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christian_n christian_a church_n union_n 2,115 5 10.0071 5 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A61632 The unreasonableness of separation, or, An impartial account of the history, nature, and pleas of the present separation from the communion of the Church of England to which, several late letters are annexed, of eminent Protestant divines abroad, concerning the nature of our differences, and the way to compose them / by Edward Stillingfleet ... Stillingfleet, Edward, 1635-1699. 1681 (1681) Wing S5675; ESTC R4969 310,391 554

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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 ●ust_z because_o it_o be_v necessary_a beside_o this_o he_o give_v instance_n in_o the_o
will_v destroy_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n if_o not_o the_o very_o be_v of_o any_o parochial_a church_n whatsoever_o 5._o that_o want_n of_o discipline_n which_o be_v in_o parochial_a church_n be_v never_o think_v by_o the_o most_o zealous_a nonconformist_n of_o old_a destructive_a to_o the_o be_v of_o they_o of_o which_o i_o have_v already_o produce_v the_o testimony_n of_o cartwright_n hildersham_n giffard_n and_o many_o other_o sect._n 17._o and_o suppose_v all_o person_n leave_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n as_o to_o their_o own_o fitness_n for_o the_o holy_a communion_n we_o may_v observe_v these_o thing_n which_o may_v serve_v towards_o the_o vindication_n of_o our_o parochial_a church_n 1._o that_o the_o great_a offender_n do_v general_o excommunicate_v themselves_o not_o dare_v to_o venture_v upon_o so_o hazardous_a a_o thing_n as_o they_o account_v the_o holy_a communion_n to_o be_v for_o fear_v of_o the_o damnation_n follow_v unworthy_a receive_v so_o that_o the_o most_o constant_a communicant_n be_v the_o most_o pious_a and_o sober_a and_o devout_a christian_n 2._o that_o if_o any_o such_o do_v voluntary_o come_v it_o be_v upon_o some_o great_a awakening_n of_o conscience_n some_o fresh_a resolution_n they_o have_v make_v of_o amendment_n of_o life_n after_o some_o dangerous_a sickness_n or_o under_o some_o great_a affliction_n when_o they_o be_v best_a incline_v and_o have_v strong_a conviction_n and_o hope_v for_o great_a strength_n of_o grace_n against_o the_o power_n of_o temptation_n so_o that_o whether_o this_o sacrament_n be_v a_o convert_v ordinance_n or_o not_o by_o god_n institution_n yet_o the_o preparation_n and_o disposition_n of_o man_n mind_n before_o it_o put_v they_o into_o the_o fit_a capacity_n for_o divine_a grace_n if_o they_o be_v not_o look_v on_o as_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o 3._o that_o it_o be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o benefit_n of_o this_o holy_a sacrament_n to_o those_o who_o be_v well_o prepare_v if_o those_o who_o be_v not_o do_v come_v to_o it_o any_o more_o than_o in_o join_v in_o prayer_n or_o thanksgiving_n with_o they_o and_o if_o the_o presence_n of_o such_o person_n who_o deserve_v excommunication_n and_o be_v not_o excommunicate_v do_v overthrow_v the_o be_v of_o a_o church_n then_o christ_n and_o his_o disciple_n do_v not_o make_v a_o church_n when_o judas_n be_v present_a with_o they_o as_o in_o probability_n he_o be_v at_o his_o last_o supper_n at_o least_o if_o this_o kind_n of_o discipline_n have_v be_v so_o necessary_a it_o will_v never_o have_v be_v leave_v so_o doubtful_a as_o it_o be_v by_o the_o evangelist_n since_o it_o have_v be_v necessary_a for_o the_o information_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n to_o have_v set_v it_o down_o express_o not_o only_o that_o he_o be_v not_o present_a but_o that_o he_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v and_o therefore_o be_v cast_v out_o before_o 4._o that_o several_a presbyterian_a church_n for_o many_o year_n have_v no_o discipline_n at_o all_o among_o they_o nor_o so_o much_o as_o the_o lord_n supper_n administer_v and_o be_v these_o true_a church_n all_o that_o while_n and_o be_v not_o we_o so_o now_o 243._o nay_o mr._n baxter_n say_v that_o some_o nonconformist_n have_v these_o seventeen_o or_o eighteen_o year_n forbear_v to_o baptise_v serm._n or_o administer_v the_o lord_n supper_n or_o to_o be_v pastor_n of_o any_o church_n now_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v what_o church_n these_o man_n be_v of_o some_o or_o other_o they_o must_v own_v if_o they_o be_v christian_n new_a church_n they_o have_v not_o they_o say_v either_o than_o they_o must_v own_v our_o church_n to_o be_v true_a notwithstanding_o the_o defect_n of_o discipline_n or_o they_o must_v be_v of_o no_o church_n at_o all_o 5._o that_o our_o church_n be_v but_o in_o the_o same_o condition_n the_o church_n of_o constantinople_n and_o other_o church_n be_v in_o when_o nectarius_n change_v the_o discipline_n of_o it_o or_o rather_o take_v it_o quite_o away_o for_o the_o poenitentiary_n who_o he_o remove_v for_o the_o scandal_n give_v be_v the_o person_n who_o business_n it_o be_v to_o look_v after_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o see_v that_o all_o know_a offender_n perform_v the_o penance_n enjoin_v they_o for_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o socrates_n say_v be_v 19_o that_o every_o one_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n as_o to_o the_o participation_n of_o the_o holy_a mystery_n and_o this_o socrates_n say_v he_o have_v from_o eudaemon_n himself_o who_o give_v the_o counsel_n to_o nectarius_n to_o take_v that_o office_n away_o which_o be_v according_o do_v 16._o and_o no_o more_o restore_v say_v sozomen_n the_o consequence_n whereof_o be_v say_v he_o that_o every_o one_o go_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o his_o conscience_n give_v he_o leave_v and_o as_o he_o be_v assure_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n and_o this_o example_n of_o nectarius_n be_v soon_o follow_v in_o other_o church_n say_v sozomen_n and_o so_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n decay_v but_o i_o hope_v all_o those_o church_n do_v not_o lose_v their_o be_v by_o the_o loss_n of_o discipline_n and_o so_o much_o in_o vindication_n of_o our_o diocesan_n church_n government_n sect._n 18._o i_o now_o come_v to_o the_o national_a constitution_n of_o our_o church_n 19_o by_o the_o church_n of_o england_n i_o say_v we_o mean_v that_o society_n of_o christian_a people_n which_o in_o this_o nation_n be_v unite_v under_o the_o same_o profession_n of_o faith_n the_o same_o law_n of_o government_n and_o rule_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o that_o this_o be_v a_o very_a consistent_a and_o true_a notion_n of_o our_o national_a church_n i_o prove_v from_o the_o first_o notion_n of_o a_o church_n which_o be_v a_o society_n of_o man_n unite_v together_o for_o their_o order_n and_o government_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o since_o the_o low_a kind_n of_o that_o society_n viz._n congregation_n for_o worship_n be_v call_v church_n since_o the_o large_a society_n of_o all_o christian_n be_v account_v a_o true_a catholic_n church_n and_o both_o from_o their_o union_n and_o consent_n in_o some_o common_a thing_n i_o say_v i_o do_v not_o understand_v why_o a_o national_a society_n agree_v together_o in_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o under_o the_o same_o government_n and_o discipline_n may_v not_o be_v as_o true_o and_o proper_o a_o church_n as_o any_o particular_a congregation_n because_o the_o narrowness_n or_o largeness_n of_o extent_n do_v not_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n the_o kingdom_n of_o france_n be_v as_o true_o a_o kingdom_n as_o the_o small_a kingdom_n of_o ivetot_n and_o as_o several_a family_n make_v one_o kingdom_n so_o several_a lesser_a church_n make_v one_o national_a and_o that_o this_o notion_n be_v not_o disagree_v with_o the_o importance_n of_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o show_v that_o at_o athens_n from_o whence_o the_o word_n be_v take_v it_o do_v comprehend_v in_o it_o all_o the_o several_a tribe_n when_o meet_v together_o although_o every_o one_o of_o those_o tribe_n in_o its_o particular_a assembly_n may_v be_v a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d too_o and_o from_o thence_o in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n the_o name_n of_o a_o church_n comprehend_v in_o it_o the_o ecclesiastical_a governor_n and_o people_n of_o whole_a city_n and_o therefore_o may_v by_o parity_n of_o reason_n be_v extend_v to_o many_o city_n unite_v together_o under_o one_o civil_a government_n and_o the_o same_o rule_n of_o religion_n this_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o what_o i_o deliver_v upon_o this_o subject_n against_o which_o all_o my_o adversary_n have_v something_o to_o say_v though_o not_o with_o equal_a strength_n clearness_n or_o temper_n dr._n owen_n say_v 1._o that_o since_o i_o make_v national_a church_n to_o begin_v with_o the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n 16._o it_o fall_v out_o a_o great_a while_n after_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o church_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v not_o concern_v in_o it_o because_o he_o suppose_v congregational_a church_n to_o be_v entire_a church_n of_o christ_n institution_n and_o therefore_o to_o have_v a_o just_a right_a to_o govern_v and_o reform_v themselves_o independent_o as_o to_o any_o national_a constitution_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o if_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n institution_n be_v not_o limit_v to_o particular_a congregation_n as_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v than_o the_o gradual_a increase_n of_o church_n till_o they_o come_v to_o be_v national_a do_v not_o alter_v any_o institution_n of_o christ_n and_o consequent_o the_o power_n of_o those_o church_n must_v limit_v and_o determine_v that_o of_o particular_a congregation_n or_o else_o nothing_o but_o disorder_n
and_o confusion_n will_v follow_v if_o every_o congregation_n may_v have_v a_o several_a rule_n of_o worship_n and_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n without_o be_v liable_a to_o a_o account_n to_o any_o superior_a church_n authority_n which_o be_v all_o one_o as_o to_o suppose_v that_o every_o family_n may_v govern_v itself_o because_o a_o kingdom_n be_v make_v up_o of_o family_n without_o any_o respect_n to_o the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o a_o kingdom_n no_o 17._o say_v dr._n o._n the_o case_n be_v not_o the_o same_o for_o god_n never_o appoint_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o other_o government_n but_o that_o of_o family_n and_o where_o have_v he_o appoint_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o other_o church_n but_o particular_a congregation_n but_o god_n by_o the_o light_n and_o law_n of_o nature_n by_o the_o end_n and_o use_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o man_n by_o express_a revelation_n in_o his_o word_n have_v by_o his_o own_o authority_n appoint_v and_o approve_v other_o sort_n of_o 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their_o mutual_a preservation_n and_o defence_n as_o in_o the_o former_a case_n in_o which_o we_o believe_v the_o civil_a government_n to_o be_v from_o god_n although_o no_o monarch_n can_v now_o derive_v his_o title_n from_o such_o prince_n at_o the_o first_o dispersion_n and_o will_v it_o not_o then_o seem_v unreasonable_a to_o question_v the_o succession_n of_o bishop_n from_o the_o apostle_n when_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v attest_v by_o the_o most_o early_o know_v honest_a and_o impartial_a witness_n last_o as_o in_o the_o former_a case_n several_a of_o those_o lesser_a prince_n may_v unite_v themselves_o together_o by_o joynt-consent_n for_o their_o common_a interest_n and_o security_n and_o become_v one_o kingdom_n so_o in_o the_o latter_a case_n several_a bishop_n with_o the_o church_n under_o they_o may_v for_o promote_a the_o common_a end_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o peace_n and_o establishment_n of_o their_o church_n join_v together_o under_o the_o same_o common_a bond_n and_o become_v one_o national_a church_n which_o be_v intend_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a so_o unite_v and_o no_o way_n repugnant_a to_o the_o design_n of_o the_o institution_n and_o not_o usurp_v upon_o the_o right_n of_o other_o nor_o assume_v more_o than_o can_v be_v manage_v as_o a_o universal_a pastor_n must_v do_v will_v appear_v to_o be_v no_o way_n repugnant_a to_o any_o particular_a command_n or_o general_a rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o the_o pope_n challenge_n of_o universal_a dominion_n over_o the_o church_n be_v which_o i_o therefore_o mention_v that_o any_o one_o may_v see_v that_o the_o force_n of_o this_o reason_v will_v never_o justify_v the_o papal_a usurpation_n but_o say_v dr._n o._n national_a provincial_a church_n must_v first_o be_v prove_v of_o christ_n institution_n 17._o before_o they_o can_v be_v allow_v to_o have_v their_o power_n give_v they_o by_o jesus_n christ._n and_o yet_o in_o the_o case_n of_o congregational_a church_n he_o say_v there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o positive_a rule_n or_o direction_n 42._o for_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o the_o duty_n of_o man_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o end_n of_o such_o church_n be_v sufficient_a for_o it_o and_o this_o be_v as_o much_o as_o we_o plead_v in_o behalf_n of_o national_a church_n viz._n what_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o christian_a society_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o man_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o end_n of_o it_o do_v require_v for_o whatever_o tend_v to_o the_o support_n of_o religion_n to_o the_o preserve_a peace_n and_o unity_n among_o christian_n to_o the_o prevent_v dangerous_a error_n and_o endless_a confusion_n from_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o the_o end_n of_o a_o christian_a society_n become_v a_o duty_n for_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o government_n lie_v a_o obligation_n upon_o man_n to_o use_v the_o best_a mean_n for_o advance_v the_o end_n of_o it_o it_o be_v then_o take_v for_o grant_v among_o all_o 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tolerable_a excuse_n for_o the_o indiscretion_n of_o it_o but_o he_o write_v in_o the_o name_n of_o a_o whole_a party_n of_o man_n and_o deliver_v the_o sense_n of_o all_o his_o acquaintance_n and_o if_o those_o principle_n be_v own_v and_o allow_v by_o they_o there_o can_v hardly_o be_v expect_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o national_a settlement_n but_o all_o church_n must_v be_v heap_n of_o sand_n which_o may_v lie_v together_o till_o a_o puff_n of_o wind_n disperse_v they_o have_v no_o firm_a bond_n of_o union_n than_o the_o present_a humour_n and_o good_a will_n of_o the_o people_n but_o of_o the_o principle_n of_o that_o book_n i_o have_v discourse_v at_o large_a as_o far_o as_o concern_v the_o business_n of_o separation_n in_o the_o second_o and_o three_o part_n of_o the_o follow_a treatise_n but_o as_o though_o this_o have_v not_o be_v enough_o to_o show_v what_o enemy_n to_o peace_n man_n may_v be_v under_o a_o pretence_n of_o it_o not_o long_o after_o the_o same_o author_n 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the_o first_o occasion_n to_o those_o thought_n which_o i_o afterward_o deliver_v in_o my_o sermon_n for_o since_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o such_o book_n the_o zeal_n of_o so_o many_o people_n be_v turn_v off_o from_o the_o papist_n against_o those_o of_o our_o church_n i_o see_v a_o plain_a necessity_n that_o either_o we_o must_v be_v run_v down_o by_o the_o impetuous_a violence_n of_o a_o enrage_a but_o vnprovoke_v company_n of_o man_n or_o we_o must_v venture_v ourselves_o to_o try_v whether_o we_o can_v stem_v that_o tide_n which_o we_o see_v come_v upon_o we_o and_o it_o fall_v to_o my_o lot_n to_o preach_v in_o the_o most_o public_a auditory_a of_o the_o city_n at_o a_o more_o than_o usual_a appearance_n be_v the_o first_o sunday_n in_o the_o term_n i_o consider_v the_o relation_n i_o stand_v in_o under_o our_o honour_a diocesan_n to_o the_o clergy_n of_o the_o city_n and_o therefore_o think_v myself_o more_o oblige_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o what_o concern_v the_o peace_n and_o welfare_n of_o the_o church_n therein_o upon_o these_o consideration_n i_o think_v fit_a to_o take_v that_o opportunity_n to_o lay_v open_a the_o due_a sense_n i_o have_v of_o the_o unreasonableness_n and_o mischief_n of_o the_o present_a separation_n wherein_o i_o be_v so_o far_o from_o intend_v to_o reflect_v on_o mr._n b._n as_o preach_v in_o the_o neighbourhood_n of_o my_o parish_n that_o to_o my_o best_a remembrance_n i_o never_o once_o think_v of_o it_o either_o in_o the_o make_n or_o preach_v of_o that_o sermon_n and_o yet_o throughout_o his_o answer_n he_o will_v insinuate_v that_o i_o have_v scarce_o any_o one_o in_o my_o eye_n but_o himself_o his_o book_n indeed_o have_v make_v too_o great_a a_o impression_n on_o my_o mind_n for_o i_o easy_o to_o forget_v they_o but_o it_o be_v the_o great_a the_o dangerous_a the_o vnaccountable_a separation_n which_o i_o know_v to_o be_v in_o and_o about_o the_o city_n without_o regard_n to_o the_o greatness_n or_o smallness_n of_o parish_n to_o the_o ability_n or_o piety_n of_o their_o minister_n or_o to_o the_o peace_n and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n we_o live_v in_o which_o make_v i_o fix_v upon_o that_o subject_a although_o i_o know_v it_o to_o be_v so_o sore_a a_o place_n that_o the_o party_n most_o concern_v can_v hardly_o endure_v to_o have_v it_o touch_v though_o with_o a_o soft_a and_o gentle_a hand_n however_o i_o consider_v the_o duty_n which_o i_o owe_v to_o god_n and_o this_o church_n above_o the_o esteem_n and_o good_a word_n of_o peevish_a and_o partial_a man_n as_o i_o have_v before_o do_v in_o my_o deal_n with_o the_o papist_n and_o i_o resolve_v to_o give_v they_o no_o just_a provocation_n by_o reproachful_a language_n or_o personal_a reflection_n but_o if_o truth_n and_o reason_n will_v anger_v they_o i_o do_v not_o hold_v myself_o oblige_v to_o study_v to_o please_v they_o but_o against_o this_o whole_a undertake_n there_o have_v be_v two_o common_a objection_n first_o that_o it_o be_v unseasonable_a second_o that_o it_o be_v too_o sharp_a and_o severe_a to_o both_o these_o i_o shall_v answer_v first_o as_o to_o the_o unseasonableness_n of_o it_o what!_o be_v it_o unseasonable_a to_o persuade_v protestant_n to_o peace_n and_o unity_n that_o sure_o be_v very_o seasonable_a at_o any_o time_n and_o much_o more_o then_o and_o i_o appeal_v to_o any_o one_o that_o read_v it_o whether_o this_o be_v not_o the_o chief_a and_o only_a design_n of_o my_o sermon_n and_o to_o say_v this_o be_v unseasonable_a be_v just_a as_o if_o a_o garrison_n be_v besiege_v by_o a_o enemy_n and_o in_o great_a danger_n of_o be_v surprise_v and_o although_o they_o have_v frequent_a notice_n of_o it_o give_v they_o yet_o many_o of_o the_o soldier_n be_v resolve_v not_o to_o join_v in_o a_o common_a body_n under_o command_n of_o their_o officer_n but_o will_v run_v into_o corner_n a_o few_o in_o a_o company_n and_o do_v what_o they_o list_v and_o one_o shall_v undertake_v to_o persuade_v they_o to_o return_v to_o 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harrison_n his_o example_n be_v soon_o follow_v by_o other_o of_o his_o brethren_n who_o write_v the_o admonition_n to_o the_o follower_n of_o brown_n and_o the_o defence_n of_o that_o admonition_n when_o barrow_n and_o greenwood_n publish_v their_o four_o reason_n for_o separation_n three_o of_o which_o they_o take_v out_o of_o the_o admonition_n to_o the_o parliament_n viz._n unlawful_a ministry_n antichristian_a government_n and_o false_a worship_n gifford_n a_o nonconformist_a at_o maldon_n in_o essex_n undertake_v to_o answer_v they_o in_o several_a treatise_n and_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o these_o nonconformist_n charge_n the_o brownist_n with_o make_v a_o vile_a notorious_a and_o damnable_a schism_n because_o they_o withdraw_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o our_o church_n and_o set_v up_o new_a one_o of_o their_o own_o gifford_n not_o only_o call_v they_o schismatic_n preface_n but_o say_v they_o make_v a_o vile_a schism_n rend_v themselves_o from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o condemn_v by_o their_o assertion_n the_o whole_a visible_a church_n in_o the_o world_n even_o as_o the_o donatist_n do_v of_o old_a time_n and_o he_o add_v that_o the_o end_n of_o brownism_n as_o it_o be_v then_o call_v be_v infinite_a schism_n heresy_n atheism_n and_o barbarism_n and_o the_o same_o author_n preface_n in_o his_o second_o book_n reckon_v up_o the_o ill_a effect_n of_o this_o separation_n among_o the_o people_n have_v these_o remarkable_a word_n now_o look_v also_o on_o the_o people_n where_o we_o may_v see_v very_o many_o who_o not_o regard_v the_o chief_a christian_a virtue_n and_o godly_a duty_n as_o namely_o to_o be_v meek_a to_o be_v patient_n to_o be_v lowly_a to_o be_v full_a of_o love_n and_o mercy_n to_o deal_v upright_o and_o just_o to_o guide_v their_o family_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n with_o wholesome_a instruction_n and_o to_o stand_v fast_o in_o the_o call_v in_o which_o god_n have_v set_v they_o give_v themselves_o whole_o to_o this_o 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state_v the_o question_n in_o the_o same_o preface_n for_o i_o show_v say_v he_o in_o express_a word_n that_o i_o do_v not_o meddle_v at_o all_o in_o these_o question_n whether_o there_o be_v corruption_n and_o fault_n in_o our_o church_n condemn_v by_o god_n word_n whether_o they_o be_v many_o or_o few_o whether_o they_o be_v small_a or_o great_a but_o only_o thus_o far_o whether_o they_o be_v such_o or_o so_o great_a as_o make_v our_o church_n antichristian_a preface_n barrow_n say_v that_o this_o gifford_n be_v one_o that_o join_v with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o faction_n in_o the_o petition_n to_o the_o parliament_n against_o the_o english_a hierarchy_n and_o it_o appear_v by_o several_a passage_n of_o his_o book_n that_o he_o be_v a_o nonconformist_a and_o he_o be_v join_v with_o cartwright_n hildersham_n brightman_n and_o other_o nonconformist_n by_o the_o prefacer_n to_o the_o desence_n of_o bradshaw_n against_o johnson_n 5._o and_o i_o find_v his_o name_n in_o one_o of_o the_o class_n in_o essex_n at_o that_o time_n the_o author_n of_o the_o second_o answer_n for_o communicate_v 1588._o who_o defend_v t._n cs._n letter_n to_o harrison_n brown_n colleague_n against_o separation_n prove_v join_v with_o the_o church_n a_o duty_n necessary_o enjoin_v he_o of_o god_n by_o his_o providence_n through_o his_o be_v and_o place_v in_o a_o particular_a church_n and_o just_o require_v of_o he_o by_o the_o church_n or_o spiritual_a body_n through_o that_o same_o enforce_a law_n of_o the_o coherence_n and_o be_v together_o of_o the_o part_n and_o member_n which_o be_v the_o express_a ordinance_n of_o god_n so_o that_o say_v he_o unless_o i_o hold_v the_o congregation_n whereof_o i_o be_o now_o disannul_v and_o become_v no_o church_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o not_o separate_v a_o unworthy_a member_n i_o can_v voluntary_o either_o absent_v myself_o from_o their_o assembly_n to_o holy_a exercise_n or_o yet_o depart_v away_o be_v come_v together_o without_o breach_n of_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n sunder_v the_o cement_n of_o love_n impair_n the_o growth_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o incur_v the_o guilt_n of_o schism_n and_o division_n 46._o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n he_o speak_v elsewhere_o 13._o richard_n bernard_n call_v it_o a_o uncharitable_a and_o lewd_a schism_n which_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o but_o i_o need_v not_o mention_v more_o particular_a author_n since_o in_o the_o grave_a confutation_n of_o the_o error_n of_o the_o separatist_n 57_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o nonconformist_n it_o be_v say_v that_o because_o we_o have_v a_o true_a church_n con●●ting_v of_o a_o lawful_a ministry_n and_o a_o faithful_a people_n therefore_o they_o can_v separate_v themselves_o from_o we_o but_o they_o must_v needs_o incur_v the_o most_o shameful_a and_o odious_a reproach_n of_o manifest_a schism_n 17._o and_o concern_v the_o state_n of_o the_o person_n who_o live_v in_o separation_n they_o say_v we_o hold_v they_o all_o to_o be_v in_o a_o dangerous_a estate_n we_o be_v loath_a to_o say_v in_o a_o damnable_a estate_n as_o long_o as_o they_o continue_v in_o this_o schism_n sect._n 9_o but_o for_o our_o far_a understanding_n the_o full_a state_n of_o this_o controversy_n we_o must_v consider_v what_o thing_n be_v agree_v on_o both_o side_n and_o where_o the_o main_a point_n of_o difference_n lay_v 1._o the_o separatist_n do_v yield_v the_o doctrine_n or_o faith_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n true_a and_o sound_a and_o a_o possibility_n of_o salvation_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o it_o in_o their_o apology_n present_v to_o king_n james_n 1604._o thus_o they_o speak_v we_o testify_v by_o these_o present_n unto_o all_o man_n and_o desire_v they_o to_o take_v knowledge_n hereof_o that_o we_o have_v not_o forsake_v any_o one_o point_n of_o the_o true_a ancient_n catholic_n and_o apostolic_a faith_n profess_v in_o our_o land_n but_o hold_v the_o same_o ground_n of_o christian_a religion_n with_o they_o still_o 1599_o and_o the_o publisher_n of_o the_o dispute_n about_o separation_n between_o johnson_n and_o jacob_n say_v that_o the_o first_o separatist_n never_o deny_v that_o the_o doctrine_n and_o profession_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v those_o that_o believe_v and_o obey_v they_o to_o be_v true_a christian_n and_o in_o the_o state_n of_o salvation_n but_o always_o hold_v profess_a and_o acknowledge_v the_o contrary_n 240._o barrow_n say_v that_o they_o commend_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o english_a martyr_n and_o deem_v they_o save_v notwithstanding_o the_o false_a office_n and_o great_a corruption_n in_o the_o worship_n exercise_v 92._o and_o in_o the_o letter_n to_o a_o lady_n a_o little_a before_o his_o death_n he_o say_v he_o have_v reverend_a estimation_n of_o sundry_a and_o good_a hope_n of_o many_o hundred_o thousand_o in_o england_n though_o he_o utter_o dislike_v the_o present_a constitution_n of_o this_o church_n in_o the_o present_a communion_n ministry_n worship_n government_n and_o ordinance_n ecclesiastical_a of_o these_o cathedral_n and_o parishional_a assembly_n 2._o the_o separatist_n grant_v 7._o that_o separation_n be_v not_o justifiable_a from_o a_o church_n for_o all_o blemish_n and_o corruption_n in_o it_o thus_o they_o express_v themselves_o in_o their_o apology_n neither_o count_v we_o it_o lawful_a for_o any_o member_n to_o forsake_v the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n for_o blemish_n and_o imperfection_n which_o every_o one_o according_a to_o his_o call_v shall_v studious_o seek_v to_o cure_v and_o to_o expect_v and_o further_o it_o until_o either_o there_o follow_v redress_n or_o the_o disease_n be_v grow_v incurable_a and_o in_o the_o 36_o article_n of_o the_o confession_n of_o their_o faith_n write_v by_o johnson_n and_o ainsworth_n they_o have_v these_o word_n none_o be_v to_o separate_v from_o a_o church_n right_o gather_v and_o establish_v for_o fault_n and_o corruption_n which_o may_v and_o so_o
any_o motive_n but_o the_o please_a god_n and_o the_o church_n good_a what_o mutter_v and_o censure_v will_v then_o be_v among_o they_o and_o woe_n to_o those_o few_o teacher_n that_o make_v up_o their_o design_n by_o cherish_v these_o distemper_n one_o will_v think_v that_o their_o warning_n have_v be_v fair_a but_o si_fw-mi nati_fw-la sint_fw-la ad_fw-la bis_fw-la perdendam_fw-la angliam_fw-la the_o lord_n have_v mercy_n upon_o we_o 2._o when_o the_o matter_n be_v thorough_o examine_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o teacher_n and_o the_o old_a separatist_n will_v be_v find_v not_o near_o so_o great_a as_o be_v pretend_v for_o what_o matter_n be_v it_o as_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o separation_n whether_o the_o term_n of_o our_o communion_n be_v call_v idolatrous_a or_o unlawful_a whether_o the_o ministry_n of_o our_o church_n be_v call_v a_o false_a ministry_n or_o insufficient_a scandalous_a usurper_n and_o persecutor_n whether_o our_o hierarchy_n be_v call_v antichristian_a or_o repugnant_a to_o the_o institution_n of_o christ._n now_o these_o be_v the_o very_a same_o argument_n which_o the_o old_a separatist_n use_v only_o they_o be_v disguise_v under_o another_o appearance_n and_o put_v into_o a_o more_o fashionable_a dress_n as_o will_v be_v manifest_a by_o particular_n 1._o as_o to_o the_o people_n 2._o as_o to_o the_o ministry_n of_o our_o church_n sect._n 4._o i._n our_o present_a dissenter_n who_o disow_v the_o old_a separation_n yet_o make_v the_o term_n of_o lay-communion_n for_o person_n as_o member_n of_o our_o church_n to_o be_v unlawful_a for_o ●41_n mr._n b._n in_o his_o late_a plea_n for_o peace_n have_v a_o whole_a chapter_n of_o reason_n against_o the_o communion_n of_o layman_n with_o our_o church_n and_o in_o the_o same_o book_n he_o say_v it_o be_v schismatical_a in_o a_o church_n to_o deny_v baptism_n without_o the_o transient_a sign_n of_o the_o cross_n or_o for_o want_n of_o godfather_n etc._n etc._n or_o to_o deny_v the_o communion_n to_o such_o who_o scruple_n kneel_v 45._o now_o if_o the_o church_n be_v schismatical_a than_o those_o who_o separate_a in_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o for_o say_v mr._n b._n when_o the_o laity_n can_v have_v their_o child_n baptise_a without_o such_o use_n of_o the_o transient_a dedicate_a image_n of_o the_o cross_n 49._o and_o such_o use_n of_o entitle_v and_o covenant_v godfather_n which_o they_o take_v to_o be_v no_o small_a sin_n be_v it_o separation_n to_o join_v with_o pastor_n that_o will_v otherwise_o baptise_v they_o we_o see_v the_o church_n be_v schismatical_a in_o require_v these_o thing_n and_o mr._n b._n think_v the_o people_n bind_v to_o join_v with_o other_o pastor_n that_o will_v not_o use_v they_o and_o what_o be_v this_o but_o formal_a separation_n but_o for_o all_o this_o mr._n b._n may_v hold_v that_o total_a renounce_n of_o communion_n with_o our_o church_n may_v be_v schismatical_a for_o he_o say_v 47._o it_o may_v be_v schism_n to_o separate_a from_o a_o church_n that_o have_v some_o schismatical_a principle_n practice_n and_o person_n if_o those_o be_v not_o such_o and_o so_o great_a as_o to_o necessitate_v our_o departure_n from_o they_o but_o here_o mr._n b._n say_v there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o departure_n and_o to_o join_v with_o other_o pastor_n and_o therefore_o he_o must_v hold_v a_o formal_a separation_n and_o as_o to_o the_o renounce_v total_a communion_n with_o our_o church_n that_o be_v never_o do_v by_o the_o great_a separatist_n for_o they_o all_o hold_v communion_n in_o faith_n with_o it_o and_o even_o brown_a the_o head_n of_o the_o old_a separatist_n think_v it_o lawful_a to_o join_v with_o our_o church_n in_o some_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o other_o thought_n they_o may_v join_v in_o act_n of_o private_a and_o christian_a communion_n but_o not_o in_o act_n of_o church_n communion_n other_o think_v it_o lawful_a to_o join_v in_o hear_v sermon_n and_o pulpit_n prayer_n though_o not_o in_o other_o and_o yet_o be_v charge_v with_o separation_n by_o the_o old_a nonconformist_n and_o if_o our_o present_a dissenter_n do_v hold_v the_o term_n of_o communion_n with_o our_o church_n to_o be_v unlawful_a they_o must_v hold_v a_o necessity_n of_o separation_n or_o that_o person_n may_v be_v good_a christian_n and_o yet_o be_v no_o member_n of_o any_o church_n for_o if_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o communicate_v as_o member_n of_o our_o church_n they_o must_v either_o not_o communicate_v at_o all_o as_o member_n of_o any_o church_n or_o as_o member_n of_o a_o distinct_a and_o separate_a church_n from_o we_o if_o they_o declare_v themselves_o member_n of_o another_o church_n they_o own_o as_o plain_v a_o separation_n as_o the_o old_a separatist_n ever_o do_v if_o they_o do_v not_o and_o yet_o hold_v it_o unlawful_a to_o communicate_v with_o our_o church_n as_o member_n than_o they_o be_v member_n of_o no_o church_n at_o all_o so_o that_o if_o they_o hold_v the_o term_n of_o our_o communion_n unlawful_a they_o must_v either_o be_v separatist_n or_o no_o good_a christian_n upon_o their_o own_o principle_n 9_o for_o say_v the_o author_n of_o the_o letter_n out_o of_o the_o country_n this_o be_v to_o exchange_v visible_a christianity_n for_o visible_a at_o least_o negative_a paganism_n now_o that_o our_o present_a dissenter_n do_v hold_v the_o term_n of_o our_o communion_n unlawful_a they_o be_v more_o forward_o to_o declare_v than_o i_o can_v have_v imagine_v in_o my_o sermon_n i_o mention_v some_o passage_n wherein_o it_o seem_v clear_a to_o i_o that_o some_o considerable_a person_n among_o they_o do_v allow_v lay_v communion_n with_o our_o church_n to_o be_v lawful_a but_o they_o have_v take_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o pain_n to_o undeceive_v i_o some_o declare_v in_o express_a term_n that_o they_o look_v on_o the_o term_n of_o our_o communion_n as_o unlawful_a and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o separation_n from_o our_o parochial_a church_n and_o of_o join_v to_o other_o congregation_n and_o other_o say_v 35._o that_o such_o a_o concession_n viz._n that_o they_o hold_v communion_n with_o our_o church_n to_o be_v lawful_a take_v in_o their_o own_o sense_n will_v neither_o do_v they_o any_o harm_n nor_o we_o any_o service_n for_o as_o mr._n a._n have_v sum_v up_o the_o sense_n of_o these_o men._n 36._o 1._o many_o of_o they_o declare_v so_o and_o many_o declare_v otherwise_o and_o it_o be_v as_o good_a a_o argument_n to_o prove_v communion_n unlawful_a because_o many_o declare_v against_o it_o as_o it_o be_v to_o prove_v it_o lawful_a because_o many_o declare_v for_o it_o 2._o they_o declare_v communion_n lawful_a but._n d●_n they_o declare_v total_a communion_n lawful_a the_o same_o person_n will_v tell_v we_o that_o both_o these_o proposition_n be_v ●●ue_a communion_n be_v lawful_a and_o communion_n be_v unlawful_a communion_n in_o some_o part_n of_o worship_n be_v so_o in_o other_o not_o and_o 3._o th●y_o will_v further_o tell_v we_o that_o communion_n with_o some_o parish_n church_n be_v lawful_a with_o other_o unlawful_a that_o there_o be_v not_o the_o same_o doctrine_n preach_v the_o same_o ceremony_n urge_v the_o same_o rigid_a term_n of_o communion_n in_o all_o church_n exact_v and_o last_o that_o occasional_a communion_n be_v or_o may_v be_v lawful_a where_o a_o state_v and_o fix_v communion_n be_v not_o so_o and_o they_o give_v this_o reason_n for_o their_o judgement_n and_o practice_n because_o to_o hold_v communion_n with_o one_o church_n or_o sort_n of_o christian_n exclusive_o to_o all_o other_o be_v contrary_a to_o their_o true_a catholic_n principle_n which_o teach_v they_o to_o hold_v communion_n though_o not_o equal_o with_o all_o tolerable_a church_n and_o that_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n tolerable_a which_o be_v not_o eligible_a wherein_o they_o can_v bear_v with_o much_o for_o peace_n sake_n but_o choose_v rather_o to_o sit_v down_o ordinary_o with_o pure_a administration_n here_o we_o have_v the_o principle_n of_o the_o new_a separation_n lay_v together_o 1._o many_o of_o they_o hold_v communion_n with_o our_o church_n unlawful_a and_o that_o must_v be_v understand_v of_o any_o kind_n of_o communion_n for_o the_o second_o sort_n from_o who_o they_o be_v distinguish_v hold_v total_a communion_n unlawful_a and_o therefore_o this_o first_o sort_n must_v hold_v communion_n in_o any_o part_n of_o worship_n unlawful_a and_o so_o they_o exceed_v the_o more_o moderate_a separatist_n of_o robinson_n and_o the_o new-england_n way_n and_o must_v fall_v into_o the_o way_n of_o the_o most_o rigid_a separatist_n 2._o those_o that_o do_v hold_v communion_n lawful_a do_v it_o with_o so_o many_o restriction_n and_o limitation_n that_o in_o practice_n it_o amount_v to_o little_o more_o than_o the_o other_o for_o first_o it_o be_v only_o with_o some_o church_n and_o those_o it_o seem_v must_v be_v such_o as_o do_v not_o hold_v to_o our_o constitution_n for_o he_o
common●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
that_o they_o look_v on_o no_o human_a tradition_n as_o condemn_v in_o scripture_n but_o such_o as_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o bind_v the_o conscience_n of_o man_n otherwise_o if_o they_o agree_v with_o scripture_n and_o be_v appoint_v for_o good_a end_n although_o they_o be_v not_o express_o mention_v in_o scripture_n they_o be_v rather_o to_o be_v look_v on_o as_o divine_a than_o human_a and_o the_o contempt_n of_o they_o be_v the_o contempt_n of_o god_n himself_o nay_o they_o say_v though_o the_o law_n seem_v very_o hard_a and_o unjust_a a_o true_a christian_a will_v not_o stick_v at_o obey_v they_o if_o they_o command_v nothing_o that_o be_v wicked_a joh._n crocius_n distinguish_v of_o 3_o sort_n of_o ceremony_n 4._o the_o first_o command_v the_o second_o forbid_v the_o three_o neither_o command_a nor_o forbid_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n suppose_v the_o observation_n of_o the_o first_o and_o yet_o for_o every_o omission_n the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o to_o be_v break_v the_o second_o break_v the_o church_n unity_n yet_o its_o communion_n not_o to_o be_v forsake_v for_o one_o or_o two_o of_o these_o if_o there_o be_v no_o tyranny_n over_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n but_o for_o the_o three_o man_n ought_v not_o to_o break_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o another_o place_n he_o give_v particular_a instance_n in_o the_o ceremony_n observe_v in_o the_o lutheran_n church_n 435._o the_o exorcism_n in_o baptism_n the_o linen_n garment_n and_o wax_v candle_n the_o holiday_n and_o confession_n etc._n etc._n and_o declare_v that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o break_v off_o communion_n with_o church_n or_o make_v a_o schism_n for_o these_o thing_n 765._o zanchy_a account_n it_o a_o great_a sin_n to_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o church_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o indifferent_a ceremony_n and_o contrary_a to_o that_o charity_n we_o ought_v to_o have_v to_o our_o brethren_n and_o to_o church_n 23._o amyraldus_n speak_v of_o the_o ceremony_n in_o the_o lutheran_n church_n say_v that_o those_o which_o come_v in_o use_n after_o the_o apostolic_a time_n have_v no_o other_o obligation_n on_o we_o than_o that_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n though_o at_o first_o appoint_v out_o of_o no_o necessity_n nay_o though_o there_o be_v inconveniency_n in_o they_o yet_o the_o church_n peace_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v disturb_v and_o he_o very_o well_o observe_v that_o the_o nature_n of_o ceremony_n be_v to_o be_v take_v from_o the_o doctrine_n which_o go_v along_o with_o they_o if_o the_o doctrine_n be_v good_a the_o rite_n be_v so_o or_o at_o least_o be_v tolerable_a if_o it_o be_v false_a than_o they_o be_v troublesome_a and_o not_o to_o be_v bear_v if_o it_o be_v impure_a and_o lead_v to_o idolatry_n than_o the_o ceremony_n be_v taint_v with_o the_o poison_n of_o it_o 3._o but_o say_v he_o the_o lutheran_n church_n have_v no_o false_a or_o wicked_a doctrine_n concern_v their_o rite_n and_o therefore_o he_o advise_v person_n to_o communicate_v with_o the_o lutheran_n church_n as_o their_o occasion_n serve_v and_o so_o do_v other_o and_o ludovicus_n prince_n elector_n palatine_n not_o only_o congratulate_v the_o mutual_a communion_n of_o the_o several_a church_n in_o poland_n but_o pray_v for_o the_o same_o in_o germany_n too_o 5._o as_o bishop_n davenant_n tell_v we_o who_o prove_v at_o large_a that_o there_o be_v no_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o hinder_v it_o which_o he_o make_v to_o lie_v only_o in_o three_o thing_n i._o tyranny_n over_o man_n faith_n and_o conscience_n ii_o the_o practice_n of_o idolatry_n iii_o the_o denial_n of_o some_o fundamental_a article_n of_o faith_n and_o none_o of_o these_o thing_n be_v chargeable_a on_o the_o lutheran_n church_n the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o term_n of_o communion_n with_o they_o do_v full_o appear_v and_o now_o i_o desire_v our_o brethren_n who_o justify_v their_o separation_n upon_o pretence_n that_o our_o term_n of_o communion_n be_v unlawful_a to_o reflect_v upon_o these_o thing_n will_v they_o condemn_v so_o many_o protestant_a church_n abroad_o which_o have_v hard_a term_n of_o communion_n than_o we_o what_o will_v they_o think_v of_o the_o exorcism_n of_o infant_n of_o auricular_a confession_n of_o image_n in_o church_n and_o some_o other_o thing_n beside_o what_o be_v observe_v among_o we_o do_v we_o want_v discipline_n do_v they_o not_o in_o other_o church_n abroad_o the_o transylvanian_a divine_n in_o their_o discourse_n of_o the_o union_n of_o protestant_a church_n 55._o declare_v that_o little_a or_o none_o be_v observe_v among_o they_o will_v they_o then_o separate_a from_o all_o protestant_a church_n will_v they_o confine_v the_o communion_n of_o christian_n to_o their_o narrow_a scantlings_n will_v they_o shut_v out_o all_o the_o lutheran_n church_n from_o any_o possibility_n of_o union_n with_o they_o for_o what_o union_n can_v be_v justifiable_a with_o those_o who_o term_n of_o communion_n be_v unlawful_a they_o may_v pity_v they_o and_o pray_v for_o they_o and_o wish_v for_o their_o reformation_n but_o a_o union_n do_v suppose_v such_o a_o communion_n of_o church_n that_o the_o member_n of_o one_o may_v communicate_v in_o another_o do_v they_o allow_v this_o to_o the_o lutheran_n church_n if_o not_o than_o they_o render_v union_n among_o the_o protestant_a church_n impossible_a because_o unlawful_a if_o they_o do_v will_v they_o be_v so_o unjust_a as_o not_o to_o allow_v the_o same_o favour_n and_o kindness_n to_o our_o own_o church_n can_v they_o think_v separation_n necessary_a from_o our_o church_n on_o those_o ground_n which_o be_v common_a to_o we_o with_o other_o protestant_a church_n and_o yet_o think_v union_n desirable_a and_o possible_a with_o they_o notwithstanding_o do_v they_o think_v that_o 〈◊〉_d member_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n can_v lawful_o communicate_v with_o the_o lutheran_n church_n although_o they_o have_v the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n k●e●●g_v at_o the_o communion_n the_o surpless_n and_o other_o ceremony_n which_o we_o have_v not_o and_o yet_o be_v it_o necessary_a to_o separate_a from_o our_o church_n communion_n on_o the_o account_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o where_o there_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v a_o full_a agreement_n in_o the_o substantial_o of_o religion_n either_o therefore_o they_o must_v differ_v from_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n and_o the_o most_o eminent_a protestant_n divine_v abroad_o or_o they_o must_v renounce_v this_o principle_n of_o separation_n sect._n 25._o 3._o this_o will_v justify_v the_o ancient_a schism_n which_o have_v be_v always_o condemn_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n for_o set_v aside_o the_o ceremony_n of_o which_o already_o and_o the_o use_n of_o the_o liturgy_n and_o holiday_n which_o be_v common_a to_o our_o church_n with_o all_o other_o christian_a church_n for_o many_o hundred_o year_n before_o the_o great_a degeneracy_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n and_o be_v continue_v by_o a_o universal_a consent_n in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n the_o other_o reason_n for_o separation_n be_v such_o which_o will_v justify_v the_o great_a schismatic_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n 36._o viz._n want_v of_o evangelical_n church-discipline_n and_o due_a mean_n of_o edification_n and_o deprive_v the_o people_n of_o their_o liberty_n of_o choose_v their_o own_o pastor_n whereby_o they_o be_v deprive_v also_o of_o all_o use_n of_o their_o light_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o provide_v for_o their_o own_o edification_n for_o what_o give_v occasion_n to_o the_o novatian_a schism_n which_o begin_v so_o soon_o and_o spread_v so_o far_o and_o continue_v so_o long_o but_o the_o pretence_n of_o the_o want_n of_o evangelical_n church-discipline_n and_o better_a mean_n of_o edification_n and_o humour_v the_o people_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o their_o own_o pastor_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n the_o novatian_o chief_o insist_v on_o as_o to_o evangelical_n discipline_n 1._o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n 2._o the_o purity_n of_o the_o church_n 1._o as_o to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n they_o say_v that_o christ_n have_v never_o give_v it_o absolute_o to_o his_o church_n but_o under_o certain_a restriction_n which_o if_o men_n exceed_v the_o church_n have_v no_o power_n to_o release_v they_o and_o that_o be_v especial_o in_o the_o case_n of_o denial_n of_o christ_n before_o man_n when_o man_n fall_v in_o time_n of_o persecution_n 2._o the_o church_n purity_n ought_v to_o be_v preserve_v by_o keep_v such_o who_o have_v thus_o fall_v from_o ever_o be_v receive_v into_o communion_n again_o 13._o they_o do_v not_o deny_v that_o god_n may_v pardon_v such_o upon_o repentance_n but_o they_o say_v the_o church_n can_v not_o and_o this_o they_o plead_v will_v tend_v very_o much_o to_o the_o edification_n of_o christian_n and_o will_v make_v they_o more_o watchful_a over_o
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 novatia●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 ari●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
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 ●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
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 ●_o as_o in_o the_o two_o debate_n mention_v act._n 15._o 4._o and_o 21._o 22._o so_o the_o several_a tribe_n in_o athens_n do_v 5._o at_o their_o general_a assembly_n which_o strabo_n and_o eustathius_n say_v be_v 174._o 3._o there_o be_v no_o number_n mention_v of_o the_o christian_n that_o go_v to_o pella_n 29._o neither_o by_o eusebius_n nor_o epiphanius_n who_o relate_v the_o story_n so_o that_o nothing_o can_v thence_o be_v conclude_v but_o if_o the_o force_n lie_v in_o his_o calling_n pella_n a_o village_n i_o be_o sure_a eusebius_n call_v it_o a_o city_n of_o peraea_n beyond_o jordan_n and_o epiphanius_n add_v that_o they_o spread_v themselves_o from_o thence_o to_o coelesyria_n and_o decapolis_n and_o basanitis_fw-la so_o that_o all_o this_o put_v together_o make_v no_o proof_n at_o all_o that_o the_o christian_a church_n by_o their_o first_o institution_n be_v limit_v to_o single_a congregation_n sect._n 7._o 4._o he_o answer_v that_o he_o can_v discern_v the_o least_o necessity_n of_o any_o positive_a rule_n or_o direction_n in_o this_o matter_n 42._o since_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o man_n do_v indispensable_o require_v it_o but_o be_v it_o not_o dr._n o._n that_o say_v that_o the_o institution_n of_o church_n and_o the_o rule_n for_o their_o disposal_n and_o government_n throughout_o the_o world_n 59_o be_v the_o same_o stable_a and_o unalterable_a be_v all_o these_o rule_n now_o come_v to_o nothing_o but_o what_o follow_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v it_o not_o dr._n o._n that_o say_v that_o no_o religious_a union_n or_o order_n among_o christian_n be_v of_o spiritual_a use_n and_o advantage_n to_o they_o 65._o but_o what_o be_v appoint_v and_o design_v for_o they_o by_o jesus_n christ_n do_v not_o this_o overthrow_n any_o other_o order_n or_o union_n among_o christian_n but_o what_o christ_n have_v institute_v and_o appoint_v for_o they_o the_o question_n be_v not_o about_o such_o a_o constitution_n of_o church_n as_o be_v necessary_a for_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o religious_a worship_n for_o all_o party_n be_v agree_v therein_o but_o whether_o church-power_n be_v limit_v to_o these_o exclusive_o to_o all_o other_o union_n of_o christian_n whether_o every_o single_a congregation_n have_v all_o church-power_n whole_o in_o itself_o and_o unaccountable_o as_o to_o subordination_n to_o any_o other_o how_o do_v this_o appear_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o the_o necessary_a duty_n of_o christian_n i_o grant_v the_o institution_n of_o church_n be_v for_o edification_n and_o i_o think_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o that_o edification_n lie_v in_o the_o orderly_a disposal_n of_o thing_n whatever_o tend_v to_o peace_n and_o unity_n among_o christian_n in_o my_o judgement_n tend_v to_o edification_n now_o i_o can_v apprehend_v how_o a_o sole_a power_n of_o government_n in_o every_o congregation_n tend_v to_o the_o preserve_v this_o peace_n and_o unity_n among_o christian_n much_o less_o how_o it_o follow_v so_o clear_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n as_o to_o take_v away_o
concern_v the_o common_a tie_n or_o rule_n which_o make_v this_o national_a church_n 1._o concern_v the_o difference_n between_o a_o christian_a kingdom_n and_o a_o national_a church_n 32._o a_o christian_a kingdom_n he_o say_v they_o all_o own_o but_o this_o be_v only_o equivocal_o call_v a_o church_n but_o he_o say_v the_o christian_a bishop_n for_o 1300_o year_n be_v far_o from_o believe_v that_o a_o prince_n or_o civil_a power_n be_v essential_a to_o a_o christian_a church_n or_o that_o the_o church_n in_o the_o common_a sense_n be_v not_o constitute_v of_o another_o sort_n of_o regent_n part_n that_o have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n that_o hold_v a_o prince_n a_o essential_a part_n of_o a_o christian_a church_n let_v mr._n baxter_n confute_v they_o but_o i_o be_o none_o of_o they_o for_o i_o do_v believe_v there_o be_v christian_a church_n before_o christian_a prince_n that_o there_o be_v christian_a church_n under_o christian_a prince_n and_o will_v be_v such_o if_o there_o be_v none_o leave_v i_o do_v believe_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n to_o be_v a_o distinct_a thing_n 1●●1_n from_o the_o office_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n and_o if_o he_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o write_v against_o such_o a_o opinion_n he_o shall_v have_v rather_o send_v it_o to_o his_o learned_a sincere_a and_o worthy_a friend_n lewis_n du_fw-fr moulin_n if_o he_o have_v be_v still_o live_v but_o if_o i_o only_o mean_v a_o christian_a kingdom_n 40._o who_o deny_v it_o say_v he_o if_o all_o this_o confuse_a stir_n be_v about_o a_o christian_a kingdom_n be_v it_o know_v to_o you_o that_o we_o take_v such_o to_o be_v of_o divine_a command_n nay_o far_o 〈…〉_z if_o we_o mean_v all_o the_o church_n of_o a_o kingdom_n associate_v for_o concord_n as_o equal_n we_o deny_v it_o not_o what_o be_v it_o then_o that_o be_v so_o deny_v and_o dispute_v against_o and_o such_o a_o flood_n of_o word_n be_v pour_v out_o about_o it_o seem_v at_o last_o it_o be_v this_o that_o the_o nation_n must_v be_v one_o church_n as_o unite_v in_o one_o saccrdotal_a head_n personal_a or_o collective_a monarchical_a or_o aristocratical_a before_o i_o answer_v this_o question_n i_o hope_v i_o may_v ask_v another_o whence_o come_v this_o zeal_n now_o against_o a_o national_a church_n for_o when_o the_o presbyterian_o be_v in_o power_n they_o be_v then_o for_o national_a church_n and_o think_v they_o prove_v they_o out_o of_o scripture_n and_o none_o of_o these_o subtlety_n about_o the_o constitutive_a regent_n part_n do_v ever_o perplex_v or_o trouble_v they_o thus_o the_o presbyterian_a london_n minister_n 1654._o make_v no_o difficulty_n of_o own_v national_a church_n 14._o and_o particular_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o these_o word_n and_o if_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n be_v call_v one_o church_n let_v no_o man_n be_v offend_v if_o all_o the_o congregation_n in_o england_n be_v call_v the_o church_n of_o england_n but_o this_o you_o will_v say_v be_v by_o association_n of_o equal_a church_n no_o they_o say_v it_o be_v when_o the_o particular_a congregation_n of_o one_o nation_n live_v under_o one_o civil_a government_n agree_v in_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n be_v govern_v by_o their_o great_a and_o lesser_a assembly_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n say_v they_o we_o assert_v a_o national_a church_n 15._o two_o thing_n say_v mr._n hudson_n be_v require_v to_o make_v a_o national_a church_n 1._o national_a agreement_n in_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o worship_n 2._o national_a union_n in_o one_o ecclesiastical_a body_n in_o the_o same_o community_n of_o ecclesiastical_a government_n the_o old_a nonconformist_n have_v no_o scruple_n about_o own_v the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o think_v they_o understand_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o it_o whence_o come_v all_o these_o difficulty_n now_o to_o be_v raise_v about_o this_o matter_n be_v the_o thing_n grow_v so_o much_o dark_a than_o former_o but_o some_o man_n understanding_n be_v confound_v with_o nice_a distinction_n and_o their_o conscience_n ensnare_v by_o needless_a scruple_n to_o give_v therefore_o a_o plain_a answer_n to_o the_o question_n what_o we_o mean_v by_o the_o national_a church_n of_o england_n by_o that_o be_v understand_v either_o 1_o the_o church_n of_o england_n diffusive_a or_o 2_o the_o church_n of_o england_n representative_a 1._o the_o national_a church_n of_o england_n diffusive_a be_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o christian_n in_o this_o nation_n consist_v of_o pastor_n and_o people_n agree_v in_o that_o faith_n government_n and_o worship_n which_o be_v establish_v by_o the_o law_n of_o this_o realm_n and_o by_o this_o description_n any_o one_o may_v see_v how_o easy_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o papist_n on_o one_o side_n and_o the_o dissenter_n on_o the_o other_o which_o make_v i_o continue_v my_o wonder_n at_o those_o who_o so_o confident_o say_v they_o can_v tell_v what_o we_o mean_v by_o the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o be_v there_o not_o a_o church_n here_o settle_v upon_o the_o reformation_n in_o the_o time_n of_o edward_n 6._o and_o queen_n elizabeth_n have_v not_o the_o same_o doctrine_n the_o same_o government_n the_o same_o manner_n of_o worship_n continue_v in_o this_o church_n bate_v only_o the_o interruption_n give_v by_o its_o enemy_n how_o come_v it_o then_o so_o hard_o for_o man_n to_o understand_v so_o easy_a so_o plain_a so_o intelligible_a a_o thing_n if_o all_o the_o question_n be_v how_o all_o the_o congregation_n in_o england_n make_v up_o this_o one_o church_n i_o say_v by_o unity_n of_o consent_n as_o all_o particular_a church_n make_v one_o catholic_n church_n if_o they_o ask_v how_o it_o come_v to_o be_v one_o national_a church_n i_o say_v because_o it_o be_v receive_v by_o the_o common_a consent_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n in_o parliament_n as_o other_o law_n of_o the_o nation_n be_v and_o be_v universal_o receive_v by_o all_o that_o obey_v those_o law_n and_o t●is_o i_o think_v be_v sufficient_a to_o scatter_v those_o mist_n which_o some_o pretend_v to_o have_v before_o their_o eye_n that_o they_o can_v clear_o see_v what_o we_o mean_v by_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 2._o the_o representative_a church_n of_o england_n be_v the_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n of_o this_o church_n meet_v together_o according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o this_o realm_n to_o consult_v and_o advise_v about_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o this_o be_v determine_v by_o the_o allow_a canon_n of_o this_o church_n 139._o we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o the_o convocation_n at_o westminster_n be_v the_o representative_a church_n of_o england_n as_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v a_o national_a church_n for_o that_o be_v only_o representative_a of_o this_o province_n there_o be_v another_o convocation_n in_o the_o other_o province_n but_o the_o consent_n of_o both_o convocation_n be_v the_o representative_a national_a church_n of_o england_n sect._n 21._o and_o now_o to_o answer_v mr._n baxter_n grand_a difficulty_n concern_v the_o constitutive_a regent_n part_n of_o this_o national_a church_n i_o say_v 1._o it_o proceed_v upon_o a_o false_a supposition_n 2._o it_o be_v capable_a of_o a_o plain_a resolution_n 1._o that_o it_o proceed_v upon_o a_o false_a supposition_n which_o be_v that_o wherever_o there_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o a_o church_n there_o must_v be_v a_o constitutive_a regent_n part_n i._n e._n there_o must_v be_v a_o stand_a govern_v power_n which_o be_v a_o essential_a part_n of_o it_o which_o i_o shall_v prove_v to_o be_v false_a from_o mr._n baxter_n himself_o he_o assert_n that_o there_o be_v one_o catholic_n visible_a church_n and_o that_o all_o particular_a church_n 830._o which_o be_v head_v by_o their_o particular_a bishop_n or_o pastor_n be_v part_n of_o this_o universal_a church_n as_o a_o troop_n be_v of_o a_o army_n or_o a_o city_n of_o a_o kingdom_n if_o this_o doctrine_n be_v true_a 77._o and_o withal_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o every_o church_n must_v have_v a_o constitutive_a regent_n part_n as_o essential_a to_o it_o than_o it_o unavoidable_o follow_v that_o there_o must_v be_v a_o catholic_n visible_a head_n to_o a_o catholic_n visible_a church_n and_o so_o mr._n baxter_n '_o be_v constitutive_a regent_n part_n of_o a_o church_n have_v do_v the_o pope_n a_o wonderful_a kindness_n and_o make_v a_o very_a plausible_a plea_n for_o his_o universal_a pastourship_n but_o there_o be_v some_o man_n in_o the_o world_n who_o do_v not_o attend_v to_o the_o advantage_n they_o give_v to_o popery_n so_o they_o may_v vent_v their_o spleen_n against_o the_o church_n of_o england_n but_o do_v not_o mr._n baxter_n say_v that_o the_o universal_a church_n be_v head_v by_o christ_n himself_o i_o grant_v he_o do_v but_o this_o do_v not_o remove_v the_o difficulty_n for_o the_o question_n be_v
about_o that_o visible_a church_n whereof_o particular_a church_n be_v part_n and_o they_o be_v visible_a part_n do_v require_v a_o visible_a constitutive_a regent_n part_n as_o essential_a to_o they_o therefore_o the_o whole_a visible_a church_n must_v have_v likewise_o a_o visible_a constitutive_a regent_n part_n i._n e._n a_o visible_a head_n of_o the_o church_n as_o if_o a_o troop_n have_v a_o inferior_a officer_n a_o army_n must_v have_v a_o general_n if_o a_o city_n have_v a_o mayor_n a_o kingdom_n must_v have_v a_o king_n that_o be_v equal_o present_a and_o visible_a as_o the_o other_o be_v this_o be_v indeed_o to_o make_v a_o key_n for_o catholic_n by_o the_o help_n of_o which_o they_o may_v enter_v and_o take_v possession_n 2._o the_o plain_a resolution_n be_v that_o we_o deny_v any_o necessity_n of_o any_o such_o constitutive_a regent_n part_n or_o one_o formal_a ecclesiastical_a head_n as_o essential_a to_o a_o national_a church_n for_o a_o national_a consent_n be_v as_o sufficient_a to_o make_v a_o national_a church_n as_o a_o universal_a consent_n to_o make_v a_o catholic_n church_n but_o if_o the_o question_n be_v by_o what_o way_n this_o national_a consent_n be_v to_o be_v declare_v then_o we_o answer_v far_o that_o by_o the_o constitution_n of_o this_o church_n the_o archbishop_n bishop_n and_o presbyter_n be_v summon_v by_o the_o king_n be_v write_v be_v to_o advise_v and_o declare_v their_o judgement_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v receive_v allow_v and_o enact_v by_o the_o king_n and_o three_o estate_n of_o the_o kingdom_n there_o be_v as_o great_a a_o national_a consent_v as_o be_v require_v to_o any_o law_n and_o all_o bishop_n minister_n and_o people_n take_v together_o who_o profess_v the_o faith_n so_o establish_v and_o worship_n god_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n so_o appoint_v make_v up_o this_o national_a church_n of_o england_n which_o notion_n of_o a_o national_a church_n be_v thus_o explain_v i_o see_v no_o manner_n of_o difficulty_n remain_v in_o all_o mr._n baxter_n '_o s_z query_n and_o objection_n about_o this_o matter_n sect._n 22._o 3._o that_o which_o look_v most_o like_a a_o difficulty_n be_v 3._o concern_v the_o common_a tie_n or_o rule_n which_o make_v this_o national_a church_n for_o mr._n b._n will_v know_v 34._o whether_o by_o the_o common_a rule_n i_o mean_v a_o divine_a rule_n or_o a_o mere_a humane_a rule_n if_o it_o be_v a_o divine_a rule_n they_o be_v of_o the_o national_a church_n as_o well_o as_o we_o if_o it_o be_v a_o humane_a rule_n how_o come_v consent_n in_o this_o to_o make_v a_o national_a church_n how_o come_v they_o not_o to_o be_v of_o it_o for_o not_o consent_v how_o can_v such_o a_o consent_n appear_v when_o there_o be_v difference_n among_o ourselves_o this_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o what_o he_o object_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v 1._o our_o church_n be_v found_v upon_o a_o divine_a rule_n viz._n the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o we_o own_v as_o the_o basis_n and_o foundation_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o according_a to_o which_o all_o other_o rule_v of_o order_n and_o worship_n be_v to_o be_v agreeable_a 2._o our_o church_n require_v a_o conformity_n to_o those_o rule_n which_o be_v appoint_v by_o it_o as_o agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o so_o the_o church_n of_o new-england_n do_v to_o the_o order_n of_o church_n government_n among_o themselves_o by_o all_o that_o be_v member_n of_o their_o church_n and_o annex_v civil_a privilege_n to_o they_o and_o their_o magistrate_n impose_v civil_a punishment_n on_o the_o breaker_n and_o disturber_n of_o they_o and_o although_o they_o profess_v agreement_n in_o other_o thing_n yet_o because_o they_o do_v not_o submit_v to_o the_o order_n of_o their_o church_n they_o do_v not_o own_v they_o as_o member_n of_o their_o church_n why_o shall_v it_o then_o be_v think_v unreasonable_a with_o we_o not_o to_o account_v those_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n who_o contemn_v and_o disobey_v the_o order_n of_o it_o 3._o there_o be_v no_o difference_n among_o ourselves_o concern_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o order_n of_o our_o church_n or_o the_o duty_n of_o submission_n to_o they_o if_o there_o be_v any_o other_o difference_n they_o be_v not_o material_a as_o to_o this_o business_n and_o i_o believe_v be_v no_o other_o than_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o explain_v some_o thing_n which_o may_v happen_v in_o the_o best_a society_n in_o the_o world_n without_o break_v the_o peace_n of_o it_o as_o about_o the_o difference_n of_o order_n the_o sense_n of_o some_o passage_n in_o the_o athanasian_n creed_n the_o true_a explication_n of_o one_o or_o two_o article_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n he_o mention_n 39_o a_o multitude_n of_o such_o difference_n will_v never_o overthrow_v such_o a_o consent_n among_o we_o as_o to_o make_v we_o not_o to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o same_o national_a church_n sect._n 23._o have_v thus_o clear_v the_o main_a difficulty_n which_o be_v object_v by_o my_o more_o weighty_a adversary_n the_o weak_a assault_n of_o the_o rest_n in_o what_o they_o differ_v from_o these_o will_v admit_v of_o a_o quick_a dispatch_n mr._n a._n object_n 27._o 1._o that_o if_o national_a church_n have_v power_n to_o reform_v themselves_o than_o so_o have_v congregational_a and_o therefore_o i_o do_v amiss_o to_o charge_v they_o with_o separation_n i_o grant_v it_o if_o he_o prove_v that_o no_o congregational_a church_n have_v any_o more_o power_n over_o it_o than_o a_o national_a church_n have_v i._n e._n that_o there_o be_v as_o much_o evidence_n against_o both_o episcopal_a and_o presbyterial_a government_n as_o there_o be_v against_o the_o pope_n usurpation_n when_o he_o do_v prove_v that_o ibid._n he_o may_v have_v a_o far_a answer_n 2._o that_o national_a church_n destroy_v the_o be_v of_o other_o church_n under_o they_o this_o i_o utter_o deny_v and_o there_o want_v nothing_o but_o proof_n as_o erasmus_n say_v one_o andrelinus_n be_v a_o good_a poet_n only_o his_o verse_n want_v one_o syllable_n and_o that_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 29._o 3._o by_o my_o description_n the_o parliament_n may_v be_v a_o national_a church_n for_o they_o be_v a_o society_n of_o man_n unite_v together_o for_o their_o order_n and_o government_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o do_v i_o not_o immediate_o before_o say_v that_o national_a church_n be_v national_a society_n of_o christian_n under_o the_o same_o law_n of_o government_n and_o rule_n of_o worship_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o in_o the_o next_o word_n when_o i_o go_v about_o to_o prove_v national_a church_n to_o be_v true_a church_n i_o use_v such_o a_o general_a description_n as_o be_v common_a to_o any_o kind_n of_o church_n and_o not_o proper_a to_o a_o national_a church_n 30._o 4._o he_o give_v this_o reason_n why_o consent_n shall_v not_o make_v national_a church_n as_o well_o as_o congregational_a because_o it_o must_v be_v such_o a_o agreement_n as_o the_o gospel_n warrant_v and_o that_o be_v only_o for_o worship_n and_o not_o to_o destroy_v their_o own_o be_v this_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o a_o horse_n in_o a_o mill_n still_o round_o about_o the_o same_o thing_n and_o therefore_o the_o same_o answer_n may_v serve_v 31._o 5._o out_o come_v mr._n b.'s_n objection_n against_o a_o visible_a head_n of_o this_o national_a church_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o union_n and_o the_o difference_n among_o ourselves_o as_o though_o mr._n b._n can_v not_o manage_v his_o own_o argument_n and_o therefore_o he_o take_v they_o and_o strip_v they_o of_o their_o heavy_a and_o rusty_a armour_n and_o make_v they_o appear_v again_o in_o the_o field_n in_o another_o dress_n and_o if_o they_o can_v not_o stand_v the_o field_n in_o the_o former_a habit_n they_o can_v much_o less_o do_v it_o in_o this_o the_o author_n of_o the_o letter_n say_v 24._o i_o only_o prove_v a_o national_a church_n a_o possible_a thing_n he_o clear_o mistake_v my_o design_n which_o be_v to_o show_v that_o if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o a_o national_a church_n than_o no_o single_a congregation_n have_v such_o a_o power_n in_o themselves_o to_o separate_v from_o other_o in_o matter_n of_o order_n and_o decency_n where_o there_o be_v a_o consent_n in_o the_o same_o faith_n to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n i_o show_v that_o if_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o a_o church_n do_v agree_v to_o it_o then_o upon_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o we_o own_o particular_a church_n and_o the_o catholic_n church_n we_o be_v to_o own_o a_o national_a church_n so_o that_o the_o design_n of_o that_o discourse_n be_v not_o bare_o to_o prove_v the_o possibility_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o it_o 25._o but_o say_v he_o can_v it_o be_v prove_v
theophylact._n and_o both_o have_v it_o from_o saint_n chrysostom_n so_o it_o be_v say_v concern_v timothy_n himself_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d who_o have_v a_o good_a testimony_n from_o the_o brethren_n in_o lystra_n and_o iconium_n 2._o and_o this_o be_v mention_v before_o saint_n paul_n take_v he_o into_o the_o office_n of_o a_o evangelist_n so_o in_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o deacon_n the_o apostle_n bid_v they_o find_v out_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 3._o man_n of_o good_a reputation_n among_o they_o and_o there_o be_v a_o very_a considerable_a testimony_n in_o the_o epistle_n of_o clemens_n to_o this_o purpose_n 57_o where_o he_o give_v a_o account_n how_o the_o apostle_n preach_v through_o city_n and_o country_n do_v appoint_v their_o first-fruit_n have_v make_v a_o spiritual_a trial_n of_o they_o to_o be_v bishop_n and_o deacon_n of_o those_o who_o be_v to_o believe_v here_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o they_o be_v of_o the_o apostle_n appointment_n and_o not_o of_o the_o people_n choice_n and_o that_o their_o authority_n can_v not_o be_v from_o they_o who_o they_o be_v appoint_v first_o to_o convert_v and_o then_o to_o govern_v and_o although_o their_o number_n be_v but_o small_a at_o first_o yet_o as_o they_o increase_v though_o into_o many_o congregation_n they_o be_v still_o to_o be_v under_o the_o government_n of_o those_o who_o the_o apostle_n appoint_v over_o they_o and_o then_o he_o show_v how_o those_o who_o have_v receive_v this_o power_n from_o god_n come_v to_o appoint_v other_o and_o he_o bring_v the_o instance_n of_o moses_n when_o there_o be_v a_o emulation_n among_o the_o tribe_n what_o method_n he_o take_v for_o put_v a_o end_n to_o it_o by_o the_o blossom_a of_o aaron_n rod_n which_o say_v he_o moses_n do_v on_o purpose_n to_o prevent_v confusion_n in_o israel_n and_o thereby_o to_o bring_v glory_n to_o god_n now_o say_v he_o the_o apostle_n foresee_v the_o contention_n that_o will_v be_v about_o the_o name_n of_o episcopacy_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n about_o the_o choice_n of_o man_n into_o that_o office_n of_o rule_v the_o church_n which_o the_o sense_n show_v to_o be_v his_o meaning_n therefore_o foresee_v these_o thing_n perfect_o they_o appoint_v the_o person_n before_o mention_v and_o leave_v the_o distribution_n of_o their_o office_n with_o this_o instruction_n that_o as_o some_o die_v other_o approve_a man_n shall_v be_v choose_v into_o their_o office_n those_o therefore_o who_o be_v appoint_v by_o they_o or_o other_o eminent_a man_n the_o whole_a church_n be_v therewith_o well-pleased_a discharge_v their_o office_n with_o humility_n quietness_n readiness_n and_o unblameableness_n be_v man_n of_o a_o long_a time_n of_o good_a report_n we_o think_v such_o man_n can_v just_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o their_o office_n it_o seem_v some_o of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n be_v at_o that_o time_n factious_a against_o some_o officer_n in_o their_o church_n and_o endeavour_v to_o throw_v they_o out_o 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shall_v bear_v office_n in_o it_o 3._o that_o all_o that_o the_o people_n have_v to_o do_v be_v to_o give_v testimony_n or_o to_o express_v their_o approbation_n of_o those_o who_o be_v so_o appoint_v for_o he_o can_v not_o allow_v their_o power_n of_o choose_v since_o he_o say_v the_o apostle_n appoint_v officer_n on_o purpose_n to_o prevent_v the_o contention_n that_o may_v happen_v about_o it_o and_o it_o seem_v very_o probable_a to_o i_o that_o this_o be_v one_o great_a reason_n of_o the_o faction_n among_o they_o viz._n that_o those_o few_o popular_a man_n in_o that_o church_n who_o cause_v all_o the_o disturbance_n represent_v this_o as_o a_o great_a grievance_n to_o they_o that_o their_o pastor_n and_o officer_n be_v appoint_v by_o other_o and_o not_o choose_v by_o themselves_o for_o they_o have_v no_o objection_n against_o the_o presbyter_n themselves_o be_v allow_v to_o be_v man_n of_o unblameable_a life_n yet_o a_o contention_n there_o be_v and_o that_o about_o cast_v they_o out_o and_o such_o a_o contention_n as_o the_o apostle_n design_v to_o prevent_v by_o appoint_v a_o succession_n from_o such_o who_o themselves_o ordain_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v very_o likely_a they_o challenge_v this_o power_n to_o themselves_o to_o cast_v out_o those_o who_o they_o have_v not_o choose_v but_o it_o seem_v the_o apostle_n know_v what_o contention_n will_v follow_v in_o the_o church_n take_v 〈…〉_z they_o leave_v to_o the_o people_n their_o testimony_n concern_v those_o who_o they_o ordain_v and_o this_o be_v plain_a even_o from_o saint_n cyprian_n where_o he_o discourse_v of_o this_o matter_n 27._o in_o that_o very_a epistle_n concern_v basilides_n and_o martialis_n to_o which_o mr._n baxter_n refer_v i_o for_o the_o force_n of_o what_o saint_n cyprian_n say_v come_v at_o last_o only_o to_o this_o give_a testimony_n 68_o therefore_o say_v he_o god_n appoint_v the_o priest_n to_o be_v appoint_v before_o all_o the_o people_n thereby_o show_v that_o ordination_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n ought_v to_o be_v sub_fw-la populi_n assistentis_fw-la conscientiâ_fw-la in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o people_n for_o what_o reason_n that_o they_o may_v give_v they_o power_n no_o that_o be_v never_o do_v under_o the_o law_n nor_o then_o imagine_v when_o s._n cyprian_n write_v but_o he_o give_v the_o account_n of_o it_o himself_o that_o by_o their_o presence_n either_o their_o fault_n may_v be_v publish_v or_o their_o good_a act_n commend_v that_o so_o it_o may_v appear_v to_o be_v a_o just_a and_o lawful_a ordination_n which_o have_v be_v examine_v by_o the_o suffrage_n and_o judgement_n of_o all_o the_o people_n here_o have_v a_o share_n in_o the_o election_n but_o it_o be_v in_o matter_n of_o testimony_n concern_v the_o good_a or_o ill_a behaviour_n of_o the_o person_n and_o therefore_o he_o say_v it_o be_v almost_o a_o general_a custom_n among_o they_o and_o he_o think_v come_v down_o from_o divine_a tradition_n and_o apostolical_a practice_n that_o when_o any_o people_n want_v a_o bishop_n the_o neighbour_n bishop_n meet_v together_o in_o that_o place_n and_o the_o new_a bishop_n be_v choose_v plebe_fw-la praesente_fw-la the_o people_n be_v present_a not_o by_o the_o vote_n of_o the_o people_n quae_fw-la singulorum_fw-la vitam_fw-la plenissimè_fw-la novit_fw-la which_o best_o understand_v every_o man_n conversation_n and_o this_o he_o say_v be_v observe_v in_o the_o consecration_n of_o their_o fellow-bishop_n sabinus_n who_o be_v put_v into_o the_o place_n of_o basilides_n where_o he_o do_v express_v the_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n but_o he_o require_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o bishop_n which_o be_v thus_o perform_v he_o incourage_v the_o people_n to_o withdraw_v from_o basilides_n and_o to_o adhere_v to_o sabinus_n for_o basilides_n have_v fall_v foul_o into_o idolatry_n and_o join_v blasphemy_n with_o it_o have_v of_o his_o own_o accord_n lay_v down_o his_o bishopric_n and_o desire_v only_o to_o be_v receive_v to_o lay-communion_n upon_o this_o sabinus_n be_v consecrate_v bishop_n in_o his_o room_n after_o which_o basilides_n go_v to_o rome_n and_o there_o engage_v the_o bishop_n to_o interpose_v in_o his_o behalf_n that_o he_o may_v be_v restore_v sabinus_n find_v this_o make_v his_o application_n to_o saint_n cyprian_n and_o the_o african_a bishop_n who_o write_v this_o epistle_n to_o the_o people_n to_o withdraw_v from_o basilides_n say_v that_o it_o belong_v chief_o to_o they_o to_o choose_v the_o good_a and_o to_o refuse_v the_o bad_a which_o be_v the_o strong_a testimony_n in_o antiquity_n for_o the_o people_n power_n and_o yet_o here_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v 1_o it_o be_v in_o a_o case_n where_o a_o bishop_n have_v voluntary_o resign_v 2._o another_o bishop_n be_v put_v into_o his_o room_n not_o by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o people_n but_o by_o the_o judgement_n and_o ordination_n of_o the_o neighbour_n bishop_n 3._o they_o
right_n of_o patronage_n be_v as_o just_a and_o legal_a right_n as_o man_n have_v to_o their_o estate_n and_o consequent_o every_o minister_n due_o present_v have_v a_o legal_a title_n to_o the_o temple_n and_o tithe_n as_o mr._n b._n call_v they_o but_o this_o do_v not_o say_v he_o make_v a_o minister_n for_o their_o soul_n and_o the_o parliament_n can_v dispose_v of_o their_o soul_n the_o meaning_n of_o all_o which_o be_v if_o the_o people_n be_v humoursome_a and_o factious_a they_o may_v run_v after_o who_o they_o please_v and_o set_v up_o what_o minister_n they_o please_v in_o opposition_n to_o law_n and_o so_o for_o instance_n suppose_v a_o parish_n be_v divide_v in_o their_o opinion_n about_o religion_n as_o we_o know_v too_o many_o be_v at_o this_o day_n all_o these_o several_a party_n viz._n anabaptist_n quaker_n yea_o and_o papist_n too_o as_o well_o as_o other_o will_v put_v in_o for_o a_o equal_a share_n in_o what_o concern_v the_o care_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o consequent_o may_v choose_v a_o several_a pastor_n to_o themselves_o and_o leave_v the_o incumbent_n the_o bare_a possession_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o tithe_n but_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o objection_n this_o may_v be_v think_v sufficient_a that_o he_o be_v none_o of_o their_o choose_n be_v impose_v upon_o they_o by_o other_o who_o can_v not_o dispose_v of_o their_o soul_n by_o which_o mean_n this_o pretence_n of_o take_v care_n for_o their_o soul_n will_v be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o justify_v the_o great_a disorder_n and_o confusion_n which_o can_v happen_v in_o a_o church_n for_o let_v the_o person_n be_v never_o so_o worthy_a in_o himself_o the_o people_n be_v still_o to_o have_v their_o liberty_n of_o choose_v for_o themselves_o and_o who_o be_v these_o people_n must_v all_o have_v equal_a vote_n then_o according_a to_o mr._n b.'s_n opinion_n of_o our_o church_n the_o worst_a will_v be_v soon_o choose_v for_o why_o shall_v we_o not_o think_v the_o worst_a people_n will_v choose_v their_o like_a as_o well_o as_o the_o worst_a patron_n and_o the_o worst_a bishop_n but_o if_o the_o profane_a must_v be_v exclude_v by_o what_o law_n be_v it_o because_o they_o have_v no_o right_n to_o the_o ordinance_n but_o have_v they_o no_o right_n to_o their_o own_o soul_n and_o to_o the_o care_n of_o they_o therefore_o they_o be_v equal_o concern_v with_o other_o yet_o let_v we_o suppose_v all_o these_o exclude_v as_o no_o competent_a judge_n shall_v all_o the_o rest_n be_v exclude_v too_o who_o be_v incompetent_a judge_n then_o i_o be_o afraid_a there_o will_v not_o be_v many_o leave_v and_o whatever_o they_o pretend_v the_o people_n wher●_n they_o do_v choose_v do_v trust_v other_o man_n judgement_n as_o well_o as_o where_o the_o patron_n present_a and_o to_o prevent_v popular_a tumult_n such_o election_n be_v general_o bring_v by_o a_o kind_n of_o devolution_n to_o a_o few_o person_n who_o be_v entrust_v to_o choose_v for_o the_o rest_n but_o if_o all_o the_o people_n be_v leave_v to_o choose_v their_o own_o pastor_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v imagine_v what_o party_n and_o faction_n what_o mutual_a hatred_n and_o perpetual_a animosity_n they_o will_v natural_o fall_v into_o on_o such_o occasion_n do_v we_o not_o daily_o see_v such_o thing_n to_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o popular_a election_n where_o man_n be_v concern_v for_o the_o strength_n and_o reputation_n of_o their_o party_n what_o envy_v and_o strife_n what_o evil_a speak_n and_o backbiting_a what_o tumult_n and_o disorder_n what_o unchristian_a behaviour_n in_o general_n of_o man_n to_o each_o other_o do_v common_o accompany_v such_o election_n which_o be_v the_o natural_a effect_n of_o man_n passion_n stir_v up_o by_o such_o occasion_n and_o there_o be_v so_o much_o experience_n of_o it_o in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n where_o such_o thing_n have_v be_v i_o be_o as_o certain_a that_o christ_n never_o give_v the_o people_n such_o a_o unalterable_a right_n of_o choose_v their_o own_o minister_n as_o i_o be_o that_o he_o design_v to_o have_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n preserve_v and_o of_o all_o person_n i_o do_v the_o most_o wonder_n at_o he_o who_o pretend_v to_o discover_v the_o only_a way_n of_o unity_n and_o concord_n among_o christian_n that_o he_o shall_v so_o much_o so_o frequent_o so_o earnest_o insist_v upon_o this_o which_o if_o it_o be_v not_o the_o only_a be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o effectual_a way_n to_o perpetuate_v disorder_n and_o confusion_n in_o a_o break_a and_o divide_a church_n and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o plea_n for_o separation_n take_v from_o the_o people_n right_n to_o choose_v their_o own_o minister_n sect._n 26._o have_v thus_o dispatch_v all_o the_o plea_n for_o separation_n which_o relate_v to_o the_o constitution_n of_o our_o church_n i_o come_v to_o those_o which_o concern_v the_o term_n of_o communion_n with_o we_o wh●●_n be_v say_v to_o be_v unlawful_a one_o of_o the_o chief_a plea_n allege_v for_o separation_n by_o dr._n o._n and_o mr._n a._n be_v 41._o that_o many_o thing_n in_o the_o constant_a total_a communion_n of_o parochial_a church_n be_v impose_v on_o the_o conscience_n and_o practice_n of_o man_n which_o be_v not_o according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ._n these_o be_v very_o general_a word_n but_o dr._n o._n reckon_v up_o the_o particular_n which_o set_v aside_o those_o already_o consider_v be_v the_o use_n of_o the_o aëreal_a sign_n of_o the_o cross_n 13._o kneel_v at_o the_o communion_n the_o religious_a observation_n of_o holiday_n and_o the_o constant_a use_n of_o the_o liturgy_n in_o all_o the_o public_a office_n of_o the_o church_n as_o to_o this_o last_o i_o shall_v say_v nothing_o it_o be_v late_o so_o very_o well_o defend_v by_o a_o learned_a divine_a of_o our_o church_n 1680._o to_o the_o other_o mr._n b._n add_v the_o use_n of_o godfather_n and_o godmother_n and_o now_o i_o be_o to_o examine_v what_o weight_n there_o be_v in_o these_o thing_n to_o make_v man_n serious_o think_v communion_n with_o our_o church_n unlawful_a when_o i_o find_v our_o church_n thus_o charge_v with_o prescribe_v unlawful_a term_n of_o communion_n i_o expect_v a_o particular_a and_o distinct_a proof_n of_o such_o a_o charge_n because_o the_o main_a weight_n of_o the_o cause_n depend_v upon_o it_o and_o this_o be_v the_o method_n we_o use_v in_o deal_v with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n we_o do_v not_o run_v upon_o general_a charge_n of_o unscriptural_a imposition_n and_o thing_n impose_v on_o man_n conscience_n against_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n but_o we_o close_v with_o they_o upon_o the_o particular_n of_o the_o charge_n as_o worship_n of_o image_n invocation_n of_o saint_n adoration_n of_o the_o host_n and_o we_o offer_v to_o prove_v by_o plain_a scripture_n that_o these_o be_v forbid_v and_o therefore_o unlawful_a but_o i_o find_v no_o such_o method_n take_v or_o pursue_v by_o our_o brethren_n only_o we_o be_v tell_v over_o and_o over_o that_o they_o judge_v they_o think_v they_o esteem_v they_o unlawful_a and_o they_o can_v be_v satisfy_v about_o they_o but_o for_o particular_a argument_n to_o prove_v they_o unlawful_a i_o find_v none_o which_o make_v the_o whole_a charge_n look_v very_o suspicious_o for_o man_n do_v not_o use_v to_o remain_v in_o general_n when_o they_o have_v any_o assurance_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o their_o cause_n yet_o to_o let_v the_o reader_n see_v that_o i_o decline_v nothing_o that_o look_v like_o argument_n in_o this_o matter_n i_o shall_v pick_v up_o every_o thing_n i_o can_v find_v which_o seem_v to_o prove_v these_o term_n of_o our_o communion_n to_o be_v unlawful_a or_o to_o justify_v their_o separation_n in_o the_o epistle_n before_o my_o sermon_n i_o have_v use_v this_o argument_n against_o the_o present_a separation_n that_o if_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o separate_v 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 acknowledge_v in_o our_o case_n then_o a_o bare_a difference_n of_o opinion_n as_o to_o some_o circumstantial_o 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 further_a separation_n this_o argument_n other_o be_v willing_a to_o pass_v over_o but_o mr._n a._n in_o his_o preface_n undertake_v to_o answer_v it_o in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o which_o be_v so_o material_a to_o our_o business_n i_o shall_v now_o distinct_o consider_v and_o like_o a_o able_a disputant_n he_o allow_v nothing_o at_o all_o in_o this_o argument_n for_o
divide_v rash_o from_o she_o as_o they_o do_v be_v not_o this_o to_o divide_v from_o all_o the_o ancient_a church_n from_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o east_n from_o all_o the_o protestant_a church_n which_o have_v always_o have_v a_o very_a great_a respect_n for_o the_o purity_n of_o that_o of_o england_n be_v it_o not_o horrible_a impudence_n to_o excommunicate_v she_o without_o mercy_n and_o to_o make_v themselves_o believe_v strange_o of_o she_o for_o they_o to_o imagine_v that_o they_o be_v the_o only_a man_n in_o england_n nay_o in_o the_o christian_a world_n that_o be_v predestinate_v to_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o to_o hold_v the_o truth_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v hold_v indeed_o one_o may_v make_v a_o very_a odious_a parallel_n betwixt_o these_o teacher_n and_o pope_n victor_n that_o will_v needs_o excommunicate_v the_o church_n of_o asia_n because_o they_o do_v not_o celebrate_v the_o feast_n of_o easter_n the_o same_o day_n they_o do_v at_o rome_n betwixt_o they_o and_o the_o audean_o that_o divide_v from_o the_o christian_n and_o will_v not_o endure_v rich_a bishop_n betwixt_o they_o and_o the_o donatist_n that_o will_v have_v no_o communion_n with_o they_o that_o have_v be_v ordain_v by_o lapse_v bishop_n and_o imagine_v that_o their_o society_n be_v the_o true_a church_n and_o the_o well_o belove_a spouse_n that_o feed_v her_o flock_n in_o the_o south_n betwixt_o they_o and_o those_o of_o the_o roman_a communion_n who_o have_v so_o good_a a_o opinion_n of_o their_o own_o church_n that_o out_o of_o she_o they_o do_v not_o imagine_v that_o any_o one_o can_v ever_o be_v save_v for_o my_o part_n as_o much_o incline_v to_o toleration_n as_o i_o be_o i_o can_v for_o all_o this_o persuade_v myself_o that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v allow_v to_o those_o that_o have_v so_o little_a of_o it_o for_o other_o man_n and_o who_o if_o they_o be_v master_n will_v certain_o give_v but_o bad_a quarter_n to_o those_o that_o depend_v upon_o they_o i_o look_v upon_o these_o man_n as_o disturber_n of_o the_o state_n and_o church_n and_o who_o be_v doubtless_o animate_v by_o a_o spirit_n of_o sedition_n nay_o i_o can_v scarce_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v just_o such_o as_o they_o say_v they_o be_v and_o i_o shall_v be_v something_o afraid_a that_o very_o dangerous_a enemy_n may_v be_v hide_v under_o colour_n of_o these_o teacher_n society_n compose_v of_o such_o person_n will_v be_v extreme_a dangerous_a and_o they_o can_v not_o be_v suffer_v without_o open_v the_o gate_n to_o disorder_v and_o advance_v towards_o one_o own_o ruin_n there_o be_v some_o of_o these_o that_o be_v compose_v of_o more_o reasonable_a man_n but_o i_o can_v wish_v they_o be_v reasonable_a enough_o not_o to_o separate_v from_o those_o of_o which_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v compose_v especial_o in_o the_o case_n we_o be_v in_o they_o shall_v do_v all_o for_o a_o good_a agreement_n and_o in_o the_o present_a conjuncture_n of_o affair_n they_o shall_v understand_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o good_a reunion_n that_o can_v prevent_v the_o evil_n with_o which_o england_n be_v threaten_v for_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n i_o do_v not_o see_v that_o their_o meeting_n be_v of_o any_o great_a use_n or_o that_o one_o may_v be_v more_o comfort_v there_o than_o in_o the_o episcopal_a church_n when_o i_o be_v at_o london_n almost_o five_o year_n ago_o i_o go_v to_o several_a of_o their_o private_a assembly_n to_o see_v what_o way_n they_o take_v for_o the_o instruction_n of_o the_o people_n and_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o i_o profess_v i_o be_v not_o at_o all_o edify_v by_o it_o i_o hear_v one_o of_o the_o most_o famous_a nonconformist_n he_o preach_v in_o a_o place_n where_o there_o be_v three_o man_n and_o three_o or_o fourscore_o woman_n he_o have_v choose_v a_o text_n about_o the_o build_n up_o the_o ruin_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o for_o the_o explication_n of_o it_o he_o cite_v pliny_n and_o vitruvius_n a_o hundred_o time_n and_o do_v not_o forget_v to_o mention_v a_o proverb_n in_o italian_a duro_fw-la con_fw-mi duro_fw-la non_fw-it fa_fw-it muro_fw-la all_o this_o seem_v to_o i_o nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n and_o very_o improper_a for_o the_o poor_a woman_n and_o very_o far_o from_o a_o spirit_n that_o seek_v nothing_o but_o the_o comfort_n and_o edification_n of_o his_o hearer_n to_o cantonize_v themselves_o and_o make_v a_o schism_n to_o have_v the_o liberty_n to_o vent_v such_o vanity_n be_v very_o ill_a conduct_n and_o the_o people_n seem_v very_o weak_a to_o quit_v their_o mutual_a assembly_n for_o thing_n that_o so_o little_o deserve_v their_o esteem_n and_o preference_n i_o do_v not_o think_v that_o any_o one_o be_v oblige_v to_o suffer_v this_o irregularity_n it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o novatian_o be_v sometime_o suffer_v at_o rome_n and_o constantinople_n and_o that_o even_o the_o donatist_n have_v some_o kind_n of_o liberty_n in_o the_o first_o of_o these_o place_n but_o they_o be_v only_a stranger_n and_o that_o neither_o do_v not_o endure_v any_o long_a time_n and_o as_o there_o be_v but_o few_o of_o they_o that_o be_v not_o to_o be_v draw_v into_o example_n but_o it_o be_v another_o case_n in_o england_n and_o see_v the_o good_a of_o the_o state_n and_o church_n depend_v absolute_o upon_o the_o union_n of_o the_o people_n in_o the_o point_n of_o religion_n one_o can_v there_o press_v a_o universal_a union_n too_o much_o but_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v procure_v by_o good_a mean_n and_o since_o the_o bishop_n be_v person_n of_o great_a experience_n of_o a_o extraordinary_a knowledge_n of_o a_o true_a fatherly_a zeal_n and_o goodness_n towards_o their_o people_n i_o hope_v that_o they_o will_v employ_v themselves_o in_o this_o great_a work_n with_o all_o the_o prudence_n and_o charity_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o succeed_a of_o such_o a_o commendable_a undertake_n you_o particular_o my_o lord_n who_o moderation_n and_o capacity_n be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o the_o world_n it_o look_v as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o design_n reserve_v for_o your_o great_a wisdom_n and_o if_o you_o do_v not_o succeed_v it_o be_v clear_a that_o all_o other_o will_v labour_v in_o it_o but_o in_o vain_a for_o my_o part_n i_o can_v contribute_v nothing_o to_o it_o where_o i_o be_o but_o vow_n and_o prayer_n and_o of_o these_o i_o can_v protest_v that_o i_o make_v very_o sincere_a one_o every_o day_n for_o the_o prosperity_n of_o the_o english_a church_n and_o that_o it_o will_v please_v god_n to_o order_v thing_n in_o such_o manner_n that_o all_o the_o protestant_n of_o england_n for_o the_o future_a may_v be_v of_o one_o heart_n and_o of_o one_o soul._n i_o beg_v your_o lordship_n to_o be_v well_o assure_v of_o this_o and_o to_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v with_o more_o respect_n than_o i_o be_o leyden_n sept._n 3._o 1680._o my_o lord_n your_o most_o humble_a and_o most_o obedient_a servant_n le_z moyne_n a_o paris_n l'_fw-fr 32._o d'octob_n monseigneur_n rien_fw-fr ne_fw-fr vous_fw-fr a_fw-fr deu_fw-mi paroistre_fw-mi si_fw-mi estrange_v ny_fw-fr si_fw-mi incivil_a que_fw-fr mon_fw-fr silence_n sur_fw-fr la_fw-fr lettre_fw-fr que_fw-fr vous_fw-fr i_o fîstes_fw-fr l'honneur_fw-fr de_fw-fr m'escrire_fw-fr il_fw-fr y_fw-fr a_fw-fr environ_fw-fr trois_fw-fr mois_fw-fr il_fw-fr est_fw-fr pourtant_fw-fr uray_fw-fr que_fw-fr je_fw-fr n'ay_fw-fr rien_fw-fr a_o i_o reprocher_n sur_fw-fr cela_fw-fr &_o a_o fin_n que_fw-fr vous_fw-fr le_fw-fr croyiez_fw-fr comme_fw-fr moi_fw-fr vous_fw-fr voulez_fw-fr bien_fw-fr i_o permettre_fw-fr de_fw-fr vous_fw-fr dire_fw-fr comment_n la_fw-fr choose_v s'est_fw-fr passée_fw-fr quand_fw-fr on_o m'apporta_fw-mi vostre_fw-fr lettre_fw-fr j'estois_fw-fr retombé_fw-fr dans_fw-fr une_fw-fr grande_fw-fr &_o violente_fw-la fiebure_fw-fr dont_fw-fr dieu_fw-fr m'a_fw-fr affligé_fw-fr durant_fw-mi quatre_fw-fr ou_fw-fr cinq_fw-fr mois_fw-fr &_o qui_fw-fr m'a_fw-fr mené_fw-fr jusqu'a_fw-fr deux_fw-fr doit_n de_fw-fr la_fw-fr mort_fw-fr je_fw-fr priay_v un_fw-fr de_fw-fr mes_fw-fr s_n qui_fw-fr estoit_fw-fr alors_fw-fr dans_fw-fr ma_fw-fr chambre_n de_fw-fr l'ouvrir_fw-fr &_o de_fw-it i_o dire_fw-fr le_fw-fr nom_fw-fr de_fw-fr celuy_fw-fr qui_fw-fr i_o l'escrivoit_fw-fr mais_fw-fr il_fw-fr se_fw-fr trouva_fw-fr que_fw-fr vous_fw-fr aviez_fw-fr oublié_fw-fr de_fw-fr la_fw-fr signer_n sur_fw-fr quoy_fw-fr je_fw-fr i_o l'a_fw-fr fis_fw-fr apporter_n pour_fw-fr voir_fw-fr si_fw-fr je_fw-fr n'en_fw-fr connoistrois_fw-fr point_fw-fr le_fw-fr caractére_n et_fw-fr ce_fw-fr fut_fw-fr encore_fw-fr inutilement_n par_fw-fr ce_fw-fr que_fw-fr jusqu'alor_n je_fw-fr n'_fw-fr avois_fw-fr rien_fw-fr veu_n de_fw-fr vostre_fw-fr main_fw-fr cela_fw-fr i_o fit_a croire_fw-fr qu'elle_fw-fr avoit_fw-fr esté_fw-fr escrite_n par_fw-fr celuy_fw-fr lá_fw-fr mesme_fw-fr qui_fw-fr l'avoit_fw-fr apportée_n pour_fw-fr m'attrapper_fw-fr dix_fw-fr ou_fw-fr douze_n sous_fw-fr de_fw-fr port_n car_fw-fr ce_fw-fr petit_fw-fr stratagem_n est_fw-fr assez_fw-fr commun_fw-fr en_fw-fr
ceremony_n of_o the_o law_n as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o to_o propagate_v this_o opinion_n of_o they_o they_o go_v up_o and_o down_o and_o endeavour_v to_o draw_v away_o the_o apostle_n disciple_n and_o to_o set_v up_o separate_a church_n among_o the_o christian_n and_o to_o allow_v none_o to_o partake_v with_o they_o that_o do_v not_o own_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o jewish_a ceremomony_n to_o salvation_n now_o although_o st._n paul_n himself_o comply_v sometime_o with_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o and_o the_o jewish_a christian_n especial_o in_o judaea_n general_o observe_v they_o yet_o when_o these_o false_a apostle_n come_v to_o enforce_v the_o observation_n of_o they_o as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n than_o he_o bid_v the_o christian_n at_o philippi_n to_o beware_v of_o they_o 3_o i._n e._n to_o fly_v their_o communion_n and_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o they_o these_o be_v all_o the_o case_n i_o can_v find_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n wherein_o separation_n from_o public_a communion_n be_v allow_v but_o there_o be_v two_o other_o wherein_o s._n paul_n give_v particular_a direction_n but_o such_o as_o do_v not_o amount_v to_o separation_n 1._o the_o different_a opinion_n they_o have_v about_o meat_n and_o drink_n 2_o some_o be_v for_o a_o pythagorean_n abstinence_n from_o all_o flesh_n some_o for_o a_o jewish_a abstinence_n from_o some_o certain_a sort_n other_o for_o a_o full_a christian_a liberty_n now_o this_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o diet_n and_o relate_v to_o their_o own_o family_n the_o apostle_n advise_v they_o not_o to_o censure_v or_o judge_v one_o another_o but_o notwithstanding_o this_o difference_n to_o join_v together_o as_o christian_n in_o the_o duty_n common_a to_o they_o all_o for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n do_v not_o lie_v in_o meat_n and_o drink_n 〈…〉_z i_o e._n let_v every_o one_o order_n his_o family_n as_o he_o think_v fit_a but_o that_o require_v innocency_n and_o a_o care_n not_o to_o give_v disturbance_n to_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n for_o these_o matter_n which_o he_o call_v peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v provoke_v and_o grieve_v by_o the_o dissension_n of_o christian_n and_o he_o say_v he_o that_o in_o these_o thing_n serve_v christ_n 18_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o approve_v of_o men._n let_v we_o therefore_o follow_v after_o the_o thing_n that_o make_v for_o peace_n 19_o and_o thing_n wherewith_o we_o may_v edify_v one_o another_o in_o such_o case_n then_o the_o apostle_n allow_v no_o separation_n from_o the_o public_a communion_n of_o christian_n it_o be_v the_o same_o case_n as_o to_o the_o observation_n of_o day_n then_o for_o some_o christian_n go_v then_o on_o jewish_a holiday_n to_o the_o synagogue_n other_o do_v not_o but_o for_o such_o thing_n they_o ought_v not_o to_o divide_v from_o each_o other_o communion_n in_o the_o common_a act_n of_o christian_a worship_n and_o the_o design_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o to_o lay_v down_o a_o stand_a rule_n of_o mutual_a forbearance_n as_o to_o different_a communion_n but_o to_o show_v that_o such_o difference_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v a_o occasion_n of_o break_v communion_n among_o christian_n and_o so_o the_o apostle_n discourse_n rom._n 14._o hold_v strong_o against_o separation_n on_o these_o and_o the_o like_a account_n 2._o the_o corrupt_a life_n of_o many_o who_o be_v not_o under_o church_n censure_n when_o st._n paul_n tax_v so_o many_o corruption_n in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n no_o wonder_n if_o some_o of_o they_o put_v the_o case_n to_o they_o what_o they_o shall_v do_v in_o case_n they_o know_v some_o member_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v man_n of_o bad_a life_n although_o the_o offence_n be_v not_o scandalous_a by_o be_v public_o know_v must_v they_o abstain_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n for_o these_o 11._o to_o this_o st._n paul_n answer_v that_o every_o private_a christian_n ought_v to_o forbear_v all_o familiar_a conversation_n with_o such_o if_o any_o one_o that_o be_v a_o brother_n be_v a_o fornicator_n etc._n etc._n with_o such_o a_o one_o no_o not_o to_o eat_v which_o be_v all_o the_o apostle_n require_v of_o private_a christian_n but_o if_o the_o scandal_n be_v public_a as_o that_o of_o the_o incestuous_a persou_fw-mi the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o vindicate_v its_o own_o honour_n by_o cast_v such_o out_o not_o as_o though_o the_o church_n communion_n be_v defile_v 13_o if_o they_o continue_v in_o but_o the_o reputation_n and_o honour_n of_o the_o church_n suffer_v by_o it_o the_o preservation_n whereof_o be_v the_o true_a cause_n of_o the_o church_n discipline_n but_o the_o apostle_n give_v not_o the_o least_o countenance_n to_o private_a man_n withdraw_a from_o the_o church_n communion_n though_o such_o person_n still_o continue_v in_o it_o for_o there_o may_v be_v many_o reason_n to_o break_v off_o private_a familiarity_n which_o will_v not_o hold_v as_o to_o public_a communion_n for_o our_o communion_n in_o public_a be_v a_o thing_n which_o chief_o respect_v god_n and_o a_o necessary_a duty_n of_o his_o own_o appoint_v the_o benefit_n whereof_o depend_v upon_o his_o promise_n and_o all_o the_o communion_n they_o have_v with_o other_o man_n be_v only_o join_v together_o for_o the_o performance_n of_o a_o common_a religious_a duty_n but_o private_a familiarity_n be_v a_o thing_n which_o whole_o respect_v the_o person_n converse_v with_o and_o a_o thing_n of_o mere_a choice_n and_o hardly_o to_o be_v imagine_v without_o approbation_n at_o jest_n if_o not_o imitation_n of_o their_o wickedness_n and_o therefore_o to_o argue_v from_o one_o to_o the_o other_o be_v very_o unreasonable_a the_o matter_n of_o separation_n be_v th●s_v state_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n there_o can_v be_v no_o way_n le●t_v to_o justify_v the_o separation_n from_o our_o church_n but_o to_o prove_v either_o that_o our_o worship_n be_v idolatrous_a or_o that_o our_o doctrine_n be_v false_a or_o that_o our_o ceremony_n be_v make_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n which_o be_v all_o so_o remote_a from_o any_o colour_n of_o truth_n that_o none_o of_o my_o adversary_n have_v yet_o have_v the_o hardiness_n to_o undertake_v it_o but_o however_o what_o plea_n they_o do_v bring_v to_o justify_v this_o separation_n must_v in_o the_o next_o place_n be_v examine_v part_n iii_o the_o plea_n for_o separation_n examine_v sect._n 1_o all_o the_o considerable_a plea_n at_o this_o time_n make_v use_v of_o for_o separation_n may_v be_v reduce_v to_o these_o head_n 1._o such_o as_o relate_v to_o the_o constitution_n of_o our_o church_n 2._o to_o the_o term_n of_o communion_n with_o it_o 3._o to_o the_o conscience_n of_o dissenter_n 4._o to_o the_o parity_n of_o reason_n as_o to_o our_o separation_n from_o rome_n 1._o such_o as_o relate_v to_o the_o constitution_n of_o our_o church_n which_o be_v these_o 1._o that_o our_o parochial_a church_n be_v not_o of_o christ_n institution_n 2._o that_o our_o diocesan_n church_n be_v unlawful_a 3._o that_o our_o national_a church_n have_v no_o foundation_n 4._o that_o the_o people_n be_v deprive_v of_o their_o right_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o their_o pastor_n 1._o i_o begin_v with_o our_o parochial_a church_n because_o it_o be_v separation_n from_o these_o with_o which_o we_o principal_o charge_v our_o adversary_n for_o herein_o they_o most_o discover_v their_o principle_n of_o separation_n since_o in_o former_a time_n the_o nonconformist_n thought_n it_o their_o duty_n to_o keep_v up_o communion_n with_o they_o but_o since_o the_o congregational_a way_n have_v prevail_v in_o england_n the_o present_a dissenter_n be_v general_o fall_v into_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o whatever_o their_o principle_n be_v at_o least_o so_o far_o as_o concern_v forsake_v communion_n with_o our_o parochial_a church_n and_o join_v together_o in_o separate_a congregation_n for_o divine_a worship_n this_o principle_n be_v therefore_o the_o first_o thing_n to_o be_v examine_v and_o the_o main_a foundation_n of_o that_o way_n i_o say_v be_v that_o communion_n in_o ordinance_n must_v be_v only_o in_o such_o church_n as_o christ_n himself_o institute_v by_o unalterable_a rule_n which_o be_v only_o particular_a and_o congregational_a church_n concern_v which_o i_o lay_v down_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o suppose_v congregational_a church_n to_o be_v of_o christ_n institution_n this_o be_v no_o reason_n for_o separation_n from_o our_o parochial_a church_n which_o have_v all_o the_o essential_o of_o such_o true_a church_n in_o they_o 2._o that_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o institution_n of_o church_n be_v limit_v to_o particular_a congregation_n in_o answer_n to_o this_o dr._n o._n say_v these_o thing_n 1._o that_o they_o do_v not_o deny_v at_o least_o some_o of_o our_o parochial_a church_n to_o be_v true_a church_n but_o why_o then_o do_v they_o deny_v communion_n with_o they_o but_o he_o say_v
and_o so_o excellent_a a_o bishop_n as_o saint_n augustin_n be_v and_o can_v mr._n b._n have_v find_v it_o in_o his_o heart_n to_o have_v tell_v he_o that_o he_o do_v not_o understand_v the_o right_a constitution_n of_o church_n how_o many_o quaere_n woo_a mr._n b._n have_v make_v about_o the_o number_n of_o soul_n at_o fussala_n and_o how_o he_o can_v take_v upon_o he_o the_o care_n of_o a_o place_n so_o far_o distant_a from_o he_o and_o it_o be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o guess_v what_o answer_n saint_n augustin_n will_v have_v give_v he_o but_o beside_o this_o plain_a evidence_n of_o the_o extent_n of_o diocese_n we_o have_v as_o clear_v proof_n of_o metropolitan_a province_n in_o the_o african_a church_n quidam_fw-la de_fw-la episcopis_fw-la in_o provinciâ_fw-la nostrâ_fw-la 13._o say_v saint_n cyprian_n and_o yet_o he_o speak_v of_o his_o predecessor_n time_n which_o show_v the_o very_a ancient_a extent_n of_o that_o province_n 2._o in_o provinciâ_fw-la nostrâ_fw-la per_fw-la aliquot_fw-la civitates_fw-la say_v he_o again_o which_o show_v that_o more_o city_n than_o carthage_n be_v under_o his_o care_n quoniam_fw-la latius_fw-la fusa_fw-la est_fw-la provincia_fw-la nostra_fw-la in_o his_o epistle_n to_o cornelius_n 2._o in_o the_o african_a code_n it_o appear_v the_o bishop_n of_o carthage_n have_v the_o primacy_n by_o his_o place_n in_o the_o other_o province_n by_o seniority_n of_o consecration_n victor_n mention_n one_o crescens_n 1._o who_o have_v 120_o bishop_n under_o he_o as_o metropolitan_a and_o i_o hope_v at_o least_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o african_a bishop_n mr._n b._n will_v entertain_v the_o better_a opinion_n of_o the_o english_a episcopacy_n sect._n 10._o but_o that_o he_o may_v not_o think_v this_o sort_n of_o episcopacy_n be_v only_o in_o these_o part_n of_o africa_n let_v we_o inquire_v into_o the_o episcopacy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o alexandria_n and_o we_o may_v suppose_v athanasius_n do_v not_o spend_v all_o his_o zeal_n upon_o doctrinal_a point_n but_o have_v some_o for_o the_o right_a constitution_n of_o church_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a the_o church_n under_o his_o care_n can_v not_o have_v personal_a communion_n with_o he_o 6._o it_o be_v observe_v by_o epiphanius_n that_o athanasius_n do_v frequent_o visit_v the_o neighbour_n church_n especial_o those_o in_o maraeotis_n of_o which_o athanasius_n himself_o give_v the_o best_a account_n 802._o maraeotis_n say_v he_o be_v a_o region_n belong_v to_o alexandria_n which_o never_o have_v either_o bishop_n or_o suffragan_n in_o it_o but_o all_o the_o church_n there_o be_v immediate_o subject_a to_o the_o bishop_n of_o alexandria_n but_o every_o presbyter_n be_v fix_v in_o his_o particular_a village_n and_o here_o they_o have_v church_n erect_v in_o which_o these_o presbyter_n do_v officiate_v all_o this_o we_o have_v express_o from_o athanasius_n himself_o whence_o we_o observe_v 1._o that_o here_o be_v true_a parochial_a church_n for_o so_o athanasius_n call_v they_o church_n and_o not_o bare_a oratory_n 2._o that_o these_o have_v presbyter_n fix_v among_o they_o who_o perform_v divine_a office_n there_o 3._o that_o these_o be_v under_o the_o immediate_a inspection_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o alexandria_n so_o that_o the_o whole_a government_n belong_v to_o he_o 4._o that_o these_o be_v at_o that_o distance_n that_o they_o can_v not_o have_v local_a communion_n with_o their_o bishop_n in_o his_o church_n at_o alexandria_n which_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o mr._n baxter_n episcopacy_n so_o in_o alexandria_n itself_o 1._o there_o be_v many_o distant_a church_n with_o fix_a presbyter_n in_o they_o as_o epiphanius_n several_a time_n observe_v and_o it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a strange_a thing_n indeed_o if_o so_o many_o presbyter_n shall_v have_v fix_v church_n in_o alexandria_n and_o yet_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o alexandria_n be_v no_o big_a than_o to_o make_v one_o congregation_n for_o personal_a communion_n with_o the_o bishop_n 9_o but_o mr._n baxter_n great_a argument_n be_v from_o the_o meeting_n of_o the_o whole_a multitude_n with_o athanasius_n in_o the_o great_a church_n at_o alexandria_n to_o keep_v the_o easter_n solemnity_n whence_o he_o conclude_v that_o the_o christian_n in_o alexandria_n be_v no_o more_o than_o that_o the_o main_a body_n of_o they_o can_v meet_v and_o hear_v in_o one_o assembly_n 682._o whereas_o all_o that_o athanasius_n say_v amount_v to_o no_o more_o than_o this_o that_o the_o multitude_n be_v too_o great_a to_o meet_v in_o one_o of_o the_o lesser_a church_n and_o therefore_o a_o great_a clamour_n be_v raise_v among_o they_o that_o they_o may_v go_v into_o the_o new_a church_n athanasius_n press_v they_o to_o bear_v with_o the_o inconveniency_n and_o disperse_v themselves_o into_o the_o lesser_a church_n the_o people_n grow_v impatient_a and_o so_o at_o last_o he_o yield_v to_o they_o but_o what_o be_v there_o in_o all_o this_o to_o prove_v that_o all_o the_o christian_n in_o the_o whole_a city_n be_v then_o present_a and_o that_o this_o church_n will_v hold_v they_o all_o if_o a_o great_a assembly_n shall_v meet_v at_o one_o of_o the_o lesser_a church_n in_o london_n upon_o some_o solemn_a occasion_n and_o find_v themselves_o too_o big_a for_o that_o place_n shall_v press_v the_o bishop_n to_o open_a saint_n paul_n for_o that_o day_n before_o it_o be_v quite_o finish_v because_o of_o the_o great_a capacity_n of_o the_o church_n for_o receive_v such_o a_o number_n will_v this_o prove_v that_o saint_n paul_n hold_v all_o the_o christian_n in_o london_n athanasius_n say_v not_o a_o word_n more_o than_o that_o it_o be_v easter_n and_o there_o appear_v a_o great_a number_n of_o people_n such_o a_o one_o as_o christian_a prince_n will_v wish_v in_o a_o christian_a city_n do_v he_o say_v or_o intimate_v that_o all_o the_o christian_n of_o the_o city_n be_v present_a that_o none_o of_o they_o go_v to_o the_o lesser_a church_n or_o be_v absent_a though_o the_o crowd_n be_v so_o great_a do_v he_o not_o say_v the_o multitude_n be_v so_o great_a in_o the_o small_a church_n in_o the_o lend_a assembly_n that_o not_o a_o few_o be_v stifle_v and_o carry_v home_o for_o dead_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o consider_v the_o multitude_n at_o such_o a_o time_n in_o my_o mind_n mr._n baxter_n may_v as_o well_o prove_v that_o the_o whole_a nation_n of_o the_o jew_n make_v but_o one_o congregation_n because_o at_o the_o dedication_n of_o solomon_n temple_n there_o be_v so_o great_a a_o multitude_n present_a that_o one_o of_o the_o lesser_a synagogue_n can_v not_o hold_v they_o but_o the_o argument_n be_v of_o great_a force_n in_o this_o respect_n that_o god_n himself_o appoint_v but_o one_o temple_n for_o the_o whole_a nation_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o therefore_o he_o intend_v no_o more_o than_o a_o single_a congregational_a church_n but_o to_o serve_v this_o hypothesis_n alexandria_n itself_o must_v be_v shrink_v into_o a_o less_o compass_n 21._o although_o dionysius_n alexandrinus_n who_o be_v bishop_n there_o say_v it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o very_a great_a city_n and_o the_o geographer_n publish_v by_o gothofred_n say_v it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 18._o a_o exceed_a great_a city_n so_o great_a that_o it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d past_a man_n comprehension_n 22._o and_o ammianus_n marcellinus_n say_v it_o be_v the_o top_n of_o all_o city_n 11._o and_o for_o the_o number_n of_o christian_n there_o long_o before_o the_o time_n of_o athanasius_n dionysius_n alexandrinus_n say_v in_o a_o time_n of_o great_a persecution_n when_o he_o be_v banish_v he_o keep_v up_o the_o assembly_n in_o the_o city_n and_o at_o cephro_n he_o have_v a_o large_a church_n partly_o of_o the_o christian_n of_o alexandria_n which_o follow_v he_o and_o partly_o from_o other_o place_n and_o when_o he_o be_v remove_v thence_o to_o colluthion_n which_o be_v near_o the_o city_n such_o number_n of_o christian_n flock_v out_o of_o the_o city_n to_o he_o that_o they_o be_v force_v to_o have_v distinct_a congregation_n so_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v and_o so_o athanasius_n use_v they_o 683._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o the_o christian_n meet_v in_o several_a congregation_n if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o number_n of_o christian_n at_o alexandria_n so_o long_o before_o under_o the_o sharp_a persecution_n be_v it_o possible_a to_o imagine_v in_o so_o great_a a_o city_n after_o christianity_n have_v so_o long_o be_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o empire_n that_o the_o number_n of_o christian_n there_o shall_v be_v no_o great_a than_o to_o make_v one_o large_a congregation_n there_o be_v no_o hope_n of_o convince_a man_n that_o can_v build_v theory_n upon_o such_o strange_a improbability_n i_o shall_v only_o add_v one_o instance_n more_o from_o antiquity_n which_o be_v plain_a enough_o of_o itself_o to_o show_v the_o
ad_fw-la evagr._fw-la ecc●ellens_n de_fw-fr orig._n eccl._n alex._n c._n 6._o ambros._n comment_fw-fr in_o 4_o eph._n euseb._n l._n 6._o c._n 10._o c._n 11._o aug._n ep_n 110._o socr._n l._n 8._o c._n 46._o council_n n●cen_n c._n 4._o council_n antioch_n c._n 18._o c._n 17._o socr._n l._n 2._o c._n 10._o basil._n ep._n 194._o council_n chalce_v act._n 11._o novel_a justin_n 123_o 137._o c._n de_fw-fr episc._n lex_fw-la 42._o can._n laod._n c._n 13._o aug._n ep._n 225._o conc._n nic._n 2._o c._n 3._o council_n 8._o c._n 28._o soz._n l._n 2._o c._n 19_o socr._n l._n 2._o c._n 6_o 7._o c._n 13._o c._n 16._o c._n 23._o soz._n l._n 7._o c._n 7._o l._n 8._o c._n 2._o socr._n l._n 7._o c._n 29._o pallad_n vit._n chrys._n p._n 42._o so●r_n l._n 7._o c._n 40._o council_n aurelian_a a._n d._n 549._o v._o council_n tarracon_n a._n d._n 599._o can._n 3._o council_n tolet._n 12._o c._n 6._o &_o ibi_fw-la loaisam_fw-la grati._n dist._n 63._o council_n vernense_fw-fr can._n 2._o sirmond_n append._n ad_fw-la to._n 2._o council_n gall._n lup._n ferrarian_n ep._n 81_o 98_o 99_o v._o grotii_fw-la piet._n p._n 91._o walsingh_n in_o edw._n 3._o p._n 161._o c._n si_fw-la quis_fw-la 15._o cod_n de_fw-fr sacros_fw-la eccles._n nou._n 57_o nou._n 123._o c._n 18._o matt._n paris_n ad_fw-la a._n 1239._o joh._n saris●_n ep._n 6._o &_o 119._o epist._n 83._o rittershus_n ad_fw-la novel_a p._n 1._o c._n 7._o n._n 36_o 37._o treatise_n of_o episcop_n p._n 2._o p_o 123._o mischief_n of_o impositi●ns_n p._n 41._o vindic._n of_o non-conf_a p._n 13._o dr._n falkner_n vindication_n of_o liturgy_n 1680._o vindication_n p._n 22._o answ._n p._n 49._o mischief_n of_o impo_n p._n 29._o matt._n 15._o 11._o 19_o 20._o exercit._n on_o matt._n 15._o 1_o 9_o p._n 23_o 25._o p._n 28._o p._n 17._o e●ce_n pta_fw-la g●mar_n c._n 1._o ●_o 6._o ma●k_v 7._o 4._o chagiga_n c._n 2._o §_o ult_n erub_n i●_n f._n 21._o bellarm._n de_fw-fr effectu_fw-la sacra_fw-la l._n 2._o c._n 31._o sect._n tertia_fw-la bell._n de_fw-fr cultu_fw-la sanct._n l._n 3._o c._n 7._o §_o nota._n benedict_n salis_n ad_fw-la aquam_fw-la lustral_a pastoral_n de_fw-fr sacr._n bap._n azor._fw-la instit._fw-la moral_a l._n 4._o c._n 11._o greg._n de_fw-fr valent_n to._n 4._o disp_n 7._o q._n 4._o puncto_fw-la 1._o marsil_n columnae_n hydragiologia_n bell._n de_fw-fr imag._n l._n 2._o c._n 30._o thyrae_fw-la de_fw-fr locis_fw-la infest_a p._n 3._o c._n 68_o thesaur_n cathol_n to._n 1._o l._n 2._o art_n 9_o fresh_a suit_n against_o cerem_fw-la p._n 70._o p._n 427._o cassand_n consult_v art_n 7._o &_o 9_o to._n 4._o disp_n 3._o q._n 1._o p._n 4._o preface_n to_o the_o common-prayer_n can._n 30._o preface_n to_o common_a prayer_n 〈…〉_z plea_n for_o peace_n p._n 178_o 179._o defence_n of_o the_o plea_n p._n 4●_n plea_n 〈…〉_z p._n 18._o christian_n directory_n ecclesiastical_a case_n q._n 113._o defence_n of_o the_o plea_n p._n 41._o defence_n of_o the_o plea_n p._n 49._o council_n florent_fw-la decret_n union_n council_n trident._n sess._n 7._o can._n 6._o gamachae_fw-la sum._n theol._n to._n 3._o qu._n 2._o c._n 5._o lu●o_o de_fw-fr sacram_fw-la disp_n 4._o sect._n 4._o n_o 32._o ysambert_n de_fw-fr sacram._n ad_fw-la qu._n 62._o disp_n 4_o art_n 3._o clypeus_fw-la theolog._n thomi_v to._n 5._o disp_n 3._o art_n 2._o §_o 1._o christian_n directory_n eccles._n case_n q._n 49._o p._n 826._o mischief_n of_o imposit_n preface_n §._o 33._o 1._o answer_v to_o serm._n p._n 47_o 48._o plea_n for_o peace_n p._n 232_o 233._o ca●_n 6._o aug._n 〈◊〉_d r●ig_n c._n ●_o 〈…〉_z 〈…〉_z de_fw-fr constit._n c._n quia_fw-la incontinent_a ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la can._n 65._o plea_n for_o pea●e_n p._n 2●●_n dis●ipl_n de_fw-fr france_n des_n minist_n art_n 5._o calvin_n epist._n 〈◊〉_d p._n 311._o p._n 122._o 〈…〉_z c._n 6._o §._o 34._o letter_n out_o of_o the_o country_n p._n 5_o 6_o etc._n etc._n answ._n p._n 81._o 5._o disputation_n of_o church_n gou._n p._n 48●_n mischief_n of_o impo_n p._n 72._o p._n 73._o p._n 77._o p._n 78._o §._o 35._o p._n 4._o p._n 8._o answ._n to_o cotton_n letter_n bloody_a tenent_n defence_n of_o the_o cure_n of_o divis._n p_o 124._o 〈…〉_z to_o magist●a●es_n power_n ●_o 〈◊〉_d first_o principles_n of_o new_a england_n by_o i._n mather_n 1675._o §._o 36._o p._n 6._o p._n 8._o t._n c._n be_v first_o answer_n to_o w●itg_n p._n 13●_n answ._n p._n 49._o plea_n for_o peace_n p._n 143._o 100l_n defence_n of_o his_o plea_n p._n 26._o plea_n for_o peace_n p._n 149._o ratio_fw-la discip._n fratr_n c._n 3._o sect._n 2._o def._n of_o the_o plea_n p._n 25._o aug._n ep_n 23._o chrysost._n in_o psal._n 14._o tert●l_n de_fw-fr baptismo_fw-la c._n 18._o serm._n 116._o de_fw-fr tempore_fw-la de_fw-fr peccat_fw-la meritis_fw-la &_o remiss_a l._n 1._o c._n 34._o preface_n to_o right_a to_o sacrament_n conference_n first_o part._n §._o 37._o mischief_n of_o impo_n p._n 85_o 86_o 87._o 〈…〉_z to_o the_o 〈…〉_z confe●●o_o fid●i_n claudii_n regis_fw-la aethiopiae_fw-la §._o 38._o mischief_n of_o 〈…〉_z mischief_n o●_n impo●_n ●_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d c●lv_n edit_fw-la amstel_n ●om_n 8_o p._n 60._o 60._o bez._n contra_fw-la sarrav_n ad_fw-la cap_n 8._o art_n 3._o pag._n 27●_n edit_n fran●o●_n ann_n 16●1_n calvin_n ●pera_fw-la edit_fw-la 〈…〉_z 38._o p._n 6●_n 〈…〉_z cap._n 8._o art_n 3._o pag._n 〈◊〉_d edit_n 〈◊〉_d anno_fw-la 1601._o