by_o practical_a but_o dogmatical_a prejudices_fw-la against_o the_o wise_a and_o most_o rational_a exhortation_n as_o proceed_v from_o the_o mouth_n of_o a_o christian_a of_o who_o they_o have_v conceive_v so_o unworthy_a a_o opinion_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o slander_v raise_v against_o they_o then_o so_o common_o believe_v but_o when_o all_o be_v do_v you_o say_v two_o city_n under_o the_o power_n of_o great_a temptation_n lxiii_o be_v not_o to_o be_v our_o rule_n against_o god_n word_n and_o the_o state_n of_o all_o other_o church_n in_o the_o world_n and_o undeniable_a experience_n so_o that_o it_o seem_v you_o be_v at_o last_o diffident_a of_o your_o exception_n against_o those_o two_o instance_n and_o yet_o unwilling_a to_o yield_v though_o you_o shall_v be_v convince_v of_o their_o weakness_n indeed_o if_o what_o you_o pretend_v be_v true_a that_o they_o be_v against_o god_n word_n etc._n etc._n i_o shall_v confess_v so_o great_a evidence_n sufficient_a to_o reject_v they_o but_o it_o be_v certain_o otherwise_o and_o i_o believe_v you_o can_v give_v a_o instance_n of_o a_o parochial_a church_n in_o the_o sense_n we_o now_o understand_v it_o for_o such_o a_o multitude_n of_o believer_n as_o be_v governable_a by_o a_o single_a presbyter_n alone_o either_o in_o the_o scripture_n or_o in_o any_o other_o church_n in_o the_o world_n except_v those_o two_o so_o much_o decry_v by_o you_o for_o the_o first_o three_o century_n so_o far_o you_o be_v from_o prove_v what_o you_o seem_v to_o design_n that_o bishop_n ought_v to_o be_v multiply_v in_o proportion_n to_o they_o your_o volume_n of_o proof_n from_o antiquity_n of_o one_o altar_n and_o one_o bishop_n in_o one_o church_n will_v not_o do_v it_o for_o i_o have_v already_o show_v that_o church_n to_o be_v the_o church_n of_o a_o whole_a city_n how_o great_a soever_o and_o therefore_o to_o have_v be_v diocesan_n not_o parochial_a and_o for_o the_o argument_n from_o experience_n though_o it_o will_v hold_v well_o enough_o as_o i_o have_v manage_v it_o that_o discipline_n have_v once_o be_v preserve_v under_o a_o diocesan_n government_n therefore_o it_o may_v be_v so_o again_o yet_o not_o vice_n versâ_fw-la as_o you_o do_v discipline_n be_v not_o observe_v for_o this_o be_v all_o the_o undeniable_a experience_n you_o so_o much_o insist_v on_o therefore_o it_o can_v my_o instance_n of_o ulphilas_n bishop_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n of_o the_o goth_n lxiv_o which_o sure_o be_v great_a than_o one_o parish_n you_o seem_v to_o deny_v when_o you_o say_v he_o be_v bishop_n only_o of_o a_o few_o goth_n who_o be_v present_o presecute_v to_o the_o death_n by_o athanarichus_n ut_fw-la socrat._v l._n 4._o c._n 32._o which_o few_o you_o say_v i_o may_v call_v a_o kingdom_n if_o i_o please_v but_o the_o number_n be_v not_o so_o small_a as_o you_o suppose_v for_o they_o be_v convert_v long_o before_o they_o be_v persuade_v to_o the_o arrian_n communion_n which_o be_v no_o soon_o than_o the_o time_n of_o valens_n when_o eudoxius_n prevail_v with_o ulphilas_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o it_o for_o they_o be_v vanquish_v by_o constantine_n 18._o and_o by_o admiration_n of_o his_o success_n against_o themselves_o be_v draw_v to_o embrace_v his_o religion_n to_o which_o they_o impute_v his_o victory_n so_o strange_a beyond_o their_o expectation_n and_o according_o have_v a_o former_a bishop_n in_o their_o nation_n one_o theophilus_n before_o ulphilas_n 41._o so_o that_o though_o even_o at_o the_o first_o the_o nation_n that_o be_v at_o least_o the_o generality_n of_o they_o be_v convert_v to_o christianity_n yet_o before_o the_o time_n you_o speak_v of_o they_o have_v a_o considerable_a time_n to_o allow_v for_o further_a propagation_n and_o according_o when_o vlphilas_o be_v bring_v over_o to_o the_o arrian_n he_o be_v say_v to_o have_v separate_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 37._o a_o expression_n certain_o as_o comprehensive_a as_o that_o i_o use_v of_o a_o kingdom_n from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n for_o his_o authority_n be_v describe_v to_o have_v be_v so_o great_a with_o the_o goth_n as_o that_o they_o take_v his_o word_n for_o irrefragable_a law_n 37._o and_o yet_o certain_o be_v not_o so_o great_a with_o any_o but_o convert_v christian_n 37._o but_o you_o say_v they_o be_v present_o persecute_v to_o the_o death_n by_o athanaricus_n if_o you_o mean_v this_o as_o a_o argument_n that_o they_o be_v few_o because_o they_o be_v present_o extirpate_v by_o persecution_n you_o be_v certain_o mistake_v for_o athanaricus_n his_o storm_n last_v not_o long_o but_o upon_o phritigerne_v his_o return_n hist_o who_o by_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o roman_n prevail_v against_o they_o 33_o the_o christian_a religion_n again_o return_v 37._o and_o be_v countenance_v and_o so_o far_o advance_v as_o that_o in_o their_o invasion_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n afterward_o in_o honorius_n his_o time_n their_o army_n be_v general_o christian_n which_o can_v not_o have_v probable_o be_v if_o they_o have_v be_v extirpate_v by_o athanaricus_n but_o you_o say_v that_o ulphilas_n be_v a_o arian_n but_o 1._o if_o he_o have_v be_v so_o yet_o that_o can_v weaken_v his_o authority_n in_o our_o present_a case_n both_o because_o this_o practice_n of_o a_o nation_n have_v but_o one_o bishop_n be_v never_o reckon_v by_o the_o haeresiographer_n as_o a_o point_n of_o arianism_n no_o nor_o as_o a_o singularity_n of_o the_o arian_n themselves_o upon_o personal_a account_n nay_o my_o other_o instance_n of_o tiramentus_n and_o moses_n be_v both_o catholic_n nay_o the_o goth_n themselves_o while_o catholic_n have_v the_o same_o form_n of_o government_n that_o be_v till_o ulphilas_n be_v wrought_v on_o by_o eudoxius_n till_o that_o time_n not_o only_o his_o predecessor_n theophilus_n but_o himself_o maintain_v the_o nicene_n faith_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o arian_n communion_n and_o yet_o in_o all_o likelihood_n they_o be_v not_o much_o less_o numerous_a when_o catholic_n then_o when_o arian_n for_o the_o whole_a nation_n which_o be_v say_v by_o he_o to_o have_v be_v reconcile_v to_o the_o arian_n communion_n be_v in_o all_o likelihood_n none_o but_o christian_n and_o therefore_o catholic_n see_v they_o seem_v at_o that_o time_n to_o have_v be_v unanimous_a but_o 2._o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o he_o be_v a_o real_a arian_n i_o confess_v he_o do_v communicate_v with_o the_o arian_n and_o that_o not_o only_o with_o the_o more_o moderate_a homousian_o but_o also_o with_o those_o who_o own_v christ_n to_o be_v a_o creature_n and_o by_o degree_n from_o communicate_v with_o the_o arian_n the_o goth_n afterward_o use_v the_o arian_n form_n of_o speak_v and_o from_o they_o proceed_v to_o embrace_v much_o of_o their_o opinion_n and_o so_o at_o length_n alienate_v themselves_o from_o the_o catholic_n communion_n as_o appear_v in_o their_o late_a persecution_n of_o the_o catholic_n in_o italy_n and_o africa_n but_o at_o first_o the_o very_a reason_n that_o prevail_v with_o ulphilas_n be_v that_o eudoxius_n pretend_v the_o difference_n betwixt_o themselves_o and_o the_o catholic_n to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d suprae_fw-la as_o theodoret_n show_v and_o sozomen_n censure_n his_o proceed_n herein_o as_o do_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o inconsiderate_a rather_o than_o out_o of_o any_o ill_a design_n and_o there_o be_v other_o deceit_n as_o disingenuous_a as_o this_o use_v by_o the_o arian_n to_o draw_v such_o to_o their_o communion_n who_o be_v know_v real_o to_o retain_v the_o nicene_n faith_n you_o know_v how_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o latin_a father_n be_v impose_v on_o in_o the_o council_n of_o ariminum_n by_o valens_n and_o ursacius_n who_o read_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d instead_o of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o nicene_n creed_n and_o how_o a_o confession_n of_o their_o faith_n be_v draw_v up_o by_o they_o at_o nice_a in_o thrace_n and_o impose_v on_o the_o catholic_n under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o famous_a nicene_n creed_n of_o bythinia_n so_o that_o there_o be_v two_o reason_n that_o in_o those_o age_n prevail_v with_o some_o catholic_n to_o communicate_v with_o the_o arian_n one_o that_o the_o first_o quarrel_n betwixt_o alexander_n and_o arius_n be_v think_v only_o personal_a not_o on_o account_n of_o any_o real_a difference_n at_o least_o that_o that_o betwixt_o the_o late_a arian_n and_o the_o catholic_n be_v so_o another_o be_v that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o real_a difference_n yet_o it_o be_v rather_o in_o expression_n mutual_o misunderstand_v than_o in_o thing_n or_o at_o least_o in_o thing_n not_o conceive_v sufficient_o momentous_a to_o divide_v communion_n as_o therefore_o you_o will_v not_o i_o believe_v in_o your_o own_o practice_n have_v it_o conclude_v that_o you_o be_v a_o independent_a or_o prelatist_n because_o you_o be_v for_o communicate_v with_o such_o as_o be_v
rather_o to_o be_v christian_n and_o communicate_v than_o to_o lie_v in_o gaol_n and_o have_v all_o our_o estate_n confiscate_v one_o will_v think_v that_o you_o be_v desirous_a to_o find_v objection_n against_o we_o when_o thus_o almost_o at_o the_o same_o time_n you_o blame_v we_o for_o have_v that_o which_o immediate_o before_o you_o blame_v we_o for_o want_v for_o the_o difference_n be_v not_o as_o one_o will_v think_v from_o the_o most_o candid_a interpretation_n of_o your_o word_n that_o you_o will_v have_v such_o guilty_a person_n force_v to_o confer_v with_o you_o but_o not_o to_o profess_v themselves_o christian_n and_o communicate_v without_o your_o leave_n for_o you_o afterward_o profess_v simple_o that_o you_o will_v have_v no_o force_n at_o all_o beside_o what_o force_n be_v it_o that_o you_o mean_v be_v it_o that_o exterior_a one_o of_o law_n and_o corporal_a penalty_n this_o your_o word_n seem_v plain_o to_o imply_v this_o you_o know_v do_v not_o belong_v to_o the_o church_n but_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n power_n circa_fw-la sacra_fw-la who_o be_v therefore_o to_o be_v blame_v for_o it_o and_o not_o the_o church_n if_o it_o be_v a_o crime_n and_o some_o body_n must_v needs_o bear_v the_o blame_n or_o be_v they_o the_o spiritual_a coertion_n of_o the_o church_n i_o know_v none_o of_o that_o kind_n but_o excommunication_n which_o be_v of_o no_o force_n with_o those_o who_o do_v not_o value_v the_o advantage_n of_o communion_n and_o they_o who_o do_v need_v not_o to_o be_v force_v to_o confer_v with_o their_o minister_n beside_o that_o yourself_o know_v and_o have_v confess_v that_o the_o power_n of_o suspension_n of_o unworthy_a person_n from_o the_o sacrament_n be_v allow_v to_o the_o parish_n minister_n even_o in_o our_o church_n so_o that_o even_o in_o that_o case_n he_o have_v his_o remedy_n in_o his_o own_o hand_n as_o far_o as_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v expedient_a that_o he_o shall_v under_o a_o monarchical_a government_n but_o methinks_v your_o description_n of_o a_o prelatic_a christian_n be_v very_o harsh_a and_o though_o for_o my_o part_n i_o be_o resolve_v to_o take_v nothing_o ill_a because_o i_o very_o believe_v not_o only_o by_o this_o letter_n but_o your_o other_o public_a write_n that_o the_o heat_n of_o your_o style_n and_o the_o extraordinary_a expedition_n you_o make_v use_v of_o not_o allow_v yourself_o time_n for_o second_o thought_n do_v transport_v you_o to_o such_o expression_n as_o your_o serious_a reflection_n will_v not_o approve_v yet_o will_v to_o other_o less_o favourable_a judge_n of_o your_o good_a meaning_n rather_o tend_v to_o exasperate_v than_o cure_v those_o division_n for_o which_o you_o be_v just_o so_o much_o concern_v and_o beside_o your_o own_o acknowledgement_n of_o many_o good_a prelatic_a christian_n on_o other_o occasion_n you_o can_v be_v ignorant_a that_o many_o of_o they_o have_v be_v christian_n of_o that_o which_o you_o call_v the_o old_a profession_n that_o be_v have_v be_v christian_n and_o hold_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n though_o they_o have_v go_v to_o prison_n and_o death_n for_o it_o not_o only_o in_o queen_n mary_n day_n but_o even_o in_o your_o own_o memory_n in_o england_n and_o ireland_n when_o their_o be_v so_o have_v bring_v suffering_n on_o they_o not_o rescue_v they_o from_o they_o so_o that_o i_o do_v not_o understand_v why_o you_o shall_v stigmatize_v they_o with_o the_o name_n of_o prelatical_a indeed_o if_o you_o can_v show_v xxvi_o that_o it_o be_v rather_o the_o extraordinary_a good_a influence_n of_o god_n and_o their_o own_o good_a inclination_n that_o make_v they_o voluntary_o good_a against_o their_o worldly_a interest_n notwithstanding_o their_o malignant_a principle_n which_o of_o themselves_o will_v have_v make_v they_o otherwise_o i_o confess_v your_o commendable_a inclination_n to_o speak_v of_o thing_n as_o they_o be_v may_v have_v excuse_v the_o rigour_n of_o such_o expression_n but_o 1._o you_o can_v but_o know_v that_o these_o exterior_a compulsion_n have_v not_o be_v proper_a to_o prelatist_n but_o common_a to_o all_o those_o that_o have_v own_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o discipline_n presbyterian_o as_o well_n as_o papist_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o appropriate_v to_o such_o christian_n as_o be_v make_v so_o by_o coercive_a discipline_n the_o invidious_a name_n of_o prelatical_a and_o 2._o you_o have_v not_o and_o i_o believe_v you_o can_v prove_v that_o such_o external_a force_n must_v needs_o of_o itself_o make_v prelatist_n dissembler_n 1._o because_o all_o that_o be_v of_o themselves_o good_a will_v not_o need_v such_o force_n this_o be_v only_o a_o secondary_a reserve_n for_o reduce_v such_o as_o be_v desperate_a as_o to_o that_o power_n which_o alone_o you_o allow_v the_o church_n that_o be_v of_o persuasion_n none_o be_v this_o way_n compel_v but_o they_o who_o can_v be_v persuade_v and_o certain_o for_o such_o person_n it_o be_v at_o least_o a_o less_o evil_a to_o profess_v themselves_o christian_n though_o dissemble_o than_o not_o so_o much_o as_o to_o profess_v themselves_o so_o both_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o honour_n which_o be_v do_v religion_n even_o in_o profess_v it_o and_o the_o edification_n of_o other_o who_o may_v be_v move_v by_o their_o example_n and_o that_o they_o be_v by_o this_o mean_v take_v from_o the_o sin_n of_o open_a hostility_n against_o the_o truth_n and_o 2._o you_o must_v not_o present_o condemn_v all_o of_o dissimulation_n who_o be_v bring_v to_o a_o sense_n of_o their_o duty_n by_o fear_n otherwise_o you_o will_v condemn_v all_o the_o penal_a law_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n as_o tend_v to_o make_v their_o subject_n dissemble_o loyal_a and_o all_o god_n providential_a cross_n and_o menace_n of_o hell_n as_o tend_v rather_o to_o make_v man_n profess_v themselves_o christians_o rather_o than_o be_v damn_v etc._n etc._n for_o frequent_a experience_n can_v but_o have_v inform_v you_o who_o be_v so_o very_o experience_v that_o the_o fear_n of_o man_n as_o well_o as_o of_o god_n have_v to_o many_o prove_v the_o beginning_n of_o true_a wisdom_n that_o good_a christian_n have_v find_v more_o occasion_n to_o bless_v god_n for_o their_o cross_n than_o their_o consolation_n that_o the_o terrible_a vengeance_n of_o god_n against_o sinner_n even_o in_o this_o life_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v a_o great_a restraint_n to_o that_o hard-hearted_a people_n to_o deter_v they_o from_o their_o sin_n and_o to_o reduce_v they_o to_o solid_a real_a piety_n who_o we_o find_v less_o efficacious_o move_v to_o their_o duty_n by_o any_o other_o mean_n for_o i_o pray_v consider_v 3._o that_o this_o dissimulation_n which_o you_o seem_v to_o suppose_v to_o be_v the_o ordinary_a consequent_a of_o exterior_a compulsion_n can_v indeed_o have_v any_o place_n but_o upon_o these_o condition_n that_o 1._o the_o sufferer_n do_v believe_v his_o cause_n to_o be_v good_a and_o 2._o that_o such_o belief_n be_v ground_v on_o conscientious_a motive_n whether_o real_o or_o apparent_o conscientious_a i_o now_o dispute_v not_o see_v the_o person_n must_v act_v according_a to_o the_o evidence_n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n however_o real_o erroneous_a after_o he_o have_v use_v his_o best_a endeavour_n for_o its_o information_n and_o 3._o that_o this_o persuasion_n of_o his_o conscience_n be_v unalterable_a or_o at_o least_o 4._o that_o such_o exterior_a compulsion_n be_v neither_o a_o mean_n nor_o a_o probable_a occasion_n to_o make_v man_n alter_v their_o opinion_n atlea_v not_o to_o make_v good_a and_o conscientious_a person_n to_o alter_v at_o least_o not_o ordinary_o so_o that_o it_o be_v presume_v that_o the_o multitude_n of_o goodman_n can_v be_v alter_v upon_o such_o term_n and_o therefore_o that_o if_o the_o multitude_n do_v they_o can_v be_v general_o presume_v to_o do_v it_o on_o just_a and_o conscientious_a motive_n and_o yet_o 5._o that_o notwithstanding_o his_o be_v persuade_v as_o former_o he_o be_v by_o his_o exterior_a compulsion_n wrought_v on_o to_o make_v a_o unveracious_a exterior_a profession_n now_o to_o show_v brief_o that_o none_o of_o these_o hold_n xxvii_o at_o least_o not_o all_o of_o they_o which_o be_v requisite_a for_o your_o purpose_n i_o must_v premise_v 1._o that_o the_o design_n of_o this_o kind_n of_o discourse_n against_o these_o coercive_a mean_n if_o it_o be_v to_o hinder_v they_o must_v be_v to_o persuade_v they_o in_o who_o power_n they_o be_v that_o be_v the_o church_n or_o the_o magistrate_n that_o their_o practice_n be_v sinful_a to_o they_o that_o 2._o nothing_o can_v be_v imputable_o sinful_a to_o governor_n but_o what_o either_o do_v or_o may_v in_o the_o use_n of_o their_o utmost_a moral_a diligence_n appear_v to_o they_o to_o be_v so_o so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o your_o opinion_n of_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o such_o coercion_n that_o can_v prove_v it_o sinful_a to_o they_o unless_o they_o be_v of_o the_o
16._o what_o i_o mean_v when_o i_o make_v the_o decretory_a power_n of_o government_n proper_a to_o the_o supreme_a and_o the_o executive_a only_o to_o be_v communicate_v to_o inferior_a governor_n §_o 17._o the_o decretory_a power_n of_o government_n do_v not_o necessary_o include_v personal_a or_o particular_a exploration_n §_o 18_o 19_o his_o seven_o answer_n consider_v good_a man_n need_v government_n as_o well_o as_o other_o their_o mistake_n more_o dangerous_a to_o government_n than_o the_o mistake_v of_o other_o §_o 20._o mr._n baxter_n objection_n in_o favour_n of_o i_o his_o first_o answer_n refute_v §_o 21._o his_o second_o answer_n refute_v declaration_n be_v no_o act_n of_o power_n §_o 22._o the_o unbecomingness_n of_o doctrine_n so_o disparage_v to_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n to_o mr._n baxter_n as_o a_o curer_n of_o church-division_n §_o 23._o the_o first_o reformer_n at_o length_n sensible_a of_o the_o necessity_n of_o church_n authority_n to_o peace_n and_o discipline_n §_o 24._o mr._n baxter_n uncandid_a character_n of_o a_o prelatic_a christian_n §_o 25._o the_o use_n of_o external_a coercion_n in_o religion_n be_v not_o to_o make_v man_n only_a dissembler_n §_o 26_o 27_o 28._o no_o discipline_n to_o be_v expect_v without_o a_o coercive_a power_n somewhere_o §_o 29._o the_o liberty_n desire_v by_o mr._n baxter_n inconsistent_a with_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o ignatian_a episcopacy_n so_o much_o recommend_v by_o himself_o on_o other_o occasion_n §_o 30._o inconsistent_a with_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n describe_v by_o tertullian_n and_o firmilian_a §_o 31._o inconsistent_a with_o that_o of_o s._n cyprian_n no_o reason_n why_o mr._n baxter_n shall_v desire_v to_o disow_v they_o from_o be_v part_n of_o his_o cure_n who_o do_v not_o observe_v rule_n of_o discipline_n §_o 32._o my_o second_o argument_n for_o the_o possibility_n of_o diocesan_n discipline_n from_o the_o actual_a experience_n of_o former_a time_n §_o 33._o the_o notion_n of_o a_o church_n for_o no_o more_o than_o be_v capable_a of_o the_o personal_a inspection_n of_o a_o single_a presbyter_n not_o prove_v to_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n from_o act_n 14._o 23._o §_o 34_o 35._o his_o second_o and_o three_o answer_v refute_v the_o distribution_n of_o particular_a cure_n to_o particular_a presbyter_n from_o whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o one_o diocese_n include_v many_o such_o society_n as_o be_v fit_v for_o personal_a communion_n be_v more_o convenient_a than_o their_o govern_v the_o same_o multitude_n in_o common_a very_o probable_o as_o ancient_a as_o they_o have_v settle_v place_n of_o meet_v how_o ancient_a in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o alexandria_n §_o 36._o how_o vigorous_a notwithstanding_o discipline_n be_v at_o that_o very_a time_n at_o alexandria_n §_o 37._o his_o four_o answer_n refute_v §_o 38._o his_o five_o answer_n refute_v §_o 39_o his_o six_o answer_n refute_v §_o 40._o his_o seven_o answer_n refute_v the_o ancient_a city_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n that_o have_v single_a bishop_n be_v general_o as_o great_a and_o populous_a as_o now_o §_o 41_o 42._o the_o ecclesiastical_a government_n of_o those_o city_n proportion_v to_o the_o civil_a §_o 43._o whether_o our_o diocesan_n office_n be_v a_o drive_a man_n to_o sin_n §_o 44_o 45_o 46._o his_o eight_o answer_n refute_v great_a city_n than_o have_v great_a number_n of_o christian_n instance_a in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n samaria_n antioch_n antiochia_n pisidiae_fw-la thessalonica_n beroea_n ephesus_n §_o 47._o these_o be_v church_n in_o all_o likelihood_n design_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o as_o precedent_n for_o other_o the_o multitude_n of_o christian_n every_o where_o in_o the_o roman_a empire_n in_o the_o time_n of_o tertullian_n §_o 48._o instance_n of_o other_o church_n very_o numerous_a beside_o rome_n and_o alexandria_n neocaesarea_n carthage_n the_o passage_n of_o s._n cyprian_a concern_v his_o contribution_n explain_v §_o 49_o 50._o the_o ancient_a numerousness_n of_o christian_n prove_v from_o pliny_n §_o 51._o the_o possibility_n of_o their_o meeting_n in_o the_o same_o assembly_n §_o 52._o several_a way_n how_o great_a number_n may_v communicate_v from_o the_o same_o altar_n than_o can_v ordinary_o meet_v in_o the_o same_o assembly_n §_o 53._o s._n patrick_n diocese_n not_o equivalent_a to_o our_o modern_a parish_n §_o 54._o my_o argument_n from_o the_o numerousness_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o the_o time_n of_o cornelius_n his_o answer_n refute_v §_o 55._o his_o endeavour_n to_o give_v a_o account_n how_o the_o clergy_n than_o may_v have_v be_v numerous_a though_o their_o people_n have_v be_v few_o §_o 56._o his_o first_o five_o answer_v §_o 57_o his_o six_o §_o 58._o his_o seven_o §_o 59_o his_o eight_o §_o 60._o his_o nine_o §_o 61._o his_o ten_o §_o 62._o no_o instance_n of_o mr._n baxter_n notion_n of_o a_o church_n of_o a_o society_n under_o the_o cure_n of_o one_o single_a priest_n but_o only_o in_o those_o two_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o alexandria_n so_o much_o disow_v in_o this_o very_a matter_n by_o himself_o §_o 63._o ulphilas_n bishop_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n of_o the_o goth_n whether_o a_o arrian_n §_o 64._o frumentius_n bishop_n of_o the_o indian_n and_o moses_n of_o the_o arabian_n the_o christian_n of_o both_o more_o numerous_a than_o our_o single_a parish_n §_o 65._o his_o first_o answer_n refute_v §_o 56._o his_o second_o answer_n refute_v §_o 67._o a_o conclusory_a exhortation_n §_o 68_o reverend_a sir_n §_o i_o as_o i_o have_v before_o express_v my_o sorrow_n for_o deal_v in_o such_o a_o controversy_n that_o divide_v communion_n with_o a_o person_n of_o your_o piety_n and_o candour_n and_o from_o who_o i_o be_o so_o unwilling_a to_o differ_v upon_o any_o tolerable_a term_n so_o i_o be_o withal_o glad_a that_o we_o can_v still_o maintain_v a_o unpassionate_a way_n of_o debate_v it_o which_o for_o my_o part_n i_o conceive_v not_o only_o most_o christian_n but_o most_o useful_a and_o successful_a it_o be_v only_o with_o this_o design_n that_o i_o be_o willing_a to_o continue_v it_o wherein_o i_o hope_v you_o will_v not_o be_v displease_v at_o i_o for_o venture_v on_o that_o liberty_n yourself_o be_v please_v to_o take_v and_o which_o i_o hope_v through_o god_n gracious_a assistance_n i_o shall_v never_o abuse_v for_o my_o meaning_n be_v as_o much_o as_o be_v possible_a to_o abstain_v from_o all_o thing_n personal_a and_o to_o insist_v only_o on_o the_o way_n propose_v by_o s._n augustine_n to_o maximinus_n ut_fw-la res_fw-la cum_fw-la re_fw-la causa_fw-la cum_fw-la causa_fw-la ratio_fw-la cum_fw-la ratione_fw-la decertet_fw-la and_o here_o itself_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o avoid_v the_o multitude_n of_o unnecessary_a controversy_n that_o we_o may_v be_v more_o accurate_a in_o the_o discussion_n of_o such_o as_o shall_v remain_v §_o two_o the_o principal_a controversy_n of_o your_o letter_n be_v concern_v the_o possibility_n of_o revive_v ecclesiastical_a discipline_n under_o a_o diocesan_n episcopacy_n where_o i_o be_o glad_a to_o find_v that_o the_o dispute_n seem_v rather_o derive_v from_o your_o forgetfulness_n of_o your_o own_o concession_n and_o i_o than_o any_o real_a difference_n of_o our_o opinion_n when_o clear_o and_o candid_o explain_v for_o i_o can_v perceive_v only_o two_o thing_n question_v betwixt_o we_o through_o your_o letter_n 1._o whether_o the_o bishop_n be_v oblige_v in_o his_o own_o person_n to_o a_o particular_a care_n of_o all_o the_o soul_n contain_v within_o his_o jurisdiction_n or_o whether_o he_o may_v not_o assume_v assistant_n and_o coadjutor_n dependent_a on_o himself_o over_o who_o he_o be_v to_o exercise_v the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n that_o be_v a_o overseer_n not_o to_o take_v the_o whole_a burden_n on_o himself_o but_o to_o oblige_v they_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o to_o punish_v their_o delinquency_n 2._o whether_o suppose_v this_o delegation_n lawful_a lay-chancellor_n be_v fit_a to_o be_v entrust_v with_o it_o the_o former_a you_o seem_v to_o have_v yield_v when_o you_o say_v 1._o if_o this_o have_v be_v all_o our_o dispute_n whether_o a_o patriarch_n or_o archbishop_n can_v rule_v 1000_o church_n by_o 1000_o inferior_a bishop_n or_o church-ruler_n i_o have_v say_v something_o which_o be_v indeed_o the_o only_a thing_n assert_v by_o i_o in_o my_o proof_n and_o the_o very_a case_n in_o practice_n no_o bishop_n undertake_v the_o particular_a cure_n of_o a_o whole_a diocese_n without_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o particular_a respective_a parochian_o when_o therefore_o you_o ask_v whether_o it_o follow_v that_o our_o church-monarch_n can_v oversee_v all_o himself_n without_o any_o suboverseer_n or_o rule_v they_o by_o god_n word_n on_o the_o conscience_n without_o any_o subruler_n sure_o you_o can_v mean_v that_o this_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o our_o diocesan_n and_o if_o your_o design_n be_v to_o assert_v that_o every_o
be_v severe_a for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o commonwealth_n than_o it_o be_v for_o a_o chirurgeon_n to_o cut_v off_o a_o gangreen_v member_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o its_o owner_n life_n and_o such_o be_v the_o design_n of_o the_o church_n who_o be_v not_o for_o use_v even_o her_o spiritual_a coertion_n which_o only_o belong_v to_o she_o but_o only_a on_o such_o person_n on_o who_o her_o rational_a inducement_n have_v prove_v desperate_a and_o successless_a but_o notwithstanding_o your_o former_a contrary_a intimation_n you_o say_v xxix_o you_o desire_v no_o force_n nor_o church_n power_n but_o not_o to_o take_v these_o 1._o for_o christian_n 2._o for_o your_o special_a christian_a flock_n 1._o who_o be_v no_o christian_n 2._o who_o themselves_o refuse_v it_o but_o this_o power_n you_o desire_v here_o be_v more_o than_o that_o which_o alone_o be_v allow_v by_o you_o to_o bishop_n of_o reprove_v exhort_v instruct_v and_o declare_v person_n fitness_n or_o unfitness_n for_o communion_n by_o their_o penitence_n or_o impenitence_n for_o what_o if_o your_o people_n believe_v those_o penitent_n who_o you_o think_v impenitent_a or_o on_o the_o contrary_a what_o if_o they_o be_v not_o satisfy_v with_o your_o declaration_n or_o resolve_v not_o to_o observe_v they_o what_o if_o at_o least_o the_o great_a part_n which_o be_v always_o predominant_a in_o popular_a government_n be_v not_o of_o your_o opinion_n will_v you_o think_v yourself_o oblige_v in_o such_o a_o case_n to_o make_v your_o people_n opinion_n or_o your_o own_o the_o rule_n of_o your_o practice_n in_o receive_v or_o reject_v person_n from_o your_o communion_n if_o you_o follow_v your_o people_n than_o you_o be_v as_o capable_a of_o be_v impose_v on_o against_o your_o will_n for_o receive_v such_o person_n for_o christian_n and_o for_o part_n of_o your_o christian_a flock_n who_o be_v no_o christian_n and_o who_o themselves_o refuse_v it_o by_o they_o as_o you_o be_v now_o by_o the_o bishop_n and_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o your_o flock_n especial_o if_o such_o as_o you_o describe_v whereof_o whole_a parish_n have_v be_v present_v by_o the_o churchwarden_n be_v likely_a to_o stand_v with_o you_o in_o opposition_n to_o your_o bishop_n and_o if_o they_o stand_v for_o he_o against_o you_o you_o can_v have_v no_o reason_n to_o obtrude_v your_o own_o judgement_n and_o complain_v according_a to_o this_o principle_n but_o if_o notwithstanding_o their_o dissent_n from_o you_o you_o yet_o resolve_v to_o follow_v your_o own_o judgement_n in_o receive_v or_o reject_v according_a to_o your_o own_o thought_n of_o the_o penitence_n or_o impenitence_n of_o the_o person_n obnoxious_a to_o your_o discipline_n than_o you_o will_v indeed_o be_v so_o far_o from_o desire_v no_o church_n power_n as_o that_o you_o will_v desire_v more_o than_o you_o seem_v willing_a to_o grant_v the_o bishop_n which_o be_v only_o declarative_a and_o then_o if_o you_o may_v as_o a_o governor_n impose_v on_o the_o people_n why_o may_v not_o the_o bishop_n as_o your_o governor_n impose_v on_o you_o indeed_o there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o government_n without_o such_o a_o imposition_n as_o you_o speak_v of_o for_o the_o reason_n of_o all_o government_n be_v the_o inequality_n of_o man_n judgement_n in_o their_o own_o cause_n and_o the_o inconvenience_n of_o decide_v their_o difference_n by_o force_n which_o be_v many_o time_n the_o great_a on_o the_o unjust_a side_n the_o design_n therefore_o of_o all_o government_n be_v to_o entrust_v a_o three_o person_n or_o society_n suppose_v impartial_a to_o the_o litigant_fw-la party_n with_o a_o power_n sufficient_a to_o compel_v either_o of_o they_o to_o submit_v to_o her_o decision_n for_o see_v it_o be_v not_o ordinary_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o difference_n shall_v be_v decide_v by_o a_o persuasion_n of_o both_o party_n of_o the_o equity_n of_o decision_n but_o that_o both_o party_n will_v frequent_o prove_v tenacious_a of_o their_o own_o opinion_n therefore_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o the_o guilty_a whatever_o he_o be_v who_o will_v seldom_o believe_v his_o own_o condemnation_n just_a be_v impose_v on_o and_o such_o a_o imposition_n be_v thus_o think_v necessary_a common_a prudence_n will_v suggest_v that_o it_o be_v much_o more_o equal_a and_o secure_a for_o the_o party_n impose_v on_o that_o he_o be_v impose_v on_o by_o the_o common_a arbitrator_n of_o their_o difference_n than_o by_o his_o partial_o affect_a adversary_n and_o according_o where_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o imposition_n there_o be_v none_o of_o government_n and_o the_o seat_n of_o government_n be_v final_o resolve_v on_o they_o who_o have_v this_o power_n of_o impose_v their_o own_o sentiment_n on_o other_o so_o that_o to_o deny_v minister_n this_o power_n over_o the_o people_n or_o the_o bishop_n over_o the_o minister_n be_v to_o make_v neither_o the_o one_o nor_o the_o other_o proper_o governor_n beside_o the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n and_o absolution_n which_o you_o seem_v to_o mean_v in_o this_o your_o complaint_n that_o the_o independent_a use_n of_o they_o be_v not_o communicate_v to_o the_o minister_n be_v so_o incommunicable_o proper_a to_o the_o supreme_a governor_n who_o as_o have_v the_o power_n of_o a_o society_n must_v also_o have_v that_o of_o admit_v to_o and_o reject_v member_n from_o it_o as_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o his_o charge_n if_o other_o may_v admit_v and_o reject_v at_o pleasure_n without_o dependence_n on_o he_o so_o that_o to_o complain_v of_o be_v impose_v on_o in_o this_o kind_n be_v indeed_o in_o effect_n to_o complain_v of_o the_o bishop_n superiority_n over_o you_o and_o if_o this_o reason_n be_v of_o any_o force_n it_o will_v proceed_v as_o much_o against_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n as_o the_o episcopal_a for_o even_o among_o they_o the_o minister_n may_v as_o well_o be_v over-voted_n and_o consequent_o overrule_v by_o the_o class_n as_o with_o we_o by_o the_o bishop_n so_o inseparable_a this_o power_n of_o impose_v on_o parish_n minister_n be_v find_v from_o government_n as_o that_o be_v indeed_o admit_v by_o all_o they_o who_o own_o a_o government_n superior_a to_o single_a parish_n but_o xxx_o i_o pray_v quo_fw-la jure_fw-la do_v you_o challenge_v this_o parochial_a power_n of_o excommunication_n and_o absolution_n independent_a on_o your_o ordinary_n i_o shall_v at_o present_a give_v you_o leave_v to_o say_v not_o because_o that_o i_o think_v you_o can_v prove_v it_o but_o because_o i_o be_o unwilling_a at_o present_a to_o dispute_v it_o that_o presbyter_n be_v not_o only_a counsellor_n but_o coordinate_a governor_n with_o the_o bishop_n but_o how_o can_v you_o show_v the_o least_o likelihood_n that_o the_o bishop_n have_v not_o at_o least_o a_o negative_a vote_n among_o they_o that_o as_o he_o can_v not_o do_v any_o thing_n without_o their_o suffrage_n so_o they_o be_v able_a to_o conclude_v any_o thing_n without_o he_o much_o less_o be_v you_o able_a to_o prove_v that_o every_o particular_a presbyter_n single_o take_v ever_o have_v within_o his_o own_o jurisdiction_n the_o power_n of_o determine_v so_o momentous_a a_o thing_n as_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n wherever_o you_o find_v any_o precedent_n over_o presbytery_n in_o the_o scripture_n whether_o apostle_n or_o evangelist_n or_o angel_n you_o can_v find_v any_o precedent_n of_o any_o thing_n carry_v by_o the_o major_a vote_n against_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o precedent_n as_o at_o least_o one_o of_o the_o prevail_a number_n and_o for_o the_o ignatian_a episcopacy_n and_o so_o downward_o to_o s._n cyprian_n which_o you_o seem_v to_o approve_v it_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o all_o the_o power_n of_o presbyter_n be_v dependent_a on_o the_o bishop_n thus_o ignatius_n in_o his_o genuine_a uninterpolated_a epistle_n to_o the_o ephesian_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 3._o and_o that_o that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o bishop_n appear_v from_o the_o sequel_n whence_o he_o conclude_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d whence_o you_o may_v easy_o guess_v what_o he_o will_v have_v think_v of_o presbyter_n communicate_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o bishop_n that_o even_o such_o communion_n be_v without_o the_o altar_n must_v needs_o have_v be_v destitute_a of_o the_o bread_n of_o god_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n also_o the_o same_o bless_a martyr_n advise_v even_a presbyter_n not_o to_o despise_v the_o youth_n of_o damas_n the_o bishop_n of_o the_o magnesian_o 11._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d translate_v apposite_o to_o the_o sense_n of_o this_o place_n familiariter_fw-la uti_fw-la seem_v to_o argue_v a_o great_a distance_n than_o you_o will_v i_o believe_v think_v consistent_a with_o the_o parity_n you_o be_v so_o desirous_a of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d observe_v i_o pray_v again_o
prove_v that_o it_o be_v a_o injunction_n of_o a_o immutable_a and_o eternally-obliging_a nature_n as_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o some_o that_o of_o abstain_v from_o blood_n act_v 15._o be_v not_o for_o if_o they_o be_v not_o you_o ought_v not_o to_o urge_v they_o to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o superinduce_v constitution_n but_o last_o all_o that_o you_o can_v hence_o pretend_v for_o your_o purpose_n be_v only_o that_o the_o have_v only_o one_o bishop_n in_o the_o appropriate_v sense_n in_o a_o diocese_n be_v not_o conformable_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o it_o do_v not_o thence_o follow_v that_o discipline_n be_v not_o maintainable_a under_o such_o a_o government_n which_o be_v the_o only_a thing_n for_o who_o proof_n i_o produce_v it_o you_o answer_v 2._o that_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v a_o society_n of_o neighbour_n christian_n convene_v in_o personal_a communion_n for_o god_n worship_n i_o confess_v personal_a communion_n be_v general_o practise_v with_o the_o bishop_n but_o i_o have_v prove_v it_o to_o be_v of_o whole_a city_n and_o such_o great_a assembly_n as_o can_v not_o be_v serve_v by_o a_o single_a person_n without_o the_o assistance_n of_o a_o presbytery_n which_o the_o bishop_n have_v for_o his_o help_n and_o therefore_o can_v not_o be_v parochial_a in_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n now_o common_o use_v if_o you_o think_v otherwise_o when_o you_o prove_v it_o i_o may_v then_o and_o not_o till_o then_o be_v concern_v to_o think_v of_o a_o further_a answer_n you_o answer_v 3._o that_o for_o 250_o year_n you_o think_v i_o can_v prove_v xxxvi_o that_o any_o one_o bishop_n in_o the_o world_n save_v at_o alexandria_n and_o rome_n have_v more_o such_o congregation_n and_o altar_n than_o one_o nor_o there_o for_o a_o long_a time_n after_o the_o apostle_n nor_o in_o many_o church_n for_o some_o hundred_o year_n long_o the_o be_v the_o same_o mistake_v as_o before_o to_o think_v they_o answerable_a to_o our_o parish_n who_o do_v then_o all_o communicate_v at_o one_o altar_n whereas_o indeed_o the_o fame_n circuit_n and_o number_n of_o inhabitant_n who_o have_v first_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o bishop_n and_o his_o presbytery_n in_o common_a no_o particular_a presbyter_n have_v nay_o proper_a portion_n assign_v he_o but_o by_o the_o provisional_a command_n of_o the_o bishop_n be_v afterward_o distribute_v into_o part_n proportionable_a to_o the_o number_n of_o the_o presbytery_n that_o so_o every_o one_o may_v know_v his_o own_o work_n and_o i_o pray_v what_o essential_a difference_n be_v there_o betwixt_o the_o same_o presbytery_n as_o act_v in_o common_a as_o they_o do_v at_o first_o with_o the_o bishop_n and_o distribute_v into_o several_a division_n as_o they_o be_v now_o unless_o it_o be_v that_o this_o late_a be_v more_o convenient_a and_o if_o the_o bishop_n be_v major_a universis_fw-la when_o they_o act_v in_o conjunction_n with_o he_o why_o must_v he_o be_v minor_fw-la singulis_fw-la or_o at_o lest_o aequalis_fw-la when_o disperse_v to_o their_o several_a distinct_a employment_n if_o all_o of_o they_o when_o unite_v may_v not_o attempt_v any_o thing_n without_o his_o consent_n and_o privity_n why_o must_v each_o of_o they_o be_v allow_v that_o liberty_n when_o deprive_v of_o their_o unite_a force_n and_o if_o discipline_n be_v maintainable_a by_o they_o when_o by_o act_v in_o common_a they_o be_v more_o remote_a from_o particular_a exploration_n why_o shall_v it_o not_o be_v much_o more_o so_o when_o none_o be_v invite_v to_o be_v negligent_a by_o trust_v to_o another_o as_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o do_v in_o case_n of_o common_a concernment_n and_o when_o each_o of_o they_o have_v a_o task_n proportionable_a to_o his_o own_o ability_n but_o 2._o suppose_v that_o this_o subdivision_n of_o the_o diocese_n into_o parish_n which_o be_v all_o that_o you_o can_v pretend_v to_o have_v be_v attempt_v at_o rome_n and_o alexandria_n for_o by_o this_o mean_v it_o fall_v out_o by_o accident_n that_o there_o be_v several_a altar_n under_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o same_o bishop_n have_v not_o answer_v the_o primitive_a example_n nay_o have_v be_v a_o culpable_a not_o a_o lawful_a prudential_a innovation_n yet_o will_v you_o say_v that_o discipline_n be_v not_o maintain_v when_o it_o be_v actual_o however_o upon_o other_o account_n culpable_o introduce_v if_o you_o grant_v it_o be_v that_o be_v sufficient_a for_o my_o purpose_n to_o show_v that_o the_o experience_n of_o those_o time_n have_v evince_v the_o possibility_n of_o discipline_n under_o a_o diocesan_n government_n and_o therefore_o that_o it_o be_v practicable_a even_o now_o if_o man_n will_v but_o endeavour_v it_o if_o you_o say_v it_o be_v not_o you_o must_v then_o charge_v the_o most_o celebrate_a church_n in_o the_o pure_a early_a age_n with_o want_n of_o discipline_n for_o in_o rome_n the_o first_o division_n into_o title_n answerable_a to_o our_o parish_n be_v attribute_v to_o pope_n euaristus_n eurychius_fw-la who_o come_v into_o his_o see_n anno_fw-la dom._n 112._o by_o the_o author_n de_fw-fr vit._n pontif._n common_o ascribe_v to_o damasus_n for_o afterward_o in_o the_o two_o epistle_n of_o pius_n which_o be_v of_o better_a repute_n with_o blondell_n than_o the_o other_o that_o bear_v his_o name_n to_o justus_n viennen_n we_o find_v mention_n of_o two_o title_n then_o new_o establish_v by_o euprepia_n and_o the_o pastor_n so_o that_o i_o think_v this_o division_n there_o if_o we_o may_v trust_v these_o author_n for_o it_o and_o if_o we_o may_v not_o you_o will_v have_v no_o ground_n of_o charge_v the_o roman_n of_o those_o age_n with_o plurality_n of_o altar_n more_o than_o in_o other_o place_n will_v appear_v to_o have_v be_v as_o soon_o as_o they_o have_v any_o settle_a place_n to_o meet_v in_o for_o before_o that_o their_o meeting_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v ambulatory_a and_o uncertain_a sometime_o in_o the_o temple_n sometime_o in_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d sometime_o in_o secret_a place_n particular_o in_o the_o coemeteria_fw-la for_o of_o some_o of_o these_o may_v the_o passage_n of_o 1_o cor._n 11._o and_o the_o ancient_a author_n of_o philopatris_n in_o trajan_n time_n who_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o lucian_n be_v understand_v and_o then_o it_o be_v not_o so_o convenient_a to_o subdivide_v into_o parish_n when_o there_o be_v not_o any_o settle_a place_n peculiar_o design_v and_o convenient_a for_o parochial_a assembly_n upon_o which_o account_n there_o will_v be_v no_o reason_n that_o the_o necessitous_a example_n of_o the_o former_a age_n shall_v prejudge_v against_o the_o prudence_n and_o convenience_n of_o this_o but_o the_o title_n mention_v by_o pius_n as_o leave_v by_o legacy_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v perpetual_o alienate_v to_o the_o use_n of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o fit_a for_o this_o purpose_n which_o if_o it_o be_v suppose_v than_o the_o antiquity_n of_o divers_a altar_n in_o the_o same_o diocese_n will_v be_v equal_a with_o church_n and_o parish_n which_o you_o do_v not_o condemn_v and_o as_o ancient_a as_o they_o can_v be_v with_o any_o tolerable_a convenience_n and_o you_o can_v blame_v they_o for_o be_v no_o soon_o and_o sure_o you_o will_v not_o deny_v that_o even_o then_o and_o a_o long_a while_n after_o discipline_n be_v maintain_v among_o the_o romanist_n themselves_o if_o you_o do_v you_o must_v contradict_v all_o the_o history_n of_o that_o age_n which_o mention_v the_o martyrdom_n of_o their_o bishop_n of_o those_o age_n together_o with_o very_a many_o of_o their_o other_o clergy_n and_o laity_n for_o several_a succession_n tertul._n and_o the_o great_a eulogy_n of_o tertullian_n and_o s._n cyprian_n praescr_n and_o the_o confident_a appeal_n to_o the_o roman_a church_n as_o well_o as_o other_o hoer_n for_o the_o assertion_n on_o of_o apostolical_a tradition_n use_v frequent_o by_o the_o father_n against_o the_o heretic_n whereas_o a_o sensible_a decay_n in_o discipline_n will_v have_v weaken_v their_o credit_n even_o in_o doctrinal_n and_o for_o the_o other_o instance_n of_o alexandria_n the_o first_o mention_n that_o we_o find_v of_o a_o subdivision_n there_o be_v in_o the_o time_n of_o arius_n who_o be_v say_v to_o have_v be_v presbyter_n of_o a_o church_n call_v baucalis_n upon_o which_o occasion_n epiphanius_n tell_v we_o 4._o that_o the_o church_n of_o the_o catholic_n communion_n in_o alexandria_n under_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o same_o archbishop_n have_v their_o particular_a presbyter_n assign_v they_o for_o the_o ecclesiastical_a necessity_n of_o the_o inhabitant_n which_o division_n be_v by_o the_o alexandrian_n according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o their_o country_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o it_o be_v not_o mention_v as_o a_o innovation_n in_o or_o near_o his_o time_n and_o therefore_o be_v in_o all_o probability_n to_o be_v presume_v much_o more_o ancient_a and_o if_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o elder_a
june_n 26._o 1673._o be_v sincere_o affectionate_a friend_n and_o servant_n henry_n dodwell_n letter_n iii_o the_o content_n reason_n of_o delay_v this_o answer_n §_o 1_o endeavour_n to_o prevent_v his_o displeasure_n §_o 2._o advice_n then_o against_o some_o intimation_n of_o his_o of_o publish_v our_o letter_n §_o 3._o my_o unwillingness_n to_o differ_v from_o he_o in_o any_o thing_n tolerable_a §_o 4._o the_o charge_n of_o schism_n brief_o state_v against_o they_o §_o 5._o a_o pathetical_a application_n of_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v to_o mr._n baxter_n §_o 6._o reverend_a sir_n §_o i_o it_o be_v now_o some_o considerable_a time_n since_o i_o receive_v a_o short_a letter_n of_o you_o assure_v i_o of_o your_o receipt_n of_o my_o former_a large_a reply_n to_o you_o but_o partly_o in_o expectation_n of_o a_o large_a answer_n to_o the_o body_n of_o i_o and_o partly_o because_o i_o think_v you_o a_o little_a offend_v at_o my_o former_a freedom_n and_o because_o i_o be_v jealous_a how_o thing_n never_o so_o innocent_o intend_v may_v have_v be_v understand_v till_o a_o little_a time_n have_v abate_v the_o resentment_n and_o because_o i_o be_v and_o i_o hope_v ever_o shall_v be_v very_o unwilling_a to_o give_v a_o occasion_n though_o i_o be_v conscious_a of_o no_o cause_n of_o disturbance_n to_o a_o person_n so_o pious_a and_o peaceable_a and_o who_o have_v already_o expose_v himself_o so_o free_o to_o the_o persecute_v pen_n and_o tongue_n of_o the_o exasperate_v zealot_n of_o the_o several_a party_n for_o his_o desire_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o mutual_a better_a understanding_n i_o have_v defer_v my_o answer_n hitherto_o §_o two_o i_o be_o real_o sorry_a to_o see_v our_o misunderstanding_n still_o so_o continue_v possible_o through_o my_o obscurity_n for_o otherwise_o i_o think_v there_o be_v nothing_o new_a object_v by_o you_o but_o what_o i_o think_v i_o may_v have_v refer_v you_o to_o the_o several_a paragraph_n where_o i_o endeavour_v to_o answer_v it_o which_o yet_o you_o take_v not_o the_o least_o notice_n of_o you_o may_v perceive_v how_o far_o i_o have_v be_v from_o any_o thing_n that_o may_v savour_v of_o arrogance_n how_o i_o have_v therefore_o wave_v those_o principal_a dispute_n which_o i_o perceive_v have_v principal_o alienate_v you_o from_o our_o communion_n and_o how_o i_o have_v engage_v on_o none_o but_o such_o whether_o you_o seem_v yourself_o to_o invite_v i_o and_o how_o even_o there_o i_o have_v behave_v myself_o though_o indeed_o free_o which_o i_o have_v always_o look_v on_o the_o indispensable_a duty_n of_o a_o virtuous_a friend_n and_o i_o presume_v you_o to_o be_v of_o my_o mind_n yet_o with_o all_o possible_a respect_n to_o your_o person_n and_o submission_n in_o matter_n of_o private_a concernment_n and_o acknowledgement_n of_o my_o mistake_n where_o convict_v i_o have_v never_o so_o much_o as_o mention_v these_o thing_n if_o i_o have_v not_o be_v necessitate_v to_o it_o for_o your_o satisfaction_n and_o my_o own_o defence_n if_o i_o have_v speak_v any_o thing_n which_o may_v be_v capable_a of_o a_o ill_a construction_n and_o may_v be_v spare_v without_o prejudice_n to_o the_o merit_n of_o my_o cause_n i_o do_v again_o most_o hearty_o retract_v it_o and_o submit_v to_o your_o own_o correction_n if_o you_o be_v please_v to_o let_v i_o know_v the_o particular_n for_o i_o desire_v to_o have_v no_o other_o contention_n with_o you_o but_o that_o which_o i_o believe_v you_o will_v not_o be_v offend_v with_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o emulation_n who_o shall_v most_o contribute_v to_o a_o solid_a peace_n these_o thing_n i_o hope_v may_v satisfy_v a_o mind_n more_o displease_v and_o less_o influence_v with_o christianity_n than_o you_o who_o i_o find_v very_o well_o dispose_v even_o in_o the_o height_n of_o these_o little_a resentment_n and_o i_o hope_v we_o shall_v both_o of_o we_o defeat_v the_o devil_n policy_n in_o turn_v those_o thing_n which_o he_o intend_v as_o provocation_n into_o ground_n of_o a_o future_a mutual_a endearment_n §_o iii_o one_o very_o good_a expedient_a to_o this_o purpose_n will_v be_v not_o to_o be_v too_o forward_o to_o publish_v any_o thing_n on_o either_o side_n both_o because_o there_o be_v several_a acknowledge_v mistake_n which_o i_o will_v not_o have_v by_o any_o mean_n obtrude_v on_o the_o public_a i_o mean_v in_o my_o own_o paper_n for_o i_o do_v not_o undertake_v to_o censure_v you_o and_o many_o thing_n may_v be_v further_o cultivate_v and_o i_o think_v we_o may_v both_o of_o we_o be_v more_o willing_a to_o yield_v to_o truth_n while_o our_o dispute_n be_v manage_v with_o due_a privacy_n and_o candour_n §_o iv_o i_o have_v always_o and_o still_o do_v profess_v myself_o unwilling_a to_o engage_v in_o any_o dispute_n of_o private_a personal_a opinion_n with_o you_o that_o may_v either_o be_v defend_v or_o deny_v without_o breach_n of_o mutual_a charity_n and_o that_o i_o have_v be_v necessitate_v to_o such_o unhappy_a one_o as_o divide_v external_a communion_n though_o i_o believe_v they_o do_v on_o both_o side_n leave_v room_n for_o personal_a charity_n as_o i_o be_o sorry_a for_o it_o so_o it_o be_v my_o duty_n to_o my_o dear_a mother_n the_o church_n my_o love_n to_o real_a peace_n which_o i_o be_o sorry_a to_o see_v you_o as_o pernicious_a to_o in_o your_o consequence_n as_o you_o be_v zealous_a for_o in_o your_o direct_o profess_a principle_n the_o very_a same_o thing_n which_o have_v make_v i_o love_n and_o honour_v you_o that_o have_v here_o oblige_v i_o to_o contradict_v you_o and_o therefore_o i_o hope_v you_o will_v give_v i_o if_o not_o your_o ear_n yet_o your_o pardon_n §_o v_o if_o only_a heresy_n can_v oblige_v to_o separate_v communion_n and_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o schism_n then_o i_o do_v confess_v that_o your_o plea_n for_o the_o external_a communion_n of_o all_o that_o agree_v in_o matter_n fundamental_a will_v be_v more_o satisfactory_a or_o if_o all_o schism_n be_v only_o in_o the_o over-value_a of_o lesser_a difference_n but_o consider_v that_o god_n have_v make_v the_o christian_a church_n not_o only_o a_o multitude_n of_o christian_n agree_v in_o their_o assent_n to_o several_a proposition_n like_o the_o follower_n of_o plato_n or_o aristotle_n but_o a_o body_n politic_a consist_v of_o governor_n and_o govern_v unite_v in_o a_o exterior_a way_n of_o profession_n in_o creed_n and_o sacrament_n and_o impower_v with_o a_o authority_n of_o deprive_v refractory_a person_n of_o the_o benefit_n of_o communion_n for_o the_o only_a crime_n of_o disobedience_n though_o the_o instance_n wherein_o obedience_n be_v require_v be_v otherwise_o of_o no_o very_o considerable_a consequence_n and_o consider_v that_o all_o the_o sect_n be_v at_o first_o subject_n to_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v conformable_a to_o all_o other_o time_n and_o place_n where_o there_o have_v be_v any_o such_o society_n as_o a_o church_n as_o far_o as_o history_n can_v inform_v we_o for_o all_o blondell_n vast_a read_n and_o diligence_n when_o thorough_o examine_v will_v not_o afford_v you_o a_o different_a example_n in_o that_o very_a form_n of_o government_n from_o which_o they_o separate_v the_o question_n will_v not_o be_v whether_o a_o surplice_n etc._n etc._n be_v necessary_a to_o be_v impose_v but_o whether_o the_o first_o separator_n can_v be_v excuse_v for_o their_o disobedience_n to_o a_o government_n so_o firm_o settle_v by_o so_o long_a and_o so_o peaceable_a a_o prescription_n under_o who_o jurisdiction_n themselves_o be_v bear_v not_o whether_o episcopacy_n be_v the_o form_n establish_v by_o god_n as_o obligatory_a on_o all_o where_o they_o be_v suppose_v in_o their_o own_o liberty_n of_o choice_n but_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o submit_v to_o it_o or_o whether_o subject_n can_v be_v excuse_v for_o their_o disobedience_n to_o a_o government_n under_o who_o jurisdiction_n they_o be_v bear_v if_o acknowledge_v as_o lawful_a though_o not_o most_o perfect_a not_o whether_o episcopacy_n ought_v to_o be_v change_v but_o whether_o subject_n can_v lawful_o do_v it_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o superior_n whether_o subject_n erect_v a_o new_a form_n of_o government_n independent_a on_o that_o of_o the_o bishop_n within_o his_o jurisdiction_n be_v so_o much_o as_o passive_a obedience_n whether_o if_o it_o be_v not_o it_o can_v be_v a_o excuse_n from_o the_o guilt_n of_o schism_n whether_o erect_v a_o altar_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o one_o altar_n of_o the_o bishop_n be_v not_o the_o very_a notion_n of_o schism_n condemn_v by_o the_o church_n as_o such_o as_o soon_o as_o ecclesiastical_a history_n inform_v we_o of_o any_o such_o thing_n as_o schism_n in_o the_o world_n whether_o by_o this_o way_n of_o proceed_v there_o be_v any_o security_n for_o the_o future_a against_o the_o erterprise_n of_o any_o