the_o christian_a church_n and_o shall_v such_o a_o thing_n be_v necessary_a our_o bondage_n will_v be_v great_a and_o mean_n of_o edification_n much_o less_o than_o they_o be_v to_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v confine_v to_o a_o little_a country_n and_o be_v a_o entire_a people_n among_o themselves_o and_o all_o tie_v to_o each_o other_o by_o the_o bond_n of_o nature_n as_o one_o great_a family_n descend_v natural_o from_o one_o man_n and_o woman_n 3._o nor_o do_v christ_n institute_v diocesan_n church_n viz_o that_o all_o the_o christian_n in_o some_o considerable_a circuit_n less_o than_o a_o nation_n or_o great_a province_n shall_v be_v one_o congregation_n rule_v by_o one_o or_o more_o governor_n immediate_o there_o be_v no_o such_o company_n or_o association_n of_o man_n call_v convert_v or_o form_v into_o church_n by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n but_o the_o first_o believer_n be_v scatter_v and_o independent_a person_n call_v as_o god_n please_v beside_o such_o a_o flock_n can_v ordinary_o meet_v together_o know_v and_o help_v each_o other_o or_o repair_v to_o their_o governor_n or_o be_v acquaint_v with_o they_o as_o they_o ought_v nor_o can_v the_o governor_n know_v teach_v and_o feed_v they_o and_o when_o we_o have_v once_o exceed_v the_o bound_n of_o a_o regular_a assembly_n to_o make_v up_o one_o church_n of_o many_o town_n of_o a_o whole_a county_n or_o more_o we_o may_v by_o the_o same_o reason_n extend_v it_o without_o end_n to_o a_o whole_a province_n a_o whole_a nation_n or_o empire_n and_o so_o make_v the_o duty_n of_o pastor_n and_o people_n impossible_a and_o the_o end_n of_o the_o church_n impossible_a to_o be_v attain_v which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o 4._o a_o parochial_a or_o congregational_a church_n be_v the_o only_a organical_a church_n direct_o and_o immediate_o appoint_v by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n for_o thus_o the_o apostle_n collect_v the_o believer_n in_o every_o city_n and_o place_n where_o they_o have_v preach_v into_o one_o church_n or_o society_n ordain_v they_o elder_n in_o every_o church_n act_v 14._o ver_fw-la 23._o if_o these_o church_n be_v company_n of_o believer_n in_o several_a city_n and_o town_n as_o the_o history_n in_o the_o 13_o and_o 14_o chap._n show_v and_o the_o apostle_n ordain_v they_o elder_n in_o every_o church_n than_o they_o do_v constitute_v they_o several_a congregation_n and_o no_o common_a governor_n over_o they_o all_o nor_o have_v we_o any_o command_n to_o do_v so_o when_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v increase_v into_o multitude_n of_o member_n it_o must_v be_v remember_v that_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v one_o commonwealth_n because_o of_o its_o union_n to_o christ_n and_o the_o same_o general_a end_n of_o that_o union_n in_o like_a manner_n every_o particular_a church_n be_v but_o a_o part_n of_o the_o whole_a must_v unite_v only_o to_o attain_v the_o special_a end_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n with_o more_o ease_n and_o convenience_n and_o therefore_o they_o must_v be_v no_o more_o than_o the_o same_o governor_n may_v exercise_v a_o true_a pastoral_a care_n over_o and_o as_o may_v perform_v the_o office_n of_o brethren_n ordinary_o to_o each_o other_o and_o also_o may_v assemble_v together_o in_o one_o place_n ordinary_o for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o their_o mutual_a edification_n to_o what_o purpose_n be_v the_o name_n of_o a_o church_n or_o society_n to_o serve_v christ_n together_o and_o edify_v each_o other_o when_o the_o person_n be_v so_o numerous_a or_o so_o distant_a that_o they_o can_v possible_o perform_v these_o office_n such_o combination_n be_v useless_a yea_o burden_n and_o snare_n even_o our_o opposite_n confess_v this_o viz_o that_o the_o first_o church_n and_o those_o for_o 200_o year_n after_o christ_n at_o least_o be_v but_o several_a congregation_n which_o when_o the_o number_n of_o christian_n be_v multiply_v they_o say_v be_v call_v diocese_n be_v it_o so_o yet_o what_o warrant_n have_v they_o to_o keep_v the_o christian_n of_o one_o city_n or_o place_n to_o one_o congregation_n and_o one_o pastor_n personal_a or_o collective_a when_o the_o number_n be_v so_o increase_v that_o the_o end_n of_o that_o society_n can_v not_o be_v attain_v it_o be_v the_o best_a construction_n we_o can_v make_v of_o the_o proceed_n of_o those_o ancient_a church_n in_o this_o ease_n that_o out_o of_o desire_n to_o keep_v up_o the_o unity_n of_o those_o congregation_n which_o the_o apostle_n plant_v in_o great_a city_n they_o still_o oblige_v all_o that_o be_v afterward_o convert_v in_o those_o city_n to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o same_o congregation_n and_o then_o the_o convert_v in_o the_o village_n about_o and_o last_o all_o the_o christian_n that_o be_v within_o the_o civil_a jurisdiction_n of_o those_o city_n whether_o it_o be_v lesser_a or_o great_a province_n or_o whole_a country_n till_o they_o make_v government_n impossible_a to_o themselves_o and_o to_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o people_n and_o make_v way_n at_o last_o for_o primate_fw-la patriarch_n and_o the_o pope_n and_o turn_v the_o spiritual_a government_n of_o christ_n by_o his_o minister_n and_o word_n into_o a_o civil_a government_n of_o their_o own_o maintain_v what_o they_o have_v get_v by_o their_o own_o cannon_n and_o the_o law_n of_o prince_n and_o why_o must_v we_o not_o take_v warning_n by_o they_o now_o if_o the_o church_n appoint_v by_o christ_n be_v only_o the_o congregation_n of_o such_o christian_n that_o can_v ordinary_o meet_v together_o and_o with_o their_o pastor_n for_o the_o proper_a end_n of_o a_o church_n it_o follow_v that_o they_o must_v judge_v for_o themselves_o what_o congregation_n and_o how_o large_a or_o small_a be_v for_o their_o own_o edification_n it_o be_v their_o own_o choice_n and_o consent_n that_o make_v they_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o this_o congregation_n be_v but_o a_o part_n of_o that_o to_o prosecute_v the_o same_o end_n therefore_o it_o be_v their_o business_n and_o concern_v to_o frame_v their_o own_o society_n also_o these_o congregation_n have_v the_o sole_a right_n of_o choose_v their_o own_o pastor_n admit_v their_o own_o member_n and_o altogether_o of_o govern_v themselves_o else_o they_o have_v not_o the_o power_n of_o a_o church_n but_o be_v a_o company_n of_o christian_n subject_n by_o right_n or_o wrong_n to_o those_o that_o exercise_v this_o power_n over_o and_o among_o they_o it_o also_o follow_v that_o congregation_n can_v be_v just_o compel_v to_o combine_v or_o unite_v into_o large_a association_n as_o diocese_n province_n nation_n or_o the_o like_a for_o the_o end_n of_o civil_a governor_n for_o this_o alter_v the_o nature_n and_o design_n of_o a_o church_n and_o be_v a_o great_a dishonour_n to_o christ_n that_o he_o must_v not_o reign_v among_o his_o people_n but_o as_o man_n please_v but_o if_o several_a congregation_n do_v associate_v for_o mutual_a help_n and_o strength_n into_o small_a or_o great_a congregation_n as_o class_n diocese_n province_n or_o even_o all_o that_o be_v of_o one_o nation_n yet_o they_o must_v unite_v but_o as_o former_o the_o city_n of_o achajah_n or_o at_o present_a the_o unite_a netherlands_o for_o great_a and_o common_a case_n and_o for_o general_a defence_n leave_v the_o self_n preserve_v and_o govern_v power_n entire_a to_o every_o congregation_n and_o they_o also_o be_v to_o be_v judge_n how_o far_o it_o be_v for_o the_o good_a and_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n to_o enlarge_v or_o contract_v such_o association_n how_o long_o to_o continue_v they_o and_o when_o to_o break_v they_o off_o for_o those_o associate_v assembly_n govern_v only_o by_o assent_n and_o have_v not_o other_o authority_n over_o particular_a congregation_n far_o than_o as_o they_o approve_v of_o it_o we_o may_v illustrate_v this_o by_o the_o civil_a government_n of_o the_o world_n there_o be_v at_o first_o but_o one_o family_n and_o but_o a_o small_a one_o all_o mankind_n be_v make_v of_o one_o blood_n to_o dwell_v on_o all_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n act_v 17._o ver_fw-la 26._o be_v there_o any_o obligation_n when_o they_o be_v multiply_v that_o they_o shall_v still_o continue_v in_o one_o family_n or_o be_v it_o consistent_a with_o the_o end_n of_o family_n government_n other_o family_n have_v the_o same_o entire_a authority_n within_o themselves_o as_o the_o first_o have_v and_o authority_n to_o sever_v themselves_o from_o the_o first_o when_o that_o be_v too_o numerous_a and_o they_o a_o sufficient_a number_n to_o make_v distinct_a family_n again_o when_o family_n be_v multiply_v be_v they_o oblige_v to_o live_v all_o in_o one_o country_n and_o to_o continue_v in_o one_o civil_a society_n what_o then_o must_v have_v become_v of_o all_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o earth_n which_o they_o be_v command_v to_o replenish_v and_o possess_v gen._n 1.28_o
abuse_v and_o be_v of_o no_o necessity_n what_o then_o ergo_fw-la he_o ordain_v uniformity_n of_o ceremony_n the_o apostle_n add_v the_o rest_n will_v i_o set_v in_o order_n when_o i_o come_v i._n e._n other_o disorder_n among_o they_o the_o apostle_n will_v regulate_v and_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o reform_v abuse_n in_o the_o church_n but_o by_o impose_v un-necessary_a ceremony_n he_o say_v pag._n 13._o that_o the_o apostle_n give_v rule_n concern_v rite_n and_o custom_n wherein_o there_o be_v doubt_n and_o scruple_n answ_n but_o what_o be_v they_o to_o impose_v rite_n upon_o man_n who_o scruple_n the_o lawfulness_n of_o they_o if_o so_o the_o people_n may_v have_v take_v their_o word_n who_o be_v infallible_a what_o rite_n be_v lawful_a and_o what_o not_o but_o no_o church_n governor_n have_v that_o authority_n now_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o apostle_n forbid_v those_o who_o be_v zealous_a for_o ceremony_n to_o impose_v they_o upon_o other_o and_o command_v those_o who_o know_v their_o liberty_n in_o such_o ceremony_n not_o to_o use_v their_o liberty_n to_o the_o offence_n or_o disturbance_n of_o those_o who_o contend_v for_o they_o in_o a_o word_n the_o apostle_n command_v that_o every_o man_n shall_v use_v his_o own_o judgement_n and_o liberty_n in_o thing_n indifferent_a private_o and_o peaceable_o without_o impose_v upon_o or_o censure_v each_o other_o and_o that_o all_o thing_n shall_v be_v do_v for_o edify_v rom._n 14._o per_fw-la totum_fw-la and_o this_o be_v direct_o against_o the_o uniformity_n of_o ceremony_n or_o the_o impose_v of_o any_o uncommanded_a ceremony_n upon_o the_o church_n without_o apparent_a necessity_n general_a consent_n and_o a_o prospect_n of_o edification_n to_o arise_v thereby_o thus_o we_o have_v exonerate_v our_o conscience_n of_o the_o guilt_n of_o schism_n at_o least_o voluntary_a and_o against_o our_o knowledge_n let_v the_o dr._n serious_o look_v to_o his_o conscience_n for_o charge_v we_o with_o schism_n or_o sinful_a separation_n against_o our_o own_o profess_a principle_n before_o the_o judge_n of_o the_o land_n and_o the_o chief_a magistrate_n of_o london_n without_o any_o proof_n and_o at_o a_o time_n when_o he_o know_v the_o papist_n hope_v to_o devour_v we_o and_o our_o religion_n by_o turn_v the_o magistrate_n sword_n and_o open_v the_o people_n mouth_n against_o the_o nonconformist_n part_n ii_o cap._n i._n the_o nonconformist_n not_o friend_n to_o general_n toleration_n a_o answer_n to_o the_o first_o argument_n from_o the_o honour_n and_o authority_n of_o our_o first_o reformer_n i_o come_v now_o to_o consider_v what_o the_o dr._n have_v further_a say_v in_o his_o large_a defence_n of_o his_o sermon_n to_o make_v good_a the_o charge_n of_o schism_n or_o sinful_a separation_n against_o the_o nonconformist_n the_o dr._n proceed_v in_o a_o historical_a way_n and_o therefore_o be_v prolix_a i_o shall_v according_a to_o my_o first_o intention_n which_o be_v to_o give_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o nonconformist_n practice_n in_o preach_v though_o forbid_v by_o law_n proceed_v to_o examine_v what_o the_o dr._n have_v further_a say_v to_o invalidate_v those_o reason_n and_o to_o vindicate_v they_o from_o such_o exception_n as_o he_o have_v make_v against_o they_o and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v only_o take_v notice_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v matter_n of_o argument_n which_o will_v be_v reduce_v to_o a_o few_o head_n and_o pass_v by_o all_o personal_a matter_n as_o also_o his_o long_a preface_n and_o all_o reflection_n on_o time_n and_o person_n which_o be_v foreign_a to_o the_o argument_n in_o hand_n the_o dispute_n be_v about_o a_o matter_n of_o practice_n and_o of_o a_o public_a concern_v the_o only_a end_n of_o writing_n shall_v be_v either_o to_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n by_o debate_v it_o calm_o or_o else_o if_o neither_o side_n can_v change_v the_o other_o judgement_n yet_o to_o produce_v such_o probable_a reason_n for_o their_o opinion_n and_o practice_n as_o may_v satisfy_v impartial_a man_n that_o they_o act_n not_o from_o rashness_n or_o for_o sinister_a end_n but_o as_o become_v man_n that_o consider_v conscientious_o what_o they_o do_v and_o why_o they_o do_v it_o but_o before_o i_o come_v to_o his_o first_o argument_n i_o think_v it_o of_o great_a moment_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o what_o he_o charge_v the_o nonconformist_n with_o in_o general_a viz._n their_o approve_v a_o universal_a toleration_n toleration_n of_o all_o sect_n and_o opinion_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n which_o he_o prove_v by_o their_o accept_n lycense_v to_o preach_v according_a to_o the_o king_n proclamation_n 1672._o to_o which_o i_o answer_v we_o be_v not_o to_o take_v all_o that_o be_v write_v by_o man_n in_o distress_n for_o their_o settle_a judgement_n much_o less_o for_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o whole_a party_n the_o dr._n will_v think_v it_o hard_o that_o bishop_n tailor_n book_n for_o liberty_n of_o prophesy_v and_o other_o of_o that_o kind_n write_v by_o episcopal_a man_n under_o oppression_n and_o restraint_n shall_v be_v charge_v to_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n toleration_n and_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n be_v the_o brat_n of_o socinian_o and_o libertine_n in_o switzerland_n poland_n and_o afterward_o foster_v by_o the_o dutch-arminians_a and_o be_v ever_o detest_v by_o the_o nonconformist_n it_o be_v their_o general_a sense_n that_o they_o will_v rather_o die_v in_o silence_n and_o obscurity_n then_o papist_n quaker_n and_o other_o dangerous_a sect_n shall_v have_v immunity_n under_o pretence_n of_o favour_n to_o they_o but_o they_o be_v advize_v to_o accept_v of_o the_o licenses_fw-la grant_v by_o that_o declaration_n because_o it_o strait_o forbid_v all_o their_o private_a meeting_n command_v to_o set_v open_a their_o door_n and_o not_o to_o presume_v to_o preach_v without_o such_o licenses_fw-la first_fw-mi obtain_v they_o preach_v and_o do_v all_o the_o same_o thing_n in_o private_a before_o which_o now_o the_o declaration_n give_v they_o leave_v to_o do_v in_o public_a will_v it_o not_o have_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o rude_a contempt_n of_o the_o magistrate_n favour_n and_o a_o give_v a_o just_a cause_n of_o jealousy_n to_o the_o state_n if_o they_o have_v still_o keep_v private_a meeting_n when_o they_o be_v command_v to_o be_v public_a and_o to_o receive_v the_o magistrate_n allowance_n and_o protection_n we_o never_o plead_v for_o liberty_n of_o think_v write_a speaking_z or_o act_v in_o religion_n as_o every_o man_n please_v under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n conscience_n be_v bind_v to_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n at_o its_o only_a rule_n and_o be_v only_o to_o be_v free_a where_o god_n have_v leave_v it_o free_a i._n e._n in_o thing_n not_o clear_o reveal_v or_o not_o commaride_v by_o he_o either_o direct_o or_o by_o just_a consequence_n we_o plead_v for_o no_o liberty_n but_o that_o wherewith_o christ_n have_v make_v we_o free_a that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v again_o entangle_v in_o a_o yoke_n of_o bondage_n to_o those_o thing_n which_o christ_n have_v neither_o command_v nor_o give_v man_n leave_v to_o command_v gal._n 5.1_o nor_o shall_v it_o have_v be_v forget_v that_o the_o nonconformist_n friend_n in_o the_o parliament_n be_v the_o chief_a instrument_n of_o recall_v that_o declaration_n which_o be_v no_o sign_n that_o the_o whole_a party_n approve_v of_o toleration_n but_o why_o do_v we_o still_o preach_v the_o reason_n be_v give_v partly_o before_o and_o shall_v be_v more_o hereafter_o but_o come_v we_o now_o to_o the_o argument_n the_o first_o be_v this_o §_o 1._o 2._o the_o term_n of_o communion_n be_v the_o same_o now_o as_o they_o be_v at_o the_o first_o reformation_n and_o if_o they_o be_v no_o just_a ground_n of_o separation_n then_o neither_o be_v they_o now_o ans_fw-fr we_o must_v remember_v the_o question_n before_o we_o and_o the_o dr_n propose_v to_o handle_v in_o his_o sermon_n and_o in_o his_o letter_n to_o mr_n baxter_n be_v bare_o this_o whether_o the_o nonconformist_a minister_n eject_v by_o the_o act_n of_o uniformity_n be_v bind_v to_o sit_v down_o as_o layman_n in_o the_o parish_n they_o live_v in_o and_o not_o to_o preach_v or_o act_v as_o minister_n on_o pain_n of_o incur_v the_o guilt_n of_o schism_n this_o he_o leave_v and_o run_v into_o the_o large_a field_n of_o separation_n from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v beside_o the_o business_n for_o if_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o nonconformist_n be_v bind_v to_o all_o act_n of_o communion_n with_o the_o parish_n when_o they_o preach_v not_o themselves_o as_o the_o non-resident_n conformist_n be_v in_o the_o place_n where_o they_o live_v yet_o it_o will_v not_o follow_v from_o hence_o that_o they_o must_v forbear_v all_o exercise_n of_o their_o ministry_n and_o to_o be_v content_a with_o the_o lay
their_o judge_n who_o be_v their_o profess_a enemy_n and_o tell_v the_o king_n that_o so_o long_o as_o it_o shall_v please_v the_o king_n and_o civil_a state_n to_o maintain_v in_o this_o kingdom_n the_o state_n hierarchy_n or_o prelacy_n we_o can_v in_o honour_n to_o his_o majesty_n and_o the_o state_n and_o in_o desire_n of_o peace_n be_v content_a without_o envy_n to_o suffer_v they_o to_o enjoy_v their_o state_n and_o dignity_n and_o to_o live_v as_o brethren_n among_o those_o minister_n that_o shall_v acknowledge_v spiritual_a homage_n unto_o their_o spiritual_a lordship_n pay_v unto_o they_o all_o temporal_a duty_n of_o tenthes_o and_o such_o like_a yea_o and_o join_n with_o they_o in_o the_o service_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n so_o far_o as_o we_o may_v do_v it_o without_o our_o own_o particular_a communicate_v with_o they_o in_o those_o humane_a tradition_n and_o rite_n that_o in_o our_o conscience_n we_o judge_v to_o be_v unlawful_a thus_o we_o see_v it_o be_v only_o for_o respect_n to_o the_o state_n and_o for_o peace_n sake_n that_o they_o can_v give_v the_o bishop_n any_o acknowledgement_n or_o reverence_n and_o that_o though_o they_o do_v acknowledge_v other_o minister_n for_o their_o brethren_n who_o do_v in_o conscience_n ascribe_v spiritual_a authority_n to_o the_o bishop_n yet_o they_o do_v acknowledge_v the_o bishop_n as_o such_o neither_o for_o father_n nor_o brethren_n mr._n robert_n parker_n write_v in_o latin_a de_fw-la ecclesiastica_fw-la politia_fw-la wherein_o he_o prove_v presbyter_n to_o be_v the_o only_a minister_n and_o answer_v mr._n hooker_n and_o bishop_n bilson_n where_o they_o maintain_v or_o excuse_v bishop_n or_o a_o power_n of_o impose_v what_o government_n the_o magistrate_n please_v upon_o the_o church_n 2._o they_o hold_v congregation_n or_o church_n several_o to_o be_v the_o only_a gospel_n church_n and_o each_o one_o to_o have_v full_a power_n and_o jurisdiction_n within_o itself_o without_o be_v subject_n to_o any_o ecclesiastical_a officer_n but_o their_o own_o but_o all_o to_o be_v immediate_o subject_a to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n and_o his_o inspection_n this_o be_v the_o scope_n of_o mr._n baine_n diocesan_n trial_n of_o dr._n ames_n in_o his_o medulla_n theol._n cap._n 32._o part._n 1._o and_o thus_o they_o joint_o declare_v 1._o engl._n puritan_n chap._n 3._o part_n 1._o they_o hold_v that_o the_o pastor_n of_o particular_a congregation_n be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v the_o high_a spiritual_a officer_n in_o the_o church_n over_o who_o by_o any_o divine_a ordinance_n there_o be_v no_o superior_a pastor_n but_o only_o jesus_n christ_n and_o that_o they_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o antichrist_n that_o arrogate_v or_o take_v upon_o themselves_o to_o be_v pastor_n of_o pastor_n and_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n position_n 2._o before_o cite_v and_o position_n 3_o they_o hold_v that_o if_o there_o be_v a_o supreme_a national_a or_o ecclesiastical_a minister_n or_o pastor_n that_o shall_v be_v the_o prince_n of_o many_o thousand_o pastor_n that_o then_o also_o christ_n as_o he_o do_v in_o the_o jewish_a church_n will_v have_v appoint_v a_o solemn_a national_a or_o provincial_a lyturgy_n or_o worship_n unto_o which_o at_o sometime_o of_o the_o year_n the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o people_n shall_v ascend_v and_o that_o unto_o the_o metropolitan_a city_n as_o unto_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o he_o will_v as_o he_o do_v in_o the_o jewish_a church_n more_o precise_o and_o particular_o have_v set_v down_o the_o manner_n of_o solemnisation_n thereof_o then_o of_o his_o parochial_a worship_n for_o as_o much_o therefore_o as_o they_o can_v read_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n of_o any_o high_a or_o more_o solemn_a worship_n then_o of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v perform_v in_o a_o particular_a congregation_n they_o can_v be_v persuade_v that_o god_n have_v appoint_v any_o high_a minister_n of_o his_o service_n and_o worship_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n than_o the_o elect_a minister_n of_o particular_a congregation_n see_v position_n four_o more_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n and_o protestation_n position_n 24_o we_o confine_v and_o bound_v all_o ecclesiastical_a power_n within_o the_o limit_n only_o of_o one_o particular_a congregation_n hold_v that_o the_o great_a ecclesiastical_a power_n ought_v not_o to_o stretch_v beyond_o the_o same_o and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o arrogate_a of_o princely_a supremacy_n for_o any_o ecclesiastical_a person_n or_o person_n whatsoever_o to_o take_v upon_o themselves_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n over_o many_o church_n much_o more_o over_o whole_a kingdom_n and_o province_n of_o christian_n 3._o they_o hold_v that_o the_o officer_n of_o every_o church_n or_o congregation_n be_v pastor_n teacher_n and_o elder_n choose_v out_o of_o the_o people_n and_o herein_o they_o agree_v with_o all_o the_o protestant_a church_n beside_o the_o lutheran_n 13._o engl._n purit_fw-la ch_n 3._o p._n 13._o they_o hold_v that_o by_o god_n ordinance_n there_o shall_v be_v in_o every_o church_n a_o doctor_n who_o special_a office_n shall_v be_v to_o instruct_v by_o way_n of_o catechise_v the_o ignorant_a of_o the_o congregation_n and_o that_o particular_o in_o the_o main_a ground_n and_o principle_n of_o religion_n chap._n 4._o position_n 1._o they_o hold_v that_o by_o god_n ordinance_n the_o congregation_n shall_v make_v choice_n of_o other_o officer_n as_o assistant_n unto_o the_o minister_n in_o the_o spiritual_a regiment_n of_o the_o congregation_n who_o be_v by_o office_n joint_o with_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n to_o be_v as_o monitor_n and_o overseer_n of_o the_o manner_n and_o conversation_n of_o all_o the_o congregation_n and_o one_o of_o another_o that_o so_o every_o one_o may_v be_v more_o wary_a of_o their_o way_n and_o that_o the_o pastor_n and_o doctor_n may_v better_o attend_v prayer_n and_o doctrine_n and_o by_o their_o mean_n may_v be_v make_v better_o acquaint_v with_o the_o state_n of_o the_o people_n when_o other_o eye_n beside_o their_o own_o shall_v wake_v and_o watch_v over_o they_o protestation_n position_n 25._o we_o hold_v it_o utter_o unlawful_a for_o any_o one_o minister_n to_o take_v upon_o himself_o or_o accept_v of_o a_o sole_a ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n over_o so_o much_o as_o one_o congregation_n and_o therefore_o we_o hold_v that_o some_o of_o the_o sufficient_a and_o most_o honest_a and_o godly_a man_n in_o the_o congregation_n ought_v to_o be_v choose_v by_o the_o head_n of_o family_n to_o be_v adjoin_v in_o commission_n as_o assistant_n to_o the_o minister_n in_o the_o spiritual_a regiment_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o that_o congregation_n of_o which_o he_o be_v the_o pastor_n 4._o they_o hold_v that_o every_o church_n have_v power_n to_o elect_a she_o own_o officer_n &_o to_o censure_v or_o depose_v they_o as_o they_o shall_v deserve_v and_o that_o this_o power_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v take_v from_o they_o though_o they_o grant_v also_o that_o the_o king_n or_o supreme_a magistrate_n have_v authority_n to_o command_v and_o by_o civil_a mulct_n to_o compel_v they_o to_o make_v due_a election_n to_o amend_v undue_a one_o and_o so_o to_o cause_v they_o to_o restore_v such_o officer_n 5._o engl._n purit_fw-la ch_n 2._o pag._n 5._o as_o may_v be_v unjust_o reject_v by_o they_o etc._n etc._n they_o hold_v that_o every_o establish_a church_n ought_v as_o a_o special_a prerogative_n by_o which_o she_o be_v endow_v by_o christ_n to_o have_v power_n and_o liberty_n to_o elect_v and_o choose_v their_o own_o spiritual_a and_o ecclesiastical_a officer_n and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o great_a wrong_v to_o have_v any_o force_v upon_o they_o against_o their_o will_n then_o if_o they_o shall_v force_v upon_o they_o wife_n and_o upon_o woman_n husband_n against_o their_o will_n and_o like_n and_o position_n 6._o they_o hold_v that_o if_o in_o this_o choice_n any_o particular_a church_n shall_v err_v that_o none_o upon_o earth_n but_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n have_v power_n to_o control_v or_o correct_v they_o for_o it_o and_o that_o though_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o he_o to_o take_v away_o this_o power_n from_o they_o yet_o when_o they_o or_o any_o of_o they_o shall_v apparent_o abuse_v the_o same_o he_o stand_v bind_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o office_n ground_v upon_o the_o same_o to_o punish_v they_o severe_o for_o it_o and_o to_o force_v they_o under_o civil_a mulst_n to_o make_v better_a choice_n protest_v pos_fw-gr 26._o we_o hold_v that_o these_o ecclesiastical_a officer_n be_v so_o choose_v by_o the_o church_n or_o congregation_n be_v to_o exercise_v over_o the_o say_a congregation_n only_o a_o spiritual_a jurisdiction_n and_o power_n etc._n etc._n then_o they_o show_v the_o manner_n of_o proceed_v in_o censure_v private_a member_n when_o they_o offend_v and_o then_o add_v if_o any_o one_o of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a officer_n themselves_o shall_v sin_v he_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o censure_n of_o
themselves_o at_o home_n and_o as_o the_o number_n of_o nonconformist_n increase_v by_o the_o increase_n of_o new_a imposition_n and_o more_o rigorous_a prosecution_n under_o the_o grow_a arminian_n faction_n in_o the_o church_n in_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o king_n james_n and_o under_o archbishop_n laud_n government_n so_o these_o practice_n of_o they_o increase_v and_o they_o be_v bold_a in_o they_o as_o the_o necessity_n be_v great_a and_o that_o this_o be_v their_o practice_n will_v far_o appear_v by_o the_o late_a act_n of_o uniformity_n the_o oxford_n act_n and_o the_o act_n against_o conventicle_n which_o do_v cautious_o in_o particular_a provide_v against_o all_o such_o thing_n for_o the_o future_a which_o the_o contriver_n of_o they_o will_v never_o have_v think_v on_o have_v not_o experience_n teach_v they_o that_o those_o be_v the_o private_a practice_n of_o former_a nonconformist_n when_o cast_v out_o of_o their_o place_n from_o all_o which_o which_o nothing_o but_o ignorance_n can_v contradict_v it_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o old_a nonconformist_n when_o silence_v and_o eject_v by_o law_n or_o crnons_n when_o forbid_v by_o the_o magistrate_n and_o bishop_n do_v not_o yet_o exercise_v all_o ministerial_a act_n and_o office_n and_o do_v not_o count_v themselves_o bind_v to_o be_v content_a with_o lay-communion_n they_o do_v they_o indeed_o in_o a_o way_n which_o they_o think_v most_o proper_a to_o their_o time_n and_o circumstance_n and_o not_o so_o public_o as_o we_o do_v now_o which_o be_v to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o difference_n of_o time_n and_o occasion_n which_o come_v next_o to_o be_v consider_v it_o must_v therefore_o be_v remember_v have_v be_v speak_v more_o large_o before_o that_o for_o a_o good_a part_n of_o q._n eliz._n reign_n conformity_n be_v not_o urge_v with_o any_o strictness_n only_a subscription_n to_o the_o 39_o artic._n and_o that_o too_o moderate_a by_o the_o statute_n of_o the_o 13_o eliz._n the_o first_o two_o successive_a arch-bishop_n parker_n and_o grindal_n be_v mild_a and_o moderate_a man_n who_o govern_v the_o church_n about_o 25_o year_n and_o such_o be_v most_o of_o the_o other_o bishop_n have_v be_v confessor_n and_o fellow-sufferer_n with_o the_o nonconformist_n in_o the_o marian_n day_n they_o have_v also_o travel_v abroad_o among_o other_o church_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o so_o zealous_a in_o matter_n disputable_a at_o home_n of_o this_o we_o have_v a_o notable_a testimony_n from_o mr._n cranmer_n in_o his_o letter_n to_o mr._n hooker_n neither_o of_o they_o to_o the_o nonconformist_n at_o first_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o learned_a in_o the_o land_n be_v either_o eager_o affect_v or_o favourablr_v incline_v that_o way_n the_o book_n then_o write_v for_o the_o most_o part_n savour_v of_o the_o disciplinary_a style_n it_o sound_v every_o where_n in_o pulpit_n and_o in_o common_a phrase_n of_o man_n speech_n the_o contrary_a part_n begin_v to_o fear_v they_o have_v take_v a_o wrong_a course_n many_o which_o impugn_a the_o discipline_n yet_o so_o impugn_a it_o not_o as_o be_v the_o better_a form_n of_o government_n but_o as_o not_o be_v so_o convenient_a for_o our_o state_n in_o regard_n of_o dangerous_a innovation_n like_v to_o grow_v thereby_o one_o man_n stand_v in_o the_o gap_n to_o oppose_v they_o etc._n etc._n which_o be_v dr._n whitgift_n the_o follow_a brch-bishop_n here_o be_v yet_o no_o occasion_n for_o their_o preach_v in_o private_a while_o whitgift_n be_v archbishop_n the_o last_o 20_o year_n of_o the_o queen_n the_o nonconformist_n be_v more_o strait_o deal_v with_o the_o lyturgy_n and_o subscription_n more_o rigorous_o impose_v their_o private_a association_n search_v into_o yet_o proceed_n then_o be_v less_o than_o the_o little_a finger_n to_o the_o loin_n compare_v to_o those_o of_o our_o day_n the_o nonconformist_n yet_o enjoy_v their_o place_n at_o least_o some_o place_n as_o mr._n cartwright_n who_o be_v remove_v from_o be_v professor_n in_o cambridge_n yet_o be_v suffer_v quiet_o to_o preach_v in_o a_o hospital_n at_o warwick_n till_o his_o death_n after_o the_o make_n of_o the_o canon_n 1603_o the_o nonconformist_n be_v turn_v out_o of_o place_n in_o great_a number_n but_o yet_o these_o canon_n do_v not_o reach_v all_o the_o matter_n be_v leave_v to_o the_o bishop_n hand_n some_o do_v either_o convive_v at_o the_o secret_a omission_n of_o subscription_n or_o at_o the_o do_v of_o it_o in_o their_o own_o sense_n so_o that_o many_o either_o keep_v their_o old_a place_n or_o quick_o get_v new_a one_o in_o other_o diocese_n beside_o the_o nonconformist_n be_v then_o but_o few_o in_o comparison_n of_o the_o other_o minister_n and_o the_o people_n much_o few_o who_o have_v not_o so_o much_o religion_n as_o to_o make_v any_o difference_n betwixt_o minister_n and_o preach_v and_o discipline_n or_o to_o distinguish_v betwixt_o the_o good_a and_o bad_a nor_o be_v there_o yet_o any_o footstep_n of_o man_n go_v back_o again_o towards_o rome_n in_o doctrine_n government_n or_o ceremony_n and_o therefore_o those_o nonconformist_n might_n very_o well_o judge_v it_o be_v most_o advantageous_a to_o the_o gospel_n for_o they_o by_o quiet_a and_o private_a mean_n to_o serve_v their_o people_n then_o by_o appear_v more_o public_o to_o occasion_v great_a contention_n but_o our_o case_n be_v far_o different_a till_o whitgift_n time_n there_o be_v hope_n that_o the_o acceptable_a thing_n in_o the_o liturgy_n and_o church_n government_n may_v have_v be_v mend_v their_o great_a defender_n judge_v this_o their_o best_a plea_n as_o the_o forecited_a mr._n cranmer_n in_o his_o letter_n say_v that_o the_o government_n of_o bishop_n be_v not_o unlawful_a and_o set_v up_o of_o elder_n be_v not_o necesary_a or_o as_o mr._n hooker_n express_v it_o in_o his_o epistle_n dedicatory_a to_o the_o archbishop_n which_o also_o be_v the_o drift_n of_o his_o book_n that_o there_o be_v no_o great_a harm_n if_o thing_n complain_v of_o be_v still_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n but_o whitgift_n and_o his_o successor_n bancroft_n put_v a_o end_n to_o these_o hope_n by_o establish_v all_o the_o thing_n in_o question_n by_o their_o canon_n and_o require_v all_o the_o clergy_n to_o subscribe_v to_o the_o lyturgy_n but_o still_o the_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n be_v keep_v pure_a and_o the_o bound_n of_o our_o first_o reformation_n maintain_v as_o sacred_a but_o archbishop_n laud_v extend_v conformity_n to_o his_o new_a arminian_n doctrine_n to_o his_o new_a ceremony_n and_o to_o bring_v all_o man_n into_o such_o subjection_n to_o himself_o under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n that_o they_o must_v neither_o speak_v nor_o do_v any_o thing_n in_o religion_n but_o what_o he_o allow_v and_o appoint_v and_o now_o be_v hard_a to_o keep_v the_o ground_n which_o be_v get_v at_o the_o first_o reformation_n he_o and_o his_o design_n be_v at_o length_n defeat_v but_o civil_a broil_n hinder_v the_o settlement_n of_o the_o church_n at_o length_n when_o almost_o all_o man_n weary_a of_o confusion_n long_v for_o peace_n and_o union_n the_o same_o laudensian_a arminian_n faction_n influence_v the_o state_n to_o establish_v conformity_n in_o a_o high_a degree_n than_o ever_o viz._n that_o all_o minister_n shall_v not_o only_o practice_v but_o approve_v by_o public_a declaration_n all_o that_o be_v enjoin_v in_o the_o lyturgy_n without_o any_o considerable_a amendment_n hereupon_o there_o be_v no_o favour_n to_o be_v show_v to_o any_o no_o moderation_n nor_o no_o end_n all_o be_v establish_v by_o a_o law_n nor_o be_v they_o content_a to_o deprive_v the_o nonconformist_n of_o their_o church_n but_o a_o second_o law_n be_v add_v to_o drive_v they_o above_o five_o mile_n from_o those_o that_o be_v there_o people_n or_o any_o corporation_n where_o people_n be_v more_o civilise_a and_o have_v more_o leisure_n may_v be_v more_o likely_a to_o hear_v then_o preach_v and_o a_o three_o law_n also_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o exercise_v any_o worship_n of_o god_n other_o then_o what_o be_v prescribe_v by_o the_o liturgy_n in_o any_o private_a house_n or_o in_o their_o own_o family_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o five_o other_o person_n so_o that_o the_o present_a nonconformist_n be_v this_o they_o be_v all_o turn_v out_o as_o one_o man_n and_o that_o for_o no_o reason_n give_v only_a thing_n devise_v to_o be_v lay_v on_o they_o as_o snare_n which_o the_o imposer_n know_v they_o can_v not_o submit_v to_o they_o be_v in_o number_n about_o 2000_o the_o people_n also_o of_o the_o same_o persuasion_n with_o they_o very_o numerous_a in_o the_o 3_o nation_n and_o in_o scotland_n the_o whole_a people_n there_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o leave_v to_o petition_v for_o any_o moderation_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o bind_v of_o time_n put_v to_o this_o rigour_n nor_o may_v they_o be_v suffer_v private_o and_o in_o corner_n to_o act_n as_o minister_n and_o