of_o the_o roman_a empire_n then_o of_o the_o roman_a church_n as_o unto_o its_o rise_n by_o holiness_n and_o devotion_n and_o its_o ruin_n by_o sensuality_n ambition_n the_o utter_a neglect_n of_o the_o discipline_n of_o christ_n and_o superstition_n but_o yet_o let_v any_o man_n peruse_v that_o historian_n who_o write_v with_o this_o express_a design_n he_o shall_v hardly_o fix_v upon_o many_o of_o those_o instance_n whereby_o the_o empire_n come_v into_o that_o deplorable_a condition_n wherein_o it_o be_v not_o able_a to_o bear_v its_o distemper_n nor_o its_o cure_n such_o as_o be_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n before_o the_o reformation_n but_o beside_o the_o common_a difficulty_n of_o discover_v the_o beginning_n and_o gradual_a progression_n of_o decay_n declension_n and_o apostasy_n those_o which_o we_o treat_v of_o be_v begin_v and_o carry_v on_o in_o a_o mysterious_a manner_n that_o be_v by_o the_o effectual_a work_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n as_o this_o almost_o hide_v total_o the_o work_n of_o it_o from_o the_o age_n wherein_o it_o be_v wrought_v so_o it_o render_v the_o discovery_n of_o it_o now_o accomplish_a the_o more_o difficult_a passenger_n in_o a_o ship_n set_v out_o to_o sea_n ofttimes_o discern_v not_o the_o progressive_a motion_n of_o the_o ship_n yea_o for_o a_o while_o the_o land_n rather_o seem_v to_o to_o move_v from_o they_o than_o the_o vessel_n wherein_o they_o be_v from_o it_o but_o after_o a_o season_n the_o consideration_n of_o what_o distance_n they_o be_v at_o from_o their_o port_n give_v they_o sufficient_a assurance_n of_o the_o progress_n that_o have_v be_v make_v so_o be_v this_o declension_n of_o the_o church_n from_o their_o primitive_a order_n and_o institution_n be_v discoverable_a rather_o by_o measure_v the_o distance_n between_o what_o it_o leave_v and_o what_o it_o arrive_v unto_o then_o by_o express_a instance_n of_o it_o but_o yet_o be_v it_o not_o altogether_o like_a unto_o that_o of_o a_o ship_n at_o sea_n but_o rather_o unto_o the_o way_n of_o a_o serpent_n on_o a_o rock_n which_o leave_v some_o slime_n in_o all_o its_o turn_n and_o wind_n whereby_o he_o may_v be_v trace_v such_o mark_n be_v leave_v on_o record_n of_o the_o serpentine_a work_n of_o this_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n as_o whereby_o it_o may_v be_v trace_v with_o more_o or_o less_o evidence_n from_o its_o original_a interest_n unto_o its_o accomplishment_n the_o principal_a promote_a cause_n of_o this_o defection_n on_o the_o part_n of_o man_n be_v those_o assign_v by_o st._n ambrose_n in_o one_o instance_n of_o it_o namely_o the_o negligence_n of_o the_o people_n and_o the_o ambition_n of_o the_o clergy_n i_o speak_v as_o unto_o the_o state_n rule_n discipline_n and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n for_o as_o unto_o the_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n of_o it_o there_o be_v many_o other_o cause_n and_o mean_n of_o their_o corruption_n which_o belong_v not_o unto_o our_o present_a purpose_n but_o as_o unto_o the_o alteration_n that_o be_v begin_v and_o carry_v on_o in_o the_o state_n order_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n they_o arise_v from_o those_o spring_n of_o negligence_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o ambition_n on_o the_o other_o with_o want_n of_o skill_n and_o wisdom_n to_o manage_v outward_a occurrence_n and_o incidency_n or_o what_o alteration_n fall_v out_o in_o the_o outward_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o world_n for_o hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o in_o the_o accession_n of_o the_o nation_n in_o general_a unto_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n church_n order_n be_v suit_v and_o frame_v unto_o their_o secular_a state_n when_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v bring_v into_o the_o spiritual_a state_n and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n leave_v their_o political_a state_n entire_a unto_o themselves_o herein_o i_o say_v do_v the_o guide_n of_o the_o church_n certain_o miss_v their_o rule_n and_o depart_v from_o it_o in_o the_o day_n of_o constantine_n the_o emperor_n and_o afterward_o under_o other_o christian_a emperor_n when_o whole_a town_n city_n yea_o and_o nation_n offer_v at_o once_o to_o join_v themselves_o unto_o it_o evident_a it_o be_v that_o they_o be_v not_o wrought_v hereunto_o by_o the_o same_o power_n nor_o induce_v unto_o it_o on_o the_o same_o motive_n or_o lead_v by_o the_o same_o mean_n with_o those_o who_o former_o under_o persecution_n be_v convert_v unto_o the_o faith_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n and_o this_o quick_o manifest_v itself_o in_o the_o life_n and_o conversation_n of_o many_o yea_o of_o the_o most_o of_o they_o hence_o those_o which_o be_v wise_a quick_o understand_v that_o what_o the_o church_n have_v get_v in_o multitude_n and_o number_n it_o have_v lose_v in_o the_o beauty_n and_o glory_n of_o its_o holy_a profession_n chrysostome_n in_o particular_a complain_n of_o it_o frequent_o and_o in_o many_o place_n cry_v out_o what_o have_v i_o to_o do_v with_o this_o multitude_n a_o few_o serious_a believer_n be_v more_o worth_a than_o they_o all_o however_o the_o guide_n of_o the_o church_n think_v meet_v to_o receive_v they_o with_o all_o their_o multitude_n into_o their_o communion_n at_o least_o so_o far_o as_o to_o place_v they_o under_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o such_o and_o such_o episcopal_a see_v for_o hereby_o their_o own_o power_n authority_n dignity_n revenue_n be_v enlarge_v and_o mighty_o increase_v on_o this_o occasion_n the_o ancient_a primitive_a way_n of_o admit_v member_n into_o the_o church_n be_v relinquish_v the_o consideration_n of_o their_o personal_a qualification_n and_o real_a conversion_n unto_o god_n omit_v such_o multitude_n be_v receive_v as_o can_v not_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n and_o duty_n of_o communion_n with_o those_o particular_a church_n whereunto_o they_o be_v dispose_v and_o be_v the_o most_o of_o they_o unfit_a to_o be_v rule_v by_o the_o power_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n on_o their_o mind_n and_o conscience_n it_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o a_o great_a alteration_n must_v ensue_v in_o the_o state_n order_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n and_o a_o great_a deviation_n from_o their_o original_a institution_n man_n may_v say_v that_o this_o alteration_n be_v necessary_a that_o it_o be_v good_a and_o useful_a that_o it_o be_v but_o the_o accommodation_n of_o general_a rule_n unto_o especial_a occasion_n and_o circumstance_n but_o that_o there_o be_v a_o alteration_n hereon_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n none_o can_v with_o modesty_n deny_v and_o this_o be_v enough_o unto_o my_o present_a design_n be_v only_o to_o prove_v that_o such_o alteration_n and_o deviation_n do_v of_o old_a fall_n out_o neither_o ought_v we_o to_o cover_v the_o provoke_a degeneracy_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n in_o the_o 4_o the_o and_o 5_o the_o century_n with_o those_o that_o follow_v the_o consideration_n of_o it_o be_v necessary_a unto_o the_o vindication_n of_o the_o holy_a providence_n of_o god_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o deal_n with_o his_o church_n for_o there_o have_v be_v no_o nation_n in_o the_o world_n which_o public_o receive_v christian_n religion_n but_o it_o have_v be_v waste_v and_o destroy_v by_o the_o sword_n of_o pagan_a idolater_n or_o such_o as_o be_v no_o better_o than_o they_o at_o first_o all_o the_o province_n of_o the_o western_a empire_n be_v one_o after_o another_o make_v desolate_a by_o the_o pagan_a nation_n of_o the_o northern_a country_n who_o themselves_o do_v afterward_o so_o turn_v christian_n as_o to_o lay_v among_o they_o the_o foundation_n of_o anti-christianisme_n rev._n 17.12_o 13._o the_o eastern_a empire_n comprehend_v the_o residue_n of_o the_o province_n that_o have_v embrace_v the_o christian_a religion_n be_v first_o desolate_v in_o the_o chief_a branch_n of_o it_o by_o the_o saracen_n and_o at_o length_n utter_o destroy_v by_o the_o turk_n and_o i_o pray_v god_n that_o the_o like_a fate_n do_v not_o at_o this_o day_n hang_v over_o the_o reform_a nation_n as_o from_o their_o profession_n they_o be_v call_v do_v we_o think_v that_o all_o this_o be_v without_o câ—use_n do_v god_n give_v up_o his_o inheritance_n to_o the_o spoil_n of_o barbarous_a infidel_n without_o such_o provocation_n as_o the_o pass_n by_o whereof_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n of_o his_o rule_n it_o be_v not_o the_o wisdom_n nor_o the_o courage_n nor_o the_o multitude_n of_o theâ—r_a enemy_n but_o their_o own_o sin_n wickedness_n superstition_n and_o apostasy_n from_o the_o rule_n of_o gospel-order_n worship_n and_o obedience_n which_o ruin_v all_o christian_a nation_n but_o to_o give_v far_a evidence_n hereunto_o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o cause_n aforementioned_a distinct_o and_o apart_o and_o the_o first_o of_o they_o be_v the_o negligence_n of_o the_o people_n themselves_o but_o in_o this_o
peace_n and_o order_n as_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n direct_v unto_o that_o where_o many_o have_v a_o common_a interest_n they_o ought_v to_o consult_v in_o common_a for_o the_o due_a management_n of_o it_o with_o other_o thing_n of_o the_o like_a importance_n be_v evident_a dictate_v of_o this_o light_n and_o law_n now_o whatever_o church-state_n may_v be_v superinduce_v by_o divine_a institution_n yet_o this_o light_n and_o law_n in_o all_o their_o evident_a dictate_v continue_v their_o oblige_a power_n in_o and_o over_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o must_v do_v so_o eternal_o wherefore_o thing_n that_o belong_v hereunto_o need_v no_o new_a institution_n in_o any_o church-state_n whatever_o but_o yet_o 2._o whatever_o be_v require_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n in_o such_o society_n as_o church_n as_o useful_a unto_o their_o order_n and_o conduce_v unto_o their_o end_n be_v a_o divine_a institution_n the_o lord_n christ_n in_o the_o institution_n of_o gospel_n church_n their_o state_n order_n rule_n and_o worship_n do_v not_o require_v of_o his_o disciple_n that_o in_o their_o observance_n of_o his_o appointment_n they_o shall_v cease_v to_o be_v man_n or_o forego_v the_o use_n and_o exercise_n of_o their_o rational_a ability_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o that_o exercise_n which_o be_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n yea_o because_o the_o rule_n and_o direction_n be_v in_o this_o case_n to_o be_v apply_v unto_o thing_n spiritual_a and_o of_o mere_a revelation_n he_o give_v wisdom_n prudence_n and_o understanding_n to_o make_v that_o application_n in_o a_o due_a manner_n unto_o those_o to_o who_o the_o guidance_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n be_v commit_v wherefore_o as_o unto_o all_o the_o thing_n which_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n direct_v we_o unto_o with_o respect_n unto_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o duty_n prescribe_v by_o christ_n in_o and_o unto_o the_o church_n we_o need_v no_o other_o institution_n but_o that_o of_o the_o use_n of_o the_o especial_a spiritual_a wisdom_n and_o prudence_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n give_v unto_o his_o church_n for_o that_o end_n 4._o there_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n general_a rule_n direct_v we_o in_o the_o application_n of_o natural_a light_n unto_o such_o a_o determination_n of_o all_o circumstance_n in_o the_o act_n of_o church_n rule_n and_o worship_n as_o be_v sufficient_a for_o their_o performance_n decent_o and_o in_o order_n wherefore_o as_o be_v say_v before_o it_o be_v utter_o in_o vain_a and_o useless_a to_o demand_v express_a institution_n of_o all_o the_o circumstance_n belong_v unto_o the_o government_n order_n rule_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n or_o for_o the_o due_a improvement_n of_o thing_n in_o themselves_o indifferent_a unto_o its_o edification_n as_o occasion_n shall_v require_v nor_o be_v they_o capable_a to_o be_v any_o otherwise_o state_v but_o as_o they_o lie_v in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o spiritual_a prudence_n direct_v by_o general_a rule_n of_o scripture_n these_o thing_n be_v premise_v our_o principal_a assertion_n be_v that_o christ_n alone_o be_v the_o author_n institutor_n and_o appointer_n in_o a_o way_n of_o authority_n and_o legislation_n of_o the_o gospel_n church-state_n its_o order_n rule_n and_o worship_n with_o all_o thing_n constant_o and_o perpetual_o belong_v thereunto_o or_o necessary_a to_o be_v observe_v therein_o what_o be_v not_o so_o be_v of_o man_n and_o not_o from_o heaven_n this_o be_v that_o which_o we_o have_v prove_v in_o general_a and_o shall_v far_o particular_o confirm_v in_o our_o progress_n hence_o 6._o there_o be_v no_o spiritual_a use_n nor_o benefit_n of_o any_o church-state_n nor_o of_o any_o thing_n therein_o perform_v but_o what_o on_o the_o part_n of_o man_n consist_v in_o act_n of_o obedience_n unto_o the_o authority_n of_o christ._n if_o in_o any_o thing_n we_o do_v of_o this_o nature_n we_o can_v answer_v that_o enquiry_n which_o god_n direct_v in_o this_o case_n to_o be_v make_v namely_o why_o we_o do_v this_o or_o that_o thing_n exod._n 12.25_o 26_o 27._o with_o this_o that_o it_o be_v because_o christ_n have_v require_v it_o of_o we_o we_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v he_o the_o lord_n over_o his_o own_o house_n nor_o hear_v he_o as_o the_o son_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o act_n of_o power_n to_o be_v put_v forth_o in_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n but_o in_o they_o by_o who_o it_o be_v exert_v it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o obedience_n unto_o christ_n or_o it_o be_v a_o mere_a usurpation_n all_o church_n power_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o faculty_n or_o ability_n to_o obey_v the_o command_n of_o christ_n in_o such_o a_o way_n and_o manner_n as_o he_o have_v appoint_v for_o it_o be_v his_o constitution_n that_o the_o administration_n of_o his_o solemn_a worship_n in_o the_o church_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o it_o as_o unto_o the_o observance_n of_o his_o command_n shall_v be_v commit_v unto_o some_o person_n set_v apart_o unto_o that_o end_n according_a unto_o his_o appointment_n this_o be_v all_o their_o authority_n all_o that_o they_o have_v of_o order_n or_o jurisdiction_n or_o by_o any_o other_o way_n whereby_o they_o be_v please_v to_o express_v it_o and_o where_o there_o be_v any_o gospel_n administration_n any_o act_n of_o rule_n or_o government_n in_o the_o church_n which_o those_o that_o perform_v it_o do_v not_o give_v a_o evidence_n that_o they_o do_v it_o in_o obedience_n unto_o christ_n it_o be_v null_a as_o unto_o any_o obligation_n on_o the_o conscience_n of_o his_o disciple_n the_o neglect_n hereof_o in_o the_o world_n wherein_o many_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o church_n discipline_n or_o any_o act_n that_o belong_v unto_o the_o rule_n of_o it_o think_v of_o nothing_o but_o their_o own_o office_n whereunto_o such_o power_n be_v annex_v by_o humane_a law_n and_o canon_n as_o enable_v they_o to_o act_n in_o their_o own_o name_n without_o design_v obedience_n unto_o christ_n in_o all_o that_o they_o do_v or_o to_o make_v a_o just_a representation_n of_o his_o authority_n wisdom_n and_o love_v thereby_o be_v ruinous_a unto_o church_n order_n and_o rule_n 7._o there_o be_v no_o legislative_a power_n in_o and_o over_o the_o church_n as_o unto_o its_o form_n order_n and_o worship_n leave_v unto_o any_o of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n under_o any_o qualification_n whatever_o for_o 1._o there_o be_v none_o of_o they_o who_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o those_o right_n qualification_n and_o endowment_n which_o be_v necessary_a unto_o a_o investiture_n into_o such_o a_o legislative_a power_n for_o what_o be_v give_v and_o grant_v unto_o christ_n himself_o unto_o this_o end_n that_o he_o may_v be_v the_o law_n giver_n of_o the_o church_n must_v be_v find_v also_o in_o they_o who_o pretend_v unto_o any_o interest_n therein_o have_v they_o any_o of_o they_o a_o right_n and_o title_n unto_o a_o disposal_n of_o the_o person_n of_o believer_n in_o what_o way_n they_o please_v as_o unto_o their_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a concernment_n have_v they_o sovereign_a authority_n over_o all_o thing_n to_o change_v their_o moral_a nature_n to_o give_v they_o new_a use_n and_o signification_n to_o make_v thing_n necessary_a that_o in_o themselves_o be_v indifferent_a and_o to_o order_v all_o those_o thing_n by_o sovereign_a authority_n in_o law_n oblige_v the_o conscience_n of_o man_n and_o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o his_o personal_a qualification_n of_o faithfulness_n wisdom_n love_n and_o care_n which_o be_v ascribe_v unto_o he_o in_o this_o work_n of_o give_v law_n unto_o his_o church_n as_o he_o be_v the_o lord_n over_o his_o own_o house_n 2_o the_o event_n of_o the_o assumption_n of_o this_o legislative_a power_n under_o the_o best_a pretence_n that_o can_v be_v give_v unto_o it_o namely_o in_o council_n or_o great_a assembly_n of_o bishop_n and_o prelate_n sufficient_o demonstrate_v how_o dangerous_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v for_o any_o man_n to_o be_v engage_v in_o for_o it_o issue_v at_o length_n in_o such_o a_o constitution_n of_o church_n and_o such_o law_n for_o the_o government_n of_o they_o as_o exalt_v the_o cannon_n law_n into_o the_o room_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o utter_o destroy_v the_o true_a nature_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o all_o the_o discipline_n require_v therein_o 3._o such_o a_o assumption_n be_v derogatory_n unto_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n especial_o as_o unto_o his_o faithfulness_n in_o and_o over_o the_o house_n of_o god_n wherein_o he_o be_v compare_v unto_o and_o prefer_v above_o moses_n heb._n 3.3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o now_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o moses_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o he_o do_v and_o appoint_v all_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o pattern_n show_v he_o in_o the_o mount_n that_o be_v all_o whatever_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o be_v reveal_v and_o appoint_v for_o the_o constitution_n order_n rule_n and_o worship_n of_o his_o
person_n of_o a_o apostolical_a spirit_n consonant_n unto_o the_o stile_n and_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o a_o precious_a jewel_n and_o just_a representation_n of_o the_o state_n and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n in_o those_o day_n and_o sundry_a thing_n we_o may_v observe_v from_o it_o 1._o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o it_o that_o give_v the_o least_o intimation_n of_o any_o other_o church-state_n but_o that_o which_o be_v congregational_a although_o there_o be_v the_o high_a cause_n and_o reason_n for_o he_o so_o to_o do_v have_v there_o be_v any_o such_o church_n then_o in_o be_v the_o case_n he_o have_v in_o hand_n be_v that_o of_o ecclesiastical_a sedition_n or_o schism_n in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n the_o church_n or_o body_n of_o the_o brethren_n have_v unjust_o depose_v their_o elder_n as_o it_o shall_v seem_v all_o of_o they_o give_v advice_n herein_o unto_o the_o whole_a church_n use_v all_o sort_n of_o argument_n to_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o sin_n direct_v all_o probable_a mean_n for_o their_o cure_n he_o never_o once_o send_v they_o to_o the_o bishop_n or_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o the_o head_n of_o unity_n unto_o all_o church_n make_v no_o mention_n of_o any_o metropolitical_a or_o diocesan_n church_n and_o its_o rule_n or_o of_o any_o single_a bishop_n and_o his_o authority_n no_o one_o of_o any_o such_o order_n do_v he_o either_o commend_v or_o condemn_v or_o once_o address_v himself_o unto_o with_o either_o admonition_n exhortation_n encouragement_n or_o direction_n he_o only_o handle_v the_o cause_n by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o it_o be_v state_v between_o the_o church_n itself_o and_o its_o elder_n i_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o church_n at_o corinth_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n in_o the_o city_n and_o about_o it_o or_o comprehensive_a as_o some_o say_v of_o the_o whole_a region_n of_o achaia_n that_o there_o be_v a_o single_a officer_n or_o bishop_n over_o that_o whole_a church_n but_o none_o such_o be_v here_o mention_v if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o he_o be_v either_o depose_v by_o the_o people_n or_o he_o be_v not_o if_o he_o be_v depose_v he_o be_v only_o one_o of_o the_o presbyter_n for_o they_o be_v only_a presbyter_n that_o be_v depose_v if_o he_o be_v not_o why_o be_v he_o not_o once_o call_v on_o to_o discharge_v his_o duty_n in_o cure_v of_o that_o schism_n or_o blame_v for_o his_o neglect_n certain_o there_o be_v never_o great_a prevarication_n use_v by_o any_o man_n in_o any_o cause_n than_o be_v by_o clemens_n in_o this_o if_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n its_o rule_n and_o order_n be_v such_o as_o some_o now_o pretend_v for_o he_o neither_o let_v the_o people_n know_v wherein_o their_o sin_n and_o schism_n do_v lie_v namely_o in_o a_o separation_n from_o their_o bishop_n nor_o do_v once_o mention_v the_o only_a proper_a cure_n and_o remedy_n of_o all_o their_o evil_n but_o he_o know_v their_o state_n and_o order_n too_o well_o to_o insist_v on_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o then_o in_o rerum_fw-la natura_fw-la and_o wherein_o they_o be_v not_o concern_v 2._o this_o epistle_n be_v write_v as_o unto_o the_o whole_a church_n at_o corinth_n so_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o rome_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o dwell_v or_o sojourn_v as_o a_o stranger_n at_o rome_n in_o the_o city_n of_o rome_n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n that_o dwell_v or_o sojourn_v at_o corinth_n for_o although_o that_o church_n be_v then_o in_o disorder_n under_o no_o certain_a rule_n have_v cast_v off_o all_o their_o elder_n etc._n etc._n yet_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n not_o only_o allow_v it_o to_o be_v a_o sister-church_n but_o salute_v the_o brethren_n of_o it_o in_o the_o follow_a word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d call_v and_o sanctify_v through_o the_o will_n of_o god_n by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o so_o ready_a in_o those_o day_n to_o condemn_v the_o person_n nor_o to_o judge_v the_o church-state_n and_o condition_n of_o other_o on_o every_o miscarriage_n real_a or_o suppose_a as_o some_o have_v be_v and_o be_v in_o these_o latter_a age_n 2._o this_o address_n be_v from_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n at_o rome_n unto_o that_o at_o corinth_n without_o the_o least_o mention_n of_o the_o officer_n of_o they_o in_o particular_a it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o church_n themselves_o that_o be_v the_o whole_a entire_a community_n of_o they_o have_v communion_n with_o one_o another_o as_o they_o be_v sister-churche_n and_o that_o they_o have_v themselves_o the_o transaction_n of_o all_o affair_n wherein_o they_o be_v concern_v as_o they_o have_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n act_n 15.1_o 2_o 3._o it_o be_v the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n at_o antioch_n who_o determine_v that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n and_o certain_a other_o shall_v go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n to_o consult_v the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n see_v also_o chap._n 21.22_o this_o they_o do_v not_o nor_o aught_o to_o do_v without_o the_o presence_n guidance_n conduct_v and_o consent_n of_o their_o elder_n or_o ruler_n where_o they_o have_v any_o but_o this_o they_o be_v not_o exclude_v from_o and_o that_o church_n the_o whole_a body_n or_o fraternity_n whereof_o do_v advise_v and_o consult_v in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v concern_v on_o the_o account_n of_o their_o communion_n with_o other_o church_n be_v a_o congregational_a church_n and_o no_o other_o it_o be_v the_o church_n who_o send_v this_o epistle_n unto_o the_o corinthian_n claudius_n ephebus_n 73._o valerius_n bibo_n fortunatus_n be_v name_v as_o their_o messenger_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v send_v by_o we_o our_o messenger_n our_o apostle_n in_o these_o matter_n such_o as_o the_o church_n make_v use_v of_o on_o all_o such_o occasion_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n 2_o cor._n 8.23_o and_o the_o person_n who_o they_o send_v be_v only_a member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o not_o officer_n nor_o do_v we_o any_o where_o hear_v of_o they_o under_o that_o character_n now_o they_o can_v not_o be_v send_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n but_o by_o its_o consent_n nor_o can_v the_o church_n consent_n without_o its_o assemble_v together_o this_o be_v the_o state_n and_o order_n of_o the_o first_o church_n in_o that_o communion_n which_o be_v among_o they_o according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n they_o have_v a_o singular_a concern_v in_o the_o welfare_n and_o prosperity_n of_o each_o other_o and_o be_v solicitous_a about_o they_o in_o their_o trial_n hence_o those_o who_o be_v plant_v at_o a_o great_a distance_n than_o will_v allow_v frequent_a personal_a converse_n with_o their_o respective_a member_n do_v on_o all_o occasion_n send_v messenger_n unto_o one_o another_o sometime_o mere_o to_o visit_v they_o in_o love_n and_o sometime_o to_o give_v or_o take_v advice_n but_o these_o thing_n as_o indeed_o almost_o all_o other_o that_o belong_v unto_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n either_o in_o themselves_o or_o with_o one_o another_o be_v either_o utter_o lose_v and_o bury_v or_o keep_v above_o ground_n in_o a_o pretence_n of_o episcopal_a authority_n churches_n themselves_o be_v whole_o exclude_v from_o any_o concernment_n in_o they_o but_o as_o the_o advice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v desire_v in_o this_o case_n by_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o corinth_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d so_o it_o be_v give_v by_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o 1._o and_o send_v by_o messenger_n of_o their_o own_o 3._o the_o description_n give_v of_o the_o state_n way_n and_o walk_v of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n 4._o that_o be_v that_o whole_a fraternity_n of_o the_o church_n which_o fall_v afterward_o into_o that_o disorder_n which_o be_v reprove_v before_o their_o fall_n be_v such_o as_o that_o it_o bespeak_v their_o walk_v together_o in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o society_n and_o be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v any_o good_a man_n desire_n that_o he_o may_v see_v church_n yet_o in_o the_o world_n unto_o who_o or_o the_o generality_n of_o who_o member_n that_o description_n may_v be_v honest_o and_o just_o accommodate_v one_o character_n which_o be_v give_v of_o they_o i_o shall_v mention_v only_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d there_o be_v a_o full_a or_o plentiful_a effusion_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o you_o all_o so_o that_o be_v full_a or_o fill_v with_o a_o holy_a will_n holiness_n of_o will_n and_o a_o good_a readiness_n of_o mind_n with_o a_o pious_a devout_a confidence_n you_o stretch_v out_o your_o hand_n in_o prayer_n to_o almighty_a god_n supplicate_v his_o clemency_n or_o mercy_n for_o the_o pardon_n of_o your_o involuntary_a sin_n sin_n fall_v into_o by_o infirmity_n or_o
they_o make_v herein_o may_v possible_o keep_v up_o some_o church_n but_o be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o destroy_v all_o religion_n 2._o that_o many_o of_o those_o by_o who_o this_o liberty_n be_v deny_v unto_o profess_v christian_n yet_o do_v indeed_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o they_o have_v such_o a_o liberty_n and_o that_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o make_v use_n of_o it_o for_o what_o be_v all_o the_o contest_v between_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o the_o church_n of_o england_n so_o far_o as_o christian_n that_o be_v not_o churchman_n be_v concern_v in_o they_o be_v it_o not_o in_o whether_o of_o these_o church_n edification_n may_v be_v best_a obtain_v if_o this_o be_v not_o the_o ball_n between_o we_o i_o know_v not_o what_o be_v now_o herein_o do_v not_o all_o the_o writer_n and_o preacher_n of_o both_o party_n give_v their_o reason_n and_o argument_n unto_o the_o people_n why_o edification_n be_v better_a to_o be_v have_v in_o the_o one_o church_n then_o in_o the_o other_o and_o do_v they_o not_o require_v of_o they_o to_o form_v a_o judgement_n upon_o those_o reason_n and_o argument_n and_o to_o act_v according_o if_o they_o do_v not_o they_o do_v but_o make_v a_o flourish_n and_o act_v a_o part_n like_o player_n on_o a_o stage_n without_o any_o determinate_a design_n 3._o all_o christian_n actual_o do_v so_o they_o do_v judge_n for_o themselves_o unless_o they_o be_v brutish_a they_o do_v act_n according_a unto_o that_o judgement_n unless_o they_o be_v harden_v in_o sin_n and_o therefore_o who_o do_v not_o so_o be_v not_o to_o be_v esteem_v disciple_n of_o christ._n to_o suppose_v that_o in_o all_o thing_n of_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a concernment_n that_o man_n be_v not_o determine_v and_o act_v every_o one_o by_o his_o own_o judgement_n be_v a_o imagination_n of_o man_n who_o think_v but_o little_a of_o what_o they_o be_v or_o do_v or_o say_v or_o write_v even_o those_o who_o shut_v their_o eye_n against_o the_o light_n and_o follow_v in_o the_o herd_n resolve_v not_o to_o inquire_v into_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n do_v it_o because_o they_o judge_v it_o be_v best_o for_o they_o so_o to_o do_v 4._o it_o be_v common_o acknowledge_v by_o protestant_n that_o private_a christian_n have_v a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n in_o thing_n of_o religion_n the_o term_n be_v invent_v to_o grant_v they_o some_o liberty_n of_o judgement_n in_o opposition_n unto_o the_o blind_a obedience_n require_v by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o withal_o to_o put_v a_o restraint_n upon_o it_o and_o a_o distinction_n of_o some_o superior_a judgement_n it_o may_v be_v in_o the_o church_n or_o other_o but_o if_o by_o discretion_n they_o mean_v the_o best_a of_o man_n understanding_n knowledge_n wisdom_n and_o prudence_n in_o and_o about_o the_o thing_n wherein_o it_o be_v exercise_v i_o shall_v be_v glad_a to_o be_v inform_v what_o other_o judgement_n than_o this_o of_o discretion_n in_o and_o about_o the_o thing_n of_o religion_n this_o or_o that_o or_o any_o church_n in_o the_o world_n can_v have_v or_o exercise_v but_o to_o allow_v man_n a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n and_o not_o to_o grant_v it_o their_o duty_n to_o act_v according_a unto_o that_o judgement_n be_v to_o oblige_v they_o to_o be_v fool_n and_o to_o act_v not_o discreet_o at_o least_o not_o according_a unto_o their_o own_o discretion_n 4._o the_o same_o be_v to_o be_v speak_v of_o gospel_n discipline_n without_o which_o neither_o can_v the_o duty_n of_o church_n society_n be_v observe_v nor_o the_o end_n of_o they_o attain_v the_o neglect_n the_o loss_n the_o abuse_n hereof_o be_v that_o which_o have_v ruin_v the_o glory_n of_o christian_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o bring_v the_o whole_a profession_n of_o it_o into_o confusion_n hereon_o have_v the_o fervency_n and_o sincerity_n of_o true_a evangelical_n mutual_a love_n be_v abate_v yea_o utter_o lose_v for_o that_o love_n which_o jesus_n christ_n require_v among_o his_o disciple_n be_v such_o as_o never_o be_v in_o the_o world_n before_o among_o man_n nor_o can_v be_v in_o the_o world_n but_o on_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o faith_n therein_o therefore_o it_o be_v call_v his_o new_a commandment_n the_o continuation_n of_o it_o among_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n be_v but_o vain_o pretend_v little_a or_o nothing_o of_o the_o reality_n of_o it_o in_o its_o due_a exercise_n be_v find_v and_o this_o have_v ensue_v on_o the_o neglect_n of_o evangelical_n discipline_n in_o church_n or_o the_o turn_n of_o it_o into_o a_o worldly_a domination_n for_o one_o principal_a end_n of_o it_o be_v the_o preservation_n guidance_n and_o act_v of_o this_o love_n that_o mutual_a watch_n over_o one_o another_o that_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n the_o principal_a evidence_n and_o fruit_n of_o love_n without_o dissimulation_n be_v also_o lose_v hereby_o most_o man_n be_v rather_o ready_a to_o say_v in_o the_o spirit_n and_o word_n of_o cain_n be_o i_o my_o brother_n keeper_n than_o to_o attend_v unto_o the_o command_n of_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v one_o another_o daily_a lest_o any_o be_v harden_v through_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n or_o comply_v with_o the_o command_n of_o our_o saviour_n if_o thy_o brother_n offend_v thou_o tell_v he_o of_o it_o between_o he_o and_o thou_o by_o this_o mean_n likewise_o be_v the_o purity_n of_o communion_n lose_v and_o those_o receive_v as_o principal_a member_n of_o church_n who_o by_o all_o the_o rule_n of_o primitive_a discipline_n aught_o to_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o they_o wherefore_o this_o also_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o choice_n we_o be_v to_o make_v of_o what_o church_n we_o will_v join_v ourselves_o unto_o as_o unto_o constant_a complete_a communion_n and_o in_o who_o communion_n we_o will_v abide_v for_o these_o thing_n be_v matter_n of_o choice_n and_o consist_v in_o voluntary_a free_a act_n of_o obedience_n with_o those_o unto_o who_o they_o be_v not_o so_o who_o will_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n have_v they_o to_o be_v thing_n that_o man_n may_v be_v compel_v unto_o and_o aught_o so_o to_o be_v or_o on_o the_o other_o that_o follow_v no_o other_o guidance_n in_o they_o but_o outward_a circumstance_n from_o the_o time_n and_o place_n where_o they_o be_v bear_v and_o inhabit_v i_o will_v have_v no_o contest_v it_o follow_v from_o hence_o also_o that_o where_o there_o be_v many_o church_n wherein_o these_o thing_n be_v find_v whereon_o we_o may_v lawful_o and_o aught_o in_o duty_n to_o join_v with_o some_o of_o they_o in_o particular_a every_o one_o be_v oblige_v to_o join_v himself_o unto_o such_o a_o church_n as_o who_o principle_n and_o practice_n be_v most_o suit_v unto_o his_o edification_n chap._n xi_o of_o conformity_n and_o communion_n in_o parochial_a assembly_n from_o what_o we_o have_v insist_v on_o we_o may_v borrow_v some_o light_n into_o the_o determination_n of_o that_o case_n wherein_o multitude_n be_v at_o this_o day_n concern_v and_o the_o case_n itself_o may_v be_v brief_o state_v in_o this_o enquiry_n namely_o whether_o all_o protestant_n minister_n and_o people_n be_v bind_v to_o join_v themselves_o unto_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o now_o by_o law_n establish_v in_o its_o parochial_a assembly_n as_o unto_o complete_a constant_a communion_n without_o the_o use_n of_o any_o other_o church_n mean_v for_o their_o own_o edification_n so_o as_o if_o they_o do_v not_o so_o do_v they_o be_v guilty_a of_o schism_n this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v call_v conformity_n unto_o the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o as_o unto_o private_a person_n can_v be_v express_v only_o in_o constant_a complete_a communion_n in_o parochial_a assembly_n according_a to_o their_o present_a constitution_n without_o the_o use_n or_o exercise_n of_o any_o other_o church_n worship_n or_o discipline_n but_o what_o be_v by_o law_n establish_v in_o they_o refrain_v from_o a_o absolute_a compliance_n herein_o be_v call_v schism_n but_o whereas_o ecclesiastical_a schism_n whatever_o it_o be_v in_o particular_a in_o its_o general_a nature_n have_v respect_n only_o unto_o divine_a institution_n this_o which_o respect_v only_o the_o law_n rule_n and_o determination_n of_o man_n can_v have_v no_o alliance_n thereunto_o yet_o be_v it_o not_o only_o charge_v as_o such_o without_o the_o least_o countenance_n from_o scripture_n or_o antiquity_n so_o far_o as_o it_o may_v be_v allow_v of_o authority_n with_o we_o but_o the_o supposition_n of_o it_o be_v accumulate_v with_o another_o evil_n namely_o that_o those_o who_o be_v so_o guilty_a of_o it_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o they_o who_o be_v interest_v with_o secular_a power_n though_o peaceable_a and_o orthodox_n aught_o to_o be_v punish_v with_o various_a penalty_n gradual_o come_v unto_o the_o loss_n of_o good_n liberty_n and_o in_o some_o case_n of_o
heaven_n but_o of_o men._n wherefore_o leave_n christian_n and_o church_n at_o that_o liberty_n which_o christ_n have_v purchase_v for_o they_o wherewith_o he_o have_v make_v they_o free_a and_o then_o let_v those_o who_o first_o break_v union_n and_o order_n bear_v the_o charge_n of_o schism_n which_o they_o can_v avoid_v 3._o the_o church_n communion_n require_v by_o virtue_n of_o this_o rule_n be_v constant_a and_o complete_a exclusive_a unto_o any_o other_o church_n order_n or_o mean_n of_o public_a edification_n it_o do_v not_o command_n or_o appoint_v that_o man_n shall_v communicate_v in_o parochial_a assembly_n when_o there_o be_v occasion_n when_o it_o be_v for_o their_o edification_n when_o scandal_n will_v arise_v if_o they_o shall_v refuse_v it_o but_o absolute_o and_o complete_o and_o whereas_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n relate_v unto_o church_n order_n and_o divine_a worship_n enjoin_v in_o that_o rule_n there_o be_v no_o distinction_n make_v between_o they_o that_o some_o thing_n be_v always_o necessary_a that_o be_v in_o the_o season_n of_o they_o and_o some_o thing_n wherein_o man_n may_v forbear_v a_o compliance_n but_o they_o be_v all_o equal_o require_v in_o their_o place_n and_o season_n though_o perhaps_o on_o different_a penalty_n and_o whoever_o fail_v in_o the_o observation_n of_o any_o ceremony_n time_n or_o place_n appoint_v therein_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o they_o who_o be_v entrust_v with_o the_o administration_n of_o church_n power_n or_o jurisdiction_n for_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n it_o can_v be_v call_v suppose_v a_o man_n will_v comply_v with_o all_o other_o thing_n only_o he_o esteem_v the_o use_n of_o one_o rite_n or_o ceremony_n as_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n or_o the_o like_a to_o be_v unlawful_a if_o he_o forbear_v the_o use_n of_o it_o or_o to_o tender_v his_o child_n unto_o baptism_n where_o it_o be_v use_v he_o be_v to_o be_v cut_v off_o as_o a_o schismatic_a from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n no_o less_o then_o if_o he_o have_v absolute_o refuse_v a_o compliance_n with_o the_o whole_a rule_n and_o therefore_o whatever_o condescension_n and_o forbearance_n in_o some_o thing_n be_v pretend_v he_o that_o do_v not_o in_o all_o thing_n observe_v the_o whole_a rule_n be_v in_o misericordia_fw-la concellarii_fw-la which_o oft_o prove_v a_o uneasy_a posture_n if_o any_o man_n think_v that_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v give_v they_o such_o a_o power_n and_o authority_n over_o the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n of_o his_o disciple_n as_o that_o they_o can_v bind_v they_o unto_o the_o religious_a observance_n of_o every_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n that_o they_o be_v please_v to_o appoint_v on_o the_o penalty_n of_o excision_n from_o all_o church_n communion_n and_o the_o gild_n of_o schism_n i_o shall_v only_o say_v that_o i_o be_o not_o of_o their_o mind_n nor_o ever_o shall_v be_v so_o 4._o this_o communion_n contain_v a_o virtual_a approbation_n of_o all_o that_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o rule_n of_o it_o as_o good_a for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v appoint_v in_o the_o church_n but_o what_o be_v so_o even_o order_n itself_o which_o these_o thing_n it_o be_v say_v be_v frame_v for_o be_v good_a only_a with_o respect_n thereunto_o now_o it_o be_v to_o be_v judge_v that_o whatever_o a_o man_n practise_v in_o religion_n that_o he_o approve_v of_o for_o if_o he_o do_v not_o he_o be_v a_o vile_a hypocrite_n nor_o be_v he_o worthy_a the_o name_n of_o a_o christian_a who_o will_v practice_v any_o thing_n in_o religion_n but_o what_o he_o approve_v the_o dispute_n that_o have_v be_v among_o we_o about_o do_v thing_n with_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n upon_o the_o command_n of_o superior_n and_o consent_v unto_o the_o use_n of_o thing_n which_o we_o approve_v not_o of_o in_o themselves_o tend_v all_o to_o atheism_n and_o the_o eternal_a dishonour_n of_o christian_a religion_n beget_v a_o frame_n of_o mind_n which_o a_o honest_a heathen_a will_v scorn_v wherefore_o unless_o man_n be_v allow_v to_o declare_v what_o it_o be_v they_o approve_v and_o what_o they_o do_v not_o their_o practice_n be_v their_o profession_n of_o what_o they_o approve_v which_o be_v the_o whole_a rule_n of_o communion_n prescribe_v unto_o they_o 5._o these_o thing_n be_v premise_v i_o shall_v propose_v some_o of_o those_o reason_n on_o the_o account_n whereof_o many_o can_v conform_v unto_o the_o church_n of_o england_n by_o join_v in_o constant_a complete_a communion_n with_o parochial_a assembly_n so_o as_o by_o their_o practice_n to_o approve_v the_o rule_n of_o that_o communion_n oblige_v themselves_o to_o use_v no_o other_o public_a mean_n for_o their_o own_o edification_n 1._o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o its_o parochial_a assembly_n stand_v in_o need_n of_o reformation_n for_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o either_o they_o fail_v in_o their_o original_a institution_n or_o else_o have_v degenerate_v from_o it_o what_o have_v already_o be_v discourse_v concern_v the_o original_a institution_n of_o church_n with_o man_n voluntary_a coalescency_n into_o such_o sacred_a society_n with_o what_o shall_v be_v afterward_o treat_v concern_v their_o essential_a part_n in_o matter_n and_o form_n will_v sufficient_o evidence_n their_o present_a deviation_n from_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o first_o institution_n neither_o so_o far_o as_o i_o know_v be_v it_o plead_v that_o they_o be_v distinct_a church_n of_o divine_a institution_n but_o secular_a appointment_n as_o for_o other_o end_n so_o for_o a_o accommodation_n of_o man_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o some_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o if_o they_o be_v find_v no_o more_o they_o can_v have_v no_o concernment_n into_o the_o enquiry_n about_o schism_n for_o withhold_a church_n communion_n from_o such_o society_n as_o be_v not_o church_n be_v a_o new_a kind_n of_o schism_n unknown_a to_o all_o antiquity_n and_o for_o that_o which_o take_v itself_o to_o be_v a_o church_n by_o a_o divine_a warranty_n suppose_v it_o be_v so_o to_o command_v constant_a complete_a communion_n exclusive_a unto_o all_o other_o church_n communion_n with_o that_o or_o they_o which_o be_v no_o church_n determine_v a_o refusal_n thereof_o to_o be_v schism_n be_v to_o undertake_v a_o cause_n which_o need_v not_o only_o great_a part_n but_o great_a power_n also_o to_o defend_v it_o but_o let_v these_o parochial_a assembly_n be_v esteem_v church_n without_o a_o supposition_n whereof_o i_o know_v not_o what_o ecclesiastical_a concernment_n we_o can_v have_v in_o they_o three_o thing_n will_v be_v say_v thereon_o 1._o that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o in_o other_o thing_n so_o in_o these_o parochial_a assembly_n stand_v in_o need_n of_o reformation_n 2._o that_o they_o neither_o do_v nor_o will_v nor_o can_v reform_v themselves_o 3._o on_o this_o supposition_n it_o be_v lawful_a for_o any_o of_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n to_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o he_o by_o join_v in_o such_o society_n for_o their_o edification_n as_o he_o have_v appoint_v which_o be_v the_o whole_a of_o the_o cause_n in_o hand_n nor_o do_v any_o necessity_n from_o hence_o ensue_v of_o a_o departure_n from_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o faith_n and_o love_n or_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o the_o due_a exercise_n of_o all_o the_o act_n and_o duty_n of_o christian_a love_n unto_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o first_o assertion_n some_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v premise_v as_o 1._o church_n institute_v plant_v rule_v according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o thing_n may_v degenerate_v into_o a_o corrupt_a state_n such_o as_o shall_v stand_v in_o need_n of_o reformation_n in_o a_o neglect_n whereof_o they_o must_v perish_v as_o unto_o their_o church_n state_n and_o privilege_n this_o need_v no_o confirmation_n for_o beside_o that_o it_o be_v possible_a from_o all_o the_o cause_n of_o such_o a_o apostasy_n and_o defection_n that_o so_o it_o shall_v be_v and_o it_o be_v frequent_o foretell_v in_o the_o scripture_n that_o so_o it_o will_v be_v the_o event_n in_o and_o among_o all_o church_n that_o have_v original_o a_o divine_a institution_n do_v make_v uncontrollable_o evident_a the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n most_o of_o they_o within_o few_o year_n of_o their_o first_o plantation_n be_v so_o degenerate_v that_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n threaten_v they_o with_o cast_v off_o unless_o they_o reform_v themselves_o what_o a_o woeful_a apostasy_n all_o other_o church_n both_o of_o the_o east_n and_o west_n be_v involve_v in_o be_v know_v unto_o and_o confess_v by_o all_o protestant_n but_o yet_o the_o case_n of_o none_o of_o they_o be_v deplorable_a or_o desperate_a until_o through_o pride_n and_o carnal_a interest_n they_o fall_v some_o of_o they_o into_o a_o persuasion_n that_o they_o need_v no_o reformation_n nor_o can_v be_v reform_v
by_o all_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n that_o the_o jewish_a christian_n shall_v be_v leave_v unto_o their_o own_o liberty_n out_o of_o respect_n unto_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o out_o of_o regard_n unto_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o otherwise_o may_v have_v be_v extreme_o hazard_v but_o 1._o the_o governor_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o make_v the_o determination_n insist_v on_o be_v the_o apostle_n themselves_o 2._o there_o be_v no_o such_o determination_n make_v that_o the_o jew_n shall_v be_v leave_v unto_o their_o own_o liberty_n in_o this_o matter_n but_o there_o be_v only_o a_o connivance_n at_o their_o inclination_n to_o bear_v their_o old_a yoke_n for_o a_o season_n the_o determination_n be_v only_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n that_o no_o imposition_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v make_v on_o the_o gentile_n 3._o the_o determination_n itself_o be_v no_o act_n of_o church_n government_n or_o power_n but_o a_o doctrinal_a declaration_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 4._o it_o be_v well_o that_o church_n governor_n once_o judge_v that_o imposition_n in_o thing_n not_o necessary_a be_v to_o be_v forbear_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n other_o i_o hope_v may_v in_o due_a time_n be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n 2._o he_o say_v the_o false_a apostle_n impose_v on_o the_o gentile_a christian_n have_v two_o circumstance_n in_o it_o which_o extreme_o alter_v their_o case_n from_o that_o of_o our_o dissenter_n for_o 1._o they_o be_v none_o of_o their_o lawful_a governor_n but_o go_v about_o as_o seducer_n draw_v away_o the_o disciple_n of_o the_o apostle_n from_o they_o it_o seem_v then_o 1._o that_o those_o who_o be_v lawful_a governor_n or_o pretend_v themselves_o so_o to_o be_v may_v impose_v what_o they_o please_v without_o control_v as_o they_o do_v in_o the_o papacy_n and_o the_o council_n of_o it_o but_o 2._o their_o imposition_n be_v mere_o doctrinal_a wherein_o there_o be_v no_o pretence_n of_o any_o act_n of_o government_n or_o govern_v power_n which_o make_v it_o less_o grievous_a then_o that_o which_o the_o dissenter_n have_v suffer_v under_o be_v thing_n no_o otherwise_o impose_v on_o we_o we_o shall_v bear_v they_o more_o easy_o 2._o say_v he_o they_o impose_v the_o jewish_a rite_n as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o not_o mere_o as_o indifferent_a thing_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v so_o long_o as_o they_o judge_v they_o so_o to_o be_v they_o be_v more_o to_o be_v excuse_v in_o their_o doctrinal_a imposition_n of_o they_o than_o other_o be_v who_o by_o a_o act_n of_o government_n fortify_v with_o i_o know_v not_o how_o many_o penalty_n do_v impose_v thing_n which_o themselves_o esteem_v indifferent_a and_o those_o on_o who_o they_o be_v impose_v do_v judge_n to_o be_v unlawful_a whereas_o he_o add_v that_o he_o have_v consider_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v material_a in_o discourse_n which_o seem_v to_o take_v off_o the_o force_n of_o the_o argument_n draw_v from_o this_o text_n i_o be_o not_o of_o his_o mind_n nor_o i_o believe_v will_v any_o indifferent_a person_n be_v so_o who_o shall_v compare_v what_o i_o write_v therein_o with_o his_o exception_n against_o it_o though_o i_o acknowledge_v it_o be_v no_o easy_a thing_n to_o discover_v wherein_o the_o force_n of_o the_o pretend_a argument_n do_v lie_v that_o we_o must_v walk_v according_a unto_o the_o same_o rule_n in_o what_o we_o have_v attain_v that_o wherein_o we_o differ_v we_o must_v wait_v on_o god_n for_o teach_v and_o instruction_n that_o the_o apostle_n elder_n and_o brethren_n at_o jerusalem_n determine_v from_o the_o scripture_n or_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n therein_o that_o the_o jewish_a ceremony_n shall_v not_o be_v impose_v on_o the_o gentile_a church_n and_o beleiver_n and_o that_o thereon_o those_o church_n continue_v in_o communion_n with_o each_o other_o who_o do_v and_o do_v not_o observe_v those_o ceremony_n be_v the_o only_a principle_n which_o in_o truth_n the_o doctor_n have_v to_o proceed_v upon_o to_o infer_v from_o these_o principle_n and_o proposition_n that_o there_o be_v a_o national_a church_n of_o divine_a institution_n for_o what_o be_v not_o so_o have_v no_o church_n power_n proper_o so_o call_v the_o nature_n of_o its_o power_n be_v determine_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o its_o institution_n or_o erection_n that_o this_o church_n have_v power_n in_o its_o governor_n and_o ruler_n to_o invent_v new_a order_n ceremony_n and_o rite_n of_o worship_n new_a canon_n for_o the_o observation_n of_o sundry_a thing_n in_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n which_o have_v no_o spring_n nor_o cause_n but_o their_o own_o invention_n and_o prescription_n and_o be_v authorize_v to_o impose_v the_o observation_n of_o they_o on_o all_o particular_a church_n and_o believer_n who_o never_o give_v their_o consent_n unto_o their_o invention_n or_o prescription_n and_o hereon_o to_o declare_v they_o all_o to_o be_v wicked_a schismatic_n who_o yield_v not_o full_a obedience_n unto_o they_o in_o these_o thing_n it_o require_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o art_n and_o skill_n in_o the_o manager_n of_o the_o argument_n sect_n ii_o partly_o 2._o sect._n 21._o pag._n 176._o our_o author_n proceed_v to_o renew_v his_o charge_n of_o schism_n or_o sinful_a separation_n against_o those_o who_o though_o they_o agree_v with_o we_o say_v he_o in_o the_o substantial_o of_o religion_n yet_o deny_v any_o communion_n with_o our_o church_n to_o be_v lawful_a but_o apprehend_v that_o the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n here_o insinuate_v will_v not_o be_v admit_v and_o that_o it_o will_v be_v difficult_a to_o find_v they_o out_o who_o deny_v any_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o be_v lawful_a he_o add_v that_o he_o do_v not_o speak_v of_o any_o improper_a act_n of_o communion_n which_o dr._n o._n call_v communion_n in_o faith_n and_o love_n which_o they_o allow_v to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n but_o why_o the_o act_n hereof_o be_v call_v improper_a act_n of_o communion_n i_o know_v not_o add_v unto_o faith_n and_o love_n the_o administration_n of_o the_o same_o sacrament_n with_o common_a advice_n in_o thing_n of_o common_a concernment_n and_o it_o be_v all_o the_o communion_n that_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n have_v among_o themselves_o in_o the_o whole_a world_n yea_o this_o church_n communion_n be_v such_o as_o that_o 1._o where_o it_o be_v not_o there_o be_v no_o evangelical_n communion_n at_o all_o whatever_o act_v of_o worship_n or_o church_n order_n man_n may_v agree_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o if_o the_o foundation_n of_o that_o agreement_n be_v not_o lay_v in_o a_o joint_a communion_n in_o faith_n and_o love_n they_o be_v neither_o accept_v with_o god_n nor_o profitable_a unto_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n for_o 2._o these_o be_v the_o thing_n namely_o faith_n and_o love_n which_o enliven_v all_o joint_a duty_n of_o church_n order_n and_o worship_n be_v the_o life_n and_o soul_n of_o it_o and_o how_o they_o shall_v be_v only_o improper_o that_o which_o they_o alone_o make_v other_o thing_n to_o be_v proper_o i_o can_v understand_v 3._o where_o there_o be_v no_o defect_n in_o these_o thing_n namely_o in_o faith_n and_o love_n the_o charge_n of_o schism_n on_o dissent_v in_o thing_n of_o lesser_a moment_n be_v altogether_o unreasonable_a it_o be_v to_o be_v desire_v that_o a_o overween_n of_o our_o difference_n make_v we_o not_o overlook_v the_o thing_n wherein_o we_o be_v agree_v this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a evil_n that_o attend_v this_o controversy_n man_n be_v force_v by_o their_o interest_n to_o lay_v more_o weight_n on_o a_o few_o outward_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n which_o the_o world_n and_o the_o church_n may_v well_o have_v spare_v have_v they_o not_o come_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o some_o man_n none_o know_v how_o than_o upon_o the_o most_o important_a grace_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o gospel_n hence_o communion_n in_o faith_n and_o love_n be_v scarce_o esteem_v worth_n take_v up_o in_o the_o street_n in_o comparison_n of_o uniformity_n in_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n let_v man_n be_v as_o void_a of_o and_o remote_a from_o true_a gospel_n faith_n and_o love_n as_o be_v imaginable_a yet_o if_o they_o comply_v quiet_o with_o and_o have_v a_o little_a zeal_n for_o those_o outward_a thing_n they_o be_v to_o be_v approve_v of_o as_o very_o orderly_a member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o whatever_o evidence_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n any_o can_v or_o do_v give_v of_o their_o communion_n in_o faith_n and_o love_n with_o all_o that_o be_v of_o that_o communion_n yet_o if_o they_o can_v in_o conscience_n comply_v in_o the_o observance_n of_o those_o outward_a thing_n mention_v they_o be_v to_o be_v judge_v schismatic_n and_o breaker_n of_o the_o church_n unity_n whereas_o no_o
in_o compliance_n with_o the_o political_a state_n and_o other_o circumstance_n of_o time_n and_o place_n as_o may_v be_v think_v to_o tend_v unto_o their_o advantage_n that_o which_o we_o affirm_v be_v that_o no_o alteration_n of_o their_o state_n from_o the_o nature_n and_o kind_n of_o particular_a church_n be_v of_o divine_a institution_n 4._o such_o church_n who_o frame_n constitution_n and_o power_n be_v destructive_a of_o the_o order_n liberty_n power_n privilege_n and_o duty_n of_o particular_a church_n be_v so_o far_o contrary_a unto_o divine_a institution_n and_o not_o to_o be_v comply_v withal_o hereon_o we_o affirm_v that_o whereas_o we_o be_v exclude_v from_o total_a communion_n in_o our_o parochial_a assembly_n by_o the_o imposition_n of_o thing_n unto_o we_o unlawful_a and_o sinful_a as_o indispensible_a condition_n of_o their_o communion_n and_o can_v comply_v with_o they_o in_o their_o rule_n and_o worship_n on_o the_o reason_n before_o allege_a it_o be_v part_n of_o the_o duty_n we_o owe_v to_o jesus_n christ_n to_o gather_v ourselves_o into_o particular_a church_n or_o congregation_n for_o the_o celebration_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o the_o observation_n do_v or_o performance_n of_o all_o his_o command_n these_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o in_o this_o case_n we_o adhere_v unto_o and_o which_o must_v all_o of_o they_o be_v overthrow_v before_o any_o colour_n can_v be_v give_v unto_o any_o charge_n of_o schism_n against_o we_o and_o what_o be_v speak_v unto_o this_o purpose_n in_o the_o drs._n discourse_n we_o shall_v now_o consider_v only_o i_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o remember_v that_o all_o these_o principle_n or_o assertion_n be_v full_o confirm_v in_o the_o precede_a discourse_n that_o which_o first_o occur_v in_o the_o treatise_n under_o consideration_n unto_o the_o point_n in_o hand_n be_v the_o exception_n put_v in_o unto_o a_o passage_n in_o my_o former_a discourse_n which_o be_v as_o follow_v we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o because_o communion_n in_o ordinance_n shall_v be_v only_o in_o such_o church_n as_o christ_n have_v institute_v that_o therefore_o it_o be_v lawful_a and_o necessary_a to_o separate_v from_o parochial_a church_n but_o if_o it_o be_v on_o other_o ground_n necessary_a so_o to_o separate_v or_o withhold_v communion_n from_o they_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o they_o that_o do_v so_o to_o join_v themselves_o in_o or_o unto_o some_o other_o particular_a congregation_n i_o have_v not_o observe_v any_o occasion_n wherein_o the_o dr._n be_v more_o vehement_a in_o his_o rhetoric_n than_o he_o be_v on_o that_o of_o this_o passage_n which_o yet_o appear_v to_o i_o to_o be_v good_a sense_n and_o innocent_a 1._o hereunto_o he_o say_v 1._o p._n 221._o that_o this_o be_v either_o not_o to_o the_o business_n or_o it_o be_v a_o plain_a give_v up_o the_o cause_n of_o independency_n if_o he_o judge_v that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o the_o business_n i_o can_v help_v it_o and_o he_o may_v as_o i_o suppose_v have_v do_v well_o to_o have_v take_v no_o notice_n of_o it_o as_o i_o have_v deal_v with_o many_o passage_n in_o his_o discourse_n but_o if_o it_o be_v a_o give_v up_o of_o the_o cause_n of_o independency_n i_o say_v whatever_o that_o be_v let_v whoso_o will_v take_v it_o and_o dispose_v of_o it_o as_o it_o seem_v good_a unto_o they_o but_o in_o proof_n hereof_o he_o say_v 1._o wherefore_o do_v the_o dissent_v brethren_n so_o much_o insist_v upon_o their_o separate_a congregation_n when_o not_o one_o of_o the_o thing_n now_o particular_o allege_v against_o our_o church_n be_v require_v of_o they_o i_o answer_v 1._o if_o any_o do_v in_o those_o time_n plead_v for_o separate_v congregation_n let_v they_o answer_v for_o themselves_o i_o be_v none_o of_o they_o they_o do_v indeed_o plead_v for_o distinct_a congregation_n exempt_a in_o some_o few_o thing_n from_o a_o penal_a rule_n then_o endeavour_v by_o some_o to_o be_v impose_v on_o all_o but_o there_o be_v no_o such_o difference_n nor_o restraint_n of_o communion_n between_o any_o of_o they_o as_o it_o be_v at_o present_a between_o we_o and_o parochial_a church_n 2._o it_o be_v very_o possible_a that_o there_o may_v be_v other_o reason_n of_o forbear_v a_o conjunction_n in_o some_o act_n of_o church_n rule_n which_o be_v all_o that_o be_v plead_v for_o by_o the_o dissent_v brethren_n than_o those_o which_o be_v allege_v against_o total_a communion_n with_o parochial_a church_n in_o worship_n order_n and_o discipline_n 2._o he_o add_v second_o but_o if_o he_o insist_o on_o those_o thing_n common_a to_o our_o church_n with_o other_o reform_a church_n than_o they_o be_v such_o thing_n as_o he_o suppose_v contrary_a to_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o church_n etc._n etc._n i_o fear_v i_o do_v not_o well_o understand_v what_o this_o mean_n nor_o what_o it_o tend_v unto_o but_o according_a as_o i_o apprehend_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o i_o say_v 1._o i_o insist_v principal_o on_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v not_o common_a unto_o they_o with_o other_o reform_a church_n but_o such_o as_o be_v peculiar_a unto_o the_o church_n of_o england_n these_o vary_v the_o term_n and_o practice_n of_o our_o communion_n between_o they_o and_o it_o 2._o the_o thing_n we_o except_v against_o in_o parochial_a church_n be_v not_o contrary_a to_o their_o first_o institution_n as_o parochial_a which_o as_o have_v be_v prove_v be_v the_o only_a kind_n of_o church_n that_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n but_o be_v contrary_a unto_o what_o be_v institute_v to_o be_v do_v and_o observe_v in_o such_o church_n which_o one_o observation_n make_v void_a all_o that_o he_o will_v infer_v from_o the_o present_a supposition_n as_o 3._o he_o enquire_v hereon_o what_o difference_n there_o be_v between_o separate_v from_o our_o church_n because_o communion_n in_o ordinance_n be_v only_o to_o be_v enjoy_v in_o such_o church_n as_o christ_n have_v institute_v and_o separate_v from_o they_o because_o they_o have_v thing_n repugnant_a unto_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o church_n the_o dr._n i_o fear_v will_v call_v this_o sophistry_n in_o another_o or_o at_o least_o complain_v that_o it_o be_v somewhat_o odd_o and_o faint_o express_v but_o we_o shall_v consider_v it_o as_o it_o be_v 1._o separation_n from_o parochial_a church_n because_o communion_n in_o ordinance_n be_v only_o to_o be_v enjoy_v in_o such_o church_n as_o christ_n have_v institute_v be_v deny_v by_o we_o it_o be_v so_o in_o the_o assertion_n oppose_v by_o he_o and_o i_o do_v not_o know_v whether_o it_o be_v lay_v down_o by_o he_o as_o that_o which_o we_o affirm_v or_o which_o we_o deny_v 2._o there_o be_v great_a ambiguity_n in_o the_o latter_a clause_n of_o separate_v from_o they_o because_o they_o have_v thing_n repugnant_a unto_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o church_n for_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o separate_v from_o a_o church_n because_o it_o be_v not_o of_o divine_a institution_n that_o be_v not_o of_o that_o kind_n of_o church_n which_o be_v divine_o institute_v and_o another_o to_o do_v so_o because_o of_o thing_n practise_v and_o impose_v in_o it_o contrary_a to_o divine_a institution_n which_o be_v the_o case_n in_o hand_n 4._o but_o he_o after_o say_v be_v not_o this_o the_o primary_n reason_n of_o separation_n because_o christ_n have_v appoint_v unalterable_a rule_n for_o the_o government_n of_o his_o church_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v observe_v in_o parochial_a church_n i_o answer_v no_o it_o be_v not_o so_o for_o there_o may_v be_v a_o omission_n at_o least_o for_o a_o season_n in_o some_o church_n of_o some_o rule_n that_o christ_n have_v appoint_v in_o the_o government_n of_o his_o church_n and_o we_o judge_v his_o rule_n as_o unto_o right_a unalterable_a which_o may_v not_o be_v a_o just_a cause_n of_o separation_n so_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n continue_v a_o long_a time_n in_o the_o omission_n of_o the_o observance_n of_o the_o feast_n of_o tabernacle_n but_o the_o principal_a reason_n of_o the_o separation_n we_o defend_v be_v the_o practise_v and_o impose_v of_o sundry_a thing_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n not_o of_o divine_a institution_n yea_o in_o our_o judgement_n contrary_a thereunto_o and_o the_o frame_n of_o a_o rule_n of_o government_n of_o man_n devise_v to_o be_v lay_v on_o all_o the_o member_n of_o they_o this_o be_v the_o primary_n cause_v plead_v herein_o but_o because_o the_o dr._n propose_v a_o case_n on_o those_o supposition_n whereon_o he_o seem_v to_o lay_v great_a weight_n though_o indeed_o however_o it_o be_v determine_v it_o conduce_v nothing_o unto_o his_o end_n but_o argue_v only_o some_o keenness_n of_o spirit_n against_o they_o who_o he_o oppose_v i_o shall_v at_o large_a transcribe_v the_o whole_a of_o it_o let_v we_o then_o say_v he_o 1._o suppose_v that_o christ_n have_v by_o unalterable_a rule_n appoint_v that_o a_o church_n shall_v
be_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o the_o apostle_n appoint_v only_o particular_a congregation_n and_o that_o therefore_o they_o do_v not_o oblige_v the_o christian_n about_o in_o a_o province_n or_o diocese_n to_o be_v of_o that_o church_n which_o be_v first_o erect_v in_o any_o town_n or_o city_n but_o they_o found_v new_a church_n with_o new_a officer_n of_o their_o own_o in_o all_o place_n where_o there_o be_v a_o sufficient_a number_n of_o believer_n to_o make_v up_o such_o a_o church_n and_o this_o i_o prove_v from_o the_o instance_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v first_o plant_v but_o quick_o after_o there_o be_v church_n gather_v and_o settle_v in_o judea_n gallilee_n and_o samaria_n they_o plant_v church_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o city_n and_o village_n as_o clemens_n speak_v but_o what_o say_v he_o be_v this_o to_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o congregational_a way_n this_o it_o be_v namely_o that_o the_o church_n institute_v by_o the_o apostle_n be_v all_o of_o they_o congregational_a not_o diocesan_n provincial_a or_o national_a but_o say_v he_o the_o thing_n i_o desire_v be_v that_o when_o the_o christian_n in_o one_o city_n multiply_v into_o more_o congregation_n they_o will_v prove_v that_o they_o do_v make_v new_a and_o distinct_a church_n he_o may_v desire_v it_o of_o they_o who_o grant_v that_o the_o christian_n do_v multiply_v in_o one_o city_n into_o more_o congregation_n than_o one_o which_o i_o deny_v until_o the_o end_n of_o the_o second_o century_n although_o they_o may_v and_o do_v occasional_o meet_v especial_o in_o time_n of_o persecution_n in_o distinct_a assembly_n neither_o will_v their_o multiplication_n into_o more_o congregation_n without_o distinct_a officer_n at_o all_o help_n the_o cause_n he_o plead_v for_o for_o his_o diocesan_n church_n consist_v of_o many_o distinct_a church_n with_o their_o distinct_a officer_n order_n and_o power_n as_o he_o afterward_o describe_v our_o parish_n to_o do_v under_o one_o bishop_n yet_o such_o be_v his_o apprehension_n of_o the_o justice_n of_o his_o cause_n that_o what_o have_v be_v plead_v twenty_o time_n against_o it_o namely_o that_o speak_v of_o one_o city_n the_o scripture_n still_o call_v it_o the_o church_n of_o that_o place_n but_o speak_v of_o a_o province_n as_o judea_n galilee_n samaria_n galatia_n macedonia_n it_o speak_v of_o the_o church_n of_o they_o which_o evident_o prove_v that_o it_o know_v nothing_o of_o a_o diocesan_n provincial_a or_o national_a church_n he_o produce_v in_o the_o justification_n of_o it_o because_o he_o say_v that_o it_o be_v evident_a theâ—ne_n that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o church_n in_o one_o city_n which_o be_v never_o deny_v there_o be_v indeed_o then_o many_o bishop_n in_o one_o church_n phil._n 1.1_o act_n 20.28_o and_o afterward_o when_o one_o church_n have_v one_o bishop_n only_o yet_o there_o be_v two_o bishop_n in_o one_o city_n which_o require_v two_o church_n as_o epiphanus_n affirm_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d haeres_fw-la 68_o s._n 6._o for_o alexandria_n never_o have_v two_o bishop_n as_o other_o city_n have_v whether_o he_o intend_v two_o bishop_n in_o one_o church_n or_o two_o church_n in_o one_o city_n all_o be_v one_o to_o our_o purpose_n but_o the_o dr._n i_o presume_v make_v this_o observation_n rather_o artificial_o to_o prevent_v a_o objection_n against_o his_o main_a hypothesis_n then_o with_o any_o design_n to_o strengthen_v it_o thereby_o for_o he_o can_v but_o know_v how_o frequent_o it_o be_v plead_v in_o opposition_n unto_o any_o national_a church_n state_n as_o unto_o its_o mention_n in_o the_o scripture_n for_o he_o that_o shall_v speak_v of_o the_o church_n in_o essex_n suffolk_z hartfordshire_n and_o so_o of_o other_o county_n without_o the_o least_o intimation_n of_o any_o general_a church_n unto_o which_o they_o shall_v belong_v will_v be_v judge_v to_o speak_v rather_o the_o independent_a than_o the_o episcopal_a dialect_n but_o say_v he_o p._n 236._o i_o can_v but_o wonder_v what_o dr._n o._n mean_n when_o after_o he_o have_v produce_v the_o evidence_n of_o distinct_a church_n in_o the_o same_o province_n he_o call_v this_o plain_a scripture_n evidence_n and_o practice_n for_o the_o erect_v particular_a distinct_a congregation_n who_o deny_v that_o i_o say_v then_o it_o be_v incumbent_n on_o he_o to_o prove_v if_o he_o do_v any_o thing_n in_o this_o cause_n that_o they_o erect_v church_n of_o another_o sort_n kind_a and_o order_n also_o but_o say_v he_o i_o see_v nothing_o like_o a_o proof_n of_o distinct_a church_n in_o the_o same_o city_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v prove_v but_o because_o it_o can_v not_o be_v prove_v be_v prudent_o let_v alone_o but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o thing_n to_o be_v prove_v nor_o do_v i_o propose_v it_o to_o confirmation_n nor_o assert_v it_o but_o have_v prove_v the_o contrary_a unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o second_o century_n this_o only_a i_o assert_v that_o every_o church_n in_o one_o city_n be_v only_o one_o church_n and_o nothing_o be_v offer_v by_o the_o doctor_n to_o the_o contrary_a yea_o he_o affirm_v the_o same_o but_o say_v he_o sect_n 6._o p._n 237._o dr._n o._n say_v that_o the_o christian_n of_o one_o city_n may_v not_o exceed_v the_o bound_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n or_o congregation_n no_o although_o they_o have_v a_o multiplication_n of_o bishop_n or_o elder_n in_o they_o and_o occasional_a distinct_a assembly_n for_o some_o act_n of_o divine_a worship_n but_o then_o say_v he_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o church_n be_v not_o limit_v in_o the_o scripture_n to_o a_o single_a congregation_n why_o so_o for_o say_v he_o if_o occasional_a assembly_n be_v allow_v for_o some_o act_n of_o worship_n why_o not_o for_o other_o i_o say_v because_o they_o belong_v unto_o the_o whole_a church_n or_o be_v act_n of_o communion_n in_o the_o whole_a church_n assemble_v and_o so_o can_v be_v observe_v in_o occasional_a meeting_n do_v this_o say_v the_o apostle_n when_o you_o come_v together_o in_o one_o place_n and_o if_o say_v he_o the_o number_n of_o elder_n be_v unlimited_a than_o every_o of_o those_o may_v attend_v the_o occasional_a distinct_a assembly_n for_o worship_n and_o yet_o altogether_o make_v up_o the_o body_n of_o one_o church_n and_o so_o say_v i_o they_o may_v and_o yet_o be_v one_o church_n still_o join_v together_o in_o all_o act_n of_o communion_n that_o be_v proper_a and_o peculiar_a unto_o the_o church_n for_o as_o the_o meeting_n intend_v be_v occasional_a so_o also_o be_v the_o attendance_n of_o the_o elder_n unto_o they_o as_o they_o find_v occasion_n for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n it_o may_v be_v the_o dr._n be_v not_o so_o well_o acquaint_v with_o the_o principle_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o congregational_a way_n and_o therefore_o think_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v contrary_a unto_o they_o but_o those_o of_o that_o way_n do_v maintain_v that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o every_o particular_a congregation_n unto_o the_o compleatness_n of_o it_o many_o elder_n or_o overseer_n that_o the_o number_n of_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v increase_v as_o the_o increase_n of_o the_o church_n make_v it_o necessary_a for_o their_o edification_n that_o the_o member_n of_o such_o a_o church_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o meet_v occasional_o in_o distinct_a assembly_n especial_o in_o the_o time_n of_o persecution_n for_o prayer_n preach_v of_o the_o word_n and_o mutual_a exhortation_n so_o when_o peter_n be_v in_o prison_n after_o the_o death_n of_o james_n many_o meet_v together_o in_o the_o house_n of_o mary_n to_o pray_o act_v 12.12_o which_o be_v not_o a_o meeting_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o that_o there_o be_v such_o private_a meeting_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n in_o time_n of_o persecution_n among_o the_o primitive_a church_n may_v be_v prove_v by_o a_o multiplication_n of_o instance_n but_o still_o they_o continue_v one_o church_n and_o join_v together_o in_o all_o act_n of_o church_n communion_n proper_o so_o call_v especial_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a every_o lordsday_n as_o justin_n martyr_n declare_v that_o the_o church_n do_v in_o his_o time_n for_o all_o the_o christian_n say_v he_o then_o in_o the_o city_n and_o village_n about_o gather_v together_o in_o one_o place_n for_o the_o end_v mention_v but_o still_o these_o distinct_a occasional_a assembly_n do_v not_o constitute_v any_o distinct_a society_n or_o corporation_n as_o the_o distinct_a company_n do_v in_o a_o city_n but_o say_v he_o grant_v one_o single_a bishop_n over_o all_o these_o elder_n and_o they_o make_v up_o that_o representation_n of_o a_o church_n which_o we_o have_v from_o the_o best_a and_o pure_a antiquity_n i_o say_v we_o will_v quick_o grant_v it_o can_v we_o see_v any_o warrant_n for_o it_o or_o if_o he_o can_v prove_v that_o so_o it_o be_v
under_o for_o the_o communion_n so_o much_o talk_v of_o among_o church_n be_v almost_o come_v only_o unto_o a_o agreement_n and_o oneness_n in_o design_n for_o the_o mutual_a and_o forcible_a extermination_n of_o one_o another_o at_o least_o this_o be_v the_o profess_a principle_n of_o they_o who_o lie_v the_o loud_a claim_n to_o the_o name_n and_o title_n with_o all_o the_o right_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o be_v other_o far_a remote_a from_o the_o same_o design_n who_o adjudge_v all_o who_o dissent_n from_o themselves_o into_o such_o a_o condition_n as_o wherein_o they_o be_v much_o incline_v to_o think_v it_o meet_v they_o shall_v be_v destroy_v that_o which_o animate_v this_o contest_v which_o give_v it_o life_n and_o fierceness_n be_v a_o suppose_a enclosure_n of_o certain_a privilege_n and_o advantage_n spiritual_a and_o temporal_a real_a or_o pretend_a unto_o the_o church-state_n contend_v about_o hence_o most_o man_n seem_v to_o think_v that_o the_o principal_a if_o not_o their_o only_a concernment_n in_o religion_n be_v of_o what_o church_n they_o be_v so_o as_o that_o a_o dissent_n from_o they_o be_v so_o evil_a as_o that_o there_o be_v almost_o nothing_o else_o that_o have_v any_o very_a considerable_a evil_n in_o it_o when_o this_o be_v once_o well_o rivet_v in_o their_o mind_n by_o they_o who_o secular_a advantage_n lie_v in_o the_o enclosure_n they_o be_v in_o a_o readiness_n to_o bear_v a_o share_n in_o all_o the_o evil_n that_o avoidable_a ensue_v on_o such_o division_n by_o this_o mean_n among_o other_o be_v the_o state_n or_o condition_n of_o christian_a religion_n as_o unto_o its_o public_a profession_n become_v at_o this_o day_n so_o deplorable_a as_o can_v well_o be_v express_v what_o with_o the_o bloody_a and_o desolate_v war_n of_o prince_n and_o potentate_n and_o what_o with_o the_o degeneracy_n of_o the_o community_n of_o the_o people_n from_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o love_n meekness_n self-denial_n holiness_n zeal_n the_o universal_a mortification_n of_o sin_n and_o fruitfulness_n in_o good_a work_n the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n be_v become_v but_o a_o sad_a representation_n of_o the_o virtue_n of_o he_o who_o call_v out_o of_o darkness_n into_o his_o marvellous_a light_n neither_o do_v there_o seem_v at_o present_a to_o be_v any_o design_n or_o expectation_n in_o the_o most_o for_o the_o end_n of_o controversy_n about_o the_o church_n but_o force_v and_o the_o sword_n which_o god_n forbid_v it_o be_v therefore_o high_a time_n that_o a_o sober_a enquiry_n be_v make_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o such_o church_n state_n of_o divine_a institution_n as_o those_o contend_v about_o for_o if_o it_o shall_v appear_v upon_o trial_n that_o indeed_o there_o be_v not_o but_o that_o all_o the_o fierce_a digladiation_n of_o the_o party_n at_o variance_n with_o the_o doleful_a effect_n that_o attend_v they_o have_v proceed_v on_o a_o false_a supposition_n in_o a_o adherence_n whereunto_o they_o be_v confirm_v by_o their_o interest_n some_o advance_n may_v be_v make_v towards_o their_o abatement_n however_o if_o this_o may_v not_o be_v attain_v yet_o direction_n may_v be_v take_v from_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o truth_n for_o the_o use_n of_o they_o who_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v deliver_v from_o all_o concernment_n in_o these_o fruitless_a endless_a contest_v and_o to_o reduce_v their_o whole_a practice_n in_o religion_n unto_o the_o institution_n rule_n and_o command_v of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n and_o where_o all_o hope_n of_o a_o general_a reformation_n seem_v to_o fail_v it_o savour_v somewhat_o of_o a_o unwarrantable_a severity_n to_o forbid_v they_o to_o reform_v themselves_o who_o be_v willing_a so_o to_o do_v provide_v they_o admit_v of_o no_o other_o rule_n in_o what_o they_o so_o do_v but_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n carry_v it_o peaceable_o towards_o all_o man_n and_o firm_o adhere_v unto_o the_o faith_n once_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n to_o make_v a_o entrance_n into_o this_o enquiry_n the_o ensue_a discourse_n be_v design_v and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o way_n of_o the_o mannagement_n of_o it_o but_o by_o a_o diligent_a impartial_a search_n into_o the_o nature_n order_n power_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n church_n state_n as_o institute_v determine_v and_o limit_v by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n when_o we_o depart_v from_o this_o rule_n so_o as_o not_o to_o be_v regulate_v by_o it_o in_o all_o instance_n of_o fact_n or_o plea_n of_o right_n that_o afterward_o fall_v out_o we_o fall_v into_o the_o confusion_n of_o various_a presumption_n suit_v unto_o the_o apprehension_n and_o interest_n of_o man_n impose_v on_o they_o from_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o age_n wherein_o they_o live_v yet_o be_v it_o not_o to_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o much_o light_n into_o the_o nature_n of_o apostolical_a institution_n may_v be_v receive_v from_o the_o declare_a principle_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o first_o church_n for_o the_o space_n of_o 200_o year_n or_o thereabouts_o but_o that_o after_o this_o the_o church_n do_v insensible_o depart_v in_o various_a degree_n from_o the_o state_n rule_n and_o order_n of_o the_o apostolical_a church_n must_v i_o suppose_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o those_o who_o groan_n under_o the_o final_a issue_n of_o that_o gradual_a degeneracy_n in_o the_o papal_a antichristian_a tyranny_n for_o rome_n be_v not_o build_v in_o a_o day_n nor_o be_v this_o change_n introduce_v at_o once_o or_o in_o one_o age_n nor_o be_v the_o lesser_a alteration_n which_o begin_v this_o declension_n so_o prejudicial_a unto_o the_o be_v order_n and_o purity_n of_o the_o church_n as_o they_o prove_v afterward_o through_o a_o continual_a additional_a increase_n in_o succeed_a age_n have_v affirm_v something_o of_o this_o nature_n in_o my_o brief_a vindication_n of_o the_o nonconformist_n from_o the_o gild_n of_o schism_n the_o reverend_a dr._n stillingfleet_n in_o his_o late_a treatise_n entitle_v the_o vnreasonableness_n of_o separation_n do_v not_o only_o deny_v it_o but_o reflect_v with_o some_o severity_n upon_o the_o mention_n of_o it_o part_v 2._o sect._n 3._o pag._n 225_o 226_o etc._n etc._n i_o shall_v therefore_o on_o this_o occasion_n reassume_v the_o consideration_n of_o it_o although_o it_o will_v be_v speak_v unto_o also_o afterward_o the_o word_n he_o oppose_v be_v these_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o a_o impartial_a account_n may_v ere_o long_o be_v give_v of_o the_o state_n and_o way_n of_o the_o first_o church_n after_o the_o decease_n of_o the_o apostle_n wherein_o it_o will_v be_v make_v to_o appear_v how_o they_o do_v insensible_o deviate_v in_o many_o thing_n from_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o first_o institution_n so_o as_o that_o though_o their_o mistake_v be_v of_o small_a moment_n and_o not_o prejudicial_a unto_o their_o faith_n and_o order_n yet_o occasion_n be_v administer_v unto_o succeed_a age_n to_o increase_v those_o deviation_n until_o they_o issue_v in_o a_o fatal_a apostasy_n i_o yet_o suppose_v these_o word_n inoffensive_a and_o agreeable_a unto_o the_o sentiment_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o protestant_n for_o 1._o unto_o the_o first_o church_n after_o the_o apostle_n i_o ascribe_v nothing_o but_o such_o small_a mistake_v as_o do_v no_o way_n prejudice_v their_o faith_n or_o order_n and_o that_o they_o do_v preserve_v the_o latter_a as_o well_o as_o the_o former_a as_o unto_o all_o the_o substantial_a part_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v afterward_o declare_v nor_o do_v i_o reflect_v any_o more_o upon_o they_o than_o do_v hegesippus_n in_o eusebius_n who_o confine_v the_o virgin_n purity_n of_o the_o church_n unto_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n lib._n 3._o cap._n 29._o the_o great_a deviation_n which_o i_o intend_v begin_v not_o until_o after_o the_o end_n of_o the_o second_o century_n but_o 2._o to_o evince_v the_o improbability_n of_o any_o alteration_n in_o church_n rule_n and_o order_n upon_o my_o own_o principle_n he_o intimate_v both_o here_o and_o afterward_o that_o my_o judgement_n be_v that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v democratical_a and_o the_o power_n of_o it_o in_o the_o people_n in_o distinction_n from_o its_o officer_n which_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n i_o never_o think_v i_o never_o write_v any_o such_o thing_n i_o do_v believe_v that_o the_o authoritative_a rule_n or_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v in_o the_o elder_n and_o ruler_n of_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o office-power_n commit_v unto_o they_o by_o christ_n himself_o howbeit_o my_o judgement_n be_v that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o rule_v the_o church_n with_o force_n tyranny_n and_o corporal_a penalty_n or_o without_o their_o own_o consent_n whereof_o we_o shall_v treat_v afterward_o there_o be_v also_o other_o mistake_v in_o the_o same_o discourse_n which_o i_o shall_v not_o insist_v upon_o
3._o this_o therefore_o be_v that_o which_o he_o oppose_v namely_o that_o there_o be_v a_o deviation_n in_o various_a degree_n and_o fall_v of_o from_o the_o original_a institution_n order_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n until_o it_o issue_v in_o a_o fatal_a apostasy_n this_o be_v that_o which_o on_o the_o present_a occasion_n must_v be_v further_o speak_v unto_o for_o if_o this_o be_v not_o true_a i_o confess_v there_o be_v a_o end_n of_o this_o contest_v and_o we_o must_v all_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o state_n rule_n and_o order_n that_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n before_o the_o reformation_n but_o we_o may_v observe_v something_o yet_o far_a in_o the_o vindication_n and_o confirmation_n of_o this_o truth_n which_o i_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o that_o we_o plead_v for_o in_o point_n of_o church_n reformation_n as_o 1._o that_o the_o reason_n and_o arguing_n of_o the_o doctor_n in_o this_o matter_n the_o necessity_n of_o his_o cause_n compel_v he_o thereunto_o be_v the_o same_o with_o those_o of_o the_o papist_n about_o the_o apostasy_n of_o their_o church_n in_o faith_n order_n and_o worship_n wherewith_o they_o be_v charge_v namely_o when_o where_o how_o be_v this_o alteration_n make_v who_o make_v opposition_n unto_o it_o and_o the_o like_a when_o these_o inquiry_n be_v multiply_v by_o the_o papist_n as_o unto_o the_o whole_a cause_n between_o they_o and_o we_o he_o know_v well_o enough_o how_o to_o give_v satisfactory_a answer_n unto_o they_o and_o so_o may_v do_v in_o this_o particular_a unto_o himself_o also_o but_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o ease_v he_o of_o that_o trouble_n at_o present_a only_o i_o must_v say_v that_o it_o be_v fall_v out_o somewhat_o unexpected_o that_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o principle_n bulwark_n of_o the_o papacy_n which_o have_v be_v effectual_o demolish_v by_o the_o write_n of_o protestant_n of_o all_o sort_n shall_v be_v endeavour_v to_o be_v repair_v by_o a_o person_n just_o make_v eminent_a by_o his_o defence_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n against_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n 2._o but_o it_o may_v be_v plead_v that_o although_o the_o church_n follow_v the_o first_o age_n do_v insensible_o degenerate_a from_o the_o purity_n and_o simplicity_n of_o gospel_n faith_n and_o worship_n yet_o they_o neither_o do_v nor_o can_v do_v so_o from_o a_o adherence_n unto_o and_o abide_v in_o their_o original_a constitution_n or_o from_o the_o due_a observation_n of_o church_n order_n rule_n and_o discipline_n lest_o of_o all_o can_v this_o happen_v in_o the_o case_n of_o diocesan_n episcopacy_n i_o answer_v 1._o that_o as_o unto_o the_o original_a of_o any_o thing_n that_o look_v like_o diocesan_n episcopacy_n or_o the_o pastoral_n relation_n of_o one_o person_n of_o a_o distinct_a order_n from_o presbyter_n unto_o many_o particular_a complete_a church_n with_o officer_n of_o their_o own_o with_o power_n and_o jurisdiction_n in_o they_o and_o over_o they_o unto_o the_o abridgement_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o right_n and_o power_n unto_o their_o own_o edification_n which_o every_o true_a church_n be_v entrust_v withal_o by_o jesus_n christ_n it_o be_v very_o uncertain_a and_o be_v introduce_v by_o insensible_a degree_n according_a unto_o the_o effectual_a work_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n some_o say_v that_o there_o be_v two_o distinct_a order_n namely_o those_o of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n institute_v at_o first_o in_o all_o church_n plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n but_o as_o the_o contrary_n may_v be_v evident_o prove_v so_o a_o supposition_n of_o it_o will_v no_o way_n promote_v the_o cause_n of_o diocesan_n episcopacy_n until_o those_o who_o plead_v for_o it_o have_v demonstrate_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o they_o be_v place_v to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o those_o now_o call_v diocesan_n wherefore_o this_o hypothesis_n begin_v general_o to_o be_v desert_v as_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v by_o this_o author_n other_o suppose_v that_o immediate_o upon_o or_o at_o or_o after_o the_o decease_n of_o the_o apostle_n this_o new_a order_n of_o bishop_n be_v appoint_v to_o succeed_v the_o apostle_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v then_o gather_v or_o plant_v but_o how_o when_o or_o by_o who_o by_o what_o authority_n apostolical_a and_o divine_a or_o ecclesiastical_a only_a and_o humane_a none_o can_v declare_v see_v there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o footstep_n of_o any_o such_o thing_n either_o in_o the_o scripture_n or_o in_o the_o record_n that_o remain_v of_o the_o primitive_a church_n other_o think_v this_o new_a order_n of_o officer_n take_v its_o occasional_a rise_n from_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n at_o alexandria_n who_o choose_v out_o one_o among_o themselves_o constant_o to_o preside_v in_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o all_o matter_n of_o order_n unto_o who_o they_o ascribe_v some_o kind_n of_o pre-eminence_n and_o dignity_n peculiar_o appropriate_v unto_o he_o the_o namâ—_n of_o bishop_n and_o if_o this_o be_v true_a as_o unto_o matter_n of_o fact_n i_o reckon_v it_o unto_o the_o beginning_n of_o those_o less_o harmful_a deviation_n from_o their_o original_a constitution_n which_o i_o assign_v unto_o primitive_a church_n but_o many_o addition_n must_v be_v make_v hereunto_o before_o it_o will_v help_v the_o cause_n of_o diocesan_n episcopacy_n what_o other_o occasion_n hereof_o be_v give_v or_o take_v what_o advantage_n be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o promote_v this_o alteration_n shall_v be_v touch_v upon_o afterward_o 2._o why_o may_v not_o the_o church_n be_v suppose_v to_o have_v depart_v from_o their_o original_a constitution_n order_n and_o rule_n as_o well_o as_o from_o their_o first_o faith_n and_o worship_n which_o they_o do_v gradual_o in_o many_o successive_a age_n until_o both_o be_v utter_o corrupt_v the_o cause_n occasion_n and_o temptation_n lead_v unto_o the_o former_a be_v to_o the_o full_a as_o pregnant_a as_o those_o lead_n unto_o the_o latter_a for_o 1._o there_o be_v no_o vicious_a corrupt_a disposition_n of_o mind_n that_o begin_v more_o early_o to_o work_v in_o church_n officer_n nor_o do_v more_o grow_v and_o thrive_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o many_o than_o ambition_n with_o desire_n of_o pre-eminence_n dignity_n and_o rule_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v suppose_v that_o diotrephes_n be_v alone_o in_o his_o desire_n of_o pre-eminence_n nor_o in_o the_o irregular_a act_n of_o his_o undue_o assume_v authority_n however_o we_o have_v one_o signal_n instance_n in_o he_o of_o the_o deviation_n that_o be_v in_o the_o church_n with_o he_o from_o the_o rule_n of_o its_o original_a constitution_n for_o he_o prevail_v so_o far_o therein_o as_o by_o his_o own_o single_a episcopal_a power_n to_o reject_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o to_o cast_v they_o out_o of_o the_o church_n who_o comply_v not_o with_o his_o humour_n how_o effectual_o the_o same_o ambition_n wrought_v afterward_o in_o many_o other_o possess_v the_o same_o place_n in_o their_o church_n with_o diotrephes_n be_v sufficient_o evident_a in_o all_o ecclesiastical_a history_n it_o be_v far_o from_o be_v the_o only_a instance_n of_o the_o corruption_n of_o church_n order_n and_o rule_n by_o the_o influence_n of_o this_o ambition_n yet_o it_o be_v one_o that_o be_v pregnant_a which_o be_v give_v we_o by_o amâ—rose_n for_o say_v he_o ecclesia_fw-la ut_fw-la synagoga_fw-la seniores_fw-la habuâ—â—_fw-la quorum_fw-la sine_fw-la consilio_fw-la nihil_fw-la agebatur_fw-la in_o ecclesia_fw-la quod_fw-la qua_fw-la neglâ—gentia_fw-la obsoleverit_fw-la nescio_fw-la nisi_fw-la forte_fw-fr doctorum_fw-la desidia_fw-la aut_fw-la magis_fw-la superbia_fw-la dum_fw-la soli_fw-la volunt_fw-la aliquid_fw-la videri_fw-la in_o 1._o ad_fw-la timoth._n cap._n 5._o it_o seem_v there_o be_v some_o alteration_n in_o church_n rule_n and_o order_n in_o his_o time_n who_o beginning_n and_o progress_n he_o can_v not_o well_o discover_v and_o trace_v but_o know_v well_o enough_o that_o so_o it_o be_v then_o come_v to_o pass_v and_o if_o he_o who_o live_v so_o near_o the_o time_n wherein_o such_o alteration_n be_v make_v can_v not_o yet_o discover_v their_o first_o insinuation_n nor_o their_o subtle_a progress_n it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o exact_v a_o strict_a account_n of_o we_o in_o thing_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n who_o live_v so_o many_o age_n after_o their_o first_o introduction_n but_o this_o he_o judge_v that_o it_o be_v the_o pride_n or_o ambition_n of_o the_o doctor_n of_o the_o church_n which_o introduce_v that_o alteration_n in_o its_o order_n whereas_o therefore_o we_o see_v in_o the_o event_n that_o all_o deviation_n from_o the_o original_a constitution_n of_o church_n all_o alteration_n in_o their_o rule_n and_o order_n do_v issue_n in_o a_o compliance_n with_o the_o ambition_n of_o church_n ruler_n as_o it_o do_v in_o the_o papal_a church_n and_o this_o ambition_n be_v signal_o note_v
distribute_v the_o faithful_a at_o rome_n into_o distinct_a title_n or_o parish_n with_o distinct_a presbyter_n of_o their_o own_o for_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o in_o those_o day_n wherein_o persecution_n be_v at_o its_o height_n the_o meeting_n of_o believer_n be_v occasional_a with_o respect_n unto_o their_o security_n ofttimes_o by_o night_n sometime_o in_o cave_n under_o the_o earth_n or_o in_o desert_a burial_n place_n at_o best_a in_o private_a house_n and_o they_o have_v for_o what_o they_o do_v the_o example_n of_o the_o apostolical_a church_n act_v 1.13_o 14._o act_n 2.46_o chap._n 4.24_o 31._o chap._n 12.12_o chap._n 18.7_o chap._n 20.8_o chap._n 21.18_o instance_n of_o such_o meeting_n may_v be_v multiply_v especial_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o to_o manifest_v that_o they_o take_v this_o course_n upon_o necessity_n when_o peace_n begin_v to_o be_v restore_v at_o any_o time_n unto_o they_o they_o design_v temple_n that_o may_v receive_v the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o the_o church_n together_o the_o distribution_n mention_v into_o title_n and_o parish_n begin_v a_o long_a time_n after_o and_o in_o very_a few_o place_n within_o 300_o year_n in_o this_o state_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o conceive_v what_o alteration_n may_v fall_v out_o in_o some_o church_n from_o their_o primitive_a order_n especial_o how_o the_o people_n may_v desert_v their_o diligence_n and_o duty_n in_o attend_v unto_o all_o the_o concern_v of_o the_o church_n and_o if_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o apostle_n write_v unto_o they_o in_o their_o epistle_n the_o instruction_n direction_n and_o command_n how_o in_o all_o thing_n they_o shall_v act_v and_o deport_v themselves_o in_o the_o church_n be_v esteem_v to_o be_v obligatory_a in_o all_o age_n i_o can_v see_v how_o after_o the_o second_o century_n they_o be_v much_o comply_v withal_o unless_o it_o be_v in_o the_o single_a instance_n of_o choose_v their_o own_o officer_n or_o ruler_n but_o second_o after_o these_o there_o ensue_v great_a occasion_n of_o great_a variation_n from_o the_o primitive_a institution_n and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o people_n for_o 1._o such_o number_n of_o they_o be_v receive_v into_o a_o relation_n unto_o particular_a church_n as_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o end_n of_o their_o institution_n and_o the_o observance_n of_o the_o communion_n require_v in_o they_o as_o will_v afterward_o appear_v and_o the_o relief_n that_o be_v invent_v for_o this_o inconveniency_n in_o distinct_a convention_n supply_v with_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n from_o the_o first_o church_n or_o by_o state_v title_n do_v alter_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n among_o those_o multitude_n which_o be_v add_v unto_o the_o church_n especial_o in_o the_o four_o century_n many_o if_o not_o the_o most_o do_v come_v short_a inexpressible_o in_o knowledge_n gift_n grace_n holiness_n and_o uprightness_n of_o conversation_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n as_o the_o writer_n of_o that_o age_n complain_v and_o be_v hereby_o uncapable_a of_o walk_v according_a unto_o the_o order_n rule_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o apostolical_a church_n there_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o another_o rule_n of_o other_o way_n and_o mean_n for_o their_o government_n without_o their_o own_o concurrence_n or_o consent_n than_o what_o be_v at_o first_o appoint_v which_o be_v gradual_o introduce_v whence_o the_o original_a of_o a_o multitude_n of_o those_o canon_n which_o be_v arbitrary_o invent_v afterward_o for_o their_o rule_n and_o government_n be_v to_o be_v derive_v and_o it_o may_v be_v make_v to_o appear_v that_o the_o accommodation_n of_o the_o rule_n yea_o and_o of_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o several_a age_n of_o it_o unto_o the_o ignorance_n manner_n and_o inclination_n of_o the_o people_n who_o be_v then_o easy_o win_v unto_o the_o outward_a profession_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v one_o mean_n of_o the_o ruin_n of_o they_o both_o until_o they_o issue_v in_o downright_a tyranny_n and_o idolatry_n but_o much_o more_o of_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o deviation_n of_o the_o church_n from_o their_o primitive_a rule_n and_o order_n be_v to_o be_v ascribe_v unto_o the_o ambition_n and_o love_n of_o pre-eminence_n in_o many_o of_o the_o clergy_n or_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n but_o this_o be_v no_o place_n nor_o season_n to_o manifest_v this_o by_o instance_n beside_o it_o have_v be_v do_v by_o other_o i_o shall_v therefore_o inquire_v only_o into_o one_o or_o two_o thing_n in_o particular_a which_o be_v of_o principal_a consideration_n in_o the_o declension_n of_o the_o church_n from_o their_o primitive_a institution_n order_n and_o rule_n and_o 1._o it_o be_v evident_a that_o there_o be_v a_o alteration_n make_v in_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n as_o to_o its_o officer_n for_o it_o issue_v at_o last_o in_o pope_n patriarch_n cardinal_n metropolitan_a and_o diocesan_n bishop_n who_o be_v utter_o foreign_a unto_o the_o state_n and_o order_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o that_o for_o some_o age_n nor_o be_v these_o officer_n introduce_v into_o the_o church_n at_o one_o or_o in_o one_o age_n nor_o with_o the_o power_n which_o they_o afterward_o claim_v and_o assume_v unto_o themselves_o it_o be_v do_v gradual_o in_o many_o succeed_a age_n work_v by_o a_o design_n to_o accommodate_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n unto_o the_o political_a state_n of_o the_o empire_n in_o the_o distribution_n of_o its_o government_n 2._o the_o beginning_n of_o this_o great_a alteration_n be_v small_a nor_o at_o all_o perceive_v in_o the_o day_n wherein_o they_o be_v first_o act_v nor_o be_v it_o agree_v nor_o as_o far_o as_o i_o see_v will_v it_o ever_o be_v agree_v among_o learned_a man_n when_o first_o a_o disparity_n among_o the_o ordinary_a officer_n of_o the_o church_n in_o order_n degree_n or_o power_n do_v first_o begin_v nor_o by_o what_o mean_v it_o be_v bring_v about_o the_o apostle_n be_v all_o equal_a among_o themselves_o no_o one_o have_v either_o office_n or_o office-power_n above_o other_o so_o be_v all_o the_o ordinary_a bishop_n and_o presbyter_n mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o shall_v be_v prove_v afterward_o no_o intimation_n be_v give_v of_o any_o pre-eminence_n or_o superiority_n among_o they_o of_o one_o over_z other_o yet_o afterward_o in_o the_o three_o and_o four_o century_n much_o of_o that_o nature_n appear_v it_o begin_v to_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o bishop_n and_o elder_n mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o same_o and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n in_o name_n office_n or_o power_n during_o the_o apostle_n time_n which_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o hierome_n and_o our_o author_n seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n p._n 267._o but_o they_o say_v that_o after_o the_o decease_n of_o the_o apostle_n there_o be_v some_o appoint_v to_o succeed_v they_o in_o that_o part_n of_o their_o office_n which_o concern_v the_o rule_n of_o many_o church_n and_o this_o they_o say_v be_v do_v for_o the_o prevention_n of_o schism_n but_o with_o ill_a success_n for_o as_o clemens_n affirm_v that_o the_o apostle_n foresee_v that_o there_o will_v be_v strife_n and_o contention_n about_o episcopacy_n even_o when_o it_o be_v confine_v unto_o its_o original_a order_n because_o of_o the_o ambition_n of_o diotrephes_n and_o other_o like_v he_o so_o it_o become_v much_o more_o the_o cause_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o disorder_n in_o schism_n and_o heresy_n when_o it_o begin_v to_o exalt_v itself_o in_o dignity_n and_o reputation_n the_o first_o express_v attempt_n to_o corrupt_v and_o divide_v a_o church_n make_v from_o within_o itself_o be_v that_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n make_v by_o thebulis_fw-la because_o simon_n cleopas_n be_v choose_v bishop_n and_o he_o be_v refuse_v euseb._n lib._n 4._o cap._n 21._o the_o same_o rise_n have_v the_o schism_n of_o the_o novatian_o and_o donatist_n the_o heresy_n of_o arius_n and_o other_o neither_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n certain_a in_o this_o pretend_a succession_n of_o some_o person_n unto_o the_o apostle_n in_o that_o part_n of_o their_o office_n which_o concern_v the_o rule_n of_o many_o church_n by_o one_o overseer_n no_o intimation_n of_o any_o such_o appointment_n by_o the_o apostle_n or_o any_o of_o they_o no_o record_n of_o the_o concurrence_n of_o the_o church_n themselves_o in_o and_o unto_o this_o alteration_n can_v be_v produce_v nor_o be_v there_o any_o analogy_n between_o the_o extraordinary_a power_n of_o every_o apostle_n over_o all_o church_n and_o care_n for_o they_o and_o the_o ordinary_a power_n of_o a_o bishop_n over_o a_o small_a number_n which_o lot_n or_o accident_n dispose_v unto_o he_o beside_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v no_o instance_n can_v be_v give_v or_o have_v be_v for_o the_o space_n of_o 200_o year_n or_o until_o the_o end_n of_o the_o
the_o church_n since_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n first_o reformer_n or_o those_o that_o follow_v they_o to_o judge_v that_o they_o be_v not_o infallible_a that_o their_o work_n be_v not_o absolute_o perfect_a like_o the_o work_n of_o god_n whereunto_o nothing_o can_v be_v add_v nor_o aught_o take_v away_o wherefore_o 3._o we_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o make_v what_o they_o do_v and_o what_o they_o attain_v unto_o and_o what_o they_o judge_v meet_v as_o unto_o the_o government_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v our_o absolute_a rule_n from_o which_o it_o shall_v be_v our_o sin_n to_o dissent_v or_o depart_v they_o never_o desire_v nor_o design_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o for_o to_o do_v so_o will_v have_v be_v to_o have_v cast_v out_o one_o papacy_n and_o to_o have_v bring_v in_o another_o and_o the_o argument_n of_o the_o papist_n for_o their_o absolute_a adherence_n unto_o the_o man_n of_o their_o veneration_n those_o who_o have_v be_v former_o of_o great_a reputation_n in_o their_o church_n for_o learning_n holiness_n and_o devotion_n be_v as_o forcible_a unto_o they_o as_o any_o can_v be_v unto_o we_o for_o a_o adherence_n unto_o the_o first_o reformer_n in_o all_o thing_n but_o yet_o be_v they_o not_o excuse_v in_o their_o error_n thereby_o have_v we_o receive_v a_o command_n from_o heaven_n to_o hear_v they_o in_o all_o thing_n it_o have_v alter_v the_o case_n but_o this_o we_o have_v receive_v only_o with_o respect_n unto_o jesus_n christ_n and_o shall_v therefore_o in_o these_o thing_n ultimate_o attend_v only_o unto_o what_o he_o speak_v and_o we_o have_v sundry_a consideration_n which_o confirm_v we_o in_o the_o use_n and_o exercise_v of_o that_o liberty_n wherewith_o christ_n have_v make_v we_o free_a to_o inquire_v ourselves_o into_o our_o duty_n in_o these_o thing_n and_o to_o regulate_v our_o duty_n in_o they_o by_o his_o word_n notwithstanding_o what_o be_v do_v by_o our_o first_o reformer_n for_o 1._o they_o do_v not_o think_v themselves_o oblige_v they_o do_v not_o think_v meet_a to_o abide_v within_o the_o bound_n and_o limit_n of_o that_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n which_o have_v be_v attempt_v before_o they_o by_o man_n wise_a learned_a and_o holy_a even_o in_o this_o nation_n such_o be_v that_o which_o be_v endeavour_v by_o wickliff_n and_o his_o follower_n in_o give_v testimony_n whereunto_o many_o suffer_a martyrdom_n and_o prepare_v the_o way_n unto_o those_o that_o be_v to_o come_v after_o they_o approve_v of_o what_o be_v then_o do_v or_o attempt_v to_o be_v do_v for_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o yet_o esteem_v themselves_o at_o liberty_n to_o make_v a_o further_a progress_n in_o the_o same_o work_n which_o they_o do_v according_o sure_o such_o person_n never_o design_v their_o own_o judgement_n and_o practice_n to_o give_v boundary_n unto_o all_o reformation_n for_o evermore_o or_o pretend_v that_o they_o have_v make_v so_o perfect_a a_o discovery_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o thing_n belong_v unto_o the_o rule_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n as_o that_o it_o shall_v not_o only_o be_v vain_a but_o sinful_a to_o make_v any_o far_a inquiry_n about_o it_o some_o think_v they_o be_v come_v unto_o the_o utmost_a limit_n of_o navigation_n and_o discovery_n of_o the_o part_n of_o the_o world_n before_o the_o west-indies_n be_v find_v out_o and_o some_o man_n when_o in_o any_o kind_n they_o know_v as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v be_v apt_a to_o think_v there_o be_v no_o more_o to_o be_v know_v it_o be_v not_o so_o with_o our_o reformer_n 2._o they_o do_v not_o at_o once_o make_v what_o they_o have_v do_v themselves_o to_o be_v a_o fix_a rule_n in_o these_o thing_n for_o themselves_o make_v many_o alteration_n in_o the_o service_n book_n which_o they_o first_o compose_v and_o if_o they_o judge_v not_o their_o first_o endeavour_n to_o be_v satisfactory_a to_o themselves_o they_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o expect_v their_o second_o shall_v be_v a_o stand_a rule_n unto_o all_o future_a age_n nor_o do_v they_o so_o but_o frequent_o acknowledge_v the_o imperfection_n of_o what_o they_o have_v do_v 3._o the_o first_o reformer_n both_o bishop_n and_o other_o both_o those_o who_o undergo_v martyrdom_n at_o home_n and_o those_o who_o live_v in_o exile_n abroad_o differ_v among_o themselves_o in_o their_o judgement_n and_o apprehension_n about_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v now_o under_o concest_n whereas_o they_o perfect_o agree_v in_o all_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o gospel_n obedience_n the_o public_a record_n of_o these_o difference_n do_v so_o remain_v as_o that_o they_o can_v modest_o be_v deny_v nor_o handsome_o cover_v and_o this_o must_v needs_o weaken_v the_o influence_n of_o their_o authority_n in_o the_o settlement_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v a_o act_n only_o of_o the_o prevalent_a party_n among_o they_o 4._o they_o differ_v in_o these_o thing_n from_o all_o other_o reform_a church_n with_o who_o they_o do_v absolute_o agree_v in_o doctrine_n and_o have_v the_o strict_a communion_n in_o faith_n and_o love_n for_o it_o be_v know_v that_o their_o doctrine_n which_o they_o own_v and_o establish_v be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o of_o the_o church_n abroad_o call_v particular_o reform_v in_o distinction_n from_o the_o lutheran_n but_o as_o unto_o the_o state_n rule_n and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n they_o differ_v from_o they_o all_o i_o press_v not_o this_o consideration_n unto_o the_o disadvantage_n of_o what_o they_o attain_v unto_o and_o establish_v in_o the_o way_n of_o reformation_n or_o in_o a_o way_n of_o prefer_v other_o church_n above_o they_o but_o only_o to_o evidence_n that_o we_o have_v reason_n enough_o not_o to_o esteem_v ourselves_o absolute_o oblige_v unto_o what_o they_o do_v and_o determine_v as_o unto_o all_o endeavour_n after_o any_o far_a reformation_n 5._o in_o their_o reformation_n they_o avowed_o propose_v a_o rule_n and_o measure_n unto_o themselves_o which_o be_v both_o uncertain_a and_o in_o many_o thing_n apparent_o various_a from_o the_o original_a rule_n of_o these_o thing_n give_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n with_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o first_o church_n and_o this_o be_v the_o state_n and_o example_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o first_o christian_n emperor_n as_o our_o author_n confess_v this_o rule_n be_v uncertain_a for_o no_o man_n live_v be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o just_a and_o full_a account_n of_o what_o be_v the_o state_n and_o rule_n of_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n in_o the_o reign_n of_o any_o one_o emperor_n much_o less_o during_o the_o succession_n of_o many_o of_o they_o continual_a alteration_n in_o the_o state_n or_o order_n of_o the_o church_n follow_v one_o upon_o another_o and_o that_o in_o those_o day_n there_o be_v a_o prevalent_a deviation_n from_o the_o original_a rule_n of_o church_n order_n have_v be_v before_o declare_v we_o dare_v not_o therefore_o make_v they_o and_o what_o they_o do_v to_o be_v our_o rule_n absolute_o who_o miss_v it_o so_o much_o in_o the_o choice_n of_o their_o own_o 6._o we_o may_v add_v hereunto_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o horrid_a darkness_n which_o they_o new_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o close_a adherence_n of_o some_o traditional_a prejudices_fw-la unto_o the_o best_a of_o man_n in_o such_o a_o condition_n the_o difficulty_n and_o opposition_n they_o meet_v withal_o as_o unto_o their_o whole_a work_n their_o prudence_n as_o they_o judge_v it_o in_o a_o endeavour_n to_o accommodate_v all_o thing_n unto_o the_o inclination_n and_o desire_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n extreme_o immerse_v in_o their_o old_a tradition_n which_o may_v not_o be_v destructive_a unto_o their_o salvation_n in_o heresy_n or_o idolatry_n all_o which_o can_v not_o but_o leave_v some_o mark_n of_o imperfection_n on_o their_o whole_a work_n of_o reformation_n upon_o these_o and_o the_o like_a consideration_n it_o be_v that_o we_o be_v enforce_v to_o assert_v the_o use_n of_o our_o own_o liberty_n light_n and_o understanding_n in_o the_o inquire_v after_o and_o compliance_n with_o the_o true_a original_a state_n and_o order_n of_o evangelical_n church_n with_o our_o duty_n in_o reference_n thereunto_o and_o not_o to_o be_v absolute_o confine_v unto_o what_o be_v judge_v meet_a and_o practise_v in_o these_o thing_n by_o the_o first_o reformer_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v if_o present_a interest_n and_o advantage_n do_v not_o prevail_v with_o man_n to_o fix_v the_o bound_n of_o all_o church_n reformation_n in_o what_o be_v by_o they_o attain_v and_o establish_v they_o will_v think_v it_o themselves_o a_o papal_a bondage_n to_o be_v bind_v up_o absolute_o unto_o their_o apprehension_n from_o a_o confinement_n whereunto_o in_o sundry_a other_o thing_n they_o declare_v themselves_o to_o be_v at_o a_o absolute_a liberty_n wherefore_o neither_o we_o nor_o our_o cause_n
be_v make_v member_n of_o this_o church_n by_o a_o act_n of_o parliament_n for_o their_o naturalisation_n and_o no_o otherwise_o 3._o that_o we_o separate_v from_o this_o church_n in_o thing_n wherein_o we_o be_v oblige_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n to_o hold_v communion_n with_o it_o which_o neither_o be_v nor_o will_v ever_o be_v prove_v nor_o be_v it_o endeavour_v so_o to_o be_v by_o any_o instance_n in_o this_o treatise_n 4._o that_o to_o withhold_v communion_n from_o parochial_a assembly_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n as_o unto_o thing_n confess_o not_o of_o divine_a institution_n be_v schism_n that_o kind_n of_o schism_n which_o be_v condemn_v by_o the_o ancient_a writer_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o these_o and_o the_o like_a supposition_n it_o be_v no_o uneasy_a thing_n to_o make_v vehement_a declamation_n against_o we_o and_o severe_a reflection_n on_o we_o all_o be_v schism_n and_o schismatic_n and_o all_o of_o the_o same_o kind_n with_o what_o be_v write_v against_o by_o cyprian_a and_o austin_n and_o other_o a_o great_a many_o but_o the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o controversy_n between_o he_o and_o we_o be_v this_o and_o no_o other_o namely_o whether_o a_o dissent_n in_o and_o forbearance_n from_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n in_o their_o state_n and_o kind_a not_o of_o divine_a institution_n or_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v not_o of_o divine_a institution_n and_o from_o thing_n in_o other_o church_n that_o have_v no_o such_o divine_a institution_n nor_o any_o scriptural_a authority_n to_o oblige_v we_o unto_o their_o observance_n be_v to_o be_v esteem_v schism_n in_o they_o who_o maintain_v and_o profess_o avow_v communion_n in_o faith_n and_o love_n with_o all_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o world_n this_o be_v the_o whole_a of_o what_o we_o be_v concern_v in_o which_o where_o it_o be_v speak_v unto_o it_o shall_v be_v consider_v but_o because_o there_o be_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n certain_a person_n who_o on_o arbitrary_a principle_n of_o their_o own_o consist_v for_o the_o most_o part_n in_o gross_a and_o palpable_a error_n which_o they_o will_v have_v impose_v on_o all_o other_o do_v separate_v from_o the_o catholic_n church_n that_o be_v all_o other_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n and_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n condemn_v they_o as_o no_o church_n allow_v not_o the_o administration_n of_o sacrament_n unto_o they_o nor_o salvation_n unto_o their_o member_n who_o the_o ancient_a church_n condemn_v with_o great_a severity_n and_o that_o just_o as_o guilty_a of_o schism_n their_o judgement_n their_o word_n and_o expression_n be_v apply_v unto_o we_o who_o be_v no_o way_n concern_v in_o what_o they_o speak_v of_o or_o unto_o we_o be_v not_o therefore_o in_o the_o least_o terrify_v with_o what_o be_v allege_v out_o of_o the_o ancient_n about_o schism_n no_o more_o than_o he_o be_v when_o the_o same_o instance_n the_o same_o authority_n the_o same_o quotation_n be_v make_v use_n of_o by_o the_o papist_n against_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o they_o be_v continual_o for_o as_o be_v say_v we_o know_v that_o we_o be_v no_o way_n concern_v in_o they_o and_o suppose_v that_o all_o that_o the_o dr._n allege_v against_o we_o be_v true_a and_o that_o we_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n in_o all_o that_o be_v charge_v on_o we_o yet_o i_o dare_v refer_v it_o to_o the_o dr._n himself_o to_o determine_v whether_o it_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o what_o be_v charge_v on_o they_o who_o make_v schism_n in_o the_o church_n of_o old_a i_o suppose_v i_o guess_v well_o enough_o what_o he_o will_v say_v to_o secure_v his_o charge_n and_o it_o shall_v be_v consider_v where_o it_o be_v speak_v but_o as_o be_v say_v the_o great_a and_o only_a design_n of_o the_o author_n of_o this_o book_n be_v to_o prove_v all_o nonconformist_n to_o be_v schismatic_n or_o guilty_a of_o the_o sin_n of_o schism_n how_o he_o have_v succeed_v in_o this_o attempt_n shall_v be_v afterward_o consider_v and_o something_o i_o have_v speak_v in_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n concern_v the_o nature_n of_o schism_n which_o will_v manifest_v how_o little_o we_o be_v concern_v in_o this_o charge_n but_o yet_o it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o in_o this_o place_n to_o mind_n both_o he_o and_o other_o of_o some_o of_o those_o principle_n whereon_o we_o ground_n our_o justification_n in_o this_o matter_n that_o it_o may_v be_v know_v what_o they_o must_v further_o overthrow_v and_o what_o they_o must_v establish_v who_o shall_v persist_v in_o the_o mannagement_n of_o this_o charge_n that_o be_v indeed_o through_o want_n of_o love_n in_o a_o design_n to_o heighten_v and_o perpetuate_v our_o division_n and_o the_o first_o of_o these_o principle_n be_v that_o there_o be_v a_o rule_n prescribe_v by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n unto_o all_o church_n and_o believer_n in_o a_o due_a attendance_n whereunto_o all_o the_o unity_n and_o peace_n which_o he_o require_v among_o his_o disciple_n do_v consist_v we_o acknowledge_v this_o to_o be_v our_o fundamental_a principle_n nor_o can_v the_o rhetoric_n or_o argument_n of_o any_o man_n affect_v our_o conscience_n with_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o gild_n of_o schism_n until_o one_o of_o these_o thing_n be_v prove_v namely_o either_o first_o that_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v give_v no_o such_o rule_n as_o in_o the_o observance_n whereof_o peace_n and_o unity_n may_v be_v preserve_v in_o his_o church_n or_o second_o that_o we_o refuse_v a_o compliance_n with_o that_o rule_n in_o some_o one_o instance_n or_o other_o of_o what_o therein_o he_o have_v himself_o appoint_v unless_o one_o or_o the_o other_o be_v prove_v and_o that_o strict_o and_o direct_o not_o pretend_v so_o to_o be_v by_o perpetual_a diversion_n from_o the_o thing_n in_o question_n no_o vehement_a assertion_n of_o any_o of_o we_o to_o be_v schismatic_n nor_o aggravation_n of_o the_o gild_n of_o schism_n will_v signify_v any_o thing_n in_o this_o cause_n but_o that_o our_o principle_n herein_o be_v according_a unto_o truth_n we_o be_v full_o persuade_v there_o be_v a_o rule_n of_o christ_n give_v which_o whosoever_o walk_v according_a unto_o peace_n shall_v be_v on_o they_o and_o mercy_n as_o on_o the_o whole_a israel_n of_o god_n gal._n 6.16_o and_o we_o desire_v no_o more_o no_o more_o be_v needful_a unto_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o this_o rule_n whatever_o it_o be_v be_v of_o his_o give_v and_o appointment_n no_o rule_n of_o man_n invention_n or_o imposition_n can_v by_o its_o observance_n secure_v we_o of_o a_o interest_n in_o that_o peace_n and_o mercy_n which_o be_v peculiar_a unto_o the_o israel_n of_o god_n god_n forbid_v we_o shall_v entertain_v any_o such_o imagination_n we_o know_v well_o enough_o man_n may_v be_v through_o conformist_n to_o such_o rule_n unto_o who_o as_o unto_o their_o present_a state_n and_o condition_n neither_o peace_n nor_o mercy_n do_v belong_v for_o there_o be_v no_o peace_n to_o the_o wicked_a he_o who_o have_v direct_v and_o command_v the_o end_n of_o church_n unity_n and_o peace_n have_v also_o appoint_v the_o mean_n and_o measure_n of_o they_o nothing_o be_v more_o disagreeable_a unto_o nothing_o more_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o wisdom_n care_n and_o love_n of_o christ_n unto_o his_o church_n than_o a_o imagination_n that_o whereas_o he_o strict_o enjoin_v peace_n and_o unity_n in_o his_o church_n he_o have_v not_o himself_o appoint_v the_o rule_n bound_n and_o measure_n of_o they_o but_o leave_v it_o unto_o the_o will_n and_o discretion_n of_o men._n as_o if_o his_o command_n unto_o his_o disciple_n have_v be_v keep_v peace_n and_o unity_n in_o the_o church_n by_o do_v and_o observe_v whatever_o some_o man_n under_o a_o pretence_n of_o be_v the_o guide_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v make_v necessary_a unto_o that_o end_n whereas_o it_o be_v plain_o otherwise_o namely_o that_o we_o shall_v so_o keep_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n by_o do_v and_o observe_v all_o whatever_o that_o he_o command_v we_o and_o beside_o we_o strict_o require_v that_o some_o one_o instance_n be_v give_v we_o of_o a_o defect_n in_o the_o rule_n give_v by_o christ_n himself_o which_o must_v be_v supply_v by_o humane_a addition_n to_o render_v it_o complete_a for_o the_o end_n of_o church_n peace_n and_o unity_n in_o vain_a have_v we_o desire_v in_o vain_a may_v we_o for_o ever_o expect_v any_o instance_n of_o that_o kind_n this_o principle_n we_o shall_v not_o be_v easy_o dispossess_v of_o and_o whilst_o we_o be_v under_o the_o protection_n of_o it_o we_o have_v a_o safe_a retreat_n and_o shelter_n from_o the_o most_o vehement_a accusation_n of_o schism_n for_o a_o noncompliance_n with_o a_o rule_n none_o of_o he_o different_a from_o he_o and_o in_o some_o thing_n contrary_a unto_o he_o for_o the_o
the_o outward_a calamity_n that_o befall_v the_o nation_n nor_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o people_n can_v destroy_v this_o church-state_n but_o it_o continue_v its_o right_n and_o exercise_v unto_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o if_o there_o be_v not_o cause_n and_o mean_n of_o the_o infallible_a continuance_n of_o the_o gospel_n church-state_n unto_o the_o consummation_n of_o all_o thing_n the_o time_n express_o allot_v unto_o their_o continuance_n then_o be_v the_o work_n of_o moses_n more_o honourable_a more_o powerful_a and_o effectual_a in_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church-state_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n than_o that_o of_o christ_n in_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o new_a for_o that_o work_n and_o those_o institution_n which_o have_v a_o efficacy_n in_o they_o for_o their_o own_o infallible_a continuation_n and_o of_o the_o church_n thereby_o throughout_o all_o generation_n must_v be_v more_o noble_a and_o honourable_a than_o those_o which_o can_v secure_v their_o own_o continuance_n nor_o the_o be_v and_o state_n of_o the_o church_n thereon_o depend_v nothing_o can_v be_v more_o derogatory_n unto_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o power_n of_o christ_n nor_o of_o his_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n than_o such_o a_o imagination_n we_o shall_v therefore_o inquire_v into_o the_o cause_n and_o mean_n of_o the_o continuation_n of_o this_o church-state_n and_o therein_o show_v the_o certainty_n of_o it_o as_o also_o disprove_v that_o which_o by_o some_o be_v pretend_v as_o the_o only_a mean_n thereof_o when_o indeed_o it_o be_v the_o principal_a argument_n against_o their_o perpetual_a continuation_n that_o can_v be_v make_v use_n of_o 1._o the_o essence_n and_o nature_n of_o the_o church_n institute_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v always_o the_o same_o from_o the_o beginning_n that_o it_o continue_v still_o to_o be_v but_o as_o unto_o its_o outward_a form_n and_o order_n it_o have_v a_o double_a state_n and_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o so_o it_o shall_v have_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o for_o 1_o the_o church_n may_v be_v consider_v in_o its_o relation_n unto_o those_o extraordinary_a officer_n or_o ruler_n who_o office_n and_o power_n be_v antecedent_n unto_o the_o church_n as_o that_o by_o virtue_n whereof_o it_o be_v to_o be_v call_v and_o erect_v 2_o with_o respect_n unto_o ordinary_a officer_n unto_o who_o office_n and_o power_n the_o church_n essential_o consider_v be_v antecedent_n for_o their_o whole_a work_n and_o duty_n as_o such_o be_v conversant_a about_o the_o church_n and_o the_o object_n be_v antecedent_n unto_o all_o act_n about_o it_o the_o first_o state_n be_v cease_v nor_o can_v it_o be_v continue_v for_o these_o officer_n be_v constitute_v 1_o by_o a_o immediate_a call_n from_o christ_n as_o be_v paul_n gal._n 1.1_o 2._o which_o none_o now_o be_v nor_o have_v be_v since_o the_o decease_n of_o they_o who_o be_v so_o call_v at_o first_o 2_o by_o extraordinary_a gift_n and_o power_n which_o christ_n do_v not_o continue_v to_o communicate_v 3_o by_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o infallible_a guidance_n both_o in_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o appoint_v thing_n necessary_a in_o the_o church_n which_o none_o now_o pretend_v unto_o 4_o by_o extensive_a commission_n give_v they_o power_n towards_o all_o the_o world_n for_o their_o conversion_n and_o over_o all_o church_n for_o their_o edification_n of_o these_o officer_n in_o their_o distinction_n into_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n with_o their_o call_n gift_n power_n and_o work_v i_o have_v treat_v at_o large_a in_o my_o discourse_n of_o spiritual_a gift_n the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o church_n with_o respect_n unto_o they_o be_v utter_o cease_v and_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o vain_a than_o to_o pretend_v any_o succession_n unto_o they_o in_o the_o whole_a or_o any_o part_n of_o their_o office_n unless_o man_n can_v justify_v their_o claim_n unto_o it_o by_o any_o or_o all_o of_o these_o thing_n which_o concur_v unto_o it_o in_o the_o apostle_n which_o they_o can_v do_v but_o it_o do_v not_o hence_o follow_v that_o the_o church_n state_n institute_v by_o christ_n do_v fail_v thereon_o or_o do_v now_o so_o fail_v because_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o these_o apostle_n shall_v have_v any_o successor_n in_o their_o office_n or_o the_o discharge_v of_o it_o for_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o lord_n christ_n the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v continue_v under_o ordinary_a officer_n without_o the_o call_v gift_n or_o power_n of_o the_o other_o that_o be_v to_o cease_v under_o these_o the_o church_n state_n be_v no_o less_o divine_a than_o under_o the_o former_a for_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n in_o it_o 1_o that_o the_o office_n themselves_o be_v of_o the_o appointment_n of_o christ_n and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o so_o we_o confess_v the_o divine_a right_n of_o the_o church-state_n will_v have_v cease_v the_o office_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n be_v to_o cease_v as_o have_v be_v declare_v and_o it_o do_v cease_v actual_o in_o that_o christ_n after_o they_o do_v call_v no_o more_o unto_o that_o office_n nor_o provide_v any_o way_n or_o means_n whereby_o any_o one_o shall_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o it_o and_o for_o any_o to_o pretend_v a_o succession_n in_o office_n or_o any_o part_n of_o their_o office_n without_o any_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o do_v constitute_v it_o be_v extreme_a presumption_n it_o be_v therefore_o grant_v that_o if_o there_o be_v not_o other_o office_n appoint_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n it_o have_v not_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o man_n to_o make_v or_o appoint_v any_o unto_o that_o purpose_n and_o the_o church-state_n itself_o must_v have_v cease_v but_o this_o he_o have_v do_v eph._n 4.11_o 12._o 1_o cor._n 12.28_o 2_o that_o person_n be_v to_o be_v interest_v in_o these_o office_n according_a unto_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n by_o he_o prescribe_v which_o be_v not_o such_o as_o depend_v on_o his_o own_o immediate_a extraordinary_a act_n as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o former_a sort_n but_o such_o as_o consist_v in_o the_o church_n act_v according_a to_o his_o law_n and_o in_o obedience_n unto_o his_o command_n this_o church-state_n be_v appoint_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o christ._n the_o direction_n which_o he_o give_v in_o his_o own_o person_n for_o address_n unto_o the_o church_n in_o case_n of_o scandal_n which_o be_v a_o oblige_a institution_n for_o all_o age_n mat._n 18.17_o 18_o 19_o 20._o prove_v that_o he_o have_v appoint_v a_o church-state_n that_o shall_v abide_v through_o they_o all_o and_o when_o there_o be_v a_o church_n plant_v at_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v not_o only_a apostle_n in_o it_o according_a to_o its_o first_o state_n but_o elder_n also_o which_o respect_v its_o second_o state_n that_o be_v approach_v act._n 15.23_o the_o apostle_n be_v in_o office_n before_o that_o church_n state_n the_o elder_n ordain_v in_o it_o so_o chap._n 11.30_o and_o the_o apostle_n ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o church_n act._n 14.23_o tit._n 1.5_o 1_o tim._n 5.17_o who_o they_o affirm_v to_o be_v make_v so_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n act._n 20.28_o the_o church_n to_o who_o the_o apostle_n paul_n write_v his_o epistle_n be_v such_o all_o of_o they_o under_o the_o rule_n of_o ordinary_a officer_n phil_n 1.1_o rule_n and_o law_n be_v give_v for_o their_o ordination_n in_o all_o age_n tit._n 1._o 1_o tim._n 3._o and_o the_o lord_n christ_n treat_v from_o heaven_n with_o his_o church_n in_o this_o state_n and_o order_n rev._n one_a 2d_o 3d._n he_o have_v promise_v his_o presence_n with_o they_o unto_o the_o consummation_n of_o all_o thing_n mat._n 28.20_o chap._n 18.20_o and_o assign_v they_o their_o duty_n until_o his_o second_o come_v 1_o cor._n 11.26_o with_o other_o evidence_n of_o the_o same_o truth_n innumerable_a our_o enquiry_n therefore_o be_v whereon_o the_o continuation_n of_o this_o church-state_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n do_v depend_v what_o be_v the_o cause_n what_o be_v the_o mean_n of_o it_o whence_o it_o become_v infallible_a and_o necessary_a i_o must_v only_o premise_v that_o our_o present_a consideration_n be_v not_o so_o much_o de_fw-mi facto_fw-la as_o unto_o what_o have_v fall_v out_o in_o the_o world_n unto_o our_o knowledge_n and_o observation_n but_o de_fw-la jure_fw-la or_o of_o a_o right_n unto_o this_o continuation_n and_o this_o be_v such_o as_o make_v it_o not_o only_o lawful_a for_o such_o a_o church-state_n to_o be_v but_o require_v also_o from_o all_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n in_o a_o way_n of_o duty_n that_o it_o be_v always_o in_o actual_a existence_n hereby_o there_o be_v a_o warrant_v give_v unto_o all_o believer_n at_o all_o time_n to_o gather_v themselves_o into_o such_o a_o church-state_n and_o a_o duty_n impose_v on_o they_o so_o
to_o do_v the_o reason_n and_o cause_n appoint_v and_o secure_v this_o continuation_n be_v of_o various_a sort_n the_o principal_a whereof_o be_v these_o that_o follow_v 1._o the_o supreme_a cause_n hereof_o be_v the_o father_n grant_v of_o a_o perpetual_a kingdom_n in_o this_o world_n unto_o jesus_n christ_n the_o mediator_n and_o head_n of_o the_o church_n psal._n 72.5_o 7_o 15_o 16_o 17._o isa_n 9.7_o zech._n 6.13_o this_o grant_n of_o the_o father_n our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n plead_v as_o his_o warranty_n for_o the_o foundation_n and_o continuation_n of_o the_o church_n mat._n 28_o 17_o 18_o 19_o 20._o this_o everlasting_a kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n give_v he_o by_o the_o irrevocable_a grant_n of_o the_o father_n may_v be_v consider_v three_o way_n 1_o as_o unto_o the_o real_a subject_n of_o it_o true_a believer_n which_o be_v the_o object_n of_o the_o internal_a spiritual_a power_n and_o rule_n of_o christ._n of_o these_o it_o be_v necessary_a by_o virtue_n of_o this_o grant_n and_o divine_a constitution_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n that_o in_o every_o age_n there_o shall_v be_v some_o in_o the_o world_n and_o those_o perhaps_o no_o small_a multitude_n but_o such_o as_o the_o internal_a rule_n over_o they_o may_v be_v right_o and_o honourable_o term_v a_o kingdom_n for_o as_o that_o which_o formal_o make_v they_o such_o subject_n of_o christ_n give_v they_o no_o outward_a appearance_n or_o visibility_n so_o if_o in_o a_o time_n of_o the_o universal_a prevalency_n of_o idolatry_n there_o be_v seven_o thousand_o of_o these_o in_o the_o small_a kingdom_n of_o israel_n undiscerned_a and_o invisible_a unto_o the_o most_o eagle-eyed_a prophet_n who_o live_v in_o their_o day_n what_o number_n may_v we_o just_o suppose_v to_o have_v be_v within_o the_o limit_n of_o christ_n dominion_n which_o be_v the_o whole_a world_n in_o the_o worst_a dark_a most_o profligate_v and_o idolatrous_a time_n that_o have_v pass_v over_o the_o earth_n since_o the_o first_o erection_n of_o this_o kingdom_n this_o therefore_o be_v a_o fundamental_a article_n of_o our_o faith_n that_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o grant_n of_o the_o father_n christ_n ever_o have_v have_v and_o will_v have_v in_o all_o age_n some_o yea_o a_o multitude_n that_o be_v the_o true_a real_a spiritual_a subject_n of_o his_o kingdom_n neither_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n nor_o the_o rage_n or_o fury_n of_o the_o world_n nor_o the_o accurse_a apostasy_n of_o many_o or_o of_o all_o visible_a church_n from_o the_o purity_n and_o holiness_n of_o his_o law_n can_v hinder_v but_o that_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o sense_n must_v have_v a_o perpetual_a continuation_n in_o this_o world_n mat._n 16.18_o 2._o it_o may_v be_v consider_v with_o respect_n unto_o the_o outward_a visible_a profession_n of_o subjection_n and_o obedience_n unto_o he_o and_o the_o observation_n of_o his_o law_n this_o also_o belong_v unto_o the_o kingdom_n grant_v he_o of_o his_o father_n he_o be_v to_o have_v a_o kingdom_n in_o this_o world_n though_o it_o be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n he_o be_v to_o have_v it_o not_o only_o as_o unto_o its_o be_v but_o as_o unto_o its_o glory_n the_o world_n and_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n therein_o be_v to_o see_v and_o know_v that_o he_o have_v still_o a_o kingdom_n and_o a_o multitude_n of_o subject_n depend_v on_o his_o rule_n see_v the_o constitution_n of_o it_o dan._n 7.13_o 14._o wherefore_o it_o be_v from_o hence_o indispensible_o and_o absolute_o necessary_a that_o there_o shall_v at_o all_o time_n and_o in_o all_o age_n be_v ever_o a_o innumerable_a multitude_n of_o they_o who_o open_o profess_v faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o subjection_n of_o conscience_n unto_o his_o law_n and_o command_n so_o it_o have_v always_o be_v so_o it_o be_v and_o shall_v for_o ever_o be_v in_o this_o world_n and_o those_o who_o will_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n confine_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o notion_n of_o it_o unto_o any_o one_o church_n fall_v under_o a_o particular_a denomination_n as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o may_v utter_o fail_v or_o be_v ready_a on_o the_o other_o hand_n upon_o the_o suppose_a or_o real_a error_n or_o miscarriage_n of_o they_o or_o any_o of_o they_o who_o make_v this_o profession_n to_o cast_v they_o out_o of_o their_o thought_n and_o affection_n as_o those_o who_o belong_v not_o unto_o the_o kingdom_n or_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o only_o injurious_a unto_o they_o but_o enemy_n unto_o the_o glory_n and_o honour_n of_o christ._n 3._o this_o grant_n of_o the_o father_n may_v be_v consider_v with_o respect_n unto_o particular_a church_n or_o congregation_n and_o the_o end_n of_o these_o church_n be_v twofold_a 1_o that_o believer_n as_o they_o be_v internal_a spiritual_a real_a subject_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n may_v together_o act_v that_o faith_n and_o those_o grace_n whereby_o they_o be_v so_o unto_o his_o glory_n i_o say_v it_o be_v that_o true_a believer_n may_v together_o and_o in_o society_n act_n all_o those_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n wherein_o both_o as_o unto_o faculty_n and_o exercise_n their_o internal_a spiritual_a subjection_n unto_o christ_n do_v consist_v and_o as_o this_o be_v that_o whereby_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o world_n do_v most_o eminent_o consist_v namely_o in_o the_o joint_a exercise_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o love_n of_o true_a believer_n so_o it_o be_v a_o principal_a mean_n of_o the_o increase_n and_o augmentation_n of_o those_o grace_n in_o themselves_o or_o their_o spiritual_a edification_n and_o from_o this_o especial_a end_n of_o these_o church_n it_o follow_v that_o those_o who_o be_v member_n of_o they_o or_o belong_v to_o they_o aught_o to_o be_v saint_n by_o calling_n or_o such_o as_o be_v endue_v with_o those_o spiritual_a principle_n and_o grace_n in_o who_o exercise_n christ_n be_v to_o be_v glorify_v and_o where_o they_o be_v not_o so_o the_o principal_a end_n of_o their_o constitution_n be_v lose_v so_o be_v those_o church_n to_o be_v make_v up_o fundamental_o and_o material_o of_o those_o who_o in_o their_o single_a capacity_n be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n invisible_a 2_o their_o second_o end_n be_v that_o those_o who_o belong_v unto_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n under_o the_o second_o consideration_n as_o visible_o profess_v subjection_n unto_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n and_o faith_n in_o he_o may_v express_v that_o subjection_n in_o act_n and_o duty_n of_o his_o worship_n in_o the_o observance_n of_o his_o law_n and_o command_n according_a unto_o his_o mind_n and_o will._n for_o this_o alone_a can_v be_v do_v in_o particular_a church_n be_v they_o of_o what_o sort_n they_o will_v whereof_o we_o shall_v speak_v afterward_o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o it_o belong_v unto_o the_o foundation_n of_o these_o particular_a church_n that_o those_o who_o join_v in_o they_o do_v it_o on_o a_o public_a profession_n of_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o obedience_n unto_o he_o without_o which_o this_o end_n of_o they_o also_o be_v lose_v those_o i_o say_v who_o make_v a_o visible_a profession_n of_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o subjection_n unto_o he_o have_v no_o way_n to_o express_v it_o regular_o and_o according_a to_o his_o mind_n but_o in_o these_o particular_a church_n wherein_o alone_o those_o commandment_n of_o he_o in_o who_o observance_n our_o profession_n consist_v do_v take_v place_n be_v such_o society_n as_o wherein_o the_o solemn_a duty_n of_o his_o worship_n be_v perform_v and_o his_o rule_n or_o discipline_n be_v exercise_v wherefore_o this_o state_n of_o the_o church_n also_o without_o which_o both_o the_o other_o be_v imperfect_a belong_v unto_o the_o grant_n of_o the_o father_n whereby_o a_o perpetual_a continuation_n of_o it_o be_v secure_v nor_o be_v it_o of_o any_o weight_n to_o object_n that_o such_o have_v be_v the_o alteration_n of_o the_o state_n of_o all_o church_n in_o the_o world_n such_o the_o visible_a apostasy_n of_o many_o of_o they_o unto_o false_a worship_n and_o idolatry_n and_o of_o other_o into_o a_o worldly_a carnal_a conversation_n with_o vain_a tradition_n innumerable_a that_o it_o can_v be_v apprehend_v where_o there_o be_v any_o true_a church_n of_o this_o kind_n preserve_v and_o continue_v but_o that_o there_o be_v a_o actual_a intercision_n of_o they_o all_o for_o i_o answer_v 1_o no_o individual_a man_n nay_o no_o company_n of_o man_n that_o come_v together_o can_v give_v a_o certain_a account_n of_o what_o be_v do_v in_o all_o the_o world_n and_o every_o place_n of_o it_o where_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n be_v profess_v so_o as_o that_o what_o be_v affirm_v of_o the_o state_n of_o all_o church_n universal_o be_v mere_a conjecture_n and_o surmise_v 2_o there_o be_v so_o great_a a_o readiness_n in_o most_o to_o judge_v the_o
church_n for_o their_o work_n be_v to_o call_v gather_v and_o erect_v it_o out_o of_o the_o world_n but_o no_o ordinary_a officer_n can_v be_v or_o ever_o be_v ordain_v but_o to_o a_o church_n in_o be_v some_o say_v they_o be_v ordain_v unto_o the_o universal_a visible_a church_n of_o professor_n some_o unto_o the_o particular_a church_n wherein_o their_o work_n do_v lie_v but_o all_o grant_n that_o the_o church-state_n whereunto_o they_o be_v ordain_v be_v antecedent_n unto_o their_o ordination_n the_o lord_n christ_n can_v and_o do_v ordain_v apostle_n and_o evangelist_n when_o there_o be_v yet_o no_o gospel_n church_n for_o they_o be_v to_o be_v the_o instrument_n of_o its_o call_v and_o erection_n but_o the_o apostle_n neither_o do_v nor_o can_v ordain_v any_o ordinary_a officer_n until_o there_o be_v a_o church_n or_o church_n with_o respect_n whereunto_o they_o shall_v be_v ordain_v it_o be_v therefore_o high_o absurd_a to_o ascribe_v the_o continuation_n of_o the_o church_n unto_o the_o successive_a ordination_n of_o officer_n if_o any_o such_o thing_n there_o be_v see_v this_o successive_a ordination_n of_o officer_n depend_v sole_o on_o the_o continuation_n of_o the_o church_n if_o that_o be_v not_o secure_v on_o other_o foundation_n this_o successive_a ordination_n will_v quick_o tumble_v into_o dust_n yea_o this_o successive_a ordination_n be_v there_o any_o such_o thing_n appoint_v must_v be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o and_o so_o can_v be_v the_o mean_n of_o communicate_v church_n power_n unto_o other_o a_o successive_a ordination_n in_o some_o sense_n may_v be_v grant_v namely_o that_o when_o those_o who_o be_v ordain_v officer_n in_o any_o church_n do_v die_v that_o other_o be_v ordain_v in_o their_o stead_n but_o this_o be_v by_o a_o act_n of_o power_n in_o the_o church_n itself_o as_o we_o shall_v manifest_v afterward_o 2._o not_o to_o treat_v of_o papal_a succession_n the_o limit_v of_o this_o successive_a ordination_n as_o the_o only_a way_n and_o mean_n of_o communicate_v church_n power_n and_o so_o of_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o church-state_n unto_o diocesan_n prelate_n or_o bishop_n be_v build_v on_o so_o many_o inevident_a presumption_n and_o false_a principle_n as_o will_v leave_v it_o altogether_o uncertain_a whether_o there_o be_v any_o church-state_n in_o the_o world_n or_o no._n as_o 1_o that_o such_o bishop_n be_v ordain_v by_o the_o apostle_n which_o can_v never_o be_v prove_v 2_o that_o they_o receive_v power_n from_o the_o apostle_n to_o ordain_v other_o and_o communicate_v their_o whole_a power_n unto_o they_o by_o a_o authority_n inherent_a in_o themselves_o alone_o yet_o still_o reserve_v their_o whole_a power_n unto_o themselves_o also_o give_v all_o and_o retain_v all_o at_o the_o same_o time_n which_o have_v no_o more_o of_o truth_n than_o the_o former_a and_o may_v be_v easy_o disprove_v 3_o that_o they_o never_o do_v nor_o can_v any_o of_o they_o forfeit_v this_o power_n by_o any_o crime_n or_o error_n so_o as_o to_o render_v their_o ordination_n invalid_a and_o interrupt_v the_o succession_n pretend_v 4_o that_o they_o all_o ordain_v other_o in_o such_o manner_n and_o way_n as_o to_o render_v their_o ordination_n valid_a whereas_o multitude_n be_v never_o agree_v what_o be_v require_v thereunto_o 5_o that_o whatever_o heresy_n idolatry_n flagitiousness_n of_o life_n persecution_n of_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n these_o prelatical_a ordainer_n may_v fall_v into_o by_o whatever_o art_n simoniacal_a practice_n or_o false_a pretence_n unto_o what_o be_v not_o they_o come_v themselves_o into_o their_o office_n yet_o nothing_o can_v deprive_v they_o of_o their_o right_n of_o communicate_v all_o church_n power_n unto_o other_o by_o ordination_n 6_o that_o person_n so_o ordain_v whether_o they_o have_v any_o call_v from_o the_o church_n or_o no_o whether_o they_o have_v any_o of_o the_o qualification_n require_v by_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o scripture_n to_o make_v they_o capable_a of_o any_o office_n in_o the_o church_n or_o have_v receive_v any_o spiritual_a gift_n from_o christ_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o office_n and_o discharge_v of_o their_o duty_n whether_o they_o have_v any_o design_n or_o no_o to_o pursue_v the_o end_n of_o that_o office_n which_o they_o take_v upon_o they_o yet_o all_o be_v one_o be_v any_o way_n prelatical_o ordain_v bishop_n they_o may_v ordain_v other_o and_o so_o the_o successive_a ordination_n be_v preserve_v and_o what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o take_v the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n to_o give_v law_n unto_o he_o to_o follow_v with_o his_o approbation_n the_o act_n of_o man_n beside_o and_o contrary_a to_o his_o law_n and_o institution_n and_o to_o make_v application_n of_o his_o promise_n unto_o the_o vile_a of_o man_n whether_o he_o will_v or_o no._n 7_o that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o believer_n or_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n to_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o his_o command_n without_o this_o episcopal_a ordination_n which_o many_o church_n can_v have_v and_o more_o will_v not_o as_o judge_v it_o against_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o christ._n 8_o that_o one_o worldly_a ignorant_n proud_a sensual_a beast_n such_o as_o some_o of_o the_o head_n of_o this_o successive_a ordination_n as_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n have_v be_v shall_v have_v more_o power_n and_o authority_n from_o christ_n to_o preserve_v and_o continue_v a_o church-state_n by_o ordination_n than_o any_o the_o most_o holy_a church_n in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v or_o can_v be_v gather_v according_a to_o his_o mind_n with_o other_o unwarrantable_a presumption_n innumerable_a 3._o the_o pernicious_a consequence_n that_o may_v ensue_v on_o this_o principle_n do_v manifest_a its_o inconsistency_n with_o what_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v ordain_v unto_o this_o end_n of_o the_o continuation_n of_o his_o church_n i_o need_v not_o reckon_v they_o upon_o the_o sure_a probability_n there_o be_v no_o room_n leave_v for_o fear_n of_o what_o may_v follow_v hereon_o by_o what_o have_v already_o do_v so_o if_o we_o consider_v whither_o this_o successive_a ordination_n have_v already_o lead_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o church_n we_o may_v easy_o judge_v what_o it_o be_v meet_v for_o it_o have_v i_o say_v lead_v man_n for_o instance_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n into_o a_o presumption_n of_o a_o good_a church-state_n in_o the_o loss_n of_o holiness_n and_o truth_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o false_a worship_n and_o idolatry_n in_o the_o persecution_n and_o slaughter_n of_o the_o faithful_a servant_n of_o christ_n unto_o a_o state_n plain_o antichristian_a to_o think_v there_o shall_v be_v a_o flux_n and_o communication_n of_o heavenly_a and_o spiritual_a power_n from_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o and_o by_o the_o hand_n and_o act_n of_o person_n ignorant_a simoniacal_a adulterous_a incestuous_a proud_a ambitious_a sensual_a preside_v in_o a_o church-state_n never_o appoint_v by_o he_o immerse_v in_o false_a and_o idolatrous_a worship_n persecute_v the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n wherein_o be_v the_o true_a succession_n of_o apostolical_a doctrine_n and_o holiness_n be_v a_o imagination_n for_o man_n who_o embrace_v the_o shadow_n and_o appearance_n of_o thing_n never_o once_o serious_o think_v of_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o they_o in_o brief_a it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o derive_v a_o succession_n whereon_o the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n shall_v depend_v through_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n with_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n who_o for_o a_o 100_o year_n together_o from_o the_o year_n 900_o to_o a_o 1000_o be_v monster_n for_o ignorance_n lust_n pride_n and_o luxury_n as_o baronius_n acknowledge_v a._n d._n 912.5.8_o or_o by_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n by_o samosatenus_fw-la eudoxius_n gnapheus_n severus_n and_o the_o like_a heretic_n or_o in_o constantinople_n by_o macedonius_n eusebius_n demophilus_n anthorinus_n and_o their_o companion_n or_o at_o alexandria_n by_o lucius_n dioscurus_n aelurus_n sergius_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o same_o sort_n 4._o the_o principal_a argument_n whereby_o this_o conceit_n be_v full_o discard_v must_v be_v speak_v unto_o afterward_o and_o this_o be_v the_o due_a consideration_n of_o the_o proper_a subject_n of_o all_o church-power_n unto_o who_o it_o be_v original_o formal_o and_o radical_o give_v and_o grant_v by_o jesus_n christ._n for_o none_o can_v communicate_v this_o power_n unto_o other_o but_o those_o who_o have_v receive_v it_o themselves_o from_o christ_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o law_n and_o institution_n now_o this_o be_v the_o whole_a church_n and_o not_o any_o person_n in_o it_o or_o prelate_n over_o it_o look_v whatever_o constitute_v it_o a_o church_n that_o give_v it_o all_o the_o power_n and_o privilege_n of_o a_o church_n for_o a_o church_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o society_n of_o profess_a believer_n enjoy_v all_o church_n power_n
obedience_n unto_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n in_o its_o integrity_n for_o the_o first_o the_o scripture_n be_v full_a of_o prediction_n all_o confirm_v in_o the_o event_n that_o after_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n there_o shall_v be_v various_a attempt_n to_o wrest_v corrupt_v and_o pervert_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o bring_v in_o pernicious_a error_n and_o heresy_n to_o prevent_v or_o reprove_v and_o remove_v they_o be_v no_o small_a part_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o ministerial_a office_n in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o word_n but_o whereas_o those_o who_o teach_v such_o perverse_a thing_n do_v for_o the_o most_o part_n arise_v at_o first_o in_o the_o church_n themselves_o act._n 20.30_o 2_o pet._n 2.1_o 1_o john_n 2.19_o as_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n be_v appoint_v for_o the_o rebuke_n of_o the_o doctrine_n themselves_o so_o this_o discipline_n be_v ordain_v in_o the_o church_n with_o respect_n unto_o the_o person_n of_o they_o by_o who_o they_o be_v teach_v rev._n 2.2.14_o 20._o 3_o joh._n 8.9_o gal._n 5.12_o and_o so_o also_o it_o be_v with_o respect_n unto_o schism_n and_o division_n that_o may_v fall_v out_o in_o the_o church_n the_o way_n of_o suppress_v thing_n of_o this_o nature_n by_o external_a force_n by_o the_o sword_n of_o magistrate_n in_o prison_n fine_n banishment_n and_o death_n be_v not_o then_o think_v of_o nor_o direct_v unto_o by_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n but_o be_v high_o dishonourable_a unto_o he_o as_o though_o the_o way_n of_o his_o own_o appointment_n be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o the_o preservation_n of_o his_o own_o truth_n but_o that_o his_o disciple_n must_v betake_v themselves_o unto_o the_o secular_a power_n of_o this_o world_n who_o for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v wicked_a profane_a and_o ignorant_a of_o the_o truth_n for_o that_o end_n and_o hereunto_o belong_v the_o preservation_n of_o his_o command_n in_o the_o integrity_n of_o obedience_n for_o he_o appoint_v that_o hereby_o care_n shall_v be_v take_v of_o the_o way_n walking_n and_o conversation_n of_o his_o disciple_n that_o in_o all_o thing_n it_o shall_v be_v such_o as_o become_v the_o gospel_n hence_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o discipline_n he_o ordain_v to_o consist_v in_o exhortation_n admonition_n reproof_n of_o any_o that_o shall_v offend_v in_o thing_n moral_a or_o of_o his_o especial_a institution_n with_o the_o total_a rejection_n of_o they_o be_v obstinate_a in_o their_o offence_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v afterward_o 2._o the_o second_o end_n of_o it_o be_v to_o preserve_v love_n entire_a among_o his_o disciple_n this_o be_v that_o which_o he_o give_v in_o especial_a charge_n unto_o all_o that_o shall_v believe_v in_o his_o name_n take_v the_o command_n of_o it_o to_o be_v his_o own_o in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n and_o declare_v our_o observance_n of_o it_o to_o be_v the_o principal_a pledge_n and_o evidence_n of_o our_o be_v his_o disciple_n for_o although_o mutual_a love_n be_v a_o old_a commandment_n belong_v both_o unto_o the_o moral_a law_n and_o sundry_a injunction_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n yet_o the_o degree_n and_o measure_n of_o it_o the_o way_n and_o duty_n of_o its_o exercise_n the_o motive_n unto_o it_o and_o reason_n for_o it_o be_v whole_o his_o own_o whereby_o it_o become_v a_o new_a commandment_n also_o for_o the_o preservation_n and_o continuance_n of_o this_o love_n which_o he_o lay_v so_o great_a weight_n upon_o be_v this_o discipline_n appoint_v which_o it_o be_v several_a way_n effectual_a towards_o as_o 1_o in_o the_o prevention_n or_o removal_n of_o offence_n that_o may_v arise_v among_o believer_n to_o the_o impeachment_n of_o it_o matth._n 18.15_o 16_o 17_o 2_o in_o that_o watch_n over_o each_o other_o with_o mutual_a exhortation_n and_o admonition_n without_o which_o this_o love_n let_v man_n pretend_v what_o they_o please_v will_v not_o be_v preserve_v that_o which_o keep_v either_o life_n or_o soul_n in_o christian_a love_n consist_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o those_o grace_n mutual_o and_o the_o discharge_v of_o those_o duty_n whereby_o they_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o the_o fruit_n of_o love_n in_o one_o another_o and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n those_o who_o pretend_v high_o unto_o the_o preservation_n of_o love_n by_o their_o come_n to_o the_o same_o church_n who_o dwell_v in_o the_o same_o parish_n have_v not_o so_o much_o as_o the_o carcase_n nay_o not_o a_o shadow_n of_o it_o in_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o lord_n christ_n it_o be_v appoint_v that_o this_o love_n so_o strict_o by_o he_o enjoin_v unto_o we_o so_o expressive_a of_o his_o own_o wisdom_n and_o love_n shall_v be_v preserve_v continue_v and_o increase_v by_o the_o due_a and_o constant_a discharge_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o mutual_a exhortation_n admonition_n prayer_n and_o watchful_a care_n over_o one_o another_o rom._n 15.14_o 1_o thes._n 5_o 11_o 12._o 2_o thes._n 3.15_o heb._n 3.12_o 13._o ch._n 12.15_o 16._o 3._o a_o three_o end_v of_o it_o be_v that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o due_a representation_n of_o his_o own_o love_n care_n tenderness_n patience_n meekness_n in_o the_o act_n of_o his_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n where_o this_o be_v not_o observe_v and_o design_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o church_n discipline_n i_o will_v not_o say_v it_o be_v antichristian_a but_o will_v say_v it_o be_v high_o injurious_a and_o dishonourable_a unto_o he_o for_o all_o church_n power_n be_v in_o he_o and_o derive_v from_o he_o nor_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n which_o belong_v unto_o it_o but_o it_o must_v be_v act_v in_o his_o name_n and_o esteem_v both_o for_o the_o manner_n and_o matter_n of_o it_o to_o be_v his_o act_n and_o deed._n for_o man_n therefore_o to_o pretend_v unto_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o discipline_n in_o a_o worldly_a frame_n of_o spirit_n with_o pride_n and_o passion_n by_o trick_n of_o law_n and_o canon_n in_o court_n foreign_a to_o the_o church_n themselves_o which_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v under_o this_o discipline_n it_o be_v a_o woeful_a and_o scandalous_a representation_n of_o christ_n his_o wisdom_n care_n and_o love_n towards_o his_o church_n but_o as_o for_o his_o discipline_n he_o have_v ordain_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v exercise_v in_o and_o with_o meekness_n patience_n gentleness_n evidence_n of_o zeal_n for_o the_o good_a and_o compassion_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n with_o gravity_n and_o authority_n so_o as_o that_o therein_o all_o the_o holy_a affection_n of_o his_o mind_n towards_o his_o church_n or_o any_o in_o it_o in_o their_o mistake_n fail_n and_o miscarriage_n may_v be_v due_o represent_v as_o well_o as_o his_o authority_n act_v among_o they_o isa._n 40.11_o 2_o cor._n 10.1_o gal._n 5.22.23_o 1_o thes._n 2.7_o 2_o tim._n 2.24_o 25_o 26._o jam._n 3.17_o 1_o cor._n 13._o 4._o it_o be_v in_o part_n appoint_v to_o be_v a_o evidence_n and_o pledge_n of_o the_o future_a judgement_n wherein_o the_o whole_a church_n shall_v be_v judge_v before_o the_o throne_n of_o christ_n jesus_n for_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o discipline_n christ_n be_v on_o his_o own_o judgement_n seat_n in_o the_o church_n nor_o may_v any_o man_n pronounce_v any_o sentence_n but_o what_o he_o believe_v that_o christ_n himself_o will_v pronounce_v be_v he_o visible_o present_a and_o what_o be_v according_a to_o his_o mind_n as_o declare_v in_o his_o word_n hence_o tertullian_n call_v the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n in_o the_o church_n futuri_fw-la judicii_fw-la praejudicium_fw-la a_o representation_n of_o the_o future_a judgement_n 4._o in_o all_o that_o degeneracy_n which_o the_o christian_a profess_v church_n have_v fall_v into_o in_o faith_n worship_n and_o manner_n there_o be_v no_o instance_n can_v exceed_v the_o corruption_n of_o this_o divine_a institution_n for_o that_o which_o be_v the_o honour_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n and_o a_o effectual_a mean_n to_o represent_v he_o in_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o love_n and_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o grace_n in_o the_o church_n unto_o the_o bless_a end_n now_o declare_v be_v turn_v into_o a_o domination_n earthly_a and_o secular_a exercise_v in_o a_o profane_a litigious_a unintelligible_a process_n according_a unto_o the_o art_n way_n and_o term_n of_o the_o worst_a of_o law_n court_n by_o person_n for_o the_o most_o part_n remote_a from_o any_o just_a pretence_n of_o the_o least_o interest_n in_o church_n power_n on_o cause_n and_o for_o end_n foreign_a unto_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o a_o tyranny_n over_o the_o conscience_n and_o over_o the_o person_n of_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n unto_o the_o intolerable_a scandal_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o rule_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n as_o be_v evident_a in_o the_o state_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o these_o be_v the_o general_a end_n of_o the_o institution_n
of_o a_o church-state_n under_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o order_n unto_o they_o it_o be_v a_o great_a divine_a ordinance_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n with_o the_o edification_n and_o salvation_n of_o they_o that_o do_v believe_v wherefore_o that_o church-state_n which_o be_v suit_v unto_o these_o end_n be_v that_o which_o be_v appoint_v by_o christ_n and_o whatever_o kind_n of_o church_n or_o churches_n be_v not_o so_o primary_o and_o as_o such_o be_v not_o of_o his_o appointment_n but_o it_o be_v in_o congregational_a church_n alone_o that_o these_o thing_n can_v be_v do_v and_o observe_v for_o unto_o all_o of_o they_o there_o be_v require_v assembly_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n which_o wherever_o they_o be_v that_o church_n be_v congregational_a no_o such_o church_n as_o those_o mention_v before_o papal_n patriarchical_a metropolitical_a diocesan_n or_o in_o any_o way_n national_a be_v capable_a of_o the_o discharge_v of_o these_o duty_n or_o attain_v of_o these_o ends._n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o what_o they_o can_v do_v in_o themselves_o as_o that_o they_o can_v together_o in_o one_o place_n profess_v and_o express_v their_o subjection_n unto_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n they_o can_v have_v personal_a communinion_n in_o the_o celebration_n of_o gospel_n ordinance_n of_o worship_n nor_o exercise_v discipline_n in_o one_o body_n and_o society_n they_o can_v yet_o do_v the_o same_o thing_n otherwise_o partly_o in_o single_a congregation_n appoint_v by_o themselves_o and_o partly_o in_o such_o way_n for_o the_o administration_n of_o discipline_n as_o be_v suit_v unto_o their_o state_n and_o rule_n that_o be_v by_o ecclesiastical_a court_n with_o jurisdiction_n over_o all_o person_n or_o congregation_n belong_v unto_o they_o it_o will_v not_o help_v their_o cause_n for_o 1_o those_o particular_a congregation_n wherein_o these_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v be_v church_n or_o they_o be_v not_o if_o they_o be_v church_n they_o be_v of_o christ_n appointment_n and_o we_o obtain_v what_o we_o aim_v at_o nor_o be_v it_o in_o the_o power_n of_o any_o man_n to_o deprive_v they_o of_o any_o thing_n that_o belong_v unto_o they_o as_o such_o if_o they_o be_v not_o but_o invention_n and_o appointment_n of_o their_o own_o then_o that_o which_o they_o say_v be_v this_o that_o what_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a unto_o the_o due_a observation_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o unto_o all_o the_o end_n of_o church_n be_v not_o appoint_v by_o christ_n be_v by_o they_o provide_v for_o appoint_v and_o ordain_v which_o be_v to_o exalt_v themselves_o in_o wisdom_n and_o care_n above_o he_o and_o to_o place_n themselves_o in_o a_o near_a relation_n to_o the_o church_n than_o he_o to_o grant_v that_o many_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o end_v for_o which_o any_o church-state_n under_o the_o gospel_n be_v appoint_v can_v be_v perform_v or_o attain_v but_o in_o and_o by_o particular_a congregation_n and_o yet_o to_o deny_v that_o those_o particular_a congregation_n be_v of_o christ_n institution_n be_v to_o speak_v contradiction_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o affirm_v that_o they_o be_v church_n and_o be_v not_o church_n 2_o a_o church_n be_v such_o a_o body_n or_o society_n as_o have_v spiritual_a power_n privilege_n and_o promise_n annex_v unto_o it_o and_o accompany_v of_o it_o that_o which_o have_v not_o so_o as_o such_o be_v no_o church_n the_o particular_a congregation_n mention_v have_v this_o power_n with_o privilege_n and_o promise_n belong_v to_o they_o or_o they_o have_v not_o if_o they_o have_v not_o they_o be_v no_o church_n at_o least_o no_o complete_a church_n and_o there_o be_v no_o church_n in_o the_o earth_n wherein_o those_o thing_n can_v be_v do_v for_o which_o the_o be_v of_o church_n be_v ordain_v as_o namely_o the_o joint_a celebration_n of_o divine_a worship_n by_o all_o the_o member_n of_o they_o if_o they_o have_v such_o power_n i_o desire_v to_o know_v from_o whence_o or_o who_o they_o have_v it_o if_o from_o christ_n then_o be_v they_o of_o his_o institution_n and_o who_o can_v divest_v they_o of_o that_o power_n or_o any_o part_n of_o it_o that_o they_o have_v it_o from_o man_n i_o suppose_v will_v not_o be_v pretend_v 3_o as_o unto_o that_o way_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n suit_v unto_o any_o other_o church-state_n but_o that_o which_o be_v congregational_a we_o shall_v consider_v it_o afterward_o 4_o what_o be_v do_v in_o particular_a congregation_n be_v not_o the_o act_n of_o any_o great_a church_n as_o a_o diocesan_n or_o the_o like_a for_o whatever_o act_v any_o thing_n act_n according_a unto_o what_o it_o be_v but_o this_o of_o joint_a worship_n and_o discipline_n in_o assembly_n be_v not_o the_o act_n of_o such_o a_o church_n according_a unto_o what_o it_o be_v for_o so_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o it_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n but_o thus_o it_o be_v fall_v out_o some_o man_n under_o the_o power_n of_o a_o tradition_n that_o particular_a congregation_n be_v original_o of_o a_o divine_a institution_n and_o find_v the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o they_o unto_o the_o joint_a celebration_n of_o divine_a worship_n yet_o find_v what_o a_o inconsistency_n with_o their_o interest_n and_o some_o other_o opinion_n which_o they_o have_v imbibe_v shall_v they_o still_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v of_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n see_v thereon_o the_o whole_a ordinary_a power_n give_v by_o christ_n unto_o his_o church_n must_v reside_v in_o they_o they_o will_v now_o have_v they_o to_o be_v only_a convenience_n for_o some_o end_n of_o worship_n of_o their_o own_o find_v out_o some_o thing_n they_o will_v have_v like_o christ_n institution_n but_o his_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v which_o be_v a_o image_n 2._o the_o very_a notation_n of_o the_o word_n do_v determine_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o unto_o a_o particular_a congregation_n other_o thing_n may_v in_o church_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v afterward_o both_o in_o the_o rule_n and_o administration_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o holy_a worship_n be_v order_v and_o dispose_v in_o great_a variety_n but_o whilst_o a_o church_n be_v such_o as_o that_o ordinary_o the_o whole_a body_n in_o its_o ruler_n and_o those_o that_o be_v rule_v do_v assemble_v together_o in_o one_o place_n for_o the_o administration_n of_o gospel_n ordinance_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n it_o be_v still_o one_o single_a congregation_n and_o can_v be_v neither_o diocesan_n provincial_a nor_o national_a so_o that_o although_o the_o essence_n of_o the_o church_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o actual_a assembly_n yet_o be_v they_o absolute_o necessary_a unto_o its_o constitution_n in_o exercise_n hence_o be_v the_o name_n of_o a_o church_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o verb_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v to_o congregate_v to_o assemble_v to_o call_v and_o meet_v together_o and_o nothing_o else_o the_o lxx_o render_v it_o most_o by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o congregate_v in_o a_o church_n assembly_n and_o sometime_o by_o other_o word_n of_o the_o same_o importance_n as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d so_o they_o do_v the_o noun_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d seldom_o by_o any_o other_o word_n but_o where_o they_o do_v so_o it_o be_v always_o of_o the_o same_o signification_n wherefore_o this_o word_n signify_v nothing_o but_o a_o congregation_n which_o assemble_v for_o the_o end_n and_o use_v of_o it_o and_o act_n its_o duty_n and_o power_n so_o do_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d also_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n it_o may_v be_v sometime_o apply_v unto_o that_o who_o essence_n be_v not_o denote_v thereby_o as_o the_o church_n catholic_n invisible_a which_o be_v only_o a_o mystical_a society_n or_o congregation_n but_o wherever_o it_o be_v use_v to_o denote_v a_o outward_a visible_a society_n it_o do_v connote_v their_o assembly_n together_o in_o one_o it_o be_v frequent_o use_v for_o a_o actual_a assembly_n act._n 19.32_o 39_o 40._o which_o be_v the_o signification_n of_o it_o in_o all_o greek_a writer_n 1_o cor._n 14.3_o 4._o and_o sometime_o it_o be_v express_o affirm_v that_o it_o meet_v together_o in_o the_o same_o place_n 1_o cor._n 14_o 23._o wherefore_o no_o society_n that_o do_v not_o congregate_v the_o whole_a body_n whereof_o do_v not_o meet_v together_o to_o act_n its_o power_n and_o duty_n be_v a_o church_n or_o may_v be_v so_o call_v whatever_o other_o sort_n of_o body_n or_o corporation_n it_o may_v be_v in_o this_o sense_n be_v the_o word_n use_v when_o the_o first_o intimation_n be_v be_v give_v of_o a_o evangelical_n church_n state_n with_o order_n and_o discipline_n matth._n 18.17_o if_o he_o shall_v neglect_v to_o hear_v they_o tell_v the_o church_n etc._n etc._n there_o have_v be_v so_o many_o contest_v about_o the_o sense_n of_o these_o
the_o surprisal_n of_o temptation_n not_o consent_v to_o not_o delight_v or_o continue_v in_o your_o labour_n or_o contention_n of_o spirit_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d col._n 2.1_o be_v night_n and_o day_n in_o your_o prayer_n for_o the_o whole_a brotherhood_n that_o be_v especial_o of_o their_o own_o church_n itself_o that_o the_o number_n of_o god_n elect_v may_v be_v save_v in_o mercy_n through_o a_o good_a conscience_n towards_o he_o this_o be_v their_o state_n this_o be_v their_o liturgy_n this_o their_o practice_n 1._o there_o be_v on_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n a_o plentiful_a effusion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o his_o gift_n and_o grace_n wherein_o it_o may_v be_v respect_n be_v have_v unto_o what_o be_v affirm_v by_o the_o apostle_n before_o of_o the_o same_o church_n 1_o cor._n 1.4_o 5_o 6_o 7._o the_o same_o grace_n be_v yet_o continue_v unto_o they_o 2._o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o effusion_n of_o the_o spirit_n on_o all_o of_o they_o their_o will_n and_o affection_n be_v sanctify_v their_o mind_n be_v enable_v to_o pour_v forth_o fervent_a prayer_n unto_o god_n 3_o they_o be_v not_o such_o as_o live_v in_o any_o open_a sin_n or_o any_o secret_a sin_n know_v to_o be_v so_o but_o be_v only_o subject_a unto_o involuntary_a surprisal_n who_o pardon_n they_o continual_o pray_v for_o 4._o their_o love_n and_o sense_n of_o duty_n stir_v they_o up_o to_o labour_v mighty_o in_o their_o prayer_n with_o fervency_n and_o constancy_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o whole_a fraternity_n of_o elect_a believer_n whether_o throughout_o the_o world_n or_o more_o especialâ—y_o those_o in_o and_o of_o their_o own_o church_n he_o that_o shall_v ascribe_v these_o thing_n unto_o any_o of_o those_o church_n which_o now_o in_o the_o world_n claim_v to_o be_v so_o only_o will_v quick_o find_v himself_o at_o a_o loss_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o what_o he_o assert_n do_v we_o all_o sedulous_o endeavour_v to_o reduce_v and_o restore_v church_n unto_o their_o primitive_a state_n and_o frame_n it_o will_v bring_v more_o glory_n to_o god_n than_o all_o our_o contention_n about_o rule_n and_o domination_n 4._o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n be_v fall_v into_o a_o sinful_a excess_n in_o the_o deposition_n and_o rejection_n of_o their_o elder_n 62._o who_o the_o church_n at_o rome_n judge_v to_o have_v preside_v among_o they_o laudable_o and_o unblamable_o as_o unto_o their_o whole_a walk_n and_o work_v among_o they_o and_o this_o they_o do_v by_o the_o suggestion_n of_o two_o or_o three_o envious_a discontent_a person_n and_o as_o it_o be_v probable_a from_o some_o digression_n in_o the_o epistle_n taint_v with_o those_o error_n which_o have_v former_o infest_a that_o church_n as_o the_o denial_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o flesh_n which_o be_v therefore_o here_o reflect_v on_o but_o in_o the_o whole_a epistle_n the_o church_n be_v nowhere_o reprove_v for_o assume_v a_o authority_n unto_o themselves_o which_o do_v not_o belong_v unto_o they_o it_o seem_v what_o cyprian_n afterward_o affirm_v be_v then_o acknowledge_v namely_o that_o the_o right_n of_o choose_v the_o worthy_a and_o of_o reject_v the_o unworthy_a be_v in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n but_o they_o be_v severe_o reprove_v for_o the_o abuse_n of_o their_o liberty_n and_o power_n for_o they_o have_v exercise_v they_o on_o ill_a ground_n by_o ill_a mean_n for_o ill_a end_n and_o in_o a_o most_o unjust_a cause_n he_o therefore_o exhort_v the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n to_o return_v unto_o their_o duty_n in_o the_o restauration_n of_o their_o elder_n and_o then_o prescribe_v unto_o they_o who_o be_v the_o first_o occasion_n of_o schism_n that_o every_o one_o will_v subject_v themselves_o unto_o the_o restore_a presbyter_n and_o say_v 69._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o will_v do_v the_o thing_n appoint_v or_o command_v by_o the_o multitude_n the_o church_n in_o the_o generality_n of_o its_o member_n the_o plebs_fw-la the_o multitude_n the_o body_n of_o the_o fraternity_n in_o the_o church_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o they_o be_v often_o call_v in_o the_o scripture_n act._n 4.32_o chap._n 6.2_o 5._o chap._n 15.12_o 30._o have_v then_o right_o and_o power_n to_o appoint_v thing_n that_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o the_o church_n for_o order_n and_o peace_n i_o do_v not_o say_v they_o have_v it_o without_o or_o in_o distinction_n from_o their_o officer_n ruler_n and_o guide_n but_o in_o a_o concurrence_n with_o they_o and_o subordination_n to_o they_o whence_o the_o act_n conclude_v on_o may_v be_v esteem_v and_o be_v the_o act_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n this_o order_n can_v be_v observe_v or_o this_o can_v fall_v out_o only_o in_o a_o congregational_a church_n all_o who_o member_n do_v meet_v together_o for_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o exercise_n of_o their_o discipline_n and_o if_o no_o more_o may_v be_v consider_v in_o it_o but_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o the_o people_n without_o any_o respect_n to_o their_o right_n and_o power_n yet_o such_o church_n as_o wherein_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o that_o shall_v fall_v out_o in_o they_o as_o do_v so_o fall_v out_o in_o that_o church_n be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o kind_a or_o order_n with_o it_o but_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o they_o who_o may_v endeavour_v to_o reduce_v any_o church-state_n into_o its_o primitive_a constitution_n that_o they_o may_v be_v caution_v against_o that_o great_a evil_n which_o this_o church_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o suppose_a liberty_n fâ—ll_o into_o i_o can_v but_o transcribe_v a_o few_o of_o those_o excellent_a word_n which_o be_v use_v plentiful_o with_o cogent_a reason_n in_o this_o epistle_n against_o it_o 62._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v shameful_a belove_a exceed_v shameful_a which_o be_v report_v of_o you_o that_o the_o most_o firm_a and_o ancient_a church_n of_o the_o corinthian_n shall_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o one_o or_o two_o person_n seditious_o tumultuate_a against_o their_o elder_n and_o herein_o he_o proceed_v to_o declare_v the_o dreadful_a scandal_n that_o ensue_v thereon_o both_o among_o believer_n and_o infidel_n the_o instruction_n also_o which_o he_o add_v hereunto_o be_v worthy_a the_o remembrance_n of_o all_o church_n member_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v bless_v advice_n for_o all_o church-member_n that_o he_o give_v let_v a_o man_n be_v faithful_a let_v he_o be_v powerful_a in_o knowledge_n or_o the_o declaration_n of_o it_o let_v he_o be_v wise_a to_o judge_v the_o word_n or_o doctrine_n let_v he_o be_v chaste_a or_o pure_a in_o his_o work_n the_o great_a he_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o more_o humble_a he_o ought_v to_o be_v that_o so_o the_o church_n may_v have_v no_o trouble_n by_o he_o nor_o his_o gift_n but_o to_o return_v 5._o have_v occasion_n to_o mention_v the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n he_o name_v only_o the_o two_o rank_n of_o bishop_n and_o deacon_n 55._o as_o the_o apostle_n also_o do_v phil._n 1.1_o speak_v of_o the_o apostle_n he_o say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d preach_v the_o word_n through_o region_n and_o city_n they_o appoint_v the_o first_o fruit_n as_o the_o house_n of_o stephan_n as_o be_v the_o first_o fruit_n of_o achaia_n who_o therefore_o addict_v themselves_o to_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o saint_n 1_o cor._n 16.15_o or_o the_o first_o convert_v to_o the_o faith_n after_o a_o spiritual_a trial_n of_o they_o as_o unto_o their_o fitness_n for_o their_o work_n to_o be_v bishop_n and_o deacon_n of_o they_o that_o shall_v afterward_o believe_v where_o there_o be_v as_o yet_o but_o a_o few_o convert_v the_o apostle_n gather_v they_o into_o church-order_n and_o so_o soon_o as_o they_o find_v any_o fit_a among_o they_o appoint_v and_o ordain_v they_o to_o be_v bishop_n and_o deacon_n so_o that_o provision_n may_v be_v make_v for_o the_o guidance_n and_o conduct_n of_o they_o that_o shall_v be_v convert_v and_o add_v unto_o they_o after_o they_o be_v leave_v by_o the_o apostle_n these_o bishop_n he_o affirm_v to_o be_v and_o have_v be_v the_o presbyter_n or_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n even_o the_o same_o with_o those_o depose_v by_o the_o corinthian_n 58._o in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o the_o apostle_n do_v act._n 20.28_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n it_o be_v no_o small_a sin_n in_o we_o to_o reject_v or_o cast_v off_o they_o who_o have_v offer_v the_o gift_n or_o discharge_v the_o duty_n of_o episcopacy_n holy_o and_o without_o blame_n bless_a be_v the_o elder_n who_o go_v before_o namely_o as_o he_o express_v it_o because_o they_o be_v free_v from_o that_o amotion_n from_o their_o office_n which_o those_o elder_n now_o among_o they_o have_v undergo_v after_o they_o have_v
the_o lord_n christ_n have_v ordain_v no_o power_n nor_o order_n in_o his_o church_n no_o office_n or_o duty_n that_o shall_v stand_v in_o need_n of_o the_o civil_a authority_n sanction_n or_o force_n to_o preserve_v it_o or_o make_v it_o effectual_a unto_o its_o proper_a end_n it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o discharge_v any_o thing_n of_o a_o pretence_n to_o be_v a_o appointment_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n if_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a unto_o its_o own_o proper_a end_n without_o the_o help_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n that_o church-state_n which_o be_v either_o constitute_v by_o humane_a authority_n or_o can_v consist_v without_o it_o be_v not_o from_o he_o that_o ordinance_n which_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n divine_a or_o be_v pretend_v so_o to_o be_v so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v not_o effectual_a unto_o its_o end_n without_o the_o aid_n of_o humane_a authority_n be_v not_o of_o he_o he_o need_v it_o not_o he_o will_v not_o borrow_v the_o assistance_n of_o civil_a authority_n to_o rule_v in_o and_o over_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n with_o respect_n unto_o their_o live_n to_o god_n and_o come_v unto_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o himself_o the_o way_n of_o require_v the_o sanction_n of_o civil_a authority_n unto_o ecclesiastical_a order_n and_o determination_n begin_v with_o the_o use_n of_o general_n council_n in_o the_o day_n of_o constantine_n and_o when_o once_o it_o be_v engage_v in_o and_o approve_a so_o far_o as_o that_o what_o be_v determine_v in_o the_o synod_n either_o as_o to_o doctrine_n or_o as_o unto_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v confirm_v by_o the_o imperial_a authority_n with_o penalty_n on_o all_o that_o shall_v gainsay_v such_o determination_n it_o be_v deplorable_a to_o consider_v what_o mutual_a havoc_n be_v make_v among_o christian_n upon_o the_o various_a sentiment_n of_o synod_n and_o emperor_n yet_o this_o way_n please_v the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n so_o well_o and_o as_o they_o think_v ease_v they_o of_o so_o much_o trouble_n that_o it_o be_v so_o far_o improve_v among_o they_o that_o at_o last_o they_o leave_v no_o power_n in_o or_o about_o religion_n or_o religious_a person_n unto_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n but_o what_o be_v to_o be_v exercise_v in_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o decree_n and_o determination_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v necessary_a from_o this_o institution_n of_o particular_a church_n that_o they_o have_v their_o subsistence_n continuation_n order_n and_o the_o efficacy_n of_o all_o that_o they_o act_n and_o do_v as_o church_n from_o christ_n himself_n for_o whereas_o all_o that_o they_o be_v and_o do_v be_v heavenly_a spiritual_a and_o not_o of_o this_o world_n that_o it_o reach_v nothing_o of_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n that_o be_v the_o life_n and_o body_n of_o man_n and_o all_o civil_a interest_n appertain_v to_o they_o and_o affect_v nothing_o but_o what_o no_o power_n of_o all_o the_o magistrate_n under_o heaven_n can_v reach_v unto_o that_o be_v the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n no_o trouble_n can_v hence_o arise_v unto_o any_o ruler_n of_o the_o world_n no_o contest_v about_o what_o they_o ought_v and_o what_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o confirm_v which_o have_v cause_v great_a disorder_n among_o many_o 3._o in_o particular_a also_o there_o neither_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v in_o this_o church-state_n the_o least_o pretence_n of_o power_n or_o authority_n to_o be_v act_v towards_o or_o over_o the_o person_n of_o king_n or_o ruler_n which_o shall_v either_o impeach_v their_o right_n or_o impede_fw-la the_o exercise_n of_o their_o just_a authority_n for_o as_o christ_n have_v grant_v no_o such_o power_n unto_o the_o church_n so_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o pretence_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v seat_v in_o a_o particular_a congregation_n especial_o be_v gather_v on_o this_o principle_n that_o there_o be_v no_o church_n power_n proper_o so_o call_v but_o what_o be_v so_o seat_v and_o that_o no_o concurrence_n agreement_n or_o association_n of_o many_o church_n can_v add_v a_o new_a great_a or_o other_o power_n or_o authority_n unto_o they_o than_o what_o they_o have_v single_o before_o and_o what_o power_n can_v such_o church_n act_n towards_o king_n potentate_n or_o ruler_n of_o nation_n have_v they_o not_o the_o high_a security_n that_o it_o be_v uttter_o impossible_a that_o ever_o their_o authority_n or_o their_o person_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v impeach_v hinder_v or_o receive_v any_o detriment_n from_o any_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o this_o church-state_n these_o principle_n i_o say_v be_v sufficient_a to_o secure_v christian_a religion_n and_o the_o state_n order_n and_o power_n of_o church_n institute_v therein_o from_o all_o reflection_n of_o inconsistency_n with_o civil_a government_n or_o of_o influence_a man_n into_o attempt_n of_o its_o change_n or_o ruin_n the_o sum_n be_v let_v the_o outward_a frame_n and_o order_n of_o righteous_a government_n be_v of_o what_o sort_n it_o will_v nothing_o inconsistent_a with_o it_o nothing_o entrench_v on_o it_o nothing_o make_v opposition_n unto_o it_o be_v appoint_v by_o jesus_n christ_n or_o do_v belong_v unto_o that_o church-state_n which_o he_o have_v ordain_v and_o establish_v two_o thing_n only_o must_v be_v add_v unto_o these_o principle_n that_o we_o may_v not_o seem_v so_o to_o distinguish_v the_o civil_a state_n and_o the_o church_n as_o to_o make_v they_o unconcerned_a in_o each_o other_o for_o 1._o it_o be_v the_o unquestionable_a duty_n of_o the_o ruler_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n upon_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n to_o receive_v its_o truth_n and_o so_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o its_o command_n and_o whereas_o all_o power_n and_o office_n be_v to_o be_v discharge_v for_o god_n who_o minister_n all_o ruler_n be_v they_o be_v bind_v in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o office_n to_o countenance_n supply_n and_o protect_v the_o profession_n and_o professor_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o be_v the_o church_n according_a unto_o the_o degree_n and_o measure_n which_o they_o shall_v judge_v necessary_a 2._o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n material_o consider_v that_o be_v of_o all_o those_o who_o be_v member_n of_o it_o in_o any_o kingdom_n or_o commonwealth_n to_o be_v useful_o subservient_fw-fr even_o as_o christian_n unto_o that_o rule_n which_o be_v over_o they_o as_o man_n in_o all_o those_o way_n and_o by_o all_o those_o mean_n which_o the_o law_n usage_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o country_n whereof_o they_o be_v do_v direct_a and_o prescribe_v but_o these_o thing_n be_v frequent_o speak_v unto_o there_o be_v sundry_a other_o consideration_n whereby_o it_o may_v be_v evince_v not_o only_o that_o this_o order_n and_o state_n of_o gospel-churche_n be_v not_o only_o consistent_a with_o every_o righteous_a government_n in_o the_o world_n i_o mean_v that_o be_v so_o in_o its_o constitution_n though_o as_o all_o other_o form_n it_o be_v capable_a of_o maladministration_n but_o the_o most_o useful_a and_o subservient_fw-fr unto_o its_o righteous_a administration_n be_v utter_o uncapable_a of_o immix_v itself_o as_o such_o in_o any_o of_o those_o occasion_n of_o the_o world_n or_o state-affair_n as_o may_v create_v the_o least_o difficulty_n or_o trouble_n unto_o ruler_n with_o other_o it_o be_v not_o so_o it_o be_v know_v that_o the_o very_a constitution_n of_o the_o papal_a church_n as_o it_o be_v state_v in_o the_o canon_n of_o it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o just_a right_n of_o king_n and_o ruler_n and_o ofttimes_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o its_o power_n destructive_a unto_o their_o person_n and_o dominion_n and_o herein_o concur_v the_o prelatical_a church-state_n of_o england_n whilst_o it_o continue_v in_o their_o communion_n and_o hold_v its_o dependence_n on_o the_o roman_a church_n for_o although_o they_o have_v all_o their_o power_n original_o from_o the_o king_n of_o this_o realm_n as_o the_o record_n and_o law_n of_o it_o do_v express_o affirm_v that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v found_v in_o episcopacy_n by_o the_o king_n and_o his_o noble_n yet_o they_o claim_v such_o a_o addition_n of_o power_n and_o authority_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n from_o the_o papal_a omnipotency_n as_o that_o they_o be_v ringleader_n in_o perplex_v the_o government_n of_o this_o nation_n under_o the_o pretence_n of_o maintain_v of_o what_o they_o call_v the_o right_n of_o the_o church_n and_o hereunto_o they_o be_v enable_v by_o the_o very_a constitution_n of_o their_o church-order_n which_o give_v they_o that_o power_n grandeur_n with_o political_a interest_n that_o be_v needful_a to_o effectuate_v their_o design_n and_o since_o they_o have_v be_v take_v off_o from_o this_o foundation_n of_o contest_a king_n and_o prince_n on_o their_o own_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n and_o deprive_v of_o their_o dependence_n on_o the_o power_n
to_o be_v schism_n when_o i_o believe_v it_o be_v midnight_n whilst_o the_o sun_n shine_v in_o his_o full_a strength_n and_o glory_n and_o then_o we_o be_v tell_v of_o parochial_a church_n who_o have_v this_o power_n only_o that_o if_o we_o do_v not_o in_o they_o whatever_o be_v require_v of_o we_o not_o by_o they_o but_o those_o that_o be_v put_v over_o they_o they_o can_v inform_v against_o we_o that_o we_o may_v be_v mulct_v and_o punish_v three_o it_o will_v be_v say_v that_o these_o church_n as_o such_o be_v indeed_o original_o entrust_v and_o invest_v with_o all_o church-rights_a power_n and_o authority_n but_o for_o many_o weighty_a reason_n be_v abridge_v in_o sundry_a thing_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o they_o for_o who_o can_v think_v it_o meet_v that_o every_o single_a parish_n shall_v be_v entrust_v with_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o church-rule_n and_o power_n among_o themselves_o answ._n 1_o who_o fault_n be_v it_o that_o these_o church_n be_v not_o meet_v for_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o power_n which_o christ_n have_v grant_v unto_o such_o church_n if_o it_o be_v from_o themselves_o their_o negligence_n or_o ignorance_n or_o wickedness_n it_o be_v high_a time_n they_o be_v reform_v and_o bring_v into_o that_o state_n and_o condition_n wherein_o they_o may_v be_v fit_a and_o able_a to_o answer_v the_o end_n of_o their_o institution_n 2._o they_o be_v indeed_o sorry_a church_n that_o be_v not_o as_o meet_v to_o exercise_v all_o church-power_n according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o chancellor_n court._n 3._o there_o be_v no_o power_n plead_v for_o in_o congregational_a church_n but_o what_o be_v grant_v unto_o they_o by_o the_o word_n and_o constitution_n of_o christ._n and_o who_o be_v he_o that_o shall_v take_v this_o from_o they_o or_o deprive_v they_o of_o its_o exercise_n or_o right_o thereunto_o 1._o it_o be_v not_o do_v nor_o ever_o be_v by_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o he_o do_v not_o pull_v down_o what_o himself_o have_v build_v nor_o do_v any_o one_o institution_n of_o he_o in_o the_o least_o interfere_v with_o any_o other_o it_o be_v true_a the_o lord_n christ_n by_o his_o law_n deprive_v all_o church_n of_o their_o power_n yea_o of_o their_o state_n who_o walk_v act_n and_o exercise_v a_o power_n not_o derive_v from_o he_o but_o set_v up_o against_o he_o and_o use_v unto_o such_o end_n as_o be_v opposite_a unto_o and_o destructive_a of_o the_o end_n of_o churchâ—order_n â—order_z by_o he_o appoint_v but_o to_o imagine_v that_o whilst_o a_o church_n claim_v no_o power_n but_o what_o it_o receive_v from_o he_o use_v it_o only_o for_o he_o and_o in_o obedience_n unto_o his_o command_n that_o he_o have_v by_o any_o act_n order_n or_o constitution_n take_v away_o that_o power_n or_o any_o part_n of_o it_o from_o such_o a_o church_n be_v a_o vain_a supposition_n 2._o such_o church_n can_v by_o any_o act_n of_o their_o own_o deprive_v themselves_o of_o this_o right_a and_o power_n for_o 1._o it_o be_v commit_v unto_o they_o in_o a_o way_n of_o trust_n which_o they_o falsify_v if_o by_o their_o own_o consent_n they_o part_v with_o it_o 2._o without_o it_o they_o can_v discharge_v many_o duty_n require_v of_o they_o to_o part_v with_o this_o power_n be_v to_o renounce_v their_o duty_n which_o be_v the_o only_a way_n whereby_o they_o may_v lose_v it_o and_o if_o it_o be_v neither_o take_v from_o they_o by_o any_o law_n rule_n or_o constitution_n of_o christ_n nor_o can_v be_v renounce_v or_o forgo_v by_o themselves_o what_o other_o power_n under_o heaven_n can_v just_o deprive_v they_o of_o it_o or_o hinder_v they_o in_o its_o execution_n the_o truth_n be_v the_o principal_a mean_n which_o have_v render_v the_o generality_n of_o parochial_a church_n unmeet_a for_o the_o exercise_n of_o any_o church-power_n be_v that_o their_o interest_n in_o it_o and_o right_a unto_o it_o have_v be_v so_o long_o unjust_o detain_v from_o they_o as_o that_o they_o know_v not_o at_o all_o what_o belong_v thereunto_o be_v hide_v from_o they_o by_o those_o who_o shall_v instruct_v they_o in_o it_o and_o may_v they_o be_v admit_v under_o the_o conduct_n of_o pious_a and_o prudent_a officer_n unto_o any_o part_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n in_o their_o assembly_n their_o understanding_n in_o it_o will_v quick_o be_v increase_v that_o right_o power_n or_o authority_n which_o we_o thus_o assign_v unto_o all_o particular_a church_n gather_v according_a unto_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n be_v that_o and_o that_o only_a which_o be_v necessary_a to_o their_o own_o preservation_n in_o their_o state_n and_o purity_n and_o unto_o the_o discharge_n of_o all_o those_o duty_n which_o christ_n require_v of_o the_o church_n now_o although_o they_o may_v not_o just_o by_o any_o be_v deprive_v hereof_o yet_o it_o may_v be_v inquire_v whether_o there_o may_v not_o a_o addition_n of_o ecclesiastical_a power_n be_v make_v unto_o that_o which_o be_v of_o original_a institution_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a number_n of_o church_n that_o be_v of_o the_o same_o communion_n and_o this_o may_v be_v do_v either_o by_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n with_o respect_n unto_o all_o the_o church_n in_o his_o dominion_n or_o it_o may_v be_v so_o by_o the_o church_n themselves_o erect_v a_o new_a power_n in_o a_o combination_n of_o some_o many_o or_o all_o of_o they_o which_o they_o have_v not_o in_o they_o single_o and_o distinct_o before_o for_o the_o power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n in_o and_o about_o religion_n it_o have_v be_v much_o debate_v and_o dispute_v in_o some_o latter_a age_n for_o three_o hundred_o year_n there_o be_v no_o mention_n of_o it_o in_o the_o church_n because_o no_o supreme_a power_n do_v then_o own_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o the_o next_o three_o hundred_o year_n there_o be_v great_a ascription_n unto_o supreme_a magistrate_n to_o the_o exaltation_n of_o their_o power_n and_o much_o use_n be_v make_v thereof_o among_o the_o church_n by_o such_o as_o have_v the_o best_a interest_n in_o they_o the_o next_o three_o hundred_o year_n be_v as_o unto_o this_o case_n much_o take_v up_o with_o dispute_n about_o this_o power_n between_o the_o emperor_n and_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n sometime_o one_o side_n gain_v the_o advantage_n in_o some_o especial_a instance_n sometime_o the_o other_o but_o from_o that_o period_n of_o time_n or_o thereabouts_o the_o contest_v come_v to_o blow_n and_o the_o blood_n of_o some_o hundred_o thousand_o be_v shed_v in_o the_o controversy_n namely_o about_o the_o power_n of_o emperor_n and_o king_n on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n on_o the_o other_o in_o the_o issue_n the_o pope_n abode_n master_n of_o the_o field_n and_o continue_v in_o actual_a possession_n of_o all_o ecclesiastical_a power_n though_o sometime_o mix_v with_o the_o rebellion_n of_o one_o stubborn_a prince_n or_o other_o as_o here_o frequent_o in_o england_n who_o control_v they_o in_o some_o of_o their_o new_a acquisition_n upon_o the_o public_a reformation_n of_o religion_n many_o prince_n throw_v off_o the_o yoke_n of_o the_o papal_a rule_n and_o according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o reformer_n assume_v unto_o themselves_o the_o power_n which_o as_o they_o judge_v the_o godly_a king_n of_o judah_n of_o old_a and_o the_o first_o christian_n emperor_n do_v exercise_n about_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n from_o that_o time_n there_o have_v be_v great_a and_o vehement_a dispute_n about_o the_o ecclesiastical_a power_n of_o sovereign_a prince_n and_o state_n i_o shall_v not_o here_o undertake_v to_o treat_v concern_v it_o although_o it_o iâ—_n a_o matter_n of_o no_o great_a difficulty_n to_o demonstrate_v the_o extreme_n that_o many_o have_v run_v into_o some_o by_o grant_v too_o much_o and_o some_o too_o little_a unto_o they_o and_o i_o shall_v grant_v for_o my_o part_n that_o too_o much_o can_v well_o be_v assign_v unto_o they_o whilst_o these_o two_o principle_n be_v preserve_v 1._o that_o no_o supreme_a magistrate_n have_v power_n to_o deprive_v or_o abridge_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n of_o any_o right_n authority_n or_o liberty_n grant_v unto_o they_o by_o jesus_n christ._n 2._o nor_o have_v any_o to_o coerce_v punish_v or_o kill_v any_o person_n be_v civil_o peaceable_a and_o moral_o honest_a because_o they_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v in_o thing_n concern_v gospel-faith_n and_o worship_n than_o he_o be_v it_o have_v not_o yet_o be_v dispute_v whether_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n have_v power_n to_o ordain_v institute_v and_o appoint_v any_o new_a form_n or_o state_n of_o church_n supposed_o suit_v unto_o the_o civil_a interest_n which_o be_v never_o ordain_v or_o appoint_v by_o christ._n it_o have_v not_o i_o say_v be_v dispute_v under_o these_o term_n express_o though_o real_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o controversy_n
lie_v therein_o to_o assert_v this_o express_o will_v be_v to_o exalt_v he_o above_o jesus_n christ_n at_o least_o to_o give_v he_o power_n equal_a unto_o he_o though_o real_o unto_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o gospel_n church_n state_n and_o the_o communication_n of_o grace_n office_n and_o gift_n to_o make_v it_o useful_a unto_o its_o end_n no_o less_o than_o all_o power_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v require_v some_o plead_v that_o there_o be_v no_o certain_a form_n of_o church-government_n appoint_v in_o the_o scripture_n that_o there_o be_v none_o ordain_v by_o christ_n nor_o exemplify_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n to_o appoint_v any_o such_o form_n thereof_o as_o be_v suit_v unto_o the_o public_a interest_n it_o will_v seem_v to_o follow_v more_o evident_o that_o no_o form_n at_o all_o shall_v by_o any_o be_v appoint_v for_o what_o shall_v he_o do_v that_o come_v after_o the_o king_n what_o shall_v any_o one_o ordain_v in_o the_o church_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n think_v not_o meet_v to_o ordain_v and_o this_o be_v the_o proper_a inference_n from_o this_o consideration_n such_o a_o church-government_n as_o man_n imagine_v christ_n have_v not_o appoint_v therefore_o neither_o may_v man_n do_v so_o but_o suppose_v that_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v appoint_v a_o church-state_n or_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v church_n of_o his_o disciple_n on_o the_o earth_n let_v they_o therein_o but_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o all_o that_o he_o have_v command_v and_o in_o their_o so_o do_v make_v use_n of_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o rule_n of_o common_a prudence_n so_o as_o to_o do_v it_o unto_o their_o own_o edification_n which_o to_o deny_v to_o be_v their_o duty_n be_v to_o destroy_v their_o nature_n as_o create_v of_o god_n trust_v in_o all_o thing_n unto_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o promise_v divine_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n if_o any_o instance_n can_v be_v give_v of_o what_o be_v want_v unto_o the_o complete_a state_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n we_o shall_v willing_o allow_v that_o it_o be_v add_v by_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n or_o whosoever_o man_n can_v agree_v upon_o as_o be_v before_o declare_v if_o it_o be_v say_v there_o be_v yet_o something_o want_v to_o accommodate_v these_o church_n and_o their_o rule_n unto_o the_o state_n of_o the_o public_a interest_n and_o political_a government_n under_o which_o they_o be_v place_v whereon_o they_o may_v be_v frame_v into_o church_n diocesan_n and_o metropolitical_n with_o such_o a_o rule_n as_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o i_o say_v 1._o that_o in_o their_o original_a constitution_n they_o be_v more_o accommodate_v unto_o the_o interest_n of_o all_o righteous_a secular_a government_n than_o any_o arbitrary_a mould_v they_o unto_o a_o pretend_a meetness_n to_o comply_v therewithal_o can_v attain_v unto_o this_o we_o have_v prove_v before_o and_o shall_v far_o enlarge_v upon_o it_o if_o it_o be_v require_v and_o we_o find_v it_o by_o experience_n that_o those_o addition_n change_n and_o alteration_n in_o the_o state_n order_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n pretend_v for_o the_o end_n mention_v have_v prove_v the_o cause_n of_o endless_a contention_n which_o have_v no_o good_a aspect_n on_o the_o public_a peace_n and_o will_v assure_o continue_v for_o ever_o so_o to_o be_v 2._o it_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o magistrate_n may_v dispose_v of_o many_o outward_a concern_v of_o these_o church_n may_v impart_v of_o his_o favour_n to_o they_o or_o any_o of_o they_o as_o he_o see_v cause_n may_v take_v care_n that_o nothing_o fall_v out_o among_o they_o that_o may_v occasion_v any_o public_a disturbance_n in_o and_o by_o itself_o may_v prohibit_v the_o public_a exercise_n of_o worship_n idolatrous_a or_o superstitious_a may_v remove_v and_o take_v away_o all_o instrument_n and_o monument_n of_o idolatry_n may_v coerce_v restrain_v and_o punish_v as_o there_o be_v occasion_n person_n who_o under_o pretence_n of_o religion_n do_v advance_v principle_n of_o sedition_n or_o promote_v any_o foreign_a interest_n opposite_a and_o destructive_a to_o his_o government_n the_o welfare_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n with_o sundry_a thing_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n and_o herein_o lie_v a_o ample_a field_n wherein_o the_o magistrate_n may_v exercise_v his_o power_n and_o discharge_v his_o duty_n it_o can_v well_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o present_a pretence_n and_o plea_n of_o some_o to_o reduce_v all_o thing_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n into_o the_o power_n and_o disposal_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n be_v full_a of_o offence_n and_o scandal_n it_o seem_v to_o be_v only_o a_o design_n and_o contrivance_n to_o secure_v man_n secular_a interest_n under_o every_o way_n of_o the_o profession_n of_o christian_a religion_n true_a or_o false_a which_o may_v have_v the_o advantage_n of_o the_o magistrate_n approbation_n by_o this_o device_n conscience_n be_v set_v at_o liberty_n from_o concern_v itself_o in_o a_o humble_a diligent_a enquiry_n into_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n as_o unto_o what_o be_v its_o duty_n in_o his_o worship_n and_o when_o it_o be_v so_o with_o the_o conscience_n of_o any_o it_o will_v not_o be_v much_o concern_v in_o what_o it_o do_v attend_v unto_o or_o observe_v what_o be_v in_o divine_a thing_n do_v or_o practise_v sole_o on_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o magistrate_n be_v immediate_o and_o direct_o obedience_n unto_o he_o and_o not_o unto_o god_n whatever_o therefore_o the_o supreme_a power_n in_o any_o place_n may_v do_v or_o will_v be_v please_v to_o do_v for_o the_o accommodation_n of_o the_o outward_a state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o its_o rule_n unto_o the_o political_a government_n of_o a_o people_n or_o nation_n yet_o these_o two_o thing_n be_v certain_a 1._o that_o he_o can_v form_v erect_v or_o institute_v no_o new_a church-state_n which_o be_v not_o ordain_v and_o appoint_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o authority_n and_o what_o he_o do_v of_o that_o nature_n appoint_v be_v call_v a_o church_n only_o equivocal_o or_o by_o reason_n of_o some_o resemblance_n unto_o that_o which_o be_v proper_o so_o call_v 2._o to_o dissent_v from_o what_o be_v so_o appoint_v by_o the_o supreme_a power_n in_o and_o about_o the_o state_n form_n rule_n and_o worship_n of_o church_n whatever_o other_o evil_a it_o may_v be_v charge_v with_o or_o suppose_a liable_a unto_o can_v have_v nothing_o in_o it_o of_o that_o which_o the_o scripture_n condemn_v under_o the_o name_n of_o schism_n which_o have_v respect_n only_o unto_o what_o be_v state_v by_o christ_n himself_o that_o which_o in_o this_o place_n we_o shall_v next_o inquire_v into_o be_v what_o these_o particular_a church_n themselves_o may_v do_v by_o their_o own_o voluntary_a consent_n and_o act_n in_o a_o way_n of_o association_n or_o otherwise_o for_o the_o accumulation_n and_o exercise_n of_o a_o power_n not_o formal_o inherent_a in_o they_o as_o particular_a church_n but_o i_o shall_v refer_v it_o unto_o the_o head_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n which_o must_v be_v afterward_o speak_v unto_o chap._n viii_o the_o duty_n of_o believer_n to_o join_v themselves_o in_o church-order_n unto_o some_o one_o or_o other_o of_o those_o particular_a congregation_n which_o we_o have_v describe_v continue_v to_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o pillar_n of_o truth_n it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o believer_n of_o every_o disciple_n of_o christ_n to_o join_v himself_o for_o the_o due_a and_o orderly_a observation_n and_o performance_n of_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n unto_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o their_o own_o edification_n matth._n 28.18_o 19_o 20._o this_o in_o general_n be_v grant_v by_o all_o sort_n and_o party_n of_o man_n the_o grant_n of_o it_o be_v the_o ground_n whereon_o they_o stand_v in_o the_o management_n of_o their_o mutual_a feud_n in_o religion_n plead_v that_o man_n ought_v to_o be_v of_o or_o join_v themselves_o unto_o this_o or_o that_o church_n still_o suppose_v that_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o be_v of_o one_o or_o another_o yea_o it_o be_v grant_v also_o that_o person_n ought_v to_o choose_v what_o church_n they_o will_v join_v themselves_o unto_o wherein_o they_o may_v have_v the_o best_a advantage_n unto_o their_o edification_n and_o salvation_n they_o be_v to_o choose_v to_o join_v themselves_o unto_o that_o church_n which_o be_v in_o all_o thing_n most_o according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n this_o it_o be_v suppose_v be_v the_o liberty_n and_o duty_n of_o every_o man_n for_o if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o it_o be_v the_o foolish_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n for_o any_o to_o attempt_v to_o get_v other_o from_o one_o church_n unto_o another_o which_o be_v almost_o the_o whole_a business_n of_o religion_n that_o some_o think_v
of_o that_o nation_n and_o by_o live_v within_o such_o parochial_a precinct_n as_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n have_v arbitrary_o establish_v be_v member_n of_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a congregation_n at_o least_o they_o be_v account_v so_o far_o to_o belong_v unto_o these_o church_n as_o to_o render_v they_o liable_a unto_o all_o outward_a punishment_n that_o shall_v be_v think_v meet_a to_o be_v inflict_v on_o they_o who_o comply_v not_o with_o they_o so_o far_o as_o these_o persuasion_n and_o act_n according_a unto_o they_o do_v prevail_v so_o far_o be_v they_o destructive_a of_o the_o principal_a foundation_n of_o the_o external_a be_v and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n but_o that_o man_n join_n themselves_o in_o or_o unto_o any_o church_n society_n be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v a_o voluntary_a act_n or_o a_o act_n of_o free_a choice_n in_o mere_a obedience_n unto_o the_o authority_n and_o command_n of_o christ_n be_v so_o sacred_a a_o truth_n so_o evident_a in_o the_o scripture_n so_o necessary_a from_o its_o subject_a matter_n so_o testify_v unto_o by_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o the_o first_o church_n as_o that_o it_o despise_v all_o opposition_n and_o i_o know_v not_o how_o any_o can_v reconcile_v the_o common_a practice_n of_o give_v man_n the_o reputation_n or_o reality_n of_o be_v member_n of_o or_o belong_v unto_o this_o or_o that_o church_n as_o unto_o total_a communion_n who_o desire_n or_o choose_v no_o such_o thing_n unto_o this_o acknowledge_a principle_n 5._o there_o be_v a_o double_a join_n unto_o the_o church_n 1._o that_o which_o be_v as_o unto_o total_a communion_n in_o all_o the_o duty_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v that_o whereof_o we_o treat_v 2._o a_o adherence_n unto_o the_o church_n as_o unto_o the_o mean_n of_o instruction_n and_o edification_n to_o be_v attain_v thereby_o so_o person_n may_v adhere_v unto_o any_o church_n who_o yet_o be_v not_o meet_v or_o free_a on_o some_o present_a consideration_n to_o confederate_a with_o it_o as_o unto_o total_a communion_n see_v act._n 5.13_o 14._o and_o of_o this_o sort_n in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n be_v the_o baptise_a child_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n for_o although_o they_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o perform_v church-duty_n or_o enjoy_v churchâ—priviledges_n in_o their_o tender_a year_n nor_o can_v have_v a_o right_n unto_o total_a communion_n before_o the_o testification_n of_o their_o own_o voluntary_a consent_n thereunto_o and_o choice_n thereof_o yet_o be_v they_o in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n under_o the_o care_n and_o inspection_n of_o the_o church_n so_o far_o as_o the_o outward_a administration_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o all_o the_o mean_n of_o it_o be_v commit_v thereunto_o and_o their_o duty_n it_o be_v according_a to_o their_o capacity_n to_o attend_v unto_o the_o ministry_n of_o that_o church_n whereunto_o they_o do_v belong_v 6._o the_o proposition_n respect_v a_o visible_a profess_v church_n and_o i_o intend_v such_o a_o church_n in_o general_n as_o avow_v authority_n from_o christ_n 1._o for_o the_o ministerial_a preach_v of_o the_o word_n 2._o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n 3_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o evangelical_n discipline_n and_o 4._o to_o give_v a_o public_a testimony_n against_o the_o devil_n and_o the_o world_n not_o contradict_v their_o profession_n with_o any_o corrupt_a principle_n or_o practice_n inconsistent_a with_o it_o what_o be_v require_v in_o particular_a that_o any_o of_o they_o may_v be_v meet_a to_o be_v join_v unto_o such_o a_o church_n we_o shall_v afterward_o inquire_v 7._o it_o be_v general_o say_v that_o out_o of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v no_o salvation_n and_o the_o truth_n hereof_o be_v testify_v unto_o in_o the_o scripture_n act._n 2.47_o 1_o pet._n 3.20_o 21._o matth._n 16.18_o ephes._n 5.26_o 27._o joh._n 10.16_o 8_o this_o be_v true_a both_o positive_o and_o negative_o of_o the_o catholic_n church_n invisible_a of_o the_o elect_a all_o that_o be_v of_o it_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o none_o shall_v be_v save_v but_o those_o that_o belong_v unto_o it_o ephes._n 5.25_o 26_o 27._o of_o the_o catholic_n visible_a profess_v church_n negative_o that_o no_o adult_n person_n can_v be_v save_v that_o do_v not_o belong_v unto_o this_o church_n rom._n 10.10_o 9_o this_o position_n of_o truth_n be_v abuse_v by_o interest_n and_o pride_n a_o enclosure_n of_o it_o be_v make_v by_o they_o who_o of_o all_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n can_v lay_v the_o least_o and_o weak_a claim_n unto_o it_o namely_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v that_o catholic_n church_n out_o of_o which_o there_o be_v no_o salvation_n and_o wherein_o none_o can_v perish_v like_o the_o ark_n of_o noah_n that_o it_o require_v the_o high_a charity_n to_o reckon_v they_o unto_o that_o visible_a profess_v church_n whereof_o the_o great_a part_n may_v perish_v and_o do_v so_o undoubted_o 10._o our_o enquiry_n be_v what_o truth_n there_o be_v in_o this_o assertion_n with_o respect_n unto_o these_o particular_a church_n or_o society_n for_o the_o celebration_n of_o gospel-worship_n and_o discipline_n whereof_o we_o treat_v and_o i_o say_v 1._o no_o church_n of_o what_o denomination_n soever_o can_v lay_v a_o claim_n unto_o this_o privilege_n as_o belong_v unto_o itself_o alone_o this_o be_v the_o ancient_a donatism_n they_o confine_v salvation_n unto_o the_o church_n of_o their_o way_n alone_o and_o after_o many_o false_a charge_n of_o it_o on_o other_o it_o begin_v real_o to_o be_v renew_v in_o our_o day_n for_o some_o dispute_n that_o salvation_n be_v confine_v unto_o that_o church_n alone_o wherein_o there_o be_v a_o succession_n of_o diocesan_n bishop_n which_o be_v the_o height_n of_o donatism_n the_o judgement_n and_o determination_n make_v concern_v the_o eternal_a salvation_n or_o damnation_n of_o man_n by_o the_o measure_n of_o some_o difference_n among_o christian_n about_o church_n their_o state_n and_o order_n be_v absurd_a foolish_a and_o impious_a and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n use_v by_o they_o who_o sufficient_o proclaim_v that_o they_o know_v neither_o what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v save_v nor_o do_v use_v any_o diligence_n about_o the_o necessary_a mean_n of_o it_o salvation_n depend_v absolute_o on_o no_o particular_a church-state_n in_o the_o world_n he_o know_v not_o the_o gospel_n who_o can_v real_o think_v it_o do_v person_n of_o believer_n be_v not_o for_o the_o church_n but_o the_o church_n be_v for_o they_o if_o the_o ministry_n of_o angel_n be_v for_o they_o who_o be_v heir_n of_o salvation_n much_o more_o be_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n so_o if_o a_o man_n be_v a_o adulterer_n a_o idolater_n a_o railer_n a_o hater_n &_o scoffer_n of_o godliness_n if_o he_o choose_v to_o live_v in_o any_o know_a sin_n without_o repentance_n or_o in_o the_o neglect_n of_o any_o know_a duty_n if_o he_o be_v ignorant_a and_o profane_a in_o a_o word_n if_o he_o be_v not_o bear_v again_o from_o above_o be_v he_o of_o what_o church_n he_o will_v and_o whatsoever_o place_n he_o possess_v therein_o he_o can_v be_v save_v and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n if_o a_o man_n believe_v in_o christ_n jesus_n that_o be_v know_v he_o in_o his_o person_n office_n doctrine_n and_o grace_n trust_v unto_o he_o for_o all_o the_o end_n of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o love_n of_o god_n towards_o mankind_n in_o he_o if_o he_o endeavour_v to_o yield_v sincere_a and_o universal_a obedience_n unto_o all_o his_o command_n and_o to_o be_v conform_v unto_o he_o in_o all_o thing_n follow_v his_o example_n have_v for_o these_o end_n receive_v of_o his_o spirit_n though_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n shall_v reject_v he_o yet_o he_o shall_v undoubted_o be_v save_v if_o any_o shall_v hence_o infer_v that_o then_o it_o be_v all_o one_o of_o what_o church_n any_o one_o be_v i_o answer_v 1._o that_o although_o the_o be_v of_o this_o or_o that_o or_o any_o particular_a church_n in_o the_o world_n will_v not_o secure_v the_o salvation_n of_o any_o man_n yet_o the_o adherence_n unto_o some_o church_n or_o such_o as_o be_v so_o call_v in_o their_o constitution_n and_o worship_n may_v prejudice_v yea_o ruin_n the_o salvation_n of_o any_o that_o shall_v so_o do_v 2._o the_o choice_n of_o what_o church_n we_o will_v join_v unto_o belong_v unto_o the_o choice_n and_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n for_o our_o edification_n and_o he_o that_o make_v no_o conscience_n hereof_o but_o mere_o with_o respect_n unto_o the_o event_n of_o be_v save_v at_o last_o will_v probable_o come_v short_a thereof_o 2._o on_o this_o supposition_n that_o there_o be_v no_o insuperable_a difficulty_n lie_v in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o discharge_n of_o this_o duty_n as_o that_o a_o person_n be_v cast_v by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n into_o such_o a_o place_n or_o season_n as_o
ceremony_n without_o the_o enliven_a form_n of_o these_o spiritual_a gift_n i_o have_v prove_v sufficient_o in_o my_o discourse_n of_o spiritual_a gift_n and_o their_o continuance_n in_o the_o church_n wherefore_o a_o communication_n of_o spiritual_a gift_n peculiar_o enable_v man_n unto_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n antecedent_n unto_o their_o solemn_a separation_n unto_o the_o office_n in_o some_o good_a measure_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a unto_o the_o due_a continuance_n of_o the_o office_n and_o its_o work_n see_v ephes._n 4.7_o 11_o 12_o 13_o 14_o 15._o to_o suppose_v that_o the_o lord_n christ_n do_v call_v and_o appoint_v man_n unto_o a_o certain_a office_n and_o work_n in_o his_o church_n seclude_v all_o other_o from_o any_o interest_n in_o the_o one_o or_o other_o and_o yet_o not_o endow_v they_o with_o peculiar_a gift_n and_o ability_n for_o the_o discharge_n of_o that_o office_n and_o work_n be_v to_o ascribe_v that_o unto_o he_o which_o be_v every_o way_n unbecoming_a his_o wisdom_n and_o grace_n with_o his_o love_n unto_o the_o church_n but_o when_o man_n look_v on_o all_o church_n order_n as_o a_o lifeless_a machine_n to_o be_v act_v move_v and_o dispose_v by_o external_n rule_n law_n canon_n and_o order_n without_o respect_n unto_o the_o act_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n go_v before_o in_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o word_n to_o enliven_v every_o part_n of_o it_o the_o true_a disciple_n of_o christ_n will_v receive_v no_o advantage_n thereby_o 3._o it_o be_v of_o the_o same_o importance_n that_o person_n so_o call_v do_v take_v heed_n unto_o their_o ministry_n that_o they_o fulfil_v it_o that_o they_o give_v themselves_o unto_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n that_o they_o labour_v continual_o in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n and_o all_o those_o other_o duty_n which_o in_o the_o scripture_n be_v prescribe_v unto_o they_o and_o this_o not_o only_o as_o unto_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o but_o as_o unto_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o performance_n with_o zeal_n love_n compassion_n and_o diligence_n where_o there_o be_v a_o great_a defect_n in_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n on_o what_o pretence_n soever_o it_o be_v where_o man_n esteem_v themselves_o exempt_v from_o this_o work_n or_o not_o oblige_v unto_o it_o when_o they_o suppose_v that_o they_o may_v discharge_v their_o office_n at_o a_o cheap_a rate_n and_o with_o less_o trouble_n as_o unto_o their_o present_a interest_n by_o such_o way_n as_o i_o shall_v not_o here_o express_v no_o man_n be_v no_o man_n can_v be_v oblige_v to_o confine_v his_o church_n communion_n unto_o such_o a_o ministry_n 4._o it_o be_v require_v that_o they_o be_v example_n unto_o the_o flock_n in_o the_o expression_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o power_n of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o preach_v in_o their_o conversation_n especial_o in_o zeal_n humility_n self-denial_n and_o readiness_n for_o the_o cross._n where_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o there_o be_v such_o a_o defect_n in_o the_o fundamental_o of_o church_n practice_v as_o unto_o the_o ministry_n of_o it_o that_o no_o man_n who_o take_v care_n of_o his_o own_o edification_n can_v join_v himself_o unto_o a_o church_n labour_v under_o it_o for_o minister_n and_o church_n be_v nothing_o but_o institute_v mean_n of_o the_o conversion_n of_o sinner_n and_o the_o edification_n of_o believer_n and_o when_o any_o of_o they_o through_o their_o own_o default_n cease_v so_o to_o be_v there_o be_v no_o obligation_n unto_o any_o man_n to_o join_v or_o continue_v in_o their_o communion_n nor_o do_v they_o contract_v any_o gild_n in_o a_o peaceable_a departure_n from_o they_o but_o discharge_v their_o duty_n that_o this_o be_v do_v peaceable_o without_o strife_n or_o contention_n without_o judge_v of_o other_o as_o unto_o their_o interest_n in_o christ_n and_o eternal_a salvation_n the_o law_n of_o moral_a obedience_n do_v require_v that_o it_o be_v do_v with_o love_n and_o compassion_n and_o prayer_n towards_o and_o for_o they_o who_o be_v leave_v be_v the_o peculiar_a direction_n of_o that_o moral_a duty_n by_o the_o gospel_n such_o a_o practice_n at_o present_a will_v fall_v under_o severe_a charge_n and_o accusation_n as_o also_o brutish_a penalty_n in_o some_o place_n but_o when_o all_o church_n craft_n shall_v be_v defeat_v and_o the_o use_n that_o be_v make_v of_o its_o imaginary_a authority_n be_v discard_v there_o will_v be_v little_a occasion_n of_o this_o practice_n and_o none_o at_o all_o of_o offence_n again_o there_o be_v thing_n fundamental_a unto_o church_n practise_v and_o order_n in_o the_o church_n itself_o which_o where_o they_o be_v neglect_v no_o man_n ought_v of_o choice_n to_o join_v himself_o unto_o that_o church_n see_v he_o can_v do_v it_o without_o the_o prejudice_n of_o his_o edification_n the_o furtherance_n whereof_o he_o ought_v to_o design_n in_o that_o duty_n and_o these_o be_v 1._o that_o the_o discipline_n of_o christ_n be_v due_o exercise_v in_o it_o according_a unto_o his_o mind_n and_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o prescription_n there_o never_o be_v any_o sect_n order_n or_o society_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n design_v for_o the_o preservation_n and_o promotion_n of_o virtue_n and_o thing_n praiseworthy_a but_o they_o have_v rule_n of_o discipline_n proper_a unto_o the_o end_v of_o their_o design_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o and_o by_o all_o that_o belong_v unto_o they_o where_o the_o erection_n of_o such_o society_n be_v continue_v in_o the_o world_n as_o it_o be_v much_o in_o the_o papacy_n both_o their_o constitution_n and_o their_o conversation_n depend_v on_o the_o especial_a rule_n of_o discipline_n which_o they_o have_v frame_v unto_o themselves_o and_o this_o be_v do_v by_o they_o in_o great_a variety_n for_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o so_o esteem_v it_o insufficient_a unto_o their_o design_n they_o have_v make_v no_o end_n of_o coin_v rule_n unto_o themselves_o to_o suppose_v that_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o in_o this_o church_n state_n according_a unto_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n have_v erect_v the_o most_o perfect_a society_n for_o the_o most_o perfect_a end_n of_o religion_n of_o obedience_n towards_o god_n of_o love_n and_o usefulness_n among_o ourselves_o have_v not_o appoint_v a_o discipline_n and_o give_v rule_n concern_v its_o administration_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o that_o society_n and_o the_o attain_n of_o those_o end_n be_v high_o injurious_a unto_o his_o honour_n and_o glory_n where_o therefore_o there_o be_v a_o church_n or_o any_o society_n that_o pretend_v so_o to_o be_v wherein_o there_o be_v a_o utter_a neglect_n of_o this_o discipline_n of_o christ_n or_o the_o establishment_n of_o another_o not_o administer_v by_o the_o law_n and_o rule_n that_o he_o have_v prescribe_v no_o disciple_n of_o christ_n can_v be_v oblige_v to_o join_v unto_o or_o to_o continue_v in_o the_o total_a sole_a communion_n of_o such_o a_o church_n and_o whereas_o there_o be_v two_o part_n of_o this_o discipline_n of_o christ_n that_o which_o be_v private_a among_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o exercise_n and_o preservation_n of_o love_n and_o that_o which_o be_v public_a in_o and_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o purity_n and_o order_n a_o neglect_n in_o either_o of_o they_o do_v much_o impeach_v the_o fundamental_a constitution_n of_o a_o church_n as_o unto_o its_o practice_n 2._o there_o be_v sundry_a other_o thing_n which_o belong_v unto_o this_o discipline_n in_o general_n which_o be_v of_o great_a consideration_n in_o the_o discharge_v of_o the_o duty_n we_o inquire_v into_o among_o they_o be_v 1._o that_o constant_a difference_n be_v put_v between_o the_o good_a and_o the_o bad_a in_o all_o church_n administration_n 2._o that_o person_n open_o or_o flegitious_o wicked_a be_v not_o admit_v into_o the_o society_n of_o the_o church_n or_o a_o participation_n of_o its_o privilege_n 3._o that_o holiness_n love_n and_o usefulness_n be_v open_o avow_v as_o the_o design_n and_o interest_n of_o the_o church_n but_o they_o be_v all_o so_o comprise_v in_o the_o general_n head_n of_o discipline_n as_o that_o i_o shall_v not_o in_o particular_a insist_v upon_o they_o from_o what_o have_v be_v thus_o declare_v it_o will_v appear_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n what_o church_n it_o be_v that_o a_o discipline_n of_o christ_n who_o take_v due_a care_n of_o his_o own_o edification_n and_o salvation_n aught_o in_o duty_n to_o join_v himself_o unto_o in_o complete_a communion_n to_o answer_v this_o enquiry_n be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o those_o discourse_n and_o controversy_n which_o have_v be_v about_o the_o note_n of_o the_o true_a church_n i_o shall_v brief_o determine_v concern_v it_o according_a to_o the_o principle_n before_o evince_v 1._o it_o must_v be_v such_o a_o church_n as_o wherein_o all_o the_o fundamental_a truth_n of_o the_o
gospel_n be_v believe_v own_a and_o profess_v without_o controversy_n and_o those_o not_o bear_v withal_o by_o who_o they_o be_v deny_v or_o oppose_v without_o this_o a_o church_n be_v not_o the_o ground_n and_o pillar_n of_o truth_n it_o do_v not_o hold_v the_o head_n it_o be_v not_o build_v on_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n neither_o be_v it_o sufficient_a that_o those_o thing_n be_v general_o profess_v or_o not_o deny_v a_o church_n that_o be_v fill_v with_o wrangling_n and_o contion_n about_o fundamental_a or_o important_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o of_o choice_n to_o be_v join_v unto_o for_o these_o thing_n subvert_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o great_o impede_fw-la their_o edification_n and_o although_o both_o among_o distinct_a church_n and_o among_o the_o member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n mutual_a forbearance_n be_v to_o be_v exercise_v with_o respect_n unto_o a_o variety_n in_o apprehension_n in_o some_o doctrine_n of_o lesser_a moment_n yet_o the_o incursion_n that_o have_v be_v make_v into_o sundry_a protestant_a church_n in_o the_o last_o and_o present_a age_n of_o novel_a doctrine_n and_o opinion_n with_o difference_n division_n and_o endless_a dispute_n which_o have_v ensue_v thereon_o have_v render_v it_o very_o difficult_a to_o determine_v how_o to_o engage_v in_o complete_a communion_n with_o they_o for_o i_o do_v not_o judge_v that_o any_o man_n be_v or_o can_v be_v oblige_v unto_o constant_a total_a communion_n with_o any_o church_n or_o to_o give_v up_o himself_o absolute_o unto_o the_o conduct_n thereof_o wherein_o there_o be_v incurable_a dissension_n about_o important_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o if_o any_o church_n shall_v public_o avow_v countenance_n or_o approve_v of_o doctrine_n contrary_a unto_o those_o which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o its_o first_o communion_n the_o member_n of_o it_o be_v at_o liberty_n to_o refrain_v the_o communion_n of_o it_o and_o to_o provide_v otherwise_o for_o their_o own_o edification_n 2._o it_o must_v be_v such_o a_o church_n as_o wherein_o the_o divine_a worship_n institute_v or_o approve_v by_o christ_n himself_o be_v diligent_o observe_v without_o any_o addition_n make_v thereunto_o in_o the_o observance_n of_o this_o worship_n as_o unto_o all_o external_a occasional_a incidency_n and_o circumstance_n of_o the_o act_n wherein_o it_o do_v consist_v it_o be_v leave_v unto_o the_o prudence_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o according_a to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o general_a rule_n of_o scripture_n and_o it_o must_v be_v so_o unless_o we_o shall_v suppose_v that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n by_o make_v man_n his_o disciple_n do_v unmake_v they_o from_o be_v rational_a creature_n or_o refuse_v the_o exercise_n of_o the_o rational_a faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n in_o his_o service_n but_o this_o be_v so_o remote_a from_o truth_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_a he_o give_v they_o a_o improvement_n for_o this_o very_a end_n that_o we_o may_v know_v how_o to_o deport_v ourselves_o aright_o in_o the_o observance_n of_o his_o command_n as_o unto_o the_o outward_a discharge_n of_o they_o in_o his_o worship_n and_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o and_o this_o he_o do_v by_o that_o gift_n of_o spiritual_a wisdom_n whereof_o we_o shall_v treat_v afterward_o but_o if_o man_n if_o church_n will_v make_v addition_n in_o or_o unto_o the_o rite_n of_o religious_a worship_n unto_o what_o be_v appoint_v by_o christ_n himself_o and_o require_v their_o observance_n in_o their_o communion_n on_o the_o force_n and_o efficacy_n of_o their_o be_v so_o by_o they_o appoint_v no_o disciple_n of_o christ_n be_v or_o can_v be_v oblige_v by_o virtue_n of_o any_o divine_a institution_n or_o command_n to_o join_v in_o total_a absolute_a communion_n with_o any_o such_o church_n he_o may_v be_v induce_v on_o various_a consideration_n to_o judge_v that_o something_o of_o that_o nature_n at_o some_o season_n may_v not_o be_v evil_a and_o sinful_a unto_o he_o which_o therefore_o he_o will_v bear_v with_o or_o comply_v withal_o yet_o he_o be_v not_o he_o can_v be_v oblige_v by_o virtue_n of_o any_o divine_a rule_n or_o command_n to_o join_v himself_o with_o or_o continue_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o such_o a_o church_n if_o any_o shall_v suppose_v that_o hereby_o too_o much_o liberty_n be_v grant_v unto_o believer_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o their_o communion_n and_o shall_v thereon_o make_v severe_a declamation_n about_o the_o inconvenience_n and_o evil_n which_o will_v ensue_v i_o desire_v they_o will_v remember_v the_o principle_n i_o proceed_v upon_o which_o be_v that_o church_n be_v not_o such_o sacred_a machine_n as_o some_o suppose_v erect_v and_o act_v for_o the_o outward_a interest_n and_o advantage_n of_o any_o sort_n of_o man_n but_o only_o mean_v of_o the_o edification_n of_o believer_n which_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o make_v use_n of_o in_o obedience_n unto_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n and_o no_o otherwise_o whereas_o therefore_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n have_v not_o only_o a_o divine_a warranty_n justify_v they_o in_o the_o do_n of_o it_o but_o a_o express_a command_n make_v it_o their_o indispensible_a duty_n to_o join_v in_o the_o celebration_n of_o all_o that_o religious_a worship_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n the_o only_a lawgiver_n of_o the_o church_n and_o who_o be_v faithful_a both_o in_o and_o over_o the_o house_n of_o god_n as_o the_o son_n have_v institute_v and_o command_v but_o have_v no_o such_o warranty_n or_o command_n for_o any_o thing_n else_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o stand_v fast_o in_o the_o liberty_n wherewith_o christ_n have_v make_v they_o free_a and_o if_o by_o the_o same_o breath_n in_o the_o same_o rule_n law_n or_o canon_n they_o be_v command_v and_o oblige_v to_o observe_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n what_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v appoint_v and_o what_o he_o have_v not_o appoint_v both_o on_o the_o same_o ground_n namely_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n and_o on_o the_o same_o penalty_n for_o their_o omission_n no_o man_n can_v be_v divine_o oblige_v to_o embrace_v the_o communion_n of_o any_o church_n on_o such_o term_n 3._o it_o be_v require_v that_o the_o ministry_n of_o a_o church_n so_o to_o be_v join_v with_o be_v not_o defective_a in_o any_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v fundamental_a thereunto_o what_o these_o be_v have_v be_v declare_v and_o because_o edification_n which_o be_v the_o end_n of_o church_n communion_n do_v so_o eminent_o depend_v on_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v not_o any_o thing_n which_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v a_o more_o diligent_a consideration_n of_o in_o the_o join_n of_o ourselves_o unto_o any_o such_o communion_n and_o where_o the_o ministry_n of_o any_o church_n be_v the_o church_n of_o what_o sort_n or_o size_n it_o will_v be_v incurable_o ignorant_a or_o negligent_a or_o through_o a_o defect_n in_o gift_n grace_n or_o conscientious_a attendance_n unto_o their_o duty_n be_v insufficient_a unto_o the_o due_a edification_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o they_o that_o believe_v no_o man_n can_v account_v himself_o oblige_v unto_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n but_o he_o that_o can_v be_v satisfy_v with_o a_o shadow_n and_o the_o name_n of_o thing_n for_o the_o substance_n and_o reality_n of_o they_o if_o therefore_o it_o be_v grant_v as_o i_o think_v it_o be_v that_o edification_n be_v the_o principal_a end_n of_o all_o church_n communion_n it_o be_v not_o intelligible_a how_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v oblige_v unto_o that_o communion_n and_o that_o alone_a wherein_o due_a edification_n can_v be_v obtain_v wherefore_o a_o ministry_n enable_v by_o spiritual_a gift_n and_o engage_v by_o sense_n of_o duty_n to_o labour_v constant_o in_o the_o use_n of_o all_o mean_v appoint_v by_o christ_n for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n or_o increase_v of_o his_o mystical_a body_n be_v require_v in_o such_o a_o church_n as_o a_o believer_n may_v conscientious_o join_v himself_o unto_o and_o where_o it_o be_v otherwise_o let_v man_n cry_v out_o schism_n and_o faction_n whilst_o they_o please_v jesus_n christ_n will_v acquit_v his_o disciple_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o liberty_n and_o accept_v they_o in_o the_o discharge_v of_o their_o duty_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o if_o all_o man_n be_v thus_o allow_v to_o judge_v of_o what_o be_v best_a for_o their_o own_o edification_n and_o to_o act_v according_a unto_o the_o judgement_n which_o they_o make_v they_o will_v be_v continual_o part_v from_o one_o church_n unto_o another_o until_o all_o thing_n be_v fill_v with_o disturbance_n and_o confusion_n i_o say_v 1._o that_o the_o contrary_a assertion_n namely_o that_o man_n be_v not_o allow_v to_o judge_v what_o be_v meet_v and_o best_a for_o their_o own_o edification_n or_o not_o to_o act_v according_a to_o the_o judgement_n
church_n namely_o that_o bad_a man_n be_v mix_v with_o the_o good_a for_o which_o cause_n they_o reject_v those_o church_n wherein_o that_o be_v allow_v as_o no_o true_a church_n of_o christ._n for_o no_o such_o thing_n be_v include_v in_o what_o we_o assert_v nor_o do_v follow_v thereon_o we_o do_v own_o that_o wicked_a hypocrite_n may_v be_v join_v in_o true_a church_n and_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o they_o neither_o be_v this_o a_o cause_n of_o withdraw_a communion_n from_o any_o church_n much_o less_o of_o condemn_v it_o as_o no_o true_a church_n of_o christ._n but_o this_o we_o say_v that_o if_o such_o hypocrite_n discover_v themselves_o in_o open_a scandalous_a sin_n which_o upon_o examination_n will_v prove_v to_o be_v of_o a_o large_a extent_n than_o some_o suppose_v with_o respect_n unto_o sin_n of_o omission_n as_o well_o as_o of_o commission_n if_o they_o be_v not_o deal_v withal_o according_a as_o the_o discipline_n of_o christ_n do_v require_v in_o such_o case_n the_o church_n wherein_o they_o be_v allow_v especial_o if_o the_o number_n of_o such_o person_n be_v many_o or_o the_o most_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o people_n and_o their_o sin_n notorious_a do_v stand_v in_o need_n of_o reformation_n as_o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v acknowledge_v in_o the_o commination_n against_o sinner_n the_o substance_n of_o what_o be_v propose_v under_o this_o consideration_n may_v be_v express_v in_o the_o ensue_a observation_n 1._o the_o generality_n of_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o this_o nation_n be_v join_v and_o do_v belong_v unto_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o its_o parochial_a assembly_n 2._o that_o many_o walk_n and_o live_v without_o any_o visible_a compliance_n unto_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n in_o gospel_n obedience_n yea_o 3_o great_a notorious_a provoke_a sin_n do_v abound_v among_o they_o for_o which_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v fear_v continual_o that_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n will_v speedy_o follow_v as_o be_v acknowledge_v in_o the_o commination_n 4._o that_o hereon_o they_o all_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o reformation_n without_o which_o the_o principal_a end_n of_o church_n communion_n can_v be_v obtain_v among_o they_o 5._o that_o this_o reformation_n be_v the_o duty_n of_o these_o church_n themselves_o which_o if_o it_o be_v neglect_v they_o live_v in_o a_o contempt_n of_o the_o command_v of_o christ._n for_o 6._o unto_o they_o in_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n and_o exercise_v of_o discipline_n be_v the_o mean_n of_o this_o reformation_n commit_v for_o we_o treat_v not_o at_o present_a of_o the_o power_n or_o duty_n of_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n in_o these_o thing_n 7._o that_o this_o state_n of_o church_n can_v hinder_v nor_o ought_v so_o to_o do_v if_o continue_v in_o the_o true_a disciple_n of_o christ_n from_o reform_v themselves_o by_o endeavour_v the_o due_a observance_n of_o all_o his_o command_n 2._o in_o this_o state_n the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v not_o and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v will_v not_o nor_o can_v reform_v itself_o but_o although_o the_o weight_n of_o the_o whole_a argument_n in_o hand_n depend_v very_o much_o on_o this_o assertion_n yet_o i_o shall_v not_o insist_v on_o its_o particular_a confirmation_n for_o sundry_a reason_n not_o now_o to_o be_v mention_v it_o be_v enough_o that_o no_o such_o work_n have_v be_v as_o yet_o attempt_v nor_o be_v at_o this_o day_n public_o propose_v notwithstanding_o all_o the_o mercy_n that_o some_o have_v receive_v the_o loss_n which_o the_o church_n for_o want_v of_o it_o have_v sustain_v the_o judgement_n for_o sin_n that_o be_v fear_v which_o ought_v to_o be_v motive_n thereunto_o yea_o the_o generality_n of_o ecclesiastical_a person_n seem_v to_o judge_v that_o all_o thing_n among_o they_o be_v as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v that_o there_o be_v no_o crime_n or_o disorder_n but_o only_o in_o complain_v of_o their_o good_a estate_n and_o call_v upon_o they_o for_o reformation_n 3._o this_o be_v the_o state_n of_o the_o parochial_a church_n in_o england_n the_o enquiry_n be_v whether_o every_o beleiver_n in_o england_n be_v indispensible_o oblige_v by_o virtue_n of_o any_o law_n rule_n or_o direction_n of_o a_o divine_a original_a to_o continue_v in_o constant_a complete_a communion_n with_o they_o so_o as_o not_o to_o make_v use_n of_o any_o other_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o christ_n appointment_n for_o their_o own_o edification_n on_o the_o penalty_n of_o the_o gild_n of_o schism_n now_o although_o we_o do_v not_o as_o we_o shall_v see_v immediate_o lie_v the_o weight_n of_o refrain_v from_o their_o communion_n on_o this_o consideration_n yet_o be_v there_o enough_o in_o it_o to_o warrant_v any_o man_n in_o his_o so_o do_v for_o a_o man_n in_o his_o conform_v thereunto_o make_v it_o a_o part_n of_o his_o religious_a profession_n not_o only_o that_o the_o church_n wherein_o he_o be_v join_v be_v a_o true_a church_n but_o that_o there_o be_v in_o its_o state_n and_o act_n a_o due_a representation_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n as_o unto_o what_o he_o require_v of_o his_o church_n and_o what_o he_o will_v have_v they_o to_o be_v the_o lord_n christ_n be_v the_o apostle_n and_o high_a priest_n of_o our_o profession_n and_o in_o all_o thing_n that_o belong_v thereunto_o we_o declare_v that_o we_o do_v it_o in_o compliance_n with_o his_o will_n and_o we_o do_v so_o or_o we_o be_v hypocrite_n this_o no_o man_n can_v do_v in_o such_o a_o church_n state_n who_o be_v convince_v of_o its_o defect_n without_o reflect_v the_o great_a dishonour_n on_o christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n more_o weight_n will_v be_v add_v unto_o this_o consideration_n when_o we_o shall_v treat_v of_o the_o matter_n of_o gospel_n church_n or_o of_o what_o sort_n of_o person_n they_o ought_v to_o consist_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n those_o who_o pretend_v a_o reverence_n unto_o antiquity_n in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o they_o suppose_v countenance_n to_o be_v give_v unto_o their_o interest_n may_v do_v well_o sometime_o to_o consider_v what_o be_v the_o discipline_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o what_o be_v the_o manner_n the_o life_n the_o heavenly_a conversation_n of_o their_o member_n because_o in_o the_o 3_o d._n and_o 4_o the_o century_n there_o be_v mention_v make_v of_o bishop_n distinct_a from_o presbyter_n with_o some_o ecclesiastical_a practice_n and_o ceremony_n in_o worship_n not_o mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n nor_o know_v unto_o the_o apostolical_a church_n shall_v we_o judge_v ourselves_o oblige_v to_o conform_v thereunto_o as_o our_o rule_n and_o pattern_n so_o as_o that_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o some_o they_o be_v to_o be_v esteem_v no_o church_n who_o conform_v not_o their_o outward_a state_n and_o practice_n unto_o the_o same_o rule_n and_o shall_v we_o judge_v ourselves_o at_o liberty_n to_o reject_v all_o that_o they_o do_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n and_o in_o the_o preservation_n of_o purity_n of_o life_n and_o holiness_n in_o the_o church_n and_o that_o according_a to_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o scripture_n who_o know_v not_o upon_o what_o diligent_a trial_n and_o experience_n first_o obtain_v of_o their_o knowledge_n faith_n and_o godliness_n they_o admit_v member_n into_o their_o church_n yea_o such_o be_v their_o care_n and_o severity_n herein_o that_o they_o will_v not_o admit_v a_o roman_a emperor_n unto_o communion_n with_o they_o unless_o he_o first_o confess_v his_o sin_n and_o join_v among_o other_o penitent_n before_o his_o admission_n euseb._n lib._n 6._o cap._n 33._o who_o know_v not_o with_o what_o diligence_n they_o watch_v over_o the_o walking_n and_o conversation_n of_o all_o that_o be_v admit_v among_o they_o and_o with_o what_o severity_n they_o animadvert_v on_o all_o that_o fall_v into_o scandalous_a sin_n what_o be_v hereon_o their_o conversation_n in_o all_o holiness_n righteousness_n temperance_n usefulness_n unto_o the_o world_n in_o work_n of_o charity_n and_o benevolence_n as_o all_o other_o christian_a virtue_n we_o have_v sufficient_a testimony_n the_o heathen_a who_o be_v moral_o sober_a and_o virtuous_a desire_v no_o more_o than_o that_o they_o may_v find_v out_o among_o they_o a_o indulgence_n unto_o any_o sort_n of_o sin_n crime_n or_o wickedness_n which_o because_o they_o can_v not_o charge_v any_o of_o they_o withal_o they_o invent_v those_o brutish_a and_o foolish_a lie_n about_o their_o nightly_o meeting_n but_o when_o a_o sober_a enquiry_n be_v make_v concern_v they_o their_o enemy_n be_v force_v to_o confess_v that_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o no_o open_a sin_n no_o adultery_n no_o swear_n or_o perjury_n as_o be_v evident_a in_o the_o epistle_n of_o pliny_n and_o trajan_n the_o emperor_n in_o particular_a they_o utter_o reject_v from_o their_o communion_n all_o that_o resort_v unto_o public_a stage_n play_v or_o other_o spectacle_n a_o solemn_a
or_o folly_n of_o man_n can_v invent_v when_o these_o article_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v compose_v neither_o socinianism_n nor_o arminianism_n which_o have_v now_o make_v such_o a_o inroad_n on_o some_o protestant_a church_n be_v in_o the_o world_n either_o name_n or_o thing_n wherefore_o in_o their_o confession_n no_o testimony_n can_v be_v express_o give_v against_o they_o though_o i_o acknowledge_v it_o be_v evident_a from_o what_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o article_n of_o it_o and_o the_o approve_a exposition_n they_o receive_v for_o a_o long_a time_n in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o most_o eminent_a person_n of_o the_o church_n that_o there_o be_v a_o virtual_a condemnation_n of_o all_o those_o error_n include_v therein_o but_o in_o that_o state_n whereunto_o thing_n be_v come_v among_o we_o some_o more_o express_a testimony_n against_o they_o be_v necessary_a to_o render_v any_o church_n the_o ground_n and_o pillar_n of_o truth_n 2._o beside_o a_o distinction_n be_v find_v out_o and_o pass_v currant_n among_o we_o that_o the_o article_n of_o this_o confession_n be_v not_o article_n of_o faith_n but_o of_o outward_a agreement_n for_o peace_n sake_n among_o ourselves_o which_o be_v a_o invention_n to_o help_v on_o the_o ruin_n of_o religion_n for_o article_n of_o peace_n in_o religion_n concern_v matter_n of_o faith_n which_o he_o that_o subscribe_v do_v it_o not_o because_o they_o be_v true_a or_o article_n of_o faith_n be_v a_o engine_n to_o accommodate_v hypocrisy_n and_o nothing_o else_o but_o according_a unto_o this_o supposition_n they_o be_v use_v at_o man_n pleasure_n and_o turn_v which_o way_n they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o wherefore_o 3._o notwithstanding_o this_o standard_n of_o truth_n difference_n in_o important_a doctrine_n wherein_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v high_o concern_v do_v abound_v among_o they_o who_o manage_n the_o public_a profession_n of_o the_o church_n i_o shall_v not_o urge_v this_o any_o far_o by_o instance_n in_o general_a it_o can_v modest_o be_v deny_v neither_o be_v this_o speak_v to_o abridge_v minister_n of_o church_n of_o their_o due_a liberty_n in_o their_o mannagement_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o such_o a_o liberty_n be_v to_o be_v grant_v as_o 1._o arise_v from_o the_o distinct_a gift_n that_o man_n have_v receive_v for_o unto_o every_o one_o be_v grace_n give_v according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o christ_n ephes._n 4.7_o as_o every_o man_n have_v receive_v the_o gift_n so_o minister_v the_o same_o one_o to_o another_o as_o good_a steward_n of_o the_o manifold_a grace_n of_o gad_n 1_o pet._n 4.10_o 2._o as_o follow_v on_o that_o spiritual_a wisdom_n which_o minister_n receive_v in_o great_a variety_n for_o the_o application_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n unto_o the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n of_o men._n hereon_o great_a variety_n in_o public_a church-administrations_a will_v ensue_v but_o all_o unto_o edification_n 3._o such_o as_o consist_v in_o a_o different_a exposition_n of_o particular_a place_n of_o scripture_n whilst_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n be_v keep_v and_o preserve_v rom._n 12.6_o 4._o such_o as_o admit_v of_o different_a state_v apprehension_n in_o and_o about_o such_o doctrine_n as_o wherein_o the_o practice_n and_o comfort_n of_o christian_n be_v not_o immediate_o nor_o great_o concern_v such_o a_o liberty_n i_o say_v as_o the_o dispensation_n of_o spiritual_a gift_n and_o the_o different_a manner_n of_o their_o exercise_n as_o the_o unsearchable_a depth_n that_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n not_o to_o be_v fathom_v at_o once_o by_o any_o church_n or_o any_o sort_n of_o person_n whatever_o and_o our_o know_v the_o best_a of_o we_o but_o in_o part_n with_o the_o difference_n of_o man_n capacity_n and_o understanding_n in_o and_o about_o thing_n not_o absolute_o necessary_a unto_o edification_n must_v be_v allow_v in_o church_n and_o their_o ministry_n but_o i_o speak_v of_o that_o variety_n of_o doctrine_n which_o be_v of_o great_a importance_n such_o it_o be_v as_o will_v set_v man_n at_o liberty_n to_o make_v their_o own_o choice_n in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n for_o their_o edification_n and_o if_o such_o novel_a opinion_n about_o the_o person_n grace_n satisfaction_n and_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n about_o the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n in_o regeneration_n or_o the_o renovation_n of_o our_o nature_n into_o the_o image_n of_o god_n as_o abound_v in_o some_o church_n shall_v at_o any_o time_n by_o the_o suffrage_n of_o the_o major_a part_n of_o they_o who_o by_o law_n be_v entrust_v with_o its_o conduct_n be_v declare_v as_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v and_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o absolve_v any_o man_n from_o a_o obligation_n unto_o its_o communion_n by_o virtue_n of_o its_o first_o institution_n and_o establishment_n 5._o evangelical_n discipline_n be_v neither_o observe_v nor_o attainable_a in_o these_o parochial_a assembly_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o relief_n provide_v by_o any_o other_o mean_n for_o that_o defect_n this_o have_v in_o general_n be_v speak_v unto_o before_o but_o because_o it_o belong_v in_o a_o especial_a manner_n unto_o the_o argument_n now_o in_o hand_n i_o shall_v yet_o far_o speak_v unto_o it_o for_o to_o declare_v my_o mind_n free_o i_o do_v not_o judge_v that_o any_o man_n can_v incur_v the_o gild_n of_o schism_n who_o refrain_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v either_o whole_o want_v or_o be_v pervert_v into_o rule_n and_o domination_n which_o have_v no_o countenance_n give_v unto_o it_o in_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o we_o may_v observe_v 1._o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n be_v that_o alone_a for_o which_o any_o rule_n or_o authority_n be_v give_v unto_o it_o or_o exercise_v in_o it_o authority_n be_v give_v unto_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n to_o dispense_v the_o word_n and_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n which_o i_o know_v not_o why_o some_o call_v the_o key_n of_o order_n but_o the_o only_a end_n why_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v give_v authority_n or_o rule_n or_o power_n for_o it_o unto_o the_o church_n or_o any_o in_o it_o it_o be_v for_o the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n and_o no_o other_o whatever_o power_n rule_n dignity_n or_o pre-eminence_n be_v assume_v in_o the_o church_n not_o mere_o for_o this_o end_n be_v usurpation_n and_o tyranny_n 2._o the_o outward_a mean_n appoint_v by_o jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o his_o church_n in_o order_n peace_n and_o purity_n consist_v in_o this_o discipline_n he_o do_v by_o his_o word_n give_v direction_n and_o command_n for_o this_o end_n and_o it_o be_v by_o discipline_n alone_o that_o they_o be_v execute_v wherefore_o without_o it_o the_o church_n can_v live_v in_o its_o health_n purity_n and_o vigour_n the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n be_v its_o spiritual_a food_n whereon_o its_o life_n do_v depend_v but_o without_o that_o exercise_n and_o medicinal_a application_n unto_o its_o distemper_n which_o be_v make_v by_o discipline_n it_o can_v live_v a_o healthy_a vigorous_a fruitful_a life_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n 3._o this_o discipline_n be_v either_o private_a or_o public_a 1._o that_o which_o be_v private_a consist_v in_o the_o mutual_a watch_n that_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n have_v over_o one_o another_o with_o admonition_n exhortation_n and_o reproof_n as_o their_o edification_n do_v require_v the_o loss_n of_o this_o part_n of_o the_o discipline_n of_o christ_n in_o most_o church_n have_v lose_v we_o much_o of_o the_o glory_n of_o christian_a profession_n 2._o that_o which_o be_v public_a in_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n with_o and_o by_o its_o own_o consent_n the_o nature_n and_o act_n of_o it_o will_v be_v afterward_o consider_v 4_o there_o be_v three_o thing_n considerable_a in_o this_o discipline_n 1._o the_o power_n and_o authority_n whereby_o it_o be_v exercise_v 2._o the_o manner_n of_o its_o administration_n 3._o the_o especial_a object_n of_o it_o both_o as_o it_o be_v susceptive_a of_o member_n and_o corrective_a whereunto_o we_o may_v add_v its_o general_n end_n 1._o the_o authority_n of_o it_o be_v only_o a_o power_n and_o liberty_n to_o act_v and_o ministerial_o exercise_v the_o authority_n of_o christ_n himself_o as_o unto_o those_o by_o who_o it_o be_v exercise_v it_o be_v in_o they_o a_o act_n of_o obedience_n unto_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n but_o with_o respect_n unto_o its_o object_n the_o authority_n of_o christ_n be_v exert_v in_o it_o that_o which_o be_v exercise_v on_o any_o other_o warranty_n or_o authority_n as_o none_o can_v exert_v the_o authority_n of_o christ_n but_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o own_o institution_n who_o act_n be_v not_o act_n of_o obedience_n unto_o christ_n whatever_o else_o it_o be_v it_o belong_v not_o unto_o
the_o discipline_n of_o evangelical_n churches_n 2._o as_o unto_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o administration_n as_o it_o be_v that_o which_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v appoint_v to_o express_v his_o love_n care_n and_o tenderness_n towards_o the_o church_n hence_o the_o act_n of_o it_o which_o be_v corrective_a be_v call_v lament_v or_o bewail_v of_o they_o towards_o who_o they_o be_v exercise_v 2_o cor._n 12.20_o whatever_o therefore_o be_v do_v in_o it_o that_o be_v not_o expressive_a of_o the_o love_n care_n patitience_n and_o holiness_n of_o christ_n be_v dishonourable_a unto_o he_o 3._o the_o object_n of_o it_o as_o it_o be_v susceptive_a of_o member_n be_v profess_v believer_n and_o as_o it_o be_v corrective_a it_o be_v those_o who_o stubborn_o deviate_v from_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n or_o live_v in_o disobedience_n to_o his_o command_n wherefore_o the_o general_a end_n of_o its_o institution_n be_v to_o be_v a_o representation_n of_o the_o authority_n wisdom_n love_n care_n and_o patience_n of_o christ_n towards_o his_o church_n with_o a_o testimony_n unto_o the_o certainty_n truth_n and_o holiness_n of_o his_o future_a judgement_n the_o especial_a nature_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v afterward_o consider_v unto_o this_o discipline_n either_o as_o unto_o its_o right_a or_o exercise_v there_o be_v no_o pretence_n in_o parochial_a assembly_n yea_o it_o be_v express_o forbid_v unto_o they_o whereas_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a importance_n in_o itself_o so_o subservient_fw-fr unto_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n so_o useful_a and_o necessary_a unto_o the_o edification_n of_o his_o disciple_n so_o weighty_a a_o part_n of_o our_o profess_a subjection_n unto_o he_o without_o which_o no_o church_n can_v be_v continue_v in_o gospel_n purity_n order_n and_o peace_n the_o total_a want_n or_o neglect_v of_o it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a cause_n for_o any_o man_n who_o take_v care_n of_o his_o own_o salvation_n or_o be_v concern_v in_o the_o glory_n and_o honour_n of_o christ_n to_o refrain_v the_o communion_n of_o those_o church_n wherein_o it_o be_v so_o want_v or_o neglect_a or_o at_o least_o not_o to_o confine_v himself_o thereunto_o it_o will_v be_v say_v that_o this_o defect_n be_v supply_v in_o that_o the_o administration_n of_o church_n discipline_n be_v commit_v unto_o other_o namely_o the_o bishop_n and_o their_o officer_n that_o be_v more_o meet_a and_o able_a for_o it_o than_o the_o minister_n and_o people_n of_o parochial_a assembly_n what_o therefore_o be_v want_v in_o they_o be_v supply_v full_o another_o way_n so_o that_o no_o pretence_n can_v be_v take_v from_o hence_o for_o refrain_v communion_n in_o they_o but_o it_o will_v be_v say_v 1._o that_o this_o discipline_n be_v not_o to_o be_v place_v where_o and_o in_o what_o hand_n man_n please_v but_o to_o be_v leave_v where_o christ_n have_v dispose_v it_o 2._o that_o one_o reason_n of_o the_o unmeetness_n of_o parochial_a church_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o discipline_n be_v because_o they_o have_v be_v unjust_o deprive_v of_o it_o for_o so_o many_o age_n 3._o it_o be_v to_o be_v inquire_v whether_o the_o pretend_a discipline_n do_v in_o any_o thing_n answer_n that_o which_o christ_n have_v plain_o and_o express_o ordain_v for_o it_o a_o discipline_n shall_v be_v erect_v who_o right_a of_o exercise_n be_v derive_v from_o secular_a power_n who_o administration_n be_v commit_v unto_o person_n who_o pretend_v not_o in_o the_o least_o unto_o any_o office_n of_o divine_a institution_n as_o chancellor_n commissary_n official_o etc._n etc._n every_o way_n unknown_a unto_o antiquity_n foreign_a unto_o the_o church_n over_o which_o they_o rule_v exercise_v their_o pretend_a power_n of_o discipline_n in_o a_o way_n of_o civil_a jurisdiction_n without_o the_o least_o regard_n unto_o the_o rule_n or_o end_v of_o evangelical_n discipline_n manage_v its_o administration_n in_o brawling_n contention_n revile_n fee_n pecuniary_a mulct_n etc._n etc._n in_o open_a defiance_n of_o the_o spirit_n example_n rule_n and_o command_v of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n it_o will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o supply_v this_o defect_n that_o it_o will_v exceed_o aggravate_v the_o evil_a of_o it_o god_n forbid_v that_o any_o christian_n shall_v look_v on_o such_o a_o power_n of_o discipline_n and_o such_o a_o administration_n of_o it_o to_o be_v that_o which_o be_v appoint_v by_o jesus_n christ_n or_o any_o way_n participant_a of_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o of_o what_o expediency_n it_o may_v be_v unto_o other_o end_n i_o know_v not_o but_o unto_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n it_o have_v no_o alliance_n and_o therefore_o in_o its_o exercise_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v corrective_a it_o be_v usual_o apply_v unto_o the_o best_a and_o most_o sober_a christian_n wherefore_o to_o deal_v plain_o in_o this_o case_n whereas_o there_o be_v neither_o the_o power_n nor_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n in_o parochial_a assembly_n or_o their_o ministry_n not_o so_o much_o by_o their_o own_o neglect_n as_o because_o their_o right_n thereunto_o be_v deny_v and_o its_o exercise_n whole_o forbid_v by_o they_o in_o who_o power_n they_o be_v and_o whereas_o in_o the_o supply_n that_o be_v make_v of_o this_o defect_n a_o secular_a power_n be_v erect_v coercive_a by_o pecuniary_a and_o corporal_a penalty_n administer_v by_o person_n no_o way_n relate_v unto_o the_o church_n over_o which_o they_o exercise_v this_o power_n by_o rule_n of_o humane_a law_n and_o constitution_n in_o litigious_a and_o oppressive_a court_n in_o the_o room_n of_o that_o institution_n of_o christ_n who_o power_n and_o exercise_n be_v spiritual_a by_o spiritual_a mean_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n rule_v it_o be_v lawful_a for_o any_o man_n who_o take_v care_n of_o his_o own_o salvation_n and_o of_o the_o mean_n of_o it_o to_o withdraw_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o such_o church_n so_o far_o as_o it_o hinder_v or_o forbid_v he_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_v appoint_v by_o christ_n for_o his_o edification_n man_n may_v talk_v what_o they_o please_v of_o schime_n but_o he_o that_o forsake_v the_o conduct_n of_o his_o own_o soul_n in_o thing_n of_o so_o plain_a a_o evidence_n must_v answer_v for_o it_o at_o his_o own_o peril_n 4._o this_o defect_n in_o parochial_a church_n that_o they_o be_v entrust_v by_o law_n with_o no_o part_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o themselves_o but_o be_v whole_o govern_v and_o dispose_v of_o by_o other_o at_o their_o pleasure_n in_o the_o way_n before_o mention_v which_o shake_v their_o very_a be_v as_o church_n though_o there_o be_v in_o they_o assembly_n for_o divine_a worship_n found_v in_o common_a right_n and_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n wherein_o man_n may_v be_v accept_v with_o god_n be_v accompany_v with_o such_o other_o want_v and_o defect_n also_o as_o will_v weaken_v any_o obligation_n unto_o complete_a and_o constant_a communion_n with_o they_o i_o shall_v give_v one_o only_a instance_n hereof_o the_o people_n free_a choice_n of_o all_o their_o officer_n bishop_n elder_n pastor_n etc._n etc._n be_v in_o our_o judgement_n of_o divine_a institution_n by_o virtue_n of_o apostolical_a example_n and_o direction_n it_o be_v also_o so_o suitable_a unto_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n namely_o that_o in_o a_o society_n absolute_o found_v in_o the_o voluntary_a consent_n of_o they_o who_o enter_v into_o it_o and_o do_v actual_o exist_v thereby_o without_o any_o necessity_n impose_v on_o they_o from_o prescription_n former_a usage_n or_o the_o state_n of_o be_v bear_v in_o and_o under_o such_o rule_n and_o law_n as_o it_o be_v with_o man_n in_o their_o political_a society_n the_o people_n shall_v have_v the_o election_n of_o they_o who_o be_v to_o rule_v among_o they_o and_o over_o they_o there_o be_v no_o provision_n of_o a_o right_n unto_o a_o successive_a imposition_n of_o any_o such_o ruler_n on_o they_o without_o their_o own_o consent_n that_o nothing_o can_v rational_o be_v plead_v against_o it_o and_o therefore_o whereas_o in_o all_o ordinary_o settle_a government_n in_o the_o world_n set_v aside_o the_o confusion_n of_o their_o original_n by_o war_n and_o conquest_n the_o succession_n of_o ruler_n be_v either_o by_o natural_a generation_n the_o rule_n be_v confine_v unto_o such_o a_o line_n or_o by_o a_o popular_a election_n or_o by_o a_o temperature_n of_o both_o there_o have_v be_v a_o new_a way_n invent_v for_o the_o communication_n of_o power_n and_o rule_n in_o church_n never_o exemplify_v in_o any_o political_a society_n namely_o that_o it_o shall_v neither_o be_v successive_a as_o it_o be_v under_o the_o old_a testament_n nor_o elective_a nor_o by_o any_o temperature_n of_o these_o two_o way_n in_o one_o but_o by_o a_o strange_a kind_n of_o flux_n of_o it_o through_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n who_o pretend_v to_o have_v so_o receive_v it_o themselves_o from_o other_o but_o whether_o hereon_o the_o people_n of_o the_o church_n
which_o have_v as_o they_o think_v undue_o enough_o fail_v in_o one_o or_o two_o instance_n it_o become_v the_o destruction_n of_o a_o church_n state_n not_o only_o in_o the_o church_n where_o such_o mistake_v have_v happen_v as_o they_o surmise_a but_o unto_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n that_o will_v hold_v communion_n with_o they_o but_o in_o these_o thing_n we_o have_v no_o concernment_n other_o notion_n of_o schism_n beside_o those_o insist_v on_o we_o acknowledge_v not_o nor_o be_v any_o other_o advance_v with_o the_o least_o probality_n of_o truth_n nor_o be_v we_o to_o be_v move_v with_o outcry_n about_o schism_n wherein_o without_o regard_n to_o truth_n or_o charity_n man_n contend_v for_o their_o own_o interest_n of_o those_o notion_n of_o it_o which_o have_v be_v receive_v by_o man_n sober_a and_o learned_a we_o decline_v a_o trial_n by_o none_o that_o only_o except_v that_o the_o refusal_n of_o obedience_n unto_o the_o pope_n and_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v all_o that_o be_v schism_n in_o the_o world_n which_o indeed_o be_v none_o at_o all_o that_o which_o be_v now_o so_o fierce_o plead_v by_o some_o concern_v different_a observation_n of_o external_a modes_n rite_n custom_n some_o more_o or_o none_o at_o all_o to_o make_v man_n schismatic_n be_v at_o once_o to_o judge_v all_o the_o primitive_a church_n to_o be_v schismatical_a their_o difference_n variety_n and_o diversity_n among_o they_o about_o these_o thing_n can_v be_v enumerate_v and_o so_o without_o any_o disadvantage_n unto_o the_o faith_n or_o breach_n of_o love_n they_o continue_v to_o be_v until_o all_o church_n order_n and_o power_n be_v swallow_v up_o in_o the_o papal_a tyranny_n ten_o thousand_o time_n more_o pernicious_a then_o ten_o thousand_o such_o dispute_n for_o a_o close_a unto_o this_o whole_a discourse_n concern_v the_o original_a nature_n and_o state_n of_o gospel_n church_n i_o shall_v use_v that_o liberty_n which_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n put_v into_o my_o possession_n church_n mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n ordain_v and_o appoint_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o certain_a number_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n convert_v to_o god_n by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n with_o their_o baptize_v seed_n associate_a themselves_o in_o obedience_n unto_o christ_n command_n and_o by_o the_o direction_n of_o his_o apostle_n for_o the_o common_a profession_n of_o the_o same_o faith_n the_o observance_n and_o performance_n of_o all_o divine_a institution_n of_o religious_a worship_n unto_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n their_o own_o edification_n and_o the_o conversion_n of_o other_o these_o believer_n thus_o associate_v in_o society_n know_v the_o command_n and_o appointment_n of_o jesus_n christ_n by_o his_o apostle_n for_o that_o end_n do_v choose_v from_o among_o themselves_o such_o as_o be_v to_o be_v their_o ruler_n in_o the_o name_n and_o authority_n of_o christ_n according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o order_n of_o his_o institution_n who_o in_o the_o scripture_n be_v call_v on_o various_a consideration_n elder_n bishop_n pastor_n and_o the_o like_a name_n of_o dignity_n authority_n and_o office_n who_o be_v to_o administer_v all_o the_o solemn_a ordinance_n of_o the_o church_n among_o they_o unto_o this_o office_n they_o be_v solemn_o appoint_v ordain_v or_o set_v apart_o by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o with_o fast_v prayer_n and_o imposition_n of_o hand_n or_o by_o other_o ordinary_a officer_n after_o their_o decease_n this_o be_v the_o way_n and_o method_n of_o the_o call_v and_o set_v apart_o of_o all_o ordinary_a officer_n in_o the_o church_n both_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o in_o the_o new_a it_o be_v found_v in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n in_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o ordinary_a church_n ruler_n under_o the_o law_n the_o people_n look_v out_o and_o choose_v fit_a person_n who_o moses_n set_v apart_o to_o the_o office_n deut._n 1.13_o 14_o 15._o and_o in_o the_o call_v of_o deacon_n act_n 6._o the_o apostle_n use_v the_o same_o word_n or_o word_n of_o the_o same_o importance_n unto_o the_o church_n as_o moses_n do_v to_o the_o people_n act_v 6.31_o assert_v the_o continuation_n of_o the_o same_o way_n and_o order_n in_o their_o call_n and_o whereas_o he_o who_o be_v first_o to_o be_v call_v to_o office_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n after_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ_n fall_v under_o a_o double_a consideration_n namely_o of_o a_o officer_n in_o general_n and_o of_o a_o apostle_n which_o office_n be_v extraordinary_a there_o be_v a_o threefold_a act_n in_o his_o call_n the_o people_n choose_v two_o one_o of_o which_o be_v to_o be_v a_o officer_n act_v 1.23_o god_n immediate_a determination_n of_o one_o as_o he_o be_v to_o be_v a_o apostle_n ver_fw-la 24._o and_o the_o obedient_a consent_n of_o the_o people_n in_o compliance_n with_o that_o determination_n ver_fw-la 26._o the_o foundation_n of_o these_o church_n be_v general_o in_o a_o small_a number_n of_o believer_n but_o their_o church_n state_n be_v not_o complete_a until_o they_o be_v supply_v with_o all_o ordinary_a officer_n as_o bishop_n and_o deacon_n the_o former_a be_v of_o of_o several_a sort_n as_o shall_v be_v prove_v hereafter_o and_o of_o they_o there_o be_v many_o in_o every_o church_n who_o number_n be_v increase_v as_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v multiply_v so_o god_n appoint_v in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o every_o ten_o family_n shall_v have_v a_o peculiar_a ruler_n of_o their_o own_o choice_n deut._n 1.13_o 14_o 15_o for_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n of_o any_o one_o single_a bishop_n or_o elder_n in_o any_o church_n of_o any_o sort_n whatever_o either_o absolute_o or_o by_o way_n of_o pre-eminence_n but_o as_o the_o elder_n of_o each_o church_n be_v many_o at_o least_o more_o thenone_o so_o there_o be_v a_o parity_n among_o they_o and_o a_o equality_n in_o order_n power_n and_o rule_n nor_o can_v any_o instance_n be_v give_v unto_o the_o contrary_a of_o these_o church_n one_o only_o be_v original_o plant_v in_o one_o city_n town_n or_o village_n this_o way_n be_v take_v from_o conveniency_n for_o edification_n and_o not_o from_o any_o positive_a institution_n and_o it_o may_v be_v otherwise_o where_o conveniency_n and_o opportunity_n do_v require_v it_o the_o number_n in_o these_o church_n multiply_v daily_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o the_o multiplication_n of_o bishop_n or_o elder_n among_o they_o hereon_o the_o advantage_n of_o some_o one_o person_n in_o priority_n of_o conversion_n or_o of_o ordination_n in_o age_n gift_n and_o grace_n especial_o in_o ability_n for_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o administer_a the_o holy_a ordinance_n of_o the_o church_n with_o the_o necessity_n of_o preserve_a order_n in_o the_o society_n of_o the_o elder_n themselves_o give_v he_o peculiar_a dignity_n pre-eminence_n and_o title_n he_o be_v soon_o after_o the_o bishop_n without_o any_o disadvantage_n to_o the_o church_n for_o in_o those_o church_n in_o some_o of_o they_o at_o least_o evangelist_n continue_v for_o a_o long_a season_n who_o have_v the_o administration_n of_o church_n affair_n in_o their_o hand_n and_o some_o there_o be_v who_o be_v of_o note_n among_o the_o apostle_n and_o eminent_o esteem_v by_o they_o who_o have_v eminent_a yea_o apostolical_a gift_n as_o to_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n which_o be_v the_o peculiar_a work_n of_o the_o apostle_n these_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d mention_v by_o clemens_n of_o the_o many_o other_o elder_n who_o be_v associate_v in_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n it_o may_v be_v not_o many_o have_v gift_n for_o the_o constant_a preach_v of_o the_o word_n nor_o be_v call_v thereunto_o hence_o justin_n martyr_n seem_v to_o assign_v the_o constant_a public_a administration_n of_o sacred_a ordinance_n unto_o one_o precedent_n and_o this_o also_o promote_v the_o constant_a presidency_n of_o one_o in_o who_o the_o apostolical_a aid_n by_o evangelist_n may_v be_v supply_v these_o church_n thus_o fix_v and_o settle_v in_o one_o place_n each_o of_o they_o city_n town_n or_o village_n be_v each_o of_o they_o entrust_v with_o all_o the_o power_n and_o privilege_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v grant_v unto_o or_o endue_v his_o church_n withal_o this_o power_n be_v call_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n or_o of_o bind_v and_o lose_v which_o have_v respect_n only_o unto_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n as_o unto_o thing_n spiritual_a and_o eternal_a be_v mere_o ministerial_a every_o one_o of_o these_o church_n be_v bind_v by_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n to_o live_v in_o peace_n and_o unity_n through_o the_o exercise_n of_o peculiar_a sincere_a and_o fervent_a love_n among_o all_o their_o member_n as_o also_o to_o walk_v in_o peace_n and_o useful_a communion_n with_o all_o othâ—â—_n church_n in_o the_o
difference_n of_o lesser_a moment_n whilst_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n be_v attend_v unto_o 4._o to_o be_v quiet_a and_o wait_v for_o further_a instruction_n be_v the_o direction_n give_v unto_o both_o party_n whilst_o the_o difference_n do_v continue_v between_o they_o and_o that_o in_o opposition_n unto_o mutual_a imposition_n 5._o a_o church_n that_o be_v real_o so_o or_o so_o esteem_v may_v break_v the_o peace_n with_o its_o own_o member_n and_o other_o as_o well_o as_o they_o with_o it_o and_o where_o the_o fault_n be_v must_v be_v determine_v by_o the_o cause_n of_o what_o be_v do_v 6._o for_o what_o be_v add_v about_o gather_v of_o church_n it_o shall_v be_v consider_v in_o its_o proper_a place_n but_o as_o unto_o the_o application_n of_o these_o thing_n unto_o the_o present_a case_n there_o lie_v in_o the_o bottom_n of_o they_o such_o a_o unproved_a presumption_n of_o their_o be_v the_o church_n that_o be_v according_a unto_o divine_a institution_n for_o in_o their_o be_v so_o in_o any_o other_o sense_n we_o be_v not_o concern_v of_o their_o church_n power_n and_o authority_n by_o who_o such_o order_n and_o rule_n be_v make_v as_o we_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n admit_v of_o i_o can_v more_o warrantable_o give_v this_o as_o the_o apostle_n rule_n than_o that_o of_o our_o author_n what_o you_o have_v attain_v unto_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n walk_v together_o in_o holy_a communion_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n but_o take_v heed_n that_o you_o multiply_v not_o new_a cause_n of_o division_n and_o difference_n by_o invent_v and_o impose_v new_a order_n in_o divine_a worship_n or_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n cast_v they_o out_o who_o agree_v with_o you_o in_o all_o thing_n of_o divine_a revelation_n and_o institution_n he_o add_v from_o my_o word_n if_o the_o rule_n reach_v our_o case_n it_o must_v be_v such_o as_o require_v thing_n to_o be_v observe_v as_o be_v never_o divine_o appoint_v as_o national_a church_n ceremony_n and_o mode_n of_o worship_n to_o which_o he_o reply_v and_o so_o this_o rule_n do_v in_o order_n unto_o peace_n require_v the_o observation_n of_o such_o thing_n which_o although_o they_o be_v not_o particular_o command_v of_o god_n yet_o be_v enjoin_v by_o lawful_a authority_n provide_v that_o they_o be_v not_o unlawful_a in_o themselves_o nor_o repugnant_a unto_o the_o word_n of_o god_n answ._n 1._o let_v the_o reader_n if_o he_o please_v consult_v the_o place_n whence_o these_o word_n be_v take_v in_o my_o discourse_n and_o he_o will_v find_v this_o evasion_n obviate_v 2._o what_o be_v intend_v by_o this_o rule_n be_v it_o the_o rule_n give_v by_o the_o apostle_n who_o that_o read_v the_o word_n can_v possible_o pretend_v unto_o any_o such_o conception_n of_o their_o meaning_n if_o he_o understand_v a_o rule_n of_o his_o own_o i_o know_v not_o what_o it_o may_v or_o may_v not_o include_v 3._o i_o deny_v and_o shall_v for_o ever_o deny_v that_o the_o rule_n here_o intend_v by_o the_o apostle_n do_v give_v the_o least_o countenance_n unto_o the_o invention_n and_o imposition_n of_o thing_n not_o divine_o institute_v not_o prescribe_v not_o command_v in_o the_o word_n on_o the_o pretence_n that_o those_o who_o so_o invent_v and_o impose_v they_o judge_v they_o lawful_a and_o that_o they_o have_v authority_n so_o to_o do_v he_o object_n again_o unto_o himself_o out_o of_o my_o discourse_n that_o the_o apostle_n never_o give_v any_o such_o rule_n themselves_o about_o outward_a modes_n of_o worship_n with_o ceremony_n feast_n fast_n liturgy_n etc._n etc._n whereunto_o he_o reply_v what_o then_o i_o say_v then_o 1._o it_o have_v be_v happy_a for_o christian_n and_o christian_a religion_n if_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o be_v their_o successor_n have_v follow_v their_o example_n and_o make_v no_o such_o rule_n at_o all_o that_o they_o will_v not_o have_v think_v themselves_o wise_a than_o they_o or_o more_o careful_a for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n or_o better_o acquaint_v with_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n in_o these_o thing_n than_o they_o be_v for_o that_o multiplication_n of_o rule_n law_n canon_n about_o the_o thing_n mention_v and_o other_o of_o a_o alike_a nature_n which_o the_o apostle_n never_o give_v any_o example_n of_o or_o encouragement_n unto_o which_o afterward_o ensue_v have_v be_v a_o principal_a mean_n of_o alter_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n from_o its_o original_a institution_n of_o corrupt_v its_o worship_n administer_a occasion_n unto_o scandal_n and_o endless_a strife_n 2._o if_o the_o apostle_n give_v no_o such_o rule_n themselves_o it_o may_v be_v conclude_v safe_o that_o it_o be_v because_o in_o their_o judgement_n no_o such_o rule_n be_v to_o be_v give_v other_o reason_n hereof_o can_v be_v assign_v for_o if_o it_o may_v have_v be_v do_v according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o commission_n which_o they_o have_v from_o he_o innumerable_a evil_n may_v have_v be_v preunt_v by_o the_o do_n of_o it_o they_o foresee_v what_o difference_n will_v arise_v in_o the_o church_n what_o division_n the_o darkness_n and_o corrupt_a lust_n of_o man_n will_v cast_v they_o into_o about_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o and_o probable_o know_v much_o whereunto_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n tend_v yet_o will_v they_o not_o appoint_v any_o arbitrary_a rule_n about_o thing_n not_o ordain_v by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n which_o may_v have_v give_v some_o bound_n unto_o the_o inclination_n of_o man_n in_o make_v and_o multiply_v rule_n of_o their_o own_o unto_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o church_n 3._o then_o i_o say_v we_o beg_v the_o pardon_n of_o all_o who_o concern_v themselves_o herein_o that_o we_o scruple_n the_o comply_v with_o such_o rule_n in_o religion_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n as_o the_o apostle_n think_v not_o meet_v to_o appoint_v or_o ordain_v but_o he_o add_v it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o they_o give_v this_o general_a rule_n that_o all_o lawful_a thing_n be_v to_o be_v do_v for_o the_o church_n peace_n answ._n what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v for_o the_o church_n peace_n we_o shall_v afterward_o consider_v to_o be_v do_v be_v intend_v of_o act_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n i_o say_v then_o the_o apostle_n never_o give_v any_o such_o rule_n as_o that_o pretend_a the_o rule_n they_o give_v be_v that_o all_o thing_n which_o christ_n have_v command_v be_v to_o be_v do_v and_o observe_v and_o for_o the_o do_v of_o any_o thing_n else_o they_o give_v no_o rule_n especial_o they_o give_v not_o such_o a_o large_a rule_n as_o this_o that_o may_v serve_v the_o turn_n and_o interest_n of_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n in_o impose_v on_o the_o church_n whatever_o they_o esteem_v lawful_a as_o not_o by_o virtue_n of_o any_o rule_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o in_o a_o open_a rejection_n of_o all_o they_o give_v it_o afterward_o fall_v out_o in_o the_o church_n this_o be_v a_o rule_n which_o will_v do_v the_o work_n to_o the_o purpose_n of_o all_o that_o have_v the_o reputation_n of_o governor_n in_o the_o church_n be_v it_o the_o pope_n or_o who_o it_o will_n for_o they_o be_v themselves_o the_o sole_a judge_n of_o what_o be_v lawful_a the_o people_n as_o it_o be_v pretend_v understand_v nothing_o of_o these_o thing_n whatever_o therefore_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o introduce_v into_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o to_o impose_v on_o the_o practice_n of_o man_n therein_o be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o virtue_n of_o this_o apostolical_a rule_n for_o the_o church_n peace_n provide_v they_o judge_v it_o lawful_a and_o sure_o no_o pope_n be_v ever_o yet_o so_o stark_o mad_a as_o to_o impose_v thing_n in_o religion_n which_o he_o himself_o judge_v unlawful_a beside_o thing_n may_v be_v lawful_a in_o themselves_o that_o be_v moral_o which_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o introduce_v into_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n because_o not_o expedient_a nor_o for_o edification_n yea_o thing_n may_v be_v lawful_a to_o be_v do_v sometime_o on_o some_o occasion_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n which_o yet_o it_o will_v be_v unlawful_a to_o impose_v by_o virtue_n of_o a_o general_a bind_a rule_n for_o all_o time_n and_o season_n instance_n may_v be_v multiply_v in_o each_o kind_n therefore_o i_o say_v the_o apostle_n never_o give_v this_o rule_n they_o open_v no_o such_o door_n unto_o arbitrary_a imposition_n they_o lay_v no_o such_o yoke_n on_o the_o neck_n of_o the_o disciple_n which_o may_v prove_v heavy_a and_o do_v so_o then_o that_o of_o the_o jewish_a ceremony_n which_o they_o have_v take_v away_o namely_o that_o they_o be_v to_o do_v and_o observe_v all_o that_o shall_v by_o their_o ruler_n be_v impose_v on_o they_o as_o lawful_a in_o their_o judgement_n this_o
part_n of_o the_o church_n unity_n do_v or_o ever_o do_v consist_v in_o they_o in_o his_o procedure_n hereon_o our_o author_n seem_v to_o embrace_v occasion_n of_o contend_v seek_v for_o advantage_n therein_o in_o thing_n not_o belong_v unto_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n which_o i_o think_v be_v beneath_o he_o from_o my_o concession_n that_o some_o at_o least_o of_o our_o parochial_a church_n be_v true_a church_n he_o ask_v in_o what_o sense_n be_v they_o church_n right_o constitute_v with_o who_o they_o may_v join_v in_o communion_n as_o member_n i_o think_v it_o be_v somewhat_o too_o late_o now_o after_o all_o this_o dispute_n about_o the_o reason_n of_o refrain_v from_o their_o communion_n and_o his_o severe_a charge_n of_o schism_n upon_o we_o for_o our_o so_o do_v to_o make_v this_o enquiry_n wherefore_o he_o answer_v himself_o no_o but_o his_o mean_v be_v say_v he_o that_o they_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o any_o such_o heinous_a error_n in_o doctrine_n or_o idolatrous_a practice_n in_o worship_n as_o shall_v utter_o deprive_v they_o of_o the_o be_v and_o nature_n of_o church_n which_o i_o suppose_v be_v my_o word_n but_o than_o come_v in_o the_o advantage_n do_v say_v he_o this_o kindness_n belong_v only_o unto_o some_o of_o our_o parochial_a church_n i_o have_v think_v that_o every_o parochial_a church_n be_v true_a or_o false_a according_a unto_o its_o frame_n and_o constitution_n which_o among_o we_o suppose_v the_o own_n the_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n establish_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n i_o answer_v brief_o it_o be_v true_a every_o church_n be_v true_a or_o false_a according_a unto_o its_o original_a frame_n and_o constitution_n this_o frame_n and_o constitution_n of_o church_n if_o it_o proceed_v from_o and_o depend_v upon_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v true_a and_o approvable_a if_o it_o depend_v only_o on_o a_o national_a establishment_n of_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n i_o know_v not_o well_o what_o to_o say_v unto_o it_o but_o let_v any_o of_o these_o parochial_a church_n be_v so_o constitute_v as_o to_o answer_v the_o legal_a establishment_n in_o the_o land_n yet_o if_o the_o generality_n of_o their_o member_n be_v open_o wicked_a in_o their_o life_n and_o they_o have_v no_o lawful_a or_o sufficient_a ministry_n we_o can_v acknowledge_v they_o for_o true_a church_n some_o other_o thing_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n do_v ensue_v but_o i_o shall_v not_o insist_v on_o they_o he_o gather_v up_o in_o the_o next_o place_n the_o title_n of_o the_o cause_n allege_v for_o our_o refrain_v communion_n with_o those_o parochial_a assembly_n which_o he_o call_v our_o separation_n from_o they_o and_o hereon_o he_o inquire_v whether_o these_o reason_n be_v a_o ground_n for_o a_o separation_n from_o a_o church_n wherein_o it_o be_v confess_v there_o be_v no_o heinous_a error_n in_o doctrine_n or_o idolatrous_a practice_n in_o worship_n that_o be_v as_o he_o before_o cite_v my_o word_n as_o shall_v utter_o deprive_v they_o of_o the_o be_v and_o nature_n of_o church_n and_o it_o they_o be_v not_o then_o say_v he_o such_o a_o separation_n may_v be_v a_o formal_a schism_n because_o they_o set_v up_o other_o church_n of_o their_o own_o the_o rule_n before_o lay_v down_o that_o all_o thing_n lawful_a be_v to_o be_v do_v for_o the_o church_n peace_n take_v in_o the_o supposition_n on_o which_o it_o proceed_v be_v as_o sufficient_a to_o establish_v church_n tyranny_n as_o any_o principle_n make_v use_v of_o by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n notwithstanding_o its_o plausible_a appearance_n and_o that_o here_o insinuate_v of_o the_o vnlawfulness_n of_o separation_n from_o any_o church_n in_o the_o world_n for_o that_o which_o have_v pernicious_a error_n in_o doctrine_n and_o idolatry_n in_o worship_n destroy_v its_o be_v be_v no_o church_n at_o all_o be_v as_o good_a security_n unto_o church_n in_o a_o obstinate_a refusal_n of_o reformation_n when_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o people_n be_v ruin_v among_o they_o for_o the_o want_n of_o it_o as_o they_o need_v desire_v and_o i_o confess_v i_o suspect_v such_o principle_n as_o be_v evident_o suit_v unto_o the_o security_n of_o the_o corrupt_a interest_n of_o any_o sort_n of_o men._n i_o say_v therefore_o 1._o that_o though_o a_o church_n or_o that_o which_o pretend_v itself_o on_o any_o ground_n so_o to_o be_v do_v not_o profess_v any_o heinous_a error_n in_o doctrine_n nor_o be_v guilty_a of_o idolatrous_a practice_n in_o worship_n destroy_v its_o nature_n and_o be_v yet_o there_o may_v be_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o refrain_v from_o its_o communion_n in_o church_n order_n and_o worship_n and_o to_o join_v in_o or_o with_o other_o church_n for_o edification_n that_o be_v that_o where_o such_o a_o church_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o reformation_n or_o be_v obstinate_a in_o a_o resolution_n not_o to_o reform_v itself_o under_o the_o utmost_a necessity_n thereof_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o all_o or_o any_o of_o its_o member_n to_o reform_v themselves_o according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n and_o command_v of_o the_o gospel_n 2._o that_o where_o man_n be_v no_o otherwise_o member_n of_o any_o church_n but_o by_o a_o inevitable_a necessity_n and_o outward_a penal_a law_n prevent_v their_o own_o choice_n and_o any_o act_n of_o obedience_n unto_o christ_n in_o their_o join_n with_o such_o church_n the_o case_n be_v different_a from_o they_o who_o relation_n unto_o any_o church_n be_v found_v in_o their_o own_o voluntary_a choice_n as_o submit_v themselves_o unto_o the_o law_n institution_n and_o rule_n of_o christ_n in_o that_o church_n which_o we_o shall_v make_v use_n of_o afterward_o 3._o the_o doctor_n may_v have_v do_v well_o to_o have_v state_v the_o true_a nature_n of_o schism_n and_o the_o formal_a reason_n of_o it_o before_o he_o have_v charge_v a_o formal_a schism_n on_o a_o supposition_n of_o some_o outward_a act_n only_o 4._o what_o be_v our_o judgement_n concern_v parochial_a assembly_n how_o far_o we_o separate_v from_o they_o or_o refrain_v communion_n with_o they_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n whereon_o we_o do_v so_o have_v be_v now_o full_o declare_v and_o thereunto_o we_o must_v appeal_v on_o all_o occasion_n for_o we_o can_v acquiesce_v in_o what_o be_v undue_o impose_v on_o we_o either_o as_o unto_o principle_n or_o practice_n to_o show_v as_o he_o say_v the_o insufficiency_n of_o our_o cause_n of_o separation_n he_o will_v take_v this_o way_n namely_o to_o show_v the_o great_a absurdity_n that_o follow_v on_o the_o allowance_n of_o they_o and_o add_v these_o five_o especial_o i_o shall_v insist_v upon_o 1._o that_o it_o weaken_v the_o cause_n of_o reformation_n 2._o that_o it_o hinder_v all_o union_n between_o the_o protestant_a church_n 3._o that_o it_o justify_v the_o ancient_a schism_n which_o have_v be_v always_o condemn_v by_o the_o christian_a church_n 4._o that_o it_o make_v separation_n endless_a 5._o that_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o obligation_n that_o lie_v on_o all_o christian_n to_o preserve_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n now_o as_o i_o shall_v consider_v what_o he_o offer_v on_o these_o several_a head_n and_o his_o application_n of_o it_o unto_o the_o case_n in_o hand_n so_o i_o shall_v confirm_v the_o reason_n already_o give_v of_o our_o separation_n if_o it_o must_v be_v so_o call_v from_o parochial_a assembly_n with_o these_o five_o consideration_n 1._o that_o they_o strengthen_v the_o cause_n of_o reformation_n 2._o that_o they_o open_v a_o way_n to_o union_n between_o all_o protestant_a church_n 3._o that_o they_o give_v the_o just_a ground_n of_o condemn_v the_o ancient_a schism_n that_o ever_o any_o christian_a church_n do_v just_o condemn_v 4._o that_o they_o give_v due_a bound_n unto_o separation_n 5._o that_o they_o absolute_o comply_v with_o all_o the_o command_v of_o the_o scripture_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n i_o shall_v begin_v with_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o absurdity_n charge_v by_o he_o on_o our_o principle_n and_o practice_n the_o first_o of_o they_o be_v that_o it_o weaken_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o reformation_n this_o he_o prove_v by_o long_a quotation_n out_o of_o some_o french_a divine_n we_o be_v not_o to_o expect_v that_o they_o shall_v speak_v unto_o our_o cause_n or_o make_v any_o determination_n in_o it_o see_v to_o the_o principal_a of_o they_o it_o be_v unknown_a but_o they_o say_v that_o which_o be_v contrary_a unto_o our_o principle_n so_o they_o may_v do_v and_o yet_o this_o not_o weaken_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o reformation_n for_o it_o be_v know_v that_o they_o say_v somewhat_o also_o that_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o our_o episcopal_a brethren_n for_o which_o one_o of_o they_o be_v sufficient_o revile_v but_o yet_o the_o cause_n of_o reformation_n be_v not_o weaken_v thereby_o the_o first_o
testimony_n produce_v be_v that_o of_o calvin_n a_o large_a discourse_n he_o have_v institut_n lib._n 4._o cap._n 1._o against_o causeless_a separation_n from_o a_o true_a church_n and_o by_o who_o be_v they_o not_o condemn_v no_o determination_n of_o the_o case_n in_o hand_n can_v be_v thence_o derive_v nor_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o our_o refrain_v communion_n with_o parochial_a assembly_n the_o same_o with_o those_o which_o he_o condemn_v as_o insufficient_a for_o a_o total_a separation_n nor_o be_v the_o separation_n he_o oppose_v in_o those_o day_n which_o be_v absolute_a and_o total_a with_o a_o condemnation_n of_o the_o church_n from_o which_o it_o be_v make_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o that_o wherewith_o we_o be_v charge_v at_o least_o not_o with_o what_o we_o own_o and_o allow_v he_o give_v the_o note_n of_o a_o true_a church_n to_o be_v the_o pure_a preach_v of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n according_a unto_o christ_n institution_n where_o these_o be_v he_o allow_v a_o true_a church_n to_o be_v not_o only_o without_o diocesan_n episcopacy_n but_o in_o a_o form_n and_o under_o a_o rule_n opposite_a unto_o it_o and_o inconsistent_a with_o it_o and_o if_o he_o do_v at_o all_o speak_v to_o our_o case_n as_o he_o do_v not_o nor_o unto_o any_o of_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o why_o shall_v we_o be_v press_v with_o his_o authority_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n more_o than_o other_o from_o who_o he_o differ_v also_o on_o the_o other_o beside_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o belong_v unto_o the_o pure_a preach_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n according_a unto_o christ_n institution_n than_o some_o seem_v to_o apprehend_v they_o may_v they_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o explain_v as_o that_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o they_o we_o may_v justify_v our_o whole_a cause_n both_o these_o may_v be_v want_v in_o a_o church_n which_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o such_o heinous_a error_n in_o doctrine_n or_o idolatry_n in_o worship_n as_o shall_v overthrow_v its_o be_v and_o their_o want_n may_v be_v a_o just_a cause_n of_o refrain_v communion_n from_o a_o church_n which_o yet_o we_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o condemn_v as_o none_o at_o all_o calvin_n express_v his_o judgement_n n._n 12._o i_o will_v not_o give_v countenance_n unto_o error_n no_o not_o to_o the_o least_o so_o as_o to_o cherish_v they_o by_o flattery_n or_o connivance_n but_o though_o i_o say_v that_o the_o church_n be_v not_o to_o be_v forsake_v for_o tri_a difference_n wherein_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v retain_v safe_a and_o sound_a wherein_o the_o integrity_n of_o godliness_n do_v abide_v and_o the_o use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n appoint_v of_o the_o lord_n be_v preserve_v and_o we_o say_v the_o same_o and_o this_o very_a calvin_n who_o do_v so_o severe_o condemn_v separation_n from_o a_o true_a church_n as_o by_o he_o state_v do_v himself_o quiet_o and_o peaceable_o withdraw_v and_o depart_v from_o the_o church_n of_o geneva_n when_o they_o refuse_v to_o admit_v that_o discipline_n which_o he_o esteem_v to_o be_v according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ._n it_o be_v certain_a therefore_o that_o by_o the_o separation_n which_o he_o condemn_v he_o do_v not_o intend_v the_o peaceable_a relinquishment_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o any_o church_n as_o unto_o a_o constant_a participation_n of_o all_o ordinance_n in_o it_o for_o want_v of_o due_a mean_n of_o edification_n much_o less_o that_o which_o have_v so_o many_o other_o cause_n concur_v therewith_o for_o the_o other_o learned_a man_n who_o he_o quote_v unto_o the_o same_o purpose_n i_o see_v not_o any_o thing_n that_o give_v the_o least_o countenance_n unto_o his_o assertion_n that_o our_o principle_n weaken_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o reformation_n it_o be_v true_a they_o plead_v other_o cause_n of_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n than_o those_o insist_v on_o by_o we_o with_o respect_n unto_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o indeed_o they_o have_v be_v otherwise_o much_o to_o blame_v have_v so_o many_o thing_n as_o they_o have_v to_o plead_v of_o great_a importance_n do_v we_o say_v that_o the_o reason_n which_o we_o plead_v be_v all_o that_o can_v be_v plead_v to_o justify_v the_o separation_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n it_o will_v weaken_v the_o cause_n of_o reformation_n for_o we_o shall_v then_o deny_v that_o idolatry_n and_o fundamental_a error_n in_o faith_n be_v any_o cause_n or_o ground_n of_o that_o separation_n however_o we_o know_v that_o the_o imposition_n of_o they_o on_o the_o faith_n and_o practice_n of_o all_o christian_n be_v more_o plead_v in_o justification_n of_o a_o separation_n from_o they_o than_o the_o thing_n themselves_o but_o allow_v those_o great_a reason_n to_o be_v plead_v against_o the_o roman_a communion_n as_o we_o do_v it_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o follow_v that_o our_o reason_n for_o refrain_v communion_n with_o parochial_a assembly_n do_v weaken_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o reformation_n however_o let_v i_o not_o be_v misinterpret_v as_o unto_o that_o expression_n of_o destroy_v our_o faith_n which_o the_o communion_n require_v with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o unto_o all_o the_o important_a article_n of_o it_o do_v not_o do_v and_o i_o can_v subscribe_v unto_o the_o word_n of_o daille_n as_o quote_v by_o our_o author_n out_o of_o his_o apology_n if_o say_v he_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v not_o require_v any_o thing_n of_o we_o which_o destroy_v our_o faith_n offend_v our_o conscience_n and_o overthrow_v the_o service_n which_o we_o believe_v due_a to_o god_n if_o the_o difference_n have_v be_v small_a and_o such_o as_o we_o may_v safe_o have_v yield_v unto_o then_o he_o will_v grant_v their_o separation_n be_v rash_a and_o unjust_a and_o they_o guilty_a of_o the_o schism_n he_o close_v his_o transcription_n of_o the_o word_n of_o sundry_a learned_a man_n who_o have_v justify_v the_o separation_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n wherein_o we_o be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o concern_v with_o a_o enquiry_n what_o triumph_n will_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n make_v over_o we_o have_v we_o no_o other_o reason_n to_o justify_v our_o separation_n from_o they_o but_o only_o those_o which_o as_o be_v pretend_v we_o plead_v in_o our_o cause_n i_o say_v whereas_o we_o do_v plead_v confirm_v and_o justify_v all_o the_o reason_n and_o cause_n plead_v for_o the_o separation_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n from_o they_o not_o oppose_v not_o weaken_v any_o of_o they_o by_o any_o principle_n or_o practice_n of_o we_o but_o far_o press_v the_o force_n of_o the_o same_o reason_n and_o cause_n in_o all_o instance_n whereunto_o they_o will_v extend_v i_o see_v neither_o what_o cause_n the_o papist_n have_v of_o triumph_n noâ—_n any_o thing_n that_o weaken_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o reformation_n he_o add_v further_a how_o shall_v we_o be_v hiss_v aâ—d_v laugh_v at_o all_o over_o the_o christian_a world_n if_o we_o have_v nothing_o to_o allege_v for_o our_o separation_n from_o the_o roman_a church_n but_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o i_o answer_v that_o as_o the_o case_n stand_v if_o we_o do_v allege_v no_o other_o reason_n but_o those_o which_o we_o insist_v on_o for_o our_o refrain_v communion_n with_o our_o own_o parochial_a assembly_n we_o shall_v deserve_v to_o be_v deride_v for_o relinquish_a the_o plea_n of_o those_o other_o important_a reason_n which_o the_o heresy_n and_o idolatry_n and_o tyranny_n of_o that_o church_n do_v render_v just_a and_o equal_a but_o if_o we_o have_v no_o other_o cause_n of_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o what_o we_o have_v for_o our_o separation_n from_o our_o parochial_a assembly_n at_o home_n as_o weak_a as_o our_o allegation_n be_v pretend_v to_o be_v we_o shall_v not_o be_v afraid_a to_o defend_v they_o against_o all_o the_o papist_n in_o the_o world_n and_o let_v the_o world_n act_n like_o itself_o in_o hiss_v whereas_o therefore_o the_o cause_n of_o reformation_n be_v not_o in_o any_o thing_n weaken_v by_o our_o principle_n no_o argument_n no_o reason_n solid_o plead_v to_o justify_v the_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v desert_v by_o we_o neither_o testimony_n proof_n nor_o evidence_n be_v produce_v to_o evince_v that_o it_o be_v weaken_v by_o we_o i_o shall_v in_o the_o second_o place_n as_o be_v before_o propose_v prove_v that_o the_o whole_a cause_n of_o the_o protestant_n separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v strengthen_v and_o confirm_v by_o we_o there_o be_v some_o general_a principle_n on_o which_o the_o protestant_n proceed_v in_o their_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o which_o they_o constant_o plead_v in_o justification_n thereof_o the_o first_o
consist_v only_o of_o such_o a_o number_n of_o man_n as_o may_v meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n so_o qualify_v and_o that_o those_o by_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o each_o other_o whereof_o we_o shall_v treat_v hereafter_o become_v a_o church_n and_o choose_v their_o officer_n who_o be_v to_o teach_v and_o admonish_v and_o administer_v sacrament_n and_o to_o exercise_v discipline_n by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o congregation_n and_o let_v we_o 2_o suppose_v such_o a_o church_n not_o yet_o gather_v but_o there_o lie_v fit_a matter_n for_o it_o disperse_v up_o and_o down_o in_o several_a parish_n 3_o let_v we_o suppose_v d._n o._n about_o to_o gather_v such_o a_o church_n 4_o let_v we_o suppose_v not_o one_o thing_n peculiar_a to_o our_o church_n require_v of_o these_o member_n neither_o the_o aerial_a sign_n of_o the_o cross_n nor_o kneel_v at_o the_o communion_n etc._n etc._n i_o desire_v to_o know_v whether_o d._n o._n be_v not_o bind_v by_o this_o unalterable_a rule_n to_o draw_v these_o member_n from_o communion_n with_o parochial_a church_n on_o purpose_n that_o they_o may_v form_v a_o congregational_a church_n according_a to_o christ_n institution_n either_o than_o he_o must_v quit_v these_o unalterable_a rule_n and_o institution_n of_o christ_n which_o he_o will_v never_o do_v whilst_o he_o live_v or_o he_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o set_v up_o a_o congregational_a church_n be_v the_o primary_n ground_n of_o this_o separation_n from_o our_o parochial_a church_n etc._n etc._n the_o whole_a design_n hereof_o be_v to_o prove_v that_o we_o do_v not_o withhold_v communion_n from_o their_o parochial_a assembly_n because_o of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v practise_v and_o impose_v in_o they_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o church_n rule_n but_o because_o of_o a_o necessity_n apprehend_v of_o set_v up_o congregational_a church_n i_o answer_v 1._o we_o know_v it_o be_v otherwise_o and_o that_o we_o plead_v the_o true_a reason_n and_o that_o which_o our_o conscience_n be_v regulate_v by_o in_o refrain_v from_o their_o communion_n and_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a for_o he_o or_o any_o man_n else_o to_o endeavour_v so_o to_o bird-lime_n our_o understanding_n by_o a_o multiplicity_n of_o question_n as_o to_o make_v we_o think_v we_o do_v not_o judge_v what_o we_o do_v judge_n or_o do_v not_o do_v what_o we_o know_v ourselves_o well_o enough_o to_o do_v if_o we_o can_v answer_v sophism_n against_o motion_n we_o can_v yet_o rise_v up_o and_o walk_v 2._o these_o thing_n be_v consistent_a and_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o be_v oppose_v one_o to_o the_o other_o namely_o that_o we_o refrain_v communion_n on_o the_o reason_n allege_v and_o thereon_o judge_v it_o necessary_a to_o erect_v congregational_a church_n which_o we_o shall_v have_v no_o occasion_n to_o do_v be_v not_o we_o exclude_v from_o communion_n in_o parochial_a assembly_n as_o we_o be_v 3._o the_o case_n be_v put_v unto_o i_o i_o answer_v plain_o unto_o the_o doctor_n last_o supposition_n whereon_o the_o whole_a depend_v that_o if_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o except_v against_o as_o be_v undue_o practise_v and_o impose_v in_o parochial_a assembly_n be_v remove_v and_o take_v away_o i_o will_v hold_v communion_n with_o they_o all_o the_o communion_n that_o any_o one_o be_v oblige_v to_o hold_v with_o any_o church_n and_o will_v in_o nothing_o separate_v from_o they_o this_o spoil_v the_o whole_a case_n but_o then_o he_o will_v say_v i_o be_o no_o independent_a i_o can_v help_v that_o he_o may_v judge_v as_o he_o see_v cause_n for_o i_o be_o nullius_fw-la addictus_fw-la jurare_fw-la in_o verba_fw-la magistria_n design_v to_o be_v the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n alone_o 4._o but_o yet_o suppose_v that_o in_o such_o church_n all_o the_o thing_n except_v against_o be_v remove_v there_o be_v yet_o a_o defect_n in_o some_o unalterable_a rule_n that_o concern_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n that_o they_o answer_v not_o in_o all_o thing_n the_o strictness_n lay_v down_o in_o the_o drs_n first_o supposition_n although_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o if_o not_o all_o of_o they_o absolute_o yet_o the_o most_o of_o they_o and_o of_o the_o most_o importance_n will_v be_v find_v virtual_o in_o parochial_a assembly_n upon_o the_o removal_n of_o the_o thing_n except_v against_o the_o enquiry_n be_v what_o i_o will_v do_v then_o or_o whether_o i_o will_v not_o set_v up_o a_o congregational_a church_n gather_v out_o of_o other_o church_n i_o answer_v i_o tell_v you_o plain_o what_o i_o will_v do_v 1._o if_o i_o be_v join_v unto_o any_o such_o church_n as_o wherein_o there_o be_v a_o defect_n in_o any_o of_o the_o rule_v appoint_v by_o christ_n for_o its_o order_n and_o government_n i_o will_v endeavour_v peaceable_o according_a as_o the_o duty_n of_o my_o state_n and_o call_v do_v require_v to_o introduce_v the_o practice_n and_o observance_n of_o they_o 2._o in_o case_n i_o can_v not_o prevail_v therein_o i_o will_v consider_v whether_o the_o want_n of_o the_o thing_n suppose_v be_v such_o as_o to_o put_v i_o on_o the_o practice_n of_o any_o thing_n unlawful_a or_o cut_v i_o short_a of_o the_o necessary_a mean_n of_o edification_n and_o if_o i_o find_v they_o do_v not_o so_o do_v i_o will_v never_o for_o such_o defect_n separate_v or_o withdraw_v communion_n from_o such_o a_o church_n but_o 5._o suppose_v that_o from_o these_o defect_n shall_v arise_v not_o only_o a_o real_a obstruction_n unto_o edification_n but_o also_o a_o necessity_n of_o practise_v some_o thing_n unlawful_a to_o be_v observe_v wherein_o no_o forbearance_n can_v be_v allow_v i_o will_v not_o condemn_v such_o a_o church_n i_o will_v not_o separate_v from_o it_o will_v not_o withdraw_v from_o act_n of_o communion_n with_o it_o which_o be_v lawful_a but_o i_o will_v peaceable_o join_v in_o fix_a personal_a communion_n with_o such_o a_o church_n as_o be_v free_a from_o such_o defect_n and_o if_o this_o can_v be_v do_v without_o the_o gather_n of_o a_o new_a church_n i_o see_v neither_o schism_n nor_o separation_n in_o so_o do_v wherefore_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o drs_n question_n and_o his_o case_n found_v on_o as_o many_o supposition_n as_o he_o be_v please_v to_o make_v it_o abide_v firm_a and_o unshaken_a that_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o our_o refrain_v communion_n from_o parochial_a assembly_n be_v the_o practice_n and_o imposition_n of_o thing_n not_o lawful_a for_o we_o to_o observe_v in_o they_o and_o it_o be_v undue_o affirm_v p._n 223._o that_o upon_o my_o ground_n separation_n be_v necessary_a not_o from_o the_o particular_a condition_n of_o communion_n with_o they_o but_o because_o parochial_a church_n be_v not_o form_v after_o the_o congregational_a way_n for_o what_o form_n of_o church_n they_o have_v be_v it_o what_o it_o will_v it_o be_v after_o the_o congregational_a way_n and_o it_o be_v more_o undue_o affirm_v and_o contrary_a unto_o the_o rule_n of_o christian_a charity_n that_o this_o plea_n of_o we_o be_v a_o necessary_a piece_n of_o art_n to_o keep_v fair_a with_o the_o presbyterian_a party_n for_o as_o we_o design_v to_o keep_v fair_a as_o it_o be_v call_v with_o no_o party_n but_o only_o so_o far_o as_o truth_n and_o christian_a love_n require_v and_o so_o we_o design_v it_o with_o all_o party_n whatsoever_o so_o the_o plea_n have_v be_v always_o insist_v on_o by_o we_o and_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o nonconformity_n in_o multitude_n of_o our_o persuasion_n before_o they_o have_v any_o opportunity_n to_o gather_v any_o congregational_a church_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n such_o thing_n will_v never_o help_v nor_o adorn_v any_o cause_n in_o the_o issue_n but_o he_o press_v the_o due_a consideration_n of_o this_o art_n that_o as_o i_o suppose_v they_o may_v avoid_v the_o snare_n of_o it_o on_o the_o presbyterian_o by_o mind_v they_o what_o be_v do_v in_o former_a time_n in_o the_o debate_n of_o the_o dissent_v brethren_n and_o the_o set_n up_o of_o congregational_a church_n in_o those_o day_n for_o say_v he_o have_v those_o of_o the_o congregational_a way_n since_o alter_v their_o judgement_n have_v d._n o._n yield_v that_o in_o case_n some_o term_n of_o communion_n in_o our_o church_n be_v not_o insist_v on_o they_o will_v give_v over_o separation_n be_v not_o their_o church_n first_o gather_v out_o of_o presbyterian_a congregation_n and_o if_o presbytery_n have_v be_v settle_v upon_o the_o king_n restauration_n will_v they_o not_o have_v continue_v in_o their_o separation_n answ._n 1_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n that_o i_o know_v of_o between_o presbyterian_o and_o those_o who_o he_o call_v independent_o about_o particular_a church_n for_o the_o presbyterian_o allow_v they_o to_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n grant_v they_o the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n by_o their_o own_o eldership_n in_o all_o ordinary_a case_n and_o none_o to_o
from_o the_o beginning_n however_o this_o be_v no_o part_n of_o our_o present_n contest_v namely_o whether_o some_o while_n after_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o church_n that_o be_v great_o increase_v and_o many_o elder_n in_o they_o there_o be_v not_o one_o choose_v as_o at_o alexandria_n by_o those_o elder_n themselves_o to_o preside_v among_o they_o who_o in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n be_v call_v a_o bishop_n but_o if_o i_o mistake_v not_o that_o alone_o which_o will_v advantage_v his_o cause_n be_v to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v in_o one_o city_n or_o any_o where_o else_o many_o not_o occasional_a assembly_n of_o christian_n or_o church_n member_n but_o many_o state_v fix_a church_n with_o officer_n of_o their_o own_o peculiar_o relate_v unto_o they_o entrust_v with_o church_n power_n and_o privilege_n at_o least_o as_o much_o as_o he_o afterward_o plead_v to_o be_v in_o our_o parochial_a church_n all_o under_o the_o government_n of_o one_o single_a bishop_n make_v up_o a_o new_a church_n state_n beyond_o that_o of_o particular_a congregation_n by_o their_o relation_n unto_o he_o as_o their_o common_a pastor_n this_o i_o take_v it_o be_v that_o which_o shall_v have_v be_v prove_v all_o the_o difficulty_n wherewith_o our_o assertion_n be_v accompany_v arise_v from_o the_o multiplication_n of_o believer_n and_o the_o increase_n of_o church_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n or_o present_o after_o for_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v so_o great_a as_o that_o those_o in_o one_o city_n can_v not_o continue_v in_o one_o church_n notwithstanding_o the_o advantage_n of_o occasional_a assembly_n the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n have_v 5000_o in_o it_o at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o word_n grow_v and_o prevail_v at_o ephesus_n and_o other_o place_n whereto_o i_o shall_v brief_o answer_v as_o hasten_v unto_o a_o close_a of_o this_o unpleasing_a labour_n i_o say_v therefore_o 1._o whatever_o difficulty_n may_v seem_v to_o be_v in_o this_o matter_n yet_o in_o point_n of_o fact_n so_o it_o be_v there_o be_v no_o church_n before_o the_o end_n of_o the_o second_o century_n of_o any_o other_o species_n nature_n or_o kind_n but_o a_o particular_a congregational_a church_n only_o as_o have_v be_v prove_v before_o let_v any_o one_o instance_n be_v produce_v of_o a_o church_n of_o one_o denomination_n national_a provincial_a or_o diocesan_n or_o of_o any_o other_o kind_n then_o that_o which_o be_v congregational_a and_o i_o will_v give_v over_o this_o contest_v but_o when_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v certain_a it_o be_v too_o late_o to_o inquire_v how_o it_o may_v be_v and_o on_o this_o occasion_n i_o shall_v add_v that_o if_o in_o that_o space_n of_o time_n namely_o before_o the_o end_n of_o the_o second_o century_n any_o proof_n or_o undoubted_a testimony_n can_v be_v produce_v of_o the_o imposition_n of_o the_o necessary_a use_n of_o liturgy_n or_o of_o state_v ceremony_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o church_n discipline_n consistent_a with_o that_o now_o in_o use_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n it_o will_v go_v a_o great_a way_n in_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o whole_a controversy_n between_o we_o 2._o the_o admirable_a prevalency_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o those_o day_n consist_v principal_o in_o its_o spread_a itself_o all_o the_o world_n over_o and_o plant_v seminary_n for_o far_a conversion_n in_o all_o nation_n it_o do_v indeed_o prevail_v more_o in_o some_o city_n and_o town_n then_o in_o other_o in_o some_o place_n many_o be_v convert_v in_o other_o the_o tender_a of_o it_o be_v utter_o reject_v how_o be_v it_o it_o prevail_v not_o unto_o the_o gather_n of_o such_o great_a number_n into_o any_o church_n sole_o as_o may_v destroy_v or_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o its_o congregational_a institution_n for_o not_o all_o not_o it_o may_v be_v half_a not_o sometime_o a_o three_o part_n of_o they_o who_o make_v some_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o attend_v unto_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n and_o many_o of_o who_o undergo_v martyrdom_n be_v admit_v as_o complete_a member_n of_o the_o church_n unto_o all_o the_o part_n of_o its_o communion_n hence_o there_o be_v many_o who_o upon_o a_o general_a account_n be_v esteem_v christian_n and_o that_o just_o where_o the_o church_n be_v but_o small_a 3._o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o in_o the_o next_o age_n after_o the_o apostle_n the_o church_n be_v any_o where_o so_o increase_v in_o number_n as_o to_o bear_v the_o least_o proportion_n with_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o city_n and_o town_n wherein_o they_o be_v the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n in_o the_o day_n of_o polyicarpus_n may_v just_o be_v esteem_v one_o of_o the_o great_a in_o those_o day_n both_o from_o the_o eminency_n of_o the_o place_n and_o person_n who_o be_v just_o account_v the_o great_a instructor_n of_o all_o asia_n as_o they_o call_v he_o when_o he_o be_v carry_v unto_o the_o stake_n but_o this_o church_n give_v such_o a_o account_n of_o itself_o in_o its_o epistle_n unto_o the_o church_n of_o pontus_n about_o the_o martyrdom_n of_o polycarpus_n as_o manifest_v the_o church_n there_o to_o have_v be_v a_o very_a small_a number_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o other_o inhabitant_n so_o as_o that_o it_o be_v scarce_o know_v who_o or_o what_o they_o be_v euseb._n lib._n 4._o cap._n 15._o so_o in_o the_o excellent_a epistle_n of_o the_o church_n of_o vienna_n and_o lion_n unto_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n and_o phrygia_n concern_v the_o persecution_n that_o befall_v they_o as_o they_o declare_v themselves_o to_o have_v be_v particular_a church_n only_o so_o they_o make_v it_o evident_a that_o they_o bear_v in_o number_n no_o proportion_n unto_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o place_n where_o they_o be_v who_o can_v scarce_o discover_v they_o by_o the_o most_o diligent_a search_n euseb._n lib._n 5._o cap_n 1._o 4._o as_o for_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o particular_a notwithstanding_o the_o great_a number_n of_o its_o original_n convert_v who_o probable_o be_v many_o of_o they_o stranger_n occasional_o present_a at_o the_o feast_n of_o pentecost_n and_o there_o instruct_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o they_o may_v in_o the_o several_a country_n whither_o they_o immediate_o return_v be_v instrument_n of_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o many_o year_n after_o it_o consist_v of_o no_o great_a multitude_n than_o can_v come_v together_o in_o one_o place_n to_o the_o mannagement_n of_o church_n affair_n act_n 15.20_o 21._o nor_o be_v it_o likely_a that_o pella_n a_o obscure_a place_n who_o name_n probable_o have_v never_o be_v know_v but_o on_o this_o occasion_n be_v like_a to_o receive_v any_o great_a multitude_n nor_o do_v epiphanius_n say_v as_o our_o author_n pretend_v that_o they_o spread_v themselves_o from_o thence_o to_o coelosyria_n and_o decapolis_n and_o basanitis_fw-la for_o he_o affirm_v express_o that_o all_o the_o disciple_n which_o go_v from_o jerusalem_n dwell_v at_o pella_n only_o he_o say_v that_o from_o thence_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o nazarenes_n take_v its_o original_n which_o spread_v itself_o afterward_o in_o coelosyria_n decapolis_n and_o basanitis_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d speak_v of_o that_o sect_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d they_o dwell_v all_o at_o pella_n sect._n 7._o p._n 239._o he_o quote_v another_o say_n of_o i_o namely_o that_o i_o can_v discern_v the_o least_o necessity_n of_o any_o positive_a rule_n or_o direction_n in_o this_o matter_n see_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o man_n do_v indispensible_o require_v it_o and_o hereon_o he_o attempt_v to_o make_v advantage_n in_o opposition_n unto_o another_o say_n as_o he_o suppose_v of_o i_o namely_o that_o the_o institution_n of_o church_n and_o the_o rule_n for_o their_o disposal_n and_o government_n throughout_o the_o world_n be_v the_o same_o state_v and_o unalterable_a from_o whence_o he_o make_v many_o inference_n to_o countenance_v he_o in_o his_o charge_n of_o schism_n but_o why_o shall_v we_o contend_v fruitless_o about_o these_o thing_n have_v he_o be_v please_v to_o read_v a_o little_a far_o on_o the_o same_o page_n he_o will_v have_v see_v that_o i_o affirm_v the_o institution_n itself_o to_o be_v a_o plain_a command_n which_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o duty_n require_v of_o man_n in_o church_n relation_n be_v sufficient_a to_o oblige_v they_o thereunto_o without_o any_o new_a revelation_n unto_o that_o purpose_n which_o render_v all_o his_o query_n exception_n and_o inference_n of_o no_o use_n for_o i_o do_v not_o speak_v in_o that_o place_n of_o the_o original_a institution_n of_o church_n who_o law_n and_o rule_n be_v universal_a and_o unalterable_a but_o our_o actual_a gather_n into_o particular_a church_n for_o which_o i_o say_v the_o necessity_n of_o duty_n be_v our_o warrant_n and_o the_o
to_o give_v place_n unto_o severe_a thought_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o its_o communion_n and_o withdraw_a themselves_o into_o foreign_a part_n open_o avow_v a_o separation_n from_o it_o and_o if_o the_o extremity_n which_o many_o have_v be_v put_v unto_o for_o their_o mere_a dissent_n and_o nonconformity_n unto_o the_o establish_v rule_n which_o with_o a_o good_a conscience_n they_o can_v not_o comply_v with_o be_v represent_v it_o may_v if_o not_o excuse_v yet_o alleviate_v the_o evil_a of_o that_o severity_n in_o separation_n which_o they_o fall_v into_o 6._o but_o hereon_o a_o double_a inconvenience_n yea_o evil_a do_v ensue_v whence_o all_o the_o advantage_n make_v use_v of_o in_o this_o story_n to_o load_v the_o present_a cause_n of_o the_o nonconformist_n do_v arise_v for_o 1._o many_o of_o those_o who_o refuse_v to_o conform_v unto_o the_o church_n in_o all_o its_o constitution_n yet_o think_v it_o their_o duty_n to_o wait_v quiet_o for_o a_o national_a reformation_n think_v no_o other_o possible_a begin_v to_o oppose_v and_o write_v against_o they_o who_o utter_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n condemn_v its_o assembly_n as_o unlawful_a and_o herein_o as_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n be_v on_o such_o occasion_n they_o fall_v into_o sharp_a invective_n against_o they_o with_o severe_a censure_n and_o sentence_n concern_v they_o and_o their_o practice_n and_o 2._o those_o who_o do_v so_o separate_v be_v not_o agree_v among_o themselves_o as_o unto_o all_o principle_n of_o church-order_n nor_o as_o unto_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n there_o fall_v out_o difference_n and_o disorder_n among_o they_o accompany_v with_o personal_a imprudency_n and_o miscarriage_n in_o not_o a_o few_o neither_o be_v it_o ever_o scarce_o otherwise_o among_o they_o who_o first_o attempt_v any_o reformation_n unless_o like_o the_o apostle_n they_o be_v infallible_o guide_v these_o mutual_a contest_v which_o they_o have_v among_o themselves_o and_o with_o the_o nonconformist_n who_o abode_n in_o their_o private_a station_n in_o england_n with_o their_o miscarriage_n also_o be_v publish_v unto_o the_o world_n in_o their_o own_o write_n and_o those_o of_o their_o enemy_n hinc_fw-la omnis_fw-la pendet_fw-la lucilius_n these_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o give_v advantage_n unto_o and_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o history_n of_o our_o author_n concern_v separation_n wherein_o all_o i_o can_v find_v unto_o our_o present_a instruction_n be_v that_o iliaco_n intra_fw-la muros_fw-la peccatur_fw-la &_o extra_fw-la there_o be_v and_o ever_o be_v sin_n fault_n folly_n and_o miscarriage_n among_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n which_o may_v be_v far_o evidence_v by_o recount_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n what_o be_v the_o way_n act_n and_o deed_n at_o the_o same_o time_n of_o those_o by_o who_o the_o other_o be_v cast_v out_o and_o reject_v and_o whereas_o it_o be_v the_o design_n of_o the_o reverend_a author_n to_o load_v the_o cause_n and_o person_n of_o the_o present_a nonconformist_n with_o prejudice_n and_o contempt_n it_o be_v well_o fall_v out_o in_o the_o merciful_a disposal_n of_o thing_n towards_o and_o among_o we_o by_o the_o providence_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v force_v to_o derive_v the_o principal_a matter_n of_o his_o charge_n from_o what_o be_v do_v by_o a_o few_o private_a person_n three_o or_o fourscore_o year_n ago_o and_o more_o in_o who_o principle_n and_o practice_n we_o be_v not_o concern_v and_o as_o for_o the_o difference_n that_o fall_v out_o more_o late_o among_o the_o divine_n in_o the_o assembly_n at_o westminster_n about_o the_o way_n mean_n and_o measure_n of_o reformation_n and_o mutual_a forbearance_n which_o he_o give_v we_o a_o large_a account_n of_o in_o a_o long_a transcription_n out_o of_o their_o write_n i_o must_v have_v more_o health_n and_o strength_n and_o leisure_n than_o now_o i_o have_v which_o i_o look_v not_o for_o in_o this_o world_n before_o i_o esteem_v myself_o concern_v to_o engage_v in_o that_o contest_v or_o to_o apologise_v for_o the_o one_o side_n or_o other_o the_o thing_n in_o agitation_n between_o they_o have_v no_o relation_n unto_o or_o present_a dissent_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v here_o insist_v on_o mere_o to_o fill_v up_o the_o story_n with_o reference_n unto_o the_o general_n end_v design_v neither_o to_o my_o knowledge_n do_v i_o ever_o read_v a_o book_n wherein_o there_o be_v a_o great_a appearance_n of_o diligence_n in_o the_o collection_n of_o thing_n word_n say_n expression_n discourse_n unto_o other_o end_n which_o may_v only_o cast_v odium_n on_o the_o cause_n oppose_v or_o give_v advantage_n for_o arguing_n unto_o a_o seem_a success_n very_o little_a or_o no_o way_n at_o all_o belong_v unto_o the_o cause_n in_o hand_n than_o there_o be_v in_o this_o of_o our_o reverend_a author_n though_o much_o in_o the_o same_o way_n and_o kind_n have_v be_v before_o attempt_v but_o separation_n it_o be_v and_o schism_n which_o we_o be_v all_o charge_v withal_o and_o the_o evil_a thereof_o be_v aggravate_v in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o author_n himself_o and_o in_o large_a transcription_n out_o of_o the_o write_n of_o other_o schism_n indeed_o we_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v a_o evil_a a_o great_a evil_n but_o be_v sorry_a that_o with_o some_o a_o pretend_a unproved_a schism_n be_v become_v almost_o all_o that_o be_v evil_a in_o the_o church_n or_o their_o member_n so_o that_o let_v man_n be_v what_o they_o will_v drench_v yea_o overwhelm_v in_o ignorance_n vice_n and_o sin_n so_o they_o do_v not_o separate_v which_o to_o be_v sure_a in_o that_o state_n they_o will_v not_o do_v for_o why_o shall_v he_o who_o have_v plague_n sore_n upon_o he_o depart_v from_o the_o society_n of_o they_o that_o be_v infect_v they_o seem_v to_o be_v esteem_v as_o unto_o all_o the_o concern_v of_o the_o church_n very_o unblameable_a the_o truth_n be_v consider_v the_o present_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o this_o nation_n who_o be_v general_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n how_o the_o land_n be_v fill_v with_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a one_o of_o israel_n god_n give_v we_o every_o day_n renew_v token_n and_o indication_n of_o his_o displeasure_n no_o compliance_n with_o his_o call_n no_o public_a reformation_n be_v yet_o attempt_v it_o seem_v a_o more_o necessary_a duty_n and_o of_o more_o importance_n unto_o they_o upon_o who_o the_o care_n of_o such_o thing_n be_v incumbent_n to_o endeavour_v in_o themselves_o and_o to_o engage_v a_o faithful_a ministry_n throughout_o the_o nation_n both_o to_o give_v a_o due_a example_n in_o their_o conversation_n and_o to_o preach_v the_o word_n with_o all_o diligence_n for_o the_o turn_n of_o the_o people_n from_o the_o evil_a of_o their_o way_n then_o to_o spend_v their_o time_n and_o strength_n in_o the_o mannagment_n of_o such_o charge_n against_o those_o who_o will_v willing_o comply_v with_o they_o as_o unto_o all_o the_o great_a end_n of_o religion_n among_o man_n but_o this_o must_v be_v far_o speak_v unto_o i_o say_v therefore_o 1._o in_o general_n that_o whereas_o the_o whole_a design_n of_o this_o book_n be_v to_o charge_v all_o sort_n of_o nonconformist_n with_o schism_n and_o to_o denounce_v they_o schismatic_n yet_o the_o author_n of_o it_o do_v not_o once_o endeavour_v to_o state_n the_o true_a notion_n and_o nature_n of_o schism_n wherein_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n may_v be_v concern_v he_o satisfy_v himself_o in_o the_o invective_n of_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_n against_o schism_n applicable_a unto_o those_o which_o be_v in_o their_o day_n wherein_o we_o be_v not_o concern_v only_o he_o seem_v to_o proceed_v on_o the_o general_a notion_n of_o it_o that_o it_o be_v a_o causeless_a separation_n from_o a_o true_a church_n which_o depart_v from_o that_o of_o the_o romanist_n who_o will_v allow_v no_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n but_o what_o be_v causeless_a to_o make_v application_n hereof_o unto_o we_o it_o be_v suppose_v 1._o that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v a_o true_a church_n in_o its_o national_a constitution_n and_o so_o be_v all_o the_o parochial_a church_n in_o it_o which_o can_v be_v no_o way_n justify_v but_o by_o a_o large_a extensive_a interpretation_n of_o the_o word_n true_a for_o there_o be_v but_o one_o sort_n of_o church_n institute_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n but_o national_a and_o parochial_a church_n differ_v in_o their_o whole_a kind_n and_o therefore_o can_v both_o of_o they_o be_v of_o a_o divine_a original_a 2._o that_o we_o be_v member_n of_o this_o church_n by_o our_o own_o consent_n how_o we_o shall_v come_v to_o be_v so_o otherways_o i_o know_v not_o if_o we_o be_v so_o by_o be_v bear_v and_o baptize_v in_o england_n than_o those_o who_o be_v bear_v beyond_o sea_n and_o baptize_v there_o