An enquiry into the original, nature, institution, power, order and communion of evangelical churches.…

For the power of the Magistrate in and about Religion, it hath been much debated and disputed in some latter Ages. For three hundred years there was no mention of it in the Church, because no Supreme Powers did then own the Christian Religion. For the next three hundred years there were great Ascriptions unto Supreme Magistrates to the exaltation of their power, and much use was made thereof among the Churches, by such as had the best interest in them. The next three hundred years was, as unto this case, much taken up with Disputes about this Power, between the Emperors and the Popes of Rome; ⟨p. 143⟩sometimes one side gaining the Advantage in some especial instances, sometimes the other. But from that period of time, or thereabouts, the Contest came to blows, and the Blood of some hundred thousands was shed in the Controversy, namely, about the Power of Emperors and Kings on the one side, and the Popes of Rome on the other. In the issue, the Popes abode Masters of the Field, and continued in actual possession of all Ecclesiastical Power, though sometimes mixed with the Rebellion of one stubborn Prince or other, as here frequently in England, who controlled them in some of their new acquisitions. Upon the public Reformation of Religion, many Princes threw off the yoke of the Papal Rule, and according to the Doctrine of the Reformers, assumed unto themselves the Power which, as they judged, the Godly Kings of Judah of old, and the first Christian Emperors, did exercise about Ecclesiastical Affairs. From that time there have been great and vehement Disputes about the Ecclesiastical Power of Sovereign Princes and States. I shall not here undertake to treat concerning it; although it i• a matter of no great difficulty to demonstrate the extremes that many have run into, some by granting too much, and some too little unto them. And I shall grant for my part, that too much cannot well be assigned unto them, whilst these two principles are preserved. (1.) That no Supreme Magistrate hath power to deprive or abridge the Churches of Christ, of any Right, Authority, or Liberty, granted unto them by Jesus Christ. (2.) Nor hath any to coerce, punish, or kill any persons, (being civilly peaceable, and morally honest,) because they are otherwise minded in things concerning Gospel-Faith and Worship than he is.

For the power of the Magistrate in and about Religion, it hath been much debated and disputed in some latter Ages. For three hundred years there was no mention of it in the Church, because no Supreme Powers did then own the Christian Religion. For the next three hundred years there were great Ascriptions unto Supreme Magistrates to the exaltation of their power, and much use was made thereof among the Churches, by such as had the best interest in them. The next three hundred years was, as unto this case, much taken up with Disputes about this Power, between the Emperors and the Popes of Rome;