XXXIX. As it is not needful and usual to set up a Coordinate Imperium artificum vel Philosophorum in Imperio Civili; so it seemeth also of an Imperium Religiosum. The first Question is, whether Christ hath Instituted such: The second, whether he hath given power to Men to make it. There is not in any Kingdom that I hear of, (but somewhat towards it in China) such a Society of Physicians, Astronomers, Navigators, Lawyers, Schoolmasters, Philosophers, &c. who set up a Coordinate Empire or Government, that shall have all degrees of self-governing power as a National ⟨p. 13⟩Society, with one Supreme, either Monarchical, Aristocratical, or Democratical Head, according to the order of Civil-government: Nor doth any reproach Schools, Colleges, Hospitals, or any trading Societies, that they are confused, Independent, and ungoverned, because they have no common Governor but God and the King, nor any particular Governor, but the Principal, or Master and Fellows of the Society; nor any National association, besides their subjection to one King, and their voluntary correspondence for concord and mutual assistance with one another. And much less is there any Co-ordinate, Political Regiment of any of these through all the world, under one visible humane Head, personal or collective. And yet many think that there is such a Society and Regiment for Religion; National say some, Universal say others: That all that will serve God and be saved, must be under one Co-ordinate power over all the Kingdom, or World, besides Christ and the Supreme Magistrate: and they contend whether this power be Monarchical or Aristocratical, &c. I am so far Independent, as to think that Christ hath Instituted no such Universal or National Power and Head of Religion: but that 1. his own Universal Kingdom: 2. And particular Churches under their several Bishops and Teachers: 3. And Synods for concord and mutual help: 4. And Christian Magistrates to rule all by the Sword: 5. With the improvement of Mens eminent gifts and opportunities, that these be Instituted by Christ I doubt not: 6. And whether some should succeed the Apostles (excepting their extraordinary powers) in having a visiting, instructing, ⟨p. 14⟩ordering care of many Churches and their Bishops and Teachers, I confess my self uncertain;
XXXIX. As it is not needful and usual to set up a Coordinate Imperium artificum vel Philosophorum in Imperio Civili; so it seemeth also of an Imperium Religiosum. The first Question is, whether Christ hath Instituted such: The second, whether he hath given power to Men to make it. There is not in any Kingdom that I hear of, (but somewhat towards it in China) such a Society of Physicians, Astronomers, Navigators, Lawyers, Schoolmasters, Philosophers, &c. who set up a Coordinate Empire or Government, that shall have all degrees of self-governing power as a National ⟨p. 13⟩Socity, with one Supreme, either Monarchical, Aristocratical, or Democratical Head, according to the order of Civil-government: Nor doth any reproach Schools, Colledges, Hospitals, or any trading Societies, that they are confused, Independent, and ungoverned, because they have no common Governour but God and the King, nor any particular Governour, but the Principal, or Master and Fellows of the Society; nor any National association, besides their subjection to one King, and their voluntary correspondence for concord and mutual assistance with one another. And much less is there any Co-ordinate, Political Regiment of any of these through all the world, under one visible humane Head, personal or collective. And yet many think that there is such a Society and Regiment for Religion; National say some, Universal say others: That all that will serve God and be saved, must be under one Co-ordinate power over all the Kingdom, or World, besides Christ and the Supreme Magistrate: and they contend whether this power be Monarchical or Aristocratical, &c. I am so far Independent, as to think that Christ hath Instituted no such Universal or National Power and Head of Religion: but that 1. his own Universal Kingdom: 2. And particular Churches under their several Bishops and Teachers: 3. And Synods for concord and mutual help: 4. And Christian Magistrates to rule all by the Sword: 5. With the improvement of Mens eminent gifts and opportunities, that these be Instituted by Christ I doubt not: 6. And whether some should succeed the Apostles (excepting their extraordinary powers) in having a visiting, instructing, ⟨p. 14⟩ordering care of many Churches and their Bishops and Teachers, I confess my self uncertain;
