the_o point_n of_o church-unity_n and_o schism_n discuss_v by_o a_o nonconformist_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o church-division_n in_o england_n london_n print_v for_o thomas_n parkhurst_n at_o the_o bible_n and_o three_o crown_n at_o the_o low_a end_n of_o cheapside_n 1679._o the_o content_n chap._n i._n of_o the_o church_n and_o its_o polity_n what_o the_o church_n be_v both_o in_o its_o invisible_a and_o visible_a state_n the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n the_o state_n of_o particular_a church_n and_o their_o pastor_n elder_n or_o bishop_n of_o the_o partition_n of_o church_n by_o local_a bound_n of_o the_o interest_n of_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n in_o any_o assign_a circuit_n of_o ground_n of_o the_o association_n or_o combination_n of_o church_n of_o a_o national_a church_n of_o the_o interest_n of_o civil_a magistrate_n in_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n of_o a_o diocese_n and_o a_o diocesan_n bishop_n of_o exercise_v the_o ministry_n without_o subordination_n to_o a_o diocesan_n bishop_n no_o human_a power_n may_v prejudice_v christ_n interest_n in_o his_o minister_n or_o people_n all_o have_v a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n about_o their_o own_o act_n chap._n ii_o of_o true_a church-unity_n the_o name_n of_o unity_n and_o schism_n shall_v be_v right_o apply_v true_a church-unity_n be_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n what_o be_v include_v therein_o true_a unity_n be_v primary_o of_o the_o church_n in_o its_o mystical_a secondary_o in_o its_o visible_a state_n holy_a love_n be_v the_o life_n and_o soul_n of_o this_o unity_n church-unity_n consider_v in_o three_o point_n 1._o in_o the_o essential_o and_o all_o weighty_a matter_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o life_n 2._o in_o the_o essential_o and_o integral_n of_o church-state_n 3._o in_o the_o accidental_n of_o religion_n the_o different_a value_n of_o these_o different_a point_n of_o unity_n the_o rule_n of_o unity_n be_v god_n word_n of_o the_o scripture_n sufficiency_n as_o a_o rule_n thereof_o of_o thing_n leave_v to_o human_a determination_n with_o the_o pastor_n and_o magistrate_n interest_n therein_o the_o ruler_n wisdom_n in_o settle_v the_o right_a bound_n of_o unity_n the_o burden_n of_o thing_n unnecessary_a not_o to_o be_v lay_v on_o the_o church_n unity_n of_o external_a order_n be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o faith_n and_o holiness_n chap._n iii_o of_o schism_n true_o so_o call_v schism_n be_v the_o violation_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n separation_n and_o schism_n be_v not_o of_o equal_a extent_n the_o violation_n of_o holy_a love_n be_v the_o root_n of_o schism_n schism_n lie_v primary_o in_o a_o breach_n make_v upon_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n as_o mystical_a and_o secondary_o as_o visible_a the_o high_a point_n of_o schism_n against_o the_o church_n as_o visible_a be_v that_o which_o be_v about_o the_o essential_o and_o weighty_a matter_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o life_n how_o both_o person_n and_o church_n may_v be_v guilty_a of_o it_o the_o next_o point_n of_o schism_n be_v about_o the_o essential_o and_o integral_n of_o church_n state_n this_o may_v be_v either_o against_o the_o catholic_n or_o a_o particular_a church_n instance_n of_o both_o kind_n the_o low_a point_n of_o schism_n be_v about_o the_o accidental_n of_o religion_n how_o any_o be_v guilty_a or_o not_o guilty_a in_o this_o point_n a_o preposterous_a valuation_n make_v of_o the_o aforesaid_a different_a point_n tend_v to_o schism_n the_o set_n of_o other_o bound_n of_o unity_n than_o god_n word_n allow_v be_v to_o make_v a_o breach_n upon_o it_o term_n of_o unity_n may_v be_v allow_v of_o god_n as_o to_o the_o submitter_n when_o they_o be_v not_o allow_v as_o to_o the_o imposer_n the_o danger_n of_o act_v against_o conscience_n rational_o doubt_v it_o be_v a_o false_a unity_n that_o be_v set_v up_o to_o the_o hindrance_n of_o faith_n and_o holiness_n and_o not_o to_o adhere_v to_o it_o be_v no_o schism_n but_o duty_n instance_n hereof_o of_o the_o right_n of_o draw_v together_o into_o new_a congregation_n on_o such_o occasion_n what_o endeavour_n of_o reformation_n be_v unlawful_a to_o subject_n a_o difference_n between_o inimical_a separation_n and_o amicable_a necessary_a segregation_n the_o object_v inconvenience_n against_o the_o amicable_a segregation_n answer_v the_o import_n of_o the_o text_n rom._n 16._o 17._o open_v chap._n iu._n of_o the_o schism_n that_o be_v in_o the_o more_o ancient_a time_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o different_a case_n of_o the_o nonconformist_n in_o these_o time_n of_o the_o donatist_n of_o the_o novatian_o whether_o the_o case_n of_o the_o present_a nonconformist_n be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o case_n of_o these_o or_o any_o other_o ancient_o repute_v schismatic_n the_o case_n of_o such_o nonconformist_n as_o be_v more_o remote_a from_o accommodation_n with_o the_o establish_v order_n the_o case_n of_o such_o of_o they_o as_o be_v more_o dispose_v to_o accommodation_n a_o answer_n to_o objection_n against_o relax_v the_o term_n of_o conformity_n of_o diverse_a other_o remarkable_a schism_n in_o the_o ancient_a time_n and_o the_o nonconformist_n case_n different_a from_o they_o a_o appeal_n to_o antiquity_n and_o to_o our_o superior_n chap._n v._n of_o make_v a_o right_a estimate_n of_o the_o guilt_n of_o schism_n and_o something_o more_o of_o the_o right_a way_n to_o unity_n the_o great_a abuse_n of_o the_o name_n schism_n and_o the_o bad_a consequence_n thereof_o the_o degree_n of_o the_o schism_n to_o be_v due_o consider_v for_o make_v a_o equal_a judgement_n of_o the_o guilt_n thereof_o example_n of_o schismatical_a animosity_n in_o worthy_n of_o ancient_a time_n charity_n in_o censure_v thence_o infer_v true_a unity_n be_v found_v in_o true_a holiness_n and_o promote_v by_o impartiality_n and_o equity_n towards_o all_o real_a christian_n and_o by_o the_o due_a exercise_n of_o true_a church-discipline_n and_o by_o remove_v the_o snare_n of_o division_n and_o as_o by_o the_o equity_n and_o charity_n of_o superior_n so_o by_o the_o humility_n and_o due_a submission_n of_o inferior_n a_o question_n consider_v about_o the_o warrantableness_n of_o submission_n to_o thing_n not_o in_o themselves_o unlawful_a but_o inexpedient_a errata_fw-la pag._n 2._o lin_v 2._o r._n regeneration_n p._n 12._o l._n 8._o r._n without_o ib._n l._n 16._o r._n and_o in_o p._n 22._o l._n 6._o r._n due_a extent_n p._n 25._o l._n 14._o r._n account_n of_o accidental_a p._n 32._o l._n 16._o r._n injure_a christian_n as_o be_v p._n 33._o l._n 25._o r._n segregation_n p._n 42._o l._n 27._o r._n renounce_v p._n 47._o l._n 21._o r._n depose_v the_o point_n of_o church-unity_n and_o schism_n discuss_v chap._n i._n of_o the_o church_n and_o its_o polity_n the_o church_n be_v a_o spiritual_a commonwealth_n which_o according_a to_o its_o primary_n and_o invisible_a state_n be_v a_o society_n of_o regenerate_a person_n who_o be_v join_v to_o the_o lord_n christ_n their_o head_n and_o one_o to_o another_o as_o fellow_n member_n by_o a_o mystical_a union_n through_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o be_v justify_v sanctify_a and_o adopt_v to_o the_o inheritance_n of_o eternal_a life_n but_o according_a to_o its_o secondary_a and_o visible_a state_n it_o be_v a_o society_n of_o person_n profess_v christianity_n or_o regeration_n and_o external_o join_v to_o christ_n and_o to_o one_o another_o by_o the_o symbal_n of_o that_o profession_n and_o make_v partaker_n of_o the_o external_a privilege_n thereunto_o belong_v there_o be_v one_o catholic_n church_n which_o according_a to_o the_o invisible_a form_n be_v the_o whole_a company_n of_o true_a believer_n throughout_o the_o world_n and_o according_a to_o its_o visible_a form_n be_v the_o whole_a company_n of_o visible_a believer_n throughout_o the_o world_n or_o believer_n according_a to_o human_a judgement_n this_o church_n have_v one_o head_n and_o supreme_a lord_n even_o christ_n and_o one_o charter_n and_o system_n of_o law_n the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o member_n that_o be_v free_a denizen_n of_o the_o whole_a society_n and_o one_o form_n of_o admission_n or_o solemn_a initiation_n for_o its_o member_n and_o one_o kind_n of_o ministry_n and_o ecclesiastical_a power_n this_o church_n have_v not_o the_o power_n of_o its_o own_o fundamental_a constitution_n or_o of_o the_o law_n and_o officer_n and_o administration_n intrinsical_o belong_v to_o it_o but_o have_v receive_v all_o these_o from_o christ_n its_o head_n king_n and_o lawgiver_n and_o be_v limit_v by_o he_o in_o they_o all_o nevertheless_o it_o have_v according_a to_o the_o capacity_n of_o its_o act_n that_o be_v according_a to_o its_o several_a part_n a_o power_n of_o make_v secondary_a law_n or_o canon_n either_o to_o impress_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n upon_o its_o member_n or_o to_o regulate_v circumstantial_o and_o accidental_n in_o religion_n by_o determine_v thing_n necessary_a in_o genere_fw-la not_o determine_v of_o christ_n in_o specie_fw-la as_o the_o
scripture_n set_v forth_o one_o catholic_n church_n so_o also_o many_o particular_a church_n as_o so_o many_o political_a society_n distinct_a from_o each_o other_o yet_o all_o compact_a together_o as_o part_n of_o that_o one_o ample_a society_n the_o catholic_n church_n each_o of_o these_o particular_a church_n have_v their_o proper_a elder_n or_o elder_n pastor_n or_o pastor_n have_v authority_n of_o teach_v and_o rule_v they_o in_o christ_n name_n a_o ecclesiastical_a order_n of_o presbyter_n or_o elder_n that_o be_v not_o bishop_n be_v not_o find_v in_o holy_a scripture_n for_o all_o presbyter_n or_o elder_n be_v of_o a_o sacred_a order_n in_o the_o gospel_n church_n that_o be_v any_o where_o mention_v in_o scripture_n be_v therein_o set_v forth_o as_o bishop_n true_o and_o proper_o so_o call_v and_o be_v no_o where_o set_v forth_o as_o less_o than_o bishop_n these_o elder_n or_o bishop_n be_v personal_o to_o superintend_v all_o their_o flock_n and_o there_o be_v no_o grant_n from_o christ_n to_o discharge_v the_o same_o by_o delegate_n or_o substitute_n a_o distinction_n between_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n and_o a_o superiority_n of_o the_o former_a over_o the_o latter_a be_v after_o the_o scripture_n time_n ancient_o and_o general_o receive_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o a_o diversity_n of_o order_n or_o office_n essential_o different_a but_o of_o degree_n in_o the_o same_o office_n the_o essential_a nature_n whereof_o be_v in_o both_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o first_o age_n be_v a_o bishop_n not_o of_o a_o multitude_n of_o church_n but_o of_o one_o state_v ecclesiastical_a society_n or_o single_a church_n whereof_o he_o be_v a_o immediate_a pastor_n and_o he_o perform_v the_o work_n of_o a_o bishop_n or_o immediate_a pastor_n towards_o they_o all_o in_o his_o own_o person_n and_o not_o by_o delegate_n and_o substitute_n and_o he_o govern_v not_o alone_o but_o in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o presbyter_n of_o his_o church_n he_o be_v the_o precedent_n though_o several_a city_n in_o the_o same_o kingdom_n have_v their_o different_a municipal_a law_n and_o privilege_n according_a to_o the_o diversity_n of_o their_o charter_n yet_o particular_a church_n have_v no_o divine_a law_n and_o privilege_n diverse_a from_o each_o other_o but_o the_o same_o in_o common_a to_o they_o all_o because_o they_o have_v all_o the_o same_o charter_n in_o specie_fw-la from_o christ._n therefore_o each_o of_o they_o have_v the_o same_o power_n of_o government_n within_o themselves_o and_o the_o qualification_n requisite_a to_o make_v man_n member_n or_o minister_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n do_v according_a to_o christ_n law_n sufficient_o qualify_v they_o to_o be_v member_n or_o minister_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n to_o which_o they_o have_v a_o due_a and_o orderly_o call_v local_a presential_a communion_n in_o god_n ordinance_n be_v a_o main_a end_n of_o erect_v particular_a church_n they_o shall_v in_o all_o reason_n consist_v of_o person_n who_o by_o their_o cohabitation_n in_o a_o vicinity_n be_v capable_a of_o such_o communion_n and_o there_o may_v not_o be_v a_o great_a local_a distancâ—_n of_o the_o person_n than_o can_v stand_v with_o it_o a_o bishop_n church_n be_v ancient_o make_v up_o of_o the_o christian_n of_o a_o city_n or_o town_n and_o the_o adjacent_a village_n who_o may_v and_o do_v personal_o meet_v together_o both_o for_o worship_n and_o discipline_n all_o christian_n of_o the_o same_o local_a precinct_n be_v most_o convenient_o bring_v into_o one_o and_o the_o same_o state_v church_n that_o â—here_o may_v be_v the_o great_a union_n among_o they_o and_o that_o the_o occasion_n of_o straggle_a and_o run_v into_o several_a party_n may_v be_v avoid_v yet_o this_o local_a partâ—â—ion_n of_o church_n be_v not_o of_o absolute_a necessity_n aâ—d_v invariable_a but_o if_o there_o be_v some_o insuperable_a impediment_n thereof_o the_o partition_n must_v be_v make_v as_o the_o state_n of_o thing_n will_v admit_v no_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n can_v by_o divine_a right_n or_o warrant_v claim_v any_o assign_a circuit_n of_o ground_n as_o his_o propriety_n for_o ecclesiastical_a government_n as_o a_o prince_n claim_v certain_a territory_n as_o his_o propriety_n for_o civil_a government_n so_o that_o no_o other_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n may_v without_o his_o licence_n do_v the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n in_o any_o case_n whatsoever_o within_o that_o circuit_n it_o be_v not_o the_o conjunction_n of_o a_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n with_o the_o generality_n or_o the_o great_a number_n of_o the_o people_n that_o of_o itself_o declare_v the_o only_a rightful_a pastor_n or_o true_a church_n within_o this_o or_o that_o circuit_n for_o many_o cause_n may_v require_v and_o justify_v the_o be_v of_o other_o church_n therein_o see_v particular_a church_n be_v so_o many_o integral_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o each_o other_o help_v in_o thing_n that_o concern_v they_o joint_o and_o several_o and_o they_o have_v all_o a_o influence_n on_o each_o other_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n lead_v they_o to_o association_n or_o combination_n great_a and_o lesser_a according_a to_o their_o capacity_n and_o the_o orderly_a state_n that_o be_v requisite_a in_o all_o association_n do_v natural_o require_v some_o regular_a subordination_n in_o the_o several_a part_n thereof_o either_o in_o way_n of_o proper_a authority_n or_o of_o mutual_a agreement_n and_o the_o associate_v church_n and_o particular_a member_n therein_o be_v natural_o bind_v to_o maintain_v the_o orderly_a state_n of_o the_o whole_a association_n and_o to_o comply_v with_o the_o rule_n thereof_o when_o they_o be_v not_o repugnant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n a_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n and_o the_o people_n adhere_v to_o he_o be_v not_o declare_v to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a church_n and_o pastor_n within_o such_o a_o precinct_n by_o their_o conjunction_n with_o the_o large_a combination_n of_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n and_o their_o church_n for_o the_o great_a number_n of_o bishop_n may_v in_o such_o manner_n err_v in_o their_o constitution_n as_o to_o make_v right_o inform_v person_n uncapable_a of_o their_o combination_n a_o national_a church_n be_v not_o a_o particular_a church_n proper_o so_o call_v but_o a_o combination_n or_o coagmentation_n of_o particular_a church_n unite_v under_o one_o civil_a supreme_a either_o personal_a as_o in_o a_o monarchy_n or_o collective_a as_o in_o a_o republic_n and_o the_o true_a notion_n thereof_o lie_v not_o in_o any_o combination_n pure_o ecclesiastical_a and_o intrinsical_v but_o civil_a and_o extrinsical_a as_o of_o so_o many_o church_n that_o be_v collect_v under_o one_o that_o have_v the_o civil_a supremacy_n over_o they_o the_o national_a church_n of_o england_n true_o denote_v all_o the_o church_n in_o england_n unite_v under_o one_o supreme_a civil_a church-governour_n the_o king_n majesty_n civil_a magistrate_n as_o such_o be_v no_o constitutive_a part_n of_o the_o church_n the_o christian_a church_n stand_v for_o several_a century_n without_o the_o support_n of_o their_o authority_n but_o supreme_a magistrate_n have_v a_o civil_a supremacy_n in_o all_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n and_o a_o political_a extrinsical_a episcopacy_n over_o all_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n in_o their_o dominion_n and_o may_v compel_v they_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o punish_v they_o for_o negligence_n and_o maladministration_n and_o they_o may_v reform_v the_o church_n when_o they_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o reformation_n the_o possession_n of_o the_o tithe_n and_o temple_n do_v not_o of_o itself_o declare_v the_o true_a pastor_n and_o church_n nor_o do_v the_o privation_n thereof_o declare_v no_o pastor_n and_o no_o church_n for_o these_o be_v dispose_v of_o by_o the_o secular_a power_n which_o of_o itself_o can_v neither_o make_v nor_o make_v void_a a_o pastor_n or_o church_n a_o diocese_n be_v a_o collective_a body_n of_o many_o parish_n under_o the_o government_n of_o one_o diocesan_n if_o the_o several_a parish_n be_v so_o many_o particular_a church_n and_o if_o their_o proper_a and_o immediate_a presbyter_n be_v of_o the_o same_o order_n with_o those_o which_o in_o scripture_n be_v mention_v by_o that_o name_n and_o be_v no_o other_o than_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n then_o a_o diocese_n be_v not_o a_o particular_a church_n but_o a_o combination_n of_o church_n anâ—_n the_o diocesan_n be_v a_o bishop_n of_o bishop_n or_o governor_n over_o many_o church_n and_o their_o immediate_a bishop_n if_o the_o parish_n be_v not_o a_o knowledged_a to_o be_v church_n nor_o their_o presbyter_n to_o be_v realy_a bishop_n or_o pastor_n but_o the_o diocese_n be_v hold_v to_o be_v the_o low_a political_a church_n and_o the_o diocesan_n to_o be_v a_o bishop_n of_o the_o low_a rank_n and_o the_o sole_a bishop_n or_o pastor_n of_o all_o the_o include_v parish_n i_o confess_v i_o have_v no_o knowledge_n of_o the_o divine_a
right_n of_o such_o a_o church_n or_o bishop_n or_o of_o any_o precept_n or_o precedent_n thereof_o in_o scripture_n for_o every_o particular_a church_n mention_v in_o scripture_n be_v but_o one_o distinct_a state_v society_n have_v its_o own_o proper_a and_o immediate_a bishop_n or_o bishop_n elder_a or_o elder_n pastor_n or_o pastor_n who_o do_v personal_o and_o immediate_o superintend_v over_o the_o whole_a flock_n which_o ordinary_o hold_v either_o at_o once_o together_o or_o by_o turn_n personal_a present_a communion_n with_o each_o other_o in_o god_n worship_n but_o a_o diocese_n consist_v of_o several_a state_v society_n to_o wit_n the_o parish_n which_o be_v constitute_v several_o of_o a_o proper_a and_o immediate_a presbyter_n or_o elder_n have_v cure_n of_o soul_n and_o common_o call_v a_o rector_n and_o the_o people_n which_o be_v his_o proper_a and_o immediate_a charge_n or_o cure_v and_o the_o people_n of_o the_o diocese_n do_v not_o live_v under_o the_o personal_a and_o immediate_a oversight_n of_o their_o diocesan_n but_o under_o his_o delegate_n and_o substitute_n nor_o do_v they_o ordinary_o hold_v personal_n present_a communion_n with_o each_o other_o in_o god_n worship_n either_o at_o once_o together_o or_o by_o turn_n nevertheless_o which_o way_n soever_o a_o diocese_n be_v consider_v i_o have_v nothing_o to_o object_n against_o submission_n to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o diocesan_n as_o a_o ecclesiastical_a officer_n establish_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n under_o the_o king_n supremacy_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o office_n of_o presbyterate_a which_o according_a to_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o pastoral_a office_n that_o show_v it_o ought_v to_o be_v exercise_v no_o otherwise_o than_o in_o subordination_n to_o a_o diocesan_n bishop_n christ_n who_o be_v the_o author_n and_o only_o proper_a giver_n of_o all_o spiritual_a authority_n in_o the_o church_n have_v not_o so_o limit_v the_o say_a office_n and_o man_n can_v by_o any_o act_n of_o they_o enlarge_v or_o lessen_v it_o as_o to_o its_o nature_n or_o essential_a state_n or_o define_v it_o otherwise_o than_o it_o be_v state_v of_o christ_n in_o his_o word_n no_o power_n ecclesiastical_a or_o civil_a can_v discharge_v any_o minister_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o ministry_n in_o those_o circumstance_n wherein_o christ_n command_v he_o to_o exercise_v it_o nor_o any_o christian_n from_o those_o duty_n of_o religion_n to_o which_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n oblige_v they_o as_o the_o magistrate_n be_v to_o judge_v what_o law_n touch_v religion_n be_v fit_a for_o he_o to_o enact_v and_o execute_v so_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o use_v a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n about_o their_o own_o pastoral_n act_n and_o all_o christian_n be_v to_o do_v the_o same_o about_o their_o own_o act_n of_o church-communion_n the_o too_o common_a abuse_n of_o the_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n can_v abrogate_v the_o right_a use_n thereof_o it_o be_v so_o necessary_a that_o without_o it_o man_n can_v act_v as_o man_n nor_o offer_v to_o god_n a_o reasonable_a service_n chap._n ii_o of_o true_a church-unity_n when_o the_o name_n of_o unity_n and_o schism_n be_v by_o partiality_n and_o selfishness_n common_o and_o gross_o abuse_v and_o misapply_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n to_o which_o those_o name_n do_v of_o right_o belong_v aught_o to_o be_v diligent_o inquire_v into_o and_o clear_o and_o distinct_o lay_v open_a for_o a_o groundwork_n in_o this_o inquiry_n i_o fix_v upon_o two_o very_a note_a text_n of_o scripture_n the_o one_o be_v eph._n 4._o 3._o endeavour_v to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n the_o other_o be_v rom._n 16._o 17._o mark_v they_o that_o cause_n division_n and_o offence_n contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n that_o you_o have_v learn_v and_o avoid_v they_o the_o former_a guide_v we_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o true_a church-unity_n and_o the_o latter_a show_v we_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o schism_n by_o the_o former_a of_o these_o text_n all_o christian_n be_v oblige_v to_o maintain_v that_o spiritual_a unity_n which_o they_o have_v one_o with_o another_o under_o christ_n their_o head_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o all_o due_a act_n of_o holy_a communion_n in_o peace_n and_o concord_n several_a important_a thing_n be_v here_o to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o 1._o there_o be_v a_o spiritual_a unity_n between_o all_o christian_n in_o the_o form_n of_o one_o mystical_a body_n as_o there_o be_v a_o natural_a unity_n between_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o natural_a body_n the_o member_n be_v many_o be_v one_o body_n and_o member_n one_o of_o another_o 2._o this_o unity_n be_v under_o christ_n as_o the_o head_n of_o it_o what_o the_o head_n be_v to_o the_o natural_a body_n that_o be_v christ_n and_o much_o more_o to_o his_o mystical_a body_n the_o church_n 3._o this_o unity_n of_o christian_n one_o with_o another_o under_o christ_n be_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o therefore_o call_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n the_o head_n do_v seize_v upon_o and_o reside_v in_o all_o the_o faithful_a by_o which_o they_o become_v christ_n mystical_a body_n and_o be_v join_v one_o to_o another_o as_o fellow-member_n 4._o this_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n among_o christian_n be_v witness_v maintain_v and_o strengthen_v by_o their_o holy_a communion_n of_o love_n and_o peace_n one_o with_o another_o but_o be_v darken_v weaken_a and_o lessen_v by_o their_o uncharitable_a dissension_n hence_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o unity_n here_o commend_v be_v primary_o that_o of_o the_o church_n in_o its_o internal_a and_o invisible_a state_n or_o the_o union_n and_o communion_n of_o saint_n have_v in_o themselves_o the_o spirit_n and_o life_n and_o power_n of_o christianity_n it_o be_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n we_o be_v charge_v to_o keep_v in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n but_o concord_n in_o any_o external_a order_n with_o a_o vital_a union_n with_o christ_n and_o holy_a soul_n his_o live_a member_n be_v not_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v to_o partake_v of_o the_o same_o new_a nature_n and_o divine_a life_n secondary_o it_o be_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n in_o its_o external_a and_o visible_a state_n which_o be_v consequent_a and_o subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o internal_a and_o stand_v in_o the_o profession_n and_o appearance_n of_o it_o in_o the_o profess_a observation_n of_o the_o duty_n arise_v from_o it_o where_o there_o be_v not_o a_o credible_a profession_n of_o faith_n unfeigned_a and_o true_a holiness_n there_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o the_o external_a and_o visible_a unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n therefore_o a_o sensual_a earthly_a generation_n of_o man_n who_o be_v apparent_o lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o world_n and_o not_o by_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v of_o god_n have_v little_a cause_n to_o glory_n in_o their_o adhere_n to_o a_o external_a church_n order_n whatsoever_o it_o be_v holy_a love_n which_o be_v unself_v and_o impartial_a be_v the_o life_n and_o soul_n of_o this_o unity_n without_o which_o it_o be_v but_o a_o dead_a thing_n as_o the_o body_n without_o the_o soul_n be_v dead_a and_o this_o love_n be_v the_o bond_n of_o perfectness_n that_o cement_n that_o hold_v altogether_o in_o this_o mystical_a society_n for_o this_o be_v seat_v in_o the_o several_a member_n dispose_v they_o to_o look_v not_o to_o their_o own_o thing_n but_o also_o to_o the_o thing_n of_o other_o and_o not_o to_o the_o undue_a advancement_n of_o a_o party_n but_o to_o the_o common_a good_a of_o the_o whole_a body_n whosoever_o want_v this_o love_n have_v no_o vital_a union_n with_o christ_n and_o the_o church_n and_o no_o part_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n the_o church_n be_v much_o more_o ennoble_v strengthen_v and_o every_o way_n bless_v by_o the_o communion_n of_o holy_a love_n among_o all_o its_o live_a member_n or_o real_a christian_n than_o by_o a_o outside_n uniformity_n in_o the_o minute_n circumstance_n or_o accidental_a mode_n of_o religion_n by_o this_o love_n it_o be_v more_o beautiful_a and_o lovely_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o all_o intelligent_a beholder_n than_o by_o outward_a pomp_n and_o ornament_n or_o any_o worldly_a splendour_n the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n as_o visible_a whether_o catholic_n or_o particular_a may_v be_v consider_v in_o a_o threefold_a respect_n or_o in_o three_o very_a different_a point_n the_o first_o and_o chief_a point_n thereof_o be_v in_o the_o essential_o and_o all_o weighty_a matter_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o life_n the_o second_o and_o next_o in_o account_n be_v in_o the_o essential_o and_o integral_n of_o church_n state_n that_o be_v in_o the_o christian_a church-worship_n ministry_n and_o discipline_n consider_v as_o of_o christ_n institution_n and_o abstract_v from_o all_o thing_n
superad_v by_o man_n the_o three_o and_o low_a point_n be_v in_o those_o extrinsical_a and_o accidental_a form_n and_o order_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v necessary_a in_o genere_fw-la but_o leave_v in_o specie_fw-la to_o human_a determination_n of_o these_o several_a point_n of_o unity_n there_o be_v to_o be_v a_o different_a valuation_n according_a to_o their_o different_a value_n our_o first_o and_o chief_a regard_n be_v due_a to_o the_o first_o and_o chief_a point_n which_o respect_v christian_a faith_n and_o life_n the_o next_o regard_n be_v due_a to_o that_o which_o be_v next_o in_o value_n that_o which_o respect_v the_o very_a constitution_n or_o frame_n of_o a_o church_n and_o regard_n be_v to_o be_v have_v of_o that_o also_o which_o respect_v the_o accidental_n of_o religion_n yet_o in_o its_o due_a place_n and_o not_o before_o thing_n of_o great_a weight_n and_o worth_n thing_n be_v of_o a_o very_a different_a nature_n and_o importance_n to_o the_o church_n good_a estate_n and_o a_o great_a or_o lesser_a stress_n must_v be_v lay_v upon_o unity_n in_o they_o as_o the_o thing_n themselves_o be_v of_o great_a or_o lesser_a moment_n the_o rule_n or_o law_n of_o church_n unity_n be_v not_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o the_o will_n of_o god_n whosoever_o keep_v that_o unity_n which_o have_v god_n word_n for_o its_o rule_n keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o whosoever_o boast_v of_o a_o unity_n that_o be_v not_o square_v by_o this_o rule_n his_o boast_n be_v but_o vain_a a_o hypothesis_n that_o nothing_o in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n be_v lawful_a but_o what_o be_v express_o prescribe_v in_o scripture_n be_v by_o some_o false_o ascribe_v to_o a_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o earnest_o contend_v for_o the_o scripture_n sufficiency_n and_o perfection_n for_o the_o regulate_v of_o divine_a worship_n and_o the_o whole_a state_n of_o religion_n god_n in_o his_o word_n have_v prescribe_v all_o those_o part_n of_o his_o worship_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v perform_v to_o he_o he_o have_v likewise_o therein_o institute_v those_o officer_n that_o be_v to_o be_v the_o administrator_n of_o his_o public_a worship_n in_o church_n assembly_n and_o have_v define_v the_o authority_n and_o duty_n of_o those_o officer_n and_o all_o the_o essential_o and_o integral_n of_o church_n state_n as_o for_o the_o circumstantial_o and_o accidental_n belong_v to_o all_o the_o thing_n aforesaid_a he_o have_v lay_v down_o general_a rule_n for_o the_o regulation_n thereof_o the_o particular_n be_v both_o needless_a and_o impossible_a to_o be_v enumerate_v and_o define_v in_o this_o point_n god_n have_v declare_v his_o mind_n deut._n 4._o 2._o you_o shall_v not_o add_v unto_o the_o word_n which_o i_o command_v you_o neither_o shall_v you_o diminish_v aught_o from_o it_o deut._n 12._o 32._o what_o soever_o thing_n i_o command_v you_o observe_v to_o do_v it_o thou_o shall_v not_o add_v thereto_o nor_o diminish_v from_o it_o the_o prohibition_n be_v not_o mere_o of_o alter_v the_o rule_n god_n write_a word_n by_o addition_n or_o diminution_n but_o of_o do_v more_o or_o less_o than_o the_o rule_n require_v as_o the_o precept_n be_v not_o of_o preserve_v the_o rule_n but_o of_o observe_v what_o be_v command_v in_o it_o such_o human_a institution_n in_o divine_a worship_n as_o be_v in_o mere_a subserviency_n to_o divine_a institution_n for_o the_o necessary_a and_o convenient_a modify_n and_o order_v thereof_o be_v not_o proper_o addition_n to_o god_n commandment_n for_o they_o be_v of_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n end_n and_o use_v with_o the_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v command_v but_o of_o mere_a circumstantial_o and_o accidental_n belong_v to_o those_o thing_n and_o these_o circumstantial_o be_v in_o genere_fw-la necessary_a to_o the_o performance_n of_o divine_a institution_n and_o be_v general_o command_v in_o the_o word_n though_o not_o in_o particular_a but_o be_v to_o be_v determine_v in_o specie_fw-la by_o those_o to_o who_o the_o power_n of_o such_o determination_n belong_v they_o that_o assert_v and_o stand_v to_o this_o only_a rule_n provide_v best_a for_o the_o unity_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n for_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o reject_v whatsoever_o they_o find_v contrary_a to_o this_o rule_n they_o be_v more_o easy_o keep_v within_o the_o bound_n of_o acceptable_a worship_n and_o all_o warrantable_a obedience_n they_o lay_v the_o great_a weight_n on_o thing_n of_o the_o great_a worth_n and_o moment_n they_o careful_o regard_v all_o divine_a institution_n and_o whatsoever_o god_n have_v command_v and_o they_o maintain_v love_n and_o peace_n and_o mutual_a forbearance_n towards_o one_o another_o in_o the_o more_o inconsiderable_a diversity_n of_o opinion_n and_o practice_n those_o thing_n that_o be_v leave_v to_o human_a determination_n the_o pastor_n bishop_n or_o elder_n do_v ancient_o determine_v for_o their_o own_o particular_a church_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v very_o reasonable_a and_o natural_o convenient_a that_o they_o who_o be_v the_o administrator_n of_o divine_a institution_n and_o have_v the_o conduct_n of_o the_o people_n in_o divine_a worship_n and_o know_v best_a what_o be_v most_o expedient_a for_o their_o own_o society_n shall_v be_v entrust_v with_o the_o determination_n of_o necessary_a circumstance_n within_o their_o own_o sphere_n but_o forasmuch_o as_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n be_v entrust_v of_o god_n with_o the_o care_n of_o religion_n within_o his_o dominion_n and_o have_v a_o civil_a supremacy_n in_o eclesiastical_a affair_n and_o a_o great_a concern_v in_o the_o orderly_a management_n of_o public_a assembly_n he_o be_v authorize_v of_o god_n to_o oversee_v the_o determination_n and_o act_n of_o ecclesiastical_a person_n and_o may_v assume_v to_o himself_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a circumstantial_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n the_o church_n edification_n and_o the_o public_a peace_n keep_v within_o the_o general_n rule_v prescribe_v in_o god_n word_n for_o the_o maintain_n of_o church-unity_n that_o be_v according_a to_o god_n word_n it_o be_v the_o part_n of_o subject_n to_o submit_v to_o what_o their_o governor_n have_v determine_v so_o far_o as_o their_o submission_n be_v allowable_a by_o the_o say_a rule_n and_o it_o be_v the_o part_n of_o governor_n to_o consider_v well_o the_o warrantableness_n of_o their_o determination_n more_o especial_o their_o wisdom_n and_o care_n be_v much_o require_v in_o settle_v the_o right_a bound_n of_o unity_n in_o this_o regard_n the_o term_n of_o admission_n to_o the_o communion_n and_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n must_v be_v no_o other_o than_o what_o the_o declare_a will_n of_o god_n have_v make_v the_o term_n of_o those_o privilege_n and_o which_o will_v shut_v out_o none_o who_o god_n have_v qualify_v for_o and_o call_v to_o the_o same_o the_o set_n of_o other_o boundary_n beside_o the_o iniquity_n thereof_o will_v inevitable_o cause_v division_n the_o apostle_n elder_n and_o brethren_n assemble_v at_o jerusalem_n act_v 15._o 28._o writing_n to_o the_o blieve_a gentile_n declare_v it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o we_o to_o lay_v upon_o you_o no_o great_a burden_n than_o these_o necessary_a thing_n from_o which_o it_o be_v evident_o infer_v that_o the_o burden_n of_o thing_n unnecessary_a ought_v not_o to_o be_v lay_v on_o the_o church_n the_o thing_n enjoin_v by_o that_o assembly_n be_v antecedent_o to_o their_o decree_n either_o necessary_a in_o themselves_o or_o in_o their_o consequent_n according_a to_o the_o state_n of_o thing_n in_o those_o time_n and_o place_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v make_v the_o matter_n of_o a_o strict_a injunction_n especial_o a_o condition_n of_o church_n communion_n and_o privilege_n aught_o to_o have_v some_o kind_n of_o necessity_n in_o it_o antecedent_n to_o its_o imposition_n symbolical_a rite_n or_o ceremony_n institute_v by_o man_n to_o signify_v grace_n or_o duty_n be_v none_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v necessary_a in_o general_n be_v leave_v to_o human_a determination_n for_o this_o or_o that_o kind_n thereof_o they_o have_v no_o necessary_a subserviency_n to_o divine_a institution_n they_o be_v no_o part_n of_o that_o necessary_a decency_n and_o order_n in_o divine_a worship_n without_o which_o the_o service_n will_v be_v undecent_a and_o indeed_o they_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o be_v institute_v or_o rigid_o urge_v in_o any_o time_n or_o place_n whatsoever_o the_o be_v and_o well_o be_v of_o anâ—_n right_o constitute_v church_n of_o christ_n maâ—_n 〈◊〉_d without_o they_o st._n paul_n resolve_v upon_o the_o case_n of_o use_v or_o refuse_v of_o meat_n and_o the_o observance_n or_o nonobservance_n of_o day_n which_o god_n have_v neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v and_o of_o eat_v of_o those_o meat_n which_o have_v be_v offer_v in_o sacrifice_n to_o idol_n rom._n 14._o and_o 1_o cor._n 8._o that_o no_o man_n put_v a_o
into_o destructive_a error_n and_o practice_n wherefore_o the_o text_n be_v ill_o apply_v to_o the_o rigorous_a condemnation_n of_o honest_a and_o peaceable_a man_n that_o dissent_v only_o in_o some_o accidental_a or_o inferior_a point_n of_o religion_n for_o which_o the_o apostle_n forbid_v christian_n to_o despise_v or_o judge_v one_o â—nother_n yet_o not_o only_o false_a teacher_n but_o all_o schismatics_n be_v here_o condemn_v under_o this_o description_n viz._n those_o that_o cause_n division_n and_o offence_n and_o though_o they_o be_v not_o direct_a opâ—osers_n of_o sound_a doctrine_n yet_o be_v divider_n 〈◊〉_d disturber_n they_o practise_v contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n which_o teach_v unity_n â—ove_n and_o peace_n but_o still_o it_o must_v be_v observe_v â—â—at_o the_o reality_n of_o schism_n lie_v not_o in_o be_v divide_v or_o disorder_v but_o in_o cause_v the_o division_n or_o disturbance_n or_o in_o a_o voluntary_a violation_n of_o or_o depart_v from_o true_a church-unity_n they_o that_o cause_n division_n be_v not_o excuse_v from_o schism_n by_o the_o support_n of_o secular_a power_n nor_o be_v other_o convict_v of_o it_o mere_o by_o the_o want_n of_o that_o support_n the_o magistrate_n power_n in_o sacred_a thing_n be_v accumulative_a not_o destructive_a oâ—_n diminutive_a to_o the_o right_n of_o christ_n minister_n and_o people_n it_o take_v not_o from_o they_o any_o thing_n that_o christ_n have_v grant_v they_o but_o give_v they_o a_o better_a capacity_n to_o make_v use_n thereof_o chap._n iu._n of_o the_o schism_n that_o be_v in_o the_o morâ—_n ancient_a time_n of_o the_o church_n and_o thâ—_n different_a case_n of_o the_o nonconformistâ—_n in_o these_o time_n of_o those_o party_n which_o be_v ancient_o râ—upted_v schismatic_n as_o violate_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o not_o heretic_n as_o deny_v any_o fundamental_a point_n of_o the_o chrisâ—â—an_a faith_n the_o novatian_o and_o donatist_n be_v the_o chief_a note_n forasmuch_o as_o both_o theâ—_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o the_o great_a instance_n schism_n it_o may_v be_v requisite_a for_o i_o to_o consider_v the_o true_a state_n of_o their_o separation_n from_o the_o main_a body_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n pass_v by_o accidental_a matter_n and_o insist_v on_o the_o merit_n of_o their_o cause_n according_a to_o their_o main_a principle_n and_o practice_n as_o concern_v the_o donatist_n the_o breach_n make_v by_o they_o have_v this_o rise_n donatus_n with_o â—is_n complice_n vehement_o oppose_v cecilianus_n who_o have_v be_v choose_v bishop_n of_o carthage_n in_o design_n to_o thrust_v he_o out_o of_o his_o bishopric_n they_o accuse_v he_o of_o be_v ordain_v by_o one_o that_o have_v be_v a_o proditor_n and_o of_o have_v admit_v into_o ecclesiastical_a office_n one_o that_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o like_a fault_n this_o cause_n be_v by_o the_o emperor_n constantine_n appointment_n hear_v before_o several_a council_n and_o many_o judge_n the_o accuser_n still_o fail_v in_o their_o proof_n of_o the_o â—hings_n object_v cecilianus_n be_v acquit_v and_o confirm_v in_o his_o office_n the_o party_n of_o donatus_n fail_v in_o their_o design_n be_v carry_v in_o a_o boundless_a rage_n of_o opposition_n to_o a_o total_a and_o irreclaimable_a separation_n from_o all_o the_o church_n â—hat_n be_v not_o of_o their_o faction_n and_o become_v very_o numerous_a upon_o a_o pretence_n of_o shun_v â—he_v contagion_n of_o the_o wicked_a in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o sacrament_n their_o principle_n be_v that_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v no_o where_o â—o_o be_v find_v but_o among_o themselves_o in_o a_o corner_n of_o africa_n also_o that_o true_a baptism_n be_v not_o administer_v but_o in_o their_o sect._n likewise_o they_o proceed_v to_o great_a tumult_n and_o violence_n and_o rapine_n and_o a_o sort_n of_o they_o call_v circumcelliones_fw-la glory_v in_o a_o furious_a kind_n of_o martyrdom_n partly_o by_o force_v other_o to_o kill_v they_o and_o partly_o by_o kill_v themselves_o the_o novatian_o take_v their_o name_n and_o beginning_n from_o novatus_n a_o presbyter_n first_o at_o carthage_n afterward_o at_o rome_n who_o hold_v that_o they_o who_o lapse_v in_o time_n of_o persecution_n unto_o the_o deny_v of_o christ_n be_v not_o to_o be_v readmit_v unto_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n though_o they_o repent_v and_o submit_v to_o the_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n of_o penance_n he_o separated_z from_o the_o roman_a church_n and_o be_v make_v a_o bishop_n by_o bishop_n of_o his_o own_o judgement_n in_o opposition_n to_o cornelius_n bishop_n of_o rome_n cyprian_n give_v a_o very_a bad_a character_n of_o he_o aâ—_n a_o turbulent_a arrogant_a and_o avaritious_a person_n but_o of_o what_o spirit_n soever_o he_o be_v his_o judgement_n and_o canon_n be_v receive_v among_o many_o that_o be_v of_o strict_a life_n and_o he_o himself_o iâ—_n report_v to_o have_v suffer_v death_n in_o the_o persecution_n under_o valerian_n at_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a acesius_n bishop_n oâ—_n the_o novatian_o be_v ask_v by_o constantine_n whether_o he_o assent_v to_o the_o same_o faith_n witâ—_n the_o council_n and_o to_o the_o observation_n of_o easteâ—_n as_o be_v there_o dercee_v answer_v that_o he_o full_o assent_v to_o both_o then_o be_v again_o askeâ—_n by_o the_o emperor_n why_o he_o separate_v from_o thâ—_n communion_n he_o recite_v for_o himself_o thing_n do_v in_o the_o reign_n of_o decius_n and_o the_o exquisite_a observation_n of_o a_o certain_a severe_a canon_n that_o they_o who_o after_o baptism_n have_v fall_v into_o that_o kind_n of_o sin_n which_o the_o scripture_n call_v a_o sin_n unto_o death_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a mystery_n but_o to_o be_v exhort_v to_o repentance_n and_o to_o expect_v the_o hope_n of_o remission_n not_o from_o the_o priest_n but_o from_o god_n who_o have_v power_n to_o forgive_v by_o this_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o novatian_o do_v not_o deny_v the_o salvability_n of_o the_o lapse_v or_o other_o that_o have_v fall_v into_o a_o sin_n unto_o death_n but_o only_o refuse_v to_o admit_v they_o to_o sacerdotal_a absolution_n and_o church-communion_n and_o thus_o they_o make_v a_o very_a unwarrantable_a separation_n ground_v upon_o a_o unjust_a rigour_n of_o very_a bad_a consequence_n nevertheless_o their_o error_n be_v no_o other_o than_o what_o holy_a and_o good_a man_n may_v be_v ensnare_v â—n_n by_o the_o appearance_n of_o a_o great_a detestation_n of_o â—in_a and_o its_o tendency_n to_o prevent_v the_o lapse_n of_o christian_n into_o idolatry_n and_o to_o make_v they_o more_o resolve_v for_o martyrdom_n and_o by_o as_o credible_a history_n as_o any_o we_o have_v of_o the_o ancient_a time_n they_o be_v report_v to_o have_v have_v among_o they_o man_n eminent_o pious_a and_o some_o â—amous_a for_o miracle_n they_o unmovable_o adhere_v to_o the_o homousian_a faith_n and_o for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o it_o together_o with_o the_o orthodox_n suffer_v dreadful_a persecution_n they_o have_v some_o bishop_n remarkable_a for_o wisdom_n a_o godliness_n and_o such_o as_o be_v consult_v with_o by_o some_o of_o the_o chief_a of_o the_o catholic_n bishop_n and_o that_o with_o good_a success_n for_o support_v of_o the_o common_a faith_n against_o the_o arrian_n and_o such_o like_a heretic_n under_o a_o certain_a persecution_n wherein_o they_o be_v companion_n of_o the_o self_n same_o suffering_n it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o catholic_n and_o novatian_o have_v prayer_n together_o in_o the_o novation_n church_n and_o that_o in_o those_o timeâ—_n they_o be_v almost_o unite_v if_o the_o novation_n have_v not_o utter_o refuse_v that_o they_o may_v keep_v up_o their_o old_a institute_n yet_o they_o bear_v such_o good_a will_n one_o to_o another_o that_o they_o will_v die_v one_o for_o another_o these_o and_o many_o other_o thing_n of_o like_a nature_n be_v report_v of_o they_o by_o socrates_n who_o some_o indeed_o suspect_v to_o have_v be_v addict_v to_o they_o yet_o upon_o no_o other_o ground_n but_o because_o he_o give_v they_o their_o due_n upon_o evident_a proof_n and_o beside_o what_o he_o have_v report_v sosoman_n thus_o testify_v of_o they_o l._n 2._o c._n 30._o that_o when_o other_o sect_n expire_v the_o novatian_o because_o they_o have_v good_a man_n for_o the_o leader_n of_o their_o way_n and_o because_o they_o defend_v the_o same_o doctrine_n with_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v very_o numerous_a from_o the_o beginning_n and_o so_o continue_v and_o suffer_v not_o much_o damage_n by_o constantine_n law_n for_o suppress_v of_o sect_n and_o acesius_n their_o bishop_n be_v much_o favour_v by_o the_o emperor_n for_o the_o integrity_n of_o his_o life_n great_o advantage_v his_o church_n also_o l._n 4._o c._n 19_o he_o report_v the_o great_a amity_n that_o be_v between_o they_o and_o the_o catholic_n in_o a_o time_n of_o common_a persecution_n whether_o the_o case_n of_o the_o dissenter_n from_o the_o
uniformity_n now_o require_v be_v in_o point_n of_o schism_n of_o the_o same_o or_o like_a reason_n with_o the_o above_o mention_v or_o any_o other_o ancient_o repute_v schismatic_n be_v now_o to_o be_v consider_v and_o it_o be_v the_o case_n of_o those_o that_o dissent_v not_o in_o the_o substance_n of_o religion_n but_o only_o in_o thing_n pertain_v to_o the_o ecclesiastical_a polity_n or_o external_a order_n in_o the_o church_n that_o it_o here_o take_v into_o consideration_n of_o these_o some_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o necessity_n of_o their_o own_o church-order_n desire_v to_o remain_v as_o they_o be_v in_o their_o sever_a society_n yet_o they_o do_v not_o nullify_v the_o legal_a church_n or_o ministry_n or_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o word_n sacrament_n and_o prayer_n therein_o perform_v other_o be_v satisfy_v in_o the_o constitution_n of_o parochial_a church_n and_o in_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o establish_v form_n of_o worship_n will_v glad_o embrace_v a_o freedom_n of_o communicate_v and_o administer_a therein_o upon_o the_o removal_n of_o some_o bar_n that_o lie_v against_o they_o and_o which_o they_o think_v may_v well_o be_v remove_v thereupon_o they_o seek_v a_o accommodation_n and_o union_n by_o a_o sufficient_a comprehensiveness_n in_o the_o public_a constitution_n and_o withal_o a_o reasonable_a indulgence_n towards_o those_o brethren_n who_o for_o the_o straightness_n of_o their_o judgement_n can_v be_v comprehend_v neither_o party_n of_o the_o dissenter_n here_o describe_v can_v be_v charge_v with_o any_o thing_n like_o the_o donatistical_n fury_n before_o express_v if_o austin_n seek_v the_o suppression_n of_o that_o sect_n by_o the_o secular_a power_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o horrible_a outrage_n commit_v by_o they_o it_o can_v reasonable_o be_v urge_v for_o a_o precedent_n as_o it_o have_v be_v by_o some_o for_o the_o suppression_n of_o man_n sober_a and_o peaceable_a and_o sound_v in_o the_o main_a point_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o life_n nor_o can_v either_o party_n of_o we_o be_v charge_v with_o that_o intolerable_a presumption_n and_o arrogance_n of_o the_o donatist_n in_o confine_v the_o flock_n of_o christ_n to_o their_o own_o party_n or_o the_o disannul_n and_o utter_a denounce_v of_o all_o church_n beside_o their_o own_o nor_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o our_o dissatisfaction_n like_o they_o which_o begin_v in_o a_o quarrel_n against_o a_o particular_a bishop_n and_o be_v maintain_v by_o animosity_n against_o those_o that_o will_v not_o condemn_v he_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o another_o manner_n of_o account_n be_v to_o be_v give_v of_o our_o dissent_n if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o those_o dissenter_n who_o principle_n bind_v they_o up_o to_o persevere_v in_o their_o sever_a society_n seem_v in_o this_o respect_n to_o be_v as_o the_o novatian_o who_o will_v not_o admit_v a_o reunion_n with_o the_o other_o church_n it_o may_v be_v answer_v for_o they_o that_o reason_n have_v be_v offer_v in_o the_o forego_n part_n of_o this_o discourse_n for_o indulgence_n to_o conscientious_a people_n who_o be_v entangle_v by_o the_o narrowness_n of_o their_o principle_n touch_v church-order_n beside_o they_o do_v not_o stand_v off_o upon_o so_o harsh_a and_o rigorous_a a_o point_n as_o the_o novatian_o do_v viz._n the_o utter_a repel_v of_o the_o lapse_v though_o penitent_a from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o they_o have_v ordinary_o communion_n in_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n with_o congregation_n that_o be_v not_o of_o their_o church_n way_n and_o occasional_o in_o the_o sacrament_n with_o those_o congregation_n where_o they_o apprehend_v a_o care_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n nor_o may_v they_o be_v judge_v so_o irreconcilable_a to_o the_o establish_v order_n but_o that_o the_o holy_a life_n of_o those_o in_o the_o public_a ministry_n and_o their_o lively_a preach_v and_o a_o great_a care_n of_o true_a and_o real_a church-discipline_n may_v do_v much_o to_o their_o recovery_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n why_o may_v not_o these_o be_v upon_o as_o good_a term_n under_o the_o present_a government_n as_o the_o novatian_o be_v under_o the_o government_n of_o their_o time_n church_n history_n report_v that_o they_o be_v cruel_o persecute_v by_o the_o arrian_n emperor_n and_o bishop_n and_o that_o they_o have_v great_a indulgence_n under_o orthodox_n emperor_n and_o with_o many_o catholic_n bishop_n and_o patriarch_n who_o prudent_a and_o moderate_a government_n do_v best_a provide_v for_o the_o peace_n of_o their_o church_n but_o those_o orthodox_n bishop_n who_o take_v from_o they_o their_o church_n and_o estate_n be_v chief_o either_o such_o as_o take_v to_o themselves_o a_o secular_a power_n and_o rule_v imperious_o and_o with_o violence_n or_o such_o as_o with_o their_o zeal_n have_v more_o of_o wrath_n and_o rashness_n than_o of_o meekness_n and_o prudence_n this_o can_v be_v easy_o prove_v in_o the_o particular_a instance_n if_o need_n be_v but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o case_n of_o all_o nonconformist_n for_o part_v of_o they_o and_o upon_o good_a experiment_n make_v they_o may_v be_v find_v the_o great_a part_n do_v not_o seek_v to_o abide_v in_o a_o sever_a state_n but_o desire_v a_o union_n it_o be_v well_o know_v they_o be_v as_o sensible_a of_o the_o evil_a of_o schism_n and_o as_o studious_a of_o the_o church_n peace_n and_o concord_n as_o any_o other_o and_o though_o they_o have_v not_o the_o same_o latitude_n of_o judgement_n with_o other_o in_o some_o point_n yet_o they_o have_v a_o right_a catholic_n spirit_n to_o promote_v the_o common_a interest_n of_o religion_n and_o more_o especial_o the_o protestant_n reformation_n and_o dread_v the_o weaken_n and_o shatter_v of_o it_o by_o needless_a division_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o go_v as_o far_o as_o conscience_n will_v allow_v in_o compliance_n with_o the_o injunction_n of_o ruler_n but_o they_o be_v cast_v and_o keep_v out_o of_o the_o establish_v order_n by_o the_o injunction_n of_o some_o term_n which_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o present_a judgement_n they_o can_v not_o comply_v with_o but_o under_o the_o guilt_n of_o so_o great_a a_o sin_n as_o dissemble_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n touch_v church-government_n they_o admit_v the_o episcopacy_n that_o be_v of_o ancient_a ecclesiastical_a custom_n in_o the_o time_n of_o ignatius_n yea_o or_o of_o cyprian_a bishop_n usher_n model_n of_o government_n by_o bishop_n and_o archbishop_n with_o their_o presbyter_n be_v by_o some_o of_o they_o present_v to_o the_o king_n majesty_n for_o a_o groundwork_n of_o accommodation_n they_o acknowledge_v the_o king_n ecclesiastical_a supremacy_n according_a to_o the_o oath_n in_o that_o case_n require_v his_o majesty_n in_o his_o gracious_a declaration_n concern_v ecclesiastical_a affair_n give_v a_o testimony_n concern_v the_o minister_n that_o attend_v he_o in_o holland_n in_o these_o word_n viz._n to_o our_o great_a satisfaction_n and_o comfort_n we_o find_v they_o person_n full_a of_o affection_n to_o we_o and_o of_o zeal_n to_o the_o peace_n of_o church_n and_o state_n and_o neither_o enemy_n as_o they_o have_v be_v give_v out_o to_o be_v to_o episcopacy_n or_o liturgy_n but_o modest_o to_o desire_v such_o alteration_n in_o either_o as_o without_o shake_a foundation_n may_v best_o allay_v the_o present_a distemper_n they_o be_v ready_a to_o engage_v that_o they_o will_v not_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o endeavour_v any_o point_n of_o alteration_n in_o its_o government_n by_o rebellious_a sedition_n or_o any_o unlawful_a way_n those_o point_n of_o conformity_n wherein_o they_o be_v dissatisfy_v be_v but_o some_o accidental_n of_o religion_n and_o external_a mode_n and_o the_o declaration_n and_o subscription_n import_v a_o allowance_n of_o all_o and_o every_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o liturgy_n and_o they_o think_v that_o these_o point_n be_v not_o so_o necessary_a in_o themselves_o or_o in_o their_o consequent_n but_o they_o be_v very_o dispensable_a as_o the_o wisdom_n of_o governor_n shall_v see_v cause_n if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o if_o any_o thing_n shall_v be_v yield_v to_o they_o there_o will_v be_v no_o end_n of_o their_o crave_n that_o which_o i_o have_v to_o say_v be_v that_o reasonable_a man_n will_v be_v satisfy_v with_o reasonable_a concession_n and_o if_o subject_n know_v not_o what_o be_v fit_a for_o they_o to_o ask_v governor_n know_v what_o be_v fit_a for_o they_o to_o give_v by_o grant_v the_o desire_a relaxation_n the_o church_n will_v not_o as_o some_o allege_v be_v self-condemned_n as_o confess_v the_o unlawfulness_n of_o her_o injunction_n or_o as_o justify_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o dissenter_n for_o it_o can_v signify_v from_o she_o no_o more_o than_o either_o her_o indulgence_n to_o the_o weak_a or_o her_o moderation_n in_o thing_n less_o necessary_a and_o more_o controvert_v which_o will_v not_o turn_v to_o her_o reproach_n but_o to_o her_o great_a justification_n i_o have_v
such_o person_n have_v fall_v as_o be_v otherwise_o worthy_o esteem_v in_o the_o church_n cyril_n with_o the_o great_a number_n of_o bishop_n in_o the_o ephesine_fw-la council_n too_o rash_o depose_v john_n of_o antioch_n and_o his_o party_n of_o bishop_n upon_o a_o quarrel_n that_o arise_v between_o they_o and_o john_n with_o his_o adherent_n return_v to_o antioch_n do_v more_o rash_o depose_v cyril_n and_o his_o party_n and_o yet_o both_o party_n be_v orthodox_n and_o in_o the_o issue_n join_v in_o the_o condemnation_n of_o nestorius_n but_o the_o most_o remarkable_a instance_n in_o this_o kind_n be_v the_o disorderly_a and_o injurious_a proceed_n of_o so_o venerable_a a_o person_n as_o epiphanius_n against_o so_o worthy_a a_o person_n as_o chrysostom_n to_o which_o he_o be_v stir_v up_o by_o the_o instigation_n of_o that_o incendiary_n theophilus_n of_o alexandria_n the_o say_v epiphanius_n go_v to_o constantinople_n and_o in_o the_o church_n without_o the_o city_n hold_v a_o sacred_a communion_n and_o ordain_v a_o deacon_n and_o when_o he_o have_v enter_v the_o city_n in_o a_o public_a church_n he_o read_v the_o decree_n make_v by_o himself_o and_o some_o other_o in_o the_o condemnation_n of_o origen_n book_n and_o excommunicate_v dioscurus_n and_o his_o brethren_n call_v the_o long_a monk_n worthy_a and_o orthodox_n man_n persecute_v by_o the_o anthromorphites_n and_o all_o this_o he_o do_v without_o and_o against_o the_o consent_n of_o chrysostom_n the_o bishop_n of_o the_o place_n and_o in_o contempt_n of_o he_o i_o may_v further_a instance_n in_o the_o long_o continue_a division_n between_o paulinus_n and_o meletius_n with_o their_o party_n at_o antioch_n though_o both_o of_o they_o be_v of_o the_o nicene_n faith_n likewise_o in_o the_o long_o continue_a separation_n make_v from_o the_o church_n of_o constantinople_n by_o the_o follower_n of_o chrysostom_n after_o his_o banishment_n because_o they_o be_v exasperate_v by_o the_o injury_n do_v to_o their_o worthy_a patriarch_n these_o weakness_n in_o good_a man_n of_o old_a time_n i_o observe_v not_o to_o dishonour_v they_o but_o that_o we_o may_v be_v thereby_o warn_v to_o be_v more_o charitable_a and_o less_o censorious_a towards_o one_o another_o in_o case_n of_o the_o like_a weakness_n and_o disorder_n and_o to_o be_v solicitous_a to_o maintain_v peace_n and_o to_o prevent_v discord_n among_o all_o those_o that_o be_v unite_v in_o the_o substantial_o of_o christian_a faith_n and_o practice_n and_o for_o this_o end_n to_o be_v more_o careful_a in_o avoid_v unreasonable_a opposition_n unwarrantable_a imposition_n and_o all_o causeless_a exasperation_n true_a holiness_n be_v the_o basis_n of_o true_a unity_n for_o by_o it_o the_o faithful_a cleave_v to_o god_n and_o one_o to_o another_o in_o he_o and_o for_o he_o and_o be_v incline_v to_o receive_v one_o another_o on_o those_o term_n on_o which_o god_n have_v receive_v they_o all_o and_o by_o it_o they_o be_v turn_v from_o that_o divide_v selfishness_n which_o draw_v man_n into_o several_a or_o opposite_a way_n according_a to_o their_o several_a or_o opposite_a end_n let_v not_o a_o carnal_a worldly_a interest_n in_o a_o church_n state_n be_v set_v up_o against_o holiness_n and_o unity_n let_v the_o increase_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n visible_a be_v seek_v in_o order_n to_o the_o increase_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o mystical_a let_v no_o one_o party_n be_v lift_v up_o against_o the_o common_a peace_n of_o sound_a believer_n and_o let_v not_o any_o part_n of_o the_o legitimate_a child_n of_o christ_n family_n be_v eject_v or_o harass_v upon_o the_o instigation_n of_o other_o but_o let_v the_o steward_n in_o the_o family_n carry_v it_o equal_o and_o so_o gratify_v one_o part_n in_o their_o desire_a order_n that_o the_o other_o part_n be_v not_o oppress_v let_v not_o they_o be_v still_o vex_v who_o will_v be_v glad_a of_o tolerable_a term_n with_o their_o brethren_n in_o church-governor_n let_v the_o power_n of_o do_v good_a be_v enlarge_v and_o the_o power_n of_o do_v hurt_v restrain_v as_o much_o as_o will_v stand_v with_o the_o necessary_a end_n of_o government_n let_v the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n commend_v itself_o to_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n let_v the_o edge_n of_o it_o be_v turn_v the_o right_a way_n and_o its_o vigour_n be_v put_v forth_o not_o about_o little_a formality_n but_o the_o great_a and_o weighty_a matter_n of_o religion_n zeal_n in_o substantial_o and_o charitable_a forbearance_n in_o circumstantial_o be_v the_o way_n to_o gain_v upon_o the_o heart_n of_o those_o that_o understand_v the_o true_a end_n of_o church-government_n and_o what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v religious_a indeed_o let_v the_o occasion_n of_o stumble_v and_o snare_n of_o division_n be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o way_n and_o let_v controvert_v unnecessary_n be_v leave_v at_o liberty_n discord_n will_v be_v inevitable_a where_o the_o term_n of_o concord_n remain_v a_o difficulty_n insuperable_a the_o conscientious_a that_o be_v willing_a to_o bid_v high_a for_o peace_n can_v resign_v their_o conscience_n to_o the_o will_n of_o man_n and_o humility_n and_o soberness_n do_v not_o oblige_v they_o to_o act_v contrary_a to_o their_o own_o judgement_n out_o of_o reverence_n to_o their_o superior_n they_o can_v help_v themselves_o but_o their_o superior_n may_v it_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o antichrist_n that_o be_v fierce_a and_o violent_a but_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n be_v dovelike_o meek_a and_o harmless_a and_o that_o spirit_n incline_v to_o deal_v tender_o with_o the_o conscience_n of_o inferior_n tenderness_n of_o conscience_n be_v not_o to_o be_v despise_v or_o expose_v to_o scorn_n because_o some_o may_v false_o pretend_v to_o it_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n and_o saviour_n of_o the_o body_n be_v compassionate_a towards_o his_o member_n and_o he_o have_v say_v whoso_o shall_v offend_v one_o of_o these_o little_a one_o that_o believe_v in_o i_o it_o be_v better_o for_o he_o that_o a_o millstone_n be_v hang_v about_o his_o neck_n and_o that_o he_o be_v drown_v in_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o sea_n as_o the_o way_n of_o unity_n lie_v much_o in_o the_o wisdom_n equity_n and_o charity_n of_o superior_n so_o in_o the_o humility_n and_o due_a submission_n of_o inferior_n in_o their_o ready_a close_n with_o what_o be_v commendable_a in_o the_o public_a constitution_n in_o their_o bear_n with_o what_o be_v tolerable_a in_o make_v the_o best_a improvement_n of_o what_o be_v therein_o improvable_a for_o their_o own_o and_o other_o edification_n in_o a_o word_n in_o deny_v no_o compliance_n which_o piety_n towards_o god_n and_o charity_n towards_o man_n do_v not_o forbid_v matter_n of_o public_a injunction_n which_o inferior_n stick_v at_o may_v be_v consider_v by_o they_o either_o as_o in_o themselves_o unlawful_a or_o as_o inexpedient_a now_o it_o be_v not_o only_o or_o chief_o the_o inexpediency_n of_o thing_n command_v but_o the_o suppose_a unlawfulness_n of_o divers_a of_o those_o thing_n that_o the_o nonconformist_n general_o stick_v at_o whereof_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o render_v a_o particular_a account_n when_o it_o will_v be_v admit_v howbeit_o a_o question_n may_v arise_v about_o the_o warrantableness_n of_o submission_n to_o thing_n not_o in_o themselves_o unlawful_a but_o inexpedient_a especial_o in_o respect_n of_o scandal_n the_o solution_n whereof_o may_v be_v requisite_a for_o the_o clear_n of_o our_o way_n in_o such_o thing_n upon_o this_o question_n it_o may_v be_v note_v that_o in_o those_o case_n wherein_o there_o be_v no_o right_a of_o command_v there_o be_v no_o due_a of_o obedience_n nevertheless_o thing_n unwarrantable_o command_v be_v sometime_o warrantable_o observe_v though_o not_o in_o obedience_n yet_o in_o prudence_n as_o to_o procure_v peace_n and_o to_o show_v a_o readiness_n to_o all_o possible_a compliance_n with_o superior_n moreover_o ruler_n have_v no_o authority_n to_o command_v that_o which_o in_o itself_o be_v not_o unlawful_a when_o christian_a charity_n forbid_v to_o do_v it_o in_o the_o present_a circumstance_n by_o reason_n of_o evil_a consequent_n for_o all_o authority_n be_v give_v for_o edification_n and_o not_o for_o destruction_n likewise_o our_o christian_a liberty_n include_v no_o licence_n to_o do_v that_o act_n at_o the_o command_n of_o ruler_n the_o do_v of_o which_o in_o regard_n of_o circumstance_n be_v uncharitable_a but_o here_o it_o must_v be_v consider_v how_o far_o the_o law_n of_o charity_n do_v extend_v in_o this_o case_n and_o when_o it_o do_v or_o do_v not_o forbid_v my_o observance_n of_o what_o the_o ruler_n have_v unwarrantable_o because_o uncharitable_o command_v true_a charity_n do_v not_o whole_o destroy_v christian_n liberty_n though_o it_o regulate_v the_o use_n thereof_o and_o it_o do_v not_o extend_v it_o so_o far_o one_o way_n as_o to_o destroy_v itself_o another_o way_n if_o i_o be_o bind_v up_o from_o do_v every_o indifferent_a thing_n at_o