misery_n be_v in_o their_o way_n and_o the_o way_n of_o peace_n they_o have_v not_o know_v but_o it_o be_v happy_a for_o we_o if_o all_o those_o who_o agree_v in_o renounce_v the_o error_n and_o corruption_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n can_v as_o easy_o join_v together_o in_o the_o great_a duty_n of_o our_o common_a religion_n that_o be_v in_o our_o prayer_n and_o praise_n and_o sacrament_n and_o all_o solemn_a act_n of_o divine_a worship_n for_o this_o will_v not_o only_o take_v off_o the_o reproach_n of_o our_o adversary_n who_o continual_o upbraid_v we_o with_o our_o schism_n and_o separation_n but_o it_o will_v mighty_o tend_v to_o abate_v man_n passion_n and_o to_o remove_v their_o prejudices_fw-la and_o to_o dispose_v their_o inclination_n and_o thereby_o lie_v a_o foundation_n for_o a_o bless_a union_n among_o ourselves_o which_o will_v frustrate_v the_o great_a design_n of_o our_o enemy_n upon_o we_o who_o expect_v to_o see_v that_o religion_n destroy_v by_o our_o own_o folly_n which_o they_o can_v not_o otherwise_o hope_v to_o accomplish_v by_o their_o utmost_a care_n and_o endeavour_v and_o we_o may_v just_o hope_v for_o a_o great_a blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o we_o when_o we_o offer_v up_o our_o joint_a prayer_n and_o devotion_n to_o he_o 8._o lift_v up_o as_o st._n paul_n speak_v holy_a hand_n without_o wrath_n and_o dispute_v this_o be_v therefore_o a_o thing_n of_o so_o great_a consequence_n to_o our_o peace_n and_o union_n that_o tend_v so_o much_o to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o our_o common_a safety_n and_o preservation_n that_o no_o person_n who_o have_v any_o real_a concernment_n for_o these_o thing_n can_v deny_v it_o to_o be_v not_o only_o just_a and_o fit_a but_o in_o our_o circumstance_n necessary_a to_o be_v do_v if_o it_o can_v be_v make_v appear_v to_o be_v lawful_a or_o that_o they_o can_v do_v it_o with_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o this_o be_v the_o subject_n i_o design_v to_o speak_v to_o at_o this_o time_n and_o for_o that_o purpose_n have_v make_v choice_n of_o these_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n nevertheless_o whereto_o we_o have_v already_o attain_v let_v we_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n let_v we_o mind_n the_o same_o thing_n for_o our_o better_a understanding_n the_o full_a scope_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o these_o word_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o a_o unhappy_a schism_n or_o wilful_a breach_n of_o the_o church_n unity_n have_v begin_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n upon_o the_o difference_n that_o arise_v concern_v the_o necessity_n of_o keep_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o that_o which_o make_v the_o schism_n the_o more_o dangerous_a be_v that_o the_o first_o beginner_n of_o it_o pretend_v a_o commission_n from_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o at_o jerusalem_n 2d_o and_o be_v extreme_o busy_a and_o industrious_a to_o gain_v and_o keep_v up_o a_o party_n to_o themselves_o in_o the_o most_o flourish_a church_n plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n at_o antioch_n they_o bear_v so_o great_a a_o sway_n that_o st._n peter_n himself_o comply_v with_o they_o 13_o and_o not_o only_o other_o jew_n but_o barnabas_n also_o be_v carry_v away_o with_o their_o dissimulation_n insomuch_o that_o have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o the_o courage_n and_o resolution_n of_o st._n paul_n all_o the_o gentile_a christian_n have_v be_v either_o force_v to_o a_o compliance_n with_o the_o jew_n or_o to_o a_o perpetual_a schism_n of_o which_o st._n peter_n have_v be_v in_o probability_n the_o head_n and_o not_o of_o the_o church_n unity_n if_o st._n paul_n have_v not_o vigorous_o oppose_v so_o dangerous_a a_o compliance_n but_o find_v so_o good_a success_n in_o his_o endeavour_n at_o antioch_n he_o pursue_v those_o false_a apostle_n who_o make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o divide_v and_o separate_v the_o christian_n from_o each_o other_o communion_n through_o all_o the_o church_n where_o they_o have_v or_o be_v like_a to_o make_v any_o great_a impression_n he_o write_v his_o epistle_n to_o the_o galatian_n purposely_o against_o they_o he_o warn_v the_o christian_n at_o rome_n of_o they_o 17._o now_o i_o beseech_v you_o brethren_n mark_v they_o which_o cause_n division_n and_o offence_n contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n which_o you_o have_v learn_v and_o avoid_v they_o and_o because_o he_o have_v understand_v they_o have_v be_v busy_a at_o philippi_n to_o make_v a_o party_n there_o too_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n to_o prevent_v their_o design_n make_v use_n of_o this_o follow_a method_n 1._o he_o exhort_v the_o philippian_n to_o a_o unanimous_a and_o constant_a resolution_n in_o hold_v fast_o to_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o spite_n of_o all_o the_o threat_n and_o malice_n of_o their_o enemy_n 28._o that_o you_o stand_v fast_o in_o one_o spirit_n with_o one_o mind_n strive_v together_o for_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o nothing_o terrify_v by_o your_o adversary_n if_o once_o the_o fear_n of_o trouble_n and_o persecution_n make_v man_n afraid_a to_o own_o and_o maintain_v their_o religion_n it_o will_v be_v a_o easy_a matter_n for_o their_o enemy_n first_o to_o divide_v and_o then_o to_o subdue_v they_o but_o their_o courage_n and_o unanimity_n in_o a_o good_a cause_n baffle_v the_o attempt_n of_o the_o most_o dare_a adversary_n and_o make_v they_o willing_a to_o retreat_v when_o they_o see_v they_o can_v neither_o disunite_v they_o nor_o make_v they_o afraid_a 2._o he_o beseech_v they_o in_o the_o most_o vehement_a and_o affectionate_a manner_n not_o to_o give_v way_n to_o any_o difference_n or_o division_n among_o they_o if_o there_o be_v therefore_o any_o consolation_n in_o christ_n 2._o if_o any_o comfort_n of_o love_n if_o any_o fellowship_n of_o the_o spirit_n if_o any_o bowel_n and_o mercy_n fulfil_v you_o my_o joy_n that_o you_o be_v like_o mind_a have_v the_o same_o love_n be_v of_o one_o accord_n of_o one_o mind_n as_o though_o he_o have_v say_v unto_o they_o i_o have_v see_v the_o miserable_a effect_n of_o division_n in_o other_o church_n already_o how_o our_o religion_n have_v be_v reproach_v the_o gospel_n hinder_v and_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n render_v of_o little_a or_o no_o effect_n by_o reason_n of_o they_o let_v i_o therefore_o entreat_v you_o if_o you_o have_v any_o regard_n to_o the_o peace_n and_o welfare_n of_o your_o own_o soul_n if_o you_o have_v any_o sense_n of_o your_o duty_n you_o owe_v to_o one_o another_o as_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n if_o you_o have_v any_o tenderness_n or_o pity_n towards_o i_o avoid_v the_o first_o tendency_n to_o any_o breach_n among_o you_o entertain_v no_o unjust_a suspicion_n or_o jealousy_n of_o each_o other_o show_v all_o the_o kindness_n you_o be_v able_a to_o your_o fellow_n member_n live_v as_o those_o that_o be_v act_v by_o the_o same_o soul_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d carry_v on_o the_o same_o design_n and_o as_o much_o as_o possible_a prevent_v any_o difference_n in_o opinion_n among_o you_o 3._o he_o warn_v they_o and_o give_v cautious_a against_o some_o person_n from_o who_o their_o great_a danger_n be_v viz._n such_o as_o pretend_v a_o mighty_a zeal_n for_o the_o law_n and_o very_o well_o understand_v the_o mischief_n of_o their_o design_n under_o their_o specious_a pretence_n he_o bestow_v very_o severe_a character_n upon_o they_o vers_n 2._o beware_v of_o dog_n beware_v of_o evil_a worker_n beware_v of_o the_o concision_n all_o which_o character_n relate_v to_o the_o breach_n and_o division_n which_o they_o make_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o like_a dog_n they_o do_v tear_v in_o piece_n and_o thereby_o do_v unspeakable_a mischief_n and_o so_o be_v evil_a worker_n and_o by_o the_o concision_n st._n chrysostom_n understand_v such_o a_o cut_n in_o piece_n as_o tend_v to_o the_o destruction_n of_o a_o thing_n and_o therefore_o say_v he_o the_o apostle_n call_v they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d because_o they_o endeavour_v to_o cut_v in_o piece_n and_o thereby_o to_o destroy_v the_o church_n of_o god_n but_o lest_o they_o shall_v give_v out_o that_o st._n paul_n speak_v this_o out_o of_o a_o particular_a pique_n he_o have_v take_v up_o against_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n he_o declare_v that_o as_o to_o the_o spiritual_a intention_n and_o design_n of_o the_o law_n it_o be_v accomplish_v in_o christian_n vers_fw-la 3._o for_o we_o be_v the_o circumcision_n which_o worship_n god_n in_o the_o spirit_n and_o rejoice_v in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o have_v no_o confidence_n in_o the_o flesh_n and_o for_o his_o own_o part_n he_o have_v as_o much_o reason_n to_o glory_n in_o legal_a privilege_n as_o any_o of_o they_o all_o vers_n 4_o 5_o 6._o but_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n have_v so_o prevail_v upon_o his_o mind_n that_o he_o now_o despise_v the_o thing_n he_o value_v before_o and_o make_v it_o his_o whole_a
such_o case_n and_o bind_v christian_n to_o observe_v they_o as_o we_o find_v in_o that_o famous_a decree_n make_v upon_o great_a deliberation_n 28_o in_o a_o council_n of_o the_o apostle_n at_o jerusalem_n wherein_o they_o determine_v those_o thing_n which_o they_o know_v be_v then_o scruple_v and_o continue_v so_o to_o be_v afterward_o wherever_o the_o judaize_v christian_n prevail_v but_o notwithstanding_o all_o their_o dissatisfaction_n the_o apostle_n continue_v the_o same_o rule_n and_o s._n paul_n here_o require_v the_o most_o forward_a christian_n to_o mind_v their_o rule_n and_o to_o preserve_v peace_n and_o unity_n among_o themselves_o but_o do_v not_o s._n paul_n in_o the_o 14_o chapter_n of_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n lie_v down_o quite_o another_o rule_n viz._n only_o of_o mutual_a forbearance_n in_o such_o case_n where_o man_n be_v unsatisfied_a in_o conscience_n i_o answer_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v act_n like_o a_o prudent_a governor_n and_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o he_o think_v do_v most_o tend_v to_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o good_a of_o particular_a church_n in_o some_o church_n that_o consist_v most_o of_o jew_n as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n at_o this_o time_n do_v and_o where_o they_o do_v not_o impose_v the_o necessity_n of_o keep_v the_o law_n on_o the_o gentile_a christian_n as_o we_o do_v not_o find_v they_o do_v at_o rome_n the_o apostle_n be_v willing_a to_o have_v the_o law_n bury_v as_o decent_o and_o with_o as_o little_a noise_n as_o may_v be_v and_o therefore_o in_o this_o case_n he_o persuade_v both_o party_n to_o forbearance_n and_o charity_n in_o avoid_v the_o judge_n and_o censure_v one_o another_o 10._o since_o they_o have_v a_o equal_a regard_n to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n in_o what_o they_o do_v but_o in_o those_o church_n where_o the_o false_a apostle_n make_v use_v of_o this_o pretence_n of_o the_o levitical_a law_n be_v still_o in_o force_n to_o divide_v the_o church_n and_o to_o separate_v the_o communion_n of_o christian_n there_o the_o apostle_n bid_v they_o beware_v of_o they_o and_o their_o practice_n as_o be_v of_o a_o dangerous_a and_o pernicious_a consequence_n so_o that_o the_o preserve_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o prevent_a separation_n be_v the_o great_a measure_n according_a to_o which_o the_o apostle_n give_v his_o direction_n and_o that_o make_v he_o so_o much_o insist_v on_o this_o advice_n to_o the_o philippian_n that_o whatever_o their_o attainment_n in_o christianity_n be_v they_o shall_v walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n and_o mind_n the_o same_o thing_n ii_o we_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o duty_n and_o obligation_n that_o lie_v upon_o the_o best_a christian_n to_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n to_o mind_v the_o same_o thing_n from_o whence_o arise_v two_o very_a considerable_a inquiry_n 1._o how_o far_o the_o obligation_n do_v extend_v to_o comply_v with_o a_o establish_a rule_n and_o to_o preserve_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n we_o live_v in_o 2._o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v if_o man_n can_v come_v up_o to_o that_o rule_n for_o the_o apostle_n speak_v only_o of_o such_o as_o have_v attain_v so_o far_o whereto_o we_o have_v already_o attain_v let_v we_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n 1._o how_o far_o the_o obligation_n do_v extend_v to_o comply_v with_o a_o establish_a rule_n and_o to_o preserve_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n we_o live_v in_o this_o i_o think_v the_o more_o necessary_a to_o be_v speak_v to_o because_o i_o can_v persuade_v myself_o that_o so_o many_o scrupulous_a and_o conscientious_a man_n as_o be_v at_o this_o day_n among_o we_o will_v live_v so_o many_o year_n in_o a_o know_a sin_n i._n e._n in_o a_o state_n of_o separation_n from_o the_o communion_n of_o a_o church_n which_o in_o conscience_n they_o think_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o communicate_v with_o it_o must_v be_v certain_o some_o great_a mistake_n in_o their_o judgement_n must_v lead_v they_o to_o this_o for_o i_o be_o by_o no_o mean_n willing_a to_o impute_v it_o to_o passion_n and_o evil_a design_n and_o out_o of_o the_o hearty_a desire_n i_o have_v if_o possible_a to_o give_v satisfaction_n in_o this_o matter_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o search_v to_o the_o bottom_n of_o this_o dangerous_a mistake_n to_o which_o we_o owe_v so_o much_o of_o our_o present_a distraction_n and_o fear_n but_o for_o the_o better_a prevent_v all_o misunderstanding_n the_o design_n of_o my_o discourse_n i_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v consider_v 1._o that_o i_o speak_v not_o of_o the_o separation_n or_o distinct_a communion_n of_o whole_a church_n from_o each_o other_o which_o according_a to_o the_o scripture_n antiquity_n and_o reason_n have_v a_o just_a right_n and_o power_n to_o govern_v and_o reform_v themselves_o by_o whole_a church_n i_o mean_v the_o church_n of_o such_o nation_n which_o upon_o the_o decay_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n resume_v their_o just_a right_n of_o government_n to_o themselves_o and_o upon_o their_o own_n christianity_n incorporate_v into_o one_o christian_a society_n under_o the_o same_o common_a tie_n and_o rule_n of_o order_n and_o government_n such_o as_o the_o church_n of_o macedonia_n will_v have_v be_v if_o from_o be_v a_o roman_a province_n it_o have_v become_v a_o christian_a kingdom_n and_o the_o church_n of_o thessalonica_n philippi_n and_o the_o rest_n have_v unite_v together_o and_o so_o the_o several_a church_n of_o the_o lydian_a or_o proconsular_a asia_n if_o they_o have_v be_v unite_v in_o one_o kingdom_n and_o govern_v by_o the_o same_o authority_n under_o the_o same_o rule_n may_v have_v be_v true_o call_v the_o lydian_a church_n just_o as_o several_a family_n unite_n make_v one_o kingdom_n which_o at_o first_o have_v a_o distinct_a and_o independent_a power_n but_o it_o will_v make_v strange_a confusion_n in_o the_o world_n to_o reduce_v kingdom_n back_o again_o to_o family_n because_o at_o first_o they_o be_v make_v up_o of_o they_o thus_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 for_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o a_o church_n be_v no_o more_o than_o of_o 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 and_o it_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n to_o make_v the_o notion_n of_o a_o church_n bare_o to_o relate_v to_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o consequent_o that_o the_o adequate_a notion_n of_o a_o church_n be_v a_o assembly_n for_o divine_a worship_n by_o which_o mean_n they_o appropriate_v the_o name_n of_o church_n to_o particular_a congregation_n whereas_o if_o this_o hold_v true_a the_o church_n must_v be_v dissolve_v assoon_o as_o the_o congregation_n be_v break_v up_o but_o if_o they_o retain_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o church_n when_o they_o do_v not_o meet_v together_o for_o worship_n than_o there_o be_v some_o other_o bond_n that_o unite_v they_o and_o whatever_o that_o be_v it_o constitute_v the_o church_n and_o if_o there_o be_v one_o catholic_n church_n consist_v of_o multitude_n of_o particular_a church_n consent_v in_o one_o faith_n then_o why_o may_v there_o not_o be_v one_o national_a church_n from_o the_o consent_n in_o the_o same_o article_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o same_o rule_n of_o government_n and_o order_n of_o worship_n nay_o if_o it_o be_v mutual_a consent_n and_o agreement_n which_o make_v a_o church_n then_o why_o may_v not_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 be_v as_o true_o and_o proper_o a_o church_n as_o any_o particular_a congregation_n for_o be_v not_o the_o kingdom_n of_o france_n as_o true_o a_o kingdom_n consist_v of_o so_o many_o province_n as_o the_o kingdom_n of_o ivetot_n once_o be_v in_o normandy_n 126._o which_o consist_v of_o a_o very_a small_a territory_n among_o the_o athenian_n from_o who_o the_o use_n of_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d come_v into_o the_o christian_a church_n it_o be_v take_v for_o such_o a_o assembly_n which_o have_v the_o power_n of_o govern_v and_o determine_v matter_n of_o religion_n as_o well_o as_o the_o affair_n of_o state_n for_o the_o senate_n of_o 500_o be_v distribute_v into_o fifty_n according_a to_o the_o number_n of_o the_o tribe_n which_o succeed_v by_o course_n through_o the_o year_n 1._o and_o be_v then_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d every_o one_o of_o these_o have_v 4_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d regular_a assembly_n in_o the_o last_o of_o which_o a_o account_n of_o the_o sacrifice_n be_v take_v and_o of_o other_o matter_n which_o concern_v religion_n as_o in_o the_o comitia_fw-la calata_n at_o rome_n from_o whence_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o meeting_n of_o one_o of_o
such_o thing_n in_o all_o the_o city_n of_o crect_n in_o his_o time_n 1._o and_o if_o we_o look_v over_o the_o ancient_a canon_n of_o the_o church_n we_o shall_v find_v two_o thing_n very_o plain_a in_o they_o 1._o that_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o church_n be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o of_o a_o diocese_n 16._o or_o such_o a_o number_n of_o christian_n as_o be_v under_o the_o inspection_n of_o a_o bishop_n 6._o 2._o that_o those_o presbyter_n who_o reject_v the_o authority_n of_o their_o bishop_n 26._o or_o affect_v separate_v meeting_n where_o no_o fault_n can_v be_v find_v with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o a_o church_n 2._o be_v condemn_v of_o schism_n eccl._n so_o the_o follower_n of_o eustathius_n sebastenus_n 55._o who_o withdraw_v from_o the_o public_a congregation_n on_o pretence_n of_o great_a sanctity_n and_o purity_n in_o paphlagonia_n council_n be_v condemn_v by_o the_o council_n at_o gangrae_n 6._o so_o be_v those_o who_o separate_v from_o their_o bishop_n 6._o though_o otherwise_o never_o so_o orthodox_n by_o the_o council_n at_o constantinople_n 11._o and_o the_o council_n at_o carthage_n wherein_o before_o st._n cyprian_n have_v so_o just_o complain_v of_o the_o schism_n of_o felicissimus_n and_o his_o brethren_n 42._o who_o on_o pretence_n of_o some_o disorder_n in_o the_o church_n of_o carthage_n have_v withdraw_v to_o the_o mountain_n and_o there_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o novatian_a schism_n but_o when_o false_a doctrine_n be_v impose_v on_o church_n 17._o as_o by_o the_o arian_n bishop_n at_o antioch_n than_o the_o people_n be_v excuse_v in_o their_o separation_n so_o at_o rome_n when_o felix_n be_v make_v bishop_n and_o at_o sirmium_n when_o photinus_n publish_v his_o heresy_n 16._o but_o i_o do_v not_o remember_v one_o instance_n in_o antiquity_n wherein_o separation_n from_o orthodox_n bishop_n and_o set_v up_o meeting_n without_o their_o authority_n and_o against_o their_o consent_n be_v acquit_v from_o the_o sin_n of_o schism_n indeed_o some_o bishop_n have_v sometime_o refuse_v communion_n with_o other_o upon_o great_a misdemeanour_n as_o theognostus_n and_o st._n martin_n with_o the_o ithacian_a party_n on_o the_o account_n of_o the_o death_n of_o priscillian_n but_o this_o do_v not_o at_o all_o reach_n to_o the_o case_n of_o presbyter_n separate_v from_o bishop_n with_o who_o they_o agree_v in_o the_o same_o faith_n the_o follower_n of_o st._n chrysostom_n do_v i_o confess_v continue_v their_o separate_a meeting_n after_o his_o banishment_n and_o the_o come_n in_o of_o arsacius_n but_o although_o they_o withdraw_v in_o his_o time_n be_v unsatisfied_a in_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o choice_n yet_o when_o atticus_n restore_v the_o name_n of_o st._n chrysostom_n to_o the_o diptych_n of_o the_o church_n they_o return_v to_o communion_n with_o their_o bishop_n 47._o as_o st._n chrysostom_n himself_o advise_v they_o as_o appear_v by_o palladius_n which_o be_v far_o from_o justify_v the_o wilful_a separation_n of_o presbyter_n and_o people_n from_o the_o communion_n of_o their_o bishop_n when_o they_o do_v agree_v in_o the_o same_o faith_n 2._o but_o suppose_v the_o first_o church_n be_v bare_o congregational_a by_o reason_n of_o the_o small_a number_n of_o believer_n at_o that_o time_n yet_o what_o obligation_n lie_v upon_o we_o to_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n we_o live_v in_o to_o reduce_v church_n to_o their_o infant-state_n they_o do_v not_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o reduce_v the_o first_o community_n of_o good_n which_o be_v far_o more_o certain_o practise_v than_o congregational_a church_n 14._o they_o do_v not_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o wash_v one_o another_o foot_n although_o christ_n do_v it_o and_o bad_a his_o disciple_n do_v as_o he_o do_v they_o believe_v that_o the_o first_o civil_a government_n be_v appoint_v by_o god_n himself_o over_o family_n do_v they_o therefore_o think_v themselves_o bind_v to_o overthrow_v kingdom_n to_o bring_v thing_n back_o to_o their_o first_o institution_n if_o not_o why_o shall_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n be_v in_o so_o much_o worse_a a_o condition_n than_o that_o of_o the_o civil-state_n it_o be_v very_o uncertain_a whether_o the_o primitive_a form_n be_v such_o as_o they_o fancy_v if_o it_o be_v it_o be_v more_o uncertain_a whether_o it_o be_v not_o so_o from_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o time_n than_o from_o any_o institution_n of_o christ_n but_o it_o be_v most_o certain_o our_o duty_n to_o preserve_v peace_n and_o unity_n among_o christian_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a so_o to_o do_v if_o man_n break_v all_o order_n in_o piece_n for_o the_o fancy_n they_o have_v take_v up_o of_o a_o primitive_a platform_n it_o be_v a_o great_a fault_n among_o some_o who_o pretend_v to_o great_a niceness_n in_o some_o positive_a duty_n that_o they_o have_v so_o little_a regard_n to_o comparative_a duty_n for_o that_o which_o may_v be_v a_o duty_n in_o one_o case_n when_o it_o come_v to_o thwart_v a_o great_a duty_n may_v be_v none_o this_o doctrine_n we_o learn_v from_o our_o bless_a saviour_n in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o sabbath_n 7._o which_o he_o make_v to_o yield_v to_o duty_n of_o mercy_n and_o can_v we_o think_v that_o a_o duty_n lie_v upon_o we_o which_o in_o our_o circumstance_n make_v a_o far_o great_a duty_n impracticable_a be_v there_o any_o thing_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v charge_v more_o upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o all_o christian_n than_o study_v to_o preserve_v peace_n and_o unity_n among_o christian_n 19_o this_o be_v that_o we_o must_v follow_v after_o 11._o even_o when_o it_o seem_v to_o fly_v from_o we_o this_o be_v that_o we_o must_v apply_v our_o mind_n to_o 3._o and_o think_v it_o our_o honour_n to_o promote_v this_o be_v that_o which_o the_o most_o perfect_a christian_n be_v the_o most_o zealous_a for_o 3._o this_o be_v that_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o which_o we_o be_v command_v to_o practice_v meekness_n humility_n patience_n self-denial_n and_o submission_n to_o governor_n 17._o and_o after_o all_o this_o can_v we_o imagine_v the_o attain_n of_o such_o a_o end_n shall_v depend_v upon_o man_n conjecture_n whether_o five_o thousand_o christian_n in_o time_n of_o persecution_n can_v make_v one_o assembly_n for_o worship_n or_o whether_o all_o the_o christian_n in_o ephesus_n or_o corinth_n make_v but_o one_o congregation_n on_o what_o term_n can_v we_o ever_o hope_v for_o peace_n in_o the_o church_n if_o such_o notion_n as_o these_o be_v ground_n enough_o to_o disturb_v it_o what_o stop_n can_v be_v put_v to_o schism_n and_o separation_n if_o such_o pretence_n as_o these_o be_v sufficient_a to_o justify_v they_o man_n may_v please_v themselves_o in_o talk_v of_o preserve_a peace_n and_o love_n under_o separate_a communion_n but_o our_o own_o sad_a experience_n show_v the_o contrary_a for_o as_o nothing_o tend_v more_o to_o unite_v man_n heart_n than_o join_v together_o in_o the_o same_o prayer_n and_o sacrament_n so_o nothing_o do_v more_o alienate_v man_n affection_n than_o withdraw_v from_o each_o other_o into_o separate_a congregation_n which_o tempt_v some_o to_o spiritual_a pride_n and_o scorn_n and_o contempt_n of_o other_o as_o of_o a_o more_o carnal_a and_o worldly_a church_n than_o themselves_o and_o provoke_v other_o to_o lay_v open_a the_o folly_n and_o indiscretion_n and_o immorality_n of_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o so_o much_o purity_n and_o spirituality_n above_o their_o brethren_n 2._o other_o confess_v 40._o that_o to_o live_v in_o a_o state_n of_o separation_n from_o such_o church_n as_o many_o at_o least_o of_o we_o be_v be_v a_o sin_n for_o they_o say_v that_o causeless_o renounce_v communion_n with_o true_a church_n be_v schism_n especial_o if_o it_o be_v join_v with_o set_v up_o anti-churche_n unwarrantable_o against_o they_o but_o this_o they_o deny_v that_o they_o do_v although_o they_o preach_v when_o and_o where_o it_o be_v forbid_v by_o law_n and_o worship_n god_n and_o administer_v sacrament_n by_o other_o rule_n and_o after_o a_o different_a manner_n than_o what_o our_o church_n require_v this_o be_v not_o deal_v with_o we_o with_o that_o fairness_n and_o ingenuity_n which_o our_o former_a brethren_n use_v for_o they_o avow_v the_o fact_n of_o separation_n but_o deny_v it_o to_o be_v sinful_a these_o own_n it_o to_o be_v sinful_a have_v no_o other_o refuge_n leave_v but_o to_o deny_v the_o fact_n which_o be_v evident_a to_o all_o person_n for_o do_v they_o not_o do_v the_o very_a same_o thing_n and_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n that_o the_o other_o do_v how_o come_v it_o then_o to_o be_v separation_n in_o some_o and_o not_o in_o other_o they_o be_v very_o unwilling_a to_o confess_v a_o separation_n because_o they_o have_v former_o condemn_v it_o with_o great_a severity_n and_o yet_o they_o do_v the_o same_o thing_n for_o which_o they_o charge_v other_o as_o guilty_a of_o a_o
business_n to_o attain_v to_o the_o glorious_a reward_n which_o this_o religion_n promise_v this_o he_o pursue_v from_o vers_fw-la 7_o to_z vers_n 15._o 4._o have_v do_v this_o he_o persuade_v all_o good_a christian_n to_o do_v as_o he_o do_v vers_fw-la 15._o let_v we_o therefore_o as_o many_o as_o be_v perfect_a be_v thus_o mind_v but_o because_o many_o dispute_n and_o difference_n as_o to_o opinion_n and_o practice_n may_v happen_v among_o they_o he_o therefore_o lay_v down_o two_o rule_n for_o they_o to_o govern_v themselves_o by_o 1._o if_o any_o happen_v to_o differ_v from_o the_o body_n of_o christian_n they_o live_v with_o they_o shall_v do_v it_o with_o great_a modesty_n and_o humility_n not_o break_v out_o into_o faction_n and_o division_n but_o wait_v for_o far_a information_n which_o they_o may_v expect_v that_o god_n will_v give_v upon_o a_o diligent_a and_o sober_a use_n of_o the_o best_a mean_n and_o if_o in_o any_o thing_n you_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v god_n shall_v reveal_v even_o this_o unto_o you_o by_o leave_v they_o to_o god_n immediate_a care_n for_o far_a illumination_n he_o do_v not_o bid_v they_o depend_v upon_o extraordinary_a revelation_n but_o require_v they_o to_o wait_v upon_o god_n in_o his_o own_o way_n without_o proceed_v with_o the_o false_a apostle_n to_o the_o way_n of_o faction_n and_o separation_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n to_o go_v as_o far_o as_o they_o can_v 2._o for_o those_o who_o be_v come_v to_o a_o firmness_n and_o settlement_n of_o judgement_n upon_o the_o christian_a principle_n he_o charge_v they_o by_o all_o mean_n to_o preserve_v unity_n and_o peace_n among_o themselves_o whereto_o we_o have_v already_o attain_v let_v we_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n let_v we_o mind_n the_o same_o thing_n wherein_o the_o apostle_n suppose_v two_o thing_n i._o the_o necessity_n of_o one_o fix_a and_o certain_a rule_n notwithstanding_o the_o different_a attainment_n among_o christian_n nevertheless_o whereto_o we_o have_v already_o attain_v let_v we_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n ii_o the_o duty_n and_o obligation_n which_o lie_v upon_o the_o best_a christian_n to_o observe_v it_o he_o do_v not_o speak_v to_o the_o ignorant_a and_o unthinking_a multitude_n not_o to_o the_o licentious_a rabble_n nor_o to_o the_o carnal_a and_o worldly_a church_n which_o some_o think_v be_v only_o desirous_a of_o uniformity_n but_o to_o the_o very_o best_a christian_n to_o those_o who_o have_v get_v the_o start_n of_o other_o as_o the_o word_n here_o signify_v that_o they_o will_v be_v a_o example_n of_o peace_n and_o unity_n to_o their_o brethren_n i._o the_o necessity_n of_o one_o fix_a and_o certain_a rule_n notwithstanding_o the_o different_a attainment_n of_o christian_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o phrase_n seem_v to_o be_v a_o continuation_n of_o the_o former_a allusion_n to_o a_o race_n for_o as_o eustathius_n observe_v 3._o the_o first_o thing_n the_o greek_n be_v wont_a to_o do_v as_o to_o their_o exercise_n be_v to_o circumscribe_v the_o bound_n within_o which_o they_o be_v to_o be_v perform_v that_o which_o fix_v and_o determine_v these_o limit_n be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o the_o greek_n and_o regula_n and_o lineae_fw-la by_o the_o latin_n thence_o transilire_fw-la lineas_fw-la in_o cicero_n be_v to_o commit_v a_o fault_n to_o break_v the_o bound_n within_o which_o we_o be_v confine_v all_o the_o question_n be_v what_o the_o apostle_n mean_v by_o this_o rule_n whether_o only_o a_o rule_n of_o charity_n and_o mutual_a forbearance_n with_o a_o liberty_n of_o different_a practice_n or_o such_o a_o rule_n which_o limit_n and_o dermine_v the_o manner_n of_o practice_n it_o can_v be_v the_o former_a because_o that_o be_v the_o case_n the_o apostle_n have_v speak_v to_o just_a before_o if_o in_o any_o thing_n you_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v therefore_o now_o subjoin_v this_o with_o respect_n to_o those_o who_o have_v go_v beyond_o they_o he_o do_v imply_v such_o a_o agreement_n and_o uniformity_n of_o practice_n as_o do_v lie_v in_o observe_v the_o same_o stand_a rule_n for_o which_o we_o must_v consider_v that_o they_o understand_v already_o what_o order_n and_o direction_n he_o have_v give_v they_o when_o a_o church_n be_v first_o form_v among_o they_o and_o therefore_o when_o the_o apostle_n mention_n a_o rule_n without_o declare_v what_o it_o be_v we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v it_o be_v such_o a_o rule_n which_o they_o very_o well_o know_v which_o he_o have_v give_v to_o they_o before_o so_o we_o find_v elsewhere_o the_o apostle_n refer_v to_o such_o rule_n of_o government_n and_o order_n which_o he_o have_v give_v to_o other_o church_n and_o be_v already_o receive_v and_o practise_v among_o they_o for_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o write_v their_o epistle_n for_o the_o sound_n of_o church_n but_o they_o be_v already_o in_o be_v only_o they_o take_v notice_n of_o any_o disorder_n among_o they_o and_o reform_a abuse_n and_o leave_v some_o thing_n to_o their_o own_o direction_n when_o they_o shall_v come_v among_o they_o and_o the_o rest_n will_v i_o set_v in_o order_n when_o i_o come_v as_o the_o lord_n have_v call_v every_o one_o so_o let_v he_o walk_v 34._o and_o so_o ordain_v i_o in_o all_o the_o church_n which_o show_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o leave_v all_o person_n to_o act_v as_o they_o judge_v fit_a 17._o but_o do_v make_v rule_n determine_v their_o practice_n and_o oblige_v they_o to_o uniformity_n therein_o for_o may_v not_o man_n pretend_v that_o these_o be_v not_o thing_n in_o themselves_o necessary_a and_o may_v be_v scruple_v by_o some_o person_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o be_v impose_v upon_o any_o but_o i_o do_v not_o find_v that_o the_o apostle_n on_o this_o account_n do_v forbear_v give_v rule_n in_o such_o case_n and_o to_o oblige_v christian_n to_o observe_v they_o and_o that_o not_o on_o the_o mere_a authority_n of_o apostle_n but_o as_o governor_n of_o church_n who_o business_n it_o be_v to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o welfare_n and_o preservation_n of_o they_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n which_o seem_v very_o little_a and_o inconsiderable_a in_o themselves_o who_o consequence_n and_o tendency_n be_v very_o great_a and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o governor_n lie_v in_o prevent_v the_o danger_n of_o little_a thing_n and_o keep_v the_o zeal_n of_o well-meaning_a person_n within_o its_o due_a bound_n for_o those_o who_o be_v engage_v below_o in_o the_o valley_n fight_v in_o small_a party_n and_o pursue_v their_o advantage_n do_v run_v into_o their_o enemy_n camp_n before_o they_o be_v aware_a of_o it_o may_v receive_v a_o unexpected_a check_n from_o their_o commander_n in_o chief_a who_o from_o the_o high_a ground_n espy_v the_o hazard_n they_o be_v in_o by_o their_o over-forwardness_n and_o the_o art_n which_o their_o enemy_n use_v in_o draw_v they_o into_o little_a company_n to_o fight_v separately_z and_o the_o danger_n they_o may_v thereby_o bring_v upon_o the_o whole_a army_n and_o therefore_o send_v they_o a_o peremptory_a order_n to_o give_v over_o fight_v by_o themselves_o and_o make_v good_a their_o retreat_n into_o the_o body_n of_o the_o army_n they_o wonder_v they_o complain_v they_o think_v themselves_o hardly_o use_v but_o no_o understand_a man_n blame_v their_o general_n who_o regard_v their_o safety_n more_o than_o they_o do_v themselves_o and_o know_v the_o allow_v they_o the_o liberty_n they_o desire_v will_v endanger_v the_o destruction_n of_o they_o all_o the_o wisdom_n and_o conduct_n of_o governor_n be_v quite_o another_o thing_n from_o the_o zeal_n and_o courage_n of_o inferior_a person_n who_o know_v their_o own_o resolution_n and_o integrity_n think_v much_o to_o be_v control_v but_o those_o who_o stand_v upon_o high_a ground_n and_o see_v further_o than_o they_o can_v do_v must_v be_v allow_v a_o better_a capacity_n of_o judge_v what_o make_v for_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o whole_a than_o they_o can_v have_v and_o such_o thing_n which_o they_o look_v on_o in_o themselves_o and_o therefore_o think_v they_o mean_v and_o trifle_a the_o other_o look_v upon_o they_o in_o their_o consequence_n and_o the_o influence_n they_o may_v have_v upon_o the_o public_a safety_n it_o be_v extreme_o desirable_a that_o all_o good_a and_o useful_a man_n shall_v enjoy_v as_o much_o satisfaction_n as_o may_v be_v but_o if_o it_o can_v be_v attain_v without_o run_v great_a hazard_n of_o unsettle_v all_o it_o be_v then_o to_o be_v consider_v whether_o the_o general_a safety_n or_o some_o man_n particular_a satisfaction_n be_v the_o more_o desirable_a and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o give_v we_o reason_n to_o consider_v for_o although_o there_o be_v many_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n in_o their_o time_n about_o several_a rite_n and_o custom_n yet_o the_o apostle_n do_v give_v rule_n in_o
be_v no_o sin_n 2._o that_o a_o state_n of_o separation_n will_v be_v a_o sin_n but_o notwithstanding_o their_o meeting_n in_o different_a place_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o in_o a_o state_n of_o separation_n and_o herein_o lie_v the_o whole_a strength_n of_o the_o several_a plea_n at_o this_o day_n make_v use_v of_o to_o justify_v the_o separate_a congregation_n both_o which_o i_o shall_v now_o examine_v 1._o some_o plead_v that_o it_o be_v true_a they_o have_v distinct_a and_o separate_a communion_n from_o we_o but_o it_o be_v no_o sin_n or_o culpable_a separation_n so_o to_o have_v for_o say_v they_o our_o lord_n christ_n institute_v only_o congregational_a church_n 68_o or_o particular_a assembly_n for_o divine_a worship_n which_o have_v the_o sole_a church_n power_n in_o themselves_o they_o be_v under_o no_o obligation_n of_o communion_n with_o other_o church_n but_o only_o to_o preserve_v peace_n and_o charity_n with_o they_o and_o to_o this_o doctrine_n 111._o other_o of_o late_a approach_n so_o near_o that_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o to_o devise_v new_a species_n of_o church_n beyond_o parochial_a or_o congregational_a without_o god_n authority_n and_o to_o impose_v they_o on_o the_o world_n yea_o in_o his_o name_n and_o call_v all_o dissenter_n schismatic_n be_v a_o far_o worse_a usurpation_n than_o to_o make_v or_o impose_v new_a ceremony_n or_o liturgy_n which_o must_v suppose_v congregational_a church_n to_o be_v so_o much_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n that_o any_o other_o constitution_n above_o these_o be_v both_o unlawful_a and_o insupportable_a which_o be_v more_o than_o the_o independent_a brethren_n themselves_o do_v assert_v but_o to_o clear_v the_o practice_n of_o separation_n from_o be_v a_o sin_n on_o this_o account_n two_o thing_n be_v necessary_a to_o be_v do_v 1._o to_o prove_v that_o a_o christian_n have_v no_o obligation_n to_o external_a communion_n beyond_o a_o congregational_a church_n 2._o that_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o break_v off_o communion_n with_o other_o church_n to_o set_v up_o a_o particular_a independent_a church_n 1._o that_o a_o christian_a have_v no_o obligation_n to_o external_a communion_n beyond_o a_o particular_a congregational_a church_n they_o do_v not_o deny_v that_o man_n by_o baptism_n be_v admit_v into_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n as_o member_n of_o it_o 52._o and_o that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o communion_n by_o mutual_a love_n among_o all_o that_o belong_v to_o this_o body_n and_o to_o do_v they_o right_o 54._o they_o declare_v that_o they_o look_v upon_o the_o church_n of_o england_n or_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o nation_n profess_v christianity_n to_o be_v as_o sound_v and_o healthful_a a_o part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n as_o any_o in_o the_o world_n but_o then_o they_o say_v 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 59_o which_o be_v only_o particular_a and_o congregational_a church_n grant_v this_o to_o be_v true_a how_o do_v it_o hence_o appear_v not_o to_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o separate_v from_o our_o parochial_a church_n which_o according_a to_o their_o own_o concession_n have_v all_o the_o essential_o of_o true_a church_n and_o what_o ground_n can_v they_o have_v to_o separate_v and_o divide_v those_o church_n which_o for_o all_o that_o we_o can_v see_v be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o the_o church_n plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n at_o corinth_n philippi_n or_o thessalonica_n but_o i_o must_v needs_o say_v further_o i_o have_v never_o yet_o see_v any_o tolerable_a proof_n that_o the_o church_n plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n be_v limit_v to_o congregation_n it_o be_v possible_a at_o first_o there_o may_v be_v no_o more_o christian_n in_o one_o city_n than_o can_v meet_v in_o one_o assembly_n for_o worship_n but_o where_o do_v it_o appear_v that_o when_o they_o multiply_v into_o more_o congregation_n they_o do_v make_v new_a and_o distinct_a church_n under_o new_a officer_n with_o a_o separate_a power_n of_o government_n of_o this_o i_o be_o well_o assure_v there_o be_v no_o mark_n or_o footstep_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n or_o the_o whole_a history_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n i_o do_v not_o think_v it_o will_v appear_v credible_a to_o any_o considerate_a man_n that_o the_o 5000_o christian_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n make_v one_o state_v and_o fix_v congregation_n for_o divine_a worship_n not_o if_o we_o make_v all_o the_o allowance_n for_o stranger_n which_o can_v be_v desire_v but_o if_o this_o be_v grant_v where_o be_v the_o unalterable_a rule_n that_o assoon_o as_o the_o company_n become_v too_o great_a for_o one_o particular_a assembly_n they_o must_v become_v a_o new_a church_n under_o peculiar_a officer_n and_o a_o independent_a authority_n it_o be_v very_o strange_a that_o those_o who_o contend_v so_o much_o for_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o perfect_a rule_n of_o all_o thing_n pertain_v to_o worship_n and_o discipline_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o produce_v nothing_o in_o so_o necessary_a a_o point_n if_o that_o of_o which_o we_o read_v the_o clear_a instance_n in_o scripture_n must_v be_v the_o standard_n of_o all_o future_a age_n much_o more_o may_v be_v say_v for_o limit_v church_n to_o private_a family_n than_o to_o particular_a congregation_n for_o do_v we_o not_o read_v of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v in_o the_o house_n of_o priscilla_n and_o aquila_n at_o rome_n 5._o of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v in_o the_o house_n of_o nymphas_n at_o colosse_n 2._o and_o in_o the_o house_n of_o philemon_n at_o laodicea_n why_o then_o shall_v not_o church_n be_v reduce_v to_o particular_a family_n when_o by_o that_o mean_v they_o may_v full_o enjoy_v the_o liberty_n of_o their_o conscience_n and_o avoid_v the_o scandal_n of_o break_v the_o law_n but_o if_o notwithstanding_o such_o plain_a example_n man_n will_v extend_v church_n to_o congregation_n of_o many_o family_n why_o may_v not_o other_o extend_v church_n to_o those_o society_n which_o consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n especial_o consider_v that_o the_o apostle_n when_o they_o institute_v church_n do_v appoint_v such_o officer_n in_o they_o as_o have_v not_o bare_o a_o respect_n to_o those_o already_o convert_v but_o to_o as_o many_o as_o by_o their_o mean_n shall_v be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n as_o clemens_n affirm_v in_o his_o epistle_n the_o apostle_n say_v he_o go_v about_o in_o city_n and_o country_n preach_v the_o gospel_n 55._o and_o appoint_v their_o first-fruit_n have_v make_v a_o spiritual_a trial_n of_o they_o for_o bishop_n and_o deacon_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o those_o who_o be_v to_o believe_v from_o hence_o the_o number_n of_o convert_v be_v look_v on_o as_o a_o accession_n to_o the_o original_a church_n and_o be_v under_o the_o care_n and_o government_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n who_o be_v first_o settle_v there_o for_o although_o when_o the_o church_n increase_v the_o occasional_a meeting_n be_v frequent_a in_o several_a place_n yet_o still_o there_o be_v but_o one_o church_n and_o one_o altar_n and_o one_o baptistry_n and_o one_o bishop_n with_o many_o presbyter_n assist_v he_o and_o this_o be_v so_o very_o plain_a in_o antiquity_n as_o to_o the_o church_n plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o in_o several_a part_n that_o none_o but_o a_o great_a stranger_n to_o the_o history_n of_o the_o church_n can_v ever_o call_v it_o in_o question_n 2._o i_o be_o sure_a calvin_n a_o person_n of_o great_a and_o deserve_a reputation_n among_o our_o brethren_n look_n upon_o this_o as_o a_o matter_n out_o of_o dispute_n among_o learned_a man_n that_o a_o church_n do_v not_o only_o take_v in_o the_o christian_n of_o a_o whole_a city_n but_o of_o the_o adjacent_a country_n too_o and_o the_o contrary_a opinion_n be_v a_o very_a novel_a and_o late_a fancy_n of_o some_o among_o we_o and_o have_v not_o age_n enough_o to_o plead_v a_o prescription_n it_o be_v true_a after_o some_o time_n in_o the_o great_a city_n they_o have_v distinct_a place_n allot_v and_o presbyter_n fix_v among_o they_o and_o such_o allotment_n be_v call_v title_n at_o rome_n and_o laurae_n at_o alexandria_n and_o parish_n in_o other_o place_n but_o these_o be_v never_o think_v then_o to_o be_v new_a church_n or_o to_o have_v any_o independent_a government_n in_o themselves_o but_o be_v all_o in_o subjection_n to_o the_o bishop_n and_o his_o college_n of_o presbyter_n of_o which_o multitude_n of_o example_n may_v be_v bring_v from_o most_o authentic_a testimony_n of_o antiquity_n if_o a_o thing_n so_o evident_a need_v any_o proof_n at_o all_o and_o yet_o this_o distribution_n even_o in_o city_n be_v so_o uncommon_a in_o those_o elder_a time_n that_o epiphanius_n take_v notice_n of_o it_o as_o a_o extraordinary_a thing_n at_o alexandria_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v probable_o suppose_v there_o be_v no_o