lay_n on_o of_o my_o hand_n and_o the_o apostle_n may_v then_o have_v be_v likely_a enough_o call_v presbyter_n for_o that_o during_o the_o apostle_n time_n bishop_n and_o presbyter_n be_v the_o same_o and_o sometime_o use_v the_o one_o for_o the_o other_o as_o appear_v plain_o by_o compare_v 1_o tim._n 4._o 14._o with_o 2_o tim._n 1._o 6._o in_o the_o former_a verse_n st._n paul_n bid_v timothy_n neglect_v not_o the_o gift_n that_o be_v in_o he_o by_o lay_v on_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbyter_n and_o in_o the_o latter_a he_o bid_v he_o stir_v up_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o you_o by_o the_o lay_n on_o of_o my_o hand_n for_o while_o the_o apostle_n live_v they_o manage_v the_o affair_n of_o government_n in_o the_o church_n themselves_o and_o therefore_o there_o be_v few_o or_o no_o bishop_n in_o their_o day_n but_o as_o they_o withdraw_v they_o commit_v the_o care_n and_o government_n of_o church_n to_o such_o person_n as_o they_o appoint_v thereto_o of_o which_o we_o have_v a_o uncontrollable_a evidence_n in_o timothy_n and_o titus_n so_o that_o although_o the_o apostle_n leave_v no_o successor_n in_o eodem_fw-la gradu_fw-la as_o to_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v extraordinary_a in_o they_o as_o the_o infallibility_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o the_o writing_n new_a gospel_n the_o extent_n of_o their_o power_n etc._n etc._n yet_o to_o other_o part_n of_o their_o apostolic_a office_n they_o have_v successor_n as_o in_o teach_v and_o govern_v and_o such_o like_a thing_n that_o be_v not_o extraordinary_a which_o power_n of_o govern_v ordain_v etc._n etc._n be_v give_v to_o such_o particular_a presbyter_n as_o the_o apostle_n think_v fit_a for_o it_o be_v proper_o the_o episcopal_a power_n and_o thus_o these_o who_o be_v but_o presbyter_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n by_o the_o accession_n of_o this_o govern_n and_o ordain_v power_n become_v bishop_n after_o their_o decease_n or_o departure_n and_o thus_o will_v all_o those_o seem_a difference_n between_o the_o word_n presbyter_n and_o bishop_n speak_v of_o in_o antiquity_n be_v reconcile_v and_o herewith_o agree_v the_o opinion_n of_o archbishop_n whitgift_n and_o bishop_n bilson_n and_o dr._n stillingfleet_n in_o his_o mischief_n of_o separation_n p._n 270._o and_o many_o other_o see_v king_n charles_n i._o his_o debate_n about_o episcopacy_n more_o full_o concern_v this_o matter_n but_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o since_o the_o apostle_n day_n presbyter_n be_v not_o bishop_n but_o a_o distinct_a order_n from_o they_o and_o this_o be_v agree_v by_o most_o ancient_a and_o modern_a writer_n see_v among_o other_o ignatius_n his_o epistle_n ad_fw-la trall_n where_o he_o say_v that_o without_o bishop_n priest_n and_o deacon_n it_o can_v be_v call_v a_o church_n and_o aerius_n who_o declare_v that_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o a_o bishop_n and_o a_o presbyter_n be_v represent_v by_o epiphanius_n as_o a_o prodigy_n and_o his_o opinion_n madness_n see_v epiph._n haer._n 74._o n._n 1._o 3_o so_o ischyrus_n pretend_v to_o be_v a_o presbyter_n because_o coluthus_n have_v ordain_v he_o but_o athanasius_n represent_v it_o as_o a_o monster_n that_o one_o shall_v esteem_v himself_o a_o presbyter_n who_o be_v ordain_v by_o one_o who_o die_v himself_o a_o presbyter_n see_v dr._n maur._n defence_n of_o diocesan_n episcopacy_n p._n 451._o and_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n if_o a_o bishop_n himself_o do_v ordain_v any_o one_o against_o the_o canon_n and_o establish_v discipline_n of_o the_o church_n they_o do_v not_o stick_v at_o declare_v such_o ordination_n void_a and_o in_o some_o case_n to_o re-ordain_a see_v can._n nicen._n 9_o 10._o 16._o 19_o and_o can._n antioch_n 73._o 10_o etc._n etc._n what_o sentence_n shall_v we_o think_v than_o they_o will_v have_v pronounce_v against_o our_o presbyterian_a ordination_n as_o practise_v here_o in_o england_n contrary_a both_o to_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n too_o but_o beside_o all_o this_o the_o plea_n which_o our_o dissenter_n make_v for_o separation_n upon_o this_o account_n that_o the_o presbyter_n be_v total_o deprive_v of_o their_o power_n of_o ordain_v be_v false_a for_o by_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n four_o presbyter_n be_v to_o assist_v the_o bishop_n in_o give_v order_n and_o after_o examination_n to_o join_v in_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n on_o the_o person_n ordain_v see_v can._n 31._o and_o 35._o but_o another_o objection_n which_o they_o make_v to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o want_v of_o discipline_n be_v for_o that_o the_o power_n of_o excommunicate_v notorious_a offender_n be_v take_v away_o from_o the_o parochial_a minister_n and_o lodge_v only_o in_o the_o bishop_n but_o sure_o they_o who_o make_v this_o objection_n never_o read_v the_o 26_o canon_n which_o be_v one_o of_o they_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v the_o authentic_a church_n canon_n for_o that_o canon_n say_v express_o that_o no_o minister_n shall_v admit_v any_o of_o his_o flock_n to_o the_o lord_n supper_n who_o be_v know_v to_o be_v guilty_a of_o any_o scandalous_a sin_n until_o he_o have_v open_o declare_v that_o he_o have_v true_o repent_v and_o in_o case_n the_o offender_n continue_v obstinate_a he_o must_v give_v a_o account_n to_o the_o ordinary_n within_o 14_o day_n who_o be_v then_o to_o proceed_v to_o great_a excommunication_n for_o the_o other_o be_v call_v a_o penitential_a excommunication_n so_o than_o it_o seem_v the_o pastor_n be_v not_o total_o deprive_v of_o the_o power_n of_o censure_v for_o scandalous_a offence_n nay_o they_o have_v a_o great_a and_o more_o absolute_a power_n than_o be_v allow_v they_o in_o many_o other_o reform_a church_n for_o indeed_o the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n be_v a_o work_n of_o so_o much_o prudence_n and_o difficulty_n that_o the_o great_a zealot_n for_o it_o have_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o trust_v it_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o every_o parochial_a minister_n and_o his_o particular_a congregation_n calvin_n himself_o say_v to_o do_v so_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o apostolic_a practice_n see_v calv._n ep._n 136._o and_o beza_n speak_v of_o the_o discipline_n of_o geneva_n in_o his_o ep._n 20._o say_v the_o parochial_a minister_n proceed_v no_o far_o than_o admonition_n but_o in_o case_n of_o contumacy_n they_o certify_v the_o presbytery_n of_o the_o city_n who_o sit_v at_o certain_a time_n to_o hear_v all_o censure_n relate_v to_o discipline_n but_o allow_v a_o church_n want_v true_a discipline_n do_v it_o therefore_o lose_v its_o be_v or_o justify_v separation_n no_o sure_a if_o so_o there_o be_v few_o presbyterian_a church_n to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o late_a time_n many_o of_o they_o have_v no_o discipline_n at_o all_o among_o they_o for_o many_o year_n nor_o so_o much_o as_o the_o lord_n supper_n administer_v in_o some_o part_n of_o this_o kingdom_n for_o ten_o or_o a_o dozen_o year_n together_o but_o now_o we_o come_v to_o the_o four_o objection_n against_o the_o constitution_n of_o our_o church_n which_o be_v that_o the_o people_n be_v deprive_v of_o their_o right_n of_o choose_v their_o own_o minister_n pray_v let_v i_o ask_v they_o how_o this_o original_a and_o inherent_a right_n as_o mr._n baxter_n call_v it_o of_o choose_v their_o own_o minister_n come_v to_o be_v lodge_v in_o the_o people_n be_v there_o not_o a_o church_n to_o be_v form_v in_o the_o beginning_n do_v not_o christ_n appoint_v apostle_n and_o give_v they_o authority_n for_o that_o end_n where_o be_v the_o church_n power_n then_o lodge_v be_v it_o not_o in_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o they_o in_o all_o place_n as_o they_o plant_v church_n appoint_v officer_n to_o teach_v and_o govern_v they_o and_o be_v not_o then_o the_o pastor_n invest_v with_o a_o power_n superior_a to_o that_o of_o the_o people_n how_o come_v they_o then_o to_o lose_v it_o or_o how_o come_v the_o people_n to_o pretend_v a_o original_n right_o thereto_o beside_o how_o can_v the_o people_n make_v choice_n of_o man_n for_o their_o fitness_n and_o ability_n when_o at_o that_o time_n their_o ability_n depend_v so_o much_o on_o the_o apostle_n lay_v on_o of_o their_o hand_n for_o then_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v give_v to_o they_o it_o seem_v then_o that_o this_o original_a and_o inherent_a right_n be_v not_o in_o the_o people_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n nor_o in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n for_o if_o it_o have_v st._n clement_n st._n cyprian_n st._n chrysostom_n etc._n etc._n can_v not_o have_v be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o st._n clement_n say_v in_o his_o ep._n 54_o 55_o 56_o 57_o the_o apostle_n think_v fit_a to_o reserve_v this_o power_n of_o appoint_v officer_n in_o the_o church_n to_o themselves_o to_o prevent_v the_o contention_n that_o may_v happen_v about_o it_o and_o that_o all_o the_o people_n have_v to_o do_v be_v to_o give_v
particular_a congregation_n to_o which_o he_o give_v full_a power_n and_o authority_n to_o govern_v themselves_o distinct_o and_o independent_a of_o all_o other_o church_n but_o where_o have_v they_o authority_n for_o this_o opinion_n where_o do_v they_o find_v that_o church_n be_v limit_v to_o particular_a congregation_n not_o in_o scripture_n for_o there_o be_v no_o tolerable_a proof_n that_o the_o church_n plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n be_v of_o this_o nature_n it_o be_v possible_a at_o first_o there_o may_v have_v be_v no_o more_o christian_n in_o a_o city_n than_o may_v meet_v together_o in_o one_o congregation_n but_o where_o do_v it_o appear_v that_o when_o they_o multiply_v into_o more_o congregation_n they_o make_v new_a and_o distinct_a church_n under_o new_a officer_n with_o a_o separate_a power_n of_o government_n of_o this_o dr._n stillingfleet_n say_v he_o be_v well_o assure_v there_o be_v no_o mark_n or_o footstep_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n or_o the_o whole_a history_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n if_o they_o will_v follow_v the_o plain_a instance_n of_o scripture_n they_o may_v better_o limit_v church_n to_o private_a family_n than_o to_o particular_a congregation_n for_o of_o that_o we_o have_v a_o plain_a instance_n in_o scripture_n rom._n 16._o 3._o 5._o col._n 4._o 15._o in_o the_o house_n of_o priscilla_n and_o aquilla_n but_o not_o a_o word_n of_o the_o other_o and_o if_o they_o will_v keep_v to_o these_o plain_a instance_n of_o scripture_n they_o may_v full_o enjoy_v the_o liberty_n of_o their_o conscience_n and_o avoid_v the_o scandal_n of_o break_v the_o law_n but_o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o far_o from_o make_v every_o congregation_n a_o independent_a church_n that_o it_o plain_o show_v we_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o church_n be_v then_o the_o same_o with_o a_o diocese_n or_o all_o the_o christian_n of_o a_o city_n which_o be_v under_o the_o inspection_n of_o one_o bishop_n for_o if_o we_o observe_v the_o language_n of_o the_o scripture_n we_o shall_v find_v this_o observation_n not_o once_o to_o fail_v that_o when_o church_n be_v speak_v of_o they_o be_v the_o church_n of_o a_o province_n as_o the_o church_n of_o judaea_n 1_o thess_n 2._o 14._o the_o church_n of_o asia_n 1_o cor._n 16._o 19_o of_o syria_n and_o cilicia_n act_v 15._o 41._o church_n of_o galatia_n 1_o cor._n 16._o 1._o gal._n 1._o 2._o church_n of_o macedonia_n 2_o cor._n 8._o 1._o but_o when_o all_o the_o christian_n of_o a_o city_n be_v speak_v of_o it_o be_v still_o call_v the_o church_n of_o that_o city_n as_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n the_o church_n at_o corinth_n the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o it_o seem_v plain_a from_o the_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n that_o church_n be_v not_o limit_v to_o particular_a congregation_n unless_o they_o will_v say_v that_o all_o the_o christian_n in_o the_o large_a of_o these_o city_n mention_v in_o scripture_n be_v no_o more_o than_o can_v convenient_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n which_o shall_v be_v show_v to_o be_v otherwise_o hereafter_o but_o suppose_v we_o shall_v grant_v that_o the_o apostolic_a church_n be_v congregational_a as_o it_o be_v plain_a they_o be_v not_o what_o then_o that_o may_v have_v be_v from_o the_o circumstance_n of_o time_n or_o small_a number_n of_o christian_n in_o those_o day_n must_v it_o therefore_o follow_v that_o they_o must_v always_o continue_v so_o why_o do_v they_o not_o wash_v one_o another_o foot_n as_o christ_n do_v and_o command_v his_o apostle_n to_o do_v the_o same_o 12._o same_o and_o if_o they_o must_v keep_v so_o precise_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o day_n why_o do_v any_o of_o their_o minister_n marry_v a_o second_o wife_n for_o st._n paul_n say_v plain_o let_v bishop_n and_o deacon_n be_v the_o husband_n of_o one_o wife_n 1_o tim._n 3._o v._n 2._o &_o 12._o so_o the_o first_o civil_a government_n be_v by_o god_n own_o institution_n over_o family_n they_o may_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n think_v themselves_o bind_v to_o overthrow_v kingdom_n to_o bring_v thing_n back_o to_o god_n first_o institution_n from_o whence_o it_o appear_v how_o ridiculous_a that_o fancy_n of_o they_o be_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o only_a rule_n of_o all_o thing_n pertain_v to_o discipline_n and_o worship_n and_o that_o we_o must_v stick_v so_o precise_o to_o the_o letter_n of_o it_o and_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o day_n as_o that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o vary_v from_o it_o in_o any_o little_a indifferent_a circumstance_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o public_a order_n or_o conveniency_n but_o as_o this_o notion_n of_o congregational_a church_n do_v not_o agree_v with_o the_o word_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n so_o neither_o do_v it_o with_o the_o judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n for_o by_o the_o ancient_a canon_n of_o the_o church_n it_o appear_v that_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o church_n be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o of_o a_o diocese_n which_o comprehend_v many_o congregation_n or_o parish_n see_v canon_n nicen._n 6_o 15_o 16._o constant_n c._n 6._o chalcedon_n 17._o 20._o 26._o antioch_n c._n 2._o 5._o codex_fw-la eccles_n africa_n c._n 53._o 55._o council_n gangrae_fw-la c._n 6._o council_n carthag_n c._n 10_o 11._o and_o thus_o much_o as_o to_o the_o first_o objection_n against_o the_o constitution_n of_o our_o church_n as_o differ_v from_o those_o of_o the_o congregational_a way_n and_o therefore_o not_o of_o christ_n institution_n the_o second_o objection_n against_o the_o constitution_n of_o our_o church_n be_v that_o our_o diocesan_n church_n and_o bishop_n be_v unlawful_a for_o say_v they_o it_o be_v make_v a_o new_a species_n of_o church_n and_o church-government_n without_o god_n appointment_n for_o say_v mr._n baxter_n according_a to_o christ_n institution_n no_o church_n must_v be_v big_a than_o that_o the_o same_o bishop_n may_v perform_v the_o pastoral_n office_n to_o they_o in_o present_a communion_n and_o so_o he_o will_v have_v threâ—_n sort_n of_o bishop_n by_o divine_a right_n first_o general_n bishop_n that_o in_o every_o nation_n be_v over_o many_o church_n second_o episcopâ—_n gregis_fw-la or_o rule_v pastor_n of_o single_a congregation_n which_o be_v all_o true_a presbyter_n three_o episcopi_fw-la praesides_fw-la which_o be_v the_o precedent_n of_o the_o presbyter_n in_o particular_a church_n this_o be_v mr._n baxter_n notion_n of_o bishop_n but_o other_o be_v not_o of_o his_o mind_n and_o will_v allow_v of_o but_o one_o kind_n of_o bishop_n and_o such_o they_o make_v the_o pastor_n of_o every_o congregation_n but_o that_o both_o these_o notion_n of_o episcopacy_n be_v false_a will_v appear_v for_o that_o first_o it_o be_v a_o inviolable_a rule_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n that_o there_o must_v be_v but_o one_o bishop_n in_o a_o city_n though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o large_a for_o our_o saviour_n have_v leave_v no_o rule_n about_o limit_n the_o apostle_n follow_v the_o form_n of_o the_o empire_n plant_v in_o every_o city_n a_o complete_a and_o entire_a church_n who_o bishop_n as_o to_o his_o power_n and_o jurisdiction_n in_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n resemble_v that_o of_o the_o chief_a magistrate_n of_o the_o city_n the_o presbyter_n that_o of_o the_o senate_n and_o the_o several_a church_n the_o several_a corporation_n so_o say_v dr._n still_o in_o his_o mischief_n of_o separation_n p._n 237._o and_o quote_v origen_n c._n cell_n l._n 3._o and_o dr._n maurice_n in_o his_o def._n of_o diocese_n episcopacy_n p._n 377_o etc._n etc._n affirm_v the_o same_o and_o prove_v it_o at_o large_a and_o as_o far_o as_o the_o territory_n of_o the_o city_n extend_v itself_o so_o far_o do_v the_o diocese_n of_o the_o bishop_n extend_v for_o the_o church_n and_o the_o city_n have_v but_o one_o territory_n but_o though_o this_o be_v a_o thing_n agree_v upon_o by_o most_o learned_a man_n of_o all_o persuasion_n that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o bishop_n in_o a_o city_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n yet_o because_o some_o may_v be_v so_o hardy_a as_o to_o deny_v this_o i_o will_v appeal_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o african_a church_n for_o which_o mr._n baxter_n dr._n owen_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o dissenter_n express_v a_o esteem_n above_o all_o other_o church_n it_o be_v a_o inviolable_a rule_n among_o the_o african_a church_n that_o there_o must_v be_v but_o one_o bishop_n in_o a_o city_n though_o never_o so_o large_a and_o populous_a see_v cod._n eccl._n africa_n c._n 71._o and_o at_o the_o famous_a conference_n at_o carthage_n between_o the_o catholic_n and_o donatist_n bishop_n by_o the_o command_n of_o constantine_n the_o emperor_n who_o be_v become_v christian_a the_o rule_n on_o both_o side_n agree_v be_v but_o one_o bishop_n in_o a_o city_n or_o diocese_n see_v conference_n of_o the_o first_o day_n and_o if_o there_o can_v have_v be_v more_o than_o
of_o alexandria_n and_o the_o territory_n belong_v to_o it_o for_o he_o say_v ap._n p._n 781_o 802._o maoretis_fw-la be_v a_o region_n belong_v to_o alexandria_n and_o all_o the_o church_n there_o be_v immediate_o subject_a to_o the_o bishop_n of_o alexandria_n but_o because_o dr._n owen_n mr._n baxter_n mr._n cotton_n and_o the_o rest_n have_v make_v choice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o carthage_n in_o africa_n in_o st._n cyprian_n time_n to_o make_v their_o appeal_n to_o dr._n stillingfleet_n to_o avoid_v all_o cavil_n as_o he_o tell_v we_o have_v choose_v that_o very_a church_n to_o be_v decide_v by_o as_o to_o the_o episcopal_a government_n now_o in_o dispute_n between_o we_o and_o therefore_o first_o he_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a number_n of_o presbyter_n belong_v to_o the_o church_n of_o carthage_n at_o that_o time_n and_o therefore_o not_o likely_a to_o be_v one_o single_a congregation_n and_o this_o he_o prove_v out_o of_o st._n cyprian_n own_v epistle_n in_o his_o banishment_n particular_o in_o his_o 5_o book_n ep._n 28._o he_o complain_v that_o a_o great_a number_n of_o his_o clergy_n be_v absent_a and_o the_o few_o that_o remain_v be_v hardly_o sufficient_a for_o their_o work_n and_o that_o these_o presbyter_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v under_o the_o particular_a care_n and_o government_n of_o st._n cyprian_n as_o their_o bishop_n appear_v by_o his_o own_o word_n lib._n 3._o ep._n 10_o and_o 12._o to_o the_o people_n of_o carthage_n he_o complain_v to_o they_o of_o his_o presbyter_n that_o they_o do_v not_o reserve_v to_o their_o bishop_n that_o honour_n due_a to_o his_o place_n for_o that_o they_o receive_v penitent_n to_o communion_n without_o imposition_n of_o hand_n by_o the_o bishop_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o his_o epist_n 28._o he_o threaten_v to_o excommunicate_v those_o presbyter_n that_o shall_v do_v so_o for_o the_o future_a and_o all_o the_o other_o bishop_n give_v their_o approbation_n to_o st._n cyprian_n for_o so_o do_v and_o the_o same_o st._n cyprian_n in_o his_o 3_o book_n ep._n 65._o tell_v they_o that_o a_o bishop_n in_o the_o church_n be_v in_o the_o place_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o disobedience_n to_o he_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o schism_n and_o disorder_n see_v more_o full_o concern_v this_o matter_n in_o dr._n stillingfleet_n mischief_n of_o separation_n p._n 228_o 229._o etc._n etc._n and_o now_o since_o dr._n owen_n mr._n baxter_n and_o the_o rest_n have_v agree_v to_o appeal_v to_o the_o church_n of_o carthage_n we_o must_v suppose_v they_o allow_v no_o deviation_n in_o that_o church_n from_o the_o primitive_a institution_n and_o what_o that_o be_v then_o any_o one_o may_v judge_v and_o st._n augustine_n be_v another_o bishop_n in_o the_o african_a church_n he_o be_v bishop_n of_o hippo_n regia_n the_o diocese_n of_o which_o extend_v at_o least_o forty_o mile_n as_o appear_v by_o st._n augustine_n own_a epist_n 262._o it_o be_v true_a the_o african_a church_n come_v most_o near_o the_o congregational_a way_n of_o any_o other_o the_o diocese_n be_v small_a by_o reason_n of_o the_o many_o sectary_n there_o the_o donatist_n and_o many_o other_o and_o that_o be_v the_o reason_n mr._n baxter_n and_o the_o rest_n express_v so_o great_a a_o esteem_n for_o it_o but_o that_o their_o bishopric_n be_v much_o too_o large_a to_o serve_v either_o the_o presbyterian_o or_o independent_o turn_v and_o that_o they_o never_o allow_v more_o than_o one_o bishop_n in_o the_o large_a city_n sufficient_o appear_v by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v and_o in_o the_o african_a code_n there_o be_v a_o canon_n that_o say_v express_o no_o bishop_n shall_v leave_v his_o cathedral_n church_n and_o go_v to_o any_o other_o church_n in_o his_o diocese_n to_o reside_v there_o see_v codex_fw-la eccl._n africa_n c._n 71._o which_o show_v that_o the_o bishop_n territory_n and_o jurisdiction_n extend_v into_o distant_a place_n from_o the_o city_n as_o well_o in_o the_o african_a church_n as_o in_o other_o i_o shall_v only_o add_v to_o this_o that_o calvin_n look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o thing_n out_o of_o dispute_n among_o learned_a man_n that_o a_o church_n do_v not_o only_o take_v in_o the_o christian_n of_o a_o city_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n but_o of_o the_o adjacent_a country_n also_o see_v calv._n instit_fw-la l._n 4._o c._n 4._o n._n 2._o but_o though_o there_o be_v never_o more_o than_o one_o bishop_n in_o a_o city_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n 1._o church_n v._o conc._n eph._n part_n 2._o act._n 1._o yet_o some_o bishop_n have_v have_v two_o or_o more_o city_n in_o their_o diocese_n timothy_n be_v bishop_n of_o farmissus_n and_o eudocias_n athanasius_n be_v bishop_n of_o diveltus_n and_o sozopolis_n and_o there_o have_v be_v some_o bishopric_n that_o have_v have_v no_o city_n at_o all_o in_o they_o but_o only_a village_n for_o there_o be_v some_o country_n that_o have_v no_o city_n in_o they_o so_o have_v we_o at_o this_o day_n bishop_n in_o ireland_n and_o wales_n that_o have_v no_o city_n in_o their_o diocese_n but_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o the_o extent_n of_o his_o diocese_n be_v confine_v to_o any_o single_a village_n so_o far_o from_o that_o that_o by_o the_o canon_n of_o sardica_n vi_o all_o the_o bishop_n assemble_v at_o sardica_n agree_v that_o it_o shall_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v lawful_a to_o ordain_v any_o bishop_n in_o village_n or_o small_a city_n that_o the_o dignity_n of_o a_o bishop_n may_v not_o be_v contemptible_a from_o the_o meanness_n of_o the_o place_n but_o say_v mr._n clarkson_n and_o the_o rest_n the_o apostle_n ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o church_n and_o then_o mr._n clarkson_n name_v the_o place_n to_o wit_n antioch_n iconium_n lystra_n and_o other_o village_n and_o these_o elder_n or_o presbyter_n they_o will_v have_v bishop_n but_o first_o i_o say_v that_o during_o the_o apostle_n day_n the_o name_n bishop_n and_o presbyter_n be_v common_o use_v the_o one_o for_o the_o other_o but_o not_o after_o as_o shall_v be_v show_v hereafter_o and_o therefore_o these_o elder_n or_o presbyter_n here_o speak_v of_o may_v be_v as_o well_o take_v for_o ordinary_a presbyter_n or_o priest_n as_o for_o bishop_n but_o allow_v these_o presbyter_n be_v bishop_n what_o advantage_n will_v it_o be_v to_o they_o for_o first_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o the_o apostle_n confine_v their_o authority_n to_o those_o place_n but_o the_o contrary_n be_v evident_a and_o unless_o they_o can_v prove_v this_o it_o will_v not_o serve_v their_o turn_n but_o second_o these_o city_n over_o which_o the_o apostle_n appoint_v elder_n be_v large_a city_n at_o that_o time_n by_o much_o too_o great_a to_o come_v together_o in_o one_o congregation_n iconium_n be_v then_o a_o metropolitan_a and_o have_v many_o other_o city_n under_o it_o and_o the_o rest_n be_v all_o large_a city_n but_o before_o i_o conclude_v this_o point_n i_o must_v make_v one_o observation_n and_o that_o be_v that_o mr._n clarkson_n to_o prove_v that_o a_o bishop_n of_o a_o city_n have_v no_o more_o but_o one_o congregation_n undertake_v to_o show_v how_o small_a some_o city_n be_v but_o it_o be_v remarkable_a he_o quote_v for_o his_o authority_n some_o author_n who_o speak_v of_o they_o long_o before_o there_o be_v any_o bishop_n and_o because_o they_o may_v have_v be_v small_a place_n then_o will_v needs_o have_v they_o to_o be_v so_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o be_v very_o ridiculous_a for_o under_o the_o roman_a emperor_n both_o the_o roman_a and_o the_o grecian_a city_n be_v at_o their_o height_n and_o do_v very_o much_o surpass_v both_o for_o their_o magnificence_n and_o number_n of_o people_n any_o that_o have_v be_v before_o or_o since_o nor_o be_v this_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o since_o our_o city_n do_v now_o stand_v upon_o much_o narrow_a foundation_n as_o to_o their_o constitution_n our_o city_n have_v seldom_o any_o liberty_n half_a a_o mile_n beyond_o their_o wall_n and_o be_v general_o but_o a_o assembly_n of_o tradesman_n whereas_o the_o roman_a city_n have_v each_o a_o territory_n as_o it_o be_v a_o county_n belong_v to_o it_o which_o be_v under_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o city_n magistrate_n and_o the_o citizen_n be_v the_o lord_n of_o the_o adjacent_a country_n i_o have_v now_o show_v that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n by_o diocesan_n bishop_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o best_a and_o pure_a age_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o holy_a father_n of_o it_o and_o that_o their_o power_n and_o jurisdiction_n be_v as_o absolute_a and_o extend_v as_o far_o or_o far_o than_o any_o bishop_n this_o day_n in_o england_n i_o shall_v show_v hereafter_o that_o episcopal_a government_n as_o now_o settle_v in_o england_n have_v
be_v and_o be_v at_o this_o day_n commend_v and_o approve_v of_o by_o all_o the_o most_o eminent_a divine_n beyond_o sea_n perhaps_o some_o may_v say_v if_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n by_o diocesan_n bishop_n be_v so_o agreeable_a to_o that_o of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o approve_v of_o by_o other_o reform_a church_n as_o we_o pretend_v it_o be_v how_o come_v it_o that_o they_o all_o do_v not_o follow_v the_o pattern_n of_o england_n and_o become_v all_o diocesan_n church_n i_o answer_v they_o may_v as_o well_o ask_v we_o why_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n that_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o roman_a emperor_n do_v not_o upon_o the_o decay_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n when_o they_o resume_v their_o just_a right_n of_o government_n to_o themselves_o become_v all_o monarchy_n according_a to_o the_o pattern_n of_o england_n some_o nation_n beside_o england_n ireland_n and_o scotland_n do_v assume_v episcopal_a government_n as_o denmark_n sweden_n etc._n etc._n but_o perhaps_o it_o be_v not_o consistent_a with_o the_o present_a circumstance_n or_o politic_a constitution_n of_o all_o place_n at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o reformation_n to_o set_v up_o episcopal_a government_n as_o indeed_o it_o be_v not_o and_o therefore_o since_o neither_o episcopal_a nor_o any_o other_o particular_a kind_n of_o government_n be_v so_o essential_a to_o a_o church_n as_o that_o a_o true_a church_n may_v not_o be_v without_o it_o in_o case_n of_o indispensible_a necessity_n they_o put_v themselves_o some_o under_o one_o form_n of_o government_n some_o under_o another_o as_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o their_o present_a constitution_n but_o with_o this_o caution_n every_o where_o that_o all_o protestant_n of_o every_o whole_a church_n be_v the_o government_n what_o it_o will_v shall_v be_v oblige_v to_o conform_v to_o the_o establish_v church_n in_o which_o they_o live_v for_o though_o every_o national_a or_o whole_a church_n have_v a_o power_n to_o choose_v what_o kind_n of_o government_n they_o please_v for_o themselves_o yet_o it_o be_v never_o allow_v that_o particular_a scrupulous_a people_n among_o themselves_o have_v power_n to_o do_v so_o too_o this_o power_n of_o subdivide_v be_v never_o pretend_v to_o nor_o practise_v in_o any_o other_o nation_n since_o the_o reformation_n but_o in_o england_n so_o that_o though_o they_o do_v all_o allow_v the_o antiquity_n and_o usefulness_n of_o episcopal_a government_n yet_o since_o it_o be_v not_o essential_a to_o a_o true_a church_n no_o more_o than_o that_o of_o the_o presbyterian_a or_o independent_a nor_o convenient_a at_o this_o time_n for_o all_o place_n some_o may_v refuse_v it_o and_o yet_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o we_o in_o england_n shall_v do_v so_o since_o it_o be_v convenient_a for_o we_o and_o more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o these_o kingdom_n and_o come_v by_o much_o near_a the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n than_o any_o other_o whatsoever_o but_o they_o say_v we_o make_v episcopal_a government_n essential_a to_o a_o true_a church_n for_o that_o we_o will_v suffer_v none_o to_o execute_v the_o office_n of_o a_o minister_n here_o in_o england_n unless_o they_o be_v ordain_v by_o a_o bishop_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v it_o be_v plain_a we_o do_v not_o make_v episcopal_a government_n essential_a to_o a_o true_a church_n for_o we_o allow_v all_o the_o reform_a church_n to_o be_v true_a church_n and_o communicate_v with_o they_o and_o yet_o some_o of_o they_o have_v no_o diocesan_n bishop_n it_o be_v true_a by_o the_o law_n of_o this_o church_n and_o nation_n none_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o execute_v the_o office_n of_o a_o minister_n in_o any_o cathedral_n or_o parish_n church_n or_o chapel_n nor_o to_o hold_v any_o ecclesiastical_a benefice_n within_o these_o kingdom_n but_o such_o as_o be_v willing_a to_o submit_v to_o the_o order_n and_o government_n of_o this_o church_n and_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n and_o therefore_o since_o both_o the_o law_n of_o this_o church_n and_o nation_n do_v require_v that_o all_o minister_n who_o desire_v to_o serve_v in_o this_o church_n shall_v declare_v public_o that_o they_o assent_n to_o and_o approve_v of_o our_o form_n 〈◊〉_d worship_n etc._n etc._n and_o be_v willing_a to_o use_v the_o same_o as_o the_o church_n appoint_v and_o that_o they_o shall_v receive_v their_o ordination_n and_o licence_n to_o execute_v their_o office_n from_o the_o bishop_n it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a that_o such_o as_o want_v these_o qualification_n shall_v be_v refuse_v the_o liberty_n of_o execute_v their_o office_n in_o these_o kingdom_n ordination_n kingdom_n the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v not_o say_v absolute_o that_o all_o those_o minister_n who_o want_v episcopal_a ordination_n be_v no_o true_a minister_n but_o only_o that_o none_o shall_v be_v account_v a_o lawful_a bishop_n priest_n or_o deacon_n so_o as_o to_o execute_v their_o function_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n unless_o they_o be_v once_o ordain_v by_o a_o bishop_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o preface_n to_o the_o ordination_n but_o the_o reason_n we_o refuse_v they_o be_v not_o so_o much_o because_o that_o presbyterian_a ordination_n do_v not_o make_v they_o true_a minister_n according_a to_o god_n law_n as_o though_o no_o instance_n can_v be_v give_v of_o ordination_n without_o a_o bishop_n in_o scripture_n or_o antiquity_n but_o all_o to_o the_o contrary_a because_o they_o stubborn_o refuse_v to_o submit_v to_o our_o law_n and_o constitution_n and_o contemn_v the_o lawful_a authority_n under_o which_o god_n have_v place_v they_o and_o command_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v obey_v and_o this_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o statute_n of_o 14_o car._n 2._o in_o which_o there_o be_v a_o particular_a proviso_n that_o all_o minister_n of_o foreign_a reform_a church_n who_o come_v into_o this_o kingdom_n by_o the_o king_n permission_n be_v to_o be_v except_v out_o of_o and_o excuse_v from_o the_o penalty_n of_o that_o act._n and_o this_o custom_n of_o require_v conformity_n and_o subscription_n from_o all_o who_o desire_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o every_o settle_a church_n that_o have_v be_v ever_o since_o christ_n day_n as_o will_v appear_v hereafter_o the_o 3d._a objection_n against_o the_o constitution_n of_o our_o church_n be_v that_o our_o state_n our_o by_o national_a church_n be_v mean_v the_o whole_a church_n of_o such_o nation_n as_o upon_o the_o decay_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n resume_v their_o just_a right_n of_o government_n to_o themselves_o both_o in_o church_n and_o state_n national_a church_n which_o we_o call_v the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v no_o foundation_n and_o want_v discipline_n all_o be_v encroach_v and_o swallow_v up_o in_o the_o bishop_n and_o the_o pastor_n of_o every_o parish_n who_o ought_v to_o have_v full_a power_n to_o execute_v every_o part_n of_o it_o be_v deprive_v thereof_o but_o this_o be_v false_a for_o the_o presbyter_n in_o our_o church_n have_v as_o great_a power_n in_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n as_o ever_o they_o have_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n what_o power_n be_v they_o deprive_v of_o by_o the_o bishop_n that_o they_o have_v then_o by_o the_o law_n of_o our_o church_n no_o rule_n of_o discipline_n no_o article_n of_o doctrine_n no_o form_n of_o worship_n can_v be_v introduce_v by_o the_o bishop_n or_o impose_v upon_o any_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o whole_a presbytery_n of_o the_o nation_n in_o convocation_n who_o appear_v either_o in_o person_n or_o by_o proxy_n the_o only_a authority_n that_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v above_o the_o presbyter_n be_v government_n ordination_n and_o censure_n which_o be_v all_o appropriate_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o bishop_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n st._n cyprian_n assure_v we_o it_o be_v so_o in_o the_o african_a church_n in_o his_o three_o book_n ep._n 10._o &_o 12._o 28._o 27._o and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o st._n augustine_n time_n see_v cod._n eccl._n afr._n c._n 6_o 7_o 9_o etc._n etc._n but_o say_v they_o the_o power_n of_o ordination_n be_v take_v away_o from_o the_o presbyter_n and_o lodge_v sole_o in_o the_o bishop_n and_o it_o be_v plain_a say_v they_o in_o the_o apostle_n day_n the_o presbyter_n do_v ordain_v for_o timothy_n be_v ordain_v by_o lay_v on_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n 1_o tim._n 4._o 14._o but_o dr._n hammond_n in_o his_o paraphrase_n on_o this_o text_n say_v that_o these_o presbyter_n here_o speak_v of_o who_o ordain_v timothy_n be_v apostle_n that_o timothy_n be_v ordain_v by_o st._n paul_n be_v most_o evident_a for_o st._n paul_n in_o his_o second_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n ch_n 1._o v._n 6._o say_v i_o put_v thou_o in_o mind_n that_o thou_o stir_v up_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o thou_o by_o the_o
a_o end_n to_o the_o controversy_n between_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o dissenter_n in_o which_o all_o their_o plea_n for_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v prove_v to_o be_v insufficient_a from_o the_o write_n of_o the_o most_o eminent_a among_o the_o dissenter_n themselves_o and_o their_o separation_n condemn_v by_o the_o reform_a church_n london_n print_v for_o richard_n wellington_n at_o the_o lute_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1697._o to_o the_o reader_n there_o be_v some_o it_o be_v like_a who_o may_v think_v it_o a_o vseless_a and_o impertinent_a piece_n of_o work_n to_o write_v a_o book_n on_o this_o subject_a that_o have_v be_v late_o so_o ingenious_o handle_v by_o such_o eminent_a and_o learned_a man_n as_o the_o bishop_n of_o worcester_n dr._n comber_n dr._n maurice_n etc._n etc._n but_o though_o no_o man_n that_o i_o know_v will_v pretend_v to_o write_v better_a than_o they_o have_v do_v yet_o there_o be_v several_a thing_n in_o this_o book_n that_o have_v not_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o by_o any_o who_o have_v yet_o write_v on_o this_o subject_a and_o since_o man_n notion_n and_o apprehension_n be_v so_o different_a it_o be_v like_o some_o may_v be_v move_v with_o one_o argument_n some_o with_o another_o according_a as_o it_o suit_v their_o several_a judgement_n and_o capacity_n but_o beside_o there_o be_v several_a person_n who_o desire_v to_o be_v satisfy_v concern_v the_o matter_n in_o controversy_n between_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o the_o dissenter_n but_o be_v unwilling_a to_o bestow_v the_o time_n or_o pain_n to_o read_v over_o all_o the_o book_n at_o large_a that_o have_v be_v write_v on_o this_o subject_a for_o the_o satisfaction_n chief_o of_o these_o sort_n of_o man_n i_o have_v here_o as_o brief_o as_o i_o can_v set_v down_o the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o controversy_n between_o we_o and_o the_o argument_n use_v on_o both_o side_n by_o the_o most_o eminent_a man_n that_o have_v write_v on_o this_o subject_a from_o all_o which_o it_o do_v appear_v that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v as_o true_a a_o part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n as_o any_o this_o day_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o all_o the_o objection_n which_o the_o dissenter_n make_v to_o she_o do_v arise_v from_o ignorance_n and_o mistake_v notion_n that_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n beyond_o sea_n do_v own_o she_o as_o a_o true_a reform_a church_n and_o do_v high_o condemn_v all_o those_o who_o separate_a from_o she_o and_o declare_v they_o to_o be_v guilty_a of_o downright_a schism_n and_o that_o the_o dissenter_n in_o condemn_v the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v condemn_v all_o the_o reform_a church_n as_o well_o as_o this_o church_n i_o can_v have_v bring_v many_o more_o authority_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o all_o this_o matter_n but_o i_o purposely_o omit_v they_o because_o these_o which_o i_o have_v bring_v be_v sufficient_a and_o be_v such_o as_o the_o dissenter_n never_o do_v nor_o i_o think_v never_o will_v pretend_v to_o answer_n another_o reason_n why_o i_o omit_v they_o be_v in_o hope_n that_o the_o smallness_n of_o the_o book_n may_v invite_v some_o to_o the_o read_n of_o it_o that_o it_o be_v like_a might_n be_v discourage_v at_o a_o large_a volume_n a_o short_a account_n of_o the_o controversy_n between_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o the_o dissenter_n when_o god_n almighty_a first_o create_v man_n he_o give_v he_o no_o other_o law_n to_o walk_v by_o but_o that_o of_o nature_n or_o reason_n under_o which_o alone_o he_o live_v for_o the_o first_o 2000_o year_n but_o at_o last_o this_o law_n of_o reason_n be_v great_o let_v and_o blind_v by_o evil_a custom_n it_o become_v necessary_a to_o give_v man_n more_o positive_a law_n and_o rule_n to_o walk_v by_o therefore_o god_n almighty_a command_v moses_n to_o write_v a_o law_n for_o his_o people_n which_o we_o call_v the_o moysaicall_a law_n and_o sometime_o the_o moral_a law_n and_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o this_o law_n god_n almighty_a reveal_v to_o man_n by_o the_o mediation_n of_o a_o angel_n but_o it_o be_v for_o a_o great_a part_n typical_a and_o ceremonial_a and_o therefore_o not_o so_o plain_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v as_o that_o of_o the_o new_a testament_n god_n do_v then_o often_o appear_v to_o his_o people_n himself_n and_o teach_v they_o more_o immediate_o what_o he_o will_v have_v they_o do_v what_o not_o and_o under_o this_o law_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n superad_v to_o the_o law_n of_o reason_n or_o nature_n which_o be_v the_o same_o in_o reasonable_a creature_n man_n live_v till_o god_n be_v please_v to_o reveal_v his_o will_n to_o we_o after_o a_o more_o full_a and_o excellent_a manner_n by_o the_o mediation_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o this_o law_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v that_o under_o which_o we_o live_v at_o this_o day_n a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o old_a be_v hereby_o abolish_v see_v galat._n 4._o and_o as_o this_o law_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v reveal_v to_o we_o after_o a_o more_o excellent_a manner_n than_o that_o of_o the_o old_a so_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o be_v most_o extraordinary_a contain_v nothing_o in_o it_o superfluous_a nor_o want_v any_o thing_n necessary_a to_o the_o direct_v all_o man_n to_o heaven_n on_o very_o easy_a term_n it_o be_v so_o adapt_v and_o fit_v to_o all_o condition_n of_o man_n that_o the_o very_o mean_a capacity_n may_v easy_o understand_v every_o thing_n contain_v in_o it_o which_o be_v necessary_a to_o their_o salvation_n and_o this_o evangelical_n law_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v leave_v as_o a_o rule_n for_o all_o succeed_a age_n to_o walk_v by_o but_o notwithstanding_o that_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v leave_v the_o world_n such_o plain_a and_o positive_a rule_n to_o walk_v by_o that_o none_o that_o be_v not_o wilful_o so_o can_v be_v mistake_v in_o they_o yet_o such_o have_v be_v the_o unhappiness_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n that_o it_o never_o want_v some_o within_o it_o of_o such_o restless_a and_o peevish_a spirit_n as_o to_o disturb_v its_o peace_n and_o quiet_n by_o make_v division_n and_o schism_n in_o it_o which_o st._n paul_n foresee_v when_o he_o tell_v the_o elder_n act_n 20._o 30._o also_o of_o yourselves_o shall_v man_n arise_v speak_v perverse_a thing_n to_o draw_v disciple_n after_o they_o but_o though_o there_o have_v be_v always_o some_o division_n in_o the_o church_n ever_o since_o the_o first_o plant_v of_o it_o yet_o for_o the_o first_o three_o or_o four_o hundred_o year_n they_o be_v much_o few_o than_o what_o have_v be_v since_o and_o those_o that_o be_v be_v much_o more_o discountenance_a and_o oppose_v by_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n than_o they_o be_v afterward_o in_o the_o church_n of_o africa_n a_o little_a before_o st._n augustine_n day_n there_o arise_v the_o schism_n of_o the_o donatist_n who_o separate_v upon_o the_o account_n that_o the_o bishopric_n be_v too_o large_a and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o bishop_n too_o great_a and_o because_o the_o minister_n be_v not_o so_o able_a and_o holy_a man_n as_o they_o shall_v be_v and_o because_o they_o dislike_v the_o liturgy_n and_o public_a prayer_n of_o the_o church_n and_o for_o suchlike_a reason_n and_o a_o little_a before_o in_o the_o three_o century_n begin_v the_o novatian_a schism_n at_o rome_n for_o that_o novatus_n think_v the_o bishopric_n too_o large_a will_v needs_o be_v choose_v bishop_n in_o the_o same_o city_n where_o cornelius_n be_v choose_v before_o but_o both_o these_o schism_n be_v condemn_v this_o by_o the_o council_n of_o carth._n and_o the_o council_n of_o constantinople_n and_o by_o st._n cyprian_n ep._n 52._o n._n 4_o etc._n etc._n and_o that_o of_o the_o donatist_n by_o all_o the_o catholic_n bishop_n at_o the_o conference_n at_o carth._n see_v conference_n of_o the_o third_z day_n chap._n 4._o and_o by_o st._n augustine_n in_o his_o book_n against_o permenian_a petilian_a and_o the_o other_o donatist_n bishop_n but_o not_o long_o after_o about_o the_o five_o and_o six_o century_n the_o error_n and_o corruption_n in_o the_o church_n begin_v to_o increase_v more_o abundant_o and_o appear_v more_o barefaced_a and_o open_o than_o former_o they_o have_v do_v for_o that_o as_o the_o roman_a empire_n begin_v to_o decline_v there_o follow_v a_o general_a decay_n of_o learning_n and_o gross_a ignorance_n have_v overspread_v the_o earth_n insomuch_o that_o many_o of_o the_o priest_n themselves_o can_v not_o read_v latin_a and_o than_o it_o be_v no_o difficult_a matter_n to_o bring_v in_o what_o heresy_n and_o schism_n man_n will_v and_o this_o be_v the_o time_n that_o most_o of_o the_o error_n and_o corruption_n of_o the_o
one_o bishop_n in_o a_o city_n the_o two_o great_a schism_n of_o the_o donatist_n in_o africa_n and_o the_o novatian_a at_o rome_n may_v have_v be_v avoid_v but_o instead_o hereof_o see_v how_o st._n cyprian_n among_o other_o aggravate_v the_o schism_n of_o novatius_fw-la for_o be_v choose_v bishop_n in_o the_o same_o city_n where_o cornelius_n be_v choose_v before_o for_o say_v he_o since_o there_o can_v be_v a_o second_o after_o the_o first_o whosoever_o be_v make_v bishop_n where_o one_o be_v make_v already_o be_v not_o another_o bishop_n but_o none_o at_o all_o cypr._n epist_n 52._o n._n 4._o and_o the_o same_o st._n cyprian_n in_o his_o epistle_n 55._o n._n 6._o 9_o declare_v that_o to_o have_v only_o one_o bishop_n in_o a_o city_n be_v the_o best_a mean_n to_o prevent_v schism_n see_v st._n cypr._n de_fw-fr unitate_fw-la eccles_n n._n 3_o 4._o and_o st._n augustine_n in_o his_o epistle_n 162._o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n but_o now_o that_o it_o be_v so_o plain_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v never_o allow_v but_o one_o bishop_n in_o a_o city_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n they_o have_v no_o way_n to_o reconcile_v this_o to_o their_o hypothesis_n but_o by_o endeavour_v to_o prove_v that_o either_o the_o city_n be_v very_o small_a in_o those_o day_n or_o else_o the_o number_n of_o christian_n in_o they_o be_v so_o few_o as_o that_o they_o may_v all_o convenient_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n and_o this_o they_o be_v not_o satisfy_v to_o do_v in_o the_o ordinary_a city_n which_o mr._n clarkson_n in_o his_o book_n of_o primitive_a episcopacy_n affirm_v be_v no_o large_a than_o our_o ordinary_a market-town_n in_o england_n but_o even_o in_o the_o very_o large_a and_o most_o populous_a city_n they_o will_v not_o allow_v that_o there_o be_v more_o christian_n than_o can_v convenient_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o church_n to_o serve_v god_n as_o in_o rome_n alexandria_n constantinople_n carthage_n and_o the_o rest_n all_o which_o far_o exceed_v any_o now_o in_o the_o world_n both_o for_o largeness_n and_o number_n of_o people_n this_o seem_v to_o be_v very_o strange_a old_a rome_n be_v at_o that_o time_n a_o city_n so_o large_a and_o populous_a that_o it_o excel_v london_n as_o it_o be_v at_o this_o day_n as_o far_o as_o london_n now_o do_v new_a rome_n and_o have_v by_o computation_n at_o that_o time_n above_o 1000000_o inhabitant_n as_o dr._n maurice_n show_v in_o his_o defence_n of_o diocesan_n episcopacy_n p._n 340._o and_o seem_v indeed_o to_o be_v very_o probable_a if_o one_o consider_v those_o vast_a and_o mighty_a piece_n of_o workmanship_n that_o appear_v to_o have_v be_v do_v there_o the_o ruin_n of_o which_o be_v to_o be_v see_v at_o this_o day_n as_o dr._n burnet_n in_o his_o travel_n tell_v we_o who_o gather_v from_o thence_o that_o that_o city_n must_v have_v be_v vast_o populous_a about_o that_o time_n and_o it_o be_v in_o aurclius_n his_o day_n 50_o mile_n in_o circumference_n dr._n m._n p._n 212._o and_o yet_o will_v mr._n clarkson_n allow_v no_o more_o christian_n in_o this_o great_a city_n than_o can_v meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n so_o of_o alexandria_n which_o be_v 1â—_n miles_n in_o circumference_n according_a to_o pliny_n l._n 5._o 9_o and_o the_o rest_n all_o great_a far_o than_o london_n now_o be_v but_o to_o serve_v their_o turn_n they_o will_v reduce_v they_o all_o to_o the_o narrow_a limit_n of_o a_o single_a congregation_n and_o by_o consequence_n give_v all_o the_o rest_n to_o the_o devil_n by_o make_v they_o unchristian_a heretic_n schismatic_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v strange_a that_o christianity_n shall_v make_v no_o better_o a_o progress_n consider_v the_o largeness_n of_o the_o city_n and_o multitude_n of_o people_n in_o they_o and_o consider_v the_o care_n and_o industry_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o learned_a father_n of_o those_o age_n and_o their_o extraordinary_a gift_n that_o in_o so_o large_a and_o populous_a a_o city_n as_o rome_n christianity_n shall_v gain_v no_o more_o proselyte_n in_o 300_o year_n than_o can_v meet_v all_o in_o one_o church_n notwithstanding_o st._n paul_n himself_o have_v preach_v there_o for_o many_o year_n the_o very_a quaker_n in_o london_n which_o be_v not_o comparable_a to_o old_a rome_n have_v make_v more_o proselyte_n already_o than_o the_o apostle_n in_o much_o long_a time_n for_o be_v all_o the_o quaker_n in_o london_n assemble_v in_o one_o congregation_n i_o doubt_v that_o never_o a_o church_n in_o the_o kingdom_n will_v be_v find_v large_a enough_o to_o contain_v they_o but_o beside_o if_o the_o number_n of_o christian_n be_v so_o few_o as_o these_o dissenter_n will_v make_v they_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o they_o to_o possess_v themselves_o of_o the_o whole_a roman_a empire_n in_o less_o than_o 300_o year_n they_o have_v no_o interest_n at_o court_n nor_o in_o the_o army_n but_o be_v persecute_v by_o the_o emperor_n all_o that_o time_n unless_o in_o two_o reign_n so_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o human_a cause_n assign_v for_o it_o but_o their_o great_a number_n but_o far_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o there_o be_v some_o great_a city_n entire_o christian_n from_o the_o apostle_n day_n as_o cesaria_n and_o lydda_n act_v 9_o 35._o and_o other_o so_o that_o in_o the_o first_o 300_o year_n whole_a city_n and_o country_n be_v become_v christian_a as_o eusebius_n affirm_v praep._n evang._n l._n 1._o p._n 12_o 13._o '_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o single_a congregation_n to_o contain_v a_o quarter_n of_o the_o christian_n of_o a_o city_n much_o less_o of_o a_o whole_a diocese_n for_o beside_o the_o large_a and_o populous_a city_n every_o bishop_n have_v a_o territory_n within_o his_o diocese_n which_o extend_v itself_o for_o several_a mile_n round_o the_o city_n for_o every_o city_n have_v a_o large_a territory_n as_o it_o be_v a_o county_n round_o about_o it_o which_o be_v under_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n who_o govern_v the_o city_n and_o as_o far_o as_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o magistrate_n reach_v in_o civil_a matter_n so_o far_o do_v the_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o bishop_n reach_v in_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n see_v can._n apostolic_a 34._o by_o which_o a_o bishop_n be_v forbid_v to_o do_v any_o thing_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o his_o metropolitan_a or_o archbishop_n but_o what_o relate_v to_o his_o own_o diocese_n and_o the_o territory_n under_o it_o and_o see_v can._n antioch_n 9_o &_o 10._o but_o that_o the_o bishop_n territory_n and_o jurisdiction_n extend_v far_o beyond_o the_o wall_n or_o bound_n of_o the_o city_n be_v most_o evident_a for_o theodoret_n who_o be_v bishop_n of_o cyrus_n have_v a_o diocese_n 40_o mile_n square_a and_o yet_o he_o reckon_v his_o episcopacy_n of_o divine_a institution_n see_v his_o epist_n 42._o and_o he_o have_v within_o his_o diocese_n 800_o parish_n church_n as_o appear_v by_o his_o epist_n 113._o to_o leo._n this_o be_v a_o instance_n so_o clear_a against_o our_o dissenter_n that_o mr._n baxter_n and_o mr._n clarkson_n and_o the_o rest_n have_v no_o way_n to_o answer_v it_o but_o first_o that_o it_o come_v from_o the_o vatican_n library_n which_o objection_n be_v full_o remove_v by_o dr._n stillingfleet_n in_o his_o mischief_n of_o separation_n p._n 256._o and_o by_o dr._n maur._n def._n of_o dioc._n episc_n p._n 396._o and_o this_o epist_n of_o theod._n prove_v to_o be_v his_o own_o by_o compare_v it_o with_o his_o other_o write_n and_o also_o by_o the_o clear_a testimony_n of_o liberatus_n who_o infallible_o know_v theodoret_n style_n and_o write_n neither_o do_v it_o follow_v that_o because_o it_o come_v from_o the_o vatican_n library_n therefore_o it_o must_v not_o be_v authentic_a but_o when_o people_n be_v drown_v rather_o than_o sink_v they_o will_v catch_v hold_n of_o a_o bulrush_n the_o other_o exception_n they_o take_v to_o this_o testimony_n of_o theodoret_n be_v that_o he_o be_v not_o bishop_n of_o a_o single_a diocese_n but_o of_o a_o province_n and_o that_o theodoret_n be_v a_o archbishop_n but_o that_o cyprus_n of_o which_o he_o be_v then_o bishop_n be_v no_o metropolis_n at_o that_o time_n nor_o theodoret_n primate_n of_o a_o province_n but_o under_o a_o metropolitan_a appear_v by_o his_o 16_o ep._n and_o by_o his_o 81_o 82_o 34_o 94_o and_o 161._o alexander_n be_v then_o his_o metropolitan_a but_o theodoret_n be_v not_o the_o only_a bishop_n that_o have_v such_o a_o large_a diocese_n for_o st._n chrysostom_n have_v one_o full_a as_o large_a and_o which_o contain_v as_o many_o parish_n he_o be_v bishop_n of_o constantinople_n and_o all_o the_o territory_n thereto_o belong_v and_o do_v not_o think_v it_o in_o his_o conscience_n too_o large_a for_o if_o he_o do_v so_o good_a a_o man_n as_o he_o will_v either_o have_v divide_v or_o quit_v it_o and_o athanasius_n be_v bishop_n
call_v to_o the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n by_o god_n almighty_a and_o have_v receive_v our_o commission_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n from_o he_o and_o therefore_o must_v not_o neglect_v to_o discharge_v our_o duty_n in_o obedience_n to_o any_o power_n upon_o earth_n for_o we_o must_v obey_v god_n rather_o than_o man_n but_o first_o i_o hope_v they_o will_v grant_v that_o when_o god_n almighty_n give_v they_o this_o commission_n he_o do_v not_o limit_v it_o to_o any_o certain_a place_n but_o it_o be_v general_a to_o preach_v the_o word_n to_o all_o nation_n so_o that_o in_o obedience_n to_o god_n command_n doubtless_o they_o ought_v to_o go_v and_o preach_v in_o those_o country_n where_o their_o preach_a be_v most_o want_v and_o will_v do_v god_n most_o service_n there_o be_v many_o country_n in_o the_o world_n that_o know_v nothing_o of_o christianity_n and_o many_o that_o do_v have_v not_o able_a minister_n enough_o to_o serve_v their_o turn_n sure_o these_o man_n that_o 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if_o they_o will_v leave_v this_o nation_n and_o go_v and_o preach_v there_o it_o will_v convince_v the_o world_n that_o they_o design_v nothing_o but_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n in_o desire_v to_o preach_v but_o since_o they_o do_v not_o it_o be_v evident_a whatever_o their_o pretence_n may_v be_v that_o it_o be_v self-interest_n and_o their_o own_o conveniency_n that_o make_v they_o desire_v the_o liberty_n of_o preach_v in_o these_o nation_n what_o have_v they_o to_o say_v to_o this_o indeed_o the_o best_a of_o they_o give_v but_o a_o very_a unsatisfactory_a answer_n hereto_o mr._n baxter_n in_o his_o answer_n to_o dr._n stillingfleet_n say_v the_o reason_n why_o they_o do_v not_o go_v to_o preach_v among_o the_o indian_n be_v because_o they_o can_v speak_v their_o language_n and_o because_o many_o of_o they_o have_v wife_n and_o family_n which_o they_o can_v leave_v but_o for_o his_o own_o part_n he_o say_v if_o he_o be_v but_o young_a enough_o he_o will_v not_o trouble_v this_o censorious_a persecute_v part_n of_o the_o world_n any_o long_o mr._n baxter_n have_v not_o be_v always_o old_a he_o be_v young_a enough_o when_o first_o he_o begin_v to_o write_v against_o the_o church_n of_o england_n why_o do_v he_o not_o go_v when_o first_o he_o be_v prohibit_v to_o preach_v here_o if_o he_o have_v perhaps_o our_o division_n about_o matter_n of_o religion_n have_v be_v much_o narrow_a than_o now_o they_o be_v and_o a_o reconciliation_n much_o more_o easy_a between_o we_o as_o for_o their_o not_o speak_v the_o language_n there_o be_v many_o of_o the_o new_a plantation_n in_o america_n etc._n etc._n that_o understand_v english_a and_o latin_a and_o want_v able_a diligent_a pastor_n among_o they_o and_o as_o to_o all_o their_o other_o reason_n for_o not_o go_v the_o leave_v their_o family_n etc._n etc._n they_o may_v carry_v they_o with_o they_o but_o sure_o no_o reason_n of_o this_o kind_n can_v come_v in_o competition_n with_o the_o great_a advantage_n of_o propagate_a the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o peace_n and_o quiet_a of_o three_o kingdom_n but_o again_o they_o say_v god_n have_v command_v they_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o they_o must_v obey_v god_n rather_o than_o man._n so_o god_n have_v also_o command_v they_o to_o obey_v their_o governor_n and_o magistrate_n and_o to_o preserve_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o nation_n in_o which_o they_o live_v now_o since_o they_o must_v of_o necessity_n break_v one_o of_o these_o command_n by_o stay_v at_o home_n and_o preach_v in_o separate_a meeting_n and_o may_v perform_v both_o by_o go_v to_o preach_v beyond_o sea_n certain_o the_o best_a and_o safe_a way_n must_v be_v to_o do_v the_o latter_a and_o if_o god_n almighty_n have_v give_v they_o commission_n to_o preach_v as_o they_o say_v i_o be_o sure_a he_o have_v give_v they_o commission_n no_o where_o to_o disturb_v the_o peace_n and_o settlement_n of_o a_o christian_a church_n and_o state_n especial_o a_o true_a church_n he_o bid_v they_o go_v and_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o teach_v all_o nation_n but_o we_o all_o know_v that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v then_o unconvert_v and_o have_v no_o christian_a teacher_n and_o minister_n orderly_o settle_v among_o they_o so_o that_o those_o who_o christ_n then_o send_v can_v have_v come_v no_o where_o amiss_o every_o one_o of_o they_o be_v to_o make_v as_o many_o convert_v as_o he_o can_v there_o be_v no_o limit_n put_v how_o far_o their_o particular_a charge_n shall_v extend_v and_o no_o far_o but_o soon_o after_o even_o in_o the_o apostle_n day_n when_o particular_a distinct_a church_n be_v gather_v and_o commit_v to_o the_o care_n of_o particular_a person_n i_o suppose_v none_o of_o our_o dissenter_n will_v say_v that_o any_o minister_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o general_a commission_n to_o teach_v all_o nation_n may_v have_v come_v into_o another_o pastor_n congregation_n or_o parish_n and_o preach_v in_o a_o separate_a meeting_n without_o licence_n and_o draw_v as_o many_o people_n from_o their_o lawful_a pastor_n to_o who_o care_n they_o be_v particular_o commit_v as_o they_o can_v no_o they_o who_o do_v so_o be_v often_o condemn_v by_o st._n paul_n as_o appear_v in_o many_o of_o his_o epistle_n and_o this_o be_v the_o very_a case_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n with_o relation_n to_o our_o present_a dissenter_n allow_v their_o commission_n to_o preach_v be_v as_o full_a as_o they_o pretend_v to_o yet_o it_o give_v they_o no_o authority_n to_o invade_v other_o man_n right_n or_o to_o draw_v away_o the_o people_n from_o their_o lawful_a minister_n and_o especial_o since_o if_o they_o please_v they_o may_v exercise_v their_o office_n in_o other_o place_n and_o do_v no_o man_n wrong_v the_o apostle_n have_v as_o full_a a_o commission_n to_o preach_v as_o any_o of_o our_o dissenter_n can_v pretend_v to_o and_o something_o more_o extraordinary_a and_o yet_o we_o do_v find_v that_o they_o think_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o preach_v direct_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n though_o a_o heathen_a it_o be_v true_a for_o the_o first_o 300_o year_n christianity_n have_v not_o general_o the_o law_n to_o countenance_n and_o defend_v it_o as_o now_o it_o have_v so_o that_o the_o apostle_n and_o father_n of_o the_o church_n can_v not_o have_v the_o command_n or_o authority_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n for_o what_o they_o do_v yet_o they_o have_v his_o connivance_n and_o never_o preach_v direct_o in_o opposition_n to_o his_o positive_a command_n st._n paul_n say_v act_n 14._o 12._o they_o neither_o find_v i_o in_o the_o temple_n dispute_v with_o any_o man_n neither_o raise_v up_o the_o people_n neither_o in_o the_o synagogue_n nor_o in_o the_o city_n and_o again_o act_v 15._o 8._o neither_o against_o the_o law_n of_o the_o jew_n neither_o against_o the_o temple_n nor_o yet_o against_o caesar_n have_v i_o offend_v any_o thing_n at_o all_o so_o it_o seem_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n where_o they_o come_v so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v tolerate_v or_o connive_v at_o by_o the_o government_n but_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v prohibit_v by_o the_o magistrate_n they_o leave_v that_o city_n or_o place_n and_o go_v to_o the_o next_o but_o think_v it_o no_o way_n their_o duty_n to_o oppose_v the_o will_n of_o their_o lawful_a prince_n though_o a_o heathen_a and_o will_v not_o our_o dissenter_n show_v the_o same_o respect_n to_o a_o christian_a prince_n that_o the_o apostle_n do_v to_o heathen_a magistrate_n but_o whether_o christian_a magistrate_n have_v power_n to_o silence_v some_o minister_n such_o as_o they_o think_v fit_a or_o not_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n questionless_a that_o have_v be_v practise_v by_o they_o in_o all_o age_n ever_o since_o the_o
and_o recommend_v by_o christ_n himself_o in_o the_o new_a and_o that_o both_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o liturgy_n be_v compose_v by_o the_o father_n and_o appoint_v to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o church_n ever_o since_o christ_n day_n and_o that_o even_o the_o most_o eminent_a of_o our_o own_o nonconformist_n have_v heretofore_o declare_v their_o like_n thereto_o and_o that_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n do_v use_v and_o approve_v of_o prescribe_a form_n in_o their_o public_a worship_n at_o this_o day_n and_o last_o i_o will_v show_v that_o our_o english_a common-prayer_n book_n have_v be_v particular_o commend_v and_o approve_v by_o the_o most_o learned_a and_o eminent_a man_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n beyond_o sea_n and_o when_o this_o be_v do_v if_o any_o will_v be_v so_o hardy_a as_o to_o affirm_v that_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v so_o sinful_a as_o to_o cause_v a_o necessity_n of_o separation_n he_o be_v incorrigible_a and_o not_o to_o be_v convince_v by_o reason_n first_o then_o form_n of_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n be_v use_v by_o god_n people_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o the_o lord_n prescribe_v a_o form_n of_o blessing_n to_o aaron_n say_v on_o this_o wise_a you_o shall_v bless_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n say_v etc._n etc._n numb_a vi_fw-la 23._o and_o again_o deut._n xxvi_o he_o prescribe_v a_o form_n of_o prayer_n which_o he_o command_v the_o people_n to_o use_v and_o the_o xxij_o psalm_n be_v a_o prayer_n which_o the_o people_n be_v command_v to_o sing_v or_o say_v every_o morning_n so_o be_v several_a of_o the_o other_o psalm_n form_n of_o prayer_n as_o lxxxvi_o xc_o cij_o etc._n etc._n see_v origen_n cint_n cell_n l._n 4._o p._n 178._o and_o here_o observe_v that_o the_o dissenter_n will_v allow_v these_o psalm_n to_o be_v prayer_n and_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v sing_v to_o god_n yet_o they_o will_v not_o allow_v that_o a_o man_n shall_v pray_v sing_v for_o say_v they_o when_o they_o be_v sing_v they_o be_v not_o prayer_n see_v now_o what_o a_o absurdity_n they_o will_v run_v into_o rather_o than_o forsake_v their_o own_o opinion_n for_o here_o they_o affirm_v that_o a_o man_n may_v say_v the_o word_n of_o prayer_n to_o god_n devout_o and_o yet_o not_o pray_v second_o christ_n himself_o use_v a_o form_n of_o prayer_n though_o doubtless_o he_o have_v a_o power_n of_o pray_v extempore_o much_o beyond_o what_o our_o dissenter_n or_o any_o that_o ever_o be_v on_o earth_n can_v pretend_v to_o when_o he_o be_v in_o the_o garden_n a_o little_a before_o his_o suffer_v he_o pray_v twice_o or_o thrice_o in_o the_o same_o word_n matth._n xxvi_o 44._o mark_v fourteen_o 39_o and_o that_o too_o at_o a_o time_n when_o he_o be_v in_o so_o great_a extremity_n and_o sorrow_n that_o he_o sweat_v drop_n of_o blood_n and_o at_o such_o a_o time_n one_o usual_o pray_v after_o the_o most_o prevail_a and_o fervent_a manner_n and_o to_o assure_v we_o that_o our_o saviour_n think_v form_n of_o prayer_n very_o necessary_a to_o help_v our_o infirmity_n we_o have_v not_o only_o his_o example_n but_o his_o precept_n for_o it_o too_o for_o our_o saviour_n teach_v his_o disciple_n a_o form_n of_o prayer_n matth._n vi_fw-la 9_o and_o bid_v they_o use_v it_o and_o the_o occasion_n of_o our_o saviour_n give_v his_o disciple_n this_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v to_o obviate_v the_o inconvenience_n which_o he_o see_v do_v usual_o attend_v extempore_o prayer_n to_o wit_n the_o use_v vain_a repetition_n etc._n etc._n which_o he_o tell_v they_o be_v not_o please_v to_o god_n and_o therefore_o he_o first_o bid_v they_o beware_v of_o that_o and_o then_o immediate_o after_o he_o give_v they_o a_o short_a and_o perfect_a form_n of_o prayer_n as_o the_o best_a way_n to_o prevent_v that_o evil_n whether_o our_o dissenter_n have_v not_o as_o much_o reason_n to_o use_v form_n of_o prayer_n for_o that_o very_a reason_n as_o christ_n disciple_n have_v let_v the_o world_n judge_v that_o hear_v their_o tedious_a extempore_o prayer_n fill_v with_o as_o many_o vain_a repetition_n and_o bald_a and_o sometime_o senseless_a expression_n as_o any_o of_o they_o but_o say_v the_o dissenter_n when_o our_o saviour_n teach_v his_o disciple_n to_o pray_v he_o do_v not_o design_n that_o they_o shall_v use_v any_o certain_a form_n of_o prayer_n for_o he_o bid_v they_o luke_n 11._o 2._o when_o you_o pray_v say_v thus_o and_o thus_o be_v a_o adverb_n of_o similitude_n do_v show_v that_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o intend_v they_o shall_v use_v the_o same_o word_n but_o some_o other_o such_o like_a to_o this_o i_o answer_v in_o the_o 3d._n chap._n of_o exod._n v._o 14_o 15._o the_o lord_n say_v unto_o moses_n thus_o shall_v thou_o say_v to_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n eheie_n have_v send_v i_o unto_o you_o and_o again_o the_o god_n of_o your_o father_n the_o god_n of_o abraham_n the_o god_n of_o isaac_n and_o the_o god_n of_o jacob_n have_v send_v i_o unto_o you_o here_o moses_n by_o this_o rule_n must_v not_o say_v these_o word_n not_o eheie_n have_v send_v i_o unto_o you_o not_o the_o god_n of_o abraham_n the_o god_n of_o isaac_n and_o the_o god_n of_o jacob_n have_v send_v i_o unto_o you_o but_o the_o like_a and_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n the_o scripture_n be_v not_o the_o very_a word_n of_o god_n but_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n for_o all_o along_o when_o the_o prophet_n say_v thus_o say_v the_o lord_n they_o do_v not_o tell_v the_o very_a word_n of_o god_n but_o the_o like_a from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o we_o have_v scripture_n on_o our_o side_n both_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n for_o use_v prescribe_v form_n of_o prayer_n we_o will_v in_o the_o next_o place_n inquire_v what_o authority_n we_o have_v for_o it_o in_o the_o first_o and_o pure_a age_n of_o the_o church_n first_o then_o that_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v use_v in_o the_o church_n in_o the_o first_o century_n i_o gather_v from_o ignatius_n who_o be_v bishop_n of_o antioch_n anno_fw-la dom._n 99_o in_o his_o epist_n to_o those_o at_o magnesia_n he_o bid_v they_o do_v nothing_o without_o the_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n nor_o to_o make_v trial_n of_o thing_n agreeable_a to_o their_o own_o private_a fancy_n p._n 34._o and_o socrates_n in_o his_o history_n l._n 6._o c._n 8._o say_v that_o ignatius_n first_o bring_v the_o usage_n of_o sing_v alternate_o as_o we_o use_v in_o our_o choir_n into_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n photius_n affirm_v the_o same_o of_o he_o and_o theodoret_n say_v hist_o lib._n 2._o c._n 24._o that_o this_o custom_n of_o sing_v alternate_o begin_v at_o antioch_n and_o be_v soon_o receive_v all_o the_o world_n over_o in_o the_o second_o century_n tertull._n de_fw-fr orat._n c._n 1._o and_o c._n 9_o tell_v we_o they_o use_v form_n of_o prayer_n then_o in_o the_o african_a church_n he_o call_v the_o lord_n prayer_n the_o lawful_a and_o ordinary_a prayer_n and_o that_o the_o christian_n daily_o repeat_v that_o very_a form_n and_o he_o show_v they_o sing_v hymn_n etc._n etc._n then_o in_o the_o church_n alternate_o as_o we_o do_v now_o tertull._n ad_fw-la vxor_fw-la l._n 2._o p._n 172._o and_o calvin_n in_o his_o instit_fw-la l._n 4._o c._n 1._o affirm_v the_o same_o that_o the_o christian_n do_v use_v to_o repeat_v the_o lord_n prayer_n daily_o and_o that_o they_o do_v it_o by_o christ_n command_n how_o will_v our_o dissenter_n reconcile_v this_o to_o their_o seldom_o or_o never_o use_v of_o it_o even_o on_o the_o lord_n day_n every_o young_a preacher_n yea_o and_o every_o perhaps_o drunken_a cobbler_n prefer_v their_o own_o rash_a and_o indeliberate_a prayer_n before_o it_o in_o the_o three_o century_n st._n cyprian_n who_o live_v then_o affirm_v the_o same_o that_o the_o lord_n prayer_n be_v use_v daily_o for_o say_v he_o the_o father_n will_v know_v the_o word_n of_o his_o own_o son_n see_v cypr._n de_fw-fr orat._n dom._n p._n 309._o and_o the_o same_o cyprian_a in_o his_o ep._n 8._o ad_fw-la cler._n &_o pleb_n p._n 24._o say_v christ_n command_v we_o to_o pray_v for_o all_o man_n in_o a_o common_a prayer_n wherein_o all_o agree_v it_o appear_v also_o that_o the_o priest_n and_o people_n pray_v by_o way_n of_o response_n as_o when_o the_o priest_n say_v lift_v up_o your_o heart_n the_o people_n answer_v we_o lift_v they_o up_o unto_o the_o lord_n see_v cypr._n de_fw-fr orat._n dom._n §_o 22._o see_v more_o for_o this_o interchangable_a way_n of_o pray_v between_o priest_n and_o people_n b._n bill_n of_o christian_a subjection_n part_v 4._o p._n 435._o in_o the_o same_o century_n origen_n say_v they_o who_o serve_v god_n through_o jesus_n in_o the_o christian_a way_n use_v frequent_o night_n and_o day_n the_o enjoined_a prayer_n see_v orig._n in_o
who_o endeavour_v to_o inform_v they_o but_o instead_o of_o this_o they_o fly_v out_o into_o rage_n and_o violent_a passion_n against_o those_o who_o offer_v to_o remove_v their_o scruple_n and_o for_o their_o kindness_n return_v most_o reproachful_a bitter_a language_n both_o on_o the_o person_n though_o never_o so_o eminent_a and_o the_o thing_n though_o never_o so_o sacred_a which_o be_v visible_a in_o all_o their_o book_n of_o controversy_n and_o even_o in_o common_a discourse_n how_o difficult_a be_v it_o to_o obtain_v from_o the_o zeal_n of_o many_o of_o our_o dissenter_n so_o much_o truce_n as_o to_o hear_v what_o one_o can_v say_v to_o they_o with_o patience_n and_o civility_n they_o tell_v we_o in_o plain_a term_n we_o may_v spare_v our_o breath_n and_o not_o pretend_v to_o teach_v they_o they_o understand_v their_o duty_n better_o than_o we_o do_v they_o be_v satisfy_v in_o their_o own_o mind_n that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o right_n and_o will_v not_o be_v wheedle_v out_o of_o their_o opinion_n by_o all_o that_o we_o can_v say_v this_o be_v truth_n mr._n baxter_n himself_o have_v own_a as_o much_o in_o his_o answer_n to_o dr._n stillingfleet_n p._n 81._o where_o he_o affirm_v in_o his_o own_o name_n and_o the_o name_n of_o his_o people_n that_o he_o who_o think_v that_o his_o own_o or_o other_o reason_v will_v ever_o change_v all_o the_o true_o honest_a christian_n in_o the_o land_n know_v so_o little_a of_o matter_n or_o of_o man_n or_o of_o conscience_n as_o that_o he_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o be_v a_o bishop_n or_o a_o priest_n what_o will_v they_o say_v now_o to_o this_o will_v their_o scruple_n of_o conscience_n excuse_v their_o separation_n and_o disobedience_n when_o it_o be_v evident_a they_o will_v not_o use_v the_o proper_a mean_n to_o satisfy_v their_o conscience_n nay_o far_o when_o they_o declare_v it_o be_v needless_a to_o go_v about_o to_o remove_v their_o scruple_n for_o they_o be_v resolve_v beforehand_o they_o will_v not_o be_v convince_v let_v no_o man_n say_v so_o for_o shame_n it_o be_v against_o common_a reason_n and_o the_o opinion_n of_o all_o learned_a man_n and_o even_o of_o mr._n baxter_n himself_o but_o we_o will_v suppose_v for_o once_o that_o every_o particular_a dissenter_n have_v do_v his_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o satisfy_v his_o conscience_n and_o that_o after_o all_o they_o can_v conquer_v their_o scruple_n what_o then_o must_v they_o therefore_o proceed_v to_o separation_n no_o this_o be_v never_o allow_v by_o christ_n nor_o his_o apostle_n nor_o by_o any_o christian_a church_n since_o their_o time_n not_o even_o by_o our_o dissenter_n themselves_o heretofore_o our_o saviour_n himself_o do_v not_o separate_v from_o the_o jewish_a church_n though_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n amiss_o in_o it_o nor_o advise_v other_o to_o do_v so_o say_v vine_n a_o nonconformist_a in_o his_o book_n on_o the_o sacrament_n pag._n 39_o in_o the_o apostle_n day_n we_o find_v there_o be_v some_o who_o scruple_v some_o thing_n that_o be_v enjoin_v but_o notwithstanding_o the_o difference_n of_o man_n judgement_n and_o their_o pretend_a scruple_n of_o conscience_n the_o apostle_n do_v prescribe_v rule_n of_o uniformity_n and_o allow_v none_o to_o separate_a from_o the_o church_n and_o frequent_a meeting_n of_o their_o own_o set_n up_o because_o they_o can_v not_o conquer_v their_o scruple_n and_o this_o very_a argument_n do_v the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n at_o westminster_n anno_fw-la dom._n 1648._o use_n against_o their_o dissent_v brethren_n the_o independent_o who_o plead_v for_o separation_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o conscience_n as_o the_o dissenter_n do_v now_o see_v paper_n for_o accommodation_n pag._n 111._o and_o when_o the_o independent_o tell_v they_o they_o can_v not_o satisfy_v their_o conscience_n so_o as_o to_o conform_v to_o their_o church_n government_n and_o therefore_o beg_v that_o they_o may_v be_v allow_v separate_a congregation_n the_o assembly_n positive_o refuse_v it_o and_o urge_v they_o to_o conform_v to_o their_o way_n of_o worship_n etc._n etc._n and_o charge_v they_o with_o schism_n if_o they_o do_v not_o for_o say_v they_o to_o desire_v separate_a congregation_n as_o to_o those_o part_n of_o worship_n where_o they_o own_o they_o can_v join_v with_o we_o be_v very_o unreasonable_a for_o tenderness_n of_o conscience_n may_v justify_v non-communion_n in_o the_o thing_n scruple_v but_o it_o can_v justify_v a_o separation_n see_v the_o paper_n for_o accommodation_n pag._n 20_o 21_o 22_o 51_o etc._n etc._n for_o if_o it_o shall_v say_v they_o it_o than_o will_v make_v way_n for_o infinite_a division_n and_o sub-division_n and_o give_v countenance_n to_o perpetual_a schism_n in_o the_o church_n ib._n p._n 68_o 73_o etc._n etc._n and_o then_o the_o assembly_n justify_v themselves_o in_o so_o do_v by_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n for_o they_o tell_v they_o they_o desire_v no_o more_o of_o they_o hereby_o than_o what_o they_o be_v confident_a be_v practise_v by_o the_o saint_n at_o philippi_n namely_o to_o hold_v practical_a communion_n in_o thing_n wherein_o they_o doctrinal_o agree_v ib._n p._n 115._o so_o that_o if_o the_o judgement_n of_o their_o own_o brethren_n in_o a_o full_a assembly_n may_v be_v take_v upon_o the_o most_o weighty_a debate_n and_o serious_a deliberation_n their_o set_n up_o separate_a meeting_n and_o forsake_v the_o church_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o some_o scruple_n which_o they_o pretend_v they_o can_v conquer_v be_v sinful_a and_o schismatical_a and_o when_o the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n be_v press_v far_o by_o their_o dissent_v brethren_n they_o desire_v they_o to_o answer_v in_o this_o one_o thing_n whether_o some_o must_v be_v deny_v the_o liberty_n of_o their_o conscience_n in_o matter_n of_o practice_n or_o none_o if_o none_o than_o say_v they_o we_o must_v renounce_v our_o covenant_n and_o let_v in_o prelacy_n again_o and_o all_o other_o way_n if_o a_o denial_n of_o liberty_n to_o some_o may_v be_v just_a than_o uniformity_n may_v be_v settle_v notwithstanding_o man_n different_a judgement_n or_o pretence_n of_o conscience_n paper_n for_o accommodation_n pag._n 116._o agreeable_a hereto_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o independent_o themselves_o where_o they_o have_v the_o power_n as_o in_o new-england_n no_o separation_n be_v there_o allow_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o scruple_n of_o conscience_n as_o appear_v by_o their_o book_n of_o statute_n which_o they_o have_v late_o print_v and_o by_o their_o tell_n mr._n williams_n a_o famous_a minister_n among_o they_o that_o if_o nothing_o will_v serve_v he_o but_o separation_n because_o he_o can_v not_o conquer_v his_o scruple_n the_o world_n be_v wide_a enough_o and_o so_o away_o they_o banish_v they_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o winter_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v it_o appear_v that_o though_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n amiss_o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o our_o dissenter_n can_v not_o satisfy_v their_o conscience_n about_o yet_o this_o will_v not_o justify_v separation_n from_o the_o church_n though_o perhaps_o it_o may_v after_o due_a pain_n take_v to_o inform_v themselves_o aright_o concern_v they_o justify_v their_o non-communion_n in_o the_o thing_n scruple_v now_o i_o will_v show_v that_o there_o be_v real_o no_o cause_n to_o forsake_v the_o church_n of_o england_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o conscience_n and_o that_o all_o those_o who_o do_v forsake_v the_o church_n and_o frequent_v separate_a meeting_n be_v condemn_v for_o schismatic_n by_o the_o most_o eminent_a divine_n of_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n beyond_o sea_n and_o by_o mr._n baxter_n dr._n owen_n mr._n gifford_n corbet_n and_o many_o other_o of_o the_o nonconformist_n themselves_o heretofore_o for_o first_o they_o all_o agree_v that_o no_o man_n be_v oblige_v in_o conscience_n to_o separate_v from_o any_o church_n that_o be_v sound_a in_o doctrine_n and_o have_v the_o sacrament_n right_o and_o due_o administer_v the_o scripture_n allow_v separation_n only_o in_o these_o three_o case_n first_o in_o case_n of_o idolatrous_a worship_n second_o in_o case_n of_o false_a doctrine_n impose_v instead_o of_o true_a and_o three_o in_o case_n thing_n indifferent_a be_v make_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n but_o where_o these_o three_o be_v want_v nothing_o will_v justify_v separation_n see_v canon_n nicen._n 6_o 15_o 16._o constant_n c._n 6._o chalced._n 17_o 20_o 26._o antioch_n c._n 2_o 5._o cod._n eccles_n afr._n c._n 53_o 55._o conc._n gangrae_n c._n 6._o conc._n carth._n c._n 10_o 11._o cod._n can._n eccles_n vniv_n can._n 65._o all_o these_o canon_n and_o many_o more_o do_v condemn_v separation_n from_o a_o church_n that_o be_v sound_a in_o doctrine_n and_o have_v the_o sacrament_n right_o and_o due_o administer_v so_o do_v calvin_n in_o his_o inst_z lib._n 4._o c._n 1._o numb_a 9_o where_o he_o say_v that_o great_a allowance_n ought_v to_o be_v make_v to_o such_o