wherein_o do_v this_o permit_v man_n to_o renounce_v the_o common_a christianity_n etc._n etc._n as_o this_o answerer_n very_o impertinent_o object_v and_o it_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o rational_a man_n whether_o they_o who_o insist_v upon_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o spiritual_a power_n christ_n have_v give_v unto_o his_o church_n for_o the_o right_a order_n and_o govern_v thereof_o and_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o sole_a rule_n of_o every_o man_n faith_n and_o obedience_n in_o all_o gospel_n duty_n and_o administration_n or_o they_o who_o allow_v unto_o every_o national_a or_o provincial_a church_n a_o power_n to_o decree_v article_n of_o faith_n and_o compose_v form_n of_o divine_a worship_n to_o be_v impose_v by_o civil_a magistrate_n upon_o christian_n be_v the_o more_o likely_a to_o lead_v into_o the_o path_n of_o heresy_n and_o schism_n and_o to_o destroy_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o consequent_o whether_o these_o or_o those_o do_v gratify_v the_o old_a serpent_n in_o his_o malicious_a wile_n and_o method_n and_o give_v leave_v to_o his_o instrument_n to_o accomplish_v their_o hellish_a design_n in_o destroy_v christianity_n and_o the_o church_n government_n at_o one_o blow_n i_o say_v again_o let_v every_o rational_a and_o unprejudiced_a person_n consider_v the_o nature_n and_o essence_n of_o christianity_n and_o by_o what_o way_n and_o method_n it_o have_v be_v corrupt_v and_o destroy_v judge_n god_n name_n be_v not_o indeed_o blaspheme_v as_o he_o say_v when_o his_o institution_n be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o uphold_v his_o truth_n etc._n etc._n but_o he_o have_v no_o where_o institute_v the_o civil_a sword_n to_o force_v any_o to_o the_o christian_a faith_n much_o less_o to_o uphold_v whatever_o be_v teach_v or_o pretend_v so_o to_o be_v and_o if_o his_o name_n be_v blaspheme_v when_o man_n mind_n be_v alienate_v from_o the_o christian_a religion_n they_o will_v be_v find_v guilty_a thereof_o who_o use_v such_o mean_n and_o method_n for_o its_o propagation_n as_o they_o pretend_v as_o beget_v a_o aversion_n in_o many_o towards_o it_o and_o those_o that_o use_v they_o and_o who_o be_v it_o that_o will_v make_v the_o profession_n thereof_o arbitrary_a they_o who_o say_v the_o spiritual_a power_n christ_n have_v give_v unto_o his_o church_n for_o the_o right_a order_n and_o govern_v thereof_o be_v sufficient_a unto_o that_o end_n can_v reasonable_o be_v say_v so_o to_o do_v and_o wherefore_o do_v he_o here_o talk_v of_o every_o beâ—ted_a brain_n and_o sulphurous_a malcontent_n be_v leave_v to_o serve_v god_n or_o serve_v he_o not_o to_o believe_v in_o christ_n or_o open_o to_o deny_v and_o blaspheme_v he_o when_o all_o we_o pray_v and_o plead_v for_o be_v but_o 3_o that_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n may_v have_v a_o free_a course_n and_o that_o his_o name_n may_v be_v glorify_v in_o the_o free_a exercise_n of_o all_o religious_a duty_n without_o ever_o deny_v it_o the_o magistrate_n duty_n to_o punish_v blasphemy_n and_o the_o like_a evil_n and_o impiety_n but_o it_o be_v worth_a know_v from_o this_o learned_a and_o judicious_a answerer_n how_o far_o any_o be_v oblige_v to_o add_v here_o to_o the_o church_n in_o which_o they_o be_v baptise_a that_o we_o may_v not_o have_v too_o hard_a thought_n of_o our_o first_o reformer_n for_o forsake_v the_o church_n in_o which_o they_o partake_v of_o that_o sacrament_n it_o be_v as_o he_o say_v one_o thing_n to_o convert_v pagan_n and_o infidel_n to_o christianity_n and_o another_o thing_n to_o keep_v they_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o their_o duty_n who_o already_o profess_v it_o and_o yet_o be_v both_o effect_v by_o the_o same_o mean_n and_o the_o magistrate_n can_v no_o more_o compel_v unto_o the_o one_o then_o to_o the_o other_o but_o when_o man_n give_v up_o their_o name_n to_o christ_n it_o be_v certain_o as_o he_o say_v the_o duty_n of_o churchman_n to_o use_v all_o lawful_a and_o proper_a mean_v to_o prevent_v their_o apostasy_n from_o he_o but_o who_o be_v the_o incorrigible_a offender_n he_o speak_v of_o or_o what_o occasion_n do_v this_o query_n administer_v to_o ask_v why_o the_o magistrate_n may_v not_o be_v request_v to_o save_v a_o soul_n from_o death_n etc._n etc._n the_o magistrate_n may_v certain_o be_v request_v to_o punish_v sin_n and_o wickedness_n it_o be_v the_o great_a end_n for_o which_o god_n commit_v the_o power_n of_o the_o sword_n to_o he_o but_o he_o can_v no_o more_o save_v a_o soul_n from_o death_n and_o rescue_v he_o out_o of_o the_o snare_n of_o the_o devil_n then_o he_o can_v give_v grace_n or_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n alone_o yet_o this_o hinder_v not_o but_o that_o magistrate_n and_o minister_n aught_o to_o use_v all_o due_a and_o lawful_a mean_n to_o reduce_v man_n to_o christianity_n and_o prevent_v their_o apostasy_n from_o it_o there_o be_v no_o more_o need_n now_o then_o in_o the_o primitive_a age_n of_o the_o church_n that_o its_o act_n and_o censure_n shall_v be_v second_v by_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o secular_a power_n our_o bless_a saviour_n who_o be_v faithful_a have_v promise_v to_o be_v with_o his_o disciple_n teach_v what_o he_o command_v they_o 28._o to_o the_o world_n end_n and_o that_o there_o be_v so_o little_a of_o power_n and_o efficacy_n in_o in_o the_o act_n and_o censure_n of_o some_o who_o will_v be_v account_v his_o disciple_n be_v not_o that_o christ_n have_v withdraw_v any_o of_o that_o ordinary_a power_n he_o give_v unto_o his_o minister_n for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n and_o the_o edify_n of_o his_o body_n but_o their_o failure_n in_o the_o condition_n annex_v to_o his_o promise_n in_o not_o teach_v what_o he_o command_v but_o set_v up_o their_o own_o invention_n and_o device_n in_o the_o place_n of_o his_o institution_n be_v the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n as_o orderly_a and_o regular_o pronounce_v now_o as_o heretofore_o they_o will_v have_v the_o same_o effect_n now_o as_o then_o upon_o the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n of_o believer_n what_o effect_n they_o have_v upon_o their_o body_n we_o be_v rather_o tell_v then_o convince_v of_o for_o the_o intestuous_a corinthian's_n being_n deliver_v unto_o satan_n be_v no_o more_o than_o as_o have_v be_v already_o say_v his_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n into_o the_o world_n the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o devil_n nor_o be_v the_o death_n of_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n with_o the_o blindness_n of_o ellmas_n the_o sorcerer_n the_o effect_n of_o any_o church_n act_n or_o censure_n but_o of_o that_o extraordinary_a power_n christ_n confer_v on_o his_o apostle_n to_o manifest_v his_o power_n and_o authority_n to_o the_o unbelieve_a world_n and_o to_o say_v it_o be_v to_o supply_v the_o defect_n of_o the_o magistrate_n coercive_a power_n in_o the_o church_n as_o if_o the_o church_n power_n be_v defective_a without_o the_o magistrate_n sword_n be_v high_o derogatory_n unto_o that_o spiritual_a power_n and_o authority_n christ_n have_v give_v unto_o the_o minister_n of_o his_o gospel_n for_o the_o order_n and_o govern_v of_o his_o church_n unto_o the_o world_n end_n it_o be_v as_o one_o have_v well_o observe_v much_o of_o christ_n glory_n to_o rule_v his_o subject_n under_o the_o gospel_n by_o a_o spiritual_a power_n it_o be_v that_o power_n make_v a_o man_n a_o christian_a it_o be_v that_o power_n in_o all_o gospel_n institution_n that_o keep_v man_n in_o their_o due_a obedience_n unto_o christ_n and_o it_o be_v that_o power_n carry_v the_o sting_n of_o the_o punishment_n when_o man_n be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v indeed_o that_o power_n do_v all_o under_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o bringin_n the_o temporal_a sword_n be_v to_o make_v the_o weapon_n of_o the_o gospel_n not_o mighty_a through_o god_n but_o mighty_a through_o the_o magistrate_n power_n and_o whole_o to_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o all_o its_o institution_n it_o be_v to_o aâ—m_v the_o church_n with_o weapon_n christ_n never_o give_v she_o and_o to_o make_v she_o a_o military_a rather_o than_o a_o spiritual_a society_n what_o he_o say_v of_o dissenter_n be_v punish_v for_o endanger_n the_o peace_n of_o the_o state_n by_o disobey_v the_o law_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v speak_v to_o when_o he_o tell_v we_o what_o law_n and_o what_o church_n he_o here_o mean_v nor_o can_v we_o till_o then_o say_v how_o the_o interest_n of_o those_o society_n be_v twist_v and_o unite_v but_o do_v very_o well_o know_v it_o to_o have_v be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a artifices_fw-la in_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n so_o to_o twist_v the_o civil_a and_o some_o pretend_a religious_a interest_n as_o to_o preswade_v the_o world_n the_o oak_n can_v subsist_v without_o the_o ivy_n but_o as_o well_o reason_n as_o experience_n
apostle_n prefer_v the_o gospel_n worship_n far_o above_o that_o for_o glory_n beauty_n and_o comeliness_n which_o show_v that_o these_o thing_n have_v no_o respect_n unto_o outward_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n and_o though_o he_o tell_v we_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o repugnant_a to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o christ_n towards_o his_o church_n to_o invest_v the_o governor_n of_o it_o with_o authority_n to_o institute_n new_a ceremony_n in_o his_o worship_n etc._n etc._n yet_o the_o contrary_n be_v evident_a in_o that_o it_o speak_v he_o either_o want_v towards_o it_o in_o not_o appoint_v thing_n necessary_a or_o not_o so_o wise_a as_o other_o to_o find_v out_o such_o thing_n as_o conduce_v to_o its_o edification_n and_o beauty_n and_o in_o commission_v his_o disciple_n to_o teach_v only_o the_o observation_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o he_o command_v they_o reject_v the_o honour_n give_v unto_o he_o by_o those_o who_o worship_n of_o he_o be_v teach_v they_o by_o the_o precept_n of_o man_n he_o sufficient_o declare_v that_o no_o other_o rite_n or_o ceremony_n but_o what_o be_v divine_a of_o institution_n be_v to_o be_v enjoin_v or_o make_v necessary_a to_o be_v observe_v by_o any_o in_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n if_o by_o positive_a law_n make_v for_o the_o external_a regiment_n of_o the_o church_n the_o bishop_n cite_v by_o he_o mean_v law_n only_o for_o the_o order_n and_o dispose_n of_o thing_n without_o the_o church_n though_o about_o it_o we_o have_v nothing_o more_o to_o say_v against_o it_o than_o that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o present_a question_n nor_o do_v we_o argue_v from_o christ_n abrogate_a those_o ceremony_n that_o god_n himself_o have_v appoint_v that_o no_o other_o ought_v to_o be_v introduce_v into_o the_o church_n we_o only_o ask_v whether_o jesus_n christ_n who_o come_v to_o take_v away_o the_o yoke_n of_o jewish_a ceremony_n appoint_v by_o god_n himself_o have_v give_v power_n and_o authority_n unto_o any_o to_o institute_n in_o their_o room_n such_o other_o as_o they_o shall_v think_v good_a and_o be_v persuade_v he_o have_v not_o not_o because_o he_o abrogate_a those_o which_o be_v appoint_v by_o god_n himself_o but_o because_o no_o worship_n be_v acccptable_a unto_o god_n but_o what_o be_v of_o faith_n for_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n 6._o and_o faith_n in_o all_o thing_n respect_v the_o command_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n so_o that_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n can_v have_v no_o authority_n to_o institute_n or_o appoint_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n either_o as_o to_o matter_n or_o manner_n beyond_o the_o orderly_a observance_n of_o such_o circumstance_n as_o necessary_o attend_v such_o ordinance_n as_o christ_n himself_o have_v institute_v but_o by_o express_a command_n or_o commission_n from_o god_n let_v this_o answerer_n therefore_o show_v their_o authority_n to_o institute_n new_a ceremony_n in_o his_o worship_n and_o he_o may_v be_v better_o think_v of_o then_o otherwise_o i_o presume_v he_o will_v be_v by_o those_o who_o fear_n god_n and_o desire_v to_o keep_v his_o commandment_n nor_o do_v it_o in_o the_o least_o reflect_v upon_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n as_o he_o say_v to_o give_v unto_o civil_a power_n commission_n to_o make_v such_o law_n as_o they_o please_v for_o secure_v the_o peace_n and_o civil_a right_n of_o their_o people_n and_o none_o unto_o the_o guide_n of_o the_o church_n to_o make_v law_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o religion_n etc._n etc._n but_o be_v rather_o a_o argument_n of_o his_o great_a love_n and_o care_n of_o his_o church_n not_o to_o leave_v she_o to_o the_o order_n and_o dispose_n of_o man_n which_o unavoidable_o as_o woeful_a experience_n manifest_v must_v fill_v she_o with_o schism_n and_o division_n but_o to_o have_v himself_o give_v she_o a_o stand_a rule_n or_o law_n whereby_o she_o ought_v to_o be_v universal_o goâ—verned_v and_o which_o be_v every_o way_n sufficient_a will_v her_o guide_n and_o governor_n faithful_o and_o diligent_o attend_v unto_o it_o for_o the_o preservation_n of_o religion_n against_o the_o deluge_n of_o heresy_n and_o schism_n and_o to_o secure_a christian_n in_o the_o path_n of_o piety_n and_o order_n of_o unity_n and_o peace_n which_o as_o have_v be_v show_v it_o be_v altogether_o impossible_a for_o any_o other_o law_n or_o lawgiver_n ever_o to_o effect_v nor_o be_v it_o from_o the_o dulness_n and_o indocibleness_n of_o the_o jew_n as_o our_o answerer_n will_v have_v it_o that_o god_n give_v they_o rule_n for_o their_o behaviour_n in_o the_o civil_a concern_v of_o their_o life_n and_o the_o small_a instance_n of_o his_o worship_n but_o for_o that_o he_o have_v choose_v they_o 2_o above_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n to_o be_v a_o peculiar_a people_n unto_o himself_o 2._o in_o who_o he_o will_v be_v glorify_v 5._o therefore_o establish_v he_o a_o testimony_n in_o jacob_n and_o appoint_v a_o law_n in_o israel_n and_o that_o he_o give_v they_o rule_n in_o the_o small_a instance_n of_o his_o worship_n be_v that_o he_o will_v be_v worship_v in_o the_o way_n and_o by_o the_o mean_v only_o of_o his_o own_o appointment_n q._n but_o the_o appear_v of_o christ_n say_v this_o answerer_n have_v abolish_v the_o darkness_n of_o man_n mind_n etc._n etc._n though_o but_o now_o to_o serve_v another_o turn_n he_o tell_v we_o man_n mind_n be_v dark_a and_o they_o be_v therefore_o blind_o to_o resign_v up_o themselves_o to_o they_o know_v not_o who_o such_o be_v his_o dexterity_n in_o blow_v hot_a and_o cold_a with_o the_o same_o breath_n and_o man_n be_v sometime_o to_o be_v man_n and_o sometime_o bruit_n as_o he_o have_v occasion_n to_o serve_v himself_o of_o they_o yet_o be_v life_n and_o immortality_n bring_v to_o light_v through_o the_o gospel_n and_o god_n image_n in_o a_o great_a measure_n repair_v â—nd_o restore_v in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n but_o of_o what_o man_n not_o of_o the_o carnal_a or_o unregenerate_a but_o of_o he_o that_o be_v bear_v again_o 13._o they_o be_v the_o saint_n only_o and_o faithful_a brethren_n in_o christ_n who_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n still_o blind_a the_o eye_n of_o those_o that_o believe_v not_o and_o they_o be_v the_o regenerate_v only_o who_o be_v endeud_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o power_n and_o wisdom_n of_o knowledge_n and_o a_o sound_a mind_n but_o we_o do_v not_o yet_o find_v that_o even_o they_o be_v empower_v to_o make_v law_n for_o ceremony_n and_o ritual_n in_o religion_n or_o that_o such_o ceremonial_a law_n as_o by_o some_o have_v be_v make_v have_v much_o conduce_v to_o common_a benefit_n or_o conspire_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o mutual_a good_a of_o christian_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_n have_v introduce_v a_o theatrical_a pompous_a carnal_a worship_n among_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n instead_o of_o that_o spiritual_a worship_n which_o god_n require_v and_o without_o which_o no_o other_o worship_n will_v ever_o be_v acceptable_a unto_o he_o and_o he_o that_o will_v look_v back_o as_o our_o answerer_n advise_v to_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o the_o office_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v adorn_v with_o that_o comely_a simplicity_n modest_a magnificence_n and_o awful_a reverence_n etc._n etc._n he_o speak_v of_o will_v not_o find_v any_o other_o law_n for_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n in_o religion_n than_o the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o canon_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o our_o answerer_n come_v now_o to_o his_o argument_n à _fw-la fortiori_fw-la and_o tell_v we_o that_o if_o it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o primitive_a guide_n of_o the_o church_n to_o enjoin_v christian_n the_o abrogate_a ceremony_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n for_o the_o propogation_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n much_o more_o must_v it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o their_o successor_n to_o institute_n other_o and_o so_o many_o in_o their_o stead_n as_o may_v conduce_v to_o so_o high_a and_o generous_a a_o end_n but_o the_o abolish_v ceremony_n of_o moses_n be_v observe_v by_o christian_n and_o that_o by_o â—he_n express_v warrant_n and_o command_v of_o the_o apostle_n 〈◊〉_d in_o their_o abstain_v from_o blood_n from_o thing_n â—rangled_v and_o from_o thing_n offer_v to_o idol_n but_o 〈◊〉_d he_o not_o herein_o mistake_v for_o these_o be_v not_o command_v as_o ceremony_n but_o prohibit_v as_o scandal_n to_o the_o new_a convert_v jew_n nor_o do_v we_o find_v any_o warrant_n or_o command_n either_o express_a or_o implicit_a of_o the_o apostle_n for_o the_o observation_n of_o easter_n or_o that_o they_o ever_o enjoin_v or_o command_v circumcision_n but_o we_o find_v they_o declare_v they_o command_v it_o not_o and_o st._n paul_n tell_v the_o galatian_n 24_o if_o they_o
christian_a duty_n which_o god_n require_v of_o they_o query_n xxiii_o whether_o be_v they_o who_o separate_v or_o they_o who_o give_v the_o cause_n of_o separation_n the_o schismatic_n reply_v to_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o query_n we_o have_v here_o a_o full_a and_o satisfactory_a answerer_n in_o that_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o not_o they_o who_o separate_v but_o they_o who_o give_v just_a cause_n of_o separation_n be_v the_o schismatic_n but_o then_o he_o tell_v we_o st._n paul_n have_v as_o clear_o and_o full_o determine_v this_o query_n as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v propose_v in_o his_o day_n though_o you_o will_v find_v he_o here_o as_o well_o as_o elsewhere_o to_o handle_v the_o word_n of_o god_n deceitful_o 2d_o for_o st._n paul_n in_o that_o place_n speak_v only_o of_o the_o duty_n of_o servant_n exhort_v those_o who_o be_v under_o the_o yoke_n to_o count_v their_o master_n though_o infidel_n worthy_a of_o all_o honour_n and_o not_o to_o depise_v their_o believe_a master_n because_o they_o be_v brethren_n but_o rather_o do_v they_o service_n because_o they_o be_v faithful_a and_o belove_a and_o these_o thing_n he_o direct_v timothy_n to_o teach_v and_o exhort_v and_o then_o subjoin_v if_o any_o man_n teach_v otherwise_o etc._n etc._n he_o be_v proud_a etc._n etc._n where_o observe_v how_o instead_o of_o master_n he_o foist_n in_o superior_a a_o word_n of_o a_o more_o extensive_a signification_n for_o though_o every_o master_n be_v a_o superior_a every_o superior_a be_v not_o a_o master_n and_o yet_o we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o obedience_n may_v be_v withdraw_v from_o superior_n of_o any_o kind_n christianity_n lay_v the_o great_a obligation_n immaginable_a upon_o its_o professor_n to_o be_v obedient_a to_o their_o superior_n but_o as_o the_o authority_n of_o superior_n be_v not_o despotical_a or_o absolute_a so_o neither_o aught_o the_o obedience_n of_o inferior_n to_o be_v blind_a or_o brutish_a both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o be_v regulate_v by_o a_o supreme_a power_n for_o where_o superior_n have_v no_o right_a to_o command_v there_o lie_v no_o obligation_n on_o inferior_n to_o obey_v so_o that_o whether_o conformist_n in_o command_v or_o nonconformist_n in_o not_o obey_v be_v the_o schismatic_n depend_v on_o the_o former_n have_v right_a and_o authority_n to_o require_v what_o the_o latter_a judge_n sinful_a or_o unlawful_a to_o observe_v which_o be_v beyond_o the_o present_a question_n we_o shall_v not_o meddle_v with_o but_o he_o tell_v we_o if_o the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v forsake_v the_o common_a faith_n it_o have_v be_v no_o schism_n to_o forsake_v the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o if_o she_o do_v so_o and_o so_o then_o that_o command_n in_o the_o revelation_n come_v out_o of_o she_o my_o people_n etc._n etc._n have_v be_v applicable_a to_o our_o dissenter_n bâ—t_v this_o be_v still_o but_o pretend_v be_v against_o his_o principle_n of_o blind_a obedience_n and_o man_n resign_v up_o themselves_o to_o the_o father_n of_o the_o church_n without_o leave_v they_o so_o much_o as_o a_o power_n to_o examine_v what_o be_v command_v for_o where_o that_o be_v there_o must_v likewise_o be_v allow_v a_o dissent_n in_o all_o thing_n they_o judge_v evil_a or_o unlawful_a and_o though_o he_o tell_v we_o a_o good_a christian_n ought_v as_o much_o to_o dread_v the_o impose_v upon_o his_o judgement_n a_o assent_n to_o know_a error_n and_o upon_o his_o practice_n the_o act_n of_o know_a sin_n as_o the_o suffer_v the_o very_a pain_n of_o hell_n itself_o he_o do_v we_o doubt_v but_o equivocate_a alallow_v none_o to_o be_v know_v error_n or_o know_v sin_n but_o such_o as_o superior_n shall_v judge_v so_o for_o if_o he_o allow_v inferior_n to_o judge_v thereof_o and_o act_v according_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o we_o but_o have_v tell_v we_o what_o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v not_o he_o now_o tell_v we_o what_o many_o of_o our_o dissenter_n do_v and_o first_o he_o say_v they_o question_v not_o only_o the_o power_n of_o bishop_n to_o govern_v the_o church_n but_o that_o of_o king_n to_o make_v law_n for_o the_o security_n of_o their_o own_o crown_n and_o government_n as_o well_o as_o the_o common_a christianity_n if_o such_o there_o be_v i_o be_o sure_a no_o sober_a or_o rational_a man_n will_v justify_v or_o excuse_v they_o in_o it_o that_o they_o make_v the_o people_n judge_n of_o their_o own_o pastor_n etc._n etc._n that_o they_o may_v have_v reason_n for_o how_o else_o can_v they_o beware_v of_o false_a prophet_n and_o try_v the_o spirit_n as_o they_o be_v command_v or_o distinguish_v between_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o minister_n of_o antichrist_n but_o no_o sober_a man_n sure_o will_v allow_v any_o to_o withdraw_v their_o obedience_n from_o those_o who_o be_v lawful_o ordain_v and_o aught_o to_o superintend_v over_o they_o that_o they_o forsake_v their_o old_a guide_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v but_o the_o old_a popish_a objection_n new_a vampt_a nor_o be_v such_o forsake_v criminal_a but_o where_o causeless_o and_o who_o be_v they_o that_o renounce_v in_o their_o assembly_n as_o he_o say_v the_o ancient_a creed_n which_o be_v in_o all_o age_n esteem_v the_o badge_n of_o christianity_n and_o wherein_o lie_v the_o crime_n of_o not_o read_v the_o scripture_n to_o the_o people_n without_o expound_v they_o but_o sure_o they_o make_v it_o not_o indifferent_a to_o be_v of_o any_o communion_n who_o be_v so_o great_a sufferer_n because_o they_o can_v be_v so_o and_o if_o as_o he_o say_v they_o gather_v church_n not_o only_o without_o but_o against_o all_o authority_n let_v he_o not_o be_v thereat_o trouble_v since_o every_o plant_n which_o our_o heavenly_a father_n have_v not_o plant_v 15._o shall_v be_v root_v up_o which_o be_v due_a or_o undue_a ordination_n will_v hardly_o be_v determine_v till_o we_o have_v a_o affirmative_a answer_n to_o the_o six_o query_n but_o it_o be_v happy_a for_o the_o church_n of_o god_n if_o none_o who_o be_v not_o gift_v and_o qualify_v for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n be_v empower_v to_o read_v sermon_n in_o the_o pulpit_n profane_v the_o sacrament_n etc._n etc._n but_o who_o be_v they_o that_o as_o he_o say_v evacuate_v one_o main_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a creed_n faith_n in_o one_o catholic_n church_n beside_o himself_o and_o the_o papist_n all_o other_o believe_v their_o be_v one_o catholic_n church_n but_o do_v not_o believe_v in_o one_o catholic_n church_n we_o be_v teach_v to_o believe_v only_o in_o god_n not_o in_o the_o church_n but_o he_o it_o seem_v have_v resign_v up_o his_o faith_n to_o the_o father_n of_o the_o church_n believe_v only_o as_o the_o church_n believe_v no_o wonder_n therefore_o he_o shall_v talk_v of_o a_o yearly_o monthly_o and_o daily_a faith_n which_o his_o principle_n lead_v he_o to_o if_o he_o chance_v so_o oft_o to_o change_v his_o father_n or_o they_o their_o faith_n who_o they_o be_v that_o go_v out_o of_o their_o calling_n and_o station_n to_o usurp_v the_o office_n of_o bishop_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o inferior_a clergy_n will_v hardly_o be_v determine_v here_o yet_o i_o shall_v tell_v he_o what_o a_o reverend_a and_o learned_a prelate_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n once_o answer_v to_o the_o like_a objection_n 535._o so_o long_o say_v he_o as_o they_o teach_v the_o same_o doctrine_n which_o the_o apostle_n do_v they_o have_v the_o same_o power_n and_o authority_n to_o preach_v which_o they_o have_v bide_v they_o to_o keep_v their_o competent_a jurisdiction_n judicial_a cognition_n and_o legal_a decision_n to_o themselves_o for_o that_o as_o he_o true_o tell_v they_o the_o son_n of_o god_n first_o found_v and_o still_o gather_v his_o church_n by_o the_o mouth_n of_o preacher_n not_o by_o the_o summons_n of_o consistory_n and_o he_o that_o be_v send_v to_o preach_v may_v not_o hold_v his_o tongue_n and_o tarry_v till_o my_o lord_n the_o pope_n and_o his_o mitred_a father_n can_v intend_v to_o meet_v and_o list_v to_o consent_v to_o the_o ruin_n as_o they_o think_v of_o their_o dignity_n and_o liberty_n but_o to_o return_v to_o our_o answerer_n how_o do_v they_o as_o he_o say_v break_v the_o bond_n of_o unity_n and_o line_n of_o apostolical_a succession_n who_o adhere_v to_o the_o universal_a and_o uniform_a law_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o do_v not_o they_o rather_o break_v both_o who_o make_v their_o own_o or_o other_o man_n will_n the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n and_o find_v their_o ordination_n on_o uncertain_a tradition_n i_o know_v of_o no_o dissenter_n that_o obtrude_v oath_n and_o covenant_n as_o he_o say_v on_o their_o proselyte_n though_o it_o be_v no_o crime_n for_o christian_n to_o covenant_n to_o serve_v god_n as_o god_n will_v be_v serve_v every_o man_n have_v a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n which_o be_v the_o
circumstance_n of_o affair_n as_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o praeamb'e_v of_o those_o statute_n and_o his_o majesty_n gracious_a answer_n of_o the_o 24_o of_o february_n 1672_o to_o the_o petition_n and_o address_v of_o the_o house_n of_o commons_o as_o follow_v c._n r._n his_o majesty_n have_v receive_v a_o address_n from_o you_o which_o he_o have_v serious_o consider_v of_o and_o return_v you_o this_o answer_n that_o he_o be_v much_o trouble_v that_o that_o declaration_n which_o he_o put_v out_o for_o end_n so_o necessary_a to_o the_o quiet_a of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o especial_o in_o that_o conjuncture_n shall_v have_v prove_v the_o cause_n of_o disquiet_n to_o the_o house_n of_o commons_o and_o have_v give_v occasion_n to_o question_v his_o power_n in_o ecclesiastic_n which_o he_o find_v not_o do_v in_o the_o reign_n of_o any_o of_o his_o ancestor_n and_o he_o be_v sure_a he_o never_o have_v thought_n of_o use_v it_o otherwise_o than_o as_o it_o have_v be_v entrust_v in_o he_o to_o the_o peace_n and_o establishment_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o to_o the_o ease_n of_o all_o his_o subject_n in_o general_n neither_o do_v he_o pretend_v to_o the_o right_n of_o suspending_a law_n wherein_o the_o property_n right_n or_o liberty_n of_o his_o subject_n be_v concern_v nor_o to_o alter_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o establish_v doctrine_n or_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n the_o only_a design_n of_o this_o be_v to_o take_v off_o the_o penalty_n the_o statute_n inflict_v upon_o dissenter_n and_o which_o he_o believe_v when_o well_o consider_v of_o you_o yourselves_o will_v not_o wish_v execute_v according_a to_o the_o rigour_n and_o letter_n of_o the_o law_n neither_o have_v he_o do_v this_o with_o thought_n of_o avoid_v or_o preclude_v the_o advice_n of_o his_o parliament_n and_o if_o any_o bill_n shall_v be_v offer_v he_o which_o shall_v appear_v more_o proper_a to_o attain_v the_o aforesaid_a end_n and_o secure_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n when_o tender_v in_o due_a manner_n to_o he_o he_o will_v show_v how_o ready_a he_o will_v be_v to_o concur_v in_o all_o way_n that_o shall_v appear_v good_a for_o the_o kingdom_n how_o expressive_a of_o royal_a goodness_n and_o heavenly_a benignity_n and_o compassion_n towards_o mankind_n be_v this_o gracious_a answer_n which_o can_v but_o endare_n his_o majesty_n unto_o all_o sober_a and_o pious_a person_n of_o what_o judgement_n or_o persuasion_n soever_o in_o religion_n nor_o be_v the_o commons_o against_o the_o indulgenee_n but_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o it_o in_o that_o they_o immediate_o upon_o this_o pesta_n bill_n of_o ease_n for_o protestant_a dissenter_n which_o be_v send_v up_o to_o the_o lord_n but_o the_o difference_n that_o after_o happen_v between_o the_o two_o house_n about_o jurisdiction_n and_o privilege_n with_o other_o great_a affair_n of_o state_n have_v hitherto_o obstruct_v its_o far_a progress_n but_o to_o return_v to_o our_o answerer_n who_o tell_v we_o that_o to_o repeal_v the_o church_n law_n will_v administer_v too_o just_a a_o occasion_n to_o the_o papist_n to_o triumph_v in_o the_o ruin_n of_o it_o for_o what_o truth_n or_o be_v say_v he_o can_v that_o church_n pretend_v to_o that_o have_v neither_o ephod_n nor_o traphim_n no_o order_n no_o law_n no_o liturgy_n no_o bishop_n no_o discipline_n it_o seem_v then_o in_o his_o judgement_n all_o these_o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n depend_v whole_o upon_o the_o ecclesiastical_a law_n although_o the_o primitive_a church_n in_o and_o after_o the_o apostle_n time_n have_v both_o order_n law_n discipline_n bishop_n or_o overseer_n without_o other_o law_n than_o what_o be_v divine_a or_o of_o apostolical_a institution_n though_o i_o be_o absent_a in_o the_o flesh_n 5._o yet_o be_o i_o with_o you_o in_o the_o spirit_n joy_v and_o behold_v your_o order_n etc._n etc._n say_v the_o apostle_n to_o the_o colossian_n and_o be_v not_o the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n a_o law_n to_o all_o believer_n but_o this_o law_n 26._o it_o seem_v be_v perish_v from_o our_o priest_n who_o yet_o we_o hope_v will_v not_o deny_v the_o holy_a ghost_n a_o power_n without_o the_o aid_n of_o ecclesiastical_a law_n of_o make_v bishop_n or_o overseer_n over_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n institution_n and_o such_o certain_o be_v not_o without_o discipline_n nor_o deprive_v of_o law_n order_n or_o overseer_n nor_o consequent_o of_o truth_n or_o be_v upon_o the_o repeal_n of_o ecclesiastical_a or_o the_o church_n law_n yea_o god_n forbid_v the_o christian_a church_n shall_v depend_v upon_o the_o continuance_n or_o alteration_n of_o these_o or_o those_o civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a law_n which_o we_o see_v change_v and_o alter_v as_o oft_o almost_o as_o we_o change_v our_o governor_n which_o be_v indeed_o a_o consideration_n that_o ought_v serious_o to_o be_v think_v on_o by_o all_o the_o lover_n of_o religion_n and_o who_o have_v any_o regard_n or_o concern_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o purity_n of_o christ_n institution_n but_o say_v this_o answerer_n we_o have_v now_o unanswerable_a argument_n to_o justify_v our_o departure_n from_o rome_n but_o if_o all_o our_o law_n and_o constitution_n be_v lay_v aside_o and_o abrogate_a we_o shall_v be_v just_a like_o the_o israelite_n when_o they_o wage_v war_n with_o the_o philistine_n in_o the_o day_n of_o battle_n there_o be_v neither_o sword_n nor_o spear_n find_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o any_o of_o the_o people_n if_o then_o our_o law_n and_o constitution_n be_v our_o only_a unanswerable_a argument_n to_o justify_v our_o departure_n from_o rome_n and_o our_o only_a sword_n and_o spear_n to_o fight_v against_o those_o adversary_n a_o abrogation_n or_o change_n of_o those_o law_n and_o constitution_n will_v indeed_o disarm_v and_o silence_v we_o and_o may_v as_o well_o justify_v our_o return_n to_o rome_n as_o now_o our_o departure_n from_o it_o but_o i_o trust_v though_o this_o be_v ratiâ—_n ultima_fw-la the_o best_a arm_n and_o argument_n of_o our_o answerer_n we_o have_v yet_o other_o arm_n and_o argument_n to_o justify_v our_o departure_n from_o rome_n and_o fight_v against_o those_o philistine_n but_o he_o now_o tell_v we_o it_o be_v none_o of_o his_o business_n or_o intention_n to_o exasperate_v any_o man_n spirit_n much_o less_o to_o direct_v his_o governor_n etc._n etc._n yet_o he_o admonish_v they_o to_o stand_v up_o in_o a_o zealous_a vindication_n of_o their_o own_o liberty_n and_o power_n and_o to_o provoke_v they_o to_o it_o upbraid_v they_o with_o cowardice_n if_o they_o do_v it_o not_o tell_v they_o it_o be_v there_o neglect_v thereof_o that_o encourage_v man_n in_o their_o 〈…〉_z separation_n disobedience_n and_o 〈…〉_z provoke_v god_n to_o deprive_v they_o 〈…〉_z power_n and_o authority_n with_o which_o be_v entrust_v they_o and_o which_o they_o have_v betray_v and_o expose_v to_o scorn_n and_o insolence_n of_o he_o and_o their_o great_a enemy_n yea_o tell_v they_o history_n be_v not_o barren_a of_o instance_n how_o god_n have_v reveal_v his_o wrath_n from_o heaven_n against_o those_o governor_n and_o deprive_v they_o of_o the_o honour_n of_o be_v his_o deputy_n when_o their_o spirit_n have_v be_v soften_v with_o sensuality_n and_o ease_n and_o they_o have_v live_v in_o fear_n of_o their_o inferior_n who_o ought_v to_o live_v in_o fear_n of_o they_o which_o be_v such_o a_o menace_n of_o and_o reflection_n on_o authority_n and_o our_o governor_n as_o none_o but_o this_o bold_a and_o insolent_a answerer_n will_v ever_o have_v dare_v to_o publish_v he_o do_v well_o therefore_o to_o recollect_v himself_o and_o tell_v we_o he_o have_v proceed_v too_o far_o on_o this_o argument_n which_o indeed_o speak_v he_o a_o person_n so_o high_o impudent_a and_o immeasurable_o malition_n that_o as_o himself_o have_v elsewhere_o say_v he_o be_v fit_a to_o receive_v a_o confutation_n from_o the_o penalty_n of_o law_n and_o the_o seutence_n of_o a_o judge_n than_o from_o the_o strength_n of_o reason_n or_o argument_n but_o he_o conclude_v in_o the_o word_n of_o indeed_o a_o true_o wise_a and_o learned_a statesman_n that_o heresy_n and_o scism_n be_v of_o all_o other_o the_o great_a scandal_n yea_o more_o than_o corruption_n of_o manner_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v so_o all_o just_a and_o lawful_a mean_n ought_v certain_o to_o be_v use_v not_o only_o for_o their_o suppression_n but_o prevention_n in_o remove_v the_o cause_n of_o they_o of_o which_o there_o be_v not_o a_o great_a than_o the_o authority_n by_o some_o ascribe_v to_o the_o 〈◊〉_d yea_o to_o particular_a church_n church_n 〈…〉_z impose_v upon_o christian_n in_o the_o 〈…〉_z â—â—â—nda_fw-la of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v indeed_o as_o that_o learned_a and_o judicious_a statesman_n say_v a_o wound_n or_o solution_n of_o continuity_n destructive_a of_o the_o church_n unity_n divide_v she_o into_o as_o
his_o bless_a will_n to_o we_o in_o his_o holy_a word_n what_o we_o do_v he_o mean_a for_o we_o can_v but_o think_v it_o all_o man_n duty_n with_o the_o psalmist_n still_o to_o pray_v 18._o that_o god_n will_v open_v our_o eye_n that_o we_o may_v behold_v wondrous_a thing_n out_o of_o his_o law_n there_o be_v a_o illumination_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n necessary_a for_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v it_o seem_v a_o revelation_n this_o answerer_n be_v yet_o unacquainted_a with_o for_o though_o the_o gospel_n be_v write_v the_o save_a truth_n thereof_o be_v hide_v to_o those_o who_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n have_v blind_v this_o query_n therefore_o ground_v on_o tâ—e_v apostle_n advice_n to_o the_o philippian_n 3._o intend_v only_o the_o revelation_n there_o mention_v which_o we_o hope_v be_v no_o enthusiasm_n by_o say_v in_o doubt_n relate_v to_o religion_n man_n will_v do_v better_a to_o resign_v up_o themselves_o to_o the_o father_n of_o the_o church_n and_o seek_v satisfaction_n from_o the_o priests_n lip_n then_o attend_v to_o the_o dictate_v of_o their_o own_o dark_a mind_n he_o plain_o enough_o tell_v what_o he_o will_v be_v at_o and_o that_o it_o be_v blind_a obedience_n he_o will_v bring_v we_o to_o but_o before_o we_o thus_o resign_v up_o ourselves_o both_o soul_n and_o body_n unto_o any_o let_v he_o tell_v we_o who_o among_o the_o many_o pretender_n be_v those_o father_n of_o the_o church_n to_o who_o he_o will_v have_v we_o thus_o to_o resign_v up_o ourselves_o 15_o our_o bless_a saviour_n himself_o have_v command_v we_o to_o beware_v of_o false_a prophet_n 1._o and_o the_o holy_a apostle_n not_o to_o believe_v every_o spirit_n but_o to_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n by_o which_o it_o be_v evident_a there_o belong_v by_o divine_a right_n unto_o all_o christian_n notwithstanding_o their_o dark_a mind_n a_o private_a discretive_a and_o self-directive_a judgement_n by_o virtue_n whereof_o they_o not_o only_a aught_o to_o prove_v all_o thing_n recommend_v to_o they_o by_o their_o teacher_n but_o even_o to_o judge_v of_o their_o teacher_n themselves_o between_o the_o true_a and_o the_o false_a between_o the_o messenger_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o messenger_n of_o antichrist_n so_o far_a be_v it_o from_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n that_o any_o shall_v pin_v their_o faith_n upon_o their_o teacher_n sleeve_n captivate_v their_o judgement_n unto_o they_o and_o believe_v and_o do_v whatever_o they_o shall_v think_v meet_a it_o be_v indeed_o happy_a if_o man_n can_v receive_v satisfaction_n from_o the_o priest_n lip_n as_o those_o which_o shall_v keep_v knowledge_n but_o it_o may_v be_v say_v to_o too_o many_o of_o they_o in_o our_o day_n as_o the_o prophet_n say_v to_o they_o of_o old_a 9_o you_o be_v depart_v out_o of_o the_o way_n you_o have_v cause_v many_o to_o stumble_v at_o the_o law_n you_o have_v corrupt_v the_o covenant_n nant_fw-la of_o levi_n say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n therefore_o have_v i_o also_o make_v you_o contemptible_a and_o base_a before_o all_o the_o people_n according_a as_o you_o have_v not_o keep_v my_o way_n but_o have_v be_v partial_a in_o the_o law_n query_n xviii_o whether_o in_o these_o duty_n whereon_o eternity_n depend_v it_o be_v not_o the_o high_a absurdity_n to_o force_v any_o against_o their_o own_o light_n to_o be_v guide_v by_o other_o who_o be_v not_o infallible_a reply_v to_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o query_n it_o be_v no_o very_a please_a employment_n to_o have_v to_o do_v with_o those_o who_o either_o do_v not_o or_o will_v not_o understand_v the_o question_n they_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o answer_v but_o it_o be_v that_o we_o must_v be_v content_a with_o in_o this_o contest_v what_o this_o answerer_n find_v in_o this_o query_n infer_v a_o necessity_n of_o infallibility_n in_o all_o guide_n and_o governor_n whether_o sacred_a or_o civil_a we_o be_v yet_o to_o seek_v there_o be_v as_o we_o conceive_v some_o difference_n between_o be_v guide_v in_o duty_n of_o religion_n by_o those_o that_o be_v fallible_a which_o we_o never_o think_v unreasonable_a and_o be_v force_v to_o follow_v they_o therein_o against_o a_o man_n own_o light_n and_o knowledge_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n here_o question_v it_o be_v a_o implicit_a faith_n and_o blind_a obedience_n only_o and_o even_o the_o worst_a of_o these_o a_o man_n act_v against_o his_o own_o light_n and_o conscience_n and_o only_o in_o the_o concern_v of_o eternity_n that_o this_o query_n oppose_v and_o where_o have_v this_o be_v as_o he_o tell_v we_o before_o answer_v or_o to_o what_o purpose_n do_v he_o here_o tell_v we_o it_o be_v no_o high_a absurdity_n in_o these_o day_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o man_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n to_o be_v guide_v by_o a_o learned_a and_o pious_a minister_n and_o much_o more_o by_o all_o the_o governor_n of_o a_o national_a church_n than_o it_o be_v under_o the_o mosaic_a oeconomy_n to_o seek_v the_o law_n at_o the_o priest_n mouth_n who_o be_v the_o messenger_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n since_o we_o never_o deny_v either_o but_o say_v that_o blind_a obedience_n be_v never_o to_o be_v yield_v unto_o any_o much_o less_o that_o any_o aught_o to_o be_v force_v in_o any_o religious_a duty_n against_o their_o own_o light_n the_o priest_n lip_n indeed_o shall_v keep_v knowledge_n and_o they_o shall_v seek_v the_o law_n at_o his_o mouth_n but_o as_o have_v be_v before_o say_v they_o depart_v out_o of_o the_o way_n they_o cause_v many_o to_o stumble_v at_o the_o law_n and_o corrupt_v the_o covenant_n of_o levi_n so_o that_o a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n be_v then_o as_o well_o as_o now_o to_o be_v exercise_v by_o the_o people_n and_o they_o be_v not_o always_o to_o hearken_v unto_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n that_o prophesy_v unto_o they_o 16._o their_o direction_n and_o instruction_n therefore_o with_o this_o answerer_n good_a leave_n may_v sometime_o be_v reject_v and_o since_o our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v himself_o command_v we_o to_o beware_v of_o false_a prophet_n and_o the_o apostle_n not_o to_o believe_v every_o spirit_n but_o to_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n it_o be_v undoubted_o the_o duty_n of_o all_o christian_n to_o examine_v the_o authority_n and_o mission_n of_o their_o teacher_n and_o to_o query_n who_o be_v the_o true_a and_o who_o the_o false_a who_o the_o messenger_n of_o christ_n who_o of_o antichrist_n that_o so_o they_o may_v receive_v the_o one_o and_o reject_v the_o other_o with_o all_o their_o doctrine_n and_o instruction_n if_o upon_o trial_n they_o square_v not_o with_o the_o rule_n by_o which_o they_o be_v command_v to_o prove_v they_o yet_o do_v not_o this_o render_v as_o he_o say_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n much_o less_o all_o office_n and_o dignity_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n void_a and_o useless_a it_o only_a caution_n christian_n not_o to_o esteem_v of_o they_o above_o what_o be_v meet_v in_o yield_v that_o blind_a obedience_n the_o gospel_n prohibit_n and_o which_o be_v unbecoming_a the_o nature_n and_o be_v of_o a_o rational_a creature_n to_o give_v when_o therefore_o god_n command_v the_o people_n to_o obey_v those_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o they_o 17_o and_o to_o submit_v to_o they_o as_o they_o that_o watch_v for_o their_o soul_n it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v so_o far_o forth_o only_o as_o they_o teach_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o word_n their_o authority_n as_o we_o have_v before_o tell_v you_o from_o the_o reverend_n dr._n stillingfleet_n be_v only_a directive_n and_o declarative_n and_o in_o matter_n of_o duty_n can_v bind_v no_o far_o than_o reason_n and_o evidence_n bring_v from_o scripture_n by_o they_o do_v but_o he_o go_v on_o with_o his_o infallibility_n and_o say_v the_o argument_n hold_v as_o much_o against_o any_o judge_n or_o magistrate_n in_o the_o civil_a concern_v of_o humane_a life_n as_o against_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n but_o he_o may_v be_v therein_o mistake_v for_o it_o be_v all_o man_n interest_n to_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o determination_n of_o civil_a judicatories_n in_o the_o concern_v of_o humane_a life_n how_o erroneous_a or_o unjust_a soever_o they_o may_v apprehend_v they_o to_o be_v for_o the_o preservation_n of_o a_o great_a good_a public_a peace_n and_o quiet_a but_o that_o will_v never_o make_v it_o reasonable_a in_o the_o concern_v of_o eternity_n which_o admit_v of_o no_o compensation_n for_o a_o man_n to_o put_v out_o his_o own_o eye_n to_o be_v guide_v by_o other_o who_o perhaps_o see_v no_o better_o it_o may_v be_v not_o so_o well_o as_o himself_o for_o we_o do_v not_o say_v it_o be_v absurd_a for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v
tell_v we_o his_o design_n be_v to_o ease_v man_n of_o their_o former_a burden_n and_o not_o to_o lay_v on_o more_o that_o the_o duty_n he_o require_v be_v no_o other_o but_o such_o as_o be_v necessary_a and_o withal_o just_a and_o reasonable_a that_o he_o that_o come_v to_o take_v away_o the_o insupportable_a yoke_n of_o jewish_a ceremony_n certain_o do_v never_o intend_v to_o gall_v the_o neck_n of_o his_o disciple_n with_o another_o instead_o of_o it_o and_o if_o so_o do_v not_o certain_o give_v power_n or_o authority_n unto_o any_o to_o institute_n in_o their_o room_n such_o other_o as_o they_o shall_v think_v good_a it_o will_v be_v strange_a say_v he_o the_o church_n shall_v require_v more_o than_o christ_n himself_o do_v and_o make_v other_o condition_n of_o her_o communion_n than_o our_o saviour_n do_v of_o discipleship_n then_o ask_v what_o ground_n there_o can_v be_v why_o christian_n shall_v not_o stand_v upon_o the_o same_o term_n now_o which_o they_o do_v in_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n whether_o religion_n be_v not_o sufficient_o guard_v and_o fence_v in_o they_o whether_o there_o be_v ever_o more_o true_a and_o cordial_a reverence_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n what_o charter_n christ_n have_v give_v his_o church_n to_o bind_v man_n up_o to_o more_o than_o himself_o have_v do_v and_o then_o tell_v we_o the_o grand_a commission_n the_o apostle_n be_v send_v out_o with_o be_v only_o to_o teach_v what_o christ_n have_v command_v they_o not_o the_o least_o intimation_n of_o any_o power_n give_v they_o to_o impose_v or_o require_v any_o thing_n beyond_o what_o himself_o have_v speak_v to_o they_o or_o they_o be_v direct_v to_o by_o the_o immediate_a guidance_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n what_o power_n or_o commission_n therefore_o any_o have_v since_o receive_v to_o institute_n such_o ceremony_n in_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n as_o they_o shall_v think_v good_a this_o answerer_n or_o his_o adherent_n may_v do_v well_o to_o inform_v we_o but_o instead_o thereof_o he_o tell_v we_o nothing_o be_v more_o evident_a in_o the_o new-testament_n than_o that_o christ_n do_v intrust_v those_o who_o he_o appoint_v in_o his_o absence_n to_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o his_o church_n with_o the_o government_n of_o it_o he_o do_v so_o and_o yet_o he_o do_v not_o empower_v or_o authorize_v they_o to_o institute_n in_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n such_o ceremony_n as_o they_o shall_v think_v good_a but_o say_v our_o politic_a answerer_n this_o government_n can_v not_o subsist_v without_o the_o enact_v of_o law_n for_o its_o own_o and_o the_o church_n preservation_n for_o that_o christ_n intend_v etc._n etc._n how_o do_v that_o appear_v we_o find_v nothing_o in_o his_o gospel_n of_o any_o such_o intention_n nor_o have_v we_o reason_n to_o believe_v he_o intend_v any_o shall_v enact_v other_o law_n for_o the_o government_n of_o his_o church_n than_o what_o himself_o enact_v since_o it_o be_v to_o deny_v the_o scripture_n sufficiency_n unto_o that_o end_n and_o its_o be_v a_o perfect_a rule_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o obedience_n in_o all_o gospel_n duty_n and_o administration_n and_o in_o plain_a term_n to_o tell_v we_o that_o christ_n be_v not_o faithful_a to_o he_o that_o appoint_v he_o as_o be_v moses_n in_o all_o his_o house_n in_o that_o he_o leave_v not_o as_o do_v moses_n a_o complete_a volume_n of_o law_n for_o its_o rule_n and_o government_n we_o wish_v therefore_o this_o answerer_n will_v acquaint_v we_o with_o the_o instrument_n by_o which_o the_o apostle_n make_v over_o their_o authority_n of_o enact_v law_n for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n to_o their_o successor_n in_o that_o it_o will_v tend_v great_o to_o their_o conviction_n who_o have_v hitherto_o be_v in_o a_o error_n and_o very_o much_o deceive_v if_o the_o lord_n christ_n be_v not_o the_o sole_a lord_n over_o and_o lawgiver_n to_o his_o church_n and_o that_o the_o apostle_n neither_o do_v nor_o can_v delegate_n a_o legislative_a power_n to_o their_o successor_n be_v themselves_o minister_n only_a of_o the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n commit_v unto_o they_o not_o be_v a_o power_n of_o give_v law_n to_o the_o church_n but_o a_o power_n of_o teach_v and_o rule_v the_o church_n according_a to_o the_o law_n which_o christ_n himself_o have_v give_v and_o those_o as_o he_o say_v not_o to_o that_o present_a age_n of_o christian_n but_o to_o all_o succeed_v age_n in_o which_o his_o church_n be_v to_o continue_v in_o the_o world_n they_o be_v every_a way_n sufficient_a to_o continue_v and_o preserve_v upon_o earth_n a_o visible_a church_n until_o his_o second_o come_n but_o so_o far_o this_o answerer_n be_v in_o the_o right_n that_o there_o can_v have_v be_v no_o such_o society_n if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o law_n for_o its_o unity_n but_o he_o shall_v withal_o have_v consider_v that_o there_o neither_o can_v nor_o can_v be_v any_o law_n for_o its_o unity_n but_o from_o a_o universal_a lawgiver_n the_o obligation_n of_o no_o law_n extend_v far_o than_o the_o judaization_n or_o authority_n of_o the_o legislator_n so_o that_o it_o be_v altogether_o impossible_a for_o any_o but_o the_o lord_n christ_n to_o enact_v law_n for_o the_o visible_a unity_n of_o christian_a communion_n in_o the_o external_a administration_n of_o god_n sacred_a worship_n since_o the_o jurisdiction_n or_o authority_n of_o none_o other_o can_v reach_v or_o oblige_v all_o christian_n that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v great_o concern_v for_o the_o unity_n of_o his_o church_n none_o sure_a ever_o doubt_v but_o the_o word_n quote_v by_o this_o answerer_n from_o st._n john_n gospel_n relate_v not_o so_o much_o to_o the_o external_a visible_a unity_n of_o the_o church_n as_o to_o the_o internal_a mystical_a union_n that_o be_v between_o christ_n and_o his_o member_n yet_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o which_o he_o will_v principal_o have_v the_o reader_n observe_v in_o 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external_a administration_n of_o god_n sacred_a worship_n which_o variety_n of_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n in_o particular_a church_n destroy_v and_o it_o may_v be_v true_o enough_o say_v by_o he_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v propagate_v and_o uphold_v by_o faith_n and_o charity_n only_o as_o they_o be_v lodge_v in_o man_n heart_n unless_o the_o fruit_n of_o these_o grace_n be_v exert_v in_o some_o thing_n that_o be_v visible_a and_o obvious_a to_o sense_n and_o therefore_o outward_a worship_n be_v require_v that_o the_o inward_a may_v be_v exercise_v and_o express_v for_o to_o talk_v of_o inward_a worship_n without_o any_o outward_a expression_n thereof_o be_v but_o a_o cloak_n for_o atheism_n but_o for_o this_o answerer_n to_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o church_n unity_n be_v the_o main_a thing_n that_o christ_n take_v care_n of_o before_o his_o crucifixion_n that_o it_o be_v the_o great_a essential_a of_o christianity_n the_o very_a be_v of_o christian_a 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