of_o separation_n be_v not_o to_o be_v measure_v by_o civil_a act_n of_o state_n but_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n five_o to_o leave_v all_o ordinary_a communion_n in_o any_o church_n with_o dislike_n when_o opposition_n or_o offence_n offer_v itself_o be_v to_o separate_a from_o such_o a_o church_n in_o the_o scripture_n sense_n six_o a_o total_a difference_n from_o church_n be_v not_o necessary_a to_o make_v a_o total_a separation_n for_o the_o most_o rigid_a separatist_n hold_v the_o same_o rule_n of_o worship_n and_o government_n with_o our_o brethren_n and_o under_o this_o pretence_n novatian_n donatist_n all_o that_o ever_o be_v think_v to_o separate_a may_v shelter_v themselves_o seven_o if_o they_o may_v occasional_o exercise_v these_o act_n of_o communion_n with_o we_o once_o a_o second_o or_o three_o time_n without_o sin_n we_o know_v no_o reason_n why_o it_o may_v not_o be_v ordinary_a without_o sin_n and_o then_o separation_n and_o church-gathering_a will_v have_v be_v needless_a to_o separate_a from_o those_o church_n ordinary_o and_o visible_o with_o who_o occasional_o you_o may_v join_v without_o sin_n seem_v to_o be_v a_o most_o unjust_a separation_n to_o the_o second_o reason_n the_o dissent_v brethren_n give_v these_o answer_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v found_v upon_o this_o supposition_n that_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v tolerate_v which_o be_v unlawful_a in_o the_o judgement_n of_o those_o who_o be_v to_o tolerate_v which_o the_o divine_n of_o the_o assembly_n deny_v and_o say_v it_o be_v upon_o the_o supposition_n of_o the_o unlawfulness_n to_o tolerate_v gather_v of_o church_n out_o of_o true_a church_n which_o they_o do_v not_o once_o endeavour_v to_o prove_v lawful_a 2._o that_o if_o after_o all_o endeavour_n man_n conscience_n be_v unsatisfied_a as_o to_o communion_n with_o a_o church_n they_o have_v no_o obligation_n lie_v upon_o they_o to_o continue_v in_o that_o communion_n or_o on_o the_o church_n to_o withhold_v they_o from_o remove_v to_o pure_a church_n or_o if_o there_o be_v none_o such_o to_o gather_v into_o church_n to_o which_o the_o divine_n of_o the_o assembly_n reply_v i._o that_o this_o open_v a_o gap_n for_o all_o sect_n to_o challenge_v such_o a_o liberty_n as_o their_o due_n ii_o this_o liberty_n be_v deny_v by_o the_o church_n of_o new-england_n and_o they_o have_v as_o just_a ground_n to_o deny_v it_o as_o they_o to_o the_o three_o reason_n they_o answer_v first_o that_o the_o abuse_n of_o the_o word_n schism_n have_v do_v much_o hurt_n in_o the_o church_n that_o the_o signification_n of_o it_o be_v not_o yet_o agree_v upon_o by_o the_o state_n nor_o debate_v by_o the_o assembly_n to_o which_o the_o other_o reply_v that_o if_o the_o word_n schism_n have_v be_v leave_v out_o the_o reason_n will_v have_v remain_v strong_a viz._n that_o this_o will_v give_v countenance_n to_o perpetual_a division_n in_o the_o church_n still_o draw_v away_o church_n from_o under_o the_o rule_n and_o to_o give_v countenance_n to_o a_o unjust_a and_o causeless_a separation_n from_o lawful_a church_n communion_n be_v not_o far_o from_o give_v countenance_n to_o a_o schism_n especial_o when_o the_o ground_n upon_o which_o this_o separation_n be_v desire_v be_v such_o upon_o which_o all_o other_o possible_a scruple_n which_o err_v conscience_n may_v in_o any_o other_o case_n be_v subject_a unto_o may_v claim_v the_o privilege_n of_o a_o like_a indulgence_n and_o so_o this_o toleration_n be_v the_o first_o shall_v indeed_o but_o lie_v the_o foundation_n and_o open_v the_o gap_n whereat_o as_o many_o division_n in_o the_o church_n as_o there_o may_v be_v scruple_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n shall_v upon_o the_o selfsame_a equity_n be_v let_v in_o second_o this_o will_v give_v countenance_n only_o to_o godly_a people_n join_v in_o other_o congregation_n for_o their_o great_a edification_n who_o can_v otherwise_o without_o sin_n enjoy_v all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n yet_o so_o as_o not_o condemn_v those_o church_n they_o join_v not_o with_o as_o false_a but_o still_o preserve_v all_o christian_a communion_n with_o the_o saint_n as_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n and_o join_v also_o with_o they_o in_o all_o duty_n of_o worship_n which_o belong_v to_o particular_a church_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v able_a and_o if_o this_o be_v call_v schism_n or_o countenance_n of_o schism_n it_o be_v more_o than_o we_o have_v yet_o learned_a from_o scripture_n or_o any_o approve_a author_n to_o this_o the_o divine_n of_o the_o assembly_n reply_v 1._o this_o desire_a forbearance_n be_v a_o perpetual_a division_n in_o the_o church_n and_o a_o perpetual_a draw_v away_o from_o the_o church_n under_o the_o rule_n for_o upon_o the_o same_o pretence_n those_o who_o scruple_n infant-baptism_n may_v withdraw_v from_o their_o church_n and_o so_o separate_a into_o another_o congregation_n and_o so_o in_o that_o some_o practice_n may_v be_v scruple_v and_o they_o separate_a again_o be_v these_o division_n and_o sub-division_n say_v they_o as_o lawful_a as_o they_o may_v be_v infinite_a or_o must_v we_o give_v that_o respect_n to_o the_o error_n of_o man_n conscience_n as_o to_o satisfy_v their_o scruple_n by_o allowance_n of_o this_o liberty_n to_o they_o and_o do_v it_o not_o plain_o signify_v that_o error_n of_o conscience_n be_v a_o protection_n against_o schism_n 2._o the_o not_o condemn_v of_o our_o church_n as_o false_a do_v little_o extenuate_v the_o separation_n for_o divers_a of_o the_o brownist_n who_o have_v total_o separate_v in_o former_a time_n have_v not_o condemn_v these_o church_n as_o false_a though_o they_o do_v not_o pronounce_v a_o affirmative_a judgement_n against_o we_o yet_o the_o very_a separate_n be_v a_o tacit_n and_o practical_a condemn_v of_o our_o church_n if_o not_o as_o false_a yet_o as_o impure_a eousque_fw-la as_o that_o in_o such_o administration_n they_o can_v be_v by_o they_o as_o member_n communicate_v with_o without_o sin_n and_o when_o they_o speak_v of_o communion_n with_o we_o as_o member_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n it_o be_v as_o full_a a_o decline_a of_o communion_n with_o we_o as_o church_n as_o if_o we_o be_v false_a church_n 3._o we_o do_v not_o think_v difference_n in_o judgement_n in_o this_o or_o that_o point_n to_o be_v schism_n or_o that_o every_o inconformity_n unto_o every_o thing_n use_v or_o enjoin_v be_v schism_n so_o that_o communion_n be_v preserve_v or_o that_o separation_n from_o idolatrous_a communion_n or_o worship_n ex_fw-la se_fw-la unlawful_a be_v schism_n but_o to_o join_v in_o separate_a congregation_n of_o another_o communion_n which_o succession_n of_o our_o member_n be_v a_o manifest_a rupture_n of_o our_o society_n into_o other_o and_o be_v therefore_o a_o schism_n in_o the_o body_n and_o if_o the_o apostle_n do_v call_v those_o division_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o christian_n do_v not_o separate_a into_o divers_a form_v congregation_n of_o several_a communion_n in_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n schism_n much_o more_o may_v such_o separation_n as_o this_o desire_a be_v so_o call_v 4._o scruple_n of_o conscience_n be_v no_o cause_n of_o separate_v nor_o do_v it_o take_v off_o causeless_a separation_n from_o be_v schism_n which_o may_v arise_v from_o error_n of_o conscience_n as_o well_o as_o carnal_a and_o corrupt_a reason_n therefore_o we_o conceive_v the_o cause_n of_o separation_n must_v be_v show_v to_o be_v such_o exnaturâ_fw-la rei_fw-la will_v bear_v it_o out_o and_o therefore_o we_o say_v that_o the_o grant_v the_o liberty_n desire_v will_v give_v countenance_n to_o schism_n 5._o we_o can_v but_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v upon_o evidence_n of_o reason_n and_o experience_n of_o all_o age_n that_o this_o separation_n will_v be_v the_o mother_n and_o nurse_n of_o contention_n strife_n envy_n confusion_n and_o so_o draw_v with_o it_o that_o breach_n of_o love_n which_o may_v endanger_v the_o heighten_v of_o it_o into_o formal_a schism_n even_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o brethren_n 6._o what_o be_v it_o that_o approve_a author_n do_v call_v schism_n but_o the_o break_n off_o member_n from_o their_o church_n which_o be_v lawful_o constitute_v church_n and_o from_o communion_n in_o ordinance_n etc._n etc._n without_o just_a and_o sufficient_a cause_n ex_fw-la natura_fw-la rei_fw-la to_o justify_v such_o secession_n and_o to_o join_v in_o other_o congregation_n of_o separate_a communion_n either_o because_o of_o personal_a fail_n in_o the_o officer_n or_o member_n of_o the_o congregation_n from_o which_o they_o separate_v or_o because_o of_o causeless_a scruple_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n which_o have_v be_v call_v set_v up_o altar_n contra_fw-la altar_n from_o which_o they_o quote_v st._n augustin_n and_o camenon_n thus_o i_o have_v faithful_o lay_v down_o the_o state_n of_o this_o controversy_n about_o separation_n as_o it_o have_v be_v manage_v in_o former_a time_n among_o
yet_o the_o more_o heinous_a `that_o it_o be_v common_o father_v upon_o god_n last_o that_o it_o be_v most_o unlike_a the_o heavenly_a state_n and_o in_o some_o regard_n worse_o than_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o devil_n for_o he_o will_v not_o destroy_v it_o by_o divide_v it_o against_o itself_o remember_v now_o say_v he_o that_o schism_n and_o make_v party_n and_o division_n in_o the_o church_n be_v not_o so_o small_a a_o sin_n as_o many_o take_v it_o for_o i_o conclude_v this_o with_o his_o admonition_n to_o bag_n shaw_fw-mi upon_o his_o lessen_v the_o sin_n of_o separation_n alas_o dear_a brother_n that_o after_o so_o many_o year_n silence_v and_o affliction_n 6._o after_o flame_n and_o plague_n and_o dreadful_a judgement_n after_o twenty_o year_n practice_n of_o the_o sin_n itself_o and_o when_o we_o be_v bury_v in_o the_o ruin_n which_o it_o cause_v we_o shall_v not_o yet_o know_v that_o our_o own_o uncharitable_a division_n alienation_n and_o separation_n be_v a_o cry_v sin_n yea_o the_o cry_v sin_n as_o well_o as_o the_o vncharitableness_n and_o hurtfulness_n of_o other_o alas_o will_v god_n leave_v we_o also_o even_o we_o to_o the_o obdurateness_n of_o pharaoh_n do_v not_o judgement_n begin_v with_o we_o be_v there_o not_o cry_v sin_n with_o we_o what_o have_v we_o do_v to_o christ_n kingdom_n to_o this_o kingdom_n to_o our_o friend_n dead_a and_o alive_a to_o ourselves_o and_o alas_o to_o our_o enemy_n by_o our_o division_n and_o do_v we_o not_o feel_v it_o do_v we_o not_o know_v it_o be_v it_o to_o we_o even_o to_o we_o a_o crime_n intolerable_a to_o call_v we_o to_o repentance_n woe_n to_o we_o into_o what_o hardheartedness_n have_v we_o sin_v ourselves_o yea_o that_o we_o shall_v continue_v and_o passionate_o defend_v it_o when_o will_v god_n give_v we_o repentance_n unto_o life_n let_v mr._n a._n read_v these_o passage_n over_o serious_o and_o then_o consider_v whether_o he_o can_v go_v on_o to_o excuse_v and_o palliate_v the_o sin_n of_o schism_n but_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o mr._n a._n speak_v all_o this_o comparative_o with_o enslave_v our_o judgement_n and_o conscience_n to_o other_o which_o he_o call_v a_o enormous_a and_o monstrous_a principle_n and_o he_o say_v this_o be_v a_o medicine_n worse_o than_o the_o poison_n even_o as_o it_o be_v much_o better_a to_o have_v a_o rational_a soul_n though_o subject_a to_o mistake_v than_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o brute_n which_o may_v be_v manage_v as_o you_o will_v with_o a_o strong_a bit_n and_o bridle_n to_o make_v it_o plain_a that_o he_o make_v little_a or_o nothing_o of_o the_o sin_n of_o separation_n we_o must_v attend_v to_o the_o argument_n he_o be_v to_o answer_v which_o be_v that_o if_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o separate_a on_o a_o pretence_n of_o great_a purity_n where_o there_o be_v a_o agreement_n in_o doctrine_n and_o the_o substantial_a part_n of_o worship_n as_o be_v agree_v in_o our_o case_n than_o a_o bare_a difference_n of_o opinion_n as_o to_o some_o circumstance_n of_o worship_n and_o the_o best_a constitution_n of_o church_n will_v be_v sufficient_a ground_n to_o break_v communion_n and_o to_o set_v up_o new_a church_n which_o consider_v the_o great_a variety_n of_o man_n fancy_n about_o these_o matter_n be_v to_o make_v a_o infinite_a divisibility_n in_o church_n without_o any_o possible_a stop_n to_o far_a separation_n where_o we_o see_v plain_o the_o inconvenience_n urge_v be_v endless_a separation_n do_v he_o set_v any_o kind_n of_o bound_n to_o it_o no_o but_o only_o talk_v of_o inconsiderable_a and_o petty_a inconvenience_n and_o some_o little_a trouble_n that_o may_v arise_v to_o a_o church_n from_o the_o levity_n and_o volubility_n of_o man_n mind_n i._n e._n let_v man_n separate_a as_o long_o as_o they_o will_v â—his_fw-la be_v the_o worst_a of_o it_o and_o he_o must_v grant_v that_o though_o separation_n be_v endless_a there_o be_v no_o harm_n in_o it_o but_o he_o that_o can_v find_v out_o a_o medium_n between_o circumstance_n of_o worship_n and_o substantial_o can_v find_v out_o none_o between_o endless_a separation_n and_o the_o enslave_v man_n judgement_n and_o conscience_n for_o he_o suppose_v one_o of_o the_o two_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v which_o be_v plain_o give_v up_o the_o cause_n to_o the_o papist_n for_o this_o be_v their_o argument_n either_o we_o must_v give_v up_o our_o judgement_n and_o conscience_n to_o the_o conduct_n of_o our_o guide_n or_o there_o will_v be_v endless_a separation_n he_o grant_v the_o consequence_n and_o cry_n what_o then_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o levity_n and_o volubility_n of_o man_n mind_n and_o this_o be_v much_o rather_o to_o be_v choose_v than_o the_o other_o but_o any_o sound_a protestant_n that_o understand_v the_o state_n of_o the_o controversy_n between_o we_o and_o they_o as_o this_o author_n apparent_o do_v not_o will_v present_o deny_v the_o consequence_n because_o a_o prudent_a and_o due_a submission_n in_o lawful_a thing_n lie_v between_o tyranny_n over_o man_n conscience_n and_o endless_a separation_n but_o he_o know_v no_o medium_fw-la between_o be_v tie_v neck_n and_o heel_n together_o and_o leap_v over_o hedge_n and_o ditch_n be_v keep_v within_o no_o bound_n and_o what_o ignorance_n or_o malice_n be_v it_o to_o suppose_v that_o our_o church_n bring_v in_o that_o enormous_a and_o monstrous_a principle_n of_o enslave_v man_n judgement_n and_o conscience_n force_v they_o to_o surrender_v their_o reason_n to_o naked_a will_n and_o pleasure_n and_o if_o he_o do_v not_o suppose_v it_o his_o discourse_n be_v frivolous_a and_o impertinent_a for_o a_o due_a submission_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o establish_a church_n without_o any_o force_n on_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n as_o to_o the_o infallibility_n of_o guide_n or_o necessity_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o will_v put_v a_o sufficient_a stop_n to_o separation_n which_o must_v be_v endless_a on_o my_o adversary_n supposition_n sect._n 28._o 5._o last_o i_o argue_v against_o this_o separation_n 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 and_o now_o i_o have_v bring_v the_o matter_n home_o to_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n who_o it_o may_v be_v will_v little_o regard_v other_o inconvenience_n if_o the_o practice_n of_o separation_n do_v not_o appear_v to_o be_v unlawful_a from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o i_o now_o undertake_v to_o prove_v upon_o these_o supposition_n 1._o that_o all_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 for_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o suppose_v that_o any_o duty_n shall_v be_v bind_v upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n with_o plain_a precept_n and_o strong_a argument_n than_o this_o be_v the_o place_n be_v so_o many_o that_o it_o be_v endless_a to_o repeat_v they_o and_o therefore_o needless_a because_o this_o be_v agree_v on_o all_o hand_n so_o that_o violation_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n where_o there_o be_v no_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o justify_v it_o be_v a_o sin_n as_o much_o as_o murder_n be_v and_o as_o plain_o forbid_v but_o it_o happen_v here_o as_o it_o do_v in_o the_o other_o case_n that_o as_o murder_n be_v always_o a_o sin_n but_o there_o may_v be_v some_o circumstance_n which_o may_v make_v the_o take_v away_o a_o man_n life_n not_o to_o be_v murder_n so_o it_o may_v happen_v that_o though_o schism_n be_v always_o a_o sin_n yet_o there_o may_v be_v such_o circumstance_n which_o may_v make_v a_o separation_n not_o to_o be_v a_o schism_n but_o then_o they_o must_v be_v such_o reason_n as_o be_v not_o fetch_v from_o our_o fancy_n no_o more_o than_o in_o the_o case_n of_o murder_n but_o such_o as_o be_v allow_v by_o god_n himself_o in_o his_o law_n for_o he_o only_o that_o make_v the_o law_n can_v except_v from_o it_o 2._o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n do_v not_o lie_v in_o a_o bare_a communion_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n but_o in_o a_o joynt-participation_n of_o the_o ordinance_n appoint_v by_o christ_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o his_o church_n for_o although_o the_o former_a be_v a_o duty_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o take_v in_o the_o whole_a duty_n of_o a_o christian_a which_o be_v to_o join_v together_o as_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v command_v to_o assemble_v together_o and_o upon_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o a_o christian_a church_n it_o be_v say_v the_o disciple_n continue_v in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n 25._o and_o in_o break_v of_o bread_n 42._o and_o in_o prayer_n and_o the_o apostle_n set_v forth_o christian_n as_o make_v one_o body_n by_o communion_n in_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ._n 17._o we_o be_v many_o be_v one_o bread_n and_o one_o body_n for_o we_o be_v
14._o 22._o which_o be_v again_o a_o argument_n on_o our_o side_n for_o if_o we_o compare_v act._n 14._o 22._o with_o titus_n 1._o 5._o we_o shall_v find_v that_o ordain_v elder_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d have_v the_o same_o importance_n with_o ordain_v they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d so_o that_o by_o the_o church_n be_v understand_v the_o body_n of_o christian_n inhabit_v in_o one_o city_n as_o the_o '_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d at_o athens_n be_v the_o whole_a corporation_n here_o and_o particular_a congregation_n be_v but_o like_o the_o several_a company_n all_o which_o together_o make_v up_o but_o one_o city_n sect._n 6._o 3._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 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 then_o say_v i_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o church_n be_v not_o limit_v in_o scripture_n to_o a_o single_a congregation_n for_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 if_o the_o number_n of_o elder_n be_v unlimited_a than_o every_o one_o of_o these_o may_v attend_v the_o occasional_a distinct_a assembly_n for_o worship_n and_o yet_o all_o together_o make_v up_o the_o body_n of_o one_o church_n to_o which_o if_o he_o have_v but_o allow_v a_o single_a bishop_n over_o these_o he_o have_v 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 3._o and_o so_o origen_n compare_v the_o church_n of_o athens_n corinth_n and_o alexandria_n with_o the_o corporation_n in_o those_o city_n the_o number_n of_o presbyter_n with_o the_o senate_n of_o the_o city_n and_o at_o last_o the_o bishop_n with_o the_o magistrate_n but_o dr._n o._n add_v that_o when_o they_o do_v begin_v to_o exceed_v in_o number_n beyond_o a_o just_a proportion_n for_o edification_n they_o do_v immediate_o erect_v other_o church_n among_o they_o or_o near_o they_o name_v any_o one_o new_a church_n erect_v in_o the_o same_o city_n and_o i_o yield_v and_o what_o need_v a_o new_a church_n when_o himself_o allow_v occasional_a distinct_a assembly_n for_o great_a edification_n but_o he_o name_v the_o church_n at_o cenchrea_n which_o be_v a_o port_n to_o the_o city_n of_o corinth_n because_o of_o the_o mighty_a increase_n of_o believer_n at_o corinth_n act._n 18._o 10._o with_o rom._n 16._o 1._o i_o answer_v 1._o it_o seem_v then_o there_o be_v such_o a_o increase_n at_o corinth_n as_o make_v they_o plant_v a_o distinct_a church_n and_o yet_o at_o ephesus_n where_o saint_n paul_n use_v extraordinary_a diligence_n and_o have_v great_a success_n there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o new_a and_o distinct_a church_n and_o at_o corinth_n he_o stay_v but_o a_o year_n and_o six_o month_n 11._o but_o at_o ephesus_n three_o year_n 31._o as_o the_o time_n be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o acts._n do_v not_o this_o look_n very_o improbable_o 2._o stephanus_n byzant_n reckon_v cenchrea_n as_o a_o city_n distinct_a from_o corinth_n 8._o and_o so_o do_v strabo_n who_o place_v it_o in_o the_o way_n from_o tegea_n to_o argos_n through_o the_o parthenian_a mountain_n and_o it_o be_v several_a time_n mention_v by_o thucydides_n as_o distinct_a from_o corinth_n 8._o and_o so_o it_o be_v most_o likely_a be_v a_o church_n original_o plant_v there_o and_o not_o form_v from_o the_o too_o great_a fullness_n of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n as_o to_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n 41._o he_o say_v that_o the_o 5000_o convert_v be_v so_o dispose_v of_o or_o so_o disperse_v that_o some_o year_n after_o there_o be_v such_o a_o church_n there_o as_o do_v meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n as_o occasion_n do_v require_v even_o the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o the_o brethren_n nor_o be_v their_o number_n great_a when_o they_o go_v unto_o pella_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v 1._o the_o force_n of_o the_o argument_n lie_v in_o the_o 5000_o be_v say_v to_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n 4._o before_o any_o dispersion_n or_o persecution_n in_o which_o time_n we_o must_v suppose_v a_o true_a church_n to_o be_v form_v and_o the_o christian_n at_o that_o time_n perform_v the_o act_n of_o church-communion_n the_o question_n than_o be_v whether_o it_o be_v in_o the_o least_o probable_a that_o 5000_o person_n shall_v at_o that_o time_n make_v one_o state_v and_o fix_v congregation_n for_o divine_a worship_n and_o all_o the_o act_n of_o church-communion_n what_o place_n be_v there_o large_a enough_o to_o receive_v they_o when_o they_o meet_v for_o prayer_n and_o sacrament_n dr._n o._n be_v sensible_a of_o this_o inconvenience_n and_o therefore_o only_o speak_v of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n when_o these_o be_v disperse_v but_o my_o question_n be_v about_o they_o while_o they_o be_v together_o be_v they_o not_o a_o church_n then_o do_v they_o not_o continue_v in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n and_o break_n of_o bread_n and_o prayer_n but_o how_o can_v 5000_o then_o do_v all_o this_o together_o therefore_o a_o church_n according_a to_o its_o first_o institution_n be_v not_o limit_v to_o a_o single_a congregation_n 2._o a_o church_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n may_v upon_o extraordinary_a occasion_n assemble_v together_o as_o the_o several_a company_n in_o a_o common-hall_n for_o matter_n of_o general_a concernment_n which_o yet_o manage_v their_o particular_a interest_n apart_o so_o for_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o christian_a communion_n particular_a congregation_n may_v meet_v by_o themselves_o but_o when_o any_o thing_n happen_v of_o great_a concernment_n they_o may_v occasional_o assemble_v together_o â—_o as_o in_o the_o two_o debate_n mention_v act._n 15._o 4._o and_o 21._o 22._o so_o the_o several_a tribe_n in_o athens_n do_v 5._o at_o their_o general_a assembly_n which_o strabo_n and_o eustathius_n say_v be_v 174._o 3._o there_o be_v no_o number_n mention_v of_o the_o christian_n that_o go_v to_o pella_n 29._o neither_o by_o eusebius_n nor_o epiphanius_n who_o relate_v the_o story_n so_o that_o nothing_o can_v thence_o be_v conclude_v but_o if_o the_o force_n lie_v in_o his_o calling_n pella_n a_o village_n i_o be_o sure_a eusebius_n call_v it_o a_o city_n of_o peraea_n beyond_o jordan_n and_o epiphanius_n add_v that_o they_o spread_v themselves_o from_o thence_o to_o coelesyria_n and_o decapolis_n and_o basanitis_fw-la so_o that_o all_o this_o put_v together_o make_v no_o proof_n at_o all_o that_o the_o christian_a church_n by_o their_o first_o institution_n be_v limit_v to_o single_a congregation_n sect._n 7._o 4._o he_o answer_v that_o he_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 42._o since_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o man_n do_v indispensable_o require_v it_o but_o be_v it_o not_o dr._n o._n that_o say_v 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 59_o be_v the_o same_o stable_a and_o unalterable_a be_v all_o these_o rule_n now_o come_v to_o nothing_o but_o what_o follow_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v it_o not_o dr._n o._n that_o say_v that_o no_o religious_a union_n or_o order_n among_o christian_n be_v of_o spiritual_a use_n and_o advantage_n to_o they_o 65._o but_o what_o be_v appoint_v and_o design_v for_o they_o by_o jesus_n christ_n do_v not_o this_o overthrow_n any_o other_o order_n or_o union_n among_o christian_n but_o what_o christ_n have_v institute_v and_o appoint_v for_o they_o the_o question_n be_v not_o about_o such_o a_o constitution_n of_o church_n as_o be_v necessary_a for_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o religious_a worship_n for_o all_o party_n be_v agree_v therein_o but_o whether_o church-power_n be_v limit_v to_o these_o exclusive_o to_o all_o other_o union_n of_o christian_n whether_o every_o single_a congregation_n have_v all_o church-power_n whole_o in_o itself_o and_o unaccountable_o as_o to_o subordination_n to_o any_o other_o how_o do_v this_o appear_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o the_o necessary_a duty_n of_o christian_n i_o grant_v the_o institution_n of_o church_n be_v for_o edification_n and_o i_o think_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o that_o edification_n lie_v in_o the_o orderly_a disposal_n of_o thing_n whatever_o tend_v to_o peace_n and_o unity_n among_o christian_n in_o my_o judgement_n tend_v to_o edification_n now_o i_o can_v apprehend_v how_o a_o sole_a power_n of_o government_n in_o every_o congregation_n tend_v to_o the_o preserve_v this_o peace_n and_o unity_n among_o christian_n much_o less_o how_o it_o follow_v so_o clear_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n as_o to_o take_v away_o
their_o number_n as_o it_o be_v object_v on_o both_o side_n if_o it_o be_v prove_v they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v allow_v for_o general_o then_o every_o diocese_n have_v two_o bishop_n of_o the_o different_a party_n but_o in_o some_o place_n they_o have_v but_o one_o where_o the_o people_n be_v of_o one_o mind_n and_o nothing_o but_o this_o notorious_a schism_n give_v occasion_n to_o such_o a_o multiplication_n of_o bishop_n in_o africa_n both_o party_n strive_v to_o increase_v their_o number_n sect._n 9_o obs._n 2._o in_o city_n and_o diocese_n which_o be_v under_o the_o care_n of_o one_o bishop_n there_o be_v several_a congregation_n and_o altar_n and_o distant_a place_n carthage_n be_v a_o very_a large_a city_n 43._o and_o have_v great_a number_n of_o christian_n even_o in_o s._n cyprian_n time_n as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v 1._o and_o there_o beside_o the_o cathedral_n call_v basilica_n major_a &_o restituta_fw-la diversis_fw-la in_o which_o the_o bishop_n always_o sit_v as_o victor_n vitensis_n say_v there_o be_v several_a other_o considerable_a church_n in_o which_o s._n augustine_n often_o preach_v when_o he_o go_v to_o carthage_n diversis_fw-la as_o the_o basilica_n fausti_n the_o 11._o basilica_n leontiana_n the_o temp._n basilica_n celerinae_fw-la mention_v by_o 1._o victor_n likewise_o who_o say_v it_o be_v otherwise_o call_v scillitanorum_fw-la the_o temp._n basilica_n novarum_fw-la the_o temp._n basilica_n petri._n the_o divers_a basilica_n pauli_n and_o i_o do_v not_o question_v there_o be_v many_o other_o which_o i_o have_v not_o observe_v for_o victor_n say_v that_o when_o geisericus_fw-la enter_v carthage_n he_o find_v there_o quodvultdeus_n the_o bishop_n &_o maximam_fw-la turbam_fw-la clericorum_fw-la a_o very_a great_a multitude_n of_o clergy_n all_o which_o he_o immediate_o banish_v and_o without_o the_o city_n there_o be_v two_o great_a church_n say_v victor_n one_o where_o s._n cyprian_n suffer_v martyrdom_n and_o the_o other_o where_o his_o body_n be_v bury_v at_o a_o place_n call_v mappalia_n in_o all_o he_o reckon_v about_o 500_o of_o the_o clergy_n belong_v to_o the_o church_n of_o carthage_n 5._o take_v in_o those_o who_o be_v train_v up_o to_o it_o and_o do_v mr._n b._n imagine_v all_o these_o be_v intend_v to_o serve_v one_o congregation_n or_o that_o all_o the_o christian_n then_o in_o carthage_n can_v have_v local_a and_o presential_a communion_n as_o he_o call_v it_o in_o one_o church_n and_o at_o one_o altar_n sometime_o a_o altar_n be_v take_v with_o a_o particular_a respect_n to_o a_o bishop_n and_o so_o set_v up_o one_o altar_n against_o another_o be_v set_v up_o one_o bishop_n against_o another_o as_o that_o phrase_n be_v common_o use_v in_o saint_n cyprian_n and_o saint_n augustin_n sometime_o for_o the_o place_n at_o which_o the_o christian_n do_v communicate_v and_o so_o there_o be_v as_o many_o altar_n as_o church_n so_o fortunatus_n a_o catholic_n bishop_n object_v to_o petilian_n the_o donatist_n that_o in_o the_o city_n where_o he_o be_v bishop_n 139._o the_o heretic_n have_v break_v down_o all_o the_o altar_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n optatus_n object_n so_o much_o against_o they_o 6._o and_o that_o there_o be_v altar_n in_o all_o their_o church_n appear_v from_o hence_o that_o not_o only_o the_o oblation_n be_v make_v there_o and_o the_o communion_n receive_v but_o all_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n be_v make_v at_o they_o as_o not_o only_o appear_v from_o the_o african_a code_n and_o saint_n augustin_n which_o i_o have_v mention_v elsewhere_o but_o from_o optatus_n who_o upbraid_v the_o donatist_n for_o break_v down_o the_o altar_n of_o church_n he_o tell_v they_o that_o hereby_o they_o do_v what_o they_o can_v to_o hinder_v the_o church_n prayer_n for_o say_v he_o illà c_fw-la ad_fw-la aures_fw-la dei_fw-la ascendere_fw-la solebat_fw-la populi_fw-la oratio_fw-la the_o people_n prayer_n go_v up_o to_o heaven_n that_o way_n and_o that_o distant_a place_n from_o the_o city_n be_v in_o the_o bishop_n diocese_n and_o under_o his_o care_n i_o thus_o prove_v in_o the_o african_a code_n 71._o there_o be_v a_o canon_n that_o no_o bishop_n shall_v leave_v his_o cathedral_n church_n and_o go_v to_o any_o other_o church_n in_o his_o diocese_n there_o to_o reside_v which_o evident_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v not_o only_o more_o place_n but_o more_o church_n in_o a_o bishop_n diocese_n and_o where_o the_o donatist_n have_v erect_v new_a bishopric_n as_o they_o often_o do_v the_o african_a council_n decree_n that_o after_o the_o decease_n of_o such_o a_o bishop_n 99_o if_o the_o people_n have_v no_o mind_n to_o have_v another_o in_o his_o room_n they_o may_v be_v in_o the_o diocese_n of_o another_o bishop_n which_o show_v that_o they_o think_v the_o diocese_n may_v be_v so_o large_a as_o to_o hold_v the_o people_n that_o be_v under_o two_o bishop_n and_o there_o be_v many_o canon_n make_v about_o the_o people_n of_o the_o donatist_n bishop_n in_o one_o it_o be_v determine_v that_o they_o shall_v belong_v to_o the_o bishop_n that_o convert_v they_o without_o limitation_n of_o distance_n 117._o after_o that_o that_o they_o shall_v belong_v to_o the_o same_o diocese_n they_o be_v in_o before_o 118._o but_o if_o the_o donatist_n bishop_n be_v convert_v than_o the_o diocese_n be_v to_o be_v divide_v between_o they_o if_o any_o bishop_n neglect_v the_o convert_v the_o people_n of_o the_o place_n belong_v to_o his_o diocese_n he_o that_o do_v take_v the_o pain_n in_o it_o be_v to_o have_v those_o place_n lay_v to_o his_o diocese_n 121._o unless_o sufficient_a cause_n be_v show_v by_o the_o bishop_n that_o he_o be_v not_o to_o blame_v let_v mr._n baxter_n now_o judge_v whether_o their_o bishopric_n be_v like_o our_o parish_n 73._o as_o he_o confident_o affirm_v saint_n augustin_n mention_n the_o municipium_fw-la tullense_v not_o far_o from_o hippo_n 12._o where_o there_o be_v presbyter_n and_o clerk_n under_o his_o care_n and_o government_n and_o he_o tell_v this_o particular_a story_n of_o it_o that_o a_o certain_a poor_a man_n who_o live_v there_o fell_a into_o a_o trance_n in_o which_o he_o fancy_v he_o see_v the_o clergy_n thereabouts_o and_o among_o the_o rest_n the_o presbyter_n of_o that_o place_n who_o bid_v he_o go_v to_o hippo_n to_o be_v baptize_v of_o augustin_n who_o be_v bishop_n there_o the_o man_n do_v according_o and_o the_o next_o easter_n put_v in_o his_o name_n among_o the_o competentes_fw-la and_o be_v baptize_v and_o after_o tell_v saint_n augustin_n the_o forego_n passage_n it_o seem_v the_o donatist_n be_v very_o troublesome_a in_o some_o of_o the_o remote_a part_n of_o the_o diocese_n of_o hippo_n whereupon_o saint_n augustin_n send_v one_o of_o his_o presbyter_n to_o caecilian_a the_o roman_a precedent_n 60._o to_o complain_v of_o their_o insolence_n and_o to_o crave_v his_o assistance_n which_o he_o say_v he_o do_v lest_o he_o shall_v be_v blame_v for_o his_o negligence_n who_o be_v the_o bishop_n of_o that_o diocese_n and_o can_v we_o think_v all_o these_o person_n have_v praesential_a and_o local_a communion_n with_o saint_n augustin_n in_o his_o church_n at_o hippo_n while_o he_o be_v yet_o but_o a_o presbyter_n at_o hippo_n in_o the_o absence_n of_o the_o bishop_n he_o write_v to_o maximinus_n a_o donatist_n bishop_n a_o sharp_a letter_n 203._o for_o offer_v to_o rebaptize_v a_o deacon_n of_o their_o church_n who_o be_v place_v at_o mutagena_n and_o he_o say_v he_o go_v from_o hippo_n to_o the_o place_n himself_o to_o be_v satisfy_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o 204._o at_o the_o same_o place_n live_v one_o donatus_n a_o presbyter_n of_o the_o donatist_n who_o saint_n augustin_n will_v have_v have_v bring_v to_o he_o against_o his_o will_n to_o be_v better_o instruct_v as_o be_v under_o his_o care_n but_o the_o obstinate_a man_n rather_o endeavour_v to_o make_v away_o himself_o 262._o upon_o which_o he_o write_v a_o long_a epistle_n to_o he_o in_o another_o epistle_n he_o give_v a_o account_n that_o there_o be_v a_o place_n call_v fussala_n which_o with_o the_o country_n about_o it_o belong_v to_o the_o diocese_n of_o hippo_n where_o there_o be_v abundance_n of_o people_n but_o almost_o all_o donatist_n but_o by_o his_o great_a care_n in_o send_v presbyter_n among_o they_o those_o place_n be_v all_o reduce_v but_o because_o fussala_n be_v 40_o mile_n distant_a from_o hippo_n he_o take_v care_n to_o have_v a_o bishop_n place_v among_o they_o but_o as_o appear_v by_o the_o event_n he_o have_v better_o have_v keep_v it_o under_o his_o own_o care_n for_o upon_o the_o complaint_n make_v against_o their_o new_a bishop_n he_o be_v fain_o to_o resume_v it_o as_o appear_v by_o a_o presbyter_n of_o fussala_n haeres_fw-la which_o he_o mention_n afterward_o however_o it_o appear_v that_o a_o place_n 40_o mile_n distance_n be_v then_o under_o the_o care_n of_o so_o great_a a_o saint_n
and_o so_o excellent_a a_o bishop_n as_o saint_n augustin_n be_v and_o can_v mr._n b._n have_v find_v it_o in_o his_o heart_n to_o have_v tell_v he_o that_o he_o do_v not_o understand_v the_o right_a constitution_n of_o church_n how_o many_o quaere_n woo_a mr._n b._n have_v make_v about_o the_o number_n of_o soul_n at_o fussala_n and_o how_o he_o can_v take_v upon_o he_o the_o care_n of_o a_o place_n so_o far_o distant_a from_o he_o and_o it_o be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o guess_v what_o answer_n saint_n augustin_n will_v have_v give_v he_o but_o beside_o this_o plain_a evidence_n of_o the_o extent_n of_o diocese_n we_o have_v as_o clear_v proof_n of_o metropolitan_a province_n in_o the_o african_a church_n quidam_fw-la de_fw-la episcopis_fw-la in_o provinciâ_fw-la nostrâ_fw-la 13._o say_v saint_n cyprian_n and_o yet_o he_o speak_v of_o his_o predecessor_n time_n which_o show_v the_o very_a ancient_a extent_n of_o that_o province_n 2._o in_o provinciâ_fw-la nostrâ_fw-la per_fw-la aliquot_fw-la civitates_fw-la say_v he_o again_o which_o show_v that_o more_o city_n than_o carthage_n be_v under_o his_o care_n quoniam_fw-la latius_fw-la fusa_fw-la est_fw-la provincia_fw-la nostra_fw-la in_o his_o epistle_n to_o cornelius_n 2._o in_o the_o african_a code_n it_o appear_v the_o bishop_n of_o carthage_n have_v the_o primacy_n by_o his_o place_n in_o the_o other_o province_n by_o seniority_n of_o consecration_n victor_n mention_n one_o crescens_n 1._o who_o have_v 120_o bishop_n under_o he_o as_o metropolitan_a and_o i_o hope_v at_o least_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o african_a bishop_n mr._n b._n will_v entertain_v the_o better_a opinion_n of_o the_o english_a episcopacy_n sect._n 10._o but_o that_o he_o may_v not_o think_v this_o sort_n of_o episcopacy_n be_v only_o in_o these_o part_n of_o africa_n let_v we_o inquire_v into_o the_o episcopacy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o alexandria_n and_o we_o may_v suppose_v athanasius_n do_v not_o spend_v all_o his_o zeal_n upon_o doctrinal_a point_n but_o have_v some_o for_o the_o right_a constitution_n of_o church_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a the_o church_n under_o his_o care_n can_v not_o have_v personal_a communion_n with_o he_o 6._o it_o be_v observe_v by_o epiphanius_n that_o athanasius_n do_v frequent_o visit_v the_o neighbour_n church_n especial_o those_o in_o maraeotis_n of_o which_o athanasius_n himself_o give_v the_o best_a account_n 802._o maraeotis_n say_v he_o be_v a_o region_n belong_v to_o alexandria_n which_o never_o have_v either_o bishop_n or_o suffragan_n in_o it_o but_o all_o the_o church_n there_o be_v immediate_o subject_a to_o the_o bishop_n of_o alexandria_n but_o every_o presbyter_n be_v fix_v in_o his_o particular_a village_n and_o here_o they_o have_v church_n erect_v in_o which_o these_o presbyter_n do_v officiate_v all_o this_o we_o have_v express_o from_o athanasius_n himself_o whence_o we_o observe_v 1._o that_o here_o be_v true_a parochial_a church_n for_o so_o athanasius_n call_v they_o church_n and_o not_o bare_a oratory_n 2._o that_o these_o have_v presbyter_n fix_v among_o they_o who_o perform_v divine_a office_n there_o 3._o that_o these_o be_v under_o the_o immediate_a inspection_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o alexandria_n so_o that_o the_o whole_a government_n belong_v to_o he_o 4._o that_o these_o be_v at_o that_o distance_n that_o they_o can_v not_o have_v local_a communion_n with_o their_o bishop_n in_o his_o church_n at_o alexandria_n which_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o mr._n baxter_n episcopacy_n so_o in_o alexandria_n itself_o 1._o there_o be_v many_o distant_a church_n with_o fix_a presbyter_n in_o they_o as_o epiphanius_n several_a time_n observe_v and_o it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a strange_a thing_n indeed_o if_o so_o many_o presbyter_n shall_v have_v fix_v church_n in_o alexandria_n and_o yet_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o alexandria_n be_v no_o big_a than_o to_o make_v one_o congregation_n for_o personal_a communion_n with_o the_o bishop_n 9_o but_o mr._n baxter_n great_a argument_n be_v from_o the_o meeting_n of_o the_o whole_a multitude_n with_o athanasius_n in_o the_o great_a church_n at_o alexandria_n to_o keep_v the_o easter_n solemnity_n whence_o he_o conclude_v that_o the_o christian_n in_o alexandria_n be_v no_o more_o than_o that_o the_o main_a body_n of_o they_o can_v meet_v and_o hear_v in_o one_o assembly_n 682._o whereas_o all_o that_o athanasius_n say_v amount_v to_o no_o more_o than_o this_o that_o the_o multitude_n be_v too_o great_a to_o meet_v in_o one_o of_o the_o lesser_a church_n and_o therefore_o a_o great_a clamour_n be_v raise_v among_o they_o that_o they_o may_v go_v into_o the_o new_a church_n athanasius_n press_v they_o to_o bear_v with_o the_o inconveniency_n and_o disperse_v themselves_o into_o the_o lesser_a church_n the_o people_n grow_v impatient_a and_o so_o at_o last_o he_o yield_v to_o they_o but_o what_o be_v there_o in_o all_o this_o to_o prove_v that_o all_o the_o christian_n in_o the_o whole_a city_n be_v then_o present_a and_o that_o this_o church_n will_v hold_v they_o all_o if_o a_o great_a assembly_n shall_v meet_v at_o one_o of_o the_o lesser_a church_n in_o london_n upon_o some_o solemn_a occasion_n and_o find_v themselves_o too_o big_a for_o that_o place_n shall_v press_v the_o bishop_n to_o open_a saint_n paul_n for_o that_o day_n before_o it_o be_v quite_o finish_v because_o of_o the_o great_a capacity_n of_o the_o church_n for_o receive_v such_o a_o number_n will_v this_o prove_v that_o saint_n paul_n hold_v all_o the_o christian_n in_o london_n athanasius_n say_v not_o a_o word_n more_o than_o that_o it_o be_v easter_n and_o there_o appear_v a_o great_a number_n of_o people_n such_o a_o one_o as_o christian_a prince_n will_v wish_v in_o a_o christian_a city_n do_v he_o say_v or_o intimate_v that_o all_o the_o christian_n of_o the_o city_n be_v present_a that_o none_o of_o they_o go_v to_o the_o lesser_a church_n or_o be_v absent_a though_o the_o crowd_n be_v so_o great_a do_v he_o not_o say_v the_o multitude_n be_v so_o great_a in_o the_o small_a church_n in_o the_o lend_a assembly_n that_o not_o a_o few_o be_v stifle_v and_o carry_v home_o for_o dead_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o consider_v the_o multitude_n at_o such_o a_o time_n in_o my_o mind_n mr._n baxter_n may_v as_o well_o prove_v that_o the_o whole_a nation_n of_o the_o jew_n make_v but_o one_o congregation_n because_o at_o the_o dedication_n of_o solomon_n temple_n there_o be_v so_o great_a a_o multitude_n present_a that_o one_o of_o the_o lesser_a synagogue_n can_v not_o hold_v they_o but_o the_o argument_n be_v of_o great_a force_n in_o this_o respect_n that_o god_n himself_o appoint_v but_o one_o temple_n for_o the_o whole_a nation_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o therefore_o he_o intend_v no_o more_o than_o a_o single_a congregational_a church_n but_o to_o serve_v this_o hypothesis_n alexandria_n itself_o must_v be_v shrink_v into_o a_o less_o compass_n 21._o although_o dionysius_n alexandrinus_n who_o be_v bishop_n there_o say_v it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o very_a great_a city_n and_o the_o geographer_n publish_v by_o gothofred_n say_v it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 18._o a_o exceed_a great_a city_n so_o great_a that_o it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d past_a man_n comprehension_n 22._o and_o ammianus_n marcellinus_n say_v it_o be_v the_o top_n of_o all_o city_n 11._o and_o for_o the_o number_n of_o christian_n there_o long_o before_o the_o time_n of_o athanasius_n dionysius_n alexandrinus_n say_v in_o a_o time_n of_o great_a persecution_n when_o he_o be_v banish_v he_o keep_v up_o the_o assembly_n in_o the_o city_n and_o at_o cephro_n he_o have_v a_o large_a church_n partly_o of_o the_o christian_n of_o alexandria_n which_o follow_v he_o and_o partly_o from_o other_o place_n and_o when_o he_o be_v remove_v thence_o to_o colluthion_n which_o be_v near_o the_o city_n such_o number_n of_o christian_n flock_v out_o of_o the_o city_n to_o he_o that_o they_o be_v force_v to_o have_v distinct_a congregation_n so_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v and_o so_o athanasius_n use_v they_o 683._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o the_o christian_n meet_v in_o several_a congregation_n if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o number_n of_o christian_n at_o alexandria_n so_o long_o before_o under_o the_o sharp_a persecution_n be_v it_o possible_a to_o imagine_v in_o so_o great_a a_o city_n after_o christianity_n have_v so_o long_o be_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o empire_n that_o the_o number_n of_o christian_n there_o shall_v be_v no_o great_a than_o to_o make_v one_o large_a congregation_n there_o be_v no_o hope_n of_o convince_a man_n that_o can_v build_v theory_n upon_o such_o strange_a improbability_n i_o shall_v only_o add_v one_o instance_n more_o from_o antiquity_n which_o be_v plain_a enough_o of_o itself_o to_o show_v the_o
will_v destroy_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n if_o not_o the_o very_o be_v of_o any_o parochial_a church_n whatsoever_o 5._o that_o want_n of_o discipline_n which_o be_v in_o parochial_a church_n be_v never_o think_v by_o the_o most_o zealous_a nonconformist_n of_o old_a destructive_a to_o the_o be_v of_o they_o of_o which_o i_o have_v already_o produce_v the_o testimony_n of_o cartwright_n hildersham_n giffard_n and_o many_o other_o sect._n 17._o and_o suppose_v all_o person_n leave_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n as_o to_o their_o own_o fitness_n for_o the_o holy_a communion_n we_o may_v observe_v these_o thing_n which_o may_v serve_v towards_o the_o vindication_n of_o our_o parochial_a church_n 1._o that_o the_o great_a offender_n do_v general_o excommunicate_v themselves_o not_o dare_v to_o venture_v upon_o so_o hazardous_a a_o thing_n as_o they_o account_v the_o holy_a communion_n to_o be_v for_o fear_v of_o the_o damnation_n follow_v unworthy_a receive_v so_o that_o the_o most_o constant_a communicant_n be_v the_o most_o pious_a and_o sober_a and_o devout_a christian_n 2._o that_o if_o any_o such_o do_v voluntary_o come_v it_o be_v upon_o some_o great_a awakening_n of_o conscience_n some_o fresh_a resolution_n they_o have_v make_v of_o amendment_n of_o life_n after_o some_o dangerous_a sickness_n or_o under_o some_o great_a affliction_n when_o they_o be_v best_a incline_v and_o have_v strong_a conviction_n and_o hope_v for_o great_a strength_n of_o grace_n against_o the_o power_n of_o temptation_n so_o that_o whether_o this_o sacrament_n be_v a_o convert_v ordinance_n or_o not_o by_o god_n institution_n yet_o the_o preparation_n and_o disposition_n of_o man_n mind_n before_o it_o put_v they_o into_o the_o fit_a capacity_n for_o divine_a grace_n if_o they_o be_v not_o look_v on_o as_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o 3._o that_o it_o be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o benefit_n of_o this_o holy_a sacrament_n to_o those_o who_o be_v well_o prepare_v if_o those_o who_o be_v not_o do_v come_v to_o it_o any_o more_o than_o in_o join_v in_o prayer_n or_o thanksgiving_n with_o they_o and_o if_o the_o presence_n of_o such_o person_n who_o deserve_v excommunication_n and_o be_v not_o excommunicate_v do_v overthrow_v the_o be_v of_o a_o church_n then_o christ_n and_o his_o disciple_n do_v not_o make_v a_o church_n when_o judas_n be_v present_a with_o they_o as_o in_o probability_n he_o be_v at_o his_o last_o supper_n at_o least_o if_o this_o kind_n of_o discipline_n have_v be_v so_o necessary_a it_o will_v never_o have_v be_v leave_v so_o doubtful_a as_o it_o be_v by_o the_o evangelist_n since_o it_o have_v be_v necessary_a for_o the_o information_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n to_o have_v set_v it_o down_o express_o not_o only_o that_o he_o be_v not_o present_a but_o that_o he_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v and_o therefore_o be_v cast_v out_o before_o 4._o that_o several_a presbyterian_a church_n for_o many_o year_n have_v no_o discipline_n at_o all_o among_o they_o nor_o so_o much_o as_o the_o lord_n supper_n administer_v and_o be_v these_o true_a church_n all_o that_o while_n and_o be_v not_o we_o so_o now_o 243._o nay_o mr._n baxter_n say_v that_o some_o nonconformist_n have_v these_o seventeen_o or_o eighteen_o year_n forbear_v to_o baptise_v serm._n or_o administer_v the_o lord_n supper_n or_o to_o be_v pastor_n of_o any_o church_n now_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v what_o church_n these_o man_n be_v of_o some_o or_o other_o they_o must_v own_v if_o they_o be_v christian_n new_a church_n they_o have_v not_o they_o say_v either_o than_o they_o must_v own_v our_o church_n to_o be_v true_a notwithstanding_o the_o defect_n of_o discipline_n or_o they_o must_v be_v of_o no_o church_n at_o all_o 5._o that_o our_o church_n be_v but_o in_o the_o same_o condition_n the_o church_n of_o constantinople_n and_o other_o church_n be_v in_o when_o nectarius_n change_v the_o discipline_n of_o it_o or_o rather_o take_v it_o quite_o away_o for_o the_o poenitentiary_n who_o he_o remove_v for_o the_o scandal_n give_v be_v the_o person_n who_o business_n it_o be_v to_o look_v after_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o see_v that_o all_o know_a offender_n perform_v the_o penance_n enjoin_v they_o for_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o socrates_n say_v be_v 19_o that_o every_o one_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n as_o to_o the_o participation_n of_o the_o holy_a mystery_n and_o this_o socrates_n say_v he_o have_v from_o eudaemon_n himself_o who_o give_v the_o counsel_n to_o nectarius_n to_o take_v that_o office_n away_o which_o be_v according_o do_v 16._o and_o no_o more_o restore_v say_v sozomen_n the_o consequence_n whereof_o be_v say_v he_o that_o every_o one_o go_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o his_o conscience_n give_v he_o leave_v and_o as_o he_o be_v assure_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n and_o this_o example_n of_o nectarius_n be_v soon_o follow_v in_o other_o church_n say_v sozomen_n and_o so_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n decay_v but_o i_o hope_v all_o those_o church_n do_v not_o lose_v their_o be_v by_o the_o loss_n of_o discipline_n and_o so_o much_o in_o vindication_n of_o our_o diocesan_n church_n government_n sect._n 18._o i_o now_o come_v to_o the_o national_a constitution_n of_o our_o church_n 19_o by_o the_o church_n of_o england_n i_o say_v we_o mean_v that_o society_n of_o christian_a people_n which_o in_o this_o nation_n be_v unite_v under_o the_o same_o profession_n of_o faith_n the_o same_o law_n of_o government_n and_o rule_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o that_o this_o be_v a_o very_a consistent_a and_o true_a notion_n of_o our_o national_a church_n i_o prove_v from_o the_o first_o notion_n of_o a_o church_n which_o be_v a_o society_n of_o man_n unite_v together_o for_o their_o order_n and_o government_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o since_o the_o low_a kind_n of_o that_o society_n viz._n congregation_n for_o worship_n be_v call_v church_n since_o the_o large_a society_n of_o all_o christian_n be_v account_v a_o true_a catholic_n church_n and_o both_o from_o their_o union_n and_o consent_n in_o some_o common_a thing_n i_o say_v i_o do_v not_o understand_v why_o a_o national_a society_n agree_v together_o in_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o under_o the_o same_o government_n and_o discipline_n may_v not_o be_v as_o true_o and_o proper_o a_o church_n as_o any_o particular_a congregation_n because_o the_o narrowness_n or_o largeness_n of_o extent_n do_v not_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n the_o kingdom_n of_o france_n be_v as_o true_o a_o kingdom_n as_o the_o small_a kingdom_n of_o ivetot_n and_o as_o several_a family_n make_v one_o kingdom_n so_o several_a lesser_a church_n make_v one_o national_a and_o that_o this_o notion_n be_v not_o disagree_v with_o the_o importance_n of_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o show_v that_o at_o athens_n from_o whence_o the_o word_n be_v take_v it_o do_v comprehend_v in_o it_o all_o the_o several_a tribe_n when_o meet_v together_o although_o every_o one_o of_o those_o tribe_n in_o its_o particular_a assembly_n may_v be_v a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d too_o and_o from_o thence_o in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n the_o name_n of_o a_o church_n comprehend_v in_o it_o the_o ecclesiastical_a governor_n and_o people_n of_o whole_a city_n and_o therefore_o may_v by_o parity_n of_o reason_n be_v extend_v to_o many_o city_n unite_v together_o under_o one_o civil_a government_n and_o the_o same_o rule_n of_o religion_n this_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o what_o i_o deliver_v upon_o this_o subject_n against_o which_o all_o my_o adversary_n have_v something_o to_o say_v though_o not_o with_o equal_a strength_n clearness_n or_o temper_n dr._n owen_n say_v 1._o that_o since_o i_o make_v national_a church_n to_o begin_v with_o the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n 16._o it_o fall_v out_o a_o great_a while_n after_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o church_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v not_o concern_v in_o it_o because_o he_o suppose_v congregational_a church_n to_o be_v entire_a church_n of_o christ_n institution_n and_o therefore_o to_o have_v a_o just_a right_a to_o govern_v and_o reform_v themselves_o independent_o as_o to_o any_o national_a constitution_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o if_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n institution_n be_v not_o limit_v to_o particular_a congregation_n as_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v than_o the_o gradual_a increase_n of_o church_n till_o they_o come_v to_o be_v national_a do_v not_o alter_v any_o institution_n of_o christ_n and_o consequent_o the_o power_n of_o those_o church_n must_v limit_v and_o determine_v that_o of_o particular_a congregation_n or_o else_o nothing_o but_o disorder_n
and_o confusion_n will_v follow_v if_o every_o congregation_n may_v have_v a_o several_a rule_n of_o worship_n and_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n without_o be_v liable_a to_o a_o account_n to_o any_o superior_a church_n authority_n which_o be_v all_o one_o as_o to_o suppose_v that_o every_o family_n may_v govern_v itself_o because_o a_o kingdom_n be_v make_v up_o of_o family_n without_o any_o respect_n to_o the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o a_o kingdom_n no_o 17._o say_v dr._n o._n the_o case_n be_v not_o the_o same_o for_o god_n never_o appoint_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o other_o government_n but_o that_o of_o family_n and_o where_o have_v he_o appoint_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o other_o church_n but_o particular_a congregation_n but_o god_n by_o the_o light_n and_o law_n of_o nature_n by_o the_o end_n and_o use_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o man_n by_o express_a revelation_n in_o his_o word_n have_v by_o his_o own_o authority_n appoint_v and_o approve_v other_o sort_n of_o 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church_n and_o set_v up_o ruler_n in_o they_o but_o still_o under_o their_o authority_n can_v any_o thing_n be_v plain_a than_o that_o these_o particular_a church_n be_v not_o settle_v with_o a_o entire_a power_n of_o govern_v themselves_o but_o as_o in_o the_o former_a case_n if_o we_o suppose_v those_o twelve_o prince_n to_o have_v lead_v out_o their_o several_a division_n and_o to_o have_v place_v they_o in_o convenient_a seat_n and_o give_v they_o general_a rule_n for_o govern_v themselves_o in_o peace_n and_o order_n under_o such_o as_o they_o shall_v appoint_v and_o as_o they_o find_v themselves_o decay_v shall_v nominate_v so_o many_o successor_n as_o they_o think_v fit_a for_o the_o roll_a the_o several_a colony_n be_v they_o not_o then_o oblige_v to_o submit_v to_o such_o governor_n without_o break_v in_o piece_n into_o so_o many_o family_n every_o master_n govern_v his_o family_n by_o himself_o which_o will_v certain_o ruin_v and_o destroy_v they_o all_o because_o they_o can_v not_o have_v strength_n and_o union_n to_o defend_v themselves_o so_o it_o be_v again_o in_o the_o case_n of_o church_n the_o apostle_n plant_v they_o and_o settle_v such_o officer_n in_o they_o as_o be_v then_o fit_a to_o teach_v and_o govern_v they_o still_o reserve_v the_o main_a care_n of_o government_n to_o themselves_o but_o give_v excellent_a rule_n of_o charity_n peace_n obedience_n and_o submission_n to_o governor_n and_o as_o they_o withdraw_v from_o particular_a church_n within_o such_o a_o precinct_n as_o crete_n be_v they_o appoint_v some_o who_o they_o think_v fit_a to_o take_v care_n of_o all_o those_o church_n and_o to_o constitute_v inferior_a officer_n to_o teach_v and_o rule_v they_o and_o therefore_o in_o this_o case_n here_o be_v no_o more_o independency_n in_o particular_a congregation_n than_o in_o the_o other_o as_o to_o private_a family_n which_o be_v as_o contrary_a to_o the_o general_a design_n of_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o christian_n and_o their_o mutual_a preservation_n and_o defence_n as_o in_o the_o former_a case_n in_o which_o we_o believe_v the_o civil_a government_n to_o be_v from_o god_n although_o no_o monarch_n can_v now_o derive_v his_o title_n from_o such_o prince_n at_o the_o first_o dispersion_n and_o will_v it_o not_o then_o seem_v unreasonable_a to_o question_v the_o succession_n of_o bishop_n from_o the_o apostle_n when_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v attest_v by_o the_o most_o early_o know_v honest_a and_o impartial_a witness_n last_o as_o in_o the_o former_a case_n several_a of_o those_o lesser_a prince_n may_v unite_v themselves_o together_o by_o joynt-consent_n for_o their_o common_a interest_n and_o security_n and_o become_v one_o kingdom_n so_o in_o the_o latter_a case_n several_a bishop_n with_o the_o church_n under_o they_o may_v for_o promote_a the_o common_a end_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o peace_n and_o establishment_n of_o their_o church_n join_v together_o under_o the_o same_o common_a bond_n and_o become_v one_o national_a church_n which_o be_v intend_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a so_o unite_v and_o no_o way_n repugnant_a to_o the_o design_n of_o the_o institution_n and_o not_o usurp_v upon_o the_o right_n of_o other_o nor_o assume_v more_o than_o can_v be_v manage_v as_o a_o universal_a pastor_n must_v do_v will_v appear_v to_o be_v no_o way_n repugnant_a to_o any_o particular_a command_n or_o general_a rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o the_o pope_n challenge_n of_o universal_a dominion_n over_o the_o church_n be_v which_o i_o therefore_o mention_v that_o any_o one_o may_v see_v that_o the_o force_n of_o this_o reason_v will_v never_o justify_v the_o papal_a usurpation_n but_o say_v dr._n o._n national_a provincial_a church_n must_v first_o be_v prove_v of_o christ_n institution_n 17._o before_o they_o can_v be_v allow_v to_o have_v their_o power_n give_v they_o by_o jesus_n christ._n and_o yet_o in_o the_o case_n of_o congregational_a church_n he_o say_v there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o positive_a rule_n or_o direction_n 42._o for_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o the_o duty_n of_o man_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o end_n of_o such_o church_n be_v sufficient_a for_o it_o and_o this_o be_v as_o much_o as_o we_o plead_v in_o behalf_n of_o national_a church_n viz._n what_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o christian_a society_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o man_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o end_n of_o it_o do_v require_v for_o whatever_o tend_v to_o the_o support_n of_o religion_n to_o the_o preserve_a peace_n and_o unity_n among_o christian_n to_o the_o prevent_v dangerous_a error_n and_o endless_a confusion_n from_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o the_o end_n of_o a_o christian_a society_n become_v a_o duty_n for_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o government_n lie_v a_o obligation_n upon_o man_n to_o use_v the_o best_a mean_n for_o advance_v the_o end_n of_o it_o it_o be_v then_o take_v for_o grant_v among_o all_o christian_n 1._o that_o christ_n be_v the_o author_n or_o founder_n of_o this_o society_n which_o we_o call_v the_o church_n 2._o that_o he_o design_v the_o continuance_n and_o preservation_n of_o it_o 3._o that_o the_o best_a way_n of_o its_o preservation_n be_v by_o a_o union_n of_o the_o member_n of_o it_o provide_v the_o union_n be_v such_o as_o do_v not_o overthrow_v the_o end_n of_o it_o we_o may_v reasonable_o infer_v that_o whatever_o tend_v to_o promote_v this_o union_n and_o to_o prevent_v any_o notable_a inconvenience_n or_o mischief_n which_o may_v happen_v to_o it_o be_v within_o the_o design_n of_o the_o first_o institution_n although_o it_o be_v not_o contain_v in_o express_a word_n sect._n 19_o we_o be_v now_o therefore_o to_o consider_v whether_o single_a congregation_n disperse_v and_o disunite_v over_o a_o nation_n or_o a_o combination_n of_o they_o together_o under_o some_o common_a bond_n as_o to_o faith_n government_n and_o worship_n be_v the_o more_o likely_a way_n to_o promote_v religion_n to_o secure_v the_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o a_o church_n let_v we_o then_o compare_v these_o two_o hypothesis_n together_o in_o point_n of_o reason_n as_o to_o these_o end_n in_o the_o congregational_a way_n there_o may_v be_v as_o many_o religion_n as_o church_n i_o do_v not_o say_v there_o be_v but_o we_o be_v argue_v now_o upon_o what_o may_v be_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n suppose_v then_o every_o congregation_n to_o have_v a_o entire_a and_o unaccountable_a power_n within_o itself_o what_o hinder_v but_o of_o ten_o congregation_n one_o may_v be_v of_o socinian_o another_o of_o papist_n another_o of_o arian_n another_o of_o quaker_n another_o of_o anabaptist_n etc._n etc._n and_o it_o may_v be_v no_o two_o of_o they_o of_o the_o same_o mind_n but_o if_o they_o be_v it_o be_v mere_a chance_n and_o good_a hap_n there_o be_v no_o obligation_n upon_o they_o to_o have_v any_o more_o
concern_v the_o common_a tie_n or_o rule_n which_o make_v this_o national_a church_n 1._o concern_v the_o difference_n between_o a_o christian_a kingdom_n and_o a_o national_a church_n 32._o a_o christian_a kingdom_n he_o say_v they_o all_o own_o but_o this_o be_v only_o equivocal_o call_v a_o church_n but_o he_o say_v the_o christian_a bishop_n for_o 1300_o year_n be_v far_o from_o believe_v that_o a_o prince_n or_o civil_a power_n be_v essential_a to_o a_o christian_a church_n or_o that_o the_o church_n in_o the_o common_a sense_n be_v not_o constitute_v of_o another_o sort_n of_o regent_n part_n that_o have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n that_o hold_v a_o prince_n a_o essential_a part_n of_o a_o christian_a church_n let_v mr._n baxter_n confute_v they_o but_o i_o be_o none_o of_o they_o for_o i_o do_v believe_v there_o be_v christian_a church_n before_o christian_a prince_n that_o there_o be_v christian_a church_n under_o christian_a prince_n and_o will_v be_v such_o if_o there_o be_v none_o leave_v i_o do_v believe_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n to_o be_v a_o distinct_a thing_n 1â—â—1_n from_o the_o office_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n and_o if_o he_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o write_v against_o such_o a_o opinion_n he_o shall_v have_v rather_o send_v it_o to_o his_o learned_a sincere_a and_o worthy_a friend_n lewis_n du_fw-fr moulin_n if_o he_o have_v be_v still_o live_v but_o if_o i_o only_o mean_v a_o christian_a kingdom_n 40._o who_o deny_v it_o say_v he_o if_o all_o this_o confuse_a stir_n be_v about_o a_o christian_a kingdom_n be_v it_o know_v to_o you_o that_o we_o take_v such_o to_o be_v of_o divine_a command_n nay_o far_o 〈…〉_z if_o we_o mean_v all_o the_o church_n of_o a_o kingdom_n associate_v for_o concord_n as_o equal_n we_o deny_v it_o not_o what_o be_v it_o then_o that_o be_v so_o deny_v and_o dispute_v against_o and_o such_o a_o flood_n of_o word_n be_v pour_v out_o about_o it_o seem_v at_o last_o it_o be_v this_o that_o the_o nation_n must_v be_v one_o church_n as_o unite_v in_o one_o saccrdotal_a head_n personal_a or_o collective_a monarchical_a or_o aristocratical_a before_o i_o answer_v this_o question_n i_o hope_v i_o may_v ask_v another_o whence_o come_v this_o zeal_n now_o against_o a_o national_a church_n for_o when_o the_o presbyterian_o be_v in_o power_n they_o be_v then_o for_o national_a church_n and_o think_v they_o prove_v they_o out_o of_o scripture_n and_o none_o of_o these_o subtlety_n about_o the_o constitutive_a regent_n part_n do_v ever_o perplex_v or_o trouble_v they_o thus_o the_o presbyterian_a london_n minister_n 1654._o make_v no_o difficulty_n of_o own_v national_a church_n 14._o and_o particular_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o these_o word_n and_o if_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n be_v call_v one_o church_n let_v no_o man_n be_v offend_v if_o all_o the_o congregation_n in_o england_n be_v call_v the_o church_n of_o england_n but_o this_o you_o will_v say_v be_v by_o association_n of_o equal_a church_n no_o they_o say_v it_o be_v when_o the_o particular_a congregation_n of_o one_o nation_n live_v under_o one_o civil_a government_n agree_v in_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n be_v govern_v by_o their_o great_a and_o lesser_a assembly_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n say_v they_o we_o assert_v a_o national_a church_n 15._o two_o thing_n say_v mr._n hudson_n be_v require_v to_o make_v a_o national_a church_n 1._o national_a agreement_n in_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o worship_n 2._o national_a union_n in_o one_o ecclesiastical_a body_n in_o the_o same_o community_n of_o ecclesiastical_a government_n the_o old_a nonconformist_n have_v no_o scruple_n about_o own_v the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o think_v they_o understand_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o it_o whence_o come_v all_o these_o difficulty_n now_o to_o be_v raise_v about_o this_o matter_n be_v the_o thing_n grow_v so_o much_o dark_a than_o former_o but_o some_o man_n understanding_n be_v confound_v with_o nice_a distinction_n and_o their_o conscience_n ensnare_v by_o needless_a scruple_n to_o give_v therefore_o a_o plain_a answer_n to_o the_o question_n what_o we_o mean_v by_o the_o national_a church_n of_o england_n by_o that_o be_v understand_v either_o 1_o the_o church_n of_o england_n diffusive_a or_o 2_o the_o church_n of_o england_n representative_a 1._o the_o national_a church_n of_o england_n diffusive_a be_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o christian_n in_o this_o nation_n consist_v of_o pastor_n and_o people_n agree_v in_o that_o faith_n government_n and_o worship_n which_o be_v establish_v by_o the_o law_n of_o this_o realm_n and_o by_o this_o description_n any_o one_o may_v see_v how_o easy_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o papist_n on_o one_o side_n and_o the_o dissenter_n on_o the_o other_o which_o make_v i_o continue_v my_o wonder_n at_o those_o who_o so_o confident_o say_v they_o can_v tell_v what_o we_o mean_v by_o the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o be_v there_o not_o a_o church_n here_o settle_v upon_o the_o reformation_n in_o the_o time_n of_o edward_n 6._o and_o queen_n elizabeth_n have_v not_o the_o same_o doctrine_n the_o same_o government_n the_o same_o manner_n of_o worship_n continue_v in_o this_o church_n bate_v only_o the_o interruption_n give_v by_o its_o enemy_n how_o come_v it_o then_o so_o hard_o for_o man_n to_o understand_v so_o easy_a so_o plain_a so_o intelligible_a a_o thing_n if_o all_o the_o question_n be_v how_o all_o the_o congregation_n in_o england_n make_v up_o this_o one_o church_n i_o say_v by_o unity_n of_o consent_n as_o all_o particular_a church_n make_v one_o catholic_n church_n if_o they_o ask_v how_o it_o come_v to_o be_v one_o national_a church_n i_o say_v because_o it_o be_v receive_v by_o the_o common_a consent_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n in_o parliament_n as_o other_o law_n of_o the_o nation_n be_v and_o be_v universal_o receive_v by_o all_o that_o obey_v those_o law_n and_o tâ—is_o i_o think_v be_v sufficient_a to_o scatter_v those_o mist_n which_o some_o pretend_v to_o have_v before_o their_o eye_n that_o they_o can_v clear_o see_v what_o we_o mean_v by_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 2._o the_o representative_a church_n of_o england_n be_v the_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n of_o this_o church_n meet_v together_o according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o this_o realm_n to_o consult_v and_o advise_v about_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o this_o be_v determine_v by_o the_o allow_a canon_n of_o this_o church_n 139._o we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o the_o convocation_n at_o westminster_n be_v the_o representative_a church_n of_o england_n as_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v a_o national_a church_n for_o that_o be_v only_o representative_a of_o this_o province_n there_o be_v another_o convocation_n in_o the_o other_o province_n but_o the_o consent_n of_o both_o convocation_n be_v the_o representative_a national_a church_n of_o england_n sect._n 21._o and_o now_o to_o answer_v mr._n baxter_n grand_a difficulty_n concern_v the_o constitutive_a regent_n part_n of_o this_o national_a church_n i_o say_v 1._o it_o proceed_v upon_o a_o false_a supposition_n 2._o it_o be_v capable_a of_o a_o plain_a resolution_n 1._o that_o it_o proceed_v upon_o a_o false_a supposition_n which_o be_v that_o wherever_o there_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o a_o church_n there_o must_v be_v a_o constitutive_a regent_n part_n i._n e._n there_o must_v be_v a_o stand_a govern_v power_n which_o be_v a_o essential_a part_n of_o it_o which_o i_o shall_v prove_v to_o be_v false_a from_o mr._n baxter_n himself_o he_o assert_n that_o there_o be_v one_o catholic_n visible_a church_n and_o that_o all_o particular_a church_n 830._o which_o be_v head_v by_o their_o particular_a bishop_n or_o pastor_n be_v part_n of_o this_o universal_a church_n as_o a_o troop_n be_v of_o a_o army_n or_o a_o city_n of_o a_o kingdom_n if_o this_o doctrine_n be_v true_a 77._o and_o withal_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o every_o church_n must_v have_v a_o constitutive_a regent_n part_n as_o essential_a to_o it_o than_o it_o unavoidable_o follow_v that_o there_o must_v be_v a_o catholic_n visible_a head_n to_o a_o catholic_n visible_a church_n and_o so_o mr._n baxter_n '_o be_v constitutive_a regent_n part_n of_o a_o church_n have_v do_v the_o pope_n a_o wonderful_a kindness_n and_o make_v a_o very_a plausible_a plea_n for_o his_o universal_a pastourship_n but_o there_o be_v some_o man_n in_o the_o world_n who_o do_v not_o attend_v to_o the_o advantage_n they_o give_v to_o popery_n so_o they_o may_v vent_v their_o spleen_n against_o the_o church_n of_o england_n but_o do_v not_o mr._n baxter_n say_v that_o the_o universal_a church_n be_v head_v by_o christ_n himself_o i_o grant_v he_o do_v but_o this_o do_v not_o remove_v the_o difficulty_n for_o the_o question_n be_v
among_o they_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n than_o baptise_n he_o and_o immediate_o after_o upon_o the_o hold_v up_o of_o his_o hand_n in_o token_n of_o his_o own_v the_o church-covenant_n he_o say_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n we_o receive_v thou_o into_o this_o congregation_n and_o accept_v of_o thy_o hold_v up_o of_o thy_o hand_n as_o a_o token_n that_o thou_o will_v hereafter_o behave_v thyself_o as_o a_o church-member_n ought_v to_o do_v among_o we_o what_o harm_n be_v there_o in_o all_o this_o and_o yet_o be_v not_o this_o a_o profess_v dedicate_a covenant_a symbolical_a sacramental_a sign_n as_o much_o as_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n be_v among_o we_o do_v not_o hold_v up_o the_o hand_n signify_v and_o represent_v be_v it_o not_o therefore_o a_o significant_a and_o symbolical_a ceremony_n do_v it_o not_o import_v a_o obligation_n lie_v on_o the_o person_n be_v it_o not_o therefore_o dedicate_a covenant_a and_o sacramental_a as_o much_o as_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n why_o then_o shall_v this_o be_v scruple_v more_o than_o the_o other_o and_o by_o this_o mr._n b.'s_n great_a mistake_n appear_v about_o this_o matter_n 18._o who_o suppose_v that_o the_o minister_n speak_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n when_o he_o sign_n with_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o as_o god_n officer_n from_o he_o and_o so_o dedicate_v he_o by_o this_o sign_n to_o the_o service_n of_o he_o that_o die_v upon_o the_o cross_n whereas_o the_o minister_n in_o the_o act_n speak_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n as_o evident_o appear_v by_o those_o word_n we_o receive_v he_o into_o the_o congregation_n of_o christ_n be_v flock_n and_o then_o follow_v as_o the_o solemn_a rite_n of_o admission_n and_o do_v sign_n he_o with_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n etc._n etc._n all_o public_a and_o solemn_a admission_n into_o society_n have_v some_o peculiar_a ceremony_n belong_v to_o they_o and_o so_o as_o baptism_n beside_o its_o sacramental_a efficacy_n be_v a_o rite_n of_o admission_n into_o christ_n catholic_n church_n so_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n be_v into_o our_o church_n of_o england_n in_o which_o this_o ceremony_n be_v use_v without_o any_o prescription_n to_o other_o church_n sect._n 30._o but_o say_v mr._n b._n though_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n may_v be_v lawful_a directory_n as_o a_o transient_a arbitrary_a profess_v sign_n 113._o yet_o not_o as_o a_o dedicate_a sign_n and_o as_o the_o common_a profess_v symbol_n of_o baptize_v person_n if_o it_o be_v lawful_a in_o the_o former_a sense_n i_o can_v understand_v how_o it_o shall_v be_v unlawful_a in_o the_o latter_a yes_o say_v he_o the_o institute_v of_o the_o latter_a belong_v to_o god_n only_o how_o do_v that_o appear_v because_o he_o have_v make_v two_o sacrament_n already_o for_o that_o end_n true_o but_o not_o only_o for_o that_o end_n but_o to_o be_v the_o mean_n and_o instrument_n of_o convey_v his_o grace_n to_o man_n which_o none_o but_o god_n himself_o can_v do_v and_o therefore_o none_o but_o he_o ought_v to_o appoint_v the_o mean_n for_o that_o end_n and_o we_o account_v it_o a_o unsufferable_a insolency_n in_o the_o roman_a church_n for_o they_o to_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o make_v application_n of_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n to_o rite_n of_o their_o own_o institution_n which_o be_v the_o only_a possible_a way_n for_o a_o church_n to_o make_v new_a sacrament_n but_o if_o every_o significant_a custom_n in_o a_o church_n must_v pass_v for_o a_o new_a sacrament_n then_o sit_v at_o the_o sacrament_n be_v a_o new_a sacrament_n because_o we_o be_v tell_v it_o betoken_v rest_n and_o communion_n with_o christ_n then_o put_v off_o the_o hat_n in_o prayer_n be_v a_o new_a sacrament_n because_o it_o be_v a_o profess_v sign_n of_o reverence_n then_o lay_v on_o the_o hand_n and_o kiss_v the_o book_n in_o swear_v be_v new_a sacrament_n because_o they_o be_v public_a symbolical_a rite_n but_o say_v mr._n b._n it_o belong_v only_o to_o the_o king_n to_o make_v the_o common_a badge_n or_o symbol_n of_o his_o own_o subject_n yet_o i_o hope_v every_o nobleman_n or_o gentleman_n may_v give_v a_o distinct_a livery_n without_o treason_n and_o therefore_o why_o may_v not_o every_o church_n appoint_v its_o own_o rite_n of_o admission_n of_o member_n into_o its_o body_n but_o the_o obligation_n here_o be_v to_o the_o common_a duty_n of_o christian_n and_o be_v not_o every_o church-member_n bind_v to_o perform_v these_o that_o which_o be_v peculiar_a be_v the_o manner_n of_o admission_n by_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o this_o rite_n our_o church_n impose_v on_o no_o other_o but_o its_o own_o member_n i._n e._n make_v it_o necessary_a to_o none_o else_o and_o to_o show_v it_o to_o be_v only_o a_o solemn_a rite_n of_o admission_n it_o allow_v it_o to_o be_v forbear_v in_o private_a baptism_n but_o say_v mr._n b._n christ_n sacrament_n or_o symbol_n be_v sufficient_a we_o need_v not_o devise_v more_o and_o accuse_v his_o institution_n of_o insufficiency_n if_o it_o be_v lawful_a the_o church_n be_v to_o judge_v of_o the_o expediency_n and_o not_o every_o private_a person_n and_o to_o appoint_v other_o rite_n that_o do_v not_o encroach_v upon_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n by_o challenge_v any_o effect_n peculiar_a to_o they_o be_v no_o charge_v they_o with_o insufficiency_n well_o say_v mr._n b._n but_o it_o be_v unlawful_a on_o another_o account_n viz._n as_o it_o be_v a_o image_n use_v as_o a_o medium_n in_o god_n worship_n and_o so_o forbid_v in_o the_o second_o commandment_n he_o may_v as_o well_o make_v it_o unlawful_a to_o use_v word_n in_o god_n worship_n for_o be_v not_o they_o image_n and_o represent_v thing_n to_o our_o mind_n as_o well_o as_o a_o transient_a sign_n of_o the_o cross_n nay_o do_v not_o mr._n b._n in_o the_o same_o place_n make_v it_o lawful_a to_o make_v a_o image_n a_o object_n or_o medium_fw-la of_o our_o consideration_n exciting_a our_o mind_n to_o worship_n god_n as_o he_o instance_v in_o a_o crucifix_n or_o historical_a image_n of_o christ_n or_o some_o holy_a man_n if_o any_o divine_a of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v say_v any_o thing_n to_o this_o purpose_n what_o out-cry_n of_o popery_n have_v be_v make_v against_o we_o how_o many_o advances_n have_v we_o present_o make_v for_o let_v in_o the_o gross_a idolatry_n how_o many_o divine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v be_v quote_v to_o show_v that_o they_o go_v no_o further_a and_o desire_v no_o more_o than_o this_o yet_o the_o transient_a sign_n of_o the_o cross_n without_o any_o respect_n to_o worship_n be_v condemn_v among_o we_o as_o forbid_v by_o the_o second_o commandment_n and_o that_o by_o the_o same_o person_n and_o in_o the_o same_o page_n but_o it_o be_v use_v as_o a_o medium_n in_o god_n worship_n be_v our_o worship_n direct_v to_o it_o or_o do_v we_o kneel_v before_o it_o as_o mr._n b._n allow_v man_n may_v do_v before_o a_o crucifix_n do_v we_o declare_v that_o we_o be_v excite_v by_o it_o to_o worship_n god_n no_o all_o these_o be_v reject_v by_o our_o church_n how_o then_o be_v it_o a_o medium_n in_o god_n worship_n why_o forsooth_o it_o be_v not_o a_o mere_a circumstance_n but_o a_o outward_a act_n of_o worship_n what_o as_o much_o as_o kneel_v before_o a_o crucifix_n and_o yet_o that_o be_v lawful_a according_a to_o he_o suppose_v the_o mind_n be_v only_o excite_v by_o it_o suppose_v then_o we_o only_o use_v the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n to_o excite_v man_n consideration_n in_o the_o act_n of_o worship_n what_o harm_n be_v in_o it_o upon_o mr._n b.'s_n ground_n but_o our_o church_n allow_v not_o so_o much_o only_o take_v it_o for_o a_o lawful_a outward_a ceremony_n which_o have_v nothing_o of_o worship_n belong_v to_o it_o how_o come_v it_o then_o to_o be_v a_o medium_n in_o god_n worship_n for_o mr._n b._n say_v in_o the_o same_o place_n there_o be_v a_o twofold_a medium_n in_o god_n worship_n 1._o medium_fw-la excitans_fw-la that_o raise_v our_o mind_n to_o worship_n god_n as_o a_o crucifix_n etc._n etc._n 2._o medium_fw-la terminans_fw-la or_o as_o he_o call_v it_o terminus_fw-la in_fw-la genere_fw-la causae_fw-la finalis_fw-la a_o worship_v medium_n or_o the_o terminus_fw-la or_o the_o thing_n which_o we_o worship_v mediate_o on_o pretence_n of_o represent_v god_n and_o that_o we_o worship_v he_o in_o it_o ultimate_o and_o this_o he_o take_v to_o be_v the_o thing_n forbid_v direct_o in_o the_o second_o commandment_n viz._n to_o worship_v a_o creature_n with_o mind_n or_o body_n in_o the_o act_n of_o divine_a worship_n as_o represent_v god_n or_o as_o the_o mediate_a term_n of_o our_o worship_n by_o which_o we_o send_v it_o unto_o god_n as_o if_o it_o be_v more_o acceptable_a to_o he_o so_o
divide_v rash_o from_o she_o as_o they_o do_v be_v not_o this_o to_o divide_v from_o all_o the_o ancient_a church_n from_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o east_n from_o all_o the_o protestant_a church_n which_o have_v always_o have_v a_o very_a great_a respect_n for_o the_o purity_n of_o that_o of_o england_n be_v it_o not_o horrible_a impudence_n to_o excommunicate_v she_o without_o mercy_n and_o to_o make_v themselves_o believe_v strange_o of_o she_o for_o they_o to_o imagine_v that_o they_o be_v the_o only_a man_n in_o england_n nay_o in_o the_o christian_a world_n that_o be_v predestinate_v to_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o to_o hold_v the_o truth_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v hold_v indeed_o one_o may_v make_v a_o very_a odious_a parallel_n betwixt_o these_o teacher_n and_o pope_n victor_n that_o will_v needs_o excommunicate_v the_o church_n of_o asia_n because_o they_o do_v not_o celebrate_v the_o feast_n of_o easter_n the_o same_o day_n they_o do_v at_o rome_n betwixt_o they_o and_o the_o audean_o that_o divide_v from_o the_o christian_n and_o will_v not_o endure_v rich_a bishop_n betwixt_o they_o and_o the_o donatist_n that_o will_v have_v no_o communion_n with_o they_o that_o have_v be_v ordain_v by_o lapse_v bishop_n and_o imagine_v that_o their_o society_n be_v the_o true_a church_n and_o the_o well_o belove_a spouse_n that_o feed_v her_o flock_n in_o the_o south_n betwixt_o they_o and_o those_o of_o the_o roman_a communion_n who_o have_v so_o good_a a_o opinion_n of_o their_o own_o church_n that_o out_o of_o she_o they_o do_v not_o imagine_v that_o any_o one_o can_v ever_o be_v save_v for_o my_o part_n as_o much_o incline_v to_o toleration_n as_o i_o be_o i_o can_v for_o all_o this_o persuade_v myself_o that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v allow_v to_o those_o that_o have_v so_o little_a of_o it_o for_o other_o man_n and_o who_o if_o they_o be_v master_n will_v certain_o give_v but_o bad_a quarter_n to_o those_o that_o depend_v upon_o they_o i_o look_v upon_o these_o man_n as_o disturber_n of_o the_o state_n and_o church_n and_o who_o be_v doubtless_o animate_v by_o a_o spirit_n of_o sedition_n nay_o i_o can_v scarce_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v just_o such_o as_o they_o say_v they_o be_v and_o i_o shall_v be_v something_o afraid_a that_o very_o dangerous_a enemy_n may_v be_v hide_v under_o colour_n of_o these_o teacher_n society_n compose_v of_o such_o person_n will_v be_v extreme_a dangerous_a and_o they_o can_v not_o be_v suffer_v without_o open_v the_o gate_n to_o disorder_v and_o advance_v towards_o one_o own_o ruin_n there_o be_v some_o of_o these_o that_o be_v compose_v of_o more_o reasonable_a man_n but_o i_o can_v wish_v they_o be_v reasonable_a enough_o not_o to_o separate_v from_o those_o of_o which_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v compose_v especial_o in_o the_o case_n we_o be_v in_o they_o shall_v do_v all_o for_o a_o good_a agreement_n and_o in_o the_o present_a conjuncture_n of_o affair_n they_o shall_v understand_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o good_a reunion_n that_o can_v prevent_v the_o evil_n with_o which_o england_n be_v threaten_v for_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n i_o do_v not_o see_v that_o their_o meeting_n be_v of_o any_o great_a use_n or_o that_o one_o may_v be_v more_o comfort_v there_o than_o in_o the_o episcopal_a church_n when_o i_o be_v at_o london_n almost_o five_o year_n ago_o i_o go_v to_o several_a of_o their_o private_a assembly_n to_o see_v what_o way_n they_o take_v for_o the_o instruction_n of_o the_o people_n and_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o i_o profess_v i_o be_v not_o at_o all_o edify_v by_o it_o i_o hear_v one_o of_o the_o most_o famous_a nonconformist_n he_o preach_v in_o a_o place_n where_o there_o be_v three_o man_n and_o three_o or_o fourscore_o woman_n he_o have_v choose_v a_o text_n about_o the_o build_n up_o the_o ruin_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o for_o the_o explication_n of_o it_o he_o cite_v pliny_n and_o vitruvius_n a_o hundred_o time_n and_o do_v not_o forget_v to_o mention_v a_o proverb_n in_o italian_a duro_fw-la con_fw-mi duro_fw-la non_fw-it fa_fw-it muro_fw-la all_o this_o seem_v to_o i_o nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n and_o very_o improper_a for_o the_o poor_a woman_n and_o very_o far_o from_o a_o spirit_n that_o seek_v nothing_o but_o the_o comfort_n and_o edification_n of_o his_o hearer_n to_o cantonize_v themselves_o and_o make_v a_o schism_n to_o have_v the_o liberty_n to_o vent_v such_o vanity_n be_v very_o ill_a conduct_n and_o the_o people_n seem_v very_o weak_a to_o quit_v their_o mutual_a assembly_n for_o thing_n that_o so_o little_o deserve_v their_o esteem_n and_o preference_n i_o do_v not_o think_v that_o any_o one_o be_v oblige_v to_o suffer_v this_o irregularity_n it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o novatian_o be_v sometime_o suffer_v at_o rome_n and_o constantinople_n and_o that_o even_o the_o donatist_n have_v some_o kind_n of_o liberty_n in_o the_o first_o of_o these_o place_n but_o they_o be_v only_a stranger_n and_o that_o neither_o do_v not_o endure_v any_o long_a time_n and_o as_o there_o be_v but_o few_o of_o they_o that_o be_v not_o to_o be_v draw_v into_o example_n but_o it_o be_v another_o case_n in_o england_n and_o see_v the_o good_a of_o the_o state_n and_o church_n depend_v absolute_o upon_o the_o union_n of_o the_o people_n in_o the_o point_n of_o religion_n one_o can_v there_o press_v a_o universal_a union_n too_o much_o but_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v procure_v by_o good_a mean_n and_o since_o the_o bishop_n be_v person_n of_o great_a experience_n of_o a_o extraordinary_a knowledge_n of_o a_o true_a fatherly_a zeal_n and_o goodness_n towards_o their_o people_n i_o hope_v that_o they_o will_v employ_v themselves_o in_o this_o great_a work_n with_o all_o the_o prudence_n and_o charity_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o succeed_a of_o such_o a_o commendable_a undertake_n you_o particular_o my_o lord_n who_o moderation_n and_o capacity_n be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o the_o world_n it_o look_v as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o design_n reserve_v for_o your_o great_a wisdom_n and_o if_o you_o do_v not_o succeed_v it_o be_v clear_a that_o all_o other_o will_v labour_v in_o it_o but_o in_o vain_a for_o my_o part_n i_o can_v contribute_v nothing_o to_o it_o where_o i_o be_o but_o vow_n and_o prayer_n and_o of_o these_o i_o can_v protest_v that_o i_o make_v very_o sincere_a one_o every_o day_n for_o the_o prosperity_n of_o the_o english_a church_n and_o that_o it_o will_v please_v god_n to_o order_v thing_n in_o such_o manner_n that_o all_o the_o protestant_n of_o england_n for_o the_o future_a may_v be_v of_o one_o heart_n and_o of_o one_o soul._n i_o beg_v your_o lordship_n to_o be_v well_o assure_v of_o this_o and_o to_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v with_o more_o respect_n than_o i_o be_o leyden_n sept._n 3._o 1680._o my_o lord_n your_o most_o humble_a and_o most_o obedient_a servant_n le_z moyne_n a_o paris_n l'_fw-fr 32._o d'octob_n monseigneur_n rien_fw-fr ne_fw-fr vous_fw-fr a_fw-fr deu_fw-mi paroistre_fw-mi si_fw-mi estrange_v ny_fw-fr si_fw-mi incivil_a que_fw-fr mon_fw-fr silence_n sur_fw-fr la_fw-fr lettre_fw-fr que_fw-fr vous_fw-fr i_o fîstes_fw-fr l'honneur_fw-fr de_fw-fr m'escrire_fw-fr il_fw-fr y_fw-fr a_fw-fr environ_fw-fr trois_fw-fr mois_fw-fr il_fw-fr est_fw-fr pourtant_fw-fr uray_fw-fr que_fw-fr je_fw-fr n'ay_fw-fr rien_fw-fr a_o i_o reprocher_n sur_fw-fr cela_fw-fr &_o a_o fin_n que_fw-fr vous_fw-fr le_fw-fr croyiez_fw-fr comme_fw-fr moi_fw-fr vous_fw-fr voulez_fw-fr bien_fw-fr i_o permettre_fw-fr de_fw-fr vous_fw-fr dire_fw-fr comment_n la_fw-fr choose_v s'est_fw-fr passée_fw-fr quand_fw-fr on_o m'apporta_fw-mi vostre_fw-fr lettre_fw-fr j'estois_fw-fr retombé_fw-fr dans_fw-fr une_fw-fr grande_fw-fr &_o violente_fw-la fiebure_fw-fr dont_fw-fr dieu_fw-fr m'a_fw-fr affligé_fw-fr durant_fw-mi quatre_fw-fr ou_fw-fr cinq_fw-fr mois_fw-fr &_o qui_fw-fr m'a_fw-fr mené_fw-fr jusqu'a_fw-fr deux_fw-fr doit_n de_fw-fr la_fw-fr mort_fw-fr je_fw-fr priay_v un_fw-fr de_fw-fr mes_fw-fr s_n qui_fw-fr estoit_fw-fr alors_fw-fr dans_fw-fr ma_fw-fr chambre_n de_fw-fr l'ouvrir_fw-fr &_o de_fw-it i_o dire_fw-fr le_fw-fr nom_fw-fr de_fw-fr celuy_fw-fr qui_fw-fr i_o l'escrivoit_fw-fr mais_fw-fr il_fw-fr se_fw-fr trouva_fw-fr que_fw-fr vous_fw-fr aviez_fw-fr oublié_fw-fr de_fw-fr la_fw-fr signer_n sur_fw-fr quoy_fw-fr je_fw-fr i_o l'a_fw-fr fis_fw-fr apporter_n pour_fw-fr voir_fw-fr si_fw-fr je_fw-fr n'en_fw-fr connoistrois_fw-fr point_fw-fr le_fw-fr caractére_n et_fw-fr ce_fw-fr fut_fw-fr encore_fw-fr inutilement_n par_fw-fr ce_fw-fr que_fw-fr jusqu'alor_n je_fw-fr n'_fw-fr avois_fw-fr rien_fw-fr veu_n de_fw-fr vostre_fw-fr main_fw-fr cela_fw-fr i_o fit_a croire_fw-fr qu'elle_fw-fr avoit_fw-fr esté_fw-fr escrite_n par_fw-fr celuy_fw-fr lá_fw-fr mesme_fw-fr qui_fw-fr l'avoit_fw-fr apportée_n pour_fw-fr m'attrapper_fw-fr dix_fw-fr ou_fw-fr douze_n sous_fw-fr de_fw-fr port_n car_fw-fr ce_fw-fr petit_fw-fr stratagem_n est_fw-fr assez_fw-fr commun_fw-fr en_fw-fr
against_o the_o teacher_n of_o the_o circumcision_n verse_n 2._o beware_v of_o dog_n beware_v of_o evil_a worker_n beware_v of_o the_o concision_n but_o speak_v so_o reproachful_o of_o they_o he_o show_v in_o the_o next_o word_n that_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v excellent_a in_o the_o design_n of_o the_o law_n be_v accomplish_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o so_o he_o proceed_v to_o declare_v how_o just_o he_o be_v bring_v to_o a_o disesteem_a of_o the_o great_a privilege_n of_o the_o law_n in_o comparison_n with_o the_o thing_n reveal_v by_o the_o gospel_n which_o show_v that_o the_o apostle_n have_v still_o a_o eye_n to_o these_o false_a teacher_n who_o be_v very_o busy_a in_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o draw_v disciple_n after_o they_o plead_v the_o necessity_n of_o observe_v the_o law_n and_o divide_v the_o christian_n into_o different_a communion_n on_o that_o account_n as_o appear_v by_o their_o proceed_n at_o antioch_n where_o they_o do_v separate_v 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reach_v to_o the_o difference_n then_o among_o they_o it_o be_v very_o uncertain_a because_o it_o set_v no_o bound_n to_o difference_n and_o suppose_v the_o continuance_n of_o such_o difference_n among_o they_o which_o he_o design_v to_o prevent_v by_o persuade_v they_o so_o often_o in_o this_o epistle_n to_o be_v of_o one_o mind_n 2._o of_o one_o soul_n as_o well_o as_o to_o mind_v the_o same_o thing_n beside_o the_o difference_n then_o on_o foot_n be_v none_o of_o the_o small_a difference_n of_o opinion_n but_o that_o about_o which_o they_o differ_v be_v urge_v on_o one_o side_n as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n 1._o by_o the_o false_a apostle_n and_o oppose_v on_o the_o other_o as_o pernicious_a and_o destructive_a to_o it_o one_o of_o my_o answerer_n say_v 16._o that_o the_o judaize_v christian_n be_v leaven_v with_o such_o a_o corrupt_a opinion_n as_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v bear_v with_o which_o will_v have_v madè_fw-la christ_n and_o his_o death_n in_o vain_a and_o that_o the_o apostle_n set_v himself_o against_o it_o may_v and_o main_n show_v the_o dreadful_a consequence_n of_o it_o and_o be_v it_o probable_a the_o apostle_n shall_v prescribe_v a_o rule_n of_o mutual_a forbearance_n 2._o in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o this_o especial_o when_o in_o the_o same_o chapter_n he_o give_v so_o great_a a_o caution_n against_o they_o with_o so_o much_o unusual_a sharpness_n of_o expression_n beware_v of_o dog_n beware_v of_o evil_a worker_n beware_v of_o the_o concision_n do_v this_o look_n like_o a_o precept_n of_o mutual_a forbearance_n as_o to_o the_o difference_n then_o among_o they_o these_o we_o know_v there_o be_v let_v dr._n o_o name_n any_o other_o small_a difference_n of_o opinion_n which_o may_v be_v a_o occasion_n of_o the_o apostle_n give_v such_o a_o rule_n of_o mutual_a forbearance_n but_o now_o if_o we_o suppose_v the_o apostle_n to_o speak_v to_o the_o difference_n about_o the_o law_n about_o which_o the_o church_n be_v then_o divide_v the_o sense_n be_v plain_a easy_a and_o pertinent_a for_o so_o either_o 1_o it_o take_v in_o those_o who_o hitherto_o differ_v about_o the_o law_n and_o then_o the_o sense_n be_v although_o you_o be_v not_o come_v up_o to_o so_o great_a satisfaction_n as_o other_o have_v yet_o go_v as_o far_o as_o you_o can_v with_o the_o body_n of_o christian_n you_o live_v with_o keep_v within_o one_o rule_n break_v not_o the_o bound_n of_o peace_n and_o unity_n which_o christ_n have_v set_v you_o run_v not_o with_o the_o false_a teacher_n into_o separate_v divide_v course_n 2._o it_o be_v direct_v to_o those_o who_o have_v get_v the_o start_n of_o other_o and_o then_o it_o contain_v the_o obligation_n that_o lie_v upon_o they_o especial_o so_o have_v a_o mighty_a regard_n to_o the_o peacâ—_n and_o unity_n of_o christian_n not_o to_o break_v the_o
commonâ—ties_n and_o bond_n on_o the_o account_n of_o their_o great_a attainment_n nor_o to_o separate_a from_o other_o as_o mean_a and_o low_a christian_n because_o they_o be_v not_o come_v up_o to_o that_o perfection_n which_o you_o have_v attain_v to_o and_o so_o either_o way_n it_o contain_v a_o excellent_a rule_n and_o of_o admirable_a use_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n not_o only_o at_o that_o time_n but_o in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n viz._n that_o those_o who_o can_v be_v full_o satisfy_v in_o all_o thing_n shall_v go_v as_o far_o as_o they_o can_v towards_o preserve_a peace_n and_o communion_n among_o christian_n and_o not_o peevish_o separate_v and_o divide_v the_o church_n because_o they_o can_v in_o all_o thing_n think_v as_o other_o do_v nor_o other_o on_o the_o account_n of_o great_a sanctity_n and_o perfection_n despise_v the_o inferior_a sort_n of_o christian_n and_o forsake_v their_o communion_n but_o they_o ought_v all_o to_o do_v what_o lie_v possible_o in_o they_o to_o preserve_v the_o bond_n of_o peace_n and_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n three_o how_o far_o this_o rule_n have_v a_o influence_n on_o our_o case_n 1._o it_o follow_v from_o hence_o that_o as_o far_o as_o communion_n be_v lawful_a it_o be_v a_o duty_n since_o as_o far_o as_o they_o have_v attain_v they_o be_v to_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n and_o so_o much_o dr._n o._n do_v not_o deny_v when_o he_o say_v those_o who_o be_v agree_v in_o the_o substantial_o of_o religion_n or_o in_o the_o principle_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n shall_v walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n and_o mind_n the_o same_o thing_n forbear_v one_o another_o in_o the_o the_o thing_n wherein_o they_o differ_v then_o as_o far_o as_o they_o agree_v they_o be_v bind_v to_o join_v together_o whether_o it_o be_v as_o to_o opinion_n or_o communion_n because_o the_o obligation_n to_o peace_n and_o unity_n must_v especial_o reach_v to_o act_n of_o christian_a communion_n as_o far_o as_o that_o be_v judge_v to_o be_v lawful_a 2._o that_o the_o best_a christian_n be_v bind_v to_o unite_v with_o other_o though_o of_o low_a attainment_n and_o to_o keep_v within_o the_o same_o rule_n which_o be_v a_o general_a expression_n relate_v to_o the_o bound_n of_o a_o race_n and_o so_o take_v in_o all_o such_o order_n which_o be_v lawful_a and_o judge_v necessary_a to_o hold_v the_o member_n of_o a_o christian_a society_n together_o 26._o but_o say_v dr._n o._n let_v the_o apostle_n rule_v be_v produce_v with_o any_o probability_n of_o proof_n to_o be_v his_o and_o they_o be_v all_o ready_a to_o subscribe_v and_o conform_v unto_o it_o this_o be_v the_o apostle_n rule_n to_o go_v as_o far_o as_o they_o can_v and_o if_o they_o can_v go_v no_o far_o to_o sit_v down_o quiet_o and_o wait_v for_o far_a instruction_n and_o not_o to_o break_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o present_a dissatisfaction_n nor_o to_o gather_v new_a church_n out_o of_o other_o upon_o supposition_n of_o high_a attainment_n if_o the_o rule_n reach_v our_o case_n 27._o say_v he_o again_o it_o must_v be_v such_o as_o require_v thing_n to_o be_v observe_v as_o be_v never_o divine_o appoint_v as_o national_a church_n ceremony_n and_o mode_n of_o worship_n and_o so_o this_o rule_n do_v in_o order_n to_o peace_n require_v the_o observation_n of_o such_o thing_n which_o although_o they_o be_v not_o particular_o appoint_v by_o god_n yet_o be_v enjoin_v by_o lawful_a authority_n provide_v they_o be_v not_o unlawful_a in_o themselves_o nor_o repugnant_a to_o the_o world_n of_o god_n but_o the_o apostle_n never_o give_v any_o such_o rule_n themselves_o 28_o about_o outward_a modes_n of_o worship_n with_o ceremony_n feast_n fast_n liturgy_n etc._n etc._n what_o then_o it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o they_o give_v this_o general_a rule_n that_o all_o lawful_a thing_n be_v to_o be_v do_v for_o the_o church_n peace_n and_o without_o this_o no_o unity_n or_o order_n can_v be_v preserve_v in_o church_n the_o apostle_n say_v he_o give_v rule_n inconsistent_a with_o any_o determine_a rule_n 31._o viz._n of_o mutual_a forbearance_n rome_n 14._o and_o herein_o the_o apostle_n act_v not_o upon_o mere_a rule_n of_o prudence_n but_o as_o a_o teacher_n divine_o inspire_v that_o he_o be_v divine_o inspire_v i_o do_v not_o question_v but_o even_o such_o a_o one_o may_v determine_v a_o case_n upon_o present_a circumstance_n which_o resolution_n may_v not_o always_o bind_v when_o the_o circumstance_n be_v change_v for_o then_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o apostle_n must_v be_v that_o whatever_o difference_n happen_v among_o christian_n there_o must_v be_v no_o determination_n either_o way_n but_o the_o direct_a contrary_n to_o this_o we_o find_v in_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o apostle_n at_o jerusalem_n upon_o the_o difference_n that_o happen_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n 28._o and_o although_o there_o be_v a_o very_a plausible_a pretence_n of_o the_o obligation_n of_o conscience_n one_o way_n yet_o the_o apostle_n make_v a_o determination_n in_o the_o case_n contrary_a to_o their_o judgement_n which_o show_v that_o the_o rule_n of_o forbearance_n where_o conscience_n be_v allege_v both_o way_n be_v no_o stand_a rule_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n but_o that_o the_o governor_n of_o it_o from_o parity_n of_o reason_n may_v determine_v those_o thing_n which_o they_o judge_v to_o conduce_v most_o to_o the_o peace_n and_o welfare_n of_o that_o church_n which_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o preserve_v and_o from_o hence_o it_o appear_v how_o little_a reason_n there_o be_v for_o dr._n oh_o insinuation_n as_o though_o the_o false_a apostle_n be_v the_o only_a imposer_n whereas_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o the_o true_a apostle_n make_v this_o peremptory_a decree_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o great_a consequence_n and_o against_o the_o pretence_n of_o conscience_n on_o the_o other_o side_n but_o say_v dr._n o._n further_o 8._o the_o jewish_a christian_n be_v leave_v to_o their_o own_o liberty_n provide_v they_o do_v not_o impose_v on_o other_o and_o the_o dissenter_n at_o this_o day_n desire_v no_o more_o than_o the_o gentile_a church_n do_v viz._n not_o to_o be_v impose_v upon_o to_o observe_v those_o thing_n which_o they_o be_v not_o satisfy_v it_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n shall_v be_v impose_v upon_o they_o i_o answer_v 1._o it_o be_v agree_v by_o all_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n that_o the_o jewish_a christian_n shall_v be_v leave_v to_o their_o own_o liberty_n out_o of_o respect_n to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o out_o of_o regard_n to_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o may_v have_v be_v extreme_o hazard_v if_o the_o apostle_n have_v present_o set_v themselves_o against_o the_o observe_v the_o jewish_a custom_n among_o the_o jew_n themselves_o 2._o the_o false_a apostle_n impose_v on_o the_o gentile_a christian_n have_v two_o circumstance_n in_o it_o which_o extreme_o alter_v their_o case_n from_o that_o of_o our_o present_a dissenter_n for_o 1._o they_o be_v none_o of_o their_o lawful_a governor_n but_o go_v about_o as_o seducer_n draw_v away_o the_o disciple_n of_o the_o apostle_n from_o they_o 2._o they_o impose_v the_o jewish_a rite_n as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o not_o as_o mere_o indifferent_a thing_n and_o therefore_o the_o case_n of_o our_o dissenter_n be_v very_o different_a from_o that_o of_o the_o gentile_a christian_n as_o to_o the_o imposition_n of_o the_o false_a apostle_n thus_o i_o have_v consider_v every_o thing_n material_a in_o dr._n o._n which_o seem_v to_o take_v off_o the_o force_n of_o the_o argument_n draw_v from_o this_o text._n the_o author_n of_o the_o letter_n say_v 1._o that_o i_o ought_v to_o have_v prove_v 24._o that_o the_o apostle_n mean_v some_o rule_n superad_v to_o the_o scripture_n and_o 2._o that_o other_o church-guide_n have_v the_o same_o power_n as_o the_o apostle_n have_v but_o what_o need_v all_o this_o if_o it_o appear_v 1_o that_o the_o apostle_n do_v give_v bind_v rule_n to_o particular_a church_n which_o be_v not_o extant_a in_o scripture_n as_o appear_v by_o 1_o cor._n 7._o 17._o so_o that_o either_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o imperfect_a rule_n for_o omit_v some_o divine_a rule_n or_o else_o these_o be_v only_a prudential_n rule_v of_o order_n and_o government_n 2._o that_o it_o be_v a_o stand_a rule_n of_o scripture_n that_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o do_v all_o lawful_a thing_n for_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o this_o i_o have_v show_v be_v the_o apostle_n design_n in_o the_o word_n of_o this_o text._n sect._n 20._o other_o pretend_v that_o the_o apostle_n mean_v no_o more_o by_o these_o word_n but_o that_o christian_n must_v live_v up_o to_o their_o knowledge_n and_o mind_n that_o one_o thing_n this_o be_v a_o very_a new_a exposition_n and_o the_o author_n of_o it_o intend_v
all_o partaker_n of_o that_o one_o bread_n 13._o and_o by_o one_o spirit_n we_o be_v all_o baptise_a into_o one_o body_n whether_o we_o be_v jew_n or_o gentile_n bond_n or_o free_a and_o have_v be_v all_o make_v to_o drink_v into_o one_o spirit_n the_o unity_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n 5._o st._n paul_n say_v be_v to_o be_v preserve_v by_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n and_o that_o unity_n suppose_v one_o body_n and_o one_o spirit_n and_o the_o member_n of_o that_o body_n as_o they_o be_v unite_v to_o one_o head_n who_o he_o call_v one_o lord_n so_o they_o be_v join_v together_o by_o one_o faith_n and_o one_o baptism_n therefore_o as_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n be_v found_v upon_o some_o external_n bond_n as_o well_o as_o internal_a that_o be_v one_o faith_n and_o one_o baptism_n as_o well_o as_o one_o lord_n and_o one_o spirit_n so_o the_o manifestation_n of_o this_o unity_n ought_v to_o be_v by_o external_n act_n for_o how_o can_v this_o unity_n be_v discover_v by_o act_n mere_o internal_a and_o spiritual_a as_o inward_a love_n to_o the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n be_v present_a in_o spirit_n &_o c_o therefore_o the_o obligation_n to_o preserve_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n do_v imply_v a_o join_n together_o with_o the_o other_o member_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o common_a and_o public_a act_n of_o religion_n 3._o nothing_o can_v discharge_v a_o christian_a from_o this_o obligation_n to_o communion_n with_o his_o fellow-member_n but_o what_o be_v allow_v by_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n as_o a_o sufficient_a reason_n for_o it_o because_o this_o be_v a_o new_a society_n of_o christ_n own_o institution_n and_o the_o obligation_n to_o communion_n be_v so_o strict_o enjoin_v we_o be_v to_o suppose_v it_o still_o to_o hold_v where_o some_o plain_a declaration_n of_o his_o will_n to_o the_o contrary_n do_v not_o appear_v although_o god_n have_v with_o great_a severity_n forbid_v kill_v yet_o when_o himself_n appoint_v particular_o case_n wherein_o man_n life_n be_v to_o be_v take_v away_o we_o be_v thereby_o assure_v that_o in_o these_o case_n it_o be_v not_o that_o kill_v which_o be_v forbid_v so_o in_o the_o present_a case_n if_o it_o appear_v that_o although_o separation_n from_o the_o communion_n of_o christian_n be_v a_o thing_n condemn_v yet_o if_o the_o same_o authority_n do_v allow_v particular_a exemption_n we_o be_v certain_a in_o those_o case_n such_o separation_n be_v no_o sin_n but_o then_o as_o in_o the_o former_a case_n no_o man_n be_v exempt_v from_o the_o guilt_n of_o shed_v blood_n who_o upon_o his_o own_o fancy_n take_v upon_o he_o to_o execute_v justice_n so_o here_o no_o man_n imagination_n that_o he_o do_v separate_v for_o a_o good_a end_n will_v justify_v his_o separation_n for_o the_o guilt_n of_o the_o sin_n remain_v as_o great_a in_o itself_o and_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o other_o sin_n more_o aggravate_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n than_o this_o it_o be_v so_o direct_o contrary_a to_o that_o unity_n of_o his_o church_n which_o our_o saviour_n pray_v for_o 21._o and_o his_o apostle_n with_o so_o much_o earnestness_n recommend_v to_o all_o christian_n and_o use_v so_o many_o argument_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o persevere_v from_o hence_o irenaeus_n say_v that_o christ_n will_v come_v to_o judge_v those_o who_o make_v schism_n in_o the_o church_n 62._o and_o rather_o regard_v their_o own_o advantage_n than_o the_o church_n unity_n who_o for_o slight_a cause_n or_o for_o any_o make_v nothing_o of_o cut_v asunder_o the_o great_a and_o glorious_a body_n of_o christ_n and_o do_v what_o in_o they_o lie_v to_o destroy_v it_o they_o speak_v for_o peace_n say_v he_o but_o they_o mean_v war_n they_o strain_v at_o a_o gnat_n and_o swallow_v camel_n the_o benefit_n they_o hope_v to_o bring_v to_o the_o church_n can_v make_v amends_o for_o the_o mischief_n of_o their_o schism_n â—22_n nothing_o provoke_v god_n more_o say_v st._n chrysostom_n than_o to_o divide_v his_o church_n nay_o say_v he_o the_o blood_n of_o mortyrdom_n will_v not_o wash_v off_o the_o guilt_n of_o it_o the_o mischief_n the_o church_n receive_v by_o it_o be_v great_a than_o it_o receive_v from_o open_a enemy_n for_o the_o one_o make_v it_o more_o glorious_a the_o other_o expose_v it_o to_o shame_n among_o its_o enemy_n when_o it_o be_v set_v upon_o by_o its_o own_o child_n this_o say_v he_o i_o speak_v to_o those_o who_o make_v no_o great_a matter_n of_o schism_n and_o indifferent_o go_v to_o the_o meeting_n of_o those_o who_o divide_v the_o church_n if_o their_o doctrine_n be_v contrary_a to_o we_o for_o that_o reason_n they_o ought_v to_o abstain_v if_o not_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d they_o ought_v to_o do_v it_o so_o much_o the_o rather_o do_v no_o you_o know_v what_o corah_n dathan_n and_o abiram_n suffer_v and_o not_o they_o only_a but_o those_o that_o be_v with_o they_o but_o you_o say_v they_o have_v the_o same_o faith_n and_o they_o be_v very_a orthodox_n why_o then_o say_v he_o do_v they_o separate_a one_o loâ—d_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n if_o they_o do_v well_o we_o do_v ill_a if_o we_o do_v well_o they_o do_v ill_a if_o they_o have_v the_o same_o doctrine_n the_o same_o sacrament_n for_o what_o cause_n do_v they_o set_v up_o another_o church_n in_o opposition_n to_o we_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o vain_a glory_n ambition_n and_o deceit_n take_v away_o the_o people_n from_o they_o and_o you_o cut_v off_o the_o disease_n and_o after_o much_o more_o to_o that_o purpose_n i_o speak_v these_o thing_n say_v he_o that_o no_o man_n may_v say_v he_o do_v not_o know_v it_o to_o be_v such_o a_o sin_n i_o tell_v you_o and_o testify_v this_o to_o you_o that_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n or_o divide_v of_o it_o be_v no_o less_o a_o sin_n than_o fall_v into_o heresy_n if_o the_o sin_n then_o be_v so_o great_a and_o dangerous_a man_n ought_v to_o examine_v with_o great_a care_n what_o case_n those_o be_v wherein_o separation_n may_v be_v make_v without_o sin_n and_o i_o do_v earnest_o desire_v our_o brethren_n as_o they_o love_v their_o own_o soul_n and_o will_v avoid_v the_o gild_n of_o so_o great_a a_o sin_n impartial_o and_o without_o prejudice_n to_o consider_v this_o passage_n of_o irenaeus_n and_o how_o parallel_v it_o be_v with_o their_o own_o case_n who_o separate_a from_o we_o and_o set_v up_o other_o church_n in_o opposition_n to_o we_o which_o yet_o they_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v very_a orthodox_n and_o to_o agree_v with_o they_o in_o the_o same_o doctrine_n and_o the_o same_o sacrament_n 4._o there_o be_v three_o case_n wherein_o the_o scripture_n allow_v of_o separation_n first_o in_o the_o case_n of_o idolatrous_a worship_n for_o the_o precept_n be_v as_o plain_v that_o christian_n shall_v abstain_v from_o idolatry_n as_o that_o they_o shall_v preserve_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n neither_o be_v you_o idolater_n flee_v from_o idolatry_n 14._o keep_v yourselves_o from_o idol_n thou_o shall_v love_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n and_o he_o only_o shall_v thou_o serve_v 5._o and_o to_o the_o case_n of_o idolater_n st._n paul_n apply_v the_o word_n speak_v of_o old_a to_o the_o babylonian_n 19_o come_v out_o from_o among_o they_o 17._o and_o be_v separate_a and_o touch_v not_o the_o unclean_a thing_n now_o in_o this_o case_n where_o there_o be_v so_o plain_a a_o command_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o separation_n if_o man_n can_v join_v with_o a_o church_n in_o their_o religious_a worship_n without_o do_v that_o which_o god_n have_v so_o strict_o forbid_v second_o in_o case_n of_o false_a doctrine_n be_v impose_v in_o stead_n of_o true_a 17._o for_o although_o in_o other_o thing_n great_a submission_n be_v require_v to_o the_o guide_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n 13._o yet_o if_o any_o teacher_n offer_v to_o bring_v another_o gospel_n or_o to_o corrupt_v the_o true_a one_o st._n paul_n denounce_v a_o anathema_n against_o they_o 8._o and_o that_o imply_v that_o they_o shall_v have_v no_o communion_n with_o they_o but_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o person_n cut_v off_o from_o the_o body_n like_o putrid_a member_n lest_o they_o shall_v corrupt_v the_o rest_n st._n paul_n command_v titus_n 10._o when_o there_o be_v no_o hope_n of_o reclaim_v such_o to_o exclude_v they_o from_o the_o society_n of_o christian_n st._n john_n forbid_v all_o familiar_a conversation_n with_o such_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v commend_v for_o hate_v the_o nicolaitan_n 10._o and_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n reprove_v for_o tolerate_v their_o doctrine_n 15._o three_o in_o case_n man_n make_v thing_n indifferent_a necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o divide_v the_o church_n upon_o that_o account_n and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o false_a apostle_n 2._o who_o urge_v the_o