prove_v too_o much_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o power_n at_o all_o among_o churchman_n over_o other_o christian_n for_o since_o the_o parallel_n run_v betwixt_o the_o disciple_n and_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o gentile_n it_o will_v run_v thus_o that_o though_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o gentile_n bear_v rule_v over_o their_o people_n yet_o you_o must_v not_o over_o you_o so_o that_o this_o must_v either_o be_v restrict_v to_o civil_a authority_n or_o else_o it_o will_v quite_o strike_v out_o all_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n but_o how_o this_o shall_v be_v bring_v to_o prove_v that_o there_o may_v not_o be_v several_a rank_n in_o church_n office_n i_o can_v yet_o imagine_v and_o as_o it_o be_v not_o think_v contrary_a to_o this_o that_o a_o minister_n be_v over_o your_o lay-elder_n and_o deacon_n why_o shall_v it_o be_v more_o contrary_a to_o it_o that_o a_o rank_n of_o bishop_n be_v over_o minister_n in_o a_o word_n since_o we_o find_v the_o apostle_n exercise_v this_o paternal_a authority_n over_o other_o churchman_n it_o will_v clear_o follow_v they_o understand_v not_o christ_n as_o hereby_o mean_v to_o discharge_v the_o several_a rank_n of_o churchman_n with_o different_a degree_n of_o power_n but_o to_o tell_v you_o plain_o what_o by_o these_o word_n of_o christ_n be_v clear_o forbid_v i_o acknowledge_v that_o chief_o the_o pope_n pretence_n to_o the_o temporal_a dominion_n over_o christendom_n whether_o direct_o or_o indirect_o as_o the_o vicar_n of_o christ_n be_v express_o condemn_v next_o all_o churchman_n under_o what_o notion_n or_o in_o what_o judicatory_a soever_o be_v condemn_v who_o study_n upon_o a_o pretence_n of_o the_o church_n intrinsic_a power_n to_o possess_v themselves_o of_o the_o authority_n to_o determine_v about_o obedience_n due_a to_o king_n or_o parliament_n and_o who_o bring_v a_o tyranny_n on_o the_o christian_n and_o prâ—cure_v what_o by_o art_n what_o by_o power_n the_o secular_a arm_n to_o serve_v at_o their_o beck_n whether_o this_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o late_a general_n assembly_n or_o not_o i_o leave_v it_o to_o all_o who_o be_v so_o old_a as_o to_o remember_v how_o square_n go_v then_o and_o if_o the_o lead_a man_n at_o that_o time_n have_v not_o real_o the_o secular_a power_n ready_a to_o lackey_n at_o their_o command_n so_o that_o they_o rule_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o gentile_n whatever_o they_o may_v have_v pretend_v and_o the_o follow_a change_n of_o government_n do_v full_o prove_v that_o the_o obedience_n which_o be_v universal_o give_v to_o their_o command_n be_v only_o a_o appendage_n of_o the_o civil_a power_n which_o be_v then_o direct_v by_o they_o for_o no_o soon_o be_v the_o power_n invade_v by_o the_o usurper_n who_o regard_v their_o judicatories_n little_a but_o the_o obedience_n pay_v to_o their_o decree_n evanished_a thus_o i_o say_v these_o who_o build_v all_o their_o pretence_n to_o parity_n on_o their_o mistake_n of_o these_o word_n do_v most_o signal_o despise_v and_o neglect_v they_o in_o their_o true_a and_o real_a meaning_n now_o think_v not_o to_o retort_v this_o on_o any_o addition_n of_o secular_a power_n which_o the_o munificence_n of_o prince_n may_v have_v annex_v to_o the_o episcopal_a office_n for_o that_o be_v not_o at_o all_o condemn_v here_o christ_n speak_v only_o of_o the_o power_n churchman_n as_o such_o derive_v from_o he_o their_o head_n which_o only_o bar_v all_o pretension_n to_o civil_a power_n on_o the_o title_n of_o their_o function_n but_o do_v not_o say_v that_o their_o function_n render_v they_o incapable_a of_o receive_v any_o secular_a power_n by_o a_o secular_a conveyance_n from_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n and_o so_o far_o have_v i_o consider_v this_o great_a and_o pompous_a argument_n against_o precedency_n in_o the_o church_n and_o be_o mistake_v if_o i_o have_v not_o satisfy_v you_o of_o the_o slender_a foundation_n it_o be_v build_v upon_o all_o which_o be_v also_o applicable_a to_o st._n peter_n word_n of_o not_o lording_n it_o over_o their_o flock_n isot._n you_o be_v much_o mistake_v if_o you_o think_v that_o to_o be_v the_o great_a foundation_n of_o our_o belief_n of_o a_o parity_n among_o churchman_n for_o i_o will_v give_v you_o another_o page_n 91._o which_o be_v this_o that_o jesus_n christ_n the_o head_n of_o his_o church_n do_v institute_v a_o settle_a ministry_n in_o his_o church_n to_o feed_v and_o oversee_v the_o flock_n to_o preach_v to_o reprove_v to_o bind_v loose_a etc._n etc._n it_o be_v true_a he_o give_v the_o apostle_n many_o singular_a thing_n beyond_o their_o successor_n which_o be_v necessary_a for_o that_o time_n and_o work_v and_o be_v to_o expire_v with_o it_o but_o as_o to_o their_o ministerial_a power_n which_o be_v to_o continue_v he_o make_v all_o equal_a the_o apostle_n also_o acknowledge_v the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n their_o fellow-laborors_a and_o brethren_n and_o the_o feed_n and_o oversee_n the_o flock_n be_v duty_n so_o complicate_v together_o that_o it_o be_v evident_a none_o can_v be_v fit_v for_o the_o one_o without_o they_o have_v also_o authority_n for_o the_o other_o and_o therefore_o all_o who_o have_v a_o power_n to_o preach_v must_v also_o have_v a_o right_a to_o govern_v since_o discipline_n be_v referable_a to_o preach_v as_o a_o mean_a to_o its_o end_n preach_v being_n the_o great_a end_n of_o the_o ministry_n these_o therefore_o who_o be_v send_v upon_o that_o work_n must_v not_o be_v limit_v in_o the_o other_o neither_o do_v we_o ever_o find_v christ_n institute_v a_o superior_a order_n over_o preach_v presbyter_n which_o show_v he_o judge_v it_o not_o necessary_a and_o no_o more_o do_v the_o apostle_n though_o they_o withhold_v none_o of_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n from_o the_o flock_n therefore_o this_o superior_a order_n usurp_v the_o power_n from_o the_o preach_a elder_n since_o it_o have_v neither_o warrant_n nor_o institution_n in_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v reject_v as_o a_o invasion_n of_o the_o right_n of_o the_o church_n in_o fine_a the_o great_a advantage_n our_o plea_n for_o parity_n have_v be_v that_o it_o prove_v its_o self_n till_o you_o prove_v a_o disparity_n for_o since_o you_o acknowledge_v it_o to_o be_v of_o divine_a right_n that_o there_o be_v officer_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n except_o you_o prove_v the_o institution_n of_o several_a order_n a_o equality_n among_o they_o must_v be_v conclude_v and_o upon_o these_o account_v it_o be_v that_o we_o can_v acknowledge_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o prelacy_n phil._n i_o be_o sure_a if_o your_o friend_n have_v now_o hear_v you_o they_o will_v for_o ever_o absolve_v you_o from_o design_v to_o betray_v their_o cause_n by_o a_o faint_a patrociny_n since_o you_o have_v in_o a_o few_o word_n lay_v out_o all_o their_o force_n but_o if_o you_o call_v to_o mind_v what_o have_v heen_n already_o say_v you_o will_v find_v most_o of_o what_o you_o have_v now_o plead_v to_o be_v answer_v beforehand_o for_o i_o acknowledge_v bishop_n and_o presbyter_n to_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o office_n and_o so_o i_o plead_v for_o no_o new_a office-bearer_n in_o the_o church_n next_o in_o our_o second_o conference_n the_o power_n give_v to_o churchman_n be_v prove_v to_o be_v double_a the_o first_o branch_n of_o it_o be_v their_o authority_n to_o publish_v the_o gospel_n to_o manage_v the_o worship_n and_o to_o dispense_v the_o sacrament_n and_o this_o be_v all_o that_o be_v of_o divine_a right_n in_o the_o ministry_n in_o which_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n be_v equal_a sharer_n both_o be_v vest_v with_o this_o power_n but_o beside_o this_o the_o church_n claim_v a_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n of_o make_v rule_n for_o discipline_n and_o of_o apply_v and_o execute_v the_o same_o all_o which_o be_v indeed_o suitable_a to_o the_o common_a law_n of_o society_n and_o to_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o scripture_n but_o have_v no_o positive_a warrant_n from_o any_o scripture_n precept_n and_o all_o these_o constitution_n of_o church_n into_o synod_n and_o the_o canon_n of_o discipline_n take_v their_o rise_n from_o the_o division_n of_o the_o world_n into_o the_o several_a province_n and_o beginning_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o second_o and_o beginning_n of_o the_o three_o century_n do_v clear_o show_v they_o can_v be_v derive_v from_o no_o divine_a original_a and_o so_o be_v as_o to_o their_o particular_a form_n but_o of_o humane_a constitution_n therefore_o as_o to_o the_o management_n of_o this_o jurisdiction_n it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n power_n to_o cast_v it_o in_o what_o mould_n she_o will_v and_o if_o so_o than_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n for_o so_o many_o age_n shall_v determine_v we_o unless_o we_o will_v pretend_v to_o understand_v the_o exigency_n and_o convenience_n of_o it_o better_o than_o they_o who_o be_v near_a the_o apostolical_a time_n but_o we_o
in_o your_o principle_n to_o answer_v this_o and_o see_v how_o you_o will_v clear_v this_o practice_n of_o discipline_n from_o tyranny_n since_o to_o debar_v man_n from_o the_o sacrament_n be_v a_o great_a dominion_n over_o conscience_n than_o the_o determine_n about_o ritual_n but_o to_o come_v near_a home_n there_o be_v a_o certain_a society_n you_o have_v hear_v of_o clepe_v the_o kirk_n which_o have_v divers_a book_n of_o discipline_n contain_v rule_n for_o that_o and_o a_o directory_n for_o worship_n which_o have_v no_o few_o rule_v neither_o they_o have_v also_o a_o frame_n of_o government_n the_o supreme_a judicatory_a whereof_o be_v compose_v of_o three_o minister_n and_o one_o rule_v elder_a from_o each_o presbytery_n a_o roll_a elder_a beside_o from_o each_o burrow_n two_o be_v allow_v the_o metropolis_n and_o a_o commissioner_n be_v send_v from_o each_o university_n and_o in_o this_o high_a court_n the_o king_n come_v in_o with_o the_o privilege_n of_o a_o burgh_n for_o though_o the_o metropolis_n have_v two_o he_o be_v allow_v to_o send_v but_o one_o with_o a_o single_a suffrage_n to_o represent_v he_o and_o this_o court_n pretend_v to_o a_o authority_n from_o christ_n and_o their_o authority_n be_v sacred_a with_o no_o less_o certificate_n than_o he_o that_o despise_v you_o despise_v i_o now_o how_o a_o power_n can_v be_v commit_v to_o delegate_n without_o any_o commission_n for_o it_o from_o the_o superior_a will_v not_o be_v easy_o make_v out_o and_o they_o will_v search_v long_o ere_o they_o find_v a_o divine_a warrant_n for_o this_o court_n unless_o they_o vouch_v mary_n mitchelsons_n testimony_n for_o it_o who_o hysterical_a distemper_n be_v give_v out_o for_o prophecy_n and_o whereas_o they_o be_v so_o tender_a of_o christian_a liberty_n that_o no_o law_n must_v pass_v about_o the_o ritual_n of_o religion_n yet_o their_o book_n of_o discipline_n and_o model_n of_o government_n be_v not_o only_o settle_v by_o law_n but_o afterward_o swear_v to_o be_v maintain_v in_o the_o covenant_n wherein_o they_o swear_v the_o preservation_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n in_o scotland_n in_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n these_o be_v the_o tender_a conscience_n that_o can_v not_o hear_v of_o any_o law_n in_o matter_n indifferent_a and_o yet_o will_v have_v all_o swear_v to_o their_o form_n many_o of_o which_o they_o can_v not_o but_o know_v be_v indifferent_a which_o be_v a_o make_v they_o necessary_a at_o another_o rate_n than_o be_v do_v by_o a_o law_n which_o the_o legislator_n can_v repeal_v when_o he_o will_v and_o never_o be_v any_o in_o the_o world_n more_o addict_v to_o their_o own_o form_n than_o they_o be_v a_o instance_n of_o this_o i_o will_v give_v which_o i_o dare_v say_v will_v surprise_v you_o when_o some_o designer_n for_o popularity_n in_o the_o western_a part_n of_o that_o kirk_n do_v begin_v to_o disuse_n the_o lord_n prayer_n in_o worship_n and_o the_o sing_v the_o conclusion_n or_o doxology_n after_o the_o psalm_n and_o the_o minister_n kneel_v for_o private_a devotion_n when_o he_o enter_v the_o pulpit_n the_o general_n assembly_n take_v this_o in_o very_o ill_a part_n and_o in_o a_o letter_n they_o write_v to_o the_o presbytery_n complain_v sad_o of_o a_o spirit_n of_o innovation_n be_v beginning_n to_o get_v into_o the_o kirk_n and_o to_o throw_v these_o laudable_a practice_n out_o of_o it_o mention_v the_o three_o i_o name_v which_o be_v command_v to_o be_v still_o practise_v and_o such_o as_o refuse_v obedience_n be_v appoint_v to_o be_v confer_v with_o in_o order_n to_o the_o give_v of_o they_o satisfaction_n and_o if_o they_o continue_v untractable_a the_o presbytery_n be_v to_o proceed_v against_o they_o as_o they_o shall_v be_v answerable_a to_o the_o next_o general_a assembly_n this_o letter_n i_o can_v produce_v authentical_o attest_v but_o be_v it_o not_o strange_a that_o some_o who_o be_v then_o zealous_a to_o condemn_v these_o innovation_n shall_v now_o be_v carry_v with_o the_o herd_n to_o be_v guilty_a of_o they_o i_o be_o become_v hoarse_a with_o speak_v so_o long_o and_o so_o i_o must_v break_v off_o have_v as_o i_o suppose_v give_v many_o great_a precedent_n from_o history_n for_o the_o use_n of_o rite_n in_o divine_a matter_n without_o a_o express_a warrant_n and_o for_o pass_a law_n upon_o these_o and_o have_v clear_v the_o one_o of_o superstition_n and_o the_o other_o of_o tyranny_n eud._n true_o all_o of_o you_o have_v do_v your_o part_n so_o well_o that_o even_o isotimus_n himself_o seem_v half_o convince_v it_o be_v then_o full_o clear_a that_o as_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v obtrude_v on_o our_o belief_n without_o clear_a revelation_n so_o no_o sacred_a duty_n can_v be_v bind_v on_o oâ—r_a obedience_n without_o a_o divine_a warrant_n but_o in_o ritual_n especial_o in_o determine_v what_o may_v be_v do_v in_o a_o variety_n of_o way_n to_o one_o particular_a form_n there_o have_v be_v and_o still_o must_v be_v a_o power_n on_o earth_n which_o provide_v it_o balance_v all_o thing_n right_a and_o consider_v well_o the_o fitness_n of_o these_o rite_n for_o attain_v the_o design_a end_n do_v not_o invade_v god_n dominion_n by_o make_v law_n about_o they_o nor_o will_v the_o pretence_n of_o christian_a liberty_n warrant_v our_o disobedience_n to_o they_o it_o remain_v to_o be_v consider_v who_o be_v vest_v with_o this_o power_n and_o how_o much_o of_o it_o belong_v to_o the_o magistrate_n and_o how_o much_o to_o the_o church_n basil._n i_o now_o engage_v in_o a_o theme_n which_o may_v perhaps_o lay_v i_o open_a to_o censure_v as_o if_o i_o be_v court_v the_o civil_a power_n by_o the_o assert_v of_o their_o right_n but_o i_o be_o too_o well_o know_v to_o you_o to_o dread_v your_o jealous_o much_o in_o this_o and_o i_o be_o too_o little_o know_v to_o myself_o if_o flattery_n be_v my_o foible_a i_o shall_v therefore_o with_o the_o great_a frankness_n and_o ingenuity_n lay_v open_a my_o sense_n of_o this_o matter_n with_o the_o reason_n that_o prevail_v with_o i_o in_o it_o but_o i_o desire_v first_o to_o hear_v isotimus_n his_o opinion_n about_o it_o isot._n i_o do_v not_o deny_v the_o king_n have_v authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n in_o matter_n sacred_a but_o it_o must_v be_v assert_v in_o a_o due_a line_n of_o subordination_n first_o to_o christ_n the_o king_n of_o king_n and_o the_o only_a head_n of_o his_o church_n and_o next_o to_o the_o ruler_n and_o office-bearer_n of_o the_o church_n who_o be_v entrust_v by_o christ_n as_o his_o ambassador_n with_o the_o soul_n of_o their_o flock_n and_o who_o must_v give_v he_o a_o account_n of_o their_o labour_n therefore_o they_o must_v have_v their_o rule_n only_o from_o he_o who_o empower_v they_o and_o to_o who_o they_o be_v subject_a they_o must_v also_o have_v a_o power_n among_o they_o to_o preserve_v the_o christian_a society_n in_o order_n to_o which_o they_o must_v according_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n when_o difficulty_n emerge_n meet_v together_o and_o consult_v what_o may_v be_v for_o the_o advancement_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o whoso_o refuse_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n when_o she_o err_v not_o from_o her_o rule_n he_o be_v to_o be_v account_v no_o better_a than_o a_o heathen_a and_o a_o publican_n and_o since_o the_o church_n be_v call_v one_o body_n they_o ought_v to_o associate_v together_o in_o meeting_n see_v also_o they_o have_v their_o power_n of_o christ_n as_o mediator_n whereas_o the_o civil_a power_n hold_v of_o he_o as_o he_o be_v god_n they_o have_v a_o different_a tenor_n distinct_a end_n and_o various_a rule_n therefore_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n be_v among_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n which_o only_o belong_v to_o he_o and_o indeed_o christian_n be_v very_o ill_o provide_v for_o by_o christ_n if_o they_o must_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o secular_a and_o carnal_a man_n who_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o serve_v their_o own_o interest_n at_o the_o rate_n of_o the_o ruin_n of_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v sacred_a it_o be_v true_a the_o civil_a power_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o convocate_v synod_n to_o consult_v about_o matter_n of_o religion_n to_o require_v churchman_n to_o do_v their_o duty_n to_o add_v their_o sanction_n to_o church_n law_n and_o to_o join_v with_o the_o sound_a part_n for_o carry_v on_o a_o reformation_n but_o all_o this_o be_v cumulative_a to_o the_o church_n intrinsic_a power_n and_o not_o privative_a so_o that_o if_o the_o magistrate_n fall_v short_a of_o his_o duty_n they_o be_v notwithstanding_o that_o to_o go_v on_o as_o man_n empower_v by_o jesus_n christ_n and_o he_o who_o despise_v they_o be_v his_o quality_n what_o it_o will_v despise_v he_o that_o send_v they_o see_v p._n 105._o to_o p._n 109._o and_o p._n 467._o to_o
whatever_o by_o treaty_n one_o state_n yield_v over_o to_o another_o that_o promise_v donation_n and_o oath_n be_v indeed_o the_o ground_n on_o which_o the_o king_n right_n may_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v be_v first_o found_v but_o now_o his_o title_n to_o our_o obedience_n proceed_v upon_o the_o rule_n of_o justice_n of_o give_v he_o what_o be_v his_o by_o a_o immemorial_n possession_n pass_v all_o prescription_n so_o many_o age_n ago_o that_o the_o first_o vestige_n of_o it_o can_v be_v trace_v from_o record_n or_o certain_a history_n and_o not_o of_o fidelity_n of_o observe_v the_o promise_n of_o our_o ancestor_n to_o he_o though_o i_o do_v not_o deny_v a_o pious_a veneration_n to_o be_v due_a to_o the_o promise_n and_o oath_n of_o parent_n when_o they_o contain_v in_o they_o adjuration_n on_o their_o child_n and_o thus_o the_o gibeonite_n have_v a_o right_a to_o their_o life_n confirm_v to_o they_o by_o the_o compact_a of_o the_o prince_n of_o israel_n they_o and_o their_o posterity_n have_v a_o good_a title_n in_o justice_n to_o their_o life_n which_o be_v base_o invade_v by_o saul_n and_o have_v this_o aggravation_n that_o the_o compact_n make_v with_o they_o be_v confirm_v by_o oath_n for_o which_o their_o posterity_n shall_v have_v have_v a_o just_a veneration_n but_o though_o that_o oath_n do_v at_o first_o find_v their_o title_n to_o their_o life_n and_o their_o exemption_n from_o the_o forfeiture_n all_o the_o amorites_n lie_v under_o yet_o afterward_o their_o title_n be_v preserve_v upon_o the_o rule_n of_o justice_n and_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n which_o forbid_v the_o invade_v the_o life_n of_o our_o neighbour_n when_o by_o no_o injury_n they_o forfeit_v they_o thus_o your_o confound_v the_o title_n of_o inheritance_n and_o prescription_n with_o the_o ground_n upon_o which_o they_o first_o accresce_v have_v engage_v you_o into_o all_o this_o mistake_n but_o from_o all_o this_o you_o see_v how_o ill_o found_v that_o reason_n of_o the_o answerer_n of_o the_o dialogue_n be_v for_o prove_v the_o posterity_n of_o these_o who_o take_v the_o covenant_n tie_v by_o their_o father_n oath_n which_o yet_o at_o first_o view_n promise_v as_o fair_a colour_n of_o reason_n as_o any_o part_n of_o his_o book_n have_v he_o not_o intermix_v it_o with_o shameful_a insulting_n and_o rail_n at_o the_o conformist_n which_o i_o suppose_v do_v now_o appear_v as_o ill_o ground_v as_o they_o be_v cruel_a and_o base_a but_o i_o be_o not_o so_o much_o in_o love_n with_o that_o stile_n as_o to_o recriminate_a nor_o shall_v i_o tell_v you_o of_o his_o error_n that_o way_n of_o which_o i_o be_o in_o good_a earnest_n ashamed_a upon_o his_o account_n for_o it_o be_v a_o strange_a thing_n if_o a_o man_n can_v answer_v a_o discourse_n without_o he_o fall_v a_o fleer_a and_o rail_v to_o conclude_v this_o whole_a purpose_n i_o be_o mistake_v if_o much_o doubt_v will_v remain_v with_o a_o ingenuous_a and_o unprejudged_a reader_n if_o either_o we_o or_o our_o posterity_n lie_v under_o any_o obligation_n from_o the_o covenant_n to_o contradict_v or_o counteract_v the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n suppose_v the_o matter_n of_o they_o lawful_a which_o be_v a_o large_a subject_n will_v require_v a_o discourse_n apart_o but_o i_o will_v next_o examine_v some_o practice_n among_o we_o and_o chief_o that_o of_o schism_n and_o separation_n from_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n to_o which_o both_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o we_o ought_v to_o preserve_v in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n and_o the_o lawful_a command_n of_o these_o in_o authority_n do_v so_o bind_v we_o that_o i_o will_v be_v glad_a to_o hear_v what_o can_v be_v allege_v for_o it_o isot._n a_o great_a difference_n be_v to_o be_v make_v betwixt_o separation_n and_o noncompliance_n the_o one_o be_v a_o withdraw_n from_o what_o be_v once_o own_v to_o be_v the_o church_n the_o other_o be_v a_o withhold_a our_o concurrence_n from_o what_o we_o judge_v bring_v in_o upon_o the_o church_n against_o both_o reason_n and_o religion_n and_o any_o thing_n you_o can_v draw_v from_o christ_n practice_n or_o precept_n in_o acknowledge_v the_o high_a priest_n or_o command_v the_o people_n to_o observe_v what_o the_o pharisee_n teach_v they_o be_v not_o applicable_a to_o this_o purpose_n for_o first_o these_o be_v civil_a magistrate_n as_o well_o as_o ecclesiastic_n and_o doctor_n of_o the_o civil_a and_o judicial_a law_n which_o be_v different_a from_o the_o case_n of_o churchman_n with_o we_o further_n the_o jewish_a church_n be_v still_o in_o possession_n of_o the_o privilege_n give_v they_o from_o god_n and_o so_o till_o christ_n erect_v his_o church_n they_o be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v acknowledge_v and_o join_v with_o in_o worship_n but_o how_o vast_o differ_v our_o case_n from_o this_o see_v from_o p._n 189._o to_o p._n 204._o phil._n you_o have_v give_v a_o short_a account_n of_o the_o large_a reason_n of_o the_o late_a book_n on_o this_o head_n only_o he_o be_v so_o browilled_a in_o it_o that_o there_o be_v whole_a page_n in_o his_o discourse_n which_o i_o confess_v my_o weakness_n can_v reach_v but_o to_o clear_v the_o way_n for_o your_o satisfaction_n in_o this_o matter_n which_o i_o look_v upon_o as_o that_o of_o great_a concernment_n next_o to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o nonresistance_n of_o any_o thing_n be_v debate_v among_o we_o since_o it_o dissolve_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o open_v a_o patent_n door_n to_o all_o disorder_n ignorance_n and_o profanity_n i_o shall_v consider_v what_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n be_v and_o in_o what_o manner_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o maintain_v and_o preserve_v it_o all_o christian_n be_v command_v to_o love_v one_o another_o and_o to_o live_v in_o peace_n together_o and_o in_o order_n to_o this_o they_o must_v also_o unite_v and_o concur_v in_o joint_a prayer_n adoration_n and_o other_o act_n of_o worship_n to_o express_v the_o harmony_n of_o their_o love_n in_o divine_a matter_n sacrament_n be_v also_o institute_v for_o unite_n the_o body_n together_o be_v solemn_a and_o federal_a stipulation_n make_v with_o god_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o some_o who_o be_v his_o ambassador_n and_o representative_n upon_o earth_n by_o who_o mouth_n the_o worship_n be_v chief_o offer_v up_o to_o god_n and_o who_o must_v be_v solemn_o call_v and_o separate_v for_o their_o employment_n now_o these_o assembling_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v not_o to_o be_v forsake_v till_o there_o be_v such_o a_o corruption_n in_o the_o constitution_n of_o they_o or_o in_o some_o part_n of_o the_o worship_n that_o we_o can_v escape_v the_o guilt_n of_o that_o without_o we_o separate_v ourselves_o from_o these_o unclean_a thing_n wherefore_o the_o warning_n be_v give_v come_v out_o of_o babylon_n that_o we_o be_v not_o partaker_n of_o her_o sin_n and_o so_o receive_v not_o of_o her_o plague_n but_o though_o there_o be_v very_o great_a and_o visible_a corruption_n in_o a_o church_n yet_o as_o long_o as_o our_o join_n in_o worship_n in_o the_o solemn_a assembly_n do_v not_o necessary_o involve_v we_o into_o a_o consent_n or_o concurrence_n with_o these_o we_o ought_v never_o to_o withdraw_v nor_o rend_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o body_n whereof_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n consider_v how_o pleasant_a it_o be_v for_o brethren_n to_o dwell_v together_o in_o unity_n and_o our_o saviour_n show_v of_o what_o importance_n he_o judge_v it_o to_o his_o church_n since_o so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o his_o last_o and_o most_o ravish_a prayer_n be_v that_o they_o may_v be_v one_o and_o this_o he_o five_o time_n repeat_v compare_v the_o unity_n he_o pray_v for_o to_o the_o undivided_a unity_n be_v betwixt_o he_o and_o his_o father_n how_o shall_v these_o word_n rise_v up_o in_o judgement_n against_o those_o who_o have_v break_v these_o bond_n of_o perfection_n upon_o slight_a ground_n with_o the_o same_o earnestness_n do_v we_o find_v the_o apostle_n press_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o body_n and_o charity_n among_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o which_o be_v no_o where_o more_o ample_o do_v than_o in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n who_o the_o apostle_n call_v the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v among_o they_o false_a teacher_n who_o study_v to_o prey_n upon_o they_o and_o to_o strike_v out_o the_o apostle_n authority_n some_o among_o they_o deny_v the_o resurrection_n there_o be_v contention_n and_o disorder_n among_o they_o in_o their_o meeting_n such_o confusion_n be_v from_o the_o strange_a tongue_n some_o speak_v that_o have_v one_o unacquainted_a with_o they_o come_v in_o upon_o they_o he_o have_v judge_v they_o mad_a some_o be_v drink_v when_o they_o do_v receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n they_o have_v a_o incestuous_a person_n in_o their_o society_n and_o it_o seem_v he_o be_v
of_o quality_n and_o much_o account_v of_o since_o they_o be_v puff_v up_o with_o he_o they_o be_v also_o a_o scandal_n to_o the_o gospel_n with_o their_o litigious_a law_n suit_n these_o be_v great_a evil_n and_o i_o hope_v beyond_o what_o you_o can_v charge_v on_o we_o and_o yet_o though_o the_o apostle_n command_v they_o to_o be_v redress_v and_o rectify_v do_v he_o ever_o allow_v of_o these_o in_o corinth_n who_o be_v pure_a and_o holy_a to_o forsake_v the_o solemn_a assembly_n till_o these_o thing_n be_v amend_v or_o do_v he_o not_o high_o commend_v charity_n and_o unity_n to_o they_o next_o consider_v what_o teacher_n these_o be_v who_o preach_v christ_n of_o envy_n and_o strife_n out_o of_o contention_n and_o not_o sincere_o that_o they_o may_v add_v affliction_n to_o the_o apostle_n bond_n and_o yet_o of_o these_o s._n paul_n verdict_n be_v what_o then_o notwithstanding_o every_o way_n whether_o in_o pretence_n or_o in_o truth_n christ_n be_v preach_v and_o i_o therein_o do_v rejoice_v yea_o and_o will_v rejoice_v now_o if_o he_o rejoice_v that_o christ_n be_v preach_v at_o any_o rate_n what_o spirit_n have_v they_o who_o because_o they_o suppose_v some_o preach_v out_o of_o envy_n or_o design_n to_o add_v to_o their_o affliction_n do_v thereupon_o study_v to_o blast_v their_o reputation_n and_o to_o withdraw_v first_o the_o heart_n and_o then_o the_o ear_n of_o all_o from_o they_o certain_o this_o be_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n or_o of_o his_o apostle_n and_o though_o we_o see_v what_o corruption_n have_v creep_v into_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n yet_o in_o the_o epistle_n to_o they_o in_o the_o revelation_n they_o be_v still_o call_v the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o who_o the_o son_n of_o god_n walk_v they_o be_v indeed_o command_v to_o reform_v any_o corruption_n be_v among_o they_o but_o such_o as_o have_v not_o that_o doctrine_n and_o know_v not_o the_o depth_n of_o satan_n but_o have_v keep_v their_o garment_n clean_o be_v not_o command_v to_o separate_v from_o the_o rest_n on_o the_o contrary_a no_o other_o burden_n be_v lay_v upon_o they_o nor_o be_v they_o charge_v for_o not_o separate_v from_o the_o rest_n from_o which_o premise_n i_o may_v infer_v that_o as_o long_o as_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n may_v be_v keep_v in_o without_o our_o be_v pollute_v in_o some_o piece_n of_o sinful_a concurrence_n all_o be_v bind_v to_o it_o under_o the_o hazard_n of_o tear_v christ_n body_n to_o piece_n and_o this_o stand_v also_o with_o the_o close_a reason_n for_o since_o unity_n be_v that_o which_o hold_v all_o the_o body_n firm_a whereas_o division_n dislocate_v and_o weaken_v it_o nothing_o do_v more_o defeat_v the_o end_n of_o religion_n and_o overturn_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n than_o scism_n and_o contention_n which_o give_v the_o great_a offence_n to_o the_o little_a one_o and_o the_o full_a advantage_n to_o the_o common_a enemy_n imaginable_a if_o therefore_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n among_o we_o continue_v undefiled_a even_o in_o the_o confession_n of_o all_o if_o the_o sacrament_n be_v administer_v as_o before_o if_o the_o person_n that_o officiate_v be_v minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n then_o certain_o such_o as_o separate_v from_o our_o public_a meeting_n do_v forsake_v the_o assembly_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o so_o break_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n and_o what_o you_o say_v of_o a_o noncompliance_n as_o distinct_a from_o separation_n have_v no_o relation_n to_o this_o purpose_n where_o nothing_o of_o a_o compliance_n be_v in_o the_o case_n but_o only_o a_o join_n with_o the_o saint_n in_o solemn_a worship_n and_o do_v the_o change_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n in_o so_o small_a a_o matter_n as_o the_o fix_v a_o constant_a precedent_n with_o some_o addition_n of_o power_n over_o your_o synod_n in_o stead_n of_o your_o ambulatory_a moderator_n derive_v a_o contagion_n into_o our_o worship_n so_o that_o without_o a_o sin_n it_o can_v be_v join_v in_o indeed_o if_o a_o concurrence_n of_o worship_n require_v a_o own_n of_o every_o particular_a in_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n a_o man_n must_v go_v to_o the_o new_a atlantis_n to_o seek_v a_o society_n he_o shall_v join_v with_o since_o few_o of_o clear_a unprepossess_v mind_n will_v find_v such_o society_n in_o the_o know_a region_n of_o the_o world_n against_o all_o who_o constitution_n they_o have_v not_o some_o just_a exception_n and_o the_o world_n shall_v have_v as_o many_o party_n as_o person_n if_o this_o be_v not_o fix_v as_o the_o rule_n of_o unity_n that_o we_o cleave_v to_o it_o ever_o till_o we_o be_v drive_v to_o do_v somewhat_o which_o with_o a_o good_a conscience_n we_o can_v yield_v to_o and_o even_o in_o that_o case_n except_o the_o corruption_n be_v great_a and_o deep_a a_o bare_a withdraw_n without_o a_o direct_a opposition_n be_v all_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o you_o be_v therefore_o guilty_a of_o a_o direct_a separation_n who_o forsake_v the_o assembly_n of_o the_o saint_n they_o continue_v in_o their_o former_a purity_n unchanged_a and_o unmixed_a even_o in_o your_o own_o principle_n isot._n but_o one_o thing_n be_v not_o consider_v by_o you_o which_o be_v a_o main_a point_n that_o we_o have_v our_o church_n settle_v according_a to_o christ_n appointment_n and_o ratify_v by_o law_n and_o a_o change_n of_o that_o be_v make_v all_o our_o faithful_a minister_n be_v turn_v out_o by_o the_o tyranny_n of_o the_o present_a power_n who_o in_o stead_n thereof_o have_v set_v up_o a_o new_a form_n of_o government_n of_o none_o of_o christ_n appointment_n and_o to_o maintain_v it_o have_v thrust_v in_o upon_o the_o lord_n people_n a_o company_n of_o weak_a ignorant_a scandalous_a and_o godless_a man_n call_v curate_n who_o instead_o of_o edify_v study_v to_o destroy_v the_o flock_n of_o who_o i_o can_v say_v much_o have_v i_o a_o little_a of_o your_o virulent_a temper_n but_o their_o own_o action_n have_v so_o paint_v they_o out_o to_o the_o world_n that_o i_o may_v well_o spare_v my_o labour_n of_o make_v they_o better_a know_v it_o be_v as_o unnecessary_a as_o it_o be_v unpleasant_a now_o if_o the_o true_a seeker_n of_o god_n do_v still_o stick_v to_o their_o old_a teacher_n and_o seek_v wholesome_a food_n from_o they_o in_o corner_n and_o be_v afraid_a of_o your_o false_a teacher_n according_a to_o christ_n command_n of_o be_v aware_a of_o such_o man_n call_v you_o this_o a_o separation_n which_o be_v rather_o a_o adherence_n to_o the_o true_a church_n and_o the_o keep_n of_o our_o garment_n clean_o from_o the_o contagion_n of_o these_o man_n and_o indeed_o these_o who_o do_v join_v with_o your_o curate_n do_v profit_n so_o little_a by_o their_o ministry_n that_o no_o wonder_n other_o have_v no_o heart_n to_o it_o and_o i_o have_v know_v some_o who_o conscience_n be_v so_o tender_a in_o this_o matter_n that_o their_o have_v at_o sometime_o join_v with_o these_o curate_n in_o worship_n have_v be_v matter_n of_o mourning_n to_o they_o even_o to_o their_o grave_n and_o this_o may_v serve_v to_o clear_v we_o of_o the_o guilt_n of_o schism_n in_o this_o matter_n when_o our_o withdraw_n be_v only_o a_o noncompliance_n with_o your_o corruption_n phil._n all_o this_o say_v nothing_o for_o justify_v your_o separation_n as_o for_o the_o turn_n out_o of_o your_o minister_n if_o the_o law_n to_o which_o their_o obedience_n be_v require_v be_v just_a which_o shall_v be_v next_o consider_v than_o their_o prejudices_fw-la misinform_v conscience_n or_o peevisâ—mess_n and_o not_o the_o tyranny_n of_o the_o ruler_n must_v bear_v the_o blame_n of_o it_o and_o for_o these_o set_v in_o their_o place_n if_o upon_o so_o great_a a_o desertion_n of_o the_o church_n by_o so_o many_o churchman_n all_o their_o charge_n can_v not_o be_v of_o a_o sudden_a supply_v with_o man_n so_o well_o qualify_v or_o of_o such_o gift_n and_o worth_a as_o be_v to_o be_v desire_v it_o be_v nothing_o but_o what_o may_v have_v be_v expect_v upon_o such_o a_o occasion_n and_o for_o your_o revile_n they_o well_o become_v the_o spirit_n which_o appear_v too_o visible_o in_o the_o rest_n of_o your_o act_n but_o we_o still_o study_v to_o bear_v these_o base_a and_o cruel_a reflection_n with_o the_o patience_n become_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o these_o who_o study_v to_o learn_v of_o he_o who_o when_o he_o be_v revile_v revile_v not_o again_o but_o stand_v silent_a at_o those_o unjust_a tribunal_n when_o he_o be_v false_o and_o blasphemous_o reproach_v by_o his_o enemy_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v leave_v answer_v of_o these_o fearful_a imputation_n you_o charge_v on_o our_o clergy_n to_o the_o great_a day_n of_o reckon_n wherein_o judgement_n shall_v return_v to_o the_o righteous_a and_o
all_o the_o upright_a in_o heart_n shall_v follow_v it_o and_o in_o the_o mean_a while_n shall_v study_v to_o bless_v when_o you_o curse_v and_o pray_v for_o you_o who_o do_v thus_o despiteful_o use_v we_o we_o trust_v our_o witness_n be_v on_o high_a that_o whatever_o defect_n cleave_v to_o we_o and_o though_o may_v be_v we_o have_v not_o want_v a_o corrupt_a mixture_n as_o you_o know_v among_o who_o there_o be_v a_o son_n of_o perdition_n yet_o we_o be_v free_a of_o these_o thing_n you_o charge_v on_o we_o promiscuous_o and_o that_o these_o imputation_n you_o charge_v we_o with_o be_v as_o false_a as_o they_o be_v base_a but_o all_o this_o will_v not_o serve_v the_o turn_n of_o many_o of_o your_o divider_n who_o minister_n continue_v with_o they_o as_o former_o and_o mere_o because_o they_o hold_v themselves_o bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o obey_v the_o law_n they_o be_v separate_v from_o true_o if_o you_o can_v clear_v this_o of_o separation_n you_o be_v a_o master_n at_o subtle_a reason_n for_o you_o know_v it_o be_v not_o the_o three_o part_n of_o this_o church_n which_o be_v abandon_v by_o the_o former_a minister_n upon_o the_o late_a change_n and_o yet_o the_o humour_n of_o separate_n be_v universal_a and_o though_o some_o few_o of_o your_o own_o minister_n have_v have_v the_o honest_a zeal_n to_o witness_v against_o this_o separation_n yet_o how_o have_v they_o be_v pelt_v for_o it_o by_o the_o censure_n and_o write_n of_o other_o schismatic_n which_o have_v prevail_v so_o much_o upon_o the_o fear_n or_o prudence_n of_o other_o that_o whatever_o mislike_n they_o have_v of_o these_o separate_a practice_n yet_o they_o be_v willing_a either_o to_o comply_v in_o practice_n or_o to_o be_v silent_a spectator_n of_o so_o great_a a_o evil_a but_o if_o separation_n be_v a_o sin_n it_o must_v have_v a_o guilt_n of_o a_o high_a nature_n and_o such_o as_o all_o who_o will_v be_v think_v zealous_a watchman_n aught_o to_o warn_v their_o people_n of_o and_o what_o shall_v be_v say_v of_o these_o even_a churchman_n who_o at_o a_o time_n when_o the_o law_n be_v sharp_o look_v to_o do_v join_v in_o our_o worship_n but_o if_o there_o be_v a_o unbending_a in_o these_o they_o not_o only_o withdraw_v and_o become_v thereby_o a_o scandal_n to_o other_o but_o draw_v about_o they_o divide_v meeting_n be_v not_o these_o time-servers_a for_o if_o concurrence_n in_o our_o worship_n be_v lawful_a and_o to_o be_v do_v at_o any_o time_n it_o must_v be_v a_o duty_n which_o shall_v be_v do_v at_o all_o time_n and_o therefore_o such_o master_n of_o conscience_n ought_v to_o express_v a_o equality_n in_o their_o way_n and_o that_o they_o make_v the_o rule_n of_o their_o concurrence_n in_o worship_n to_o be_v the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o not_o the_o fear_n of_o civil_a punishment_n final_o such_o as_o think_v it_o lawful_a to_o join_v in_o our_o worship_n and_o yet_o that_o they_o may_v not_o displease_v the_o people_n do_v withdraw_v show_v they_o prefer_v the_o please_a of_o man_n to_o the_o please_a of_o god_n and_o that_o they_o make_v more_o account_n of_o the_o one_o than_o of_o the_o other_o for_o if_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o concur_v in_o our_o worship_n what_o be_v former_o say_v prove_v it_o a_o duty_n be_v not_o these_o then_o the_o servant_n of_o man_n who_o to_o please_v they_o dispense_v with_o what_o by_o their_o own_o concession_n must_v be_v a_o duty_n beside_o such_o person_n withdraw_v give_v a_o great_a and_o real_a scandal_n to_o the_o vulgar_a who_o be_v lead_v by_o their_o example_n and_o so_o a_o humour_n of_o separate_n come_v to_o be_v derive_v into_o all_o whereby_o every_o one_o think_v it_o a_o piece_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o which_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o make_v he_o considerable_a and_o bring_v customer_n to_o he_o if_o he_o be_v a_o merchant_n or_o trades-man_n that_o he_o despise_v the_o solemn_a worship_n and_o rail_v at_o his_o minister_n and_o if_o he_o but_o go_v to_o conventicle_n and_o be_v concern_v in_o all_o the_o humour_n of_o the_o party_n he_o be_v sure_a of_o a_o good_a name_n be_v he_o as_o to_o other_o thing_n what_o he_o will_n eud._n much_o of_o this_o we_o know_v to_o be_v too_o true_a and_o certain_o nothing_o deserve_v more_o blame_v for_o all_o the_o disorder_n be_v among_o we_o than_o this_o separation_n discipline_n go_v down_o catechise_v be_v despise_v the_o sacrament_n be_v loathe_v the_o solemn_a worship_n desert_v i_o know_v the_o poor_a curate_n bear_v the_o blame_n of_o all_o and_o all_o of_o they_o must_v be_v equal_o condemn_v if_o a_o few_o of_o they_o have_v miscarry_v for_o which_o when_o ever_o it_o be_v prove_v they_o be_v censure_v condign_o in_o end_n you_o charge_v their_o gift_n and_o that_o their_o people_n be_v not_o edify_v by_o they_o but_o i_o pray_v you_o see_v whether_o the_o prejudices_fw-la you_o make_v they_o drink_v in_o against_o they_o occasion_n not_o that_o for_o it_o be_v a_o more_o than_o humane_a work_n to_o overcome_v prejudices_fw-la read_v but_o the_o complaint_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o you_o will_v confess_v a_o churchman_n not_o be_v profitable_a to_o his_o people_n will_v be_v no_o good_a argument_n to_o prove_v he_o not_o send_v of_o god_n and_o when_o i_o consider_v that_o even_o the_o apostle_n call_v for_o the_o help_n of_o the_o church_n prayer_n that_o utterance_n may_v be_v give_v to_o they_o yea_o and_o desire_v they_o to_o strive_v together_o in_o their_o prayer_n for_o they_o i_o must_v crave_v leave_n to_o tell_v you_o that_o the_o defect_n of_o that_o utterance_n and_o power_n in_o preach_v you_o charge_v on_o the_o present_a preacher_n may_v be_v well_o impute_v to_o the_o want_n of_o the_o concurrence_n of_o the_o people_n prayer_n who_o prepossession_n have_v keep_v from_o strive_v together_o with_o they_o in_o prayer_n that_o they_o may_v come_v among_o they_o with_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o of_o such_o tender_a and_o miâ—led_a conscience_n who_o have_v be_v smite_v with_o remorse_n for_o such_o concurrence_n in_o worship_n as_o their_o tenderness_n be_v to_o be_v value_v so_o their_o ignorance_n be_v to_o be_v pity_v and_o they_o who_o thus_o mislead_v they_o deserve_v the_o heavy_a censure_n since_o they_o have_v involve_v simple_a and_o weak_a conscience_n with_o their_o peddle_a sophistry_n into_o such_o strait_n and_o doubt_n in_o fine_a you_o can_v say_v that_o a_o minister_n be_v by_o a_o divine_a right_o place_v over_o any_o particular_a flock_n if_o then_o it_o be_v humane_a it_o with_o all_o other_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n be_v within_o the_o magistrate_n cognizance_n so_o that_o when_o he_o remove_v one_o and_o leave_v a_o legal_a way_n patent_n for_o bring_v in_o another_o upon_o which_o there_o come_v one_o to_o be_v place_v over_o that_o flock_n what_o injustice_n soever_o you_o can_v fancy_v in_o such_o deal_n yet_o certain_o it_o will_v never_o free_v that_o parish_n from_o the_o tie_n of_o associate_a in_o the_o public_a worship_n or_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n from_o the_o hand_n of_o that_o minister_n who_o they_o can_v deny_v to_o be_v a_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o no_o irregularity_n in_o the_o way_n of_o his_o entry_n though_o as_o great_a as_o can_v be_v imagine_v will_v warrant_v the_o people_n separate_v from_o he_o neither_o can_v they_o pretend_v that_o the_o first_o incumbent_n be_v still_o their_o minister_n for_o his_o relation_n to_o they_o be_v found_v mere_o on_o the_o law_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v as_o be_v prove_v in_o the_o second_o conference_n subject_a to_o the_o magistrate_n authority_n and_o so_o last_v no_o long_a than_o he_o shall_v dissolve_v it_o by_o his_o command_n unless_o it_o appear_v that_o he_o design_v the_o overthrow_n of_o true_a religion_n in_o which_o case_n i_o confess_v pastor_n be_v according_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n to_o continue_v at_o the_o hazard_n of_o all_o persecution_n and_o feed_v their_o flock_n but_o this_o be_v not_o applicable_a to_o our_o case_n where_o all_o that_o concern_v religion_n continue_v as_o former_o only_o some_o combination_n make_v in_o prejudice_n of_o the_o supreme_a authority_n be_v break_v and_o order_n be_v restore_v to_o the_o church_n instead_o of_o the_o confusion_n and_o division_n be_v former_o in_o it_o and_o if_o this_o change_n have_v occasion_v great_a disorder_n wherever_o the_o defect_n of_o policy_n or_o prudence_n may_v be_v charge_v yet_o certain_o if_o the_o change_n that_o be_v make_v be_v find_v of_o its_o own_o nature_n both_o lawful_a and_o good_a the_o confusion_n have_v follow_v upon_o it_o be_v their_o guilt_n who_o with_o so_o little_a reason_n and_o so_o much_o
eagerness_n have_v not_o only_o refuse_v obedience_n themselves_o but_o hinder_v such_o as_o be_v willing_a to_o have_v yield_v it_o crit._n indeed_o this_o point_n of_o withdraw_a from_o the_o public_a worship_n for_o their_o faultiness_n who_o officiate_n or_o for_o the_o error_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v in_o the_o way_n of_o their_o entry_n do_v so_o contradict_v the_o whole_a series_n of_o the_o sacred_a rule_n that_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o express_o condemn_v in_o it_o the_o son_n of_o eli_n make_v the_o people_n abhor_v the_o offering_n and_o they_o defile_v the_o tabernacle_n of_o god_n yet_o for_o all_o that_o the_o people_n continue_v to_o come_v and_o offer_v their_o sacrifice_n the_o prophet_n do_v also_o tell_v we_o what_o kind_n of_o people_n the_o priest_n in_o their_o time_n be_v and_o yet_o never_o a_o word_n of_o the_o people_n withdraw_a from_o the_o worship_n now_o this_o must_v by_o the_o parity_n of_o reason_n hold_v good_a under_o the_o new_a dispensation_n except_o you_o say_v we_o be_v not_o so_o much_o oblige_v to_o worship_n god_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o they_o be_v the_o contrary_a whereof_o will_v be_v find_v true_a next_o the_o high_a priesthood_n be_v entail_v on_o the_o line_n of_o aaron_n be_v certain_o to_o descend_v as_o all_o other_o right_n do_v among_o the_o jew_n by_o the_o right_n of_o representation_n and_o primogeniture_n and_o so_o do_v eleazar_n and_o phinebas_n follow_v in_o a_o line_n from_o aaron_n it_o be_v true_a the_o high_a priesthood_n be_v afterward_o in_o ithamar_n line_n but_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v by_o what_o conveyance_n it_o go_v to_o they_o which_o certain_o must_v have_v be_v divine_a if_o lawful_a and_o none_o can_v limit_v god_n from_o dispense_n with_o his_o own_o positive_a law_n but_o the_o high_a priesthood_n be_v again_o set_v in_o its_o own_o channel_n by_o david_n and_o so_o continue_v downward_o till_o after_o the_o second_o temple_n it_o become_v the_o chief_a secular_a power_n be_v expose_v to_o sale_n and_o this_o appear_v from_o a_o passage_n cite_v by_o doctor_n lightfoot_n out_o of_o the_o talmud_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o the_o first_o temple_n the_o high_a priest_n still_o serve_v the_o son_n succeed_v the_o father_n and_o they_o be_v 18_o in_o number_n but_o in_o the_o second_o temple_n they_o get_v the_o high_a priesthood_n by_o money_n and_o some_o say_v they_o destroy_v one_o another_o by_o witchcraft_n so_o that_o some_o say_v there_o be_v 80_o priest_n in_o that_o space_n some_o 81_o some_o 82_o some_o 83_o some_o 84_o and_o some_o 85._o and_o that_o learned_a doctor_n reckon_v 53_o in_o order_n till_o he_o bring_v the_o succession_n down_o to_o the_o time_n of_o the_o war_n after_o which_o it_o be_v so_o confuse_v that_o he_o pursue_v it_o no_o further_o and_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o 3_o chap._n of_o his_o temple-service_n he_o prove_v the_o high_a priesthood_n to_o have_v descend_v to_o the_o first-born_a as_o the_o priesthood_n before_o the_o law_n belong_v to_o the_o first-born_a of_o every_o family_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o when_o simeon_n the_o justice_n will_v have_v put_v onias_n his_o second_o son_n in_o the_o priesthood_n he_o can_v not_o do_v it_o but_o simeon_n the_o elder_a brother_n obtain_v his_o right_n and_o onias_n be_v put_v to_o fly_v to_o egypt_n where_o he_o build_v a_o famous_a temple_n this_o will_v prove_v that_o the_o high_a priest_n in_o our_o saviour_n time_n have_v no_o just_a title_n to_o their_o office_n and_o yet_o our_o saviour_n be_v by_o his_o humiliation_n in_o the_o character_n of_o a_o private_a person_n never_o question_v it_o no_o not_o when_o he_o be_v upbraid_v as_o if_o he_o have_v answer_v god_n high_a priest_n irreverent_o which_o look_v like_o a_o case_n of_o confession_n and_o s._n paul_n do_v the_o same_o now_o as_o to_o what_o be_v say_v of_o the_o high_a priest_n be_v a_o civil_a magistrate_n it_o will_v not_o serve_v to_o deliver_v you_o for_o his_o title_n to_o the_o civil_a power_n flow_v from_o his_o office_n therefore_o the_o own_v he_o in_o that_o do_v also_o acknowledge_v his_o office_n since_o he_o have_v no_o other_o right_n to_o the_o civil_a power_n but_o because_o he_o be_v high_a priest_n and_o yet_o subjection_n be_v give_v he_o by_o our_o lord_n who_o acknowledge_v the_o high_a priest_n do_v he_o not_o also_o continue_v in_o the_o temple_n worship_n and_o go_v thither_o on_o their_o festivity_n where_o you_o know_v he_o must_v have_v offer_v sacrifice_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o these_o priest_n and_o yet_o we_o know_v well_o enough_o what_o a_o sort_n of_o people_n they_o be_v if_o then_o we_o be_v no_o less_o bind_v under_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o order_n and_o unity_n than_o they_o be_v under_o the_o law_n it_o will_v follow_v that_o no_o personal_a corruption_n of_o churchman_n can_v warrant_v a_o separation_n from_o worship_n even_o though_o their_o opinion_n be_v erroneous_a and_o their_o practice_n naughty_a for_o the_o impertinency_n of_o the_o distinction_n of_o noncompliance_n and_o separation_n be_v already_o prove_v but_o next_o to_o the_o temple-worship_n be_v the_o service_n of_o the_o synagogue_n which_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n who_o expound_v the_o law_n to_o the_o people_n and_o christ_n command_v the_o people_n to_o observe_v what_o they_o teach_v show_v clear_o his_o pleasure_n be_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o forsake_v the_o synagogue_n where_o they_o teach_v and_o his_o own_o go_v to_o the_o synagogue_n in_o which_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o he_o concur_v in_o the_o prayer_n and_o hymn_n prove_v abundant_o that_o their_o worship_n be_v not_o to_o be_v separate_v from_o as_o for_o your_o friend_n involve_v discourse_n about_o the_o decline_a of_o church_n pag._n 193._o i_o must_v let_v it_o alone_o till_o i_o can_v make_v sense_n of_o it_o for_o if_o he_o intend_v to_o compare_v our_o lord_n and_o his_o apostle_n their_o join_n in_o the_o jewish_a worship_n with_o the_o misguide_a though_o sincere_a devotion_n of_o some_o holy_a soul_n who_o worship_v god_n with_o all_o the_o corrupâ—ions_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n i_o hope_v he_o will_v repent_v the_o blasphemy_n of_o such_o a_o mistake_n and_o as_o for_o what_o be_v allege_v pag._n 198._o that_o the_o jewish_a dispensation_n be_v mix_v and_o their_o law_n make_v up_o of_o matter_n political_a as_o well_o as_o spiritual_a therefore_o these_o scribe_n be_v the_o oracle_n of_o the_o civil_a law_n and_o so_o to_o be_v go_v to_o it_o be_v as_o weak_a as_o the_o rest_n for_o the_o law_n be_v to_o be_v seek_v from_o the_o priest_n lip_n as_o to_o all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o any_o power_n the_o priest_n have_v of_o pronounce_v about_o the_o question_n of_o the_o law_n be_v because_o they_o be_v priest_n or_o as_o they_o be_v man_n separate_v for_o officiate_a in_o the_o synagogue_n so_o the_o receive_v their_o decision_n in_o matter_n judicial_a do_v acknowledge_v their_o office_n which_o be_v pure_o ecclesiastical_a and_o sacred_a from_o all_o this_o i_o may_v infer_v that_o as_o long_o as_o any_o society_n continue_v to_o be_v the_o church_n and_o people_n of_o god_n and_o have_v the_o service_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n perform_v in_o it_o by_o man_n solemn_o separate_v according_a to_o god_n appointment_n whatever_o irregularity_n be_v either_o in_o their_o entry_n to_o such_o charge_n or_o of_o their_o opinion_n or_o practice_n these_o shall_v indeed_o be_v cognosce_v upon_o and_o censure_v by_o the_o supreme_a power_n in_o the_o society_n but_o will_v never_o warrant_v private_a person_n to_o separate_v from_o the_o worship_n unless_o it_o be_v so_o vitiate_v in_o any_o part_n of_o it_o that_o without_o sin_n they_o can_v concur_v in_o it_o in_o which_o case_n they_o be_v indeed_o to_o keep_v themselves_o clean_o and_o to_o withdraw_v but_o not_o to_o divide_v until_o the_o worship_n be_v so_o corrupt_v that_o the_o end_n of_o public_a worship_n can_v no_o more_o be_v answer_v by_o such_o assembly_n poly._n i_o know_v it_o be_v think_v a_o piece_n of_o noble_a gallantry_n among_o our_o new_a model_v people_n to_o despise_v the_o sentiment_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n and_o therefore_o whatever_o i_o can_v adduce_v from_o they_o will_v prevail_v little_a for_o their_o conviction_n otherwise_o many_o thing_n can_v be_v bring_v to_o this_o purpose_n from_o these_o two_o great_a assertor_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n against_o schism_n and_o division_n s._n cyprian_n and_o s._n augustin_n the_o latter_a especial_o who_o by_o many_o large_a treatise_n study_v the_o conviction_n of_o the_o donatist_n who_o maintain_v their_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n much_o upon_o the_o same_o ground_n which_o
for_o one_o will_v expect_v it_o must_v be_v a_o very_a concern_v matter_n which_o have_v occasion_v so_o much_o blood_n and_o confusion_n and_o continue_v still_o to_o divide_v we_o asunder_o with_o so_o much_o heat_n and_o bitterness_n i_o confess_v my_o discern_a be_v weak_a which_o keep_v i_o from_o apprehend_v what_o importance_n can_v be_v in_o it_o to_o exact_v so_o much_o zeal_n for_o it_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v call_v the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n â—â—â—n_n earth_n his_o interest_n cauâ—e_n and_o work_v which_o therefore_o shall_v be_v earnest_o contenâ—ed_v for_o ilot_n the_o natural_a man_n receive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o theâ—_n be_v 〈◊〉_d to_o he_o but_o wisdom_n 〈◊〉_d of_o 〈◊〉_d â—â—â—â—dren_n that_o we_o plead_v for_o be_v christ_n kingdom_n which_o be_v in_o opposition_n both_o to_o the_o proud_a aspire_n of_o the_o prelate_n and_o to_o the_o violent_a invasion_n of_o the_o civil_a power_n we_o be_v therefore_o on_o christ_n side_n assert_v that_o none_o in_o earth_n can_v institute_v new_a officer_n in_o his_o house_n but_o those_o he_o have_v appoint_v and_o that_o he_o have_v appoint_v none_o high_a than_o ordinary_a preach_a presbyter_n among_o who_o he_o will_v have_v a_o equality_n observe_v which_o whosoever_o contradict_v with_o diotrephes_n they_o lâ—ve_v the_o preeminence_n and_o lord_n it_o over_o god_n inheritance_n phil._n though_o i_o will_v not_o fly_v so_o high_a with_o my_o pretension_n in_o big_a word_n yet_o the_o issue_n of_o our_o discourse_n will_v declare_v if_o i_o have_v not_o better_a ground_n to_o assert_v episcopacy_n to_o have_v descend_v from_o the_o apostle_n and_o apostolical_a timeâ—_n into_o all_o the_o age_n and_o corner_n of_o the_o church_n who_o receive_v it_o and_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o scripture_n that_o contradict_v â—uch_o a_o institution_n but_o i_o shall_v â—efer_v the_o decision_n of_o thiâ—_n to_o all_o impartial_a mind_n basil._n true_o when_o without_o a_o particular_a examen_fw-la i_o consider_v the_o whole_a matter_n in_o general_n i_o can_v see_v little_a to_o except_v against_o episcopal_a government_n that_o i_o can_v avoid_v the_o severe_a thought_n of_o suspect_v the_o great_a aversion_n many_o have_v at_o it_o to_o be_v occasion_v from_o the_o â—â—â—rit_n of_o contradiction_n be_v in_o many_o which_o lusâ—â—th_v to_o 〈◊〉_d or_o from_o their_o opposition_n to_o these_o in_o authority_n â—or_a i_o doubt_v not_o but_o if_o presbytery_n have_v the_o same_o countenance_n from_o the_o law_n it_o shall_v meet_v with_o the_o same_o contradiction_n from_o these_o who_o seem_v to_o adhere_v to_o no_o principle_n so_o firm_o as_o to_o their_o resist_v the_o power_n that_o be_v ordain_v of_o god._n but_o the_o handle_n of_o this_o with_o that_o fullness_n and_o clearness_n which_o the_o noise_n make_v about_o it_o require_v will_v take_v up_o more_o of_o our_o time_n than_o we_o can_v be_v now_o master_n of_o and_o may_v well_o claim_v a_o new_a conference_n therefore_o we_o shall_v remit_v any_o further_a discourse_n about_o it_o to_o our_o next_o meeting_n isot._n it_o be_v agree_v to_o and_o i_o shall_v let_v you_o see_v that_o for_o all_o the_o rail_n of_o these_o day_n discourse_v my_o patience_n be_v yet_o strong_a enough_o to_o allow_v of_o another_o interview_n though_o i_o confess_v myself_o weary_a of_o so_o much_o bad_a company_n who_o evil_a communication_n be_v design_v to_o corrupt_v my_o good_a principle_n phil._n i_o confess_v my_o weariness_n be_v as_o great_a as_o you_o though_o upon_o a_o very_a different_a account_n for_o i_o be_o surfeit_v of_o the_o contention_n and_o heat_n have_v be_v among_o we_o and_o long_o for_o a_o end_n of_o our_o conference_n upon_o these_o head_n which_o i_o shall_v now_o go_v through_o once_o for_o all_o be_v encourage_v to_o meet_v with_o you_o again_o because_o this_o penance_n be_v near_o a_o end_n out_o of_o which_o if_o i_o be_v once_o extricate_v i_o be_o resolve_v to_o meddle_v in_o such_o contentious_a theme_n no_o more_o eud._n have_v swallow_v the_o ox_n we_o must_v not_o stick_v on_o the_o rump_n it_o be_v true_a your_o converse_n be_v extreme_o agreeable_a yet_o my_o stomach_n begin_v to_o turn_v at_o so_o much_o dispute_v but_o i_o hope_v to_o morrow_n shall_v put_v a_o end_n to_o it_o and_o therefore_o i_o doubt_v not_o of_o your_o return_n to_o finish_v what_o you_o hitherto_o carry_v on_o and_o so_o a_o good_a night_n to_o you_o the_o four_o conference_n isotimus_n i_o come_v now_o upon_o our_o last_o night_n appointment_n to_o pursue_v this_o conference_n to_o its_o end_n and_o to_o examine_v what_o these_o ground_n be_v which_o endear_a episcopacy_n to_o you_o so_o much_o especial_o consider_v the_o great_a disorder_n and_o confusion_n its_z re-establishment_n among_o we_o have_v occasion_v for_o my_o part_n i_o can_v see_v what_o can_v reconcile_v the_o world_n to_o it_o much_o less_o what_o shall_v enamour_v you_o so_o of_o it_o as_o to_o make_v you_o adhere_v to_o it_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o evil_n spring_v from_o it_o and_o all_o these_o black_a character_n of_o god_n displeasure_n be_v upon_o it_o which_o real_o appear_v so_o signal_o to_o i_o that_o it_o seem_v a_o fight_n against_o god_n to_o adhere_v long_o to_o it_o phil._n true_o you_o and_o i_o enter_v on_o this_o subject_a with_o a_o equal_a surprise_n though_o upon_o very_o different_a account_n for_o i_o must_v tell_v you_o free_o that_o after_o i_o have_v with_o all_o the_o application_n of_o mind_n and_o freedom_n of_o thought_n imaginable_a consider_v what_o can_v engage_v so_o many_o in_o this_o island_n into_o so_o much_o zeal_n and_o rage_n against_o the_o order_n i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o satisfy_v myself_o about_o it_o that_o venerable_a order_n have_v such_o a_o native_a tendency_n for_o advance_v of_o true_a religion_n peace_n order_n and_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v excellent_a that_o the_o aversion_n and_o prejudices_fw-la so_o many_o have_v drink_v in_o against_o it_o seem_v as_o unjust_a as_o unconquerable_a and_o look_v like_o a_o part_n of_o god_n controversy_n with_o we_o whereby_o we_o be_v blind_o carry_v into_o so_o much_o unjustifiable_a zeal_n against_o that_o which_o if_o well_o manage_v may_v prove_v a_o excellent_a mean_n for_o revive_v the_o power_n of_o religion_n that_o have_v suffer_v so_o great_a decay_n i_o shall_v not_o deny_v but_o on_o our_o part_n there_o have_v be_v great_a fail_n for_o which_o god_n anger_n hang_v over_o our_o head_n and_o that_o he_o permit_v all_o this_o opposition_n we_o meet_v with_o for_o punish_v we_o for_o our_o sin_n which_o have_v just_o provoke_v god_n to_o make_v we_o base_a and_o contemptible_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o people_n and_o this_o i_o hope_v shall_v be_v a_o effectual_a mean_n of_o humble_v we_o and_o of_o purge_v we_o from_o our_o dross_n whereby_o this_o holy_a order_n be_v again_o manage_v with_o the_o ancient_a spirit_n may_v appear_v into_o the_o world_n in_o its_o primitive_a lustre_n and_o be_v attend_v with_o the_o blessing_n that_o then_o follow_v it_o to_o the_o wonder_n and_o conviction_n of_o all_o man_n but_o let_v i_o add_v the_o opposition_n some_o fiery_a spirit_n have_v give_v the_o establishment_n of_o episcopacy_n deserve_v much_o of_o the_o blame_n of_o its_o be_v so_o little_o successful_a in_o the_o great_a work_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o always_o bitter_a envy_n and_o strife_n produce_v confusion_n and_o every_o evil_a work_n therefore_o when_o you_o be_v to_o view_v episcopacy_n in_o its_o amiable_a and_o lovely_a colour_n let_v i_o send_v you_o back_o to_o that_o cloud_n of_o witness_n who_o for_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n endure_v all_o manner_n of_o torment_n be_v tear_v by_o beast_n slay_v by_o the_o sword_n burn_v in_o the_o fire_n and_o in_o a_o word_n who_o preach_v the_o everlasting_a gospel_n through_o the_o world_n how_o many_o church_n do_v these_o bishop_n find_v with_o their_o labour_n in_o preach_v and_o water_n not_o only_o with_o their_o tear_n but_o their_o blood_n how_o sublime_a be_v their_o piety_n how_o frevent_v be_v their_o sermon_n how_o constant_a be_v their_o labour_n how_o strict_a be_v their_o discipline_n how_o zealous_a be_v they_o against_o heresy_n and_o how_o watchful_a against_o vice_n in_o a_o word_n read_v but_o the_o history_n and_o write_n of_o those_o great_a worthy_n who_o be_v by_o the_o confession_n of_o all_o man_n bishop_n and_o have_v more_o absolute_a authority_n over_o the_o inferior_a clergy_n than_o be_v pretend_v to_o among_o we_o and_o than_o tell_v i_o if_o you_o have_v not_o change_v your_o verdict_n of_o that_o order_n have_v there_o be_v such_o man_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n as_o be_v ignatius_n polycarp_n iâ—â—naeus_n cyprian_n thaumaturg_n athanasius_n basil_n nazianzen_n martin_n ambrose_n chrysostome_n augustin_n and_o
a_o thousand_o more_o these_o be_v after_o the_o apostle_n the_o great_a glory_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o be_v burn_v and_o shine_a light_n it_o be_v in_o their_o life_n write_n and_o decree_n that_o i_o desire_v you_o to_o view_v episcopacy_n and_o if_o it_o have_v any_o way_n fall_v from_o that_o first_o and_o fair_a original_a direct_v your_o thought_n and_o zeal_n to_o contrive_v and_o carry_v on_o its_o recovery_n to_o its_o former_a purity_n and_o server_fw-la but_o take_v it_o not_o at_o the_o disadvantage_n as_o it_o may_v have_v suffer_v any_o thing_n from_o the_o corruption_n of_o man_n in_o a_o succession_n of_o so_o many_o age_n for_o you_o know_v the_o sacrament_n the_o ministry_n and_o all_o the_o part_n of_o religion_n have_v be_v soil_v and_o stain_v of_o their_o first_o beauty_n by_o their_o corrupt_a hand_n to_o who_o care_n they_o be_v commit_v but_o he_o be_v very_o much_o to_o blame_v who_o will_v thereupon_o quarrel_v these_o thing_n i_o shall_v therefore_o entreat_v you_o will_v consider_v that_o order_n either_o in_o itself_o or_o as_o it_o flourish_v in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n and_o not_o as_o prejudices_fw-la or_o particular_a escape_n may_v have_v represent_v it_o to_o you_o eud._n that_o you_o may_v both_o understand_v one_o another_o better_a let_v i_o suggest_v to_o you_o the_o right_n state_v of_o that_o you_o differ_v about_o that_o you_o be_v not_o contend_v about_o word_n or_o notion_n of_o thing_n which_o may_v appear_v with_o various_a shape_n and_o face_n one_o whereof_o may_v be_v amiable_a and_o another_o ugly_a give_v therefore_o a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a account_n of_o that_o episcopacy_n you_o own_o and_o assert_v poly._n since_o philarcheus_n have_v appeal_v to_o the_o ancient_a church_n for_o the_o true_a pattern_n of_o episcopacy_n i_o shall_v faithful_o represent_v to_o you_o what_o the_o office_n and_o power_n of_o their_o bishop_n be_v and_o how_o it_o take_v its_o first_o rise_n and_o growth_n among_o they_o and_o then_o i_o shall_v leave_v it_o to_o be_v discuss_v how_o lawful_a or_o allowable_a it_o be_v of_o itself_o the_o jew_n have_v among_o they_o beside_o the_o temple-worship_n which_o be_v typical_a their_o synagogue_n not_o only_o over_o the_o land_n but_o through_o all_o the_o corner_n of_o the_o world_n into_o which_o they_o be_v disperse_v which_o be_v call_v their_o prosenchae_fw-la among_o the_o greek_n and_o roman_n thither_o do_v they_o meet_v for_o the_o daily_a worship_n of_o god_n there_o do_v they_o likewise_o meet_v on_o their_o sabbath_n and_o recite_v their_o philactery_n or_o liturgy_n and_o hear_v a_o portion_n of_o the_o law_n read_v which_o be_v divide_v in_o so_o many_o section_n that_o it_o may_v be_v yearly_o read_v over_o there_o be_v also_o a_o word_n of_o exhortation_n use_v after_o the_o law_n be_v read_v and_o there_o be_v in_o these_o synagogue_n office-bearer_n separate_v for_o that_o work_n who_o be_v to_o order_v the_o worship_n and_o the_o read_n of_o the_o law_n and_o be_v to_o censure_v sin_n by_o several_a degree_n of_o excommunication_n cast_v they_o out_o of_o the_o synagogue_n they_o be_v likewise_o to_o see_v to_o the_o supply_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o poor_a now_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o practice_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n we_o shall_v find_v they_o study_v to_o comply_v with_o the_o form_n receive_v among_o the_o jew_n as_o much_o as_o be_v possible_a or_o consistent_a with_o the_o new_a dispensation_n which_o may_v be_v instance_a in_o many_o particular_n as_o in_o both_o sacrament_n the_o form_n of_o worship_n the_o practice_n of_o excommunication_n and_o these_o may_v be_v branch_v out_o into_o many_o instance_n and_o indeed_o since_o we_o find_v the_o apostle_n yield_v so_o far_o in_o compliance_n with_o the_o jew_n about_o the_o moysaicall_a rite_n which_o be_v pure_o typical_a and_o consequent_o antiquate_v by_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n we_o have_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o more_o reason_n to_o apprehend_v they_o comply_v with_o their_o form_n in_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o typical_a but_o rather_o moral_a such_o as_o be_v the_o order_n of_o their_o worship_n these_o thing_n only_o except_v wherein_o the_o christian_a religion_n require_v a_o change_n to_o be_v make_v and_o this_o the_o rather_o that_o wherever_o they_o go_v promulgate_a the_o gospel_n the_o first_o offer_n of_o it_o be_v make_v to_o the_o jew_n many_o of_o who_o believe_v but_o be_v still_o zealous_a of_o the_o tradition_n of_o their_o father_n and_o so_o it_o be_v not_o like_a that_o they_o who_o can_v not_o be_v prevail_v upon_o to_o part_v with_o the_o moysaicall_a rite_n for_o all_o the_o reason_n be_v offer_v against_o they_o be_v so_o easy_o content_a to_o change_v their_o other_o form_n which_o be_v of_o themselves_o useful_a and_o innocent_a now_o since_o we_o see_v the_o apostle_n retain_v and_o improve_v so_o many_o of_o their_o rite_n and_o custom_n why_o they_o shall_v have_v innovate_v the_o government_n of_o their_o synagogue_n will_v not_o be_v easy_o make_v clear_a especial_o since_o they_o retain_v the_o name_n of_o bishop_n presbyter_n and_o deacon_n which_o be_v in_o use_n among_o the_o jew_n and_o since_o they_o do_v bless_v and_o separate_v they_o by_o the_o imposition_n of_o hand_n which_o have_v be_v also_o practise_v among_o the_o jew_n and_o all_o this_o will_v appear_v with_o a_o clear_a visage_n of_o reason_n if_o we_o consider_v the_o account_n give_v in_o the_o act_n or_o rule_v prescribe_v in_o the_o epistle_n of_o the_o apostle_n about_o the_o frame_n and_o constitute_v their_o church_n all_o which_o speak_v out_o nothing_o of_o a_o new_a constitution_n but_o tell_v only_o what_o rule_v they_o give_v for_o regulate_v thing_n which_o from_o the_o stile_n they_o run_v in_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v then_o constitute_v and_o be_v very_o far_o either_o from_o moses_n language_n in_o the_o pentateuch_n or_o from_o the_o form_n of_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o except_o the_o little_a we_o have_v of_o the_o institution_n of_o deacon_n nothing_o like_o a_o institution_n occur_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o yet_o that_o seem_v not_o the_o institution_n of_o a_o order_n but_o a_o particular_a provision_n of_o man_n for_o serve_v the_o hâ—llenists_n in_o a_o office_n already_o know_v and_o receive_v now_o let_v i_o here_o send_v you_o to_o the_o master_n of_o the_o jewish_a learning_n particular_o to_o the_o eminent_o learn_v and_o judicious_a doctor_n lightfoot_n who_o will_v inform_v you_o that_o in_o every_o synagogue_n there_o be_v one_o peculiar_o charge_v with_o the_o worship_n call_v the_o bishop_n of_o the_o congregation_n the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n or_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o synagogue_n and_o beside_o he_o there_o be_v three_o who_o have_v the_o civil_a judicatory_a who_o judge_v also_o about_o the_o receive_a proselyte_n the_o imposition_n of_o hand_n etc._n etc._n and_o there_o be_v other_o three_o who_o gather_v and_o distribute_v the_o alm_n now_o the_o christian_a religion_n take_v place_n as_o the_o gospel_n be_v plant_v in_o the_o city_n where_o it_o be_v chief_o preach_v these_o form_n and_o order_n be_v retain_v both_o name_n and_o thing_n for_o we_o can_v think_v that_o the_o apostle_n who_o chief_a work_n be_v the_o gain_n of_o soul_n from_o gentilism_n or_o judaism_n be_v very_o solicitous_a about_o mode_n of_o government_n but_o take_v thing_n as_o they_o find_v they_o only_o the_o elder_a and_o great_a christian_n they_o separate_v for_o church_n office_n and_o retain_v a_o inspection_n over_o they_o themselves_o and_o abstract_v from_o what_o be_v say_v about_o the_o synagogue_n it_o be_v natural_a to_o think_v that_o when_o the_o apostle_n leave_v they_o and_o die_v they_o do_v appoint_v the_o more_o eminent_a to_o be_v overseer_n to_o the_o rest_n which_o why_o not_o every_o where_o as_o well_o as_o be_v do_v by_o s._n paul_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n be_v not_o easy_o to_o be_v prove_v but_o this_o be_v yet_o more_o rational_a from_o what_o be_v premise_v about_o the_o synagogue_n pattern_n only_o they_o do_v not_o restrict_n themselves_o to_o that_o number_n for_o the_o number_n of_o the_o presbyter_n be_v indefinite_a but_o the_o deacon_n be_v according_a to_o their_o first_o original_n restrict_v to_o the_o number_n seven_o thus_o the_o first_o form_n be_v that_o there_o be_v one_o who_o charge_v it_o be_v to_o oversee_v feed_v and_o rule_v the_o flock_n and_o where_o the_o number_n of_o the_o christian_n be_v small_a they_o meet_v all_o in_o one_o place_n for_o worship_n and_o it_o be_v easy_a for_o the_o bishop_n to_o overtake_v the_o charge_n but_o for_o the_o spread_a of_o the_o gospel_n he_o have_v about_o he_o a_o company_n of_o the_o elder_a and_o more_o eminent_a
evident_a reason_n for_o prove_v this_o to_o be_v unlawful_a or_o unexpedient_a you_o shall_v shake_v my_o kindness_n to_o this_o constitution_n who_o venerable_a antiquity_n have_v conciliate_v so_o much_o reverence_n from_o i_o to_o it_o that_o it_o will_v be_v a_o great_a attempt_n to_o change_v my_o value_n of_o it_o isot._n these_o be_v all_o brave_a story_n well_o contrive_v for_o triumph_v among_o ignorant_o but_o these_o pretence_n fâ—om_fw-mi antiquity_n have_v be_v so_o battle_v by_o the_o learned_a assertor_n of_o presbyterial_a government_n that_o i_o wonder_v how_o you_o can_v so_o confident_o vouch_v they_o â—ince_n there_o be_v not_o a_o vestige_n of_o any_o disparity_n before_o the_o 140th_o year_n after_o christ_n and_o we_o know_v the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n wrought_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o that_o then_o there_o be_v a_o diotrophe_n who_o love_v the_o preeminence_n and_o the_o darkness_n and_o obscurity_n of_o the_o rise_n and_o progress_n of_o prelacy_n do_v the_o more_o confirm_v i_o that_o it_o be_v the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n the_o pretence_n from_o ignatius_n epistle_n have_v be_v often_o overthrow_v and_o there_o be_v word_n in_o these_o epistle_n which_o clear_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v the_o contrivance_n of_o some_o impostor_n they_o be_v so_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o strain_n of_o religion_n and_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n not_o to_o speak_v of_o the_o orthodoxy_n and_o piety_n of_o ignatius_n and_o the_o simplicity_n of_o these_o time_n which_o demonstrate_v their_o interpolation_n evident_o for_o all_o the_o pain_n doctor_n hamond_n have_v be_v at_o to_o assert_v their_o faith_n and_o therefore_o these_o câ—n_v furnish_v you_o with_o no_o argument_n see_v pag._n 145._o and_o 151._o poly._n i_o confess_v i_o can_v hear_v you_o tell_v over_o the_o argument_n of_o these_o pamphlet_n with_o some_o paâ—ience_n but_o true_o in_o this_o instance_n i_o know_v â—ot_n how_o to_o treat_v you_o or_o rather_o he_o in_o who_o name_n you_o speak_v who_o yet_o will_v earnest_o persuade_v the_o world_n of_o the_o great_a skill_n he_o and_o his_o friend_n have_v in_o these_o thing_n sure_o they_o be_v the_o man_n of_o wisdom_n and_o one_o may_v as_o secure_o pull_v the_o hair_n out_o of_o a_o lion_n beard_n as_o twit_v they_o with_o the_o least_o degree_n of_o ignorance_n but_o pray_v tell_v your_o learned_a friend_n that_o in_o his_o next_o public_a appearance_n he_o meddle_v no_o more_o with_o antiquity_n before_o he_o know_v it_o better_o and_o discover_v not_o so_o much_o ignorance_n that_o one_o of_o a_o month_n stand_v in_o that_o study_n may_v laugh_v at_o he_o pray_v sir_n be_v you_o in_o earnest_n when_o you_o tell_v i_o that_o for_o 140_o year_n after_o christ_n there_o be_v no_o vestige_n of_o prelacy_n on_o record_n will_v you_o not_o believe_v irenaeus_n who_o live_v at_o that_o time_n though_o he_o write_v some_o year_n after_o and_o reckon_v the_o succession_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n from_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n or_o if_o the_o write_n and_o record_n of_o that_o time_n be_v lose_v will_v you_o give_v no_o credit_n in_o a_o historical_a matter_n to_o those_o who_o follow_v that_o time_n and_o draw_v their_o account_n from_o write_n then_o extant_a though_o now_o lose_v such_o as_o tertullian_n cyprian_n but_o especial_o eusebius_n who_o give_v the_o succession_n of_o the_o bishop_n in_o the_o several_a great_a see_v from_o the_o apostle_n day_n certain_o he_o who_o be_v bear_v but_o about_o a_o hundred_o year_n after_o the_o time_n you_o mark_v will_v have_v have_v some_o knowledge_n of_o so_o great_a a_o change_n but_o if_o there_o be_v no_o vestige_n of_o prelacy_n before_o the_o year_n 140_o in_o which_o it_o first_o appear_v what_o time_n will_v you_o allow_v for_o its_o spread_n through_o the_o world_n or_o be_v it_o in_o a_o instant_n receive_v every_o where_o be_v all_o the_o pretender_n so_o easy_o inflame_v to_o this_o paroxysm_n of_o ambition_n and_o be_v all_o the_o other_o presbyter_n so_o tame_a as_o to_o be_v so_o â—asily_o whedâ—ed_v out_o of_o their_o right_n without_o one_o protestation_n on_o the_o contrary_a how_o come_v the_o eclipse_n of_o the_o church_n to_o a_o total_a obscuration_n in_o one_o minute_n what_o charm_n be_v there_o in_o prelacy_n at_o that_o time_n that_o the_o world_n be_v so_o enchant_v with_o it_o and_o that_o so_o soon_o after_o s._n john_n death_n when_o polycarp_n and_o many_o more_o of_o the_o apostolical_a man_n do_v yet_o survive_v and_o how_o come_v it_o that_o all_o the_o church_n do_v so_o unanimous_o concur_v in_o the_o defection_n and_o not_o so_o much_o as_o two_o witness_n appear_v to_o fight_v against_o this_o beast_n let_v i_o tell_v you_o free_o there_o be_v not_o a_o ravery_n in_o don_n quixot_n adventure_n or_o amadis_n de_fw-fr gaul_n but_o be_v like_a to_o prevail_v on_o my_o belief_n than_o this_o romance_n but_o for_o ignatius_n epistle_n the_o hazard_n of_o the_o issue_n of_o the_o debate_n about_o they_o be_v very_o unequal_a for_o if_o these_o epistle_n be_v he_o than_o he_o die_v so_o near_o s._n john_n day_n the_o cause_n of_o presbytery_n will_v be_v undo_v but_o though_o they_o be_v not_o he_o the_o episcopal_a party_n sustain_v small_a prejudice_n for_o from_o other_o trace_n of_o antiquity_n it_o can_v be_v make_v as_o clear_v that_o episcopacy_n be_v in_o the_o church_n from_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n as_o any_o historical_a thing_n which_o be_v at_o so_o great_a distance_n from_o our_o time_n but_o for_o your_o friend_n exception_n at_o these_o epistle_n they_o betray_v his_o great_a skill_n and_o tell_v clear_o that_o he_o understand_v not_o the_o question_n and_o that_o he_o hâ—th_v never_o read_v a_o page_n of_o doctor_n hamond_n though_o with_o his_o usual_a arrogance_n he_o slight_v all_o he_o say_v for_o have_v he_o read_v any_o paâ—t_n of_o his_o dissertation_n he_o will_v have_v make_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o old_a vulgar_a edition_n of_o these_o epistle_n who_o interpolation_n that_o learned_a doctor_n acknowledge_v and_o the_o late_a edition_n of_o they_o by_o the_o learned_a vossius_fw-la according_a to_o the_o medicean_n codex_fw-la who_o authority_n he_o only_o vouch_v now_o have_v he_o know_v this_o will_v he_o have_v cite_v word_n out_o of_o they_o which_o be_v not_o of_o the_o true_a edition_n assert_v by_o doctor_n hamond_n but_o be_v of_o the_o old_a vulgar_a and_o reject_a one_o certain_o have_v he_o read_v any_o thing_n of_o that_o debate_n which_o have_v be_v true_o manage_v with_o much_o subtle_a critical_a learning_n on_o both_o side_n he_o can_v not_o have_v stumble_v unto_o such_o a_o mistake_n but_o his_o read_n it_o be_v like_a rise_v not_o above_o pamphlet_n and_o find_v these_o word_n cite_v on_o the_o same_o design_n before_o the_o late_a edition_n of_o ignatius_n come_v out_o he_o without_o examine_v take_v they_o upon_o trust_n from_o second_o hand_n but_o i_o shall_v not_o run_v out_o far_o upon_o ignatius_n epistle_n than_o to_o recommend_v their_o perusal_n to_o you_o and_o then_o i_o be_o confident_a you_o will_v discern_v such_o a_o native_a simple_a and_o sincere_o pious_a and_o devout_a strain_n in_o they_o so_o unlike_o the_o swell_a style_n or_o purpose_n of_o interpolated_a write_n that_o they_o will_v be_v their_o own_o testimony_n for_o convince_a you_o of_o their_o genuineness_n but_o the_o exception_n against_o they_o be_v so_o full_o and_o so_o late_o with_o a_o amaze_a diligence_n answer_v by_o doctor_n pearson_n i_o shall_v remit_v you_o to_o his_o labour_n if_o you_o intend_v to_o examine_v this_o matter_n accurate_o isot._n your_o conformist_n do_v likewise_o allege_v the_o 40_o but_o he_o shall_v have_v say_v the_o 38_o apostolical_a canon_n with_o a_o hint_n as_o if_o fifty_o of_o these_o may_v have_v be_v the_o apostle_n appointment_n though_o the_o heap_n of_o they_o be_v so_o full_a of_o novelty_n that_o their_o antiquity_n can_v be_v plead_v by_o any_o who_o know_v the_o state_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n as_o appear_v from_o the_o 3_o 17_o and_o 25_o canon_n and_o be_v these_o canon_n receive_v they_o will_v prejudge_v more_o than_o advance_v the_o cause_n you_o maintain_v as_o will_v appear_v from_o the_o 4_o 33_o 36_o and_o 80_o canon_n not_o to_o mention_v the_o 24_o 26_o 28_o 41_o 53_o 57_o and_o 75._o and_o in_o a_o word_n these_o canon_n do_v only_o allow_v of_o a_o precedency_n of_o order_n but_o not_o of_o your_o prelatic_a power_n and_o superiority_n that_o claim_v the_o sole_a power_n of_o ordination_n and_o jurisdiction_n see_v pag._n 148._o poly._n true_o sir_n if_o the_o former_a exception_n do_v prove_v your_o author_n a_o second_o hand_n writer_n who_o vouch_v antiquity_n upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o other_o this_o do_v it_o much_o
more_o for_o i_o be_o sure_o have_v he_o but_o read_v over_o those_o canon_n which_o may_v be_v do_v in_o half_a a_o hour_n he_o have_v argue_v this_o point_n at_o another_o rate_n and_o have_v he_o see_v the_o edition_n of_o dionysius_n exiguus_fw-la he_o have_v not_o accuse_v the_o conformist_n for_o cite_v that_o canon_n as_o the_o forty_o since_o it_o be_v so_o in_o his_o division_n who_o be_v their_o first_o publisher_n in_o the_o latin_a church_n though_o it_o be_v the_o thirty_o nine_o in_o the_o greek_a division_n but_o i_o will_v deal_v roundly_o in_o this_o matter_n and_o acknowledge_v that_o collection_n to_o be_v none_o of_o the_o apostle_n nor_o clement_n since_o all_o that_o pass_v under_o clement_n name_n be_v account_v spurious_a except_o his_o first_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n nor_o be_v this_o a_o production_n of_o the_o first_o two_o age_n for_o the_o silence_n of_o the_o writer_n of_o those_o century_n give_v clear_a evidence_n for_o their_o novelty_n they_o not_o be_v cite_v for_o the_o decision_n of_o thing_n then_o in_o controversy_n wherein_o they_o be_v express_v as_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o easter_n the_o rebaptise_v heretic_n and_o divers_a other_o particular_n yet_o in_o the_o four_o and_o five_o century_n reference_n be_v after_o make_v to_o some_o elder_n rule_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v to_o be_v find_v no_o where_o but_o in_o this_o collection_n the_o apostolical_a canon_n be_v also_o sometime_o express_o mention_v and_o this_o give_v good_a ground_n to_o believe_v there_o be_v from_o the_o three_o century_n and_o forward_a some_o rule_v general_a receive_v in_o the_o church_n and_o hold_v apostolical_a as_o be_v at_o first_o introduce_v by_o apostolical_a man_n this_o be_v at_o first_o learned_o make_v out_o by_o de_fw-fr marca_n concord_n lib._n 3._o c._n 2._o and_o of_o late_o more_o full_o by_o that_o most_o ingenious_a and_o accurate_a searcher_n into_o antiquity_n beveregius_n in_o his_o preface_n to_o his_o annotation_n on_o these_o canon_n yet_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v they_o be_v only_o preserve_v by_o a_o oral_a tradition_n and_o that_o no_o collection_n of_o they_o be_v agree_v on_o and_o publish_v before_o the_o five_o century_n it_o be_v certain_a the_o latin_a church_n in_o pope_n innocent_n be_v day_n acknowledge_v no_o canon_n but_o those_o of_o nice_a and_o many_o of_o the_o canon_n in_o this_o collection_n we_o find_v among_o canon_n of_o other_o council_n particular_o in_o that_o of_o antioch_n without_o any_o reference_n to_o a_o precede_a authority_n that_o have_v enjoin_v they_o which_o we_o can_v hardly_o think_v they_o have_v omit_v have_v they_o receive_v the_o collection_n i_o speak_v of_o as_o apostolical_a and_o that_o of_o the_o triple_a immersion_n in_o baptism_n look_v like_o a_o rule_n no_o elder_a than_o the_o arrian_n controversy_n they_o begin_v first_o to_o appear_v under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o apostle_n canon_n in_o the_o five_o century_n which_o make_v pope_n gelasius_n with_o a_o synod_n of_o seventy_o bishop_n condemn_v they_o as_o apocryphal_a though_o i_o must_v add_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o that_o pretend_a council_n and_o decree_n though_o general_o receive_v be_v on_o many_o account_n just_o questionable_a and_o yet_o by_o this_o we_o be_v only_o to_o understand_v that_o he_o reject_v that_o pretend_a authority_n of_o the_o apostle_n prefix_v to_o these_o canon_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o six_o century_n they_o be_v publish_v by_o dionysius_n exiguus_fw-la who_o prefix_v fifty_o of_o they_o to_o his_o translation_n of_o the_o greek_a canon_n but_o he_o confess_v they_o be_v much_o doubt_v by_o many_o at_o the_o same_o time_n they_o be_v publish_v in_o the_o greek_a church_n with_o the_o addition_n of_o thirty_o five_o more_o canon_n and_o be_v acknowledge_v general_o justinian_n cite_v they_o often_o in_o the_o novel_n and_o in_o the_o six_o novel_a call_v they_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o holy_a apostle_n keep_v and_o interpret_v by_o the_o father_n and_o the_o same_o authority_n be_v ascribe_v to_o they_o by_o the_o council_n in_o trullo_n these_o thing_n have_v be_v pertinent_o allege_v if_o you_o have_v know_v they_o but_o for_o your_o friend_n nibling_n at_o they_o if_o you_o will_v but_o give_v yourself_o the_o trouble_n of_o read_v these_o canon_n you_o will_v be_v ashamed_a of_o his_o weakness_n who_o manage_v his_o advantage_n so_o ill_o and_o to_o instance_n this_o but_o in_o one_o particular_a have_v he_o read_v these_o canon_n himself_o can_v he_o have_v cite_v the_o eighty_o which_o be_v among_o the_o latter_a addition_n and_o pass_v by_o the_o six_o which_o be_v full_a to_o the_o same_o purpose_n but_o for_o that_o impudent_a allegation_n as_o if_o a_o bare_a precedency_n have_v be_v only_o ascribe_v to_o bishop_n by_o these_o canon_n look_v but_o on_o the_o 14._o the_o 30._o 37._o 40._o 54._o and_o 73._o and_o then_o pass_v your_o verdict_n on_o your_o friend_n ingenuity_n or_o his_o knowledge_n by_o the_o 14._o no_o churchman_n may_v pass_v from_o one_o parish_n to_o another_o without_o his_o bishop_n sentence_n otherwise_o he_o be_v suspend_v from_o ecclesiastical_a function_n and_o if_o he_o refuse_v to_o return_v when_o require_v by_o his_o bishop_n he_o be_v to_o be_v account_v a_o churchman_n no_o more_o by_o the_o 30._o a_o presbyter_n who_o in_o contempt_n of_o his_o bishop_n gather_v a_o congregation_n apart_o have_v nothing_o to_o condemn_v his_o bishop_n of_o either_o as_o be_v unholy_a or_o unjust_a he_o be_v to_o be_v depose_v as_o one_o that_o be_v ambitious_a and_o tyrannous_a and_o such_o of_o the_o clergy_n or_o laity_n as_o join_v with_o they_o be_v likewise_o to_o be_v censure_v by_o the_o 37._o the_o bishop_n have_v the_o care_n of_o all_o church_n matter_n which_o he_o must_v administrate_n as_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n by_o the_o 39_o the_o bishop_n have_v power_n over_o all_o the_o good_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o reason_n give_v be_v that_o since_o the_o precious_a soul_n of_o man_n be_v commit_v to_o he_o it_o be_v much_o more_o just_a he_o have_v the_o charge_n of_o the_o good_n of_o the_o church_n by_o the_o 54._o if_o a_o clergyman_n reproach_v their_o bishop_n he_o be_v to_o be_v depose_v for_o it_o be_v write_v thou_o shall_v not_o curse_v the_o ruler_n of_o thy_o people_n and_o by_o the_o 73._o a_o bishop_n when_o accuse_v be_v only_o to_o be_v judge_v of_o by_o other_o bishop_n now_o from_o these_o hint_n judge_v whether_o there_o be_v truth_n in_o that_o assertion_n that_o only_o a_o precedency_n be_v assert_v in_o these_o canon_n and_o if_o all_o the_o power_n be_v now_o plead_v for_o be_v not_o there_o hold_v out_o not_o to_o mention_v the_o canon_n be_v cite_v by_o the_o conformist_n that_o presbyter_n or_o deacon_n may_v finish_v nothing_o without_o the_o bishop_n sentence_n since_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o people_n be_v trust_v to_o he_o as_o for_o the_o sole_a power_n of_o ordination_n and_o jurisdiction_n i_o be_o sure_a none_o among_o we_o do_v claim_v it_o but_o willing_o allow_v the_o presbyter_n a_o concurrence_n in_o both_o these_o and_o as_o to_o what_o your_o friend_n say_v of_o cyprian_a it_o be_v of_o a_o piece_n with_o the_o learning_n and_o ingenuity_n that_o run_v through_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o discourse_n from_o page_n 150_o to_o page_n 160._o where_n for_o divers_a page_n he_o belabour_v his_o reader_n with_o brave_a show_n of_o learning_n and_o high_a invention_n so_o that_o no_o doubt_n he_o think_v he_o have_v perform_v wonder_n and_o full_o satisfy_v every_o scruple_n concern_v the_o rise_n and_o progress_n of_o episcopacy_n isot._n i_o pray_v you_o do_v not_o fly_v too_o high_a and_o make_v not_o too_o much_o ado_n about_o any_o small_a advantage_n you_o conceive_v you_o have_v of_o my_o friend_n but_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n i_o be_o willing_a to_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o precedency_n pretty_a early_o begin_v in_o the_o church_n which_o i_o shall_v not_o deny_v be_v useful_a and_o innocent_a though_o a_o deviation_n from_o the_o first_o pattern_n neither_o shall_v i_o deny_v that_o holy_a man_n be_v of_o that_o order_n but_o when_o it_o be_v consider_v what_o a_o step_n even_o that_o precedency_n be_v to_o lordly_a prelacy_n and_o how_o from_o that_o the_o son_n of_o perdition_n rise_v up_o to_o his_o pretence_n of_o supremacy_n we_o be_v teach_v how_o unsafe_a it_o be_v to_o change_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n from_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o its_o bless_a head_n who_o know_v best_o what_o be_v fit_a for_o it_o according_a to_o who_o will_n all_o thing_n in_o it_o shall_v be_v manage_v poly._n it_o have_v be_v often_o repeat_v that_o nothing_o be_v ever_o so_o sacred_a as_o to_o escape_v that_o to_o which_o all_o thing_n when_o they_o
ought_v to_o be_v much_o more_o determine_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n which_o in_o all_o such_o matter_n have_v a_o power_n to_o bind_v our_o conscience_n to_o their_o obedience_n till_o we_o prove_v the_o matter_n of_o they_o sinful_a now_o discover_v where_o the_o guilt_n lie_v of_o fix_v one_o over_o a_o tract_n of_o ground_n who_o shall_v have_v the_o chief_a inspection_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o the_o great_a authority_n in_o matter_n of_o jurisdiction_n so_o that_o all_o within_o that_o precinct_n be_v govern_v by_o he_o with_o the_o concur_v vote_n of_o the_o other_o presbyter_n if_o you_o say_v that_o thereby_o the_o minister_n may_v be_v restrain_v of_o many_o thing_n which_o otherwise_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n require_v to_o be_v do_v i_o answer_v these_o be_v either_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v do_v by_o divine_a precept_n or_o not_o if_o the_o former_a then_o since_o no_o power_n on_o earth_n can_v cancel_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n such_o restraint_n be_v not_o to_o be_v consider_v but_o if_o the_o thing_n be_v not_o necessary_a than_o the_o unity_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n be_v certain_o preferable_a to_o they_o i_o acknowledge_v a_o bishop_n may_v be_v tyrannical_a and_o become_v a_o great_a burden_n to_o his_o presbyter_n but_o pray_v may_v not_o the_o same_o be_v apprehend_v from_o synod_n and_o remember_v your_o friend_n how_o long_o it_o be_v since_o they_o make_v the_o same_o complaint_n against_o the_o synod_n and_o the_o hazard_n of_o a_o ill_a bishop_n be_v neither_o so_o fix_v nor_o so_o last_a as_o that_o of_o a_o bad_a synod_n for_o a_o bishop_n may_v die_v and_o a_o good_a one_o succeed_v but_o when_o a_o synod_n be_v corrupt_a they_o who_o be_v the_o major_a part_n be_v careful_a to_o bring_v in_o none_o but_o such_o as_o be_v sure_a to_o their_o way_n whereby_o they_o propagate_v their_o corruption_n more_o infallible_o than_o a_o bishop_n can_v do_v and_o what_o if_o the_o lay_v roll_a elder_n shall_v bend_v up_o the_o same_o plea_n against_o the_o minister_n who_o do_v either_o assume_v a_o negative_a over_o they_o direct_o or_o at_o least_o do_v what_o be_v equivalent_a and_o carry_v every_o thing_n to_o the_o presbytery_n synod_n or_o general_a assembly_n where_o they_o be_v sure_a to_o carry_v it_o against_o the_o lay-elder_n they_o be_v both_o more_o in_o number_n and_o more_o able_a with_o their_o learning_n and_o eloquence_n to_o confound_v the_o other_o but_o shall_v a_o lay-elder_n plead_v thus_o against_o they_o we_o be_v office-bearer_n institute_v by_o christ_n for_o rule_v the_o flock_n as_o well_o as_o you_o and_o yet_o you_o take_v our_o power_n from_o we_o for_o whereas_o in_o our_o church_n session_n which_o be_v of_o christ_n appointment_n we_o be_v the_o great_a number_n be_v general_o twelve_o to_o one_o you_o minister_n have_v get_v a_o device_n to_o turn_v we_o out_o of_o the_o power_n for_o you_o allow_v but_o one_o of_o we_o to_o come_v to_o your_o synod_n and_o presbytery_n and_o but_o one_o of_o a_o whole_a presbytery_n to_o go_v to_o a_o national_a synod_n whereby_o you_o strike_v the_o rest_n of_o we_o out_o of_o our_o power_n and_o thus_o you_o assert_v a_o preeminence_n over_o we_o to_o carry_v matter_n as_o you_o please_v now_o isotimus_n when_o in_o your_o principle_n you_o answer_v this_o i_o will_v undertake_v on_o all_o hazard_n to_o satisfy_v all_o you_o can_v say_v even_o in_o your_o own_o principle_n next_o may_v not_o one_o of_o the_o congregational_a way_n talk_v at_o the_o same_o rate_n and_o say_v christ_n have_v give_v his_o office-bearer_n full_a power_n to_o preach_v feed_v and_o oversee_v the_o flock_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o their_o power_n of_o oversee_n be_v take_v from_o they_o and_o put_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o multitude_n who_o be_v general_o corrupt_v themselves_o and_o lust_a to_o envy_n will_v suffer_v none_o to_o outstrip_v they_o but_o be_v tyrannical_a over_o any_o they_o see_v mind_v the_o work_n of_o the_o gospel_n more_o than_o themselves_o and_o must_v this_o usurpation_n be_v endure_v and_o submit_v to_o and_o let_v i_o ask_v you_o free_o what_o imaginable_a device_n will_v be_v fall_v upon_o for_o secure_v the_o church_n from_o the_o tyranny_n of_o synod_n unless_o it_o be_v either_o by_o the_o magistrate_n power_n or_o by_o select_v some_o eminent_a churchman_n who_o shall_v have_v some_o degree_n of_o power_n beyond_o their_o brethren_n in_o a_o word_n i_o deny_v not_o but_o as_o in_o civil_a government_n there_o be_v no_o form_n upon_o which_o great_a inconvenience_n may_v not_o follow_v so_o the_o same_o be_v unavoidable_a in_o ecclesiastical_a government_n but_o as_o you_o will_v not_o deny_v monarchy_n to_o be_v the_o best_a of_o government_n for_o all_o the_o hazard_n of_o tyranny_n from_o it_o so_o i_o must_v crave_v leave_n to_o have_v the_o same_o impression_n of_o episcopacy_n crit._n but_o suffer_v i_o to_o add_v a_o little_a for_o check_v isotimus_n his_o too_o positive_a assert_v of_o parity_n from_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o except_o he_o find_v a_o precept_n for_o it_o his_o negative_a authority_n will_v never_o conclude_v it_o and_o can_v only_o prove_v a_o parity_n lawful_a and_o that_o imparity_n be_v not_o necessary_a i_o shall_v acknowledge_v that_o without_o scripture_n warrant_v no_o new_a office_n may_v be_v institute_v but_o without_o that_o in_o order_n to_o peace_n unity_n decency_n and_o edification_n several_a rank_n and_o dignity_n in_o the_o same_o office_n may_v well_o have_v be_v introduce_v whereby_o some_o be_v to_o be_v empower_v either_o by_o the_o church_n choice_n or_o the_o king_n authority_n as_o overseer_n or_o inspector_n of_o the_o rest_n who_o may_v be_v able_a to_o restrain_v they_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o some_o part_n of_o their_o function_n which_o be_v not_o immediate_o command_v by_o god._n and_o you_o can_v never_o prove_v it_o unlawful_a that_o any_o shall_v oversee_v direct_v and_o govern_v churchman_n without_o you_o prove_v the_o apostolical_a function_n unlawful_a for_o what_o be_v unlawful_a and_o contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n can_v upon_o no_o occasion_n and_o at_o no_o time_n become_v lawful_a since_o then_o both_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o evangelist_n exercise_v authority_n over_o presbyter_n it_o can_v be_v contrary_a to_o the_o gospel_n rule_v that_o some_o shall_v do_v it_o to_o pretend_v that_o this_o superiority_n be_v for_o that_o exigent_n and_o to_o die_v with_o that_o age_n be_v a_o mere_a allegation_n without_o ground_n from_o scripture_n for_o if_o by_o our_o lord_n word_n it_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o among_o you_o all_o superiority_n among_o churchman_n be_v forbid_v how_o will_v you_o clear_v the_o apostle_n from_o be_v the_o first_o transgressor_n of_o it_o and_o further_o if_o upon_o that_o exigent_n such_o superiority_n be_v lawful_a then_o upon_o a_o great_a exigent_n of_o the_o church_n a_o superiority_n may_v be_v still_o lawful_a beside_o it_o be_v assert_v not_o prove_v that_o such_o a_o authority_n as_o s._n paul_n leave_v with_o timothy_n and_o titus_n be_v to_o die_v with_o that_o age_n for_o where_o the_o reason_n of_o a_o appointment_n continue_v it_o will_v follow_v that_o the_o law_n shall_v also_o be_v coeval_fw-fr with_o the_o ground_n on_o which_o it_o be_v first_o enact_v if_o then_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n that_o churchman_n be_v keep_v in_o order_n as_o well_o as_o other_o christian_n and_o if_o the_o more_o exalt_v their_o office_n be_v they_o become_v the_o more_o subject_a to_o corruption_n and_o corruption_n among_o they_o be_v both_o more_o visible_a and_o more_o dangerous_a than_o they_o be_v in_o other_o person_n the_o same_o parity_n of_o reason_n that_o enjoin_v a_o jurisdiction_n to_o be_v grant_v to_o churchman_n over_o the_o faithful_a will_v likewise_o determine_v the_o fitness_n of_o grant_v some_o excresce_a power_n to_o the_o more_o venerable_a and_o approve_a of_o the_o clergy_n over_o other_o neither_o be_v this_o a_o new_a office_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n but_o a_o eminent_a rank_n of_o the_o same_o office_n isot._n you_o study_v to_o present_a episcopacy_n in_o as_o harmless_a a_o posture_n as_o can_v be_v yet_o that_o it_o be_v a_o distinct_a office_n be_v apparent_a by_o the_o sole_a claim_n of_o ordination_n and_o jurisdiction_n they_o pretend_v to_o and_o by_o their_o consecration_n to_o it_o which_o show_v they_o account_v it_o a_o second_o order_n beside_o that_o they_o do_v in_o all_o thing_n carry_v as_o these_o who_o conceit_n themselves_o in_o a_o region_n above_o the_o presbyter_n phil._n i_o be_o not_o to_o vindicate_v neither_o all_o the_o practice_n nor_o all_o the_o pretension_n of_o some_o who_o have_v assert_v this_o order_n no_o more_o than_o you_o will_v do_v the_o