as_o you_o assert_v that_o pope_n victor_n in_o a_o council_n excommunicate_v the_o poor_a asian_o what_o he_o do_v be_v only_o his_o own_o act_n which_o be_v displease_v to_o other_o bishop_n and_o which_o he_o be_v force_v to_o undo_v so_o that_o here_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o heat_n and_o warmth_n and_o tendency_n towards_o a_o schism_n but_o no_o schism_n follow_v upon_o it_o among_o the_o catholic_n church_n but_o suppose_v pope_n victor_n have_v excommunicate_v the_o asian_a church_n and_o this_o excommunication_n have_v take_v effect_n this_o can_v not_o make_v the_o asian_a church_n schismatic_n for_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o difference_n between_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o a_o church_n and_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o a_o church_n the_o first_o be_v matter_n of_o censure_n the_o second_o be_v our_o own_o choice_n the_o first_o be_v a_o ecclesiastical_a punishment_n the_o second_o when_o it_o be_v causeless_a be_v schism_n so_o that_o have_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n excommunicate_v the_o asian_a church_n unless_o the_o asian_a church_n upon_o this_o have_v make_v a_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n this_o excommunication_n can_v not_o make_v they_o schismatic_n and_o therefore_o any_o one_o may_v safe_o communicate_v with_o they_o without_o partake_v in_o a_o schism_n nor_o be_v it_o a_o just_a reason_n for_o the_o asian_a church_n to_o have_v renounce_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n though_o they_o have_v be_v excommunicate_v by_o victor_n for_o this_o have_v be_v to_o do_v as_o ill_o a_o thing_n as_o victor_n have_v do_v for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o because_o pope_n victor_n have_v set_v they_o a_o example_n and_o therefore_o we_o find_v saint_n cyprian_n of_o another_o temper_n when_o he_o and_o the_o african_a bishop_n be_v threaten_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n by_o pope_n stephen_n upon_o occasion_n of_o that_o warm_a dispute_n about_o rebaptise_v heretic_n at_o that_o very_a time_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o jubaianus_n he_o declare_v his_o resolution_n not_o to_o break_v communion_n with_o any_o church_n or_o bishop_n upon_o that_o account_n and_o therefore_o not_o with_o pope_n stephen_n himself_o notwithstanding_o his_o rash_a and_o furious_a censure_n and_o conclude_v that_o patience_n and_o forbearance_n be_v the_o best_a remedy_n in_o such_o case_n and_o therefore_o upon_o this_o occasion_n he_o say_v he_o write_v his_o book_n de_fw-fr bono_fw-mi patientiae_fw-la well_o but_o if_o the_o asiatic_a church_n be_v not_o schismatic_n yet_o pope_n victor_n have_v be_v a_o schismatic_a have_v he_o excommunicate_v the_o church_n of_o asia_n or_o withdraw_v communion_n from_o they_o and_o this_o have_v make_v the_o case_n of_o the_o roman_a christian_n very_a hard_a for_o they_o must_v either_o have_v suspend_v communion_n with_o both_o these_o divide_a church_n and_o live_v without_o the_o comfort_n and_o advantage_n of_o christian_a communion_n or_o they_o must_v have_v reject_v the_o communion_n of_o their_o own_o bishop_n and_o church_n or_o have_v reject_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n or_o have_v maintain_v communion_n with_o they_o both_o that_o be_v with_o two_o separate_a church_n which_o according_a to_o my_o principle_n be_v to_o communicate_v in_o a_o schism_n if_o they_o communicate_v with_o their_o own_o schismatical_a bishop_n this_o be_v to_o communicate_v in_o a_o schism_n by_o communicate_v with_o a_o schismatic_a if_o they_o renounce_v his_o communion_n when_o he_o impose_v no_o new_a unlawful_a term_n of_o communion_n upon_o they_o this_o be_v to_o separate_a from_o a_o sound_n and_o orthodox_n church_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o a_o schismatical_a bishop_n if_o they_o communicate_v with_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n this_o be_v to_o break_v communion_n with_o their_o own_o bishop_n who_o have_v excommunicate_v they_o if_o they_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o because_o they_o be_v unjust_o excommunicate_v this_o be_v to_o separate_a for_o a_o unjust_a cause_n which_o be_v a_o schism_n if_o they_o communicate_v with_o both_o they_o communicate_v with_o two_o separate_a church_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v schismatic_n on_o one_o side_n or_o other_o if_o you_o can_v find_v any_o more_o difficulty_n in_o this_o matter_n you_o may_v and_o yet_o after_o all_o this_o i_o do_v believe_v the_o christian_n of_o rome_n may_v have_v communicate_v both_o with_o the_o roman_a and_o asian_a church_n without_o schism_n and_o this_o i_o believe_v upon_o these_o principle_n which_o i_o shall_v brief_o explain_v and_o confirm_v 1._o that_o the_o personal_a miscarriage_n of_o the_o bishop_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n can_v involve_v his_o whole_a church_n in_o the_o guilt_n of_o schism_n though_o it_o may_v make_v he_o a_o schismatic_a and_o certain_o since_o bishop_n be_v but_o man_n and_o subject_a to_o the_o like_a passion_n and_o infirmity_n that_o other_o man_n be_v it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a hard_a case_n if_o his_o personal_a schism_n shall_v be_v impute_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n though_o the_o bishop_n have_v the_o chief_a authority_n in_o the_o church_n yet_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o say_v that_o every_o abuse_n of_o his_o authority_n be_v the_o act_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o therefore_o the_o church_n may_v not_o be_v schismatical_a when_o the_o bishop_n be_v and_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o communicate_v with_o a_o church_n who_o bishop_n be_v a_o schismatic_a without_o communicate_v in_o the_o schism_n and_o therefore_o though_o victor_n have_v schismatical_o excommunicate_v the_o asian_a church_n the_o christian_n of_o rome_n at_o that_o time_n may_v have_v communicate_v with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n without_o partake_v in_o victor_n schism_n for_o though_o a_o particular_a church-society_n consist_v in_o that_o relation_n which_o be_v between_o the_o bishop_n and_o his_o clergy_n and_o people_n yet_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o the_o bishop_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o authority_n may_v violate_v the_o fundamental_a law_n of_o communion_n on_o which_o the_o christian_n of_o such_o a_o church_n unite_v into_o one_o body_n and_o society_n and_o when_o he_o do_v so_o it_o be_v a_o abuse_n of_o his_o episcopal_a authority_n it_o be_v his_o personal_a fault_n which_o can_v affect_v the_o whole_a church_n the_o case_n be_v very_o plain_a where_o there_o be_v a_o establish_v constitution_n in_o a_o church_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o oblige_v the_o bishop_n as_o well_o as_o people_n for_o shall_v any_o english_a bishop_n require_v any_o thing_n of_o his_o clergy_n or_o people_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o establish_v law_n and_o canon_n of_o the_o church_n or_o shall_v exercise_v any_o authority_n in_o censure_n and_o excommunication_n which_o be_v not_o allow_v he_o by_o those_o canon_n this_o can_v in_o no_o sense_n be_v call_v the_o act_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o be_v any_o one_o bind_v to_o obey_v he_o in_o it_o and_o though_o such_o a_o bishop_n shall_v do_v any_o schismatical_a act_n the_o church_n be_v not_o schismatical_a because_o he_o do_v not_o pursue_v the_o law_n of_o the_o church_n in_o what_o he_o do_v but_o gratify_v his_o own_o humour_n and_o passion_n if_o the_o church_n indeed_o unite_v upon_o schismatical_a principle_n as_o the_o novatian_o and_o donatist_n do_v whatever_o the_o bishop_n do_v in_o pursuance_n of_o such_o principle_n be_v the_o act_n of_o the_o church_n and_o if_o the_o bishop_n be_v schismatic_n the_o church_n be_v so_o too_o but_o when_o there_o be_v nothing_o schismatical_a in_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n the_o personal_a schism_n of_o bishop_n can_v make_v their_o church_n schismatical_a and_o though_o the_o primitive_a church_n before_o the_o empire_n turn_v christian_n have_v not_o such_o a_o firm_a and_o legal_a constitution_n as_o the_o church_n of_o england_n now_o have_v yet_o a_o constitution_n they_o have_v which_o consist_v either_o of_o apostolical_a rule_n hand_v down_o by_o tradition_n and_o confirm_v by_o long_a custom_n and_o usage_n or_o the_o canon_n of_o particular_a council_n which_o in_o ordinary_a case_n make_v stand_v law_n of_o discipline_n and_o government_n and_o in_o extraordinary_a case_n provide_v for_o new_a emergent_a difficulty_n and_o antecedent_o to_o all_o these_o positive_a constitution_n they_o be_v all_o under_o the_o obligation_n of_o that_o great_a law_n of_o catholic_n communion_n so_o that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n since_o the_o apostle_n day_n be_v never_o so_o entire_o in_o the_o bishop_n breast_n that_o what_o he_o do_v shall_v be_v think_v the_o act_n of_o the_o church_n any_o far_a than_o as_o he_o comply_v with_o those_o law_n by_o which_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v govern_v and_o therefore_o there_o be_v reason_n in_o those_o day_n to_o distinguish_v between_o
as_o be_v above_o describe_v ans._n neither_o atheist_n nor_o schismatic_n be_v member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n but_o this_o be_v a_o vile_a insinuation_n against_o the_o governor_n and_o government_n of_o our_o church_n as_o if_o profess_a atheist_n be_v admit_v to_o communion_n though_o possible_o there_o may_v be_v some_o atheist_n yet_o i_o never_o meet_v yet_o with_o one_o who_o will_v profess_v himself_o a_o atheist_n if_o i_o shall_v i_o assure_v you_o i_o will_v not_o admit_v he_o to_o communion_n and_o i_o hope_v there_o be_v no_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n will_v and_o i_o be_o sure_a no_o man_n who_o have_v any_o kindness_n for_o the_o church_n with_o which_o he_o pretend_v to_o hold_v communion_n will_v ask_v such_o a_o question_n 7._o query_n whether_o as_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o body_n of_o man_n incorporate_v by_o one_o charter_n shall_v upon_o supposition_n of_o a_o possibility_n of_o the_o forfeiture_n of_o the_o charter_n to_o the_o whole_a body_n by_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o any_o of_o the_o officer_n do_v it_o likewise_o follow_v that_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o any_o of_o the_o officer_n or_o the_o church_n representative_a as_o i_o remember_v bishop_n sanderson_n call_v the_o clergy_n may_v forfeit_v the_o privilege_n give_v by_o christ_n to_o his_o church_n or_o at_o least_o may_v suspend_v they_o as_o suppose_v a_o protestant_a clergy_n take_v their_o power_n to_o be_v as_o large_a as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n claim_v shall_v deny_v the_o laity_n the_o sacrament_n as_o the_o popish_a do_v in_o venice_n and_o here_o in_o king_n john_n time_n during_o the_o interdict_v quid_fw-la inde_fw-la operatur_fw-la ans._n just_o as_o much_o as_o this_o query_n do_v the_o reason_n of_o which_o i_o can_v easy_o guess_v i_o assert_v indeed_o that_o as_o there_o be_v but_o one_o covenant_n on_o which_o the_o church_n be_v found_v so_o there_o can_v be_v but_o one_o church_n to_o which_o this_o covenant_n belong_v and_o therefore_o those_o who_o divide_v and_o separate_v themselves_o from_o this_o one_o body_n of_o christ_n etc._n forfeit_v their_o right_n to_o this_o covenant_n which_o be_v make_v only_o with_o the_o one_o body_n of_o christ_n which_o i_o illustrate_v by_o the_o instance_n of_o a_o charter_n grant_v to_o a_o particular_a corporation_n which_o no_o man_n have_v any_o interest_n in_o who_o divide_v himself_o from_o that_o corporation_n to_o which_o this_o charter_n be_v grant_v but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o forfeit_v a_o charter_n by_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o officer_n i_o doubt_v sir_n your_o head_n have_v be_v warm_v with_o quo_n warranto_n which_o so_o affect_v your_o fancy_n that_o you_o can_v dream_v of_o nothing_o else_o i_o be_v almost_o afraid_a when_o your_o hand_n be_v in_o i_o shall_v never_o have_v see_v a_o end_n of_o these_o question_n and_o i_o know_v no_o more_o reason_n why_o you_o so_o soon_o leave_v off_o ask_v question_n than_o why_o you_o ask_v any_o at_o all_o for_o i_o will_v undertake_v to_o ask_v five_o hundred_o more_o as_o pertinent_a to_o the_o business_n as_o most_o of_o these_o you_o have_v not_o indeed_o do_v yet_o but_o have_v a_o reserve_v of_o particular_a query_n but_o general_a query_n be_v the_o most_o formidable_a thing_n because_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o find_v what_o they_o relate_v to_o than_o how_o to_o answer_v they_o you_o have_v three_o set_n of_o query_n relate_v to_o three_o several_a proposition_n beside_o a_o part_a blow_n of_o four_o query_n relate_v to_o my_o text._n the_o first_o proposition_n you_o be_v please_v to_o question_v i_o about_o be_v this_o that_o our_o saviour_n make_v the_o apostle_n and_o their_o successor_n governor_n of_o his_o church_n with_o promise_n to_o be_v with_o they_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n which_o i_o allege_v to_o prove_v that_o when_o the_o church_n be_v call_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n it_o do_v not_o signify_v a_o confuse_a multitude_n of_o christian_n but_o a_o regular_a society_n under_o order_n and_o government_n now_o sir_n be_v this_o true_a or_o false_a if_o it_o be_v false_a than_o the_o church_n be_v not_o a_o govern_a society_n be_v not_o a_o body_n but_o a_o confuse_a heap_n and_o multitude_n of_o independent_a individual_n which_o be_v somewhat_o worse_o than_o independent_a church_n if_o it_o be_v true_a why_o do_v you_o ask_v all_o these_o question_n unless_o you_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o confute_v our_o saviour_n and_o burlesque_fw-la his_o institution_n but_o since_o i_o be_o condemn_v to_o answer_v question_n i_o will_v brief_o consider_v they_o 1._o whether_o our_o saviour_n promise_n of_o divine_a assistance_n do_v not_o extend_v to_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n consider_v every_o man_n in_o his_o respective_a station_n and_o capacity_n as_o well_o as_o the_o apostle_n as_o church-governor_n for_o which_o you_o may_v compare_v st._n john_n with_o st._n matthew_n ans._n no_o doubt_v but_o there_o be_v promise_n which_o relate_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o promise_n which_o belong_v to_o particular_a christian_n as_o well_o as_o promise_n which_o relate_v peculiar_o to_o the_o apostle_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o ministerial_a office_n and_o authority_n but_o what_o then_o christ_n be_v with_o his_o church_n with_o his_o minister_n with_o particular_a christian_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n but_o in_o a_o different_a manner_n and_o to_o different_a purpose_n and_o yet_o that_o promise_n there_o be_v peculiar_o make_v to_o the_o apostle_n include_v their_o successor_n also_o for_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o be_v not_o to_o continue_v here_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n but_o a_o apostolical_a ministry_n be_v 2._o therefore_o query_n whether_o it_o signify_v any_o thing_n to_o say_v there_o be_v no_o promise_n to_o particular_a church_n provide_v there_o be_v to_o particular_a person_n such_o as_o be_v in_o charity_n with_o all_o man_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o communicate_v with_o any_o church_n which_o require_v no_o more_o of_o they_o than_o what_o they_o conceive_v to_o be_v their_o duty_n according_a to_o the_o divine_a covenant_n ans._n it_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v a_o hard_a query_n what_o this_o query_n mean_n or_o how_o it_o concern_v that_o authority_n which_o our_o saviour_n have_v give_v to_o his_o apostle_n for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n to_o which_o this_o query_n relate_v i_o assert_v indeed_o that_o christ_n have_v make_v no_o covenant_n with_o any_o particular_a but_o only_o with_o the_o universal_a church_n which_o include_v particular_n as_o member_n of_o it_o nor_o have_v he_o make_v any_o promise_n to_o particular_a person_n but_o as_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o communion_n with_o it_o when_o it_o may_v be_v have_v upon_o lawful_a term_n whoever_o break_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n without_o necessary_a reason_n though_o he_o may_v in_o other_o thing_n be_v a_o very_a good_a nature_a man_n yet_o he_o have_v not_o true_a christian_a charity_n which_o unite_v all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n in_o one_o communion_n and_o though_o the_o church_n may_v prescribe_v rule_n of_o worship_n which_o be_v not_o express_v in_o the_o divine_a covenant_n this_o will_v not_o justify_v a_o separation_n if_o she_o command_v nothing_o which_o be_v forbid_v for_o the_o very_a authority_n christ_n have_v commit_v to_o his_o minister_n require_v our_o obedience_n to_o they_o in_o thing_n lawful_a and_o if_o man_n will_v adhere_v to_o their_o own_o private_a fancy_n in_o opposition_n to_o church-authority_n they_o be_v guilty_a of_o schism_n and_o have_v best_a consider_v whether_o such_o pride_n and_o opinionativeness_n will_v be_v allow_v for_o excuse_v 3._o whether_o if_o the_o promise_v you_o mention_v be_v confine_v to_o the_o apostle_n as_o church-governor_n it_o will_v not_o exclude_v the_o civil_a power_n ans._n there_o be_v peculiar_a promise_n make_v to_o church-governor_n and_o to_o civil_a magistrate_n their_o authority_n and_o power_n be_v very_o distinct_a but_o very_o consistent_a 4._o what_o be_v the_o extent_n of_o the_o promise_n whether_o it_o be_v to_o secure_v the_o whole_a church_n that_o its_o governor_n shall_v never_o impose_v unlawful_a term_n of_o communion_n or_o that_o there_o never_o be_v a_o defection_n of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n but_o that_o there_o shall_v always_o be_v some_o true_a member_n ans._n the_o promise_n be_v that_o christ_n will_v be_v with_o be_v they_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o ministry_n and_o exercise_n of_o their_o power_n and_o this_o be_v all_o i_o know_v of_o the_o matter_n our_o saviour_n give_v they_o authority_n to_o govern_v the_o church_n and_o this_o be_v to_o last_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n as_o long_o as_o there_o be_v any_o
paragraph_v by_o paragraph_n as_o i_o have_v do_v your_o first_o letter_n there_o be_v little_a new_a in_o this_o but_o only_o a_o repetition_n of_o your_o old_a query_n and_o though_o you_o know_v repetition_n be_v very_o convenient_a to_o lengthen_v a_o sermon_n there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o such_o art_n to_o lengthen_v this_o answer_n which_o be_v too_o long_o already_o your_o first_o charge_n upon_o i_o be_v that_o i_o only_o amuse_v people_n with_o equivocal_a word_n and_o term_n 16._o that_o i_o play_v with_o the_o word_n church_n and_o schism_n which_o have_v be_v no_o fault_n have_v i_o play_v the_o right_a way_n with_o they_o that_o be_v have_v i_o ridicule_v they_o as_o you_o do_v who_o think_v they_o word_n only_o fit_a to_o be_v play_v with_o who_o have_v find_v out_o a_o church_n without_o any_o government_n which_o be_v 12._o only_o a_o intrigue_n between_o clergyman_n on_o all_o side_n who_o will_v not_o allow_v causeless_a separation_n from_o a_o sound_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n to_o be_v schism_n 17._o but_o place_n schism_n whole_o in_o want_n of_o charity_n and_o make_v it_o nothing_o else_o but_o some_o division_n and_o contention_n between_o the_o member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n who_o still_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o one_o another_o a_o true_a independent_a notion_n to_o justify_v causeless_a separation_n division_n in_o the_o church_n be_v certain_o very_o sinful_a and_o a_o degree_n of_o schism_n as_o unnatural_a as_o if_o the_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n shall_v fight_v with_o each_o other_o while_o they_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o same_o body_n but_o to_o divide_v from_o the_o same_o body_n be_v the_o perfection_n of_o schism_n unless_o a_o quarrel_n be_v a_o rent_n and_o schism_n but_o separation_n be_v none_o you_o desire_v i_o to_o define_v what_o i_o mean_v by_o a_o church_n when_o consider_v as_o catholic_n and_o universal_a and_o when_o take_v in_o a_o more_o restrain_a sense_n but_o this_o i_o think_v i_o have_v do_v already_o if_o you_o have_v eye_n to_o see_v it_o and_o you_o may_v find_v it_o do_v more_o large_o in_o the_o defence_n of_o dr._n still_o but_o will_v not_o any_o man_n who_o have_v ever_o see_v this_o discourse_n which_o you_o undertake_v to_o confute_v wonder_v to_o hear_v you_o ask_v i_o 18._o whether_o a_o man_n have_v a_o right_a to_o be_v of_o a_o particular_a church_n as_o he_o be_v a_o christian_n when_o the_o whole_a design_n of_o that_o tract_n be_v to_o prove_v that_o every_o christian_n by_o be_v so_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o have_v a_o right_a to_o communicate_v with_o all_o sound_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o bind_v to_o communicate_v with_o that_o part_n of_o it_o in_o which_o he_o live_v in_o the_o next_o place_n you_o attempt_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o influence_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v not_o confine_v to_o the_o visible_a 19_o but_o invisible_a church_n but_o not_o to_o examine_v your_o proof_n of_o it_o which_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n you_o may_v consider_v that_o the_o visible_a and_o invisible_a church_n on_o earth_n be_v not_o two_o but_o one_o church_n not_o that_o every_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v a_o member_n also_o of_o the_o invisible_a that_o be_v every_o profess_a christian_a be_v not_o a_o true_a believer_n but_o whoever_o be_v not_o a_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o do_v not_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o it_o when_o it_o may_v be_v have_v be_v not_o that_o we_o know_v of_o a_o member_n of_o the_o invisible_a church_n we_o have_v no_o way_n to_o prove_v that_o any_o man_n be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o invisible_a who_o be_v not_o a_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o what_o we_o do_v not_o and_o can_v know_v do_v not_o concern_v we_o secret_a thing_n belong_v to_o god_n and_o with_o he_o it_o become_v we_o to_o leave_v they_o but_o this_o also_o you_o may_v find_v more_o large_o discourse_v in_o the_o vindication_n of_o the_o defence_n you_o urge_v the_o case_n of_o pope_n victor_n who_o as_o you_o say_v in_o a_o council_n or_o full_a representative_a of_o that_o church_n 21._o excommunicate_v the_o poor_a asian_o upon_o the_o paschal_n controversy_n and_o that_o each_o church_n be_v far_o enough_o from_o own_v each_o other_o member_n for_o their_o own_o what_o shall_v the_o poor_a lay-christians_a do_v in_o this_o divide_a state_n can_v they_o not_o communicate_v with_o both_o or_o either_o without_o danger_n of_o schism_n themselves_o ans._n it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n to_o put_v hard_a case_n almost_o about_o any_o thing_n and_o if_o a_o particular_a hard_a case_n which_o either_o may_v possible_o happen_v or_o have_v sometime_o happen_v be_v sufficient_a to_o overthrow_v a_o stand_n and_o general_a rule_n and_o to_o confute_v the_o most_o plain_a and_o convince_a evidence_n for_o it_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o religion_n can_v be_v firm_a and_o stable_a in_o the_o very_a same_o manner_n man_n dispute_v against_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n and_o a_o providence_n against_o the_o necessity_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n against_o the_o apostolical_a power_n and_o ministry_n and_o all_o church-government_n against_o the_o necessity_n of_o believe_v many_o fundamental_a article_n of_o our_o faith_n because_o many_o otherwise_o very_o good_a man_n from_o the_o power_n and_o prejudice_n of_o education_n or_o through_o weakness_n of_o understanding_n may_v be_v guilty_a of_o some_o damnable_a heresy_n but_o must_v there_o be_v no_o stand_a law_n or_o rule_n because_o there_o may_v happen_v some_o hard_a and_o difficult_a case_n do_v not_o humane_a power_n make_v provision_n against_o such_o case_n by_o court_n of_o chancery_n or_o the_o prerogative_n of_o the_o prince_n and_o yet_o maintain_v the_o authority_n and_o sacredness_n of_o law_n and_o will_v we_o not_o allow_v god_n himself_o a_o power_n of_o dispense_v with_o law_n in_o hard_a case_n without_o destroy_v the_o authority_n of_o his_o law_n be_v not_o church-communion_n a_o necessary_a duty_n because_o it_o may_v so_o happen_v that_o sometime_o i_o can_v communicate_v with_o any_o church_n be_v not_o schism_n a_o very_a grievous_a and_o damn_v sin_n because_o it_o may_v happen_v that_o man_n may_v be_v unavoidable_o innocent_o and_o without_o a_o schismatical_a mind_n engage_v in_o a_o schism_n i_o have_v evident_o prove_v the_o necessity_n of_o church-unity_n and_o communion_n and_o the_o evil_a and_o danger_n of_o schism_n and_o if_o you_o can_v answer_v the_o scripture-evidence_n produce_v in_o this_o cause_n i_o will_v careful_o consider_v it_o but_o it_o be_v no_o confutation_n of_o a_o plain_a law_n to_o urge_v hard_a case_n against_o it_o which_o will_v overthrow_v all_o law_n that_o ever_o be_v make_v if_o you_o imagine_v or_o can_v produce_v any_o real_a case_n wherein_o it_o be_v almost_o impossible_a for_o the_o person_n concern_v to_o know_v that_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o schism_n or_o to_o discover_v on_o which_o side_n the_o schism_n lie_v or_o to_o avoid_v it_o without_o renounce_v all_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n which_o course_n soever_o they_o take_v i_o leave_v all_o such_o case_n to_o god_n who_o know_v when_o it_o be_v fit_a to_o dispense_v with_o his_o own_o law_n and_o will_v take_v care_n of_o my_o own_o duty_n according_a to_o scripture-rule_n and_o not_o hope_v to_o justify_v the_o ordinary_a breach_n of_o know_a law_n by_o some_o extraordinary_a case_n and_o yet_o the_o case_n which_o you_o propose_v be_v not_o so_o unanswerable_a a_o difficulty_n as_o you_o imagine_v several_a council_n in_o palestine_n 23._o in_o rome_n in_o pontus_n and_o other_o place_n determine_v the_o celebration_n of_o easter_n on_o the_o day_n of_o the_o resurrection_n not_o on_o the_o fourteen_o day_n of_o the_o month_n which_o be_v the_o jewish_a passover_n which_o dispute_v you_o call_v a_o mistake_n in_o arithmetic_n but_o for_o what_o reason_n i_o know_v not_o the_o bishop_n of_o asia_n at_o the_o same_o time_n decree_v the_o observation_n of_o easter_n on_o the_o fourteen_o day_n whatever_o day_n of_o the_o week_n it_o fall_v on_o according_a to_o the_o ancient_a observation_n of_o the_o asian_a church_n pope_n victor_n upon_o this_o writes_z to_z several_z bishop_n very_o bitter_o against_o they_o and_o be_v very_o desirous_a to_o have_v they_o excommunicate_v 24._o and_o do_v as_o much_o as_o in_o he_o lay_v denounce_v the_o sentence_n against_o they_o but_o this_o be_v ill_o resent_v by_o other_o bishop_n in_o communion_n with_o he_o and_o particular_o ireneus_fw-la write_v a_o letter_n to_o he_o about_o it_o and_o earnest_o dissuade_v he_o from_o it_o and_o do_v prevent_v it_o from_o take_v effect_n if_o we_o will_v believe_v eusebius_n so_o far_o be_v it_o from_o be_v true_a
the_o act_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o the_o act_n of_o the_o church_n as_o to_o show_v you_o this_o particular_o in_o the_o case_n before_o we_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n from_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n have_v observe_v easter_n on_o the_o day_n of_o the_o resurrection_n which_o be_v the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n or_o the_o lord_n day_n the_o asian_a church_n on_o the_o 14_o day_n of_o the_o month_n and_o therefore_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o that_o church_n may_v require_v all_o the_o member_n of_o his_o church_n to_o observe_v easter_n according_a to_o the_o usage_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o may_v regular_o inflict_v church-censure_n upon_o the_o obstinate_a and_o refractory_a and_o this_o will_v be_v account_v the_o act_n of_o the_o church_n because_o it_o be_v in_o pursuance_n of_o the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o it_o but_o there_o be_v no_o canon_n nor_o custom_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o deny_v communion_n to_o foreign_a church_n who_o observe_v their_o own_o custom_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o will_v not_o conform_v to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n nay_o there_o be_v the_o practice_n and_o example_n of_o former_a time_n against_o it_o for_o anicetus_n bishop_n of_o rome_n receive_v polycarp_n a_o asian_a bishop_n to_o communion_n though_o they_o can_v not_o agree_v about_o this_o matter_n and_o therefore_o when_o victor_n schismatical_o excommunicate_v the_o asian_a church_n for_o this_o different_a observation_n of_o easter_n it_o be_v his_o personal_a act_n not_o the_o act_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o have_v no_o such_o law_n and_o own_v no_o such_o custom_n and_o therefore_o though_o this_o may_v make_v pope_n victor_n a_o schismatic_a it_o can_v not_o make_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n schismatical_a the_o guilt_n go_v no_o far_a than_o victor_n person_n unless_o other_o person_n voluntary_o make_v themselves_o guilty_a by_o abet_v and_o espouse_v the_o quarrel_n so_o that_o have_v victor_n persist_v in_o his_o excommunication_n of_o the_o asiatic_a church_n none_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o schism_n but_o himself_o and_o such_o as_o approve_v and_o consent_v to_o it_o but_o the_o body_n of_o the_o clergy_n and_o people_n who_o have_v not_o consent_v unto_o it_o have_v be_v innocent_a and_o therefore_o any_o catholic_n peaceable_a christian_n who_o live_v in_o rome_n in_o those_o day_n may_v have_v communicate_v with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n without_o schism_n the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o quarrel_n and_o controversy_n of_o particular_a bishop_n which_o have_v sometime_o end_v in_o formal_a schism_n and_o denounce_v excommunication_n against_o each_o other_o which_o can_v make_v their_o church_n schismatical_a any_o further_a than_o they_o take_v part_n with_o their_o respective_a bishop_n for_o this_o be_v rather_o a_o personal_a schism_n and_o separation_n than_o a_o church_n schism_n neither_o of_o they_o separate_a from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o such_o a_o church_n though_o they_o separate_a from_o each_o other_o communion_n upon_o some_o personal_a quarrel_n this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o st._n chrysostom_n and_o epiphanius_n and_o some_o other_o bishop_n in_o those_o day_n which_o be_v catholic_n bishop_n and_o maintain_v communion_n with_o the_o catholic_n church_n but_o yet_o separate_v from_o each_o other_o which_o be_v a_o very_a great_a fault_n as_o all_o contention_n and_o division_n in_o the_o church_n be_v but_o have_v not_o the_o evil_a and_o destructive_a nature_n of_o a_o church_n schism_n but_o you_o will_v say_v can_v we_o communicate_v with_o a_o church_n without_o communicate_v with_o its_o bishop_n or_o can_v we_o communicate_v with_o a_o schismatical_a bishop_n without_o communicate_v in_o his_o schism_n i_o answer_v yes_o we_o may_v communicate_v with_o a_o schismatical_a bishop_n without_o communicate_v in_o his_o schism_n when_o schism_n be_v his_o personal_a fault_n our_o communion_n with_o he_o make_v we_o no_o more_o guilty_a of_o it_o than_o of_o any_o other_o personal_a fault_n our_o bishop_n be_v guilty_a of_o while_o we_o take_v care_n to_o communicate_v with_o he_o in_o no_o schismatical_a act_n no_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o personal_a fault_n of_o his_o bishop_n so_o that_o the_o roman_a christian_n may_v communicate_v with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n without_o schism_n notwithstanding_o pope_n victor_n schismatical_a excommunication_n of_o the_o asian_a church_n and_o now_o the_o only_a difficulty_n that_o remain_v be_v whether_o the_o christian_n of_o rome_n may_v have_v communicate_v with_o the_o asiatic_a church_n notwithstanding_o victor_n have_v excommunicate_v they_o for_o if_o they_o can_v not_o than_o they_o must_v inevitable_o partake_v in_o victor_n schism_n if_o his_o sentence_n oblige_v they_o to_o deny_v communion_n to_o the_o asian_a church_n and_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o we_o may_v consider_v 2._o that_o those_o who_o condemn_v the_o excommunication_n of_o the_o asian_a church_n do_v in_o so_o do_v own_o their_o communion_n which_o be_v one_o way_n and_o the_o principal_a way_n of_o maintain_v communion_n between_o church_n at_o a_o distance_n who_o can_v actual_o communicate_v with_o each_o other_o 3._o that_o victor_n be_v the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n who_o have_v the_o supreme_a authority_n of_o receive_v in_o or_o shut_v out_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o that_o church_n if_o any_o person_n of_o the_o asian_a communion_n have_v come_v to_o rome_n private_a christian_n can_v not_o receive_v they_o into_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n without_o the_o bishop_n authority_n and_o therefore_o can_v not_o actual_o communicate_v with_o they_o in_o the_o public_a office_n of_o religion_n though_o they_o own_v their_o communion_n but_o this_o be_v no_o more_o their_o fault_n than_o the_o excommunication_n of_o the_o asian_a church_n be_v they_o communicate_v with_o their_o own_o church_n and_o will_v be_v very_o glad_a that_o the_o asian_o that_o be_v among_o they_o may_v be_v receive_v into_o communion_n but_o they_o have_v no_o authority_n to_o do_v it_o and_o therefore_o the_o fault_n be_v not_o they_o for_o this_o be_v not_o to_o renounce_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o asian_a christian_n but_o be_v only_o a_o force_a suspension_n of_o communion_n 4._o if_o the_o christian_n of_o rome_n shall_v travel_v into_o asia_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o they_o may_v very_o lawful_o communicate_v with_o the_o asian_a church_n notwithstanding_o they_o be_v excommunicate_v by_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n for_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n have_v no_o just_a cause_n to_o excommunicate_v the_o bishop_n and_o church_n of_o asia_n and_o therefore_o the_o sentence_n be_v void_a of_o itself_o and_o the_o roman_a christian_n when_o they_o be_v in_o asia_n be_v not_o under_o the_o authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n and_o therefore_o must_v not_o forbear_v nor_o suspend_v communion_n with_o the_o asian_a church_n unless_o they_o will_v justify_v this_o schismatical_a excommunication_n the_o jurisdiction_n of_o a_o particular_a bishop_n be_v confine_v within_o the_o bound_n of_o his_o own_o church_n and_o every_o christian_a be_v subject_a to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n where_o he_o be_v and_o therefore_o though_o the_o roman_a christian_n at_o rome_n can_v receive_v the_o excommunicate_v asian_o to_o their_o communion_n without_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o bishop_n yet_o when_o they_o be_v in_o asia_n where_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n have_v no_o authority_n over_o they_o they_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o join_v themselves_o to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o asian_a church_n during_o their_o abode_n among_o they_o if_o the_o asian_o will_v receive_v they_o without_o commendatory_a letter_n from_o their_o bishop_n which_o they_o can_v not_o have_v in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o this_o thus_o sir_n i_o have_v consider_v the_o case_n you_o put_v about_o pope_n victor_n excommunicate_v the_o asian_a church_n which_o be_v not_o a_o real_a but_o a_o feign_a case_n for_o there_o be_v no_o actual_a schism_n upon_o it_o as_o i_o perceive_v some_o body_n have_v tell_v you_o there_o be_v and_o yet_o suppose_v it_o have_v be_v so_o i_o have_v show_v you_o how_o the_o roman_a and_o asian_a church_n may_v have_v maintain_v communion_n with_o each_o other_o and_o that_o the_o case_n of_o private_a christian_n be_v not_o so_o desperate_a as_o you_o represent_v it_o your_o follow_a exception_n concern_v national_a communion_n 22._o and_o national_a church_n and_o the_o possibility_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v several_a sound_n and_o orthodox_n part_n of_o the_o church_n at_o the_o same_o place_n have_v be_v sufficient_o consider_v already_o and_o you_o twit_v i_o so_o often_o with_o my_o repetition_n that_o though_o i_o find_v you_o want_v very_o
christian_n or_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n i_o make_v no_o inquiry_n by_o who_o they_o have_v be_v baptise_a or_o whether_o they_o be_v right_o baptise_a or_o not_o but_o take_v all_o these_o thing_n for_o grant_v i_o inquire_v whether_o baptism_n do_v not_o make_v we_o church-member_n whether_o it_o make_v we_o member_n of_o a_o particular_a or_o universal_a church_n whether_o a_o church-member_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o communion_n with_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n whether_o he_o that_o separate_v from_o any_o sound_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v not_o a_o schismatic_a from_o the_o whole_a church_n whether_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o maintain_v constant_a communion_n with_o that_o particular_a church_n in_o which_o we_o live_v and_o with_o which_o we_o can_v when_o we_o please_v communicate_v occasional_o whether_o it_o be_v consistent_a with_o catholic_n communion_n to_o communicate_v with_o two_o church_n which_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o separation_n from_o each_o other_o if_o you_o have_v any_o thing_n to_o say_v to_o these_o matter_n you_o shall_v have_v a_o fair_a hear_n but_o all_o your_o query_n which_o proceed_v upon_o a_o mistake_a hypothesis_n of_o your_o own_o do_v not_o concern_v i_o and_o yet_o to_o oblige_v you_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a i_o shall_v brief_o consider_v they_o 1._o your_o first_o query_n be_v whether_o a_o pious_a dissenter_n suppose_v to_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o church_n by_o such_o as_o he_o believe_v to_o be_v full_o invest_v with_o sufficient_a power_n be_v in_o as_o bad_a a_o condition_n as_o a_o moral_a heathen_a or_o in_o a_o worse_o than_o a_o papist_n ans._n the_o catholic_n church_n have_v be_v so_o indulgent_a to_o heretic_n and_o schismatic_n as_o to_o determine_v against_o the_o necessity_n of_o rebaptization_n if_o they_o have_v be_v once_o though_o irregular_o baptize_v this_o you_o may_v find_v a_o particular_a account_n of_o in_o the_o vindication_n of_o the_o defence_n of_o dr._n still_o p._n 22._o etc._n etc._n but_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o if_o they_o continue_v schismatic_n whatever_o their_o other_o pretence_n to_o piety_n be_v their_o condition_n be_v not_o as_o dangerous_a as_o the_o condition_n of_o moral_a heathen_n and_o papist_n 2._o whether_o the_o submission_n to_o the_o power_n and_o censure_n of_o this_o church_n which_o all_o must_v own_v to_o be_v a_o sound_a church_n be_v part_n of_o the_o divine_a covenant_n which_o unite_v the_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n to_o god_n and_o to_o each_o other_o ans._n this_o be_v a_o caption_n question_n which_o must_v be_v distinct_o answer_v a_o general_a submission_n and_o obedience_n to_o the_o authority_n and_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n though_o it_o can_v proper_o be_v call_v a_o part_n of_o that_o divine_a covenant_n whereon_o the_o church_n be_v found_v which_o primary_o respect_v the_o promise_n of_o salvation_n by_o christ_n through_o faith_n in_o his_o blood_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o necessary_a church_n duty_n and_o essential_a to_o church-communion_n and_o so_o may_v be_v call_v a_o part_n of_o the_o covenant_n if_o by_o the_o covenant_n we_o understand_v all_o those_o duty_n which_o be_v require_v of_o baptize_v christian_n and_o member_n of_o the_o church_n by_o a_o divine_a positive_a law_n as_o obedience_n to_o church-governor_n be_v but_o then_o obedience_n to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v not_o a_o universal_a duty_n incumbent_a on_o all_o christian_n but_o only_o on_o those_o which_o be_v or_o aught_o to_o live_v in_o obedience_n to_o this_o particular_a church_n for_o the_o particular_a exercise_n of_o church-authoritie_n and_o jurisdiction_n be_v consign_v within_o certain_a limit_n as_o of_o necessity_n it_o must_v be_v and_o though_o all_o orthodox_n church_n must_v live_v in_o communion_n with_o each_o other_o yet_o no_o particular_a church_n can_v pretend_v to_o any_o original_a authority_n over_o another_o church_n or_o the_o member_n of_o it_o as_o be_v the_o constant_a doctrine_n of_o protestant_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o usurpation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o i_o perceive_v sir_n you_o know_v no_o difference_n between_o the_o authority_n and_o power_n and_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n but_o you_o add_v if_o it_o be_v then_o as_o he_o who_o be_v not_o admit_v into_o this_o church_n be_v no_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n and_o have_v no_o right_a to_o the_o benefit_n of_o be_v a_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n so_o be_v it_o with_o every_o one_o who_o be_v exclude_v by_o church-censure_n though_o excommunicate_v for_o a_o slight_a contempt_n or_o neglect_n nay_o for_o a_o wrongful_a cause_n true_o sir_n i_o know_v not_o how_o any_o man_n be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n of_o england_n any_o otherwise_o than_o as_o he_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n viz_o by_o baptism_n which_o do_v not_o make_v we_o member_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n but_o of_o the_o universal_a church_n which_o oblige_v we_o to_o communicate_v with_o that_o part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n wherein_o we_o live_v and_o whoever_o live_v in_o england_n and_o renounce_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v a_o schismatic_a from_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o whoever_o be_v excommunicate_v from_o one_o sound_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v excommunicate_v from_o the_o whole_a but_o then_o there_o be_v this_o difference_n between_o excommunication_n and_o schism_n the_o first_o be_v a_o judicial_a sentence_n the_o second_o be_v a_o man_n be_v own_o choice_n the_o first_o be_v not_o valid_a unless_o it_o be_v inflict_v for_o a_o just_a cause_n the_o second_o be_v always_o valid_a and_o do_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n cut_v man_n off_o from_o all_o communion_n with_o christ_n body_n i_o say_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n for_o i_o will_v not_o pretend_v to_o determine_v the_o final_a state_n of_o man_n for_o i_o know_v not_o what_o gracious_a allowance_n god_n will_v make_v for_o some_o schismatic_n no_o more_o than_o i_o do_v what_o favour_n he_o may_v allow_v to_o other_o sinner_n but_o you_o proceed_v if_o it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o divine_a covenant_n than_o a_o man_n that_o live_v here_o may_v be_v a_o true_a member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n though_o he_o be_v not_o in_o communion_n with_o this_o sound_a church_n this_o be_v another_o horn_n of_o your_o formidable_a dilemma_n if_o obedience_n to_o the_o authority_n and_o censure_n of_o the_o particular_a national_a church_n of_o england_n be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o divine_a covenant_n than_o those_o baptise_a christian_n who_o live_v in_o england_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o may_v be_v catholic_n christian_n for_o all_o that_o as_o if_o because_o the_o subject_n of_o spain_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o obey_v the_o king_n of_o england_n therefore_o english_a man_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o obey_v he_o neither_o but_o may_v be_v very_o good_a subject_n for_o all_o that_o we_o be_v bind_v by_o the_o divine_a law_n to_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o all_o true_a catholic_n church_n and_o to_o obey_v the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o we_o live_v and_o therefore_o though_o obedience_n to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v not_o a_o law_n to_o all_o the_o world_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o law_n to_o all_o english_a christian_n inhabit_v in_o this_o church_n but_o your_o way_n of_o argue_v be_v as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v say_v it_o be_v a_o divine_a law_n to_o obey_v civil_a magistrate_n but_o there_o be_v no_o divine_a law_n that_o all_o the_o world_n shall_v obey_v the_o king_n of_o england_n france_n or_o spain_n therefore_o french_a or_o english_a subject_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o obey_v their_o own_o prince_n oh_o what_o comfortable_a doctrine_n be_v this_o to_o some_o man_n you_o proceed_v but_o you_o will_v say_v which_o i_o think_v be_v not_o much_o to_o the_o question_n that_o he_o ought_v to_o communicate_v if_o communion_n may_v be_v have_v yes_o i_o do_v say_v this_o and_o i_o believe_v by_o this_o time_n you_o see_v or_o at_o least_o other_o will_v see_v that_o it_o be_v much_o to_o the_o question_n but_o then_o query_n whether_o the_o dissenter_n may_v not_o reply_v that_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o communicate_v if_o the_o communion_n be_v not_o clog_v with_o some_o thing_n which_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o divine_a covenant_n yes_o they_o may_v reply_v so_o if_o they_o please_v or_o anonymus_fw-la for_o they_o but_o whoever_o do_v it_o the_o reply_n be_v very_o weak_a and_o impertinent_a it_o be_v weak_a because_o obedience_n to_o authority_n in_o all_o lawful_a thing_n be_v in_o a_o large_a notion_n part_n of_o the_o divine_a covenant_n and_o it_o be_v very_o impertinent_a because_o the_o supposition_n of_o communicate_v where_o communion_n may_v be_v have_v
supersedes_o that_o query_n for_o communion_n can_v be_v have_v where_o there_o be_v any_o sinful_a term_n of_o communion_n and_o though_o i_o assert_v that_o the_o church_n must_v be_v found_v on_o a_o divine_a covenant_n i_o never_o say_v that_o nothing_o must_v be_v enjoin_v by_o the_o church_n but_o what_o be_v express_v in_o that_o covenant_n a_o corporation_n which_o be_v found_v upon_o a_o royal_a charter_n you_o know_v may_v have_v authority_n to_o make_v by-law_n which_o shall_v oblige_v all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o and_o so_o be_v term_n of_o communion_n with_o it_o and_o yet_o it_o be_v the_o charter_n not_o these_o by-law_n whereon_o the_o corporation_n be_v found_v i_o be_v not_o concern_v to_o examine_v the_o term_n of_o communion_n that_o be_v and_o will_v be_v do_v by_o other_o hand_n but_o suppose_v nothing_o sinful_a in_o our_o communion_n whether_o all_o christian_n that_o live_v in_o this_o church_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o it_o q._n 3._o your_o next_o query_n concern_v the_o derivation_n of_o church-power_n from_o christ_n himself_o without_o any_o immediate_a derivation_n from_o other_o church-governor_n which_o do_v not_o at_o all_o concern_v my_o doctrine_n of_o church-communion_n for_o whether_o it_o be_v so_o or_o so_o still_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o maintain_v communion_n with_o all_o sound_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n so_o church-authoritie_n be_v derive_v from_o christ_n any_o way_n it_o be_v well_o enough_o but_o then_o we_o must_v be_v sure_a that_o it_o be_v so_o and_o if_o christ_n have_v appoint_v no_o ordinary_a way_n for_o this_o but_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n who_o receive_v their_o authority_n immediate_o from_o himself_o i_o know_v not_o who_o can_v appoint_v any_o other_o way_n but_o may_v not_o a_o layman_n preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o gather_v a_o church_n in_o a_o heathen_a country_n where_o there_o be_v none_o of_o the_o clergy_n to_o do_v it_o i_o suppose_v he_o may_v and_o if_o you_o please_v to_o consult_v the_o vindication_n of_o the_o defence_n of_o dr._n still_v fleet_v unreasonableness_n of_o separation_n p._n 331_o etc._n etc._n you_o will_v find_v this_o case_n large_o debate_v but_o it_o seem_v it_o do_v not_o satisfy_v you_o that_o this_o be_v allow_v only_o in_o case_n of_o necessity_n for_o then_o up_o start_v two_o other_o query_n 1._o whether_o this_o will_v not_o put_v the_o be_v of_o our_o church_n upon_o a_o very_a hazardous_a issue_n and_o oblige_v yourself_o to_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v a_o true_a church_n before_o the_o reformation_n ans._n this_o be_v no_o hazard_n at_o all_o for_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v certain_o a_o true_a though_o a_o corrupt_a church_n before_o the_o reformation_n as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v at_o this_o day_n a_o true_a church_n be_v that_o which_o have_v every_o thing_n essential_a to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o church_n though_o mix_v with_o such_o other_o corruption_n as_o make_v its_o communion_n dangerous_a and_o sinful_a as_o a_o disease_a man_n be_v a_o true_a man_n and_o remove_v these_o corruption_n and_o then_o it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o true_a but_o a_o sound_a church_n as_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v at_o this_o day_n and_o if_o you_o will_v not_o allow_v this_o i_o doubt_v sir_n all_o private_a christian_n will_v be_v at_o as_o great_a a_o loss_n for_o their_o baptism_n as_o the_o church_n will_v be_v for_o order_n but_o the_o case_n of_o a_o true_a and_o sound_a and_o catholic_n church_n etc._n if_o you_o please_v you_o may_v see_v state_v in_o the_o same_o book_n to_o which_o i_o refer_v you_o before_o and_o thus_o your_o second_o query_n be_v answer_v that_o though_o this_o church_n be_v antichristian_a before_o the_o reformation_n yet_o there_o be_v not_o the_o same_o necessity_n for_o private_a christian_n to_o usurp_v the_o ministerial_a office_n without_o a_o regular_a authority_n as_o there_o be_v for_o a_o layman_n in_o a_o heathen_a nation_n because_o a_o antichristian_a that_o be_v the_o most_o corrupt_a church_n retain_v the_o power_n of_o order_n as_o well_o as_o of_o sacrament_n as_o for_o that_o independent_a principle_n that_o christ_n have_v institute_v a_o power_n in_o the_o church_n to_o ordain_v she_o own_o officer_n you_o may_v see_v it_o examine_v in_o the_o defence_n of_o dr._n still_o vnr._n of_o sep._n p._n 306_o etc._n etc._n but_o what_o now_o be_v all_o this_o to_o i_o i_o do_v charge_v our_o dissenter_n with_o schism_n from_o the_o invalidity_n of_o their_o order_n but_o for_o their_o causeless_a and_o sinful_a separation_n let_v we_o suppose_v that_o they_o have_v no_o need_n of_o any_o order_n or_o that_o such_o order_n as_o they_o have_v be_v good_a or_o that_o they_o have_v episcopal_a order_n and_o be_v govern_v by_o bishop_n of_o their_o own_o as_o the_o donatist_n be_v yet_o they_o will_v be_v never_o the_o less_o schismatic_n for_o that_o while_o they_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o from_o each_o other_o if_o order_n be_v necessary_a and_o they_o have_v no_o order_n than_o they_o be_v no_o church_n at_o all_o if_o they_o have_v true_a order_n and_o be_v true_a church_n but_o yet_o divide_v christian_a communion_n by_o separate_v from_o any_o sound_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n they_o be_v schismatic_n 4._o q_o whether_o from_o the_o supposition_n that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v but_o one_o church-covenant_n throughout_o the_o catholic_n church_n that_o there_o can_v be_v one_o true_a church_n within_o another_o and_o that_o the_o nature_n of_o catholick-communion_n be_v such_o that_o one_o ought_v to_o be_v ready_a to_o communicate_v with_o any_o sound_a church_n from_o which_o one_o be_v not_o hinder_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o distance_n of_o place_n it_o do_v not_o follow_v ans._n fair_a and_o soft_o let_v we_o first_o consider_v the_o supposition_n before_o we_o consider_v what_o follow_v from_o they_o for_o you_o have_v so_o misrepresent_v so_o eurtail_v these_o proposition_n and_o so_o mix_v and_o blend_a thing_n of_o a_o different_a nature_n that_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o restore_v they_o to_o their_o true_a sense_n and_o proper_a place_n again_o before_o we_o can_v tell_v what_o follow_v i_o assert_v that_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v found_v upon_o a_o divine_a covenant_n and_o since_o god_n have_v make_v but_o one_o covenant_n with_o mankind_n in_o christ_n jesus_n therefore_o there_o can_v be_v but_o one_o christian_a church_n throughout_o the_o world_n 8._o found_v on_o this_o one_o covenant_n have_v explain_v the_o general_a notion_n of_o church-communion_n 10._o which_o signify_v no_o more_o than_o church-fellowship_n and_o society_n that_o to_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n i_o come_v to_o inquire_v what_o make_v a_o separate_a church_n for_o if_o there_o be_v but_o one_o church_n and_o one_o communion_n 19_o of_o which_o all_o true_a christian_n and_o christian_a church_n be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v member_n than_o those_o church_n which_o be_v not_o member_n of_o each_o other_o be_v separate_a church_n and_o for_o a_o full_a explication_n of_o this_o 20._o i_o observe_v several_a thing_n i._o that_o there_o must_v be_v but_o one_o church_n in_o one_o place_n because_o there_o be_v no_o other_o rule_n of_o catholick-communion_n but_o to_o communicate_v in_o all_o religious_a office_n and_o all_o act_n of_o government_n and_o discipline_n with_o those_o christian_n with_o who_o they_o live_v for_o to_o renounce_v the_o ordinary_a communion_n of_o christian_n or_o true_a christian_a church_n be_v to_o divide_v the_o unity_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o withdraw_v ourselves_o from_o ordinary_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n in_o which_o we_o live_v 21._o into_o distinct_a and_o separate_a society_n for_o worship_n be_v to_o renounce_v their_o communion_n and_o when_o there_o be_v not_o a_o necessary_a cause_n for_o it_o be_v a_o schismatical_a separation_n and_o a_o little_a after_o i_o add_v if_o all_o christian_n be_v member_n of_o the_o one_o body_n of_o christ_n nothing_o can_v justify_v the_o distinction_n of_o christian_n into_o several_a church_n but_o only_o such_o a_o distance_n of_o place_n as_o make_v it_o necessary_a and_o expedient_a to_o put_v they_o under_o the_o conduct_n and_o government_n of_o several_a bishop_n for_o the_o great_a edification_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o more_o easy_a and_o regular_a administration_n of_o discipline_n and_o therefore_o nothing_o can_v justify_v the_o gather_v a_o church_n out_o of_o a_o church_n and_o divide_v neighbour-christians_a into_o distinct_a communion_n now_o then_o let_v we_o consider_v what_o follow_v 1._o you_o say_v either_o that_o the_o french_a protestant_n have_v no_o church_n here_o but_o be_v schismatic_n in_o not_o communicate_v with_o we_o