it_o in_o the_o church_n ascribe_v a_o alike_a dignity_n and_o power_n unto_o the_o prelate_n of_o those_o city_n and_o a_o jurisdiction_n extend_v itself_o unto_o nation_n diocese_n and_o province_n hereby_o the_o lesser_a congregation_n or_o parochial_a church_n be_v weaken_v in_o process_n of_o time_n in_o their_o gift_n and_o interest_n be_v swallow_v up_o in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o other_o and_o become_v only_o inconsiderable_a appendix_n unto_o they_o to_o be_v rule_v at_o their_o pleasure_n but_o these_o thing_n fall_v out_o long_o after_o the_o time_n which_o we_o inquire_v into_o only_o their_o occasion_n begin_v to_o present_v itself_o unto_o man_n of_o corrupt_a mind_n from_o the_o beginning_n but_o we_o have_v before_o at_o large_a discourse_v of_o they_o 4._o some_o church_n have_v a_o great_a advantage_n in_o that_o the_o gospel_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v go_v forth_o from_o they_o unto_o other_o they_o in_o their_o ministry_n be_v the_o mean_v first_o of_o the_o conversion_n of_o other_o unto_o the_o faith_n and_o then_o of_o their_o gather_n into_o a_o church-state_n afford_v they_o assistance_n in_o all_o thing_n they_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o hence_o there_o new_o form_v church_n in_o lesser_a town_n and_o village_n have_v always_o a_o great_a reverence_n for_o the_o church_n by_o who_o mean_n they_o be_v convert_v unto_o god_n and_o state_v in_o church_n order_n and_o it_o be_v meet_v that_o so_o they_o shall_v have_v but_o in_o process_n of_o time_n as_o these_o lesser_a church_n decrease_v in_o spiritual_a gift_n and_o fall_v under_o a_o scarcity_n of_o able_a guide_n this_o reverence_n be_v turn_v into_o obedience_n and_o dependence_n and_o they_o think_v it_o well_o enough_o to_o be_v under_o the_o rule_n of_o other_o be_v unable_a well_o to_o rule_v themselves_o on_o these_o and_o the_o like_a account_n there_o be_v quick_o introduce_v a_o inequality_n among_o church_n which_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o first_o institution_n be_v equal_a as_o unto_o state_n and_o power_n 4._o church_n may_v admit_v of_o many_o variation_n as_o unto_o their_o outward_a form_n and_o order_n which_o yet_o change_v not_o their_o state_n nor_o cause_v they_o to_o cease_v from_o be_v congregational_a as_o 1._o suppose_v that_o any_o of_o they_o may_v have_v many_o elder_n or_o presbyter_n in_o they_o as_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o most_o of_o they_o have_v yea_o all_o that_o be_v mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n have_v so_o act._n 11.30_o chap._n 14.23_o chap._n 15.6_o 22_o 23._o chap._n 16.4_o chap._n 20.17_o 18._o chap._n 21.18_o phil._n 1.1.1_o tim._n 5.17_o tit._n 1.5_o they_o may_v and_o some_o of_o they_o do_v choose_v out_o some_o one_o endue_v with_o especial_a gift_n that_o may_v in_o some_o sort_n preside_v among_o they_o and_o who_o have_v quick_o the_o name_n of_o bishop_n appropriate_v unto_o he_o this_o practice_n be_v think_v to_o have_v have_v its_o original_a at_o alexandria_n and_o begin_v general_o to_o be_v receive_v in_o the_o 3_o century_n but_o this_o change_v not_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n though_o it_o have_v no_o divine_a warrant_n to_o authorise_v it_o for_o this_o order_n may_v be_v agree_v unto_o among_o the_o elder_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n and_o sundry_a thing_n may_v fall_v out_o incline_v unto_o the_o reception_n of_o it_o but_o from_o a_o distinct_a mention_n if_o any_o such_o there_o be_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o second_o century_n of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n to_o fancy_n metropolitical_n and_o diocesan_n church_n be_v but_o a_o pleasant_a dream_n 2._o the_o member_n of_o these_o church_n that_o be_v great_a and_o numerous_a be_v under_o the_o care_n and_o inspection_n of_o their_o elder_n in_o common_a may_v for_o the_o ordinary_a duty_n of_o divine_a worship_n meâ—t_n in_o part_n or_o several_a actual_a assembly_n and_o they_o do_v so_o especial_o in_o time_n of_o persecution_n nothing_o occur_v more_o frequent_o in_o ecclesiastical_a story_n than_o the_o meeting_n of_o christian_n in_o secret_a place_n in_o private_a house_n yea_o in_o cave_n and_o den_n of_o the_o earth_n when_o in_o some_o place_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v so_o assemble_v together_o how_o this_o disposition_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n into_o several_a part_n in_o each_o of_o which_o some_o elder_a or_o elder_n of_o it_o do_v officiate_v give_v occasion_n unto_o the_o distinction_n of_o great_a church_n into_o particular_a title_n or_o parish_n be_v not_o here_o to_o be_v declare_v it_o may_v be_v so_o elsewhere_o but_o neither_o yet_o do_v this_o alter_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n from_o their_o original_a institution_n for_o 3._o upon_o all_o extraordinary_a occasion_n all_o such_o as_o concern_v the_o whole_a church_n as_o the_o choice_n of_o elder_n or_o the_o deposition_n of_o they_o the_o admission_n or_o exclusion_n of_o member_n and_o the_o like_a the_o whole_a church_n continue_v to_o meet_v together_o which_o practice_n be_v plain_o continue_v in_o the_o day_n of_o cyprian_a as_o we_o shall_v see_v afterward_o neither_o do_v it_o appear_v but_o that_o during_o the_o first_o 200_o year_n of_o the_o church_n the_o whole_a body_n oâ—_n the_o church_n do_v ordinary_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n for_o the_o solemn_a administration_n of_o the_o holy_a ordinance_n of_o worship_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n wherefore_o notwithstanding_o these_o and_o other_o the_o like_a variation_n from_o the_o original_a institution_n of_o church_n which_o come_v in_o partly_o by_o inadvertency_n unto_o the_o rule_n and_o partly_o be_v receive_v from_o the_o advantage_n and_o accommodation_n which_o they_o pretend_v unto_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n continue_v congregational_a only_o for_o 200_o year_n so_o far_o as_o can_v be_v gather_v from_o the_o remain_a monument_n of_o those_o time_n only_o we_o must_v yet_o add_v that_o we_o be_v no_o way_n concern_v in_o testimony_n or_o say_n take_v from_o the_o write_n of_o those_o in_o follow_v age_n as_o unto_o the_o state_n way_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o season_n but_o do_v appeal_n unto_o their_o own_o write_n only_o this_o be_v the_o great_a artifice_n whereby_o baronius_n in_o his_o annal_n will_v impose_v upon_o the_o credulity_n of_o man_n a_o apprehension_n of_o the_o antiquity_n of_o any_o of_o their_o roman_a invention_n he_o affix_v they_o unto_o some_o of_o the_o first_o age_n and_o give_v some_o countenance_n unto_o they_o it_o may_v be_v from_o some_o spurious_a write_n lay_v the_o weight_n of_o confirmation_n on_o testimony_n and_o say_n of_o writer_n many_o year_n yea_o for_o the_o most_o part_n age_n afterward_o for_o it_o be_v and_o be_v of_o the_o latter_a age_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o use_n and_o custom_n have_v wrest_v ecclesiastical_a word_n to_o other_o signification_n than_o at_o first_o they_o be_v apply_v unto_o to_o impose_v the_o present_a state_n of_o thing_n among_o they_o on_o these_o who_o go_v before_o who_o know_v nothing_o of_o they_o i_o shall_v therefore_o brief_o inquire_v into_o what_o representation_n be_v make_v of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n by_o the_o writer_n themselves_o who_o have_v in_o the_o season_n inquire_v after_o or_o in_o the_o age_n next_o unto_o it_o which_o be_v acquaint_v with_o their_o practice_n that_o which_o first_o offer_v itself_o unto_o we_o and_o which_o be_v a_o invaluable_a testimony_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o first_o church_n immediate_o after_o the_o decease_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v the_o epistle_n of_o clemens_n romanus_n unto_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n this_o epistle_n according_a to_o the_o title_n of_o it_o irenaeus_n ascribe_v unto_o the_o whole_a church_n at_o rome_n and_o call_v it_o potentissimas_fw-la literas_fw-la sub_fw-la hoc_fw-la clement_n dissensione_n non_fw-la modica_fw-la inter_fw-la â—os_v qui_fw-la corinthi_n erant_fw-la fratres_fw-la facta_fw-la scripsit_fw-la quae_fw-la est_fw-la romae_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la potentissimas_fw-la literas_fw-la lib._n 3._o cap._n 3._o by_o eusebius_n it_o be_v term_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d great_a and_o admirable_a who_o also_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v public_o read_v in_o some_o church_n ecclesiast_n hist._n lib._n 3._o cap._n 14._o and_o again_o he_o call_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o most_o powerful_a writing_n lib._n 5._o cap._n 7._o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o some_o thing_n in_o the_o write_n of_o it_o do_v befall_v he_o humanitû_n that_o the_o work_n of_o such_o a_o companion_n of_o some_o of_o the_o apostle_n as_o he_o be_v may_v not_o be_v receive_v as_o of_o divine_a institution_n such_o be_v the_o credit_n which_o he_o give_v unto_o the_o vulgar_a fable_n of_o the_o phoenix_n but_o for_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o it_o be_v such_o as_o every_o way_n become_v a_o
be_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o the_o apostle_n appoint_v only_o particular_a congregation_n and_o that_o therefore_o they_o do_v not_o oblige_v the_o christian_n about_o in_o a_o province_n or_o diocese_n to_o be_v of_o that_o church_n which_o be_v first_o erect_v in_o any_o town_n or_o city_n but_o they_o found_v new_a church_n with_o new_a officer_n of_o their_o own_o in_o all_o place_n where_o there_o be_v a_o sufficient_a number_n of_o believer_n to_o make_v up_o such_o a_o church_n and_o this_o i_o prove_v from_o the_o instance_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v first_o plant_v but_o quick_o after_o there_o be_v church_n gather_v and_o settle_v in_o judea_n gallilee_n and_o samaria_n they_o plant_v church_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o city_n and_o village_n as_o clemens_n speak_v but_o what_o say_v he_o be_v this_o to_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o congregational_a way_n this_o it_o be_v namely_o that_o the_o church_n institute_v by_o the_o apostle_n be_v all_o of_o they_o congregational_a not_o diocesan_n provincial_a or_o national_a but_o say_v he_o the_o thing_n i_o desire_v be_v that_o when_o the_o christian_n in_o one_o city_n multiply_v into_o more_o congregation_n they_o will_v prove_v that_o they_o do_v make_v new_a and_o distinct_a church_n he_o may_v desire_v it_o of_o they_o who_o grant_v that_o the_o christian_n do_v multiply_v in_o one_o city_n into_o more_o congregation_n than_o one_o which_o i_o deny_v until_o the_o end_n of_o the_o second_o century_n although_o they_o may_v and_o do_v occasional_o meet_v especial_o in_o time_n of_o persecution_n in_o distinct_a assembly_n neither_o will_v their_o multiplication_n into_o more_o congregation_n without_o distinct_a officer_n at_o all_o help_n the_o cause_n he_o plead_v for_o for_o his_o diocesan_n church_n consist_v of_o many_o distinct_a church_n with_o their_o distinct_a officer_n order_n and_o power_n as_o he_o afterward_o describe_v our_o parish_n to_o do_v under_o one_o bishop_n yet_o such_o be_v his_o apprehension_n of_o the_o justice_n of_o his_o cause_n that_o what_o have_v be_v plead_v twenty_o time_n against_o it_o namely_o that_o speak_v of_o one_o city_n the_o scripture_n still_o call_v it_o the_o church_n of_o that_o place_n but_o speak_v of_o a_o province_n as_o judea_n galilee_n samaria_n galatia_n macedonia_n it_o speak_v of_o the_o church_n of_o they_o which_o evident_o prove_v that_o it_o know_v nothing_o of_o a_o diocesan_n provincial_a or_o national_a church_n he_o produce_v in_o the_o justification_n of_o it_o because_o he_o say_v that_o it_o be_v evident_a theâ—ne_n that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o church_n in_o one_o city_n which_o be_v never_o deny_v there_o be_v indeed_o then_o many_o bishop_n in_o one_o church_n phil._n 1.1_o act_n 20.28_o and_o afterward_o when_o one_o church_n have_v one_o bishop_n only_o yet_o there_o be_v two_o bishop_n in_o one_o city_n which_o require_v two_o church_n as_o epiphanus_n affirm_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d haeres_fw-la 68_o s._n 6._o for_o alexandria_n never_o have_v two_o bishop_n as_o other_o city_n have_v whether_o he_o intend_v two_o bishop_n in_o one_o church_n or_o two_o church_n in_o one_o city_n all_o be_v one_o to_o our_o purpose_n but_o the_o dr._n i_o presume_v make_v this_o observation_n rather_o artificial_o to_o prevent_v a_o objection_n against_o his_o main_a hypothesis_n then_o with_o any_o design_n to_o strengthen_v it_o thereby_o for_o he_o can_v but_o know_v how_o frequent_o it_o be_v plead_v in_o opposition_n unto_o any_o national_a church_n state_n as_o unto_o its_o mention_n in_o the_o scripture_n for_o he_o that_o shall_v speak_v of_o the_o church_n in_o essex_n suffolk_z hartfordshire_n and_o so_o of_o other_o county_n without_o the_o least_o intimation_n of_o any_o general_a church_n unto_o which_o they_o shall_v belong_v will_v be_v judge_v to_o speak_v rather_o the_o independent_a than_o the_o episcopal_a dialect_n but_o say_v he_o p._n 236._o i_o can_v but_o wonder_v what_o dr._n o._n mean_n when_o after_o he_o have_v produce_v the_o evidence_n of_o distinct_a church_n in_o the_o same_o province_n he_o call_v this_o plain_a scripture_n evidence_n and_o practice_n for_o the_o erect_v particular_a distinct_a congregation_n who_o deny_v that_o i_o say_v then_o it_o be_v incumbent_n on_o he_o to_o prove_v if_o he_o do_v any_o thing_n in_o this_o cause_n that_o they_o erect_v church_n of_o another_o sort_n kind_a and_o order_n also_o but_o say_v he_o i_o see_v nothing_o like_o a_o proof_n of_o distinct_a church_n in_o the_o same_o city_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v prove_v but_o because_o it_o can_v not_o be_v prove_v be_v prudent_o let_v alone_o but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o thing_n to_o be_v prove_v nor_o do_v i_o propose_v it_o to_o confirmation_n nor_o assert_v it_o but_o have_v prove_v the_o contrary_a unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o second_o century_n this_o only_a i_o assert_v that_o every_o church_n in_o one_o city_n be_v only_o one_o church_n and_o nothing_o be_v offer_v by_o the_o doctor_n to_o the_o contrary_a yea_o he_o affirm_v the_o same_o but_o say_v he_o sect_n 6._o p._n 237._o dr._n o._n say_v that_o the_o christian_n of_o one_o city_n may_v not_o exceed_v the_o bound_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n or_o congregation_n no_o although_o they_o have_v a_o multiplication_n of_o bishop_n or_o elder_n in_o they_o and_o occasional_a distinct_a assembly_n for_o some_o act_n of_o divine_a worship_n but_o then_o say_v he_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o church_n be_v not_o limit_v in_o the_o scripture_n to_o a_o single_a congregation_n why_o so_o for_o say_v he_o if_o occasional_a assembly_n be_v allow_v for_o some_o act_n of_o worship_n why_o not_o for_o other_o i_o say_v because_o they_o belong_v unto_o the_o whole_a church_n or_o be_v act_n of_o communion_n in_o the_o whole_a church_n assemble_v and_o so_o can_v be_v observe_v in_o occasional_a meeting_n do_v this_o say_v the_o apostle_n when_o you_o come_v together_o in_o one_o place_n and_o if_o say_v he_o the_o number_n of_o elder_n be_v unlimited_a than_o every_o of_o those_o may_v attend_v the_o occasional_a distinct_a assembly_n for_o worship_n and_o yet_o altogether_o make_v up_o the_o body_n of_o one_o church_n and_o so_o say_v i_o they_o may_v and_o yet_o be_v one_o church_n still_o join_v together_o in_o all_o act_n of_o communion_n that_o be_v proper_a and_o peculiar_a unto_o the_o church_n for_o as_o the_o meeting_n intend_v be_v occasional_a so_o also_o be_v the_o attendance_n of_o the_o elder_n unto_o they_o as_o they_o find_v occasion_n for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n it_o may_v be_v the_o dr._n be_v not_o so_o well_o acquaint_v with_o the_o principle_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o congregational_a way_n and_o therefore_o think_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v contrary_a unto_o they_o but_o those_o of_o that_o way_n do_v maintain_v that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o every_o particular_a congregation_n unto_o the_o compleatness_n of_o it_o many_o elder_n or_o overseer_n that_o the_o number_n of_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v increase_v as_o the_o increase_n of_o the_o church_n make_v it_o necessary_a for_o their_o edification_n that_o the_o member_n of_o such_o a_o church_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o meet_v occasional_o in_o distinct_a assembly_n especial_o in_o the_o time_n of_o persecution_n for_o prayer_n preach_v of_o the_o word_n and_o mutual_a exhortation_n so_o when_o peter_n be_v in_o prison_n after_o the_o death_n of_o james_n many_o meet_v together_o in_o the_o house_n of_o mary_n to_o pray_o act_v 12.12_o which_o be_v not_o a_o meeting_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o that_o there_o be_v such_o private_a meeting_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n in_o time_n of_o persecution_n among_o the_o primitive_a church_n may_v be_v prove_v by_o a_o multiplication_n of_o instance_n but_o still_o they_o continue_v one_o church_n and_o join_v together_o in_o all_o act_n of_o church_n communion_n proper_o so_o call_v especial_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a every_o lordsday_n as_o justin_n martyr_n declare_v that_o the_o church_n do_v in_o his_o time_n for_o all_o the_o christian_n say_v he_o then_o in_o the_o city_n and_o village_n about_o gather_v together_o in_o one_o place_n for_o the_o end_v mention_v but_o still_o these_o distinct_a occasional_a assembly_n do_v not_o constitute_v any_o distinct_a society_n or_o corporation_n as_o the_o distinct_a company_n do_v in_o a_o city_n but_o say_v he_o grant_v one_o single_a bishop_n over_o all_o these_o elder_n and_o they_o make_v up_o that_o representation_n of_o a_o church_n which_o we_o have_v from_o the_o best_a and_o pure_a antiquity_n i_o say_v we_o will_v quick_o grant_v it_o can_v we_o see_v any_o warrant_n for_o it_o or_o if_o he_o can_v prove_v that_o so_o it_o be_v
3._o this_o therefore_o be_v that_o which_o he_o oppose_v namely_o that_o there_o be_v a_o deviation_n in_o various_a degree_n and_o fall_v of_o from_o the_o original_a institution_n order_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n until_o it_o issue_v in_o a_o fatal_a apostasy_n this_o be_v that_o which_o on_o the_o present_a occasion_n must_v be_v further_o speak_v unto_o for_o if_o this_o be_v not_o true_a i_o confess_v there_o be_v a_o end_n of_o this_o contest_v and_o we_o must_v all_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o state_n rule_n and_o order_n that_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n before_o the_o reformation_n but_o we_o may_v observe_v something_o yet_o far_a in_o the_o vindication_n and_o confirmation_n of_o this_o truth_n which_o i_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o that_o we_o plead_v for_o in_o point_n of_o church_n reformation_n as_o 1._o that_o the_o reason_n and_o arguing_n of_o the_o doctor_n in_o this_o matter_n the_o necessity_n of_o his_o cause_n compel_v he_o thereunto_o be_v the_o same_o with_o those_o of_o the_o papist_n about_o the_o apostasy_n of_o their_o church_n in_o faith_n order_n and_o worship_n wherewith_o they_o be_v charge_v namely_o when_o where_o how_o be_v this_o alteration_n make_v who_o make_v opposition_n unto_o it_o and_o the_o like_a when_o these_o inquiry_n be_v multiply_v by_o the_o papist_n as_o unto_o the_o whole_a cause_n between_o they_o and_o we_o he_o know_v well_o enough_o how_o to_o give_v satisfactory_a answer_n unto_o they_o and_o so_o may_v do_v in_o this_o particular_a unto_o himself_o also_o but_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o ease_v he_o of_o that_o trouble_n at_o present_a only_o i_o must_v say_v that_o it_o be_v fall_v out_o somewhat_o unexpected_o that_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o principle_n bulwark_n of_o the_o papacy_n which_o have_v be_v effectual_o demolish_v by_o the_o write_n of_o protestant_n of_o all_o sort_n shall_v be_v endeavour_v to_o be_v repair_v by_o a_o person_n just_o make_v eminent_a by_o his_o defence_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n against_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n 2._o but_o it_o may_v be_v plead_v that_o although_o the_o church_n follow_v the_o first_o age_n do_v insensible_o degenerate_a from_o the_o purity_n and_o simplicity_n of_o gospel_n faith_n and_o worship_n yet_o they_o neither_o do_v nor_o can_v do_v so_o from_o a_o adherence_n unto_o and_o abide_v in_o their_o original_a constitution_n or_o from_o the_o due_a observation_n of_o church_n order_n rule_n and_o discipline_n lest_o of_o all_o can_v this_o happen_v in_o the_o case_n of_o diocesan_n episcopacy_n i_o answer_v 1._o that_o as_o unto_o the_o original_a of_o any_o thing_n that_o look_v like_o diocesan_n episcopacy_n or_o the_o pastoral_n relation_n of_o one_o person_n of_o a_o distinct_a order_n from_o presbyter_n unto_o many_o particular_a complete_a church_n with_o officer_n of_o their_o own_o with_o power_n and_o jurisdiction_n in_o they_o and_o over_o they_o unto_o the_o abridgement_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o right_n and_o power_n unto_o their_o own_o edification_n which_o every_o true_a church_n be_v entrust_v withal_o by_o jesus_n christ_n it_o be_v very_o uncertain_a and_o be_v introduce_v by_o insensible_a degree_n according_a unto_o the_o effectual_a work_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n some_o say_v that_o there_o be_v two_o distinct_a order_n namely_o those_o of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n institute_v at_o first_o in_o all_o church_n plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n but_o as_o the_o contrary_n may_v be_v evident_o prove_v so_o a_o supposition_n of_o it_o will_v no_o way_n promote_v the_o cause_n of_o diocesan_n episcopacy_n until_o those_o who_o plead_v for_o it_o have_v demonstrate_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o they_o be_v place_v to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o those_o now_o call_v diocesan_n wherefore_o this_o hypothesis_n begin_v general_o to_o be_v desert_v as_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v by_o this_o author_n other_o suppose_v that_o immediate_o upon_o or_o at_o or_o after_o the_o decease_n of_o the_o apostle_n this_o new_a order_n of_o bishop_n be_v appoint_v to_o succeed_v the_o apostle_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v then_o gather_v or_o plant_v but_o how_o when_o or_o by_o who_o by_o what_o authority_n apostolical_a and_o divine_a or_o ecclesiastical_a only_a and_o humane_a none_o can_v declare_v see_v there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o footstep_n of_o any_o such_o thing_n either_o in_o the_o scripture_n or_o in_o the_o record_n that_o remain_v of_o the_o primitive_a church_n other_o think_v this_o new_a order_n of_o officer_n take_v its_o occasional_a rise_n from_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n at_o alexandria_n who_o choose_v out_o one_o among_o themselves_o constant_o to_o preside_v in_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o all_o matter_n of_o order_n unto_o who_o they_o ascribe_v some_o kind_n of_o pre-eminence_n and_o dignity_n peculiar_o appropriate_v unto_o he_o the_o namâ—_n of_o bishop_n and_o if_o this_o be_v true_a as_o unto_o matter_n of_o fact_n i_o reckon_v it_o unto_o the_o beginning_n of_o those_o less_o harmful_a deviation_n from_o their_o original_a constitution_n which_o i_o assign_v unto_o primitive_a church_n but_o many_o addition_n must_v be_v make_v hereunto_o before_o it_o will_v help_v the_o cause_n of_o diocesan_n episcopacy_n what_o other_o occasion_n hereof_o be_v give_v or_o take_v what_o advantage_n be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o promote_v this_o alteration_n shall_v be_v touch_v upon_o afterward_o 2._o why_o may_v not_o the_o church_n be_v suppose_v to_o have_v depart_v from_o their_o original_a constitution_n order_n and_o rule_n as_o well_o as_o from_o their_o first_o faith_n and_o worship_n which_o they_o do_v gradual_o in_o many_o successive_a age_n until_o both_o be_v utter_o corrupt_v the_o cause_n occasion_n and_o temptation_n lead_v unto_o the_o former_a be_v to_o the_o full_a as_o pregnant_a as_o those_o lead_n unto_o the_o latter_a for_o 1._o there_o be_v no_o vicious_a corrupt_a disposition_n of_o mind_n that_o begin_v more_o early_o to_o work_v in_o church_n officer_n nor_o do_v more_o grow_v and_o thrive_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o many_o than_o ambition_n with_o desire_n of_o pre-eminence_n dignity_n and_o rule_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v suppose_v that_o diotrephes_n be_v alone_o in_o his_o desire_n of_o pre-eminence_n nor_o in_o the_o irregular_a act_n of_o his_o undue_o assume_v authority_n however_o we_o have_v one_o signal_n instance_n in_o he_o of_o the_o deviation_n that_o be_v in_o the_o church_n with_o he_o from_o the_o rule_n of_o its_o original_a constitution_n for_o he_o prevail_v so_o far_o therein_o as_o by_o his_o own_o single_a episcopal_a power_n to_o reject_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o to_o cast_v they_o out_o of_o the_o church_n who_o comply_v not_o with_o his_o humour_n how_o effectual_o the_o same_o ambition_n wrought_v afterward_o in_o many_o other_o possess_v the_o same_o place_n in_o their_o church_n with_o diotrephes_n be_v sufficient_o evident_a in_o all_o ecclesiastical_a history_n it_o be_v far_o from_o be_v the_o only_a instance_n of_o the_o corruption_n of_o church_n order_n and_o rule_n by_o the_o influence_n of_o this_o ambition_n yet_o it_o be_v one_o that_o be_v pregnant_a which_o be_v give_v we_o by_o amâ—rose_n for_o say_v he_o ecclesia_fw-la ut_fw-la synagoga_fw-la seniores_fw-la habuâ—â—_fw-la quorum_fw-la sine_fw-la consilio_fw-la nihil_fw-la agebatur_fw-la in_o ecclesia_fw-la quod_fw-la qua_fw-la neglâ—gentia_fw-la obsoleverit_fw-la nescio_fw-la nisi_fw-la forte_fw-fr doctorum_fw-la desidia_fw-la aut_fw-la magis_fw-la superbia_fw-la dum_fw-la soli_fw-la volunt_fw-la aliquid_fw-la videri_fw-la in_o 1._o ad_fw-la timoth._n cap._n 5._o it_o seem_v there_o be_v some_o alteration_n in_o church_n rule_n and_o order_n in_o his_o time_n who_o beginning_n and_o progress_n he_o can_v not_o well_o discover_v and_o trace_v but_o know_v well_o enough_o that_o so_o it_o be_v then_o come_v to_o pass_v and_o if_o he_o who_o live_v so_o near_o the_o time_n wherein_o such_o alteration_n be_v make_v can_v not_o yet_o discover_v their_o first_o insinuation_n nor_o their_o subtle_a progress_n it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o exact_v a_o strict_a account_n of_o we_o in_o thing_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n who_o live_v so_o many_o age_n after_o their_o first_o introduction_n but_o this_o he_o judge_v that_o it_o be_v the_o pride_n or_o ambition_n of_o the_o doctor_n of_o the_o church_n which_o introduce_v that_o alteration_n in_o its_o order_n whereas_o therefore_o we_o see_v in_o the_o event_n that_o all_o deviation_n from_o the_o original_a constitution_n of_o church_n all_o alteration_n in_o their_o rule_n and_o order_n do_v issue_n in_o a_o compliance_n with_o the_o ambition_n of_o church_n ruler_n as_o it_o do_v in_o the_o papal_a church_n and_o this_o ambition_n be_v signal_o note_v
distribute_v the_o faithful_a at_o rome_n into_o distinct_a title_n or_o parish_n with_o distinct_a presbyter_n of_o their_o own_o for_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o in_o those_o day_n wherein_o persecution_n be_v at_o its_o height_n the_o meeting_n of_o believer_n be_v occasional_a with_o respect_n unto_o their_o security_n ofttimes_o by_o night_n sometime_o in_o cave_n under_o the_o earth_n or_o in_o desert_a burial_n place_n at_o best_a in_o private_a house_n and_o they_o have_v for_o what_o they_o do_v the_o example_n of_o the_o apostolical_a church_n act_v 1.13_o 14._o act_n 2.46_o chap._n 4.24_o 31._o chap._n 12.12_o chap._n 18.7_o chap._n 20.8_o chap._n 21.18_o instance_n of_o such_o meeting_n may_v be_v multiply_v especial_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o to_o manifest_v that_o they_o take_v this_o course_n upon_o necessity_n when_o peace_n begin_v to_o be_v restore_v at_o any_o time_n unto_o they_o they_o design_v temple_n that_o may_v receive_v the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o the_o church_n together_o the_o distribution_n mention_v into_o title_n and_o parish_n begin_v a_o long_a time_n after_o and_o in_o very_a few_o place_n within_o 300_o year_n in_o this_o state_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o conceive_v what_o alteration_n may_v fall_v out_o in_o some_o church_n from_o their_o primitive_a order_n especial_o how_o the_o people_n may_v desert_v their_o diligence_n and_o duty_n in_o attend_v unto_o all_o the_o concern_v of_o the_o church_n and_o if_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o apostle_n write_v unto_o they_o in_o their_o epistle_n the_o instruction_n direction_n and_o command_n how_o in_o all_o thing_n they_o shall_v act_v and_o deport_v themselves_o in_o the_o church_n be_v esteem_v to_o be_v obligatory_a in_o all_o age_n i_o can_v see_v how_o after_o the_o second_o century_n they_o be_v much_o comply_v withal_o unless_o it_o be_v in_o the_o single_a instance_n of_o choose_v their_o own_o officer_n or_o ruler_n but_o second_o after_o these_o there_o ensue_v great_a occasion_n of_o great_a variation_n from_o the_o primitive_a institution_n and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o people_n for_o 1._o such_o number_n of_o they_o be_v receive_v into_o a_o relation_n unto_o particular_a church_n as_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o end_n of_o their_o institution_n and_o the_o observance_n of_o the_o communion_n require_v in_o they_o as_o will_v afterward_o appear_v and_o the_o relief_n that_o be_v invent_v for_o this_o inconveniency_n in_o distinct_a convention_n supply_v with_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n from_o the_o first_o church_n or_o by_o state_v title_n do_v alter_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n among_o those_o multitude_n which_o be_v add_v unto_o the_o church_n especial_o in_o the_o four_o century_n many_o if_o not_o the_o most_o do_v come_v short_a inexpressible_o in_o knowledge_n gift_n grace_n holiness_n and_o uprightness_n of_o conversation_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n as_o the_o writer_n of_o that_o age_n complain_v and_o be_v hereby_o uncapable_a of_o walk_v according_a unto_o the_o order_n rule_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o apostolical_a church_n there_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o another_o rule_n of_o other_o way_n and_o mean_n for_o their_o government_n without_o their_o own_o concurrence_n or_o consent_n than_o what_o be_v at_o first_o appoint_v which_o be_v gradual_o introduce_v whence_o the_o original_a of_o a_o multitude_n of_o those_o canon_n which_o be_v arbitrary_o invent_v afterward_o for_o their_o rule_n and_o government_n be_v to_o be_v derive_v and_o it_o may_v be_v make_v to_o appear_v that_o the_o accommodation_n of_o the_o rule_n yea_o and_o of_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o several_a age_n of_o it_o unto_o the_o ignorance_n manner_n and_o inclination_n of_o the_o people_n who_o be_v then_o easy_o win_v unto_o the_o outward_a profession_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v one_o mean_n of_o the_o ruin_n of_o they_o both_o until_o they_o issue_v in_o downright_a tyranny_n and_o idolatry_n but_o much_o more_o of_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o deviation_n of_o the_o church_n from_o their_o primitive_a rule_n and_o order_n be_v to_o be_v ascribe_v unto_o the_o ambition_n and_o love_n of_o pre-eminence_n in_o many_o of_o the_o clergy_n or_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n but_o this_o be_v no_o place_n nor_o season_n to_o manifest_v this_o by_o instance_n beside_o it_o have_v be_v do_v by_o other_o i_o shall_v therefore_o inquire_v only_o into_o one_o or_o two_o thing_n in_o particular_a which_o be_v of_o principal_a consideration_n in_o the_o declension_n of_o the_o church_n from_o their_o primitive_a institution_n order_n and_o rule_n and_o 1._o it_o be_v evident_a that_o there_o be_v a_o alteration_n make_v in_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n as_o to_o its_o officer_n for_o it_o issue_v at_o last_o in_o pope_n patriarch_n cardinal_n metropolitan_a and_o diocesan_n bishop_n who_o be_v utter_o foreign_a unto_o the_o state_n and_o order_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o that_o for_o some_o age_n nor_o be_v these_o officer_n introduce_v into_o the_o church_n at_o one_o or_o in_o one_o age_n nor_o with_o the_o power_n which_o they_o afterward_o claim_v and_o assume_v unto_o themselves_o it_o be_v do_v gradual_o in_o many_o succeed_a age_n work_v by_o a_o design_n to_o accommodate_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n unto_o the_o political_a state_n of_o the_o empire_n in_o the_o distribution_n of_o its_o government_n 2._o the_o beginning_n of_o this_o great_a alteration_n be_v small_a nor_o at_o all_o perceive_v in_o the_o day_n wherein_o they_o be_v first_o act_v nor_o be_v it_o agree_v nor_o as_o far_o as_o i_o see_v will_v it_o ever_o be_v agree_v among_o learned_a man_n when_o first_o a_o disparity_n among_o the_o ordinary_a officer_n of_o the_o church_n in_o order_n degree_n or_o power_n do_v first_o begin_v nor_o by_o what_o mean_v it_o be_v bring_v about_o the_o apostle_n be_v all_o equal_a among_o themselves_o no_o one_o have_v either_o office_n or_o office-power_n above_o other_o so_o be_v all_o the_o ordinary_a bishop_n and_o presbyter_n mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o shall_v be_v prove_v afterward_o no_o intimation_n be_v give_v of_o any_o pre-eminence_n or_o superiority_n among_o they_o of_o one_o over_z other_o yet_o afterward_o in_o the_o three_o and_o four_o century_n much_o of_o that_o nature_n appear_v it_o begin_v to_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o bishop_n and_o elder_n mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o same_o and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n in_o name_n office_n or_o power_n during_o the_o apostle_n time_n which_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o hierome_n and_o our_o author_n seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n p._n 267._o but_o they_o say_v that_o after_o the_o decease_n of_o the_o apostle_n there_o be_v some_o appoint_v to_o succeed_v they_o in_o that_o part_n of_o their_o office_n which_o concern_v the_o rule_n of_o many_o church_n and_o this_o they_o say_v be_v do_v for_o the_o prevention_n of_o schism_n but_o with_o ill_a success_n for_o as_o clemens_n affirm_v that_o the_o apostle_n foresee_v that_o there_o will_v be_v strife_n and_o contention_n about_o episcopacy_n even_o when_o it_o be_v confine_v unto_o its_o original_a order_n because_o of_o the_o ambition_n of_o diotrephes_n and_o other_o like_v he_o so_o it_o become_v much_o more_o the_o cause_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o disorder_n in_o schism_n and_o heresy_n when_o it_o begin_v to_o exalt_v itself_o in_o dignity_n and_o reputation_n the_o first_o express_v attempt_n to_o corrupt_v and_o divide_v a_o church_n make_v from_o within_o itself_o be_v that_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n make_v by_o thebulis_fw-la because_o simon_n cleopas_n be_v choose_v bishop_n and_o he_o be_v refuse_v euseb._n lib._n 4._o cap._n 21._o the_o same_o rise_n have_v the_o schism_n of_o the_o novatian_o and_o donatist_n the_o heresy_n of_o arius_n and_o other_o neither_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n certain_a in_o this_o pretend_a succession_n of_o some_o person_n unto_o the_o apostle_n in_o that_o part_n of_o their_o office_n which_o concern_v the_o rule_n of_o many_o church_n by_o one_o overseer_n no_o intimation_n of_o any_o such_o appointment_n by_o the_o apostle_n or_o any_o of_o they_o no_o record_n of_o the_o concurrence_n of_o the_o church_n themselves_o in_o and_o unto_o this_o alteration_n can_v be_v produce_v nor_o be_v there_o any_o analogy_n between_o the_o extraordinary_a power_n of_o every_o apostle_n over_o all_o church_n and_o care_n for_o they_o and_o the_o ordinary_a power_n of_o a_o bishop_n over_o a_o small_a number_n which_o lot_n or_o accident_n dispose_v unto_o he_o beside_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v no_o instance_n can_v be_v give_v or_o have_v be_v for_o the_o space_n of_o 200_o year_n or_o until_o the_o end_n of_o the_o
church-state_n of_o other_o because_o in_o some_o thing_n they_o agree_v not_o in_o judgement_n or_o practice_n with_o what_o they_o conceive_v to_o belong_v thereunto_o as_o obstruct_v a_o right_a judgement_n herein_o and_o it_o have_v rise_v of_o late_a unto_o such_o a_o degree_n of_o frenzy_n that_o some_o deny_v peremptory_o the_o church-state_n and_o consequent_o the_o salvation_n of_o all_o that_o have_v not_o diocesan_n bishop_n alas_o that_o poor_a man_n who_o be_v know_v to_o other_o whether_o they_o be_v unto_o themselves_o or_o no_o what_o be_v their_o office_n and_o what_o be_v their_o discharge_n of_o it_o shall_v once_o think_v that_o the_o be_v and_o salvation_n of_o all_o church_n shall_v depend_v on_o they_o and_o such_o as_o they_o be_v yea_o some_o of_o the_o man_n of_o this_o persuasion_n that_o christian_n can_v be_v save_v unless_o they_o comply_v with_o diocesan_n bishop_n do_v yet_o grant_v that_o heathen_n may_v be_v save_v without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ._n 3_o whatever_o defect_n there_o have_v be_v de_fw-la facto_fw-la in_o the_o constitution_n of_o these_o church_n and_o the_o celebration_n of_o divine_a worship_n in_o they_o in_o any_o place_n or_o age_n whatever_o it_o will_v not_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v a_o total_a failure_n of_o they_o much_o less_o a_o discontinuation_n of_o the_o right_n of_o believer_n to_o reform_v and_o erect_v they_o according_a unto_o the_o mind_n of_o christ._n it_o be_v hence_o evident_a that_o the_o perpetual_a continuation_n of_o the_o church-state_n institute_v by_o christ_n under_o the_o gospel_n depend_v original_o on_o the_o grant_n of_o the_o kingdom_n unto_o he_o by_o his_o father_n with_o his_o faithfulness_n in_o that_o grant_n and_o his_o almighty_a power_n to_o make_v it_o good_a and_o they_o do_v but_o deceive_v themselves_o and_o trouble_v other_o who_o think_v of_o suspend_v this_o continuation_n on_o mean_a and_o low_a condition_n of_o their_o own_o frame_n 2._o the_o continuation_n of_o this_o church_n state_n depend_v on_o the_o promise_n of_o christ_n himself_o to_o preserve_v and_o continue_v it_o he_o have_v assure_v we_o that_o he_o will_v so_o build_v his_o church_n on_o the_o rock_n that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o matth._n 16.18_o under_o what_o consideration_n soever_o the_o church_n be_v here_o first_o intend_v the_o whole_a state_n of_o it_o as_o before_o describe_v be_v include_v in_o the_o promise_n if_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n do_v prevail_v either_o against_o the_o faith_n of_o sincere_a believer_n or_o the_o catholic_n profession_n of_o that_o faith_n or_o the_o expression_n of_o that_o profession_n in_o the_o duty_n and_o ordinance_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o particular_a church_n the_o promise_n fail_v and_o be_v of_o no_o effect_n 3._o it_o depend_v on_o the_o word_n or_o law_n of_o christ_n which_o give_v right_a and_o title_n unto_o all_o believer_n to_o congregate_v themselves_o in_o such_o a_o church-state_n with_o rule_n and_o command_v for_o their_o so_o do_v suppose_v 1_o that_o there_o be_v a_o number_n of_o believer_n of_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n in_o any_o such_o place_n as_o wherein_o they_o can_v assemble_v and_o unite_v themselves_o or_o join_v together_o in_o a_o society_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n 2_o that_o they_o be_v as_o yet_o in_o no_o church_n state_n nor_o do_v know_v or_o own_o any_o power_n of_o man_n that_o can_v put_v they_o into_o that_o state_n i_o say_v the_o institution_n of_o this_o church-state_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n his_o command_n unto_o his_o disciple_n to_o observe_v therein_o whatever_o he_o have_v command_v and_o the_o rule_n he_o have_v give_v whereby_o such_o a_o church-state_n be_v to_o be_v erect_v what_o officer_n be_v to_o preâ—ide_v therein_o and_o what_o other_o duty_n belong_v thereunto_o be_v warranty_n sufficient_a for_o they_o to_o join_v themselves_o in_o such_o a_o sâ—ate_n who_o shall_v make_v it_o unlawful_a for_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n to_o obey_v the_o command_n of_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n who_o shall_v make_v it_o lawful_a for_o they_o to_o neglect_v what_o he_o require_v at_o any_o time_n wherever_o therefore_o man_n have_v the_o word_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o teach_v they_o their_o duty_n it_o be_v lawful_a for_o they_o to_o comply_v with_o all_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n contain_v therein_o and_o whereas_o there_o be_v many_o privilege_n and_o â—owers_n accompany_v this_o church-state_n and_o those_o who_o be_v intere_v therein_o be_v as_o such_o the_o especial_a object_n of_o many_o divine_a promise_n this_o word_n and_o law_n of_o christ_n do_v make_v a_o conveyance_n of_o they_o all_o unto_o those_o who_o in_o obedience_n unto_o his_o institution_n and_o command_n do_v enter_v into_o that_o state_n by_o the_o way_n &_o mean_n that_o he_o have_v appoint_v whilst_o we_o hear_v â—im_v according_a to_o the_o reiterated_a direction_n give_v we_o from_o heaven_n whilst_o we_o do_v and_o observe_v all_o that_o he_o have_v command_v we_o we_o need_v not_o fear_v that_o promise_a presence_n of_o he_o with_o we_o which_o bring_v along_o with_o it_o all_o church_n power_n and_o privilege_n also_o wherefore_o this_o state_n can_v have_v no_o intercision_n but_o on_o a_o supposition_n that_o there_o be_v none_o in_o the_o world_n who_o be_v willing_a to_o obey_v the_o command_n of_o christ_n which_o utter_o overthrow_v the_o very_a be_v of_o the_o church_n catholic_n 4._o it_o depend_v on_o the_o communication_n of_o spiritual_a gift_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n in_o this_o church-state_n as_o be_v express_o declare_v ephes._n 4.8.11_o 12_o 13_o 14_o 15._o the_o continuation_n of_o the_o church_n as_o unto_o the_o essence_n of_o it_o depend_v on_o the_o communication_n of_o save_a grace_n if_o christ_n shall_v no_o more_o give_v of_o his_o grace_n and_o spirit_n unto_o man_n there_o will_v be_v no_o more_o church_n in_o the_o world_n as_o unto_o its_o internal_a form_n and_o essence_n but_o the_o continuation_n of_o the_o church_n as_o it_o be_v organical_a that_o be_v a_o society_n incorporate_v according_a unto_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n with_o ruler_n and_o officer_n for_o the_o authoritative_a administration_n of_o all_o its_o concern_v especial_o for_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n and_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n depend_v on_o the_o communication_n of_o spiritual_a gift_n and_o ability_n and_o if_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n shall_v withhold_v the_o communication_n of_o spiritual_a gift_n this_o church-state_n must_v cease_v a_o image_n of_o it_o may_v be_v erect_v but_o the_o true_a church_n state_n will_v fail_v for_o that_o will_v hold_v no_o long_o but_o whilst_o the_o whole_a body_n fit_o join_v together_o and_o compact_v by_o that_o which_o every_o joint_n supply_v according_a to_o the_o effectual_a work_n in_o the_o measure_n of_o every_o part_n make_v increase_v of_o thâ—_n body_n and_o the_o edify_n of_o itself_o in_o love_n ephes._n 4.16_o whilst_o it_o hold_v the_o head_n etc._n etc._n col._n 2.19_o such_o dead_a lifeless_a image_n be_v many_o church_n in_o the_o world_n but_o this_o communication_n of_o spiritual_a gift_n unto_o the_o use_n of_o his_o disciple_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n the_o lord_n christ_n have_v take_v the_o charge_n of_o on_o himself_o as_o he_o be_v faithful_a in_o the_o administration_n of_o his_o kingly_a power_n ephes._n 4.18.11_o 12_o 13_o 14._o whereas_o therefore_o the_o lord_n christ_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o right_n and_o power_n on_o the_o grant_n of_o the_o father_n of_o a_o perpetual_a visible_a kingdom_n in_o this_o world_n and_o the_o discharge_v of_o his_o own_o promise_n have_v 1_o appoint_v the_o ordinary_a office_n which_o he_o will_v have_v continue_v in_o his_o church_n by_o a_o unalterable_a institution_n 2_o ordain_v that_o person_n shall_v be_v call_v and_o set_v apart_o unto_o those_o office_n and_o for_o the_o discharge_v of_o that_o work_n and_o those_o duty_n which_o he_o have_v declare_v to_o belong_v thereunto_o 3_o furnish_v they_o with_o gift_n and_o ability_n for_o this_o work_n and_o declare_v what_o their_o spiritual_a qualification_n and_o moral_a endowment_n ought_v to_o be_v 4_o make_v it_o the_o duty_n of_o believer_n to_o observe_v all_o his_o institution_n and_o command_n whereof_o those_o which_o concern_v the_o erection_n and_o continuance_n of_o this_o church-state_n be_v the_o principal_a and_o 5_o have_v in_o their_o so_o do_v or_o their_o observance_n of_o all_o his_o command_n promise_v his_o presence_n with_o they_o by_o which_o as_o by_o a_o charter_n of_o right_n he_o have_v convey_v unto_o they_o a_o interest_n in_o all_o the_o power_n privilege_n and_o promise_n that_o belong_v unto_o this_o state_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o its_o perpetual_a continuation_n depend_v hereon_o and_o be_v secure_v hereby_o
not_o or_o be_v neglect_v it_o be_v therefore_o fond_a to_o suppose_v that_o our_o saviour_n shall_v prescribe_v this_o rule_n for_o that_o season_n wherein_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o it_o and_o not_o for_o those_o time_n wherein_o the_o church_n can_v not_o subsist_v in_o order_n without_o it_o 3_o the_o church_n here_o direct_v unto_o be_v a_o christian_a church_n for_o 1._o whereas_o it_o have_v be_v prove_v it_o concern_v the_o time_n to_o come_v afterward_o there_o be_v in_o those_o time_n nothing_o that_o can_v pretend_v unto_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n but_o a_o christian_a church_n only_o the_o jewish_a synagogue_n have_v a_o utter_a end_n put_v unto_o they_o so_o as_o that_o a_o address_v unto_o any_o of_o they_o in_o this_o case_n be_v not_o only_o useless_a but_o unlawful_a and_o as_o unto_o magistrate_n or_o arbitrator_n to_o have_v they_o call_v the_o church_n and_o that_o in_o such_o a_o sense_n as_o that_o after_o the_o interposition_n of_o their_o authority_n or_o advice_n a_o man_n shall_v be_v free_v from_o the_o discharge_n of_o all_o christian_a duty_n such_o as_o be_v mutual_o require_v among_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n towards_o his_o brother_n be_v a_o fond_a imagination_n for_o 2_o it_o be_v such_o a_o church_n as_o can_v exercise_v authority_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n over_o his_o disciple_n and_o such_o as_o in_o conscience_n they_o shall_v be_v bind_v to_o submit_v themselves_o unto_o for_o the_o reason_n give_v of_o the_o contempt_n of_o the_o voice_n judgement_n and_o sentence_n of_o the_o church_n in_o case_n of_o offence_n be_v their_o power_n of_o spiritual_a bind_n and_o looâ—ing_v which_o be_v comit_v by_o christ_n thereunto_o and_o so_o he_o add_v immediatley_n ver_fw-la 18._o whatever_o you_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v loose_v in_o heaven_n shall_v be_v loose_v on_o earth_n be_v the_o privilege_n of_o a_o christian_a church_n only_o 4thly_a it_o be_v a_o visible_a particular_a congregation_n alone_o that_o be_v intend_v for_o 1._o as_o unto_o the_o church_n in_o other_o acceptation_n of_o that_o name_n either_o for_o the_o catholics_n invisible_a church_n or_o for_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o profess_a believer_n throughout_o the_o world_n it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a that_o this_o dâ—ty_n shall_v be_v observe_v towards_o it_o as_o be_v manifest_a unto_o all_o 2._o we_o have_v prove_v that_o the_o first_o and_o most_o proper_a signification_n of_o the_o word_n be_v of_o a_o single_a congregation_n assemble_v together_o for_o its_o duty_n and_o enjoyment_n where_o ever_o therefore_o the_o church_n in_o general_n be_v mention_v without_o the_o addition_n of_o any_o thing_n or_o circumstance_n that_o may_v lead_v unto_o another_o signification_n it_o must_v be_v interpret_v of_o such_o a_o particular_a church_n or_o congregation_n 3._o the_o person_n intend_v offend_v and_o offend_v must_v belong_v unto_o the_o same_o society_n unto_o who_o the_o address_n be_v to_o be_v make_v or_o else_o the_o one_o party_n may_v just_o decline_v the_o judicatory_a apply_v unto_o and_o so_o frustrate_a the_o process_n and_o it_o must_v be_v such_o a_o church_n as_o unto_o who_o they_o be_v know_v in_o their_o circumstance_n without_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o a_o right_a judgement_n in_o sundry_a case_n can_v be_v make_v in_o point_n of_o offence_n 4_o it_o be_v a_o church_n of_o a_o easy_a address_n go_v tell_v the_o church_n which_o suppose_v that_o free_a and_o immediate_a access_n which_o all_o the_o member_n of_o a_o church_n have_v unto_o that_o whole_a church_n whereof_o they_o be_v member_n wherefore_o 5_o it_o be_v say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d tell_v the_o church_n not_o a_o church_n but_o the_o church_n namely_o whereunto_o thou_o and_o thy_o brother_n do_v belong_v 6_o one_o end_n of_o this_o direction_n be_v that_o the_o offend_a and_o the_o offend_a party_n may_v continue_v together_o in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o same_o church_n in_o love_n without_o dissimulation_n which_o thing_n belong_v unto_o a_o particular_a congregation_n 7_o the_o meaning_n be_v not_o tell_v the_o diocesan_n bishop_n for_o whatever_o church_n he_o may_v have_v under_o his_o rule_n yet_o be_v not_o he_o himself_o a_o church_n nor_o be_v it_o 8_o the_o chancellor_n court_n that_o our_o saviour_n intend_v be_v it_o what_o it_o will_v it_o be_v a_o disparagement_n unto_o all_o church_n to_o have_v that_o name_n apply_v thereunto_o nor_o last_o be_v it_o a_o presbytery_n or_o association_n of_o the_o elder_n of_o many_o particular_a congregation_n that_o be_v intend_v for_o the_o power_n claim_v in_o such_o associate_v presbytery_n be_v with_o respect_n unto_o what_o be_v already_o in_o or_o before_o particular_a congregation_n which_o they_o have_v not_o either_o wisdom_n or_o authority_n as_o be_v suppose_v final_o to_o order_n and_o determine_v but_o this_o suppose_v that_o the_o address_v in_o the_o first_o place_n be_v make_v unto_o a_o particular_a congregation_n which_o therefore_o be_v first_o and_o proper_o here_o intend_v all_o thing_n be_v plain_a familiar_a and_o expose_v to_o the_o common_a understanding_n of_o all_o believer_n who_o mind_n be_v any_o way_n exercise_v about_o these_o thing_n as_o indeed_o be_v all_o thing_n that_o belong_v unto_o the_o discipline_n of_o christ._n argument_n pretend_o deep_o and_o learned_a real_o obscure_a and_o perplex_a with_o logical_a notion_n and_o distinction_n apply_v unto_o thing_n thus_o plain_a and_o evident_a in_o themselves_o do_v serve_v only_o to_o involve_v and_o darken_v the_o truth_n it_o be_v plain_a in_o the_o place_n 1_o that_o there_o be_v a_o church-state_n for_o christian_n then_o design_v by_o christ_n which_o afterward_o he_o will_v institute_v and_o settle_v 2_o that_o all_o true_a disciple_n be_v to_o join_v and_o unite_v themselves_o in_o some_o such_o church_n as_o may_v be_v helpful_a unto_o their_o love_n order_n peace_n and_o edification_n 3_o that_o among_o the_o member_n of_o these_o church_n offence_n will_v or_o may_v arise_v which_o in_o themselves_o tend_v unto_o pernicious_a event_n 4_o that_o if_o these_o offence_n can_v not_o be_v cure_v and_o take_v away_o so_o as_o that_o love_n without_o dissimulation_n may_v be_v continue_v among_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n a_o account_n of_o they_o at_o last_o be_v to_o be_v give_v unto_o that_o church_n or_o society_n whereunto_o the_o party_n concern_v do_v belong_v as_o member_n of_o it_o 5_o that_o this_o church_n shall_v hear_v determine_v and_o give_v judgement_n with_o advice_n in_o the_o case_n so_o bring_v unto_o it_o for_o the_o take_v away_o and_o removal_n of_o all_o offence_n 6_o that_o this_o determination_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v rest_v in_o on_o the_o penalty_n of_o a_o deprivation_n of_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n 7_o that_o these_o thing_n be_v the_o institution_n and_o appointment_n of_o christ_n himself_o who_o authority_n in_o they_o all_o be_v to_o be_v submit_v unto_o and_o which_o alone_o can_v cast_v one_o that_o be_v a_o profess_a christian_n into_o the_o condition_n of_o a_o heathen_a or_o a_o publican_n these_o thing_n in_o the_o notion_n and_o practice_n of_o they_o be_v plain_a easy_a and_o expose_v to_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o mean_a of_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n as_o it_o be_v meet_v that_o all_o thing_n shall_v be_v wherein_o their_o daily_a practice_n be_v concern_v but_o it_o be_v not_o easy_o to_o be_v express_v into_o what_o horrible_a perplexity_n and_o confusion_n they_o have_v be_v wrest_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n nor_o how_o those_o who_o depart_v from_o the_o plain_a obvious_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n and_o love_v not_o the_o practice_n they_o direct_v unto_o do_v lead_v themselves_o and_o other_o into_o way_n and_o path_n that_o have_v neither_o use_n nor_o end_n from_o the_o corrupt_a abuse_n of_o the_o holy_a institution_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n here_o intend_v so_o many_o power_n faculty_n court_n jurisdiction_n legal_a process_n with_o litigious_a vexatious_a oppressive_a course_n of_o action_n and_o trial_n who_o very_a name_n be_v uncouth_a horrid_a foreign_a unto_o religion_n and_o unintelligible_a without_o cunning_a in_o a_o artificial_a barbarous_a science_n of_o the_o canon_n law_n have_v proceed_v as_o be_v enough_o to_o fill_v a_o sober_a rational_a man_n with_o astonishment_n how_o it_o can_v ever_o enter_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o suppose_v that_o they_o can_v possible_o have_v any_o relation_n unto_o this_o divine_a institution_n those_o who_o be_v not_o utter_o blind_v with_o interest_n and_o prejudice_n whole_o ignorant_a of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n therein_o as_o also_o stranger_n from_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o duty_n which_o it_o require_v will_v hardly_o
believe_v that_o in_o this_o context_n our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n design_v to_o set_v up_o and_o erect_v a_o earthly_a domination_n in_o and_o over_o his_o church_n to_o be_v administer_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o canon_n law_n and_o the_o rota_n at_o rome_n they_o must_v be_v spiritual_o mad_a and_o ridiculous_a who_o can_v give_v the_o least_o entertainment_n unto_o such_o a_o imagination_n nor_o can_v the_o discipline_n of_o any_o diocesan_n church_n administer_v in_o and_o by_o court_n and_o officer_n foreign_a to_o the_o scripture_n both_o name_n and_o thing_n be_v bring_v within_o the_o view_n of_o this_o rule_n nor_o can_v all_o the_o art_n of_o the_o world_n make_v any_o application_n of_o it_o thereunto_o for_o what_o some_o plead_v concern_v magistrate_n or_o arbitrator_n they_o be_v thing_n which_o man_n will_v never_o betake_v themselves_o unto_o but_o only_o to_o evade_v the_o force_n of_o that_o truth_n which_o they_o love_v not_o all_o this_o be_v fall_v out_o by_o man_n depart_v from_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o a_o contempt_n of_o that_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n which_o be_v plain_a and_o obvious_a unto_o all_o who_o desire_v not_o only_o to_o hear_v his_o word_n but_o also_o to_o observe_v his_o command_n 3_o dly_z our_o three_o argument_n be_v take_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o church_n institute_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o order_n as_o it_o be_v express_v in_o the_o scripture_n for_o they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o congregational_a and_o of_o no_o other_o sort_n this_o the_o ensue_a consideration_n will_v make_v evident_a 1._o there_o be_v many_o church_n plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o very_o small_a province_n not_o to_o insist_v on_o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n gal._n 1.1_o concern_v which_o it_o be_v no_o where_o intimate_v that_o they_o have_v any_o one_o head_n or_o mother_n church_n metropolitical_n or_o diocesan_n nor_o of_o those_o of_o macedonia_n distinct_a from_o that_o of_o philippi_n whereof_o we_o have_v speak_v before_o upon_o the_o first_o come_v of_o paul_n after_o his_o conversion_n unto_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v three_o year_n gal._n 1.18_o in_o the_o four_o year_n after_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v church_n plant_v in_o all_o judea_n and_o galilee_n and_o samaria_n act._n 9.31_o neither_o of_o the_o two_o latter_a province_n be_v equal_a unto_o one_o ordinary_a diocese_n yet_o be_v there_o church_n in_o both_o of_o they_o and_o that_o in_o so_o short_a a_o time_n after_o the_o first_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n as_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v be_v conceive_v to_o be_v any_o other_o but_o single_a congregation_n what_o be_v except_v or_o oppose_v hereunto_o by_o the_o reverend_n dr._n st._n shall_v be_v examine_v and_o disprove_v afterward_o by_o itself_o that_o the_o progress_n of_o our_o discourse_n be_v not_o here_o interrupt_v 2._o these_o church_n be_v such_o as_o that_o the_o apostle_n appoint_v in_o they_o ordinary_a elder_n and_o deacon_n that_o may_v administer_v all_o ordinance_n unto_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o take_v care_n of_o all_o the_o poor_a act._n 14.23_o chap._n 20.28_o now_o the_o care_n inspection_n and_o labour_n of_o ordinary_a officer_n can_v extend_v itself_o no_o further_o than_o unto_o a_o particular_a congregation_n no_o man_n can_v administer_v all_o ordinance_n unto_o a_o diocesan_n church_n and_o this_o ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o church_n be_v the_o same_o with_o ordain_v they_o in_o every_o city_n tit._n 1.5_o that_o be_v in_o every_o town_n wherein_o there_o be_v a_o number_n convert_v unto_o the_o faith_n as_o be_v evident_a from_o act._n 14.23_o and_o it_o be_v in_o town_n and_o city_n ordinary_o that_o the_o gospel_n be_v first_o preach_v and_o first_o receive_v such_o believer_n be_v congregat_v and_o unite_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o subjection_n unto_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n do_v constitute_v such_o a_o church-state_n as_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o christ_n they_o shall_v have_v bishop_n or_o elder_n and_o deacon_n ordain_v among_o they_o and_o be_v therefore_o as_o unto_o their_o state_n such_o church_n as_o he_o own_v 3._o it_o be_v say_v of_o most_o of_o these_o church_n express_o that_o they_o respective_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n or_o have_v their_o assembly_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n for_o the_o discharge_n of_o the_o duty_n require_v of_o they_o which_o be_v peculiar_a unto_o congregational_a church_n only_o so_o do_v the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n on_o all_o occasion_n act._n 15.12_o 22._o ch_z â—1_n 22_o see_v ch_z 5.11_o ch_n 6.1_o it_o be_v of_o no_o force_n which_o be_v object_v from_o the_o multitude_n of_o they_o that_o be_v say_v to_o believe_v and_o so_o consequent_o be_v of_o that_o church_n so_o as_o that_o they_o can_v not_o assemble_v together_o for_o whereas_o the_o scripture_n say_v express_o that_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o church_n do_v come_v together_o it_o be_v scarce_o fair_a for_o we_o to_o to_o say_v they_o be_v such_o a_o multitude_n as_o that_o they_o can_v not_o come_v together_o and_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o great_a number_n of_o believer_n that_o be_v say_v to_o be_v at_o jerusalem_n be_v there_o only_o occasional_o and_o be_v not_o fix_v in_o that_o church_n for_o many_o year_n after_o a_o small_a village_n beyond_o jordan_n can_v receive_v all_o that_o be_v so_o fix_v in_o it_o the_o church_n at_o antioch_n gather_v together_o in_o one_o assembly_n act._n 14.27_o to_o hear_v paul_n and_o silas_n this_o church_n thus_o call_v together_o be_v call_v the_o multitude_n chap._n 15.30_o that_o be_v the_o whole_a brotherhood_n at_o least_o of_o that_o church_n the_o whole_a church_n of_o corinth_n do_v assemble_v together_o in_o one_o place_n both_o for_o solemn_a worship_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n 1_o cor._n 8.8_o chap._n 14.25_o 26._o chap._n 11.17_o 20._o it_o be_v no_o way_n necessary_a to_o plead_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o illustration_n or_o for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o these_o testimony_n they_o all_o of_o they_o speak_v positive_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o will_v admit_v of_o no_o debate_n unless_o we_o will_v put_v in_o exception_n unto_o the_o veracity_n of_o their_o author_n and_o they_o be_v of_o themselves_o sufficient_a to_o establish_v our_o assertion_n for_o whatever_o may_v be_v the_o state_n of_o any_o church_n as_o unto_o its_o officer_n or_o rule_n into_o what_o order_n soever_o it_o be_v dispose_v ordinary_o or_o occasional_o for_o its_o edification_n so_o long_o as_o it_o be_v its_o duty_n to_o assemble_v in_o and_o with_o all_o its_o member_n in_o one_o place_n either_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o its_o power_n the_o performance_n of_o its_o duty_n or_o enjoyment_n of_o its_o privilege_n it_o be_v a_o single_a congregation_n and_o no_o more_o 4._o the_o duty_n prescribe_v unto_o all_o church_n member_n in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o be_v diligent_o attend_v unto_o by_o they_o be_v such_o as_o either_o in_o their_o nature_n or_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o performance_n can_v be_v attend_v unto_o and_o due_o accomplish_v but_o in_o a_o particular_a congregation_n only_o this_o i_o shall_v immediate_o speak_v distinct_o unto_o and_o therefore_o only_o mention_v it_o in_o this_o place_n these_o thing_n be_v so_o plain_o positive_o and_o frequent_o assert_v in_o the_o scripture_n it_o can_v be_v questionable_a unto_o any_o impartial-mind_n but_o that_o particular_a church_n or_o congregation_n be_v of_o divine_a institution_n and_o consequent_o that_o unto_o they_o the_o whole_a power_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n do_v belong_v for_o if_o they_o do_v not_o so_o whatever_o they_o be_v church_n they_o be_v not_o if_o therefore_o any_o other_o church-state_n be_v suppose_v we_o may_v well_o require_v that_o its_o name_n nature_n use_v power_n and_o bound_n be_v some_o or_o all_o of_o they_o declare_v in_o the_o scripture_n reason_v draw_v from_o the_o superiority_n of_o the_o apostle_n above_o the_o evangelist_n of_o bishop_n above_o presbyter_n or_o from_o church_n rule_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n only_o from_o the_o power_n of_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n in_o thing_n ecclesiastical_a from_o the_o meetness_n of_o union_n among_o all_o church_n be_v of_o no_o use_n in_o this_o case_n for_o they_o be_v all_o consistent_a with_o the_o sole_a institution_n of_o particular_a congregation_n nor_o do_v in_o the_o least_o intimate_a that_o there_o be_v or_o needs_o to_o be_v any_o other_o church_n state_n of_o divine_a appointment_n chap._n v._o the_o sit_v of_o the_o first_o church_n after_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o second_o century_n in_o confirmation_n of_o the_o forego_n argument_n we_o urge_v the_o precedent_n and_o
person_n of_o a_o apostolical_a spirit_n consonant_n unto_o the_o stile_n and_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o a_o precious_a jewel_n and_o just_a representation_n of_o the_o state_n and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n in_o those_o day_n and_o sundry_a thing_n we_o may_v observe_v from_o it_o 1._o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o it_o that_o give_v the_o least_o intimation_n of_o any_o other_o church-state_n but_o that_o which_o be_v congregational_a although_o there_o be_v the_o high_a cause_n and_o reason_n for_o he_o so_o to_o do_v have_v there_o be_v any_o such_o church_n then_o in_o be_v the_o case_n he_o have_v in_o hand_n be_v that_o of_o ecclesiastical_a sedition_n or_o schism_n in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n the_o church_n or_o body_n of_o the_o brethren_n have_v unjust_o depose_v their_o elder_n as_o it_o shall_v seem_v all_o of_o they_o give_v advice_n herein_o unto_o the_o whole_a church_n use_v all_o sort_n of_o argument_n to_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o sin_n direct_v all_o probable_a mean_n for_o their_o cure_n he_o never_o once_o send_v they_o to_o the_o bishop_n or_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o the_o head_n of_o unity_n unto_o all_o church_n make_v no_o mention_n of_o any_o metropolitical_a or_o diocesan_n church_n and_o its_o rule_n or_o of_o any_o single_a bishop_n and_o his_o authority_n no_o one_o of_o any_o such_o order_n do_v he_o either_o commend_v or_o condemn_v or_o once_o address_v himself_o unto_o with_o either_o admonition_n exhortation_n encouragement_n or_o direction_n he_o only_o handle_v the_o cause_n by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o it_o be_v state_v between_o the_o church_n itself_o and_o its_o elder_n i_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o church_n at_o corinth_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n in_o the_o city_n and_o about_o it_o or_o comprehensive_a as_o some_o say_v of_o the_o whole_a region_n of_o achaia_n that_o there_o be_v a_o single_a officer_n or_o bishop_n over_o that_o whole_a church_n but_o none_o such_o be_v here_o mention_v if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o he_o be_v either_o depose_v by_o the_o people_n or_o he_o be_v not_o if_o he_o be_v depose_v he_o be_v only_o one_o of_o the_o presbyter_n for_o they_o be_v only_a presbyter_n that_o be_v depose_v if_o he_o be_v not_o why_o be_v he_o not_o once_o call_v on_o to_o discharge_v his_o duty_n in_o cure_v of_o that_o schism_n or_o blame_v for_o his_o neglect_n certain_o there_o be_v never_o great_a prevarication_n use_v by_o any_o man_n in_o any_o cause_n than_o be_v by_o clemens_n in_o this_o if_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n its_o rule_n and_o order_n be_v such_o as_o some_o now_o pretend_v for_o he_o neither_o let_v the_o people_n know_v wherein_o their_o sin_n and_o schism_n do_v lie_v namely_o in_o a_o separation_n from_o their_o bishop_n nor_o do_v once_o mention_v the_o only_a proper_a cure_n and_o remedy_n of_o all_o their_o evil_n but_o he_o know_v their_o state_n and_o order_n too_o well_o to_o insist_v on_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o then_o in_o rerum_fw-la natura_fw-la and_o wherein_o they_o be_v not_o concern_v 2._o this_o epistle_n be_v write_v as_o unto_o the_o whole_a church_n at_o corinth_n so_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o rome_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o dwell_v or_o sojourn_v as_o a_o stranger_n at_o rome_n in_o the_o city_n of_o rome_n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n that_o dwell_v or_o sojourn_v at_o corinth_n for_o although_o that_o church_n be_v then_o in_o disorder_n under_o no_o certain_a rule_n have_v cast_v off_o all_o their_o elder_n etc._n etc._n yet_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n not_o only_o allow_v it_o to_o be_v a_o sister-church_n but_o salute_v the_o brethren_n of_o it_o in_o the_o follow_a word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d call_v and_o sanctify_v through_o the_o will_n of_o god_n by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o so_o ready_a in_o those_o day_n to_o condemn_v the_o person_n nor_o to_o judge_v the_o church-state_n and_o condition_n of_o other_o on_o every_o miscarriage_n real_a or_o suppose_a as_o some_o have_v be_v and_o be_v in_o these_o latter_a age_n 2._o this_o address_n be_v from_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n at_o rome_n unto_o that_o at_o corinth_n without_o the_o least_o mention_n of_o the_o officer_n of_o they_o in_o particular_a it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o church_n themselves_o that_o be_v the_o whole_a entire_a community_n of_o they_o have_v communion_n with_o one_o another_o as_o they_o be_v sister-churche_n and_o that_o they_o have_v themselves_o the_o transaction_n of_o all_o affair_n wherein_o they_o be_v concern_v as_o they_o have_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n act_n 15.1_o 2_o 3._o it_o be_v the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n at_o antioch_n who_o determine_v that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n and_o certain_a other_o shall_v go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n to_o consult_v the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n see_v also_o chap._n 21.22_o this_o they_o do_v not_o nor_o aught_o to_o do_v without_o the_o presence_n guidance_n conduct_v and_o consent_n of_o their_o elder_n or_o ruler_n where_o they_o have_v any_o but_o this_o they_o be_v not_o exclude_v from_o and_o that_o church_n the_o whole_a body_n or_o fraternity_n whereof_o do_v advise_v and_o consult_v in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v concern_v on_o the_o account_n of_o their_o communion_n with_o other_o church_n be_v a_o congregational_a church_n and_o no_o other_o it_o be_v the_o church_n who_o send_v this_o epistle_n unto_o the_o corinthian_n claudius_n ephebus_n 73._o valerius_n bibo_n fortunatus_n be_v name_v as_o their_o messenger_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v send_v by_o we_o our_o messenger_n our_o apostle_n in_o these_o matter_n such_o as_o the_o church_n make_v use_v of_o on_o all_o such_o occasion_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n 2_o cor._n 8.23_o and_o the_o person_n who_o they_o send_v be_v only_a member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o not_o officer_n nor_o do_v we_o any_o where_o hear_v of_o they_o under_o that_o character_n now_o they_o can_v not_o be_v send_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n but_o by_o its_o consent_n nor_o can_v the_o church_n consent_n without_o its_o assemble_v together_o this_o be_v the_o state_n and_o order_n of_o the_o first_o church_n in_o that_o communion_n which_o be_v among_o they_o according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n they_o have_v a_o singular_a concern_v in_o the_o welfare_n and_o prosperity_n of_o each_o other_o and_o be_v solicitous_a about_o they_o in_o their_o trial_n hence_o those_o who_o be_v plant_v at_o a_o great_a distance_n than_o will_v allow_v frequent_a personal_a converse_n with_o their_o respective_a member_n do_v on_o all_o occasion_n send_v messenger_n unto_o one_o another_o sometime_o mere_o to_o visit_v they_o in_o love_n and_o sometime_o to_o give_v or_o take_v advice_n but_o these_o thing_n as_o indeed_o almost_o all_o other_o that_o belong_v unto_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n either_o in_o themselves_o or_o with_o one_o another_o be_v either_o utter_o lose_v and_o bury_v or_o keep_v above_o ground_n in_o a_o pretence_n of_o episcopal_a authority_n churches_n themselves_o be_v whole_o exclude_v from_o any_o concernment_n in_o they_o but_o as_o the_o advice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v desire_v in_o this_o case_n by_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o corinth_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d so_o it_o be_v give_v by_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o 1._o and_o send_v by_o messenger_n of_o their_o own_o 3._o the_o description_n give_v of_o the_o state_n way_n and_o walk_v of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n 4._o that_o be_v that_o whole_a fraternity_n of_o the_o church_n which_o fall_v afterward_o into_o that_o disorder_n which_o be_v reprove_v before_o their_o fall_n be_v such_o as_o that_o it_o bespeak_v their_o walk_v together_o in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o society_n and_o be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v any_o good_a man_n desire_n that_o he_o may_v see_v church_n yet_o in_o the_o world_n unto_o who_o or_o the_o generality_n of_o who_o member_n that_o description_n may_v be_v honest_o and_o just_o accommodate_v one_o character_n which_o be_v give_v of_o they_o i_o shall_v mention_v only_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d there_o be_v a_o full_a or_o plentiful_a effusion_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o you_o all_o so_o that_o be_v full_a or_o fill_v with_o a_o holy_a will_n holiness_n of_o will_n and_o a_o good_a readiness_n of_o mind_n with_o a_o pious_a devout_a confidence_n you_o stretch_v out_o your_o hand_n in_o prayer_n to_o almighty_a god_n supplicate_v his_o clemency_n or_o mercy_n for_o the_o pardon_n of_o your_o involuntary_a sin_n sin_n fall_v into_o by_o infirmity_n or_o
their_o state_n as_o to_o make_v way_n for_o those_o great_a alteration_n which_o not_o long_o after_o ensue_v for_o they_o be_v not_o introduce_v until_o through_o a_o defect_n in_o the_o multiplication_n of_o church_n in_o a_o equality_n of_o power_n and_o order_n which_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v do_v they_o be_v increase_v into_o that_o multitude_n for_o number_n of_o member_n and_o be_v so_o diffuse_v as_o unto_o their_o habitation_n as_o make_v a_o appearance_n of_o a_o necessity_n of_o another_o constitution_n of_o church_n and_o another_o kind_n of_o rule_n than_o what_o be_v of_o original_a appointment_n justin_n martyr_n write_v his_o second_o apology_n for_o the_o christian_n unto_o the_o roman_a emperor_n about_o the_o year_n 150._o it_o be_v marvellous_a to_o consider_v how_o ignorant_a not_o only_o the_o common_a sort_n of_o the_o pagan_n but_o the_o philosopher_n also_o and_o governor_n of_o the_o nation_n be_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o christian_a church_n and_o of_o the_o worship_n celebrate_v in_o they_o but_o who_o be_v so_o blind_a as_o those_o who_o will_v not_o see_v even_o unto_o this_o day_n not_o a_o few_o be_v willing_o or_o rather_o wilful_o ignorant_a of_o the_o nature_n of_o such_o assembly_n or_o what_o be_v perform_v in_o they_o as_o be_v among_o the_o primitive_a christian_n that_o they_o may_v be_v at_o liberty_n to_o speak_v all_o manner_n of_o evil_n of_o they_o false_o hence_o be_v all_o the_o report_n and_o story_n among_o the_o heathen_a concern_v what_o be_v do_v in_o the_o christian_a conventicle_n which_o they_o will_v have_v to_o be_v the_o most_o abominable_a villainy_n that_o be_v ever_o act_v by_o mankind_n even_o thâ—se_a who_o make_v the_o most_o candid_a enquiry_n into_o what_o they_o be_v and_o do_v attain_v unto_o very_o little_a knowledge_n or_o certainty_n concern_v they_o and_o their_o mystery_n as_o be_v evident_a in_o the_o epistle_n of_o trajan_n and_o pliny_n with_o the_o rescript_n of_o adrian_n unto_o minucius_n fundanus_n about_o they_o in_o this_o state_n of_o thing_n this_o our_o great_a and_o learned_a philosopher_n who_o afterward_o suffer_v martyrdom_n about_o the_o year_n 160_o undertake_v to_o give_v a_o account_n unto_o antoninus_n pius_fw-la and_o lucius_n who_o then_o rule_v the_o roman_a empire_n of_o the_o nature_n order_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o that_o in_o such_o a_o excellent_a manner_n as_o that_o i_o know_v nothing_o material_a that_o can_v be_v add_v unto_o it_o be_v a_o account_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n to_o be_v give_v unto_o alike_a person_n at_o this_o day_n we_o may_v touch_v a_o little_a upon_o some_o head_n of_o it_o 1._o he_o declare_v the_o conversion_n of_o man_n unto_o the_o faith_n as_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o their_o church-order_n and_o worship_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o many_o as_o be_v persuade_v and_o do_v believe_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v true_a which_o be_v teach_v and_o speak_v by_o we_o and_o take_v upon_o themselves_o that_o they_o be_v able_a to_o live_v according_a to_o that_o doctrine_n they_o be_v teach_v to_o seek_v of_o god_n by_o fast_v and_o prayer_n the_o pardon_n of_o their_o foregoing_a sin_n and_o we_o also_o do_v join_v together_o with_o they_o in_o fast_v and_o prayer_n for_o that_o end_n and_o heâ—ein_o 1._o the_o only_a mean_n of_o conversion_n which_o he_o insist_o upon_o be_v the_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n or_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n wherein_o they_o especial_o insist_v on_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o person_n and_o officeâ—_n of_o christ_n as_o appear_v throughout_o his_o whole_a apology_n 2._o this_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n or_o declaration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n unto_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o hearer_n be_v do_v not_o confine_v unto_o any_o especial_a sort_n of_o person_n as_o â—e_n do_v afterward_o that_o administration_n of_o the_o holy_a thing_n in_o the_o church_n but_o speak_v of_o it_o in_o general_a as_o the_o work_n of_o all_o christian_n that_o be_v able_a for_o it_o as_o do_v the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 14.24_o 25._o 3._o those_o who_o be_v convert_v do_v two_o thing_n 1._o they_o profess_v their_o faith_n or_o assent_n unto_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o dotcrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n 2._o they_o take_v it_o on_o themselves_o to_o live_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o it_o to_o do_v and_o observe_v the_o thing_n command_v by_o jesus_n christ_n as_o he_o appoint_v they_o shall_v math._n 28.18_o 19_o 4._o to_o lay_v a_o sure_a and_o comfortable_a foundation_n of_o their_o future_a profession_n they_o be_v teach_v to_o confess_v their_o former_a sin_n and_o by_o earnest_a prayer_n with_o fasting_n to_o seek_v of_o god_n the_o pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n of_o they_o and_o 5._o herein_o such_o be_v their_o love_n and_o zeal_n those_o who_o have_v be_v the_o mean_n of_o their_o conversion_n join_v with_o they_o for_o their_o comfort_n and_o edification_n it_o be_v well_o know_v how_o this_o whole_a process_n be_v lose_v and_o on_o what_o account_v it_o be_v discontinue_v but_o whether_o it_o be_v do_v so_o unto_o the_o advantage_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o good_a of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v well_o worth_a a_o strict_a enquiry_n 2._o in_o the_o next_o place_n he_o declare_v how_o those_o who_o be_v so_o convert_v be_v conduct_v unto_o baptism_n and_o how_o they_o be_v initiate_v into_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n thereby_o 3._o when_o any_o be_v so_o baptise_a they_o bring_v he_o unto_o the_o church_n which_o he_o be_v to_o be_v join_v unto_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d him_n who_o be_v thus_o baptiâ—ed_v who_o believe_v and_o be_v receive_v by_o consent_n among_o 〈◊〉_d or_o to_o be_v of_o our_o number_n we_o bring_v he_o unto_o those_o call_v the_o brethren_n when_o they_o be_v meet_v or_o gather_v together_o for_o joint_a prayer_n and_o supplication_n for_o themselves_o and_o for_o he_o who_o be_v now_o illuminate_v and_o all_o other_o with_o intention_n of_o mind_n etc._n etc._n we_o have_v here_o another_o illustrious_a instance_n of_o the_o care_n and_o diligence_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n about_o the_o enstate_v profess_v believer_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n that_o hereon_o those_o who_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v make_v their_o public_a confession_n we_o shall_v afterward_o declare_v and_o the_o brethren_n here_o mention_v be_v the_o whole_a fraternity_n of_o the_o church_n who_o be_v concern_v in_o these_o thing_n and_o justin_n be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o declare_v by_o what_o name_n they_o call_v one_o another_o among_o themselves_o even_o to_o the_o heathen_a though_o it_o be_v now_o a_o scorn_n and_o reproach_n among_o they_o that_o be_v call_v christian_n 4._o he_o proceed_v to_o declare_v the_o nature_n of_o their_o church-meeting_n or_o assembly_n with_o the_o duty_n and_o worship_n of_o they_o and_o he_o tell_v we_o first_o that_o they_o have_v frequent_a meeting_n among_o themselves_o they_o that_o have_v any_o wealth_n say_v he_o do_v help_v the_o poor_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o we_o be_v continual_o together_o that_o be_v in_o the_o lesser_a occasional_a assembly_n of_o the_o brethren_n for_o so_o in_o the_o next_o place_n he_o add_v immediate_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d on_o the_o day_n call_v sunday_n there_o be_v a_o meeting_n of_o all_o that_o dwell_v in_o the_o town_n and_o field_n or_o village_n about_o this_o be_v the_o state_n the_o order_n the_o proceed_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o day_n of_o justin_n whence_o it_o be_v undeniable_o evident_a that_o he_o know_v no_o other_o church-state_n or_o order_n but_o that_o of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n who_o member_n live_v in_o any_o town_n or_o city_n or_o field_n adjacent_a do_v constant_o all_o of_o they_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n for_o the_o celebration_n of_o divine_a worship_n 5._o in_o this_o church_n he_o mention_n only_o two_o sort_n of_o officer_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d precedent_n and_o deacon_n of_o the_o first_o sort_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o one_o of_o their_o assembly_n â—e_v mention_n but_o one_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o precedent_n the_o ruler_n the_o bishop_n to_o who_o belong_v the_o administration_n of_o all_o the_o holy_a mystery_n and_o that_o we_o may_v not_o think_v that_o he_o be_v call_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o respect_n unto_o any_o pre-eminence_n over_o other_o minister_n or_o elder_n like_o a_o diocesan_n bishop_n he_o term_v he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o that_o preside_v over_o the_o brethren_n of_o that_o church_n now_o certain_o that_o church_n wherein_o one_o precedent_n elder_n presbyter_n or_o bishop_n do_v administer_v the_o holy_a ordinance_n in_o one_o
power_n and_o liberty_n in_o choose_v or_o refuse_v the_o officer_n that_o be_v to_o be_v set_v over_o they_o some_o few_o thing_n we_o may_v observe_v from_o the_o testimony_n insist_v on_o as_o 1._o there_o be_v in_o they_o a_o true_a and_o full_a representation_n of_o the_o state_n order_n rule_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o first_o age_n it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a demonstration_n that_o all_o those_o thing_n wherein_o at_o the_o present_a the_o state_n and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n be_v suppose_v to_o consist_v be_v indeed_o late_a invention_n not_o mere_o because_o they_o be_v not_o mention_v by_o they_o but_o because_o they_o be_v not_o so_o when_o they_o avowed_o profess_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o that_o state_n and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v then_o in_o use_n and_o practice_n have_v there_o be_v then_o among_o christian_n metropolitan_a archbishop_n or_o bishop_n diocesan_n churches_n national_a or_o provincial_a a_o enclosure_n of_o church-power_n or_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n in_o and_o for_o the_o whole_a rule_n of_o the_o church_n unto_o bishop_n and_o officer_n utter_o foreign_a unto_o any_o pretence_n of_o apostolical_a institution_n or_o countenance_n have_v many_o church_n or_o many_o hundred_o of_o church_n be_v without_o rule_n in_o or_o among_o themselves_o subject_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o any_o one_o man_n stand_v in_o no_o especial_a relation_n unto_o any_o of_o they_o with_o other_o thing_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n be_v then_o invent_v know_v and_o in_o use_n how_o can_v they_o possible_o be_v excuse_v in_o pass_v they_o over_o without_o the_o least_o take_v notice_n of_o they_o or_o give_v they_o the_o honour_n of_o be_v once_o mention_v by_o they_o how_o easy_a have_v it_o be_v for_o their_o pagan_a ruler_n unto_o who_o they_o present_v their_o account_n some_o of_o they_o of_o the_o state_n of_o their_o church_n to_o have_v reply_v that_o they_o know_v well_o enough_o there_o be_v other_o dignity_n order_n and_o practice_n than_o what_o they_o do_v acknowledge_v which_o they_o be_v either_o afraid_a or_o ashamed_a to_o own_o but_o beside_o this_o silence_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n they_o assert_v such_o thing_n of_o the_o officer_n appoint_v in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o way_n of_o their_o appointment_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o power_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o people_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n as_o be_v utter_o inconsistent_a with_o that_o state_n of_o these_o thing_n which_o be_v by_o some_o plead_v for_o yea_o as_o we_o have_v show_v whatever_o they_o write_v or_o speak_v about_o church_n or_o their_o order_n can_v have_v no_o be_v or_o exercise_n in_o any_o other_o form_n of_o church_n but_o of_o particular_a congregation_n 2._o that_o account_n which_o they_o give_v that_o representation_n which_o they_o make_v of_o the_o kind_n state_n and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n among_o they_o do_v absolute_o agree_v with_o and_o answer_v unto_o what_o we_o be_v teach_v in_o the_o divine_a write_n about_o the_o same_o thing_n there_o be_v indeed_o before_o the_o end_n of_o the_o second_o century_n some_o practice_n in_o and_o about_o some_o lesser_a thing_n such_o as_o send_v the_o consecrate_a element_n from_o the_o assembly_n unto_o such_o as_o be_v sick_a that_o they_o have_v no_o warrant_n for_o from_o any_o thing_n write_v or_o do_v by_o the_o apostle_n but_o as_o unto_o the_o substance_n of_o what_o concern_v the_o state_n order_n rule_n discipline_n and_o worship_n of_o evangelical_n church_n there_o be_v not_o any_o instance_n to_o be_v give_v wherein_o they_o depart_v from_o the_o apostolical_a tradition_n or_o institution_n either_o by_o add_v any_o thing_n of_o their_o own_o unto_o they_o or_o omit_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v by_o they_o ordain_v 3._o from_o this_o state_n the_o church_n do_v by_o degree_n and_o insensible_o degenerate_a so_o as_o that_o another_o form_n and_o order_n of_o they_o do_v appear_v towards_o the_o end_n of_o the_o three_o century_n for_o some_o in_o the_o first_o church_n not_o apply_v their_o mind_n unto_o the_o apostolical_a rule_n and_o practice_n who_o ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o church_n and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o city_n or_o town_n but_o as_o clemens_n affirm_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o country-village_n many_o disorder_n ensue_v with_o respect_n unto_o such_o collection_n of_o christian_n and_o congregation_n as_o be_v gather_v at_o some_o distance_n from_o the_o first_o or_o city-church_n until_o the_o time_n of_o origen_n the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o case_n be_v follow_v and_o their_o direction_n observe_v for_o so_o he_o write_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o we_o know_v that_o there_o be_v other_o congregation_n gather_v in_o the_o town_n up_o and_o down_o by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o that_o there_o be_v another_o heavenly_a city_n in_o any_o town_n build_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o persuade_v some_o that_o be_v sound_a in_o doctrine_n and_o of_o good_a conversation_n and_o meet_v for_o their_o rule_n to_o take_v on_o they_o the_o conduct_n or_o rule_n of_o those_o church_n and_o these_o whilst_o they_o rule_v within_o the_o church_n those_o society_n of_o divine_a institution_n by_o who_o they_o be_v choose_v they_o govern_v they_o according_a to_o the_o prescription_n or_o command_n and_o rule_v give_v by_o god_n himself_o adver_n cels._n lib._n 8._o those_o of_o who_o he_o speak_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v the_o pastor_n or_o principal_a member_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v establish_v when_o they_o understand_v that_o in_o any_o place_n distant_a from_o they_o a_o number_n of_o believer_n be_v call_v and_o gather_v into_o church_n order_n by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n they_o present_o according_a unto_o their_o duty_n take_v care_n of_o they_o inquire_v into_o their_o state_n and_o condition_n assist_v they_o in_o particular_a in_o find_v out_o try_v and_o recommend_v unto_o they_o person_n meet_v to_o be_v their_o officer_n and_o ruler_n these_o he_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v church_n and_o city_n of_o god_n upon_o their_o collection_n by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n antecedent_o unto_o the_o constitution_n of_o any_o officer_n among_o they_o as_o the_o apostle_n also_o do_v act._n 14.22_o 23._o wherefore_o the_o church_n be_v essential_o before_o its_o ordinary_a officer_n and_o can_v as_o unto_o its_o continuance_n depend_v on_o any_o succession_n of_o they_o which_o they_o have_v none_o but_o what_o it_o give_v unto_o they_o these_o officer_n thus_o recommend_v be_v choose_v as_o he_o tell_v we_o by_o the_o church_n wherein_o they_o be_v to_o preside_v and_o thereon_o do_v govern_v they_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n alone_o hereby_o be_v the_o original_a constitution_n and_o state_n of_o the_o first_o church_n for_o a_o good_a season_n preserve_v nor_o be_v there_o the_o least_o abridgement_n of_o the_o power_n either_o of_o these_o church_n or_o of_o their_o officer_n because_o it_o may_v be_v they_o be_v some_o of_o they_o plant_v in_o poor_a country-village_n for_o as_o no_o man_n in_o the_o world_n can_v hinder_v but_o that_o every_o true_a church_n have_v the_o jure_v all_o the_o right_n and_o power_n that_o any_o other_o church_n in_o the_o world_n have_v or_o aught_o to_o have_v or_o that_o every_o true_a officer_n bishop_n elder_n or_o pastor_n have_v not_o all_o the_o power_n that_o christ_n have_v annex_v unto_o that_o office_n be_v they_o at_o rome_n or_o eâ—gubium_n so_o there_o be_v no_o abridgement_n of_o this_o power_n in_o the_o mean_a of_o they_o as_o yet_o attempt_v but_o this_o course_n and_o duty_n in_o many_o place_n not_o long_o after_o become_v to_o be_v much_o omit_v whether_o out_o of_o ignorance_n or_o negligence_n or_o unwillingness_n of_o man_n to_o undertake_v the_o pastoral_n charge_n in_o poor_a country-churche_n i_o know_v not_o but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o believer_n in_o the_o region_n round_o about_o any_o city_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v look_v on_o as_o those_o which_o belong_v unto_o the_o city_n church_n and_o be_v not_o settle_v in_o particular_a congregation_n for_o their_o edification_n which_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v and_o the_o counsel_n that_o afterward_o ensue_v make_v law_n and_o canon_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v under_o the_o government_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o those_o city-churche_n but_o when_o the_o number_n of_o such_o believer_n be_v great_o increase_v so_o as_o that_o it_o be_v needful_a to_o have_v some_o always_o attend_v the_o ministry_n among_o they_o they_o come_v i_o know_v not_o how_o to_o have_v chorepiscopi_fw-la among_o they_o and_o over_o they_o the_o first_o mention_n of_o they_o be_v in_o the_o synod_n of_o
indeed_o as_o when_o the_o israelite_n come_v out_o of_o egypt_n there_o come_v along_o with_o they_o a_o mix_a multitude_n of_o other_o people_n exod._n 12.38_o which_o fall_v to_o lust_a for_o meat_n when_o they_o come_v into_o the_o wilderness_n numb_a 11.4_o to_o the_o danger_n of_o the_o whole_a congregation_n so_o when_o christianity_n be_v first_o preach_v and_o receive_v in_o the_o world_n beside_o those_o who_o embrace_v it_o sincere_o and_o be_v add_v unto_o the_o church_n there_o be_v a_o great_a mixture_n of_o stubborn_a jew_n as_o the_o ebionite_n of_o philosophical_a greek_n as_o the_o valentinian_o and_o the_o marcionite_n of_o plain_a impostor_n such_o as_o simon_n magus_n and_o menander_n who_o all_o of_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v christian_n but_o they_o fall_v a_o lust_a and_o exceed_o trouble_a and_o perplex_v the_o church_n with_o a_o endeavour_n to_o seduâ—e_v they_o unto_o their_o imagination_n yet_o none_o of_o their_o abomination_n can_v force_v a_o entrance_n into_o the_o church_n themselves_o which_o by_o the_o mean_n insist_v on_o be_v preserve_v but_o when_o this_o church-state_n and_o order_n be_v change_v and_o another_o gradual_o introduce_v in_o the_o room_n of_o it_o error_n and_o heresy_n get_v new_a advantage_n and_o enter_v into_o the_o church_n themselves_o which_o before_o do_v only_o assault_v and_o perplex_v they_o for_o 1._o when_o prerogative_n and_o pre-eminence_n of_o any_o single_a person_n in_o the_o church_n begin_v to_o be_v in_o esteem_n not_o a_o few_o who_o fail_v in_o their_o attempt_n of_o attain_v it_o to_o revenge_v themselves_o on_o the_o church_n make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o invent_v and_o propagate_v pernicious_a heresy_n so_o do_v thebulis_fw-la at_o jerusalem_n euseb._n lib._n 4._o cap._n 22._o and_o valentinus_n tertul._n ad_fw-la valentin_n cap._n 4._o and_o martion_n at_o rome_n epiphan_n haeres_fw-la 42._o montanus_n fall_v into_o his_o dotage_n on_o the_o same_o account_n so_o do_v novitianus_fw-la at_o rome_n euseb._n lib._n 7._o cap._n 43._o and_o arius_n at_o alexandria_n hence_o be_v that_o censure_n of_o they_o by_o lactantius_n lib._n 4._o cap._n 30._o two_o quorum_fw-la fides_fw-la fuit_fw-la lubrica_fw-la cum_fw-la deum_fw-la nosse_fw-la se_fw-la &_o colere_fw-la simularent_fw-la augendis_fw-la opibus_fw-la &_o honori_fw-la student_n affectabant_fw-la maximum_fw-la sacerdotium_fw-la &_o à _fw-la potioribus_fw-la victi_fw-la secedere_fw-la cum_fw-la suffragatoribus_fw-la maluerunt_fw-la quam_fw-la eos_fw-la far_o praepositos_fw-la quibus_fw-la concupierant_fw-la ipsâ—_fw-la ante_fw-la praeponi_fw-la 2._o when_o any_o of_o their_o bishop_n of_o the_o new_a constitution_n whether_o patriarchal_a or_o diocesan_n fall_v into_o heresy_n which_o they_o do_v frequent_o and_o that_o number_n of_o they_o they_o have_v so_o many_o advantage_n to_o diffuse_v their_o poison_n into_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o their_o church_n and_o such_o political_a interest_n for_o their_o promotion_n as_o that_o the_o church_n themselves_o be_v thorough_o infect_v with_o they_o it_o be_v true_a the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n in_o many_o place_n do_v oppose_v they_o withdraw_z and_o separate_z from_o they_o but_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o this_o be_v the_o first_o way_n and_o mean_n whereby_o the_o church_n cease_v to_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o pillar_n of_o truth_n many_o destructive_a error_n be_v receive_v into_o they_o which_o do_v only_o outward_o assault_v they_o whilst_o they_o abide_v in_o their_o first_o institution_n and_o have_v not_o the_o church_n in_o process_n of_o time_n utter_o lose_v their_o primitive_a state_n and_o order_n by_o coalesce_v into_o one_o papal_a pretend_a universal_a church_n the_o faith_n itself_o can_v never_o have_v be_v so_o utter_o corrupt_v deprave_a and_o lose_v among_o they_o as_o in_o the_o issue_n it_o be_v 3._o to_o propagate_v the_o gospel_n be_v in_o like_a manner_n require_v hereunto_o this_o i_o acknowledge_v do_v more_o immediate_o concern_v the_o duty_n of_o person_n in_o any_o church-order_n than_o the_o order_n itself_o for_o it_o must_v be_v the_o work_n of_o some_o particular_a person_n dedicate_a themselves_o unto_o their_o ministry_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o first_o church_n 3_o joh._n 5_o 6_o 7_o 8._o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o any_o other_o public_a acknowledge_v end_n of_o the_o institution_n of_o church_n if_o the_o way_n plead_v for_o be_v not_o consistent_a with_o they_o all_o and_o the_o proper_a mean_n of_o attain_v they_o if_o it_o be_v not_o suit_v unto_o their_o accomplishment_n let_v it_o be_v discard_v i_o shall_v insist_v on_o one_o more_o only_a 3._o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v give_v that_o state_n unto_o his_o church_n have_v instate_v they_o in_o that_o order_n as_o that_o his_o interest_n kingdom_n and_o religion_n may_v be_v carry_v on_o in_o the_o world_n without_o prejudice_n or_o disadvantage_n unto_o any_o of_o the_o lawful_a interest_n of_o man_n especial_o without_o any_o opposition_n unto_o or_o enterfer_v with_o the_o civil_a authority_n or_o magistracy_n which_o be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o no_o churchway_n that_o do_v so_o be_v of_o his_o institution_n wherefore_o i_o shall_v brief_o declare_v what_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o those_o of_o this_o way_n in_o these_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o the_o way_n itself_o which_o they_o do_v profess_v 1._o our_o first_o general_a assertion_n unto_o this_o purpose_n be_v this_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n teach_v no_o doctrine_n appoint_v no_o order_n in_o his_o church_n give_v it_o no_o power_n that_o be_v opposite_a unto_o or_o inconsistent_a with_o any_o righteous_a government_n in_o this_o world_n of_o what_o sort_n soever_o it_o be_v of_o those_o whereunto_o government_n be_v distribute_v in_o reason_n and_o practice_n his_o doctrine_n indeed_o be_v oppose_v unto_o all_o unrighteousness_n in_o and_o of_o all_o man_n magistrate_n and_o other_o but_o not_o to_o the_o legal_a rule_n of_o magistrate_n that_o be_v unrighteous_a man_n and_o this_o opposition_n be_v doctrinal_a only_o confirm_v with_o promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o eternal_a thing_n refuse_v and_o despise_v all_o outward_a aid_n of_o force_n and_o restraint_n this_o rule_n we_o allow_v for_o the_o trial_n of_o all_o church_n and_o their_o state_n whether_o they_o be_v according_a unto_o the_o mind_n of_o christ._n but_o whereas_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v teach_v command_v appoint_v nothing_o that_o be_v contrary_a unto_o or_o inconsistent_a with_o righteous_a government_n of_o any_o sort_n if_o ruler_n or_o magistrate_n shall_v forbid_v the_o observance_n of_o what_o he_o have_v command_v appoint_v and_o order_v and_o then_o charge_v it_o on_o he_o or_o his_o way_n that_o his_o disciple_n can_v dare_v not_o will_v not_o comply_v with_o that_o prohibition_n and_o accuse_v they_o thereon_o of_o sedition_n and_o opposition_n unto_o government_n they_o deal_v injurious_o with_o he_o whereof_o they_o must_v give_v a_o account_n for_o whereas_o all_o power_n be_v give_v unto_o he_o in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n all_o nation_n be_v his_o inheritance_n all_o people_n in_o his_o absolute_a disposal_n and_o it_o be_v his_o pleasure_n to_o set_v up_o his_o kingdom_n in_o the_o earth_n without_o which_o the_o earth_n itself_o will_v not_o be_v continue_v he_o can_v not_o deal_v more_o gentle_o with_o the_o righteous_a ruler_n of_o this_o world_n and_o he_o do_v it_o because_o righteous_a rule_n be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n than_o to_o order_v all_o thing_n so_o that_o whether_o they_o receive_v his_o law_n and_o doctrine_n or_o no_o nothing_o shall_v be_v do_v in_o opposition_n unto_o they_o or_o their_o rule_n and_o if_o any_o of_o they_o be_v not_o content_v with_o this_o measure_n but_o will_v forbid_v the_o observance_n of_o what_o he_o command_v wherein_o he_o alone_o be_v concern_v and_o not_o they_o this_o be_v leave_v to_o be_v determine_v between_o he_o and_o they_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n when_o ruler_n be_v not_o able_a to_o fancy_v much_o less_o give_v a_o real_a instance_n of_o any_o one_o principle_n doctrine_n or_o practice_n in_o any_o of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n or_o any_o belong_v unto_o they_o that_o be_v contrary_a unto_o or_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o right_n or_o exercise_n of_o their_o rule_n and_o government_n and_o yet_o shall_v not_o only_o prohibit_v the_o do_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v command_v mere_o with_o respect_n unto_o the_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a end_n of_o his_o kingdom_n but_o shall_v also_o punish_v and_o destroy_v those_o who_o will_v not_o disow_v his_o authority_n and_o comply_v with_o their_o prohibition_n it_o do_v scarce_o answer_v their_o interest_n and_o prudence_n for_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v it_o for_o any_o to_o provoke_v he_o who_o be_v mighty_a than_o they_o when_o they_o have_v no_o appearance_n of_o necessity_n for_o their_o so_o do_v nor_o advantage_n thereby_o 2._o in_o particular_a
of_o that_o nation_n and_o by_o live_v within_o such_o parochial_a precinct_n as_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n have_v arbitrary_o establish_v be_v member_n of_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a congregation_n at_o least_o they_o be_v account_v so_o far_o to_o belong_v unto_o these_o church_n as_o to_o render_v they_o liable_a unto_o all_o outward_a punishment_n that_o shall_v be_v think_v meet_a to_o be_v inflict_v on_o they_o who_o comply_v not_o with_o they_o so_o far_o as_o these_o persuasion_n and_o act_n according_a unto_o they_o do_v prevail_v so_o far_o be_v they_o destructive_a of_o the_o principal_a foundation_n of_o the_o external_a be_v and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n but_o that_o man_n join_n themselves_o in_o or_o unto_o any_o church_n society_n be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v a_o voluntary_a act_n or_o a_o act_n of_o free_a choice_n in_o mere_a obedience_n unto_o the_o authority_n and_o command_n of_o christ_n be_v so_o sacred_a a_o truth_n so_o evident_a in_o the_o scripture_n so_o necessary_a from_o its_o subject_a matter_n so_o testify_v unto_o by_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o the_o first_o church_n as_o that_o it_o despise_v all_o opposition_n and_o i_o know_v not_o how_o any_o can_v reconcile_v the_o common_a practice_n of_o give_v man_n the_o reputation_n or_o reality_n of_o be_v member_n of_o or_o belong_v unto_o this_o or_o that_o church_n as_o unto_o total_a communion_n who_o desire_n or_o choose_v no_o such_o thing_n unto_o this_o acknowledge_a principle_n 5._o there_o be_v a_o double_a join_n unto_o the_o church_n 1._o that_o which_o be_v as_o unto_o total_a communion_n in_o all_o the_o duty_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v that_o whereof_o we_o treat_v 2._o a_o adherence_n unto_o the_o church_n as_o unto_o the_o mean_n of_o instruction_n and_o edification_n to_o be_v attain_v thereby_o so_o person_n may_v adhere_v unto_o any_o church_n who_o yet_o be_v not_o meet_v or_o free_a on_o some_o present_a consideration_n to_o confederate_a with_o it_o as_o unto_o total_a communion_n see_v act._n 5.13_o 14._o and_o of_o this_o sort_n in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n be_v the_o baptise_a child_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n for_o although_o they_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o perform_v church-duty_n or_o enjoy_v churchâ—priviledges_n in_o their_o tender_a year_n nor_o can_v have_v a_o right_n unto_o total_a communion_n before_o the_o testification_n of_o their_o own_o voluntary_a consent_n thereunto_o and_o choice_n thereof_o yet_o be_v they_o in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n under_o the_o care_n and_o inspection_n of_o the_o church_n so_o far_o as_o the_o outward_a administration_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o all_o the_o mean_n of_o it_o be_v commit_v thereunto_o and_o their_o duty_n it_o be_v according_a to_o their_o capacity_n to_o attend_v unto_o the_o ministry_n of_o that_o church_n whereunto_o they_o do_v belong_v 6._o the_o proposition_n respect_v a_o visible_a profess_v church_n and_o i_o intend_v such_o a_o church_n in_o general_n as_o avow_v authority_n from_o christ_n 1._o for_o the_o ministerial_a preach_v of_o the_o word_n 2._o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n 3_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o evangelical_n discipline_n and_o 4._o to_o give_v a_o public_a testimony_n against_o the_o devil_n and_o the_o world_n not_o contradict_v their_o profession_n with_o any_o corrupt_a principle_n or_o practice_n inconsistent_a with_o it_o what_o be_v require_v in_o particular_a that_o any_o of_o they_o may_v be_v meet_a to_o be_v join_v unto_o such_o a_o church_n we_o shall_v afterward_o inquire_v 7._o it_o be_v general_o say_v that_o out_o of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v no_o salvation_n and_o the_o truth_n hereof_o be_v testify_v unto_o in_o the_o scripture_n act._n 2.47_o 1_o pet._n 3.20_o 21._o matth._n 16.18_o ephes._n 5.26_o 27._o joh._n 10.16_o 8_o this_o be_v true_a both_o positive_o and_o negative_o of_o the_o catholic_n church_n invisible_a of_o the_o elect_a all_o that_o be_v of_o it_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o none_o shall_v be_v save_v but_o those_o that_o belong_v unto_o it_o ephes._n 5.25_o 26_o 27._o of_o the_o catholic_n visible_a profess_v church_n negative_o that_o no_o adult_n person_n can_v be_v save_v that_o do_v not_o belong_v unto_o this_o church_n rom._n 10.10_o 9_o this_o position_n of_o truth_n be_v abuse_v by_o interest_n and_o pride_n a_o enclosure_n of_o it_o be_v make_v by_o they_o who_o of_o all_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n can_v lay_v the_o least_o and_o weak_a claim_n unto_o it_o namely_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v that_o catholic_n church_n out_o of_o which_o there_o be_v no_o salvation_n and_o wherein_o none_o can_v perish_v like_o the_o ark_n of_o noah_n that_o it_o require_v the_o high_a charity_n to_o reckon_v they_o unto_o that_o visible_a profess_v church_n whereof_o the_o great_a part_n may_v perish_v and_o do_v so_o undoubted_o 10._o our_o enquiry_n be_v what_o truth_n there_o be_v in_o this_o assertion_n with_o respect_n unto_o these_o particular_a church_n or_o society_n for_o the_o celebration_n of_o gospel-worship_n and_o discipline_n whereof_o we_o treat_v and_o i_o say_v 1._o no_o church_n of_o what_o denomination_n soever_o can_v lay_v a_o claim_n unto_o this_o privilege_n as_o belong_v unto_o itself_o alone_o this_o be_v the_o ancient_a donatism_n they_o confine_v salvation_n unto_o the_o church_n of_o their_o way_n alone_o and_o after_o many_o false_a charge_n of_o it_o on_o other_o it_o begin_v real_o to_o be_v renew_v in_o our_o day_n for_o some_o dispute_n that_o salvation_n be_v confine_v unto_o that_o church_n alone_o wherein_o there_o be_v a_o succession_n of_o diocesan_n bishop_n which_o be_v the_o height_n of_o donatism_n the_o judgement_n and_o determination_n make_v concern_v the_o eternal_a salvation_n or_o damnation_n of_o man_n by_o the_o measure_n of_o some_o difference_n among_o christian_n about_o church_n their_o state_n and_o order_n be_v absurd_a foolish_a and_o impious_a and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n use_v by_o they_o who_o sufficient_o proclaim_v that_o they_o know_v neither_o what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v save_v nor_o do_v use_v any_o diligence_n about_o the_o necessary_a mean_n of_o it_o salvation_n depend_v absolute_o on_o no_o particular_a church-state_n in_o the_o world_n he_o know_v not_o the_o gospel_n who_o can_v real_o think_v it_o do_v person_n of_o believer_n be_v not_o for_o the_o church_n but_o the_o church_n be_v for_o they_o if_o the_o ministry_n of_o angel_n be_v for_o they_o who_o be_v heir_n of_o salvation_n much_o more_o be_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n so_o if_o a_o man_n be_v a_o adulterer_n a_o idolater_n a_o railer_n a_o hater_n &_o scoffer_n of_o godliness_n if_o he_o choose_v to_o live_v in_o any_o know_a sin_n without_o repentance_n or_o in_o the_o neglect_n of_o any_o know_a duty_n if_o he_o be_v ignorant_a and_o profane_a in_o a_o word_n if_o he_o be_v not_o bear_v again_o from_o above_o be_v he_o of_o what_o church_n he_o will_v and_o whatsoever_o place_n he_o possess_v therein_o he_o can_v be_v save_v and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n if_o a_o man_n believe_v in_o christ_n jesus_n that_o be_v know_v he_o in_o his_o person_n office_n doctrine_n and_o grace_n trust_v unto_o he_o for_o all_o the_o end_n of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o love_n of_o god_n towards_o mankind_n in_o he_o if_o he_o endeavour_v to_o yield_v sincere_a and_o universal_a obedience_n unto_o all_o his_o command_n and_o to_o be_v conform_v unto_o he_o in_o all_o thing_n follow_v his_o example_n have_v for_o these_o end_n receive_v of_o his_o spirit_n though_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n shall_v reject_v he_o yet_o he_o shall_v undoubted_o be_v save_v if_o any_o shall_v hence_o infer_v that_o then_o it_o be_v all_o one_o of_o what_o church_n any_o one_o be_v i_o answer_v 1._o that_o although_o the_o be_v of_o this_o or_o that_o or_o any_o particular_a church_n in_o the_o world_n will_v not_o secure_v the_o salvation_n of_o any_o man_n yet_o the_o adherence_n unto_o some_o church_n or_o such_o as_o be_v so_o call_v in_o their_o constitution_n and_o worship_n may_v prejudice_v yea_o ruin_n the_o salvation_n of_o any_o that_o shall_v so_o do_v 2._o the_o choice_n of_o what_o church_n we_o will_v join_v unto_o belong_v unto_o the_o choice_n and_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n for_o our_o edification_n and_o he_o that_o make_v no_o conscience_n hereof_o but_o mere_o with_o respect_n unto_o the_o event_n of_o be_v save_v at_o last_o will_v probable_o come_v short_a thereof_o 2._o on_o this_o supposition_n that_o there_o be_v no_o insuperable_a difficulty_n lie_v in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o discharge_n of_o this_o duty_n as_o that_o a_o person_n be_v cast_v by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n into_o such_o a_o place_n or_o season_n as_o
deny_v salvation_n unto_o all_o that_o abode_n in_o their_o communion_n which_o the_o donatist_n do_v with_o the_o great_a fierceness_n this_o be_v that_o which_o if_o any_o thing_n do_v true_o and_o proper_o constitute_v they_o schismatic_n as_o it_o do_v those_o also_o who_o deny_v at_o this_o day_n church_n state_n and_o salvation_n unto_o such_o church_n as_o have_v not_o diocesan_n bishop_n now_o there_o be_v no_o principle_n in_o the_o world_n that_o we_o do_v more_o abhor_v we_o grant_v a_o church_n state_n unto_o all_o however_o it_o may_v be_v defective_a or_o corrupt_a and_o a_o possibility_n of_o salvation_n unto_o all_o their_o member_n which_o be_v not_o gather_v in_o pernicious_a error_n overthrow_v the_o foundation_n nor_o idolatrous_a in_o their_o worship_n and_o who_o have_v a_o lawful_a ministry_n with_o sufficient_a mean_n for_o their_o edification_n though_o low_a in_o its_o measure_n and_o degree_n we_o judge_v none_o but_o with_o respect_n unto_o our_o own_o duty_n as_o unto_o the_o imposition_n attempt_v to_o be_v lay_v on_o we_o and_o the_o act_n of_o communion_n require_v of_o we_o which_o we_o can_v avoid_v nor_o can_v any_o man_n else_o let_v he_o pretend_v what_o he_o will_v to_o the_o contrary_a avoid_v the_o make_n of_o a_o judgement_n for_o himself_o in_o these_o thing_n unless_o he_o be_v brutish_a these_o thing_n be_v sufficient_a to_o evidence_n that_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o countenance_n give_v unto_o the_o ancient_a schism_n by_o any_o principle_n of_o we_o yet_o i_o shall_v add_v some_o far_a consideration_n on_o the_o instance_n he_o give_v unto_o the_o same_o purpose_n the_o first_o be_v that_o the_o novatian_o who_o pretence_n be_v the_o discipline_n and_o purity_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o he_o say_v there_o be_v a_o concurrence_n of_o dr._n of_o his_o plea_n zeal_n for_o reformation_n of_o discipline_n the_o great_a edificatian_a of_o the_o people_n and_o the_o assert_v of_o their_o right_n in_o choose_v such_o a_o pastor_n as_o be_v likely_a to_o promote_v their_o edification_n i_o be_o sorry_a that_o interest_n and_o party_n shall_v sway_v with_o learned_a man_n to_o seek_v advantage_n unto_o their_o cause_n so_o undue_o the_o story_n in_o short_a be_v this_o novatus_n or_o novatianus_n rather_o be_v disappoint_v in_o his_o ambitious_a design_n to_o have_v be_v choose_v bishop_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n cornelius_n be_v choose_v by_o much_o the_o major_a part_n of_o the_o church_n betake_v himself_o to_o indirect_a mean_n to_o weaken_v and_o invalidate_v the_o election_n of_o cornelius_n and_o this_o he_o do_v by_o raise_v a_o new_a principle_n of_o false_a doctrine_n whereunto_o he_o as_o false_o accommodate_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n the_o error_n he_o broach_v and_o promote_v be_v that_o there_o be_v no_o place_n for_o repentance_n such_o as_o whereon_o they_o shall_v be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n unto_o they_o who_o have_v fall_v into_o sin_n after_o baptism_n nor_o as_o some_o add_v any_o salvation_n to_o be_v obtain_v by_o they_o who_o have_v fall_v in_o the_o time_n of_o persecution_n this_o the_o ancient_a church_n look_v on_o as_o a_o pestilent_a heresy_n and_o as_o such_o be_v it_o condmen_v in_o a_o considerable_a counsel_n at_o rome_n with_o cornelius_n euseb._n lib._n 6._o cap._n 43_o where_o also_o be_v report_v the_o decree_n which_o they_o make_v in_o the_o case_n wherein_o they_o call_v his_o opinion_n cruel_a or_o inhuman_a and_o contrary_a to_o brotherly_o love_n as_o such_o it_o be_v strenuous_o confute_v by_o cyprian_a epist._n 82._o ad_fw-la antonianum_fw-la but_o because_o the_o church_n will_v not_o submit_v unto_o this_o novel_a false_a opinion_n of_o he_o contrary_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n he_o and_o all_o his_o follower_n separate_v from_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n and_o rebaptise_v all_o that_o be_v baptize_v in_o the_o orthodox_n church_n they_o deny_v unto_o they_o the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n cyprian_a ad_fw-la julian_n epist._n 73._o euseb._n lib._n 7._o cap._n 8._o that_o which_o be_v most_o probable_o false_a also_o in_o matter_n of_o fact_n when_o this_o foolish_a opinion_n which_o dionysius_n of_o alexandria_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o dionysius_n of_o rome_n call_v a_o most_o profane_a doctrine_n reflect_v unmerciful_a cruelty_n on_o our_o most_o gracious_a lord_n jesus_n christ_n euseb._n lib._n 7._o cap._n 8._o be_v invent_v to_o be_v subservient_fw-fr unto_fw-la be_v that_o many_o of_o those_o by_o who_o cornelius_n be_v choose_v bishop_n be_v such_o as_o have_v deny_v the_o faith_n under_o the_o persecution_n of_o decius_n the_o emperor_n this_o also_o be_v false_a in_o matter_n of_o fact_n for_o although_o that_o church_n continue_v in_o the_o ancient_a faith_n and_o practice_n of_o receive_v penitent_n after_o their_o fall_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o such_o number_n of_o they_o as_o to_o influence_n the_o election_n of_o cornelius_n so_o cyprian_n testify_v factus_fw-la est_fw-la cornelius_n episcopus_fw-la de_fw-la dei_fw-la &_o christi_fw-la ejus_fw-la judicio_fw-la de_fw-la clericorum_fw-la pain_fw-la omnium_fw-la testimonio_fw-la de_fw-la suffragio_fw-la plebis_fw-la etc._n etc._n epist._n 52._o on_o that_o false_a opinion_n and_o this_o frivolous_a pretence_n they_o continue_v their_o schism_n hence_o afterward_o when_o constantine_n the_o emperor_n speak_v with_o acesius_n the_o bishop_n of_o the_o novatian_o at_o constantinople_n find_v he_o sound_a in_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o trinity_n which_o be_v then_o impugn_a by_o arius_n he_o ask_v he_o why_o then_o he_o do_v not_o communicate_v with_o the_o church_n whereon_o he_o begin_v to_o tell_v he_o a_o story_n of_o what_o have_v happen_v in_o the_o time_n of_o decius_n the_o emperor_n plead_v nothing_o else_o for_o himself_o the_o emperor_n reply_v only_o o_o acesius_n set_v up_o a_o ladder_n and_o climb_v alone_o by_o thyself_o into_o heaven_n leave_v he_o socrat._v lib._n 1_o cap._n 7._o this_o error_n endeavour_v to_o be_v impose_v on_o all_o church_n this_o false_a pretence_n in_o matter_n of_o fact_n with_o the_o follow_a pride_n in_o the_o condemnation_n of_o all_o other_o church_n deny_v unto_o they_o the_o lawful_a use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o rebaptise_v they_o who_o be_v baptize_v in_o they_o do_v if_o we_o may_v believe_v the_o doctor_n herein_o contain_v all_o my_o plea_n for_o the_o forbearance_n of_o communion_n with_o parochial_a assembly_n and_o have_v countenance_n give_v unto_o they_o by_o our_o principle_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o meletian_o who_o he_o reckon_v up_o in_o the_o next_o place_n no_o certain_a account_n can_v be_v give_v epiphanius_n report_v meletus_n himself_o to_o have_v be_v a_o good_a honest_a orthodox_n bishop_n and_o in_o the_o difference_n between_o he_o and_o peter_n bishop_n of_o alexandria_n to_o have_v be_v more_o for_o truth_n as_o the_o other_o be_v more_o for_o love_n and_o charity_n and_o according_a unto_o he_o it_o be_v peter_n and_o not_o meletus_n that_o begin_v the_o schism_n haeres_fw-la 68_o n._n 2_o 3._o but_o other_o give_v quite_o another_o account_n of_o he_o socrates_n affirm_v that_o in_o time_n of_o persecution_n he_o have_v sacrifice_v to_o idol_n and_o be_v for_o that_o reason_n depose_v from_o his_o episcopacy_n by_o peter_n of_o alexandria_n lib._n 3._o cap._n 6._o hence_o he_o be_v enrage_v against_o he_o and_o fill_v all_o thebais_n and_o egypt_n with_o tumult_n against_o he_o and_o the_o church_n of_o alexandria_n with_o intolerable_a arrogance_n because_o he_o be_v convict_v of_o sundry_a wickedness_n by_o peter_n theod._n hist._n lib._n 1._o cap._n 8._o and_o his_o follower_n quick_o comply_v with_o the_o arian_n for_o their_o advantage_n the_o error_n he_o proceed_v on_o according_a to_o epiphanius_n be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o of_o novatus_n which_o how_o it_o can_v be_v if_o he_o himself_o have_v fall_v in_o persecution_n and_o sacrifice_v as_o socrates_n relate_v i_o can_v understand_v this_o schism_n of_o bishop_n meletius_n also_o it_o be_v think_v meet_a to_o be_v judge_v that_o we_o shall_v give_v countenance_n unto_o all_o thing_n be_v in_o like_a manner_n uncertain_a concern_v audus_n and_o his_o follower_n who_o he_o mention_n in_o the_o next_o place_n the_o man_n be_v represent_v by_o epiphanius_n to_o have_v be_v a_o good_a man_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n sound_v in_o the_o faith_n full_a of_o zeal_n and_o love_n to_o the_o truth_n but_o find_v many_o thing_n amiss_o in_o the_o church_n among_o the_o clergy_n and_o people_n he_o free_o reprove_v they_o for_o covetousness_n luxury_n and_o disorder_n in_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n hereon_o he_o stir_v up_o the_o hatred_n of_o many_o against_o himself_o as_o chrysostome_n do_v for_o the_o same_o cause_n afterward_o at_o constantinople_n hereupon_o he_o be_v vex_v persecute_a and_o great_o abuse_v all_o which_o he_o bear_v patient_o and_o continue_v in_o
as_o one_o of_o the_o first_o deprave_v inclination_n of_o mind_n that_o wrought_v in_o ecclesiastical_a ruler_n and_o which_o in_o the_o four_o and_o five_o century_n open_o proclaim_v itself_o unto_o the_o scandal_n of_o christian_a religion_n there_o be_v a_o great_a disposition_n in_o they_o unto_o a_o deviation_n from_o the_o original_a institution_n rule_n and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n no_o way_n suit_v unto_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o that_o ambition_n then_o unto_o a_o defection_n from_o the_o purity_n of_o faith_n and_o worship_n which_o yet_o also_o follow_v 2._o as_o the_o inclination_n of_o many_o lay_n towards_o such_o a_o deviation_n so_o their_o interest_n lead_v they_o unto_o it_o and_o their_o temptation_n cast_v they_o upon_o it_o for_o to_o acknowledge_v the_o truth_n unto_o our_o author_n and_o other_o the_o rule_n and_o conduct_v of_o the_o church_n the_o preservation_n of_o its_o order_n and_o discipline_n according_a unto_o its_o first_o institution_n and_o the_o direction_n give_v in_o the_o scripture_n about_o it_o be_v according_a unto_o our_o apprehension_n of_o these_o thing_n a_o matter_n so_o weighty_a in_o itself_o so_o dangerous_a as_o unto_o its_o issue_n attend_v with_o so_o many_o difficulty_n trial_n and_o temptation_n lay_v under_o such_o severe_a interdiction_n of_o lordly_a power_n or_o seek_v either_o of_o wealth_n or_o dignity_n that_o no_o wise_a man_n will_v ever_o undertake_v it_o but_o mere_o out_o of_o a_o sense_n of_o a_o call_v from_o christ_n unto_o it_o and_o in_o compliance_n with_o that_o duty_n which_o he_o owe_v unto_o he_o it_o be_v no_o pleasant_a thing_n unto_o flesh_n and_o blood_n to_o be_v engage_v in_o the_o conduct_n and_o oversight_n of_o christ_n volunteer_n to_o bear_v with_o their_o manner_n to_o exercise_v all_o patience_n towards_o they_o in_o their_o infirmity_n and_o temptation_n to_o watch_v continual_o over_o their_o walking_n and_o conversation_n and_o thereon_o personal_o to_o exhort_v and_o admonish_v they_o all_o to_o search_v diligent_o and_o scrupulous_o into_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o scripture_n for_o their_o warranty_n in_o every_o act_n of_o their_o power_n and_o duty_n under_o all_o their_o weakness_n and_o miscarriage_n continue_v a_o high_a valuation_n of_o they_o as_o of_o the_o flock_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v purchase_v with_o his_o own_o blood_n with_o sundry_a other_o thing_n of_o the_o like_a kind_n all_o under_o a_o abide_a sense_n of_o the_o near_a approach_n of_o that_o great_a account_n which_o they_o must_v give_v of_o the_o whole_a trust_n and_o charge_v commit_v unto_o they_o before_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o most_o part_n peculiar_o expose_v unto_o all_o manner_n of_o danger_n trouble_n and_o persecution_n without_o the_o least_o encouragement_n from_o wealth_n power_n or_o honour_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n therefore_o if_o many_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n be_v willing_a gradual_o to_o extricate_v themselves_o out_o of_o this_o uneasy_a condition_n and_o to_o embrace_v all_o occasion_n and_o opportunity_n of_o introduce_v insensible_o another_o rule_n and_o order_n into_o the_o church_n that_o may_v tend_v more_o unto_o the_o exaltation_n of_o their_o own_o power_n authority_n and_o dignity_n and_o free_v they_o in_o some_o measure_n from_o the_o weight_n of_o that_o important_a charge_n and_o continual_a care_n with_o labour_n which_o a_o diligent_a and_o strict_a adherence_n unto_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o church_n and_o rule_v give_v for_o their_o order_n and_o government_n in_o the_o scripture_n will_v have_v oblige_v they_o unto_o and_o this_o be_v do_v according_o until_o in_o the_o four_o and_o five_o century_n and_o so_o onward_o the_o bishop_n under_o various_a title_n begin_v by_o their_o arbitrary_a rule_n and_o canon_n to_o dispose_v of_o the_o flock_n of_o christ_n to_o part_n and_o divide_v they_o among_o themselves_o without_o their_o own_o knowledge_n or_o consent_n as_o if_o they_o have_v conquer_v they_o by_o the_o sword_n this_o bishop_n shall_v have_v such_o a_o share_n and_o number_n of_o they_o under_o his_o power_n and_o that_o other_o so_o many_o so_o far_o shall_v the_o jurisdiction_n of_o one_o extend_v and_o so_o far_o that_o of_o another_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o many_o of_o their_o decree_n and_o law_n for_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n but_o yet_o neither_o do_v they_o long_o keep_v within_o those_o bound_n and_o limit_n which_o their_o more_o modest_a ambition_n have_v at_o first_o prescribe_v unto_o they_o but_o take_v occasion_n from_o these_o beginning_n to_o contend_v among_o themselves_o about_o pre-eminence_n dignity_n and_o power_n in_o which_o contest_v the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n at_o length_n remain_v master_n of_o the_o field_n thereby_o obtain_v a_o second_o conquest_n of_o the_o world_n 3._o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o gradual_a deviation_n from_o the_o original_a institution_n of_o church_n their_o order_n and_o rule_n be_v manifest_a in_o the_o event_n for_o the_o change_n become_v at_o length_n as_o great_a as_o the_o distance_n be_v between_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n over_o his_o church_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o the_o canon_n law_n with_o the_o pope_n or_o antichrist_n set_v over_o the_o church_n on_o the_o other_o this_o change_n be_v not_o wrought_v at_o once_o not_o in_o one_o age_n but_o by_o a_o insensible_a progress_n even_o from_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n unto_o those_o dark_a and_o evil_a time_n wherein_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n be_v exalt_v into_o a_o absolute_a tyranny_n over_o all_o church_n unto_o the_o satiety_n of_o their_o ambition_n for_o 4._o this_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n begin_v to_o work_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o in_o the_o suggestion_n of_o satan_n and_o the_o lust_n of_o man_n though_o in_o a_o manner_n latent_fw-la and_o imperceptible_a unto_o the_o wise_a and_o best_a of_o men._n for_o that_o this_o mystery_n of_o the_o iniquity_n consist_v in_o the_o effectual_a work_n of_o the_o pride_n ambition_n and_o other_o vice_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n excite_v entice_v and_o guide_v by_o the_o craft_n of_o satan_n until_o it_o issue_v in_o the_o idolatrous_a persecute_v state_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n wherein_o all_o church_n rule_n order_n and_o worship_n of_o divine_a institution_n be_v utter_o destroy_v or_o corrupt_v we_o shall_v believe_v until_o we_o see_v a_o answer_n give_v unto_o the_o learned_a write_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o protestant_n whereby_o it_o have_v be_v prove_v these_o thing_n be_v sufficient_a to_o vindicate_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o assertion_n which_o the_o doctor_n oppose_v and_o to_o free_v it_o from_o his_o exception_n but_o because_o as_o be_v observe_v before_o the_o supposition_n hereof_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o our_o present_n contest_v about_o church_n order_n and_o rule_n i_o shall_v yet_o proceed_v a_o little_a far_o in_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n whereby_o the_o apostasy_n assert_v be_v begin_v and_o carry_v on_o and_o i_o shall_v not_o herein_o insist_v on_o particular_a instance_n nor_o make_v a_o transcription_n of_o story_n out_o of_o ancient_a writer_n give_v evidence_n unto_o the_o truth_n because_o it_o have_v be_v abundant_o do_v by_o other_o especial_o those_o of_o magdeburg_n in_o the_o six_o and_o seven_o chapter_n of_o their_o century_n unto_o who_o observation_n many_o other_o learned_a man_n have_v make_v considerable_a addition_n but_o i_o shall_v only_o treat_v in_o general_a of_o the_o cause_n way_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o beginning_n and_o progress_n of_o the_o apostasy_n or_o declension_n of_o church_n from_o their_o first_o institution_n which_o fall_v out_o in_o the_o successive_a age_n after_o the_o apostle_n especial_o after_o the_o end_n of_o the_o second_o century_n until_o when_o divine_a institution_n as_o unto_o the_o substance_n of_o they_o be_v preserve_v entire_a decay_n in_o any_o kind_n even_o in_o thing_n natural_a and_o political_a be_v hardly_o discernible_a but_o in_o and_o by_o their_o effect_n when_o a_o hectic_a distemper_n befall_v the_o body_n of_o any_o man_n it_o be_v ofttimes_o not_o to_o be_v discern_v until_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v cure_v the_o roman_a historian_n give_v this_o advice_n unto_o his_o reader_n after_o he_o have_v consider_v the_o way_n and_o mean_n whereby_o the_o empire_n come_v to_o its_o greatness_n labente_fw-la deinde_fw-la disciplina_fw-la velut_fw-la dissidentes_fw-la primo_fw-la mores_fw-la sequatur_fw-la animo_fw-la deinde_fw-la ut_fw-la magis_fw-la magisque_fw-la lapsi_fw-la sint_fw-la tum_fw-la ire_n caeperint_fw-la praecipites_fw-la donec_fw-la ad_fw-la haec_fw-la tempora_fw-la anibus_fw-la nec_fw-la vitia_fw-la nostra_fw-la nec_fw-la remedia_fw-la pati_fw-la possumus_fw-la periculuâ—_fw-la est_fw-la liv._o praefat._v his_o word_n do_v not_o give_v we_o a_o more_o graphical_a description_n of_o the_o rise_n and_o decay_n as_o unto_o virtue_n and_o vice_n
negligence_n i_o comprise_v both_o the_o ignorance_n sloth_n worldliness_n decay_n in_o gift_n and_o grace_n with_o superstition_n in_o sundry_a instance_n that_o in_o many_o of_o they_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o it_o dr._n still_o plead_v that_o it_o be_v very_o unlikely_a that_o the_o people_n will_v forego_v their_o interest_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n if_o ever_o they_o have_v any_o such_o thing_n without_o great_a noise_n and_o trouble_v for_o say_v he_o government_n be_v so_o nice_a and_o tender_a a_o thing_n that_o every_o one_o be_v so_o much_o concern_v for_o his_o share_n in_o it_o that_o man_n be_v not_o easy_o induce_v to_o part_v with_o it_o let_v we_o suppose_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n to_o have_v be_v democratical_a at_o first_o as_o dr._n o._n seem_v to_o do_v be_v it_o probable_a that_o the_o people_n will_v have_v be_v wheadle_v out_o of_o the_o sweetness_n of_o government_n so_o soon_o and_o make_v no_o noise_n about_o it_o pag._n 226._o his_o mistake_n about_o my_o judgement_n herein_o have_v be_v mark_v before_o no_o other_o interest_n or_o share_n in_o the_o government_n be_v ascribe_v by_o we_o unto_o the_o people_n but_o that_o they_o may_v be_v rule_v by_o their_o own_o consent_n and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v allow_v to_o yield_v obedience_n in_o the_o church_n unto_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n give_v unto_o they_o for_o that_o end_n this_o interest_n they_o neither_o do_v nor_o can_v forego_v without_o their_o own_o sin_n and_o gild_n in_o neglect_v the_o exercise_n of_o the_o gift_n and_o grace_n which_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v have_v and_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o duty_n whereunto_o they_o be_v oblige_v but_o for_o any_o engagement_n on_o their_o mind_n from_o the_o sweetness_n of_o government_n wherein_o their_o concern_v principal_o consist_v in_o a_o understanding_n voluntary_a obedience_n unto_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n they_o have_v nothing_o of_o it_o take_v also_o in_o general_n government_n to_o be_v as_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v mere_o a_o duty_n labour_n and_o service_n without_o those_o advantage_n of_o power_n ease_n dignity_n and_o wealth_n which_o have_v be_v annex_v unto_o it_o and_o it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o discover_v such_o a_o nicety_n or_o sweetness_n in_o it_o as_o to_o oblige_v unto_o pertinacy_n in_o a_o adherence_n unto_o it_o if_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v apprehend_v to_o consist_v in_o man_n give_v themselves_o whole_o to_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n in_o watch_v continual_o over_o the_o flock_n in_o accurate_a carefulness_n to_o do_v and_o act_v nothing_o in_o the_o church_n but_o in_o the_o name_n and_o authority_n of_o christ_n by_o the_o warranty_n of_o his_o command_n with_o a_o constant_a exercise_n of_o all_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v in_o these_o and_o all_o other_o duty_n of_o their_o office_n and_o that_o without_o the_o least_o appearance_n of_o domination_n or_o the_o procure_n of_o dignity_n secular_a honour_n and_o revenue_n thereby_o it_o may_v be_v a_o share_n and_o interest_n in_o it_o will_v not_o be_v so_o earnest_o covet_v and_o seek_v after_o as_o at_o present_v it_o be_v nor_o be_v there_o any_o more_o pertinency_n in_o his_o ensue_a supposal_n of_o a_o change_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o congregational_a church_n in_o london_n in_o set_v up_o one_o man_n to_o rule_v over_o they_o all_o and_o to_o appoint_v their_o several_a teacher_n etc._n etc._n p._n 227._o which_o can_v not_o be_v do_v without_o noise_n it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o fear_v it_o non_fw-la isto_fw-la vivimus_fw-la illic_fw-la quo_fw-la tu_fw-la veer_fw-la modo_fw-la and_o impertinent_a in_o this_o case_n to_o suppose_v it_o for_o it_o speak_v of_o a_o sudden_a total_a alteration_n in_o the_o state_n order_n and_o rule_n of_o church_n to_o be_v make_v at_o once_o whereas_o our_o discourse_n be_v of_o that_o which_o be_v gradual_a in_o many_o age_n by_o degree_n almost_o imperceptible_a but_o yet_o i_o can_v give_v no_o security_n that_o the_o church_n of_o our_o way_n shall_v not_o in_o process_n of_o time_n decline_v from_o their_o primitive_a constitution_n and_o order_n either_o in_o their_o power_n and_o spirit_n in_o faith_n and_o love_n or_o in_o the_o outward_a practice_n of_o they_o unless_o they_o continual_o watch_v against_o all_o beginning_n and_o occasion_n of_o such_o declension_n and_o frequent_o renew_v their_o reformation_n or_o if_o it_o be_v otherwise_o they_o will_v have_v better_a success_n than_o any_o church_n in_o the_o world_n ever_o yet_o have_v even_o those_o that_o be_v of_o the_o plant_n of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o as_o be_v manifest_v in_o the_o judgement_n that_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n pass_v on_o they_o rev._n 2._o and_o 3._o the_o negligence_n of_o the_o people_n which_o issue_v in_o their_o unfitness_n to_o be_v dispose_v of_o and_o rule_v according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o first_o constitution_n of_o church_n order_n may_v be_v consider_v either_o as_o it_o give_v occasion_n unto_o those_o lesser_a deviation_n from_o the_o rule_n which_o do_v not_o much_o prejudice_n the_o faith_n and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n or_o as_o it_o occasion_v great_a alteration_n in_o the_o ensue_a age_n and_o 1._o the_o great_a and_o perhaps_o in_o some_o thing_n excessive_a veneration_n which_o they_o have_v of_o their_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n do_v probable_o occasion_n in_o they_o some_o neglect_n of_o their_o own_o duty_n for_o they_o be_v easy_o induce_v hereon_o not_o only_o implicit_o to_o leave_v the_o mannagement_n of_o all_o church_n affair_n unto_o they_o but_o also_o zealous_o to_o comply_v with_o their_o mistake_v the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o martyrdom_n of_o holy_a polycarpus_n tell_v we_o that_o when_o he_o ascend_v the_o pile_n wherein_o he_o be_v to_o be_v burn_v that_o he_o pull_v off_o his_o own_o clothes_n and_o endeavour_v to_o pull_v off_o his_o shoe_n which_o he_o have_v not_o do_v before_o because_o the_o faithful_a strive_v among_o themselves_o who_o shall_v soon_o touch_v his_o body_n euseb._n lib._n 4._o cap._n 15._o i_o think_v there_o can_v be_v no_o veneration_n due_a to_o a_o man_n which_o be_v not_o so_o unto_o that_o great_a and_o holy_a person_n but_o those_o who_o do_v so_o express_v it_o may_v easy_o be_v induce_v to_o place_n too_o much_o of_o their_o religion_n in_o a_o implicit_a compliance_n with_o they_o unto_o who_o they_o be_v so_o devote_v hence_o a_o negligence_n in_o themselves_o as_o unto_o their_o particular_a duty_n do_v ensue_v they_o be_v quick_o far_o from_o esteem_v it_o their_o duty_n to_o say_v unto_o their_o pastor_n or_o bishop_n that_o he_o shall_v take_v heed_n unto_o the_o ministry_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v in_o the_o lord_n to_o fulfil_v it_o as_o the_o apostle_n enjoin_v the_o colossian_n to_o say_v to_o archippus_n their_o pastor_n chap._n 4.17_o but_o begin_v to_o think_v that_o the_o glory_n of_o obsequious_a obedience_n be_v all_o that_o be_v leave_v unto_o they_o and_o hence_o do_v some_o of_o the_o clergy_n begin_v to_o assume_v to_o themselves_o and_o to_o ascribe_v unto_o one_o another_o great_a swell_a title_n of_o honour_n and_o name_n of_o dignity_n among_o which_o the_o blasphemous_a title_n of_o his_o holiness_n be_v at_o length_n appropriate_v unto_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n wherein_o they_o open_o depart_v from_o apostolical_a simplicity_n and_o gravity_n but_o these_o thing_n fall_v out_o after_o the_o write_n of_o the_o epistle_n of_o clemens_n of_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o vienna_n and_o smyrna_n wherein_o no_o such_o title_n do_v appear_v 2._o many_o of_o the_o particular_a church_n of_o the_o first_o plantation_n increase_a great_o in_o the_o number_n of_o their_o member_n it_o be_v neither_o convenient_a nor_o safe_a that_o the_o whole_a multitude_n shall_v on_o all_o occasion_n come_v together_o as_o they_o do_v at_o first_o to_o consult_v about_o their_o common_a concern_v and_o discharge_v the_o duty_n of_o their_o communion_n for_o by_o reason_n of_o danger_n from_o their_o numerous_a convention_n they_o meet_v in_o several_a parcel_n as_o they_o have_v opportunity_n herewith_o they_o be_v content_v unless_o it_o be_v upon_o the_o great_a occasion_n of_o choose_v their_o officer_n and_o the_o like_a whereon_o the_o whole_a church_n meet_v together_o this_o make_v they_o leave_v the_o ordinary_a administration_n of_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n unto_o the_o elder_n of_o it_o not_o concern_v themselves_o further_o therein_o but_o still_o continue_v member_n of_o the_o same_o particular_a church_n it_o be_v altogether_o improbable_a what_o platina_n from_o damasus_n affirm_v in_o the_o life_n of_o evaristus_n about_o the_o end_n of_o the_o first_o century_n that_o he_o
second_o century_n of_o any_o one_o person_n who_o have_v the_o care_n of_o more_o church_n than_o one_o commit_v unto_o he_o or_o do_v take_v the_o charge_n of_o they_o on_o himself_o but_o whereas_o this_o change_n do_v fall_v out_o and_o appear_v evident_o so_o to_o have_v do_v in_o the_o four_o century_n we_o may_v brief_o inquire_v into_o the_o cause_n and_o occasion_n of_o it_o church_n be_v original_o plant_v in_o city_n and_o town_n for_o the_o most_o part_n not_o absolute_o for_o the_o word_n be_v preach_v and_o church_n gather_v by_o the_o apostle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o clemens_n testify_v in_o such_o city_n there_o be_v but_o one_o church_n whereunto_o all_o beleiver_n do_v belong_v i_o mention_v this_o the_o rather_o because_o our_o present_a author_n who_o be_v please_v frequent_o to_o mistake_v my_o word_n and_o principle_n affirm_v that_o the_o thing_n which_o i_o shall_v have_v prove_v be_v that_o there_o be_v more_o church_n at_o first_o plant_v in_o one_o city_n than_o one_o i_o know_v not_o why_o i_o shall_v be_v oblige_v to_o do_v so_o because_o i_o never_o say_v so_o i_o do_v believe_v indeed_o that_o there_o may_v be_v more_o particular_a church_n than_o one_o in_o one_o city_n and_o that_o sometime_o it_o be_v better_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o then_o that_o all_o beleiver_n in_o the_o same_o city_n shall_v be_v keep_v up_o unto_o one_o congregation_n to_o the_o obstruction_n of_o their_o edification_n but_o that_o there_o be_v original_o or_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n more_o church_n than_o one_o in_o any_o one_o city_n or_o town_n i_o do_v whole_o deny_v though_o i_o grant_v at_o the_o same_o time_n there_o be_v church_n in_o village_n also_o as_o will_v appear_v afterward_o but_o though_o there_o be_v one_o church_n only_o in_o one_o town_n or_o city_n yet_o all_o the_o believer_n that_o belong_v unto_o that_o church_n do_v not_o live_v in_o that_o city_n but_o sundry_a of_o they_o in_o the_o field_n and_o village_n about_o so_o justin_n martyr_n tell_v we_o that_o on_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n when_o the_o church_n have_v its_o solemn_a assembly_n all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o in_o the_o city_n and_o out_o of_o the_o country_n the_o field_n and_o village_n about_o meet_v together_o in_o the_o same_o place_n in_o process_n of_o time_n these_o believer_n in_o the_o country_n do_v great_o increase_v by_o the_o mean_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o city-church_n which_o diligent_o attend_v unto_o the_o conversion_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n with_o some_o extraordinary_a help_n beside_o but_o hereon_o the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v oversee_v for_o on_o this_o account_n of_o the_o conversion_n of_o many_o unto_o the_o faith_n in_o the_o town_n and_o village_n of_o any_o province_n they_o erect_v and_o plant_v new_a church_n among_o they_o not_o oblige_v they_o all_o unto_o that_o first_o church_n from_o whence_o the_o word_n go_v forth_o for_o their_o conversion_n but_o those_o who_o succeed_v they_o be_v hinder_v by_o many_o reason_n which_o may_v be_v easy_o recount_v from_o thought_n of_o the_o multiplication_n of_o church_n choose_v rather_o to_o give_v the_o beleiver_n scatter_v up_o and_o down_o in_o the_o country_n occasional_a assistance_n by_o presbyter_n of_o their_o own_o than_o to_o dispose_v they_o into_o a_o chrch_n state_n and_o order_n but_o after_o a_o while_n their_o number_n great_o increase_a they_o be_v necessitate_v to_o supply_v they_o with_o a_o constant_a ministry_n in_o several_a parcel_n or_o division_n the_o minister_n or_o elder_n thus_o dispose_v among_o they_o for_o their_o edification_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v still_o relate_v unto_o and_o depend_v upon_o that_o city_n first_o church_n from_o whence_o they_o come_v but_o the_o number_n of_o beleiver_n daily_a increase_n and_o a_o succession_n of_o presbyter_n in_o their_o distinct_a assembly_n be_v find_v necessary_a they_o come_v to_o be_v call_v church_n though_o continue_v in_o dependence_n both_o for_o a_o supply_n of_o officer_n and_o for_o rule_n on_o the_o first_o or_o city_n church_n whereunto_o they_o esteem_v themselves_o to_o belong_v this_o be_v the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o multiplication_n of_o christian_a assembly_n throughout_o the_o roman_a empire_n and_o hereby_o all_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o first_o church_n become_v by_o common_a consent_n to_o have_v a_o distinction_n from_o and_o pre-eminence_n above_o the_o presbyter_n that_o be_v fix_v in_o the_o country_n and_o a_o rule_n over_o those_o assembly_n or_o church_n themselves_o and_o therefore_o when_o they_o meet_v together_o in_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a among_o the_o first_o thing_n they_o decree_v one_o be_v to_o confirm_v unto_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o great_a city_n that_o power_n over_o the_o neighbour_a church_n which_o they_o have_v enjoin_v from_o this_o occasional_a rise_n and_o constitution_n of_o they_o hereby_o be_v a_o difference_n and_o distinction_n between_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n between_o mother_n and_o dependant_a church_n introduce_v equal_o almost_o in_o all_o place_n without_o take_v any_o notice_n of_o the_o departure_n which_o be_v therein_o from_o the_o primitive_a pattern_n and_o institution_n but_o these_o thing_n fall_v out_o long_o after_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n namely_o in_o the_o three_o and_o four_o century_n there_o be_v no_o mention_n of_o they_o before_o but_o second_o there_o be_v another_o occasion_n of_o this_o alteration_n which_o take_v place_n before_o that_o insist_v on_o for_o in_o many_o of_o those_o city_n church_n especial_o when_o the_o number_n of_o beleiver_n much_o increase_v there_o be_v many_o bishop_n or_o elder_n who_o have_v the_o rule_n of_o they_o in_o common_a this_o be_v plain_a in_o the_o scripture_n and_o in_o the_o ensue_a record_n of_o church_n affair_n and_o they_o have_v all_o the_o same_o office_n the_o same_o power_n and_o be_v of_o the_o same_o order_n but_o after_o a_o while_n to_o preserve_v order_n and_o decency_n among_o themselves_o and_o in_o all_o their_o proceed_n they_o choose_v one_o from_o among_o they_o who_o shall_v preside_v in_o all_o church_n affair_n for_o order_n sake_n unto_o who_o after_o a_o season_n the_o name_n of_o bishop_n begin_v to_o be_v appropriate_v whether_o the_o rule_n they_o proceed_v by_o herein_o be_v to_o choose_v they_o unto_o this_o dignity_n who_o have_v be_v first_o convert_v unto_o the_o faith_n or_o first_o call_v and_o ordain_v to_o be_v presbyter_n or_o have_v respect_n unto_o the_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o those_o who_o they_o choose_v be_v not_o certain_a but_o this_o way_n begin_v in_o those_o church_n wherein_o some_o extraordinary_a officer_n apostle_n or_o evangelist_n have_v long_o reside_v it_o can_v therefore_o be_v doubt_v but_o they_o have_v some_o design_n to_o represent_v hereby_o somewhat_o of_o the_o dignity_n of_o such_o a_o officer_n and_o a_o resemblance_n of_o the_o continuance_n of_o his_o presence_n among_o they_o and_o this_o i_o suppose_v fall_v out_o early_o in_o the_o church_n though_o without_o ground_n or_o warrant_n and_o the_o principal_a pastor_n of_o other_o church_n which_o have_v not_o any_o great_a number_n of_o elder_n in_o they_o yet_o quick_o assume_v unto_o themselves_o the_o dignity_n which_o the_o other_o have_v attain_v justin_n martyr_n in_o the_o account_n he_o give_v of_o the_o church_n its_o order_n rule_n worship_n and_o discipline_n in_o his_o day_n mention_n one_o singular_a person_n in_o one_o church_n who_o he_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d who_o preside_v in_o all_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n and_o himself_o administer_v all_o the_o sacred_a ordinance_n every_o lord_n day_n unto_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o church_n gather_v and_o meet_v out_o of_o the_o city_n and_o the_o village_n about_o this_o be_v the_o bishop_n and_o if_o any_o one_o desire_v this_o office_n he_o desire_v a_o good_a work_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v whatever_o accession_n be_v make_v unto_o the_o church_n these_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v either_o the_o first_o convert_v to_o the_o faith_n or_o the_o first_o ordain_v presbyter_n or_o obtain_v their_o pre-eminence_n non_fw-la pretio_fw-la sed_fw-la testimonio_fw-la as_o tertullian_n speak_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o eminency_n in_o gift_n and_o holiness_n be_v yet_o quick_o sensible_a of_o their_o own_o dignity_n and_o praelation_n and_o by_o all_o mean_v seek_v the_o enlargement_n of_o it_o suppose_v that_o it_o belong_v unto_o the_o honour_n and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o under_o this_o state_n of_o thing_n the_o church_n increase_a every_o day_n in_o number_n and_o wealth_n grow_v insensible_o more_o and_o more_o indy_n magis_fw-la magisque_fw-la decrescente_fw-la disciplina_fw-la into_o a_o form_n and_o
state_n exceed_v the_o bound_n of_o their_o original_a institution_n and_o become_v unwieldy_a as_o unto_o the_o pursuit_n of_o their_o end_n unto_o mutual_a edification_n it_o be_v not_o hard_a to_o conjecture_v how_o a_o state_v distinction_n between_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n do_v afterward_o ensue_v for_o as_o the_o first_o elder_a bishop_n or_o pastor_n have_v obtain_v this_o small_a pre-eminence_n in_o the_o church_n wherein_o he_o do_v preside_v and_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o village_n about_o so_o the_o mannagement_n of_o those_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n which_o they_o have_v in_o communion_n with_o other_o be_v commit_v unto_o he_o or_o assume_v by_o he_o this_o give_v they_o the_o advantage_n of_o meeting_n in_o synod_n and_o council_n afterward_o wherein_o they_o do_v their_o own_o business_n unto_o the_o purpose_n hereon_o in_o a_o short_a time_n the_o people_n be_v deprive_v of_o all_o their_o interest_n in_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n so_o as_o to_o be_v govern_v by_o their_o own_o consent_n which_o indeed_o they_o also_o have_v render_v themselves_o unmeet_a to_o enjoy_v and_o exercise_v other_o elder_n be_v deprive_v of_o that_o power_n and_o authority_n which_o be_v commit_v unto_o they_o by_o christ_n and_o thrust_v down_o into_o a_o order_n or_o degree_n inferior_a unto_o that_o wherein_o they_o be_v original_o place_v new_a officer_n in_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n utter_o unknown_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o primitive_a antiquity_n be_v introduce_v all_o charitable_a donation_n unto_o the_o church_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o the_o ministry_n the_o poor_a and_o the_o redemption_n of_o captive_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n abuse_v to_o advance_v the_o revenue_n of_o the_o bishop_n such_o secular_a advantage_n in_o honour_n dignity_n and_o wealth_n be_v annex_v unto_o episcopal_n see_v as_o that_o ambitious_a man_n shameful_o contest_v for_o the_o attain_n of_o they_o which_o in_o the_o instance_n of_o the_o bloody_a conflict_n between_o the_o party_n of_o damasus_n and_o vrsacius_n at_o rome_n ammianus_n marcellinus_n a_o heathen_a do_v great_o and_o wise_o reflect_v upon_o but_o yet_o all_o these_o evil_n be_v as_o nothing_o in_o comparison_n of_o that_o dead_a sea_n of_o the_o roman_a tyranny_n and_o idolatry_n whereinto_o at_o last_o these_o bitter_a water_n run_v and_o be_v therein_o total_o corrupt_v i_o think_v also_o to_o have_v proceed_v with_o a_o account_n of_o the_o declension_n of_o the_o church_n from_o their_o first_o institution_n in_o their_o matter_n form_n and_o rule_n â—ut_v because_o this_o will_v draw_v forth_o my_o discourse_n beyond_o my_o present_a intention_n i_o shall_v forbear_v have_v sufficient_o vindicate_v my_o assertion_n in_o this_o one_o instance_n it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o my_o design_n to_o give_v a_o answer_n at_o large_a unto_o the_o great_a volume_n that_o dr._n still_o have_v write_v on_o this_o occasion_n much_o less_o to_o contend_v about_o particular_a say_n opinion_n the_o practice_n of_o this_o or_o that_o man_n which_o it_o be_v fill_v withal_o but_o whereas_o his_o treatise_n so_o far_o as_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n be_v concern_v in_o it_o do_v consist_v of_o two_o part_n the_o first_o whereof_o contain_v such_o story_n thing_n and_o say_n as_o may_v load_v the_o cause_n and_o person_n who_o he_o oppose_v with_o prejudices_fw-la in_o the_o mind_n of_o other_o in_o which_o endeavour_n he_o exceed_v all_o expectation_n and_o what_o do_v more_o direct_o concern_v the_o argument_n in_o hand_n i_o shall_v at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n speak_v distinct_o unto_o all_o that_o be_v material_a of_o the_o second_o sort_n especial_o so_o far_o as_o be_v needful_a unto_o the_o defence_n of_o my_o former_a vindication_n of_o the_o nonconformist_n from_o the_o gild_n of_o schism_n for_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o first_o sort_n wherein_o the_o doctor_n do_v so_o abound_v both_o in_o his_o preface_n and_o in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o his_o book_n as_o to_o manifest_v himself_o i_o fear_v to_o be_v a_o little_a too_o sensible_a of_o provocation_n for_o the_o act_n of_o interest_n in_o wise_a man_n be_v usual_o more_o sedate_n i_o shall_v only_o oppose_v some_o general_a consideration_n unto_o they_o without_o argue_v or_o contend_v about_o particular_n which_o will_v be_v endless_a and_o useless_a and_o whereas_o he_o have_v gather_v up_o almost_o every_o thing_n that_o have_v be_v do_v write_v or_o speak_v to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o person_n who_o he_o oppose_v though_o frequent_o charge_v before_o add_v the_o advantage_n of_o his_o style_n and_o method_n unto_o their_o reinforcement_n i_o shall_v reduce_v the_o whole_a unto_o a_o few_o head_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v of_o the_o great_a importance_n i_o shall_v leave_v he_o without_o disturbance_n unto_o the_o satisfaction_n he_o have_v in_o his_o own_o love_n moderation_n and_o condescension_n express_v in_o his_o preface_n other_o may_v possible_o call_v some_o thing_n in_o it_o unto_o a_o far_a account_n but_o the_o first_o part_n of_o his_o book_n be_v cast_v under_o two_o head_n 1._o a_o commendation_n of_o the_o first_o reformer_n and_o their_o reformation_n with_o some_o reflection_n upon_o all_o that_o acquiesce_v not_o therein_o as_o though_o they_o esteem_v themselves_o wise_a and_o better_a than_o they_o from_o this_o topick_n proceed_v many_o severe_a reflection_n and_o some_o reproach_n the_o other_o consist_v in_o a_o story_n of_o the_o rise_n and_o progress_n of_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n with_o great_a miscarriage_n among_o they_o who_o first_o attempt_v it_o and_o the_o opposition_n make_v unto_o they_o by_o those_o who_o be_v themselves_o nonconformist_n the_o whole_a be_v close_v with_o the_o difference_n and_o debate_n between_o the_o divine_n of_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a way_n and_o the_o dissent_v brethren_n as_o they_o be_v then_o call_v concern_v these_o thing_n the_o discourse_n be_v so_o prolix_a and_o so_o swell_v with_o long_a quotation_n that_o i_o scarce_o believe_v any_o man_n will_v have_v the_o patience_n to_o read_v over_o a_o particular_a examination_n of_o it_o especial_o consider_v how_o little_a the_o cause_n in_o hand_n be_v concern_v in_o the_o whole_a story_n whether_o it_o be_v tell_v right_a or_o wrong_n candid_o or_o with_o a_o design_n to_o make_v a_o advantage_n unto_o the_o prejudice_n of_o other_o i_o shall_v therefore_o only_o mark_v something_o with_o respect_n unto_o both_o these_o head_n of_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o book_n which_o if_o i_o mistake_v not_o will_v lay_v it_o aside_o from_o be_v of_o any_o use_n in_o our_o present_a cause_n 1._o as_o unto_o the_o first_o reformer_n and_o reformation_n in_o the_o day_n of_o king_n edward_n the_o plea_n from_o they_o and_o it_o which_o we_o have_v be_v long_o accustom_v unto_o be_v that_o they_o be_v person_n great_a wise_a learned_a holy_a that_o some_o of_o they_o die_v martyr_n that_o the_o work_n of_o the_o reformation_n be_v great_o own_v and_o bless_v of_o god_n and_o therefore_o our_o non-acquiescency_a therein_o but_o desire_v a_o far_a reformation_n of_o the_o church_n than_o what_o they_o see_v and_o judge_v necessary_a be_v unreasonable_a and_o that_o what_o we_o endeavour_v therein_o though_o never_o so_o peaceable_o be_v schismatical_a but_o 1._o none_o do_v more_o bless_v god_n for_o the_o first_o reformer_n and_o the_o work_n they_o do_v than_o we_o do_v none_o have_v a_o high_a esteem_n of_o their_o person_n ability_n grace_n and_o suffering_n than_o we_o have_v none_o cleave_v more_o firm_o to_o their_o doctrine_n which_o be_v the_o life_n and_o soul_n of_o the_o reformation_n than_o we_o nor_o desire_v more_o to_o follow_v they_o in_o their_o godly_a design_n they_o be_v not_o of_o we_o who_o have_v declare_v that_o the_o death_n of_o king_n edward_n be_v a_o happiness_n or_o no_o unhappiness_n to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n nor_o who_o have_v reflect_v on_o the_o reformation_n as_o needless_a and_o give_v assurance_n that_o if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v undertake_v salvation_n may_v have_v be_v obtain_v safe_o enough_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n nor_o be_v they_o of_o we_o who_o have_v question_v the_o zeal_n and_o prudence_n of_o the_o martyr_n of_o those_o day_n in_o suffer_v we_o have_v other_o thought_n concern_v they_o another_o kind_n of_o remembrance_n of_o they_o 2._o the_o title_n assign_v unto_o they_o of_o wise_a learned_a holy_a zealous_n be_v full_o answer_v by_o that_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n in_o its_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n which_o god_n wrought_v by_o their_o ministry_n so_o that_o none_o without_o the_o high_a ingratitude_n can_v derogate_v any_o thing_n from_o they_o in_o these_o thing_n but_o it_o be_v no_o disparagement_n unto_o any_o of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n any_o officer_n of_o
be_v at_o all_o concern_v in_o the_o rhetorical_a discourse_n of_o dr._n still_o concern_v the_o first_o reformer_n and_o their_o reformation_n neither_o do_v we_o at_o all_o delight_n in_o reflect_v on_o any_o of_o the_o defect_n of_o it_o desire_v only_o the_o liberty_n avow_v on_o protestant_a principle_n in_o the_o discharge_v of_o our_o own_o duty_n nor_o second_o be_v we_o any_o more_o concern_v in_o the_o long_a story_n that_o ensue_v about_o the_o rise_n and_o progress_n of_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n with_o the_o mistake_v of_o some_o in_o principle_n and_o miscarriage_n in_o practice_n who_o judge_v it_o their_o duty_n to_o be_v separate_a for_o as_o in_o our_o refrain_v from_o total_a communion_n with_o the_o parochial_a assembly_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n we_o proceed_v not_o on_o the_o same_o principle_n so_o we_o hope_v that_o we_o be_v free_a from_o the_o same_o miscarriage_n with_o they_o or_o any_o of_o a_o alike_a nature_n but_o it_o be_v also_o certain_a that_o after_o the_o great_a confusion_n that_o be_v bâ—ought_v on_o the_o whole_a state_n and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o roman_a apostasy_n many_o of_o those_o who_o attempt_v a_o reformation_n fall_v into_o different_a opinion_n and_o practice_n in_o sundry_a thing_n which_o the_o papist_n have_v make_v many_o a_o long_a story_n about_o we_o undertake_v the_o defence_n only_o of_o our_o own_o principle_n and_o practice_n according_a unto_o they_o nor_o do_v we_o esteem_v ourselves_o oblige_v to_o justify_v or_o reflect_v on_o other_o and_o it_o be_v no_o difficult_a task_n to_o compose_v a_o story_n of_o the_o proceed_n of_o some_o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n with_o reference_n unto_o these_o difference_n that_o will_v have_v as_o ill_o a_o aspect_n as_o that_o which_o be_v here_o report_v shall_v a_o account_n be_v give_v of_o their_o unaccountable_a rigour_n and_o severity_n in_o that_o through_o so_o many_o year_n yea_o age_n they_o will_v never_o think_v of_o the_o least_o abatement_n of_o their_o imposition_n in_o any_o one_o instance_n though_o acknowledge_v by_o themselves_o indifferent_a and_o esteem_v by_o other_o unlawful_a although_o they_o see_v what_o woeful_a detriment_n arise_v to_o the_o church_n thereby_o yea_o how_o instead_o thereof_o they_o do_v to_o the_o last_o of_o their_o power_n make_v a_o progress_n in_o the_o same_o course_n by_o attempt_v new_a canon_n to_o inflame_v the_o difference_n and_o increase_v in_o severity_n towards_o all_o dissenter_n shall_v a_o account_n be_v give_v of_o the_o silencing_n depriving_n imprisoning_n by_o the_o high_a commission_n court_n and_o in_o most_o of_o the_o diocese_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o so_o great_a number_n of_o godly_a learned_a faithful_a painful_a minister_n to_o the_o unspeakable_a disadvantage_n of_o the_o church_n and_o nation_n with_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o most_o of_o they_o and_o their_o family_n the_o representation_n of_o their_o name_n qualification_n evident_a usefulness_n in_o the_o ministry_n with_o the_o cause_n of_o their_o suffering_n wherein_o the_o observance_n of_o some_o ceremony_n be_v open_o prefer_v before_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n and_o a_o great_a mean_n of_o the_o conversion_n of_o soul_n will_v give_v as_o ill_o a_o demonstration_n of_o christian_a wisdom_n love_n moderation_n condescension_n zeal_n for_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o any_o thing_n do_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n in_o the_o history_n before_o we_o it_o will_v not_o be_v omit_v on_o such_o a_o occasion_n to_o declare_v what_o multitude_n of_o pious_a peaceable_a protestant_n be_v drive_v by_o their_o severity_n to_o leave_v their_o native_a country_n to_o seek_v a_o refuge_n for_o their_o life_n and_o liberty_n with_o freedom_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o a_o wilderness_n in_o the_o end_v of_o the_o earth_n and_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o what_o some_o do_v herein_o they_o do_v in_o discharge_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o their_o office_n i_o must_v say_v i_o shall_v hardly_o acknowledge_v that_o office_n to_o be_v of_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n whereunto_o it_o belong_v in_o a_o way_n of_o duty_n to_o ruin_v and_o destroy_v so_o many_o of_o his_o disciple_n for_o no_o other_o cause_n but_o a_o desire_n and_o endeavour_v to_o serve_v and_o worship_v he_o according_a unto_o what_o they_o apprehend_v to_o be_v his_o mind_n reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n shall_v there_o be_v add_v hereunto_o a_o account_n of_o the_o administration_n of_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n in_o the_o court_n of_o chancellor_n commissary_n official_o and_o the_o like_a as_o unto_o the_o authority_n and_o cause_n with_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o their_o proceed_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o jurisdiction_n with_o the_o woeful_a scandal_n that_o have_v be_v give_v thereby_o with_o a_o addition_n of_o sundry_a other_o thing_n which_o i_o will_v not_o so_o much_o as_o mention_v i_o suppose_v it_o will_v as_o much_o conduce_v unto_o peace_n and_o reconciliation_n among_o protestant_n as_o the_o story_n here_o give_v we_o by_o our_o author_n but_o set_v aside_o the_o aggravation_n of_o thing_n gather_v out_o of_o controversial_a write_n wherein_o few_o man_n do_v observe_v the_o due_a rule_n of_o moderation_n but_o indulge_v unto_o themselves_o the_o liberty_n of_o severe_a censure_n and_o sharp_a reflection_n on_o they_o they_o do_v oppose_v the_o sum_n and_o truth_n of_o the_o story_n concern_v these_o thing_n may_v be_v reduce_v into_o a_o narrow_a compass_n for_o 1._o it_o be_v certain_a that_o from_o the_o first_o dawn_n of_o the_o reformation_n in_o this_o nation_n there_o be_v different_a apprehension_n among_o they_o that_o joint_o forsake_v the_o papacy_n as_o unto_o its_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n about_o the_o state_n rule_n order_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n with_o sundry_a thing_n belong_v unto_o its_o worship_n also_o i_o suppose_v this_o will_v not_o be_v deny_v 2._o there_o do_v not_o remain_v any_o record_n of_o a_o due_a attempt_n and_o endeavour_v for_o the_o compose_v these_o difference_n before_o one_o certain_a way_n be_v establish_v by_o those_o in_o power_n and_o whereas_o the_o state_n and_o condition_n wherein_o they_o be_v at_o that_o time_n from_o the_o confusion_n about_o religion_n that_o be_v then_o abroad_o and_o the_o pertinaciousness_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o people_n in_o a_o adherence_n unto_o their_o old_a way_n and_o observance_n in_o religion_n with_o a_o great_a scarcity_n in_o able_a minister_n the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o clergy_n dislike_a the_o whole_a reformation_n they_o find_v themselves_o as_o they_o judge_v necessitate_v to_o make_v as_o little_a alteration_n in_o the_o present_a state_n of_o thing_n as_o be_v possible_a so_o as_o to_o keep_v up_o a_o appearance_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n which_o have_v be_v in_o former_a use_n on_o these_o ground_n the_o state_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n be_v continue_v in_o the_o same_o form_n and_o posture_n that_o it_o be_v before_o under_o the_o papacy_n the_o authority_n of_o the_o pope_n only_o be_v exclude_v and_o the_o power_n of_o disposal_n of_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n usurp_v by_o he_o declare_v to_o be_v in_o the_o king_n so_o also_o in_o imitation_n of_o that_o book_n of_o worship_n and_o service_n which_o the_o people_n have_v be_v accustom_v unto_o another_o be_v establish_v with_o the_o ceremony_n most_o obvious_a unto_o popular_a observation_n 3._o this_o order_n be_v unsatisfactory_a unto_o great_a number_n of_o minister_n and_o other_o who_o yet_o consider_v what_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o time_n do_v call_v for_o do_v outward_o acquiesce_v in_o it_o in_o several_a degree_n in_o hope_n of_o a_o far_a reformation_n in_o a_o more_o convenient_a season_n nor_o do_v they_o cease_v to_o plead_v and_o press_v for_o it_o by_o all_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a mean_n abstain_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n from_o the_o use_n of_o the_o ceremony_n and_o full_a compliance_n with_o episcopal_a jurisdiction_n 4._o hereon_o those_o who_o be_v for_o the_o establishment_n have_v secure_v their_o interest_n therein_o and_o obtain_v power_n begin_v after_o a_o while_n to_o oppress_v excommunicate_a silence_n deprive_v and_o imprison_v those_o who_o dissent_v from_o they_o and_o can_v not_o come_v up_o unto_o a_o full_a practical_a compliance_n with_o their_o institution_n and_o rule_n yet_o the_o generality_n of_o those_o so_o silence_v and_o deprive_v abide_v in_o privacy_n under_o their_o suffering_n hope_v for_o a_o reformation_n at_o one_o time_n or_o another_o without_o betake_v themselves_o unto_o any_o other_o course_n for_o the_o edification_n of_o themselves_o or_o their_o people_n 5._o after_o sundry_a year_n some_o man_n partly_o silence_v and_o deprive_v as_o unto_o their_o ministry_n and_o partly_o pursue_v with_o other_o censure_n and_o penalty_n begin_v
preservation_n of_o church_n peace_n and_o unity_n all_o the_o dispute_n be_v whether_o we_o keep_v unto_o this_o rule_n of_o christ_n or_o no_o wherein_o we_o be_v ready_a at_o any_o time_n to_o put_v ourselves_o upon_o the_o trial_n be_v willing_a to_o teach_v or_o learn_v as_o god_n shall_v help_v we_o second_o we_o say_v that_o this_o rule_n in_o general_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n love_n and_o obedience_n contain_v and_o reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o in_o particular_a the_o command_n that_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v give_v for_o the_o order_n and_o worship_n that_o he_o require_v in_o his_o church_n it_o may_v seem_v strange_a to_o some_o that_o we_o shall_v suppose_v the_o due_a observance_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n love_n and_o obedience_n that_o be_v of_o faith_n real_a and_o unfeigned_a love_v fervent_a and_o without_o dissimulation_n and_o of_o universal_a gracious_a evangelical_n obedience_n to_o be_v necessary_a unto_o the_o preservation_n of_o church_n peace_n and_o unity_n but_o we_o do_v affirm_v with_o some_o confidence_n that_o the_o only_a real_a foundation_n of_o they_o do_v lie_v herein_o nor_o do_v we_o value_v that_o ecclesiastical_a peace_n which_o may_v be_v without_o it_o or_o be_v neglective_a of_o it_o let_v all_o the_o christian_a world_n or_o those_o therein_o who_o concern_v themselves_o in_o we_o know_v that_o this_o be_v our_o principle_n and_o our_o judgement_n that_o no_o church_n peace_n or_o unity_n be_v value_v by_o or_o accept_v with_o jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v not_o found_v in_o that_o do_v not_o arise_v from_o and_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o diligent_a attendance_n unto_o and_o observance_n of_o the_o entire_a gospel_n rule_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n in_o the_o neglect_v hereof_o peace_n be_v be_v but_o carnal_a security_n and_o unity_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o conspiracy_n against_o the_o rule_n of_o christ._n add_v hereunto_o in_o particular_a the_o due_a observation_n of_o what_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v appoint_v to_o be_v do_v and_o observe_v in_o his_o church_n as_o unto_o their_o order_n rule_n and_o worship_n and_o they_o who_o walk_v according_a unto_o this_o rule_n need_v not_o fear_v the_o charge_n of_o schism_n from_o the_o fierce_a of_o their_o adversary_n wherefore_o we_o say_v three_o those_o who_o recede_v from_o this_o rule_n in_o any_o material_a branch_n of_o it_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o breach_n of_o church_n unity_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o exorbitancy_n as_o suppose_v that_o any_o preach_v teach_v or_o profess_v doctrine_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o form_n of_o wholesome_a word_n especial_o with_o reference_n unto_o the_o person_n office_n and_o grace_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o subject_a of_o doctrine_n pure_o evangelical_n they_o break_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o separate_v or_o withdraw_v communion_n from_o they_o which_o be_v a_o mean_n of_o preserve_v the_o true_a peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n speciosum_fw-la quidem_fw-la est_fw-la nomen_fw-la pacis_fw-la &_o pulchra_fw-la opinio_fw-la vnitatis_fw-la sed_fw-la quis_fw-la ambigat_fw-la eam_fw-la solam_fw-la unicam_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la pacem_fw-la esse_fw-la quae_fw-la christi_fw-la est_fw-la say_v hilary_n suppose_v that_o man_n retain_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n but_o deny_v the_o power_n of_o it_o act_v their_o habitual_a lust_n and_o corruption_n in_o a_o vicious_a conversation_n they_o overthrow_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o church_n unity_n and_o we_o be_v oblige_v from_o such_o to_o turn_v away_o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o those_o who_o live_v in_o a_o constant_a neglect_n of_o any_o of_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n with_o respect_n unto_o the_o order_n rule_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n with_o a_o contempt_n of_o the_o mean_v appoint_v by_o he_o for_o their_o edification_n all_o these_o according_a unto_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o deviation_n from_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n do_v disturb_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o church_n peace_n and_o unity_n and_o therefore_o we_o say_v four_o that_o conscience_n be_v immediate_o and_o direct_o concern_v in_o no_o other_o church_n unity_n as_o such_o but_o what_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n give_v unto_o that_o end_n we_o know_v what_o be_v speak_v concern_v obedience_n unto_o the_o guide_n and_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o christ._n but_o we_o know_v withal_o that_o this_o obedience_n be_v require_v of_o we_o only_o as_o they_o teach_v we_o to_o observe_v and_o do_v all_o that_o he_o have_v command_v for_o other_o commission_n from_o he_o they_o have_v none_o when_o this_o rule_n be_v forsake_v and_o another_o substitute_v in_o the_o room_n of_o it_o as_o it_o quick_o divert_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n from_o a_o conscientious_a attendance_n unto_o that_o rule_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o only_a mean_n of_o church_n unity_n so_o that_o other_o do_v either_o proceed_v from_o man_n secular_a interest_n or_o may_v easy_o be_v accommodate_v thereunto_o and_o whereas_o the_o line_n of_o it_o must_v be_v draw_v in_o the_o field_n of_o pretend_a indifferency_n and_o real_a arbitrariness_n it_o will_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o endless_a contention_n whilst_o whatever_o some_o think_v themselves_o to_o have_v power_n to_o appoint_v other_o will_v judge_v themselves_o to_o have_v liberty_n to_o refuse_v five_o it_o be_v unity_n of_o christ_n appointment_n that_o schism_n respect_v as_o a_o sin_n against_o it_o and_o not_o uniformity_n in_o thing_n of_o man_n appointment_n and_o last_o those_o who_o charge_v schism_n on_o other_o for_o a_o dissent_n from_o themselves_o or_o the_o refrain_v of_o total_a communion_n with_o they_o must_v 1._o discharge_v themselves_o of_o the_o charge_n of_o it_o in_o a_o consistence_n with_o their_o charge_n on_o they_o for_o we_o find_v as_o yet_o no_o arrow_n shoot_v against_o we_o but_o such_o as_o be_v gather_v up_o in_o the_o field_n shoot_v at_o they_o that_o use_v they_o out_o of_o the_o roman_a quiver_n neither_o will_v it_o avail_v they_o to_o say_v that_o they_o have_v other_o manner_n of_o reason_n for_o their_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n than_o any_o we_o have_v for_o our_o withdraw_a communion_n from_o they_o for_o the_o question_n be_v not_o what_o reason_n they_o have_v for_o what_o they_o do_v but_o what_o right_o and_o power_n they_o have_v to_o do_v it_o namely_o to_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n whereof_o they_o be_v constitute_v a_o new_a church_n state_n of_o their_o own_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o that_o church_n and_o against_o the_o order_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o same_o 2._o require_v no_o communion_n but_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o rule_n before_o declare_v in_o no_o other_o be_v we_o concern_v with_o respect_n unto_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n 3._o give_v a_o far_a confirmation_n than_o what_o we_o have_v yet_o see_v unto_o the_o principle_n or_o presumption_n they_o proceed_v upon_o in_o the_o mannagement_n of_o the_o charge_n of_o schism_n as_o that_o 1._o diocesan_a bishop_n with_o their_o metropolitan_n be_v of_o divine_a institution_n 2._o that_o the_o power_n of_o rule_n in_o and_o over_o all_o church_n be_v commit_v unto_o they_o alone_o 3._o that_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o ordain_v religious_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n no_o where_o prescribe_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o impose_v the_o observation_n of_o they_o on_o all_o member_n of_o the_o church_n 4._o that_o this_o church_n they_o be_v 5._o that_o no_o man_n voluntary_a consent_n be_v require_v to_o constitute_v he_o a_o member_n of_o any_o church_n but_o that_o every_o one_o be_v surprise_v into_o that_o state_n whether_o he_o will_v or_o no._n 6_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o force_n in_o the_o argument_n plead_v for_o noncompliance_n with_o arbitrary_a unnecessary_a imposition_n 7._o that_o the_o church_n stand_v in_o no_o need_n of_o reformation_n neither_o in_o doctrine_n discipline_n nor_o conversation_n with_o sundry_a other_o thing_n of_o a_o alike_a nature_n that_o they_o need_v unto_o their_o justification_n but_o yet_o when_o all_o be_v do_v it_o will_v appear_v that_o mutual_a forbearance_n first_o remove_v animosity_n than_o administer_a occasion_n of_o inoffensive_a converse_n unto_o the_o revival_n of_o decay_a affection_n lead_v unto_o sedate_n conference_n and_o consideration_n of_o a_o more_o entire_a conjunction_n in_o the_o thing_n whereunto_o we_o have_v attain_v will_v more_o conduce_v unto_o universal_a peace_n and_o gospel_n unity_n than_o the_o most_o fierce_a contention_n about_o thing_n in_o difference_n or_o the_o most_o vehement_a charge_n of_o schism_n against_o dissenter_n but_o i_o must_v return_v to_o the_o argument_n and_o shall_v add_v something_o give_v light_n into_o the_o nature_n of_o schism_n from_o a_o
instance_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n that_o which_o be_v first_o in_o any_o kind_n give_v the_o measure_n of_o what_o follow_v in_o the_o same_o kind_n and_o light_n into_o the_o nature_n of_o they_o whereas_o therefore_o the_o schism_n that_o be_v among_o the_o church_n about_o the_o observation_n of_o easter_n be_v the_o first_o that_o fall_v out_o unto_o the_o disturbance_n of_o their_o communion_n i_o shall_v give_v a_o brief_a account_n of_o it_o as_o far_o as_o the_o question_n in_o hand_n be_v concern_v in_o it_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o apostle_n do_v with_o care_n and_o diligence_n teach_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christian_a liberty_n warn_v the_o disciple_n to_o stand_v fast_o in_o it_o and_o not_o submit_v their_o neck_n unto_o any_o yoke_n of_o bondage_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n especial_o the_o apostle_n paul_n have_v frequent_a occasion_n to_o treat_v of_o this_o subject_n and_o what_o they_o teach_v in_o doctrine_n they_o establish_v and_o confirm_v in_o their_o practice_n for_o they_o enjoin_v nothing_o to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o church_n but_o what_o be_v necessary_a and_o what_o they_o have_v the_o command_n of_o christ_n for_o leave_v the_o observation_n of_o thing_n indifferent_a unto_o their_o original_a indifferency_n but_o whereas_o they_o have_v decree_v by_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n some_o necessary_a condescension_n in_o the_o gentile_a believer_n towards_o the_o jew_n in_o case_n of_o offence_n or_o scandal_n they_o do_v themselves_o make_v use_n of_o their_o liberty_n to_o comply_v with_o the_o same_o jew_n in_o some_o of_o their_o observance_n not_o yet_o unlawful_a hereon_o there_o ensue_v in_o several_a church_n different_a observation_n of_o some_o rite_n and_o custom_n which_o they_o apprehend_v be_v countenance_v by_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n at_o least_o as_o it_o have_v be_v report_v unto_o they_o for_o immediate_o after_o the_o decease_n of_o the_o apostle_n very_o many_o mistake_v and_o untruth_n be_v report_v concern_v what_o they_o say_v do_v and_o practise_v which_o some_o diligent_o collect_v from_o old_a man_n it_o may_v be_v almost_o delirant_fw-la as_o eusebius_n give_v a_o instance_n in_o papias_n lib._n 3._o cap._n 36._o and_o even_o the_o great_a irenaeus_n himself_o be_v impose_v upon_o in_o a_o matter_n direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o scripture_n under_o a_o pretence_n of_o apostolical_a tradition_n among_o those_o report_n be_v that_o of_o the_o observation_n of_o easter_n and_o for_o a_o while_o the_o church_n continue_v in_o these_o different_a observance_n without_o the_o least_o disturbance_n of_o their_o communion_n each_o one_o follow_v that_o which_o it_o think_v the_o most_o probable_a tradition_n for_o rule_n of_o scripture_n they_o pretend_v not_o unto_o but_o after_o a_o while_o they_o begin_v to_o fall_v into_o a_o contest_v about_o these_o thing_n which_o begin_v at_o laodicea_n which_o church_n be_v as_o likely_a to_o strive_v about_o such_o thing_n as_o any_o other_o for_o eusebius_n tell_v we_o that_o melito_n the_o bishop_n of_o sardis_n write_v two_o book_n about_o easter_n begin_v the_o first_o with_o a_o account_n that_o he_o write_v they_o when_o servilius_n paulus_n be_v proconsul_n there_o be_v then_o a_o great_a stir_n about_o it_o at_o laodicea_n euseb._n lib._n 4._o cap._n 25._o but_o as_o it_o fall_v out_o on_o such_o occasion_n much_o talk_n and_o dispute_v ensue_a thereon_o the_o difference_n be_v increase_v until_o one_o side_n or_o party_n at_o variance_n will_v make_v their_o opinion_n and_o practise_v the_o rule_n and_o term_n of_o communion_n unto_o all_o other_o church_n but_o this_o be_v quick_o condemn_v by_o those_o who_o be_v wise_a and_o sober_a for_o as_o zozoman_n affirm_v they_o account_v it_o a_o frivolous_a or_o foolish_a thing_n to_o differ_v about_o a_o custom_n whereas_o they_o agree_v in_o all_o the_o principal_a head_n of_o religion_n and_o thereon_o he_o give_v a_o large_a account_n of_o different_a rite_n and_o observance_n in_o many_o church_n without_o any_o breach_n of_o communion_n among_o they_o add_v that_o beside_o those_o enumerate_v by_o he_o there_o be_v many_o other_o in_o city_n and_o village_n which_o they_o do_v in_o a_o different_a manner_n adhere_v unto_o hist._n lib._n 7._o cap._n 19_o at_o length_n this_o matter_n fall_v into_o the_o handle_n of_o victor_n bishop_n of_o rome_n and_o his_o judgement_n be_v that_o the_o observation_n of_o easter_n on_o the_o lord_n day_n and_o not_o on_o the_o fourteen_o day_n of_o the_o first_o month_n precise_o according_a to_o the_o computation_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o passover_n be_v to_o be_v impose_v on_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n every_o where_o it_o have_v all_o along_o until_o his_o time_n be_v judge_v a_o thing_n indifferent_a wherein_o the_o church_n and_o all_o believer_n be_v leave_v unto_o the_o use_n of_o their_o own_o liberty_n he_o have_v no_o pretence_n of_o any_o divine_a institution_n make_v it_o necessary_a the_o writer_n of_o those_o day_n constant_o affirm_v that_o the_o apostle_n make_v no_o canon_n rule_n or_o law_n about_o such_o thing_n he_o have_v person_n of_o as_o great_a worth_n as_o any_o in_o the_o world_n as_o melito_n polycrates_n polycarpus_n that_o oppose_v he_o not_o only_o as_o unto_o the_o imposition_n of_o his_o practice_n on_o other_o but_o as_o unto_o his_o error_n as_o they_o judge_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o right_n yet_o all_o this_o can_v not_o hinder_v but_o that_o he_o will_v needs_o have_v the_o reputation_n of_o the_o father_n of_o schism_n among_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n by_o his_o imposition_n and_o cut_v off_o all_o the_o asian_a church_n from_o communion_n declare_v they_o and_o their_o member_n excommunicate_a euseb._n lib._n 5._o cap._n 23._o the_o noise_n hereof_o come_v abroad_o unto_o other_o church_n great_a offence_n be_v take_v at_o it_o by_o many_o of_o they_o and_o victor_n be_v roundly_o deal_v withal_o by_o sundry_a of_o they_o who_o agree_v with_o he_o in_o practice_n but_o abhor_v his_o imposition_n of_o it_o and_o make_v it_o a_o condition_n of_o church_n communion_n among_o those_o who_o so_o oppose_v and_o rebuke_v he_o irenaeus_n be_v the_o most_o eminent_a and_o i_o shall_v observe_v some_o few_o thing_n out_o of_o the_o fragment_n of_o his_o epistle_n as_o it_o be_v record_v by_o euseb._n lib._n 5._o cap._n 23._o and_o 1._o he_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o write_v unto_o victor_n in_o the_o name_n of_o those_o brethren_n in_o france_n who_o he_o do_v preside_v among_o the_o custom_n of_o consider_v thing_n of_o this_o nature_n with_o all_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n and_o write_v their_o determination_n in_o their_o name_n be_v not_o yet_o grow_v out_o of_o use_n though_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o now_o will_v be_v esteem_v novel_a and_o schismatical_a 2._o he_o tell_v victor_n that_o there_o be_v great_a variety_n in_o this_o thing_n as_o also_o in_o the_o time_n and_o season_n of_o fast_v which_o do_v not_o say_v he_o begin_z or_o arise_v in_o our_o day_n but_o long_o before_o be_v introduce_v by_o such_o who_o be_v in_o place_n of_o rule_n reject_v and_o change_v the_o common_a and_o simple_a custom_n which_o the_o church_n have_v before_o the_o dr._n therefore_o need_v not_o think_v it_o so_o strange_a that_o a_o alteration_n in_o church_n order_n and_o rule_n shall_v fall_v out_o in_o after_o age_n when_o long_o before_o irenaeus_n time_n such_o change_n be_v begin_v 3._o he_o give_v hereon_o that_o excellent_a rule_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o difference_n of_o fast_n and_o consequent_o thing_n of_o a_o alike_a nature_n commend_v the_o concord_n or_o agreement_n of_o faith_n this_o be_v the_o first_o effect_n of_o a_o departure_n from_o the_o only_a rule_n of_o unity_n and_o communion_n among_o the_o church_n which_o be_v give_v by_o christ_n himself_o and_o his_o apostle_n as_o hereby_o great_a confusion_n and_o disorder_n be_v bring_v upon_o the_o church_n so_o it_o be_v the_o first_o public_a inroad_n that_o be_v make_v on_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n concern_v christian_n liberty_n and_o as_o it_o be_v also_o the_o first_o instance_n of_o reject_v man_n otherwise_o find_v in_o the_o faith_n from_o communion_n for_o nonconformity_n or_o the_o nonobservance_n of_o humane_a institution_n or_o tradition_n which_o have_v therein_o a_o unhappy_a consecration_n unto_o the_o use_n of_o future_a age_n so_o it_o be_v the_o first_o notorious_a entrance_n into_o that_o usurpation_n of_o power_n in_o the_o roman_a bishop_n which_o they_o carry_v on_o by_o degree_n unto_o a_o absolute_a tyranny_n neither_o be_v there_o ever_o a_o more_o pernicious_a maxim_n broach_v in_o the_o primitive_a time_n nor_o which_o have_v a_o more_o effectual_a influence_n into_o the_o ruin_n
way_n and_o mean_n countenance_v with_o the_o least_o semblance_n or_o appearance_n of_o truth_n to_o load_v the_o nonconformist_n and_o their_o cause_n with_o the_o imputation_n of_o thing_n invidious_a and_o burdensome_a shall_v fix_v upon_o their_o prayer_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o grace_n and_o gift_n of_o prayer_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v ascribe_v the_o original_a of_o its_o use_n unto_o the_o artifice_n and_o insinuation_n of_o the_o jesuit_n as_o he_o do_v pref._n pag._n 14_o 15._o but_o because_o i_o look_v on_o this_o as_o a_o thing_n of_o the_o great_a importance_n of_o all_o the_o difference_n between_o they_o and_o we_o as_o that_o wherein_o the_o life_n of_o religion_n the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o labour_n of_o divine_a love_n do_v much_o consist_v the_o nature_n and_o necessity_n of_o that_o kind_n of_o prayer_n which_o be_v here_o reflect_v on_o and_o oppose_v shall_v god_n will_v be_v declare_v and_o vindicate_v in_o a_o peculiar_a discourse_n unto_o that_o purpose_n for_o the_o difference_n that_o be_v between_o we_o can_v possible_o have_v any_o more_o pernicious_a consequence_n then_o if_o we_o shall_v be_v influence_v by_o they_o to_o oppose_v or_o condemn_v any_o principle_n or_o exercise_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o practical_a holiness_n as_o think_v they_o to_o yield_v matter_n of_o advantage_n to_o one_o party_n or_o another_o the_o great_a pain_n he_o have_v take_v in_o his_o preface_n to_o prove_v the_o nonconformist_n to_o have_v be_v the_o mean_n of_o further_a and_o promote_a popery_n in_o this_o nation_n might_n as_o i_o suppose_v have_v be_v omit_v without_o aâ—â—_n disadvantage_n unto_o himself_o or_o his_o cause_n for_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v not_o true_a as_o it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a to_o affect_v the_o mind_n or_o conscience_n of_o the_o nonconformist_n with_o a_o sense_n of_o it_o because_o they_o have_v a_o thousand_o witness_n in_o themselves_o against_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o charge_n so_o it_o be_v impossible_a it_o shall_v be_v believe_v by_o any_o who_o be_v in_o the_o least_o acquaint_v with_o their_o principle_n or_o have_v their_o eye_n open_a to_o see_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v at_o this_o day_n in_o religion_n but_o as_o there_o be_v many_o palpable_a mistake_v in_o the_o account_n he_o give_v of_o thing_n among_o ourselves_o to_o this_o purpose_n so_o if_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n any_o shall_v out_o of_o report_n surmize_n jesuit_n letter_n and_o politic_n particular_o those_o of_o contzen_n book_n write_v to_o that_o purpose_n against_o they_o agreement_n of_o principle_n notorious_a compliance_n of_o some_o bishop_n and_o other_o of_o the_o same_o way_n with_o the_o papist_n some_o die_v avowed_o such_o story_n of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v at_o rome_n and_o elsewhere_o which_o be_v not_o few_o nor_o unproveable_a concern_v the_o inclination_n of_o many_o unto_o a_o fair_a composition_n of_o thing_n with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n the_o deportment_n of_o some_o before_o and_o since_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o plot_n with_o such_o other_o topic_n as_o the_o discourse_n of_o our_o author_n with_o respect_n unto_o the_o nonconformist_n will_v furnish_v they_o withal_o as_o also_o from_o the_o woeful_a neglect_v there_o have_v be_v of_o instruct_v the_o people_n in_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n so_o as_o to_o implant_v a_o sense_n of_o the_o life_n and_o power_n of_o it_o on_o their_o soul_n with_o all_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v speak_v on_o that_o head_n with_o reference_n unto_o the_o clergy_n under_o their_o various_a distribution_n with_o the_o cast_v out_o of_o so_o great_a number_n of_o minister_n who_o they_o know_v in_o their_o own_o conscience_n to_o be_v firm_o fix_v against_o popery_n and_o its_o interest_n in_o this_o nation_n and_o can_v not_o deny_v but_o they_o may_v be_v useful_a to_o instruct_v the_o people_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o encourage_v they_o by_o their_o example_n unto_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o if_o any_o i_o say_v shall_v on_o these_o and_o the_o like_a ground_n not_o in_o a_o way_n of_o recrimination_n nor_o as_o a_o requital_n of_o the_o drs._n story_n but_o mere_o as_o a_o necessary_a part_n of_o the_o defence_n of_o their_o own_o innocency_n charge_v the_o same_o guilt_n of_o give_v occasion_n unto_o the_o growth_n increase_n and_o danger_n of_o popery_n in_o this_o nation_n on_o the_o episcopal_a party_n i_o know_v not_o now_o how_o they_o can_v be_v well_o blame_v for_o it_o nor_o what_o will_v be_v do_v of_o that_o kind_n for_o they_o who_o will_v take_v liberty_n to_o speak_v what_o they_o please_v must_v be_v content_a sometime_o to_o hear_v what_o will_v displease_v for_o my_o part_n i_o have_v rather_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o these_o thing_n at_o present_a may_v be_v omit_v and_o that_o all_o those_o who_o be_v real_o unite_v in_o opposition_n unto_o popery_n as_o i_o be_o assure_v in_o particular_a that_o this_o reverend_a author_n and_o i_o be_o will_v rather_o consider_v how_o we_o may_v come_v out_o of_o the_o danger_n of_o it_o wherein_o we_o be_v then_o at_o present_a to_o contest_v how_o we_o come_v unto_o it_o this_o i_o speak_v serious_o and_o that_o under_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o discourse_n which_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o sundry_a mistake_v in_o matter_n of_o fact_n of_o great_a defect_n in_o point_n of_o charity_n with_o a_o design_n to_o expose_v other_o unto_o reproach_n for_o their_o great_a crime_n of_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v a_o little_a free_v from_o be_v beat_v fine_v punish_v and_o imprison_v by_o their_o mean_n and_o on_o their_o account_n be_v as_o apt_a to_o excite_v new_a exasperation_n and_o to_o provoke_v the_o spirit_n of_o they_o concern_v as_o any_o i_o have_v read_v of_o late_a however_o the_o defence_n of_o our_o own_o innocency_n must_v not_o be_v forsake_v but_o cumque_fw-la superba_fw-la foret_fw-la babylon_n spolianda_fw-la trophaeis_fw-la it_o be_v not_o praiseworthy_a to_o abide_v in_o these_o contest_v beyond_o necessity_n this_o discourse_n indeed_o of_o the_o reverend_a author_n be_v increase_v into_o so_o large_a a_o volume_n as_o may_v just_o discourage_v any_o from_o undertake_v the_o examination_n of_o it_o who_o have_v any_o other_o necessary_a duty_n to_o attend_v unto_o but_o if_o there_o be_v separate_v from_o it_o the_o consideration_n of_o story_n of_o thing_n and_o person_n long_o since_o past_a wherein_o we_o be_v not_o concern_v with_o the_o undue_a application_n of_o what_o be_v write_v by_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_n against_o the_o schism_n in_o their_o day_n unto_o our_o present_a difference_n as_o also_o the_o repetition_n of_o a_o charge_n that_o we_o do_v not_o refrain_v communion_n from_o the_o parochial_a church_n on_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n which_o we_o know_v to_o the_o contrary_a that_o we_o do_v with_o the_o report_n and_o quotation_n of_o the_o word_n and_o say_n of_o man_n by_o who_o judgement_n we_o be_v not_o determine_v with_o frequent_a diversion_n from_o the_o question_n by_o attempt_v advantage_n from_o this_o or_o that_o passage_n or_o expression_n in_o one_o or_o another_o and_o the_o rhetorical_a aggrevation_n of_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v plain_o express_v and_o quick_o issue_v and_o the_o controversy_n may_v be_v reduce_v into_o a_o narrow_a compass_n it_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o difference_n which_o be_v among_o protestant_n in_o this_o nation_n be_v to_o be_v bewail_v because_o of_o the_o advantage_n which_o the_o common_a enemy_n of_o the_o protestant_a interest_n do_v endeavour_v to_o make_v thereby_o howbeit_o the_o evil_a consequence_n of_o they_o do_v not_o arise_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o but_o from_o the_o interest_n prejudices_fw-la and_o bias_v affection_n of_o they_o among_o who_o they_o be_v nor_o shall_v any_o man_n ever_o be_v able_a to_o prove_v but_o that_o on_o the_o doctrinal_a agreement_n which_o we_o all_o profess_v provide_v it_o be_v real_a we_o may_v notwithstanding_o the_o difference_n that_o remain_v enjoy_v all_o that_o peace_n and_o union_n which_o be_v prescribe_v unto_o the_o church_n and_o disciple_n of_o christ_n provide_v that_o we_o live_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o love_n which_o he_o enjoin_v we_o which_o whilst_o it_o continue_v in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o same_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a there_o shall_v be_v any_o schism_n among_o we_o wherefore_o whereas_o some_o be_v very_o desirous_a to_o state_n the_o controversy_n on_o this_o supposition_n that_o there_o be_v a_o schism_n among_o we_o and_o issue_v it_o in_o a_o enquiry_n on_o which_o side_n the_o blame_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v lay_v wherein_o they_o suppose_v they_o need_v no_o far_a justification_n but_o the_o possession_n of_o that_o church_n state_n which_o be_v establish_v by_o law_n i_o shall_v willing_o forego_v
their_o rule_n but_o leave_v that_o unto_o the_o discretion_n and_o authority_n of_o man_n as_o they_o think_v meet_v when_o they_o have_v outward_a power_n for_o their_o warranty_n but_o if_o by_o these_o particular_a appointment_n and_o framing_n of_o church_n with_o their_o order_n man_n be_v dispose_v of_o as_o unto_o their_o spiritual_a concernment_n beyond_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n or_o the_o moral_n â—aw_v we_o must_v yet_o inquire_v who_o give_v they_o this_o right_a and_o title_n to_o make_v this_o disposal_n of_o they_o 2._o authority_n as_o right_o and_o title_n respect_v the_o person_n of_o man_n to_o be_v reduce_v into_o a_o new_a form_n of_o government_n so_o authority_n respect_v the_o rule_n â—aws_n order_n and_o statute_n to_o be_v make_v prescribe_v and_o establish_v whereby_o the_o privilege_n of_o this_o new_a society_n be_v convey_v and_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o enjoin_v unto_o all_o that_o be_v take_v unto_o it_o earthly_a potentate_n who_o will_v dispose_v of_o man_n into_o a_o state_n and_o government_n absolute_o new_a unto_o they_o as_o unto_o all_o their_o temporal_a concernment_n of_o life_n liberty_n inheritance_n and_o possession_n so_o as_o that_o they_o shall_v hold_v all_o of_o they_o in_o dependence_n on_o and_o according_a unto_o the_o rule_n and_o law_n of_o their_o new_a government_n and_o kingdom_n must_v have_v these_o two_o thing_n namely_o right_o and_o title_n unto_o the_o person_n of_o man_n which_o they_o have_v by_o conquest_n or_o a_o absolute_a resignation_n of_o all_o their_o interest_n and_o concern_v into_o their_o disposal_n and_o authority_n thereon_o to_o constitute_v what_o order_n what_o kind_n of_o state_n rule_n and_o government_n they_o please_v without_o these_o they_o will_v quick_o find_v their_o endeavour_n and_o undertake_n frustrate_v the_o gospel_n church-state_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o and_o in_o all_o the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o it_o be_v absolute_o new_a whereunto_o all_o the_o world_n be_v natural_o foreigner_n and_o stranger_n as_o they_o have_v no_o right_n unto_o it_o as_o it_o contain_v privilege_n so_o they_o have_v no_o obligation_n unto_o it_o as_o it_o prescribe_v duty_n wherefore_o there_o be_v need_n of_o both_o those_o right_o as_o unto_o the_o person_n of_o man_n and_o authority_n as_o unto_o the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n unto_o the_o frame_n of_o it_o and_o until_o man_n can_v pretend_v unto_o these_o thing_n both_o unto_o this_o right_a and_o authority_n with_o respect_n unto_o all_o the_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a concernment_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o other_o they_o may_v do_v well_o to_o consider_v how_o dangerous_a it_o be_v to_o invade_v the_o right_n and_o inheritance_n of_o christ_n and_o leave_v hunt_v after_o a_o interest_n of_o power_n in_o the_o the_o frame_n or_o form_v evangelical_n church_n or_o make_v of_o law_n for_o their_o rule_n and_o government_n this_o authority_n be_v not_o only_o ascribe_v unto_o jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o scripture_n but_o it_o be_v enâ—â—â—sed_v unto_o he_o so_o as_o that_o no_o other_o can_v have_v any_o interest_n in_o it_o see_v mat._n 28.18_o rev._n 3.7_o isa._n 9.6_o 7_o by_o virtue_n hereof_o he_o be_v the_o only_a lawgiver_n of_o the_o church_n jam._n 4.12_o isa._n 22.22_o there_o be_v indeed_o a_o derivation_n of_o power_n and_o authority_n from_o he_o unto_o other_o but_o it_o extend_v itself_o no_o far_o save_v only_o that_o they_o shall_v direct_v teach_v and_o command_v those_o who_o he_o send_v they_o unto_o to_o do_v and_o observe_v what_o he_o have_v command_v matth._n 28.20_o he_o build_v his_o own_o house_n and_o he_o be_v over_o his_o own_o house_n heb._n 3.3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o he_o both_o constitute_v its_o state_n and_o gives_z law_n for_o its_o rule_n the_o disorder_n the_o confusion_n the_o turn_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n upside_o down_o which_o have_v enâ—ued_v upon_o the_o usurpation_n of_o man_n take_v upon_o they_o a_o legislative_a power_n in_o and_o over_o the_o church_n can_v easy_o be_v declare_v for_o upon_o a_o slight_a pretence_n no_o way_n suit_v or_o serviceable_a unto_o their_o end_n of_o the_o advice_n give_v and_o determination_n make_v by_o the_o apostle_n with_o the_o elder_n and_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o a_o temporary_a constitution_n about_o the_o use_n of_o christian_a liberty_n the_o bishop_n of_o the_o 4_o the_o and_o 5_o the_o century_n take_v upon_o themselves_o power_n to_o make_v law_n canon_n and_o constitution_n for_o the_o order_n of_o the_o government_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n bring_v in_o many_o new_a institution_n on_o a_o pretence_n of_o the_o same_o authority_n neither_o do_v other_o who_o follow_v they_o cease_v to_o build_v on_o their_o sandy_a foundation_n until_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o the_o church-state_n be_v alter_v a_o new_a law_n make_v for_o its_o government_n and_o a_o new_a christ_n or_o antichrist_n assume_v in_o the_o head_n of_o its_o rule_n by_o that_o law_n for_o all_o this_o pretend_a authority_n of_o make_v law_n and_o constitution_n for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n issue_v in_o that_o sink_v of_o abomination_n which_o they_o call_v the_o canon-law_n let_v any_o man_n but_o of_o a_o tolerable_a understanding_n and_o free_v from_o infatuate_a prejudices_fw-la but_o read_v the_o representation_n that_o be_v make_v of_o the_o gospel_n church_n state_n its_o order_n rule_n and_o government_n in_o the_o scripture_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o what_o representation_n be_v make_v on_o the_o other_o of_o a_o church_n state_n its_o order_n rule_n and_o government_n in_o the_o canon_n law_n the_o only_a effect_n of_o man_n assume_v to_o themselves_o a_o legislative_a power_n with_o respect_n unto_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n if_o he_o do_v not_o pronounce_v they_o to_o be_v contrary_a as_o light_n and_o darkness_n and_o that_o by_o the_o latter_a the_o former_a be_v utter_o destroy_v and_o take_v away_o i_o shall_v never_o trust_v to_o the_o use_n of_o man_n reason_n or_o their_o honesty_n any_o more_o this_o authority_n be_v first_o usurp_v by_o synod_n or_o counsel_n of_o bishop_n of_o what_o use_n they_o be_v at_o any_o time_n to_o declare_v and_o give_v testimony_n unto_o any_o article_n of_o the_o faith_n which_o in_o their_o day_n be_v oppose_v by_o heretic_n i_o shall_v not_o now_o inquire_v but_o as_o unto_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o authority_n claim_v by_o they_o to_o make_v law_n and_o canon_n for_o the_o rule_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v to_o be_v bewail_v there_o shall_v be_v such_o a_o monument_n leave_v of_o their_o weakness_n ambition_n self-interest_n and_o folly_n as_o there_o be_v in_o what_o remain_v of_o their_o constitution_n their_o whole_a endeavour_n in_o this_o kind_n be_v at_o best_o but_o the_o build_n of_o wood_n hay_o and_o stubble_n on_o the_o foundation_n in_o who_o consumption_n they_o shall_v suffer_v loss_n although_o they_o be_v save_v themselves_o but_o in_o make_v of_o law_n to_o bind_v the_o whole_a church_n in_o and_o about_o thing_n useless_a and_o trivial_a no_o way_n belong_v to_o the_o religion_n teach_v we_o by_o jesus_n christ_n in_o and_o for_o the_o establishment_n or_o increase_n of_o their_o own_o power_n jurisdiction_n authority_n and_o rule_n with_o the_o extent_n and_o bound_n of_o their_o several_a dominion_n in_o and_o for_o the_o constitution_n of_o new_a frames_n and_o state_n of_o church_n and_o new_a way_n of_o the_o government_n of_o they_o in_o the_o appointment_n of_o new_a modes_n rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o divine_a worship_n with_o the_o confusion_n that_o ensue_v thereon_o in_o mutual_a animosity_n fight_n division_n schism_n and_o anathematism_n to_o the_o horrible_a scandal_n of_o christian_a religion_n they_o cease_v not_o until_o they_o have_v utter_o destroy_v all_o the_o order_n rule_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n yea_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o it_o and_o introduce_v into_o its_o room_n a_o carnal_a worldly_a church-state_n and_o rule_n suit_v unto_o the_o interest_n of_o covetous_a ambitious_a and_o tyrannical_a prelate_n the_o most_o of_o they_o indeed_o know_v not_o for_o who_o they_o wrought_v in_o provide_v material_n for_o that_o babel_n which_o by_o a_o hide_a skill_n in_o a_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n be_v raise_v out_o of_o their_o provision_n for_o after_o they_o be_v hew_v and_o carve_v shape_a form_v and_o guild_v the_o pope_n appear_v in_o the_o head_n of_o it_o as_o it_o be_v with_o those_o word_n of_o his_o mouth_n be_v not_o this_o great_a babylon_n that_o i_o have_v build_v for_o the_o house_n of_o the_o kingdom_n by_o the_o might_n of_o my_o power_n and_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o my_o majesty_n this_o be_v the_o fatal_a event_n of_o man_n invade_v the_o right_n of_o christ_n and_o
peace_n and_o order_n as_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n direct_v unto_o that_o where_o many_o have_v a_o common_a interest_n they_o ought_v to_o consult_v in_o common_a for_o the_o due_a management_n of_o it_o with_o other_o thing_n of_o the_o like_a importance_n be_v evident_a dictate_v of_o this_o light_n and_o law_n now_o whatever_o church-state_n may_v be_v superinduce_v by_o divine_a institution_n yet_o this_o light_n and_o law_n in_o all_o their_o evident_a dictate_v continue_v their_o oblige_a power_n in_o and_o over_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o must_v do_v so_o eternal_o wherefore_o thing_n that_o belong_v hereunto_o need_v no_o new_a institution_n in_o any_o church-state_n whatever_o but_o yet_o 2._o whatever_o be_v require_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n in_o such_o society_n as_o church_n as_o useful_a unto_o their_o order_n and_o conduce_v unto_o their_o end_n be_v a_o divine_a institution_n the_o lord_n christ_n in_o the_o institution_n of_o gospel_n church_n their_o state_n order_n rule_n and_o worship_n do_v not_o require_v of_o his_o disciple_n that_o in_o their_o observance_n of_o his_o appointment_n they_o shall_v cease_v to_o be_v man_n or_o forego_v the_o use_n and_o exercise_n of_o their_o rational_a ability_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o that_o exercise_n which_o be_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n yea_o because_o the_o rule_n and_o direction_n be_v in_o this_o case_n to_o be_v apply_v unto_o thing_n spiritual_a and_o of_o mere_a revelation_n he_o give_v wisdom_n prudence_n and_o understanding_n to_o make_v that_o application_n in_o a_o due_a manner_n unto_o those_o to_o who_o the_o guidance_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n be_v commit_v wherefore_o as_o unto_o all_o the_o thing_n which_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n direct_v we_o unto_o with_o respect_n unto_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o duty_n prescribe_v by_o christ_n in_o and_o unto_o the_o church_n we_o need_v no_o other_o institution_n but_o that_o of_o the_o use_n of_o the_o especial_a spiritual_a wisdom_n and_o prudence_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n give_v unto_o his_o church_n for_o that_o end_n 4._o there_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n general_a rule_n direct_v we_o in_o the_o application_n of_o natural_a light_n unto_o such_o a_o determination_n of_o all_o circumstance_n in_o the_o act_n of_o church_n rule_n and_o worship_n as_o be_v sufficient_a for_o their_o performance_n decent_o and_o in_o order_n wherefore_o as_o be_v say_v before_o it_o be_v utter_o in_o vain_a and_o useless_a to_o demand_v express_a institution_n of_o all_o the_o circumstance_n belong_v unto_o the_o government_n order_n rule_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n or_o for_o the_o due_a improvement_n of_o thing_n in_o themselves_o indifferent_a unto_o its_o edification_n as_o occasion_n shall_v require_v nor_o be_v they_o capable_a to_o be_v any_o otherwise_o state_v but_o as_o they_o lie_v in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o spiritual_a prudence_n direct_v by_o general_a rule_n of_o scripture_n these_o thing_n be_v premise_v our_o principal_a assertion_n be_v that_o christ_n alone_o be_v the_o author_n institutor_n and_o appointer_n in_o a_o way_n of_o authority_n and_o legislation_n of_o the_o gospel_n church-state_n its_o order_n rule_n and_o worship_n with_o all_o thing_n constant_o and_o perpetual_o belong_v thereunto_o or_o necessary_a to_o be_v observe_v therein_o what_o be_v not_o so_o be_v of_o man_n and_o not_o from_o heaven_n this_o be_v that_o which_o we_o have_v prove_v in_o general_a and_o shall_v far_o particular_o confirm_v in_o our_o progress_n hence_o 6._o there_o be_v no_o spiritual_a use_n nor_o benefit_n of_o any_o church-state_n nor_o of_o any_o thing_n therein_o perform_v but_o what_o on_o the_o part_n of_o man_n consist_v in_o act_n of_o obedience_n unto_o the_o authority_n of_o christ._n if_o in_o any_o thing_n we_o do_v of_o this_o nature_n we_o can_v answer_v that_o enquiry_n which_o god_n direct_v in_o this_o case_n to_o be_v make_v namely_o why_o we_o do_v this_o or_o that_o thing_n exod._n 12.25_o 26_o 27._o with_o this_o that_o it_o be_v because_o christ_n have_v require_v it_o of_o we_o we_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v he_o the_o lord_n over_o his_o own_o house_n nor_o hear_v he_o as_o the_o son_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o act_n of_o power_n to_o be_v put_v forth_o in_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n but_o in_o they_o by_o who_o it_o be_v exert_v it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o obedience_n unto_o christ_n or_o it_o be_v a_o mere_a usurpation_n all_o church_n power_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o faculty_n or_o ability_n to_o obey_v the_o command_n of_o christ_n in_o such_o a_o way_n and_o manner_n as_o he_o have_v appoint_v for_o it_o be_v his_o constitution_n that_o the_o administration_n of_o his_o solemn_a worship_n in_o the_o church_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o it_o as_o unto_o the_o observance_n of_o his_o command_n shall_v be_v commit_v unto_o some_o person_n set_v apart_o unto_o that_o end_n according_a unto_o his_o appointment_n this_o be_v all_o their_o authority_n all_o that_o they_o have_v of_o order_n or_o jurisdiction_n or_o by_o any_o other_o way_n whereby_o they_o be_v please_v to_o express_v it_o and_o where_o there_o be_v any_o gospel_n administration_n any_o act_n of_o rule_n or_o government_n in_o the_o church_n which_o those_o that_o perform_v it_o do_v not_o give_v a_o evidence_n that_o they_o do_v it_o in_o obedience_n unto_o christ_n it_o be_v null_a as_o unto_o any_o obligation_n on_o the_o conscience_n of_o his_o disciple_n the_o neglect_n hereof_o in_o the_o world_n wherein_o many_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o church_n discipline_n or_o any_o act_n that_o belong_v unto_o the_o rule_n of_o it_o think_v of_o nothing_o but_o their_o own_o office_n whereunto_o such_o power_n be_v annex_v by_o humane_a law_n and_o canon_n as_o enable_v they_o to_o act_n in_o their_o own_o name_n without_o design_v obedience_n unto_o christ_n in_o all_o that_o they_o do_v or_o to_o make_v a_o just_a representation_n of_o his_o authority_n wisdom_n and_o love_v thereby_o be_v ruinous_a unto_o church_n order_n and_o rule_n 7._o there_o be_v no_o legislative_a power_n in_o and_o over_o the_o church_n as_o unto_o its_o form_n order_n and_o worship_n leave_v unto_o any_o of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n under_o any_o qualification_n whatever_o for_o 1._o there_o be_v none_o of_o they_o who_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o those_o right_n qualification_n and_o endowment_n which_o be_v necessary_a unto_o a_o investiture_n into_o such_o a_o legislative_a power_n for_o what_o be_v give_v and_o grant_v unto_o christ_n himself_o unto_o this_o end_n that_o he_o may_v be_v the_o law_n giver_n of_o the_o church_n must_v be_v find_v also_o in_o they_o who_o pretend_v unto_o any_o interest_n therein_o have_v they_o any_o of_o they_o a_o right_n and_o title_n unto_o a_o disposal_n of_o the_o person_n of_o believer_n in_o what_o way_n they_o please_v as_o unto_o their_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a concernment_n have_v they_o sovereign_a authority_n over_o all_o thing_n to_o change_v their_o moral_a nature_n to_o give_v they_o new_a use_n and_o signification_n to_o make_v thing_n necessary_a that_o in_o themselves_o be_v indifferent_a and_o to_o order_v all_o those_o thing_n by_o sovereign_a authority_n in_o law_n oblige_v the_o conscience_n of_o man_n and_o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o his_o personal_a qualification_n of_o faithfulness_n wisdom_n love_n and_o care_n which_o be_v ascribe_v unto_o he_o in_o this_o work_n of_o give_v law_n unto_o his_o church_n as_o he_o be_v the_o lord_n over_o his_o own_o house_n 2_o the_o event_n of_o the_o assumption_n of_o this_o legislative_a power_n under_o the_o best_a pretence_n that_o can_v be_v give_v unto_o it_o namely_o in_o council_n or_o great_a assembly_n of_o bishop_n and_o prelate_n sufficient_o demonstrate_v how_o dangerous_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v for_o any_o man_n to_o be_v engage_v in_o for_o it_o issue_v at_o length_n in_o such_o a_o constitution_n of_o church_n and_o such_o law_n for_o the_o government_n of_o they_o as_o exalt_v the_o cannon_n law_n into_o the_o room_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o utter_o destroy_v the_o true_a nature_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o all_o the_o discipline_n require_v therein_o 3._o such_o a_o assumption_n be_v derogatory_n unto_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n especial_o as_o unto_o his_o faithfulness_n in_o and_o over_o the_o house_n of_o god_n wherein_o he_o be_v compare_v unto_o and_o prefer_v above_o moses_n heb._n 3.3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o now_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o moses_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o he_o do_v and_o appoint_v all_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o pattern_n show_v he_o in_o the_o mount_n that_o be_v all_o whatever_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o be_v reveal_v and_o appoint_v for_o the_o constitution_n order_n rule_n and_o worship_n of_o his_o
church_n for_o their_o work_n be_v to_o call_v gather_v and_o erect_v it_o out_o of_o the_o world_n but_o no_o ordinary_a officer_n can_v be_v or_o ever_o be_v ordain_v but_o to_o a_o church_n in_o be_v some_o say_v they_o be_v ordain_v unto_o the_o universal_a visible_a church_n of_o professor_n some_o unto_o the_o particular_a church_n wherein_o their_o work_n do_v lie_v but_o all_o grant_n that_o the_o church-state_n whereunto_o they_o be_v ordain_v be_v antecedent_n unto_o their_o ordination_n the_o lord_n christ_n can_v and_o do_v ordain_v apostle_n and_o evangelist_n when_o there_o be_v yet_o no_o gospel_n church_n for_o they_o be_v to_o be_v the_o instrument_n of_o its_o call_v and_o erection_n but_o the_o apostle_n neither_o do_v nor_o can_v ordain_v any_o ordinary_a officer_n until_o there_o be_v a_o church_n or_o church_n with_o respect_n whereunto_o they_o shall_v be_v ordain_v it_o be_v therefore_o high_o absurd_a to_o ascribe_v the_o continuation_n of_o the_o church_n unto_o the_o successive_a ordination_n of_o officer_n if_o any_o such_o thing_n there_o be_v see_v this_o successive_a ordination_n of_o officer_n depend_v sole_o on_o the_o continuation_n of_o the_o church_n if_o that_o be_v not_o secure_v on_o other_o foundation_n this_o successive_a ordination_n will_v quick_o tumble_v into_o dust_n yea_o this_o successive_a ordination_n be_v there_o any_o such_o thing_n appoint_v must_v be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o and_o so_o can_v be_v the_o mean_n of_o communicate_v church_n power_n unto_o other_o a_o successive_a ordination_n in_o some_o sense_n may_v be_v grant_v namely_o that_o when_o those_o who_o be_v ordain_v officer_n in_o any_o church_n do_v die_v that_o other_o be_v ordain_v in_o their_o stead_n but_o this_o be_v by_o a_o act_n of_o power_n in_o the_o church_n itself_o as_o we_o shall_v manifest_v afterward_o 2._o not_o to_o treat_v of_o papal_a succession_n the_o limit_v of_o this_o successive_a ordination_n as_o the_o only_a way_n and_o mean_n of_o communicate_v church_n power_n and_o so_o of_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o church-state_n unto_o diocesan_n prelate_n or_o bishop_n be_v build_v on_o so_o many_o inevident_a presumption_n and_o false_a principle_n as_o will_v leave_v it_o altogether_o uncertain_a whether_o there_o be_v any_o church-state_n in_o the_o world_n or_o no._n as_o 1_o that_o such_o bishop_n be_v ordain_v by_o the_o apostle_n which_o can_v never_o be_v prove_v 2_o that_o they_o receive_v power_n from_o the_o apostle_n to_o ordain_v other_o and_o communicate_v their_o whole_a power_n unto_o they_o by_o a_o authority_n inherent_a in_o themselves_o alone_o yet_o still_o reserve_v their_o whole_a power_n unto_o themselves_o also_o give_v all_o and_o retain_v all_o at_o the_o same_o time_n which_o have_v no_o more_o of_o truth_n than_o the_o former_a and_o may_v be_v easy_o disprove_v 3_o that_o they_o never_o do_v nor_o can_v any_o of_o they_o forfeit_v this_o power_n by_o any_o crime_n or_o error_n so_o as_o to_o render_v their_o ordination_n invalid_a and_o interrupt_v the_o succession_n pretend_v 4_o that_o they_o all_o ordain_v other_o in_o such_o manner_n and_o way_n as_o to_o render_v their_o ordination_n valid_a whereas_o multitude_n be_v never_o agree_v what_o be_v require_v thereunto_o 5_o that_o whatever_o heresy_n idolatry_n flagitiousness_n of_o life_n persecution_n of_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n these_o prelatical_a ordainer_n may_v fall_v into_o by_o whatever_o art_n simoniacal_a practice_n or_o false_a pretence_n unto_o what_o be_v not_o they_o come_v themselves_o into_o their_o office_n yet_o nothing_o can_v deprive_v they_o of_o their_o right_n of_o communicate_v all_o church_n power_n unto_o other_o by_o ordination_n 6_o that_o person_n so_o ordain_v whether_o they_o have_v any_o call_v from_o the_o church_n or_o no_o whether_o they_o have_v any_o of_o the_o qualification_n require_v by_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o scripture_n to_o make_v they_o capable_a of_o any_o office_n in_o the_o church_n or_o have_v receive_v any_o spiritual_a gift_n from_o christ_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o office_n and_o discharge_v of_o their_o duty_n whether_o they_o have_v any_o design_n or_o no_o to_o pursue_v the_o end_n of_o that_o office_n which_o they_o take_v upon_o they_o yet_o all_o be_v one_o be_v any_o way_n prelatical_o ordain_v bishop_n they_o may_v ordain_v other_o and_o so_o the_o successive_a ordination_n be_v preserve_v and_o what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o take_v the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n to_o give_v law_n unto_o he_o to_o follow_v with_o his_o approbation_n the_o act_n of_o man_n beside_o and_o contrary_a to_o his_o law_n and_o institution_n and_o to_o make_v application_n of_o his_o promise_n unto_o the_o vile_a of_o man_n whether_o he_o will_v or_o no._n 7_o that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o believer_n or_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n to_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o his_o command_n without_o this_o episcopal_a ordination_n which_o many_o church_n can_v have_v and_o more_o will_v not_o as_o judge_v it_o against_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o christ._n 8_o that_o one_o worldly_a ignorant_n proud_a sensual_a beast_n such_o as_o some_o of_o the_o head_n of_o this_o successive_a ordination_n as_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n have_v be_v shall_v have_v more_o power_n and_o authority_n from_o christ_n to_o preserve_v and_o continue_v a_o church-state_n by_o ordination_n than_o any_o the_o most_o holy_a church_n in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v or_o can_v be_v gather_v according_a to_o his_o mind_n with_o other_o unwarrantable_a presumption_n innumerable_a 3._o the_o pernicious_a consequence_n that_o may_v ensue_v on_o this_o principle_n do_v manifest_a its_o inconsistency_n with_o what_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v ordain_v unto_o this_o end_n of_o the_o continuation_n of_o his_o church_n i_o need_v not_o reckon_v they_o upon_o the_o sure_a probability_n there_o be_v no_o room_n leave_v for_o fear_n of_o what_o may_v follow_v hereon_o by_o what_o have_v already_o do_v so_o if_o we_o consider_v whither_o this_o successive_a ordination_n have_v already_o lead_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o church_n we_o may_v easy_o judge_v what_o it_o be_v meet_v for_o it_o have_v i_o say_v lead_v man_n for_o instance_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n into_o a_o presumption_n of_o a_o good_a church-state_n in_o the_o loss_n of_o holiness_n and_o truth_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o false_a worship_n and_o idolatry_n in_o the_o persecution_n and_o slaughter_n of_o the_o faithful_a servant_n of_o christ_n unto_o a_o state_n plain_o antichristian_a to_o think_v there_o shall_v be_v a_o flux_n and_o communication_n of_o heavenly_a and_o spiritual_a power_n from_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o and_o by_o the_o hand_n and_o act_n of_o person_n ignorant_a simoniacal_a adulterous_a incestuous_a proud_a ambitious_a sensual_a preside_v in_o a_o church-state_n never_o appoint_v by_o he_o immerse_v in_o false_a and_o idolatrous_a worship_n persecute_v the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n wherein_o be_v the_o true_a succession_n of_o apostolical_a doctrine_n and_o holiness_n be_v a_o imagination_n for_o man_n who_o embrace_v the_o shadow_n and_o appearance_n of_o thing_n never_o once_o serious_o think_v of_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o they_o in_o brief_a it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o derive_v a_o succession_n whereon_o the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n shall_v depend_v through_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n with_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n who_o for_o a_o 100_o year_n together_o from_o the_o year_n 900_o to_o a_o 1000_o be_v monster_n for_o ignorance_n lust_n pride_n and_o luxury_n as_o baronius_n acknowledge_v a._n d._n 912.5.8_o or_o by_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n by_o samosatenus_fw-la eudoxius_n gnapheus_n severus_n and_o the_o like_a heretic_n or_o in_o constantinople_n by_o macedonius_n eusebius_n demophilus_n anthorinus_n and_o their_o companion_n or_o at_o alexandria_n by_o lucius_n dioscurus_n aelurus_n sergius_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o same_o sort_n 4._o the_o principal_a argument_n whereby_o this_o conceit_n be_v full_o discard_v must_v be_v speak_v unto_o afterward_o and_o this_o be_v the_o due_a consideration_n of_o the_o proper_a subject_n of_o all_o church-power_n unto_o who_o it_o be_v original_o formal_o and_o radical_o give_v and_o grant_v by_o jesus_n christ._n for_o none_o can_v communicate_v this_o power_n unto_o other_o but_o those_o who_o have_v receive_v it_o themselves_o from_o christ_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o law_n and_o institution_n now_o this_o be_v the_o whole_a church_n and_o not_o any_o person_n in_o it_o or_o prelate_n over_o it_o look_v whatever_o constitute_v it_o a_o church_n that_o give_v it_o all_o the_o power_n and_o privilege_n of_o a_o church_n for_o a_o church_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o society_n of_o profess_a believer_n enjoy_v all_o church_n power_n
and_o privilege_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o law_n of_o christ._n unto_o this_o church_n which_o be_v his_o spouse_n do_v the_o lord_n christ_n commit_v the_o key_n of_o his_o house_n by_o who_o they_o be_v deliver_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o steward_n so_o far_o as_o their_o office_n require_v that_o trust._n now_o this_o which_o we_o shall_v afterward_o more_o full_o confirm_v be_v utter_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o commit_n of_o all_o church_n power_n unto_o one_o person_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o ordination_n by_o another_o nothing_o that_o have_v be_v speak_v do_v at_o all_o hinder_v or_o deny_v but_o that_o where_o church_n be_v right_o constitute_v they_o ought_v in_o their_o office_n officer_n and_o order_n to_o be_v preserve_v by_o a_o successive_a ordination_n of_o pastor_n and_o ruler_n wherein_o those_o who_o actual_o preside_v in_o they_o have_v a_o particular_a interest_n in_o the_o orderly_a communication_n of_o church-power_n unto_o they_o chap._n iu._n the_o especial_a nature_n of_o the_o gospel_n church-state_n appoint_v by_o christ._n the_o principal_a enquiry_n which_o we_o have_v thus_o far_o prepare_v the_o way_n unto_o and_o whereon_o all_o that_o ensue_v unto_o it_o do_v depend_v be_v concern_v the_o especial_a nature_n of_o that_o church-state_n rule_n and_o order_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v institute_v under_o the_o gospel_n of_o what_o sort_n and_o kind_n it_o be_v and_o hereunto_o some_o thing_n must_v be_v premise_v 1._o i_o design_v not_o here_o to_o oppose_v nor_o any_o way_n to_o consider_v such_o addition_n as_o man_n may_v have_v judge_v necessary_a to_o be_v add_v unto_o that_o church-state_n which_o christ_n have_v appoint_v to_o render_v it_o in_o their_o apprehension_n more_o useful_a unto_o its_o end_n than_o otherwise_o it_o will_v be_v of_o this_o sort_n there_o be_v many_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n and_o of_o a_o long_a season_n have_v be_v so_o but_o our_o present_a business_n be_v to_o prove_v the_o truth_n and_o not_o to_o disprove_v the_o conceit_n of_o other_o man_n and_o so_o far_o as_o our_o cause_n be_v concern_v herein_o it_o shall_v be_v do_v by_o itself_o so_o as_o not_o to_o interrupt_v we_o in_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o truth_n 2._o whereas_o there_o be_v great_a contest_v about_o communion_n with_o church_n or_o separation_n from_o they_o and_o mutual_a charge_n of_o imposition_n and_o schism_n thereon_o they_o must_v be_v all_o regulate_v by_o this_o enquiry_n namely_o what_o be_v that_o church_n state_n which_o christ_n have_v prescribe_v herein_o alone_o be_v conscience_n concern_v as_o unto_o all_o duty_n of_o ecclesiastical_a communion_n neither_o can_v a_o chaâ—ge_n of_o schism_n be_v manage_v against_o any_o but_o on_o a_o supposition_n of_o sin_n with_o respect_n unto_o that_o church-state_n and_o order_n which_o christ_n have_v appoint_v a_o dissent_n from_o any_o thing_n else_o however_o pretend_v to_o be_v useful_a yea_o advantageous_a unto_o church_n end_v must_v come_v under_o other_o prudential_a consideration_n all_o which_o shall_v be_v full_o prove_v and_o vindicate_v from_o the_o exception_n of_o dr._n st._n 3._o there_o have_v be_v and_o be_v in_o the_o world_n several_a sort_n of_o church_n of_o great_a power_n and_o reputation_n of_o several_a form_n and_o kind_n yet_o contribute_v aid_n to_o each_o other_o in_o their_o respective_a station_n as_o 1_o the_o papal_a church_n which_o pretend_v itself_o to_o be_v catholic_n or_o universal_a comprehensive_a of_o all_o true_a believer_n or_o disciple_n of_o christ_n unite_v in_o their_o subjection_n unto_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n 2_o there_o be_v of_o old_a and_o the_o shadow_n of_o they_o be_v still_o remain_v church_n call_v patriarchal_a first_o 3_o then_z 4_o then_z 5_o of_o they_o whereinto_o all_o other_o church_n and_o profess_a christian_n in_o the_o roman_a world_n be_v distribute_v as_o unto_o a_o dependence_n on_o the_o authority_n and_o subjection_n to_o the_o jurisdiction_n and_o order_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o 5_o principal_a city_n of_o the_o empire_n who_o be_v thereon_o call_v patriarch_n 3_o various_a division_n under_o they_o of_o archiepiscopal_a or_o metropolitical_a church_n and_o under_o they_o of_o those_o that_o be_v now_o call_v diocesan_n who_o bound_n and_o limit_n be_v fix_v and_o alter_v according_a to_o the_o variety_n of_o occasion_n and_o occurrence_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n what_o have_v be_v the_o original_a of_o all_o these_o sort_n of_o church_n how_o from_o parochial_a assembly_n they_o grow_v up_o by_o the_o degree_n of_o their_o descent_n now_o mention_v into_o the_o height_n and_o centre_n of_o papal_a omnipotency_n have_v be_v declare_v elsewhere_o sufficient_o 4._o some_o there_o be_v who_o plead_v for_o a_o national_a church-state_n arise_v from_o a_o association_n of_o the_o officer_n of_o particular_a church_n in_o several_a degree_n which_o they_o call_v classical_a and_o provincial_a until_o it_o extend_v itself_o unto_o the_o limit_n of_o a_o whole_a nation_n that_o be_v one_o civil_a body_n depend_v as_o such_o on_o its_o own_o supreme_a ruler_n and_o law_n i_o shall_v neither_o examine_v nor_o oppose_v this_o opinion_n there_o have_v be_v enough_o if_o not_o too_o much_o already_o dispute_v about_o it_o but_o 5._o the_o visible_a church-state_n which_o christ_n have_v institute_v under_o the_o new_a testament_n consist_v in_o a_o especial_a society_n or_o congregation_n of_o profess_a believer_n join_v together_o according_a unto_o his_o mind_n with_o their_o officer_n guide_n or_o ruler_n who_o he_o have_v appoint_v which_o do_v or_o may_v meet_v together_o for_o the_o celebration_n of_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o divine_a worship_n the_o profess_v and_o authoritative_o propose_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n with_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o discipline_n prescribe_v by_o himself_o unto_o their_o own_o mutual_a edification_n with_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o preservation_n and_o propagation_n of_o his_o kingdom_n in_o the_o world_n the_o thing_n observable_a in_o this_o description_n and_o for_o the_o far_a declaration_n of_o it_o be_v 1_o the_o material_a cause_n of_o this_o church_n or_o the_o matter_n whereof_o it_o be_v compose_v which_o be_v visible_a believer_n 2_o the_o formal_a cause_n of_o it_o which_o be_v their_o voluntary_a coalescency_n into_o such_o a_o society_n or_o congregation_n according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ._n 3_o the_o end_n of_o it_o be_v presential_a local_a communion_n in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n and_o institution_n of_o christ_n in_o obedience_n unto_o he_o and_o their_o own_o edification_n 4_o in_o particular_a these_o end_n be_v 1_o the_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o and_o the_o conversion_n of_o other_o 2_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n or_o all_o the_o mystical_a appointment_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o church_n 3_o the_o preservation_n and_o exercise_n of_o evangelical_n discipline_n 4_o visible_o to_o profess_v their_o subjection_n unto_o christ_n in_o the_o world_n by_o the_o observation_n of_o his_o command_n 5_o the_o bound_n and_o limit_n of_o this_o church_n be_v take_v from_o the_o number_n of_o the_o member_n which_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v so_o small_a as_o that_o they_o can_v observe_v and_o do_v all_o that_o christ_n have_v command_v in_o due_a order_n nor_o yet_o so_o great_a as_o not_o to_o meet_v together_o for_o the_o end_n of_o institution_n of_o the_o church_n before_o mention_v 6_o that_o this_o church_n in_o its_o complete_a state_n consist_v of_o pastor_n or_o a_o pastor_n and_o elder_n who_o be_v its_o guide_n and_o ruler_n and_o the_o community_n of_o the_o faithful_a under_o their_o rule_n 7_o that_o unto_o such_o a_o church_n and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o belong_v of_o right_a all_o the_o privilege_n promise_n and_o power_n that_o christ_n do_v give_v and_o grant_v unto_o the_o church_n in_o this_o world_n these_o and_o sundry_a other_o thing_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n shall_v be_v afterward_o speak_v unto_o in_o their_o order_n according_a unto_o the_o method_n intend_v in_o the_o present_a discourse_n two_o thing_n i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v unto_o 1_o to_o prove_v that_o christ_n have_v appoint_v this_o church-state_n under_o the_o gospel_n namely_o of_o a_o particular_a or_o single_a congregation_n 2_o that_o he_o have_v appoint_v no_o other_o church_n state_n that_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o this_o much_o less_o that_o be_v destructive_a of_o it_o 1._o christ_n appoint_v that_o church-state_n which_o be_v meet_v and_o accommodate_v unto_o all_o the_o end_n which_o he_o design_v in_o his_o institution_n of_o a_o church_n but_o such_o alone_a be_v that_o church_n form_n and_o order_n that_o we_o have_v propose_v in_o christ_n institution_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v none_o of_o his_o end_n that_o some_o man_n may_v be_v thereby_o advance_v to_o
example_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n that_o succeed_v unto_o those_o which_o be_v plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o so_o may_v well_o be_v judge_v to_o have_v walk_v in_o the_o same_o way_n and_o order_n with_o they_o and_o that_o which_o we_o allege_v be_v that_o in_o no_o approve_a writer_n for_o the_o space_n of_o 200_o year_n after_o christ_n there_o be_v any_o mention_n make_v of_o any_o other_o organical_a visible_o profess_v church_n but_o that_o only_a which_o be_v parochial_a or_o congregational_a a_o church_n of_o any_o other_o form_n state_n or_o order_n papal_n or_o ecumenical_a patriarchal_a metropolitical_a diocesan_n or_o classical_a they_o know_v not_o neither_o name_n nor_o thing_n nor_o any_o of_o they_o appear_v in_o any_o of_o their_o write_n before_o i_o proceed_v unto_o the_o confirmation_n of_o this_o assertion_n by_o particular_a testimony_n i_o shall_v premise_v some_o thing_n which_o be_v needful_a unto_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o what_o it_o be_v that_o i_o intend_v to_o prove_v by_o they_o as_o 1._o all_o the_o church_n at_o first_o plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n whether_o in_o the_o great_a city_n as_o jerusalem_n antioch_n corinth_n rome_n etc._n etc._n or_o those_o in_o the_o mean_a village_n of_o judea_n galilee_n or_o samaria_n be_v as_o unto_o their_o church-state_n in_o order_n power_n privilege_n and_o duty_n every_o way_n equal_a not_o superior_a or_o inferior_a not_o rule_v over_o or_o subject_n unto_o one_o another_o no_o institution_n of_o any_o inequality_n between_o they_o no_o instance_n of_o any_o practice_n suppose_v it_o no_o direction_n for_o any_o compliance_n with_o it_o no_o one_o word_n of_o intimation_n of_o it_o can_v be_v produce_v from_o the_o scripture_n nor_o be_v it_o consistent_a with_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o gospel_n church-state_n 2._o in_o and_o among_o all_o these_o church_n there_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o spirit_n one_o hope_v of_o their_o call_v one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n whence_o they_o be_v all_o oblige_v mutual_o to_o seek_v and_o endeavour_v the_o good_a and_o edification_n of_o each_o other_o to_o be_v helpful_a to_o one_o another_o in_o all_o thing_n according_a unto_o that_o which_o any_o of_o they_o have_v receive_v in_o the_o lord_n this_o they_o do_v by_o prayer_n by_o advice_n and_o counsel_n by_o messenger_n send_v with_o salutation_n exhortation_n consolation_n supply_n for_o the_o poor_a and_o on_o all_o the_o like_a occasion_n by_o these_o mean_n and_o by_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o mutual_a love_n and_o care_n which_o they_o be_v oblige_v unto_o they_o keep_v and_o preserve_v unity_n and_o communion_n among_o themselves_o give_v a_o common_a testimony_n against_o any_o thing_n that_o in_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n deviate_v from_o the_o rule_n and_o discipline_n of_o christ._n this_o order_n with_o peace_n and_o love_n thereon_o continue_v among_o they_o until_o pride_n ambition_n desire_v of_o rule_n and_o pre-eminence_n in_o diotrephes_n and_o a_o multitude_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n with_o he_o begin_v to_o open_v a_o door_n unto_o the_o entrance_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n under_o pretence_n of_o a_o better_a order_n than_o this_o which_o be_v of_o the_o appointment_n of_o christ._n 3._o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o notwithstanding_o this_o equality_n among_o all_o church_n as_o unto_o their_o state_n and_o power_n that_o there_o be_v great_a difference_n between_o they_o some_o real_a and_o some_o in_o reputation_n which_o not_o be_v right_o manage_v prove_v a_o occasion_n of_o evil_n in_o and_o unto_o they_o all_o for_o instance_n 1._o some_o be_v more_o eminent_a in_o spiritual_a gift_n than_o other_o as_o this_o be_v a_o privilege_n that_o may_v have_v be_v great_o improve_v unto_o the_o honour_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n yet_o we_o know_v how_o it_o be_v abuse_v in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o what_o disorder_n follow_v thereon_o so_o weak_a and_o frail_a be_v the_o best_a of_o man_n so_o liable_a unto_o temptation_n that_o all_o pre-eminence_n be_v dangerous_a for_o they_o and_o often_o abuse_v by_o they_o which_o i_o confess_v make_v i_o not_o a_o little_a admire_v to_o see_v man_n so_o earnest_o plead_v for_o it_o so_o fearless_o assume_v it_o unto_o themselves_o so_o fierce_o contend_v that_o all_o power_n and_o rule_n in_o the_o church_n belong_v unto_o they_o alone_o but_o 2._o reputation_n be_v give_v unto_o some_o by_o the_o long_a abode_n of_o some_o of_o the_o apostle_n in_o they_o of_o this_o advantage_n we_o find_v nothing_o in_o the_o scripture_n but_o certain_a it_o be_v it_o be_v much_o plead_v and_o contend_v about_o among_o the_o primitive_a church_n yea_o so_o far_o until_o by_o degree_n dispute_v arise_v about_o the_o place_n where_o this_o or_o that_o apostle_n fix_v his_o seat_n which_o be_v look_v on_o as_o a_o pre-eminence_n for_o the_o present_a and_o a_o security_n for_o the_o future_a but_o yet_o we_o know_v how_o soon_o some_o of_o they_o degenerate_v from_o the_o church_n order_n and_o discipline_n wherein_o they_o be_v instruct_v by_o the_o apostle_n see_v rev._n chap._n 2._o and_o 3._o 3._o the_o greatness_n power_n fame_n or_o civil_a authority_n of_o the_o place_n or_o city_n where_o any_o church_n be_v plant_v give_v it_o a_o advantage_n and_o privilege_n in_o reputation_n above_o other_o and_o the_o church_n plant_v in_o such_o city_n be_v quick_o more_o numerous_a in_o their_o member_n than_o other_o be_v unless_o man_n strict_o keep_v themselves_o unto_o the_o force_n of_o primitive_a institution_n it_o be_v very_o hard_o for_o they_o to_o think_v and_o judge_n that_o a_o a_o church_n it_o may_v be_v in_o a_o small_a village_n or_o town_n in_o galilee_n shall_v be_v equal_a with_o that_o at_o jerusalem_n or_o at_o antioch_n or_o afterward_o at_o rome_n itself_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n easy_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v persuade_v that_o those_o church_n be_v advance_v in_o state_n and_o order_n far_o above_o the_o other_o obscure_a poor_a congregation_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o church_n at_o rome_n the_o head_n city_n of_o the_o world_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a joy_n and_o triumph_n unto_o many_o and_o the_o advancement_n of_o it_o in_o reputation_n they_o think_v belong_v unto_o the_o honour_n of_o our_o religion_n howbeit_o there_o be_v not_o in_o the_o scripture_n the_o least_o regard_n express_v unto_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n of_o place_n number_n or_o possibility_n of_o outward_a splendour_n either_o in_o the_o promise_v of_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n in_o and_o with_o his_o church_n or_o in_o the_o communication_n of_o power_n &_o privilege_n unto_o they_o yet_o such_o a_o improvement_n do_v this_o foolish_a imagination_n find_v that_o after_o those_o who_o preside_v in_o the_o church_n call_v in_o the_o principal_a city_n have_v taste_v of_o the_o sweetness_n of_o the_o bait_n which_o lie_v in_o the_o ascription_n of_o a_o pre-eminence_n unto_o they_o they_o begin_v open_o to_o claim_v it_o unto_o themselves_o and_o to_o usurp_v authority_n over_o other_o church_n confirm_v their_o own_o usurpation_n by_o canon_n and_o rule_n until_o a_o few_o of_o they_o in_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a begin_v to_o divide_v the_o christian_a world_n among_o themselves_o as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v be_v conquer_a by_o they_o hence_o proceed_v those_o shameful_a contest_v that_o be_v among_o the_o great_a prelate_n about_o their_o preeminency_n and_o hence_o arise_v that_o pretence_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n unto_o no_o less_o a_o right_n of_o rule_n and_o dominion_n over_o all_o christian_a church_n than_o the_o city_n have_v over_o all_o the_o nation_n and_o city_n of_o the_o empire_n which_o be_v carry_v on_o by_o all_o sort_n of_o evil_a artifices_fw-la as_o by_o downright_a forgery_n shameless_a intrusion_n of_o themselves_o impudent_a lay_v hold_n of_o all_o advantage_n unto_o their_o own_o exaltation_n prevail_v at_o length_n unto_o the_o utter_a ruin_n of_o all_o church_n order_n and_o worship_n there_o be_v no_o sober_a history_n of_o the_o rise_n and_o growth_n by_o several_a degree_n of_o any_o city_n commonwealth_n or_o empire_n that_o be_v fill_v with_o so_o many_o instance_n of_o ambitious_a seek_v of_o pre-eminence_n as_o our_o church_n story_n be_v by_o this_o imagination_n be_v the_o generality_n of_o the_o prelate_n in_o those_o day_n induce_v to_o introduce_v and_o settle_v a_o government_n in_o and_o among_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n answer_v unto_o the_o civil_a government_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n as_o the_o civil_a government_n be_v cast_v into_o national_a or_o diocesan_n or_o provincial_a in_o less_o or_o great_a division_n each_o of_o which_o have_v its_o capital_a city_n the_o place_n of_o the_o residence_n of_o the_o chief_a civil_a governor_n so_o they_o design_v to_o frame_v a_o image_n of_o
the_o surprisal_n of_o temptation_n not_o consent_v to_o not_o delight_v or_o continue_v in_o your_o labour_n or_o contention_n of_o spirit_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d col._n 2.1_o be_v night_n and_o day_n in_o your_o prayer_n for_o the_o whole_a brotherhood_n that_o be_v especial_o of_o their_o own_o church_n itself_o that_o the_o number_n of_o god_n elect_v may_v be_v save_v in_o mercy_n through_o a_o good_a conscience_n towards_o he_o this_o be_v their_o state_n this_o be_v their_o liturgy_n this_o their_o practice_n 1._o there_o be_v on_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n a_o plentiful_a effusion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o his_o gift_n and_o grace_n wherein_o it_o may_v be_v respect_n be_v have_v unto_o what_o be_v affirm_v by_o the_o apostle_n before_o of_o the_o same_o church_n 1_o cor._n 1.4_o 5_o 6_o 7._o the_o same_o grace_n be_v yet_o continue_v unto_o they_o 2._o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o effusion_n of_o the_o spirit_n on_o all_o of_o they_o their_o will_n and_o affection_n be_v sanctify_v their_o mind_n be_v enable_v to_o pour_v forth_o fervent_a prayer_n unto_o god_n 3_o they_o be_v not_o such_o as_o live_v in_o any_o open_a sin_n or_o any_o secret_a sin_n know_v to_o be_v so_o but_o be_v only_o subject_a unto_o involuntary_a surprisal_n who_o pardon_n they_o continual_o pray_v for_o 4._o their_o love_n and_o sense_n of_o duty_n stir_v they_o up_o to_o labour_v mighty_o in_o their_o prayer_n with_o fervency_n and_o constancy_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o whole_a fraternity_n of_o elect_a believer_n whether_o throughout_o the_o world_n or_o more_o especialâ—y_o those_o in_o and_o of_o their_o own_o church_n he_o that_o shall_v ascribe_v these_o thing_n unto_o any_o of_o those_o church_n which_o now_o in_o the_o world_n claim_v to_o be_v so_o only_o will_v quick_o find_v himself_o at_o a_o loss_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o what_o he_o assert_n do_v we_o all_o sedulous_o endeavour_v to_o reduce_v and_o restore_v church_n unto_o their_o primitive_a state_n and_o frame_n it_o will_v bring_v more_o glory_n to_o god_n than_o all_o our_o contention_n about_o rule_n and_o domination_n 4._o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n be_v fall_v into_o a_o sinful_a excess_n in_o the_o deposition_n and_o rejection_n of_o their_o elder_n 62._o who_o the_o church_n at_o rome_n judge_v to_o have_v preside_v among_o they_o laudable_o and_o unblamable_o as_o unto_o their_o whole_a walk_n and_o work_v among_o they_o and_o this_o they_o do_v by_o the_o suggestion_n of_o two_o or_o three_o envious_a discontent_a person_n and_o as_o it_o be_v probable_a from_o some_o digression_n in_o the_o epistle_n taint_v with_o those_o error_n which_o have_v former_o infest_a that_o church_n as_o the_o denial_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o flesh_n which_o be_v therefore_o here_o reflect_v on_o but_o in_o the_o whole_a epistle_n the_o church_n be_v nowhere_o reprove_v for_o assume_v a_o authority_n unto_o themselves_o which_o do_v not_o belong_v unto_o they_o it_o seem_v what_o cyprian_n afterward_o affirm_v be_v then_o acknowledge_v namely_o that_o the_o right_n of_o choose_v the_o worthy_a and_o of_o reject_v the_o unworthy_a be_v in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n but_o they_o be_v severe_o reprove_v for_o the_o abuse_n of_o their_o liberty_n and_o power_n for_o they_o have_v exercise_v they_o on_o ill_a ground_n by_o ill_a mean_n for_o ill_a end_n and_o in_o a_o most_o unjust_a cause_n he_o therefore_o exhort_v the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n to_o return_v unto_o their_o duty_n in_o the_o restauration_n of_o their_o elder_n and_o then_o prescribe_v unto_o they_o who_o be_v the_o first_o occasion_n of_o schism_n that_o every_o one_o will_v subject_v themselves_o unto_o the_o restore_a presbyter_n and_o say_v 69._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o will_v do_v the_o thing_n appoint_v or_o command_v by_o the_o multitude_n the_o church_n in_o the_o generality_n of_o its_o member_n the_o plebs_fw-la the_o multitude_n the_o body_n of_o the_o fraternity_n in_o the_o church_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o they_o be_v often_o call_v in_o the_o scripture_n act._n 4.32_o chap._n 6.2_o 5._o chap._n 15.12_o 30._o have_v then_o right_o and_o power_n to_o appoint_v thing_n that_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o the_o church_n for_o order_n and_o peace_n i_o do_v not_o say_v they_o have_v it_o without_o or_o in_o distinction_n from_o their_o officer_n ruler_n and_o guide_n but_o in_o a_o concurrence_n with_o they_o and_o subordination_n to_o they_o whence_o the_o act_n conclude_v on_o may_v be_v esteem_v and_o be_v the_o act_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n this_o order_n can_v be_v observe_v or_o this_o can_v fall_v out_o only_o in_o a_o congregational_a church_n all_o who_o member_n do_v meet_v together_o for_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o exercise_n of_o their_o discipline_n and_o if_o no_o more_o may_v be_v consider_v in_o it_o but_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o the_o people_n without_o any_o respect_n to_o their_o right_n and_o power_n yet_o such_o church_n as_o wherein_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o that_o shall_v fall_v out_o in_o they_o as_o do_v so_o fall_v out_o in_o that_o church_n be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o kind_a or_o order_n with_o it_o but_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o they_o who_o may_v endeavour_v to_o reduce_v any_o church-state_n into_o its_o primitive_a constitution_n that_o they_o may_v be_v caution_v against_o that_o great_a evil_n which_o this_o church_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o suppose_a liberty_n fâ—ll_o into_o i_o can_v but_o transcribe_v a_o few_o of_o those_o excellent_a word_n which_o be_v use_v plentiful_o with_o cogent_a reason_n in_o this_o epistle_n against_o it_o 62._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v shameful_a belove_a exceed_v shameful_a which_o be_v report_v of_o you_o that_o the_o most_o firm_a and_o ancient_a church_n of_o the_o corinthian_n shall_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o one_o or_o two_o person_n seditious_o tumultuate_a against_o their_o elder_n and_o herein_o he_o proceed_v to_o declare_v the_o dreadful_a scandal_n that_o ensue_v thereon_o both_o among_o believer_n and_o infidel_n the_o instruction_n also_o which_o he_o add_v hereunto_o be_v worthy_a the_o remembrance_n of_o all_o church_n member_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v bless_v advice_n for_o all_o church-member_n that_o he_o give_v let_v a_o man_n be_v faithful_a let_v he_o be_v powerful_a in_o knowledge_n or_o the_o declaration_n of_o it_o let_v he_o be_v wise_a to_o judge_v the_o word_n or_o doctrine_n let_v he_o be_v chaste_a or_o pure_a in_o his_o work_n the_o great_a he_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o more_o humble_a he_o ought_v to_o be_v that_o so_o the_o church_n may_v have_v no_o trouble_n by_o he_o nor_o his_o gift_n but_o to_o return_v 5._o have_v occasion_n to_o mention_v the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n he_o name_v only_o the_o two_o rank_n of_o bishop_n and_o deacon_n 55._o as_o the_o apostle_n also_o do_v phil._n 1.1_o speak_v of_o the_o apostle_n he_o say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d preach_v the_o word_n through_o region_n and_o city_n they_o appoint_v the_o first_o fruit_n as_o the_o house_n of_o stephan_n as_o be_v the_o first_o fruit_n of_o achaia_n who_o therefore_o addict_v themselves_o to_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o saint_n 1_o cor._n 16.15_o or_o the_o first_o convert_v to_o the_o faith_n after_o a_o spiritual_a trial_n of_o they_o as_o unto_o their_o fitness_n for_o their_o work_n to_o be_v bishop_n and_o deacon_n of_o they_o that_o shall_v afterward_o believe_v where_o there_o be_v as_o yet_o but_o a_o few_o convert_v the_o apostle_n gather_v they_o into_o church-order_n and_o so_o soon_o as_o they_o find_v any_o fit_a among_o they_o appoint_v and_o ordain_v they_o to_o be_v bishop_n and_o deacon_n so_o that_o provision_n may_v be_v make_v for_o the_o guidance_n and_o conduct_n of_o they_o that_o shall_v be_v convert_v and_o add_v unto_o they_o after_o they_o be_v leave_v by_o the_o apostle_n these_o bishop_n he_o affirm_v to_o be_v and_o have_v be_v the_o presbyter_n or_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n even_o the_o same_o with_o those_o depose_v by_o the_o corinthian_n 58._o in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o the_o apostle_n do_v act._n 20.28_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n it_o be_v no_o small_a sin_n in_o we_o to_o reject_v or_o cast_v off_o they_o who_o have_v offer_v the_o gift_n or_o discharge_v the_o duty_n of_o episcopacy_n holy_o and_o without_o blame_n bless_a be_v the_o elder_n who_o go_v before_o namely_o as_o he_o express_v it_o because_o they_o be_v free_v from_o that_o amotion_n from_o their_o office_n which_o those_o elder_n now_o among_o they_o have_v undergo_v after_o they_o have_v
due_o discharge_v the_o office_n of_o episcopacy_n other_o distinction_n and_o difference_n of_o ordinary_a officer_n beside_o that_o of_o bishop_n or_o elder_n and_o deacon_n the_o church_n at_o rome_n in_o those_o day_n know_v not_o such_o aught_o to_o be_v in_o every_o particular_a church_n of_o any_o one_o single_a person_n to_o preside_v over_o many_o church_n which_o be_v necessary_a unto_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o church-state_n distinct_a from_o that_o which_o be_v congregational_a clemens_n know_v nothing_o in_o his_o day_n but_o give_v we_o such_o a_o description_n of_o the_o church_n and_o its_o order_n as_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o such_o a_o pretence_n 6._o i_o shall_v add_v no_o more_o from_o this_o excellent_a epistle_n but_o only_o the_o account_n give_v in_o it_o of_o the_o first_o constitution_n of_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d our_o apostle_n therefore_o know_v by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o there_o will_v contention_n arise_v about_o the_o name_n of_o episcopacy_n that_o be_v episcopacy_n itself_o for_o this_o cause_n be_v endue_v with_o a_o perfect_a foresight_n of_o thing_n they_o appoint_v those_o forementioned_a their_o first_o convert_v unto_o the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o the_o future_a describe_v or_o give_v order_n about_o the_o course_n of_o the_o ministry_n that_o other_o approve_a man_n may_v succeed_v they_o in_o their_o ministry_n these_o elder_n therefore_o who_o be_v so_o appoint_v by_o they_o and_o afterward_o by_o other_o famous_a man_n with_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n etc._n etc._n sundry_a thing_n we_o may_v observe_v in_o this_o discourse_n 1._o the_o apostle_n foresee_v there_o will_v be_v strife_n and_o contention_n about_o the_o name_n of_o episcopacy_n that_o be_v the_o office_n itself_o and_o those_o who_o shall_v possess_v it_o this_o episcopacy_n be_v that_o office_n which_o the_o depose_a elder_n have_v well_o discharge_v in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n this_o they_o may_v foresee_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o the_o inclination_n of_o man_n unto_o pre-eminence_n and_o the_o instance_n they_o have_v see_v in_o their_o own_o day_n in_o such_o as_o diotrephes_n with_o the_o former_a division_n that_o have_v be_v in_o this_o very_a church_n about_o their_o teacher_n 1_o cor._n 1.12_o but_o moreover_o they_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n through_o his_o divine_a spirit_n abide_v with_o they_o and_o teach_v they_o all_o thing_n this_o therefore_o they_o seek_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o prevent_v and_o that_o two_o way_n 1._o in_o that_o for_o the_o first_o time_n themselves_o appoint_v approve_a person_n unto_o the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n not_o that_o they_o do_v it_o of_o themselves_o without_o the_o consent_n and_o choice_n of_o the_o church_n whereunto_o any_o of_o they_o be_v appoint_v for_o this_o be_v direct_o contrary_a unto_o their_o practice_n act._n 1.15_o 22_o 23_o 26._o chap._n 6.3_o chap._n 14.23_o but_o that_o the_o peace_n and_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n may_v be_v provide_v for_o they_o themselves_o spiritual_o try_v and_o approve_v of_o fit_a person_n so_o to_o lead_v the_o church_n in_o their_o choice_n wherefore_o that_o which_o be_v add_v afterward_o of_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v to_o be_v refer_v unto_o those_o who_o be_v ordain_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o 2._o they_o give_v rule_n and_o order_n namely_o in_o their_o write_n concern_v the_o office_n and_o officer_n that_o be_v to_o be_v in_o the_o church_n with_o the_o way_n whereby_o they_o shall_v be_v substitute_v into_o the_o place_n and_o room_n of_o they_o that_o be_v decease_v as_o we_o know_v they_o have_v do_v in_o their_o write_n 3._o after_o this_o be_v do_v by_o the_o apostle_n other_o excellent_a person_n as_o the_o evangelist_n do_v the_o same_o these_o assist_v the_o church_n in_o the_o ordination_n and_o choice_n of_o their_o officer_n according_a unto_o the_o rule_v prescribe_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o i_o know_v not_o but_o that_o the_o eminent_a pastor_n of_o other_o church_n who_o usual_o give_v their_o assistance_n in_o the_o set_n apart_o and_o ordination_n of_o other_o unto_o the_o ministry_n be_v intend_v i_o have_v insist_v long_o on_o this_o testimony_n be_v lead_v on_o by_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o writing_n itself_o nothing_o remain_v write_v so_o near_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n nor_o do_v any_o that_o be_v extant_a which_o be_v write_v afterward_o give_v such_o a_o evidence_n of_o apostolical_a wisdom_n gravity_n and_o humility_n neither_o be_v there_o in_o all_o antiquity_n after_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n such_o a_o representation_n of_o the_o state_n order_n and_o rule_n of_o first_o evangelical_n churches_n and_o it_o be_v no_o small_a prejudice_n unto_o the_o pretension_n of_o future_a age_n that_o this_o apostolical_a person_n handle_v a_o most_o weighty_a ecclesiastical_a cause_n make_v not_o the_o least_o mention_n of_o such_o office_n power_n and_o proceed_n as_o wherein_o some_o will_v have_v all_o church-rule_a and_o order_n to_o consist_v the_o epistle_n of_o polycarpus_n and_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n at_o smyrna_n with_o he_o unto_o the_o church_n of_o the_o philippian_n be_v the_o next_o on_o roll_n of_o antiquity_n nothing_o appear_v in_o the_o whole_a to_o intimate_v any_o other_o church-state_n or_o order_n than_o that_o describe_v by_o clemens_n the_o epistle_n be_v direct_v unto_o the_o whole_a church_n at_o philippi_n not_o unto_o any_o particular_a bishop_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d this_o be_v the_o usual_a style_n of_o those_o day_n so_o be_v it_o use_v as_o we_o have_v see_v by_o clemens_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d so_o it_o be_v use_v present_o after_o the_o death_n of_o polycarpus_n by_o the_o church_n at_o smyrna_n in_o the_o account_n they_o give_v unto_o other_o church_n of_o his_o death_n and_o martyrdom_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o same_o be_v the_o inscription_n of_o the_o epistle_n of_o the_o church_n at_o vienna_n and_o lion_n in_o france_n unto_o the_o church_n in_o asia_n and_o phrygia_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v immediate_o and_o these_o be_v plain_a testimony_n of_o that_o communion_n among_o the_o church_n in_o those_o day_n which_o be_v hold_v in_o and_o by_o the_o body_n of_o each_o church_n or_o the_o community_n of_o the_o brotherhood_n which_o be_v a_o clear_a demonstration_n of_o their_o state_n and_o order_n and_o those_o who_o the_o apostle_n write_v to_o the_o philippian_n call_v their_o bishop_n and_o deacon_n polycarpus_n call_v their_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n it_o behoove_v you_o say_v he_o unto_o the_o church_n there_o to_o abstain_v from_o these_o thing_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v subject_a unto_o the_o elder_n and_o deacon_n nor_o do_v he_o mention_v any_o other_o bishop_n among_o the_o philippian_n and_o it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o in_o all_o these_o primitive_a write_n there_o be_v still_o a_o distinction_n make_v after_o the_o example_n of_o the_o scripture_n between_o the_o church_n and_o the_o guide_n ruler_n bishop_n or_o elder_n of_o it_o and_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n be_v constant_o assign_v unto_o the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n as_o distinct_a from_o the_o elder_n nowhere_o to_o the_o bishop_n or_o elder_n as_o distinct_a from_o the_o people_n though_o the_o church_n in_o its_o complete_a state_n comprehend_v both_o sort_n unto_o this_o time_n that_o be_v about_o the_o year_n 107_o or_o 108_o do_v belong_v the_o epistle_n ascribe_v unto_o ignatius_n if_o so_o be_v they_o be_v write_v by_o he_o for_o polycarpus_n write_v his_o epistle_n unto_o the_o philippian_n after_o ignatius_n be_v carry_v to_o rome_n have_v write_v his_o epistle_n before_o in_o asia_n many_o be_v the_o contest_v of_o learned_a man_n about_o those_o epistle_n which_o remain_v whether_o they_o be_v genuine_a or_o the_o same_o that_o be_v write_v by_o he_o for_o that_o he_o do_v write_v epistle_n unto_o sundry_a church_n be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o and_o whereas_o there_o have_v in_o this_o age_n be_v two_o copy_n find_v and_o publish_v of_o these_o epistle_n wherein_o very_a many_o thing_n that_o be_v obnoxious_a unto_o just_a exception_n in_o those_o before_o publish_v do_v not_o at_o all_o appear_v yet_o man_n be_v not_o agree_v which_o of_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v prefer_v and_o many_o yet_o deny_v that_o any_o of_o they_o be_v those_o write_v by_o ignatius_n i_o shall_v not_o interpose_v in_o this_o contest_v only_o i_o must_v say_v that_o if_o any_o of_o his_o genuine_a write_n do_v yet_o remain_v yet_o the_o corruption_n and_o interpolation_n of_o they_o for_o many_o age_n must_v needs_o much_o impair_v the_o authority_n of_o what_o be_v represent_v in_o they_o as_o he_o nor_o be_o
i_o deliver_v from_o these_o thought_n by_o the_o late_a either_o more_o sound_a or_o more_o maim_a edition_n of_o they_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o corruption_n and_o fiction_n of_o epistolical_a write_n in_o the_o first_o age_n be_v so_o intolerable_a as_o that_o very_o little_a in_o that_o kind_n be_v preserve_v sincere_a and_o unquestionable_a hence_o dionysius_n the_o bishop_n of_o corinth_n complain_v that_o in_o his_o own_o time_n his_o own_o epistle_n be_v so_o corrupt_v by_o addition_n and_o detraction_n so_o as_o that_o it_o seem_v he_o will_v have_v they_o no_o more_o esteem_v as_o he_o euseb._n ecclesiast_n hist._n lib._n 4._o cap._n 22._o but_o yet_o because_o these_o epistle_n be_v so_o earnest_o contend_v for_o by_o many_o learned_a man_n as_o the_o genuine_a write_n of_o ignatius_n i_o shall_v not_o pass_v by_o the_o consideration_n of_o they_o as_o unto_o the_o argument_n in_o hand_n i_o do_v therefore_o affirm_v that_o in_o these_o epistle_n in_o any_o edition_n of_o they_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n make_v or_o description_n give_v of_o any_o church_n or_o church_n state_n but_o only_o of_o that_o which_o be_v congregational_a that_o be_v such_o a_o church_n as_o all_o the_o member_n whereof_o do_v meet_v and_o be_v oblige_v to_o meet_v for_o divine_a worship_n and_o discipline_n in_o the_o same_o place_n what_o be_v the_o distinction_n they_o observe_v among_o their_o officer_n of_o what_o fort_n they_o be_v and_o what_o number_n belong_v not_o unto_o our_o present_a enquiry_n our_o concernment_n be_v only_o this_o that_o they_o do_v preside_v in_o the_o same_o particular_a church_n and_o be_v none_o of_o they_o bishop_n of_o more_o church_n than_o one_o or_o of_o any_o church_n that_o shall_v consist_v of_o a_o collection_n or_o association_n of_o such_o particular_a church_n as_o have_v no_o bishop_n proper_o so_o call_v of_o their_o own_o all_o these_o epistle_n that_o be_v the_o seven_o most_o esteem_v be_v write_v as_o that_o of_o clemens_n unto_o the_o body_n or_o whole_a fraternity_n of_o the_o church_n unto_o who_o they_o be_v direct_v in_o distinction_n from_o their_o bishop_n elder_n and_o deacon_n except_v only_o that_o unto_o polycarpus_n which_o be_v unto_o a_o single_a person_n under_o that_o consideration_n namely_o of_o the_o entire_a fraternity_n in_o distinction_n from_o their_o officer_n do_v he_o address_v unto_o they_o and_o therein_o do_v he_o ascribe_v and_o assign_v such_o duty_n unto_o they_o as_o can_v not_o be_v attend_v unto_o nor_o perform_v but_o in_o the_o assembly_n of_o they_o all_o such_o be_v the_o direction_n he_o give_v unto_o the_o church_n of_o the_o philadelphian_o how_o and_o in_o what_o manner_n they_o shall_v receive_v penitent_n return_v unto_o the_o church_n that_o they_o may_v be_v encourage_v into_o that_o duty_n by_o their_o benignity_n and_o patience_n and_o many_o thing_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n do_v he_o deal_v with_o they_o about_o and_o this_o assemble_v together_o in_o the_o same_o place_n namely_o of_o the_o whole_a church_n he_o do_v frequent_o intimate_v and_o express_v some_o instance_n hereof_o we_o may_v repeat_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d meet_v all_o of_o you_o together_o in_o the_o same_o place_n let_v there_o be_v one_o prayer_n in_o common_a of_o all_o epist._n ad_fw-la magnes_fw-la this_o direction_n can_v be_v give_v unto_o no_o other_o but_o a_o particular_a church_n and_o again_o to_o the_o philadelphian_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d where_o your_o pastor_n be_v there_o follow_v you_o as_o sheep_n and_o how_o they_o may_v do_v so_o be_v declare_v immediate_o afterward_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o write_v with_o confidence_n unto_o your_o godly_a love_n and_o persuade_v you_o to_o use_v one_o faith_n or_o the_o confession_n of_o it_o one_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n and_o one_o eucharist_n or_o administration_n of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n for_o the_o flesh_n of_o christ_n be_v one_o and_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v shed_v for_o we_o in_o one_o one_o bread_n be_v break_v to_o all_o and_o one_o cup_n distribute_v among_o all_o there_o be_v one_o altar_n to_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o one_o bishop_n with_o the_o presbytery_n and_o the_o deacon_n my_o fellow_n servant_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o evident_a than_o that_o it_o be_v a_o particular_a church_n in_o its_o order_n and_o assembly_n for_o worship_n in_o one_o place_n that_o he_o describe_v nor_o can_v these_o thing_n be_v accommodate_v unto_o a_o church_n of_o any_o other_o form_n and_o towards_o the_o end_n of_o the_o epistle_n treat_v about_o the_o church_n send_v their_o bishop_n or_o other_o on_o their_o occasion_n he_o tell_v they_o in_o particular_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o become_v you_o as_o a_o church_n of_o god_n to_o choose_v or_o appoint_v a_o bishop_n who_o may_v perform_v the_o embassy_n of_o god_n that_o it_o may_v be_v grant_v unto_o they_o to_o glorify_v the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v gather_v together_o in_o one_o place_n it_o be_v somewhat_o difficult_a how_o the_o church_n of_o philadelphia_n shall_v choose_v or_o ordain_v a_o bishop_n at_o this_o time_n for_o they_o have_v one_o of_o their_o own_o who_o ignatius_n great_o extol_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o epistle_n nor_o be_v it_o in_o their_o power_n or_o duty_n to_o choose_v or_o ordain_v a_o bishop_n for_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n which_o be_v their_o own_o right_a and_o duty_n alone_o nor_o have_v the_o church_n of_o antioch_n any_o the_o least_o dependence_n on_o that_o at_o philadelphia_n it_o may_v be_v he_o intend_v only_o their_o assistance_n therein_o as_o immediate_o before_o he_o ascribe_v the_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o the_o antiochian_o unto_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o philadelphian_o for_o my_o part_n i_o judge_v he_o intend_v not_o the_o proper_a bishop_n of_o either_o place_n but_o some_o elder_n which_o they_o be_v to_o choose_v as_o a_o messenger_n to_o send_v to_o antioch_n to_o assist_v they_o in_o their_o present_a condition_n for_o in_o those_o day_n there_o be_v person_n choose_v by_o the_o church_n to_o be_v send_v abroad_o to_o assist_v other_o church_n on_o the_o like_a occasion_n these_o be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 2_o cor._n 8.23_o the_o especial_a apostle_n of_o the_o church_n as_o vers_n 19_o it_o be_v say_v of_o luke_n that_o he_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d choose_v and_o appoint_v by_o the_o church_n for_o the_o service_n there_o mention_v such_o be_v this_o bishop_n who_o be_v send_v on_o god_n errand_n to_o assist_v the_o church_n by_o his_o advice_n and_o counsel_n as_o unto_o the_o continuance_n of_o their_o assembly_n unto_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n though_o at_o present_a their_o bishop_n be_v take_v from_o they_o in_o that_o epistle_n unto_o the_o ephesian_n he_o let_v they_o know_v that_o he_o rejoice_v at_o their_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d their_o numerous_a multitude_n who_o he_o persuade_v and_o urge_v unto_o a_o common_a concurrence_n in_o prayer_n with_o their_o bishop_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o if_o the_o prayer_n of_o one_o or_o two_o be_v so_o effectual_a that_o they_o bring_v christ_n among_o they_o how_o much_o more_o will_v the_o consent_a prayer_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n together_o so_o he_o again_o explain_v his_o mind_n towards_o the_o end_n of_o the_o epistle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v your_o diligence_n to_o meet_v together_o frequent_o for_o when_o you_o frequent_o meet_v together_o in_o the_o same_o place_n the_o power_n of_o satan_n be_v destroy_v and_o many_o other_o expression_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n occur_v in_o those_o epistle_n we_o be_v no_o way_n at_o present_a concern_v in_o the_o controversy_n about_o that_o distinction_n of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n which_o the_o writer_n of_o those_o epistle_n do_v assert_v this_o only_a i_o say_v that_o he_o do_v in_o none_o of_o they_o take_v the_o least_o notice_n or_o give_v the_o least_o intimation_n of_o any_o church-state_n but_o such_o alone_a wherein_o the_o member_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n do_v constant_o meet_v together_o in_o the_o same_o place_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o communion_n among_o themselves_o and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o he_o every_o where_o in_o all_o his_o epistle_n to_o they_o ascribe_v such_o duty_n and_o right_n unto_o the_o church_n as_o can_v be_v observe_v and_o preserve_v but_o in_o particular_a church_n only_o nor_o do_v he_o leave_v any_o room_n for_o any_o other_o church-state_n whatever_o although_o therefore_o there_o may_v have_v be_v and_o probable_o there_o be_v some_o alteration_n in_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n from_o what_o be_v of_o primitive_a institution_n yet_o be_v there_o as_o yet_o no_o such_o change_n in_o
place_n unto_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o be_v a_o particular_a congregation_n 6._o the_o thing_n that_o he_o ascribe_v unto_o this_o leader_n to_o be_v do_v at_o this_o general_a meeting_n of_o the_o church_n every_o lord_n day_n be_v 1._o that_o he_o pray_v 2._o that_o after_o the_o read_n of_o the_o scripture_n he_o preach_v 3._o that_o he_o consecrate_v the_o eucharist_n the_o element_n of_o the_o bread_n and_o wine_n be_v distribute_v by_o the_o deacon_n unto_o the_o congregation_n 4._o that_o he_o close_v the_o whole_a worship_n of_o the_o day_n in_o prayer_n 7._o in_o the_o consecration_n of_o the_o sacramental_a element_n he_o observe_v that_o the_o precedent_n pray_v at_o large_a giving_z thanks_o to_o god_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d so_o vain_a be_v the_o pretence_n of_o some_o that_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n they_o consecrate_v the_o element_n by_o the_o repetition_n of_o the_o lord_n prayer_n only_o after_o the_o participation_n of_o the_o eucharist_n there_o be_v a_o collection_n make_v for_o the_o poor_a as_o he_o describe_v it_o at_o large_a what_o be_v so_o gather_v be_v commit_v to_o the_o pastor_n who_o take_v care_n for_o the_o distribution_n of_o it_o unto_o all_o sort_n of_o poor_a belong_v unto_o the_o church_n hereunto_o be_v add_v as_o tertullian_n observe_v the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n in_o their_o assembly_n whereof_o we_o shall_v speak_v afterward_o the_o close_a of_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n justin_n give_v we_o in_o these_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o pastor_n again_o according_a to_o his_o ability_n or_o power_n pour_v forth_o or_o send_v up_o prayer_n the_o people_n all_o joyful_o cry_v amen_o etc._n etc._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v as_o origen_n expound_v the_o phrase_n often_o use_v by_o himself_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d lib._n 8._o ad_fw-la cels._n according_a unto_o the_o present_a ability_n give_v unto_o he_o this_o be_v the_o state_n the_o order_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n with_o its_o method_n in_o the_o day_n of_o justin_n martyr_n this_o and_o no_o other_o be_v that_o which_o we_o plead_v for_o unto_o these_o time_n belong_v the_o most_o excellent_a epistle_n of_o the_o church_n of_o vienna_n and_o lion_n in_o france_n unto_o the_o brethren_n in_o asia_n and_o phrygia_n record_v at_o large_a by_o eusebius_n hist._n lib._n 5._o cap_n 1._o their_o design_n in_o it_o be_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o holy_a martyr_n who_o suffer_v in_o the_o persecution_n under_o marcus_n antoninus_n i_o be_o no_o way_n concern_v in_o what_o state_n irenaeus_n be_v in_o the_o church_n at_o lion_n whereon_o after_o the_o write_n of_o this_o epistle_n he_o be_v send_v to_o eleutherius_fw-la the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n which_o he_o give_v a_o account_n of_o chap._n 4._o he_o be_v indeed_o in_o that_o epistle_n call_v a_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n although_o as_o some_o suppose_v it_o be_v sundry_a year_n after_o the_o death_n of_o pothinus_n who_o they_o call_v bishop_n of_o lion_n into_o who_o room_n he_o immediate_o succeed_v and_o eusebius_n himself_o cap._n 8._o affirm_v that_o he_o will_v give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o ancient_a ecclesiastical_a presbyter_n in_o the_o first_o place_n produce_v those_o of_o irenaeus_n but_o these_o thing_n belong_v not_o unto_o our_o present_n contest_v the_o epistle_n we_o intend_v be_v write_v by_o the_o brethren_n of_o those_o church_n and_o it_o be_v write_v to_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n in_o asia_n and_o phrygia_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o scripture_n wherein_o the_o fraternity_n or_o body_n of_o the_o church_n be_v design_v or_o intend_v in_o all_o such_o epistle_n from_o they_o be_v this_o epistle_n and_o unto_o those_o of_o the_o same_o sort_n be_v it_o write_v not_o from_o one_o bishop_n unto_o another_o and_o as_o this_o manifest_v the_o concern_v of_o the_o brotherhood_n in_o all_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n so_o with_o all_o other_o circumstance_n it_o evidence_v that_o those_o church_n be_v particular_a or_o congregational_a only_a nor_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o whole_a epistle_n that_o shall_v give_v the_o least_o intimation_n of_o any_o other_o church_n state_n knowâ—_n unto_o they_o this_o epistle_n as_o record_v by_o eusebius_n give_v we_o as_o noble_a representation_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o communion_n that_o be_v then_o among_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v write_v with_o apostolical_a simplicity_n and_o gravity_n and_o remote_a from_o those_o title_n of_o honour_n and_o affect_v swell_a word_n which_o the_o feign_a write_n of_o that_o age_n and_o some_o that_o be_v genuine_a in_o those_o that_o follow_v be_v stuff_v withal_o tertullâ—an_n who_o live_v about_o the_o end_n of_o the_o second_o century_n give_v we_o the_o same_o account_n of_o the_o state_n order_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n as_o be_v give_v beâ—ore_o by_o justin_n martyr_n apol._n ad_fw-la gen._n cap._n 39_o the_o description_n of_o a_o church_n he_o first_o lay_v down_o in_o these_o word_n corpâ—s_fw-la sumus_fw-la de_fw-fr conscientia_fw-la religionis_fw-la &_o disciplinae_fw-la unitate_fw-la &_o spei_fw-la foedere_fw-la we_o be_v a_o body_n unite_v in_o the_o conscience_n of_o religion_n or_o a_o conscientious_a observation_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n by_o a_o agreement_n in_o discipline_n whereby_o it_o be_v usual_a with_o the_o ancient_n to_o express_v universal_a obedience_n unto_o the_o doctrine_n and_o command_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o a_o covenant_n of_o hope_n for_o whereas_o such_o a_o body_n or_o religious_a society_n can_v not_o be_v unite_v but_o by_o a_o covenant_n he_o call_v it_o a_o covenant_n of_o hope_n because_o the_o principal_a respect_n be_v have_v therein_o unto_o the_o thing_n hope_v foâ—_n they_o covenant_v together_o so_o to_o live_v and_o walk_v in_o the_o discipline_n of_o christ_n or_o obedience_n unto_o his_o command_n as_o that_o they_o may_v come_v together_o unto_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o eternal_a blessedness_n this_o religious_a body_n or_o society_n thus_o unite_v by_o covenant_n do_v meet_v together_o in_o the_o same_o assembly_n or_o congregation_n corpus_fw-la suâ—us_fw-la â—oâ—mus_fw-la in_o coeâ—um_fw-la &_o congregationem_fw-la ut_fw-la ad_fw-la deum_fw-la quasi_fw-la manu_fw-la facta_fw-la precationibus_fw-la ambiamus_fw-la orantes_fw-la and_o cogimur_fw-la ad_fw-la divinarum_fw-la literarum_fw-la commemorationem_fw-la etc._n etc._n design_v to_o declare_v as_o he_o do_v in_o particular_a negotia_fw-la christianae_n factionis_fw-la as_o he_o call_v they_o or_o the_o duty_n of_o christian_a religion_n which_o in_o their_o church_n they_o do_v attend_v unto_o he_o lay_v the_o foundation_n in_o their_o meeting_n in_o the_o saâ—â—_n assembly_n or_o congregation_n in_o these_o assembly_n there_o preside_v the_o elder_n that_o upon_o a_o testimony_n of_o their_o meetness_n unto_o that_o office_n be_v choose_v thereunto_o precedent_n probati_fw-la quique_fw-la seniores_fw-la honorem_fw-la istum_fw-la non_fw-la pretty_a sed_fw-la testimonio_fw-la adepti_fw-la and_o in_o the_o church_n thus_o meet_v together_o in_o the_o same_o place_n assembly_n or_o congregation_n under_o the_o rule_n and_o conduct_v of_o their_o elder_n among_o other_o thing_n they_o exercise_v discipline_n that_o be_v in_o the_o presence_n and_o by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o whole_a ibidem_fw-la etiam_fw-la exhortationes_fw-la castigationes_fw-la &_o censura_fw-la divina_fw-la no_o &_o judicatur_fw-la magno_fw-la cum_fw-la pondere_fw-la ut_fw-la apud_fw-la certos_fw-la de_fw-la dei_fw-la conspectu_fw-la summumque_fw-la futuri_fw-la judâ—cii_fw-la praejudicium_fw-la est_fw-la sâ—_n quis_fw-la ita_fw-la deliquerit_fw-la ut_fw-la à _fw-la communicatione_n oratinis_fw-la &_o conventus_fw-la &_o omnis_fw-la sancti_fw-la commercii_fw-la relegetur_fw-la the_o loss_n of_o this_o discipline_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o administration_n have_v be_v one_o of_o the_o principal_a mean_n of_o the_o apostasy_n of_o church_n from_o their_o primitive_a institution_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n do_v origen_n give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o the_o way_n of_o the_o gather_n and_o establish_v church_n under_o elder_n of_o their_o own_o choose_n in_o the_o close_a of_o his_o last_o book_n against_o celsus_n and_o although_o in_o the_o day_n of_o cyprian_a in_o the_o three_o century_n the_o distinction_n between_o the_o bishop_n in_o any_o church_n eminent_o so_o call_v and_o those_o who_o be_v only_a presbyter_n with_o their_o imparity_n and_o not_o only_o the_o precedency_n but_o superiority_n of_o one_o over_o other_o begin_v general_o to_o be_v admit_v yet_o it_o be_v sufficient_o manifest_a from_o his_o epistle_n that_o the_o church_n wherein_o he_o do_v preside_v be_v so_o far_o a_o particular_a church_n as_o that_o the_o whole_a body_n or_o fraternity_n of_o it_o be_v admit_v unto_o all_o advice_n in_o thing_n of_o common_a concernment_n unto_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o allow_v the_o exercise_n of_o their_o
anâ—yra_n in_o galatia_n about_o the_o year_n 314_o can._n 13._o and_o mention_n be_v again_o make_v of_o they_o in_o a_o synod_n of_o antioch_n an._n 341._o and_o somewhat_o before_o at_o the_o council_n of_o neocaesarea_n can._n 13._o and_o frequent_o afterward_o as_o any_o one_o may_v see_v in_o the_o late_a collection_n of_o the_o ancient_a canon_n i_o very_o believe_v nor_o can_v the_o contrary_n be_v prove_v but_o that_o these_o chorepiscopi_fw-la at_o first_o be_v as_o absolute_a and_o complete_a in_o the_o office_n of_o episcopacy_n as_o any_o of_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o great_a city_n have_v their_o name_n or_o denomination_n from_o the_o place_n of_o their_o residence_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o not_o for_o a_o intimation_n of_o any_o inferiority_n in_o they_o unto_o other_o city-bishop_n but_o so_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o through_o their_o poverty_n and_o want_n of_o interest_n their_o ministry_n be_v confine_v unto_o a_o small_a country-parish_n &_o perhaps_o through_o a_o comparative_a meanness_n of_o their_o gift_n or_o ability_n the_o city-bishop_n claim_v a_o superiority_n over_o they_o and_o make_v canon_n about_o their_o power_n the_o bound_a and_o exercise_v of_o it_o in_o dependence_n on_o themselves_o for_o a_o while_n they_o be_v esteem_v a_o degree_n above_o mere_a presbyter_n who_o accompany_v or_o attend_v the_o bishop_n of_o the_o city-church_n in_o his_o administration_n and_o a_o degree_n beneath_o the_o bishop_n himself_o in_o a_o posture_n never_o design_v by_o christ_n nor_o his_o apostle_n wherefore_o in_o process_n of_o time_n the_o name_n and_o thing_n be_v utter_o lose_v and_o all_o the_o country-churche_n be_v bring_v into_o a_o absolute_a subjection_n unto_o the_o city-church_n something_o be_v allow_v unto_o they_o for_o worship_n nothing_o for_o rule_n and_o discipline_n whereby_o the_o first_o state_n of_o church_n in_o their_o original_a institution_n sacred_o preserve_v in_o the_o first_o century_n be_v utter_o lose_v and_o demolish_a i_o shall_v add_v but_o one_o argument_n more_o to_o evince_v the_o true_a state_n and_o nature_n of_o evangelical_n church_n herein_o namely_o that_o they_o be_v only_o particular_a congregation_n and_o that_o be_v take_v from_o the_o duty_n and_o power_n ascribe_v in_o the_o scripture_n unto_o church_n and_o the_o member_n or_o entire_a brotherhood_n of_o they_o it_o be_v observe_v before_o that_o the_o epistle_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v write_v all_o of_o they_o unto_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n in_o contradistinction_n unto_o their_o elder_n bishop_n or_o pastor_n unless_o it_o be_v those_o that_o be_v write_v unto_o particular_a person_n by_o name_n and_o as_o this_o be_v plain_a in_o all_o the_o epistle_n of_o paul_n wherein_o sometime_o distinct_a mention_n be_v make_v of_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n sometime_o none_o at_o all_o so_o the_o apostle_n john_n affirm_v that_o he_o write_v unto_o the_o church_n but_o that_o diotrephes_n who_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v their_o bishop_n receive_v he_o not_o at_o once_o reject_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o overthrow_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n which_o example_n be_v diligent_o follow_v in_o the_o succeed_a age_n joh._n epist._n 3._o ver_fw-la 9_o and_o the_o apostle_n peter_n write_v unto_o the_o church_n on_o a_o especial_a occasion_n speak_v distinct_o of_o the_o elder_n 1_o pet._n 5.1_o 2._o see_v also_o heb._n 13.24_o the_o body_n of_o the_o epistle_n be_v direct_v to_o the_o body_n of_o church_n wherefore_o all_o the_o instruction_n direction_n and_o injunction_n give_v in_o those_o epistle_n as_o unto_o the_o exercise_n of_o power_n or_o the_o performance_n of_o duty_n they_o be_v give_v unto_o the_o church_n themselves_o now_o these_o be_v such_o many_o of_o they_o as_o can_v be_v act_v or_o perform_v in_o any_o church_n by_o the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n but_o that_o which_o be_v congregational_a only_o it_o be_v too_o long_o here_o to_o insist_v on_o particular_n it_o shall_v be_v do_v elsewhere_o and_o it_o will_v thence_o appear_v that_o this_o argument_n alone_o be_v sufficient_a to_o bear_v the_o weight_n of_o this_o whole_a cause_n the_o reader_n may_v if_o he_o please_v consider_v what_o representation_n hereof_o be_v make_v in_o these_o place_n compare_v together_o matth._n 18.15_o 16_o 17_o 18._o act._n 1.12_o 23_o chap._n 2.1_o 42_o 44_o 46._o chap._n 5.11_o 12_o 13._o chap._n 11.21_o 22_o 25_o 26_o 28_o 29_o 30._o chap._n 12.5_o 12._o chap._n 14.26_o 27._o chap._n 15.1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 6_o 12_o 13_o 22_o 23_o 27_o 28_o 30._o chap._n 20.28_o rom._n 15.5_o 6_o 14_o 25_o 26._o chap._n 16.1_o 17_o 18._o 1_o cor._n 1.4_o 5._o chap._n 5._o throughout_o chap._n 12.4_o 7_o 8_o 9_o 11_o 15_o 18_o 28_o 29_o 30_o 31._o chap._n 14._o throughout_o chap._n 16.10_o 11._o 2_o cor._n 3.1_o 2_o 3._o chap._n 7.14_o 15._o chap._n 8.22_o 23_o 24._o chap._n 2_o 6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o 10_o 11._o chap._n 8.5_o ephes._n 2.19_o 20_o 21_o 22._o chap._n 5.11_o 12._o gal._n 6.1_o philip._n 2.25_o 26_o 27_o 28._o colos._n 1.1_o 2._o chap._n 2.3_o chap._n 3.16_o chap._n 4.9_o 12_o 16_o 17._o 1_o thes._n 5.11_o 12_o 13_o 14._o 2_o thes._n 3.6_o 7_o 14_o 15._o heb._n 12.13_o chap._n 10.24_o 25._o chap._n 12.15_o 16._o in_o these_o i_o say_v and_o other_o place_n innumerable_a there_o be_v those_o thing_n affirm_v of_o and_o ascribe_v unto_o the_o apostolical_a church_n as_o unto_o their_o state_n order_n assembly_n duty_n power_n and_o privilege_n as_o evince_n they_o to_o have_v be_v only_o particular_a congregation_n chap._n vi_o congregational_a church_n alone_o suit_v unto_o the_o end_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o institution_n of_o his_o church_n have_v give_v a_o account_n of_o that_o state_n and_o order_n of_o the_o gospel-churche_n which_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o we_o declare_v also_o their_o suitableness_n and_o sufficiency_n unto_o all_o the_o end_n for_o which_o the_o lord_n christ_n appoint_v such_o church_n for_o if_o there_o be_v any_o true_a proper_a end_n of_o that_o nature_n which_o can_v be_v attain_v in_o or_o by_o any_o church-state_n in_o this_o or_o that_o form_n it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o no_o such_o form_n be_v of_o divine_a appointment_n yea_o it_o be_v necessary_a not_o only_o that_o such_o a_o state_n as_o pretend_v unto_o a_o divine_a original_a be_v not_o only_o not_o contradictory_n unto_o or_o inconsistent_a with_o such_o a_o end_n but_o that_o it_o be_v effectual_o conduce_v thereunto_o and_o in_o its_o place_n necessary_a unto_o that_o purpose_n this_o therefore_o be_v that_o which_o we_o shall_v now_o inquire_v into_o namely_o whether_o this_o state_n and_o form_n of_o gospel-churche_n in_o single_a congregation_n be_v suit_v unto_o all_o those_o end_n for_o which_o any_o such_o church_n be_v appoint_v which_o they_o must_v be_v on_o the_o account_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o author_n and_o founder_n of_o they_o or_o be_v utter_o discard_v from_o their_o pretence_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o more_o forcible_a argument_n against_o any_o pretend_a church-state_n rule_n or_o order_n than_o that_o it_o be_v obstructive_a unto_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n in_o attain_v the_o proper_a end_n of_o their_o whole_a institution_n what_o these_o end_n be_v be_v in_o general_a before_o declare_v i_o shall_v not_o here_o repeat_v they_o or_o go_v over_o they_o again_o but_o only_o single_a out_o the_o consideration_n of_o those_o which_o be_v usual_o plead_v as_o not_o attainable_a by_o this_o way_n of_o church_n in_o single_a congregation_n only_o or_o that_o at_o least_o they_o be_v not_o suit_v unto_o their_o attainment_n the_o first_o of_o these_o be_v mutual_a love_n among_o all_o christian_n all_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n by_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n i_o intend_v they_o and_o they_o only_o who_o profess_v faith_n in_o his_o person_n and_o doctrine_n and_o to_o hear_v he_o or_o to_o be_v guide_v by_o he_o alone_o in_o all_o thing_n that_o appertain_v unto_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o their_o live_n unto_o he_o if_o there_o be_v any_o call_v christian_n who_o in_o these_o thing_n choose_v other_o guide_n call_v other_o minister_n hear_v they_o in_o their_o appointment_n we_o must_v sever_v they_o from_o our_o present_a consideration_n though_o there_o be_v important_a duty_n require_v of_o we_o towards_o they_o also_o but_o what_o be_v allege_v be_v necessary_a unto_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o true_a disciple_n of_o christ._n unto_o all_o those_o his_o great_a command_n be_v mutual_a love_n among_o themselves_o this_o he_o call_v in_o a_o especial_a manner_n his_o commandment_n and_o a_o new_a commandment_n as_o for_o other_o reason_n so_o because_o he_o have_v give_v the_o first_o absolute_a great_a example_n of_o it_o in_o himself_o as_o also_o discover_v
and_o interest_n of_o the_o papal_a see_v have_v no_o bottom_n for_o or_o supportment_n of_o their_o church_n state_n and_o order_n but_o regal_a favour_n and_o mutable_a law_n there_o have_v on_o such_o cause_n and_o reason_n which_o i_o shall_v not_o mention_v ensue_v such_o emulation_n of_o the_o nobility_n and_o gentry_n and_o such_o contempt_n of_o the_o commonâ—people_n as_o leave_v it_o questionable_a whether_o their_o adherence_n unto_o the_o government_n be_v not_o more_o burdensome_a and_o dangerous_a unto_o it_o than_o be_v their_o ancient_a contest_v and_o opposition_n chap._n vii_o no_o other_o church-state_n of_o divine_a institution_n it_o may_v be_v it_o will_v be_v general_o grant_v i_o be_o sure_a it_o can_v be_v modest_o deny_v that_o particular_a church_n or_o congregation_n be_v of_o a_o divine_a original_a institution_n as_o also_o that_o the_o primitive_a church_n continue_v long_o in_o that_o form_n or_o order_n but_o it_o will_v be_v far_o plead_v that_o grant_v or_o suppose_v this_o divine_a institution_n of_o particular_a church_n yet_o there_o may_v be_v church_n of_o another_o form_n and_o order_n also_o as_o diocesan_n or_o national_a that_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o submit_v unto_o for_o although_o the_o apostle_n appoint_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v bishop_n or_o elder_n ordain_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v in_o every_o city_n and_o town_n where_o christian_a religion_n be_v receive_v and_o clemens_n affirm_v that_o they_o do_v themselves_o constitute_v bishop_n and_o deacon_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o region_n or_o village_n and_o city_n yet_o there_o be_v another_o form_n afterward_o introduce_v theodoret_n bishop_n of_o cyprus_n affirm_v that_o there_o be_v eight_o hundred_o church_n commit_v to_o his_o care_n epist._n 113._o whereof_o many_o be_v in_o town_n and_o city_n have_v no_o bishop_n of_o their_o own_o the_o whole_a country_n of_o scythia_n though_o there_o be_v in_o it_o many_o city_n village_n and_o fortress_n yet_o have_v but_o one_o bishop_n who_o residence_n be_v at_o tomis_n all_o other_o church_n be_v under_o he_o as_o zozoman_n declare_v lib._n 6._o cap._n 20._o so_o it_o be_v at_o this_o day_n in_o divers_a province_n belong_v of_o old_a unto_o the_o greek-church_n as_o in_o moldavia_n and_o walachia_n where_o they_o have_v one_o who_o they_o call_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o leader_n or_o ruler_n that_o preside_v over_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o nation_n and_o this_o oâ—der_n of_o thing_n that_o there_o shall_v not_o be_v a_o bishop_n in_o small_a church_n be_v first_o confirm_v in_o the_o six_o canon_n of_o the_o council_n of_o sardis_n in_o the_o year_n 347._o in_o answer_n hereunto_o i_o shall_v do_v these_o two_o thing_n first_o i_o shall_v show_v that_o there_o be_v no_o church_n order_n state_n or_o church-form_n of_o divine_a institution_n that_o do_v any_o way_n impede_fw-la take_v away_o or_o overthrow_v the_o liberty_n power_n and_o order_n of_o particular_a congregation_n such_o as_o we_o have_v describe_v second_o i_o shall_v inquire_v into_o the_o cause_n of_o church_n of_o another_o state_n or_o order_n as_o the_o power_n of_o magistrate_n and_o ruler_n or_o their_o own_o choice_n and_o consent_n 1._o there_o be_v no_o form_n order_n or_o church_n state_n divine_o institute_v that_o shall_v annul_v the_o institution_n of_o particular_a congregation_n or_o abridge_v they_o of_o their_o liberty_n or_o deprive_v they_o of_o the_o power_n commit_v unto_o they_o it_o be_v such_o a_o church-state_n alone_o that_o we_o be_v now_o concern_v to_o inquire_v after_o whatever_o of_o that_o kind_a either_o be_v or_o may_v be_v imagine_v that_o entrenche_n not_o on_o the_o state_n liberty_n and_o power_n of_o particular_a congregation_n be_v not_o of_o our_o present_a consideration_n man_n may_v frame_v and_o order_n what_o they_o please_v and_o what_o advantage_n they_o make_v thereby_o shall_v not_o be_v envy_v unto_o they_o whilst_o they_o injure_v not_o any_o of_o the_o institution_n of_o christ._n but_o 1._o these_o church_n as_o they_o be_v church_n be_v meet_v and_o able_a to_o attain_v the_o end_n of_o church_n to_o say_v they_o be_v church_n and_o yet_o have_v not_o in_o themselves_o power_n to_o attain_v the_o end_n of_o church_n be_v to_o speak_v contradiction_n or_o to_o grant_v and_o deny_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o the_o same_o breath_n for_o a_o church_n be_v nothing_o but_o such_o a_o society_n as_o have_v power_n ability_n and_o fitness_n to_o attain_v those_o end_n for_o which_o christ_n have_v ordain_v church_n that_o which_o have_v so_o be_v a_o church_n and_o that_o which_o have_v not_o so_o be_v none_o man_n may_v if_o they_o please_v deny_v they_o to_o be_v church_n but_o then_o i_o know_v not_o where_o they_o will_v find_v any_o that_o be_v so_o for_o instance_n suppose_v man_n shall_v deny_v all_o the_o parochial_a church_n in_o england_n to_o be_v such_o church_n as_o be_v entrust_v with_o church-power_n and_o administration_n what_o church_n in_o the_o first_o instance_n can_v they_o require_v our_o communion_n withal_o will_v they_o say_v it_o be_v with_o the_o national_a or_o diocesan_n church_n neither_o of_o these_o do_v or_o can_v as_o such_o administer_v sacred_a ordinance_n a_o man_n can_v preach_v nor_o hear_v the_o word_n but_o in_o a_o particular_a assembly_n the_o lord_n supper_n can_v be_v administer_v but_o in_o a_o particular_a congregation_n nor_o any_o presential_a local_a communion_n of_o believer_n among_o themselves_o like_o that_o describe_v by_o the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n chap._n 12._o and_o chap._n 14._o be_v otherwise_o attain_v no_o communion_n be_v first_o and_o immediate_o require_v or_o can_v be_v require_v with_o diocesan_n church_n as_o such_o wherefore_o it_o be_v parochial_a particular_a church_n that_o we_o be_v require_v to_o hold_v communion_n with_o we_o say_v therefore_o these_o parochial_a church_n be_v either_o real_o and_o true_o so_o endue_v with_o church-power_n and_o liberty_n or_o they_o be_v not_o if_o they_o be_v or_o be_v acknowledge_v so_o to_o be_v we_o have_v herein_o obtain_v what_o we_o plead_v for_o if_o they_o be_v not_o then_o be_v we_o require_v to_o join_v in_o church_n communion_n with_o those_o society_n that_o be_v not_o church_n and_o if_o we_o refrain_v so_o do_v we_o be_v charge_v with_o schism_n which_o be_v to_o turn_v religion_n into_o ridicule_n for_o 2._o it_o be_v utter_o foreign_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o a_o monster_n unto_o antiquity_n i_o mean_v that_o which_o be_v pure_a and_o regardable_a in_o this_o cause_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v church_n with_o a_o part_n half_a more_o or_o less_o of_o church-power_n and_o not_o the_o whole_a neither_o in_o right_a nor_o exercise_n or_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v church-officer_n elder_n presbyter_n or_o bishop_n that_o shall_v have_v a_o partiary_a power_n half_a or_o a_o three_o part_n or_o less_o of_o that_o which_o entire_o belong_v unto_o the_o office_n they_o hold_v let_v one_o testimony_n be_v give_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n or_o that_o antiquity_n which_o we_o appeal_v unto_o unto_o this_o purpose_n and_o we_o shall_v cease_v our_o plea_n but_o this_o be_v that_o which_o our_o understanding_n be_v set_v on_o rack_n withal_o every_o day_n there_o be_v a_o national_a church_n that_o be_v entrust_v with_o supreme_a church-power_n in_o the_o nation_n whereof_o it_o be_v here_o at_o the_o entrance_n we_o fall_v into_o a_o double_a disquietment_n for_o 1._o we_o know_v not_o as_o yet_o what_o this_o national_a church_n be_v here_o or_o in_o france_n nor_o of_o what_o person_n it_o do_v consist_v 2._o we_o know_v not_o whether_o this_o national_a church_n have_v all_o the_o power_n that_o christ_n have_v give_v unto_o the_o church_n or_o that_o there_o be_v a_o reserve_v for_o some_o addition_n from_o beyond_o sea_n if_o thing_n be_v well_o accommodate_v then_o that_o there_o be_v diocesan_n church_n who_o original_a with_o the_o cause_n and_o occasion_n of_o their_o bound_n limit_n power_n and_o manner_n of_o administration_n i_o think_v god_n alone_o know_v perfect_o we_o do_v but_o guess_v for_o there_o be_v not_o one_o word_n mention_v of_o any_o of_o their_o concernment_n in_o the_o scripture_n and_o we_o know_v that_o these_o church_n can_v be_v say_v to_o have_v all_o the_o power_n that_o christ_n have_v entrust_v his_o church_n withal_o because_o there_o be_v another_o church_n unto_o which_o they_o be_v in_o subjection_n and_o on_o which_o they_o do_v depend_v but_o it_o seem_v they_o have_v the_o next_o degree_n of_o power_n unto_o that_o which_o be_v uppermost_a but_o whatever_o their_o power_n be_v it_o be_v so_o administer_v by_o chancellor_n commissary_n official_o in_o such_o way_n and_o for_o such_o end_n that_o i_o shall_v believe_v a_o dissent_n from_o they_o and_o it_o
state_v of_o the_o subject_a of_o our_o enquiry_n 1._o the_o diversity_n and_o division_n among_o church_n which_o respect_n be_v to_o be_v have_v unto_o in_o the_o choice_n of_o any_o which_o we_o will_v or_o aught_o to_o join_v unto_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n 1._o such_o as_o be_v occasion_v by_o the_o remain_a weakness_n infirmity_n and_o ignorance_n of_o the_o best_a of_o man_n whereby_o they_o know_v but_o in_o part_n and_o prophesy_v only_o in_o part_n wherein_o our_o edification_n be_v concern_v but_o our_o salvation_n not_o endanger_v 2._o such_o as_o be_v in_o and_o about_o thing_n fundamental_a in_o faith_n worship_n and_o obedience_n we_o shall_v speak_v to_o both_o of_o they_o 2._o all_o christian_n be_v original_o of_o one_o mind_n in_o all_o thing_n needful_a unto_o joint-communion_n so_o as_o that_o there_o may_v be_v among_o they_o all_o love_n without_o dissimulation_n howbeit_o there_o be_v great_a variety_n not_o only_o in_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o apprehension_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o truth_n but_o in_o some_o doctrine_n themselves_o as_o about_o the_o continuance_n of_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n or_o at_o least_o of_o some_o of_o they_o as_o also_o opposition_n from_o without_o unto_o the_o truth_n by_o heretic_n and_o apostate_n neither_o of_o which_o hinder_v the_o church_n communion_n of_o true_a believer_n but_o the_o diversity_n difference_n and_o division_n that_o be_v now_o among_o church_n in_o the_o world_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o great_a apostasy_n which_o befall_v they_o all_o in_o the_o latter_a age_n as_o unto_o the_o spirit_n rule_n and_o practice_n of_o those_o which_o be_v plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o will_v not_o be_v heal_v until_o that_o apostasy_n be_v abolish_v 3._o satan_n have_v possess_v himself_o of_o the_o advantage_n of_o these_o division_n whereof_o he_o be_v the_o author_n he_o make_v use_v of_o they_o to_o act_v his_o malice_n and_o rage_n in_o stir_v up_o and_o instigate_a one_o party_n to_o persecute_v oppress_v and_o devour_v another_o until_o the_o life_n power_n and_o glory_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v almost_o lose_v in_o the_o world_n it_o require_v therefore_o great_a wisdom_n to_o deport_v ourselves_o aright_o among_o these_o division_n so_o as_o to_o contribute_v nothing_o unto_o the_o end_v of_o malice_n design_v by_o satan_n in_o they_o 4._o in_o this_o state_n of_o thing_n until_o it_o may_v be_v cure_v which_o it_o will_v never_o be_v by_o any_o of_o the_o way_n yet_o propose_v and_o insist_v on_o the_o enquiry_n be_v concern_v the_o duty_n of_o any_o one_o who_o take_v care_n of_o his_o own_o soul_n as_o unto_o a_o conjunction_n with_o some_o church_n or_o other_o and_o on_o the_o negative_a part_n i_o say_v 1._o such_o a_o one_o be_v bind_v not_o to_o join_v with_o any_o church_n or_o society_n where_o any_o fundamental_a article_n of_o faith_n be_v reject_v or_o corrupt_v there_o may_v be_v a_o fundamental_a error_n in_o a_o true_a church_n for_o a_o season_n when_o the_o church_n err_v not_o fundamental_o 1_o cor._n 15._o 2_o tim._n 2.18_o but_o i_o suppose_v the_o error_n in_o or_o against_o the_o foundation_n be_v part_n of_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o church_n or_o society_n to_o be_v join_v unto_o for_o thereby_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o church_n be_v destroy_v it_o do_v not_o hold_v the_o head_n nor_o abide_v on_o the_o foundation_n nor_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o pillar_n of_o truth_n wherefore_o although_o the_o socinian_o under_o a_o pretence_n of_o love_n forbearance_n and_o mutual_a toleration_n do_v offer_v we_o the_o communion_n of_o their_o church_n wherein_o there_o be_v somewhat_o of_o order_n and_o discipline_n commendable_a yet_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o join_v in_o church_n fellowship_n or_o communion_n with_o they_o for_o their_o error_n about_o the_o trinity_n the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o satisfaction_n be_v destructive_a of_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o idolatry_n in_o the_o divine_a worship_n of_o a_o mere_a creature_n be_v introduce_v by_o they_o 2._o where_o there_o 〈…〉_z any_o church_n teach_v or_o allow_v a_o mixture_n of_o doctrine_n or_o opinion_n that_o be_v prejudicial_a unto_o gospel_n holiness_n or_o obedience_n no_o man_n that_o take_v due_a care_n of_o his_o salvation_n can_v join_v himself_o unto_o it_o for_o the_o original_a rule_n and_o measure_n of_o all_o church_n communion_n be_v agreement_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o truth_n where_o therefore_o there_o be_v either_o not_o a_o stable_a profession_n of_o the_o same_o doctrine_n in_o all_o substantial_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o a_o uncertain_a sound_n be_v give_v some_o say_v one_o thing_n some_o another_o or_o that_o opposition_n be_v make_v unto_o any_o truth_n of_o the_o importance_n before_o mention_v none_o can_v be_v bind_v or_o oblige_v to_o hold_v communion_n with_o it_o nor_o can_v incur_v any_o blame_n by_o refrain_v from_o it_o for_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o christian_a in_o all_o thing_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o to_o join_v with_o such_o a_o church_n will_v 1._o stain_v their_o profession_n 2._o hinder_v their_o edification_n 3_o establish_v a_o new_a rule_n of_o communion_n unknown_a to_o the_o scripture_n namely_o beside_o truth_n as_o may_v easy_o be_v manifest_v 3._o where_o the_o fundamental_o of_o religious_a worship_n be_v corrupt_v or_o overthrow_v it_o be_v absolute_o unlawful_a to_o join_v unto_o or_o abide_v in_o any_o church_n so_o be_v it_o with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n the_o various_a way_n whereby_o the_o foundation_n of_o divine_a religious_a worship_n be_v overthrow_v in_o that_o church_n by_o superstition_n and_o idolatry_n have_v be_v sufficient_o declare_v these_o render_v the_o communion_n of_o that_o church_n pernicious_a 4._o nor_o can_v any_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o join_v himself_o with_o any_o church_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v his_o duty_n so_o to_o do_v where_o the_o eternal_o fix_a rule_n and_o measure_n of_o religious_a worship_n namely_o that_o it_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n be_v vary_v or_o change_v by_o any_o addition_n unto_o it_o or_o subtraction_n from_o it_o for_o whereas_o one_o principal_a end_n of_o all_o church_n be_v the_o joint_a celebration_n of_o divine_a worship_n if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o certain_a stable_n rule_v thereof_o in_o any_o church_n of_o divine_a prescription_n no_o man_n can_v be_v oblige_v unto_o communion_n therewith_o 5._o where_o the_o fundamental_o of_o church_n order_n practice_n and_o discipline_n be_v destroy_v it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o any_o man_n to_o join_v in_o church_n communion_n these_o fundamental_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n 1._o such_o as_o concern_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n 2._o such_o as_o concern_v the_o church_n itself_o there_o be_v four_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a fundamental_o unto_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o ministry_n 1._o that_o all_o the_o minister_n or_o officer_n of_o it_o be_v due_o choose_v by_o the_o church_n itself_o and_o solemn_o set_v apart_o in_o the_o church_n unto_o their_o office_n according_a unto_o the_o rule_n and_o law_n of_o christ._n this_o be_v fundamental_a unto_o church_n order_n the_o root_n of_o it_o from_o whence_o all_o other_o part_n of_o it_o do_v spring_n and_o it_o be_v that_o which_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o express_o provide_v for_o in_o the_o scripture_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v if_o there_o be_v a_o neglect_v herein_o and_o no_o other_o relation_n require_v between_o minister_n elder_n ruler_n bishop_n and_o the_o church_n but_o what_o be_v raise_v and_o create_v by_o way_n and_o rule_n of_o man_n appointment_n or_o if_o there_o be_v a_o temporary_a disposal_n of_o person_n into_o a_o discharge_n of_o that_o office_n without_o a_o solemn_a call_v choice_n ordination_n and_o separation_n unto_o the_o office_n itself_o and_o its_o work_n the_o law_n of_o christ_n be_v violate_v and_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n disturb_v in_o its_o foundation_n 2._o that_o those_o who_o be_v call_v unto_o the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n be_v due_o qualify_v by_o their_o endowment_n with_o spiritual_a gift_n for_o the_o discharge_v of_o their_o duty_n be_v fundamental_a unto_o the_o ministry_n that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n do_v still_o continue_v his_o dispensation_n of_o spiritual_a gift_n unto_o man_n to_o fit_a and_o enable_v they_o unto_o the_o office_n and_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n that_o if_o he_o do_v not_o do_v so_o or_o shall_v at_o any_o time_n cease_v so_o to_o do_v the_o whole_a office_n of_o the_o ministry_n must_v cease_v and_o the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n with_o it_o that_o it_o be_v altogether_o useless_a for_o any_o church_n or_o person_n to_o erect_v a_o image_n of_o the_o gospel_n ministry_n by_o outward_a rite_n and_o
church_n namely_o that_o bad_a man_n be_v mix_v with_o the_o good_a for_o which_o cause_n they_o reject_v those_o church_n wherein_o that_o be_v allow_v as_o no_o true_a church_n of_o christ._n for_o no_o such_o thing_n be_v include_v in_o what_o we_o assert_v nor_o do_v follow_v thereon_o we_o do_v own_o that_o wicked_a hypocrite_n may_v be_v join_v in_o true_a church_n and_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o they_o neither_o be_v this_o a_o cause_n of_o withdraw_a communion_n from_o any_o church_n much_o less_o of_o condemn_v it_o as_o no_o true_a church_n of_o christ._n but_o this_o we_o say_v that_o if_o such_o hypocrite_n discover_v themselves_o in_o open_a scandalous_a sin_n which_o upon_o examination_n will_v prove_v to_o be_v of_o a_o large_a extent_n than_o some_o suppose_v with_o respect_n unto_o sin_n of_o omission_n as_o well_o as_o of_o commission_n if_o they_o be_v not_o deal_v withal_o according_a as_o the_o discipline_n of_o christ_n do_v require_v in_o such_o case_n the_o church_n wherein_o they_o be_v allow_v especial_o if_o the_o number_n of_o such_o person_n be_v many_o or_o the_o most_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o people_n and_o their_o sin_n notorious_a do_v stand_v in_o need_n of_o reformation_n as_o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v acknowledge_v in_o the_o commination_n against_o sinner_n the_o substance_n of_o what_o be_v propose_v under_o this_o consideration_n may_v be_v express_v in_o the_o ensue_a observation_n 1._o the_o generality_n of_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o this_o nation_n be_v join_v and_o do_v belong_v unto_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o its_o parochial_a assembly_n 2._o that_o many_o walk_n and_o live_v without_o any_o visible_a compliance_n unto_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n in_o gospel_n obedience_n yea_o 3_o great_a notorious_a provoke_a sin_n do_v abound_v among_o they_o for_o which_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v fear_v continual_o that_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n will_v speedy_o follow_v as_o be_v acknowledge_v in_o the_o commination_n 4._o that_o hereon_o they_o all_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o reformation_n without_o which_o the_o principal_a end_n of_o church_n communion_n can_v be_v obtain_v among_o they_o 5._o that_o this_o reformation_n be_v the_o duty_n of_o these_o church_n themselves_o which_o if_o it_o be_v neglect_v they_o live_v in_o a_o contempt_n of_o the_o command_v of_o christ._n for_o 6._o unto_o they_o in_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n and_o exercise_v of_o discipline_n be_v the_o mean_n of_o this_o reformation_n commit_v for_o we_o treat_v not_o at_o present_a of_o the_o power_n or_o duty_n of_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n in_o these_o thing_n 7._o that_o this_o state_n of_o church_n can_v hinder_v nor_o ought_v so_o to_o do_v if_o continue_v in_o the_o true_a disciple_n of_o christ_n from_o reform_v themselves_o by_o endeavour_v the_o due_a observance_n of_o all_o his_o command_n 2._o in_o this_o state_n the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v not_o and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v will_v not_o nor_o can_v reform_v itself_o but_o although_o the_o weight_n of_o the_o whole_a argument_n in_o hand_n depend_v very_o much_o on_o this_o assertion_n yet_o i_o shall_v not_o insist_v on_o its_o particular_a confirmation_n for_o sundry_a reason_n not_o now_o to_o be_v mention_v it_o be_v enough_o that_o no_o such_o work_n have_v be_v as_o yet_o attempt_v nor_o be_v at_o this_o day_n public_o propose_v notwithstanding_o all_o the_o mercy_n that_o some_o have_v receive_v the_o loss_n which_o the_o church_n for_o want_v of_o it_o have_v sustain_v the_o judgement_n for_o sin_n that_o be_v fear_v which_o ought_v to_o be_v motive_n thereunto_o yea_o the_o generality_n of_o ecclesiastical_a person_n seem_v to_o judge_v that_o all_o thing_n among_o they_o be_v as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v that_o there_o be_v no_o crime_n or_o disorder_n but_o only_o in_o complain_v of_o their_o good_a estate_n and_o call_v upon_o they_o for_o reformation_n 3._o this_o be_v the_o state_n of_o the_o parochial_a church_n in_o england_n the_o enquiry_n be_v whether_o every_o beleiver_n in_o england_n be_v indispensible_o oblige_v by_o virtue_n of_o any_o law_n rule_n or_o direction_n of_o a_o divine_a original_a to_o continue_v in_o constant_a complete_a communion_n with_o they_o so_o as_o not_o to_o make_v use_n of_o any_o other_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o christ_n appointment_n for_o their_o own_o edification_n on_o the_o penalty_n of_o the_o gild_n of_o schism_n now_o although_o we_o do_v not_o as_o we_o shall_v see_v immediate_o lie_v the_o weight_n of_o refrain_v from_o their_o communion_n on_o this_o consideration_n yet_o be_v there_o enough_o in_o it_o to_o warrant_v any_o man_n in_o his_o so_o do_v for_o a_o man_n in_o his_o conform_v thereunto_o make_v it_o a_o part_n of_o his_o religious_a profession_n not_o only_o that_o the_o church_n wherein_o he_o be_v join_v be_v a_o true_a church_n but_o that_o there_o be_v in_o its_o state_n and_o act_n a_o due_a representation_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n as_o unto_o what_o he_o require_v of_o his_o church_n and_o what_o he_o will_v have_v they_o to_o be_v the_o lord_n christ_n be_v the_o apostle_n and_o high_a priest_n of_o our_o profession_n and_o in_o all_o thing_n that_o belong_v thereunto_o we_o declare_v that_o we_o do_v it_o in_o compliance_n with_o his_o will_n and_o we_o do_v so_o or_o we_o be_v hypocrite_n this_o no_o man_n can_v do_v in_o such_o a_o church_n state_n who_o be_v convince_v of_o its_o defect_n without_o reflect_v the_o great_a dishonour_n on_o christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n more_o weight_n will_v be_v add_v unto_o this_o consideration_n when_o we_o shall_v treat_v of_o the_o matter_n of_o gospel_n church_n or_o of_o what_o sort_n of_o person_n they_o ought_v to_o consist_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n those_o who_o pretend_v a_o reverence_n unto_o antiquity_n in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o they_o suppose_v countenance_n to_o be_v give_v unto_o their_o interest_n may_v do_v well_o sometime_o to_o consider_v what_o be_v the_o discipline_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o what_o be_v the_o manner_n the_o life_n the_o heavenly_a conversation_n of_o their_o member_n because_o in_o the_o 3_o d._n and_o 4_o the_o century_n there_o be_v mention_v make_v of_o bishop_n distinct_a from_o presbyter_n with_o some_o ecclesiastical_a practice_n and_o ceremony_n in_o worship_n not_o mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n nor_o know_v unto_o the_o apostolical_a church_n shall_v we_o judge_v ourselves_o oblige_v to_o conform_v thereunto_o as_o our_o rule_n and_o pattern_n so_o as_o that_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o some_o they_o be_v to_o be_v esteem_v no_o church_n who_o conform_v not_o their_o outward_a state_n and_o practice_n unto_o the_o same_o rule_n and_o shall_v we_o judge_v ourselves_o at_o liberty_n to_o reject_v all_o that_o they_o do_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n and_o in_o the_o preservation_n of_o purity_n of_o life_n and_o holiness_n in_o the_o church_n and_o that_o according_a to_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o scripture_n who_o know_v not_o upon_o what_o diligent_a trial_n and_o experience_n first_o obtain_v of_o their_o knowledge_n faith_n and_o godliness_n they_o admit_v member_n into_o their_o church_n yea_o such_o be_v their_o care_n and_o severity_n herein_o that_o they_o will_v not_o admit_v a_o roman_a emperor_n unto_o communion_n with_o they_o unless_o he_o first_o confess_v his_o sin_n and_o join_v among_o other_o penitent_n before_o his_o admission_n euseb._n lib._n 6._o cap._n 33._o who_o know_v not_o with_o what_o diligence_n they_o watch_v over_o the_o walking_n and_o conversation_n of_o all_o that_o be_v admit_v among_o they_o and_o with_o what_o severity_n they_o animadvert_v on_o all_o that_o fall_v into_o scandalous_a sin_n what_o be_v hereon_o their_o conversation_n in_o all_o holiness_n righteousness_n temperance_n usefulness_n unto_o the_o world_n in_o work_n of_o charity_n and_o benevolence_n as_o all_o other_o christian_a virtue_n we_o have_v sufficient_a testimony_n the_o heathen_a who_o be_v moral_o sober_a and_o virtuous_a desire_v no_o more_o than_o that_o they_o may_v find_v out_o among_o they_o a_o indulgence_n unto_o any_o sort_n of_o sin_n crime_n or_o wickedness_n which_o because_o they_o can_v not_o charge_v any_o of_o they_o withal_o they_o invent_v those_o brutish_a and_o foolish_a lie_n about_o their_o nightly_o meeting_n but_o when_o a_o sober_a enquiry_n be_v make_v concern_v they_o their_o enemy_n be_v force_v to_o confess_v that_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o no_o open_a sin_n no_o adultery_n no_o swear_n or_o perjury_n as_o be_v evident_a in_o the_o epistle_n of_o pliny_n and_o trajan_n the_o emperor_n in_o particular_a they_o utter_o reject_v from_o their_o communion_n all_o that_o resort_v unto_o public_a stage_n play_v or_o other_o spectacle_n a_o solemn_a
shall_v endeavour_v to_o cheat_v his_o conscience_n by_o distinction_n and_o mental_a reservation_n in_o any_o concernment_n of_o religious_a worship_n i_o fear_v he_o have_v little_a of_o it_o if_o any_o at_o all_o that_o be_v good_a for_o aught_o on_o these_o supposition_n i_o say_v the_o imposition_n of_o the_o thing_n so_o often_o contend_v about_o on_o the_o conscience_n and_o profession_n of_o christian_n as_o namely_o the_o constant_a sole_a use_n of_o the_o liturgy_n in_o all_o church_n administration_n in_o the_o matter_n and_o manner_n prescribe_v the_o use_n and_o practice_n of_o all_o canonical_a ceremony_n the_o religious_a observation_n of_o state_v holiday_n with_o other_o thing_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n be_v sufficient_a to_o warrant_v any_o sober_a peaceable_a disciple_n of_o christ_n who_o take_v care_n of_o his_o own_o edification_n and_o salvation_n to_o refrain_v the_o communion_n require_v in_o this_o rule_n of_o conformity_n unless_o he_o be_v full_o satisfy_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n that_o all_o that_o it_o require_v be_v according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n and_o all_o that_o it_o forbid_v be_v disapprove_v by_o he_o and_o whereas_o the_o whole_a entire_a matter_n of_o all_o these_o imposition_n be_v thing_n whereof_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o primitive_a church_n know_v nothing_o at_o all_o nor_o be_v there_o any_o rumour_n of_o they_o to_o be_v impose_v in_o or_o on_o any_o church_n of_o christ_n for_o some_o century_n of_o year_n i_o can_v but_o pity_v poor_a man_n who_o must_v bear_v the_o charge_n and_o penalty_n of_o schism_n for_o dissent_v from_o they_o as_o well_o as_o admire_v the_o fertility_n of_o their_o invention_n who_o can_v find_v out_o argument_n to_o manage_v such_o a_o charge_n on_o their_o account_n but_o whereas_o the_o dissent_n declare_v from_o that_o communion_n with_o parochial_a assembly_n be_v that_o whereon_o we_o be_v so_o fierce_o charge_v with_o the_o gild_n of_o schism_n and_o so_o frequent_o call_v schismatic_n i_o shall_v divert_v a_o little_a to_o inquire_v into_o the_o nature_n and_o true_a notion_n of_o schism_n itself_o and_o so_o much_o the_o rather_o because_o i_o find_v the_o author_n of_o the_o vnreasonableness_n of_o separation_n omit_v any_o enquiry_n thereinto_o that_o he_o may_v not_o loose_v the_o advantage_n of_o any_o pretend_a description_n or_o aggravation_n of_o it_o chap._n xi_o of_o schism_n although_o it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o my_o present_a design_n to_o treat_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o schism_n yet_o with_o respect_n unto_o what_o have_v already_o be_v discourse_v and_o to_o manifest_v our_o inconcernment_n in_o the_o gild_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v as_o be_v say_v divert_v to_o give_v a_o plain_a and_o brief_a account_n of_o it_o and_o in_o our_o enquiry_n i_o must_v declare_v myself_o whole_o unconcern_v in_o all_o the_o discord_n division_n and_o sedition_n that_o have_v fall_v out_o among_o christian_n in_o the_o latter_a age_n about_o thing_n that_o be_v of_o their_o own_o invention_n schism_n be_v a_o sin_n against_o christian_a love_n with_o reference_n unto_o the_o deportment_n of_o man_n in_o and_o about_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o communion_n in_o they_o as_o for_o contention_n division_n or_o separation_n among_o man_n about_o that_o order_n agreement_n unity_n or_o uniformity_n which_o be_v of_o their_o own_o appointment_n whatever_o moral_a evil_n they_o have_v have_v in_o they_o they_o do_v not_o belong_v unto_o that_o church_n schism_n which_o we_o inquire_v after_o such_o have_v be_v the_o horrid_a division_n and_o fight_n that_o have_v prevail_v at_o season_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n a_o departure_n from_o who_o self-constituted_n state_n order_n and_o rule_n have_v not_o the_o least_o affinity_n unto_o schism_n it_o will_v not_o therefore_o be_v admit_v that_o any_o thing_n can_v fall_v under_o the_o note_n and_o gild_n of_o schism_n which_o have_v not_o respect_n unto_o some_o church_n state_n order_n rule_n unity_n or_o uniformity_n that_o be_v of_o christ_n institution_n there_o be_v three_o notion_n of_o schism_n that_o deserve_v our_o consideration_n 1._o the_o first_o be_v that_o of_o division_n among_o the_o member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n all_o of_o they_o abide_v still_o in_o the_o same_o outward_a communion_n without_o any_o separation_n into_o distinct_a party_n and_o unto_o schism_n in_o this_o notion_n of_o it_o three_o thing_n do_v concur_v 1._o want_v of_o that_o mutual_a love_n condescension_n and_o forbearance_n which_o be_v require_v in_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n with_o the_o moral_a evil_n of_o whisper_n backbiting_n and_o evil_a surmize_n that_o ensue_v thereon_o 2._o a_o undue_a adherence_n unto_o some_o church_n officer_n above_o other_o cause_v dispute_n and_o jangle_n 3._o disorder_n in_o the_o attendance_n unto_o the_o duty_n of_o church_n assembly_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n perform_v in_o they_o this_o be_v the_o only_a notion_n of_o schism_n that_o be_v exemplify_v in_o the_o scripture_n the_o only_a evil_n that_o be_v condemn_v under_o that_o name_n this_o will_v appear_v unto_o any_o who_o shall_v with_o heedfulness_n read_v the_o epistle_n of_o paul_n the_o apostle_n unto_o the_o corinthian_n wherein_o alone_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o evil_n be_v state_v and_o exemplify_v but_o this_o consideration_n of_o schism_n have_v be_v almost_o utter_o lose_v for_o many_o age_n whatever_o man_n do_v in_o church_n so_o that_o they_o depart_v not_o from_o the_o outward_a communion_n of_o they_o it_o will_v be_v account_v ridiculous_a to_o esteem_v they_o schismatic_n yet_o this_o be_v that_o which_o if_o not_o only_o yet_o principal_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n be_v to_o regard_v if_o they_o will_v avoid_v the_o gild_n of_o schism_n but_o this_o notion_n of_o it_o as_o be_v say_v be_v not_o suit_v unto_o the_o interest_n or_o advantage_n of_o any_o sort_n of_o man_n in_o the_o charge_n of_o it_o on_o other_o nor_o any_o way_n subservient_fw-fr to_o secure_a the_o invention_n and_o imposition_n of_o the_o most_o be_v on_o the_o matter_n lose_v in_o the_o world_n 2._o the_o second_o instance_n of_o ecclesiastical_a schism_n be_v give_v we_o in_o the_o same_o church_n of_o the_o corinthian_n afterward_o a_o account_n whereof_o we_o have_v in_o the_o epistle_n of_o clemens_n or_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n unto_o they_o about_o it_o the_o most_o eminent_a monument_n of_o primitive_a antiquity_n after_o the_o write_n by_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o that_o which_o he_o call_v schism_n in_o that_o church_n he_o call_v also_o strife_n contention_n sedition_n tumult_n and_o it_o may_v be_v observe_v concern_v that_o schism_n as_o all_o the_o ancient_n call_v it_o 1._o that_o the_o church_n continue_v its_o state_n and_o outward_a communion_n there_o be_v no_o mention_n of_o any_o that_o separate_v from_o it_o that_o constitute_v a_o new_a church_n only_o in_o the_o same_o church_n they_o agree_v not_o but_o be_v divide_v among_o themselves_o want_v of_o love_n and_o forbearance_n attend_v with_o strife_n and_o contention_n among_o the_o member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n abide_v in_o the_o same_o outward_a communion_n be_v the_o schism_n they_o be_v guilty_a of_o 2._o the_o effect_n of_o this_o schism_n be_v that_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n or_o multitude_n of_o the_o member_n by_o the_o instigation_n of_o some_o few_o disorderly_a person_n have_v depose_v their_o elder_n and_o ruler_n from_o their_o office_n and_o probable_o have_v choose_v other_o in_o their_o place_n though_o that_o be_v not_o mention_v express_o in_o the_o epistle_n 3._o that_o the_o church_n itself_o be_v not_o blame_v for_o assume_v a_o power_n unto_o themselves_o to_o depose_v their_o elder_n much_o less_o that_o they_o have_v do_v it_o without_o the_o consent_n advice_n or_o authority_n of_o any_o bishop_n or_o other_o church_n but_o only_o that_o they_o have_v deal_v unjust_o with_o those_o who_o they_o have_v depose_v who_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n unto_o which_o they_o have_v write_v for_o advice_n be_v esteem_v not_o only_o innocent_a but_o such_o as_o have_v laudable_o and_o profitable_o discharge_v their_o office_n whereon_o the_o whole_a blame_n be_v cast_v on_o those_o who_o have_v instigate_v the_o church_n unto_o this_o proceedure_n 4._o there_o be_v not_o yet_o nor_o in_o a_o hundred_o and_o fifty_o year_n after_o the_o least_o mention_n or_o intimation_n of_o any_o schism_n in_o a_o dissent_n from_o any_o humane_o invent_v rule_n or_o canon_n for_o order_n government_n or_o worship_n in_o any_o church_n or_o religious_a ceremony_n impose_v on_o the_o practice_n of_o any_o in_o divine_a service_n that_o be_v on_o any_o church_n or_o any_o of_o the_o member_n of_o it_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o rumour_n of_o any_o such_o thing_n in_o primitive_a antiquity_n no_o instance_n
to_o be_v give_v of_o any_o man_n charge_v with_o schism_n for_o a_o dissent_n from_o such_o a_o rule_n any_o such_o rule_n and_o any_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n upon_o it_o be_v apocryphal_a not_o only_o unto_o the_o scripture_n but_o unto_o that_o which_o i_o call_v primitive_a antiquity_n the_o first_o attempt_n of_o any_o thing_n in_o this_o kind_n be_v in_o reference_n unto_o the_o time_n and_o day_n of_o the_o observation_n of_o easter_n this_o be_v the_o first_o instance_n among_o christian_n of_o a_o endeavour_n to_o impose_v the_o observation_n of_o humane_a or_o church_n constitution_n or_o groundless_a tradition_n on_o any_o church_n or_o person_n in_o they_o and_o whereas_o that_o which_o be_v call_v a_o schism_n between_o the_o church_n of_o italy_n and_o asia_n or_o some_o of_o they_o do_v ensue_v thereon_o we_o have_v a_o most_o illustrious_a testimony_n from_o the_o best_a the_o wise_a and_o the_o holy_a of_o that_o age_n for_o irenaeus_n in_o france_n and_o polycrates_n in_o asia_n be_v not_o alone_o herein_o that_o the_o blame_n of_o all_o that_o division_n and_o schism_n be_v to_o be_v charge_v on_o they_o who_o attempt_v to_o deprive_v the_o church_n of_o their_o liberty_n and_o impose_v on_o they_o a_o necessity_n of_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o time_n and_o season_n which_o they_o have_v determine_v on_o after_o a_o rebuke_n be_v give_v unto_o the_o attempt_n of_o the_o judaize_v christian_n to_o impose_v the_o observation_n of_o moysaicall_a ceremony_n from_o the_o pretence_n of_o their_o divine_a institution_n on_o the_o church_n of_o the_o gentile_n by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o this_o be_v the_o original_a of_o all_o endeavour_n to_o impose_v humane_a constitution_n for_o which_o there_o be_v no_o such_o pretence_n upon_o the_o practice_n of_o any_o and_o as_o it_o be_v a_o original_a not_o unmeet_a for_o the_o beginning_n and_o foundation_n of_o such_o imposition_n be_v in_o a_o matter_n of_o no_o use_n unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n so_o it_o receive_v such_o a_o solemn_a rebuke_n at_o its_o first_o entrance_n and_o attempt_v that_o have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o the_o ignorance_n pride_n interest_n and_o superstition_n of_o some_o in_o the_o follow_a age_n it_o have_v perish_v without_o imitation_n the_o account_n hereof_o be_v give_v in_o eusebius_n lib._n 5._o cap._n 21_o 22_o 33_o as_o also_o of_o the_o rule_n which_o then_o prevail_v though_o afterward_o shameful_o forsake_v namely_o that_o a_o agreement_n in_o the_o faith_n be_v the_o only_a rule_n of_o communion_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v keep_v under_o any_o diversity_n in_o voluntary_a observation_n and_o the_o discourse_n of_o socrates_n on_o this_o occasion_n lib._n 5._o cap._n 21_o concern_v the_o non-institution_n of_o any_o day_n of_o fast_n or_o feast_n or_o other_o rite_n or_o ceremony_n then_o in_o use_n with_o the_o liberty_n which_o be_v therefore_o to_o be_v leave_v in_o such_o thing_n unto_o all_o christian_n be_v the_o plain_a truth_n whatever_o some_o except_o against_o it_o declare_v with_o much_o judgement_n and_o moderation_n this_o beginning_n i_o say_v have_v the_o imposition_n of_o unscriptural_a uninstituted_a rite_n ceremony_n and_o religious_a observation_n among_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o this_o solemn_a rebuke_n be_v give_v unto_o it_o howbeit_o the_o ignorance_n superstition_n and_o interest_n of_o follow_v age_n with_o the_o contempt_n of_o all_o modesty_n break_v through_o the_o boundary_n of_o this_o holy_a rebuke_n until_o their_o own_o imposition_n and_o observation_n become_v the_o substance_n of_o all_o their_o church_n discipline_n unto_o the_o total_a subversion_n of_o christian_a liberty_n wherefore_o to_o allow_v church_n ruler_n or_o such_o as_o pretend_v so_o to_o be_v a_o liberty_n and_o power_n to_o appoint_v a_o rule_n of_o communion_n comprise_v institution_n and_o command_n of_o sundry_a thing_n to_o be_v constant_o observe_v in_o the_o whole_a worship_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n not_o warrant_v in_o themselves_o by_o divine_a authority_n and_o then_o to_o charge_v beleiver_n abide_v firm_a in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o faith_n with_o schism_n for_o a_o noncompliance_n with_o such_o command_n and_o appointment_n be_v that_o which_o neither_o in_o the_o scripture_n nor_o in_o primitive_a antiquity_n have_v either_o instance_n example_n precedent_n testimony_n rumour_n or_o report_n to_o give_v countenance_n unto_o it_o the_o pedigree_n of_o this_o practice_n can_v be_v derive_v one_o step_n high_o than_o the_o fact_n of_o victor_n the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n in_o the_o excommunication_n of_o the_o church_n and_o christian_n of_o asia_n which_o be_v solemn_o condemn_v as_o a_o entrenchment_n on_o christian_a liberty_n 3._o after_o these_o thing_n the_o notion_n of_o schism_n begin_v to_o be_v manage_v various_o according_a unto_o the_o interest_n of_o they_o who_o seem_v to_o have_v the_o most_o advantage_n in_o the_o application_n of_o it_o unto_o those_o who_o dissent_v from_o they_o it_o be_v a_o endless_a thing_n to_o express_v the_o rise_n and_o declare_v the_o progress_n of_o these_o apprehension_n but_o after_o many_o loose_a and_o declamatory_n discourse_n about_o it_o they_o be_v geral_o issue_v in_o two_o head_n the_o first_o be_v that_o any_o kind_n of_o dissent_n from_o the_o pope_n and_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v schism_n all_o the_o schism_n that_o be_v or_o can_v be_v in_o the_o world_n the_o other_o be_v that_o a_o causeless_a separation_n from_o a_o true_a church_n be_v schism_n and_o this_o only_o be_v so_o but_o whereas_o in_o this_o pretend_a definition_n there_o be_v no_o mention_n of_o any_o of_o its_o internal_a cause_n nor_o of_o its_o formal_a reason_n but_o a_o bare_a description_n of_o it_o by_o a_o outward_a effect_n it_o serve_v only_o for_o a_o weapon_n in_o every_o man_n hand_n to_o perpetuate_v digladiation_n about_o it_o for_o every_o church_n esteem_v itself_o true_a and_o every_o one_o that_o separate_v himself_o esteem_v himself_o to_o have_v just_a cause_n so_o to_o do_v in_o the_o follow_a time_n especial_o after_o the_o rise_n and_o prevalency_n of_o the_o arian_n heresy_n it_o be_v ordinary_a for_o those_o of_o the_o orthodox_n persuasion_n to_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o those_o church_n wherein_o arian_n bishop_n do_v preside_v and_o to_o gather_v themselves_o into_o separate_a meeting_n or_o conventicle_n for_o divine_a worship_n for_o which_o they_o be_v accuse_v of_o schism_n and_o in_o sundry_a place_n punish_v according_o yea_o some_o of_o they_o unto_o the_o loss_n of_o their_o life_n yet_o i_o suppose_v there_o be_v none_o now_o who_o judge_v they_o to_o have_v be_v schismatic_n the_o separation_n of_o novatus_n and_o donatus_n from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o whole_a catholic_n visible_a church_n on_o unwarrantable_a pretence_n be_v that_o which_o make_v the_o loud_a noise_n about_o schism_n in_o antiquity_n that_o there_o be_v in_o what_o be_v do_v by_o they_o and_o their_o follower_n the_o general_n nature_n and_o moral_a evil_n of_o causeless_a schism_n and_o division_n will_v be_v easy_o grant_v but_o it_o be_v that_o wherein_o we_o be_v not_o concern_v be_v the_o especial_a nature_n of_o schism_n what_o it_o will_n nor_o do_v they_o make_v use_n of_o any_o one_o reason_n whereon_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o present_a cause_n do_v depend_v the_o novatian_o the_o modest_a sect_n of_o the_o two_o pretend_v only_o a_o defect_n in_o discipline_n in_o grant_v church_n communion_n unto_o such_o as_o they_o will_v not_o have_v receive_v though_o they_o be_v apparent_o in_o the_o wrong_n proceed_v on_o mistake_v principle_n the_o donatist_n plead_v only_o some_o personal_a crime_n in_o some_o few_o bishop_n fall_v into_o in_o the_o time_n of_o persecution_n which_o they_o can_v never_o prove_v and_o thereon_o grow_v angry_a with_o all_o the_o world_n who_o will_v not_o condemn_v they_o and_o renounce_v their_o communion_n as_o well_o as_o they_o these_o slight_a pretence_n they_o make_v the_o occasion_n and_o reason_n of_o renounce_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o whole_a visible_a catholic_n church_n in_o all_o its_o distribution_n for_o communion_n that_o be_v all_o particular_a church_n and_o confine_v sacrament_n and_o salvation_n absolute_o unto_o their_o own_o party_n and_o hereon_o they_o fall_v into_o many_o other_o woeful_a miscarriage_n especial_o those_o of_o the_o latter_a sort_n it_o be_v indifferent_a by_o what_o name_n any_o be_v please_v to_o call_v this_o evil_a and_o folly_n a_o sin_n and_o evil_a it_o be_v schism_n or_o what_o you_o please_v to_o term_v it_o and_o just_o condemn_v by_o all_o christian_n not_o join_v with_o they_o in_o those_o day_n and_o that_o which_o be_v the_o animate_v principle_n of_o the_o tumult_n of_o the_o donatist_n be_v a_o supposition_n that_o the_o continuation_n of_o the_o true_a church_n state_n depend_v on_o the_o successive_a ordination_n of_o bishop_n
which_o have_v as_o they_o think_v undue_o enough_o fail_v in_o one_o or_o two_o instance_n it_o become_v the_o destruction_n of_o a_o church_n state_n not_o only_o in_o the_o church_n where_o such_o mistake_v have_v happen_v as_o they_o surmise_a but_o unto_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n that_o will_v hold_v communion_n with_o they_o but_o in_o these_o thing_n we_o have_v no_o concernment_n other_o notion_n of_o schism_n beside_o those_o insist_v on_o we_o acknowledge_v not_o nor_o be_v any_o other_o advance_v with_o the_o least_o probality_n of_o truth_n nor_o be_v we_o to_o be_v move_v with_o outcry_n about_o schism_n wherein_o without_o regard_n to_o truth_n or_o charity_n man_n contend_v for_o their_o own_o interest_n of_o those_o notion_n of_o it_o which_o have_v be_v receive_v by_o man_n sober_a and_o learned_a we_o decline_v a_o trial_n by_o none_o that_o only_o except_v that_o the_o refusal_n of_o obedience_n unto_o the_o pope_n and_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v all_o that_o be_v schism_n in_o the_o world_n which_o indeed_o be_v none_o at_o all_o that_o which_o be_v now_o so_o fierce_o plead_v by_o some_o concern_v different_a observation_n of_o external_a modes_n rite_n custom_n some_o more_o or_o none_o at_o all_o to_o make_v man_n schismatic_n be_v at_o once_o to_o judge_v all_o the_o primitive_a church_n to_o be_v schismatical_a their_o difference_n variety_n and_o diversity_n among_o they_o about_o these_o thing_n can_v be_v enumerate_v and_o so_o without_o any_o disadvantage_n unto_o the_o faith_n or_o breach_n of_o love_n they_o continue_v to_o be_v until_o all_o church_n order_n and_o power_n be_v swallow_v up_o in_o the_o papal_a tyranny_n ten_o thousand_o time_n more_o pernicious_a then_o ten_o thousand_o such_o dispute_n for_o a_o close_a unto_o this_o whole_a discourse_n concern_v the_o original_a nature_n and_o state_n of_o gospel_n church_n i_o shall_v use_v that_o liberty_n which_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n put_v into_o my_o possession_n church_n mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n ordain_v and_o appoint_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o certain_a number_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n convert_v to_o god_n by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n with_o their_o baptize_v seed_n associate_a themselves_o in_o obedience_n unto_o christ_n command_n and_o by_o the_o direction_n of_o his_o apostle_n for_o the_o common_a profession_n of_o the_o same_o faith_n the_o observance_n and_o performance_n of_o all_o divine_a institution_n of_o religious_a worship_n unto_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n their_o own_o edification_n and_o the_o conversion_n of_o other_o these_o believer_n thus_o associate_v in_o society_n know_v the_o command_n and_o appointment_n of_o jesus_n christ_n by_o his_o apostle_n for_o that_o end_n do_v choose_v from_o among_o themselves_o such_o as_o be_v to_o be_v their_o ruler_n in_o the_o name_n and_o authority_n of_o christ_n according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o order_n of_o his_o institution_n who_o in_o the_o scripture_n be_v call_v on_o various_a consideration_n elder_n bishop_n pastor_n and_o the_o like_a name_n of_o dignity_n authority_n and_o office_n who_o be_v to_o administer_v all_o the_o solemn_a ordinance_n of_o the_o church_n among_o they_o unto_o this_o office_n they_o be_v solemn_o appoint_v ordain_v or_o set_v apart_o by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o with_o fast_v prayer_n and_o imposition_n of_o hand_n or_o by_o other_o ordinary_a officer_n after_o their_o decease_n this_o be_v the_o way_n and_o method_n of_o the_o call_v and_o set_v apart_o of_o all_o ordinary_a officer_n in_o the_o church_n both_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o in_o the_o new_a it_o be_v found_v in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n in_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o ordinary_a church_n ruler_n under_o the_o law_n the_o people_n look_v out_o and_o choose_v fit_a person_n who_o moses_n set_v apart_o to_o the_o office_n deut._n 1.13_o 14_o 15._o and_o in_o the_o call_v of_o deacon_n act_n 6._o the_o apostle_n use_v the_o same_o word_n or_o word_n of_o the_o same_o importance_n unto_o the_o church_n as_o moses_n do_v to_o the_o people_n act_v 6.31_o assert_v the_o continuation_n of_o the_o same_o way_n and_o order_n in_o their_o call_n and_o whereas_o he_o who_o be_v first_o to_o be_v call_v to_o office_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n after_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ_n fall_v under_o a_o double_a consideration_n namely_o of_o a_o officer_n in_o general_n and_o of_o a_o apostle_n which_o office_n be_v extraordinary_a there_o be_v a_o threefold_a act_n in_o his_o call_n the_o people_n choose_v two_o one_o of_o which_o be_v to_o be_v a_o officer_n act_v 1.23_o god_n immediate_a determination_n of_o one_o as_o he_o be_v to_o be_v a_o apostle_n ver_fw-la 24._o and_o the_o obedient_a consent_n of_o the_o people_n in_o compliance_n with_o that_o determination_n ver_fw-la 26._o the_o foundation_n of_o these_o church_n be_v general_o in_o a_o small_a number_n of_o believer_n but_o their_o church_n state_n be_v not_o complete_a until_o they_o be_v supply_v with_o all_o ordinary_a officer_n as_o bishop_n and_o deacon_n the_o former_a be_v of_o of_o several_a sort_n as_o shall_v be_v prove_v hereafter_o and_o of_o they_o there_o be_v many_o in_o every_o church_n who_o number_n be_v increase_v as_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v multiply_v so_o god_n appoint_v in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o every_o ten_o family_n shall_v have_v a_o peculiar_a ruler_n of_o their_o own_o choice_n deut._n 1.13_o 14_o 15_o for_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n of_o any_o one_o single_a bishop_n or_o elder_n in_o any_o church_n of_o any_o sort_n whatever_o either_o absolute_o or_o by_o way_n of_o pre-eminence_n but_o as_o the_o elder_n of_o each_o church_n be_v many_o at_o least_o more_o thenone_o so_o there_o be_v a_o parity_n among_o they_o and_o a_o equality_n in_o order_n power_n and_o rule_n nor_o can_v any_o instance_n be_v give_v unto_o the_o contrary_a of_o these_o church_n one_o only_o be_v original_o plant_v in_o one_o city_n town_n or_o village_n this_o way_n be_v take_v from_o conveniency_n for_o edification_n and_o not_o from_o any_o positive_a institution_n and_o it_o may_v be_v otherwise_o where_o conveniency_n and_o opportunity_n do_v require_v it_o the_o number_n in_o these_o church_n multiply_v daily_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o the_o multiplication_n of_o bishop_n or_o elder_n among_o they_o hereon_o the_o advantage_n of_o some_o one_o person_n in_o priority_n of_o conversion_n or_o of_o ordination_n in_o age_n gift_n and_o grace_n especial_o in_o ability_n for_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o administer_a the_o holy_a ordinance_n of_o the_o church_n with_o the_o necessity_n of_o preserve_a order_n in_o the_o society_n of_o the_o elder_n themselves_o give_v he_o peculiar_a dignity_n pre-eminence_n and_o title_n he_o be_v soon_o after_o the_o bishop_n without_o any_o disadvantage_n to_o the_o church_n for_o in_o those_o church_n in_o some_o of_o they_o at_o least_o evangelist_n continue_v for_o a_o long_a season_n who_o have_v the_o administration_n of_o church_n affair_n in_o their_o hand_n and_o some_o there_o be_v who_o be_v of_o note_n among_o the_o apostle_n and_o eminent_o esteem_v by_o they_o who_o have_v eminent_a yea_o apostolical_a gift_n as_o to_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n which_o be_v the_o peculiar_a work_n of_o the_o apostle_n these_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d mention_v by_o clemens_n of_o the_o many_o other_o elder_n who_o be_v associate_v in_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n it_o may_v be_v not_o many_o have_v gift_n for_o the_o constant_a preach_v of_o the_o word_n nor_o be_v call_v thereunto_o hence_o justin_n martyr_n seem_v to_o assign_v the_o constant_a public_a administration_n of_o sacred_a ordinance_n unto_o one_o precedent_n and_o this_o also_o promote_v the_o constant_a presidency_n of_o one_o in_o who_o the_o apostolical_a aid_n by_o evangelist_n may_v be_v supply_v these_o church_n thus_o fix_v and_o settle_v in_o one_o place_n each_o of_o they_o city_n town_n or_o village_n be_v each_o of_o they_o entrust_v with_o all_o the_o power_n and_o privilege_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v grant_v unto_o or_o endue_v his_o church_n withal_o this_o power_n be_v call_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n or_o of_o bind_v and_o lose_v which_o have_v respect_n only_o unto_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n as_o unto_o thing_n spiritual_a and_o eternal_a be_v mere_o ministerial_a every_o one_o of_o these_o church_n be_v bind_v by_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n to_o live_v in_o peace_n and_o unity_n through_o the_o exercise_n of_o peculiar_a sincere_a and_o fervent_a love_n among_o all_o their_o member_n as_o also_o to_o walk_v in_o peace_n and_o useful_a communion_n with_o all_o othâ—â—_n church_n in_o the_o
and_o 2._o such_o as_o may_v be_v observe_v any_o where_o among_o the_o nation_n they_o act_v according_o those_o who_o live_v at_o jerusalem_n adhere_v unto_o the_o temple_n worship_n the_o whole_a church_n these_o do_v so_o their_o judgement_n in_o these_o thing_n be_v declare_v act_v 21.20.21_o thou_o see_v brother_n how_o many_o thousand_o of_o the_o jew_n there_o be_v which_o believe_v and_o they_o be_v all_o zealous_a of_o the_o law_n and_o they_o be_v inform_v of_o thou_o that_o thou_o teach_v all_o the_o jew_n which_o be_v among_o the_o gentile_n to_o forsake_v moses_n say_v that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o circumcise_v their_o child_n neither_o to_o walk_v after_o the_o custom_n they_o be_v not_o at_o all_o offend_v with_o paul_n that_o he_o do_v not_o impose_v the_o law_n on_o the_o gentile_n ver_fw-la 25._o but_o only_a that_o as_o they_o have_v be_v inform_v he_o teach_v the_o jew_n to_o forsake_v the_o law_n and_o to_o reject_v all_o the_o institution_n of_o it_o this_o they_o think_v unlawful_a for_o they_o and_o this_o they_o speak_v principal_o with_o respect_n unto_o the_o temple_n service_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o advice_n give_v unto_o paul_n on_o this_o occasion_n ver_fw-la 23_o 24._o those_o who_o live_v among_o the_o gentile_n know_v that_o there_o be_v no_o obligation_n on_o they_o unto_o the_o sacrifice_n and_o especial_a duty_n of_o the_o temple_n but_o continue_v only_o in_o the_o observance_n of_o such_o rite_n and_o institution_n about_o meat_n wash_n day_n new_a moon_n sabbath_n and_o the_o like_a which_o the_o gentile_n be_v free_v from_o hence_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o church_n in_o those_o day_n if_o not_o three_o in_o separation_n more_o or_o less_o from_o the_o apostate_n church_n of_o the_o unbelieve_a jew_n which_o yet_o be_v not_o final_o take_v away_o 1._o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o those_o church_n of_o judea_n which_o be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n and_o communion_n with_o they_o these_o continue_v in_o the_o observance_n of_o all_o the_o law_n and_o of_o the_o service_n of_o the_o temple_n be_v allow_v they_o by_o the_o apostle_n 2._o those_o of_o the_o jew_n who_o live_v in_o the_o nation_n and_o observe_v all_o the_o rite_n of_o the_o law_n which_o be_v not_o confine_v unto_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n and_o 3._o the_o church_n of_o the_o gentile_n which_o observe_v none_o of_o these_o thing_n forbear_v only_o their_o liberty_n in_o one_o or_o two_o instance_n not_o to_o give_v the_o other_o offence_n some_o difference_n and_o dispute_n happen_v sometime_o about_o these_o thing_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o whereon_o peter_n himself_o fall_v into_o a_o mistake_n gal._n 2.14_o and_o there_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v great_a dispute_n about_o they_o at_o rome_n chap._n 14._o yea_o it_o be_v judge_v that_o according_a unto_o their_o different_a apprehension_n of_o these_o thing_n there_o be_v two_o church_n at_o rome_n one_o of_o the_o circumcision_n the_o other_o of_o the_o gentile_n walk_v in_o distinct_a communion_n each_o by_o themselves_o however_o the_o different_a rule_n of_o this_o kind_n that_o be_v between_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o antioch_n be_v sufficient_o declare_v act_v 15._o the_o one_o church_n continue_v zealous_a of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o other_o rejoice_v for_o the_o consolation_n of_o be_v deliver_v from_o it_o ver_fw-la 31._o yet_o be_v there_o no_o schism_n between_o these_o church_n but_o a_o constant_a communion_n in_o faith_n and_o love_n such_o difference_n in_o opinion_n and_o practice_n be_v not_o yet_o form_v into_o a_o interest_n oblige_v man_n to_o condemn_v they_o as_o schismatic_n who_o differ_v from_o they_o for_o not_o to_o speak_v of_o what_o order_n and_o rule_n for_o decency_n particular_a church_n may_v make_v by_o common_a consent_n among_o themselves_o to_o make_v the_o observation_n of_o arbitrary_a institution_n not_o prescribe_v in_o the_o scripture_n upon_o many_o church_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o communion_n in_o they_o and_o between_o they_o which_o whosoever_o observe_v not_o be_v to_o be_v esteem_v guilty_a of_o schism_n which_o victor_n bishop_n of_o rome_n first_o attempt_v be_v contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o the_o principle_n of_o christian_a faith_n love_n and_o liberty_n to_o the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n have_v no_o countenance_n give_v unto_o it_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o will_v certain_o make_v our_o difference_n endless_a i_o judge_v that_o in_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o chapter_n the_o apostle_n intend_v those_o of_o the_o first_o sort_n and_o that_o as_o well_o because_o he_o call_v they_o dog_n and_o the_o concision_n which_o answer_v unto_o the_o account_n he_o give_v of_o they_o 1_o thes._n 2.14_o 15_o as_o also_o because_o he_o speak_v of_o they_o as_o those_o who_o advance_v the_o pretend_a privilege_n of_o judaisme_n absolute_o against_o christ_n the_o gospel_n and_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n reveal_v therein_o hereon_o in_o opposition_n unto_o they_o he_o declare_v that_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o boast_v of_o but_o what_o he_o himself_o have_v a_o right_n unto_o as_o well_o as_o they_o and_o which_o he_o have_v voluntary_o relinquish_v and_o renounce_v for_o christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n wherein_o he_o testify_v what_o he_o have_v attain_v if_o any_o one_o do_v judge_n that_o he_o intend_v those_o of_o the_o second_o sort_n i_o will_v not_o contend_v about_o it_o because_o of_o the_o severity_n of_o expression_n which_o he_o use_v concern_v they_o gal._n 5.12_o but_o discharge_v the_o consideration_n of_o they_o the_o direction_n in_o this_o place_n concern_v those_o of_o the_o three_o sort_n only_o answer_v unto_o that_o which_o be_v prescribe_v and_o follow_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o all_o place_n namely_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v mutual_a forbearance_n in_o some_o difference_n of_o practice_n between_o they_o and_o the_o gentile_a believer_n his_o second_o enquiry_n pag._n 168_o be_v whether_o the_o rule_n which_o the_o apostle_n lay_v down_o be_v only_o a_o rule_n of_o mutual_a forbearance_n i_o do_v not_o find_v that_o i_o say_v any_o where_o that_o it_o be_v only_o a_o rule_n of_o mutual_a forbearance_n but_o that_o the_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n do_v enjoin_v a_o mutual_a forbearance_n among_o those_o who_o be_v different_o mind_v pag._n 26._o and_o i_o must_v here_o say_v which_o i_o desire_v to_o do_v without_o offence_n that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o far_a answer_n unto_o that_o part_n of_o the_o doctor_n discourse_n but_o a_o transcription_n of_o that_o which_o he_o pretend_v to_o oppose_v for_o what_o be_v speak_v unto_o that_o end_n consist_v in_o a_o perpetual_a diversion_n from_o the_o argument_n in_o hand_n i_o do_v not_o before_o precise_o determine_v what_o be_v the_o rule_n which_o the_o apostle_n do_v intend_v only_o prove_v sufficient_o that_o it_o be_v not_o such_o a_o rule_n as_o be_v plead_v for_o by_o the_o doctor_n but_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o phrase_n and_o expression_n be_v plain_a enough_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v direct_o use_v once_o more_o by_o the_o apostle_n gal._n 6.16_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o many_o as_o walk_v according_a to_o this_o rule_n and_o what_o rule_n be_v that_o namely_o what_o as_o unto_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o he_o lay_v down_o in_o the_o word_n forego_v ver_fw-la 14_o 15._o god_n forbid_v that_o i_o shall_v glory_n save_v in_o the_o cross_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n for_o in_o christ_n jesus_n neither_o circumcision_n avail_v any_o thing_n nor_o uncircumcision_n but_o a_o new_a creature_n and_o as_o many_o as_o walk_v according_a unto_o this_o rule_n that_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n in_o christ_n alone_o for_o justification_n and_o sanctification_n without_o trust_v unto_o or_o rest_v on_o any_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o difference_n among_o they_o the_o place_n in_o scope_n design_n and_o manner_n of_o expression_n be_v parallel_n for_o this_o be_v plain_o that_o which_o he_o plead_v for_o in_o this_o context_n namely_o that_o justification_n and_o sanctification_n be_v to_o be_v obtain_v alone_o through_o christ_n and_o faith_n in_o he_o by_o the_o gospel_n without_o the_o least_o aid_n and_o assistance_n from_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o difference_n among_o they_o wherefore_o not_o far_a to_o contend_v in_o so_o plain_a a_o matter_n the_o rule_n here_o intend_v by_o the_o apostle_n be_v no_o book_n of_o canon_n but_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n or_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n in_o christ_n as_o declare_v in_o the_o gospel_n in_o opposition_n unto_o all_o other_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o justification_n sanctification_n and_o salvation_n which_o we_o ought_v to_o walk_v in_o a_o compliance_n withal_o and_o that_o with_o love_n and_o forbearance_n towards_o they_o that_o in_o
orthodox_n themselves_o but_o only_o as_o they_o be_v carry_v on_o unto_o a_o total_a renunciation_n of_o all_o communion_n whatever_o but_o only_o that_o which_o be_v enclose_v unto_o their_o own_o party_n 2._o to_o evidence_n that_o we_o give_v the_o least_o countenance_n unto_o the_o ancient_a schism_n or_o do_v contract_v the_o gild_n with_o the_o author_n of_o they_o the_o thing_n aim_v at_o there_o be_v three_o thing_n incumbent_a on_o he_o to_o prove_v 1._o that_o our_o parochial_a church_n from_o who_o we_o do_v refrain_v actual_a presential_a communion_n in_o all_o ordinance_n where_o it_o be_v require_v by_o law_n which_o can_v be_v many_o and_o but_o one_o at_o one_o time_n do_v succeed_v into_o the_o room_n of_o that_o church_n in_o a_o separation_n from_o which_o those_o schism_n do_v consist_v for_o we_o pass_v no_o judgement_n on_o any_o other_o church_n but_o what_o concern_v ourselves_o as_o unto_o present_a duty_n though_o that_o in_o a_o nation_n may_v be_v extend_v unto_o many_o or_o all_o of_o the_o same_o sort_n but_o these_o schism_n consist_v in_o a_o profess_a separation_n from_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n that_o be_v all_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n who_o join_v not_o with_o they_o in_o their_o opinion_n and_o practice_n and_o from_o the_o whole_a church_n state_n then_o passant_a and_o allow_v but_o our_o author_n know_v full_a well_o that_o there_o be_v other_o who_o long_o before_o our_o parochial_a church_n do_v lay_v claim_v unto_o the_o absolute_a enclosure_n of_o this_o church_n state_n unto_o themselves_o and_o thereon_o condemn_v both_o he_o and_o we_o and_o all_o the_o protestant_n in_o the_o world_n of_o the_o same_o schism_n that_o those_o of_o old_a be_v guilty_a of_o especial_o they_o make_v a_o continual_a clamour_n about_o the_o novatian_o and_o donatist_n i_o know_v that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o dispossess_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n from_o that_o usurpation_n of_o the_o state_n and_o right_n of_o the_o ancient_a catholic_n church_n from_o whence_o those_o separation_n be_v make_v and_o it_o have_v be_v sufficient_o do_v by_o other_o but_o so_o soon_o as_o we_o have_v cast_v that_o out_o of_o possession_n to_o bring_v in_o our_o parochial_a assembly_n into_o the_o room_n of_o it_o and_o to_o press_v the_o gild_n of_o separation_n from_o they_o with_o the_o same_o reason_n and_o argument_n as_o we_o be_v all_o of_o we_o but_o new_o press_v withal_o by_o the_o romanist_n namely_o that_o hereby_o we_o give_v countenance_n unto_o they_o yea_o do_v the_o same_o thing_n with_o they_o who_o make_v schism_n in_o separate_v from_o the_o catholic_n church_n of_o old_a be_v somewhat_o severe_a and_o unequal_a wherefore_o unless_o the_o church_n from_o which_o they_o separate_v which_o be_v the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n in_o the_o world_n not_o agree_v and_o act_v with_o they_o and_o those_o parochial_a assembly_n from_o who_o communion_n we_o refrain_v be_v the_o same_o and_o of_o the_o same_o consideration_n nothing_o can_v be_v argue_v from_o those_o ancient_a schism_n against_o we_o nor_o be_v any_o countenance_n give_v by_o we_o unto_o they_o for_o if_o it_o be_v ask_v of_o we_o whether_o it_o be_v free_a or_o lawful_a for_o believer_n to_o join_v in_o society_n and_o full_a communion_n with_o other_o church_n beside_o those_o that_o be_v of_o our_o way_n and_o especial_a communion_n we_o free_o answer_v that_o we_o no_o way_n doubt_v of_o it_o nor_o do_v judge_v they_o for_o their_o so_o do_v 2._o it_o must_v be_v prove_v unto_o the_o end_v propose_v that_o the_o occasion_n and_o reason_n of_o their_o separation_n of_o old_a be_v the_o same_o or_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n only_o with_o those_o which_o we_o plead_v for_o our_o refrain_v communion_n from_o parochial_a assembly_n now_o though_o the_o dr._n here_o make_v a_o flourish_n with_o some_o expression_n about_o zeal_n discipline_n purity_n of_o the_o church_n edification_n which_o he_o will_v not_o find_v in_o any_o of_o their_o pretence_n yet_o in_o truth_n there_o be_v not_o one_o thing_n allege_v wherein_o there_o be_v a_o coincidence_n between_o the_o occasion_n and_o reason_n plead_v by_o they_o and_o we_o it_o be_v know_v that_o the_o principal_a thing_n in_o general_n which_o we_o insist_v upon_o be_v the_o unwarrantable_a imposition_n of_o unscriptural_a term_n and_o condition_n of_o communion_n upon_o we_o be_v there_o any_o such_o thing_n plead_v by_o they_o that_o make_v the_o schism_n of_o old_a indeed_o they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o imposer_n and_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n because_o they_o will_v not_o submit_v unto_o their_o imposition_n some_o bishop_n or_o some_o that_o will_v have_v be_v bishop_n but_o can_v not_o entertain_v some_o new_a conceit_n of_o their_o own_o which_o they_o will_v have_v impose_v on_o all_o other_o be_v not_o submit_v unto_o therein_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o those_o schism_n which_o be_v just_o esteem_v criminal_a so_o be_v it_o with_o the_o novatian_o and_o donatist_n in_o a_o especial_a manner_n even_o the_o great_a tertullian_n though_o no_o bishop_n leave_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n on_o this_o ground_n for_o because_o they_o will_v not_o admit_v of_o the_o strict_a observance_n of_o some_o austere_a severity_n in_o fast_v abstinence_n from_o sundry_a meat_n and_o watch_v with_o the_o like_a which_o he_o esteem_v necessary_a though_o no_o way_n warrant_v by_o scripture_n rule_n or_o example_n he_o utter_o renounce_v their_o communion_n and_o countenance_v himself_o by_o adhere_v unto_o the_o dotage_n of_o montanus_n it_o be_v true_a some_o of_o they_o contend_v for_o a_o severity_n of_o discipline_n in_o the_o church_n but_o they_o do_v it_o not_o upon_o any_o pretence_n of_o the_o neglect_v of_o it_o in_o they_o unto_o who_o the_o administration_n of_o it_o be_v commit_v but_o for_o the_o want_n of_o establish_v a_o false_a principle_n rule_n or_o erroneous_a doctrine_n which_o they_o advance_v namely_o that_o the_o most_o sincere_a penitent_n be_v never_o more_o to_o be_v admit_v into_o ecclesiastical_a communion_n whereby_o they_o do_v not_o establish_v but_o overthrow_v one_o of_o the_o principal_a end_n of_o church_n discipline_n they_o do_v not_o therefore_o press_v for_o the_o power_n or_o the_o use_n of_o the_o key_n as_o be_v pretend_v but_o advance_v a_o false_a doctrine_n in_o prejudice_n both_o unto_o the_o power_n and_o use_v of_o they_o they_o pretend_v indeed_o unto_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o church_n not_o that_o there_o be_v none_o impure_a wicked_a and_o hypocritical_a among_o they_o but_o that_o none_o may_v be_v admit_v who_o have_v once_o fall_v though_o real_o make_v pure_a by_o sincere_a repentance_n this_o be_v their_o zeal_n for_o purity_n if_o a_o man_n be_v overtake_v if_o they_o can_v catch_v he_o in_o such_o a_o fault_n as_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o passaint_n discipline_n he_o be_v to_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n there_o they_o have_v he_o safe_a for_o ever_o no_o evidence_n of_o the_o most_o sincere_a repentance_n can_v prevail_v for_o a_o readmission_n into_o the_o church_n and_o because_o other_o church_n will_v admit_v they_o they_o renounce_v all_o communion_n with_o they_o as_o no_o church_n of_o christ._n be_v these_o our_o principle_n be_v these_o our_o practice_n do_v we_o give_v any_o countenance_n unto_o they_o by_o any_o thing_n we_o say_v or_o do_v i_o somewhat_o wonder_v that_o the_o dr._n from_o some_o general_a expression_n and_o cast_v their_o pretence_n under_o new_a appearance_n shall_v seem_v to_o think_v that_o there_o be_v the_o least_o coincidence_n between_o what_o they_o insist_v on_o and_o what_o we_o plead_v in_o our_o own_o defence_n he_o may_v see_v now_o more_o full_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o our_o practice_n and_o i_o hope_v thereon_o will_v be_v of_o another_o mind_n not_o as_o unto_o our_o cause_n in_o general_a which_o i_o be_o far_o enough_o from_o the_o expectation_n of_o but_o as_o unto_o this_o invidious_a charge_n of_o give_v countenance_n unto_o the_o schism_n condemn_v of_o old_a in_o the_o church_n and_o we_o shall_v see_v immediate_o what_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o those_o schism_n which_o we_o be_v as_o remote_a from_o give_v countenance_n unto_o as_o unto_o the_o principle_n and_o reason_n which_o they_o plead_v in_o their_o own_o justification_n 3._o it_o ought_v also_o to_o be_v prove_v that_o the_o separation_n which_o be_v charge_v on_o we_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o that_o charge_v on_o they_o of_o old_a for_o otherwise_o we_o can_v be_v say_v to_o give_v any_o countenance_n unto_o what_o they_o do_v for_o it_o be_v know_v they_o so_o separate_v from_o all_o other_o church_n in_o the_o world_n as_o to_o confine_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n unto_o their_o own_o party_n to_o condemn_v all_o other_o and_o to_o
the_o discharge_v of_o his_o duty_n as_o it_o fall_v out_o also_o with_o chrysostome_n nevertheless_o he_o abide_v firm_o and_o tenacious_o in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n but_o be_v at_o length_n cast_v out_o as_o far_o as_o it_o appear_v by_o he_o for_o the_o honest_a discharge_n of_o his_o duty_n whereon_o he_o gather_v a_o great_a party_n unto_o himself_o but_o theodoret_n and_o other_o affirm_v he_o to_o have_v be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o impious_a heresy_n of_o the_o anthropomorphitae_n his_o principal_a follower_n be_v those_o monk_n of_o egypt_n which_o afterward_o make_v such_o tumult_n in_o defence_n of_o that_o foolish_a imagination_n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o he_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o set_v up_o a_o party_n of_o the_o same_o opinion_n with_o he_o lib._n 4._o cap._n 10._o yea_o he_o also_o ascribe_v unto_o he_o some_o foolish_a opinion_n of_o the_o manichee_n what_o be_v our_o concernment_n in_o these_o thing_n i_o can_v imagine_v eustathius_n the_o bishop_n of_o sebastia_n in_o armenia_n and_o his_o follower_n be_v also_o instance_a in_o as_o orthodox_n schismatic_n and_o as_o such_o be_v condemn_v in_o a_o council_n at_o gongrae_n in_o paphlagonia_n but_o indeed_o before_o that_o council_n eustathius_n have_v be_v condemn_v by_o his_o own_o father_n eulanius_n and_o other_o bishop_n at_o caesarea_n in_o cappadocia_n and_o he_o be_v so_o for_o sundry_a foolish_a opinion_n and_o evil_a practice_n whereby_o he_o deserve_v to_o be_v so_o deal_v withal_o it_o do_v not_o unto_o i_o appear_v certain_o whether_o he_o fall_v into_o those_o opinion_n before_o his_o rejection_n at_o caesarea_n where_o he_o be_v principal_o it_o not_o only_o charge_v with_o his_o undecent_a and_o fantastical_a habit_n and_o garment_n wherefore_o at_o the_o council_n of_o gangrae_n he_o be_v not_o admit_v to_o make_v any_o apology_n for_o himself_o nor_o can_v be_v hear_v because_o he_o have_v innovate_v many_o thing_n after_o his_o deposition_n at_o caesarea_n such_o as_o forbid_v of_o marriage_n shave_v of_o woman_n deny_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o priest_n keep_v their_o wife_n who_o be_v marry_v before_o their_o ordination_n get_v away_o servant_n from_o their_o master_n and_o the_o like_a socrat._v hist._n lib._n 2._o chap._n 3._o these_o be_v his_o pretence_n of_o sanctity_n and_o purity_n as_o the_o dr._n acknowledge_v and_o i_o appeal_v unto_o his_o ingenuity_n and_o candour_n whether_o any_o countenance_n be_v give_v unto_o such_o opinion_n and_o practice_n thereon_o by_o any_o thing_n we_o say_v or_o do_v this_o instance_n and_o some_o other_o of_o a_o alike_a nature_n the_o doctor_n affirm_v that_o he_o produce_v in_o his_o sermon_n but_o that_o they_o be_v gentle_o pass_v over_o by_o myself_o and_o mr._n b._n i_o confess_v i_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o they_o because_o i_o be_v satisfy_v that_o the_o cause_n under_o consideration_n be_v no_o way_n concern_v in_o they_o and_o the_o dr._n may_v to_o as_o good_a purpose_n have_v instance_a in_o forty_o other_o schism_n make_v for_o the_o most_o part_n by_o the_o ambition_n of_o bishop_n in_o the_o church_n of_o alexandria_n antioch_n constantinople_n rome_n and_o sundry_a other_o place_n yea_o in_o that_o make_v by_o epiphanius_n himself_o at_o constantinople_n upon_o as_o weighty_a a_o cause_n as_o that_o of_o those_o who_o contend_v about_o and_o strive_v for_o and_o against_o the_o drive_v of_o sheep_n over_o the_o bridge_n where_o there_o be_v none_o present_a the_o story_n of_o the_o luciferian_o be_v not_o worth_a repeat_n in_o short_a lucifer_n the_o bishop_n of_o caralli_n in_o sardinia_n be_v angry_a that_o paulinus_n who_o he_o have_v ordain_v bishop_n at_o antioch_n be_v not_o receive_v fall_v into_o great_a dissension_n with_o eusebius_n bishop_n of_o vercell_n in_o italy_n who_o have_v be_v his_o companion_n in_o banishment_n because_o he_o approve_v not_o what_o he_o have_v do_v at_o antioch_n and_o continue_v to_o contend_v for_o his_o own_o bishop_n it_o occasion_v a_o great_a division_n among_o the_o people_n whereon_o he_o go_v home_o to_o his_o own_o place_n leave_v behind_o he_o a_o few_o follower_n who_o wrangle_v for_o a_o time_n about_o the_o ordination_n of_o bishop_n by_o arian_n by_o who_o mean_n lucifer_n have_v be_v banish_v and_o so_o after_o a_o while_n disappear_v i_o have_v almost_o miss_v the_o instance_n of_o the_o donatist_n but_o the_o story_n of_o they_o be_v so_o well_o know_v that_o it_o will_v not_o bear_v the_o repetition_n for_o although_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n of_o they_o in_o socrates_n or_o zozoman_n nor_o the_o history_n of_o theodoret_n yet_o all_o thing_n that_o concern_v they_o be_v so_o full_o declare_v in_o the_o write_n of_o austin_n and_o optatus_n against_o they_o as_o there_o need_v no_o other_o account_n of_o they_o and_o this_o instance_n of_o a_o heretical_a schism_n be_v that_o which_o the_o papist_n vehement_o urge_v against_o the_o church_n of_o england_n itself_o and_o all_o other_o protestant_n here_o their_o weapon_n be_v borrow_v for_o a_o little_a while_n to_o give_v a_o wound_n unto_o our_o cause_n but_o in_o vain_a yet_o i_o know_v full_a well_o that_o it_o be_v easy_a for_o some_o man_n on_o their_o principle_n to_o flourish_v with_o this_o weapon_n against_o we_o than_o to_o defend_v themselves_o against_o it_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o papist_n in_o brief_a these_o donatist_n be_v upon_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o same_o opinion_n with_o the_o novatian_o and_o as_o these_o ground_a their_o dissension_n on_o the_o receive_n those_o into_o the_o church_n who_o have_v fall_v and_o sacrifice_v under_o decius_n so_o do_v these_o on_o a_o pretence_n of_o severity_n against_o those_o who_o have_v be_v traditor_n under_o maximinus_n upon_o this_o pretence_n improve_v by_o many_o false_a allegation_n donatus_n and_o those_o that_o follow_v he_o reject_v cecilianus_n who_o be_v lawful_o choose_v and_o ordain_v bishop_n of_o carthage_n set_v up_o one_o majorinus_n in_o opposition_n unto_o he_o not_o succeed_v herein_o on_o this_o foolish_a unproved_a pretence_n that_o cecilianus_n have_v be_v ordain_v by_o traditor_n they_o reject_v the_o communion_n of_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n confine_v the_o whole_a church_n of_o christ_n unto_o their_o own_o party_n deny_v salvation_n unto_o any_o other_o rebaptise_v all_o that_o come_v unto_o they_o from_o other_o church_n and_o together_o with_o a_o great_a number_n of_o bishop_n that_o join_v with_o they_o fall_v into_o most_o extravagant_a exorbitance_n upon_o the_o consideration_n of_o these_o schism_n the_o dr._n conclude_v that_o on_o these_o ground_n there_o have_v scarce_o be_v any_o considerable_a schism_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n but_o may_v be_v justify_v upon_o dr._n of_o his_o reason_n for_o separation_n from_o our_o church_n concern_v which_o i_o must_v take_v the_o liberty_n to_o say_v that_o i_o do_v not_o remember_v that_o ever_o i_o read_v in_o any_o learned_a author_n a_o inference_n make_v or_o conclusion_n assert_v that_o have_v so_o little_a countenance_n give_v unto_o it_o by_o the_o premise_n whence_o it_o be_v infer_v as_o there_o be_v into_o this_o by_o the_o instance_n before_o insist_v on_o whence_o it_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v educe_v all_o that_o be_v of_o argument_n in_o this_o story_n be_v this_o that_o there_o be_v of_o old_a some_o bishop_n with_o one_o or_o two_o who_o will_v have_v be_v bishop_n and_o can_v not_o who_o to_o exalt_v and_o countenance_v themselves_o against_o those_o who_o be_v prefer_v to_o bishopric_n before_o they_o and_o above_o they_o invent_v and_o maintain_v false_a doctrinal_a principle_n the_o confession_n whereof_o they_o will_v have_v impose_v on_o other_o church_n and_o because_o they_o be_v not_o admit_v they_o separate_v at_o once_o from_o all_o other_o church_n in_o the_o world_n but_o their_o own_o condemn_v they_o as_o no_o church_n as_o not_o have_v the_o sacrament_n or_o mean_n of_o salvation_n for_o which_o they_o be_v condemn_v as_o schismatic_n therefore_o those_o who_o own_v not_o subjection_n to_o diocesan_n bishop_n by_o virtue_n of_o any_o institution_n or_o command_n of_o christ_n who_o refrain_v communion_n from_o parochial_a assembly_n because_o they_o can_v without_o sin_n to_o themselves_o comply_v with_o all_o thing_n impose_v on_o they_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o ecclesiastical_a rule_n without_o judge_v their_o state_n or_o the_o salvation_n of_o their_o member_n be_v in_o like_a manner_n as_o they_o guilty_a of_o schism_n but_o we_o have_v fix_v ground_n whereon_o to_o try_v examine_v judge_n and_o condemn_v all_o schism_n that_o be_v just_o so_o call_v all_o such_o as_o those_o before_o mention_v if_o separation_n arise_v and_o proceed_v from_o principle_n of_o false_a doctrine_n and_o error_n like_o those_o of_o the_o novatian_o and_o donatist_n if_o
they_o be_v occasion_v by_o ambition_n and_o desire_n of_o pre-eminence_n like_o those_o that_o fall_v out_o among_o the_o bishop_n of_o those_o day_n when_o their_o parish_n and_o claim_n be_v not_o regulate_v by_o the_o civil_a power_n as_o now_o they_o be_v if_o they_o do_v so_o from_o a_o desire_n to_o impose_v principle_n and_o practice_n not_o warrant_v in_o the_o scripture_n on_o other_o as_o it_o be_v with_o tertullian_n if_o for_o slight_a reason_n they_o rend_v and_o destroy_v that_o church_n state_n and_o order_n which_o themselves_o approve_v of_o as_o it_o be_v with_o all_o the_o ancient_a schismatic_n who_o be_v bishop_n or_o will_v feign_v to_o have_v be_v if_o those_o that_o make_v they_o or_o follow_v in_o they_o deny_v salvation_n unto_o all_o that_o join_v not_o with_o they_o and_o condemn_v all_o other_o church_n as_o be_v without_o god_n covenant_n and_o the_o sacrament_n as_o do_v the_o donatist_n and_o those_o do_v who_o deny_v these_o thing_n unto_o all_o church_n who_o have_v not_o diocesan_n bishop_n if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a justifiable_a cause_n plead_v for_o it_o that_o those_o who_o make_v such_o a_o separation_n can_v abide_v in_o the_o communion_n which_o they_o forsake_v without_o wound_v their_o own_o conscience_n and_o do_v give_v evidence_n of_o their_o abide_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o love_n towards_o all_o the_o true_a disciple_n of_o christ_n we_o be_v satisfy_v that_o we_o have_v a_o rule_n infallible_o direct_v we_o to_o make_v a_o judgement_n concern_v it_o our_o author_n add_v sect._n 26._o p._n 197._o another_o argument_n against_o this_o course_n of_o separation_n be_v that_o these_o ground_n will_v make_v separation_n endless_a which_o be_v to_o suppose_v all_o the_o exhortation_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o peace_n and_o unity_n among_o christian_n useless_a but_o why_o so_o be_v there_o nothing_o in_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o account_n which_o be_v to_o be_v give_v unto_o he_o nothing_o in_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n nothing_o in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o exercise_v of_o gospel_n discipline_n to_o keep_v profess_a disciple_n of_o christ_n unto_o their_o duty_n and_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o order_n divine_o prescribe_v unto_o they_o unless_o they_o be_v fetter_v and_o stake_v down_o with_o humane_a law_n and_o constitution_n herein_o i_o confess_v i_o differ_v and_o shall_v do_v so_o whilst_o i_o be_o in_o this_o world_n from_o our_o reverend_a author_n and_o other_o to_o say_v as_o he_o do_v upon_o a_o supposition_n of_o the_o take_v away_o of_o humane_a imposition_n law_n and_o canon_n that_o there_o be_v no_o bound_n set_v unto_o separation_n but_o what_o the_o fancy_n of_o man_n will_v dictate_v unto_o they_o be_v dishonourable_a unto_o the_o gospel_n and_o somewhat_o more_o to_o suppose_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o prescribe_v bound_n unto_o separation_n efficacious_o affect_v the_o conscience_n of_o beleiver_n or_o that_o any_o other_o bound_n can_v be_v assign_v as_o obligatory_a unto_o their_o conscience_n be_v what_o can_v be_v admit_v the_o lord_n christ_n have_v command_v love_n and_o union_n among_o his_o disciple_n he_o have_v ordain_v order_n and_o communion_n in_o his_o church_n he_o have_v give_v unto_o they_o and_o limit_v their_o power_n he_o have_v prescribe_v rule_n whereby_o they_o and_o all_o their_o member_n ought_v to_o walk_v he_o have_v forbid_v all_o schism_n and_o division_n he_o have_v appoint_v and_o limit_v all_o necessary_a separation_n and_o have_v true_o give_v all_o the_o bound_n unto_o it_o that_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n be_v or_o can_v be_v affect_v withal_o but_o than_o it_o be_v say_v if_o this_o be_v all_o separation_n will_v be_v endless_a if_o such_o a_o separation_n be_v intend_v as_o be_v a_o unlawful_a schism_n i_o say_v it_o may_v be_v it_o will_v even_o as_o persecution_n and_o other_o evil_n sin_n and_o wickedness_n will_v be_v notwithstanding_o his_o severe_a prohibition_n of_o they_o what_o he_o have_v do_v be_v the_o only_a mean_n to_o preserve_v his_o own_o disciple_n from_o all_o sinful_a separation_n and_o be_v sufficient_a thereunto_o herein_o lie_v the_o original_a mistake_n in_o this_o matter_n we_o have_v lose_v the_o apprehension_n that_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o word_n and_o work_v of_o his_o spirit_n be_v every_o way_n sufficient_a for_o the_o guide_v govern_v and_o preserve_v of_o his_o disciple_n in_o the_o church_n order_n by_o he_o prescribe_v and_o the_o observance_n of_o the_o duty_n by_o he_o command_v it_o have_v be_v great_o lose_v in_o the_o world_n for_o many_o age_n and_o therefore_o instead_o of_o faithful_a ministerial_a endeavour_n to_o enforce_v a_o sense_n of_o it_o on_o the_o conscience_n of_o all_o christian_n they_o have_v be_v let_v loose_a from_o it_o through_o a_o confidence_n in_o other_o devise_n to_o keep_v they_o unto_o their_o duty_n and_o order_n and_o if_o these_o devise_n be_v they_o ecclesiastical_a canon_n or_o civil_a penalty_n be_v not_o enforce_v on_o they_o all_o the_o world_n be_v make_v to_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v leave_v unto_o the_o dictate_v of_o their_o own_o fancy_n and_o imagination_n as_o if_o they_o have_v no_o concern_v in_o christ_n or_o his_o authority_n in_o this_o matter_n but_o for_o my_o part_n i_o shall_v never_o desire_v nor_o endeavour_v to_o keep_v any_o from_o schism_n or_o separation_n but_o by_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o christ_n appointment_n and_o by_o a_o sense_n of_o he_o authority_n on_o their_o own_o conscience_n the_o remainder_n of_o his_o discourse_n on_o this_o head_n consist_v in_o a_o lepid_a dramatical_a oration_n frame_v and_o feign_v for_o one_o of_o his_o opposer_n wherein_o he_o make_v he_o undertake_v the_o patronage_n of_o schism_n before_o cyprian_a and_o austiâ—_n the_o learned_a person_n intend_v be_v very_o well_o able_a to_o defend_v and_o vindicate_v himself_o which_o i_o suppose_v also_o he_o will_v do_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o can_v but_o say_v two_o thing_n 1._o that_o the_o imposition_n on_o he_o of_o extenuate_v the_o gild_n of_o any_o real_a schism_n be_v that_o which_o none_o of_o his_o word_n do_v give_v the_o least_o countenance_n unto_o 2._o that_o the_o doctor_n attempt_n in_o his_o feign_a oration_n to_o accommodate_v his_o principle_n or_o we_o unto_o the_o case_n of_o the_o donatist_n for_o their_o justification_n the_o weakness_n whereof_o be_v evident_a to_o every_o one_o who_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o case_n of_o the_o donatist_n be_v such_o a_o instance_n of_o the_o power_n of_o interest_n a_o design_n to_o maintain_v a_o cause_n causeless_o undertake_v by_o all_o manner_n of_o artifices_fw-la and_o pretence_n prevail_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n otherwise_o wise_a and_o sober_a as_o be_v to_o be_v lament_v we_o come_v at_o length_n in_o the_o 5_o place_n sect_n 28._o p._n 209._o unto_o that_o which_o be_v indeed_o of_o more_o importance_n due_o to_o be_v consider_v than_o all_o that_o go_v before_o for_o as_o our_o author_n observe_v it_o be_v that_o wherein_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n be_v concern_v this_o argument_n therefore_o he_o take_v from_o the_o obligation_n which_o lie_v upon_o all_o christian_n to_o preserve_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o this_o argument_n and_o the_o application_n of_o it_o unto_o the_o case_n of_o they_o who_o refrain_v from_o total_a communion_n with_o our_o parochial_a assembly_n which_o alone_o be_v the_o case_n in_o hand_n he_o lay_v down_o sundry_a supposition_n which_o i_o shall_v consider_v in_o their_o order_n although_o they_o may_v be_v all_o grant_v without_o any_o disadvantage_n unto_o our_o cause_n but_o they_o will_v be_v so_o the_o better_a when_o they_o be_v right_o state_v 1._o his_o first_o supposition_n be_v that_o christian_n be_v under_o the_o strict_a obligation_n to_o preserve_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n this_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o that_o follow_v it_o must_v be_v right_o state_v and_o to_o that_o end_n three_o thing_n may_v be_v inquire_v into_o 1._o what_o be_v that_o church_n who_o peace_n and_o unity_n we_o be_v oblige_v to_o preserve_v for_o there_o be_v those_o who_o lie_v the_o firm_a claim_n unto_o the_o name_n power_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n with_o who_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o have_v neither_o peace_n nor_o unity_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n 2._o what_o be_v that_o peace_n and_o unity_n which_o we_o be_v so_o oblige_v to_o preserve_v 3._o by_o what_o mean_v they_o be_v to_o be_v preserve_v 1._o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o follow_v peace_n with_o all_o man_n to_o seek_v peace_n
much_o concern_v my_o word_n be_v vindic._n p._n 41._o though_o many_o alteration_n be_v before_o that_o time_n introduce_v into_o the_o order_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o it_o appear_v that_o when_o cyprian_n be_v bishop_n of_o the_o church_n of_o carthage_n that_o the_o whole_a community_n of_o the_o member_n of_o that_o church_n do_v meet_v together_o to_o determine_v of_o thing_n that_o be_v of_o their_o common_a interest_n according_a unto_o what_o be_v judge_v to_o be_v their_o right_n and_o liberty_n in_o those_o day_n i_o think_v no_o man_n who_o be_v so_o conversant_a in_o the_o write_n of_o cyprian_n as_o our_o author_n apparent_o be_v can_v have_v deny_v the_o truth_n hereof_o nor_o do_v i_o say_v it_o be_v so_o do_v by_o he_o only_o he_o take_v occasion_n from_o hence_o to_o discourse_v at_o large_a concern_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n at_o carthage_n in_o those_o day_n in_o opposition_n to_o mr._n cotton_n who_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v find_v in_o that_o church_n the_o express_a and_o lively_a lineament_n of_o the_o very_a body_n of_o congregational_a discipline_n herein_o i_o be_o not_o concern_v who_o do_v grant_v that_o at_o that_o time_n there_o be_v many_o alteration_n introduce_v into_o the_o order_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n but_o that_o the_o people_n do_v meet_v together_o unto_o the_o determination_n of_o thing_n of_o their_o common_a interest_n such_o as_o be_v the_o choice_n of_o their_o officer_n and_o the_o readmission_n of_o they_o into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n who_o have_v fall_v through_o infirmity_n in_o time_n of_o persecution_n or_o public_a offence_n and_o division_n be_v so_o evident_a in_o the_o write_n of_o cyprian_n wherein_o he_o ascribe_v unto_o they_o the_o right_n of_o choose_v worthy_a and_o of_o reject_v unworthy_a officer_n and_o tell_v they_o that_o in_o such_o case_n he_o will_v do_v nothing_o without_o their_o consent_n that_o it_o can_v be_v gainsay_v but_o hereon_o he_o ask_v where_o i_o have_v any_o reason_n to_o appeal_v to_o st._n cyprian_n for_o the_o democratical_a government_n of_o the_o church_n which_o indeed_o i_o do_v not_o do_v nor_o any_o thing_n which_o look_v like_a unto_o it_o and_o he_o add_v that_o they_o have_v this_o advantage_n from_o the_o appeal_n that_o we_o do_v not_o suppose_v any_o deviation_n then_o from_o the_o primitive_a institution_n whereas_o my_o word_n be_v positive_a that_o before_o that_o time_n there_o be_v many_o alteration_n introduce_v into_o the_o rule_n and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n such_o thing_n will_v partiality_n in_o a_o cause_n and_o aim_v at_o success_n in_o disputation_n produce_v m._n cotton_n affirm_v that_o the_o lineament_n of_o the_o congregational_a discipline_n be_v find_v in_o that_o church_n that_o there_o be_v therein_o a_o just_a representation_n of_o a_o episcopal_a church_n that_o be_v i_o presume_v diocesan_n because_o that_o alone_o be_v unto_o his_o purpose_n it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o make_v any_o church_n after_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o rule_n of_o all_o church_n state_n and_o order_n nor_o yet_o to_o be_v absolute_o determine_v in_o these_o thing_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o man_n not_o divine_o inspire_v and_o yet_o i_o can_v but_o wish_v that_o all_o the_o three_o party_n dissent_v about_o church_n order_n rule_n and_o worship_n will_v attempt_v a_o agreement_n between_o themselves_o upon_o the_o representation_n make_v of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n of_o carthage_n in_o the_o day_n of_o cyprian_a which_o all_o of_o they_o lay_v some_o claim_n unto_o although_o it_o will_v be_v a_o abridgement_n of_o some_o of_o their_o pretension_n it_o may_v bring_v they_o all_o near_a together_o and_o it_o may_v be_v all_o of_o they_o in_o some_o thing_n near_o to_o the_o truth_n for_o it_o be_v certain_a 1._o that_o the_o church_n of_o carthage_n be_v at_o that_o time_n a_o particular_a church_n there_o be_v no_o more_o church_n but_o one_o in_o that_o city_n many_o occasional_a meeting_n and_o assembly_n in_o several_a place_n for_o divine_a exercise_n and_o worship_n there_o be_v but_o state_v church_n with_o officer_n of_o their_o own_o member_n peculiar_o belong_v unto_o they_o discipline_n among_o they_o such_o as_o our_o reverend_a author_n do_v afterward_o affirm_v and_o describe_v our_o parochial_a church_n to_o be_v there_o be_v none_o nor_o be_v it_o pretend_v that_o there_o be_v 2._o that_o in_o this_o one_o church_n there_o be_v many_o presbyter_n or_o elder_n who_o rule_v the_o whole_a body_n or_o community_n of_o it_o by_o common_a advice_n and_o counsel_n whether_o they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o such_o as_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n with_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n or_o attend_v unto_o rule_n only_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v but_o that_o they_o be_v many_o and_o such_o as_o do_v not_o stand_v in_o any_o peculiar_a relation_n unto_o any_o part_n of_o the_o people_n but_o concur_v in_o common_a to_o promote_v the_o edification_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n as_o occasion_n and_o opportunity_n do_v require_v be_v evident_a in_o the_o account_n give_v of_o they_o by_o cyprian_n himself_o 3._o that_o among_o those_o elder_n in_o that_o one_o church_n there_o be_v one_o peculiar_o call_v the_o bishop_n who_o do_v constant_o preside_v among_o they_o in_o all_o church_n affair_n and_o without_o who_o ordinary_o nothing_o be_v do_v as_o neither_o do_v he_o any_o thing_n without_o the_o advice_n of_o the_o elder_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n how_o far_o this_o may_v be_v allow_v for_o order_n sake_n be_v worth_a consideration_n of_o divine_a institution_n it_o be_v not_o but_o where_o there_o be_v many_o elder_n who_o have_v equal_a interest_n in_o and_o right_a unto_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o the_o administration_n of_o all_o ordinance_n it_o be_v necessary_a unto_o order_n that_o one_o do_v preside_v in_o their_o meeting_n and_o consultation_n who_o custom_n give_v some_o pre-eminence_n unto_o 4._o that_o the_o people_n be_v rule_v by_o their_o own_o consent_n and_o that_o in_o thing_n of_o great_a importance_n as_o the_o choice_n of_o their_o officer_n the_o cast_v out_o and_o the_o receive_n in_o of_o lapse_v member_n have_v their_o suffrage_n in_o the_o determination_n of_o they_o 5._o that_o there_o be_v no_o imposition_n of_o liturgy_n or_o ceremony_n or_o any_o humane_a invention_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n on_o the_o church_n or_o any_o member_n of_o it_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o sole_a acknowledge_v rule_n in_o discipline_n and_o worship_n this_o be_v the_o state_n and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n of_o carthage_n in_o those_o day_n and_o although_o there_o be_v some_o alteration_n in_o it_o from_o the_o first_o divine_a institution_n of_o church_n yet_o i_o hearty_o wish_v that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o difference_n among_o we_o then_o what_o will_v remain_v upon_o a_o supposition_n of_o this_o state_n for_o what_o remain_v of_o the_o opposition_n make_v unto_o what_o i_o have_v assert_v concern_v congregational_a or_o particular_a church_n i_o may_v refer_v the_o doctor_n and_o the_o reader_n unto_o what_o have_v be_v far_o plead_v concern_v they_o in_o the_o precede_a discourse_n nor_o be_o i_o satisfy_v that_o he_o have_v give_v any_o sufficient_a answer_n unto_o what_o be_v before_o allege_v in_o the_o vindication_n but_o have_v pass_v by_o what_o be_v most_o pregnant_a with_o evidence_n unto_o the_o truth_n and_o by_o a_o mistake_n of_o my_o mind_n or_o word_n divert_v very_o much_o from_o the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n which_o be_v no_o other_o but_o what_o i_o lay_v down_o before_o yet_o i_o will_v consider_v what_o be_v material_a in_o the_o whole_a of_o his_o discourse_n on_o this_o subject_n sect_n 5._o p._n 234_o he_o say_v i_o affirm_v that_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n concern_v the_o institution_n of_o congregational_a church_n it_o seem_v evident_o exemplyfy_v in_o the_o scripture_n for_o which_o i_o refer_v the_o reader_n unto_o what_o be_v now_o again_o declare_v in_o the_o confirmation_n of_o it_o and_o he_o add_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v that_o when_o church_n grow_v too_o big_a for_o one_o single_a congregation_n in_o a_o city_n than_o a_o new_a congregational_a church_n be_v set_v up_o under_o new_a officer_n with_o a_o separate_a power_n of_o government_n that_o be_v in_o that_o city_n but_o this_o be_v not_o at_o all_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o there_o be_v original_o more_o particular_a church_n than_o one_o in_o one_o city_n i_o do_v grant_v in_o the_o word_n next_o quote_v by_o he_o that_o there_o be_v not_o express_v mention_n make_v that_o any_o such_o church_n do_v divide_v itself_o into_o more_o congregation_n with_o new_a officer_n but_o this_o
from_o the_o beginning_n however_o this_o be_v no_o part_n of_o our_o present_n contest_v namely_o whether_o some_o while_n after_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o church_n that_o be_v great_o increase_v and_o many_o elder_n in_o they_o there_o be_v not_o one_o choose_v as_o at_o alexandria_n by_o those_o elder_n themselves_o to_o preside_v among_o they_o who_o in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n be_v call_v a_o bishop_n but_o if_o i_o mistake_v not_o that_o alone_o which_o will_v advantage_v his_o cause_n be_v to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v in_o one_o city_n or_o any_o where_o else_o many_o not_o occasional_a assembly_n of_o christian_n or_o church_n member_n but_o many_o state_v fix_a church_n with_o officer_n of_o their_o own_o peculiar_o relate_v unto_o they_o entrust_v with_o church_n power_n and_o privilege_n at_o least_o as_o much_o as_o he_o afterward_o plead_v to_o be_v in_o our_o parochial_a church_n all_o under_o the_o government_n of_o one_o single_a bishop_n make_v up_o a_o new_a church_n state_n beyond_o that_o of_o particular_a congregation_n by_o their_o relation_n unto_o he_o as_o their_o common_a pastor_n this_o i_o take_v it_o be_v that_o which_o shall_v have_v be_v prove_v all_o the_o difficulty_n wherewith_o our_o assertion_n be_v accompany_v arise_v from_o the_o multiplication_n of_o believer_n and_o the_o increase_n of_o church_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n or_o present_o after_o for_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v so_o great_a as_o that_o those_o in_o one_o city_n can_v not_o continue_v in_o one_o church_n notwithstanding_o the_o advantage_n of_o occasional_a assembly_n the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n have_v 5000_o in_o it_o at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o word_n grow_v and_o prevail_v at_o ephesus_n and_o other_o place_n whereto_o i_o shall_v brief_o answer_v as_o hasten_v unto_o a_o close_a of_o this_o unpleasing_a labour_n i_o say_v therefore_o 1._o whatever_o difficulty_n may_v seem_v to_o be_v in_o this_o matter_n yet_o in_o point_n of_o fact_n so_o it_o be_v there_o be_v no_o church_n before_o the_o end_n of_o the_o second_o century_n of_o any_o other_o species_n nature_n or_o kind_n but_o a_o particular_a congregational_a church_n only_o as_o have_v be_v prove_v before_o let_v any_o one_o instance_n be_v produce_v of_o a_o church_n of_o one_o denomination_n national_a provincial_a or_o diocesan_n or_o of_o any_o other_o kind_n then_o that_o which_o be_v congregational_a and_o i_o will_v give_v over_o this_o contest_v but_o when_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v certain_a it_o be_v too_o late_o to_o inquire_v how_o it_o may_v be_v and_o on_o this_o occasion_n i_o shall_v add_v that_o if_o in_o that_o space_n of_o time_n namely_o before_o the_o end_n of_o the_o second_o century_n any_o proof_n or_o undoubted_a testimony_n can_v be_v produce_v of_o the_o imposition_n of_o the_o necessary_a use_n of_o liturgy_n or_o of_o state_v ceremony_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o church_n discipline_n consistent_a with_o that_o now_o in_o use_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n it_o will_v go_v a_o great_a way_n in_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o whole_a controversy_n between_o we_o 2._o the_o admirable_a prevalency_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o those_o day_n consist_v principal_o in_o its_o spread_a itself_o all_o the_o world_n over_o and_o plant_v seminary_n for_o far_a conversion_n in_o all_o nation_n it_o do_v indeed_o prevail_v more_o in_o some_o city_n and_o town_n then_o in_o other_o in_o some_o place_n many_o be_v convert_v in_o other_o the_o tender_a of_o it_o be_v utter_o reject_v how_o be_v it_o it_o prevail_v not_o unto_o the_o gather_n of_o such_o great_a number_n into_o any_o church_n sole_o as_o may_v destroy_v or_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o its_o congregational_a institution_n for_o not_o all_o not_o it_o may_v be_v half_a not_o sometime_o a_o three_o part_n of_o they_o who_o make_v some_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o attend_v unto_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n and_o many_o of_o who_o undergo_v martyrdom_n be_v admit_v as_o complete_a member_n of_o the_o church_n unto_o all_o the_o part_n of_o its_o communion_n hence_o there_o be_v many_o who_o upon_o a_o general_a account_n be_v esteem_v christian_n and_o that_o just_o where_o the_o church_n be_v but_o small_a 3._o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o in_o the_o next_o age_n after_o the_o apostle_n the_o church_n be_v any_o where_o so_o increase_v in_o number_n as_o to_o bear_v the_o least_o proportion_n with_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o city_n and_o town_n wherein_o they_o be_v the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n in_o the_o day_n of_o polyicarpus_n may_v just_o be_v esteem_v one_o of_o the_o great_a in_o those_o day_n both_o from_o the_o eminency_n of_o the_o place_n and_o person_n who_o be_v just_o account_v the_o great_a instructor_n of_o all_o asia_n as_o they_o call_v he_o when_o he_o be_v carry_v unto_o the_o stake_n but_o this_o church_n give_v such_o a_o account_n of_o itself_o in_o its_o epistle_n unto_o the_o church_n of_o pontus_n about_o the_o martyrdom_n of_o polycarpus_n as_o manifest_v the_o church_n there_o to_o have_v be_v a_o very_a small_a number_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o other_o inhabitant_n so_o as_o that_o it_o be_v scarce_o know_v who_o or_o what_o they_o be_v euseb._n lib._n 4._o cap._n 15._o so_o in_o the_o excellent_a epistle_n of_o the_o church_n of_o vienna_n and_o lion_n unto_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n and_o phrygia_n concern_v the_o persecution_n that_o befall_v they_o as_o they_o declare_v themselves_o to_o have_v be_v particular_a church_n only_o so_o they_o make_v it_o evident_a that_o they_o bear_v in_o number_n no_o proportion_n unto_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o place_n where_o they_o be_v who_o can_v scarce_o discover_v they_o by_o the_o most_o diligent_a search_n euseb._n lib._n 5._o cap_n 1._o 4._o as_o for_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o particular_a notwithstanding_o the_o great_a number_n of_o its_o original_n convert_v who_o probable_o be_v many_o of_o they_o stranger_n occasional_o present_a at_o the_o feast_n of_o pentecost_n and_o there_o instruct_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o they_o may_v in_o the_o several_a country_n whither_o they_o immediate_o return_v be_v instrument_n of_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o many_o year_n after_o it_o consist_v of_o no_o great_a multitude_n than_o can_v come_v together_o in_o one_o place_n to_o the_o mannagement_n of_o church_n affair_n act_n 15.20_o 21._o nor_o be_v it_o likely_a that_o pella_n a_o obscure_a place_n who_o name_n probable_o have_v never_o be_v know_v but_o on_o this_o occasion_n be_v like_a to_o receive_v any_o great_a multitude_n nor_o do_v epiphanius_n say_v as_o our_o author_n pretend_v that_o they_o spread_v themselves_o from_o thence_o to_o coelosyria_n and_o decapolis_n and_o basanitis_fw-la for_o he_o affirm_v express_o that_o all_o the_o disciple_n which_o go_v from_o jerusalem_n dwell_v at_o pella_n only_o he_o say_v that_o from_o thence_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o nazarenes_n take_v its_o original_n which_o spread_v itself_o afterward_o in_o coelosyria_n decapolis_n and_o basanitis_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d speak_v of_o that_o sect_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d they_o dwell_v all_o at_o pella_n sect._n 7._o p._n 239._o he_o quote_v another_o say_n of_o i_o namely_o that_o i_o can_v discern_v the_o least_o necessity_n of_o any_o positive_a rule_n or_o direction_n in_o this_o matter_n see_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o man_n do_v indispensible_o require_v it_o and_o hereon_o he_o attempt_v to_o make_v advantage_n in_o opposition_n unto_o another_o say_n as_o he_o suppose_v of_o i_o namely_o that_o the_o institution_n of_o church_n and_o the_o rule_n for_o their_o disposal_n and_o government_n throughout_o the_o world_n be_v the_o same_o state_v and_o unalterable_a from_o whence_o he_o make_v many_o inference_n to_o countenance_v he_o in_o his_o charge_n of_o schism_n but_o why_o shall_v we_o contend_v fruitless_o about_o these_o thing_n have_v he_o be_v please_v to_o read_v a_o little_a far_o on_o the_o same_o page_n he_o will_v have_v see_v that_o i_o affirm_v the_o institution_n itself_o to_o be_v a_o plain_a command_n which_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o duty_n require_v of_o man_n in_o church_n relation_n be_v sufficient_a to_o oblige_v they_o thereunto_o without_o any_o new_a revelation_n unto_o that_o purpose_n which_o render_v all_o his_o query_n exception_n and_o inference_n of_o no_o use_n for_o i_o do_v not_o speak_v in_o that_o place_n of_o the_o original_a institution_n of_o church_n who_o law_n and_o rule_n be_v universal_a and_o unalterable_a but_o our_o actual_a gather_n into_o particular_a church_n for_o which_o i_o say_v the_o necessity_n of_o duty_n be_v our_o warrant_n and_o the_o
of_o the_o first_o institution_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n for_o although_o the_o fact_n of_o victor_n be_v condemn_v by_o many_o yet_o the_o principle_n he_o proceed_v on_o be_v afterward_o espouse_v and_o put_v in_o practice_n our_o reverend_a author_n will_v hardly_o find_v a_o instance_n before_o this_o of_o schism_n among_o any_o church_n that_o retain_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n unless_o it_o be_v in_o those_o division_n which_o fall_v out_o in_o some_o particular_a church_n among_o the_o member_n of_o they_o and_o this_o we_o affirm_v to_o be_v in_o general_a the_o case_n of_o the_o nonconformist_n at_o this_o day_n for_o admit_v such_o variation_n as_o time_n and_o other_o circumstance_n must_v necessary_o infer_v and_o they_o be_v reject_v from_o communion_n on_o the_o same_o ground_n that_o victor_n proceed_v on_o in_o the_o excommunication_n of_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n neither_o will_v there_o be_v any_o end_n of_o difference_n whilst_o the_o same_o principle_n be_v retain_v before_o this_o schism_n be_v only_o esteem_v a_o defect_n in_o love_n and_o breach_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n appointment_n for_o the_o communion_n and_o walk_v together_o of_o believer_n in_o the_o same_o church_n but_o this_o notion_n of_o schism_n be_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o dr._n still_o pref._n p._n 46._o so_o mean_v so_o jejune_n so_o narrow_a a_o notion_n of_o it_o that_o i_o can_v say_v he_o but_o wonder_v that_o man_n of_o understanding_n shall_v be_v satisfy_v with_o it_o but_o in_o my_o judgement_n the_o author_n of_o it_o be_v a_o man_n of_o good_a understanding_n indeed_o i_o have_v hear_v he_o speak_v of_o as_o one_o of_o abstruse_a speculation_n that_o do_v not_o advantage_n christian_a religion_n and_o one_o have_v publish_v in_o print_n that_o he_o be_v one_o of_o the_o obscure_a writer_n that_o ever_o he_o read_v but_o never_o hear_v he_o before_o charge_v with_o mean_a and_o jejune_n notion_n now_o this_o be_v st_n paul_n who_o express_o charge_v schism_n on_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n because_o of_o the_o division_n that_o be_v among_o they_o namely_o the_o member_n of_o the_o same_o particular_a church_n so_o as_o they_o can_v not_o come_v together_o in_o one_o place_n in_o a_o due_a manner_n nor_o in_o all_o his_o write_n do_v he_o any_o where_o give_v we_o any_o other_o notion_n of_o schism_n but_o say_v he_o this_o be_v short_a of_o that_o care_n of_o the_o church_n peace_n which_o christ_n have_v make_v so_o great_a a_o duty_n of_o his_o follower_n but_o if_o thâ—re_v be_v no_o other_o rule_n no_o other_o duty_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o church_n peace_n but_o only_o that_o no_o separation_n be_v make_v from_o it_o which_o be_v call_v schism_n we_o may_v have_v be_v all_o quiet_a in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n let_v no_o man_n think_v to_o persuade_v we_o but_o that_o for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o church_n peace_n it_o be_v require_v of_o we_o that_o we_o do_v and_o observe_v all_o thing_n that_o christ_n require_v of_o we_o and_o that_o we_o enjoin_v not_o the_o observation_n of_o what_o he_o have_v not_o command_v on_o victor_n penalty_n of_o be_v exclude_v from_o communion_n that_o faith_n and_o love_n and_o holiness_n be_v keep_v and_o promote_v in_o the_o church_n by_o all_o the_o way_n of_o his_o appointment_n and_o when_o these_o thing_n be_v attend_v unto_o st._n paul_n mean_a and_o jejune_n notion_n of_o schism_n will_v be_v of_o good_a use_n also_o nor_o be_v there_o the_o least_o appearance_n of_o any_o other_o kind_n of_o schism_n among_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n until_o that_o which_o be_v occasion_v by_o victor_n of_o which_o we_o have_v speak_v the_o schism_n that_o follow_v afterward_o be_v six_o to_o one_o from_o the_o contention_n of_o bishop_n or_o those_o who_o have_v a_o ambition_n so_o to_o be_v which_o the_o apostle_n foresee_v as_o clemens_n witness_v and_o make_v provision_n against_o it_o but_o that_o no_o bank_n be_v strong_a enough_o to_o confine_v the_o overflow_a ambition_n of_o some_o sort_n of_o person_n but_o say_v the_o dr._n pref._n p._n 47._o the_o obligation_n to_o preserve_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n extend_v to_o all_o lawful_a constitution_n in_o order_n â—o_o it_o therefore_o to_o break_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n we_o live_v in_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o any_o lawful_a order_n and_o constitution_n make_v to_o preserve_v it_o be_v direct_o the_o sin_n of_o schism_n now_o schism_n he_o tell_v we_o be_v as_o great_a and_o dangerous_a a_o sin_n as_o murder_n p._n 45._o and_o we_o know_v that_o no_o murderer_n have_v eternal_a life_n abide_v in_o he_o 1_o joh._n 3_o 1â—_n so_o that_o all_o man_n here_o seem_v to_o be_v adjudge_v unto_o hell_n who_o comply_v not_o with_o who_o submit_v not_o unto_o our_o ecclesiastical_a constitution_n or_o canon_n god_n forbid_v that_o ever_o such_o doctrine_n shall_v be_v look_v on_o as_o to_o have_v the_o least_o affinity_n unto_o the_o gospel_n or_o such_o censure_n to_o have_v any_o savour_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n in_o they_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v not_o cast_v the_o eternal_a condition_n of_o those_o who_o he_o purchase_v with_o his_o own_o most_o precious_a blood_n into_o the_o arbitrary_a disposal_n of_o any_o that_o shall_v take_v upon_o they_o to_o make_v ecclesiastical_a constitution_n and_o order_n for_o conformity_n in_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n etc._n etc._n shall_v we_o think_v that_o he_o who_o upon_o the_o best_a use_n of_o mean_n for_o his_o instruction_n which_o he_o be_v capable_a of_o with_o fervent_a prayer_n to_o god_n for_o light_n and_o direction_n can_v comply_v with_o and_o submit_v unto_o some_o ecclesiastical_a constitution_n and_o order_n however_o pretend_v to_o be_v make_v foâ—_n the_o preservation_n of_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n on_o this_o ground_n principal_o because_o they_o be_v not_o of_o the_o appointment_n nor_o have_v the_o approbation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n though_o he_o shall_v mistake_v herein_o and_o miss_v of_o his_o duty_n be_v guilty_a of_o no_o less_o sin_n than_o that_o of_o murder_n suppose_v of_o cain_n in_o kill_v his_o brother_n for_o all_o murder_n be_v from_o hatred_n and_o malice_n this_o be_v that_o which_o inflame_v the_o difference_n among_o we_o for_o it_o be_v a_o scandal_n of_o the_o high_a nature_n when_o man_n do_v see_v that_o person_n who_o in_o any_o thing_n dissent_v from_o our_o ecclesiastical_a constitution_n though_o otherwise_o sober_a honest_a pious_a and_o peaceable_a be_v look_v on_o as_o bad_a if_o not_o worse_o than_o theives_n and_o murderer_n and_o be_v deal_v withal_o according_o nor_o can_v any_o thing_n be_v more_o effectual_a to_o harden_v other_o in_o their_o immorality_n than_o to_o find_v themselves_o approve_v by_o the_o guide_n of_o the_o church_n in_o comparison_n with_o such_o dissenter_n but_o 2._o who_o be_v it_o that_o shall_v make_v these_o order_n and_o constitution_n that_o must_v be_v observe_v for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o unity_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n it_o can_v be_v none_o but_o those_o who_o have_v power_n so_o to_o do_v by_o be_v uppermost_a in_o any_o place_n or_o time_n who_o shall_v judge_v they_o to_o be_v lawful_a no_o doubt_v they_o that_o make_v they_o and_o what_o shall_v these_o constitution_n be_v about_o what_o shall_v they_o extend_v unto_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n so_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n of_o it_o in_o the_o scripture_n one_o way_n or_o other_o what_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v now_o dissent_v from_o these_o constitution_n and_o not_o submit_v unto_o they_o why_o than_o he_o be_v guilty_a of_o schism_n as_o great_a and_o dangerous_a a_o sin_n as_o that_o of_o murder_n but_o when_o all_o be_v do_v what_o if_o these_o constitution_n and_o order_n shall_v be_v no_o way_n needful_a or_o useful_a unto_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n what_o if_o a_o supposition_n that_o they_o be_v so_o reflect_v dishonour_n on_o the_o wisdom_n and_o love_n of_o christ_n what_o if_o they_o be_v unlawful_a and_o unwarrantable_a the_o lord_n christ_n not_o have_v give_v power_n and_o authority_n unto_o any_o sort_n of_o man_n to_o make_v any_o such_o constitution_n what_o if_o they_o be_v the_o great_a way_n and_o mean_n of_o break_v the_o unity_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n these_o and_o other_o inquiry_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n must_v be_v clear_o resolve_v not_o by_o the_o dictate_v of_o man_n own_o mind_n and_o spirit_n but_o from_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n before_o this_o intimation_n can_v be_v comply_v withal_o but_o that_o which_o be_v fall_v out_o most_o beyond_o expectation_n in_o this_o whole_a discourse_n be_v that_o the_o reverend_a author_n seek_v by_o all_o