particular. How many ways a thing
may be of_ DIVINE RIGHT. _And first, of a_ DIVINE RIGHT _by the true
light of nature._

Thus we see in general what a divine right is: now in particular let us
come to consider how many ways a thing may be said to be of divine right
by scripture-warrant, keeping still our eye upon this subject of church
government, at which all particulars are to be levelled for the clearing
of it.

A thing may be said to be of divine right, or (which is the same for
substance) of divine institution, divers ways. 1. _By the true light of
nature._ 2. _By obligatory scripture examples._ 3. _By divine
approbation._ 4. _By divine acts._ 5. _By divine precepts or mandates._
All may be reduced to these five heads, ascending by degrees from the
lowest to the highest divine right.

I. _By light of nature._ That which is evident by, and consonant to the
true light of nature, or natural reason, is to be accounted of divine
right in matters of religion. Hence two things are to be made out by
Scripture. 1. What is meant by the true light of nature. 2. How it may
be proved, that what things in religion are evident by, or consonant to
this true light of nature, are of divine right.

1. For the first, What is meant by the true light of nature, or natural
reason? Thus conceive. The light of nature may be considered two ways.
1. As it was in man before the fall, and so it was that image and
similitude of God, in which man was at first created, Gen. i. 26, 27, or
at least part of that image; which image of God, and light of nature,
was con-created with man, and was perfect: viz. so perfect as the sphere
of humanity and state of innocency did require; there was no sinful
darkness, crookedness, or imperfection in it; and whatsoever was evident
by, or consonant to this pure and perfect light of nature, in respect
either of theory or practice, was doubtless of divine right, because
correspondent to that divine law of God's image naturally engraved in
Adam's heart. But man being lapsed, this will not be now our question,
as it is not our case. 2. As it is now in man after the fall. The light
of nature and image of God in man is not totally abolished and utterly
razed by the fall; there remain still some relics and fragments thereof,
some glimmerings, dawnings, and common principles of light, both
touching piety to God, equity to man, and sobriety to a man's self, &c.,
as is evident by comparing these places, Psal. xix.