scripture_n set_v forth_o one_o catholic_n church_n so_o also_o many_o particular_a church_n as_o so_o many_o political_a society_n distinct_a from_o each_o other_o yet_o all_o compact_a together_o as_o part_n of_o that_o one_o ample_a society_n the_o catholic_n church_n each_o of_o these_o particular_a church_n have_v their_o proper_a elder_n or_o elder_n pastor_n or_o pastor_n have_v authority_n of_o teach_v and_o rule_v they_o in_o christ_n name_n a_o ecclesiastical_a order_n of_o presbyter_n or_o elder_n that_o be_v not_o bishop_n be_v not_o find_v in_o holy_a scripture_n for_o all_o presbyter_n or_o elder_n be_v of_o a_o sacred_a order_n in_o the_o gospel_n church_n that_o be_v any_o where_o mention_v in_o scripture_n be_v therein_o set_v forth_o as_o bishop_n true_o and_o proper_o so_o call_v and_o be_v no_o where_o set_v forth_o as_o less_o than_o bishop_n these_o elder_n or_o bishop_n be_v personal_o to_o superintend_v all_o their_o flock_n and_o there_o be_v no_o grant_n from_o christ_n to_o discharge_v the_o same_o by_o delegate_n or_o substitute_n a_o distinction_n between_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n and_o a_o superiority_n of_o the_o former_a over_o the_o latter_a be_v after_o the_o scripture_n time_n ancient_o and_o general_o receive_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o a_o diversity_n of_o order_n or_o office_n essential_o different_a but_o of_o degree_n in_o the_o same_o office_n the_o essential_a nature_n whereof_o be_v in_o both_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o first_o age_n be_v a_o bishop_n not_o of_o a_o multitude_n of_o church_n but_o of_o one_o state_v ecclesiastical_a society_n or_o single_a church_n whereof_o he_o be_v a_o immediate_a pastor_n and_o he_o perform_v the_o work_n of_o a_o bishop_n or_o immediate_a pastor_n towards_o they_o all_o in_o his_o own_o person_n and_o not_o by_o delegate_n and_o substitute_n and_o he_o govern_v not_o alone_o but_o in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o presbyter_n of_o his_o church_n he_o be_v the_o precedent_n though_o several_a city_n in_o the_o same_o kingdom_n have_v their_o different_a municipal_a law_n and_o privilege_n according_a to_o the_o diversity_n of_o their_o charter_n yet_o particular_a church_n have_v no_o divine_a law_n and_o privilege_n diverse_a from_o each_o other_o but_o the_o same_o in_o common_a to_o they_o all_o because_o they_o have_v all_o the_o same_o charter_n in_o specie_fw-la from_o christ._n therefore_o each_o of_o they_o have_v the_o same_o power_n of_o government_n within_o themselves_o and_o the_o qualification_n requisite_a to_o make_v man_n member_n or_o minister_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n do_v according_a to_o christ_n law_n sufficient_o qualify_v they_o to_o be_v member_n or_o minister_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n to_o which_o they_o have_v a_o due_a and_o orderly_o call_v local_a presential_a communion_n in_o god_n ordinance_n be_v a_o main_a end_n of_o erect_v particular_a church_n they_o shall_v in_o all_o reason_n consist_v of_o person_n who_o by_o their_o cohabitation_n in_o a_o vicinity_n be_v capable_a of_o such_o communion_n and_o there_o may_v not_o be_v a_o great_a local_a distancâ—_n of_o the_o person_n than_o can_v stand_v with_o it_o a_o bishop_n church_n be_v ancient_o make_v up_o of_o the_o christian_n of_o a_o city_n or_o town_n and_o the_o adjacent_a village_n who_o may_v and_o do_v personal_o meet_v together_o both_o for_o worship_n and_o discipline_n all_o christian_n of_o the_o same_o local_a precinct_n be_v most_o convenient_o bring_v into_o one_o and_o the_o same_o state_v church_n that_o â—here_o may_v be_v the_o great_a union_n among_o they_o and_o that_o the_o occasion_n of_o straggle_a and_o run_v into_o several_a party_n may_v be_v avoid_v yet_o this_o local_a partâ—â—ion_n of_o church_n be_v not_o of_o absolute_a necessity_n aâ—d_v invariable_a but_o if_o there_o be_v some_o insuperable_a impediment_n thereof_o the_o partition_n must_v be_v make_v as_o the_o state_n of_o thing_n will_v admit_v no_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n can_v by_o divine_a right_n or_o warrant_v claim_v any_o assign_a circuit_n of_o ground_n as_o his_o propriety_n for_o ecclesiastical_a government_n as_o a_o prince_n claim_v certain_a territory_n as_o his_o propriety_n for_o civil_a government_n so_o that_o no_o other_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n may_v without_o his_o licence_n do_v the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n in_o any_o case_n whatsoever_o within_o that_o circuit_n it_o be_v not_o the_o conjunction_n of_o a_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n with_o the_o generality_n or_o the_o great_a number_n of_o the_o people_n that_o of_o itself_o declare_v the_o only_a rightful_a pastor_n or_o true_a church_n within_o this_o or_o that_o circuit_n for_o many_o cause_n may_v require_v and_o justify_v the_o be_v of_o other_o church_n therein_o see_v particular_a church_n be_v so_o many_o integral_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o each_o other_o help_v in_o thing_n that_o concern_v they_o joint_o and_o several_o and_o they_o have_v all_o a_o influence_n on_o each_o other_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n lead_v they_o to_o association_n or_o combination_n great_a and_o lesser_a according_a to_o their_o capacity_n and_o the_o orderly_a state_n that_o be_v requisite_a in_o all_o association_n do_v natural_o require_v some_o regular_a subordination_n in_o the_o several_a part_n thereof_o either_o in_o way_n of_o proper_a authority_n or_o of_o mutual_a agreement_n and_o the_o associate_v church_n and_o particular_a member_n therein_o be_v natural_o bind_v to_o maintain_v the_o orderly_a state_n of_o the_o whole_a association_n and_o to_o comply_v with_o the_o rule_n thereof_o when_o they_o be_v not_o repugnant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n a_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n and_o the_o people_n adhere_v to_o he_o be_v not_o declare_v to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a church_n and_o pastor_n within_o such_o a_o precinct_n by_o their_o conjunction_n with_o the_o large_a combination_n of_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n and_o their_o church_n for_o the_o great_a number_n of_o bishop_n may_v in_o such_o manner_n err_v in_o their_o constitution_n as_o to_o make_v right_o inform_v person_n uncapable_a of_o their_o combination_n a_o national_a church_n be_v not_o a_o particular_a church_n proper_o so_o call_v but_o a_o combination_n or_o coagmentation_n of_o particular_a church_n unite_v under_o one_o civil_a supreme_a either_o personal_a as_o in_o a_o monarchy_n or_o collective_a as_o in_o a_o republic_n and_o the_o true_a notion_n thereof_o lie_v not_o in_o any_o combination_n pure_o ecclesiastical_a and_o intrinsical_v but_o civil_a and_o extrinsical_a as_o of_o so_o many_o church_n that_o be_v collect_v under_o one_o that_o have_v the_o civil_a supremacy_n over_o they_o the_o national_a church_n of_o england_n true_o denote_v all_o the_o church_n in_o england_n unite_v under_o one_o supreme_a civil_a church-governour_n the_o king_n majesty_n civil_a magistrate_n as_o such_o be_v no_o constitutive_a part_n of_o the_o church_n the_o christian_a church_n stand_v for_o several_a century_n without_o the_o support_n of_o their_o authority_n but_o supreme_a magistrate_n have_v a_o civil_a supremacy_n in_o all_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n and_o a_o political_a extrinsical_a episcopacy_n over_o all_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n in_o their_o dominion_n and_o may_v compel_v they_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o punish_v they_o for_o negligence_n and_o maladministration_n and_o they_o may_v reform_v the_o church_n when_o they_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o reformation_n the_o possession_n of_o the_o tithe_n and_o temple_n do_v not_o of_o itself_o declare_v the_o true_a pastor_n and_o church_n nor_o do_v the_o privation_n thereof_o declare_v no_o pastor_n and_o no_o church_n for_o these_o be_v dispose_v of_o by_o the_o secular_a power_n which_o of_o itself_o can_v neither_o make_v nor_o make_v void_a a_o pastor_n or_o church_n a_o diocese_n be_v a_o collective_a body_n of_o many_o parish_n under_o the_o government_n of_o one_o diocesan_n if_o the_o several_a parish_n be_v so_o many_o particular_a church_n and_o if_o their_o proper_a and_o immediate_a presbyter_n be_v of_o the_o same_o order_n with_o those_o which_o in_o scripture_n be_v mention_v by_o that_o name_n and_o be_v no_o other_o than_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n then_o a_o diocese_n be_v not_o a_o particular_a church_n but_o a_o combination_n of_o church_n anâ—_n the_o diocesan_n be_v a_o bishop_n of_o bishop_n or_o governor_n over_o many_o church_n and_o their_o immediate_a bishop_n if_o the_o parish_n be_v not_o a_o knowledged_a to_o be_v church_n nor_o their_o presbyter_n to_o be_v realy_a bishop_n or_o pastor_n but_o the_o diocese_n be_v hold_v to_o be_v the_o low_a political_a church_n and_o the_o diocesan_n to_o be_v a_o bishop_n of_o the_o low_a rank_n and_o the_o sole_a bishop_n or_o pastor_n of_o all_o the_o include_v parish_n i_o confess_v i_o have_v no_o knowledge_n of_o the_o divine_a
stumble_a block_n or_o a_o occasion_n to_o fall_v in_o his_o brother_n way_n the_o command_n here_o give_v extend_v to_o pastor_n and_o governor_n as_o well_o as_o to_o other_o christian_n and_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v in_o act_n of_o government_n as_o well_o as_o in_o other_o act_n st._n paul_n be_v a_o church_n governor_n and_o of_o high_a authority_n yet_o he_o will_v not_o use_v his_o own_o liberty_n in_o eat_v flesh_n much_o less_o will_v he_o impose_v in_o thing_n unnecessary_a to_o make_v his_o brother_n to_o offend_v in_o the_o case_n aforemention_v there_o be_v a_o great_a appearance_n of_o reason_n for_o despise_v censure_v or_o offend_v other_o than_o there_o can_v be_v for_o some_o imposition_n now_o in_o question_n among_o we_o viz._n on_o the_o one_o side_n a_o fear_n of_o partake_v in_o idolatry_n or_o of_o eat_v meat_n that_o god_n have_v forbid_v or_o of_o neglect_v day_n that_o god_n have_v command_v as_o they_o think_v on_o the_o other_o side_n a_o fear_n of_o be_v drive_v from_o the_o christian_a liberty_n and_o of_o restore_v the_o ceremonial_a law_n nevertheless_o the_o apostle_n give_v a_o severe_a charge_n against_o censure_v despise_v or_o offend_v other_o of_o different_a persuasion_n in_o those_o case_n and_o if_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o censure_v or_o despise_v one_o another_o much_o more_o be_v it_o a_o sin_n to_o shut_v out_o of_o the_o communion_n or_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n for_o such_o matter_n the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o church-unity_n evident_o show_v that_o the_o unity_n of_o external_a order_n must_v always_o be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o faith_n and_o holiness_n and_o may_v be_v require_v no_o further_o than_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o church_n peace_n and_o edification_n the_o church_n true_a interest_n lie_v in_o the_o increase_n of_o regenerate_a christian_n who_o be_v her_o true_a and_o live_a member_n and_o in_o their_o mutual_a love_n peace_n and_o concord_n in_o receive_v one_o another_o upon_o those_o term_n which_o christ_n have_v make_v the_o bond_n of_o this_o union_n the_o true_a church_n unity_n be_v comprise_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o these_o follow_a unity_n one_o body_n one_o spirit_n one_o hope_n one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n one_o god_n but_o there_o be_v nothing_o say_v of_o one_o ritual_a or_o set_a form_n of_o sacred_a office_n one_o policy_n or_o model_n of_o rule_n and_o order_n that_o be_v but_o circumstantial_a and_o accidental_a in_o a_o church_n state_n and_o very_o various_a and_o alterable_a while_o the_o church_n abide_v the_o same_o chap._n iii_o of_o schism_n true_o so_o call_v here_o i_o lay_v down_o general_a position_n abouâ—_n schism_n without_o make_v application_n thereof_o whether_o these_o position_n be_v right_a or_o wrong_a god_n word_n will_v show_v and_o who_o be_v or_o be_v not_o concern_v in_o they_o the_o state_n of_o thing_n will_v show_v schism_n be_v a_o violation_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o of_o that_o church-unity_n which_o be_v of_o god_n make_v or_o approve_v this_o definition_n i_o ground_n on_o the_o aforecited_a text_n mark_v they_o that_o cause_n division_n and_o offence_n contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n that_o you_o have_v learn_v separation_n and_o schism_n be_v not_o of_o equal_a extent_n there_o may_v be_v a_o separation_n or_o secession_n where_o there_o be_v no_o schism_n for_o schism_n be_v always_o a_o sin_n but_o separation_n may_v be_v a_o duty_n as_o the_o separation_n of_o the_o protestant_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n moreover_o there_o may_v be_v schism_n where_o there_o be_v no_o separation_n the_o violation_n of_o unity_n or_o the_o cause_v of_o division_n may_v be_v not_o only_o by_o withdraw_v but_o by_o any_o cause_v of_o other_o to_o withdraw_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n or_o by_o the_o undue_a cast_n or_o keep_v of_o other_o out_o of_o the_o church_n or_o by_o make_v of_o any_o breach_n in_o religion_n contrary_a to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n by_o look_v back_o to_o the_o nature_n and_o rule_v and_o requisite_n of_o true_a church-unity_n we_o shall_v understand_v the_o true_a nature_n and_o the_o several_a kind_n â—nd_v degree_n of_o schism_n as_o holy_a love_n be_v the_o life_n and_o soul_n of_o church-unity_n so_o that_o aversation_n and_o opposition_n which_o contrary_a to_o love_n be_v that_o which_o animate_v the_o sin_n of_o schism_n and_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o heart_n root_n of_o it_o whosoever_o maintain_v love_n and_o make_v no_o breach_n therein_o and_o who_o dissent_v or_o withdraw_v from_o a_o church_n be_v no_o other_o than_o what_o may_v stand_v with_o love_n in_o its_o extent_n be_v no_o schismatic_a the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v primary_o that_o of_o the_o church_n as_o mystical_o the_o breach_n thereof_o lie_v primary_o in_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o spirit_n and_o life_n spiritual_n much_o more_o in_o be_v opposite_a thereunto_o under_o the_o show_n of_o christianity_n also_o in_o the_o languish_a or_o lessen_v of_o spiritual_a life_n especial_o of_o the_o act_n of_o holy_a love_n the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v secondary_o that_o of_o the_o church_n as_o visible_a in_o its_o external_a state_n and_o the_o first_o and_o chief_a point_n thereoâ—_n be_v in_o the_o essential_o and_o weighty_a matter_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o life_n the_o high_a violation_n thereof_o and_o the_o chief_a point_n of_o schism_n lie_v in_o deny_v or_o enormous_o violate_v thâ—_n say_v essential_o or_o weighty_a matter_n and_o it_o direct_o a_o violation_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o not_o of_o particular_a church_n only_o not_o only_o particular_a person_n but_o church_n yea_o a_o large_a combination_n of_o church_n bear_v the_o christian_a name_n may_v in_o their_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o other_o avow_a practice_n great_o violate_v the_o essential_o or_o very_o weighty_a matter_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o life_n and_o be_v find_v guilty_a of_o the_o most_o enormous_a breach_n of_o unity_n it_o be_v no_o schism_n to_o withdraw_v or_o depart_v from_o any_o the_o large_a combination_n or_o collective_a body_n of_o church_n though_o for_o their_o amplitude_n they_o presume_v to_o style_v their_o combination_n the_o catholic_n church_n that_o maintain_v and_o avow_v any_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n which_o direct_o or_o by_o near_a and_o palpable_a consequence_n overthrow_v the_o say_v essential_o the_o next_o point_n of_o external_a unity_n be_v about_o the_o essential_o and_o integral_n of_o church_n state_n the_o sacrament_n and_o other_o public_a worship_n the_o ministry_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n consider_v as_o of_o christ_n institution_n the_o next_o chief_a point_n of_o schism_n be_v the_o breach_n hereof_o and_o this_o may_v be_v either_o against_o the_o catholic_n or_o a_o particular_a church_n of_o such_o schism_n against_o the_o state_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n there_o be_v these_o instance_n 1._o when_o any_o one_o part_n of_o profess_a christian_n how_o numerous_a soever_o combine_v by_o any_o other_o term_n of_o catholic_n unity_n than_o what_o christ_n have_v make_v account_v themselves_o the_o only_a catholic_n church_n exclude_v all_o person_n and_o church_n that_o be_v not_o of_o their_o combination_n 2._o when_o a_o false_a catholic_n unity_n be_v devise_v or_o contend_v for_o viz._n a_o devise_a unity_n of_o government_n for_o the_o catholic_n church_n unâ—er_v one_o terrene_a head_n personal_a or_o collective_a â—â—uming_v a_o proper_a govern_v power_n over_o all_o christian_n upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n 3._o when_o there_o be_v a_o utter_a disow_v of_o most_o of_o the_o true_a visible_a church_n in_o the_o world_n as_o have_v no_o true_a church_n state_n no_o not_o the_o essential_o thereof_o and_o a_o utter_a break_v off_o from_o communion_n with_o they_o according_o of_o schism_n against_o a_o particular_a church_n in_o point_n of_o its_o church_n state_n there_o be_v these_o instance_n 1._o the_o renounce_n of_o a_o true_a church_n as_o no_o church_n although_o it_o be_v much_o corrupt_v much_o more_o if_o it_o be_v a_o pure_a church_n though_o somewhat_o faulty_a 2._o a_o utter_a refuse_v of_o all_o act_n of_o communion_n with_o a_o true_a church_n when_o we_o may_v have_v communion_n with_o it_o either_o in_o whole_a or_o in_o part_n without_o our_o personal_a sin_n of_o commission_n or_o omission_n 3._o the_o cause_v of_o any_o division_n or_o distemper_n in_o the_o state_n or_o frame_n of_o a_o true_a church_n contrary_a to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o it_o be_v no_o schism_n to_o disow_v a_o corrupt_a frame_n of_o polity_n supervenient_a to_o the_o essential_o and_o integral_n of_o church_n state_n in_o any_o particular_a church_n or_o combination_n of_o church_n like_o a_o leprosy_n in_o the_o body_n
right_n of_o such_o a_o church_n or_o bishop_n or_o of_o any_o precept_n or_o precedent_n thereof_o in_o scripture_n for_o every_o particular_a church_n mention_v in_o scripture_n be_v but_o one_o distinct_a state_v society_n have_v its_o own_o proper_a and_o immediate_a bishop_n or_o bishop_n elder_a or_o elder_n pastor_n or_o pastor_n who_o do_v personal_o and_o immediate_o superintend_v over_o the_o whole_a flock_n which_o ordinary_o hold_v either_o at_o once_o together_o or_o by_o turn_n personal_a present_a communion_n with_o each_o other_o in_o god_n worship_n but_o a_o diocese_n consist_v of_o several_a state_v society_n to_o wit_n the_o parish_n which_o be_v constitute_v several_o of_o a_o proper_a and_o immediate_a presbyter_n or_o elder_n have_v cure_n of_o soul_n and_o common_o call_v a_o rector_n and_o the_o people_n which_o be_v his_o proper_a and_o immediate_a charge_n or_o cure_v and_o the_o people_n of_o the_o diocese_n do_v not_o live_v under_o the_o personal_a and_o immediate_a oversight_n of_o their_o diocesan_n but_o under_o his_o delegate_n and_o substitute_n nor_o do_v they_o ordinary_o hold_v personal_n present_a communion_n with_o each_o other_o in_o god_n worship_n either_o at_o once_o together_o or_o by_o turn_n nevertheless_o which_o way_n soever_o a_o diocese_n be_v consider_v i_o have_v nothing_o to_o object_n against_o submission_n to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o diocesan_n as_o a_o ecclesiastical_a officer_n establish_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n under_o the_o king_n supremacy_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o office_n of_o presbyterate_a which_o according_a to_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o pastoral_a office_n that_o show_v it_o ought_v to_o be_v exercise_v no_o otherwise_o than_o in_o subordination_n to_o a_o diocesan_n bishop_n christ_n who_o be_v the_o author_n and_o only_o proper_a giver_n of_o all_o spiritual_a authority_n in_o the_o church_n have_v not_o so_o limit_v the_o say_a office_n and_o man_n can_v by_o any_o act_n of_o they_o enlarge_v or_o lessen_v it_o as_o to_o its_o nature_n or_o essential_a state_n or_o define_v it_o otherwise_o than_o it_o be_v state_v of_o christ_n in_o his_o word_n no_o power_n ecclesiastical_a or_o civil_a can_v discharge_v any_o minister_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o ministry_n in_o those_o circumstance_n wherein_o christ_n command_v he_o to_o exercise_v it_o nor_o any_o christian_n from_o those_o duty_n of_o religion_n to_o which_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n oblige_v they_o as_o the_o magistrate_n be_v to_o judge_v what_o law_n touch_v religion_n be_v fit_a for_o he_o to_o enact_v and_o execute_v so_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o use_v a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n about_o their_o own_o pastoral_n act_n and_o all_o christian_n be_v to_o do_v the_o same_o about_o their_o own_o act_n of_o church-communion_n the_o too_o common_a abuse_n of_o the_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n can_v abrogate_v the_o right_a use_n thereof_o it_o be_v so_o necessary_a that_o without_o it_o man_n can_v act_v as_o man_n nor_o offer_v to_o god_n a_o reasonable_a service_n chap._n ii_o of_o true_a church-unity_n when_o the_o name_n of_o unity_n and_o schism_n be_v by_o partiality_n and_o selfishness_n common_o and_o gross_o abuse_v and_o misapply_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n to_o which_o those_o name_n do_v of_o right_o belong_v aught_o to_o be_v diligent_o inquire_v into_o and_o clear_o and_o distinct_o lay_v open_a for_o a_o groundwork_n in_o this_o inquiry_n i_o fix_v upon_o two_o very_a note_a text_n of_o scripture_n the_o one_o be_v eph._n 4._o 3._o endeavour_v to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n the_o other_o be_v rom._n 16._o 17._o mark_v they_o that_o cause_n division_n and_o offence_n contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n that_o you_o have_v learn_v and_o avoid_v they_o the_o former_a guide_v we_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o true_a church-unity_n and_o the_o latter_a show_v we_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o schism_n by_o the_o former_a of_o these_o text_n all_o christian_n be_v oblige_v to_o maintain_v that_o spiritual_a unity_n which_o they_o have_v one_o with_o another_o under_o christ_n their_o head_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o all_o due_a act_n of_o holy_a communion_n in_o peace_n and_o concord_n several_a important_a thing_n be_v here_o to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o 1._o there_o be_v a_o spiritual_a unity_n between_o all_o christian_n in_o the_o form_n of_o one_o mystical_a body_n as_o there_o be_v a_o natural_a unity_n between_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o natural_a body_n the_o member_n be_v many_o be_v one_o body_n and_o member_n one_o of_o another_o 2._o this_o unity_n be_v under_o christ_n as_o the_o head_n of_o it_o what_o the_o head_n be_v to_o the_o natural_a body_n that_o be_v christ_n and_o much_o more_o to_o his_o mystical_a body_n the_o church_n 3._o this_o unity_n of_o christian_n one_o with_o another_o under_o christ_n be_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o therefore_o call_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n the_o head_n do_v seize_v upon_o and_o reside_v in_o all_o the_o faithful_a by_o which_o they_o become_v christ_n mystical_a body_n and_o be_v join_v one_o to_o another_o as_o fellow-member_n 4._o this_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n among_o christian_n be_v witness_v maintain_v and_o strengthen_v by_o their_o holy_a communion_n of_o love_n and_o peace_n one_o with_o another_o but_o be_v darken_v weaken_a and_o lessen_v by_o their_o uncharitable_a dissension_n hence_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o unity_n here_o commend_v be_v primary_o that_o of_o the_o church_n in_o its_o internal_a and_o invisible_a state_n or_o the_o union_n and_o communion_n of_o saint_n have_v in_o themselves_o the_o spirit_n and_o life_n and_o power_n of_o christianity_n it_o be_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n we_o be_v charge_v to_o keep_v in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n but_o concord_n in_o any_o external_a order_n with_o a_o vital_a union_n with_o christ_n and_o holy_a soul_n his_o live_a member_n be_v not_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v to_o partake_v of_o the_o same_o new_a nature_n and_o divine_a life_n secondary_o it_o be_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n in_o its_o external_a and_o visible_a state_n which_o be_v consequent_a and_o subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o internal_a and_o stand_v in_o the_o profession_n and_o appearance_n of_o it_o in_o the_o profess_a observation_n of_o the_o duty_n arise_v from_o it_o where_o there_o be_v not_o a_o credible_a profession_n of_o faith_n unfeigned_a and_o true_a holiness_n there_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o the_o external_a and_o visible_a unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n therefore_o a_o sensual_a earthly_a generation_n of_o man_n who_o be_v apparent_o lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o world_n and_o not_o by_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v of_o god_n have_v little_a cause_n to_o glory_n in_o their_o adhere_n to_o a_o external_a church_n order_n whatsoever_o it_o be_v holy_a love_n which_o be_v unself_v and_o impartial_a be_v the_o life_n and_o soul_n of_o this_o unity_n without_o which_o it_o be_v but_o a_o dead_a thing_n as_o the_o body_n without_o the_o soul_n be_v dead_a and_o this_o love_n be_v the_o bond_n of_o perfectness_n that_o cement_n that_o hold_v altogether_o in_o this_o mystical_a society_n for_o this_o be_v seat_v in_o the_o several_a member_n dispose_v they_o to_o look_v not_o to_o their_o own_o thing_n but_o also_o to_o the_o thing_n of_o other_o and_o not_o to_o the_o undue_a advancement_n of_o a_o party_n but_o to_o the_o common_a good_a of_o the_o whole_a body_n whosoever_o want_v this_o love_n have_v no_o vital_a union_n with_o christ_n and_o the_o church_n and_o no_o part_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n the_o church_n be_v much_o more_o ennoble_v strengthen_v and_o every_o way_n bless_v by_o the_o communion_n of_o holy_a love_n among_o all_o its_o live_a member_n or_o real_a christian_n than_o by_o a_o outside_n uniformity_n in_o the_o minute_n circumstance_n or_o accidental_a mode_n of_o religion_n by_o this_o love_n it_o be_v more_o beautiful_a and_o lovely_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o all_o intelligent_a beholder_n than_o by_o outward_a pomp_n and_o ornament_n or_o any_o worldly_a splendour_n the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n as_o visible_a whether_o catholic_n or_o particular_a may_v be_v consider_v in_o a_o threefold_a respect_n or_o in_o three_o very_a different_a point_n the_o first_o and_o chief_a point_n thereof_o be_v in_o the_o essential_o and_o all_o weighty_a matter_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o life_n the_o second_o and_o next_o in_o account_n be_v in_o the_o essential_o and_o integral_n of_o church_n state_n that_o be_v in_o the_o christian_a church-worship_n ministry_n and_o discipline_n consider_v as_o of_o christ_n institution_n and_o abstract_v from_o all_o thing_n
yet_o it_o will_v not_o suffer_v i_o to_o act_v in_o disconformity_n to_o its_o direction_n see_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v always_o in_o conjunction_n with_o faith_n and_o holiness_n to_o which_o the_o unity_n of_o external_a order_n be_v always_o to_o be_v subservient_fw-fr it_o follow_v that_o when_o unity_n of_o external_a order_n do_v not_o tend_v to_o advance_v but_o hinder_v sound_a faith_n and_o true_a holiness_n than_o a_o false_a unity_n be_v set_v up_o and_o the_o true_a unity_n be_v abandon_v and_o division_n and_o offence_n be_v cause_v and_o it_o be_v no_o schism_n but_o a_o duty_n not_o to_o adhere_v to_o a_o unity_n of_o external_a order_n so_o set_v and_o urge_v as_o that_o it_o tend_v to_o the_o destruction_n or_o notable_a detriment_n of_o faith_n and_o holiness_n which_o be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o church_n order_n the_o mean_n be_v good_a in_o reference_n to_o their_o end_n and_o must_v never_o be_v use_v in_o a_o way_n destructive_a to_o it_o of_o the_o hindrance_n of_o the_o say_a end_n there_o be_v these_o follow_a instance_n here_o lay_v down_o in_o general_a without_o intendment_n of_o particular_a application_n to_o any_o church_n now_o in_o be_v which_o be_v leave_v to_o be_v try_v and_o judge_v by_o that_o rule_n by_o which_o all_o must_v stand_v or_o fall_v 1._o when_o a_o church_n or_o church_n a_o congregation_n or_o congregation_n have_v a_o establishment_n of_o external_a polity_n and_o a_o ordain_a ministry_n and_o a_o form_n of_o divine_a worship_n but_o be_v destitute_a of_o such_o minister_n as_o be_v qualify_v to_o feed_v the_o flock_n and_o be_v burden_v with_o such_o as_o be_v altogether_o unfit_a to_o have_v the_o charge_n of_o soul_n commit_v to_o they_o who_o be_v either_o unable_a to_o teach_v or_o teach_v corrupt_o either_o teach_v corrupt_a doctrine_n or_o abuse_v mishandle_v and_o misapply_v sound_a doctrine_n to_o encourage_v the_o ungodly_a and_o discourage_v the_o godly_a 2._o where_o there_o be_v some_o minister_n able_a and_o apt_a to_o teach_v and_o due_o qualify_v but_o their_o number_n be_v in_o no_o wise_a proportionable_a to_o the_o number_n of_o the_o people_n and_o there_o be_v multitude_n that_o can_v have_v the_o benefit_n of_o their_o ministry_n so_o that_o if_o they_o have_v no_o more_o place_v among_o they_o than_o those_o few_o they_o have_v in_o effect_n none_o 3._o where_o sincere_a christian_n or_o credible_a professor_n of_o christianity_n be_v cast_v out_o of_o a_o establish_a church_n by_o wrong_a sentence_n or_o be_v debar_v from_o its_o communion_n by_o unlawful_a term_n enjoin_v they_o or_o unnecessary_a term_n which_o be_v to_o they_o unlawful_a by_o real_a doubt_n of_o conscience_n and_o which_o christ_n have_v not_o authorize_v ruler_n to_o enjoin_v as_o term_n of_o church_n communion_n 4._o when_o minister_n who_o christ_n have_v furnish_v and_o call_v be_v drive_v out_o of_o their_o public_a station_n by_o unlawful_a term_n enjoin_v or_o by_o term_n unnecessary_a and_o to_o they_o unlawful_a by_o real_a doubt_n of_o conscience_n and_o which_o christ_n have_v not_o authorize_v ruler_n to_o enjoin_v as_o term_n of_o the_o public_a ministry_n upon_o the_o case_n here_o mention_v i_o inquire_v whether_o the_o say_v minister_n and_o people_n may_v not_o draw_v together_o into_o new_a congregation_n let_v it_o be_v consider_v whether_o the_o determination_n of_o man_n may_v be_v a_o perpetual_a bar_n to_o true_a visible_a christian_n it_o may_v be_v to_o multitude_n of_o they_o against_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o those_o most_o important_a privilege_n to_o which_o god_n have_v give_v they_o right_n yea_o suppose_v their_o conscience_n be_v culpable_o weak_a in_o scruple_v thing_n impose_v yet_o they_o may_v suffer_v wrong_a by_o such_o a_o excess_n of_o punishment_n as_o so_o great_a a_o deprivation_n and_o christ_n do_v not_o reject_v they_o for_o such_o weakness_n let_v it_o be_v also_o consider_v whether_o such_o injure_a as_o christian_n be_v wrongful_o exclude_v from_o god_n ordinance_n and_o such_o neglect_a soul_n as_o be_v leave_v destitute_a of_o the_o necessary_a mean_n of_o salvation_n may_v lawful_o be_v desert_v by_o christ_n minister_n shall_v not_o the_o steward_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n endeavour_n to_o supply_v what_o be_v lack_v to_o such_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o rigourousness_n or_o negligence_n of_o other_o if_o it_o be_v say_v we_o may_v not_o do_v evil_a that_o good_a may_v come_v nor_o break_v the_o law_n of_o unity_n for_o such_o respect_n the_o answer_n be_v that_o this_o be_v not_o to_o do_v evil_a but_o a_o good_a work_n and_o a_o necessary_a duty_n and_o here_o be_v no_o breach_n of_o unity_n that_o be_v of_o god_n make_v or_o allow_v the_o necessary_a mean_n of_o save_a soul_n be_v incomparable_o more_o precious_a than_o uniformity_n in_o external_a accidental_a order_n especial_o when_o it_o be_v unwarrantable_o enjoin_v and_o attend_v with_o such_o evil_a consequent_n if_o within_o any_o local_a bound_n assign_v for_o the_o pastoral_n charge_n of_o any_o ecclesiastic_a the_o people_n be_v leave_v destitude_v of_o competent_a provision_n for_o their_o soul_n it_o be_v no_o intrusion_n or_o breach_n of_o unity_n if_o a_o other_o pastor_n perform_v the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n within_o those_o bound_n subject_n may_v not_o by_o coercive_a power_n reform_v the_o public_a state_n and_o change_v the_o law_n which_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n but_o let_v it_o be_v consider_v whether_o they_o may_v not_o have_v their_o voluntary_a assembly_n for_o god_n worship_n when_o they_o be_v drive_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o legal_a church_n by_o the_o imposition_n of_o â—nlawfull_a term_n or_o unnecessary_a term_n apprehend_v by_o they_o to_o be_v unlawful_a for_o in_o this_o â—ase_n they_o be_v force_v either_o to_o hold_v such_o assembly_n or_o to_o abide_v perpetual_o without_o those_o spiritual_a privilege_n which_o be_v their_o due_n and_o â—â—e_v ordinary_a mean_n of_o their_o salvation_n there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o inimiâ—l_a separation_n like_o sedition_n in_o a_o commonwealth_a and_o secregation_n upon_o necessary_a cause_n without_o breach_n of_o charity_n and_o among_o the_o necessary_a cause_n this_o may_v be_v one_o that_o all_o sober_a christians_n who_o for_o conscience_n sake_n can_v submit_v to_o the_o way_n of_o the_o establish_v church_n â—ay_v be_v relieve_v and_o that_o none_o may_v be_v expose_v for_o lack_v of_o that_o relief_n to_o be_v lead_v aside_o into_o the_o error_n of_o the_o wicked_a as_o heresy_n infidelity_n or_o any_o other_o course_n of_o impiety_n indeed_o here_o be_v some_o variation_n from_o the_o ordinary_o regular_a bound_a of_o church_n but_o the_o partition_n of_o one_o church_n from_o another_o by_o local_a bound_n be_v not_o of_o absolute_a necessity_n and_o invariable_a but_o natural_o eligible_a from_o the_o convenience_n thereof_o when_o it_o may_v be_v have_v but_o the_o state_n of_o some_o christian_n may_v be_v such_o as_o to_o compel_v they_o to_o vary_v from_o it_o the_o scope_n hereof_o be_v not_o to_o set_v up_o church_n against_o church_n but_o either_o occasional_a and_o temporary_a assembly_n or_o at_o the_o most_o but_o diveâ—â—_n church_n distinguish_v by_o their_o several_a place_n of_o assemble_v or_o by_o diversity_n of_o external_a order_n as_o the_o allow_a congregation_n of_o foreigner_n in_o london_n be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o parish_n church_n if_o any_o object_n the_o inconvenience_n that_o maâ—_n follow_v the_o permit_v of_o church_n assembly_n bâ—_n side_n those_o of_o the_o establish_v order_n the_o answer_n be_v that_o the_o wisdom_n and_o clemency_n ruler_n in_o any_o nation_n where_o this_o case_n may_v suppose_a can_v provide_v that_o as_o few_o as_o may_v shall_v stand_v in_o need_n of_o that_o permission_n fix_v the_o term_n of_o church_n communion_n aâ—â—_n ministerial_a liberty_n to_o such_o a_o latitude_n as_o mâ—â—â—_n comprehend_v all_o the_o more_o moderate_a dissenter_n and_o after_o such_o comprehension_n christian_a charity_n will_v plead_v that_o all_o tolerable_a dissenter_n that_o be_v all_o who_o believe_v and_o live_v as_o christian_n may_v be_v tolerate_v within_o such_o limit_n as_o may_v stand_v with_o public_a peace_n and_o safety_n that_o which_o be_v here_o propose_v may_v make_v for_o the_o relief_n of_o many_o thousand_o serious_a christian_n without_o breach_n of_o the_o external_a order_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v maintain_v and_o be_v not_o set_v up_o to_o the_o hindrance_n of_o thing_n more_o necessary_a it_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o the_o offender_n express_o mark_v out_o by_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o text_n rom._n 16._o 17._o be_v ungodly_a man_n that_o oppose_v or_o pervert_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o be_v sensualist_n and_o deceiver_n disturb_v and_o pollute_v the_o christian_a society_n and_o seduce_v the_o simple_a