faculty_n since_o these_o passage_n and_o that_o which_o necessary_o relate_v to_o they_o will_v lead_v a_o man_n into_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o hard_a part_n of_o the_o whole_a new_a testament_n if_o this_o method_n be_v let_v go_v they_o must_v prove_v the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o church_n by_o argument_n draw_v from_o some_o other_o visible_a character_n by_o which_o a_o man_n be_v to_o be_v convince_v that_o god_n have_v make_v her_o infallible_a if_o there_o be_v such_o eminent_a one_o as_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n miracle_n or_o prophecy_n that_o do_v visible_o attest_v this_o here_o be_v a_o proof_n that_o be_v solid_a indeed_o it_o be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o by_o which_o we_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o then_o these_o miracle_n must_v be_v as_o unconte_o and_o evident_o prove_v they_o must_v also_o belong_v to_o this_o point_n that_o be_v they_o must_v be_v miracle_n public_o do_v to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o assertion_n but_o to_o this_o appeal_n they_o will_v not_o stand_v what_o use_v soever_o they_o may_v make_v of_o it_o to_o amuse_v the_o weak_a and_o the_o more_o credulous_a the_o character_n of_o a_o uninterrupted_a succession_n from_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v neither_o a_o easy_a nor_o a_o sure_a one_o since_o other_o church_n who_o they_o condemn_v have_v it_o likewise_o nor_o can_v it_o be_v search_v into_o by_o a_o private_a man_n unless_o he_o will_v go_v into_o that_o sea_n of_o examine_v the_o history_n the_o record_n and_o succession_n of_o church_n this_o be_v a_o enquiry_n that_o have_v in_o it_o difficulty_n vast_o great_a and_o more_o insuperable_a than_o all_o those_o that_o they_o can_v object_v to_o we_o if_o they_o will_v appeal_v to_o the_o vast_a extent_n of_o a_o church_n that_o so_o many_o nation_n and_o society_n agree_v in_o the_o same_o doctrine_n and_o be_v of_o one_o communion_n this_o will_v prove_v to_o be_v a_o dangerous_a point_n for_o in_o the_o state_n in_o which_o we_o see_v mankind_n number_n make_v a_o very_a bad_a argument_n it_o be_v to_o risk_v the_o christian_a religion_n too_o much_o to_o venture_v on_o a_o poll_n with_o the_o mahometan_n in_o some_o age_n the_o semi-arrians_a have_v the_o better_a at_o number_n and_o it_o be_v a_o question_n if_o at_o this_o day_n those_o that_o be_v within_o or_o without_o the_o roman_a communion_n make_v the_o great_a body_n nor_o must_v a_o man_n be_v put_v to_o choose_v his_o religion_n by_o such_o a_o laborious_a and_o uncertain_a way_n of_o calculation_n to_o plead_v a_o continuance_n in_o the_o same_o doctrine_n that_o be_v at_o first_o deliver_v to_o the_o church_n by_o the_o apostle_n be_v to_o put_v the_o matter_n upon_o a_o more_o desperate_a issue_n for_o as_o no_o man_n can_v hope_v to_o see_v to_o the_o end_n of_o this_o so_o it_o let_v a_o man_n in_o into_o all_o controversy_n when_o he_o be_v to_o compare_v the_o present_a doctrine_n with_o that_o which_o be_v deliver_v by_o the_o apostle_n let_v then_o any_o character_n be_v assign_v that_o shall_v oblige_v a_o man_n to_o believe_v the_o church_n infallible_a and_o it_o will_v soon_o appear_v very_o evident_o that_o the_o search_n into_o that_o must_v put_v the_o world_n on_o more_o difficult_a inquiry_n than_o any_o of_o those_o that_o we_o be_v press_v with_o and_o that_o in_o the_o issue_n of_o the_o whole_a the_o determination_n must_v be_v resolve_v into_o a_o private_a judgement_n another_o difficulty_n follow_v close_o upon_o this_o which_o be_v in_o what_o church_n this_o infallibility_n be_v to_o be_v find_v suppose_v a_o man_n be_v bear_v in_o the_o greek_a church_n at_o any_o time_n since_o the_o ix_o century_n how_o shall_v he_o know_v that_o he_o must_v seek_v the_o infallibility_n in_o the_o roman_a communion_n and_o that_o he_o can_v find_v it_o in_o his_o own_o he_o plain_o see_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n begin_v in_o the_o eastern_a part_n and_o by_o every_o step_n that_o he_o make_v into_o history_n he_o clear_o discern_v that_o it_o flourish_v for_o many_o age_n most_o eminent_o there_o but_o now_o that_o there_o be_v a_o breach_n between_o they_o and_o the_o latin_n he_o can_v judge_v to_o which_o communion_n he_o be_v to_o adhere_v without_o he_o examine_v the_o doctrine_n for_o both_o have_v the_o outward_a character_n of_o a_o succession_n of_o martyr_n and_o bishop_n of_o number_n and_o a_o appearance_n of_o continue_v in_o the_o same_o doctrine_n only_o with_o this_o difference_n that_o the_o greek_n have_v the_o advantage_n in_o every_o one_o of_o these_o they_o have_v more_o apostolical_a church_n i_o mean_v found_v by_o the_o apostle_n than_o the_o latin_n and_o they_o have_v stick_v more_o firm_o with_o few_o addition_n and_o innovation_n to_o their_o ancient_a ritual_n than_o the_o latin_n have_v do_v how_o can_v he_o then_o decide_v this_o matter_n without_o examine_v the_o ground_n of_o their_o difference_n and_o make_v a_o private_a judgement_n upon_o a_o private_a examination_n of_o the_o scripture_n or_o other_o authority_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o present_v depress_v and_o ignorant_a state_n of_o those_o church_n make_v it_o now_o very_o sensible_a that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o infallibility_n among_o the_o eastern_n to_o this_o it_o be_v to_o be_v answer_v that_o i_o have_v put_v the_o case_n all-along_a from_o the_o 9th_o century_n downward_o in_o many_o of_o those_o age_n the_o greek_n be_v under_o as_o good_a circumstance_n and_o have_v as_o fair_a a_o appearance_n as_o the_o latin_n have_v if_o not_o better_o for_o the_o outward_a appearance_n of_o the_o roman_a communion_n in_o the_o next_o century_n the_o 10_o and_o 11_o be_v not_o very_o favourable_a even_o by_o the_o representation_n that_o their_o own_o writer_n have_v make_v of_o they_o and_o if_o we_o must_v judge_v of_o the_o infallibility_n of_o a_o church_n by_o outward_a character_n it_o may_v be_v urge_v with_o great_a show_n of_o reason_n that_o a_o church_n which_o under_o all_o its_o poverty_n and_o persecution_n do_v still_o adhere_v to_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v so_o peculiar_a a_o character_n of_o bear_v the_o cross_n and_o of_o live_v in_o a_o constant_a state_n of_o suffering_n that_o if_o infallibility_n be_v in_o the_o church_n as_o a_o favour_n and_o privilege_n from_o god_n and_o not_o as_o the_o effect_n of_o human_a learning_n and_o other_o advantage_n i_o shall_v soon_o believe_v the_o greek_a church_n infallible_a than_o any_o other_o now_o in_o the_o world_n but_o when_o these_o difficulty_n be_v all_o get_v over_o there_o remain_v yet_o new_a and_o great_a one_o suppose_v one_o be_v satisfy_v that_o it_o be_v in_o the_o roman_a church_n he_o must_v know_v where_o to_o find_v it_o without_o this_o it_o be_v of_o no_o more_o use_n to_o he_o than_o if_o one_o shall_v tell_v a_o hungry_a man_n that_o there_o be_v food_n enough_o for_o he_o without_o direct_v he_o where_o to_o seek_v for_o it_o he_o must_v starve_v after_o all_o that_o general_a information_n if_o he_o have_v not_o a_o more_o particular_a direction_n and_o therefore_o it_o seem_v very_o absurd_a to_o affirm_v that_o the_o believe_v of_o infallibility_n be_v a_o article_n of_o faith_n but_o that_o the_o proper_a subject_n in_o who_o it_o rest_v be_v not_o likewise_o a_o article_n of_o faith_n this_o be_v the_o general_a tenet_n of_o the_o whole_a roman_a communion_n who_o that_o they_o may_v maintain_v their_o union_n notwithstanding_o their_o difference_n in_o this_o do_v all_o agree_v in_o say_v that_o the_o subject_n of_o this_o infallibility_n be_v not_o a_o matter_n of_o faith_n this_o destroy_v the_o whole_a pretention_n for_o all_o the_o absurdity_n of_o no_o end_n of_o controversy_n of_o private_a judgement_n and_o every_o man_n expound_v the_o scripture_n do_v return_v here_o and_o the_o whole_a design_n of_o infallibility_n be_v defeat_v for_o how_o can_v a_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o submit_v to_o this_o in_o any_o one_o instance_n or_o to_o receive_v any_o proposition_n as_o come_v from_o a_o infailible_n authority_n if_o he_o do_v not_o know_v who_o have_v it_o thus_o according_a to_o that_o maxim_n of_o natural_a logic_n that_o a_o conclusion_n can_v have_v no_o certainty_n beyond_o that_o which_o be_v in_o both_o the_o premise_n if_o it_o be_v not_o certain_a with_o who_o the_o infallibility_n dwell_v as_o well_o as_o that_o there_o be_v a_o infallibility_n in_o the_o church_n all_o the_o noise_n about_o it_o will_v be_v quite_o defeat_v and_o of_o no_o use_n if_o a_o man_n have_v many_o medecine_n of_o which_o one_o be_v a_o infallible_a cure_n of_o such_o or_o such_o disease_n can_v it_o be_v suppose_v that_o he_o will_v communicate_v these_o to_o the_o world_n and_o tell_v that_o one_o of_o they_o
authority_n which_o have_v put_v the_o church_n in_o a_o state_v line_n of_o subordination_n according_a to_o the_o division_n of_o the_o province_n of_o the_o empire_n they_o act_v only_o by_o a_o imperial_a authority_n so_o that_o though_o they_o be_v bishop_n they_o act_v by_o the_o emperor_n commission_n such_o authority_n as_o these_o draw_v from_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o jewish_a and_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v at_o least_o strong_a inducement_n to_o believe_v this_o to_o be_v true_a but_o the_o argument_n that_o seem_v to_o determine_v it_o be_v that_o man_n can_v be_v oblige_v to_o obey_v two_o different_a authority_n that_o may_v happen_v to_o contradict_v one_o another_o this_o be_v a_o strange_a distraction_n in_o man_n thought_n and_o conscience_n and_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v suppose_v that_o god_n have_v put_v they_o under_o such_o a_o divide_a authority_n for_o all_o temporal_n will_v easy_o be_v fetch_v within_o a_o in_o ordine_fw-la ad_fw-la spiritualia_fw-la since_o then_o every_o soul_n be_v bind_v under_o the_o hazard_n of_o damnation_n to_o obey_v the_o supreme_a power_n we_o must_v be_v bind_v to_o obey_v their_o law_n in_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o only_a limitation_n that_o this_o can_v admit_v of_o that_o settle_v this_o whole_a matter_n which_o otherwise_o must_v be_v ravel_v out_o into_o vast_a intricacy_n and_o yet_o it_o must_v be_v suppose_v for_o certain_a that_o the_o rule_n for_o man_n obedience_n must_v be_v distinct_a and_o fix_a to_o conclude_v this_o whole_a matter_n the_o best_a and_o sure_a way_n for_o preserve_v the_o order_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n as_o well_o as_o its_o peace_n and_o prosperity_n be_v for_o the_o clergy_n to_o live_v and_o labour_v so_o to_o be_v so_o humble_a and_o modest_a so_o self-denied_n and_o heavenly-minded_n that_o from_o thence_o the_o laity_n may_v be_v bring_v to_o see_v that_o whatsoever_o power_n they_o have_v will_v be_v employ_v for_o the_o public_a good_a of_o the_o whole_a this_o will_v make_v they_o to_o be_v less_o jealous_a and_o more_o submissive_a and_o this_o will_v secure_v to_o they_o most_o common_o the_o protection_n and_o encouragement_n which_o they_o may_v expect_v from_o the_o civil_a power_n who_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o have_v regard_n to_o their_o clergy_n according_a to_o the_o esteem_n which_o they_o observe_v their_o other_o subject_n have_v for_o they_o discourse_n iu._n concern_v the_o obligation_n to_o continue_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v nothing_o that_o concern_v the_o peace_n and_o order_n of_o church_n and_o indeed_o the_o quiet_a and_o good_a government_n of_o mankind_n more_o than_o right_o to_o understand_v our_o obligation_n to_o continue_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o that_o church_n in_o which_o we_o be_v bear_v or_o which_o be_v the_o main_a body_n of_o that_o society_n of_o christian_n among_o who_o we_o live_v the_o extreme_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v dangerous_a on_o both_o hand_n a_o lazy_a compliance_n with_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v uppermost_a because_o of_o the_o law_n and_o advantage_n that_o may_v be_v on_o its_o side_n and_o a_o implicit_a believe_v and_o receive_v of_o every_o thing_n that_o happen_v to_o be_v propose_v to_o we_o do_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n depress_v our_o faculty_n render_v we_o so_o easy_a to_o every_o form_n in_o religion_n that_o we_o become_v at_o last_o indifferent_a to_o all_o and_o concern_v in_o none_o it_o make_v way_n for_o tyranny_n in_o those_o that_o govern_v and_o sink_v those_o that_o be_v govern_v into_o a_o sottish_a stupidity_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n a_o wanton_a cavil_v at_o every_o thing_n thebreaking_a of_o a_o establish_v order_n the_o make_v division_n and_o the_o draw_v of_o party_n the_o quarrel_v about_o nice_a point_n of_o speculation_n or_o some_o lesser_a matter_n in_o ritual_n do_v occasion_n much_o passion_n and_o animosity_n they_o take_v man_n much_o off_o from_o the_o great_a end_n of_o religion_n they_o divide_v christian_n from_o one_o another_o and_o sharpen_v they_o against_o one_o another_o all_o which_o be_v evil_n of_o so_o high_a a_o nature_n in_o themselves_o and_o in_o their_o consequence_n that_o it_o will_v be_v of_o great_a advantage_n to_o find_v so_o true_a a_o mean_a in_o this_o matter_n that_o in_o it_o we_o may_v avoid_v the_o mischief_n of_o both_o extreme_n the_o foundation_n then_o to_o be_v lay_v here_o be_v first_o to_o consider_v the_o natural_a obligation_n that_o all_o man_n who_o be_v unite_v by_o any_o common_a bond_n come_v under_o to_o maintain_v a_o cordial_a affection_n and_o a_o mutual_a good_a understanding_n among_o themselves_o both_o as_o it_o be_v a_o instrument_n to_o preserve_v and_o strengthen_v their_o body_n and_o as_o it_o make_v such_o a_o body_n of_o man_n easy_a and_o happy_a but_o this_o that_o be_v a_o consideration_n common_a to_o all_o joint_a body_n of_o man_n become_v much_o strong_a in_o the_o christian_a religion_n one_o of_o its_o main_a design_n be_v to_o knit_v man_n heart_n to_o one_o another_o by_o a_o tenderness_n of_o brotherly_a kindness_n and_o charity_n our_o saviour_n have_v make_v this_o the_o distinction_n 35._o by_o which_o all_o the_o world_n may_v know_v who_o be_v his_o disciple_n and_o who_o be_v not_o so_o and_o all_o his_o apostle_n have_v in_o every_o one_o of_o their_o epistle_n not_o except_v the_o short_a press_v this_o in_o such_o a_o variety_n of_o copious_a and_o most_o earnest_a direction_n that_o whosoever_o read_v the_o new_a testament_n careful_o must_v see_v that_o this_o be_v enlarge_v on_o beyond_o all_o the_o other_o duty_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o press_v in_o the_o most_o comprehensive_a word_n and_o with_o the_o most_o enforce_v consideration_n possible_a the_o chief_a of_o all_o be_v the_o love_n which_o our_o saviour_n himself_o bear_v to_o we_o in_o imitation_n of_o which_o he_o have_v require_v we_o to_o love_v one_o another_o to_o love_v enemy_n to_o pass_v by_o and_o to_o forgive_v injury_n do_v good_a for_o evil_n to_o relieve_v the_o necessitous_a and_o have_v bowel_n of_o compassion_n for_o all_o man_n this_o be_v a_o main_a part_n of_o the_o glory_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o duty_n of_o our_o religion_n to_o advance_v this_o and_o to_o endear_v we_o to_o one_o another_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o pray_v with_o and_o for_o one_o another_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o assemble_v ourselves_o together_o that_o by_o our_o see_v of_o one_o another_o and_o meet_v in_o the_o same_o act_n and_o duty_n of_o religion_n our_o love_n and_o union_n may_v become_v strong_a and_o more_o firm_o cement_v sacrament_n be_v sacred_a rite_n institute_v not_o only_o to_o maintain_v our_o devotion_n towards_o god_n as_o act_n of_o homage_n and_o solemn_a vow_n make_v to_o he_o but_o likewise_o as_o bond_n to_o knit_v we_o together_o as_o well_o as_o to_o unite_v we_o to_o our_o head_n and_o it_o be_v no_o small_a confirmation_n of_o all_o this_o that_o our_o saviour_n in_o his_o last_o and_o long_a prayer_n to_o the_o father_n when_o he_o be_v intercede_v for_o his_o church_n have_v repeat_v this_o prayer_n so_o often_o no_o less_o than_o five_o time_n 23._o in_o no_o very_a long_a prayer_n that_o they_o may_v be_v one_o and_o be_v keep_v and_o make_v perfect_a in_o one_o and_o the_o unity_n pray_v for_o be_v so_o sublime_a that_o it_o be_v compare_v to_o that_o unconceivable_a unity_n or_o union_n that_o be_v between_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n and_o by_o this_o the_o world_n be_v to_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o religion_n 23._o that_o the_o world_n may_v believe_v that_o the_o father_n have_v send_v he_o more_o need_v not_o be_v say_v upon_o this_o head_n to_o make_v it_o evident_a that_o it_o be_v of_o the_o great_a importance_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n to_o maintain_v a_o entire_a union_n among_o its_o member_n and_o that_o the_o chief_a mean_a of_o do_v this_o be_v their_o unite_n themselves_o in_o the_o same_o act_n of_o worship_n now_o the_o only_a question_n that_o will_v remain_v will_v be_v how_o far_o must_v this_o go_v and_o the_o only_a answer_n that_o can_v be_v make_v to_o it_o be_v that_o it_o must_v go_v till_o the_o body_n in_o which_o we_o happen_v to_o be_v engage_v impose_v unlawful_a term_n of_o communion_n on_o its_o member_n in_o that_o case_n we_o must_v remember_v that_o it_o be_v better_a to_o obey_v god_n than_o man_n and_o that_o we_o must_v seek_v peace_n and_o truth_n since_o a_o union_n on_o unlawful_a term_n be_v a_o combination_n against_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n and_o be_v no_o piece_n of_o christian_a charity_n this_o will_v be_v agree_v to_o on_o all_o hand_n in_o the_o general_a so_o i_o will_v go_v
one_o another_o in_o such_o case_n the_o one_o be_v not_o to_o set_v a_o stumbling-block_n or_o a_o occasion_n to_o fall_v in_o another_o man_n way_n 13._o that_o be_v not_o to_o use_v our_o liberty_n in_o such_o instance_n or_o on_o such_o occasion_n as_o may_v draw_v other_o man_n to_o act_v in_o imitation_n of_o we_o against_o their_o own_o conscience_n this_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o give_v scandal_n or_o the_o lay_v a_o trap_n in_o the_o way_n of_o another_o by_o which_o he_o may_v fall_v or_o be_v catch_v and_o this_o every_o man_n be_v to_o avoid_v when_o it_o be_v free_a for_o he_o to_o act_v or_o not_o as_o he_o please_v for_o in_o that_o case_n only_o he_o be_v under_o this_o obligation_n and_o caution_n since_o otherwise_o if_o he_o be_v determine_v by_o any_o law_n divine_a or_o humane_a he_o must_v go_v on_o and_o do_v his_o duty_n without_o consider_v what_o consequence_n may_v happen_v upon_o it_o for_o which_o he_o be_v not_o accountable_a since_o he_o be_v not_o at_o liberty_n to_o dispose_v of_o himself_o but_o be_v conclude_v by_o a_o high_a authority_n the_o other_o rule_n be_v that_o we_o ought_v as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v to_o avoid_v do_v any_o thing_n that_o may_v grieve_v other_o christian_n which_o be_v say_v to_o be_v walk_v uncharitable_o 15._o since_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v such_o regard_n even_o to_o the_o tenderness_n and_o weakness_n of_o our_o brethren_n as_o not_o to_o do_v such_o thing_n as_o may_v wound_v or_o trouble_v they_o still_o under_o the_o former_a supposition_n that_o we_o be_v full_o at_o our_o own_o liberty_n and_o under_o no_o law_n nor_o obligation_n to_o the_o contrary_n these_o be_v the_o rule_v lay_v down_o by_o st._n paul_n which_o when_o well_o consider_v and_o right_o understand_v will_v give_v a_o great_a light_n into_o this_o whole_a controversy_n by_o these_o it_o will_v appear_v that_o even_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o who_o may_v have_v assume_v a_o high_a strain_n of_o authority_n yet_o have_v great_a regard_n to_o the_o frailty_n of_o those_o they_o govern_v and_o although_o most_o of_o these_o position_n and_o rule_n do_v suppose_v man_n to_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o a_o unrestrained_a liberty_n so_o that_o they_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o our_o case_n in_o which_o law_n and_o constitution_n have_v already_o determine_v we_o yet_o they_o ought_v still_o to_o have_v great_a weight_n with_o those_o that_o be_v not_o conclude_v by_o law_n and_o all_o such_o as_o may_v have_v the_o make_n or_o review_v of_o law_n under_o their_o care_n and_o deliberation_n but_o i_o have_v open_v this_o matter_n more_o full_o than_o be_v perhaps_o necessary_a to_o my_o present_a purpose_n which_o only_o require_v that_o i_o shall_v clear_v some_o passage_n in_o st._n paul_n epistle_n that_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o point_n now_o under_o examination_n though_o they_o do_v not_o at_o all_o belong_v to_o they_o since_o all_o that_o be_v in_o st._n paul_n relate_v only_o to_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v entire_o leave_v to_o man_n own_o liberty_n and_o in_o which_o it_o be_v free_a to_o they_o to_o act_v which_o way_n soever_o they_o please_v which_o be_v not_o at_o all_o applicable_a to_o establish_v rule_n settle_v by_o law_n and_o recommend_v by_o ancient_a practice_n it_o be_v true_a that_o no_o age_n of_o the_o church_n since_o the_o apostle_n day_n can_v make_v law_n for_o succeed_a age_n since_o the_o pastor_n of_o every_o age_n have_v the_o same_o authority_n that_o the_o pastor_n of_o any_o precedent_a age_n have_v after_o the_o time_n of_o inspiration_n whatever_o be_v do_v in_o a_o former_a age_n may_v be_v alter_v in_o a_o subsequent_a one_o and_o therefore_o all_o those_o rule_n of_o the_o subordination_n of_o church_n one_o to_o another_o be_v take_v from_o the_o disposition_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n europe_n be_v now_o total_o mould_v into_o another_o frame_n be_v now_o at_o the_o discretion_n of_o prince_n to_o cotinue_v or_o change_v they_o at_o their_o pleasure_n and_o all_o the_o ritual_n of_o the_o church_n be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o every_o age_n to_o alter_v or_o continue_v they_o as_o they_o shall_v see_v cause_n but_o till_o they_o be_v alter_v they_o bind_v not_o by_o reason_n of_o any_o authority_n that_o former_a age_n have_v over_o the_o present_a but_o because_o the_o present_a age_n by_o not_o repeal_n former_a rule_n and_o canon_n do_v tacit_o and_o interpretative_o confirm_v and_o renew_v they_o for_o if_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o present_a age_n in_o concurrence_n with_o and_o a_o due_a subordination_n to_o the_o civil_a power_n have_v a_o authority_n to_o make_v law_n or_o canon_n in_o such_o matter_n they_o have_v likewise_o a_o power_n to_o continue_v such_o as_o be_v make_v in_o any_o former_a age_n and_o they_o be_v presume_v and_o in_o law_n take_v to_o do_v that_o till_o they_o repeal_v they_o i_o have_v now_o go_v through_o the_o general_a plea_n that_o be_v bring_v against_o our_o constitution_n from_o general_a topic_n and_o have_v i_o hope_v show_v that_o there_o be_v no_o force_n in_o any_o part_n of_o it_o i_o come_v next_o to_o consider_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v object_v more_o special_o to_o several_a particular_n in_o our_o constitution_n they_o except_z to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n because_o of_o the_o different_a rank_n of_o bishop_n priest_n and_o deacon_n whereas_o the_o scripture_n use_v bishop_n and_o priest_n so_o promiscuous_o that_o from_o thence_o it_o seem_v reasonable_a to_o infer_v that_o they_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o function_n and_o that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v but_o two_o rank_n bishop_n and_o diacon_n in_o the_o church_n but_o those_o who_o object_n this_o have_v real_o among_o they_o but_o one_o function_n and_o order_n since_o they_o have_v no_o diacon_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o st._n paul_n epistle_n who_o be_v a_o degree_n of_o man_n dedicate_v to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n out_o of_o which_o as_o any_o serve_v well_o in_o it_o they_o be_v advance_v to_o a_o superior_a degree_n and_o be_v ever_o esteem_v a_o sacred_a order_n of_o men._n there_o be_v none_o such_o among_o those_o who_o urge_v this_o matter_n against_o we_o the_o promiscuous_a use_n of_o name_n do_v not_o prove_v the_o office_n the_o same_o the_o apostle_n be_v call_v sometime_o deacon_n or_o minister_n and_o so_o be_v their_o companion_n in_o labour_n for_o the_o term_n diacon_n 25._o signify_v any_o one_o that_o minister_v it_o be_v not_o then_o appropriate_v to_o the_o low_a order_n no_o more_o than_o presbyter_n be_v to_o the_o second_o for_o the_o apostle_n call_v themselves_o sometime_o deacon_n so_o that_o from_o hence_o a_o argument_n may_v be_v draw_v as_o well_o to_o prove_v that_o deacon_n be_v equal_a in_o rank_a to_o the_o high_a order_n of_o bishop_n we_o plain_o see_v that_o god_n settle_v three_o order_n of_o officer_n in_o the_o jewish_a temple_n we_o see_v also_o in_o their_o synagogue_n that_o there_o be_v three_o different_a rank_n take_v probable_o from_o the_o model_n of_o the_o temple_n 3.2_o we_o see_v our_o saviour_n choose_v twelve_o apostle_n and_o afterward_o seventy_o disciple_n have_v in_o that_o no_o doubt_n a_o regard_n both_o to_o the_o number_n of_o their_o tribe_n and_o of_o their_o sanhedrin_n we_o plain_o see_v that_o during_o the_o apostle_n life_n the_o govern_n and_o order_v of_o the_o church_n be_v in_o they_o yet_o they_o constitute_v some_o in_o their_o name_n to_o govern_v a_o large_a extent_n of_o church_n and_o by_o their_o epistle_n to_o these_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o power_n of_o govern_v those_o church_n and_o of_o ordain_v new_a officer_n in_o they_o belong_v to_o they_o they_o be_v the_o person_n to_o who_o that_o trust_n be_v commit_v with_o solemn_a charge_n give_v they_o for_o it_o by_o the_o apostle_n we_o plain_o see_v two_o distinct_a order_n of_o bishop_n and_o deacon_n as_o two_o sacred_a function_n that_o be_v to_o labour_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o we_o find_v by_o the_o short_a epistle_n in_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o revelation_n that_o there_o be_v one_o man_n who_o have_v the_o immediate_a charge_n of_o those_o church_n to_o who_o every_o thing_n relate_v to_o they_o be_v address_v as_o to_o a_o person_n that_o be_v accountable_a for_o the_o rest_n and_o that_o by_o consequence_n must_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v a_o authority_n over_o they_o we_o see_v immediate_o after_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o all_o the_o church_n be_v cast_v into_o one_o mould_n of_o bishop_n priest_n and_o diacon_n this_o take_a place_n every_o where_o and_o that_o at_o a_o time_n when_o no_o meeting_n of_o the_o clergy_n can_v be_v hold_v to_o establish_v any_o such_o form_n and_o that_o no_o
church_n by_o another_o he_o design_v to_o expose_v they_o to_o scandal_n and_o scorn_n he_o forbid_v man_n and_o woman_n to_o meet_v together_o to_o worship_n god_n or_o bishop_n to_o visit_v woman_n or_o woman_n to_o come_v to_o be_v instruct_v in_o their_o school_n and_o appoint_v that_o woman_n only_o shall_v instruct_v woman_n he_o also_o forbid_v their_o hold_a assembly_n within_o city_n and_o order_v they_o to_o meet_v in_o the_o open_a field_n some_o church_n be_v pull_v down_o by_o his_o order_n 8._o and_o other_o be_v shut_v up_o and_o his_o first_o success_n make_v he_o resolve_v on_o a_o general_a persecution_n for_o not_o only_a eusebius_n but_o both_o socrates_n sozeman_n 3._o and_o several_a other_o writer_n do_v all_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v no_o general_a persecution_n begin_v but_o that_o there_o be_v visible_a step_n make_v towards_o it_o when_o all_o this_o be_v represent_v to_o constantine_n he_o be_v much_o affect_v with_o it_o and_o resolve_v to_o help_v the_o oppress_a and_o think_v it_o be_v a_o pious_a and_o holy_a action_n to_o save_v a_o mulitude_n by_o the_o destroy_n of_o one_o person_n for_o he_o see_v no_o other_o way_n be_v leave_v to_o relieve_v the_o oppress_a 〈◊〉_d and_o his_o engage_v in_o a_o war_n with_o licinius_n be_v by_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o east_n that_o be_v licinius_n own_o subject_n ascribe_v to_o a_o immediate_a conduct_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n 8._o it_o be_v true_a eutropius_n put_v this_o upon_o constantine_n ambition_n and_o his_o aspire_a to_o be_v the_o single_a monarch_n of_o the_o world_n this_o be_v also_o insinuate_v by_o aurelius_n victor_n affectans_fw-la and_o more_o full_o set_v out_o by_o zosimus_n who_o hatred_n both_o of_o constantine_n and_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n break_v out_o into_o so_o many_o partiality_n unbecoming_a a_o historian_n and_o engage_v he_o into_o so_o many_o story_n that_o be_v evident_o false_a that_o little_a regard_n be_v due_a to_o any_o thing_n he_o say_v i_o will_v not_o enlarge_v upon_o the_o war_n that_o follow_v only_o i_o must_v observe_v that_o though_o constantine_n as_o the_o senior_a emperor_n have_v the_o precedence_n of_o licinius_n yet_o he_o have_v no_o sort_n of_o authority_n over_o he_o so_o here_o two_o prince_n both_o equal_o sovereign_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n colleague_n and_o brothers-in-law_n for_o licinius_n have_v marry_v constantine_n sister_n be_v engage_v in_o a_o war_n the_o quarrel_n be_v not_o a_o general_a persecution_n but_o such_o step_n make_v as_o do_v plain_o discover_v there_o be_v one_o intend_v a_o peace_n soon_o after_o follow_v the_o cement_n of_o it_o be_v the_o declare_v licinius_n son_n licinian_n caesar_n who_o be_v then_o 21_o year_n of_o age_n this_o put_v he_o in_o the_o succession_n but_o a_o second_o rupture_n follow_v quick_o after_o that_o licinius_n hatred_n to_o the_o christian_n be_v rather_o increase_v than_o abate_v since_o he_o observe_v that_o they_o all_o love_v constantine_n this_o prove_v fatal_a to_o licinius_n for_o he_o be_v total_o defeat_v at_o andrianople_n the_o 3d_o of_o july_n 324._o and_o after_o some_o fruitless_a attempt_n he_o be_v force_v to_o put_v himself_o in_o constantine_n hand_n on_o the_o 18_o of_o september_n follow_v whereupon_o he_o be_v send_v to_o live_v a_o private_a man_n at_o thessalonica_n but_o constantine_n understand_v that_o he_o can_v not_o rest_v order_v he_o to_o be_v put_v to_o death_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o year_n 325._o now_o we_o be_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o see_v what_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o this_o transaction_n i_o confess_v we_o ought_v not_o to_o take_v it_o single_o from_o eusebius_n for_o he_o be_v rather_o a_o perpetual_a encomiast_n of_o constantine_n than_o his_o historian_n but_o we_o have_v a_o much_o more_o certain_a and_o authentical_a authority_n for_o this_o constantine_n in_o the_o same_o year_n in_o which_o he_o have_v put_v licinius_n to_o death_n and_o have_v take_v no_o notice_n of_o lucinian_n though_o but_o a_o year_n before_o make_v caesar_n by_o his_o own_o act_n call_v the_o first_o general_n council_n to_o meet_v at_o nice_a 12._o for_o in_o his_o speech_n to_o they_o he_o tell_v they_o that_o he_o have_v give_v order_n to_o call_v they_o together_o as_o soon_o as_o he_o have_v overcome_v the_o tyranny_n the_o council_n make_v no_o exception_n to_o constantine_n as_o a_o invader_n they_o do_v neither_o inquire_v after_o lucinian_n nor_o complain_v of_o licinius_n fate_n on_o the_o contrary_a when_o constantine_n come_v in_o and_o harangn_v they_o eustathius_n of_o antioch_n do_v entertain_v he_o with_o a_o panegyric_n full_a of_o high_a commendation_n and_o another_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v make_v by_o eusebius_n blessing_n almighty_n god_n upon_o his_o account_n which_o speech_n pronounce_v in_o full_a council_n 11._o be_v at_o least_o a_o strong_a presumption_n that_o they_o all_o approve_a of_o the_o war_n and_o rejoice_v in_o iâ—_n the_o deliverance_n this_o be_v yet_o more_o evident_a from_o the_o 11_o canon_n of_o the_o council_n in_o which_o they_o reflect_v upon_o the_o late_a tyranny_n of_o licinius_n which_o show_v that_o though_o his_o death_n and_o the_o ruin_n of_o his_o family_n must_v have_v natural_o give_v some_o compassion_n for_o one_o that_o be_v then_o scarce_o cold_a and_o that_o have_v so_o late_o be_v their_o prince_n for_o almost_o that_o whole_a council_n consist_v of_o those_o who_o have_v be_v the_o bishop_n in_o his_o share_n of_o the_o empire_n yet_o they_o consider_v the_o danger_n they_o and_o their_o religion_n have_v be_v in_o under_o he_o and_o their_o deliverance_n by_o constantine_n as_o vast_o superior_a to_o their_o tie_n to_o he_o so_o that_o there_o be_v a_o universal_a joy_n over_o the_o whole_a east_n upon_o the_o success_n of_o constantine_n the_o have_v adhere_v to_o licinius_n and_o take_v part_n with_o he_o in_o the_o war_n though_o he_o be_v then_o actual_o their_o prince_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o such_o scandal_n and_o infamy_n that_o constantine_n in_o a_o letter_n which_o he_o write_v to_o the_o nicomedian_n against_o ensebius_n their_o bishop_n 20._o reproach_n he_o with_o this_o that_o he_o have_v be_v always_o in_o licinius_n council_n and_o secret_n that_o he_o have_v all_o along_o stick_v to_o he_o and_o have_v treat_v himself_o with_o reproach_n that_o he_o have_v employ_v spy_n to_o procure_v intelligence_n to_o licinius_n and_o that_o he_o have_v give_v he_o all_o sort_n of_o assistance_n except_o the_o bear_n of_o arm_n for_o he_o all_o which_o constantine_n affirm_v he_o be_v ready_a to_o prove_v by_o some_o priest_n and_o deacon_n who_o have_v adhere_v to_o eusebius_n and_o who_o he_o have_v take_v prisoner_n and_o thus_o we_o see_v what_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o one_o of_o its_o best_a age_n and_o of_o the_o first_o general_n council_n be_v of_o a_o deliverance_n procure_v by_o one_o sovereign_a prince_n attacking_z dethrone_v and_o possess_v himself_o of_o the_o empire_n of_o another_o who_o have_v not_o yet_o set_v on_o foot_n a_o general_n persecution_n but_o have_v only_o violate_v the_o law_n which_o the_o christian_n have_v for_o the_o security_n of_o their_o religion_n have_v commit_v many_o act_n of_o injustice_n and_o violence_n against_o they_o and_o have_v declare_v his_o intention_n so_o visible_o that_o there_o be_v all_o possible_a reason_n to_o conclude_v that_o a_o general_n persecution_n be_v come_v on_o not_o a_o bishop_n nor_o a_o priest_n stand_v out_o against_o constantine_n not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o private_a christian_a be_v of_o licinius_n party_n all_o go_v into_o the_o revolution_n and_o rejoice_v in_o their_o deliverance_n i_o will_v not_o go_v on_o to_o shâ—w_v how_o parallel_a that_o case_n be_v to_o we_o the_o attempt_n be_v as_o needless_a as_o it_o may_v seem_v invidious_a only_o i_o may_v well_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o imagine_v how_o we_o can_v be_v better_o assure_v of_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o any_o point_n than_o we_o be_v of_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o christian_n of_o that_o age_n in_o this_o particular_a i_o have_v not_o say_v any_o thing_n to_o justify_v my_o put_v constantine_n prevailâ—ing_n over_o licinius_n in_o the_o year_n immediate_o before_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a though_o baronius_n put_v it_o six_o before_o it_o but_o it_o be_v visible_a that_o he_o have_v disorder_v the_o whole_a history_n of_o constantine_n on_o design_n to_o maintain_v his_o be_v baptize_v at_o rome_n with_o other_o unjustifiable_a thing_n beside_o that_o eusebius_n chronology_n in_o this_o particular_a as_o it_o be_v of_o authority_n of_o itself_o without_o any_o other_o support_n so_o it_o be_v full_o confirm_v by_o the_o date_n of_o some_o law_n in_o the_o code_n and_o several_a
consent_n of_o the_o metropolitan_a yet_o whatever_o may_v be_v do_v in_o subaltern_a body_n where_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v amiss_o may_v be_v rectify_v by_o appeal_n the_o supreme_a and_o last_o resort_v must_v be_v leave_v to_o the_o full_a freedom_n in_o which_o christ_n have_v constitute_v his_o church_n it_o must_v be_v further_o consider_v that_o infallibility_n be_v not_o like_o ordinary_a jurisdiction_n or_o legislation_n which_o may_v be_v mould_v according_a to_o the_o convenience_n of_o society_n it_o be_v a_o privilege_n which_o if_o the_o church_n have_v it_o at_o all_o she_o have_v it_o by_o a_o immediate_a grant_n from_o heaven_n and_o so_o she_o must_v enjoy_v and_o apply_v it_o according_a to_o the_o ten_o or_o of_o that_o grant_v and_o she_o can_v expect_v to_o have_v it_o continue_v to_o she_o but_o as_o she_o observe_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o grant_n indeed_o if_o it_o be_v give_v she_o at_o large_a to_o be_v model_v and_o lodge_v as_o she_o please_v there_o may_v be_v a_o power_n in_o she_o to_o limit_v the_o use_n of_o it_o to_o such_o form_n as_o shall_v be_v least_o liable_a to_o exception_n or_o abuse_v but_o either_o it_o be_v grant_v to_o a_o single_a person_n or_o to_o the_o body_n in_o general_a if_o it_o be_v grant_v to_o a_o single_a person_n than_o he_o and_o he_o only_o have_v it_o he_o may_v indeed_o if_o he_o please_v in_o order_n to_o his_o being_n better_o inform_v or_o obey_v call_v a_o general_n council_n but_o their_o proceed_n be_v only_o preparatory_a to_o his_o use_v the_o infallibility_n which_o be_v single_o in_o himself_o nor_o can_v the_o divine_a grant_n be_v limit_v as_o to_o the_o exercise_n or_o use_v of_o it_o all_o such_o rule_n must_v still_o be_v at_o the_o pope_n discretion_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o the_o grant_n be_v give_v to_o the_o community_n of_o the_o pastor_n than_o the_o infallibility_n must_v be_v in_o they_o and_o can_v be_v limit_v or_o suppose_v to_o stay_v for_o the_o consent_n of_o any_o one_o bishop_n for_o whatsoever_o regard_n may_v he_o have_v to_o any_o one_o man_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o dignity_n of_o his_o see_n or_o his_o other_o circumstance_n yet_o still_o this_o must_v be_v but_o a_o point_n or_o form_n of_o human_a prudence_n for_o the_o infallibility_n must_v be_v where_o christ_n have_v place_v it_o and_o can_v be_v transfer_v from_o thence_o or_o be_v put_v any_o where_o else_o so_o unless_o it_o be_v say_v that_o christ_n have_v put_v this_o infallibility_n between_o pope_n and_o council_n in_o so_o express_v a_o manner_n as_o all_o constitution_n do_v which_o be_v under_o a_o mix_a legislation_n which_o be_v not_o pretend_v then_o it_o must_v be_v lodge_v either_o in_o a_o general_n council_n or_o in_o the_o pope_n and_o can_v be_v in_o both_o this_o then_o be_v to_o be_v examine_v in_o the_o next_o place_n i_o begin_v therefore_o to_o examine_v the_o plea_n for_o the_o infallibility_n of_o council_n it_o be_v at_o first_o no_o small_a prejudice_n against_o this_o opinion_n that_o the_o church_n be_v constitute_v and_o have_v continue_v 300._o year_n before_o any_o thing_n that_o have_v the_o shadow_n of_o a_o general_n council_n be_v call_v so_o if_o a_o infallible_a judge_n of_o controversy_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o church_n here_o we_o see_v she_o subsist_v in_o her_o hard_a time_n in_o which_o she_o be_v the_o most_o distress_v both_o by_o heresy_n and_o persecution_n without_o one_o we_o also_o see_v that_o she_o have_v be_v these_o last_o 130._o year_n without_o one_o though_o there_o be_v warm_a dispute_n among_o they_o both_o in_o speculative_a and_o practical_a doctrine_n both_o side_n reproach_v one_o another_o with_o heresy_n and_o as_o there_o be_v little_a prospect_n of_o a_o council_n neither_o the_o court_n of_o rome_n nor_o the_o court_n of_o other_o prince_n who_o have_v among_o they_o take_v away_o all_o the_o primitive_a and_o canonical_a right_n of_o the_o church_n which_o a_o honest_a council_n must_v desire_v to_o regain_v be_v concern_v ever_o to_o have_v one_o so_o if_o a_o council_n be_v necessary_a it_o be_v not_o very_o easy_a to_o see_v how_o it_o shall_v be_v bring_v together_o during_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n it_o be_v in_o the_o emperor_n power_n to_o have_v bring_v the_o bishop_n together_o at_o his_o pleasure_n but_o now_o this_o depend_v upon_o the_o pope_n who_o summon_v they_o have_v obtain_v the_o consent_n of_o the_o prince_n of_o christendom_n which_o be_v subdivide_v into_o many_o different_a sovereignty_n this_o matter_n depend_v then_o so_o entire_o upon_o the_o see_v of_o rome_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o look_v for_o one_o from_o they_o for_o they_o pretend_v to_o have_v the_o infallibility_n in_o themselves_o shall_v very_o much_o derogate_v from_o that_o if_o they_o summon_v a_o council_n for_o a_o decision_n in_o doctrinal_a matter_n they_o be_v in_o possession_n of_o judge_v these_o at_o rome_n and_o as_o for_o matter_n of_o discipline_n except_o we_o can_v imagine_v that_o they_o will_v be_v content_a to_o part_v with_o that_o authority_n which_o they_o have_v assume_v over_o all_o see_v and_o church_n and_o over_o all_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o church_n we_o can_v see_v reason_n to_o fancy_v that_o they_o will_v ever_o call_v one_o if_o they_o shall_v the_o consent_n of_o all_o sovereign_n must_v likewise_o be_v obtain_v for_o it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o civil_a authority_n to_o keep_v subject_n within_o the_o prince_n dominion_n they_o can_v be_v oblige_v to_o send_v their_o bishop_n and_o divine_n to_o a_o council_n unless_o they_o please_v this_o be_v a_o power_n which_o seem_v to_o belong_v to_o they_o it_o be_v certain_a they_o claim_v it_o and_o very_o probable_o will_v put_v it_o in_o execution_n if_o that_o matter_n come_v to_o be_v contest_v so_o here_o be_v very_o great_a contingency_n to_o be_v conquer_v before_o a_o general_n council_n can_v be_v bring_v together_o now_o it_o be_v not_o very_o likely_a that_o christ_n shall_v have_v leave_v so_o great_a and_o so_o necessary_a a_o power_n to_o his_o church_n by_o which_o all_o controversy_n must_v be_v judge_v which_o yet_o must_v be_v at_o the_o mercy_n of_o so_o many_o accident_n before_o it_o can_v be_v bring_v to_o work_v and_o that_o the_o bringue_v together_o of_o those_o council_n shall_v depend_v so_o entire_o upon_o they_o against_o who_o pretension_n or_o usurpation_n it_o seem_v to_o be_v most_o necessary_a but_o to_o go_v more_o close_o to_o this_o opinion_n if_o the_o infallibility_n lie_v in_o a_o general_n council_n it_o be_v first_o necessary_a that_o we_o know_v who_o be_v the_o member_n that_o must_v constitute_v this_o council_n whether_o the_o laity_n have_v a_o right_a to_o be_v in_o it_o and_o to_o judge_n or_o not_o we_o find_v the_o brethren_n as_o well_o as_o the_o elder_n join_v with_o the_o apostle_n in_o that_o first_o council_n to_o which_o all_o subsequent_a council_n pretend_v they_o have_v succeed_v and_o who_o style_n it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o we_o 30._o be_v one_o of_o the_o foundation_n of_o this_o authority_n why_o then_o be_v the_o brethren_n or_o the_o whole_a church_n that_o be_v lay_v christian_n who_o even_o the_o apostle_n though_o inspire_a take_v to_o consult_v and_o judge_v with_o they_o why_o i_o say_v be_v they_o now_o exclude_v it_o be_v also_o probable_a that_o by_o elder_n or_o presbyter_n be_v to_o be_v mean_v those_o to_o who_o that_o name_n be_v afterward_o appropriate_v why_o then_o be_v they_o shut_v out_o in_o a_o word_n if_o by_o a_o divine_a grant_v infallibility_n belong_v to_o a_o general_n council_n we_o have_v a_o just_a right_o to_o ask_v for_o a_o definition_n of_o the_o council_n by_o the_o same_o authority_n otherwise_o we_o may_v ascribe_v infallibility_n to_o those_o to_o who_o god_n never_o mean_v to_o give_v it_o must_v this_o council_n consist_v of_o all_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n for_o though_o this_o be_v both_o unreasonable_a and_o scarce_o possible_a yet_o if_o the_o infallibility_n be_v give_v in_o common_a to_o the_o pastor_n and_o bishop_n of_o the_o church_n than_o it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o shut_v out_o any_o from_o it_o if_o because_o of_o their_o distance_n their_o age_n or_o their_o poverty_n they_o can_v come_v to_o it_o and_o if_o though_o a_o general_a summons_n be_v pretend_v to_o give_v all_o man_n a_o right_a to_o come_v yet_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o only_o a_o few_o of_o those_o who_o have_v live_v at_o a_o distance_n have_v come_v even_o in_o the_o best_a age_n those_o few_o will_v either_o be_v man_n of_o a_o great_a degree_n of_o wealth_n of_o heat_n or_o of_o health_n and_o will_v be_v probable_o man_n pick_v out_o
by_o their_o prince_n as_o the_o fit_a to_o serve_v their_o end_n now_o if_o the_o divine_a grant_n be_v to_o the_o whole_a body_n it_o will_v not_o be_v easy_a to_o show_v that_o even_o the_o most_o numerous_a of_o those_o meeting_n that_o pass_v for_o general_n council_n be_v true_o such_o or_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o those_o few_o of_o remote_a province_n come_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o rest_n and_o so_o represent_v they_o it_o must_v first_o appear_v whether_o such_o a_o thing_n as_o infallibility_n can_v be_v depute_v indeed_o where_o a_o controversy_n be_v already_o know_v church_n may_v send_v man_n full_o instruct_v in_o their_o doctrine_n who_o may_v be_v thereby_o well_o impower_v to_o declare_v how_o the_o doctrine_n and_o tradition_n have_v be_v settle_v among_o they_o but_o if_o a_o judgement_n be_v to_o be_v make_v upon_o the_o hear_n of_o party_n and_o the_o discuss_v their_o reason_n on_o both_o side_n which_o must_v be_v the_o case_n otherwise_o here_o be_v no_o infallible_a judge_n then_o in_o that_o case_n man_n at_o a_o distance_n who_o never_o hear_v the_o matter_n but_o very_o general_o and_o partial_o can_v do_v this_o therefore_o such_o as_o come_v to_o a_o council_n must_v have_v the_o full_a power_n of_o judge_v we_o know_v that_o in_o fact_n such_o power_n or_o instruction_n be_v seldom_o give_v and_o in_o these_o latter_a age_n they_o will_v not_o at_o all_o be_v allow_v for_o the_o bishop_n so_o instruct_v must_v be_v consider_v as_o the_o proxy_n of_o their_o principal_n and_o vote_n in_o their_o name_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o council_n except_o that_o of_o basile_n and_o can_v never_o be_v endure_v at_o rome_n where_o every_o italian_a bishop_n though_o his_o see_n be_v in_o some_o place_n but_o a_o small_a parish_n be_v reckon_v in_o the_o vote_n equal_a with_o any_o of_o those_o few_o that_o come_v from_o great_a province_n now_o these_o be_v all_o difficulty_n of_o such_o weight_n that_o it_o will_v not_o be_v easy_a to_o settle_v they_o with_o any_o divine_a warrant_n the_o scripture_n be_v silent_a as_o to_o all_o such_o matter_n nor_o be_v it_o clear_a whether_o the_o whole_a council_n must_v agree_v in_o the_o same_o sentence_n or_o if_o a_o major_a number_n though_o exceed_v by_o one_o single_a voice_n be_v sufficient_a if_o the_o council_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v insist_v on_o as_o the_o precedent_n to_o other_o council_n we_o see_v that_o all_o agree_v there_o and_o if_o this_o infallibility_n be_v a_o power_n that_o christ_n have_v leave_v in_o his_o church_n as_o necessary_a for_o her_o peace_n and_o preservation_n it_o may_v be_v reasonable_a enough_o to_o suppose_v that_o for_o give_v their_o decision_n the_o more_o authority_n he_o shall_v so_o order_v this_o matter_n by_o his_o providence_n that_o they_o shall_v all_o agree_v in_o their_o judgement_n for_o after_o all_o when_o a_o thing_n be_v carry_v but_o by_o one_o vote_n though_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o all_o human_a court_n it_o must_v be_v good_a in_o law_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o think_v that_o god_n will_v lodge_v such_o a_o authority_n and_o suffer_v it_o to_o turn_v upon_o so_o small_a and_o so_o despicable_a a_o inequality_n in_o conclusion_n it_o do_v not_o appear_v from_o the_o scripture_n whether_o in_o such_o decision_n the_o bishop_n shall_v expect_v a_o divine_a inspiration_n such_o as_o that_o which_o settle_v the_o judgement_n in_o the_o council_n of_o jerusalem_n or_o not_o the_o meaning_n of_o those_o word_n it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o we_o seem_v to_o be_v this_o that_o as_o they_o of_o themselves_o be_v resolve_v on_o make_v that_o decision_n so_o a_o immediate_a inspiration_n which_o be_v own_a by_o they_o all_o do_v final_o determine_v they_o in_o their_o resolution_n or_o it_o may_v be_v suppose_v to_o relate_v to_o that_o effusion_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o cornelius_n and_o his_o friend_n that_o be_v a_o solemn_a declaration_n that_o man_n may_v be_v accept_v of_o god_n while_o they_o be_v yet_o uncircumcised_a and_o that_o by_o consequence_n the_o gentile_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o the_o observance_n of_o those_o precept_n which_o do_v not_o oblige_v any_o but_o such_o as_o be_v circumcise_v so_o that_o what_o they_o then_o decree_v be_v only_o a_o general_a inference_n which_o they_o draw_v from_o that_o particular_a case_n and_o so_o they_o make_v a_o decision_n in_o favour_n of_o all_o the_o gentile_n from_o that_o which_o have_v happen_v to_o cornelius_n this_o be_v the_o clear_a account_n that_o can_v be_v give_v of_o these_o word_n which_o understand_v otherwise_o look_v as_o if_o they_o have_v add_v their_o decision_n as_o the_o give_v a_o further_a weight_n to_o that_o make_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n or_o as_o a_o vehicle_n to_o convey_v it_o which_o be_v too_o absurd_a to_o suppose_v now_o if_o any_o build_v upon_o that_o council_n they_o must_v make_v the_o parallel_n just_a and_o show_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n interpose_v in_o their_o conclusion_n to_o all_o these_o consideration_n we_o must_v add_v this_o that_o the_o first_o council_n be_v to_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v understand_v their_o own_o authority_n or_o at_o least_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o church_n at_o that_o time_n concern_v it_o they_o consider_v the_o several_a passage_n of_o scripture_n and_o frame_v their_o decision_n out_o of_o they_o which_o be_v afterward_o defend_v by_o some_o who_o have_v be_v of_o their_o body_n not_o as_o if_o their_o authority_n or_o decision_n have_v put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o controversy_n they_o urge_v indeed_o the_o great_a number_n of_o the_o bishop_n that_o make_v those_o decision_n nicen._n but_o use_v that_o rather_o as_o a_o strong_a inducement_n to_o beget_v a_o prejudice_n in_o their_o favour_n than_o as_o a_o authority_n that_o can_v not_o be_v contradict_v in_o this_o strain_n do_v athanasius_n defend_v the_o council_n of_o nice_a for_o indeed_o even_o that_o of_o number_n be_v to_o be_v spare_o urge_v after_o the_o council_n at_o arimini_fw-la 19_o where_o number_n be_v on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o chief_a writer_n of_o those_o time_n make_v their_o appeal_n to_o the_o scripture_n they_o bring_v many_o passage_n out_o of_o they_o and_o be_v very_o short_a and_o defective_a in_o make_v out_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n from_o tradition_n or_o father_n athanasius_n name_v not_o above_o four_o and_o these_o have_v live_v very_o near_o that_o time_n two_o of_o they_o origen_n and_o dionysius_n be_v claim_v by_o the_o other_o side_n there_o be_v but_o few_o and_o very_o late_a authority_n allege_v in_o the_o council_n of_o ephesus_n and_o those_o at_o chalcedon_n make_v their_o definition_n chief_o upon_o the_o authority_n and_o regard_n to_o pope_n leo_n letter_n in_o which_o there_o be_v indeed_o very_a many_o allegation_n from_o scripture_n but_o not_o so_o much_o as_o one_o from_o any_o father_n thus_o it_o be_v plain_a both_o from_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o council_n and_o the_o dispute_n of_o those_o who_o write_v in_o defence_n of_o their_o decision_n that_o it_o be_v not_o then_o believe_v that_o they_o have_v any_o infallible_a authority_n since_o that_o be_v never_o so_o much_o as_o once_o claim_v by_o any_o of_o that_o time_n that_o i_o know_v of_o a_o great_a deal_n be_v say_v to_o the_o contrary_a by_o many_o of_o they_o it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v some_o high_a expression_n both_o in_o some_o of_o the_o council_n and_o in_o some_o of_o the_o father_n of_o that_o time_n which_o import_n that_o they_o believe_v they_o be_v direct_v by_o god_n but_o this_o be_v no_o other_o than_o what_o may_v be_v say_v concern_v any_o body_n of_o good_a and_o learned_a man_n who_o use_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o pious_a caution_n in_o form_v their_o decision_n therefore_o great_a difference_n be_v to_o be_v make_v between_o a_o plain_a assume_v a_o infallible_a authority_n and_o rhetorical_a hint_n of_o their_o be_v guide_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o former_a do_v not_o appear_v and_o the_o latter_a show_n that_o such_o as_o use_v those_o way_n of_o speak_v do_v not_o think_v they_o infallible_a but_o they_o believe_v that_o they_o have_v make_v good_a decision_n do_v upon_o that_o presume_v that_o they_o be_v guide_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o thus_o it_o appear_v in_o a_o great_a variety_n of_o consideration_n that_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o infallibility_n in_o a_o general_n council_n and_o that_o we_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o know_v what_o be_v necessary_a to_o make_v one_o and_o to_o sum_v up_o all_o that_o belong_v to_o this_o head_n the_o decision_n of_o those_o council_n must_v have_v a_o infallible_a expounder_n as_o well_o as_o it_o
all_o the_o great_a body_n of_o those_o who_o divide_v from_o our_o constitution_n have_v some_o ritual_n of_o their_o own_o so_o the_o dispute_n in_o this_o must_v only_o be_v concern_v the_o degree_n and_o extent_n of_o this_o power_n for_o if_o any_o authority_n be_v allow_v it_o will_v not_o be_v easy_a to_o fix_v any_o other_o bound_n to_o it_o but_o this_o that_o it_o must_v not_o invade_v the_o divine_a authority_n nor_o do_v any_o thing_n beyond_o the_o rule_n and_o limit_n set_v in_o the_o scripture_n for_o if_o there_o be_v the_o least_o degree_n of_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n the_o ground_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v found_v must_v carry_v it_o to_o every_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v unlawful_a bare_a unfitness_n though_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o consideration_n of_o great_a weight_n when_o such_o thing_n be_v deliberate_v about_o yet_o when_o they_o be_v once_o conclude_v can_v be_v no_o reason_n for_o disobey_v they_o since_o the_o fitness_n of_o order_n and_o the_o decency_n of_o unity_n and_o obedience_n be_v certain_o of_o much_o more_o value_n than_o any_o special_a unfitness_n that_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v in_o any_o particular_a instance_n so_o that_o one_o of_o these_o two_o must_v be_v admit_v either_o that_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n have_v no_o sort_n of_o authority_n even_o in_o the_o small_a circumstance_n but_o be_v limit_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o can_v only_o execute_v they_o strict_o and_o not_o go_v beyond_o they_o in_o a_o title_n or_o this_o authority_n must_v go_v to_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v lawful_a on_o that_o i_o will_v dwell_v no_o long_o here_o the_o full_a discussion_n of_o this_o matter_n belong_v to_o another_o discourse_n it_o be_v a_o natural_a consequence_n of_o the_o authority_n give_v to_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n that_o they_o have_v declare_v and_o fix_v their_o doctrine_n and_o have_v settle_v rule_n for_o their_o ritual_n may_v excommunicate_v such_o as_o either_o do_v not_o live_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o religion_n which_o be_v a_o main_a part_n of_o their_o doctrine_n or_o do_v not_o obey_v the_o constitution_n of_o their_o society_n excommunication_n in_o the_o strictness_n of_o thing_n be_v only_o the_o church_n refuse_v to_o receive_v a_o person_n into_o her_o communion_n now_o as_o every_o private_a man_n be_v the_o master_n of_o his_o own_o action_n it_o be_v clear_a that_o every_o body_n of_o man_n must_v also_o be_v the_o master_n of_o they_o and_o thus_o though_o excommunication_n in_o some_o respect_n be_v declaratory_a it_o be_v a_o solemn_a denunciation_n of_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o gospel_n against_o person_n who_o live_v in_o a_o open_a violation_n of_o some_o one_o or_o more_o of_o its_o law_n so_o it_o be_v also_o a_o authoritative_a act_n by_o which_o a_o church_n refuse_v to_o communicate_v with_o such_o a_o person_n in_o this_o it_o be_v true_a church_n ought_v to_o make_v the_o term_n of_o communion_n with_o they_o as_o large_a and_o extensive_a as_o may_v consist_v with_o the_o rule_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o order_n but_o after_o all_o they_o have_v a_o power_n over_o themselves_o and_o their_o own_o action_n must_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v likewise_o clothe_v with_o a_o power_n to_o communicate_v with_o other_o person_n or_o not_o to_o do_v it_o as_o they_o shall_v see_v cause_n in_o which_o great_a difference_n be_v to_o be_v make_v between_o this_o power_n in_o itself_o and_o the_o use_n and_o management_n of_o it_o for_o any_o abuse_n whether_o true_a or_o only_o pretend_v though_o they_o may_v well_o be_v urge_v to_o procure_v a_o proper_a reformation_n of_o they_o yet_o can_v be_v allege_v against_o the_o power_n itself_o which_o be_v both_o just_a and_o necessary_a it_o be_v not_o so_o very_o clear_a to_o state_n the_o subordination_n in_o which_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v put_v under_o the_o civil_a power_n and_o how_o far_o all_o act_n of_o church_n power_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o law_n and_o policy_n of_o those_o state_n to_o which_o the_o several_a church_n do_v belong_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o magistrate_n be_v a_o christian_a or_o not_o do_v not_o at_o all_o alter_v the_o case_n that_o have_v only_o a_o relation_n to_o his_o own_o salvation_n for_o his_o authority_n be_v the_o same_o whatever_o his_o belief_n may_v be_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n his_o design_n to_o protect_v or_o to_o destroy_v religion_n alter_v the_o case_n more_o sensible_o for_o the_o regard_v to_o that_o protection_n and_o to_o the_o peace_n and_o order_n that_o follow_v upon_o it_o together_o with_o the_o breach_n and_o disorder_n that_o may_v follow_v upon_o a_o ill_a understanding_n between_o church_n and_o state_n be_v matter_n of_o such_o consequence_n that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o mere_a prudence_n which_o may_v give_v perhaps_o too_o strong_a a_o bias_n to_o carnal_a fear_n and_o policy_n but_o the_o rule_n of_o religion_n which_o oblige_v the_o church_n to_o study_v to_o preserve_v that_o order_n and_o protection_n which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o chief_a blessing_n of_o the_o society_n and_o a_o main_a instrument_n of_o do_v much_o good_a great_a difference_n be_v to_o be_v make_v between_o a_o authority_n that_o act_n with_o a_o visible_a design_n to_o destroy_v religion_n and_o another_o that_o intend_v to_o protect_v it_o but_o that_o err_v in_o its_o conduct_n and_o do_v often_o restrain_v the_o rule_n of_o order_n and_o impose_v hard_a and_o uneasy_a thing_n certain_o in_o the_o latter_a much_o be_v to_o be_v bear_v with_o that_o may_v be_v otherwise_o uneasy_a because_o the_o main_n be_v still_o safe_a and_o private_a slip_n when_o endure_v and_o submit_v to_o can_v never_o be_v compare_v to_o those_o public_a disorder_n that_o a_o rigid_a maintain_n of_o that_o which_o be_v perhaps_o in_o itself_o good_a must_v occasion_n but_o when_o the_o design_n be_v plain_a and_o that_o the_o conduct_v of_o the_o civil_a power_n go_v against_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n either_o in_o whole_a or_o in_o any_o main_a article_n of_o it_o than_o the_o body_n of_o the_o christian_n of_o that_o state_n ought_v to_o fortify_v themselves_o by_o maintain_v their_o order_n and_o their_o other_o rule_n in_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v necessary_a to_o their_o preservation_n upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o the_o church_n have_v any_o authority_n to_o act_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o state_n but_o mere_o in_o those_o thing_n in_o which_o the_o religion_n that_o she_o profess_v be_v plain_a and_o positive_a so_o that_o the_o question_n come_v to_o be_v real_o this_o whether_o be_v it_o better_a to_o obey_v god_n than_o man_n there_o the_o rule_n be_v clear_a and_o the_o decision_n be_v soon_o make_v so_o when_o the_o church_n act_v mere_o in_o obedience_n to_o rule_n and_o law_n lay_v down_o in_o scripture_n such_o as_o in_o declare_v the_o doctrine_n in_o administer_a the_o sacrament_n and_o maintain_v the_o settle_a officer_n of_o the_o church_n she_o be_v upon_o a_o sure_a bottom_n and_o must_v cast_v herself_o upon_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n whatever_o may_v happen_v and_o still_o obey_v god_n but_o in_o all_o thing_n that_o have_v arisen_a out_o of_o ancient_a custom_n and_o canon_n in_o every_o thing_n where_o she_o have_v not_o a_o law_n of_o god_n to_o support_v she_o i_o do_v not_o see_v any_o power_n she_o have_v to_o act_v in_o opposition_n to_o law_n and_o to_o the_o supreme_a civil_a authority_n in_o this_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v no_o small_a argument_n who_o be_v sanhedrin_n that_o be_v a_o civil_a court_n and_o the_o head_n of_o their_o state_n do_v give_v rule_n and_o order_n which_o their_o priest_n be_v bind_v to_o obey_v when_o not_o contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n we_o be_v sure_o this_o be_v the_o rule_n in_o our_o saviour_n time_n and_o it_o be_v never_o censure_v nor_o reprove_v by_o he_o nor_o by_o the_o apostle_n the_o argument_n be_v also_o strong_a that_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o time_n that_o she_o first_o have_v the_o protection_n of_o the_o civil_a authority_n till_o the_o time_n of_o the_o papal_a domination_n in_o which_o we_o find_v the_o emperor_n all_o along_o make_v law_n concern_v all_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o church_n we_o find_v they_o receive_v appeal_n in_o all_o church_n matter_n which_o they_o appoint_v such_o bishop_n as_o happen_v to_o be_v about_o their_o court_n to_o examine_v this_o be_v like_o our_o court_n of_o delegate_n for_o the_o bishop_n who_o judge_v those_o matter_n do_v not_o act_v according_a to_o canon_n or_o by_o the_o ecclesiastical_a
law_n of_o prince_n be_v make_v to_o enact_v it_o and_o no_o man_n of_o authority_n can_v so_o early_o and_o so_o universal_o have_v bring_v such_o a_o change_n into_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n when_o there_o be_v nothing_o to_o tempt_v any_o to_o affect_v pre-eminence_n labour_n and_o suffering_n be_v all_o that_o then_o follow_v this_o superior_a rank_n and_o yet_o within_o less_o than_o one_o century_n after_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n we_o do_v plain_o see_v that_o this_o be_v the_o constitution_n even_o of_o those_o church_n that_o have_v be_v gather_v and_o settle_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o among_o who_o so_o visible_a a_o thing_n as_o the_o order_n in_o which_o they_o have_v put_v the_o church_n can_v not_o possible_o be_v soon_o forget_v and_o this_o be_v not_o complain_v of_o by_o the_o sect_n of_o those_o day_n particular_o the_o montanist_n that_o have_v so_o fair_a a_o appearance_n by_o their_o pray_n and_o fast_v so_o much_o that_o not_o only_a tertullian_n be_v draw_v away_o by_o it_o but_o even_o the_o church_n seem_v to_o have_v take_v a_o tincture_n from_o some_o of_o their_o method_n whether_o in_o imitation_n of_o they_o or_o on_o design_n to_o outdo_v they_o be_v not_o so_o easy_a to_o determine_v yet_o nothing_o of_o this_o kind_n be_v ever_o object_v as_o if_o the_o church_n have_v by_o the_o authority_n give_v to_o bishop_n depart_v from_o the_o apostolical_a custom_n now_o i_o will_v acknowledge_v that_o a_o bare_a practice_n though_o very_o ancient_a such_o as_o the_o give_v the_o eucharist_n to_o infant_n without_o a_o colour_n for_o it_o in_o scripture_n ought_v not_o to_o conclude_v we_o but_o when_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n in_o scripture_n that_o look_v favourable_o to_o a_o thing_n though_o the_o proof_n from_o the_o word_n alone_o shall_v not_o seem_v full_a and_o positive_a and_o when_o the_o first_o write_n and_o clear_a practice_n of_o the_o age_n that_o immediate_o follow_v confirm_v such_o a_o exposition_n than_o we_o have_v all_o that_o be_v possible_a for_o we_o to_o pretend_v to_o for_o give_v a_o fix_a and_o determinate_a sense_n to_o such_o passage_n from_o all_o this_o than_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o we_o be_v now_o upon_o the_o same_o constitution_n as_o to_o the_o main_a on_o which_o the_o apostle_n settle_v the_o church_n and_o that_o we_o have_v all_o the_o reason_n that_o a_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v capable_a of_o to_o conclude_v that_o the_o distinction_n of_o bishop_n priest_n and_o deacon_n be_v settle_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o be_v relate_v to_o by_o many_o place_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o division_n of_o the_o world_n into_o diocese_n large_a or_o narrow_a as_o well_o as_o of_o parish_n some_o be_v excessive_o large_a and_o other_o as_o unreasonable_o small_a do_v not_o a_o whit_n alter_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n in_o itself_o since_o though_o it_o be_v to_o be_v desire_v that_o parish_n be_v near_o a_o equality_n in_o point_n of_o labour_n and_o cure_n yet_o this_o be_v a_o inconvenience_n that_o we_o must_v bear_v and_o not_o disturb_v the_o church_n by_o seek_v undue_a remedy_n for_o it_o so_o such_o disorder_n as_o a_o length_n of_o time_n a_o corruption_n of_o manner_n a_o change_n of_o government_n and_o civil_a policy_n have_v bring_v into_o a_o constitution_n may_v put_v it_o out_o of_o our_o power_n to_o procure_v the_o redress_n of_o many_o thing_n that_o yet_o will_v as_o little_o warrant_v a_o rent_v the_o body_n or_o divide_v the_o church_n upon_o any_o such_o account_n as_o it_o will_v justify_v the_o lazy_a sloth_n of_o such_o as_o may_v bring_v thing_n to_o a_o better_a state_n and_o yet_o do_v not_o set_v about_o it_o nor_o do_v hearty_o endeavour_v it_o another_o head_n of_o objection_n be_v to_o set-form_n of_o prayer_n in_o general_n as_o a_o stint_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n of_o which_o mention_n be_v often_o make_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o which_o ought_v to_o have_v scope_n give_v to_o it_o since_o it_o be_v a_o mean_a to_o rouse_v up_o and_o quicken_v heavy_a mind_n which_o become_v flat_a when_o accustom_a to_o a_o constant_a form_n of_o word_n that_o render_v both_o the_o clergy_n lazy_a and_o the_o people_n dead_a but_o when_o it_o be_v consider_v that_o every_o man_n word_n become_v a_o form_n to_o which_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o assembly_n be_v limit_v the_o question_n than_o lie_v natural_o between_o the_o sudden_a conception_n of_o one_o man_n who_o be_v often_o young_a rash_a without_o judgement_n and_o who_o always_o speak_v on_o the_o sudden_a and_o between_o a_o form_n well_o digest_v and_o prepare_v by_o a_o body_n of_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n since_o then_o the_o people_n must_v be_v under_o a_o form_n it_o may_v seem_v much_o more_o reasonable_a that_o they_o shall_v be_v under_o such_o a_o form_n than_o under_o the_o other_o and_o that_o the_o rather_o since_o we_o see_v moses_n david_n and_o the_o prophet_n of_o old_a give_v the_o jewish_a church_n so_o many_o form_n both_o for_o prayer_n and_o praise_n we_o know_v that_o in_o our_o saviour_n time_n the_o jew_n have_v a_o state_v liturgy_n of_o their_o own_o which_o our_o saviour_n be_v so_o far_o from_o blame_v that_o he_o himself_o prescribe_v his_o disciple_n a_o form_n and_o compose_v it_o out_o of_o they_o lay_v together_o so_o many_o petition_n draw_v out_o of_o their_o prayer_n as_o answer_v his_o end_n in_o appoint_v his_o own_o and_o praise_n seem_v to_o be_v the_o sublimest_n act_v of_o worship_n in_o which_o the_o soul_n ought_v to_o arise_v to_o its_o high_a elevation_n it_o be_v not_o easy_o accountable_a why_o so_o much_o excitation_n shall_v be_v require_v in_o prayer_n while_o man_n be_v leave_v to_o be_v still_o flat_a and_o formal_a in_o their_o praise_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o among_o the_o extraordinary_a gift_n that_o follow_v the_o wonderful_a effusion_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n one_o be_v that_o man_n be_v inspire_a to_o offer_v up_o such_o prayer_n to_o god_n as_o comprehend_v the_o necessity_n of_o whole_a congregation_n it_o appear_v in_o those_o prayer_n that_o the_o spirit_n in_o he_o that_o pray_v search_v all_o their_o heart_n and_o so_o do_v prompt_v he_o with_o groan_n that_o be_v unutterable_a and_o it_o thus_o appear_v that_o the_o spirit_n 29._o or_o inspiration_n which_o move_v any_o to_o pray_v in_o this_o sort_n search_v all_o thing_n every_o man_n find_v the_o sense_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n thus_o open_v together_o with_o suitable_a intercession_n it_o be_v from_o thence_o evident_a that_o this_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n make_v intercession_n for_o the_o saint_n in_o the_o mouth_n and_o word_n of_o the_o inspire_a person_n this_o be_v a_o plain_a account_n of_o those_o word_n of_o pray_v in_o or_o by_o the_o spirit_n and_o well_o agree_v with_o every_o thing_n say_v concern_v it_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n it_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n if_o we_o in_o these_o day_n shall_v expect_v any_o such_o assistance_n from_o god_n so_o that_o now_o a_o readiness_n of_o new_a or_o tender_a expression_n in_o prayer_n be_v a_o effect_n of_o a_o quickness_n of_o thought_n a_o liveliness_n of_o imagination_n together_o with_o a_o good_a memory_n much_o conversant_a in_o scripture-phrase_n and_o long_o practise_v in_o that_o way_n all_o thing_n by_o a_o long_a use_n grow_v flat_a to_o mind_n that_o be_v not_o serious_o awaken_v but_o extemporary_a prayer_n do_v rather_o kill_v than_o feed_v true_a devotion_n since_o they_o must_v be_v hearken_v to_o as_o discourse_n which_o be_v a_o distraction_n to_o he_o that_o pray_v after_o they_o whereas_o those_o accustom_a to_o set-form_n have_v only_o the_o thing_n themselves_o that_o their_o devotion_n relate_v to_o in_o their_o view_n so_o they_o be_v certain_o less_o tempt_v to_o distraction_n than_o they_o must_v be_v who_o follow_v the_o other_o way_n those_o sudden_a start_n that_o be_v give_v to_o the_o mind_n by_o soft_a word_n and_o melt_a image_n of_o thing_n may_v be_v according_a to_o the_o different_a composition_n of_o man_n more_o or_o less_o useful_a to_o they_o in_o their_o secret_a exercise_n but_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v let_v in_o upon_o public_a assembly_n which_o be_v make_v up_o of_o a_o great_a variety_n of_o temper_n must_v be_v entertain_v only_o with_o such_o devotion_n that_o suit_n with_o all_o their_o condition_n and_o do_v equal_o quadrate_n to_o all_o their_o necessity_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v not_o only_o natural_a but_o necessary_a for_o all_o man_n who_o will_v maintain_v order_n in_o their_o worship_n and_o will_v frame_v it_o in_o so_o diffuse_v a_o extent_n as_o to_o take_v all_o equal_o within_o it_o that_o they_o have_v