church_n and_o nothing_o else_o but_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v all_o those_o thing_n in_o the_o gospel_n church-state_n also_o or_o else_o why_o do_v man_n contend_v about_o they_o and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n if_o they_o be_v not_o all_o reveal_v appoint_v prescribe_a legalize_v by_o christ_n where_o be_v his_o faithfulness_n in_o answer_n to_o that_o moses_n but_o no_o instance_n can_v be_v give_v of_o any_o defect_n in_o his_o institution_n that_o need_v any_o supplement_n to_o be_v make_v by_o the_o best_a of_o man_n as_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o constitute_v a_o church-state_n order_n and_o rule_n with_o rite_n of_o worship_n in_o particular_a 4._o how_o it_o be_v derogatory_n unto_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o unto_o its_o perfection_n shall_v be_v elsewhere_o declare_v 8._o there_o be_v no_o more_o require_v to_o give_v authority_n oblige_v the_o conscience_n of_o all_o that_o do_v believe_v unto_o any_o institution_n or_o observation_n of_o duty_n or_o act_n of_o rule_n in_o the_o church_n but_o only_o that_o it_o be_v make_v evident_a in_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o christ._n it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o every_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n shall_v be_v give_v out_o unto_o we_o in_o form_n of_o a_o law_n or_o precise_a command_n in_o express_a word_n it_o be_v the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o christ_n that_o immediate_o affect_v the_o conscience_n of_o believer_n unto_o obedience_n by_o what_o way_n or_o mean_n soever_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o be_v communicate_v unto_o they_o in_o the_o scripture_n either_o by_o express_a word_n or_o by_o just_a consequence_n from_o what_o be_v so_o express_v wherefore_o 9_o the_o example_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o erection_n of_o church_n in_o the_o appointment_n of_o officer_n and_o ruler_n in_o they_o in_o direction_n give_v for_o their_o walk_n order_n administration_n of_o censure_n and_o all_o other_o holy_a thing_n be_v a_o sufficient_a indication_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o christ_n about_o they_o we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o in_o themselves_o they_o be_v institution_n and_o appointment_n but_o they_o infallible_o declare_v what_o be_v so_o or_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n concern_v those_o thing_n nor_o can_v this_o be_v question_v without_o a_o denial_n of_o their_o infallibility_n faithfulness_n and_o divine_a authority_n 10_o the_o assertion_n of_o some_o that_o the_o apostle_n take_v their_o pattern_n for_o the_o state_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n and_o as_o unto_o divers_a rite_n of_o worship_n from_o the_o synagogue_n of_o the_o jew_n their_o institution_n order_n and_o rule_n not_o those_o appoint_v by_o moses_n but_o such_o as_o themselves_o have_v find_v out_o and_o ordain_v be_v both_o temerarious_a and_o untrue_a in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o such_o bold_a conjecture_n one_o of_o late_a have_v affirm_v that_o moses_n take_v most_o of_o his_o law_n and_o ceremony_n from_o the_o aegyptitian_n whereas_o it_o be_v much_o more_o likely_a that_o many_o of_o they_o be_v give_v on_o purpose_n to_o alienate_v the_o people_n by_o prohibition_n from_o any_o compliance_n with_o the_o egyptian_n or_o any_o other_o nation_n whereof_o maimonides_n in_o his_o mene_n nebuchim_n give_v we_o sundry_a instance_n this_o assertion_n i_o say_v be_v rash_a and_o false_a for_o 1_o as_o unto_o the_o instance_n give_v for_o its_o confirmation_n who_o shall_v assure_v we_o that_o they_o be_v then_o in_o use_n and_o practice_n in_o the_o synagogue_n when_o the_o apostle_n give_v rule_n unto_o the_o church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n we_o have_v no_o record_n of_o they_o not_o one_o word_n in_o all_o the_o world_n of_o what_o be_v their_o way_n and_o practice_n but_o what_o be_v at_o least_o 250_o year_n young_a and_o late_a than_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o in_o the_o first_o of_o their_o write_n as_o in_o they_o that_o follow_v we_o have_v innumerable_a thing_n assert_v to_o have_v be_v the_o tradition_n and_o practice_n of_o their_o forefather_n from_o the_o day_n of_o moses_n which_o we_o know_v to_o be_v utter_o false_a at_o that_o time_n when_o they_o undertake_v to_o compose_v a_o new_a religion_n out_o of_o their_o pretend_a tradition_n partly_o by_o the_o revolt_n of_o many_o apostate_n from_o christianity_n unto_o they_o especial_o of_o the_o eliâ—nites_n and_o nazarenes_n and_o partly_o by_o their_o own_o study_n and_o observation_n come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o sundry_a thing_n in_o the_o gospel_n church_n their_o order_n and_o worship_n they_o take_v they_o in_o as_o their_o own_o undeniable_a instance_n may_v be_v give_v hereof_o 2_o wherein_o there_o be_v a_o real_a coincidence_n between_o what_o be_v ordain_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o what_o be_v practise_v by_o the_o jew_n it_o be_v in_o thing_n which_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o the_o scripture_n do_v direct_v unto_o and_o it_o be_v dishonourable_a unto_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n in_o they_o to_o think_v or_o say_v that_o in_o such_o thing_n they_o take_v their_o pattern_n from_o the_o jew_n or_o make_v they_o their_o example_n sure_o the_o apostle_n take_v not_o the_o pattern_n and_o example_n for_o the_o institution_n of_o excommunication_n from_o the_o druid_n among_o who_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n that_o do_v great_o resemble_v it_o so_o far_o as_o it_o have_v its_o foundation_n in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n chap._n iii_o the_o continuation_n of_o a_o church-state_n and_o of_o church_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n what_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o it_o and_o whereon_o it_o depend_v that_o there_o be_v a_o peculiar_a church-state_n institute_v and_o appoint_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n act_v in_o his_o name_n and_o authority_n with_o the_o infallible_a guidance_n of_o his_o spirit_n have_v be_v declare_v but_o it_o may_v be_v yet_o far_o inquire_v whether_o this_o church-state_n be_v still_o continue_v by_o divine_a authority_n or_o whether_o it_o cease_v not_o together_o with_o the_o apostle_n by_o who_o it_o be_v erect_v there_o be_v a_o church-state_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n solemn_o erect_v by_o god_n himself_o and_o although_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v absolute_o perpetual_a or_o everlasting_a but_o be_v to_o continue_v only_o unto_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n yet_o unto_o that_o time_n its_o continuation_n be_v secure_v in_o the_o cause_n and_o mean_n of_o it_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o continuation_n of_o this_o church-state_n unto_o its_o appoint_a period_n be_v two_o 1._o the_o promise_n of_o god_n unto_o abraham_n that_o he_o will_v keep_v and_o preserve_v his_o seed_n in_o covenant_n with_o he_o until_o he_o shall_v be_v the_o heir_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o father_n of_o many_o nation_n in_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n whereunto_o this_o church-state_n be_v subservient_fw-fr 2_o the_o law_n of_o god_n itself_o and_o the_o institution_n thereof_o which_o god_n appoint_v to_o be_v observe_v in_o all_o their_o generation_n call_v the_o covenant_n the_o statute_n and_o law_n of_o it_o perpetual_a and_o everlasting_a that_o be_v never_o to_o cease_v to_o be_v abrogate_a or_o disannul_v until_o by_o his_o own_o sovereign_a authority_n he_o will_v utter_o change_v and_o take_v away_o that_o whole_a church-state_n with_o all_o that_o belong_v unto_o its_o constitution_n and_o preservation_n 2._o the_o mean_n of_o its_o continuance_n be_v three_o 1_o carnal_a generation_n and_o that_o on_o a_o twofold_a account_n for_o there_o be_v two_o constituent_a part_n of_o that_o church_n the_o priest_n and_o the_o people_n the_o continuation_n of_o each_o of_o they_o depend_v on_o the_o privilege_n of_o carnal_a generation_n for_o the_o priest_n be_v to_o be_v all_o of_o the_o family_n of_o aaron_n and_o the_o people_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n by_o the_o other_o head_n of_o tribe_n which_o give_v they_o both_o their_o foundation_n in_o and_o right_o unto_o this_o church-state_n and_o hereunto_o be_v annex_v all_o the_o law_n concern_v the_o integrity_n purity_n and_o legitimacy_n of_o the_o priest_n with_o the_o certainty_n of_o their_o pedigree_n 2_o circumcision_n the_o want_n whereof_o be_v a_o bar_n against_o any_o advantage_n by_o the_o former_a privilege_n of_o generation_n from_o those_o two_o spring_n and_o hereby_o other_o also_o may_v be_v add_v unto_o the_o church_n though_o never_o with_o a_o capacity_n of_o the_o priesthood_n 3_o the_o separation_n of_o the_o people_n from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n by_o innumerable_a divine_a ordinance_n make_v their_o coalition_n with_o they_o impossible_a from_o these_o cause_n and_o by_o these_o mean_v it_o be_v that_o the_o church-state_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v preserve_v unto_o its_o appoint_a season_n neither_o
believe_v that_o in_o this_o context_n our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n design_v to_o set_v up_o and_o erect_v a_o earthly_a domination_n in_o and_o over_o his_o church_n to_o be_v administer_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o canon_n law_n and_o the_o rota_n at_o rome_n they_o must_v be_v spiritual_o mad_a and_o ridiculous_a who_o can_v give_v the_o least_o entertainment_n unto_o such_o a_o imagination_n nor_o can_v the_o discipline_n of_o any_o diocesan_n church_n administer_v in_o and_o by_o court_n and_o officer_n foreign_a to_o the_o scripture_n both_o name_n and_o thing_n be_v bring_v within_o the_o view_n of_o this_o rule_n nor_o can_v all_o the_o art_n of_o the_o world_n make_v any_o application_n of_o it_o thereunto_o for_o what_o some_o plead_v concern_v magistrate_n or_o arbitrator_n they_o be_v thing_n which_o man_n will_v never_o betake_v themselves_o unto_o but_o only_o to_o evade_v the_o force_n of_o that_o truth_n which_o they_o love_v not_o all_o this_o be_v fall_v out_o by_o man_n depart_v from_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o a_o contempt_n of_o that_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n which_o be_v plain_a and_o obvious_a unto_o all_o who_o desire_v not_o only_o to_o hear_v his_o word_n but_o also_o to_o observe_v his_o command_n 3_o dly_z our_o three_o argument_n be_v take_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o church_n institute_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o order_n as_o it_o be_v express_v in_o the_o scripture_n for_o they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o congregational_a and_o of_o no_o other_o sort_n this_o the_o ensue_a consideration_n will_v make_v evident_a 1._o there_o be_v many_o church_n plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o very_o small_a province_n not_o to_o insist_v on_o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n gal._n 1.1_o concern_v which_o it_o be_v no_o where_o intimate_v that_o they_o have_v any_o one_o head_n or_o mother_n church_n metropolitical_n or_o diocesan_n nor_o of_o those_o of_o macedonia_n distinct_a from_o that_o of_o philippi_n whereof_o we_o have_v speak_v before_o upon_o the_o first_o come_v of_o paul_n after_o his_o conversion_n unto_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v three_o year_n gal._n 1.18_o in_o the_o four_o year_n after_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v church_n plant_v in_o all_o judea_n and_o galilee_n and_o samaria_n act._n 9.31_o neither_o of_o the_o two_o latter_a province_n be_v equal_a unto_o one_o ordinary_a diocese_n yet_o be_v there_o church_n in_o both_o of_o they_o and_o that_o in_o so_o short_a a_o time_n after_o the_o first_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n as_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v be_v conceive_v to_o be_v any_o other_o but_o single_a congregation_n what_o be_v except_v or_o oppose_v hereunto_o by_o the_o reverend_n dr._n st._n shall_v be_v examine_v and_o disprove_v afterward_o by_o itself_o that_o the_o progress_n of_o our_o discourse_n be_v not_o here_o interrupt_v 2._o these_o church_n be_v such_o as_o that_o the_o apostle_n appoint_v in_o they_o ordinary_a elder_n and_o deacon_n that_o may_v administer_v all_o ordinance_n unto_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o take_v care_n of_o all_o the_o poor_a act._n 14.23_o chap._n 20.28_o now_o the_o care_n inspection_n and_o labour_n of_o ordinary_a officer_n can_v extend_v itself_o no_o further_o than_o unto_o a_o particular_a congregation_n no_o man_n can_v administer_v all_o ordinance_n unto_o a_o diocesan_n church_n and_o this_o ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o church_n be_v the_o same_o with_o ordain_v they_o in_o every_o city_n tit._n 1.5_o that_o be_v in_o every_o town_n wherein_o there_o be_v a_o number_n convert_v unto_o the_o faith_n as_o be_v evident_a from_o act._n 14.23_o and_o it_o be_v in_o town_n and_o city_n ordinary_o that_o the_o gospel_n be_v first_o preach_v and_o first_o receive_v such_o believer_n be_v congregat_v and_o unite_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o subjection_n unto_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n do_v constitute_v such_o a_o church-state_n as_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o christ_n they_o shall_v have_v bishop_n or_o elder_n and_o deacon_n ordain_v among_o they_o and_o be_v therefore_o as_o unto_o their_o state_n such_o church_n as_o he_o own_v 3._o it_o be_v say_v of_o most_o of_o these_o church_n express_o that_o they_o respective_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n or_o have_v their_o assembly_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n for_o the_o discharge_n of_o the_o duty_n require_v of_o they_o which_o be_v peculiar_a unto_o congregational_a church_n only_o so_o do_v the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n on_o all_o occasion_n act._n 15.12_o 22._o ch_z â—1_n 22_o see_v ch_z 5.11_o ch_n 6.1_o it_o be_v of_o no_o force_n which_o be_v object_v from_o the_o multitude_n of_o they_o that_o be_v say_v to_o believe_v and_o so_o consequent_o be_v of_o that_o church_n so_o as_o that_o they_o can_v not_o assemble_v together_o for_o whereas_o the_o scripture_n say_v express_o that_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o church_n do_v come_v together_o it_o be_v scarce_o fair_a for_o we_o to_o to_o say_v they_o be_v such_o a_o multitude_n as_o that_o they_o can_v not_o come_v together_o and_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o great_a number_n of_o believer_n that_o be_v say_v to_o be_v at_o jerusalem_n be_v there_o only_o occasional_o and_o be_v not_o fix_v in_o that_o church_n for_o many_o year_n after_o a_o small_a village_n beyond_o jordan_n can_v receive_v all_o that_o be_v so_o fix_v in_o it_o the_o church_n at_o antioch_n gather_v together_o in_o one_o assembly_n act._n 14.27_o to_o hear_v paul_n and_o silas_n this_o church_n thus_o call_v together_o be_v call_v the_o multitude_n chap._n 15.30_o that_o be_v the_o whole_a brotherhood_n at_o least_o of_o that_o church_n the_o whole_a church_n of_o corinth_n do_v assemble_v together_o in_o one_o place_n both_o for_o solemn_a worship_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n 1_o cor._n 8.8_o chap._n 14.25_o 26._o chap._n 11.17_o 20._o it_o be_v no_o way_n necessary_a to_o plead_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o illustration_n or_o for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o these_o testimony_n they_o all_o of_o they_o speak_v positive_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o will_v admit_v of_o no_o debate_n unless_o we_o will_v put_v in_o exception_n unto_o the_o veracity_n of_o their_o author_n and_o they_o be_v of_o themselves_o sufficient_a to_o establish_v our_o assertion_n for_o whatever_o may_v be_v the_o state_n of_o any_o church_n as_o unto_o its_o officer_n or_o rule_n into_o what_o order_n soever_o it_o be_v dispose_v ordinary_o or_o occasional_o for_o its_o edification_n so_o long_o as_o it_o be_v its_o duty_n to_o assemble_v in_o and_o with_o all_o its_o member_n in_o one_o place_n either_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o its_o power_n the_o performance_n of_o its_o duty_n or_o enjoyment_n of_o its_o privilege_n it_o be_v a_o single_a congregation_n and_o no_o more_o 4._o the_o duty_n prescribe_v unto_o all_o church_n member_n in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o be_v diligent_o attend_v unto_o by_o they_o be_v such_o as_o either_o in_o their_o nature_n or_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o performance_n can_v be_v attend_v unto_o and_o due_o accomplish_v but_o in_o a_o particular_a congregation_n only_o this_o i_o shall_v immediate_o speak_v distinct_o unto_o and_o therefore_o only_o mention_v it_o in_o this_o place_n these_o thing_n be_v so_o plain_o positive_o and_o frequent_o assert_v in_o the_o scripture_n it_o can_v be_v questionable_a unto_o any_o impartial-mind_n but_o that_o particular_a church_n or_o congregation_n be_v of_o divine_a institution_n and_o consequent_o that_o unto_o they_o the_o whole_a power_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n do_v belong_v for_o if_o they_o do_v not_o so_o whatever_o they_o be_v church_n they_o be_v not_o if_o therefore_o any_o other_o church-state_n be_v suppose_v we_o may_v well_o require_v that_o its_o name_n nature_n use_v power_n and_o bound_n be_v some_o or_o all_o of_o they_o declare_v in_o the_o scripture_n reason_v draw_v from_o the_o superiority_n of_o the_o apostle_n above_o the_o evangelist_n of_o bishop_n above_o presbyter_n or_o from_o church_n rule_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n only_o from_o the_o power_n of_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n in_o thing_n ecclesiastical_a from_o the_o meetness_n of_o union_n among_o all_o church_n be_v of_o no_o use_n in_o this_o case_n for_o they_o be_v all_o consistent_a with_o the_o sole_a institution_n of_o particular_a congregation_n nor_o do_v in_o the_o least_o intimate_a that_o there_o be_v or_o needs_o to_o be_v any_o other_o church_n state_n of_o divine_a appointment_n chap._n v._o the_o sit_v of_o the_o first_o church_n after_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o second_o century_n in_o confirmation_n of_o the_o forego_n argument_n we_o urge_v the_o precedent_n and_o
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
world_n according_a as_o they_o have_v opportunity_n of_o converse_n with_o they_o and_o when_o on_o any_o occasion_n any_o division_n or_o schism_n fall_v out_o among_o any_o of_o their_o member_n in_o this_o church_n state_n it_o be_v severe_o rebuke_v by_o the_o apostle_n all_o these_o church_n and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o they_o be_v oblige_v by_o virtue_n of_o divine_a institution_n to_o obey_v their_o guide_n to_o honour_n and_o reverence_n they_o and_o by_o their_o voluntary_a contribution_n to_o provide_v for_o their_o honourable_a subsistence_n and_o maintenance_n according_a to_o their_o ability_n other_o church_n state_n neither_o the_o scripture_n nor_o antiquity_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o second_o century_n do_v know_v any_o thing_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v hereafter_o more_o full_o manifest_a neither_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n know_v then_o to_o be_v schism_n or_o so_o esteem_v but_o a_o division_n fall_v out_o in_o some_o one_o of_o these_o church_n which_o happen_v for_o the_o most_o part_n if_o not_o only_o by_o some_o of_o their_o teacher_n fall_v into_o heresy_n and_o draw_v away_o disciple_n after_o they_o act_v 20.30_o or_o by_o various_a opinion_n about_o their_o guide_n 1_o cor._n 1.12_o or_o the_o ambition_n of_o some_o in_o seek_v the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o office_n among_o they_o to_o seek_v for_o any_o thing_n among_o those_o church_n wherein_o our_o present_n contest_v about_o schism_n be_v concern_v be_v altogether_o in_o vain_a there_o be_v then_o no_o such_o subordination_n of_o church_n of_o many_o unto_o one_o as_o be_v now_o plead_v no_o such_o distinction_n of_o officer_n into_o those_o who_o have_v a_o plenary_a and_o those_o who_o have_v a_o partiary_a power_n only_o in_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n no_o church_n with_o a_o single_a officer_n over_o it_o comprehend_v in_o a_o subjection_n unto_o its_o jurisdiction_n a_o multitude_n of_o other_o church_n no_o invention_n no_o imposition_n of_o any_o order_n formâ—_n of_o prayer_n or_o ceremony_n of_o worship_n not_o of_o divine_a institution_n be_v once_o think_v of_o and_o when_o any_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n be_v first_o attempt_v it_o cause_v great_a trouble_n among_o they_o in_o a_o word_n the_o thing_n on_o the_o account_n of_o a_o noncompliance_n wherewithal_o we_o be_v vehement_o charge_v with_o schism_n be_v then_o neither_o lay_v nor_o hatch_v neither_o thought_n of_o nor_o invent_v to_o erect_v new_a kind_n of_o church_n to_o introduce_v into_o they_o new_a order_n new_a rule_n rite_n and_o ceremony_n to_o impose_v their_o observation_n on_o all_o church_n and_o all_o member_n of_o they_o and_o to_o charge_v their_o dissent_n with_o the_o guilt_n of_o schism_n that_o schism_n which_o be_v prohibit_v and_o condemn_v in_o the_o scripture_n have_v much_o of_o a_o assume_v authority_n and_o severity_n in_o it_o nothing_o of_o countenance_n from_o the_o scripture_n or_o primitive_a antiquity_n but_o after_o that_o church_n begin_v to_o depart_v from_o this_o original_a constitution_n by_o the_o way_n and_o mean_v before_o declare_v every_o alteration_n produce_v a_o new_a supposition_n of_o church_n unity_n and_o peace_n whereto_o every_o church_n of_o a_o new_a constitution_n lay_v claim_v new_a sort_n of_o schism_n be_v also_o coin_a and_o frame_v for_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a way_n find_v out_o and_o carry_v on_o in_o a_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n whereby_o those_o meek_a holy_a humble_a church_n or_o society_n of_o christ_n institution_n who_o as_o such_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n in_o power_n authority_n dignity_n jurisdiction_n or_o wealth_n in_o some_o instance_n wherein_o they_o get_v the_o advantage_n one_o of_o another_o become_v in_o all_o these_o thing_n to_o equal_a kingdom_n and_o principality_n yea_o one_o of_o they_o to_o claim_v a_o monarchy_n over_o the_o whole_a world_n during_o the_o progression_n of_o this_o apostasy_n church_n unity_n and_o schism_n decline_v from_o their_o centre_n and_o vary_v their_o state_n according_a unto_o the_o present_a interest_n of_o they_o that_o prevail_v whoever_o have_v get_v possession_n of_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n in_o a_o prevail_a reputation_n though_o the_o state_n of_o it_o be_v never_o so_o corrupt_a make_v it_o bite_v and_o devour_v all_o that_o dislike_v it_o and_o will_v swear_v that_o submission_n unto_o they_o in_o all_o thing_n be_v church-unity_n and_o to_o dissent_v from_o they_o be_v schism_n unto_o that_o state_n all_o the_o world_n know_v that_o thing_n be_v come_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n howbeit_o what_o have_v be_v dispute_v about_o or_o contend_v for_o of_o power_n privilege_n authority_n pre-eminence_n jurisdiction_n catholicism_n way_n of_o worship_n rule_n and_o discipline_n which_o the_o world_n be_v fill_v with_o such_o a_o noise_n about_o and_o in_o the_o dispute_n whereof_o so_o many_o various_a hypothesis_n be_v advance_v that_o can_v be_v accommodate_v unto_o such_o christian_a congregation_n as_o we_o have_v describe_v be_v but_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o prudence_n or_o imprudence_n of_o man_n and_o what_o it_o will_v prove_v the_o event_n will_v show_v thing_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v once_o well_o understand_v will_v deliver_v the_o world_n from_o innumerable_a fruitless_a endless_a contest_v sovereign_a prince_n from_o all_o disturbance_n on_o the_o account_n of_o religion_n and_o private_a person_n from_o the_o fatal_a mistake_n of_o entrust_v the_o eternal_a concernment_n of_o their_o soul_n unto_o their_o relation_n unto_o one_o church_n and_o not_o unto_o another_o i_o be_o not_o so_o vain_a as_o at_o this_o time_n to_o expect_v the_o reduction_n of_o christian_a religion_n unto_o its_o primitive_a power_n purity_n and_o simplicity_n nor_o do_v i_o reflect_v blame_n on_o they_o who_o walk_v conscientious_o in_o such_o a_o church_n state_n and_o order_n as_o they_o approve_v of_o or_o suppose_v it_o the_o best_a they_o can_v attain_v unto_o only_o i_o think_v it_o lawful_a for_o all_o christ_n disciple_n at_o all_o time_n to_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o all_o his_o command_n and_o to_o abstain_v from_o be_v servant_n of_o man_n in_o what_o he_o have_v not_o enjoin_v a_o answer_n to_o dr._n stillingfleet_v book_n of_o the_o unreasonableness_n of_o separation_n in_o defence_n of_o the_o vindication_n of_o nonconformist_n from_o the_o gild_n of_o schism_n the_o precede_a discourse_n be_v write_v for_o the_o most_o part_n before_o the_o publish_n of_o the_o treatise_n of_o the_o reverend_n dr._n stillingfleet_n entitle_v the_o vnreasonableness_n of_o separation_n yet_o be_v it_o not_o so_o without_o a_o prospect_n at_o least_o a_o probable_a conjecture_n that_o something_o of_o the_o same_o kind_a and_o tendency_n with_o the_o doctor_n book_n will_v be_v publish_v in_o defence_n of_o the_o cause_n which_o he_o have_v undertake_v and_o i_o be_v not_o without_o hope_n that_o the_o whole_a of_o it_o may_v have_v be_v both_o finish_v and_o communicate_v unto_o public_a view_n before_o any_o thing_n far_o be_v attempt_v against_o our_o cause_n whereby_o many_o mistake_v may_v have_v be_v prevent_v for_o as_o i_o be_v willing_a yea_o very_a desirous_a if_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o i_o may_v see_v before_o my_o departure_n out_o of_o this_o world_n the_o cause_n of_o conformity_n as_o thing_n be_v now_o state_v between_o we_o and_o the_o church_n of_o england_n plead_v with_o judgement_n moderation_n and_o learning_n with_o the_o best_a of_o those_o argument_n whereby_o our_o principle_n or_o practice_n be_v oppose_v so_o consider_v on_o what_o hand_n that_o work_n be_v now_o like_a to_o fall_v i_o think_v si_fw-la pergania_fw-la dextra_fw-la etc._n etc._n and_o be_o of_o the_o same_o mind_n still_o but_o my_o expectation_n be_v frustrate_a of_o represent_v our_o whole_a cause_n true_o state_v for_o the_o prevention_n of_o mistake_v by_o the_o come_n out_o of_o this_o book_n against_o all_o sort_n of_o nonconformist_n i_o think_v it_o convenient_a to_o publish_v this_o first_o part_n of_o what_o i_o have_v design_v and_o to_o annex_v unto_o it_o the_o ensue_a defence_n of_o the_o vindication_n of_o nonconformist_n from_o the_o charge_n of_o schism_n for_o although_o i_o do_v know_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o material_a in_o the_o whole_a book_n of_o the_o vnreasonableness_n of_o sepaeration_n but_o what_o be_v obviate_v or_o answer_v before_o hand_n in_o the_o precede_a discourse_n so_o as_o that_o the_o principle_n and_o demonstration_n of_o they_o contain_v therein_o may_v easy_o be_v apply_v unto_o all_o the_o reason_n exception_n and_o plea_n in_o and_o of_o that_o book_n to_o render_v they_o useless_a unto_o the_o end_v design_v which_o be_v to_o reinforce_v a_o charge_n of_o schism_n against_o we_o yet_o i_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o show_v how_o unsuccessful_a from_o the_o disadvantage_n of_o his_o cause_n the_o doctor_n have_v be_v
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
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
indeed_o as_o when_o the_o israelite_n come_v out_o of_o egypt_n there_o come_v along_o with_o they_o a_o mix_a multitude_n of_o other_o people_n exod._n 12.38_o which_o fall_v to_o lust_a for_o meat_n when_o they_o come_v into_o the_o wilderness_n numb_a 11.4_o to_o the_o danger_n of_o the_o whole_a congregation_n so_o when_o christianity_n be_v first_o preach_v and_o receive_v in_o the_o world_n beside_o those_o who_o embrace_v it_o sincere_o and_o be_v add_v unto_o the_o church_n there_o be_v a_o great_a mixture_n of_o stubborn_a jew_n as_o the_o ebionite_n of_o philosophical_a greek_n as_o the_o valentinian_o and_o the_o marcionite_n of_o plain_a impostor_n such_o as_o simon_n magus_n and_o menander_n who_o all_o of_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v christian_n but_o they_o fall_v a_o lust_a and_o exceed_o trouble_a and_o perplex_v the_o church_n with_o a_o endeavour_n to_o seduâ—e_v they_o unto_o their_o imagination_n yet_o none_o of_o their_o abomination_n can_v force_v a_o entrance_n into_o the_o church_n themselves_o which_o by_o the_o mean_n insist_v on_o be_v preserve_v but_o when_o this_o church-state_n and_o order_n be_v change_v and_o another_o gradual_o introduce_v in_o the_o room_n of_o it_o error_n and_o heresy_n get_v new_a advantage_n and_o enter_v into_o the_o church_n themselves_o which_o before_o do_v only_o assault_v and_o perplex_v they_o for_o 1._o when_o prerogative_n and_o pre-eminence_n of_o any_o single_a person_n in_o the_o church_n begin_v to_o be_v in_o esteem_n not_o a_o few_o who_o fail_v in_o their_o attempt_n of_o attain_v it_o to_o revenge_v themselves_o on_o the_o church_n make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o invent_v and_o propagate_v pernicious_a heresy_n so_o do_v thebulis_fw-la at_o jerusalem_n euseb._n lib._n 4._o cap._n 22._o and_o valentinus_n tertul._n ad_fw-la valentin_n cap._n 4._o and_o martion_n at_o rome_n epiphan_n haeres_fw-la 42._o montanus_n fall_v into_o his_o dotage_n on_o the_o same_o account_n so_o do_v novitianus_fw-la at_o rome_n euseb._n lib._n 7._o cap._n 43._o and_o arius_n at_o alexandria_n hence_o be_v that_o censure_n of_o they_o by_o lactantius_n lib._n 4._o cap._n 30._o two_o quorum_fw-la fides_fw-la fuit_fw-la lubrica_fw-la cum_fw-la deum_fw-la nosse_fw-la se_fw-la &_o colere_fw-la simularent_fw-la augendis_fw-la opibus_fw-la &_o honori_fw-la student_n affectabant_fw-la maximum_fw-la sacerdotium_fw-la &_o à _fw-la potioribus_fw-la victi_fw-la secedere_fw-la cum_fw-la suffragatoribus_fw-la maluerunt_fw-la quam_fw-la eos_fw-la far_o praepositos_fw-la quibus_fw-la concupierant_fw-la ipsâ—_fw-la ante_fw-la praeponi_fw-la 2._o when_o any_o of_o their_o bishop_n of_o the_o new_a constitution_n whether_o patriarchal_a or_o diocesan_n fall_v into_o heresy_n which_o they_o do_v frequent_o and_o that_o number_n of_o they_o they_o have_v so_o many_o advantage_n to_o diffuse_v their_o poison_n into_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o their_o church_n and_o such_o political_a interest_n for_o their_o promotion_n as_o that_o the_o church_n themselves_o be_v thorough_o infect_v with_o they_o it_o be_v true_a the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n in_o many_o place_n do_v oppose_v they_o withdraw_z and_o separate_z from_o they_o but_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o this_o be_v the_o first_o way_n and_o mean_n whereby_o the_o church_n cease_v to_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o pillar_n of_o truth_n many_o destructive_a error_n be_v receive_v into_o they_o which_o do_v only_o outward_o assault_v they_o whilst_o they_o abide_v in_o their_o first_o institution_n and_o have_v not_o the_o church_n in_o process_n of_o time_n utter_o lose_v their_o primitive_a state_n and_o order_n by_o coalesce_v into_o one_o papal_a pretend_a universal_a church_n the_o faith_n itself_o can_v never_o have_v be_v so_o utter_o corrupt_v deprave_a and_o lose_v among_o they_o as_o in_o the_o issue_n it_o be_v 3._o to_o propagate_v the_o gospel_n be_v in_o like_a manner_n require_v hereunto_o this_o i_o acknowledge_v do_v more_o immediate_o concern_v the_o duty_n of_o person_n in_o any_o church-order_n than_o the_o order_n itself_o for_o it_o must_v be_v the_o work_n of_o some_o particular_a person_n dedicate_a themselves_o unto_o their_o ministry_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o first_o church_n 3_o joh._n 5_o 6_o 7_o 8._o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o any_o other_o public_a acknowledge_v end_n of_o the_o institution_n of_o church_n if_o the_o way_n plead_v for_o be_v not_o consistent_a with_o they_o all_o and_o the_o proper_a mean_n of_o attain_v they_o if_o it_o be_v not_o suit_v unto_o their_o accomplishment_n let_v it_o be_v discard_v i_o shall_v insist_v on_o one_o more_o only_a 3._o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v give_v that_o state_n unto_o his_o church_n have_v instate_v they_o in_o that_o order_n as_o that_o his_o interest_n kingdom_n and_o religion_n may_v be_v carry_v on_o in_o the_o world_n without_o prejudice_n or_o disadvantage_n unto_o any_o of_o the_o lawful_a interest_n of_o man_n especial_o without_o any_o opposition_n unto_o or_o enterfer_v with_o the_o civil_a authority_n or_o magistracy_n which_o be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o no_o churchway_n that_o do_v so_o be_v of_o his_o institution_n wherefore_o i_o shall_v brief_o declare_v what_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o those_o of_o this_o way_n in_o these_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o the_o way_n itself_o which_o they_o do_v profess_v 1._o our_o first_o general_a assertion_n unto_o this_o purpose_n be_v this_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n teach_v no_o doctrine_n appoint_v no_o order_n in_o his_o church_n give_v it_o no_o power_n that_o be_v opposite_a unto_o or_o inconsistent_a with_o any_o righteous_a government_n in_o this_o world_n of_o what_o sort_n soever_o it_o be_v of_o those_o whereunto_o government_n be_v distribute_v in_o reason_n and_o practice_n his_o doctrine_n indeed_o be_v oppose_v unto_o all_o unrighteousness_n in_o and_o of_o all_o man_n magistrate_n and_o other_o but_o not_o to_o the_o legal_a rule_n of_o magistrate_n that_o be_v unrighteous_a man_n and_o this_o opposition_n be_v doctrinal_a only_o confirm_v with_o promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o eternal_a thing_n refuse_v and_o despise_v all_o outward_a aid_n of_o force_n and_o restraint_n this_o rule_n we_o allow_v for_o the_o trial_n of_o all_o church_n and_o their_o state_n whether_o they_o be_v according_a unto_o the_o mind_n of_o christ._n but_o whereas_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v teach_v command_v appoint_v nothing_o that_o be_v contrary_a unto_o or_o inconsistent_a with_o righteous_a government_n of_o any_o sort_n if_o ruler_n or_o magistrate_n shall_v forbid_v the_o observance_n of_o what_o he_o have_v command_v appoint_v and_o order_v and_o then_o charge_v it_o on_o he_o or_o his_o way_n that_o his_o disciple_n can_v dare_v not_o will_v not_o comply_v with_o that_o prohibition_n and_o accuse_v they_o thereon_o of_o sedition_n and_o opposition_n unto_o government_n they_o deal_v injurious_o with_o he_o whereof_o they_o must_v give_v a_o account_n for_o whereas_o all_o power_n be_v give_v unto_o he_o in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n all_o nation_n be_v his_o inheritance_n all_o people_n in_o his_o absolute_a disposal_n and_o it_o be_v his_o pleasure_n to_o set_v up_o his_o kingdom_n in_o the_o earth_n without_o which_o the_o earth_n itself_o will_v not_o be_v continue_v he_o can_v not_o deal_v more_o gentle_o with_o the_o righteous_a ruler_n of_o this_o world_n and_o he_o do_v it_o because_o righteous_a rule_n be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n than_o to_o order_v all_o thing_n so_o that_o whether_o they_o receive_v his_o law_n and_o doctrine_n or_o no_o nothing_o shall_v be_v do_v in_o opposition_n unto_o they_o or_o their_o rule_n and_o if_o any_o of_o they_o be_v not_o content_v with_o this_o measure_n but_o will_v forbid_v the_o observance_n of_o what_o he_o command_v wherein_o he_o alone_o be_v concern_v and_o not_o they_o this_o be_v leave_v to_o be_v determine_v between_o he_o and_o they_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n when_o ruler_n be_v not_o able_a to_o fancy_v much_o less_o give_v a_o real_a instance_n of_o any_o one_o principle_n doctrine_n or_o practice_n in_o any_o of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n or_o any_o belong_v unto_o they_o that_o be_v contrary_a unto_o or_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o right_n or_o exercise_n of_o their_o rule_n and_o government_n and_o yet_o shall_v not_o only_o prohibit_v the_o do_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v command_v mere_o with_o respect_n unto_o the_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a end_n of_o his_o kingdom_n but_o shall_v also_o punish_v and_o destroy_v those_o who_o will_v not_o disow_v his_o authority_n and_o comply_v with_o their_o prohibition_n it_o do_v scarce_o answer_v their_o interest_n and_o prudence_n for_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v it_o for_o any_o to_o provoke_v he_o who_o be_v mighty_a than_o they_o when_o they_o have_v no_o appearance_n of_o necessity_n for_o their_o so_o do_v nor_o advantage_n thereby_o 2._o in_o particular_a
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
sovereignty_n over_o their_o conscience_n be_v reserve_v by_o the_o apostle_n unto_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n alone_o and_o their_o obedience_n be_v require_v by_o they_o only_o unto_o his_o command_n this_o be_v that_o which_o i_o see_v some_o will_v be_v at_o to_o presume_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o church_n at_o least_o the_o only_a ruler_n and_o governor_n of_o it_o to_o assume_v to_o themselves_o alone_o the_o judgement_n of_o what_o be_v lawful_a and_o what_o be_v unlawful_a to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n to_o avow_v a_o power_n to_o impose_v what_o they_o please_v on_o all_o church_n pretend_v to_o be_v under_o their_o command_n so_o that_o they_o judge_v it_o lawful_a be_v it_o never_o so_o useless_a or_o trifle_a if_o it_o have_v no_o other_o end_v but_o to_o be_v a_o instance_n of_o their_o authority_n and_o then_o assert_v that_o all_o christian_a people_n must_v without_o further_a examination_n submit_v quiet_o unto_o this_o state_n of_o thing_n and_o comply_v with_o it_o unless_o they_o will_v be_v esteem_v damn_a schismatic_n but_o it_o be_v too_o late_o to_o advance_v such_o principle_n a_o second_o time_n he_o add_v from_o my_o paper_n or_o as_o my_o sense_n the_o apostle_n give_v rule_n inconsistent_a with_o any_o determine_a rule_n viz._n of_o mutual_a forbearance_n rom._n 14._o but_o then_o say_v he_o the_o meaning_n must_v be_v that_o whatever_o difference_n happen_v among_o christian_n there_o must_v be_v no_o determination_n either_o way_n but_o this_o be_v direst_o contrary_a to_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o apostle_n at_o jerusalem_n upon_o the_o difference_n that_o happen_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n but_o they_o be_v not_o my_o word_n which_o he_o report_v i_o say_v not_o that_o the_o apostle_n give_v rule_n inconsistent_a with_o any_o determine_a rule_n but_o with_o such_o a_o rule_n and_o the_o imposition_n of_o the_o thing_n contain_v in_o it_o on_o the_o practice_n of_o man_n in_o thing_n not_o determine_v that_o be_v whilst_o difference_n about_o they_o do_v continue_v as_o he_o contend_v for_o and_o 1._o notwithstanding_o this_o rule_n of_o forbearance_n give_v by_o the_o apostle_n express_o rom._n 14._o yet_o as_o unto_o the_o right_n and_o truth_n in_o the_o thing_n wherein_o man_n be_v at_o difference_n every_o private_a believer_n be_v to_o determine_v of_o they_o so_o far_o as_o he_o be_v able_a in_o his_o own_o mind_n every_o one_o be_v to_o be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n in_o such_o thing_n so_o far_o as_o his_o own_o practice_n be_v concern_v 2._o the_o church_n wherein_o such_o difference_n do_v fall_v out_o may_v doctrinal_o determine_v of_o the_o truth_n in_o they_o as_o it_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o pillar_n of_o truth_n suppose_v they_o to_o be_v of_o such_o weight_n as_o that_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n be_v concern_v in_o they_o for_o otherwise_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o such_o determination_n but_o every_o one_o may_v be_v leave_v unto_o his_o own_o liberty_n there_o be_v difference_n at_o this_o day_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n some_o of_o they_o in_o my_o judgement_n of_o more_o importance_n than_o those_o between_o the_o same_o church_n and_o we_o yet_o it_o do_v not_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o make_v any_o determination_n of_o they_o no_o not_o doctrinal_o 3._o if_o the_o church_n wherein_o such_o difference_n fall_v out_o be_v not_o able_a in_o and_o of_o itself_o to_o make_v a_o doctrinal_a determination_n of_o such_o difference_n they_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o crave_v the_o counsel_n and_o advice_n of_o other_o church_n with_o who_o they_o walk_v in_o communion_n in_o faith_n and_o love_n and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o case_n whereof_o a_o account_n be_v give_v we_o act._n 15._o the_o determination_n or_o decree_n there_o make_v concern_v the_o necessary_a observance_n of_o the_o jewish_a rite_n by_o the_o gentile_n convert_v unto_o the_o faith_n by_o the_o apostle_n elder_n and_o brethren_n under_o the_o guidance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o his_o mind_n be_v reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n give_v not_o the_o least_o countenance_n unto_o the_o make_n and_o impose_v such_o a_o rule_n on_o all_o church_n and_o their_o member_n as_o be_v contend_v for_o for_o 1._o it_o be_v only_o a_o doctrinal_a determination_n without_o imposition_n on_o the_o practice_n of_o any_o 2._o it_o be_v a_o determination_n against_o imposition_n direct_o and_o whereas_o it_o be_v say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o determination_n contrary_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o imposer_n which_o show_v that_o the_o rule_n of_o forbearance_n where_o conscience_n be_v allege_v both_o way_n be_v no_o stand_a rule_n i_o grant_v that_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o imposer_n but_o impose_v nothing_o on_o they_o nor_o be_v their_o practice_n concern_v in_o that_o erroneous_a judgement_n they_o be_v not_o require_v to_o do_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o their_o own_o judgement_n and_o the_o not_o do_v whereof_o do_v reflect_v on_o their_o own_o conscience_n wherefore_o the_o whole_a rule_n give_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o whole_a determination_n make_v be_v that_o no_o imposition_n be_v make_v on_o the_o conscience_n or_o practice_n of_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n in_o thing_n relate_v to_o his_o worship_n but_o what_o be_v necessary_a by_o virtue_n of_o divine_a institution_n they_o add_v hereunto_o that_o the_o gentile_n enjoy_v this_o liberty_n aught_o to_o use_v it_o without_o offence_n and_o be_v at_o liberty_n by_o virtue_n of_o it_o to_o forbear_v such_o thing_n as_o wherein_o they_o have_v or_o think_v they_o have_v a_o natural_a liberty_n in_o case_n they_o give_v offence_n by_o the_o use_n of_o they_o and_o the_o apostle_n who_o know_v the_o state_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o all_o other_o circumstance_n give_v a_o instance_n in_o the_o thing_n which_o at_o that_o season_n be_v to_o be_v so_o forbear_v and_o whereas_o this_o determination_n be_v not_o absolute_a and_o obligatory_a on_o the_o whole_a case_n unto_o all_o church_n namely_o whether_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v among_o christian_n but_o some_o church_n be_v leave_v unto_o their_o own_o judgement_n and_o practice_n who_o esteem_v it_o to_o be_v still_o in_o force_n as_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o other_o leave_v unto_o their_o own_o liberty_n and_o practice_n also_o who_o judge_v it_o not_o to_o oblige_v they_o both_o side_n or_o party_n be_v bind_v to_o continue_v communion_n among_o they_o in_o faith_n and_o love_n there_o be_v herein_o a_o perpetual_a establishment_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o mutual_a forbearance_n in_o such_o case_n nothing_o be_v condemn_v but_o imposition_n on_o one_o another_o nothing_o commend_v but_o a_o abstinence_n from_o the_o use_n of_o liberty_n in_o the_o case_n of_o scandal_n or_o offence_n i_o have_v therefore_o reason_n to_o say_v that_o the_o false_a apostle_n be_v the_o only_a imposer_n that_o be_v of_o thing_n not_o necessary_a by_o virtue_n of_o any_o divine_a institution_n and_o if_o the_o author_n insinuate_v that_o the_o true_a apostle_n be_v such_o imposer_n also_o because_o of_o the_o determination_n they_o make_v of_o this_o difference_n he_o will_v fail_v in_o his_o proof_n of_o it_o it_o be_v true_a they_o impose_v on_o or_o charge_v the_o conscience_n of_o man_n with_o the_o observance_n of_o all_o the_o institution_n and_o command_n of_o christ_n but_o of_o other_o thing_n none_o at_o all_o the_o last_o thing_n which_o he_o endeavour_v a_o answer_n unto_o on_o this_o occasion_n lie_v in_o those_o word_n the_o jewish_a christian_n be_v leave_v unto_o their_o own_o liberty_n provide_v they_o do_v not_o impose_v on_o other_o and_o the_o dissenter_n at_o this_o day_n desire_v no_o more_o than_o the_o gentile_a church_n do_v viz._n not_o to_o be_v impose_v on_o to_o observe_v those_o thing_n which_o they_o be_v not_o satisfy_v it_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n shall_v be_v impose_v on_o they_o so_o be_v my_o sense_n in_o the_o place_n refer_v unto_o report_v nor_o shall_v i_o contend_v about_o it_o so_o as_o that_o the_o last_o clause_n be_v change_n for_o my_o word_n be_v not_o they_o be_v not_o satisfy_v it_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v impose_v on_o they_o but_o they_o be_v not_o satisfy_v it_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n they_o shall_v observe_v this_o respect_v the_o thing_n themselves_o the_o other_o only_o their_o imposition_n and_o one_o reason_n against_o the_o imposition_n oppose_v be_v that_o the_o thing_n themselves_o impose_v be_v such_o as_o the_o lord_n christ_n will_v not_o have_v we_o observe_v because_o not_o appoint_v by_o himself_o but_o hereunto_o he_o answer_v two_o thing_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v agree_v