since_o it_o be_v decree_v by_o a_o african_a synod_n 142._o that_o every_o one_o cause_n shall_v be_v hear_v where_o the_o crime_n be_v commit_v because_o that_o to_o every_o pastor_n be_v commit_v a_o particular_a portion_n of_o christ_n flock_n which_o he_o be_v particular_o to_o rule_v and_o govern_v and_o to_o render_v a_o account_n thereof_o unto_o the_o lord_n and_o so_o another_o african_a synod_n that_o decree_v the_o rebaptisation_n of_o those_o that_o be_v baptise_a by_o heretic_n thus_o conclude_v their_o synodical_a epistle_n to_o pope_n stephen_n who_o hold_v the_o contrary_a 217._o whereas_o we_o know_v that_o some_o bishop_n will_v not_o relinquish_v a_o opinion_n which_o they_o have_v embrace_v but_o keep_v the_o bond_n of_o peace_n and_o concord_n with_o their_o colleague_n will_v retain_v some_o proper_a and_o peculiar_a sentiment_n which_o they_o have_v former_o receive_v to_o these_o we_o offer_v no_o violence_n or_o prescribe_v any_o law_n since_o every_o bishop_n have_v in_o the_o administration_n of_o his_o church_n free_a liberty_n to_o follow_v his_o own_o will_n be_v to_o render_v a_o account_n of_o his_o action_n unto_o the_o lord_n after_o these_o two_o synodical_a determination_n it_o may_v be_v think_v needless_a to_o produce_v the_o single_a testimony_n of_o cyprian_a but_o that_o it_o show_v we_o not_o only_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o his_o age_n but_o also_o of_o their_o predecessor_n 118._o among_o the_o ancient_a bishop_n of_o our_o province_n say_v he_o some_o thought_n that_o no_o peace_n be_v to_o be_v give_v to_o adulterer_n for_o ever_o exclude_v they_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n but_o yet_o they_o do_v not_o leave_v their_o fellow-bishop_n or_o for_o this_o break_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o those_o that_o give_v peace_n to_o adulterer_n do_v not_o therefore_o separate_v from_o those_o that_o do_v not_o but_o still_o retain_v the_o bond_n of_o concord_n every_o bishop_n dispose_v and_o direct_v his_o own_o act_n render_v a_o account_n of_o they_o unto_o the_o lord_n thus_o every_o church_n be_v in_o this_o sense_n independent_a that_o be_v without_o the_o concurrence_n and_o authority_n of_o any_o other_o church_n it_o have_v a_o sufficient_a right_n and_o power_n in_o its_o self_n to_o punish_v and_o chastise_v all_o its_o delinquent_n and_o offend_a member_n §_o 2._o but_o yet_o in_o another_o sense_n it_o be_v dependent_a as_o consider_v with_o other_o church_n as_o part_v of_o the_o church_n universal_a 118._o there_o be_v but_o one_o church_n of_o christ_n say_v cyprian_n divide_v through_o the_o whole_a world_n into_o many_o member_n and_o one_o episcopacy_n diffuse_v through_o the_o numerous_a concord_n of_o many_o bishop_n a_o particular_a church_n be_v not_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o christ_n but_o only_o a_o part_n or_o member_n of_o the_o universal_a one_o and_o as_o one_o member_n of_o the_o natural_a body_n have_v a_o regard_n to_o all_o the_o other_o member_n thereof_o so_o a_o particular_a church_n which_o be_v but_o one_o member_n of_o the_o universal_a have_v relation_n and_o respect_n to_o the_o other_o member_n thereof_o hence_o though_o the_o labour_n and_o inspection_n of_o the_o bishop_n be_v more_o peculiar_o confine_v to_o their_o own_o parish_n yet_o as_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n universal_a they_o employ_v a_o general_a kind_n of_o inspection_n over_o other_o church_n also_o observe_v their_o condition_n and_o circumstance_n and_o give_v unto_o they_o a_o account_n of_o their_o own_o state_n and_o posture_n as_o cyprian_n inspect_v that_o of_o arles_n give_v this_o as_o his_o reason_n for_o it_o that_o 199._o although_o they_o be_v many_o pastor_n yet_o they_o be_v but_o one_o flock_n and_o they_o ought_v to_o congregate_v and_o cherish_v all_o the_o sheep_n which_o christ_n redeem_v by_o his_o blood_n and_o passion_n and_o the_o clergy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n thank_v cyprian_n that_o he_o have_v acquaint_v they_o with_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n in_o africa_n for_o say_v they_o 67._o we_o ought_v all_o of_o we_o to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n who_o member_n be_v distend_v through_o various_a province_n if_o the_o bishop_n of_o one_o church_n have_v any_o difficult_a point_n to_o determine_v he_o send_v to_o another_o bishop_n for_o his_o advice_n and_o decision_n thereof_o as_o when_o dyonisius_n bishop_n of_o alexandria_n have_v a_o critical_a cause_n to_o determine_v he_o send_v to_o xystus_n bishop_n of_o rome_n 254._o to_o know_v his_o opinion_n and_o counsel_n therein_o and_o so_o when_o there_o be_v some_o difference_n at_o carthage_n about_o the_o pacificatory_a libel_n of_o the_o martyr_n cyprian_a writ_n to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o their_o advice_n therein_o for_o say_v he_o 66._o dear_o belove_a brethren_n both_o common_a reason_n and_o love_n require_v that_o none_o of_o these_o thing_n that_o be_v transact_v here_o shall_v be_v keep_v from_o your_o knowledge_n but_o that_o we_o shall_v have_v your_o counsel_n about_o ecclesiastical_a administration_n in_o these_o and_o in_o many_o other_o such_o like_a case_n which_o will_v be_v needless_a to_o enumerate_v there_o be_v a_o correspondence_n between_o the_o particular_a church_n of_o the_o universal_a one_o §_o 3._o but_o that_o that_o chief_o deserve_v our_o 〈◊〉_d be_v their_o intercourse_n and_o government_n by_o synodical_a assembly_n that_o be_v by_o a_o convocation_n of_o bishop_n presbyter_n deacon_n and_o depute_a layman_n of_o several_a particular_a church_n who_o frequent_o meet_v together_o to_o maintain_v unity_n love_n and_o concord_n to_o advise_v about_o their_o common_a circumstance_n and_o condition_n to_o regulate_v all_o ecclesiastical_a or_o church-affair_n within_o their_o respective_a limit_n and_o to_o manage_v other_o such_o like_a thing_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v more_o large_o treat_v in_o the_o end_n of_o this_o chapter_n that_o which_o must_v be_v speak_v of_o in_o this_o section_n be_v the_o several_a kind_n or_o sort_n of_o synod_n the_o most_o august_n and_o supreme_a kind_n whereof_o be_v a_o universal_a or_o 〈◊〉_d synod_n which_o be_v a_o congregation_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o deputy_n of_o as_o many_o church_n as_o will_v please_v to_o come_v from_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n of_o this_o sort_n i_o find_v but_o one_o within_o my_o limit_a space_n of_o the_o first_o three_o hundred_o year_n after_o christ_n and_o that_o be_v the_o 279._o council_n of_o antioch_n that_o condemn_v paulus_n samosatenus_fw-la or_o if_o this_o will_v not_o pass_v for_o a_o general_n council_n there_o be_v no_o such_o one_o before_o that_o of_o nice_n which_o be_v hold_v anno_fw-la 325._o and_o so_o there_o be_v no_o one_o of_o this_o kind_n within_o that_o time_n to_o which_o i_o be_o confine_v but_o those_o synod_n which_o be_v very_o frequent_a within_o my_o prescribe_a time_n be_v provincial_a synod_n that_o be_v as_o many_o particular_a church_n as_o can_v convenient_o and_o orderly_o associate_v themselves_o together_o and_o by_o their_o common_a consent_n and_o authority_n dispose_v and_o regulate_v all_o thing_n that_o relate_v to_o their_o polity_n unity_n peace_n and_o order_n what_o extent_n of_o ground_n or_o how_o many_o particular_a church_n each_o of_o such_o synod_n do_v contain_v can_v be_v determine_v their_o precinct_n be_v not_o alike_o in_o all_o place_n but_o according_a as_o their_o circumstance_n and_o conveniency_n will_v permit_v so_o they_o form_v themselves_o into_o these_o synodical_a assembly_n and_o be_v govern_v in_o common_a by_o those_o synod_n who_o be_v call_v the_o synod_n of_o such_o or_o such_o a_o province_n as_o we_o read_v in_o cyprian_a of_o the_o 198._o province_n of_o arles_n and_o the_o bishop_n therein_o and_o cyprian_a frequent_o speak_v of_o the_o bishop_n of_o his_o province_n 118._o as_o the_o bishop_n 2_o in_o 99_o our_o province_n and_o 3_o throughout_o our_o province_n and_o 143._o throughout_o the_o province_n and_o tell_v we_o that_o 103._o his_o province_n be_v very_o large_a and_o that_o it_o be_v 202._o the_o custom_n of_o his_o province_n and_o almost_o all_o other_o province_n that_o upon_o the_o vacancy_n of_o a_o parish_n the_o neighbour_a bishop_n of_o that_o province_n shall_v meet_v together_o at_o that_o parish_n to_o ordain_v they_o a_o new_a bishop_n §_o 4._o how_o often_o these_o provincial_a synod_n be_v convene_v be_v uncertain_a since_o that_o vary_a according_a to_o their_o circumstance_n and_o their_o 〈◊〉_d custom_n firmilian_a bishop_n of_o caesarea_n in_o cappadocia_n write_v that_o in_o his_o province_n 236._o they_o meet_v every_o year_n and_o whosoever_o will_v consider_v the_o frequent_a synod_n that_o be_v mention_v in_o cyprian_a will_v find_v that_o in_o his_o province_n they_o meet_v at_o lest_o once_o and_o sometime_o twice_o or_o thrice_o a_o year_n §_o 5._o as_o for_o
the_o whole_a earth_n profess_v faith_n in_o christ_n than_o we_o may_v consider_v its_o unity_n in_o this_o sense_n either_o negative_o wherein_o it_o do_v not_o consist_v or_o positive_o wherein_o it_o do_v consist_v negative_o it_o consist_v not_o in_o a_o uniformity_n of_o rite_n and_o custom_n for_o every_o particular_a church_n be_v at_o liberty_n to_o follow_v its_o own_o proper_a usage_n one_o church_n be_v not_o oblige_v to_o observe_v the_o rite_n of_o another_o but_o every_o one_o follow_v its_o own_o peculiar_a custom_n thus_o with_o respect_n to_o their_o fast_a before_o easter_n there_o be_v a_o great_a diversity_n in_o the_o observation_n of_o it_o 193._o in_o some_o church_n they_o fast_v one_o day_n in_o other_o two_o in_o some_o more_o and_o in_o other_o forty_o hour_n but_o yet_o still_o they_o retain_v peace_n and_o concord_n the_o diversity_n of_o their_o custom_n commend_v the_o unity_n of_o their_o faith_n so_o also_o the_o feast_n of_o easter_n its_o self_n be_v various_o celebrate_v the_o asiatic_a church_n keep_v it_o on_o a_o distinct_a day_n from_o the_o european_n but_o yet_o still_o they_o retain_v ibidem_fw-la peace_n and_o love_n and_o for_o the_o diversity_n of_o such_o custom_n none_o be_v ever_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n so_o likewise_o write_v firmilian_a 237._o that_o in_o most_o province_n their_o rite_n be_v vary_v according_a to_o the_o diversity_n of_o name_n and_o place_n and_o that_o for_o this_o no_o one_o ever_o depart_v from_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n so_o that_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n universal_a consist_v not_o in_o a_o uniformity_n of_o rite_n and_o usage_n neither_o in_o the_o next_o place_n do_v it_o consist_v in_o a_o unanimity_n of_o consent_n to_o the_o non-essential_a point_n of_o christianity_n but_o every_o one_o be_v lest_o to_o believe_v in_o those_o lesser_a matter_n as_o god_n shall_v inform_v he_o therefore_o justin_n martyr_n speak_v of_o those_o jewish_a convert_v who_o have_v adhere_v to_o the_o moysaicall_a rite_n say_v that_o if_o they_o do_v this_o only_a through_o their_o weakness_n and_o 〈◊〉_d and_o do_v not_o persuade_v other_o christian_n to_o the_o observance_n of_o the_o same_o judaical_a custom_n that_o 266._o he_o will_v receive_v they_o into_o church-fellowship_n and_o communion_n whosoever_o impose_v on_o particular_a church_n the_o observance_n of_o the_o former_a of_o these_o two_o thing_n or_o on_o particular_a person_n the_o belief_n of_o the_o latter_a they_o be_v esteem_v not_o as_o preserver_n and_o maintainer_n but_o as_o violator_n and_o breaker_n of_o the_o church_n unity_n and_o concord_n a_o instance_n of_o the_o former_a we_o have_v in_o that_o controversy_n between_o the_o church_n of_o the_o east_n and_o west_n touch_v the_o time_n when_o easter_n be_v to_o be_v celebrate_v for_o when_o victor_n bishop_n of_o rome_n have_v excommunicate_v the_o 〈◊〉_d church_n because_o they_o continue_v to_o observe_v that_o feast_n on_o a_o different_a time_n from_o the_o church_n of_o the_o west_n not_o only_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o adverse_a party_n but_o even_o those_o of_o his_o own_o side_n condemn_v he_o as_o rash_a heady_a and_o turbulent_a and_o write_v several_a letter_n about_o this_o affair_n wherein_o as_o the_o historian_n write_v 193._o they_o most_o sharp_o censure_v he_o as_o for_o the_o latter_a we_o have_v a_o instance_n thereof_o in_o the_o controversy_n that_o be_v between_o stephen_n bishop_n of_o rome_n and_o cyprian_a bishop_n of_o carthage_n touch_v the_o validity_n of_o heretic_n baptism_n for_o when_o stephen_n anathematise_v cyprian_n because_o he_o hold_v the_o baptism_n of_o heretic_n to_o be_v null_n and_o void_a other_z bishop_n condemn_v stephen_n as_o a_o breaker_n and_o disturber_n of_o the_o church_n peace_n and_o among_o other_o firmilian_a a_o cappadocian_n bishop_n vehement_o accuse_v he_o as_o such_o because_o that_o he_o will_v impose_v upon_o other_o the_o belief_n of_o such_o a_o disputable_a point_n which_o say_v he_o be_v never_o wont_v to_o be_v do_v but_o custodierunt_fw-la every_o church_n follow_v their_o own_o different_a way_n and_o never_o therefore_o break_v the_o unity_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n which_o now_o say_v he_o stephen_n dare_v to_o do_v and_o break_v that_o peace_n which_o the_o ancient_a bishop_n always_o preserve_v in_o mutual_a love_n and_o honour_n and_o therefore_o we_o find_v in_o the_o act_n of_o that_o great_a council_n of_o carthage_n convene_v to_o determine_v this_o matter_n that_o when_o cyprian_n sum_v up_o the_o debate_n thereof_o he_o dehort_v his_o fellow-bishop_n from_o the_o impose_v humour_n and_o temper_v of_o stephen_n 443._o it_o now_o remain_v say_v he_o that_o every_o one_o of_o we_o declare_v our_o judgement_n concern_v this_o matter_n judge_v no_o man_n or_o remove_v any_o one_o from_o our_o communion_n if_o he_o think_v otherwise_o than_o we_o do_v for_o let_v none_o of_o we_o make_v himself_o a_o bishop_n of_o bishop_n or_o by_o a_o tyrannical_a terror_n compel_v his_o colleague_n to_o the_o necessity_n of_o obey_v so_o that_o the_o force_v a_o belief_n in_o these_o lesser_a matter_n be_v cruelty_n and_o tyranny_n in_o the_o imposer_n thereof_o who_o for_o such_o unreasonable_a practice_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o enemy_n to_o and_o violator_n of_o the_o church_n concord_n be_v the_o true_a schismatic_n inasmuch_o as_o they_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o schism_n and_o division_n unto_o who_o therefore_o may_v be_v apply_v that_o say_v of_o irenaeus_n 292._o that_o at_o the_o last_o day_n christ_n shall_v judge_v those_o who_o cause_n schism_n who_o be_v inhuman_a not_o have_v the_o fear_n of_o god_n but_o prefer_v their_o own_o advantage_n before_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n for_o trivial_a and_o slight_a cause_n rend_v and_o divide_v the_o great_a and_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 who_o speak_v peace_n but_o wage_v war_n true_o strain_v at_o a_o gnat_n and_o swallow_v a_o camel_n §_o 3._o but_o positive_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n universal_a consist_v in_o a_o harmonious_a assent_n to_o the_o essential_a article_n of_o religion_n or_o in_o a_o unanimous_a agreement_n in_o the_o fundamental_o of_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n thus_o 〈◊〉_d have_v recite_v a_o creed_n or_o a_o short_a summary_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n not_o much_o unlike_a to_o the_o aposile_n creed_n immediate_o add_v 36._o the_o church_n have_v receive_v this_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n although_o disperse_v through_o the_o whole_a world_n diligent_o preserve_v it_o as_o though_o she_o inhabit_v but_o one_o house_n and_o according_o she_o believe_v these_o thing_n as_o 〈◊〉_d she_o have_v but_o one_o soul_n and_o one_o heart_n and_o consonant_o preach_v and_o teach_v these_o thing_n as_o though_o she_o have_v but_o one_o mouth_n for_o although_o there_o be_v various_a language_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o the_o doctrine_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o so_o that_o the_o church_n in_o germany_n france_n asia_n egypt_n or_o lybia_n have_v not_o a_o different_a faith_n but_o as_o the_o sun_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o to_o all_o the_o creature_n of_o god_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n so_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n be_v a_o light_n that_o enlighten_v every_o where_o and_o illuminate_v all_o man_n that_o will_v come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n now_o this_o bond_n of_o unity_n be_v break_v when_o there_o be_v a_o recession_n from_o or_o a_o corruption_n of_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o doctrine_n as_o irenaeus_n speak_v concern_v tatian_n the_o father_n of_o the_o encratites_n that_o as_o long_o as_o his_o master_n justin_n martyr_n live_v he_o hold_v the_o find_v faith_n but_o after_o his_o death_n 〈◊〉_d fall_v off_o from_o the_o church_n he_o shape_v that_o new_a form_n of_o doctrine_n this_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n in_o doctrine_n according_a to_o hegesippus_n continue_v till_o the_o day_n of_o simeon_n cleopas_n bishop_n of_o jerusalem_n who_o be_v martyr_a under_o trajan_n but_o after_o that_o false_a teacher_n prevail_v such_o as_o the_o 〈◊〉_d marcionist_n 〈◊〉_d and_o other_o 143._o from_o who_o spring_v false_a christ_n false_a apostle_n and_o false_a prophet_n who_o by_o their_o corrupt_a doctrine_n against_o god_n and_o his_o christ_n divide_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n so_o that_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n universal_a consist_v in_o a_o agreement_n of_o doctrine_n and_o the_o corruption_n of_o that_o doctrine_n be_v a_o breach_n of_o that_o unity_n and_o whoever_o so_o break_v it_o be_v say_v to_o divide_v and_o separate_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o to_o be_v schismatic_n so_o irenaeus_n write_v that_o those_o that_o introduce_v new_a doctrine_n 278._o do_v divide_v and_o separate_v the_o unity_n
of_o the_o church_n and_o cyprian_a write_v that_o 296._o the_o devil_n find_v out_o heresy_n and_o sehism_n by_o which_o he_o may_v subvert_v the_o faith_n corrupt_v the_o truth_n and_o divide_v the_o unity_n but_o now_o for_o distinction_n sake_n the_o breach_n of_o this_o unity_n be_v common_o call_v heresy_n and_o the_o word_n schism_n general_o apply_v to_o the_o breach_n of_o the_o church_n unity_n in_o another_o sense_n of_o which_o more_o in_o the_o other_o section_n §_o 4._o if_o in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o consider_v the_o word_n church_n collective_o as_o denote_v a_o collection_n of_o many_o particular_a church_n in_o which_o sense_n it_o be_v once_o use_v in_o 214._o cyprian_a then_o its_o unity_n may_v have_v consist_v in_o a_o brotherly_a correspondence_n with_o and_o affection_n towards_o each_o other_o which_o they_o demonstrate_v by_o all_o outward_a expression_n of_o love_n and_o concord_n as_o by_o receive_v to_o communion_n the_o member_n of_o each_o other_o as_o 193._o irenaeus_n mention_n be_v observe_v between_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o asia_n in_o mutual_o advise_v and_o assist_v one_o another_o by_o letter_n or_o otherwise_o of_o which_o there_o be_v frequent_a instance_n in_o the_o ancient_n and_o especial_o in_o cyprian_n epistle_n and_o in_o manifest_v all_o other_o mark_v and_o token_n of_o their_o love_n and_o concord_n now_o this_o unity_n be_v break_v when_o particular_a church_n clash_v with_o each_o other_o when_o from_o be_v possess_v with_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n love_n and_o charity_n they_o be_v inflame_v with_o hatred_n rage_n and_o fury_n against_o each_o other_o a_o sad_a instance_n whereof_o we_o have_v in_o that_o controversy_n betwixt_o cyprian_a and_o stephen_n or_o rather_o between_o the_o church_n of_o europe_n and_o africa_n touch_v the_o validity_n of_o heretical_a baptism_n wherein_o those_o good_a man_n be_v so_o far_o transport_v with_o bitterness_n and_o rancour_n against_o each_o other_o that_o they_o interchangeable_o give_v such_o 〈◊〉_d language_n and_o invidious_a epithet_n as_o be_v too_o odious_a to_o name_n which_o if_o the_o reader_n be_v curious_a to_o know_v he_o may_v find_v too_o much_o of_o it_o in_o cyprian_n epistle_n or_o if_o several_a particular_a church_n have_v for_o the_o promotion_n of_o peace_n unity_n and_o order_n regular_o dispose_v themselves_o into_o a_o synodical_a government_n and_o discipline_n as_o be_v always_o do_v when_o their_o circumstance_n and_o conveniency_n will_v permit_v they_o than_o whoever_o break_v or_o violate_v their_o reasonable_a canon_n be_v censure_v as_o turbulent_a and_o factious_a as_o it_o have_v be_v evidence_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n and_o needs_o no_o far_a proof_n in_o this_o because_o that_o the_o schism_n of_o the_o ancient_n be_v not_o a_o breach_n of_o the_o church_n unity_n in_o this_o sense_n viz._n as_o denote_v or_o signify_v a_o church_n collective_a §_o 5._o but_o schism_n principal_o and_o original_o respect_v a_o particular_a church_n or_o parish_n though_o it_o may_v consequential_o influence_n other_o too_o now_o the_o unity_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n consist_v in_o the_o member_n love_n and_o amity_n towards_o each_o other_o and_o in_o their_o due_a subjection_n or_o subordination_n to_o their_o pastor_n or_o bishop_n according_o the_o breach_n of_o that_o unity_n consist_v in_o these_o two_o thing_n either_o in_o a_o hatred_n and_o malice_n of_o each_o other_o or_o in_o a_o rebellion_n against_o their_o lawful_a pastor_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o in_o a_o causeless_a separation_n from_o their_o bishop_n and_o those_o that_o adhere_v to_o he_o as_o for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o there_o may_v be_v envy_n and_o discord_n between_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o a_o parish_n without_o a_o formal_a separation_n from_o communion_n which_o jar_n and_o feud_n be_v call_v schism_n a_o instance_n whereof_o we_o find_v in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n unto_o who_o st._n paul_n object_v in_o 1_o cor._n 11._o 18._o when_o you_o come_v together_o in_o the_o church_n i_o hear_v that_o there_o be_v division_n or_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o original_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d schism_n among_o you_o here_o there_o be_v no_o separate_a communion_n for_o they_o all_o come_v together_o in_o the_o church_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v schism_n among_o they_o that_o be_v strife_n quarrel_n and_o discord_n and_o as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v perceive_v from_o the_o epistle_n of_o clemens_n romanus_n which_o be_v write_v to_o appease_v another_o schism_n in_o the_o same_o church_n of_o corinth_n there_o be_v then_o only_o turmoil_v and_o difference_n without_o any_o actual_a separation_n but_o on_o this_o i_o shall_v not_o enlarge_v because_o it_o be_v not_o what_o the_o ancient_n ordinary_o mean_v by_o schism_n §_o 6._o but_o that_o which_o they_o general_o and_o common_o term_v schism_n be_v a_o rebellion_n against_o or_o a_o ungrounded_a and_o causeless_a separation_n from_o their_o lawful_a pastor_n or_o their_o parish-church_n now_o because_o i_o say_v that_o a_o causeless_a separation_n from_o their_o bishop_n be_v schism_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o know_v how_o many_o cause_n can_v justify_v the_o people_n desertion_n of_o their_o pastor_n and_o these_o i_o think_v be_v two_o or_o at_o most_o three_o the_o first_o be_v apostasy_n from_o the_o faith_n or_o when_o a_o bishop_n renounce_v the_o christian_a faith_n and_o through_o fear_n of_o persecution_n embrace_v the_o heathenish_a idolatry_n as_o be_v do_v in_o the_o case_n of_o 200._o martialis_n and_o basilides_n two_o spanish_a bishop_n and_o be_v justify_v by_o a_o african_a synod_n as_o be_v to_o be_v see_v throughout_o their_o whole_a synodical_a epistle_n still_o extant_a among_o those_o of_o cyprian_n the_o second_o cause_n be_v heresy_n as_o irenaeus_n say_v 63._o we_o must_v fly_v far_o off_o from_o all_o heretic_n and_o origen_n allow_v the_o people_n to_o separate_v from_o their_o bishop_n 〈◊〉_d if_o they_o can_v accuse_v he_o of_o false_a and_o 〈◊〉_d doctrine_n a_o three_o cause_n be_v a_o scandalous_a and_o wicked_a life_n as_o be_v assert_v by_o a_o african_a synod_n hold_v anno_fw-la 258._o who_o exhortation_n and_o argument_n to_o this_o purpose_n may_v be_v see_v at_o large_a in_o their_o synodical_a epistle_n still_o extant_a in_o cyprian_a epist._n 68_o p._n 200._o out_o of_o which_o several_a passage_n pertinent_a to_o this_o occasion_n have_v be_v already_o cite_v in_o the_o six_o chapter_n of_o this_o treatise_n to_o which_o i_o must_v refer_v the_o reader_n of_o this_o mind_n also_o be_v irenaeus_n before_o they_o who_o write_v 278._o that_o as_o for_o those_o presbyter_n who_o serve_v their_o pleasure_n and_o have_v not_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n before_o their_o eye_n who_o contumelious_o use_v other_o be_v lift_v up_o with_o pride_n and_o secret_o commit_v wickedness_n from_o 〈◊〉_d such_o presbyter_n we_o ought_v to_o separate_v origen_n indeed_o seem_v to_o be_v of_o another_o mind_n and_o think_v that_o the_o bishop_n immorality_n in_o life_n can_v not_o justify_v his_o parish_n separation_n ezechiel_n he_o say_v he_o that_o have_v a_o care_n of_o his_o soul_n will_v not_o be_v scandalize_v at_o my_o fault_n who_o be_o his_o bishop_n but_o consider_v my_o doctrine_n and_o find_v it_o agreeable_a to_o the_o church_n faith_n from_o i_o indeed_o he_o will_v be_v averse_a but_o he_o will_v receive_v my_o doctrine_n according_a to_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o say_v the_o scribe_n and_o 〈◊〉_d sit_v on_o moses_n his_o chair_n whatever_o therefore_o they_o say_v unto_o you_o hear_v and_o do_v but_o according_a unto_o their_o work_n do_v not_o for_o they_o say_v and_o do_v not_o that_o scripture_n be_v of_o i_o who_o teach_v what_o be_v good_a and_o do_v the_o contrary_a and_o sit_v upon_o the_o chair_n of_o moses_n as_o a_o scribe_n or_o pharisee_fw-mi the_o precept_n be_v to_o thou_o o_o people_n if_o thou_o can_v not_o accuse_v i_o of_o false_a doctrine_n or_o heretical_a opinion_n but_o only_o behold_v my_o wicked_a and_o sinful_a life_n thou_o must_v not_o square_v thy_o life_n according_a to_o my_o life_n but_o do_v those_o thing_n which_o i_o speak_v now_o whether_o irenaeus_n or_o a_o african_a synod_n or_o origen_n be_v to_o be_v most_o credit_v i_o leave_v the_o learned_a to_o judge_v though_o i_o think_v they_o may_v be_v both_o near_o reconcile_v than_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v irenaeus_n and_o that_o synod_n affirm_v that_o the_o people_n of_o their_o own_o power_n and_o authority_n may_v immediate_o without_o the_o concurrent_a assent_n of_o other_o church_n upon_o the_o immorality_n and_o scandal_n of_o their_o bishop_n leave_n and_o desert_n he_o origen_n restrain_v the_o people_n from_o present_a execution_n till_o they_o have_v the_o authority_n of_o a_o synod_n for_o so_o do_v for_o thus_o he_o must_v be_v understand_v or_o else_o
he_o will_v contradict_v all_o other_o writer_n it_o be_v avouch_v by_o all_o that_o synod_n do_v depose_v all_o those_o bishop_n that_o be_v guilty_a of_o criminal_a and_o scandalous_a enormity_n as_o privatus_fw-la bishop_n of_o lambese_n be_v depose_v by_o a_o synod_n of_o ninety_o bishop_n 140._o for_o his_o many_o and_o heinous_a crime_n §_o 7._o but_o now_o except_v these_o three_o cause_n of_o apostasy_n heresy_n and_o immorality_n it_o be_v schism_n in_o a_o parish_n to_o leave_v their_o minister_n or_o to_o set_v up_o another_o bishop_n against_o he_o for_o though_o they_o at_o first_o choose_v their_o bishop_n yet_o their_o bishop_n be_v on_o their_o choice_n approve_v and_o confirm_v by_o the_o neighbour_a bishop_n they_o can_v not_o dethrone_v he_o without_o true_o assign_v one_o of_o those_o forementioned_a cause_n for_o this_o be_v to_o gather_v a_o church_n out_o of_o a_o church_n to_o erect_v a_o new_a altar_n and_o a_o new_a bishop_n which_o can_v not_o be_v in_o one_o church_n for_o as_o cyprian_n write_v 93._o god_n be_v one_o christ_n be_v one_o the_o church_n be_v one_o the_o rock_n on_o which_o the_o church_n be_v build_v be_v one_o wherefore_o to_o erect_v a_o new_a altar_n and_o constitute_v a_o new_a bishop_n beside_o the_o one_o altar_n and_o the_o one_o bishop_n be_v impracticable_a whosoever_o gather_v here_o scatters_z so_o to_o do_v be_v adulterous_a impious_a sacrilegious_a mad_a and_o wicked_a 138._o from_o hence_o say_v cyprian_n schism_n do_v arise_v that_o the_o bishop_n be_v not_o obey_v and_o it_o be_v not_o consider_v that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v but_o one_o bishop_n and_o one_o judge_n in_o a_o church_n at_o a_o time_n and_o 193._o this_o be_v the_o rise_n and_o source_n of_o schismatic_n that_o through_o their_o swell_a pride_n they_o contemn_v their_o bishop_n and_o so_o they_o go_v off_o from_o the_o church_n so_o they_o erect_v a_o profane_a altar_n and_o so_o they_o rebel_v against_o the_o peace_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o ordination_n and_o unity_n of_o god_n and_o again_o 208._o from_o thence_o proceed_v schism_n that_o the_o bishop_n who_o be_v but_o one_o and_o preside_v over_o the_o church_n be_v contemn_v by_o the_o proud_a presumption_n of_o man_n and_o he_o that_o be_v think_v worthy_a by_o god_n be_v esteem_v unworthy_a by_o men._n and_o again_o 209._o the_o church_n be_v the_o people_n unite_v to_o their_o bishop_n and_o the_o sheep_n adhere_v to_o their_o pastor_n the_o bishop_n be_v in_o the_o church_n and_o the_o church_n in_o the_o bishop_n whosoever_o be_v not_o with_o the_o bishop_n be_v not_o in_o the_o church_n and_o those_o do_v in_o vain_a flatter_v themselves_o who_o have_v not_o peace_n with_o god_n priest_n creep_v about_o and_o private_o communicate_v with_o some_o as_o they_o think_v when_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v not_o divide_v but_o connex_v and_o couple_v together_o by_o the_o unity_n of_o its_o agree_a bishop_n whosoever_o therefore_o shall_v causeless_o desert_v his_o bishop_n and_o solicit_v other_o so_o to_o do_v be_v a_o true_a schismatic_a since_o in_o so_o do_v 90._o he_o divide_v a_o portion_n of_o the_o flock_n with_o the_o bishop_n separated_z the_o sheep_n from_o their_o pastor_n and_o dissipate_v the_o member_n of_o christ._n from_o these_o quotation_n than_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o the_o primitive_a schism_n respect_v only_o a_o particular_a church_n and_o consist_v in_o a_o person_n be_v separation_n from_o communion_n with_o his_o lawful_a bishop_n without_o a_o just_a and_o authentic_a cause_n when_o any_o one_o shall_v set_v up_o a_o particular_a church_n in_o a_o particular_a church_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o lawful_a bishop_n thereof_o and_o shall_v draw_v away_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o that_o parish_n from_o the_o communion_n of_o their_o legal_a minister_n set_v up_o distinct_a meeting_n and_o 299._o conventicle_n as_o cyprian_n call_v they_o this_o be_v true_a schism_n for_o as_o ignatius_n say_v whosoever_o so_o assemble_v 2._o be_v not_o congregat_v legal_o according_a to_o the_o command_n and_o 7._o whosoever_o officiate_v without_o the_o bishop_n sacrifice_v to_o the_o devil_n §_o 8._o this_o notion_n now_o of_o schism_n give_v we_o a_o clear_a reason_n why_o we_o find_v in_o ignatius_n so_o frequent_a and_o pathetic_a injunction_n of_o obedience_n to_o and_o unity_n with_o our_o respective_a pastor_n of_o avoid_v all_o division_n and_o close_o adhere_v to_o they_o because_o a_o desert_v of_o they_o or_o a_o separate_n from_o they_o be_v a_o commission_n of_o this_o horrid_a and_o detestable_a sin_n of_o schism_n as_o will_v appear_v from_o these_o follow_a exhortation_n and_o instruction_n of_o he_o with_o which_o every_o leaf_n almost_o of_o his_o epistle_n be_v fraught_v and_o furnish_v 6._o all_o you_o of_o the_o church_n of_o smirna_n obey_v your_o bishop_n as_o jesus_n christ_n do_v the_o father_n and_o the_o presbytery_n as_o the_o apostle_n and_o honour_v the_o 〈◊〉_d according_a to_o the_o command_n of_o god_n let_v nothing_o of_o ecclesiastical_a service_n be_v do_v without_o the_o bishop_n let_v that_o communion_n only_o be_v esteem_v valid_a which_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o bishop_n or_o by_o one_o permit_v by_o he_o wherever_o the_o bishop_n be_v there_o let_v the_o people_n be_v as_o where_o jesus_n christ_n be_v there_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v it_o be_v not_o lawful_a without_o the_o bishop_n or_o one_o permit_v by_o he_o to_o baptize_v or_o celebrate_v the_o 〈◊〉_d this_o be_v please_v unto_o god_n that_o so_o whatsoever_o be_v do_v may_v be_v firm_a and_o legal_a 14._o have_v respect_n unto_o your_o bishop_n as_o god_n have_v respect_n unto_o you_o my_o soul_n for_o they_o that_o obey_v their_o bishop_n presbyter_n and_o deacon_n and_o with_o they_o let_v my_o part_n in_o god_n be_v 20._o let_v we_o not_o resist_v our_o bishop_n lest_o we_o be_v find_v resister_n of_o god_n 33._o i_o exhort_v you_o to_o do_v every_o thing_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o god_n the_o bishop_n preside_v in_o the_o place_n of_o god_n and_o the_o presbyter_n in_o the_o place_n of_o the_o council_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o deacon_n persorm_v the_o entrust_v ministry_n of_o jesus_n christ_n let_v there_o nothing_o be_v in_o you_o that_o may_v divide_v you_o but_o be_v unite_v to_o your_o bishop_n and_o president_n as_o therefore_o christ_n do_v nothing_o without_o the_o father_n be_v unite_v to_o he_o neither_o by_o himself_o nor_o by_o his_o apostle_n so_o do_v you_o nothing_o without_o the_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n nor_o private_o withdraw_v from_o they_o but_o assemble_v together_o have_v one_o prayer_n one_o supplication_n one_o mind_n and_o one_o hope_n 40._o flee_v all_o division_n where_o the_o pastor_n be_v there_o as_o sheep_n follow_v for_o there_o be_v many_o 〈◊〉_d wolf_n that_o seek_v to_o carry_v you_o away_o but_o let_v they_o have_v no_o place_n in_o your_o unity_n whoever_o be_v god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n they_o be_v with_o the_o bishop_n and_o whosoever_o repent_v shall_v come_v to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n those_o shall_v be_v god_n that_o they_o may_v live_v according_a to_o jesus_n christ._n be_v not_o deceive_v my_o brethren_n if_o any_o one_o follow_v a_o 〈◊〉_d or_o one_o that_o cause_v division_n and_o separation_n he_o shall_v not_o inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n 43._o respect_v the_o bishop_n presbyter_n and_o deacon_n do_v nothing_o without_o the_o bishop_n keep_v your_o flesh_n as_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n love_n unity_n avoid_v schism_n be_v follower_n of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o he_o be_v of_o his_o father_n where_o division_n and_o wrath_n be_v god_n dwell_v not_o god_n therefore_o pardon_v all_o penitent_n if_o they_o penitential_o return_v to_o the_o unity_n of_o god_n and_o the_o presbytery_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o some_o other_o such_o like_a expression_n there_o be_v in_o the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o this_o father_n which_o evident_o demonstrate_v schism_n to_o be_v nothing_o else_o than_o a_o causeless_a separation_n from_o our_o parish_n bishop_n or_o minister_n and_o a_o wander_a after_o or_o a_o adhesion_n to_o another_o false_a and_o pretend_a pastor_n §_o 9_o but_o for_o the_o clear_a proof_n that_o this_o be_v what_o the_o father_n be_v mean_v by_o schism_n it_o may_v not_o be_v altogether_o unnecessary_a to_o add_v unto_o these_o quotation_n a_o example_n or_o two_o for_o example_n more_o convince_o 〈◊〉_d than_o bare_a testimony_n and_o citation_n and_o here_o let_v we_o first_o view_v the_o schism_n of_o felicissimus_n in_o the_o hurch_n of_o carthage_n as_o it_o be_v relate_v in_o the_o 38th_o 40th_o and_o 55th_o epistle_n of_o cyprian_a and_o we_o shall_v find_v it_o respect_v only_o that_o particular_a church_n or_o parish_n when_o cyprian_n be_v elect_v bishop_n of_o carthage_n felicissimus_n and_o other_o of_o his_o faction_n oppose_v he_o but_o
many_o rite_n be_v vary_v according_a to_o the_o diversity_n of_o name_n and_o place_n but_o yet_o say_v he_o never_o any_o one_o for_o this_o break_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n one_o church_n or_o bishop_n do_v not_o in_o those_o day_n anathematise_v another_o for_o a_o disagreement_n in_o rite_n and_o custom_n except_o when_o victor_n bishop_n of_o rome_n through_o his_o pride_n and_o turbulence_n excommunicate_v the_o asiatic_a bishop_n for_o their_o different_a observation_n of_o easter_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o action_n of_o his_o be_v very_o ill_o resent_v by_o the_o other_o bishop_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o condemn_v by_o they_o as_o alien_n from_o peace_n and_o unity_n and_o contrary_a to_o that_o love_n and_o charity_n which_o be_v the_o very_a soul_n and_o spirit_n of_o the_o gospel_n even_o the_o bishop_n of_o his_o own_o party_n that_o celebrate_a easter_n on_o the_o same_o day_n that_o he_o do_v censure_v his_o 〈◊〉_d and_o violence_n as_o unchristian_a and_o uncharitable_a and_o write_v several_a letter_n wherein_o 192._o they_o severe_o check_v he_o as_o eusebius_n report_v in_o who_o time_n they_o be_v extant_a all_o which_o be_v now_o lose_v except_o the_o fragment_n of_o a_o epistle_n write_v by_o irenaeus_n and_o other_o bishop_n of_o france_n wherein_o 193._o they_o affirm_v that_o victor_n be_v in_o the_o right_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o time_n of_o easter_n that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v celebrate_v as_o he_o say_v on_o the_o lord_n day_n but_o that_o yet_o he_o have_v do_v very_a 〈◊〉_d to_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n those_o that_o observe_v it_o otherwise_o that_o it_o have_v never_o be_v know_v that_o any_o church_n be_v excommunicate_v for_o a_o disagreement_n in_o rite_n 〈◊〉_d of_o which_o there_o be_v not_o only_o in_o the_o time_n of_o easter_n 〈◊〉_d self_n but_o in_o the_o fast_a that_o precede_v it_o some_o fast_v one_o day_n other_o more_z some_o forty_o hour_n which_o variety_n of_o observation_n begin_v not_o first_o in_o our_o age_n but_o long_o before_o we_o in_o the_o time_n of_o our_o ancestor_n who_o yet_o preserve_v peace_n and_o unity_n among_o themselves_o as_o we_o now_o do_v for_o the_o diversity_n of_o 〈◊〉_d commend_v the_o unity_n of_o faith_n and_o as_o for_o this_o 〈◊〉_d concern_v the_o time_n of_o easter_n the_o bishop_n which_o govern_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n before_o soter_n viz._n anicetus_n pius_n higynus_n telesphorus_n and_o xystus_n they_o never_o celebrate_v it_o the_o same_o time_n with_o the_o 〈◊〉_d neither_o will_v they_o permit_v any_o of_o their_o people_n so_o to_o do_v but_o yet_o they_o 〈◊〉_d kind_a and_o 〈◊〉_d to_o those_o who_o come_v to_o they_o from_o those_o 〈◊〉_d where_o they_o do_v otherwise_o observe_v it_o and_o never_o any_o for_o this_o cause_n be_v throw_v out_o of_o the_o church_n even_o your_o predecessor_n though_o they_o do_v not_o keep_v it_o yet_o they_o send_v the_o eucharist_n to_o those_o that_o do_v keep_v it_o and_o when_o in_o the_o time_n of_o anicetus_n bless_a polycarp_n come_v to_o rome_n and_o there_o be_v some_o controversy_n between_o they_o they_o do_v not_o separate_v from_o one_o another_o but_o still_o maintain_v peace_n and_o love_n and_o though_o anicetus_n can_v never_o persuade_v polycarp_n nor_o polycarp_n anicetus_n to_o be_v of_o each_o other_o mind_n yet_o they_o communicate_v one_o with_o another_o and_o anicetus_n in_o honour_n to_o polycarpus_n permit_v he_o to_o consecrate_v the_o sacrament_n in_o his_o church_n and_o so_o they_o depart_v in_o mutual_a love_n and_o kindness_n and_o all_o the_o church_n whether_o observe_v or_o not_o observe_v the_o same_o day_n retain_v peace_n and_o unity_n among_o themselves_o §_o 4._o but_o though_o one_o church_n can_v not_o oblige_v another_o to_o a_o conformity_n in_o rite_n and_o custom_n yet_o a_o particular_a church_n or_o parish_n can_v enforce_v its_o own_o member_n to_o such_o a_o conformity_n a_o instance_n whereof_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o that_o famous_a controversy_n about_o the_o time_n of_o easter_n it_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o asiatic_n to_o celebrate_v that_o feast_n at_o the_o full_a moon_n or_o at_o the_o same_o time_n with_o the_o jewish_a passover_n on_o whatsoever_o day_n of_o the_o week_n it_o happen_v it_o be_v the_o manner_n at_o rome_n to_o observe_v it_o the_o lord_n day_n after_o and_o both_o these_o church_n quiet_o follow_v their_o several_a usage_n without_o impose_v they_o on_o each_o other_o but_o yet_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n permit_v none_o of_o their_o member_n to_o solemnize_v it_o after_o the_o roman_a manner_n neither_o do_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n or_o of_o the_o west_n license_v any_o of_o their_o inhabitant_n to_o celebrate_v it_o after_o the_o asiatic_a manner_n for_o if_o either_o of_o they_o have_v grant_v any_o such_o thing_n there_o must_v have_v ensue_v confusion_n and_o disorder_n to_o have_v see_v easter_n different_o observe_v in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o church_n whilst_o some_o member_n of_o a_o parish_n where_o fast_v to_o behold_v other_o feast_v will_v have_v be_v a_o perfect_a ataxy_n and_o irregularity_n therefore_o though_o anioetus_fw-la bishop_n of_o rome_n retain_v peace_n and_o unity_n with_o foreign_a church_n that_o differ_v from_o he_o as_o to_o the_o time_n of_o easter_n without_o oblige_v they_o to_o a_o compliance_n with_o the_o roman_a custom_n yet_o he_o peremptory_o require_v it_o of_o the_o member_n of_o his_o own_o church_n and_o 193._o will_v never_o permit_v they_o to_o solemnize_v that_o feast_n on_o the_o same_o time_n with_o the_o asiatic_n so_o that_o though_o every_o church_n have_v the_o liberty_n to_o use_v what_o rite_n she_o please_v yet_o every_o particular_a member_n have_v not_o but_o be_v oblige_v to_o observe_v the_o manner_n and_o custom_n of_o that_o church_n where_o he_o live_v or_o where_o he_o occasional_o communicate_v a_o church_n collective_o or_o the_o majority_n 〈◊〉_d a_o church_n with_o their_o bishop_n can_v change_v their_o old_a custom_n and_o introduce_v new_a one_o as_o be_v do_v in_o the_o affair_n of_o easter_n the_o asiatic_n at_o length_n submit_v to_o the_o roman_a usage_n but_o till_o that_o be_v do_v every_o particular_a member_n be_v require_v to_o follow_v the_o old_a custom_n of_o that_o church_n to_o which_o he_o belong_v and_o not_o to_o bring_v in_o any_o innovation_n or_o new_a rite_n because_o as_o be_v say_v before_o that_o will_v beget_v tumult_n and_o disorder_n and_o the_o person_n so_o act_v will_v be_v guilty_a of_o that_o strife_n and_o contention_n which_o be_v condemn_v by_o those_o word_n of_o the_o holy_a apostle_n 1_o cor._n 11._o 16._o but_o if_o any_o man_n seem_v to_o be_v contentious_a we_o have_v no_o such_o custom_n neither_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v as_o if_o the_o apostle_n have_v say_v if_o any_o man_n either_o to_o show_v their_o wit_n or_o to_o head_n and_o strengthen_v a_o party_n will_v contradict_v what_o we_o have_v say_v and_o affirm_v it_o to_o be_v decent_a and_o comely_a either_o for_o man_n to_o pray_v cover_v or_o woman_n uncover_v this_o shall_v silence_v such_o contentious_a opposer_n that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o rite_n or_o custom_n in_o any_o of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n but_o their_o practice_n be_v the_o very_a same_o with_o what_o we_o have_v direct_v unto_o and_o therefore_o to_o that_o they_o ought_v peaceable_o and_o quiet_o to_o submit_v and_o yield_v thus_o now_o i_o have_v finish_v this_o enquiry_n and_o have_v as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v search_v into_o what_o be_v first_o propose_v if_o i_o have_v not_o illustrate_v any_o point_n as_o clear_o as_o may_v be_v expect_v the_o reason_n be_v because_o i_o find_v nothing_o far_o pertinent_a thereunto_o in_o those_o write_n to_o which_o i_o be_o confine_v if_o i_o have_v i_o shall_v free_o have_v mention_v it_o whether_o i_o have_v be_v mistake_v in_o the_o sense_n and_o mean_v of_o any_o passage_n i_o must_v leave_v unto_o my_o reader_n to_o judge_v all_o that_o i_o can_v say_v be_v that_o i_o be_o not_o conscious_a to_o myself_o of_o any_o wilful_a and_o design_v mistake_v have_v throughout_o this_o whole_a discourse_n endeavour_v deavour_v to_o find_v out_o the_o plain_a and_o naked_a truth_n without_o be_v bias_v to_o any_o party_n or_o faction_n whatsoever_o and_o that_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v be_v so_o kind_a and_o favourable_a as_o to_o convince_v i_o of_o any_o slip_v or_o error_n which_o i_o may_v have_v commit_v through_o inconsideration_n or_o want_v of_o a_o due_a understanding_n i_o shall_v thankful_o acknowledge_v they_o and_o willing_o renounce_v and_o leave_v they_o §_o 5._o what_o have_v be_v relate_v concern_v the_o constitution_n discipline_n unity_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o primitive_a
the_o member_n that_o compose_v these_o synod_n they_o be_v bishop_n presbyter_n deacon_n and_o depute_a layman_n in_o behalf_n of_o the_o people_n of_o their_o respective_a church_n thus_o at_o that_o great_a synod_n of_o antioch_n that_o condemn_v paulus_n samosatenus_fw-la there_o be_v present_a 279._o bishop_n presbyter_n deacon_n and_o the_o church_n of_o god_n that_o be_v layman_n that_o represent_v the_o people_n of_o their_o several_a church_n so_o also_o we_o read_v in_o a_o ancient_a fragment_n in_o eusebius_n that_o when_o the_o heresy_n of_o the_o montanist_n be_v fix_v and_o preach_v 181._o the_o faithful_a in_o asia_n meet_v together_o several_a time_n to_o examine_v it_o and_o upon_o examination_n condemn_v it_o so_o also_o when_o there_o be_v some_o heat_n in_o the_o church_n of_o carthage_n about_o the_o restitution_n of_o the_o lapse_v cyprian_n write_v from_o his_o exile_n that_o the_o lapse_v shall_v be_v patient_a till_o god_n have_v restore_v peace_n to_o the_o church_n and_o then_o there_o shall_v 41._o be_v convene_v a_o synod_n of_o bishop_n and_o of_o the_o laity_n who_o have_v stand_v firm_a during_o the_o persecution_n to_o consult_v about_o and_o determine_v their_o affair_n which_o proposition_n be_v approve_v by_o moses_n and_o maximus_n and_o other_o roman_a confessor_n who_o like_v the_o consult_v 60._o of_o a_o synod_n of_o bishop_n presbyter_n deacon_n confessor_n and_o the_o stand_a laity_n as_o also_o do_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o clergy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n who_o be_v willing_a that_o that_o affair_n 70._o of_o the_o lapse_v shall_v be_v determine_v by_o the_o common_a counsel_n of_o the_o bishop_n presbyter_n deacon_n confessor_n and_o the_o stand_a laity_n and_o thus_o at_o that_o great_a council_n hold_v at_o 〈◊〉_d anno_fw-la 258._o there_o be_v present_a eighty_o seven_o 443._o bishop_n together_o with_o presbyter_n deacon_n and_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o laity_n §_o 6._o if_o it_o shall_v be_v demand_v by_o who_o authority_n and_o appointment_n synod_n be_v assemble_v to_o this_o it_o will_v be_v reply_v that_o it_o must_v necessary_o have_v be_v by_o their_o own_o because_o in_o those_o day_n there_o be_v no_o christian_a magistrate_n to_o order_n or_o determine_v those_o affair_n §_o 7._o when_o a_o synod_n be_v convene_v before_o ever_o they_o enter_v upon_o any_o public_a cause_n they_o choose_v out_o of_o the_o grave_a and_o renow_v bishop_n among_o they_o one_o or_o sometime_o two_o to_o be_v their_o moderator_n or_o moderator_n as_o at_o the_o council_n hold_v at_o carthage_n anno_fw-la 258._o cypr._n cyprian_n be_v moderator_n or_o prolocutor_n thereof_o and_o so_o we_o read_v of_o the_o prolocutor_n of_o several_a synod_n that_o be_v assemble_v in_o divers_a part_n of_o the_o world_n to_o determine_v the_o controversy_n concern_v easter_n as_o 191._o victor_n bishop_n of_o rome_n be_v prolocutor_n of_o a_o synod_n hold_v there_o palmas_n bishop_n of_o amastris_n moderator_n of_o a_o synod_n hold_v in_o pontus_n and_o irenaeus_n bishop_n of_o lion_n of_o another_o in_o france_n 191._o polycrates_n bishop_n os_fw-la ephesus_n preside_v over_o a_o synod_n of_o asiatic_a bishop_n and_o 190._o at_o a_o convocation_n in_o palestina_n there_o be_v two_o moderator_n viz._n theophilus_n bishop_n of_o caesarea_n and_o narcissus_n bishop_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o office_n and_o duty_n of_o a_o moderator_n be_v to_o preside_v in_o the_o synod_n to_o see_v all_o thing_n calm_o and_o fair_o debate_v and_o decree_v and_o at_o the_o conclusion_n of_o any_o cause_n to_o sum_n up_o what_o have_v be_v debate_v and_o urge_v on_o both_o side_n to_o take_v the_o vote_n and_o suffrage_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o synod_n and_o last_o of_o all_o to_o give_v his_o own_o all_o this_o be_v evident_a in_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o council_n of_o carthage_n which_o be_v extant_a at_o the_o end_n of_o cyprian_n work_n cyprian_n be_v moderator_n of_o that_o council_n after_o all_o thing_n be_v read_v and_o finish_v relate_v to_o the_o question_n in_o hand_n sum_v up_o all_o tell_v the_o synod_n what_o they_o have_v hear_v and_o that_o nothing_o more_o remain_v to_o be_v do_v but_o the_o declaration_n of_o their_o judgement_n thereupon_o according_o thereunto_o the_o bishop_n give_v their_o respective_a vote_n and_o decision_n and_o last_o of_o all_o cyprian_a as_o precedent_n give_v in_o he_o §_o 8._o when_o the_o moderator_n be_v choose_v than_o they_o enter_v upon_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o affair_n that_o lay_v before_o they_o which_o may_v be_v consider_v in_o a_o twofold_a respect_n either_o as_o relate_v to_o foreign_a church_n or_o to_o those_o church_n only_o of_o who_o they_o be_v the_o representative_n as_o for_o foreign_a church_n their_o determination_n be_v not_o obligatory_a unto_o they_o because_o they_o be_v not_o represent_v by_o they_o and_o so_o the_o chief_a matter_n they_o have_v to_o do_v with_o they_o be_v to_o give_v they_o their_o advice_n and_o counsel_n in_o any_o difficult_a point_n which_o they_o have_v propose_v to_o they_o as_o when_o the_o people_n of_o astorga_n and_o emerita_n in_o spain_n have_v write_v to_o some_o african_a church_n for_o their_o advice_n what_o to_o do_v with_o their_o two_o bishop_n who_o have_v lapse_v in_o time_n of_o persecution_n this_o case_n be_v debate_v in_o a_o synod_n hold_v anno_fw-la 258_o who_o opinion_n thereupon_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o their_o synodical_a epistle_n extant_a at_o large_a among_o the_o work_n of_o cyprian_a epist._n 68_o p._n 200._o §_o 9_o but_o with_o respect_n unto_o those_o particular_a church_n who_o representative_n they_o be_v their_o decree_n be_v bind_v and_o obligatory_a since_o the_o regulation_n and_o management_n of_o their_o affair_n be_v the_o general_a end_n of_o their_o convening_n various_a and_o many_o be_v the_o particular_a end_n of_o these_o synodical_a convention_n as_o for_o the_o prevention_n of_o injustice_n and_o partiality_n in_o a_o parish_n consistory_n as_o suppose_v that_o such_o a_o consistory_n have_v wrongful_o and_o unrighteous_o censure_v one_o of_o their_o member_n what_o shall_v that_o censure_v person_n do_v unless_o appeal_v to_o the_o synod_n to_o have_v his_o cause_n hear_v there_o as_o felicissimus_n do_v who_o after_o he_o be_v excommunicate_v by_o his_o own_o parish_n of_o which_o cyprian_n be_v bishop_n 99_o have_v his_o cause_n hear_v before_o a_o synod_n who_o ratify_v and_o confirm_v the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n against_o he_o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v suppose_v it_o to_o be_v for_o the_o prevention_n of_o partiality_n and_o injustice_n that_o in_o lesser_n asia_n 236._o offender_n be_v usual_o absolve_v by_o the_o synod_n which_o meet_v every_o year_n synod_n also_o be_v assemble_v for_o the_o examine_n condemn_v and_o excommunicate_v of_o all_o heretic_n within_o their_o limit_n that_o so_o the_o faithful_a may_v avoid_v and_o shun_v they_o as_o paulus_n samosatenus_fw-la be_v condemn_v by_o the_o 279._o council_n of_o antioch_n for_o resolve_v of_o all_o difficult_a point_n that_o do_v not_o wound_v the_o essential_o of_o religion_n or_o have_v relation_n unto_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n as_o when_o there_o be_v some_o scruple_n about_o the_o time_n of_o baptise_v of_o child_n a_o 162._o synod_n of_o sixty_o six_o bishop_n meet_v together_o to_o decide_v it_o and_o so_o when_o there_o be_v some_o dispute_n concern_v the_o martyr_n power_n to_o restore_v the_o lapse_v 41._o synod_n be_v to_o be_v assemble_v to_o decide_v they_o but_o why_o do_v i_o go_v about_o to_o reckon_v up_o particular_n when_o as_o they_o be_v endless_a let_v this_o suffice_v in_o general_a that_o synod_n be_v convene_v for_o the_o regulation_n and_o management_n of_o all_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n within_o their_o respective_a jurisdiction_n as_o firmilian_a write_v that_o in_o his_o country_n 236._o the_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n meet_v together_o every_o year_n to_o dispose_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v commit_v to_o their_o charge_n here_o they_o consult_v about_o the_o discipline_n government_n and_o external_n polity_n of_o their_o church_n and_o what_o mean_n be_v expedient_a and_o proper_a for_o their_o peace_n unity_n and_o order_n which_o by_o their_o common_a consent_n they_o enact_v and_o decree_v to_o be_v observe_v by_o all_o the_o faithful_a of_o those_o church_n who_o they_o do_v represent_v he_o who_o deny_v this_o must_v be_v very_o little_o acquaint_v with_o the_o ancient_a council_n especial_o those_o which_o be_v hold_v after_o the_o emperor_n become_v christian_n the_o reason_n why_o we_o find_v not_o more_o synodical_a decree_n of_o the_o three_o first_o century_n come_v not_o from_o that_o they_o judicial_o determine_v none_o or_o require_v not_o the_o observance_n of_o they_o but_o from_o that_o either_o they_o be_v not_o careful_a or_o the_o fury_n and_o violence_n of_o the_o time_n will_v