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cause_n bishop_n church_n presbyter_n 1,664 5 10.2707 5 false
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A53704 An enquiry into the original, nature, institution, power, order and communion of evangelical churches. The first part with an answer to the discourse of the unreasonableness of separation written by Dr. Edward Stillingfleet, Dean of Pauls, and in defence of the vindication of non-conformists from the guilt of schisme / by John Owen. Owen, John, 1616-1683. 1681 (1681) Wing O764; ESTC R4153 262,205 445

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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 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pre-eminence_n and_o dignity_n peculiar_o appropriate_v unto_o he_o the_o nam●_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 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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 am●rose_n for_o say_v he_o ecclesia_fw-la ut_fw-la synagoga_fw-la seniores_fw-la habu●●_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 negl●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
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 common●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 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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 o●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 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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
person_n of_o a_o apostolical_a spirit_n consonant_n unto_o the_o stile_n and_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o a_o precious_a jewel_n and_o just_a representation_n of_o the_o state_n and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n in_o those_o day_n and_o sundry_a thing_n we_o may_v observe_v from_o it_o 1._o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o it_o that_o give_v the_o least_o intimation_n of_o any_o other_o church-state_n but_o that_o which_o be_v congregational_a although_o there_o be_v the_o high_a cause_n and_o reason_n for_o he_o so_o to_o do_v have_v there_o be_v any_o such_o church_n then_o in_o be_v the_o case_n he_o have_v in_o hand_n be_v that_o of_o ecclesiastical_a sedition_n or_o schism_n in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n the_o church_n or_o body_n of_o the_o brethren_n have_v unjust_o depose_v their_o elder_n as_o it_o shall_v seem_v all_o of_o they_o give_v advice_n herein_o unto_o the_o whole_a church_n use_v all_o sort_n of_o argument_n to_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o sin_n direct_v all_o probable_a mean_n for_o their_o cure_n he_o never_o once_o send_v they_o to_o the_o bishop_n or_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o the_o head_n of_o unity_n unto_o all_o church_n make_v no_o mention_n of_o any_o metropolitical_a or_o diocesan_n church_n and_o its_o rule_n or_o of_o any_o single_a bishop_n and_o his_o authority_n no_o one_o of_o any_o such_o order_n do_v he_o either_o commend_v or_o condemn_v or_o once_o address_v himself_o unto_o with_o either_o admonition_n exhortation_n encouragement_n or_o direction_n he_o only_o handle_v the_o cause_n by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o it_o be_v state_v between_o the_o church_n itself_o and_o its_o elder_n i_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o church_n at_o corinth_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n in_o the_o city_n and_o about_o it_o or_o comprehensive_a as_o some_o say_v of_o the_o whole_a region_n of_o achaia_n that_o there_o be_v a_o single_a officer_n or_o bishop_n over_o that_o whole_a church_n but_o none_o such_o be_v here_o mention_v if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o he_o be_v either_o depose_v by_o the_o people_n or_o he_o be_v not_o if_o he_o be_v depose_v he_o be_v only_o one_o of_o the_o presbyter_n for_o they_o be_v only_a presbyter_n that_o be_v depose_v if_o he_o be_v not_o why_o be_v he_o not_o once_o call_v on_o to_o discharge_v his_o duty_n in_o cure_v of_o that_o schism_n or_o blame_v for_o his_o neglect_n certain_o there_o be_v never_o great_a prevarication_n use_v by_o any_o man_n in_o any_o cause_n than_o be_v by_o clemens_n in_o this_o if_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n its_o rule_n and_o order_n be_v such_o as_o some_o now_o pretend_v for_o he_o neither_o let_v the_o people_n know_v wherein_o their_o sin_n and_o schism_n do_v lie_v namely_o in_o a_o separation_n from_o their_o bishop_n nor_o do_v once_o mention_v the_o only_a proper_a cure_n and_o remedy_n of_o all_o their_o evil_n but_o he_o know_v their_o state_n and_o order_n too_o well_o to_o insist_v on_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o then_o in_o rerum_fw-la natura_fw-la and_o wherein_o they_o be_v not_o concern_v 2._o this_o epistle_n be_v write_v as_o unto_o the_o whole_a church_n at_o corinth_n so_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o rome_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o dwell_v or_o sojourn_v as_o a_o stranger_n at_o rome_n in_o the_o city_n of_o rome_n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n that_o dwell_v or_o sojourn_v at_o corinth_n for_o although_o that_o church_n be_v then_o in_o disorder_n under_o no_o certain_a rule_n have_v cast_v off_o all_o their_o elder_n etc._n etc._n yet_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n not_o only_o allow_v it_o to_o be_v a_o sister-church_n but_o salute_v the_o brethren_n of_o it_o in_o the_o follow_a word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d call_v and_o sanctify_v through_o the_o will_n of_o god_n by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o so_o ready_a in_o those_o day_n to_o condemn_v the_o person_n nor_o to_o judge_v the_o church-state_n and_o condition_n of_o other_o on_o every_o miscarriage_n real_a or_o suppose_a as_o some_o have_v be_v and_o be_v in_o these_o latter_a age_n 2._o this_o address_n be_v from_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n at_o rome_n unto_o that_o at_o corinth_n without_o the_o least_o mention_n of_o the_o officer_n of_o they_o in_o particular_a it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o church_n themselves_o that_o be_v the_o whole_a entire_a community_n of_o they_o have_v communion_n with_o one_o another_o as_o they_o be_v sister-churche_n and_o that_o they_o have_v themselves_o the_o transaction_n of_o all_o affair_n wherein_o they_o be_v concern_v as_o they_o have_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n act_n 15.1_o 2_o 3._o it_o be_v the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n at_o antioch_n who_o determine_v that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n and_o certain_a other_o shall_v go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n to_o consult_v the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n see_v also_o chap._n 21.22_o this_o they_o do_v not_o nor_o aught_o to_o do_v without_o the_o presence_n guidance_n conduct_v and_o consent_n of_o their_o elder_n or_o ruler_n where_o they_o have_v any_o but_o this_o they_o be_v not_o exclude_v from_o and_o that_o church_n the_o whole_a body_n or_o fraternity_n whereof_o do_v advise_v and_o consult_v in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v concern_v on_o the_o account_n of_o their_o communion_n with_o other_o church_n be_v a_o congregational_a church_n and_o no_o other_o it_o be_v the_o church_n who_o send_v this_o epistle_n unto_o the_o corinthian_n claudius_n ephebus_n 73._o valerius_n bibo_n fortunatus_n be_v name_v as_o their_o messenger_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v send_v by_o we_o our_o messenger_n our_o apostle_n in_o these_o matter_n such_o as_o the_o church_n make_v use_v of_o on_o all_o such_o occasion_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n 2_o cor._n 8.23_o and_o the_o person_n who_o they_o send_v be_v only_a member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o not_o officer_n nor_o do_v we_o any_o where_o hear_v of_o they_o under_o that_o character_n now_o they_o can_v not_o be_v send_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n but_o by_o its_o consent_n nor_o can_v the_o church_n consent_n without_o its_o assemble_v together_o this_o be_v the_o state_n and_o order_n of_o the_o first_o church_n in_o that_o communion_n which_o be_v among_o they_o according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n they_o have_v a_o singular_a concern_v in_o the_o welfare_n and_o prosperity_n of_o each_o other_o and_o be_v solicitous_a about_o they_o in_o their_o trial_n hence_o those_o who_o be_v plant_v at_o a_o great_a distance_n than_o will_v allow_v frequent_a personal_a converse_n with_o their_o respective_a member_n do_v on_o all_o occasion_n send_v messenger_n unto_o one_o another_o sometime_o mere_o to_o visit_v they_o in_o love_n and_o sometime_o to_o give_v or_o take_v advice_n but_o these_o thing_n as_o indeed_o almost_o all_o other_o that_o belong_v unto_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n either_o in_o themselves_o or_o with_o one_o another_o be_v either_o utter_o lose_v and_o bury_v or_o keep_v above_o ground_n in_o a_o pretence_n of_o episcopal_a authority_n churches_n themselves_o be_v whole_o exclude_v from_o any_o concernment_n in_o they_o but_o as_o the_o advice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v desire_v in_o this_o case_n by_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o corinth_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d so_o it_o be_v give_v by_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o 1._o and_o send_v by_o messenger_n of_o their_o own_o 3._o the_o description_n give_v of_o the_o state_n way_n and_o walk_v of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n 4._o that_o be_v that_o whole_a fraternity_n of_o the_o church_n which_o fall_v afterward_o into_o that_o disorder_n which_o be_v reprove_v before_o their_o fall_n be_v such_o as_o that_o it_o bespeak_v their_o walk_v together_o in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o society_n and_o be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v any_o good_a man_n desire_n that_o he_o may_v see_v church_n yet_o in_o the_o world_n unto_o who_o or_o the_o generality_n of_o who_o member_n that_o description_n may_v be_v honest_o and_o just_o accommodate_v one_o character_n which_o be_v give_v of_o they_o i_o shall_v mention_v only_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d there_o be_v a_o full_a or_o plentiful_a effusion_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o you_o all_o so_o that_o be_v full_a or_o fill_v with_o a_o holy_a will_n holiness_n of_o will_n and_o a_o good_a readiness_n of_o mind_n with_o a_o pious_a devout_a confidence_n you_o stretch_v out_o your_o hand_n in_o prayer_n to_o almighty_a god_n supplicate_v his_o clemency_n or_o mercy_n for_o the_o pardon_n of_o your_o involuntary_a sin_n sin_n fall_v into_o by_o infirmity_n or_o
the_o surprisal_n of_o temptation_n not_o consent_v to_o not_o delight_v or_o continue_v in_o your_o labour_n or_o contention_n of_o spirit_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d col._n 2.1_o be_v night_n and_o day_n in_o your_o prayer_n for_o the_o whole_a brotherhood_n that_o be_v especial_o of_o their_o own_o church_n itself_o that_o the_o number_n of_o god_n elect_v may_v be_v save_v in_o mercy_n through_o a_o good_a conscience_n towards_o he_o this_o be_v their_o state_n this_o be_v their_o liturgy_n this_o their_o practice_n 1._o there_o be_v on_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n a_o plentiful_a effusion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o his_o gift_n and_o grace_n wherein_o it_o may_v be_v respect_n be_v have_v unto_o what_o be_v affirm_v by_o the_o apostle_n before_o of_o the_o same_o church_n 1_o cor._n 1.4_o 5_o 6_o 7._o the_o same_o grace_n be_v yet_o continue_v unto_o they_o 2._o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o effusion_n of_o the_o spirit_n on_o all_o of_o they_o their_o will_n and_o affection_n be_v sanctify_v their_o mind_n be_v enable_v to_o pour_v forth_o fervent_a prayer_n unto_o god_n 3_o they_o be_v not_o such_o as_o live_v in_o any_o open_a sin_n or_o any_o secret_a sin_n know_v to_o be_v so_o but_o be_v only_o subject_a unto_o involuntary_a surprisal_n who_o pardon_n they_o continual_o pray_v for_o 4._o their_o love_n and_o sense_n of_o duty_n stir_v they_o up_o to_o labour_v mighty_o in_o their_o prayer_n with_o fervency_n and_o constancy_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o whole_a fraternity_n of_o elect_a believer_n whether_o throughout_o the_o world_n or_o more_o especial●y_o those_o in_o and_o of_o their_o own_o church_n he_o that_o shall_v ascribe_v these_o thing_n unto_o any_o of_o those_o church_n which_o now_o in_o the_o world_n claim_v to_o be_v so_o only_o will_v quick_o find_v himself_o at_o a_o loss_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o what_o he_o assert_n do_v we_o all_o sedulous_o endeavour_v to_o reduce_v and_o restore_v church_n unto_o their_o primitive_a state_n and_o frame_n it_o will_v bring_v more_o glory_n to_o god_n than_o all_o our_o contention_n about_o rule_n and_o domination_n 4._o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n be_v fall_v into_o a_o sinful_a excess_n in_o the_o deposition_n and_o rejection_n of_o their_o elder_n 62._o who_o the_o church_n at_o rome_n judge_v to_o have_v preside_v among_o they_o laudable_o and_o unblamable_o as_o unto_o their_o whole_a walk_n and_o work_v among_o they_o and_o this_o they_o do_v by_o the_o suggestion_n of_o two_o or_o three_o envious_a discontent_a person_n and_o as_o it_o be_v probable_a from_o some_o digression_n in_o the_o epistle_n taint_v with_o those_o error_n which_o have_v former_o infest_a that_o church_n as_o the_o denial_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o flesh_n which_o be_v therefore_o here_o reflect_v on_o but_o in_o the_o whole_a epistle_n the_o church_n be_v nowhere_o reprove_v for_o assume_v a_o authority_n unto_o themselves_o which_o do_v not_o belong_v unto_o they_o it_o seem_v what_o cyprian_n afterward_o affirm_v be_v then_o acknowledge_v namely_o that_o the_o right_n of_o choose_v the_o worthy_a and_o of_o reject_v the_o unworthy_a be_v in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n but_o they_o be_v severe_o reprove_v for_o the_o abuse_n of_o their_o liberty_n and_o power_n for_o they_o have_v exercise_v they_o on_o ill_a ground_n by_o ill_a mean_n for_o ill_a end_n and_o in_o a_o most_o unjust_a cause_n he_o therefore_o exhort_v the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n to_o return_v unto_o their_o duty_n in_o the_o restauration_n of_o their_o elder_n and_o then_o prescribe_v unto_o they_o who_o be_v the_o first_o occasion_n of_o schism_n that_o every_o one_o will_v subject_v themselves_o unto_o the_o restore_a presbyter_n and_o say_v 69._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o will_v do_v the_o thing_n appoint_v or_o command_v by_o the_o multitude_n the_o church_n in_o the_o generality_n of_o its_o member_n the_o plebs_fw-la the_o multitude_n the_o body_n of_o the_o fraternity_n in_o the_o church_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o they_o be_v often_o call_v in_o the_o scripture_n act._n 4.32_o chap._n 6.2_o 5._o chap._n 15.12_o 30._o have_v then_o right_o and_o power_n to_o appoint_v thing_n that_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o the_o church_n for_o order_n and_o peace_n i_o do_v not_o say_v they_o have_v it_o without_o or_o in_o distinction_n from_o their_o officer_n ruler_n and_o guide_n but_o in_o a_o concurrence_n with_o they_o and_o subordination_n to_o they_o whence_o the_o act_n conclude_v on_o may_v be_v esteem_v and_o be_v the_o act_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n this_o order_n can_v be_v observe_v or_o this_o can_v fall_v out_o only_o in_o a_o congregational_a church_n all_o who_o member_n do_v meet_v together_o for_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o exercise_n of_o their_o discipline_n and_o if_o no_o more_o may_v be_v consider_v in_o it_o but_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o the_o people_n without_o any_o respect_n to_o their_o right_n and_o power_n yet_o such_o church_n as_o wherein_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o that_o shall_v fall_v out_o in_o they_o as_o do_v so_o fall_v out_o in_o that_o church_n be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o kind_a or_o order_n with_o it_o but_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o they_o who_o may_v endeavour_v to_o reduce_v any_o church-state_n into_o its_o primitive_a constitution_n that_o they_o may_v be_v caution_v against_o that_o great_a evil_n which_o this_o church_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o suppose_a liberty_n f●ll_o into_o i_o can_v but_o transcribe_v a_o few_o of_o those_o excellent_a word_n which_o be_v use_v plentiful_o with_o cogent_a reason_n in_o this_o epistle_n against_o it_o 62._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v shameful_a belove_a exceed_v shameful_a which_o be_v report_v of_o you_o that_o the_o most_o firm_a and_o ancient_a church_n of_o the_o corinthian_n shall_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o one_o or_o two_o person_n seditious_o tumultuate_a against_o their_o elder_n and_o herein_o he_o proceed_v to_o declare_v the_o dreadful_a scandal_n that_o ensue_v thereon_o both_o among_o believer_n and_o infidel_n the_o instruction_n also_o which_o he_o add_v hereunto_o be_v worthy_a the_o remembrance_n of_o all_o church_n member_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v bless_v advice_n for_o all_o church-member_n that_o he_o give_v let_v a_o man_n be_v faithful_a let_v he_o be_v powerful_a in_o knowledge_n or_o the_o declaration_n of_o it_o let_v he_o be_v wise_a to_o judge_v the_o word_n or_o doctrine_n let_v he_o be_v chaste_a or_o pure_a in_o his_o work_n the_o great_a he_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o more_o humble_a he_o ought_v to_o be_v that_o so_o the_o church_n may_v have_v no_o trouble_n by_o he_o nor_o his_o gift_n but_o to_o return_v 5._o have_v occasion_n to_o mention_v the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n he_o name_v only_o the_o two_o rank_n of_o bishop_n and_o deacon_n 55._o as_o the_o apostle_n also_o do_v phil._n 1.1_o speak_v of_o the_o apostle_n he_o say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d preach_v the_o word_n through_o region_n and_o city_n they_o appoint_v the_o first_o fruit_n as_o the_o house_n of_o stephan_n as_o be_v the_o first_o fruit_n of_o achaia_n who_o therefore_o addict_v themselves_o to_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o saint_n 1_o cor._n 16.15_o or_o the_o first_o convert_v to_o the_o faith_n after_o a_o spiritual_a trial_n of_o they_o as_o unto_o their_o fitness_n for_o their_o work_n to_o be_v bishop_n and_o deacon_n of_o they_o that_o shall_v afterward_o believe_v where_o there_o be_v as_o yet_o but_o a_o few_o convert_v the_o apostle_n gather_v they_o into_o church-order_n and_o so_o soon_o as_o they_o find_v any_o fit_a among_o they_o appoint_v and_o ordain_v they_o to_o be_v bishop_n and_o deacon_n so_o that_o provision_n may_v be_v make_v for_o the_o guidance_n and_o conduct_n of_o they_o that_o shall_v be_v convert_v and_o add_v unto_o they_o after_o they_o be_v leave_v by_o the_o apostle_n these_o bishop_n he_o affirm_v to_o be_v and_o have_v be_v the_o presbyter_n or_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n even_o the_o same_o with_o those_o depose_v by_o the_o corinthian_n 58._o in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o the_o apostle_n do_v act._n 20.28_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n it_o be_v no_o small_a sin_n in_o we_o to_o reject_v or_o cast_v off_o they_o who_o have_v offer_v the_o gift_n or_o discharge_v the_o duty_n of_o episcopacy_n holy_o and_o without_o blame_n bless_a be_v the_o elder_n who_o go_v before_o namely_o as_o he_o express_v it_o because_o they_o be_v free_v from_o that_o amotion_n from_o their_o office_n which_o those_o elder_n now_o among_o they_o have_v undergo_v after_o they_o have_v
orthodox_n themselves_o but_o only_o as_o they_o be_v carry_v on_o unto_o a_o total_a renunciation_n of_o all_o communion_n whatever_o but_o only_o that_o which_o be_v enclose_v unto_o their_o own_o party_n 2._o to_o evidence_n that_o we_o give_v the_o least_o countenance_n unto_o the_o ancient_a schism_n or_o do_v contract_v the_o gild_n with_o the_o author_n of_o they_o the_o thing_n aim_v at_o there_o be_v three_o thing_n incumbent_a on_o he_o to_o prove_v 1._o that_o our_o parochial_a church_n from_o who_o we_o do_v refrain_v actual_a presential_a communion_n in_o all_o ordinance_n where_o it_o be_v require_v by_o law_n which_o can_v be_v many_o and_o but_o one_o at_o one_o time_n do_v succeed_v into_o the_o room_n of_o that_o church_n in_o a_o separation_n from_o which_o those_o schism_n do_v consist_v for_o we_o pass_v no_o judgement_n on_o any_o other_o church_n but_o what_o concern_v ourselves_o as_o unto_o present_a duty_n though_o that_o in_o a_o nation_n may_v be_v extend_v unto_o many_o or_o all_o of_o the_o same_o sort_n but_o these_o schism_n consist_v in_o a_o profess_a separation_n from_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n that_o be_v all_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n who_o join_v not_o with_o they_o in_o their_o opinion_n and_o practice_n and_o from_o the_o whole_a church_n state_n then_o passant_a and_o allow_v but_o our_o author_n know_v full_a well_o that_o there_o be_v other_o who_o long_o before_o our_o parochial_a church_n do_v lay_v claim_v unto_o the_o absolute_a enclosure_n of_o this_o church_n state_n unto_o themselves_o and_o thereon_o condemn_v both_o he_o and_o we_o and_o all_o the_o protestant_n in_o the_o world_n of_o the_o same_o schism_n that_o those_o of_o old_a be_v guilty_a of_o especial_o they_o make_v a_o continual_a clamour_n about_o the_o novatian_o and_o donatist_n i_o know_v that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o dispossess_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n from_o that_o usurpation_n of_o the_o state_n and_o right_n of_o the_o ancient_a catholic_n church_n from_o whence_o those_o separation_n be_v make_v and_o it_o have_v be_v sufficient_o do_v by_o other_o but_o so_o soon_o as_o we_o have_v cast_v that_o out_o of_o possession_n to_o bring_v in_o our_o parochial_a assembly_n into_o the_o room_n of_o it_o and_o to_o press_v the_o gild_n of_o separation_n from_o they_o with_o the_o same_o reason_n and_o argument_n as_o we_o be_v all_o of_o we_o but_o new_o press_v withal_o by_o the_o romanist_n namely_o that_o hereby_o we_o give_v countenance_n unto_o they_o yea_o do_v the_o same_o thing_n with_o they_o who_o make_v schism_n in_o separate_v from_o the_o catholic_n church_n of_o old_a be_v somewhat_o severe_a and_o unequal_a wherefore_o unless_o the_o church_n from_o which_o they_o separate_v which_o be_v the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n in_o the_o world_n not_o agree_v and_o act_v with_o they_o and_o those_o parochial_a assembly_n from_o who_o communion_n we_o refrain_v be_v the_o same_o and_o of_o the_o same_o consideration_n nothing_o can_v be_v argue_v from_o those_o ancient_a schism_n against_o we_o nor_o be_v any_o countenance_n give_v by_o we_o unto_o they_o for_o if_o it_o be_v ask_v of_o we_o whether_o it_o be_v free_a or_o lawful_a for_o believer_n to_o join_v in_o society_n and_o full_a communion_n with_o other_o church_n beside_o those_o that_o be_v of_o our_o way_n and_o especial_a communion_n we_o free_o answer_v that_o we_o no_o way_n doubt_v of_o it_o nor_o do_v judge_v they_o for_o their_o so_o do_v 2._o it_o must_v be_v prove_v unto_o the_o end_v propose_v that_o the_o occasion_n and_o reason_n of_o their_o separation_n of_o old_a be_v the_o same_o or_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n only_o with_o those_o which_o we_o plead_v for_o our_o refrain_v communion_n from_o parochial_a assembly_n now_o though_o the_o dr._n here_o make_v a_o flourish_n with_o some_o expression_n about_o zeal_n discipline_n purity_n of_o the_o church_n edification_n which_o he_o will_v not_o find_v in_o any_o of_o their_o pretence_n yet_o in_o truth_n there_o be_v not_o one_o thing_n allege_v wherein_o there_o be_v a_o coincidence_n between_o the_o occasion_n and_o reason_n plead_v by_o they_o and_o we_o it_o be_v know_v that_o the_o principal_a thing_n in_o general_n which_o we_o insist_v upon_o be_v the_o unwarrantable_a imposition_n of_o unscriptural_a term_n and_o condition_n of_o communion_n upon_o we_o be_v there_o any_o such_o thing_n plead_v by_o they_o that_o make_v the_o schism_n of_o old_a indeed_o they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o imposer_n and_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n because_o they_o will_v not_o submit_v unto_o their_o imposition_n some_o bishop_n or_o some_o that_o will_v have_v be_v bishop_n but_o can_v not_o entertain_v some_o new_a conceit_n of_o their_o own_o which_o they_o will_v have_v impose_v on_o all_o other_o be_v not_o submit_v unto_o therein_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o those_o schism_n which_o be_v just_o esteem_v criminal_a so_o be_v it_o with_o the_o novatian_o and_o donatist_n in_o a_o especial_a manner_n even_o the_o great_a tertullian_n though_o no_o bishop_n leave_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n on_o this_o ground_n for_o because_o they_o will_v not_o admit_v of_o the_o strict_a observance_n of_o some_o austere_a severity_n in_o fast_v abstinence_n from_o sundry_a meat_n and_o watch_v with_o the_o like_a which_o he_o esteem_v necessary_a though_o no_o way_n warrant_v by_o scripture_n rule_n or_o example_n he_o utter_o renounce_v their_o communion_n and_o countenance_v himself_o by_o adhere_v unto_o the_o dotage_n of_o montanus_n it_o be_v true_a some_o of_o they_o contend_v for_o a_o severity_n of_o discipline_n in_o the_o church_n but_o they_o do_v it_o not_o upon_o any_o pretence_n of_o the_o neglect_v of_o it_o in_o they_o unto_o who_o the_o administration_n of_o it_o be_v commit_v but_o for_o the_o want_n of_o establish_v a_o false_a principle_n rule_n or_o erroneous_a doctrine_n which_o they_o advance_v namely_o that_o the_o most_o sincere_a penitent_n be_v never_o more_o to_o be_v admit_v into_o ecclesiastical_a communion_n whereby_o they_o do_v not_o establish_v but_o overthrow_v one_o of_o the_o principal_a end_n of_o church_n discipline_n they_o do_v not_o therefore_o press_v for_o the_o power_n or_o the_o use_n of_o the_o key_n as_o be_v pretend_v but_o advance_v a_o false_a doctrine_n in_o prejudice_n both_o unto_o the_o power_n and_o use_v of_o they_o they_o pretend_v indeed_o unto_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o church_n not_o that_o there_o be_v none_o impure_a wicked_a and_o hypocritical_a among_o they_o but_o that_o none_o may_v be_v admit_v who_o have_v once_o fall_v though_o real_o make_v pure_a by_o sincere_a repentance_n this_o be_v their_o zeal_n for_o purity_n if_o a_o man_n be_v overtake_v if_o they_o can_v catch_v he_o in_o such_o a_o fault_n as_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o passaint_n discipline_n he_o be_v to_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n there_o they_o have_v he_o safe_a for_o ever_o no_o evidence_n of_o the_o most_o sincere_a repentance_n can_v prevail_v for_o a_o readmission_n into_o the_o church_n and_o because_o other_o church_n will_v admit_v they_o they_o renounce_v all_o communion_n with_o they_o as_o no_o church_n of_o christ._n be_v these_o our_o principle_n be_v these_o our_o practice_n do_v we_o give_v any_o countenance_n unto_o they_o by_o any_o thing_n we_o say_v or_o do_v i_o somewhat_o wonder_v that_o the_o dr._n from_o some_o general_a expression_n and_o cast_v their_o pretence_n under_o new_a appearance_n shall_v seem_v to_o think_v that_o there_o be_v the_o least_o coincidence_n between_o what_o they_o insist_v on_o and_o what_o we_o plead_v in_o our_o own_o defence_n he_o may_v see_v now_o more_o full_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o our_o practice_n and_o i_o hope_v thereon_o will_v be_v of_o another_o mind_n not_o as_o unto_o our_o cause_n in_o general_a which_o i_o be_o far_o enough_o from_o the_o expectation_n of_o but_o as_o unto_o this_o invidious_a charge_n of_o give_v countenance_n unto_o the_o schism_n condemn_v of_o old_a in_o the_o church_n and_o we_o shall_v see_v immediate_o what_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o those_o schism_n which_o we_o be_v as_o remote_a from_o give_v countenance_n unto_o as_o unto_o the_o principle_n and_o reason_n which_o they_o plead_v in_o their_o own_o justification_n 3._o it_o ought_v also_o to_o be_v prove_v that_o the_o separation_n which_o be_v charge_v on_o we_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o that_o charge_v on_o they_o of_o old_a for_o otherwise_o we_o can_v be_v say_v to_o give_v any_o countenance_n unto_o what_o they_o do_v for_o it_o be_v know_v they_o so_o separate_v from_o all_o other_o church_n in_o the_o world_n as_o to_o confine_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n unto_o their_o own_o party_n to_o condemn_v all_o other_o and_o to_o
the_o discharge_v of_o his_o duty_n as_o it_o fall_v out_o also_o with_o chrysostome_n nevertheless_o he_o abide_v firm_o and_o tenacious_o in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n but_o be_v at_o length_n cast_v out_o as_o far_o as_o it_o appear_v by_o he_o for_o the_o honest_a discharge_n of_o his_o duty_n whereon_o he_o gather_v a_o great_a party_n unto_o himself_o but_o theodoret_n and_o other_o affirm_v he_o to_o have_v be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o impious_a heresy_n of_o the_o anthropomorphitae_n his_o principal_a follower_n be_v those_o monk_n of_o egypt_n which_o afterward_o make_v such_o tumult_n in_o defence_n of_o that_o foolish_a imagination_n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o he_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o set_v up_o a_o party_n of_o the_o same_o opinion_n with_o he_o lib._n 4._o cap._n 10._o yea_o he_o also_o ascribe_v unto_o he_o some_o foolish_a opinion_n of_o the_o manichee_n what_o be_v our_o concernment_n in_o these_o thing_n i_o can_v imagine_v eustathius_n the_o bishop_n of_o sebastia_n in_o armenia_n and_o his_o follower_n be_v also_o instance_a in_o as_o orthodox_n schismatic_n and_o as_o such_o be_v condemn_v in_o a_o council_n at_o gongrae_n in_o paphlagonia_n but_o indeed_o before_o that_o council_n eustathius_n have_v be_v condemn_v by_o his_o own_o father_n eulanius_n and_o other_o bishop_n at_o caesarea_n in_o cappadocia_n and_o he_o be_v so_o for_o sundry_a foolish_a opinion_n and_o evil_a practice_n whereby_o he_o deserve_v to_o be_v so_o deal_v withal_o it_o do_v not_o unto_o i_o appear_v certain_o whether_o he_o fall_v into_o those_o opinion_n before_o his_o rejection_n at_o caesarea_n where_o he_o be_v principal_o it_o not_o only_o charge_v with_o his_o undecent_a and_o fantastical_a habit_n and_o garment_n wherefore_o at_o the_o council_n of_o gangrae_n he_o be_v not_o admit_v to_o make_v any_o apology_n for_o himself_o nor_o can_v be_v hear_v because_o he_o have_v innovate_v many_o thing_n after_o his_o deposition_n at_o caesarea_n such_o as_o forbid_v of_o marriage_n shave_v of_o woman_n deny_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o priest_n keep_v their_o wife_n who_o be_v marry_v before_o their_o ordination_n get_v away_o servant_n from_o their_o master_n and_o the_o like_a socrat._v hist._n lib._n 2._o chap._n 3._o these_o be_v his_o pretence_n of_o sanctity_n and_o purity_n as_o the_o dr._n acknowledge_v and_o i_o appeal_v unto_o his_o ingenuity_n and_o candour_n whether_o any_o countenance_n be_v give_v unto_o such_o opinion_n and_o practice_n thereon_o by_o any_o thing_n we_o say_v or_o do_v this_o instance_n and_o some_o other_o of_o a_o alike_a nature_n the_o doctor_n affirm_v that_o he_o produce_v in_o his_o sermon_n but_o that_o they_o be_v gentle_o pass_v over_o by_o myself_o and_o mr._n b._n i_o confess_v i_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o they_o because_o i_o be_v satisfy_v that_o the_o cause_n under_o consideration_n be_v no_o way_n concern_v in_o they_o and_o the_o dr._n may_v to_o as_o good_a purpose_n have_v instance_a in_o forty_o other_o schism_n make_v for_o the_o most_o part_n by_o the_o ambition_n of_o bishop_n in_o the_o church_n of_o alexandria_n antioch_n constantinople_n rome_n and_o sundry_a other_o place_n yea_o in_o that_o make_v by_o epiphanius_n himself_o at_o constantinople_n upon_o as_o weighty_a a_o cause_n as_o that_o of_o those_o who_o contend_v about_o and_o strive_v for_o and_o against_o the_o drive_v of_o sheep_n over_o the_o bridge_n where_o there_o be_v none_o present_a the_o story_n of_o the_o luciferian_o be_v not_o worth_a repeat_n in_o short_a lucifer_n the_o bishop_n of_o caralli_n in_o sardinia_n be_v angry_a that_o paulinus_n who_o he_o have_v ordain_v bishop_n at_o antioch_n be_v not_o receive_v fall_v into_o great_a dissension_n with_o eusebius_n bishop_n of_o vercell_n in_o italy_n who_o have_v be_v his_o companion_n in_o banishment_n because_o he_o approve_v not_o what_o he_o have_v do_v at_o antioch_n and_o continue_v to_o contend_v for_o his_o own_o bishop_n it_o occasion_v a_o great_a division_n among_o the_o people_n whereon_o he_o go_v home_o to_o his_o own_o place_n leave_v behind_o he_o a_o few_o follower_n who_o wrangle_v for_o a_o time_n about_o the_o ordination_n of_o bishop_n by_o arian_n by_o who_o mean_n lucifer_n have_v be_v banish_v and_o so_o after_o a_o while_n disappear_v i_o have_v almost_o miss_v the_o instance_n of_o the_o donatist_n but_o the_o story_n of_o they_o be_v so_o well_o know_v that_o it_o will_v not_o bear_v the_o repetition_n for_o although_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n of_o they_o in_o socrates_n or_o zozoman_n nor_o the_o history_n of_o theodoret_n yet_o all_o thing_n that_o concern_v they_o be_v so_o full_o declare_v in_o the_o write_n of_o austin_n and_o optatus_n against_o they_o as_o there_o need_v no_o other_o account_n of_o they_o and_o this_o instance_n of_o a_o heretical_a schism_n be_v that_o which_o the_o papist_n vehement_o urge_v against_o the_o church_n of_o england_n itself_o and_o all_o other_o protestant_n here_o their_o weapon_n be_v borrow_v for_o a_o little_a while_n to_o give_v a_o wound_n unto_o our_o cause_n but_o in_o vain_a yet_o i_o know_v full_a well_o that_o it_o be_v easy_a for_o some_o man_n on_o their_o principle_n to_o flourish_v with_o this_o weapon_n against_o we_o than_o to_o defend_v themselves_o against_o it_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o papist_n in_o brief_a these_o donatist_n be_v upon_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o same_o opinion_n with_o the_o novatian_o and_o as_o these_o ground_a their_o dissension_n on_o the_o receive_n those_o into_o the_o church_n who_o have_v fall_v and_o sacrifice_v under_o decius_n so_o do_v these_o on_o a_o pretence_n of_o severity_n against_o those_o who_o have_v be_v traditor_n under_o maximinus_n upon_o this_o pretence_n improve_v by_o many_o false_a allegation_n donatus_n and_o those_o that_o follow_v he_o reject_v cecilianus_n who_o be_v lawful_o choose_v and_o ordain_v bishop_n of_o carthage_n set_v up_o one_o majorinus_n in_o opposition_n unto_o he_o not_o succeed_v herein_o on_o this_o foolish_a unproved_a pretence_n that_o cecilianus_n have_v be_v ordain_v by_o traditor_n they_o reject_v the_o communion_n of_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n confine_v the_o whole_a church_n of_o christ_n unto_o their_o own_o party_n deny_v salvation_n unto_o any_o other_o rebaptise_v all_o that_o come_v unto_o they_o from_o other_o church_n and_o together_o with_o a_o great_a number_n of_o bishop_n that_o join_v with_o they_o fall_v into_o most_o extravagant_a exorbitance_n upon_o the_o consideration_n of_o these_o schism_n the_o dr._n conclude_v that_o on_o these_o ground_n there_o have_v scarce_o be_v any_o considerable_a schism_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n but_o may_v be_v justify_v upon_o dr._n of_o his_o reason_n for_o separation_n from_o our_o church_n concern_v which_o i_o must_v take_v the_o liberty_n to_o say_v that_o i_o do_v not_o remember_v that_o ever_o i_o read_v in_o any_o learned_a author_n a_o inference_n make_v or_o conclusion_n assert_v that_o have_v so_o little_a countenance_n give_v unto_o it_o by_o the_o premise_n whence_o it_o be_v infer_v as_o there_o be_v into_o this_o by_o the_o instance_n before_o insist_v on_o whence_o it_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v educe_v all_o that_o be_v of_o argument_n in_o this_o story_n be_v this_o that_o there_o be_v of_o old_a some_o bishop_n with_o one_o or_o two_o who_o will_v have_v be_v bishop_n and_o can_v not_o who_o to_o exalt_v and_o countenance_v themselves_o against_o those_o who_o be_v prefer_v to_o bishopric_n before_o they_o and_o above_o they_o invent_v and_o maintain_v false_a doctrinal_a principle_n the_o confession_n whereof_o they_o will_v have_v impose_v on_o other_o church_n and_o because_o they_o be_v not_o admit_v they_o separate_v at_o once_o from_o all_o other_o church_n in_o the_o world_n but_o their_o own_o condemn_v they_o as_o no_o church_n as_o not_o have_v the_o sacrament_n or_o mean_n of_o salvation_n for_o which_o they_o be_v condemn_v as_o schismatic_n therefore_o those_o who_o own_v not_o subjection_n to_o diocesan_n bishop_n by_o virtue_n of_o any_o institution_n or_o command_n of_o christ_n who_o refrain_v communion_n from_o parochial_a assembly_n because_o they_o can_v without_o sin_n to_o themselves_o comply_v with_o all_o thing_n impose_v on_o they_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o ecclesiastical_a rule_n without_o judge_v their_o state_n or_o the_o salvation_n of_o their_o member_n be_v in_o like_a manner_n as_o they_o guilty_a of_o schism_n but_o we_o have_v fix_v ground_n whereon_o to_o try_v examine_v judge_n and_o condemn_v all_o schism_n that_o be_v just_o so_o call_v all_o such_o as_o those_o before_o mention_v if_o separation_n arise_v and_o proceed_v from_o principle_n of_o false_a doctrine_n and_o error_n like_o those_o of_o the_o novatian_o and_o donatist_n if_o
they_o be_v occasion_v by_o ambition_n and_o desire_n of_o pre-eminence_n like_o those_o that_o fall_v out_o among_o the_o bishop_n of_o those_o day_n when_o their_o parish_n and_o claim_n be_v not_o regulate_v by_o the_o civil_a power_n as_o now_o they_o be_v if_o they_o do_v so_o from_o a_o desire_n to_o impose_v principle_n and_o practice_n not_o warrant_v in_o the_o scripture_n on_o other_o as_o it_o be_v with_o tertullian_n if_o for_o slight_a reason_n they_o rend_v and_o destroy_v that_o church_n state_n and_o order_n which_o themselves_o approve_v of_o as_o it_o be_v with_o all_o the_o ancient_a schismatic_n who_o be_v bishop_n or_o will_v feign_v to_o have_v be_v if_o those_o that_o make_v they_o or_o follow_v in_o they_o deny_v salvation_n unto_o all_o that_o join_v not_o with_o they_o and_o condemn_v all_o other_o church_n as_o be_v without_o god_n covenant_n and_o the_o sacrament_n as_o do_v the_o donatist_n and_o those_o do_v who_o deny_v these_o thing_n unto_o all_o church_n who_o have_v not_o diocesan_n bishop_n if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a justifiable_a cause_n plead_v for_o it_o that_o those_o who_o make_v such_o a_o separation_n can_v abide_v in_o the_o communion_n which_o they_o forsake_v without_o wound_v their_o own_o conscience_n and_o do_v give_v evidence_n of_o their_o abide_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o love_n towards_o all_o the_o true_a disciple_n of_o christ_n we_o be_v satisfy_v that_o we_o have_v a_o rule_n infallible_o direct_v we_o to_o make_v a_o judgement_n concern_v it_o our_o author_n add_v sect._n 26._o p._n 197._o another_o argument_n against_o this_o course_n of_o separation_n be_v that_o these_o ground_n will_v make_v separation_n endless_a which_o be_v to_o suppose_v all_o the_o exhortation_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o peace_n and_o unity_n among_o christian_n useless_a but_o why_o so_o be_v there_o nothing_o in_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o account_n which_o be_v to_o be_v give_v unto_o he_o nothing_o in_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n nothing_o in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o exercise_v of_o gospel_n discipline_n to_o keep_v profess_a disciple_n of_o christ_n unto_o their_o duty_n and_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o order_n divine_o prescribe_v unto_o they_o unless_o they_o be_v fetter_v and_o stake_v down_o with_o humane_a law_n and_o constitution_n herein_o i_o confess_v i_o differ_v and_o shall_v do_v so_o whilst_o i_o be_o in_o this_o world_n from_o our_o reverend_a author_n and_o other_o to_o say_v as_o he_o do_v upon_o a_o supposition_n of_o the_o take_v away_o of_o humane_a imposition_n law_n and_o canon_n that_o there_o be_v no_o bound_n set_v unto_o separation_n but_o what_o the_o fancy_n of_o man_n will_v dictate_v unto_o they_o be_v dishonourable_a unto_o the_o gospel_n and_o somewhat_o more_o to_o suppose_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o prescribe_v bound_n unto_o separation_n efficacious_o affect_v the_o conscience_n of_o beleiver_n or_o that_o any_o other_o bound_n can_v be_v assign_v as_o obligatory_a unto_o their_o conscience_n be_v what_o can_v be_v admit_v the_o lord_n christ_n have_v command_v love_n and_o union_n among_o his_o disciple_n he_o have_v ordain_v order_n and_o communion_n in_o his_o church_n he_o have_v give_v unto_o they_o and_o limit_v their_o power_n he_o have_v prescribe_v rule_n whereby_o they_o and_o all_o their_o member_n ought_v to_o walk_v he_o have_v forbid_v all_o schism_n and_o division_n he_o have_v appoint_v and_o limit_v all_o necessary_a separation_n and_o have_v true_o give_v all_o the_o bound_n unto_o it_o that_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n be_v or_o can_v be_v affect_v withal_o but_o than_o it_o be_v say_v if_o this_o be_v all_o separation_n will_v be_v endless_a if_o such_o a_o separation_n be_v intend_v as_o be_v a_o unlawful_a schism_n i_o say_v it_o may_v be_v it_o will_v even_o as_o persecution_n and_o other_o evil_n sin_n and_o wickedness_n will_v be_v notwithstanding_o his_o severe_a prohibition_n of_o they_o what_o he_o have_v do_v be_v the_o only_a mean_n to_o preserve_v his_o own_o disciple_n from_o all_o sinful_a separation_n and_o be_v sufficient_a thereunto_o herein_o lie_v the_o original_a mistake_n in_o this_o matter_n we_o have_v lose_v the_o apprehension_n that_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o word_n and_o work_v of_o his_o spirit_n be_v every_o way_n sufficient_a for_o the_o guide_v govern_v and_o preserve_v of_o his_o disciple_n in_o the_o church_n order_n by_o he_o prescribe_v and_o the_o observance_n of_o the_o duty_n by_o he_o command_v it_o have_v be_v great_o lose_v in_o the_o world_n for_o many_o age_n and_o therefore_o instead_o of_o faithful_a ministerial_a endeavour_n to_o enforce_v a_o sense_n of_o it_o on_o the_o conscience_n of_o all_o christian_n they_o have_v be_v let_v loose_a from_o it_o through_o a_o confidence_n in_o other_o devise_n to_o keep_v they_o unto_o their_o duty_n and_o order_n and_o if_o these_o devise_n be_v they_o ecclesiastical_a canon_n or_o civil_a penalty_n be_v not_o enforce_v on_o they_o all_o the_o world_n be_v make_v to_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v leave_v unto_o the_o dictate_v of_o their_o own_o fancy_n and_o imagination_n as_o if_o they_o have_v no_o concern_v in_o christ_n or_o his_o authority_n in_o this_o matter_n but_o for_o my_o part_n i_o shall_v never_o desire_v nor_o endeavour_v to_o keep_v any_o from_o schism_n or_o separation_n but_o by_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o christ_n appointment_n and_o by_o a_o sense_n of_o he_o authority_n on_o their_o own_o conscience_n the_o remainder_n of_o his_o discourse_n on_o this_o head_n consist_v in_o a_o lepid_a dramatical_a oration_n frame_v and_o feign_v for_o one_o of_o his_o opposer_n wherein_o he_o make_v he_o undertake_v the_o patronage_n of_o schism_n before_o cyprian_a and_o austi●_n the_o learned_a person_n intend_v be_v very_o well_o able_a to_o defend_v and_o vindicate_v himself_o which_o i_o suppose_v also_o he_o will_v do_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o can_v but_o say_v two_o thing_n 1._o that_o the_o imposition_n on_o he_o of_o extenuate_v the_o gild_n of_o any_o real_a schism_n be_v that_o which_o none_o of_o his_o word_n do_v give_v the_o least_o countenance_n unto_o 2._o that_o the_o doctor_n attempt_n in_o his_o feign_a oration_n to_o accommodate_v his_o principle_n or_o we_o unto_o the_o case_n of_o the_o donatist_n for_o their_o justification_n the_o weakness_n whereof_o be_v evident_a to_o every_o one_o who_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o case_n of_o the_o donatist_n be_v such_o a_o instance_n of_o the_o power_n of_o interest_n a_o design_n to_o maintain_v a_o cause_n causeless_o undertake_v by_o all_o manner_n of_o artifices_fw-la and_o pretence_n prevail_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n otherwise_o wise_a and_o sober_a as_o be_v to_o be_v lament_v we_o come_v at_o length_n in_o the_o 5_o place_n sect_n 28._o p._n 209._o unto_o that_o which_o be_v indeed_o of_o more_o importance_n due_o to_o be_v consider_v than_o all_o that_o go_v before_o for_o as_o our_o author_n observe_v it_o be_v that_o wherein_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n be_v concern_v this_o argument_n therefore_o he_o take_v from_o the_o obligation_n which_o lie_v upon_o all_o christian_n to_o preserve_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o this_o argument_n and_o the_o application_n of_o it_o unto_o the_o case_n of_o they_o who_o refrain_v from_o total_a communion_n with_o our_o parochial_a assembly_n which_o alone_o be_v the_o case_n in_o hand_n he_o lay_v down_o sundry_a supposition_n which_o i_o shall_v consider_v in_o their_o order_n although_o they_o may_v be_v all_o grant_v without_o any_o disadvantage_n unto_o our_o cause_n but_o they_o will_v be_v so_o the_o better_a when_o they_o be_v right_o state_v 1._o his_o first_o supposition_n be_v that_o christian_n be_v under_o the_o strict_a obligation_n to_o preserve_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n this_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o that_o follow_v it_o must_v be_v right_o state_v and_o to_o that_o end_n three_o thing_n may_v be_v inquire_v into_o 1._o what_o be_v that_o church_n who_o peace_n and_o unity_n we_o be_v oblige_v to_o preserve_v for_o there_o be_v those_o who_o lie_v the_o firm_a claim_n unto_o the_o name_n power_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n with_o who_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o have_v neither_o peace_n nor_o unity_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n 2._o what_o be_v that_o peace_n and_o unity_n which_o we_o be_v so_o oblige_v to_o preserve_v 3._o by_o what_o mean_v they_o be_v to_o be_v preserve_v 1._o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o follow_v peace_n with_o all_o man_n to_o seek_v peace_n
be_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o the_o apostle_n appoint_v only_o particular_a congregation_n and_o that_o therefore_o they_o do_v not_o oblige_v the_o christian_n about_o in_o a_o province_n or_o diocese_n to_o be_v of_o that_o church_n which_o be_v first_o erect_v in_o any_o town_n or_o city_n but_o they_o found_v new_a church_n with_o new_a officer_n of_o their_o own_o in_o all_o place_n where_o there_o be_v a_o sufficient_a number_n of_o believer_n to_o make_v up_o such_o a_o church_n and_o this_o i_o prove_v from_o the_o instance_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v first_o plant_v but_o quick_o after_o there_o be_v church_n gather_v and_o settle_v in_o judea_n gallilee_n and_o samaria_n they_o plant_v church_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o city_n and_o village_n as_o clemens_n speak_v but_o what_o say_v he_o be_v this_o to_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o congregational_a way_n this_o it_o be_v namely_o that_o the_o church_n institute_v by_o the_o apostle_n be_v all_o of_o they_o congregational_a not_o diocesan_n provincial_a or_o national_a but_o say_v he_o the_o thing_n i_o desire_v be_v that_o when_o the_o christian_n in_o one_o city_n multiply_v into_o more_o congregation_n they_o will_v prove_v that_o they_o do_v make_v new_a and_o distinct_a church_n he_o may_v desire_v it_o of_o they_o who_o grant_v that_o the_o christian_n do_v multiply_v in_o one_o city_n into_o more_o congregation_n than_o one_o which_o i_o deny_v until_o the_o end_n of_o the_o second_o century_n although_o they_o may_v and_o do_v occasional_o meet_v especial_o in_o time_n of_o persecution_n in_o distinct_a assembly_n neither_o will_v their_o multiplication_n into_o more_o congregation_n without_o distinct_a officer_n at_o all_o help_n the_o cause_n he_o plead_v for_o for_o his_o diocesan_n church_n consist_v of_o many_o distinct_a church_n with_o their_o distinct_a officer_n order_n and_o power_n as_o he_o afterward_o describe_v our_o parish_n to_o do_v under_o one_o bishop_n yet_o such_o be_v his_o apprehension_n of_o the_o justice_n of_o his_o cause_n that_o what_o have_v be_v plead_v twenty_o time_n against_o it_o namely_o that_o speak_v of_o one_o city_n the_o scripture_n still_o call_v it_o the_o church_n of_o that_o place_n but_o speak_v of_o a_o province_n as_o judea_n galilee_n samaria_n galatia_n macedonia_n it_o speak_v of_o the_o church_n of_o they_o which_o evident_o prove_v that_o it_o know_v nothing_o of_o a_o diocesan_n provincial_a or_o national_a church_n he_o produce_v in_o the_o justification_n of_o it_o because_o he_o say_v that_o it_o be_v evident_a the●ne_n that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o church_n in_o one_o city_n which_o be_v never_o deny_v there_o be_v indeed_o then_o many_o bishop_n in_o one_o church_n phil._n 1.1_o act_n 20.28_o and_o afterward_o when_o one_o church_n have_v one_o bishop_n only_o yet_o there_o be_v two_o bishop_n in_o one_o city_n which_o require_v two_o church_n as_o epiphanus_n affirm_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d haeres_fw-la 68_o s._n 6._o for_o alexandria_n never_o have_v two_o bishop_n as_o other_o city_n have_v whether_o he_o intend_v two_o bishop_n in_o one_o church_n or_o two_o church_n in_o one_o city_n all_o be_v one_o to_o our_o purpose_n but_o the_o dr._n i_o presume_v make_v this_o observation_n rather_o artificial_o to_o prevent_v a_o objection_n against_o his_o main_a hypothesis_n then_o with_o any_o design_n to_o strengthen_v it_o thereby_o for_o he_o can_v but_o know_v how_o frequent_o it_o be_v plead_v in_o opposition_n unto_o any_o national_a church_n state_n as_o unto_o its_o mention_n in_o the_o scripture_n for_o he_o that_o shall_v speak_v of_o the_o church_n in_o essex_n suffolk_z hartfordshire_n and_o so_o of_o other_o county_n without_o the_o least_o intimation_n of_o any_o general_a church_n unto_o which_o they_o shall_v belong_v will_v be_v judge_v to_o speak_v rather_o the_o independent_a than_o the_o episcopal_a dialect_n but_o say_v he_o p._n 236._o i_o can_v but_o wonder_v what_o dr._n o._n mean_n when_o after_o he_o have_v produce_v the_o evidence_n of_o distinct_a church_n in_o the_o same_o province_n he_o call_v this_o plain_a scripture_n evidence_n and_o practice_n for_o the_o erect_v particular_a distinct_a congregation_n who_o deny_v that_o i_o say_v then_o it_o be_v incumbent_n on_o he_o to_o prove_v if_o he_o do_v any_o thing_n in_o this_o cause_n that_o they_o erect_v church_n of_o another_o sort_n kind_a and_o order_n also_o but_o say_v he_o i_o see_v nothing_o like_o a_o proof_n of_o distinct_a church_n in_o the_o same_o city_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v prove_v but_o because_o it_o can_v not_o be_v prove_v be_v prudent_o let_v alone_o but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o thing_n to_o be_v prove_v nor_o do_v i_o propose_v it_o to_o confirmation_n nor_o assert_v it_o but_o have_v prove_v the_o contrary_a unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o second_o century_n this_o only_a i_o assert_v that_o every_o church_n in_o one_o city_n be_v only_o one_o church_n and_o nothing_o be_v offer_v by_o the_o doctor_n to_o the_o contrary_a yea_o he_o affirm_v the_o same_o but_o say_v he_o sect_n 6._o p._n 237._o dr._n o._n say_v that_o the_o christian_n of_o one_o city_n may_v not_o exceed_v the_o bound_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n or_o congregation_n no_o although_o they_o have_v a_o multiplication_n of_o bishop_n or_o elder_n in_o they_o and_o occasional_a distinct_a assembly_n for_o some_o act_n of_o divine_a worship_n but_o then_o say_v he_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o church_n be_v not_o limit_v in_o the_o scripture_n to_o a_o single_a congregation_n why_o so_o for_o say_v he_o if_o occasional_a assembly_n be_v allow_v for_o some_o act_n of_o worship_n why_o not_o for_o other_o i_o say_v because_o they_o belong_v unto_o the_o whole_a church_n or_o be_v act_n of_o communion_n in_o the_o whole_a church_n assemble_v and_o so_o can_v be_v observe_v in_o occasional_a meeting_n do_v this_o say_v the_o apostle_n when_o you_o come_v together_o in_o one_o place_n and_o if_o say_v he_o the_o number_n of_o elder_n be_v unlimited_a than_o every_o of_o those_o may_v attend_v the_o occasional_a distinct_a assembly_n for_o worship_n and_o yet_o altogether_o make_v up_o the_o body_n of_o one_o church_n and_o so_o say_v i_o they_o may_v and_o yet_o be_v one_o church_n still_o join_v together_o in_o all_o act_n of_o communion_n that_o be_v proper_a and_o peculiar_a unto_o the_o church_n for_o as_o the_o meeting_n intend_v be_v occasional_a so_o also_o be_v the_o attendance_n of_o the_o elder_n unto_o they_o as_o they_o find_v occasion_n for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n it_o may_v be_v the_o dr._n be_v not_o so_o well_o acquaint_v with_o the_o principle_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o congregational_a way_n and_o therefore_o think_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v contrary_a unto_o they_o but_o those_o of_o that_o way_n do_v maintain_v that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o every_o particular_a congregation_n unto_o the_o compleatness_n of_o it_o many_o elder_n or_o overseer_n that_o the_o number_n of_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v increase_v as_o the_o increase_n of_o the_o church_n make_v it_o necessary_a for_o their_o edification_n that_o the_o member_n of_o such_o a_o church_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o meet_v occasional_o in_o distinct_a assembly_n especial_o in_o the_o time_n of_o persecution_n for_o prayer_n preach_v of_o the_o word_n and_o mutual_a exhortation_n so_o when_o peter_n be_v in_o prison_n after_o the_o death_n of_o james_n many_o meet_v together_o in_o the_o house_n of_o mary_n to_o pray_o act_v 12.12_o which_o be_v not_o a_o meeting_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o that_o there_o be_v such_o private_a meeting_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n in_o time_n of_o persecution_n among_o the_o primitive_a church_n may_v be_v prove_v by_o a_o multiplication_n of_o instance_n but_o still_o they_o continue_v one_o church_n and_o join_v together_o in_o all_o act_n of_o church_n communion_n proper_o so_o call_v especial_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a every_o lordsday_n as_o justin_n martyr_n declare_v that_o the_o church_n do_v in_o his_o time_n for_o all_o the_o christian_n say_v he_o then_o in_o the_o city_n and_o village_n about_o gather_v together_o in_o one_o place_n for_o the_o end_v mention_v but_o still_o these_o distinct_a occasional_a assembly_n do_v not_o constitute_v any_o distinct_a society_n or_o corporation_n as_o the_o distinct_a company_n do_v in_o a_o city_n but_o say_v he_o grant_v one_o single_a bishop_n over_o all_o these_o elder_n and_o they_o make_v up_o that_o representation_n of_o a_o church_n which_o we_o have_v from_o the_o best_a and_o pure_a antiquity_n i_o say_v we_o will_v quick_o grant_v it_o can_v we_o see_v any_o warrant_n for_o it_o or_o if_o he_o can_v prove_v that_o so_o it_o be_v
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
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
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
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 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