3._o this_o therefore_o be_v that_o which_o he_o oppose_v namely_o that_o there_o be_v a_o deviation_n in_o various_a degree_n and_o fall_v of_o from_o the_o original_a institution_n order_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n until_o it_o issue_v in_o a_o fatal_a apostasy_n this_o be_v that_o which_o on_o the_o present_a occasion_n must_v be_v further_o speak_v unto_o for_o if_o this_o be_v not_o true_a i_o confess_v there_o be_v a_o end_n of_o this_o contest_v and_o we_o must_v all_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o state_n rule_n and_o order_n that_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n before_o the_o reformation_n but_o we_o may_v observe_v something_o yet_o far_a in_o the_o vindication_n and_o confirmation_n of_o this_o truth_n which_o i_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o that_o we_o plead_v for_o in_o point_n of_o church_n reformation_n as_o 1._o that_o the_o reason_n and_o arguing_n of_o the_o doctor_n in_o this_o matter_n the_o necessity_n of_o his_o cause_n compel_v he_o thereunto_o be_v the_o same_o with_o those_o of_o the_o papist_n about_o the_o apostasy_n of_o their_o church_n in_o faith_n order_n and_o worship_n wherewith_o they_o be_v charge_v namely_o when_o where_o how_o be_v this_o alteration_n make_v who_o make_v opposition_n unto_o it_o and_o the_o like_a when_o these_o inquiry_n be_v multiply_v by_o the_o papist_n as_o unto_o the_o whole_a cause_n between_o they_o and_o we_o he_o know_v well_o enough_o how_o to_o give_v satisfactory_a answer_n unto_o they_o and_o so_o may_v do_v in_o this_o particular_a unto_o himself_o also_o but_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o ease_v he_o of_o that_o trouble_n at_o present_a only_o i_o must_v say_v that_o it_o be_v fall_v out_o somewhat_o unexpected_o that_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o principle_n bulwark_n of_o the_o papacy_n which_o have_v be_v effectual_o demolish_v by_o the_o write_n of_o protestant_n of_o all_o sort_n shall_v be_v endeavour_v to_o be_v repair_v by_o a_o person_n just_o make_v eminent_a by_o his_o defence_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n against_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n 2._o but_o it_o may_v be_v plead_v that_o although_o the_o church_n follow_v the_o first_o age_n do_v insensible_o degenerate_a from_o the_o purity_n and_o simplicity_n of_o gospel_n faith_n and_o worship_n yet_o they_o neither_o do_v nor_o can_v do_v so_o from_o a_o adherence_n unto_o and_o abide_v in_o their_o original_a constitution_n or_o from_o the_o due_a observation_n of_o church_n order_n rule_n and_o discipline_n lest_o of_o all_o can_v this_o happen_v in_o the_o case_n of_o diocesan_n episcopacy_n i_o answer_v 1._o that_o as_o unto_o the_o original_a of_o any_o thing_n that_o look_v like_o diocesan_n episcopacy_n or_o the_o pastoral_n relation_n of_o one_o person_n of_o a_o distinct_a order_n from_o presbyter_n unto_o many_o particular_a complete_a church_n with_o officer_n of_o their_o own_o with_o power_n and_o jurisdiction_n in_o they_o and_o over_o they_o unto_o the_o abridgement_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o right_n and_o power_n unto_o their_o own_o edification_n which_o every_o true_a church_n be_v entrust_v withal_o by_o jesus_n christ_n it_o be_v very_o uncertain_a and_o be_v introduce_v by_o insensible_a degree_n according_a unto_o the_o effectual_a work_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n some_o say_v that_o there_o be_v two_o distinct_a order_n namely_o those_o of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n institute_v at_o first_o in_o all_o church_n plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n but_o as_o the_o contrary_n may_v be_v evident_o prove_v so_o a_o supposition_n of_o it_o will_v no_o way_n promote_v the_o cause_n of_o diocesan_n episcopacy_n until_o those_o who_o plead_v for_o it_o have_v demonstrate_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o they_o be_v place_v to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o those_o now_o call_v diocesan_n wherefore_o this_o hypothesis_n begin_v general_o to_o be_v desert_v as_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v by_o this_o author_n other_o suppose_v that_o immediate_o upon_o or_o at_o or_o after_o the_o decease_n of_o the_o apostle_n this_o new_a order_n of_o bishop_n be_v appoint_v to_o succeed_v the_o apostle_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v then_o gather_v or_o plant_v but_o how_o when_o or_o by_o who_o by_o what_o authority_n apostolical_a and_o divine_a or_o ecclesiastical_a only_a and_o humane_a none_o can_v declare_v see_v there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o footstep_n of_o any_o such_o thing_n either_o in_o the_o scripture_n or_o in_o the_o record_n that_o remain_v of_o the_o primitive_a church_n other_o think_v this_o new_a order_n of_o officer_n take_v its_o occasional_a rise_n from_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n at_o alexandria_n who_o choose_v out_o one_o among_o themselves_o constant_o to_o preside_v in_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o all_o matter_n of_o order_n unto_o who_o they_o ascribe_v some_o kind_n of_o pre-eminence_n and_o dignity_n peculiar_o appropriate_v unto_o he_o the_o namâ—_n of_o bishop_n and_o if_o this_o be_v true_a as_o unto_o matter_n of_o fact_n i_o reckon_v it_o unto_o the_o beginning_n of_o those_o less_o harmful_a deviation_n from_o their_o original_a constitution_n which_o i_o assign_v unto_o primitive_a church_n but_o many_o addition_n must_v be_v make_v hereunto_o before_o it_o will_v help_v the_o cause_n of_o diocesan_n episcopacy_n what_o other_o occasion_n hereof_o be_v give_v or_o take_v what_o advantage_n be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o promote_v this_o alteration_n shall_v be_v touch_v upon_o afterward_o 2._o why_o may_v not_o the_o church_n be_v suppose_v to_o have_v depart_v from_o their_o original_a constitution_n order_n and_o rule_n as_o well_o as_o from_o their_o first_o faith_n and_o worship_n which_o they_o do_v gradual_o in_o many_o successive_a age_n until_o both_o be_v utter_o corrupt_v the_o cause_n occasion_n and_o temptation_n lead_v unto_o the_o former_a be_v to_o the_o full_a as_o pregnant_a as_o those_o lead_n unto_o the_o latter_a for_o 1._o there_o be_v no_o vicious_a corrupt_a disposition_n of_o mind_n that_o begin_v more_o early_o to_o work_v in_o church_n officer_n nor_o do_v more_o grow_v and_o thrive_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o many_o than_o ambition_n with_o desire_n of_o pre-eminence_n dignity_n and_o rule_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v suppose_v that_o diotrephes_n be_v alone_o in_o his_o desire_n of_o pre-eminence_n nor_o in_o the_o irregular_a act_n of_o his_o undue_o assume_v authority_n however_o we_o have_v one_o signal_n instance_n in_o he_o of_o the_o deviation_n that_o be_v in_o the_o church_n with_o he_o from_o the_o rule_n of_o its_o original_a constitution_n for_o he_o prevail_v so_o far_o therein_o as_o by_o his_o own_o single_a episcopal_a power_n to_o reject_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o to_o cast_v they_o out_o of_o the_o church_n who_o comply_v not_o with_o his_o humour_n how_o effectual_o the_o same_o ambition_n wrought_v afterward_o in_o many_o other_o possess_v the_o same_o place_n in_o their_o church_n with_o diotrephes_n be_v sufficient_o evident_a in_o all_o ecclesiastical_a history_n it_o be_v far_o from_o be_v the_o only_a instance_n of_o the_o corruption_n of_o church_n order_n and_o rule_n by_o the_o influence_n of_o this_o ambition_n yet_o it_o be_v one_o that_o be_v pregnant_a which_o be_v give_v we_o by_o amâ—rose_n for_o say_v he_o ecclesia_fw-la ut_fw-la synagoga_fw-la seniores_fw-la habuâ—â—_fw-la quorum_fw-la sine_fw-la consilio_fw-la nihil_fw-la agebatur_fw-la in_o ecclesia_fw-la quod_fw-la qua_fw-la neglâ—gentia_fw-la obsoleverit_fw-la nescio_fw-la nisi_fw-la forte_fw-fr doctorum_fw-la desidia_fw-la aut_fw-la magis_fw-la superbia_fw-la dum_fw-la soli_fw-la volunt_fw-la aliquid_fw-la videri_fw-la in_o 1._o ad_fw-la timoth._n cap._n 5._o it_o seem_v there_o be_v some_o alteration_n in_o church_n rule_n and_o order_n in_o his_o time_n who_o beginning_n and_o progress_n he_o can_v not_o well_o discover_v and_o trace_v but_o know_v well_o enough_o that_o so_o it_o be_v then_o come_v to_o pass_v and_o if_o he_o who_o live_v so_o near_o the_o time_n wherein_o such_o alteration_n be_v make_v can_v not_o yet_o discover_v their_o first_o insinuation_n nor_o their_o subtle_a progress_n it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o exact_v a_o strict_a account_n of_o we_o in_o thing_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n who_o live_v so_o many_o age_n after_o their_o first_o introduction_n but_o this_o he_o judge_v that_o it_o be_v the_o pride_n or_o ambition_n of_o the_o doctor_n of_o the_o church_n which_o introduce_v that_o alteration_n in_o its_o order_n whereas_o therefore_o we_o see_v in_o the_o event_n that_o all_o deviation_n from_o the_o original_a constitution_n of_o church_n all_o alteration_n in_o their_o rule_n and_o order_n do_v issue_n in_o a_o compliance_n with_o the_o ambition_n of_o church_n ruler_n as_o it_o do_v in_o the_o papal_a church_n and_o this_o ambition_n be_v signal_o note_v
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 austiâ—_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
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
and_o interest_n of_o the_o papal_a see_v have_v no_o bottom_n for_o or_o supportment_n of_o their_o church_n state_n and_o order_n but_o regal_a favour_n and_o mutable_a law_n there_o have_v on_o such_o cause_n and_o reason_n which_o i_o shall_v not_o mention_v ensue_v such_o emulation_n of_o the_o nobility_n and_o gentry_n and_o such_o contempt_n of_o the_o commonâ—people_n as_o leave_v it_o questionable_a whether_o their_o adherence_n unto_o the_o government_n be_v not_o more_o burdensome_a and_o dangerous_a unto_o it_o than_o be_v their_o ancient_a contest_v and_o opposition_n chap._n vii_o no_o other_o church-state_n of_o divine_a institution_n it_o may_v be_v it_o will_v be_v general_o grant_v i_o be_o sure_a it_o can_v be_v modest_o deny_v that_o particular_a church_n or_o congregation_n be_v of_o a_o divine_a original_a institution_n as_o also_o that_o the_o primitive_a church_n continue_v long_o in_o that_o form_n or_o order_n but_o it_o will_v be_v far_o plead_v that_o grant_v or_o suppose_v this_o divine_a institution_n of_o particular_a church_n yet_o there_o may_v be_v church_n of_o another_o form_n and_o order_n also_o as_o diocesan_n or_o national_a that_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o submit_v unto_o for_o although_o the_o apostle_n appoint_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v bishop_n or_o elder_n ordain_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v in_o every_o city_n and_o town_n where_o christian_a religion_n be_v receive_v and_o clemens_n affirm_v that_o they_o do_v themselves_o constitute_v bishop_n and_o deacon_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o region_n or_o village_n and_o city_n yet_o there_o be_v another_o form_n afterward_o introduce_v theodoret_n bishop_n of_o cyprus_n affirm_v that_o there_o be_v eight_o hundred_o church_n commit_v to_o his_o care_n epist._n 113._o whereof_o many_o be_v in_o town_n and_o city_n have_v no_o bishop_n of_o their_o own_o the_o whole_a country_n of_o scythia_n though_o there_o be_v in_o it_o many_o city_n village_n and_o fortress_n yet_o have_v but_o one_o bishop_n who_o residence_n be_v at_o tomis_n all_o other_o church_n be_v under_o he_o as_o zozoman_n declare_v lib._n 6._o cap._n 20._o so_o it_o be_v at_o this_o day_n in_o divers_a province_n belong_v of_o old_a unto_o the_o greek-church_n as_o in_o moldavia_n and_o walachia_n where_o they_o have_v one_o who_o they_o call_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o leader_n or_o ruler_n that_o preside_v over_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o nation_n and_o this_o oâ—der_n of_o thing_n that_o there_o shall_v not_o be_v a_o bishop_n in_o small_a church_n be_v first_o confirm_v in_o the_o six_o canon_n of_o the_o council_n of_o sardis_n in_o the_o year_n 347._o in_o answer_n hereunto_o i_o shall_v do_v these_o two_o thing_n first_o i_o shall_v show_v that_o there_o be_v no_o church_n order_n state_n or_o church-form_n of_o divine_a institution_n that_o do_v any_o way_n impede_fw-la take_v away_o or_o overthrow_v the_o liberty_n power_n and_o order_n of_o particular_a congregation_n such_o as_o we_o have_v describe_v second_o i_o shall_v inquire_v into_o the_o cause_n of_o church_n of_o another_o state_n or_o order_n as_o the_o power_n of_o magistrate_n and_o ruler_n or_o their_o own_o choice_n and_o consent_n 1._o there_o be_v no_o form_n order_n or_o church_n state_n divine_o institute_v that_o shall_v annul_v the_o institution_n of_o particular_a congregation_n or_o abridge_v they_o of_o their_o liberty_n or_o deprive_v they_o of_o the_o power_n commit_v unto_o they_o it_o be_v such_o a_o church-state_n alone_o that_o we_o be_v now_o concern_v to_o inquire_v after_o whatever_o of_o that_o kind_a either_o be_v or_o may_v be_v imagine_v that_o entrenche_n not_o on_o the_o state_n liberty_n and_o power_n of_o particular_a congregation_n be_v not_o of_o our_o present_a consideration_n man_n may_v frame_v and_o order_n what_o they_o please_v and_o what_o advantage_n they_o make_v thereby_o shall_v not_o be_v envy_v unto_o they_o whilst_o they_o injure_v not_o any_o of_o the_o institution_n of_o christ._n but_o 1._o these_o church_n as_o they_o be_v church_n be_v meet_v and_o able_a to_o attain_v the_o end_n of_o church_n to_o say_v they_o be_v church_n and_o yet_o have_v not_o in_o themselves_o power_n to_o attain_v the_o end_n of_o church_n be_v to_o speak_v contradiction_n or_o to_o grant_v and_o deny_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o the_o same_o breath_n for_o a_o church_n be_v nothing_o but_o such_o a_o society_n as_o have_v power_n ability_n and_o fitness_n to_o attain_v those_o end_n for_o which_o christ_n have_v ordain_v church_n that_o which_o have_v so_o be_v a_o church_n and_o that_o which_o have_v not_o so_o be_v none_o man_n may_v if_o they_o please_v deny_v they_o to_o be_v church_n but_o then_o i_o know_v not_o where_o they_o will_v find_v any_o that_o be_v so_o for_o instance_n suppose_v man_n shall_v deny_v all_o the_o parochial_a church_n in_o england_n to_o be_v such_o church_n as_o be_v entrust_v with_o church-power_n and_o administration_n what_o church_n in_o the_o first_o instance_n can_v they_o require_v our_o communion_n withal_o will_v they_o say_v it_o be_v with_o the_o national_a or_o diocesan_n church_n neither_o of_o these_o do_v or_o can_v as_o such_o administer_v sacred_a ordinance_n a_o man_n can_v preach_v nor_o hear_v the_o word_n but_o in_o a_o particular_a assembly_n the_o lord_n supper_n can_v be_v administer_v but_o in_o a_o particular_a congregation_n nor_o any_o presential_a local_a communion_n of_o believer_n among_o themselves_o like_o that_o describe_v by_o the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n chap._n 12._o and_o chap._n 14._o be_v otherwise_o attain_v no_o communion_n be_v first_o and_o immediate_o require_v or_o can_v be_v require_v with_o diocesan_n church_n as_o such_o wherefore_o it_o be_v parochial_a particular_a church_n that_o we_o be_v require_v to_o hold_v communion_n with_o we_o say_v therefore_o these_o parochial_a church_n be_v either_o real_o and_o true_o so_o endue_v with_o church-power_n and_o liberty_n or_o they_o be_v not_o if_o they_o be_v or_o be_v acknowledge_v so_o to_o be_v we_o have_v herein_o obtain_v what_o we_o plead_v for_o if_o they_o be_v not_o then_o be_v we_o require_v to_o join_v in_o church_n communion_n with_o those_o society_n that_o be_v not_o church_n and_o if_o we_o refrain_v so_o do_v we_o be_v charge_v with_o schism_n which_o be_v to_o turn_v religion_n into_o ridicule_n for_o 2._o it_o be_v utter_o foreign_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o a_o monster_n unto_o antiquity_n i_o mean_v that_o which_o be_v pure_a and_o regardable_a in_o this_o cause_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v church_n with_o a_o part_n half_a more_o or_o less_o of_o church-power_n and_o not_o the_o whole_a neither_o in_o right_a nor_o exercise_n or_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v church-officer_n elder_n presbyter_n or_o bishop_n that_o shall_v have_v a_o partiary_a power_n half_a or_o a_o three_o part_n or_o less_o of_o that_o which_o entire_o belong_v unto_o the_o office_n they_o hold_v let_v one_o testimony_n be_v give_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n or_o that_o antiquity_n which_o we_o appeal_v unto_o unto_o this_o purpose_n and_o we_o shall_v cease_v our_o plea_n but_o this_o be_v that_o which_o our_o understanding_n be_v set_v on_o rack_n withal_o every_o day_n there_o be_v a_o national_a church_n that_o be_v entrust_v with_o supreme_a church-power_n in_o the_o nation_n whereof_o it_o be_v here_o at_o the_o entrance_n we_o fall_v into_o a_o double_a disquietment_n for_o 1._o we_o know_v not_o as_o yet_o what_o this_o national_a church_n be_v here_o or_o in_o france_n nor_o of_o what_o person_n it_o do_v consist_v 2._o we_o know_v not_o whether_o this_o national_a church_n have_v all_o the_o power_n that_o christ_n have_v give_v unto_o the_o church_n or_o that_o there_o be_v a_o reserve_v for_o some_o addition_n from_o beyond_o sea_n if_o thing_n be_v well_o accommodate_v then_o that_o there_o be_v diocesan_n church_n who_o original_a with_o the_o cause_n and_o occasion_n of_o their_o bound_n limit_n power_n and_o manner_n of_o administration_n i_o think_v god_n alone_o know_v perfect_o we_o do_v but_o guess_v for_o there_o be_v not_o one_o word_n mention_v of_o any_o of_o their_o concernment_n in_o the_o scripture_n and_o we_o know_v that_o these_o church_n can_v be_v say_v to_o have_v all_o the_o power_n that_o christ_n have_v entrust_v his_o church_n withal_o because_o there_o be_v another_o church_n unto_o which_o they_o be_v in_o subjection_n and_o on_o which_o they_o do_v depend_v but_o it_o seem_v they_o have_v the_o next_o degree_n of_o power_n unto_o that_o which_o be_v uppermost_a but_o whatever_o their_o power_n be_v it_o be_v so_o administer_v by_o chancellor_n commissary_n official_o in_o such_o way_n and_o for_o such_o end_n that_o i_o shall_v believe_v a_o dissent_n from_o they_o and_o it_o
church_n namely_o that_o bad_a man_n be_v mix_v with_o the_o good_a for_o which_o cause_n they_o reject_v those_o church_n wherein_o that_o be_v allow_v as_o no_o true_a church_n of_o christ._n for_o no_o such_o thing_n be_v include_v in_o what_o we_o assert_v nor_o do_v follow_v thereon_o we_o do_v own_o that_o wicked_a hypocrite_n may_v be_v join_v in_o true_a church_n and_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o they_o neither_o be_v this_o a_o cause_n of_o withdraw_a communion_n from_o any_o church_n much_o less_o of_o condemn_v it_o as_o no_o true_a church_n of_o christ._n but_o this_o we_o say_v that_o if_o such_o hypocrite_n discover_v themselves_o in_o open_a scandalous_a sin_n which_o upon_o examination_n will_v prove_v to_o be_v of_o a_o large_a extent_n than_o some_o suppose_v with_o respect_n unto_o sin_n of_o omission_n as_o well_o as_o of_o commission_n if_o they_o be_v not_o deal_v withal_o according_a as_o the_o discipline_n of_o christ_n do_v require_v in_o such_o case_n the_o church_n wherein_o they_o be_v allow_v especial_o if_o the_o number_n of_o such_o person_n be_v many_o or_o the_o most_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o people_n and_o their_o sin_n notorious_a do_v stand_v in_o need_n of_o reformation_n as_o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v acknowledge_v in_o the_o commination_n against_o sinner_n the_o substance_n of_o what_o be_v propose_v under_o this_o consideration_n may_v be_v express_v in_o the_o ensue_a observation_n 1._o the_o generality_n of_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o this_o nation_n be_v join_v and_o do_v belong_v unto_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o its_o parochial_a assembly_n 2._o that_o many_o walk_n and_o live_v without_o any_o visible_a compliance_n unto_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n in_o gospel_n obedience_n yea_o 3_o great_a notorious_a provoke_a sin_n do_v abound_v among_o they_o for_o which_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v fear_v continual_o that_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n will_v speedy_o follow_v as_o be_v acknowledge_v in_o the_o commination_n 4._o that_o hereon_o they_o all_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o reformation_n without_o which_o the_o principal_a end_n of_o church_n communion_n can_v be_v obtain_v among_o they_o 5._o that_o this_o reformation_n be_v the_o duty_n of_o these_o church_n themselves_o which_o if_o it_o be_v neglect_v they_o live_v in_o a_o contempt_n of_o the_o command_v of_o christ._n for_o 6._o unto_o they_o in_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n and_o exercise_v of_o discipline_n be_v the_o mean_n of_o this_o reformation_n commit_v for_o we_o treat_v not_o at_o present_a of_o the_o power_n or_o duty_n of_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n in_o these_o thing_n 7._o that_o this_o state_n of_o church_n can_v hinder_v nor_o ought_v so_o to_o do_v if_o continue_v in_o the_o true_a disciple_n of_o christ_n from_o reform_v themselves_o by_o endeavour_v the_o due_a observance_n of_o all_o his_o command_n 2._o in_o this_o state_n the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v not_o and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v will_v not_o nor_o can_v reform_v itself_o but_o although_o the_o weight_n of_o the_o whole_a argument_n in_o hand_n depend_v very_o much_o on_o this_o assertion_n yet_o i_o shall_v not_o insist_v on_o its_o particular_a confirmation_n for_o sundry_a reason_n not_o now_o to_o be_v mention_v it_o be_v enough_o that_o no_o such_o work_n have_v be_v as_o yet_o attempt_v nor_o be_v at_o this_o day_n public_o propose_v notwithstanding_o all_o the_o mercy_n that_o some_o have_v receive_v the_o loss_n which_o the_o church_n for_o want_v of_o it_o have_v sustain_v the_o judgement_n for_o sin_n that_o be_v fear_v which_o ought_v to_o be_v motive_n thereunto_o yea_o the_o generality_n of_o ecclesiastical_a person_n seem_v to_o judge_v that_o all_o thing_n among_o they_o be_v as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v that_o there_o be_v no_o crime_n or_o disorder_n but_o only_o in_o complain_v of_o their_o good_a estate_n and_o call_v upon_o they_o for_o reformation_n 3._o this_o be_v the_o state_n of_o the_o parochial_a church_n in_o england_n the_o enquiry_n be_v whether_o every_o beleiver_n in_o england_n be_v indispensible_o oblige_v by_o virtue_n of_o any_o law_n rule_n or_o direction_n of_o a_o divine_a original_a to_o continue_v in_o constant_a complete_a communion_n with_o they_o so_o as_o not_o to_o make_v use_n of_o any_o other_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o christ_n appointment_n for_o their_o own_o edification_n on_o the_o penalty_n of_o the_o gild_n of_o schism_n now_o although_o we_o do_v not_o as_o we_o shall_v see_v immediate_o lie_v the_o weight_n of_o refrain_v from_o their_o communion_n on_o this_o consideration_n yet_o be_v there_o enough_o in_o it_o to_o warrant_v any_o man_n in_o his_o so_o do_v for_o a_o man_n in_o his_o conform_v thereunto_o make_v it_o a_o part_n of_o his_o religious_a profession_n not_o only_o that_o the_o church_n wherein_o he_o be_v join_v be_v a_o true_a church_n but_o that_o there_o be_v in_o its_o state_n and_o act_n a_o due_a representation_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n as_o unto_o what_o he_o require_v of_o his_o church_n and_o what_o he_o will_v have_v they_o to_o be_v the_o lord_n christ_n be_v the_o apostle_n and_o high_a priest_n of_o our_o profession_n and_o in_o all_o thing_n that_o belong_v thereunto_o we_o declare_v that_o we_o do_v it_o in_o compliance_n with_o his_o will_n and_o we_o do_v so_o or_o we_o be_v hypocrite_n this_o no_o man_n can_v do_v in_o such_o a_o church_n state_n who_o be_v convince_v of_o its_o defect_n without_o reflect_v the_o great_a dishonour_n on_o christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n more_o weight_n will_v be_v add_v unto_o this_o consideration_n when_o we_o shall_v treat_v of_o the_o matter_n of_o gospel_n church_n or_o of_o what_o sort_n of_o person_n they_o ought_v to_o consist_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n those_o who_o pretend_v a_o reverence_n unto_o antiquity_n in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o they_o suppose_v countenance_n to_o be_v give_v unto_o their_o interest_n may_v do_v well_o sometime_o to_o consider_v what_o be_v the_o discipline_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o what_o be_v the_o manner_n the_o life_n the_o heavenly_a conversation_n of_o their_o member_n because_o in_o the_o 3_o d._n and_o 4_o the_o century_n there_o be_v mention_v make_v of_o bishop_n distinct_a from_o presbyter_n with_o some_o ecclesiastical_a practice_n and_o ceremony_n in_o worship_n not_o mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n nor_o know_v unto_o the_o apostolical_a church_n shall_v we_o judge_v ourselves_o oblige_v to_o conform_v thereunto_o as_o our_o rule_n and_o pattern_n so_o as_o that_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o some_o they_o be_v to_o be_v esteem_v no_o church_n who_o conform_v not_o their_o outward_a state_n and_o practice_n unto_o the_o same_o rule_n and_o shall_v we_o judge_v ourselves_o at_o liberty_n to_o reject_v all_o that_o they_o do_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n and_o in_o the_o preservation_n of_o purity_n of_o life_n and_o holiness_n in_o the_o church_n and_o that_o according_a to_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o scripture_n who_o know_v not_o upon_o what_o diligent_a trial_n and_o experience_n first_o obtain_v of_o their_o knowledge_n faith_n and_o godliness_n they_o admit_v member_n into_o their_o church_n yea_o such_o be_v their_o care_n and_o severity_n herein_o that_o they_o will_v not_o admit_v a_o roman_a emperor_n unto_o communion_n with_o they_o unless_o he_o first_o confess_v his_o sin_n and_o join_v among_o other_o penitent_n before_o his_o admission_n euseb._n lib._n 6._o cap._n 33._o who_o know_v not_o with_o what_o diligence_n they_o watch_v over_o the_o walking_n and_o conversation_n of_o all_o that_o be_v admit_v among_o they_o and_o with_o what_o severity_n they_o animadvert_v on_o all_o that_o fall_v into_o scandalous_a sin_n what_o be_v hereon_o their_o conversation_n in_o all_o holiness_n righteousness_n temperance_n usefulness_n unto_o the_o world_n in_o work_n of_o charity_n and_o benevolence_n as_o all_o other_o christian_a virtue_n we_o have_v sufficient_a testimony_n the_o heathen_a who_o be_v moral_o sober_a and_o virtuous_a desire_v no_o more_o than_o that_o they_o may_v find_v out_o among_o they_o a_o indulgence_n unto_o any_o sort_n of_o sin_n crime_n or_o wickedness_n which_o because_o they_o can_v not_o charge_v any_o of_o they_o withal_o they_o invent_v those_o brutish_a and_o foolish_a lie_n about_o their_o nightly_o meeting_n but_o when_o a_o sober_a enquiry_n be_v make_v concern_v they_o their_o enemy_n be_v force_v to_o confess_v that_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o no_o open_a sin_n no_o adultery_n no_o swear_n or_o perjury_n as_o be_v evident_a in_o the_o epistle_n of_o pliny_n and_o trajan_n the_o emperor_n in_o particular_a they_o utter_o reject_v from_o their_o communion_n all_o that_o resort_v unto_o public_a stage_n play_v or_o other_o spectacle_n a_o solemn_a
to_o be_v give_v of_o any_o man_n charge_v with_o schism_n for_o a_o dissent_n from_o such_o a_o rule_n any_o such_o rule_n and_o any_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n upon_o it_o be_v apocryphal_a not_o only_o unto_o the_o scripture_n but_o unto_o that_o which_o i_o call_v primitive_a antiquity_n the_o first_o attempt_n of_o any_o thing_n in_o this_o kind_n be_v in_o reference_n unto_o the_o time_n and_o day_n of_o the_o observation_n of_o easter_n this_o be_v the_o first_o instance_n among_o christian_n of_o a_o endeavour_n to_o impose_v the_o observation_n of_o humane_a or_o church_n constitution_n or_o groundless_a tradition_n on_o any_o church_n or_o person_n in_o they_o and_o whereas_o that_o which_o be_v call_v a_o schism_n between_o the_o church_n of_o italy_n and_o asia_n or_o some_o of_o they_o do_v ensue_v thereon_o we_o have_v a_o most_o illustrious_a testimony_n from_o the_o best_a the_o wise_a and_o the_o holy_a of_o that_o age_n for_o irenaeus_n in_o france_n and_o polycrates_n in_o asia_n be_v not_o alone_o herein_o that_o the_o blame_n of_o all_o that_o division_n and_o schism_n be_v to_o be_v charge_v on_o they_o who_o attempt_v to_o deprive_v the_o church_n of_o their_o liberty_n and_o impose_v on_o they_o a_o necessity_n of_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o time_n and_o season_n which_o they_o have_v determine_v on_o after_o a_o rebuke_n be_v give_v unto_o the_o attempt_n of_o the_o judaize_v christian_n to_o impose_v the_o observation_n of_o moysaicall_a ceremony_n from_o the_o pretence_n of_o their_o divine_a institution_n on_o the_o church_n of_o the_o gentile_n by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o this_o be_v the_o original_a of_o all_o endeavour_n to_o impose_v humane_a constitution_n for_o which_o there_o be_v no_o such_o pretence_n upon_o the_o practice_n of_o any_o and_o as_o it_o be_v a_o original_a not_o unmeet_a for_o the_o beginning_n and_o foundation_n of_o such_o imposition_n be_v in_o a_o matter_n of_o no_o use_n unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n so_o it_o receive_v such_o a_o solemn_a rebuke_n at_o its_o first_o entrance_n and_o attempt_v that_o have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o the_o ignorance_n pride_n interest_n and_o superstition_n of_o some_o in_o the_o follow_a age_n it_o have_v perish_v without_o imitation_n the_o account_n hereof_o be_v give_v in_o eusebius_n lib._n 5._o cap._n 21_o 22_o 33_o as_o also_o of_o the_o rule_n which_o then_o prevail_v though_o afterward_o shameful_o forsake_v namely_o that_o a_o agreement_n in_o the_o faith_n be_v the_o only_a rule_n of_o communion_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v keep_v under_o any_o diversity_n in_o voluntary_a observation_n and_o the_o discourse_n of_o socrates_n on_o this_o occasion_n lib._n 5._o cap._n 21_o concern_v the_o non-institution_n of_o any_o day_n of_o fast_n or_o feast_n or_o other_o rite_n or_o ceremony_n then_o in_o use_n with_o the_o liberty_n which_o be_v therefore_o to_o be_v leave_v in_o such_o thing_n unto_o all_o christian_n be_v the_o plain_a truth_n whatever_o some_o except_o against_o it_o declare_v with_o much_o judgement_n and_o moderation_n this_o beginning_n i_o say_v have_v the_o imposition_n of_o unscriptural_a uninstituted_a rite_n ceremony_n and_o religious_a observation_n among_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o this_o solemn_a rebuke_n be_v give_v unto_o it_o howbeit_o the_o ignorance_n superstition_n and_o interest_n of_o follow_v age_n with_o the_o contempt_n of_o all_o modesty_n break_v through_o the_o boundary_n of_o this_o holy_a rebuke_n until_o their_o own_o imposition_n and_o observation_n become_v the_o substance_n of_o all_o their_o church_n discipline_n unto_o the_o total_a subversion_n of_o christian_a liberty_n wherefore_o to_o allow_v church_n ruler_n or_o such_o as_o pretend_v so_o to_o be_v a_o liberty_n and_o power_n to_o appoint_v a_o rule_n of_o communion_n comprise_v institution_n and_o command_n of_o sundry_a thing_n to_o be_v constant_o observe_v in_o the_o whole_a worship_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n not_o warrant_v in_o themselves_o by_o divine_a authority_n and_o then_o to_o charge_v beleiver_n abide_v firm_a in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o faith_n with_o schism_n for_o a_o noncompliance_n with_o such_o command_n and_o appointment_n be_v that_o which_o neither_o in_o the_o scripture_n nor_o in_o primitive_a antiquity_n have_v either_o instance_n example_n precedent_n testimony_n rumour_n or_o report_n to_o give_v countenance_n unto_o it_o the_o pedigree_n of_o this_o practice_n can_v be_v derive_v one_o step_n high_o than_o the_o fact_n of_o victor_n the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n in_o the_o excommunication_n of_o the_o church_n and_o christian_n of_o asia_n which_o be_v solemn_o condemn_v as_o a_o entrenchment_n on_o christian_a liberty_n 3._o after_o these_o thing_n the_o notion_n of_o schism_n begin_v to_o be_v manage_v various_o according_a unto_o the_o interest_n of_o they_o who_o seem_v to_o have_v the_o most_o advantage_n in_o the_o application_n of_o it_o unto_o those_o who_o dissent_v from_o they_o it_o be_v a_o endless_a thing_n to_o express_v the_o rise_n and_o declare_v the_o progress_n of_o these_o apprehension_n but_o after_o many_o loose_a and_o declamatory_n discourse_n about_o it_o they_o be_v geral_o issue_v in_o two_o head_n the_o first_o be_v that_o any_o kind_n of_o dissent_n from_o the_o pope_n and_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v schism_n all_o the_o schism_n that_o be_v or_o can_v be_v in_o the_o world_n the_o other_o be_v that_o a_o causeless_a separation_n from_o a_o true_a church_n be_v schism_n and_o this_o only_o be_v so_o but_o whereas_o in_o this_o pretend_a definition_n there_o be_v no_o mention_n of_o any_o of_o its_o internal_a cause_n nor_o of_o its_o formal_a reason_n but_o a_o bare_a description_n of_o it_o by_o a_o outward_a effect_n it_o serve_v only_o for_o a_o weapon_n in_o every_o man_n hand_n to_o perpetuate_v digladiation_n about_o it_o for_o every_o church_n esteem_v itself_o true_a and_o every_o one_o that_o separate_v himself_o esteem_v himself_o to_o have_v just_a cause_n so_o to_o do_v in_o the_o follow_a time_n especial_o after_o the_o rise_n and_o prevalency_n of_o the_o arian_n heresy_n it_o be_v ordinary_a for_o those_o of_o the_o orthodox_n persuasion_n to_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o those_o church_n wherein_o arian_n bishop_n do_v preside_v and_o to_o gather_v themselves_o into_o separate_a meeting_n or_o conventicle_n for_o divine_a worship_n for_o which_o they_o be_v accuse_v of_o schism_n and_o in_o sundry_a place_n punish_v according_o yea_o some_o of_o they_o unto_o the_o loss_n of_o their_o life_n yet_o i_o suppose_v there_o be_v none_o now_o who_o judge_v they_o to_o have_v be_v schismatic_n the_o separation_n of_o novatus_n and_o donatus_n from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o whole_a catholic_n visible_a church_n on_o unwarrantable_a pretence_n be_v that_o which_o make_v the_o loud_a noise_n about_o schism_n in_o antiquity_n that_o there_o be_v in_o what_o be_v do_v by_o they_o and_o their_o follower_n the_o general_n nature_n and_o moral_a evil_n of_o causeless_a schism_n and_o division_n will_v be_v easy_o grant_v but_o it_o be_v that_o wherein_o we_o be_v not_o concern_v be_v the_o especial_a nature_n of_o schism_n what_o it_o will_n nor_o do_v they_o make_v use_n of_o any_o one_o reason_n whereon_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o present_a cause_n do_v depend_v the_o novatian_o the_o modest_a sect_n of_o the_o two_o pretend_v only_o a_o defect_n in_o discipline_n in_o grant_v church_n communion_n unto_o such_o as_o they_o will_v not_o have_v receive_v though_o they_o be_v apparent_o in_o the_o wrong_n proceed_v on_o mistake_v principle_n the_o donatist_n plead_v only_o some_o personal_a crime_n in_o some_o few_o bishop_n fall_v into_o in_o the_o time_n of_o persecution_n which_o they_o can_v never_o prove_v and_o thereon_o grow_v angry_a with_o all_o the_o world_n who_o will_v not_o condemn_v they_o and_o renounce_v their_o communion_n as_o well_o as_o they_o these_o slight_a pretence_n they_o make_v the_o occasion_n and_o reason_n of_o renounce_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o whole_a visible_a catholic_n church_n in_o all_o its_o distribution_n for_o communion_n that_o be_v all_o particular_a church_n and_o confine_v sacrament_n and_o salvation_n absolute_o unto_o their_o own_o party_n and_o hereon_o they_o fall_v into_o many_o other_o woeful_a miscarriage_n especial_o those_o of_o the_o latter_a sort_n it_o be_v indifferent_a by_o what_o name_n any_o be_v please_v to_o call_v this_o evil_a and_o folly_n a_o sin_n and_o evil_a it_o be_v schism_n or_o what_o you_o please_v to_o term_v it_o and_o just_o condemn_v by_o all_o christian_n not_o join_v with_o they_o in_o those_o day_n and_o that_o which_o be_v the_o animate_v principle_n of_o the_o tumult_n of_o the_o donatist_n be_v a_o supposition_n that_o the_o continuation_n of_o the_o true_a church_n state_n depend_v on_o the_o successive_a ordination_n of_o bishop_n
part_n of_o the_o church_n unity_n do_v or_o ever_o do_v consist_v in_o they_o in_o his_o procedure_n hereon_o our_o author_n seem_v to_o embrace_v occasion_n of_o contend_v seek_v for_o advantage_n therein_o in_o thing_n not_o belong_v unto_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n which_o i_o think_v be_v beneath_o he_o from_o my_o concession_n that_o some_o at_o least_o of_o our_o parochial_a church_n be_v true_a church_n he_o ask_v in_o what_o sense_n be_v they_o church_n right_o constitute_v with_o who_o they_o may_v join_v in_o communion_n as_o member_n i_o think_v it_o be_v somewhat_o too_o late_o now_o after_o all_o this_o dispute_n about_o the_o reason_n of_o refrain_v from_o their_o communion_n and_o his_o severe_a charge_n of_o schism_n upon_o we_o for_o our_o so_o do_v to_o make_v this_o enquiry_n wherefore_o he_o answer_v himself_o no_o but_o his_o mean_v be_v say_v he_o that_o they_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o any_o such_o heinous_a error_n in_o doctrine_n or_o idolatrous_a practice_n in_o worship_n as_o shall_v utter_o deprive_v they_o of_o the_o be_v and_o nature_n of_o church_n which_o i_o suppose_v be_v my_o word_n but_o than_o come_v in_o the_o advantage_n do_v say_v he_o this_o kindness_n belong_v only_o unto_o some_o of_o our_o parochial_a church_n i_o have_v think_v that_o every_o parochial_a church_n be_v true_a or_o false_a according_a unto_o its_o frame_n and_o constitution_n which_o among_o we_o suppose_v the_o own_n the_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n establish_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n i_o answer_v brief_o it_o be_v true_a every_o church_n be_v true_a or_o false_a according_a unto_o its_o original_a frame_n and_o constitution_n this_o frame_n and_o constitution_n of_o church_n if_o it_o proceed_v from_o and_o depend_v upon_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v true_a and_o approvable_a if_o it_o depend_v only_o on_o a_o national_a establishment_n of_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n i_o know_v not_o well_o what_o to_o say_v unto_o it_o but_o let_v any_o of_o these_o parochial_a church_n be_v so_o constitute_v as_o to_o answer_v the_o legal_a establishment_n in_o the_o land_n yet_o if_o the_o generality_n of_o their_o member_n be_v open_o wicked_a in_o their_o life_n and_o they_o have_v no_o lawful_a or_o sufficient_a ministry_n we_o can_v acknowledge_v they_o for_o true_a church_n some_o other_o thing_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n do_v ensue_v but_o i_o shall_v not_o insist_v on_o they_o he_o gather_v up_o in_o the_o next_o place_n the_o title_n of_o the_o cause_n allege_v for_o our_o refrain_v communion_n with_o those_o parochial_a assembly_n which_o he_o call_v our_o separation_n from_o they_o and_o hereon_o he_o inquire_v whether_o these_o reason_n be_v a_o ground_n for_o a_o 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 that_o be_v as_o he_o before_o cite_v my_o word_n as_o shall_v utter_o deprive_v they_o of_o the_o be_v and_o nature_n of_o church_n and_o it_o they_o be_v not_o then_o say_v he_o such_o a_o separation_n may_v be_v a_o formal_a schism_n because_o they_o set_v up_o other_o church_n of_o their_o own_o the_o rule_n before_o lay_v down_o that_o all_o thing_n lawful_a be_v to_o be_v do_v for_o the_o church_n peace_n take_v in_o the_o supposition_n on_o which_o it_o proceed_v be_v as_o sufficient_a to_o establish_v church_n tyranny_n as_o any_o principle_n make_v use_v of_o by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n notwithstanding_o its_o plausible_a appearance_n and_o that_o here_o insinuate_v of_o the_o vnlawfulness_n of_o separation_n from_o any_o church_n in_o the_o world_n for_o that_o which_o have_v pernicious_a error_n in_o doctrine_n and_o idolatry_n in_o worship_n destroy_v its_o be_v be_v no_o church_n at_o all_o be_v as_o good_a security_n unto_o church_n in_o a_o obstinate_a refusal_n of_o reformation_n when_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o people_n be_v ruin_v among_o they_o for_o the_o want_n of_o it_o as_o they_o need_v desire_v and_o i_o confess_v i_o suspect_v such_o principle_n as_o be_v evident_o suit_v unto_o the_o security_n of_o the_o corrupt_a interest_n of_o any_o sort_n of_o men._n i_o say_v therefore_o 1._o that_o though_o a_o church_n or_o that_o which_o pretend_v itself_o on_o any_o ground_n so_o to_o be_v do_v not_o profess_v any_o heinous_a error_n in_o doctrine_n nor_o be_v guilty_a of_o idolatrous_a practice_n in_o worship_n destroy_v its_o nature_n and_o be_v yet_o there_o may_v be_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o refrain_v from_o its_o communion_n in_o church_n order_n and_o worship_n and_o to_o join_v in_o or_o with_o other_o church_n for_o edification_n that_o be_v that_o where_o such_o a_o church_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o reformation_n or_o be_v obstinate_a in_o a_o resolution_n not_o to_o reform_v itself_o under_o the_o utmost_a necessity_n thereof_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o all_o or_o any_o of_o its_o member_n to_o reform_v themselves_o according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n and_o command_v of_o the_o gospel_n 2._o that_o where_o man_n be_v no_o otherwise_o member_n of_o any_o church_n but_o by_o a_o inevitable_a necessity_n and_o outward_a penal_a law_n prevent_v their_o own_o choice_n and_o any_o act_n of_o obedience_n unto_o christ_n in_o their_o join_n with_o such_o church_n the_o case_n be_v different_a from_o they_o who_o relation_n unto_o any_o church_n be_v found_v in_o their_o own_o voluntary_a choice_n as_o submit_v themselves_o unto_o the_o law_n institution_n and_o rule_n of_o christ_n in_o that_o church_n which_o we_o shall_v make_v use_n of_o afterward_o 3._o the_o doctor_n may_v have_v do_v well_o to_o have_v state_v the_o true_a nature_n of_o schism_n and_o the_o formal_a reason_n of_o it_o before_o he_o have_v charge_v a_o formal_a schism_n on_o a_o supposition_n of_o some_o outward_a act_n only_o 4._o what_o be_v our_o judgement_n concern_v parochial_a assembly_n how_o far_o we_o separate_v from_o they_o or_o refrain_v communion_n with_o they_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n whereon_o we_o do_v so_o have_v be_v now_o full_o declare_v and_o thereunto_o we_o must_v appeal_v on_o all_o occasion_n for_o we_o can_v acquiesce_v in_o what_o be_v undue_o impose_v on_o we_o either_o as_o unto_o principle_n or_o practice_n to_o show_v as_o he_o say_v the_o insufficiency_n of_o our_o cause_n of_o separation_n he_o will_v take_v this_o way_n namely_o to_o show_v the_o great_a absurdity_n that_o follow_v on_o the_o allowance_n of_o they_o and_o add_v 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 reformation_n 2._o that_o it_o hinder_v all_o union_n between_o the_o protestant_a church_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 that_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 now_o as_o i_o shall_v consider_v what_o he_o offer_v on_o these_o several_a head_n and_o his_o application_n of_o it_o unto_o the_o case_n in_o hand_n so_o i_o shall_v confirm_v the_o reason_n already_o give_v of_o our_o separation_n if_o it_o must_v be_v so_o call_v from_o parochial_a assembly_n with_o these_o five_o consideration_n 1._o that_o they_o strengthen_v the_o cause_n of_o reformation_n 2._o that_o they_o open_v a_o way_n to_o union_n between_o all_o protestant_a church_n 3._o that_o they_o give_v the_o just_a ground_n of_o condemn_v the_o ancient_a schism_n that_o ever_o any_o christian_a church_n do_v just_o condemn_v 4._o that_o they_o give_v due_a bound_n unto_o separation_n 5._o that_o they_o absolute_o comply_v with_o all_o the_o command_v of_o the_o scripture_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n i_o shall_v begin_v with_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o absurdity_n charge_v by_o he_o on_o our_o principle_n and_o practice_n the_o first_o of_o they_o be_v that_o it_o weaken_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o reformation_n this_o he_o prove_v by_o long_a quotation_n out_o of_o some_o french_a divine_n we_o be_v not_o to_o expect_v that_o they_o shall_v speak_v unto_o our_o cause_n or_o make_v any_o determination_n in_o it_o see_v to_o the_o principal_a of_o they_o it_o be_v unknown_a but_o they_o say_v that_o which_o be_v contrary_a unto_o our_o principle_n so_o they_o may_v do_v and_o yet_o this_o not_o weaken_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o reformation_n for_o it_o be_v know_v that_o they_o say_v somewhat_o also_o that_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o our_o episcopal_a brethren_n for_o which_o one_o of_o they_o be_v sufficient_o revile_v but_o yet_o the_o cause_n of_o reformation_n be_v not_o weaken_v thereby_o the_o first_o
testimony_n produce_v be_v that_o of_o calvin_n a_o large_a discourse_n he_o have_v institut_n lib._n 4._o cap._n 1._o against_o causeless_a separation_n from_o a_o true_a church_n and_o by_o who_o be_v they_o not_o condemn_v no_o determination_n of_o the_o case_n in_o hand_n can_v be_v thence_o derive_v nor_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o our_o refrain_v communion_n with_o parochial_a assembly_n the_o same_o with_o those_o which_o he_o condemn_v as_o insufficient_a for_o a_o total_a separation_n nor_o be_v the_o separation_n he_o oppose_v in_o those_o day_n which_o be_v absolute_a and_o total_a with_o a_o condemnation_n of_o the_o church_n from_o which_o it_o be_v make_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o that_o wherewith_o we_o be_v charge_v at_o least_o not_o with_o what_o we_o own_o and_o allow_v he_o give_v the_o note_n of_o a_o true_a church_n to_o be_v the_o pure_a preach_v of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n according_a unto_o christ_n institution_n where_o these_o be_v he_o allow_v a_o true_a church_n to_o be_v not_o only_o without_o diocesan_n episcopacy_n but_o in_o a_o form_n and_o under_o a_o rule_n opposite_a unto_o it_o and_o inconsistent_a with_o it_o and_o if_o he_o do_v at_o all_o speak_v to_o our_o case_n as_o he_o do_v not_o nor_o unto_o any_o of_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o why_o shall_v we_o be_v press_v with_o his_o authority_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n more_o than_o other_o from_o who_o he_o differ_v also_o on_o the_o other_o beside_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o belong_v unto_o the_o pure_a preach_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n according_a unto_o christ_n institution_n than_o some_o seem_v to_o apprehend_v they_o may_v they_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o explain_v as_o that_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o they_o we_o may_v justify_v our_o whole_a cause_n both_o these_o may_v be_v want_v in_o a_o church_n which_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o such_o heinous_a error_n in_o doctrine_n or_o idolatry_n in_o worship_n as_o shall_v overthrow_v its_o be_v and_o their_o want_n may_v be_v a_o just_a cause_n of_o refrain_v communion_n from_o a_o church_n which_o yet_o we_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o condemn_v as_o none_o at_o all_o calvin_n express_v his_o judgement_n n._n 12._o i_o will_v not_o give_v countenance_n unto_o error_n no_o not_o to_o the_o least_o so_o as_o to_o cherish_v they_o by_o flattery_n or_o connivance_n but_o though_o i_o say_v that_o the_o church_n be_v not_o to_o be_v forsake_v for_o tri_a difference_n wherein_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v retain_v safe_a and_o sound_a wherein_o the_o integrity_n of_o godliness_n do_v abide_v and_o the_o use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n appoint_v of_o the_o lord_n be_v preserve_v and_o we_o say_v the_o same_o and_o this_o very_a calvin_n who_o do_v so_o severe_o condemn_v separation_n from_o a_o true_a church_n as_o by_o he_o state_v do_v himself_o quiet_o and_o peaceable_o withdraw_v and_o depart_v from_o the_o church_n of_o geneva_n when_o they_o refuse_v to_o admit_v that_o discipline_n which_o he_o esteem_v to_o be_v according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ._n it_o be_v certain_a therefore_o that_o by_o the_o separation_n which_o he_o condemn_v he_o do_v not_o intend_v the_o peaceable_a relinquishment_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o any_o church_n as_o unto_o a_o constant_a participation_n of_o all_o ordinance_n in_o it_o for_o want_v of_o due_a mean_n of_o edification_n much_o less_o that_o which_o have_v so_o many_o other_o cause_n concur_v therewith_o for_o the_o other_o learned_a man_n who_o he_o quote_v unto_o the_o same_o purpose_n i_o see_v not_o any_o thing_n that_o give_v the_o least_o countenance_n unto_o his_o assertion_n that_o our_o principle_n weaken_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o reformation_n it_o be_v true_a they_o plead_v other_o cause_n of_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n than_o those_o insist_v on_o by_o we_o with_o respect_n unto_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o indeed_o they_o have_v be_v otherwise_o much_o to_o blame_v have_v so_o many_o thing_n as_o they_o have_v to_o plead_v of_o great_a importance_n do_v we_o say_v that_o the_o reason_n which_o we_o plead_v be_v all_o that_o can_v be_v plead_v to_o justify_v the_o separation_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n it_o will_v weaken_v the_o cause_n of_o reformation_n for_o we_o shall_v then_o deny_v that_o idolatry_n and_o fundamental_a error_n in_o faith_n be_v any_o cause_n or_o ground_n of_o that_o separation_n however_o we_o know_v that_o the_o imposition_n of_o they_o on_o the_o faith_n and_o practice_n of_o all_o christian_n be_v more_o plead_v in_o justification_n of_o a_o separation_n from_o they_o than_o the_o thing_n themselves_o but_o allow_v those_o great_a reason_n to_o be_v plead_v against_o the_o roman_a communion_n as_o we_o do_v it_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o follow_v that_o our_o reason_n for_o refrain_v communion_n with_o parochial_a assembly_n do_v weaken_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o reformation_n however_o let_v i_o not_o be_v misinterpret_v as_o unto_o that_o expression_n of_o destroy_v our_o faith_n which_o the_o communion_n require_v with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o unto_o all_o the_o important_a article_n of_o it_o do_v not_o do_v and_o i_o can_v subscribe_v unto_o the_o word_n of_o daille_n as_o quote_v by_o our_o author_n out_o of_o his_o apology_n if_o say_v he_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v not_o require_v any_o thing_n of_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 then_o he_o will_v grant_v their_o separation_n be_v rash_a and_o unjust_a and_o they_o guilty_a of_o the_o schism_n he_o close_v his_o transcription_n of_o the_o word_n of_o sundry_a learned_a man_n who_o have_v justify_v the_o separation_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n wherein_o we_o be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o concern_v with_o a_o enquiry_n what_o triumph_n will_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n make_v over_o we_o have_v we_o no_o other_o reason_n to_o justify_v our_o separation_n from_o they_o but_o only_o those_o which_o as_o be_v pretend_v we_o plead_v in_o our_o cause_n i_o say_v whereas_o we_o do_v plead_v confirm_v and_o justify_v all_o the_o reason_n and_o cause_n plead_v for_o the_o separation_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n from_o they_o not_o oppose_v not_o weaken_v any_o of_o they_o by_o any_o principle_n or_o practice_n of_o we_o but_o far_o press_v the_o force_n of_o the_o same_o reason_n and_o cause_n in_o all_o instance_n whereunto_o they_o will_v extend_v i_o see_v neither_o what_o cause_n the_o papist_n have_v of_o triumph_n noâ—_n any_o thing_n that_o weaken_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o reformation_n he_o add_v further_a how_o shall_v we_o be_v hiss_v aâ—d_v laugh_v at_o all_o over_o the_o christian_a world_n if_o we_o have_v nothing_o to_o allege_v for_o our_o separation_n from_o the_o roman_a church_n but_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o i_o answer_v that_o as_o the_o case_n stand_v if_o we_o do_v allege_v no_o other_o reason_n but_o those_o which_o we_o insist_v on_o for_o our_o refrain_v communion_n with_o our_o own_o parochial_a assembly_n we_o shall_v deserve_v to_o be_v deride_v for_o relinquish_a the_o plea_n of_o those_o other_o important_a reason_n which_o the_o heresy_n and_o idolatry_n and_o tyranny_n of_o that_o church_n do_v render_v just_a and_o equal_a but_o if_o we_o have_v no_o other_o cause_n of_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o what_o we_o have_v for_o our_o separation_n from_o our_o parochial_a assembly_n at_o home_n as_o weak_a as_o our_o allegation_n be_v pretend_v to_o be_v we_o shall_v not_o be_v afraid_a to_o defend_v they_o against_o all_o the_o papist_n in_o the_o world_n and_o let_v the_o world_n act_n like_o itself_o in_o hiss_v whereas_o therefore_o the_o cause_n of_o reformation_n be_v not_o in_o any_o thing_n weaken_v by_o our_o principle_n no_o argument_n no_o reason_n solid_o plead_v to_o justify_v the_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v desert_v by_o we_o neither_o testimony_n proof_n nor_o evidence_n be_v produce_v to_o evince_v that_o it_o be_v weaken_v by_o we_o i_o shall_v in_o the_o second_o place_n as_o be_v before_o propose_v prove_v that_o the_o whole_a cause_n of_o the_o protestant_n separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v strengthen_v and_o confirm_v by_o we_o there_o be_v some_o general_a principle_n on_o which_o the_o protestant_n proceed_v in_o their_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o which_o they_o constant_o plead_v in_o justification_n thereof_o the_o first_o
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
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 theâ—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
way_n and_o mean_n countenance_v with_o the_o least_o semblance_n or_o appearance_n of_o truth_n to_o load_v the_o nonconformist_n and_o their_o cause_n with_o the_o imputation_n of_o thing_n invidious_a and_o burdensome_a shall_v fix_v upon_o their_o prayer_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o grace_n and_o gift_n of_o prayer_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v ascribe_v the_o original_a of_o its_o use_n unto_o the_o artifice_n and_o insinuation_n of_o the_o jesuit_n as_o he_o do_v pref._n pag._n 14_o 15._o but_o because_o i_o look_v on_o this_o as_o a_o thing_n of_o the_o great_a importance_n of_o all_o the_o difference_n between_o they_o and_o we_o as_o that_o wherein_o the_o life_n of_o religion_n the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o labour_n of_o divine_a love_n do_v much_o consist_v the_o nature_n and_o necessity_n of_o that_o kind_n of_o prayer_n which_o be_v here_o reflect_v on_o and_o oppose_v shall_v god_n will_v be_v declare_v and_o vindicate_v in_o a_o peculiar_a discourse_n unto_o that_o purpose_n for_o the_o difference_n that_o be_v between_o we_o can_v possible_o have_v any_o more_o pernicious_a consequence_n then_o if_o we_o shall_v be_v influence_v by_o they_o to_o oppose_v or_o condemn_v any_o principle_n or_o exercise_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o practical_a holiness_n as_o think_v they_o to_o yield_v matter_n of_o advantage_n to_o one_o party_n or_o another_o the_o great_a pain_n he_o have_v take_v in_o his_o preface_n to_o prove_v the_o nonconformist_n to_o have_v be_v the_o mean_n of_o further_a and_o promote_a popery_n in_o this_o nation_n might_n as_o i_o suppose_v have_v be_v omit_v without_o aâ—â—_n disadvantage_n unto_o himself_o or_o his_o cause_n for_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v not_o true_a as_o it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a to_o affect_v the_o mind_n or_o conscience_n of_o the_o nonconformist_n with_o a_o sense_n of_o it_o because_o they_o have_v a_o thousand_o witness_n in_o themselves_o against_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o charge_n so_o it_o be_v impossible_a it_o shall_v be_v believe_v by_o any_o who_o be_v in_o the_o least_o acquaint_v with_o their_o principle_n or_o have_v their_o eye_n open_a to_o see_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v at_o this_o day_n in_o religion_n but_o as_o there_o be_v many_o palpable_a mistake_v in_o the_o account_n he_o give_v of_o thing_n among_o ourselves_o to_o this_o purpose_n so_o if_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n any_o shall_v out_o of_o report_n surmize_n jesuit_n letter_n and_o politic_n particular_o those_o of_o contzen_n book_n write_v to_o that_o purpose_n against_o they_o agreement_n of_o principle_n notorious_a compliance_n of_o some_o bishop_n and_o other_o of_o the_o same_o way_n with_o the_o papist_n some_o die_v avowed_o such_o story_n of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v at_o rome_n and_o elsewhere_o which_o be_v not_o few_o nor_o unproveable_a concern_v the_o inclination_n of_o many_o unto_o a_o fair_a composition_n of_o thing_n with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n the_o deportment_n of_o some_o before_o and_o since_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o plot_n with_o such_o other_o topic_n as_o the_o discourse_n of_o our_o author_n with_o respect_n unto_o the_o nonconformist_n will_v furnish_v they_o withal_o as_o also_o from_o the_o woeful_a neglect_v there_o have_v be_v of_o instruct_v the_o people_n in_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n so_o as_o to_o implant_v a_o sense_n of_o the_o life_n and_o power_n of_o it_o on_o their_o soul_n with_o all_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v speak_v on_o that_o head_n with_o reference_n unto_o the_o clergy_n under_o their_o various_a distribution_n with_o the_o cast_v out_o of_o so_o great_a number_n of_o minister_n who_o they_o know_v in_o their_o own_o conscience_n to_o be_v firm_o fix_v against_o popery_n and_o its_o interest_n in_o this_o nation_n and_o can_v not_o deny_v but_o they_o may_v be_v useful_a to_o instruct_v the_o people_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o encourage_v they_o by_o their_o example_n unto_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o if_o any_o i_o say_v shall_v on_o these_o and_o the_o like_a ground_n not_o in_o a_o way_n of_o recrimination_n nor_o as_o a_o requital_n of_o the_o drs._n story_n but_o mere_o as_o a_o necessary_a part_n of_o the_o defence_n of_o their_o own_o innocency_n charge_v the_o same_o guilt_n of_o give_v occasion_n unto_o the_o growth_n increase_n and_o danger_n of_o popery_n in_o this_o nation_n on_o the_o episcopal_a party_n i_o know_v not_o now_o how_o they_o can_v be_v well_o blame_v for_o it_o nor_o what_o will_v be_v do_v of_o that_o kind_n for_o they_o who_o will_v take_v liberty_n to_o speak_v what_o they_o please_v must_v be_v content_a sometime_o to_o hear_v what_o will_v displease_v for_o my_o part_n i_o have_v rather_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o these_o thing_n at_o present_a may_v be_v omit_v and_o that_o all_o those_o who_o be_v real_o unite_v in_o opposition_n unto_o popery_n as_o i_o be_o assure_v in_o particular_a that_o this_o reverend_a author_n and_o i_o be_o will_v rather_o consider_v how_o we_o may_v come_v out_o of_o the_o danger_n of_o it_o wherein_o we_o be_v then_o at_o present_a to_o contest_v how_o we_o come_v unto_o it_o this_o i_o speak_v serious_o and_o that_o under_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o discourse_n which_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o sundry_a mistake_v in_o matter_n of_o fact_n of_o great_a defect_n in_o point_n of_o charity_n with_o a_o design_n to_o expose_v other_o unto_o reproach_n for_o their_o great_a crime_n of_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v a_o little_a free_v from_o be_v beat_v fine_v punish_v and_o imprison_v by_o their_o mean_n and_o on_o their_o account_n be_v as_o apt_a to_o excite_v new_a exasperation_n and_o to_o provoke_v the_o spirit_n of_o they_o concern_v as_o any_o i_o have_v read_v of_o late_a however_o the_o defence_n of_o our_o own_o innocency_n must_v not_o be_v forsake_v but_o cumque_fw-la superba_fw-la foret_fw-la babylon_n spolianda_fw-la trophaeis_fw-la it_o be_v not_o praiseworthy_a to_o abide_v in_o these_o contest_v beyond_o necessity_n this_o discourse_n indeed_o of_o the_o reverend_a author_n be_v increase_v into_o so_o large_a a_o volume_n as_o may_v just_o discourage_v any_o from_o undertake_v the_o examination_n of_o it_o who_o have_v any_o other_o necessary_a duty_n to_o attend_v unto_o but_o if_o there_o be_v separate_v from_o it_o the_o consideration_n of_o story_n of_o thing_n and_o person_n long_o since_o past_a wherein_o we_o be_v not_o concern_v with_o the_o undue_a application_n of_o what_o be_v write_v by_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_n against_o the_o schism_n in_o their_o day_n unto_o our_o present_a difference_n as_o also_o the_o repetition_n of_o a_o charge_n that_o we_o do_v not_o refrain_v communion_n from_o the_o parochial_a church_n on_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n which_o we_o know_v to_o the_o contrary_a that_o we_o do_v with_o the_o report_n and_o quotation_n of_o the_o word_n and_o say_n of_o man_n by_o who_o judgement_n we_o be_v not_o determine_v with_o frequent_a diversion_n from_o the_o question_n by_o attempt_v advantage_n from_o this_o or_o that_o passage_n or_o expression_n in_o one_o or_o another_o and_o the_o rhetorical_a aggrevation_n of_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v plain_o express_v and_o quick_o issue_v and_o the_o controversy_n may_v be_v reduce_v into_o a_o narrow_a compass_n it_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o difference_n which_o be_v among_o protestant_n in_o this_o nation_n be_v to_o be_v bewail_v because_o of_o the_o advantage_n which_o the_o common_a enemy_n of_o the_o protestant_a interest_n do_v endeavour_v to_o make_v thereby_o howbeit_o the_o evil_a consequence_n of_o they_o do_v not_o arise_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o but_o from_o the_o interest_n prejudices_fw-la and_o bias_v affection_n of_o they_o among_o who_o they_o be_v nor_o shall_v any_o man_n ever_o be_v able_a to_o prove_v but_o that_o on_o the_o doctrinal_a agreement_n which_o we_o all_o profess_v provide_v it_o be_v real_a we_o may_v notwithstanding_o the_o difference_n that_o remain_v enjoy_v all_o that_o peace_n and_o union_n which_o be_v prescribe_v unto_o the_o church_n and_o disciple_n of_o christ_n provide_v that_o we_o live_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o love_n which_o he_o enjoin_v we_o which_o whilst_o it_o continue_v in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o same_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a there_o shall_v be_v any_o schism_n among_o we_o wherefore_o whereas_o some_o be_v very_o desirous_a to_o state_n the_o controversy_n on_o this_o supposition_n that_o there_o be_v a_o schism_n among_o we_o and_o issue_v it_o in_o a_o enquiry_n on_o which_o side_n the_o blame_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v lay_v wherein_o they_o suppose_v they_o need_v no_o far_a justification_n but_o the_o possession_n of_o that_o church_n state_n which_o be_v establish_v by_o law_n i_o shall_v willing_o forego_v
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 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christian_n as_o the_o writer_n of_o that_o age_n complain_v and_o be_v hereby_o uncapable_a of_o walk_v according_a unto_o the_o order_n rule_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o apostolical_a church_n there_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o another_o rule_n of_o other_o way_n and_o mean_n for_o their_o government_n without_o their_o own_o concurrence_n or_o consent_n than_o what_o be_v at_o first_o appoint_v which_o be_v gradual_o introduce_v whence_o the_o original_a of_o a_o multitude_n of_o those_o canon_n which_o be_v arbitrary_o invent_v afterward_o for_o their_o rule_n and_o government_n be_v to_o be_v derive_v and_o it_o may_v be_v make_v to_o appear_v that_o the_o accommodation_n of_o the_o rule_n yea_o and_o of_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o several_a age_n of_o it_o unto_o the_o ignorance_n manner_n and_o inclination_n of_o the_o people_n who_o be_v then_o easy_o win_v unto_o the_o outward_a profession_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v one_o mean_n of_o the_o ruin_n of_o they_o both_o until_o they_o issue_v in_o downright_a tyranny_n and_o idolatry_n but_o much_o more_o of_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o deviation_n of_o the_o church_n from_o their_o primitive_a rule_n and_o order_n be_v to_o be_v ascribe_v unto_o the_o ambition_n and_o love_n of_o pre-eminence_n in_o many_o of_o the_o clergy_n or_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n but_o this_o be_v no_o place_n nor_o season_n to_o manifest_v this_o by_o instance_n beside_o it_o have_v be_v do_v by_o other_o i_o shall_v therefore_o inquire_v only_o into_o one_o or_o two_o thing_n in_o particular_a which_o be_v of_o principal_a consideration_n in_o the_o declension_n of_o the_o church_n from_o their_o primitive_a institution_n order_n and_o rule_n and_o 1._o it_o be_v evident_a that_o there_o be_v a_o alteration_n make_v in_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n as_o to_o its_o officer_n for_o it_o issue_v at_o last_o in_o pope_n patriarch_n cardinal_n metropolitan_a and_o diocesan_n bishop_n who_o 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donatist_n the_o heresy_n of_o arius_n and_o other_o neither_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n certain_a in_o this_o pretend_a succession_n of_o some_o person_n unto_o the_o apostle_n in_o that_o part_n of_o their_o office_n which_o concern_v the_o rule_n of_o many_o church_n by_o one_o overseer_n no_o intimation_n of_o any_o such_o appointment_n by_o the_o apostle_n or_o any_o of_o they_o no_o record_n of_o the_o concurrence_n of_o the_o church_n themselves_o in_o and_o unto_o this_o alteration_n can_v be_v produce_v nor_o be_v there_o any_o analogy_n between_o the_o extraordinary_a power_n of_o every_o apostle_n over_o all_o church_n and_o care_n for_o they_o and_o the_o ordinary_a power_n of_o a_o bishop_n over_o a_o small_a number_n which_o lot_n or_o accident_n dispose_v unto_o he_o beside_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v no_o instance_n can_v be_v give_v or_o have_v be_v for_o the_o space_n of_o 200_o year_n or_o until_o the_o end_n of_o the_o