to_o do_v the_o reason_n and_o cause_n appoint_v and_o secure_v this_o continuation_n be_v of_o various_a sort_n the_o principal_a whereof_o be_v these_o that_o follow_v 1._o the_o supreme_a cause_n hereof_o be_v the_o father_n grant_v of_o a_o perpetual_a kingdom_n in_o this_o world_n unto_o jesus_n christ_n the_o mediator_n and_o head_n of_o the_o church_n psal._n 72.5_o 7_o 15_o 16_o 17._o isa_n 9.7_o zech._n 6.13_o this_o grant_n of_o the_o father_n our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n plead_v as_o his_o warranty_n for_o the_o foundation_n and_o continuation_n of_o the_o church_n mat._n 28_o 17_o 18_o 19_o 20._o this_o everlasting_a kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n give_v he_o by_o the_o irrevocable_a grant_n of_o the_o father_n may_v be_v consider_v three_o way_n 1_o as_o unto_o the_o real_a subject_n of_o it_o true_a believer_n which_o be_v the_o object_n of_o the_o internal_a spiritual_a power_n and_o rule_n of_o christ._n of_o these_o it_o be_v necessary_a by_o virtue_n of_o this_o grant_n and_o divine_a constitution_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n that_o in_o every_o age_n there_o shall_v be_v some_o in_o the_o world_n and_o those_o perhaps_o no_o small_a multitude_n but_o such_o as_o the_o internal_a rule_n over_o they_o may_v be_v right_o and_o honourable_o term_v a_o kingdom_n for_o as_o that_o which_o formal_o make_v they_o such_o subject_n of_o christ_n give_v they_o no_o outward_a appearance_n or_o visibility_n so_o if_o in_o a_o time_n of_o the_o universal_a prevalency_n of_o idolatry_n there_o be_v seven_o thousand_o of_o these_o in_o the_o small_a kingdom_n of_o israel_n undiscerned_a and_o invisible_a unto_o the_o most_o eagle-eyed_a prophet_n who_o live_v in_o their_o day_n what_o number_n may_v we_o just_o suppose_v to_o have_v be_v within_o the_o limit_n of_o christ_n dominion_n which_o be_v the_o whole_a world_n in_o the_o worst_a dark_a most_o profligate_v and_o idolatrous_a time_n that_o have_v pass_v over_o the_o earth_n since_o the_o first_o erection_n of_o this_o kingdom_n this_o therefore_o be_v a_o fundamental_a article_n of_o our_o faith_n that_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o grant_n of_o the_o father_n christ_n ever_o have_v have_v and_o will_v have_v in_o all_o age_n some_o yea_o a_o multitude_n that_o be_v the_o true_a real_a spiritual_a subject_n of_o his_o kingdom_n neither_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n nor_o the_o rage_n or_o fury_n of_o the_o world_n nor_o the_o accurse_a apostasy_n of_o many_o or_o of_o all_o visible_a church_n from_o the_o purity_n and_o holiness_n of_o his_o law_n can_v hinder_v but_o that_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o sense_n must_v have_v a_o perpetual_a continuation_n in_o this_o world_n mat._n 16.18_o 2._o it_o may_v be_v consider_v with_o respect_n unto_o the_o outward_a visible_a profession_n of_o subjection_n and_o obedience_n unto_o he_o and_o the_o observation_n of_o his_o law_n this_o also_o belong_v unto_o the_o kingdom_n grant_v he_o of_o his_o father_n he_o be_v to_o have_v a_o kingdom_n in_o this_o world_n though_o it_o be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n he_o be_v to_o have_v it_o not_o only_o as_o unto_o its_o be_v but_o as_o unto_o its_o glory_n the_o world_n and_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n therein_o be_v to_o see_v and_o know_v that_o he_o have_v still_o a_o kingdom_n and_o a_o multitude_n of_o subject_n depend_v on_o his_o rule_n see_v the_o constitution_n of_o it_o dan._n 7.13_o 14._o wherefore_o it_o be_v from_o hence_o indispensible_o and_o absolute_o necessary_a that_o there_o shall_v at_o all_o time_n and_o in_o all_o age_n be_v ever_o a_o innumerable_a multitude_n of_o they_o who_o open_o profess_v faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o subjection_n of_o conscience_n unto_o his_o law_n and_o command_n so_o it_o have_v always_o be_v so_o it_o be_v and_o shall_v for_o ever_o be_v in_o this_o world_n and_o those_o who_o will_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n confine_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o notion_n of_o it_o unto_o any_o one_o church_n fall_v under_o a_o particular_a denomination_n as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o may_v utter_o fail_v or_o be_v ready_a on_o the_o other_o hand_n upon_o the_o suppose_a or_o real_a error_n or_o miscarriage_n of_o they_o or_o any_o of_o they_o who_o make_v this_o profession_n to_o cast_v they_o out_o of_o their_o thought_n and_o affection_n as_o those_o who_o belong_v not_o unto_o the_o kingdom_n or_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o only_o injurious_a unto_o they_o but_o enemy_n unto_o the_o glory_n and_o honour_n of_o christ._n 3._o this_o grant_n of_o the_o father_n may_v be_v consider_v with_o respect_n unto_o particular_a church_n or_o congregation_n and_o the_o end_n of_o these_o church_n be_v twofold_a 1_o that_o believer_n as_o they_o be_v internal_a spiritual_a real_a subject_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n may_v together_o act_v that_o faith_n and_o those_o grace_n whereby_o they_o be_v so_o unto_o his_o glory_n i_o say_v it_o be_v that_o true_a believer_n may_v together_o and_o in_o society_n act_n all_o those_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n wherein_o both_o as_o unto_o faculty_n and_o exercise_n their_o internal_a spiritual_a subjection_n unto_o christ_n do_v consist_v and_o as_o this_o be_v that_o whereby_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o world_n do_v most_o eminent_o consist_v namely_o in_o the_o joint_a exercise_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o love_n of_o true_a believer_n so_o it_o be_v a_o principal_a mean_n of_o the_o increase_n and_o augmentation_n of_o those_o grace_n in_o themselves_o or_o their_o spiritual_a edification_n and_o from_o this_o especial_a end_n of_o these_o church_n it_o follow_v that_o those_o who_o be_v member_n of_o they_o or_o belong_v to_o they_o aught_o to_o be_v saint_n by_o calling_n or_o such_o as_o be_v endue_v with_o those_o spiritual_a principle_n and_o grace_n in_o who_o exercise_n christ_n be_v to_o be_v glorify_v and_o where_o they_o be_v not_o so_o the_o principal_a end_n of_o their_o constitution_n be_v lose_v so_o be_v those_o church_n to_o be_v make_v up_o fundamental_o and_o material_o of_o those_o who_o in_o their_o single_a capacity_n be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n invisible_a 2_o their_o second_o end_n be_v that_o those_o who_o belong_v unto_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n under_o the_o second_o consideration_n as_o visible_o profess_v subjection_n unto_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n and_o faith_n in_o he_o may_v express_v that_o subjection_n in_o act_n and_o duty_n of_o his_o worship_n in_o the_o observance_n of_o his_o law_n and_o command_n according_a unto_o his_o mind_n and_o will._n for_o this_o alone_a can_v be_v do_v in_o particular_a church_n be_v they_o of_o what_o sort_n they_o will_v whereof_o we_o shall_v speak_v afterward_o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o it_o belong_v unto_o the_o foundation_n of_o these_o particular_a church_n that_o those_o who_o join_v in_o they_o do_v it_o on_o a_o public_a profession_n of_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o obedience_n unto_o he_o without_o which_o this_o end_n of_o they_o also_o be_v lose_v those_o i_o say_v who_o make_v a_o visible_a profession_n of_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o subjection_n unto_o he_o have_v no_o way_n to_o express_v it_o regular_o and_o according_a to_o his_o mind_n but_o in_o these_o particular_a church_n wherein_o alone_o those_o commandment_n of_o he_o in_o who_o observance_n our_o profession_n consist_v do_v take_v place_n be_v such_o society_n as_o wherein_o the_o solemn_a duty_n of_o his_o worship_n be_v perform_v and_o his_o rule_n or_o discipline_n be_v exercise_v wherefore_o this_o state_n of_o the_o church_n also_o without_o which_o both_o the_o other_o be_v imperfect_a belong_v unto_o the_o grant_n of_o the_o father_n whereby_o a_o perpetual_a continuation_n of_o it_o be_v secure_v nor_o be_v it_o of_o any_o weight_n to_o object_n that_o such_o have_v be_v the_o alteration_n of_o the_o state_n of_o all_o church_n in_o the_o world_n such_o the_o visible_a apostasy_n of_o many_o of_o they_o unto_o false_a worship_n and_o idolatry_n and_o of_o other_o into_o a_o worldly_a carnal_a conversation_n with_o vain_a tradition_n innumerable_a that_o it_o can_v be_v apprehend_v where_o there_o be_v any_o true_a church_n of_o this_o kind_n preserve_v and_o continue_v but_o that_o there_o be_v a_o actual_a intercision_n of_o they_o all_o for_o i_o answer_v 1_o no_o individual_a man_n nay_o no_o company_n of_o man_n that_o come_v together_o can_v give_v a_o certain_a account_n of_o what_o be_v do_v in_o all_o the_o world_n and_o every_o place_n of_o it_o where_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n be_v profess_v so_o as_o that_o what_o be_v affirm_v of_o the_o state_n of_o all_o church_n universal_o be_v mere_a conjecture_n and_o surmise_v 2_o there_o be_v so_o great_a a_o readiness_n in_o most_o to_o judge_v 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
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
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
be_v make_v member_n of_o this_o church_n by_o a_o act_n of_o parliament_n for_o their_o naturalisation_n and_o no_o otherwise_o 3._o that_o we_o separate_v from_o this_o church_n in_o thing_n wherein_o we_o be_v oblige_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n to_o hold_v communion_n with_o it_o which_o neither_o be_v nor_o will_v ever_o be_v prove_v nor_o be_v it_o endeavour_v so_o to_o be_v by_o any_o instance_n in_o this_o treatise_n 4._o that_o to_o withhold_v communion_n from_o parochial_a assembly_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n as_o unto_o thing_n confess_o not_o of_o divine_a institution_n be_v schism_n that_o kind_n of_o schism_n which_o be_v condemn_v by_o the_o ancient_a writer_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o these_o and_o the_o like_a supposition_n it_o be_v no_o uneasy_a thing_n to_o make_v vehement_a declamation_n against_o we_o and_o severe_a reflection_n on_o we_o all_o be_v schism_n and_o schismatic_n and_o all_o of_o the_o same_o kind_n with_o what_o be_v write_v against_o by_o cyprian_a and_o austin_n and_o other_o a_o great_a many_o but_o the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o controversy_n between_o he_o and_o we_o be_v this_o and_o no_o other_o namely_o whether_o a_o dissent_n in_o and_o forbearance_n from_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n in_o their_o state_n and_o kind_a not_o of_o divine_a institution_n or_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v not_o of_o divine_a institution_n and_o from_o thing_n in_o other_o church_n that_o have_v no_o such_o divine_a institution_n nor_o any_o scriptural_a authority_n to_o oblige_v we_o unto_o their_o observance_n be_v to_o be_v esteem_v schism_n in_o they_o who_o maintain_v and_o profess_o avow_v communion_n in_o faith_n and_o love_n with_o all_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o world_n this_o be_v the_o whole_a of_o what_o we_o be_v concern_v in_o which_o where_o it_o be_v speak_v unto_o it_o shall_v be_v consider_v but_o because_o there_o be_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n certain_a person_n who_o on_o arbitrary_a principle_n of_o their_o own_o consist_v for_o the_o most_o part_n in_o gross_a and_o palpable_a error_n which_o they_o will_v have_v impose_v on_o all_o other_o do_v separate_v from_o the_o catholic_n church_n that_o be_v all_o other_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n and_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n condemn_v they_o as_o no_o church_n allow_v not_o the_o administration_n of_o sacrament_n unto_o they_o nor_o salvation_n unto_o their_o member_n who_o the_o ancient_a church_n condemn_v with_o great_a severity_n and_o that_o just_o as_o guilty_a of_o schism_n their_o judgement_n their_o word_n and_o expression_n be_v apply_v unto_o we_o who_o be_v no_o way_n concern_v in_o what_o they_o speak_v of_o or_o unto_o we_o be_v not_o therefore_o in_o the_o least_o terrify_v with_o what_o be_v allege_v out_o of_o the_o ancient_n about_o schism_n no_o more_o than_o he_o be_v when_o the_o same_o instance_n the_o same_o authority_n the_o same_o quotation_n be_v make_v use_n of_o by_o the_o papist_n against_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o they_o be_v continual_o for_o as_o be_v say_v we_o know_v that_o we_o be_v no_o way_n concern_v in_o they_o and_o suppose_v that_o all_o that_o the_o dr._n allege_v against_o we_o be_v true_a and_o that_o we_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n in_o all_o that_o be_v charge_v on_o we_o yet_o i_o dare_v refer_v it_o to_o the_o dr._n himself_o to_o determine_v whether_o it_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o what_o be_v charge_v on_o they_o who_o make_v schism_n in_o the_o church_n of_o old_a i_o suppose_v i_o guess_v well_o enough_o what_o he_o will_v say_v to_o secure_v his_o charge_n and_o it_o shall_v be_v consider_v where_o it_o be_v speak_v but_o as_o be_v say_v the_o great_a and_o only_a design_n of_o the_o author_n of_o this_o book_n be_v to_o prove_v all_o nonconformist_n to_o be_v schismatic_n or_o guilty_a of_o the_o sin_n of_o schism_n how_o he_o have_v succeed_v in_o this_o attempt_n shall_v be_v afterward_o consider_v and_o something_o i_o have_v speak_v in_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n concern_v the_o nature_n of_o schism_n which_o will_v manifest_v how_o little_o we_o be_v concern_v in_o this_o charge_n but_o yet_o it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o in_o this_o place_n to_o mind_n both_o he_o and_o other_o of_o some_o of_o those_o principle_n whereon_o we_o ground_n our_o justification_n in_o this_o matter_n that_o it_o may_v be_v know_v what_o they_o must_v further_o overthrow_v and_o what_o they_o must_v establish_v who_o shall_v persist_v in_o the_o mannagement_n of_o this_o charge_n that_o be_v indeed_o through_o want_n of_o love_n in_o a_o design_n to_o heighten_v and_o perpetuate_v our_o division_n and_o the_o first_o of_o these_o principle_n be_v that_o there_o be_v a_o rule_n prescribe_v by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n unto_o all_o church_n and_o believer_n in_o a_o due_a attendance_n whereunto_o all_o the_o unity_n and_o peace_n which_o he_o require_v among_o his_o disciple_n do_v consist_v we_o acknowledge_v this_o to_o be_v our_o fundamental_a principle_n nor_o can_v the_o rhetoric_n or_o argument_n of_o any_o man_n affect_v our_o conscience_n with_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o gild_n of_o schism_n until_o one_o of_o these_o thing_n be_v prove_v namely_o either_o first_o that_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v give_v no_o such_o rule_n as_o in_o the_o observance_n whereof_o peace_n and_o unity_n may_v be_v preserve_v in_o his_o church_n or_o second_o that_o we_o refuse_v a_o compliance_n with_o that_o rule_n in_o some_o one_o instance_n or_o other_o of_o what_o therein_o he_o have_v himself_o appoint_v unless_o one_o or_o the_o other_o be_v prove_v and_o that_o strict_o and_o direct_o not_o pretend_v so_o to_o be_v by_o perpetual_a diversion_n from_o the_o thing_n in_o question_n no_o vehement_a assertion_n of_o any_o of_o we_o to_o be_v schismatic_n nor_o aggravation_n of_o the_o gild_n of_o schism_n will_v signify_v any_o thing_n in_o this_o cause_n but_o that_o our_o principle_n herein_o be_v according_a unto_o truth_n we_o be_v full_o persuade_v there_o be_v a_o rule_n of_o christ_n give_v which_o whosoever_o walk_v according_a unto_o peace_n shall_v be_v on_o they_o and_o mercy_n as_o on_o the_o whole_a israel_n of_o god_n gal._n 6.16_o and_o we_o desire_v no_o more_o no_o more_o be_v needful_a unto_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o this_o rule_n whatever_o it_o be_v be_v of_o his_o give_v and_o appointment_n no_o rule_n of_o man_n invention_n or_o imposition_n can_v by_o its_o observance_n secure_v we_o of_o a_o interest_n in_o that_o peace_n and_o mercy_n which_o be_v peculiar_a unto_o the_o israel_n of_o god_n god_n forbid_v we_o shall_v entertain_v any_o such_o imagination_n we_o know_v well_o enough_o man_n may_v be_v through_o conformist_n to_o such_o rule_n unto_o who_o as_o unto_o their_o present_a state_n and_o condition_n neither_o peace_n nor_o mercy_n do_v belong_v for_o there_o be_v no_o peace_n to_o the_o wicked_a he_o who_o have_v direct_v and_o command_v the_o end_n of_o church_n unity_n and_o peace_n have_v also_o appoint_v the_o mean_n and_o measure_n of_o they_o nothing_o be_v more_o disagreeable_a unto_o nothing_o more_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o wisdom_n care_n and_o love_n of_o christ_n unto_o his_o church_n than_o a_o imagination_n that_o whereas_o he_o strict_o enjoin_v peace_n and_o unity_n in_o his_o church_n he_o have_v not_o himself_o appoint_v the_o rule_n bound_n and_o measure_n of_o they_o but_o leave_v it_o unto_o the_o will_n and_o discretion_n of_o men._n as_o if_o his_o command_n unto_o his_o disciple_n have_v be_v keep_v peace_n and_o unity_n in_o the_o church_n by_o do_v and_o observe_v whatever_o some_o man_n under_o a_o pretence_n of_o be_v the_o guide_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v make_v necessary_a unto_o that_o end_n whereas_o it_o be_v plain_o otherwise_o namely_o that_o we_o shall_v so_o keep_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n by_o do_v and_o observe_v all_o whatever_o that_o he_o command_v we_o and_o beside_o we_o strict_o require_v that_o some_o one_o instance_n be_v give_v we_o of_o a_o defect_n in_o the_o rule_n give_v by_o christ_n himself_o which_o must_v be_v supply_v by_o humane_a addition_n to_o render_v it_o complete_a for_o the_o end_n of_o church_n peace_n and_o unity_n in_o vain_a have_v we_o desire_v in_o vain_a may_v we_o for_o ever_o expect_v any_o instance_n of_o that_o kind_n this_o principle_n we_o shall_v not_o be_v easy_o dispossess_v of_o and_o whilst_o we_o be_v under_o the_o protection_n of_o it_o we_o have_v a_o safe_a retreat_n and_o shelter_n from_o the_o most_o vehement_a accusation_n of_o schism_n for_o a_o noncompliance_n with_o a_o rule_n none_o of_o he_o different_a from_o he_o and_o in_o some_o thing_n contrary_a unto_o he_o for_o the_o
the_o true_a native_a beauty_n glory_n and_o use_v of_o evangelical_n church_n will_v be_v thankful_a for_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o deliverance_n whereas_o therefore_o for_o many_o age_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n with_o those_o claim_n under_o it_o and_o depend_v on_o it_o be_v esteem_v to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a church_n in_o the_o world_n and_o nothing_o be_v esteem_v so_o high_o criminal_a not_o murder_n treason_n nor_o incest_n as_o to_o think_v of_o or_o to_o assert_v any_o other_o church-state_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o wise_a man_n not_o utter_o infatuate_v can_v apprehend_v a_o church_n any_o church_n whatever_o to_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n or_o appointment_n for_o all_o the_o evil_n mention_v and_o other_o innumerable_a be_v not_o only_o occasion_v by_o it_o but_o they_o be_v effect_n of_o it_o and_o inseparable_a from_o its_o state_n and_o be_v and_o if_o any_o other_o church_n also_o which_o although_o the_o people_n whereof_o they_o consist_v be_v of_o another_o faith_n than_o those_o of_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v like_a unto_o it_o in_o their_o make_n and_o constitution_n exercise_v the_o right_n power_n and_o authority_n which_o they_o claim_v unto_o themselves_o by_o such_o way_n and_o mean_n as_o be_v plain_o of_o this_o world_n and_o of_o their_o own_o invention_n they_o do_v leave_v it_o high_o questionable_a from_o whence_o they_o be_v as_o such_o for_o it_o may_v be_v make_v to_o appear_v that_o such_o church_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v such_o be_v obstructive_a of_o the_o sole_a end_n of_o all_o church_n which_o be_v the_o edification_n of_o they_o that_o do_v believe_v however_o any_o that_o be_v of_o they_o or_o belong_v unto_o they_o may_v promote_v that_o end_n by_o their_o personal_a endeavour_n but_o notwithstanding_o all_o these_o thing_n it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o church_n be_v of_o a_o divine_a original_a that_o they_o be_v the_o ordinance_n and_o institution_n of_o christ._n i_o be_o not_o yet_o arrive_v in_o the_o order_n of_o this_o discourse_n to_o a_o convenient_a season_n of_o declare_v what_o be_v the_o especial_a nature_n use_n and_o end_n of_o such_o church_n as_o be_v so_o the_o institution_n of_o god_n and_o so_o to_o give_v a_o definition_n of_o they_o which_o shall_v be_v do_v afterward_o but_o treat_v only_o as_o unto_o the_o general_a notion_n of_o a_o church_n and_o what_o be_v signify_v thereby_o these_o be_v of_o god_n and_o in_o those_o church_n before_o describe_v under_o a_o corrupt_a degenerate_a estate_n three_o thing_n may_v be_v consider_v 1_o what_o be_v of_o man_n without_o the_o least_o pretence_n unto_o the_o appointment_n or_o command_n of_o god_n such_o be_v the_o very_a form_n fabric_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o those_o that_o depend_v thereon_o or_o be_v conform_v thereunto_o that_o which_o it_o be_v that_o whereby_o it_o be_v what_o it_o be_v in_o its_o kind_a government_n rule_n and_o end_v be_v all_o of_o man_n without_o the_o least_o countenance_n give_v unto_o it_o from_o any_o thing_n of_o god_n institution_n this_o be_v that_o which_o through_o a_o long_a effectual_a work_n of_o man_n and_o satan_n in_o a_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n it_o arrive_v unto_o herewith_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n ought_v to_o have_v no_o compliance_n but_o bear_v witness_n against_o it_o with_o their_o life_n if_o call_v thereunto_o this_o in_o due_a time_n the_o lord_n christ_n will_v utter_o destroy_v 2_o such_o thing_n as_o pretend_v unto_o a_o countenance_n to_o be_v give_v they_o by_o divine_a institution_n but_o horrible_o corrupt_v such_o be_v the_o name_n of_o a_o church_n and_o its_o power_n a_o worship_n pretend_v to_o be_v religious_a and_o divine_a a_o order_n as_o to_o officer_n and_o ruler_n different_a from_o the_o people_n with_o sundry_a thing_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n these_o thing_n be_v good_a in_o themselves_o but_o as_o ingross_v into_o a_o false_a church-state_n and_o worship_n corrupt_v in_o themselves_o they_o be_v of_o man_n and_o to_o be_v abhor_v of_o all_o that_o seek_v after_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ._n 3_o there_o be_v that_o which_o be_v the_o essence_n of_o a_o true_a church_n namely_o that_o it_o be_v a_o society_n of_o man_n unite_v for_o the_o celebration_n of_o divine_a worship_n this_o so_o far_o as_o it_o may_v be_v find_v among_o they_o be_v to_o be_v approve_v but_o church_n as_o be_v say_v be_v of_o a_o divine_a original_a and_o have_v the_o warrant_v of_o divine_a authority_n the_o whole_a scripture_n be_v a_o account_n of_o god_n institution_n of_o church_n and_o of_o his_o deal_n with_o they_o god_n lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o church_n society_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o they_o in_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n by_o the_o creation_n and_o constitution_n of_o it_o i_o speak_v of_o church_n in_o general_a as_o they_o be_v society_n of_o humane_a race_n one_o way_n or_o other_o join_v and_o unite_v together_o for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n now_o the_o sole_a end_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n be_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o that_o worship_n and_o obedience_n which_o it_o be_v fit_v and_o enable_v to_o perform_v for_o that_o end_n and_o no_o other_o be_v our_o nature_n create_v in_o all_o its_o capacity_n ability_n and_o perfection_n neither_o be_v man_n so_o make_v mere_o that_o every_o individual_a shall_v single_o and_o by_o himself_o perform_v this_o worship_n though_o that_o also_o every_o individual_a person_n be_v oblige_v unto_o every_o man_n alone_o and_o by_o himself_o will_v not_o only_o find_v himself_o indigent_a and_o want_v supply_n of_o sundry_a kind_n but_o also_o that_o he_o be_v utter_o disable_v to_o act_v sundry_a faculty_n and_o power_n of_o his_o soul_n which_o by_o nature_n he_o be_v endue_v withal_o hence_o the_o lord_n god_n say_v it_o be_v not_o good_a that_o man_n shall_v be_v alone_o gen._n 2.18_o these_o thing_n therefore_o be_v evident_a in_o themselves_o 1_o that_o god_n create_v our_o nature_n or_o make_v man_n for_o his_o own_o worship_n and_o service_n and_o fit_v the_o power_n and_o faculty_n of_o his_o soul_n thereunto_o 2_o that_o this_o nature_n be_v so_o fit_v for_o society_n so_o frame_v for_o it_o as_o its_o next_o end_n that_o without_o it_o it_o can_v act_v itself_o according_a unto_o what_o it_o be_v empower_v unto_o and_o this_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o order_n and_o government_n in_o the_o world_n among_o mankind_n 3_o that_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n this_o act_n in_o society_n be_v principal_o design_v unto_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n the_o power_n i_o say_v and_o necessity_n of_o act_v in_o society_n be_v give_v unto_o our_o nature_n for_o this_o end_n principal_o that_o we_o may_v thus_o glorify_v god_n in_o and_o by_o the_o worship_n which_o he_o require_v of_o we_o 4_o that_o without_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o society_n there_o will_v be_v a_o absolute_a failure_n of_o one_o principal_a end_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o man_n nor_o will_v any_o glory_n arise_v unto_o god_n from_o the_o constitution_n of_o his_o nature_n so_o fit_v for_o society_n as_o that_o it_o can_v act_v its_o own_o power_n without_o it_o 5_o all_o society_n be_v to_o be_v regulate_v in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n by_o such_o circumstance_n as_o whereby_o they_o be_v suit_v unto_o their_o end_n for_o which_o they_o may_v be_v either_o too_o large_a or_o too_o much_o restrain_v hence_o have_v we_o the_o original_a of_o church_n in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n man_n associate_a themselves_o together_o or_o unite_n in_o such_o society_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n which_o he_o require_v of_o they_o as_o may_v enable_v they_o unto_o a_o orderly_a performance_n of_o it_o be_v a_o church_n and_o hereunto_o it_o be_v require_v 1_o that_o the_o person_n so_o unite_n be_v sensible_a of_o their_o duty_n and_o have_v not_o lose_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o end_n of_o their_o creation_n and_o be_v 2_o that_o they_o be_v acquaint_v with_o that_o divine_a religious_a worship_n which_o god_n require_v of_o they_o the_o former_a light_n and_o persuasion_n be_v lose_v issue_v in_o atheism_n and_o by_o the_o loss_n of_o this_o instead_o of_o church_n the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n have_v coalesce_v into_o idolatrous_a combination_n 3_o that_o they_o do_v retain_v such_o innate_a principle_n of_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n as_o will_v guide_v they_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n in_o these_o society_n as_o 1_o that_o the_o society_n themselves_o be_v such_o as_o be_v meet_v for_o their_o end_n fit_a to_o exercise_v and_o express_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o they_o not_o such_o as_o who_o constitution_n make_v they_o unfit_a for_o any_o such_o end_n and_o this_o give_v the_o natural_a
bound_n of_o church_n in_o all_o age_n which_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a for_o any_o man_n to_o endeavour_v a_o alteration_n of_o as_o we_o shall_v see_v afterward_o 2_o that_o all_o thing_n be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n in_o and_o by_o these_o society_n this_o be_v a_o prime_n dictate_v of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n arise_v from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o ourselves_o which_o have_v be_v wrest_v into_o i_o know_v not_o what_o religious_a ceremony_n of_o man_n invention_n 3_o that_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o receive_v all_o divine_a revelation_n with_o faith_n and_o obedience_n which_o shall_v either_o appoint_v the_o way_n of_o god_n worship_n and_o prescribe_v the_o duty_n of_o it_o or_o guide_v and_o direct_v they_o in_o its_o performance_n and_o to_o regulate_v their_o obedience_n therein_o this_o also_o be_v a_o clear_a unquestionable_a dictate_v of_o the_o light_n and_o law_n of_o nature_n nor_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o on_o the_o principle_n of_o downright_a atheism_n further_o we_o need_v not_o seek_v for_o the_o divine_a original_a of_o church_n or_o society_n of_o man_n fear_v god_n for_o the_o discharge_n of_o his_o public_a worship_n unto_o his_o glory_n and_o their_o own_o eternal_a benefit_n according_a unto_o the_o light_n and_o knowledge_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n which_o he_o be_v please_v to_o communicate_v unto_o they_o what_o concern_v the_o frame_n and_o fashion_v of_o church_n by_o arbitrary_a and_o artificial_a combination_n in_o province_n nation_n and_o the_o like_a we_o shall_v afterward_o inquire_v into_o this_o be_v the_o assure_a foundation_n and_o general_a warranty_n of_o particular_a society_n and_o church_n whilst_o man_n be_v continue_v on_o the_o earth_n the_o especial_a regulation_n of_o they_o by_o divine_a revelation_n will_v in_o the_o next_o place_n be_v consider_v and_o he_o who_o be_v not_o unite_v with_o other_o in_o some_o such_o society_n live_v in_o open_a contradiction_n unto_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o its_o light_n in_o the_o principal_a instance_n of_o it_o 1._o whereas_o the_o direction_n give_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n in_o and_o unto_o thing_n concern_v the_o outward_a worship_n of_o god_n be_v general_a only_o so_o as_o that_o by_o they_o alone_o it_o will_v be_v very_o difficult_a to_o erect_v a_o church-state_n in_o good_a and_o holy_a order_n god_n do_v always_o from_o the_o beginning_n by_o especial_a revelation_n and_o institution_n ordain_v such_o thing_n as_o may_v perfect_v the_o conduct_n of_o that_o light_n unto_o such_o a_o complete_a order_n as_o be_v accept_v with_o himself_o so_o 1_o he_o appoint_v a_o church-state_n for_o man_n in_o innocency_n and_o complete_v its_o order_n by_o the_o sacramental_a addition_n of_o the_o two_o tree_n the_o one_o of_o life_n the_o other_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil._n 2._o that_o before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v to_o perfect_a and_o complete_a all_o divine_a revelation_n and_o state_n all_o thing_n belong_v unto_o the_o house_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n so_o as_o never_o to_o admit_v of_o the_o least_o change_n or_o alteration_n this_o church-state_n as_o unto_o outward_a order_n rite_n of_o worship_n way_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o administration_n of_o thing_n sacred_a with_o its_o bound_n and_o limit_n be_v changeable_a and_o various_o change_v the_o most_o eminent_a change_n it_o receive_v be_v in_o the_o give_n of_o the_o law_n which_o fix_v its_o state_n unalterable_o unto_o the_o come_v of_o christ._n mal._n 4.4_o 5_o 6._o 3._o that_o it_o be_v god_n himself_o alone_o who_o make_v all_o these_o alteration_n and_o change_n nor_o will_v he_o nor_o do_v he_o ever_o allow_v that_o the_o will_n wisdom_n or_o authority_n of_o man_n shall_v prescribe_v rule_n or_o measure_n unto_o his_o worship_n in_o any_o thing_n heb._n 3.1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o 4._o that_o the_o foundation_n of_o every_o church-state_n that_o be_v accept_v with_o god_n be_v in_o a_o express_a covenant_n with_o he_o that_o they_o receive_v and_o enter_v into_o who_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o that_o state_n a_o church_n not_o found_v in_o a_o covenant_n with_o god_n be_v not_o from_o heaven_n but_o of_o men._n hereof_o we_o shall_v treat_v more_o at_o large_a as_o i_o suppose_v afterward_o see_v it_o exemplify_v exod._n 24._o 5._o there_o be_v no_o good_a in_o there_o be_v no_o benefit_n to_o be_v obtain_v by_o any_o church-state_n whatever_o unless_o we_o enter_v into_o it_o and_o observe_v it_o by_o a_o act_n of_o obedience_n with_o immediate_a respect_n unto_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n by_o who_o it_o be_v appoint_v and_o the_o observation_n of_o it_o prescribe_v unto_o we_o mat._n 28.18_o 19_o 20._o hence_o 6._o unless_o man_n by_o their_o voluntary_a choice_n and_o consent_n out_o of_o a_o sense_n of_o their_o duty_n unto_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o institution_n do_v enter_v into_o a_o church-state_n they_o can_v by_o any_o other_o way_n or_o mean_n be_v so_o frame_v into_o it_o as_o to_o find_v acceptance_n with_o god_n therein_o 2._o cor._n 8.5_o and_o the_o interposition_n that_o be_v make_v by_o custom_n tradition_n the_o institution_n and_o ordinance_n of_o man_n between_o the_o conscience_n of_o they_o who_o belong_v or_o will_v belong_v unto_o such_o a_o state_n and_o the_o immediate_a authority_n of_o god_n be_v high_o obstructive_a of_o this_o divine_a order_n 58._o and_o all_o the_o benefit_n of_o it_o for_o hence_o it_o be_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o most_o man_n know_v neither_o how_o nor_o whereby_o they_o come_v to_o be_v member_n of_o this_o or_o that_o church_n but_o only_o on_o this_o ground_n that_o they_o be_v bear_v where_o it_o do_v prevail_v and_o be_v accept_v chap._n ii_o the_o especial_a original_a of_o the_o evangelical_n church-state_n our_o principal_a concernment_n at_o present_a be_v in_o the_o evangelical_n church-state_n or_o the_o state_n of_o church_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o this_o be_v that_o about_o which_o there_o be_v many_o great_a and_o fierce_a contest_v among_o christian_n and_o those_o attend_v with_o pernicious_a consequent_n and_o effect_n what_o be_v the_o original_a what_o be_v the_o nature_n what_o be_v the_o use_n and_o power_n what_o be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o church_n or_o any_o church_n what_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o man_n in_o it_o and_o towards_o it_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o various_a contest_v and_o the_o principal_a occasion_n of_o all_o the_o distraction_n that_o be_v at_o this_o day_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n for_o the_o great_a part_n of_o those_o who_o judge_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o take_v care_n and_o order_n about_o these_o thing_n have_v enterwoven_v their_o own_o secular_a interest_n and_o advantage_n into_o such_o a_o church-state_n as_o be_v meet_v and_o suit_v to_o preserve_v and_o promote_v they_o suppose_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o that_o religion_n may_v be_v make_v a_o trade_n for_o outward_a advantage_n they_o do_v open_o seek_v the_o destruction_n of_o all_o those_o who_o will_v not_o comply_v with_o that_o church_n form_n and_o order_n that_o they_o have_v frame_v unto_o themselves_o moreover_o from_o man_n various_a conception_n and_o suitable_a practice_n about_o this_o church-state_n be_v advantage_n and_o occasion_n take_v to_o charge_v each_o other_o with_o schism_n and_o all_o sort_n of_o evil_n which_o be_v suppose_v to_o ensue_v thereon_o wherefore_o although_o i_o design_v all_o possible_a brevity_n and_o only_o to_o declare_v those_o principle_n of_o truth_n wherein_o we_o may_v safe_o repose_v our_o faith_n and_o practice_n avoid_v as_o much_o as_o much_o as_o possible_o i_o can_v and_o the_o subject_n will_v allow_v the_o handle_n of_o those_o thing_n in_o a_o way_n of_o controversy_n with_o other_o yet_o somewhat_o more_o than_o ordinary_a diligence_n be_v require_v unto_o the_o true_a state_v of_o this_o important_a concernment_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o that_o which_o we_o shall_v first_o inquire_v into_o be_v the_o special_a original_a and_o authoritative_a constitution_n of_o this_o church-state_n wherefore_o 1._o the_o church-state_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n do_v not_o less_o relate_v unto_o and_o receive_v force_n from_o the_o light_n or_o law_n of_o nature_n than_o any_o other_o state_n of_o the_o church_n whatever_o herein_o as_o unto_o its_o general_a nature_n its_o foundation_n be_v lay_v what_o that_o direct_v unto_o may_v receive_v new_a enforcement_n by_o revelation_n but_o change_v or_o alter_v or_o abolish_v it_o can_v be_v wherefore_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o new_a express_a institution_n of_o what_o be_v require_v by_o that_o light_n and_o law_n in_o all_o church_n and_o society_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o only_o a_o application_n of_o it_o unto_o present_a occasion_n and_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o church_n
which_o have_v be_v various_a and_o it_o be_v mere_o from_o a_o spirit_n of_o contention_n that_o some_o call_v on_o we_o or_o other_o to_o produce_v express_a testimony_n or_o institution_n for_o every_o circumstance_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o religious_a duty_n in_o the_o church_n and_o on_o a_o suppose_a failure_n herein_o to_o conclude_v that_o they_o have_v power_n themselves_o to_o institute_n and_o ordain_v such_o ceremony_n as_o they_o think_v meet_v under_o a_o pretence_n of_o their_o be_v circumstance_n of_o worship_n for_o as_o the_o directive_n light_n of_o nature_n be_v sufficient_a to_o guide_v we_o in_o these_o thing_n so_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o church_n unto_o it_o make_v all_o state_v addition_n to_o be_v useless_a as_o on_o other_o account_n they_o be_v noxious_a such_o thing_n as_o these_o be_v the_o time_n and_o season_n of_o church_n assembly_n the_o order_n and_o decency_n wherein_o all_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v transact_v in_o they_o the_o bound_a of_o they_o as_o unto_o the_o number_n of_o their_o member_n and_o place_n of_o habitation_n so_o as_o to_o answer_v the_o end_n of_o their_o institution_n the_o multiplication_n of_o church_n when_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n exceed_v the_o proportion_n capable_a of_o edification_n in_o such_o society_n what_o especial_a advantage_n be_v to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o in_o the_o order_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n such_o as_o be_v method_n in_o preach_v translation_n and_o tune_n of_o psalm_n in_o sing_v continuance_n in_o public_a duty_n and_o the_o like_a the_o thing_n themselves_o be_v divine_o institute_v be_v capable_a of_o such_o general_a direction_n in_o and_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n as_o may_v with_o ordinary_a christian_a prudence_n be_v on_o all_o occasion_n apply_v unto_o the_o use_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n to_o forsake_v these_o direction_n and_o instead_o of_o they_o to_o invent_v way_n mode_n form_n and_o ceremony_n of_o our_o own_o which_o the_o thing_n whereunto_o they_o be_v apply_v and_o make_v use_v of_o in_o do_v no_o way_n call_v for_o require_v or_o own_v as_o it_o be_v with_o all_o humane_o invent_v state_v ceremony_n and_o thereon_o by_o law_n and_o canon_n to_o determine_v their_o precise_a observation_n at_o all_o time_n and_o season_n to_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o circumstance_n of_o such_o act_n and_o duty_n as_o they_o be_v apply_v unto_o their_o use_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n unto_o the_o general_a end_n of_o edification_n be_v as_o indemonstrable_a as_o their_o necessity_n unto_o the_o duty_n whereunto_o they_o be_v annex_v be_v also_o it_o be_v that_o which_o have_v no_o warranty_n either_o from_o divine_a authority_n or_o christian_a prudence_n this_o respect_n of_o the_o gospel_n church-state_n unto_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n the_o apostle_n demonstrate_v in_o his_o frequent_a appeal_n unto_o it_o in_o thing_n that_o belong_v unto_o church-order_n 1_o cor._n 7.29_o 33.7_o chap._n 9.7_o chap._n 11.14_o 15_o 16._o chap._n 14.8_o 9_o 10_o 11._o ver_fw-la 32_o 33._o ver_fw-la 40._o and_o the_o like_a be_v do_v in_o sundry_a other_o place_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o be_v evident_a 2._o but_o such_o be_v the_o especial_a nature_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o evangelical-church-state_n such_o the_o relation_n of_o it_o unto_o the_o person_n and_o mediation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n with_o all_o thing_n thereon_o depend_v such_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o especial_a honour_n and_o glory_n which_o god_n design_n unto_o himself_o therein_o thing_n that_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n can_v give_v no_o guidance_n unto_o nor_o direction_n about_o and_o moreover_o so_o different_a and_o distant_a from_o all_o that_o be_v before_o ordain_v in_o any_o other_o church-state_n be_v the_o way_n mean_n and_o duty_n of_o divine_a worship_n prescribe_v in_o it_o that_o it_o must_v have_v a_o peculiar_a divine_a institution_n of_o its_o own_o to_o evidence_n that_o it_o be_v from_o heaven_n and_o not_o from_o men._n the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o apostle_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d heb._n 7.11_o it_o be_v perfection_n its_o consummation_n that_o perfect_a state_n which_o god_n design_v unto_o it_o in_o this_o world_n and_o he_o deny_v that_o it_o can_v be_v bring_v into_o that_o state_n by_o the_o law_n or_o any_o of_o the_o divine_a institution_n that_o belong_v thereunto_o heb._n 7.19_o chap._n 9.9_o chap._n 10.1_o and_o we_o need_v go_v no_o far_o we_o need_v no_o other_o argument_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o gospel-church-state_n as_o unto_o its_o especial_a nature_n be_v found_v in_o a_o peculiar_a divine_a institution_n for_o it_o have_v a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o perfect_a consummate_a state_n which_o the_o law_n can_v not_o bring_v it_o unto_o though_o itself_o its_o ordinance_n of_o worship_n its_o rule_n and_o policy_n be_v all_o of_o divine_a institution_n and_o herein_o do_v its_o excellency_n and_o preference_n above_o the_o legal_a church-state_n consist_v as_o the_o apostle_n prove_v at_o large_a to_o suppose_v that_o this_o shall_v be_v give_v unto_o it_o any_o other_o way_n but_o by_o divine_a authority_n in_o its_o institution_n be_v to_o advance_v the_o wisdom_n and_o authority_n of_o man_n above_o those_o of_o god_n and_o to_o render_v the_o gospel-church-state_n a_o machine_n to_o be_v move_v up_o and_o down_o at_o pleasure_n to_o be_v new_o mould_v or_o shape_v according_a unto_o occasion_n or_o to_o be_v turn_v unto_o any_o interest_n like_o the_o wing_n of_o a_o mill_n unto_o the_o wind._n all_o the_o dignity_n honour_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n depend_v sole_o hereon_o that_o it_o be_v in_o the_o whole_a and_o all_o the_o particular_n of_o it_o of_o divine_a institution_n hence_o it_o be_v glorious_a that_o be_v very_o excellent_a as_o the_o apostle_n declare_v 2._o cor._n 3._o and_o if_o the_o church-state_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n have_v not_o the_o same_o original_a it_o must_v be_v esteem_v to_o have_v a_o great_a glory_n give_v unto_o it_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n than_o the_o other_o have_v in_o that_o it_o be_v institute_v by_o god_n himself_o for_o a_o great_a glory_n it_o have_v as_o the_o apostle_n testify_v neither_o can_v any_o man_n nor_o dare_v any_o man_n alive_a to_o give_v any_o instance_n in_o particular_a wherein_o there_o be_v the_o least_o defect_n in_o the_o be_v constitution_n rule_n and_o government_n of_o the_o gospel-church-state_n for_o want_v of_o divine_a institution_n so_o as_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v necessary_a to_o make_v a_o supply_n thereof_o by_o the_o wisdom_n and_o authority_n of_o man_n but_o these_o thing_n will_v be_v more_o full_o speak_v unto_o after_o we_o have_v declare_v who_o it_o be_v who_o have_v divine_o institute_v this_o church_n state_n 3._o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v capable_a of_o a_o threefold_a application_n or_o it_o be_v take_v in_o a_o threefold_a notion_n as_o 1_o for_o the_o catholic_n invisible_a church_n or_o society_n of_o elect_a believer_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n real_o relate_v by_o faith_n in_o he_o unto_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n as_o their_o mystical_a head_n 2_o for_o the_o whole_a number_n of_o visible_a professor_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n who_o by_o baptism_n and_o the_o outward_a profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o obedience_n unto_o christ_n be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n and_o 3_o for_o such_o a_o state_n as_o wherein_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v celebrate_v in_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n by_o he_o appoint_v and_o which_o be_v to_o be_v rule_v by_o the_o power_n which_o he_o give_v it_o and_o according_a to_o the_o discipline_n which_o he_o have_v ordain_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o church_n under_o these_o distinct_a notion_n with_o our_o relation_n unto_o either_o or_o all_o of_o they_o and_o the_o duty_n require_v of_o we_o thereon_o i_o have_v treat_v full_o in_o my_o discourse_n of_o evangelical_n love_n and_o church_n peace_n or_o unity_n and_o thither_o i_o must_v remit_v the_o reader_n it_o be_v the_o church_n in_o the_o latter_a sense_n alone_o who_o original_a we_o now_o inquire_v after_o and_o i_o say_v 4._o the_o original_a of_o this_o church-state_n be_v direct_o immediate_o and_o sole_o from_o jesus_n christ_n he_o alone_o be_v the_o author_n contriver_n and_o institutor_n of_o it_o when_o i_o say_v it_o be_v immediate_o and_o sole_o from_o he_o i_o do_v not_o intend_v that_o in_o and_o by_o his_o own_o person_n or_o in_o his_o personal_a ministry_n here_o in_o the_o earth_n he_o do_v absolute_o and_o complete_o finish_v this_o state_n exclusive_o unto_o the_o ministry_n of_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
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
to_o choose_v out_o from_o among_o themselves_o person_n meet_v for_o a_o ecclesiastical_a office_n act._n 6._o the_o same_o people_n who_o join_v with_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n in_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o grand_a case_n concern_v the_o continuation_n of_o the_o legal_a ceremony_n and_o be_v associate_v with_o they_o in_o the_o determination_n of_o it_o act._n 15._o the_o same_o to_o who_o all_o the_o apostolical_a epistle_n except_v some_o to_o particular_a person_n be_v write_v and_o unto_o who_o such_o direction_n be_v give_v and_o duty_n enjoin_v in_o they_o as_o suppose_v not_o only_o a_o liberty_n and_o ability_n to_o judge_v for_o themselves_o in_o all_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n but_o also_o a_o especial_a interest_n in_o the_o order_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n those_o who_o be_v to_o say_v unto_o archippus_n their_o bishop_n take_v heed_n unto_o the_o ministry_n thou_o have_v receive_v in_o the_o lord_n that_o thou_o fulfil_v it_o col._n 4._o unto_o who_o of_o all_o sort_n it_o be_v command_v that_o they_o shall_v examine_v and_o try_v antichrist_n spirit_n and_o false_a teacher_n that_o be_v all_o sort_n of_o heretic_n heresy_n and_o error_n 1_o joh._n chap._n 2.3_o etc._n etc._n that_o people_n who_o even_o in_o follow_v age_n adhere_v unto_o the_o faith_n and_o the_o orthodox_n profession_n of_o it_o when_o almost_o all_o their_o bishop_n be_v become_v arian_n heretic_n and_o keep_v their_o private_a conventicle_n in_o opposition_n unto_o they_o at_o constantinople_n antioch_n alexandria_n and_o other_o place_n and_o who_o be_v so_o many_o of_o they_o burn_v here_o in_o england_n by_o their_o own_o bishop_n on_o the_o judgement_n they_o make_v of_o error_n and_o heresy_n and_o if_o the_o present_a people_n with_o who_o the_o dr._n be_v acquaint_v be_v altogether_o unmeet_a for_o the_o discharge_v of_o any_o of_o these_o duty_n it_o be_v the_o fault_n of_o some_o body_n else_o beside_o their_o own_o this_o principle_n of_o the_o reformation_n in_o vindication_n of_o the_o right_n liberty_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o christian_a people_n to_o judge_v and_o choose_v for_o themselves_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n to_o join_v free_o in_o those_o church_n duty_n which_o be_v require_v of_o they_o without_o which_o the_o work_n of_o it_o have_v never_o be_v carry_v on_o we_o do_v abide_v by_o and_o maintain_v yea_o we_o meet_v with_o no_o opposition_n more_o fierce_a than_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o our_o assert_v the_o liberty_n and_o right_o of_o the_o people_n in_o reference_n unto_o church_n order_n and_o worship_n but_o i_o shall_v not_o be_v afraid_a to_o say_v that_o as_o the_o reformation_n be_v begin_v and_o carry_v on_o on_o this_o principle_n so_o when_o this_o people_n shall_v through_o a_o apprehension_n of_o their_o ignorance_n weakness_n and_o unmeetness_n to_o discern_v and_o judge_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n for_o themselves_o and_o their_o own_o duty_n be_v keep_v and_o debar_v from_o it_o or_o when_o through_o their_o own_o sloth_n negligence_n and_o viciousness_n they_o shall_v be_v real_o uncapable_a to_o manage_v their_o own_o interest_n in_o church_n affair_n as_o be_v fit_a only_o to_o be_v govern_v if_o not_o as_o brute_n creature_n yet_o as_o mute_a person_n and_o that_o these_o thing_n be_v improve_v by_o the_o ambition_n of_o the_o clergy_n engross_a all_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n unto_o themselves_o as_o they_o do_v in_o former_a age_n if_o the_o old_a popedom_n do_v not_o return_v a_o new_a one_o will_v be_v erect_v as_o bad_a as_o the_o other_o three_o another_o principle_n of_o the_o reformation_n be_v that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o catholic_n visible_a organical_a govern_v church_n traduce_v by_o succession_n into_o that_o of_o rome_n 〈◊〉_d all_o church_n power_n and_o order_n be_v to_o be_v derive_v i_o will_v not_o say_v that_o this_o principle_n be_v absolute_o receive_v by_o all_o the_o first_o reformer_n here_o in_o england_n yet_o it_o be_v by_o the_o generality_n of_o they_o in_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o world_n for_o as_o they_o constant_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v any_o catholic_n church_n but_o that_o invisible_a of_o elect_a believer_n allow_v the_o external_n denomination_n of_o the_o church_n unto_o the_o diffuse_a community_n of_o the_o baptize_v world_n so_o believe_v and_o profess_v that_o the_o pope_n be_v antichrist_n that_o rome_n be_v mystical_a babylon_n the_o seat_n of_o the_o apostatise_v church_n of_o the_o gentile_n devote_v to_o destruction_n they_o can_v acknowledge_v no_o such_o church_n state_n in_o the_o roman_a church_n nor_o the_o derivation_n of_o any_o power_n and_o order_n from_o it_o so_o far_o as_o there_o be_v a_o declension_n from_o this_o principle_n so_o far_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o reformation_n be_v weaken_v and_o the_o principal_a reason_n of_o separation_n from_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v reject_v as_o shall_v be_v far_o manifest_v if_o occasion_n require_v it_o this_o principle_n we_o do_v firm_o adhere_v unto_o and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o it_o be_v know_v that_o our_o fix_a judgement_n concern_v the_o divine_a institution_n nature_n and_o order_n of_o evangelical_n church_n be_v such_o as_o be_v utter_o exclusive_a of_o the_o roman_a church_n as_o a_o body_n organise_v in_o and_o under_o the_o pope_n and_o his_o hierarchy_n from_o any_o pretence_n unto_o church_n state_n order_n or_o power_n and_o it_o may_v be_v hence_o judge_v who_o do_v most_o weaken_v the_o cause_n of_o reformation_n we_o or_o some_o of_o they_o at_o least_o by_o who_o we_o be_v oppose_v a_o second_o absurdity_n that_o he_o charge_v on_o our_o way_n be_v that_o it_o will_v make_v union_n among_o the_o protestant_a church_n impossible_a suppose_v they_o to_o remain_v as_o they_o be_v sect._n 24._o pag._n 186._o to_o make_v good_a this_o charge_n he_o insist_o on_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o the_o lutheran_n church_n have_v the_o same_o and_o more_o ceremony_n and_o unscriptural_a imposition_n then_o our_o church_n have_v 2._o that_o notwithstanding_o these_o thing_n yet_o many_o learned_a protestant_a divine_n have_v plead_v for_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o they_o which_o upon_o our_o principle_n and_o supposition_n they_o can_v not_o have_v do_v but_o whether_o they_o plead_v for_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o they_o by_o admit_v into_o their_o church_n and_o submit_v unto_o those_o ceremony_n and_o unscriptural_a imposition_n which_o be_v alone_o unto_o the_o doctor_n purpose_n or_o whether_o they_o judge_v their_o member_n oblige_v to_o communicate_v in_o local_a communion_n with_o they_o under_o those_o imposition_n he_o do_v not_o declare_v but_o whereas_o neither_o we_o nor_o our_o cause_n be_v in_o the_o least_o concern_v in_o what_o the_o dr._n here_o insist_v upon_o yet_o because_o the_o charge_n be_v no_o less_o then_o that_o our_o principle_n give_v disturbance_n unto_o the_o peace_n and_o union_n of_o all_o protestant_a church_n i_o shall_v brief_o manifest_v that_o they_o be_v not_o only_o conducive_v thereunto_o but_o such_o as_o without_o which_o that_o peace_n and_o union_n will_v never_o be_v attain_v 1._o it_o be_v know_v unto_o all_o that_o from_o the_o first_o beginning_n of_o the_o reformation_n there_o be_v difference_n among_o the_o church_n which_o depart_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o as_o this_o be_v look_v on_o as_o the_o great_a impediment_n unto_o the_o progress_n of_o the_o reformation_n so_o it_o be_v not_o moral_o possible_a that_o in_o a_o work_n of_o that_o nature_n begin_v and_o carry_v on_o by_o person_n of_o all_o for_o we_o in_o many_o nation_n of_o divers_a tongue_n and_o language_n none_o of_o they_o be_v divine_o inspire_v that_o it_o shall_v otherwise_o fall_v out_o god_n also_o in_o his_o holy_a wise_a providence_n suffer_v it_o so_o to_o be_v for_o cause_n know_v then_o to_o himself_o but_o since_o sundry_a of_o they_o have_v be_v make_v manifest_a in_o the_o event_n for_o whereas_o there_o be_v a_o agreement_n in_o all_o fundamental_a article_n of_o faith_n among_o they_o and_o all_o necessary_a mean_n of_o salvation_n a_o far_a agreement_n consider_v our_o sloth_n negligence_n and_o proness_n of_o man_n to_o abuse_v security_n and_o power_n may_v have_v produce_v as_o evil_a effect_n as_o the_o difference_n have_v do_v for_o those_o which_o have_v be_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o those_o which_o have_v be_v on_o the_o other_o have_v be_v and_o will_v have_v be_v from_o the_o corrupt_a affection_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o their_o secular_a interest_n 2._o these_o difference_n be_v principal_o in_o or_o about_o some_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n whereon_o some_o fiery_a spirit_n among_o they_o take_v occasion_n mutual_o and_o unjust_o enough_o to_o charge_v each_o other_o with_o heresy_n especial_o be_v this_o do_v among_o the_o lutheran_n
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 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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
impartial_a consideration_n he_o charge_v on_o we_o with_o great_a solemnity_n as_o we_o love_v our_o own_o soul_n now_o although_o that_o passage_n in_o that_o great_a and_o holy_a person_n be_v not_o new_a unto_o i_o have_v not_o only_o read_v it_o many_o a_o time_n in_o his_o book_n but_o frequent_o meet_v with_o it_o urge_v by_o papist_n against_o all_o protestant_n yet_o upon_o the_o drs._n intimation_n i_o have_v give_v it_o again_o the_o consideration_n require_v the_o word_n as_o they_o lie_v in_o the_o author_n be_v to_o this_o purpose_n we_o shall_v also_o judge_v they_o who_o make_v schism_n be_v vain_a qui_fw-la sunt_fw-la immanes_a or_o inane_n not_o have_v the_o love_n of_o god_n rather_o consider_v their_o own_o profit_n than_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n who_o for_o small_a or_o any_o cause_n rend_v and_o divide_v the_o glorious_a body_n of_o christ_n and_o as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v destroy_v it_o speak_v peace_n but_o design_v war_n strain_v at_o a_o gnat_n and_o swallow_v a_o camel_n for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o rebuke_n of_o thing_n by_o they_o to_o equal_v the_o mischief_n of_o schism_n lib._n 4._o cap._n 62._o i_o know_v not_o why_o he_o shall_v give_v we_o such_o a_o severe_a charge_n for_o the_o impartial_a consideration_n of_o these_o word_n that_o as_o we_o love_v our_o soul_n we_o shall_v impartial_o and_o without_o prejudice_n consider_v they_o we_o hope_v that_o out_o of_o love_n to_o the_o truth_n the_o glory_n of_o christ_n and_o care_n of_o our_o own_o soul_n we_o do_v so_o consider_v and_o have_v long_a since_o so_o consider_v whatever_o belong_v unto_o the_o cause_n wherein_o we_o engage_v and_o the_o opposition_n that_o be_v make_v unto_o it_o nor_o will_v we_o be_v offend_v with_o any_o that_o shall_v yet_o call_v on_o we_o to_o persist_v and_o proceed_v in_o the_o same_o way_n but_o why_o such_o a_o charge_n shall_v be_v lay_v on_o we_o with_o respect_n unto_o these_o word_n of_o irenaeus_n i_o know_v not_o for_o although_o we_o great_o value_v the_o word_n and_o judgement_n of_o that_o holy_a person_n that_o great_a defender_n of_o the_o mystery_n and_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n from_o unwarrantable_a imposition_n yet_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n alone_o whereby_o we_o must_v be_v regulate_v and_o determine_v in_o these_o thing_n if_o we_o love_v our_o own_o soul_n beside_o what_o be_v we_o concern_v in_o they_o be_v every_o separation_n from_o a_o church_n a_o schism_n our_o author_n show_v the_o contrary_a immediate_o be_v refrain_v communion_n in_o a_o church_n state_n not_o of_o divine_a institution_n and_o in_o thing_n not_o prescribe_v by_o the_o lord_n christ_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n hold_v communion_n in_o faith_n and_o love_n with_o all_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o world_n a_o damnable_a schism_n or_o any_o schism_n at_o all_o have_v the_o reverend_a author_n in_o his_o whole_a book_n once_o attempt_v to_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v so_o though_o this_o be_v the_o whole_a of_o the_o matter_n in_o difference_n between_o we_o be_v our_o forbearance_n of_o communion_n in_o parochial_a assembly_n upon_o the_o reason_n before_o plead_v especial_o that_o of_o humane_a imposition_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o the_o schism_n from_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n without_o pretence_n of_o any_o such_o imposition_n do_v he_o judge_v we_o to_o be_v such_o as_o have_v no_o love_n unto_o god_n such_o as_o prefer_v our_o own_o profit_n before_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n i_o hearty_o wish_v and_o pray_v that_o he_o may_v never_o have_v a_o share_n in_o that_o profit_n and_o advantage_n which_o we_o have_v make_v unto_o ourselves_o by_o our_o principle_n and_o practice_n poverty_n distress_n ruin_n to_o our_o family_n danger_n imprisonment_n revile_n with_o contemptuous_a reproach_n comprise_v the_o profit_n we_o have_v make_v unto_o ourselves_o be_v our_o refrain_v communion_n in_o some_o outward_a order_n modes_n and_o rite_n of_o man_n institution_n our_o want_n of_o conscientious_a submission_n unto_o the_o court_n of_o chancellor_n commissary_n official_o etc._n etc._n a_o rend_n and_o destroy_v of_o the_o glorious_a body_n of_o christ_n be_v it_o cement_v unite_v and_o compact_v or_o fit_o frame_v together_o by_o these_o thing_n they_o former_o pretend_v to_o be_v his_o coat_n and_o must_v they_o now_o be_v esteem_v to_o be_v his_o glorious_a body_n when_o they_o no_o way_n belong_v unto_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o be_v the_o application_n of_o these_o thing_n unto_o we_o a_o effect_n of_o that_o love_n charity_n and_o forbearance_n which_o be_v the_o only_a preventive_a mean_n of_o schism_n and_o whereof_o if_o man_n be_v void_a it_o be_v all_o one_o upon_o the_o matter_n whether_o they_o be_v schismatic_n or_o no_o for_o they_o will_v be_v so_o when_o it_o be_v for_o their_o advantage_n wherefore_o we_o be_v not_o concern_v in_o these_o thing_n let_v whosoever_o will_v declare_v and_o vehement_o assert_v we_o to_o be_v guilty_a of_o schism_n which_o they_o can_v prove_v we_o can_v cheerful_o subscribe_v unto_o these_o word_n of_o irenaeus_n it_o may_v not_o be_v impertinent_a on_o this_o occasion_n to_o desire_v of_o some_o other_o that_o as_o they_o love_v their_o own_o soul_n and_o have_v compassion_n for_o the_o soul_n of_o other_o man_n they_o will_v serious_o consider_v what_o state_n and_o condition_n thing_n be_v come_v unto_o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n how_o much_o ignorance_n profaneness_n sensuality_n do_v spread_v themselves_o over_o the_o nation_n what_o neglect_v of_o the_o most_o important_a duty_n of_o the_o gospel_n yea_o what_o scoff_v at_o the_o power_n of_o religion_n do_v abound_v among_o we_o what_o a_o utter_a decay_n and_o loss_n there_o be_v of_o all_o the_o primitive_a discipline_n of_o the_o church_n what_o multitude_n be_v in_o the_o way_n of_o eternal_a ruin_n for_o want_v of_o due_a instruction_n and_o example_n from_o they_o who_o shall_v lead_v they_o how_o great_a a_o necessity_n there_o be_v of_o a_o universal_a reformation_n and_o how_o secure_o negligent_a of_o it_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n be_v what_o have_v be_v the_o pernicious_a effect_n of_o impose_v thing_n unnecessary_a and_o unscriptural_a on_o the_o conscience_n and_o practice_n of_o man_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n whereby_o the_o church_n have_v be_v deprive_v of_o the_o labour_n of_o so_o many_o faithful_a minister_n who_o may_v have_v at_o least_o assist_v in_o prevent_v that_o decay_n of_o religion_n which_o every_o day_n increase_v among_o we_o how_o easy_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v for_o they_o to_o restore_v evangelical_n peace_n and_o unity_n among_o all_o protestant_n without_o the_o loss_n of_o their_o ministry_n without_o the_o diminution_n of_o their_o dignity_n without_o deprivation_n of_o any_o part_n of_o their_o revenue_n without_o the_o neglect_n of_o any_o duty_n without_o do_v any_o thing_n against_o their_o light_n and_o conscience_n with_o respect_n unto_o any_o divine_a obligation_n and_o thereon_o set_v themselves_o serious_o to_o endeavour_v the_o remedy_n of_o these_o and_o other_o evil_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n under_o a_o sense_n of_o that_o great_a account_n which_o they_o must_v short_o give_v before_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o jesus_n christ._n he_o proceed_v to_o consider_v the_o case_n wherein_o the_o scripture_n allow_v of_o separation_n which_o he_o affirm_v to_o be_v three_o the_o first_o be_v in_o case_n of_o idolatrous_a worship_n this_o none_o can_v question_v they_o do_v not_o see_v from_o who_o yet_o we_o all_o separate_v as_o from_o idolater_n the_o second_o be_v in_o case_n of_o false_a dostrine_n be_v impose_v instead_o of_o true_a which_o he_o confirm_v with_o sundry_a instance_n but_o there_o be_v a_o little_a difficulty_n in_o this_o case_n for_o 1._o it_o be_v uncertain_a when_o a_o doctrine_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v impose_v be_v it_o when_o it_o be_v teach_v and_o preach_v by_o the_o guide_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n or_o any_o of_o they_o without_o control_v if_o so_o then_o be_v such_o preach_v a_o sufficient_a cause_n of_o separation_n and_o will_v justify_v they_o who_o do_v at_o present_a separate_v from_o any_o church_n who_o minister_n preach_v false_a doctrine_n how_o false_a doctrine_n can_v be_v otherwise_o impose_v i_o know_v not_o unless_o it_o be_v by_o exact_v a_o express_a confession_n of_o it_o as_o truth_n 2._o what_o false_a doctrine_n it_o be_v which_o be_v of_o this_o importance_n as_o to_o justify_v separation_n be_v not_o easy_o determinable_a 3._o if_o the_o guide_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n do_v teach_v this_o false_a doctrine_n who_o shall_v judge_v of_o it_o and_o determine_v it_o so_o to_o be_v and_o that_o ultimate_o so_o as_o
be_v exercise_v in_o they_o without_o they_o or_o their_o own_o consent_n as_o also_o their_o right_n unto_o the_o choice_n of_o their_o own_o officer_n so_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o separation_n between_o they_o on_o that_o account_n 2._o when_o they_o begin_v in_o good_a earnest_n to_o reform_v themselves_o and_o to_o take_v away_o the_o unsufferable_a condition_n of_o communion_n except_v against_o they_o may_v know_v more_o of_o my_o judgement_n if_o i_o be_o alive_a which_o i_o do_v not_o believe_v i_o shall_v be_v as_o unto_o separation_n though_o i_o have_v speak_v unto_o it_o plain_o enough_o already_o 3._o it_o can_v be_v say_v that_o the_o church_n of_o the_o independent_o be_v gather_v out_o of_o presbyterian_a church_n for_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n be_v never_o here_o establish_v and_o each_o party_n take_v liberty_n to_o reform_v themselves_o according_o according_a to_o their_o principle_n wherein_o there_o be_v some_o difference_n 4._o have_v the_o presbyterian_a government_n be_v settle_v at_o the_o king_n restauration_n by_o the_o encouragement_n and_o protection_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o without_o a_o rigorous_a imposition_n of_o every_o thing_n suppose_v by_o any_o to_o belong_v thereunto_o or_o a_o mixture_n of_o humane_a constitution_n if_o there_o have_v any_o appearance_n of_o a_o schism_n or_o separation_n continue_v between_o the_o party_n i_o do_v judge_n they_o will_v have_v be_v both_o to_o blame_v for_o as_o it_o can_v be_v expect_v that_o all_o church_n and_o all_o person_n in_o they_o shall_v agree_v in_o all_o principle_n and_o practice_n belong_v unto_o church_n order_n nor_o be_v it_o so_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n nor_o ever_o since_o among_o any_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n so_o all_o the_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o church_n communion_n will_v have_v be_v so_o fix_v and_o agree_v upon_o between_o they_o and_o all_o offence_n in_o worship_n so_o remove_v as_o that_o it_o will_v have_v be_v a_o matter_n of_o no_o great_a art_n absolute_o to_o unite_v they_o or_o to_o maintain_v a_o firm_a communion_n among_o they_o no_o more_o then_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o primitive_a time_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o difference_n that_o be_v among_o church_n in_o those_o day_n for_o they_o allow_v distinct_a communion_n upon_o distinct_a apprehension_n of_o thing_n belong_v unto_o church_n order_n or_o worship_n all_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n if_o it_o shall_v be_v ask_v then_o why_o do_v they_o not_o former_o agree_v in_o the_o assemby_n i_o answer_v 1._o i_o be_v none_o of_o they_o and_o can_v tell_v 2._o they_o do_v agree_v in_o my_o judgement_n well_o enough_o if_o they_o can_v have_v think_v so_o and_o far_o i_o be_o not_o concern_v in_o the_o difference_n it_o be_v therefore_o notorious_a that_o occasion_n be_v give_v unto_o our_o refrain_v free_a communion_n with_o parochial_a church_n by_o the_o unwarrantable_a imposition_n of_o thing_n not_o lawful_a for_o we_o to_o observe_v both_o in_o church_n order_n and_o worship_n nor_o be_v it_o candid_a in_o any_o to_o deny_v it_o though_o they_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v as_o unto_o the_o thing_n themselves_o his_o second_o exception_n be_v unto_o a_o say_n which_o i_o quote_v out_o of_o justice_n hobart_n report_v who_o say_v we_o know_v well_o that_o the_o primitive_a church_n in_o its_o great_a purity_n be_v but_o voluntary_a congregation_n of_o believer_n submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o apostle_n and_o other_o pastor_n to_o who_o they_o do_v minister_v of_o their_o temporal_n as_o god_n do_v move_v they_o hereunto_o with_o a_o reflection_n on_o a_o dead_a man_n i_o know_v not_o why_o he_o reply_v that_o this_o be_v not_o to_o the_o purpose_n or_o rather_o quite_o overthrow_v my_o hypothesis_n but_o why_o so_o he_o will_v prove_v it_o with_o two_o argument_n the_o first_o be_v this_o those_o voluntary_a congregation_n over_o which_o the_o apostle_n be_v set_v be_v no_o limit_a congregation_n of_o any_o one_o particular_a church_n but_o those_o congregation_n over_o which_o the_o apostle_n be_v set_v be_v those_o of_o which_o justice_n hobart_n speak_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v plain_a he_o speak_v of_o all_o the_o church_n which_o be_v under_o the_o care_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o he_o call_v voluntary_a congregation_n answ._n 1._o whereas_o this_o argument_n seem_v to_o be_v cast_v into_o the_o form_n of_o a_o syllogism_n i_o can_v easy_o manifest_v how_o asyllogistical_a it_o be_v do_v i_o delight_v to_o contend_v with_o he_o or_o any_o else_o but_o 2._o the_o conclusion_n which_o he_o infer_v be_v direct_o what_o i_o plead_v for_o namely_o that_o all_o the_o church_n under_o the_o care_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v voluntary_a congregation_n 3._o there_o be_v fallacy_n in_o that_o expression_n no_o limit_a congregation_n of_o any_o one_o particular_a church_n no_o such_o thing_n be_v pretend_v but_o particular_a church_n be_v congregation_n such_o be_v all_o the_o church_n over_o which_o the_o apostle_n be_v set_v and_o therefore_o justice_n hobart_n speak_v of_o they_o all_o this_o then_o be_v that_o which_o he_o seem_v to_o oppose_v namely_o that_o all_o the_o church_n under_o the_o care_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v particular_a voluntary_a congregation_n as_o justice_n hobart_n affirm_v and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o in_o the_o close_a he_o seem_v to_o grant_v his_o second_o argument_n which_o be_v no_o less_o ambiguous_a no_o less_o a_o rope_n of_o sand_n than_o the_o former_a be_v this_o those_o voluntary_a congregation_n over_o who_o the_o apostle_n appoint_v pastor_n after_o their_o decease_n be_v no_o particular_a congregation_n in_o one_o city_n but_o those_o of_o who_o justice_n hobart_n speak_v be_v such_o for_o he_o say_v they_o first_o submit_v unto_o the_o apostle_n and_o afterward_o to_o other_o pastor_n what_o then_o why_o justice_n hobart_n can_v not_o be_v such_o a_o stranger_n to_o antiquity_n as_o to_o believe_v that_o the_o christian_n in_o the_o age_n after_o the_o apostle_n amount_v but_o to_o one_o congregation_n in_o a_o city_n answ._n 1._o what_o this_o be_v design_v to_o prove_v or_o disprove_v or_o how_o it_o do_v either_o of_o they_o i_o do_v not_o understand_v but_o i_o deny_v the_o proposition_n the_o voluntary_a congregation_n over_o who_o the_o apostle_n appoint_v pastor_n be_v all_o of_o they_o particular_a congregation_n either_o in_o one_o city_n or_o more_o city_n for_o that_o be_v nothing_o unto_o our_o purpose_n 2._o not_o to_o engage_v justice_n hobart_n or_o his_o honour_n i_o do_v confess_v myself_o such_o a_o stranger_n unto_o antiquity_n if_o that_o may_v be_v esteem_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o as_o not_o to_o believe_v that_o the_o christian_n in_o the_o age_n after_o the_o apostle_n amount_v to_o any_o more_o than_o one_o church_n or_o congregation_n in_o a_o city_n and_o shall_v acknowledge_v myself_o behold_v to_o this_o reverend_a author_n if_o he_o will_v give_v i_o one_o undoubted_a instance_n where_o they_o so_o do_v only_o let_v the_o reader_n observe_v that_o i_o intend_v not_o occasional_a meeting_n of_o any_o of_o the_o church_n with_o or_o without_o their_o elder_n which_o be_v frequent_a they_o meet_v in_o those_o day_n in_o field_n in_o mountain_n in_o den_n and_o cave_n of_o the_o earth_n in_o bury_v place_n in_o house_n hire_v or_o borrow_a in_o upper_a room_n or_o cellar_n whereof_o a_o large_a story_n may_v easy_o be_v give_v if_o it_o be_v to_o our_o present_a purpose_n dionysius_n of_o alexandria_n sum_n they_o up_o brief_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o field_n a_o desert_n a_o ship_n a_o inn_n a_o prison_n be_v place_n of_o our_o meeting_n euseb._n lib._n 7._o cap._n 22._o but_o i_o speak_v of_o state_v church_n with_o their_o worship_n power_n order_n and_o rule_n but_o whether_o there_o be_v more_o such_o church_n in_o any_o one_o city_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o shall_v be_v immediate_o inquire_v into_o all_o that_o i_o here_o assert_v and_o confirm_v from_o the_o word_n of_o justice_n hobart_n be_v that_o the_o church_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v particular_a voluntary_a congregation_n and_o the_o dr._n will_v find_v it_o a_o difficult_a task_n to_o prove_v that_o this_o overthrow_v my_o hypothesis_n our_o author_n in_o the_o next_o place_n oppose_v what_o i_o affirm_v of_o the_o gradual_a deviation_n of_o the_o church_n after_o the_o apostle_n from_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o first_o institution_n which_o have_v be_v already_o account_v for_o sect._n 4._o p._n 224._o upon_o a_o occasional_a expression_n of_o i_o about_o the_o church_n of_o carthage_n in_o cyprian_n time_n he_o give_v we_o a_o large_a account_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n of_o carthage_n at_o that_o time_n wherein_o we_o be_v not_o