of_o alexandria_n and_o the_o territory_n belong_v to_o it_o for_o he_o say_v ap._n p._n 781_o 802._o maoretis_fw-la be_v a_o region_n belong_v to_o alexandria_n and_o all_o the_o church_n there_o be_v immediate_o subject_a to_o the_o bishop_n of_o alexandria_n but_o because_o dr._n owen_n mr._n baxter_n mr._n cotton_n and_o the_o rest_n have_v make_v choice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o carthage_n in_o africa_n in_o st._n cyprian_n time_n to_o make_v their_o appeal_n to_o dr._n stillingfleet_n to_o avoid_v all_o cavil_n as_o he_o tell_v we_o have_v choose_v that_o very_a church_n to_o be_v decide_v by_o as_o to_o the_o episcopal_a government_n now_o in_o dispute_n between_o we_o and_o therefore_o first_o he_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a number_n of_o presbyter_n belong_v to_o the_o church_n of_o carthage_n at_o that_o time_n and_o therefore_o not_o likely_a to_o be_v one_o single_a congregation_n and_o this_o he_o prove_v out_o of_o st._n cyprian_n own_v epistle_n in_o his_o banishment_n particular_o in_o his_o 5_o book_n ep._n 28._o he_o complain_v that_o a_o great_a number_n of_o his_o clergy_n be_v absent_a and_o the_o few_o that_o remain_v be_v hardly_o sufficient_a for_o their_o work_n and_o that_o these_o presbyter_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v under_o the_o particular_a care_n and_o government_n of_o st._n cyprian_n as_o their_o bishop_n appear_v by_o his_o own_o word_n lib._n 3._o ep._n 10_o and_o 12._o to_o the_o people_n of_o carthage_n he_o complain_v to_o they_o of_o his_o presbyter_n that_o they_o do_v not_o reserve_v to_o their_o bishop_n that_o honour_n due_a to_o his_o place_n for_o that_o they_o receive_v penitent_n to_o communion_n without_o imposition_n of_o hand_n by_o the_o bishop_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o his_o epist_n 28._o he_o threaten_v to_o excommunicate_v those_o presbyter_n that_o shall_v do_v so_o for_o the_o future_a and_o all_o the_o other_o bishop_n give_v their_o approbation_n to_o st._n cyprian_n for_o so_o do_v and_o the_o same_o st._n cyprian_n in_o his_o 3_o book_n ep._n 65._o tell_v they_o that_o a_o bishop_n in_o the_o church_n be_v in_o the_o place_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o disobedience_n to_o he_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o schism_n and_o disorder_n see_v more_o full_o concern_v this_o matter_n in_o dr._n stillingfleet_n mischief_n of_o separation_n p._n 228_o 229._o etc._n etc._n and_o now_o since_o dr._n owen_n mr._n baxter_n and_o the_o rest_n have_v agree_v to_o appeal_v to_o the_o church_n of_o carthage_n we_o must_v suppose_v they_o allow_v no_o deviation_n in_o that_o church_n from_o the_o primitive_a institution_n and_o what_o that_o be_v then_o any_o one_o may_v judge_v and_o st._n augustine_n be_v another_o bishop_n in_o the_o african_a church_n he_o be_v bishop_n of_o hippo_n regia_n the_o diocese_n of_o which_o extend_v at_o least_o forty_o mile_n as_o appear_v by_o st._n augustine_n own_a epist_n 262._o it_o be_v true_a the_o african_a church_n come_v most_o near_o the_o congregational_a way_n of_o any_o other_o the_o diocese_n be_v small_a by_o reason_n of_o the_o many_o sectary_n there_o the_o donatist_n and_o many_o other_o and_o that_o be_v the_o reason_n mr._n baxter_n and_o the_o rest_n express_v so_o great_a a_o esteem_n for_o it_o but_o that_o their_o bishopric_n be_v much_o too_o large_a to_o serve_v either_o the_o presbyterian_o or_o independent_o turn_v and_o that_o they_o never_o allow_v more_o than_o one_o bishop_n in_o the_o large_a city_n sufficient_o appear_v by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v and_o in_o the_o african_a code_n there_o be_v a_o canon_n that_o say_v express_o no_o bishop_n shall_v leave_v his_o cathedral_n church_n and_o go_v to_o any_o other_o church_n in_o his_o diocese_n to_o reside_v there_o see_v codex_fw-la eccl._n africa_n c._n 71._o which_o show_v that_o the_o bishop_n territory_n and_o jurisdiction_n extend_v into_o distant_a place_n from_o the_o city_n as_o well_o in_o the_o african_a church_n as_o in_o other_o i_o shall_v only_o add_v to_o this_o that_o calvin_n look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o thing_n out_o of_o dispute_n among_o learned_a man_n that_o a_o church_n do_v not_o only_o take_v in_o the_o christian_n of_o a_o city_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n but_o of_o the_o adjacent_a country_n also_o see_v calv._n instit_fw-la l._n 4._o c._n 4._o n._n 2._o but_o though_o there_o be_v never_o more_o than_o one_o bishop_n in_o a_o city_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n 1._o church_n v._o conc._n eph._n part_n 2._o act._n 1._o yet_o some_o bishop_n have_v have_v two_o or_o more_o city_n in_o their_o diocese_n timothy_n be_v bishop_n of_o farmissus_n and_o eudocias_n athanasius_n be_v bishop_n of_o diveltus_n and_o sozopolis_n and_o there_o have_v be_v some_o bishopric_n that_o have_v have_v no_o city_n at_o all_o in_o they_o but_o only_a village_n for_o there_o be_v some_o country_n that_o have_v no_o city_n in_o they_o so_o have_v we_o at_o this_o day_n bishop_n in_o ireland_n and_o wales_n that_o have_v no_o city_n in_o their_o diocese_n but_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o the_o extent_n of_o his_o diocese_n be_v confine_v to_o any_o single_a village_n so_o far_o from_o that_o that_o by_o the_o canon_n of_o sardica_n vi_o all_o the_o bishop_n assemble_v at_o sardica_n agree_v that_o it_o shall_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v lawful_a to_o ordain_v any_o bishop_n in_o village_n or_o small_a city_n that_o the_o dignity_n of_o a_o bishop_n may_v not_o be_v contemptible_a from_o the_o meanness_n of_o the_o place_n but_o say_v mr._n clarkson_n and_o the_o rest_n the_o apostle_n ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o church_n and_o then_o mr._n clarkson_n name_v the_o place_n to_o wit_n antioch_n iconium_n lystra_n and_o other_o village_n and_o these_o elder_n or_o presbyter_n they_o will_v have_v bishop_n but_o first_o i_o say_v that_o during_o the_o apostle_n day_n the_o name_n bishop_n and_o presbyter_n be_v common_o use_v the_o one_o for_o the_o other_o but_o not_o after_o as_o shall_v be_v show_v hereafter_o and_o therefore_o these_o elder_n or_o presbyter_n here_o speak_v of_o may_v be_v as_o well_o take_v for_o ordinary_a presbyter_n or_o priest_n as_o for_o bishop_n but_o allow_v these_o presbyter_n be_v bishop_n what_o advantage_n will_v it_o be_v to_o they_o for_o first_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o the_o apostle_n confine_v their_o authority_n to_o those_o place_n but_o the_o contrary_n be_v evident_a and_o unless_o they_o can_v prove_v this_o it_o will_v not_o serve_v their_o turn_n but_o second_o these_o city_n over_o which_o the_o apostle_n appoint_v elder_n be_v large_a city_n at_o that_o time_n by_o much_o too_o great_a to_o come_v together_o in_o one_o congregation_n iconium_n be_v then_o a_o metropolitan_a and_o have_v many_o other_o city_n under_o it_o and_o the_o rest_n be_v all_o large_a city_n but_o before_o i_o conclude_v this_o point_n i_o must_v make_v one_o observation_n and_o that_o be_v that_o mr._n clarkson_n to_o prove_v that_o a_o bishop_n of_o a_o city_n have_v no_o more_o but_o one_o congregation_n undertake_v to_o show_v how_o small_a some_o city_n be_v but_o it_o be_v remarkable_a he_o quote_v for_o his_o authority_n some_o author_n who_o speak_v of_o they_o long_o before_o there_o be_v any_o bishop_n and_o because_o they_o may_v have_v be_v small_a place_n then_o will_v needs_o have_v they_o to_o be_v so_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o be_v very_o ridiculous_a for_o under_o the_o roman_a emperor_n both_o the_o roman_a and_o the_o grecian_a city_n be_v at_o their_o height_n and_o do_v very_o much_o surpass_v both_o for_o their_o magnificence_n and_o number_n of_o people_n any_o that_o have_v be_v before_o or_o since_o nor_o be_v this_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o since_o our_o city_n do_v now_o stand_v upon_o much_o narrow_a foundation_n as_o to_o their_o constitution_n our_o city_n have_v seldom_o any_o liberty_n half_a a_o mile_n beyond_o their_o wall_n and_o be_v general_o but_o a_o assembly_n of_o tradesman_n whereas_o the_o roman_a city_n have_v each_o a_o territory_n as_o it_o be_v a_o county_n belong_v to_o it_o which_o be_v under_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o city_n magistrate_n and_o the_o citizen_n be_v the_o lord_n of_o the_o adjacent_a country_n i_o have_v now_o show_v that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n by_o diocesan_n bishop_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o best_a and_o pure_a age_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o holy_a father_n of_o it_o and_o that_o their_o power_n and_o jurisdiction_n be_v as_o absolute_a and_o extend_v as_o far_o or_o far_o than_o any_o bishop_n this_o day_n in_o england_n i_o shall_v show_v hereafter_o that_o episcopal_a government_n as_o now_o settle_v in_o england_n have_v
be_v and_o be_v at_o this_o day_n commend_v and_o approve_v of_o by_o all_o the_o most_o eminent_a divine_n beyond_o sea_n perhaps_o some_o may_v say_v if_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n by_o diocesan_n bishop_n be_v so_o agreeable_a to_o that_o of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o approve_v of_o by_o other_o reform_a church_n as_o we_o pretend_v it_o be_v how_o come_v it_o that_o they_o all_o do_v not_o follow_v the_o pattern_n of_o england_n and_o become_v all_o diocesan_n church_n i_o answer_v they_o may_v as_o well_o ask_v we_o why_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n that_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o roman_a emperor_n do_v not_o upon_o the_o decay_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n when_o they_o resume_v their_o just_a right_n of_o government_n to_o themselves_o become_v all_o monarchy_n according_a to_o the_o pattern_n of_o england_n some_o nation_n beside_o england_n ireland_n and_o scotland_n do_v assume_v episcopal_a government_n as_o denmark_n sweden_n etc._n etc._n but_o perhaps_o it_o be_v not_o consistent_a with_o the_o present_a circumstance_n or_o politic_a constitution_n of_o all_o place_n at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o reformation_n to_o set_v up_o episcopal_a government_n as_o indeed_o it_o be_v not_o and_o therefore_o since_o neither_o episcopal_a nor_o any_o other_o particular_a kind_n of_o government_n be_v so_o essential_a to_o a_o church_n as_o that_o a_o true_a church_n may_v not_o be_v without_o it_o in_o case_n of_o indispensible_a necessity_n they_o put_v themselves_o some_o under_o one_o form_n of_o government_n some_o under_o another_o as_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o their_o present_a constitution_n but_o with_o this_o caution_n every_o where_o that_o all_o protestant_n of_o every_o whole_a church_n be_v the_o government_n what_o it_o will_v shall_v be_v oblige_v to_o conform_v to_o the_o establish_v church_n in_o which_o they_o live_v for_o though_o every_o national_a or_o whole_a church_n have_v a_o power_n to_o choose_v what_o kind_n of_o government_n they_o please_v for_o themselves_o yet_o it_o be_v never_o allow_v that_o particular_a scrupulous_a people_n among_o themselves_o have_v power_n to_o do_v so_o too_o this_o power_n of_o subdivide_v be_v never_o pretend_v to_o nor_o practise_v in_o any_o other_o nation_n since_o the_o reformation_n but_o in_o england_n so_o that_o though_o they_o do_v all_o allow_v the_o antiquity_n and_o usefulness_n of_o episcopal_a government_n yet_o since_o it_o be_v not_o essential_a to_o a_o true_a church_n no_o more_o than_o that_o of_o the_o presbyterian_a or_o independent_a nor_o convenient_a at_o this_o time_n for_o all_o place_n some_o may_v refuse_v it_o and_o yet_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o we_o in_o england_n shall_v do_v so_o since_o it_o be_v convenient_a for_o we_o and_o more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o these_o kingdom_n and_o come_v by_o much_o near_a the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n than_o any_o other_o whatsoever_o but_o they_o say_v we_o make_v episcopal_a government_n essential_a to_o a_o true_a church_n for_o that_o we_o will_v suffer_v none_o to_o execute_v the_o office_n of_o a_o minister_n here_o in_o england_n unless_o they_o be_v ordain_v by_o a_o bishop_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v it_o be_v plain_a we_o do_v not_o make_v episcopal_a government_n essential_a to_o a_o true_a church_n for_o we_o allow_v all_o the_o reform_a church_n to_o be_v true_a church_n and_o communicate_v with_o they_o and_o yet_o some_o of_o they_o have_v no_o diocesan_n bishop_n it_o be_v true_a by_o the_o law_n of_o this_o church_n and_o nation_n none_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o execute_v the_o office_n of_o a_o minister_n in_o any_o cathedral_n or_o parish_n church_n or_o chapel_n nor_o to_o hold_v any_o ecclesiastical_a benefice_n within_o these_o kingdom_n but_o such_o as_o be_v willing_a to_o submit_v to_o the_o order_n and_o government_n of_o this_o church_n and_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n and_o therefore_o since_o both_o the_o law_n of_o this_o church_n and_o nation_n do_v require_v that_o all_o minister_n who_o desire_v to_o serve_v in_o this_o church_n shall_v declare_v public_o that_o they_o assent_n to_o and_o approve_v of_o our_o form_n 〈◊〉_d worship_n etc._n etc._n and_o be_v willing_a to_o use_v the_o same_o as_o the_o church_n appoint_v and_o that_o they_o shall_v receive_v their_o ordination_n and_o licence_n to_o execute_v their_o office_n from_o the_o bishop_n it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a that_o such_o as_o want_v these_o qualification_n shall_v be_v refuse_v the_o liberty_n of_o execute_v their_o office_n in_o these_o kingdom_n ordination_n kingdom_n the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v not_o say_v absolute_o that_o all_o those_o minister_n who_o want_v episcopal_a ordination_n be_v no_o true_a minister_n but_o only_o that_o none_o shall_v be_v account_v a_o lawful_a bishop_n priest_n or_o deacon_n so_o as_o to_o execute_v their_o function_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n unless_o they_o be_v once_o ordain_v by_o a_o bishop_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o preface_n to_o the_o ordination_n but_o the_o reason_n we_o refuse_v they_o be_v not_o so_o much_o because_o that_o presbyterian_a ordination_n do_v not_o make_v they_o true_a minister_n according_a to_o god_n law_n as_o though_o no_o instance_n can_v be_v give_v of_o ordination_n without_o a_o bishop_n in_o scripture_n or_o antiquity_n but_o all_o to_o the_o contrary_a because_o they_o stubborn_o refuse_v to_o submit_v to_o our_o law_n and_o constitution_n and_o contemn_v the_o lawful_a authority_n under_o which_o god_n have_v place_v they_o and_o command_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v obey_v and_o this_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o statute_n of_o 14_o car._n 2._o in_o which_o there_o be_v a_o particular_a proviso_n that_o all_o minister_n of_o foreign_a reform_a church_n who_o come_v into_o this_o kingdom_n by_o the_o king_n permission_n be_v to_o be_v except_v out_o of_o and_o excuse_v from_o the_o penalty_n of_o that_o act._n and_o this_o custom_n of_o require_v conformity_n and_o subscription_n from_o all_o who_o desire_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o every_o settle_a church_n that_o have_v be_v ever_o since_o christ_n day_n as_o will_v appear_v hereafter_o the_o 3d._a objection_n against_o the_o constitution_n of_o our_o church_n be_v that_o our_o state_n our_o by_o national_a church_n be_v mean_v the_o whole_a church_n of_o such_o nation_n as_o upon_o the_o decay_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n resume_v their_o just_a right_n of_o government_n to_o themselves_o both_o in_o church_n and_o state_n national_a church_n which_o we_o call_v the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v no_o foundation_n and_o want_v discipline_n all_o be_v encroach_v and_o swallow_v up_o in_o the_o bishop_n and_o the_o pastor_n of_o every_o parish_n who_o ought_v to_o have_v full_a power_n to_o execute_v every_o part_n of_o it_o be_v deprive_v thereof_o but_o this_o be_v false_a for_o the_o presbyter_n in_o our_o church_n have_v as_o great_a power_n in_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n as_o ever_o they_o have_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n what_o power_n be_v they_o deprive_v of_o by_o the_o bishop_n that_o they_o have_v then_o by_o the_o law_n of_o our_o church_n no_o rule_n of_o discipline_n no_o article_n of_o doctrine_n no_o form_n of_o worship_n can_v be_v introduce_v by_o the_o bishop_n or_o impose_v upon_o any_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o whole_a presbytery_n of_o the_o nation_n in_o convocation_n who_o appear_v either_o in_o person_n or_o by_o proxy_n the_o only_a authority_n that_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v above_o the_o presbyter_n be_v government_n ordination_n and_o censure_n which_o be_v all_o appropriate_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o bishop_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n st._n cyprian_n assure_v we_o it_o be_v so_o in_o the_o african_a church_n in_o his_o three_o book_n ep._n 10._o &_o 12._o 28._o 27._o and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o st._n augustine_n time_n see_v cod._n eccl._n afr._n c._n 6_o 7_o 9_o etc._n etc._n but_o say_v they_o the_o power_n of_o ordination_n be_v take_v away_o from_o the_o presbyter_n and_o lodge_v sole_o in_o the_o bishop_n and_o it_o be_v plain_a say_v they_o in_o the_o apostle_n day_n the_o presbyter_n do_v ordain_v for_o timothy_n be_v ordain_v by_o lay_v on_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n 1_o tim._n 4._o 14._o but_o dr._n hammond_n in_o his_o paraphrase_n on_o this_o text_n say_v that_o these_o presbyter_n here_o speak_v of_o who_o ordain_v timothy_n be_v apostle_n that_o timothy_n be_v ordain_v by_o st._n paul_n be_v most_o evident_a for_o st._n paul_n in_o his_o second_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n ch_n 1._o v._n 6._o say_v i_o put_v thou_o in_o mind_n that_o thou_o stir_v up_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o thou_o by_o the_o
a_o end_n to_o the_o controversy_n between_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o dissenter_n in_o which_o all_o their_o plea_n for_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v prove_v to_o be_v insufficient_a from_o the_o write_n of_o the_o most_o eminent_a among_o the_o dissenter_n themselves_o and_o their_o separation_n condemn_v by_o the_o reform_a church_n london_n print_v for_o richard_n wellington_n at_o the_o lute_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1697._o to_o the_o reader_n there_o be_v some_o it_o be_v like_a who_o may_v think_v it_o a_o vseless_a and_o impertinent_a piece_n of_o work_n to_o write_v a_o book_n on_o this_o subject_a that_o have_v be_v late_o so_o ingenious_o handle_v by_o such_o eminent_a and_o learned_a man_n as_o the_o bishop_n of_o worcester_n dr._n comber_n dr._n maurice_n etc._n etc._n but_o though_o no_o man_n that_o i_o know_v will_v pretend_v to_o write_v better_a than_o they_o have_v do_v yet_o there_o be_v several_a thing_n in_o this_o book_n that_o have_v not_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o by_o any_o who_o have_v yet_o write_v on_o this_o subject_a and_o since_o man_n notion_n and_o apprehension_n be_v so_o different_a it_o be_v like_o some_o may_v be_v move_v with_o one_o argument_n some_o with_o another_o according_a as_o it_o suit_v their_o several_a judgement_n and_o capacity_n but_o beside_o there_o be_v several_a person_n who_o desire_v to_o be_v satisfy_v concern_v the_o matter_n in_o controversy_n between_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o the_o dissenter_n but_o be_v unwilling_a to_o bestow_v the_o time_n or_o pain_n to_o read_v over_o all_o the_o book_n at_o large_a that_o have_v be_v write_v on_o this_o subject_a for_o the_o satisfaction_n chief_o of_o these_o sort_n of_o man_n i_o have_v here_o as_o brief_o as_o i_o can_v set_v down_o the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o controversy_n between_o we_o and_o the_o argument_n use_v on_o both_o side_n by_o the_o most_o eminent_a man_n that_o have_v write_v on_o this_o subject_a from_o all_o which_o it_o do_v appear_v that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v as_o true_a a_o part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n as_o any_o this_o day_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o all_o the_o objection_n which_o the_o dissenter_n make_v to_o she_o do_v arise_v from_o ignorance_n and_o mistake_v notion_n that_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n beyond_o sea_n do_v own_o she_o as_o a_o true_a reform_a church_n and_o do_v high_o condemn_v all_o those_o who_o separate_a from_o she_o and_o declare_v they_o to_o be_v guilty_a of_o downright_a schism_n and_o that_o the_o dissenter_n in_o condemn_v the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v condemn_v all_o the_o reform_a church_n as_o well_o as_o this_o church_n i_o can_v have_v bring_v many_o more_o authority_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o all_o this_o matter_n but_o i_o purposely_o omit_v they_o because_o these_o which_o i_o have_v bring_v be_v sufficient_a and_o be_v such_o as_o the_o dissenter_n never_o do_v nor_o i_o think_v never_o will_v pretend_v to_o answer_n another_o reason_n why_o i_o omit_v they_o be_v in_o hope_n that_o the_o smallness_n of_o the_o book_n may_v invite_v some_o to_o the_o read_n of_o it_o that_o it_o be_v like_a might_n be_v discourage_v at_o a_o large_a volume_n a_o short_a account_n of_o the_o controversy_n between_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o the_o dissenter_n when_o god_n almighty_a first_o create_v man_n he_o give_v he_o no_o other_o law_n to_o walk_v by_o but_o that_o of_o nature_n or_o reason_n under_o which_o alone_o he_o live_v for_o the_o first_o 2000_o year_n but_o at_o last_o this_o law_n of_o reason_n be_v great_o let_v and_o blind_v by_o evil_a custom_n it_o become_v necessary_a to_o give_v man_n more_o positive_a law_n and_o rule_n to_o walk_v by_o therefore_o god_n almighty_a command_v moses_n to_o write_v a_o law_n for_o his_o people_n which_o we_o call_v the_o moysaicall_a law_n and_o sometime_o the_o moral_a law_n and_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o this_o law_n god_n almighty_a reveal_v to_o man_n by_o the_o mediation_n of_o a_o angel_n but_o it_o be_v for_o a_o great_a part_n typical_a and_o ceremonial_a and_o therefore_o not_o so_o plain_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v as_o that_o of_o the_o new_a testament_n god_n do_v then_o often_o appear_v to_o his_o people_n himself_n and_o teach_v they_o more_o immediate_o what_o he_o will_v have_v they_o do_v what_o not_o and_o under_o this_o law_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n superad_v to_o the_o law_n of_o reason_n or_o nature_n which_o be_v the_o same_o in_o reasonable_a creature_n man_n live_v till_o god_n be_v please_v to_o reveal_v his_o will_n to_o we_o after_o a_o more_o full_a and_o excellent_a manner_n by_o the_o mediation_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o this_o law_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v that_o under_o which_o we_o live_v at_o this_o day_n a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o old_a be_v hereby_o abolish_v see_v galat._n 4._o and_o as_o this_o law_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v reveal_v to_o we_o after_o a_o more_o excellent_a manner_n than_o that_o of_o the_o old_a so_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o be_v most_o extraordinary_a contain_v nothing_o in_o it_o superfluous_a nor_o want_v any_o thing_n necessary_a to_o the_o direct_v all_o man_n to_o heaven_n on_o very_o easy_a term_n it_o be_v so_o adapt_v and_o fit_v to_o all_o condition_n of_o man_n that_o the_o very_o mean_a capacity_n may_v easy_o understand_v every_o thing_n contain_v in_o it_o which_o be_v necessary_a to_o their_o salvation_n and_o this_o evangelical_n law_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v leave_v as_o a_o rule_n for_o all_o succeed_a age_n to_o walk_v by_o but_o notwithstanding_o that_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v leave_v the_o world_n such_o plain_a and_o positive_a rule_n to_o walk_v by_o that_o none_o that_o be_v not_o wilful_o so_o can_v be_v mistake_v in_o they_o yet_o such_o have_v be_v the_o unhappiness_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n that_o it_o never_o want_v some_o within_o it_o of_o such_o restless_a and_o peevish_a spirit_n as_o to_o disturb_v its_o peace_n and_o quiet_n by_o make_v division_n and_o schism_n in_o it_o which_o st._n paul_n foresee_v when_o he_o tell_v the_o elder_n act_n 20._o 30._o also_o of_o yourselves_o shall_v man_n arise_v speak_v perverse_a thing_n to_o draw_v disciple_n after_o they_o but_o though_o there_o have_v be_v always_o some_o division_n in_o the_o church_n ever_o since_o the_o first_o plant_v of_o it_o yet_o for_o the_o first_o three_o or_o four_o hundred_o year_n they_o be_v much_o few_o than_o what_o have_v be_v since_o and_o those_o that_o be_v be_v much_o more_o discountenance_a and_o oppose_v by_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n than_o they_o be_v afterward_o in_o the_o church_n of_o africa_n a_o little_a before_o st._n augustine_n day_n there_o arise_v the_o schism_n of_o the_o donatist_n who_o separate_v upon_o the_o account_n that_o the_o bishopric_n be_v too_o large_a and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o bishop_n too_o great_a and_o because_o the_o minister_n be_v not_o so_o able_a and_o holy_a man_n as_o they_o shall_v be_v and_o because_o they_o dislike_v the_o liturgy_n and_o public_a prayer_n of_o the_o church_n and_o for_o suchlike_a reason_n and_o a_o little_a before_o in_o the_o three_o century_n begin_v the_o novatian_a schism_n at_o rome_n for_o that_o novatus_n think_v the_o bishopric_n too_o large_a will_v needs_o be_v choose_v bishop_n in_o the_o same_o city_n where_o cornelius_n be_v choose_v before_o but_o both_o these_o schism_n be_v condemn_v this_o by_o the_o council_n of_o carth._n and_o the_o council_n of_o constantinople_n and_o by_o st._n cyprian_n ep._n 52._o n._n 4_o etc._n etc._n and_o that_o of_o the_o donatist_n by_o all_o the_o catholic_n bishop_n at_o the_o conference_n at_o carth._n see_v conference_n of_o the_o third_z day_n chap._n 4._o and_o by_o st._n augustine_n in_o his_o book_n against_o permenian_a petilian_a and_o the_o other_o donatist_n bishop_n but_o not_o long_o after_o about_o the_o five_o and_o six_o century_n the_o error_n and_o corruption_n in_o the_o church_n begin_v to_o increase_v more_o abundant_o and_o appear_v more_o barefaced_a and_o open_o than_o former_o they_o have_v do_v for_o that_o as_o the_o roman_a empire_n begin_v to_o decline_v there_o follow_v a_o general_a decay_n of_o learning_n and_o gross_a ignorance_n have_v overspread_v the_o earth_n insomuch_o that_o many_o of_o the_o priest_n themselves_o can_v not_o read_v latin_a and_o than_o it_o be_v no_o difficult_a matter_n to_o bring_v in_o what_o heresy_n and_o schism_n man_n will_v and_o this_o be_v the_o time_n that_o most_o of_o the_o error_n and_o corruption_n of_o the_o
testimony_n of_o the_o person_n choose_v and_o to_o that_o end_n it_o be_v true_a the_o people_n be_v to_o be_v present_a at_o the_o nomination_n of_o a_o new_a bishop_n for_o since_o they_o be_v to_o be_v man_n blameless_a and_o of_o good_a report_n it_o be_v but_o fit_a that_o the_o people_n that_o best_o know_v his_o life_n and_o conversation_n shall_v be_v present_a to_o testify_v the_o same_o and_o herewith_o agree_v st._n cyprian_n ep._n 68_o who_o mr._n baxter_n vouch_v for_o the_o contrary_a say_v he_o the_o bishop_n shall_v be_v choose_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o people_n that_o by_o their_o presence_n their_o fault_n may_v be_v publish_v or_o their_o good_a action_n commend_v but_o say_v not_o a_o word_n of_o the_o people_n power_n of_o elect_v he_o prayer_n all_o our_o ordination_n must_v be_v do_v in_o the_o public_a view_n of_o the_o people_n who_o be_v demand_v of_o the_o bishop_n whether_o any_o of_o they_o can_v or_o will_v except_v against_o the_o person_n to_o be_v admit_v see_v the_o form_n of_o ordination_n in_o the_o book_n of_o common_a prayer_n as_o to_o the_o election_n of_o deacon_n it_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o it_o be_v proper_o no_o church_n power_n which_o they_o have_v but_o they_o be_v steward_n of_o the_o common_a stock_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a the_o community_n shall_v be_v satisfy_v in_o the_o choice_n of_o they_o st._n chrysostom_n in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr sacerdotio_fw-la complain_v much_o of_o the_o unfitness_n of_o the_o people_n to_o judge_v in_o such_o matter_n so_o do_v st._n augustine_n ep._n 110._o and_o indeed_o be_v there_o no_o other_o reason_n against_o the_o people_n choose_v their_o own_o minister_n but_o the_o mischief_n that_o will_v necessary_o attend_v it_o it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o when_o ever_o the_o people_n assume_v this_o power_n of_o choose_v it_o cause_v so_o great_a disturbance_n in_o the_o church_n that_o at_o antioch_n the_o division_n of_o the_o people_n about_o the_o choice_n of_o a_o bishop_n in_o the_o time_n of_o constantine_n have_v kindle_v such_o a_o flame_n as_o have_v almost_o destroy_v both_o church_n and_o city_n the_o like_a at_o rome_n upon_o the_o choice_n of_o damascus_n and_o if_o the_o people_n have_v the_o power_n of_o choose_v their_o own_o minister_n what_o shall_v hinder_v but_o there_o may_v be_v a_o presbyterian_a independent_a anabaptist_n quaker_n and_o papist_n teacher_n all_o in_o one_o parish_n and_o so_o this_o will_v set_v open_a a_o door_n to_o infinite_a division_n and_o therefore_o to_o avoid_v the_o great_a evil_n and_o inconvenience_n of_o popular_a election_n the_o power_n of_o choose_v their_o own_o minister_n be_v take_v away_o from_o the_o people_n by_o several_a council_n as_o 12._o and_o 13._o can._n conc._n laodicea_n conc._n antioch_n c._n 18._o etc._n etc._n conc._n 2d_o of_o nice_a c._n 3._o the_o reason_n that_o first_o give_v layman_n a_o title_n to_o the_o nomination_n of_o minister_n be_v when_o christian_a prince_n and_o other_o have_v give_v large_a endowment_n to_o the_o church_n it_o be_v think_v but_o just_a that_o they_o shall_v have_v the_o nomination_n of_o the_o minister_n for_o those_o church_n that_o they_o have_v build_v and_o endow_v and_o this_o be_v a_o prerogative_n in_o the_o king_n of_o england_n ever_o since_o the_o first_o foundation_n of_o a_o christian_a church_n here_o and_o long_o before_o any_o freedom_n of_o election_n be_v pretend_v to_o see_v stat._n 25._o edw._n 3._o and_o the_o case_n of_o the_o king_n be_v ecclesiastical_a power_n in_o lord_n cook_n be_v 8_o rep._n and_o the_o case_n of_o praemunire_n in_o sir_n john_n davenant_n report_n case_n ult_n and_o this_o title_n of_o patronage_n have_v be_v confirm_v to_o layman_n by_o several_a council_n as_o one_a coun._n of_o orange_n anno_fw-la dom._n 441._o 2d_o counc_fw-la of_o arles_n anno_fw-la 452._o 9th_o counc_fw-la of_o toledo_n etc._n etc._n and_o this_o right_n of_o presentation_n be_v not_o only_o use_v in_o england_n but_o in_o other_o reform_a church_n in_o denmark_n the_o archbishop_n and_o bishop_n be_v appoint_v by_o the_o king_n so_o they_o be_v in_o swedeland_n so_o in_o other_o lutheran_n church_n the_o superintendant_o be_v appoint_v by_o the_o several_a prince_n and_o the_o patron_n present_v before_o ordination_n the_o synod_n of_o dort_n have_v a_o salvo_n for_o the_o right_n of_o patronage_n in_o france_n the_o minister_n be_v choose_v by_o minister_n at_o geneva_n by_o the_o council_n of_o state_n who_o have_v power_n likewise_o to_o depose_v they_o and_o beza_n in_o his_o ep._n 83._o declare_v against_o the_o people_n choose_v their_o minister_n as_o a_o thing_n without_o any_o ground_n in_o scripture_n grotius_n ep._n ad_fw-la boatslaer_n ep._n 62._o p._n 21._o agree_v herein_o how_o come_v then_o our_o english_a dissenter_n to_o make_v this_o a_o ground_n of_o separation_n to_o wit_n the_o deprive_v the_o people_n of_o their_o right_n of_o choose_v their_o own_o minister_n when_o it_o be_v evident_a they_o never_o have_v any_o such_o right_n but_o when_o they_o get_v it_o by_o usurpation_n and_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o general_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n and_o even_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o other_o reform_a church_n at_o this_o day_n but_o beside_o the_o unwarrantableness_n of_o the_o people_n choose_v their_o minister_n and_o the_o great_a mischief_n that_o attend_v it_o by_o make_v the_o people_n run_v into_o division_n and_o faction_n it_o be_v a_o thing_n very_o unreasonable_a in_o itself_o that_o such_o a_o ignorant_a proud_a unpeaceable_a sort_n of_o people_n as_o mr._n baxter_n himself_o confess_v in_o his_o sacrilegiae_fw-la dissert_n p._n 102._o etc._n etc._n the_o ordinary_a sort_n of_o christian_n to_o be_v shall_v be_v make_v judge_n of_o their_o minister_n ability_n and_o soundness_n of_o doctrine_n who_o be_v most_o apt_a to_o revile_v the_o best_a and_o grave_a minister_n as_o the_o same_o mr._n baxter_n say_v himself_o in_o his_o cure_n of_o divis_n p._n 393._o sure_o it_o be_v more_o likely_a that_o the_o king_n and_o parliament_n and_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v provide_v able_a and_o fit_a minister_n for_o we_o than_o such_o sort_n of_o people_n as_o these_o unless_o any_o will_v be_v so_o ridiculous_a as_o to_o suppose_v that_o the_o magistrate_n and_o clergy_n be_v all_o bad_a man_n and_o the_o ignorant_a common_a people_n the_o only_a incourager_n of_o virtue_n they_o may_v say_v it_o be_v as_o unreasonable_a on_o the_o other_o hand_n that_o all_o the_o people_n of_o a_o parish_n shall_v be_v oblige_v to_o take_v a_o minister_n put_v into_o the_o cure_n by_o some_o young_a raw_a extravagant_a heir_n that_o have_v the_o good_a fortune_n to_o be_v bear_v to_o a_o estate_n to_o which_o the_o advowson_n do_v belong_v but_o perhaps_o be_v as_o ignorant_a and_o unfit_a to_o judge_v of_o the_o ability_n of_o a_o minister_n as_o the_o mean_a in_o the_o parish_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o though_o such_o ignorant_a person_n may_v sometime_o have_v the_o right_n of_o presentation_n yet_o they_o have_v not_o the_o power_n of_o put_v into_o the_o cure_n any_o minister_n they_o please_v for_o the_o patron_n have_v only_o the_o right_n of_o present_v his_o clerk_n who_o must_v be_v admit_v and_o institute_v by_o the_o bishop_n before_o the_o cure_n be_v say_v to_o be_v full_a and_o if_o the_o bishop_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o clergy_n after_o examination_n have_v etc._n etc._n do_v think_v he_o any_o way_n unqualify_v for_o the_o cure_n of_o soul_n he_o may_v reject_v he_o and_o put_v the_o patron_n to_o present_v another_o qualify_v for_o the_o office_n which_o if_o he_o neglect_v to_o do_v within_o six_o month_n from_o the_o time_n the_o church_n become_v void_a he_o shall_v lose_v his_o presentation_n for_o that_o turn_n and_o the_o bishop_n shall_v present_v so_o that_o the_o patron_n it_o seem_v can_v put_v who_o he_o will_v on_o the_o people_n for_o their_o pastor_n but_o be_v bind_v to_o find_v personam_fw-la idoneam_fw-la a_o fit_a person_n and_o now_o before_o we_o pass_v from_o this_o matter_n let_v we_o see_v whether_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n have_v power_n to_o silence_n minister_n or_o not_o doubtless_o he_o have_v otherwise_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o kingdom_n shall_v be_v safe_a for_o since_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o people_n be_v so_o apt_a to_o be_v lead_v by_o their_o spiritual_a guide_n and_o take_v their_o notion_n of_o loyalty_n and_o obedience_n from_o they_o it_o be_v strange_a to_o imagine_v that_o minister_n shall_v be_v allow_v to_o preach_v up_o sedition_n heresy_n or_o what_o doctrine_n they_o please_v and_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n to_o silence_v they_o but_o say_v our_o dissenter_n we_o be_v
examination_n by_o all_o the_o fellow_n of_o the_o college_n to_o which_o they_o belong_v in_o the_o public_a hall_n for_o six_o day_n together_o if_o they_o be_v find_v qualify_v they_o commence_v bachelor_n of_o art_n if_o not_o they_o be_v lay_v aside_o till_o the_o next_o year_n after_o they_o have_v take_v their_o bachelor_n degree_n they_o begin_v to_o apply_v themselves_o more_o particular_o to_o the_o study_n of_o divinity_n but_o be_v still_o oblige_v to_o public_a lecture_n for_o hebrew_n greek_a and_o other_o part_n of_o learn_v necessary_a for_o that_o study_n and_o to_o public_a disputation_n and_o thus_o they_o spend_v three_o year_n more_o and_o then_o after_o a_o strict_a and_o public_a examination_n as_o before_o if_o they_o be_v find_v qualify_v they_o commence_v master_n of_o art_n or_o doctor_n of_o philosophy_n and_o here_o observe_v that_o no_o man_n can_v hope_v to_o take_v his_o degree_n in_o any_o of_o the_o university_n unless_o he_o be_v thorough_o qualify_v for_o it_o no_o such_o thing_n as_o favour_n in_o the_o case_n because_o the_o examination_n be_v public_a before_o all_o the_o fellow_n and_o the_o precedent_n of_o the_o college_n and_o beside_o that_o every_o man_n that_o be_v to_o take_v any_o degree_n in_o any_o of_o the_o college_n be_v oblige_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o college_n to_o ask_v the_o consent_n of_o every_o man_n particular_o who_o have_v ever_o take_v the_o degree_n of_o master_n of_o art_n in_o that_o college_n if_o they_o be_v at_o that_o time_n any_o where_n in_o or_o about_o the_o town_n and_o any_o one_o of_o these_o if_o he_o can_v show_v reason_n for_o it_o as_o that_o he_o be_v a_o man_n of_o a_o scandalous_a life_n and_o conversation_n or_o of_o not_o sufficient_a learning_n or_o such_o like_a may_v stop_v he_o of_o his_o degree_n after_o they_o have_v take_v their_o master_n of_o art_n degree_n then_o be_v the_o time_n they_o usual_o enter_v into_o holy_a order_n some_o few_o there_o be_v who_o be_v admit_v into_o deacon_n order_n after_o they_o have_v commence_v bachelor_n of_o art_n but_o these_o be_v few_o and_o be_v look_v upon_o but_o as_o young_a raw_a fellow_n so_o that_o general_o those_o who_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v man_n who_o have_v spend_v at_o least_o seven_o year_n in_o the_o study_n of_o university_n learning_n in_o one_o of_o the_o two_o most_o famous_a university_n in_o the_o world_n with_o all_o the_o help_n and_o advantage_n that_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o perfect_a of_o they_o in_o their_o study_n for_o beside_o those_o aforesaid_a they_o have_v the_o constant_a conversation_n of_o so_o many_o learned_a ingenious_a man_n the_o use_n of_o great_a and_o noble_a library_n famous_a all_o over_o the_o world_n beside_o the_o particular_a library_n belong_v to_o each_o college_n in_o which_o be_v to_o be_v find_v many_o piece_n of_o antiquity_n and_o ancient_a manuscript_n etc._n etc._n not_o to_o be_v meet_v with_o any_o where_o else_o and_o which_o give_v great_a light_n into_o antiquity_n and_o in_o each_o university_n they_o have_v divinity_n professor_n who_o be_v choose_v out_o of_o the_o most_o eminent_a divine_n they_o have_v who_o business_n it_o be_v to_o hear_v divinity_n lecture_n read_v and_o point_n of_o divinity_n dispute_v on_o in_o the_o public_a divinity-school_n to_o which_o all_o those_o who_o design_n for_o that_o study_n be_v after_o some_o few_o year_n oblige_v to_o attend_v neither_o do_v these_o learned_a man_n trust_v only_o to_o their_o own_o knowledge_n but_o they_o have_v careful_o settle_v a_o correspondence_n with_o all_o the_o most_o eminent_a man_n beyond_o sea_n these_o and_o many_o more_o be_v the_o advantage_n of_o education_n which_o the_o divine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v above_o those_o of_o the_o nonconformist_n who_o be_v general_o breed_v after_o this_o manner_n a_o nonconformist_a minister_n perhaps_o or_o some_o such_o person_n who_o live_v obscure_o in_o some_o remote_a part_n of_o the_o country_n get_v 30_o or_o 40_o boy_n together_o and_o there_o he_o teach_v they_o common_a school-learning_n till_o they_o come_v to_o be_v towards_o 20_o year_n of_o age_n and_o then_o instead_o of_o enter_v they_o into_o the_o university_n he_o enter_v they_o in_o another_o chamber_n perhaps_o 5_o or_o 6_o at_o a_o time_n and_o there_o he_o teach_v they_o university_n learning_n as_o they_o call_v it_o for_o 2_o or_o 3_o year_n it_o may_v be_v without_o the_o help_n of_o any_o library_n but_o the_o good_a man_n closet_n or_o any_o conversation_n more_o than_o with_o one_o another_o and_o with_o the_o master_n if_o he_o will_v honour_v they_o so_o far_o and_o his_o assistant_n if_o he_o chance_v to_o have_v one_o and_o so_o after_o 2_o or_o 3_o year_n study_v at_o this_o rate_n they_o be_v qualify_v for_o the_o office_n of_o a_o minister_n among_o they_o and_o be_v think_v fit_a to_o be_v entrust_v with_o the_o care_n of_o soul_n and_o government_n of_o a_o church_n i_o own_o there_o be_v some_o few_o among_o they_o who_o have_v have_v better_a education_n than_o this_o be_v but_o these_o be_v the_o general_a method_n take_v for_o breed_v up_o of_o divine_n on_o both_o side_n which_o be_v so_o well_o know_v that_o none_o will_v have_v the_o confidence_n to_o deny_v it_o and_o now_o let_v any_o man_n of_o reason_n judge_n whether_o in_o matter_n that_o depend_v so_o much_o upon_o antiquity_n and_o the_o practice_n and_o judgement_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n as_o the_o controversy_n between_o we_o and_o the_o dissenter_n do_v whether_o i_o say_v be_v more_o likely_a to_o be_v mistake_v all_o the_o divine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n or_o those_o of_o the_o dissenter_n it_o be_v not_o so_o likely_a say_v mr._n baxter_n in_o his_o poor_a man_n family_n book_n p._n 222._o that_o god_n shall_v reveal_v his_o mind_n to_o a_o few_o good_a man_n and_o those_o of_o the_o raw_a injudicious_a sort_n and_o such_o as_o be_v most_o infect_v with_o proud_a overvalue_v their_o own_o wisdom_n and_o godliness_n and_o such_o as_o have_v have_v least_o time_n and_o study_n and_o mean_n to_o come_v to_o great_a understanding_n and_o such_o who_o show_v themselves_o the_o proud_a censurer_n of_o other_o and_o least_o tender_a of_o the_o church_n peace_n and_o such_o as_o be_v apt_a to_o break_v all_o to_o piece_n among_o themselves_o i_o say_v it_o be_v not_o so_o likely_a that_o these_o be_v in_o the_o right_n as_o the_o main_a body_n of_o agree_v humble_a godly_a peaceable_a studious_a minister_n who_o have_v have_v long_a time_n and_o better_a mean_n to_o know_v the_o truth_n and_o the_o body_n of_o christian_n even_o the_o church_n have_v more_o promise_n from_o christ_n than_o particular_a divide_v person_n have_v see_v all_o this_o and_o more_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n in_o this_o book_n aforesaid_a write_v by_o mr._n baxter_n himself_o so_o that_o have_v we_o no_o other_o authority_n on_o our_o side_n than_o that_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n it_o be_v much_o safe_a to_o rely_v upon_o their_o judgement_n in_o this_o matter_n than_o on_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o nonconformist_n but_o it_o appear_v before_o that_o we_o have_v the_o opinion_n of_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o the_o world_n on_o our_o side_n and_o if_o that_o will_v turn_v the_o scale_n god_n almighty_n must_v work_v a_o miracle_n for_o their_o conversion_n as_o he_o do_v for_o st._n paul_n it_o be_v so_o evident_a that_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v much_o the_o advantage_n of_o those_o among_o the_o dissenter_n as_o to_o learning_n and_o knowledge_n that_o they_o have_v no_o way_n leave_v to_o obviate_v this_o but_o by_o down_o right_o disclaim_v at_o the_o university_n learning_n and_o call_v they_o sophistical_a divine_n who_o be_v breed_v up_o in_o vain_a and_o curious_a arts._n 14._o arts._n his_o book_n of_o the_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o christian_n note_v all_o the_o brownist_n say_v the_o same_o so_o do_v the_o donatist_n in_o st._n augustine_n time_n conâ—emâ—_n human_a learning_n but_o st._n â—â—â—ustine_a condemn_v their_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o his_o â—st_n book_n 〈◊〉_d cresconius_n ch_n 14._o see_v brown_a in_o his_o preface_n to_o his_o book_n and_o mr._n baxter_n in_o his_o defence_n of_o his_o cure_n p._n 124._o tell_v we_o of_o a_o church_n in_o new_a england_n that_o separate_v from_o a_o church_n on_o the_o account_n of_o their_o preacher_n have_v human_a learning_n but_o perhaps_o some_o of_o our_o dissenter_n will_v own_v that_o our_o divine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v general_o more_o learned_a than_o those_o among_o they_o one_o of_o the_o most_o competent_a judge_n among_o they_o mr._n baxter_n have_v own_a it_o
fair_o in_o his_o answer_n to_o a_o certain_a letter_n p._n 18._o where_o he_o say_v he_o have_v seldom_o hear_v any_o but_o very_o good_a and_o well_o study_v sermon_n in_o our_o church_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n complain_v public_o of_o the_o weakness_n and_o injudiciousness_n and_o self-conceitedness_n of_o too_o many_o of_o the_o nonconformist_a preacher_n in_o his_o sacral_n desert_n p._n 86._o yet_o they_o will_v tell_v we_o they_o deceive_v the_o people_n and_o keep_v they_o all_o in_o ignorance_n for_o their_o own_o interest_n lest_o they_o shall_v lose_v their_o church_n preferment_n this_o be_v a_o very_a severe_a censure_n to_o say_v that_o so_o many_o thousand_o godly_a minister_n as_o have_v be_v of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n since_o the_o reformation_n and_o who_o have_v many_o of_o they_o die_v martyr_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v such_o villain_n as_o to_o deceive_v the_o people_n and_o damn_v their_o own_o soul_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o their_o church_n preferment_n but_o how_o can_v self-interest_n oblige_v the_o clergy_n to_o defend_v the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o now_o establish_v if_o they_o think_v it_o not_o agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n it_o must_v be_v either_o pride_n or_o covetousness_n that_o must_v move_v they_o to_o it_o if_o it_o be_v pride_n doubtless_o the_o presbyterian_a or_o independent_a way_n will_v answer_v that_o end_n much_o better_o for_o whereas_o now_o the_o parson_n vicar_n and_o curate_n of_o all_o the_o parish_n in_o england_n be_v subject_a to_o their_o respective_a bishop_n etc._n etc._n and_o can_v do_v nothing_o as_o to_o matter_n of_o discipline_n or_o government_n etc._n etc._n not_o even_o in_o their_o own_o parish_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o diocesan_n bishop_n be_v the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n change_v to_o that_o of_o the_o presbyterian_a or_o independent_a way_n every_o pastor_n will_v become_v a_o absolute_a bishop_n and_o accountable_a to_o none_o for_o what_o he_o do_v if_o it_o be_v covetousness_n that_o move_v they_o to_o it_o i_o suppose_v that_o be_v all_o the_o parson_n of_o every_o parish_n in_o england_n make_v the_o pastor_n of_o that_o church_n or_o parish_n according_a to_o the_o presbyterian_a or_o independent_a notion_n of_o a_o pastor_n and_o all_o the_o diocesan_n and_o metropolitan_a bishopric_n and_o their_o dean_n and_o chapter_n dissolve_v and_o their_o revenue_n superadd_v to_o the_o present_a income_n of_o every_o parish_n minister_n or_o pastor_n their_o church_n live_n will_v be_v no_o less_o but_o more_o valuable_a than_o now_o they_o be_v why_o do_v they_o not_o then_o set_v about_o this_o change_n of_o church_n government_n as_o fast_o as_o they_o can_v if_o they_o think_v in_o their_o conscience_n be_v more_o agreeable_a to_o god_n will_v so_o to_o do_v it_o be_v plain_a it_o will_v better_v answer_v their_o covetousness_n and_o ambition_n to_o pull_v down_o episcopacy_n than_o to_o live_v in_o this_o poor_a subjection_n that_o now_o they_o do_v here_o they_o will_v tell_v we_o the_o reason_n be_v plain_a because_o the_o bishop_n who_o be_v the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n will_v not_o let_v they_o they_o know_v the_o sweet_a of_o a_o fat_a bishopric_n too_o well_o to_o part_v with_o it_o i_o warrant_v they_o but_o the_o thousand_o part_n of_o the_o clergy_n of_o england_n be_v not_o bishop_n nor_o perhaps_o never_o think_v to_o be_v so_o every_o one_o of_o these_o have_v a_o vote_n in_o the_o convocation_n and_o doubtless_o may_v carry_v it_o against_o so_o small_a a_o number_n of_o bishop_n as_o 27._o be_v they_o not_o persuade_v in_o their_o conscience_n that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o now_o establish_v be_v as_o agreeable_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n as_o any_o other_o whatsoever_o therefore_o since_o the_o divine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v more_o numerous_a and_o general_o more_o learned_a and_o can_v have_v no_o design_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o self-interest_n to_o deceive_v the_o people_n it_o be_v safe_a sure_o in_o a_o doubtful_a case_n to_o take_v their_o word_n and_o trust_v to_o their_o judgement_n than_o to_o those_o among_o the_o dissenter_n who_o interest_n it_o be_v to_o deceive_v the_o people_n and_o make_v the_o breach_n between_o we_o as_o wide_a as_o they_o can_v many_o of_o they_o be_v man_n of_o no_o fortune_n and_o such_o as_o have_v no_o other_o way_n to_o get_v a_o live_n and_o man_n who_o must_v needs_o be_v loser_n by_o a_o union_n between_o we_o be_v the_o conformity_n of_o which_o side_n it_o will_v whether_o they_o conform_v to_o we_o or_o we_o to_o they_o for_o be_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n either_o episcopal_a or_o presbyterian_a or_o independent_a it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a that_o the_o minister_n who_o be_v lawful_o put_v into_o the_o cure_n shall_v continue_v therein_o still_o as_o pastor_n of_o their_o own_o church_n so_o that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o nonconformist_a preacher_n must_v be_v lay_v aside_o for_o it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a that_o other_o who_o be_v as_o deserve_v as_o they_o and_o lawful_o settle_v in_o their_o cure_n shall_v be_v turn_v out_o to_o make_v room_n for_o they_o nor_o that_o parish_n shall_v be_v divide_v all_o over_o the_o kingdom_n to_o furnish_v they_o with_o church_n it_o be_v likely_a that_o some_o of_o the_o nonconformist_a minister_n who_o be_v better_a qualify_v than_o ordinary_a may_v be_v provide_v for_o shall_v it_o please_v god_n that_o there_o be_v a_o union_n between_o we_o but_o many_o of_o they_o i_o doubt_v can_v not_o so_o that_o it_o be_v evident_a their_o interest_n oblige_v the_o most_o of_o they_o to_o deceive_v the_o people_n and_o keep_v open_a the_o breach_n as_o wide_o as_o they_o can_v and_o that_o they_o real_o do_v so_o be_v plain_a by_o their_o make_v the_o difference_n between_o we_o seem_v great_a than_o real_o they_o be_v and_o than_o they_o themselves_o have_v own_a they_o to_o be_v in_o their_o write_n as_o i_o have_v all_o along_o show_v and_o also_o by_o their_o pretend_v to_o quote_v authority_n for_o what_o they_o say_v and_o either_o not_o mention_v the_o chapter_n or_o page_n where_o the_o word_n be_v to_o be_v find_v or_o else_o alter_v the_o very_a word_n and_o sense_n of_o the_o author_n to_o serve_v their_o turn_n if_o any_o one_o think_v i_o do_v they_o wrong_n let_v they_o look_v into_o dr._n maurice_n his_o defence_n of_o diocesan_n episc_n p._n 237._o 335._o 353._o 377._o 396._o 442._o 444._o how_o mr._n clarkson_n to_o prove_v episcopacy_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n to_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o congregational_a or_o independent_a way_n have_v misrepresent_v the_o very_a word_n and_o sense_n of_o his_o author_n you_o may_v find_v more_o instance_n of_o this_o kind_n in_o the_o preface_n to_o dr._n comber_n defence_n of_o liturgy_n one_a part_n and_o see_v how_o false_o mr._n baxter_n have_v translate_v theodoret_n epistle_n to_o serve_v his_o hypothesis_n dr._n stillingfleet_n his_o mischief_n of_o separation_n p._n 261._o and_o how_o he_o have_v misrepresent_v the_o doctor_n be_v own_o word_n ib._n 131._o 132_o and_o 126._o many_o more_o instance_n of_o this_o kind_n may_v be_v give_v be_v it_o necessary_a but_o what_o have_v be_v say_v be_v sufficient_a to_o show_v that_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n where_o the_o case_n seem_v doubtful_a and_o all_o the_o divine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n agree_v on_o one_o side_n and_o the_o nonconformist_n only_o on_o the_o other_o it_o be_v much_o safe_a to_o take_v the_o opinion_n of_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n than_o of_o the_o other_o because_o they_o be_v more_o numerous_a and_o general_o more_o learned_a and_o seem_v to_o have_v less_o reason_n to_o deceive_v we_o to_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v i_o shall_v only_o add_v this_o that_o i_o have_v take_v all_o the_o pain_n that_o possible_o i_o can_v to_o inform_v myself_o 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to_o the_o discretion_n of_o every_o christian_n to_o use_v or_o not_o to_o use_v as_o he_o think_v best_o and_o as_o the_o ceremony_n of_o bow_v towards_o the_o altar_n be_v and_o some_o other_o alteration_n make_v such_o as_o you_o may_v see_v in_o the_o proposal_n offer_v to_o the_o parliament_n for_o the_o unite_n of_o protestant_a dissenter_n by_o dr._n s._n dean_n of_o st._n paul_n there_o can_v then_o be_v no_o reasonable_a pretence_n leave_v for_o separation_n but_o if_o nothing_o else_o must_v purchase_v our_o peace_n but_o the_o overthrow_v the_o whole_a constitution_n of_o this_o church_n it_o be_v too_o dear_a a_o purchase_n till_o we_o have_v find_v another_o to_o exchange_v for_o more_o agreeable_a to_o god_n word_n and_o more_o consistent_a with_o the_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o this_o nation_n but_o that_o we_o have_v not_o find_v yet_o i_o be_o sure_a as_o be_v sufficient_o evident_a by_o a_o plain_a experimental_a proof_n which_o these_o nation_n late_o have_v it_o be_v very_o well_o know_v that_o in_o the_o late_a unhappy_a time_n when_o the_o church_n of_o england_n liturgy_n etc._n etc._n be_v take_v away_o the_o presbyterian_o independent_n and_o other_o party_n pray_v one_o against_o the_o other_o and_o against_o establish_v that_o way_n of_o government_n which_o other_o of_o they_o pray_v for_o divers_a person_n make_v their_o own_o passion_n singular_a opinion_n and_o error_n great_a part_n of_o their_o prayer_n other_o reject_v all_o confession_n of_o sin_n as_o no_o part_n of_o their_o devotion_n in_o many_o place_n of_o england_n the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v lay_v aside_o for_o 12_o or_o 15_o year_n together_o so_o be_v infant_n baptism_n some_o will_v pray_v for_o the_o king_n one_o way_n some_o another_o other_o not_o at_o all_o and_o in_o that_o time_n that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n way_n of_o worship_n be_v lay_v aside_o there_o be_v more_o error_n sect_n heresy_n and_o blasphemy_n broach_v and_o vent_v than_o ever_o before_o or_o since_o this_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o the_o dissenter_n themselves_o see_v a_o book_n call_v gangrena_fw-la part_n one_a p._n 175._o writ_n about_o the_o year_n 1646._o where_o many_o of_o they_o do_v acknowledge_v that_o we_o say_v they_o in_o these_o four_o last_o year_n for_o so_o long_o have_v presbytery_n be_v uppermost_a have_v overpass_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o prelate_n in_o who_o time_n never_o so_o great_a nor_o so_o many_o error_n be_v hear_v of_o much_o less_o such_o blasphemy_n and_o confusion_n we_o have_v worse_a thing_n among_o we_o more_o corrupt_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n than_o in_o 80._o year_n before_o etc._n etc._n so_o that_o if_o nothing_o must_v purchase_v peace_n between_o we_o but_o the_o part_n with_o our_o religion_n and_o overthrow_v our_o whole_a constitution_n to_o set_v up_o another_o which_o experience_n have_v teach_v we_o be_v neither_o so_o consistent_a with_o god_n glory_n nor_o the_o peace_n of_o these_o nation_n they_o must_v excuse_v we_o beside_o let_v i_o tell_v they_o their_o late_a carriage_n in_o scotland_n have_v give_v we_o great_a reason_n to_o fear_v that_o the_o religion_n they_o so_o much_o boast_v of_o and_o with_o so_o much_o zeal_n endeavour_v to_o set_v up_o in_o this_o nation_n in_o the_o place_n of_o that_o which_o by_o god_n good_a providence_n be_v now_o establish_v be_v not_o the_o true_a religion_n of_o christ_n for_o that_o never_o teach_v any_o to_o affront_n and_o revile_v his_o lawful_a minister_n and_o to_o burn_v the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o they_o have_v do_v now_o more_o than_o once_o i_o pray_v god_n open_v their_o eye_n and_o soften_v their_o heart_n and_o give_v they_o grace_n to_o repent_v finis_fw-la