separation_n from_o a_o church_n wherein_o it_o be_v confess_v there_o be_v no_o heinous_a error_n in_o doctrine_n or_o idolatrous_a practice_n in_o worship_n for_o if_o they_o be_v not_o such_o separation_n must_v be_v a_o formal_a schism_n because_o such_o person_n not_o only_o withdraw_v from_o communion_n with_o our_o church_n but_o set_v up_o other_o church_n of_o their_o own_o now_o the_o way_n i_o shall_v take_v to_o show_v the_o insufficiency_n of_o these_o cause_n of_o separation_n shall_v be_v by_o show_v the_o great_a absurdity_n that_o follow_v upon_o the_o allowance_n of_o they_o these_o five_o especial_o i_o shall_v insist_v upon_o 1._o that_o it_o weaken_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o reformation_n 2._o that_o it_o hinder_v all_o union_n between_o the_o protestant-churche_n 3._o that_o it_o justify_v the_o ancient_a schism_n which_o have_v be_v always_o condemn_v by_o the_o christian_a church_n 4._o that_o it_o make_v separation_n endless_a 5._o that_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o obligation_n which_o lie_v on_o all_o christian_n to_o preserve_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n sect._n 22._o 1._o the_o prejudice_n it_o bring_v upon_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o reformation_n which_o i_o shall_v make_v appear_v not_o from_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o own_o writer_n who_o may_v be_v suspect_v by_o the_o dissenter_n of_o too_o much_o kindness_n to_o our_o church_n but_o from_o the_o most_o eminent_a and_o learned_a defender_n of_o the_o reformation_n in_o france_n who_o can_v be_v the_o least_o suspect_v of_o partiality_n to_o our_o church_n 9_o i_o begin_v with_o calvin_n against_o who_o i_o hope_v no_o exception_n will_v be_v take_v 1._o in_o the_o general_n he_o assign_v two_o mark_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n the_o word_n of_o god_n true_o preach_v and_o sacrament_n administer_v according_a to_o christ_n institution_n 2._o he_o say_v wherever_o these_o mark_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o particular_a society_n those_o be_v true_a church_n howsoever_o they_o be_v distribute_v according_a to_o humane_a conveniency_n 3_o that_o although_o those_o stand_v as_o member_n of_o particular_a church_n who_o may_v not_o be_v think_v worthy_a of_o that_o society_n till_o they_o be_v due_o cast_v out_o yet_o the_o church_n themselves_o have_v these_o mark_n do_v still_o retain_v the_o true_a nature_n and_o constitution_n of_o church_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v so_o esteem_v 4._o man_n ought_v not_o to_o separate_a from_o 10._o or_o break_v the_o unity_n of_o such_o church_n and_o he_o have_v this_o notable_a say_n upon_o it_o god_n set_v such_o a_o value_n upon_o the_o communion_n of_o his_o church_n that_o he_o look_v upon_o he_o as_o a_o apostate_n from_o his_o religion_n who_o do_v wilful_o separate_a himself_o from_o any_o christian_a society_n which_o have_v the_o true_a ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n and_o a_o little_a after_o he_o call_v separation_n a_o denial_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n a_o destruction_n of_o his_o truth_n a_o mighty_a provocation_n of_o his_o anger_n a_o crime_n so_o great_a that_o we_o can_v hardly_o imagine_v a_o worse_a it_o be_v a_o sacrilegious_a and_o perfidious_a breach_n of_o the_o marriage_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o his_o people_n 11._o in_o the_o next_o section_n he_o make_v it_o a_o very_a dangerous_a and_o mischievous_a temptation_n so_o much_o as_o to_o think_v of_o separation_n from_o a_o church_n that_o have_v these_o mark_n 5._o that_o although_o there_o be_v many_o fault_n and_o corruption_n in_o such_o a_o church_n yet_o as_o long_o as_o it_o retain_v those_o mark_n separation_n from_o it_o be_v not_o justifiable_a nay_o although_o some_o of_o those_o fault_n be_v about_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o administration_n of_o sacrament_n for_o say_v he_o all_o truth_n be_v not_o of_o equal_a moment_n but_o as_o long_o as_o the_o doctrine_n according_a to_o godliness_n and_o the_o true_a use_n of_o sacrament_n be_v keep_v up_o man_n ought_v not_o to_o separate_v upon_o lesser_a difference_n but_o they_o ought_v to_o seek_v the_o amend_v what_o be_v amiss_o continue_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o without_o disturb_v the_o peace_n and_o order_n of_o it_o and_o he_o at_o large_a prove_n 16._o what_o great_a allowance_n be_v to_o be_v make_v as_o to_o the_o corruption_n of_o member_n from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o apostolical_a church_n and_o he_o say_v mens_fw-la moroseness_n in_o this_o matter_n although_o it_o seem_v to_o flow_v from_o zeal_n yet_o it_o much_o rather_o come_v from_o spiritual_a pride_n and_o a_o false_a opinion_n of_o their_o own_o holiness_n above_o other_o although_o say_v he_o there_o be_v such_o universal_a corruption_n in_o the_o jewish_a church_n 18._o that_o the_o prophet_n compare_v it_o to_o sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n yet_o they_o never_o set_v up_o new_a church_n nor_o erect_v other_o altar_n whereat_o they_o may_v offer_v separate_a sacrifice_n but_o whatever_o the_o people_n be_v as_o long_o as_o god_n word_n and_o ordinance_n be_v among_o they_o they_o lift_v up_o pure_a hand_n to_o god_n although_o in_o such_o a_o impure_a society_n the_o same_o he_o prove_v as_o to_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n from_o whence_o he_o conclude_v that_o separation_n from_o such_o church_n 19_o where_o the_o true_a word_n of_o god_n and_o sacrament_n be_v be_v a_o inexcusable_a fault_n but_o how_o then_o come_v he_o to_o justify_v the_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n 6._o because_o in_o that_o church_n the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o christ_n be_v so_o much_o suppress_v and_o so_o many_o error_n obtrude_v on_o man_n mind_n in_o stead_n of_o it_o and_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n so_o corrupt_v that_o the_o public_a assembly_n be_v school_n of_o idolatry_n and_o wickedness_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o church_n unity_n it_o can_v be_v no_o culpable_a separation_n to_o withdraw_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o a_o church_n which_o have_v so_o notorious_o corrupt_v his_o doctrine_n and_o institution_n especial_o when_o they_o anathematise_v those_o who_o will_v not_o comply_v with_o they_o but_o do_v he_o mean_v any_o indifferent_a rite_n 12._o or_o ceremony_n where_o the_o doctrine_n be_v sound_a no_o but_o false_a doctrine_n and_o idolatrous_a worship_n as_o he_o frequent_o declare_v and_o therefore_o he_o that_o will_v go_v about_o to_o defend_v separation_n from_o a_o church_n on_o the_o account_n of_o some_o ceremony_n prescribe_v and_o some_o corruption_n remain_v in_o it_o must_v overthrow_v the_o fundamental_a ground_n of_o the_o reformation_n as_o they_o be_v explain_v by_o calvin_n himself_o sect._n 23._o among_o their_o late_a writer_n no_o man_n have_v vindicated_n the_o cause_n of_o the_o reformation_n with_o great_a success_n and_o reputation_n then_o mr._n daille_n in_o his_o apology_n and_o the_o ground_n he_o go_v upon_o be_v these_o 1._o that_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o avoid_v the_o communion_n of_o those_o 3._o who_o go_v about_o to_o destroy_v and_o ruin_n christianity_n 2._o if_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v not_o require_v any_o thing_n from_o we_o which_o destroy_v our_o faith_n offend_v our_o conscience_n and_o overthrow_v the_o service_n which_o we_o believe_v due_a to_o god_n if_o the_o difference_n have_v be_v small_a and_o such_o as_o we_o may_v safe_o have_v yield_v unto_o 4._o then_o he_o will_v grant_v that_o their_o separation_n be_v rash_a and_o unjust_a and_o they_o guilty_a of_o the_o schism_n 3._o he_o prove_v that_o they_o have_v weighty_a reason_n for_o their_o separation_n 5._o which_o be_v these_o 1._o impose_v new_a doctrine_n as_o necessary_a article_n of_o faith_n and_o yet_o not_o all_o errro_n in_o doctrine_n do_v afford_v sufficient_a ground_n for_o separation_n 7._o but_o such_o as_o be_v pernicious_a and_o destructive_a to_o salvation_n for_o which_o he_o instance_v in_o the_o lutheran_n opinion_n of_o christ_n bodily_a presence_n in_o the_o sacrament_n which_o overthrow_v not_o the_o use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n nor_o require_v the_o adore_a it_o it_o neither_o divide_v nor_o mutilate_v it_o nor_o make_v it_o a_o expitiatory_a sacrifice_n for_o sin_n all_o which_o follow_v from_o the_o popish_a doctrine_n from_o whence_o he_o conclude_v that_o to_o separate_v from_o a_o church_n for_o tolerable_a error_n be_v a_o unjust_a separation_n 8._o 2._o require_v such_o worship_n as_o overthrow_v the_o foundation_n of_o christianity_n which_o say_v he_o prove_v the_o necessity_n of_o our_o separation_n and_o for_o this_o he_o instance_n in_o adoration_n of_o the_o host_n which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n strict_o require_v and_o the_o protestant_n believe_v it_o to_o be_v a_o mere_a creature_n they_o can_v give_v it_o without_o idolatry_n from_o whence_o he_o conclude_v our_o separation_n to_o be_v â—ust_z because_o it_o be_v necessary_a beside_o this_o he_o give_v instance_n in_o the_o
whatsoever_o you_o shall_v bind_v etc._n etc._n from_o whence_o say_v he_o by_o a_o constant_a succession_n of_o time_n such_o a_o course_n have_v be_v always_o observe_v in_o the_o church_n that_o the_o church_n have_v be_v still_o govern_v by_o bishop_n and_o every_o act_n of_o the_o church_n have_v be_v under_o their_o care_n and_o conduct_v since_o this_o say_v he_o be_v a_o divine_a institution_n i_o wonder_v at_o the_o boldness_n of_o those_o who_o have_v write_v at_o that_o rate_n to_o i_o concern_v the_o lapse_v since_o the_o church_n consist_v in_o the_o bishop_n the_o clergy_n and_o the_o stand_a people_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o antonianus_n 52._o he_o speak_v of_o the_o agreement_n of_o the_o bishop_n throughout_o the_o whole_a world_n 55._o and_o in_o that_o to_o cornelius_n that_o every_o bishop_n have_v a_o part_n of_o the_o flock_n commit_v to_o he_o which_o he_o be_v to_o govern_v and_o to_o give_v a_o account_n thereof_o to_o god_n 65._o and_o that_o a_o bishop_n in_o the_o church_n be_v in_o the_o place_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o disobedience_n to_o he_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o schism_n and_o disorder_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n he_o speak_v in_o his_o epistle_n to_o rogatianus_n 69._o and_o to_o pupianus_n where_o he_o declare_v a_o church_n to_o be_v a_o people_n unite_v to_o a_o bishop_n 75._o and_o to_o stephanus_n that_o they_o have_v succeed_v the_o apostle_n in_o a_o constant_a course_n let_v the_o reader_n now_o judge_n whether_o these_o be_v the_o stroke_n and_o lineament_n of_o the_o congregational_a way_n and_o whether_o dr._n o._n have_v any_o reason_n to_o appeal_v to_o saint_n cyprian_n for_o the_o democratical_a government_n of_o the_o church_n but_o we_o have_v this_o advantage_n from_o this_o appeal_n that_o they_o do_v not_o suppose_v any_o deviation_n then_o from_o the_o primitive_a institution_n and_o what_o that_o be_v in_o saint_n cyprian_n judgement_n any_o one_o may_v see_v when_o he_o speak_v of_o nothing_o peculiar_a to_o his_o own_o church_n but_o what_o be_v general_o observe_v over_o the_o christian_a world_n and_o now_o let_v dr._n o._n give_v a_o account_n how_o a_o change_n so_o great_a so_o sudden_a so_o universal_a shall_v happen_v in_o the_o christian_a world_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n that_o when_o christ_n have_v place_v the_o power_n in_o the_o people_n the_o bishop_n in_o so_o short_a a_o time_n shall_v be_v every_o where_o settle_v and_o allow_v to_o have_v the_o chief_a management_n in_o church-affair_n without_o any_o control_n from_o the_o people_n which_o to_o i_o be_v as_o strong_a a_o argument_n as_o a_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n will_v bear_v that_o the_o power_n be_v at_o first_o lodge_v in_o they_o and_o not_o in_o the_o people_n for_o as_o mr._n noys_n of_o new-england_n well_o argue_v it_o be_v not_o imaginable_a that_o bishop_n shall_v come_v by_o such_o power_n as_o be_v record_v in_o ecclesiastical_a history_n 62._o and_o that_o over_o all_o the_o world_n and_o in_o a_o way_n of_o ambition_n in_o such_o humble_v time_n without_o all_o manner_n of_o opposition_n for_o 300_o year_n together_o and_o immediate_o after_o the_o apostle_n have_v it_o be_v usurpation_n or_o innovation_n when_o and_o where_o be_v innovation_n without_o opposition_n will_v not_o elder_n so_o many_o see_v and_o know_v man_n at_o least_o some_o of_o they_o have_v contend_v for_o truth_n wherein_o their_o own_o liberty_n and_o right_n be_v so_o much_o interest_v aërius_n his_o oppose_v of_o bishop_n so_o long_o after_o their_o rise_n and_o stand_v be_v inconsiderable_a the_o force_n of_o which_o reason_v will_v sway_v more_o with_o a_o impartial_a and_o ingenuous_a mind_n than_o all_o the_o difficulty_n i_o ever_o yet_o see_v on_o the_o other_o side_n so_o much_o for_o the_o account_n dr._n o._n promise_n of_o the_o deviation_n of_o the_o church_n after_o the_o apostle_n decease_n sect._n 5._o 2._o dr._n o._n answer_v as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n concern_v the_o institution_n of_o congregational_a church_n that_o it_o seem_v to_o he_o evident_o exemplify_v in_o the_o scripture_n 39_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v that_o when_o church_n grow_v too_o big_a for_o one_o single_a congregation_n in_o a_o city_n than_o a_o new_a congregational_a church_n be_v set_v up_o under_o new_a officer_n with_o a_o separate_a power_n of_o government_n let_v we_o now_o see_v dr._n o.'s_n proof_n of_o it_o for_o although_o it_o may_v be_v there_o be_v not_o express_v mention_n make_v that_o these_o or_o those_o particular_a church_n do_v divide_v themselves_o into_o more_o congregation_n with_o new_a officer_n i_o e._n although_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v not_o evident_a in_o scripture_n yet_o say_v he_o there_o be_v instance_n of_o the_o erection_n of_o new_a particular_a congregation_n in_o the_o same_o province_n but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o congregational_a way_n 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 and_o to_o exemplify_v this_o he_o mention_n new_a congregation_n in_o the_o same_o province_n who_o ever_o deny_v or_o dispute_v that_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o proof_n of_o this_o be_v a_o great_a advantage_n to_o our_o cause_n for_o since_o where_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o the_o church_n of_o a_o province_n it_o speak_v of_o they_o as_o of_o different_a church_n but_o when_o it_o mention_n the_o christian_n of_o one_o city_n it_o call_v they_o the_o church_n of_o that_o city_n as_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n 31._o but_o the_o church_n of_o judea_n galilee_n and_o samaria_n what_o can_v be_v more_o evident_a than_o that_o the_o christian_n of_o one_o city_n though_o never_o so_o numerous_a make_v but_o one_o church_n if_o one_o observe_v the_o language_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n one_o may_v find_v this_o observation_n not_o once_o to_o fail_v that_o where_o church_n be_v speak_v of_o in_o the_o plural_a number_n 14._o they_o be_v the_o church_n of_o a_o province_n as_o the_o church_n of_o judea_n 19_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n the_o church_n of_o syria_n and_o cilicia_n 41._o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n the_o church_n of_o macedonia_n 1._o but_o where_o all_o the_o christian_n of_o one_o city_n be_v speak_v of_o 2._o it_o be_v still_o câ—lled_v the_o church_n of_o that_o city_n 1._o as_o the_o church_n at_o antioch_n the_o church_n at_o corinth_n and_o when_o the_o 7_o church_n be_v speak_v of_o together_o they_o be_v the_o 7_o church_n but_o when_o speak_v to_o single_a it_o be_v the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v speak_v without_o any_o discrimination_n as_o to_o the_o difference_n of_o these_o place_n in_o greatness_n and_o capacity_n or_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n in_o they_o do_v evident_o discover_v that_o what_o number_n soever_o they_o be_v they_o be_v all_o but_o the_o church_n of_o that_o city_n for_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v suppose_v that_o the_o number_n of_o christian_n be_v no_o great_a in_o ephesus_n sardis_n pergamus_n and_o laodicea_n which_o be_v great_a and_o populous_a city_n than_o in_o thyatira_n and_o philadelphia_n which_o be_v much_o less_o especial_o consider_v the_o time_n saint_n paul_n stay_v at_o ephesâ—s_n 31._o and_o the_o mighty_a success_n which_o he_o have_v in_o preach_v there_o which_o will_v amount_v to_o no_o great_a matter_n 9_o if_o in_o three_o year_n time_n he_o convert_v no_o more_o than_o make_v up_o one_o single_a congregation_n and_o thus_o man_n to_o serve_v a_o hypothesis_n take_v off_o from_o the_o mighty_a power_n and_o prevalency_n of_o the_o gospel_n i_o can_v but_o wonder_n 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 40._o as_o galatia_n and_o macedonia_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 but_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 whereas_o we_o have_v plain_a scripture_n evidence_n that_o all_o the_o christian_n of_o a_o city_n though_o never_o so_o great_a make_v but_o one_o church_n and_o uncontrollable_a evidence_n from_o antiquity_n that_o the_o neighbour_a christian_n be_v lay_v to_o the_o church_n of_o the_o city_n all_o that_o he_o say_v further_a to_o this_o matter_n 4â—_n be_v that_o such_o church_n have_v power_n to_o rule_v and_o govern_v themselves_o because_o in_o every_o one_o of_o they_o elder_n be_v ordain_v act
right_n of_o patronage_n be_v as_o just_a and_o legal_a right_n as_o man_n have_v to_o their_o estate_n and_o consequent_o every_o minister_n due_o present_v have_v a_o legal_a title_n to_o the_o temple_n and_o tithe_n as_o mr._n b._n call_v they_o but_o this_o do_v not_o say_v he_o make_v a_o minister_n for_o their_o soul_n and_o the_o parliament_n can_v dispose_v of_o their_o soul_n the_o meaning_n of_o all_o which_o be_v if_o the_o people_n be_v humoursome_a and_o factious_a they_o may_v run_v after_o who_o they_o please_v and_o set_v up_o what_o minister_n they_o please_v in_o opposition_n to_o law_n and_o so_o for_o instance_n suppose_v a_o parish_n be_v divide_v in_o their_o opinion_n about_o religion_n as_o we_o know_v too_o many_o be_v at_o this_o day_n all_o these_o several_a party_n viz._n anabaptist_n quaker_n yea_o and_o papist_n too_o as_o well_o as_o other_o will_v put_v in_o for_o a_o equal_a share_n in_o what_o concern_v the_o care_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o consequent_o may_v choose_v a_o several_a pastor_n to_o themselves_o and_o leave_v the_o incumbent_n the_o bare_a possession_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o tithe_n but_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o objection_n this_o may_v be_v think_v sufficient_a that_o he_o be_v none_o of_o their_o choose_n be_v impose_v upon_o they_o by_o other_o who_o can_v not_o dispose_v of_o their_o soul_n by_o which_o mean_n this_o pretence_n of_o take_v care_n for_o their_o soul_n will_v be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o justify_v the_o great_a disorder_n and_o confusion_n which_o can_v happen_v in_o a_o church_n for_o let_v the_o person_n be_v never_o so_o worthy_a in_o himself_o the_o people_n be_v still_o to_o have_v their_o liberty_n of_o choose_v for_o themselves_o and_o who_o be_v these_o people_n must_v all_o have_v equal_a vote_n then_o according_a to_o mr._n b.'s_n opinion_n of_o our_o church_n the_o worst_a will_v be_v soon_o choose_v for_o why_o shall_v we_o not_o think_v the_o worst_a people_n will_v 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people_n be_v leave_v to_o choose_v their_o own_o pastor_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v imagine_v what_o party_n and_o faction_n what_o mutual_a hatred_n and_o perpetual_a animosity_n they_o will_v natural_o fall_v into_o on_o such_o occasion_n do_v we_o not_o daily_o see_v such_o thing_n to_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o popular_a election_n where_o man_n be_v concern_v for_o the_o strength_n and_o reputation_n of_o their_o party_n what_o envy_v and_o strife_n what_o evil_a speak_n and_o backbiting_a what_o tumult_n and_o disorder_n what_o unchristian_a behaviour_n in_o general_n of_o man_n to_o each_o other_o do_v common_o accompany_v such_o election_n which_o be_v the_o natural_a effect_n of_o man_n passion_n stir_v up_o by_o such_o occasion_n and_o there_o be_v so_o much_o experience_n of_o it_o in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n where_o such_o thing_n have_v be_v i_o be_o as_o certain_a that_o christ_n never_o give_v the_o people_n such_o a_o unalterable_a right_n of_o choose_v their_o own_o minister_n as_o i_o be_o that_o he_o design_v to_o have_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n preserve_v and_o of_o all_o person_n i_o do_v the_o most_o wonder_n at_o he_o who_o pretend_v to_o discover_v the_o only_a way_n of_o unity_n and_o concord_n among_o christian_n that_o he_o shall_v so_o much_o so_o frequent_o so_o earnest_o insist_v upon_o this_o which_o if_o it_o be_v not_o the_o only_a be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o effectual_a way_n to_o perpetuate_v disorder_n and_o confusion_n in_o a_o break_a and_o divide_a church_n and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o plea_n for_o separation_n take_v from_o the_o people_n right_n to_o choose_v their_o own_o minister_n sect._n 26._o have_v thus_o dispatch_v all_o the_o plea_n for_o separation_n which_o relate_v to_o the_o constitution_n of_o our_o church_n i_o come_v to_o those_o which_o concern_v the_o term_n of_o communion_n with_o we_o whâ—â—_n be_v say_v to_o be_v unlawful_a one_o of_o the_o chief_a plea_n allege_v for_o separation_n by_o dr._n o._n and_o mr._n a._n be_v 41._o that_o many_o thing_n in_o the_o constant_a total_a communion_n of_o parochial_a church_n be_v impose_v on_o the_o conscience_n and_o practice_n of_o man_n which_o be_v not_o according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ._n these_o be_v very_o general_a word_n but_o dr._n o._n reckon_v up_o the_o particular_n which_o set_v aside_o those_o already_o consider_v be_v the_o use_n of_o the_o aëreal_a sign_n of_o the_o cross_n 13._o kneel_v at_o the_o communion_n the_o religious_a observation_n of_o holiday_n and_o the_o constant_a use_n of_o the_o liturgy_n in_o all_o the_o public_a office_n of_o the_o church_n as_o to_o this_o last_o i_o shall_v say_v nothing_o it_o be_v late_o so_o very_o well_o defend_v by_o a_o learned_a divine_a of_o our_o church_n 1680._o to_o the_o other_o mr._n b._n add_v the_o use_n of_o godfather_n and_o godmother_n and_o now_o i_o be_o to_o examine_v what_o weight_n there_o be_v in_o these_o thing_n to_o make_v man_n serious_o think_v communion_n with_o our_o church_n unlawful_a when_o i_o find_v our_o church_n thus_o charge_v with_o prescribe_v unlawful_a term_n of_o communion_n i_o expect_v a_o particular_a and_o distinct_a proof_n of_o such_o a_o charge_n because_o the_o main_a weight_n of_o the_o cause_n depend_v upon_o it_o and_o this_o be_v the_o method_n we_o use_v in_o deal_v with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n we_o do_v not_o run_v upon_o general_a charge_n of_o unscriptural_a imposition_n and_o thing_n impose_v on_o man_n conscience_n against_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n but_o we_o close_v with_o they_o upon_o the_o particular_n of_o the_o charge_n as_o worship_n of_o image_n invocation_n of_o saint_n adoration_n of_o the_o host_n and_o we_o offer_v to_o prove_v by_o plain_a scripture_n that_o these_o be_v forbid_v and_o therefore_o unlawful_a but_o i_o find_v no_o such_o method_n take_v or_o pursue_v by_o our_o brethren_n only_o we_o be_v tell_v over_o and_o over_o that_o they_o judge_v they_o think_v they_o esteem_v they_o unlawful_a and_o they_o can_v be_v satisfy_v about_o they_o but_o for_o particular_a argument_n to_o prove_v they_o unlawful_a i_o find_v none_o which_o make_v the_o whole_a charge_n look_v very_o suspicious_o for_o man_n do_v not_o use_v to_o remain_v in_o general_n when_o they_o have_v any_o assurance_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o their_o cause_n yet_o to_o let_v the_o reader_n see_v that_o i_o decline_v nothing_o that_o look_v like_o argument_n in_o this_o matter_n i_o shall_v pick_v up_o every_o thing_n i_o can_v find_v which_o seem_v to_o prove_v these_o term_n of_o our_o communion_n to_o be_v unlawful_a or_o to_o justify_v their_o separation_n in_o the_o epistle_n before_o my_o sermon_n i_o have_v use_v this_o argument_n against_o the_o present_a separation_n that_o if_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o separate_v on_o a_o pretence_n of_o great_a purity_n where_o there_o be_v a_o agreement_n in_o doctrine_n and_o the_o substantial_a part_n of_o worship_n as_o be_v acknowledge_v in_o our_o case_n then_o a_o bare_a difference_n of_o opinion_n as_o to_o some_o circumstantial_o of_o worship_n and_o the_o best_a constitution_n of_o church_n will_v be_v sufficient_a ground_n to_o break_v communion_n and_o to_o set_v up_o new_a church_n which_o consider_v the_o great_a variety_n of_o man_n fancy_n about_o these_o matter_n be_v to_o make_v a_o infinite_a divisibility_n in_o church_n without_o any_o possible_a stop_n to_o further_a separation_n this_o argument_n other_o be_v willing_a to_o pass_v over_o but_o mr._n a._n in_o his_o preface_n undertake_v to_o answer_v it_o in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o which_o be_v so_o material_a to_o our_o business_n i_o shall_v now_o distinct_o consider_v and_o like_o a_o able_a disputant_n he_o allow_v nothing_o at_o all_o in_o this_o argument_n for_o
who_o they_o come_v let_v now_o any_o impartial_a reader_n judge_n who_o do_v most_o effectual_o serve_v the_o papist_n design_n those_o who_o keep_v to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n or_o those_o who_o fall_v into_o the_o course_n of_o separation_n i_o will_v allow_v what_o mr._n baxter_n say_v 53._o that_o they_o may_v use_v their_o endeavour_n to_o exasperate_v the_o several_a party_n against_o each_o other_o and_o may_v sometime_o press_v the_o more_o rigorous_a execution_n of_o law_n against_o they_o but_o than_o it_o be_v to_o set_v they_o at_o the_o great_a distance_n from_o we_o and_o to_o make_v they_o more_o pliable_a to_o a_o general_n toleration_n and_o they_o sometime_o complain_v that_o those_o who_o be_v most_o adverse_a to_o this_o find_v themselves_o under_o the_o severity_n of_o the_o law_n when_o more_o tractable_a man_n escape_v which_o they_o have_v weak_o impute_v to_o the_o implacable_a temper_n of_o the_o bishop_n when_o they_o may_v easy_o understand_v the_o true_a cause_n of_o such_o a_o discrimination_n but_o from_o the_o whole_a it_o appear_v that_o the_o grand_a design_n of_o the_o papist_n for_o many_o year_n be_v to_o break_v in_o piece_n the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o be_v do_v they_o flatter_v themselves_o with_o the_o hope_n of_o great_a accession_n to_o their_o strength_n and_o party_n and_o in_o order_n to_o this_o they_o inflame_v the_o difference_n among_o we_o to_o the_o utmost_a height_n on_o purpose_n to_o make_v all_o the_o dissent_v party_n to_o join_v with_o they_o for_o a_o general_n toleration_n which_o they_o do_v not_o question_n will_v destroy_v this_o church_n and_o advance_v their_o interest_n whether_o they_o do_v judge_v true_o in_o this_o i_o be_o not_o to_o determine_v it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o they_o go_v upon_o the_o great_a probability_n but_o be_v it_o possible_a to_o imagine_v such_o skilful_a engineer_n shall_v use_v so_o much_o art_n and_o industry_n to_o undermine_v and_o blow_v up_o a_o bulwark_n unless_o they_o hope_v to_o gain_v the_o place_n or_o at_o lest_o some_o very_a considerable_a advantage_n to_o themselves_o by_o it_o and_o it_o be_v a_o most_o unfortunate_a condition_n our_o church_n be_v in_o if_o those_o who_o design_n to_o bring_v in_o popery_n and_o those_o who_o design_n to_o keep_v it_o out_o shall_v both_o conspire_v towards_o its_o destruction_n this_o which_o i_o have_v represent_v be_v the_o posture_n of_o our_o church-affair_n when_o the_o late_a horrible_a plot_n of_o the_o papist_n for_o destruction_n of_o the_o king_n person_n and_o subversion_n of_o our_o religion_n come_v to_o be_v discover_v it_o seem_v they_o find_v the_o other_o method_n tedious_a and_o uncertain_a and_o they_o meet_v with_o many_o cross_a accident_n many_o rub_n and_o disappointment_n in_o their_o way_n and_o therefore_o they_o resolve_v upon_o a_o summary_n way_n of_o proceed_v and_o to_o do_v their_o business_n by_o one_o blow_n which_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o circumstance_n of_o our_o affair_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v incredible_a that_o if_o they_o have_v no_o such_o design_n it_o be_v rather_o a_o wonder_n they_o have_v not_o especial_o consider_v the_o allow_a principle_n and_o practice_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n upon_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o plot_n and_o the_o mean_n of_o papist_n use_v confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o know_v our_o great_a proneness_n to_o infidelity_n by_o the_o murder_n of_o a_o worthy_a gentleman_n who_o receive_v the_o deposition_n the_o nation_n be_v extreme_o alarm_v with_o the_o apprehension_n of_o popery_n and_o provoke_v to_o the_o utmost_a detestation_n of_o it_o those_o who_o have_v be_v long_o apprehensive_a of_o their_o restless_a design_n be_v glad_a to_o see_v other_o awaken_v but_o they_o seem_v like_o man_n rouse_v out_o of_o a_o deep_a sleep_n be_v amaze_v and_o confound_v fearful_a of_o every_o thing_n and_o apt_a to_o mistrust_v all_o person_n who_o be_v not_o in_o such_o a_o consternation_n as_o themselves_o during_o this_o heat_n some_o of_o we_o both_o in_o private_a and_o public_a endeavour_v to_o bring_v the_o dissenter_n to_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o union_n among_o protestant_n hope_v the_o apprehension_n of_o present_a danger_n common_a to_o we_o all_o will_v have_v dispose_v they_o to_o a_o better_a inclination_n to_o the_o thing_n which_o belong_v to_o our_o peace_n but_o find_v the_o nation_n thus_o vehement_o bend_v against_o popery_n those_o who_o have_v former_o carry_v it_o so_o smooth_o and_o fair_o towards_o the_o common_a and_o innocent_a papist_n as_o they_o then_o style_v they_o and_o think_v they_o equal_o capable_a of_o toleration_n with_o themselves_o now_o they_o fly_v out_o into_o the_o utmost_a rage_n against_o they_o and_o other_o be_v apt_a by_o sly_a insinuation_n to_o represent_v those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n some_o of_o who_o have_v appear_v with_o vigour_n and_o resolution_n against_o popery_n when_o they_o be_v truck_v underhand_o for_o toleration_n with_o they_o as_o papist_n in_o masquerade_n but_o now_o they_o tack_v about_o and_o strike_v in_o with_o the_o violent_a rage_n of_o the_o people_n and_o none_o so_o fierce_a against_o popery_n as_o they_o what_o influence_n it_o have_v have_v upon_o other_o i_o know_v not_o but_o i_o confess_v it_o do_v not_o lessen_v my_o esteem_n of_o the_o integrity_n of_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o much_o transport_v by_o sudden_a heat_n beyond_o the_o just_a bound_n of_o prudence_n and_o decency_n and_o humanity_n towards_o their_o great_a enemy_n have_v learn_v from_o st._n paul_n that_o the_o wrath_n of_o man_n work_v not_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n they_o expect_v as_o little_a favour_n from_o they_o as_o any_o if_o they_o have_v prevail_v and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o some_o of_o they_o have_v be_v make_v the_o first_o example_n of_o their_o cruelty_n however_o this_o be_v interpret_v to_o be_v want_n of_o zeal_n by_o those_o who_o think_v there_o be_v no_o fire_n in_o the_o house_n unless_o it_o flame_v out_o at_o the_o window_n and_o this_o advantage_n be_v take_v by_o the_o inveterate_a enemy_n of_o our_o church_n to_o represent_v we_o all_o as_o secret_a friend_n to_o the_o papist_n so_o improbable_a a_o lie_n that_o the_o devil_n himself_o will_v blush_v at_o the_o tell_v of_o it_o not_o for_o the_o malice_n but_o the_o folly_n and_o ill_a contrivance_n of_o it_o and_o those_o who_o be_v more_o moderate_a be_v content_a to_o allow_v 3_o or_o 4_o among_o the_o bishop_n to_o be_v protestant_n and_o about_o 4_o or_o 5_o among_o the_o clergy_n of_o london_n to_o feed_v this_o humour_n which_o wonderful_o spread_v among_o more_o of_o the_o people_n than_o we_o can_v have_v believe_v to_o have_v be_v so_o weak_a most_o of_o the_o malicious_a libel_n against_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v reprint_v and_o disperse_v and_o new_a one_o add_v to_o they_o among_o the_o rest_n one_o translate_v out_o of_o french_a to_o prove_v the_o advances_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n towards_o popery_n but_o so_o unhappy_o manage_v that_o those_o person_n be_v chief_o mention_v who_o have_v appear_v with_o most_o zeal_n against_o popery_n yet_o so_o much_o have_v the_o art_n of_o some_o man_n prevail_v over_o the_o judgement_n of_o other_o that_o even_o this_o discourse_n be_v greedy_o swallow_v by_o they_o but_o i_o must_v do_v the_o author_n of_o it_o that_o right_a to_o declare_v that_o before_o his_o death_n he_o be_v very_o sensible_a of_o the_o injury_n he_o have_v do_v to_o some_o worthy_a divine_n of_o our_o church_n therein_o and_o beg_v god_n and_o they_o pardon_v for_o it_o wherein_o as_o he_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o some_o other_o who_o be_v great_a enemy_n to_o our_o church_n while_o they_o live_v but_o repent_v of_o it_o when_o they_o come_v to_o die_v so_o i_o hope_v other_o upon_o better_a consideration_n will_v see_v reason_n to_o follow_v he_o but_o this_o be_v but_o a_o inconsiderable_a trifle_n in_o comparison_n of_o what_o follow_v we_o be_v still_o in_o hope_n that_o man_n so_o wise_a so_o self-denying_a as_o the_o nonconformist_a minister_n represent_v themselves_o to_o the_o world_n will_v in_o so_o critical_a a_o time_n have_v make_v some_o step_n or_o advance_v towards_o a_o union_n with_o we_o at_o lest_o to_o have_v let_v we_o know_v their_o sense_n of_o the_o present_a state_n of_o thing_n and_o their_o readiness_n to_o join_v with_o we_o as_o far_o as_o they_o can_v against_o the_o assault_n of_o a_o common_a enemy_n in_o stead_n of_o this_o those_o we_o discourse_v with_o seem_v far_o off_o than_o before_o and_o when_o we_o lest_o expect_v such_o a_o blow_n under_o the_o name_n of_o a_o plea_n for_o peace_n out_o come_v a_o
then_o there_o be_v no_o deviation_n from_o the_o unalterable_a rule_n of_o christ._n let_v we_o therefore_o impartial_o consider_v what_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o carthage_n then_o be_v concern_v which_o these_o thing_n may_v be_v observe_v 1._o that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a number_n of_o presbyter_n belong_v to_o the_o church_n of_o carthage_n and_o therefore_o not_o probable_a to_o be_v one_o single_a congregation_n this_o appear_v from_o saint_n cyprian_n epistle_n to_o they_o in_o his_o retirement_n 5._o in_o one_o he_o give_v they_o advice_n how_o to_o visit_v the_o confessor_n in_o prison_n which_o he_o will_v have_v they_o to_o do_v by_o turn_n every_o one_o take_v a_o deacon_n with_o he_o because_o the_o change_n of_o person_n will_v be_v less_o invidious_a and_o consider_v the_o number_n of_o confessor_n and_o the_o frequent_a attendance_n upon_o they_o the_o number_n of_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n must_v be_v considerable_a when_o he_o send_v numidicus_n to_o be_v place_v among_o the_o presbyter_n at_o carthage_n 35._o he_o give_v this_o reason_n of_o it_o that_o he_o may_v adorn_v the_o plenty_n of_o his_o presbyter_n with_o such_o worthy_a man_n it_o be_v now_o impair_v by_o the_o fall_n of_o some_o during_o the_o persecution_n 3._o in_o the_o case_n of_o philumanus_fw-la fortunatus_n and_o favorinus_n he_o declare_v he_o will_v give_v no_o judgement_n cum_fw-la multi_fw-la adhuc_fw-la de_fw-la clero_fw-la absentes_fw-la sint_fw-la when_o many_o of_o his_o clergy_n be_v absent_a and_o in_o another_o epistle_n he_o complain_v 28._o that_o a_o great_a number_n of_o his_o clergy_n be_v absent_a and_o the_o few_o that_o be_v remain_v be_v hardly_o sufficient_a for_o their_o work_n 24._o at_o one_o time_n felicissimus_n and_o five_o presbyter_n more_o do_v break_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n at_o carthage_n and_o then_o he_o mention_n britius_n rogatianus_n and_o numidicus_n as_o the_o chief_a presbyter_n remain_v with_o they_o 40._o beside_o deacon_n and_o inferior_a minister_n about_o the_o same_o time_n cornelius_n bishop_n of_o rome_n mention_n 46_o presbyter_n he_o have_v with_o he_o in_o that_o city_n 35._o and_o in_o constantinople_n of_o old_a say_v justinian_n in_o his_o novel_n 30._o be_v 60_o presbyter_n for_o in_o one_o he_o say_v the_o custom_n be_v to_o determine_v the_o number_n and_o in_o another_o that_o 60_o be_v to_o be_v the_o number_n at_o constantinople_n let_v any_o one_o now_o consider_v whether_o these_o church_n that_o have_v so_o many_o presbyter_n be_v single_a congregation_n and_o at_o carthage_n we_o have_v this_o evidence_n of_o the_o great_a number_n of_o christian_n that_o in_o the_o time_n of_o persecution_n although_o very_o many_o stand_v firm_a yet_o the_o number_n of_o the_o lapse_v be_v so_o great_a 15._o that_o saint_n cyprian_n say_v every_o day_n thousand_o of_o ticket_n be_v grant_v by_o the_o martyr_n and_o confessor_n in_o their_o behalf_n for_o reconciliation_n to_o the_o church_n and_o in_o one_o of_o those_o ticket_n sometime_o may_v be_v comprehend_v twenty_o or_o thirty_o person_n 11._o the_o form_n be_v communicet_fw-la ille_fw-la cum_fw-la suis._n be_v it_o then_o probable_a this_o church_n at_o carthage_n shall_v consist_v of_o one_o single_a congregation_n 2._o these_o presbyter_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v under_o the_o particular_a care_n and_o government_n of_o saint_n cyprian_n as_o their_o bishop_n some_o of_o the_o presbyter_n at_o carthage_n take_v upon_o they_o to_o meddle_v in_o the_o affair_n of_o discipline_n 10._o without_o consult_v their_o bishop_n then_o in_o his_o retirement_n saint_n cyprian_n tell_v they_o they_o neither_o consider_v christ_n command_n nor_o their_o own_o place_n nor_o the_o future_a judgement_n of_o god_n nor_o the_o bishop_n who_o be_v set_v over_o they_o and_o have_v do_v that_o which_o be_v never_o do_v in_o forego_v time_n to_o challenge_v those_o thing_n to_o themselves_o with_o the_o contempt_n and_o reproach_n of_o their_o bishop_n which_o be_v to_o receive_v penitent_n to_o communion_n without_o imposition_n of_o hand_n by_o the_o bishop_n and_o his_o clergy_n wherein_o 11._o he_o vindicate_v the_o martyr_n and_o confessor_n in_o his_o follow_a epistle_n say_v that_o such_o a_o affront_n to_o their_o bishop_n be_v against_o their_o will_n for_o they_o send_v their_o petition_n to_o the_o bishop_n that_o their_o cause_n may_v be_v hear_v when_o the_o persecution_n be_v over_o in_o another_o epistle_n to_o the_o people_n of_o carthage_n on_o the_o same_o occasion_n 12._o he_o complain_v of_o these_o presbyter_n that_o they_o do_v not_o episcopo_fw-la honorem_fw-la sacerdotii_fw-la svi_fw-la &_o cathedrae_fw-la reservare_fw-la reserve_v to_o the_o bishop_n the_o honour_n which_o belong_v to_o his_o place_n and_o therefore_o charge_n that_o nothing_o further_o be_v do_v in_o this_o matter_n till_o his_o return_n 21._o when_o he_o may_v consult_v with_o his_o fellow-bishop_n celerinus_n send_v to_o lucian_n a_o confessor_n to_o beg_v he_o for_o a_o letter_n of_o grace_n for_o their_o sister_n numeria_n and_o candida_n who_o have_v fall_v lucian_n return_v he_o answer_v 22._o that_o paulus_n before_o his_o martyrdom_n have_v give_v he_o authority_n to_o grant_v such_o in_o his_o name_n and_o that_o all_o the_o martyr_n have_v agree_v to_o such_o kindness_n to_o be_v show_v to_o the_o lapse_v but_o with_o this_o condition_n that_o the_o cause_n be_v to_o be_v hear_v before_o the_o bishop_n and_o upon_o such_o discipline_n as_o he_o shall_v impose_v they_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v to_o communion_n 25._o so_o that_o though_o lucian_n be_v extreme_o blame_v for_o relax_v the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o neither_o he_o nor_o the_o other_o martyr_n will_v pretend_v to_o do_v any_o thing_n without_o the_o bishop_n cyprian_n give_v a_o account_n of_o all_o that_o have_v pass_v in_o this_o matter_n to_o moses_n and_o maximus_n two_o roman_a presbyter_n and_o confessor_n 26._o they_o return_v he_o answer_v that_o they_o be_v very_o glad_a he_o have_v not_o be_v want_v to_o his_o office_n especial_o in_o his_o severe_a reprove_v those_o who_o have_v obtain_v from_o presbyter_n the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n in_o his_o absence_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o clergy_n of_o carthage_n he_o mighty_o blame_v those_o who_o communicate_v with_o those_o person_n who_o be_v reconcile_v to_o the_o church_n mere_o by_o presbyter_n without_o he_o 28._o and_o threaten_v excommunication_n to_o any_o presbyter_n or_o deacon_n who_o shall_v presume_v to_o do_v it_o the_o roman_a clergy_n in_o the_o vacancy_n of_o the_o see_v take_v notice_n of_o the_o discretion_n of_o the_o martyr_n in_o remit_v the_o lapse_v to_o the_o bishop_n 30._o as_o a_o argument_n of_o their_o great_a modesty_n and_o that_o they_o do_v not_o think_v the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n belong_v to_o they_o and_o they_o declare_v their_o resolution_n 31._o to_o do_v nothing_o in_o this_o matter_n till_o they_o have_v a_o new_a bishop_n by_o which_o we_o see_v the_o power_n of_o discipline_n be_v not_o then_o suppose_v to_o be_v in_o the_o congregation_n or_o that_o they_o be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n but_o that_o it_o be_v in_o the_o bishop_n as_o superior_a to_o the_o presbyter_n and_o that_o they_o be_v then_o far_o from_o think_v it_o in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o people_n to_o appoint_v and_o ordain_v their_o own_o officer_n 33._o saint_n cyprian_n send_v word_n to_o the_o church_n of_o carthage_n that_o he_o have_v take_v one_o aurelius_n into_o the_o clergy_n although_o his_o general_a custom_n be_v in_o ordination_n to_o consult_v they_o before_o and_o to_o weigh_v together_o the_o manner_n and_o desert_n of_o every_o one_o 34._o which_o be_v quite_o another_o thing_n from_o a_o inherent_a right_n to_o appoint_v and_o constitute_v their_o own_o church-officer_n the_o same_o he_o do_v soon_o after_o concern_v celerinus_n and_o numidicus_n 35._o when_o he_o can_v not_o go_v among_o they_o himself_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o persecution_n he_o appoint_v caldonius_n and_o fortunatus_n two_o bishop_n 38._o and_o rogatianus_n and_o numidicus_n two_o presbyter_n to_o visit_v in_o his_o name_n and_o to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o of_o the_o person_n fit_a to_o be_v promote_v to_o the_o clergy_n who_o give_v a_o account_n in_o the_o next_o epistle_n 39_o that_o they_o have_v excommunicate_v felicissimus_n and_o his_o brethren_n for_o their_o separation_n 3._o that_o saint_n cyprian_n do_v believe_v that_o this_o authority_n which_o he_o have_v for_o govern_v the_o church_n be_v not_o from_o the_o power_n of_o the_o people_n but_o from_o the_o institution_n of_o christ._n 27._o so_o upon_o the_o occasion_n of_o the_o martyr_n invade_v the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n he_o produce_v that_o say_n of_o christ_n to_o saint_n peter_n thou_o be_v peter_n etc._n etc._n and_o
their_o number_n as_o it_o be_v object_v on_o both_o side_n if_o it_o be_v prove_v they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v allow_v for_o general_o then_o every_o diocese_n have_v two_o bishop_n of_o the_o different_a party_n but_o in_o some_o place_n they_o have_v but_o one_o where_o the_o people_n be_v of_o one_o mind_n and_o nothing_o but_o this_o notorious_a schism_n give_v occasion_n to_o such_o a_o multiplication_n of_o bishop_n in_o africa_n both_o party_n strive_v to_o increase_v their_o number_n sect._n 9_o obs._n 2._o in_o city_n and_o diocese_n which_o be_v under_o the_o care_n of_o one_o bishop_n there_o be_v several_a congregation_n and_o altar_n and_o distant_a place_n carthage_n be_v a_o very_a large_a city_n 43._o and_o have_v great_a number_n of_o christian_n even_o in_o s._n cyprian_n time_n as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v 1._o and_o there_o beside_o the_o cathedral_n call_v basilica_n major_a &_o restituta_fw-la diversis_fw-la in_o which_o the_o bishop_n always_o sit_v as_o victor_n vitensis_n say_v there_o be_v several_a other_o considerable_a church_n in_o which_o s._n augustine_n often_o preach_v when_o he_o go_v to_o carthage_n diversis_fw-la as_o the_o basilica_n fausti_n the_o 11._o basilica_n leontiana_n the_o temp._n basilica_n celerinae_fw-la mention_v by_o 1._o victor_n likewise_o who_o say_v it_o be_v otherwise_o call_v scillitanorum_fw-la the_o temp._n basilica_n novarum_fw-la the_o temp._n basilica_n petri._n the_o divers_a basilica_n pauli_n and_o i_o do_v not_o question_v there_o be_v many_o other_o which_o i_o have_v not_o observe_v for_o victor_n say_v that_o when_o geisericus_fw-la enter_v carthage_n he_o find_v there_o quodvultdeus_n the_o bishop_n &_o maximam_fw-la turbam_fw-la clericorum_fw-la a_o very_a great_a multitude_n of_o clergy_n all_o which_o he_o immediate_o banish_v and_o without_o the_o city_n there_o be_v two_o great_a church_n say_v victor_n one_o where_o s._n cyprian_n suffer_v martyrdom_n and_o the_o other_o where_o his_o body_n be_v bury_v at_o a_o place_n call_v mappalia_n in_o all_o he_o reckon_v about_o 500_o of_o the_o clergy_n belong_v to_o the_o church_n of_o carthage_n 5._o take_v in_o those_o who_o be_v train_v up_o to_o it_o and_o do_v mr._n b._n imagine_v all_o these_o be_v intend_v to_o serve_v one_o congregation_n or_o that_o all_o the_o christian_n then_o in_o carthage_n can_v have_v local_a and_o presential_a communion_n as_o he_o call_v it_o in_o one_o church_n and_o at_o one_o altar_n sometime_o a_o altar_n be_v take_v with_o a_o particular_a respect_n to_o a_o bishop_n and_o so_o set_v up_o one_o altar_n against_o another_o be_v set_v up_o one_o bishop_n against_o another_o as_o that_o phrase_n be_v common_o use_v in_o saint_n cyprian_n and_o saint_n augustin_n sometime_o for_o the_o place_n at_o which_o the_o christian_n do_v communicate_v and_o so_o there_o be_v as_o many_o altar_n as_o church_n so_o fortunatus_n a_o catholic_n bishop_n object_v to_o petilian_n the_o donatist_n that_o in_o the_o city_n where_o he_o be_v bishop_n 139._o the_o heretic_n have_v break_v down_o all_o the_o altar_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n optatus_n object_n so_o much_o against_o they_o 6._o and_o that_o there_o be_v altar_n in_o all_o their_o church_n appear_v from_o hence_o that_o not_o only_o the_o oblation_n be_v make_v there_o and_o the_o communion_n receive_v but_o all_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n be_v make_v at_o they_o as_o not_o only_o appear_v from_o the_o african_a code_n and_o saint_n augustin_n which_o i_o have_v mention_v elsewhere_o but_o from_o optatus_n who_o upbraid_v the_o donatist_n for_o break_v down_o the_o altar_n of_o church_n he_o tell_v they_o that_o hereby_o they_o do_v what_o they_o can_v to_o hinder_v the_o church_n prayer_n for_o say_v he_o illà c_fw-la ad_fw-la aures_fw-la dei_fw-la ascendere_fw-la solebat_fw-la populi_fw-la oratio_fw-la the_o people_n prayer_n go_v up_o to_o heaven_n that_o way_n and_o that_o distant_a place_n from_o the_o city_n be_v in_o the_o bishop_n diocese_n and_o under_o his_o care_n i_o thus_o prove_v in_o the_o african_a code_n 71._o there_o be_v a_o canon_n that_o no_o bishop_n shall_v leave_v his_o cathedral_n church_n and_o go_v to_o any_o other_o church_n in_o his_o diocese_n there_o to_o reside_v which_o evident_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v not_o only_o more_o place_n but_o more_o church_n in_o a_o bishop_n diocese_n and_o where_o the_o donatist_n have_v erect_v new_a bishopric_n as_o they_o often_o do_v the_o african_a council_n decree_n that_o after_o the_o decease_n of_o such_o a_o bishop_n 99_o if_o the_o people_n have_v no_o mind_n to_o have_v another_o in_o his_o room_n they_o may_v be_v in_o the_o diocese_n of_o another_o bishop_n which_o show_v that_o they_o think_v the_o diocese_n may_v be_v so_o large_a as_o to_o hold_v the_o people_n that_o be_v under_o two_o bishop_n and_o there_o be_v many_o canon_n make_v about_o the_o people_n of_o the_o donatist_n bishop_n in_o one_o it_o be_v determine_v that_o they_o shall_v belong_v to_o the_o bishop_n that_o convert_v they_o without_o limitation_n of_o distance_n 117._o after_o that_o that_o they_o shall_v belong_v to_o the_o same_o diocese_n they_o be_v in_o before_o 118._o but_o if_o the_o donatist_n bishop_n be_v convert_v than_o the_o diocese_n be_v to_o be_v divide_v between_o they_o if_o any_o bishop_n neglect_v the_o convert_v the_o people_n of_o the_o place_n belong_v to_o his_o diocese_n he_o that_o do_v take_v the_o pain_n in_o it_o be_v to_o have_v those_o place_n lay_v to_o his_o diocese_n 121._o unless_o sufficient_a cause_n be_v show_v by_o the_o bishop_n that_o he_o be_v not_o to_o blame_v let_v mr._n baxter_n now_o judge_v whether_o their_o bishopric_n be_v like_o our_o parish_n 73._o as_o he_o confident_o affirm_v saint_n augustin_n mention_n the_o municipium_fw-la tullense_v not_o far_o from_o hippo_n 12._o where_o there_o be_v presbyter_n and_o clerk_n under_o his_o care_n and_o government_n and_o he_o tell_v this_o particular_a story_n of_o it_o that_o a_o certain_a poor_a man_n who_o live_v there_o fell_a into_o a_o trance_n in_o which_o he_o fancy_v he_o see_v the_o clergy_n thereabouts_o and_o among_o the_o rest_n the_o presbyter_n of_o that_o place_n who_o bid_v he_o go_v to_o hippo_n to_o be_v baptize_v of_o augustin_n who_o be_v bishop_n there_o the_o man_n do_v according_o and_o the_o next_o easter_n put_v in_o his_o name_n among_o the_o competentes_fw-la and_o be_v baptize_v and_o after_o tell_v saint_n augustin_n the_o forego_n passage_n it_o seem_v the_o donatist_n be_v very_o troublesome_a in_o some_o of_o the_o remote_a part_n of_o the_o diocese_n of_o hippo_n whereupon_o saint_n augustin_n send_v one_o of_o his_o presbyter_n to_o caecilian_a the_o roman_a precedent_n 60._o to_o complain_v of_o their_o insolence_n and_o to_o crave_v his_o assistance_n which_o he_o say_v he_o do_v lest_o he_o shall_v be_v blame_v for_o his_o negligence_n who_o be_v the_o bishop_n of_o that_o diocese_n and_o can_v we_o think_v all_o these_o person_n have_v praesential_a and_o local_a communion_n with_o saint_n augustin_n in_o his_o church_n at_o hippo_n while_o he_o be_v yet_o but_o a_o presbyter_n at_o hippo_n in_o the_o absence_n of_o the_o bishop_n he_o write_v to_o maximinus_n a_o donatist_n bishop_n a_o sharp_a letter_n 203._o for_o offer_v to_o rebaptize_v a_o deacon_n of_o their_o church_n who_o be_v place_v at_o mutagena_n and_o he_o say_v he_o go_v from_o hippo_n to_o the_o place_n himself_o to_o be_v satisfy_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o 204._o at_o the_o same_o place_n live_v one_o donatus_n a_o presbyter_n of_o the_o donatist_n who_o saint_n augustin_n will_v have_v have_v bring_v to_o he_o against_o his_o will_n to_o be_v better_o instruct_v as_o be_v under_o his_o care_n but_o the_o obstinate_a man_n rather_o endeavour_v to_o make_v away_o himself_o 262._o upon_o which_o he_o write_v a_o long_a epistle_n to_o he_o in_o another_o epistle_n he_o give_v a_o account_n that_o there_o be_v a_o place_n call_v fussala_n which_o with_o the_o country_n about_o it_o belong_v to_o the_o diocese_n of_o hippo_n where_o there_o be_v abundance_n of_o people_n but_o almost_o all_o donatist_n but_o by_o his_o great_a care_n in_o send_v presbyter_n among_o they_o those_o place_n be_v all_o reduce_v but_o because_o fussala_n be_v 40_o mile_n distant_a from_o hippo_n he_o take_v care_n to_o have_v a_o bishop_n place_v among_o they_o but_o as_o appear_v by_o the_o event_n he_o have_v better_o have_v keep_v it_o under_o his_o own_o care_n for_o upon_o the_o complaint_n make_v against_o their_o new_a bishop_n he_o be_v fain_o to_o resume_v it_o as_o appear_v by_o a_o presbyter_n of_o fussala_n haeres_fw-la which_o he_o mention_n afterward_o however_o it_o appear_v that_o a_o place_n 40_o mile_n distance_n be_v then_o under_o the_o care_n of_o so_o great_a a_o saint_n