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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
religion_n christian_a great_a life_n 2,755 4 4.1264 3 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A07822 Salomon or A treatise declaring the state of the kingdome of Israel, as it was in the daies of Salomon Whereunto is annexed another treatise, of the Church: or more particularly, of the right constitution of a Church. Morton, Thomas, of Berwick. 1596 (1596) STC 18197.7; ESTC S112936 159,289 238

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gift_n to_o man_n some_o to_o be_v apostle_n some_o evangelist_n etc._n etc._n secondlie_o he_o impart_v to_o they_o grace_n tend_v to_o their_o own_o salvation_n as_o a_o kind_n of_o faith_n of_o repentance_n of_o spiritual_a joy_n love_n and_o in_o general_a whatsoever_o grace_n be_v in_o the_o true_a believer_n the_o like_a may_v be_v find_v in_o a_o hypocrite_n and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o show_n and_o appearance_n but_o also_o in_o truth_n mark_v 4.16_o hypocrite_n receive_v the_o word_n with_o joy_n yet_o there_o be_v this_o difference_n in_o the_o faithful_a these_o grace_n be_v sincere_a evident_a effectual_a constant_a and_o perpetual_a but_o in_o hypocrite_n they_o be_v obscure_a in_o small_a measure_n unprofitable_a and_o temporary_a yea_o mix_v with_o much_o hypocrisy_n so_o that_o both_o faithful_a and_o hypocritical_a man_n be_v join_v to_o christ_n and_o to_o the_o church_n by_o the_o bond_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o where_o there_o be_v one_o spirit_n there_o be_v 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be_v desperse_v over_o the_o whole_a world_n yet_o not_o all_o nor_o many_o in_o comparison_n of_o the_o infidel_n but_o a_o very_a few_o belong_v unto_o it_o and_o therefore_o we_o be_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o see_v who_o be_v the_o member_n of_o it_o and_o of_o who_o it_o do_v consist_v the_o answer_n to_o this_o point_n we_o have_v in_o the_o definition_n which_o say_v that_o all_o who_o serve_v god_n in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v of_o the_o catholic_a church_n for_o as_o a_o king_n may_v divide_v the_o whole_a world_n into_o his_o own_o subject_n who_o live_v within_o his_o dominion_n know_v obey_v and_o honour_v he_o and_o into_o forrenner_n who_o be_v without_o the_o compass_n of_o his_o jurisdiction_n do_v he_o no_o service_n make_v no_o account_n of_o he_o and_o in_o brief_a have_v no_o kind_n of_o deal_n with_o he_o so_o all_o man_n live_v in_o the_o world_n be_v either_o god_n subject_n and_o servant_n live_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n and_o as_o it_o be_v write_v ephes._n 2.12.19_o citizen_n with_o the_o faint_n and_o of_o the_o household_n of_o god_n or_o else_o they_o be_v aliante_n from_o the_o common_a wealth_n of_o israel_n without_o the_o promise_n covenant_n or_o hope_n of_o salvation_n yea_o without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n but_o forsomuch_o as_o god_n be_v serve_v many_o way_n in_o deed_n or_o in_o show_v only_o sincere_o or_o hypocritical_o pure_o or_o corrupt_o full_o or_o after_o a_o imperfect_a manner_n in_o knowledge_n or_o in_o ignorance_n and_o after_o many_o other_o difference_n therefore_o we_o be_v to_o search_v out_o what_o manner_n of_o serve_v god_n do_v make_v a_o man_n to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n whereunto_o we_o answer_v church_n that_o the_o outward_a profession_n of_o the_o true_a service_n of_o god_n although_o join_v with_o impotency_n of_o perform_v any_o actual_a service_n yea_o with_o hypocrisy_n corruption_n imperfection_n error_n and_o heresy_n will_v serve_v for_o this_o purpose_n and_o do_v make_v a_o man_n a_o true_a member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n for_o the_o first_o difference_n some_o serve_v god_n actual_o by_o pray_v to_o god_n or_o praise_v he_o by_o hear_v his_o word_n and_o obey_v it_o or_o which_o be_v all_o in_o all_o by_o trust_v fear_v and_o love_v god_n in_o heart_n namely_o so_o many_o of_o the_o church_n as_o have_v come_v to_o year_n of_o discretion_n but_o there_o be_v some_o who_o can_v serve_v god_n by_o any_o of_o these_o mean_n or_o any_o other_o of_o the_o same_o kind_n to_o wit_n infant_n who_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o infirmity_n of_o their_o age_n can_v hear_v or_o understande_v and_o therefore_o can_v neither_o know_v nor_o believe_v god_n or_o serve_v he_o in_o any_o actual_a manner_n yet_o they_o may_v and_o do_v by_o the_o help_n of_o other_o take_v upon_o they_o and_o bear_v the_o true_a profession_n of_o the_o service_n of_o god_n by_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n of_o initiation_n or_o first_o entrance_n into_o the_o church_n church_n by_o the_o which_o mean_n they_o become_v true_a member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n as_o well_o as_o man_n of_o ripe_a age_n the_o truth_n hereof_o appear_v 1._o corin._n 7.14_o where_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o the_o child_n of_o the_o christian_n be_v holy_a mean_v even_o the_o young_a infant_n as_o they_o be_v bear_v of_o faithful_a parent_n not_o that_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o parent_n or_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o church_n do_v add_v any_o inward_a and_o real_a holiness_n unto_o they_o but_o only_o give_v unto_o they_o a_o holy_a profession_n or_o a_o outward_a profession_n of_o holiness_n and_o of_o faith_n and_o also_o impute_a righteousness_n and_o suppose_a holiness_n if_o they_o belong_v to_o god_n election_n in_o like_a manner_n under_o the_o law_n all_o the_o young_a child_n of_o the_o jew_n especial_o after_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o sacrament_n of_o circumcision_n be_v count_v member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o the_o number_n of_o the_o holy_a people_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o god_n complain_v of_o the_o jew_n offer_v their_o young_a one_o in_o sacrifice_n to_o idol_n that_o they_o give_v his_o child_n to_o moloch_n ezec._n 16.21_o thus_o much_o of_o those_o who_o become_v member_n of_o the_o church_n by_o mere_a profession_n now_o we_o come_v to_o the_o actual_a serve_v of_o god_n the_o which_o where_o it_o be_v in_o sincerity_n of_o hart_n and_o life_n perform_v it_o make_v one_o a_o member_n of_o christ●s_n mystical_a body_n much_o more_o the●_n of_o his_o church_n here_o on_o earth_n but_o all_o the_o controversy_n be_v of_o they_o in_o who_o this_o actual_a service_n be_v imperfect_a as_o it_o be_v first_o in_o hypocrite_n who_o want_v the_o inward_a service_n of_o the_o heart_n as_o also_o heretic_n do_v some_o part_n of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o doctrine_n and_o dissolute_a man_n the_o service_n of_o outward_a life_n and_o ignorant_a idiote_n the_o service_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o last_o as_o the_o disperse_a member_n of_o the_o church_n want_v the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n the_o answer_n in_o general_n be_v this_o that_o howsoever_o the_o imperfect_a service_n of_o hypocrite_n wicked_a man_n heretic_n and_o idiote_n be_v not_o acceptable_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n yet_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v they_o true_a member_n of_o the_o militant_a church_n but_o we_o will_v come_v to_o the_o several_a consideration_n of_o they_o and_o first_o of_o hypocrite_n by_o the_o which_o name_n we_o call_v those_o man_n in_o who_o the_o outward_a service_n be_v perfect_a in_o that_o they_o both_o hold_v and_o profess_v the_o whole_a truth_n of_o christian_n religion_n and_o also_o express_v the_o same_o in_o their_o life_n both_o in_o word_n and_o deed_n and_o yet_o do_v not_o serve_v god_n in_o spiritte_v and_o truth_n but_o be_v destitute_a of_o true_a faith_n and_o of_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o effectual_a grace_n of_o the_o sanctify_v spiritte_v spring_v thereof_o this_o manner_n of_o serve_v god_n be_v not_o please_v but_o rather_o odious_a and_o abominable_a to_o he_o esay_n 1.14_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o available_a for_o the_o salvation_n of_o any_o church_n but_o rather_o make_v man_n damnation_n the_o more_o just_a yet_o it_o give_v unto_o they_o the_o name_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n for_o it_o be_v confess_v of_o all_o that_o hypocrite_n may_v be_v true_a minister_n in_o a_o particular_a church_n as_o judas_n be_v a_o true_a apostle_n whereof_o it_o do_v necessarelie_o follow_v that_o they_o be_v true_a member_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o teacher_n and_o ruler_n of_o a_o church_n be_v the_o chief_a member_n of_o it_o so_o that_o as_o in_o a_o commonwealth_n or_o kingdom_n they_o who_o have_v freedom_n and_o interest_n in_o such_o body_n either_o by_o nature_n or_o favour_n be_v count_v true_a subject_n as_o long_o as_o they_o live_v in_o outward_a obedience_n to_o law_n yea_o though_o they_o be_v know_v to_o bear_v in_o their_o heart_n a_o unnatural_a and_o disloyal_a affection_n to_o their_o country_n or_o prince_n so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n with_o hypocrite_n destitute_a of_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o love_n of_o god_n but_o how_o can_v hypocrite_n be_v make_v true_a member_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n see_v that_o they_o have_v no_o conjunction_n with_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o resolve_v of_o this_o doubt_n we_o must_v consider_v both_o christ_n the_o head_n and_o the_o church_n his_o body_n two_o diverse_a way_n for_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v a_o saviour_n be_v a_o head_n to_o the_o mystical_a body_n of_o the_o elect_a only_o unto_o who_o he_o give_v by_o his_o spirit_n effectual_a grace_n spiritual_a motion_n and_o eternal_a life_n in_o this_o respect_n hypocrite_n have_v no_o more_o to_o do_v with_o christ_n or_o his_o church_n than_o darkness_n have_v with_o light_n but_o here_o we_o do_v not_o meddle_v with_o the_o mystical_a body_n of_o the_o church_n secondlie_o christ_n be_v the_o king_n lord_n and_o ruler_n of_o his_o church_n militant_a here_o on_o earth_n in_o the_o which_o respect_n he_o be_v a_o head_n not_o only_o to_o the_o faithful_a but_o also_o to_o hypocrite_n to_o who_o he_o give_v spiritual_a grace_n ministerial_a gift_n and_o ecclesiastical_a function_n even_o as_o he_o make_v the_o sun_n to_o shine_v upon_o the_o just_a and_o the_o unjust_a first_o he_o communicate_v to_o they_o the_o gift_n of_o knowledge_n wisdom_n doctrine_n and_o exhortation_n of_o tongue_n of_o miracle_n and_o prophesy_v ephesian_n 4.8_o where_o he_o like_v a_o victorious_a king_n triumph_v over_o his_o enemy_n ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o give_v
be_v urge_v by_o a_o cunning_a disputer_n will_v whole_o overthrow_v faith_n for_o the_o denial_n of_o faith_n be_v bring_v in_o about_o indirect_o and_o by_o many_o consequent_n infer_v one_o of_o another_o but_o the_o man_n corrupt_v with_o error_n do_v not_o consider_v any_o such_o thing_n but_o believe_v direct_o &_o resolute_o in_o jesus_n christ_n as_o in_o the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n yea_o although_o he_o be_v convince_v by_o argument_n ground_v upon_o his_o own_o assertion_n and_o error_n to_o deny_v the_o faith_n yet_o he_o will_v still_o hold_v it_o and_o rather_o deny_v the_o conclusion_n then_o renounce_v his_o faith_n even_o as_o a_o man_n be_v in_o temptation_n may_v have_v true_a faith_n although_o he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o answer_v those_o objection_n which_o satan_n and_o his_o own_o conscience_n do_v make_v against_o his_o faith_n but_o it_o be_v seldom_o see_v that_o a_o heretic_n be_v bring_v to_o see_v that_o his_o opinion_n and_o the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n can_v both_o stand_v together_o for_o he_o will_v have_v some_o shift_n or_o other_o to_o keep_v himself_o from_o grant_v that_o the_o error_n which_o he_o maintain_v bring_v with_o it_o any_o such_o absurdity_n it_o be_v write_v act._n 13.3_o that_o there_o do_v some_o believe_n which_o be_v of_o the_o heresy_n of_o the_o pharise_n and_o do_v still_o hold_v the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o law_n it_o be_v long_o to_o rehearse_v the_o error_n which_o have_v be_v maintain_v by_o many_o not_o only_o particular_a man_n error_n but_o also_o whole_a church_n about_o weighty_a point_n of_o who_o we_o may_v well_o think_v that_o a_o true_a faith_n have_v be_v in_o many_o live_n in_o as_o great_a and_o as_o many_o error_n as_o these_o heretic_n before_o mention_v for_o if_o we_o do_v consider_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n before_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o howsoever_o god_n do_v extraordinare_o reveal_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o messiah_n to_o some_o yet_o that_o not_o only_o the_o common_a &_o ignorant_a people_n live_v in_o the_o church_n but_o even_o many_o of_o the_o learned_a be_v ignorant_a of_o many_o fundamental_a point_n of_o christianity_n which_o christ_n himself_o do_v plain_o testify_v christ._n mat._n 13.16_o say_n bless_a be_v the_o eye_n which_o see_v the_o thing_n which_o you_o see_v for_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o that_o ●any_n prophet_n and_o righteous_a man_n have_v desire_v to_o see_v they_o and_o yet_o have_v not_o the_o which_o word_n be_v necessary_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o fundamental_a and_o most_o weighty_a point_n of_o faith_n for_o those_o do_v christ_n teach_v in_o his_o ministry_n they_o have_v in_o deed_n a_o constant_a faith_n in_o the_o messiah_n to_o come_v but_o no_o particular_a distinct_a and_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o his_o person_n nature_n office_n and_o manner_n of_o salvation_n which_o he_o shall_v bring_v in_o the_o 11._o chapter_n to_o the_o heb._n ver_fw-la 13._o it_o be_v say_v that_o rahab_n the_o harlot_n have_v faith_n but_o that_o she_o know_v distinct_o the_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o christ_n we_o can_v think_v and_o the_o like_a be_v to_o be_v say_v of_o many_o other_o of_o those_o who_o be_v there_o mention_v together_o and_o in_o other_o place_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n yet_o even_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n be_v ignorant_a of_o many_o of_o these_o thing_n and_o be_v in_o most_o grievous_a error_n after_o that_o they_o do_v believe_v philip_n know_v not_o the_o doctrine_n of_o ●he_n first_o person_n i●_n the_o trinity_n john_n 14.9_o as_o they_o at_o ephesus_n know_v no●_n whether_o there_o be_v a_o holy_a ghost_n or_o no._n act._n 19.2_o yea_o they_o do_v think_v that_o christ_n shall_v be_v a_o worldly_a king_n math._n 20.21_o act_n 1.6_o and_o peter_n do_v not_o hold_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n passion_n for_o he_o dissuade_v he_o from_o it_o math_n 16.22_o and_o yet_o they_o do_v believe_v before_o that_o time_n as_o christ_n the_o searcher_n of_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n do_v testify_v neither_o do_v the_o jew_n for_o the_o most_o part_n before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n once_o imagine_v that_o their_o messiah_n shall_v be_v put_v to_o a_o shameful_a death_n as_o may_v be_v gather_v john_n 12.34_o we_o confess_v that_o the_o difference_n of_o the_o time_n make_v these_o error_n to_o be_v more_o grievous_a under_o the_o gospel_n than_o they_o be_v before_o as_o he_o be_v more_o blind_a that_o can_v see_v at_o noon_n day_n than_o he_o who_o can_v distinguish_v thing_n rare_o in_o the_o morning_n before_o the_o sin_n do_v rise_v yet_o if_o these_o error_n may_v be_v join_v with_o faith_n in_o one_o time_n we_o may_v suppose_v the_o same_o at_o another_o time_n also_o but_o still_o we_o must_v note_v the_o great_a difference_n of_o time_n for_o we_o be_v not_o to_o think_v that_o man_n may_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v common_o save_v live_v in_o these_o error_n as_o they_o be_v before_o for_o than_o man_n be_v blind_a in_o darkness_n now_o they_o shut_v their_o eye_n against_o the_o light_n in_o they_o these_o error_n be_v simple_a another_o and_o mere_a ignorances_n but_o i●_n our_o heretic_n they_o be_v wilful_a and_o obstinate_a heresy_n before_o god_n do_v oversee_v those_o error_n but_o now_o he_o bid_v every_o one_o in_o pain_n of_o eternal_a damnation_n to_o seek_v understand_v and_o embrace_v the_o truth_n act._n 17.30_o before_o they_o can_v not_o but_o now_o man_n will_v not_o see_v the_o truth_n before_o they_o be_v the_o error_n of_o the_o time_n but_o now_o they_o be_v the_o error_n of_o man_n yet_o we_o be_v not_o to_o think_v the_o less_o reverent_o of_o those_o holy_a man_n of_o that_o time_n for_o these_o error_n neither_o to_o make_v any_o question_n of_o their_o salvation_n but_o now_o we_o be_v to_o learn_v of_o the_o apostle_n tit._n 3.10_o to_o avoid_v and_o abhor_v a_o heretic_n after_o one_o or_o two_o admonition_n know_v that_o such_o a_o one_o be_v subvert_v and_o sin_v be_v condemn_v by_o himself_o as_o we_o may_v well_o think_v that_o the_o first_o author_n of_o popery_n do_v not_o of_o ignorance_n but_o of_o set_a purpose_n forge_v these_o opinion_n for_o their_o own_o advantage_n and_o that_o many_o of_o those_o which_o since_o that_o time_n be_v endue_v with_o any_o measure_n of_o learning_n and_o judgement_n do_v in_o their_o conscience_n condemn_v themselves_o and_o those_o error_n which_o they_o hold_v yet_o we_o be_v not_o peremptorelie_o to_o judge_v they_o to_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o damnation_n for_o the_o common_a and_o unlearned_a people_n live_v in_o popery_n heretic_n do_v so_o whole_o rely_v themselves_o upon_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o church_n that_o they_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n ignorant_a even_o of_o the_o very_a error_n of_o popery_n wherein_o the_o more_o simple_a and_o unlearned_a that_o a_o man_n be_v the_o great_a hope_n we_o may_v have_v of_o his_o salvation_n yea_o many_o learned_a man_n amongst_o they_o have_v be_v carry_v headlong_o with_o the_o blindness_n of_o the_o time_n and_o in_o a_o kind_n of_o modesty_n or_o rather_o gross_a and_o sottish_a negligence_n have_v not_o inquire_v into_o those_o point_n which_o the_o whole_a church_n do_v maintain_v and_o yet_o some_o of_o th●se_a man_n live_v in_o these_o heresy_n have_v be_v so_o sound_a and_o constant_a in_o the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n gospel_n that_o we_o read_v that_o diverse_a of_o they_o have_v give_v their_o life_n in_o defence_n of_o it_o so_o that_o we_o can_v without_o injury_n deny_v unto_o they_o the_o name_n of_o christian_n which_o they_o have_v buy_v with_o the_o price_n of_o their_o own_o blood_n but_o as_o for_o those_o who_o do_v still_o hold_v these_o heresy_n since_o the_o time_n wherein_o it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o let_v the_o sun_n of_o truth_n to_o shine_v clear_o in_o the_o world_n their_o case_n be_v very_o fearful_a and_o especial_o those_o who_o have_v have_v the_o truth_n teach_v and_o offer_v unto_o they_o for_o as_o christ_n say_v john_n 10.3_o all_o his_o sheep_n know_v his_o voice_n and_o can_v distinguish_v it_o from_o the_o voice_n of_o false_a shepherd_n when_o it_o sound_v in_o their_o ear_n howsoever_o before_o they_o do_v not_o know_v it_o and_o the_o apostle_n write_v 1._o cor._n 14.37_o if_o any_o be_v spiritual_a let_v he_o acknowledge_v these_o thing_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o if_o any_o be_v ignorant_a let_v he_o be_v ignorant_a still_o in_o this_o sense_n paul_n write_v to_o the_o gal._n 5.2_o that_o if_o they_o be_v circumcise_v christ_n shall_v profit_v they_o nothing_o and_o yet_o act._n 21.20_o there_o be_v many_o thousand_o jew_n who_o do_v believe_v all_o of_o they_o
and_o of_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n that_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o may_v be_v drive_v to_o christ_n and_o even_o compel_v to_o embrace_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o as_o the_o iron_n must_v first_o be_v make_v hot_a in_o the_o fire_n before_o it_o will_v receive_v any_o new_a fo●me_n so_o must_v the_o hard_a heart_n be_v mollify_v in_o the_o furnace_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n before_o it_o will_v receive_v the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v needful_a that_o there_o shall_v by_o this_o mean_v a_o way_n be_v make_v for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o man_n must_v first_o be_v make_v to_o see_v their_o sin_n and_o the_o punishment_n of_o eternal_a death_n due_a unto_o they_o before_o they_o can_v learn_v the_o use_n and_o necessity_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o his_o righteousness_n for_o the_o physician_n come_v not_o to_o whole_a man_n neither_o do_v the_o surgeon_n lay_v his_o plaster_n but_o upon_o wound_a and_o bruise_a member_n thus_o do_v john_n go_v before_o christ_n in_o the_o spirit_n of_o elias_n to_o prepare_v the_o people_n for_o the_o lord_n luk._n 1.17_o and_o thus_o christ_n prepare_v the_o young_a man_n math._n 19.21_o and_o peter_n the_o jew_n act_n 2.37_o who_o when_o they_o be_v prick_v in_o their_o heart_n by_o hear_v their_o sin_n they_o come_v to_o the_o apostle_n say_v man_n and_o brethren_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v and_o paul_n the_o man_n of_o athens_n act._n 17.31_o and_o last_o thus_o do_v god_n himself_o by_o a_o fearful_a earthquake_n prepare_v the_o jailer_n act_n 16.30_o and_o according_a to_o these_o exmple_n all_o other_o unbeliever_n be_v to_o be_v convert_v by_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o sight_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o anger_n of_o god_n and_o that_o especial_o by_o mention_v and_o urge_v those_o sin_n which_o be_v most_o heinous_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n and_o by_o the_o confession_n of_o all_o man_n which_o they_o can_v least_o excuse_v and_o whereof_o they_o be_v most_o ashamed_a yea_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o law_n ought_v to_o go_v before_o because_o it_o will_v more_o easy_o be_v receive_v and_o believe_v forsomuch_o as_o it_o be_v natural_a to_o man_n be_v ingraft_v in_o every_o man_n mind_n since_o the_o first_o creation_n of_o man_n for_o although_o it_o be_v by_o the_o fall_n of_o adam_n great_o diminish_v obscure_v and_o pervert_v yet_o there_o remain_v a_o confuse_a and_o dark_a knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a of_o right_a and_o wrong_n and_o also_o of_o the_o reward_n belong_v to_o obedience_n and_o the_o punishment_n of_o death_n due_a to_o sin_n rom._n 1.32_o the_o gentile_n know_v the_o law_n of_o god_n that_o they_o who_o commit_v sin_n be_v worthy_a of_o death_n yea_o of_o this_o knowledge_n come_v a_o conscience_n in_o infidel_n sometime_o excuse_v they_o although_o false_o but_o for_o the_o most_o part_n accuse_v they_o for_o their_o sin_n before_o god_n so_o that_o this_o their_o knowledge_n of_o the_o law_n and_o conscience_n of_o sin_n may_v easy_o be_v enlighten_v and_o stir_v uppe_o by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o law_n whereas_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n be_v contrary_n to_o natural_a reason_n and_o therefore_o hard_a to_o be_v persuade_v thus_o we_o see_v the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n to_o wit_n that_o whereby_o infidel_n be_v to_o be_v prepare_v for_o the_o gospel_n this_o be_v do_v than_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christian_n religion_n be_v brief_o and_o summarelie_o to_o be_v propund_v even_o as_o the_o apostle_n do_v use_v to_o preach_v christ._n infidel_n the_o sum_n of_o who_o sermon_n be_v this_o that_o salvation_n be_v to_o be_v have_v by_o faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o redeemer_n of_o the_o world_n the_o truth_n of_o this_o doctrine_n be_v to_o be_v prove_v by_o such_o testimony_n as_o be_v of_o most_o force_n as_o the_o law_n and_o prophet_n be_v with_o the_o jew_n out_o of_o the_o which_o we_o see_v that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v continual_o prove_v that_o which_o they_o speak_v likewise_o as_o touch_v the_o gentile_n although_o the_o main_a point_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v contrary_a to_o humane_a reason_n and_o therefore_o not_o to_o be_v ground_v thereon_o yet_o we_o be_v not_o destitute_a of_o many_o help_n and_o evident_a argument_n draw_v out_o of_o their_o own_o poet_n philosopher_n prophetess_n and_o oracle_n whereby_o the_o probability_n truth_n and_o necessity_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v be_v declare_v even_o to_o the_o heathen_a the_o which_o who_o so_o desire_v to_o know_v may_v see_v they_o in_o those_o book_n which_o be_v write_v for_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_n religion_n both_o in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n as_o also_o in_o these_o latter_a time_n especial_o the_o vanity_n of_o that_o false_a and_o idolatrous_a worship_n be_v to_o be_v lay_v open_a unto_o they_o that_o so_o they_o be_v as_o it_o be_v drive_v from_o that_o may_v be_v constrain_v to_o seek_v the_o true_a religion_n as_o have_v be_v declare_v sect._n 4._o how_o man_n convert_v to_o the_o faith_n ought_v to_o be_v order_v so_o many_o of_o they_o as_o can_v be_v win_v by_o this_o mean_n to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n deliver_v be_v upon_o confession_n of_o their_o faith_n to_o have_v baptism_n administer_v unto_o they_o to_o be_v a_o seal_n of_o their_o faith_n to_o themselves_o and_o a_o badge_n of_o their_o profession_n to_o other_o and_o so_o to_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o rest_n as_o those_o of_o who_o the_o church_n be_v to_o consist_v yea_o although_o they_o do_v not_o at_o the_o first_o express_v the_o power_n of_o religion_n in_o true_a repentance_n and_o a_o christian_n life_n yet_o if_o they_o do_v believe_v that_o to_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n of_o god_n and_o be_v content_a to_o profess_v the_o same_o then_o be_v they_o to_o be_v account_v member_n of_o the_o church_n so_o we_o read_v act_n 8.16_o that_o many_o of_o the_o samaritan_n be_v baptize_v and_o so_o receive_v into_o the_o church_n whenas_o none_o of_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o only_o believe_v in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n as_o they_o be_v teach_v so_o the_o eunuch_n be_v baptize_v act_n 8._o upon_o this_o confession_n i_o believe_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o even_o as_o they_o who_o labour_n in_o dig_v metal_n out_o of_o the_o earth_n do_v at_o the_o first_o ●ake_v for_o gold_n whatsoever_o do_v glister_n and_o afterward_o purge_v the_o pure_a gold_n from_o the_o corrupt_a dross_n and_o from_o all_o base_a mettle_n and_o as_o fisher_n take_v for_o fish_n whatsoever_o come_v to_o the_o net_n but_o afterward_o separate_v the_o good_a from_o the_o bad_a math._n 13.47.48_o so_o at_o the_o first_o the_o ministry_n receave_v all_o that_o seem_v to_o believe_v but_o in_o process_n of_o time_n it_o separate_v the_o hypocrite_n from_o the_o believer_n and_o the_o wicked_a from_o the_o godly_a although_o not_o perfect_o but_o before_o the_o administration_n of_o baptism_n the_o summarie_a doctrine_n of_o it_o must_v be_v teach_v that_o so_o it_o may_v be_v receive_v with_o great_a fruit_n to_o wit_n that_o this_o sacrament_n be_v appoint_v by_o god_n himself_o as_o john_n the_o first_o minister_n of_o it_o do_v testify_v john_n 2.33_o to_o be_v in_o his_o church_n a_o badge_n and_o common_a liveray_fw-fr of_o all_o his_o servant_n whereby_o they_o be_v to_o profess_v his_o name_n christian_n and_o to_o be_v know_v from_o unbeliever_n and_o also_o for_o their_o own_o edification_n that_o by_o baptism_n they_o may_v be_v confirm_v in_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n both_o of_o the_o law_n and_o of_o the_o gospel_n and_o further_o that_o it_o belong_v chief_o to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o law_n in_o that_o by_o drown_v we_o in_o water_n it_o put_v we_o in_o remembrance_n of_o that_o eternal_a death_n whereunto_o we_o be_v subject_a before_o as_o the_o apostle_n teach_v rom._n 6.4_o and_o that_o it_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o use_n with_o circumcision_n the_o which_o do_v under_o the_o law_n both_o distinguishe_v the_o jew_n as_o god_n people_n from_o all_o other_o nation_n as_o profane_v death_n and_o also_o set_v before_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o receiver_n eternal_a death_n as_o the_o other_o ordinary_a sacrament_n of_o the_o passover_n do_v eternal_a life_n for_o the_o one_o sacrament_n be_v of_o a_o bloody_a signification_n wound_v the_o body_n and_o so_o threaten_a death_n but_o the_o other_o grave_a the_o comfortable_a nourishment_n of_o life_n and_o so_o do_v baptism_n &_o the_o lord_n supper_n differ_v last_o that_o both_o baptism_n and_o circumcision_n although_o they_o
memory_n and_o other_o common_a gift_n then_o follow_v a_o corrupt_a worship_n consist_v in_o outward_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n in_o vain_a babble_n in_o suffer_v hunger_n or_o in_o other_o bodily_a exercise_n further_o if_o in_o steed_n of_o true_a doctrine_n error_n be_v public_o teach_v and_o general_o receive_v or_o if_o in_o steed_n of_o a_o christian_n life_n sin_n do_v abound_v by_o these_o mean_n and_o many_o other_o which_o it_o be_v not_o needful_a to_o rehearse_v come_v a_o corrupt_a state_n of_o a_o church_n but_o here_o we_o be_v brief_o to_o touch_v a_o question_n which_o have_v be_v in_o part_n handle_v alone_o chap._n 1._o sect._n 4._o to_o wit_n how_o far_o a_o church_n may_v be_v corrupt_a before_o it_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n that_o be_v a_o church_n true_o and_o indeed_o for_o answer_v whereof_o it_o seem_v that_o wheresoever_o a_o company_n of_o man_n do_v joint_o and_o public_o by_o worship_v the_o true_a god_n in_o christ_n profess_v the_o substance_n of_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n that_o there_o be_v a_o true_a church_n notwithstanding_o any_o corruption_n whatsoever_o yea_o although_o it_o be_v of_o that_o nature_n that_o it_o may_v be_v make_v by_o consequent_a of_o argument_n to_o fight_v with_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o christian_n religion_n and_o so_o heinous_a as_o that_o in_o respect_n thereof_o church_n the_o people_n stain_v with_o this_o corruption_n be_v worthy_a to_o be_v abhor_v of_o all_o man_n and_o unworthy_a to_o be_v call_v the_o church_n of_o god_n we_o will_v take_v a_o instance_n of_o a_o people_n which_o together_o with_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n do_v maintain_v and_o use_v idolatry_n not_o worship_v a_o false_a god_n for_o than_o they_o be_v without_o all_o question_n to_o be_v count_v infidel_n but_o the_o true_a god_n after_o a_o false_a and_o devise_a manner_n these_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o church_n although_o they_o do_v profane_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n after_o a_o most_o horrible_a &_o grievous_a m●nner_n thus_o as_o it_o may_v seem_v some_o christians_n do_v in_o the_o first_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n who_o do_v both_o believe_v in_o some_o sort_n &_o yet_o can_v not_o of_o a_o sudden_a shake_v off_o that_o idolatry_n wherein_o they_o have_v live_v so_o many_o year_n for_o so_o paul_n write_v 1._o cor._n 5.11_o if_o any_o that_o be_v call_v a_o brother_n that_o be_v a_o christian_n be_v a_o fornicatour_n or_o covetous_a or_o a_o worshipper_n of_o image_n this_o kind_n of_o w●rship_n be_v in_o use_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n the_o which_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o church_n although_o in_o the_o low_a degree_n that_o can_v be_v imagine_v god_n unless_o as_o it_o seem_v that_o we_o may_v do_v we_o will_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n the_o people_n of_o the_o ten_o trib_n who_o be_v idolater_n &_o yet_o by_o circumcision_n &_o some_o otherways_o do_v profess_v the_o name_n of_o jehova_n as_o we_o may_v note_v out_o of_o many_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n and_o first_o out_o of_o those_o place_n where_o they_o be_v call_v the_o people_n of_o god_n as_o we_o read_v ro._n 10.25.26_o where_o the_o people_n of_o god_n the_o belove_a of_o god_n and_o the_o child_n of_o the_o live_a god_n g●d_n do_v all_o signify_v a_o true_a church_n in_o the_o 1._o king_n 16.2_o they_o be_v twice_o so_o call_v where_o god_n say_v that_o he_o make_v bahasa_n the_o captain_n of_o his_o people_n israel_n second_o god_n be_v call_v the_o god_n of_o the_o ten_o tribe_n and_o say_v to_o be_v among_o they_o 1._o king_n 20.28_o because_o the_o syrian_n speak_v of_o the_o god_n of_o the_o ten_o tribe_n of_o who_o they_o be_v overcome_v say_v that_o jehova_n be_v god_n of_o the_o hill_n only_o and_o 1._o king_n 18.35_o thou_o be_v the_o god_n of_o israel_n three_o for_o that_o they_o always_o have_v the_o true_a prophet_n of_o god_n and_o by_o they_o do_v ask_v and_o receive_v counsel_n of_o god_n in_o their_o weighty_a affair_n thus_o 1._o king_n 22.5.6.7.11_o achab_n ask_v counsel_n of_o god_n 2._o king_n 2.16_o ahazia_n be_v reprove_v by_o god_n for_o that_o he_o send_v to_o ask_v counsel_n at_o baalsebub_n as_o though_o there_o be_v not_o a_o god_n in_o is●ael_n who_o word_n he_o may_v have_v seek_v after_o likewise_o 1._o king_n 5.8_o eliseus_n say_v this_o be_v a_o most_o certain_a thing_n that_o israel_n be_v not_o at_o any_o time_n without_o a_o prophet_n the_o truth_n hereof_o may_v be_v gather_v also_o 1._o king_n 18.21_o where_o elias_n say_v that_o the_o people_n do_v halt_v betwixt_o god_n and_o baal_n that_o be_v do_v serve_v they_o both_o together_o and_o last_o by_o that_o which_o be_v often_o say_v that_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n do_v evil_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n that_o be_v in_o that_o place_n whereupon_o god_n do_v as_o yet_o look_v with_o the_o eye_n of_o his_o mercy_n as_o upon_o his_o church_n so_o that_o although_o they_o do_v want_n almost_o the_o whole_a public_a worship_n and_o therefore_o be_v say_v 2._o chro._n 15.3_o to_o be_v without_o god_n without_o priest_n and_o the_o law_n yet_o because_o the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v general_o by_o circumcision_n profess_v of_o they_o they_o seem_v to_o retain_v the_o name_n of_o a_o church_n and_o o●_n the_o people_n of_o god_n even_o as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n serve_v god_n and_o christ_n by_o baptism_n and_o by_o profess_v his_o name_n otherways_o although_o they_o have_v no_o part_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n uncorrupted_a and_o so_o the_o ten_o tribe_n g●th●r_n some_o christian_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n the_o papist_n and_o as_o we_o may_v think_v king_n solomon_n with_o many_o other_o join_a idolatry_n &_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n together_o as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o samaritan_n that_o they_o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o worship_v idol_n 2._o king_n 17.41_o yet_o these_o samaritan_n be_v not_o a_o church_n for_o they_o do_v only_o in_o their_o mind_n slavish_o fear_v god_n but_o all_o their_o outward_a worship_n be_v do_v unto_o idol_n sect._n 11._o of_o a_o church_n corrupt_v in_o doctrine_n now_o we_o be_v to_o inquire_v how_o far_o a_o people_n may_v be_v corrupt_a in_o doctrine_n and_o yet_o remain_v a_o church_n whereunto_o we_o answer_v as_o before_o that_o all_o they_o who_o hold_v the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o be_v count_v a_o church_n although_o together_o they_o be_v infect_v with_o many_o grievous_a error_n by_o the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n we_o do_v not_o mean_v any_o one_o particular_a point_n no_o not_o the_o weighty_a point_n or_o those_o which_o come_v near_a to_o the_o foundation_n itself_o but_o the_o general_a and_o main_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n the_o which_o be_v before_o the_o come_n of_o ch●ist_n this_o i_o believe_v in_o the_o messiah_n who_o be_v to_o come_v of_o the_o seed_n of_o david_n and_o since_o his_o come_n it_o be_v this_o i_o believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v christ_n as_o the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n be_v define_v by_o the_o apostle_n 1._o cor._n 3.11_o the_o truth_n hereof_o may_v evident_o appear_v by_o consider_v the_o state_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n especial_o as_o it_o be_v at_o the_o time_n of_o his_o come_n in_o the_o which_o although_o god_n do_v reveal_v his_o will_n more_o clear_o to_o some_o of_o his_o prophet_n &_o people_n christ._n yet_o the_o church_n general_o be_v altogether_o ignorant_a of_o the_o weighty_a point_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o of_o christ_n the_o trinity_n two_o distinct_a nature_n the_o union_n of_o they_o of_o his_o office_n death_n and_o resurrection_n now_o although_o simple_a ignorance_n be_v not_o so_o grievous_a a_o sin_n as_o wilful_a heresy_n neither_o a_o heresy_n before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n as_o one_o since_o his_o come_n yet_o in_o this_o respect_n they_o be_v all_o one_o for_o a_o man_n do_v err_v in_o that_o point_n which_o he_o do_v not_o know_v hold_v the_o error_n contrary_a to_o the_o say_a truth_n even_o as_o the_o jew_n not_o know_v the_o head_n of_o doctrine_n before_o name_v do_v always_o in_o all_o age_n and_o do_v to_o this_o day_n so_o many_o as_o continue_v in_o unbelief_n deny_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n for_o they_o make_v but_o one_o person_n to_o wit_n god_n the_o father_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o deity_n of_o christ_n think_v that_o the_o messiah_n shall_v be_v a_o mere_a man_n they_o deny_v his_o office_n think_v that_o he_o shall_v be_v a_o temporal_a king_n only_o and_o therefore_o they_o know_v not_o the_o doctrine_n of_o regeneration_n as_o we_o see_v in_o
these_o thing_n ought_v to_o be_v perform_v these_o be_v to_o be_v have_v from_o those_o place_n where_o the_o church_n be_v already_o build_v as_o one_o of_o the_o priest_n which_o be_v translate_v out_o of_o samaria_n be_v send_v back_o again_o to_o teach_v the_o new_a inhabitant_n of_o the_o country_n how_o to_o fear_v and_o worship_v the_o god_n of_o israel_n and_o first_o they_o be_v to_o call_v the_o people_n to_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n by_o preach_v unto_o they_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o law_n and_o of_o the_o gospel_n in_o that_o manner_n which_o have_v already_o be_v declare_v for_o civil_a ruler_n do_v not_o themselves_o ordinarelie_o build_v the_o church_n but_o they_o as_o it_o be_v hire_n workman_n to_o do_v it_o and_o take_v order_n that_o the_o people_n who_o they_o will_v bring_v into_o the_o form_n of_o a_o church_n be_v teach_v and_o instruct_v in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n thus_o to_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n whereby_o alone_o private_a church_n be_v build_v the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o magistrate_n be_v add_v or_o rather_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n be_v add_v to_o the_o civil_a authority_n which_o have_v the_o first_o place_n in_o order_n although_o not_o in_o efficacy_n that_o as_o the_o one_o do_v labour_n to_o bring_v the_o body_n and_o outward_a action_n of_o the_o people_n into_o the_o due_a order_n of_o a_o church_n and_o to_o conform_v themselves_o to_o the_o right_a worship_n of_o god_n so_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n may_v move_v their_o mind_n to_o know_v and_o their_o heart_n to_o obey_v the_o will_n of_o god_n the_o which_o work_n of_o the_o magistrate_n and_o minister_n consist_v in_o two_o thing_n the_o first_o be_v to_o take_v away_o the_o false_a religion_n the_o other_o to_o establish_v that_o which_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o both_o which_o there_o be_v diverse_a thing_n to_o be_v consider_v and_o special_o in_o the_o first_o forsomuch_o as_o it_o be_v a_o hard_a and_o dangerous_a matter_n to_o abolish_v that_o corrupt_a worship_n which_o they_o have_v always_o use_v and_o which_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o their_o ancestor_n for_o man_n be_v very_o zealous_a of_o the_o tradition_n of_o their_o forefather_n wherein_o they_o themselves_o also_o have_v be_v bring_v up_o to_o abrogate_v all_o at_o once_o and_o instead_o thereof_o to_o plant_v the_o true_a religion_n be_v altogether_o strange_a and_o unknowen_a unto_o they_o little_a be_v both_o dangerous_a to_o the_o civil_a estate_n as_o that_o which_o be_v very_o like_a to_o breed_v sedition_n and_o uproar_n among_o the_o people_n and_o also_o contrary_a to_o the_o right_a manner_n of_o lay_v a_o sure_a foundation_n of_o a_o church_n for_o they_o be_v force_v by_o authority_n to_o renounce_v their_o own_o religion_n will_v rather_o hate_v that_o in_o their_o heart_n whereunto_o there_o be_v force_v then_o true_o love_v and_o embrace_v it_o yea_o upon_o every_o occasion_n they_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o fall_v a_o way_n from_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o and_o so_o be_v further_o off_o then_o they_o be_v at_o the_o first_o and_o therefore_o the_o corrupt_a worship_n be_v to_o be_v tolerate_v for_o a_o while_n till_o such_o time_n as_o by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n some_o good_a number_n be_v convert_v which_o be_v do_v then_o both_o the_o minister_n in_o reprove_v and_o the_o magistrate_n in_o abrogate_a their_o false_a kind_n of_o worship_n may_v be_v more_o bold_a yet_o not_o all_o at_o once_o but_o at_o the_o first_o that_o which_o be_v most_o gross_a and_o corrupt_a the_o vanity_n and_o falsehood_n whereof_o be_v most_o palpable_a and_o may_v most_o easy_o be_v show_v then_o as_o touch_v the_o true_a religion_n they_o who_o as_o yet_o do_v not_o embrace_v it_o may_v be_v compel_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o magistrate_n first_o not_o to_o speak_v evil_a of_o it_o nor_o to_o injury_n or_o molest_v either_o by_o word_n or_o deed_n the_o professor_n of_o it_o this_o we_o may_v learn_v of_o nabuchadnezzer_n daniel_n 3.18_o who_o make_v a_o decree_n that_o whosoever_o shall_v blaspheme_v or_o speak_v amiss_o of_o the_o god_n of_o sidrach_n misach_n and_o abednego_n he_o shall_v be_v put_v to_o death_n second_o they_o be_v also_o to_o be_v urge_v to_o hear_v reverent_o the_o word_n of_o god_n preach_v unto_o they_o by_o the_o which_o mean_n we_o n●ed_v not_o doubt_v but_o that_o the_o truth_n will_v daily_o more_o and_o more_o prevail_v so_o that_o great_a multitude_n of_o people_n will_v either_o in_o truth_n and_o from_o their_o heart_n love_n and_o embrace_v it_o or_o at_o the_o least_o make_v outward_a profession_n the_o which_o as_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v reject_v for_o that_o it_o can_v certain_o be_v discern_v to_o be_v hypocritical_a we_o be_v bind_v to_o think_v the_o best_a of_o all_o man_n which_o do_v profess_v christ_n and_o not_o to_o judge_v they_o of_o hypocrisy_n so_o it_o be_v good_a in_o this_o respect_n for_o that_o they_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o outward_a profession_n will_v diligent_o and_o willing_o hear_v the_o word_n use_v religious_a exercise_n and_o all_o such_o mean_n the_o which_o we_o may_v hope_v will_v be_v effectual_a at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o to_o their_o unfeigned_a conversion_n they_o who_o do_v not_o yield_v to_o be_v professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v still_o to_o be_v compel_v to_o hear_v the_o word_n which_o must_v be_v preach_v to_o they_o in_o a_o distinct_a assembly_n and_o of_o set_a purpose_n for_o that_o the_o ordinary_a ministry_n which_o edifi_v those_o who_o be_v already_o convert_v can_v be_v so_o effectual_a and_o serve_v so_o fit_o for_o this_o end_n if_o it_o be_v here_o ask_v whether_o that_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n may_v not_o compel_v they_o by_o inflict_v some_o punishment_n on_o they_o to_o submit_v and_o conform_v themselves_o whole_o to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o become_v member_n of_o it_o the_o answer_n be_v that_o this_o may_v be_v do_v to_o those_o who_o do_v once_o profess_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o afterwards_o do_v fall_v away_o but_o man_n who_o never_o do_v conceive_v in_o their_o mind_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n can_v by_o force_v be_v make_v member_n of_o a_o church_n church_n but_o be_v debar_v from_o the_o use_n of_o their_o false_a worship_n and_o also_o compel_v to_o hear_v the_o word_n preach_v be_v to_o be_v leave_v for_o their_o conversion_n to_o the_o lord_n yet_o if_o they_o continue_v professor_n of_o that_o worship_n which_o the_o civil_a ruler_n do_v abhor_v they_o be_v if_o not_o subject_a to_o banishment_n loss_n of_o good_n imprisonment_n or_o some_o less_o danger_n trouble_n or_o punishment_n yet_o clean_o shut_v out_o of_o his_o favour_n and_o so_o debar_v from_o all_o preferment_n honour_n or_o dignity_n yea_o from_o any_o good_a condition_n of_o life_n for_o the_o avoid_n whereof_o many_o will_v become_v professor_n of_o the_o truth_n who_o in_o their_o heart_n do_v not_o embrace_v it_o sect._n 8._o how_o a_o public_a church_n be_v plant_v be_v to_o be_v establish_v thus_o when_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n be_v so_o increase_v that_o as_o for_o the_o most_o part_n it_o be_v in_o public_a church_n either_o for_o number_n or_o for_o distance_n of_o place_n they_o can_v convenient_o ordinarelie_o come_v together_o than_o they_o be_v to_o be_v divide_v in_o diverse_a assembly_n &_o so_o to_o be_v bring_v into_o the_o form_n of_o a_o church_n by_o appoint_v fit_a man_n to_o teach_v and_o lead_v they_o in_o the_o way_n of_o everlasting_a life_n that_o so_o they_o may_v serve_v god_n and_o live_v in_o that_o holy_a order_n of_o a_o church_n which_o he_o have_v appoint_v and_o forsomuch_o as_o it_o may_v be_v ask_v where_o there_o can_v in_o this_o first_o plant_n of_o a_o church_n be_v have_v such_o a_o number_n of_o minister_n as_o may_v be_v sufficient_a word_n therefore_o we_o be_v herein_o to_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o whenas_o a_o competent_a number_n be_v win_v to_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n they_o do_v after_o some_o space_n of_o time_n choose_v out_o of_o that_o number_n those_o who_o be_v endue_v with_o best_a gift_n yea_o although_o they_o be_v not_o learn_v in_o any_o other_o knowledge_n yet_o if_o they_o have_v attain_v the_o sound_a knowledge_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o christian_n religion_n so_o that_o they_o be_v able_a to_o teach_v the_o s●me_n to_o other_o if_o they_o be_v m●n_z of_o a_o unblameable_a life_n so_o that_o they_o may_v bold_o and_o effectualie_a exhort_v other_o to_o the_o same_o than_o be_v they_o judge_v meet_v to_o be_v set_v over_o the_o rest_n to_o teach_v and_o govern_v they_o
doctrine_n ought_v to_o be_v esteem_v the_o public_a confession_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n whereby_o they_o do_v make_v know_v not_o only_o to_o other_o church_n but_o also_o to_o the_o whole_a world_n that_o they_o do_v profess_v &_o maintain_v the_o truth_n of_o christian_n religion_n and_o of_o every_o part_n thereof_o &_o do_v detest_v &_o abhor_v all_o the_o false_a worship_n of_o the_o jew_n turk_n and_o all_o other_o infidel_n whatsoever_o and_o also_o that_o they_o be_v free_a from_o all_o false_a &_o erroneous_a opinion_n all_o gross_a &_o blasphemous_a heresy_n of_o man_n profess_v the_o faith_n wherewith_o the_o church_n have_v be_v at_o all_o time_n and_o be_v trouble_v at_o this_o day_n this_o public_a profession_n of_o the_o faith_n be_v with_o great_a care_n &_o diligence_n make_v and_o approve_v by_o the_o general_a consent_n of_o the_o whole_a council_n be_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o chief_a ruler_n to_o be_v enjoin_v to_o the_o whole_a ch._n so_o as_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o any_o man_n to_o deny_v or_o refute_v any_o point_n of_o it_o yet_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o contain_v in_o it_o the_o determination_n of_o all_o controversy_n but_o only_o a_o declaration_n of_o the_o chief_a point_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o profession_n whereof_o the_o life_n &_o as_o it_o be_v the_o very_a essence_n or_o be_v of_o the_o church_n do_v consist_v for_o as_o touch_v matter_n of_o less_o moment_n in_o the_o which_o man_n may_v err_v without_o any_o danger_n to_o their_o own_o salvation_n or_o hurt_n to_o the_o church_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o all_o man_n shall_v be_v bring_v to_o think_v and_o profess_v the_o same_o thing_n but_o there_o will_v be_v continual_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n in_o these_o point_n in_o every_o church_n yet_o it_o do_v belong_v to_o this_o public_a council_n to_o consider_v &_o to_o determine_v even_o of_o other_o doubt_n &_o controversy_n which_o do_v trouble_v the_o church_n that_o by_o this_o mean_v contention_n may_v be_v take_v away_o and_o as_o the_o apostle_n write_v 1._o cor._n 1.10_o all_o may_v say_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o be_v knit_v together_o in_o one_o mind_n and_o in_o one_o judgement_n yet_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o council_n of_o these_o light_a point_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v impose_v upon_o any_o man_n to_o think_v or_o to_o profess_v but_o every_o man_n leave_v to_o think_v as_o it_o shall_v please_v god_n to_o give_v he_o to_o understand_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o that_o behalf_n either_o keep_v his_o opinion_n dissent_v fr●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