this_o constant_a total_a communion_n do_v not_o only_o include_v a_o conscientious_a observance_n of_o all_o thing_n appoint_v to_o be_v do_v by_o the_o rule_n or_o canon_n in_o those_o assembly_n but_o a_o renunciation_n also_o of_o all_o other_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o edification_n by_o joint_a communion_n as_o unlawful_a and_o evil._n and_o it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o prove_v that_o on_o a_o concession_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o communion_n in_o some_o act_n of_o divine_a worship_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a for_o man_n to_o oblige_v themselves_o unto_o total_a constant_a communion_n with_o a_o renunciation_n and_o condemnation_n of_o all_o other_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o joint_a edification_n it_o may_v also_o be_v lawful_a to_o do_v a_o thing_n with_o some_o respect_n and_o limitation_n at_o some_o time_n which_o it_o may_v not_o be_v lawful_a to_o do_v absolute_o and_o always_o it_o may_v be_v necessary_a from_o outward_a circumstance_n to_o do_v that_o sometime_o which_o be_v lawful_a in_o itself_o though_o not_o necessary_a from_o itself_o it_o can_v never_o be_v necessary_a to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v unlawful_a of_o the_o first_o sort_n they_o esteem_v occasional_a communion_n and_o the_o other_o of_o the_o latter_a some_o time_n be_v spend_v in_o take_v off_o a_o exception_n unto_o this_o inference_n from_o the_o practice_n of_o our_o saviour_n who_o have_v occasional_a communion_n with_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o synagogue_n which_o he_o prove_v to_o have_v be_v constant_a and_o perpetual_a and_o not_o occasional_a only_o and_o that_o he_o prescribe_v the_o same_o practice_n unto_o his_o disciple_n but_o i_o think_v this_o labour_n may_v have_v be_v spare_v for_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o clear_a and_o certain_a then_o that_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n do_v join_v with_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o observance_n of_o god_n institution_n among_o they_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o on_o the_o other_o that_o he_o never_o join_v with_o they_o in_o the_o observance_n of_o their_o own_o tradition_n and_o pharasaical_a imposition_n but_o warn_v all_o his_o disciple_n to_o avoid_v they_o and_o refuse_v they_o who_o example_n we_o desire_v to_o follow_v for_o concern_v all_o such_o observance_n in_o the_o church_n he_o pronounce_v that_o sentence_n every_o plant_n that_o my_o heavenly_a father_n have_v not_o plant_v shall_v be_v root_v up_o but_o the_o doctor_n proceed_v unto_o a_o second_o argument_n pag._n 163_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n from_o as_o he_o call_v it_o the_o particular_a force_n of_o that_o text_n phil._n 3.16_o as_o far_o as_o we_o have_v already_o attain_v let_v we_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n mind_v the_o same_o thing_n this_o be_v the_o text_n which_o give_v the_o first_o occasion_n unto_o this_o whole_a dispute_n the_o doctor_n intention_n be_v so_o indefensible_a from_o this_o place_n that_o i_o think_v however_o he_o may_v persist_v in_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o cause_n he_o have_v undertake_v he_o will_v have_v forbear_v from_o seek_v comtenance_n unto_o it_o from_o these_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o it_o be_v fall_v out_o otherwise_o and_o i_o be_o here_o in_o the_o first_o place_n call_v unto_o a_o account_n for_o the_o exception_n i_o put_v in_o unto_o his_o application_n of_o these_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o my_o vindication_n of_o the_o nonconformist_n i_o will_v spare_v the_o reader_n as_o much_o as_o be_v possible_a in_o the_o repetition_n of_o thing_n former_o speak_v and_o the_o transcription_n of_o his_o word_n or_o my_o own_o without_o prejudice_n unto_o the_o cause_n itself_o after_o a_o reflection_n of_o some_o obscurity_n and_o intricacy_n on_o my_o discourse_n he_o repeat_v my_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n according_a unto_o his_o apprehension_n under_o four_o head_n about_o which_o i_o shall_v not_o contend_v see_v whether_o he_o have_v apprehend_v my_o mind_n aright_o or_o no_o or_o express_v the_o whole_a of_o what_o i_o declare_v belong_v not_o unto_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n in_o hand_n nor_o indeed_o do_v i_o yet_o know_v direct_o what_o he_o judge_v this_o text_n do_v prove_v or_o what_o it_o be_v that_o he_o infer_v from_o it_o though_o i_o know_v well_o enough_o what_o it_o be_v design_v to_o give_v countenance_n unto_o and_o what_o be_v the_o application_n that_o be_v make_v of_o it_o and_o therefore_o he_o issue_v his_o whole_a dispute_n about_o it_o in_o this_o enquiry_n how_o far_o the_o apostle_n rule_n have_v a_o influence_n on_o this_o case_n but_o whosoever_o shall_v come_v unto_o a_o sedate_n consideration_n of_o this_o text_n and_o context_n without_o prejudice_n without_o preconceive_a opinion_n without_o interest_n in_o party_n or_o cause_n will_v judge_v it_o to_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o art_n to_o apply_v they_o unto_o the_o present_a controversy_n as_o unto_o the_o imposition_n of_o a_o arbitrary_a rule_n of_o walk_v in_o church_n on_o all_o that_o be_v presume_v to_o belong_v unto_o they_o but_o to_o clear_v these_o thing_n the_o doctor_n propose_v three_o thing_n to_o be_v debate_v 1._o whether_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o different_a opinion_n or_o different_a practice_n 2._o whether_o the_o rule_n he_o give_v be_v mutual_a forbearance_n 3._o how_o far_o the_o apostle_n rule_n have_v a_o influence_n into_o this_o case_n the_o two_o first_o of_o these_o belong_v not_o at_o all_o unto_o the_o present_a argument_n and_o the_o last_o be_v but_o faint_o propose_v and_o pursue_v though_o it_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o his_o whole_a fabric_n the_o reader_n if_o he_o will_v put_v himself_o to_o so_o much_o trouble_n as_o to_o compare_v my_o former_a discourse_n with_o what_o be_v here_o offer_v in_o answer_n or_o opposition_n unto_o it_o he_o will_v easy_o see_v that_o nothing_o be_v plead_v that_o may_v abate_v the_o force_n of_o what_o be_v insist_v on_o for_o indeed_o the_o discourse_n on_o these_o thing_n consist_v for_o the_o most_o part_n in_o diversion_n from_o the_o argument_n in_o hand_n whereby_o a_o appearance_n be_v make_v of_o various_a arguing_n and_o the_o proof_n of_o sundry_a thing_n which_o belong_v not_o unto_o the_o case_n in_o hand_n without_o any_o long_a deduction_n artificial_a insinuation_n or_o divert_v reason_v without_o wrest_v the_o text_n or_o context_n these_o thing_n be_v plain_a and_o evident_a in_o they_o 1._o a_o supposition_n of_o difference_n among_o believer_n in_o and_o about_o opinion_n and_o practice_n relate_v unto_o religion_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n so_o be_v at_o present_a between_o we_o and_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n by_o who_o we_o be_v oppose_v 2._o in_o this_o state_n whilst_o these_o difference_n do_v continue_v there_o be_v one_o common_a rule_n according_a unto_o which_o those_o who_o so_o dissent_v among_o themselves_o be_v to_o walk_v in_o the_o thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v agree_v such_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n which_o we_o all_o assent_n unto_o and_o be_v agree_v in_o 3._o this_o rule_n can_v consist_v in_o a_o precise_a determination_n of_o the_o thing_n in_o difference_n with_o a_o authoritative_a prescription_n of_o uniformity_n in_o opinion_n and_o practice_n because_o it_o be_v direct_v unto_o upon_o a_o supposition_n of_o the_o continuation_n of_o those_o difference_n between_o believer_n 4._o that_o during_o the_o continuation_n of_o these_o difference_n or_o different_a apprehension_n and_o practice_n whilst_o on_o all_o hand_n they_o use_v the_o mean_n of_o come_v unto_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n in_o all_o thing_n that_o they_o shall_v walk_v in_o love_n mutual_o forbear_v one_o another_o in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o they_o differ_v until_o it_o be_v manifest_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o the_o design_n of_o the_o context_n and_o to_o contain_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n they_o be_v not_o only_o useless_a unto_o the_o doctor_n design_n but_o opposite_a unto_o it_o and_o destructive_a of_o it_o but_o nothing_o be_v here_o attempt_v unto_o that_o purpose_n to_o draw_v any_o argument_n from_o these_o word_n applicable_a unto_o his_o design_n it_o must_v be_v prove_v 1._o that_o beside_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n love_n and_o worship_n give_v by_o divine_a institution_n and_o obligatory_a unto_o all_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n or_o all_o church_n in_o all_o time_n and_o age_n that_o the_o apostle_n give_v a_o rule_n concern_v outward_a rite_n ceremony_n modes_n of_o worship_n feast_n and_o fast_n ecclesiastical_a government_n liturgy_n and_o the_o like_a unto_o which_o all_o believer_n ought_v to_o conform_v on_o the_o penalty_n of_o be_v esteem_v schismatic_n and_o deal_v withal_o according_o for_o this_o only_o be_v that_o wherein_o we_o be_v concern_v 2._o that_o because_o the_o apostle_n make_v such_o a_o rule_n which_o we_o know_v not_o what_o it_o be_v or_o what_o be_v become_v of_o it_o that_o
the_o guide_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o in_o such_o a_o church_n state_n as_o the_o apostle_n know_v nothing_o of_o have_v power_n to_o frame_v such_o a_o rule_n as_o that_o describe_v and_o to_o impose_v the_o observation_n of_o it_o on_o all_o believer_n on_o the_o penalty_n before_o mention_v it_o be_v manifest_a that_o no_o advantage_n unto_o the_o cause_n of_o imposition_n and_o uniformity_n as_o it_o be_v state_v at_o present_a can_v be_v take_v from_o these_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n unless_o these_o two_o thing_n be_v contain_v in_o they_o but_o that_o either_o of_o they_o be_v so_o our_o author_n do_v not_o say_v nor_o go_v about_o to_o prove_v in_o his_o large_a discourse_n on_o this_o place_n i_o may_v therefore_o forbear_v any_o far_a examination_n of_o it_o without_o the_o least_o disadvantage_n unto_o our_o cause_n but_o that_o i_o may_v not_o seem_v to_o wave_v the_o consideration_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v pretend_v material_a i_o shall_v inquire_v into_o the_o particular_n of_o it_o he_o proceed_v therefore_o to_o answer_v his_o own_o quary_z which_o he_o judge_v conduce_v unto_o his_o purpose_n the_o first_o of_o they_o be_v whether_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o different_a principle_n or_o of_o different_a practice_n and_o i_o find_v nothing_o in_o the_o discourse_n ensue_v that_o have_v the_o least_o respect_n unto_o this_o enquiry_n until_o towards_o the_o close_a of_o it_o where_o he_o grant_v that_o different_a apprehension_n be_v intend_v such_o as_o be_v accompany_v with_o different_a practice_n but_o in_o order_n hereunto_o he_o give_v we_o a_o large_a account_n of_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o place_n and_o design_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o it_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n treat_v concern_v judaical_a seducer_n that_o the_o thing_n in_o difference_n be_v the_o different_a apprehension_n of_o man_n about_o the_o law_n its_o ceremony_n and_o worship_n with_o the_o continuation_n of_o they_o and_o the_o different_a practice_n that_o ensue_v thereon_o be_v it_o so_o what_o be_v our_o or_o his_o concernment_n herein_o for_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a the_o apostle_n design_v not_o the_o imposition_n of_o these_o thing_n on_o the_o church_n of_o the_o gentile_n nor_o do_v urge_v they_o unto_o a_o uniformity_n in_o they_o but_o declare_v their_o liberty_n from_o any_o obligation_n unto_o they_o and_o advise_v they_o to_o stand_v fast_o in_o that_o liberty_n whatever_o other_o do_v practice_v themselves_o or_o endeavour_v to_o impose_v on_o they_o what_o this_o conduce_v unto_o his_o purpose_n i_o can_v understand_v but_o on_o the_o occasion_n of_o that_o expression_n be_v otherwise_o mind_v he_o demand_v what_o sense_n can_v dr._n o._n here_o put_v upon_o the_o be_v otherwise_o mind_a otherwise_o than_o what_o as_o many_o as_o be_v perfect_a be_v thus_o mind_v to_o pursue_v your_o main_a end_n but_o if_o any_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v do_v any_o think_v they_o ought_v not_o to_o mind_n chief_o their_o great_a end_n that_o be_v incredible_a therefore_o the_o apostle_n must_v be_v understand_v of_o somewhat_o about_o which_o there_o be_v then_o very_o different_a apprehension_n and_o that_o it_o be_v certain_a there_o be_v about_o the_o law_n among_o christian_a church_n neither_o do_v i_o well_o understand_v these_o thing_n or_o what_o be_v intend_v in_o they_o for_o 1._o i_o never_o give_v occasion_n to_o he_o or_o any_o else_o to_o think_v that_o i_o will_v affix_v such_o a_o sense_n unto_o the_o apostle_n word_n as_o if_o they_o give_v a_o allowance_n to_o man_n to_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v as_o unto_o the_o pursuit_n of_o their_o main_a end_n of_o live_v to_o god_n in_o faith_n and_o love_n with_o mutual_a peace_n among_o themselves_o 2._o what_o then_o do_v i_o intend_v by_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v even_o the_o same_o that_o he_o do_v and_o nothing_o else_o namely_o different_a apprehension_n about_o some_o thing_n in_o religion_n and_o particular_o those_o concern_v the_o law_n and_o its_o ceremony_n for_o 3._o let_v it_o be_v suppose_v that_o the_o apostle_n in_o particular_a intend_v dissension_n about_o the_o law_n and_o the_o observance_n of_o its_o institution_n yet_o he_o do_v not_o determine_v the_o case_n from_o the_o especial_a circumstance_n of_o that_o difference_n so_o adjudge_v the_o truth_n unto_o one_o of_o the_o party_n at_o variance_n but_o from_o a_o general_a rule_n how_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n ought_v to_o deport_n themselves_o towards_o one_o another_o during_o the_o continuation_n of_o such_o difference_n but_o 4._o the_o truth_n be_v the_o apostle_n have_v dismiss_v the_o case_n propose_v in_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o chapter_n ver_fw-la 1.2_o 3_o etc._n etc._n and_o upon_o the_o occasion_n of_o his_o expression_n of_o his_o own_o voluntary_a relinquishment_n and_o renunciation_n of_o all_o the_o privilege_n which_o the_o jew_n boast_v in_o and_o of_o his_o attainment_n thereon_o in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n ver_fw-la 12_o 13_o 14._o he_o give_v a_o general_a direction_n for_o the_o walk_n of_o all_o christian_n in_o the_o several_a degree_n and_o measure_n of_o their_o attainment_n in_o the_o same_o kind_n and_o herein_o he_o suppose_v two_o thing_n 1._o that_o there_o be_v thing_n all_o the_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n concern_v the_o person_n office_n and_o grace_n of_o christ_n which_o they_o have_v all_o in_o common_a attain_v unto_o whereunto_o we_o have_v already_o attain_v we_o all_o of_o we_o in_o general_n 2._o that_o in_o some_o thing_n there_o be_v different_a apprehension_n and_o practice_n among_o they_o which_o hinder_v not_o their_o agreement_n in_o what_o they_o have_v attain_v if_o any_o one_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v one_o than_o another_o we_o that_o be_v perfect_a and_o those_o which_o be_v weak_a let_v we_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n wherefore_o although_o i_o can_v discern_v how_o any_o thing_n in_o this_o discourse_n have_v the_o least_o influence_n into_o the_o case_n in_o hand_n yet_o to_o give_v a_o little_a more_o light_a unto_o the_o context_n and_o to_o evidence_n its_o unserviceableness_n unto_o the_o doctor_n intention_n i_o shall_v give_v a_o brief_a account_n of_o the_o judaical_a teacher_n of_o those_o day_n the_o jew_n be_v by_o this_o time_n distribute_v into_o three_o sort_n 1._o such_o as_o be_v obdurate_a in_o their_o unbelief_n and_o rejection_n of_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n oppose_v persecute_a and_o blaspheme_v the_o gospel_n in_o all_o place_n thus_o be_v it_o with_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o the_o teacher_n of_o this_o sort_n advance_v the_o excellency_n necessity_n and_o usefulness_n of_o the_o law_n in_o contradiction_n unto_o christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n these_o the_o apostle_n describe_v 1_o thes._n 2.13_o 14_o 15._o the_o jew_n who_o both_o kill_v the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o their_o own_o prophet_n and_o have_v persecute_v we_o and_o they_o please_v not_o god_n and_o be_v contrary_a unto_o all_o man_n forbid_v we_o to_o speak_v unto_o the_o gentile_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v to_o fill_v up_o their_o sin_n always_o for_o the_o wrath_n be_v come_v upon_o they_o unto_o the_o uttermost_a 2._o such_o as_o profess_v faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o obedience_n unto_o the_o gospel_n yet_o be_v of_o the_o mind_n that_o the_o whole_a law_n of_o moses_n be_v not_o only_o to_o be_v continue_v and_o observe_v among_o the_o jew_n but_o also_o that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v impose_v on_o the_o gentile_n who_o be_v convert_v unto_o the_o faith_n they_o think_v the_o gospel_n do_v not_o erect_v a_o new_a church_n state_n with_o a_o new_a kind_n of_o worship_n but_o only_o be_v a_o peculiar_a way_n of_o proselyte_a man_n into_o judaisme_n against_o which_o the_o apostle_n dispute_v in_o his_o epistle_n unto_o the_o hebrew_n especial_o in_o the_o seven_o and_o 8_o chapter_n the_o teacher_n of_o this_o sort_n great_o trouble_v the_o church_n even_o after_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o these_o thing_n by_o the_o apostle_n act._n 15._o those_o who_o continue_v obstinate_a in_o this_o persuasion_n become_v afterward_o to_o be_v ebionites_n and_o nazarenes_n as_o they_o be_v call_v whole_o forsake_v the_o christian_a church_n of_o the_o gentile_n these_o be_v general_o of_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o pharisee_n and_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o least_o sort_n of_o the_o three_o for_o 3._o there_o be_v other_o who_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o gentile_n declare_v by_o the_o apostle_n act._n 15._o yet_o judge_v themselves_o and_o all_o other_o circumcise_a jew_n oblige_v unto_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n and_o its_o institution_n these_o legal_a observance_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n 1._o such_o as_o be_v confine_v and_o limit_v unto_o the_o temple_n and_o unto_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n
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
3._o this_o therefore_o be_v that_o which_o he_o oppose_v namely_o that_o there_o be_v a_o deviation_n in_o various_a degree_n and_o fall_v of_o from_o the_o original_a institution_n order_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n until_o it_o issue_v in_o a_o fatal_a apostasy_n this_o be_v that_o which_o on_o the_o present_a occasion_n must_v be_v further_o speak_v unto_o for_o if_o this_o be_v not_o true_a i_o confess_v there_o be_v a_o end_n of_o this_o contest_v and_o we_o must_v all_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o state_n rule_n and_o order_n that_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n before_o the_o reformation_n but_o we_o may_v observe_v something_o yet_o far_a in_o the_o vindication_n and_o confirmation_n of_o this_o truth_n which_o i_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o that_o we_o plead_v for_o in_o point_n of_o church_n reformation_n as_o 1._o that_o the_o reason_n and_o arguing_n of_o the_o doctor_n in_o this_o matter_n the_o necessity_n of_o his_o cause_n compel_v he_o thereunto_o be_v the_o same_o with_o those_o of_o the_o papist_n about_o the_o apostasy_n of_o their_o church_n in_o faith_n order_n and_o worship_n wherewith_o they_o be_v charge_v namely_o when_o where_o how_o be_v this_o alteration_n make_v who_o make_v opposition_n unto_o it_o and_o the_o like_a when_o these_o inquiry_n be_v multiply_v by_o the_o papist_n as_o unto_o the_o whole_a cause_n between_o they_o and_o we_o he_o know_v well_o enough_o how_o to_o give_v satisfactory_a answer_n unto_o they_o and_o so_o may_v do_v in_o this_o particular_a unto_o himself_o also_o but_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o ease_v he_o of_o that_o trouble_n at_o present_a only_o i_o must_v say_v that_o it_o be_v fall_v out_o somewhat_o unexpected_o that_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o principle_n bulwark_n of_o the_o papacy_n which_o have_v be_v effectual_o demolish_v by_o the_o write_n of_o protestant_n of_o all_o sort_n shall_v be_v endeavour_v to_o be_v repair_v by_o a_o person_n just_o make_v eminent_a by_o his_o defence_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n against_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n 2._o but_o it_o may_v be_v plead_v that_o although_o the_o church_n follow_v the_o first_o age_n do_v insensible_o degenerate_a from_o the_o purity_n and_o simplicity_n of_o gospel_n faith_n and_o worship_n yet_o they_o neither_o do_v nor_o can_v do_v so_o from_o a_o adherence_n unto_o and_o abide_v in_o their_o original_a constitution_n or_o from_o the_o due_a observation_n of_o church_n order_n rule_n and_o discipline_n lest_o of_o all_o can_v this_o happen_v in_o the_o case_n of_o diocesan_n episcopacy_n i_o answer_v 1._o that_o as_o unto_o the_o original_a of_o any_o thing_n that_o look_v like_o diocesan_n episcopacy_n or_o the_o pastoral_n relation_n of_o one_o person_n of_o a_o distinct_a order_n from_o presbyter_n unto_o many_o particular_a complete_a church_n with_o officer_n of_o their_o own_o with_o power_n and_o jurisdiction_n in_o they_o and_o over_o they_o unto_o the_o abridgement_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o right_n and_o power_n unto_o their_o own_o edification_n which_o every_o true_a church_n be_v entrust_v withal_o by_o jesus_n christ_n it_o be_v very_o uncertain_a and_o be_v introduce_v by_o insensible_a degree_n according_a unto_o the_o effectual_a work_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n some_o say_v that_o there_o be_v two_o distinct_a order_n namely_o those_o of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n institute_v at_o first_o in_o all_o church_n plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n but_o as_o the_o contrary_n may_v be_v evident_o prove_v so_o a_o supposition_n of_o it_o will_v no_o way_n promote_v the_o cause_n of_o diocesan_n episcopacy_n until_o those_o who_o plead_v for_o it_o have_v demonstrate_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o they_o be_v place_v to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o those_o now_o call_v diocesan_n wherefore_o this_o hypothesis_n begin_v general_o to_o be_v desert_v as_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v by_o this_o author_n other_o suppose_v that_o immediate_o upon_o or_o at_o or_o after_o the_o decease_n of_o the_o apostle_n this_o new_a order_n of_o bishop_n be_v appoint_v to_o succeed_v the_o apostle_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v then_o gather_v or_o plant_v but_o how_o when_o or_o by_o who_o by_o what_o authority_n apostolical_a and_o divine_a or_o ecclesiastical_a only_a and_o humane_a none_o can_v declare_v see_v there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o footstep_n of_o any_o such_o thing_n either_o in_o the_o scripture_n or_o in_o the_o record_n that_o remain_v of_o the_o primitive_a church_n other_o think_v this_o new_a order_n of_o officer_n take_v its_o occasional_a rise_n from_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n at_o alexandria_n who_o choose_v out_o one_o among_o themselves_o constant_o to_o preside_v in_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o all_o matter_n of_o order_n unto_o who_o they_o ascribe_v some_o kind_n of_o pre-eminence_n and_o dignity_n peculiar_o appropriate_v unto_o he_o the_o namâ—_n of_o bishop_n and_o if_o this_o be_v true_a as_o unto_o matter_n of_o fact_n i_o reckon_v it_o unto_o the_o beginning_n of_o those_o less_o harmful_a deviation_n from_o their_o original_a constitution_n which_o i_o assign_v unto_o primitive_a church_n but_o many_o addition_n must_v be_v make_v hereunto_o before_o it_o will_v help_v the_o cause_n of_o diocesan_n episcopacy_n what_o other_o occasion_n hereof_o be_v give_v or_o take_v what_o advantage_n be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o promote_v this_o alteration_n shall_v be_v touch_v upon_o afterward_o 2._o why_o may_v not_o the_o church_n be_v suppose_v to_o have_v depart_v from_o their_o original_a constitution_n order_n and_o rule_n as_o well_o as_o from_o their_o first_o faith_n and_o worship_n which_o they_o do_v gradual_o in_o many_o successive_a age_n until_o both_o be_v utter_o corrupt_v the_o cause_n occasion_n and_o temptation_n lead_v unto_o the_o former_a be_v to_o the_o full_a as_o pregnant_a as_o those_o lead_n unto_o the_o latter_a for_o 1._o there_o be_v no_o vicious_a corrupt_a disposition_n of_o mind_n that_o begin_v more_o early_o to_o work_v in_o church_n officer_n nor_o do_v more_o grow_v and_o thrive_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o many_o than_o ambition_n with_o desire_n of_o pre-eminence_n dignity_n and_o rule_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v suppose_v that_o diotrephes_n be_v alone_o in_o his_o desire_n of_o pre-eminence_n nor_o in_o the_o irregular_a act_n of_o his_o undue_o assume_v authority_n however_o we_o have_v one_o signal_n instance_n in_o he_o of_o the_o deviation_n that_o be_v in_o the_o church_n with_o he_o from_o the_o rule_n of_o its_o original_a constitution_n for_o he_o prevail_v so_o far_o therein_o as_o by_o his_o own_o single_a episcopal_a power_n to_o reject_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o to_o cast_v they_o out_o of_o the_o church_n who_o comply_v not_o with_o his_o humour_n how_o effectual_o the_o same_o ambition_n wrought_v afterward_o in_o many_o other_o possess_v the_o same_o place_n in_o their_o church_n with_o diotrephes_n be_v sufficient_o evident_a in_o all_o ecclesiastical_a history_n it_o be_v far_o from_o be_v the_o only_a instance_n of_o the_o corruption_n of_o church_n order_n and_o rule_n by_o the_o influence_n of_o this_o ambition_n yet_o it_o be_v one_o that_o be_v pregnant_a which_o be_v give_v we_o by_o amâ—rose_n for_o say_v he_o ecclesia_fw-la ut_fw-la synagoga_fw-la seniores_fw-la habuâ—â—_fw-la quorum_fw-la sine_fw-la consilio_fw-la nihil_fw-la agebatur_fw-la in_o ecclesia_fw-la quod_fw-la qua_fw-la neglâ—gentia_fw-la obsoleverit_fw-la nescio_fw-la nisi_fw-la forte_fw-fr doctorum_fw-la desidia_fw-la aut_fw-la magis_fw-la superbia_fw-la dum_fw-la soli_fw-la volunt_fw-la aliquid_fw-la videri_fw-la in_o 1._o ad_fw-la timoth._n cap._n 5._o it_o seem_v there_o be_v some_o alteration_n in_o church_n rule_n and_o order_n in_o his_o time_n who_o beginning_n and_o progress_n he_o can_v not_o well_o discover_v and_o trace_v but_o know_v well_o enough_o that_o so_o it_o be_v then_o come_v to_o pass_v and_o if_o he_o who_o live_v so_o near_o the_o time_n wherein_o such_o alteration_n be_v make_v can_v not_o yet_o discover_v their_o first_o insinuation_n nor_o their_o subtle_a progress_n it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o exact_v a_o strict_a account_n of_o we_o in_o thing_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n who_o live_v so_o many_o age_n after_o their_o first_o introduction_n but_o this_o he_o judge_v that_o it_o be_v the_o pride_n or_o ambition_n of_o the_o doctor_n of_o the_o church_n which_o introduce_v that_o alteration_n in_o its_o order_n whereas_o therefore_o we_o see_v in_o the_o event_n that_o all_o deviation_n from_o the_o original_a constitution_n of_o church_n all_o alteration_n in_o their_o rule_n and_o order_n do_v issue_n in_o a_o compliance_n with_o the_o ambition_n of_o church_n ruler_n as_o it_o do_v in_o the_o papal_a church_n and_o this_o ambition_n be_v signal_o note_v
distribute_v the_o faithful_a at_o rome_n into_o distinct_a title_n or_o parish_n with_o distinct_a presbyter_n of_o their_o own_o for_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o in_o those_o day_n wherein_o persecution_n be_v at_o its_o height_n the_o meeting_n of_o believer_n be_v occasional_a with_o respect_n unto_o their_o security_n ofttimes_o by_o night_n sometime_o in_o cave_n under_o the_o earth_n or_o in_o desert_a burial_n place_n at_o best_a in_o private_a house_n and_o they_o have_v for_o what_o they_o do_v the_o example_n of_o the_o apostolical_a church_n act_v 1.13_o 14._o act_n 2.46_o chap._n 4.24_o 31._o chap._n 12.12_o chap._n 18.7_o chap._n 20.8_o chap._n 21.18_o instance_n of_o such_o meeting_n may_v be_v multiply_v especial_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o to_o manifest_v that_o they_o take_v this_o course_n upon_o necessity_n when_o peace_n begin_v to_o be_v restore_v at_o any_o time_n unto_o they_o they_o design_v temple_n that_o may_v receive_v the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o the_o church_n together_o the_o distribution_n mention_v into_o title_n and_o parish_n begin_v a_o long_a time_n after_o and_o in_o very_a few_o place_n within_o 300_o year_n in_o this_o state_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o conceive_v what_o alteration_n may_v fall_v out_o in_o some_o church_n from_o their_o primitive_a order_n especial_o how_o the_o people_n may_v desert_v their_o diligence_n and_o duty_n in_o attend_v unto_o all_o the_o concern_v of_o the_o church_n and_o if_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o apostle_n write_v unto_o they_o in_o their_o epistle_n the_o instruction_n direction_n and_o command_n how_o in_o all_o thing_n they_o shall_v act_v and_o deport_v themselves_o in_o the_o church_n be_v esteem_v to_o be_v obligatory_a in_o all_o age_n i_o can_v see_v how_o after_o the_o second_o century_n they_o be_v much_o comply_v withal_o unless_o it_o be_v in_o the_o single_a instance_n of_o choose_v their_o own_o officer_n or_o ruler_n but_o second_o after_o these_o there_o ensue_v great_a occasion_n of_o great_a variation_n from_o the_o primitive_a institution_n and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o people_n for_o 1._o such_o number_n of_o they_o be_v receive_v into_o a_o relation_n unto_o particular_a church_n as_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o end_n of_o their_o institution_n and_o the_o observance_n of_o the_o communion_n require_v in_o they_o as_o will_v afterward_o appear_v and_o the_o relief_n that_o be_v invent_v for_o this_o inconveniency_n in_o distinct_a convention_n supply_v with_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n from_o the_o first_o church_n or_o by_o state_v title_n do_v alter_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n among_o those_o multitude_n which_o be_v add_v unto_o the_o church_n especial_o in_o the_o four_o century_n many_o if_o not_o the_o most_o do_v come_v short_a inexpressible_o in_o knowledge_n gift_n grace_n holiness_n and_o uprightness_n of_o conversation_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n as_o the_o writer_n of_o that_o age_n complain_v and_o be_v hereby_o uncapable_a of_o walk_v according_a unto_o the_o order_n rule_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o apostolical_a church_n there_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o another_o rule_n of_o other_o way_n and_o mean_n for_o their_o government_n without_o their_o own_o concurrence_n or_o consent_n than_o what_o be_v at_o first_o appoint_v which_o be_v gradual_o introduce_v whence_o the_o original_a of_o a_o multitude_n of_o those_o canon_n which_o be_v arbitrary_o invent_v afterward_o for_o their_o rule_n and_o government_n be_v to_o be_v derive_v and_o it_o may_v be_v make_v to_o appear_v that_o the_o accommodation_n of_o the_o rule_n yea_o and_o of_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o several_a age_n of_o it_o unto_o the_o ignorance_n manner_n and_o inclination_n of_o the_o people_n who_o be_v then_o easy_o win_v unto_o the_o outward_a profession_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v one_o mean_n of_o the_o ruin_n of_o they_o both_o until_o they_o issue_v in_o downright_a tyranny_n and_o idolatry_n but_o much_o more_o of_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o deviation_n of_o the_o church_n from_o their_o primitive_a rule_n and_o order_n be_v to_o be_v ascribe_v unto_o the_o ambition_n and_o love_n of_o pre-eminence_n in_o many_o of_o the_o clergy_n or_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n but_o this_o be_v no_o place_n nor_o season_n to_o manifest_v this_o by_o instance_n beside_o it_o have_v be_v do_v by_o other_o i_o shall_v therefore_o inquire_v only_o into_o one_o or_o two_o thing_n in_o particular_a which_o be_v of_o principal_a consideration_n in_o the_o declension_n of_o the_o church_n from_o their_o primitive_a institution_n order_n and_o rule_n and_o 1._o it_o be_v evident_a that_o there_o be_v a_o alteration_n make_v in_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n as_o to_o its_o officer_n for_o it_o issue_v at_o last_o in_o pope_n patriarch_n cardinal_n metropolitan_a and_o diocesan_n bishop_n who_o be_v utter_o foreign_a unto_o the_o state_n and_o order_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o that_o for_o some_o age_n nor_o be_v these_o officer_n introduce_v into_o the_o church_n at_o one_o or_o in_o one_o age_n nor_o with_o the_o power_n which_o they_o afterward_o claim_v and_o assume_v unto_o themselves_o it_o be_v do_v gradual_o in_o many_o succeed_a age_n work_v by_o a_o design_n to_o accommodate_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n unto_o the_o political_a state_n of_o the_o empire_n in_o the_o distribution_n of_o its_o government_n 2._o the_o beginning_n of_o this_o great_a alteration_n be_v small_a nor_o at_o all_o perceive_v in_o the_o day_n wherein_o they_o be_v first_o act_v nor_o be_v it_o agree_v nor_o as_o far_o as_o i_o see_v will_v it_o ever_o be_v agree_v among_o learned_a man_n when_o first_o a_o disparity_n among_o the_o ordinary_a officer_n of_o the_o church_n in_o order_n degree_n or_o power_n do_v first_o begin_v nor_o by_o what_o mean_v it_o be_v bring_v about_o the_o apostle_n be_v all_o equal_a among_o themselves_o no_o one_o have_v either_o office_n or_o office-power_n above_o other_o so_o be_v all_o the_o ordinary_a bishop_n and_o presbyter_n mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o shall_v be_v prove_v afterward_o no_o intimation_n be_v give_v of_o any_o pre-eminence_n or_o superiority_n among_o they_o of_o one_o over_z other_o yet_o afterward_o in_o the_o three_o and_o four_o century_n much_o of_o that_o nature_n appear_v it_o begin_v to_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o bishop_n and_o elder_n mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o same_o and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n in_o name_n office_n or_o power_n during_o the_o apostle_n time_n which_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o hierome_n and_o our_o author_n seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n p._n 267._o but_o they_o say_v that_o after_o the_o decease_n of_o the_o apostle_n there_o be_v some_o appoint_v to_o succeed_v they_o in_o that_o part_n of_o their_o office_n which_o concern_v the_o rule_n of_o many_o church_n and_o this_o they_o say_v be_v do_v for_o the_o prevention_n of_o schism_n but_o with_o ill_a success_n for_o as_o clemens_n affirm_v that_o the_o apostle_n foresee_v that_o there_o will_v be_v strife_n and_o contention_n about_o episcopacy_n even_o when_o it_o be_v confine_v unto_o its_o original_a order_n because_o of_o the_o ambition_n of_o diotrephes_n and_o other_o like_v he_o so_o it_o become_v much_o more_o the_o cause_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o disorder_n in_o schism_n and_o heresy_n when_o it_o begin_v to_o exalt_v itself_o in_o dignity_n and_o reputation_n the_o first_o express_v attempt_n to_o corrupt_v and_o divide_v a_o church_n make_v from_o within_o itself_o be_v that_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n make_v by_o thebulis_fw-la because_o simon_n cleopas_n be_v choose_v bishop_n and_o he_o be_v refuse_v euseb._n lib._n 4._o cap._n 21._o the_o same_o rise_n have_v the_o schism_n of_o the_o novatian_o and_o donatist_n the_o heresy_n of_o arius_n and_o other_o neither_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n certain_a in_o this_o pretend_a succession_n of_o some_o person_n unto_o the_o apostle_n in_o that_o part_n of_o their_o office_n which_o concern_v the_o rule_n of_o many_o church_n by_o one_o overseer_n no_o intimation_n of_o any_o such_o appointment_n by_o the_o apostle_n or_o any_o of_o they_o no_o record_n of_o the_o concurrence_n of_o the_o church_n themselves_o in_o and_o unto_o this_o alteration_n can_v be_v produce_v nor_o be_v there_o any_o analogy_n between_o the_o extraordinary_a power_n of_o every_o apostle_n over_o all_o church_n and_o care_n for_o they_o and_o the_o ordinary_a power_n of_o a_o bishop_n over_o a_o small_a number_n which_o lot_n or_o accident_n dispose_v unto_o he_o beside_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v no_o instance_n can_v be_v give_v or_o have_v be_v for_o the_o space_n of_o 200_o year_n or_o until_o the_o end_n of_o the_o
second_o century_n of_o any_o one_o person_n who_o have_v the_o care_n of_o more_o church_n than_o one_o commit_v unto_o he_o or_o do_v take_v the_o charge_n of_o they_o on_o himself_o but_o whereas_o this_o change_n do_v fall_v out_o and_o appear_v evident_o so_o to_o have_v do_v in_o the_o four_o century_n we_o may_v brief_o inquire_v into_o the_o cause_n and_o occasion_n of_o it_o church_n be_v original_o plant_v in_o city_n and_o town_n for_o the_o most_o part_n not_o absolute_o for_o the_o word_n be_v preach_v and_o church_n gather_v by_o the_o apostle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o clemens_n testify_v in_o such_o city_n there_o be_v but_o one_o church_n whereunto_o all_o beleiver_n do_v belong_v i_o mention_v this_o the_o rather_o because_o our_o present_a author_n who_o be_v please_v frequent_o to_o mistake_v my_o word_n and_o principle_n affirm_v that_o the_o thing_n which_o i_o shall_v have_v prove_v be_v that_o there_o be_v more_o church_n at_o first_o plant_v in_o one_o city_n than_o one_o i_o know_v not_o why_o i_o shall_v be_v oblige_v to_o do_v so_o because_o i_o never_o say_v so_o i_o do_v believe_v indeed_o that_o there_o may_v be_v more_o particular_a church_n than_o one_o in_o one_o city_n and_o that_o sometime_o it_o be_v better_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o then_o that_o all_o beleiver_n in_o the_o same_o city_n shall_v be_v keep_v up_o unto_o one_o congregation_n to_o the_o obstruction_n of_o their_o edification_n but_o that_o there_o be_v original_o or_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n more_o church_n than_o one_o in_o any_o one_o city_n or_o town_n i_o do_v whole_o deny_v though_o i_o grant_v at_o the_o same_o time_n there_o be_v church_n in_o village_n also_o as_o will_v appear_v afterward_o but_o though_o there_o be_v one_o church_n only_o in_o one_o town_n or_o city_n yet_o all_o the_o believer_n that_o belong_v unto_o that_o church_n do_v not_o live_v in_o that_o city_n but_o sundry_a of_o they_o in_o the_o field_n and_o village_n about_o so_o justin_n martyr_n tell_v we_o that_o on_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n when_o the_o church_n have_v its_o solemn_a assembly_n all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o in_o the_o city_n and_o out_o of_o the_o country_n the_o field_n and_o village_n about_o meet_v together_o in_o the_o same_o place_n in_o process_n of_o time_n these_o believer_n in_o the_o country_n do_v great_o increase_v by_o the_o mean_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o city-church_n which_o diligent_o attend_v unto_o the_o conversion_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n with_o some_o extraordinary_a help_n beside_o but_o hereon_o the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v oversee_v for_o on_o this_o account_n of_o the_o conversion_n of_o many_o unto_o the_o faith_n in_o the_o town_n and_o village_n of_o any_o province_n they_o erect_v and_o plant_v new_a church_n among_o they_o not_o oblige_v they_o all_o unto_o that_o first_o church_n from_o whence_o the_o word_n go_v forth_o for_o their_o conversion_n but_o those_o who_o succeed_v they_o be_v hinder_v by_o many_o reason_n which_o may_v be_v easy_o recount_v from_o thought_n of_o the_o multiplication_n of_o church_n choose_v rather_o to_o give_v the_o beleiver_n scatter_v up_o and_o down_o in_o the_o country_n occasional_a assistance_n by_o presbyter_n of_o their_o own_o than_o to_o dispose_v they_o into_o a_o chrch_n state_n and_o order_n but_o after_o a_o while_n their_o number_n great_o increase_a they_o be_v necessitate_v to_o supply_v they_o with_o a_o constant_a ministry_n in_o several_a parcel_n or_o division_n the_o minister_n or_o elder_n thus_o dispose_v among_o they_o for_o their_o edification_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v still_o relate_v unto_o and_o depend_v upon_o that_o city_n first_o church_n from_o whence_o they_o come_v but_o the_o number_n of_o beleiver_n daily_a increase_n and_o a_o succession_n of_o presbyter_n in_o their_o distinct_a assembly_n be_v find_v necessary_a they_o come_v to_o be_v call_v church_n though_o continue_v in_o dependence_n both_o for_o a_o supply_n of_o officer_n and_o for_o rule_n on_o the_o first_o or_o city_n church_n whereunto_o they_o esteem_v themselves_o to_o belong_v this_o be_v the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o multiplication_n of_o christian_a assembly_n throughout_o the_o roman_a empire_n and_o hereby_o all_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o first_o church_n become_v by_o common_a consent_n to_o have_v a_o distinction_n from_o and_o pre-eminence_n above_o the_o presbyter_n that_o be_v fix_v in_o the_o country_n and_o a_o rule_n over_o those_o assembly_n or_o church_n themselves_o and_o therefore_o when_o they_o meet_v together_o in_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a among_o the_o first_o thing_n they_o decree_v one_o be_v to_o confirm_v unto_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o great_a city_n that_o power_n over_o the_o neighbour_a church_n which_o they_o have_v enjoin_v from_o this_o occasional_a rise_n and_o constitution_n of_o they_o hereby_o be_v a_o difference_n and_o distinction_n between_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n between_o mother_n and_o dependant_a church_n introduce_v equal_o almost_o in_o all_o place_n without_o take_v any_o notice_n of_o the_o departure_n which_o be_v therein_o from_o the_o primitive_a pattern_n and_o institution_n but_o these_o thing_n fall_v out_o long_o after_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n namely_o in_o the_o three_o and_o four_o century_n there_o be_v no_o mention_n of_o they_o before_o but_o second_o there_o be_v another_o occasion_n of_o this_o alteration_n which_o take_v place_n before_o that_o insist_v on_o for_o in_o many_o of_o those_o city_n church_n especial_o when_o the_o number_n of_o beleiver_n much_o increase_v there_o be_v many_o bishop_n or_o elder_n who_o have_v the_o rule_n of_o they_o in_o common_a this_o be_v plain_a in_o the_o scripture_n and_o in_o the_o ensue_a record_n of_o church_n affair_n and_o they_o have_v all_o the_o same_o office_n the_o same_o power_n and_o be_v of_o the_o same_o order_n but_o after_o a_o while_n to_o preserve_v order_n and_o decency_n among_o themselves_o and_o in_o all_o their_o proceed_n they_o choose_v one_o from_o among_o they_o who_o shall_v preside_v in_o all_o church_n affair_n for_o order_n sake_n unto_o who_o after_o a_o season_n the_o name_n of_o bishop_n begin_v to_o be_v appropriate_v whether_o the_o rule_n they_o proceed_v by_o herein_o be_v to_o choose_v they_o unto_o this_o dignity_n who_o have_v be_v first_o convert_v unto_o the_o faith_n or_o first_o call_v and_o ordain_v to_o be_v presbyter_n or_o have_v respect_n unto_o the_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o those_o who_o they_o choose_v be_v not_o certain_a but_o this_o way_n begin_v in_o those_o church_n wherein_o some_o extraordinary_a officer_n apostle_n or_o evangelist_n have_v long_o reside_v it_o can_v therefore_o be_v doubt_v but_o they_o have_v some_o design_n to_o represent_v hereby_o somewhat_o of_o the_o dignity_n of_o such_o a_o officer_n and_o a_o resemblance_n of_o the_o continuance_n of_o his_o presence_n among_o they_o and_o this_o i_o suppose_v fall_v out_o early_o in_o the_o church_n though_o without_o ground_n or_o warrant_n and_o the_o principal_a pastor_n of_o other_o church_n which_o have_v not_o any_o great_a number_n of_o elder_n in_o they_o yet_o quick_o assume_v unto_o themselves_o the_o dignity_n which_o the_o other_o have_v attain_v justin_n martyr_n in_o the_o account_n he_o give_v of_o the_o church_n its_o order_n rule_n worship_n and_o discipline_n in_o his_o day_n mention_n one_o singular_a person_n in_o one_o church_n who_o he_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d who_o preside_v in_o all_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n and_o himself_o administer_v all_o the_o sacred_a ordinance_n every_o lord_n day_n unto_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o church_n gather_v and_o meet_v out_o of_o the_o city_n and_o the_o village_n about_o this_o be_v the_o bishop_n and_o if_o any_o one_o desire_v this_o office_n he_o desire_v a_o good_a work_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v whatever_o accession_n be_v make_v unto_o the_o church_n these_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v either_o the_o first_o convert_v to_o the_o faith_n or_o the_o first_o ordain_v presbyter_n or_o obtain_v their_o pre-eminence_n non_fw-la pretio_fw-la sed_fw-la testimonio_fw-la as_o tertullian_n speak_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o eminency_n in_o gift_n and_o holiness_n be_v yet_o quick_o sensible_a of_o their_o own_o dignity_n and_o praelation_n and_o by_o all_o mean_v seek_v the_o enlargement_n of_o it_o suppose_v that_o it_o belong_v unto_o the_o honour_n and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o under_o this_o state_n of_o thing_n the_o church_n increase_a every_o day_n in_o number_n and_o wealth_n grow_v insensible_o more_o and_o more_o indy_n magis_fw-la magisque_fw-la decrescente_fw-la disciplina_fw-la into_o a_o form_n and_o
to_o give_v place_n unto_o severe_a thought_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o its_o communion_n and_o withdraw_a themselves_o into_o foreign_a part_n open_o avow_v a_o separation_n from_o it_o and_o if_o the_o extremity_n which_o many_o have_v be_v put_v unto_o for_o their_o mere_a dissent_n and_o nonconformity_n unto_o the_o establish_v rule_n which_o with_o a_o good_a conscience_n they_o can_v not_o comply_v with_o be_v represent_v it_o may_v if_o not_o excuse_v yet_o alleviate_v the_o evil_a of_o that_o severity_n in_o separation_n which_o they_o fall_v into_o 6._o but_o hereon_o a_o double_a inconvenience_n yea_o evil_a do_v ensue_v whence_o all_o the_o advantage_n make_v use_v of_o in_o this_o story_n to_o load_v the_o present_a cause_n of_o the_o nonconformist_n do_v arise_v for_o 1._o many_o of_o those_o who_o refuse_v to_o conform_v unto_o the_o church_n in_o all_o its_o constitution_n yet_o think_v it_o their_o duty_n to_o wait_v quiet_o for_o a_o national_a reformation_n think_v no_o other_o possible_a begin_v to_o oppose_v and_o write_v against_o they_o who_o utter_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n condemn_v its_o assembly_n as_o unlawful_a and_o herein_o as_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n be_v on_o such_o occasion_n they_o fall_v into_o sharp_a invective_n against_o they_o with_o severe_a censure_n and_o sentence_n concern_v they_o and_o their_o practice_n and_o 2._o those_o who_o do_v so_o separate_v be_v not_o agree_v among_o themselves_o as_o unto_o all_o principle_n of_o church-order_n nor_o as_o unto_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n there_o fall_v out_o difference_n and_o disorder_n among_o they_o accompany_v with_o personal_a imprudency_n and_o miscarriage_n in_o not_o a_o few_o neither_o be_v it_o ever_o scarce_o otherwise_o among_o they_o who_o first_o attempt_v any_o reformation_n unless_o like_o the_o apostle_n they_o be_v infallible_o guide_v these_o mutual_a contest_v which_o they_o have_v among_o themselves_o and_o with_o the_o nonconformist_n who_o abode_n in_o their_o private_a station_n in_o england_n with_o their_o miscarriage_n also_o be_v publish_v unto_o the_o world_n in_o their_o own_o write_n and_o those_o of_o their_o enemy_n hinc_fw-la omnis_fw-la pendet_fw-la lucilius_n these_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o give_v advantage_n unto_o and_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o history_n of_o our_o author_n concern_v separation_n wherein_o all_o i_o can_v find_v unto_o our_o present_a instruction_n be_v that_o iliaco_n intra_fw-la muros_fw-la peccatur_fw-la &_o extra_fw-la there_o be_v and_o ever_o be_v sin_n fault_n folly_n and_o miscarriage_n among_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n which_o may_v be_v far_o evidence_v by_o recount_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n what_o be_v the_o way_n act_n and_o deed_n at_o the_o same_o time_n of_o those_o by_o who_o the_o other_o be_v cast_v out_o and_o reject_v and_o whereas_o it_o be_v the_o design_n of_o the_o reverend_a author_n to_o load_v the_o cause_n and_o person_n of_o the_o present_a nonconformist_n with_o prejudice_n and_o contempt_n it_o be_v well_o fall_v out_o in_o the_o merciful_a disposal_n of_o thing_n towards_o and_o among_o we_o by_o the_o providence_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v force_v to_o derive_v the_o principal_a matter_n of_o his_o charge_n from_o what_o be_v do_v by_o a_o few_o private_a person_n three_o or_o fourscore_o year_n ago_o and_o more_o in_o who_o principle_n and_o practice_n we_o be_v not_o concern_v and_o as_o for_o the_o difference_n that_o fall_v out_o more_o late_o among_o the_o divine_n in_o the_o assembly_n at_o westminster_n about_o the_o way_n mean_n and_o measure_n of_o reformation_n and_o mutual_a forbearance_n which_o he_o give_v we_o a_o large_a account_n of_o in_o a_o long_a transcription_n out_o of_o their_o write_n i_o must_v have_v more_o health_n and_o strength_n and_o leisure_n than_o now_o i_o have_v which_o i_o look_v not_o for_o in_o this_o world_n before_o i_o esteem_v myself_o concern_v to_o engage_v in_o that_o contest_v or_o to_o apologise_v for_o the_o one_o side_n or_o other_o the_o thing_n in_o agitation_n between_o they_o have_v no_o relation_n unto_o or_o present_a dissent_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v here_o insist_v on_o mere_o to_o fill_v up_o the_o story_n with_o reference_n unto_o the_o general_n end_v design_v neither_o to_o my_o knowledge_n do_v i_o ever_o read_v a_o book_n wherein_o there_o be_v a_o great_a appearance_n of_o diligence_n in_o the_o collection_n of_o thing_n word_n say_n expression_n discourse_n unto_o other_o end_n which_o may_v only_o cast_v odium_n on_o the_o cause_n oppose_v or_o give_v advantage_n for_o arguing_n unto_o a_o seem_a success_n very_o little_a or_o no_o way_n at_o all_o belong_v unto_o the_o cause_n in_o hand_n than_o there_o be_v in_o this_o of_o our_o reverend_a author_n though_o much_o in_o the_o same_o way_n and_o kind_n have_v be_v before_o attempt_v but_o separation_n it_o be_v and_o schism_n which_o we_o be_v all_o charge_v withal_o and_o the_o evil_a thereof_o be_v aggravate_v in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o author_n himself_o and_o in_o large_a transcription_n out_o of_o the_o write_n of_o other_o schism_n indeed_o we_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v a_o evil_a a_o great_a evil_n but_o be_v sorry_a that_o with_o some_o a_o pretend_a unproved_a schism_n be_v become_v almost_o all_o that_o be_v evil_a in_o the_o church_n or_o their_o member_n so_o that_o let_v man_n be_v what_o they_o will_v drench_v yea_o overwhelm_v in_o ignorance_n vice_n and_o sin_n so_o they_o do_v not_o separate_v which_o to_o be_v sure_a in_o that_o state_n they_o will_v not_o do_v for_o why_o shall_v he_o who_o have_v plague_n sore_n upon_o he_o depart_v from_o the_o society_n of_o they_o that_o be_v infect_v they_o seem_v to_o be_v esteem_v as_o unto_o all_o the_o concern_v of_o the_o church_n very_o unblameable_a the_o truth_n be_v consider_v the_o present_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o this_o nation_n who_o be_v general_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n how_o the_o land_n be_v fill_v with_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a one_o of_o israel_n god_n give_v we_o every_o day_n renew_v token_n and_o indication_n of_o his_o displeasure_n no_o compliance_n with_o his_o call_n no_o public_a reformation_n be_v yet_o attempt_v it_o seem_v a_o more_o necessary_a duty_n and_o of_o more_o importance_n unto_o they_o upon_o who_o the_o care_n of_o such_o thing_n be_v incumbent_n to_o endeavour_v in_o themselves_o and_o to_o engage_v a_o faithful_a ministry_n throughout_o the_o nation_n both_o to_o give_v a_o due_a example_n in_o their_o conversation_n and_o to_o preach_v the_o word_n with_o all_o diligence_n for_o the_o turn_n of_o the_o people_n from_o the_o evil_a of_o their_o way_n then_o to_o spend_v their_o time_n and_o strength_n in_o the_o mannagment_n of_o such_o charge_n against_o those_o who_o will_v willing_o comply_v with_o they_o as_o unto_o all_o the_o great_a end_n of_o religion_n among_o man_n but_o this_o must_v be_v far_o speak_v unto_o i_o say_v therefore_o 1._o in_o general_n that_o whereas_o the_o whole_a design_n of_o this_o book_n be_v to_o charge_v all_o sort_n of_o nonconformist_n with_o schism_n and_o to_o denounce_v they_o schismatic_n yet_o the_o author_n of_o it_o do_v not_o once_o endeavour_v to_o state_n the_o true_a notion_n and_o nature_n of_o schism_n wherein_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n may_v be_v concern_v he_o satisfy_v himself_o in_o the_o invective_n of_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_n against_o schism_n applicable_a unto_o those_o which_o be_v in_o their_o day_n wherein_o we_o be_v not_o concern_v only_o he_o seem_v to_o proceed_v on_o the_o general_a notion_n of_o it_o that_o it_o be_v a_o causeless_a separation_n from_o a_o true_a church_n which_o depart_v from_o that_o of_o the_o romanist_n who_o will_v allow_v no_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n but_o what_o be_v causeless_a to_o make_v application_n hereof_o unto_o we_o it_o be_v suppose_v 1._o that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v a_o true_a church_n in_o its_o national_a constitution_n and_o so_o be_v all_o the_o parochial_a church_n in_o it_o which_o can_v be_v no_o way_n justify_v but_o by_o a_o large_a extensive_a interpretation_n of_o the_o word_n true_a for_o there_o be_v but_o one_o sort_n of_o church_n institute_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n but_o national_a and_o parochial_a church_n differ_v in_o their_o whole_a kind_n and_o therefore_o can_v both_o of_o they_o be_v of_o a_o divine_a original_a 2._o that_o we_o be_v member_n of_o this_o church_n by_o our_o own_o consent_n how_o we_o shall_v come_v to_o be_v so_o otherways_o i_o know_v not_o if_o we_o be_v so_o by_o be_v bear_v and_o baptize_v in_o england_n than_o those_o who_o be_v bear_v beyond_o sea_n and_o baptize_v there_o
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
due_o discharge_v the_o office_n of_o episcopacy_n other_o distinction_n and_o difference_n of_o ordinary_a officer_n beside_o that_o of_o bishop_n or_o elder_n and_o deacon_n the_o church_n at_o rome_n in_o those_o day_n know_v not_o such_o aught_o to_o be_v in_o every_o particular_a church_n of_o any_o one_o single_a person_n to_o preside_v over_o many_o church_n which_o be_v necessary_a unto_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o church-state_n distinct_a from_o that_o which_o be_v congregational_a clemens_n know_v nothing_o in_o his_o day_n but_o give_v we_o such_o a_o description_n of_o the_o church_n and_o its_o order_n as_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o such_o a_o pretence_n 6._o i_o shall_v add_v no_o more_o from_o this_o excellent_a epistle_n but_o only_o the_o account_n give_v in_o it_o of_o the_o first_o constitution_n of_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d our_o apostle_n therefore_o know_v by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o there_o will_v contention_n arise_v about_o the_o name_n of_o episcopacy_n that_o be_v episcopacy_n itself_o for_o this_o cause_n be_v endue_v with_o a_o perfect_a foresight_n of_o thing_n they_o appoint_v those_o forementioned_a their_o first_o convert_v unto_o the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o the_o future_a describe_v or_o give_v order_n about_o the_o course_n of_o the_o ministry_n that_o other_o approve_a man_n may_v succeed_v they_o in_o their_o ministry_n these_o elder_n therefore_o who_o be_v so_o appoint_v by_o they_o and_o afterward_o by_o other_o famous_a man_n with_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n etc._n etc._n sundry_a thing_n we_o may_v observe_v in_o this_o discourse_n 1._o the_o apostle_n foresee_v there_o will_v be_v strife_n and_o contention_n about_o the_o name_n of_o episcopacy_n that_o be_v the_o office_n itself_o and_o those_o who_o shall_v possess_v it_o this_o episcopacy_n be_v that_o office_n which_o the_o depose_a elder_n have_v well_o discharge_v in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n this_o they_o may_v foresee_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o the_o inclination_n of_o man_n unto_o pre-eminence_n and_o the_o instance_n they_o have_v see_v in_o their_o own_o day_n in_o such_o as_o diotrephes_n with_o the_o former_a division_n that_o have_v be_v in_o this_o very_a church_n about_o their_o teacher_n 1_o cor._n 1.12_o but_o moreover_o they_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n through_o his_o divine_a spirit_n abide_v with_o they_o and_o teach_v they_o all_o thing_n this_o therefore_o they_o seek_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o prevent_v and_o that_o two_o way_n 1._o in_o that_o for_o the_o first_o time_n themselves_o appoint_v approve_a person_n unto_o the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n not_o that_o they_o do_v it_o of_o themselves_o without_o the_o consent_n and_o choice_n of_o the_o church_n whereunto_o any_o of_o they_o be_v appoint_v for_o this_o be_v direct_o contrary_a unto_o their_o practice_n act._n 1.15_o 22_o 23_o 26._o chap._n 6.3_o chap._n 14.23_o but_o that_o the_o peace_n and_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n may_v be_v provide_v for_o they_o themselves_o spiritual_o try_v and_o approve_v of_o fit_a person_n so_o to_o lead_v the_o church_n in_o their_o choice_n wherefore_o that_o which_o be_v add_v afterward_o of_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v to_o be_v refer_v unto_o those_o who_o be_v ordain_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o 2._o they_o give_v rule_n and_o order_n namely_o in_o their_o write_n concern_v the_o office_n and_o officer_n that_o be_v to_o be_v in_o the_o church_n with_o the_o way_n whereby_o they_o shall_v be_v substitute_v into_o the_o place_n and_o room_n of_o they_o that_o be_v decease_v as_o we_o know_v they_o have_v do_v in_o their_o write_n 3._o after_o this_o be_v do_v by_o the_o apostle_n other_o excellent_a person_n as_o the_o evangelist_n do_v the_o same_o these_o assist_v the_o church_n in_o the_o ordination_n and_o choice_n of_o their_o officer_n according_a unto_o the_o rule_v prescribe_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o i_o know_v not_o but_o that_o the_o eminent_a pastor_n of_o other_o church_n who_o usual_o give_v their_o assistance_n in_o the_o set_n apart_o and_o ordination_n of_o other_o unto_o the_o ministry_n be_v intend_v i_o have_v insist_v long_o on_o this_o testimony_n be_v lead_v on_o by_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o writing_n itself_o nothing_o remain_v write_v so_o near_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n nor_o do_v any_o that_o be_v extant_a which_o be_v write_v afterward_o give_v such_o a_o evidence_n of_o apostolical_a wisdom_n gravity_n and_o humility_n neither_o be_v there_o in_o all_o antiquity_n after_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n such_o a_o representation_n of_o the_o state_n order_n and_o rule_n of_o first_o evangelical_n churches_n and_o it_o be_v no_o small_a prejudice_n unto_o the_o pretension_n of_o future_a age_n that_o this_o apostolical_a person_n handle_v a_o most_o weighty_a ecclesiastical_a cause_n make_v not_o the_o least_o mention_n of_o such_o office_n power_n and_o proceed_n as_o wherein_o some_o will_v have_v all_o church-rule_a and_o order_n to_o consist_v the_o epistle_n of_o polycarpus_n and_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n at_o smyrna_n with_o he_o unto_o the_o church_n of_o the_o philippian_n be_v the_o next_o on_o roll_n of_o antiquity_n nothing_o appear_v in_o the_o whole_a to_o intimate_v any_o other_o church-state_n or_o order_n than_o that_o describe_v by_o clemens_n the_o epistle_n be_v direct_v unto_o the_o whole_a church_n at_o philippi_n not_o unto_o any_o particular_a bishop_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d this_o be_v the_o usual_a style_n of_o those_o day_n so_o be_v it_o use_v as_o we_o have_v see_v by_o clemens_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d so_o it_o be_v use_v present_o after_o the_o death_n of_o polycarpus_n by_o the_o church_n at_o smyrna_n in_o the_o account_n they_o give_v unto_o other_o church_n of_o his_o death_n and_o martyrdom_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o same_o be_v the_o inscription_n of_o the_o epistle_n of_o the_o church_n at_o vienna_n and_o lion_n in_o france_n unto_o the_o church_n in_o asia_n and_o phrygia_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v immediate_o and_o these_o be_v plain_a testimony_n of_o that_o communion_n among_o the_o church_n in_o those_o day_n which_o be_v hold_v in_o and_o by_o the_o body_n of_o each_o church_n or_o the_o community_n of_o the_o brotherhood_n which_o be_v a_o clear_a demonstration_n of_o their_o state_n and_o order_n and_o those_o who_o the_o apostle_n write_v to_o the_o philippian_n call_v their_o bishop_n and_o deacon_n polycarpus_n call_v their_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n it_o behoove_v you_o say_v he_o unto_o the_o church_n there_o to_o abstain_v from_o these_o thing_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v subject_a unto_o the_o elder_n and_o deacon_n nor_o do_v he_o mention_v any_o other_o bishop_n among_o the_o philippian_n and_o it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o in_o all_o these_o primitive_a write_n there_o be_v still_o a_o distinction_n make_v after_o the_o example_n of_o the_o scripture_n between_o the_o church_n and_o the_o guide_n ruler_n bishop_n or_o elder_n of_o it_o and_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n be_v constant_o assign_v unto_o the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n as_o distinct_a from_o the_o elder_n nowhere_o to_o the_o bishop_n or_o elder_n as_o distinct_a from_o the_o people_n though_o the_o church_n in_o its_o complete_a state_n comprehend_v both_o sort_n unto_o this_o time_n that_o be_v about_o the_o year_n 107_o or_o 108_o do_v belong_v the_o epistle_n ascribe_v unto_o ignatius_n if_o so_o be_v they_o be_v write_v by_o he_o for_o polycarpus_n write_v his_o epistle_n unto_o the_o philippian_n after_o ignatius_n be_v carry_v to_o rome_n have_v write_v his_o epistle_n before_o in_o asia_n many_o be_v the_o contest_v of_o learned_a man_n about_o those_o epistle_n which_o remain_v whether_o they_o be_v genuine_a or_o the_o same_o that_o be_v write_v by_o he_o for_o that_o he_o do_v write_v epistle_n unto_o sundry_a church_n be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o and_o whereas_o there_o have_v in_o this_o age_n be_v two_o copy_n find_v and_o publish_v of_o these_o epistle_n wherein_o very_a many_o thing_n that_o be_v obnoxious_a unto_o just_a exception_n in_o those_o before_o publish_v do_v not_o at_o all_o appear_v yet_o man_n be_v not_o agree_v which_o of_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v prefer_v and_o many_o yet_o deny_v that_o any_o of_o they_o be_v those_o write_v by_o ignatius_n i_o shall_v not_o interpose_v in_o this_o contest_v only_o i_o must_v say_v that_o if_o any_o of_o his_o genuine_a write_n do_v yet_o remain_v yet_o the_o corruption_n and_o interpolation_n of_o they_o for_o many_o age_n must_v needs_o much_o impair_v the_o authority_n of_o what_o be_v represent_v in_o they_o as_o he_o nor_o be_o
and_o interest_n of_o the_o papal_a see_v have_v no_o bottom_n for_o or_o supportment_n of_o their_o church_n state_n and_o order_n but_o regal_a favour_n and_o mutable_a law_n there_o have_v on_o such_o cause_n and_o reason_n which_o i_o shall_v not_o mention_v ensue_v such_o emulation_n of_o the_o nobility_n and_o gentry_n and_o such_o contempt_n of_o the_o commonâ—people_n as_o leave_v it_o questionable_a whether_o their_o adherence_n unto_o the_o government_n be_v not_o more_o burdensome_a and_o dangerous_a unto_o it_o than_o be_v their_o ancient_a contest_v and_o opposition_n chap._n vii_o no_o other_o church-state_n of_o divine_a institution_n it_o may_v be_v it_o will_v be_v general_o grant_v i_o be_o sure_a it_o can_v be_v modest_o deny_v that_o particular_a church_n or_o congregation_n be_v of_o a_o divine_a original_a institution_n as_o also_o that_o the_o primitive_a church_n continue_v long_o in_o that_o form_n or_o order_n but_o it_o will_v be_v far_o plead_v that_o grant_v or_o suppose_v this_o divine_a institution_n of_o particular_a church_n yet_o there_o may_v be_v church_n of_o another_o form_n and_o order_n also_o as_o diocesan_n or_o national_a that_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o submit_v unto_o for_o although_o the_o apostle_n appoint_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v bishop_n or_o elder_n ordain_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v in_o every_o city_n and_o town_n where_o christian_a religion_n be_v receive_v and_o clemens_n affirm_v that_o they_o do_v themselves_o constitute_v bishop_n and_o deacon_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o region_n or_o village_n and_o city_n yet_o there_o be_v another_o form_n afterward_o introduce_v theodoret_n bishop_n of_o cyprus_n affirm_v that_o there_o be_v eight_o hundred_o church_n commit_v to_o his_o care_n epist._n 113._o whereof_o many_o be_v in_o town_n and_o city_n have_v no_o bishop_n of_o their_o own_o the_o whole_a country_n of_o scythia_n though_o there_o be_v in_o it_o many_o city_n village_n and_o fortress_n yet_o have_v but_o one_o bishop_n who_o residence_n be_v at_o tomis_n all_o other_o church_n be_v under_o he_o as_o zozoman_n declare_v lib._n 6._o cap._n 20._o so_o it_o be_v at_o this_o day_n in_o divers_a province_n belong_v of_o old_a unto_o the_o greek-church_n as_o in_o moldavia_n and_o walachia_n where_o they_o have_v one_o who_o they_o call_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o leader_n or_o ruler_n that_o preside_v over_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o nation_n and_o this_o oâ—der_n of_o thing_n that_o there_o shall_v not_o be_v a_o bishop_n in_o small_a church_n be_v first_o confirm_v in_o the_o six_o canon_n of_o the_o council_n of_o sardis_n in_o the_o year_n 347._o in_o answer_n hereunto_o i_o shall_v do_v these_o two_o thing_n first_o i_o shall_v show_v that_o there_o be_v no_o church_n order_n state_n or_o church-form_n of_o divine_a institution_n that_o do_v any_o way_n impede_fw-la take_v away_o or_o overthrow_v the_o liberty_n power_n and_o order_n of_o particular_a congregation_n such_o as_o we_o have_v describe_v second_o i_o shall_v inquire_v into_o the_o cause_n of_o church_n of_o another_o state_n or_o order_n as_o the_o power_n of_o magistrate_n and_o ruler_n or_o their_o own_o choice_n and_o consent_n 1._o there_o be_v no_o form_n order_n or_o church_n state_n divine_o institute_v that_o shall_v annul_v the_o institution_n of_o particular_a congregation_n or_o abridge_v they_o of_o their_o liberty_n or_o deprive_v they_o of_o the_o power_n commit_v unto_o they_o it_o be_v such_o a_o church-state_n alone_o that_o we_o be_v now_o concern_v to_o inquire_v after_o whatever_o of_o that_o kind_a either_o be_v or_o may_v be_v imagine_v that_o entrenche_n not_o on_o the_o state_n liberty_n and_o power_n of_o particular_a congregation_n be_v not_o of_o our_o present_a consideration_n man_n may_v frame_v and_o order_n what_o they_o please_v and_o what_o advantage_n they_o make_v thereby_o shall_v not_o be_v envy_v unto_o they_o whilst_o they_o injure_v not_o any_o of_o the_o institution_n of_o christ._n but_o 1._o these_o church_n as_o they_o be_v church_n be_v meet_v and_o able_a to_o attain_v the_o end_n of_o church_n to_o say_v they_o be_v church_n and_o yet_o have_v not_o in_o themselves_o power_n to_o attain_v the_o end_n of_o church_n be_v to_o speak_v contradiction_n or_o to_o grant_v and_o deny_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o the_o same_o breath_n for_o a_o church_n be_v nothing_o but_o such_o a_o society_n as_o have_v power_n ability_n and_o fitness_n to_o attain_v those_o end_n for_o which_o christ_n have_v ordain_v church_n that_o which_o have_v so_o be_v a_o church_n and_o that_o which_o have_v not_o so_o be_v none_o man_n may_v if_o they_o please_v deny_v they_o to_o be_v church_n but_o then_o i_o know_v not_o where_o they_o will_v find_v any_o that_o be_v so_o for_o instance_n suppose_v man_n shall_v deny_v all_o the_o parochial_a church_n in_o england_n to_o be_v such_o church_n as_o be_v entrust_v with_o church-power_n and_o administration_n what_o church_n in_o the_o first_o instance_n can_v they_o require_v our_o communion_n withal_o will_v they_o say_v it_o be_v with_o the_o national_a or_o diocesan_n church_n neither_o of_o these_o do_v or_o can_v as_o such_o administer_v sacred_a ordinance_n a_o man_n can_v preach_v nor_o hear_v the_o word_n but_o in_o a_o particular_a assembly_n the_o lord_n supper_n can_v be_v administer_v but_o in_o a_o particular_a congregation_n nor_o any_o presential_a local_a communion_n of_o believer_n among_o themselves_o like_o that_o describe_v by_o the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n chap._n 12._o and_o chap._n 14._o be_v otherwise_o attain_v no_o communion_n be_v first_o and_o immediate_o require_v or_o can_v be_v require_v with_o diocesan_n church_n as_o such_o wherefore_o it_o be_v parochial_a particular_a church_n that_o we_o be_v require_v to_o hold_v communion_n with_o we_o say_v therefore_o these_o parochial_a church_n be_v either_o real_o and_o true_o so_o endue_v with_o church-power_n and_o liberty_n or_o they_o be_v not_o if_o they_o be_v or_o be_v acknowledge_v so_o to_o be_v we_o have_v herein_o obtain_v what_o we_o plead_v for_o if_o they_o be_v not_o then_o be_v we_o require_v to_o join_v in_o church_n communion_n with_o those_o society_n that_o be_v not_o church_n and_o if_o we_o refrain_v so_o do_v we_o be_v charge_v with_o schism_n which_o be_v to_o turn_v religion_n into_o ridicule_n for_o 2._o it_o be_v utter_o foreign_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o a_o monster_n unto_o antiquity_n i_o mean_v that_o which_o be_v pure_a and_o regardable_a in_o this_o cause_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v church_n with_o a_o part_n half_a more_o or_o less_o of_o church-power_n and_o not_o the_o whole_a neither_o in_o right_a nor_o exercise_n or_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v church-officer_n elder_n presbyter_n or_o bishop_n that_o shall_v have_v a_o partiary_a power_n half_a or_o a_o three_o part_n or_o less_o of_o that_o which_o entire_o belong_v unto_o the_o office_n they_o hold_v let_v one_o testimony_n be_v give_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n or_o that_o antiquity_n which_o we_o appeal_v unto_o unto_o this_o purpose_n and_o we_o shall_v cease_v our_o plea_n but_o this_o be_v that_o which_o our_o understanding_n be_v set_v on_o rack_n withal_o every_o day_n there_o be_v a_o national_a church_n that_o be_v entrust_v with_o supreme_a church-power_n in_o the_o nation_n whereof_o it_o be_v here_o at_o the_o entrance_n we_o fall_v into_o a_o double_a disquietment_n for_o 1._o we_o know_v not_o as_o yet_o what_o this_o national_a church_n be_v here_o or_o in_o france_n nor_o of_o what_o person_n it_o do_v consist_v 2._o we_o know_v not_o whether_o this_o national_a church_n have_v all_o the_o power_n that_o christ_n have_v give_v unto_o the_o church_n or_o that_o there_o be_v a_o reserve_v for_o some_o addition_n from_o beyond_o sea_n if_o thing_n be_v well_o accommodate_v then_o that_o there_o be_v diocesan_n church_n who_o original_a with_o the_o cause_n and_o occasion_n of_o their_o bound_n limit_n power_n and_o manner_n of_o administration_n i_o think_v god_n alone_o know_v perfect_o we_o do_v but_o guess_v for_o there_o be_v not_o one_o word_n mention_v of_o any_o of_o their_o concernment_n in_o the_o scripture_n and_o we_o know_v that_o these_o church_n can_v be_v say_v to_o have_v all_o the_o power_n that_o christ_n have_v entrust_v his_o church_n withal_o because_o there_o be_v another_o church_n unto_o which_o they_o be_v in_o subjection_n and_o on_o which_o they_o do_v depend_v but_o it_o seem_v they_o have_v the_o next_o degree_n of_o power_n unto_o that_o which_o be_v uppermost_a but_o whatever_o their_o power_n be_v it_o be_v so_o administer_v by_o chancellor_n commissary_n official_o in_o such_o way_n and_o for_o such_o end_n that_o i_o shall_v believe_v a_o dissent_n from_o they_o and_o it_o
sufficient_o weak_a in_o itself_o yet_o what_o it_o be_v lie_v against_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o that_o we_o be_v plead_v about_o but_o to_o reduce_v thing_n into_o the_o lesser_a compass_n i_o shall_v first_o confirm_v the_o truth_n by_o those_o argument_n or_o consideration_n which_o will_v defeat_v all_o the_o plea_n and_o pretence_n of_o they_o by_o who_o it_o be_v oppose_v and_o then_o confirm_v it_o by_o positive_a testimony_n and_o argument_n with_o all_o brevity_n possible_a first_o therefore_o i_o shall_v argue_v from_o the_o removal_n of_o all_o cause_n whereon_o such_o a_o cessation_n of_o church_n and_o ordinance_n be_v pretend_v for_o it_o be_v grant_v on_o all_o hand_n that_o they_o have_v a_o divine_a original_a and_o institution_n and_o be_v observe_v by_o all_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n as_o thing_n by_o he_o command_v if_o now_o therefore_o they_o cease_v as_o unto_o their_o force_n efficacy_n and_o use_n it_o must_v be_v on_o some_o of_o these_o reason_n 1._o because_o a_o limit_a time_n and_o season_n be_v fix_v unto_o they_o which_o be_v now_o expire_v so_o be_v it_o with_o the_o church-state_n and_o ordinance_n of_o old_a they_o be_v appoint_v unto_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n heb._n 9.10_o they_o have_v a_o certain_a time_n prefix_v unto_o their_o duration_n according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o who_o approach_n they_o wax_v old_a and_o at_o length_n utter_o disappear_v chap._n 8.13_o until_o that_o time_n they_o be_v all_o punctual_o to_o be_v observe_v mal._n 4.4_o but_o there_o be_v many_o antecedent_n indication_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n concern_v their_o cessation_n and_o abolition_n whereof_o the_o apostle_n dispute_v at_o large_a in_o his_o epistle_n unto_o the_o hebrew_n and_o from_o a_o pretend_a supposition_n that_o such_o be_v the_o state_n of_o evangelical_n ordinance_n namely_o that_o they_o have_v a_o time_n prefix_v unto_o their_o duration_n do_v the_o first_o opposition_n against_o they_o arise_v for_o montanus_n with_o his_o follower_n imagine_v that_o the_o appointment_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o continue_v in_o force_n only_o unto_o the_o come_n of_o the_o paraclete_n or_o the_o comforter_n promise_v by_o he_o and_o add_v a_o new_a frenzy_n hereunto_o that_o that_o paraclete_n be_v then_o first_o come_v in_o montanus_n they_o reject_v the_o institution_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o make_v new_a law_n and_o rule_n for_o themselves_o and_o this_o continue_v to_o be_v the_o principal_a pretence_n of_o they_o by_o who_o the_o use_n of_o gospel-ordinance_n be_v at_o present_a reject_v as_o that_o which_o be_v of_o no_o force_n or_o efficacy_n either_o they_o have_v receive_v or_o do_v speedy_o look_v for_o such_o a_o dispensation_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o his_o gift_n as_o wherein_o they_o be_v to_o cease_v and_o disappear_v but_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o vain_a than_o this_o pretence_n 1._o it_o be_v so_o as_o unto_o the_o limitation_n of_o any_o time_n as_o unto_o their_o duration_n and_o continuance_n for_o 1._o there_o be_v no_o intimation_n give_v of_o any_o such_o thing_n either_o in_o the_o divine_a word_n promise_v declaration_n about_o they_o or_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o institution_n themselves_o but_o whereas_o those_o of_o the_o old-testament_n be_v in_o time_n to_o be_v remove_v that_o the_o church_n may_v not_o be_v offend_v thereby_o see_v original_o they_o be_v all_o of_o immediate_a divine_a institution_n god_n do_v by_o all_o manner_n of_o way_n as_o by_o promise_n express_a declaration_n and_o by_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o institution_n themselves_o foresignifie_v their_o removal_n as_o the_o apostle_n prove_v at_o large_a in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n but_o nothing_o of_o this_o nature_n can_v be_v pretend_v concern_v the_o gospel_n church-state_n or_o worship_n 2._o there_o be_v no_o prediction_n or_o intimation_n of_o any_o other_o way_n of_o worship_n or_o serve_v god_n in_o this_o world_n that_o shall_v be_v introduce_v in_o the_o room_n of_o that_o establish_v at_o first_o so_o that_o upon_o a_o cessation_n thereof_o the_o church_n must_v be_v leave_v unto_o all_o uncertainty_n and_o utter_a ruin_n 3._o the_o principal_a reason_n why_o a_o church-state_n be_v erect_v of_o old_a and_o ordinance_n of_o worship_n appoint_v therein_o that_o be_v all_o to_o be_v remove_v and_o take_v away_o be_v that_o the_o son_n the_o lord_n over_o his_o own_o house_n may_v have_v the_o pre-eminence_n in_o all_o thing_n his_o glory_n it_o be_v to_o put_v a_o end_n unto_o the_o law_n as_o give_v by_o the_o disposition_n of_o angel_n and_o the_o ministry_n of_o moses_n by_o the_o institution_n of_o a_o church-state_n and_o ordinance_n of_o his_o own_o appointment_n and_o if_o his_o revelation_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n therein_o be_v not_o complete_a perfect_a ultimate_a unalterable_a if_o it_o be_v to_o expire_v it_o must_v be_v that_o honour_n may_v be_v give_v above_o he_o unto_o one_o great_a than_o he_o 2._o it_o be_v so_o as_o unto_o their_o decay_n or_o the_o loss_n of_o their_o primitive_a force_n and_o efficacy_n for_o their_o efficacy_n unto_o their_o proper_a end_n depend_v on_o 1._o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n this_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o spiritual_a efficacy_n unto_o edification_n in_o the_o church_n or_o whatever_o belong_v thereunto_o and_o therefore_o whatever_o church-state_n may_v be_v frame_v or_o duty_n way_n or_o mean_n of_o worship_n appoint_v by_o man_n that_o have_v not_o his_o institution_n how_o specious_a soever_o they_o may_v appear_v to_o be_v have_v no_o spiritual_a force_n or_o efficacy_n as_o unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n but_o whilst_o this_o institution_n of_o christ_n continue_v irrevocable_a and_o be_v not_o abrogate_a by_o a_o great_a power_n than_o what_o it_o be_v enact_v by_o whatever_o defect_n there_o may_v be_v as_o unto_o faith_n and_o obedience_n in_o man_n render_v they_o useless_a and_o ineffectual_a unto_o themselves_o however_o they_o may_v be_v corrupt_v by_o addition_n unto_o they_o or_o detraction_n from_o they_o change_v their_o nature_n and_o use_n in_o themselves_o they_o continue_v to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o use_n and_o efficacy_n as_o they_o be_v at_o the_o beginning_n 2._o on_o the_o promise_n of_o christ_n that_o he_o will_v be_v present_a with_o his_o disciple_n in_o the_o observation_n of_o his_o command_n unto_o the_o consummation_n of_o all_o thing_n matth._n 28.20_o to_o deny_v the_o continue_a accomplishment_n of_o this_o promise_n and_o that_o on_o any_o pretence_n whatever_o be_v the_o venom_n of_o infidelity_n if_o therefore_o they_o have_v a_o irrevocable_a divine_a institution_n if_o christ_n be_v present_a in_o their_o administration_n as_o he_o be_v of_o old_a revel_v 2.1_o there_o can_v be_v no_o abatement_n of_o their_o efficacy_n unto_o their_o proper_a end_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o instrumental_a cause_n 3._o on_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n which_o give_v a_o infallible_a inseparable_a conjunction_n between_o the_o word_n or_o the_o church_n and_o its_o institution_n by_o the_o word_n and_o the_o spirit_n isai._n 59.21_o god_n covenant_n with_o his_o people_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o every_o church-state_n of_o all_o office_n power_n privilege_n and_o duty_n thereunto_o belong_v they_o have_v no_o other_o end_n they_o be_v of_o no_o other_o use_n but_o to_o communicate_v express_v declare_v and_o exemplify_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o his_o covenant_n unto_o his_o people_n and_o on_o the_o other_o the_o duty_n of_o his_o people_n according_a unto_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o same_o covenant_n unto_o he_o they_o be_v the_o way_n means_n and_o instrument_n appoint_v of_o god_n for_o this_o end_n and_o other_o end_n they_o have_v none_o and_o hereon_o it_o follow_v that_o if_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o man_n to_o appoint_v any_o thing_n that_o shall_v be_v a_o mean_n of_o communication_n between_o god_n and_o his_o people_n as_o unto_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o covenant_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n or_o the_o duty_n of_o obedience_n which_o it_o require_v on_o the_o other_o they_o have_v no_o power_n to_o erect_v any_o new_a church_n state_n or_o enact_v any_o thing_n in_o divine_a worship_n not_o of_o his_o institution_n this_o be_v the_o state_n of_o church_n and_o their_o ordinance_n they_o can_v be_v alter_v they_o can_v be_v liable_a unto_o any_o decay_n unless_o the_o covenant_n whereunto_o they_o be_v annex_v be_v alter_v or_o decay_v and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n to_o put_v final_o and_o absolute_o his_o argument_n unto_o a_o issue_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o moysaicall_a church-state_n and_o ordinance_n be_v change_v because_o useless_a and_o ineffectual_a do_v it_o on_o this_o ground_n that_o the_o covenant_n whereunto_o they_o be_v annex_v be_v change_v and_o become_v useless_a this_o i_o suppose_v
testimony_n produce_v be_v that_o of_o calvin_n a_o large_a discourse_n he_o have_v institut_n lib._n 4._o cap._n 1._o against_o causeless_a separation_n from_o a_o true_a church_n and_o by_o who_o be_v they_o not_o condemn_v no_o determination_n of_o the_o case_n in_o hand_n can_v be_v thence_o derive_v nor_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o our_o refrain_v communion_n with_o parochial_a assembly_n the_o same_o with_o those_o which_o he_o condemn_v as_o insufficient_a for_o a_o total_a separation_n nor_o be_v the_o separation_n he_o oppose_v in_o those_o day_n which_o be_v absolute_a and_o total_a with_o a_o condemnation_n of_o the_o church_n from_o which_o it_o be_v make_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o that_o wherewith_o we_o be_v charge_v at_o least_o not_o with_o what_o we_o own_o and_o allow_v he_o give_v the_o note_n of_o a_o true_a church_n to_o be_v the_o pure_a preach_v of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n according_a unto_o christ_n institution_n where_o these_o be_v he_o allow_v a_o true_a church_n to_o be_v not_o only_o without_o diocesan_n episcopacy_n but_o in_o a_o form_n and_o under_o a_o rule_n opposite_a unto_o it_o and_o inconsistent_a with_o it_o and_o if_o he_o do_v at_o all_o speak_v to_o our_o case_n as_o he_o do_v not_o nor_o unto_o any_o of_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o why_o shall_v we_o be_v press_v with_o his_o authority_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n more_o than_o other_o from_o who_o he_o differ_v also_o on_o the_o other_o beside_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o belong_v unto_o the_o pure_a preach_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n according_a unto_o christ_n institution_n than_o some_o seem_v to_o apprehend_v they_o may_v they_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o explain_v as_o that_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o they_o we_o may_v justify_v our_o whole_a cause_n both_o these_o may_v be_v want_v in_o a_o church_n which_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o such_o heinous_a error_n in_o doctrine_n or_o idolatry_n in_o worship_n as_o shall_v overthrow_v its_o be_v and_o their_o want_n may_v be_v a_o just_a cause_n of_o refrain_v communion_n from_o a_o church_n which_o yet_o we_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o condemn_v as_o none_o at_o all_o calvin_n express_v his_o judgement_n n._n 12._o i_o will_v not_o give_v countenance_n unto_o error_n no_o not_o to_o the_o least_o so_o as_o to_o cherish_v they_o by_o flattery_n or_o connivance_n but_o though_o i_o say_v that_o the_o church_n be_v not_o to_o be_v forsake_v for_o tri_a difference_n wherein_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v retain_v safe_a and_o sound_a wherein_o the_o integrity_n of_o godliness_n do_v abide_v and_o the_o use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n appoint_v of_o the_o lord_n be_v preserve_v and_o we_o say_v the_o same_o and_o this_o very_a calvin_n who_o do_v so_o severe_o condemn_v separation_n from_o a_o true_a church_n as_o by_o he_o state_v do_v himself_o quiet_o and_o peaceable_o withdraw_v and_o depart_v from_o the_o church_n of_o geneva_n when_o they_o refuse_v to_o admit_v that_o discipline_n which_o he_o esteem_v to_o be_v according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ._n it_o be_v certain_a therefore_o that_o by_o the_o separation_n which_o he_o condemn_v he_o do_v not_o intend_v the_o peaceable_a relinquishment_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o any_o church_n as_o unto_o a_o constant_a participation_n of_o all_o ordinance_n in_o it_o for_o want_v of_o due_a mean_n of_o edification_n much_o less_o that_o which_o have_v so_o many_o other_o cause_n concur_v therewith_o for_o the_o other_o learned_a man_n who_o he_o quote_v unto_o the_o same_o purpose_n i_o see_v not_o any_o thing_n that_o give_v the_o least_o countenance_n unto_o his_o assertion_n that_o our_o principle_n weaken_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o reformation_n it_o be_v true_a they_o plead_v other_o cause_n of_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n than_o those_o insist_v on_o by_o we_o with_o respect_n unto_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o indeed_o they_o have_v be_v otherwise_o much_o to_o blame_v have_v so_o many_o thing_n as_o they_o have_v to_o plead_v of_o great_a importance_n do_v we_o say_v that_o the_o reason_n which_o we_o plead_v be_v all_o that_o can_v be_v plead_v to_o justify_v the_o separation_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n it_o will_v weaken_v the_o cause_n of_o reformation_n for_o we_o shall_v then_o deny_v that_o idolatry_n and_o fundamental_a error_n in_o faith_n be_v any_o cause_n or_o ground_n of_o that_o separation_n however_o we_o know_v that_o the_o imposition_n of_o they_o on_o the_o faith_n and_o practice_n of_o all_o christian_n be_v more_o plead_v in_o justification_n of_o a_o separation_n from_o they_o than_o the_o thing_n themselves_o but_o allow_v those_o great_a reason_n to_o be_v plead_v against_o the_o roman_a communion_n as_o we_o do_v it_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o follow_v that_o our_o reason_n for_o refrain_v 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have_v justify_v the_o separation_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n wherein_o we_o be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o concern_v with_o a_o enquiry_n what_o triumph_n will_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n make_v over_o we_o have_v we_o no_o other_o reason_n to_o justify_v our_o separation_n from_o they_o but_o only_o those_o which_o as_o be_v pretend_v we_o plead_v in_o our_o cause_n i_o say_v whereas_o we_o do_v plead_v confirm_v and_o justify_v all_o the_o reason_n and_o cause_n plead_v for_o the_o separation_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n from_o they_o not_o oppose_v not_o weaken_v any_o of_o they_o by_o any_o principle_n or_o practice_n of_o we_o but_o far_o press_v the_o force_n of_o the_o same_o reason_n and_o cause_n in_o all_o instance_n whereunto_o they_o will_v extend_v i_o see_v neither_o what_o cause_n the_o papist_n have_v of_o triumph_n noâ—_n any_o thing_n that_o weaken_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o reformation_n he_o add_v further_a how_o shall_v we_o 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and_o let_v the_o world_n act_n like_o itself_o in_o hiss_v whereas_o therefore_o the_o cause_n of_o reformation_n be_v not_o in_o any_o thing_n weaken_v by_o our_o principle_n no_o argument_n no_o reason_n solid_o plead_v to_o justify_v the_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v desert_v by_o we_o neither_o testimony_n proof_n nor_o evidence_n be_v produce_v to_o evince_v that_o it_o be_v weaken_v by_o we_o i_o shall_v in_o the_o second_o place_n as_o be_v before_o propose_v prove_v that_o the_o whole_a cause_n of_o the_o protestant_n separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v strengthen_v and_o confirm_v by_o we_o there_o be_v some_o general_a principle_n on_o which_o the_o protestant_n proceed_v in_o their_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o which_o they_o constant_o plead_v in_o justification_n thereof_o the_o first_o
impartial_a consideration_n he_o charge_v on_o we_o with_o great_a solemnity_n as_o we_o love_v our_o own_o soul_n now_o although_o that_o passage_n in_o that_o great_a and_o holy_a person_n be_v not_o new_a unto_o i_o have_v not_o only_o read_v it_o many_o a_o time_n in_o his_o book_n but_o frequent_o meet_v with_o it_o urge_v by_o papist_n against_o all_o protestant_n yet_o upon_o the_o drs._n intimation_n i_o have_v give_v it_o again_o the_o consideration_n require_v the_o word_n as_o they_o lie_v in_o the_o author_n be_v to_o this_o purpose_n we_o shall_v also_o judge_v they_o who_o make_v schism_n be_v vain_a qui_fw-la sunt_fw-la immanes_a or_o inane_n not_o have_v the_o love_n of_o god_n rather_o consider_v their_o own_o profit_n than_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n who_o for_o small_a or_o any_o cause_n rend_v and_o divide_v the_o glorious_a body_n of_o christ_n and_o as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v destroy_v it_o speak_v peace_n but_o design_v war_n strain_v at_o a_o gnat_n and_o swallow_v a_o camel_n for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o rebuke_n of_o thing_n by_o they_o to_o equal_v the_o mischief_n of_o schism_n lib._n 4._o cap._n 62._o i_o know_v not_o why_o he_o shall_v give_v we_o such_o a_o severe_a charge_n for_o the_o impartial_a consideration_n of_o these_o word_n that_o as_o we_o love_v our_o soul_n we_o shall_v impartial_o and_o without_o prejudice_n consider_v they_o we_o hope_v that_o out_o of_o love_n to_o the_o truth_n the_o glory_n of_o christ_n and_o care_n of_o our_o own_o soul_n we_o do_v so_o consider_v and_o have_v long_a since_o so_o consider_v whatever_o belong_v unto_o the_o cause_n wherein_o we_o engage_v and_o the_o opposition_n that_o be_v make_v unto_o it_o nor_o will_v we_o be_v offend_v with_o any_o that_o shall_v yet_o call_v on_o we_o to_o persist_v and_o proceed_v in_o the_o same_o way_n but_o why_o such_o a_o charge_n shall_v be_v lay_v on_o we_o with_o respect_n unto_o these_o word_n of_o irenaeus_n i_o know_v not_o for_o although_o we_o great_o value_v the_o word_n and_o judgement_n of_o that_o holy_a person_n that_o great_a defender_n of_o the_o mystery_n and_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n from_o unwarrantable_a imposition_n yet_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n alone_o whereby_o we_o must_v be_v regulate_v and_o determine_v in_o these_o thing_n if_o we_o love_v our_o own_o soul_n beside_o what_o be_v we_o concern_v in_o they_o be_v every_o separation_n from_o a_o church_n a_o schism_n our_o author_n show_v the_o contrary_a immediate_o be_v refrain_v communion_n in_o a_o church_n state_n not_o of_o divine_a institution_n and_o in_o thing_n not_o prescribe_v by_o the_o lord_n christ_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n hold_v communion_n in_o faith_n and_o love_n with_o all_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o world_n a_o damnable_a schism_n or_o any_o schism_n at_o all_o have_v the_o reverend_a author_n in_o his_o whole_a book_n once_o attempt_v to_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v so_o though_o this_o be_v the_o whole_a of_o the_o matter_n in_o difference_n between_o we_o be_v our_o forbearance_n of_o communion_n in_o parochial_a assembly_n upon_o the_o reason_n before_o plead_v especial_o that_o of_o humane_a imposition_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o the_o schism_n from_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n without_o pretence_n of_o any_o such_o imposition_n do_v he_o judge_v we_o to_o be_v such_o as_o have_v no_o love_n unto_o god_n such_o as_o prefer_v our_o own_o profit_n before_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n i_o hearty_o wish_v and_o pray_v that_o he_o may_v never_o have_v a_o share_n in_o that_o profit_n and_o advantage_n which_o we_o have_v make_v unto_o ourselves_o by_o our_o principle_n and_o practice_n poverty_n distress_n ruin_n to_o our_o family_n danger_n imprisonment_n revile_n with_o contemptuous_a reproach_n comprise_v the_o profit_n we_o have_v make_v unto_o ourselves_o be_v our_o refrain_v communion_n in_o some_o outward_a order_n modes_n and_o rite_n of_o man_n institution_n our_o want_n of_o conscientious_a submission_n unto_o the_o court_n of_o chancellor_n commissary_n official_o etc._n etc._n a_o rend_n and_o destroy_v of_o the_o glorious_a body_n of_o christ_n be_v it_o cement_v unite_v and_o compact_v or_o fit_o frame_v together_o by_o these_o thing_n they_o former_o pretend_v to_o be_v his_o coat_n and_o must_v they_o now_o be_v esteem_v to_o be_v his_o glorious_a body_n when_o they_o no_o way_n belong_v unto_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o be_v the_o application_n of_o these_o thing_n unto_o we_o a_o effect_n of_o that_o love_n charity_n and_o forbearance_n which_o be_v the_o only_a preventive_a mean_n of_o schism_n and_o whereof_o if_o man_n be_v void_a it_o be_v all_o one_o upon_o the_o matter_n whether_o they_o be_v schismatic_n or_o no_o for_o they_o will_v be_v so_o when_o it_o be_v for_o their_o advantage_n wherefore_o we_o be_v not_o concern_v in_o these_o thing_n let_v whosoever_o will_v declare_v and_o vehement_o assert_v we_o to_o be_v guilty_a of_o schism_n which_o they_o can_v prove_v we_o can_v cheerful_o subscribe_v unto_o these_o word_n of_o irenaeus_n it_o may_v not_o be_v impertinent_a on_o this_o occasion_n to_o desire_v of_o some_o other_o that_o as_o they_o love_v their_o own_o soul_n and_o have_v compassion_n for_o the_o soul_n of_o other_o man_n they_o will_v serious_o consider_v what_o state_n and_o condition_n thing_n be_v come_v unto_o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n how_o much_o ignorance_n profaneness_n sensuality_n do_v spread_v themselves_o over_o the_o nation_n what_o neglect_v of_o the_o most_o important_a duty_n of_o the_o gospel_n yea_o what_o scoff_v at_o the_o power_n of_o religion_n do_v abound_v among_o we_o what_o a_o utter_a decay_n and_o loss_n there_o be_v of_o all_o the_o primitive_a discipline_n of_o the_o church_n what_o multitude_n be_v in_o the_o way_n of_o eternal_a ruin_n for_o want_v of_o due_a instruction_n and_o example_n from_o they_o who_o shall_v lead_v they_o how_o great_a a_o necessity_n there_o be_v of_o a_o universal_a reformation_n and_o how_o secure_o negligent_a of_o it_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n be_v what_o have_v be_v the_o pernicious_a effect_n of_o impose_v thing_n unnecessary_a and_o unscriptural_a on_o the_o conscience_n and_o practice_n of_o man_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n whereby_o the_o church_n have_v be_v deprive_v of_o the_o labour_n of_o so_o many_o faithful_a minister_n who_o may_v have_v at_o least_o assist_v in_o prevent_v that_o decay_n of_o religion_n which_o every_o day_n increase_v among_o we_o how_o easy_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v for_o they_o to_o restore_v evangelical_n peace_n and_o unity_n among_o all_o protestant_n without_o the_o loss_n of_o their_o ministry_n without_o the_o diminution_n of_o their_o dignity_n without_o deprivation_n of_o any_o part_n of_o their_o revenue_n without_o the_o neglect_n of_o any_o duty_n without_o do_v any_o thing_n against_o their_o light_n and_o conscience_n with_o respect_n unto_o any_o divine_a obligation_n and_o thereon_o set_v themselves_o serious_o to_o endeavour_v the_o remedy_n of_o these_o and_o other_o evil_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n under_o a_o sense_n of_o that_o great_a account_n which_o they_o must_v short_o give_v before_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o jesus_n christ._n he_o proceed_v to_o consider_v the_o case_n wherein_o the_o scripture_n allow_v of_o separation_n which_o he_o affirm_v to_o be_v three_o the_o first_o be_v in_o case_n of_o idolatrous_a worship_n this_o none_o can_v question_v they_o do_v not_o see_v from_o who_o yet_o we_o all_o separate_v as_o from_o idolater_n the_o second_o be_v in_o case_n of_o false_a dostrine_n be_v impose_v instead_o of_o true_a which_o he_o confirm_v with_o sundry_a instance_n but_o there_o be_v a_o little_a difficulty_n in_o this_o case_n for_o 1._o it_o be_v uncertain_a when_o a_o doctrine_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v impose_v be_v it_o when_o it_o be_v teach_v and_o preach_v by_o the_o guide_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n or_o any_o of_o they_o without_o control_v if_o so_o then_o be_v such_o preach_v a_o sufficient_a cause_n of_o separation_n and_o will_v justify_v they_o who_o do_v at_o present_a separate_v from_o any_o church_n who_o minister_n preach_v false_a doctrine_n how_o false_a doctrine_n can_v be_v otherwise_o impose_v i_o know_v not_o unless_o it_o be_v by_o exact_v a_o express_a confession_n of_o it_o as_o truth_n 2._o what_o false_a doctrine_n it_o be_v which_o be_v of_o this_o importance_n as_o to_o justify_v separation_n be_v not_o easy_o determinable_a 3._o if_o the_o guide_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n do_v teach_v this_o false_a doctrine_n who_o shall_v judge_v of_o it_o and_o determine_v it_o so_o to_o be_v and_o that_o ultimate_o so_o as_o
from_o the_o beginning_n however_o this_o be_v no_o part_n of_o our_o present_n contest_v namely_o whether_o some_o while_n after_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o church_n that_o be_v great_o increase_v and_o many_o elder_n in_o they_o there_o be_v not_o one_o choose_v as_o at_o alexandria_n by_o those_o elder_n themselves_o to_o preside_v among_o they_o who_o in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n be_v call_v a_o bishop_n but_o if_o i_o mistake_v not_o that_o alone_o which_o will_v advantage_v his_o cause_n be_v to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v in_o one_o city_n or_o any_o where_o else_o many_o not_o occasional_a assembly_n of_o christian_n or_o church_n member_n but_o many_o state_v fix_a church_n with_o officer_n of_o their_o own_o peculiar_o relate_v unto_o they_o entrust_v with_o church_n power_n and_o privilege_n at_o least_o as_o much_o as_o he_o afterward_o plead_v to_o be_v in_o our_o parochial_a church_n all_o under_o the_o government_n of_o one_o single_a bishop_n make_v up_o a_o new_a church_n state_n beyond_o that_o of_o particular_a congregation_n by_o their_o relation_n unto_o he_o as_o their_o common_a pastor_n this_o i_o take_v it_o be_v that_o which_o shall_v have_v be_v prove_v all_o the_o difficulty_n wherewith_o our_o assertion_n be_v accompany_v arise_v from_o the_o multiplication_n of_o believer_n and_o the_o increase_n of_o church_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n or_o present_o after_o for_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v so_o great_a as_o that_o those_o in_o one_o city_n can_v not_o continue_v in_o one_o church_n notwithstanding_o the_o advantage_n of_o occasional_a assembly_n the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n have_v 5000_o in_o it_o at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o word_n grow_v and_o prevail_v at_o ephesus_n and_o other_o place_n whereto_o i_o shall_v brief_o answer_v as_o hasten_v unto_o a_o close_a of_o this_o unpleasing_a labour_n i_o say_v therefore_o 1._o whatever_o difficulty_n may_v seem_v to_o be_v in_o this_o matter_n yet_o in_o point_n of_o fact_n so_o it_o be_v there_o be_v no_o church_n before_o the_o end_n of_o the_o second_o century_n of_o any_o other_o species_n nature_n or_o kind_n but_o a_o particular_a congregational_a church_n only_o as_o have_v be_v prove_v before_o let_v any_o one_o instance_n be_v produce_v of_o a_o church_n of_o one_o denomination_n national_a provincial_a or_o diocesan_n or_o of_o any_o other_o kind_n then_o that_o which_o be_v congregational_a and_o i_o will_v give_v over_o this_o contest_v but_o when_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v certain_a it_o be_v too_o late_o to_o inquire_v how_o it_o may_v be_v and_o on_o this_o occasion_n i_o shall_v add_v that_o if_o in_o that_o space_n of_o time_n namely_o before_o the_o end_n of_o the_o second_o century_n any_o proof_n or_o undoubted_a testimony_n can_v be_v produce_v of_o the_o imposition_n of_o the_o necessary_a use_n of_o liturgy_n or_o of_o state_v ceremony_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o church_n discipline_n consistent_a with_o that_o now_o in_o use_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n it_o will_v go_v a_o great_a way_n in_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o whole_a controversy_n between_o we_o 2._o the_o admirable_a prevalency_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o those_o day_n consist_v principal_o in_o its_o spread_a itself_o all_o the_o world_n over_o and_o plant_v seminary_n for_o far_a conversion_n in_o all_o nation_n it_o do_v indeed_o prevail_v more_o in_o some_o city_n and_o town_n then_o in_o other_o in_o some_o place_n many_o be_v convert_v in_o other_o the_o tender_a of_o it_o be_v utter_o reject_v how_o be_v it_o it_o prevail_v not_o unto_o the_o gather_n of_o such_o great_a number_n into_o any_o church_n sole_o as_o may_v destroy_v or_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o its_o congregational_a institution_n for_o not_o all_o not_o it_o may_v be_v half_a not_o sometime_o a_o three_o part_n of_o they_o who_o make_v some_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o attend_v unto_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n and_o many_o of_o who_o undergo_v martyrdom_n be_v admit_v as_o complete_a member_n of_o the_o church_n unto_o all_o the_o part_n of_o its_o communion_n hence_o there_o be_v many_o who_o upon_o a_o general_a account_n be_v esteem_v christian_n and_o that_o just_o where_o the_o church_n be_v but_o small_a 3._o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o in_o the_o next_o age_n after_o the_o apostle_n the_o church_n be_v any_o where_o so_o increase_v in_o number_n as_o to_o bear_v the_o least_o proportion_n with_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o city_n and_o town_n wherein_o they_o be_v the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n in_o the_o day_n of_o polyicarpus_n may_v just_o be_v esteem_v one_o of_o the_o great_a in_o those_o day_n both_o from_o the_o eminency_n of_o the_o place_n and_o person_n who_o be_v just_o account_v the_o great_a instructor_n of_o all_o asia_n as_o they_o call_v he_o when_o he_o be_v carry_v unto_o the_o stake_n but_o this_o church_n give_v such_o a_o account_n of_o itself_o in_o its_o epistle_n unto_o the_o church_n of_o pontus_n about_o the_o martyrdom_n of_o polycarpus_n as_o manifest_v the_o church_n there_o to_o have_v be_v a_o very_a small_a number_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o other_o inhabitant_n so_o as_o that_o it_o be_v scarce_o know_v who_o or_o what_o they_o be_v euseb._n lib._n 4._o cap._n 15._o so_o in_o the_o excellent_a epistle_n of_o the_o church_n of_o vienna_n and_o lion_n unto_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n and_o phrygia_n concern_v the_o persecution_n that_o befall_v they_o as_o they_o declare_v themselves_o to_o have_v be_v particular_a church_n only_o so_o they_o make_v it_o evident_a that_o they_o bear_v in_o number_n no_o proportion_n unto_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o place_n where_o they_o be_v who_o can_v scarce_o discover_v they_o by_o the_o most_o diligent_a search_n euseb._n lib._n 5._o cap_n 1._o 4._o as_o for_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o particular_a notwithstanding_o the_o great_a number_n of_o its_o original_n convert_v who_o probable_o be_v many_o of_o they_o stranger_n occasional_o present_a at_o the_o feast_n of_o pentecost_n and_o there_o instruct_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o they_o may_v in_o the_o several_a country_n whither_o they_o immediate_o return_v be_v instrument_n of_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o many_o year_n after_o it_o consist_v of_o no_o great_a multitude_n than_o can_v come_v together_o in_o one_o place_n to_o the_o mannagement_n of_o church_n affair_n act_n 15.20_o 21._o nor_o be_v it_o likely_a that_o pella_n a_o obscure_a place_n who_o name_n probable_o have_v never_o be_v know_v but_o on_o this_o occasion_n be_v like_a to_o receive_v any_o great_a multitude_n nor_o do_v epiphanius_n say_v as_o our_o author_n pretend_v that_o they_o spread_v themselves_o from_o thence_o to_o coelosyria_n and_o decapolis_n and_o basanitis_fw-la for_o he_o affirm_v express_o that_o all_o the_o disciple_n which_o go_v from_o jerusalem_n dwell_v at_o pella_n only_o he_o say_v that_o from_o thence_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o nazarenes_n take_v its_o original_n which_o spread_v itself_o afterward_o in_o coelosyria_n decapolis_n and_o basanitis_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d speak_v of_o that_o sect_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d they_o dwell_v all_o at_o pella_n sect._n 7._o p._n 239._o he_o quote_v another_o say_n of_o i_o namely_o that_o i_o can_v discern_v the_o least_o necessity_n of_o any_o positive_a rule_n or_o direction_n in_o this_o matter_n see_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o man_n do_v indispensible_o require_v it_o and_o hereon_o he_o attempt_v to_o make_v advantage_n in_o opposition_n unto_o another_o say_n as_o he_o suppose_v of_o i_o namely_o that_o the_o institution_n of_o church_n and_o the_o rule_n for_o their_o disposal_n and_o government_n throughout_o the_o world_n be_v the_o same_o state_v and_o unalterable_a from_o whence_o he_o make_v many_o inference_n to_o countenance_v he_o in_o his_o charge_n of_o schism_n but_o why_o shall_v we_o contend_v fruitless_o about_o these_o thing_n have_v he_o be_v please_v to_o read_v a_o little_a far_o on_o the_o same_o page_n he_o will_v have_v see_v that_o i_o affirm_v the_o institution_n itself_o to_o be_v a_o plain_a command_n which_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o duty_n require_v of_o man_n in_o church_n relation_n be_v sufficient_a to_o oblige_v they_o thereunto_o without_o any_o new_a revelation_n unto_o that_o purpose_n which_o render_v all_o his_o query_n exception_n and_o inference_n of_o no_o use_n for_o i_o do_v not_o speak_v in_o that_o place_n of_o the_o original_a institution_n of_o church_n who_o law_n and_o rule_n be_v universal_a and_o unalterable_a but_o our_o actual_a gather_n into_o particular_a church_n for_o which_o i_o say_v the_o necessity_n of_o duty_n be_v our_o warrant_n and_o the_o
be_v that_o the_o scripture_n the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v a_o perfect_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o religious_a worship_n so_o as_o that_o nothing_o ought_v to_o be_v admit_v which_o be_v repugnant_a unto_o it_o in_o its_o general_a rule_n or_o especial_a prohibition_n nothing_o impose_v that_o be_v not_o prescribe_v therein_o but_o that_o every_o one_o be_v at_o liberty_n to_o refuse_v and_o reject_v any_o thing_n of_o that_o kind_n this_o they_o all_o contend_v for_o and_o confirm_v their_o assertion_n by_o the_o express_a testimony_n of_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n to_o prove_v this_o to_o have_v be_v their_o principle_n in_o their_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v to_o light_n as_o they_o say_v a_o candle_n in_o the_o sun_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o fill_v up_o a_o volume_n with_o testimony_n of_o it_o after_o a_o while_n this_o principle_n begin_v to_o be_v weaken_v when_o the_o interest_n of_o man_n make_v they_o except_v from_o this_o rule_n thing_n of_o outward_a order_n with_o some_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n the_o ordain_v whereof_o they_o plead_v to_o be_v leave_v unto_o church_n as_o they_o see_v good_n hereby_o this_o principle_n i_o say_v be_v great_o weaken_v for_o no_o certain_a bound_n can_v ever_o be_v assign_v unto_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v exempt_v from_o the_o regulation_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o same_o plea_n may_v be_v manage_v for_o many_o of_o the_o popish_a order_n and_o ceremony_n that_o be_v reject_v as_o forcible_o as_o for_o they_o that_o be_v retain_v and_o whereas_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n agree_v to_o abide_v by_o this_o principle_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n there_o fall_v out_o a_o admirable_a harmony_n in_o their_o confession_n thereof_o but_o leave_v the_o necessity_n of_o attend_v unto_o this_o rule_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o order_n ceremony_n rite_n and_o mode_n of_o worship_n with_o the_o state_n of_o church_n in_o their_o rule_n and_o polity_n those_o difference_n and_o division_n ensue_v among_o they_o which_o continue_v unto_o this_o day_n but_o this_o persuasion_n in_o some_o place_n make_v a_o far_a progress_n namely_o that_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o impose_v on_o the_o conscience_n and_o practice_n of_o man_n such_o thing_n in_o religious_a worship_n provide_v that_o they_o concern_v outward_a order_n rite_n rule_n and_o ceremony_n as_o be_v no_o where_o prescribe_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o on_o severe_a penalty_n ecclesiastical_a and_o civil_a this_o almost_o utter_o destroy_v the_o great_a fundamental_a principle_n of_o the_o reformation_n whereon_o the_o first_o reformer_n justify_v their_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o whereas_o it_o be_v suppose_v the_o right_n of_o they_o who_o be_v to_o be_v the_o imposer_n to_o determine_v what_o do_v belong_v unto_o the_o head_n mention_v they_o may_v under_o that_o pretence_n impose_v what_o they_o please_v and_o refuse_v those_o who_o they_o impose_v they_o on_o the_o protection_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a principle_n namely_o that_o nothing_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o impose_v that_o be_v not_o prescribe_v in_o the_o scripture_n this_o have_v prove_v the_o rise_n of_o all_o endless_a difference_n and_o schism_n among_o we_o nor_o will_v they_o be_v heal_v until_o all_o christian_n be_v restore_v unto_o their_o liberty_n of_o be_v oblige_v in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n only_o unto_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o word_n of_o mr._n chillingsworth_n unto_o this_o purpose_n be_v emphatical_a which_o i_o shall_v therefore_o transcribe_v though_o that_o be_v a_o thing_n which_o i_o be_o very_o averse_a from_o require_v say_v he_o of_o christian_n only_a to_o believe_v christ_n and_o to_o call_v no_o man_n master_n but_o he_o only_o let_v those_o leave_n claim_v of_o infallibility_n who_o have_v no_o right_n unto_o it_o and_o let_v they_o that_o in_o their_o word_n disclaim_v it_o disclaim_v it_o likewise_o in_o their_o action_n in_o a_o word_n take_v away_o tyranny_n which_o be_v the_o devil_n instrument_n to_o support_v error_n and_o superstition_n and_o impiety_n in_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o world_n which_o can_v not_o otherwise_o long_o withstand_v the_o power_n of_o truth_n i_o say_v take_v away_o tyranny_n and_o restore_v christian_n to_o their_o just_a and_o full_a liberty_n of_o captivate_v their_o understanding_n to_o the_o scripture_n only_o that_o universal_a liberty_n thus_o moderate_v may_n quick_o reduce_v christendom_n to_o truth_n and_o unity_n part_v 1._o chap._n 4._o sect._n 16._o this_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o the_o first_o reformation_n we_o do_v not_o only_o firm_o adhere_v unto_o reject_v all_o those_o opinion_n and_o practice_n whereby_o its_o force_n be_v weaken_v and_o impair_v but_o also_o do_v willing_o suffer_v the_o thing_n that_o do_v befall_v we_o in_o give_v our_o testimony_n thereunto_o neither_o will_v there_o ever_o be_v peace_n among_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o world_n until_o it_o be_v admit_v in_o its_o whole_a latitude_n especial_o in_o that_o part_n thereof_o wherein_o it_o exclude_v all_o imposition_n of_o thing_n not_o prescribe_v in_o the_o scripture_n for_o there_o be_v but_o few_o person_n who_o be_v capable_a of_o the_o subtlety_n of_o those_o reason_n which_o be_v apply_v to_o weaken_v this_o principle_n in_o its_o whole_a extent_n all_o man_n can_v easy_o see_v this_o that_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o general_a as_o unto_o all_o the_o end_n of_o religion_n be_v the_o only_a foundation_n they_o have_v to_o rest_v and_o build_v upon_o they_o do_v see_v actual_o that_o where_o man_n go_v about_o to_o prescribe_v thing_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o divine_a worship_n not_o appoint_v in_o the_o scripture_n that_o no_o two_o church_n have_v agree_v therein_o but_o endless_a contention_n have_v ensue_v that_o no_o man_n can_v give_v a_o instance_n in_o particular_a of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a unto_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n or_o the_o observance_n of_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n that_o be_v not_o contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o hereon_o be_v ready_a to_o resolve_v to_o call_v no_o man_n master_n but_o christ_n and_o to_o admit_v of_o nothing_o in_o religion_n but_o what_o be_v warrant_v by_o his_o word_n second_o the_o second_o principle_n of_o the_o reformation_n whereon_o the_o reformer_n justify_v their_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v this_o that_o christian_a people_n be_v not_o tie_v up_o unto_o blind_a obedience_n unto_o church_n guide_n but_o be_v not_o only_o at_o liberty_n but_o also_o oblige_v to_o judge_v for_o themselves_o as_o unto_o all_o thing_n that_o they_o be_v to_o believe_v and_o practice_v in_o religion_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n they_o know_v that_o the_o whole_a fabric_n of_o the_o papacy_n do_v stand_v on_o this_o basis_n or_o dunghill_n that_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n be_v cement_v by_o this_o device_n namely_o that_o the_o people_n be_v ignorant_a and_o to_o be_v keep_v in_o ignorance_n be_v oblige_v in_o all_o thing_n unto_o a_o implicit_a obedience_n unto_o their_o pretend_a guide_n and_o that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v capable_a of_o nor_o fit_a for_o any_o other_o condition_n they_o take_v from_o they_o the_o only_a mean_n of_o their_o instruction_n unto_o their_o duty_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o that_o be_v the_o use_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o the_o first_o reformer_n do_v not_o only_o vindicate_v their_o right_n unto_o the_o use_n of_o the_o scripture_n itself_o but_o insist_v on_o it_o as_o a_o principle_n of_o the_o reformation_n and_o without_o which_o they_o can_v never_o have_v carry_v on_o their_o work_n that_o they_o be_v in_o all_o concernment_n of_o religion_n to_o judge_v for_o themselves_o and_o multitude_n of_o they_o quick_o manifest_v how_o meet_a and_o worthy_a they_o be_v to_o have_v this_o right_o restore_v unto_o they_o in_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n for_o the_o truth_n suffer_v as_o martyr_n under_o the_o power_n of_o their_o bishop_n this_o principle_n of_o the_o reformation_n in_o like_a manner_n be_v in_o no_o small_a degree_n weaken_v by_o many_o and_o so_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o dr._n still_o himself_o pag._n 127_o 128._o deny_v unto_o the_o people_n all_o liberty_n or_o ability_n to_o choose_v their_o own_o pastor_n to_o judge_v what_o be_v meet_v for_o their_o own_o edification_n what_o be_v heresy_n or_o a_o pernicious_a error_n and_o what_o be_v not_o or_o any_o thing_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n this_o be_v almost_o the_o same_o with_o that_o of_o the_o pharisee_n concern_v they_o who_o admire_v and_o follow_v the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d joh._n 7.49_o this_o rabble_n which_o know_v not_o the_o law_n yet_o be_v it_o this_o people_n who_o the_o apostle_n direct_v