charity_n to_o believe_v all_o thing_n to_o believe_v that_o each_o party_n be_v accept_v with_o god_n while_o they_o serve_v he_o according_a unto_o the_o light_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v and_o as_o it_o be_v to_o be_v think_v that_o upon_o the_o give_n of_o this_o rule_n and_o direction_n they_o utter_o lay_v aside_o all_o the_o animosity_n in_o judge_v and_o despise_v one_o another_o which_o they_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o so_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o they_o continue_v in_o their_o different_a practice_n a_o long_a time_n after_o without_o any_o rebuke_n or_o reproof_n yea_o some_o learned_a man_n do_v judge_n and_o that_o not_o on_o ground_n to_o be_v despise_v that_o the_o party_n who_o differ_v be_v gather_v into_o distinct_a church_n and_o so_o continue_v to_o walk_v even_o to_o the_o day_n of_o adrian_n the_o emperor_n when_o the_o last_o and_o final_a destruction_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n of_o the_o jew_n do_v befall_v they_o after_o which_o those_o who_o be_v not_o harden_v to_o the_o utmost_a give_v off_o all_o expectation_n of_o any_o respect_n to_o be_v have_v with_o god_n of_o their_o old_a institution_n i_o do_v not_o know_v how_o though_o present_a case_n between_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o the_o nonconformist_n can_v have_v possible_o be_v more_o plain_o and_o distinct_o state_v and_o exemplify_v in_o any_o thing_n that_o the_o church_n be_v capable_a of_o or_o liable_a unto_o in_o those_o day_n than_o it_o be_v in_o this_o case_n here_o state_v and_o determine_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o who_o direction_n rule_n and_o determination_n we_o do_v full_o acquiesce_v but_o 5_o it_o be_v true_a also_o which_o this_o reverend_a author_n observe_v that_o when_o the_o false_a apostle_n or_o any_o other_o judaize_v teacher_n pretend_v to_o authority_n do_v impose_v the_o observation_n of_o the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o levitical_a law_n on_o any_o church_n unto_o their_o disturbance_n and_o division_n the_o apostle_n look_v hereon_o as_o that_o which_o so_o far_o alter_v the_o case_n that_o he_o give_v other_o rule_n and_o direction_n about_o it_o and_o if_o such_o imposition_n may_v be_v yet_o forbear_v in_o the_o like_a case_n especial_o as_o accompany_v with_o the_o severe_a supplement_n and_o addition_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o outward_a penalty_n to_o be_v inflict_v on_o they_o who_o can_v comply_v with_o they_o a_o open_a door_n will_v appear_v into_o all_o that_o agreement_n peace_n and_o quietness_n among_o we_o which_o be_v desire_v i_o have_v treat_v thus_o far_o of_o these_o thing_n not_o to_o manage_v a_o controversy_n with_o this_o author_n or_o any_o other_o but_o only_o to_o show_v that_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n to_o be_v take_v from_o this_o text_n or_o its_o context_n to_o give_v countenance_n unto_o the_o severe_a censure_n of_o schism_n and_o all_o the_o evil_a consequent_n of_o it_o as_o maintain_v by_o ill_a art_n and_o practice_n upon_o the_o nonconformist_n the_o procedure_n of_o our_o author_n in_o the_o management_n of_o his_o charge_n be_v in_o a_o way_n of_o prove_v from_o the_o assertion_n and_o concession_n of_o the_o several_a party_n whereinto_o he_o have_v distinguish_v nonconformist_n that_o they_o have_v no_o just_a cause_n to_o withhold_v full_a communion_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n especial_o in_o its_o parochial_a assembly_n and_o as_o unto_o the_o first_o party_n who_o he_o affirm_v to_o grant_v that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o separation_n he_o quote_v some_o say_n out_o of_o a_o discourse_n of_o a_o nameless_a author_n concern_v evangelical_n love_n church_n peace_n and_o unity_n and_o together_o with_o some_o concession_n of_o he_o he_o add_v his_o judgement_n that_o communion_n in_o ordinance_n must_v be_v only_o in_o such_o church_n as_o christ_n himself_o institute_v by_o unalterable_a rule_n which_o be_v only_o particular_a and_o congregational_a church_n as_o i_o remember_v that_o author_n have_v at_o large_a declare_v in_o his_o discourse_n what_o communion_n believer_n ought_v to_o have_v with_o the_o church_n or_o all_o church_n the_o church_n in_o every_o sense_n wherein_o that_o name_n be_v use_v in_o the_o scripture_n but_o i_o shall_v not_o trouble_v myself_o to_o inquire_v into_o his_o assertion_n or_o concession_n nor_o at_o present_a can_v i_o do_v so_o not_o have_v that_o book_n with_o i_o where_o i_o now_o be_o my_o business_n be_v only_o to_o examine_v on_o this_o occasion_n what_o this_o reverend_a author_n except_v against_o or_o oppose_v unto_o his_o assertion_n about_o congregational_a church_n and_o the_o answer_v his_o charge_n of_o schism_n notwithstanding_o this_o plea_n of_o the_o institution_n of_o particular_a church_n for_o the_o celebration_n of_o divine_a ordinance_n this_o he_o do_v pag._n 25._o grant_v this_o to_o be_v true_a how_o do_v it_o hence_o appear_v not_o to_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o separate_v from_o our_o parochial_a church_n which_o according_a to_o their_o own_o concession_n have_v all_o the_o essential_o of_o true_a church_n and_o what_o ground_n can_v they_o have_v to_o separate_v and_o divide_v those_o church_n which_o for_o all_o that_o we_o can_v see_v be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o the_o church_n plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n at_o corinth_n philippi_n or_o thessalonica_n ans._n we_o will_v allow_v at_o present_a that_o the_o parochial_a church_n at_o least_o some_o of_o they_o in_o this_o nation_n be_v true_a church_n that_o be_v 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 yet_o we_o suppose_v it_o will_v not_o be_v make_v a_o rule_n that_o communion_n may_v be_v withhold_v or_o withdraw_v from_o any_o church_n in_o any_o thing_n so_o long_o as_o it_o continue_v as_o unto_o the_o essence_n of_o it_o to_o be_v so_o this_o author_n know_v that_o testimony_n may_v be_v produce_v out_o of_o very_o learned_a protestant_a writer_n to_o the_o contrary_n 2._o we_o do_v not_o say_v it_o be_v not_o plead_v that_o because_o communion_n in_o ordinance_n must_v be_v only_o in_o such_o church_n as_o christ_n himself_o have_v institute_v etc._n etc._n that_o therefore_o it_o be_v lawful_a and_o necessary_a to_o separate_a from_o parochial_a church_n but_o it_o may_v be_v plead_v thence_o that_o if_o it_o be_v on_o other_o ground_n necessary_a to_o so_o separate_a or_o withhold_v communion_n from_o they_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o they_o who_o do_v so_o to_o join_v themselves_o in_o or_o unto_o some_o other_o particular_a congregation_n the_o reason_n why_o the_o nonconformist_n can_v join_v in_o that_o communion_n with_o those_o parochial_a church_n which_o be_v before_o describe_v be_v quite_o of_o another_o nature_n which_o be_v not_o here_o to_o be_v plead_v however_o some_o of_o they_o may_v be_v mention_v to_o deliver_v we_o from_o this_o mistake_n that_o the_o ground_n of_o separation_n from_o they_o be_v the_o institution_n of_o particular_a congregational_a church_n and_o they_o be_v such_o as_o these_o 1._o there_o be_v many_o thing_n in_o all_o parochial_a church_n that_o open_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o reformation_n what_o these_o be_v both_o with_o respect_n unto_o person_n and_o thing_n have_v be_v before_o intimate_v and_o shall_v be_v further_o declare_v if_o occasion_n require_v but_o these_o parochial_a church_n neither_o do_v nor_o indeed_o can_v nor_o have_v power_n in_o themselves_o to_o reform_v the_o thing_n that_o ought_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v reform_v for_o none_o among_o we_o will_v plead_v that_o they_o be_v entrust_v with_o power_n for_o their_o own_o government_n and_o reformation_n in_o this_o case_n we_o judge_v it_o lawful_a for_o any_o man_n peacoable_o to_o withdraw_v communion_n from_o such_o church_n to_o provide_v for_o his_o own_o edification_n in_o other_o 2._o that_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n in_o the_o constant_a total_a communion_n of_o parochial_a church_n impose_v on_o the_o conscience_n and_o practice_n of_o man_n which_o be_v not_o according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ._n the_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n i_o shall_v not_o here_o mention_v in_o particular_a 3._o there_o be_v no_o evangelical_n church_n discipline_n administer_v in_o such_o parochial_a church_n which_o yet_o be_v a_o necessary_a mean_n unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n appoint_v by_o christ_n himself_o and_o sacred_o attend_v unto_o by_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o we_o dare_v not_o renounce_v our_o interest_n in_o so_o bless_v a_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n 4._o the_o rule_n and_o government_n which_o such_o parochial_a church_n be_v absolute_o under_o in_o the_o room_n of_o that_o rule_n and_o discipline_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o and_o among_o themselves_o namely_o that_o
and_o subservient_fw-fr unto_o their_o edification_n as_o be_v express_o affirm_v ephes._n 4._o 11_o 12_o 13_o 14._o as_o it_o shall_v seem_v a_o opinion_n opposite_a unto_o this_o notion_n of_o national_a church_n be_v examine_v and_o confute_v pag._n 17._o ibid._n it_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n to_o make_v the_o notion_n of_o a_o church_n bare_o to_o relate_v to_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o consequent_o that_o the_o adequate_a notion_n of_o a_o church_n be_v a_o assembly_n for_o divine_a worship_n by_o which_o mean_n they_o appropriate_v the_o name_n of_o church_n to_o particular_a congregation_n whereas_o if_o this_o hold_v true_a the_o church_n must_v be_v dissolve_v as_o soon_o as_o the_o congregation_n be_v break_v up_o but_o if_o they_o retain_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o church_n when_o they_o do_v not_o meet_v together_o for_o worship_n than_o there_o be_v some_o other_o bond_n that_o unite_v they_o and_o whatever_o that_o be_v it_o constitute_v the_o church_n i_o be_o far_o from_o pretend_v to_o have_v read_v the_o write_n of_o all_o man_n upon_o this_o subject_a nay_o i_o can_v say_v i_o have_v read_v very_o few_o of_o they_o though_o i_o never_o avoid_v the_o read_n of_o any_o thing_n write_v against_o the_o way_n and_o order_n which_o i_o approve_v of_o wherefore_o there_o may_v be_v some_o as_o far_o as_o i_o know_v who_o have_v maintain_v this_o notion_n of_o a_o church_n or_o that_o it_o be_v only_o a_o assembly_n for_o divine_a worship_n but_o for_o my_o part_n i_o never_o read_v nor_o hear_v of_o any_o who_o be_v of_o this_o judgement_n assembly_n for_o divine_a worship_n we_o account_v indispensable_o necessary_a for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n but_o that_o this_o be_v that_o which_o give_v they_o their_o constitution_n and_o form_v that_o which_o be_v the_o bond_n of_o their_o union_n none_o of_o the_o nonconformist_n as_o i_o know_v of_o do_v judge_n for_o it_o will_v not_o only_o hence_o follow_v as_o the_o reverend_a author_n observe_v that_o the_o church_n be_v dissolve_v when_o the_o congregation_n be_v break_v up_o on_o which_o account_n church_n at_o this_o time_n will_v be_v dissolve_v almost_o every_o week_n whether_o they_o will_v or_o no_o but_o that_o any_o sort_n of_o person_n who_o have_v no_o church-relation_n unto_o one_o another_o meet_v occasional_o for_o divine_a worship_n do_v constitute_v a_o church_n which_o it_o may_v be_v within_o a_o hour_n they_o cease_v to_o be_v it_o be_v not_o therefore_o on_o this_o account_n that_o we_o appropriate_v the_o name_n of_o church_n unto_o particular_a congregation_n there_o be_v quite_o another_o way_n and_o mean_n another_o bond_n of_o union_n whereby_o particular_a church_n be_v constitute_v which_o have_v be_v sufficient_o declare_v but_o if_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o appropriate_a the_o name_n of_o church_n unto_o particular_a congregation_n be_v that_o those_o society_n which_o have_v not_o or_o which_o can_v have_v assembly_n for_o divine_a worship_n be_v not_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v it_o be_v a_o thing_n of_o another_o consideration_n that_o need_v not_o here_o be_v insist_v on_o but_o when_o such_o society_n as_o who_o bound_n and_o limit_n be_v not_o of_o divine_a institution_n as_o be_v those_o of_o the_o national_a church_n of_o the_o jew_n no_o nor_o yet_o of_o the_o prudence_n and_o wisdom_n of_o man_n as_o be_v the_o distribution_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n into_o patriarchates_n and_o diocese_n but_o a_o mere_a natural_a and_o necessary_a consequent_a of_o that_o prevail_a sword_n which_o on_o the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n erect_v distinct_a kingdom_n and_o dominion_n as_o man_n be_v able_a such_o society_n as_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o any_o religious_a assembly_n for_o divine_a worship_n and_o the_o ministration_n of_o christian_a discipline_n in_o they_o such_o as_o be_v force_v to_o invent_v and_o maintain_v a_o union_n by_o way_n and_o mean_n and_o officer_n and_o order_n which_o the_o scripture_n know_v nothing_o of_o be_v prove_v to_o be_v church_n of_o christ_n institution_n i_o shall_v embrace_v they_o as_o such_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n let_v they_o pass_v at_o their_o own_o proper_a rate_n and_o value_n which_o the_o stamp_n of_o civil_a authority_n have_v put_v upon_o they_o what_o be_v further_o discourse_v by_o the_o author_n on_o this_o subject_a proceed_v no_o further_o but_o why_o may_v it_o not_o be_v so_o and_o so_o we_o be_v not_o concern_v in_o 3._o pag._n 23_o 24._o there_o be_v a_o distribution_n of_o all_o dissenter_n into_o two_o party_n 1._o such_o as_o say_v that_o although_o they_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o separation_n from_o our_o church_n yet_o this_o separation_n be_v no_o sin_n 2._o such_o as_o say_v that_o a_o state_n of_o separation_n will_v be_v sin_n but_o notwithstanding_o their_o meeting_n in_o different_a place_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o in_o a_o state_n of_o separation_n the_o difference_n of_o these_o two_o party_n seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v only_o in_o the_o different_a way_n of_o express_v themselves_o the_o one_o grant_v the_o use_n of_o the_o word_n separation_n in_o this_o case_n which_o other_o will_v not_o admit_v for_o their_o practice_n so_o far_o as_o i_o can_v observe_v be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o and_o therefore_o their_o principle_n must_v be_v so_o also_o though_o they_o choose_v several_a way_n of_o express_v they_o both_o sort_n intend_v do_v plead_v that_o in_o sundry_a thing_n they_o have_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o in_o some_o thing_n they_o have_v not_o nor_o can_v have_v it_o so_o some_o know_v the_o word_n separation_n to_o be_v of_o a_o indifferent_a signification_n and_o to_o be_v determine_v as_o unto_o its_o sense_n by_o what_o it_o be_v apply_v unto_o do_v not_o contend_v but_o that_o if_o any_o will_v have_v it_o so_o the_o state_n wherein_o they_o be_v shall_v be_v denominate_v from_o their_o dissent_n unto_o those_o thing_n wherein_o they_o can_v hold_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o so_o be_v not_o offend_v if_o you_o call_v it_o a_o state_n of_o separation_n how_o best_o this_o hinder_v not_o but_o that_o they_o continue_v their_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o be_v before_o mention_v other_o seem_v to_o take_v separation_n in_o the_o same_o sense_n with_o schism_n which_o be_v always_o evil_a or_o at_o least_o they_o pretend_v it_o be_v their_o right_n to_o have_v the_o denomination_n of_o their_o state_n take_v from_o what_o they_o agree_v in_o with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o not_o from_o their_o dissent_n in_o other_o thing_n from_o it_o and_o therefore_o they_o continue_v in_o a_o practice_n suitable_a unto_o that_o dissent_n wherefore_o i_o judge_v that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o this_o distinction_n but_o both_o party_n intend_v be_v equal_o concern_v in_o the_o charge_n that_o be_v lay_v against_o they_o for_o their_o dissent_n in_o some_o thing_n from_o the_o church_n these_o thing_n be_v premise_v that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v divert_v from_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o cause_n in_o hand_n as_o they_o will_v otherwise_o occur_v unto_o we_o in_o our_o progress_n i_o shall_v proceed_v unto_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o charge_n itself_o lay_v against_o the_o nonconformist_n and_o the_o arguing_n whereby_o it_o be_v endeavour_v to_o be_v confirm_v the_o charge_n be_v that_o all_o the_o nonconformist_n of_o one_o sort_n or_o another_o that_o be_v presbyterian_o and_o independent_o be_v guilty_a of_o sin_n of_o a_o sinful_a separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o therefore_o as_o they_o live_v in_o a_o know_a sin_n so_o they_o be_v the_o cause_n thereby_o of_o great_a evil_n confusion_n disturbance_n among_o ourselves_o and_o of_o danger_n unto_o the_o whole_a protestant_a religion_n whence_o it_o be_v meet_v that_o they_o shall_v etc._n etc._n the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v thus_o far_o mutual_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o state_v difference_n between_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o the_o nonconformist_n the_o next_o enquiry_n natural_o shall_v be_v on_o these_o two_o head_n 1._o who_o or_o what_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o difference_n or_o distance_n without_o which_o we_o can_v judge_v aright_o on_o who_o the_o blame_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v charge_v for_o that_o all_o man_n be_v not_o present_o to_o be_v condemn_v for_o the_o withdraw_n from_o the_o communion_n of_o any_o church_n because_o they_o do_v so_o without_o a_o due_a examination_n of_o the_o cause_n for_o which_o they_o do_v it_o will_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o protestant_n in_o plain_a term_n our_o enquiry_n be_v whether_o the_o cause_n hereof_o be_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n the_o imposition_n of_o term_n of_o communion_n without_o any_o obligation_n in_o conscience_n to_o make_v that_o
this_o because_o some_o place_n quote_v usual_o in_o this_o matter_n do_v relate_v direct_o unto_o the_o unbelieve_a jew_n which_o go_v up_o and_o down_o to_o oppose_v the_o preach_a of_o christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n in_o rage_n and_o fury_n stir_v up_o persecution_n everywhere_o against_o they_o that_o be_v employ_v in_o it_o 2_o this_o sort_n of_o person_n be_v free_o allow_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o continue_v in_o the_o use_n of_o those_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n which_o they_o esteem_v themselves_o oblige_v unto_o by_o virtue_n of_o moses_n law_n grant_v they_o in_o all_o other_o thing_n the_o privilege_n of_o believer_n and_o such_o as_o wherein_o they_o will_v not_o in_o any_o thing_n offend_v so_o do_v james_n and_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n declare_v themselves_o act_v 21._o 21_o etc._n etc._n yea_o 3_o out_o of_o tenderness_n unto_o they_o and_o to_o prevent_v all_o offence_n to_o be_v take_v by_o they_o at_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o gentile_n they_o do_v order_n that_o the_o believer_n of_o the_o gentile_n shall_v forbear_v for_o a_o season_n the_o use_n of_o their_o natural_a liberty_n in_o some_o few_o thing_n whereby_o the_o other_o be_v in_o their_o common_a meeting_n as_o in_o eat_v and_o drink_v together_o usual_o scandalize_v give_v they_o also_o unto_o the_o same_o end_n direction_n concern_v one_o thing_n evil_a in_o itself_o who_o long_a usage_n and_o practice_n among_o the_o gentile_n have_v obliterated_a a_o sense_n of_o its_o guilt_n wherewith_o they_o can_v not_o but_o be_v much_o offend_v 4_o with_o this_o determination_n or_o state_n of_o thing_n thus_o settle_v by_o the_o apostle_n no_o doubt_n but_o that_o a_o multitude_n of_o the_o jewish_a believer_n do_v rest_v content_a and_o satisfy_v but_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o with_o many_o of_o they_o it_o be_v otherwise_o they_o be_v no_o way_n please_v that_o they_o be_v leave_v unto_o the_o freedom_n of_o their_o own_o judgement_n and_o practice_n in_o the_o use_n and_o observance_n of_o the_o legal_a ceremony_n but_o they_o will_v impose_v the_o observation_n of_o they_o on_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o gentile_n wherever_o they_o come_v nothing_o will_v serve_v their_o turn_n but_o that_o all_o other_o church_n must_v observe_v their_o ceremony_n or_o they_o will_v not_o admit_v they_o unto_o communion_n with_o they_o and_o in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o this_o design_n they_o prevail_v for_o a_o season_n on_o whole_a church_n to_o forego_v the_o liberty_n wherein_o christ_n have_v make_v they_o free_a and_o to_o take_v on_o they_o the_o yoke_n of_o bondage_n which_o they_o impose_v on_o they_o as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o church_n of_o the_o galatian_n i_o have_v mention_v these_o thing_n only_o to_o show_v how_o remote_a we_o be_v from_o any_o access_n unto_o those_o opinion_n and_o practice_n which_o cause_v the_o first_o division_n in_o christian_a church_n and_o among_o all_o sort_n of_o believer_n we_o agree_v with_o our_o brethren_n in_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o the_o gentile_n do_v with_o the_o believe_a jew_n we_o have_v nothing_o to_o impose_v in_o religion_n on_o the_o conscience_n or_o practice_n of_o any_o other_o church_n or_o person_n we_o be_v not_o offend_v that_o other_o be_v they_o many_o or_o few_o shall_v use_v their_o own_o choice_n liberty_n and_o judgement_n in_o the_o government_n discipline_n worship_n and_o ceremony_n of_o pretend_a order_n nor_o do_v envy_n they_o the_o advantage_n which_o they_o have_v thereby_o we_o desire_v nothing_o but_o what_o the_o church_n of_o the_o gentile_n desire_v of_o old_a as_o the_o only_a mean_n to_o prevent_v division_n in_o they_o namely_o that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v impose_v on_o to_o observe_v those_o thing_n which_o they_o be_v not_o satisfy_v that_o it_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n they_o shall_v observe_v for_o he_o have_v take_v all_o the_o church_n under_o his_o own_o power_n require_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v teach_v to_o do_v and_o observe_v all_o that_o he_o command_v they_o and_o nothing_o else_o that_o we_o know_v of_o we_o desire_v no_o more_o of_o our_o governor_n ruler_n brethren_n if_o they_o think_v so_o in_o the_o ministry_n but_o that_o we_o be_v not_o with_o outward_a force_n and_o destructive_a penalty_n compel_v to_o comply_v with_o and_o practice_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n such_o thing_n as_o for_o our_o life_n and_o to_o save_v ourselves_o from_o the_o great_a ruin_n we_o can_v conceive_v that_o it_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n that_o we_o shall_v do_v and_o observe_v that_o while_o we_o be_v peaceable_a and_o useful_a in_o our_o place_n firm_o unite_v unto_o the_o body_n of_o the_o protestant_n in_o this_o nation_n which_o as_o this_o author_n tell_v we_o be_v the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o confession_n of_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o common_a interest_n for_o the_o maintenance_n and_o preservation_n of_o that_o one_o religion_n which_o we_o profess_v we_o be_v not_o deprive_v of_o that_o liberty_n which_o god_n and_o nature_n christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n the_o example_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o the_o present_a protestant_a interest_n of_o this_o nation_n do_v testify_v to_o be_v our_o due_n these_o thing_n be_v premise_v because_o i_o have_v no_o design_n to_o except_v against_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o discourse_n of_o the_o reverend_a author_n of_o this_o sermon_n wherein_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n be_v not_o immediate_o concern_v nor_o to_o seek_v for_o advantage_n from_o expression_n nor_o to_o draw_v a_o saw_n of_o contention_n about_o thing_n not_o necessary_a unto_o that_o defence_n of_o our_o innocency_n which_o alone_o i_o have_v undertake_v as_o be_v the_o way_n of_o the_o most_o in_o the_o management_n of_o controversy_n i_o shall_v pass_v on_o unto_o the_o charge_n itself_o or_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o argument_n and_o reason_n whereon_o all_o nonconformist_n be_v charge_v with_o schism_n etc._n etc._n but_o yet_o because_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n insist_v on_o by_o the_o author_n in_o the_o progress_n of_o his_o discourse_n according_a as_o he_o judge_v the_o method_n to_o be_v most_o convenient_a for_o the_o manage_n of_o his_o charge_n which_o i_o judge_v not_o so_o convenient_a unto_o the_o present_a defence_n i_o shall_v speak_v brief_o unto_o they_o or_o some_o of_o they_o before_o i_o proceed_v unto_o what_o be_v more_o express_o argumentative_a as_o 1._o he_o charge_v the_o nonconformist_a minister_n for_o conceal_v their_o opinion_n and_o judgement_n from_o the_o people_n about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o their_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n and_o that_o for_o end_n easy_o to_o be_v discern_v that_o be_v their_o own_o advantage_n that_o be_v they_o do_v indeed_o judge_v that_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o the_o people_n to_o hold_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n but_o will_v not_o let_v they_o know_v so_o much_o lest_o they_o shall_v forsake_v their_o ministry_n pag._n 19_o 20._o i_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o term_n upon_o which_o person_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v among_o we_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o function_n of_o the_o ministry_n but_o of_o the_o term_n of_o lay-communion_n i._n e._n those_o which_o be_v necessary_a for_o all_o person_n to_o join_v in_o our_o prayer_n and_o sacrament_n and_o other_o office_n of_o divine_a worship_n i_o will_v not_o say_v there_o have_v be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o art_n to_o confound_v these_o two_o and_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o discern_v to_o what_o purpose_n it_o be_v but_o i_o dare_v say_v the_o people_n not_o understand_v the_o difference_n of_o these_o two_o case_n have_v be_v a_o great_a occasion_n of_o the_o present_a separation_n for_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o some_o of_o the_o most_o impartial_a man_n of_o the_o dissenter_n it_o this_o day_n although_o they_o think_v the_o case_n of_o the_o â—â—â—â—sters_n very_o hard_a on_o the_o account_n of_o subscription_n and_o â—â—â—â—rations_n require_v of_o they_o yet_o they_o confess_v very_o little_a 〈◊〉_d be_v say_v on_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o people_n from_o who_o none_o of_o those_o thing_n be_v require_v so_o that_o the_o people_n be_v condemn_v in_o their_o separation_n by_o their_o own_o teacher_n but_o how_o they_o can_v preach_v lawful_o to_o a_o people_n who_o commit_v a_o fault_n in_o hear_v they_o i_o do_v not_o understand_v and_o the_o same_o thing_n be_v yet_o manage_v with_o more_o severity_n pag._n 37_o 38._o in_o word_n that_o i_o shall_v at_o large_a transenbe_n i_o dare_v say_v if_o most_o of_o the_o preacher_n at_o this_o day_n in_o the_o separate_a meeting_n be_v sober_o ask_v their_o judgement_n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o the_o people_n to_o join_v with_o we_o in_o the_o public_a assembly_n they_o will_v not_o deny_v it_o and_o yet_o the_o people_n that_o
be_v in_o the_o house_n of_o priscilla_n and_o aquila_n at_o rome_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v of_o the_o house_n of_o nymphas_n at_o colosse_n and_o in_o the_o house_n of_o philemon_n at_o laodicea_n why_o then_o shall_v not_o church_n be_v reduce_v to_o particular_a family_n when_o by_o that_o mean_v they_o may_v full_o enjoy_v the_o liberty_n of_o their_o conscience_n and_o avoid_v the_o scandal_n of_o break_v the_o law_n but_o if_o notwithstanding_o such_o plain_a example_n man_n will_v extend_v church_n to_o congregation_n of_o many_o family_n why_o may_v not_o other_o extend_v church_n to_o those_o society_n which_o consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n i_o answer_v 1_o possible_o a_o church_n may_v be_v in_o a_o family_n or_o consist_v only_o of_o the_o person_n that_o belong_v to_o a_o family_n but_o a_o family_n as_o a_o family_n neither_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v a_o church_n for_o as_o such_o it_o be_v constitute_v by_o natural_a and_o civil_a relation_n but_o a_o church_n have_v its_o form_n and_o be_v from_o the_o voluntary_a spiritual_a consent_n of_o those_o whereof_o it_o consist_v unto_o church_n order_n they_o give_v say_v the_o apostle_n their_o own_o self_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o unto_o we_o by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n 2_o cor._n 8._o 5._o neither_o be_v there_o any_o mention_n at_o all_o in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o constitution_n of_o church_n in_o private_a family_n so_o as_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v limit_v thereunto_o 2_o what_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o house_n of_o aquila_n nymphas_n and_o philemon_n do_v not_o at_o all_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v a_o particular_a church_n in_o each_o of_o their_o house_n consist_v only_o of_o their_o own_o family_n as_o such_o but_o only_o that_o there_o be_v a_o church_n which_o usual_o assemble_v in_o their_o respective_a house_n wherefore_o 3_o here_o be_v no_o such_o example_n give_v of_o church_n in_o private_a family_n in_o the_o whole_a scripture_n as_o shall_v restrain_v the_o extent_n of_o church_n from_o congregation_n of_o many_o family_n and_o the_o enquiry_n hereon_o that_o if_o man_n will_v extend_v church_n to_o congregation_n of_o many_o family_n why_o may_v not_o other_o extend_v church_n unto_o those_o society_n which_o consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n have_v not_o any_o force_n in_o it_o for_o they_o who_o extend_v church_n unto_o congregation_n of_o many_o family_n be_v the_o apostle_n themselves_o act_v in_o the_o name_n and_o authority_n of_o jesus_n christ._n it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o ever_o they_o state_v erect_v or_o plant_v any_o one_o church_n but_o it_o be_v compose_v of_o person_n out_o of_o many_o family_n nor_o that_o ever_o they_o confine_v a_o church_n unto_o a_o family_n or_o teach_v that_o family_n though_o all_o of_o they_o believer_n and_o baptize_v be_v church_n on_o the_o account_n of_o their_o be_v family_n so_o other_o may_v extend_v church_n unto_o those_o society_n which_o consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n yet_o not_o so_o as_o that_o those_o who_o can_v comply_v or_o join_v with_o they_o shall_v thereon_o be_v esteem_v schismatic_n see_v such_o society_n be_v not_o appoint_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n if_o such_o society_n be_v so_o constitute_v as_o that_o there_o be_v but_o a_o probable_a plea_n that_o they_o be_v ordain_v by_o christ_n there_o may_v be_v danger_n in_o a_o dissent_n from_o they_o mere_o on_o this_o account_n that_o they_o consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n but_o this_o be_v not_o our_o case_n as_o have_v be_v before_o declare_v the_o remainder_n of_o this_o section_n consist_v in_o a_o account_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o some_o thing_n in_o follow_a age_n this_o though_o of_o importance_n in_o itself_o and_o deserve_v a_o full_a enquiry_n into_o yet_o belong_v not_o unto_o our_o present_a case_n and_o will_v it_o may_v be_v in_o due_a time_n be_v more_o full_o speak_v unto_o those_o suppose_a of_o the_o first_o way_n and_o judgement_n who_o grant_v a_o separation_n from_o the_o establish_a form_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v dismiss_v with_o one_o charge_n more_o on_o and_o plea_n against_o their_o practice_n not_o without_o a_o mixture_n of_o some_o severity_n in_o expression_n pag._n 30._o but_o suppose_v the_o first_o church_n be_v bare_o congregational_a by_o reason_n of_o the_o small_a number_n of_o believer_n at_o that_o time_n yet_o what_o obligation_n lie_v upon_o we_o to_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n we_o live_v in_o to_o reduce_v church_n to_o their_o infant_n stateâ—_n which_o be_v press_v with_o sundry_a consideration_n in_o the_o two_o follow_a page_n but_o we_o say_v 1_o that_o the_o first_o church_n be_v not_o congregational_a by_o reason_n of_o the_o small_a number_n of_o believer_n but_o because_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v limit_v and_o determine_v that_o such_o a_o state_n of_o his_o church_n shall_v be_v under_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o best_o suit_v unto_o all_o the_o end_n of_o their_o institution_n 2_o that_o which_o be_v call_v the_o infant_n state_n of_o church_n be_v in_o truth_n their_o sole_a perfect_a estate_n what_o they_o grow_v up_o unto_o afterward_o most_o of_o they_o we_o know_v well_o enough_o for_o leave_v as_o it_o be_v call_v their_o infant_n state_n by_o degree_n they_o bring_v forth_o at_o last_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n 3_o no_o obligation_n lie_v upon_o we_o from_o hence_o to_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o any_o church_n nor_o do_v we_o do_v so_o let_v what_o will_v be_v pretend_v to_o the_o contrary_n if_o any_o such_o disturbance_n do_v ensue_v upon_o the_o difference_n that_o be_v between_o they_o and_o we_o as_o far_o as_o i_o know_v the_o blame_n will_v be_v find_v lie_v upon_o they_o who_o not_o be_v satisfy_v that_o they_o may_v leave_v the_o first_o state_n of_o the_o church_n under_o a_o pretence_n of_o its_o infancy_n and_o bring_v they_o into_o a_o great_a perfection_n than_o be_v give_v they_o by_o christ_n and_o his_o disciple_n but_o compel_v other_o also_o to_o forego_v their_o primitive_a constitution_n and_o comply_v with_o they_o in_o their_o alteration_n thereof_o the_o remainder_n of_o the_o discourse_n of_o this_o section_n so_o far_o as_o i_o can_v understand_v proceed_v on_o this_o principle_n that_o the_o sole_a reason_n and_o cause_n of_o our_o nonconformity_n be_v this_o persuasion_n of_o the_o divine_a institution_n of_o particular_a church_n but_o all_o man_n know_v that_o this_o be_v otherwise_o this_o of_o all_o thing_n be_v least_o plead_v and_o common_o in_o the_o last_o place_n and_o but_o by_o some_o among_o the_o cause_n and_o reason_n of_o our_o withhold_a communion_n so_o far_o as_o we_o do_v so_o from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o unto_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n wherein_o it_o be_v require_v of_o we_o those_o reason_n have_v be_v plead_v already_o and_o may_v yet_o be_v so_o far_o in_o due_a time_n for_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o discourse_n we_o do_v not_o we_o can_v believe_v that_o the_o due_a and_o peaceable_a observation_n of_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n do_v of_o itself_o give_v any_o disturbance_n unto_o any_o church_n or_o person_n whatever_o nor_o that_o a_o peaceable_a endeavour_n to_o practice_v ourselves_o according_a unto_o those_o institution_n without_o impose_v that_o practice_n on_o they_o can_v be_v just_o unblamable_a we_o do_v not_o we_o can_v believe_v that_o our_o refusal_n of_o a_o total_a compliance_n with_o a_o rule_n for_o order_n discipline_n worship_n and_o ceremony_n in_o the_o church_n not_o give_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n but_o require_v of_o we_o sundry_a thing_n either_o in_o themselves_o or_o as_o require_v of_o we_o direct_o contrary_a unto_o or_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o rule_n and_o direction_n give_v we_o by_o they_o unto_o those_o end_n as_o in_o our_o judgement_n and_o light_n of_o our_o conscience_n be_v do_v in_o and_o by_o this_o rule_n be_v either_o schism_n or_o unblamable_a separation_n we_o do_v judge_v ourselves_o oblige_v to_o preserve_v peace_n and_o unity_n among_o christian_n by_o all_o the_o mean_n that_o christ_n have_v appoint_v for_o that_o end_n by_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o grace_n the_o performance_n of_o all_o duty_n the_o observation_n of_o all_o rule_n and_o direction_n give_v we_o for_o that_o end_n but_o we_o do_v not_o we_o can_v believe_v that_o to_o neglect_v the_o mean_n of_o our_o own_o edisication_n appoint_v unto_o we_o by_o christ_n himself_o to_o cast_v away_o the_o liberty_n wherewith_o he_o have_v make_v we_o free_a and_o to_o destroy_v our_o own_o soul_n for_o ever_o by_o act_v against_o his_o authority_n in_o his_o word_n and_o our_o own_o conscience_n guide_v thereby_o in_o a_o total_a comply_v with_o the_o rule_n propose_v unto_o we_o be_v a_o way_n or_o