building. Now I am sure all is in a confused heap, and it is not well possible, that matters can be worse then they are, except all hopes and endeavours of advancing a Reformation be ta∣ken away: nor is it the ignorant multitude that causeth the noise of the Axe or Hammer, but it is the wilfull Disputant that declines all Government, and would have nothing set∣tled, that he may not be under any Relation, but such as he himself shall set up, or cast down as he pleaseth.
The Fifth Section takes an Argument from Experience, as is supposed, thus;
That which in former times made the Reformation take little root, save in the outward and formall Obedience, is not now to be practised: but the speedy Settlement of Govern∣ment upon the Nation by the Power of the State, without the power of the Word, did this: Ergo, this is not to be Pra∣ctised.
I Answer, that such speed is not made in the Settlement of Government, that it should proceed from the power of the State, rather then from the Word; because a course is taken that all matters shall be fully debated, and determined accor∣ding to the Rule of the Word, before the power of the State doth meddle therewith; and then when the State doth order any thing to he Practised, it is settled not as a Law of Man, but according to the Doctrine, and by the Direction of the Word.
In former time, when this Nation came first out of Pope∣ry, the Word was not plentifully known, the Vision was pre∣cious in those dayes; and there was none that had power but the State to settle any Government; and if the State had not done it, it is not likely that we should have had at this time any Church at all.
Thus you see that our present Case, and that of former times, are different; and that the Matter which he layes to the Charge of our first Reformers, is mistaken.
Hitherto he hath played the Divine, drawing Arguments from matters of Religion, and how rationally he hath done this to my apprehension, I have declared: in his following Sections, he playes the Polititian, drawing Arguments from matters of State, and how wisely he doth this to my appre∣hension,