clergy_n upon_o admonition_n desist_v from_o these_o abuse_n like_v as_o when_o a_o creditor_n upon_o summons_n be_v pay_v by_o his_o debtor_n aught_o to_o supercede_v his_o action_n against_o he_o but_o put_v the_o case_n that_o the_o clergy_n either_o absolute_o refuse_v or_o from_o time_n to_o time_n protract_v to_o desist_v from_o such_o abuse_n so_o that_o there_o be_v but_o two_o way_n leave_v to_o be_v choose_v either_o patient_o to_o submit_v to_o their_o capricious_a humour_n or_o else_o certain_a person_n in_o the_o state_n be_v damnify_v by_o these_o abuse_n have_v a_o right_n and_o power_n to_o control_v their_o extravagancy_n those_o that_o maintain_v the_o first_o position_n must_v prove_v that_o the_o clergy_n have_v be_v invest_v with_o such_o a_o unlimited_a power_n by_o god_n almighty_a to_o impose_v upon_o christian_n even_o the_o most_o absurd_a matter_n at_o leisure_n without_o be_v liable_a to_o be_v contrâ—â—ued_v by_o any_o power_n upon_o earth_n or_o they_o must_v demonstrate_v that_o christian_n have_v absolute_o submit_v their_o faith_n to_o the_o clergy_n and_o that_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o every_o thing_n which_o shall_v be_v ordain_v by_o they_o shall_v be_v receive_v for_o truth_n with_o all_o imaginable_a submission_n and_o patience_n but_o because_o it_o will_v savour_v of_o too_o much_o impudence_n to_o pretend_v to_o the_o first_o it_o lie_v then_o at_o their_o door_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o clergy_n and_o their_o supreme_a head_n do_v never_o err_v either_o in_o point_n of_o doctrine_n ceremony_n or_o church-government_n all_o which_o have_v be_v sufficient_o demonstrate_v to_o the_o contrary_a by_o the_o consent_n of_o several_a christian_a nation_n we_o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o when_o any_o abuse_n be_v creep_v into_o the_o church_n which_o be_v prejudicial_a to_o the_o commonwealth_n or_o the_o authority_n of_o sovereign_n these_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o sovereign_a right_n and_o prerogative_n have_v a_o power_n to_o abolish_v and_o reform_v all_o such_o matter_n as_o interfere_v with_o the_o public_a good_a and_o civil_a authority_n at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o in_o a_o case_n of_o such_o moment_n it_o may_v be_v very_o convenient_a to_o acquaint_v the_o people_n with_o the_o reason_n of_o such_o a_o reformation_n lest_o they_o shall_v be_v surprise_v at_o it_o and_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o innovation_n which_o may_v prove_v of_o dangerous_a consequence_n and_o if_o especial_o the_o right_n of_o the_o people_n be_v invade_v by_o these_o abuse_n this_o reformation_n ought_v to_o be_v undertake_v with_o the_o knowledge_n and_o approbation_n of_o the_o subject_n it_o may_v be_v object_v that_o by_o such_o a_o reformation_n division_n be_v raise_v in_o the_o church_n but_o this_o be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o matter_n of_o no_o great_a weight_n such_o a_o division_n be_v not_o to_o be_v impute_v to_o those_o that_o rectify_v such_o error_n but_o to_o those_o that_o obstinate_o refuse_v to_o return_v into_o the_o right_a path_n either_o out_o â—_o self-interest_n or_o pride_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o obvious_a out_o of_o the_o ancient_a ecclesiastical_a history_n than_o that_o such_o as_o be_v plain_o convict_v of_o a_o error_n use_v to_o be_v exclude_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n but_o such_o as_o begin_v a_o reformation_n upon_o a_o good_a and_o legal_a account_n can_v under_o no_o colour_n whatsoever_o be_v accuse_v of_o schism_n or_o rebellion_n for_o those_o be_v rebel_n who_o by_o forcible_a way_n endeavour_v to_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o the_o allegiance_n due_a to_o their_o lawful_a sovereign_n whereas_o all_o such_o as_o free_v themselves_o from_o abuse_n unjust_o impose_v upon_o they_o without_o their_o own_o consent_n or_o any_o divine_a authority_n rather_o deserve_v to_o be_v style_v defender_n of_o their_o own_o liberty_n and_o conscience_n especial_o if_o these_o abuse_n and_o error_n be_v dangerous_a to_o their_o soul_n for_o no_o teacher_n no_o bishop_n no_o convention_n whatsoever_o be_v ever_o invest_v with_o a_o absolute_a power_n of_o domineer_a over_o christian_n at_o pleasure_n so_o that_o no_o remedy_n shall_v be_v leave_v against_o their_o usurpation_n it_o can_v therefore_o but_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o great_a piece_n of_o impudence_n in_o the_o roman_n catholic_n party_n when_o they_o assume_v to_o themselves_o whole_o and_o entire_o the_o title_n of_o the_o church_n with_o exclusion_n to_o all_o other_o that_o be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o communion_n for_o they_o either_o must_v pretend_v their_o church_n to_o be_v the_o universal_a or_o else_o a_o particular_a church_n by_o the_o universal_a church_n be_v according_a to_o the_o tenure_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n understand_v the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o the_o believer_n wheresoever_o disperse_v in_o the_o world_n who_o union_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o they_o acknowledge_v one_o god_n one_o redeemer_n one_o baptism_n one_o faith_n and_o eternal_a salvation_n from_o whence_o only_o be_v exclude_v such_o as_o pretend_v to_o dissolve_v this_o union_n that_o be_v who_o deny_v the_o true_a god_n and_o his_o son_n christ_n and_o who_o do_v not_o agree_v with_o the_o very_a fundamental_a principle_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n this_o be_v the_o true_a catholic_n church_n not_o the_o pope_n with_o his_o ecclesiastic_n and_o ceremony_n who_o impose_v their_o authority_n upon_o christendom_n and_o since_o those_o that_o for_o weighty_a reason_n have_v withdraw_v themselves_o from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n may_v and_o do_v believe_v a_o true_a baptism_n a_o true_a god_n and_o father_n a_o faith_n agreeable_a to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v for_o the_o universal_a church_n and_o that_o a_o christian_n may_v be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o true_a catholic_n church_n in_o a_o right_a sense_n notwithstanding_o that_o he_o never_o be_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n or_o upon_o better_a consideration_n have_v free_v himself_o from_o its_o abuse_n and_o error_n but_o the_o popish_a religion_n consider_v as_o a_o particular_a church_n as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v though_o if_o we_o unravel_v the_o bottom_n of_o its_o modern_a constitution_n it_o will_v easy_o appear_v that_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o that_o church_n be_v not_o so_o much_o adapt_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o a_o christian_a congregation_n as_o to_o a_o temporal_a state_n where_o under_o a_o religious_a pretext_n the_o chief_a aim_n be_v to_o extend_v its_o sovereignty_n over_o the_o great_a part_n of_o europe_n those_o that_o have_v withdraw_v themselves_o from_o that_o communion_n be_v no_o more_o to_o be_v count_v rebel_n than_o our_o modern_a philosopher_n be_v to_o be_v take_v for_o fool_n and_o madman_n because_o they_o differ_v in_o opinion_n from_o aristotle_n for_o all_o believer_n who_o adhere_v to_o the_o true_a faith_n be_v in_o regard_n of_o their_o head_n jesus_n christ_n of_o a_o equal_a degree_n and_o aim_n all_o at_o the_o same_o end_n and_o christ_n have_v give_v this_o promise_n to_o all_o believer_n that_o where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o 20._o mat._n 18._o 20._o in_o his_o name_n there_o will_v he_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o no_o church_n can_v claim_v any_o prerogative_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o number_n of_o its_o adherent_n what_o the_o romanist_n allege_v for_o themselves_o out_o of_o the_o apostolical_a creed_n be_v so_o full_a of_o absurdity_n that_o it_o contradict_v itself_o viz._n out_o of_o these_o word_n i_o believe_v one_o holy_a catholic_n and_o apostolical_a church_n for_o except_o they_o can_v cajole_v we_o into_o a_o belief_n that_o these_o word_n imply_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v there_o be_v but_o one_o true_a church_n upon_o earth_n which_o be_v the_o roman_n catholic_n there_o be_v no_o other_o beside_o that_o i_o can_v see_v what_o inference_n can_v be_v draw_v from_o thence_o to_o their_o advantage_n beside_o that_o the_o very_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n contradict_v this_o interpretation_n if_o reason_n the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o experience_n itself_o do_v not_o sufficient_o convince_v we_o to_o the_o contrary_n it_o be_v beyond_o contradiction_n that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o true_a church_n upon_o earth_n there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n one_o christ_n one_o baptism_n and_o one_o faith_n but_o concern_v one_o point_n many_o error_n and_o abuse_n may_v be_v commit_v neither_o have_v the_o popish_a party_n any_o reason_n to_o brag_v of_o a_o particular_a holiness_n especial_o concern_v these_o matter_n wherein_o they_o differ_v from_o the_o protestant_n the_o word_n catholic_n relate_v here_o to_o a_o doctrine_n not_o to_o a_o sovereign_a state_n who_o authority_n be_v to_o be_v universal_a over_o christendom_n so_o that_o that_o church_n be_v to_o be_v esteem_v a_o catholic_n church_n which_o
he_o be_v not_o answerable_a in_o particular_a for_o their_o religion_n it_o can_v be_v take_v notice_n of_o without_o astonishment_n how_o both_o in_o former_a time_n and_o our_o age_n some_o prince_n who_o be_v natural_o not_o incline_v to_o cruelty_n have_v in_o other_o respect_v give_v great_a proof_n of_o their_o clemency_n yet_o have_v be_v prevail_v upon_o to_o raise_v the_o most_o horrid_a persecution_n against_o their_o subject_n bare_o upon_o the_o score_n of_o religion_n but_o it_o have_v be_v foretell_v in_o holy_a scripture_n that_o this_o fate_n shall_v attend_v the_o christian_a church_n when_o it_o be_v say_v that_o mighty_a king_n upon_o earth_n shall_v commit_v 3._o rev._n 18._o 3._o whoredom_n with_o the_o whore_n of_o babylon_n and_o who_o be_v ignorant_a that_o gallant_n will_v often_o commit_v the_o most_o barbarous_a act_n mere_o to_o please_v their_o harlot_n all_o true_a christian_n therefore_o ought_v courageous_o to_o oppose_v the_o threat_n and_o attempt_v of_o this_o beast_n commit_v the_o rest_n to_o divine_a providence_n and_o as_o for_o such_o prince_n and_o state_n as_o have_v shake_v off_o the_o yoke_n of_o popish_a slavery_n if_o they_o serious_o reflect_v how_o their_o fellow-protestants_a be_v persecute_v and_o in_o what_o barbarous_a manner_n they_o be_v treat_v will_n questionless_a without_o my_o advice_n take_v such_o measure_n as_o may_v be_v most_o convenient_a for_o to_o secure_v themselves_o from_o so_o imminent_a a_o danger_n the_o follow_a animadversion_n make_v by_o the_o author_n upon_o some_o passage_n of_o a_o book_n entitle_v a_o political_a epitome_n concern_v the_o power_n of_o sovereign_n in_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n write_a by_o adrian_z houtuyn_n have_v a_o very_a near_o relation_n to_o the_o former_a treatise_n it_o be_v thought_n sit_v to_o insert_v they_o here_o by_o way_n of_o appendix_n it_o be_v a_o question_n of_o the_o great_a moment_n which_o if_o right_o determine_v tend_v to_o the_o benefit_n of_o mankind_n in_o general_n viz._n unto_o who_o and_o under_o what_o limitation_n the_o power_n in_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n be_v to_o be_v ascribe_v in_o the_o state_n if_o the_o old_a proverb_n that_o those_o who_o choose_v the_o middle_a way_n be_v common_o the_o most_o successful_a have_v not_o lose_v its_o force_n it_o may_v without_o question_n be_v most_o proper_o apply_v in_o this_o case_n where_o both_o extreme_n be_v equal_o dangerous_a since_o thereby_o the_o conscience_n of_o subject_n be_v leave_v to_o the_o arbitrary_a disposal_n either_o of_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n or_o their_o sovereign_n there_o have_v not_o be_v want_v both_o in_o the_o last_o and_o our_o age_n man_n eminent_a for_o their_o learning_n who_o have_v with_o very_o solid_a argument_n oppose_v the_o tyranny_n of_o the_o first_o it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a for_o we_o to_o take_v heed_n that_o since_o we_o have_v escape_v the_o danger_n of_o scylla_n we_o may_v not_o be_v swallow_v up_o by_o charybdis_n for_o as_o scarce_o any_o body_n that_o be_v in_o his_o right_a sense_n can_v go_v about_o to_o deny_v that_o the_o sovereign_a power_n owe_v its_o original_a either_o to_o god_n or_o the_o general_a consent_n of_o the_o people_n so_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n mutual_o advantageous_a both_o to_o the_o prince_n and_o subject_n to_o understand_v how_o far_o this_o power_n be_v limit_v in_o the_o state_n that_o the_o first_o may_v not_o transgress_v their_o due_a bound_n and_o instead_o of_o be_v father_n of_o their_o subject_n prove_v their_o most_o dangerous_a enemy_n adrian_n houtuyn_n a_o civilian_n in_o holland_n have_v in_o a_o treatise_n call_v a_o political_a epitome_n insert_v several_a assertion_n tend_v to_o the_o latter_a of_o these_o two_o extreme_n and_o it_o have_v be_v observe_v of_o late_a that_o this_o book_n have_v be_v recommend_v by_o some_o doctor_n in_o the_o law_n to_o the_o great_a detriment_n of_o young_a student_n i_o think_v it_o not_o amiss_o to_o make_v some_o animadversion_n upon_o his_o lxiii_o and_o follow_v section_n which_o may_v serve_v as_o a_o guide_n to_o the_o young_a sort_n lest_o they_o under_o the_o cloak_n of_o assert_v the_o prerogative_n of_o sovereign_n may_v be_v mislead_v into_o the_o latter_a of_o these_o extreme_n and_o attribute_n that_o to_o the_o prince_n which_o god_n have_v reserve_v as_o his_o own_o prerogative_n and_o thus_o irrecoverable_o play_v the_o prodigal_n with_o their_o own_o liberty_n and_o property_n this_o author_n speak_v concern_v the_o prerogative_n of_o prince_n sect._n lxiii_o run_v on_o thus_o he_o have_v a_o uncontrolled_a power_n over_o all_o external_n ecclesiastical_a affair_n which_o be_v not_o determine_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n he_o allege_v for_o a_o reason_n because_o that_o power_n be_v grant_v to_o sovereign_n at_o the_o same_o time_n when_o subject_n submit_v themselves_o and_o their_o fortune_n to_o their_o disposal_n but_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v take_v into_o consideration_n that_o certain_a matter_n belong_v to_o the_o external_a exercise_n of_o religious_a worship_n have_v so_o strict_a a_o union_n with_o the_o internal_a part_n that_o if_o the_o first_o be_v not_o dispose_v in_o a_o manner_n agreeable_a to_o this_o inseparable_a tie_n the_o latter_a must_v of_o necessity_n undergo_v such_o alteration_n as_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o its_o nature_n and_o since_o mr._n houtuyn_n do_v not_o leave_v the_o internal_a part_n to_o the_o disposal_n of_o sovereign_n how_o can_v the_o exterior_a worship_n be_v submit_v to_o their_o mere_a pleasure_n consider_v this_o strict_a union_n betwixt_o they_o beside_o this_o general_a submission_n he_o speak_v of_o admit_v of_o limitation_n in_o regard_n of_o that_o end_n for_o which_o civil_a society_n be_v institute_v which_o be_v the_o mutual_a defence_n against_o violence_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o there_o be_v certain_a matter_n belong_v to_o every_o private_a person_n derive_v from_o the_o state_n of_o natural_a freedom_n which_o be_v not_o absolute_o leave_v to_o the_o disposal_n of_o sovereign_n at_o least_o no_o further_o than_o they_o be_v necessary_a to_o obtain_v that_o end_n religion_n have_v not_o any_o relation_n to_o this_o end_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o subject_n do_v submit_v their_o religion_n to_o the_o arbitrary_a pleasure_n of_o sovereign_n and_o it_o be_v unquestionable_a that_o subject_n may_v exercise_v certain_a act_n belong_v to_o they_o by_o virtue_n of_o a_o inherent_a right_n derive_v from_o the_o free_a state_n of_o nature_n and_o independent_a from_o their_o sovereign_n it_o may_v rational_o be_v conclude_v that_o when_o subject_n do_v submit_v themselves_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n to_o their_o sovereign_n it_o be_v do_v with_o this_o supposition_n that_o both_o the_o prince_n and_o subject_n be_v of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o religion_n and_o that_o the_o external_a exercise_n of_o religious_a worship_n be_v not_o leave_v to_o the_o disposal_n of_o the_o first_o any_o further_a than_o in_o such_o matter_n as_o be_v indifferent_a in_o regard_n of_o the_o internal_a part_n of_o it_o what_o be_v allege_v concern_v the_o the_o maintain_v a_o good_a order_n and_o avoid_v of_o confusion_n it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o this_o be_v not_o the_o main_a end_n for_o which_o civil_a society_n be_v institute_v nor_o have_v it_o any_o relation_n to_o it_o but_o only_o thus_o far_o as_o it_o may_v be_v instrumental_a to_o maintain_v the_o public_a tranquillity_n as_o to_o n._n 2._o it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o because_o priest_n have_v a_o dependence_n from_o the_o civil_a power_n in_o certain_a respect_n belong_v to_o its_o jurisdiction_n this_o do_v not_o involve_v religion_n consider_v as_o such_o under_o the_o same_o subjection_n the_o follow_a word_n ought_v also_o to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o a_o christian_a prince_n command_v over_o the_o church_n as_o be_v a_o college_n and_o represent_v one_o single_a person_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n the_o church_n thus_o consider_v be_v a_o civil_a society_n or_o body_n politic_a found_v upon_o the_o public_a authority_n and_o power_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v regard_v as_o be_v in_o the_o same_o condition_n with_o other_o college_n and_o body_n politic_a and_o in_o this_o sense_n a_o king_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n in_o his_o dominion_n whoever_o will_v consider_v the_o real_a difference_n betwixt_o the_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n must_v needs_o find_v as_o many_o error_n as_o there_o be_v word_n here_o for_o because_o a_o prince_n have_v the_o sovereign_a jurisdiction_n in_o a_o commonweath_n consist_v of_o christian_a subject_n no_o inference_n be_v to_o be_v make_v that_o therefore_o he_o may_v in_o the_o same_o degree_n exercise_v his_o sovereignty_n in_o the_o church_n as_o in_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o that_o in_o the_o same_o sense_n he_o may_v be_v call_v the_o supreme_a head_n of_o the_o church_n as_o of_o the_o
i_o and_o in_o this_o one_o point_n only_o christ_n exercise_v his_o regal_a power_n as_o well_o as_o his_o office_n of_o teach_v when_o he_o promise_v great_a and_o ample_a reward_n to_o all_o such_o as_o shall_v receive_v his_o doctrine_n threaten_v with_o eternal_a damnation_n all_o those_o that_o shall_v refuse_v to_o hearken_v to_o it_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o be_v condemn_v 18._o john_n 3_o 18._o already_o be_v his_o word_n quite_o contrary_a as_o it_o be_v with_o other_o speculative_a science_n the_o ignorance_n of_o which_o make_v no_o body_n â—able_a to_o punishment_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n be_v to_o be_v take_v what_o be_v relate_v of_o our_o saviour_n by_o st._n john_n the_o reason_n why_o the_o jew_n be_v so_o bend_v to_o the_o destruction_n of_o 37_o 18._o 37_o christ_n be_v because_o they_o abominate_v his_o doctrine_n nor_o will_v they_o acknowledge_v he_o for_o the_o same_o messiah_n which_o be_v promise_v so_o long_o before_o but_o baâ—ing_v at_o that_o time_n no_o criminal_a jurisdiction_n belong_v to_o themselves_o they_o be_v 〈◊〉_d to_o forge_v treason_n and_o rebellion_n against_o he_o as_o it_o his_o design_n be_v to_o make_v himself_o king_n of_o the_o jew_n jesus_n therefore_o be_v examine_v by_o pilate_n concern_v this_o accusation_n do_v not_o deny_v it_o but_o witness_v a_o good_a confession_n viz._n that_o his_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o 13._o 1_o tim._n 6._o 13._o world_n which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v his_o kingdom_n be_v not_o like_o those_o of_o temporal_a prince_n who_o exercise_n act_v of_o sovereignty_n over_o their_o subject_n for_o if_o he_o have_v pretend_v to_o the_o same_o prerogative_n he_o may_v have_v command_v his_o servant_n not_o his_o timorous_a disciple_n but_o those_o strong_a legion_n of_o angel_n who_o always_o stand_v ready_a to_o his_o command_n to_o protect_v their_o lord_n from_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o pilate_n and_o when_o pilate_n reply_v that_o he_o then_o profess_a himself_o to_o be_v a_o king_n he_o answer_v that_o he_o be_v 37._o joh._n 18._o 37._o king_n but_o a_o king_n of_o truth_n and_o that_o for_o this_o cause_n he_o come_v into_o the_o world_n that_o he_o shall_v bear_v witness_n unto_o truth_n pilate_n by_o what_o christ_n have_v profess_v soon_o understand_v that_o this_o matter_n do_v not_o fall_v under_o his_o cognizance_n and_o therefore_o answer_v what_o be_v truth_n as_o if_o he_o will_v have_v say_v if_o nothing_o else_o can_v be_v object_v against_o you_o but_o that_o you_o make_v profession_n of_o truth_n i_o have_v no_o further_o business_n with_o you_o for_o truth_n be_v not_o subject_a to_o any_o temporal_a jurisdiction_n neither_o do_v the_o law_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n wherein_o so_o many_o nation_n be_v comprehend_v take_v any_o cognizance_n at_o that_o time_n of_o the_o various_a opinion_n of_o their_o subject_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n â—2_n 16._o 14_o 15_o 24_o 29._o 26_o 31_o â—2_n as_o it_o plain_o appear_v out_o of_o the_o act_n and_o out_o of_o the_o apology_n of_o athenagoras_n it_o be_v for_o this_o reason_n that_o pilate_n will_v have_v discharge_v he_o if_o he_o have_v not_o at_o last_o think_v it_o more_o convenient_a to_o appease_v the_o rage_n of_o the_o jew_n by_o sacrifice_v he_o though_o innocent_a to_o their_o fury_n but_o after_o christ_n have_v once_o make_v this_o open_a confession_n he_o refuse_v to_o make_v any_o further_a answer_n to_o pilate_n be_v sensible_a that_o pilate_n be_v not_o desirous_a to_o be_v instruct_v in_o this_o truth_n the_o kingdom_n of_o chriâ—t_n therefore_o be_v a_o kingdom_n of_o truth_n where_o he_o oâ—_n the_o force_n of_o truth_n bring_v over_o our_o soâ—ls_n to_o his_o obedience_n and_o this_o truth_n have_v such_o powerful_a charm_n that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n need_v not_o to_o be_v maintain_v by_o the_o same_o forcible_a mean_n and_o rule_n by_o which_o subject_n must_v be_v keep_v in_o obedience_n to_o the_o civil_a power_n and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n it_o be_v that_o thâ—re_o need_v not_o be_v establish_v a_o particular_a state_n in_o order_n to_o propagate_v and_o preserve_v truth_n no_o more_o than_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o set_v up_o a_o separate_a commonwealth_n where_o philosophy_n and_o other_o science_n be_v to_o be_v teach_v for_o it_o be_v the_o true_a genius_n of_o truth_n and_o such_o her_o intrinsic_a virtue_n as_o to_o be_v convince_a in_o itself_o provide_v she_o be_v but_o â—e_n present_v in_o her_o genuine_a shape_n and_o the_o fruit_n which_o she_o produce_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o mankind_n be_v dexterous_o propose_v to_o the_o view_n of_o the_o world_n but_o the_o divine_a truth_n have_v beyond_o all_o other_o this_o particular_a prerogative_n that_o by_o virtue_n and_o with_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n grace_n our_o mind_n be_v insensible_o draw_v into_o a_o belief_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o otherwise_o seem_v to_o surpass_v human_a understanding_n §_o 18._o christ_n after_o have_v withdraw_v himâ—â—â—â—_n christ_n tâ—â—_n apostle_n 〈…〉_o of_o christ_n from_o human_a conversation_n do_v substitute_n in_o this_o kingdom_n of_o truth_n his_o apostle_n but_o not_o in_o the_o same_o rank_n with_o himself_o not_o as_o king_n but_o as_o minister_n and_o herald_n to_o publish_v his_o doctrine_n as_o my_o father_n say_v he_o have_v send_v i_o over_z so_o send_v i_o you_o but_o how_o 18._o joh._n 20._o 21._o â—aâ—_n 61._o 1._o s._n luk._n 4._o 18._o have_v the_o father_n send_v he_o viz._n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o poor_a to_o heal_v the_o break_a heart_a to_o preach_v deliverance_n to_o the_o captive_n as_o it_o be_v express_v by_o isaiah_n and_o st._n luke_n so_o that_o the_o title_n of_o king_n of_o truth_n be_v a_o peculiar_a title_n appeartain_v to_o christ_n alone_o he_o tell_v they_o 20._o mat_n 23._o 10_o mat._n 28._o 20._o be_v you_o not_o call_v master_n for_o one_o be_v your_o master_n christ_n and_o their_o call_v be_v to_o teach_v all_o nation_n to_o observe_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o christ_n have_v command_v st._n paul_n call_v his_o function_n a_o ministry_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v of_o the_o lord_n jâ—suâ—_n to_o testify_v the_o gospel_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n the_o apostle_n have_v the_o first_o rank_n among_o christ_n follower_n but_o the_o word_n apostle_n 〈…〉_o 〈◊〉_d â—0_n 2d_o 〈…〉_o imply_v as_o much_o as_o a_o missionary_n or_o one_o that_o be_v send_v by_o another_o so_o that_o they_o have_v no_o other_o power_n or_o authority_n from_o themselves_o to_o teach_v their_o doctrine_n but_o to_o instruct_v other_o in_o what_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o christ_n and_o when_o after_o the_o death_n of_o our_o saviour_n they_o be_v quite_o deject_v and_o put_v into_o a_o panic_n fear_v he_o by_o send_v the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v so_o comfort_n and_o strengthen_v they_o that_o they_o appear_v in_o public_a and_o inspite_o of_o the_o jew_n and_o all_o the_o danger_n that_o threaten_v they_o preach_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o the_o diversity_n of_o language_n be_v a_o main_a obstacle_n â—_o 1_o cor._n 1â—_n â—_o towarâ—â—_n the_o spread_a abroad_o of_o any_o doctrine_n the_o apostle_n be_v by_o the_o folly_n ghost_n upon_o whitsunday_n endow_v with_o the_o gift_n of_o speak_v various_a language_n to_o enable_v they_o to_o bring_v the_o nation_n into_o onâ—_n union_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v otherwise_o a_o maxim_n of_o state_n receive_v by_o those_o that_o intend_v to_o â—ay_n the_o foundation_n of_o a_o new_a commonwealth_n to_o take_v care_n that_o no_o more_o than_o one_o language_n bâ—_n use_v among_o their_o subject_n it_o be_v also_o worth_a our_o take_a notice_n of_o that_o among_o those_o language_n which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v there_o be_v language_n of_o some_o nation_n that_o be_v then_o subject_n to_o the_o parthian_a empire_n which_o be_v at_o that_o time_n in_o the_o same_o degree_n of_o enmity_n and_o hatred_n with_o the_o roman_n as_o may_v now_o a-days_o be_v observe_v betwixt_o the_o german_n and_o tuâ—ks_n notwithstanding_o this_o mortal_a hatred_n betwixt_o these_o several_a nation_n and_o the_o difficulty_n which_o be_v to_o be_v surmount_v in_o keep_v a_o correspondence_n betwixt_o they_o which_o can_v not_o but_o be_v a_o main_a obstacle_n to_o their_o be_v ever_o unite_v under_o one_o head_n or_o government_n the_o union_n of_o faith_n be_v introduce_v among_o they_o under_o the_o kingdom_n of_o truth_n power_n the_o apostle_n 〈…〉_o their_o power_n of_o â—eâ—ching_v from_o god_n alâ—ne_n withâ—â—t_v any_o dependence_n from_o any_o temporal_a power_n §_o 19_o the_o apostle_n have_v nevertheless_o much_o more_o authority_n for_o the_o exercise_v of_o their_o function_n than_o other_o who_o profess_v human_a science_n or_o doctrine_n for_o these_o can_v pretend_v to_o any_o lawful_a authority_n of_o teach_v in_o
legislator_n a_o single_a person_n or_o whole_a society_n receive_v by_o such_o a_o offence_n that_o a_o action_n lie_v against_o the_o offender_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o a_o creditor_n have_v a_o right_a to_o sue_v his_o debtor_n for_o a_o debt_n contract_v with_o he_o in_o which_o respect_n it_o be_v that_o sin_n be_v often_o call_v debt_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o in_o this_o double_a or_o sometime_o threefold_a action_n which_o arise_v from_o one_o offence_n commit_v against_o several_a person_n each_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v as_o separate_v from_o the_o other_o so_o that_o though_o one_o action_n be_v take_v off_o the_o other_o remain_v notwithstanding_o this_o in_o full_a force_n for_o as_o god_n do_v not_o remit_v sin_n 24._o mat._n 5_o 23._o 24._o without_o satisfaction_n give_v from_o the_o offender_n to_o the_o offend_a person_n so_o though_o the_o offender_n be_v reconcile_v to_o the_o offend_a nevertheless_o be_v he_o oblige_v to_o seek_v for_o remission_n of_o his_o sin_n by_o god_n and_o if_o the_o offence_n be_v heinous_a and_o of_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o to_o be_v scandalous_a to_o a_o whole_a society_n he_o ought_v there_o also_o to_o endeavour_v his_o reconciliation_n by_o beg_a forgiveness_n of_o they_o therefore_o to_o remit_v a_o sin_n be_v the_o same_o thing_n â—â—_o to_o remit_v a_o action_n or_o to_o release_v one_o from_o a_o action_n which_o the_o offend_a party_n have_v against_o the_o offender_n and_o he_o that_o have_v a_o action_n against_o another_o by_o reason_n of_o some_o offence_n commit_v against_o he_o may_v proper_o be_v say_v to_o have_v power_n to_o remit_v that_o offence_n or_o sin_n as_o far_o as_o his_o action_n reach_v for_o god_n himself_o do_v not_o make_v use_n of_o his_o uncontrolled_a power_n of_o remit_v of_o sin_n so_o as_o without_o any_o further_a respect_n and_o by_o his_o mere_a pleasure_n to_o remit_v their_o sin_n to_o some_o and_o to_o punish_v other_o for_o to_o pardon_v offence_n promiscuous_o without_o any_o further_a regard_n but_o bare_a pleasure_n be_v in_o effect_n to_o render_v law_n ineffectual_a and_o law_n be_v make_v to_o no_o purpose_n by_o he_o who_o at_o the_o same_o time_n grant_v a_o licence_n of_o trespass_v against_o they_o and_o because_o it_o be_v beyond_o all_o human_a power_n to_o give_v satisfaction_n to_o god_n almighty_a for_o our_o offence_n our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n have_v make_v use_n of_o a_o most_o wonderful_a moderation_n betwixt_o justice_n and_o mercy_n in_o give_v due_a satisfaction_n in_o his_o own_o person_n so_o that_o whoever_o by_o the_o faith_n appropriate_v the_o same_o to_o himself_o thereby_o obtain_v remission_n of_o his_o sin_n from_o god_n and_o as_o to_o that_o part_n which_o belong_v to_o man_n to_o forgive_v god_n have_v command_v they_o not_o to_o be_v rigorous_a if_o the_o offender_n beg_v forgiveness_n because_o every_o one_o of_o we_o must_v every_o day_n expect_v forgiveness_n of_o his_o sin_n from_o god_n almighty_a and_o we_o all_o commit_v sometime_o offence_n against_o our_o neighbour_n who_o if_o they_o will_v all_o act_n rigorous_o with_o we_o our_o condition_n will_v be_v most_o deplorable_a wherefore_o we_o ought_v to_o forgive_v our_o 3._o mat._n 6._o 12_o 14_o 15._o c._n 5._o 25_o c._n 18_o 25._o luke_n 17._o 3._o debt_n as_o we_o will_v have_v other_o forgive_v we_o their_o debt_n neither_o be_v we_o to_o be_v too_o rigorous_a against_o such_o sinner_n as_o have_v by_o their_o offence_n prove_v scandalous_a to_o a_o whole_a society_n but_o if_o they_o serious_o repent_v we_o ought_v not_o to_o deny_v they_o our_o pardon_n it_o be_v also_o worth_a our_o further_a observation_n that_o the_o follow_a word_n very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v loosen_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loosen_v in_o heaven_n be_v 18._o mat._n 18._o 18._o speak_v by_o christ_n also_o of_o the_o remission_n of_o a_o offence_n by_o the_o party_n offend_v neither_o do_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o precede_a word_n allow_v to_o apply_v they_o only_o to_o his_o disciple_n they_o be_v speak_v not_o only_o to_o the_o apostle_n but_o to_o the_o believer_n in_o general_n §_o 24._o suppose_v then_o that_o the_o apostle_n be_v absolution_n under_o who_o name_n and_o authority_n the_o apostle_n do_v exercise_v this_o power_n of_o absolution_n to_o remit_v such_o sin_n as_o be_v not_o commit_v against_o they_o it_o must_v necessary_o follow_v that_o they_o when_o they_o remit_v sin_n do_v it_o either_o in_o the_o name_n of_o such_o particular_a person_n against_o who_o the_o say_a sin_n be_v commit_v or_o in_o the_o name_n of_o a_o whole_a society_n or_o else_o in_o the_o name_n of_o some_o human_a or_o divine_a legislator_n now_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o no_o body_n can_v remit_v another_o man_n lawful_a action_n without_o his_o order_n or_o consent_n no_o more_o than_o you_o can_v lawful_o take_v away_o another_o right_a or_o property_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a first_o to_o make_v our_o peace_n with_o the_o person_n offend_v without_o which_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o seek_v for_o pardon_n from_o god_n almighty_a at_o least_o he_o that_o have_v offend_v aught_o to_o take_v first_o a_o firm_a resolution_n to_o give_v satisfaction_n as_o far_o as_o be_v in_o his_o power_n christ_n say_v 8._o mat._n 5._o 24._o luke_n 19_o 8._o first_o be_v reconcile_v to_o thy_o brother_n and_o then_o come_v and_o offer_v thy_o gift_n and_o st._n paul_n offer_v to_o make_v satisfaction_n to_o philemon_n for_o what_o damage_n he_o have_v receive_v from_o onesimus_n from_o hence_o arise_v 19_o v._o 18_o 19_o that_o general_a and_o common_a rule_n that_o if_o restitution_n be_v not_o make_v there_o can_v be_v no_o remission_n of_o the_o sin_n for_o it_o be_v ridiculous_a and_o a_o contradiction_n in_o itself_o to_o profess_v to_o god_n almighty_a a_o true_a repentance_n for_o a_o unjust_a act_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n enjoy_v the_o benefit_n of_o it_o but_o as_o for_o the_o remission_n of_o such_o enormous_a crime_n as_o be_v commit_v against_o a_o whole_a society_n the_o apostle_n have_v their_o share_n in_o it_o as_o be_v evident_a out_o of_o the_o 1_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinâ—hâ—_n â—_z 5._o 4_o 5._o and_o 2_o corinth_n c._n 2._o 10._o c._n 11._o 29._o and_o will_v be_v more_o treat_v of_o hereafter_o it_o will_v be_v sufficient_a in_o this_o place_n to_o take_v notice_n that_o what_o authority_n be_v exercise_v by_o they_o in_o this_o kind_n be_v much_o inferior_a to_o that_o power_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v of_o retain_v and_o forgive_a of_o sin_n but_o to_o remit_v sin_n in_o the_o name_n of_o those_o that_o have_v the_o sovereign_n and_o legislative_a power_n in_o the_o state_n do_v not_o belong_v to_o the_o apostle_n their_o commission_n and_o power_n be_v not_o to_o interfere_v with_o the_o civil_a jurisdiction_n or_o to_o diminish_v its_o prerogative_n wherefore_o civil_a magistrate_n just_o may_v and_o do_v punish_v offender_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o realm_n notwithstanding_o they_o have_v make_v their_o peace_n with_o god_n the_o only_a way_n then_o for_o the_o apostle_n be_v to_o forgive_v sin_n in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n by_o who_o authority_n they_o have_v receive_v their_o commission_n as_o be_v evident_a out_o of_o these_o word_n whatsoever_o you_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v loosen_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loosen_v in_o heaven_n §_o 25._o but_o if_o we_o propose_v to_o form_v to_o our_o be_v of_o what_o nature_n this_o power_n be_v self_n a_o true_a idea_n of_o the_o power_n grant_v to_o the_o apostle_n when_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v give_v unto_o they_o and_o how_o far_o it_o extend_v itself_o we_o must_v take_v into_o serious_a consideration_n in_o what_o manner_n christ_n himself_o do_v remit_v sin_n whilst_o he_o live_v among_o we_o upon_o earth_n this_o be_v sufficient_o manifest_a out_o of_o several_a passage_n in_o st._n matthew_n 9_o 2._o mark_v 2._o 3._o luke_n 5._o 20._o c._n 7._o 47_o 48_o 39_o 50._o where_o our_o saviour_n verify_v his_o power_n of_o forgive_n of_o sin_n by_o a_o miracle_n which_o can_v not_o but_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n beside_o this_o there_o be_v no_o plaintiff_n or_o defendant_n there_o be_v no_o open_a or_o express_v confession_n of_o sin_n but_o as_o soon_o as_o christ_n see_v their_o faith_n he_o pronounce_v remission_n of_o sin_n and_o if_o we_o peruse_v the_o whole_a new_a testament_n it_o will_v most_o evident_o appear_v that_o neither_o christ_n nor_o his_o apostle_n do_v forgive_v sin_n in_o a_o judicial_a way_n where_o crime_n
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
propagate_a of_o this_o doctrine_n they_o destroy_v the_o very_a essential_a part_n of_o our_o faith_n which_o be_v a_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o a_o belief_n found_v in_o our_o heart_n be_v transmute_v into_o a_o outward_a confession_n where_o the_o tongue_n to_o avoid_v temporal_a punishment_n be_v force_v to_o speak_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o no_o wise_a agreeable_a to_o the_o heart_n this_o however_o admit_v again_o of_o a_o limitation_n for_o herein_o be_v not_o comprehend_v these_o point_n which_o proceed_v from_o natural_a religion_n be_v also_o contain_v in_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o all_o of_o they_o imply_v a_o profound_a reverence_n to_o be_v pay_v to_o the_o supreme_a be_v for_o it_o be_v beyond_o all_o question_n that_o those_o that_o act_n against_o the_o very_a dictate_v of_o reason_n aught_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o civil_a punishment_n since_o they_o strike_v at_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o civil_a society_n such_o be_v idolatry_n blasphemy_n profanation_n of_o the_o sabbath_n where_o nevertheless_o great_a care_n be_v to_o be_v take_v that_o a_o due_a difference_n be_v make_v betwixt_o the_o moral_a part_n of_o that_o precept_n concern_v the_o sabbath_n which_o be_v unalterable_a and_o the_o ceremonial_a part_n of_o it_o prince_n therefore_o at_o their_o first_o entrance_n into_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n may_v lawful_o destroy_v the_o image_n and_o temple_n of_o the_o idol_n and_o the_o grove_n and_o other_o meeting-place_n dedicate_v to_o their_o superstitious_a worship_n neither_o can_v it_o be_v call_v in_o question_n but_o that_o christian_a sovereign_n have_v a_o right_a to_o inflict_v civil_a punishment_n upon_o such_o as_o revile_v the_o whole_a system_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o ridicule_n the_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n at_o least_o they_o may_v banish_v they_o the_o country_n but_o for_o the_o rest_n it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o believe_v that_o the_o true_a enlighten_v of_o our_o mind_n and_o the_o inward_a consent_n to_o such_o article_n of_o faith_n as_o surpass_v our_o understanding_n can_v be_v procure_v by_o violent_a mean_n or_o temporal_a punishment_n for_o suppose_v you_o force_v a_o man_n to_o dissemble_v his_o thought_n to_o speak_v contrary_a to_o what_o he_o conceive_v in_o his_o own_o opinion_n let_v his_o confession_n be_v never_o so_o formal_a and_o his_o gesture_n never_o so_o well_o compose_v and_o conformable_a to_o certain_a prescribe_a rule_n this_o have_v not_o the_o least_o affinity_n with_o true_a religion_n unless_o he_o at_o the_o same_o time_n do_v feel_v a_o inward_a motion_n and_o hearty_a compliance_n with_o what_o he_o profess_v neither_o ought_v people_n according_a to_o the_o true_a genius_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n be_v entice_v to_o receive_v the_o christian_a religion_n by_o temporal_a interest_n honour_n or_o other_o such_o like_a advantage_n for_o christ_n do_v promise_v that_o those_o that_o follow_v he_o shall_v receive_v their_o reward_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v but_o foretold_v they_o nothing_o but_o cross_n and_o tribulation_n in_o this_o and_o those_o that_o embrace_v any_o religion_n out_o of_o a_o motive_n of_o temporal_a advantage_n do_v plain_o show_v that_o they_o have_v a_o great_a value_n for_o their_o own_o â—erest_n than_o religion_n and_o certain_o scarce_o any_o body_n that_o have_v but_o common_a sense_n can_v persuade_v himself_o that_o such_o a_o sort_n of_o worship_n can_v be_v please_v to_o god_n almighty_a sovereign_n being_n not_o constitute_v for_o religion_n sake_n they_o can_v under_o that_o colour_n exact_a from_o their_o subject_n a_o blind_a obedience_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v unquestionable_a that_o if_o subject_n shall_v blindfold_o follow_v the_o religion_n of_o their_o sovereign_n they_o can_v by_o all_o his_o authority_n be_v assure_v of_o their_o salvation_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o in_o case_n any_o subject_a be_v full_o convince_v that_o he_o can_v out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n discover_v any_o error_n which_o be_v creep_v into_o the_o church_n even_o that_o by_o law_n establish_v especial_o concern_v any_o principal_a point_n of_o faith_n he_o neither_o can_v nor_o aught_o to_o be_v hinder_v in_o his_o design_n by_o the_o sovereign_a authority_n before_o his_o reason_n be_v hear_v and_o well_o debate_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o best_a and_o able_a judge_n and_o if_o by_o they_o he_o be_v legal_o and_o plain_o convict_v of_o his_o error_n then_o and_o 〈◊〉_d before_o ought_v he_o to_o be_v silence_v to_o force_v people_n into_o the_o church_n â—y_a the_o bare_a civil_a authority_n must_v needs_o fill_v the_o commonwealth_n with_o hypocrite_n who_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o act_n according_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o their_o conscience_n for_o since_o in_o religion_n matter_n a_o absolute_a uniformity_n betwixt_o the_o heart_n and_o tongue_n be_v require_v how_o can_v it_o otherwise_o be_v but_o that_o such_o as_o profess_v a_o religion_n disagreeable_a to_o their_o opinion_n shall_v never_o be_v satisfy_v in_o their_o conscience_n when_o they_o consider_v that_o they_o impose_v upon_o god_n almighty_a §_o 49._o the_o care_n of_o preserve_v the_o public_a tranquillity_n what_o prerogative_n belong_v to_o sovereign_n as_o be_v protector_n of_o the_o public_a tranquillity_n peace_n belong_v in_o a_o most_o peculiar_a manner_n to_o sovereign_n have_v furnish_v some_o with_o a_o specious_a pretence_n to_o affirm_v that_o since_o difference_n in_o religion_n cause_n frequent_a convulsion_n in_o the_o state_n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v deem_v one_o of_o the_o great_a happiness_n of_o a_o government_n if_o its_o subject_n in_o general_a be_v of_o one_o religion_n all_o mean_n though_o never_o so_o violent_a may_v be_v put_v in_o execution_n to_o extirpate_v these_o difference_n in_o religion_n they_o allege_v that_o as_o much_o more_o precious_a our_o soul_n be_v before_o our_o body_n the_o more_o sovereign_n be_v oblige_v to_o be_v watchful_a over_o they_o and_o that_o the_o true_a love_n which_o a_o sovereign_n bear_v to_o his_o subject_n can_v never_o be_v more_o conspicuous_a than_o when_o he_o take_v effectual_a care_n of_o their_o salvation_n these_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v be_v very_o specious_a pretence_n and_o have_v sometime_o have_v such_o powerful_a influence_n over_o prince_n who_o be_v else_o natural_o not_o incline_v to_o severity_n that_o they_o have_v nevertheless_o by_o these_o plausible_a argument_n be_v prevail_v upon_o to_o assist_v with_o their_o authority_n the_o cruel_a design_n of_o priest_n it_o will_v therefore_o not_o be_v beyond_o our_o scope_n to_o make_v a_o strict_a enquiry_n what_o account_n ought_v to_o be_v make_v of_o these_o so_o specious_a reason_n in_o a_o well_o constitute_v government_n in_o the_o first_o place_n then_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o it_o have_v be_v foretell_v by_o our_o saviour_n that_o there_o shall_v always_o be_v in_o the_o church_n weed_n among_o the_o wheat_n that_o be_v to_o say_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v false_a doctrine_n raise_v in_o the_o church_n and_o these_o according_a to_o the_o command_v of_o our_o saviour_n be_v not_o to_o be_v extirpate_v root_n and_o branch_n but_o to_o be_v reserve_v for_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n for_o a_o sovereign_n that_o take_v to_o such_o violent_a course_n may_v make_v a_o havoc_n among_o his_o subject_n which_o common_o prove_v equal_o pernicious_a to_o the_o innocent_a and_o guilty_a nevertheless_o he_o will_v find_v it_o impracticable_a quite_o to_o abolish_v all_o error_n and_o difference_n in_o the_o church_n never_o do_v any_o body_n show_v a_o great_a love_n to_o mankind_n than_o our_o saviour_n who_o sacrifice_v himself_o for_o our_o salvation_n yet_o he_o make_v use_v of_o no_o other_o way_n to_o propagate_v his_o doctrine_n than_o teach_v when_o he_o may_v have_v command_v twelve_o legion_n of_o angel_n to_o force_v mankind_n to_o obedience_n how_o can_v a_o prince_n be_v esteem_v to_o follow_v the_o footstep_n of_o christ_n who_o make_v such_o profligate_v wretch_n as_o the_o dragoon_n his_o apostle_n for_o the_o conversion_n of_o his_o subject_n that_o pretence_n of_o the_o love_n of_o sovereign_n towards_o their_o subject_n let_v it_o be_v never_o so_o specious_a he_o ought_v not_o under_o that_o colour_n endeavour_n to_o subvert_v or_o alter_v the_o method_n of_o propagate_a the_o christian_a doctrine_n according_a to_o the_o true_a genius_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n beside_o this_o it_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o maintain_v the_o public_a tranquillity_n that_o all_o the_o subject_n in_o general_n shall_v be_v of_o one_o religion_n or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o in_o effect_n the_o difference_n about_o some_o point_n in_o religion_n consider_v bare_o as_o such_o be_v not_o the_o true_a cause_n of_o disturbance_n in_o a_o state_n but_o the_o heat_n and_o animosity_n ambition_n
§_o lxv_o he_o entire_o and_o without_o limitation_n ascribe_v to_o the_o prince_n the_o power_n of_o constitute_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o if_o they_o be_v minister_n of_o the_o state_n but_o in_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o the_o jew_n regulate_v according_a to_o god_n own_o institution_n no_o such_o power_n be_v grant_v to_o their_o king_n neither_o have_v the_o apostle_n themselves_o though_o the_o most_o general_a teacher_n that_o ever_o be_v as_o be_v send_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o all_o the_o world_n their_o authority_n of_o teach_v from_o any_o temporal_a sovereign_n neither_o can_v it_o be_v prove_v that_o the_o church_n at_o the_o time_n when_o sovereign_n first_o embrace_v the_o christian_a faith_n do_v transferr_v this_o power_n of_o constitute_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n without_o limitation_n to_o those_o prince_n though_o at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o sovereign_n have_v a_o considerable_a share_n in_o it_o his_o argument_n take_v from_o the_o care_n parent_n ought_v to_o have_v of_o the_o salvation_n of_o their_o child_n do_v not_o reach_v to_o what_o he_o pretend_v to_o prove_v for_o say_v he_o prince_n be_v the_o public_a father_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n it_o belong_v to_o their_o princely_a office_n to_o provide_v for_o the_o eternal_a salvation_n of_o their_o subject_n for_o beside_o that_o the_o title_n of_o father_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n be_v a_o metaphorical_a expression_n the_o fatherly_a and_o the_o regal_a office_n depend_v from_o a_o quite_o different_a principle_n and_o the_o care_n to_o be_v take_v of_o child_n of_o a_o tender_a age_n be_v of_o another_o nature_n with_o that_o which_o ought_v to_o be_v employ_v for_o the_o safety_n of_o a_o whole_a people_n neither_o be_v sovereign_n invest_v with_o the_o supreme_a authority_n to_o enable_v they_o to_o procure_v eternal_a salvation_n to_o their_o subject_n god_n have_v prescribe_v other_o way_n and_o mean_n for_o the_o obtain_n of_o it_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o a_o prince_n must_v not_o be_v regardless_o of_o this_o care_n nevertheless_o ought_v the_o same_o not_o to_o reach_v beyond_o its_o due_a bound_n but_o must_v be_v effect_v by_o such_o method_n as_o be_v approve_v of_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o suit_n with_o the_o true_a genius_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n wherefore_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o attribute_v to_o sovereign_n a_o power_n of_o obtrude_a any_o religion_n at_o pleasure_n upon_o their_o subject_n it_o be_v beyond_o question_n that_o not_o all_o religion_n be_v conduce_v to_o obtain_v eternal_a salvation_n so_o abraham_n the_o father_n of_o believer_n do_v not_o impose_v upon_o his_o child_n what_o religion_n he_o think_v most_o convenient_a but_o he_o charge_v they_o to_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n such_o as_o be_v manifest_v to_o they_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n what_o st._n paul_n say_v 1_o tim._n 2._o 2._o be_v very_o well_o worth_a take_a notice_n of_o viz._n that_o the_o chief_a care_n of_o the_o supreme_a governor_n shall_v be_v so_o to_o rule_v over_o their_o subject_n that_o they_o may_v live_v under_o they_o not_o only_o honest_o but_o pious_o this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o eternal_a salvation_n it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o those_o prince_n for_o who_o the_o apostle_n enjoin_v the_o christian_n to_o pray_v be_v pagan_n make_v but_o little_a account_n of_o piety_n especial_o of_o that_o belong_v to_o the_o christian_n but_o it_o be_v think_v sufficient_a for_o the_o christian_n to_o enjoy_v the_o common_a benefit_n of_o the_o public_a tranquillity_n under_o their_o protection_n the_o rest_n be_v leave_v to_o their_o own_o care_n so_o we_o read_v that_o the_o poet_n enjoyment_n of_o his_o muse_n be_v owe_v to_o augustus_n caesar_n protection_n nevertheless_o the_o emperor_n do_v not_o concern_v himself_o about_o the_o rule_n of_o poetry_n furthermore_o it_o be_v a_o very_a gross_a way_n of_o argue_v when_o he_o assert_n that_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o church_n be_v both_o one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n under_o a_o christian_a prince_n who_o subject_n also_o profess_v the_o christian_a religion_n the_o only_a difference_n be_v in_o respect_n of_o their_o different_a qualification_n they_o be_v in_o the_o commonwealth_n to_o be_v consider_v as_o they_o be_v subject_n in_o the_o church_n as_o believer_n it_o seem_v mr._n houtuyn_n look_v upon_o that_o difference_n to_o be_v of_o little_a moment_n which_o arise_v from_o divers_a moral_a qualification_n and_o include_v different_a obligation_n and_o be_v found_v upon_o another_o legal_a principle_n it_o be_v confess_v that_o in_o such_o a_o case_n where_o the_o head_n be_v not_o differ_v in_o his_o natural_a constitution_n from_o the_o right_n and_o power_n belong_v to_o he_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o member_n though_o different_o consider_v under_o divers_a qualification_n be_v nevertheless_o to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o one_o and_o the_o same_o society_n as_o for_o instance_n if_o a_o prince_n put_v himself_o at_o the_o head_n of_o all_o his_o subject_n upon_o a_o expedition_n these_o though_o they_o may_v be_v consider_v either_o as_o soldier_n or_o subject_n yet_o do_v not_o differ_v in_o any_o essential_a part_n as_o for_o example_n the_o people_n of_o israel_n when_o go_v upon_o their_o expedition_n under_o the_o conduct_n of_o joshua_n be_v the_o very_a same_o that_o afterward_o under_o his_o protection_n enjoy_v and_o inhabit_v the_o country_n of_o canaan_n but_o the_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n though_o compose_v out_o of_o the_o selfsame_a person_n do_v not_o only_o differ_v in_o their_o very_a foundation_n but_o also_o a_o sovereign_n can_v claim_v the_o same_o right_n and_o name_v of_o be_v the_o supreme_a head_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o same_o sense_n as_o he_o be_v the_o supreme_a governor_n of_o the_o state_n for_o in_o the_o latter_a he_o exercise_v his_o authority_n without_o control_n be_v subject_a to_o no_o body_n but_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n be_v christ_n who_o rule_v it_o by_o his_o word_n announce_v to_o we_o by_o the_o teacher_n of_o the_o church_n so_o that_o a_o sovereign_n can_v as_o much_o as_o claim_v the_o right_n of_o be_v christ_n vicegerent_n in_o the_o church_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n though_o it_o be_v say_v of_o christ_n that_o all_o power_n be_v give_v unto_o he_o in_o heaven_n and_o upon_o earth_n nevertheless_o it_o can_v be_v say_v of_o he_o to_o be_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n the_o head_n of_o civil_a society_n as_o of_o the_o church_n the_o next_o follow_v assertion_n run_v thus_o where_o the_o whole_a commonwealth_n be_v not_o compose_v out_o of_o christian_n the_o church_n be_v a_o congregation_n of_o the_o believer_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n but_o where_o all_o subject_n be_v christian_n the_o church_n be_v nevertheless_o nothing_o else_o than_o a_o college_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n but_o what_o he_o allege_v of_o the_o church_n be_v sometime_o take_v in_o the_o same_o sense_n with_o the_o commonwealth_n be_v absolute_o false_a for_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o act_n 14_o 23._o and_o those_o in_o titus_n 1._o 5._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v no_o synom_n but_o the_o latter_a be_v to_o be_v understand_v thus_o in_o all_o the_o town_n and_o city_n where_o there_o be_v any_o christian_a church_n the_o inference_n he_o will_v make_v from_o the_o military_a function_n and_o the_o administration_n of_o justice_n be_v both_o include_v in_o one_o government_n be_v to_o no_o purpose_n both_o of_o they_o owe_v their_o offspring_n to_o that_o end_n for_o which_o civil_a society_n be_v institute_v which_o be_v not_o the_o same_o in_o the_o church_n and_o sovereign_n be_v entrust_v with_o the_o sword_n of_o war_n and_o justice_n not_o with_o the_o ministerial_a function_n of_o preach_v the_o gospel_n from_o whence_o it_o come_v 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of_o colour_n when_o the_o primitive_a christian_n be_v force_v to_o appear_v before_o the_o pagan_a judge_n it_o be_v not_o on_o the_o account_n of_o the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o christian_n can_v never_o be_v guilty_a of_o so_o gross_a a_o error_n as_o to_o consult_v with_o the_o unbelieving_a concern_v the_o controvert_v article_n of_o faith_n but_o be_v force_v against_o their_o will_n to_o appear_v before_o they_o they_o can_v not_o avoid_v to_o receive_v their_o judgement_n such_o as_o they_o be_v please_v to_o give_v as_o have_v no_o way_n leave_v they_o to_o decline_v it_o furthermore_o our_o author_n be_v please_v to_o affirm_v that_o such_o a_o interpretation_n ought_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o establish_v by_o public_a authority_n which_o carry_v along_o with_o it_o a_o oblige_a force_n at_o least_o in_o outward_a appearance_n so_o that_o subject_n be_v oblige_v to_o conform_v themselves_o to_o it_o by_o a_o verbal_a confession_n though_o never_o 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those_o that_o take_v to_o these_o violent_a way_n of_o propagate_a the_o faith_n or_o rather_o to_o speak_v truth_n hypocrisy_n and_o superstition_n by_o their_o boot_v apostle_n be_v not_o content_v to_o silence_v their_o subject_n dissent_v from_o they_o in_o point_n of_o religion_n who_o be_v also_o debar_v even_o to_o save_v themselves_o by_o flight_n though_o it_o be_v no_o small_a misfortune_n to_o a_o subject_a to_o be_v force_v to_o leave_v his_o native_a country_n but_o they_o compel_v they_o to_o profess_v public_o those_o thing_n for_o truth_n which_o they_o abhor_v in_o their_o heart_n and_o appear_v to_o be_v idolatrous_a superstitious_a or_o fictitious_a invent_v on_o purpose_n by_o those_o that_o make_v their_o market_n by_o religion_n mr._n houtuyn_n himself_o can_v but_o confess_v that_o no_o body_n can_v safe_o acquiesce_v in_o any_o determination_n make_v concern_v a_o article_n of_o faith_n unless_o by_o his_o own_o private_a judgement_n he_o find_v it_o 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a_o indignity_n or_o else_o the_o most_o horrible_a persecution_n that_o can_v be_v invent_v the_o first_o inventor_n of_o this_o unlimited_a power_n as_o far_o as_o ever_o i_o can_v learn_v be_v mr._n thomas_n hâ—bbs_n the_o worst_a interpreter_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o divinity_n who_o opinion_n as_o to_o this_o kind_n no_o body_n have_v take_v so_o much_o pain_n to_o revive_v with_o the_o same_o impudence_n as_o mr._n adrian_n houtuyn_n what_o i_o most_o admire_v at_o be_v that_o this_o shall_v be_v attempt_v by_o one_o live_v in_o a_o state_n who_o maxim_n be_v quite_o opposite_a to_o these_o principle_n and_o where_o consequent_o he_o can_v not_o reasonable_o propose_v to_o himself_o any_o reward_n of_o his_o adulation_n there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o likelihood_n that_o the_o state_n general_n of_o the_o unite_a province_n shall_v ever_o lay_v claim_n to_o such_o a_o power_n as_o it_o be_v not_o very_o probable_a that_o prince_n will_v apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o ministry_n 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against_o his_o majesty_n sacred_a person_n and_o government_n as_o they_o be_v continual_o carry_v on_o from_o 1688._o to_o 1697._o contain_v matter_n extract_v from_o original_a paper_n deposition_n of_o the_o witness_n and_o authentic_a record_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o reference_n to_o the_o appendix_n wherein_o they_o be_v digest_v publish_a with_o no_o other_o design_n than_o to_o acquaint_v the_o english_a nation_n that_o notwithstanding_o the_o present_a posture_n of_o affair_n our_o enemy_n be_v still_o so_o many_o restless_a and_o design_v that_o all_o imaginable_a care_n ought_v to_o be_v take_v for_o the_o defence_n and_o safety_n of_o his_o majesty_n and_o his_o three_o kingdom_n by_o r._n k._n the_o doctrine_n of_o acid_n in_o the_o cure_n of_o disease_n far_o assert_v be_v a_o answer_n to_o some_o objection_n raise_v against_o it_o by_o dr._n f._n tuthill_n of_o dorchester_n in_o dorsetshire_n in_o which_o be_v contain_v some_o thing_n relate_v to_o the_o history_n of_o 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may_v be_v attain_v and_o how_o we_o may_v judge_v whether_o we_o have_v attain_v it_o publish_a chief_o for_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o unlearned_a though_o it_o may_v also_o be_v useful_a to_o other_o together_o with_o brief_a reflection_n upon_o that_o which_o the_o author_n of_o christianity_n not_o mysterious_a say_v upon_o that_o know_a text_n 1_o tim._n 3._o 16._o the_o christian_a belief_n wherein_o be_v assert_v and_o prove_v that_o as_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o gospel_n contrary_a to_o reason_n yet_o there_o be_v some_o doctrine_n in_o it_o above_o reason_n and_o these_o be_v necessary_o enjoin_v we_o to_o believe_v be_v proper_o call_v mystery_n in_o answer_n to_o a_o book_n entitle_v christianity_n not_o mysterious_a the_o second_o edition_n with_o a_o preface_n and_o other_o addition_n
commonwealth_n it_o be_v true_a the_o church_n be_v a_o society_n but_o not_o a_o body_n politic_a found_v upon_o the_o public_a authority_n but_o owe_v it_o original_a to_o a_o high_a principle_n have_v not_o like_o other_o college_n its_o dependency_n from_o the_o state_n what_o be_v allege_v out_o of_o titus_n 2._o 9_o colos_n 3._o 20_o 22._o rom._n 13._o 3_o 4._o 1_o pet._n 2._o 14._o be_v strange_o misrepresent_v to_o evince_v that_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n be_v dependent_a from_o the_o absolute_a pleasure_n of_o sovereign_n what_o follow_v might_n also_o very_o well_o deserve_v some_o animadversion_n if_o it_o be_v not_o beyond_o our_o scope_n at_o present_a n._n 13._o it_o be_v a_o gross_a error_n that_o as_o a_o consequence_n of_o this_o sovereign_a power_n in_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n he_o attribute_n to_o they_o the_o title_n of_o pastor_n minister_n herald_n of_o god_n bishop_n priest_n and_o apostle_n pray_v with_o what_o authority_n and_o with_o what_o sense_n for_o the_o duty_n belong_v to_o sovereign_n which_o entitle_v they_o to_o the_o name_n of_o be_v the_o guardian_n of_o both_o table_n of_o the_o decalogue_n and_o of_o be_v the_o foster-fathers_n and_n defender_n of_o the_o church_n be_v of_o a_o far_o different_a nature_n from_o what_o he_o will_v insinuate_v here_o and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o absolute_a judgement_n of_o the_o clergy_n itself_o with_o exclusion_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n to_o determine_v in_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n what_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n how_o can_v this_o judgement_n belong_v to_o the_o sovereign_n alone_a without_o allow_v a_o share_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n these_o word_n in_o the_o §_o lxiv_o each_o sovereign_n may_v establish_v what_o religion_n he_o please_v in_o his_o dominion_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v let_v pass_v by_o without_o a_o severe_a correction_n the_o reason_n allege_v be_v very_o 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