help_v their_o people_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a while_n popery_n arminianism_n atheism_n and_o profaneness_n break_v in_o like_o a_o torrent_n now_o whether_o there_o be_v as_o much_o reason_n that_o the_o present_a nonconformist_n shall_v keep_v as_o private_a as_o the_o former_a do_v the_o reader_n must_v judge_v obj._n but_o the_o dr._n say_v the_o old_a nonconformist_n earnest_o oppose_v the_o brownist_n answ_n and_o so_o do_v many_o of_o the_o present_a nonconformist_n also_o the_o brownist_n have_v two_o dangerous_a position_n or_o principles_n peculiar_a to_o themselves_o 1._o that_o there_o be_v no_o true_a church_n in_o england_n nor_o indeed_o in_o the_o whole_a world_n but_o that_o all_o church_n in_o respect_n of_o their_o doctrine_n worship_n ceremony_n constitution_n and_o order_n or_o some_o of_o these_o be_v idolatrous_a and_o antichristian_a and_o that_o therefore_o no_o man_n that_o mind_v his_o salvation_n ought_v to_o continue_v a_o member_n of_o they_o or_o to_o hold_v communion_n with_o they_o as_o church_n though_o they_o may_v communicate_v with_o particular_a member_n or_o with_o the_o society_n as_o a_o company_n of_o private_a man_n pray_v or_o otherwise_o worship_v god_n together_o provide_v nothing_o be_v then_o use_v or_o do_v which_o they_o dislike_v 2._o the_o brownist_n teach_v that_o the_o people_n have_v the_o whole_a power_n of_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o the_o minister_n be_v but_o the_o people_n deputy_n in_o preach_v the_o word_n administer_a the_o sacrament_n or_o exercise_v of_o discipline_n and_o must_v be_v accountable_a to_o they_o these_o principle_n destructive_a of_o all_o church_n the_o nonconformist_n earnest_o oppose_v especial_o the_o first_o sc_fw-mi separation_n from_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n as_o antichristian_a for_o by_o prevent_v of_o this_o they_o will_v prevent_v the_o other_o mischief_n but_o in_o maintain_v the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o be_v true_a church_n do_v they_o the_o prelatical_a nationall_n church_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o establish_v constitution_n which_o themselves_o have_v so_o often_o call_v antichristian_a it_o be_v manifest_a by_o their_o book_n and_o what_o be_v forequote_v of_o their_o opinion_n that_o they_o mean_v it_o of_o the_o several_a parish_n or_o congregation_n in_o england_n that_o they_o be_v true_a church_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o constitution_n and_o also_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n and_o that_o there_o be_v in_o they_o no_o such_o intolerable_a corruption_n as_o that_o all_o christian_n shall_v fly_v from_o they_o nevertheless_o when_o the_o minister_n in_o particular_a parish_n be_v more_o than_o ordinary_a defective_a and_o unprofitable_a they_o allow_v and_o encourage_v the_o people_n to_o resort_v to_o neighbour_n parish_n for_o better_a mean_n of_o edification_n which_o mr._n hildersham_n defend_v to_o be_v lawful_a lect._n upon_o john_n page_n 227._o all_o this_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o present_a nonconformist_n and_o i_o do_v very_o believe_v there_o be_v no_o more_o brownist_n among_o the_o present_a nonconformist_n minister_n than_o there_o be_v among_o they_o in_o those_o day_n for_o some_o there_o be_v then_o that_o go_v further_a than_o the_o rest_n in_o principle_n of_o separation_n and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o all_o time_n and_o all_o matter_n of_o controversy_n and_o what_o considerable_a difference_n be_v there_o betwixt_o their_o allow_a people_n to_o go_v to_o other_o parish_n or_o gentleman_n chapel_n and_o our_o allow_v they_o to_o go_v to_o private_a meeting_n see_v one_o take_v they_o off_o from_o their_o own_o pastor_n and_o church_n as_o much_o as_o the_o other_o the_o dr._n say_v they_o still_o keep_v the_o same_o liturgy_n and_o so_o they_o hold_v communion_n with_o the_o national_a church_n nay_o but_o many_o time_n they_o do_v not_o that_o for_o some_o the_o old_a puritan_n preacher_n use_v it_o not_o in_o their_o parish_n or_o chapel_n other_o but_o little_a of_o it_o other_o will_v baptise_v without_o the_o cross_n give_v the_o sacrament_n without_o kneel_v marry_o without_o the_o ring_n etc._n etc._n which_o make_v people_n resort_v to_o they_o who_o can_v not_o have_v such_o liberty_n at_o home_n and_o so_o they_o varify_v from_o if_o not_o omit_v the_o liturgy_n of_o the_o church_n but_o can_v a_o man_n be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o national_a church_n of_o england_n and_o hold_v communion_n with_o it_o without_o be_v a_o member_n of_o a_o particular_a parish_n and_o if_o they_o be_v allow_v to_o continue_v member_n of_o their_o own_o parish_n and_o not_o to_o make_v a_o schism_n who_o do_v in_o case_n of_o necessity_n and_o pro_fw-la tempore_fw-la most_o communicate_v with_o neighbour_n parish_n why_o may_v not_o the_o same_o be_v say_v now_o yea_o it_o be_v say_v and_o believe_v by_o most_o of_o the_o nonconformist_n that_o the_o parish_n be_v true_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o they_o do_v not_o separate_v from_o they_o or_o break_v off_o membership_n though_o pro_fw-la tempere_fw-la and_o for_o the_o present_a necessity_n they_o do_v ordinary_o communicate_v in_o private_a meeting_n where_o the_o same_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n be_v use_v only_o some_o circumstance_n and_o ceremony_n omit_v but_o no_o contrary_a or_o new_a one_o use_v in_o their_o room_n or_o in_o opposition_n to_o those_o in_o the_o parish_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o old_a nonconformist_n from_o who_o i_o do_v not_o conceive_v those_o that_o be_v now_o live_v do_v considerable_o differ_v in_o judgement_n or_o practice_n but_o only_o as_o time_n and_o circumstance_n do_v direct_v they_o only_o they_o that_o be_v dead_a be_v out_o of_o the_o way_n and_o so_o best_a speak_v of_o and_o they_o that_o be_v live_v cross_v the_o humour_n or_o interest_n of_o their_o opposite_n be_v always_o ill_o speak_v of_o obj._n 2._o the_o dr._n next_o object_n that_o we_o contradict_v the_o principle_n of_o the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n who_o do_v disapprove_v and_o give_v reason_n against_o the_o toleration_n desire_v by_o the_o congregational_a brethren_n as_o tend_v to_o endless_a separation_n answ_n the_o toleration_n desire_v be_v that_o all_o man_n shall_v have_v liberty_n to_o join_v with_o what_o congregation_n and_o pastor_n they_o please_v without_o respect_n to_o parish_n or_o place_n of_o abode_n or_o any_o other_o civil_a distribution_n or_o settlement_n of_o man_n among_o we_o their_o chief_a reason_n be_v that_o christian_n be_v not_o original_o bind_v to_o nation_n place_n or_o any_o other_o civil_a distribution_n but_o leave_v free_a to_o join_v with_o those_o congregation_n that_o they_o shall_v find_v most_o convenient_a and_o edify_a and_o now_o episcopal_a government_n in_o england_n be_v dissolve_v and_o no_o other_o set_v up_o in_o its_o room_n the_o people_n be_v again_o free_a and_o therefore_o may_v make_v what_o congregation_n or_o society_n they_o find_v most_o for_o their_o own_o edification_n see_v dr._n owen_n of_o schism_n this_o the_o assembly_n think_v not_o reasonable_a that_o thing_n shall_v be_v unravel_v into_o their_o first_o principle_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v begin_v to_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o church_n again_o see_v our_o parish_n at_o least_o those_o that_o have_v good_a minister_n have_v all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o a_o church_n and_o it_o be_v most_o convenient_a for_o christian_n live_v in_o a_o vicinity_n and_o under_o the_o same_o civil_a officer_n to_o make_v the_o same_o congregation_n for_o worship_n nor_o do_v they_o think_v the_o former_a relation_n of_o parish_n to_o be_v dissolve_v by_o the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o hierarchy_n who_o be_v no_o essential_a part_n of_o the_o parish_n but_o general_a supervisor_n or_o visitor_n over_o they_o of_o the_o same_o mind_n be_v the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o nonconformist_n still_o and_o all_o the_o congregational_a man_n go_v not_o that_o way_n some_o allow_v all_o those_o parish_n that_o have_v good_a minister_n and_o some_o christian_n fit_a for_o all_o act_n of_o church_n communion_n to_o be_v true_a church_n mr._n cotten_n add_v way_n of_o the_o church_n of_o new-england_n that_o it_o be_v great_a presumption_n to_o say_v that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v faulty_a in_o its_o first_o constitution_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v pull_v to_o piece_n and_o new-built_a see_v all_o history_n agree_v that_o some_o of_o the_o apostle_n or_o apostolical_a man_n be_v the_o first_o planter_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o england_n who_o do_v certain_o constitute_v the_o church_n in_o a_o right_a manner_n but_o where_o be_v the_o consequence_n to_o our_o purpose_n that_o because_o the_o assembly_n and_o we_o as_o well_o as_o they_o maintain_v that_o the_o parish_n of_o england_n be_v true_a church_n and_o not_o to_o be_v subvert_v therefore_o when_o thousand_o of_o their_o minister_n be_v violent_o thrust_v out_o from_o they_o without_o any_o cause_n give_v and_o if_o they_o have_v
sure_o one_o company_n or_o a_o certain_a number_n of_o family_n have_v full_a authority_n to_o remove_v and_o plant_v colony_n where_o they_o please_v as_o well_o as_o another_o yea_o we_o see_v god_n compel_v they_o to_o it_o by_o confound_v their_o language_n at_o babel_n and_o far_o when_o one_o colony_n remove_v into_o another_o country_n be_v they_o bind_v still_o to_o adhere_v to_o those_o they_o depart_v from_o as_o a_o part_n of_o their_o society_n if_o so_o then_o all_o nation_n must_v still_o have_v be_v part_n of_o that_o society_n from_o which_o they_o first_o descend_v and_o so_o at_o length_n the_o whole_a world_n must_v have_v be_v but_o one_o commonwealth_n under_o one_o government_n which_o be_v impossible_a and_o will_v overthrow_v all_o the_o end_n of_o government_n if_o then_o the_o race_n of_o mankind_n which_o be_v one_o body_n in_o some_o sense_n more_o than_o the_o church_n be_v viz_o link_v by_o the_o indissoluble_a bond_n of_o nature_n whereas_o the_o church_n be_v unite_v by_o free_a consent_n i_o say_v if_o they_o have_v the_o general_a gift_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o all_o that_o be_v in_o it_o to_o possess_v have_v free_a liberty_n and_o authority_n to_o share_v the_o world_n among_o they_o to_o constitute_v various_a society_n great_a or_o small_a as_o they_o please_v for_o the_o end_n of_o civil_a life_n provide_v they_o wrong_v not_o one_o another_o and_o so_o hinder_v the_o end_n of_o civil_a government_n why_o may_v not_o the_o church_n though_o it_o be_v one_o body_n as_o unite_z to_o christ_n it_o be_v too_o great_a to_o live_v in_o one_o society_n multiply_v itself_o into_o so_o many_o as_o be_v for_o it_o be_v own_o edification_n and_o the_o end_v it_o be_v make_v for_o and_o not_o be_v oblige_v still_o to_o adhere_v as_o part_n to_o those_o first_o congregation_n that_o be_v plant_v in_o every_o country_n as_o it_o be_v the_o first_o family_n till_o they_o be_v a_o burden_n to_o themselves_o till_o their_o very_a society_n make_v they_o a_o disorderly_a confuse_a multitude_n and_o their_o government_n degenerate_v into_o anarchy_n especial_o when_o we_o have_v neither_o command_n or_o scripture_n example_n to_o the_o contrary_a by_o this_o we_o may_v answer_v the_o dr_n question_n viz_o what_o necessity_n there_o be_v to_o reduce_v church_n to_o several_a parish_n or_o congregation_n any_o more_o than_o to_o reduce_v kingdom_n to_o the_o several_a family_n of_o which_o they_o be_v at_o first_o make_v up_o answ_n because_o congregation_n have_v a_o original_a right_n of_o govern_v and_o preserve_v themselves_o even_o as_o family_n have_v a_o natural_a and_o unalterable_a right_n of_o government_n within_o themselves_o which_o he_o that_o take_v from_o they_o make_v they_o slave_n and_o deprive_v they_o of_o their_o birthright_n he_o himself_o say_v upon_o the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n the_o nation_n that_o before_o compose_v it_o resume_v their_o ancient_a right_n and_o form_v themselves_o into_o several_a kingdom_n and_o commonwealth_n yea_o and_o as_o he_o will_v have_v it_o into_o national_a church_n also_o grant_v this_o have_v nation_n such_o a_o immutable_a right_n to_o their_o civil_a liberty_n and_o government_n that_o they_o may_v lawful_o resume_v they_o when_o they_o have_v opportunity_n without_o the_o guilt_n of_o rebellion_n why_o then_o may_v not_o parish_n resume_v their_o right_n of_o government_n within_o themselves_o for_o their_o own_o edification_n when_o they_o have_v opportunity_n or_o necessity_n call_v they_o to_o it_o also_o want_v the_o benefit_n of_o protection_n and_o government_n from_o they_o that_o undertake_v they_o why_o shall_v this_o be_v schism_n in_o they_o more_o than_o rebellion_n in_o the_o other_o and_o that_o self_n government_n be_v the_o right_n of_o every_o parish_n or_o congregation_n he_o confess_v when_o he_o say_v that_o ancient_o a_o church_n and_o diocese_n be_v all_o one_o under_o one_o bishop_n and_o a_o company_n of_o presbyter_n for_o those_o do_v officiate_v in_o common_a among_o the_o whole_a people_n and_o when_o by_o reason_n of_o multitude_n they_o begin_v to_o divide_v they_o into_o several_a company_n for_o meet_v together_o at_o the_o ordinary_a time_n of_o worship_n nevertheless_o they_o all_o meet_v together_o at_o the_o same_o sacrament_n and_o all_o make_v use_v of_o the_o same_o minister_n as_o occasion_n serve_v they_o be_v not_o tie_v to_o any_o one_o or_o any_o one_o to_o they_o so_o that_o this_o diocese_n be_v but_o a_o great_a parish_n or_o congregation_n and_o if_o the_o original_a right_n of_o government_n be_v in_o these_o it_o be_v so_o still_o in_o our_o lesser_a congregation_n and_o to_o resume_v this_o right_n be_v no_o sinful_a separation_n nevertheless_o we_o deny_v not_o but_o the_o congregation_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o unite_v for_o their_o mutual_a help_n and_o defence_n especial_o in_o time_n of_o peace_n even_o as_o civil_a state_n combine_v for_o mutual_a defence_n and_o commerce_n but_o then_o this_o must_v be_v voluntary_a and_o not_o to_o impose_v a_o yoke_n on_o the_o several_a congregation_n by_o take_v away_o their_o several_a liberty_n or_o bring_v they_o all_o to_o the_o same_o liturgy_n or_o ceremony_n for_o this_o be_v all_o one_o as_o if_o confederate_a nation_n or_o state_n must_v therefore_o oblige_v each_o other_o to_o the_o same_o form_n of_o government_n and_o the_o same_o right_n and_o custom_n of_o live_a and_o why_o may_v not_o all_o the_o parish_n in_o one_o county_n with_o we_o combine_v for_o their_o mutual_a help_n and_o edification_n in_o certain_a time_n of_o meet_v each_o other_o by_o their_o minister_n or_o delegate_n yet_o every_o one_o reserve_v to_o themselves_o the_o government_n of_o themselves_o in_o their_o own_o custom_n and_o usage_n according_a as_o they_o find_v most_o meet_a for_o themselves_o as_o well_o as_o the_o same_o county_n have_v their_o quarter-session_n for_o civil_a affair_n wherein_o the_o governor_n and_o country_n concern_v have_v a_o general_a meeting_n and_o yet_o every_o town_n have_v its_o own_o supreme_a officer_n with_o several_a rite_n and_o custom_n without_o any_o breach_n of_o peace_n or_o good_a neighbourhood_n among_o they_o chap._n ii_o of_o church_n communion_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o separation_n we_o be_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o consider_v what_o communion_n the_o church_n be_v oblige_v to_o betwixt_o the_o several_a part_n of_o it_o and_o what_o separation_n be_v contrary_a to_o that_o communion_n and_o what_o be_v not_o for_o the_o first_o the_o church_n be_v a_o sacred_a commonwealth_n unite_v to_o christ_n now_o the_o end_n of_o every_o commonwealth_n or_o polity_n be_v common_a good_a that_o they_o all_o promote_v the_o good_a and_o welfare_n of_o that_o body_n and_o every_o member_n of_o it_o of_o which_o they_o be_v part_n viz_o that_o particular_a good_a in_o those_o particular_a case_n and_o thing_n for_o which_o they_o do_v combine_v together_o this_o be_v mean_v by_o communion_n for_o hereby_o all_o the_o action_n and_o design_n of_o that_o body_n be_v common_a i._n e._n for_o the_o good_a of_o all_o the_o communion_n then_o of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v associate_v only_o for_o spiritual_a end_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o all_o design_n and_o endeavour_v the_o common_a good_a and_o welfare_n of_o all_o christian_n in_o general_a and_o of_o themselves_o in_o particular_a in_o further_a the_o salvation_n of_o their_o soul_n the_o service_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o use_n of_o those_o help_n or_o mean_n which_o christ_n have_v appoint_v to_o these_o end_n this_o communion_n have_v diverse_a degree_n and_o do_v exercise_v itself_o several_a way_n according_a to_o the_o several_a consideration_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o relation_n christian_n have_v to_o each_o other_o more_o general_n or_o remote_a or_o more_o particular_a and_o near_a the_o communion_n therefore_o of_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v that_o they_o all_o hold_v the_o same_o head_n jesus_n christ_n and_o own_o each_o other_o as_o brethren_n in_o he_o that_o they_o love_v each_o other_o and_o all_o pursue_v and_o wait_v for_o that_o universal_a perfection_n which_o they_o shall_v all_o have_v when_o they_o be_v all_o gather_v to_o christ_n at_o the_o last_o day_n this_o communion_n can_v be_v break_v without_o renounce_v the_o head_n and_o his_o religion_n and_o love_n to_o each_o other_o which_o be_v the_o rule_n and_o bond_n of_o this_o union_n and_o therefore_o there_o can_v be_v no_o separation_n from_o the_o catholic_n church_n but_o what_o be_v not_o only_o sinful_a but_o damnable_a as_o he_o that_o renounce_v the_o common_a bond_n of_o humane_a society_n justice_n love_n and_o all_o moral_a honesty_n and_o only_o please_v himself_o without_o regard_v the_o good_a of_o any_o other_o he_o do_v hereby_o break_v the_o communion_n of_o mankind_n and_o
become_v unfit_a to_o live_v among_o they_o the_o two_o great_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n that_o in_o heaven_n and_o this_o on_o earth_n have_v a_o communion_n in_o that_o they_o be_v both_o unite_v to_o christ_n both_o worship_n and_o serve_v he_o in_o those_o particular_a way_n that_o be_v proper_a for_o the_o state_n they_o be_v in_o and_o both_o wait_n for_o that_o complete_a salvation_n which_o they_o shall_v have_v at_o their_o general_a meeting_n beside_o this_o we_o know_v of_o no_o communion_n betwixt_o they_o viz_o that_o either_o part_n can_v be_v serviceable_a to_o each_o other_o at_o present_a only_o we_o that_o live_v on_o earth_n enjoy_v the_o benefit_n of_o the_o prayer_n and_o example_n which_o they_o leave_v we_o who_o be_v now_o in_o heaven_n and_o of_o their_o endeavour_n to_o continue_v the_o gospel_n to_o we_o and_o so_o we_o succeed_v they_o in_o the_o same_o office_n and_o endeavour_v to_o transmit_v the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n his_o gospel_n and_o ordinance_n to_o those_o that_o shall_v succeed_v we_o nor_o can_v here_o be_v any_o separation_n of_o one_o of_o these_o part_n from_o another_o without_o break_v of_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v impossible_a to_o they_o that_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o if_o any_o on_o earth_n thus_o separate_v it_o be_v to_o their_o own_o damnation_n the_o catholic_n militant_a church_n on_o earth_n have_v a_o communion_n in_o some_o more_o particular_n for_o beside_o their_o common_a acknowledgement_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n and_o the_o common_a love_n they_o be_v to_o bear_v to_o all_o christian_n on_o earth_n as_o their_o brethren_n they_o be_v to_o perform_v all_o office_n of_o love_n which_o in_o this_o their_o imperfect_a militant_a state_n they_o be_v able_a and_o may_v need_v from_o one_o another_o such_o as_o to_o pray_v for_o all_o to_o rejoice_v in_o each_o other_o welfare_n to_o sympathize_v in_o each_o other_o affliction_n to_o assist_v by_o council_n charitable_a relief_n hospitality_n etc._n etc._n and_o when_o ever_o there_o be_v occasion_n to_o receive_v each_o other_o to_o their_o worship_n as_o brethren_n leave_v to_o every_o one_o the_o liberty_n of_o their_o particular_a rite_n or_o opinion_n and_o this_o be_v so_o indispensable_a a_o duty_n that_o no_o separation_n can_v be_v lawful_a or_o tolerable_a in_o those_o who_o separate_v from_o the_o catholic_n church_n who_o relinquish_v the_o profession_n of_o christ_n or_o cast_v of_o all_o love_n to_o their_o brethren_n or_o that_o will_v not_o join_v with_o they_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n or_o concern_v themselves_o in_o their_o common_a concern_v now_o for_o organise_v church_n that_o be_v associate_v for_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o their_o edification_n under_o government_n o_o pastor_n and_o guide_n their_o communion_n must_v be_v that_o the_o member_n of_o every_o such_o church_n join_v with_o each_o other_o ordinary_o and_o peaceable_o in_o the_o same_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o perform_v all_o office_n of_o love_n to_o each_o other_o in_o some_o tolerable_a measure_n that_o they_o be_v subject_a to_o their_o governor_n and_o that_o their_o governor_n do_v conscionable_o endeavour_v the_o edification_n of_o the_o people_n commit_v to_o their_o charge_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o general_a rule_n of_o these_o society_n and_o according_a to_o any_o other_o particular_a rule_n which_o they_o shall_v agree_v on_o among_o themselves_o for_o their_o own_o edification_n as_o circumstance_n may_v require_v and_o so_o that_o both_o part_n governor_n and_o govern_v do_v joint_o promote_v the_o edification_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n in_o holiness_n and_o peace_n separation_n therefore_o from_o these_o organise_v church_n be_v a_o breach_n of_o this_o political_a communion_n and_o order_n among_o themselves_o which_o be_v do_v either_o by_o break_v off_o from_o the_o body_n to_o which_o they_o belong_v as_o member_n which_o be_v separation_n proper_o so_o call_v or_o by_o disturb_v the_o communion_n of_o it_o or_o withdraw_v from_o some_o part_n or_o act_n of_o that_o communion_n though_o they_o do_v not_o whole_o break_v off_o from_o the_o body_n such_o separation_n be_v in_o many_o case_n lawful_a in_o some_o necessary_a and_o a_o duty_n and_o therefore_o must_v not_o be_v universal_o condemn_v but_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o be_v inquire_v into_o for_o though_o all_o christian_n must_v be_v member_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o catholic_n church_n under_o he_o for_o the_o general_a end_n of_o their_o salvation_n it_o do_v not_o appear_v yet_o that_o they_o must_v be_v member_n of_o the_o same_o organise_v society_n or_o that_o they_o may_v not_o upon_o just_a occasion_n leave_v those_o society_n they_o be_v join_v with_o and_o go_v to_o other_o already_o in_o be_v or_o constitute_v new_a one_o for_o their_o own_o edification_n even_o as_o in_o civil_a government_n man_n may_v not_o only_o compose_v divers_a polity_n or_o commonwealth_n but_o may_v also_o make_v new_a confederacy_n or_o divide_v their_o polity_n into_o lesser_a and_o particular_a person_n may_v depart_v from_o they_o to_o other_o or_o constitute_v new_a one_o yea_o may_v deny_v their_o concurrence_n with_o many_o thing_n do_v in_o the_o society_n they_o join_v with_o and_o all_o this_o without_o the_o crime_n of_o sedition_n or_o defection_n till_o the_o cause_n and_o end_n of_o such_o practice_n prove_v it_o so_o now_o to_o descend_v to_o the_o particular_a form_n of_o organise_v church_n by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v we_o may_v easy_o judge_v of_o their_o communion_n and_o separation_n from_o they_o and_o first_o for_o the_o ecumenical_a church_n the_o political_a communion_n thereof_o must_v be_v that_o all_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o same_o governor_n under_o christ_n and_o live_v as_o member_n of_o the_o same_o individual_a society_n either_o as_o a_o single_a congregation_n or_o as_o of_o many_o unite_a into_o one_o separation_n from_o this_o communion_n must_v therefore_o be_v either_o to_o interrupt_v the_o peace_n and_o order_n of_o this_o communion_n or_o whole_o to_o forbear_v join_v with_o they_o but_o such_o a_o catholic_n unity_n of_o the_o church_n under_o one_o government_n be_v impracticable_a and_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n since_o it_o be_v enlarge_v and_o disperse_v throughout_o the_o world_n it_o be_v needless_a to_o dispute_v about_o communion_n with_o it_o or_o separation_n from_o it_o all_o other_o church_n that_o exceed_v the_o bound_n of_o a_o single_a congregation_n and_o must_v be_v constitute_v of_o many_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o the_o ecumenical_a church_n though_o not_o of_o the_o same_o latitude_n as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o communion_n which_o must_v therefore_o consist_v in_o the_o performance_n of_o all_o office_n mutual_o betwixt_o governor_n and_o govern_v as_o member_n of_o the_o same_o society_n whether_o it_o consist_v of_o several_a nation_n as_o patriarchial_a church_n or_o of_o the_o people_n of_o one_o nation_n as_o national_a church_n or_o of_o the_o people_n of_o one_o province_n one_o diocese_n or_o classis_fw-la as_o provincial_a diocesan_n or_o classical_a church_n separation_n here_o must_v be_v either_o a_o disturb_v of_o the_o peace_n and_o order_n of_o these_o church_n or_o a_o withdraw_n from_o they_o as_o to_o the_o political_a duty_n due_a to_o they_o such_o separation_n must_v often_o be_v lawful_a and_o warrantable_a see_v no_o command_n of_o christ_n bind_v man_n to_o particular_a province_n or_o diocese_n nor_o always_o to_o continue_v in_o the_o same_o final_o the_o communion_n of_o a_o parish_n or_o congregation_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o pastor_n and_o people_n mutual_o perform_v their_o respective_a duty_n to_o each_o other_o and_o among_o themselves_o for_o their_o daily_a edification_n separation_n from_o such_o congregation_n be_v either_o to_o interrupt_v their_o government_n or_o concord_n or_o to_o withdraw_v from_o they_o now_o see_v no_o man_n be_v immutable_o bind_v to_o one_o congregation_n nor_o any_o congregation_n to_o one_o diocese_n or_o any_o large_a combination_n and_o all_o these_o church_n be_v subject_a to_o corruption_n which_o the_o member_n must_v oppose_v and_o contend_v against_o separation_n from_o they_o must_v not_o be_v censure_v till_o it_o be_v know_v whether_o the_o cause_n be_v just_a or_o unjust_a and_o thus_o we_o be_v come_v at_o the_o last_o to_o inquire_v what_o be_v just_a cause_n of_o separation_n whereby_o we_o may_v judge_v also_o what_o be_v not_o and_o that_o we_o may_v not_o speak_v too_o general_o and_o confuse_o we_o distinguish_v betwixt_o separation_n of_o one_o church_n from_o another_o and_o of_o particular_a member_n from_o that_o church_n whereto_o they_o do_v belong_v as_o all_o church_n be_v bind_v to_o communion_n among_o themselves_o be_v all_o member_n of_o the_o
preferment_n that_o be_v not_o episcopal_o ordain_v beside_o all_o other_o subscription_n now_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n lie_v in_o admit_v of_o minister_n to_o officiate_v in_o each_o other_o church_n sometime_o as_o well_o as_o in_o admit_v the_o people_n to_o lay-communion_n as_o in_o the_o famous_a instance_n of_o victor_n and_o polycarpus_n at_o rome_n celebrate_v the_o sacrament_n together_o let_v we_o unite_v at_o home_n and_o then_o there_o may_v be_v hope_n we_o shall_v unite_v with_o our_o neighbour_n chap._n iu._n the_o ground_n of_o the_o nonconformist_n present_a practice_n the_o dr._n spend_v the_o whole_a 3d._a part_n of_o his_o book_n in_o confute_v the_o plea_n for_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o gather_v new_a church_n which_o i_o shall_v leave_v to_o those_o who_o it_o concern_v and_o shall_v only_o say_v that_o all_o these_o dispute_n do_v real_o increase_v and_o not_o hinder_v separation_n by_o lay_v open_a the_o first_o principle_n of_o government_n to_o the_o people_n and_o fill_v their_o head_n with_o notion_n and_o dispute_n about_o thing_n whereof_o they_o be_v not_o competent_a judge_n moderation_n in_o govern_v and_o not_o dispute_v about_o government_n do_v most_o dispose_n the_o people_n to_o obedience_n and_o quiet_a submission_n and_o as_o in_o commonwealth_n when_o people_n have_v not_o the_o protection_n of_o their_o governor_n or_o the_o benefit_n of_o their_o law_n and_o just_a privilege_n rigorous_a proceed_n dispose_v they_o to_o defection_n and_o to_o study_v argument_n to_o defend_v it_o from_o the_o natural_a principle_n of_o self-preservation_n and_o the_o people_n interest_n in_o all_o government_n by_o their_o primitive_a consent_n to_o it_o and_o their_o successive_a approbation_n of_o it_o so_o rigorous_a imposition_n in_o the_o church_n without_o any_o condescension_n in_o governor_n upon_o just_a complaint_n will_v at_o last_o make_v the_o people_n weary_a of_o forbear_v and_o search_v for_o all_o plea_n whereby_o they_o may_v defend_v themselves_o in_o shake_v off_o the_o yoke_n and_o than_o it_o will_v little_o avail_v their_o ruler_n either_o to_o their_o profit_n honour_n or_o peace_n of_o their_o conscience_n to_o cry_v out_o upon_o rebellion_n or_o schism_n when_o they_o have_v lose_v the_o people_n our_o present_a practice_n in_o preach_v though_o eject_v and_o forbid_v be_v not_o ground_v on_o nor_o need_v be_v support_v by_o these_o or_o any_o other_o plea_n for_o separation_n the_o general_a sense_n of_o the_o nonconformist_n both_o minister_n and_o people_n leave_v to_o particular_a person_n their_o particular_a sentiment_n as_o the_o church_n of_o england_n also_o do_v to_o many_o of_o her_o member_n be_v this_o 1._o that_o the_o parish_n of_o england_n general_o be_v true_a church_n both_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o the_o people_n be_v christian_n and_o not_o to_o be_v exclude_v from_o church-communion_n and_o as_o to_o the_o form_n of_o they_o their_o minister_n be_v true_a minister_n such_o as_o for_o their_o doctrine_n or_o manner_n do_v not_o deserve_v to_o be_v degrade_v 2._o that_o the_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o sacrament_n in_o these_o parish_n be_v for_o substance_n sound_a and_o wholesome_a though_o there_o be_v some_o offensive_a thing_n mix_v in_o they_o and_o annex_v to_o they_o 3._o that_o they_o be_v still_o member_n of_o these_o parish_n the_o people_n of_o those_o where_o they_o live_v and_o the_o minister_n so_o far_o as_o not_o to_o be_v oblige_v to_o set_v up_o distinct_a and_o permanent_a church_n nevertheless_o they_o think_v themselves_o bind_v to_o join_v together_o for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n according_a to_o their_o own_o conscience_n and_o public_a allowance_n for_o some_o year_n past_a desire_v and_o wait_v for_o a_o opportunity_n to_o return_v full_o to_o the_o parish-communion_n when_o ever_o it_o shall_v please_v their_o ruler_n to_o condescend_v to_o their_o reasonable_a request_n in_o relax_v or_o remove_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v so_o offensive_a to_o they_o and_o in_o this_o their_o practice_n they_o judge_v they_o do_v no_o more_o than_o the_o primitive_a church_n often_o do_v when_o erroneous_a or_o otherwise_o unfit_a pastor_n be_v obtrude_v on_o they_o or_o other_o difference_n arise_v among_o they_o whereupon_o the_o congregation_n be_v often_o divide_v as_o in_o rome_n antioch_n alexandria_n and_o constantinople_n with_o divers_a other_o place_n and_o then_o when_o those_o offence_n and_o difference_n be_v remove_v they_o return_v to_o full_a eommunion_n again_o or_o as_o do_v the_o church_n of_o israel_n when_o by_o jeroboam'_v apostasy_n they_o can_v not_o go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n with_o safety_n or_o other_o time_n can_v not_o communicate_v there_o because_o of_o corruption_n under_o some_o king_n of_o judah_n who_o then_o hold_v private_a assembly_n for_o the_o present_a necessity_n and_o when_o all_o obstacle_n be_v remove_v again_o go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n even_o many_o of_o the_o ten_o tribe_n in_o hezekiah_n and_o josiah_n time_n when_o their_o own_o idolatrous_a prince_n be_v remove_v and_o they_o can_v do_v it_o without_o danger_n though_o they_o be_v still_o subject_a to_o idolatrous_a conqueror_n but_o such_o who_o live_v remote_a and_o give_v they_o more_o liberty_n of_o religion_n than_o their_o own_o prince_n do_v we_o judge_v our_o case_n to_o be_v like_o a_o case_n of_o necessary_a self_n defence_n where_o present_a necessity_n be_v the_o guide_n and_o lawgiver_n and_o ordinary_a law_n and_o order_n which_o be_v proper_a for_o time_n of_o peace_n be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n supersedent_n when_o a_o kingdom_n be_v invade_v or_o divide_v within_o itself_o all_o thing_n threaten_v ruin_n it_o be_v lawful_a for_o the_o people_n to_o gather_v into_o several_a body_n to_o possess_v garrison_n to_o choose_v they_o leader_n and_o for_o fit_a man_n to_o undertake_v their_o conduct_n though_o without_o though_o contrary_a to_o some_o present_a command_n that_o may_v be_v undue_o obtain_v and_o give_v yet_o they_o shall_v incur_v no_o guilt_n of_o sedition_n nor_o rebellion_n so_o long_o as_o they_o design_v nothing_o but_o the_o preservation_n of_o themselves_o and_o the_o whole_a as_o far_o as_o they_o can_v and_o be_v ready_a to_o return_v to_o their_o own_o place_n so_o soon_o as_o peace_n shall_v give_v they_o leave_v when_o a_o army_n be_v in_o danger_n to_o be_v betray_v by_o the_o falsehood_n or_o division_n of_o the_o principal_a officer_n or_o when_o it_o have_v lose_v its_o general_n in_o some_o defeat_n it_o will_v not_o be_v account_v mutiny_n for_o the_o soldier_n to_o run_v together_o as_o they_o can_v and_o with_o the_o help_n of_o inferior_a officer_n to_o preserve_v themselves_o from_o be_v sell_v or_o destroy_v provide_v they_o still_o retain_v a_o resolution_n of_o return_v to_o the_o body_n of_o the_o army_n when_o they_o may_v with_o safety_n to_o the_o whole_a and_o to_o themselves_o thus_o the_o nonconformist_n lie_n under_o such_o a_o necessity_n they_o conceive_v for_o the_o reason_n lay_v down_o in_o the_o former_a part_n ch_z 6_o and_o 7._o which_o it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o for_o a_o conclusion_n brief_o to_o sum_n up_o 1._o there_o be_v now_o no_o reason_n to_o be_v pretend_v for_o the_o impose_v conformity_n in_o k._n edw._n day_n the_o bishop_n their_o clergy_n and_o people_n make_v it_o necessary_a to_o retain_v what_o be_v then_o retain_v now_o it_o be_v not_o so_o general_o desire_v in_o queen_n elizabeth_n day_n there_o be_v hope_n of_o win_n of_o the_o papist_n by_o our_o moderation_n now_o there_o be_v none_o but_o more_o danger_n of_o their_o encroach_a upon_o we_o by_o it_o 2._o the_o dissenter_n from_o this_o conformity_n be_v heretofore_o but_o few_o now_o they_o be_v a_o very_a considerable_a part_n of_o the_o church_n i_o will_v make_v no_o comparison_n former_o the_o minister_n be_v general_o censure_v as_o puritan_n and_o be_v but_o few_o the_o people_n likewise_o but_o two_o or_o three_o in_o a_o great_a town_n now_o they_o be_v multitude_n and_o those_o who_o be_v zealous_a for_o conformity_n appear_v few_o than_o those_o who_o will_v be_v glad_a to_o have_v it_o reprove_v at_o least_o in_o all_o place_n that_o be_v most_o civilise_a 3._o conformity_n have_v occasion_v a_o woeful_a division_n and_o scandal_n in_o our_o church_n ever_o since_o the_o reformation_n and_o therefore_o ought_v not_o after_o so_o much_o experience_n of_o the_o evil_a of_o it_o and_o also_o after_o plain_a evidence_n of_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n to_o religion_n by_o the_o removal_n of_o it_o for_o some_o year_n to_o have_v be_v again_o so_o rigorous_o enjoin_v 4._o the_o thing_n in_o question_n though_o not_o of_o the_o high_a nature_n in_o themselves_o yet_o by_o occasion_n of_o the_o division_n they_o cause_n at_o home_n and_o the_o advantage_n the_o papist_n make_v of_o it_o have_v endanger_v our_o