build_v after_o this_o inward_a manner_n this_o second_o kind_n of_o building_n be_v in_o order_n and_o nature_n the_o first_o yea_o that_o which_o move_v the_o external_a action_n of_o the_o spiritual_a building_n and_o prepare_v the_o way_n for_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n by_o the_o mean_n whereof_o a_o church_n can_v be_v set_v up_o in_o any_o place_n whâ—ther_o country_n city_n or_o family_n till_o that_o the_o power_n whereby_o the_o say_a place_n be_v rule_v do_v either_o procure_v or_o at_o the_o least_o suffer_v it_o for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n neither_o do_v it_o take_v a_o way_n the_o general_a ordinance_n of_o magistracy_n and_o order_n whereby_o god_n rule_v the_o world_n but_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o outward_a action_n subject_a unto_o it_o and_o to_o be_v establish_v and_o miantain_v by_o it_o for_o as_o god_n himself_o be_v the_o head_n and_o first_o mover_n in_o the_o build_n of_o the_o church_n when_o as_o at_o the_o first_o he_o send_v his_o apostle_n immediate_o by_o his_o own_o authority_n to_o do_v it_o so_o also_o it_o be_v his_o will_n that_o they_o who_o do_v supply_v his_o place_n and_o be_v after_o a_o sort_n god_n on_o earth_n shall_v afterwards_o be_v the_o first_o agent_n in_o this_o work_n for_o we_o be_v not_o to_o think_v that_o ruler_n by_o the_o which_o name_n we_o call_v all_o that_o have_v authority_n whetheâ—_n in_o country_n town_n or_o private_a house_n have_v the_o charge_n only_o of_o the_o body_n of_o their_o subject_n commit_v unto_o they_o but_o rather_o that_o their_o chief_a care_n ought_v to_o be_v to_o provide_v for_o their_o soul_n subject_n the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n wherein_o the_o last_o end_n and_o chief_a happiness_n of_o man_n consist_v and_o whereunto_o all_o temporal_a benefit_n be_v to_o be_v refer_v as_o the_o apostle_n write_v .1_o timo._n 2.2_o the_o end_n of_o a_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a life_n procure_v by_o magistrate_n be_v the_o right_a worship_n of_o god._n for_o this_o cause_n civil_a ruler_n be_v call_v by_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n the_o pastor_n or_o feeder_n of_o the_o people_n not_o as_o if_o they_o be_v to_o feed_v their_o body_n only_o as_o sheep_n herd_n do_v flock_n of_o sheep_n but_o chief_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o soul_n as_o we_o may_v see_v evident_o 1._o chro_fw-la 17.6_o which_o way_n soever_o i_o walk_v with_o israel_n have_v i_o speak_v of_o build_v a_o church_n or_o temple_n to_o any_o of_o the_o judge_n of_o israel_n who_o i_o command_v to_o feed_v my_o people_n in_o the_o which_o place_n we_o may_v see_v at_o who_o hand_n god_n look_v for_o the_o build_n of_o his_o church_n but_o it_o may_v be_v here_o ask_v what_o if_o this_o civil_a power_n do_v not_o move_v in_o this_o work_n whether_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o church_n or_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n in_o that_o place_n or_o rather_o if_o that_o the_o king_n prince_n magistrate_n or_o the_o master_n of_o the_o family_n he_o negligent_a in_o his_o duty_n if_o not_o then_o the_o subject_n son_n or_o servant_n in_o a_o private_a house_n may_v lawful_o take_v this_o work_n in_o hand_n or_o yet_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n may_v begin_v and_o go_v on_o in_o their_o work_n yea_o although_o they_o be_v neither_o set_v on_o work_n nor_o yet_o tolerate_v but_o even_o flat_o forbid_v and_o peremptorelie_o hinder_v by_o the_o say_a poweâ—_n for_o otherwise_o it_o may_v come_v to_o pass_v by_o the_o obstinacy_n of_o ruler_n be_v enemy_n to_o the_o gospel_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o church_n either_o public_a or_o private_a in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o world_n whereas_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o his_o church_n and_o true_a worship_n shall_v be_v establish_v in_o all_o place_n and_o therefore_o it_o may_v seem_v that_o in_o this_o case_n the_o council_n and_o practtise_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v to_o be_v follow_v who_o be_v forbid_v by_o the_o ruler_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n answer_v that_o it_o be_v better_a to_o obey_v god_n then_o man_n the_o answer_n be_v as_o before_o chapter_n 7._o sect._n 6._o that_o as_o touch_v ordinary_a calling_n a_o church_n can_v lawful_o be_v build_v in_o any_o place_n by_o resist_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o say_a place_n for_o no_o man_n may_v against_o the_o will_n of_o any_o man_n rush_v into_o his_o house_n to_o instruct_v his_o family_n or_o into_o a_o city_n to_o abolishe_v idolatry_n and_o to_o set_v up_o public_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n because_o howsoever_o every_o one_o ought_v to_o endeavour_n to_o build_v the_o church_n yet_o we_o ought_v to_o keep_v ourselves_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o our_o own_o call_n and_o not_o to_o take_v upon_o we_o by_o violence_n the_o performance_n of_o other_o man_n duty_n for_o none_o be_v crown_v either_o with_o due_a praise_n or_o with_o happy_a success_n of_o their_o labour_n but_o they_o who_o strive_v lawful_o church_n howsoever_o it_o please_v god_n some_o time_n to_o accept_v and_o prosper_v the_o endeavour_n of_o those_o who_o labour_n in_o advance_v his_o worship_n and_o glory_n more_o in_o fervent_a zeal_n then_o imperfect_a knowledge_n &_o so_o go_v further_o in_o this_o behalf_n than_o the_o secret_a rule_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n do_v require_v or_o permit_v as_o the_o apostle_n they_o have_v a_o extraordinary_a call_n and_o dispensation_n immediate_o from_o god_n himself_o needful_a for_o the_o first_o publish_v of_o the_o gospel_n the_o which_o they_o be_v to_o obey_v yea_o though_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o he_o reveal_v will_n but_o ordinary_a minister_n have_v no_o calling_n but_o from_o man_n and_o must_v square_v their_o action_n according_a to_o the_o write_a word_n and_o yet_o we_o be_v not_o to_o think_v that_o it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o man_n or_o of_o any_o creature_n to_o forbid_v the_o service_n of_o god_n for_o although_o all_o the_o ruler_n in_o the_o world_n shall_v make_v that_o edict_n of_o dariuâ—_n that_o none_o shall_v pray_v unto_o god_n yet_o we_o ought_v nor_o to_o obey_v it_o as_o we_o see_v in_o the_o example_n of_o daniel_n daâ—_n 6.10_o but_o we_o speak_v of_o build_v a_o church_n in_o any_o place_n the_o which_o work_n be_v never_o so_o general_o hinder_v but_o that_o god_n incline_v the_o heart_n of_o some_o to_o set_v it_o forward_o and_o whenas_o no_o public_a magistrate_n do_v build_v the_o church_n yet_o private_a man_n give_v it_o entertainment_n in_o their_o house_n as_o touch_v other_o particular_n wherein_o this_o civil_a power_n meddle_v with_o the_o church_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v they_o hereafter_o only_o we_o â—re_n here_o to_o note_v how_o this_o power_n may_v be_v call_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n to_o wit_n for_o that_o it_o be_v the_o first_o mover_n in_o the_o build_n of_o it_o in_o the_o which_o respect_v not_o only_a king_n and_o prince_n but_o even_o private_a man_n who_o set_v up_o and_o maintain_v the_o church_n within_o their_o house_n may_v in_o regard_n of_o their_o own_o family_n be_v so_o call_v be_v and_o yet_o we_o do_v not_o by_o this_o mean_n give_v that_o to_o man_n which_o be_v proper_a to_o christ_n for_o first_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n but_o man_n of_o some_o particular_a church_n only_o second_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n not_o only_o to_o the_o whole_a church_n but_o also_o to_o the_o several_a member_n of_o it_o to_o who_o he_o give_v motion_n by_o bestow_v on_o they_o the_o grace_n of_o his_o spirit_n either_o permanent_a or_o temporary_a but_o man_n be_v the_o head_n only_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o builder_n namely_o of_o the_o teacher_n and_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o people_n as_o they_o give_v themselves_o to_o be_v make_v a_o church_n and_o last_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o internal_a and_o spiritual_a work_n but_o man_n of_o the_o external_a building_n christ_n give_v gift_n fit_a for_o the_o ministry_n which_o make_v a_o inward_a call_n but_o man_n give_v the_o outward_a call_n christ_n have_v appoint_v the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n general_o in_o the_o whole_a visible_a church_n but_o man_n procure_v the_o execution_n of_o the_o say_a office_n in_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a place_n by_o this_o or_o that_o person_n so_o that_o whatsoever_o civil_a power_n it_o be_v whether_o of_o prince_n in_o kingdom_n or_o of_o the_o people_n or_o senate_n in_o commonwealthe_n or_o of_o private_a man_n in_o their_o family_n that_o build_v the_o church_n it_o may_v very_o fit_o be_v call_v the_o head_n in_o that_o work_n as_o we_o may_v see_v num._n 1.15_o &_o 7.2_o that_o in_o regard_n of_o
knowledge_n which_o man_n have_v at_o the_o beginning_n may_v seem_v to_o have_v be_v great_a ignorance_n and_o darkness_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o light_n which_o now_o do_v appear_v so_o that_o according_a to_o the_o difference_n of_o time_n we_o must_v also_o make_v a_o diversity_n of_o ecclesiaâ—tcall_a law_n and_o that_o in_o respect_n not_o only_o of_o the_o people_n but_o even_o of_o they_o also_o who_o do_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n advise_v and_o appoint_v thâ—se_a law_n who_o although_o they_o do_v excel_v all_o other_o in_o knowledge_n yet_o they_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o ignoraunce_n and_o error_n of_o the_o time_n wherein_o they_o live_v from_o the_o which_o no_o man_n can_v be_v whole_o free_v as_o may_v be_v declare_v at_o large_a if_o it_o be_v needful_a to_o be_v stand_v upon_o by_o the_o which_o mean_v it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o they_o do_v see_v much_o more_o in_o process_n of_o time_n than_o they_o do_v at_o the_o first_o insomuch_o that_o they_o will_v acknowledge_v many_o imperfection_n in_o those_o law_n wherein_o before_o there_o seem_v nothing_o to_o be_v want_v thus_o we_o see_v that_o the_o liberty_n or_o rather_o the_o necessity_n of_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o gentiles_n be_v in_o time_n reveal_v unto_o the_o church_n whereof_o at_o the_o first_o they_o never_o dream_v acts._n 11.18_o second_o if_o this_o be_v grant_v that_o they_o to_o who_o the_o advise_v of_o law_n for_o the_o church_n be_v commmit_v do_v see_v the_o whole_a truth_n of_o those_o matter_n whereof_o they_o do_v consult_v yet_o there_o must_v be_v regard_n have_v of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o people_n for_o who_o these_o law_n be_v to_o be_v make_v as_o the_o apostle_n witness_v that_o he_o can_v not_o speak_v to_o the_o corinthian_n 1_o cor._n 3.1_o as_o unto_o spiritual_a but_o as_o unto_o carnal_a man_n and_o that_o in_o consideration_n of_o this_o their_o estate_n he_o give_v they_o milk_n and_o not_o strong_a meat_n and_o in_o like_a manner_n he_o write_v to_o the_o roman_n that_o their_o salvation_n be_v now_o much_o near_a than_o when_o they_o do_v first_o believe_v rom._n 13._o where_o he_o show_v that_o the_o night_n of_o ignorance_n and_o atheism_n wherein_o they_o have_v live_v have_v go_v on_o and_o pass_v away_o by_o little_a &_o little_a and_o in_o like_a manner_n the_o day_n have_v approach_v for_o the_o apostle_n do_v see_v that_o the_o gentiles_n which_o have_v embrace_v the_o gospel_n can_v not_o at_o the_o first_o let_v go_v their_o whole_a course_n of_o life_n whereunto_o they_o have_v be_v continual_o accustom_v and_o do_v in_o that_o respect_n no_o doubt_n tolerate_v many_o thing_n among_o they_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o time_n which_o afterward_o be_v not_o to_o be_v suffer_v in_o regard_n of_o the_o diverse_a nature_n of_o the_o people_n we_o may_v consider_v that_o some_o need_n more_o sharp_a and_o straight_o law_n to_o keep_v they_o in_o order_n than_o other_o do_v the_o which_o consideration_n the_o apostle_n do_v commend_v to_o titus_n another_o tit._n 1.13_o that_o forasmuch_o as_o the_o gratian'ss_n be_v always_o liar_n evil_a beast_n and_o slow_a belly_n therefore_o he_o shall_v reprove_v they_o sharp_o and_o special_o we_o be_v here_o to_o note_v the_o sin_n whereunto_o the_o people_n be_v general_o and_o after_o a_o sort_n natural_o give_v that_o they_o may_v be_v repress_v by_o many_o law_n and_o sharp_a censure_n and_o punishment_n appoint_v for_o they_o who_o do_v offend_v and_o by_o cut_v off_o the_o usual_a occasion_n of_o those_o sinneâ—_n yea_o the_o manner_n and_o behaviour_n of_o man_n common_o receive_v be_v often_o time_n to_o be_v mark_v in_o appoint_v the_o outward_a order_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n for_o many_o thing_n be_v decent_a and_o orderly_a in_o one_o country_n which_o will_v be_v strange_a and_o unseemly_a in_o another_o three_o for_o the_o present_a state_n of_o that_o church_n which_o we_o do_v go_v about_o to_o put_v in_o good_a order_n by_o these_o law_n we_o be_v to_o have_v a_o special_a regard_n unto_o it_o the_o which_o as_o it_o be_v diverse_a and_o subject_a to_o many_o alteration_n so_o ought_v the_o law_n to_o be_v change_v so_o as_o they_o may_v best_o fit_v the_o present_a state_n for_o as_o the_o church_n be_v either_o in_o plant_v or_o else_o in_o grow_v to_o a_o ripe_a age_n either_o in_o great_a motion_n or_o else_o full_o establish_v and_o settle_v pure_a or_o corrupt_a perfect_a or_o imperfect_a so_o all_o the_o law_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v alter_v and_o frame_v according_o of_o all_o which_o estate_n we_o be_v hereafter_o to_o entreat_v four_o the_o law_n of_o the_o church_n be_v so_o to_o be_v make_v as_o that_o they_o do_v not_o cross_v the_o law_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n wherein_o the_o church_n be_v by_o hinder_v the_o church_n from_o perform_v any_o civil_a duty_n which_o be_v lawful_a to_o be_v do_v and_o to_o omit_v many_o other_o respect_n which_o herein_o be_v to_o be_v have_v this_o be_v diligent_o to_o be_v regard_v that_o we_o do_v labour_n to_o conform_v our_o law_n to_o the_o law_n of_o those_o church_n which_o be_v most_o pure_a and_o sincere_a in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n that_o as_o we_o have_v the_o same_o faith_n and_o substance_n of_o government_n so_o also_o we_o may_v have_v the_o same_o ceremony_n and_o ecclesiastical_a order_n although_o not_o all_o for_o that_o can_v be_v yet_o in_o the_o great_a part_n for_o beside_o that_o this_o full_a agreement_n of_o church_n in_o all_o matter_n both_o of_o lesser_a and_o great_a importance_n without_o any_o jar_a be_v as_o a_o sweet_a harmony_n in_o the_o ear_n of_o god_n and_o most_o decent_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o all_o man_n even_o of_o those_o who_o be_v stranger_n from_o the_o faith_n it_o do_v also_o bring_v great_a estimation_n authority_n and_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o several_a church_n for_o that_o hardly_o any_o christian_n will_v be_v find_v so_o perverse_a and_o wilful_a as_o to_o contemn_v or_o reject_v those_o order_n which_o be_v approve_v and_o practise_v by_o many_o church_n this_o argument_n the_o apostle_n do_v often_o use_v to_o establish_v and_o keep_v in_o force_n the_o good_a order_n of_o the_o church_n as_o we_o may_v see_v 1._o cor._n 11.16_o and_o 14.36_o and_o 1._o thâ—ss_n 2.14_o sect._n 5_o of_o the_o number_n of_o ecclesiastical_a law_n the_o number_n of_o these_o law_n ought_v to_o be_v define_v by_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o church_n that_o they_o be_v so_o many_o as_o be_v needful_a for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o good_a estate_n and_o order_n thereof_o so_o that_o if_o any_o be_v take_v away_o there_o will_v a_o manifest_a inconvenience_n follow_v neither_o ought_v the_o number_n to_o exceed_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o for_o these_o cause_n first_o because_o the_o multitude_n of_o law_n be_v contrary_a to_o christian_n liberty_n in_o that_o it_o do_v both_o restrain_v man_n from_o do_v thing_n which_o otherwise_o be_v very_o commodious_a for_o they_o to_o do_v and_o also_o impose_v duty_n the_o performance_n whereof_o be_v otherwise_o needless_a be_v a_o burden_n and_o trouble_n to_o the_o church_n avoid_v this_o reason_n ought_v to_o be_v of_o great_a force_n for_o this_o purpose_n especial_o in_o this_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n wherein_o it_o have_v please_v god_n in_o great_a mercy_n and_o wisdom_n to_o take_v from_o his_o church_n that_o heavy_a yoke_n of_o ceremonial_a law_n wherewith_o she_o be_v grievous_o clog_v before_o and_o to_o endue_v she_o be_v now_o more_o near_o join_v to_o christ_n her_o husband_n with_o this_o notable_a privilege_n and_o benefit_n of_o christian_a liberty_n the_o which_o be_v give_v by_o god_n man_n can_v without_o great_a injury_n both_o to_o god_n and_o man_n take_v away_o and_o here_o by_o the_o way_n we_o may_v see_v what_o a_o impious_a and_o intolerable_a tyranny_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v exercise_v in_o and_o over_o the_o church_n of_o god_n impose_v such_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o vain_a and_o ridiculous_a ceremony_n as_o do_v far_o exceed_v the_o number_n both_o of_o judicial_a &_o also_o of_o heathenish_a ceremony_n and_o therefore_o herein_o we_o be_v to_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n act._n 15.28_o it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o to_o we_o not_o to_o lay_v any_o burden_n of_o observation_n upon_o the_o church_n more_o than_o be_v needful_a second_o the_o multitude_n of_o ecclesiastical_a law_n do_v bring_v with_o it_o a_o multitude_n of_o ceremony_n which_o in_o no_o case_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v for_o that_o it_o do_v derogate_v from_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o
each_o other_o and_o their_o general_a affair_n be_v so_o link_v together_o as_o that_o neither_o can_v be_v well_o order_v without_o respect_n have_v to_o the_o other_o as_o that_o we_o rather_o take_v it_o agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o the_o chief_a stroke_n in_o this_o action_n be_v give_v unto_o he_o for_o the_o further_a declaration_n hereof_o the_o make_n of_o law_n have_v two_o part_n the_o first_o be_v the_o counsel_v or_o advise_v of_o they_o the_o second_o be_v the_o establish_n or_o enact_v of_o they_o both_o which_o as_o it_o seem_v belong_v to_o the_o civil_a ruler_n the_o first_o in_o part_n the_o second_o whole_o the_o enact_v of_o the_o law_n be_v the_o make_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o in_o the_o first_o place_n we_o will_v endeavour_v to_o show_v that_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v advise_v for_o the_o order_n of_o a_o public_a church_n have_v both_o the_o name_n and_o the_o force_n of_o law_n from_o the_o civil_a power_n for_o first_o this_o must_v of_o necessititie_n be_v grant_v to_o it_o in_o the_o first_o sound_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o we_o be_v to_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v neither_o minister_n nor_o any_o believe_a people_n only_o the_o magistrate_n have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a god_n go_v about_o to_o bring_v the_o people_n thereunto_o the_o which_o thing_n he_o can_v do_v without_o make_v and_o establish_v law_n for_o that_o purpose_n so_o that_o as_o we_o see_v it_o to_o be_v in_o other_o matter_n in_o that_o the_o civil_a ruler_n be_v the_o first_o and_o sole_a founder_n of_o these_o public_a church_n he_o have_v the_o power_n of_o enact_v those_o law_n whereby_o the_o whole_a work_n be_v both_o begin_v continue_a and_o preserve_v thus_o the_o apostle_n be_v the_o first_o founder_n of_o the_o church_n do_v make_v law_n and_o constitution_n for_o the_o order_n of_o they_o as_o we_o may_v see_v 1._o cor._n 4.17_o where_o paul_n witness_v of_o himself_o that_o he_o do_v make_v the_o same_o constitution_n in_o all_o church_n in_o like_a manner_n the_o chief_a ruler_n although_o they_o have_v not_o apostolical_a calling_n office_n and_o gift_n yet_o for_o that_o in_o plant_v public_a church_n they_o do_v supply_v their_o place_n we_o be_v to_o grant_v unto_o they_o authority_n in_o this_o behalf_n and_o as_o this_o poâ—er_n can_v be_v deny_v to_o the_o magistrate_n in_o the_o first_o sound_n of_o a_o church_n so_o whenas_o the_o church_n be_v build_v his_o authority_n be_v not_o diminish_v or_o abate_v or_o give_v to_o any_o other_o but_o remain_v still_o in_o his_o own_o hand_n the_o truth_n whereof_o may_v be_v declare_v in_o this_o manner_n to_o make_v a_o lawgiver_n there_o must_v these_o thing_n concur_v first_o a_o public_a call_n whereby_o he_o have_v care_n and_o charge_n of_o the_o people_n to_o procure_v their_o good_a as_o by_o all_o other_o mean_n so_o especial_o by_o give_v they_o good_a and_o righteous_a law_n by_o the_o which_o they_o may_v be_v order_v second_o authority_n to_o command_v and_o also_o power_n to_o compel_v those_o who_o be_v rebellious_a to_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o the_o say_a law_n the_o which_o thing_n for_o so_o much_o as_o they_o be_v want_v in_o all_o other_o save_v in_o the_o chief_a ruler_n hereof_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o give_v of_o law_n can_v belong_v to_o any_o save_v to_o he_o only_o for_o the_o great_a evidence_n of_o this_o point_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v to_o who_o this_o make_n of_o ecclesiastical_a law_n be_v give_v be_v deny_v to_o the_o civil_a ruler_n namely_o to_o the_o whole_a ministry_n of_o the_o church_n establish_v who_o as_o they_o have_v the_o order_n and_o rule_v of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o great_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n in_o these_o affair_n so_o it_o may_v seem_v most_o meet_a that_o the_o make_n of_o law_n be_v permit_v unto_o they_o for_o the_o answer_v whereof_o this_o be_v to_o be_v mark_v that_o we_o do_v not_o here_o inquire_v who_o aâ—e_v most_o meet_a to_o advise_v ecclesiastical_a law_n and_o to_o be_v admit_v into_o consultation_n of_o they_o for_o we_o can_v doubt_v but_o that_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n be_v usual_o most_o fit_a for_o this_o purpose_n but_o who_o have_v this_o call_n office_n and_o authority_n to_o make_v these_o law_n all_o which_o seem_v to_o be_v want_v in_o the_o ministerâ—_n who_o calling_n and_o office_n be_v to_o be_v in_o particular_a church_n the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n of_o prayer_n of_o the_o sacrament_n &_o of_o discipline_n but_o not_o to_o be_v lawgiver_n in_o the_o church_n for_o so_o they_o shall_v rule_v over_o it_o as_o lord_n which_o be_v forbid_v 1._o pet._n 5.3_o yea_o they_o have_v no_o power_n to_o make_v and_o authorise_v law_n no_o not_o in_o a_o private_a church_n which_o be_v free_a from_o the_o civil_a power_n for_o although_o they_o bear_v the_o chief_a sway_n in_o this_o and_o in_o all_o other_o action_n yet_o the_o law_n take_v their_o authority_n not_o from_o the_o minister_n but_o from_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o church_n consist_v of_o minister_n and_o people_n but_o in_o a_o public_a church_n this_o authority_n go_v from_o the_o people_n to_o the_o civil_a ruler_n government_n by_o who_o authority_n it_o be_v plant_v build_v and_o prefer_v the_o word_n lawful_o preach_v in_o great_a assembly_n of_o the_o people_n the_o which_o otherwise_o be_v tumult_n yea_o the_o positive_a law_n of_o the_o church_n authorize_v &_o put_v in_o force_n so_o that_o in_o a_o private_a church_n the_o state_n iâ—_n popular_a but_o in_o a_o public_a church_n it_o be_v according_a to_o the_o civil_a state_n as_o namely_o monarchical_a in_o the_o rule_n of_o one_o if_o any_o do_v here_o object_v that_o definition_n of_o the_o office_n and_o duty_n of_o a_o ruler_n which_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n make_v 1._o sam._n 8.20_o say_n we_o will_v have_v a_o king_n who_o shall_v judge_v we_o and_o fight_v our_o battle_n for_o we_o and_o thereof_o gather_v that_o he_o be_v otherwise_o busy_v can_v use_v the_o mean_n of_o attain_v a_o sufficient_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n in_o order_v of_o the_o church_n we_o answer_v that_o this_o people_n have_v no_o care_n but_o of_o worldly_a matter_n and_o further_o that_o there_o be_v no_o ruler_n in_o his_o own_o person_n so_o continual_o employ_v in_o civil_a or_o warlike_a affair_n but_o that_o he_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o give_v himself_o to_o the_o study_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o use_n of_o all_o man_n whereby_o he_o may_v be_v make_v able_a for_o the_o discharge_n of_o this_o duty_n to_o the_o church_n the_o truth_n of_o this_o point_n appear_v in_o the_o example_n of_o josua_n who_o have_v a_o more_o weighty_a and_o troublesome_a charge_n lay_v upon_o he_o namely_o to_o bring_v the_o people_n of_o israel_n into_o the_o land_n of_o chanaan_n and_o to_o give_v they_o quiet_a possession_n of_o it_o than_o any_o ruler_n have_v in_o the_o ordinary_a government_n of_o his_o realm_n and_o yet_o the_o lord_n give_v he_o this_o commandment_n in_o the_o first_o place_n jos._n 1.8_o that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n shall_v never_o depart_v from_o he_o but_o that_o he_o shall_v meditate_v on_o it_o day_n and_o night_n if_o it_o be_v further_o ask_v why_o the_o apostle_n never_o make_v mention_n of_o any_o such_o authority_n that_o prince_n shall_v haâ—e_v in_o the_o church_n the_o answer_n be_v plain_a to_o wit_n that_o there_o be_v no_o public_a church_n in_o their_o day_n and_o therefore_o the_o civil_a ruler_n have_v no_o further_a to_o deal_v with_o they_o then_o to_o tolerate_v they_o within_o their_o dominion_n and_o to_o see_v that_o they_o live_v in_o civil_a peace_n and_o order_n as_o touch_v the_o advise_v of_o law_n although_o the_o civil_a ruler_n have_v the_o authority_n of_o enact_v they_o write_n yet_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v very_o spare_v and_o moderate_a in_o use_v it_o the_o which_o thing_n as_o it_o be_v necessarelie_o to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o civil_a government_n of_o all_o ruler_n who_o desire_v to_o have_v a_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a estate_n so_o it_o be_v much_o more_o requisite_a in_o order_v the_o churrch_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v rule_v after_o a_o most_o gentle_a and_o mild_a manner_n even_o as_o the_o prophet_n esay_n do_v teach_v we_o say_v that_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n king_n &_o queen_n shall_v be_v nourse-fathers_n and_o nourse-mothers_n to_o the_o church_n that_o be_v they_o shall_v rule_v and_o order_v it_o not_o tyrannical_o by_o force_n and_o violence_n but_o in_o a_o love_a and_o tender_a sort_n even_o as_o we_o see_v nurse_n deal_v with_o young_a child_n the_o which_o affection_n a_o christian_n ruler_n
doctrine_n ought_v to_o be_v esteem_v the_o public_a confession_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n whereby_o they_o do_v make_v know_v not_o only_o to_o other_o church_n but_o also_o to_o the_o whole_a world_n that_o they_o do_v profess_v &_o maintain_v the_o truth_n of_o christian_n religion_n and_o of_o every_o part_n thereof_o &_o do_v detest_v &_o abhor_v all_o the_o false_a worship_n of_o the_o jew_n turk_n and_o all_o other_o infidel_n whatsoever_o and_o also_o that_o they_o be_v free_a from_o all_o false_a &_o erroneous_a opinion_n all_o gross_a &_o blasphemous_a heresy_n of_o man_n profess_v the_o faith_n wherewith_o the_o church_n have_v be_v at_o all_o time_n and_o be_v trouble_v at_o this_o day_n this_o public_a profession_n of_o the_o faith_n be_v with_o great_a care_n &_o diligence_n make_v and_o approve_v by_o the_o general_a consent_n of_o the_o whole_a council_n be_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o chief_a ruler_n to_o be_v enjoin_v to_o the_o whole_a ch._n so_o as_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o any_o man_n to_o deny_v or_o refute_v any_o point_n of_o it_o yet_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o contain_v in_o it_o the_o determination_n of_o all_o controversy_n but_o only_o a_o declaration_n of_o the_o chief_a point_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o profession_n whereof_o the_o life_n &_o as_o it_o be_v the_o very_a essence_n or_o be_v of_o the_o church_n do_v consist_v for_o as_o touch_v matter_n of_o less_o moment_n in_o the_o which_o man_n may_v err_v without_o any_o danger_n to_o their_o own_o salvation_n or_o hurt_n to_o the_o church_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o all_o man_n shall_v be_v bring_v to_o think_v and_o profess_v the_o same_o thing_n but_o there_o will_v be_v continual_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n in_o these_o point_n in_o every_o church_n yet_o it_o do_v belong_v to_o this_o public_a council_n to_o consider_v &_o to_o determine_v even_o of_o other_o doubt_n &_o controversy_n which_o do_v trouble_v the_o church_n that_o by_o this_o mean_v contention_n may_v be_v take_v away_o and_o as_o the_o apostle_n write_v 1._o cor._n 1.10_o all_o may_v say_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o be_v knit_v together_o in_o one_o mind_n and_o in_o one_o judgement_n yet_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o council_n of_o these_o light_a point_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v impose_v upon_o any_o man_n to_o think_v or_o to_o profess_v but_o every_o man_n leave_v to_o think_v as_o it_o shall_v please_v god_n to_o give_v he_o to_o understand_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o that_o behalf_n either_o keep_v his_o opinion_n dissent_v frâ—m_o the_o church_n to_o himself_o or_o else_o impart_v it_o to_o other_o in_o that_o moderate_a wise_a and_o christian_n manner_n as_o that_o no_o man_n be_v just_o offend_v by_o he_o or_o the_o public_a peace_n of_o the_o church_n disquiet_v but_o rather_o all_o in_o some_o measure_n edify_v sect._n 4._o of_o the_o govern_n of_o the_o several_a province_n of_o a_o national_a church_n thus_o much_o of_o a_o public_a or_o national_a council_n gather_v order_v and_o establish_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o chief_a ruler_n for_o this_o end_n to_o bring_v the_o whole_a church_n to_o a_o conformity_n both_o in_o outward_a rite_n and_o order_n and_o also_o in_o the_o truth_n of_o doctrine_n wherein_o this_o be_v especial_o to_o be_v consider_v and_o therefore_o not_o unfit_a to_o be_v repeat_v that_o there_o be_v regard_n have_v unto_o the_o liberty_n of_o inferior_a synod_n for_o as_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o make_v all_o man_n think_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o all_o point_n so_o also_o it_o be_v unmeet_a yea_o impossible_a that_o the_o general_a council_n shall_v so_o define_v of_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v incident_a into_o the_o govern_n of_o church_n as_o that_o nothing_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o discretion_n and_o disposition_n of_o inferior_a assembly_n and_o therefore_o the_o decree_n and_o law_n make_v by_o the_o general_a council_n ought_v to_o be_v as_o rule_n to_o direct_v they_o in_o their_o action_n although_o all_o particular_a case_n and_o circumstance_n yea_o matter_n of_o less_o importance_n be_v neither_o determine_v nor_o yet_o mention_v in_o they_o now_o we_o be_v to_o come_v to_o provincial_a counsel_n for_o so_o much_o as_o there_o do_v daily_o many_o doubt_n and_o controversy_n arise_v yea_o great_a and_o weighty_a affair_n do_v offer_v themselves_o amongst_o the_o church_n which_o neither_o for_o the_o greatness_n can_v sufficient_o be_v determine_v and_o order_v by_o a_o few_o minister_n neither_o yet_o convenient_o be_v defer_v to_o a_o general_a meeting_n which_o can_v be_v have_v without_o great_a trouble_n to_o the_o church_n therefore_o provincial_a synod_n have_v a_o necessary_a use_n they_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o general_a counsel_n save_v only_o that_o they_o belong_v not_o to_o the_o whole_a ch._n but_o only_o to_o some_o part_n of_o it_o as_o it_o be_v distinguish_v they_o be_v to_o be_v call_v order_v and_o establish_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o civil_a ruler_n and_o do_v deal_v in_o the_o same_o matter_n and_o in_o the_o manner_n aforesaid_a for_o the_o care_n and_o order_v not_o only_o of_o a_o whole_a national_a ch._n general_a but_o also_o of_o the_o several_a province_n of_o it_o do_v belong_v to_o the_o civil_a ruler_n so_o that_o although_o it_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o his_o office_n to_o enter_v into_o particular_a congregation_n and_o there_o to_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o ordinary_a governor_n or_o teacher_n yet_o he_o ought_v to_o see_v and_o procure_v that_o they_o be_v in_o good_a order_n that_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n do_v their_o duty_n diligent_o and_o sincere_o that_o the_o people_n live_v in_o obedience_n to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ._n but_o in_o great_a nation_n and_o kingdom_n it_o be_v not_o often_o see_v that_o the_o chief_a ruler_n can_v keep_v in_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o discharge_v in_o his_o own_o person_n this_o duty_n of_o overseeing_a the_o several_a province_n of_o the_o ch._n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v as_o always_o lawful_a so_o often_o needful_a that_o he_o delegate_v and_o commit_v this_o part_n of_o his_o duty_n to_o some_o other_o even_o to_o whosoever_o he_o think_v meet_a for_o this_o purpose_n neither_o be_v we_o to_o exclude_v those_o who_o be_v minister_n of_o the_o word_n from_o this_o call_n as_o if_o they_o only_o be_v unmeete_a whenas_o they_o be_v in_o some_o respect_v fit_a than_o other_o have_v be_v many_o year_n exercise_v in_o the_o affair_n of_o some_o particular_a church_n and_o therefore_o if_o it_o please_v the_o civil_a ruler_n to_o call_v any_o who_o do_v perform_v some_o ordinary_a ministry_n in_o some_o particular_a church_n to_o this_o office_n of_o overseeing_a many_o church_n he_o do_v nothing_o but_o that_o which_o be_v agreeable_a to_o reason_n and_o warrantable_a by_o the_o word_n of_o god._n for_o man_n have_v take_v upon_o they_o any_o ministry_n be_v not_o so_o tie_v unto_o it_o but_o that_o they_o may_v leave_v it_o when_o as_o they_o shall_v be_v call_v by_o the_o chief_a ruler_n to_o perform_v any_o other_o more_o weighty_a and_o public_a duty_n yea_o although_o it_o be_v in_o some_o civil_a office_n and_o much_o more_o to_o have_v the_o care_n of_o many_o church_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o meet_v that_o any_o man_n have_v this_o office_n shall_v withal_o have_v any_o function_n in_o a_o particular_a church_n as_o do_v necessare_o require_v his_o presence_n for_o beside_o other_o inconvenience_n it_o will_v be_v to_o he_o a_o occasion_n of_o negligence_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o his_o duty_n and_o a_o evil_a example_n to_o other_o which_o as_o it_o be_v a_o grievous_a thing_n in_o any_o man_n to_o do_v the_o work_n of_o god_n negligent_o so_o it_o be_v much_o more_o offensive_a in_o he_o who_o office_n and_o call_v it_o be_v to_o see_v that_o the_o church_n be_v well_o order_v thus_o much_o of_o the_o common_a government_n of_o diverse_a church_n whether_o they_o be_v free_a or_o subject_a to_o the_o same_o civil_a power_n from_o this_o common_a government_n whole_a nation_n and_o kingdom_n consist_v of_o many_o church_n be_v often_o call_v one_o particular_a church_n because_o they_o all_o have_v the_o same_o humane_a law_n although_o if_o we_o speak_v proper_o they_o be_v diverse_a church_n because_o they_o have_v not_o all_o the_o same_o law_n but_o only_o some_o public_a common_a and_o general_a law_n pertain_v to_o all_o chap._n xi_o thus_o much_o of_o a_o partìcular_a church_n both_o several_o and_o also_o joint_o consider_v in_o the_o next_o and_o last_o place_n we_o be_v to_o come_v to_o the_o visible_a church_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o collection_n of_o all_o the_o particular_a church_n in_o the_o world_n into_o one_o body_n or_o sum_n which_o
pair_n of_o small_a pigeon_n as_o a_o couple_n of_o great_a ox_n and_o that_o the_o most_o majestical_a and_o stately_a monarch_n as_o namely_o our_o gracious_a sovereign_a inferior_a to_o none_o in_o majesty_n &_o state_n have_v as_o willing_o stoop_v to_o a_o homely_a dish_n of_o fruit_n to_o a_o small_a posy_n of_o three_o or_o four_o flower_n to_o a_o sheet_n of_o paper_n contain_v in_o it_o no_o great_a mystery_n as_o to_o great_a and_o fruitful_a orchard_n to_o the_o most_o fair_a and_o pleasant_a garden_n or_o to_o great_a and_o huge_a volume_n mirror_n of_o wit_n and_o storehouse_n of_o all_o profound_a learning_n yea_o we_o know_v that_o as_o god_n himself_o so_o also_o wise_a prince_n by_o his_o example_n do_v often_o more_o willing_o admit_v mean_a and_o simple_a then_o great_a and_o rich_a oblation_n as_o not_o carry_v with_o they_o any_o show_n of_o merit_n nor_o make_v the_o receiver_n beholden_a and_o indebt_v to_o the_o giver_n in_o the_o which_o respect_n as_o we_o do_v bear_v in_o our_o mind_n unfeigned_a loyalty_n and_o love_n of_o the_o greatness_n whereof_o as_o there_o be_v many_o degree_n of_o it_o we_o have_v nothing_o to_o say_v but_o only_o that_o it_o be_v far_o less_o than_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v to_o her_o majesty_n state_n and_o person_n so_o we_o have_v think_v it_o meet_v to_o testify_v the_o same_o unto_o thou_o good_a reader_n by_o this_o mean_n which_o now_o we_o use_v let_v not_o we_o pray_v thou_o the_o great_a want_n which_o thou_o may_v easy_o espy_v or_o rather_o can_v not_o but_o see_v in_o these_o treatise_n be_v for_o quantity_n small_a and_o contemptible_a for_o style_v base_a yea_o rude_a for_o matter_n barren_a yea_o altogether_o void_a of_o that_o deep_a learning_n which_o abound_v in_o every_o book_n and_o place_n breed_v in_o thy_o mind_n any_o suspicion_n of_o want_n of_o affection_n or_o make_v thou_o think_v they_o altogether_o unfit_a for_o this_o purpose_n we_o do_v not_o go_v about_o to_o make_v either_o comparison_n or_o contention_n between_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o gift_n and_o of_o the_o receiver_n and_o thou_o be_v not_o ignorant_a that_o penny_n and_o half_a penny_n do_v as_o decent_o carry_v about_o with_o they_o the_o name_n arm_n and_o image_n of_o the_o prince_n as_o the_o great_a piece_n of_o gold_n or_o silver_n and_o be_v as_o evident_a testimony_n of_o the_o loyal_a subjection_n of_o the_o people_n amongst_o who_o they_o be_v currant_n how_o then_o will_v some_o man_n say_v be_v all_o to_o be_v account_v unduetifull_a subject_n who_o do_v not_o by_o some_o such_o mean_n testify_v their_o good_a affection_n towards_o their_o prince_n or_o be_v it_o meet_v that_o every_o three_o half_a penny_n pamphlet_n come_v forth_o in_o her_o majesty_n name_n no_o sure_o the_o one_o be_v neither_o needful_a nor_o convenient_a for_o it_o will_v be_v troublesome_a and_o tumultuous_a the_o other_o be_v not_o to_o be_v allow_v only_o we_o mean_v that_o no_o man_n shall_v be_v want_v as_o in_o bear_v in_o his_o heart_n so_o in_o testify_v unto_o other_o his_o love_n and_o loyalty_n towards_o his_o prince_n when_o occasion_n be_v offer_v and_o do_v so_o require_v and_o that_o the_o smallness_n or_o meanness_n of_o the_o present_a especial_o in_o this_o kind_n wherein_o it_o be_v after_o a_o sort_n commendable_a for_o we_o can_v think_v that_o great_a prince_n have_v leisure_n to_o peruse_v many_o great_a volume_n ought_v to_o make_v we_o think_v it_o unmeete_a for_o this_o purpose_n if_o that_o in_o other_o respect_n it_o do_v agree_v and_o whether_o this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a defence_n for_o our_o do_v or_o not_o yet_o we_o trust_v that_o thou_o gentle_a reader_n to_o who_o only_o this_o book_n although_o dedicate_v to_o her_o m._n be_v to_o be_v offer_v and_o present_v will_v not_o reject_v it_o for_o the_o meanness_n of_o it_o but_o take_v it_o in_o good_a part_n instead_o of_o a_o better_a thus_o we_o have_v pen_v and_o be_v about_o to_o publish_v these_o two_o treatise_n the_o one_o of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n the_o other_o of_o the_o right_a constitution_n of_o a_o church_n seem_v both_o to_o ourselves_o and_o also_o to_o other_o to_o have_v good_a occasion_n offer_v of_o perform_v the_o aforesaid_a duty_n and_o that_o the_o argument_n of_o these_o treatise_n do_v even_o lead_v we_o by_o the_o hand_n to_o this_o dedication_n it_o be_v rashness_n &_o folly_n for_o any_o man_n to_o think_v that_o every_o flower_n in_o his_o garden_n be_v a_o fit_a present_a for_o a_o prince_n although_o if_o there_o be_v any_o necessity_n that_o he_o shall_v of_o a_o sudden_a testify_v his_o submission_n the_o mean_a will_v serve_v his_o turn_n to_o a_o gracious_a prince_n as_o jacob_n bid_v his_o son_n take_v with_o they_o a_o present_a to_o the_o ruler_n of_o egypt_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v ready_a in_o the_o house_n yet_o if_o happy_o his_o garden_n bring_v forth_o a_o flower_n of_o that_o kind_n whereof_o the_o poet_n speak_v inscripti_fw-la nomina_fw-la regum_fw-la wherein_o the_o name_n picture_n or_o arm_n of_o his_o prince_n be_v livele_o engrave_v by_o nature_n herself_o who_o will_v not_o pardon_v his_o boldness_n in_o present_v it_o to_o he_o yea_o although_o it_o be_v not_o in_o any_o respect_n so_o fair_a pleasant_a and_o fragrant_a as_o many_o other_o yea_o and_o if_o he_o shall_v be_v draw_v by_o affection_n or_o hope_n of_o gain_n which_o hâ—_n perhaps_o will_v hope_v for_o rather_o at_o a_o mean_a man_n hand_n as_o have_v leisure_n to_o mind_n and_o remember_v the_o performance_n of_o that_o duty_n bestow_v it_o upon_o any_o other_o judge_v he_o a_o unduetifull_a and_o unthankful_a subject_n thus_o our_o poor_a garden_n have_v yield_v this_o treatise_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n wherein_o nothing_o be_v worthy_a to_o be_v either_o commend_v or_o mentioneâ—_n but_o only_o that_o it_o be_v if_o we_o be_v not_o deceive_v a_o most_o true_a and_o lively_a picture_n of_o her_o majesty_n state_n and_o crown_n there_o be_v many_o form_z of_o government_n beside_o monarchy_n and_o diverse_a kind_n of_o kingdom_n but_o as_o a_o base_a proverb_n say_v one_o egg_n be_v not_o more_o like_a to_o another_o than_o be_v this_o state_n to_o that_o government_n under_o which_o we_o live_v neither_o be_v there_o at_o this_o day_n any_o christian_n kingdom_n in_o the_o world_n that_o come_v so_o near_o unto_o it_o or_o rathen_a do_v so_o match_v it_o in_o great_a power_n and_o surpass_a majesty_n yea_o in_o all_o other_o respect_n of_o any_o moment_n yea_o we_o need_v not_o here_o except_o thaâ—_n notable_a prerogative_n wherewith_o this_o kingdom_n be_v endue_v and_o adorn_v in_o that_o it_o be_v god_n kingdom_n found_v establish_v maintain_v and_o repair_v by_o god_n himself_o for_o who_o know_v not_o that_o god_n have_v from_o time_n to_o time_n and_o do_v at_o this_o day_n so_o watch_v over_o this_o kingdom_n and_o maintain_v it_o against_o all_o adversary_n power_n whatsoever_o that_o it_o may_v true_o be_v call_v god_n kingdom_n it_o be_v record_v of_o one_o brightwold_n a_o monk_n of_o glastenburie_n that_o study_v of_o the_o succession_n which_o at_o that_o time_n trouble_v he_o and_o many_o other_o he_o have_v reveal_v unto_o he_o in_o a_o dream_n that_o edward_n shall_v be_v king_n and_o that_o he_o be_v not_o so_o content_a but_o ask_v further_a who_o shall_v succeed_v he_o in_o the_o kingdom_n he_o receive_v this_o answer_n or_o rather_o this_o reproof_n take_v thou_o no_o thought_n for_o such_o matter_n for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n be_v god_n kingdom_n what_o credit_n be_v to_o be_v give_v to_o the_o author_n or_o what_o account_n be_v to_o be_v make_v of_o this_o dream_a prophet_n let_v other_o judge_v yet_o as_o we_o find_v it_o record_v in_o our_o chronicle_n so_o we_o have_v think_v it_o not_o unfit_a to_o be_v remember_v in_o this_o place_n beside_o we_o know_v that_o these_o powerful_a and_o majestical_a kingdom_n have_v be_v aâ—d_v be_v at_o this_o day_n oppugn_v by_o many_o yea_o utter_o reject_v as_o unlawful_a and_o therefore_o this_o treatise_n presume_v to_o give_v his_o sentence_n on_o their_o side_n as_o be_v most_o lawful_a governemente_n can_v not_o more_o fit_o shroud_v itself_o under_o any_o patronage_n then_o under_o that_o for_o the_o which_o it_o be_v like_a to_o be_v reject_v by_o some_o again_o we_o have_v annex_v to_o this_o treatise_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n a_o treatise_n of_o the_o right_a manner_n of_o frame_v or_o build_v the_o church_n as_o it_o be_v join_v the_o church_n and_o the_o commonwealth_n into_o one_o body_n under_o one_o head_n as_o we_o be_v persuade_v that_o they_o be_v not_o two_o but_o one_o only_a body_n the_o which_o also_o
but_o we_o follow_v the_o third_o opinion_n think_v that_o the_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n of_o this_o land_n be_v chief_o yea_o in_o a_o manner_n whole_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o king_n and_o that_o by_o his_o authority_n the_o state_n of_o religion_n in_o general_n be_v whole_o set_v up_o maintain_v repair_v and_o order_v yea_o ecclesiastical_a law_n for_o this_o purpose_n establish_v howsoever_o in_o make_v they_o the_o advice_n and_o consent_n of_o other_o be_v for_o diverse_a necessary_a cause_n to_o be_v require_v the_o truth_n hereof_o will_v easy_o appear_v if_o we_o mark_v that_o god_n do_v defer_v the_o build_n of_o his_o temple_n the_o enlarge_n and_o beautify_v of_o his_o worship_n until_o the_o time_n of_o the_o king_n erect_v of_o who_o david_n and_o solomon_n which_o be_v in_o this_o respect_n to_o be_v count_v the_o first_o saul_n be_v reject_v do_v make_v the_o state_n of_o religion_n most_o glorious_a establish_v new_a order_n and_o law_n and_o that_o by_o their_o own_o authority_n although_o they_o have_v the_o word_n of_o god_n both_o in_o themselves_o and_o from_o other_o prophet_n for_o their_o direction_n yea_o the_o general_a practice_n of_o all_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n of_o who_o every_o one_o by_o his_o sole_a authority_n do_v either_o set_v up_o or_o pull_v down_o religion_n do_v declare_v how_o much_o they_o have_v to_o do_v in_o the_o govern_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o pass_v over_o with_o silence_n the_o rest_n of_o the_o king_n let_v we_o only_o see_v how_o far_o ezechia_n do_v meddle_v with_o church_n affair_n of_o who_o we_o read_v 2._o chro._n 29.3_o that_o he_o open_v the_o door_n of_o the_o temple_n bring_v the_o priest_n into_o it_o make_v a_o solemn_a oration_n unto_o they_o teach_v they_o their_o duty_n and_o stir_v they_o up_o to_o the_o careful_a performance_n thereof_o then_o when_o the_o priest_n have_v according_a to_o his_o direction_n cleanse_v the_o temple_n before_o they_o do_v any_o service_n in_o it_o they_o return_v to_o the_o king_n to_o know_v what_o he_o will_v have_v further_o do_v verse_n 18._o then_o the_o king_n with_o the_o noble_n come_v and_o bring_v a_o sinne-offering_a which_o the_o priest_n offer_v at_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o king_n verse_n 24._o then_o verse_n 27._o the_o king_n command_v that_o the_o whole_a burnt-offering_a shall_v be_v offer_v again_o verse_n 31._o he_o command_v that_o the_o people_n offering_n shall_v be_v bring_v in_o further_o in_o the_o 30._o chapter_n he_o hold_v a_o council_n &_o send_v his_o post_n for_o the_o keep_n of_o a_o passover_o yea_o which_o be_v worthy_a to_o be_v note_v when_o as_o the_o people_n be_v unclean_a do_v receive_v the_o passover_n ezechias_n himself_o do_v public_o pray_v for_o they_o and_o so_o make_v they_o clean_o verse_n 20._o likewise_o chap_n 31._o verse_n 2._o ezechia_n appoint_v sundry_a company_n of_o the_o priest_n and_o levite_n after_o the_o diversity_n of_o the_o ministration_n to_o serve_v in_o the_o temple_n and_o command_v the_o people_n to_o make_v provision_n of_o all_o thing_n needful_a for_o they_o and_o verse_n 8._o and_o 9_o he_o come_v and_o view_v their_o provision_n and_o question_v with_o the_o priest_n about_o it_o and_o vers_fw-la 11_o he_o bid_v prepare_v the_o chamber_n in_o the_o temple_n for_o store_n yea_o it_o be_v add_v verse_n 20._o that_o according_a to_o this_o manner_n he_o do_v throughout_o all_o juda_n and_o that_o all_o the_o work_n about_o the_o service_n of_o god_n be_v begin_v and_o prosperous_o end_v by_o he_o the_o same_o manner_n of_o order_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n appear_v in_o the_o story_n of_o josias_n and_o other_o king_n wherein_o this_o may_v plain_o be_v see_v that_o whatsoever_o be_v do_v in_o church_n matter_n be_v do_v by_o the_o commandment_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o king_n the_o occasion_n of_o the_o contrary_a opinion_n whereby_o the_o authority_n of_o this_o kingdom_n in_o this_o behalf_n be_v abridge_v and_o cut_v short_a either_o in_o whole_a or_o in_o part_n be_v these_o first_o for_o that_o it_o be_v think_v that_o as_o civil_a and_o divine_a temporal_a and_o eternal_a matter_n do_v not_o only_o great_o differ_v but_o also_o be_v opposite_a to_o each_o ooth_a so_o that_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o the_o church_n be_v two_o distinct_a yea_o contrary_a body_n govern_v and_o order_v by_o their_o several_a head_n as_o in_o this_o state_n they_o make_v the_o king_n to_o be_v the_o chief_a governor_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o the_o high_a priest_n of_o the_o church_n but_o it_o be_v far_o otherwise_o for_o the_o church_n be_v not_o here_o a_o perfect_a body_n by_o itself_o but_o make_v the_o civil_a body_n more_o excellent_a &_o happy_a body_n for_o even_o as_o when_o any_o people_n be_v rude_a and_o barbarous_a be_v bring_v to_o learning_n and_o all_o kind_n of_o humanity_n there_o be_v not_o a_o new_a state_n or_o body_n add_v unto_o they_o but_o the_o former_a estate_n become_v better_a so_o it_o be_v whenas_o any_o nation_n of_o infidel_n become_v religious_a they_o have_v not_o one_o head_n in_o respect_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o another_o in_o civil_a matter_n but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o for_o both_o but_o hereof_o more_o at_o large_a in_o the_o treatise_n of_o the_o public_a church_n neither_o ought_v we_o to_o think_v that_o either_o the_o office_n authority_n or_o person_n of_o this_o king_n be_v any_o way_n profane_a or_o unholy_a or_o in_o any_o respect_n unfit_a to_o intermeddle_v with_o divine_a matter_n for_o he_o be_v and_o that_o by_o the_o institution_n of_o god_n more_o holy_a than_o oâ—hers_n as_o for_o the_o hurt_n which_o come_v to_o the_o church_n by_o be_v permit_v to_o wicked_a king_n to_o be_v order_v at_o their_o pleasure_n we_o confess_v that_o it_o be_v very_o great_a for_o many_o of_o they_o do_v clean_o overthrow_v the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o remedy_n for_o it_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o any_o save_v only_o of_o god_n who_o be_v and_o be_v able_a to_o turn_v the_o heart_n of_o king_n as_o the_o river_n of_o water_n yea_o to_o shorten_v their_o day_n if_o they_o continue_v obstinate_a in_o their_o wickedness_n and_o to_o raise_v uppe_o in_o their_o place_n good_a and_o godly_a king_n zealous_a of_o his_o glory_n who_o abolish_n all_o idolatry_n and_o establish_v the_o true_a religion_n by_o their_o sovereign_n and_o absolute_a authority_n in_o ecclesiastical_a cause_n do_v recompense_v the_o loss_n and_o comfort_v the_o grief_n which_o the_o church_n have_v by_o the_o wicked_a king_n for_o if_o the_o peoele_n have_v resist_v the_o wicked_a and_o idolatrous_a king_n in_o their_o proceed_n they_o shall_v have_v diminish_v the_o authority_n of_o godly_a king_n king_n and_o by_o use_v violence_n against_o the_o wickedness_n of_o the_o one_o shall_v have_v bind_v the_o hand_n and_o hinder_v the_o godly_a endeavour_n of_o the_o other_o and_o this_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o man_n unto_o who_o the_o good_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n have_v be_v dear_a and_o precious_a have_v be_v loath_a to_o permit_v the_o order_n of_o churche-cause_n to_o civil_a ruler_n because_o many_o of_o they_o have_v be_v open_a enemy_n to_o all_o religion_n and_o godliness_n and_o author_n of_o all_o disorder_n yea_o emperor_n king_n and_o prince_n have_v so_o horrible_o stain_v themselves_o and_o be_v drink_v with_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n which_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v cherish_v and_o preserve_v and_o have_v so_o often_o overthowen_v the_o church_n which_o they_o shall_v have_v build_v and_o maintain_v that_o many_o be_v afraid_a to_o commit_v the_o church_n to_o their_o hand_n who_o have_v often_o show_v themselves_o cruel_a wolf_n then_o careful_a shepherd_n and_o therefore_o it_o have_v be_v say_v by_o many_o that_o prince_n shall_v look_v to_o their_o palace_n and_o leave_v the_o whole_a care_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n but_o we_o see_v the_o contrary_a in_o this_o example_n and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o speak_v untruethe_n no_o not_o in_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n or_o to_o maintain_v the_o state_n of_o religion_n in_o israel_n by_o spoil_v the_o king_n of_o that_o power_n which_o god_n have_v give_v unto_o he_o last_o as_o touch_v ecclesiastical_a law_n which_o be_v to_o be_v make_v by_o man_n for_o the_o put_n in_o practice_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n it_o may_v seem_v that_o although_o the_o set_n up_o and_o pull_v down_o the_o reform_v and_o deform_v of_o religion_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o king_n yet_o to_o be_v very_o unmeete_a that_o he_o shall_v meddle_v in_o the_o make_n of_o they_o whereunto_o we_o answer_v that_o if_o the_o whole_a order_n of_o the_o
law_n of_o god_n from_o the_o priest_n and_o meditate_v thereon_o day_n and_o night_n that_o he_o may_v keep_v it_o without_o decline_v to_o the_o right_a hand_n or_o to_o the_o left_a yea_o the_o state_n of_o this_o kingdom_n do_v depend_v whole_o upon_o god_n and_o be_v hold_v by_o condition_n of_o obey_v he_o so_o that_o as_o a_o tenant_n or_o vassal_n do_v hold_v his_o land_n and_o live_n of_o his_o liege_n lord_n or_o king_n upon_o this_o condition_n word_n that_o he_o shall_v do_v he_o service_n and_o homage_n and_o to_o be_v at_o his_o command_n the_o which_o if_o he_o do_v not_o he_o do_v forthwith_o forfeit_v his_o title_n and_o dispossess_v himself_o of_o all_o in_o like_a manner_n this_o kingdom_n do_v hold_v of_o god_n by_o condition_n of_o obey_v he_o this_o law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n samuel_n do_v diligent_o teach_v 1._o sam._n 12.23_o if_o you_o do_v wicked_o then_o shall_v you_o perish_v both_o you_o and_o your_o king_n the_o which_o punishment_n be_v execute_v upon_o saul_n solomon_n and_o the_o whole_a race_n of_o idolatrous_a king_n in_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o nation_n sect._n xv._o hitherto_o we_o have_v declare_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n the_o which_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n we_o take_v to_o speak_v of_o now_o we_o come_v to_o the_o action_n of_o samuel_n mention_v in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n whereof_o the_o first_o be_v that_o he_o speak_v this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o people_n and_o that_o no_o doubt_n for_o this_o end_n that_o they_o may_v know_v the_o state_n of_o that_o government_n word_n what_o duty_n they_o be_v to_o perform_v to_o their_o king_n &_o in_o what_o manner_n they_o be_v to_o be_v subject_a &_o to_o obey_v he_o in_o who_o example_n all_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n may_v mark_v their_o duty_n that_o they_o ought_v with_o all_o care_n and_o diligence_n to_o teach_v the_o people_n to_o obey_v the_o civil_a power_n to_o honour_n love_n &_o fear_v it_o to_o be_v ready_a to_o impart_v that_o which_o god_n have_v bestow_v upon_o they_o on_o the_o maintenance_n of_o it_o and_o final_o to_o perform_v all_o those_o duty_n which_o the_o law_n of_o god_n or_o of_o man_n do_v require_v at_o their_o hand_n thus_o paul_n write_v to_o titus_n magistrate_n chap._n 3.2_o warne_n and_o put_v all_o christian_n in_o mind_n that_o they_o be_v subject_a to_o rule_v to_o obey_v the_o magistrate_n &_o to_o be_v ready_a to_o every_o good_a work_n for_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o do_v better_a beseem_v a_o christian_a man_n or_o people_n then_o hearty_a love_n &_o ready_a obedience_n to_o the_o magistrate_n come_v not_o of_o constraint_n and_o fear_v of_o punishment_n but_o of_o conscience_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n that_o do_v more_o disgrace_n the_o profession_n of_o christ_n and_o lay_v it_o open_v to_o the_o reproach_n of_o infidel_n and_o wicked_a man_n then_o disloyal_a behaviour_n to_o magistrate_n especial_o to_o king_n and_o great_a prince_n to_o who_o all_o law_n both_o divine_a and_o humane_a require_v that_o a_o gâ—â—at_a measure_n of_o honour_n obedience_n and_o maintenance_n be_v perform_v tâ—e_v second_o action_n of_o samuel_n be_v that_o he_o write_v this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o kingdom_n in_o a_o book_n and_o that_o for_o perpetuity_n that_o it_o may_v be_v preserve_v safe_a in_o time_n to_o come_v and_o so_o serve_v for_o the_o instruction_n of_o the_o age_n follow_v as_o touch_v this_o book_n it_o perish_v with_o many_o other_o write_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n and_o that_o by_o the_o negligence_n of_o the_o priest_n and_o people_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o sum_n or_o compendious_a abstract_n of_o it_o save_v from_o the_o injury_n of_o the_o time_n and_o the_o public_a calamity_n which_o befalling_a this_o nation_n do_v bury_v many_o notable_a monument_n the_o which_o we_o have_v record_v 1._o sam._n 8._o verse_n 10._o and_o so_o forth_o to_o the_o 19_o out_o of_o the_o which_o place_n this_o doctrine_n which_o have_v be_v deliver_v in_o this_o short_a treatise_n of_o the_o power_n and_o majesty_n of_o the_o kingdom_n may_v be_v gather_v the_o word_n be_v these_o now_o therefore_o hearken_v unto_o their_o voice_n howbeit_o yet_o testify_v unto_o they_o and_o show_v they_o israel_n the_o manner_n of_o the_o king_n that_o shall_v reign_v over_o they_o he_o will_v take_v your_o son_n and_o put_v they_o to_o his_o chariot_n and_o make_v they_o captain_n over_o thousand_o and_o over_o fifty_n and_o will_v set_v they_o to_o care_v his_o ground_n and_o to_o gather_v in_o his_o harvest_n and_o to_o make_v instrument_n of_o war_n and_o thing_n that_o serve_v for_o his_o chariot_n and_o he_o will_v take_v your_o daughter_n and_o make_v they_o apoticary_n cook_n and_o baker_n and_o he_o shall_v take_v your_o field_n and_o your_o vineyard_n and_o your_o best_a olive_n tree_n and_o give_v they_o to_o his_o servant_n and_o he_o shall_v takâ—_n the_o ten_o of_o your_o seed_n and_o of_o your_o vineyard_n and_o give_v to_o his_o eunuch_n and_o to_o his_o servant_n and_o he_o shall_v take_v your_o men-seruante_n and_o maidservant_n and_o the_o chief_a of_o your_o young_a man_n and_o your_o ass_n and_o put_v they_o to_o his_o work_n he_o will_v take_v the_o ten_o of_o youâ—_n sheep_n and_o you_o shall_v be_v his_o servant_n the_o second_o action_n give_v we_o this_o instruction_n that_o according_a to_o the_o example_n of_o samuel_n aâ—l_a christian_n ought_v to_o desire_v and_o they_o to_o who_o god_n have_v give_v gift_n fit_v for_o this_o purpose_n posterity_n by_o all_o mean_n to_o endeavour_v that_o they_o may_v profit_v the_o church_n not_o only_o while_o they_o lâ—â—e_v but_o also_o after_o their_o death_n by_o leave_v behind_o they_o those_o thing_n which_o may_v further_o the_o edification_n of_o it_o thus_o have_v the_o prophet_n apostle_n and_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n do_v from_o time_n to_o time_n who_o write_n do_v testify_v their_o care_n diligence_n and_o pain_n take_v in_o this_o behalf_n the_o which_o as_o we_o do_v now_o enjoy_v to_o our_o unspeakable_a profit_n and_o comfort_n so_o ought_v we_o to_o be_v stir_v up_o by_o their_o example_n to_o perform_v the_o like_a duty_n to_o other_o even_o as_o we_o commend_v the_o careful_a foresight_n of_o those_o man_n who_o as_o they_o eat_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o tree_n which_o their_o forefather_n do_v plant_v so_o they_o plant_v other_o tree_n which_o may_v serve_v for_o the_o use_n of_o their_o posterity_n for_o although_o no_o man_n can_v hope_v that_o his_o labour_n shall_v be_v in_o any_o measure_n so_o profitable_a to_o the_o church_n as_o the_o book_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n be_v who_o have_v the_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o prophecy_n and_o revelation_n and_o be_v direct_v by_o the_o continual_a assistance_n of_o god_n spirit_n yet_o the_o ordinary_a gift_n of_o knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n which_o god_n have_v give_v to_o be_v perpetual_a in_o his_o church_n will_v help_v forward_o the_o build_n of_o it_o chief_o in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o also_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o writing_n whereof_o there_o will_v be_v a_o necessary_a use_n as_o long_o as_o the_o church_n endure_v not_o only_o for_o the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o also_o for_o the_o scan_n of_o controversy_n the_o confute_v of_o heresy_n the_o reprove_v of_o vice_n the_o which_o will_v continual_o be_v new_a and_o fresh_a in_o the_o church_n the_o last_o action_n of_o samuel_n be_v that_o he_o lay_v this_o book_n before_o the_o face_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v in_o the_o place_n of_o god_n worship_n where_o he_o be_v so_o present_a that_o he_o may_v as_o it_o be_v be_v know_v and_o discern_v there_o even_o as_o one_o man_n be_v know_v from_o a_o other_o by_o his_o face_n this_o samuel_n do_v for_o this_o end_n that_o god_n may_v be_v both_o a_o witness_n of_o his_o faithfulness_n in_o teach_v the_o people_n their_o dueâ—ie_n in_o this_o behalf_n and_o also_o a_o maintainer_n of_o that_o â—state_n the_o which_o be_v establish_v by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n yea_o a_o revenger_n of_o all_o disorder_n and_o of_o all_o disloyalty_n which_o shall_v be_v any_o way_n commit_v against_o the_o state_n and_o so_o we_o need_v not_o doubt_v but_o that_o god_n do_v watch_n with_o the_o eye_n of_o his_o providence_n over_o king_n and_o prince_n after_o a_o special_a manner_n vouchsafe_v to_o they_o who_o be_v faithful_a and_o godly_a a_o great_a measure_n of_o wisdom_n and_o of_o all_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n meet_v for_o so_o high_a a_o call_n yea_o and_o do_v severe_o punish_v the_o resistance_n contempt_n &_o disgrace_n offer_v to_o those_o prince_n which_o be_v so_o
those_o place_n or_o by_o the_o favour_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n obtain_v that_o great_a authority_n for_o themselves_o and_o their_o posterity_n yea_o often_o a_o temperate_a and_o mean_a power_n be_v grant_v do_v increase_v to_o this_o immoderate_a and_o absolute_a authority_n whereof_o we_o speak_v the_o which_o although_o it_o be_v at_o the_o first_o conquer_v by_o violence_n and_o unjust_a deal_n dominion_n yet_o if_o afterwards_o it_o be_v by_o the_o general_a and_o continual_a consent_n of_o the_o people_n admit_v acknowledge_v and_o obey_v it_o be_v to_o be_v account_v a_o lawful_a authority_n now_o in_o many_o of_o those_o kingdom_n the_o ruler_n be_v not_o tie_v to_o any_o covenant_n or_o condition_n by_o the_o which_o they_o shall_v rule_v but_o only_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o they_o do_v voluntary_o submit_v themselves_o for_o the_o more_o quiet_a obtain_n &_o enjoy_v of_o their_o kingdom_n yea_o they_o have_v the_o full_a and_o absolute_a authority_n of_o the_o land_n in_o their_o own_o hand_n and_o inherent_a in_o their_o own_o person_n insomuch_o that_o all_o other_o within_o their_o dominion_n joint_o and_o several_o consider_v be_v in_o respect_n of_o they_o private_a man_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n as_o have_v be_v show_v in_o the_o former_a treatise_n and_o many_o other_o in_o the_o which_o that_o we_o may_v apply_v this_o to_o our_o purpose_n it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o any_o of_o the_o people_n to_o resist_v the_o civil_a authority_n by_o open_a force_n no_o not_o in_o the_o cause_n of_o set_v up_o or_o maintain_v the_o church_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o history_n and_o example_n of_o the_o say_a king_n yea_o this_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o teach_v that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a but_o by_o good_a lawful_a and_o ordinary_a mean_n but_o to_o resist_v the_o civil_a power_n be_v evil_a and_o great_o displease_v in_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n yet_o we_o ought_v to_o use_v all_o lawful_a mean_n for_o the_o set_n forward_o of_o this_o work_n when_o it_o be_v hinder_v by_o these_o magistrate_n as_o first_o to_o solicit_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o church_n at_o their_o hand_n yea_o even_o with_o our_o own_o danger_n as_o do_v hester_n est._n 4.14.16_o &_o nehemias_n neh._n â—_o 4_o and_o to_o labour_v to_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n yea_o further_o if_o it_o be_v so_o needful_a to_o redeem_v the_o freedom_n of_o religion_n with_o our_o good_n by_o pay_v to_o our_o ruler_n great_a tribute_n that_o the_o church_n may_v be_v establish_v also_o by_o show_v our_o faithful_a obedience_n loyal_a submission_n and_o dutiful_a service_n even_o to_o the_o unbelieve_a ruler_n as_o do_v daniel_n nehemias_n and_o many_o other_o godly_a man_n by_o the_o which_o mean_n and_o such_o like_a the_o lord_n work_v together_o in_o who_o hand_n the_o heart_n of_o king_n be_v to_o turn_v at_o his_o pleasure_n it_o may_v happy_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o they_o will_v become_v lover_n and_o furtherer_n yea_o member_n of_o the_o church_n or_o at_o the_o least_o not_o hater_n and_o hinderer_n of_o it_o but_o if_o they_o do_v continue_v obstinate_a and_o as_o it_o usual_o come_v to_o pass_v become_v persecutor_n of_o the_o church_n then_o in_o the_o first_o kind_n of_o government_n the_o people_n may_v use_v either_o that_o secret_a authority_n which_o as_o yet_o remain_v in_o their_o own_o hand_n or_o else_o the_o liberty_n and_o benefit_n of_o conditional_a obedience_n and_o so_o notwithstanding_o the_o civil_a ruler_n build_v the_o church_n as_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v but_o in_o the_o other_o kind_n of_o government_n we_o may_v not_o build_v with_o the_o one_o hand_n &_o hold_v our_o weapon_n with_o the_o other_o against_o that_o great_a absolute_a and_o majestical_a authority_n for_o here_o god_n give_v no_o other_o weapon_n where_o withal_o to_o fight_v save_o only_a patience_n to_o suffer_v their_o ungodly_a deal_n and_o if_o they_o become_v malicious_a and_o bloody_a persecutor_n of_o the_o church_n wing_n to_o fly_v for_o that_o in_o time_n of_o persecution_n move_v either_o by_o our_o own_o magistrate_n or_o by_o any_o other_o power_n we_o may_v fly_v for_o our_o safety_n we_o be_v teach_v even_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n which_o move_v every_o one_o to_o preserve_v his_o life_n by_o all_o good_a mean_n but_o nature_n be_v a_o evil_a counsellor_n in_o case_n of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v a_o more_o sure_a ground_n whereon_o to_o rest_v in_o this_o behalf_n even_o the_o word_n of_o god_n whereunto_o we_o be_v to_o hearken_v give_v we_o this_o liberty_n yea_o this_o counsel_n that_o when_o we_o be_v persecute_v in_o one_o place_n we_o shall_v fly_v to_o another_o as_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v disperse_v except_o the_o apostle_n act._n 8.1_o yea_o this_o be_v good_a not_o only_o for_o ourselves_o but_o also_o for_o the_o church_n for_o by_o this_o mean_v we_o preserve_v the_o church_n which_o otherwise_o will_v be_v destroy_v in_o us._n beside_o those_o who_o be_v weak_a and_o doubt_v of_o their_o constancy_n ought_v not_o to_o tempt_v god_n by_o undergo_n extreme_a danger_n church_n yea_o the_o lord_n use_v thiâ—_n mean_n for_o the_o enlarge_n of_o his_o church_n act._n 8.4_o yet_o sometime_o god_n do_v not_o grant_v unto_o we_o this_o liberty_n of_o fly_v but_o give_v the_o persecutor_n power_n over_o we_o that_o by_o this_o mean_v he_o may_v try_v our_o soundness_n and_o constancy_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o his_o truth_n yea_o sometime_o it_o be_v also_o expedient_a for_o the_o church_n that_o we_o do_v not_o use_v this_o liberty_n though_o we_o may_v as_o if_o our_o suffering_n be_v like_a to_o bring_v many_o to_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n or_o to_o confirm_v the_o weak_a or_o to_o avoid_v the_o slander_n of_o the_o enemy_n object_v to_o we_o fearfulness_n hypocrisy_n want_v of_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n sect._n 7._o of_o the_o build_n of_o the_o church_n hinder_v by_o the_o civil_a ruler_n be_v a_o christian_n thus_o much_o of_o profess_a hinderer_n be_v open_a enemy_n to_o the_o church_n now_o we_o come_v to_o those_o who_o although_o they_o profess_v themselves_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o such_o as_o do_v by_o all_o mean_n labour_v to_o build_v it_o yet_o in_o truth_n they_o do_v hinder_v the_o same_o yea_o often_o more_o than_o the_o open_a enemy_n do_v and_o to_o let_v other_o pass_v the_o great_a hurt_n be_v do_v by_o those_o who_o be_v public_a in_o the_o church_n unto_o who_o the_o building_n and_o further_a of_o this_o work_n do_v belong_v as_o namely_o the_o civil_a ruler_n be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o ecclesiastical_a governor_n or_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n for_o as_o when_o the_o light_n of_o the_o body_n be_v darkness_n how_o great_a be_v that_o darkness_n so_o when_o the_o builder_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o hinderer_n of_o it_o how_o great_a be_v that_o hurt_n for_o the_o first_o the_o civil_a ruler_n for_o so_o we_o speak_v as_o of_o one_o because_o that_o kind_a of_o government_n be_v most_o usual_a may_v great_o hinder_v the_o build_n of_o the_o church_n although_o he_o do_v in_o part_n further_o the_o same_o as_o namely_o if_o together_o with_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n he_o do_v retain_v some_o part_n of_o some_o false_a worship_n or_o the_o relic_n and_o memorial_n of_o it_o whereby_o many_o be_v offend_v and_o hinder_v second_o if_o he_o hinder_v the_o establish_n of_o any_o part_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n command_v in_o the_o word_n or_o else_o the_o function_n of_o any_o office_n and_o final_o if_o he_o do_v by_o any_o mean_n hinder_v the_o course_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o build_n of_o god_n church_n in_o that_o place_n here_o we_o have_v other_o mean_n to_o use_v the_o civil_a ruler_n be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n for_o first_o we_o may_v be_v more_o bold_a in_o move_v he_o to_o regard_v the_o build_n of_o the_o church_n the_o which_o do_v as_o much_o concern_v his_o own_o good_a and_o salvation_n as_o the_o good_a of_o any_o other_o we_o may_v also_o have_v great_a hope_n that_o he_o will_v be_v move_v by_o the_o advice_n of_o they_o who_o be_v godly_a wise_a and_o learned_a in_o his_o realm_n yea_o those_o that_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o who_o mean_n the_o church_n be_v build_v may_v deal_v more_o plain_o with_o he_o and_o exhort_v yea_o charge_v he_o in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n who_o will_v one_o day_n take_v a_o account_v of_o he_o how_o he_o have_v discharge_v his_o duty_n to_o
necodemus_fw-la a_o master_n in_o israel_n iho._n 3.10_o neither_o do_v they_o look_v so_o much_o for_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o eternal_a life_n by_o the_o messiah_n think_v to_o be_v justify_v by_o keep_v the_o law_n as_o for_o temporal_a commodity_n and_o last_o they_o deny_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n for_o they_o hold_v that_o the_o messiah_n shall_v not_o die_v john_n 12.34_o that_o these_o and_o other_o such_o error_n be_v popular_a and_o common_a in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n we_o may_v both_o gather_v out_o of_o their_o say_n record_v by_o the_o evangelist_n as_o also_o by_o their_o continual_a silence_n in_o these_o matter_n the_o which_o we_o do_v not_o read_v that_o any_o of_o they_o do_v mention_n upon_o any_o occasion_n and_o last_o by_o the_o open_a confession_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o all_o age_n since_o the_o come_n of_o christ._n for_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o they_o hold_v even_o to_o this_o day_n those_o opinion_n which_o they_o receive_v from_o their_o ancestor_n and_o be_v common_o hold_v of_o that_o nation_n notwithstanding_o all_o which_o error_n we_o think_v as_o it_o be_v general_o think_v that_o the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n profess_v general_o faith_n in_o the_o messiah_n to_o come_v be_v then_o the_o true_a church_n and_o the_o people_n of_o god_n but_o this_o confession_n will_v not_o serve_v now_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o make_v they_o a_o church_n because_o they_o do_v reject_v christ_n himself_o in_o his_o very_a person_n as_o for_o the_o heretical_a church_n since_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o the_o church_n of_o arian_n papist_n or_o any_o other_o maintain_v grievous_a error_n contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n it_o seem_v that_o they_o be_v to_o be_v account_v the_o church_n of_o god_n because_o they_o do_v all_o hold_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n chap._n viii_o of_o a_o private_a church_n sect._n 1_o what_o a_o private_a church_n be_v hitherto_o we_o have_v entreat_v in_o general_a of_o a_o particular_a church_n now_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o kind_n of_o it_o which_o be_v two_o in_o number_n to_o wit_n private_a &_o public_a a_o private_a church_n be_v a_o company_n of_o christian_n serve_v god_n together_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o infidel_n or_o there_o where_o the_o whole_a multitude_n or_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o people_n general_o &_o public_o consider_v abide_v in_o infidelity_n of_o this_o kind_n of_o church_n we_o have_v many_o example_n first_o from_o the_o beginning_n until_o the_o day_n of_o moses_n in_o all_o which_o time_n the_o church_n be_v private_a second_o after_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n do_v cease_v from_o bâ—ing_v a_o church_n for_o from_o their_o come_n out_o of_o egypt_n until_o the_o time_n wherein_o they_o reject_v christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n constantine_n they_o be_v a_o public_a church_n till_o the_o day_n of_o constantine_n the_o great_a all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o christians_n be_v private_a for_o we_o do_v not_o read_v of_o any_o one_o city_n or_o country_n within_o all_o that_o time_n be_v about_o .300_o year_n do_v public_o embrace_v the_o gospel_n but_o a_o few_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o infidel_n in_o this_o and_o that_o city_n as_o in_o jerusalem_n antioch_n corinth_n rome_n and_o the_o rest_n so_o that_o all_o the_o church_n plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n evangelist_n or_o any_o other_o in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v private_a three_o of_o this_o kind_n be_v those_o church_n at_o this_o day_n if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o which_o be_v among_o the_o turk_n or_o any_o other_o kind_n of_o infidel_n church_n out_o of_o the_o which_o example_n we_o may_v gather_v that_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o private_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n be_v in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o world_n the_o small_a number_n of_o the_o true_a worshipper_n of_o god_n &_o be_v in_o these_o latter_a age_n the_o infidelity_n of_o magistrate_n who_o be_v themselves_o infidel_n do_v not_o go_v about_o to_o bring_v their_o subject_n to_o the_o faith_n but_o be_v perhaps_o content_a to_o tolerate_v the_o same_o within_o their_o dominion_n and_o that_o for_o some_o civil_a respect_n as_o namely_o to_o make_v their_o city_n and_o country_n more_o resort_v unto_o for_o increase_v of_o the_o tribute_n due_a unto_o they_o for_o the_o preservation_n of_o peace_n or_o for_o some_o other_o such_o consideration_n last_o the_o chief_a cause_n of_o these_o private_a church_n be_v to_o be_v take_v from_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o which_o be_v contrary_a to_o man_n reason_n be_v hardly_o believe_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v usual_o receive_v only_o of_o a_o few_o as_o it_o be_v write_v rom._n 10.16_o who_o have_v believe_v our_o report_n that_o be_v very_o few_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o infidel_n do_v believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o howsoever_o the_o force_n of_o civil_a authority_n and_o other_o outward_a respect_n make_v the_o gospel_n to_o be_v general_o receive_v in_o many_o place_n yet_o this_o general_a profession_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o which_o hardly_o and_o seldom_o be_v true_o receive_v as_o have_v be_v say_v but_o here_o it_o may_v easy_o be_v object_v that_o no_o church_n can_v be_v call_v private_a see_v that_o we_o have_v here_o before_o define_v a_o church_n in_o general_a by_o the_o public_a service_n of_o god_n we_o answer_v confess_v that_o every_o church_n be_v public_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o several_a member_n of_o it_o yea_o although_o it_o be_v in_o a_o private_a house_n or_o family_n or_o in_o the_o most_o secret_a corner_n that_o can_v be_v and_o yet_o a_o church_n contain_v within_o a_o private_a place_n and_o consist_v of_o a_o small_a company_n may_v true_o and_o fit_o be_v call_v private_a in_o respect_n of_o that_o church_n which_o consist_v of_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o people_n do_v not_o lurk_v in_o a_o corner_n but_o be_v open_o establish_v among_o all_o and_o in_o every_o place_n yet_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o all_o other_o action_n of_o such_o a_o church_n be_v to_o be_v count_v public_a and_o not_o private_a so_o that_o this_o kind_n of_o church_n be_v call_v private_a from_o the_o subject_n because_o they_o be_v in_o private_a place_n but_o the_o subject_n of_o the_o other_o kind_n be_v a_o public_a city_n or_o country_n sect._n 2._o of_o the_o the_o special_n in_o plant_v a_o public_a church_n now_o that_o we_o see_v what_o a_o private_a church_n be_v we_o be_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o come_v to_o the_o special_n in_o the_o plant_n of_o it_o and_o first_o we_o be_v to_o declare_v by_o who_o this_o kind_n of_o church_n ought_v to_o be_v found_v as_o for_o the_o secondary_a worker_n to_o wit_n the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n we_o have_v speak_v of_o they_o in_o the_o general_a treatise_n of_o plant_v a_o church_n so_o that_o here_o we_o be_v to_o search_v out_o â—he_v first_o worker_n in_o this_o action_n who_o be_v the_o chief_a in_o that_o they_o begin_v the_o work_n and_o procure_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n the_o answer_n be_v that_o every_o man_n may_v be_v the_o chief_a and_o first_o builder_n of_o a_o church_n so_o far_o forth_o as_o his_o call_n power_n and_o authority_n do_v stretch_v so_o that_o in_o this_o case_n private_a man_n may_v be_v lawful_o and_o be_v usual_o the_o first_o and_o chief_a builder_n yea_o it_o be_v not_o only_o lawful_a but_o that_o whereunto_o the_o duty_n which_o we_o owe_v both_o to_o god_n to_o seek_v his_o glory_n and_o to_o man_n to_o seek_v their_o salvation_n do_v necessarelie_o bind_v we_o that_o if_o god_n give_v we_o occasion_n the_o church_n stand_v in_o need_n of_o our_o help_n we_o be_v not_o want_v in_o this_o behalf_n for_o so_o we_o be_v to_o understande_v that_o this_o be_v to_o be_v do_v whenas_o the_o church_n be_v destitute_a of_o christian_n magistrate_n and_o likewise_o of_o other_o governor_n and_o teacher_n as_o it_o be_v in_o those_o place_n where_o either_o there_o be_v no_o câ—â—rch_n aâ—_n all_o or_o else_o so_o decay_v that_o there_o remain_v nothing_o but_o the_o profession_n of_o religion_n amongst_o some_o few_o in_o the_o which_o case_n it_o be_v lawful_a for_o any_o christian_n who_o god_n have_v endue_v with_o the_o zeal_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o his_o brethren_n and_o also_o witâ—_n some_o measure_n of_o knowledge_n how_o this_o thing_n ought_v to_o be_v do_v to_o labour_n both_o in_o bring_v tâ—ose_n who_o be_v infidel_n to_o the_o