be_v make_v member_n of_o this_o church_n by_o a_o act_n of_o parliament_n for_o their_o naturalisation_n and_o no_o otherwise_o 3._o that_o we_o separate_v from_o this_o church_n in_o thing_n wherein_o we_o be_v oblige_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n to_o hold_v communion_n with_o it_o which_o neither_o be_v nor_o will_v ever_o be_v prove_v nor_o be_v it_o endeavour_v so_o to_o be_v by_o any_o instance_n in_o this_o treatise_n 4._o that_o to_o withhold_v communion_n from_o parochial_a assembly_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n as_o unto_o thing_n confess_o not_o of_o divine_a institution_n be_v schism_n that_o kind_n of_o schism_n which_o be_v condemn_v by_o the_o ancient_a writer_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o these_o and_o the_o like_a supposition_n it_o be_v no_o uneasy_a thing_n to_o make_v vehement_a declamation_n against_o we_o and_o severe_a reflection_n on_o we_o all_o be_v schism_n and_o schismatic_n and_o all_o of_o the_o same_o kind_n with_o what_o be_v write_v against_o by_o cyprian_a and_o austin_n and_o other_o a_o great_a many_o but_o the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o controversy_n between_o he_o and_o we_o be_v this_o and_o no_o other_o namely_o whether_o a_o dissent_n in_o and_o forbearance_n from_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n in_o their_o state_n and_o kind_a not_o of_o divine_a institution_n or_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v not_o of_o divine_a institution_n and_o from_o thing_n in_o other_o church_n that_o have_v no_o such_o divine_a institution_n nor_o any_o scriptural_a authority_n to_o oblige_v we_o unto_o their_o observance_n be_v to_o be_v esteem_v schism_n in_o they_o who_o maintain_v and_o profess_o avow_v communion_n in_o faith_n and_o love_n with_o all_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o world_n this_o be_v the_o whole_a of_o what_o we_o be_v concern_v in_o which_o where_o it_o be_v speak_v unto_o it_o shall_v be_v consider_v but_o because_o there_o be_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n certain_a person_n who_o on_o arbitrary_a principle_n of_o their_o own_o consist_v for_o the_o most_o part_n in_o gross_a and_o palpable_a error_n which_o they_o will_v have_v impose_v on_o all_o other_o do_v separate_v from_o the_o catholic_n church_n that_o be_v all_o other_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n and_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n condemn_v they_o as_o no_o church_n allow_v not_o the_o administration_n of_o sacrament_n unto_o they_o nor_o salvation_n unto_o their_o member_n who_o the_o ancient_a church_n condemn_v with_o great_a severity_n and_o that_o just_o as_o guilty_a of_o schism_n their_o judgement_n their_o word_n and_o expression_n be_v apply_v unto_o we_o who_o be_v no_o way_n concern_v in_o what_o they_o speak_v of_o or_o unto_o we_o be_v not_o therefore_o in_o the_o least_o terrify_v with_o what_o be_v allege_v out_o of_o the_o ancient_n about_o schism_n no_o more_o than_o he_o be_v when_o the_o same_o instance_n the_o same_o authority_n the_o same_o quotation_n be_v make_v use_n of_o by_o the_o papist_n against_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o they_o be_v continual_o for_o as_o be_v say_v we_o know_v that_o we_o be_v no_o way_n concern_v in_o they_o and_o suppose_v that_o all_o that_o the_o dr._n allege_v against_o we_o be_v true_a and_o that_o we_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n in_o all_o that_o be_v charge_v on_o we_o yet_o i_o dare_v refer_v it_o to_o the_o dr._n himself_o to_o determine_v whether_o it_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o what_o be_v charge_v on_o they_o who_o make_v schism_n in_o the_o church_n of_o old_a i_o suppose_v i_o guess_v well_o enough_o what_o he_o will_v say_v to_o secure_v his_o charge_n and_o it_o shall_v be_v consider_v where_o it_o be_v speak_v but_o as_o be_v say_v the_o great_a and_o only_a design_n of_o the_o author_n of_o this_o book_n be_v to_o prove_v all_o nonconformist_n to_o be_v schismatic_n or_o guilty_a of_o the_o sin_n of_o schism_n how_o he_o have_v succeed_v in_o this_o attempt_n shall_v be_v afterward_o consider_v and_o something_o i_o have_v speak_v in_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n concern_v the_o nature_n of_o schism_n which_o will_v manifest_v how_o little_o we_o be_v concern_v in_o this_o charge_n but_o yet_o it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o in_o this_o place_n to_o mind_n both_o he_o and_o other_o of_o some_o of_o those_o principle_n whereon_o we_o ground_n our_o justification_n in_o this_o matter_n that_o it_o may_v be_v know_v what_o they_o must_v further_o overthrow_v and_o what_o they_o must_v establish_v who_o shall_v persist_v in_o the_o mannagement_n of_o this_o charge_n that_o be_v indeed_o through_o want_n of_o love_n in_o a_o design_n to_o heighten_v and_o perpetuate_v our_o division_n and_o the_o first_o of_o these_o principle_n be_v that_o there_o be_v a_o rule_n prescribe_v by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n unto_o all_o church_n and_o believer_n in_o a_o due_a attendance_n whereunto_o all_o the_o unity_n and_o peace_n which_o he_o require_v among_o his_o disciple_n do_v consist_v we_o acknowledge_v this_o to_o be_v our_o fundamental_a principle_n nor_o can_v the_o rhetoric_n or_o argument_n of_o any_o man_n affect_v our_o conscience_n with_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o gild_n of_o schism_n until_o one_o of_o these_o thing_n be_v prove_v namely_o either_o first_o that_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v give_v no_o such_o rule_n as_o in_o the_o observance_n whereof_o peace_n and_o unity_n may_v be_v preserve_v in_o his_o church_n or_o second_o that_o we_o refuse_v a_o compliance_n with_o that_o rule_n in_o some_o one_o instance_n or_o other_o of_o what_o therein_o he_o have_v himself_o appoint_v unless_o one_o or_o the_o other_o be_v prove_v and_o that_o strict_o and_o direct_o not_o pretend_v so_o to_o be_v by_o perpetual_a diversion_n from_o the_o thing_n in_o question_n no_o vehement_a assertion_n of_o any_o of_o we_o to_o be_v schismatic_n nor_o aggravation_n of_o the_o gild_n of_o schism_n will_v signify_v any_o thing_n in_o this_o cause_n but_o that_o our_o principle_n herein_o be_v according_a unto_o truth_n we_o be_v full_o persuade_v there_o be_v a_o rule_n of_o christ_n give_v which_o whosoever_o walk_v according_a unto_o peace_n shall_v be_v on_o they_o and_o mercy_n as_o on_o the_o whole_a israel_n of_o god_n gal._n 6.16_o and_o we_o desire_v no_o more_o no_o more_o be_v needful_a unto_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o this_o rule_n whatever_o it_o be_v be_v of_o his_o give_v and_o appointment_n no_o rule_n of_o man_n invention_n or_o imposition_n can_v by_o its_o observance_n secure_v we_o of_o a_o interest_n in_o that_o peace_n and_o mercy_n which_o be_v peculiar_a unto_o the_o israel_n of_o god_n god_n forbid_v we_o shall_v entertain_v any_o such_o imagination_n we_o know_v well_o enough_o man_n may_v be_v through_o conformist_n to_o such_o rule_n unto_o who_o as_o unto_o their_o present_a state_n and_o condition_n neither_o peace_n nor_o mercy_n do_v belong_v for_o there_o be_v no_o peace_n to_o the_o wicked_a he_o who_o have_v direct_v and_o command_v the_o end_n of_o church_n unity_n and_o peace_n have_v also_o appoint_v the_o mean_n and_o measure_n of_o they_o nothing_o be_v more_o disagreeable_a unto_o nothing_o more_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o wisdom_n care_n and_o love_n of_o christ_n unto_o his_o church_n than_o a_o imagination_n that_o whereas_o he_o strict_o enjoin_v peace_n and_o unity_n in_o his_o church_n he_o have_v not_o himself_o appoint_v the_o rule_n bound_n and_o measure_n of_o they_o but_o leave_v it_o unto_o the_o will_n and_o discretion_n of_o men._n as_o if_o his_o command_n unto_o his_o disciple_n have_v be_v keep_v peace_n and_o unity_n in_o the_o church_n by_o do_v and_o observe_v whatever_o some_o man_n under_o a_o pretence_n of_o be_v the_o guide_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v make_v necessary_a unto_o that_o end_n whereas_o it_o be_v plain_o otherwise_o namely_o that_o we_o shall_v so_o keep_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n by_o do_v and_o observe_v all_o whatever_o that_o he_o command_v we_o and_o beside_o we_o strict_o require_v that_o some_o one_o instance_n be_v give_v we_o of_o a_o defect_n in_o the_o rule_n give_v by_o christ_n himself_o which_o must_v be_v supply_v by_o humane_a addition_n to_o render_v it_o complete_a for_o the_o end_n of_o church_n peace_n and_o unity_n in_o vain_a have_v we_o desire_v in_o vain_a may_v we_o for_o ever_o expect_v any_o instance_n of_o that_o kind_n this_o principle_n we_o shall_v not_o be_v easy_o dispossess_v of_o and_o whilst_o we_o be_v under_o the_o protection_n of_o it_o we_o have_v a_o safe_a retreat_n and_o shelter_n from_o the_o most_o vehement_a accusation_n of_o schism_n for_o a_o noncompliance_n with_o a_o rule_n none_o of_o he_o different_a from_o he_o and_o in_o some_o thing_n contrary_a unto_o he_o for_o the_o
and_o privilege_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o law_n of_o christ._n unto_o this_o church_n which_o be_v his_o spouse_n do_v the_o lord_n christ_n commit_v the_o key_n of_o his_o house_n by_o who_o they_o be_v deliver_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o steward_n so_o far_o as_o their_o office_n require_v that_o trust._n now_o this_o which_o we_o shall_v afterward_o more_o full_o confirm_v be_v utter_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o commit_n of_o all_o church_n power_n unto_o one_o person_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o ordination_n by_o another_o nothing_o that_o have_v be_v speak_v do_v at_o all_o hinder_v or_o deny_v but_o that_o where_o church_n be_v right_o constitute_v they_o ought_v in_o their_o office_n officer_n and_o order_n to_o be_v preserve_v by_o a_o successive_a ordination_n of_o pastor_n and_o ruler_n wherein_o those_o who_o actual_o preside_v in_o they_o have_v a_o particular_a interest_n in_o the_o orderly_a communication_n of_o church-power_n unto_o they_o chap._n iu._n the_o especial_a nature_n of_o the_o gospel_n church-state_n appoint_v by_o christ._n the_o principal_a enquiry_n which_o we_o have_v thus_o far_o prepare_v the_o way_n unto_o and_o whereon_o all_o that_o ensue_v unto_o it_o do_v depend_v be_v concern_v the_o especial_a nature_n of_o that_o church-state_n rule_n and_o order_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v institute_v under_o the_o gospel_n of_o what_o sort_n and_o kind_n it_o be_v and_o hereunto_o some_o thing_n must_v be_v premise_v 1._o i_o design_v not_o here_o to_o oppose_v nor_o any_o way_n to_o consider_v such_o addition_n as_o man_n may_v have_v judge_v necessary_a to_o be_v add_v unto_o that_o church-state_n which_o christ_n have_v appoint_v to_o render_v it_o in_o their_o apprehension_n more_o useful_a unto_o its_o end_n than_o otherwise_o it_o will_v be_v of_o this_o sort_n there_o be_v many_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n and_o of_o a_o long_a season_n have_v be_v so_o but_o our_o present_a business_n be_v to_o prove_v the_o truth_n and_o not_o to_o disprove_v the_o conceit_n of_o other_o man_n and_o so_o far_o as_o our_o cause_n be_v concern_v herein_o it_o shall_v be_v do_v by_o itself_o so_o as_o not_o to_o interrupt_v we_o in_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o truth_n 2._o whereas_o there_o be_v great_a contest_v about_o communion_n with_o church_n or_o separation_n from_o they_o and_o mutual_a charge_n of_o imposition_n and_o schism_n thereon_o they_o must_v be_v all_o regulate_v by_o this_o enquiry_n namely_o what_o be_v that_o church_n state_n which_o christ_n have_v prescribe_v herein_o alone_o be_v conscience_n concern_v as_o unto_o all_o duty_n of_o ecclesiastical_a communion_n neither_o can_v a_o chaâ—ge_n of_o schism_n be_v manage_v against_o any_o but_o on_o a_o supposition_n of_o sin_n with_o respect_n unto_o that_o church-state_n and_o order_n which_o christ_n have_v appoint_v a_o dissent_n from_o any_o thing_n else_o however_o pretend_v to_o be_v useful_a yea_o advantageous_a unto_o church_n end_v must_v come_v under_o other_o prudential_a consideration_n all_o which_o shall_v be_v full_o prove_v and_o vindicate_v from_o the_o exception_n of_o dr._n st._n 3._o there_o have_v be_v and_o be_v in_o the_o world_n several_a sort_n of_o church_n of_o great_a power_n and_o reputation_n of_o several_a form_n and_o kind_n yet_o contribute_v aid_n to_o each_o other_o in_o their_o respective_a station_n as_o 1_o the_o papal_a church_n which_o pretend_v itself_o to_o be_v catholic_n or_o universal_a comprehensive_a of_o all_o true_a believer_n or_o disciple_n of_o christ_n unite_v in_o their_o subjection_n unto_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n 2_o there_o be_v of_o old_a and_o the_o shadow_n of_o they_o be_v still_o remain_v church_n call_v patriarchal_a first_o 3_o then_z 4_o then_z 5_o of_o they_o whereinto_o all_o other_o church_n and_o profess_a christian_n in_o the_o roman_a world_n be_v distribute_v as_o unto_o a_o dependence_n on_o the_o authority_n and_o subjection_n to_o the_o jurisdiction_n and_o order_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o 5_o principal_a city_n of_o the_o empire_n who_o be_v thereon_o call_v patriarch_n 3_o various_a division_n under_o they_o of_o archiepiscopal_a or_o metropolitical_a church_n and_o under_o they_o of_o those_o that_o be_v now_o call_v diocesan_n who_o bound_n and_o limit_n be_v fix_v and_o alter_v according_a to_o the_o variety_n of_o occasion_n and_o occurrence_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n what_o have_v be_v the_o original_a of_o all_o these_o sort_n of_o church_n how_o from_o parochial_a assembly_n they_o grow_v up_o by_o the_o degree_n of_o their_o descent_n now_o mention_v into_o the_o height_n and_o centre_n of_o papal_a omnipotency_n have_v be_v declare_v elsewhere_o sufficient_o 4._o some_o there_o be_v who_o plead_v for_o a_o national_a church-state_n arise_v from_o a_o association_n of_o the_o officer_n of_o particular_a church_n in_o several_a degree_n which_o they_o call_v classical_a and_o provincial_a until_o it_o extend_v itself_o unto_o the_o limit_n of_o a_o whole_a nation_n that_o be_v one_o civil_a body_n depend_v as_o such_o on_o its_o own_o supreme_a ruler_n and_o law_n i_o shall_v neither_o examine_v nor_o oppose_v this_o opinion_n there_o have_v be_v enough_o if_o not_o too_o much_o already_o dispute_v about_o it_o but_o 5._o the_o visible_a church-state_n which_o christ_n have_v institute_v under_o the_o new_a testament_n consist_v in_o a_o especial_a society_n or_o congregation_n of_o profess_a believer_n join_v together_o according_a unto_o his_o mind_n with_o their_o officer_n guide_n or_o ruler_n who_o he_o have_v appoint_v which_o do_v or_o may_v meet_v together_o for_o the_o celebration_n of_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o divine_a worship_n the_o profess_v and_o authoritative_o propose_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n with_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o discipline_n prescribe_v by_o himself_o unto_o their_o own_o mutual_a edification_n with_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o preservation_n and_o propagation_n of_o his_o kingdom_n in_o the_o world_n the_o thing_n observable_a in_o this_o description_n and_o for_o the_o far_a declaration_n of_o it_o be_v 1_o the_o material_a cause_n of_o this_o church_n or_o the_o matter_n whereof_o it_o be_v compose_v which_o be_v visible_a believer_n 2_o the_o formal_a cause_n of_o it_o which_o be_v their_o voluntary_a coalescency_n into_o such_o a_o society_n or_o congregation_n according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ._n 3_o the_o end_n of_o it_o be_v presential_a local_a communion_n in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n and_o institution_n of_o christ_n in_o obedience_n unto_o he_o and_o their_o own_o edification_n 4_o in_o particular_a these_o end_n be_v 1_o the_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o and_o the_o conversion_n of_o other_o 2_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n or_o all_o the_o mystical_a appointment_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o church_n 3_o the_o preservation_n and_o exercise_n of_o evangelical_n discipline_n 4_o visible_o to_o profess_v their_o subjection_n unto_o christ_n in_o the_o world_n by_o the_o observation_n of_o his_o command_n 5_o the_o bound_n and_o limit_n of_o this_o church_n be_v take_v from_o the_o number_n of_o the_o member_n which_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v so_o small_a as_o that_o they_o can_v observe_v and_o do_v all_o that_o christ_n have_v command_v in_o due_a order_n nor_o yet_o so_o great_a as_o not_o to_o meet_v together_o for_o the_o end_n of_o institution_n of_o the_o church_n before_o mention_v 6_o that_o this_o church_n in_o its_o complete_a state_n consist_v of_o pastor_n or_o a_o pastor_n and_o elder_n who_o be_v its_o guide_n and_o ruler_n and_o the_o community_n of_o the_o faithful_a under_o their_o rule_n 7_o that_o unto_o such_o a_o church_n and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o belong_v of_o right_a all_o the_o privilege_n promise_n and_o power_n that_o christ_n do_v give_v and_o grant_v unto_o the_o church_n in_o this_o world_n these_o and_o sundry_a other_o thing_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n shall_v be_v afterward_o speak_v unto_o in_o their_o order_n according_a unto_o the_o method_n intend_v in_o the_o present_a discourse_n two_o thing_n i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v unto_o 1_o to_o prove_v that_o christ_n have_v appoint_v this_o church-state_n under_o the_o gospel_n namely_o of_o a_o particular_a or_o single_a congregation_n 2_o that_o he_o have_v appoint_v no_o other_o church_n state_n that_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o this_o much_o less_o that_o be_v destructive_a of_o it_o 1._o christ_n appoint_v that_o church-state_n which_o be_v meet_v and_o accommodate_v unto_o all_o the_o end_n which_o he_o design_v in_o his_o institution_n of_o a_o church_n but_o such_o alone_a be_v that_o church_n form_n and_o order_n that_o we_o have_v propose_v in_o christ_n institution_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v none_o of_o his_o end_n that_o some_o man_n may_v be_v thereby_o advance_v to_o
of_o that_o nation_n and_o by_o live_v within_o such_o parochial_a precinct_n as_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n have_v arbitrary_o establish_v be_v member_n of_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a congregation_n at_o least_o they_o be_v account_v so_o far_o to_o belong_v unto_o these_o church_n as_o to_o render_v they_o liable_a unto_o all_o outward_a punishment_n that_o shall_v be_v think_v meet_a to_o be_v inflict_v on_o they_o who_o comply_v not_o with_o they_o so_o far_o as_o these_o persuasion_n and_o act_n according_a unto_o they_o do_v prevail_v so_o far_o be_v they_o destructive_a of_o the_o principal_a foundation_n of_o the_o external_a be_v and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n but_o that_o man_n join_n themselves_o in_o or_o unto_o any_o church_n society_n be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v a_o voluntary_a act_n or_o a_o act_n of_o free_a choice_n in_o mere_a obedience_n unto_o the_o authority_n and_o command_n of_o christ_n be_v so_o sacred_a a_o truth_n so_o evident_a in_o the_o scripture_n so_o necessary_a from_o its_o subject_a matter_n so_o testify_v unto_o by_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o the_o first_o church_n as_o that_o it_o despise_v all_o opposition_n and_o i_o know_v not_o how_o any_o can_v reconcile_v the_o common_a practice_n of_o give_v man_n the_o reputation_n or_o reality_n of_o be_v member_n of_o or_o belong_v unto_o this_o or_o that_o church_n as_o unto_o total_a communion_n who_o desire_n or_o choose_v no_o such_o thing_n unto_o this_o acknowledge_a principle_n 5._o there_o be_v a_o double_a join_n unto_o the_o church_n 1._o that_o which_o be_v as_o unto_o total_a communion_n in_o all_o the_o duty_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v that_o whereof_o we_o treat_v 2._o a_o adherence_n unto_o the_o church_n as_o unto_o the_o mean_n of_o instruction_n and_o edification_n to_o be_v attain_v thereby_o so_o person_n may_v adhere_v unto_o any_o church_n who_o yet_o be_v not_o meet_v or_o free_a on_o some_o present_a consideration_n to_o confederate_a with_o it_o as_o unto_o total_a communion_n see_v act._n 5.13_o 14._o and_o of_o this_o sort_n in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n be_v the_o baptise_a child_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n for_o although_o they_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o perform_v church-duty_n or_o enjoy_v churchâ—priviledges_n in_o their_o tender_a year_n nor_o can_v have_v a_o right_n unto_o total_a communion_n before_o the_o testification_n of_o their_o own_o voluntary_a consent_n thereunto_o and_o choice_n thereof_o yet_o be_v they_o in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n under_o the_o care_n and_o inspection_n of_o the_o church_n so_o far_o as_o the_o outward_a administration_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o all_o the_o mean_n of_o it_o be_v commit_v thereunto_o and_o their_o duty_n it_o be_v according_a to_o their_o capacity_n to_o attend_v unto_o the_o ministry_n of_o that_o church_n whereunto_o they_o do_v belong_v 6._o the_o proposition_n respect_v a_o visible_a profess_v church_n and_o i_o intend_v such_o a_o church_n in_o general_n as_o avow_v authority_n from_o christ_n 1._o for_o the_o ministerial_a preach_v of_o the_o word_n 2._o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n 3_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o evangelical_n discipline_n and_o 4._o to_o give_v a_o public_a testimony_n against_o the_o devil_n and_o the_o world_n not_o contradict_v their_o profession_n with_o any_o corrupt_a principle_n or_o practice_n inconsistent_a with_o it_o what_o be_v require_v in_o particular_a that_o any_o of_o they_o may_v be_v meet_a to_o be_v join_v unto_o such_o a_o church_n we_o shall_v afterward_o inquire_v 7._o it_o be_v general_o say_v that_o out_o of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v no_o salvation_n and_o the_o truth_n hereof_o be_v testify_v unto_o in_o the_o scripture_n act._n 2.47_o 1_o pet._n 3.20_o 21._o matth._n 16.18_o ephes._n 5.26_o 27._o joh._n 10.16_o 8_o this_o be_v true_a both_o positive_o and_o negative_o of_o the_o catholic_n church_n invisible_a of_o the_o elect_a all_o that_o be_v of_o it_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o none_o shall_v be_v save_v but_o those_o that_o belong_v unto_o it_o ephes._n 5.25_o 26_o 27._o of_o the_o catholic_n visible_a profess_v church_n negative_o that_o no_o adult_n person_n can_v be_v save_v that_o do_v not_o belong_v unto_o this_o church_n rom._n 10.10_o 9_o this_o position_n of_o truth_n be_v abuse_v by_o interest_n and_o pride_n a_o enclosure_n of_o it_o be_v make_v by_o they_o who_o of_o all_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n can_v lay_v the_o least_o and_o weak_a claim_n unto_o it_o namely_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v that_o catholic_n church_n out_o of_o which_o there_o be_v no_o salvation_n and_o wherein_o none_o can_v perish_v like_o the_o ark_n of_o noah_n that_o it_o require_v the_o high_a charity_n to_o reckon_v they_o unto_o that_o visible_a profess_v church_n whereof_o the_o great_a part_n may_v perish_v and_o do_v so_o undoubted_o 10._o our_o enquiry_n be_v what_o truth_n there_o be_v in_o this_o assertion_n with_o respect_n unto_o these_o particular_a church_n or_o society_n for_o the_o celebration_n of_o gospel-worship_n and_o discipline_n whereof_o we_o treat_v and_o i_o say_v 1._o no_o church_n of_o what_o denomination_n soever_o can_v lay_v a_o claim_n unto_o this_o privilege_n as_o belong_v unto_o itself_o alone_o this_o be_v the_o ancient_a donatism_n they_o confine_v salvation_n unto_o the_o church_n of_o their_o way_n alone_o and_o after_o many_o false_a charge_n of_o it_o on_o other_o it_o begin_v real_o to_o be_v renew_v in_o our_o day_n for_o some_o dispute_n that_o salvation_n be_v confine_v unto_o that_o church_n alone_o wherein_o there_o be_v a_o succession_n of_o diocesan_n bishop_n which_o be_v the_o height_n of_o donatism_n the_o judgement_n and_o determination_n make_v concern_v the_o eternal_a salvation_n or_o damnation_n of_o man_n by_o the_o measure_n of_o some_o difference_n among_o christian_n about_o church_n their_o state_n and_o order_n be_v absurd_a foolish_a and_o impious_a and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n use_v by_o they_o who_o sufficient_o proclaim_v that_o they_o know_v neither_o what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v save_v nor_o do_v use_v any_o diligence_n about_o the_o necessary_a mean_n of_o it_o salvation_n depend_v absolute_o on_o no_o particular_a church-state_n in_o the_o world_n he_o know_v not_o the_o gospel_n who_o can_v real_o think_v it_o do_v person_n of_o believer_n be_v not_o for_o the_o church_n but_o the_o church_n be_v for_o they_o if_o the_o ministry_n of_o angel_n be_v for_o they_o who_o be_v heir_n of_o salvation_n much_o more_o be_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n so_o if_o a_o man_n be_v a_o adulterer_n a_o idolater_n a_o railer_n a_o hater_n &_o scoffer_n of_o godliness_n if_o he_o choose_v to_o live_v in_o any_o know_a sin_n without_o repentance_n or_o in_o the_o neglect_n of_o any_o know_a duty_n if_o he_o be_v ignorant_a and_o profane_a in_o a_o word_n if_o he_o be_v not_o bear_v again_o from_o above_o be_v he_o of_o what_o church_n he_o will_v and_o whatsoever_o place_n he_o possess_v therein_o he_o can_v be_v save_v and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n if_o a_o man_n believe_v in_o christ_n jesus_n that_o be_v know_v he_o in_o his_o person_n office_n doctrine_n and_o grace_n trust_v unto_o he_o for_o all_o the_o end_n of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o love_n of_o god_n towards_o mankind_n in_o he_o if_o he_o endeavour_v to_o yield_v sincere_a and_o universal_a obedience_n unto_o all_o his_o command_n and_o to_o be_v conform_v unto_o he_o in_o all_o thing_n follow_v his_o example_n have_v for_o these_o end_n receive_v of_o his_o spirit_n though_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n shall_v reject_v he_o yet_o he_o shall_v undoubted_o be_v save_v if_o any_o shall_v hence_o infer_v that_o then_o it_o be_v all_o one_o of_o what_o church_n any_o one_o be_v i_o answer_v 1._o that_o although_o the_o be_v of_o this_o or_o that_o or_o any_o particular_a church_n in_o the_o world_n will_v not_o secure_v the_o salvation_n of_o any_o man_n yet_o the_o adherence_n unto_o some_o church_n or_o such_o as_o be_v so_o call_v in_o their_o constitution_n and_o worship_n may_v prejudice_v yea_o ruin_n the_o salvation_n of_o any_o that_o shall_v so_o do_v 2._o the_o choice_n of_o what_o church_n we_o will_v join_v unto_o belong_v unto_o the_o choice_n and_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n for_o our_o edification_n and_o he_o that_o make_v no_o conscience_n hereof_o but_o mere_o with_o respect_n unto_o the_o event_n of_o be_v save_v at_o last_o will_v probable_o come_v short_a thereof_o 2._o on_o this_o supposition_n that_o there_o be_v no_o insuperable_a difficulty_n lie_v in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o discharge_n of_o this_o duty_n as_o that_o a_o person_n be_v cast_v by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n into_o such_o a_o place_n or_o season_n as_o
thereunto_o they_o have_v their_o foundation_n in_o the_o law_n and_o light_n of_o nature_n be_v only_o direct_v and_o apply_v unto_o the_o gospel-church-state_n and_o worship_n by_o rule_n of_o especial_a institution_n and_o they_o can_v no_o more_o cease_v than_o the_o original_a obligation_n of_o that_o law_n can_v so_o do_v if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o notwithstanding_o what_o may_v be_v thus_o plead_v yet_o de_fw-la facto_fw-la the_o true_a state_n of_o gospel-churche_n and_o their_o whole_a worship_n as_o unto_o its_o original_a institution_n do_v fail_v under_o the_o papal_a apostasy_n and_o therefore_o may_v do_v so_o again_o i_o answer_v 1._o we_o do_v not_o plead_v that_o this_o state_n of_o thing_n must_v be_v always_o visible_a and_o conspicuous_a wherein_o all_o protestant_a writer_n do_v agree_v it_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o as_o unto_o public_a view_n observation_n and_o notoriety_n all_o these_o thing_n be_v lose_v under_o the_o papacy_n and_o may_v be_v so_o again_o under_o a_o renew_a apostasy_n 2._o i_o do_v not_o plead_v it_o to_o be_v necessary_a de_fw-fr facto_fw-la that_o there_o shall_v be_v real_o at_o all_o time_n a_o true_a visible_a church_n as_o the_o seat_n of_o all_o ordinance_n and_o administration_n in_o the_o world_n but_o all_o such_o church_n may_v fail_v not_o only_o as_o unto_o visibility_n but_o as_o unto_o their_o existence_n but_o this_o supposition_n of_o a_o failure_n of_o all_o institute_v church_n and_o worship_n i_o grant_v only_o with_o these_o limitation_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v of_o necessity_n from_o innumerable_a divine_a promise_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o christ_n kingly_a office_n that_o there_o be_v always_o in_o the_o world_n a_o number_n great_a or_o lesser_a of_o sincere_a believer_n that_o open_o profess_v subjection_n and_o obedience_n unto_o he_o 2._o that_o in_o these_o person_n there_o reside_v a_o indefeazable_a right_n always_o to_o gather_v themselves_o into_o a_o church-state_n and_o to_o administer_v all_o gospel-ordinance_n which_o all_o the_o world_n can_v deprive_v they_o of_o which_o be_v the_o whole_a of_o what_o i_o now_o plead_v for_o and_o let_v it_o be_v observe_v that_o all_o the_o ensue_a argument_n depend_v on_o this_o right_n and_o not_o on_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n 3_o i_o do_v not_o know_v how_o far_o god_n may_v accept_v of_o church_n in_o a_o very_a corrupt_a state_n and_o of_o worship_n much_o deprave_v until_o they_o have_v new_a mean_n for_o their_o reformation_n nor_o will_v i_o make_v any_o judgement_n of_o person_n as_o unto_o their_o eternal_a condition_n who_o walk_v in_o church_n so_o corrupt_v and_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o worship_n so_o deprave_v but_o as_o unto_o they_o who_o know_v they_o to_o be_v so_o corrupt_v and_o deprave_a it_o be_v a_o damnable_a sin_n to_o join_v with_o they_o or_o not_o to_o separate_v from_o they_o revel_v 18.4_o 2._o the_o nature_n and_o use_v of_o the_o gospel_n church-state_n require_v and_o prove_v the_o uninterrupted_a continuance_n of_o the_o right_n of_o its_o existence_n and_o the_o observance_n of_o all_o ordinance_n of_o divine_a worship_n therein_o with_o a_o power_n in_o they_o in_o who_o that_o right_n do_v indefeazable_o reside_v that_o be_v all_o true_a believer_n to_o bring_v it_o forth_o into_o exercise_n and_o practice_n notwithstanding_o the_o external_a impediment_n which_o in_o some_o place_n at_o some_o time_n may_v interrupt_v its_o exercise_n in_o the_o observation_n of_o christ_n institution_n and_o celebration_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o divine_a worship_n do_v the_o church-state_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o profess_v consist_v it_o do_v so_o in_o opposition_n 1._o unto_o the_o world_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n for_o hereby_o do_v man_n call_v jesus_n lord_n as_o 1_o cor._n 12.3_o and_o avow_v their_o subjection_n unto_o his_o kingly_a power_n 2._o unto_o the_o church-state_n of_o the_o old-testament_n as_o the_o apostle_n dispute_v at_o large_a in_o his_o epistle_n unto_o the_o hebrew_n and_o this_o state_n of_o the_o profess_v church_n in_o this_o world_n be_v unalterable_a because_o it_o be_v the_o best_a state_n that_o the_o believe_a church_n be_v capable_a of_o for_o so_o the_o apostle_n plain_o prove_v that_o hereby_o the_o believe_a church_n be_v bring_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o it_o be_v not_o under_o the_o law_n that_o be_v unto_o its_o consummation_n in_o the_o most_o complete_a perfection_n that_o god_n have_v design_v unto_o it_o on_o this_o side_n glory_n heb._n 7.11_o 19_o for_o christ_n in_o all_o his_o office_n be_v the_o immediate_a head_n of_o it_o its_o constitution_n and_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o way_n of_o its_o worship_n be_v a_o effect_n of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o from_o thence_o be_v it_o eminent_o suit_v unto_o all_o the_o end_n of_o the_o covenant_n both_o on_o the_o part_n of_o god_n and_o man_n and_o be_v therefore_o liable_a to_o no_o intercision_n or_o alteration_n 3._o the_o visible_a administration_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o world_n consist_v in_o this_o church_n state_n with_o the_o administration_n of_o his_o institution_n and_o law_n therein_o a_o kingdom_n the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v in_o this_o world_n and_o though_o it_o be_v not_o of_o the_o world_n yet_o in_o the_o world_n it_o must_v be_v until_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v no_o more_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o god_n promise_n in_o the_o scripture_n depend_v on_o this_o one_o assertion_n we_o need_v not_o here_o concern_v ourselves_o what_o notion_n some_o man_n have_v about_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o kingdom_n in_o the_o world_n with_o respect_n unto_o the_o outward_a affair_n and_o concern_v of_o it_o but_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o this_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o world_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v external_a and_o visible_a consist_v in_o the_o law_n he_o have_v give_v the_o institution_n he_o have_v appoint_v the_o rule_n or_o polity_n he_o have_v prescribe_v with_o the_o due_a observance_n of_o they_o now_o all_o these_o thing_n do_v make_v constitute_v and_o be_v the_o church-state_n and_o worship_n inquire_v after_o wherefore_o as_o christ_n always_o have_v and_o ever_o will_v have_v a_o invisible_a kingdom_n in_o this_o world_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o elect_a believer_n lead_v guide_v rule_v by_o his_o spirit_n so_o he_o will_v have_v a_o visible_a kingdom_n also_o consist_v in_o a_o profess_a avow_a subjection_n unto_o the_o law_n of_o his_o word_n rom._n 10.10_o and_o although_o this_o kingdom_n or_o his_o kingdom_n in_o this_o sense_n may_v as_o unto_o the_o essence_n of_o it_o be_v preserve_v in_o the_o external_a profession_n of_o individual_a person_n and_o it_o may_v be_v so_o exist_v in_o the_o world_n for_o a_o season_n yet_o the_o honour_n of_o it_o and_o its_o complete_a establishment_n consist_v in_o the_o visible_a profession_n of_o church_n which_o he_o will_v therefore_o maintain_v unto_o the_o end_n but_o by_o visible_a in_o this_o discourse_n i_o understand_v not_o that_o which_o be_v conspicuous_a and_o eminent_a unto_o all_o though_o the_o church_n have_v be_v so_o and_o shall_v yet_o be_v so_o again_o nor_o yet_o that_o which_o be_v actual_o see_v or_o know_v by_o other_o but_o only_o that_o which_o may_v be_v so_o or_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v so_o know_v nor_o do_v i_o assert_v a_o necessity_n hereof_o as_o unto_o a_o constant_a preservation_n of_o purity_n and_o regularity_n in_o order_n and_o ordinance_n according_a to_o the_o original_a institution_n of_o they_o in_o any_o place_n but_o only_o of_o a_o unalterable_a right_n and_o power_n in_o believer_n to_o render_v they_o visible_a which_o it_o become_v their_o indispensible_a duty_n to_o do_v when_o outward_a impediment_n be_v not_o absolute_o insuperable_a but_o of_o these_o thing_n thus_o far_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d chap._n x._o what_o sort_n of_o church_n the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n may_v and_o ought_v to_o join_v themselves_o unto_o as_o unto_o entire_a communion_n we_o have_v prove_v before_o that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o individual_a christian_n to_o give_v themselves_o up_o unto_o the_o conduct_n fellowship_n and_o communion_n of_o some_o particular_a church_n or_o congregation_n our_o present_a enquiry_n hereon_o be_v that_o whereas_o there_o be_v a_o great_a diversity_n among_o profess_v society_n in_o the_o world_n concern_v each_o whereof_o it_o be_v say_v lo_o here_o be_v christ_n and_o lo_o there_o be_v christ_n what_o church_n of_o what_o constitution_n and_o order_n any_o one_o that_o take_v care_n of_o his_o own_o edification_n and_o salvation_n aught_o to_o join_v himself_o unto_o this_o i_o shall_v speak_v unto_o first_o in_o general_n and_o then_o in_o the_o examination_n of_o one_o particular_a case_n or_o instance_n wherein_o many_o at_o this_o day_n be_v concern_v and_o some_o thing_n must_v be_v premise_v unto_o the_o right_n
heaven_n but_o of_o men._n wherefore_o leave_n christian_n and_o church_n at_o that_o liberty_n which_o christ_n have_v purchase_v for_o they_o wherewith_o he_o have_v make_v they_o free_a and_o then_o let_v those_o who_o first_o break_v union_n and_o order_n bear_v the_o charge_n of_o schism_n which_o they_o can_v avoid_v 3._o the_o church_n communion_n require_v by_o virtue_n of_o this_o rule_n be_v constant_a and_o complete_a exclusive_a unto_o any_o other_o church_n order_n or_o mean_n of_o public_a edification_n it_o do_v not_o command_n or_o appoint_v that_o man_n shall_v communicate_v in_o parochial_a assembly_n when_o there_o be_v occasion_n when_o it_o be_v for_o their_o edification_n when_o scandal_n will_v arise_v if_o they_o shall_v refuse_v it_o but_o absolute_o and_o complete_o and_o whereas_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n relate_v unto_o church_n order_n and_o divine_a worship_n enjoin_v in_o that_o rule_n there_o be_v no_o distinction_n make_v between_o they_o that_o some_o thing_n be_v always_o necessary_a that_o be_v in_o the_o season_n of_o they_o and_o some_o thing_n wherein_o man_n may_v forbear_v a_o compliance_n but_o they_o be_v all_o equal_o require_v in_o their_o place_n and_o season_n though_o perhaps_o on_o different_a penalty_n and_o whoever_o fail_v in_o the_o observation_n of_o any_o ceremony_n time_n or_o place_n appoint_v therein_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o they_o who_o be_v entrust_v with_o the_o administration_n of_o church_n power_n or_o jurisdiction_n for_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n it_o can_v be_v call_v suppose_v a_o man_n will_v comply_v with_o all_o other_o thing_n only_o he_o esteem_v the_o use_n of_o one_o rite_n or_o ceremony_n as_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n or_o the_o like_a to_o be_v unlawful_a if_o he_o forbear_v the_o use_n of_o it_o or_o to_o tender_v his_o child_n unto_o baptism_n where_o it_o be_v use_v he_o be_v to_o be_v cut_v off_o as_o a_o schismatic_a from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n no_o less_o then_o if_o he_o have_v absolute_o refuse_v a_o compliance_n with_o the_o whole_a rule_n and_o therefore_o whatever_o condescension_n and_o forbearance_n in_o some_o thing_n be_v pretend_v he_o that_o do_v not_o in_o all_o thing_n observe_v the_o whole_a rule_n be_v in_o misericordia_fw-la concellarii_fw-la which_o oft_o prove_v a_o uneasy_a posture_n if_o any_o man_n think_v that_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v give_v they_o such_o a_o power_n and_o authority_n over_o the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n of_o his_o disciple_n as_o that_o they_o can_v bind_v they_o unto_o the_o religious_a observance_n of_o every_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n that_o they_o be_v please_v to_o appoint_v on_o the_o penalty_n of_o excision_n from_o all_o church_n communion_n and_o the_o gild_n of_o schism_n i_o shall_v only_o say_v that_o i_o be_o not_o of_o their_o mind_n nor_o ever_o shall_v be_v so_o 4._o this_o communion_n contain_v a_o virtual_a approbation_n of_o all_o that_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o rule_n of_o it_o as_o good_a for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v appoint_v in_o the_o church_n but_o what_o be_v so_o even_o order_n itself_o which_o these_o thing_n it_o be_v say_v be_v frame_v for_o be_v good_a only_a with_o respect_n thereunto_o now_o it_o be_v to_o be_v judge_v that_o whatever_o a_o man_n practise_v in_o religion_n that_o he_o approve_v of_o for_o if_o he_o do_v not_o he_o be_v a_o vile_a hypocrite_n nor_o be_v he_o worthy_a the_o name_n of_o a_o christian_a who_o will_v practice_v any_o thing_n in_o religion_n but_o what_o he_o approve_v the_o dispute_n that_o have_v be_v among_o we_o about_o do_v thing_n with_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n upon_o the_o command_n of_o superior_n and_o consent_v unto_o the_o use_n of_o thing_n which_o we_o approve_v not_o of_o in_o themselves_o tend_v all_o to_o atheism_n and_o the_o eternal_a dishonour_n of_o christian_a religion_n beget_v a_o frame_n of_o mind_n which_o a_o honest_a heathen_a will_v scorn_v wherefore_o unless_o man_n be_v allow_v to_o declare_v what_o it_o be_v they_o approve_v and_o what_o they_o do_v not_o their_o practice_n be_v their_o profession_n of_o what_o they_o approve_v which_o be_v the_o whole_a rule_n of_o communion_n prescribe_v unto_o they_o 5._o these_o thing_n be_v premise_v i_o shall_v propose_v some_o of_o those_o reason_n on_o the_o account_n whereof_o many_o can_v conform_v unto_o the_o church_n of_o england_n by_o join_v in_o constant_a complete_a communion_n with_o parochial_a assembly_n so_o as_o by_o their_o practice_n to_o approve_v the_o rule_n of_o that_o communion_n oblige_v themselves_o to_o use_v no_o other_o public_a mean_n for_o their_o own_o edification_n 1._o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o its_o parochial_a assembly_n stand_v in_o need_n of_o reformation_n for_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o either_o they_o fail_v in_o their_o original_a institution_n or_o else_o have_v degenerate_v from_o it_o what_o have_v already_o be_v discourse_v concern_v the_o original_a institution_n of_o church_n with_o man_n voluntary_a coalescency_n into_o such_o sacred_a society_n with_o what_o shall_v be_v afterward_o treat_v concern_v their_o essential_a part_n in_o matter_n and_o form_n will_v sufficient_o evidence_n their_o present_a deviation_n from_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o first_o institution_n neither_o so_o far_o as_o i_o know_v be_v it_o plead_v that_o they_o be_v distinct_a church_n of_o divine_a institution_n but_o secular_a appointment_n as_o for_o other_o end_n so_o for_o a_o accommodation_n of_o man_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o some_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o if_o they_o be_v find_v no_o more_o they_o can_v have_v no_o concernment_n into_o the_o enquiry_n about_o schism_n for_o withhold_a church_n communion_n from_o such_o society_n as_o be_v not_o church_n be_v a_o new_a kind_n of_o schism_n unknown_a to_o all_o antiquity_n and_o for_o that_o which_o take_v itself_o to_o be_v a_o church_n by_o a_o divine_a warranty_n suppose_v it_o be_v so_o to_o command_v constant_a complete_a communion_n exclusive_a unto_o all_o other_o church_n communion_n with_o that_o or_o they_o which_o be_v no_o church_n determine_v a_o refusal_n thereof_o to_o be_v schism_n be_v to_o undertake_v a_o cause_n which_o need_v not_o only_o great_a part_n but_o great_a power_n also_o to_o defend_v it_o but_o let_v these_o parochial_a assembly_n be_v esteem_v church_n without_o a_o supposition_n whereof_o i_o know_v not_o what_o ecclesiastical_a concernment_n we_o can_v have_v in_o they_o three_o thing_n will_v be_v say_v thereon_o 1._o that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o in_o other_o thing_n so_o in_o these_o parochial_a assembly_n stand_v in_o need_n of_o reformation_n 2._o that_o they_o neither_o do_v nor_o will_v nor_o can_v reform_v themselves_o 3._o on_o this_o supposition_n it_o be_v lawful_a for_o any_o of_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n to_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o he_o by_o join_v in_o such_o society_n for_o their_o edification_n as_o he_o have_v appoint_v which_o be_v the_o whole_a of_o the_o cause_n in_o hand_n nor_o do_v any_o necessity_n from_o hence_o ensue_v of_o a_o departure_n from_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o faith_n and_o love_n or_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o the_o due_a exercise_n of_o all_o the_o act_n and_o duty_n of_o christian_a love_n unto_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o first_o assertion_n some_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v premise_v as_o 1._o church_n institute_v plant_v rule_v according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o thing_n may_v degenerate_v into_o a_o corrupt_a state_n such_o as_o shall_v stand_v in_o need_n of_o reformation_n in_o a_o neglect_n whereof_o they_o must_v perish_v as_o unto_o their_o church_n state_n and_o privilege_n this_o need_v no_o confirmation_n for_o beside_o that_o it_o be_v possible_a from_o all_o the_o cause_n of_o such_o a_o apostasy_n and_o defection_n that_o so_o it_o shall_v be_v and_o it_o be_v frequent_o foretell_v in_o the_o scripture_n that_o so_o it_o will_v be_v the_o event_n in_o and_o among_o all_o church_n that_o have_v original_o a_o divine_a institution_n do_v make_v uncontrollable_o evident_a the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n most_o of_o they_o within_o few_o year_n of_o their_o first_o plantation_n be_v so_o degenerate_v that_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n threaten_v they_o with_o cast_v off_o unless_o they_o reform_v themselves_o what_o a_o woeful_a apostasy_n all_o other_o church_n both_o of_o the_o east_n and_o west_n be_v involve_v in_o be_v know_v unto_o and_o confess_v by_o all_o protestant_n but_o yet_o the_o case_n of_o none_o of_o they_o be_v deplorable_a or_o desperate_a until_o through_o pride_n and_o carnal_a interest_n they_o fall_v some_o of_o they_o into_o a_o persuasion_n that_o they_o need_v no_o reformation_n nor_o can_v be_v reform_v
to_o be_v give_v of_o any_o man_n charge_v with_o schism_n for_o a_o dissent_n from_o such_o a_o rule_n any_o such_o rule_n and_o any_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n upon_o it_o be_v apocryphal_a not_o only_o unto_o the_o scripture_n but_o unto_o that_o which_o i_o call_v primitive_a antiquity_n the_o first_o attempt_n of_o any_o thing_n in_o this_o kind_n be_v in_o reference_n unto_o the_o time_n and_o day_n of_o the_o observation_n of_o easter_n this_o be_v the_o first_o instance_n among_o christian_n of_o a_o endeavour_n to_o impose_v the_o observation_n of_o humane_a or_o church_n constitution_n or_o groundless_a tradition_n on_o any_o church_n or_o person_n in_o they_o and_o whereas_o that_o which_o be_v call_v a_o schism_n between_o the_o church_n of_o italy_n and_o asia_n or_o some_o of_o they_o do_v ensue_v thereon_o we_o have_v a_o most_o illustrious_a testimony_n from_o the_o best_a the_o wise_a and_o the_o holy_a of_o that_o age_n for_o irenaeus_n in_o france_n and_o polycrates_n in_o asia_n be_v not_o alone_o herein_o that_o the_o blame_n of_o all_o that_o division_n and_o schism_n be_v to_o be_v charge_v on_o they_o who_o attempt_v to_o deprive_v the_o church_n of_o their_o liberty_n and_o impose_v on_o they_o a_o necessity_n of_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o time_n and_o season_n which_o they_o have_v determine_v on_o after_o a_o rebuke_n be_v give_v unto_o the_o attempt_n of_o the_o judaize_v christian_n to_o impose_v the_o observation_n of_o moysaicall_a ceremony_n from_o the_o pretence_n of_o their_o divine_a institution_n on_o the_o church_n of_o the_o gentile_n by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o this_o be_v the_o original_a of_o all_o endeavour_n to_o impose_v humane_a constitution_n for_o which_o there_o be_v no_o such_o pretence_n upon_o the_o practice_n of_o any_o and_o as_o it_o be_v a_o original_a not_o unmeet_a for_o the_o beginning_n and_o foundation_n of_o such_o imposition_n be_v in_o a_o matter_n of_o no_o use_n unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n so_o it_o receive_v such_o a_o solemn_a rebuke_n at_o its_o first_o entrance_n and_o attempt_v that_o have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o the_o ignorance_n pride_n interest_n and_o superstition_n of_o some_o in_o the_o follow_a age_n it_o have_v perish_v without_o imitation_n the_o account_n hereof_o be_v give_v in_o eusebius_n lib._n 5._o cap._n 21_o 22_o 33_o as_o also_o of_o the_o rule_n which_o then_o prevail_v though_o afterward_o shameful_o forsake_v namely_o that_o a_o agreement_n in_o the_o faith_n be_v the_o only_a rule_n of_o communion_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v keep_v under_o any_o diversity_n in_o voluntary_a observation_n and_o the_o discourse_n of_o socrates_n on_o this_o occasion_n lib._n 5._o cap._n 21_o concern_v the_o non-institution_n of_o any_o day_n of_o fast_n or_o feast_n or_o other_o rite_n or_o ceremony_n then_o in_o use_n with_o the_o liberty_n which_o be_v therefore_o to_o be_v leave_v in_o such_o thing_n unto_o all_o christian_n be_v the_o plain_a truth_n whatever_o some_o except_o against_o it_o declare_v with_o much_o judgement_n and_o moderation_n this_o beginning_n i_o say_v have_v the_o imposition_n of_o unscriptural_a uninstituted_a rite_n ceremony_n and_o religious_a observation_n among_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o this_o solemn_a rebuke_n be_v give_v unto_o it_o howbeit_o the_o ignorance_n superstition_n and_o interest_n of_o follow_v age_n with_o the_o contempt_n of_o all_o modesty_n break_v through_o the_o boundary_n of_o this_o holy_a rebuke_n until_o their_o own_o imposition_n and_o observation_n become_v the_o substance_n of_o all_o their_o church_n discipline_n unto_o the_o total_a subversion_n of_o christian_a liberty_n wherefore_o to_o allow_v church_n ruler_n or_o such_o as_o pretend_v so_o to_o be_v a_o liberty_n and_o power_n to_o appoint_v a_o rule_n of_o communion_n comprise_v institution_n and_o command_n of_o sundry_a thing_n to_o be_v constant_o observe_v in_o the_o whole_a worship_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n not_o warrant_v in_o themselves_o by_o divine_a authority_n and_o then_o to_o charge_v beleiver_n abide_v firm_a in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o faith_n with_o schism_n for_o a_o noncompliance_n with_o such_o command_n and_o appointment_n be_v that_o which_o neither_o in_o the_o scripture_n nor_o in_o primitive_a antiquity_n have_v either_o instance_n example_n precedent_n testimony_n rumour_n or_o report_n to_o give_v countenance_n unto_o it_o the_o pedigree_n of_o this_o practice_n can_v be_v derive_v one_o step_n high_o than_o the_o fact_n of_o victor_n the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n in_o the_o excommunication_n of_o the_o church_n and_o christian_n of_o asia_n which_o be_v solemn_o condemn_v as_o a_o entrenchment_n on_o christian_a liberty_n 3._o after_o these_o thing_n the_o notion_n of_o schism_n begin_v to_o be_v manage_v various_o according_a unto_o the_o interest_n of_o they_o who_o seem_v to_o have_v the_o most_o advantage_n in_o the_o application_n of_o it_o unto_o those_o who_o dissent_v from_o they_o it_o be_v a_o endless_a thing_n to_o express_v the_o rise_n and_o declare_v the_o progress_n of_o these_o apprehension_n but_o after_o many_o loose_a and_o declamatory_n discourse_n about_o it_o they_o be_v geral_o issue_v in_o two_o head_n the_o first_o be_v that_o any_o kind_n of_o dissent_n from_o the_o pope_n and_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v schism_n all_o the_o schism_n that_o be_v or_o can_v be_v in_o the_o world_n the_o other_o be_v that_o a_o causeless_a separation_n from_o a_o true_a church_n be_v schism_n and_o this_o only_o be_v so_o but_o whereas_o in_o this_o pretend_a definition_n there_o be_v no_o mention_n of_o any_o of_o its_o internal_a cause_n nor_o of_o its_o formal_a reason_n but_o a_o bare_a description_n of_o it_o by_o a_o outward_a effect_n it_o serve_v only_o for_o a_o weapon_n in_o every_o man_n hand_n to_o perpetuate_v digladiation_n about_o it_o for_o every_o church_n esteem_v itself_o true_a and_o every_o one_o that_o separate_v himself_o esteem_v himself_o to_o have_v just_a cause_n so_o to_o do_v in_o the_o follow_a time_n especial_o after_o the_o rise_n and_o prevalency_n of_o the_o arian_n heresy_n it_o be_v ordinary_a for_o those_o of_o the_o orthodox_n persuasion_n to_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o those_o church_n wherein_o arian_n bishop_n do_v preside_v and_o to_o gather_v themselves_o into_o separate_a meeting_n or_o conventicle_n for_o divine_a worship_n for_o which_o they_o be_v accuse_v of_o schism_n and_o in_o sundry_a place_n punish_v according_o yea_o some_o of_o they_o unto_o the_o loss_n of_o their_o life_n yet_o i_o suppose_v there_o be_v none_o now_o who_o judge_v they_o to_o have_v be_v schismatic_n the_o separation_n of_o novatus_n and_o donatus_n from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o whole_a catholic_n visible_a church_n on_o unwarrantable_a pretence_n be_v that_o which_o make_v the_o loud_a noise_n about_o schism_n in_o antiquity_n that_o there_o be_v in_o what_o be_v do_v by_o they_o and_o their_o follower_n the_o general_n nature_n and_o moral_a evil_n of_o causeless_a schism_n and_o division_n will_v be_v easy_o grant_v but_o it_o be_v that_o wherein_o we_o be_v not_o concern_v be_v the_o especial_a nature_n of_o schism_n what_o it_o will_n nor_o do_v they_o make_v use_n of_o any_o one_o reason_n whereon_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o present_a cause_n do_v depend_v the_o novatian_o the_o modest_a sect_n of_o the_o two_o pretend_v only_o a_o defect_n in_o discipline_n in_o grant_v church_n communion_n unto_o such_o as_o they_o will_v not_o have_v receive_v though_o they_o be_v apparent_o in_o the_o wrong_n proceed_v on_o mistake_v principle_n the_o donatist_n plead_v only_o some_o personal_a crime_n in_o some_o few_o bishop_n fall_v into_o in_o the_o time_n of_o persecution_n which_o they_o can_v never_o prove_v and_o thereon_o grow_v angry_a with_o all_o the_o world_n who_o will_v not_o condemn_v they_o and_o renounce_v their_o communion_n as_o well_o as_o they_o these_o slight_a pretence_n they_o make_v the_o occasion_n and_o reason_n of_o renounce_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o whole_a visible_a catholic_n church_n in_o all_o its_o distribution_n for_o communion_n that_o be_v all_o particular_a church_n and_o confine_v sacrament_n and_o salvation_n absolute_o unto_o their_o own_o party_n and_o hereon_o they_o fall_v into_o many_o other_o woeful_a miscarriage_n especial_o those_o of_o the_o latter_a sort_n it_o be_v indifferent_a by_o what_o name_n any_o be_v please_v to_o call_v this_o evil_a and_o folly_n a_o sin_n and_o evil_a it_o be_v schism_n or_o what_o you_o please_v to_o term_v it_o and_o just_o condemn_v by_o all_o christian_n not_o join_v with_o they_o in_o those_o day_n and_o that_o which_o be_v the_o animate_v principle_n of_o the_o tumult_n of_o the_o donatist_n be_v a_o supposition_n that_o the_o continuation_n of_o the_o true_a church_n state_n depend_v on_o the_o successive_a ordination_n of_o bishop_n
sovereignty_n over_o their_o conscience_n be_v reserve_v by_o the_o apostle_n unto_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n alone_o and_o their_o obedience_n be_v require_v by_o they_o only_o unto_o his_o command_n this_o be_v that_o which_o i_o see_v some_o will_v be_v at_o to_o presume_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o church_n at_o least_o the_o only_a ruler_n and_o governor_n of_o it_o to_o assume_v to_o themselves_o alone_o the_o judgement_n of_o what_o be_v lawful_a and_o what_o be_v unlawful_a to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n to_o avow_v a_o power_n to_o impose_v what_o they_o please_v on_o all_o church_n pretend_v to_o be_v under_o their_o command_n so_o that_o they_o judge_v it_o lawful_a be_v it_o never_o so_o useless_a or_o trifle_a if_o it_o have_v no_o other_o end_v but_o to_o be_v a_o instance_n of_o their_o authority_n and_o then_o assert_v that_o all_o christian_a people_n must_v without_o further_a examination_n submit_v quiet_o unto_o this_o state_n of_o thing_n and_o comply_v with_o it_o unless_o they_o will_v be_v esteem_v damn_a schismatic_n but_o it_o be_v too_o late_o to_o advance_v such_o principle_n a_o second_o time_n he_o add_v from_o my_o paper_n or_o as_o my_o sense_n the_o apostle_n give_v rule_n inconsistent_a with_o any_o determine_a rule_n viz._n of_o mutual_a forbearance_n rom._n 14._o but_o then_o say_v he_o the_o meaning_n must_v be_v that_o whatever_o difference_n happen_v among_o christian_n there_o must_v be_v no_o determination_n either_o way_n but_o this_o be_v direst_o contrary_a to_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o apostle_n at_o jerusalem_n upon_o the_o difference_n that_o happen_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n but_o they_o be_v not_o my_o word_n which_o he_o report_v i_o say_v not_o that_o the_o apostle_n give_v rule_n inconsistent_a with_o any_o determine_a rule_n but_o with_o such_o a_o rule_n and_o the_o imposition_n of_o the_o thing_n contain_v in_o it_o on_o the_o practice_n of_o man_n in_o thing_n not_o determine_v that_o be_v whilst_o difference_n about_o they_o do_v continue_v as_o he_o contend_v for_o and_o 1._o notwithstanding_o this_o rule_n of_o forbearance_n give_v by_o the_o apostle_n express_o rom._n 14._o yet_o as_o unto_o the_o right_n and_o truth_n in_o the_o thing_n wherein_o man_n be_v at_o difference_n every_o private_a believer_n be_v to_o determine_v of_o they_o so_o far_o as_o he_o be_v able_a in_o his_o own_o mind_n every_o one_o be_v to_o be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n in_o such_o thing_n so_o far_o as_o his_o own_o practice_n be_v concern_v 2._o the_o church_n wherein_o such_o difference_n do_v fall_v out_o may_v doctrinal_o determine_v of_o the_o truth_n in_o they_o as_o it_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o pillar_n of_o truth_n suppose_v they_o to_o be_v of_o such_o weight_n as_o that_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n be_v concern_v in_o they_o for_o otherwise_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o such_o determination_n but_o every_o one_o may_v be_v leave_v unto_o his_o own_o liberty_n there_o be_v difference_n at_o this_o day_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n some_o of_o they_o in_o my_o judgement_n of_o more_o importance_n than_o those_o between_o the_o same_o church_n and_o we_o yet_o it_o do_v not_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o make_v any_o determination_n of_o they_o no_o not_o doctrinal_o 3._o if_o the_o church_n wherein_o such_o difference_n fall_v out_o be_v not_o able_a in_o and_o of_o itself_o to_o make_v a_o doctrinal_a determination_n of_o such_o difference_n they_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o crave_v the_o counsel_n and_o advice_n of_o other_o church_n with_o who_o they_o walk_v in_o communion_n in_o faith_n and_o love_n and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o case_n whereof_o a_o account_n be_v give_v we_o act._n 15._o the_o determination_n or_o decree_n there_o make_v concern_v the_o necessary_a observance_n of_o the_o jewish_a rite_n by_o the_o gentile_n convert_v unto_o the_o faith_n by_o the_o apostle_n elder_n and_o brethren_n under_o the_o guidance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o his_o mind_n be_v reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n give_v not_o the_o least_o countenance_n unto_o the_o make_n and_o impose_v such_o a_o rule_n on_o all_o church_n and_o their_o member_n as_o be_v contend_v for_o for_o 1._o it_o be_v only_o a_o doctrinal_a determination_n without_o imposition_n on_o the_o practice_n of_o any_o 2._o it_o be_v a_o determination_n against_o imposition_n direct_o and_o whereas_o it_o be_v say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o determination_n contrary_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o imposer_n which_o show_v that_o the_o rule_n of_o forbearance_n where_o conscience_n be_v allege_v both_o way_n be_v no_o stand_a rule_n i_o grant_v that_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o imposer_n but_o impose_v nothing_o on_o they_o nor_o be_v their_o practice_n concern_v in_o that_o erroneous_a judgement_n they_o be_v not_o require_v to_o do_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o their_o own_o judgement_n and_o the_o not_o do_v whereof_o do_v reflect_v on_o their_o own_o conscience_n wherefore_o the_o whole_a rule_n give_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o whole_a determination_n make_v be_v that_o no_o imposition_n be_v make_v on_o the_o conscience_n or_o practice_n of_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n in_o thing_n relate_v to_o his_o worship_n but_o what_o be_v necessary_a by_o virtue_n of_o divine_a institution_n they_o add_v hereunto_o that_o the_o gentile_n enjoy_v this_o liberty_n aught_o to_o use_v it_o without_o offence_n and_o be_v at_o liberty_n by_o virtue_n of_o it_o to_o forbear_v such_o thing_n as_o wherein_o they_o have_v or_o think_v they_o have_v a_o natural_a liberty_n in_o case_n they_o give_v offence_n by_o the_o use_n of_o they_o and_o the_o apostle_n who_o know_v the_o state_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o all_o other_o circumstance_n give_v a_o instance_n in_o the_o thing_n which_o at_o that_o season_n be_v to_o be_v so_o forbear_v and_o whereas_o this_o determination_n be_v not_o absolute_a and_o obligatory_a on_o the_o whole_a case_n unto_o all_o church_n namely_o whether_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v among_o christian_n but_o some_o church_n be_v leave_v unto_o their_o own_o judgement_n and_o practice_n who_o esteem_v it_o to_o be_v still_o in_o force_n as_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o other_o leave_v unto_o their_o own_o liberty_n and_o practice_n also_o who_o judge_v it_o not_o to_o oblige_v they_o both_o side_n or_o party_n be_v bind_v to_o continue_v communion_n among_o they_o in_o faith_n and_o love_n there_o be_v herein_o a_o perpetual_a establishment_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o mutual_a forbearance_n in_o such_o case_n nothing_o be_v condemn_v but_o imposition_n on_o one_o another_o nothing_o commend_v but_o a_o abstinence_n from_o the_o use_n of_o liberty_n in_o the_o case_n of_o scandal_n or_o offence_n i_o have_v therefore_o reason_n to_o say_v that_o the_o false_a apostle_n be_v the_o only_a imposer_n that_o be_v of_o thing_n not_o necessary_a by_o virtue_n of_o any_o divine_a institution_n and_o if_o the_o author_n insinuate_v that_o the_o true_a apostle_n be_v such_o imposer_n also_o because_o of_o the_o determination_n they_o make_v of_o this_o difference_n he_o will_v fail_v in_o his_o proof_n of_o it_o it_o be_v true_a they_o impose_v on_o or_o charge_v the_o conscience_n of_o man_n with_o the_o observance_n of_o all_o the_o institution_n and_o command_n of_o christ_n but_o of_o other_o thing_n none_o at_o all_o the_o last_o thing_n which_o he_o endeavour_v a_o answer_n unto_o on_o this_o occasion_n lie_v in_o those_o word_n the_o jewish_a christian_n be_v leave_v unto_o their_o own_o liberty_n provide_v they_o do_v not_o impose_v on_o other_o and_o the_o dissenter_n at_o this_o day_n desire_v no_o more_o than_o the_o gentile_a church_n do_v viz._n not_o to_o be_v impose_v on_o to_o observe_v those_o thing_n which_o they_o be_v not_o satisfy_v it_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n shall_v be_v impose_v on_o they_o so_o be_v my_o sense_n in_o the_o place_n refer_v unto_o report_v nor_o shall_v i_o contend_v about_o it_o so_o as_o that_o the_o last_o clause_n be_v change_n for_o my_o word_n be_v not_o they_o be_v not_o satisfy_v it_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v impose_v on_o they_o but_o they_o be_v not_o satisfy_v it_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n they_o shall_v observe_v this_o respect_v the_o thing_n themselves_o the_o other_o only_o their_o imposition_n and_o one_o reason_n against_o the_o imposition_n oppose_v be_v that_o the_o thing_n themselves_o impose_v be_v such_o as_o the_o lord_n christ_n will_v not_o have_v we_o observe_v because_o not_o appoint_v by_o himself_o but_o hereunto_o he_o answer_v two_o thing_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v agree_v
orthodox_n themselves_o but_o only_o as_o they_o be_v carry_v on_o unto_o a_o total_a renunciation_n of_o all_o communion_n whatever_o but_o only_o that_o which_o be_v enclose_v unto_o their_o own_o party_n 2._o to_o evidence_n that_o we_o give_v the_o least_o countenance_n unto_o the_o ancient_a schism_n or_o do_v contract_v the_o gild_n with_o the_o author_n of_o they_o the_o thing_n aim_v at_o there_o be_v three_o thing_n incumbent_a on_o he_o to_o prove_v 1._o that_o our_o parochial_a church_n from_o who_o we_o do_v refrain_v actual_a presential_a communion_n in_o all_o ordinance_n where_o it_o be_v require_v by_o law_n which_o can_v be_v many_o and_o but_o one_o at_o one_o time_n do_v succeed_v into_o the_o room_n of_o that_o church_n in_o a_o separation_n from_o which_o those_o schism_n do_v consist_v for_o we_o pass_v no_o judgement_n on_o any_o other_o church_n but_o what_o concern_v ourselves_o as_o unto_o present_a duty_n though_o that_o in_o a_o nation_n may_v be_v extend_v unto_o many_o or_o all_o of_o the_o same_o sort_n but_o these_o schism_n consist_v in_o a_o profess_a separation_n from_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n that_o be_v all_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n who_o join_v not_o with_o they_o in_o their_o opinion_n and_o practice_n and_o from_o the_o whole_a church_n state_n then_o passant_a and_o allow_v but_o our_o author_n know_v full_a well_o that_o there_o be_v other_o who_o long_o before_o our_o parochial_a church_n do_v lay_v claim_v unto_o the_o absolute_a enclosure_n of_o this_o church_n state_n unto_o themselves_o and_o thereon_o condemn_v both_o he_o and_o we_o and_o all_o the_o protestant_n in_o the_o world_n of_o the_o same_o schism_n that_o those_o of_o old_a be_v guilty_a of_o especial_o they_o make_v a_o continual_a clamour_n about_o the_o novatian_o and_o donatist_n i_o know_v that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o dispossess_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n from_o that_o usurpation_n of_o the_o state_n and_o right_n of_o the_o ancient_a catholic_n church_n from_o whence_o those_o separation_n be_v make_v and_o it_o have_v be_v sufficient_o do_v by_o other_o but_o so_o soon_o as_o we_o have_v cast_v that_o out_o of_o possession_n to_o bring_v in_o our_o parochial_a assembly_n into_o the_o room_n of_o it_o and_o to_o press_v the_o gild_n of_o separation_n from_o they_o with_o the_o same_o reason_n and_o argument_n as_o we_o be_v all_o of_o we_o but_o new_o press_v withal_o by_o the_o romanist_n namely_o that_o hereby_o we_o give_v countenance_n unto_o they_o yea_o do_v the_o same_o thing_n with_o they_o who_o make_v schism_n in_o separate_v from_o the_o catholic_n church_n of_o old_a be_v somewhat_o severe_a and_o unequal_a wherefore_o unless_o the_o church_n from_o which_o they_o separate_v which_o be_v the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n in_o the_o world_n not_o agree_v and_o act_v with_o they_o and_o those_o parochial_a assembly_n from_o who_o communion_n we_o refrain_v be_v the_o same_o and_o of_o the_o same_o consideration_n nothing_o can_v be_v argue_v from_o those_o ancient_a schism_n against_o we_o nor_o be_v any_o countenance_n give_v by_o we_o unto_o they_o for_o if_o it_o be_v ask_v of_o we_o whether_o it_o be_v free_a or_o lawful_a for_o believer_n to_o join_v in_o society_n and_o full_a communion_n with_o other_o church_n beside_o those_o that_o be_v of_o our_o way_n and_o especial_a communion_n we_o free_o answer_v that_o we_o no_o way_n doubt_v of_o it_o nor_o do_v judge_v they_o for_o their_o so_o do_v 2._o it_o must_v be_v prove_v unto_o the_o end_v propose_v that_o the_o occasion_n and_o reason_n of_o their_o separation_n of_o old_a be_v the_o same_o or_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n only_o with_o those_o which_o we_o plead_v for_o our_o refrain_v communion_n from_o parochial_a assembly_n now_o though_o the_o dr._n here_o make_v a_o flourish_n with_o some_o expression_n about_o zeal_n discipline_n purity_n of_o the_o church_n edification_n which_o he_o will_v not_o find_v in_o any_o of_o their_o pretence_n yet_o in_o truth_n there_o be_v not_o one_o thing_n allege_v wherein_o there_o be_v a_o coincidence_n between_o the_o occasion_n and_o reason_n plead_v by_o they_o and_o we_o it_o be_v know_v that_o the_o principal_a thing_n in_o general_n which_o we_o insist_v upon_o be_v the_o unwarrantable_a imposition_n of_o unscriptural_a term_n and_o condition_n of_o communion_n upon_o we_o be_v there_o any_o such_o thing_n plead_v by_o they_o that_o make_v the_o schism_n of_o old_a indeed_o they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o imposer_n and_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n because_o they_o will_v not_o submit_v unto_o their_o imposition_n some_o bishop_n or_o some_o that_o will_v have_v be_v bishop_n but_o can_v not_o entertain_v some_o new_a conceit_n of_o their_o own_o which_o they_o will_v have_v impose_v on_o all_o other_o be_v not_o submit_v unto_o therein_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o those_o schism_n which_o be_v just_o esteem_v criminal_a so_o be_v it_o with_o the_o novatian_o and_o donatist_n in_o a_o especial_a manner_n even_o the_o great_a tertullian_n though_o no_o bishop_n leave_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n on_o this_o ground_n for_o because_o they_o will_v not_o admit_v of_o the_o strict_a observance_n of_o some_o austere_a severity_n in_o fast_v abstinence_n from_o sundry_a meat_n and_o watch_v with_o the_o like_a which_o he_o esteem_v necessary_a though_o no_o way_n warrant_v by_o scripture_n rule_n or_o example_n he_o utter_o renounce_v their_o communion_n and_o countenance_v himself_o by_o adhere_v unto_o the_o dotage_n of_o montanus_n it_o be_v true_a some_o of_o they_o contend_v for_o a_o severity_n of_o discipline_n in_o the_o church_n but_o they_o do_v it_o not_o upon_o any_o pretence_n of_o the_o neglect_v of_o it_o in_o they_o unto_o who_o the_o administration_n of_o it_o be_v commit_v but_o for_o the_o want_n of_o establish_v a_o false_a principle_n rule_n or_o erroneous_a doctrine_n which_o they_o advance_v namely_o that_o the_o most_o sincere_a penitent_n be_v never_o more_o to_o be_v admit_v into_o ecclesiastical_a communion_n whereby_o they_o do_v not_o establish_v but_o overthrow_v one_o of_o the_o principal_a end_n of_o church_n discipline_n they_o do_v not_o therefore_o press_v for_o the_o power_n or_o the_o use_n of_o the_o key_n as_o be_v pretend_v but_o advance_v a_o false_a doctrine_n in_o prejudice_n both_o unto_o the_o power_n and_o use_v of_o they_o they_o pretend_v indeed_o unto_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o church_n not_o that_o there_o be_v none_o impure_a wicked_a and_o hypocritical_a among_o they_o but_o that_o none_o may_v be_v admit_v who_o have_v once_o fall_v though_o real_o make_v pure_a by_o sincere_a repentance_n this_o be_v their_o zeal_n for_o purity_n if_o a_o man_n be_v overtake_v if_o they_o can_v catch_v he_o in_o such_o a_o fault_n as_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o passaint_n discipline_n he_o be_v to_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n there_o they_o have_v he_o safe_a for_o ever_o no_o evidence_n of_o the_o most_o sincere_a repentance_n can_v prevail_v for_o a_o readmission_n into_o the_o church_n and_o because_o other_o church_n will_v admit_v they_o they_o renounce_v all_o communion_n with_o they_o as_o no_o church_n of_o christ._n be_v these_o our_o principle_n be_v these_o our_o practice_n do_v we_o give_v any_o countenance_n unto_o they_o by_o any_o thing_n we_o say_v or_o do_v i_o somewhat_o wonder_v that_o the_o dr._n from_o some_o general_a expression_n and_o cast_v their_o pretence_n under_o new_a appearance_n shall_v seem_v to_o think_v that_o there_o be_v the_o least_o coincidence_n between_o what_o they_o insist_v on_o and_o what_o we_o plead_v in_o our_o own_o defence_n he_o may_v see_v now_o more_o full_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o our_o practice_n and_o i_o hope_v thereon_o will_v be_v of_o another_o mind_n not_o as_o unto_o our_o cause_n in_o general_a which_o i_o be_o far_o enough_o from_o the_o expectation_n of_o but_o as_o unto_o this_o invidious_a charge_n of_o give_v countenance_n unto_o the_o schism_n condemn_v of_o old_a in_o the_o church_n and_o we_o shall_v see_v immediate_o what_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o those_o schism_n which_o we_o be_v as_o remote_a from_o give_v countenance_n unto_o as_o unto_o the_o principle_n and_o reason_n which_o they_o plead_v in_o their_o own_o justification_n 3._o it_o ought_v also_o to_o be_v prove_v that_o the_o separation_n which_o be_v charge_v on_o we_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o that_o charge_v on_o they_o of_o old_a for_o otherwise_o we_o can_v be_v say_v to_o give_v any_o countenance_n unto_o what_o they_o do_v for_o it_o be_v know_v they_o so_o separate_v from_o all_o other_o church_n in_o the_o world_n as_o to_o confine_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n unto_o their_o own_o party_n to_o condemn_v all_o other_o and_o to_o
they_o be_v occasion_v by_o ambition_n and_o desire_n of_o pre-eminence_n like_o those_o that_o fall_v out_o among_o the_o bishop_n of_o those_o day_n when_o their_o parish_n and_o claim_n be_v not_o regulate_v by_o the_o civil_a power_n as_o now_o they_o be_v if_o they_o do_v so_o from_o a_o desire_n to_o impose_v principle_n and_o practice_n not_o warrant_v in_o the_o scripture_n on_o other_o as_o it_o be_v with_o tertullian_n if_o for_o slight_a reason_n they_o rend_v and_o destroy_v that_o church_n state_n and_o order_n which_o themselves_o approve_v of_o as_o it_o be_v with_o all_o the_o ancient_a schismatic_n who_o be_v bishop_n or_o will_v feign_v to_o have_v be_v if_o those_o that_o make_v they_o or_o follow_v in_o they_o deny_v salvation_n unto_o all_o that_o join_v not_o with_o they_o and_o condemn_v all_o other_o church_n as_o be_v without_o god_n covenant_n and_o the_o sacrament_n as_o do_v the_o donatist_n and_o those_o do_v who_o deny_v these_o thing_n unto_o all_o church_n who_o have_v not_o diocesan_n bishop_n if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a justifiable_a cause_n plead_v for_o it_o that_o those_o who_o make_v such_o a_o separation_n can_v abide_v in_o the_o communion_n which_o they_o forsake_v without_o wound_v their_o own_o conscience_n and_o do_v give_v evidence_n of_o their_o abide_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o love_n towards_o all_o the_o true_a disciple_n of_o christ_n we_o be_v satisfy_v that_o we_o have_v a_o rule_n infallible_o direct_v we_o to_o make_v a_o judgement_n concern_v it_o our_o author_n add_v sect._n 26._o p._n 197._o another_o argument_n against_o this_o course_n of_o separation_n be_v that_o these_o ground_n will_v make_v separation_n endless_a which_o be_v to_o suppose_v all_o the_o exhortation_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o peace_n and_o unity_n among_o christian_n useless_a but_o why_o so_o be_v there_o nothing_o in_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o account_n which_o be_v to_o be_v give_v unto_o he_o nothing_o in_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n nothing_o in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o exercise_v of_o gospel_n discipline_n to_o keep_v profess_a disciple_n of_o christ_n unto_o their_o duty_n and_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o order_n divine_o prescribe_v unto_o they_o unless_o they_o be_v fetter_v and_o stake_v down_o with_o humane_a law_n and_o constitution_n herein_o i_o confess_v i_o differ_v and_o shall_v do_v so_o whilst_o i_o be_o in_o this_o world_n from_o our_o reverend_a author_n and_o other_o to_o say_v as_o he_o do_v upon_o a_o supposition_n of_o the_o take_v away_o of_o humane_a imposition_n law_n and_o canon_n that_o there_o be_v no_o bound_n set_v unto_o separation_n but_o what_o the_o fancy_n of_o man_n will_v dictate_v unto_o they_o be_v dishonourable_a unto_o the_o gospel_n and_o somewhat_o more_o to_o suppose_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o prescribe_v bound_n unto_o separation_n efficacious_o affect_v the_o conscience_n of_o beleiver_n or_o that_o any_o other_o bound_n can_v be_v assign_v as_o obligatory_a unto_o their_o conscience_n be_v what_o can_v be_v admit_v the_o lord_n christ_n have_v command_v love_n and_o union_n among_o his_o disciple_n he_o have_v ordain_v order_n and_o communion_n in_o his_o church_n he_o have_v give_v unto_o they_o and_o limit_v their_o power_n he_o have_v prescribe_v rule_n whereby_o they_o and_o all_o their_o member_n ought_v to_o walk_v he_o have_v forbid_v all_o schism_n and_o division_n he_o have_v appoint_v and_o limit_v all_o necessary_a separation_n and_o have_v true_o give_v all_o the_o bound_n unto_o it_o that_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n be_v or_o can_v be_v affect_v withal_o but_o than_o it_o be_v say_v if_o this_o be_v all_o separation_n will_v be_v endless_a if_o such_o a_o separation_n be_v intend_v as_o be_v a_o unlawful_a schism_n i_o say_v it_o may_v be_v it_o will_v even_o as_o persecution_n and_o other_o evil_n sin_n and_o wickedness_n will_v be_v notwithstanding_o his_o severe_a prohibition_n of_o they_o what_o he_o have_v do_v be_v the_o only_a mean_n to_o preserve_v his_o own_o disciple_n from_o all_o sinful_a separation_n and_o be_v sufficient_a thereunto_o herein_o lie_v the_o original_a mistake_n in_o this_o matter_n we_o have_v lose_v the_o apprehension_n that_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o word_n and_o work_v of_o his_o spirit_n be_v every_o way_n sufficient_a for_o the_o guide_v govern_v and_o preserve_v of_o his_o disciple_n in_o the_o church_n order_n by_o he_o prescribe_v and_o the_o observance_n of_o the_o duty_n by_o he_o command_v it_o have_v be_v great_o lose_v in_o the_o world_n for_o many_o age_n and_o therefore_o instead_o of_o faithful_a ministerial_a endeavour_n to_o enforce_v a_o sense_n of_o it_o on_o the_o conscience_n of_o all_o christian_n they_o have_v be_v let_v loose_a from_o it_o through_o a_o confidence_n in_o other_o devise_n to_o keep_v they_o unto_o their_o duty_n and_o order_n and_o if_o these_o devise_n be_v they_o ecclesiastical_a canon_n or_o civil_a penalty_n be_v not_o enforce_v on_o they_o all_o the_o world_n be_v make_v to_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v leave_v unto_o the_o dictate_v of_o their_o own_o fancy_n and_o imagination_n as_o if_o they_o have_v no_o concern_v in_o christ_n or_o his_o authority_n in_o this_o matter_n but_o for_o my_o part_n i_o shall_v never_o desire_v nor_o endeavour_v to_o keep_v any_o from_o schism_n or_o separation_n but_o by_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o christ_n appointment_n and_o by_o a_o sense_n of_o he_o authority_n on_o their_o own_o conscience_n the_o remainder_n of_o his_o discourse_n on_o this_o head_n consist_v in_o a_o lepid_a dramatical_a oration_n frame_v and_o feign_v for_o one_o of_o his_o opposer_n wherein_o he_o make_v he_o undertake_v the_o patronage_n of_o schism_n before_o cyprian_a and_o austiâ—_n the_o learned_a person_n intend_v be_v very_o well_o able_a to_o defend_v and_o vindicate_v himself_o which_o i_o suppose_v also_o he_o will_v do_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o can_v but_o say_v two_o thing_n 1._o that_o the_o imposition_n on_o he_o of_o extenuate_v the_o gild_n of_o any_o real_a schism_n be_v that_o which_o none_o of_o his_o word_n do_v give_v the_o least_o countenance_n unto_o 2._o that_o the_o doctor_n attempt_n in_o his_o feign_a oration_n to_o accommodate_v his_o principle_n or_o we_o unto_o the_o case_n of_o the_o donatist_n for_o their_o justification_n the_o weakness_n whereof_o be_v evident_a to_o every_o one_o who_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o case_n of_o the_o donatist_n be_v such_o a_o instance_n of_o the_o power_n of_o interest_n a_o design_n to_o maintain_v a_o cause_n causeless_o undertake_v by_o all_o manner_n of_o artifices_fw-la and_o pretence_n prevail_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n otherwise_o wise_a and_o sober_a as_o be_v to_o be_v lament_v we_o come_v at_o length_n in_o the_o 5_o place_n sect_n 28._o p._n 209._o unto_o that_o which_o be_v indeed_o of_o more_o importance_n due_o to_o be_v consider_v than_o all_o that_o go_v before_o for_o as_o our_o author_n observe_v it_o be_v that_o wherein_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n be_v concern_v this_o argument_n therefore_o he_o take_v from_o the_o obligation_n which_o lie_v upon_o all_o christian_n to_o preserve_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o this_o argument_n and_o the_o application_n of_o it_o unto_o the_o case_n of_o they_o who_o refrain_v from_o total_a communion_n with_o our_o parochial_a assembly_n which_o alone_o be_v the_o case_n in_o hand_n he_o lay_v down_o sundry_a supposition_n which_o i_o shall_v consider_v in_o their_o order_n although_o they_o may_v be_v all_o grant_v without_o any_o disadvantage_n unto_o our_o cause_n but_o they_o will_v be_v so_o the_o better_a when_o they_o be_v right_o state_v 1._o his_o first_o supposition_n be_v that_o christian_n be_v under_o the_o strict_a obligation_n to_o preserve_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n this_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o that_o follow_v it_o must_v be_v right_o state_v and_o to_o that_o end_n three_o thing_n may_v be_v inquire_v into_o 1._o what_o be_v that_o church_n who_o peace_n and_o unity_n we_o be_v oblige_v to_o preserve_v for_o there_o be_v those_o who_o lie_v the_o firm_a claim_n unto_o the_o name_n power_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n with_o who_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o have_v neither_o peace_n nor_o unity_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n 2._o what_o be_v that_o peace_n and_o unity_n which_o we_o be_v so_o oblige_v to_o preserve_v 3._o by_o what_o mean_v they_o be_v to_o be_v preserve_v 1._o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o follow_v peace_n with_o all_o man_n to_o seek_v peace_n
instance_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n that_o which_o be_v first_o in_o any_o kind_n give_v the_o measure_n of_o what_o follow_v in_o the_o same_o kind_n and_o light_n into_o the_o nature_n of_o they_o whereas_o therefore_o the_o schism_n that_o be_v among_o the_o church_n about_o the_o observation_n of_o easter_n be_v the_o first_o that_o fall_v out_o unto_o the_o disturbance_n of_o their_o communion_n i_o shall_v give_v a_o brief_a account_n of_o it_o as_o far_o as_o the_o question_n in_o hand_n be_v concern_v in_o it_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o apostle_n do_v with_o care_n and_o diligence_n teach_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christian_a liberty_n warn_v the_o disciple_n to_o stand_v fast_o in_o it_o and_o not_o submit_v their_o neck_n unto_o any_o yoke_n of_o bondage_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n especial_o the_o apostle_n paul_n have_v frequent_a occasion_n to_o treat_v of_o this_o subject_n and_o what_o they_o teach_v in_o doctrine_n they_o establish_v and_o confirm_v in_o their_o practice_n for_o they_o enjoin_v nothing_o to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o church_n but_o what_o be_v necessary_a and_o what_o they_o have_v the_o command_n of_o christ_n for_o leave_v the_o observation_n of_o thing_n indifferent_a unto_o their_o original_a indifferency_n but_o whereas_o they_o have_v decree_v by_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n some_o necessary_a condescension_n in_o the_o gentile_a believer_n towards_o the_o jew_n in_o case_n of_o offence_n or_o scandal_n they_o do_v themselves_o make_v use_n of_o their_o liberty_n to_o comply_v with_o the_o same_o jew_n in_o some_o of_o their_o observance_n not_o yet_o unlawful_a hereon_o there_o ensue_v in_o several_a church_n different_a observation_n of_o some_o rite_n and_o custom_n which_o they_o apprehend_v be_v countenance_v by_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n at_o least_o as_o it_o have_v be_v report_v unto_o they_o for_o immediate_o after_o the_o decease_n of_o the_o apostle_n very_o many_o mistake_v and_o untruth_n be_v report_v concern_v what_o they_o say_v do_v and_o practise_v which_o some_o diligent_o collect_v from_o old_a man_n it_o may_v be_v almost_o delirant_fw-la as_o eusebius_n give_v a_o instance_n in_o papias_n lib._n 3._o cap._n 36._o and_o even_o the_o great_a irenaeus_n himself_o be_v impose_v upon_o in_o a_o matter_n direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o scripture_n under_o a_o pretence_n of_o apostolical_a tradition_n among_o those_o report_n be_v that_o of_o the_o observation_n of_o easter_n and_o for_o a_o while_o the_o church_n continue_v in_o these_o different_a observance_n without_o the_o least_o disturbance_n of_o their_o communion_n each_o one_o follow_v that_o which_o it_o think_v the_o most_o probable_a tradition_n for_o rule_n of_o scripture_n they_o pretend_v not_o unto_o but_o after_o a_o while_o they_o begin_v to_o fall_v into_o a_o contest_v about_o these_o thing_n which_o begin_v at_o laodicea_n which_o church_n be_v as_o likely_a to_o strive_v about_o such_o thing_n as_o any_o other_o for_o eusebius_n tell_v we_o that_o melito_n the_o bishop_n of_o sardis_n write_v two_o book_n about_o easter_n begin_v the_o first_o with_o a_o account_n that_o he_o write_v they_o when_o servilius_n paulus_n be_v proconsul_n there_o be_v then_o a_o great_a stir_n about_o it_o at_o laodicea_n euseb._n lib._n 4._o cap._n 25._o but_o as_o it_o fall_v out_o on_o such_o occasion_n much_o talk_n and_o dispute_v ensue_a thereon_o the_o difference_n be_v increase_v until_o one_o side_n or_o party_n at_o variance_n will_v make_v their_o opinion_n and_o practise_v the_o rule_n and_o term_n of_o communion_n unto_o all_o other_o church_n but_o this_o be_v quick_o condemn_v by_o those_o who_o be_v wise_a and_o sober_a for_o as_o zozoman_n affirm_v they_o account_v it_o a_o frivolous_a or_o foolish_a thing_n to_o differ_v about_o a_o custom_n whereas_o they_o agree_v in_o all_o the_o principal_a head_n of_o religion_n and_o thereon_o he_o give_v a_o large_a account_n of_o different_a rite_n and_o observance_n in_o many_o church_n without_o any_o breach_n of_o communion_n among_o they_o add_v that_o beside_o those_o enumerate_v by_o he_o there_o be_v many_o other_o in_o city_n and_o village_n which_o they_o do_v in_o a_o different_a manner_n adhere_v unto_o hist._n lib._n 7._o cap._n 19_o at_o length_n this_o matter_n fall_v into_o the_o handle_n of_o victor_n bishop_n of_o rome_n and_o his_o judgement_n be_v that_o the_o observation_n of_o easter_n on_o the_o lord_n day_n and_o not_o on_o the_o fourteen_o day_n of_o the_o first_o month_n precise_o according_a to_o the_o computation_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o passover_n be_v to_o be_v impose_v on_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n every_o where_o it_o have_v all_o along_o until_o his_o time_n be_v judge_v a_o thing_n indifferent_a wherein_o the_o church_n and_o all_o believer_n be_v leave_v unto_o the_o use_n of_o their_o own_o liberty_n he_o have_v no_o pretence_n of_o any_o divine_a institution_n make_v it_o necessary_a the_o writer_n of_o those_o day_n constant_o affirm_v that_o the_o apostle_n make_v no_o canon_n rule_n or_o law_n about_o such_o thing_n he_o have_v person_n of_o as_o great_a worth_n as_o any_o in_o the_o world_n as_o melito_n polycrates_n polycarpus_n that_o oppose_v he_o not_o only_o as_o unto_o the_o imposition_n of_o his_o practice_n on_o other_o but_o as_o unto_o his_o error_n as_o they_o judge_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o right_n yet_o all_o this_o can_v not_o hinder_v but_o that_o he_o will_v needs_o have_v the_o reputation_n of_o the_o father_n of_o schism_n among_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n by_o his_o imposition_n and_o cut_v off_o all_o the_o asian_a church_n from_o communion_n declare_v they_o and_o their_o member_n excommunicate_a euseb._n lib._n 5._o cap._n 23._o the_o noise_n hereof_o come_v abroad_o unto_o other_o church_n great_a offence_n be_v take_v at_o it_o by_o many_o of_o they_o and_o victor_n be_v roundly_o deal_v withal_o by_o sundry_a of_o they_o who_o agree_v with_o he_o in_o practice_n but_o abhor_v his_o imposition_n of_o it_o and_o make_v it_o a_o condition_n of_o church_n communion_n among_o those_o who_o so_o oppose_v and_o rebuke_v he_o irenaeus_n be_v the_o most_o eminent_a and_o i_o shall_v observe_v some_o few_o thing_n out_o of_o the_o fragment_n of_o his_o epistle_n as_o it_o be_v record_v by_o euseb._n lib._n 5._o cap._n 23._o and_o 1._o he_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o write_v unto_o victor_n in_o the_o name_n of_o those_o brethren_n in_o france_n who_o he_o do_v preside_v among_o the_o custom_n of_o consider_v thing_n of_o this_o nature_n with_o all_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n and_o write_v their_o determination_n in_o their_o name_n be_v not_o yet_o grow_v out_o of_o use_n though_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o now_o will_v be_v esteem_v novel_a and_o schismatical_a 2._o he_o tell_v victor_n that_o there_o be_v great_a variety_n in_o this_o thing_n as_o also_o in_o the_o time_n and_o season_n of_o fast_v which_o do_v not_o say_v he_o begin_z or_o arise_v in_o our_o day_n but_o long_o before_o be_v introduce_v by_o such_o who_o be_v in_o place_n of_o rule_n reject_v and_o change_v the_o common_a and_o simple_a custom_n which_o the_o church_n have_v before_o the_o dr._n therefore_o need_v not_o think_v it_o so_o strange_a that_o a_o alteration_n in_o church_n order_n and_o rule_n shall_v fall_v out_o in_o after_o age_n when_o long_o before_o irenaeus_n time_n such_o change_n be_v begin_v 3._o he_o give_v hereon_o that_o excellent_a rule_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o difference_n of_o fast_n and_o consequent_o thing_n of_o a_o alike_a nature_n commend_v the_o concord_n or_o agreement_n of_o faith_n this_o be_v the_o first_o effect_n of_o a_o departure_n from_o the_o only_a rule_n of_o unity_n and_o communion_n among_o the_o church_n which_o be_v give_v by_o christ_n himself_o and_o his_o apostle_n as_o hereby_o great_a confusion_n and_o disorder_n be_v bring_v upon_o the_o church_n so_o it_o be_v the_o first_o public_a inroad_n that_o be_v make_v on_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n concern_v christian_n liberty_n and_o as_o it_o be_v also_o the_o first_o instance_n of_o reject_v man_n otherwise_o find_v in_o the_o faith_n from_o communion_n for_o nonconformity_n or_o the_o nonobservance_n of_o humane_a institution_n or_o tradition_n which_o have_v therein_o a_o unhappy_a consecration_n unto_o the_o use_n of_o future_a age_n so_o it_o be_v the_o first_o notorious_a entrance_n into_o that_o usurpation_n of_o power_n in_o the_o roman_a bishop_n which_o they_o carry_v on_o by_o degree_n unto_o a_o absolute_a tyranny_n neither_o be_v there_o ever_o a_o more_o pernicious_a maxim_n broach_v in_o the_o primitive_a time_n nor_o which_o have_v a_o more_o effectual_a influence_n into_o the_o ruin_n
state_v of_o the_o subject_a of_o our_o enquiry_n 1._o the_o diversity_n and_o division_n among_o church_n which_o respect_n be_v to_o be_v have_v unto_o in_o the_o choice_n of_o any_o which_o we_o will_v or_o aught_o to_o join_v unto_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n 1._o such_o as_o be_v occasion_v by_o the_o remain_a weakness_n infirmity_n and_o ignorance_n of_o the_o best_a of_o man_n whereby_o they_o know_v but_o in_o part_n and_o prophesy_v only_o in_o part_n wherein_o our_o edification_n be_v concern_v but_o our_o salvation_n not_o endanger_v 2._o such_o as_o be_v in_o and_o about_o thing_n fundamental_a in_o faith_n worship_n and_o obedience_n we_o shall_v speak_v to_o both_o of_o they_o 2._o all_o christian_n be_v original_o of_o one_o mind_n in_o all_o thing_n needful_a unto_o joint-communion_n so_o as_o that_o there_o may_v be_v among_o they_o all_o love_n without_o dissimulation_n howbeit_o there_o be_v great_a variety_n not_o only_o in_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o apprehension_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o truth_n but_o in_o some_o doctrine_n themselves_o as_o about_o the_o continuance_n of_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n or_o at_o least_o of_o some_o of_o they_o as_o also_o opposition_n from_o without_o unto_o the_o truth_n by_o heretic_n and_o apostate_n neither_o of_o which_o hinder_v the_o church_n communion_n of_o true_a believer_n but_o the_o diversity_n difference_n and_o division_n that_o be_v now_o among_o church_n in_o the_o world_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o great_a apostasy_n which_o befall_v they_o all_o in_o the_o latter_a age_n as_o unto_o the_o spirit_n rule_n and_o practice_n of_o those_o which_o be_v plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o will_v not_o be_v heal_v until_o that_o apostasy_n be_v abolish_v 3._o satan_n have_v possess_v himself_o of_o the_o advantage_n of_o these_o division_n whereof_o he_o be_v the_o author_n he_o make_v use_v of_o they_o to_o act_v his_o malice_n and_o rage_n in_o stir_v up_o and_o instigate_a one_o party_n to_o persecute_v oppress_v and_o devour_v another_o until_o the_o life_n power_n and_o glory_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v almost_o lose_v in_o the_o world_n it_o require_v therefore_o great_a wisdom_n to_o deport_v ourselves_o aright_o among_o these_o division_n so_o as_o to_o contribute_v nothing_o unto_o the_o end_v of_o malice_n design_v by_o satan_n in_o they_o 4._o in_o this_o state_n of_o thing_n until_o it_o may_v be_v cure_v which_o it_o will_v never_o be_v by_o any_o of_o the_o way_n yet_o propose_v and_o insist_v on_o the_o enquiry_n be_v concern_v the_o duty_n of_o any_o one_o who_o take_v care_n of_o his_o own_o soul_n as_o unto_o a_o conjunction_n with_o some_o church_n or_o other_o and_o on_o the_o negative_a part_n i_o say_v 1._o such_o a_o one_o be_v bind_v not_o to_o join_v with_o any_o church_n or_o society_n where_o any_o fundamental_a article_n of_o faith_n be_v reject_v or_o corrupt_v there_o may_v be_v a_o fundamental_a error_n in_o a_o true_a church_n for_o a_o season_n when_o the_o church_n err_v not_o fundamental_o 1_o cor._n 15._o 2_o tim._n 2.18_o but_o i_o suppose_v the_o error_n in_o or_o against_o the_o foundation_n be_v part_n of_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o church_n or_o society_n to_o be_v join_v unto_o for_o thereby_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o church_n be_v destroy_v it_o do_v not_o hold_v the_o head_n nor_o abide_v on_o the_o foundation_n nor_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o pillar_n of_o truth_n wherefore_o although_o the_o socinian_o under_o a_o pretence_n of_o love_n forbearance_n and_o mutual_a toleration_n do_v offer_v we_o the_o communion_n of_o their_o church_n wherein_o there_o be_v somewhat_o of_o order_n and_o discipline_n commendable_a yet_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o join_v in_o church_n fellowship_n or_o communion_n with_o they_o for_o their_o error_n about_o the_o trinity_n the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o satisfaction_n be_v destructive_a of_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o idolatry_n in_o the_o divine_a worship_n of_o a_o mere_a creature_n be_v introduce_v by_o they_o 2._o where_o there_o 〈…〉_z any_o church_n teach_v or_o allow_v a_o mixture_n of_o doctrine_n or_o opinion_n that_o be_v prejudicial_a unto_o gospel_n holiness_n or_o obedience_n no_o man_n that_o take_v due_a care_n of_o his_o salvation_n can_v join_v himself_o unto_o it_o for_o the_o original_a rule_n and_o measure_n of_o all_o church_n communion_n be_v agreement_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o truth_n where_o therefore_o there_o be_v either_o not_o a_o stable_a profession_n of_o the_o same_o doctrine_n in_o all_o substantial_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o a_o uncertain_a sound_n be_v give_v some_o say_v one_o thing_n some_o another_o or_o that_o opposition_n be_v make_v unto_o any_o truth_n of_o the_o importance_n before_o mention_v none_o can_v be_v bind_v or_o oblige_v to_o hold_v communion_n with_o it_o nor_o can_v incur_v any_o blame_n by_o refrain_v from_o it_o for_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o christian_a in_o all_o thing_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o to_o join_v with_o such_o a_o church_n will_v 1._o stain_v their_o profession_n 2._o hinder_v their_o edification_n 3_o establish_v a_o new_a rule_n of_o communion_n unknown_a to_o the_o scripture_n namely_o beside_o truth_n as_o may_v easy_o be_v manifest_v 3._o where_o the_o fundamental_o of_o religious_a worship_n be_v corrupt_v or_o overthrow_v it_o be_v absolute_o unlawful_a to_o join_v unto_o or_o abide_v in_o any_o church_n so_o be_v it_o with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n the_o various_a way_n whereby_o the_o foundation_n of_o divine_a religious_a worship_n be_v overthrow_v in_o that_o church_n by_o superstition_n and_o idolatry_n have_v be_v sufficient_o declare_v these_o render_v the_o communion_n of_o that_o church_n pernicious_a 4._o nor_o can_v any_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o join_v himself_o with_o any_o church_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v his_o duty_n so_o to_o do_v where_o the_o eternal_o fix_a rule_n and_o measure_n of_o religious_a worship_n namely_o that_o it_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n be_v vary_v or_o change_v by_o any_o addition_n unto_o it_o or_o subtraction_n from_o it_o for_o whereas_o one_o principal_a end_n of_o all_o church_n be_v the_o joint_a celebration_n of_o divine_a worship_n if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o certain_a stable_n rule_v thereof_o in_o any_o church_n of_o divine_a prescription_n no_o man_n can_v be_v oblige_v unto_o communion_n therewith_o 5._o where_o the_o fundamental_o of_o church_n order_n practice_n and_o discipline_n be_v destroy_v it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o any_o man_n to_o join_v in_o church_n communion_n these_o fundamental_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n 1._o such_o as_o concern_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n 2._o such_o as_o concern_v the_o church_n itself_o there_o be_v four_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a fundamental_o unto_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o ministry_n 1._o that_o all_o the_o minister_n or_o officer_n of_o it_o be_v due_o choose_v by_o the_o church_n itself_o and_o solemn_o set_v apart_o in_o the_o church_n unto_o their_o office_n according_a unto_o the_o rule_n and_o law_n of_o christ._n this_o be_v fundamental_a unto_o church_n order_n the_o root_n of_o it_o from_o whence_o all_o other_o part_n of_o it_o do_v spring_n and_o it_o be_v that_o which_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o express_o provide_v for_o in_o the_o scripture_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v if_o there_o be_v a_o neglect_v herein_o and_o no_o other_o relation_n require_v between_o minister_n elder_n ruler_n bishop_n and_o the_o church_n but_o what_o be_v raise_v and_o create_v by_o way_n and_o rule_n of_o man_n appointment_n or_o if_o there_o be_v a_o temporary_a disposal_n of_o person_n into_o a_o discharge_n of_o that_o office_n without_o a_o solemn_a call_v choice_n ordination_n and_o separation_n unto_o the_o office_n itself_o and_o its_o work_n the_o law_n of_o christ_n be_v violate_v and_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n disturb_v in_o its_o foundation_n 2._o that_o those_o who_o be_v call_v unto_o the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n be_v due_o qualify_v by_o their_o endowment_n with_o spiritual_a gift_n for_o the_o discharge_v of_o their_o duty_n be_v fundamental_a unto_o the_o ministry_n that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n do_v still_o continue_v his_o dispensation_n of_o spiritual_a gift_n unto_o man_n to_o fit_a and_o enable_v they_o unto_o the_o office_n and_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n that_o if_o he_o do_v not_o do_v so_o or_o shall_v at_o any_o time_n cease_v so_o to_o do_v the_o whole_a office_n of_o the_o ministry_n must_v cease_v and_o the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n with_o it_o that_o it_o be_v altogether_o useless_a for_o any_o church_n or_o person_n to_o erect_v a_o image_n of_o the_o gospel_n ministry_n by_o outward_a rite_n and_o
shall_v endeavour_v to_o cheat_v his_o conscience_n by_o distinction_n and_o mental_a reservation_n in_o any_o concernment_n of_o religious_a worship_n i_o fear_v he_o have_v little_a of_o it_o if_o any_o at_o all_o that_o be_v good_a for_o aught_o on_o these_o supposition_n i_o say_v the_o imposition_n of_o the_o thing_n so_o often_o contend_v about_o on_o the_o conscience_n and_o profession_n of_o christian_n as_o namely_o the_o constant_a sole_a use_n of_o the_o liturgy_n in_o all_o church_n administration_n in_o the_o matter_n and_o manner_n prescribe_v the_o use_n and_o practice_n of_o all_o canonical_a ceremony_n the_o religious_a observation_n of_o state_v holiday_n with_o other_o thing_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n be_v sufficient_a to_o warrant_v any_o sober_a peaceable_a disciple_n of_o christ_n who_o take_v care_n of_o his_o own_o edification_n and_o salvation_n to_o refrain_v the_o communion_n require_v in_o this_o rule_n of_o conformity_n unless_o he_o be_v full_o satisfy_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n that_o all_o that_o it_o require_v be_v according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n and_o all_o that_o it_o forbid_v be_v disapprove_v by_o he_o and_o whereas_o the_o whole_a entire_a matter_n of_o all_o these_o imposition_n be_v thing_n whereof_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o primitive_a church_n know_v nothing_o at_o all_o nor_o be_v there_o any_o rumour_n of_o they_o to_o be_v impose_v in_o or_o on_o any_o church_n of_o christ_n for_o some_o century_n of_o year_n i_o can_v but_o pity_v poor_a man_n who_o must_v bear_v the_o charge_n and_o penalty_n of_o schism_n for_o dissent_v from_o they_o as_o well_o as_o admire_v the_o fertility_n of_o their_o invention_n who_o can_v find_v out_o argument_n to_o manage_v such_o a_o charge_n on_o their_o account_n but_o whereas_o the_o dissent_n declare_v from_o that_o communion_n with_o parochial_a assembly_n be_v that_o whereon_o we_o be_v so_o fierce_o charge_v with_o the_o gild_n of_o schism_n and_o so_o frequent_o call_v schismatic_n i_o shall_v divert_v a_o little_a to_o inquire_v into_o the_o nature_n and_o true_a notion_n of_o schism_n itself_o and_o so_o much_o the_o rather_o because_o i_o find_v the_o author_n of_o the_o vnreasonableness_n of_o separation_n omit_v any_o enquiry_n thereinto_o that_o he_o may_v not_o loose_v the_o advantage_n of_o any_o pretend_a description_n or_o aggravation_n of_o it_o chap._n xi_o of_o schism_n although_o it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o my_o present_a design_n to_o treat_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o schism_n yet_o with_o respect_n unto_o what_o have_v already_o be_v discourse_v and_o to_o manifest_v our_o inconcernment_n in_o the_o gild_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v as_o be_v say_v divert_v to_o give_v a_o plain_a and_o brief_a account_n of_o it_o and_o in_o our_o enquiry_n i_o must_v declare_v myself_o whole_o unconcern_v in_o all_o the_o discord_n division_n and_o sedition_n that_o have_v fall_v out_o among_o christian_n in_o the_o latter_a age_n about_o thing_n that_o be_v of_o their_o own_o invention_n schism_n be_v a_o sin_n against_o christian_a love_n with_o reference_n unto_o the_o deportment_n of_o man_n in_o and_o about_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o communion_n in_o they_o as_o for_o contention_n division_n or_o separation_n among_o man_n about_o that_o order_n agreement_n unity_n or_o uniformity_n which_o be_v of_o their_o own_o appointment_n whatever_o moral_a evil_n they_o have_v have_v in_o they_o they_o do_v not_o belong_v unto_o that_o church_n schism_n which_o we_o inquire_v after_o such_o have_v be_v the_o horrid_a division_n and_o fight_n that_o have_v prevail_v at_o season_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n a_o departure_n from_o who_o self-constituted_n state_n order_n and_o rule_n have_v not_o the_o least_o affinity_n unto_o schism_n it_o will_v not_o therefore_o be_v admit_v that_o any_o thing_n can_v fall_v under_o the_o note_n and_o gild_n of_o schism_n which_o have_v not_o respect_n unto_o some_o church_n state_n order_n rule_n unity_n or_o uniformity_n that_o be_v of_o christ_n institution_n there_o be_v three_o notion_n of_o schism_n that_o deserve_v our_o consideration_n 1._o the_o first_o be_v that_o of_o division_n among_o the_o member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n all_o of_o they_o abide_v still_o in_o the_o same_o outward_a communion_n without_o any_o separation_n into_o distinct_a party_n and_o unto_o schism_n in_o this_o notion_n of_o it_o three_o thing_n do_v concur_v 1._o want_v of_o that_o mutual_a love_n condescension_n and_o forbearance_n which_o be_v require_v in_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n with_o the_o moral_a evil_n of_o whisper_n backbiting_n and_o evil_a surmize_n that_o ensue_v thereon_o 2._o a_o undue_a adherence_n unto_o some_o church_n officer_n above_o other_o cause_v dispute_n and_o jangle_n 3._o disorder_n in_o the_o attendance_n unto_o the_o duty_n of_o church_n assembly_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n perform_v in_o they_o this_o be_v the_o only_a notion_n of_o schism_n that_o be_v exemplify_v in_o the_o scripture_n the_o only_a evil_n that_o be_v condemn_v under_o that_o name_n this_o will_v appear_v unto_o any_o who_o shall_v with_o heedfulness_n read_v the_o epistle_n of_o paul_n the_o apostle_n unto_o the_o corinthian_n wherein_o alone_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o evil_n be_v state_v and_o exemplify_v but_o this_o consideration_n of_o schism_n have_v be_v almost_o utter_o lose_v for_o many_o age_n whatever_o man_n do_v in_o church_n so_o that_o they_o depart_v not_o from_o the_o outward_a communion_n of_o they_o it_o will_v be_v account_v ridiculous_a to_o esteem_v they_o schismatic_n yet_o this_o be_v that_o which_o if_o not_o only_o yet_o principal_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n be_v to_o regard_v if_o they_o will_v avoid_v the_o gild_n of_o schism_n but_o this_o notion_n of_o it_o as_o be_v say_v be_v not_o suit_v unto_o the_o interest_n or_o advantage_n of_o any_o sort_n of_o man_n in_o the_o charge_n of_o it_o on_o other_o nor_o any_o way_n subservient_fw-fr to_o secure_a the_o invention_n and_o imposition_n of_o the_o most_o be_v on_o the_o matter_n lose_v in_o the_o world_n 2._o the_o second_o instance_n of_o ecclesiastical_a schism_n be_v give_v we_o in_o the_o same_o church_n of_o the_o corinthian_n afterward_o a_o account_n whereof_o we_o have_v in_o the_o epistle_n of_o clemens_n or_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n unto_o they_o about_o it_o the_o most_o eminent_a monument_n of_o primitive_a antiquity_n after_o the_o write_n by_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o that_o which_o he_o call_v schism_n in_o that_o church_n he_o call_v also_o strife_n contention_n sedition_n tumult_n and_o it_o may_v be_v observe_v concern_v that_o schism_n as_o all_o the_o ancient_n call_v it_o 1._o that_o the_o church_n continue_v its_o state_n and_o outward_a communion_n there_o be_v no_o mention_n of_o any_o that_o separate_v from_o it_o that_o constitute_v a_o new_a church_n only_o in_o the_o same_o church_n they_o agree_v not_o but_o be_v divide_v among_o themselves_o want_v of_o love_n and_o forbearance_n attend_v with_o strife_n and_o contention_n among_o the_o member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n abide_v in_o the_o same_o outward_a communion_n be_v the_o schism_n they_o be_v guilty_a of_o 2._o the_o effect_n of_o this_o schism_n be_v that_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n or_o multitude_n of_o the_o member_n by_o the_o instigation_n of_o some_o few_o disorderly_a person_n have_v depose_v their_o elder_n and_o ruler_n from_o their_o office_n and_o probable_o have_v choose_v other_o in_o their_o place_n though_o that_o be_v not_o mention_v express_o in_o the_o epistle_n 3._o that_o the_o church_n itself_o be_v not_o blame_v for_o assume_v a_o power_n unto_o themselves_o to_o depose_v their_o elder_n much_o less_o that_o they_o have_v do_v it_o without_o the_o consent_n advice_n or_o authority_n of_o any_o bishop_n or_o other_o church_n but_o only_o that_o they_o have_v deal_v unjust_o with_o those_o who_o they_o have_v depose_v who_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n unto_o which_o they_o have_v write_v for_o advice_n be_v esteem_v not_o only_o innocent_a but_o such_o as_o have_v laudable_o and_o profitable_o discharge_v their_o office_n whereon_o the_o whole_a blame_n be_v cast_v on_o those_o who_o have_v instigate_v the_o church_n unto_o this_o proceedure_n 4._o there_o be_v not_o yet_o nor_o in_o a_o hundred_o and_o fifty_o year_n after_o the_o least_o mention_n or_o intimation_n of_o any_o schism_n in_o a_o dissent_n from_o any_o humane_o invent_v rule_n or_o canon_n for_o order_n government_n or_o worship_n in_o any_o church_n or_o religious_a ceremony_n impose_v on_o the_o practice_n of_o any_o in_o divine_a service_n that_o be_v on_o any_o church_n or_o any_o of_o the_o member_n of_o it_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o rumour_n of_o any_o such_o thing_n in_o primitive_a antiquity_n no_o instance_n
testimony_n produce_v be_v that_o of_o calvin_n a_o large_a discourse_n he_o have_v institut_n lib._n 4._o cap._n 1._o against_o causeless_a separation_n from_o a_o true_a church_n and_o by_o who_o be_v they_o not_o condemn_v no_o determination_n of_o the_o case_n in_o hand_n can_v be_v thence_o derive_v nor_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o our_o refrain_v communion_n with_o parochial_a assembly_n the_o same_o with_o those_o which_o he_o condemn_v as_o insufficient_a for_o a_o total_a separation_n nor_o be_v the_o separation_n he_o oppose_v in_o those_o day_n which_o be_v absolute_a and_o total_a with_o a_o condemnation_n of_o the_o church_n from_o which_o it_o be_v make_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o that_o wherewith_o we_o be_v charge_v at_o least_o not_o with_o what_o we_o own_o and_o allow_v he_o give_v the_o note_n of_o a_o true_a church_n to_o be_v the_o pure_a preach_v of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n according_a unto_o christ_n institution_n where_o these_o be_v he_o allow_v a_o true_a church_n to_o be_v not_o only_o without_o diocesan_n episcopacy_n but_o in_o a_o form_n and_o under_o a_o rule_n opposite_a unto_o it_o and_o inconsistent_a with_o it_o and_o if_o he_o do_v at_o all_o speak_v to_o our_o case_n as_o he_o do_v not_o nor_o unto_o any_o of_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o why_o shall_v we_o be_v press_v with_o his_o authority_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n more_o than_o other_o from_o who_o he_o differ_v also_o on_o the_o other_o beside_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o belong_v unto_o the_o pure_a preach_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n according_a unto_o christ_n institution_n than_o some_o seem_v to_o apprehend_v they_o may_v they_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o explain_v as_o that_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o they_o we_o may_v justify_v our_o whole_a cause_n both_o these_o may_v be_v want_v in_o a_o church_n which_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o such_o heinous_a error_n in_o doctrine_n or_o idolatry_n in_o worship_n as_o shall_v overthrow_v its_o be_v and_o their_o want_n may_v be_v a_o just_a cause_n of_o refrain_v communion_n from_o a_o church_n which_o yet_o we_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o condemn_v as_o none_o at_o all_o calvin_n express_v his_o judgement_n n._n 12._o i_o will_v not_o give_v countenance_n unto_o error_n no_o not_o to_o the_o least_o so_o as_o to_o cherish_v they_o by_o flattery_n or_o connivance_n but_o though_o i_o say_v that_o the_o church_n be_v not_o to_o be_v forsake_v for_o tri_a difference_n wherein_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v retain_v safe_a and_o sound_a wherein_o the_o integrity_n of_o godliness_n do_v abide_v and_o the_o use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n appoint_v of_o the_o lord_n be_v preserve_v and_o we_o say_v the_o same_o and_o this_o very_a calvin_n who_o do_v so_o severe_o condemn_v separation_n from_o a_o true_a church_n as_o by_o he_o state_v do_v himself_o quiet_o and_o peaceable_o withdraw_v and_o depart_v from_o the_o church_n of_o geneva_n when_o they_o refuse_v to_o admit_v that_o discipline_n which_o he_o esteem_v to_o be_v according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ._n it_o be_v certain_a therefore_o that_o by_o the_o separation_n which_o he_o condemn_v he_o do_v not_o intend_v the_o peaceable_a relinquishment_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o any_o church_n as_o unto_o a_o constant_a participation_n of_o all_o ordinance_n in_o it_o for_o want_v of_o due_a mean_n of_o edification_n much_o less_o that_o which_o have_v so_o many_o other_o cause_n concur_v therewith_o for_o the_o other_o learned_a man_n who_o he_o quote_v unto_o the_o same_o purpose_n i_o see_v not_o any_o thing_n that_o give_v the_o least_o countenance_n unto_o his_o assertion_n that_o our_o principle_n weaken_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o reformation_n it_o be_v true_a they_o plead_v other_o cause_n of_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n than_o those_o insist_v on_o by_o we_o with_o respect_n unto_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o indeed_o they_o have_v be_v otherwise_o much_o to_o blame_v have_v so_o many_o thing_n as_o they_o have_v to_o plead_v of_o great_a importance_n do_v we_o say_v that_o the_o reason_n which_o we_o plead_v be_v all_o that_o can_v be_v plead_v to_o justify_v the_o separation_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n it_o will_v weaken_v the_o cause_n of_o reformation_n for_o we_o shall_v then_o deny_v that_o idolatry_n and_o fundamental_a error_n in_o faith_n be_v any_o cause_n or_o ground_n of_o that_o separation_n however_o we_o know_v that_o the_o imposition_n of_o they_o on_o the_o faith_n and_o practice_n of_o all_o christian_n be_v more_o plead_v in_o justification_n of_o a_o separation_n from_o they_o than_o the_o thing_n themselves_o but_o allow_v those_o great_a reason_n to_o be_v plead_v against_o the_o roman_a communion_n as_o we_o do_v it_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o follow_v that_o our_o reason_n for_o refrain_v communion_n with_o parochial_a assembly_n do_v weaken_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o reformation_n however_o let_v i_o not_o be_v misinterpret_v as_o unto_o that_o expression_n of_o destroy_v our_o faith_n which_o the_o communion_n require_v with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o unto_o all_o the_o important_a article_n of_o it_o do_v not_o do_v and_o i_o can_v subscribe_v unto_o the_o word_n of_o daille_n as_o quote_v by_o our_o author_n out_o of_o his_o apology_n if_o say_v he_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v not_o require_v any_o thing_n of_o we_o which_o destroy_v our_o faith_n offend_v our_o conscience_n and_o overthrow_v the_o service_n which_o we_o believe_v due_a to_o god_n if_o the_o difference_n have_v be_v small_a and_o such_o as_o we_o may_v safe_o have_v yield_v unto_o then_o he_o will_v grant_v their_o separation_n be_v rash_a and_o unjust_a and_o they_o guilty_a of_o the_o schism_n he_o close_v his_o transcription_n of_o the_o word_n of_o sundry_a learned_a man_n who_o have_v justify_v the_o separation_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n wherein_o we_o be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o concern_v with_o a_o enquiry_n what_o triumph_n will_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n make_v over_o we_o have_v we_o no_o other_o reason_n to_o justify_v our_o separation_n from_o they_o but_o only_o those_o which_o as_o be_v pretend_v we_o plead_v in_o our_o cause_n i_o say_v whereas_o we_o do_v plead_v confirm_v and_o justify_v all_o the_o reason_n and_o cause_n plead_v for_o the_o separation_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n from_o they_o not_o oppose_v not_o weaken_v any_o of_o they_o by_o any_o principle_n or_o practice_n of_o we_o but_o far_o press_v the_o force_n of_o the_o same_o reason_n and_o cause_n in_o all_o instance_n whereunto_o they_o will_v extend_v i_o see_v neither_o what_o cause_n the_o papist_n have_v of_o triumph_n noâ—_n any_o thing_n that_o weaken_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o reformation_n he_o add_v further_a how_o shall_v we_o be_v hiss_v aâ—d_v laugh_v at_o all_o over_o the_o christian_a world_n if_o we_o have_v nothing_o to_o allege_v for_o our_o separation_n from_o the_o roman_a church_n but_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o i_o answer_v that_o as_o the_o case_n stand_v if_o we_o do_v allege_v no_o other_o reason_n but_o those_o which_o we_o insist_v on_o for_o our_o refrain_v communion_n with_o our_o own_o parochial_a assembly_n we_o shall_v deserve_v to_o be_v deride_v for_o relinquish_a the_o plea_n of_o those_o other_o important_a reason_n which_o the_o heresy_n and_o idolatry_n and_o tyranny_n of_o that_o church_n do_v render_v just_a and_o equal_a but_o if_o we_o have_v no_o other_o cause_n of_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o what_o we_o have_v for_o our_o separation_n from_o our_o parochial_a assembly_n at_o home_n as_o weak_a as_o our_o allegation_n be_v pretend_v to_o be_v we_o shall_v not_o be_v afraid_a to_o defend_v they_o against_o all_o the_o papist_n in_o the_o world_n and_o let_v the_o world_n act_n like_o itself_o in_o hiss_v whereas_o therefore_o the_o cause_n of_o reformation_n be_v not_o in_o any_o thing_n weaken_v by_o our_o principle_n no_o argument_n no_o reason_n solid_o plead_v to_o justify_v the_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v desert_v by_o we_o neither_o testimony_n proof_n nor_o evidence_n be_v produce_v to_o evince_v that_o it_o be_v weaken_v by_o we_o i_o shall_v in_o the_o second_o place_n as_o be_v before_o propose_v prove_v that_o the_o whole_a cause_n of_o the_o protestant_n separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v strengthen_v and_o confirm_v by_o we_o there_o be_v some_o general_a principle_n on_o which_o the_o protestant_n proceed_v in_o their_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o which_o they_o constant_o plead_v in_o justification_n thereof_o the_o first_o