o heart_n of_o all_o man_n to_o embrace_v the_o gospel_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o agreeable_a to_o his_o usual_a deal_n so_o to_o bless_v any_o nation_n as_o that_o all_o of_o they_o without_o exception_n shall_v believe_v and_o become_v faithful_a man_n three_o because_o of_o the_o great_a confusion_n and_o many_o foul_a corruption_n which_o be_v usual_o find_v in_o such_o church_n the_o which_o seldom_o or_o never_o can_v be_v bring_v to_o the_o right_a order_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n last_o because_o they_o be_v not_o call_v to_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n force_v thereunto_o by_o the_o law_n &_o edict_n of_o prince_n and_o other_o ruler_n whereunto_o we_o answer_v that_o these_o thing_n do_v not_o hinder_v these_o whole_a city_n or_o nation_n from_o be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n as_o touch_v the_o first_o we_o do_v confess_v that_o there_o weâ—e_v no_o such_o public_a and_o general_a church_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n neither_o in_o the_o age_n follow_v the_o cause_n whereof_o we_o may_v plain_o see_v to_o be_v this_o that_o then_o be_v the_o â—ime_n of_o the_o infancy_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n it_o have_v be_v but_o late_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n but_o this_o be_v the_o time_n wherein_o the_o lord_n have_v appoint_v that_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o gentile_n shall_v come_v in_o apostle_n which_o be_v the_o conversion_n of_o whole_a nation_n and_o many_o country_n yea_o the_o apostle_n witness_v that_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o jew_n shall_v be_v then_o whenas_o that_o whole_a nation_n shall_v general_o embrace_v christ_n as_o the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n rom._n 11.26_o to_o the_o second_o doubt_n we_o answer_v that_o all_o the_o people_n of_o any_o country_n may_v have_v a_o general_a faith_n whereby_o they_o do_v know_v and_o profess_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n &_o that_o their_o profession_n hereof_o although_o it_o be_v not_o effectual_a to_o their_o salvation_n yea_o although_o it_o be_v mere_o hypocritical_a they_o think_v no_o such_o thing_n yet_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v they_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n as_o touch_v the_o corruption_n which_o be_v in_o such_o church_n we_o do_v confess_v that_o it_o be_v great_a than_o either_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v it_o be_v or_o then_o be_v in_o private_a church_n where_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n be_v less_o and_o that_o they_o can_v so_o easy_o be_v bring_v to_o and_o keep_v in_o that_o holy_a order_n which_o christ_n have_v appoint_v for_o his_o church_n private_a and_o further_o that_o these_o public_a church_n so_o seldom_o attain_v to_o any_o pure_a or_o perfect_a estate_n because_o in_o they_o the_o church_n and_o the_o commonwealth_n be_v so_o join_v &_o link_v together_o the_o whole_a affair_n and_o state_n of_o the_o church_n depend_v on_o the_o civil_a estate_n that_o the_o manifold_a alteration_n whereunto_o all_o kingdom_n &_o commonwealths_n be_v subject_a do_v make_v many_o change_n in_o the_o church_n yet_o this_o do_v not_o take_v from_o they_o either_o the_o be_v or_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n for_o it_o be_v no_o strange_a thing_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v great_a confusion_n and_o more_o corruption_n in_o great_a multitude_n of_o people_n then_o in_o small_a congregation_n for_o so_o we_o see_v even_o in_o the_o first_o congregation_n of_o christians_n which_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o do_v govern_v that_o when_o the_o number_n of_o disciple_n do_v increase_v than_o there_o be_v murmur_v among_o they_o and_o so_o even_o this_o private_a church_n do_v tend_v to_o some_o confusion_n act._n 6.1_o yea_o this_o thing_n have_v long_o ago_o be_v observe_v to_o have_v be_v continual_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n the_o which_o as_o long_o as_o it_o be_v in_o persecution_n do_v flourish_v not_o in_o the_o number_n so_o much_o as_o in_o the_o time_n of_o peace_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v far_o better_a order_v godliness_n love_n and_o virtue_n do_v
be_v call_v the_o visible_a church_n by_o relation_n have_v to_o the_o catholic_a church_n the_o which_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o disperse_a member_n of_o it_o be_v invisible_a as_o have_v be_v declare_v whenas_o every_o particular_a church_n yea_o even_o private_a church_n and_o so_o consequent_o the_o visible_a church_n consist_v thereof_o do_v make_v a_o public_a profession_n of_o the_o faith_n this_o visible_a church_n do_v continual_o existe_v in_o the_o world_n forsomuch_o as_o god_n have_v appoint_v that_o his_o name_n shall_v continual_o as_o long_o as_o the_o world_n endure_v be_v call_v upon_o and_o worship_v in_o one_o place_n or_o other_o as_o the_o story_n of_o the_o ch._n do_v witness_n we_o confess_v that_o it_o have_v often_o lurck_v in_o secret_a place_n and_o often_o be_v so_o over-shadowed_a with_o error_n superstition_n and_o idolatry_n that_o it_o can_v hardly_o be_v discern_v and_o so_o have_v be_v even_o as_o the_o sun_n be_v in_o the_o eclipse_n yet_o never_o whole_o take_v away_o for_o whenas_o there_o be_v but_o one_o particular_a ch._n in_o the_o world_n yea_o this_o particular_a church_n be_v not_o public_a but_o private_a within_o one_o man_n family_n and_o secret_a lurk_v in_o a_o corner_n so_o that_o they_o who_o live_v at_o that_o time_n or_o in_o the_o age_n follow_v can_v not_o define_v where_o the_o church_n be_v at_o such_o a_o time_n yet_o that_o church_n make_v the_o visible_a church_n for_o their_o profession_n be_v visible_a and_o open_a among_o themselves_o and_o also_o to_o other_o although_o it_o be_v not_o see_v at_o that_o instant_n for_o a_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o actual_o see_v may_v be_v visible_a second_o this_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o world_n before_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o visible_a ch._n do_v often_o consist_v of_o one_o only_a particular_a church_n there_o be_v no_o more_o in_o the_o world_n but_o since_o the_o publish_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o have_v hitherto_o &_o shall_v always_o consist_v of_o many_o last_o as_o touch_v the_o place_n of_o this_o visible_a ch._n although_o it_o be_v not_o tie_v to_o any_o certain_a place_n yet_o it_o have_v always_o be_v chief_o in_o some_o one_o part_n of_o the_o world_n so_o we_o know_v that_o first_o it_o be_v whole_o in_o the_o east_n part_n in_o the_o country_n of_o mesopotania_fw-la syria_n jury_n and_o other_o adjoin_v unto_o these_o afterward_o in_o the_o first_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v chief_o in_o asia_n and_o in_o these_o last_o age_n place_n we_o see_v that_o it_o have_v be_v almost_o whole_o in_o europe_n and_o whether_o god_n will_v change_v the_o dwell_a place_n of_o it_o again_o or_o no_o &_o even_o transport_v it_o to_o the_o four_o part_n of_o the_o world_n late_o find_v out_o or_o to_o any_o other_o place_n it_o be_v know_v to_o himself_o only_o diverse_a â—ther_n point_n shall_v be_v add_v for_o the_o full_a declaration_n of_o â—he_n nature_n and_o state_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n but_o many_o of_o they_o aâ—â—_n common_a with_o the_o catholic_a church_n and_o therefore_o be_v handle_v in_o the_o first_o chapter_n where_o they_o may_v be_v consider_v the_o rest_n we_o cut_v off_o for_o brevity_n sake_n because_o this_o treatise_n be_v already_o grow_v beyond_o our_o purpose_n and_o expectation_n so_o then_o to_o conclude_v if_o to_o this_o visible_a church_n we_o do_v add_v the_o disperse_a member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n we_o have_v the_o catholic_a church_n and_o so_o the_o end_n of_o this_o treatise_n be_v bring_v to_o the_o beginning_n finis_fw-la why_o the_o people_n desire_v a_o alteration_n of_o the_o state_n the_o occasion_n of_o this_o alteration_n magistracy_n god_n ordinance_n the_o church_n have_v never_o be_v without_o magistracy_n how_o god_n erect_v magistracy_n among_o infidel_n why_o god_n appoint_v magistracy_n in_o what_o respect_n the_o magistrate_n bear_v the_o image_n of_o god_n the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n a_o type_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n how_o god_n be_v the_o king_n of_o israel_n the_o judicial_a law_n in_o part_n abrogate_a by_o the_o erect_n of_o this_o kingdom_n god_n put_v from_o his_o kingdom_n what_o authority_n the_o people_n have_v before_o the_o time_n of_o the_o king_n no_o authority_n in_o israel_n but_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o king_n the_o king_n to_o his_o subject_n as_o a_o father_n to_o his_o child_n the_o prophet_n never_o reprove_v the_o people_n for_o not_o resist_v the_o idolatrous_a king_n unlawful_a to_o use_v violemee_n against_o the_o king_n in_o the_o maintenance_n of_o religion_n the_o people_n can_v not_o resume_v their_o liberty_n give_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o king_n it_o belong_v not_o to_o the_o people_n but_o to_o god_n to_o nominate_v the_o king_n saul_n remain_v the_o lawful_a king_n of_o israel_n after_o that_o david_n be_v anoint_v and_o appoint_v to_o the_o kingdom_n the_o rebellion_n of_o jeroboam_fw-la &_o of_o the_o ten_o tribe_n unlawful_a hazael_n rebellion_n foretell_v by_o god_n but_o not_o permit_v god_n will_v not_o take_v the_o kingdom_n from_o david_n posterity_n the_o kingdom_n so_o annex_v to_o the_o house_n of_o david_n that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v take_v from_o it_o god_n never_o approve_v any_o conspiracy_n make_v against_o any_o of_o the_o king_n with_o what_o weapon_n this_o people_n may_v fight_v against_o their_o king_n why_o absolute_a monarchy_n be_v more_o in_o use_n in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o world_n the_o government_n of_o the_o king_n compare_v with_o the_o former_a ecclesiastical_a person_n subject_a to_o the_o authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o king_n god_n defer_v the_o build_n of_o the_o temple_n till_o that_o the_o kingdom_n be_v erect_v the_o church_n with_o the_o common_a wealth_n make_v but_o one_o body_n resist_v of_o wicked_a king_n weaken_v the_o authority_n of_o good_a king_n ecclesiastical_a constitution_n make_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o king_n the_o king_n exempt_v from_o the_o judicial_a law_n great_a power_n bring_v with_o it_o great_a majesty_n the_o divine_a original_n of_o this_o kingdom_n make_v it_o majestical_a the_o anoint_v of_o these_o king_n signify_v the_o holiness_n of_o their_o person_n and_o function_n long_o continuance_n of_o hereditary_a succession_n make_v this_o kingdom_n strong_a and_o majestical_a what_o make_v the_o government_n of_o the_o judge_n to_o be_v contemn_v the_o stateliness_n of_o this_o kingdom_n in_o the_o day_n of_o solomon_n the_o majesty_n of_o this_o kingdom_n increase_v and_o decrease_v as_o do_v the_o sincerity_n of_o religion_n the_o king_n may_v lawful_o exact_v of_o the_o people_n not_o only_o for_o necessary_a use_n but_o for_o pomp_n &_o pleasure_n a_o absolute_a monarchy_n be_v a_o chargeable_a and_o costly_a government_n the_o people_n have_v this_o government_n in_o great_a reverence_n and_o estimation_n this_o kingdom_n stand_v yet_o in_o christ._n the_o people_n account_v the_o king_n better_o than_o ten_o thousand_o of_o themselves_o this_o government_n do_v more_o resemble_v the_o authority_n of_o god_n than_o any_o other_o kind_n do_v why_o god_n be_v offend_v with_o the_o people_n ask_v a_o king_n god_n do_v always_o like_o this_o government_n and_o purpose_n to_o establish_v it_o god_n the_o author_n of_o kingdom_n and_o the_o setter_n up_o of_o king_n the_o king_n hold_v his_o kingdom_n as_o from_o god_n and_o be_v subject_a to_o his_o will_n and_o word_n this_o example_n of_o samuel_n teach_v the_o people_n the_o state_n of_o the_o kingdom_n be_v to_o be_v follow_v by_o the_o minister_n of_o god_n word_n nothing_o better_o beseem_v christian_n then_o due_a subjection_n to_o magistrate_n a_o compendious_a abstract_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n care_v to_o be_v have_v of_o posterity_n alteration_n of_o government_n in_o any_o common_a wealth_n troublesome_a and_o dangerous_a the_o word_n catholic_a not_o use_v in_o the_o scripture_n the_o catholic_a church_n be_v twice_o contain_v in_o one_o family_n the_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n make_v one_o a_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n infant_n be_v member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n hypocritical_a professor_n be_v member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n excommunication_n do_v not_o separate_v from_o the_o catholic_a but_o only_o from_o the_o visible_a church_n heretic_n as_o arian_n and_o papist_n be_v to_o be_v count_v member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n the_o papist_n hold_v the_o foundation_n of_o christian_a religion_n whole_a church_n have_v hold_v grievous_a error_n the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n before_o the_o come_n of_o christ._n faith_n and_o fundamental_a error_n together_o the_o same_o error_n more_o pernicious_a at_o one_o time_n they_o at_o another_o great_a hope_n of_o the_o salvation_n of_o a_o ignorant_a then_o of_o a_o learned_a
govern_v pag._n 141_o chapter_n 11_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n pag._n 143_o we_o pray_v thou_o good_a reader_n to_o turn_v hither_o when_o thou_o meet_v with_o any_o stay_n and_o to_o read_v those_o place_n as_o they_o be_v here_o set_v down_o our_o desire_n be_v that_o thou_o shall_v be_v ease_v of_o this_o trouble_n as_o thou_o may_v perceive_v but_o now_o we_o must_v desire_v thou_o to_o take_v it_o in_o good_a part_n farewell_o in_o the_o former_a treatise_n pag._n 14._o li._n 4._o who_o answer_v pag._n 18.9_o necessity_n the_o glory_n pag._n 19.1_o in_o his_o church_n pag._n 39.2_o against_o who_o and_o when_o he_o pag._n 59.2_o dutiful_o obey_v pag._n 65.13_o that_o he_o speak_v pag._n 70.26_o contempt_n and_o in_o the_o latter_a treatise_n pa._n 2.17_o of_o a_o particular_a ch_n p._n 18.6_o arian_n do_v therefore_o p._n 28.4_o baalam_n all_o of_o they_o p._n 33.15_o of_o multitude_n p._n 38.32_o he_o call_v p._n 24.23_o into_o those_o infinite_a p._n 40.34_o in_o that_o the_o p._n 54.23_o the_o sunâ—e_n of_o p._n 39.25_o a_o extraordinary_a p._n 45.23_o of_o the_o receiver_n &_o 27._o the_o other_o give_v p._n 49.32_o at_o the_o same_o time_n p._n 50.34_o perfect_o set_v down_o p._n 59.35_o the_o ch._n be_v bind_v p._n 62.23_o the_o direction_n p._n 79.28_o as_o their_o gift_n p._n 82.2_o church_n then_o in_o p._n 89.15_o so_o perfect_a a_o state_n p._n 90_o 30._o affectation_n p._n 94.22_o church_n of_o arian_n p._n 95.22_o which_o in_o all_o p._n 103.25_o which_o be_v p._n 104.10_o in_o number_n p._n 129.25_o all_o mean_n p._n 56.5_o yea_o far_o above_o p._n 86.19_o profess_v the_o faith_n p._n 130.26_o of_o the_o spirit_n p._n 131.29_o national_a &_o go_v p._n 134.13_o bind_v that_o one_o p._n 138.1_o for_o in_o public_a p._n 142.7_o and_o order_v p._n 10.13_o to_o be_v aliante_n p._n 24.23_o into_o those_o infinite_a p._n 40.34_o first_o which_o will_v p._n â—2_n 13._o in_o his_o apology_n p._n 66.36_o of_o judaical_a p._n 65.16_o of_o less_o moment_n p._n 82.2_o church_n then_o in_o p._n 97.1_o a_o private_a church_n p._n 98.24_o more_o than_o one_o p._n 106.6_o the_o favour_n p._n 112.23_o they_o have_v a_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o treatise_n we_o take_v out_o of_o the_o first_o book_n of_o samuel_n the_o 10._o chapter_n the_o 25._o verse_n where_o it_o be_v thus_o write_v and_o samuel_n speak_v unto_o the_o people_n the_o judgement_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o write_v in_o a_o book_n and_o lay_v it_o before_o the_o face_n of_o the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n it_o please_v god_n in_o mercy_n to_o choose_v out_o of_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o people_n of_o israel_n to_o be_v a_o peculiar_a people_n unto_o himself_o on_o who_o he_o will_v set_v his_o whole_a affection_n and_o pour_v forth_o the_o full_a treasure_n of_o his_o blessing_n both_o spiritual_a to_o wit_n his_o covenant_n and_o his_o promise_n his_o word_n and_o his_o church_n his_o worship_n and_o his_o visible_a presence_n yea_o which_o be_v all_o in_o all_o his_o own_o only_a son_n the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n and_o with_o he_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o also_o temporal_a as_o namely_o continual_a deliverance_n from_o all_o danger_n in_o egypt_n in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o in_o the_o land_n of_o chanaan_n a_o fruitful_a land_n to_o dwell_v in_o wise_a and_o puissant_a judge_n to_o govern_v they_o and_o to_o save_v they_o out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o all_o enemy_n from_o moses_n to_o samuel_n but_o this_o people_n be_v a_o unfaithful_a that_o be_v to_o say_v a_o ungracious_a people_n and_o do_v neither_o worthy_o esteem_n nor_o careful_o keep_v the_o blessing_n bestow_v upon_o they_o but_o as_o they_o be_v in_o nature_n and_o condition_n state_n so_o they_o do_v affect_v to_o be_v in_o all_o other_o respect_n like_v unto_o the_o profane_a nation_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o therefore_o they_o change_v both_o the_o civil_a and_o also_o the_o ecclesiastical_a state_n appoint_v by_o god_n insomuch_o that_o for_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n they_o do_v often_o take_v unto_o themselves_o the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o heathen_a and_o in_o steed_n of_o the_o judge_n by_o who_o they_o have_v be_v govern_v now_o 400._o year_n they_o will_v needs_o have_v a_o king_n set_v over_o they_o as_o other_o nation_n have_v the_o which_o desire_v although_o it_o be_v great_o displease_v in_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n and_o of_o samuel_n yet_o by_o the_o importunity_n of_o the_o people_n it_o be_v obtain_v insomuch_o that_o in_o steed_n of_o the_o son_n of_o samuel_n who_o govern_v the_o land_n in_o their_o father_n age_n saul_n in_o son_n of_o cis_n be_v anoint_v king_n of_o israel_n this_o change_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n be_v make_v it_o do_v of_o necessity_n follow_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o change_n of_o the_o law_n also_o by_o the_o which_o the_o people_n be_v govern_v according_a to_o that_o which_o be_v common_o say_v new_a lord_n must_v have_v new_a law_n for_o although_o they_o take_v the_o occasion_n of_o this_o alteration_n alteration_n at_o the_o personal_a fault_n of_o the_o son_n of_o samuel_n yet_o they_o change_v not_o only_o the_o governor_n but_o also_o the_o government_n itself_o and_o bring_v in_o a_o other_o kind_n of_o government_n far_o different_a from_o that_o which_o be_v before_o in_o force_n and_o therefore_o require_v new_a law_n whereupon_o to_o stand_v yea_o the_o process_n of_o this_o treatise_n will_v in_o part_n declare_v that_o the_o difference_n betwixt_o these_o two_o governmente_n the_o one_o of_o the_o judge_n and_o the_o other_o of_o the_o king_n be_v so_o great_a that_o the_o law_n of_o the_o one_o estate_n can_v no_o more_o agree_v to_o the_o other_o than_o the_o furniture_n of_o a_o mighty_a giant_n will_v serve_v a_o child_n or_o the_o base_a apparel_n of_o a_o mean_a man_n beseem_v a_o stately_a prince_n in_o consideration_n whereof_o samuel_n or_o rather_o god_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o samuel_n as_o he_o have_v give_v to_o the_o people_n a_o king_n so_o in_o the_o next_o place_n he_o give_v unto_o they_o the_o state_n of_o a_o kingdom_n and_o that_o by_o establish_v those_o order_n and_o law_n according_a to_o the_o which_o both_o the_o king_n shall_v rule_v and_o the_o people_n obey_v not_o that_o he_o do_v prescribe_v unto_o they_o any_o new_a judicial_a law_n but_o only_o he_o make_v the_o fundamental_a law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n the_o which_o be_v here_o call_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o kingdom_n that_o be_v the_o very_a nature_n condition_n and_o manner_n of_o this_o new_a government_n the_o proper_a law_n of_o it_o and_o as_o it_o be_v the_o very_a mark_n by_o the_o which_o it_o may_v be_v judge_v that_o be_v know_v in_o itself_o and_o distinguish_v from_o all_o other_o kind_n of_o government_n for_o so_o the_o word_n here_o use_v do_v signify_v in_o many_o place_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o namely_o 2._o king_n 1.7_o where_o achasia_n ask_v his_o messenger_n what_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o man_n who_o they_o say_v to_o be_v elias_n that_o be_v what_o be_v his_o behaviour_n his_o apparel_n his_o countenance_n and_o as_o we_o do_v usual_o say_v what_o manner_n of_o man_n be_v he_o so_o here_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o kingdom_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v likewise_o by_o the_o face_n of_o god_n here_o be_v mean_v the_o place_n of_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n to_o wit_n the_o tabernacle_n wherein_o god_n be_v worship_v or_o more_o special_o the_o ark_n with_o the_o propitiatory_a which_o be_v a_o visible_a sign_n of_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n thus_o much_o of_o the_o occasion_n and_o meaning_n of_o these_o word_n which_o we_o may_v handle_v in_o this_o order_n that_o first_o we_o speak_v of_o that_o which_o be_v here_o call_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o kingdom_n which_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o and_o in_o the_o second_o place_n consider_v the_o action_n of_o samuel_n mention_v in_o the_o text_n the_o which_o be_v three_o in_o number_n the_o first_o be_v that_o he_o speak_v this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o kingdom_n to_o the_o people_n the_o second_o that_o he_o write_v it_o in_o a_o book_n the_o third_o be_v that_o he_o lay_v the_o book_n before_o the_o lord_n of_o these_o in_o order_n sect._n ii_o but_o before_o we_o come_v to_o the_o special_a doctrine_n of_o this_o kingdom_n it_o will_v not_o be_v either_o unprofitable_a or_o impertinent_a if_o we_o do_v brief_o consider_v the_o genenerall_a doctrine_n of_o magistracy_n the_o which_o as_o it_o be_v worthy_a diligent_o to_o be_v handle_v and_o commend_v to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n so_o it_o will_v give_v great_a light_n to_o this_o whole_a treatise_n follow_v magistracy_n therefore_o be_v not_o a_o mere_a devise_n of_o
from_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o people_n of_o state_n and_o commonwealthe_n the_o ground_n square_a and_o end_n of_o all_o good_a policy_n carry_v with_o it_o such_o a_o fair_a show_n of_o equity_n and_o necessity_n that_o like_a unto_o a_o violent_a stream_n it_o have_v carry_v many_o headlong_a in_o heat_n to_o condemn_v and_o reject_v utter_o these_o absolute_a monarchy_n as_o tyrannical_a and_o barbarous_a kind_n of_o government_n pernicious_a to_o man_n yea_o altogether_o unlawful_a and_o unmeete_a for_o the_o church_n of_o god_n but_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v deceive_v by_o any_o appearance_n or_o pretence_n whatsoever_o or_o in_o respect_n of_o any_o inconvenience_n although_o never_o so_o great_a to_o judge_v that_o to_o be_v unlawful_a and_o profane_a which_o god_n by_o establish_v it_o in_o his_o church_n have_v show_v to_o be_v holy_a and_o lawful_a but_o for_o the_o further_o resolve_v of_o this_o question_n it_o be_v requisite_a that_o we_o again_o put_v you_o in_o mind_n that_o we_o do_v not_o here_o speak_v either_o what_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o state_n of_o all_o kingdom_n in_o this_o behalf_n or_o that_o this_o be_v the_o best_a kind_n of_o government_n but_o only_o do_v show_v what_o be_v the_o state_n of_o this_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n in_o the_o which_o it_o seem_v that_o the_o whole_a power_n of_o rule_v the_o land_n be_v give_v by_o god_n and_o by_o the_o people_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o king_n without_o any_o exception_n whatsoever_o insomuch_o that_o the_o people_n do_v not_o reserve_v to_o themselves_o any_o power_n whereby_o they_o may_v lawful_o resist_v his_o authority_n or_o oppose_v themselves_o to_o his_o proceed_n although_o unlawful_a and_o unjust_a much_o less_o take_v from_o he_o the_o kingdom_n or_o to_o offer_v any_o manner_n of_o violence_n unto_o his_o person_n for_o the_o authority_n of_o this_o king_n over_o his_o people_n be_v no_o less_o than_o be_v the_o authority_n of_o a_o father_n in_o his_o family_n in_o respect_n of_o his_o child_n child_n who_o if_o he_o do_v injurious_o entreat_v any_o of_o they_o or_o not_o careful_o keep_v his_o own_o good_n or_o live_v any_o way_n disorderly_a it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o his_o child_n if_o not_o with_o silence_n to_o suffer_v it_o yet_o with_o great_a modesty_n to_o admonish_v he_o of_o it_o but_o if_o they_o shall_v join_v themselves_o together_o and_o offer_v any_o violence_n unto_o he_o especial_o if_o they_o shall_v throw_v he_o out_o of_o his_o house_n all_o man_n will_v count_v they_o rebellious_a and_o ungracious_a child_n but_o if_o they_o shall_v take_v his_o life_n from_o he_o they_o be_v to_o be_v esteem_v notorious_o wicked_a you_o rather_o as_o monster_n worthy_a to_o be_v abhor_v of_o all_o man_n so_o it_o seem_v that_o the_o state_n of_o this_o kingdom_n be_v such_o as_o that_o no_o subject_n of_o what_o place_n soever_o no_o not_o the_o whole_a people_n joint_o can_v lawful_o use_v any_o violence_n against_o the_o king_n person_n or_o proceed_n and_o that_o the_o king_n may_v although_o not_o lawful_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n of_o man_n or_o of_o nature_n yet_o safe_o and_o free_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o subject_n do_v whatsoever_o please_v he_o according_a as_o jacob_n foretell_v gen._n 49.9_o that_o juda_n the_o king_n of_o his_o brethren_n shall_v be_v as_o the_o great_a lion_n who_o when_o he_o lay_v himself_o down_o who_o shall_v raise_v he_o uppe_o or_o disquiet_v he_o the_o truth_n hereof_o appear_v in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o the_o story_n of_o the_o king_n who_o praesume_v upon_o this_o whole_a and_o undevided_a authority_n do_v never_o fear_v or_o doubt_v to_o do_v whatsoever_o they_o list_v without_o ask_v leave_n either_o at_o noble_n elder_n or_o people_n hence_o come_v that_o foolish_a and_o tyrannical_a answer_n which_o rehoboan_n make_v to_o the_o people_n threaten_v they_o 1._o king_n 12.12_o in_o this_o manner_n my_o least_o part_n shall_v be_v heavy_a than_o my_o father_n loin_n whereby_o he_o mean_v that_o he_o will_v increase_v those_o heavy_a burden_n of_o tribute_n which_o his_o father_n have_v lay_v upon_o they_o for_o but_o that_o he_o know_v very_o well_o the_o state_n of_o his_o kingdom_n to_o be_v such_o as_o that_o he_o may_v both_o say_v and_o do_v what_o he_o list_v without_o controlment_n he_o have_v be_v more_o than_o mad_a to_o make_v such_o a_o answer_n and_o hence_o it_o come_v that_o the_o idolatrous_a king_n do_v never_o stick_v by_o their_o sole_a authority_n to_o set_v up_o open_a idolatry_n not_o once_o mind_v who_o will_v be_v offend_v therewith_o and_o likewise_o the_o continual_a practice_n of_o the_o people_n do_v declare_v that_o they_o do_v not_o violent_o oppose_v themselves_o to_o the_o do_n either_o of_o the_o good_a or_o of_o the_o wicked_a king_n but_o suffer_v religion_n to_o stand_v and_o fall_v according_a to_o their_o pleasure_n yea_o the_o deal_n of_o god_n himself_o do_v prove_v the_o same_o who_o when_o he_o purpose_v to_o preserve_v david_n against_o the_o fury_n of_o saul_n will_v never_o suffer_v he_o to_o oppose_v ceila_n or_o any_o other_o of_o saules_n â—_z against_o he_o but_o make_v he_o fly_v first_o into_o the_o mountain_n and_o desert_n and_o afterwards_o out_o of_o the_o land_n to_o the_o philistine_n yea_o david_n although_o he_o be_v appoint_v by_o the_o express_a word_n of_o god_n to_o succee_v saul_n in_o the_o kingdom_n yet_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o lay_v violent_a hand_n upon_o he_o that_o as_o we_o read_v 1._o sam._n 24.6_o his_o heart_n smite_v he_o that_o be_v his_o conscience_n do_v accuse_v he_o that_o he_o have_v behave_v himself_o disloyal_o against_o the_o king_n in_o that_o he_o have_v offer_v violence_n to_o the_o king_n garment_n because_o that_o be_v as_o a_o threaten_n of_o death_n unto_o he_o and_o a_o great_a disgrace_n yea_o further_o we_o do_v not_o read_v that_o god_n do_v ever_o by_o any_o of_o his_o prophet_n stir_v up_o the_o people_n to_o maintain_v his_o true_a worship_n by_o violence_n against_o the_o king_n king_n or_o ever_o reprove_v they_o because_o they_o have_v suffer_v they_o to_o set_v uppe_o idolatry_n which_o be_v a_o evident_a proof_n of_o this_o point_n for_o if_o it_o have_v be_v lawful_a to_o resist_v in_o any_o case_n then_o sure_o in_o the_o maintenance_n of_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o glory_n but_o hereof_o there_o be_v a_o great_a question_n make_v for_o although_o this_o king_n have_v power_n in_o civil_a matter_n to_o do_v not_o only_o right_a &_o justice_n without_o the_o help_n of_o any_o other_o power_n but_o also_o wrong_a without_o resistance_n shall_v we_o therefore_o give_v unto_o he_o this_o power_n in_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n that_o he_o may_v deface_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n at_o his_o pleasure_n it_o may_v seem_v much_o better_a that_o not_o only_a king_n shall_v be_v throw_v down_o from_o their_o throne_n but_o also_o that_o heaven_n and_o earth_n shall_v go_v together_o then_o that_o god_n shall_v be_v dishonour_v and_o detestable_a idolatry_n erect_v we_o confess_v that_o it_o be_v a_o most_o fearful_a thing_n that_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n who_o have_v his_o authority_n from_o god_n shall_v use_v the_o same_o to_o dishonour_n god_n and_o thrust_v not_o only_a man_n out_o of_o their_o house_n &_o land_n but_o also_o the_o great_a god_n of_o heaven_n &_o earth_n out_o of_o his_o temple_n and_o church_n yea_o in_o truth_n in_o some_o sort_n out_o of_o the_o world_n for_o god_n have_v tie_v his_o visible_a church_n to_o this_o land_n and_o therefore_o we_o answer_v that_o as_o it_o be_v usual_o say_v si_fw-mi ius_fw-la violandum_fw-la regni_fw-la causâ_fw-la violandum_fw-la so_o si_fw-mi ius_fw-la regni_fw-la sit_fw-la violandum_fw-la religionis_fw-la causa_fw-la est_fw-la violandum_fw-la that_o if_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n for_o any_o cause_n to_o resist_v their_o lawful_a king_n religion_n it_o be_v lawful_a in_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o god_n glory_n but_o as_o have_v be_v say_v it_o seem_v that_o the_o state_n of_o this_o kingdom_n will_v not_o bear_v any_o resistance_n no_o not_o in_o this_o case_n much_o less_o in_o any_o other_o no_o man_n yea_o no_o company_n of_o man_n can_v for_o any_o offence_n commit_v by_o the_o king_n either_o against_o god_n or_o man_n the_o first_o or_o second_o table_n call_v he_o to_o account_v summon_v he_o to_o appear_v in_o judgement_n or_o use_v any_o manner_n of_o violence_n either_o in_o word_n or_o deed_n against_o he_o now_o we_o be_v to_o answer_v those_o thing_n which_o may_v be_v object_v against_o this_o assertion_n sect._n vi._n first_o it_o may_v seem_v agreeable_a to_o reason_n that_o
careful_a to_o serve_v he_o to_o set_v forth_o his_o glory_n and_o to_o build_v his_o church_n as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v last_o to_o conclude_v this_o whole_a treatise_n we_o learn_v by_o these_o two_o last_o action_n that_o as_o samuel_n howsoever_o he_o do_v great_o mislike_v the_o alteration_n of_o the_o former_a state_n and_o the_o set_n up_o of_o this_o new_a government_n yet_o whenas_o it_o be_v once_o by_o the_o permission_n of_o god_n and_o the_o importunity_n of_o the_o people_n establish_v he_o do_v labour_n that_o it_o shall_v continue_v for_o ever_o for_o the_o which_o purpose_n he_o do_v both_o write_v the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o in_o a_o book_n and_o also_o lay_v the_o say_a book_n before_o the_o lord_n so_o we_o do_v labour_n to_o continue_v that_o government_n which_o be_v in_o force_n in_o that_o place_n or_o country_n where_o we_o live_v although_o we_o do_v perhaps_o imagine_v yea_o &_o persuade_v ourselves_o that_o we_o can_v find_v out_o a_o better_a form_n of_o government_n dangerous_a &_o which_o shall_v be_v void_a of_o those_o in_o convenience_n which_o we_o see_v in_o the_o present_a state_n for_o as_o the_o wise_a man_n of_o this_o world_n teach_v we_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o troublesome_a dangerous_a yea_o pernicious_a to_o any_o people_n than_o the_o alteration_n of_o the_o form_n of_o government_n which_o be_v in_o force_n and_o as_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n speak_v in_o the_o scripture_n noâ—â—ing_n be_v more_o heinous_a &_o odious_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o man_n then_o to_o seek_v the_o subversion_n of_o magistrate_n state_n and_o kingdom_n finis_fw-la print_a at_o london_n for_o robert_n dexter_n 1596._o chap._n i._o of_o the_o catholic_a church_n sect._n 1_o of_o the_o name_n and_o definition_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n the_o church_n whereof_o we_o be_v now_o to_o entreat_v in_o greek_n and_o latin_n be_v call_v ecclesia_fw-la the_o which_o word_n be_v diverse_o take_v in_o the_o scripture_n for_o in_o the_o natural_a acception_n it_o do_v general_o signify_v any_o assembly_n of_o man_n meet_v about_o any_o matter_n as_o we_o may_v see_v act._n 19.39_o but_o for_o somuch_o as_o the_o scripture_n do_v only_o by_o occasion_n make_v mention_n of_o civil_a meeting_n therefore_o it_o do_v for_o the_o most_o part_n signify_v a_o holy_a assembly_n of_o man_n meet_v about_o holy_a and_o divine_a matter_n whereof_o the_o book_n of_o god_n do_v whole_o and_o of_o set_a purpose_n entreat_v yea_o in_o this_o second_o sense_n it_o be_v diverse_o use_v first_o for_o the_o triumphant_a church_n of_o the_o state_n whereof_o we_o do_v not_o speak_v any_o thing_n in_o this_o treatise_n because_o it_o be_v neither_o needful_a nor_o yet_o possible_a for_o we_o to_o know_v it_o and_o therefore_o not_o lawful_a to_o labour_v in_o the_o curious_a search_n of_o it_o it_o be_v not_o reveal_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n second_o the_o word_n ecclesia_fw-la be_v use_v to_o signify_v the_o church_n militant_a wherein_o we_o be_v now_o conversant_a and_o therefore_o it_o do_v great_o belong_v unto_o we_o to_o know_v the_o state_n of_o it_o because_o god_n have_v appoint_v it_o to_o be_v the_o way_n whereby_o we_o must_v pass_v to_o the_o triumphant_a church_n in_o this_o sense_n we_o do_v here_o entreat_v of_o the_o church_n and_o last_o even_o in_o this_o three_o sense_n the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n be_v diverse_o use_v to_o wit_n first_o for_o the_o whole_a church_n here_o on_o earth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o all_o those_o place_n where_o it_o be_v put_v for_o all_o the_o faithful_a people_n in_o the_o world_n as_o namely_o 1._o cor._n 10.32_o give_v no_o offence_n neither_o to_o the_o jew_n or_o gentile_n nor_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n that_o be_v to_o none_o that_o believe_v second_o for_o the_o whole_a visible_a church_n as_o we_o read_v 1._o cor._n 12.28_o god_n have_v put_v in_o his_o church_n apostles_n prophet_n pastor_n doctor_n for_o although_o neither_o the_o catholic_a nor_o yet_o the_o visible_a church_n do_v come_v together_o in_o one_o place_n yet_o because_o all_o the_o member_n of_o they_o both_o be_v join_v together_o in_o the_o bond_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o in_o the_o unity_n of_o faith_n the_o word_n ecclesia_fw-la be_v proper_o give_v unto_o they_o last_o it_o signify_v a_o particular_a church_n which_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o whole_a as_o the_o church_n at_o corinth_n or_o any_o other_o mention_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o in_o the_o first_o place_n we_o be_v to_o speak_v not_o of_o the_o particular_a church_n but_o of_o the_o whole_a church_n here_o on_o earth_n which_o be_v usual_o call_v the_o church_n militant_a because_o it_o fight_v against_o the_o enemy_n of_o our_o salvation_n to_o wit_n this_o present_a world_n sin_n sathan_n and_o his_o manifold_a temptation_n it_o be_v also_o call_v although_o not_o in_o the_o scripture_n the_o catholic_a church_n scripture_n the_o word_n catholic_a be_v most_o common_o oppose_v to_o heretical_a and_o attribute_v to_o that_o man_n or_o church_n which_o do_v hold_v the_o sincere_a doctrine_n of_o religion_n without_o any_o great_a error_n especial_o by_o they_o who_o do_v false_o imagine_v and_o teach_v that_o the_o great_a part_n be_v always_o the_o sound_a and_o more_o sincere_a in_o doctrine_n but_o here_o we_o use_v it_o in_o the_o proper_a and_o natural_a sense_n to_o signify_v the_o whole_a universal_a church_n which_o be_v thus_o define_v the_o catholic_a church_n be_v the_o whole_a number_n of_o those_o man_n who_o in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o world_n serve_v the_o true_a god_n in_o jesus_n christ._n in_o this_o definition_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v and_o explain_v diverse_a point_n sect._n 2._o of_o the_o place_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n and_o first_o of_o the_o place_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n it_o be_v not_o any_o one_o town_n city_n province_n nation_n or_o kingdom_n whatsoever_o but_o the_o whole_a world_n 1._o cor._n 1_o 1._o in_o every_o part_n whereof_o god_n have_v some_o that_o serve_v he_o because_o he_o will_v have_v no_o part_n whole_o either_o shut_v out_o from_o the_o participation_n of_o his_o mercy_n or_o leave_v without_o excuse_n or_o yet_o destitute_a of_o his_o presence_n as_o if_o he_o be_v thrust_v clean_o out_o from_o the_o possession_n of_o it_o the_o truth_n whereof_o appear_v in_o the_o scripture_n which_o show_v that_o howsoever_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o the_o open_a profession_n of_o religion_n be_v till_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n shut_v up_o within_o one_o family_n kindred_n or_o country_n yet_o that_o god_n be_v both_o know_v and_o serve_v by_o some_o in_o other_o place_n even_o in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o world_n so_o we_o read_v act_n 2._o that_o there_o be_v man_n of_o all_o the_o nation_n under_o heaven_n which_o fear_v god_n and_o there_o a_o particular_a enumeration_n be_v make_v of_o they_o parthian_n mede_n elamite_n the_o inhabitant_n of_o mesopotamia_n of_o judea_n cappadocia_n pontus_n asia_n phrygia_n and_o pamphilia_n egypt_n lybia_n cyrene_n rome_n creta_n and_o arabia_n so_o christ_n give_v commission_n to_o his_o apostle_n mark_n 16.15_o to_o preach_v to_o all_o nation_n in_o the_o world_n and_o according_o paul_n witness_v that_o the_o gospel_n be_v spread_v into_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o do_v daily_o fructify_v and_o increase_v coll._n 1.6_o likewise_o peter_n do_v observe_v this_o point_n of_o the_o universality_n of_o the_o church_n act._n 10.34.35_o in_o cornelius_n say_v i_o perceive_v of_o a_o truth_n that_o god_n do_v not_o regard_v person_n that_o be_v that_o he_o do_v not_o tie_v himself_o to_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n or_o to_o any_o other_o but_o that_o in_o every_o nation_n he_o that_o fear_v god_n be_v accept_v of_o he_o so_o act._n 13.17_o yet_o this_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o whenas_o all_o the_o people_n of_o the_o world_n be_v bring_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o one_o place_n than_o the_o catholic_a church_n also_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o same_o place_n &_o so_o it_o become_v a_o particular_a church_n so_o in_o the_o beginning_n whenas_o there_o be_v no_o man_n live_v out_o of_o adam_n family_n the_o catholic_a church_n be_v contain_v within_o the_o limit_n thereof_o family_n likewise_o in_o the_o general_a destruction_n of_o the_o world_n both_o all_o the_o people_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v shut_v up_o in_o noah_n ark_n this_o exception_n be_v make_v this_o doctrine_n stand_v true_a that_o no_o particular_a place_n house_n city_n country_n or_o nation_n whatsoever_o but_o even_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v the_o subject_n and_o place_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n sect._n 3._o that_o hypocrite_n be_v member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n although_o the_o catholic_a church_n
be_v desperse_v over_o the_o whole_a world_n yet_o not_o all_o nor_o many_o in_o comparison_n of_o the_o infidel_n but_o a_o very_a few_o belong_v unto_o it_o and_o therefore_o we_o be_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o see_v who_o be_v the_o member_n of_o it_o and_o of_o who_o it_o do_v consist_v the_o answer_n to_o this_o point_n we_o have_v in_o the_o definition_n which_o say_v that_o all_o who_o serve_v god_n in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v of_o the_o catholic_a church_n for_o as_o a_o king_n may_v divide_v the_o whole_a world_n into_o his_o own_o subject_n who_o live_v within_o his_o dominion_n know_v obey_v and_o honour_v he_o and_o into_o forrenner_n who_o be_v without_o the_o compass_n of_o his_o jurisdiction_n do_v he_o no_o service_n make_v no_o account_n of_o he_o and_o in_o brief_a have_v no_o kind_n of_o deal_n with_o he_o so_o all_o man_n live_v in_o the_o world_n be_v either_o god_n subject_n and_o servant_n live_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n and_o as_o it_o be_v write_v ephes._n 2.12.19_o citizen_n with_o the_o faint_n and_o of_o the_o household_n of_o god_n or_o else_o they_o be_v aliante_n from_o the_o common_a wealth_n of_o israel_n without_o the_o promise_n covenant_n or_o hope_n of_o salvation_n yea_o without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n but_o forsomuch_o as_o god_n be_v serve_v many_o way_n in_o deed_n or_o in_o show_v only_o sincere_o or_o hypocritical_o pure_o or_o corrupt_o full_o or_o after_o a_o imperfect_a manner_n in_o knowledge_n or_o in_o ignorance_n and_o after_o many_o other_o difference_n therefore_o we_o be_v to_o search_v out_o what_o manner_n of_o serve_v god_n do_v make_v a_o man_n to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n whereunto_o we_o answer_v church_n that_o the_o outward_a profession_n of_o the_o true_a service_n of_o god_n although_o join_v with_o impotency_n of_o perform_v any_o actual_a service_n yea_o with_o hypocrisy_n corruption_n imperfection_n error_n and_o heresy_n will_v serve_v for_o this_o purpose_n and_o do_v make_v a_o man_n a_o true_a member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n for_o the_o first_o difference_n some_o serve_v god_n actual_o by_o pray_v to_o god_n or_o praise_v he_o by_o hear_v his_o word_n and_o obey_v it_o or_o which_o be_v all_o in_o all_o by_o trust_v fear_v and_o love_v god_n in_o heart_n namely_o so_o many_o of_o the_o church_n as_o have_v come_v to_o year_n of_o discretion_n but_o there_o be_v some_o who_o can_v serve_v god_n by_o any_o of_o these_o mean_n or_o any_o other_o of_o the_o same_o kind_n to_o wit_n infant_n who_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o infirmity_n of_o their_o age_n can_v hear_v or_o understande_v and_o therefore_o can_v neither_o know_v nor_o believe_v god_n or_o serve_v he_o in_o any_o actual_a manner_n yet_o they_o may_v and_o do_v by_o the_o help_n of_o other_o take_v upon_o they_o and_o bear_v the_o true_a profession_n of_o the_o service_n of_o god_n by_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n of_o initiation_n or_o first_o entrance_n into_o the_o church_n church_n by_o the_o which_o mean_n they_o become_v true_a member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n as_o well_o as_o man_n of_o ripe_a age_n the_o truth_n hereof_o appear_v 1._o corin._n 7.14_o where_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o the_o child_n of_o the_o christian_n be_v holy_a mean_v even_o the_o young_a infant_n as_o they_o be_v bear_v of_o faithful_a parent_n not_o that_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o parent_n or_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o church_n do_v add_v any_o inward_a and_o real_a holiness_n unto_o they_o but_o only_o give_v unto_o they_o a_o holy_a profession_n or_o a_o outward_a profession_n of_o holiness_n and_o of_o faith_n and_o also_o impute_a righteousness_n and_o suppose_a holiness_n if_o they_o belong_v to_o god_n election_n in_o like_a manner_n under_o the_o law_n all_o the_o young_a child_n of_o the_o jew_n especial_o after_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o sacrament_n of_o circumcision_n be_v count_v member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o the_o number_n of_o the_o holy_a people_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o god_n complain_v of_o the_o jew_n offer_v their_o young_a one_o in_o sacrifice_n to_o idol_n that_o they_o give_v his_o child_n to_o moloch_n ezec._n 16.21_o thus_o much_o of_o those_o who_o become_v member_n of_o the_o church_n by_o mere_a profession_n now_o we_o come_v to_o the_o actual_a serve_v of_o god_n the_o which_o where_o it_o be_v in_o sincerity_n of_o hart_n and_o life_n perform_v it_o make_v one_o a_o member_n of_o christâ—s_n mystical_a body_n much_o more_o theâ—_n of_o his_o church_n here_o on_o earth_n but_o all_o the_o controversy_n be_v of_o they_o in_o who_o this_o actual_a service_n be_v imperfect_a as_o it_o be_v first_o in_o hypocrite_n who_o want_v the_o inward_a service_n of_o the_o heart_n as_o also_o heretic_n do_v some_o part_n of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o doctrine_n and_o dissolute_a man_n the_o service_n of_o outward_a life_n and_o ignorant_a idiote_n the_o service_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o last_o as_o the_o disperse_a member_n of_o the_o church_n want_v the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n the_o answer_n in_o general_n be_v this_o that_o howsoever_o the_o imperfect_a service_n of_o hypocrite_n wicked_a man_n heretic_n and_o idiote_n be_v not_o acceptable_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n yet_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v they_o true_a member_n of_o the_o militant_a church_n but_o we_o will_v come_v to_o the_o several_a consideration_n of_o they_o and_o first_o of_o hypocrite_n by_o the_o which_o name_n we_o call_v those_o man_n in_o who_o the_o outward_a service_n be_v perfect_a in_o that_o they_o both_o hold_v and_o profess_v the_o whole_a truth_n of_o christian_n religion_n and_o also_o express_v the_o same_o in_o their_o life_n both_o in_o word_n and_o deed_n and_o yet_o do_v not_o serve_v god_n in_o spiritte_v and_o truth_n but_o be_v destitute_a of_o true_a faith_n and_o of_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o effectual_a grace_n of_o the_o sanctify_v spiritte_v spring_v thereof_o this_o manner_n of_o serve_v god_n be_v not_o please_v but_o rather_o odious_a and_o abominable_a to_o he_o esay_n 1.14_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o available_a for_o the_o salvation_n of_o any_o church_n but_o rather_o make_v man_n damnation_n the_o more_o just_a yet_o it_o give_v unto_o they_o the_o name_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n for_o it_o be_v confess_v of_o all_o that_o hypocrite_n may_v be_v true_a minister_n in_o a_o particular_a church_n as_o judas_n be_v a_o true_a apostle_n whereof_o it_o do_v necessarelie_o follow_v that_o they_o be_v true_a member_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o teacher_n and_o ruler_n of_o a_o church_n be_v the_o chief_a member_n of_o it_o so_o that_o as_o in_o a_o commonwealth_n or_o kingdom_n they_o who_o have_v freedom_n and_o interest_n in_o such_o body_n either_o by_o nature_n or_o favour_n be_v count_v true_a subject_n as_o long_o as_o they_o live_v in_o outward_a obedience_n to_o law_n yea_o though_o they_o be_v know_v to_o bear_v in_o their_o heart_n a_o unnatural_a and_o disloyal_a affection_n to_o their_o country_n or_o prince_n so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n with_o hypocrite_n destitute_a of_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o love_n of_o god_n but_o how_o can_v hypocrite_n be_v make_v true_a member_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n see_v that_o they_o have_v no_o conjunction_n with_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o resolve_v of_o this_o doubt_n we_o must_v consider_v both_o christ_n the_o head_n and_o the_o church_n his_o body_n two_o diverse_a way_n for_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v a_o saviour_n be_v a_o head_n to_o the_o mystical_a body_n of_o the_o elect_a only_o unto_o who_o he_o give_v by_o his_o spirit_n effectual_a grace_n spiritual_a motion_n and_o eternal_a life_n in_o this_o respect_n hypocrite_n have_v no_o more_o to_o do_v with_o christ_n or_o his_o church_n than_o darkness_n have_v with_o light_n but_o here_o we_o do_v not_o meddle_v with_o the_o mystical_a body_n of_o the_o church_n secondlie_o christ_n be_v the_o king_n lord_n and_o ruler_n of_o his_o church_n militant_a here_o on_o earth_n in_o the_o which_o respect_n he_o be_v a_o head_n not_o only_o to_o the_o faithful_a but_o also_o to_o hypocrite_n to_o who_o he_o give_v spiritual_a grace_n ministerial_a gift_n and_o ecclesiastical_a function_n even_o as_o he_o make_v the_o sun_n to_o shine_v upon_o the_o just_a and_o the_o unjust_a first_o he_o communicate_v to_o they_o the_o gift_n of_o knowledge_n wisdom_n doctrine_n and_o exhortation_n of_o tongue_n of_o miracle_n and_o prophesy_v ephesian_n 4.8_o where_o he_o like_v a_o victorious_a king_n triumph_v over_o his_o enemy_n ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o give_v
man_n as_o they_o who_o contemn_v and_o labour_v to_o overthrow_v all_o authority_n speak_v evil_a of_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o know_v not_o have_v imagine_v but_o a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n rom._n 13.12_o there_o be_v no_o power_n but_o of_o god_n he_o therefore_o that_o resist_v the_o power_n resist_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n but_o it_o may_v be_v think_v that_o it_o be_v not_o god_n ordinance_n see_v it_o can_v be_v show_v that_o ever_o it_o be_v establish_v by_o god_n throughout_o the_o world_n ordinance_n but_o rather_o invent_v and_o continue_v by_o man_n excel_v other_o in_o strength_n and_o in_o ambition_n whereby_o they_o be_v both_o move_v to_o desire_v superiority_n and_o also_o enable_v to_o accomplish_v their_o desire_n and_o so_o have_v by_o violence_n bloodshed_n outrage_n tyranny_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o impiety_n against_o god_n and_o injustice_n in_o regard_n of_o man_n both_o get_v and_o usurp_v the_o place_n of_o ruler_n so_o that_o see_v this_o have_v be_v the_o original_n of_o the_o authority_n almost_o of_o all_o ruler_n we_o can_v make_v it_o the_o institution_n of_o god_n especial_o see_v that_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o god_n do_v ever_o command_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v magistrate_n set_v uppe_o over_o the_o people_n throughout_o the_o whole_a world_n only_o among_o the_o jew_n magistracy_n be_v set_v up_o by_o his_o commandment_n but_o not_o in_o any_o place_n beside_o whereunto_o we_o answer_v that_o the_o abuse_n of_o magistracy_n although_o many_o and_o grievous_a can_v take_v away_o the_o lawful_a use_n of_o it_o and_o further_o that_o the_o cause_n why_o there_o be_v no_o express_a commandment_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n enjoin_v that_o magistracy_n shall_v be_v set_v up_o in_o all_o place_n be_v for_o that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n do_v not_o belong_v to_o the_o whole_a world_n but_o only_o to_o the_o church_n which_o be_v in_o all_o time_n and_o especial_o be_v in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o world_n the_o least_o part_n yea_o sometime_o as_o nothing_o in_o comparison_n of_o the_o huge_a number_n of_o infidel_n but_o in_o the_o church_n god_n have_v from_o time_n to_o time_n both_o command_v and_o establish_v the_o use_n of_o magistracy_n and_o severe_o punish_v the_o contempt_n of_o it_o magistracy_n as_o may_v be_v show_v by_o example_n in_o all_o age_n for_o although_o there_o can_v be_v no_o public_a magistracy_n in_o the_o church_n till_o the_o day_n of_o moses_n because_o until_o that_o time_n the_o church_n be_v contain_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o one_o or_o a_o few_o family_n yet_o there_o be_v private_a government_n which_o have_v no_o less_o force_n and_o authority_n then_o when_o the_o number_n of_o the_o church_n increase_a to_o a_o whole_a nation_n public_a magistracy_n be_v erect_v for_o the_o first_o bear_v of_o the_o family_n be_v the_o ruler_n and_o as_o it_o be_v a_o lord_n to_o the_o rest_n as_o jacob_n do_v call_v esau_n genesis_n 33.13.14_o but_o although_o magistracy_n have_v be_v by_o the_o express_a commandment_n of_o god_n establish_v only_o in_o the_o church_n yet_o it_o belong_v as_o much_o to_o infidel_n for_o it_o be_v institute_v by_o god_n not_o â—s_a he_o be_v the_o saviour_n of_o his_o church_n but_o as_o he_o be_v the_o creator_n and_o preserver_n of_o all_o man_n therefore_o howsoever_o god_n do_v not_o vouchsafe_v his_o love_n and_o eternal_a life_n come_v thereof_o to_o any_o of_o those_o who_o be_v not_o of_o his_o church_n yet_o as_o the_o apostle_n witness_v roman_n 3.29_o he_o be_v the_o god_n not_o only_o of_o the_o jew_n who_o only_o be_v then_o his_o church_n but_o also_o of_o the_o gentile_n in_o this_o respect_n as_o also_o in_o regard_n of_o his_o faithful_a people_n with_o who_o they_o live_v and_o for_o other_o cause_n he_o do_v bestow_v upon_o they_o many_o temporal_a blessing_n let_v the_o rain_n to_o fall_v down_o and_o the_o sun_n to_o shine_v upon_o they_o and_o also_o in_o make_v they_o partaker_n of_o this_o ordinance_n of_o magistracy_n by_o the_o which_o they_o may_v live_v in_o order_n and_o peace_n safe_o and_o quiet_o enjoy_v all_o the_o temporal_a commodity_n of_o this_o present_a life_n the_o mean_n by_o the_o which_o god_n do_v set_v uppe_o this_o his_o ordinance_n amongst_o infidel_n who_o be_v destitute_a of_o his_o word_n be_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n remain_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n infidel_n by_o the_o which_o they_o do_v easy_o both_o see_v the_o manifold_a commodity_n which_o come_v by_o magistracy_n and_o also_o desire_v to_o be_v make_v partaker_n thereof_o for_o although_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o corruption_n of_o our_o nature_n few_o can_v live_v in_o due_a subjection_n unto_o authority_n with_o a_o content_a mind_n yet_o almost_o all_o man_n when_o they_o be_v without_o magistrate_n do_v of_o themselves_o desire_v to_o have_v some_o to_o govern_v and_o no_o marvel_n see_v that_o the_o deformity_n and_o inconvenience_n which_o the_o want_n of_o magistrate_n bring_v be_v evidente_a to_o all_o man_n for_o that_o a_o people_n in_o such_o a_o state_n be_v like_o a_o to_o body_n without_o a_o head_n to_o move_v it_o the_o experience_n hereof_o we_o have_v even_o in_o this_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o do_v voluntary_o without_o any_o compulsion_n desire_v a_o king_n and_o that_o in_o a_o most_o earnest_a manner_n thus_o we_o see_v that_o magistracy_n be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n whereof_o this_o do_v necessary_o ensue_v that_o it_o be_v not_o as_o a_o unholie_a profane_a and_o impure_a state_n or_o to_o be_v vile_o esteem_v of_o as_o many_o do_v affirm_v and_o account_v it_o to_o be_v who_o do_v false_o think_v that_o the_o beauty_n of_o the_o church_n can_v appear_v neither_o her_o authority_n be_v sufficient_o extol_v and_o establish_v but_o by_o deform_v and_o tread_v under_o foot_n this_o divine_a ordinance_n of_o civil_a magistracy_n the_o which_o as_o it_o be_v most_o acceptable_a to_o god_n so_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v have_v in_o great_a honour_n by_o all_o man_n magistracy_n last_o the_o end_n why_o magistracy_n be_v appoint_v by_o god_n be_v two_o the_o first_o be_v the_o represent_v of_o his_o glory_n here_o on_o earth_n the_o second_o be_v the_o procure_n of_o the_o good_a of_o man_n for_o the_o first_o the_o magistrate_n be_v god_n deputy_n and_o vice_n gerent_fw-la here_o on_o earth_n to_o govern_v man_n and_o to_o keep_v the_o world_n in_o order_n without_o confusion_n even_o as_o we_o see_v that_o great_a monarch_n have_v many_o legate_n and_o deputy_n by_o who_o they_o rule_v their_o several_a province_n and_o therefore_o god_n do_v communicate_v to_o they_o as_o his_o office_n so_o also_o his_o name_n and_o call_v they_o god_n in_o the_o which_o respect_n the_o magistrate_n be_v a_o lively_a god_n yea_o a_o live_a image_n of_o god_n first_o of_o his_o excellency_n in_o that_o he_o be_v take_v from_o the_o common_a sort_n and_o condition_n of_o man_n and_o set_v aloft_o therefore_o he_o be_v to_o be_v honour_v second_o of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o foresee_v imminent_a danger_n to_o make_v fit_a law_n and_o order_n to_o judge_v of_o right_n and_o wrong_n and_o to_o keep_v his_o people_n in_o peace_n and_o mutual_a concord_n and_o therefore_o he_o be_v to_o be_v reverence_v and_o to_o be_v obey_v in_o his_o law_n and_o edict_n three_o of_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n in_o that_o he_o do_v severe_o punish_v the_o great_a misdemeanour_n of_o malefactor_n and_o therefore_o he_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v four_o of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o that_o he_o do_v gracious_o with_o favour_n pass_v by_o and_o wink_v at_o small_a offence_n and_o therefore_o he_o be_v to_o be_v praise_v and_o last_o he_o carry_v the_o image_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o that_o by_o his_o mean_n foresee_v prevent_v and_o repel_v all_o danger_n and_o trouble_n we_o do_v enjoy_v all_o manner_n of_o blessing_n both_o temporal_a and_o eternal_a even_a life_n and_o liberty_n plenty_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o prosperity_n house_n and_o land_n wife_n and_o child_n friend_n and_o acquaintance_n and_o that_o which_o be_v much_o more_o to_o be_v esteem_v the_o true_a service_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n his_o holy_a word_n and_o in_o one_o word_n all_o thing_n needful_a in_o regard_n either_o of_o body_n or_o soul_n and_o therefore_o the_o magistrate_n be_v unfeigned_o to_o be_v love_v and_o praise_v the_o second_o end_n why_o magistracy_n be_v appoint_v be_v the_o good_a of_o man_n that_o by_o this_o mean_n they_o may_v live_v in_o peace_n safety_n and_o order_n but_o of_o the_o several_a commodity_n which_o magistracy_n bring_v we_o do_v not_o purpose_n to_o entreat_v because_o they_o be_v common_o know_v
of_o the_o one_o judg._n 28._o who_o be_v abimelech_n that_o we_o shall_v serve_v he_o be_v not_o he_o the_o son_n of_o jerobaal_n and_o of_o the_o other_o in_o like_a manner_n what_o part_n have_v we_o with_o david_n the_o son_n of_o isai_n 2._o chro._n 10.16_o 2._o sam._n 20.1_o yea_o thus_o the_o kingdom_n be_v make_v after_o a_o sort_n immortal_a when_o as_o the_o father_n do_v rise_v again_o in_o the_o son_n and_o so_o continue_v for_o ever_o contemn_v for_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o judge_n be_v so_o contemn_v of_o the_o people_n because_o it_o be_v a_o new_a upstart_n government_n the_o judge_n be_v late_o take_v from_o a_o base_a estate_n as_o gedeon_n &_o saul_n confess_v of_o themselves_o that_o their_o kindred_n family_n and_o birth_n be_v of_o the_o mean_a of_o the_o people_n and_o that_o therefore_o they_o be_v the_o unfit_a to_o bear_v rule_n judg._n 6.15_o 1._o sam._n 9.21_o the_o last_o and_o the_o great_a cause_n of_o the_o majesty_n of_o these_o king_n be_v this_o that_o they_o be_v the_o progenitor_n yea_o and_o the_o predecessor_n of_o that_o great_a messiah_n which_o be_v to_o come_v of_o the_o lineage_n of_o david_n &_o to_o govern_v not_o that_o land_n only_o but_o the_o whole_a world_n luke_n 1.32.33_o the_o very_a expectation_n of_o who_o make_v this_o kingdom_n glorious_a above_o measure_n for_o that_o they_o according_a to_o the_o ignorance_n of_o the_o time_n and_o the_o infancy_n of_o the_o church_n dream_v of_o a_o temporal_a king_n think_v that_o in_o he_o all_o the_o power_n riches_n renown_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v bring_v to_o their_o kingdom_n sect._n xiii_o thus_o we_o see_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o majesty_n of_o this_o kingdom_n now_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v the_o mean_n whereby_o this_o majesty_n do_v show_v forth_o itself_o it_o appear_v in_o the_o glorious_a &_o stately_a pomp_n and_o magnificence_n of_o the_o whole_a life_n and_o behaviour_n yea_o of_o all_o the_o action_n of_o the_o king_n and_o general_o of_o all_o thing_n appertain_v to_o the_o kingdom_n for_o the_o apparel_n of_o the_o king_n it_o be_v such_o as_o may_v not_o only_o distinguish_v he_o from_o his_o subject_n but_o also_o serve_v to_o express_v the_o majesty_n of_o his_o state_n likewise_o for_o his_o whole_a house_n the_o stateliness_n of_o his_o palace_n the_o daintiness_n of_o his_o fare_n the_o number_n of_o his_o servant_n and_o retinue_n that_o all_o be_v correspondent_a even_o in_o the_o time_n of_o david_n we_o may_v gather_v 2._o sam._n 19.35_o where_o old_a barzelli_n refuse_v the_o king_n offer_n who_o will_v have_v keep_v he_o in_o his_o house_n because_o he_o can_v not_o taste_v the_o dainty_a meat_n nor_o be_v delight_v with_o the_o voyceâ—_n of_o sing_v man_n and_o woman_n which_o be_v use_v in_o the_o king_n palace_n hitherto_o also_o be_v to_o be_v refer_v the_o whole_a story_n of_o solomon_n in_o who_o time_n this_o glory_n of_o the_o kingdom_n be_v even_o in_o the_o full_a the_o infinite_a provision_n of_o his_o house_n the_o glorious_a house_n which_o he_o build_v for_o god_n and_o for_o himself_o with_o incredible_a magnificence_n all_o which_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v irksome_a to_o rehearse_v as_o they_o be_v describe_v in_o the_o story_n for_o so_o we_o read_v 1._o king_n 4._o verse_n 20.22.23.26_o and_o chapter_n 10._o ver_fw-la 11.12_o etc._n etc._n and_o salomon_n bread_n for_o one_o day_n be_v thirty_o quarter_n of_o manchette_v flower_n and_o threescore_o quarter_n of_o meal_n ten_o stall_v ox_n and_o twenty_o out_o of_o the_o pasture_n and_o a_o hundred_o sheep_n beside_o heart_n buck_n wild_a goat_n and_o capon_n and_o he_o have_v forty_o stall_n of_o horse_n for_o chariote_n and_o twelve_o thousand_o horseman_n the_o weight_n of_o gold_n that_o come_v to_o he_o in_o one_o year_n be_v six_o hundred_o threescore_o and_o six_o talente_v of_o gold_n solomon_n beside_o that_o he_o have_v of_o merchant_n and_o of_o the_o merchandise_n of_o the_o spice_n and_o of_o all_o the_o king_n of_o arabia_n and_o of_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o country_n also_o he_o make_v two_o hundred_o target_n of_o beat_a gold_n six_o hundred_o sicle_n of_o gold_n go_v to_o a_o target_n and_o he_o make_v three_o hundred_o shield_n of_o beat_a gold_n the_o pound_n weight_n of_o gold_n go_v to_o one_o shield_n and_o the_o king_n put_v they_o in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o wood_n of_o libanon_n and_o the_o king_n make_v a_o great_a seat_n of_o ivory_n and_o cover_v it_o with_o the_o best_a gold_n and_o the_o seat_n have_v six_o step_n and_o the_o top_n of_o the_o seat_n be_v round_o behind_o and_o there_o be_v pummel_n on_o either_o side_n of_o the_o seat_n and_o two_o lion_n stand_v beside_o the_o pummel_n and_o there_o stand_v twelve_o lion_n on_o the_o step_n six_o on_o one_o side_n there_o be_v no_o like_a work_n see_v in_o any_o kingdom_n and_o all_o king_n salomon_n drink_v vessel_n be_v of_o gold_n and_o likewise_o all_o the_o vessel_n of_o the_o house_n of_o the_o wood_n of_o libanon_n be_v of_o pure_a gold_n as_o for_o silver_n it_o be_v nothing_o worth_a in_o the_o day_n of_o solomon_n for_o the_o king_n navy_n of_o ship_n go_v on_o the_o sea_n unto_o tharsis_n with_o the_o navy_n of_o hiram_n ship_n even_o once_o in_o three_o year_n go_v the_o navy_n to_o tharsis_n and_o bring_v gold_n and_o silver_n elephant_n tooth_n ape_n and_o peacock_n and_o so_o king_n solomon_n exceed_v all_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n both_o in_o riches_n &_o wisdom_n thus_o far_o the_o text_n after_o the_o time_n of_o solomon_n together_o with_o the_o sincerity_n of_o religion_n this_o majesty_n of_o the_o kingdom_n do_v decrease_v for_o in_o the_o reign_n of_o rehoboam_n both_o the_o ten_o tribe_n fall_v away_o from_o this_o kingdom_n and_o jerusalem_n be_v spoil_v by_o the_o king_n of_o egypt_n so_o that_o the_o target_n of_o gold_n be_v turn_v into_o brass_n but_o under_o jehosophat_n both_o religion_n and_o the_o kingdom_n recover_v part_n of_o the_o ancient_a glory_n religion_n for_o it_o be_v say_v 2._o par._n 18.1_o that_o jehophat_n have_v great_a riches_n and_o glory_n and_o likewise_o in_o the_o reign_n of_o ezechiâ—_n we_o read_v 2._o chro._n 32.27_o that_o he_o have_v exceed_v much_o riches_n and_o honour_n and_o he_o get_v himself_o treasure_n of_o silver_n and_o gold_n precious_a stone_n and_o spice_n shield_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o pleasant_a jewel_n likewise_o this_o majesty_n require_v that_o the_o king_n whole_a behaviour_n shall_v have_v in_o it_o that_o stately_a gravity_n which_o beseem_v so_o high_a a_o place_n that_o he_o shall_v take_v no_o mean_a or_o base_a action_n in_o hand_n but_o such_o as_o the_o performance_n whereof_o may_v be_v for_o his_o glory_n and_o renown_n by_o this_o argument_n david_n dissuade_v saul_n from_o persecute_v he_o any_o further_a say_v 1._o sam._n 26.20_o to_o who_o be_v the_o king_n of_o israel_n come_v forth_o and_o what_o be_v this_o that_o he_o do_v do_v he_o not_o behave_v himself_o as_o one_o who_o chase_v a_o partridge_n uppe_o and_o down_o in_o the_o mountain_n and_o for_o the_o behaviour_n of_o the_o king_n person_n michol_n saules_n daughter_n requite_v david_n with_o the_o like_a note_v in_o he_o such_o lightness_n which_o be_v as_o she_o think_v unbeseeming_a the_o majesty_n of_o the_o king_n for_o when_o she_o have_v see_v david_n dance_v for_o joy_n before_o the_o ark_n she_o say_v o_o how_o glorious_a be_v the_o king_n of_o israel_n this_o day_n whenas_o he_o uncover_v himself_o before_o the_o maiden_n of_o his_o servant_n as_o foolish_a or_o mad_a man_n use_v to_o do_v 2._o sam._n 6.20_o an_o final_o this_o part_n of_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o of_o the_o book_n which_o samuel_n write_v of_o this_o matter_n be_v extant_a 1._o sam._n 8._o vers_fw-la 11._o etc._n etc._n where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o king_n will_v have_v horseman_n and_o chariot_n yea_o eunuch_n and_o woman_n baker_n and_o cook_n and_o of_o his_o magnificence_n in_o give_v vineyard_n and_o land_n to_o his_o servant_n the_o which_o place_n be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o a_o tyranny_n but_o of_o the_o natural_a state_n of_o this_o kingdom_n as_o may_v appear_v 1._o sam._n 9.20_o where_o when_o saul_n be_v careful_a for_o his_o father_n ass_n which_o be_v lose_v samuel_n tell_v he_o that_o he_o need_v not_o mind_v they_o see_v whatsoever_o be_v good_a precious_a and_o to_o be_v desire_v in_o all_o israel_n it_o do_v belong_v in_o some_o sort_n to_o he_o and_o to_o all_o his_o father_n house_n the_o which_o word_n be_v not_o so_o to_o be_v understand_v as_o if_o the_o property_n of_o man_n good_n do_v belong_v to_o the_o
by_o the_o fame_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n some_o have_v be_v convert_v so_o be_v rahab_n live_v in_o jericho_n of_o who_o it_o be_v say_v heb._n 11._o that_o she_o believe_v or_o by_o read_v book_n contain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n last_o it_o may_v please_v god_n to_o use_v for_o this_o purpose_n that_o knowledge_n which_o remain_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n since_o the_o fall_n of_o adam_n and_o which_o be_v stir_v up_o by_o the_o contemplation_n of_o the_o creature_n and_o all_o those_o mean_n which_o natural_a man_n have_v for_o the_o attain_n of_o knowledge_n these_o or_o any_o other_o mean_v god_n may_v use_v extraordinary_o yea_o he_o may_v do_v it_o without_o any_o mean_n but_o in_o his_o ordinary_a work_a none_o of_o these_o aforesaid_a mean_n be_v available_a for_o faith_n be_v get_v ordinare_o only_a by_o hear_v the_o word_n preach_v and_o therefore_o we_o be_v to_o esteem_v and_o judge_v of_o they_o who_o have_v not_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n that_o they_o want_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o attain_v a_o true_a and_o save_a faith_n always_o except_v the_o power_n and_o extraordinary_a work_n of_o god_n the_o which_o be_v not_o tie_v to_o any_o mean_n chap._n iii_o of_o a_o particular_a church_n sect._n 1_o of_o the_o original_n of_o particular_a church_n thus_o much_o of_o the_o disperse_a member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n the_o which_o state_n god_n do_v accept_v where_o it_o can_v be_v amend_v but_o so_o that_o he_o will_v have_v all_o his_o servant_n to_o endeavour_n by_o all_o mean_v possible_a to_o come_v &_o live_v together_o for_o their_o mutual_a edification_n and_o therefore_o as_o for_o the_o more_o commodious_a maintain_n of_o our_o temporal_a life_n he_o have_v appoint_v civil_a society_n so_o for_o the_o beginning_n and_o maintain_v of_o spiritual_a strength_n and_o life_n in_o we_o he_o have_v appoint_v holy_a assembly_n which_o be_v particular_a church_n out_o of_o the_o which_o a_o christian_n may_v live_v this_o spiritual_a life_n but_o yet_o in_o great_a weakness_n and_o danger_n even_o as_o a_o man_n may_v preserve_v his_o natural_a life_n in_o a_o desert_n place_n but_o he_o can_v have_v perfect_a strength_n and_o health_n unless_o he_o live_v in_o some_o place_n frequent_v by_o man_n and_o replenish_v with_o thing_n needful_a for_o that_o purpose_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v now_o to_o declare_v what_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v sect._n 2._o of_o the_o definition_n of_o a_o parlicular_a church_n a_o particular_a church_n be_v a_o company_n of_o man_n separate_v from_o the_o infidel_n of_o the_o world_n to_o serve_v god_n under_o all_o the_o same_o divine_a and_o humane_a law_n or_o under_o the_o same_o ecclesiastical_a government_n both_o divine_a and_o humane_a this_o definition_n do_v in_o some_o sort_n comprehend_v in_o it_o the_o whole_a nature_n and_o essence_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n and_o therefore_o a_o great_a part_n of_o this_o treatise_n be_v to_o be_v spend_v in_o the_o explication_n of_o it_o wherein_o that_o we_o may_v proceed_v in_o some_o distinct_a and_o plain_a order_n we_o have_v these_o three_o head_n to_o observe_v first_o the_o separate_n of_o those_o of_o who_o the_o church_n be_v to_o consist_v from_o the_o infidel_n of_o the_o world_n second_o the_o divine_a law_n by_o the_o which_o they_o thus_o bring_v together_o be_v to_o be_v order_v and_o last_o the_o humane_a law_n which_o be_v add_v to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n for_o even_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o establish_n of_o a_o common_a wealth_n or_o kingdom_n first_o man_n must_v be_v bring_v together_o who_o be_v to_o be_v the_o inhabitant_n of_o that_o city_n or_o country_n second_o there_o must_v certain_a general_n and_o fundamental_a law_n be_v make_v contain_v the_o very_a state_n and_o form_n of_o government_n and_o of_o subjection_n which_o must_v stand_v in_o force_n continual_o without_o any_o alteration_n church_n and_o last_o there_o must_v be_v add_v some_o special_a positive_a law_n which_o be_v often_o to_o be_v change_v as_o present_v occasion_n shall_v require_v so_o be_v it_o in_o the_o establish_n of_o a_o church_n first_o man_n be_v call_v from_o infidelity_n to_o faith_n as_o from_o barbarism_n to_o civility_n then_o they_o have_v give_v unto_o they_o the_o law_n which_o god_n in_o 〈◊〉_d word_n have_v make_v for_o the_o government_n of_o his_o church_n till_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o last_o the_o changeable_a ecclesiastical_a law_n of_o man_n again_o as_o we_o see_v man_n do_v in_o the_o build_n of_o a_o house_n first_o they_o prepare_v stone_n than_o they_o join_v they_o together_o in_o some_o form_n of_o a_o house_n till_o by_o little_a and_o little_o they_o set_v up_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o it_o and_o last_o they_o add_v door_n window_n fence_n and_o whatsoever_o may_v serve_v for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o dweller_n in_o like_a manner_n the_o call_n of_o man_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o prepare_v of_o the_o matter_n of_o a_o church_n second_o the_o establish_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n &_o the_o manner_n of_o serve_v god_n be_v a_o set_n up_o of_o the_o frame_n of_o it_o a_o last_o the_o make_n of_o ecclesiastical_a constitution_n be_v the_o apply_v of_o this_o government_n to_o the_o special_a use_n of_o those_o man_n who_o we_o will_v bring_v unto_o the_o form_n of_o a_o church_n that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o fit_a dwell_a place_n for_o they_o this_o latter_a similitude_n we_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o mark_v the_o rather_o for_o that_o we_o be_v to_o use_v it_o throughout_o this_o whole_a treatise_n and_o that_o because_o it_o have_v please_v the_o spiritte_v of_o god_n to_o teach_v we_o so_o to_o do_v who_o in_o the_o scripture_n do_v for_o the_o most_o part_n compare_v the_o church_n to_o a_o house_n and_o to_o the_o building_n of_o it_o as_o we_o may_v see_v 1._o cor._n 3.11.12_o 1._o tim._n 3.15_o 1._o pet._n 4.17_o in_o this_o definition_n 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that_o whenas_o there_o be_v a_o fault_n commit_v in_o the_o lay_n of_o the_o foundation_n of_o a_o house_n the_o whole_a building_n will_v for_o ever_o be_v the_o worse_a for_o it_o the_o first_o thing_n therefore_o to_o be_v do_v in_o plant_v a_o church_n be_v to_o convert_v infidel_n to_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v do_v ordinary_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n deliver_v plain_o sincere_o &_o effectual_o as_o god_n have_v appoint_v notwithstanding_o which_o powerful_a mean_n the_o subdue_a of_o man_n to_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o hard_a matter_n yea_o it_o be_v much_o hard_a in_o these_o time_n than_o it_o be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n wherein_o the_o gospel_n be_v first_o preach_v for_o then_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o apostle_n evangelist_n and_o other_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v much_o more_o powerful_a and_o effectual_a than_o any_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n be_v in_o these_o day_n for_o they_o have_v not_o only_o extraordinary_a measure_n of_o those_o gift_n which_o do_v yet_o remain_v in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o build_n thereof_o as_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n knowledge_n wisdom_n zeal_n and_o all_o other_o of_o that_o kind_n but_o they_o have_v also_o other_o most_o wonderful_a gift_n bestow_v upon_o they_o as_o the_o gift_n of_o speak_v in_o strange_a language_n the_o gift_n of_o discern_a spirit_n heal_v the_o sick_a work_v of_o miracle_n and_o such_o other_o which_o serve_v only_o for_o this_o end_n to_o bring_v infidel_n to_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n 1._o cor._n 14.22_o not_o that_o true_a faith_n be_v ordinare_o wrought_v by_o these_o mean_n in_o man_n but_o only_a a_o general_n historical_a and_o temporary_a faith_n whereby_o they_o do_v believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o belief_n be_v profess_v be_v then_o and_o be_v at_o all_o time_n sufficient_a to_o make_v one_o a_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n here_o upon_o 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but_o they_o who_o since_o that_o time_n labour_n in_o this_o work_n be_v destitute_a of_o this_o help_n yea_o also_o of_o another_o far_o more_o effectual_a to_o wit_n of_o the_o wonderful_a and_o extraordinary_a blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o his_o church_n who_o do_v then_o pour_v forth_o his_o spirit_n so_o strange_o and_o so_o plentiful_o upon_o man_n in_o convert_n their_o heart_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o the_o like_a be_v not_o before_o have_v not_o be_v since_o neither_o shall_v be_v at_o any_o time_n in_o the_o church_n so_o that_o these_o help_n be_v want_v in_o these_o day_n we_o can_v look_v for_o the_o like_a success_n in_o this_o work_n to_o wit_n that_o the_o church_n shall_v have_v such_o a_o sudden_a and_o strange_a increase_n as_o it_o have_v in_o the_o beginning_n whenas_o many_o thousand_o be_v at_o once_o add_v unto_o it_o since_o act._n 2.41_o yet_o we_o be_v not_o to_o despair_v of_o good_a success_n forsomuch_o as_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o leave_v his_o ministry_n destitute_a of_o sufficient_a power_n to_o convert_v many_o man_n to_o the_o faith_n even_o those_o who_o never_o hear_v of_o christ_n before_o for_o although_o the_o extraordinary_a calling_n and_o gift_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n be_v not_o now_o in_o the_o church_n neither_o to_o be_v look_v for_o yet_o the_o force_n of_o they_o do_v remain_v still_o in_o that_o the_o very_a declaration_n of_o those_o wonderful_a miracle_n whereby_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v confirm_v at_o the_o first_o will_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n add_v authority_n and_o give_v success_n to_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n although_o they_o be_v much_o more_o effectual_a in_o those_o who_o do_v behold_v they_o with_o their_o eye_n yea_o we_o have_v some_o help_n which_o be_v not_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o for_o the_o supplier_fw-fr whereof_o those_o other_o be_v give_v to_o wit_n the_o consent_n of_o all_o age_n since_o the_o first_o publish_v of_o the_o gospel_n wherein_o many_o have_v not_o only_o profess_v the_o faith_n but_o also_o seal_v that_o their_o profession_n with_o thâ—ir_a blood_n and_o that_o not_o any_o small_a number_n but_o even_o whole_a nation_n have_v profess_v and_o do_v confess_v the_o gospel_n the_o which_o no_o doubt_n be_v a_o forcible_a argument_n and_o even_o as_o a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n whereby_o he_o who_o be_v obstinate_a in_o infidelity_n may_v be_v either_o convert_v or_o confound_v and_o put_v to_o silence_n yea_o this_o general_a embrace_v of_o the_o gospel_n by_o so_o many_o country_n and_o nation_n be_v that_o fullness_n of_o the_o gentile_n the_o which_o the_o lord_n have_v appoint_v as_o a_o mean_n whereby_o that_o obstinate_a and_o harde-hearted_n nation_n of_o the_o jew_n shall_v at_o the_o appoint_a time_n be_v convert_v and_o therefore_o it_o can_v but_o be_v effectual_a with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o gentile_n who_o be_v not_o so_o obstinate_a in_o infidelity_n as_o the_o jew_n be_v gospel_n but_o we_o be_v especial_o to_o rely_v upon_o that_o force_n which_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v plain_o and_o sincere_o deliver_v have_v in_o turn_v man_n heart_n unto_o god_n which_o will_v never_o return_v empty_a but_o in_o some_o measure_n perform_v the_o thing_n for_o which_o it_o be_v send_v thus_o much_o in_o general_a of_o the_o mean_n of_o convert_n infidel_n now_o of_o the_o same_o in_o particular_a the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n which_o be_v here_o to_o be_v use_v have_v two_o part_n the_o first_o be_v a_o preparative_n whereby_o infidel_n be_v of_o themselves_o altogether_o unfit_a to_o hear_v and_o unlike_a to_o believe_v the_o word_n be_v in_o some_o measure_n prepare_v for_o this_o purpose_n the_o second_o be_v to_o teach_v they_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o prepare_v ministry_n consist_v in_o two_o thing_n the_o first_o be_v to_o purge_v their_o mind_n from_o that_o false_a worship_n whereunto_o they_o be_v give_v gospel_n the_o second_o be_v to_o convince_v their_o conscience_n of_o sin_n for_o the_o first_o we_o can_v hope_v that_o man_n be_v full_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o own_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o deity_n power_n and_o goodness_n of_o those_o false_a god_n which_o they_o worship_v will_v embrace_v any_o new_a and_o strange_a religion_n thus_o do_v elias_n 1._o king_n 18.24_o bring_v the_o people_n from_o idolatry_n to_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o likewise_o paul_n deal_v with_o the_o idolatrous_a man_n of_o athens_n act._n 17.29_o and_o with_o they_o of_o lystra_n act._n 14.13_o and_o yet_o there_o be_v great_a moderation_n and_o wisdom_n to_o be_v use_v in_o this_o point_n so_o that_o we_o do_v not_o at_o the_o first_o speak_v so_o vile_o and_o base_o of_o their_o religion_n as_o it_o do_v deserve_v but_o rather_o tolerate_v they_o in_o their_o corruption_n and_o withal_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o truth_n that_o â—o_o the_o other_o false_a worship_n may_v slip_v out_o of_o their_o mind_n as_o it_o be_v without_o violence_n they_o leave_v it_o of_o their_o own_o accord_n for_o otherwise_o if_o they_o see_v their_o god_n and_o religion_n wherein_o they_o have_v be_v bring_v up_o and_o which_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o their_o ancestor_n to_o be_v blaspheme_v and_o evil_o speak_v off_o there_o be_v great_a danger_n lest_o at_o the_o first_o we_o so_o alienate_v their_o mind_n that_o they_o will_v not_o hear_v the_o word_n preach_v but_o become_v utter_a enemy_n unto_o it_o so_o the_o town_n clerk_n in_o the_o apology_n for_o paul_n act_n 19.37_o witness_v that_o he_o in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n have_v not_o blaspheme_v their_o goddess_n diana_n secondlie_o they_o must_v be_v prepare_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n
they_o be_v bring_v into_o the_o form_n of_o it_o so_o we_o read_v act._n 14.23_o after_o that_o they_o have_v believe_v now_o a_o good_a space_n of_o time_n they_o have_v elder_n appoint_v and_o so_o become_v a_o church_n for_o most_o common_o man_n convert_v be_v a_o few_o at_o the_o first_o and_o therefore_o must_v stay_v till_o they_o be_v a_o competent_a number_n yea_o when_o a_o sufficient_a number_n do_v believe_v there_o must_v be_v a_o time_n to_o consider_v the_o state_n of_o the_o people_n to_o provide_v fit_a teacher_n and_o ruler_n and_o to_o make_v humane_a constitution_n for_o the_o order_n of_o they_o and_o for_o the_o practise_v of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n the_o law_n &_o order_n the_o establish_n and_o practise_v whereof_o make_v a_o company_n of_o christian_n to_o become_v a_o church_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n humaâ—â—_n the_o first_o be_v the_o law_n of_o god_n appoint_v for_o the_o govern_n of_o the_o church_n these_o do_v contain_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o be_v the_o same_o at_o that_o same_o time_n to_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n the_o other_o sort_n be_v of_o humane_a constitution_n make_v for_o the_o establish_n of_o the_o former_a in_o some_o particular_a place_n and_o do_v define_v the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o former_a law_n and_o therefore_o be_v diverse_a in_o every_o church_n and_o to_o be_v change_v as_o the_o circumstance_n of_o place_n time_n person_n and_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o church_n do_v require_v first_o of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n then_o of_o the_o law_n of_o man_n the_o law_n common_o call_v church-government_n or_o from_o the_o latter_a part_n church-discipline_n be_v that_o part_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o prescribe_v how_o particular_a church_n several_o and_o joint_o aught_o to_o be_v order_v in_o use_v the_o public_a mean_n of_o the_o service_n of_o god_n the_o first_o word_n of_o this_o definition_n give_v we_o this_o to_o understand_v that_o god_n himself_o be_v the_o only_a lawgiver_n in_o his_o church_n as_o touch_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o government_n which_o be_v not_o any_o devise_n of_o man_n but_o a_o holy_a institution_n of_o god_n yea_o we_o must_v of_o necessity_n grant_v this_o royal_a prerogative_n to_o god_n church-government_n that_o he_o be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o law_n by_o the_o which_o his_o church_n be_v order_v and_o that_o because_o he_o only_o and_o no_o creature_n can_v show_v after_o what_o manner_n he_o will_v be_v worship_v so_o that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o other_o form_n of_o government_n devise_v by_o man_n it_o be_v wilworshippe_n and_o not_o only_o not_o acceptable_a but_o even_o abominable_a in_o his_o sight_n yea_o the_o church_n be_v the_o house_n of_o god_n wherein_o he_o dwell_v and_o whereof_o he_o be_v the_o author_n and_o owner_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v good_a reason_n that_o he_o only_o shall_v bear_v rule_n in_o it_o he_o rule_v civil_a society_n by_o the_o law_n of_o king_n and_o prince_n but_o his_o church_n by_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n his_o son_n who_o he_o have_v anoint_v the_o only_a king_n of_o his_o church_n hence_o it_o follow_v that_o these_o law_n be_v not_o changeable_a but_o perpetual_a and_o make_v to_o continue_v as_o long_o as_o the_o church_n remain_v in_o this_o world_n so._n 1._o tim._n 6.14_o after_o that_o the_o apostle_n have_v set_v down_o the_o sum_n of_o this_o doctrine_n he_o charge_v timothy_n to_o keep_v those_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v enjoin_v until_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v that_o he_o endeavour_v by_o teach_v they_o to_o other_o that_o they_o may_v continue_v for_o ever_o for_o that_o these_o word_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o these_o law_n it_o appear_v vers._n 21._o oâ—_n the_o 5._o chapter_n where_o the_o same_o obtestation_n be_v use_v in_o the_o same_o matter_n the_o doctrine_n of_o this_o government_n be_v full_o plain_o and_o perfect_o set_v set_v down_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n yea_o every_o part_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o whatsoever_o part_n of_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n can_v be_v authorize_v by_o the_o word_n it_o be_v to_o be_v reject_v for_o all_o the_o office_n gift_n function_n part_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o service_n of_o god_n be_v teach_v we_o both_o by_o precept_n and_o by_o example_n but_o it_o be_v otherwise_o with_o the_o circumstance_n of_o this_o government_n for_o they_o be_v not_o neither_o can_v possible_o be_v define_v in_o the_o word_n and_o therefore_o be_v to_o be_v change_v as_o the_o church_n shall_v think_v good_a but_o the_o substance_n of_o this_o government_n be_v perpetual_a even_o as_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o shall_v never_o be_v augment_v and_o as_o be_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n which_o shall_v not_o be_v alter_v yea_o as_o permanent_a as_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o as_o general_a for_o as_o there_o be_v but_o one_o faith_n and_o one_o god_n so_o there_o be_v but_o one_o mean_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o serve_v god_n not_o many_o as_o if_o there_o be_v ten_o thousand_o god_n to_o be_v worship_v and_o as_o if_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v a_o bird_n of_o diverse_a colour_n one_o be_v not_o like_a or_o conformable_a to_o another_o and_o therefore_o as_o prince_n which_o bear_v rule_v over_o many_o city_n do_v make_v they_o all_o live_v under_o the_o same_o form_n of_o law_n and_o as_o child_n of_o the_o same_o parent_n be_v like_a in_o countenance_n and_o suitable_a in_o their_o apparel_n so_o all_o the_o particular_a church_n in_o the_o world_n have_v one_o and_o the_o same_o government_n appoint_v for_o they_o the_o chief_a cause_n whereby_o many_o be_v induce_v to_o think_v that_o no_o certain_a form_n of_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v command_v by_o god_n be_v for_o that_o it_o be_v not_o handle_v at_o large_a and_o of_o set_a purpose_n in_o the_o scripture_n but_o only_o brief_o touch_v and_o mention_v by_o occasion_n whereunto_o we_o answer_v that_o so_o be_v many_o weighty_a point_n of_o religion_n not_o once_o in_o plain_a term_n to_o be_v find_v in_o any_o part_n of_o scripture_n and_o many_o bring_v in_o only_o upon_o some_o occasion_n the_o which_o to_o call_v in_o question_n be_v great_a impiety_n but_o there_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o substance_n of_o this_o government_n which_o be_v not_o plain_o set_v down_o in_o the_o word_n yea_o in_o these_o law_n the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n do_v so_o clear_o shine_v that_o the_o angelâ—_n do_v rejoice_v in_o behold_v that_o heavenly_a order_n by_o the_o which_o the_o church_n be_v govern_v so_o do_v the_o apostle_n collossian_n 2.5_o with_o joy_n think_v upon_o the_o order_n of_o that_o church_n although_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o even_o as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n belong_v a_o like_a to_o all_o there_o be_v one_o uniform_a order_n appoint_v for_o all_o yet_o the_o same_o be_v change_v by_o god_n himself_o as_o it_o do_v most_o fit_o agree_v to_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o do_v appear_v that_o manifold_a wisdom_n of_o god_n ephes._n 3.10_o but_o the_o foundation_n and_o groundwork_n of_o this_o government_n do_v always_o remain_v the_o same_o as_o we_o see_v the_o law_n of_o kingdom_n and_o commonwealth_n to_o be_v often_o change_v but_o yet_o the_o fundamental_a law_n whereon_o the_o state_n stand_v do_v always_o remain_v firm_a and_o unchaunged_a this_o government_n be_v always_o change_v unto_o a_o better_o and_o more_o perfect_a state_n even_o as_o the_o church_n do_v continual_o grow_v to_o perfection_n estate_n for_o if_o we_o compare_v the_o latter_a age_n of_o the_o church_n general_o with_o the_o former_a we_o shall_v find_v that_o as_o there_o be_v in_o particular_a man_n a_o growth_n in_o their_o body_n and_o soul_n so_o also_o in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o latter_a time_n do_v excel_v the_o former_a not_o only_o in_o number_n of_o professor_n but_o also_o in_o knowledge_n and_o in_o abundance_n of_o all_o spiritual_a grace_n the_o cause_n whereof_o be_v for_o that_o it_o please_v god_n to_o reveal_v himself_o to_o the_o world_n not_o all_o at_o once_o but_o by_o little_a and_o little_a heb._n 1.1_o even_o as_o his_o word_n have_v be_v in_o these_o last_o age_n more_o full_o declare_v to_o the_o church_n then_o before_o thus_o shall_v the_o church_n grow_v till_o we_o all_o meet_v in_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o stature_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ._n and_o herein_o we_o can_v resemble_v the_o deal_n of_o god_n more_o fit_o then_o to_o that_o usual_a manner_n which_o parent_n use_v in_o bring_v up_o their_o child_n who_o do_v not_o at_o
the_o first_o lie_v upon_o they_o that_o straight_o and_o perfect_a kind_n of_o discipline_n which_o afterwards_o they_o use_v whenas_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o riperyare_n they_o be_v more_o capable_a of_o it_o yea_o this_o continual_a growth_n of_o the_o church_n be_v show_v by_o ezech._n 4.1_o vers_fw-la 3.4.5_o by_o the_o rise_n of_o the_o water_n to_o his_o ankle_n knee_n loin_n and_o head_n sect._n 2._o of_o the_o diverse_a stateâ—_n of_o ecclesiastical_a government_n we_o find_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n three_o kind_n of_o church-government_n the_o first_o of_o these_o be_v in_o force_n before_o the_o give_v of_o the_o law_n the_o second_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o law_n the_o three_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o first_o we_o may_v fit_o resemble_v unto_o the_o first_o infancy_n of_o a_o child_n be_v new_o bear_v in_o the_o which_o although_o there_o be_v all_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n yet_o they_o can_v as_o yet_o do_v their_o function_n and_o therefore_o can_v hardly_o be_v discern_v or_o distinguish_v so_o in_o this_o first_o state_n there_o be_v all_o the_o part_n of_o chuch-government_n although_o they_o do_v not_o so_o plain_o appear_v as_o in_o the_o other_o follow_v law_n there_o be_v a_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n although_o join_v or_o rather_o confound_v with_o the_o civil_a government_n for_o both_o the_o office_n lay_v upon_o the_o first_o bear_v in_o the_o family_n the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v in_o small_a measure_n and_o seldom_o reveal_v the_o same_o be_v confirm_v by_o diverse_a sacrament_n and_o also_o strengthen_v by_o censure_n against_o the_o disobedient_a but_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v little_o practise_v as_o also_o the_o number_n of_o professor_n be_v very_o small_a for_o this_o time_n be_v the_o first_o infancy_n of_o the_o church_n from_o which_o it_o be_v continual_o to_o grow_v on_o to_o perfection_n next_o unto_o this_o succeed_v the_o manner_n of_o government_n under_o the_o law_n institute_v by_o god_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o moses_n law_n be_v much_o more_o perfect_a than_o the_o former_a even_o as_o be_v the_o childhood_n to_o the_o infancy_n so_o that_o now_o all_o the_o faculty_n do_v their_o several_a function_n and_o may_v easy_o be_v perceave_v in_o themselves_o and_o distinguish_v from_o the_o other_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n great_o enlarge_v and_o the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o serve_v god_n increase_v to_o many_o million_o the_o will_n of_o god_n so_o plentiful_o and_o large_o reveal_v that_o it_o be_v of_o necessity_n commit_v to_o writing_n lest_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v forget_v many_o sacrament_n to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o against_o unbelief_n sharp_a and_o severe_a censure_n appoint_v for_o offender_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v but_o the_o childhood_n of_o the_o church_n â—al_a 4.1_o &_o be_v so_o far_o yea_o much_o more_o exceed_v in_o perfection_n of_o the_o three_o as_o it_o do_v exceed_v the_o former_a the_o three_o be_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n wherein_o the_o lord_n do_v as_o it_o be_v put_v the_o last_o hand_n to_o the_o government_n of_o his_o church_n bring_v it_o to_o that_o perfecton_n which_o shall_v continue_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n now_o be_v the_o number_n of_o those_o who_o serve_v god_n increase_v above_o measure_n in_o so_o much_o that_o the_o church_n must_v enlarge_v her_o tent_n and_o receive_v all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n come_v to_o dwell_v with_o she_o esa._n 54.1.2.3_o and_o according_o there_o be_v â—_o most_o perfect_a government_n appoint_v by_o christ_n the_o true_a nature_n whereof_o will_v the_o more_o easy_o appear_v if_o we_o compare_v it_o with_o the_o former_a from_o the_o which_o it_o do_v differ_v as_o do_v the_o ripe_a age_n of_o a_o man_n from_o his_o childhood_n so_o that_o now_o the_o church_n may_v true_o say_v when_o i_o be_v a_o child_n i_o understand_v speak_v and_o do_v as_o a_o child_n but_o now_o i_o have_v put_v away_o childish_a thing_n the_o ground_n of_o this_o difference_n be_v the_o come_n of_o christ_n in_o who_o all_o the_o treasure_n of_o the_o will_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n be_v both_o hide_v â—nd_n reveal_v to_o the_o church_n the_o shadow_n and_o ceremony_n use_v before_o be_v make_v of_o no_o use_n and_o instead_o of_o they_o the_o truth_n itself_o come_v in_o place_n now_o be_v all_o the_o mystery_n of_o our_o salvation_n uncover_v the_o shadow_n be_v drive_v away_o by_o the_o appear_a of_o the_o son_n of_o righteousness_n the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v now_o as_o it_o be_v with_o a_o full_a hand_n pour_v on_o those_o which_o believe_v which_o god_n keep_v in_o store_n till_o this_o time_n that_o by_o the_o plentiful_a pour_v of_o they_o out_o he_o may_v celebrate_v the_o glorious_a marriage_n of_o christ_n with_o his_o church_n gospel_n hereof_o do_v the_o whole_a difference_n arise_v we_o know_v that_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v either_o outward_a consist_v in_o bodily_a action_n or_o inward_a in_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o hart_n this_o do_v the_o lord_n require_v the_o other_o be_v not_o acceptable_a unto_o he_o but_o as_o it_o proceed_v from_o this_o fountain_n the_o outward_a worship_n will_v easy_o be_v perform_v although_o it_o have_v most_o straight_a condition_n annex_v unto_o it_o as_o we_o read_v mica_n 6.6_o where_o withal_o shall_v i_o come_v before_o the_o lord_n will_v he_o accept_v thâ—usands_n of_o ram_n etc._n etc._n but_o inward_a and_o spiritual_a worship_n be_v not_o only_o hard_a but_o also_o impossible_a to_o be_v perform_v without_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n as_o be_v clean_o contrary_a to_o our_o nature_n and_o therefore_o it_o please_v god_n in_o a_o tender_a regard_n which_o he_o have_v to_o his_o church_n under_o the_o law_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o weakness_n of_o it_o to_o appoint_v unto_o they_o more_o of_o that_o outward_a worship_n and_o to_o accept_v their_o spiritual_a service_n although_o it_o be_v in_o small_a measure_n but_o contrary_o now_o under_o the_o gospel_n he_o require_v a_o great_a measure_n of_o spiritual_a worship_n and_o enjoin_v little_a of_o the_o other_o this_o distinction_n be_v make_v by_o christ_n john_n 4.21.23_o the_o time_n come_v when_o neither_o at_o jerusalem_n nor_o on_o this_o mount_v you_o shall_v worship_v my_o father_n but_o in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n this_o be_v also_o that_o new_a covenant_n whereof_o joel_n speak_v whenas_o god_n shall_v pour_v his_o spirit_n upon_o all_o flâ—sh_n not_o but_o that_o the_o faithful_a under_o the_o law_n both_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o also_o perform_v unto_o he_o spiritual_a worship_n without_o the_o which_o the_o other_o be_v but_o abominable_a unto_o he_o but_o yet_o not_o in_o so_o great_a measure_n as_o now_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o whole_a worship_n of_o god_n under_o the_o law_n be_v very_o glorious_a in_o outward_a appearance_n for_o this_o end_n to_o purchase_v obedience_n and_o reverence_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o people_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o now_o the_o whole_a worship_n of_o god_n be_v base_a and_o contemptible_a in_o outward_a appearance_n but_o mighty_a in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o we_o read_v 1._o cor._n 14._o if_o all_o prophecy_n and_o there_o come_v in_o one_o that_o believe_v not_o or_o one_o unlearned_a he_o be_v rebuke_v of_o all_o man_n and_o be_v judge_v of_o all_o and_o so_o be_v the_o secret_n of_o his_o heart_n make_v manifest_a and_o so_o he_o will_v fall_v down_o on_o his_o face_n and_o worship_n god_n ceremony_n and_o say_v plain_o that_o god_n be_v in_o you_o indeed_o the_o which_o appear_v by_o the_o great_a abundance_n of_o spiritual_a grace_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o under_o the_o law_n the_o priest_n be_v not_o so_o endue_v which_o that_o measure_n of_o spiritual_a grace_n but_o in_o steed_n of_o they_o they_o have_v outward_a help_n to_o purchase_v reverence_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o to_o themselves_o among_o the_o people_n the_o temple_n for_o outward_a magnificence_n most_o glorious_a the_o holy_a place_n have_v in_o high_a account_v of_o all_o man_n the_o priest_n separate_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o people_n in_o many_o respect_n and_o for_o the_o same_o end_n the_o high_a priest_n be_v adorn_v with_o glorious_a robe_n that_o so_o he_o may_v the_o more_o excel_v but_o now_o none_o of_o these_o mean_n be_v in_o use_n only_o the_o powerful_a simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v instead_o far_o above_o all_o the_o church_n then_o have_v but_o a_o small_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n in_o comparison_n of_o these_o time_n and_o according_o be_v they_o teach_v but_o now_o the_o lord_n
look_v for_o another_o measure_n of_o knowledge_n and_o therefore_o other_o mean_n of_o attain_v it_o be_v necessary_o to_o be_v use_v last_o this_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o this_o church-government_n be_v never_o alter_v but_o by_o the_o express_a commandment_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v ordain_v by_o he_o only_o god_n the_o change_v of_o it_o be_v confirm_v by_o miracle_n to_o be_v from_o god_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o institute_n of_o the_o legal_a government_n by_o moses_n and_o this_o under_o the_o gospel_n by_o the_o apostle_n and_o that_o change_n 2._o chron._n 8.26_o and_o 35.15_o be_v by_o special_a direction_n from_o god_n yea_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n both_o typical_a before_o the_o gospel_n and_o real_a in_o the_o time_n of_o it_o be_v institute_v by_o extraordinary_a prophet_n to_o wit_n adam_n moses_n and_o christ_n apostle_n and_o so_o leave_v to_o ordinary_a minister_n name_n lie_v to_o the_o first_o bear_v then_o to_o the_o levit_n and_o last_o to_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n thus_o much_o in_o general_a of_o church-government_n and_o of_o the_o three_o diverse_a state_n of_o it_o whereof_o order_n require_v that_o we_o shall_v here_o entreat_v in_o particular_a but_o we_o can_v in_o this_o short_a treatise_n enter_v into_o this_o wide_a and_o large_a field_n and_o therefore_o suppose_v for_o order_n sake_n this_o argument_n to_o be_v here_o handle_v we_o go_v on_o to_o that_o which_o follow_v chap._n vi_o of_o ecclesiastical_a humane_a law_n sect._n 1_o how_o they_o differ_v from_o the_o law_n of_o god_n thus_o much_o of_o the_o law_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v for_o the_o order_n of_o his_o church_n now_o we_o be_v to_o come_v to_o the_o humane_a law_n of_o the_o church_n the_o which_o we_o will_v consider_v first_o by_o compare_v they_o with_o the_o aforesaid_a law_n of_o god_n and_o second_o as_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o for_o the_o first_o both_o kind_n agree_v in_o name_n be_v both_o call_v ecclesiastical_a and_o in_o the_o end_n which_o be_v the_o good_a order_n of_o the_o church_n and_o also_o in_o the_o general_a subject_n which_o be_v the_o public_a service_n of_o god_n together_o with_o those_o action_n which_o belong_v unto_o it_o yet_o they_o differ_v in_o many_o respect_n first_o and_o especial_o in_o the_o author_n or_o efficient_a the_o former_a kind_n be_v make_v by_o god_n himself_o the_o other_o by_o man_n whereof_o it_o come_v that_o the_o first_o kind_n be_v far_o more_o excellent_a than_o the_o other_o the_o one_o consist_v whole_o and_o mere_o of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n the_o other_o have_v in_o they_o much_o weakness_n and_o ignorance_n the_o one_o absolute_a and_o perfect_a the_o other_o continual_o have_v want_n and_o imperfection_n and_o therefore_o the_o one_o kind_n be_v temporary_a and_o mutable_a law_n the_o other_o perpetual_a and_o constant_a although_o when_o the_o appoint_a time_n of_o they_o be_v expire_v they_o be_v change_v by_o god_n but_o they_o admit_v no_o alteration_n from_o man_n further_n the_o law_n of_o god_n belong_v to_o the_o whole_a visible_a church_n and_o to_o every_o particular_a church_n but_o the_o other_o only_o to_o some_o one_o or_o a_o few_o of_o they_o for_o as_o a_o king_n who_o have_v dominion_n oâ—er_v many_o city_n do_v use_v himself_o to_o make_v the_o chief_a law_n by_o â—he_n which_o all_o and_o each_o one_o of_o those_o city_n be_v to_o be_v govern_v yet_o he_o leave_v to_o they_o this_o power_n to_o take_v up_o and_o retain_v custom_n fashion_n and_o order_n proper_a to_o themselves_o yea_o to_o make_v particular_a law_n of_o matter_n of_o less_o moment_n as_o may_v best_o agree_v to_o their_o several_a state_n and_o condition_n so_o have_v christ_n the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n himself_o make_v the_o chief_a order_n but_o leave_v the_o rest_n for_o the_o church_n to_o make_v last_o the_o first_o kind_n be_v about_o the_o substance_n &_o very_a form_n of_o the_o service_n of_o god_n the_o other_o about_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o the_o add_v of_o this_o latter_a kind_n to_o the_o former_a do_v not_o add_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o substance_n of_o church-government_n but_o only_o do_v establish_v it_o and_o make_v that_o it_o may_v convenient_o be_v use_v even_o as_o we_o do_v often_o see_v that_o the_o whole_a and_o perfect_a frame_n of_o a_o house_n in_o the_o full_a proportion_n of_o it_o be_v set_v up_o not_o want_v either_o foundation_n wall_n or_o roof_n but_o afterward_o there_o be_v add_v to_o it_o nail_n and_o pin_n to_o keep_v the_o frame_n fast_o together_o yea_o doreâ—_n window_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v requisite_a to_o make_v the_o say_v frame_v a_o commodious_a dwell_a place_n for_o the_o builder_n of_o it_o even_o so_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n as_o it_o be_v appoint_v by_o god_n and_o have_v in_o some_o part_n be_v describe_v be_v the_o perfect_a frame_n of_o the_o house_n of_o god_n the_o law_n of_o man_n be_v the_o other_o implemente_n which_o be_v add_v thereunto_o sect._n 2._o of_o the_o matter_n of_o ecclesiastical_a humane_a laweâ—_n and_o how_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n thus_o much_o brief_o of_o these_o law_n by_o way_n of_o comparison_n with_o the_o other_o worship_n now_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o they_o more_o plain_o and_o distinct_o first_o for_o the_o matter_n of_o these_o law_n we_o see_v that_o they_o be_v of_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n to_o wit_n at_o what_o time_n in_o what_o place_n yea_o and_o how_o often_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v use_v all_o which_o be_v usual_o call_v rite_n or_o ceremony_n and_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o fashion_n of_o the_o church_n as_o for_o example_n the_o lawâ—_n of_o god_n be_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v minister_n in_o the_o church_n to_o teach_v the_o people_n but_o how_o often_o they_o shall_v teach_v at_o what_o special_a time_n where_o and_o with_o what_o gesture_n these_o thing_n be_v not_o determine_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o leave_v to_o the_o ecclesiastical_a law_n of_o man_n if_o it_o be_v ask_v why_o it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o deck_v and_o beautify_v his_o church_n under_o the_o law_n not_o only_o with_o the_o substance_n of_o government_n but_o also_o with_o so_o many_o ceremonial_a law_n that_o scarce_o any_o circumstance_n of_o any_o action_n be_v leave_v unappoint_v by_o himself_o and_o to_o suffer_v his_o church_n now_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v naked_a and_o destitute_a almost_o of_o all_o ceremonial_a law_n but_o such_o as_o be_v make_v by_o man_n we_o answer_v render_v three_o cause_n thereof_o the_o first_o be_v for_o that_o the_o church_n under_o the_o law_n be_v without_o that_o ripeness_n of_o knowledge_n whereunto_o she_o have_v come_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o have_v need_n to_o have_v all_o the_o particular_n of_o every_o action_n prescribe_v but_o now_o the_o church_n be_v endue_v with_o more_o knowledge_n have_v these_o thing_n leave_v to_o her_o discretion_n even_o as_o we_o see_v man_n use_v to_o deal_v who_o if_o they_o commit_v any_o business_n to_o one_o who_o they_o think_v to_o be_v endue_v with_o wisdom_n and_o experience_n they_o do_v not_o tell_v he_o the_o particular_a manner_n of_o do_v but_o only_o thus_o much_o in_o general_a that_o they_o will_v have_v such_o a_o thing_n do_v otherwise_o if_o he_o want_v this_o knowledge_n than_o they_o leave_v nothing_o arbitrarie_a to_o he_o but_o set_v down_o every_o point_n and_o the_o special_a circumstance_n thereof_o the_o second_o cause_n be_v this_o in_o the_o make_n of_o these_o church-lawe_n there_o must_v be_v great_a regard_n have_v as_o we_o afterward_o be_v to_o show_v of_o the_o nature_n manner_n behaviour_n and_o state_n of_o that_o people_n for_o who_o they_o be_v to_o be_v make_v now_o under_o the_o law_n the_o visible_a church_n do_v consist_v of_o one_o nation_n only_o to_o wit_n of_o the_o jew_n but_o under_o the_o gospel_n all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o of_o the_o church_n so_o that_o law_n agreeable_a to_o each_o people_n will_v have_v be_v so_o infinite_a that_o they_o can_v not_o have_v be_v write_v neither_o do_v the_o word_n of_o god_n now_o belong_v in_o any_o part_n to_o any_o one_o nation_n but_o general_o and_o equal_o to_o all_o thirdlie_o the_o church_n be_v bind_v in_o regard_n of_o her_o infancy_n to_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o legal_a ceremony_n now_o the_o church_n be_v set_v in_o full_a liberty_n by_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n and_o no_o further_o tie_v to_o such_o outward_a
god_n and_o for_o a_o hearty_a and_o spiritual_a serve_v of_o god_n do_v institute_v a_o dead_a worship_n not_o pierce_v into_o the_o heart_n three_o where_o there_o be_v many_o law_n there_o be_v also_o necessare_o many_o transgression_n of_o law_n and_o so_o the_o necessary_a break_n of_o some_o make_v the_o rest_n to_o be_v less_o obey_v and_o esteem_v it_o remain_v that_o we_o shall_v show_v to_o who_o the_o make_n of_o ecclesiastical_a law_n do_v belong_v but_o as_o before_o we_o do_v defer_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o first_o mover_n in_o the_o plant_n of_o a_o church_n till_o we_o come_v to_o the_o distinct_a kind_n of_o a_o church_n so_o this_o question_n must_v be_v refer_v to_o the_o same_o place_n chap._n vii_o of_o the_o diverse_a state_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n sect._n 1_o of_o a_o unstablished_a state_n of_o a_o church_n thus_o we_o have_v declare_v as_o it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o give_v unto_o we_o the_o knowledge_n hereof_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n the_o matter_n whereof_o it_o consist_v be_v a_o company_n of_o christian_n call_v together_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n the_o form_n likewise_o be_v first_o and_o chief_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o second_o the_o positive_a law_n or_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n the_o which_o two_o kind_n of_o law_n divine_a and_o humane_a whenas_o they_o be_v join_v together_o and_o put_v in_o practice_n among_o a_o believe_a people_n then_o be_v the_o whole_a frame_n of_o the_o house_n of_o god_n set_v up_o the_o which_o although_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o one_o and_o the_o same_o and_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n ought_v to_o be_v full_o and_o pure_o establish_v in_o all_o place_n yet_o by_o reason_n of_o man_n infirmity_n not_o be_v able_a to_o perform_v the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o perfect_a manner_n and_o of_o the_o malice_n of_o satan_n labour_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o hinder_v this_o work_n when_o it_o be_v put_v in_o practice_n it_o receave_v many_o alteration_n whereof_o come_v the_o diverse_a state_n of_o a_o church_n in_o all_o which_o this_o be_v general_o to_o be_v note_v that_o they_o have_v many_o aberâ—ations_n from_o the_o form_n of_o government_n prescribe_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o which_o may_v lawful_o be_v tolerate_v where_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o church_n they_o can_v be_v amend_v yet_o so_o as_o that_o we_o do_v always_o aim_v at_o that_o which_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o let_v whereby_o this_o work_n be_v hinder_v that_o it_o can_v come_v to_o perfection_n at_o the_o first_o be_v of_o two_o kind_n natural_a &_o violent_a the_o first_o kind_n we_o call_v natural_a because_o they_o arise_v of_o no_o outward_a cause_n but_o even_o of_o the_o very_a hardness_n of_o the_o work_n itself_o as_o these_o for_o example_n it_o come_v often_o to_o pass_v that_o man_n although_o convert_v from_o infidelity_n to_o faith_n yet_o can_v at_o the_o first_o be_v bring_v to_o 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anâ—_n build_v yet_o not_o strong_o fasten_v together_o nor_o in_o any_o firm_a constant_a &_o settle_a estate_n yet_o this_o be_v not_o a_o imperfect_a state_n of_o a_o church_n wherein_o some_o part_n of_o the_o government_n be_v want_v but_o a_o state_n unestablish_v even_o as_o we_o see_v that_o although_o the_o part_n of_o the_o body_n of_o a_o child_n be_v not_o as_o yeâ—_n so_o firm_a and_o compact_a neither_o his_o whole_a body_n have_v attain_v to_o that_o strength_n and_o firm_a constitution_n whereunto_o it_o grow_v yet_o he_o be_v not_o therefore_o maim_v or_o imperfect_a so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n the_o which_o grow_v from_o one_o age_n state_n and_o strength_n to_o another_o even_o as_o a_o man_n body_n do_v in_o this_o estate_n all_o church_n be_v at_o the_o first_o and_o so_o do_v continue_v either_o a_o long_o or_o a_o short_a time_n as_o the_o hindrance_n of_o the_o build_n of_o they_o be_v many_o or_o few_o great_a or_o little_a thus_o be_v the_o church_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n yea_o many_o of_o they_o do_v continue_v so_o a_o long_a time_n because_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a difficulty_n to_o build_v they_o and_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o any_o good_a estate_n for_o then_o all_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n be_v strange_a unto_o they_o for_o that_o they_o be_v late_o ordain_v and_o have_v not_o be_v practise_v before_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o after_o they_o be_v plant_v and_o full_o build_v by_o the_o apostle_n they_o do_v still_o require_v their_o continual_a care_n as_o pâ—ule_n say_v of_o himself_o 2._o corin._n 11.28_o that_o the_o care_n of_o all_o the_o church_n lay_v upon_o himself_o for_o although_o he_o be_v present_a with_o they_o or_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o other_o do_v set_v all_o thing_n in_o due_a order_n yet_o they_o do_v not_o continue_v long_o in_o that_o estate_n but_o fall_v into_o many_o abuse_n and_o disorder_n in_o life_n doctrine_n and_o government_n the_o which_o may_v be_v see_v as_o in_o other_o so_o especial_o in_o the_o church_n at_o corinth_n the_o which_o while_o it_o be_v in_o this_o unestablished_a state_n be_v even_o over_o grow_v with_o disorder_n and_o so_o it_o be_v with_o other_o church_n being_n not_o full_o settle_v for_o as_o a_o â—ouse_n may_v be_v easy_o shake_v a_o sunder_o before_o the_o part_n of_o it_o be_v firm_o join_v together_o and_z as_o child_n in_o their_o young_a age_n be_v subject_a to_o many_o danger_n and_o be_v easy_o hurt_v so_o the_o government_n of_o church_n be_v most_o common_o confound_v and_o â—roden_v under_o foot_n before_o it_o be_v confime_v by_o use_n and_o practice_v in_o the_o which_o respect_n they_o to_o who_o the_o care_n of_o such_o church_n be_v commit_v aught_o to_o be_v so_o much_o more_o diligent_a and_o watchful_a as_o the_o danger_n be_v great_a than_o at_o other_o time_n yea_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o infancy_n or_o weak_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n they_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o remit_v somewhat_o of_o the_o strict_a form_n of_o government_n and_o especial_o of_o discipline_n whenas_o the_o good_a of_o the_o people_n shall_v so_o require_v thus_o as_o be_v before_o note_v deal_v paul_n with_o the_o corinthian_n unto_o who_o he_o give_v milk_n as_o to_o infant_n not_o strong_a meat_n 1._o cor._n 3.2_o and_o likewise_o with_o the_o thessalonian_o 1._o thess._n 2.7.8_o though_o we_o may_v have_v be_v burdensome_a to_o you_o as_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n yet_o we_o be_v tender_a among_o you_o even_o as_o a_o nurse_n cherish_v she_o own_o child_n sect._n 2._o of_o a_o pure_a and_o perfect_a state_n of_o a_o church_n when_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n with_o those_o other_o law_n appertain_v unto_o it_o be_v full_o establish_v and_o practise_v than_o the_o church_n have_v a_o pure_a and_o perfect_a estate_n both_o which_o in_o regard_n of_o outward_a government_n may_v be_v attain_v unto_o howsoever_o no_o christian_n man_n life_n several_o consider_v can_v possible_o be_v without_o diverse_a corruption_n and_o imperfection_n in_o this_o world_n a_o pure_a estate_n be_v that_o wherein_o god_n be_v serve_v according_a to_o his_o own_o will_n and_o ordinance_n only_o the_o whole_a order_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v free_a from_o all_o spot_v of_o idolatry_n superstition_n and_o all_o tradition_n or_o devise_n of_o man_n swerve_v from_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o example_n of_o this_o exact_a purity_n be_v very_o few_o beside_o the_o first_o church_n build_v by_o moses_n among_o the_o israelite_n and_o by_o the_o aposteles_a among_o the_o christian_n in_o jerusalem_n for_o immediate_o after_o their_o day_n creep_v in_o corruption_n the_o stain_n whereof_o be_v hardly_o
in_o the_o flourish_a time_n of_o the_o church_n many_o of_o the_o people_n do_v attain_v to_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n and_o all_o other_o grace_n and_o therefore_o those_o kingdom_n and_o nation_n which_o it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o bless_v with_o peace_n learning_n abundance_n of_o excellent_a man_n and_o such_o other_o blessing_n be_v to_o think_v that_o all_o this_o be_v do_v for_o this_o end_n that_o god_n may_v have_v not_o only_o a_o perfect_a but_o even_o a_o flourish_a church_n among_o they_o therefore_o whenas_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v most_o flourish_a in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o king_n of_o juda_n then_o be_v the_o temple_n the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o a_o most_o glorious_a estate_n yea_o although_o we_o have_v a_o church_n yet_o we_o be_v to_o desire_v this_o estate_n of_o it_o and_o to_o be_v sorry_a for_o the_o lack_n of_o it_o so_o esr._n 3.12_o we_o read_v that_o many_o of_o the_o priest_n levite_n and_o head_n of_o the_o father_n &_o elder_n who_o have_v see_v that_o most_o glorious_a temple_n of_o solomon_n do_v lament_v the_o mean_a estate_n of_o the_o second_o temple_n and_o no_o doubt_n but_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n which_o will_v wring_v tear_n out_o of_o any_o christian_n heart_n to_o behold_v the_o mean_a corrupt_a &_o imperfect_a estate_n of_o church_n in_o those_o kingdom_n and_o country_n which_o abound_v with_o learning_n man_n of_o wisdom_n knowledge_n zeal_n and_o of_o all_o spiritual_a grace_n which_o be_v needful_a for_o this_o purpose_n may_v have_v their_o church_n in_o most_o flourish_a estate_n if_o the_o lord_n will_v once_o put_v into_o their_o heart_n to_o employ_v those_o blessing_n which_o they_o have_v to_o beautify_v and_o adorn_v his_o church_n sect._n 4._o of_o that_o estate_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o the_o build_n of_o it_o be_v hinder_v hitherto_o we_o have_v declare_v how_o the_o frame_n of_o this_o spiritual_a house_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v set_v up_o the_o beginning_n progress_n and_o perfection_n of_o it_o and_o how_o it_o be_v to_o be_v continue_v and_o order_v in_o the_o several_a state_n the_o which_o happy_a and_o joyful_a success_n of_o this_o work_n although_o they_o who_o labour_n in_o it_o both_o aught_o earnest_o do_v desire_n as_o make_v great_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o also_o may_v lawful_o hope_v for_o for_o that_o it_o please_v god_n to_o grant_v it_o often_o to_o the_o church_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o so_o confident_o to_o look_v for_o it_o but_o that_o withal_o they_o do_v consider_v that_o the_o build_n of_o the_o church_n be_v also_o often_o yea_o usual_o and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n hinder_v and_o stop_v by_o one_o mean_n or_o other_o so_o that_o it_o can_v be_v begin_v or_o at_o the_o least_o not_o perfect_v and_o continue_v in_o any_o good_a estate_n the_o building_n of_o the_o church_n be_v hinder_v by_o some_o violent_a mean_n for_o of_o the_o natural_a hindrance_n we_o have_v already_o speak_v become_v hard_a troublesome_a and_o dangerous_a whereby_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o many_o who_o do_v before_o labour_v diligent_o and_o painful_o in_o this_o work_n do_v now_o faint_a and_o give_v it_o over_o so_o we_o read_v 2._o tim._n 4.15_o that_o although_o the_o apostle_n have_v many_o fellowlabourer_n at_o other_o time_n yet_o when_o persecution_n come_v all_o do_v forsake_v he_o as_o also_o the_o disciple_n do_v forsake_v christ_n at_o his_o apprehension_n it_o whereas_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v encourage_v to_o go_v on_o so_o much_o the_o more_o cheerefulie_o in_o this_o work_n consider_v that_o the_o lord_n do_v suffer_v it_o to_o be_v hinder_v that_o he_o may_v by_o this_o mean_n try_v their_o faithfulness_n and_o sincerity_n of_o love_n towards_o his_o glory_n if_o for_o the_o procure_n and_o advaunce_v of_o it_o they_o will_v not_o refuse_v any_o trouble_n danger_n or_o loss_n of_o temporal_a thing_n and_o further_a also_o that_o he_o may_v work_v and_o increase_v in_o they_o patience_n whereby_o they_o may_v quiet_o expect_v the_o time_n wherein_o he_o will_v give_v a_o prosperous_a success_n to_o their_o labour_n yea_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o learn_v to_o rely_v themselves_o whole_o upon_o he_o whenas_o they_o see_v that_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o adversary_n they_o can_v possible_o bring_v to_o pass_v that_o which_o they_o do_v desire_v the_o hinder_v of_o this_o work_n be_v to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o malice_n of_o sathan_n who_o see_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o which_o make_v so_o much_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n unto_o both_o which_o he_o be_v a_o profess_a enemy_n as_o do_v the_o build_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n do_v labour_n by_o all_o mean_n that_o this_o work_n shall_v either_o not_o be_v take_v in_o hand_n or_o at_o the_o least_o not_o go_v forward_o and_o continue_v as_o it_o ought_v and_o as_o he_o be_v strong_a and_o mighty_a both_o to_o haâ—e_v tâ—e_v câ—â—rch_n with_o a_o perfect_a and_o deadly_a mâ—lice_n and_o also_o to_o 〈◊〉_d the_o â—ame_n effectual_o thâ—_n lâ—rde_n â—o_o permit_v 〈…〉_o so_o great_a as_o that_o no_o mâ—n_z â—aâ—_n diâ—couâ—â—_n thoâ—e_v infinite_a sleight_n and_o way_n by_o the_o 〈◊〉_d he_o do_v hinder_v the_o edify_a both_o of_o the_o church_n and_o also_o of_o every_o particular_a member_n of_o it_o the_o which_o although_o they_o may_v in_o some_o measure_n be_v perceive_v of_o those_o who_o be_v exercise_v in_o thiâ—_n spiritual_a warfare_n as_o the_o apostle_n witness_v 2._o corin._n 2.11_o say_n we_o be_v not_o ignorant_a of_o the_o devise_n of_o satan_n yet_o they_o aâ—e_v full_o and_o perfect_o know_v unto_o the_o lord_n only_o who_o also_o do_v so_o frustrate_a and_o disannul_v they_o as_o that_o they_o shall_v never_o final_o prevail_v against_o any_o of_o his_o elect_a but_o of_o those_o hindrance_n which_o satan_n ca_v before_o particular_a man_n in_o the_o way_n of_o thâ—ir_a salvation_n we_o be_v not_o here_o to_o speak_v but_o only_o of_o those_o whereby_o he_o hinder_v the_o set_n up_o or_o continue_v of_o the_o frame_n of_o the_o church_n in_o any_o place_n wherein_o how_o wonderful_o he_o have_v prevail_v from_o time_n to_o time_n it_o may_v â—aselie_o appear_v to_o he_o that_o do_v consider_v in_o how_o few_o place_n of_o the_o world_n the_o church_n have_v at_o any_o time_n have_v any_o dwell_a place_n or_o at_o the_o least_o any_o good_a pure_a perfect_a and_o permanent_a â—state_n and_o to_o lâ—t_v pass_v the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n wherein_o the_o church_n be_v either_o shut_v up_o in_o one_o family_n or_o contain_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o one_o small_a country_n the_o whole_a world_n beside_o remain_v in_o ignorance_n idolatry_n and_o atheism_n if_o we_o come_v to_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n wherein_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v in_o the_o best_a and_o most_o flourish_a estate_n we_o shall_v sâ—e_v how_o strange_o sathan_n hinder_v the_o build_n of_o those_o church_n which_o the_o apostle_n do_v plant_v in_o many_o place_n of_o the_o world_n insomuch_o that_o many_o of_o they_o wâ—re_o soon_o disperse_v and_o most_o of_o those_o which_o do_v continue_v for_o some_o space_n of_o time_n do_v not_o grow_v on_o to_o any_o pure_a and_o perfect_a estate_n judgement_n but_o do_v daily_o decline_v from_o that_o purity_n wherein_o they_o be_v at_o the_o fiâ—st_o establish_a till_o such_o time_n as_o they_o be_v either_o clean_o overthrow_v and_o root_v out_o as_o weâ—_n see_v the_o church_n throughout_o asia_n africa_n and_o a_o great_a part_n of_o europe_n to_o have_v be_v or_o 〈◊〉_d jest_n so_o deface_v and_o corrupt_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o 〈…〉_o god_n the_o purity_n of_o doctrine_n and_o the_o order_n and_o government_n of_o they_o as_o that_o till_o of_o late_o we_o can_v scarce_o have_v acknowledge_v the_o visible_a church_n in_o any_o place_n yet_o the_o lord_n do_v never_o suffer_v sathan_n to_o prevail_v so_o far_o against_o the_o church_n as_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o take_v the_o name_n of_o it_o from_o off_o the_o earth_n and_o whole_o to_o overthrow_v it_o but_o do_v always_o reserve_v some_o place_n for_o his_o church_n to_o remain_v in_o where_o he_o will_v have_v his_o name_n call_v upon_o and_o his_o elect_a enjoy_v the_o mean_n of_o their_o salvation_n the_o building_n of_o the_o church_n be_v hinder_v by_o the_o malice_n of_o sathan_n yet_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o man_n who_o he_o use_v as_o instrument_n for_o the_o â—ffecting_n of_o his_o purpose_n yet_o not_o all_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n for_o some_o do_v indeed_o hinder_v this_o work_n which_o notwithstanding_o in_o desire_n
for_o so_o the_o build_n of_o the_o material_a temple_n be_v hinder_v by_o false_a prophet_n nehe._n 6._o yea_o none_o do_v so_o importunate_o hinder_v or_o so_o spiteful_o entreat_v the_o true_a prophet_n of_o god_n as_o do_v the_o false_a prophet_n and_o the_o whole_a company_n of_o worldly_a &_o carnal_a mind_a priest_n thus_o we_o se._n 2._o chro._n 18.23_o that_o zedekia_n do_v to_o micha_n and_o jere._n 20.1_o pashur_n to_o jeremie_n the_o priest_n scribe_n &_o pharise_n to_o our_o saviour_n christ_n the_o false_a apostle_n to_o paul_n such_o be_v those_o foolish_a &_o vainglorious_a preacher_n at_o corinth_n who_o swell_v in_o a_o fond_a opinion_n and_o a_o foolish_a use_n of_o humane_a wisdom_n do_v build_v upon_o the_o good_a foundation_n of_o the_o sincere_a plain_a and_o simple_a doctrine_n of_o the_o truth_n hay_n stubble_n wood_n and_o such_o thing_n as_o will_v be_v afterward_o consume_v with_o the_o fire_n that_o be_v will_v be_v find_v in_o examination_n to_o have_v no_o substance_n of_o true_a religion_n these_o do_v seem_v to_o build_v as_o well_o yea_o much_o more_o than_o the_o apostle_n but_o they_o be_v deceitful_a worker_n and_o by_o this_o work_n do_v great_o hinder_v the_o true_a build_n of_o the_o church_n for_o if_o there_o be_v no_o builder_n all_o man_n that_o do_v profess_v the_o faith_n will_v seek_v for_o some_o but_o these_o deceitful_a builder_n persuade_v man_n that_o they_o be_v the_o true_a minister_n of_o christ_n and_o no_o maruail_v when_o as_o satan_n himself_o that_o foul_a and_o loathsome_a spirit_n do_v transform_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n and_o so_o they_o hinder_v they_o of_o faithful_a and_o painful_a teacher_n last_o these_o hinderer_n may_v be_v know_v by_o their_o fruit_n as_o christ_n teach_v we_o math._n 7.15.16_o even_o by_o their_o dissolute_a life_n the_o which_o they_o spend_v in_o seek_v not_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n and_o god_n glory_v but_o their_o own_o pleasure_n ease_n commodity_n yea_o riches_n and_o preferment_n yea_o this_o their_o hypocrisy_n be_v to_o be_v detect_v lest_o otherwise_o their_o purpose_n of_o hinder_v the_o church_n do_v prevail_v and_o that_o both_o by_o word_n when_o occasion_n serve_v and_o also_o by_o the_o contrary_a sincerity_n of_o the_o true_a builder_n thus_o christ_n deal_v with_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisy_n math._n 23._o and_o in_o many_o other_o place_n sect._n 9_o of_o a_o imperfect_a state_n of_o a_o church_n whenas_o the_o build_n of_o the_o church_n be_v hinder_v by_o any_o mean_n it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o state_n of_o it_o be_v imperfect_a corrupt_a or_o both_o for_o although_o in_o christ_n the_o church_n be_v perfect_a and_o pure_a yet_o she_o be_v in_o this_o world_n be_v often_o otherwise_o a_o imperfect_a state_n of_o a_o church_n be_v when_o as_o some_o part_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v want_v as_o if_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n be_v want_v or_o if_o the_o minister_n do_v seldom_o and_o negligent_o preach_v the_o word_n of_o god_n unto_o the_o people_n yet_o not_o the_o want_n that_o be_v in_o any_o few_o man_n but_o those_o which_o be_v general_a and_o tolerate_v by_o the_o public_a law_n or_o the_o common_a consent_n of_o the_o church_n make_v a_o imperfect_a state_n the_o imperfection_n be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o grievous_a as_o the_o office_n or_o function_n of_o the_o office_n which_o be_v want_v be_v more_o needful_a in_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o whenas_o there_o be_v no_o preach_v ministry_n in_o the_o church_n the_o want_n be_v great_a and_o the_o case_n most_o lamentable_a because_o god_n have_v ordain_v that_o his_o church_n shall_v be_v build_v and_o his_o servant_n save_v by_o preach_v the_o which_o being_n want_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o salvation_n be_v also_o want_v the_o want_n of_o any_o office_n be_v to_o be_v supply_v by_o that_o which_o be_v near_a unto_o it_o supply_v so_o do_v the_o levite_n supply_v the_o want_n of_o the_o priest_n be_v by_o reason_n of_o their_o legal_a uncleanness_n not_o meet_v to_o sacrifice_v 2._o châ—o_o 29.34_o yea_o that_o which_o be_v public_o want_v be_v private_o to_o be_v supply_v what_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n or_o any_o thing_n belong_v to_o it_o soever_o it_o be_v yet_o we_o must_v not_o rest_v herein_o but_o careful_o labour_v for_o a_o full_a and_o perfect_a form_n of_o government_n whereof_o how_o much_o be_v want_v so_o much_o of_o the_o mean_n of_o our_o salvation_n be_v want_v and_o therefore_o we_o be_v here_o to_o consider_v how_o we_o may_v live_v in_o a_o imperfect_a church_n and_o how_o we_o ought_v to_o forsake_v it_o for_o the_o first_o we_o need_v not_o doubt_v but_o that_o we_o may_v lawful_o remain_v in_o a_o church_n the_o which_o want_v some_o office_n or_o function_n appoint_v by_o god_n yea_o that_o our_o service_n will_v be_v in_o some_o measure_n accept_v of_o god_n church_n who_o wink_v at_o the_o infirmity_n and_o imperfection_n of_o his_o faithful_a servant_n whether_o private_a or_o public_a even_o as_o he_o do_v at_o the_o passover_n offer_v by_o ezechias_n and_o the_o people_n wherein_o many_o thing_n require_v by_o the_o law_n be_v want_v yea_o the_o church_n seldom_o attain_v and_o keep_v so_o absolute_a &_o perfect_a as_o that_o nothing_o be_v want_v in_o it_o thus_o many_o of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n want_v some_o office_n which_o be_v afterwards_o supply_v and_o in_o the_o age_n follow_v the_o trouble_n and_o persecution_n of_o the_o church_n make_v many_o want_n in_o it_o the_o which_o may_v be_v bear_v with_o these_o condition_n first_o when_o as_o they_o be_v not_o so_o great_a but_o that_o notwithstanding_o they_o we_o have_v the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n &_o edificarion_n second_o if_o that_o the_o want_n be_v not_o wilful_a but_o constrain_v and_o necessary_a as_o when_o the_o jew_n intermit_v the_o use_n of_o circumcision_n in_o the_o wilderness_n last_o if_o that_o we_o do_v still_o aim_v at_o a_o perfect_a state_n consider_v that_o the_o other_o be_v neither_o so_o available_a for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n unto_o who_o we_o shall_v not_o offer_v any_o lame_a blind_a or_o maim_a sacrifice_n or_o any_o imperfect_a service_n or_o yet_o so_o effectual_a for_o our_o salvation_n for_o although_o a_o man_n may_v preserve_v his_o natural_a life_n with_o bread_n and_o water_n yet_o he_o ought_v to_o desire_v the_o use_n of_o other_o creature_n serve_v for_o his_o purpose_n that_o he_o may_v live_v in_o strength_n and_o vigour_n of_o body_n and_o mind_n sect._n 10._o of_o a_o corrupt_a state_n of_o a_o church_n special_o of_o idolatrous_a worship_n a_o corrupt_a state_n be_v whenas_o in_o steed_n of_o the_o true_a and_o sincere_a government_n appoint_v by_o god_n a_o false_a government_n contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n &_o hinder_v the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n be_v public_o establish_v or_o use_v or_o whenas_o some_o part_n of_o the_o government_n be_v corrupt_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o estate_n be_v these_o first_o a_o imperfect_a state_n for_o the_o want_n of_o any_o part_n of_o the_o government_n breed_v corruption_n for_o where_o there_o be_v no_o teach_n there_o must_v needs_o be_v general_a ignorance_n and_o many_o error_n in_o judgement_n where_o powerful_a exhortation_n be_v not_o use_v there_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n belong_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o christianity_n be_v want_v and_o where_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o in_o force_n there_o dissoluteness_n in_o the_o life_n of_o man_n must_v needs_o prevail_v the_o second_o cause_n be_v the_o relic_n of_o the_o former_a false_a worship_n be_v not_o whole_o abolish_v the_o which_o be_v like_a unto_o a_o root_n leave_v in_o the_o earth_n and_o to_o a_o wound_n or_o sore_o the_o which_o be_v not_o well_o cleanse_v will_v fester_v and_o send_v forth_o much_o corruption_n hence_o come_v that_o corruption_n of_o popery_n to_o wit_n from_o the_o relic_n of_o judaisme_n and_o heathenism_n and_o so_o that_o leaven_n have_v once_o infect_v the_o whole_a lump_n of_o the_o church_n we_o know_v that_o although_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o be_v take_v out_o yet_o the_o taste_n and_o sourness_n of_o it_o do_v remain_v in_o many_o place_n the_o kind_n of_o a_o corrupt_a state_n be_v many_o as_o be_v the_o part_n of_o the_o sincere_a government_n for_o the_o first_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n may_v be_v many_o way_n out_o of_o order_n as_o if_o it_o be_v sufficient_a and_o destitute_a of_o guilt_n needful_a or_o if_o the_o manner_n of_o execution_n of_o it_o be_v corrupt_a as_o when_o it_o be_v turn_v into_o vain_a ostentation_n and_o to_o a_o unprofitable_a affection_n of_o learning_n read_v wit_n
memory_n and_o other_o common_a gift_n then_o follow_v a_o corrupt_a worship_n consist_v in_o outward_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n in_o vain_a babble_n in_o suffer_v hunger_n or_o in_o other_o bodily_a exercise_n further_o if_o in_o steed_n of_o true_a doctrine_n error_n be_v public_o teach_v and_o general_o receive_v or_o if_o in_o steed_n of_o a_o christian_n life_n sin_n do_v abound_v by_o these_o mean_n and_o many_o other_o which_o it_o be_v not_o needful_a to_o rehearse_v come_v a_o corrupt_a state_n of_o a_o church_n but_o here_o we_o be_v brief_o to_o touch_v a_o question_n which_o have_v be_v in_o part_n handle_v alone_o chap._n 1._o sect._n 4._o to_o wit_n how_o far_o a_o church_n may_v be_v corrupt_a before_o it_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n that_o be_v a_o church_n true_o and_o indeed_o for_o answer_v whereof_o it_o seem_v that_o wheresoever_o a_o company_n of_o man_n do_v joint_o and_o public_o by_o worship_v the_o true_a god_n in_o christ_n profess_v the_o substance_n of_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n that_o there_o be_v a_o true_a church_n notwithstanding_o any_o corruption_n whatsoever_o yea_o although_o it_o be_v of_o that_o nature_n that_o it_o may_v be_v make_v by_o consequent_a of_o argument_n to_o fight_v with_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o christian_n religion_n and_o so_o heinous_a as_o that_o in_o respect_n thereof_o church_n the_o people_n stain_v with_o this_o corruption_n be_v worthy_a to_o be_v abhor_v of_o all_o man_n and_o unworthy_a to_o be_v call_v the_o church_n of_o god_n we_o will_v take_v a_o instance_n of_o a_o people_n which_o together_o with_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n do_v maintain_v and_o use_v idolatry_n not_o worship_v a_o false_a god_n for_o than_o they_o be_v without_o all_o question_n to_o be_v count_v infidel_n but_o the_o true_a god_n after_o a_o false_a and_o devise_a manner_n these_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o church_n although_o they_o do_v profane_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n after_o a_o most_o horrible_a &_o grievous_a mâ—nner_n thus_o as_o it_o may_v seem_v some_o christians_n do_v in_o the_o first_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n who_o do_v both_o believe_v in_o some_o sort_n &_o yet_o can_v not_o of_o a_o sudden_a shake_v off_o that_o idolatry_n wherein_o they_o have_v live_v so_o many_o year_n for_o so_o paul_n write_v 1._o cor._n 5.11_o if_o any_o that_o be_v call_v a_o brother_n that_o be_v a_o christian_n be_v a_o fornicatour_n or_o covetous_a or_o a_o worshipper_n of_o image_n this_o kind_n of_o wâ—rship_n be_v in_o use_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n the_o which_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o church_n although_o in_o the_o low_a degree_n that_o can_v be_v imagine_v god_n unless_o as_o it_o seem_v that_o we_o may_v do_v we_o will_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n the_o people_n of_o the_o ten_o trib_n who_o be_v idolater_n &_o yet_o by_o circumcision_n &_o some_o otherways_o do_v profess_v the_o name_n of_o jehova_n as_o we_o may_v note_v out_o of_o many_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n and_o first_o out_o of_o those_o place_n where_o they_o be_v call_v the_o people_n of_o god_n as_o we_o read_v ro._n 10.25.26_o where_o the_o people_n of_o god_n the_o belove_a of_o god_n and_o the_o child_n of_o the_o live_a god_n gâ—d_n do_v all_o signify_v a_o true_a church_n in_o the_o 1._o king_n 16.2_o they_o be_v twice_o so_o call_v where_o god_n say_v that_o he_o make_v bahasa_n the_o captain_n of_o his_o people_n israel_n second_o god_n be_v call_v the_o god_n of_o the_o ten_o tribe_n and_o say_v to_o be_v among_o they_o 1._o king_n 20.28_o because_o the_o syrian_n speak_v of_o the_o god_n of_o the_o ten_o tribe_n of_o who_o they_o be_v overcome_v say_v that_o jehova_n be_v god_n of_o the_o hill_n only_o and_o 1._o king_n 18.35_o thou_o be_v the_o god_n of_o israel_n three_o for_o that_o they_o always_o have_v the_o true_a prophet_n of_o god_n and_o by_o they_o do_v ask_v and_o receive_v counsel_n of_o god_n in_o their_o weighty_a affair_n thus_o 1._o king_n 22.5.6.7.11_o achab_n ask_v counsel_n of_o god_n 2._o king_n 2.16_o ahazia_n be_v reprove_v by_o god_n for_o that_o he_o send_v to_o ask_v counsel_n at_o baalsebub_n as_o though_o there_o be_v not_o a_o god_n in_o isâ—ael_n who_o word_n he_o may_v have_v seek_v after_o likewise_o 1._o king_n 5.8_o eliseus_n say_v this_o be_v a_o most_o certain_a thing_n that_o israel_n be_v not_o at_o any_o time_n without_o a_o prophet_n the_o truth_n hereof_o may_v be_v gather_v also_o 1._o king_n 18.21_o where_o elias_n say_v that_o the_o people_n do_v halt_v betwixt_o god_n and_o baal_n that_o be_v do_v serve_v they_o both_o together_o and_o last_o by_o that_o which_o be_v often_o say_v that_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n do_v evil_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n that_o be_v in_o that_o place_n whereupon_o god_n do_v as_o yet_o look_v with_o the_o eye_n of_o his_o mercy_n as_o upon_o his_o church_n so_o that_o although_o they_o do_v want_n almost_o the_o whole_a public_a worship_n and_o therefore_o be_v say_v 2._o chro._n 15.3_o to_o be_v without_o god_n without_o priest_n and_o the_o law_n yet_o because_o the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v general_o by_o circumcision_n profess_v of_o they_o they_o seem_v to_o retain_v the_o name_n of_o a_o church_n and_o oâ—_n the_o people_n of_o god_n even_o as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n serve_v god_n and_o christ_n by_o baptism_n and_o by_o profess_v his_o name_n otherways_o although_o they_o have_v no_o part_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n uncorrupted_a and_o so_o the_o ten_o tribe_n gâ—thâ—r_n some_o christian_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n the_o papist_n and_o as_o we_o may_v think_v king_n solomon_n with_o many_o other_o join_a idolatry_n &_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n together_o as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o samaritan_n that_o they_o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o worship_v idol_n 2._o king_n 17.41_o yet_o these_o samaritan_n be_v not_o a_o church_n for_o they_o do_v only_o in_o their_o mind_n slavish_o fear_v god_n but_o all_o their_o outward_a worship_n be_v do_v unto_o idol_n sect._n 11._o of_o a_o church_n corrupt_v in_o doctrine_n now_o we_o be_v to_o inquire_v how_o far_o a_o people_n may_v be_v corrupt_a in_o doctrine_n and_o yet_o remain_v a_o church_n whereunto_o we_o answer_v as_o before_o that_o all_o they_o who_o hold_v the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o be_v count_v a_o church_n although_o together_o they_o be_v infect_v with_o many_o grievous_a error_n by_o the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n we_o do_v not_o mean_v any_o one_o particular_a point_n no_o not_o the_o weighty_a point_n or_o those_o which_o come_v near_a to_o the_o foundation_n itself_o but_o the_o general_a and_o main_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n the_o which_o be_v before_o the_o come_n of_o châ—ist_n this_o i_o believe_v in_o the_o messiah_n who_o be_v to_o come_v of_o the_o seed_n of_o david_n and_o since_o his_o come_n it_o be_v this_o i_o believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v christ_n as_o the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n be_v define_v by_o the_o apostle_n 1._o cor._n 3.11_o the_o truth_n hereof_o may_v evident_o appear_v by_o consider_v the_o state_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n especial_o as_o it_o be_v at_o the_o time_n of_o his_o come_n in_o the_o which_o although_o god_n do_v reveal_v his_o will_n more_o clear_o to_o some_o of_o his_o prophet_n &_o people_n christ._n yet_o the_o church_n general_o be_v altogether_o ignorant_a of_o the_o weighty_a point_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o of_o christ_n the_o trinity_n two_o distinct_a nature_n the_o union_n of_o they_o of_o his_o office_n death_n and_o resurrection_n now_o although_o simple_a ignorance_n be_v not_o so_o grievous_a a_o sin_n as_o wilful_a heresy_n neither_o a_o heresy_n before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n as_o one_o since_o his_o come_n yet_o in_o this_o respect_n they_o be_v all_o one_o for_o a_o man_n do_v err_v in_o that_o point_n which_o he_o do_v not_o know_v hold_v the_o error_n contrary_a to_o the_o say_a truth_n even_o as_o the_o jew_n not_o know_v the_o head_n of_o doctrine_n before_o name_v do_v always_o in_o all_o age_n and_o do_v to_o this_o day_n so_o many_o as_o continue_v in_o unbelief_n deny_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n for_o they_o make_v but_o one_o person_n to_o wit_n god_n the_o father_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o deity_n of_o christ_n think_v that_o the_o messiah_n shall_v be_v a_o mere_a man_n they_o deny_v his_o office_n think_v that_o he_o shall_v be_v a_o temporal_a king_n only_o and_o therefore_o they_o know_v not_o the_o doctrine_n of_o regeneration_n as_o we_o see_v in_o
necodemus_fw-la a_o master_n in_o israel_n iho._n 3.10_o neither_o do_v they_o look_v so_o much_o for_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o eternal_a life_n by_o the_o messiah_n think_v to_o be_v justify_v by_o keep_v the_o law_n as_o for_o temporal_a commodity_n and_o last_o they_o deny_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n for_o they_o hold_v that_o the_o messiah_n shall_v not_o die_v john_n 12.34_o that_o these_o and_o other_o such_o error_n be_v popular_a and_o common_a in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n we_o may_v both_o gather_v out_o of_o their_o say_n record_v by_o the_o evangelist_n as_o also_o by_o their_o continual_a silence_n in_o these_o matter_n the_o which_o we_o do_v not_o read_v that_o any_o of_o they_o do_v mention_n upon_o any_o occasion_n and_o last_o by_o the_o open_a confession_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o all_o age_n since_o the_o come_n of_o christ._n for_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o they_o hold_v even_o to_o this_o day_n those_o opinion_n which_o they_o receive_v from_o their_o ancestor_n and_o be_v common_o hold_v of_o that_o nation_n notwithstanding_o all_o which_o error_n we_o think_v as_o it_o be_v general_o think_v that_o the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n profess_v general_o faith_n in_o the_o messiah_n to_o come_v be_v then_o the_o true_a church_n and_o the_o people_n of_o god_n but_o this_o confession_n will_v not_o serve_v now_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o make_v they_o a_o church_n because_o they_o do_v reject_v christ_n himself_o in_o his_o very_a person_n as_o for_o the_o heretical_a church_n since_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o the_o church_n of_o arian_n papist_n or_o any_o other_o maintain_v grievous_a error_n contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n it_o seem_v that_o they_o be_v to_o be_v account_v the_o church_n of_o god_n because_o they_o do_v all_o hold_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n chap._n viii_o of_o a_o private_a church_n sect._n 1_o what_o a_o private_a church_n be_v hitherto_o we_o have_v entreat_v in_o general_a of_o a_o particular_a church_n now_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o kind_n of_o it_o which_o be_v two_o in_o number_n to_o wit_n private_a &_o public_a a_o private_a church_n be_v a_o company_n of_o christian_n serve_v god_n together_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o infidel_n or_o there_o where_o the_o whole_a multitude_n or_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o people_n general_o &_o public_o consider_v abide_v in_o infidelity_n of_o this_o kind_n of_o church_n we_o have_v many_o example_n first_o from_o the_o beginning_n until_o the_o day_n of_o moses_n in_o all_o which_o time_n the_o church_n be_v private_a second_o after_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n do_v cease_v from_o bâ—ing_v a_o church_n for_o from_o their_o come_n out_o of_o egypt_n until_o the_o time_n wherein_o they_o reject_v christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n constantine_n they_o be_v a_o public_a church_n till_o the_o day_n of_o constantine_n the_o great_a all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o christians_n be_v private_a for_o we_o do_v not_o read_v of_o any_o one_o city_n or_o country_n within_o all_o that_o time_n be_v about_o .300_o year_n do_v public_o embrace_v the_o gospel_n but_o a_o few_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o infidel_n in_o this_o and_o that_o city_n as_o in_o jerusalem_n antioch_n corinth_n rome_n and_o the_o rest_n so_o that_o all_o the_o church_n plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n evangelist_n or_o any_o other_o in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v private_a three_o of_o this_o kind_n be_v those_o church_n at_o this_o day_n if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o which_o be_v among_o the_o turk_n or_o any_o other_o kind_n of_o infidel_n church_n out_o of_o the_o which_o example_n we_o may_v gather_v that_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o private_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n be_v in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o world_n the_o small_a number_n of_o the_o true_a worshipper_n of_o god_n &_o be_v in_o these_o latter_a age_n the_o infidelity_n of_o magistrate_n who_o be_v themselves_o infidel_n do_v not_o go_v about_o to_o bring_v their_o subject_n to_o the_o faith_n but_o be_v perhaps_o content_a to_o tolerate_v the_o same_o within_o their_o dominion_n and_o that_o for_o some_o civil_a respect_n as_o namely_o to_o make_v their_o city_n and_o country_n more_o resort_v unto_o for_o increase_v of_o the_o tribute_n due_a unto_o they_o for_o the_o preservation_n of_o peace_n or_o for_o some_o other_o such_o consideration_n last_o the_o chief_a cause_n of_o these_o private_a church_n be_v to_o be_v take_v from_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o which_o be_v contrary_a to_o man_n reason_n be_v hardly_o believe_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v usual_o receive_v only_o of_o a_o few_o as_o it_o be_v write_v rom._n 10.16_o who_o have_v believe_v our_o report_n that_o be_v very_o few_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o infidel_n do_v believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o howsoever_o the_o force_n of_o civil_a authority_n and_o other_o outward_a respect_n make_v the_o gospel_n to_o be_v general_o receive_v in_o many_o place_n yet_o this_o general_a profession_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o which_o hardly_o and_o seldom_o be_v true_o receive_v as_o have_v be_v say_v but_o here_o it_o may_v easy_o be_v object_v that_o no_o church_n can_v be_v call_v private_a see_v that_o we_o have_v here_o before_o define_v a_o church_n in_o general_a by_o the_o public_a service_n of_o god_n we_o answer_v confess_v that_o every_o church_n be_v public_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o several_a member_n of_o it_o yea_o although_o it_o be_v in_o a_o private_a house_n or_o family_n or_o in_o the_o most_o secret_a corner_n that_o can_v be_v and_o yet_o a_o church_n contain_v within_o a_o private_a place_n and_o consist_v of_o a_o small_a company_n may_v true_o and_o fit_o be_v call_v private_a in_o respect_n of_o that_o church_n which_o consist_v of_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o people_n do_v not_o lurk_v in_o a_o corner_n but_o be_v open_o establish_v among_o all_o and_o in_o every_o place_n yet_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o all_o other_o action_n of_o such_o a_o church_n be_v to_o be_v count_v public_a and_o not_o private_a so_o that_o this_o kind_n of_o church_n be_v call_v private_a from_o the_o subject_n because_o they_o be_v in_o private_a place_n but_o the_o subject_n of_o the_o other_o kind_n be_v a_o public_a city_n or_o country_n sect._n 2._o of_o the_o the_o special_n in_o plant_v a_o public_a church_n now_o that_o we_o see_v what_o a_o private_a church_n be_v we_o be_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o come_v to_o the_o special_n in_o the_o plant_n of_o it_o and_o first_o we_o be_v to_o declare_v by_o who_o this_o kind_n of_o church_n ought_v to_o be_v found_v as_o for_o the_o secondary_a worker_n to_o wit_n the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n we_o have_v speak_v of_o they_o in_o the_o general_a treatise_n of_o plant_v a_o church_n so_o that_o here_o we_o be_v to_o search_v out_o â—he_v first_o worker_n in_o this_o action_n who_o be_v the_o chief_a in_o that_o they_o begin_v the_o work_n and_o procure_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n the_o answer_n be_v that_o every_o man_n may_v be_v the_o chief_a and_o first_o builder_n of_o a_o church_n so_o far_o forth_o as_o his_o call_n power_n and_o authority_n do_v stretch_v so_o that_o in_o this_o case_n private_a man_n may_v be_v lawful_o and_o be_v usual_o the_o first_o and_o chief_a builder_n yea_o it_o be_v not_o only_o lawful_a but_o that_o whereunto_o the_o duty_n which_o we_o owe_v both_o to_o god_n to_o seek_v his_o glory_n and_o to_o man_n to_o seek_v their_o salvation_n do_v necessarelie_o bind_v we_o that_o if_o god_n give_v we_o occasion_n the_o church_n stand_v in_o need_n of_o our_o help_n we_o be_v not_o want_v in_o this_o behalf_n for_o so_o we_o be_v to_o understande_v that_o this_o be_v to_o be_v do_v whenas_o the_o church_n be_v destitute_a of_o christian_n magistrate_n and_o likewise_o of_o other_o governor_n and_o teacher_n as_o it_o be_v in_o those_o place_n where_o either_o there_o be_v no_o câ—â—rch_n aâ—_n all_o or_o else_o so_o decay_v that_o there_o remain_v nothing_o but_o the_o profession_n of_o religion_n amongst_o some_o few_o in_o the_o which_o case_n it_o be_v lawful_a for_o any_o christian_n who_o god_n have_v endue_v with_o the_o zeal_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o his_o brethren_n and_o also_o witâ—_n some_o measure_n of_o knowledge_n how_o this_o thing_n ought_v to_o be_v do_v to_o labour_n both_o in_o bring_v tâ—ose_n who_o be_v infidel_n to_o the_o
god_n teach_v we_o that_o the_o civil_a power_n be_v a_o holy_a ordinance_n of_o god_n institute_v by_o god_n chief_o for_o this_o end_n to_o intermeddle_v with_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n and_o not_o only_o to_o suffer_v and_o tolerate_v religion_n as_o it_o do_v in_o a_o private_a church_n but_o also_o to_o set_v up_o and_o maintain_v it_o yea_o whole_o to_o effect_n it_o although_o by_o the_o mean_n &_o ministry_n of_o other_o in_o all_o place_n whither_o the_o say_a power_n do_v stretch_v itself_o as_o for_o the_o distinction_n of_o the_o civil_a &_o ecclesiastical_a state_n although_o it_o may_v be_v use_v to_o put_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o civil_a &_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n yet_o if_o thereby_o we_o mean_v that_o in_o a_o public_a church_n there_o be_v add_v to_o the_o civil_a state_n another_o full_a and_o perfect_a body_n endue_v with_o full_a authority_n to_o begin_v and_o effect_v all_o matter_n belong_v to_o itself_o &_o not_o rely_v upon_o the_o other_o but_o only_o use_v the_o help_n of_o it_o against_o outward_a violence_n as_o when_o two_o distinct_a nation_n do_v join_v themselves_o in_o league_n together_o for_o their_o great_a safety_n than_o we_o think_v far_o otherwise_o of_o these_o thing_n than_o the_o word_n of_o god_n do_v permit_v according_a to_o the_o which_o the_o political_a body_n together_o with_o a_o public_a church_n be_v but_o one_o body_n move_v and_o order_v by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o head_n for_o as_o when_o any_o people_n be_v barbarous_a rude_a unexpert_a in_o feat_n of_o war_n and_o altogether_o destitute_a of_o humane_a knowledge_n and_o all_o good_a literature_n become_v civil_a courteous_a warlike_a wise_a and_o learned_a there_o be_v not_o so_o many_o new_a estate_n or_o body_n add_v to_o the_o commonwealth_n but_o only_o the_o first_o state_n of_o it_o be_v make_v so_o many_o way_n better_o so_o it_o be_v whenas_o a_o people_n of_o pagan_n and_o infidel_n become_v the_o worshipper_n of_o the_o true_a god_n for_o there_o be_v not_o a_o new_a body_n or_o state_n but_o only_o the_o quality_n of_o religion_n be_v add_v to_o the_o civil_a body_n or_o rather_o idolatry_n be_v change_v into_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n the_o which_o do_v no_o more_o make_v a_o distinct_a body_n than_o idolatry_n do_v in_o a_o heathenish_a commonwealth_n as_o for_o the_o people_n they_o can_v no_o more_o be_v say_v to_o be_v another_o body_n because_o they_o be_v religious_a then_o for_o that_o they_o be_v a_o learned_a and_o warlike_a people_n but_o for_o the_o minister_n and_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n it_o may_v seem_v necessary_a to_o be_v grant_v that_o they_o do_v either_o make_v a_o distinct_a and_o perfect_a body_n or_o that_o the_o ministry_n be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o civil_a body_n whereunto_o we_o answer_v that_o the_o ministry_n be_v not_o a_o body_n in_o itself_o body_n neither_o be_v it_o the_o head_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n but_o only_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n distinguish_v from_o the_o rest_n in_o nature_n use_n and_o object_n and_o excel_v the_o other_o by_o a_o divine_a holiness_n which_o it_o have_v more_o than_o any_o other_o part_n or_o function_n of_o this_o body_n the_o truth_n hereof_o be_v to_o be_v lay_v open_a by_o declare_v first_o that_o this_o whole_a state_n consist_v of_o a_o political_a body_n and_o of_o a_o public_a church_n have_v but_o one_o head_n whereby_o the_o whole_a body_n be_v order_v and_o every_o member_n of_o it_o move_v in_o their_o several_a function_n and_o second_o the_o office_n of_o these_o two_o state_n may_v agree_v together_o in_o the_o same_o subject_n the_o head_n be_v the_o civil_a power_n whereof_o we_o speak_v rather_o than_o of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n for_o that_o in_o many_o place_n the_o power_n be_v not_o whole_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o magistrate_n but_o divide_v among_o the_o senate_n the_o nobility_n and_o the_o people_n but_o here_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o whole_a power_n the_o which_o we_o call_v the_o hand_n of_o this_o body_n by_o â—_o usual_a metaphor_n take_v from_o the_o natural_a body_n wherein_o we_o see_v that_o the_o whole_a motion_n come_v from_o the_o head_n without_o the_o which_o none_o of_o the_o member_n can_v move_v itself_o or_o do_v any_o function_n thus_o all_o man_n do_v grant_v that_o the_o civil_a power_n be_v the_o head_n of_o this_o body_n in_o regard_n of_o civil_a and_o worldly_a affair_n but_o that_o it_o may_v be_v so_o call_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n many_o do_v doubt_n or_o rather_o flat_o deny_v without_o any_o doubt_n think_v that_o neither_o the_o civil_a power_n do_v stretch_v itself_o to_o church_n affair_n neither_o if_o it_o do_v in_o some_o respect_n that_o it_o ought_v therefore_o or_o may_v lawful_o be_v call_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n as_o touch_v this_o point_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v how_o both_o the_o function_n and_o also_o the_o name_n of_o a_o head_n agree_v to_o the_o civil_a power_n for_o the_o first_o in_o the_o build_n of_o the_o church_n it_o please_v god_n to_o use_v the_o help_n and_o the_o ministry_n of_o man_n and_o that_o two_o diverse_a way_n according_a to_o the_o two_o diverse_a kind_n of_o build_v his_o church_n whereof_o the_o one_o be_v inward_a secret_a and_o spiritual_a whenas_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o sacremenes_n the_o church_n be_v edify_v in_o knowledge_n faith_n love_n obedience_n and_o in_o all_o manner_n of_o spiritual_a grace_n in_o this_o part_n of_o the_o building_n christ_n be_v the_o first_o and_o chief_a mover_n yea_o the_o head_n of_o his_o church_n unto_o the_o which_o he_o give_v spiritual_a motion_n by_o his_o minister_n as_o by_o instrument_n unto_o who_o he_o give_v spiritual_a grace_n fit_a for_o this_o purpose_n ephe._n 4.11_o he_o give_v some_o to_o be_v apostle_n some_o evangelist_n some_o pastor_n and_o doctor_n for_o the_o gather_n of_o his_o saint_n and_o for_o the_o build_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ._n thus_o christ_n only_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o whole_a visible_a church_n for_o no_o creature_n can_v either_o appoint_v ecclesiastical_a function_n or_o give_v spiritual_a grace_n either_o to_o the_o minister_n or_o to_o the_o people_n but_o whenas_o the_o church_n come_v to_o be_v build_v in_o any_o particular_a place_n there_o must_v be_v add_v a_o other_o part_n of_o this_o building_n more_o outward_a apparent_a and_o sensible_a than_o the_o other_o to_o wit_n whenas_o this_o spiritual_a building_n together_o with_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n which_o be_v the_o mean_n of_o it_o be_v not_o only_o receive_v when_o as_o it_o be_v offer_v but_o also_o diligent_o seek_v after_o when_o it_o be_v wanâ—â—ng_v and_o careful_o preserve_v after_o that_o it_o be_v get_v this_o kind_n of_o build_v also_o be_v to_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o man_n but_o yet_o it_o do_v not_o come_v from_o the_o same_o head_n or_o fountain_n for_o that_o spiritual_a building_n come_v from_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v lord_n and_o king_n of_o his_o church_n but_o this_o come_v from_o god_n the_o father_n the_o maker_n and_o preserver_n of_o mankind_n who_o in_o great_a mercy_n and_o wisdom_n have_v not_o left_a man_n in_o utter_a confusion_n but_o have_v give_v unto_o they_o the_o mean_n of_o have_v a_o church_n and_o his_o true_a worship_n this_o mean_n be_v his_o own_o power_n and_o authority_n communicate_v to_o certain_a man_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o rest_n to_o who_o he_o have_v give_v this_o charge_n that_o they_o do_v as_o by_o all_o other_o mean_n so_o chief_o by_o build_v his_o church_n in_o those_o place_n which_o be_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o their_o authority_n procure_v the_o good_a of_o man_n so_o that_o all_o whosoever_o have_v the_o rule_n of_o any_o place_n whether_o it_o be_v kingdom_n or_o country_n province_n or_o city_n town_n or_o family_n be_v bind_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o namely_o by_o the_o general_a law_n of_o magistracy_n to_o build_v the_o church_n in_o the_o say_a place_n the_o which_o thing_n if_o they_o do_v neglect_v as_o most_o of_o all_o the_o magistat_n in_o the_o world_n in_o all_o age_n have_v do_v than_o they_o do_v sin_n against_o god_n no_o less_o than_o the_o minister_n be_v lawful_o call_v to_o the_o function_n who_o do_v neglect_v the_o inward_a and_o spiritual_a edify_n of_o the_o church_n this_o the_o prophet_n foretell_v sa_v that_o king_n and_o queen_n shall_v be_v nurse_n father_n and_o nurse_n mother_n to_o the_o ch._n not_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n and_o of_o the_o spiritual_a nourishment_n unto_o they_o but_o only_o that_o they_o shall_v
build_v after_o this_o inward_a manner_n this_o second_o kind_n of_o building_n be_v in_o order_n and_o nature_n the_o first_o yea_o that_o which_o move_v the_o external_a action_n of_o the_o spiritual_a building_n and_o prepare_v the_o way_n for_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n by_o the_o mean_n whereof_o a_o church_n can_v be_v set_v up_o in_o any_o place_n whâ—ther_o country_n city_n or_o family_n till_o that_o the_o power_n whereby_o the_o say_a place_n be_v rule_v do_v either_o procure_v or_o at_o the_o least_o suffer_v it_o for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n neither_o do_v it_o take_v a_o way_n the_o general_a ordinance_n of_o magistracy_n and_o order_n whereby_o god_n rule_v the_o world_n but_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o outward_a action_n subject_a unto_o it_o and_o to_o be_v establish_v and_o miantain_v by_o it_o for_o as_o god_n himself_o be_v the_o head_n and_o first_o mover_n in_o the_o build_n of_o the_o church_n when_o as_o at_o the_o first_o he_o send_v his_o apostle_n immediate_o by_o his_o own_o authority_n to_o do_v it_o so_o also_o it_o be_v his_o will_n that_o they_o who_o do_v supply_v his_o place_n and_o be_v after_o a_o sort_n god_n on_o earth_n shall_v afterwards_o be_v the_o first_o agent_n in_o this_o work_n for_o we_o be_v not_o to_o think_v that_o ruler_n by_o the_o which_o name_n we_o call_v all_o that_o have_v authority_n whetheâ—_n in_o country_n town_n or_o private_a house_n have_v the_o charge_n only_o of_o the_o body_n of_o their_o subject_n commit_v unto_o they_o but_o rather_o that_o their_o chief_a care_n ought_v to_o be_v to_o provide_v for_o their_o soul_n subject_n the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n wherein_o the_o last_o end_n and_o chief_a happiness_n of_o man_n consist_v and_o whereunto_o all_o temporal_a benefit_n be_v to_o be_v refer_v as_o the_o apostle_n write_v .1_o timo._n 2.2_o the_o end_n of_o a_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a life_n procure_v by_o magistrate_n be_v the_o right_a worship_n of_o god._n for_o this_o cause_n civil_a ruler_n be_v call_v by_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n the_o pastor_n or_o feeder_n of_o the_o people_n not_o as_o if_o they_o be_v to_o feed_v their_o body_n only_o as_o sheep_n herd_n do_v flock_n of_o sheep_n but_o chief_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o soul_n as_o we_o may_v see_v evident_o 1._o chro_fw-la 17.6_o which_o way_n soever_o i_o walk_v with_o israel_n have_v i_o speak_v of_o build_v a_o church_n or_o temple_n to_o any_o of_o the_o judge_n of_o israel_n who_o i_o command_v to_o feed_v my_o people_n in_o the_o which_o place_n we_o may_v see_v at_o who_o hand_n god_n look_v for_o the_o build_n of_o his_o church_n but_o it_o may_v be_v here_o ask_v what_o if_o this_o civil_a power_n do_v not_o move_v in_o this_o work_n whether_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o church_n or_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n in_o that_o place_n or_o rather_o if_o that_o the_o king_n prince_n magistrate_n or_o the_o master_n of_o the_o family_n he_o negligent_a in_o his_o duty_n if_o not_o then_o the_o subject_n son_n or_o servant_n in_o a_o private_a house_n may_v lawful_o take_v this_o work_n in_o hand_n or_o yet_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n may_v begin_v and_o go_v on_o in_o their_o work_n yea_o although_o they_o be_v neither_o set_v on_o work_n nor_o yet_o tolerate_v but_o even_o flat_o forbid_v and_o peremptorelie_o hinder_v by_o the_o say_a poweâ—_n for_o otherwise_o it_o may_v come_v to_o pass_v by_o the_o obstinacy_n of_o ruler_n be_v enemy_n to_o the_o gospel_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o church_n either_o public_a or_o private_a in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o world_n whereas_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o his_o church_n and_o true_a worship_n shall_v be_v establish_v in_o all_o place_n and_o therefore_o it_o may_v seem_v that_o in_o this_o case_n the_o council_n and_o practtise_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v to_o be_v follow_v who_o be_v forbid_v by_o the_o ruler_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n answer_v that_o it_o be_v better_a to_o obey_v god_n then_o man_n the_o answer_n be_v as_o before_o chapter_n 7._o sect._n 6._o that_o as_o touch_v ordinary_a calling_n a_o church_n can_v lawful_o be_v build_v in_o any_o place_n by_o resist_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o say_a place_n for_o no_o man_n may_v against_o the_o will_n of_o any_o man_n rush_v into_o his_o house_n to_o instruct_v his_o family_n or_o into_o a_o city_n to_o abolishe_v idolatry_n and_o to_o set_v up_o public_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n because_o howsoever_o every_o one_o ought_v to_o endeavour_n to_o build_v the_o church_n yet_o we_o ought_v to_o keep_v ourselves_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o our_o own_o call_n and_o not_o to_o take_v upon_o we_o by_o violence_n the_o performance_n of_o other_o man_n duty_n for_o none_o be_v crown_v either_o with_o due_a praise_n or_o with_o happy_a success_n of_o their_o labour_n but_o they_o who_o strive_v lawful_o church_n howsoever_o it_o please_v god_n some_o time_n to_o accept_v and_o prosper_v the_o endeavour_n of_o those_o who_o labour_n in_o advance_v his_o worship_n and_o glory_n more_o in_o fervent_a zeal_n then_o imperfect_a knowledge_n &_o so_o go_v further_o in_o this_o behalf_n than_o the_o secret_a rule_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n do_v require_v or_o permit_v as_o the_o apostle_n they_o have_v a_o extraordinary_a call_n and_o dispensation_n immediate_o from_o god_n himself_o needful_a for_o the_o first_o publish_v of_o the_o gospel_n the_o which_o they_o be_v to_o obey_v yea_o though_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o he_o reveal_v will_n but_o ordinary_a minister_n have_v no_o calling_n but_o from_o man_n and_o must_v square_v their_o action_n according_a to_o the_o write_a word_n and_o yet_o we_o be_v not_o to_o think_v that_o it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o man_n or_o of_o any_o creature_n to_o forbid_v the_o service_n of_o god_n for_o although_o all_o the_o ruler_n in_o the_o world_n shall_v make_v that_o edict_n of_o dariuâ—_n that_o none_o shall_v pray_v unto_o god_n yet_o we_o ought_v nor_o to_o obey_v it_o as_o we_o see_v in_o the_o example_n of_o daniel_n daâ—_n 6.10_o but_o we_o speak_v of_o build_v a_o church_n in_o any_o place_n the_o which_o work_n be_v never_o so_o general_o hinder_v but_o that_o god_n incline_v the_o heart_n of_o some_o to_o set_v it_o forward_o and_o whenas_o no_o public_a magistrate_n do_v build_v the_o church_n yet_o private_a man_n give_v it_o entertainment_n in_o their_o house_n as_o touch_v other_o particular_n wherein_o this_o civil_a power_n meddle_v with_o the_o church_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v they_o hereafter_o only_o we_o â—re_n here_o to_o note_v how_o this_o power_n may_v be_v call_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n to_o wit_n for_o that_o it_o be_v the_o first_o mover_n in_o the_o build_n of_o it_o in_o the_o which_o respect_v not_o only_a king_n and_o prince_n but_o even_o private_a man_n who_o set_v up_o and_o maintain_v the_o church_n within_o their_o house_n may_v in_o regard_n of_o their_o own_o family_n be_v so_o call_v be_v and_o yet_o we_o do_v not_o by_o this_o mean_n give_v that_o to_o man_n which_o be_v proper_a to_o christ_n for_o first_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n but_o man_n of_o some_o particular_a church_n only_o second_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n not_o only_o to_o the_o whole_a church_n but_o also_o to_o the_o several_a member_n of_o it_o to_o who_o he_o give_v motion_n by_o bestow_v on_o they_o the_o grace_n of_o his_o spirit_n either_o permanent_a or_o temporary_a but_o man_n be_v the_o head_n only_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o builder_n namely_o of_o the_o teacher_n and_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o people_n as_o they_o give_v themselves_o to_o be_v make_v a_o church_n and_o last_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o internal_a and_o spiritual_a work_n but_o man_n of_o the_o external_a building_n christ_n give_v gift_n fit_a for_o the_o ministry_n which_o make_v a_o inward_a call_n but_o man_n give_v the_o outward_a call_n christ_n have_v appoint_v the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n general_o in_o the_o whole_a visible_a church_n but_o man_n procure_v the_o execution_n of_o the_o say_a office_n in_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a place_n by_o this_o or_o that_o person_n so_o that_o whatsoever_o civil_a power_n it_o be_v whether_o of_o prince_n in_o kingdom_n or_o of_o the_o people_n or_o senate_n in_o commonwealthe_n or_o of_o private_a man_n in_o their_o family_n that_o build_v the_o church_n it_o may_v very_o fit_o be_v call_v the_o head_n in_o that_o work_n as_o we_o may_v see_v num._n 1.15_o &_o 7.2_o that_o in_o regard_n of_o
they_o and_o nothing_o more_o shameful_a and_o ignominious_a by_o the_o general_a consent_n of_o all_o man_n then_o for_o any_o people_n to_o be_v blockish_a in_o divine_a matter_n and_o not_o able_a to_o discern_v which_o be_v the_o right_a worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n now_o let_v we_o see_v what_o the_o church_n gain_v by_o this_o bargain_n and_o covenant_n make_v with_o the_o civil_a state_n first_o by_o this_o mean_v she_o become_v safe_a from_o outward_a danger_n and_o from_o the_o violence_n of_o malicious_a persecutor_n by_o who_o private_a church_n be_v continual_o trouble_v and_o often_o quite_o overthrow_v be_v neither_o willing_a to_o resist_v by_o force_n of_o arm_n their_o own_o magistrate_n labour_v to_o deface_v the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n neither_o for_o the_o most_o part_n able_a to_o withstand_v foreign_a invasion_n and_o therefore_o they_o may_v fit_o be_v compare_v to_o a_o vineyard_n which_o want_v a_o hedge_n or_o fence_n so_o that_o all_o the_o wild_a beast_n of_o the_o forest_n do_v enter_v in_o and_o root_v it_o up_o but_o a_o public_a church_n be_v guard_v by_o the_o civil_a power_n against_o all_o danger_n not_o only_o outward_a but_o also_o inward_a arise_v of_o the_o stubborn_a wilfulness_n of_o those_o who_o will_v not_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o those_o civil_a state_n which_o be_v well_o order_v be_v far_o more_o fit_a harbour_n for_o the_o church_n state_n than_o confuse_a commonwealth_n be_v for_o whenas_o man_n be_v not_o teach_v to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o civil_a government_n which_o forbid_v only_o heinous_a offence_n be_v more_o gentle_a and_o remiss_a how_o shall_v they_o bear_v the_o yoke_n of_o ecclesiastical_a government_n which_o look_v more_o narrow_o into_o the_o life_n of_o man_n and_o be_v far_o more_o streite_z and_o severe_a so_o that_o a_o people_n subdue_v to_o civil_a obedience_n be_v as_o horse_n break_v and_o wild_a beast_n tame_v and_o may_v more_o easy_o be_v bring_v into_o the_o formâ—_n of_o a_o church_n we_o do_v confess_v that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n preach_v be_v of_o sufficient_a force_n and_o power_n to_o make_v the_o most_o lawless_a and_o barbarous_a man_n good_a christian_n and_o as_o tame_a as_o lamb_n and_o that_o without_o the_o help_n of_o this_o civil_a power_n as_o we_o see_v in_o private_a church_n yet_o for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o outward_a order_n of_o these_o public_a church_n this_o mean_n be_v of_o great_a force_n last_o the_o increase_n of_o number_n which_o come_v by_o this_o mean_n be_v to_o be_v count_v no_o small_a commodity_n be_v simple_o consider_v howsoever_o usual_o it_o bring_v with_o it_o confusion_n and_o imperfect_a state_n and_o sundry_a such_o discommodity_n sect._n 6._o of_o the_o first_o mover_n in_o the_o plant_n of_o a_o public_a church_n now_o we_o be_v to_o come_v to_o the_o special_n which_o be_v in_o plant_v of_o a_o public_a church_n and_o first_o to_o the_o beginner_n or_o first_o mover_n in_o this_o work_n for_o the_o declare_v of_o the_o truth_n hereof_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v the_o very_a original_n and_o first_o plant_v of_o church_n the_o which_o be_v found_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n in_o many_o place_n yea_o they_o also_o commit_v the_o care_n of_o continue_v those_o church_n unto_o faithful_a man_n that_o they_o may_v provide_v for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v but_o neither_o the_o apostle_n can_v bring_v to_o pass_v that_o all_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v bring_v to_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n neither_o the_o care_n of_o those_o ordinary_a minister_n to_o who_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o say_a church_n be_v commit_v can_v so_o prevail_v but_o that_o even_o in_o those_o place_n where_o the_o apostle_n plant_v church_n religion_n afterward_o be_v by_o the_o malice_n of_o satan_n not_o only_o deface_v but_o even_o so_o root_v out_o as_o in_o most_o of_o those_o place_n there_o remane_v not_o any_o shadow_n of_o a_o church_n the_o apostle_n and_o other_o extraordinary_a minister_n be_v dead_a their_o office_n and_o call_v which_o be_v to_o plant_v church_n in_o all_o place_n do_v cease_v after_o who_o there_o remain_v in_o the_o church_n ordinary_a minister_n to_o accomplish_v that_o work_n which_o they_o have_v begin_v namely_o to_o build_v out_o those_o church_n which_o they_o have_v plant_v yet_o they_o have_v no_o call_v to_o build_v church_n in_o all_o country_n but_o in_o some_o one_o place_n where_o unto_o they_o be_v appoint_v for_o if_o ordinary_a minister_n which_o be_v now_o in_o those_o place_n where_o the_o church_n be_v have_v this_o calling_n to_o preach_v in_o diverse_a country_n and_o to_o diverse_a nation_n than_o they_o shall_v have_v gift_n needful_a for_o this_o work_n as_o the_o gift_n of_o discern_a spirit_n the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n without_o the_o which_o none_o can_v preach_v to_o a_o strange_a people_n but_o these_o gift_n be_v cease_v as_o also_o these_o calling_n neither_o have_v any_o ordinary_a minister_n by_o his_o calling_n any_o charge_n of_o any_o other_o people_n and_o country_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o be_v a_o church_n and_o as_o for_o extraordinary_a man_n although_o god_n may_v raise_v up_o such_o when_o he_o will_v yet_o we_o be_v not_o to_o look_v for_o any_o such_o in_o these_o day_n as_o for_o the_o bishope_fw-mi of_o rome_n who_o challenge_v unto_o himself_o the_o care_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n as_o be_v christ_n vicar_n general_a we_o know_v that_o his_o authority_n in_o the_o ch._n be_v but_o usurp_v and_o his_o allegation_n frivolous_a he_o have_v destroy_v the_o church_n &_o therefore_o we_o be_v not_o to_o look_v that_o he_o shall_v be_v the_o chief_a doer_n in_o the_o build_n and_o plant_v of_o church_n who_o then_o shall_v we_o make_v to_o be_v the_o first_o mover_n in_o the_o plant_n or_o repair_v of_o a_o public_a church_n in_o a_o city_n commonwealth_n or_o kingdom_n even_o the_o chief_a ruler_n and_o magistrate_n of_o those_o place_n as_o have_v be_v declare_v in_o the_o second_o section_n of_o this_o chapter_n so_o then_o the_o first_o thing_n in_o the_o plant_n of_o a_o public_a church_n in_o any_o country_n be_v this_o that_o we_o suppose_v the_o civil_a ruler_n willing_a and_o desirous_a to_o take_v this_o work_n in_o hand_n and_o that_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o some_o of_o his_o subject_n make_v humble_a supplication_n to_o he_o in_o this_o behalf_n or_o by_o some_o neighbour_n church_n stir_v he_o up_o by_o their_o example_n to_o erect_v the_o church_n within_o his_o dominion_n and_o commend_v this_o work_n unto_o he_o as_o the_o most_o excellent_a and_o happy_a thing_n as_o it_o be_v indeed_o sect._n 7._o of_o the_o special_a manner_n of_o plant_v a_o public_a church_n the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v be_v how_o the_o civil_a ruler_n be_v willing_a to_o plant_v the_o ch·_n shall_v know_v the_o manner_n of_o this_o work_n and_o the_o right_a frame_n of_o it_o whereof_o at_o the_o first_o we_o must_v suppose_v both_o he_o and_o his_o people_n to_o be_v ignorant_a the_o mean_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v for_o this_o end_n be_v this_o although_o at_o the_o first_o he_o do_v not_o send_v his_o apostle_n to_o all_o country_n to_o plant_v church_n neither_o do_v since_o that_o time_n send_v any_o other_o as_o apostle_n yet_o in_o that_o he_o do_v by_o they_o at_o the_o first_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o plant_v church_n in_o most_o part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o do_v continual_o preserve_v the_o fame_n in_o one_o place_n or_o other_o he_o give_v sufficient_a mean_n of_o have_v the_o knowleege_n of_o his_o true_a worship_n to_o those_o that_o will_v embrace_v it_o and_o leave_v the_o rest_n inexcusable_a the_o first_o building_n of_o church_n in_o so_o many_o place_n be_v so_o conspicuous_a even_o as_o a_o city_n set_v on_o the_o top_n of_o a_o hill_n that_o it_o may_v easy_o be_v see_v of_o all_o man_n so_o that_o even_o as_o the_o gentile_n which_o dwell_v far_o off_o from_o hierusalem_fw-la hear_v of_o the_o fame_n of_o it_o be_v move_v many_o of_o they_o to_o repair_v thither_o to_o learn_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a god_n so_o all_o they_o now_o even_o the_o jew_n also_o when_o god_n shall_v turn_v their_o heart_n and_o open_a their_o eye_n to_o see_v some_o glimmer_n of_o the_o gospel_n aught_o to_o resort_v to_o those_o place_n where_o the_o church_n be_v there_o to_o get_v the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o manner_n of_o his_o true_a worship_n and_o all_o other_o mean_n which_o may_v further_o their_o purpose_n and_o this_o be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o procure_v man_n of_o knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n to_o come_v and_o instruct_v both_o ruler_n and_o people_n how_o
ought_v to_o have_v use_v and_o show_v in_o all_o his_o deal_n with_o the_o church_n and_o especial_o in_o give_v law_n for_o the_o order_n of_o it_o for_o although_o in_o other_o matter_n his_o will_n may_v in_o some_o sort_n stand_v for_o a_o law_n yet_o in_o this_o case_n he_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v so_o peremptory_a or_o wilful_a but_o that_o he_o do_v willing_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v rule_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v most_o agreeable_a unto_o it_o and_o forasmuch_o as_o in_o indifferent_a thing_n whereof_o these_o law_n be_v to_o be_v make_v it_o be_v not_o always_o easy_a to_o see_v what_o be_v most_o right_a and_o meet_v to_o be_v do_v and_o for_o that_o civil_a ruler_n have_v not_o the_o extraordinary_a assistance_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o direct_v they_o in_o these_o action_n therefore_o it_o be_v needful_a that_o they_o consult_v with_o other_o &_o take_v their_o advice_n in_o make_v law_n for_o the_o church_n and_o so_o much_o the_o rather_o as_o a_o oversight_n in_o govern_v the_o church_n be_v more_o hurtful_a than_o it_o be_v in_o civil_a mat_n if_o it_o be_v here_o ask_v who_o ought_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o this_o weighty_a consultation_n and_o what_o be_v the_o whole_a order_n of_o this_o action_n we_o referrâ—â—he_v answer_v hereof_o to_o the_o next_o chapter_n chap._n x._o of_o the_o conjunction_n of_o particular_a church_n sect._n 1_o of_o the_o voluntary_a conjunction_n of_o particular_a church_n under_o the_o government_n of_o counsel_n thus_o much_o of_o a_o particuiar_a church_n several_o consider_v and_o be_v distinguish_v from_o all_o other_o by_o the_o propriety_n of_o humane_a ecclesiastical_a law_n or_o more_o plain_o by_o a_o distinct_a government_n even_o as_o we_o see_v one_o city_n country_n or_o kingdom_n to_o be_v separate_v from_o another_o by_o the_o own_o limit_n whether_o hill_n river_n sea_n or_o any_o other_o thus_o the_o church_n which_o be_v plant_v at_o corinth_n by_o the_o apostle_n be_v free_a from_o all_o other_o church_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o their_o law_n and_o order_n yet_o often_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o they_o be_v join_v together_o and_o that_o even_o in_o this_o bond_n of_o humane_a government_n by_o the_o which_o they_o be_v usual_o sever_v one_o from_o another_o of_o this_o conjunction_n we_o be_v brief_o to_o entreat_v the_o which_o we_o find_v to_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n the_o one_o voluntary_a the_o other_o necessary_a voluntary_a conjunction_n be_v that_o whereby_o particular_a church_n which_o otherwise_o be_v free_a from_o all_o humane_a authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n do_v submit_v themselves_o to_o a_o common-guernment_a for_o their_o common_a good_a as_o we_o see_v that_o free_a city_n enter_v into_o a_o league_n and_o a_o common-government_n that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v the_o better_o order_v the_o subject_n of_o this_o authority_n be_v counsel_n provincial_a natural_a and_o general_a which_o be_v assembly_n of_o certain_a man_n send_v from_o particular_a church_n with_o authority_n to_o judge_v and_o determine_v of_o the_o weighty_a cause_n of_o those_o church_n in_o these_o counsel_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v first_o their_o original_n and_o authority_n and_o second_o of_o who_o they_o do_v consist_v for_o the_o first_o although_o the_o government_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v for_o the_o order_n of_o church_n in_o particular_a be_v in_o itself_o sufficient_a for_o that_o purpose_n yet_o there_o be_v many_o way_n great_a use_n of_o this_o common-government_n of_o counsel_n for_o there_o be_v not_o so_o great_a force_n and_o authority_n for_o the_o repress_v of_o the_o stubborn_a and_o disobedient_a for_o the_o resolve_v of_o doubt_n the_o decide_n of_o weighty_a controversy_n the_o confirm_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o doctrine_n the_o resuting_a of_o pernicious_a heresy_n counsel_n the_o make_n of_o ecclesiastical_a constitution_n of_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n and_o final_o for_o the_o order_n of_o great_a &_o weighty_a matter_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o any_o one_o church_n as_o there_o be_v in_o a_o great_a number_n who_o godliness_n wisdom_n and_o learning_n be_v famous_o know_v to_o all_o man_n yea_o there_o be_v among_o many_o excellent_a man_n great_a variety_n of_o knowledge_n wisdom_n and_o all_o spiritual_a grace_n the_o which_o be_v join_v together_o be_v more_o available_a for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o church_n then_o if_o they_o be_v only_o several_o use_v in_o particular_a church_n for_o these_o cause_n be_v this_o common_a government_n of_o counsel_n institute_v in_o the_o church_n at_o the_o first_o and_o have_v continue_v in_o all_o the_o age_n of_o it_o the_o first_o example_n of_o a_o council_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v act._n 15.6_o where_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n which_o be_v at_o jerusalem_n come_v together_o for_o the_o decide_n of_o a_o great_a controversy_n move_v about_o the_o keep_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n but_o this_o counsel_n although_o in_o force_n and_o authority_n it_o be_v ecumenical_a or_o general_a in_o that_o the_o constitution_n make_v then_o by_o the_o apostle_n do_v belong_v to_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o in_o act_n and_o in_o deed_n it_o be_v a_o particular_a assembly_n of_o that_o one_o church_n which_o be_v at_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o the_o apostle_n elder_n and_o of_o the_o whole_a people_n as_o appear_v vers._n 22._o so_o that_o this_o example_n serve_v not_o for_o our_o purpose_n neither_o prove_v the_o divine_a institution_n of_o provincial_a counsel_n yea_o as_o it_o seem_v we_o have_v not_o any_o example_n or_o precept_n of_o this_o conjunction_n of_o particular_a church_n mention_v in_o the_o act_n &_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n or_o elsewhere_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n whereof_o some_o have_v gather_v that_o these_o counsel_n be_v unlawful_a and_o their_o authority_n usurp_v be_v not_o of_o god_n but_o from_o man_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o government_n appoint_v for_o the_o church_n but_o that_o which_o may_v be_v have_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o every_o particular_a church_n for_o answer_v whereof_o we_o know_v that_o of_o lawful_a thing_n some_o be_v necessary_a be_v command_v by_o god_n so_o that_o the_o omit_v of_o they_o be_v sin_n in_o his_o sight_n but_o other_o thing_n be_v so_o lawful_a as_o that_o they_o may_v lawful_o be_v leave_v undo_v be_v not_o command_v but_o permit_v to_o we_o to_o do_v when_o we_o shall_v think_v they_o convenient_a of_o this_o latter_a kind_n be_v these_o common_a counsel_n and_o this_o voluntary_a conjunction_n of_o diverse_a church_n under_o one_o government_n for_o we_o have_v no_o flat_a commandment_n in_o the_o word_n as_o touch_v it_o neither_o can_v any_o church_n be_v compel_v to_o join_v in_o this_o manner_n yet_o one_o church_n may_v lawful_o use_v the_o help_n of_o a_o other_o for_o their_o mutual_a good_a if_o it_o be_v here_o object_v that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o man_n to_o appoint_v any_o other_o form_n of_o church-government_n than_o god_n himself_o have_v prescribe_v in_o his_o word_n we_o answer_v that_o these_o common_a counsel_n do_v not_o take_v away_o the_o government_n of_o particular_a church_n but_o rather_o do_v establish_v it_o yea_o make_v it_o more_o effectual_a and_o forcible_a and_o supply_v the_o want_n the_o which_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o infirmity_n and_o want_v of_o man_n be_v often_o find_v in_o it_o the_o reason_n why_o these_o counsel_n be_v not_o mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v for_o that_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o church_n can_v not_o join_v themselves_o together_o in_o this_o manner_n not_o only_o because_o they_o be_v not_o full_o settle_v within_o themselves_o but_o chief_o because_o they_o be_v few_o in_o number_n and_o so_o far_a distante_fw-la one_o from_o another_o that_o they_o can_v not_o with_o any_o convenience_n communicate_v ordinare_o together_o apostle_n yea_o the_o apostle_n be_v to_o they_o in_o steed_n of_o the_o most_o general_a counsel_n for_o they_o refer_v all_o their_o doubt_n controversy_n and_o matter_n of_o importance_n to_o their_o determination_n wherein_o the_o rest_v as_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n whereby_o it_o appear_v that_o although_o these_o counsel_n have_v not_o their_o original_n and_o authority_n immediate_o and_o direct_o from_o god_n as_o the_o ministry_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n have_v yet_o that_o they_o have_v be_v institute_v and_o use_v by_o the_o church_n for_o just_a and_o necessary_a cause_n according_a to_o the_o word_n and_o will_n of_o god_n likewise_o the_o authority_n of_o these_o council_n be_v the_o full_a authority_n of_o those_o church_n from_o the_o which_o the_o several_a commissioner_n or_o delegate_n be_v send_v and_o therefore_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v
reverence_v and_o obey_v yet_o this_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o this_o authority_n do_v not_o stretch_v itself_o to_o any_o church_n save_v only_o to_o those_o which_o join_v themselves_o together_o in_o this_o kind_n of_o government_n or_o rather_o in_o this_o subjection_n and_o therefore_o a_o council_n which_o be_v gather_v out_o of_o all_o the_o church_n of_o some_o country_n or_o part_n of_o the_o world_n can_v impose_v law_n upon_o the_o church_n of_o other_o country_n yea_o if_o in_o a_o ecumenical_a council_n any_o one_o church_n shall_v refuse_v to_o join_v itself_o with_o the_o rest_n the_o law_n of_o that_o council_n shall_v not_o build_v that_o one_o church_n for_o counsel_n have_v no_o authority_n but_o over_o those_o church_n from_o the_o which_o they_o have_v authority_n sect._n 2._o of_o who_o counsel_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o consist_v second_o we_o be_v to_o see_v of_o who_o these_o counsel_n ought_v to_o consist_v the_o answer_n be_v of_o man_n who_o the_o common_a consent_n of_o the_o church_n join_v together_o under_o this_o common_a government_n do_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o their_o gift_n to_o wit_n of_o zeal_n godliness_n wisdom_n learning_n experience_n faithfulness_n boldness_n diligence_n and_o such_o other_o grace_n requisite_a in_o this_o behalf_n judge_v fit_a for_o this_o purpose_n here_o we_o have_v two_o question_n to_o answer_v the_o first_o be_v whether_o that_o any_o beside_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n ought_v to_o be_v of_o these_o counsel_n the_o second_o be_v whether_o that_o a_o council_n may_v convenient_o consist_v whole_o of_o those_o who_o be_v not_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n for_o answer_v of_o both_o these_o question_n we_o confess_v that_o the_o minister_n ought_v to_o be_v account_v most_o fit_a to_o be_v admit_v into_o consultation_n of_o these_o weighty_a matter_n for_o that_o they_o ought_v not_o only_o to_o know_v the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o particular_a church_n better_v the_o any_o other_o it_o be_v their_o call_n and_o office_n to_o look_v unto_o they_o but_o also_o to_o be_v endue_v with_o more_o excellent_a gift_n than_o be_v to_o be_v expect_v usual_o in_o other_o yet_o these_o counsel_n may_v lawful_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n consist_v of_o other_o yea_o the_o constitution_n or_o decree_n of_o such_o counsel_n be_v no_o less_o to_o have_v the_o force_n reverence_n and_o obedience_n of_o ecclesiastical_a law_n then_o if_o they_o have_v be_v make_v by_o a_o council_n consist_v whole_o of_o minister_n for_o it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n which_o do_v consociate_v themselves_o in_o this_o manner_n to_o delegate_v their_o authority_n to_o who_o they_o will_v of_o what_o calling_n or_o condition_n soever_o he_o be_v for_o although_o the_o knowledge_n and_o care_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o all_o other_o grace_n have_v in_o corrupt_a time_n be_v appropriate_v to_o the_o minister_n the_o people_n be_v account_v ignorant_a and_o profane_a idol_n neither_o able_a nor_o worthy_a to_o deal_v with_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n much_o less_o to_o judge_v deterâ—ine_n and_o advise_v of_o â—_z of_o great_a importance_n yet_o we_o learn_v out_o of_o the_o word_n and_o see_v it_o ratify_v by_o experience_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o all_o spiritual_a grace_n do_v as_o well_o belong_v and_o be_v as_o often_o as_o plentiful_o yea_o some_o time_n in_o great_a measure_n grant_v to_o other_o christian_n then_o to_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n so_o that_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n can_v challenge_v to_o themselves_o authority_n and_o ability_n to_o be_v the_o only_a doer_n in_o this_o action_n but_o must_v admit_v into_o their_o company_n and_o consultation_n those_o of_o the_o people_n that_o be_v judge_v fit_n for_o this_o purpose_n yea_o although_o there_o be_v a_o sufficient_a number_n of_o minister_n able_a to_o perform_v whatsoever_o be_v require_v in_o this_o behalf_n yet_o it_o be_v diverse_a way_n inconvenient_a that_o counsel_n shall_v consist_v whole_o of_o they_o for_o first_o we_o know_v that_o a_o great_a part_n of_o these_o law_n do_v concern_v the_o minister_n themselves_o and_o the_o performance_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o function_n wherein_o if_o there_o be_v any_o general_a negligence_n want_n or_o oversight_n and_o error_n which_o be_v no_o strange_a thing_n as_o they_o know_v who_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o history_n and_o state_n of_o the_o church_n who_o shall_v lay_v open_a the_o fault_n &_o make_v law_n for_o the_o redress_v of_o it_o for_o although_o it_o may_v be_v suppose_v that_o they_o will_v do_v it_o of_o their_o own_o accord_n yet_o it_o stand_v not_o with_o their_o wisdom_n who_o have_v the_o choose_n of_o fit_a man_n for_o these_o counsel_n to_o commit_v the_o matter_n whole_o to_o they_o especial_o whenas_o the_o amend_v of_o the_o error_n be_v against_o the_o credit_n consultation_n commodity_n or_o ease_n of_o the_o minister_n yea_o it_o be_v not_o agreeable_a to_o any_o reason_n that_o they_o shall_v appoint_v to_o themselves_o the_o duty_n and_o work_n which_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o correct_v whatsoever_o be_v amiss_o therein_o for_o we_o know_v that_o most_o of_o all_o those_o corruption_n wherewith_o the_o church_n have_v be_v pollute_v and_o deface_v these_o many_o age_n have_v be_v both_o bring_v in_o and_o continue_v by_o the_o mean_n of_o these_o counsel_n consist_v of_o minister_n only_o beside_o this_o reject_v of_o the_o whole_a church_n as_o unfit_a to_o advise_v any_o thing_n for_o their_o own_o good_a be_v both_o injurious_a to_o god_n who_o especial_o in_o this_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n pour_v forth_o his_o spirit_n with_o a_o full_a and_o indifferent_a hand_n on_o all_o his_o servant_n that_o call_v upon_o he_o so_o that_o his_o grace_n bestow_v on_o the_o church_n be_v as_o the_o ointment_n which_o be_v pour_v upon_o aaron_n head_n run_v down_o even_o to_o the_o skirt_n of_o his_o garment_n and_o also_o reproachful_a to_o the_o church_n as_o be_v destitute_a of_o all_o spiritual_a wisdom_n and_o understanding_n last_o the_o exclude_v of_o all_o the_o people_n from_o counsel_n make_v the_o law_n enact_v by_o they_o to_o be_v unwilling_o receive_v for_o that_o the_o minister_n take_v all_o the_o authority_n into_o their_o own_o hand_n do_v easy_o incur_v the_o suspicion_n of_o tyrannize_a over_o the_o church_n whereas_o the_o law_n will_v be_v readely_a obey_v without_o murmur_a or_o repine_v if_o that_o some_o of_o the_o people_n have_v a_o hand_n in_o the_o make_n of_o they_o as_o touch_v the_o second_o question_n although_o a_o council_n gather_v about_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n may_v lawful_o consist_v whole_o of_o those_o who_o be_v not_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n yet_o it_o be_v seldom_o convenient_a that_o this_o shall_v be_v put_v in_o practice_n for_o first_o the_o ordinary_a authority_n wherewith_o the_o minister_n be_v endue_v in_o that_o they_o be_v the_o teacher_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o people_n although_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o make_v law_n yet_o it_o require_v that_o they_o shall_v usual_o bear_v the_o great_a sway_n in_o make_v those_o humane_a law_n whereby_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v govern_v yea_o by_o this_o mean_v it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o law_n have_v great_a force_n and_o authority_n among_o the_o people_n then_o when_o they_o come_v from_o man_n otherwise_o mere_o private_a yea_o the_o state_n of_o many_o church_n be_v so_o that_o few_o man_n of_o other_o calling_n beside_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n give_v themselves_o to_o the_o study_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o have_v sufficient_a knowledge_n for_o this_o purpose_n think_v that_o it_o do_v belong_v to_o minister_n only_o to_o know_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o government_n of_o his_o church_n and_o if_o we_o do_v suppose_v a_o flourish_a state_n of_o a_o church_n wherein_o knowledge_n do_v abound_v not_o only_o in_o the_o minister_n but_o also_o among_o the_o people_n so_o as_o they_o be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o sound_n judgement_n and_o good_a advice_n in_o these_o weighty_a matter_n yet_o the_o minister_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v exclude_v for_o if_o the_o people_n do_v abound_v with_o knowledge_n it_o be_v like_a yea_o necessary_a that_o the_o minister_n be_v much_o more_o fill_v with_o all_o spiritual_a understanding_n and_o wisdom_n yea_o it_o be_v seldom_o see_v that_o other_o know_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o people_n which_o in_o make_v these_o law_n be_v chief_o to_o be_v regard_v so_o well_o as_o the_o minister_n do_v who_o be_v continual_o exercise_v in_o look_v unto_o they_o sect._n 3_o of_o the_o necessary_a conjunction_n of_o particular_a church_n under_o the_o government_n
of_o the_o same_o civil_a power_n thus_o much_o of_o the_o voluntary_a conjunction_n of_o particular_a church_n under_o the_o government_n of_o counsel_n now_o follow_v the_o necessary_a conjunction_n of_o they_o so_o call_v because_o it_o be_v not_o in_o their_o power_n to_o shake_v off_o that_o common_a authority_n whereunto_o they_o be_v subject_a this_o necessary_a conjunction_n have_v place_n then_o whenas_o diverse_a particular_a church_n be_v tie_v together_o in_o obedience_n to_o the_o same_o civil_a authority_n by_o the_o which_o they_o be_v rule_v as_o have_v be_v declare_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n yea_o it_o may_v be_v see_v almost_o in_o all_o public_a church_n the_o which_o usual_o consist_v of_o so_o great_a a_o number_n of_o professor_n as_o can_v possible_o be_v contain_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o one_o church_n for_o if_o any_o one_o populous_a city_n do_v general_o profess_v the_o gospel_n it_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v divide_v into_o diverse_a particular_a church_n much_o more_o a_o christian_n country_n nation_n or_o kingdom_n can_v but_o contain_v in_o it_o many_o particular_a church_n all_o which_o although_o they_o have_v their_o proper_a ruler_n or_o teacher_n and_o order_n as_o free_a church_n have_v yet_o they_o have_v also_o a_o common_a government_n and_o law_n proceed_v from_o the_o civil_a power_n to_o the_o obedience_n whereof_o they_o be_v all_o bind_v for_o in_o public_a church_n the_o civil_a power_n have_v the_o great_a sway_n in_o govern_v by_o the_o which_o be_v one_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o every_o particular_a assembly_n be_v bring_v to_o a_o conformity_n both_o in_o doctrine_n as_o also_o in_o government_n yea_o it_o be_v requisite_a &_o needful_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o for_o otherwise_o if_o every_o particular_a church_n do_v differ_v from_o the_o rest_n in_o government_n the_o whole_a church_n can_v not_o be_v order_v without_o great_a trouble_n and_o confusion_n but_o yet_o this_o common_a government_n of_o the_o magistrate_n do_v not_o take_v away_o the_o grovernment_n of_o particular_a church_n no_o more_o than_o the_o counsel_n whereof_o we_o have_v speak_v do_v from_o free_a church_n this_o be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o civil_a ruler_n yet_o by_o the_o advice_n of_o other_o in_o the_o choice_n of_o who_o as_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o the_o prince_n to_o call_v or_o pass_v over_o who_o he_o think_v meet_a or_o unmeete_a so_o it_o will_v be_v convenient_a for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n the_o which_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o he_o either_o whole_o to_o neglect_v or_o light_o to_o regard_v to_o call_v of_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n those_o who_o be_v endue_v with_o best_a gift_n yet_o so_o that_o some_o be_v have_v out_o of_o every_o particular_a church_n as_o if_o they_o be_v free_a church_n and_o especial_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n be_v to_o be_v call_v for_o the_o reason_n declare_v in_o the_o former_a section_n when_o they_o by_o his_o authority_n be_v gather_v together_o he_o be_v to_o take_v unto_o himself_o the_o roll_a of_o the_o whole_a action_n unless_o it_o be_v needful_a that_o he_o delegate_v his_o authority_n to_o some_o other_o and_o by_o pray_v for_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o their_o consultation_n &_o declare_v the_o cause_n of_o their_o meeting_n to_o begin_v it_o then_o he_o be_v to_o propound_v in_o the_o first_o place_n those_o want_n fault_n and_o corruption_n of_o the_o ch._n which_o he_o himself_o have_v observe_v &_o will_v have_v supply_v and_o take_v away_o to_o show_v the_o manner_n how_o he_o think_v it_o most_o meet_a to_o be_v do_v which_o be_v do_v he_o be_v to_o give_v liberty_n to_o every_o one_o present_a to_o speak_v their_o mind_n free_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v propound_v as_o also_o of_o any_o other_o thing_n which_o they_o think_v good_a for_o the_o church_n that_o which_o be_v agree_v upon_o &_o do_v appear_v to_o all_o or_o to_o the_o most_o of_o they_o right_o &_o meet_v to_o be_v decree_v he_o be_v to_o establish_v give_v unto_o it_o the_o virtue_n of_o a_o ecclesiastical_a law_n the_o which_o the_o whole_a ch._n ought_v to_o obey_v that_o which_o can_v be_v agree_v upon_o be_v to_o be_v defer_v to_o another_o time_n of_o meeting_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v somuch_o the_o soon_o as_o the_o matter_n controverse_v be_v of_o great_a importance_n for_o more_o mature_a deliberation_n with_o themselves_o and_o other_o will_v make_v that_o clear_a and_o evident_a which_o before_o be_v doubtful_a if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n which_o neither_o can_v be_v agree_v upon_o by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o great_a part_n neither_o yet_o defer_v without_o great_a hurt_n to_o the_o church_n the_o chief_a ruler_n may_v with_o the_o consent_n of_o some_o of_o the_o council_n decree_n and_o enact_v that_o which_o they_o think_v needful_a to_o be_v do_v yet_o he_o be_v not_o to_o use_v this_o authority_n in_o this_o manner_n but_o upon_o urgent_a necessity_n for_o many_o inconvenience_n do_v follow_v the_o enact_v of_o ecclesiastical_a laweâ—_n without_o the_o full_a consent_n of_o the_o council_n yea_o the_o suspicion_n of_o tyrannize_v over_o the_o ch._n of_o god_n be_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o be_v avoid_v in_o regard_v whereof_o many_o christian_n emperor_n &_o ruler_n do_v resign_v their_o authority_n which_o they_o have_v in_o govern_v the_o ch_n to_o these_o counsel_n ruler_n insomuch_o that_o they_o have_v the_o full_a power_n not_o only_o of_o advise_v law_n but_o also_o of_o enact_v or_o the_o give_n unto_o they_o the_o force_n of_o law_n but_o as_o have_v be_v show_v this_o mâ—y_n easy_o turn_v to_o the_o hurt_n of_o the_o ch._n and_o therefore_o it_o ought_v not_o whole_o to_o bâ—_n follow_v yet_o it_o show_v how_o great_a regard_n civil_a ruler_n ought_v to_o have_v of_o the_o judgement_n &_o advice_n of_o those_o who_o be_v godly_a wise_a and_o learned_a in_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n subject_n unto_o they_o and_o therefore_o that_o which_o the_o council_n think_v good_a to_o be_v do_v or_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v great_o regard_v yet_o if_o the_o chief_a ruler_n can_v be_v bring_v to_o give_v his_o assent_n unto_o it_o it_o can_v have_v the_o force_n of_o a_o ecclesiastical_a law_n or_o be_v impose_v upon_o the_o whole_a ch._n in_o that_o name_n as_o touch_v the_o number_n whereof_o any_o national_a council_n do_v consist_v there_o can_v any_o be_v define_v but_o it_o must_v be_v leave_v to_o the_o appointment_n of_o the_o chief_a ruler_n to_o who_o the_o depose_n &_o authorise_v of_o this_o whole_a action_n do_v belong_v yet_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v proportionable_a to_o the_o quantity_n of_o the_o ch._n &_o to_o the_o number_n of_o the_o particular_a church_n so_o that_o if_o some_o be_v have_v out_o of_o every_o one_o of_o they_o it_o will_v make_v the_o law_n enact_v to_o be_v much_o more_o willing_o receive_v &_o obey_v whenas_o it_o shall_v be_v know_v that_o some_o of_o themselves_o do_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o rest_n consent_n unto_o they_o and_o especial_o this_o be_v requisite_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o chief_a end_n and_o use_v of_o these_o counsel_n both_o in_o free_a and_o public_a church_n whereof_o we_o will_v brief_o speak_v the_o which_o be_v to_o bring_v the_o whole_a church_n to_o a_o conformity_n of_o doctrine_n this_o be_v needful_a and_o good_a to_o be_v do_v and_o that_o for_o these_o cause_n first_o for_o the_o repress_v of_o heresy_n which_o do_v continual_o arise_v in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o which_o purpose_n the_o general_a consent_n of_o the_o church_n be_v very_o forcible_a for_o either_o the_o consent_n and_o judgement_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n will_v be_v of_o great_a weight_n to_o take_v the_o say_a heresy_n out_o of_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o who_o do_v maintain_v they_o or_o else_o the_o authority_n by_o which_o the_o truth_n oppugn_v be_v public_o establish_v will_v be_v able_a to_o remove_v the_o maintainer_n of_o they_o out_o of_o the_o church_n second_o this_o form_n of_o doctrine_n agree_v upon_o by_o many_o will_v be_v effectual_a to_o strengthen_v and_o confirm_v those_o who_o be_v weak_a in_o the_o faith_n and_o not_o full_o ground_v in_o some_o point_n of_o christian_n religion_n yea_o it_o may_v be_v a_o mean_n to_o help_v forward_o those_o who_o have_v not_o as_o yet_o take_v upon_o they_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n not_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o build_v our_o faith_n upon_o the_o authority_n of_o man_n faith_n but_o for_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o take_v from_o the_o church_n a_o confirmation_n of_o our_o faith_n see_v we_o may_v be_v great_o help_v and_o strengthen_v by_o this_o mean_n and_o last_o this_o form_n of_o
doctrine_n ought_v to_o be_v esteem_v the_o public_a confession_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n whereby_o they_o do_v make_v know_v not_o only_o to_o other_o church_n but_o also_o to_o the_o whole_a world_n that_o they_o do_v profess_v &_o maintain_v the_o truth_n of_o christian_n religion_n and_o of_o every_o part_n thereof_o &_o do_v detest_v &_o abhor_v all_o the_o false_a worship_n of_o the_o jew_n turk_n and_o all_o other_o infidel_n whatsoever_o and_o also_o that_o they_o be_v free_a from_o all_o false_a &_o erroneous_a opinion_n all_o gross_a &_o blasphemous_a heresy_n of_o man_n profess_v the_o faith_n wherewith_o the_o church_n have_v be_v at_o all_o time_n and_o be_v trouble_v at_o this_o day_n this_o public_a profession_n of_o the_o faith_n be_v with_o great_a care_n &_o diligence_n make_v and_o approve_v by_o the_o general_a consent_n of_o the_o whole_a council_n be_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o chief_a ruler_n to_o be_v enjoin_v to_o the_o whole_a ch._n so_o as_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o any_o man_n to_o deny_v or_o refute_v any_o point_n of_o it_o yet_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o contain_v in_o it_o the_o determination_n of_o all_o controversy_n but_o only_o a_o declaration_n of_o the_o chief_a point_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o profession_n whereof_o the_o life_n &_o as_o it_o be_v the_o very_a essence_n or_o be_v of_o the_o church_n do_v consist_v for_o as_o touch_v matter_n of_o less_o moment_n in_o the_o which_o man_n may_v err_v without_o any_o danger_n to_o their_o own_o salvation_n or_o hurt_n to_o the_o church_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o all_o man_n shall_v be_v bring_v to_o think_v and_o profess_v the_o same_o thing_n but_o there_o will_v be_v continual_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n in_o these_o point_n in_o every_o church_n yet_o it_o do_v belong_v to_o this_o public_a council_n to_o consider_v &_o to_o determine_v even_o of_o other_o doubt_n &_o controversy_n which_o do_v trouble_v the_o church_n that_o by_o this_o mean_v contention_n may_v be_v take_v away_o and_o as_o the_o apostle_n write_v 1._o cor._n 1.10_o all_o may_v say_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o be_v knit_v together_o in_o one_o mind_n and_o in_o one_o judgement_n yet_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o council_n of_o these_o light_a point_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v impose_v upon_o any_o man_n to_o think_v or_o to_o profess_v but_o every_o man_n leave_v to_o think_v as_o it_o shall_v please_v god_n to_o give_v he_o to_o understand_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o that_o behalf_n either_o keep_v his_o opinion_n dissent_v frâ—m_o the_o church_n to_o himself_o or_o else_o impart_v it_o to_o other_o in_o that_o moderate_a wise_a and_o christian_n manner_n as_o that_o no_o man_n be_v just_o offend_v by_o he_o or_o the_o public_a peace_n of_o the_o church_n disquiet_v but_o rather_o all_o in_o some_o measure_n edify_v sect._n 4._o of_o the_o govern_n of_o the_o several_a province_n of_o a_o national_a church_n thus_o much_o of_o a_o public_a or_o national_a council_n gather_v order_v and_o establish_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o chief_a ruler_n for_o this_o end_n to_o bring_v the_o whole_a church_n to_o a_o conformity_n both_o in_o outward_a rite_n and_o order_n and_o also_o in_o the_o truth_n of_o doctrine_n wherein_o this_o be_v especial_o to_o be_v consider_v and_o therefore_o not_o unfit_a to_o be_v repeat_v that_o there_o be_v regard_n have_v unto_o the_o liberty_n of_o inferior_a synod_n for_o as_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o make_v all_o man_n think_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o all_o point_n so_o also_o it_o be_v unmeet_a yea_o impossible_a that_o the_o general_a council_n shall_v so_o define_v of_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v incident_a into_o the_o govern_n of_o church_n as_o that_o nothing_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o discretion_n and_o disposition_n of_o inferior_a assembly_n and_o therefore_o the_o decree_n and_o law_n make_v by_o the_o general_a council_n ought_v to_o be_v as_o rule_n to_o direct_v they_o in_o their_o action_n although_o all_o particular_a case_n and_o circumstance_n yea_o matter_n of_o less_o importance_n be_v neither_o determine_v nor_o yet_o mention_v in_o they_o now_o we_o be_v to_o come_v to_o provincial_a counsel_n for_o so_o much_o as_o there_o do_v daily_o many_o doubt_n and_o controversy_n arise_v yea_o great_a and_o weighty_a affair_n do_v offer_v themselves_o amongst_o the_o church_n which_o neither_o for_o the_o greatness_n can_v sufficient_o be_v determine_v and_o order_v by_o a_o few_o minister_n neither_o yet_o convenient_o be_v defer_v to_o a_o general_a meeting_n which_o can_v be_v have_v without_o great_a trouble_n to_o the_o church_n therefore_o provincial_a synod_n have_v a_o necessary_a use_n they_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o general_a counsel_n save_v only_o that_o they_o belong_v not_o to_o the_o whole_a ch._n but_o only_o to_o some_o part_n of_o it_o as_o it_o be_v distinguish_v they_o be_v to_o be_v call_v order_v and_o establish_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o civil_a ruler_n and_o do_v deal_v in_o the_o same_o matter_n and_o in_o the_o manner_n aforesaid_a for_o the_o care_n and_o order_v not_o only_o of_o a_o whole_a national_a ch._n general_a but_o also_o of_o the_o several_a province_n of_o it_o do_v belong_v to_o the_o civil_a ruler_n so_o that_o although_o it_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o his_o office_n to_o enter_v into_o particular_a congregation_n and_o there_o to_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o ordinary_a governor_n or_o teacher_n yet_o he_o ought_v to_o see_v and_o procure_v that_o they_o be_v in_o good_a order_n that_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n do_v their_o duty_n diligent_o and_o sincere_o that_o the_o people_n live_v in_o obedience_n to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ._n but_o in_o great_a nation_n and_o kingdom_n it_o be_v not_o often_o see_v that_o the_o chief_a ruler_n can_v keep_v in_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o discharge_v in_o his_o own_o person_n this_o duty_n of_o overseeing_a the_o several_a province_n of_o the_o ch._n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v as_o always_o lawful_a so_o often_o needful_a that_o he_o delegate_v and_o commit_v this_o part_n of_o his_o duty_n to_o some_o other_o even_o to_o whosoever_o he_o think_v meet_a for_o this_o purpose_n neither_o be_v we_o to_o exclude_v those_o who_o be_v minister_n of_o the_o word_n from_o this_o call_n as_o if_o they_o only_o be_v unmeete_a whenas_o they_o be_v in_o some_o respect_v fit_a than_o other_o have_v be_v many_o year_n exercise_v in_o the_o affair_n of_o some_o particular_a church_n and_o therefore_o if_o it_o please_v the_o civil_a ruler_n to_o call_v any_o who_o do_v perform_v some_o ordinary_a ministry_n in_o some_o particular_a church_n to_o this_o office_n of_o overseeing_a many_o church_n he_o do_v nothing_o but_o that_o which_o be_v agreeable_a to_o reason_n and_o warrantable_a by_o the_o word_n of_o god._n for_o man_n have_v take_v upon_o they_o any_o ministry_n be_v not_o so_o tie_v unto_o it_o but_o that_o they_o may_v leave_v it_o when_o as_o they_o shall_v be_v call_v by_o the_o chief_a ruler_n to_o perform_v any_o other_o more_o weighty_a and_o public_a duty_n yea_o although_o it_o be_v in_o some_o civil_a office_n and_o much_o more_o to_o have_v the_o care_n of_o many_o church_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o meet_v that_o any_o man_n have_v this_o office_n shall_v withal_o have_v any_o function_n in_o a_o particular_a church_n as_o do_v necessare_o require_v his_o presence_n for_o beside_o other_o inconvenience_n it_o will_v be_v to_o he_o a_o occasion_n of_o negligence_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o his_o duty_n and_o a_o evil_a example_n to_o other_o which_o as_o it_o be_v a_o grievous_a thing_n in_o any_o man_n to_o do_v the_o work_n of_o god_n negligent_o so_o it_o be_v much_o more_o offensive_a in_o he_o who_o office_n and_o call_v it_o be_v to_o see_v that_o the_o church_n be_v well_o order_v thus_o much_o of_o the_o common_a government_n of_o diverse_a church_n whether_o they_o be_v free_a or_o subject_a to_o the_o same_o civil_a power_n from_o this_o common_a government_n whole_a nation_n and_o kingdom_n consist_v of_o many_o church_n be_v often_o call_v one_o particular_a church_n because_o they_o all_o have_v the_o same_o humane_a law_n although_o if_o we_o speak_v proper_o they_o be_v diverse_a church_n because_o they_o have_v not_o all_o the_o same_o law_n but_o only_o some_o public_a common_a and_o general_a law_n pertain_v to_o all_o chap._n xi_o thus_o much_o of_o a_o partìcular_a church_n both_o several_o and_o also_o joint_o consider_v in_o the_o next_o and_o last_o place_n we_o be_v to_o come_v to_o the_o visible_a church_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o collection_n of_o all_o the_o particular_a church_n in_o the_o world_n into_o one_o body_n or_o sum_n which_o