themselves_o when_o they_o see_v no_o hope_n of_o recover_v the_o church_n communion_n if_o they_o once_o fall_v from_o it_o add_v to_o this_o that_o novatus_n or_o novatianus_n for_o the_o greek_n confound_v their_o name_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o dionysius_n of_o alexandria_n 45._o say_v that_o he_o be_v force_v to_o do_v what_o he_o do_v by_o the_o importunity_n of_o the_o brethren_n who_o out_o of_o their_o zeal_n for_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n will_v not_o comply_v with_o the_o loose_a part_n which_o join_v with_o cornelius_n sempron_n and_o therefore_o choose_v he_o to_o be_v their_o bishop_n and_o so_o much_o appear_v by_o pacianus_n that_o novatus_n come_v from_o carthage_n to_o rome_n make_v a_o party_n there_o for_o novatiaâ—us_a in_o opposition_n to_o cornelius_n which_o consist_v chief_o of_o those_o who_o have_v stand_v firm_a in_o the_o persecution_n in_o their_o name_n he_o write_v to_o novatianus_n declare_v that_o he_o be_v choose_v by_o the_o zealous_a party_n at_o rome_n whereas_o cornelius_n have_v admit_v the_o lapse_v to_o communion_n and_o consequent_o corrupt_v the_o discipline_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n here_o we_o have_v a_o concurrence_n of_o dr._n oh_o plea_n zeal_n for_o reformation_n of_o discipline_n the_o great_a edification_n of_o the_o people_n and_o the_o assert_v their_o right_n in_o choose_v such_o a_o pastor_n as_o be_v not_o likely_a to_o promote_v their_o edification_n but_o notwithstanding_o these_o fair_a pretence_n 45._o the_o make_v a_o separation_n in_o the_o church_n be_v every_o where_o condemn_v as_o a_o great_a sin_n as_o appear_v by_o st._n cyprian_n dionysius_n of_o alexandria_n theodoret_n epiphanius_n and_o other_o dionysius_n tell_v the_o author_n of_o the_o schism_n 59_o that_o he_o have_v better_o have_v suffer_v any_o thing_n than_o thus_o to_o have_v make_v a_o rent_n in_o the_o church_n and_o it_o be_v as_o glorious_a a_o martyrdom_n to_o die_v to_o prevent_v a_o schism_n as_o to_o avoid_v idolatry_n and_o he_o think_v it_o a_o much_o great_a thing_n the_o one_o be_v a_o martyrdom_n for_o the_o church_n the_o other_o only_o for_o one_o own_o soul_n st._n cyprian_n charge_v those_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o this_o schism_n with_o pride_n and_o arrogance_n and_o do_v unspeakable_a mischief_n to_o the_o church_n by_o break_v the_o peace_n of_o it_o and_o will_v hardly_o allow_v those_o to_o be_v christian_n who_o live_v in_o such_o a_o schism_n when_o as_o epiphanius_n observe_v etc._n they_o still_o plead_v they_o have_v the_o same_o faith_n with_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o yet_o st._n cyprian_n will_v not_o allow_v that_o to_o be_v true_a faith_n which_o have_v not_o charity_n and_o say_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o true_a charity_n where_o man_n do_v thus_o break_v in_o piece_n the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n the_o meletian_o in_o egypt_n agree_v with_o the_o catholic_n christian_n in_o the_o substantial_o of_o religion_n 68_o hold_v the_o same_o faith_n with_o they_o as_o epiphanius_n relate_v the_o story_n and_o their_o schism_n begin_v too_o about_o preserve_v the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o best_a mean_n for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o people_n they_o allow_v a_o restitution_n for_o the_o lapse_v to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n but_o after_o a_o very_a severe_a discipline_n and_o a_o utter_a incapacity_n of_o those_o in_o order_n as_o to_o any_o part_n of_o their_o function_n but_o peter_n bishop_n of_o alexandria_n think_v the_o mild_a way_n the_o better_a whereupon_o a_o separation_n follow_v and_o the_o meletian_o have_v distinct_a church_n which_o they_o call_v the_o church_n of_o the_o martyr_n this_o schism_n grow_v to_o that_o height_n that_o they_o will_v not_o pray_v together_o in_o prison_n nor_o in_o the_o quarry_n whither_o they_o be_v send_v meletius_n be_v a_o bishop_n be_v depose_v by_o peter_n of_o alexandria_n 9_o but_o he_o go_v on_o still_o to_o promote_v the_o course_n of_o separation_n in_o thebais_n and_o other_o part_n of_o egypt_n upon_o which_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a in_o their_o synodical_a epistle_n deprive_v he_o of_o all_o episcopal_a power_n and_o the_o people_n that_o adhere_v to_o he_o of_o the_o power_n of_o choose_v their_o own_o pastor_n or_o rather_o of_o propose_v the_o name_n of_o those_o who_o be_v to_o be_v ordain_v and_o so_o according_a to_o dr._n o._n they_o have_v just_a cause_n to_o continue_v their_o separation_n still_o although_o it_o be_v condemn_v by_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a audaeus_n begin_v his_o schism_n out_o of_o a_o mighty_a zeal_n for_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n 70._o and_o a_o great_a freedom_n which_o he_o use_v in_o reprove_v the_o fault_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o clergy_n but_o meet_v with_o ill_a usage_n he_o withdraw_v from_o the_o church_n communion_n with_o his_o disciple_n although_o he_o still_o retain_v the_o same_o faith_n and_o agree_v in_o the_o substantial_o of_o religion_n with_o the_o best_a christian_n 15._o but_o forbear_v all_o communion_n with_o they_o which_o epiphanius_n account_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o most_o dreadful_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n and_o yet_o upon_o dr._n oh_o principles_n of_o separation_n they_o do_v a_o very_a commendable_a thing_n as_o long_o as_o their_o design_n be_v to_o restore_v the_o church_n discipline_n and_o to_o consult_v their_o own_o great_a edification_n the_o follower_n of_o eustathius_n sebastenus_n be_v on_o this_o account_n likewise_o excuse_v who_o withdraw_v from_o the_o public_a congregation_n on_o a_o pretence_n of_o great_a sanctity_n and_o purity_n in_o paphlagonia_n and_o stand_v condemn_v in_o several_a canon_n of_o the_o council_n at_o gangrae_n so_o be_v those_o mention_v and_o condemn_v in_o the_o council_n of_o constantinople_n and_o carthage_n and_o the_o separation_n of_o felicissimus_n and_o his_o brethren_n from_o st._n cyprian_n all_o which_o be_v set_v down_o together_o in_o my_o sermon_n but_o be_v gentle_o pass_v over_o by_o dr._n o._n and_o mr._n b._n and_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o adversary_n only_o one_o say_v 42._o that_o the_o error_n of_o the_o follower_n of_o eustathius_n sebastenus_n both_o in_o opinion_n and_o practice_n be_v very_o gross_a which_o the_o council_n take_v notice_n of_o and_o condemn_v yet_o as_o gross_a as_o they_o be_v there_o be_v a_o pretence_n of_o great_a sanctity_n and_o purity_n in_o they_o for_o their_o abstain_v from_o marriage_n and_o peculiarity_n of_o habit_n and_o separate_a meeting_n be_v all_o carry_v on_o with_o the_o same_o pretence_n to_o proceed_v then_o on_o the_o same_o account_v the_o donatist_n will_v be_v vindicate_v in_o the_o main_a ground_n of_o their_o schism_n although_o they_o be_v mistake_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n concern_v coecilian_n for_o their_o great_a pretence_n be_v to_o preserve_v the_o purity_n of_o the_o church_n discipline_n as_o may_v at_o large_a be_v see_v in_o optatus_n and_o st._n augustin_n and_o yet_o they_o frequent_o and_o deliberate_o call_v it_o a_o most_o damnable_a and_o sacrilegious_a schism_n the_o luciferian_o pretend_v such_o a_o zeal_n for_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n that_o the_o only_a pretence_n for_o their_o schism_n be_v that_o they_o can_v not_o communicate_v with_o those_o who_o have_v subscribe_v to_o arianism_n or_o receive_v ordination_n from_o ariâ—n_n bishop_n as_o may_v be_v see_v at_o large_a in_o the_o book_n of_o marcellinus_n and_o faustinus_n and_o they_o join_v with_o the_o party_n of_o vrsinus_n at_o rome_n against_o that_o of_o damasus_n and_o complain_v they_o be_v deprive_v of_o the_o liberty_n of_o choose_v their_o own_o pastor_n so_o that_o upon_o these_o ground_n there_o have_v scarce_o be_v any_o considerable_a schism_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n but_o may_v be_v justify_v upon_o dr._n owen_n reason_n for_o separation_n from_o our_o church_n sect._n 26._o 4._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 scripture_n to_o peace_n and_o unity_n among_o christian_n to_o signify_v nothing_o for_o nothing_o be_v more_o contrary_a to_o unity_n than_o division_n and_o separation_n if_o there_o be_v no_o bound_n set_v but_o what_o the_o fancy_n of_o man_n dictate_v to_o they_o be_v sufficient_a ground_n to_o justify_v division_n and_o separation_n any_o people_n may_v break_v communion_n with_o a_o church_n and_o set_v up_o a_o new_a one_o when_o they_o think_v fit_a which_o will_v leave_v the_o christian_a church_n in_o a_o remediless_a condition_n against_o those_o who_o break_v its_o peace_n and_o communion_n 121._o it_o be_v a_o true_a say_n of_o mr._n cotton_v of_o new-england_n that_o they_o that_o separate_v from_o their_o brethren_n far_o than_o they_o have_v just_a cause_n shall_v at_o length_n
the_o bishop_n the_o reform_v the_o ecclesiastical_a court_n as_o to_o excommunication_n without_o prejudice_n to_o the_o excellent_a profession_n of_o the_o civil_a law_n the_o building_n of_o more_o church_n in_o great_a parish_n especial_o about_o the_o city_n of_o london_n the_o retrench_a plurality_n the_o strictness_n and_o solemnity_n of_o ordination_n the_o make_v a_o book_n of_o canon_n suitable_a to_o this_o age_n for_o the_o better_a regulate_v the_o conversation_n of_o the_o clergy_n such_o thing_n as_o these_o may_v facilitate_v our_o union_n and_o make_v our_o church_n in_o spite_n of_o all_o its_o enemy_n become_v a_o praise_n in_o the_o whole_a earth_n the_o zeal_n i_o have_v for_o the_o true_a protestant_a religion_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o this_o church_n and_o for_o a_o firm_a union_n among_o brethren_n have_v transport_v i_o beyond_o the_o bound_n of_o a_o preface_n which_o i_o do_v now_o conclude_v with_o my_o hearty_a prayer_n to_o almighty_a god_n that_o he_o who_o be_v the_o god_n of_o peace_n and_o the_o fountain_n of_o wisdom_n will_v so_o direct_v the_o counsel_n of_o those_o in_o authority_n and_o incline_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o people_n that_o we_o may_v neither_o run_v into_o a_o wilderness_n of_o confusion_n nor_o be_v drive_v into_o the_o abyss_n of_o popery_n but_o that_o the_o true_a religion_n be_v preserve_v among_o we_o we_o may_v with_o one_o heart_n and_o mind_n serve_v the_o only_a true_a god_n through_o his_o only_a son_n jesus_n christ_n the_o prince_n of_o peace_n and_o our_o alone_a advocate_n and_o mediator_n amen_n the_o content_n part_n i._n a_o historical_a account_n of_o the_o rise_n and_o progress_n of_o separation_n §_o 1._o no_o separation_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o reformation_n although_o there_o be_v then_o the_o same_o reason_n which_o be_v now_o plead_v the_o term_n of_o communion_n be_v the_o same_o which_o be_v require_v by_o the_o martyr_n in_o queen_n mary_n day_n §_o 3._o a_o true_a account_n of_o the_o trouble_n of_o francfurt_n mr._n b_n mistake_n about_o they_o §_o 4._o the_o first_o cause_n of_o the_o dislike_n of_o our_o ceremony_n §_o 5._o the_o reason_n of_o retain_v they_o at_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n §_o 6._o the_o tendency_n to_o separation_n check_v by_o beza_n and_o other_o reform_a divine_n abroad_o §_o 7._o the_o heat_n of_o the_o nonconformist_n give_v occasion_n to_o separation_n §_o 8._o their_o zele_n against_o it_o notwithstanding_o their_o represent_v the_o sinfulness_n and_o mischief_n of_o it_o §_o 9_o 10._o the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o controversy_n between_o the_o separatist_n and_o nonconformist_n §_o 11._o their_o answer_n to_o the_o separatist_n reason_n §_o 12._o the_o progress_n of_o separation_n the_o schism_n and_o division_n among_o the_o separatist_n the_o occasion_n of_o independency_n that_o make_v separation_n more_o inexcusable_a by_o own_v some_o of_o our_o church_n to_o be_v true_a church_n §_o 13._o the_o mischief_n which_o follow_v independency_n both_o abroad_o and_o §_o 14._o hither_o into_o england_n §_o 15._o the_o controversy_n state_v between_o the_o divine_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o the_o dissent_v brethren_n §_o 16._o the_o cause_n of_o the_o assembly_n give_v up_o by_o the_o present_a dissenter_n §_o 17._o the_o old_a nonconformist_n judgement_n of_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o man_n preach_v here_o when_o forbid_v by_o law_n full_o clear_v from_o some_o late_a objection_n part_n ii_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o present_a separation_n §_o 1._o the_o different_a principle_n of_o separation_n lay_v down_o the_o thing_n agree_v on_o with_o respect_n to_o our_o church_n §_o 2._o the_o largeness_n of_o parish_n a_o mere_a colour_n and_o pretence_n show_v from_o mr._n b_n own_o word_n §_o 3._o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a separation_n open_v §_o 4._o the_o principle_n of_o it_o as_o to_o the_o people_n of_o occasional_a communion_n how_o far_o own_a and_o of_o what_o force_n in_o this_o matter_n show_v from_o parallel_a case_n §_o 5._o the_o reason_n for_o this_o occasional_a communion_n examine_v §_o 6._o of_o the_o pretence_n of_o great_a edification_n in_o separate_a meeting_n never_o allow_v by_o the_o separatist_n or_o independent_o as_o a_o reason_n for_o separation_n no_o reason_n for_o this_o pretence_n sheâ—ed_v from_o mr._n b_n word_n §_o 7._o the_o principle_n of_o separation_n as_o to_o the_o ministry_n of_o our_o church_n of_o join_v with_o our_o church_n as_o oratory_n §_o 8._o of_o the_o people_n judge_v of_o the_o worthiness_n and_o competency_n of_o their_o minister_n mr._n b_n character_n of_o the_o people_n the_o impertinency_n of_o this_o plea_n as_o to_o the_o london_n separation_n §_o 9_o the_o absurdity_n of_o allow_v this_o liberty_n to_o separate_v from_o mr._n b_n own_o word_n §_o 10._o the_o allowance_n be_v give_v for_o separation_n on_o the_o account_n of_o conformity_n what_o public_a worship_n may_v be_v forbid_v §_o 11._o the_o ministry_n of_o our_o church_n charge_v with_o usurpation_n in_o many_o case_n and_o separation_n allow_v on_o that_o account_n §_o 12._o of_o separation_n from_o ithacian_a prelatist_n §_o 13._o that_o the_o schism_n do_v not_o always_o lie_v on_o the_o imposer_n side_n where_o the_o term_n of_o communion_n be_v think_v sinful_a §_o 14._o the_o principle_n of_o the_o independent_a separation_n or_o of_o those_o who_o hold_v all_o communion_n with_o our_o church_n unlawful_a §_o 15._o the_o nature_n of_o separation_n state_v and_o explain_v §_o 16._o the_o charge_n of_o separation_n make_v good_a against_o those_o who_o hold_v occasional_a communion_n lawful_a §_o 17._o the_o obligation_n to_o constant_a communion_n where_o occasional_a communion_n be_v allow_v to_o be_v lawful_a at_o large_a prove_v §_o 18._o the_o objection_n from_o our_o saviour_n practice_n answer_v §_o 19_o the_o text_n phil._n 3._o 16._o clear_v from_o all_o objection_n §_o 20._o a_o new_a exposition_n of_o that_o text_n show_v to_o be_v impertinent_a §_o 21._o the_o charge_n of_o separation_n prove_v against_o those_o who_o hold_v all_o communion_n with_o we_o unlawful_a §_o 22_o 23._o the_o mischief_n bring_v upon_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o reformation_n by_o it_o the_o testimony_n of_o foreign_a protestant_a divine_n to_o that_o purpose_n §_o 24._o no_o possibility_n of_o union_n among_o the_o protestant_a church_n upon_o their_o ground_n which_o have_v be_v much_o wish_v for_o and_o desire_v by_o the_o best_a protestant_n §_o 25._o all_o the_o ancient_a schism_n justifiable_a on_o the_o same_o pretence_n §_o 26._o there_o can_v be_v no_o end_n of_o separation_n on_o the_o like_a ground_n mr._n a_n plea_n for_o schism_n at_o large_a consider_v §_o 27._o the_o obligation_n on_o christian_n to_o preserve_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n the_o case_n mention_v wherein_o separation_n be_v allow_v by_o the_o scripture_n in_o all_o other_o it_o be_v prove_v to_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n part_n iii_o of_o the_o plea_n for_o the_o present_a separation_n sect._n 1_o the_o plea_n for_o separation_n from_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o parochial_a church_n consider_v sect._n 2._o justice_n hobart_n testimony_n for_o congregational_a church_n answer_v sect._n 3_o no_o evidence_n in_o antiquity_n for_o independent_a congregation_n sect._n 4._o the_o church_n of_o carthage_n govern_v by_o episcopal_a power_n and_o not_o democratical_a in_o s._n cyprian_n time_n sect._n 5_o 6._o no_o evidence_n in_o scripture_n of_o more_o church_n than_o one_o in_o a_o city_n though_o there_o be_v of_o more_o congregation_n sect._n 7._o no_o rule_n in_o scripture_n to_o commit_v church-power_n to_o a_o single_a congregation_n but_o the_o general_n rule_v extend_v it_o further_o sect._n 8._o of_o diocesan_n episcopacy_n the_o question_n about_o it_o state_v but_o one_o bishop_n in_o a_o city_n in_o the_o best_a church_n though_o many_o assembly_n sect._n 9_o diocesan_n episcopacy_n clear_o prove_v in_o the_o african_a church_n the_o extent_n of_o s._n augustine_n diocese_n sect._n 10._o diocesan_n episcopacy_n of_o alexandria_n the_o largeness_n of_o theodoret_n diocese_n the_o testimony_n of_o his_o epistle_n clear_v from_o all_o mr._n b_n late_o objection_n sect._n 11._o diocese_n episcopacy_n not_o repugnant_a to_o any_o institution_n of_o christ_n prove_v from_o mr._n b._n himself_o sect._n 12._o the_o power_n of_o presbyter_n in_o our_o church_n sect._n 13._o the_o episcopal_a power_n succeed_v the_o apostolical_a prove_v from_o many_o testimony_n sect._n 14._o what_o power_n of_o discipline_n be_v leave_v to_o parochial_a church_n as_o to_o admission_n sect._n 15._o whether_o the_o power_n of_o suspension_n be_v no_o part_n of_o church_n discipline_n sect._n 16_o 17._o of_o the_o defect_n of_o discipline_n and_o whether_o it_o overthrow_v the_o be_v of_o our_o parochial_a church_n sect._n 18._o of_o national_a church_n and_o the_o ground_n on_o which_o they_o
to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o those_o church_n and_o think_v it_o lawful_a to_o communicate_v some_o time_n constant_a communion_n will_v be_v a_o duty_n but_o because_o this_o seem_v so_o hard_a to_o be_v understand_v i_o will_v therefore_o undertake_v to_o prove_v it_o by_o these_o two_o argument_n first_o from_o the_o general_a obligation_n upon_o christian_n to_o use_v all_o lawful_a mean_n for_o preserve_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n second_o from_o the_o particular_a force_n of_o that_o text_n philipp_n 3._o 16._o as_o far_o as_o you_o have_v already_o attain_v walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n etc._n etc._n first_o from_o the_o general_a obligation_n upon_o christian_n to_o use_v all_o lawful_a mean_n for_o preserve_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n 18._o if_o it_o be_v possible_a say_v st._n paul_n as_o much_o as_o lie_v in_o you_o live_v peaceable_o with_o all_o men._n now_o i_o ask_v if_o there_o be_v not_o as_o great_a a_o obligation_n at_o least_o upon_o christian_n to_o preserve_v peace_n in_o the_o church_n as_o with_o all_o man_n and_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o that_o as_o far_o as_o possible_a and_o as_o much_o as_o lie_v in_o they_o and_o be_v not_o that_o possible_a and_o lie_v in_o they_o to_o do_v which_o they_o acknowledge_v lawful_a to_o be_v do_v and_o can_v do_v at_o some_o time_n what_o admirable_a argument_n be_v there_o to_o peace_n and_o unity_n among_o christian_n what_o divine_a enforcement_n of_o they_o on_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n in_o the_o write_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o can_v these_o prevail_v with_o man_n to_o do_v that_o which_o they_o think_v in_o their_o conscience_n they_o may_v lawful_o do_v towards_o join_v in_o communion_n with_o we_o this_o i_o be_o persuade_v be_v one_o of_o the_o provoke_a sin_n of_o the_o nonconformist_n that_o they_o have_v be_v so_o backward_o in_o do_v what_o they_o be_v convince_v they_o may_v have_v do_v with_o a_o good_a conscience_n when_o they_o be_v earnest_o press_v to_o it_o by_o those_o in_o authority_n they_o refuse_v it_o and_o they_o have_v be_v more_o and_o more_o backward_o ever_o since_o till_o now_o they_o seem_v general_o resolve_v either_o to_o break_v all_o in_o piece_n or_o to_o persist_v in_o separation_n mr._n b._n indeed_o very_o honest_o move_v they_o 1663._o to_o consider_v how_o far_o it_o be_v lawful_a or_o their_o duty_n to_o communicate_v with_o the_o parish_n church_n in_o the_o liturgy_n and_o sacrament_n and_o bring_v many_o argument_n to_o prove_v it_o lawful_a and_o no_o one_o of_o the_o brethren_n seem_v to_o dissent_v but_o observe_v the_o answer_n mr._n a._n make_v to_o this_o 39_o i._n e._n say_v he_o they_o do_v not_o enter_v their_o several_a protestation_n nor_o formal_o declare_v against_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o brother_n like_o wise_a and_o wary_a person_n they_o will_v advise_v upon_o they_o and_o so_o they_o have_v be_v advise_v and_o consider_v ever_o since_o till_o with_o great_a wisdom_n and_o wariness_n they_o be_v drop_v into_o separation_n before_o they_o be_v aware_a of_o it_o and_o the_o mere_a necessity_n of_o defend_v their_o own_o practice_n make_v they_o espouse_v these_o principle_n such_o another_o meeting_n mr._n b._n say_v they_o have_v after_o the_o plague_n and_o fire_n at_o which_o they_o agree_v that_o communion_n with_o our_o church_n be_v in_o itself_o lawful_a and_o good_a here_o mr._n a._n charge_v i_o for_o be_v tardy_a ibid._n and_o wrong_v the_o relator_n by_o leave_v out_o the_o most_o considerable_a word_n of_o the_o sentence_n viz._n when_o it_o will_v not_o do_v more_o harm_n than_o good_a and_o upon_o this_o he_o expatiate_v about_o the_o way_n when_o it_o may_v do_v more_o harm_n than_o good_a whereas_o if_o the_o reader_n please_v to_o examine_v the_o place_n he_o will_v find_v i_o do_v consider_v the_o force_n of_o those_o word_n 240._o when_o i_o put_v it_o that_o they_o resolve_v it_o to_o be_v lawful_a in_o itself_o although_o some_o circumstance_n may_v hinder_v their_o present_a do_v it_o for_o they_o declare_v that_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o lawful_a and_o meet_a but_o the_o circumstance_n of_o that_o time_n do_v make_v they_o think_v it_o may_v do_v more_o harm_n than_o good_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v they_o delay_v for_o a_o fit_a opportunity_n which_o make_v it_o clear_a they_o be_v then_o resolve_v upon_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o that_o opportunity_n have_v never_o happen_v since_o and_o so_o they_o be_v now_o come_v to_o plead_v against_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o as_o mr._n a._n plain_o do_v by_o such_o reason_n as_o these_o communion_n with_o our_o church_n will_v then_o do_v more_o harm_n than_o good_a 1._o when_o such_o communion_n shall_v persuade_v the_o parish_n church_n that_o their_o frame_n be_v eligible_a and_o not_o only_o tolerable_a 40._o as_o though_o separation_n be_v more_o eligible_a than_o a_o communion_n that_o be_v lawful_a and_o tolerable_a and_o schism_n be_v not_o more_o intolerable_a than_o communion_n with_o a_o tolerable_a church_n what_o will_v not_o man_n say_v in_o defence_n of_o their_o own_o practice_n be_v ever_o schism_n make_v so_o light_a a_o matter_n of_o and_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o christian_n value_v at_o so_o low_a a_o rate_n that_o for_o the_o prevention_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o other_o a_o thing_n that_o be_v lawful_a may_v not_o be_v do_v if_o there_o be_v any_o danger_n that_o what_o be_v only_o tolerable_a shall_v be_v mistake_v for_o more_o eligible_a as_o if_o all_o the_o mischief_n of_o schism_n and_o division_n in_o the_o church_n be_v not_o fit_a to_o be_v put_v in_o the_o balance_n against_o such_o a_o horrible_a and_o monstrous_a inconvenience_n methinks_v it_o be_v better_a sometime_o to_o be_v wise_a and_o considerate_a than_o always_o thus_o subtle_a and_o witty_a against_o the_o common_a sense_n and_o reason_n of_o mankind_n 2._o when_o other_o shall_v thereby_o be_v think_v oblige_v to_o separate_v from_o pure_a church_n i._n e._n be_v draw_v off_o from_o their_o separation_n 3._o when_o it_o will_v harden_v the_o papist_n as_o though_o their_o division_n do_v not_o do_v it_o ten_o thousand_o time_n more_o 4._o when_o it_o shall_v notable_o prejudice_v the_o christian_a religion_n in_o general_n yes_o no_o doubt_n the_o cure_n of_o division_n will_v do_v so_o by_o these_o particular_n it_o appear_v that_o he_o think_v they_o not_o oblige_v to_o do_v what_o lawful_o they_o can_v do_v yet_o at_o last_o he_o say_v he_o tell_v we_o as_o much_o be_v do_v as_o their_o conscience_n will_v permit_v they_o say_v you_o so_o be_v it_o indeed_o come_v to_o this_o will_v none_o of_o your_o conscience_n now_o permit_v you_o either_o to_o come_v to_o the_o liturgy_n or_o to_o make_v use_n of_o any_o part_n of_o it_o in_o your_o own_o meeting_n how_o often_o have_v mr._n b._n tell_v the_o world_n that_o you_o stick_v not_o at_o set-form_n nor_o at_o the_o use_n of_o the_o liturgy_n provide_v some_o exceptionable_a passage_n be_v alter_v in_o it_o do_v not_o mr._n b._n declare_v at_o his_o meeting_n public_o in_o a_o write_n on_o purpose_n that_o they_o do_v not_o meet_v under_o any_o colour_n or_o pretence_n of_o any_o religious_a exercise_n in_o other_o manner_n than_o according_a to_o the_o liturgy_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o be_v he_o able_a he_o will_v according_o read_v himself_o be_v this_o observe_v in_o any_o one_o meet_v in_o london_n or_o through_o england_n then_o certain_o there_o be_v some_o who_o do_v not_o what_o they_o think_v they_o lawful_o may_v do_v towards_o communion_n with_o we_o and_o mr._n b._n say_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o late_a plea_n that_o they_o never_o make_v one_o motion_n for_o presbytery_n or_o against_o liturgy_n and_o these_o word_n be_v speak_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o whole_a party_n call_v presbyterian_o and_o since_o that_o mr._n b._n say_v they_o do_v come_v to_o a_o agreement_n wherein_o the_o constant_a use_n of_o the_o liturgy_n 64._o with_o some_o alteration_n be_v require_v and_o be_v we_o now_o tell_v that_o all_o that_o can_v lawful_o be_v do_v be_v do_v mr._n b._n indeed_o act_n agreeable_o to_o his_o principle_n in_o come_v to_o our_o liturgy_n but_o where_o be_v all_o the_o rest_n and_o which_o of_o they_o read_v what_o they_o think_v lawful_a at_o their_o own_o assembly_n do_v they_o not_o hereby_o discover_v that_o they_o be_v more_o afraid_a of_o lose_v their_o people_n who_o force_v they_o to_o comply_v with_o their_o humour_n than_o careful_a to_o do_v what_o they_o judge_v lawful_a towards_o communion_n with_o our_o church_n sect._n 17._o but_o whence_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o any_o who_o think_v
commonâ—ties_n and_o bond_n on_o the_o account_n of_o their_o great_a attainment_n nor_o to_o separate_a from_o other_o as_o mean_a and_o low_a christian_n because_o they_o be_v not_o come_v up_o to_o that_o perfection_n which_o you_o have_v attain_v to_o and_o so_o either_o way_n it_o contain_v a_o excellent_a rule_n and_o of_o admirable_a use_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n not_o only_o at_o that_o time_n but_o in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n viz._n that_o those_o who_o can_v be_v full_o satisfy_v in_o all_o thing_n shall_v go_v as_o far_o as_o they_o can_v towards_o preserve_a peace_n and_o communion_n among_o christian_n and_o not_o peevish_o separate_v and_o divide_v the_o church_n because_o they_o can_v in_o all_o thing_n think_v as_o other_o do_v nor_o other_o on_o the_o account_n of_o great_a sanctity_n and_o perfection_n despise_v the_o inferior_a sort_n of_o christian_n and_o forsake_v their_o communion_n but_o they_o ought_v all_o to_o do_v what_o lie_v possible_o in_o they_o to_o preserve_v the_o bond_n of_o peace_n and_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n three_o how_o far_o this_o rule_n have_v a_o influence_n on_o our_o case_n 1._o it_o follow_v from_o hence_o that_o as_o far_o as_o communion_n be_v lawful_a it_o be_v a_o duty_n since_o as_o far_o as_o they_o have_v attain_v they_o be_v to_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n and_o so_o much_o dr._n o._n do_v not_o deny_v when_o he_o say_v those_o who_o be_v agree_v in_o the_o substantial_o of_o religion_n or_o in_o the_o principle_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n shall_v walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n and_o mind_n the_o same_o thing_n forbear_v one_o another_o in_o the_o the_o thing_n wherein_o they_o differ_v then_o as_o far_o as_o they_o agree_v they_o be_v bind_v to_o join_v together_o whether_o it_o be_v as_o to_o opinion_n or_o communion_n because_o the_o obligation_n to_o peace_n and_o unity_n must_v especial_o reach_v to_o act_n of_o christian_a communion_n as_o far_o as_o that_o be_v judge_v to_o be_v lawful_a 2._o that_o the_o best_a christian_n be_v bind_v to_o unite_v with_o other_o though_o of_o low_a attainment_n and_o to_o keep_v within_o the_o same_o rule_n which_o be_v a_o general_a expression_n relate_v to_o the_o bound_n of_o a_o race_n and_o so_o take_v in_o all_o such_o order_n which_o be_v lawful_a and_o judge_v necessary_a to_o hold_v the_o member_n of_o a_o christian_a society_n together_o 26._o but_o say_v dr._n o._n let_v the_o apostle_n rule_v be_v produce_v with_o any_o probability_n of_o proof_n to_o be_v his_o and_o they_o be_v all_o ready_a to_o subscribe_v and_o conform_v unto_o it_o this_o be_v the_o apostle_n rule_n to_o go_v as_o far_o as_o they_o can_v and_o if_o they_o can_v go_v no_o far_o to_o sit_v down_o quiet_o and_o wait_v for_o far_a instruction_n and_o not_o to_o break_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o present_a dissatisfaction_n nor_o to_o gather_v new_a church_n out_o of_o other_o upon_o supposition_n of_o high_a attainment_n if_o the_o rule_n reach_v our_o case_n 27._o say_v he_o again_o it_o must_v be_v such_o as_o require_v thing_n to_o be_v observe_v as_o be_v never_o divine_o appoint_v as_o national_a church_n ceremony_n and_o mode_n of_o worship_n and_o so_o this_o rule_n do_v in_o order_n to_o peace_n require_v the_o observation_n of_o such_o thing_n which_o although_o they_o be_v not_o particular_o appoint_v by_o god_n yet_o be_v enjoin_v by_o lawful_a authority_n provide_v they_o be_v not_o unlawful_a in_o themselves_o nor_o repugnant_a to_o the_o world_n of_o god_n but_o the_o apostle_n never_o give_v any_o such_o rule_n themselves_o 28_o about_o outward_a modes_n of_o worship_n with_o ceremony_n feast_n fast_n liturgy_n etc._n etc._n what_o then_o it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o they_o give_v this_o general_a rule_n that_o all_o lawful_a thing_n be_v to_o be_v do_v for_o the_o church_n peace_n and_o without_o this_o no_o unity_n or_o order_n can_v be_v preserve_v in_o church_n the_o apostle_n say_v he_o give_v rule_n inconsistent_a with_o any_o determine_a rule_n 31._o viz._n of_o mutual_a forbearance_n rome_n 14._o and_o herein_o the_o apostle_n act_v not_o upon_o mere_a rule_n of_o prudence_n but_o as_o a_o teacher_n divine_o inspire_v that_o he_o be_v divine_o inspire_v i_o do_v not_o question_v but_o even_o such_o a_o one_o may_v determine_v a_o case_n upon_o present_a circumstance_n which_o resolution_n may_v not_o always_o bind_v when_o the_o circumstance_n be_v change_v for_o then_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o apostle_n must_v be_v that_o whatever_o difference_n happen_v among_o christian_n there_o must_v be_v no_o determination_n either_o way_n but_o the_o direct_a contrary_n to_o this_o we_o find_v in_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o apostle_n at_o jerusalem_n upon_o the_o difference_n that_o happen_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n 28._o and_o although_o there_o be_v a_o very_a plausible_a pretence_n of_o the_o obligation_n of_o conscience_n one_o way_n yet_o the_o apostle_n make_v a_o determination_n in_o the_o case_n contrary_a to_o their_o judgement_n which_o show_v that_o the_o rule_n of_o forbearance_n where_o conscience_n be_v allege_v both_o way_n be_v no_o stand_a rule_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n but_o that_o the_o governor_n of_o it_o from_o parity_n of_o reason_n may_v determine_v those_o thing_n which_o they_o judge_v to_o conduce_v most_o to_o the_o peace_n and_o welfare_n of_o that_o church_n which_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o preserve_v and_o from_o hence_o it_o appear_v how_o little_a reason_n there_o be_v for_o dr._n oh_o insinuation_n as_o though_o the_o false_a apostle_n be_v the_o only_a imposer_n whereas_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o the_o true_a apostle_n make_v this_o peremptory_a decree_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o great_a consequence_n and_o against_o the_o pretence_n of_o conscience_n on_o the_o other_o side_n but_o say_v dr._n o._n further_o 8._o the_o jewish_a christian_n be_v leave_v to_o their_o own_o liberty_n provide_v they_o do_v not_o impose_v on_o other_o and_o the_o dissenter_n at_o this_o day_n desire_v no_o more_o than_o the_o gentile_a church_n do_v viz._n not_o to_o be_v impose_v upon_o to_o observe_v those_o thing_n which_o they_o be_v not_o satisfy_v it_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n shall_v be_v impose_v upon_o they_o i_o answer_v 1._o it_o be_v agree_v by_o all_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n that_o the_o jewish_a christian_n shall_v be_v leave_v to_o their_o own_o liberty_n out_o of_o respect_n to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o out_o of_o regard_n to_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o may_v have_v be_v extreme_o hazard_v if_o the_o apostle_n have_v present_o set_v themselves_o against_o the_o observe_v the_o jewish_a custom_n among_o the_o jew_n themselves_o 2._o the_o false_a apostle_n impose_v on_o the_o gentile_a christian_n have_v two_o circumstance_n in_o it_o which_o extreme_o alter_v their_o case_n from_o that_o of_o our_o present_a dissenter_n for_o 1._o they_o be_v none_o of_o their_o lawful_a governor_n but_o go_v about_o as_o seducer_n draw_v away_o the_o disciple_n of_o the_o apostle_n from_o they_o 2._o they_o impose_v the_o jewish_a rite_n as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o not_o as_o mere_o indifferent_a thing_n and_o therefore_o the_o case_n of_o our_o dissenter_n be_v very_o different_a from_o that_o of_o the_o gentile_a christian_n as_o to_o the_o imposition_n of_o the_o false_a apostle_n thus_o i_o have_v consider_v every_o thing_n material_a in_o dr._n o._n which_o seem_v to_o take_v off_o the_o force_n of_o the_o argument_n draw_v from_o this_o text._n the_o author_n of_o the_o letter_n say_v 1._o that_o i_o ought_v to_o have_v prove_v 24._o that_o the_o apostle_n mean_v some_o rule_n superad_v to_o the_o scripture_n and_o 2._o that_o other_o church-guide_n have_v the_o same_o power_n as_o the_o apostle_n have_v but_o what_o need_v all_o this_o if_o it_o appear_v 1_o that_o the_o apostle_n do_v give_v bind_v rule_n to_o particular_a church_n which_o be_v not_o extant_a in_o scripture_n as_o appear_v by_o 1_o cor._n 7._o 17._o so_o that_o either_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o imperfect_a rule_n for_o omit_v some_o divine_a rule_n or_o else_o these_o be_v only_a prudential_n rule_v of_o order_n and_o government_n 2._o that_o it_o be_v a_o stand_a rule_n of_o scripture_n that_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o do_v all_o lawful_a thing_n for_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o this_o i_o have_v show_v be_v the_o apostle_n design_n in_o the_o word_n of_o this_o text._n sect._n 20._o other_o pretend_v that_o the_o apostle_n mean_v no_o more_o by_o these_o word_n but_o that_o christian_n must_v live_v up_o to_o their_o knowledge_n and_o mind_n that_o one_o thing_n this_o be_v a_o very_a new_a exposition_n and_o the_o author_n of_o it_o intend_v
separation_n from_o a_o church_n wherein_o it_o be_v confess_v there_o be_v no_o heinous_a error_n in_o doctrine_n or_o idolatrous_a practice_n in_o worship_n for_o if_o they_o be_v not_o such_o separation_n must_v be_v a_o formal_a schism_n because_o such_o person_n not_o only_o withdraw_v from_o communion_n with_o our_o church_n but_o set_v up_o other_o church_n of_o their_o own_o now_o the_o way_n i_o shall_v take_v to_o show_v the_o insufficiency_n of_o these_o cause_n of_o separation_n shall_v be_v by_o show_v the_o great_a absurdity_n that_o follow_v upon_o the_o allowance_n of_o they_o these_o five_o especial_o i_o shall_v insist_v upon_o 1._o that_o it_o weaken_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o reformation_n 2._o that_o it_o hinder_v all_o union_n between_o the_o protestant-churche_n 3._o that_o it_o justify_v the_o ancient_a schism_n which_o have_v be_v always_o condemn_v by_o the_o christian_a church_n 4._o that_o it_o make_v separation_n endless_a 5._o that_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o obligation_n which_o lie_v on_o all_o christian_n to_o preserve_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n sect._n 22._o 1._o the_o prejudice_n it_o bring_v upon_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o reformation_n which_o i_o shall_v make_v appear_v not_o from_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o own_o writer_n who_o may_v be_v suspect_v by_o the_o dissenter_n of_o too_o much_o kindness_n to_o our_o church_n but_o from_o the_o most_o eminent_a and_o learned_a defender_n of_o the_o reformation_n in_o france_n who_o can_v be_v the_o least_o suspect_v of_o partiality_n to_o our_o church_n 9_o i_o begin_v with_o calvin_n against_o who_o i_o hope_v no_o exception_n will_v be_v take_v 1._o in_o the_o general_n he_o assign_v two_o mark_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n the_o word_n of_o god_n true_o preach_v and_o sacrament_n administer_v according_a to_o christ_n institution_n 2._o he_o say_v wherever_o these_o mark_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o particular_a society_n those_o be_v true_a church_n howsoever_o they_o be_v distribute_v according_a to_o humane_a conveniency_n 3_o that_o although_o those_o stand_v as_o member_n of_o particular_a church_n who_o may_v not_o be_v think_v worthy_a of_o that_o society_n till_o they_o be_v due_o cast_v out_o yet_o the_o church_n themselves_o have_v these_o mark_n do_v still_o retain_v the_o true_a nature_n and_o constitution_n of_o church_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v so_o esteem_v 4._o man_n ought_v not_o to_o separate_a from_o 10._o or_o break_v the_o unity_n of_o such_o church_n and_o he_o have_v this_o notable_a say_n upon_o it_o god_n set_v such_o a_o value_n upon_o the_o communion_n of_o his_o church_n that_o he_o look_v upon_o he_o as_o a_o apostate_n from_o his_o religion_n who_o do_v wilful_o separate_a himself_o from_o any_o christian_a society_n which_o have_v the_o true_a ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n and_o a_o little_a after_o he_o call_v separation_n a_o denial_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n a_o destruction_n of_o his_o truth_n a_o mighty_a provocation_n of_o his_o anger_n a_o crime_n so_o great_a that_o we_o can_v hardly_o imagine_v a_o worse_a it_o be_v a_o sacrilegious_a and_o perfidious_a breach_n of_o the_o marriage_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o his_o people_n 11._o in_o the_o next_o section_n he_o make_v it_o a_o very_a dangerous_a and_o mischievous_a temptation_n so_o much_o as_o to_o think_v of_o separation_n from_o a_o church_n that_o have_v these_o mark_n 5._o that_o although_o there_o be_v many_o fault_n and_o corruption_n in_o such_o a_o church_n yet_o as_o long_o as_o it_o retain_v those_o mark_n separation_n from_o it_o be_v not_o justifiable_a nay_o although_o some_o of_o those_o fault_n be_v about_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o administration_n of_o sacrament_n for_o say_v he_o all_o truth_n be_v not_o of_o equal_a moment_n but_o as_o long_o as_o the_o doctrine_n according_a to_o godliness_n and_o the_o true_a use_n of_o sacrament_n be_v keep_v up_o man_n ought_v not_o to_o separate_v upon_o lesser_a difference_n but_o they_o ought_v to_o seek_v the_o amend_v what_o be_v amiss_o continue_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o without_o disturb_v the_o peace_n and_o order_n of_o it_o and_o he_o at_o large_a prove_n 16._o what_o great_a allowance_n be_v to_o be_v make_v as_o to_o the_o corruption_n of_o member_n from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o apostolical_a church_n and_o he_o say_v mens_fw-la moroseness_n in_o this_o matter_n although_o it_o seem_v to_o flow_v from_o zeal_n yet_o it_o much_o rather_o come_v from_o spiritual_a pride_n and_o a_o false_a opinion_n of_o their_o own_o holiness_n above_o other_o although_o say_v he_o there_o be_v such_o universal_a corruption_n in_o the_o jewish_a church_n 18._o that_o the_o prophet_n compare_v it_o to_o sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n yet_o they_o never_o set_v up_o new_a church_n nor_o erect_v other_o altar_n whereat_o they_o may_v offer_v separate_a sacrifice_n but_o whatever_o the_o people_n be_v as_o long_o as_o god_n word_n and_o ordinance_n be_v among_o they_o they_o lift_v up_o pure_a hand_n to_o god_n although_o in_o such_o a_o impure_a society_n the_o same_o he_o prove_v as_o to_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n from_o whence_o he_o conclude_v that_o separation_n from_o such_o church_n 19_o where_o the_o true_a word_n of_o god_n and_o sacrament_n be_v be_v a_o inexcusable_a fault_n but_o how_o then_o come_v he_o to_o justify_v the_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n 6._o because_o in_o that_o church_n the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o christ_n be_v so_o much_o suppress_v and_o so_o many_o error_n obtrude_v on_o man_n mind_n in_o stead_n of_o it_o and_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n so_o corrupt_v that_o the_o public_a assembly_n be_v school_n of_o idolatry_n and_o wickedness_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o church_n unity_n it_o can_v be_v no_o culpable_a separation_n to_o withdraw_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o a_o church_n which_o have_v so_o notorious_o corrupt_v his_o doctrine_n and_o institution_n especial_o when_o they_o anathematise_v those_o who_o will_v not_o comply_v with_o they_o but_o do_v he_o mean_v any_o indifferent_a rite_n 12._o or_o ceremony_n where_o the_o doctrine_n be_v sound_a no_o but_o false_a doctrine_n and_o idolatrous_a worship_n as_o he_o frequent_o declare_v and_o therefore_o he_o that_o will_v go_v about_o to_o defend_v separation_n from_o a_o church_n on_o the_o account_n of_o some_o ceremony_n prescribe_v and_o some_o corruption_n remain_v in_o it_o must_v overthrow_v the_o fundamental_a ground_n of_o the_o reformation_n as_o they_o be_v explain_v by_o calvin_n himself_o sect._n 23._o among_o their_o late_a writer_n no_o man_n have_v vindicated_n the_o cause_n of_o the_o reformation_n with_o great_a success_n and_o reputation_n then_o mr._n daille_n in_o his_o apology_n and_o the_o ground_n he_o go_v upon_o be_v these_o 1._o that_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o avoid_v the_o communion_n of_o those_o 3._o who_o go_v about_o to_o destroy_v and_o ruin_n christianity_n 2._o if_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v not_o require_v any_o thing_n from_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 4._o then_o he_o will_v grant_v that_o their_o separation_n be_v rash_a and_o unjust_a and_o they_o guilty_a of_o the_o schism_n 3._o he_o prove_v that_o they_o have_v weighty_a reason_n for_o their_o separation_n 5._o which_o be_v these_o 1._o impose_v new_a doctrine_n as_o necessary_a article_n of_o faith_n and_o yet_o not_o all_o errro_n in_o doctrine_n do_v afford_v sufficient_a ground_n for_o separation_n 7._o but_o such_o as_o be_v pernicious_a and_o destructive_a to_o salvation_n for_o which_o he_o instance_v in_o the_o lutheran_n opinion_n of_o christ_n bodily_a presence_n in_o the_o sacrament_n which_o overthrow_v not_o the_o use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n nor_o require_v the_o adore_a it_o it_o neither_o divide_v nor_o mutilate_v it_o nor_o make_v it_o a_o expitiatory_a sacrifice_n for_o sin_n all_o which_o follow_v from_o the_o popish_a doctrine_n from_o whence_o he_o conclude_v that_o to_o separate_v from_o a_o church_n for_o tolerable_a error_n be_v a_o unjust_a separation_n 8._o 2._o require_v such_o worship_n as_o overthrow_v the_o foundation_n of_o christianity_n which_o say_v he_o prove_v the_o necessity_n of_o our_o separation_n and_o for_o this_o he_o instance_n in_o adoration_n of_o the_o host_n which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n strict_o require_v and_o the_o protestant_n believe_v it_o to_o be_v a_o mere_a creature_n they_o can_v give_v it_o without_o idolatry_n from_o whence_o he_o conclude_v our_o separation_n to_o be_v â—ust_z because_o it_o be_v necessary_a beside_o this_o he_o give_v instance_n in_o the_o
yet_o the_o more_o heinous_a `that_o it_o be_v common_o father_v upon_o god_n last_o that_o it_o be_v most_o unlike_a the_o heavenly_a state_n and_o in_o some_o regard_n worse_o than_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o devil_n for_o he_o will_v not_o destroy_v it_o by_o divide_v it_o against_o itself_o remember_v now_o say_v he_o that_o schism_n and_o make_v party_n and_o division_n in_o the_o church_n be_v not_o so_o small_a a_o sin_n as_o many_o take_v it_o for_o i_o conclude_v this_o with_o his_o admonition_n to_o bag_n shaw_fw-mi upon_o his_o lessen_v the_o sin_n of_o separation_n alas_o dear_a brother_n that_o after_o so_o many_o year_n silence_v and_o affliction_n 6._o after_o flame_n and_o plague_n and_o dreadful_a judgement_n after_o twenty_o year_n practice_n of_o the_o sin_n itself_o and_o when_o we_o be_v bury_v in_o the_o ruin_n which_o it_o cause_v we_o shall_v not_o yet_o know_v that_o our_o own_o uncharitable_a division_n alienation_n and_o separation_n be_v a_o cry_v sin_n yea_o the_o cry_v sin_n as_o well_o as_o the_o vncharitableness_n and_o hurtfulness_n of_o other_o alas_o will_v god_n leave_v we_o also_o even_o we_o to_o the_o obdurateness_n of_o pharaoh_n do_v not_o judgement_n begin_v with_o we_o be_v there_o not_o cry_v sin_n with_o we_o what_o have_v we_o do_v to_o christ_n kingdom_n to_o this_o kingdom_n to_o our_o friend_n dead_a and_o alive_a to_o ourselves_o and_o alas_o to_o our_o enemy_n by_o our_o division_n and_o do_v we_o not_o feel_v it_o do_v we_o not_o know_v it_o be_v it_o to_o we_o even_o to_o we_o a_o crime_n intolerable_a to_o call_v we_o to_o repentance_n woe_n to_o we_o into_o what_o hardheartedness_n have_v we_o sin_v ourselves_o yea_o that_o we_o shall_v continue_v and_o passionate_o defend_v it_o when_o will_v god_n give_v we_o repentance_n unto_o life_n let_v mr._n a._n read_v these_o passage_n over_o serious_o and_o then_o consider_v whether_o he_o can_v go_v on_o to_o excuse_v and_o palliate_v the_o sin_n of_o schism_n but_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o mr._n a._n speak_v all_o this_o comparative_o with_o enslave_v our_o judgement_n and_o conscience_n to_o other_o which_o he_o call_v a_o enormous_a and_o monstrous_a principle_n and_o he_o say_v this_o be_v a_o medicine_n worse_o than_o the_o poison_n even_o as_o it_o be_v much_o better_a to_o have_v a_o rational_a soul_n though_o subject_a to_o mistake_v than_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o brute_n which_o may_v be_v manage_v as_o you_o will_v with_o a_o strong_a bit_n and_o bridle_n to_o make_v it_o plain_a that_o he_o make_v little_a or_o nothing_o of_o the_o sin_n of_o separation_n we_o must_v attend_v to_o the_o argument_n he_o be_v to_o answer_v which_o be_v that_o if_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o separate_a on_o a_o pretence_n of_o great_a purity_n where_o there_o be_v a_o agreement_n in_o doctrine_n and_o the_o substantial_a part_n of_o worship_n as_o be_v agree_v in_o our_o case_n than_o a_o bare_a difference_n of_o opinion_n as_o to_o some_o circumstance_n of_o worship_n and_o the_o best_a constitution_n of_o church_n will_v be_v sufficient_a ground_n to_o break_v communion_n and_o to_o set_v up_o new_a church_n which_o consider_v the_o great_a variety_n of_o man_n fancy_n about_o these_o matter_n be_v to_o make_v a_o infinite_a divisibility_n in_o church_n without_o any_o possible_a stop_n to_o far_a separation_n where_o we_o see_v plain_o the_o inconvenience_n urge_v be_v endless_a separation_n do_v he_o set_v any_o kind_n of_o bound_n to_o it_o no_o but_o only_o talk_v of_o inconsiderable_a and_o petty_a inconvenience_n and_o some_o little_a trouble_n that_o may_v arise_v to_o a_o church_n from_o the_o levity_n and_o volubility_n of_o man_n mind_n i._n e._n let_v man_n separate_a as_o long_o as_o they_o will_v â—his_fw-la be_v the_o worst_a of_o it_o and_o he_o must_v grant_v that_o though_o separation_n be_v endless_a there_o be_v no_o harm_n in_o it_o but_o he_o that_o can_v find_v out_o a_o medium_n between_o circumstance_n of_o worship_n and_o substantial_o can_v find_v out_o none_o between_o endless_a separation_n and_o the_o enslave_v man_n judgement_n and_o conscience_n for_o he_o suppose_v one_o of_o the_o two_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v which_o be_v plain_o give_v up_o the_o cause_n to_o the_o papist_n for_o this_o be_v their_o argument_n either_o we_o must_v give_v up_o our_o judgement_n and_o conscience_n to_o the_o conduct_n of_o our_o guide_n or_o there_o will_v be_v endless_a separation_n he_o grant_v the_o consequence_n and_o cry_n what_o then_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o levity_n and_o volubility_n of_o man_n mind_n and_o this_o be_v much_o rather_o to_o be_v choose_v than_o the_o other_o but_o any_o sound_a protestant_n that_o understand_v the_o state_n of_o the_o controversy_n between_o we_o and_o they_o as_o this_o author_n apparent_o do_v not_o will_v present_o deny_v the_o consequence_n because_o a_o prudent_a and_o due_a submission_n in_o lawful_a thing_n lie_v between_o tyranny_n over_o man_n conscience_n and_o endless_a separation_n but_o he_o know_v no_o medium_fw-la between_o be_v tie_v neck_n and_o heel_n together_o and_o leap_v over_o hedge_n and_o ditch_n be_v keep_v within_o no_o bound_n and_o what_o ignorance_n or_o malice_n be_v it_o to_o suppose_v that_o our_o church_n bring_v in_o that_o enormous_a and_o monstrous_a principle_n of_o enslave_v man_n judgement_n and_o conscience_n force_v they_o to_o surrender_v their_o reason_n to_o naked_a will_n and_o pleasure_n and_o if_o he_o do_v not_o suppose_v it_o his_o discourse_n be_v frivolous_a and_o impertinent_a for_o a_o due_a submission_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o establish_a church_n without_o any_o force_n on_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n as_o to_o the_o infallibility_n of_o guide_n or_o necessity_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o will_v put_v a_o sufficient_a stop_n to_o separation_n which_o must_v be_v endless_a on_o my_o adversary_n supposition_n sect._n 28._o 5._o last_o i_o argue_v against_o this_o separation_n from_o the_o obligation_n which_o lie_v upon_o all_o christian_n to_o preserve_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o now_o i_o have_v bring_v the_o matter_n home_o to_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n who_o it_o may_v be_v will_v little_o regard_v other_o inconvenience_n if_o the_o practice_n of_o separation_n do_v not_o appear_v to_o be_v unlawful_a from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o i_o now_o undertake_v to_o prove_v upon_o these_o supposition_n 1._o that_o all_o christian_n be_v under_o the_o strict_a obligation_n to_o preserve_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n for_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o suppose_v that_o any_o duty_n shall_v be_v bind_v upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n with_o plain_a precept_n and_o strong_a argument_n than_o this_o be_v the_o place_n be_v so_o many_o that_o it_o be_v endless_a to_o repeat_v they_o and_o therefore_o needless_a because_o this_o be_v agree_v on_o all_o hand_n so_o that_o violation_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n where_o there_o be_v no_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o justify_v it_o be_v a_o sin_n as_o much_o as_o murder_n be_v and_o as_o plain_o forbid_v but_o it_o happen_v here_o as_o it_o do_v in_o the_o other_o case_n that_o as_o murder_n be_v always_o a_o sin_n but_o there_o may_v be_v some_o circumstance_n which_o may_v make_v the_o take_v away_o a_o man_n life_n not_o to_o be_v murder_n so_o it_o may_v happen_v that_o though_o schism_n be_v always_o a_o sin_n yet_o there_o may_v be_v such_o circumstance_n which_o may_v make_v a_o separation_n not_o to_o be_v a_o schism_n but_o then_o they_o must_v be_v such_o reason_n as_o be_v not_o fetch_v from_o our_o fancy_n no_o more_o than_o in_o the_o case_n of_o murder_n but_o such_o as_o be_v allow_v by_o god_n himself_o in_o his_o law_n for_o he_o only_o that_o make_v the_o law_n can_v except_v from_o it_o 2._o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n do_v not_o lie_v in_o a_o bare_a communion_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n but_o in_o a_o joynt-participation_n of_o the_o ordinance_n appoint_v by_o christ_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o his_o church_n for_o although_o the_o former_a be_v a_o duty_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o take_v in_o the_o whole_a duty_n of_o a_o christian_a which_o be_v to_o join_v together_o as_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v command_v to_o assemble_v together_o and_o upon_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o a_o christian_a church_n it_o be_v say_v the_o disciple_n continue_v in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n 25._o and_o in_o break_v of_o bread_n 42._o and_o in_o prayer_n and_o the_o apostle_n set_v forth_o christian_n as_o make_v one_o body_n by_o communion_n in_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ._n 17._o we_o be_v many_o be_v one_o bread_n and_o one_o body_n for_o we_o be_v
all_o partaker_n of_o that_o one_o bread_n 13._o and_o by_o one_o spirit_n we_o be_v all_o baptise_a into_o one_o body_n whether_o we_o be_v jew_n or_o gentile_n bond_n or_o free_a and_o have_v be_v all_o make_v to_o drink_v into_o one_o spirit_n the_o unity_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n 5._o st._n paul_n say_v be_v to_o be_v preserve_v by_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n and_o that_o unity_n suppose_v one_o body_n and_o one_o spirit_n and_o the_o member_n of_o that_o body_n as_o they_o be_v unite_v to_o one_o head_n who_o he_o call_v one_o lord_n so_o they_o be_v join_v together_o by_o one_o faith_n and_o one_o baptism_n therefore_o as_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n be_v found_v upon_o some_o external_n bond_n as_o well_o as_o internal_a that_o be_v one_o faith_n and_o one_o baptism_n as_o well_o as_o one_o lord_n and_o one_o spirit_n so_o the_o manifestation_n of_o this_o unity_n ought_v to_o be_v by_o external_n act_n for_o how_o can_v this_o unity_n be_v discover_v by_o act_n mere_o internal_a and_o spiritual_a as_o inward_a love_n to_o the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n be_v present_a in_o spirit_n &_o c_o therefore_o the_o obligation_n to_o preserve_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n do_v imply_v a_o join_n together_o with_o the_o other_o member_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o common_a and_o public_a act_n of_o religion_n 3._o nothing_o can_v discharge_v a_o christian_a from_o this_o obligation_n to_o communion_n with_o his_o fellow-member_n but_o what_o be_v allow_v by_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n as_o a_o sufficient_a reason_n for_o it_o because_o this_o be_v a_o new_a society_n of_o christ_n own_o institution_n and_o the_o obligation_n to_o communion_n be_v so_o strict_o enjoin_v we_o be_v to_o suppose_v it_o still_o to_o hold_v where_o some_o plain_a declaration_n of_o his_o will_n to_o the_o contrary_n do_v not_o appear_v although_o god_n have_v with_o great_a severity_n forbid_v kill_v yet_o when_o himself_n appoint_v particular_o case_n wherein_o man_n life_n be_v to_o be_v take_v away_o we_o be_v thereby_o assure_v that_o in_o these_o case_n it_o be_v not_o that_o kill_v which_o be_v forbid_v so_o in_o the_o present_a case_n if_o it_o appear_v that_o although_o separation_n from_o the_o communion_n of_o christian_n be_v a_o thing_n condemn_v yet_o if_o the_o same_o authority_n do_v allow_v particular_a exemption_n we_o be_v certain_a in_o those_o case_n such_o separation_n be_v no_o sin_n but_o then_o as_o in_o the_o former_a case_n no_o man_n be_v exempt_v from_o the_o guilt_n of_o shed_v blood_n who_o upon_o his_o own_o fancy_n take_v upon_o he_o to_o execute_v justice_n so_o here_o no_o man_n imagination_n that_o he_o do_v separate_v for_o a_o good_a end_n will_v justify_v his_o separation_n for_o the_o guilt_n of_o the_o sin_n remain_v as_o great_a in_o itself_o and_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o other_o sin_n more_o aggravate_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n than_o this_o it_o be_v so_o direct_o contrary_a to_o that_o unity_n of_o his_o church_n which_o our_o saviour_n pray_v for_o 21._o and_o his_o apostle_n with_o so_o much_o earnestness_n recommend_v to_o all_o christian_n and_o use_v so_o many_o argument_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o persevere_v from_o hence_o irenaeus_n say_v that_o christ_n will_v come_v to_o judge_v those_o who_o make_v schism_n in_o the_o church_n 62._o and_o rather_o regard_v their_o own_o advantage_n than_o the_o church_n unity_n who_o for_o slight_a cause_n or_o for_o any_o make_v nothing_o of_o cut_v asunder_o the_o great_a and_o glorious_a body_n of_o christ_n and_o do_v what_o in_o they_o lie_v to_o destroy_v it_o they_o speak_v for_o peace_n say_v he_o but_o they_o mean_v war_n they_o strain_v at_o a_o gnat_n and_o swallow_v camel_n the_o benefit_n they_o hope_v to_o bring_v to_o the_o church_n can_v make_v amends_o for_o the_o mischief_n of_o their_o schism_n â—22_n nothing_o provoke_v god_n more_o say_v st._n chrysostom_n than_o to_o divide_v his_o church_n nay_o say_v he_o the_o blood_n of_o mortyrdom_n will_v not_o wash_v off_o the_o guilt_n of_o it_o the_o mischief_n the_o church_n receive_v by_o it_o be_v great_a than_o it_o receive_v from_o open_a enemy_n for_o the_o one_o make_v it_o more_o glorious_a the_o other_o expose_v it_o to_o shame_n among_o its_o enemy_n when_o it_o be_v set_v upon_o by_o its_o own_o child_n this_o say_v he_o i_o speak_v to_o those_o who_o make_v no_o great_a matter_n of_o schism_n and_o indifferent_o go_v to_o the_o meeting_n of_o those_o who_o divide_v the_o church_n if_o their_o doctrine_n be_v contrary_a to_o we_o for_o that_o reason_n they_o ought_v to_o abstain_v if_o not_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d they_o ought_v to_o do_v it_o so_o much_o the_o rather_o do_v no_o you_o know_v what_o corah_n dathan_n and_o abiram_n suffer_v and_o not_o they_o only_a but_o those_o that_o be_v with_o they_o but_o you_o say_v they_o have_v the_o same_o faith_n and_o they_o be_v very_a orthodox_n why_o then_o say_v he_o do_v they_o separate_a one_o loâ—d_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n if_o they_o do_v well_o we_o do_v ill_a if_o we_o do_v well_o they_o do_v ill_a if_o they_o have_v the_o same_o doctrine_n the_o same_o sacrament_n for_o what_o cause_n do_v they_o set_v up_o another_o church_n in_o opposition_n to_o we_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o vain_a glory_n ambition_n and_o deceit_n take_v away_o the_o people_n from_o they_o and_o you_o cut_v off_o the_o disease_n and_o after_o much_o more_o to_o that_o purpose_n i_o speak_v these_o thing_n say_v he_o that_o no_o man_n may_v say_v he_o do_v not_o know_v it_o to_o be_v such_o a_o sin_n i_o tell_v you_o and_o testify_v this_o to_o you_o that_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n or_o divide_v of_o it_o be_v no_o less_o a_o sin_n than_o fall_v into_o heresy_n if_o the_o sin_n then_o be_v so_o great_a and_o dangerous_a man_n ought_v to_o examine_v with_o great_a care_n what_o case_n those_o be_v wherein_o separation_n may_v be_v make_v without_o sin_n and_o i_o do_v earnest_o desire_v our_o brethren_n as_o they_o love_v their_o own_o soul_n and_o will_v avoid_v the_o gild_n of_o so_o great_a a_o sin_n impartial_o and_o without_o prejudice_n to_o consider_v this_o passage_n of_o irenaeus_n and_o how_o parallel_v it_o be_v with_o their_o own_o case_n who_o separate_a from_o we_o and_o set_v up_o other_o church_n in_o opposition_n to_o we_o which_o yet_o they_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v very_a orthodox_n and_o to_o agree_v with_o they_o in_o the_o same_o doctrine_n and_o the_o same_o sacrament_n 4._o there_o be_v three_o case_n wherein_o the_o scripture_n allow_v of_o separation_n first_o in_o the_o case_n of_o idolatrous_a worship_n for_o the_o precept_n be_v as_o plain_v that_o christian_n shall_v abstain_v from_o idolatry_n as_o that_o they_o shall_v preserve_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n neither_o be_v you_o idolater_n flee_v from_o idolatry_n 14._o keep_v yourselves_o from_o idol_n thou_o shall_v love_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n and_o he_o only_o shall_v thou_o serve_v 5._o and_o to_o the_o case_n of_o idolater_n st._n paul_n apply_v the_o word_n speak_v of_o old_a to_o the_o babylonian_n 19_o come_v out_o from_o among_o they_o 17._o and_o be_v separate_a and_o touch_v not_o the_o unclean_a thing_n now_o in_o this_o case_n where_o there_o be_v so_o plain_a a_o command_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o separation_n if_o man_n can_v join_v with_o a_o church_n in_o their_o religious_a worship_n without_o do_v that_o which_o god_n have_v so_o strict_o forbid_v second_o in_o case_n of_o false_a doctrine_n be_v impose_v in_o stead_n of_o true_a 17._o for_o although_o in_o other_o thing_n great_a submission_n be_v require_v to_o the_o guide_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n 13._o yet_o if_o any_o teacher_n offer_v to_o bring_v another_o gospel_n or_o to_o corrupt_v the_o true_a one_o st._n paul_n denounce_v a_o anathema_n against_o they_o 8._o and_o that_o imply_v that_o they_o shall_v have_v no_o communion_n with_o they_o but_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o person_n cut_v off_o from_o the_o body_n like_o putrid_a member_n lest_o they_o shall_v corrupt_v the_o rest_n st._n paul_n command_v titus_n 10._o when_o there_o be_v no_o hope_n of_o reclaim_v such_o to_o exclude_v they_o from_o the_o society_n of_o christian_n st._n john_n forbid_v all_o familiar_a conversation_n with_o such_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v commend_v for_o hate_v the_o nicolaitan_n 10._o and_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n reprove_v for_o tolerate_v their_o doctrine_n 15._o three_o in_o case_n man_n make_v thing_n indifferent_a necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o divide_v the_o church_n upon_o that_o account_n and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o false_a apostle_n 2._o who_o urge_v the_o
14._o 22._o which_o be_v again_o a_o argument_n on_o our_o side_n for_o if_o we_o compare_v act._n 14._o 22._o with_o titus_n 1._o 5._o we_o shall_v find_v that_o ordain_v elder_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d have_v the_o same_o importance_n with_o ordain_v they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d so_o that_o by_o the_o church_n be_v understand_v the_o body_n of_o christian_n inhabit_v in_o one_o city_n as_o the_o '_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d at_o athens_n be_v the_o whole_a corporation_n here_o and_o particular_a congregation_n be_v but_o like_o the_o several_a company_n all_o which_o together_o make_v up_o but_o one_o city_n sect._n 6._o 3._o dr._n o._n say_v that_o the_o christian_n of_o one_o city_n may_v not_o exceed_v the_o bound_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n or_o congregation_n although_o they_o have_v a_o multiplication_n of_o bishop_n or_o elder_n in_o they_o and_o occasional_a distinct_a assembly_n for_o some_o act_n of_o divine_a worship_n then_o say_v i_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o church_n be_v not_o limit_v in_o scripture_n to_o a_o single_a congregation_n for_o if_o occasional_a assembly_n be_v allow_v for_o some_o act_n of_o worship_n why_o not_o for_o other_o if_o the_o number_n of_o elder_n be_v unlimited_a than_o every_o one_o of_o these_o may_v attend_v the_o occasional_a distinct_a assembly_n for_o worship_n and_o yet_o all_o together_o make_v up_o the_o body_n of_o one_o church_n to_o which_o if_o he_o have_v but_o allow_v a_o single_a bishop_n over_o these_o he_o have_v make_v up_o that_o representation_n of_o a_o church_n which_o we_o have_v from_o the_o best_a and_o pure_a antiquity_n 3._o and_o so_o origen_n compare_v the_o church_n of_o athens_n corinth_n and_o alexandria_n with_o the_o corporation_n in_o those_o city_n the_o number_n of_o presbyter_n with_o the_o senate_n of_o the_o city_n and_o at_o last_o the_o bishop_n with_o the_o magistrate_n but_o dr._n o._n add_v that_o when_o they_o do_v begin_v to_o exceed_v in_o number_n beyond_o a_o just_a proportion_n for_o edification_n they_o do_v immediate_o erect_v other_o church_n among_o they_o or_o near_o they_o name_v any_o one_o new_a church_n erect_v in_o the_o same_o city_n and_o i_o yield_v and_o what_o need_v a_o new_a church_n when_o himself_o allow_v occasional_a distinct_a assembly_n for_o great_a edification_n but_o he_o name_v the_o church_n at_o cenchrea_n which_o be_v a_o port_n to_o the_o city_n of_o corinth_n because_o of_o the_o mighty_a increase_n of_o believer_n at_o corinth_n act._n 18._o 10._o with_o rom._n 16._o 1._o i_o answer_v 1._o it_o seem_v then_o there_o be_v such_o a_o increase_n at_o corinth_n as_o make_v they_o plant_v a_o distinct_a church_n and_o yet_o at_o ephesus_n where_o saint_n paul_n use_v extraordinary_a diligence_n and_o have_v great_a success_n there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o new_a and_o distinct_a church_n and_o at_o corinth_n he_o stay_v but_o a_o year_n and_o six_o month_n 11._o but_o at_o ephesus_n three_o year_n 31._o as_o the_o time_n be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o acts._n do_v not_o this_o look_n very_o improbable_o 2._o stephanus_n byzant_n reckon_v cenchrea_n as_o a_o city_n distinct_a from_o corinth_n 8._o and_o so_o do_v strabo_n who_o place_v it_o in_o the_o way_n from_o tegea_n to_o argos_n through_o the_o parthenian_a mountain_n and_o it_o be_v several_a time_n mention_v by_o thucydides_n as_o distinct_a from_o corinth_n 8._o and_o so_o it_o be_v most_o likely_a be_v a_o church_n original_o plant_v there_o and_o not_o form_v from_o the_o too_o great_a fullness_n of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n as_o to_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n 41._o he_o say_v that_o the_o 5000_o convert_v be_v so_o dispose_v of_o or_o so_o disperse_v that_o some_o year_n after_o there_o be_v such_o a_o church_n there_o as_o do_v meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n as_o occasion_n do_v require_v even_o the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o the_o brethren_n nor_o be_v their_o number_n great_a when_o they_o go_v unto_o pella_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v 1._o the_o force_n of_o the_o argument_n lie_v in_o the_o 5000_o be_v say_v to_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n 4._o before_o any_o dispersion_n or_o persecution_n in_o which_o time_n we_o must_v suppose_v a_o true_a church_n to_o be_v form_v and_o the_o christian_n at_o that_o time_n perform_v the_o act_n of_o church-communion_n the_o question_n than_o be_v whether_o it_o be_v in_o the_o least_o probable_a that_o 5000_o person_n shall_v at_o that_o time_n make_v one_o state_v and_o fix_v congregation_n for_o divine_a worship_n and_o all_o the_o act_n of_o church-communion_n what_o place_n be_v there_o large_a enough_o to_o receive_v they_o when_o they_o meet_v for_o prayer_n and_o sacrament_n dr._n o._n be_v sensible_a of_o this_o inconvenience_n and_o therefore_o only_o speak_v of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n when_o these_o be_v disperse_v but_o my_o question_n be_v about_o they_o while_o they_o be_v together_o be_v they_o not_o a_o church_n then_o do_v they_o not_o continue_v in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n and_o break_n of_o bread_n and_o prayer_n but_o how_o can_v 5000_o then_o do_v all_o this_o together_o therefore_o a_o church_n according_a to_o its_o first_o institution_n be_v not_o limit_v to_o a_o single_a congregation_n 2._o a_o church_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n may_v upon_o extraordinary_a occasion_n assemble_v together_o as_o the_o several_a company_n in_o a_o common-hall_n for_o matter_n of_o general_a concernment_n which_o yet_o manage_v their_o particular_a interest_n apart_o so_o for_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o christian_a communion_n particular_a congregation_n may_v meet_v by_o themselves_o but_o when_o any_o thing_n happen_v of_o great_a concernment_n they_o may_v occasional_o assemble_v together_o â—_o as_o in_o the_o two_o debate_n mention_v act._n 15._o 4._o and_o 21._o 22._o so_o the_o several_a tribe_n in_o athens_n do_v 5._o at_o their_o general_a assembly_n which_o strabo_n and_o eustathius_n say_v be_v 174._o 3._o there_o be_v no_o number_n mention_v of_o the_o christian_n that_o go_v to_o pella_n 29._o neither_o by_o eusebius_n nor_o epiphanius_n who_o relate_v the_o story_n so_o that_o nothing_o can_v thence_o be_v conclude_v but_o if_o the_o force_n lie_v in_o his_o calling_n pella_n a_o village_n i_o be_o sure_a eusebius_n call_v it_o a_o city_n of_o peraea_n beyond_o jordan_n and_o epiphanius_n add_v that_o they_o spread_v themselves_o from_o thence_o to_o coelesyria_n and_o decapolis_n and_o basanitis_fw-la so_o that_o all_o this_o put_v together_o make_v no_o proof_n at_o all_o that_o the_o christian_a church_n by_o their_o first_o institution_n be_v limit_v to_o single_a congregation_n sect._n 7._o 4._o he_o answer_v that_o he_o can_v discern_v the_o least_o necessity_n of_o any_o positive_a rule_n or_o direction_n in_o this_o matter_n 42._o since_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o man_n do_v indispensable_o require_v it_o but_o be_v it_o not_o dr._n o._n that_o say_v that_o the_o institution_n of_o church_n and_o the_o rule_n for_o their_o disposal_n and_o government_n throughout_o the_o world_n 59_o be_v the_o same_o stable_a and_o unalterable_a be_v all_o these_o rule_n now_o come_v to_o nothing_o but_o what_o follow_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v it_o not_o dr._n o._n that_o say_v that_o no_o religious_a union_n or_o order_n among_o christian_n be_v of_o spiritual_a use_n and_o advantage_n to_o they_o 65._o but_o what_o be_v appoint_v and_o design_v for_o they_o by_o jesus_n christ_n do_v not_o this_o overthrow_n any_o other_o order_n or_o union_n among_o christian_n but_o what_o christ_n have_v institute_v and_o appoint_v for_o they_o the_o question_n be_v not_o about_o such_o a_o constitution_n of_o church_n as_o be_v necessary_a for_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o religious_a worship_n for_o all_o party_n be_v agree_v therein_o but_o whether_o 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against_o the_o teacher_n of_o the_o circumcision_n verse_n 2._o beware_v of_o dog_n beware_v of_o evil_a worker_n beware_v of_o the_o concision_n but_o speak_v so_o reproachful_o of_o they_o he_o show_v in_o the_o next_o word_n that_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v excellent_a in_o the_o design_n of_o the_o law_n be_v accomplish_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o so_o he_o proceed_v to_o declare_v how_o just_o he_o be_v bring_v to_o a_o disesteem_a of_o the_o great_a privilege_n of_o the_o law_n in_o comparison_n with_o the_o thing_n reveal_v by_o the_o gospel_n which_o show_v that_o the_o apostle_n have_v still_o a_o eye_n to_o these_o false_a teacher_n who_o be_v very_o busy_a in_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o draw_v disciple_n after_o they_o plead_v the_o necessity_n of_o observe_v the_o law_n and_o divide_v the_o christian_n into_o different_a communion_n on_o that_o account_n as_o appear_v by_o their_o proceed_n at_o antioch_n where_o they_o do_v separate_v 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law_n there_o be_v many_o and_o plausible_a argument_n on_o their_o side_n well_o say_v the_o apostle_n if_o they_o be_v doubtful_a i_o advise_v they_o however_o not_o to_o hearken_v to_o these_o false_a teacher_n for_o they_o make_v nothing_o but_o faction_n and_o division_n among_o you_o wait_v patient_o upon_o god_n which_o be_v the_o best_a mean_n for_o your_o satisfaction_n if_o any_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v god_n shall_v reveal_v even_o this_o unto_o you_o i._n e._n say_v beza_n in_o his_o paraphrase_n if_o any_o yet_o doubt_v of_o the_o lay_v aside_o of_o the_o law_n let_v they_o make_v no_o disturbance_n in_o the_o church_n about_o it_o and_o so_o erasmus_n say_v it_o ought_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o judaize_v christian_n who_o do_v not_o yet_o discern_v that_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n be_v to_o be_v abolish_v however_o say_v he_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o break_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n for_o it_o but_o what_o sense_n can_v dr._n o._n here_o put_v upon_o 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they_o have_v concern_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o thing_n behind_o viz._n the_o force_n and_o obligation_n of_o the_o law_n and_o since_o this_o difference_n do_v not_o rest_v bare_o in_o opinion_n but_o be_v carry_v on_o so_o far_o as_o to_o break_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n about_o it_o it_o appear_v to_o have_v be_v no_o bare_a difference_n of_o opinion_n but_o such_o as_o relate_v to_o the_o peace_n and_o communion_n of_o christian_n second_o whether_o the_o rule_n which_o the_o apostle_n lay_v down_o be_v only_o a_o rule_n of_o mutual_a forbearance_n nevertheless_o whereto_o we_o have_v already_o attain_v let_v we_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n let_v we_o mind_n the_o same_o thing_n the_o sense_n according_a to_o dr._n o._n be_v this_o that_o those_o who_o be_v agree_v in_o the_o stubstantials_n of_o religion_n shall_v go_v on_o and_o do_v their_o duty_n without_o regard_v lesser_a difference_n which_o be_v a_o sense_n very_o uncertain_a and_o do_v not_o reach_v to_o the_o difference_n then_o among_o they_o it_o be_v very_o uncertain_a because_o it_o set_v no_o bound_n to_o difference_n and_o suppose_v the_o continuance_n of_o such_o difference_n among_o they_o which_o he_o design_v to_o prevent_v by_o persuade_v they_o so_o often_o in_o this_o epistle_n to_o be_v of_o one_o mind_n 2._o of_o one_o soul_n as_o well_o as_o to_o mind_v the_o same_o thing_n beside_o the_o difference_n then_o on_o foot_n be_v none_o of_o the_o small_a difference_n of_o opinion_n but_o that_o about_o which_o they_o differ_v be_v urge_v on_o one_o side_n as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n 1._o by_o the_o false_a apostle_n and_o oppose_v on_o the_o other_o as_o pernicious_a and_o destructive_a to_o it_o one_o of_o my_o answerer_n say_v 16._o that_o the_o judaize_v christian_n be_v leaven_v with_o such_o a_o corrupt_a opinion_n as_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v bear_v with_o which_o will_v have_v madè_fw-la christ_n and_o his_o death_n in_o vain_a and_o that_o the_o apostle_n set_v himself_o against_o it_o may_v and_o main_n show_v the_o dreadful_a consequence_n of_o it_o and_o be_v it_o probable_a the_o apostle_n shall_v prescribe_v a_o rule_n of_o mutual_a forbearance_n 2._o in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o this_o especial_o when_o in_o the_o same_o chapter_n he_o give_v so_o great_a a_o caution_n against_o they_o with_o so_o much_o unusual_a sharpness_n of_o expression_n beware_v of_o dog_n beware_v of_o evil_a worker_n beware_v of_o the_o concision_n do_v this_o look_n like_o a_o precept_n of_o mutual_a forbearance_n as_o to_o the_o difference_n then_o among_o they_o these_o we_o know_v there_o be_v let_v dr._n o_o name_n any_o other_o small_a difference_n of_o opinion_n which_o may_v be_v a_o occasion_n of_o the_o apostle_n give_v such_o a_o rule_n of_o mutual_a forbearance_n but_o now_o if_o we_o suppose_v the_o apostle_n to_o speak_v to_o the_o difference_n about_o the_o law_n about_o which_o the_o church_n be_v then_o divide_v the_o sense_n be_v plain_a easy_a and_o pertinent_a for_o so_o either_o 1_o it_o take_v in_o those_o who_o hitherto_o differ_v about_o the_o law_n and_o then_o the_o sense_n be_v although_o you_o be_v not_o come_v up_o to_o so_o great_a satisfaction_n as_o other_o have_v yet_o go_v as_o far_o as_o you_o can_v with_o the_o body_n of_o christian_n you_o live_v with_o keep_v within_o one_o rule_n break_v not_o the_o bound_n of_o peace_n and_o unity_n which_o christ_n have_v set_v you_o run_v not_o with_o the_o false_a teacher_n into_o separate_v divide_v course_n 2._o it_o be_v direct_v to_o those_o who_o have_v get_v the_o start_n of_o other_o and_o then_o it_o contain_v the_o obligation_n that_o lie_v upon_o they_o especial_o so_o have_v a_o mighty_a regard_n to_o the_o peacâ—_n and_o unity_n of_o christian_n not_o to_o break_v the_o
than_o mutual_a forbearance_n towards_o each_o other_o let_v now_o any_o rational_a man_n judge_n whether_o it_o appear_v probable_a that_o so_o loose_a and_o shatter_v a_o government_n as_o this_o be_v shall_v answer_v the_o obligation_n among_o christian_n to_o use_v the_o best_a and_o most_o effectual_a mean_n to_o preserve_v the_o faith_n once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n and_o to_o uphold_v peace_n and_o unity_n among_o christian_n but_o suppose_v all_o these_o several_a congregation_n unite_v together_o under_o such_o common_a bond_n that_o the_o preacher_n be_v accountable_a to_o superior_n that_o none_o be_v admit_v but_o such_o as_o own_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o promise_v obedience_n that_o public_a legal_a censure_n take_v hold_v upon_o the_o disturber_n of_o the_o church_n peace_n here_o we_o have_v a_o far_o more_o effectual_a mean_n according_a to_o reason_n for_o uphold_v true_a religion_n among_o we_o and_o that_o this_o be_v no_o mere_a theory_n appear_v by_o the_o 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he_o think_v it_o unlawful_a to_o join_v with_o unregenerate_a man_n in_o prayer_n or_o take_v a_o oath_n and_o that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o unlimited_a toleration_n of_o opinion_n etc._n etc._n these_o doctrine_n and_o some_o other_o of_o his_o not_o take_v he_o proceed_v to_o separation_n from_o they_o and_o gather_v a_o new_a church_n in_o opposition_n to_o they_o this_o give_v such_o a_o disturbance_n to_o they_o that_o the_o magistrate_n send_v for_o he_o and_o the_o minister_n reason_v the_o case_n with_o he_o he_o tell_v they_o he_o go_v upon_o their_o own_o ground_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o blame_v he_o mr._n cotton_n tell_v he_o they_o deserve_v to_o be_v punish_v who_o make_v separation_n among_o they_o mr._n williams_n reply_v this_o will_v return_v upon_o themselves_o for_o have_v not_o they_o do_v the_o same_o as_o to_o the_o church_n of_o old-england_n in_o short_a 57_o after_o their_o debate_n and_o mr._n william_n continue_v in_o his_o principle_n of_o separation_n from_o their_o church_n a_o sentence_n of_o banishment_n be_v decree_v against_o he_o by_o the_o magistrate_n and_o this_o sentence_n approve_v and_o justify_v by_o their_o church_n for_o these_o be_v mr._n cotton_n word_n that_o the_o increase_n of_o concourse_n of_o people_n to_o he_o on_o the_o lord_n day_n in_o private_a to_o a_o neglect_n or_o desert_v of_o public_a ordinance_n and_o to_o the_o spread_a of_o the_o leaven_n of_o his_o corrupt_a imagination_n provoke_v the_o magistrate_n rather_o than_o to_o breed_v a_o winter_n spiritual_a plague_n in_o the_o country_n to_o put_v upon_o he_o a_o winter_n journey_n out_o of_o the_o country_n this_o mr._n williams_n tell_v they_o be_v fall_v into_o the_o national_a church_n way_n which_o they_o disown_v or_o else_o say_v he_o why_o must_v he_o that_o be_v banish_v from_o the_o one_o be_v banish_v from_o the_o other_o also_o and_o he_o charge_v they_o that_o they_o have_v suppress_v church_n set_v up_o after_o the_o parochial_a way_n 46._o and_o although_o the_o person_n be_v otherwise_o allow_v to_o be_v godly_a to_o live_v in_o the_o same_o air_n with_o they_o if_o they_o set_v up_o any_o other_o church_n or_o worship_n than_o what_o themselves_o practise_v which_o appear_v by_o the_o law_n of_o new_a england_n mention_v before_o and_o mr._n cobbet_n one_o of_o the_o teacher_n of_o their_o church_n confess_v that_o by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o country_n 47._o none_o be_v to_o be_v free_a man_n but_o such_o as_o be_v member_n of_o church_n i_o now_o appeal_v to_o any_o man_n whether_o these_o proceed_n and_o these_o law_n do_v not_o manifest_o discover_v the_o apparent_a weakness_n and_o insufficiency_n of_o the_o congregational_a way_n for_o prevent_v those_o disorder_n which_o they_o apprehend_v to_o be_v destructive_a to_o their_o church_n why_o have_v not_o mr._n william_n his_o liberty_n of_o separation_n as_o well_o as_o they_o why_o be_v no_o anabaptist_n or_o quaker_n permit_v among_o they_o because_o these_o way_n will_v disturb_v their_o peace_n and_o distract_v their_o people_n and_o in_o time_n overthrow_v their_o church_n very_o well_o but_o where_o be_v the_o entireness_n of_o the_o power_n of_o every_o single_a congregation_n the_o mean_a while_n why_o may_v not_o the_o people_n at_o salem_n have_v the_o same_o liberty_n as_o those_o at_o boston_n or_o plymouth_n the_o plain_a truth_n be_v they_o find_v by_o experience_n this_o congregational_a way_n will_v not_o do_v alone_o without_o civil_a sanction_n and_o the_o interpose_v of_o the_o pastor_n of_o other_o church_n for_o when_o williams_n and_o gorton_n and_o clark_n have_v begin_v to_o make_v some_o impression_n on_o their_o people_n they_o bestir_v themselves_o as_o much_o as_o possible_a to_o have_v their_o mouth_n stop_v and_o their_o person_n banish_v this_o i_o do_v only_o mention_v to_o show_v that_o where_o this_o way_n have_v prevail_v most_o they_o have_v find_v it_o very_o insufficient_a to_o carry_v on_o those_o end_n which_o themselves_o judge_v necessary_a for_o the_o preservation_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o of_o peace_n and_o unity_n among_o themselves_o and_o in_o their_o synod_n at_o boston_n 1662._o the_o new-england_n church_n be_v come_v to_o apprehend_v the_o necessity_n of_o conâ—eciation_n of_o church_n in_o case_n of_o division_n and_o contention_n and_o for_o the_o rectify_v of_o male-administrations_a and_o heal_v of_o error_n and_o scandal_n 1â—2_n that_o be_v unhealed_a among_o themselves_o for_o christ_n care_n say_v they_o be_v for_o whole_a church_n as_o well_o as_o for_o particular_a person_n of_o which_o consociation_n they_o tell_v we_o that_o mr._n cotton_n draw_v a_o platform_n before_o his_o death_n be_v such_o a_o consociation_n of_o church_n a_o duty_n or_o not_o in_o such_o case_n if_o not_o why_o do_v they_o do_v any_o thing_n relate_v to_o church_n government_n for_o which_o they_o have_v no_o command_n in_o scripture_n if_o there_o be_v a_o command_n in_o scripture_n than_o there_o be_v a_o institution_n of_o a_o power_n above_o congregational_a church_n it_o be_v but_o a_o slender_a evasion_n which_o they_o use_v when_o they_o call_v these_o only_a voluntary_a combination_n for_o what_o be_v all_o church_n else_o only_o the_o antecedent_n obligation_n on_o man_n to_o join_v for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n make_v enter_v into_o other_o church_n a_o duty_n and_o so_o the_o obligation_n lie_v upon_o church-officer_n to_o use_v the_o best_a mean_n to_o prevent_v or_o heal_v division_n will_v make_v such_o consociation_n a_o duty_n too_o and_o therefore_o in_o such_o case_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n require_v a_o union_n and_o conjunction_n superior_a to_o that_o of_o congregational_a church_n which_o be_v then_o most_o agreeable_a to_o scripture_n and_o antiquity_n when_o the_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n join_v together_o who_o agree_v together_o upon_o article_n of_o doctrine_n and_o rule_n of_o worship_n and_o discipline_n be_v the_o national_a church_n representative_a and_o these_o be_v own_a and_o establish_v by_o the_o civil_a power_n and_o receive_v by_o the_o body_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o all_o person_n oblige_v to_o observe_v the_o same_o in_o the_o several_a congregation_n for_o worship_n these_o congregation_n so_o unite_v in_o these_o common_a bond_n of_o religion_n make_v up_o the_o complete_a national_a church_n sect._n 20._o and_o now_o i_o hope_v i_o may_v have_v leave_n to_o consider_v mr._n baxter_n subtlety_n about_o this_o matter_n which_o be_v spread_v abroad_o in_o abundance_n of_o word_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n i_o shall_v reduce_v to_o these_o follow_a head_n wherein_o the_o main_a difficulty_n lie_v 1._o concern_v the_o difference_n between_o a_o national_a church_n and_o a_o christian_a kingdom_n 2._o concern_v the_o govern_n power_n of_o this_o national_a church_n which_o he_o call_v the_o constitutive_a regent_n part_n 3._o