be_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o the_o apostle_n appoint_v only_o particular_a congregation_n and_o that_o therefore_o they_o do_v not_o oblige_v the_o christian_n about_o in_o a_o province_n or_o diocese_n to_o be_v of_o that_o church_n which_o be_v first_o erect_v in_o any_o town_n or_o city_n but_o they_o found_v new_a church_n with_o new_a officer_n of_o their_o own_o in_o all_o place_n where_o there_o be_v a_o sufficient_a number_n of_o believer_n to_o make_v up_o such_o a_o church_n and_o this_o i_o prove_v from_o the_o instance_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v first_o plant_v but_o quick_o after_o there_o be_v church_n gather_v and_o settle_v in_o judea_n gallilee_n and_o samaria_n they_o plant_v church_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o city_n and_o village_n as_o clemens_n speak_v but_o what_o say_v he_o be_v this_o to_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o congregational_a way_n this_o it_o be_v namely_o that_o the_o church_n institute_v by_o the_o apostle_n be_v all_o of_o they_o congregational_a not_o diocesan_n provincial_a or_o national_a but_o say_v he_o the_o thing_n i_o desire_v be_v that_o when_o the_o christian_n in_o one_o city_n multiply_v into_o more_o congregation_n they_o will_v prove_v that_o they_o do_v make_v new_a and_o distinct_a church_n he_o may_v desire_v it_o of_o they_o who_o grant_v that_o the_o christian_n do_v multiply_v in_o one_o city_n into_o more_o congregation_n than_o one_o which_o i_o deny_v until_o the_o end_n of_o the_o second_o century_n although_o they_o may_v and_o do_v occasional_o meet_v especial_o in_o time_n of_o persecution_n in_o distinct_a assembly_n neither_o will_v their_o multiplication_n into_o more_o congregation_n without_o distinct_a officer_n at_o all_o help_n the_o cause_n he_o plead_v for_o for_o his_o diocesan_n church_n consist_v of_o many_o distinct_a church_n with_o their_o distinct_a officer_n order_n and_o power_n as_o he_o afterward_o describe_v our_o parish_n to_o do_v under_o one_o bishop_n yet_o such_o be_v his_o apprehension_n of_o the_o justice_n of_o his_o cause_n that_o what_o have_v be_v plead_v twenty_o time_n against_o it_o namely_o that_o speak_v of_o one_o city_n the_o scripture_n still_o call_v it_o the_o church_n of_o that_o place_n but_o speak_v of_o a_o province_n as_o judea_n galilee_n samaria_n galatia_n macedonia_n it_o speak_v of_o the_o church_n of_o they_o which_o evident_o prove_v that_o it_o know_v nothing_o of_o a_o diocesan_n provincial_a or_o national_a church_n he_o produce_v in_o the_o justification_n of_o it_o because_o he_o say_v that_o it_o be_v evident_a theâ—ne_n that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o church_n in_o one_o city_n which_o be_v never_o deny_v there_o be_v indeed_o then_o many_o bishop_n in_o one_o church_n phil._n 1.1_o act_n 20.28_o and_o afterward_o when_o one_o church_n have_v one_o bishop_n only_o yet_o there_o be_v two_o bishop_n in_o one_o city_n which_o require_v two_o church_n as_o epiphanus_n affirm_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d haeres_fw-la 68_o s._n 6._o for_o alexandria_n never_o have_v two_o bishop_n as_o other_o city_n have_v whether_o he_o intend_v two_o bishop_n in_o one_o church_n or_o two_o church_n in_o one_o city_n all_o be_v one_o to_o our_o purpose_n but_o the_o dr._n i_o presume_v make_v this_o observation_n rather_o artificial_o to_o prevent_v a_o objection_n against_o his_o main_a hypothesis_n then_o with_o any_o design_n to_o strengthen_v it_o thereby_o for_o he_o can_v but_o know_v how_o frequent_o it_o be_v plead_v in_o opposition_n unto_o any_o national_a church_n state_n as_o unto_o its_o mention_n in_o the_o scripture_n for_o he_o that_o shall_v speak_v of_o the_o church_n in_o essex_n suffolk_z hartfordshire_n and_o so_o of_o other_o county_n without_o the_o least_o intimation_n of_o any_o general_a church_n unto_o which_o they_o shall_v belong_v will_v be_v judge_v to_o speak_v rather_o the_o independent_a than_o the_o episcopal_a dialect_n but_o say_v he_o p._n 236._o i_o can_v but_o wonder_v what_o dr._n o._n mean_n when_o after_o he_o have_v produce_v the_o evidence_n of_o distinct_a church_n in_o the_o same_o province_n he_o call_v this_o plain_a scripture_n evidence_n and_o practice_n for_o the_o erect_v particular_a distinct_a congregation_n who_o deny_v that_o i_o say_v then_o it_o be_v incumbent_n on_o he_o to_o prove_v if_o he_o do_v any_o thing_n in_o this_o cause_n that_o they_o erect_v church_n of_o another_o sort_n kind_a and_o order_n also_o but_o say_v he_o i_o see_v nothing_o like_o a_o proof_n of_o distinct_a church_n in_o the_o same_o city_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v prove_v but_o because_o it_o can_v not_o be_v prove_v be_v prudent_o let_v alone_o but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o thing_n to_o be_v prove_v nor_o do_v i_o propose_v it_o to_o confirmation_n nor_o assert_v it_o but_o have_v prove_v the_o contrary_a unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o second_o century_n this_o only_a i_o assert_v that_o every_o church_n in_o one_o city_n be_v only_o one_o church_n and_o nothing_o be_v offer_v by_o the_o doctor_n to_o the_o contrary_a yea_o he_o affirm_v the_o same_o but_o say_v he_o sect_n 6._o p._n 237._o dr._n o._n say_v that_o the_o christian_n of_o one_o city_n may_v not_o exceed_v the_o bound_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n or_o congregation_n no_o although_o they_o have_v a_o multiplication_n of_o bishop_n or_o elder_n in_o they_o and_o occasional_a distinct_a assembly_n for_o some_o act_n of_o divine_a worship_n but_o then_o say_v he_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o church_n be_v not_o limit_v in_o the_o scripture_n to_o a_o single_a congregation_n why_o so_o for_o say_v he_o if_o occasional_a assembly_n be_v allow_v for_o some_o act_n of_o worship_n why_o not_o for_o other_o i_o say_v because_o they_o belong_v unto_o the_o whole_a church_n or_o be_v act_n of_o communion_n in_o the_o whole_a church_n assemble_v and_o so_o can_v be_v observe_v in_o occasional_a meeting_n do_v this_o say_v the_o apostle_n when_o you_o come_v together_o in_o one_o place_n and_o if_o say_v he_o the_o number_n of_o elder_n be_v unlimited_a than_o every_o of_o those_o may_v attend_v the_o occasional_a distinct_a assembly_n for_o worship_n and_o yet_o altogether_o make_v up_o the_o body_n of_o one_o church_n and_o so_o say_v i_o they_o may_v and_o yet_o be_v one_o church_n still_o join_v together_o in_o all_o act_n of_o communion_n that_o be_v proper_a and_o peculiar_a unto_o the_o church_n for_o as_o the_o meeting_n intend_v be_v occasional_a so_o also_o be_v the_o attendance_n of_o the_o elder_n unto_o they_o as_o they_o find_v occasion_n for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n it_o may_v be_v the_o dr._n be_v not_o so_o well_o acquaint_v with_o the_o principle_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o congregational_a way_n and_o therefore_o think_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v contrary_a unto_o they_o but_o those_o of_o that_o way_n do_v maintain_v that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o every_o particular_a congregation_n unto_o the_o compleatness_n of_o it_o many_o elder_n or_o overseer_n that_o the_o number_n of_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v increase_v as_o the_o increase_n of_o the_o church_n make_v it_o necessary_a for_o their_o edification_n that_o the_o member_n of_o such_o a_o church_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o meet_v occasional_o in_o distinct_a assembly_n especial_o in_o the_o time_n of_o persecution_n for_o prayer_n preach_v of_o the_o word_n and_o mutual_a exhortation_n so_o when_o peter_n be_v in_o prison_n after_o the_o death_n of_o james_n many_o meet_v together_o in_o the_o house_n of_o mary_n to_o pray_o act_v 12.12_o which_o be_v not_o a_o meeting_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o that_o there_o be_v such_o private_a meeting_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n in_o time_n of_o persecution_n among_o the_o primitive_a church_n may_v be_v prove_v by_o a_o multiplication_n of_o instance_n but_o still_o they_o continue_v one_o church_n and_o join_v together_o in_o all_o act_n of_o church_n communion_n proper_o so_o call_v especial_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a every_o lordsday_n as_o justin_n martyr_n declare_v that_o the_o church_n do_v in_o his_o time_n for_o all_o the_o christian_n say_v he_o then_o in_o the_o city_n and_o village_n about_o gather_v together_o in_o one_o place_n for_o the_o end_v mention_v but_o still_o these_o distinct_a occasional_a assembly_n do_v not_o constitute_v any_o distinct_a society_n or_o corporation_n as_o the_o distinct_a company_n do_v in_o a_o city_n but_o say_v he_o grant_v one_o single_a bishop_n over_o all_o these_o elder_n and_o they_o make_v up_o that_o representation_n of_o a_o church_n which_o we_o have_v from_o the_o best_a and_o pure_a antiquity_n i_o say_v we_o will_v quick_o grant_v it_o can_v we_o see_v any_o warrant_n for_o it_o or_o if_o he_o can_v prove_v that_o so_o it_o be_v
from_o the_o beginning_n however_o this_o be_v no_o part_n of_o our_o present_n contest_v namely_o whether_o some_o while_n after_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o church_n that_o be_v great_o increase_v and_o many_o elder_n in_o they_o there_o be_v not_o one_o choose_v as_o at_o alexandria_n by_o those_o elder_n themselves_o to_o preside_v among_o they_o who_o in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n be_v call_v a_o bishop_n but_o if_o i_o mistake_v not_o that_o alone_o which_o will_v advantage_v his_o cause_n be_v to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v in_o one_o city_n or_o any_o where_o else_o many_o not_o occasional_a assembly_n of_o christian_n or_o church_n member_n but_o many_o state_v fix_a church_n with_o officer_n of_o their_o own_o peculiar_o relate_v unto_o they_o entrust_v with_o church_n power_n and_o privilege_n at_o least_o as_o much_o as_o he_o afterward_o plead_v to_o be_v in_o our_o parochial_a church_n all_o under_o the_o government_n of_o one_o single_a bishop_n make_v up_o a_o new_a church_n state_n beyond_o that_o of_o particular_a congregation_n by_o their_o relation_n unto_o he_o as_o their_o common_a pastor_n this_o i_o take_v it_o be_v that_o which_o shall_v have_v be_v prove_v all_o the_o difficulty_n wherewith_o our_o assertion_n be_v accompany_v arise_v from_o the_o multiplication_n of_o believer_n and_o the_o increase_n of_o church_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n or_o present_o after_o for_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v so_o great_a as_o that_o those_o in_o one_o city_n can_v not_o continue_v in_o one_o church_n notwithstanding_o the_o advantage_n of_o occasional_a assembly_n the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n have_v 5000_o in_o it_o at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o word_n grow_v and_o prevail_v at_o ephesus_n and_o other_o place_n whereto_o i_o shall_v brief_o answer_v as_o hasten_v unto_o a_o close_a of_o this_o unpleasing_a labour_n i_o say_v therefore_o 1._o whatever_o difficulty_n may_v seem_v to_o be_v in_o this_o matter_n yet_o in_o point_n of_o fact_n so_o it_o be_v there_o be_v no_o church_n before_o the_o end_n of_o the_o second_o century_n of_o any_o other_o species_n nature_n or_o kind_n but_o a_o particular_a congregational_a church_n only_o as_o have_v be_v prove_v before_o let_v any_o one_o instance_n be_v produce_v of_o a_o church_n of_o one_o denomination_n national_a provincial_a or_o diocesan_n or_o of_o any_o other_o kind_n then_o that_o which_o be_v congregational_a and_o i_o will_v give_v over_o this_o contest_v but_o when_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v certain_a it_o be_v too_o late_o to_o inquire_v how_o it_o may_v be_v and_o on_o this_o occasion_n i_o shall_v add_v that_o if_o in_o that_o space_n of_o time_n namely_o before_o the_o end_n of_o the_o second_o century_n any_o proof_n or_o undoubted_a testimony_n can_v be_v produce_v of_o the_o imposition_n of_o the_o necessary_a use_n of_o liturgy_n or_o of_o state_v ceremony_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o church_n discipline_n consistent_a with_o that_o now_o in_o use_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n it_o will_v go_v a_o great_a way_n in_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o whole_a controversy_n between_o we_o 2._o the_o admirable_a prevalency_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o those_o day_n consist_v principal_o in_o its_o spread_a itself_o all_o the_o world_n over_o and_o plant_v seminary_n for_o far_a conversion_n in_o all_o nation_n it_o do_v indeed_o prevail_v more_o in_o some_o city_n and_o town_n then_o in_o other_o in_o some_o place_n many_o be_v convert_v in_o other_o the_o tender_a of_o it_o be_v utter_o reject_v how_o be_v it_o it_o prevail_v not_o unto_o the_o gather_n of_o such_o great_a number_n into_o any_o church_n sole_o as_o may_v destroy_v or_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o its_o congregational_a institution_n for_o not_o all_o not_o it_o may_v be_v half_a not_o sometime_o a_o three_o part_n of_o they_o who_o make_v some_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o attend_v unto_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n and_o many_o of_o who_o undergo_v martyrdom_n be_v admit_v as_o complete_a member_n of_o the_o church_n unto_o all_o the_o part_n of_o its_o communion_n hence_o there_o be_v many_o who_o upon_o a_o general_a account_n be_v esteem_v christian_n and_o that_o just_o where_o the_o church_n be_v but_o small_a 3._o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o in_o the_o next_o age_n after_o the_o apostle_n the_o church_n be_v any_o where_o so_o increase_v in_o number_n as_o to_o bear_v the_o least_o proportion_n with_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o city_n and_o town_n wherein_o they_o be_v the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n in_o the_o day_n of_o polyicarpus_n may_v just_o be_v esteem_v one_o of_o the_o great_a in_o those_o day_n both_o from_o the_o eminency_n of_o the_o place_n and_o person_n who_o be_v just_o account_v the_o great_a instructor_n of_o all_o asia_n as_o they_o call_v he_o when_o he_o be_v carry_v unto_o the_o stake_n but_o this_o church_n give_v such_o a_o account_n of_o itself_o in_o its_o epistle_n unto_o the_o church_n of_o pontus_n about_o the_o martyrdom_n of_o polycarpus_n as_o manifest_v the_o church_n there_o to_o have_v be_v a_o very_a small_a number_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o other_o inhabitant_n so_o as_o that_o it_o be_v scarce_o know_v who_o or_o what_o they_o be_v euseb._n lib._n 4._o cap._n 15._o so_o in_o the_o excellent_a epistle_n of_o the_o church_n of_o vienna_n and_o lion_n unto_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n and_o phrygia_n concern_v the_o persecution_n that_o befall_v they_o as_o they_o declare_v themselves_o to_o have_v be_v particular_a church_n only_o so_o they_o make_v it_o evident_a that_o they_o bear_v in_o number_n no_o proportion_n unto_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o place_n where_o they_o be_v who_o can_v scarce_o discover_v they_o by_o the_o most_o diligent_a search_n euseb._n lib._n 5._o cap_n 1._o 4._o as_o for_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o particular_a notwithstanding_o the_o great_a number_n of_o its_o original_n convert_v who_o probable_o be_v many_o of_o they_o stranger_n occasional_o present_a at_o the_o feast_n of_o pentecost_n and_o there_o instruct_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o they_o may_v in_o the_o several_a country_n whither_o they_o immediate_o return_v be_v instrument_n of_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o many_o year_n after_o it_o consist_v of_o no_o great_a multitude_n than_o can_v come_v together_o in_o one_o place_n to_o the_o mannagement_n of_o church_n affair_n act_n 15.20_o 21._o nor_o be_v it_o likely_a that_o pella_n a_o obscure_a place_n who_o name_n probable_o have_v never_o be_v know_v but_o on_o this_o occasion_n be_v like_a to_o receive_v any_o great_a multitude_n nor_o do_v epiphanius_n say_v as_o our_o author_n pretend_v that_o they_o spread_v themselves_o from_o thence_o to_o coelosyria_n and_o decapolis_n and_o basanitis_fw-la for_o he_o affirm_v express_o that_o all_o the_o disciple_n which_o go_v from_o jerusalem_n dwell_v at_o pella_n only_o he_o say_v that_o from_o thence_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o nazarenes_n take_v its_o original_n which_o spread_v itself_o afterward_o in_o coelosyria_n decapolis_n and_o basanitis_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d speak_v of_o that_o sect_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d they_o dwell_v all_o at_o pella_n sect._n 7._o p._n 239._o he_o quote_v another_o say_n of_o i_o namely_o that_o i_o can_v discern_v the_o least_o necessity_n of_o any_o positive_a rule_n or_o direction_n in_o this_o matter_n see_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o man_n do_v indispensible_o require_v it_o and_o hereon_o he_o attempt_v to_o make_v advantage_n in_o opposition_n unto_o another_o say_n as_o he_o suppose_v of_o i_o namely_o that_o the_o institution_n of_o church_n and_o the_o rule_n for_o their_o disposal_n and_o government_n throughout_o the_o world_n be_v the_o same_o state_v and_o unalterable_a from_o whence_o he_o make_v many_o inference_n to_o countenance_v he_o in_o his_o charge_n of_o schism_n but_o why_o shall_v we_o contend_v fruitless_o about_o these_o thing_n have_v he_o be_v please_v to_o read_v a_o little_a far_o on_o the_o same_o page_n he_o will_v have_v see_v that_o i_o affirm_v the_o institution_n itself_o to_o be_v a_o plain_a command_n which_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o duty_n require_v of_o man_n in_o church_n relation_n be_v sufficient_a to_o oblige_v they_o thereunto_o without_o any_o new_a revelation_n unto_o that_o purpose_n which_o render_v all_o his_o query_n exception_n and_o inference_n of_o no_o use_n for_o i_o do_v not_o speak_v in_o that_o place_n of_o the_o original_a institution_n of_o church_n who_o law_n and_o rule_n be_v universal_a and_o unalterable_a but_o our_o actual_a gather_n into_o particular_a church_n for_o which_o i_o say_v the_o necessity_n of_o duty_n be_v our_o warrant_n and_o the_o
and_o privilege_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o law_n of_o christ._n unto_o this_o church_n which_o be_v his_o spouse_n do_v the_o lord_n christ_n commit_v the_o key_n of_o his_o house_n by_o who_o they_o be_v deliver_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o steward_n so_o far_o as_o their_o office_n require_v that_o trust._n now_o this_o which_o we_o shall_v afterward_o more_o full_o confirm_v be_v utter_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o commit_n of_o all_o church_n power_n unto_o one_o person_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o ordination_n by_o another_o nothing_o that_o have_v be_v speak_v do_v at_o all_o hinder_v or_o deny_v but_o that_o where_o church_n be_v right_o constitute_v they_o ought_v in_o their_o office_n officer_n and_o order_n to_o be_v preserve_v by_o a_o successive_a ordination_n of_o pastor_n and_o ruler_n wherein_o those_o who_o actual_o preside_v in_o they_o have_v a_o particular_a interest_n in_o the_o orderly_a communication_n of_o church-power_n unto_o they_o chap._n iu._n the_o especial_a nature_n of_o the_o gospel_n church-state_n appoint_v by_o christ._n the_o principal_a enquiry_n which_o we_o have_v thus_o far_o prepare_v the_o way_n unto_o and_o whereon_o all_o that_o ensue_v unto_o it_o do_v depend_v be_v concern_v the_o especial_a nature_n of_o that_o church-state_n rule_n and_o order_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v institute_v under_o the_o gospel_n of_o what_o sort_n and_o kind_n it_o be_v and_o hereunto_o some_o thing_n must_v be_v premise_v 1._o i_o design_v not_o here_o to_o oppose_v nor_o any_o way_n to_o consider_v such_o addition_n as_o man_n may_v have_v judge_v necessary_a to_o be_v add_v unto_o that_o church-state_n which_o christ_n have_v appoint_v to_o render_v it_o in_o their_o apprehension_n more_o useful_a unto_o its_o end_n than_o otherwise_o it_o will_v be_v of_o this_o sort_n there_o be_v many_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n and_o of_o a_o long_a season_n have_v be_v so_o but_o our_o present_a business_n be_v to_o prove_v the_o truth_n and_o not_o to_o disprove_v the_o conceit_n of_o other_o man_n and_o so_o far_o as_o our_o cause_n be_v concern_v herein_o it_o shall_v be_v do_v by_o itself_o so_o as_o not_o to_o interrupt_v we_o in_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o truth_n 2._o whereas_o there_o be_v great_a contest_v about_o communion_n with_o church_n or_o separation_n from_o they_o and_o mutual_a charge_n of_o imposition_n and_o schism_n thereon_o they_o must_v be_v all_o regulate_v by_o this_o enquiry_n namely_o what_o be_v that_o church_n state_n which_o christ_n have_v prescribe_v herein_o alone_o be_v conscience_n concern_v as_o unto_o all_o duty_n of_o ecclesiastical_a communion_n neither_o can_v a_o chaâ—ge_n of_o schism_n be_v manage_v against_o any_o but_o on_o a_o supposition_n of_o sin_n with_o respect_n unto_o that_o church-state_n and_o order_n which_o christ_n have_v appoint_v a_o dissent_n from_o any_o thing_n else_o however_o pretend_v to_o be_v useful_a yea_o advantageous_a unto_o church_n end_v must_v come_v under_o other_o prudential_a consideration_n all_o which_o shall_v be_v full_o prove_v and_o vindicate_v from_o the_o exception_n of_o dr._n st._n 3._o there_o have_v be_v and_o be_v in_o the_o world_n several_a sort_n of_o church_n of_o great_a power_n and_o reputation_n of_o several_a form_n and_o kind_n yet_o contribute_v aid_n to_o each_o other_o in_o their_o respective_a station_n as_o 1_o the_o papal_a church_n which_o pretend_v itself_o to_o be_v catholic_n or_o universal_a comprehensive_a of_o all_o true_a believer_n or_o disciple_n of_o christ_n unite_v in_o their_o subjection_n unto_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n 2_o there_o be_v of_o old_a and_o the_o shadow_n of_o they_o be_v still_o remain_v church_n call_v patriarchal_a first_o 3_o then_z 4_o then_z 5_o of_o they_o whereinto_o all_o other_o church_n and_o profess_a christian_n in_o the_o roman_a world_n be_v distribute_v as_o unto_o a_o dependence_n on_o the_o authority_n and_o subjection_n to_o the_o jurisdiction_n and_o order_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o 5_o principal_a city_n of_o the_o empire_n who_o be_v thereon_o call_v patriarch_n 3_o various_a division_n under_o they_o of_o archiepiscopal_a or_o metropolitical_a church_n and_o under_o they_o of_o those_o that_o be_v now_o call_v diocesan_n who_o bound_n and_o limit_n be_v fix_v and_o alter_v according_a to_o the_o variety_n of_o occasion_n and_o occurrence_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n what_o have_v be_v the_o original_a of_o all_o these_o sort_n of_o church_n how_o from_o parochial_a assembly_n they_o grow_v up_o by_o the_o degree_n of_o their_o descent_n now_o mention_v into_o the_o height_n and_o centre_n of_o papal_a omnipotency_n have_v be_v declare_v elsewhere_o sufficient_o 4._o some_o there_o be_v who_o plead_v for_o a_o national_a church-state_n arise_v from_o a_o association_n of_o the_o officer_n of_o particular_a church_n in_o several_a degree_n which_o they_o call_v classical_a and_o provincial_a until_o it_o extend_v itself_o unto_o the_o limit_n of_o a_o whole_a nation_n that_o be_v one_o civil_a body_n depend_v as_o such_o on_o its_o own_o supreme_a ruler_n and_o law_n i_o shall_v neither_o examine_v nor_o oppose_v this_o opinion_n there_o have_v be_v enough_o if_o not_o too_o much_o already_o dispute_v about_o it_o but_o 5._o the_o visible_a church-state_n which_o christ_n have_v institute_v under_o the_o new_a testament_n consist_v in_o a_o especial_a society_n or_o congregation_n of_o profess_a believer_n join_v together_o according_a unto_o his_o mind_n with_o their_o officer_n guide_n or_o ruler_n who_o he_o have_v appoint_v which_o do_v or_o may_v meet_v together_o for_o the_o celebration_n of_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o divine_a worship_n the_o profess_v and_o authoritative_o propose_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n with_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o discipline_n prescribe_v by_o himself_o unto_o their_o own_o mutual_a edification_n with_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o preservation_n and_o propagation_n of_o his_o kingdom_n in_o the_o world_n the_o thing_n observable_a in_o this_o description_n and_o for_o the_o far_a declaration_n of_o it_o be_v 1_o the_o material_a cause_n of_o this_o church_n or_o the_o matter_n whereof_o it_o be_v compose_v which_o be_v visible_a believer_n 2_o the_o formal_a cause_n of_o it_o which_o be_v their_o voluntary_a coalescency_n into_o such_o a_o society_n or_o congregation_n according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ._n 3_o the_o end_n of_o it_o be_v presential_a local_a communion_n in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n and_o institution_n of_o christ_n in_o obedience_n unto_o he_o and_o their_o own_o edification_n 4_o in_o particular_a these_o end_n be_v 1_o the_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o and_o the_o conversion_n of_o other_o 2_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n or_o all_o the_o mystical_a appointment_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o church_n 3_o the_o preservation_n and_o exercise_n of_o evangelical_n discipline_n 4_o visible_o to_o profess_v their_o subjection_n unto_o christ_n in_o the_o world_n by_o the_o observation_n of_o his_o command_n 5_o the_o bound_n and_o limit_n of_o this_o church_n be_v take_v from_o the_o number_n of_o the_o member_n which_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v so_o small_a as_o that_o they_o can_v observe_v and_o do_v all_o that_o christ_n have_v command_v in_o due_a order_n nor_o yet_o so_o great_a as_o not_o to_o meet_v together_o for_o the_o end_n of_o institution_n of_o the_o church_n before_o mention_v 6_o that_o this_o church_n in_o its_o complete_a state_n consist_v of_o pastor_n or_o a_o pastor_n and_o elder_n who_o be_v its_o guide_n and_o ruler_n and_o the_o community_n of_o the_o faithful_a under_o their_o rule_n 7_o that_o unto_o such_o a_o church_n and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o belong_v of_o right_a all_o the_o privilege_n promise_n and_o power_n that_o christ_n do_v give_v and_o grant_v unto_o the_o church_n in_o this_o world_n these_o and_o sundry_a other_o thing_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n shall_v be_v afterward_o speak_v unto_o in_o their_o order_n according_a unto_o the_o method_n intend_v in_o the_o present_a discourse_n two_o thing_n i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v unto_o 1_o to_o prove_v that_o christ_n have_v appoint_v this_o church-state_n under_o the_o gospel_n namely_o of_o a_o particular_a or_o single_a congregation_n 2_o that_o he_o have_v appoint_v no_o other_o church_n state_n that_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o this_o much_o less_o that_o be_v destructive_a of_o it_o 1._o christ_n appoint_v that_o church-state_n which_o be_v meet_v and_o accommodate_v unto_o all_o the_o end_n which_o he_o design_v in_o his_o institution_n of_o a_o church_n but_o such_o alone_a be_v that_o church_n form_n and_o order_n that_o we_o have_v propose_v in_o christ_n institution_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v none_o of_o his_o end_n that_o some_o man_n may_v be_v thereby_o advance_v to_o
their_o state_n as_o to_o make_v way_n for_o those_o great_a alteration_n which_o not_o long_o after_o ensue_v for_o they_o be_v not_o introduce_v until_o through_o a_o defect_n in_o the_o multiplication_n of_o church_n in_o a_o equality_n of_o power_n and_o order_n which_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v do_v they_o be_v increase_v into_o that_o multitude_n for_o number_n of_o member_n and_o be_v so_o diffuse_v as_o unto_o their_o habitation_n as_o make_v a_o appearance_n of_o a_o necessity_n of_o another_o constitution_n of_o church_n and_o another_o kind_n of_o rule_n than_o what_o be_v of_o original_a appointment_n justin_n martyr_n write_v his_o second_o apology_n for_o the_o christian_n unto_o the_o roman_a emperor_n about_o the_o year_n 150._o it_o be_v marvellous_a to_o consider_v how_o ignorant_a not_o only_o the_o common_a sort_n of_o the_o pagan_n but_o the_o philosopher_n also_o and_o governor_n of_o the_o nation_n be_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o christian_a church_n and_o of_o the_o worship_n celebrate_v in_o they_o but_o who_o be_v so_o blind_a as_o those_o who_o will_v not_o see_v even_o unto_o this_o day_n not_o a_o few_o be_v willing_o or_o rather_o wilful_o ignorant_a of_o the_o nature_n of_o such_o assembly_n or_o what_o be_v perform_v in_o they_o as_o be_v among_o the_o primitive_a christian_n that_o they_o may_v be_v at_o liberty_n to_o speak_v all_o manner_n of_o evil_n of_o they_o false_o hence_o be_v all_o the_o report_n and_o story_n among_o the_o heathen_a concern_v what_o be_v do_v in_o the_o christian_a conventicle_n which_o they_o will_v have_v to_o be_v the_o most_o abominable_a villainy_n that_o be_v ever_o act_v by_o mankind_n even_o thâ—se_a who_o make_v the_o most_o candid_a enquiry_n into_o what_o they_o be_v and_o do_v attain_v unto_o very_o little_a knowledge_n or_o certainty_n concern_v they_o and_o their_o mystery_n as_o be_v evident_a in_o the_o epistle_n of_o trajan_n and_o pliny_n with_o the_o rescript_n of_o adrian_n unto_o minucius_n fundanus_n about_o they_o in_o this_o state_n of_o thing_n this_o our_o great_a and_o learned_a philosopher_n who_o afterward_o suffer_v martyrdom_n about_o the_o year_n 160_o undertake_v to_o give_v a_o account_n unto_o antoninus_n pius_fw-la and_o lucius_n who_o then_o rule_v the_o roman_a empire_n of_o the_o nature_n order_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o that_o in_o such_o a_o excellent_a manner_n as_o that_o i_o know_v nothing_o material_a that_o can_v be_v add_v unto_o it_o be_v a_o account_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n to_o be_v give_v unto_o alike_a person_n at_o this_o day_n we_o may_v touch_v a_o little_a upon_o some_o head_n of_o it_o 1._o he_o declare_v the_o conversion_n of_o man_n unto_o the_o faith_n as_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o their_o church-order_n and_o worship_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o many_o as_o be_v persuade_v and_o do_v believe_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v true_a which_o be_v teach_v and_o speak_v by_o we_o and_o take_v upon_o themselves_o that_o they_o be_v able_a to_o live_v according_a to_o that_o doctrine_n they_o be_v teach_v to_o seek_v of_o god_n by_o fast_v and_o prayer_n the_o pardon_n of_o their_o foregoing_a sin_n and_o we_o also_o do_v join_v together_o with_o they_o in_o fast_v and_o prayer_n for_o that_o end_n and_o heâ—ein_o 1._o the_o only_a mean_n of_o conversion_n which_o he_o insist_o upon_o be_v the_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n or_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n wherein_o they_o especial_o insist_v on_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o person_n and_o officeâ—_n of_o christ_n as_o appear_v throughout_o his_o whole_a apology_n 2._o this_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n or_o declaration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n unto_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o hearer_n be_v do_v not_o confine_v unto_o any_o especial_a sort_n of_o person_n as_o â—e_n do_v afterward_o that_o administration_n of_o the_o holy_a thing_n in_o the_o church_n but_o speak_v of_o it_o in_o general_a as_o the_o work_n of_o all_o christian_n that_o be_v able_a for_o it_o as_o do_v the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 14.24_o 25._o 3._o those_o who_o be_v convert_v do_v two_o thing_n 1._o they_o profess_v their_o faith_n or_o assent_n unto_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o dotcrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n 2._o they_o take_v it_o on_o themselves_o to_o live_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o it_o to_o do_v and_o observe_v the_o thing_n command_v by_o jesus_n christ_n as_o he_o appoint_v they_o shall_v math._n 28.18_o 19_o 4._o to_o lay_v a_o sure_a and_o comfortable_a foundation_n of_o their_o future_a profession_n they_o be_v teach_v to_o confess_v their_o former_a sin_n and_o by_o earnest_a prayer_n with_o fasting_n to_o seek_v of_o god_n the_o pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n of_o they_o and_o 5._o herein_o such_o be_v their_o love_n and_o zeal_n those_o who_o have_v be_v the_o mean_n of_o their_o conversion_n join_v with_o they_o for_o their_o comfort_n and_o edification_n it_o be_v well_o know_v how_o this_o whole_a process_n be_v lose_v and_o on_o what_o account_v it_o be_v discontinue_v but_o whether_o it_o be_v do_v so_o unto_o the_o advantage_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o good_a of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v well_o worth_a a_o strict_a enquiry_n 2._o in_o the_o next_o place_n he_o declare_v how_o those_o who_o be_v so_o convert_v be_v conduct_v unto_o baptism_n and_o how_o they_o be_v initiate_v into_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n thereby_o 3._o when_o any_o be_v so_o baptise_a they_o bring_v he_o unto_o the_o church_n which_o he_o be_v to_o be_v join_v unto_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d him_n who_o be_v thus_o baptiâ—ed_v who_o believe_v and_o be_v receive_v by_o consent_n among_o 〈◊〉_d or_o to_o be_v of_o our_o number_n we_o bring_v he_o unto_o those_o call_v the_o brethren_n when_o they_o be_v meet_v or_o gather_v together_o for_o joint_a prayer_n and_o supplication_n for_o themselves_o and_o for_o he_o who_o be_v now_o illuminate_v and_o all_o other_o with_o intention_n of_o mind_n etc._n etc._n we_o have_v here_o another_o illustrious_a instance_n of_o the_o care_n and_o diligence_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n about_o the_o enstate_v profess_v believer_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n that_o hereon_o those_o who_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v make_v their_o public_a confession_n we_o shall_v afterward_o declare_v and_o the_o brethren_n here_o mention_v be_v the_o whole_a fraternity_n of_o the_o church_n who_o be_v concern_v in_o these_o thing_n and_o justin_n be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o declare_v by_o what_o name_n they_o call_v one_o another_o among_o themselves_o even_o to_o the_o heathen_a though_o it_o be_v now_o a_o scorn_n and_o reproach_n among_o they_o that_o be_v call_v christian_n 4._o he_o proceed_v to_o declare_v the_o nature_n of_o their_o church-meeting_n or_o assembly_n with_o the_o duty_n and_o worship_n of_o they_o and_o he_o tell_v we_o first_o that_o they_o have_v frequent_a meeting_n among_o themselves_o they_o that_o have_v any_o wealth_n say_v he_o do_v help_v the_o poor_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o we_o be_v continual_o together_o that_o be_v in_o the_o lesser_a occasional_a assembly_n of_o the_o brethren_n for_o so_o in_o the_o next_o place_n he_o add_v immediate_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d on_o the_o day_n call_v sunday_n there_o be_v a_o meeting_n of_o all_o that_o dwell_v in_o the_o town_n and_o field_n or_o village_n about_o this_o be_v the_o state_n the_o order_n the_o proceed_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o day_n of_o justin_n whence_o it_o be_v undeniable_o evident_a that_o he_o know_v no_o other_o church-state_n or_o order_n but_o that_o of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n who_o member_n live_v in_o any_o town_n or_o city_n or_o field_n adjacent_a do_v constant_o all_o of_o they_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n for_o the_o celebration_n of_o divine_a worship_n 5._o in_o this_o church_n he_o mention_n only_o two_o sort_n of_o officer_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d precedent_n and_o deacon_n of_o the_o first_o sort_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o one_o of_o their_o assembly_n â—e_v mention_n but_o one_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o precedent_n the_o ruler_n the_o bishop_n to_o who_o belong_v the_o administration_n of_o all_o the_o holy_a mystery_n and_o that_o we_o may_v not_o think_v that_o he_o be_v call_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o respect_n unto_o any_o pre-eminence_n over_o other_o minister_n or_o elder_n like_o a_o diocesan_n bishop_n he_o term_v he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o that_o preside_v over_o the_o brethren_n of_o that_o church_n now_o certain_o that_o church_n wherein_o one_o precedent_n elder_n presbyter_n or_o bishop_n do_v administer_v the_o holy_a ordinance_n in_o one_o
power_n and_o liberty_n in_o choose_v or_o refuse_v the_o officer_n that_o be_v to_o be_v set_v over_o they_o some_o few_o thing_n we_o may_v observe_v from_o the_o testimony_n insist_v on_o as_o 1._o there_o be_v in_o they_o a_o true_a and_o full_a representation_n of_o the_o state_n order_n rule_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o first_o age_n it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a demonstration_n that_o all_o those_o thing_n wherein_o at_o the_o present_a the_o state_n and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n be_v suppose_v to_o consist_v be_v indeed_o late_a invention_n not_o mere_o because_o they_o be_v not_o mention_v by_o they_o but_o because_o they_o be_v not_o so_o when_o they_o avowed_o profess_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o that_o state_n and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v then_o in_o use_n and_o practice_n have_v there_o be_v then_o among_o christian_n metropolitan_a archbishop_n or_o bishop_n diocesan_n churches_n national_a or_o provincial_a a_o enclosure_n of_o church-power_n or_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n in_o and_o for_o the_o whole_a rule_n of_o the_o church_n unto_o bishop_n and_o officer_n utter_o foreign_a unto_o any_o pretence_n of_o apostolical_a institution_n or_o countenance_n have_v many_o church_n or_o many_o hundred_o of_o church_n be_v without_o rule_n in_o or_o among_o themselves_o subject_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o any_o one_o man_n stand_v in_o no_o especial_a relation_n unto_o any_o of_o they_o with_o other_o thing_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n be_v then_o invent_v know_v and_o in_o use_n how_o can_v they_o possible_o be_v excuse_v in_o pass_v they_o over_o without_o the_o least_o take_v notice_n of_o they_o or_o give_v they_o the_o honour_n of_o be_v once_o mention_v by_o they_o how_o easy_a have_v it_o be_v for_o their_o pagan_a ruler_n unto_o who_o they_o present_v their_o account_n some_o of_o they_o of_o the_o state_n of_o their_o church_n to_o have_v reply_v that_o they_o know_v well_o enough_o there_o be_v other_o dignity_n order_n and_o practice_n than_o what_o they_o do_v acknowledge_v which_o they_o be_v either_o afraid_a or_o ashamed_a to_o own_o but_o beside_o this_o silence_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n they_o assert_v such_o thing_n of_o the_o officer_n appoint_v in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o way_n of_o their_o appointment_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o power_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o people_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n as_o be_v utter_o inconsistent_a with_o that_o state_n of_o these_o thing_n which_o be_v by_o some_o plead_v for_o yea_o as_o we_o have_v show_v whatever_o they_o write_v or_o speak_v about_o church_n or_o their_o order_n can_v have_v no_o be_v or_o exercise_n in_o any_o other_o form_n of_o church_n but_o of_o particular_a congregation_n 2._o that_o account_n which_o they_o give_v that_o representation_n which_o they_o make_v of_o the_o kind_n state_n and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n among_o they_o do_v absolute_o agree_v with_o and_o answer_v unto_o what_o we_o be_v teach_v in_o the_o divine_a write_n about_o the_o same_o thing_n there_o be_v indeed_o before_o the_o end_n of_o the_o second_o century_n some_o practice_n in_o and_o about_o some_o lesser_a thing_n such_o as_o send_v the_o consecrate_a element_n from_o the_o assembly_n unto_o such_o as_o be_v sick_a that_o they_o have_v no_o warrant_n for_o from_o any_o thing_n write_v or_o do_v by_o the_o apostle_n but_o as_o unto_o the_o substance_n of_o what_o concern_v the_o state_n order_n rule_n discipline_n and_o worship_n of_o evangelical_n church_n there_o be_v not_o any_o instance_n to_o be_v give_v wherein_o they_o depart_v from_o the_o apostolical_a tradition_n or_o institution_n either_o by_o add_v any_o thing_n of_o their_o own_o unto_o they_o or_o omit_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v by_o they_o ordain_v 3._o from_o this_o state_n the_o church_n do_v by_o degree_n and_o insensible_o degenerate_a so_o as_o that_o another_o form_n and_o order_n of_o they_o do_v appear_v towards_o the_o end_n of_o the_o three_o century_n for_o some_o in_o the_o first_o church_n not_o apply_v their_o mind_n unto_o the_o apostolical_a rule_n and_o practice_n who_o ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o church_n and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o city_n or_o town_n but_o as_o clemens_n affirm_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o country-village_n many_o disorder_n ensue_v with_o respect_n unto_o such_o collection_n of_o christian_n and_o congregation_n as_o be_v gather_v at_o some_o distance_n from_o the_o first_o or_o city-church_n until_o the_o time_n of_o origen_n the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o case_n be_v follow_v and_o their_o direction_n observe_v for_o so_o he_o write_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o we_o know_v that_o there_o be_v other_o congregation_n gather_v in_o the_o town_n up_o and_o down_o by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o that_o there_o be_v another_o heavenly_a city_n in_o any_o town_n build_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o persuade_v some_o that_o be_v sound_a in_o doctrine_n and_o of_o good_a conversation_n and_o meet_v for_o their_o rule_n to_o take_v on_o they_o the_o conduct_n or_o rule_n of_o those_o church_n and_o these_o whilst_o they_o rule_v within_o the_o church_n those_o society_n of_o divine_a institution_n by_o who_o they_o be_v choose_v they_o govern_v they_o according_a to_o the_o prescription_n or_o command_n and_o rule_v give_v by_o god_n himself_o adver_n cels._n lib._n 8._o those_o of_o who_o he_o speak_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v the_o pastor_n or_o principal_a member_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v establish_v when_o they_o understand_v that_o in_o any_o place_n distant_a from_o they_o a_o number_n of_o believer_n be_v call_v and_o gather_v into_o church_n order_n by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n they_o present_o according_a unto_o their_o duty_n take_v care_n of_o they_o inquire_v into_o their_o state_n and_o condition_n assist_v they_o in_o particular_a in_o find_v out_o try_v and_o recommend_v unto_o they_o person_n meet_v to_o be_v their_o officer_n and_o ruler_n these_o he_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v church_n and_o city_n of_o god_n upon_o their_o collection_n by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n antecedent_o unto_o the_o constitution_n of_o any_o officer_n among_o they_o as_o the_o apostle_n also_o do_v act._n 14.22_o 23._o wherefore_o the_o church_n be_v essential_o before_o its_o ordinary_a officer_n and_o can_v as_o unto_o its_o continuance_n depend_v on_o any_o succession_n of_o they_o which_o they_o have_v none_o but_o what_o it_o give_v unto_o they_o these_o officer_n thus_o recommend_v be_v choose_v as_o he_o tell_v we_o by_o the_o church_n wherein_o they_o be_v to_o preside_v and_o thereon_o do_v govern_v they_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n alone_o hereby_o be_v the_o original_a constitution_n and_o state_n of_o the_o first_o church_n for_o a_o good_a season_n preserve_v nor_o be_v there_o the_o least_o abridgement_n of_o the_o power_n either_o of_o these_o church_n or_o of_o their_o officer_n because_o it_o may_v be_v they_o be_v some_o of_o they_o plant_v in_o poor_a country-village_n for_o as_o no_o man_n in_o the_o world_n can_v hinder_v but_o that_o every_o true_a church_n have_v the_o jure_v all_o the_o right_n and_o power_n that_o any_o other_o church_n in_o the_o world_n have_v or_o aught_o to_o have_v or_o that_o every_o true_a officer_n bishop_n elder_n or_o pastor_n have_v not_o all_o the_o power_n that_o christ_n have_v annex_v unto_o that_o office_n be_v they_o at_o rome_n or_o eâ—gubium_n so_o there_o be_v no_o abridgement_n of_o this_o power_n in_o the_o mean_a of_o they_o as_o yet_o attempt_v but_o this_o course_n and_o duty_n in_o many_o place_n not_o long_o after_o become_v to_o be_v much_o omit_v whether_o out_o of_o ignorance_n or_o negligence_n or_o unwillingness_n of_o man_n to_o undertake_v the_o pastoral_n charge_n in_o poor_a country-churche_n i_o know_v not_o but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o believer_n in_o the_o region_n round_o about_o any_o city_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v look_v on_o as_o those_o which_o belong_v unto_o the_o city_n church_n and_o be_v not_o settle_v in_o particular_a congregation_n for_o their_o edification_n which_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v and_o the_o counsel_n that_o afterward_o ensue_v make_v law_n and_o canon_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v under_o the_o government_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o those_o city-churche_n but_o when_o the_o number_n of_o such_o believer_n be_v great_o increase_v so_o as_o that_o it_o be_v needful_a to_o have_v some_o always_o attend_v the_o ministry_n among_o they_o they_o come_v i_o know_v not_o how_o to_o have_v chorepiscopi_fw-la among_o they_o and_o over_o they_o the_o first_o mention_n of_o they_o be_v in_o the_o synod_n of_o
thereunto_o they_o have_v their_o foundation_n in_o the_o law_n and_o light_n of_o nature_n be_v only_o direct_v and_o apply_v unto_o the_o gospel-church-state_n and_o worship_n by_o rule_n of_o especial_a institution_n and_o they_o can_v no_o more_o cease_v than_o the_o original_a obligation_n of_o that_o law_n can_v so_o do_v if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o notwithstanding_o what_o may_v be_v thus_o plead_v yet_o de_fw-la facto_fw-la the_o true_a state_n of_o gospel-churche_n and_o their_o whole_a worship_n as_o unto_o its_o original_a institution_n do_v fail_v under_o the_o papal_a apostasy_n and_o therefore_o may_v do_v so_o again_o i_o answer_v 1._o we_o do_v not_o plead_v that_o this_o state_n of_o thing_n must_v be_v always_o visible_a and_o conspicuous_a wherein_o all_o protestant_a writer_n do_v agree_v it_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o as_o unto_o public_a view_n observation_n and_o notoriety_n all_o these_o thing_n be_v lose_v under_o the_o papacy_n and_o may_v be_v so_o again_o under_o a_o renew_a apostasy_n 2._o i_o do_v not_o plead_v it_o to_o be_v necessary_a de_fw-fr facto_fw-la that_o there_o shall_v be_v real_o at_o all_o time_n a_o true_a visible_a church_n as_o the_o seat_n of_o all_o ordinance_n and_o administration_n in_o the_o world_n but_o all_o such_o church_n may_v fail_v not_o only_o as_o unto_o visibility_n but_o as_o unto_o their_o existence_n but_o this_o supposition_n of_o a_o failure_n of_o all_o institute_v church_n and_o worship_n i_o grant_v only_o with_o these_o limitation_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v of_o necessity_n from_o innumerable_a divine_a promise_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o christ_n kingly_a office_n that_o there_o be_v always_o in_o the_o world_n a_o number_n great_a or_o lesser_a of_o sincere_a believer_n that_o open_o profess_v subjection_n and_o obedience_n unto_o he_o 2._o that_o in_o these_o person_n there_o reside_v a_o indefeazable_a right_n always_o to_o gather_v themselves_o into_o a_o church-state_n and_o to_o administer_v all_o gospel-ordinance_n which_o all_o the_o world_n can_v deprive_v they_o of_o which_o be_v the_o whole_a of_o what_o i_o now_o plead_v for_o and_o let_v it_o be_v observe_v that_o all_o the_o ensue_a argument_n depend_v on_o this_o right_n and_o not_o on_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n 3_o i_o do_v not_o know_v how_o far_o god_n may_v accept_v of_o church_n in_o a_o very_a corrupt_a state_n and_o of_o worship_n much_o deprave_v until_o they_o have_v new_a mean_n for_o their_o reformation_n nor_o will_v i_o make_v any_o judgement_n of_o person_n as_o unto_o their_o eternal_a condition_n who_o walk_v in_o church_n so_o corrupt_v and_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o worship_n so_o deprave_v but_o as_o unto_o they_o who_o know_v they_o to_o be_v so_o corrupt_v and_o deprave_a it_o be_v a_o damnable_a sin_n to_o join_v with_o they_o or_o not_o to_o separate_v from_o they_o revel_v 18.4_o 2._o the_o nature_n and_o use_v of_o the_o gospel_n church-state_n require_v and_o prove_v the_o uninterrupted_a continuance_n of_o the_o right_n of_o its_o existence_n and_o the_o observance_n of_o all_o ordinance_n of_o divine_a worship_n therein_o with_o a_o power_n in_o they_o in_o who_o that_o right_n do_v indefeazable_o reside_v that_o be_v all_o true_a believer_n to_o bring_v it_o forth_o into_o exercise_n and_o practice_n notwithstanding_o the_o external_a impediment_n which_o in_o some_o place_n at_o some_o time_n may_v interrupt_v its_o exercise_n in_o the_o observation_n of_o christ_n institution_n and_o celebration_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o divine_a worship_n do_v the_o church-state_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o profess_v consist_v it_o do_v so_o in_o opposition_n 1._o unto_o the_o world_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n for_o hereby_o do_v man_n call_v jesus_n lord_n as_o 1_o cor._n 12.3_o and_o avow_v their_o subjection_n unto_o his_o kingly_a power_n 2._o unto_o the_o church-state_n of_o the_o old-testament_n as_o the_o apostle_n dispute_v at_o large_a in_o his_o epistle_n unto_o the_o hebrew_n and_o this_o state_n of_o the_o profess_v church_n in_o this_o world_n be_v unalterable_a because_o it_o be_v the_o best_a state_n that_o the_o believe_a church_n be_v capable_a of_o for_o so_o the_o apostle_n plain_o prove_v that_o hereby_o the_o believe_a church_n be_v bring_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o it_o be_v not_o under_o the_o law_n that_o be_v unto_o its_o consummation_n in_o the_o most_o complete_a perfection_n that_o god_n have_v design_v unto_o it_o on_o this_o side_n glory_n heb._n 7.11_o 19_o for_o christ_n in_o all_o his_o office_n be_v the_o immediate_a head_n of_o it_o its_o constitution_n and_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o way_n of_o its_o worship_n be_v a_o effect_n of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o from_o thence_o be_v it_o eminent_o suit_v unto_o all_o the_o end_n of_o the_o covenant_n both_o on_o the_o part_n of_o god_n and_o man_n and_o be_v therefore_o liable_a to_o no_o intercision_n or_o alteration_n 3._o the_o visible_a administration_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o world_n consist_v in_o this_o church_n state_n with_o the_o administration_n of_o his_o institution_n and_o law_n therein_o a_o kingdom_n the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v in_o this_o world_n and_o though_o it_o be_v not_o of_o the_o world_n yet_o in_o the_o world_n it_o must_v be_v until_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v no_o more_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o god_n promise_n in_o the_o scripture_n depend_v on_o this_o one_o assertion_n we_o need_v not_o here_o concern_v ourselves_o what_o notion_n some_o man_n have_v about_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o kingdom_n in_o the_o world_n with_o respect_n unto_o the_o outward_a affair_n and_o concern_v of_o it_o but_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o this_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o world_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v external_a and_o visible_a consist_v in_o the_o law_n he_o have_v give_v the_o institution_n he_o have_v appoint_v the_o rule_n or_o polity_n he_o have_v prescribe_v with_o the_o due_a observance_n of_o they_o now_o all_o these_o thing_n do_v make_v constitute_v and_o be_v the_o church-state_n and_o worship_n inquire_v after_o wherefore_o as_o christ_n always_o have_v and_o ever_o will_v have_v a_o invisible_a kingdom_n in_o this_o world_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o elect_a believer_n lead_v guide_v rule_v by_o his_o spirit_n so_o he_o will_v have_v a_o visible_a kingdom_n also_o consist_v in_o a_o profess_a avow_a subjection_n unto_o the_o law_n of_o his_o word_n rom._n 10.10_o and_o although_o this_o kingdom_n or_o his_o kingdom_n in_o this_o sense_n may_v as_o unto_o the_o essence_n of_o it_o be_v preserve_v in_o the_o external_a profession_n of_o individual_a person_n and_o it_o may_v be_v so_o exist_v in_o the_o world_n for_o a_o season_n yet_o the_o honour_n of_o it_o and_o its_o complete_a establishment_n consist_v in_o the_o visible_a profession_n of_o church_n which_o he_o will_v therefore_o maintain_v unto_o the_o end_n but_o by_o visible_a in_o this_o discourse_n i_o understand_v not_o that_o which_o be_v conspicuous_a and_o eminent_a unto_o all_o though_o the_o church_n have_v be_v so_o and_o shall_v yet_o be_v so_o again_o nor_o yet_o that_o which_o be_v actual_o see_v or_o know_v by_o other_o but_o only_o that_o which_o may_v be_v so_o or_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v so_o know_v nor_o do_v i_o assert_v a_o necessity_n hereof_o as_o unto_o a_o constant_a preservation_n of_o purity_n and_o regularity_n in_o order_n and_o ordinance_n according_a to_o the_o original_a institution_n of_o they_o in_o any_o place_n but_o only_o of_o a_o unalterable_a right_n and_o power_n in_o believer_n to_o render_v they_o visible_a which_o it_o become_v their_o indispensible_a duty_n to_o do_v when_o outward_a impediment_n be_v not_o absolute_o insuperable_a but_o of_o these_o thing_n thus_o far_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d chap._n x._o what_o sort_n of_o church_n the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n may_v and_o ought_v to_o join_v themselves_o unto_o as_o unto_o entire_a communion_n we_o have_v prove_v before_o that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o individual_a christian_n to_o give_v themselves_o up_o unto_o the_o conduct_n fellowship_n and_o communion_n of_o some_o particular_a church_n or_o congregation_n our_o present_a enquiry_n hereon_o be_v that_o whereas_o there_o be_v a_o great_a diversity_n among_o profess_v society_n in_o the_o world_n concern_v each_o whereof_o it_o be_v say_v lo_o here_o be_v christ_n and_o lo_o there_o be_v christ_n what_o church_n of_o what_o constitution_n and_o order_n any_o one_o that_o take_v care_n of_o his_o own_o edification_n and_o salvation_n aught_o to_o join_v himself_o unto_o this_o i_o shall_v speak_v unto_o first_o in_o general_n and_o then_o in_o the_o examination_n of_o one_o particular_a case_n or_o instance_n wherein_o many_o at_o this_o day_n be_v concern_v and_o some_o thing_n must_v be_v premise_v unto_o the_o right_n
be_v exercise_v in_o they_o without_o they_o or_o their_o own_o consent_n as_o also_o their_o right_n unto_o the_o choice_n of_o their_o own_o officer_n so_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o separation_n between_o they_o on_o that_o account_n 2._o when_o they_o begin_v in_o good_a earnest_n to_o reform_v themselves_o and_o to_o take_v away_o the_o unsufferable_a condition_n of_o communion_n except_v against_o they_o may_v know_v more_o of_o my_o judgement_n if_o i_o be_o alive_a which_o i_o do_v not_o believe_v i_o shall_v be_v as_o unto_o separation_n though_o i_o have_v speak_v unto_o it_o plain_o enough_o already_o 3._o it_o can_v be_v say_v that_o the_o church_n of_o the_o independent_o be_v gather_v out_o of_o presbyterian_a church_n for_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n be_v never_o here_o establish_v and_o each_o party_n take_v liberty_n to_o reform_v themselves_o according_o according_a to_o their_o principle_n wherein_o there_o be_v some_o difference_n 4._o have_v the_o presbyterian_a government_n be_v settle_v at_o the_o king_n restauration_n by_o the_o encouragement_n and_o protection_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o without_o a_o rigorous_a imposition_n of_o every_o thing_n suppose_v by_o any_o to_o belong_v thereunto_o or_o a_o mixture_n of_o humane_a constitution_n if_o there_o have_v any_o appearance_n of_o a_o schism_n or_o separation_n continue_v between_o the_o party_n i_o do_v judge_n they_o will_v have_v be_v both_o to_o blame_v for_o as_o it_o can_v be_v expect_v that_o all_o church_n and_o all_o person_n in_o they_o shall_v agree_v in_o all_o principle_n and_o practice_n belong_v unto_o church_n order_n nor_o be_v it_o so_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n nor_o ever_o since_o among_o any_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n so_o all_o the_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o church_n communion_n will_v have_v be_v so_o fix_v and_o agree_v upon_o between_o they_o and_o all_o offence_n in_o worship_n so_o remove_v as_o that_o it_o will_v have_v be_v a_o matter_n of_o no_o great_a art_n absolute_o to_o unite_v they_o or_o to_o maintain_v a_o firm_a communion_n among_o they_o no_o more_o then_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o primitive_a time_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o difference_n that_o be_v among_o church_n in_o those_o day_n for_o they_o allow_v distinct_a communion_n upon_o distinct_a apprehension_n of_o thing_n belong_v unto_o church_n order_n or_o worship_n all_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n if_o it_o shall_v be_v ask_v then_o why_o do_v they_o not_o former_o agree_v in_o the_o assemby_n i_o answer_v 1._o i_o be_v none_o of_o they_o and_o can_v tell_v 2._o they_o do_v agree_v in_o my_o judgement_n well_o enough_o if_o they_o can_v have_v think_v so_o and_o far_o i_o be_o not_o concern_v in_o the_o difference_n it_o be_v therefore_o notorious_a that_o occasion_n be_v give_v unto_o our_o refrain_v free_a communion_n with_o parochial_a church_n by_o the_o unwarrantable_a imposition_n of_o thing_n not_o lawful_a for_o we_o to_o observe_v both_o in_o church_n order_n and_o worship_n nor_o be_v it_o candid_a in_o any_o to_o deny_v it_o though_o they_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v as_o unto_o the_o thing_n themselves_o his_o second_o exception_n be_v unto_o a_o say_n which_o i_o quote_v out_o of_o justice_n hobart_n report_v who_o say_v we_o know_v well_o that_o the_o primitive_a church_n in_o its_o great_a purity_n be_v but_o voluntary_a congregation_n of_o believer_n submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o apostle_n and_o other_o pastor_n to_o who_o they_o do_v minister_v of_o their_o temporal_n as_o god_n do_v move_v they_o hereunto_o with_o a_o reflection_n on_o a_o dead_a man_n i_o know_v not_o why_o he_o reply_v that_o this_o be_v not_o to_o the_o purpose_n or_o rather_o quite_o overthrow_v my_o hypothesis_n but_o why_o so_o he_o will_v prove_v it_o with_o two_o argument_n the_o first_o be_v this_o those_o voluntary_a congregation_n over_o which_o the_o apostle_n be_v set_v be_v no_o limit_a congregation_n of_o any_o one_o particular_a church_n but_o those_o congregation_n over_o which_o the_o apostle_n be_v set_v be_v those_o of_o which_o justice_n hobart_n speak_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v plain_a he_o speak_v of_o all_o the_o church_n which_o be_v under_o the_o care_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o he_o call_v voluntary_a congregation_n answ._n 1._o whereas_o this_o argument_n seem_v to_o be_v cast_v into_o the_o form_n of_o a_o syllogism_n i_o can_v easy_o manifest_v how_o asyllogistical_a it_o be_v do_v i_o delight_v to_o contend_v with_o he_o or_o any_o else_o but_o 2._o the_o conclusion_n which_o he_o infer_v be_v direct_o what_o i_o plead_v for_o namely_o that_o all_o the_o church_n under_o the_o care_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v voluntary_a congregation_n 3._o there_o be_v fallacy_n in_o that_o expression_n no_o limit_a congregation_n of_o any_o one_o particular_a church_n no_o such_o thing_n be_v pretend_v but_o particular_a church_n be_v congregation_n such_o be_v all_o the_o church_n over_o which_o the_o apostle_n be_v set_v and_o therefore_o justice_n hobart_n speak_v of_o they_o all_o this_o then_o be_v that_o which_o he_o seem_v to_o oppose_v namely_o that_o all_o the_o church_n under_o the_o care_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v particular_a voluntary_a congregation_n as_o justice_n hobart_n affirm_v and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o in_o the_o close_a he_o seem_v to_o grant_v his_o second_o argument_n which_o be_v no_o less_o ambiguous_a no_o less_o a_o rope_n of_o sand_n than_o the_o former_a be_v this_o those_o voluntary_a congregation_n over_o who_o the_o apostle_n appoint_v pastor_n after_o their_o decease_n be_v no_o particular_a congregation_n in_o one_o city_n but_o those_o of_o who_o justice_n hobart_n speak_v be_v such_o for_o he_o say_v they_o first_o submit_v unto_o the_o apostle_n and_o afterward_o to_o other_o pastor_n what_o then_o why_o justice_n hobart_n can_v not_o be_v such_o a_o stranger_n to_o antiquity_n as_o to_o believe_v that_o the_o christian_n in_o the_o age_n after_o the_o apostle_n amount_v but_o to_o one_o congregation_n in_o a_o city_n answ._n 1._o what_o this_o be_v design_v to_o prove_v or_o disprove_v or_o how_o it_o do_v either_o of_o they_o i_o do_v not_o understand_v but_o i_o deny_v the_o proposition_n the_o voluntary_a congregation_n over_o who_o the_o apostle_n appoint_v pastor_n be_v all_o of_o they_o particular_a congregation_n either_o in_o one_o city_n or_o more_o city_n for_o that_o be_v nothing_o unto_o our_o purpose_n 2._o not_o to_o engage_v justice_n hobart_n or_o his_o honour_n i_o do_v confess_v myself_o such_o a_o stranger_n unto_o antiquity_n if_o that_o may_v be_v esteem_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o as_o not_o to_o believe_v that_o the_o christian_n in_o the_o age_n after_o the_o apostle_n amount_v to_o any_o more_o than_o one_o church_n or_o congregation_n in_o a_o city_n and_o shall_v acknowledge_v myself_o behold_v to_o this_o reverend_a author_n if_o he_o will_v give_v i_o one_o undoubted_a instance_n where_o they_o so_o do_v only_o let_v the_o reader_n observe_v that_o i_o intend_v not_o occasional_a meeting_n of_o any_o of_o the_o church_n with_o or_o without_o their_o elder_n which_o be_v frequent_a they_o meet_v in_o those_o day_n in_o field_n in_o mountain_n in_o den_n and_o cave_n of_o the_o earth_n in_o bury_v place_n in_o house_n hire_v or_o borrow_a in_o upper_a room_n or_o cellar_n whereof_o a_o large_a story_n may_v easy_o be_v give_v if_o it_o be_v to_o our_o present_a purpose_n dionysius_n of_o alexandria_n sum_n they_o up_o brief_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o field_n a_o desert_n a_o ship_n a_o inn_n a_o prison_n be_v place_n of_o our_o meeting_n euseb._n lib._n 7._o cap._n 22._o but_o i_o speak_v of_o state_v church_n with_o their_o worship_n power_n order_n and_o rule_n but_o whether_o there_o be_v more_o such_o church_n in_o any_o one_o city_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o shall_v be_v immediate_o inquire_v into_o all_o that_o i_o here_o assert_v and_o confirm_v from_o the_o word_n of_o justice_n hobart_n be_v that_o the_o church_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v particular_a voluntary_a congregation_n and_o the_o dr._n will_v find_v it_o a_o difficult_a task_n to_o prove_v that_o this_o overthrow_v my_o hypothesis_n our_o author_n in_o the_o next_o place_n oppose_v what_o i_o affirm_v of_o the_o gradual_a deviation_n of_o the_o church_n after_o the_o apostle_n from_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o first_o institution_n which_o have_v be_v already_o account_v for_o sect._n 4._o p._n 224._o upon_o a_o occasional_a expression_n of_o i_o about_o the_o church_n of_o carthage_n in_o cyprian_n time_n he_o give_v we_o a_o large_a account_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n of_o carthage_n at_o that_o time_n wherein_o we_o be_v not_o
anâ—yra_n in_o galatia_n about_o the_o year_n 314_o can._n 13._o and_o mention_n be_v again_o make_v of_o they_o in_o a_o synod_n of_o antioch_n an._n 341._o and_o somewhat_o before_o at_o the_o council_n of_o neocaesarea_n can._n 13._o and_o frequent_o afterward_o as_o any_o one_o may_v see_v in_o the_o late_a collection_n of_o the_o ancient_a canon_n i_o very_o believe_v nor_o can_v the_o contrary_n be_v prove_v but_o that_o these_o chorepiscopi_fw-la at_o first_o be_v as_o absolute_a and_o complete_a in_o the_o office_n of_o episcopacy_n as_o any_o of_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o great_a city_n have_v their_o name_n or_o denomination_n from_o the_o place_n of_o their_o residence_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o not_o for_o a_o intimation_n of_o any_o inferiority_n in_o they_o unto_o other_o city-bishop_n but_o so_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o through_o their_o poverty_n and_o want_n of_o interest_n their_o ministry_n be_v confine_v unto_o a_o small_a country-parish_n &_o perhaps_o through_o a_o comparative_a meanness_n of_o their_o gift_n or_o ability_n the_o city-bishop_n claim_v a_o superiority_n over_o they_o and_o make_v canon_n about_o their_o power_n the_o bound_a and_o exercise_v of_o it_o in_o dependence_n on_o themselves_o for_o a_o while_n they_o be_v esteem_v a_o degree_n above_o mere_a presbyter_n who_o accompany_v or_o attend_v the_o bishop_n of_o the_o city-church_n in_o his_o administration_n and_o a_o degree_n beneath_o the_o bishop_n himself_o in_o a_o posture_n never_o design_v by_o christ_n nor_o his_o apostle_n wherefore_o in_o process_n of_o time_n the_o name_n and_o thing_n be_v utter_o lose_v and_o all_o the_o country-churche_n be_v bring_v into_o a_o absolute_a subjection_n unto_o the_o city-church_n something_o be_v allow_v unto_o they_o for_o worship_n nothing_o for_o rule_n and_o discipline_n whereby_o the_o first_o state_n of_o church_n in_o their_o original_a institution_n sacred_o preserve_v in_o the_o first_o century_n be_v utter_o lose_v and_o demolish_a i_o shall_v add_v but_o one_o argument_n more_o to_o evince_v the_o true_a state_n and_o nature_n of_o evangelical_n church_n herein_o namely_o that_o they_o be_v only_o particular_a congregation_n and_o that_o be_v take_v from_o the_o duty_n and_o power_n ascribe_v in_o the_o scripture_n unto_o church_n and_o the_o member_n or_o entire_a brotherhood_n of_o they_o it_o be_v observe_v before_o that_o the_o epistle_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v write_v all_o of_o they_o unto_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n in_o contradistinction_n unto_o their_o elder_n bishop_n or_o pastor_n unless_o it_o be_v those_o that_o be_v write_v unto_o particular_a person_n by_o name_n and_o as_o this_o be_v plain_a in_o all_o the_o epistle_n of_o paul_n wherein_o sometime_o distinct_a mention_n be_v make_v of_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n sometime_o none_o at_o all_o so_o the_o apostle_n john_n affirm_v that_o he_o write_v unto_o the_o church_n but_o that_o diotrephes_n who_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v their_o bishop_n receive_v he_o not_o at_o once_o reject_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o overthrow_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n which_o example_n be_v diligent_o follow_v in_o the_o succeed_a age_n joh._n epist._n 3._o ver_fw-la 9_o and_o the_o apostle_n peter_n write_v unto_o the_o church_n on_o a_o especial_a occasion_n speak_v distinct_o of_o the_o elder_n 1_o pet._n 5.1_o 2._o see_v also_o heb._n 13.24_o the_o body_n of_o the_o epistle_n be_v direct_v to_o the_o body_n of_o church_n wherefore_o all_o the_o instruction_n direction_n and_o injunction_n give_v in_o those_o epistle_n as_o unto_o the_o exercise_n of_o power_n or_o the_o performance_n of_o duty_n they_o be_v give_v unto_o the_o church_n themselves_o now_o these_o be_v such_o many_o of_o they_o as_o can_v be_v act_v or_o perform_v in_o any_o church_n by_o the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n but_o that_o which_o be_v congregational_a only_o it_o be_v too_o long_o here_o to_o insist_v on_o particular_n it_o shall_v be_v do_v elsewhere_o and_o it_o will_v thence_o appear_v that_o this_o argument_n alone_o be_v sufficient_a to_o bear_v the_o weight_n of_o this_o whole_a cause_n the_o reader_n may_v if_o he_o please_v consider_v what_o representation_n hereof_o be_v make_v in_o these_o place_n compare_v together_o matth._n 18.15_o 16_o 17_o 18._o act._n 1.12_o 23_o chap._n 2.1_o 42_o 44_o 46._o chap._n 5.11_o 12_o 13._o chap._n 11.21_o 22_o 25_o 26_o 28_o 29_o 30._o chap._n 12.5_o 12._o chap._n 14.26_o 27._o chap._n 15.1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 6_o 12_o 13_o 22_o 23_o 27_o 28_o 30._o chap._n 20.28_o rom._n 15.5_o 6_o 14_o 25_o 26._o chap._n 16.1_o 17_o 18._o 1_o cor._n 1.4_o 5._o chap._n 5._o throughout_o chap._n 12.4_o 7_o 8_o 9_o 11_o 15_o 18_o 28_o 29_o 30_o 31._o chap._n 14._o throughout_o chap._n 16.10_o 11._o 2_o cor._n 3.1_o 2_o 3._o chap._n 7.14_o 15._o chap._n 8.22_o 23_o 24._o chap._n 2_o 6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o 10_o 11._o chap._n 8.5_o ephes._n 2.19_o 20_o 21_o 22._o chap._n 5.11_o 12._o gal._n 6.1_o philip._n 2.25_o 26_o 27_o 28._o colos._n 1.1_o 2._o chap._n 2.3_o chap._n 3.16_o chap._n 4.9_o 12_o 16_o 17._o 1_o thes._n 5.11_o 12_o 13_o 14._o 2_o thes._n 3.6_o 7_o 14_o 15._o heb._n 12.13_o chap._n 10.24_o 25._o chap._n 12.15_o 16._o in_o these_o i_o say_v and_o other_o place_n innumerable_a there_o be_v those_o thing_n affirm_v of_o and_o ascribe_v unto_o the_o apostolical_a church_n as_o unto_o their_o state_n order_n assembly_n duty_n power_n and_o privilege_n as_o evince_n they_o to_o have_v be_v only_o particular_a congregation_n chap._n vi_o congregational_a church_n alone_o suit_v unto_o the_o end_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o institution_n of_o his_o church_n have_v give_v a_o account_n of_o that_o state_n and_o order_n of_o the_o gospel-churche_n which_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o we_o declare_v also_o their_o suitableness_n and_o sufficiency_n unto_o all_o the_o end_n for_o which_o the_o lord_n christ_n appoint_v such_o church_n for_o if_o there_o be_v any_o true_a proper_a end_n of_o that_o nature_n which_o can_v be_v attain_v in_o or_o by_o any_o church-state_n in_o this_o or_o that_o form_n it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o no_o such_o form_n be_v of_o divine_a appointment_n yea_o it_o be_v necessary_a not_o only_o that_o such_o a_o state_n as_o pretend_v unto_o a_o divine_a original_a be_v not_o only_o not_o contradictory_n unto_o or_o inconsistent_a with_o such_o a_o end_n but_o that_o it_o be_v effectual_o conduce_v thereunto_o and_o in_o its_o place_n necessary_a unto_o that_o purpose_n this_o therefore_o be_v that_o which_o we_o shall_v now_o inquire_v into_o namely_o whether_o this_o state_n and_o form_n of_o gospel-churche_n in_o single_a congregation_n be_v suit_v unto_o all_o those_o end_n for_o which_o any_o such_o church_n be_v appoint_v which_o they_o must_v be_v on_o the_o account_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o author_n and_o founder_n of_o they_o or_o be_v utter_o discard_v from_o their_o pretence_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o more_o forcible_a argument_n against_o any_o pretend_a church-state_n rule_n or_o order_n than_o that_o it_o be_v obstructive_a unto_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n in_o attain_v the_o proper_a end_n of_o their_o whole_a institution_n what_o these_o end_n be_v be_v in_o general_a before_o declare_v i_o shall_v not_o here_o repeat_v they_o or_o go_v over_o they_o again_o but_o only_o single_a out_o the_o consideration_n of_o those_o which_o be_v usual_o plead_v as_o not_o attainable_a by_o this_o way_n of_o church_n in_o single_a congregation_n only_o or_o that_o at_o least_o they_o be_v not_o suit_v unto_o their_o attainment_n the_o first_o of_o these_o be_v mutual_a love_n among_o all_o christian_n all_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n by_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n i_o intend_v they_o and_o they_o only_o who_o profess_v faith_n in_o his_o person_n and_o doctrine_n and_o to_o hear_v he_o or_o to_o be_v guide_v by_o he_o alone_o in_o all_o thing_n that_o appertain_v unto_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o their_o live_n unto_o he_o if_o there_o be_v any_o call_v christian_n who_o in_o these_o thing_n choose_v other_o guide_n call_v other_o minister_n hear_v they_o in_o their_o appointment_n we_o must_v sever_v they_o from_o our_o present_a consideration_n though_o there_o be_v important_a duty_n require_v of_o we_o towards_o they_o also_o but_o what_o be_v allege_v be_v necessary_a unto_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o true_a disciple_n of_o christ._n unto_o all_o those_o his_o great_a command_n be_v mutual_a love_n among_o themselves_o this_o he_o call_v in_o a_o especial_a manner_n his_o commandment_n and_o a_o new_a commandment_n as_o for_o other_o reason_n so_o because_o he_o have_v give_v the_o first_o absolute_a great_a example_n of_o it_o in_o himself_o as_o also_o discover_v
they_o make_v herein_o may_v possible_o keep_v up_o some_o church_n but_o be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o destroy_v all_o religion_n 2._o that_o many_o of_o those_o by_o who_o this_o liberty_n be_v deny_v unto_o profess_v christian_n yet_o do_v indeed_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o they_o have_v such_o a_o liberty_n and_o that_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o make_v use_n of_o it_o for_o what_o be_v all_o the_o contest_v between_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o the_o church_n of_o england_n so_o far_o as_o christian_n that_o be_v not_o churchman_n be_v concern_v in_o they_o be_v it_o not_o in_o whether_o of_o these_o church_n edification_n may_v be_v best_a obtain_v if_o this_o be_v not_o the_o ball_n between_o we_o i_o know_v not_o what_o be_v now_o herein_o do_v not_o all_o the_o writer_n and_o preacher_n of_o both_o party_n give_v their_o reason_n and_o argument_n unto_o the_o people_n why_o edification_n be_v better_a to_o be_v have_v in_o the_o one_o church_n then_o in_o the_o other_o and_o do_v they_o not_o require_v of_o they_o to_o form_v a_o judgement_n upon_o those_o reason_n and_o argument_n and_o to_o act_v according_o if_o they_o do_v not_o they_o do_v but_o make_v a_o flourish_n and_o act_v a_o part_n like_o player_n on_o a_o stage_n without_o any_o determinate_a design_n 3._o all_o christian_n actual_o do_v so_o they_o do_v judge_n for_o themselves_o unless_o they_o be_v brutish_a they_o do_v act_n according_a unto_o that_o judgement_n unless_o they_o be_v harden_v in_o sin_n and_o therefore_o who_o do_v not_o so_o be_v not_o to_o be_v esteem_v disciple_n of_o christ._n to_o suppose_v that_o in_o all_o thing_n of_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a concernment_n that_o man_n be_v not_o determine_v and_o act_v every_o one_o by_o his_o own_o judgement_n be_v a_o imagination_n of_o man_n who_o think_v but_o little_a of_o what_o they_o be_v or_o do_v or_o say_v or_o write_v even_o those_o who_o shut_v their_o eye_n against_o the_o light_n and_o follow_v in_o the_o herd_n resolve_v not_o to_o inquire_v into_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n do_v it_o because_o they_o judge_v it_o be_v best_o for_o they_o so_o to_o do_v 4._o it_o be_v common_o acknowledge_v by_o protestant_n that_o private_a christian_n have_v a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n in_o thing_n of_o religion_n the_o term_n be_v invent_v to_o grant_v they_o some_o liberty_n of_o judgement_n in_o opposition_n unto_o the_o blind_a obedience_n require_v by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o withal_o to_o put_v a_o restraint_n upon_o it_o and_o a_o distinction_n of_o some_o superior_a judgement_n it_o may_v be_v in_o the_o church_n or_o other_o but_o if_o by_o discretion_n they_o mean_v the_o best_a of_o man_n understanding_n knowledge_n wisdom_n and_o prudence_n in_o and_o about_o the_o thing_n wherein_o it_o be_v exercise_v i_o shall_v be_v glad_a to_o be_v inform_v what_o other_o judgement_n than_o this_o of_o discretion_n in_o and_o about_o the_o thing_n of_o religion_n this_o or_o that_o or_o any_o church_n in_o the_o world_n can_v have_v or_o exercise_v but_o to_o allow_v man_n a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n and_o not_o to_o grant_v it_o their_o duty_n to_o act_v according_a unto_o that_o judgement_n be_v to_o oblige_v they_o to_o be_v fool_n and_o to_o act_v not_o discreet_o at_o least_o not_o according_a unto_o their_o own_o discretion_n 4._o the_o same_o be_v to_o be_v speak_v of_o gospel_n discipline_n without_o which_o neither_o can_v the_o duty_n of_o church_n society_n be_v observe_v nor_o the_o end_n of_o they_o attain_v the_o neglect_n the_o loss_n the_o abuse_n hereof_o be_v that_o which_o have_v ruin_v the_o glory_n of_o christian_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o bring_v the_o whole_a profession_n of_o it_o into_o confusion_n hereon_o have_v the_o fervency_n and_o sincerity_n of_o true_a evangelical_n mutual_a love_n be_v abate_v yea_o utter_o lose_v for_o that_o love_n which_o jesus_n christ_n require_v among_o his_o disciple_n be_v such_o as_o never_o be_v in_o the_o world_n before_o among_o man_n nor_o can_v be_v in_o the_o world_n but_o on_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o faith_n therein_o therefore_o it_o be_v call_v his_o new_a commandment_n the_o continuation_n of_o it_o among_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n be_v but_o vain_o pretend_v little_a or_o nothing_o of_o the_o reality_n of_o it_o in_o its_o due_a exercise_n be_v find_v and_o this_o have_v ensue_v on_o the_o neglect_n of_o evangelical_n discipline_n in_o church_n or_o the_o turn_n of_o it_o into_o a_o worldly_a domination_n for_o one_o principal_a end_n of_o it_o be_v the_o preservation_n guidance_n and_o act_v of_o this_o love_n that_o mutual_a watch_n over_o one_o another_o that_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n the_o principal_a evidence_n and_o fruit_n of_o love_n without_o dissimulation_n be_v also_o lose_v hereby_o most_o man_n be_v rather_o ready_a to_o say_v in_o the_o spirit_n and_o word_n of_o cain_n be_o i_o my_o brother_n keeper_n than_o to_o attend_v unto_o the_o command_n of_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v one_o another_o daily_a lest_o any_o be_v harden_v through_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n or_o comply_v with_o the_o command_n of_o our_o saviour_n if_o thy_o brother_n offend_v thou_o tell_v he_o of_o it_o between_o he_o and_o thou_o by_o this_o mean_n likewise_o be_v the_o purity_n of_o communion_n lose_v and_o those_o receive_v as_o principal_a member_n of_o church_n who_o by_o all_o the_o rule_n of_o primitive_a discipline_n aught_o to_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o they_o wherefore_o this_o also_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o choice_n we_o be_v to_o make_v of_o what_o church_n we_o will_v join_v ourselves_o unto_o as_o unto_o constant_a complete_a communion_n and_o in_o who_o communion_n we_o will_v abide_v for_o these_o thing_n be_v matter_n of_o choice_n and_o consist_v in_o voluntary_a free_a act_n of_o obedience_n with_o those_o unto_o who_o they_o be_v not_o so_o who_o will_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n have_v they_o to_o be_v thing_n that_o man_n may_v be_v compel_v unto_o and_o aught_o so_o to_o be_v or_o on_o the_o other_o that_o follow_v no_o other_o guidance_n in_o they_o but_o outward_a circumstance_n from_o the_o time_n and_o place_n where_o they_o be_v bear_v and_o inhabit_v i_o will_v have_v no_o contest_v it_o follow_v from_o hence_o also_o that_o where_o there_o be_v many_o church_n wherein_o these_o thing_n be_v find_v whereon_o we_o may_v lawful_o and_o aught_o in_o duty_n to_o join_v with_o some_o of_o they_o in_o particular_a every_o one_o be_v oblige_v to_o join_v himself_o unto_o such_o a_o church_n as_o who_o principle_n and_o practice_n be_v most_o suit_v unto_o his_o edification_n chap._n xi_o of_o conformity_n and_o communion_n in_o parochial_a assembly_n from_o what_o we_o have_v insist_v on_o we_o may_v borrow_v some_o light_n into_o the_o determination_n of_o that_o case_n wherein_o multitude_n be_v at_o this_o day_n concern_v and_o the_o case_n itself_o may_v be_v brief_o state_v in_o this_o enquiry_n namely_o whether_o all_o protestant_n minister_n and_o people_n be_v bind_v to_o join_v themselves_o unto_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o now_o by_o law_n establish_v in_o its_o parochial_a assembly_n as_o unto_o complete_a constant_a communion_n without_o the_o use_n of_o any_o other_o church_n mean_v for_o their_o own_o edification_n so_o as_o if_o they_o do_v not_o so_o do_v they_o be_v guilty_a of_o schism_n this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v call_v conformity_n unto_o the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o as_o unto_o private_a person_n can_v be_v express_v only_o in_o constant_a complete_a communion_n in_o parochial_a assembly_n according_a to_o their_o present_a constitution_n without_o the_o use_n or_o exercise_n of_o any_o other_o church_n worship_n or_o discipline_n but_o what_o be_v by_o law_n establish_v in_o they_o refrain_v from_o a_o absolute_a compliance_n herein_o be_v call_v schism_n but_o whereas_o ecclesiastical_a schism_n whatever_o it_o be_v in_o particular_a in_o its_o general_a nature_n have_v respect_n only_o unto_o divine_a institution_n this_o which_o respect_v only_o the_o law_n rule_n and_o determination_n of_o man_n can_v have_v no_o alliance_n thereunto_o yet_o be_v it_o not_o only_o charge_v as_o such_o without_o the_o least_o countenance_n from_o scripture_n or_o antiquity_n so_o far_o as_o it_o may_v be_v allow_v of_o authority_n with_o we_o but_o the_o supposition_n of_o it_o be_v accumulate_v with_o another_o evil_n namely_o that_o those_o who_o be_v so_o guilty_a of_o it_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o they_o who_o be_v interest_v with_o secular_a power_n though_o peaceable_a and_o orthodox_n aught_o to_o be_v punish_v with_o various_a penalty_n gradual_o come_v unto_o the_o loss_n of_o good_n liberty_n and_o in_o some_o case_n of_o
to_o be_v give_v of_o any_o man_n charge_v with_o schism_n for_o a_o dissent_n from_o such_o a_o rule_n any_o such_o rule_n and_o any_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n upon_o it_o be_v apocryphal_a not_o only_o unto_o the_o scripture_n but_o unto_o that_o which_o i_o call_v primitive_a antiquity_n the_o first_o attempt_n of_o any_o thing_n in_o this_o kind_n be_v in_o reference_n unto_o the_o time_n and_o day_n of_o the_o observation_n of_o easter_n this_o be_v the_o first_o instance_n among_o christian_n of_o a_o endeavour_n to_o impose_v the_o observation_n of_o humane_a or_o church_n constitution_n or_o groundless_a tradition_n on_o any_o church_n or_o person_n in_o they_o and_o whereas_o that_o which_o be_v call_v a_o schism_n between_o the_o church_n of_o italy_n and_o asia_n or_o some_o of_o they_o do_v ensue_v thereon_o we_o have_v a_o most_o illustrious_a testimony_n from_o the_o best_a the_o wise_a and_o the_o holy_a of_o that_o age_n for_o irenaeus_n in_o france_n and_o polycrates_n in_o asia_n be_v not_o alone_o herein_o that_o the_o blame_n of_o all_o that_o division_n and_o schism_n be_v to_o be_v charge_v on_o they_o who_o attempt_v to_o deprive_v the_o church_n of_o their_o liberty_n and_o impose_v on_o they_o a_o necessity_n of_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o time_n and_o season_n which_o they_o have_v determine_v on_o after_o a_o rebuke_n be_v give_v unto_o the_o attempt_n of_o the_o judaize_v christian_n to_o impose_v the_o observation_n of_o moysaicall_a ceremony_n from_o the_o pretence_n of_o their_o divine_a institution_n on_o the_o church_n of_o the_o gentile_n by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o this_o be_v the_o original_a of_o all_o endeavour_n to_o impose_v humane_a constitution_n for_o which_o there_o be_v no_o such_o pretence_n upon_o the_o practice_n of_o any_o and_o as_o it_o be_v a_o original_a not_o unmeet_a for_o the_o beginning_n and_o foundation_n of_o such_o imposition_n be_v in_o a_o matter_n of_o no_o use_n unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n so_o it_o receive_v such_o a_o solemn_a rebuke_n at_o its_o first_o entrance_n and_o attempt_v that_o have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o the_o ignorance_n pride_n interest_n and_o superstition_n of_o some_o in_o the_o follow_a age_n it_o have_v perish_v without_o imitation_n the_o account_n hereof_o be_v give_v in_o eusebius_n lib._n 5._o cap._n 21_o 22_o 33_o as_o also_o of_o the_o rule_n which_o then_o prevail_v though_o afterward_o shameful_o forsake_v namely_o that_o a_o agreement_n in_o the_o faith_n be_v the_o only_a rule_n of_o communion_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v keep_v under_o any_o diversity_n in_o voluntary_a observation_n and_o the_o discourse_n of_o socrates_n on_o this_o occasion_n lib._n 5._o cap._n 21_o concern_v the_o non-institution_n of_o any_o day_n of_o fast_n or_o feast_n or_o other_o rite_n or_o ceremony_n then_o in_o use_n with_o the_o liberty_n which_o be_v therefore_o to_o be_v leave_v in_o such_o thing_n unto_o all_o christian_n be_v the_o plain_a truth_n whatever_o some_o except_o against_o it_o declare_v with_o much_o judgement_n and_o moderation_n this_o beginning_n i_o say_v have_v the_o imposition_n of_o unscriptural_a uninstituted_a rite_n ceremony_n and_o religious_a observation_n among_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o this_o solemn_a rebuke_n be_v give_v unto_o it_o howbeit_o the_o ignorance_n superstition_n and_o interest_n of_o follow_v age_n with_o the_o contempt_n of_o all_o modesty_n break_v through_o the_o boundary_n of_o this_o holy_a rebuke_n until_o their_o own_o imposition_n and_o observation_n become_v the_o substance_n of_o all_o their_o church_n discipline_n unto_o the_o total_a subversion_n of_o christian_a liberty_n wherefore_o to_o allow_v church_n ruler_n or_o such_o as_o pretend_v so_o to_o be_v a_o liberty_n and_o power_n to_o appoint_v a_o rule_n of_o communion_n comprise_v institution_n and_o command_n of_o sundry_a thing_n to_o be_v constant_o observe_v in_o the_o whole_a worship_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n not_o warrant_v in_o themselves_o by_o divine_a authority_n and_o then_o to_o charge_v beleiver_n abide_v firm_a in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o faith_n with_o schism_n for_o a_o noncompliance_n with_o such_o command_n and_o appointment_n be_v that_o which_o neither_o in_o the_o scripture_n nor_o in_o primitive_a antiquity_n have_v either_o instance_n example_n precedent_n testimony_n rumour_n or_o report_n to_o give_v countenance_n unto_o it_o the_o pedigree_n of_o this_o practice_n can_v be_v derive_v one_o step_n high_o than_o the_o fact_n of_o victor_n the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n in_o the_o excommunication_n of_o the_o church_n and_o christian_n of_o asia_n which_o be_v solemn_o condemn_v as_o a_o entrenchment_n on_o christian_a liberty_n 3._o after_o these_o thing_n the_o notion_n of_o schism_n begin_v to_o be_v manage_v various_o according_a unto_o the_o interest_n of_o they_o who_o seem_v to_o have_v the_o most_o advantage_n in_o the_o application_n of_o it_o unto_o those_o who_o dissent_v from_o they_o it_o be_v a_o endless_a thing_n to_o express_v the_o rise_n and_o declare_v the_o progress_n of_o these_o apprehension_n but_o after_o many_o loose_a and_o declamatory_n discourse_n about_o it_o they_o be_v geral_o issue_v in_o two_o head_n the_o first_o be_v that_o any_o kind_n of_o dissent_n from_o the_o pope_n and_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v schism_n all_o the_o schism_n that_o be_v or_o can_v be_v in_o the_o world_n the_o other_o be_v that_o a_o causeless_a separation_n from_o a_o true_a church_n be_v schism_n and_o this_o only_o be_v so_o but_o whereas_o in_o this_o pretend_a definition_n there_o be_v no_o mention_n of_o any_o of_o its_o internal_a cause_n nor_o of_o its_o formal_a reason_n but_o a_o bare_a description_n of_o it_o by_o a_o outward_a effect_n it_o serve_v only_o for_o a_o weapon_n in_o every_o man_n hand_n to_o perpetuate_v digladiation_n about_o it_o for_o every_o church_n esteem_v itself_o true_a and_o every_o one_o that_o separate_v himself_o esteem_v himself_o to_o have_v just_a cause_n so_o to_o do_v in_o the_o follow_a time_n especial_o after_o the_o rise_n and_o prevalency_n of_o the_o arian_n heresy_n it_o be_v ordinary_a for_o those_o of_o the_o orthodox_n persuasion_n to_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o those_o church_n wherein_o arian_n bishop_n do_v preside_v and_o to_o gather_v themselves_o into_o separate_a meeting_n or_o conventicle_n for_o divine_a worship_n for_o which_o they_o be_v accuse_v of_o schism_n and_o in_o sundry_a place_n punish_v according_o yea_o some_o of_o they_o unto_o the_o loss_n of_o their_o life_n yet_o i_o suppose_v there_o be_v none_o now_o who_o judge_v they_o to_o have_v be_v schismatic_n the_o separation_n of_o novatus_n and_o donatus_n from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o whole_a catholic_n visible_a church_n on_o unwarrantable_a pretence_n be_v that_o which_o make_v the_o loud_a noise_n about_o schism_n in_o antiquity_n that_o there_o be_v in_o what_o be_v do_v by_o they_o and_o their_o follower_n the_o general_n nature_n and_o moral_a evil_n of_o causeless_a schism_n and_o division_n will_v be_v easy_o grant_v but_o it_o be_v that_o wherein_o we_o be_v not_o concern_v be_v the_o especial_a nature_n of_o schism_n what_o it_o will_n nor_o do_v they_o make_v use_n of_o any_o one_o reason_n whereon_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o present_a cause_n do_v depend_v the_o novatian_o the_o modest_a sect_n of_o the_o two_o pretend_v only_o a_o defect_n in_o discipline_n in_o grant_v church_n communion_n unto_o such_o as_o they_o will_v not_o have_v receive_v though_o they_o be_v apparent_o in_o the_o wrong_n proceed_v on_o mistake_v principle_n the_o donatist_n plead_v only_o some_o personal_a crime_n in_o some_o few_o bishop_n fall_v into_o in_o the_o time_n of_o persecution_n which_o they_o can_v never_o prove_v and_o thereon_o grow_v angry_a with_o all_o the_o world_n who_o will_v not_o condemn_v they_o and_o renounce_v their_o communion_n as_o well_o as_o they_o these_o slight_a pretence_n they_o make_v the_o occasion_n and_o reason_n of_o renounce_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o whole_a visible_a catholic_n church_n in_o all_o its_o distribution_n for_o communion_n that_o be_v all_o particular_a church_n and_o confine_v sacrament_n and_o salvation_n absolute_o unto_o their_o own_o party_n and_o hereon_o they_o fall_v into_o many_o other_o woeful_a miscarriage_n especial_o those_o of_o the_o latter_a sort_n it_o be_v indifferent_a by_o what_o name_n any_o be_v please_v to_o call_v this_o evil_a and_o folly_n a_o sin_n and_o evil_a it_o be_v schism_n or_o what_o you_o please_v to_o term_v it_o and_o just_o condemn_v by_o all_o christian_n not_o join_v with_o they_o in_o those_o day_n and_o that_o which_o be_v the_o animate_v principle_n of_o the_o tumult_n of_o the_o donatist_n be_v a_o supposition_n that_o the_o continuation_n of_o the_o true_a church_n state_n depend_v on_o the_o successive_a ordination_n of_o bishop_n