whereof_o antioch_n be_v the_o chief_a city_n and_o therefore_o he_o can_v be_v deny_v to_o have_v have_v many_o presbyter_n under_o he_o and_o it_o may_v be_v several_a diocesan_n bishop_n which_o very_o probable_o be_v then_o establish_v in_o so_o large_a a_o country_n as_o that_o be_v the_o last_o example_n that_o i_o shall_v bring_v be_v that_o of_o polycarpus_n of_o smyrna_n he_o be_v one_o that_o have_v converse_v with_o 24._o st_n john_n and_o other_o apostle_n and_o as_o some_o say_v be_v make_v bishop_n of_o smyrna_n by_o st_n hieron_n john_n who_o scholar_n he_o be_v but_o su-pra_a irenaeus_n who_o know_v he_o and_o have_v hear_v he_o with_o great_a attention_n when_o he_o discourse_v of_o many_o thing_n that_o he_o have_v hear_v from_o st_n john_n own_o mouth_n and_o from_o other_o that_o have_v see_v the_o lord_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o be_v make_v 3._o bishop_n of_o smyrna_n by_o the_o apostle_n and_o if_o so_o than_o this_o polycarpus_n must_v be_v that_o angel_n 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that_o and_o all_o follow_a age_n it_o will_v put_v the_o thing_n beyond_o all_o controversy_n if_o the_o sacred_a text_n alone_o shall_v not_o be_v clear_a enough_o to_o convince_v we_o of_o it_o but_o if_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n shall_v be_v still_o insist_v on_o this_o can_v be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o our_o cause_n unless_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o such_o a_o episcopacy_n as_o we_o plead_v for_o be_v that_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n which_o be_v speak_v of_o that_o it_o be_v not_o seem_v to_o i_o very_o evident_a because_o i_o can_v think_v that_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n though_o it_o do_v work_v very_o early_o shall_v so_o mighty_o prevail_v that_o in_o a_o very_a short_a time_n there_o shall_v not_o be_v any_o church_n any_o where_o that_o can_v be_v hear_v of_o that_o
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and_o these_o consideration_n be_v lay_v together_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o absolute_o incredible_a that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n shall_v consist_v but_o of_o one_o particular_a assembly_n for_o when_o the_o christian_n there_o be_v so_o exceed_o multiply_v why_o shall_v we_o not_o think_v that_o they_o have_v so_o much_o prudence_n as_o to_o part_v themselves_o into_o several_a congregation_n when_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n confess_v to_o be_v allowable_a and_o sometime_o necessary_a and_o there_o be_v apostle_n and_o teacher_n ready_a to_o instruct_v and_o edify_v they_o all_o and_o they_o may_v do_v it_o with_o so_o much_o great_a convenience_n and_o security_n and_o that_o they_o do_v so_o beside_o the_o reason_n already_o allege_v the_o text_n seem_v to_o intimate_v plain_o enough_o 42._o and_o daily_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o every_o house_n that_o be_v
from_o house_n to_o house_n as_o the_o same_o phrase_n be_v 〈◊〉_d before_o translate_v or_o in_o some_o house_n they_o cease_v not_o to_o teach_v and_o preach_v jesus_n christ._n they_o go_v to_o the_o temple_n whither_o the_o unconverted_a jew_n do_v resort_v at_o the_o hour_n of_o prayer_n and_o preach_v christ_n public_o to_o they_o there_o and_o at_o other_o time_n they_o dispose_v themselves_o into_o the_o private_a house_n of_o some_o of_o they_o that_o do_v believe_v and_o there_o they_o far_o instruct_v and_o confirm_v those_o that_o have_v already_o receive_v the_o christian_a faith_n and_o beside_o this_o there_o be_v mention_v make_v of_o their_o ibid._n break_a bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n and_o if_o by_o break_v bread_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v the_o participation_n of_o the_o holy_a eucharist_n as_o i_o think_v will_v not_o be_v deny_v then_o it_o be_v clear_a from_o hence_o that_o they_o do_v daily_o meet_v in_o several_a house_n to_o hear_v the_o word_n preach_v and_o to_o pray_v and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o that_o therefore_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n have_v in_o it_o at_o that_o time_n divers_a distinct_a congregation_n very_o probable_o as_o many_o as_o there_o be_v apostle_n at_o the_o least_o if_o no_o more_o the_o other_o instance_n which_o i_o shall_v give_v in_o those_o apostolical_a time_n of_o a_o church_n that_o be_v not_o mere_o congregational_a be_v that_o of_o corinth_n clement_n then_o bishop_n of_o rome_n write_v to_o that_o church_n upon_o occasion_n of_o a_o great_a difference_n that_o be_v among_o they_o begin_v his_o epistle_n thus_o 1_o the_o church_n of_o god_n dwell_v in_o and_o about_o rome_n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n dwell_v in_o and_o about_o corinth_n i_o think_v the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d shall_v be_v so_o translate_v here_o to_o comprehend_v those_o that_o dwell_v in_o the_o territory_n that_o lie_v round_o about_o it_o as_o well_o as_o those_o that_o live_v within_o the_o city_n itself_o because_o that_o this_o 61._o epistle_n be_v write_v to_o those_o that_o s._n paul_n write_v his_o and_o he_o write_v his_o not_o only_o to_o those_o that_o be_v of_o the_o city_n of_o corinth_n but_o to_o all_o the_o saint_n 1._o which_o be_v in_o all_o achaia_n and_o therefore_o this_o of_o clement_n must_v be_v write_v likewise_o to_o all_o the_o saint_n in_o all_o achaia_n whereof_o corinth_n be_v the_o metropolis_n and_o these_o be_v make_v but_o one_o church_n by_o he_o that_o be_v personal_o know_v to_o s._n paul_n and_o who_o he_o call_v his_o 3._o fellow-labourer_n and_o this_o church_n be_v of_o so_o great_a extent_n must_v consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n for_o he_o that_o can_v believe_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o congregation_n of_o christian_n in_o all_o achaia_n may_v be_v persuade_v in_o time_n that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o in_o all_o greece_n if_o either_o of_o these_o instance_n will_v hold_v good_a it_o will_v sufficient_o prove_v that_o all_o church_n in_o those_o first_o time_n be_v not_o congregational_a i_o shall_v now_o make_v it_o far_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v bishop_n then_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o many_o presbyter_n and_o of_o this_o i_o shall_v give_v a_o few_o example_n such_o as_o i_o think_v may_v be_v the_o most_o convince_a i_o begin_v with_o s._n james_n that_o be_v call_v the_o 19_o brother_n of_o our_o lord_n his_o near_a kinsman_n to_o be_v sure_o he_o be_v whatever_o the_o particular_a relation_n may_v be_v he_o be_v not_o of_o the_o number_n of_o the_o twelve_o apostle_n but_o yet_o be_v prefer_v by_o they_o to_o be_v the_o first_o eccles_n bishop_n of_o jerusalem_n as_o all_o ecclesiastical_a writer_n that_o mention_v he_o do_v agree_v and_o there_o be_v several_a passage_n of_o scripture_n that_o may_v serve_v to_o confirm_v their_o authority_n which_o otherwise_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o question_v for_o we_o find_v he_o general_o reside_v 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be_v then_o esteem_v of_o circumcision_n and_o keep_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n after_o much_o dispute_v and_o debate_n upon_o the_o question_n s._n peter_n stand_v up_o and_o give_v his_o opinion_n and_o when_o some_o other_o matter_n have_v be_v discourse_v s._n james_n at_o last_o resume_v the_o argument_n again_o and_o determine_v as_o it_o be_v in_o a_o judiciary_n manner_n 19_o wherefore_o my_o sentence_n be_v which_o word_n be_v observe_v to_o carry_v more_o of_o authority_n than_o those_o which_o s._n peter_n have_v use_v before_o and_o it_o become_v s._n james_n so_o to_o speak_v as_o be_v then_o within_o his_o own_o diocese_n and_o it_o be_v far_o take_v notice_n of_o that_o s._n paul_n mention_v 9_o james_n cephas_n and_o john_n puts_z james_z before_o the_o other_o two_o though_o principal_a apostle_n because_o he_o be_v speak_v of_o thing_n that_o be_v transact_v at_o jerusalem_n where_o james_n have_v the_o episcopal_a jurisdiction_n and_o these_o probability_n if_o they_o be_v no_o more_o join_v with_o the_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o antiquity_n may_v convince_v we_o that_o james_n govern_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n as_o their_o bishop_n in_o which_o there_o be_v certain_o many_o presbyter_n and_o it_o can_v be_v doubt_v but_o that_o there_o be_v divers_a congregation_n of_o believer_n which_o they_o do_v several_o edify_v and_o confirm_v in_o the_o christian_a faith_n another_o example_n of_o such_o a_o bishop_n be_v ignatius_n of_o antioch_n who_o be_v say_v by_o some_o to_o have_v be_v the_o little_a child_n that_o our_o saviour_n take_v up_o in_o his_o arm_n and_o bless_v but_o though_o it_o be_v most_o likely_a he_o be_v not_o the_o child_n yet_o for_o his_o age_n he_o may_v have_v be_v for_o he_o be_v very_o old_a when_o he_o suffer_v martyrdom_n which_o be_v but_o about_o seventy_o four_o year_n after_o the_o death_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o he_o see_v our_o lord_n in_o the_o flesh_n after_o his_o resurrection_n as_o st._n eccles_n jerom_n translate_v his_o word_n but_o certain_o he_o express_v as_o much_o smyrn_n assurance_n of_o the_o thing_n as_o if_o he_o have_v see_v it_o with_o his_o own_o eye_n this_o holy_a and_o apostolical_a man_n be_v account_v the_o 22._o second_o bishop_n of_o antioch_n after_o s._n peter_n have_v leave_v that_o place_n he_o continue_v some_o considerable_a time_n there_o and_o then_o be_v send_v from_o thence_o to_o rome_n to_o be_v tear_v in_o piece_n by_o wild_a beast_n in_o that_o long_a and_o tedious_a journey_n he_o write_v epistle_n to_o several_a church_n and_o among_o they_o to_o three_o of_o those_o to_o who_o s._n john_n have_v write_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o revelation_n about_o twelve_o year_n before_o and_o in_o these_o he_o declare_v the_o superiority_n and_o power_n of_o bishop_n over_o presbyter_n so_o plain_o and_o urge_v it_o so_o frequent_o and_o passionate_o that_o they_o that_o will_v not_o allow_v of_o such_o a_o power_n have_v no_o great_a argument_n than_o this_o to_o prove_v that_o those_o epistle_n be_v not_o genuine_a but_o i_o think_v this_o will_v not_o now_o be_v deny_v since_o it_o have_v be_v late_o so_o clear_o demonstrate_v by_o a_o ignat._n reverend_a prelate_n of_o this_o nation_n in_o a_o most_o learned_a and_o accurate_a treatise_n write_v purposely_o on_o this_o subject_a in_o these_o epistle_n he_o show_v a_o great_a concern_v and_o desire_v their_o prayer_n for_o the_o magnes_fw-la church_n in_o syria_n and_o in_o one_o place_n he_o call_v himself_o the_o bishop_n not_o of_o antioch_n but_o of_o roman_n syria_n and_o the_o particular_a care_n that_o he_o often_o express_v of_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o syria_n and_o the_o title_n he_o take_v of_o be_v their_o bishop_n do_v very_o probable_o prove_v that_o he_o be_v metropolitan_a of_o that_o province_n
itself_o and_o other_o against_o the_o clergy_n that_o conform_v unto_o it_o i_o will_v a_o little_a examine_v a_o few_o of_o either_o kind_n and_o for_o those_o of_o the_o first_o kind_n one_o be_v that_o in_o our_o church_n the_o people_n be_v deny_v the_o liberty_n of_o choose_v their_o own_o pastor_n to_o which_o some_o of_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n do_v conceive_v that_o they_o have_v always_o have_v a_o inherent_a right_n and_o beside_o a_o example_n or_o two_o they_o think_v they_o can_v find_v in_o the_o scripture_n they_o suppose_v they_o have_v evident_a testimony_n out_o of_o antiquity_n to_o confirm_v this_o practice_n of_o popular_a election_n and_o it_o be_v true_a the_o people_n approbation_n have_v be_v always_o think_v so_o far_o necessary_a that_o when_o hand_n be_v to_o be_v lay_v upon_o any_o for_o their_o admission_n into_o any_o sacred_a function_n if_o they_o know_v they_o to_o be_v of_o a_o loose_a and_o scandalous_a conversation_n they_o may_v object_v it_o and_o by_o that_o mean_n hinder_v their_o promotion_n and_o so_o much_o be_v still_o retain_v among_o we_o but_o far_o it_o will_v not_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o in_o some_o place_n very_o ancient_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o diocese_n be_v choose_v or_o nominate_v by_o the_o people_n of_o the_o city_n where_o he_o common_o reside_v but_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o the_o several_a presbyter_n that_o may_v be_v appoint_v to_o certain_a cure_n equivalent_a to_o our_o parochial_a church_n be_v ever_o wont_a to_o be_v choose_v by_o the_o particular_a congregation_n upon_o which_o they_o do_v attend_v they_o be_v appoint_v by_o the_o bishop_n who_o office_n it_o be_v to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o whole_a diocese_n and_o to_o see_v that_o these_o presbyter_n be_v not_o negligent_a in_o discharge_v the_o trust_n that_o be_v repose_v in_o they_o they_o be_v the_o diocesan_n bishop_n that_o be_v sometime_o choose_v by_o the_o people_n and_o they_o that_o insist_v stiff_o upon_o this_o 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then_o but_o as_o a_o voluntary_a concession_n of_o their_o governor_n and_o not_o any_o inherent_a and_o unalterable_a right_n and_o therefore_o there_o can_v be_v no_o necessity_n either_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v set_v up_o where_o it_o never_o be_v or_o restore_v again_o where_o it_o have_v be_v discontinue_v for_o so_o many_o age_n and_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o if_o it_o be_v general_o practise_v in_o this_o nation_n it_o will_v infallible_o produce_v such_o animosity_n and_o confusion_n that_o the_o people_n will_v soon_o grow_v weary_a of_o it_o themselves_o and_o desire_v to_o be_v devest_v of_o such_o a_o uneasy_a power_n and_o that_o thing_n may_v be_v let_v alone_o to_o run_v quiet_o in_o the_o old_a channel_n but_o because_o those_o that_o have_v be_v please_v to_o use_v this_o argument_n against_o our_o church_n be_v not_o at_o all_o to_o be_v prevail_v upon_o by_o the_o most_o pregnant_a example_n of_o ancient_a time_n in_o other_o case_n they_o ought_v not_o if_o they_o can_v to_o make_v any_o advantage_n of_o they_o in_o this_o let_v we_o see_v then_o what_o ground_n they_o have_v in_o the_o scripture_n for_o the_o people_n choice_n which_o be_v the_o only_a rule_n by_o which_o all_o side_n must_v confess_v themselves_o to_o be_v equal_o bind_v and_o here_o i_o can_v tell_v that_o there_o be_v any_o positive_a command_n that_o be_v ever_o urge_v and_o i_o know_v but_o of_o two_o example_n that_o have_v be_v allege_v for_o it_o and_o i_o will_v brief_o consider_v they_o both_o the_o one_o be_v in_o the_o people_n choice_n of_o the_o seven_o deacon_n 5._o and_o suppose_v that_o they_o have_v a_o original_a right_n of_o choose_v these_o this_o will_v not_o amount_v to_o a_o sufficient_a proof_n that_o they_o have_v therefore_o a_o right_a of_o choose_v their_o pastor_n the_o admit_v they_o to_o name_v the_o person_n that_o be_v to_o serve_v in_o a_o inferior_a office_n do_v not_o imply_v that_o they_o be_v therefore_o entrust_v with_o the_o choice_n of_o those_o that_o be_v to_o be_v advance_v to_o a_o great_a and_o there_o be_v particular_a reason_n why_o the_o deacon_n shall_v be_v choose_v by_o they_o they_o be_v to_o be_v the_o dispenser_n of_o the_o money_n that_o be_v collect_v for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o the_o people_n may_v be_v encourage_v to_o give_v more_o liberal_o and_o all_o occasion_n of_o murmur_v for_o the_o future_a may_v be_v take_v away_o when_o the_o public_a charity_n be_v distribute_v by_o person_n of_o know_a integrity_n and_o such_o as_o they_o themselves_o have_v choose_v so_o that_o this_o instance_n do_v not_o seem_v full_o to_o reach_v the_o purpose_n i_o shall_v therefore_o inquire_v into_o the_o other_o it_o be_v where_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n be_v say_v to_o have_v 23._o ordain_v they_o elder_n in_o every_o church_n a_o man_n will_v wonder_v how_o the_o people_n power_n of_o choose_v their_o pastor_n shall_v ever_o be_v prove_v from_o this_o place_n but_o it_o be_v attempt_v to_o be_v do_v by_o a_o critical_a observation_n upon_o the_o greek_a word_n which_o be_v here_o render_v ordain_v for_o it_o do_v first_o signify_v a_o popular_a way_n of_o election_n by_o majority_n of_o voice_n which_o be_v discern_v by_o lift_v up_o of_o hand_n and_o therefore_o some_o have_v imagine_v that_o these_o elder_n be_v ordain_v in_o the_o church_n by_o their_o election_n and_o suffrage_n but_o this_o be_v more_o than_o can_v be_v manifest_o prove_v from_o the_o word_n for_o though_o the_o original_a signification_n of_o it_o be_v what_o i_o mention_v but_o now_o yet_o afterward_o it_o begin_v to_o be_v use_v promiscuous_o b._n for_o the_o appoint_v of_o any_o one_o to_o a_o office_n whether_o it_o be_v by_o a_o popular_a choice_n or_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o single_a person_n and_o therefore_o since_o this_o act_n of_o ordination_n or_o appointment_n to_o office_n denote_v by_o the_o greek_a word_n here_o use_v be_v many_o time_n apply_v to_o the_o authoritative_a proceed_n of_o particular_a man_n without_o any_o regard_n to_o the_o suffrage_n of_o the_o people_n and_o since_o it_o be_v here_o attribute_v to_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n and_o not_o to_o the_o multitude_n of_o believer_n it_o do_v not_o appear_v from_o this_o place_n that_o the_o whole_a community_n have_v or_o rather_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o have_v not_o any_o hand_n in_o the_o appointment_n of_o these_o elder_n for_o i_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o one_o passage_n can_v be_v produce_v out_o of_o any_o good_a author_n where_o the_o magistrate_n or_o other_o superior_a issaid_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o thus_o to_o ordain_v when_o the_o choice_n or_o appointment_n of_o the_o officer_n be_v in_o the_o people_n and_o therefore_o when_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n be_v here_o say_v to_o have_v ordain_v if_o we_o shall_v suppose_v that_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o multitude_n be_v employ_v in_o this_o expression_n it_o will_v be_v a_o acception_n of_o the_o word_n for_o which_o we_o have_v not_o any_o example_n but_o if_o we_o shall_v yield_v that_o by_o a_o unheard_a of_o strain_v of_o the_o phrase_n here_o we_o may_v possible_o find_v some_o little_a colour_n for_o the_o people_n choice_n of_o their_o pastor_n it_o can_v yet_o be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o favourable_a concession_n make_v unto_o they_o upon_o that_o occasion_n for_o that_o the_o suffrage_n of_o the_o multitude_n be_v not_o always_o necessary_a to_o the_o constitute_n of_o elder_n seem_v very_o plain_a from_o those_o word_n of_o st_n paul_n for_o this_o cause_n leave_v i_o thou_o in_o crete_n that_o thou_o shall_v set_v in_o order_n 5._o the_o thing_n that_o be_v want_v and_o ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o city_n as_o i_o have_v appoint_v thou_o here_o titus_n be_v entrust_v with_o a_o power_n
see_v how_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v absolute_o unlawful_a that_o one_o man_n shall_v be_v allow_v to_o hold_v a_o plurality_n of_o benefice_n the_o care_n of_o soul_n be_v indeed_o a_o very_a great_a charge_n and_o such_o a_o one_o as_o aught_o not_o to_o be_v light_o undertake_v it_o require_v our_o most_o serious_a and_o deliberate_a thought_n our_o firm_a resolution_n and_o our_o most_o earnest_a prayer_n for_o the_o divine_a assistance_n before_o we_o go_v about_o it_o and_o when_o we_o be_v in_o it_o the_o continuance_n of_o the_o same_o will_v be_v still_o necessary_a to_o which_o we_o must_v then_o add_v a_o diligent_a application_n of_o our_o mind_n to_o the_o actual_a execution_n of_o the_o ministerial_a office_n and_o this_o must_v not_o be_v deny_v to_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o the_o high_a consequence_n and_o concernment_n but_o yet_o i_o do_v not_o find_v in_o the_o scripture_n that_o the_o whole_a care_n of_o every_o man_n that_o enter_v into_o the_o ministry_n be_v of_o 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be_v in_o most_o impropriation_n then_o they_o may_v on_o the_o same_o term_n confer_v they_o upon_o a_o churchman_n and_o therefore_o much_o more_o if_o he_o shall_v be_v oblige_v to_o see_v the_o cure_n constant_o supply_v and_o sometime_o personal_o to_o attend_v it_o himself_o but_o though_o it_o shall_v be_v neither_o unlawful_a nor_o injurious_a yet_o it_o may_v be_v conceive_v that_o there_o be_v such_o great_a inconvenience_n that_o will_v follow_v upon_o the_o entrust_v of_o the_o same_o man_n with_o more_o benefice_n than_o one_o that_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v suffer_v in_o the_o church_n the_o only_a inconvenience_n here_o that_o i_o can_v call_v to_o mind_n be_v what_o have_v be_v often_o allege_v that_o upon_o this_o occasion_n many_o cure_n come_v to_o be_v exceed_o neglect_v and_o none_o or_o else_o but_o weak_a or_o scandalous_a person_n put_v into_o they_o but_o this_o i_o know_v be_v careful_o provide_v against_o in_o many_o place_n and_o where_o it_o be_v not_o 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succeed_v the_o other_o do_v direct_o cross_v the_o end_n it_o pretend_v to_o aim_v at_o as_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v they_o single_o by_o comprehension_n be_v usual_o understand_v some_o kind_n of_o relaxation_n to_o be_v make_v by_o law_n that_o some_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o most_o scruple_v be_v take_v away_o some_o of_o those_o that_o now_o separate_v from_o we_o may_v be_v satisfy_v and_o join_v themselves_o to_o the_o establish_a church_n this_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o have_v be_v much_o discourse_v of_o and_o some_o thing_n have_v be_v attempt_v in_o it_o by_o man_n of_o several_a persuasion_n and_o it_o have_v be_v various_o censure_v or_o approve_v as_o the_o party_n have_v be_v different_o affect_v and_o it_o be_v confess_v that_o those_o thing_n that_o have_v be_v appoint_v mere_o for_o external_a order_n and_o decency_n may_v be_v alter_v when_o it_o shall_v seem_v good_a to_o the_o same_o power_n that_o first_o enjoin_v they_o but_o then_o those_o that_o have_v submit_v and_o subscribe_v unto_o it_o can_v believe_v that_o any_o such_o alteration_n be_v necessary_a to_o be_v make_v in_o our_o present_a constitution_n and_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v make_v they_o be_v afraid_a that_o it_o will_v bring_v but_o very_o few_o dissenter_n into_o the_o church_n because_o they_o that_o scruple_n what_o be_v already_o in_o use_n may_v upon_o the_o same_o ground_n except_o against_o any_o thing_n else_o that_o can_v be_v prescribe_v but_o yet_o if_o the_o wisdom_n of_o our_o governor_n be_v as_o be_v reasonable_a before_o hand_n inform_v what_o will_v give_v satisfaction_n shall_v judge_v it_o expedient_a to_o make_v any_o concession_n of_o this_o nature_n i_o know_v no_o man_n that_o be_v not_o ready_a to_o join_v his_o hearty_a prayer_n that_o it_o may_v succeed_v to_o the_o put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o our_o division_n and_o the_o last_a peace_n and_o security_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n but_o it_o be_v just_o fear_v that_o this_o will_v not_o produce_v that_o happy_a effect_n which_o be_v so_o much_o desire_v by_o all_o good_a man_n because_o most_o of_o those_o that_o differ_v from_o we_o seem_v now_o to_o be_v resolve_v against_o all_o manner_n of_o imposition_n though_o it_o shall_v be_v of_o thing_n otherwise_o never_o so_o innocent_a and_o then_o term_n may_v be_v alter_v and_o enlarge_v if_o it_o be_v think_v fit_a but_o whatever_o be_v do_v they_o that_o will_v be_v true_a to_o this_o principle_n can_v be_v comprehend_v by_o any_o thing_n but_o their_o own_o pleasure_n some_o therefore_o understand_v well_o how_o ineffectual_a this_o be_v like_a to_o prove_v have_v think_v the_o only_a way_n to_o unite_v we_o must_v be_v by_o a_o toleration_n and_o that_o either_o with_o some_o restriction_n or_o without_o a_o unlimited_a toleration_n without_o any_o restriction_n be_v condemn_v by_o most_o that_o pretend_v to_o any_o degree_n of_o sobriety_n and_o if_o every_o man_n as_o some_o have_v think_v have_v a_o 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to_o other_o wherever_o they_o have_v have_v the_o power_n to_o do_v it_o and_o divers_a of_o they_o now_o will_v not_o allow_v their_o child_n and_o servant_n that_o liberty_n which_o they_o expect_v themselves_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o whereas_o the_o best_a emperor_n have_v make_v the_o severe_a law_n against_o all_o manner_n of_o sectary_n 2._o julian_n the_o apostate_n the_o most_o subtle_a and_o bitter_a enemy_n that_o christianity_n ever_o have_v be_v the_o man_n that_o set_v up_o this_o way_n of_o toleration_n for_o he_o send_v for_o the_o prelate_n and_o some_o other_o of_o the_o several_a sect_n of_o christian_n and_o when_o they_o be_v come_v into_o the_o palace_n he_o advise_v they_o very_o kind_o as_o it_o may_v seem_v to_o lay_v aside_o their_o difference_n and_o that_o every_o one_o shall_v attend_v upon_o his_o own_o religion_n and_o never_o fear_v because_o no_o body_n shall_v hinder_v any_o of_o they_o of_o that_o freedom_n here_o be_v as_o much_o liberty_n and_o as_o ready_o grant_v as_o any_o man_n can_v wish_v but_o he_o do_v not_o intend_v any_o advantage_n to_o christianity_n by_o it_o no_o he_o hope_v by_o the_o licence_n he_o give_v they_o to_o increase_v their_o dissension_n that_o so_o he_o may_v have_v the_o less_o reason_n to_o fear_v their_o unanimous_a oppose_v of_o his_o grand_a design_n which_o be_v to_o restore_v paganism_n and_o idolatry_n again_o this_o be_v hint_v in_o some_o ecclesiastical_a 5._o historian_n but_o no_o where_o so_o full_o lay_v open_a as_o it_o be_v do_v by_o ammianus_n marcellinus_n who_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o know_v the_o whole_a secret_a of_o the_o business_n for_o he_o have_v be_v a_o soldier_n in_o julian_n army_n and_o be_v a_o heathen_a too_o though_o not_o so_o great_a a_o zealot_n as_o his_o master_n but_o by_o this_o any_o one_o may_v see_v that_o the_o most_o implacable_a cunning_a and_o dangerous_a adversary_n that_o the_o devil_n ever_o raise_v up_o to_o oppose_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n do_v of_o his_o own_o accord_n devise_v and_o procure_v a_o toleration_n as_o the_o most_o likely_a mean_n utter_o to_o destroy_v the_o christian_a faith_n and_o to_o revive_v a_o most_o gross_a obsolete_a superstitious_a idolatrous_a religion_n which_o be_v enough_o to_o show_v that_o this_o fair_a and_o plausible_a invention_n may_v be_v design_v for_o very_o bad_a purpose_n and_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o suspect_v it_o the_o more_o because_o be_v it_o well_o know_v that_o the_o papist_n have_v always_o endeavour_v to_o widen_v our_o difference_n and_o when_o they_o have_v be_v pretty_a successful_a in_o that_o they_o be_v of_o late_o become_v earnest_a sollicitour_n for_o the_o indulge_v of_o protestant_a dissenter_n but_o sure_o no_o man_n will_v believe_v that_o this_o can_v proceed_v from_o any_o particular_a kindness_n they_o owe_v they_o more_o than_o we_o but_o only_o they_o hope_v that_o by_o this_o mean_v our_o division_n may_v be_v easy_o multiply_v and_o the_o church_n of_o england_n by_o consequence_n exceed_o weaken_v and_o then_o they_o know_v they_o shall_v have_v the_o most_o promise_a opportunity_n of_o work_v their_o end_n upon_o we_o all_o for_o when_o this_o be_v do_v they_o may_v free_o send_v abroad_o their_o emissary_n in_o the_o likeness_n of_o anabaptist_n quaker_n fifth-monarchy_n man_n or_o what_o other_o shape_n they_o please_v to_o assume_v and_o when_o they_o have_v break_v we_o into_o several_a scatter_a independent_a troop_n that_o be_v not_o agree_v among_o themselves_o in_o what_o manner_n to_o resist_v the_o enemy_n they_o may_v overcome_v we_o with_o less_o difficulty_n than_o if_o we_o be_v join_v in_o one_o regular_a entire_a well_o discipline_v body_n and_o that_o this_o have_v be_v their_o grand_a design_n be_v not_o a_o mere_a conjecture_n of_o we_o we_o have_v evidence_n and_o witness_n of_o it_o which_o can_v be_v question_v therefore_o many_o conformist_n that_o take_v no_o delight_n in_o see_v the_o law_n severe_o execute_v be_v yet_o very_o apprehensive_a of_o the_o danger_n of_o a_o toleration_n for_o they_o be_v much_o afraid_a that_o if_o it_o be_v once_o grant_v the_o effect_n of_o it_o will_v rather_o be_v what_o have_v be_v hope_v for_o by_o the_o popish_a agent_n than_o what_o be_v intend_v by_o those_o at_o who_o immediate_a instance_n it_o may_v be_v procure_v but_o whatever_o the_o issue_n shall_v be_v it_o be_v certain_a it_o will_v be_v any_o thing_n soon_o than_o a_o union_n for_o it_o will_v be_v a_o plain_a settlement_n and_o encourage_v of_o our_o division_n by_o give_v they_o the_o countenance_n and_o protection_n of_o the_o law_n and_o if_o such_o a_o thing_n shall_v ever_o chance_v to_o pass_v into_o a_o act_n that_o when_o it_o be_v do_v will_v only_o take_v away_o the_o penalty_n lay_v
upon_o it_o by_o the_o civil_a power_n but_o can_v not_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o separation_n the_o church_n of_o england_n require_v no_o unlawful_a term_n of_o communion_n and_o if_o the_o withdraw_a from_o such_o a_o church_n be_v a_o sin_n before_o it_o will_v always_o be_v so_o whatever_o statute_n shall_v be_v make_v to_o allow_v it_o for_o no_o humane_a authority_n can_v dispense_v with_o any_o of_o the_o divine_a command_n so_o that_o though_o it_o be_v very_o desirable_a especial_o at_o this_o time_n that_o the_o whole_a protestant_a interest_n shall_v be_v firm_o unite_v yet_o this_o union_n which_o it_o be_v fear_v will_v scarce_o be_v effect_v by_o a_o comprehension_n will_v undoubted_o be_v quite_o overthrow_v by_o a_o toleration_n sect_n xix_o i_o have_v now_o consider_v the_o constitution_n of_o our_o church_n some_o objection_n that_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v make_v against_o that_o and_o the_o clergy_n and_o the_o mean_n of_o union_n that_o have_v be_v think_v the_o most_o likely_a to_o take_v effect_n i_o have_v go_v over_o all_o with_o as_o much_o brevity_n as_o i_o can_v and_o without_o any_o expression_n that_o can_v give_v any_o just_a occasion_n of_o distaste_n but_o i_o have_v make_v use_n of_o that_o great_a plainness_n and_o freedom_n that_o seldom_o procure_v a_o man_n many_o friend_n but_o i_o hope_v none_o can_v be_v offend_v but_o those_o that_o be_v conscious_a to_o themselves_o of_o some_o unwarrantable_a design_n and_o if_o one_o chance_n to_o hit_v upon_o a_o sore_a place_n man_n will_v cry_v out_o and_o be_v angry_a though_o you_o touch_v they_o never_o so_o gentle_o what_o mistake_v i_o may_v have_v commit_v i_o be_o ready_a and_o willing_a to_o correct_v i_o think_v the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o be_v the_o best_a constitute_v of_o any_o in_o the_o world_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o pattern_n of_o the_o first_o and_o pure_a time_n and_o if_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o thing_n in_o it_o that_o any_o one_o can_v wish_v amend_v it_o shall_v be_v bear_v with_o patience_n till_o it_o may_v be_v correct_v not_o by_o the_o popular_a clamour_n of_o private_a man_n but_o the_o deliberate_a advice_n of_o those_o in_o authority_n the_o conform_v clergy_n for_o aught_o i_o know_v be_v man_n general_o of_o good_a worth_n and_o blameless_a life_n and_o if_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o that_o be_v not_o such_o they_o be_v to_o be_v entreat_v present_o to_o reform_v and_o by_o their_o future_a behaviour_n to_o make_v some_o satisfaction_n for_o the_o scandal_n they_o have_v bring_v upon_o their_o profession_n and_o if_o they_o have_v be_v something_o wrong_v by_o false_a report_n it_o will_v be_v their_o most_o pious_a course_n to_o make_v a_o good_a use_n of_o the_o most_o spiteful_a detraction_n to_o be_v reminded_a of_o their_o duty_n by_o the_o malice_n of_o their_o enemy_n and_o to_o extract_v a_o antidote_n out_o of_o the_o poison_n of_o asp_n that_o be_v under_o their_o tongue_n and_o now_o for_o a_o happy_a union_n which_o all_o party_n pretend_v to_o desire_v i_o fear_v that_o it_o can_v never_o be_v have_v or_o that_o it_o will_v not_o endure_v long_o till_o man_n do_v lay_v aside_o all_o prejudice_n and_o passion_n and_o maintain_v a_o kind_n and_o charitable_a inclination_n one_o for_o another_o till_o they_o have_v a_o awful_a respect_n for_o their_o superior_n and_o a_o humble_a reverence_n for_o almighty_a god_n but_o if_o this_o be_v do_v it_o may_v be_v hope_v that_o a_o serious_a application_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o the_o more_o weighty_a duty_n of_o religion_n will_v in_o great_a measure_n silence_v the_o controversy_n about_o indifferent_a thing_n the_o real_a piety_n of_o the_o member_n of_o it_o be_v the_o sure_a foundation_n of_o the_o church_n peace_n finis_fw-la finis_fw-la iren._n adv_o haeres_fw-la l._n 3._o c._n 3._o cyprian_a ad_fw-la rogat_fw-la epist_n 65._o 65._o iren._n lib._n 4._o c._n 63._o tertul._n de_fw-fr prascript_n c._n 32._o 32._o can._n apost_n 34._o council_n antioch_n can._n 9_o 9_o council_n constantinop_n can_v 3._o chalced._n can_v 28._o trul._n can_v 36._o 36._o apud_fw-la flau._n vopisc_n in_o saturnin_n saturnin_n canon_n 6._o 6._o act._n 4._o 4._o 4._o act._n 5._o 14._o 14._o act._n 6._o 7._o 7._o act._n 8._o 1._o 1._o act._n 5._o 42._o 42._o act._n 2._o 46._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ibid._n ibid._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d clement_n epist_n ad_fw-la câ—â—iâ—tâ—_n p._n 1_o 1_o epist_n clem_n ad_fw-la cor._n p._n 61._o 2_o cor._n 1._o 1._o 1._o phil._n 4._o 3._o 3._o gal._n 1._o 19_o 19_o vid._n euseb_n lib._n 2._o c._n 1._o hieron_n de_fw-fr script_n eccles_n act._n 12._o 17._o act._n 21._o 18._o 18._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d act._n 15._o 19_o 19_o gal._n 2._o 9_o 9_o ego_fw-la vero_fw-la &_o post_fw-la resurectionem_fw-la in_o carne_fw-la eum_fw-la vidi_fw-la hieron_n de_fw-fr script_n eccles_n eccles_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ignat._n epist_n ad_fw-la smyrn_n smyrn_n euseb_n lib._n 3._o cap._n 22._o 22._o joan._n peaâ—son_n episc_n cestrens_n vindic_fw-la epist_n s._n ignat._n ignat._n ignat._n epist_n ad_fw-la ephes_n id._n ad_fw-la magnes_fw-la magnes_fw-la id._n in_o epist_n ad_fw-la roman_n roman_n iren._n epist_n ad_fw-la florin_n apud_fw-la euseb_n lib._n 5._o c._n 20._o &_o in_o epist_n ad_fw-la victor_n apud_fw-la eus_n lib._n 5._o c._n 24._o 24._o tertul._n hieron_n hieron_n iren._n ubi_fw-la su-pra_a su-pra_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d id_fw-la adv_fw-la haeres_fw-la lib._n 3._o c._n 3._o 2_o thes_n 2._o 7._o 7._o 2_o tim._n 4._o 5._o 5._o euseb_n lib._n 3._o c._n 4._o mat._n 6._o 9_o etc._n etc._n luk._n 11._o 1._o etc._n etc._n etc._n â—â—â—_o maâ—t_fw-la apol._n 2._o 2._o tâ—â—tâ—l_n apoâ—oget_n quoth_v ad_fw-la â—ormâ—lam_fw-la prâ—cam_fw-la &_o rituâ—â—_n ecclesiasticerum_n valde_fw-la probo_fw-la â—t_a illa_fw-la certa_fw-la â—xtâ—t_fw-la à _fw-la qua_fw-la paâ—oâ—ibus_fw-la discedâ—â—e_fw-la in_o fâ—â—ctioâ—â—_n sâ—â—_n nâ—n_n liâ—â—â—â—_n calvin_n epist_n ad_fw-la protect_n angliae_fw-la zech._n 12._o 10._o rom._n 8._o 26._o 1_o cor._n 14._o 32._o 1_o cor._n 14._o 15_o 16._o act._n 15._o act._n 15._o 2._o act._n 16._o 4._o heb._n 13._o 17._o 1_o cor._n 14._o 4c_fw-la 4c_fw-la ibid._n â—_o 33._o 1_o cor._n 11._o 34._o article_n 6._o act._n 6._o 5._o 5._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d act._n 14._o 23._o 23._o vid._n hammond_n in_o loc_n not_o b._n tit._n 1._o 5._o 5._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d mat._n 15._o 20._o a_o cod._n justin_n lib._n 1._o tit._n â—_o omnem_fw-la 1_o pet._n 5._o 3._o 1_o cor._n 11._o 1._o 1._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d greg._n nazian_n orat._n â—_o â—_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n ibid._n ibid._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ib._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ibid._n ibid._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n chrysost_o in_fw-ge 〈…〉_z 〈…〉_z vid._n 〈◊〉_d orat._n contra_fw-la timarch_n heb._n 6._o 6._o tho._n walsingham_n richard_n 2._o plato_n rediu._n v_o â—_o p._n 18._o 18._o plaris_fw-la absolutisque_fw-la decretis_fw-la apâ—riri_fw-la templa_fw-la ariâ—que_fw-la hostias_fw-la admoveri_fw-la &_o reparari_fw-la deorum_fw-la stâ—tuit_fw-la câ—â—tum_fw-la utque_fw-la dispositoâ—â—â—_n 〈◊〉_d efâ—â—ctum_fw-la dissiaâ—â—â—es_fw-la câ—â—â—â—ianorâ—m_fw-la antisâ—â—â—â—s_fw-la cum_fw-la 〈…〉_z in_o palatiâ—m_o 〈…〉_z ut_fw-la civilibus_fw-la 〈…〉_z câ—nsopitis_fw-la quiâ—que_fw-la 〈…〉_z suae_fw-la 〈…〉_z quâ—d_fw-la â—gebat_fw-la 〈…〉_z ut_fw-la dissensiones_fw-la 〈…〉_z non_fw-la timeâ—â—t_fw-la 〈…〉_z plebem_fw-la am._n marceliâ—_n lib._n 2_o 2._o 2._o vid._n 〈◊〉_d lib._n 5._o cap._n 5._o