Selected quad for the lemma: act_n

Word A	Word B	Word C	Word D	Occurrence	Frequency Band	MI	MI Band	Prominent
act_n	church_n	member_n	visible_a	3,063	5	9.7114	5	false

Text snippets containing the quad

ID	Title	Author	Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication)	STC	Words	Pages
A81501	The Discipline and order of particular churches, no novelty. Proved from Scripture, reason, autiquity, and the most eminent modern divines. Or, A discourse of the church, in a scripture notion, with her extent, power and practice, tending to moderate the minds of men, toward dissenters in matters ecclesiastical, and to acquit such from the charge of innovation, faction, separation, schism, and breach of union and peace in the church, who cannot conform in many things to the rules, canons, and practices of others. / By a Lover of truth, peace, unity, and order.	Lover of truth, peace, unity, and order.	1675 (1675)	Wing D1558A; ESTC R174652	61,995	98

the_o discipline_n and_o order_n of_o particular_a church_n no_o novelty_n prove_v from_o scripture_n reason_n antiquity_n and_o the_o most_o eminent_a modern_a divine_n or_o a_o discourse_n of_o the_o church_n in_o a_o scripture_n notion_n with_o her_o extent_n power_n and_o practice_n tend_v to_o moderate_a the_o mind_n of_o man_n towards_o dissenter_n in_o matter_n ecclesiastical_a and_o to_o acquit_v such_o from_o the_o charge_n of_o innovation_n faction_n separation_n schism_n and_o breach_n of_o union_n and_o peace_n in_o the_o church_n who_o can_v conform_v in_o many_o thing_n to_o the_o rule_n canon_n and_o practice_n of_o other_o by_o a_o lover_n of_o truth_n peace_n unity_n and_o order_n london_n print_v anno_fw-la dom._n m.dc.lxxv_o the_o discipline_n and_o order_n of_o particular_a church_n no_o novelty_n etc._n etc._n the_o church_n of_o god_n since_o the_o day_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v and_o be_v according_a to_o scripture-expression_n either_o first_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o christ_n consist_v of_o all_o the_o elect_n goad_n see_v the_o disputation_n against_o campion_n at_o the_o tower_n sep._n 18._o 1581._o in_o the_o morn_n by_o tulk._n and_o goad_n as_o eph._n 5.23_o christ_n the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n the_o saviour_n of_o the_o body_n ver_fw-la 27._o that_o he_o may_v present_v to_o himself_o a_o glorious_a church_n ver_fw-la 25._o christ_n love_v the_o church_n and_o give_v himself_o for_o it_o so_o heb._n 12.22_o 23._o to_o the_o general_n assembly_n and_o church_n of_o the_o first_o bear_v write_v in_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n col._n 1.18_o he_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o body_n the_o church_n etc._n etc._n dr._n carleton_n sometime_o bishop_n of_o chichester_n in_o his_o little_a piece_n called_n a_o direction_n to_o know_v the_o true_a church_n p._n 3._o say_v that_o the_o saint_n before_o the_o law_n under_o the_o law_n and_o under_o grace_n make_v up_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n or_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o catholic_n church_n or_o second_o the_o universal_a visible_a church_n or_o whole_a visible_a body_n of_o believer_n upon_o the_o whole_a earth_n at_o the_o same_o time_n as_o act_n 2.42_o the_o lord_n add_v to_o the_o church_n daily_o 88_o mr._n baxter_n cure_n of_o church-division_n p._n 82._o ho●ke●_n eccl._n polity_n three_o book_n p._n 88_o etc._n etc._n so_o eph._n 3.21_o unto_o he_o be_v glory_n in_o the_o church_n by_o christ_n jesus_n throughout_o all_o age_n or_o three_o a_o particular_a congregation_n society_n or_o company_n of_o professor_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o jesus_n christ_n usual_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n as_o one_o body_n for_o the_o participation_n of_o the_o same_o ordinance_n and_o exercise_v the_o same_o duty_n as_o a_o church_n in_o edify_v one_o another_o church_n reynolds_n in_o his_o conference_n with_o hart_n cap._n 6._o p._n 218._o say_v that_o a_o bishop_n in_o our_o sense_n be_v he_o to_o who_o the_o overfight_a and_o charge_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v commit_v such_o as_o ephesus_n philippi_n and_o the_o seven_o church_n prayer_n etc._n etc._n such_o as_o be_v the_o church_n in_o jerusalem_n act_v 11.22_o tiding_n come_v to_o the_o ear_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v in_o jerusalem_n and_o they_o send_v forth_o barnabas_n and_o other_o etc._n etc._n that_o this_o be_v but_o one_o congregation_n be_v evident_a from_o act._n 15._o where_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n and_o other_o come_v from_o antioch_n to_o this_o church_n they_o be_v receive_v by_o the_o church_n first_o and_o then_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n the_o apostle_n elder_n and_o brethren_n the_o whole_a multitude_n be_v present_a at_o the_o discourse_n of_o the_o matter_n and_o the_o epistle_n write_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o whole_a apostle_n elder_n and_o brethren_n meet_v together_o with_o one_o accord_n ver_fw-la 25._o such_o be_v the_o church_n of_o antioch_n which_o be_v gather_v together_o act_v 14.27_o when_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n come_v and_o with_o who_o they_o have_v assemble_v before_o a_o whole_a year_n act_v 11.26_o and_o be_v afterward_o gather_v together_o to_o receive_v and_o hear_v the_o epistle_n act_v 15.30_o such_o be_v the_o church_n which_o the_o apostle_n visit_v and_o ordain_v elder_n in_o act_v 14.23_o for_o they_o do_v it_o by_o suffrage_n likewise_o the_o church_n in_o corinth_n 1_o cor._n 1_o 2._o unto_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o corinth_n these_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n 1_o cor._n 5._o 1_o cor._n 11.18.20.23_o cap._n 14.23_o so_o the_o church_n at_o cenchrea_n near_o corinth_n 230._o see_v smect_n p._n 40_o 41._o 47_o 58_o 59_o bishop_n jewel_n reply_v to_o harding_n p._n 230._o and_o mr._n stillingfleet_n quote_v pareus_n in_o rom._n 16._o for_o this_o that_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n do_v meet_v sometime_o at_o cenchrea_n because_o of_o the_o violence_n of_o their_o enemy_n in_o corinth_n therefore_o also_o when_o the_o apostle_n speak_v any_o where_o of_o the_o assembly_n or_o society_n of_o believer_n in_o any_o one_o country_n they_o call_v they_o not_o a_o church_n in_o the_o singular_a number_n or_o the_o church_n of_o such_o a_o country_n or_o isle_n but_o church_n as_o of_o many_o in_o the_o same_o country_n as_o in_o judea_n macedonia_n galatia_n asia_n 1_o thes_n 2.14_o 2_o cor._n 8.1.18.23_o 24._o gal._n 1.2.22_o the_o holy_a ghost_n mention_n seven_o church_n by_o name_n in_o asia_n rev._n 1.4_o ch._n 2._o ch._n 3._o and_o as_o to_o this_o the_o same_o bishop_n carleton_n in_o the_o same_o book_n p._n 2._o say_v that_o particular_a church_n be_v visible_a assembly_n etc._n etc._n and_o govern_v by_o divers_a visible_a head_n and_o prove_v it_o by_o gregory_n lib._n 4._o epist_n 3._o a_o four_o church_n in_o scripture_n phrase_n can_v be_v find_v since_o the_o time_n that_o all_o in_o every_o nation_n which_o fear_n god_n be_v accept_v as_o the_o apostle_n say_v act_v 10.34_o 35._o such_o as_o national_a provincial_a synodical_a etc._n etc._n we_o read_v not_o in_o scripture_n nor_o in_o any_o church_n history_n for_o many_o year_n after_o christ_n of_o any_o church_n distinct_a from_o these_o description_n before_o give_v now_o it_o be_v to_o be_v presume_v that_o there_o be_v none_o who_o will_v affirm_v that_o the_o first_o of_o these_o three_o church_n can_v possible_o meet_v together_o or_o do_v any_o act_n as_o a_o church_n either_o in_o choose_v officer_n determine_v controversy_n order_v thing_n indifferent_a to_o edification_n give_v interpretation_n of_o scripture_n partake_v of_o ordinance_n and_o cast_v out_o of_o offender_n etc._n etc._n or_o that_o ever_o any_o such_o power_n be_v derive_v down_o from_o christ_n upon_o they_o as_o a_o church_n so_o to_o do_v or_o that_o he_o ever_o intend_v this_o church_n when_o he_o direct_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v by_o the_o church_n as_o such_o because_o of_o the_o utter_a impossibility_n of_o their_o performance_n thereof_o as_o a_o church_n part_n of_o which_o be_v already_o fall_v asleep_a and_o part_v not_o yet_o bear_v also_o it_o may_v be_v conclude_v as_o to_o the_o second_o church_n above_o describe_v that_o it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a they_o shall_v at_o any_o time_n meet_v together_o as_o a_o church_n in_o one_o body_n to_o agree_v upon_o consent_n unto_o act_n or_o order_v any_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o power_n give_v to_o the_o church_n as_o above_o joint_o as_o such_o a_o church_n or_o partake_v of_o ordinance_n joint_o as_o such_o nay_o it_o be_v improbable_a if_o not_o impossible_a that_o in_o their_o representative_a this_o church_n shall_v meet_v and_o put_v themselves_o into_o a_o capacity_n to_o act_n as_o a_o church_n in_o any_o of_o the_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v by_o a_o church_n as_o such_o nay_o be_v there_o ever_o any_o such_o meeting_n of_o this_o church_n none_o as_o can_v be_v find_v in_o story_n or_o if_o this_o be_v possible_a where_o have_v we_o authority_n of_o scripture_n or_o primitive_a practice_n to_o justify_v such_o a_o company_n of_o representative_n to_o call_v themselves_o a_o church_n in_o this_o sense_n and_o to_o take_v to_o themselves_o the_o power_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n give_v to_o she_o by_o jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o call_v their_o act_n the_o act_n of_o the_o church_n and_o it_o will_v be_v strange_a for_o any_o to_o affirm_v that_o christ_n have_v put_v the_o power_n as_o to_o the_o execution_n of_o it_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o body_n that_o can_v never_o possible_o be_v able_a to_o execute_v the_o power_n derive_v upon_o if_o any_o number_n of_o man_n will_v colourable_o make_v themselves_o the_o church_n representative_a it_o be_v necessary_a they_o shall_v be_v choose_v by_o the_o whole_a and_o some_o one_o at_o least_o for_o every_o particular_a church_n body_n society_n or_o congregation_n throughout_o the_o world_n as_o the_o messenger_n

absolute_a or_o of_o their_o deny_v their_o profession_n of_o jesus_n christ_n or_o of_o withdraw_v from_o the_o congregation_n or_o society_n to_o which_o they_o be_v regular_o join_v without_o just_a cause_n &_o refuse_v to_o walk_v in_o such_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o orderly_a participation_n of_o ordinance_n and_o to_o submit_v to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n exercise_v therein_o or_o they_o must_v find_v a_o four_o church_n describe_v in_o scripture_n or_o in_o the_o apostle_n day_n and_o show_v such_o a_o one_o now_o from_o which_o a_o man_n may_v be_v say_v in_o a_o proper_a sense_n to_o separate_v &_o also_o prove_v what_o act_n it_o be_v that_o make_v a_o separation_n from_o that_o church_n and_o that_o these_o person_n be_v guilty_a of_o separation_n thence_o by_o such_o a_o act_n or_o else_o they_o can_v rational_o conclude_v any_o of_o these_o to_o be_v separatist_n or_o schismatic_n in_o any_o sense_n at_o all_o if_o they_o can_v do_v neither_o of_o these_o they_o will_v see_v cause_n to_o be_v angry_a no_o long_o but_o it_o be_v possible_a they_o may_v allege_v against_o some_o of_o these_o that_o they_o have_v separate_v from_o the_o particular_a congregation_n whereto_o sometime_o they_o be_v join_v therefore_o be_v they_o separatist_n for_o answ_n first_o than_o it_o must_v be_v prove_v that_o they_o be_v regular_o join_v to_o that_o congregation_n that_o be_v by_o a_o voluntary_a act_n of_o they_o in_o understanding_n which_o be_v prove_v by_o some_o express_a desire_n in_o he_o that_o join_v and_o a_o actual_a admission_n by_o the_o society_n to_o which_o he_o be_v join_v for_o a_o man_n may_v ignorant_o sit_v down_o at_o a_o sacrament_n in_o these_o church_n where_o no_o order_n be_v observe_v to_o prevent_v that_o confusion_n as_o in_o most_o parish_n church_n yet_o this_o make_v not_o a_o regular_a join_n nor_o he_o a_o fix_a member_n of_o that_o church_n or_o society_n a_o heathen_a may_v do_v this_o beside_o this_o be_v not_o consist_v with_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o regular_a society_n of_o rational_a man_n much_o less_o of_o christian_n where_o must_v be_v a_o consideration_n or_o compact_n between_o all_o the_o party_n oblige_v yea_o further_o if_o a_o man_n be_v make_v of_o such_o a_o parish_n by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n and_o bind_v by_o the_o law_n join_v with_o the_o same_o parish_n as_o a_o church_n and_o be_v one_o of_o the_o member_n thereof_o this_o can_v be_v a_o regular_a join_v he_o to_o this_o church_n neither_o without_o his_o own_o voluntary_a act_n for_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o law_n of_o god_n man_n be_v leave_v free_a to_o join_v themselves_o to_o what_o congregation_n or_o society_n they_o please_v agree_v amos_n 3.3_o how_o can_v two_o walk_v together_o except_o they_o be_v agree_v and_o it_o be_v against_o both_o these_o yea_o against_o the_o very_a nature_n and_o well_o be_v of_o such_o society_n to_o force_v man_n to_o be_v of_o this_o or_o that_o society_n against_o their_o own_o mind_n and_o without_o the_o free_a consent_n of_o the_o society_n itself_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o most_o we_o presume_v who_o withdraw_v from_o parish_n church_n and_o society_n either_o they_o do_v never_o by_o any_o act_n desire_v a_o regular_a admittance_n or_o do_v the_o society_n ever_o in_o truth_n make_v any_o actual_a admission_n only_o sit_v down_o at_o a_o sacrament_n or_o they_o be_v make_v of_o the_o society_n by_o a_o law_n neither_o of_o which_o can_v be_v make_v out_o to_o be_v such_o a_o regular_a join_n to_o that_o society_n as_o to_o denominate_v any_o such_o person_n to_o be_v a_o schismatic_a or_o separatist_n for_o leave_v they_o and_o join_v himself_o to_o any_o other_o beside_o shall_v we_o grant_v that_o they_o be_v regular_o join_v and_o so_o actual_a member_n of_o this_o or_o that_o church_n yet_o if_o they_o remove_v to_o another_o church_n if_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v but_o true_a to_o their_o own_o principle_n and_o own_o their_o common_a practice_n ordinance_n see_v mr._n vine_n upon_o the_o sacrament_n p._n 266._o he_o say_v as_o we_o may_v remove_v for_o health_n etc._n etc._n so_o for_o more_o fruitful_a ordinance_n as_o regular_a the_o guilt_n of_o separation_n can_v lie_v in_o this_o neither_o for_o they_o allow_v a_o man_n to_o leave_v one_o parish_n and_o go_v to_o another_o for_o conveniency_n of_o habitation_n air_n trade_n etc._n etc._n bodily_a advantage_n and_o then_o join_v with_o the_o other_o parish_n church_n as_o a_o member_n there_o and_o leave_v the_o first_o yea_o and_o that_o without_o acquaint_v the_o first_o church_n whereof_o he_o be_v a_o member_n with_o his_o intention_n and_o for_o this_o he_o shall_v be_v no_o separatist_n so_o that_o from_o this_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o separation_n lie_v not_o bare_o in_o this_o that_o man_n leave_v one_o congregation_n or_o society_n and_o join_v themselves_o to_o another_o and_o we_o think_v it_o may_v easy_o be_v grant_v that_o if_o outward_a concernment_n be_v enough_o to_o acquit_v a_o man_n from_o the_o guilt_n of_o separation_n on_o such_o a_o account_n and_o warrant_v his_o remove_n from_o one_o church_n to_o another_o much_o more_o may_v soul_n concernment_n justify_v a_o leave_n of_o one_o church_n and_o adjoin_v to_o another_o yet_o further_o we_o hope_v none_o will_v deny_v but_o that_o there_o may_v be_v just_a cause_n for_o withdraw_v from_o some_o society_n and_o whether_o this_o may_v not_o fall_v in_o for_o a_o sufficient_a plea_n for_o many_o to_o clear_v themselves_o by_o from_o any_o crime_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o withdraw_a from_o the_o society_n where_o once_o they_o be_v and_o join_v to_o another_o mr._n stillingfleet_n in_o his_o say_fw-la irenicum_fw-la p._n 117._o 118._o 120._o agree_v thus_o much_o that_o where_o any_o church_n retain_v purity_n of_o doctrine_n do_v require_v the_o own_n of_o and_o conform_v to_o any_o unlawful_a or_o suspect_a practice_n man_n may_v lawful_o deny_v conformity_n to_o and_o communion_n with_o that_o church_n in_o such_o thing_n 8._o hale_n of_o schism_n p._n 8._o without_o incur_v the_o guilt_n of_o schism_n and_o give_v this_o reason_n for_o it_o if_o our_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v therefore_o lawful_a because_o she_o require_v unlawful_a thing_n as_o condition_n of_o her_o communion_n then_o wherever_o such_o thing_n be_v require_v by_o any_o church_n non-communion_n with_o that_o church_n in_o those_o thing_n will_v be_v lawful_a too_o and_o where_o say_v he_o non-communion_n be_v lawful_a there_o can_v be_v no_o schism_n in_o it_o if_o that_o justify_v our_o withdraw_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n 667._o mr._n raynolds_n conference_n with_o hart_n p._n 666._o 667._o will_v it_o not_o say_v he_o justify_v man_n nonconformity_n in_o thing_n suppose_v by_o they_o to_o be_v unlawful_a and_o again_o our_o best_a writer_n against_o the_o papist_n lay_v the_o imputation_n of_o schism_n not_o upon_o these_o who_o withdraw_v communion_n but_o upon_o those_o who_o require_v such_o thing_n whereby_o they_o do_v rather_o eject_v man_n out_o of_o their_o communion_n than_o the_o other_o separate_v from_o they_o and_o he_o quote_v mr._n hales_n of_o schism_n to_o prove_v full_o the_o refusal_n of_o communion_n in_o case_n any_o unnecessary_a thing_n suspect_v by_o some_o and_o hold_v unlawful_a by_o other_o be_v make_v condition_n of_o communion_n to_o be_v lawful_a and_o duty_n etc._n etc._n now_o it_o may_v be_v this_o may_v be_v the_o case_n of_o every_o one_o who_o have_v withdraw_v communion_n from_o parish_n that_o many_o thing_n be_v require_v there_o without_o a_o conformity_n to_o which_o no_o communion_n can_v be_v have_v with_o they_o that_o these_o require_a thing_n be_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o those_o who_o thus_o withdraw_v unnecessary_a useless_a unlawful_a or_o suspect_v at_o least_o and_o then_o this_o will_n upon_o the_o same_o ground_n acquit_v every_o such_o one_o who_o have_v withdraw_v from_o the_o charge_n of_o schism_n and_o though_o mr._n stillingfleet_n seem_v a_o little_a in_o the_o 117._o p._n of_o the_o say_a book_n to_o mince_v it_o in_o these_o word_n i_o say_v not_o that_o man_n may_v proceed_v to_o erect_v of_o new_a church_n yet_o he_o in_o his_o book_n call_v a_o rational_a account_n etc._n etc._n p_o 332._o seem_v to_o own_o such_o a_o thing_n when_o he_o plead_v against_o rome_n and_o justify_v protestant_n separation_n these_o be_v his_o word_n suppose_v all_o the_o particular_a man_n i_o converse_v with_o be_v leprous_a my_o associate_a myself_o with_o they_o do_v not_o imply_v any_o separation_n from_o the_o communion_n of_o all_o mankind_n but_o that_o i_o be_o loath_a to_o be_v infect_v as_o they_o be_v therefore_o i_o withdraw_v till_o i_o can_v meet_v with_o

matter_n as_o to_o the_o particular_a church_n to_o which_o every_o member_n must_v join_v himself_o to_o wit_n to_o the_o parish_n wherein_o each_o member_n reside_v for_o the_o time_n be_v and_o also_o as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o join_v and_o be_v admit_v that_o be_v by_o their_o be_v parishioner_n to_o say_v nothing_o of_o the_o irrationalness_n of_o this_o way_n 〈◊〉_d the_o apprehension_n of_o such_o who_o consider_v what_o it_o 〈◊〉_d that_o make_v a_o society_n to_o be_v so_o and_o any_o one_o to_o become_v a_o member_n thereof_o or_o of_o such_o who_o know_v ●hat_n it_o be_v to_o have_v communion_n in_o christian_a society_n ●s_v such_o we_o answer_v first_o that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o law_n ●ade_v by_o the_o first_o christian_n emperor_n against_o christian_a liberty_n in_o this_o case_n second_o if_o any_o be_v make_v since_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o inquire_v how_o such_o who_o make_v those_o law_n ●ad_v this_o authority_n derive_v upon_o they_o from_o god_n in_o ●uch_n case_n if_o it_o can_v be_v show_v as_o we_o think_v it_o cannot_v be_v than_o the_o freedom_n continue_v still_o to_o christians_n it_o be_v wonderful_a that_o man_n yea_o christian_n shall_v ●hink_v it_o most_o just_a to_o preserve_v man_n liberty_n of_o liu●ng_v where_o they_o please_v and_o to_o remove_v from_o one_o place_n to_o another_o to_o choose_v what_o society_n they_o please_v in_o civil_a thing_n and_o yet_o restrain_v man_n liberty_n in_o this_o case_n as_o if_o soul-health_n liberty_n com●ort_n and_o profit_n be_v not_o to_o be_v preserve_v above_o that_o of_o the_o body_n especial_o since_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n ●nd_v the_o law_n of_o god_n have_v leave_v it_o free_a three_o that_o law_n which_o make_v all_o person_n indefinite_o live_v or_o that_o shall_v live_v in_o such_o a_o precinct_n to_o be_v a_o church_n and_o member_n one_o of_o another_o ●n_o a_o particular_a society_n and_o put_v they_o under_o a_o necessity_n of_o join_v together_o as_o one_o body_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o god_n can_v very_o hardly_o be_v defend_v from_o oppugn_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n which_o forbid_v fellowship_n in_o such_o thing_n with_o such_o and_o such_o person_n many_o of_o which_o may_v be_v find_v in_o every_o parish_n among_o we_o but_o to_o prove_v by_o some_o particular_n now_o that_o the_o power_n in_o church-affair_n be_v for_o some_o age_n exercise_v in_o and_o by_o these_o particular_a church_n and_o no●_n elsewhere_o without_o any_o interruption_n or_o controll_n considerable_a and_o without_o any_o additional_a or_o superior_a authority_n deacon_n bish_n nicholson_n vindication_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n p._n 26._o agree_v this_o of_o deacon_n after_o the_o apostle_n day_n an●_n first_o as_o to_o the_o choose_n of_o their_o minister_n act_n 6_o two_o 3.5_o 6._o the_o whole_a church_n there_o the_o multitude_n by_o the_o apostle_n own_o direction_n do_v choose_v their_o deacon_n and_o be_v judge_n of_o their_o qualification_n the_o apostle_n tell_v they_o what_o the_o deacon_n shall_v be_v the_o multitude_n be_v judge_n whether_o they_o be_v such_o for_o the_o same_o seven_o without_o examination_n or_o exception_n which_o they_o choose_v be_v by_o the_o apostle_n set_v apart_o for_o the_o work_n the_o apostle_n be_v then_o the_o only_a officer_n of_o that_o church_n which_o be_v then_o but_o one_o society_n or_o congregation_n 24.23_o lorinus_n salmeron_n &_o gasper_n sanctus_n upon_o act._n 14.23_o dear_n part_n 1._o do_v 62._o see_v assembly_n of_o divine_n upon_o act._n 24.23_o so_o for_o the_o elder_n or_o bishop_n act_n 14.22_o 23._o paul_n and_o barnabas_n ordain_v or_o appoint_v they_o elder_n in_o every_o church_n but_o for_o the_o manner_n it_o be_v by_o suffrage_n i._n e._n by_o the_o people_n choice_n or_o vote_n thus_o the_o very_a text_n be_v render_v in_o some_o translation_n and_o so_o by_o magdeburg_n divine_v translate_v they_o create_v presbyter_n in_o every_o church_n by_o suffrage_n cent._n 1._o lib._n 2._o cap._n 4._o col._n 401_o 402._o and_o this_o can_v not_o be_v but_o in_o particular_a congregation_n who_o can_v meet_v together_o to_o this_o end_n the_o apostle_n carry_v no_o man_n with_o they_o but_o pass_v from_o church_n to_o church_n they_o appoint_v such_o of_o every_o church_n who_o they_o find_v there_o and_o who_o be_v more_o capable_a of_o judge_v than_o the_o church_n of_o which_o they_o be_v member_n and_o who_o have_v experience_n of_o and_o acquaintance_n with_o they_o that_o this_o be_v so_o be_v yet_o more_o evident_a by_o this_o that_o afterward_o for_o many_o hundred_o year_n together_o this_o way_n only_o be_v continue_v in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o congregation_n or_o particular_a church_n to_o choose_v their_o own_o bishop_n and_o other_o minister_n and_o they_o account_v it_o as_o their_o right_n without_o any_o control_n as_o ●or_a instance_n in_o euseb_n eccl._n hist_o lib._n 3._o cap._n ●_o 1._o p._n 44._o it_o be_v say_v that_o after_o the_o death_n of_o james_n ●he_v apostle_n and_o disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n gather_v themselves_o together_o to_o consult_v who_o shall_v succeed_v ●nd_v they_o all_o with_o one_o voice_n judge_v simon_n worthy_a so_o euseb_n lib._n 6._o cap._n 28._o p._n 110._o when_o all_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v gather_v themselves_o together_o for_o the_o elect_v of_o a_o bishop_n their_o bishop_n be_v dead_a and_o many_o have_v think_v upon_o notable_a and_o famous_a man_n fabianus_n be_v present_a the_o whole_a multitude_n with_o one_o accord_n and_o the_o same_o spirit_n of_o god_n agree_v upon_o he_o and_o make_v he_o bishop_n the_o people_n of_o a_o church_n in_o constantinople_n be_v by_o their_o bishop_n before_o his_o death_n desire_v to_o choose_v one_o of_o two_o man_n he_o name_v because_o of_o their_o virtue_n do_v after_o his_o death_n meet_v and_o choose_v one_o of_o they_o soc._n eccl._n hist_n lib._n 2._o cap._n 4._o p._n 253._o so_o do_v the_o people_n of_o a_o church_n in_o milan_n be_v meet_v together_o with_o one_o voice_n choose_v ambrose_n to_o be_v their_o bishop_n which_o the_o emperor_n conclude_v there_o to_o be_v the_o work_n and_o will_n of_o god_n socrat._v lib._n 4._o cap._n 25._o p._n 335._o there_o be_v such_o multitude_n of_o precedent_n and_o instance_n of_o this_o practice_n that_o it_o will_v be_v endless_a to_o mention_v they_o only_o see_v some_o instance_n in_o the_o same_o history_n of_o socrates_n lib._n 2._o cap._n 9_o p._n 256._o lib._n 4._o cap._n 13._o p_o 324._o lib._n 6._o cap._n 2._o p._n 359._o lib._n 7._o cap._n 7._o p._n 377_o 378._o lib._n 7._o cap._n 12._o p._n 380._o cap._n 26._o p._n 390._o evagr._fw-la eccl._n hist_n lib._n 4._o cap._n 6._o p._n 473._o lib._n 2._o cap._n 11._o p._n 436._o this_o continue_a unquestioned_a 500_o year_n at_o least_o and_o though_o attempt_n be_v sometime_o make_v by_o bishop_n and_o the_o civil_a power_n they_o engage_v t●_n depose_v minister_n and_o thrust_v in_o other_o upon_o church_n yet_o still_o the_o church_n refuse_v they_o and_o chos●_n other_o themselves_z when_o they_o want_v they_o a_o soc._n lib._n 2._o cap._n 6._o p._n 254_o one_o emiseus_n there_o refuse_v at_o two_o several_a place_n by_o the_o people_n a_o alexandria_n and_o emisa_n so_o likewise_o socrat._v lib_fw-la 4._o cap._n 7._o p._n 318_o 319._o when_v one_o eunomius_n wa●_n send_v to_o cizicum_n by_o a_o bishop_n of_o constantinople_n an●_n command_v to_o be_v place_v there_o by_o the_o emperor_n yet_o be_v he_o refuse_v and_o eunomius_n go_v and_o live_v with_o he_o that_o make_v he_o bishop_n so_o again_o socra●_n lib._n 7._o cap._n 12._o p._n 380._o one_o salvatus_fw-la rejecte●_n by_o a_o church_n in_o constantinople_n so_o again_o at_o cizicum_n where_o a_o bishop_n at_o constantinople_n appoint_v proclus_n to_o be_v their_o bishop_n the_o church_n at_o cizicum_n understand_v what_o be_v do_v prevent_v it_o an●_n choose_v dalmatius_n a_o religious_a man_n to_o govern_v and_o proclus_n be_v not_o admit_v there_o spend_v hi●_n time_n at_o constantinople_n socrat._v lib._n 7._o cap._n 28_o p._n 391._o and_o many_o more_o instance_n of_o this_o nature_n may_v be_v give_v yet_o we_o find_v no_o complaint_n make_v thereof_o as_o any_o irregular_a act_n of_o the_o people_n which_o doubtless_o will_v have_v be_v have_v it_o not_o be_v their_o know_a right_n cyprian_n agree_v to_o this_o that_o if_o any_o be_v intrude_v upon_o the_o people_n he_o be_v take_v for_o a_o false_a bishop_n no●_n a_o true_a pastor_n for_o which_o he_o be_v quote_v by_o the_o magdeburg_n divine_v cent._n 3._o cap._n 7._o col_fw-fr 175_o 176_o moreover_o the_o emperor_n constantine_n acknowledge_v this_o right_a to_o be_v lodge_v in_o these_o particular_a church_n see_v his_o epistle_n to_o the_o church_n in_o antioch_n where_o

themselves_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n as_o invest_v with_o authority_n to_o make_v law_n to_o impose_v upon_o other_o in_o these_o church_n matter_n for_o if_o a_o four_o church_n on_o earth_n distinct_a from_o the_o three_o description_n above_o be_v not_o find_v and_o prove_v to_o be_v vest_v with_o this_o power_n and_o capable_a to_o execute_v it_o according_a to_o christ_n mind_n none_o of_o these_o three_o do_v ever_o execute_v any_o such_o power_n the_o two_o first_o never_o make_v law_n since_o they_o grow_v to_o big_a to_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n the_o third_z never_o make_v any_o to_o be_v bind_v or_o observe_v further_o than_o in_o and_o by_o the_o same_o congregation_n or_o society_n where_o they_o be_v make_v and_o by_o who_o they_o be_v agree_v to_o it_o be_v true_a we_o find_v that_o other_o church_n like_v the_o rule_n of_o some_o one_o church_n do_v imitate_v they_o and_o agree_v of_o the_o same_o in_o their_o church_n also_o as_o socrat._v ●n_o his_o eccles_n hist_o lib._n 5._o cap._n 21._o p._n 351._o etc._n etc._n affirm_v that_o in_o those_o day_n there_o be_v diversity_n of_o observation_n and_o rite_n in_o several_a church_n without_o any_o force_n of_o any_o but_o every_o church_n as_o it_o seem_v good_a to_o they_o and_o that_o such_o as_o like_v those_o rite_n do_v commend_v they_o to_o their_o posterity_n for_o law_n and_o mr._n thorndike_n in_o his_o book_n call_v the_o true_a way_n of_o compose_v difference_n pag._n 26_o 27._o say_v that_o if_o a_o part_n of_o a_o church_n speak_v there_o of_o a_o national_a church_n as_o man_n term_v it_o shall_v give_v law_n to_o the_o whole_a such_o part_n that_o so_o do_v for_o so_o do_v be_v schismatic_a if_o therefore_o any_o particular_a church_n be_v but_o a_o part_n of_o the_o whole_a in_o his_o sense_n shall_v make_v rule_n for_o the_o whole_a or_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o convocation_n or_o synod_n be_v such_o a_o church_n who_o have_v this_o power_n to_o make_v law_n for_o the_o whole_a these_o also_o be_v but_o a_o part_n of_o the_o church_n in_o mr._n thorndikes_n sense_n and_o but_o a_o little_a part_n too_o if_o these_o therefore_o shall_v give_v law_n to_o the_o whole_a then_o hear_v what_o thorndike_n say_v if_o yet_o they_o say_v this_o be_v the_o whole_a church_n in_o their_o representative_a answer_n first_o can_v just_o call_v themselves_o the_o representative_a of_o the_o whole_a for_o they_o be_v neither_o choose_v nor_o send_v by_o the_o whole_a nor_o do_v the_o whole_a ever_o intrust_v they_o with_o any_o such_o power_n nor_o be_v they_o choose_v send_v and_o entrust_v by_o the_o particular_a church_n of_o the_o whole_a without_o which_o in_o any_o rational_a way_n they_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v the_o whole_a church_n in_o her_o representative_a no_o nor_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o her_o representative_a if_o not_o so_o send_v choose_v and_o entrust_v by_o the_o particular_a church_n thereof_o as_o above_o nor_o will_v they_o we_o presume_v challenge_v any_o authority_n from_o christ_n immediate_o derive_v upon_o their_o person_n to_o be_v the_o church_n representative_a and_o to_o make_v law_n for_o they_o but_o second_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v grant_v though_o against_o all_o reason_n that_o they_o do_v indeed_o represent_v the_o church_n of_o england_n yet_o than_o it_o must_v be_v prove_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o very_o good_a authority_n that_o any_o such_o representative_a be_v call_v the_o church_n and_o so_o account_v and_o have_v such_o power_n to_o make_v law_n for_o many_o church_n or_o congregation_n by_o divine-right_a and_o to_o who_o law_n those_o church_n be_v bind_v to_o give_v obedience_n for_o conscience_n sake_n if_o that_o in_o act_n 15._o be_v urge_v it_o seem_v to_o be_v altogether_o impertinent_a unless_o they_o will_v make_v the_o apostle_n and_o whether_o all_o or_o some_o only_o we_o can_v determine_v the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o all_o the_o brethren_n of_o that_o church_n a_o convocation_n or_o synod_n and_o such_o another_o we_o can_v hardly_o find_v now_o adays_o that_o this_o be_v so_o and_o no_o other_o be_v apparent_a from_o the_o very_a text_n for_o all_o these_o meet_v together_o about_o the_o matter_n and_o it_o be_v say_v verse_n 22._o it_o please_v the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n with_o the_o whole_a church_n to_o send_v choose_v man_n of_o their_o own_o company_n etc._n etc._n chief_n man_n among_o the_o brethren_n and_o in_o the_o next_o verse_n we_o find_v that_o the_o apostle_n elder_n and_o brethren_n write_v about_o the_o matter_n and_o say_v it_o seem_v good_a to_o we_o be_v assemble_v together_o with_o one_o accord_n to_o send_v etc._n etc._n here_o the_o brethren_n be_v as_o much_o the_o convocation_n as_o the_o elder_n but_o then_o also_o consider_v the_o cause_n why_o the_o church_n at_o antioch_n send_v to_o this_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n about_o this_o matter_n and_o why_o they_o in_o jerusalem_n write_v their_o mind_n again_o to_o they_o they_o be_v two_o the_o first_o may_v be_v suppose_v that_o be_v because_o there_o be_v some_o of_o the_o apostle_n the_o second_o be_v express_v that_o be_v because_o those_o man_n who_o come_v to_o antioch_n and_o preach_v the_o circumcision_n there_o pretend_v that_o they_o come_v from_o jerusalem_n from_o the_o apostle_n and_o whole_a church_n there_o with_o this_o doctrine_n therefore_o be_v there_o great_a reason_n why_o they_o shall_v apply_v themselves_o to_o they_o to_o be_v resolve_v of_o the_o truth_n in_o that_o matter_n for_o about_o the_o same_o question_n paul_n and_o barnabas_n have_v before_o dispute_v at_o antioch_n and_o also_o mark_v the_o matter_n they_o write_v about_o it_o have_v a_o suitableness_n to_o that_o which_o they_o have_v desire_v to_o be_v resolve_v in_o the_o epistle_n tell_v they_o that_o they_o who_o write_v the_o epistle_n have_v give_v no_o such_o command_n to_o those_o man_n to_o teach_v such_o thing_n ver_fw-la 24._o and_o further_o that_o it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o lay_v no_o great_a burden_n upon_o they_o than_o such_o necessary_a thing_n therein_o mention_v which_o thing_n be_v necessary_a to_o be_v abstain_v from_o because_o the_o use_n of_o they_o will_v then_o have_v offend_v and_o fornication_n be_v sin_n in_o itself_o and_o by_o the_o way_n note_n here_o be_v no_o new_a thing_n require_v to_o be_v do_v of_o those_o but_o somewhat_o they_o shall_v forbear_v to_o do_v because_o by_o do_v it_o they_o may_v offend_v such_o who_o can_v not_o judge_v it_o to_o be_v lawful_o do_v and_o sin_n here_o now_o be_v not_o the_o least_o footstep_n for_o such_o a_o synod_n as_o the_o convocation_n our_o council_n of_o bishop_n or_o minister_n as_o a_o church_n to_o make_v law_n which_o shall_v be_v bind_v to_o any_o more_o than_o themselves_o who_o agree_v to_o they_o for_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n have_v such_o a_o thing_n fall_v out_o with_o they_o as_o do_v at_o antioch_n that_o some_o have_v come_v from_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n and_o that_o church_n with_o false_a doctrine_n unto_o they_o may_v as_o well_o have_v write_v to_o they_o at_o antioch_n to_o have_v be_v resolve_v and_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n and_o the_o elder_n and_o brethren_n of_o that_o church_n of_o antioch_n may_v have_v write_v a_o answer_n to_o they_o with_o equal_a authority_n nay_o but_o be_v there_o ground_n to_o give_v like_o credit_n or_o subjection_n to_o a_o rule_n of_o any_o convocation_n or_o synod_n now_o as_o there_o be_v to_o the_o apostle_n in_o those_o day_n sure_o no_o but_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o they_o be_v the_o church_n representative_a and_o their_o law_n be_v the_o law_n of_o the_o church_n by_o humane_a authority_n only_o than_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o prove_v that_o such_o who_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o make_v church_n and_o convey_v power_n to_o they_o by_o their_o law_n have_v such_o a_o power_n delegated_a to_o they_o from_o jesus_n christ_n so_o to_o do_v otherwise_o their_o law_n will_v not_o create_v such_o a_o church_n with_o authority_n in_o these_o case_n and_o to_o who_o law_n obedience_n be_v to_o be_v expect_v for_o conscience_n sake_n the_o old_a rule_n must_v be_v remember_v none_o can_v give_v to_o another_o that_o he_o have_v not_o in_o himself_o but_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n of_o a_o nation_n or_o kingdom_n with_o the_o magistrate_n authority_n have_v power_n to_o determine_v of_o matter_n indifferent_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n about_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o in_o church_n government_n and_o by_o law_n to_o impose_v they_o upon_o the_o particular_a church_n of_o that_o nation_n for_o answer_v to_o this_o first_o we_o think_v it_o a_o

church_n and_o if_o not_o than_o it_o may_v be_v believe_v that_o they_o will_v say_v be_v it_o far_o from_o we_o to_o determine_v in_o such_o case_n for_o other_o or_o to_o desire_v our_o determination_n shall_v be_v impose_v upon_o other_o and_o then_o we_o be_v confident_a the_o magistrate_n will_v be_v far_o from_o challenge_v any_o right_a to_o determine_v of_o those_o thing_n nor_o will_v he_o undertake_v to_o impose_v by_o law_n upon_o the_o church_n but_o it_o have_v be_v common_a among_o church_n man_n to_o deal_v subtle_o in_o these_o thing_n first_o themselves_o determine_v and_o set_v down_o rule_n in_o these_o case_n and_o tender_v they_o to_o the_o magistrate_n to_o confirm_v by_o law_n as_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o end_n aforesaid_a and_o then_o when_o they_o be_v establish_v by_o law_n and_o they_o themselves_o can_v justify_v many_o or_o any_o of_o they_o to_o be_v necessary_a or_o any_o way_n answer_v the_o end_n propose_v they_o present_o lay_v the_o charge_n upon_o the_o magistrate_n and_o say_v it_o be_v command_v and_o we_o must_v obey_v be_v by_o virtue_n of_o his_o law_n bind_v in_o conscience_n so_o to_o do_v certain_o let_v we_o not_o deceive_v ourselves_o god_n be_v not_o mock_v christ_n have_v pronounce_v a_o woe_n against_o they_o by_o who_o offence_n come_v the_o excuse_n of_o the_o magistrate_n command_v it_o will_v not_o serve_v their_o turn_n when_o our_o lord_n come_v to_o judge_v in_o righteousness_n yet_o there_o be_v some_o who_o be_v high_o offend_v against_o such_o who_o walk_v after_o the_o rule_n herein_o before_o set_v down_o as_o near_o as_o they_o can_v and_o fear_v to_o err_v from_o it_o as_o that_o way_n of_o worship_n and_o manage_n of_o church_n affair_n which_o they_o judge_v according_a to_o god_n word_n to_o be_v christ_n mind_n they_o shall_v walk_v by_o and_o as_o that_o in_o which_o the_o church_n in_o the_o primitive_a and_o best_a age_n walk_v and_o which_o also_o have_v be_v by_o many_o learned_a and_o godly_a man_n in_o all_o age_n since_o hold_v to_o be_v the_o true_a way_n and_o these_o offend_v once_o general_o conclude_v against_o such_o that_o they_o be_v separatist_n from_o the_o church_n schismatic_n factious_a etc._n etc._n for_o so_o do_v the_o old_a callumny_n cast_v upon_o the_o apostle_n and_o other_o saint_n in_o former_a age_n and_o by_o papist_n upon_o protestant_n in_o latter_a age_n and_o their_o way_n call_v heresy_n and_o evil_n speak_v of_o as_o act._n 24_o c._n 25._o c._n 28._o though_o in_o truth_n these_o offend_a one_o understand_v not_o in_o this_o case_n what_o they_o say_v or_o whereof_o they_o affirm_v either_o it_o be_v pure_a ignorance_n in_o such_o not_o understand_v what_o a_o church_n be_v from_o which_o proper_o a_o separation_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v make_v or_o in_o which_o a_o man_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v guilty_a of_o make_v a_o schism_n or_o what_o act_n it_o be_v that_o may_v proper_o be_v call_v a_o separation_n from_o or_o constitute_v a_o man_n a_o schismatic_a in_o such_o a_o church_n or_o else_o ignorance_n that_o be_v wilful_a arise_v from_o interest_n that_o blind_v they_o these_o do_v just_a as_o the_o presbyterian_a minister_n once_o say_v in_o smect_n p._n 58._o 59_o take_v it_o in_o their_o own_o word_n these_o do_v as_o the_o papist_n dazzle_v the_o eye_n and_o astonish_v the_o sense_n of_o poor_a people_n with_o the_o glorious_a name_n of_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v the_o gorgons-head_n as_o doctor_n white_a say_v which_o enchant_v they_o they_o call_v say_v they_o for_o obedience_n to_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n no_o mention_n of_o god_n and_o scripture_n if_o we_o say_v these_o divine_n there_o question_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o church_n of_o england_n they_o storm_v as_o he_o that_o hold_v by_o a_o unjust_a title_n will_v not_o suffer_v the_o title_n to_o be_v question_v they_o say_v these_o man_n sometime_o make_v the_o convocation_n the_o church_n exclude_v both_o presbyter_n and_o people_n as_o not_o worthy_a to_o be_v reckon_v of_o the_o church_n sometime_o the_o bound_n of_o the_o kingdom_n be_v the_o church_n if_o so_o say_v they_o why_o not_o england_n scotland_n and_o ireland_n one_o church_n be_v under_o one_o monarch_n thus_o they_o contend_v and_o know_v not_o upon_o what_o foundation_n but_o have_v hear_v of_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n and_o find_v ordinance_n and_o form_n of_o worship_n among_o they_o and_o discipline_n use_v according_a to_o humane_a law_n and_o constitution_n here_o they_o go_v and_o never_o so_o much_o as_o inquire_v or_o put_v it_o to_o the_o question_n whether_o they_o be_v agreeable_a to_o scripture_n or_o rule_v prescribe_v by_o god_n and_o then_o they_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v present_o that_o such_o who_o do_v not_o in_o these_o matter_n as_o they_o do_v be_v separatist_n and_o schismatic_n and_o deserve_v punishment_n as_o rash_o as_o the_o two_o disciple_n do_v in_o another_o case_n luke_n 9_o who_o will_v have_v fire_n from_o heaven_n upon_o the_o samaritan_n but_o they_o know_v not_o what_o spirit_n they_o be_v of_o as_o christ_n tell_v they_o they_o never_o consider_v upon_o what_o ground_n they_o desire_v such_o a_o thing_n whether_o it_o be_v christ_n mind_n or_o not_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o and_o as_o augustine_n quote_v by_o mr._n stillingfleet_n in_o his_o aforesaid_a book_n p._n 61.62_o complain_v of_o man_n in_o his_o day_n about_o ceremony_n who_o contend_v high_o yet_o have_v no_o ground_n for_o it_o but_o this_o as_o his_o word_n be_v because_o it_o have_v be_v the_o custom_n of_o their_o country_n or_o because_o they_o have_v find_v they_o in_o another_o church_n etc._n etc._n they_o think_v that_o nothing_o be_v right_a and_o lawful_a but_o what_o they_o do_v themselves_o and_o as_o bishop_n jewel_n in_o his_o reply_n before_o cite_v say_v of_o many_o heretic_n that_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o plead_v but_o that_o they_o be_v bear_v live_v in_o and_o receive_v of_o their_o father_n what_o they_o do_v practice_v upon_o some_o such_o poor_a ground_n as_o these_o do_v the_o ignorance_n of_o man_n work_v thus_o to_o abuse_v their_o brethren_n and_o that_o it_o may_v so_o appear_v let_v such_o person_n be_v persuade_v to_o weigh_v the_o premise_n well_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o take_v these_o conclusion_n with_o he_o first_o that_o such_o who_o continue_v in_o the_o faith_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o thus_o hold_v union_n with_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n according_a to_o john_n 15.4_o 5._o continue_v in_o and_o do_v not_o separate_v from_o the_o catholic_n church_n the_o body_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o first_o church_n in_o this_o discourse_n describe_v for_o there_o be_v no_o other_o union_n between_o the_o member_n of_o this_o church_n as_o such_o but_o this_o their_o be_v by_o one_o faith_n unite_v to_o one_o head_n and_o from_o thence_o animate_v by_o one_o spirit_n and_o such_o who_o so_o continue_v can_v be_v call_v schismatic_n in_o this_o church_n to_o this_o doctor_n carleton_n agree_v in_o his_o aforesaid_a book_n p._n 6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o 10._o etc._n etc._n two_o that_o such_o who_o continue_v to_o make_v a_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n and_o do_v not_o open_o deny_v he_o in_o their_o work_n do_v still_o abide_v in_o the_o visible_a body_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o church_n two_o above_o describe_v and_o can_v be_v say_v to_o separate_v from_o this_o church_n or_o be_v guilty_a of_o schism_n here_o for_o this_o profession_n be_v the_o only_a thing_n wherein_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o whole_a visible_a church_n lie_v and_o thus_o mr._n stillingfleet_n in_o his_o book_n call_v a_o rational_a account_n etc._n etc._n p._n 331._o say_v that_o there_o be_v no_o separation_n from_o the_o whole_a church_n but_o in_o such_o thing_n wherein_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o whole_a lie_v for_o separation_n say_v he_o be_v a_o violation_n of_o some_o union_n 3_o that_o such_o who_o continue_v to_o walk_v in_o and_o with_o any_o visible_a company_n congregation_n or_o particular_a church_n on_o earth_n hold_v the_o true_a faith_n in_o the_o orderly_a participation_n of_o ordinance_n in_o man-as_a the_o scripture_n direct_v and_o in_o subjection_n to_o christ_n law_n give_v to_o be_v execute_v therein_o as_o such_o a_o church_n the_o church_n three_o above_o describe_v he_o can_v be_v say_v to_o separate_v from_o or_o be_v guilty_a of_o schism_n in_o this_o church_n now_o than_o if_o these_o offend_a one_o will_v justify_v their_o charge_n against_o such_o who_o do_v not_o in_o church_n affair_n as_o they_o do_v it_o be_v necessary_a they_o prove_v such_o who_o they_o thus_o accuse_v guilty_a either_o of_o infidelity_n

healthful_a person_n withwhom_v i_o can_v associate_v again_o and_o if_o several_a other_o person_n say_v he_o be_v of_o the_o same_o mindwith_v i_o and_o we_o therefore_o join_v together_o do_v we_o therefore_o divide_v ourselves_o from_o the_o whole_a world_n thus_o he_o in_o this_o place_n clear_o intimate_v a_o withdraw_n from_o one_o society_n upon_o good_a ground_n and_o then_o for_o as_o many_o as_o be_v so_o withdraw_v and_o of_o the_o same_o mind_n to_o join_v themselves_o together_o and_o associate_v by_o agreement_n and_o that_o be_v no_o separation_n and_o no_o doubt_n but_o that_o there_o be_v matter_n enough_o to_o be_v find_v sufficient_o to_o warrant_v such_o person_n in_o this_o also_o as_o well_o as_o in_o withdraw_a communion_n but_o if_o yet_o they_o shall_v say_v the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v that_o from_o which_o these_o separate_a how_o pray_v if_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v grant_v to_o be_v a_o church_n in_o either_o or_o both_o of_o the_o two_o first_o description_n herein_o before_o give_v though_o in_o truth_n she_o be_v but_o a_o little_a part_n of_o both_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o other_o union_n with_o she_o as_o one_o church_n nor_o can_v there_o be_v but_o the_o union_n in_o fa●th_n under_o one_o head_n jesus_n christ_n and_o participation_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o the_o profession_n of_o this_o faith_n so_o that_o none_o can_v be_v say_v to_o separate_v from_o she_o as_o a_o church_n or_o be_v guilty_a of_o schism_n or_o breach_n of_o union_n here_o but_o such_o who_o renounce_v the_o faith_n and_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n the_o head_n in_o word_n or_o deed_n and_o forsake_v their_o profession_n of_o it_o and_o this_o church_n of_o england_n can_v be_v pretend_v to_o be_v a_o particular_a church_n under_o the_o three_o description_n for_o they_o never_o yet_o associate_v as_o such_o nor_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o they_o as_o a_o church_n to_o meet_v in_o one_o entire_a body_n in_o one_o place_n to_o partake_v of_o the_o same_o ordinance_n or_o do_v any_o other_o act_n as_o a_o church_n or_o society_n but_o always_o meet_v in_o their_o several_a body_n or_o church_n for_o perform_v of_o all_o act_n of_o a_o church_n as_o such_o in_o like_a manner_n also_o do_v these_o who_o be_v so_o blame_v therefore_o in_o this_o sense_n neither_o can_v they_o be_v by_o any_o rule_n of_o reason_n say_v to_o be_v guilty_a of_o schism_n if_o these_o offend_a one_o shall_v yet_o say_v thus_o that_o such_o man_n refuse_v to_o join_v with_o our_o congregation_n and_o minister_n in_o our_o way_n for_o answer_n to_o this_o beside_o what_o have_v be_v say_v before_o to_o justify_v their_o continue_n by_o themselves_o first_n it_o be_v think_v in_o charity_n to_o be_v presume_v that_o these_o man_n be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o premise_n that_o in_o truth_n all_o thing_n about_o church-affair_n be_v manage_v in_o and_o by_o particular_a church_n congregation_n or_o society_n by_o divine_a authority_n and_o so_o order_v as_o before_o their_o minister_n choose_v the_o matter_n of_o their_o worship_n without_o any_o addition_n alteration_n or_o diminish_v according_a to_o divine_a rule_n scandalous_a person_n cast_v out_o etc._n etc._n that_o these_o can_v judge_v it_o lawful_a for_o they_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n in_o these_o matter_n contrary_a or_o not_o according_a to_o this_o rule_n but_o think_v if_o they_o shall_v they_o must_v sin_v against_o god_n and_o then_o this_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o sufficient_a plea_n for_o these_o in_o this_o case_n especial_o since_o other_o thing_n to_o they_o doubtful_a unnecessary_a and_o sinful_a be_v make_v necessary_a condition_n of_o communion_n with_o those_o congregation_n so_o that_o none_o can_v communicate_v with_o they_o but_o of_o necessity_n he_o must_v submit_v to_o own_z and_o join_v with_o there_o thing_n and_o neglect_v the_o other_o way_n second_o be_v any_o man_n bind_v to_o join_v with_o or_o partake_v in_o every_o congregation_n in_o england_n or_o in_o more_o than_o one_o or_o must_v he_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o breach_n of_o union_n sure_o no_o may_v not_o a_o man_n abide_v in_o his_o own_o parish_n all_o his_o life_n and_o refuse_v to_o have_v any_o minister_n but_o his_o own_o or_o communicate_v with_o any_o congregation_n but_o that_o whereof_o he_o be_v a_o member_n yet_o he_o shall_v not_o for_o this_o be_v account_v a_o schismatic_a or_o separatist_n it_o be_v presume_v no_o man_n will_v say_v he_o shall_v wherein_o then_o lie_v the_o difference_n these_o man_n thus_o accuse_v do_v join_v themselves_o to_o some_o one_o congregation_n or_o church_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n as_o be_v in_o the_o beginning_n and_o there_o they_o abide_v in_o the_o orderly_a participation_n of_o ordinance_n and_o subjection_n to_o christ_n law_n therein_o execute_v and_o disagree_v in_o nothing_o of_o the_o true_a faith_n from_o other_o church_n so_o that_o it_o follow_v that_o bare_o upon_o this_o pretence_n neither_o can_v they_o fasten_v the_o crime_n of_o separation_n upon_o those_o who_o do_v not_o join_v with_o their_o congregation_n and_o minister_n may_v not_o member_n of_o parish-church_n be_v as_o proper_o say_v to_o be_v separatist_n for_o refuse_v to_o join_v themselves_o to_o those_o congregation_n society_n or_o church_n and_o minister_n in_o their_o worship_v of_o god_n as_o these_o for_o not_o join_v with_o they_o nor_o can_v it_o be_v say_v that_o these_o dis-agree_a with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o any_o thing_n wherein_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o god_n be_v agree_v or_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o england_n but_o only_o in_o some_o thing_n wherein_o the_o church_n of_o god_n yea_o in_o england_n dis-agree_a among_o themselves_o as_o mr._n stillingfleet_n in_o his_o say_a book_n call_v a_o rational_a account_n p._n 357_o 358._o affirm_v against_o the_o papist_n in_o these_o word_n we_o say_v he_o have_v not_o separate_v from_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n in_o any_o thing_n wherein_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n be_v agree_v but_o to_o dis-agree_a from_o the_o particular_a church_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o those_o church_n differ_v among_o themselves_o be_v not_o to_o separate_v from_o the_o christian_a world_n but_o to_o dis-agree_a in_o some_o thing_n from_o these_o particular_a church_n the_o case_n be_v here_o the_o same_o these_o do_v not_o separate_v from_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o england_n but_o only_o dis-agree_a in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o the_o particular_a church_n differ_v among_o themselves_o and_o then_o walk_v with_o such_o who_o can_v and_o will_v agree_v with_o they_o in_o these_o thing_n if_o they_o say_v the_o parish-church_n be_v most_o lawful_a and_o right_a and_o so_o their_o minister_n ministration_n and_o order_n let_v this_o be_v first_o decide_v by_o god_n word_n and_o their_o lawfulness_n better_o prove_v than_o the_o church_n ministry_n and_o order_n and_o management_n of_o church-affair_n among_o these_o and_o before_o set_v forth_o as_o the_o primitive_a practice_n and_o then_o they_o say_v something_o but_o if_o they_o justify_v all_o by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n only_o it_o may_v soon_o be_v answer_v by_o this_o that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o from_o the_o beginning_n that_o the_o other_o way_n be_v prove_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o approbation_n of_o learned_a and_o good_a man_n in_o all_o age_n yea_o and_o of_o man_n of_o contrary_a practice_n themselves_o therefore_o sure_o the_o best_a plea_n against_o this_o for_o if_o magistrate_n or_o governor_n appoint_v any_o thing_n in_o these_o matter_n not_o agreeable_a to_o these_o rule_n so_o that_o man_n can_v be_v satisfy_v in_o their_o own_o mind_n but_o doubt_v its_o lawfulness_n such_o doubt_a one_o may_v not_o be_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o till_o they_o be_v satisfy_v of_o its_o lawfulness_n without_o sin_n nor_o will_v it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a excuse_n in_o the_o great_a day_n of_o the_o lord_n if_o they_o thus_o sin_n to_o say_v that_o the_o magistrate_n command_v i_o to_o do_v it_o if_o they_o shall_v yet_o further_o allege_v that_o these_o person_n agree_v not_o to_o walk_v not_o in_o those_o practice_n and_o rule_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o be_v prescribe_v by_o the_o same_o church_n and_o to_o which_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o same_o church_n agree_v and_o submit_v and_o therefore_o they_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v separatist_n and_o schismatic_n though_o a_o full_a answer_n to_o this_o may_v be_v gather_v from_o the_o answer_n to_o the_o last_o objection_n and_o what_o have_v be_v say_v in_o this_o before_o to_o acquit_v they_o from_o this_o charge_n upon_o such_o a_o account_n that_o be_v that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o such_o

never_o prescribe_v any_o such_o rule_n because_o they_o never_o meet_v in_o the_o whole_a or_o in_o their_o representative_a to_o consult_v about_o or_o agree_v upon_o any_o such_o rule_n for_o the_o whole_a nor_o can_v any_o who_o have_v make_v such_o rule_n pretend_v themselves_o upon_o any_o divine_a or_o rational_a ground_n to_o be_v the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o entrust_v from_o above_o with_o any_o such_o power_n to_o make_v such_o rule_n for_o the_o church_n practice_n nor_o be_v man_n bind_v to_o use_v any_o thing_n in_o god_n worship_n or_o about_o it_o not_o command_v by_o god_n himself_o so_o long_o as_o they_o suspect_v such_o thing_n in_o themselves_o or_o as_o they_o be_v circumstanciate_v to_o be_v unlawful_a of_o which_o every_o man_n must_v be_v his_o own_o judge_n for_o his_o own_o practice_n because_o it_o do_v so_o high_o concern_v he_o as_o he_o will_v please_v god_n yet_o we_o shall_v add_v this_o further_a by_o way_n of_o answer_n first_o it_o be_v no_o true_a rule_n therefore_o to_o practise_v those_o thing_n which_o the_o generality_n of_o a_o nation_n do_v bare_o because_o they_o do_v so_o for_o we_o think_v few_o will_v deny_v that_o the_o most_o go_v the_o broad_a way_n the_o wrong_a way_n love_v not_o follow_v not_o christ_n law_n and_o rule_n second_o that_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o truth_n do_v not_o agree_v to_o those_o rule_n and_o practice_n in_o the_o church_n but_o will_v rather_o be_v glad_a that_o they_o be_v alter_v and_o reform_v if_o the_o magistrate_n will_v please_v to_o permit_v it_o which_o we_o will_v make_v out_o thus_o first_o it_o may_v be_v take_v for_o grant_v we_o judge_v that_o the_o great_a number_n of_o people_n be_v not_o so_o studious_a as_o to_o inform_v themselves_o of_o the_o true_a way_n of_o order_v of_o church-affair_n and_o make_v of_o minister_n but_o take_v all_o upon_o trust_n in_o these_o matter_n with_o the_o great_a implicit_a faith_n that_o can_v be_v what_o ever_o their_o governor_n do_v in_o these_o case_n they_o subscribe_v to_o and_o practice_v do_v herein_o as_o other_o do_v or_o as_o they_o be_v enjoin_v to_o do_v or_o as_o their_o worldly_a interest_n lead_v they_o that_o there_o be_v other_o who_o come_v not_o near_o any_o church_n or_o worship_n at_o all_o who_o care_n for_o none_o of_o these_o thing_n be_v practical_a atheist_n and_o of_o these_o not_o a_o few_o some_o again_o and_o that_o a_o considerable_a number_n too_o who_o be_v profess_o against_o all_o our_o way_n as_o papist_n and_o other_o who_o pretend_v to_o be_v above_o all_o ordinance_n and_o external_n rule_v in_o these_o matter_n so_o that_o when_o all_o these_o be_v set_v apart_o as_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o give_v sentence_n in_o the_o matter_n nor_o their_o practice_n of_o any_o consideration_n in_o this_o case_n the_o number_n of_o know_v serious_a conscientious_a and_o judicious_a christian_n who_o sentence_n only_o be_v worthy_a regard_n in_o this_o business_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n will_v be_v but_o few_o second_o of_o these_o few_o the_o major_a part_n consent_v not_o in_o heart_n at_o least_o it_o be_v not_o their_o judgement_n that_o those_o prescribe_a rule_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v so_o decent_a lawful_a useful_a to_o edification_n or_o tend_v to_o peace_n as_o be_v pretend_v as_o many_o though_o they_o actual_o submit_v to_o they_o have_v open_o declare_v and_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n many_o more_o may_v they_o speak_v free_o and_o not_o be_v offender_n will_v testify_v this_o a_o considerable_a number_n also_o of_o these_o demonstrate_v their_o dissent_n by_o their_o suffering_n for_o their_o nonconformity_n to_o they_o and_o practise_v after_o another_o rule_n in_o these_o thing_n if_o then_o the_o major_a part_n of_o the_o know_v sober_a judicious_a and_o conscientious_a christian_n in_o england_n dissent_v how_o can_v they_o say_v the_o church_n of_o england_n prescribe_v or_o command_v this_o or_o that_o or_o have_v agree_v on_o or_o determine_v of_o this_o or_o that_o or_o that_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o church_n agree_v to_o this_o or_o that_o for_o a_o agreement_n must_v be_v a_o judicious_a act_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o say_v that_o the_o rabble_n of_o ignorant_a careless_n and_o notorious_o scandalous_a person_n agree_v to_o it_o love_v it_o embrace_v it_o and_o contend_v high_o for_o it_o will_v help_v little_a to_o commend_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n or_o make_v her_o law_n valid_a and_o if_o this_o be_v so_o then_o three_o in_o what_o sense_n or_o by_o what_o rule_n of_o reason_n can_v one_o part_n of_o the_o christian_n in_o england_n rather_o be_v call_v schismatic_n and_o separatist_n for_o not_o agree_v with_o the_o other_o in_o these_o thing_n than_o the_o other_o part_n for_o not_o agree_v with_o the_o first_o except_z at_o least_o it_o be_v in_o thing_n apparent_o and_o undoubted_o lawful_a and_o tend_v to_o edification_n and_o so_o account_v by_o all_o that_o offence_n can_v be_v give_v it_o can_v be_v no_o way_n resolve_v but_o thus_o that_o those_o who_o be_v uppermost_a in_o outward_a power_n whether_o one_o party_n or_o other_o will_v have_v it_o so_o we_o shall_v therefore_o end_v with_o the_o word_n of_o tertul._n in_o his_o apol._n chap._n 39_o p._n 142_o 143._o english_a translation_n we_o offend_v no_o body_n we_o injure_v no_o body_n when_o any_o virtuous_a or_o godly_a people_n be_v associate_v when_o any_o pious_a or_o chaste_a person_n assemble_v together_o their_o union_n shall_v not_o be_v call_v a_o faction_n but_o a_o lawful_a society_n finis_fw-la