find_v their_o auditor_n incline_v to_o receive_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o that_o also_o in_o all_o other_o place_n whither_o this_o doctrine_n be_v transplant_v the_o believer_n may_v enter_v into_o such_o a_o society_n or_o plant_v a_o church_n upon_o their_o own_o accord_n without_o any_o commission_n or_o permission_n for_o so_o do_v from_o the_o apostle_n but_o that_o pursuant_n to_o our_o saviour_n expression_n it_o be_v sufficient_a if_o two_o or_o three_o be_v incline_v to_o meet_v in_o his_o name_n if_o we_o trace_v the_o true_a nature_n of_o these_o society_n which_o be_v constitute_v by_o a_o free_a choice_n and_o consent_n of_o certain_a men._n we_o may_v easy_o find_v to_o contain_v all_o of_o they_o something_o resemble_v a_o democracy_n where_o such_o matter_n as_o concern_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o society_n be_v to_o be_v dispatch_v by_o common_a consent_n and_o where_o no_o particular_a person_n can_v claim_v any_o further_a power_n over_o the_o rest_n than_o what_o he_o have_v receive_v by_o their_o joint_a consent_n from_o whence_o it_o may_v be_v rational_o conclude_v that_o at_o the_o first_o beginning_n the_o power_n of_o constitute_a teacher_n and_o other_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n be_v original_o lodge_v in_o the_o whole_a church_n or_o the_o whole_a congregation_n of_o the_o believer_n and_o though_o it_o be_v unquestionable_a that_o in_o the_o first_o primitive_a church_n teacher_n be_v constitute_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o a_o great_a many_o place_n nevertheless_o the_o greek_a word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o imply_v something_o of_o a_o democracy_n and_o be_v often_o use_v in_o the_o scripture_n in_o this_o case_n argue_v sufficient_o that_o this_o be_v not_o do_v without_o the_o approbation_n of_o the_o church_n it_o will_v be_v a_o hard_a task_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v constitute_v teacher_n themselves_o in_o all_o lesser_a town_n or_o that_o they_o preach_v the_o gospel_n in_o all_o lesser_a place_n and_o village_n it_o seem_v rather_o probable_a that_o the_o gospel_n be_v publish_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o great_a city_n and_o other_o place_n of_o note_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v communicate_v unto_o other_o place_n and_o that_o such_o church_n as_o be_v not_o provide_v with_o teacher_n bishop_n or_o presbyter_n by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o or_o their_o special_a authority_n use_v either_o to_o choose_v those_o very_a person_n to_o that_o function_n who_o be_v the_o first_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n among_o they_o or_o any_o other_o who_o they_o esteem_v to_o be_v endow_v before_o other_o with_o the_o gift_n of_o teach_v if_o we_o consult_v the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n to_o the_o roman_n it_o seem_v that_o the_o gospel_n have_v be_v teach_v at_o rome_n before_o ever_o peter_n and_o paul_n come_v thither_o and_o the_o high_a treasurer_n of_o the_o 16._o chap._n 16._o queen_n candace_n who_o be_v general_o believe_v to_o have_v first_o carry_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o aethiopia_n and_o to_o have_v be_v the_o first_o founder_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o those_o part_n receive_v no_o ordination_n as_o a_o bishop_n or_o presbyter_n from_o philip_n after_o his_o baptism_n neither_o do_v 8._o act_n 8._o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n prescribe_v any_o certain_a form_n to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o ordination_n of_o bishop_n as_o he_o do_v in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n which_o seem_v to_o prove_v that_o for_o the_o obtain_n of_o this_o function_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o require_v than_o for_o the_o person_n to_o be_v call_v by_o the_o church_n and_o to_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o teach_v it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o ordination_n of_o minister_n and_o imposition_n of_o hand_n by_o the_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n be_v a_o very_a laudable_a and_o useful_a ceremony_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v receive_v as_o such_o with_o this_o restriction_n nevertheless_o that_o the_o same_o need_v not_o to_o be_v deem_v so_o absolute_o necessary_a as_o if_o without_o it_o no_o person_n ought_v to_o be_v take_v for_o a_o true_a minister_n of_o the_o church_n especial_o since_o these_o miraculous_a gift_n which_o accompany_v that_o ceremony_n in_o the_o infancy_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v many_o age_n past_a become_v useless_a the_o church_n like_o all_o other_o college_n 14._o 1_o tim._n 4_o 14._o have_v power_n to_o collect_v stipend_n for_o their_o minister_n and_o to_o make_v collection_n for_o the_o use_v of_o the_o poor_a but_o in_o a_o different_a degree_n from_o that_o which_o belong_v to_o civil_a magistrate_n or_o sovereign_n who_o levy_v tax_n and_o have_v a_o power_n to_o force_v their_o subject_n to_o a_o compliance_n with_o their_o command_n but_o in_o the_o church_n this_o power_n be_v found_v upon_o the_o mere_a liberality_n and_o free_a consent_n of_o all_o the_o believer_n in_o general_a who_o be_v make_v sensible_a of_o their_o duty_n of_o pay_v a_o workman_n his_o stipend_n and_o relieve_v those_o in_o distress_n ought_v not_o to_o refuse_v such_o act_n of_o justice_n and_o humanity_n it_o proper_o belong_v to_o all_o 7._o 1_o cor._n 8._o 2_o 3._o c._n 2._o 12_o 13._o c._n 9_o 5_o 9_o 7._o college_n as_o well_o as_o church_n to_o have_v a_o power_n to_o make_v with_o joint_a consent_n of_o their_o member_n such_o statute_n as_o may_v conduce_v towards_o the_o obtain_n the_o end_n of_o their_o society_n provide_v they_o do_v not_o interfere_v with_o the_o legal_a right_n of_o their_o sovereign_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v these_o statute_n which_o st._n paul_n recommend_v to_o the_o corinthian_n in_o his_o first_o epistle_n in_o the_o 7_o chapt._n if_o any_o one_o act_v contrary_a to_o these_o rule_n he_o deserve_o be_v to_o receive_v correction_n or_o to_o undergo_v such_o a_o penalty_n as_o be_v dictate_v by_o the_o statute_n and_o which_o be_v to_o be_v lay_v upon_o he_o not_o by_o virtue_n of_o a_o inherent_a power_n in_o the_o college_n but_o pursuant_n to_o their_o contract_n and_o though_o college_n have_v not_o any_o power_n or_o jurisdiction_n over_o their_o member_n unless_o what_o be_v absolute_o requisite_a for_o the_o obtain_v the_o true_a end_n of_o each_o society_n or_o else_o have_v be_v grant_v to_o they_o by_o their_o sovereign_n nevertheless_o it_o be_v often_o practise_v in_o these_o society_n and_o may_v be_v do_v without_o prejudice_n to_o the_o right_n of_o their_o sovereign_n that_o if_o any_o difference_n arise_v betwixt_o the_o member_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o college_n these_o be_v compose_v by_o the_o interposition_n and_o arbitration_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o member_n of_o that_o college_n or_o society_n to_o the_o end_n that_o a_o mutual_a good_a correspondency_n may_v be_v cultivate_v among_o they_o in_o which_o sense_n be_v to_o be_v take_v the_o admonition_n which_o st._n paul_n give_v to_o the_o corinthian_n concern_v this_o point_n in_o the_o 1_o epistle_n in_o the_o 6_o chapter_n in_o the_o first_o and_o follow_a verse_n last_o because_o many_o vice_n be_v at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o first_o publish_v of_o the_o gospel_n in_o vogue_n among_o the_o heathen_n which_o be_v not_o punishable_a by_o the_o pagan_a law_n they_o be_v more_o encourage_v to_o the_o observance_n of_o moral_a duty_n by_o the_o prospect_n of_o honour_n than_o by_o any_o civil_a command_n and_o the_o christian_n believe_v it_o more_o peculiar_o belong_v to_o themselves_o to_o recommend_v and_o adorn_v their_o profession_n by_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o by_o a_o innocent_a conversation_n to_o excel_v the_o heathen_n some_o statute_n be_v at_o the_o very_a beginning_n introduce_v into_o the_o primitive_a church_n which_o be_v think_v most_o convenient_a to_o correct_v all_o manner_n of_o licentiousness_n according_a to_o st._n paul_n direction_n if_o any_o one_o that_o be_v call_v a_o brother_n be_v a_o fornicator_n or_o covetous_a 2._o 1_o cor._n 5._o 2._o or_o a_o idolater_n or_o a_o railer_n or_o a_o drunkard_n or_o a_o extortioner_n with_o such_o a_o one_o do_v not_o eat_v from_o whence_o it_o appear_v that_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n church_n censure_n be_v use_v in_o the_o church_n all_o which_o may_v easy_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v be_v do_v without_o the_o least_o prejudice_n to_o the_o sovereign_a power_n it_o be_v always_o for_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o state_n that_o subject_n shall_v lead_v a_o innocent_a life_n it_o be_v worth_a our_o observation_n that_o the_o punishment_n inflict_v by_o virtue_n of_o these_o statute_n be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o may_v be_v put_v in_o execution_n without_o the_o least_o prejudice_n to_o the_o civil_a government_n such_o be_v private_a admonition_n public_a reprimand_n and_o church_n penance_n the_o extreme_a remedy_n be_v excommunication_n by_o virtue_n of_o which_o a_o member_n
christian_a church_n st._n peter_n have_v in_o the_o abovementioned_a place_n make_v his_o confession_n that_o jesus_n be_v the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n this_o excellent_a confession_n do_v deserve_v a_o suitable_a answer_n from_o christ_n who_o say_v thou_o be_v peter_n as_o if_o he_o will_v say_v persist_v in_o this_o thy_o confession_n peter_n which_o do_v in_o no_o wise_n imply_v that_o peter_n shall_v thereby_o have_v deserve_v those_o prerogative_n over_o the_o other_o apostle_n as_o the_o romanist_n do_v pretend_v to_o for_o st._n peter_n do_v not_o make_v this_o confession_n for_o himself_o only_o but_o in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o those_o unto_o who_o christ_n speak_v at_o that_o time_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o he_o speak_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o disciple_n by_o st._n john_n 6._o 69._o we_o believe_v and_o be_v sure_a that_o thou_o be_v christ_n the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n 11._o joh._n 1._o 34_o 36_o 42_o 45_o 49._o mat._n 10._o 32_o 33._o john_n 11_o 27._o act_n 4._o 11._o neither_o be_v peter_n the_o first_o that_o make_v this_o confession_n for_o before_o he_o the_o same_o have_v be_v make_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n by_o st._n andrew_n philip_n and_o nathanael_n and_o it_o be_v no_o difficult_a task_n to_o prove_v out_o of_o several_a passage_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o none_o can_v be_v take_v for_o a_o true_a disciple_n of_o christ_n unless_o he_o have_v make_v this_o 22._o â—_o 8._o â—â—_o â—_o 9_o â—0_n 22._o confession_n and_o our_o saviour_n to_o show_v of_o what_o consequence_n this_o confession_n be_v add_v these_o word_n upon_o this_o rock_n i_o will_v build_v my_o church_n which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v this_o doctrine_n that_o jesus_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v the_o main_a foundation_n stone_n whereupon_o be_v to_o be_v build_v the_o mystical_a edifice_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n so_o that_o no_o further_a inference_n can_v be_v make_v from_o these_o word_n than_o what_o be_v express_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n by_o st._n john_n 20._o 31._o and_o in_o the_o 1_o epist_n of_o john_n 2._o 22._o c._n 3._o â—0_n c._n 4_o 2._o viz_o that_o the_o fundamental_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v that_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n be_v the_o true_a messiah_n and_o the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n §_o 27._o it_o also_o be_v worth_a our_o consideration_n juriâ—â—cation_n whâ—thâ—r_o the_o power_n of_o 〈…〉_o any_o souâ—reign_n right_o of_o juriâ—â—cation_n whether_o the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n which_o be_v use_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n imply_v any_o sovereign_a authority_n such_o as_o ought_v to_o be_v exercise_v in_o a_o state_n unto_o this_o we_o answer_v in_o the_o negative_a provide_v the_o same_o be_v take_v according_a to_o the_o proper_a use_n and_o end_v of_o its_o genuine_a and_o primitive_a institution_n for_o that_o this_o power_n may_v with_o conveniency_n enough_o be_v make_v use_n of_o if_o misapply_v to_o serve_v a_o ambitious_a design_n and_o to_o keep_v the_o poor_a people_n in_o awe_n be_v sufficient_o prove_v by_o experience_n it_o seem_v to_o i_o that_o there_o be_v a_o remarkable_a difference_n betwixt_o the_o excommunication_n of_o the_o jew_n by_o virtue_n of_o which_o they_o be_v exclude_v from_o their_o synagogue_n and_o the_o excommunication_n use_v among_o the_o primitive_a christian_n for_o among_o the_o jew_n where_o the_o sovereign_n and_o the_o people_n profess_v one_o and_o the_o same_o religion_n which_o also_o be_v entire_o unite_v with_o the_o state_n it_o may_v easy_o happen_v that_o the_o exclusion_n from_o the_o synagogue_n do_v carry_v along_o with_o it_o several_a inconvenience_n in_o civil_a affair_n and_o may_v therefore_o not_o unjust_o be_v consider_v at_o the_o same_o time_n as_o a_o civil_a punishment_n which_o render_v the_o offender_n infamous_a in_o the_o commonwealth_n especial_o since_o according_a to_o the_o fundamental_a constitution_n of_o that_o government_n there_o be_v several_a thing_n belong_v to_o religion_n punishable_a by_o their_o civil_a constitution_n but_o it_o be_v already_o put_v beyond_o question_n that_o neither_o our_o saviour_n nor_o his_o apostle_n do_v ever_o pretend_v to_o any_o civil_a power_n and_o that_o beside_o this_o the_o primitive_a christian_n live_v under_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o other_o prince_n how_o can_v their_o excommunication_n ban_n or_o what_o other_o sort_n of_o ecclesiastical_a censine_n be_v use_v among_o they_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v any_o influence_n upon_o the_o civil_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o christian_n or_o to_o have_v be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o force_n proper_o speak_v as_o civil_a punishment_n be_v this_o will_v more_o plain_o appear_v if_o we_o examine_v those_o passage_n where_o this_o matter_n be_v complete_o treat_v of_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n it_o be_v say_v in_o matthew_n 18._o 15._o 16_o 17._o if_o thy_o brother_n shall_v trespass_v against_o thou_o go_v and_o tell_v he_o his_o fault_n between_o thou_o and_o he_o alone_o if_o he_o shall_v hear_v thou_o thou_o have_v gain_v thy_o brother_n but_o if_o he_o will_v not_o hear_v thou_o then_o take_v with_o thou_o one_o or_o two_o more_o that_o in_o the_o mouth_n of_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n every_o word_n may_v be_v establish_v and_o if_o he_o shall_v neglect_v to_o hear_v they_o tell_v it_o unto_o the_o church_n but_o if_o he_o neglect_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n and_o a_o publican_n certain_o out_o of_o this_o passage_n nothing_o can_v be_v infer_v that_o have_v any_o relation_n to_o a_o temporal_a jurisdiction_n or_o sovereignty_n but_o bare_o show_v we_o how_o difference_n ought_v to_o be_v compose_v among_o christian_n so_o st._n paul_n ordain_v 2._o 1_o cor._n â—_o 1._o 2._o that_o we_o shall_v rather_o leave_v difference_n to_o the_o arbitration_n of_o a_o brother_n or_o rather_o take_v wrong_a than_o to_o go_v to_o law_n with_o a_o brother_n before_o the_o unbeliever_n to_o the_o great_a shame_n of_o the_o christian_a name_n so_o that_o though_o it_o be_v else_o require_v from_o the_o offender_n to_o beg_v the_o pardon_n of_o and_o 40._o vid._n mat_n 5._o 40._o offer_v satisfaction_n to_o the_o person_n offend_v nevertheless_o if_o he_o neglect_v his_o duty_n in_o this_o point_n christ_n command_v that_o the_o offend_a party_n shall_v first_o offer_v a_o reconciliation_n and_o try_v before_o he_o bring_v his_o action_n against_o the_o offender_n whether_o satisfaction_n for_o the_o injury_n receive_v and_o a_o reconciliation_n may_v not_o be_v obtain_v by_o a_o private_a arbitration_n if_o this_o prove_v fruitless_a he_o say_v he_o ought_v to_o take_v along_o with_o he_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n to_o try_v whether_o they_o can_v prevail_v with_o his_o adversary_n to_o bring_v he_o to_o a_o more_o pliable_a temper_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n may_v testify_v that_o the_o offend_a party_n do_v offer_v every_o thing_n which_o may_v tend_v towards_o a_o reconciliation_n betwixt_o they_o but_o if_o after_o all_o this_o he_o remain_v obstinate_a the_o difference_n ought_v to_o be_v refer_v to_o the_o whole_a congregation_n of_o the_o believer_n reside_v in_o that_o place_n for_o i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o by_o the_o word_n ecclesia_fw-la or_o church_n the_o presbyter_n only_o shall_v be_v understand_v but_o if_o they_o also_o can_v prevail_v with_o their_o authority_n over_o his_o stubborness_n let_v he_o then_o be_v unto_o thou_o like_o a_o heathen_a man_n and_o publican_n unto_o who_o his_o trespass_n will_v not_o be_v remit_v because_o he_o refuse_v to_o acknowledge_v his_o offence_n or_o to_o give_v satisfaction_n for_o it_o which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v fly_v his_o conversation_n like_o that_o of_o a_o vile_a person_n which_o eâ—â—ry_a one_o may_v free_o do_v without_o be_v thereuâ—â—â—_n compel_v by_o any_o superior_a power_n for_o that_o the_o jew_n do_v not_o converse_v with_o the_o heaven_n and_o publican_n except_o in_o civil_a 〈…〉_o of_o no_o great_a force_n against_o we_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o heathen_n and_o publican_n be_v noâ—_n so_o infamous_a in_o themselves_o by_o any_o civil_a constitution_n the_o jew_n be_v at_o that_o time_n subject_a to_o the_o heathen_n who_o matter_v not_o their_o conversation_n beside_o this_o it_o be_v leave_v to_o every_o one_o free_a choice_n who_o he_o will_v admit_v into_o his_o familiar_a conversation_n and_o always_o be_v a_o certain_a rule_n among_o the_o wise_a sort_n not_o to_o be_v familiar_a with_o people_n of_o a_o perversed_a humour_n and_o a_o ill_a life_n who_o conversation_n every_o body_n may_v avoid_v as_o he_o find_v it_o most_o convenient_a so_o the_o apostle_n bid_v we_o to_o reject_v a_o man_n that_o be_v a_o heretic_n after_o the_o first_o and_o
which_o be_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n attribute_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n here_o upon_o earth_n it_o be_v without_o question_n that_o the_o union_n of_o the_o believer_n under_o christ_n their_o king_n aught_o to_o be_v consider_v as_o a_o kingdom_n or_o empire_n but_o such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n and_o consequent_o of_o a_o quite_o different_a nature_n from_o that_o sovereign_a power_n which_o be_v exercise_v in_o a_o civil_a government_n christ_n be_v there_o the_o king_n who_o have_v withdraw_v himself_o from_o our_o sight_n have_v as_o it_o may_v be_v say_v settle_a his_o court_n in_o heaven_n his_o subject_n be_v disperse_v throughout_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n where_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v teach_v and_o receive_v by_o the_o believer_n who_o by_o the_o intrinlick_a virtue_n of_o this_o doctrine_n be_v confirm_v in_o their_o faith_n and_o make_v proof_n against_o all_o the_o temptation_n and_o malice_n of_o this_o world_n the_o civil_a power_n do_v not_o reach_v this_o kingdom_n true_a piety_n be_v not_o to_o be_v implant_v by_o human_a force_n which_o be_v insufficient_a to_o procure_v god_n grace_n or_o raise_v those_o inward_a motion_n which_o be_v chief_o acceptable_a to_o god_n almighty_a and_o without_o which_o all_o our_o exterior_a action_n that_o may_v be_v enforce_v by_o a_o civil_a authority_n be_v to_o be_v deem_v vain_a and_o fruitless_a for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o kingdom_n of_o truth_n it_o require_v no_o civil_a power_n or_o force_n for_o truth_n by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o with_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n grace_n do_v gentle_o insinuate_v itself_o into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o the_o reward_n or_o punishment_n which_o those_o be_v to_o receive_v that_o either_o accept_v or_o despise_v this_o doctrine_n be_v reserve_v for_o the_o life_n to_o come_v he_o that_o will_v be_v please_v to_o examine_v those_o several_a passage_n where_o mention_n be_v make_v of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n or_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n may_v soon_o be_v convince_v that_o not_o any_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v meet_v withal_o there_o which_o have_v the_o least_o resemblance_n to_o a_o civil_a power_n or_o sovereignty_n those_o that_o expect_v to_o enter_v into_o this_o kingdom_n 35._o mat._n 3._o 2._o c._n 4._o 1â—_n c._n 4._o 23._o c._n 9_o 35._o must_v qualify_v themselves_o by_o repentance_n it_o be_v speak_v of_o christ_n himself_o that_o he_o go_v about_o seq_n mat._n 5._o 1._o seq_n preach_v the_o gospel_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n the_o virtue_n and_o qualification_n which_o christ_n require_v in_o those_o that_o will_v enter_v into_o his_o kingdom_n and_o consequent_o be_v bless_v with_o eternal_a salvation_n have_v but_o little_a relation_n to_o the_o qualification_n of_o a_o subject_a in_o a_o civil_a government_n 52._o mat._n 5._o 19_o c._n 7._o 21._o c._n 6._o 33._o c._n 13._o 21._o 33._o 44_o 45_o 52._o in_o that_o kingdom_n every_o one_o be_v call_v great_a or_o the_o least_o according_a to_o his_o proficiency_n in_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o according_a to_o his_o obedience_n or_o disobedience_n to_o it_o we_o be_v command_v first_o to_o seek_v the_o righteousness_n of_o this_o kingdom_n the_o great_a mystery_n of_o this_o kingdom_n be_v the_o powerful_a operation_n of_o the_o word_n of_o 47._o c._n 24._o 47._o god_n in_o this_o kingdom_n be_v not_o only_o suffer_v those_o that_o be_v foreigner_n to_o it_o but_o also_o its_o enemy_n which_o be_v against_o the_o maxim_n of_o a_o 19_o mat._n 16._o 19_o civil_a government_n the_o key_n of_o this_o kingdom_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o what_o be_v teach_v we_o concern_v 42._o mat._n 18._o 1._o c._n 10._o 21._o c._n 23._o 8._o mark_v 9_o 33_o 34._o c._n 10._o 42._o precedency_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v quite_o contrary_a to_o what_o be_v practise_v in_o a_o civil_a state_n it_o be_v allowable_a by_o the_o civil_a constitution_n for_o every_o one_o to_o pursue_v his_o right_n but_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n he_o be_v count_v a_o ill_a subject_n who_o will_v not_o remit_v a_o trespass_n to_o 14._o mat._n 18._o 23._o c._n 21._o 14._o mark_v 10._o 14._o his_o brother_n the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n be_v also_o of_o the_o little_a child_n those_o that_o be_v employ_v in_o this_o kingdom_n have_v different_a task_n and_o undergo_v different_a sort_n of_o hardship_n and_o yet_o their_o reward_n be_v the_o same_o this_o kingdom_n be_v 23_o mat._n 20._o 1._o c._n 21._o 23_o take_v from_o those_o that_o refuse_v it_o whereas_o it_o be_v a_o maxim_n of_o temporal_a sovereign_n to_o force_v such_o 2._o c._n 2d_o 2._o as_o be_v refractory_a to_o obedience_n and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o after_o the_o jew_n have_v despise_v it_o it_o be_v offer_v to_o the_o gentile_n he_o that_o will_v 1._o c._n 25._o 1._o enjoy_v the_o benefit_n of_o this_o kingdom_n must_v not_o be_v slothful_a the_o rich_a find_v always_o the_o easy_a reception_n in_o a_o civil_a state_n but_o the_o rich_a man_n shall_v hardly_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n 32._o mat._n 19_o 23._o mark_v 10_o 23._o luke_n 12_o 32._o he_o be_v account_v a_o good_a subject_n in_o a_o state_n who_o be_v industrious_a and_o gather_v riches_n by_o all_o lawful_a way_n and_o mean_n but_o this_o be_v reckon_v as_o superfluous_a in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n one_o of_o the_o chief_a motive_n which_o induce_v mankind_n to_o enter_v into_o civil_a society_n be_v to_o preserve_v themselves_o and_o their_o possession_n but_o christ_n say_v whoever_o he_o be_v of_o you_o that_o forsake_v not_o all_o that_o he_o have_v he_o can_v be_v my_o disciple_n 33._o luk._n 1â—_n 33._o and_o last_o of_o all_o he_o say_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n come_v not_o with_o observation_n neither_o shall_v they_o say_v lo_o here_o or_o lo_o there_o for_o behold_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v within_o you_o it_o will_v be_v superfluous_a to_o 21._o c._n 17._o 21._o allege_v more_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v most_o of_o they_o the_o same_o in_o substance_n §_o 30._o though_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o union_n state_n whether_o the_o church_n be_v a_o state_n of_o the_o believer_n under_o christ_n their_o king_n and_o that_o mystical_a body_n who_o head_n be_v christ_n the_o member_n of_o all_o the_o believer_n in_o general_a can_v be_v consider_v as_o a_o temporal_a state_n nevertheless_o it_o be_v worth_a our_o enquiry_n whether_o not_o all_o those_o in_o general_n that_o profess_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n may_v be_v consider_v as_o a_o body_n belong_v under_o one_o civil_a government_n or_o at_o least_o have_v a_o near_a resemblance_n to_o a_o civil_a commonwealth_n or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o in_o effect_n whether_o the_o church_n according_a to_o our_o saviour_n intention_n ought_v to_o be_v consider_v as_o a_o state_n or_o commonwealth_n we_o take_v here_o the_o word_n state_n in_o its_o common_a acceptation_n viz._n for_o a_o certain_a society_n of_o man_n which_o be_v independent_a from_o any_o foreign_a jurisdiction_n live_v under_o the_o protection_n of_o their_o own_o sovereign_n the_o main_a intention_n of_o this_o question_n be_v that_o after_o we_o shall_v have_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o church_n according_a to_o the_o intention_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n neither_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v a_o state_n it_o may_v from_o thence_o be_v conclude_v whether_o that_o church_n which_o pretend_v to_o a_o sovereignty_n consider_v as_o such_o be_v christ_n church_n but_o to_o trace_v the_o very_a original_n of_o this_o question_n it_o ought_v first_o of_o all_o to_o be_v consider_v in_o what_o 〈◊〉_d what_o be_v understand_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n by_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d sense_n the_o word_n ecclesia_fw-la or_o church_n be_v take_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o word_n ecclesia_fw-la have_v its_o offspring_n out_o of_o the_o democracy_n of_o the_o greek_n whereby_o they_o understand_v a_o convention_n meet_v or_o sometime_o a_o concourse_n of_o the_o people_n or_o of_o a_o considerable_a part_n of_o their_o citizen_n in_o order_n to_o receive_v proposition_n to_o consult_v and_o make_v decree_n concern_v matte_n belong_v to_o the_o commonwealth_n it_o be_v derive_v of_o â—vocare_fw-la or_o to_o call-forth_a not_o that_o there_o by_o be_v always_o understand_v a_o assembly_n summon_v out_o of_o a_o great_a multitude_n for_o i_o â—â—_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o not_o all_o the_o citizen_n have_v right_o to_o appear_v in_o those_o assembly_n but_o because_o they_o be_v call_v out_o of_o their_o private_a dwelling-place_n and_o from_o their_o ordinarâ—â—usiness_n to_o meet_v in_o a_o public_a place_n
so_o that_o the_o original_a signification_n of_o the_o word_n ecclesia_n imply_v not_o that_o of_o a_o state_n but_o only_o a_o certain_a qualification_n of_o a_o democratical_a government_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o a_o great_a number_n of_o 〈◊〉_d can_v convenient_o give_v their_o assent_n to_o a_o thing_n unless_o they_o be_v convene_v in_o one_o place_n in_o the_o translation_n the_o lxx_o interpreter_n this_o word_n be_v take_v for_o a_o convention_n ot_fw-mi meeting_n of_o a_o considerable_a number_n of_o people_n meet_v not_o only_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o divine_a worship_n but_o also_o for_o unlawful_a ends._n so_o the_o greek_a word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v take_v for_o the_o â—8_o ps_n 26_o 5_o luk._n 2d_o 3._o 4_o c_o â—8_o 24._o act_n 19_o 32_o 3â—_n num._n 20._o 8_o 10_o jos_n 16._o 1_o 2._o 2_o chron._n 15._o 9_o c._n 34_o â—8_o call_v and_o summon_v a_o assembly_n about_o matter_n concern_v the_o commonwealth_n but_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o word_n ecclesia_fw-la be_v general_o take_v either_o for_o all_o the_o christian_n in_o general_n wherever_o disperse_v or_o for_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o believer_n in_o a_o certain_a country_n city_n private_a house_n or_o family_n in_o either_o sense_n if_o we_o due_o weigh_v the_o attribute_n and_o action_n proper_o belong_v to_o the_o church_n for_o by_o these_o we_o ought_v to_o judge_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o thing_n in_o moral_a case_n we_o do_v not_o meet_v with_o any_o thing_n which_o have_v a_o relation_n to_o church_n what_o action_n be_v celebrate_v in_o scripture_n as_o belong_v to_o the_o church_n a_o civil_a state_n the_o true_a â—ncomium_fw-la most_o frequent_o give_v to_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v that_o they_o be_v brother_n holy_a and_o redeem_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n their_o chief_a action_n be_v say_v to_o be_v to_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o pray_v unto_o and_o praise_n god_n to_o be_v charitable_a to_o walk_v in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n to_o fast_o and_o to_o provide_v for_o the_o poor_a it_o be_v speak_v of_o st._n paul_n and_o barnabas_n that_o 23._o act_n 1._o 4._o 23._o they_o do_v constitute_v elder_n in_o those_o church_n which_o they_o have_v plant_v in_o asia_n where_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v make_v â—se_n of_o which_o imply_v as_o much_o as_o have_v make_v they_o by_o suffrage_n of_o the_o congregation_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o the_o decree_v use_v to_o pass_v in_o the_o ancient_a democracy_n by_o the_o plurality_n of_o vote_n by_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o they_o pretend_v to_o no_o absolute_a power_n of_o constitute_v elder_n over_o they_o but_o such_o as_o 〈◊〉_d approve_v of_o by_o the_o congregation_n and_o it_o iâ—_n remarkable_a that_o these_o nevertheless_o be_v say_v to_o have_v be_v make_v overseer_n over_o the_o church_n by_o the_o holy_a 5_o act._n 20_o â—8_o 2_o chron._n 10._o 5_o ghost_n so_o be_v the_o judge_n that_o be_v set_v in_o the_o land_n by_o jehosaphat_n style_v judge_n for_o the_o lord_n because_o whoever_o be_v fit_o qualify_v for_o any_o office_n or_o function_n not_o contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o have_v obtain_v the_o same_o by_o lawful_a way_n and_o mean_n may_v just_o be_v say_v to_o have_v be_v constitute_v in_o that_o same_o office_n by_o god_n almighty_a and_o though_o it_o belong_v most_o proper_o to_o the_o church_n to_o constitute_v teacher_n this_o nevertheless_o do_v not_o imply_v any_o act_n of_o sovereignty_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o a_o private_a college_n or_o society_n subject_n to_o another_o jurisdiction_n may_v lawful_o enjoy_v the_o same_o power_n a_o diffension_n be_v arosen_v concern_v a_o article_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o church_n of_o antiocha_n they_o determine_v 2_o act._n 15._o 2_o that_o some_o of_o they_o shall_v go_v concern_v this_o question_n then_o in_o dispute_n to_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o these_o deputy_n be_v by_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o brethren_n conduct_v out_o of_o the_o town_n in_o their_o way_n to_o jerusalem_n where_o this_o question_n have_v be_v debate_v and_o determine_v they_o send_v word_n thus_o to_o their_o brethren_n it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o we_o etc._n etc._n where_o it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o to_o send_v deputy_n concern_v such_o matter_n as_o be_v not_o intend_v in_o prejudice_n of_o the_o sovereign_a power_n for_o one_o congregation_n to_o consult_v another_o concern_v any_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o determine_v any_o difference_n about_o they_o be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o action_n of_o such_o a_o nature_n which_o do_v not_o imply_v a_o sovereign_n and_o absolute_a power_n but_o may_v legal_o belong_v to_o a_o private_a college_n or_o sometime_o a_o private_a person_n provide_v the_o business_n in_o hand_n be_v not_o impose_v upon_o its_o member_n but_o transact_v and_o admit_v by_o common_a consent_n so_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n choose_v certain_a man_n who_o be_v to_o be_v overseer_n 1._o act._n 6._o 1_o 1._o of_o the_o poor_a which_o they_o have_v a_o right_a to_o do_v as_o be_v a_o society_n or_o college_n in_o the_o same_o sense_n ought_v to_o be_v take_v what_o be_v say_v in_o the_o 2_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n c._n 8._o 19_o that_o the_o church_n have_v choose_v one_o to_o travel_v with_o st._n paul_n the_o church_n be_v call_v a_o flock_n which_o be_v to_o be_v â—ed_v by_o the_o bishop_n with_o the_o pure_a word_n of_o 28._o act_n 20_o 28._o god_n who_o be_v to_o preserve_v it_o from_o the_o wolf_n that_o be_v to_o say_v from_o man_n speak_v perverse_a thing_n to_o draw_v away_o disciple_n after_o they_o against_o those_o teacher_n of_o the_o church_n ought_v to_o be_v watchful_a not_o cease_v to_o admonish_v their_o auditor_n to_o avoid_v their_o snare_n what_o concern_v that_o passage_n in_o the_o 1_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n c._n 6._o 1._o and_o follow_v verse_n it_o be_v apparent_a enough_o that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o sovereign_a authority_n or_o jurisdiction_n grant_v to_o the_o christian_n bare_o consider_v as_o christian_n but_o the_o apostle_n enjoin_v they_o that_o in_o case_n of_o any_o difference_n in_o civil_a affair_n among_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n they_o shall_v rather_o refer_v it_o to_o the_o arbitration_n of_o the_o brethren_n than_o to_o go_v to_o law_n before_o the_o gentile_n and_o fall_v under_o the_o censure_n of_o be_v avaricious_a in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n it_o be_v plain_o express_v that_o no_o body_n by_o become_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n do_v change_v his_o qualification_n or_o function_n which_o belong_v to_o he_o as_o a_o subject_a or_o that_o christianity_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o subjection_n to_o a_o civil_a government_n a_o servant_n therefore_o by_o be_v a_o christian_n do_v not_o become_v a_o freeman_n neither_o be_v a_o subject_a thereby_o absolve_v from_o the_o allegiance_n due_a to_o his_o sovereign_n concern_v the_o union_n and_o modesty_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v practise_v in_o the_o church_n or_o the_o christian_a congregation_n where_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v preach_v and_o the_o sacrament_n 2._o ep._n rom._n 13_o 1._o 2_o tim._n 5_o 8._o 14_o c._n 6._o 1_o 2._o administer_v st._n paul_n speak_v in_o the_o 1_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n c._n 11._o 18_o and_o follow_v verse_n and_o in_o the_o 14_o chap._n 34_o 40_o verse_n and_o what_o sort_n of_o religious_a exercise_n be_v to_o be_v use_v in_o these_o congregation_n be_v express_v in_o the_o 1_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n c._n 14._o viz._n to_o be_v 2._o with_fw-mi eph._n 4._o 2._o hymn_n doctrine_n tongue_n prophecy_n revelation_n interpretation_n all_o which_o be_v to_o be_v apply_v to_o edify_v the_o congregation_n and_o in_o the_o 12_o chapter_n 28_o verse_n the_o several_a degree_n and_o function_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v thus_o enumerate_v first_o apostles_n secondary_o prophet_n three_o teacher_n after_o that_o miracle_n than_o gift_n of_o healing_n help_n government_n diversity_n of_o tongue_n all_o which_o be_v requisite_n 11_o eph._n 4._o 11_o belong_v to_o the_o propagate_a and_o establish_v of_o the_o gospel_n and_o be_v gift_n of_o that_o self_n same_o spirit_n who_o dispense_v his_o gift_n to_o every_o man_n as_o he_o please_v so_o that_o he_o that_o have_v receive_v more_o noble_a endowment_n can_v therefore_o not_o claim_v any_o prerogative_n as_o be_v a_o more_o honourable_a member_n of_o this_o mystical_a body_n or_o pretend_v to_o any_o jurisdiction_n over_o such_o as_o be_v not_o endow_v with_o these_o qualification_n in_o the_o same_o degree_n as_o himself_o and_o charity_n which_o be_v the_o inseparable_a attribute_n of_o all_o christian_n be_v more_o 8._o 1_o cor._n
reason_n god_n have_v threaten_v in_o a_o most_o peculia_fw-la manner_n to_o destroy_v this_o monster_n of_o a_o state_n apostle_n a_o example_n of_o controversy_n compose_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n §_o 37._o the_o true_a method_n of_o compose_v controversy_n arisen_a in_o the_o church_n be_v teach_v we_o by_o what_o be_v set_v we_o as_o a_o example_n of_o this_o kind_n in_o the_o act_n c._n 15._o where_o it_o deserve_v our_o most_o particular_a observation_n that_o the_o controversy_n then_o in_o question_n be_v concern_v a_o main_a point_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n viz._n whether_o a_o man_n may_v be_v save_v without_o be_v circumcise_v according_a to_o the_o institution_n of_o moses_n for_o s._n paul_n in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o galatian_n c._n 5._o 2._o have_v positive_o declare_v if_o you_o be_v circumcise_v christ_n shall_v profit_v you_o nothing_o and_o it_o be_v very_o remarkable_a that_o this_o question_n be_v start_v in_o the_o very_a infancy_n of_o the_o church_n when_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o perfect_v and_o there_o be_v not_o want_v living_n testimony_n of_o such_o as_o have_v receive_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n from_o his_o own_o mouth_n and_o be_v endue_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o instruct_v with_o a_o apostolical_a authority_n neither_o be_v it_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n be_v endue_v with_o a_o sufficient_a share_n of_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o the_o reduce_n of_o this_o error_n as_o plainy_n appear_v out_o of_o the_o 5._o verse_n of_o the_o above_o allege_a chapter_n that_o they_o oppose_v 1â—_n act._n 1â—_n such_o forcible_a reason_n against_o this_o erroneous_a opinion_n that_o those_o that_o be_v come_v thither_o out_o of_o judea_n be_v not_o able_a to_o contradict_v they_o so_o they_o appeal_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v the_o 2._o v_o 2._o spring_n from_o whence_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v derive_v into_o other_o part_n of_o the_o world_n they_o hope_v to_o be_v back_v in_o this_o opinion_n by_o such_o of_o the_o member_n of_o that_o church_n as_o do_v not_o without_o some_o reluctancy_n brook_v the_o abolish_n of_o the_o jewish_a synagogue_n and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o quite_o beyond_o their_o guess_n but_o meet_v with_o a_o great_a many_o there_o that_o be_v addict_v to_o the_o same_o opinion_n appear_v out_o of_o the_o 5_o verse_n in_o the_o same_o 15_o chapter_n to_o prevent_v therefore_o any_o further_a disturbance_n which_o may_v be_v raise_v in_o the_o antiochian_a church_n by_o reason_n of_o this_o controversy_n paul_n and_o barnabas_n with_o some_o other_o be_v depute_v to_o go_v to_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n to_o decide_v this_o controversy_n when_o they_o come_v thither_o a_o convocation_n be_v call_v consist_v not_o only_a of_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n but_o also_o of_o the_o other_o member_n of_o that_o church_n not_o except_v those_o of_o the_o contrary_a side_n after_o their_o reason_n have_v be_v hear_v the_o case_n be_v in_o debate_n a_o considerable_a time_n and_o at_o last_o the_o whole_a matter_n have_v be_v sufficient_o dispute_v on_o both_o side_n than_o peter_n rise_v up_o not_o as_o a_o universal_a judge_n or_o who_o pretend_v to_o decide_v the_o controversy_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o authority_n but_o his_o proceed_v be_v by_o demonstrative_a argument_n tell_v they_o what_o prodigious_a effect_n have_v be_v wrought_v among_o the_o gentile_n by_o his_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o they_o after_o the_o vision_n which_o appear_v to_o he_o at_o joppe_n where_o 9_o act._n 11_o 9_o he_o thus_o argue_v that_o since_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v in_o the_o same_o measure_n purify_v the_o heart_n of_o those_o believer_n that_o be_v uncircumcised_a it_o will_v be_v unreasonable_a to_o put_v this_o yoke_n upon_o the_o neck_n of_o the_o christian_n the_o more_o because_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v save_v by_o circumcision_n but_o through_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n paul_n and_o barnabas_n be_v of_o the_o same_o opinion_n do_v declare_v at_o the_o same_o time_n what_o miracle_n and_o wonder_n god_n have_v wrought_v among_o the_o gentile_n by_o they_o which_o will_v not_o have_v be_v do_v if_o they_o be_v to_o be_v take_v for_o unsanctified_a as_o be_v not_o circumcise_v or_o if_o circumcision_n be_v a_o essential_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n after_o all_o have_v hold_v their_o peace_n that_o be_v to_o say_v no_o body_n further_o appear_v who_o can_v contradict_v they_o or_o oppose_v their_o argument_n james_n at_o last_o arise_v declare_v that_o the_o vision_n of_o peter_n do_v agree_v to_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o that_o therefore_o it_o be_v his_o opinion_n that_o such_o among_o the_o centile_n as_o do_v turn_v to_o christ_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v trouble_v but_o that_o they_o also_o in_o some_o measure_n may_v gratify_v themselves_o and_o to_o induce_v they_o not_o to_o fly_v the_o conversation_n of_o such_o of_o the_o gentile_n as_o receive_v the_o christian_a faith_n it_o be_v thought_n sit_v that_o these_o shall_v abstain_v from_o pollution_n of_o idol_n from_o fornication_n from_o thing_n strangle_v and_o from_o blood_n all_o which_o be_v forbid_v by_o the_o mosaic_a law_n and_o partly_o disagreeable_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n as_o fornication_n which_o nevertheless_o be_v a_o common_a vice_n among_o the_o gentile_n the_o rest_n be_v thing_n indifferent_a in_o themselves_o may_v easy_o be_v let_v alone_o rather_o than_o give_v offence_n to_o a_o brother_n this_o have_v be_v approve_v of_o by_o common_a consent_n and_o as_o it_o appear_v even_o by_o those_o that_o be_v of_o a_o contrary_a sentiment_n before_o a_o synodical_a epistle_n be_v write_v to_o the_o church_n at_o antioch_n in_o the_o name_n not_o only_o of_o those_o apostle_n and_o elder_n but_o also_o of_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n judas_n and_o silas_n be_v depute_v to_o carry_v this_o epistle_n who_o be_v arrive_v at_o antioch_n do_v not_o publish_v it_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o law_n but_o have_v deliver_v it_o to_o the_o brethren_n from_o who_o it_o meet_v with_o a_o general_a approbation_n they_o exhort_v they_o with_o many_o word_n to_o a_o due_a observance_n of_o it_o §_o 38._o if_o the_o whole_a matter_n be_v due_o weigh_v council_n some_o observation_n concern_v the_o natura_fw-la and_o use_v of_o council_n it_o furnish_v we_o with_o several_a observation_n which_o may_v not_o a_o little_a contribute_v towards_o the_o explain_v the_o nature_n of_o ecclesiastical_a council_n in_o the_o first_o place_n it_o be_v most_o apparent_a that_o these_o council_n be_v not_o such_o body_n who_o authority_n be_v everlasting_a for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n but_o that_o they_o be_v extraordinary_a convocation_n or_o convention_n compose_v out_o of_o some_o select_a and_o most_o eminent_a man_n of_o the_o church_n who_o be_v call_v together_o for_o the_o compose_v certain_a controversy_n arisen_a in_o the_o church_n and_o because_o those_o council_n be_v very_o frequent_a in_o the_o church_n from_o its_o primitive_a time_n this_o alone_a may_v serve_v as_o a_o convince_a argument_n that_o the_o church_n never_o acknowledge_v one_o infallible_a judge_n for_o the_o decide_n of_o controversy_n for_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v so_o many_o head_n set_v to_o work_v if_o one_o single_a person_n be_v sufficient_a and_o infallible_a in_o the_o decision_n of_o they_o and_o what_o be_v yet_o more_o if_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o council_n have_v only_o their_o oblige_a force_n from_o his_o confirmation_n furthermore_o those_o that_o compose_v such_o a_o council_n be_v not_o to_o be_v consider_v as_o member_n of_o a_o assembly_n or_o college_n who_o by_o the_o majority_n of_o vote_n can_v so_o absolute_o determine_v the_o question_n in_o hand_n as_o to_o be_v obligatory_a to_o all_o christian_n in_o general_a truth_n general_o speak_v not_o depend_v from_o the_o plurality_n of_o suffrage_n much_o less_o can_v they_o pretend_v to_o a_o legislative_a power_n vest_v in_o they_o so_o as_o to_o impose_v what_o law_n or_o canon_n they_o please_v upon_o the_o church_n but_o they_o may_v be_v consider_v no_o otherwise_o than_o man_n depute_v by_o the_o church_n for_o the_o examine_v the_o true_a ground_n of_o the_o controversy_n lay_v before_o they_o and_o for_o search_v for_o the_o decision_n of_o they_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n so_o that_o these_o church_n be_v not_o oblige_v to_o acquiesce_v in_o this_o decision_n any_o further_a than_o they_o find_v it_o agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o it_o may_v chance_v to_o fall_v out_o so_o that_o a_o controversy_n which_o appear_v at_o first_o sight_n very_o intricate_a and_o difficult_a afterward_o be_v
and_o pervert_v zeal_n of_o some_o who_o make_v these_o difference_n their_o tool_n wherewith_o they_o often_o raise_v disturbance_n in_o the_o state_n such_o turbulent_a spirit_n ought_v to_o be_v curb_v and_o care_v to_o be_v take_v so_o to_o tie_v up_o their_o hand_n as_o that_o they_o want_v power_n to_o influence_n the_o mind_n of_o such_o subject_n as_o otherwise_o will_v be_v well_o satisfy_v to_o enjoy_v peaceable_o a_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n and_o what_o shall_v move_v a_o prince_n to_o disturb_v his_o good_a subject_n mere_o upon_o the_o score_n of_o difference_n in_o opinion_n as_o long_o as_o they_o live_v quiet_o under_o his_o government_n for_o suppose_v their_o opinion_n to_o be_v erroneous_a it_o be_v not_o at_o his_o but_o their_o own_o peril_n and_o they_o alone_o must_v be_v answerable_a for_o it_o for_o in_o my_o opinion_n sovereign_n be_v entrust_v with_o the_o sword_n wherewith_o to_o dissect_v controversy_n as_o alexander_n do_v with_o the_o gordian_a knot_n but_o that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v object_v as_o if_o i_o intend_v to_o encourage_v all_o sort_n of_o heresy_n and_o licentiousness_n i_o do_v declare_v that_o this_o be_v far_o different_a from_o my_o purpose_n but_o that_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v endeavour_v to_o procure_v but_o one_o faith_n and_o religion_n in_o a_o state_n and_o especial_o such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v absolute_o agreeable_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n such_o a_o one_o as_o can_v but_o contrbute_n towards_o the_o maintain_n of_o the_o public_a tranquillity_n for_o i_o do_v not_o think_v that_o all_o uniformity_n in_o religion_n be_v equal_o capable_a of_o procure_v that_o union_n neither_o can_v the_o pagan_a religion_n mahometan_n arian_n anabaptist_n and_o that_o of_o antichrist_n himself_o claim_v that_o prerogative_n but_o only_o the_o true_a and_o ancient_a religion_n contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o this_o be_v only_o to_o be_v deem_v the_o true_o ancient_a religion_n which_o be_v derive_v from_o the_o pure_a and_o genuine_a spring_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_a religion_n as_o among_o the_o jew_n such_o only_a can_v boast_v to_o follow_v the_o true_a footstep_n of_o antiquity_n as_o prove_v their_o doctrine_n out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n all_o what_o degenerate_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o its_o genuine_a spring_n though_o back_v by_o the_o tradition_n of_o some_o age_n be_v only_o to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o inveterate_a error_n prince_n be_v then_o protector_n of_o the_o public_a tranquillity_n have_v a_o authority_n to_o inspect_v what_o canon_n be_v receive_v into_o the_o church_n and_o to_o cause_v they_o to_o be_v examine_v according_a to_o the_o true_a tenure_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o this_o care_n be_v not_o to_o be_v commit_v to_o the_o management_n of_o a_o few_o who_o may_v perhaps_o be_v sway_v by_o faction_n or_o interest_n but_o to_o all_o such_o as_o have_v a_o solid_a knowledge_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n if_o every_o thing_n be_v find_v consonant_n to_o its_o rule_n then_o may_v a_o sovereign_n by_o his_o authority_n command_v this_o doctrine_n to_o be_v teach_v both_o in_o public_a and_o private_a but_o where_o there_o be_v not_o any_o public_a form_n of_o religion_n establish_v in_o a_o commonwealth_n it_o be_v the_o sovereign_n care_n that_o one_o may_v be_v compose_v by_o the_o assistance_n of_o such_o as_o be_v well_o verse_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v approve_v of_o by_o the_o general_a consent_n of_o his_o subject_n aught_o to_o be_v profess_v by_o all_o and_o all_o those_o especial_o who_o pretend_v to_o the_o ministry_n be_v to_o be_v tie_v up_o to_o its_o rule_n this_o form_n of_o worship_n be_v once_o receive_v a_o prince_z may_v just_o deny_v his_o peotection_n to_o all_o such_o as_o will_v not_o comply_v with_o it_o unless_o he_o find_v it_o to_o be_v against_o the_o common_a interest_n of_o the_o common-weal_n if_o any_o one_o shall_v undertake_v to_o contradict_v this_o public_a form_n especial_o in_o such_o point_n as_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n he_o ought_v to_o be_v admonish_v to_o desist_v his_o reason_n if_o he_o have_v any_o to_o be_v examine_v and_o when_o convict_v of_o his_o error_n to_o be_v silence_v if_o all_o this_o prove_v fruitless_a he_o may_v lawful_o be_v banish_v for_o since_o according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n we_o be_v to_o avoid_v the_o conversation_n of_o heretic_n it_o will_v be_v unreasonable_a that_o a_o whole_a society_n of_o man_n shall_v fly_v from_o one_o or_o a_o few_o capricious_a person_n so_o that_o he_o or_o they_o ought_v to_o seek_v out_o for_o a_o new_a habitation_n after_o they_o have_v be_v legal_o convict_v of_o their_o error_n for_o fear_v they_o shall_v spread_v their_o erroneous_a doctrine_n further_o than_o may_v be_v consistent_a with_o the_o public_a safety_n but_o we_o allow_v no_o other_o punishment_n in_o such_o a_o case_n except_o their_o doctrine_n shall_v amount_v to_o blasphemy_n §_o 50._o notwithstanding_o what_o have_v be_v allege_v state_n concern_v tolerating_n of_o several_a religion_n in_o a_o state_n there_o may_v be_v such_o a_o juncture_n of_o time_n &_o circumstance_n that_o sovereign_n may_v nay_o aught_o with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n to_o tolerate_v such_o of_o their_o subject_n as_o be_v of_o a_o different_a opinion_n from_o the_o establish_v religion_n for_o it_o may_v so_o happen_v that_o the_o number_n of_o the_o dissenter_n be_v so_o great_a as_o not_o to_o be_v expel_v without_o great_a prejudice_n to_o the_o state_n and_z not_o without_o danger_n to_o the_o commonwealth_n if_o they_o shall_v settle_v under_o another_o government_n for_o that_o common_a say_v of_o a_o certain_a sort_n of_o man_n that_o it_o be_v better_a to_o have_v a_o country_n lie_v waste_v than_o to_o have_v it_o inhabit_v by_o heretic_n savour_n of_o barbarity_n if_o not_o inhumanity_n and_o a_o certain_a prince_n who_o say_v that_o he_o will_v rather_o walk_v out_o of_o his_o territory_n with_o nothing_o but_o a_o staff_n in_o his_o hand_n than_o to_o suffer_v it_o to_o be_v inhabit_v by_o heretic_n may_v well_o pass_v for_o one_o of_o the_o most_o bigoted_a zealot_n in_o christendom_n for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o destructive_a to_o civil_a society_n neither_o be_v thereby_o the_o least_o obligation_n lay_v upon_o prince_n to_o propagate_v religion_n by_o violent_a and_o destructive_a mean_n or_o to_o undertake_v more_o in_o that_o behalf_n than_o belong_v to_o they_o as_o protector_n of_o the_o public_a tranquillity_n they_o may_v therefore_o with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n supercede_v such_o violent_a way_n by_o which_o the_o state_n either_o be_v endanger_v or_o weaken_v especial_o since_o neither_o our_o saviour_n do_v make_v use_n of_o they_o himself_o nor_o command_v any_o thing_n like_o it_o to_o his_o apostle_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n those_o that_o expect_v to_o be_v tolerate_v in_o a_o state_n aught_o by_o all_o mean_n to_o endeavour_v to_o live_v peaceable_o and_o quiet_o and_o as_o become_v good_a subject_n they_o ought_v not_o to_o teach_v any_o doctrine_n which_o savour_v of_o sedition_n and_o disobedience_n or_o to_o suffer_v such_o principle_n to_o be_v foment_v in_o their_o congregation_n as_o may_v prove_v destructive_a to_o the_o prerogative_n of_o their_o sovereign_n for_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o question_n to_o be_v make_v but_o prince_n have_v a_o right_n to_o rout_n out_o such_o as_o propagate_v these_o doctrine_n they_o have_v not_o the_o least_o relation_n to_o religion_n but_o be_v like_o spot_n wherewith_o some_o turbulen_a head_n bespatter_v the_o christian_a religion_n beside_o this_o there_o be_v another_o duty_n incumbent_a to_o sovereign_n over_o a_o state_n where_o more_o than_o one_o religion_n be_v tolerate_v viz._n to_o keep_v a_o watchful_a eye_n over_o they_o that_o the_o dissent_v party_n do_v not_o break_v out_o into_o extravagant_a expression_n about_o the_o difference_n in_o religion_n these_o be_v the_o fuel_n that_o inflame_v they_o into_o animosity_n which_o oftentimes_o prove_v the_o spring_n of_o faction_n trouble_n and_o intestine_a commotion_n a_o much_o great_a obligation_n lie_v upon_o sovereign_n to_o tolerate_v dissenter_n if_o they_o when_o they_o first_o submit_v to_o the_o government_n have_v their_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n grant_v they_o by_o contract_n or_o have_v obtain_v it_o afterward_o by_o certain_a capitulation_n any_o follow_a statute_n or_o by_o the_o fundmental_a law_n of_o the_o land_n all_o which_o ought_v to_o be_v sacred_a to_o prince_n and_o to_o be_v observe_v by_o they_o with_o the_o same_o circumspection_n as_o they_o expect_v a_o due_a obedience_n from_o their_o subject_n no_o opinion_n concern_v matter_n of_o