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
whatsoever_o you_o shall_v bind_v etc._n etc._n from_o whence_o say_v he_o by_o a_o constant_a succession_n of_o time_n such_o a_o course_n have_v be_v always_o observe_v in_o the_o church_n that_o the_o church_n have_v be_v still_o govern_v by_o bishop_n and_o every_o act_n of_o the_o church_n have_v be_v under_o their_o care_n and_o conduct_v since_o this_o say_v he_o be_v a_o divine_a institution_n i_o wonder_v at_o the_o boldness_n of_o those_o who_o have_v write_v at_o that_o rate_n to_o i_o concern_v the_o lapse_v since_o the_o church_n consist_v in_o the_o bishop_n the_o clergy_n and_o the_o stand_a people_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o antonianus_n 52._o he_o speak_v of_o the_o agreement_n of_o the_o bishop_n throughout_o the_o whole_a world_n 55._o and_o in_o that_o to_o cornelius_n that_o every_o bishop_n have_v a_o part_n of_o the_o flock_n commit_v to_o he_o which_o he_o be_v to_o govern_v and_o to_o give_v a_o account_n thereof_o to_o god_n 65._o and_o that_o a_o bishop_n in_o the_o church_n be_v in_o the_o place_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o disobedience_n to_o he_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o schism_n and_o disorder_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n he_o speak_v in_o his_o epistle_n to_o rogatianus_n 69._o and_o to_o pupianus_n where_o he_o declare_v a_o church_n to_o be_v a_o people_n unite_v to_o a_o bishop_n 75._o and_o to_o stephanus_n that_o they_o have_v succeed_v the_o apostle_n in_o a_o constant_a course_n let_v the_o reader_n now_o judge_n whether_o these_o be_v the_o stroke_n and_o lineament_n of_o the_o congregational_a way_n and_o whether_o dr._n o._n have_v any_o reason_n to_o appeal_v to_o saint_n cyprian_n for_o the_o democratical_a government_n of_o the_o church_n but_o we_o have_v this_o advantage_n from_o this_o appeal_n that_o they_o do_v not_o suppose_v any_o deviation_n then_o from_o the_o primitive_a institution_n and_o what_o that_o be_v in_o saint_n cyprian_n judgement_n any_o one_o may_v see_v when_o he_o speak_v of_o nothing_o peculiar_a to_o his_o own_o church_n but_o what_o be_v general_o observe_v over_o the_o christian_a world_n and_o now_o let_v dr._n o._n give_v a_o account_n how_o a_o change_n so_o great_a so_o sudden_a so_o universal_a shall_v happen_v in_o the_o christian_a world_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n that_o when_o christ_n have_v place_v the_o power_n in_o the_o people_n the_o bishop_n in_o so_o short_a a_o time_n shall_v be_v every_o where_o settle_v and_o allow_v to_o have_v the_o chief_a management_n in_o church-affair_n without_o any_o control_n from_o the_o people_n which_o to_o i_o be_v as_o strong_a a_o argument_n as_o a_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n will_v bear_v that_o the_o power_n be_v at_o first_o lodge_v in_o they_o and_o not_o in_o the_o people_n for_o as_o mr._n noys_n of_o new-england_n well_o argue_v it_o be_v not_o imaginable_a that_o bishop_n shall_v come_v by_o such_o power_n as_o be_v record_v in_o ecclesiastical_a history_n 62._o and_o that_o over_o all_o the_o world_n and_o in_o a_o way_n of_o ambition_n in_o such_o humble_v time_n without_o all_o manner_n of_o opposition_n for_o 300_o year_n together_o and_o immediate_o after_o the_o apostle_n have_v it_o be_v usurpation_n or_o innovation_n when_o and_o where_o be_v innovation_n without_o opposition_n will_v not_o elder_n so_o many_o see_v and_o know_v man_n at_o least_o some_o of_o they_o have_v contend_v for_o truth_n wherein_o their_o own_o liberty_n and_o right_n be_v so_o much_o interest_v aërius_n his_o oppose_v of_o bishop_n so_o long_o after_o their_o rise_n and_o stand_v be_v inconsiderable_a the_o force_n of_o which_o reason_v will_v sway_v more_o with_o a_o impartial_a and_o ingenuous_a mind_n than_o all_o the_o difficulty_n i_o ever_o yet_o see_v on_o the_o other_o side_n so_o much_o for_o the_o account_n dr._n o._n promise_n of_o the_o deviation_n of_o the_o church_n after_o the_o apostle_n decease_n sect._n 5._o 2._o dr._n o._n answer_v as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n concern_v the_o institution_n of_o congregational_a church_n that_o it_o seem_v to_o he_o evident_o exemplify_v in_o the_o scripture_n 39_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v that_o when_o church_n grow_v too_o big_a for_o one_o single_a congregation_n in_o a_o city_n than_o a_o new_a congregational_a church_n be_v set_v up_o under_o new_a officer_n with_o a_o separate_a power_n of_o government_n let_v we_o now_o see_v dr._n o.'s_n proof_n of_o it_o for_o although_o it_o may_v be_v there_o be_v not_o express_v mention_n make_v that_o these_o or_o those_o particular_a church_n do_v divide_v themselves_o into_o more_o congregation_n with_o new_a officer_n i_o e._n although_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v not_o evident_a in_o scripture_n yet_o say_v he_o there_o be_v instance_n of_o the_o erection_n of_o new_a particular_a congregation_n in_o the_o same_o province_n but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o congregational_a way_n 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 and_o to_o exemplify_v this_o he_o mention_n new_a congregation_n in_o the_o same_o province_n who_o ever_o deny_v or_o dispute_v that_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o proof_n of_o this_o be_v a_o great_a advantage_n to_o our_o cause_n for_o since_o where_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o the_o church_n of_o a_o province_n it_o speak_v of_o they_o as_o of_o different_a church_n but_o when_o it_o mention_n the_o christian_n of_o one_o city_n it_o call_v they_o the_o church_n of_o that_o city_n as_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n 31._o but_o the_o church_n of_o judea_n galilee_n and_o samaria_n what_o can_v be_v more_o evident_a than_o that_o the_o christian_n of_o one_o city_n though_o never_o so_o numerous_a make_v but_o one_o church_n if_o one_o observe_v the_o language_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n one_o may_v find_v this_o observation_n not_o once_o to_o fail_v that_o where_o church_n be_v speak_v of_o in_o the_o plural_a number_n 14._o they_o be_v the_o church_n of_o a_o province_n as_o the_o church_n of_o judea_n 19_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n the_o church_n of_o syria_n and_o cilicia_n 41._o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n the_o church_n of_o macedonia_n 1._o but_o where_o all_o the_o christian_n of_o one_o city_n be_v speak_v of_o 2._o it_o be_v still_o câ—lled_v the_o church_n of_o that_o city_n 1._o as_o the_o church_n at_o antioch_n the_o church_n at_o corinth_n and_o when_o the_o 7_o church_n be_v speak_v of_o together_o they_o be_v the_o 7_o church_n but_o when_o speak_v to_o single_a it_o be_v the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v speak_v without_o any_o discrimination_n as_o to_o the_o difference_n of_o these_o place_n in_o greatness_n and_o capacity_n or_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n in_o they_o do_v evident_o discover_v that_o what_o number_n soever_o they_o be_v they_o be_v all_o but_o the_o church_n of_o that_o city_n for_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v suppose_v that_o the_o number_n of_o christian_n be_v no_o great_a in_o ephesus_n sardis_n pergamus_n and_o laodicea_n which_o be_v great_a and_o populous_a city_n than_o in_o thyatira_n and_o philadelphia_n which_o be_v much_o less_o especial_o consider_v the_o time_n saint_n paul_n stay_v at_o ephesâ—s_n 31._o and_o the_o mighty_a success_n which_o he_o have_v in_o preach_v there_o which_o will_v amount_v to_o no_o great_a matter_n 9_o if_o in_o three_o year_n time_n he_o convert_v no_o more_o than_o make_v up_o one_o single_a congregation_n and_o thus_o man_n to_o serve_v a_o hypothesis_n take_v off_o from_o the_o mighty_a power_n and_o prevalency_n of_o the_o gospel_n i_o can_v but_o wonder_n 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 40._o as_o galatia_n and_o macedonia_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 but_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 whereas_o we_o have_v plain_a scripture_n evidence_n that_o all_o the_o christian_n of_o a_o city_n though_o never_o so_o great_a make_v but_o one_o church_n and_o uncontrollable_a evidence_n from_o antiquity_n that_o the_o neighbour_a christian_n be_v lay_v to_o the_o church_n of_o the_o city_n all_o that_o he_o say_v further_a to_o this_o matter_n 4â—_n be_v that_o such_o church_n have_v power_n to_o rule_v and_o govern_v themselves_o because_o in_o every_o one_o of_o they_o elder_n be_v ordain_v act
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
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
to_o set_v up_o for_o a_o critic_n upon_o the_o credit_n of_o it_o it_o be_v pity_n therefore_o it_o shall_v pass_v without_o some_o consideration_n 7._o but_o i_o pass_v by_o the_o childish_a trifling_n about_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o canon_n viz._n that_o be_v not_o take_v in_o a_o military_a notion_n because_o great_a gun_n be_v not_o then_o invent_v that_o it_o be_v a_o ecclesiastical_a canon_n mount_v upon_o a_o platform_n of_o moderation_n which_o be_v thing_n fit_v only_o for_o boy_n in_o the_o school_n unless_o perhaps_o they_o may_v have_v be_v design_v for_o a_o artillery-sermon_n on_o this_o text_n but_o however_o methinks_v they_o come_v not_o in_o very_o suitable_o in_o a_o weighty_a and_o serious_a debate_n i_o come_v therefore_o to_o examine_v the_o new-light_n that_o be_v give_v to_o this_o controvert_v text._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o observe_v from_o grotius_n be_v leave_v out_o in_o one_o ms_n it_o may_v be_v the_o alexandrian_a but_o what_o be_v one_o ms._n to_o the_o general_a consent_n of_o greek_a copy_n not_o only_o the_o modern_a but_o those_o which_o st._n chrysostom_n theodoret_n photius_n oecumenius_n and_o theophylact_v have_v who_o all_o keep_v it_o in_o but_o suppose_v it_o be_v leave_v out_o the_o sense_n be_v the_o very_a same_o to_o my_o purpose_n no_o say_v he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o must_v be_v refer_v to_o the_o antecedent_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o what_o then_o then_o say_v he_o the_o sense_n be_v what_o we_o have_v attain_v let_v we_o walk_v up_o to_o the_o same_o which_o come_v to_o no_o more_o than_o this_o unto_o whatsoever_o measure_n or_o degree_n of_o knowledge_n we_o have_v reach_v let_v we_o walk_v suitable_o to_o it_o but_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o here_o speak_v of_o the_o improvement_n of_o knowledge_n but_o of_o the_o union_n and_o conjunction_n of_o christian_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o next_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o mind_v the_o same_o thing_n no_o such_o matter_n say_v mr._n a._n that_o phrase_n imply_v no_o more_o than_o to_o mind_v that_o thing_n or_o that_o very_a thing_n viz._n vers._n 14._o press_v towards_o the_o mark_n but_o if_o he_o have_v please_v to_o have_v read_v on_o but_o to_o phil_n 4._o 2._o he_o will_v have_v find_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o signify_v unanimity_n and_o st._n paul_n 1_o cor._n 12_o 25_o oppose_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o there_o be_v no_o schism_n in_o the_o body_n but_o that_o all_o the_o member_n shall_v take_v care_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d one_o for_o another_o and_o therefore_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d mind_v the_o same_o thing_n be_v very_o apt_o use_v against_o schism_n and_o division_n i_o shall_v think_v st._n chrysostom_n theodoret_n and_o theophylact_fw-mi all_o understand_v the_o importance_n of_o a_o greek_a phrase_n as_o well_o as_o our_o author_n and_o they_o all_o make_v no_o scruple_n of_o interpret_n it_o of_o the_o peace_n and_o concord_n of_o christian_n although_o st._n augustin_n do_v not_o understand_v much_o greek_a yet_o he_o know_v the_o general_a sense_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n about_o this_o place_n and_o he_o particular_o apply_v it_o to_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n 5._o in_o st._n cyprian_n case_n by_o this_o taste_n let_v any_o man_n judge_n of_o the_o depth_n of_o that_o man_n learning_n or_o rather_o the_o height_n of_o his_o confidence_n who_o dare_v to_o tell_v the_o world_n that_o the_o universal_a current_n and_o stream_n of_o all_o expositor_n be_v against_o my_o sense_n of_o this_o text._n and_o for_o this_o universal_a stream_n and_o current_n beside_o grotius_n who_o speak_v exact_o to_o the_o same_o sense_n with_o i_o viz._n that_o those_o who_o differ_v about_o the_o legal_a ceremony_n shall_v join_v with_o other_o christian_n in_o what_o they_o agree_v to_o be_v divine_a he_o mention_n only_a tirinus_n and_o zanchy_a and_o then_o cry_v in_o a_o word_n they_o all_o conspire_v against_o my_o interpretation_n if_o he_o be_v no_o better_o at_o poll_n nonconformist_n than_a expositor_n he_o will_v have_v no_o such_o reason_n to_o boast_v of_o his_o number_n have_v it_o not_o be_v fair_a deal_n in_o one_o word_n to_o have_v refer_v we_o to_o mr._n pool_n synopsis_n for_o if_o he_o have_v look_v into_o zanchy_a himself_o he_o will_v have_v find_v how_o he_o apply_v it_o sharp_o against_o dissension_n in_o the_o church_n mr._n b._n say_v 〈…〉_z that_o the_o text_n speak_v for_o unity_n and_o concord_n be_v past_a question_n and_o that_o to_o all_o christian_n though_o of_o different_a attainment_n and_o therefore_o require_v all_o to_o live_v in_o concord_n that_o be_v christian_n notwithstanding_o other_o difference_n and_o if_o he_o will_v but_o allow_v that_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o rule_n man_n be_v bind_v to_o do_v all_o thing_n lawful_a for_o preserve_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n we_o have_v no_o far_a difference_n about_o this_o matter_n for_o then_o i_o be_o sure_a it_o will_v follow_v that_o if_o occasional_a communion_n be_v lawful_a constant_a communion_n will_v be_v a_o duty_n and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o first_o sort_n of_o dissenter_n who_o allow_v some_o kind_n of_o communion_n with_o our_o church_n to_o be_v lawful_a sect._n 21._o ii_o i_o come_v now_o to_o consider_v the_o charge_n of_o schism_n or_o sinful_a separation_n against_o those_o who_o though_o they_o agree_v with_o we_o in_o the_o substantial_o of_o religion_n yet_o deny_v any_o communion_n with_o our_o church_n to_o be_v lawful_a i_o do_v not_o speak_v of_o any_o improper_a 〈…〉_z communion_n 14._o which_o dr._n o._n call_v commâ—â—â—â—_n faith_n and_o love_n this_o they_o do_v allow_v to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n but_o no_o otherwise_o than_o as_o they_o believe_v we_o to_o be_v orthodox_n christian_n yet_o he_o seem_v to_o go_v far_o as_o to_o some_o at_o least_o of_o our_o parochial_a church_n that_o they_o be_v true_a church_n but_o in_o what_o sense_n be_v they_o church_n right_o constitute_v with_o who_o they_o may_v join_v in_o communion_n as_o member_n no_o that_o he_o do_v not_o say_v but_o his_o meaning_n be_v that_o they_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o any_o such_o heinous_a error_n in_o doctrine_n or_o idolatrous_a practice_n in_o worship_n as_o shall_v utter_o deprive_v they_o of_o the_o be_v and_o nature_n of_o church_n and_o do_v this_o kindness_n only_o belong_v to_o some_o of_o our_o parochial_a church_n i_o have_v think_v every_o parochial_a church_n be_v true_a or_o false_a according_a to_o its_o frame_n and_o constitution_n which_o among_o we_o suppose_v the_o own_n the_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n receive_v and_o practise_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o it_o be_v establish_v by_o law_n and_o if_o no_o such_o error_n in_o doctrine_n nor_o idolatrous_a prace_n be_v allow_v by_o the_o church_n of_o england_n than_o every_o parochial_a church_n which_o be_v constitute_v according_a to_o it_o be_v a_o true_a church_n but_o all_o this_o amount_n to_o no_o more_o than_o what_o they_o call_v a_o metaphysical_a truth_n for_o he_o do_v not_o mean_a that_o they_o be_v church_n with_o which_o they_o may_v lawful_o have_v communion_n and_o he_o plead_v for_o the_o necessity_n of_o have_v separate_a congregation_n from_o the_o necessity_n of_o separate_n from_o our_o communion_n although_o the_o time_n be_v when_o the_o bare_a want_n of_o a_o right_a constitution_n of_o church_n be_v think_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o set_v up_o new_a church_n or_o for_o withdraw_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o a_o parochial_a church_n and_o i_o do_v not_o think_v the_o dr._n be_v of_o another_o mind_n now_o but_o however_o i_o shall_v take_v thing_n as_o i_o find_v they_o and_o he_o insist_o on_o as_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o necessity_n of_o separation_n the_o thing_n enjoin_v by_o the_o law_n be_v of_o the_o land_n or_o by_o the_o canon_n and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n as_o sign_v children_n baptise_a with_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n kneel_v at_o the_o communion_n observation_n of_o holiday_n constant_a use_n of_o the_o liturgy_n renounce_v other_o assembly_n and_o the_o people_n right_a in_o choice_n of_o their_o own_o pastor_n neglect_v of_o the_o duty_n of_o church-member_n submit_v to_o a_o ecclesiastical_a rule_n and_o discipline_n which_o not_o one_o of_o a_o thousand_o can_v apprehend_v to_o have_v any_o thing_n in_o it_o of_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n or_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n this_o be_v the_o short_a account_n of_o the_o reason_n of_o separation_n from_o our_o church_n communion_n that_o which_o i_o be_o now_o to_o inquire_v into_o be_v whether_o such_o reason_n as_o these_o be_v sufficient_a ground_n for_o
ceremony_n of_o the_o law_n as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o to_o propagate_v this_o opinion_n of_o they_o they_o go_v up_o and_o down_o and_o endeavour_v to_o draw_v away_o the_o apostle_n disciple_n and_o to_o set_v up_o separate_a church_n among_o the_o christian_n and_o to_o allow_v none_o to_o partake_v with_o they_o that_o do_v not_o own_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o jewish_a ceremomony_n to_o salvation_n now_o although_o st._n paul_n himself_o comply_v sometime_o with_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o and_o the_o jewish_a christian_n especial_o in_o judaea_n general_o observe_v they_o yet_o when_o these_o false_a apostle_n come_v to_o enforce_v the_o observation_n of_o they_o as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n than_o he_o bid_v the_o christian_n at_o philippi_n to_o beware_v of_o they_o 3_o i._n e._n to_o fly_v their_o communion_n and_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o they_o these_o be_v all_o the_o case_n i_o can_v find_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n wherein_o separation_n from_o public_a communion_n be_v allow_v but_o there_o be_v two_o other_o wherein_o s._n paul_n give_v particular_a direction_n but_o such_o as_o do_v not_o amount_v to_o separation_n 1._o the_o different_a opinion_n they_o have_v about_o meat_n and_o drink_n 2_o some_o be_v for_o a_o pythagorean_n abstinence_n from_o all_o flesh_n some_o for_o a_o jewish_a abstinence_n from_o some_o certain_a sort_n other_o for_o a_o full_a christian_a liberty_n now_o this_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o diet_n and_o relate_v to_o their_o own_o family_n the_o apostle_n advise_v they_o not_o to_o censure_v or_o judge_v one_o another_o but_o notwithstanding_o this_o difference_n to_o join_v together_o as_o christian_n in_o the_o duty_n common_a to_o they_o all_o for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n do_v not_o lie_v in_o meat_n and_o drink_n 〈…〉_z i_o e._n let_v every_o one_o order_n his_o family_n as_o he_o think_v fit_a but_o that_o require_v innocency_n and_o a_o care_n not_o to_o give_v disturbance_n to_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n for_o these_o matter_n which_o he_o call_v peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v provoke_v and_o grieve_v by_o the_o dissension_n of_o christian_n and_o he_o say_v he_o that_o in_o these_o thing_n serve_v christ_n 18_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o approve_v of_o men._n let_v we_o therefore_o follow_v after_o the_o thing_n that_o make_v for_o peace_n 19_o and_o thing_n wherewith_o we_o may_v edify_v one_o another_o in_o such_o case_n then_o the_o apostle_n allow_v no_o separation_n from_o the_o public_a communion_n of_o christian_n it_o be_v the_o same_o case_n as_o to_o the_o observation_n of_o day_n then_o for_o some_o christian_n go_v then_o on_o jewish_a holiday_n to_o the_o synagogue_n other_o do_v not_o but_o for_o such_o thing_n they_o ought_v not_o to_o divide_v from_o each_o other_o communion_n in_o the_o common_a act_n of_o christian_a worship_n and_o the_o design_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o to_o lay_v down_o a_o stand_a rule_n of_o mutual_a forbearance_n as_o to_o different_a communion_n but_o to_o show_v that_o such_o difference_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v a_o occasion_n of_o break_v communion_n among_o christian_n and_o so_o the_o apostle_n discourse_n rom._n 14._o hold_v strong_o against_o separation_n on_o these_o and_o the_o like_a account_n 2._o the_o corrupt_a life_n of_o many_o who_o be_v not_o under_o church_n censure_n when_o st._n paul_n tax_v so_o many_o corruption_n in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n no_o wonder_n if_o some_o of_o they_o put_v the_o case_n to_o they_o what_o they_o shall_v do_v in_o case_n they_o know_v some_o member_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v man_n of_o bad_a life_n although_o the_o offence_n be_v not_o scandalous_a by_o be_v public_o know_v must_v they_o abstain_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n for_o these_o 11._o to_o this_o st._n paul_n answer_v that_o every_o private_a christian_n ought_v to_o forbear_v all_o familiar_a conversation_n with_o such_o if_o any_o one_o that_o be_v a_o brother_n be_v a_o fornicator_n etc._n etc._n with_o such_o a_o one_o no_o not_o to_o eat_v which_o be_v all_o the_o apostle_n require_v of_o private_a christian_n but_o if_o the_o scandal_n be_v public_a as_o that_o of_o the_o incestuous_a persou_fw-mi the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o vindicate_v its_o own_o honour_n by_o cast_v such_o out_o not_o as_o though_o the_o church_n communion_n be_v defile_v 13_o if_o they_o continue_v in_o but_o the_o reputation_n and_o honour_n of_o the_o church_n suffer_v by_o it_o the_o preservation_n whereof_o be_v the_o true_a cause_n of_o the_o church_n discipline_n but_o the_o apostle_n give_v not_o the_o least_o countenance_n to_o private_a man_n withdraw_a from_o the_o church_n communion_n though_o such_o person_n still_o continue_v in_o it_o for_o there_o may_v be_v many_o reason_n to_o break_v off_o private_a familiarity_n which_o will_v not_o hold_v as_o to_o public_a communion_n for_o our_o communion_n in_o public_a be_v a_o thing_n which_o chief_o respect_v god_n and_o a_o necessary_a duty_n of_o his_o own_o appoint_v the_o benefit_n whereof_o depend_v upon_o his_o promise_n and_o all_o the_o communion_n they_o have_v with_o other_o man_n be_v only_o join_v together_o for_o the_o performance_n of_o a_o common_a religious_a duty_n but_o private_a familiarity_n be_v a_o thing_n which_o whole_o respect_v the_o person_n converse_v with_o and_o a_o thing_n of_o mere_a choice_n and_o hardly_o to_o be_v imagine_v without_o approbation_n at_o jest_n if_o not_o imitation_n of_o their_o wickedness_n and_o therefore_o to_o argue_v from_o one_o to_o the_o other_o be_v very_o unreasonable_a the_o matter_n of_o separation_n be_v thâ—s_v state_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n there_o can_v be_v no_o way_n leâ—t_v to_o justify_v the_o separation_n from_o our_o church_n but_o to_o prove_v either_o that_o our_o worship_n be_v idolatrous_a or_o that_o our_o doctrine_n be_v false_a or_o that_o our_o ceremony_n be_v make_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n which_o be_v all_o so_o remote_a from_o any_o colour_n of_o truth_n that_o none_o of_o my_o adversary_n have_v yet_o have_v the_o hardiness_n to_o undertake_v it_o but_o however_o what_o plea_n they_o do_v bring_v to_o justify_v this_o separation_n must_v in_o the_o next_o place_n be_v examine_v part_n iii_o the_o plea_n for_o separation_n examine_v sect._n 1_o all_o the_o considerable_a plea_n at_o this_o time_n make_v use_v of_o for_o separation_n may_v be_v reduce_v to_o these_o head_n 1._o such_o as_o relate_v to_o the_o constitution_n of_o our_o church_n 2._o to_o the_o term_n of_o communion_n with_o it_o 3._o to_o the_o conscience_n of_o dissenter_n 4._o to_o the_o parity_n of_o reason_n as_o to_o our_o separation_n from_o rome_n 1._o such_o as_o relate_v to_o the_o constitution_n of_o our_o church_n which_o be_v these_o 1._o that_o our_o parochial_a church_n be_v not_o of_o christ_n institution_n 2._o that_o our_o diocesan_n church_n be_v unlawful_a 3._o that_o our_o national_a church_n have_v no_o foundation_n 4._o that_o the_o people_n be_v deprive_v of_o their_o right_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o their_o pastor_n 1._o i_o begin_v with_o our_o parochial_a church_n because_o it_o be_v separation_n from_o these_o with_o which_o we_o principal_o charge_v our_o adversary_n for_o herein_o they_o most_o discover_v their_o principle_n of_o separation_n since_o in_o former_a time_n the_o nonconformist_n thought_n it_o their_o duty_n to_o keep_v up_o communion_n with_o they_o but_o since_o the_o congregational_a way_n have_v prevail_v in_o england_n the_o present_a dissenter_n be_v general_o fall_v into_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o whatever_o their_o principle_n be_v at_o least_o so_o far_o as_o concern_v forsake_v communion_n with_o our_o parochial_a church_n and_o join_v together_o in_o separate_a congregation_n for_o divine_a worship_n this_o principle_n be_v therefore_o the_o first_o thing_n to_o be_v examine_v and_o the_o main_a foundation_n of_o that_o way_n i_o say_v be_v that_o communion_n in_o ordinance_n must_v be_v only_o in_o such_o church_n as_o christ_n himself_o institute_v by_o unalterable_a rule_n which_o be_v only_o particular_a and_o congregational_a church_n concern_v which_o i_o lay_v down_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o suppose_v congregational_a church_n to_o be_v of_o christ_n institution_n this_o be_v no_o reason_n for_o separation_n from_o our_o parochial_a church_n which_o have_v all_o the_o essential_o of_o such_o true_a church_n in_o they_o 2._o that_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o institution_n of_o church_n be_v limit_v to_o particular_a congregation_n in_o answer_n to_o this_o dr._n o._n say_v these_o thing_n 1._o that_o they_o do_v not_o deny_v at_o least_o some_o of_o our_o parochial_a church_n to_o be_v true_a church_n but_o why_o then_o do_v they_o deny_v communion_n with_o they_o but_o he_o say_v
he_o hope_v it_o will_v not_o be_v make_v a_o rule_n that_o communion_n may_v not_o be_v withhold_v so_o the_o sense_n must_v be_v although_o not_o be_v leave_v out_o or_o withdraw_v from_o any_o church_n in_o any_o thing_n so_o long_o as_o it_o continue_v as_o unto_o the_o essence_n of_o it_o to_o be_v so_o this_o be_v somewhat_o odd_o and_o faint_o express_v 〈◊〉_d but_o as_o long_o as_o he_o grant_v that_o our_o parochial_a church_n be_v not_o guilty_a of_o such_o heinous_a error_n in_o doctrine_n or_o idolatrous_a practice_n in_o worship_n as_o to_o deprive_v they_o of_o the_o be_v and_o nature_n of_o church_n i_o do_v assert_v it_o to_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o separate_v from_o they_o not_o but_o that_o i_o think_v there_o may_v be_v a_o separation_n without_o sin_n from_o a_o society_n retain_v the_o essential_o of_o a_o church_n but_o then_o i_o say_v the_o reason_n of_o such_o separation_n be_v some_o heinous_a error_n in_o doctrine_n or_o some_o idolatrous_a practice_n in_o worship_n or_o some_o tyranny_n over_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n which_o may_v not_o be_v such_o as_o to_o destroy_v true_a baptism_n and_o therefore_o consistent_a with_o the_o essential_o of_o a_o church_n and_o this_o be_v all_o that_o i_o know_v the_o protestant_a writer_n do_v assert_v in_o this_o matter_n 2._o he_o answer_v that_o they_o do_v not_o say_v that_o because_o communion_n in_o ordinance_n must_v be_v only_o in_o such_o church_n as_o christ_n have_v institute_v that_o therefore_o it_o be_v lawful_a and_o necessary_a to_o separate_v from_o parochial_a church_n but_o if_o it_o be_v on_o other_o ground_n necessary_a so_o to_o separate_v or_o withhold_v communion_n from_o they_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o they_o who_o do_v so_o to_o join_v themselves_o in_o or_o unto_o some_o other_o particular_a congregation_n to_o which_o i_o reply_v that_o this_o be_v either_o not_o to_o the_o business_n or_o it_o be_v a_o plain_a give_v up_o the_o cause_n of_o independency_n for_o wherefore_o do_v the_o dissent_v brethren_n so_o much_o insist_v upon_o their_o separate_a congregation_n when_o not_o one_o of_o the_o thing_n now_o particular_o allege_v against_o our_o church_n be_v require_v of_o they_o but_o if_o he_o insist_o on_o those_o thing_n common_a to_o our_o church_n with_o other_o reform_a church_n than_o they_o be_v such_o thing_n as_o he_o suppose_v contrary_a to_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o church_n and_o then_o i_o entreat_v he_o to_o tell_v i_o what_o difference_n there_o be_v between_o separate_v from_o our_o church_n because_o communion_n in_o ordinance_n be_v only_o to_o be_v enjoy_v in_o such_o church_n as_o christ_n have_v institute_v and_o separate_v from_o they_o because_o they_o have_v thing_n repugnant_a to_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o church_n be_v not_o this_o the_o primary_n reason_n of_o separation_n because_o christ_n have_v appoint_v unalterable_a rule_n for_o the_o government_n of_o his_o church_n which_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o observe_v and_o which_o be_v not_o observe_v in_o parochial_a church_n indeed_o the_o most_o immediate_a reason_n of_o separation_n from_o such_o a_o church_n be_v not_o observe_v christ_n institution_n but_o the_o primary_n ground_n be_v that_o christ_n have_v settle_v such_o rule_n for_o church_n which_o must_v be_v unalterable_o observe_v let_v we_o then_o 1._o suppose_v that_o christ_n have_v by_o unalterable_a rule_n appoint_v that_o a_o church_n shall_v consist_v only_o of_o such_o a_o number_n of_o man_n as_o may_v meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n so_o qualify_v and_o that_o these_o by_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o each_o other_o become_v a_o church_n and_o choose_v their_o officer_n who_o be_v to_o teach_v and_o admonish_v and_o administer_v sacrament_n and_o to_o exercise_v discipline_n by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o congregation_n and_o let_v we_o 2._o suppose_v such_o a_o church_n not_o yet_o gather_v but_o there_o lie_v fit_a matter_n for_o it_o disperse_v up_o and_o down_o in_o several_a parish_n 3._o let_v we_o suppose_v dr._n o._n about_o to_o gather_v such_o a_o church_n 4._o let_v we_o suppose_v not_o one_o thing_n peculiar_a to_o our_o church_n require_v of_o these_o member_n neither_o the_o aëreal_a sign_n of_o the_o cross_n nor_o kneel_v at_o the_o communion_n etc._n etc._n i_o desire_v then_o to_o know_v whether_o dr._n o._n be_v not_o bind_v by_o these_o unalterable_a rule_n to_o draw_v these_o member_n from_o communion_n with_o their_o parochial_a church_n on_o purpose_n that_o they_o may_v form_v a_o congregational_a church_n according_a to_o christ_n institution_n either_o then_o he_o must_v quit_v these_o unalterable_a rule_n and_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n or_o he_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o set_n up_o a_o congregational_a church_n be_v the_o primary_n ground_n of_o their_o separation_n from_o our_o parochial_a church_n if_o they_o do_v suppose_v but_o one_o of_o those_o ordinance_n want_v which_o they_o believe_v christ_n have_v institute_v in_o particular_a church_n do_v they_o not_o believe_v this_o a_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o separation_n it_o be_v not_o therefore_o any_o reason_n peculiar_a to_o our_o church_n which_o be_v the_o true_a cause_n of_o their_o separation_n but_o such_o reason_n as_o be_v common_a to_o all_o church_n that_o be_v not_o form_v just_a after_o their_o own_o model_n if_o there_o be_v then_o unalterable_a rule_n for_o congregational_a church_n those_o must_v be_v observe_v and_o separation_n make_v in_o order_n to_o it_o and_o therefore_o separation_n be_v necessary_a upon_o dr._n o.'s_n ground_n not_o from_o the_o particular_a condition_n of_o communion_n with_o we_o but_o because_o our_o parochial_a church_n be_v not_o form_v after_o the_o congregational_a way_n but_o this_o be_v a_o necessary_a piece_n of_o art_n at_o this_o time_n to_o keep_v fair_a with_o the_o presbyterian_a party_n and_o to_o make_v they_o believe_v if_o they_o can_v be_v so_o forgetful_a that_o they_o do_v not_o own_o separation_n from_o their_o church_n but_o only_o from_o we_o the_o contrary_a whereof_o be_v so_o apparent_a from_o the_o debate_n with_o the_o dissent_v brethren_n and_o the_o set_n up_o congregational_a church_n in_o those_o day_n that_o they_o must_v be_v forgetful_a indeed_o who_o do_v not_o remember_v it_o have_v those_o of_o the_o congregational_a way_n since_o alter_v their_o judgement_n have_v dr._n o._n yield_v that_o in_o case_n some_o term_n of_o communion_n in_o our_o church_n be_v not_o insist_v upon_o they_o will_v give_v over_o separation_n be_v not_o their_o church_n first_o gather_v out_o of_o presbyterian_a congregation_n and_o if_o presbytery_n have_v be_v settle_v upon_o the_o king_n restauration_n will_v they_o not_o have_v continue_v their_o separation_n why_o then_o must_v our_o church_n now_o be_v accuse_v for_o give_v the_o occasion_n to_o the_o independent_a separation_n when_o it_o be_v notorious_o otherwise_o and_o they_o do_v separate_v and_o form_v their_o church_n upon_o reason_n common_a to_o our_o church_n with_o all_o other_o reform_a church_n this_o be_v more_o artificial_a than_o ingenuous_a sect._n 2._o as_o to_o the_o second_o dr._n o._n answer_n that_o it_o be_v so_o clear_a and_o evident_a in_o matter_n of_o fact_n 37._o and_o so_o necessary_a from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o the_o church_n plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n be_v limit_v to_o congregation_n that_o many_o wise_a man_n whole_o unconcern_v in_o our_o controversy_n do_v take_v it_o for_o a_o thing_n to_o be_v grant_v by_o all_o without_o dispute_n and_o for_o this_o two_o testimony_n be_v allege_v of_o justice_n hobart_n and_o father_n paul_n but_o neither_o of_o they_o speak_v to_o the_o point_n all_o that_o chief_a justice_n hobart_n say_v be_v 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 after_o to_o other_o pastor_n methinks_v dr._n o._n shall_v have_v leave_v this_o testimony_n to_o his_o friend_n l._n du_fw-fr moulin_n it_o signify_v so_o very_o little_a to_o the_o purpose_n or_o rather_o quite_o overthrow_v his_o hypothesis_n as_o appear_v by_o these_o two_o argument_n 1._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 who_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 2._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 to_o the_o apostle_n and_o after_o to_o other_o pastor_n but_o justice_n hobart_n can_v not_o be_v such_o a_o stranger_n to_o antiquity_n 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 and_o therefore_o if_o he_o consult_v justice_n hobart_n be_v honour_n or_o his_o own_o i_o advise_v he_o to_o let_v it_o alone_o for_o the_o future_a as_o to_o the_o testimony_n of_o father_n paul_n it_o only_o concern_v the_o democratical_a government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o i_o wonder_v how_o it_o come_v into_o this_o place_n i_o shall_v therefore_o consider_v it_o in_o its_o due_a season_n sect._n 3_o i_o come_v therefore_o to_o consider_v now_o the_o evidence_n for_o the_o institution_n of_o congregational_a church_n concern_v which_o 26._o these_o be_v my_o word_n it_o be_v possible_a at_o first_o there_o may_v be_v no_o more_o christian_n in_o one_o city_n than_o can_v meet_v in_o one_o assembly_n for_o worship_n but_o where_o do_v it_o appear_v that_o when_o they_o multiply_v into_o more_o congregation_n they_o do_v make_v new_a and_o distinct_a church_n under_o new_a officer_n with_o a_o separate_a power_n of_o government_n of_o this_o i_o be_o well_o assure_v there_o be_v no_o mark_n or_o footstep_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n or_o the_o whole_a history_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n i_o do_v not_o think_v it_o will_v appear_v credible_a to_o any_o considerate_a man_n that_o the_o 5000_o christian_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n make_v one_o state_v and_o fix_v congregation_n for_o divine_a worship_n not_o if_o we_o make_v all_o the_o allowance_n for_o stranger_n which_o can_v be_v desire_v but_o if_o this_o be_v grant_v where_o be_v the_o unalterable_a rule_n that_o as_o soon_o as_o the_o company_n become_v too_o great_a for_o one_o particular_a assembly_n they_o must_v become_v a_o new_a church_n under_o peculiar_a officer_n and_o a_o independent_a authority_n to_o this_o dr._n o._n answer_n in_o four_o particular_n 1._o that_o a_o account_n may_v ever_o long_o be_v give_v of_o the_o insensible_a deviation_n of_o the_o first_o church_n after_o the_o decease_n of_o the_o apostle_n from_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o first_o institution_n which_o although_o at_o first_o it_o begin_v in_o matter_n of_o small_a moment_n yet_o still_o they_o increase_v until_o they_o issue_v in_o a_o fatal_a apostasy_n or_o as_o he_o after_o express_v it_o leave_v their_o infant_n state_n by_o degree_n they_o at_o last_o bring_v forth_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n but_o i_o do_v not_o understand_v how_o this_o at_o all_o answer_v the_o former_a paragraph_n of_o my_o sermon_n concern_v the_o first_o institution_n of_o church_n but_o be_v i_o suppose_v intend_v for_o a_o reason_n why_o he_o do_v not_o afterward_o answer_v to_o the_o evidence_n out_o of_o antiquity_n i_o shall_v not_o only_o so_o far_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o as_o to_o let_v he_o know_v that_o when_o that_o be_v do_v i_o do_v not_o question_v but_o the_o primitive_a church_n will_v find_v sufficient_a advocate_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n but_o i_o desire_v that_o undertaker_n to_o consider_v what_o a_o blot_n and_o dishonour_v it_o will_v be_v to_o christian_a religion_n if_o the_o primitive_a church_n can_v not_o hold_v to_o their_o first_o institution_n not_o for_o one_o age_n after_o the_o apostle_n i_o know_v what_o abominable_a heresy_n there_o be_v soon_o after_o if_o not_o in_o the_o apostle_n day_n but_o the_o question_n be_v not_o concern_v these_o but_o the_o pure_a and_o best_a church_n and_o about_o they_o not_o whether_o some_o trifle_a controversy_n may_v not_o arise_v and_o humane_a infirmity_n be_v discover_v but_o whether_o they_o do_v deviate_v from_o the_o plain_a institution_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o unalterable_a rule_n of_o government_n which_o he_o have_v fix_v in_o his_o church_n this_o seem_v utter_o incredible_a to_o i_o upon_o this_o consideration_n among_o many_o other_o that_o government_n be_v so_o nice_a and_o tender_a a_o thing_n that_o every_o one_o be_v so_o much_o concern_v for_o his_o share_n in_o it_o that_o man_n be_v not_o easy_o induce_v to_o part_v with_o it_o let_v we_o suppose_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n to_o have_v be_v democratical_a at_o first_o as_o dr._n o._n seem_v to_o do_v be_v it_o probable_a that_o the_o people_n will_v have_v be_v wheadle_v out_o of_o the_o sweetness_n of_o government_n so_o soon_o and_o make_v no_o noise_n about_o it_o yea_o dr._n o._n tell_v we_o that_o in_o cyprian_n time_n it_o continue_v at_o carthage_n 41._o and_o other_o say_v a_o great_a deal_n long_o there_o be_v then_o no_o such_o change_n as_o to_o this_o part_n of_o the_o government_n so_o soon_o after_o and_o why_o shall_v we_o imagine_v it_o otherwise_o as_o to_o extent_n of_o power_n and_o jurisdiction_n suppose_v christ_n have_v limit_v the_o power_n of_o a_o church_n to_o one_o congregation_n the_o pastor_n of_o that_o church_n can_v have_v no_o more_o pretence_n over_o any_o other_o congregation_n than_o dr._n o._n by_o be_v pastor_n over_o one_o congregation_n in_o london_n can_v challenge_v a_o right_a to_o govern_v all_o the_o independent_a congregation_n in_o london_n or_o about_o it_o and_o appoint_v their_o several_a teacher_n and_o call_v they_o to_o a_o account_n for_o their_o proceed_n i_o appeal_v now_o to_o any_o man_n of_o consideration_n whether_o there_o be_v the_o least_o probability_n that_o such_o a_o alteration_n can_v be_v make_v without_o great_a noise_n and_o disturbance_n will_v not_o mr._n g._n mr._n b._n mr._n c._n and_o many_o more_o think_v themselves_o concern_v to_o stand_v up_o for_o their_o own_o right_n and_o if_o they_o can_v be_v draw_v into_o the_o design_n will_v the_o people_n submit_v let_v we_o put_v the_o case_n as_o to_o new-england_n suppose_v the_o apostle_n a_o age_n or_o two_o since_o have_v plant_v such_o congregational_a church_n there_o as_o have_v be_v form_v within_o these_o last_o 50_o year_n at_o plymouth_n boston_n hereford_n newhaven_n etc._n etc._n and_o have_v invest_v every_o congregation_n with_o the_o full_a power_n of_o the_o key_n the_o execution_n whereof_o they_o have_v entrust_v with_o the_o several_a eldership_n within_o their_o own_o congregation_n but_o so_o as_o not_o to_o have_v any_o power_n or_o authority_n over_o the_o elder_n or_o member_n of_o any_o other_o congregation_n let_v we_o then_o suppose_v that_o after_o the_o decease_n of_o the_o apostle_n these_o church_n gradual_o decline_v so_o far_o that_o in_o this_o age_n mr._n cotton_n at_o boston_n shall_v take_v upon_o he_o the_o whole_a power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o appoint_v pastor_n over_o other_o congregation_n and_o keep_v a_o great_a number_n of_o elder_n under_o he_o and_o challenge_v the_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n over_o the_o whole_a colony_n of_o massachuset_n of_o which_o boston_n be_v the_o chief_a town_n and_o so_o three_o other_o do_v the_o same_o at_o the_o chief_a place_n of_o the_o other_o colony_n will_v not_o this_o be_v a_o wonderful_a alteration_n of_o the_o church_n government_n and_o be_v it_o possible_a to_o conceive_v such_o a_o change_n shall_v be_v bring_v about_o insensible_o without_o any_o complaint_n of_o the_o subordinate_a elder_n or_o the_o member_n of_o the_o congregation_n who_o be_v rob_v of_o their_o inherent_a right_n by_o a_o institution_n of_o christ_n and_o so_o late_a a_o establishment_n by_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n may_v be_v insensible_o change_v by_o continue_v the_o name_n and_o alter_a opinion_n through_o the_o carelessness_n and_o unskilfulness_n of_o people_n but_o in_o matter_n of_o government_n the_o mean_a people_n be_v sensible_a and_o look_v big_a with_o a_o opinion_n of_o it_o if_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o conceivable_a in_o this_o case_n the_o government_n shall_v be_v thus_o change_v from_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n in_o so_o short_a a_o time_n let_v the_o same_o consideration_n be_v apply_v to_o the_o age_n which_o real_o succeed_v the_o apostle_n sect._n 4._o i_o shall_v to_o prevent_v all_o cavil_n choose_v that_o very_a church_n which_o dr._n o._n mention_n and_o i_o find_v mr._n cotton_n and_o other_o make_v their_o appeal_n to_o and_o that_o be_v the_o church_n of_o carthage_n in_o saint_n cyprian_n time_n here_o dr._n o._n find_v the_o community_n of_o member_n determine_v church_n affair_n 99_o but_o mr._n cotton_n have_v further_a discover_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o elder_n the_o vote_n of_o the_o congregation_n and_o the_o consent_n of_o neighbour_n minister_n in_o short_a he_o have_v find_v there_o the_o express_a and_o lively_a lineament_n of_o the_o very_a body_n of_o congregational_a discipline_n and_o the_o same_o for_o substance_n wherein_o they_o walk_v as_o he_o call_v it_o at_o this_o day_n hitherto_o
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
26_o canon_n which_o say_v that_o no_o minister_n shall_v in_o any_o wise_a admit_v any_o one_o of_o his_o flock_n or_o under_o his_o care_n to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n who_o be_v notorious_o know_v to_o live_v impenitent_o in_o any_o scandalous_a sin_n this_o be_v not_o in_o the_o reformatio_fw-la legum_n ecclesiasticarum_fw-la which_o he_o mention_n as_o a_o abortive_a thing_n publish_v by_o john_n fox_n which_o last_o any_o one_o that_o have_v see_v they_o know_v to_o be_v a_o mistake_n nor_o in_o dr._n mocket_n book_n which_o be_v burn_v yet_o not_o so_o destroy_v but_o with_o some_o diligence_n he_o may_v have_v see_v it_o but_o it_o be_v for_o nothing_o of_o this_o kind_n that_o book_n undergo_v so_o severe_a a_o censure_n as_o mr._n b._n insinuate_v but_o for_o seem_v to_o encroach_v too_o much_o on_o the_o king_n prerogative_n but_o i_o appeal_v to_o what_o mr._n b._n call_v the_o authorize_v church_n canon_n which_o i_o think_v be_v plain_a in_o this_o case_n but_o mr._n b._n say_v this_o be_v not_o the_o lesser_a excommunication_n but_o a_o temporary_a suspension_n of_o the_o minister_n own_o act_n in_o deliver_v the_o sacrament_n to_o such_o person_n let_v mr._n b._n call_v it_o by_o what_o name_n he_o please_v this_o be_v certain_a the_o minister_n be_v empower_v be_v require_v to_o do_v this_o the_o question_n than_o be_v whether_o this_o be_v not_o such_o a_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n as_o to_o suspend_v notorious_a offender_n from_o the_o sacrament_n and_o that_o within_o the_o power_n of_o the_o parochial_a minister_n i_o grant_v this_o be_v not_o the_o lesser_a excommunication_n according_a to_o the_o use_n of_o this_o church_n for_o that_o suppose_v the_o sentence_n pass_v and_o be_v so_o call_v by_o way_n of_o distinction_n from_o the_o great_a pronounce_v by_o the_o bishop_n in_o person_n upon_o extraordinary_a occasion_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o church-censure_n upon_o offender_n and_o be_v account_v a_o sort_n of_o excommunication_n by_o the_o ancient_a church_n for_o those_o who_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o penitent_n be_v then_o say_v to_o be_v under_o a_o kind_n of_o excommunication_n 108._o as_o appear_v by_o several_a passage_n in_o s._n augustin_n produce_v by_o spalatensis_n to_o this_o purpose_n 20._o viz._n to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v a_o penitential_a excommunication_n but_o mr._n b._n quote_v albaspinaeus_n to_o show_v that_o the_o old_a excommunication_n do_v shut_v person_n out_o from_o all_o other_o church-communion_n as_o well_o as_o the_o sacrament_n 9_o which_o be_v very_o true_a of_o the_o great_a excommunication_n but_o beside_o this_o there_o be_v other_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o offender_n whereby_o they_o be_v suspend_v from_o full_a communion_n but_o not_o debar_v the_o hope_n of_o it_o upon_o satisfaction_n give_v these_o be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o penitent_n 4._o it_o be_v a_o favour_n to_o the_o excommunicate_v to_o be_v bring_v into_o this_o state_n and_o other_o be_v never_o allow_v to_o hope_v to_o be_v restore_v to_o communion_n other_o only_o on_o their_o deathbed_n other_o according_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o degree_n of_o their_o repentance_n of_o which_o those_o be_v leave_v to_o be_v judge_n who_o be_v particular_o entrust_v with_o the_o care_n of_o the_o penitent_n albaspinaeus_n grant_v that_o as_o long_o as_o man_n remain_v penitent_n they_o be_v actual_o deprive_v of_o the_o privilege_n of_o church-communion_n but_o he_o say_v the_o penitent_n be_v in_o a_o middle_a state_n between_o the_o excommunicate_v and_o the_o faithful_a be_v still_o candidate_n as_o he_o call_v they_o so_o that_o all_o that_o be_v penitent_n be_v suspend_v from_o communion_n but_o not_o whole_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n because_o the_o christian_n may_v as_o free_o converse_v with_o these_o as_o with_o any_o but_o they_o be_v not_o allow_v to_o participate_v in_o the_o sacred_a mystery_n but_o there_o be_v no_o question_n wherever_o there_o be_v a_o power_n to_o suspend_v any_o person_n from_o communion_n there_o be_v a_o power_n of_o discipline_n because_o the_o church_n discipline_n do_v not_o consist_v mere_o in_o the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n no_o more_o than_o a_o judge_n power_n lie_v only_o in_o condemn_v man_n to_o be_v hang_v but_o in_o so_o govern_v the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n that_o scandalous_a person_n may_v be_v keep_v from_o the_o great_a act_n of_o communion_n and_o by_o admonition_n and_o counsel_n be_v bring_v to_o a_o due_a preparation_n for_o it_o since_o than_o our_o church_n do_v give_v power_n to_o parochial_a minister_n to_o suspend_v notorious_a offender_n from_o the_o communion_n it_o be_v thereby_o evident_a that_o it_o do_v not_o deprive_v they_o of_o all_o the_o necessary_a and_o essential_a part_n of_o church-discipline_n but_o say_v mr._n b._n if_o a_o minister_n do_v public_o admonish_v another_o by_o name_n 72._o not_o censure_v by_o the_o ordinary_a the_o lawyer_n tell_v he_o he_o may_v have_v his_o action_n against_o he_o i_o answer_v 1._o what_o need_v this_o public_a admonition_n by_o name_n do_v the_o nature_n of_o church-discipline_n lie_v in_o that_o suppose_v a_o man_n be_v private_o and_o effectual_o deal_v with_o to_o withdraw_v himself_o be_v not_o this_o sufficient_a i_o be_o sure_a saint_n augustin_n take_v this_o course_n with_o his_o people_n at_o hippo_n â—52_n he_o persuade_v they_o to_o examine_v their_o own_o conscience_n and_o if_o they_o find_v themselves_o guilty_a of_o such_o crime_n as_o render_v they_o unfit_a for_o the_o holy_a communion_n he_o advise_v they_o to_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o it_o till_o by_o prayer_n and_o fast_v and_o alm_n they_o have_v cleanse_v their_o conscience_n and_o then_o they_o may_v come_v to_o it_o here_o be_v no_o public_a admonition_n by_o name_n and_o in_o many_o case_n saint_n augustin_n declare_v the_o church_n may_v just_o forbear_v the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n towards_o offender_n and_o yet_o the_o church_n be_v a_o true_a church_n and_o christian_n oblige_v to_o communicate_v with_o it_o as_o appear_v by_o all_o his_o dispute_n with_o the_o donatist_n 2._o if_o a_o restraint_n be_v lay_v on_o minister_n by_o law_n the_o question_n than_o come_v to_o this_o whether_o the_o obligation_n to_o admonish_v public_o a_o offender_n or_o to_o deny_v he_o the_o sacrament_n if_o he_o will_v come_v to_o it_o be_v so_o great_a as_o to_o bear_v he_o out_o in_o the_o violation_n of_o a_o law_n make_v by_o public_a authority_n with_o a_o design_n to_o preserve_v our_o religion_n but_o my_o design_n be_v only_o to_o speak_v to_o this_o case_n so_o far_o as_o the_o church_n be_v concern_v in_o it_o sect._n 16._o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o notwithstanding_o this_o the_o neglect_n and_o abuse_v of_o discipline_n among_o we_o be_v too_o great_a to_o be_v justify_v and_o too_o notorious_a to_o be_v conceal_v i_o answer_v 1._o that_o be_v not_o our_o question_n but_o whether_o our_o parochial_a church_n have_v lose_v their_o be_v for_o want_n of_o the_o power_n of_o discipline_n and_o whether_o the_o species_n of_o our_o church_n be_v change_v by_o diocesan_n episcopacy_n which_o we_o have_v show_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o deny_v and_o what_o other_o abuse_n have_v creep_v in_o aught_o in_o a_o orderly_a way_n to_o be_v reform_v and_o no_o good_a man_n will_v deny_v his_o assistance_n in_o it_o 2._o it_o be_v far_o easy_a to_o separate_v or_o complain_v for_o want_n of_o discipline_n than_o to_o find_v out_o a_o due_a way_n to_o restore_v it_o etc._n no_o man_n have_v more_o set_v out_o the_o almost_o insuperable_a difficulty_n which_o attend_v it_o than_o mr._n baxter_n have_v do_v especial_o in_o that_o it_o will_v provoke_v and_o exasperate_v those_o most_o who_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o it_o and_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o do_v good_a on_o those_o who_o need_v it_o least_o 3._o the_o case_n of_o our_o church_n now_o be_v very_o different_a from_o that_o of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n for_o the_o great_a reason_n of_o discipline_n be_v not_o that_o for_o want_v of_o it_o the_o conscience_n of_o fellow-communicants_a will_v be_v defile_v for_o to_o assert_v that_o be_v donatism_n but_o that_o the_o honour_n of_o a_o christian_a society_n may_v be_v maintain_v if_o then_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n do_v take_v care_n to_o vindicate_v the_o church_n honour_n by_o due_a punishment_n of_o scandalous_a offender_n there_o will_v appear_v so_o much_o less_o necessity_n of_o restore_v the_o severity_n of_o the_o ancient_a discipline_n to_o which_o purpose_n these_o word_n of_o the_o royal_a martyr_n king_n charles_n i._o be_v very_o considerable_a 4._o but_o his_o majesty_n see_v no_o necessity_n that_o the_o bishop_n challenge_v to_o the_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n shall_v be_v at_o all_o time_n as_o
than_o mutual_a forbearance_n towards_o each_o other_o let_v now_o any_o rational_a man_n judge_n whether_o it_o appear_v probable_a that_o so_o loose_a and_o shatter_v a_o government_n as_o this_o be_v shall_v answer_v the_o obligation_n among_o christian_n to_o use_v the_o best_a and_o most_o effectual_a mean_n to_o preserve_v the_o faith_n once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n and_o to_o uphold_v peace_n and_o unity_n among_o christian_n but_o suppose_v all_o these_o several_a congregation_n unite_v together_o under_o such_o common_a bond_n that_o the_o preacher_n be_v accountable_a to_o superior_n that_o none_o be_v admit_v but_o such_o as_o own_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o promise_v obedience_n that_o public_a legal_a censure_n take_v hold_v upon_o the_o disturber_n of_o the_o church_n peace_n here_o we_o have_v a_o far_o more_o effectual_a mean_n according_a to_o reason_n for_o uphold_v true_a religion_n among_o we_o and_o that_o this_o be_v no_o mere_a theory_n appear_v by_o the_o sad_a experience_n of_o this_o nation_n when_o upon_o the_o break_n the_o bond_n of_o our_o national_a church-government_n there_o come_v such_o a_o overpower_a inundation_n of_o error_n and_o schism_n among_o we_o that_o this_o age_n be_v like_a to_o smart_v under_o the_o sad_a effect_n of_o it_o and_o in_o new-england_n two_o or_o three_o man_n as_o williams_n gorton_n and_o clark_n discover_v the_o apparent_a weakness_n of_o the_o independent_a government_n which_o be_v very_o material_a to_o this_o business_n i_o shall_v give_v a_o brief_a account_n of_o it_o as_o to_o one_o of_o they_o mr._n roger_n williams_n be_v the_o teacher_n of_o a_o congregational_a church_n at_o salem_n and_o a_o man_n in_o very_o good_a esteem_n as_o appear_v by_o mr._n cotton_n letter_n to_o he_o 1._o he_o be_v a_o great_a admirer_n of_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o new-england_n church_n but_o be_v a_o think_v man_n he_o pursue_v the_o principle_n of_o that_o way_n far_o than_o they_o think_v fit_a for_o he_o think_v it_o unlawful_a to_o join_v with_o unregenerate_a man_n in_o prayer_n or_o take_v a_o oath_n and_o that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o unlimited_a toleration_n of_o opinion_n etc._n etc._n these_o doctrine_n and_o some_o other_o of_o his_o not_o take_v he_o proceed_v to_o separation_n from_o they_o and_o gather_v a_o new_a church_n in_o opposition_n to_o they_o this_o give_v such_o a_o disturbance_n to_o they_o that_o the_o magistrate_n send_v for_o he_o and_o the_o minister_n reason_v the_o case_n with_o he_o he_o tell_v they_o he_o go_v upon_o their_o own_o ground_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o blame_v he_o mr._n cotton_n tell_v he_o they_o deserve_v to_o be_v punish_v who_o make_v separation_n among_o they_o mr._n williams_n reply_v this_o will_v return_v upon_o themselves_o for_o have_v not_o they_o do_v the_o same_o as_o to_o the_o church_n of_o old-england_n in_o short_a 57_o after_o their_o debate_n and_o mr._n william_n continue_v in_o his_o principle_n of_o separation_n from_o their_o church_n a_o sentence_n of_o banishment_n be_v decree_v against_o he_o by_o the_o magistrate_n and_o this_o sentence_n approve_v and_o justify_v by_o their_o church_n for_o these_o be_v mr._n cotton_n word_n that_o the_o increase_n of_o concourse_n of_o people_n to_o he_o on_o the_o lord_n day_n in_o private_a to_o a_o neglect_n or_o desert_v of_o public_a ordinance_n and_o to_o the_o spread_a of_o the_o leaven_n of_o his_o corrupt_a imagination_n provoke_v the_o magistrate_n rather_o than_o to_o breed_v a_o winter_n spiritual_a plague_n in_o the_o country_n to_o put_v upon_o he_o a_o winter_n journey_n out_o of_o the_o country_n this_o mr._n williams_n tell_v they_o be_v fall_v into_o the_o national_a church_n way_n which_o they_o disown_v or_o else_o say_v he_o why_o must_v he_o that_o be_v banish_v from_o the_o one_o be_v banish_v from_o the_o other_o also_o and_o he_o charge_v they_o that_o they_o have_v suppress_v church_n set_v up_o after_o the_o parochial_a way_n 46._o and_o although_o the_o person_n be_v otherwise_o allow_v to_o be_v godly_a to_o live_v in_o the_o same_o air_n with_o they_o if_o they_o set_v up_o any_o other_o church_n or_o worship_n than_o what_o themselves_o practise_v which_o appear_v by_o the_o law_n of_o new_a england_n mention_v before_o and_o mr._n cobbet_n one_o of_o the_o teacher_n of_o their_o church_n confess_v that_o by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o country_n 47._o none_o be_v to_o be_v free_a man_n but_o such_o as_o be_v member_n of_o church_n i_o now_o appeal_v to_o any_o man_n whether_o these_o proceed_n and_o these_o law_n do_v not_o manifest_o discover_v the_o apparent_a weakness_n and_o insufficiency_n of_o the_o congregational_a way_n for_o prevent_v those_o disorder_n which_o they_o apprehend_v to_o be_v destructive_a to_o their_o church_n why_o have_v not_o mr._n william_n his_o liberty_n of_o separation_n as_o well_o as_o they_o why_o be_v no_o anabaptist_n or_o quaker_n permit_v among_o they_o because_o these_o way_n will_v disturb_v their_o peace_n and_o distract_v their_o people_n and_o in_o time_n overthrow_v their_o church_n very_o well_o but_o where_o be_v the_o entireness_n of_o the_o power_n of_o every_o single_a congregation_n the_o mean_a while_n why_o may_v not_o the_o people_n at_o salem_n have_v the_o same_o liberty_n as_o those_o at_o boston_n or_o plymouth_n the_o plain_a truth_n be_v they_o find_v by_o experience_n this_o congregational_a way_n will_v not_o do_v alone_o without_o civil_a sanction_n and_o the_o interpose_v of_o the_o pastor_n of_o other_o church_n for_o when_o williams_n and_o gorton_n and_o clark_n have_v begin_v to_o make_v some_o impression_n on_o their_o people_n they_o bestir_v themselves_o as_o much_o as_o possible_a to_o have_v their_o mouth_n stop_v and_o their_o person_n banish_v this_o i_o do_v only_o mention_v to_o show_v that_o where_o this_o way_n have_v prevail_v most_o they_o have_v find_v it_o very_o insufficient_a to_o carry_v on_o those_o end_n which_o themselves_o judge_v necessary_a for_o the_o preservation_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o of_o peace_n and_o unity_n among_o themselves_o and_o in_o their_o synod_n at_o boston_n 1662._o the_o new-england_n church_n be_v come_v to_o apprehend_v the_o necessity_n of_o conâ—eciation_n of_o church_n in_o case_n of_o division_n and_o contention_n and_o for_o the_o rectify_v of_o male-administrations_a and_o heal_v of_o error_n and_o scandal_n 1â—2_n that_o be_v unhealed_a among_o themselves_o for_o christ_n care_n say_v they_o be_v for_o whole_a church_n as_o well_o as_o for_o particular_a person_n of_o which_o consociation_n they_o tell_v we_o that_o mr._n cotton_n draw_v a_o platform_n before_o his_o death_n be_v such_o a_o consociation_n of_o church_n a_o duty_n or_o not_o in_o such_o case_n if_o not_o why_o do_v they_o do_v any_o thing_n relate_v to_o church_n government_n for_o which_o they_o have_v no_o command_n in_o scripture_n if_o there_o be_v a_o command_n in_o scripture_n than_o there_o be_v a_o institution_n of_o a_o power_n above_o congregational_a church_n it_o be_v but_o a_o slender_a evasion_n which_o they_o use_v when_o they_o call_v these_o only_a voluntary_a combination_n for_o what_o be_v all_o church_n else_o only_o the_o antecedent_n obligation_n on_o man_n to_o join_v for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n make_v enter_v into_o other_o church_n a_o duty_n and_o so_o the_o obligation_n lie_v upon_o church-officer_n to_o use_v the_o best_a mean_n to_o prevent_v or_o heal_v division_n will_v make_v such_o consociation_n a_o duty_n too_o and_o therefore_o in_o such_o case_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n require_v a_o union_n and_o conjunction_n superior_a to_o that_o of_o congregational_a church_n which_o be_v then_o most_o agreeable_a to_o scripture_n and_o antiquity_n when_o the_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n join_v together_o who_o agree_v together_o upon_o article_n of_o doctrine_n and_o rule_n of_o worship_n and_o discipline_n be_v the_o national_a church_n representative_a and_o these_o be_v own_a and_o establish_v by_o the_o civil_a power_n and_o receive_v by_o the_o body_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o all_o person_n oblige_v to_o observe_v the_o same_o in_o the_o several_a congregation_n for_o worship_n these_o congregation_n so_o unite_v in_o these_o common_a bond_n of_o religion_n make_v up_o the_o complete_a national_a church_n sect._n 20._o and_o now_o i_o hope_v i_o may_v have_v leave_n to_o consider_v mr._n baxter_n subtlety_n about_o this_o matter_n which_o be_v spread_v abroad_o in_o abundance_n of_o word_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n i_o shall_v reduce_v to_o these_o follow_a head_n wherein_o the_o main_a difficulty_n lie_v 1._o concern_v the_o difference_n between_o a_o national_a church_n and_o a_o christian_a kingdom_n 2._o concern_v the_o govern_n power_n of_o this_o national_a church_n which_o he_o call_v the_o constitutive_a regent_n part_n 3._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
christian_a magistrate_n be_v by_o any_o prophet_n either_o command_v to_o deal_v otherwise_o than_o by_o persuasion_n in_o public_a reformation_n when_o the_o magistrate_n neglect_v it_o or_o reprove_v for_o the_o contrary_n four_o to_o the_o instance_n of_o the_o apostle_n they_o answer_v two_o thing_n i._o that_o though_o they_o set_v up_o church-government_n without_o the_o magistrate_n leave_v yet_o not_o contrary_a to_o his_o like_n or_o when_o he_o oppose_v his_o authority_n direct_o and_o inhibit_v it_o they_o never_o erect_v the_o discipline_n when_o there_o be_v so_o direct_a a_o opposition_n make_v against_o it_o by_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n ii_o if_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v so_o then_o yet_o will_v it_o not_o follow_v that_o we_o may_v do_v so_o now_o for_o neither_o be_v the_o heathen_a magistrate_n altogether_o so_o much_o to_o be_v respect_v by_o the_o church_n as_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n be_v neither_o have_v our_o minister_n and_o people_n now_o so_o full_a and_o absolute_a a_o power_n to_o pull_v down_o and_o set_v up_o order_n in_o the_o church_n as_o the_o apostle_n those_o wise_a master-builder_n have_v five_o as_o to_o their_o minister_n preach_v being_n silence_v they_o declare_v 1._o so_o long_o as_o the_o bishop_n suspend_v 41._o and_o deprive_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n we_o account_v of_o the_o action_n herein_o as_o of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o church_n which_o we_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o reverence_n and_o yield_v unto_o if_o they_o do_v otherwise_o we_o have_v liberty_n give_v we_o by_o the_o law_n to_o appeal_v from_o they_o if_o it_o be_v say_v the_o church_n be_v not_o to_o be_v obey_v when_o it_o suspend_v and_o deprive_v we_o for_o such_o cause_n as_o we_o in_o our_o conscience_n know_v to_o be_v insufficient_a we_o answer_v that_o it_o lie_v on_o they_o to_o depose_v who_o may_v ordain_v and_o they_o may_v shut_v that_o may_v open_v and_o as_o he_o may_v with_o a_o good_a conscience_n execute_v a_o ministry_n by_o the_o ordination_n and_o call_v of_o the_o church_n who_o be_v privy_a to_o himself_o of_o some_o unfitness_n if_o the_o church_n will_v press_v he_o to_o it_o so_o may_v he_o who_o be_v privy_a to_o himself_o of_o no_o fault_n that_o deserve_v deprivation_n cease_v from_o the_o execution_n of_o his_o ministry_n when_o he_o be_v press_v thereunto_o by_o the_o church_n and_o if_o a_o guiltless_a person_n put_v out_o of_o his_o charge_n by_o the_o church_n authority_n may_v yet_o continue_v in_o it_o what_o proceed_n can_v there_o be_v against_o guilty_a person_n who_o in_o their_o own_o conceit_n be_v always_o guiltless_a or_o will_v at_o least_o pretend_v so_o to_o be_v see_v they_o will_v be_v ready_a always_o to_o object_n against_o the_o church_n judgement_n that_o they_o be_v call_v of_o god_n and_o may_v not_o therefore_o give_v over_o the_o execution_n of_o their_o ministry_n at_o the_o will_n of_o bishop_n quaere_fw-la 2._o that_o the_o case_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v very_o different_a from_o they_o in_o three_o respect_n first_o they_o that_o inhibit_v the_o apostle_n be_v know_v and_o profess_a enemy_n to_o the_o gospel_n second_o the_o apostle_n be_v charge_v not_o to_o teach_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n nor_o to_o publish_v any_o part_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o commandment_n may_v more_o hardly_o be_v yield_v unto_o than_o this_o of_o our_o bishop_n who_o though_o they_o can_v endure_v they_o which_o teach_v that_o part_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o concern_v the_o good_a government_n and_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o be_v they_o not_o only_o content_a that_o the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v preach_v but_o be_v also_o preacher_n of_o it_o themselves_o three_o the_o apostle_n receive_v not_o their_o call_v and_o authority_n from_o man_n nor_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n but_o immediate_o from_o god_n himself_o and_o therefore_o also_o may_v not_o be_v restrain_v or_o depose_v by_o man_n whereas_o we_o though_o we_o exercise_v a_o function_n whereof_o god_n be_v the_o author_n and_o we_o be_v also_o call_v of_o god_n to_o it_o yet_o be_v we_o call_v and_o ordain_v by_o the_o hand_n and_o ministry_n of_o man_n and_o may_v therefore_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o man_n be_v also_o depose_v and_o restrain_v from_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o ministry_n to_o this_o 22._o which_o i_o have_v refer_v mr._n b._n to_o he_o give_v this_o answer_n if_o mr._n rathband_n have_v deny_v this_o it_o have_v be_v no_o proof_n do_v i_o ever_o mention_v mr._n rathband_n testimony_n as_o a_o sufficient_a proof_n my_o word_n be_v that_o i_o be_v certain_a their_o practice_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o all_o the_o nonconformist_n as_o you_o may_v see_v in_o the_o book_n publish_v in_o their_o name_n by_o mr._n rathband_n can_v any_o thing_n be_v plain_a than_o that_o the_o book_n be_v write_v by_o the_o nonconformist_n and_o that_o mr._n rathband_n be_v only_o the_o publisher_n of_o it_o this_o way_n of_o answer_v be_v just_a as_o if_o one_o shall_v quote_v a_o passage_n out_o of_o curcellaeus_n his_o greek_a testament_n and_o another_o shall_v reply_v if_o curcellaeus_n say_v so_o it_o have_v be_v no_o proof_n can_v mr._n b._n satisfy_v his_o mind_n with_o such_o answer_n when_o fr._n johnson_n say_v 89._o that_o our_o minister_n ought_v not_o to_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v silence_v and_o depose_v from_o their_o public_a ministry_n no_o not_o by_o lawful_a magistrate_n mr._n bradshaw_n answer_v this_o assertion_n be_v false_a and_o seditious_a and_o when_o johnson_n say_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o make_v their_o immediate_a call_v from_o god_n the_o ground_n of_o their_o refusal_n but_o this_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o obey_v god_n rather_o than_o man_n which_o be_v a_o duty_n require_v of_o all_o minister_n and_o christian_n bradshaw_n a_o person_n former_o in_o great_a esteem_n with_o mr._n baxter_n and_o high_o commend_v by_o the_o author_n of_o the_o vindication_n of_o his_o dispute_n with_o johnson_n give_v this_o answer_n 1._o though_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o assign_v their_o immediate_a call_v from_o god_n as_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o refusal_n in_o so_o many_o letter_n and_o syllable_n yet_o that_o which_o they_o do_v assign_v be_v by_o implication_n and_o in_o effect_n the_o same_o with_o it_o for_o it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o if_o they_o have_v say_v god_n himself_o have_v impose_v this_o call_v upon_o we_o and_o not_o man_n and_o therefore_o except_o we_o shall_v rather_o obey_v man_n than_o god_n we_o may_v not_o forbear_v this_o office_n which_o he_o have_v impose_v upon_o we_o for_o oppose_v the_o obedience_n of_o god_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o man_n they_o therein_o plead_v a_o call_v from_o god_n and_o not_o from_o man_n otherwise_o if_o they_o have_v receive_v a_o call_v from_o man_n there_o have_v be_v incongruity_n in_o the_o answer_n consider_v that_o in_o common_a sense_n and_o reason_n they_o ought_v so_o far_o forth_o to_o obey_v man_n forbid_v they_o to_o exercise_v a_o call_v as_o they_o exercise_v the_o same_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o call_v else_o by_o this_o reason_n a_o minister_n shall_v not_o cease_v to_o preach_v upon_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o church_n that_o have_v choose_v he_o but_o shall_v be_v bind_v to_o give_v they_o also_o the_o same_o answer_n which_o the_o apostle_n give_v which_o be_v absurd_a so_o that_o by_o this_o gross_a conceit_n of_o mr._n johnson_n there_o shall_v be_v no_o power_n in_o any_o sort_n of_o man_n whosoever_o to_o depose_v a_o minister_n from_o his_o ministry_n but_o that_o nowithstand_v any_o commandment_n of_o church_n or_o state_n the_o minister_n be_v to_o continue_v in_o his_o ministry_n 2._o for_o the_o further_a answer_n of_o this_o his_o ignorant_a conceit_n plain_o tend_v to_o sedition_n we_o be_v to_o know_v that_o though_o the_o apostle_n prophet_n and_o evangelist_n preach_v public_o where_o they_o be_v not_o hinder_v by_o open_a violence_n and_o do_v not_o nor_o may_v not_o leave_v their_o ministry_n upon_o any_o human_a authority_n or_o commandment_n whatsoever_o because_o they_o do_v not_o enter_v into_o or_o exercise_v the_o same_o upon_o the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o any_o man_n whatsoever_o yet_o they_o never_o erect_v and_o plant_v public_a church_n and_o ministery_n in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o magistrate_n whether_o they_o will_v or_o no_o or_o in_o despite_n of_o they_o but_o such_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o magistrate_n be_v as_o private_a and_o invisible_a as_o may_v be_v 3._o neither_o be_v some_o of_o the_o apostle_n only_o forbid_v so_o as_o other_o shall_v be_v suffer_v to_o preach_v the_o same_o gospel_n in_o their_o place_n but_o the_o utter_a abolish_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v manifest_o
therefore_o this_o matter_n of_o schism_n can_v be_v end_v by_o the_o plea_n of_o conscience_n judge_v the_o condition_n to_o be_v sinful_a but_o by_o evident_a and_o convince_a proof_n that_o they_o be_v so_o but_o till_o these_o be_v bring_v forth_o which_o never_o yet_o be_v or_o ever_o will_v be_v they_o must_v bear_v the_o blame_n of_o the_o schism_n if_o they_o separate_a on_o these_o account_n thus_o i_o have_v faithful_o represent_v the_o principle_n of_o those_o who_o allow_v occasional_a presence_n in_o our_o church_n rather_o than_o communion_n with_o they_o which_o i_o have_v discover_v to_o be_v of_o that_o nature_n as_o lead_v man_n to_o the_o great_a separation_n sect._n 14._o there_o be_v other_o who_o deal_v more_o open_o and_o ingenuous_o and_o so_o need_v the_o less_o pain_n to_o discover_v their_o mind_n and_o those_o be_v ii_o such_o who_o do_v in_o term_n assert_v all_o act_n of_o communion_n with_o our_o church_n to_o be_v unlawful_a but_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n among_o these_o for_o first_o some_o allow_v hear_v sermon_n in_o our_o public_a assembly_n and_o join_v in_o the_o pulpit_n prayer_n but_o not_o in_o the_o liturgy_n or_o any_o proper_a act_n of_o church-communion_n this_o i_o have_v show_v be_v the_o opinion_n of_o robinson_n and_o the_o new-england_n church_n and_o be_v late_o own_v by_o mr._n ph._n nye_n who_o write_v a_o discourse_n about_o it_o and_o answer_v all_o objection_n yea_o he_o go_v so_o far_o as_o to_o own_o the_o public_a preach_n as_o a_o great_a blessing_n to_o the_o nation_n and_o he_o think_v the_o dissenter_n and_o their_o family_n be_v bind_v to_o frequent_v as_o they_o have_v liberty_n and_o opportunity_n the_o more_o public_a and_o national_a ministry_n but_o towards_o the_o end_n of_o his_o treatise_n he_o confess_v the_o generality_n of_o their_o people_n to_o be_v of_o another_o opinion_n which_o he_o impute_v to_o the_o activity_n of_o the_o jesuit_n among_o they_o and_o he_o be_v a_o very_a sagacious_a man._n second_o other_o hold_v it_o unlawful_a to_o join_v with_o our_o church_n in_o any_o act_n of_o public_a worship_n and_o some_o be_v arrive_v to_o that_o height_n 25._o that_o one_o of_o my_o answerer_n confess_v that_o they_o refuse_v to_o hear_v he_o because_o he_o own_v many_o parochial_a church_n to_o be_v true_a church_n it_o seem_v then_o they_o not_o only_o think_v it_o unlawful_a to_o hear_v we_o but_o to_o hear_v those_o who_o think_v it_o lawful_a and_o the_o next_o step_n will_v be_v to_o separate_a from_o those_o who_o do_v not_o separate_a from_o they_o that_o own_o many_o parochial_a church_n to_o be_v true_a church_n several_a book_n have_v be_v publish_v to_o prove_v it_o unlawful_a to_o hear_v our_o minister_n preach_v and_o these_o proceed_v upon_o the_o old_a argument_n of_o the_o former_a separatist_n as_o may_v be_v see_v at_o large_a in_o a_o book_n call_v jerubbaal_n who_o author_n go_v about_o to_o prove_v our_o worship_n idolatry_n and_o our_o minister_n antichristian_a which_o mr._n nye_n be_v so_o far_o from_o own_v that_o he_o grant_v our_o ministry_n to_o be_v true_a and_o lawful_a and_o utter_o deny_v it_o to_o be_v anti-christian_n because_o the_o article_n of_o our_o religion_n to_o which_o our_o minister_n be_v to_o conform_v their_o instruction_n be_v orthodox_n and_o frame_v for_o the_o cast_n and_o keep_v out_o of_o popery_n sect._n 15._o the_o several_a principle_n of_o our_o dissenter_n be_v thus_o lay_v down_o the_o state_n of_o the_o present_a controversy_n as_o to_o separation_n from_o our_o communion_n will_v soon_o appear_v and_o any_o one_o may_v now_o discern_v 1._o that_o i_o do_v not_o mean_v bare_a local_a separation_n for_o mr._n b._n put_v this_o in_o the_o front_n of_o his_o quaere_n 46._o do_v you_o think_v that_o he_o be_v a_o separatist_n that_o meet_v not_o in_o the_o same_o parish_n church_n with_o you_o no_o i_o do_v assure_v he_o provide_v that_o he_o elsewhere_o join_v with_o our_o church_n as_o a_o member_n of_o they_o and_o do_v not_o think_v himself_o bind_v to_o prefer_v the_o separate_a meeting_n as_o have_v a_o pure_a way_n of_o worship_n and_o ordinary_o to_o frequent_v they_o for_o more_o gospel-administrations_a 48._o and_o so_o much_o may_v satisfy_v mr._n a._n too_o who_o after_o his_o trifle_a manner_n talk_v of_o a_o bellum_fw-la parochiale_n as_o though_o man_n be_v so_o weak_a to_o charge_v one_o another_o with_o separation_n because_o they_o meet_v in_o different_a parish_n but_o as_o to_o the_o gird_v he_o give_v about_o a_o bellum_n episcopale_n i_o desire_v he_o only_o to_o look_v into_o the_o evangelium_fw-la armatum_fw-la for_o a_o answer_n to_o it_o 2._o i_o do_v not_o mean_v by_o separation_n any_o difference_n in_o doctrine_n not_o determine_v by_o our_o church_n upon_o which_o man_n do_v not_o proceed_v to_o divide_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o it_o and_o i_o wonder_v who_o ever_o do_v but_o mr._n b._n be_v please_v to_o make_v another_o quaere_fw-la about_o it_o to_o this_o i_o shall_v answer_v he_o in_o mr._n hale_v his_o word_n while_o the_o controversy_n in_o holland_n about_o praedestination_n 3._o go_v no_o far_o thâ—n_v the_o pen-combat_n the_o schism_n be_v all_o that_o while_o unhatched_a but_o assoon_o as_o one_o party_n sweep_v a_o old_a cloister_n and_o by_o a_o pretty_a be_v make_v it_o a_o church_n by_o put_v a_o new_a pulpit_n in_o it_o for_o the_o separate_a party_n there_o to_o meet_v that_o which_o be_v before_o a_o controversy_n become_v a_o formal_a schism_n 3._o by_o separation_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v any_o difference_n in_o modes_n of_o worship_n allow_v by_o the_o church_n in_o who_o communion_n we_o live_v this_o be_v to_o answer_v mr._n b_n quaere_fw-la concern_v the_o difference_n between_o cathedral_n and_o parochial_a church_n and_o public_a and_o private_a administration_n of_o sacrament_n but_o this_o stick_v much_o with_o mr._n a._n who_o take_v his_o hint_n from_o mr._n b._n which_o he_o cook_n and_o dress_n after_o his_o facetious_a manner_n that_o they_o may_v go_v off_o the_o better_a with_o the_o common_a people_n and_o a_o very_a pleasant_a representation_n he_o endeavour_v to_o make_v of_o the_o difference_n of_o the_o cathedral_n service_n from_o that_o in_o country_n parish_n 49._o but_o what_o be_v all_o this_o to_o the_o purpose_n if_o the_o same_o man_n put_v on_o fine_a clothes_n at_o london_n than_o he_o wear_v in_o the_o country_n be_v he_o not_o the_o same_o man_n for_o all_o that_o be_v not_o david_n psalm_n the_o same_o whether_o they_o be_v sing_v or_o say_a or_o whether_o sing_v in_o a_o cathedral_n tune_n or_o as_o set_v by_o a_o parish_n clerk_n that_o which_o only_o look_v like_o argument_n and_o my_o business_n be_v to_o mind_n nothing_o else_o possible_o other_o may_v call_v he_o to_o a_o account_n for_o his_o unbecoming_a way_n of_o write_v that_o i_o say_v which_o look_v like_o argument_n be_v that_o some_o thing_n be_v do_v without_o rule_n in_o our_o parish_n church_n 53._o as_o the_o universal_a practice_n of_o sing_v psalm_n in_o hopkins_n and_o sternholds_n metre_n and_o therefore_o they_o may_v do_v thing_n without_o rule_n and_o yet_o not_o be_v guilty_a of_o separation_n this_o proceed_v upon_o a_o mistake_n for_o in_o the_o first_o establishment_n of_o the_o liturgy_n upon_o the_o reformation_n under_o edward_n the_o vi_o allowance_n be_v make_v for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o psalm_n as_o they_o be_v to_o be_v sing_v in_o church_n distinct_a from_o the_o use_n of_o they_o as_o part_v of_o the_o liturgy_n and_o from_o thence_o that_o custom_n have_v be_v so_o universal_o practise_v but_o suppose_v there_o be_v some_o custom_n receive_v without_o rule_n suppose_v there_o be_v some_o different_a custom_n among_o we_o what_o be_v this_o to_o the_o deny_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o constant_a communion_n with_o our_o church_n to_o the_o choose_n of_o new_a pastor_n and_o sit_v down_o as_o he_o speak_v with_o pure_a administration_n all_o which_o this_o man_n own_v in_o his_o book_n as_o their_o avow_a principle_n and_o practice_n and_o yet_o have_v the_o confidence_n to_o parallel_v their_o separation_n from_o our_o church_n with_o the_o different_a modes_n of_o worship_n among_o ourselves_o he_o must_v have_v a_o very_a mean_a opinion_n of_o man_n understanding_n that_o think_v to_o deceive_v they_o in_o so_o gross_a a_o manner_n 4._o by_o separation_n i_o do_v not_o understand_v a_o mere_a difference_n as_o to_o the_o way_n of_o worship_n which_o the_o member_n of_o foreign_a church_n be_v here_o permit_v to_o enjoy_v for_o they_o do_v not_o break_v off_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o our_o church_n but_o have_v certain_a privilege_n allow_v they_o as_o act_v under_o the_o rule_n of_o those_o church_n from_o whence_o they_o come_v but_o what_o have_v
the_o gospel_n be_v not_o the_o same_o authority_n the_o same_o charge_n as_o to_o both_o of_o they_o be_v there_o not_o the_o same_o promise_n and_o engagement_n to_o give_v faithful_a diligence_n to_o minister_v the_o doctrine_n and_o sacrament_n be_v there_o a_o indispensable_a obligation_n to_o do_v one_o part_n of_o your_o duty_n and_o none_o at_o all_o to_o the_o other_o be_v this_o possible_a to_o persuade_v impartial_a man_n that_o for_o 18_o year_n together_o you_o think_v yourself_o bind_v to_o preach_v against_o the_o law_n and_o yet_o never_o think_v yourself_o bind_v to_o do_v that_o which_o you_o be_v as_o solemn_o oblige_v to_o do_v as_o the_o other_o mr._n b._n know_v very_o well_o in_o church-history_n that_o presbyter_n be_v rare_o allow_v to_o preach_v and_o not_o without_o leave_n from_o the_o bishop_n and_o that_o in_o some_o of_o the_o church_n he_o most_o esteem_v too_o viz._n the_o african_a but_o they_o be_v constant_o bind_v to_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n so_o that_o if_o one_o obligation_n be_v strict_a than_o the_o other_o that_o be_v so_o which_o mr._n b._n dispense_v with_o himself_o in_o for_o 18_o year_n together_o and_o why_o he_o may_v not_o as_o well_o in_o the_o other_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o understand_v however_o why_o all_o this_o while_n no_o constant_a communicant_a with_o any_o church_n what_o no_o church_n among_o we_o fit_a for_o he_o to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o no_o obligation_n upon_o a_o christian_n to_o that_o equal_a to_o the_o necessity_n of_o preach_v these_o thing_n must_v seem_v very_o strange_a to_o those_o who_o judge_v of_o christian_a obligation_n by_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o universal_a sense_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o best_a and_o pure_a age_n to_o what_o purpose_n be_v it_o to_o dispute_v about_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o a_o institute_v church_n for_o personal_a presential_a communion_n if_o man_n can_v live_v for_o 18_o year_n together_o without_o join_v in_o communion_n with_o any_o such_o church_n what_o be_v this_o communion_n intend_v for_o the_o ancient_a church_n at_o this_o rate_n may_v easy_o be_v capacious_a enough_o for_o their_o member_n if_o some_o never_o join_v with_o they_o in_o so_o long_a a_o time_n but_o he_o have_v communicate_v occasional_o with_o we_o yes_o to_o show_v what_o defective_a and_o tolerable_a church_n he_o can_v communicate_v with_o but_o not_o as_o a_o member_n as_o himself_o declare_v and_o this_o occasional_a communion_n make_v he_o none_o 85._o for_o mr._n a._n say_v their_o occasional_a communion_n with_o we_o be_v but_o like_o any_o of_o our_o occasional_a communion_n with_o they_o or_o occasional_a hear_n of_o a_o weak_a preacher_n or_o occasional_a go_v to_o a_o popish_a chapel_n which_o no_o one_o imagine_v make_v the_o person_n member_n of_o such_o congregation_n if_o therefore_o man_n use_v this_o occasional_a communion_n more_o than_o once_o or_o twice_o or_o ten_o or_o twenty_o time_n as_o long_o as_o they_o declare_v it_o be_v only_o occasional_a communion_n it_o make_v they_o no_o member_n of_o our_o church_n for_o that_o oblige_v they_o to_o fix_a and_o constant_a communion_n second_o they_o that_o have_v fix_v and_o constant_a communion_n in_o a_o church_n gather_v out_o of_o another_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n out_o of_o which_o it_o be_v gather_v although_o they_o may_v be_v occasional_o present_a in_o it_o now_o if_o man_n who_o think_v our_o constant_a communion_n unlawful_a do_v judge_v themselves_o bind_v to_o join_v together_o in_o another_o society_n for_o pure_a administration_n as_o mr._n a._n speak_v and_o to_o choose_v new_a pastor_n this_o be_v gather_v new_a church_n and_o consequent_o be_v a_o plain_a separation_n from_o those_o church_n out_o of_o which_o they_o be_v gather_v the_o author_n of_o the_o letter_n out_o of_o the_o country_n speak_v plain_o in_o this_o matter_n such_o say_v he_o of_o the_o dissent_v minister_n 33._o as_o have_v most_o open_o declare_v for_o communicate_v at_o some_o time_n with_o some_o of_o the_o parochial_a church_n have_v also_o declare_v their_o judgement_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n and_o necessity_n of_o preach_v and_o hear_v and_o do_v other_o religious_a duty_n in_o other_o congregation_n also_o if_o this_o be_v true_a as_o no_o doubt_n that_o gentleman_n well_o understand_v their_o principle_n than_o we_o see_v plain_o a_o separation_n own_a notwithstanding_o the_o occasional_a communion_n with_o our_o church_n for_o here_o be_v not_o only_o a_o lawfulness_n but_o a_o necessity_n assert_v of_o join_v in_o separate_a congregation_n for_o preach_v hear_v and_o other_o religious_a duty_n and_o here_o be_v all_o the_o part_n necessary_a for_o make_v new_a church_n pastor_n people_n and_o join_v together_o for_o religious_a worship_n in_o a_o way_n separate_v from_o our_o assembly_n for_o although_o they_o allow_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o occasional_a communicate_v with_o some_o of_o they_o yet_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o allow_v constant_a communion_n that_o they_o assert_v a_o necessity_n of_o separate_a congregation_n for_o divine_a worship_n and_o what_o be_v there_o more_o than_o this_o which_o the_o old_a separatist_n hold_v for_o when_o they_o first_o publish_v the_o reason_n of_o their_o separation_n which_o giffard_n answer_v they_o lay_v down_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o dissatisfaction_n with_o our_o assembly_n from_o whence_o they_o infer_v the_o necessity_n of_o separation_n and_o then_o declare_v that_o they_o only_o seek_v the_o fellowship_n and_o communion_n of_o god_n faithful_a servant_n and_o by_o the_o direction_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o proceed_v to_o a_o choice_n of_o new_a pastor_n with_o who_o they_o may_v join_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ._n and_o what_o be_v there_o in_o this_o different_a from_o what_o must_v follow_v from_o the_o principle_n of_o those_o who_o assert_v the_o necessity_n of_o join_v in_o other_o congregation_n distinct_a and_o separate_a from_o our_o assembly_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o religious_a duty_n and_o if_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o separation_n as_o this_o gentleman_n tell_v we_o they_o general_o hold_v that_o seem_v most_o moderate_a the_o hold_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o occasional_a communion_n will_v not_o excuse_v they_o from_o the_o guilt_n of_o the_o other_o for_o as_o long_o as_o the_o necessity_n of_o separation_n be_v maintain_v the_o other_o be_v always_o account_v a_o less_o material_a dispute_n and_o some_o hold_v one_o way_n and_o some_o another_o and_o for_o this_o occasional_a communion_n the_o same_o author_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o look_v upon_o it_o but_o as_o drink_v a_o single_a glass_n of_o wine_n 51._o or_o of_o water_n against_o his_o own_o inclination_n to_o a_o person_n out_o of_o civility_n when_o he_o be_v not_o for_o any_o man_n pleasure_n to_o destroy_v his_o health_n by_o tie_v himself_o to_o drink_v nothing_o else_o it_o seem_v then_o this_o occasional_a communion_n be_v a_o mere_a compliment_n to_o our_o church_n wherein_o they_o force_v themselves_o to_o a_o dangerous_a piece_n of_o civility_n much_o against_o their_o own_o inclination_n but_o they_o account_v constant_a communion_n a_o thing_n pernicious_a to_o their_o soul_n as_o the_o other_o be_v destructive_a to_o their_o health_n so_o that_o this_o salvo_n can_v excuse_v they_o from_o the_o guilt_n of_o separation_n sect._n 17._o 2._o that_o as_o far_o as_o occasional_a communion_n be_v lawful_a 50._o constant_a communion_n be_v a_o duty_n this_o the_o former_a gentleman_n wonder_v at_o i_o if_o i_o think_v a_o good_a consequence_n 84._o mr._n a._n bring_v several_a instance_n to_o prove_v that_o we_o allow_v occasional_a communion_n to_o be_v lawful_a where_o constant_a be_v no_o duty_n as_o with_o other_o parish_n church_n upon_o a_o journey_n at_o a_o lecture_n etc._n etc._n but_o who_o ever_o question_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o occasional_a communion_n with_o church_n of_o the_o same_o constitution_n or_o think_v a_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o be_v always_o of_o that_o church_n where_o he_o go_v to_o hear_v a_o lecture_n etc._n etc._n but_o the_o question_n be_v about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o separation_n where_o occasional_a commuon_n be_v allow_v to_o be_v lawful_a for_o a_o man_n be_v not_o say_v to_o separate_v from_o every_o church_n where_o he_o forbear_v or_o cease_v to_o have_v communion_n but_o only_o from_o that_o church_n with_o which_o he_o be_v oblige_v to_o hold_v communion_n and_o yet_o withdraw_v from_o it_o and_o it_o be_v a_o wonder_n to_o i_o none_o of_o my_o friend_n my_o adversary_n i_o be_o loath_a to_o call_v they_o can_v discern_v this_o it_o be_v lawful_a say_v mr._n b._n to_o have_v communion_n with_o the_o french_a dutch_a 105._o or_o greek_a church_n must_v constant_a communion_n therefore_o with_o they_o be_v a_o duty_n yes_o if_o he_o be_v oblige_v
to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o those_o church_n and_o think_v it_o lawful_a to_o communicate_v some_o time_n constant_a communion_n will_v be_v a_o duty_n but_o because_o this_o seem_v so_o hard_a to_o be_v understand_v i_o will_v therefore_o undertake_v to_o prove_v it_o by_o these_o two_o argument_n first_o from_o the_o general_a obligation_n upon_o christian_n to_o use_v all_o lawful_a mean_n for_o preserve_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n second_o from_o the_o particular_a force_n of_o that_o text_n philipp_n 3._o 16._o as_o far_o as_o you_o have_v already_o attain_v walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n etc._n etc._n first_o from_o the_o general_a obligation_n upon_o christian_n to_o use_v all_o lawful_a mean_n for_o preserve_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n 18._o if_o it_o be_v possible_a say_v st._n paul_n as_o much_o as_o lie_v in_o you_o live_v peaceable_o with_o all_o men._n now_o i_o ask_v if_o there_o be_v not_o as_o great_a a_o obligation_n at_o least_o upon_o christian_n to_o preserve_v peace_n in_o the_o church_n as_o with_o all_o man_n and_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o that_o as_o far_o as_o possible_a and_o as_o much_o as_o lie_v in_o they_o and_o be_v not_o that_o possible_a and_o lie_v in_o they_o to_o do_v which_o they_o acknowledge_v lawful_a to_o be_v do_v and_o can_v do_v at_o some_o time_n what_o admirable_a argument_n be_v there_o to_o peace_n and_o unity_n among_o christian_n what_o divine_a enforcement_n of_o they_o on_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n in_o the_o write_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o can_v these_o prevail_v with_o man_n to_o do_v that_o which_o they_o think_v in_o their_o conscience_n they_o may_v lawful_o do_v towards_o join_v in_o communion_n with_o we_o this_o i_o be_o persuade_v be_v one_o of_o the_o provoke_a sin_n of_o the_o nonconformist_n that_o they_o have_v be_v so_o backward_o in_o do_v what_o they_o be_v convince_v they_o may_v have_v do_v with_o a_o good_a conscience_n when_o they_o be_v earnest_o press_v to_o it_o by_o those_o in_o authority_n they_o refuse_v it_o and_o they_o have_v be_v more_o and_o more_o backward_o ever_o since_o till_o now_o they_o seem_v general_o resolve_v either_o to_o break_v all_o in_o piece_n or_o to_o persist_v in_o separation_n mr._n b._n indeed_o very_o honest_o move_v they_o 1663._o to_o consider_v how_o far_o it_o be_v lawful_a or_o their_o duty_n to_o communicate_v with_o the_o parish_n church_n in_o the_o liturgy_n and_o sacrament_n and_o bring_v many_o argument_n to_o prove_v it_o lawful_a and_o no_o one_o of_o the_o brethren_n seem_v to_o dissent_v but_o observe_v the_o answer_n mr._n a._n make_v to_o this_o 39_o i._n e._n say_v he_o they_o do_v not_o enter_v their_o several_a protestation_n nor_o formal_o declare_v against_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o brother_n like_o wise_a and_o wary_a person_n they_o will_v advise_v upon_o they_o and_o so_o they_o have_v be_v advise_v and_o consider_v ever_o since_o till_o with_o great_a wisdom_n and_o wariness_n they_o be_v drop_v into_o separation_n before_o they_o be_v aware_a of_o it_o and_o the_o mere_a necessity_n of_o defend_v their_o own_o practice_n make_v they_o espouse_v these_o principle_n such_o another_o meeting_n mr._n b._n say_v they_o have_v after_o the_o plague_n and_o fire_n at_o which_o they_o agree_v that_o communion_n with_o our_o church_n be_v in_o itself_o lawful_a and_o good_a here_o mr._n a._n charge_v i_o for_o be_v tardy_a ibid._n and_o wrong_v the_o relator_n by_o leave_v out_o the_o most_o considerable_a word_n of_o the_o sentence_n viz._n when_o it_o will_v not_o do_v more_o harm_n than_o good_a and_o upon_o this_o he_o expatiate_v about_o the_o way_n when_o it_o may_v do_v more_o harm_n than_o good_a whereas_o if_o the_o reader_n please_v to_o examine_v the_o place_n he_o will_v find_v i_o do_v consider_v the_o force_n of_o those_o word_n 240._o when_o i_o put_v it_o that_o they_o resolve_v it_o to_o be_v lawful_a in_o itself_o although_o some_o circumstance_n may_v hinder_v their_o present_a do_v it_o for_o they_o declare_v that_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o lawful_a and_o meet_a but_o the_o circumstance_n of_o that_o time_n do_v make_v they_o think_v it_o may_v do_v more_o harm_n than_o good_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v they_o delay_v for_o a_o fit_a opportunity_n which_o make_v it_o clear_a they_o be_v then_o resolve_v upon_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o that_o opportunity_n have_v never_o happen_v since_o and_o so_o they_o be_v now_o come_v to_o plead_v against_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o as_o mr._n a._n plain_o do_v by_o such_o reason_n as_o these_o communion_n with_o our_o church_n will_v then_o do_v more_o harm_n than_o good_a 1._o when_o such_o communion_n shall_v persuade_v the_o parish_n church_n that_o their_o frame_n be_v eligible_a and_o not_o only_o tolerable_a 40._o as_o though_o separation_n be_v more_o eligible_a than_o a_o communion_n that_o be_v lawful_a and_o tolerable_a and_o schism_n be_v not_o more_o intolerable_a than_o communion_n with_o a_o tolerable_a church_n what_o will_v not_o man_n say_v in_o defence_n of_o their_o own_o practice_n be_v ever_o schism_n make_v so_o light_a a_o matter_n of_o and_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o christian_n value_v at_o so_o low_a a_o rate_n that_o for_o the_o prevention_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o other_o a_o thing_n that_o be_v lawful_a may_v not_o be_v do_v if_o there_o be_v any_o danger_n that_o what_o be_v only_o tolerable_a shall_v be_v mistake_v for_o more_o eligible_a as_o if_o all_o the_o mischief_n of_o schism_n and_o division_n in_o the_o church_n be_v not_o fit_a to_o be_v put_v in_o the_o balance_n against_o such_o a_o horrible_a and_o monstrous_a inconvenience_n methinks_v it_o be_v better_a sometime_o to_o be_v wise_a and_o considerate_a than_o always_o thus_o subtle_a and_o witty_a against_o the_o common_a sense_n and_o reason_n of_o mankind_n 2._o when_o other_o shall_v thereby_o be_v think_v oblige_v to_o separate_v from_o pure_a church_n i._n e._n be_v draw_v off_o from_o their_o separation_n 3._o when_o it_o will_v harden_v the_o papist_n as_o though_o their_o division_n do_v not_o do_v it_o ten_o thousand_o time_n more_o 4._o when_o it_o shall_v notable_o prejudice_v the_o christian_a religion_n in_o general_n yes_o no_o doubt_n the_o cure_n of_o division_n will_v do_v so_o by_o these_o particular_n it_o appear_v that_o he_o think_v they_o not_o oblige_v to_o do_v what_o lawful_o they_o can_v do_v yet_o at_o last_o he_o say_v he_o tell_v we_o as_o much_o be_v do_v as_o their_o conscience_n will_v permit_v they_o say_v you_o so_o be_v it_o indeed_o come_v to_o this_o will_v none_o of_o your_o conscience_n now_o permit_v you_o either_o to_o come_v to_o the_o liturgy_n or_o to_o make_v use_n of_o any_o part_n of_o it_o in_o your_o own_o meeting_n how_o often_o have_v mr._n b._n tell_v the_o world_n that_o you_o stick_v not_o at_o set-form_n nor_o at_o the_o use_n of_o the_o liturgy_n provide_v some_o exceptionable_a passage_n be_v alter_v in_o it_o do_v not_o mr._n b._n declare_v at_o his_o meeting_n public_o in_o a_o write_n on_o purpose_n that_o they_o do_v not_o meet_v under_o any_o colour_n or_o pretence_n of_o any_o religious_a exercise_n in_o other_o manner_n than_o according_a to_o the_o liturgy_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o be_v he_o able_a he_o will_v according_o read_v himself_o be_v this_o observe_v in_o any_o one_o meet_v in_o london_n or_o through_o england_n then_o certain_o there_o be_v some_o who_o do_v not_o what_o they_o think_v they_o lawful_o may_v do_v towards_o communion_n with_o we_o and_o mr._n b._n say_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o late_a plea_n that_o they_o never_o make_v one_o motion_n for_o presbytery_n or_o against_o liturgy_n and_o these_o word_n be_v speak_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o whole_a party_n call_v presbyterian_o and_o since_o that_o mr._n b._n say_v they_o do_v come_v to_o a_o agreement_n wherein_o the_o constant_a use_n of_o the_o liturgy_n 64._o with_o some_o alteration_n be_v require_v and_o be_v we_o now_o tell_v that_o all_o that_o can_v lawful_o be_v do_v be_v do_v mr._n b._n indeed_o act_n agreeable_o to_o his_o principle_n in_o come_v to_o our_o liturgy_n but_o where_o be_v all_o the_o rest_n and_o which_o of_o they_o read_v what_o they_o think_v lawful_a at_o their_o own_o assembly_n do_v they_o not_o hereby_o discover_v that_o they_o be_v more_o afraid_a of_o lose_v their_o people_n who_o force_v they_o to_o comply_v with_o their_o humour_n than_o careful_a to_o do_v what_o they_o judge_v lawful_a towards_o communion_n with_o our_o church_n sect._n 17._o but_o whence_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o any_o who_o think_v
species_n of_o church_n without_o god_n authority_n 3._o that_o the_o accidental_a alteration_n in_o discipline_n do_v not_o overthrow_v the_o be_v of_o our_o parochial_a church_n 1._o that_o our_o diocesan_n episcopacy_n be_v the_o same_o for_o substance_n which_o be_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n this_o i_o begin_v with_o because_o mr._n b._n so_o very_o often_o make_v his_o appeal_n to_o antiquity_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o my_o first_o inquiry_n shall_v be_v into_o the_o episcopacy_n practise_v in_o the_o african_a church_n 37._o because_o mr._n b._n express_v a_o esteem_n of_o they_o above_o other_o for_o in_o saint_n cyprian_n be_v time_n he_o say_v they_o be_v the_o best_a order_a church_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o the_o bishop_n there_o be_v the_o most_o godly_a faithful_a peaceable_a company_n of_o bishop_n since_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o of_o the_o follow_a time_n he_o thus_o speak_v 73._o most_o of_o the_o african_a council_n say_v he_o be_v the_o best_a in_o all_o the_o world_n 57_o many_o good_a canon_n for_o church_n order_n be_v make_v by_o this_o and_o most_o of_o the_o african_a council_n no_o bishop_n be_v faithfull_a than_o they_o therefore_o concern_v the_o episcopacy_n there_o practise_v i_o shall_v lay_v down_o these_o two_o observation_n obs._n 1_o that_o it_o be_v a_o inviolable_a rule_n among_o they_o that_o there_o be_v to_o be_v but_o one_o bishop_n in_o a_o city_n though_o the_o city_n be_v never_o so_o large_a or_o the_o christian_n never_o so_o many_o this_o one_o observation_n make_v good_a quite_o overthrow_v mr._n b.'s_n hypothesis_n for_o upon_o his_o principle_n where_o ever_o the_o congregation_n of_o christian_n become_v so_o great_a 74._o that_o they_o can_v not_o convenient_o assemble_v at_o one_o place_n so_o as_o to_o have_v personal_a communion_n in_o presence_n as_o he_o speak_v there_o either_o they_o must_v alter_v the_o institute_v species_n of_o government_n or_o they_o must_v have_v more_o bishop_n than_o one_o in_o a_o city_n for_o he_o say_v the_o church_n must_v be_v no_o big_a than_o that_o the_o same_o bishop_n may_v perform_v the_o pastoral_n office_n to_o they_o in_o present_a communion_n and_o for_o this_o he_o quote_v 1_o thess._n 5._o 12_o 13._o heb._n 13._o 7_o 17._o i.e._n their_o bishop_n must_v be_v such_o as_o they_o must_v hear_v preach_v and_o have_v conversation_n with_o but_o that_o this_o be_v not_o so_o understand_v in_o the_o african_a church_n appear_v by_o their_o strict_a observance_n of_o this_o rule_n of_o have_v but_o one_o bishop_n in_o a_o city_n how_o large_a soever_o it_o be_v and_o how_o punctual_o they_o think_v themselves_o bind_v to_o observe_v it_o will_v appear_v by_o this_o one_o instance_n that_o one_o of_o the_o great_a and_o most_o pernicious_a schism_n that_o ever_o happen_v may_v have_v be_v prevent_v if_o they_o have_v yield_v to_o more_o bishop_n than_o one_o in_o a_o city_n and_o that_o be_v the_o schism_n of_o the_o donatist_n upon_o the_o competition_n between_o majorinus_n and_o coecilian_a as_o the_o novatian_a schism_n begin_v at_o rome_n upon_o a_o like_a occasion_n between_o cornelius_n and_o novatian_n now_o be_v there_o not_o all_o the_o reason_n imaginable_a upon_o so_o important_a a_o occasion_n to_o have_v make_v more_o bishop_n in_o the_o same_o city_n unless_o they_o have_v think_v some_o divine_a rule_n prohibit_v they_o when_o there_o be_v 46_o presbyter_n at_o rome_n have_v it_o not_o be_v fair_a to_o have_v divide_v they_o or_o upon_o mr._n b.'s_n principle_n make_v so_o many_o bishop_n that_o every_o one_o may_v have_v have_v three_o or_o four_o for_o his_o share_n but_o instead_o of_o this_o how_o do_v saint_n cyprian_n even_o the_o holy_a and_o meek_a saint_n cyprian_a as_o saint_n augustin_n call_v he_o 4._o aggravate_v the_o schism_n of_o novatian_n for_o be_v choose_v a_o bishop_n in_o the_o same_o city_n where_o there_o be_v one_o choose_v before_o his_o word_n be_v so_o considerable_a to_o our_o purpose_n that_o i_o shall_v set_v they_o down_o 4._o et_fw-la cum_fw-la post_fw-la primum_fw-la secundus_fw-la esse_fw-la non_fw-la possit_fw-la quisquis_fw-la post_fw-la unum_fw-la qui_fw-la solus_fw-la esse_fw-la debeat_fw-la factus_fw-la est_fw-la non_fw-la jam_fw-la secundus_fw-la ille_fw-la sed_fw-la nullus_fw-la est_fw-la since_o there_o can_v be_v a_o second_o after_o the_o first_o whosoever_o be_v make_v bishop_n when_o one_o be_v make_v already_o who_o ought_v to_o be_v alone_o he_o be_v not_o another_o bishop_n but_o none_o at_o all_o let_v mr._n b._n reconcile_v these_o word_n to_o his_o hypothesis_n if_o he_o can_v what!_o in_o such_o a_o city_n of_o christian_n as_o rome_n then_o be_v where_o be_v 46_o presbyter_n to_o pronounce_v it_o a_o mere_a nullity_n to_o have_v a_o second_o bishop_n choose_v mr._n b._n will_v rather_o have_v think_v there_o have_v be_v need_n of_o 46_o bishop_n but_o saint_n cyprian_n who_o live_v somewhat_o near_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v know_v as_o well_o the_o constitution_n of_o church_n then_o think_v it_o overthrow_v that_o constitution_n to_o have_v more_o bishop_n than_o one_o in_o a_o city_n at_o carthage_n it_o seem_v some_o turbulent_a presbyter_n that_o be_v not_o satisfy_v with_o saint_n cyprian_n government_n or_o it_o may_v be_v look_v on_o the_o charge_n as_o too_o big_a for_o one_o choose_v one_o fortunatus_n to_o be_v bishop_n there_o 9_o with_o this_o saint_n cyprian_n acquaint_v cornelius_n and_o there_o tell_v he_o how_o far_o they_o have_v proceed_v and_o what_o mischief_n this_o will_v be_v to_o the_o church_n since_o the_o have_v one_o bishop_n be_v the_o best_a mean_n to_o prevent_v schism_n after_o the_o election_n of_o cornelius_n some_o of_o the_o confessor_n who_o have_v side_v with_o novatian_a desert_v his_o party_n 3._o and_o be_v receive_v back_o again_o at_o a_o solemn_a assembly_n where_o they_o confess_v their_o fault_n and_o declare_v that_o they_o be_v not_o ignorant_a that_o as_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n and_o one_o christ_n and_o one_o holy_a ghost_n so_o there_o aught_o to_o be_v but_o one_o bishop_n in_o the_o catholic_n church_n not_o according_a to_o the_o senseless_a interpretation_n of_o pamelius_n who_o will_v have_v it_o understand_v of_o one_o pope_n but_o that_o according_a to_o the_o ancient_a and_o regular_a discipline_n and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n there_o ought_v to_o be_v but_o one_o bishop_n in_o a_o city_n after_o the_o martyrdom_n of_o cornelius_n at_o rome_n 2._o saint_n cyprian_n send_v to_o rome_n to_o know_v who_o that_o one_o bishop_n be_v that_o be_v choose_v in_o his_o place_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o this_o unity_n 4._o he_o insist_o on_o elsewhere_o and_o say_v our_o saviour_n so_o appoint_v it_o unam_fw-la cathedram_fw-la constituit_fw-la &_o unitatis_fw-la ejusdem_fw-la originem_fw-la ab_fw-la uno_fw-la incipientem_fw-la sua_fw-la auctoritate_fw-la disposuit_fw-la which_o the_o papist_n foolish_o interpret_v of_o saint_n peter_n chair_n for_o in_o his_o follow_a word_n he_o utter_o overthrow_v the_o supremacy_n say_v all_o the_o apostle_n be_v equal_a and_o a_o little_a after_o episcopatus_fw-la unus_fw-la est_fw-la cujus_fw-la à _fw-la singulis_fw-la in_o solidum_fw-la pars_fw-la tenetur_fw-la but_o this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o my_o purpose_n to_o show_v that_o these_o holy_a man_n these_o martyr_n and_o confessor_n man_n that_o be_v indeed_o die_v daily_o and_o that_o for_o christ_n too_o be_v all_o agree_v that_o a_o bishop_n there_o must_v be_v and_o that_o but_o one_o in_o a_o city_n though_o never_o so_o large_a and_o full_a of_o christian_n 43._o saint_n augustin_n in_o his_o excellent_a epistle_n to_o the_o donatist_n give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o proceed_n about_o caecilian_n after_o the_o election_n of_o majorinus_n and_o that_o melchiade_n manage_v that_o matter_n with_o admirable_a temper_n offer_v for_o the_o heal_n of_o the_o schism_n to_o receive_v those_o who_o have_v be_v ordain_v by_o majorinus_n with_o this_o proviso_n that_o where_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o schism_n there_o have_v be_v two_o bishop_n in_o a_o city_n he_o that_o be_v first_o consecrate_v be_v to_o remain_v bishop_n and_o the_o other_o to_o have_v another_o people_n provide_v for_o he_o for_o which_o saint_n augustin_n commend_v he_o as_o a_o excellent_a man_n a_o true_a son_n of_o peace_n and_o father_n of_o christian_a people_n by_o which_o we_o see_v the_o best_a the_o wise_a the_o most_o moderate_a person_n of_o that_o time_n never_o once_o thought_n that_o there_o can_v be_v more_o bishop_n than_o one_o in_o a_o city_n in_o the_o famous_a conference_n at_o carthage_n between_o the_o catholic_n and_o donatist_n bishop_n the_o rule_n on_o both_o side_n be_v 1_o but_o one_o bishop_n to_o be_v allow_v of_o either_o side_n of_o a_o city_n and_o diocese_n and_o if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o new_a make_v to_o increase_v
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