Owen - BX5085 O84x 1681

of Divine inflitution. r43 fnmetimes one fide gaining the Advantage in forceefpe- cial iuflances, fometimes the other. But from that period of time, or thereabouts, the Contefl came to blows, and the Blood of force hundred thoufands was flied in the Controverfie, namely, about the Power of Emperors and Kings on theone fide, and thePopes of Reine on the o- ther. In the iffue,"the Popes abode Zlah ers of the Field, and continued in actual , poffe fïon of all Ecclefiafiical Power , though fómetimes mixed with the Rebellion of one Hubborn Prince or other , as here frequently in Eng- land, whocontrouled them in fumeof their new acquifi- tions. Upon the publick Reformation of Religion, ma- ny Princes threw off the yoke of the Papal Pule , and according to the Do&rineof the Reformers, affumed un- to themfelves the Power which , as they judged , the Godly Kings of Judah of old, and the ffrfl Chriflian Em- perors, did exercife about Ecclefiafical Affairs. From that time there have been great and vehement Difputes about the Ecclefiafiical Power of Soveraign Princes and States. I (hail riot here undertake to treat concerningit; although it is a matter of no great difficulty to demon- flrate the extreams that many have run into , Come by granting too much, and fame too little unto them. And I [hall grant for my part , that too much cannot well be a ff igned unto them, whilil there two principles are pre - ferved. (r.) That no supreme Magifirate bath power to deprive or abridge the Churches of Chrifl, of anyRight, Authority,or Liberty, granted unto them by Jefus Chrift. (2.) Nor hath any to coerce, puni[h, or kill any perlons, (being civilly peaceable,and morallyhoneft,)becaufe they are otherwife minded in things concerning Gofpel-Faith and Worship than he is. It bath not yet been difputed, whether the supreme AMag¡firate hath power to ordain,infiitute,and appoint,any new

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