state_n as_o a_o jewel_n that_o have_v its_o great_a lustre_n by_o the_o bright_a light_n be_v maintain_v by_o the_o clear_a knowledge_n in_o bright_a time_n the_o imposture_n and_o carnal_a design_n of_o devise_v doctrine_n and_o superstitious_a vanity_n will_v be_v make_v manifest_a and_o the_o hypocrisy_n be_v detect_v the_o merchandise_n thereof_o will_v be_v quite_o mar_v in_o such_o time_n even_o the_o vulgar_a sort_n will_v expect_v from_o those_o in_o sacred_a function_n at_o least_o the_o appearance_n of_o a_o sober_a righteous_a and_o godly_a conversation_n with_o diligence_n in_o holy_a administration_n then_o the_o enemy_n of_o real_a sanctity_n be_v put_v to_o hard_a shift_n and_o force_v to_o appear_v either_o in_o some_o colour_n of_o truth_n or_o in_o the_o shame_n of_o their_o own_o nakedness_n for_o this_o cause_n the_o follower_n of_o truth_n make_v it_o their_o special_a interest_n as_o thorough_o to_o promote_v the_o most_o ample_a diffusion_n and_o universal_a increase_n of_o knowledge_n among_o all_o rank_n and_o sort_n of_o man_n as_o the_o adverse_a partly_o seek_v to_o oppose_v and_o debase_v it_o we_o do_v not_o hereby_o mean_v a_o intermeddle_v in_o difficult_a matter_n a_o smattering_n in_o controversy_n and_o certain_a curiosity_n of_o opinion_n a_o store_n of_o unnecessary_a notion_n and_o of_o mere_a word_n and_o phrase_n which_o thing_n be_v common_o erroneous_a and_o at_o the_o best_a but_o injudicious_a and_o puff_v up_o the_o half-witted_a and_o self-conceited_a and_o make_v they_o troublesome_a to_o themselves_o and_o other_o but_o that_o which_o be_v here_o commend_v for_o a_o universal_a increase_n and_o propagation_n be_v to_o understand_v the_o principle_n of_o the_o essential_a truth_n of_o christianity_n to_o see_v their_o evidence_n to_o judge_v right_o of_o their_o weight_n and_o worth_n and_o to_o view_v their_o coherence_n and_o beside_o these_o to_o know_v so_o much_o of_o other_o truth_n as_o the_o different_a capacity_n of_o man_n will_v enable_v they_o for_o the_o better_n of_o their_o knowledge_n in_o the_o essential_o the_o mean_n of_o diffuse_v this_o light_n be_v well_o know_v as_o the_o constant_a preach_v of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o open_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n in_o a_o due_a form_n of_o cathechism_n the_o strict_a observation_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n repetition_n of_o sermon_n â—…ious_a conference_n read_v the_o word_n and_o prayer_n in_o family_n profitable_a communication_n among_o neighbour-christians_a in_o their_o daily_a converse_n the_o spread_a of_o practical_a book_n write_v by_o man_n of_o sound_a judgement_n and_o minister_n private_a application_n to_o those_o of_o their_o own_o charge_n with_o prudence_n and_o meekness_n for_o the_o same_o end_n that_o main_a principle_n of_o protestanism_n the_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n as_o belong_v to_o all_o christian_n be_v to_o be_v assert_v and_o â—…indicated_v against_o that_o popish_a and_o brutish_a doâ—…trine_n of_o implicit_a faith_n in_o the_o church_n deâ—…rminations_n this_o be_v not_o to_o subject_a matter_n of_o â—aith_n to_o a_o private_a spirit_n but_o to_o refer_v they_o to_o â—…e_v divine_a authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o â—…e_v apprehend_v in_o the_o due_a and_o right_a use_n of_o â—eason_n which_o be_v a_o public_a and_o evident_a thing_n â—…d_n lie_v open_a to_o the_o trial_n and_o judgement_n of_o all_o men._n and_o to_o man_n of_o sober_a mind_n serious_a for_o the_o save_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o current_n of_o scripture_n be_v easy_o discernible_a moreover_o the_o general_a increase_n of_o knowledge_n lie_v much_o in_o the_o ingenuous_a education_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o common_a people_n in_o opposition_n to_o sordidness_n slavery_n and_o brutish_a rudeness_n though_o some_o look_n upon_o the_o vulgar_a sort_n with_o contempt_n and_o seem_v to_o value_v they_o no_o more_o than_o brute_n animal_n and_o think_v it_o enough_o that_o their_o governor_n understand_v and_o consider_v for_o they_o and_o not_o they_o for_o themselves_o yet_o christ_n have_v shed_v his_o blood_n as_o much_o for_o the_o redemption_n of_o that_o sort_n as_o of_o the_o noble_a and_o mighty_a and_o prudent_a and_o he_o have_v make_v no_o difference_n between_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o in_o the_o condition_n of_o salvation_n and_o in_o the_o privilege_n and_o ordinance_n of_o his_o kingdom_n as_o for_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n the_o scripture_n cast_v the_o advantage_n on_o the_o poor_a and_o mean_a side_n not_o many_o wise_a man_n after_o the_o flesh_n not_o many_o mighty_a not_o many_o noble_a be_v call_v be_v the_o observation_n of_o st._n paul_n and_o st._n james_n witness_v that_o god_n have_v choose_v the_o poor_a of_o this_o world_n rich_a in_o faith_n and_o heir_n of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o those_o who_o god_n have_v choose_v must_v needs_o be_v instruct_v in_o his_o will._n that_o reasonable_a service_n that_o he_o require_v none_o can_v perform_v without_o knowledge_n ignorance_n be_v opposite_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o be_v of_o true_a christian_a piety_n which_o be_v not_o at_o all_o where_o it_o be_v not_o receive_v with_o understanding_n this_o general_a increase_n of_o knowledge_n have_v fall_v under_o a_o great_a suspicion_n of_o evil_n and_o it_o may_v be_v under_o the_o jealousy_n of_o ruler_n as_o dispose_v man_n to_o sedition_n rebellion_n heresy_n and_o schism_n but_o how_o great_a a_o reproach_n be_v hereby_o cast_v upon_o human_a nature_n or_o political_a government_n or_o both_o that_o the_o more_o rational_o apprehensive_a the_o body_n of_o a_o people_n be_v they_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o ungovernable_a as_o if_o government_n can_v not_o stand_v with_o the_o proper_a dignity_n and_o felicity_n of_o human_a nature_n what_o manner_n of_o civil_a state_n be_v that_o which_o degrade_v the_o subject_n from_o man_n to_o beast_n for_o a_o more_o absolute_a dominion_n over_o they_o what_o manner_n of_o christian_a church_n be_v that_o which_o to_o prevent_v heresy_n and_o schism_n take_v order_n that_o its_o member_n be_v no_o christian_n it_o be_v a_o unchristian_a inhuman_a policy_n in_o church_n or_o state_n the_o foundation_n whereof_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o people_n ignorance_n as_o for_o the_o true_a interest_n of_o ruler_n it_o be_v not_o weaken_v but_o strengthen_v by_o their_o people_n knowledge_n which_o in_o its_o right_n and_o proper_a tendency_n make_v they_o more_o conscientious_a and_o however_o more_o circumspect_a and_o considerate_a and_o consequent_o more_o easy_o manageable_a by_o a_o just_a and_o prudent_a government_n but_o gross_a ignorance_n tend_v to_o make_v they_o barbarous_a and_o belluine_a and_o in_o their_o mutiny_n and_o discontent_n uncounsellable_n and_o untameable_a and_o therefore_o very_o incongruous_a to_o a_o state_n govern_v by_o the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n or_o humanity_n chap._n xx._n the_o advantage_n of_o human_a learning_n to_o the_o same_o end_n though_o religion_n rest_v not_o on_o human_a learning_n as_o its_o main_a support_n yet_o it_o seek_v and_o claim_v the_o necessary_a help_n thereof_o those_o who_o god_n design_n for_o eminent_a service_n he_o endue_v with_o eminent_a gift_n either_o by_o mean_n or_o miracle_n and_o he_o give_v every_o entrust_v servant_n a_o measure_n answerable_a to_o his_o degree_n the_o apostle_n who_o lay_v the_o foundation_n be_v wise_a master-builder_n and_o sure_o it_o be_v not_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n that_o wisdom_n shall_v die_v with_o they_o when_o he_o settle_v his_o church_n to_o endure_v throughout_o all_o age_n and_o promise_v to_o be_v with_o it_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v say_v indeed_o that_o the_o foolishness_n of_o god_n be_v wise_a than_o man_n and_o the_o weakness_n of_o god_n be_v strong_a than_o men._n but_o that_o which_o be_v so_o call_v be_v not_o foolishness_n and_o weakness_n indeed_o but_o only_o so_o account_v by_o the_o pride_n of_o carnal_a wisdom_n in_o this_o learned_a age_n the_o antichristian_a state_n in_o christendom_n be_v force_v to_o advance_v learning_n in_o its_o own_o defence_n and_o now_o without_o learning_n either_o divine_o inspire_v or_o acquire_v by_o mean_n we_o can_v defend_v ourselves_o against_o it_o wherefore_o to_o destroy_v the_o support_n of_o learning_n be_v the_o way_n to_o subvert_v religion_n yea_o though_o we_o be_v not_o engage_v by_o such_o strength_n of_o the_o adversary_n to_o provide_v for_o our_o own_o defence_n yet_o solid_a human_a learning_n do_v of_o itself_o notable_o advance_v divine_a truth_n the_o learning_n that_o be_v spread_v over_o the_o world_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n of_o christianity_n apparent_o make_v way_n for_o that_o sudden_a and_o ample_a spread_v of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o revive_v thereof_o after_o a_o universal_a decay_n no_o less_o apparent_o make_v way_n for_o the_o break_n forth_o of_o this_o clear_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n
there_o be_v a_o real_a hazard_n of_o a_o great_a mischief_n and_o in_o hasty_a attempt_n of_o change_n thing_n may_v be_v carry_v on_o beyond_o the_o commendable_a end_n design_v even_o to_o its_o utter_a ruin_n for_o common_o man_n be_v not_o master_n of_o what_o they_o get_v in_o such_o precipitate_a way_n chap._n xxviii_o consideration_n tend_v to_o a_o due_a enlargement_n and_o unity_n in_o church-communion_n a_o unhappy_a kind_n of_o controversy_n about_o form_n of_o divine_a worship_n ecclesiastical_a government_n and_o qualification_n of_o church_n member_n have_v be_v the_o calamity_n of_o our_o time_n the_o difference_n in_o these_o point_n have_v make_v a_o sad_a breach_n upon_o church_n unity_n and_o divide_v brethren_n of_o the_o same_o reform_a profession_n both_o in_o affection_n and_o interest_n and_o have_v be_v the_o occasion_n of_o much_o misery_n in_o regard_v whereof_o some_o thing_n that_o make_v for_o a_o amicable_a condescension_n among_o brethren_n and_o for_o humble_a submission_n to_o superior_n be_v here_o propound_v for_o consideration_n but_o not_o as_o peremptory_a resolve_n though_o many_o or_o most_o of_o they_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o carry_v their_o own_o evidence_n yet_o it_o become_v one_o who_o be_v sensible_a of_o human_a weakness_n and_o of_o his_o own_o meaness_n to_o write_v modest_o in_o these_o point_n about_o which_o there_o be_v so_o great_a a_o variety_n of_o apprehension_n the_o communion_n of_o saint_n be_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o of_o particular_a christian_n and_o church_n one_o with_o another_o as_o member_n thereof_o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v not_o restrain_v our_o fellowship_n to_o any_o particular_a church_n or_o church_n so_o as_o to_o withhold_v it_o from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n our_o communion_n with_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v as_o well_o in_o religious_a worship_n as_o in_o christian_a faith_n and_o life_n as_o there_o be_v one_o faith_n so_o one_o baptism_n and_o one_o communion_n of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o we_o be_v many_o be_v one_o bread_n and_o one_o body_n though_o we_o can_v at_o once_o local_o communicate_v with_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o external_a worship_n because_o it_o can_v possible_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n yet_o according_a to_o our_o capacity_n and_o opportunity_n we_o be_v so_o to_o communicate_v with_o the_o several_a part_n thereof_o and_o not_o unwarrantable_o withdraw_v from_o any_o and_o this_o be_v a_o virtual_a communicate_v with_o the_o whole_a church_n discipline_n and_o government_n as_o to_o the_o particular_a form_n thereof_o have_v much_o more_o obscurity_n than_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o life_n and_o be_v much_o more_o controvert_v among_o the_o godly_a learned_a and_o in_o more_o dark_a and_o doubtful_a point_n humility_z charity_n and_o good_a discretion_n teach_v mutual_a forbearance_n in_o ecclesiastical_a regiment_n all_o church_n member_n be_v not_o so_o concern_v as_o church_n guide_v and_o pastor_n be_v christ_n have_v not_o leave_v the_o affair_n of_o his_o kingdom_n in_o so_o loose_a a_o posture_n as_o to_o give_v a_o liberty_n of_o leave_v or_o choose_v the_o communion_n of_o a_o church_n according_a to_o our_o own_o affection_n without_o regard_n to_o order_n a_o particular_a visible_a church_n be_v a_o body_n politic_a can_v subsist_v without_o rule_n of_o stable_a policy_n her_o censure_n and_o judgement_n ought_v to_o be_v clear_a certain_a and_o uniform_a or_o of_o the_o same_o tenor_n and_o therefore_o may_v not_o proceed_v upon_o such_o a_o kind_n of_o evidence_n as_o at_o the_o most_o be_v but_o conjectural_a and_o of_o variable_a apprehension_n our_o arbitrary_a conjecture_n of_o a_o other_o regeneration_n be_v but_o a_o uncertain_a way_n of_o admission_n to_o sacred_a privilege_n wherein_o no_o uniform_a judgement_n can_v be_v hold_v between_o several_a church_n nor_o the_o several_a member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n nor_o by_o the_o same_o person_n with_o himself_o at_o several_a time_n for_o man_n apprehension_n about_o the_o spiritual_a estate_n of_o other_o be_v exceed_o different_a and_o inconstant_a but_o whether_o a_o person_n make_v a_o credible_a profession_n or_o be_v competent_o know_v or_o gross_o ignorant_a whether_o he_o be_v scandalous_a or_o walk_v orderly_o be_v capable_a of_o certain_a evidence_n and_o of_o constant_a regular_a proceed_n thereupon_o let_v it_o be_v consider_v whether_o of_o these_o two_o either_o to_o proceed_v with_o man_n according_a to_o our_o private_a hope_n and_o fear_n about_o their_o internal_a state_n or_o according_a to_o state_v rule_n and_o certain_a evidence_n be_v the_o sure_a way_n to_o preserve_v the_o church_n in_o peace_n and_o to_o propagate_v true_a piety_n also_o whether_o person_n passable_a by_o such_o public_a rule_n can_v in_o ecclesiastical_a trial_n be_v judge_v to_o be_v ungodly_a or_o to_o make_v a_o false_a profession_n whatsoever_o our_o private_a fear_n be_v concern_v they_o and_o if_o their_o profession_n be_v not_o prove_v false_a whether_o it_o be_v not_o to_o pass_v for_o credible_a in_o that_o trial_n human_a law_n and_o public_a judgement_n presume_v they_o to_o be_v good_a that_o be_v not_o evict_v to_o be_v bad_a private_a familiarity_n be_v at_o every_o one_o choice_n but_o our_o church-communion_n be_v a_o public_a matter_n must_v be_v govern_v by_o public_a and_o common_a rule_n and_o not_o by_o private_a will_n if_o a_o church_n impose_v such_o law_n of_o her_o communion_n as_o infer_v a_o necessity_n of_o do_v that_o which_o be_v unlawful_a there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o abstain_v from_o her_o communion_n so_o far_o as_o those_o unlawful_a term_n extend_v church_n mention_v in_o scripture_n have_v their_o corruption_n in_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o manner_n yet_o the_o godly_a do_v not_o separate_v from_o they_o for_o those_o corruption_n nor_o be_v command_v so_o to_o do_v indeed_o they_o be_v command_v to_o come_v out_o of_o babylon_n which_o be_v no_o other_o than_o to_o separate_v from_o idolatrous_a heretical_a antichristian_a society_n yet_o in_o suggest_v this_o i_o do_v not_o encourage_v to_o a_o state_v communion_n in_o such_o church_n as_o have_v no_o other_o minister_n place_v in_o they_o than_o such_o as_o be_v altogether_o unfit_a to_o have_v the_o charge_n of_o soul_n commit_v to_o they_o that_o be_v who_o be_v unable_a to_o teach_v or_o teach_v corrupt_o either_o teach_v pernicious_a doctrine_n or_o abuse_v mishandle_v and_o misapply_v sound_a doctrine_n to_o encourage_v the_o ungodly_a and_o discourage_v the_o godly_a for_o the_o scripture_n bid_v we_o beware_v of_o blind_a guide_n and_o false_a prophet_n by_o continue_v in_o church-communion_n we_o partake_v not_o of_o the_o sin_n of_o other_o which_o we_o have_v no_o power_n to_o redress_v nor_o be_v we_o make_v guilty_a by_o their_o leaven_n if_o it_o do_v not_o infect_v we_o and_o profane_a person_n be_v no_o more_o countenance_v by_o our_o presence_n than_o those_o lewd_a priest_n the_o son_n of_o eli_n be_v by_o the_o people_n come_v to_o sacrifice_n in_o communicate_v in_o holy_a thing_n we_o have_v internal_a communion_n only_o with_o the_o faithful_a and_o as_o for_o the_o mere_a external_a communion_n it_o be_v with_o those_o that_o have_v as_o yet_o a_o outward_a stand_n in_o christ_n till_o they_o be_v cut_v off_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n or_o due_a order_n of_o discipline_n when_o a_o minister_n have_v do_v his_o part_n to_o keep_v off_o the_o unworthy_a in_o the_o dspense_n of_o the_o sacrament_n to_o such_o he_o be_v in_o a_o moral_a sense_n mere_o passive_a so_o that_o their_o unworthy_a participation_n can_v be_v impute_v to_o he_o nor_o in_o such_o a_o administration_n be_v a_o practical_a lie_n or_o any_o falsehood_n utter_v for_o the_o sacrament_n seal_v the_o mercy_n of_o the_o covenant_n not_o irrespective_o but_o conditional_o and_o the_o word_n of_o the_o application_n must_v be_v so_o understand_v if_o we_o have_v not_o power_n to_o separate_v a_o obstinate_a scandalous_a offender_n from_o the_o church_n yet_o the_o withdraw_a of_o ourselves_o from_o he_o be_v a_o excommunication_n in_o some_o degree_n and_o the_o effect_n thereof_o be_v hereby_o in_o part_n obtain_v when_o minister_n and_o people_n do_v their_o duty_n in_o their_o place_n without_o usurpation_n of_o further_a power_n than_o they_o have_v warrant_n for_o than_o all_o will_v be_v though_o not_o so_o well_o as_o it_o may_v yet_o as_o it_o can_v be_v at_o present_a of_o several_a mode_n and_o method_n of_o public_a action_n prudence_n make_v choice_n not_o always_o of_o what_o be_v simple_o best_a but_o of_o that_o which_o be_v most_o passable_a if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o disorderly_a as_o to_o mar_v the_o substance_n or_o frustrate_v the_o end_n of_o a_o administration_n in_o sacred_a adminstration_n we_o may_v yield_v without_o sin_n to_o other_o sinful_a weakness_n
lot_n of_o inheritance_n in_o the_o glory_n of_o it_o do_v not_o value_v the_o concern_v thereof_o above_o all_o his_o chief_a joy_n that_o be_v but_o of_o this_o world_n a_o zeal_n for_o the_o common_a faith_n and_o a_o constrane_n love_n to_o all_o the_o faithful_a have_v excite_v a_o very_a mean_a and_o weak_a one_o to_o do_v what_o he_o be_v able_a on_o this_o important_a subject_n impartial_o search_v after_o their_o common_a good_a let_v the_o prince_n of_o this_o society_n one_o of_o who_o name_n be_v counsellor_n deliver_v his_o flock_n from_o all_o dangerous_a and_o disadvantageous_a error_n and_o from_o wander_v in_o break_a party_n by_o unstable_a and_o divide_a counsel_n and_o show_v they_o gracious_o the_o right_a way_n of_o maintain_v a_o consistency_n among_o themselves_o and_o of_o gain_v upon_o the_o reconcilable_a part_n of_o man_n and_o forasmuch_o as_o this_o prince_n and_o leader_n be_v the_o lamb_n of_o god_n who_o banner_n be_v love_n let_v his_o people_n every_o where_o be_v act_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o love_n and_o show_v forth_o the_o meekness_n of_o wisdom_n in_o all_o good_a conversation_n with_o humility_n patience_n and_o long-suffering_a have_v this_o principle_n deep_o imprint_v in_o they_o the_o wrath_n of_o man_n work_v not_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n the_o point_n of_o church-unity_n and_o schism_n discuss_v chap._n i._n of_o the_o church_n and_o its_o polity_n the_o church_n be_v a_o spiritual_a commonwealth_n which_o according_a to_o its_o primary_n and_o invisible_a state_n be_v a_o society_n of_o regenerate_a person_n who_o be_v join_v to_o the_o lord_n christ_n their_o head_n and_o one_o to_o another_o as_o fellow_n member_n by_o a_o mystical_a union_n through_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o be_v justify_v sanctify_a and_o adopt_v to_o the_o inheritance_n of_o eternal_a life_n but_o according_a to_o its_o secondary_a and_o visible_a state_n it_o be_v a_o society_n of_o person_n profess_v christianity_n or_o regeration_n and_o external_o join_v to_o christ_n and_o to_o one_o another_o by_o the_o symbal_n of_o that_o profession_n and_o make_v partaker_n of_o the_o external_a privilege_n thereunto_o belong_v there_o be_v one_o catholic_n church_n which_o according_a to_o the_o invisible_a form_n be_v the_o whole_a company_n of_o true_a believer_n throughout_o the_o world_n and_o according_a to_o its_o visible_a form_n be_v the_o whole_a company_n of_o visible_a believer_n throughout_o the_o world_n or_o believer_n according_a to_o human_a judgement_n this_o church_n have_v one_o head_n and_o supreme_a lord_n even_o christ_n and_o one_o charter_n and_o system_n of_o law_n the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o member_n that_o be_v free_a denizen_n of_o the_o whole_a society_n and_o one_o form_n of_o admission_n or_o solemn_a initiation_n for_o its_o member_n and_o one_o kind_n of_o ministry_n and_o ecclesiastical_a power_n this_o church_n have_v not_o the_o power_n of_o its_o own_o fundamental_a constitution_n or_o of_o the_o law_n and_o officer_n and_o administration_n intrinsical_o belong_v to_o it_o but_o have_v receive_v all_o these_o from_o christ_n its_o head_n king_n and_o lawgiver_n and_o be_v limit_v by_o he_o in_o they_o all_o nevertheless_o it_o have_v according_a to_o the_o capacity_n of_o its_o act_n that_o be_v according_a to_o its_o several_a part_n a_o power_n of_o make_v secondary_a law_n or_o canon_n either_o to_o impress_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n upon_o its_o member_n or_o to_o regulate_v circumstantial_o and_o accidental_n in_o religion_n by_o determine_v thing_n necessary_a in_o genere_fw-la not_o determine_v of_o christ_n in_o specie_fw-la as_o the_o scripture_n set_v forth_o one_o catholic_n church_n so_o also_o many_o particular_a church_n as_o so_o many_o political_a society_n distinct_a from_o each_o other_o yet_o all_o compact_a together_o as_o part_n of_o that_o one_o ample_a society_n the_o catholic_n church_n each_o of_o these_o particular_a church_n have_v their_o proper_a elder_n or_o elder_n pastor_n or_o pastor_n have_v authority_n of_o teach_v and_o rule_v they_o in_o christ_n name_n a_o ecclesiastical_a order_n of_o presbyter_n or_o elder_n that_o be_v not_o bishop_n be_v not_o find_v in_o holy_a scripture_n for_o all_o presbyter_n or_o elder_n be_v of_o a_o sacred_a order_n in_o the_o gospel_n church_n that_o be_v any_o where_o mention_v in_o scripture_n be_v therein_o set_v forth_o as_o bishop_n true_o and_o proper_o so_o call_v and_o be_v no_o where_o set_v forth_o as_o less_o than_o bishop_n these_o elder_n or_o bishop_n be_v personal_o to_o superintend_v all_o their_o flock_n and_o there_o be_v no_o grant_n from_o christ_n to_o discharge_v the_o same_o by_o delegate_n or_o substitute_n a_o distinction_n between_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n and_o a_o superiority_n of_o the_o former_a over_o the_o latter_a be_v after_o the_o scripture_n time_n ancient_o and_o general_o receive_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o a_o diversity_n of_o order_n or_o office_n essential_o different_a but_o of_o degree_n in_o the_o same_o office_n the_o essential_a nature_n whereof_o be_v in_o both_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o first_o age_n be_v a_o bishop_n not_o of_o a_o multitude_n of_o church_n but_o of_o one_o state_v ecclesiastical_a society_n or_o single_a church_n whereof_o he_o be_v a_o immediate_a pastor_n and_o he_o perform_v the_o work_n of_o a_o bishop_n or_o immediate_a pastor_n towards_o they_o all_o in_o his_o own_o person_n and_o not_o by_o delegate_n and_o substitute_n and_o he_o govern_v not_o alone_o but_o in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o presbyter_n of_o his_o church_n he_o be_v the_o precedent_n though_o several_a city_n in_o the_o same_o kingdom_n have_v their_o different_a municipal_a law_n and_o privilege_n according_a to_o the_o diversity_n of_o their_o charter_n yet_o particular_a church_n have_v no_o divine_a law_n and_o privilege_n diverse_a from_o each_o other_o but_o the_o same_o in_o common_a to_o they_o all_o because_o they_o have_v all_o the_o same_o charter_n in_o specie_fw-la from_o christ._n therefore_o each_o of_o they_o have_v the_o same_o power_n of_o government_n within_o themselves_o and_o the_o qualification_n requisite_a to_o make_v man_n member_n or_o minister_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n do_v according_a to_o christ_n law_n sufficient_o qualify_v they_o to_o be_v member_n or_o minister_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n to_o which_o they_o have_v a_o due_a and_o orderly_o call_v local_a presential_a communion_n in_o god_n ordinance_n be_v a_o main_a end_n of_o erect_v particular_a church_n they_o shall_v in_o all_o reason_n consist_v of_o person_n who_o by_o their_o cohabitation_n in_o a_o vicinity_n be_v capable_a of_o such_o communion_n and_o there_o may_v not_o be_v a_o great_a local_a distance_n of_o the_o person_n than_o can_v stand_v with_o it_o a_o bishop_n church_n be_v ancient_o make_v up_o of_o the_o christian_n of_o a_o city_n or_o town_n and_o the_o adjacent_a village_n who_o may_v and_o do_v personal_o meet_v together_o both_o for_o worship_n and_o discipline_n all_o christian_n of_o the_o same_o local_a precinct_n be_v most_o convenient_o bring_v into_o one_o and_o the_o same_o state_v church_n that_o there_o may_v be_v the_o great_a union_n among_o they_o and_o that_o the_o occasion_n of_o straggle_a and_o run_v into_o several_a party_n may_v be_v avoid_v yet_o this_o local_a partition_n of_o church_n be_v not_o of_o absolute_a necessity_n and_o invariable_a but_o if_o there_o be_v some_o insuperable_a impediment_n thereof_o the_o partition_n must_v be_v make_v as_o the_o state_n of_o thing_n will_v admit_v no_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n can_v by_o divine_a right_n or_o warrant_v claim_v any_o assign_a circuit_n of_o ground_n as_o his_o propriety_n for_o ecclesiastical_a government_n as_o a_o prince_n claim_v certain_a territory_n as_o his_o propriety_n for_o civil_a government_n so_o that_o no_o other_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n may_v without_o his_o licence_n do_v the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n in_o any_o case_n whatsoever_o within_o that_o circuit_n it_o be_v not_o the_o conjunction_n of_o a_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n with_o the_o generality_n or_o the_o great_a number_n of_o the_o people_n that_o of_o itself_o declare_v the_o only_a rightful_a pastor_n or_o true_a church_n within_o this_o or_o that_o circuit_n for_o many_o cause_n may_v require_v and_o justify_v the_o be_v of_o other_o church_n therein_o see_v particular_a church_n be_v so_o many_o integral_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o each_o other_o help_v in_o thing_n that_o concern_v they_o joint_o and_o several_o and_o they_o have_v all_o a_o influence_n on_o each_o other_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n lead_v they_o to_o association_n or_o combination_n great_a and_o lesser_a according_a to_o their_o capacity_n and_o the_o orderly_a state_n that_o be_v requisite_a in_o all_o association_n do_v natural_o require_v some_o regular_a
subordination_n in_o the_o several_a part_n thereof_o either_o in_o way_n of_o proper_a authority_n or_o of_o mutual_a agreement_n and_o the_o associate_v church_n and_o particular_a member_n therein_o be_v natural_o bind_v to_o maintain_v the_o orderly_a state_n of_o the_o whole_a association_n and_o to_o comply_v with_o the_o rule_n thereof_o when_o they_o be_v not_o repugnant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n a_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n and_o the_o people_n adhere_v to_o he_o be_v not_o declare_v to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a church_n and_o pastor_n within_o such_o a_o precinct_n by_o their_o conjunction_n with_o the_o large_a combination_n of_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n and_o their_o church_n for_o the_o great_a number_n of_o bishop_n may_v in_o such_o manner_n err_v in_o their_o constitution_n as_o to_o make_v right_o inform_v person_n uncapable_a of_o their_o combination_n a_o national_a church_n be_v not_o a_o particular_a church_n proper_o so_o call_v but_o a_o combination_n or_o coagmentation_n of_o particular_a church_n unite_v under_o one_o civil_a supreme_a either_o personal_a as_o in_o a_o monarchy_n or_o collective_a as_o in_o a_o republic_n and_o the_o true_a notion_n thereof_o lie_v not_o in_o any_o combination_n pure_o ecclesiastical_a and_o intrinsical_v but_o civil_a and_o extrinsical_a as_o of_o so_o many_o church_n that_o be_v collect_v under_o one_o that_o have_v the_o civil_a supremacy_n over_o they_o the_o national_a church_n of_o england_n true_o denote_v all_o the_o church_n in_o england_n unite_v under_o one_o supreme_a civil_a church-governour_n the_o king_n majesty_n civil_a magistrate_n as_o such_o be_v no_o constitutive_a part_n of_o the_o church_n the_o christian_a church_n stand_v for_o several_a century_n without_o the_o support_n of_o their_o authority_n but_o supreme_a magistrate_n have_v a_o civil_a supremacy_n in_o all_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n and_o a_o political_a extrinsical_a episcopacy_n over_o all_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n in_o their_o dominion_n and_o may_v compel_v they_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o punish_v they_o for_o negligence_n and_o maladministration_n and_o they_o may_v reform_v the_o church_n when_o they_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o reformation_n the_o possession_n of_o the_o tithe_n and_o temple_n do_v not_o of_o itself_o declare_v the_o true_a pastor_n and_o church_n nor_o do_v the_o privation_n thereof_o declare_v no_o pastor_n and_o no_o church_n for_o these_o be_v dispose_v of_o by_o the_o secular_a power_n which_o of_o itself_o can_v neither_o make_v nor_o make_v void_a a_o pastor_n or_o church_n a_o diocese_n be_v a_o collective_a body_n of_o many_o parish_n under_o the_o government_n of_o one_o diocesan_n if_o the_o several_a parish_n be_v so_o many_o particular_a churce_n and_o if_o their_o proper_a and_o immediate_a presbyter_n be_v of_o the_o same_o order_n with_o those_o which_o in_o scripture_n be_v mention_v by_o that_o name_n and_o be_v no_o other_o than_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n then_o a_o diocese_n be_v not_o a_o particular_a church_n but_o a_o combination_n of_o church_n and_o the_o diocesan_n be_v a_o bishop_n of_o bishop_n or_o a_o governor_n over_o many_o church_n and_o their_o immediate_a bishop_n if_o the_o parish_n be_v not_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v church_n nor_o their_o presbyter_n to_o be_v realy_a bishop_n or_o pastor_n but_o the_o diocese_n be_v hold_v to_o be_v the_o low_a political_a church_n and_o the_o diocesan_n to_o be_v a_o bishop_n of_o the_o low_a rank_n and_o the_o sole_a bishop_n or_o pastor_n of_o all_o the_o include_v parish_n i_o confess_v i_o have_v no_o knowledge_n of_o the_o divine_a right_n of_o such_o a_o church_n or_o bishop_n or_o of_o any_o precept_n or_o precedent_n thereof_o in_o scripture_n for_o every_o particular_a church_n mention_v in_o scripture_n be_v but_o one_o distinct_a state_v society_n have_v its_o own_o proper_a and_o immediate_a bishop_n or_o bishop_n elder_a or_o elder_n pastor_n or_o pastor_n who_o do_v personal_o and_o immediate_o superintend_v over_o the_o whole_a flock_n which_o ordinary_o hold_v either_o at_o once_o together_o or_o by_o turn_n personal_a present_a communion_n with_o each_o other_o in_o god_n worship_n but_o a_o diocese_n consist_v of_o several_a state_v society_n to_o wit_n the_o parish_n which_o be_v constitute_v several_o of_o a_o proper_a and_o immediate_a presbyter_n or_o elder_n have_v cure_n of_o soul_n and_o common_o call_v a_o rector_n and_o the_o people_n which_o be_v his_o proper_a and_o â—…rge_a or_o cure_v and_o the_o people_n of_o thâ—…_n not_o live_v under_o the_o personal_a and_o inâ—…rsight_n of_o their_o diocesan_n but_o under_o â—…legates_n and_o substitute_n nor_o do_v they_o oâ—…ly_o hold_v personal_n present_a communion_n with_o each_o other_o in_o god_n worship_n either_o at_o once_o together_o or_o by_o turn_n nevertheless_o which_o way_n soever_o a_o diocese_n be_v consider_v i_o have_v nothing_o to_o object_n against_o submission_n to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o diocesan_n as_o a_o ecclesiastical_a officer_n establish_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n under_o the_o king_n supremacy_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o office_n of_o presbyterate_a which_o according_a to_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o pastoral_a office_n that_o show_v it_o ought_v to_o be_v exercise_v no_o otherwise_o than_o in_o subordination_n to_o a_o diocesan_n bishop_n christ_n who_o be_v the_o author_n and_o only_o proper_a giver_n of_o all_o spiritual_a authority_n in_o the_o church_n have_v not_o so_o limit_v the_o say_a office_n and_o man_n can_v by_o any_o act_n of_o they_o enlarge_v or_o lessen_v it_o as_o to_o its_o nature_n or_o essential_a state_n or_o define_v it_o otherwise_o than_o it_o be_v state_v of_o christ_n in_o his_o word_n no_o power_n ecclesiastical_a or_o civil_a can_v discharge_v any_o minister_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o ministry_n in_o those_o circumstance_n wherein_o christ_n command_v he_o to_o exercise_v it_o nor_o any_o christian_n from_o those_o duty_n of_o religion_n to_o which_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n oblige_v they_o as_o the_o magistrate_n be_v to_o judge_v what_o law_n touch_v religion_n be_v fit_a for_o he_o to_o enact_v and_o execute_v so_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o use_v a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n about_o their_o own_o pastoral_n act_n and_o all_o christian_n be_v to_o do_v the_o same_o about_o their_o own_o act_n of_o church-communion_n the_o too_o common_a abuse_n of_o the_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n can_v abrogate_v the_o right_a use_n thereof_o it_o be_v so_o necessary_a that_o without_o it_o man_n can_v act_v as_o man_n nor_o offer_v to_o god_n a_o reasonable_a service_n chap._n ii_o of_o true_a church-unity_n when_o the_o name_n of_o unity_n and_o schism_n be_v by_o partiality_n and_o selfishness_n common_o and_o gross_o abuse_v and_o misapply_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n to_o which_o those_o name_n do_v of_o right_o belong_v aught_o to_o be_v diligent_o inquire_v into_o and_o clear_o and_o distinct_o lay_v open_a for_o a_o groundwork_n in_o this_o inquiry_n i_o fix_v upon_o two_o very_a note_a text_n of_o scripture_n the_o one_o be_v eph._n 4._o 3._o endeavour_v to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n the_o other_o be_v rom._n 16._o 17._o mark_v they_o that_o cause_n division_n and_o offence_n contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n that_o you_o have_v learn_v and_o avoid_v they_o the_o former_a guide_v we_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o true_a church-unity_n and_o the_o latter_a show_v we_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o schism_n by_o the_o former_a of_o these_o text_n all_o christian_n be_v oblige_v to_o maintain_v that_o spiritual_a unity_n which_o they_o have_v one_o with_o another_o under_o christ_n their_o head_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o all_o due_a act_n of_o holy_a communion_n in_o peace_n and_o concord_n several_a important_a thing_n be_v here_o to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o 1._o there_o be_v a_o spiritual_a unity_n between_o all_o christian_n in_o the_o form_n of_o one_o mystical_a body_n as_o there_o be_v a_o natural_a unity_n between_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o natural_a body_n the_o member_n be_v many_o be_v one_o body_n and_o member_n one_o of_o another_o 2._o this_o unity_n be_v under_o christ_n as_o the_o head_n of_o it_o what_o the_o head_n be_v to_o the_o natural_a body_n that_o be_v christ_n and_o much_o more_o to_o his_o mystical_a body_n the_o church_n 3._o this_o unity_n of_o christian_n one_o with_o another_o under_o christ_n be_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o therefore_o call_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n the_o head_n do_v seize_v upon_o and_o reside_v in_o all_o the_o faithful_a by_o which_o they_o become_v christ_n mystical_a body_n and_o be_v join_v one_o to_o another_o as_o fellow-member_n 4._o this_o unity_n of_o
own_o sphere_n but_o forasmuch_o as_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n be_v entrust_v of_o god_n with_o the_o care_n of_o religion_n within_o his_o dominion_n and_o have_v a_o civil_a supremacy_n in_o eclesiastical_a affair_n and_o a_o great_a concern_v in_o the_o orderly_a management_n of_o public_a assembly_n he_o be_v authorize_v of_o god_n to_o oversee_v the_o determination_n and_o act_n of_o ecclesiastical_a person_n and_o may_v assume_v to_o himself_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a circumstantial_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n the_o church_n edification_n and_o the_o public_a peace_n keep_v within_o the_o general_n rule_v prescribe_v in_o god_n word_n for_o the_o maintain_n of_o church-unity_n that_o be_v according_a to_o god_n word_n it_o be_v the_o part_n of_o subject_n to_o submit_v to_o what_o their_o governor_n have_v determine_v so_o far_o as_o their_o submission_n be_v allowable_a by_o the_o say_a rule_n and_o it_o be_v the_o part_n of_o governor_n to_o consider_v well_o the_o warrantableness_n of_o their_o determination_n more_o especial_o their_o wisdom_n and_o care_n be_v much_o require_v in_o settle_v the_o right_a bound_n of_o unity_n in_o this_o regard_n the_o term_n of_o admission_n to_o the_o communion_n and_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n must_v be_v no_o other_o than_o what_o the_o declare_a will_n of_o god_n have_v make_v the_o term_n of_o those_o privilege_n and_o which_o will_v shut_v out_o none_o who_o god_n have_v qualify_v for_o and_o call_v to_o the_o same_o the_o set_n of_o other_o boundary_n beside_o the_o iniquity_n thereof_o will_v inevitable_o cause_v division_n the_o apostle_n elder_n and_o brethren_n assemble_v at_o jerusalem_n act_v 15._o 28._o writing_n to_o the_o blieve_a gentile_n declare_v it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o we_o to_o lay_v upon_o you_o no_o great_a burden_n than_o these_o necessary_a thing_n from_o which_o it_o be_v evident_o infer_v that_o the_o burden_n of_o thing_n unnecessary_a ought_v not_o to_o be_v lay_v on_o the_o church_n the_o thing_n enjoin_v by_o that_o assembly_n be_v antecedent_o to_o their_o decree_n either_o necessary_a in_o themselves_o or_o in_o their_o consequent_n according_a to_o the_o state_n of_o thing_n in_o those_o time_n and_o place_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v make_v the_o matter_n of_o a_o strict_a injunction_n especial_o a_o condition_n of_o church_n communion_n and_o privilege_n aught_o to_o have_v some_o kind_n of_o necessity_n in_o it_o antecedent_n to_o its_o imposition_n symbolical_a rite_n or_o ceremony_n institute_v by_o man_n to_o signify_v grace_n or_o duty_n be_v none_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v necessary_a in_o general_n be_v leave_v to_o human_a determination_n for_o this_o or_o that_o kind_n thereof_o they_o have_v no_o necessary_a subserviency_n to_o divine_a institution_n they_o be_v no_o part_n of_o that_o necessary_a decency_n and_o order_n in_o divine_a worship_n without_o which_o the_o service_n will_v be_v undecent_a and_o indeed_o they_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o be_v institute_v or_o rigid_o urge_v in_o any_o time_n or_o place_n whatsoever_o the_o be_v and_o well_o be_v of_o any_o right_o constitute_v church_n of_o christ_n may_v stand_v without_o they_o st._n paul_n resolve_v upon_o the_o case_n of_o use_v or_o refuse_v of_o meat_n and_o the_o observance_n or_o nonobservance_n of_o day_n which_o god_n have_v neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v and_o of_o eat_v of_o those_o meat_n which_o have_v be_v offer_v in_o sacrifice_n to_o idol_n rom._n 14._o and_o 1_o cor._n 8._o that_o no_o man_n put_v a_o stumble_a block_n or_o a_o occasion_n to_o fall_v in_o his_o brother_n way_n the_o command_n here_o give_v extend_v to_o pastor_n and_o governor_n as_o well_o as_o to_o other_o christian_n and_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v in_o act_n of_o government_n as_o well_o as_o in_o other_o act_n st._n paul_n be_v a_o church_n governor_n and_o of_o high_a authority_n yet_o he_o will_v not_o use_v his_o own_o liberty_n in_o eat_v flesh_n much_o less_o will_v he_o impose_v in_o thing_n unnecessary_a to_o make_v his_o brother_n to_o offend_v in_o the_o case_n aforemention_v there_o be_v a_o great_a appearance_n of_o reason_n for_o despise_v censure_v or_o offend_v other_o than_o there_o can_v be_v for_o some_o imposition_n now_o in_o question_n among_o we_o viz._n on_o the_o one_o side_n a_o fear_n of_o partake_v in_o idolatry_n or_o of_o eat_v meat_n that_o god_n have_v forbid_v or_o of_o neglect_v day_n that_o god_n have_v command_v as_o they_o think_v on_o the_o other_o side_n a_o fear_n of_o be_v drive_v from_o the_o christian_a liberty_n and_o of_o restore_v the_o ceremonial_a law_n nevertheless_o the_o apostle_n give_v a_o severe_a charge_n against_o censure_v despise_v or_o offend_v other_o of_o different_a persuasion_n in_o those_o case_n and_o if_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o censure_v or_o despise_v one_o another_o much_o more_o be_v it_o a_o sin_n to_o shut_v out_o of_o the_o communion_n or_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n for_o such_o matter_n the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o church-unity_n evident_o show_v that_o the_o unity_n of_o external_a order_n must_v always_o be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o faith_n and_o holiness_n and_o may_v be_v require_v no_o further_o than_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o church_n peace_n and_o edification_n the_o church_n true_a interest_n lie_v in_o the_o increase_n of_o regenerate_a christian_n who_o be_v her_o true_a and_o live_a member_n and_o in_o their_o mutual_a love_n peace_n and_o concord_n in_o receive_v one_o another_o upon_o those_o term_n which_o christ_n have_v make_v the_o bond_n of_o this_o union_n the_o true_a church_n unity_n be_v comprise_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o these_o follow_a unity_n one_o body_n one_o spirit_n one_o hope_n one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n one_o god_n but_o there_o be_v nothing_o say_v of_o one_o ritual_a or_o set_a form_n of_o sacred_a office_n one_o policy_n or_o model_n of_o rule_n and_o order_n that_o be_v but_o circumstantial_a and_o accidental_a in_o a_o church_n state_n and_o very_o various_a and_o alterable_a while_o the_o church_n abide_v the_o same_o chap._n iii_o of_o schism_n true_o so_o call_v here_o i_o lay_v down_o general_a position_n about_o schism_n without_o make_v application_n thereof_o whether_o these_o position_n be_v right_a or_o wrong_a god_n word_n will_v show_v and_o who_o be_v or_o be_v not_o concern_v in_o they_o the_o state_n of_o thing_n will_v show_v schism_n be_v a_o violation_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o of_o that_o church-unity_n which_o be_v of_o god_n make_v or_o approve_v this_o definition_n i_o ground_n on_o the_o aforecited_a text_n mark_v they_o that_o cause_n division_n and_o offence_n contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n that_o you_o have_v learn_v separation_n and_o schism_n be_v not_o of_o equal_a extent_n there_o may_v be_v a_o separation_n or_o secession_n where_o there_o be_v no_o schism_n for_o schism_n be_v always_o a_o sin_n but_o separation_n may_v be_v a_o duty_n as_o the_o separation_n of_o the_o protestant_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n moreover_o there_o may_v be_v schism_n where_o there_o be_v no_o separation_n the_o violation_n of_o unity_n or_o the_o cause_v of_o division_n may_v be_v not_o only_o by_o withdraw_v but_o by_o any_o cause_v of_o other_o to_o withdraw_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n or_o by_o the_o undue_a cast_n or_o keep_v of_o other_o out_o of_o the_o church_n or_o by_o make_v of_o any_o breach_n in_o religion_n contrary_a to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n by_o look_v back_o to_o the_o nature_n and_o rule_v and_o requisite_n of_o true_a church-unity_n we_o shall_v understand_v the_o true_a nature_n and_o the_o several_a kind_n and_o degree_n of_o schism_n as_o holy_a love_n be_v the_o life_n and_o soul_n of_o church-unity_n so_o that_o aversation_n and_o opposition_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o love_v be_v that_o which_o animate_v the_o sin_n of_o schism_n and_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o heart_n root_n of_o it_o whosoever_o maintain_v love_n and_o make_v no_o breach_n therein_o and_o who_o dissent_v or_o withdraw_v from_o a_o church_n be_v no_o other_o than_o what_o may_v stand_v with_o love_n in_o its_o extent_n be_v no_o schismatic_a the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v primary_o that_o of_o the_o church_n as_o mystical_o the_o breach_n thereof_o lie_v primary_o in_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o spirit_n and_o life_n spiritual_n much_o more_o in_o be_v opposite_a thereunto_o under_o the_o show_n of_o christianity_n also_o in_o the_o languish_a or_o lessen_v of_o spiritual_a life_n especial_o of_o the_o act_n of_o holy_a love_n the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v secondary_o that_o of_o the_o church_n as_o visible_a in_o its_o external_a state_n and_o the_o first_o and_o
chief_a point_n thereof_o be_v in_o the_o essential_o and_o weighty_a matter_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o life_n the_o high_a violation_n thereof_o and_o the_o chief_a point_n of_o schism_n lie_v in_o deny_v or_o enormous_o violate_v the_o say_a essential_o or_o weighty_a matter_n and_o it_o be_v direct_o a_o violation_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o not_o of_o particular_a church_n only_o not_o only_o particular_a person_n but_o church_n yea_o a_o large_a combination_n of_o church_n bear_v the_o christian_a name_n may_v in_o their_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o other_o avow_a practice_n great_o violate_v the_o essential_o or_o very_o weighty_a matter_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o life_n and_o be_v find_v guilty_a of_o the_o most_o enormous_a breach_n of_o unity_n it_o be_v no_o schism_n to_o withdraw_v or_o depart_v from_o any_o the_o large_a combination_n or_o collective_a body_n of_o church_n though_o for_o their_o amplitude_n they_o presume_v to_o style_v their_o combination_n the_o catholic_n church_n that_o maintain_v and_o avow_v any_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n which_o direct_o or_o by_o near_a and_o palpable_a consequence_n overthrow_v the_o say_v essential_o the_o next_o point_n of_o external_a unity_n be_v about_o the_o essential_o and_o integral_n of_o church_n state_n the_o sacrament_n and_o other_o public_a worship_n the_o ministry_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n consider_v as_o of_o christ_n institution_n the_o next_o chief_a point_n of_o schism_n be_v the_o breach_n hereof_o and_o this_o may_v be_v either_o against_o the_o catholic_n or_o a_o particular_a church_n of_o such_o schism_n against_o the_o state_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n there_o be_v these_o instance_n 1._o when_o any_o one_o part_n of_o profess_a christian_n how_o numerous_a soever_o combine_v by_o any_o other_o term_n of_o catholic_n unity_n than_o what_o christ_n have_v make_v account_v themselves_o the_o only_a catholic_n church_n exclude_v all_o person_n and_o church_n that_o be_v not_o of_o their_o combination_n 2._o when_o a_o false_a catholic_n unity_n be_v devise_v or_o contend_v for_o viz._n a_o devise_a unity_n of_o government_n for_o the_o catholic_n church_n under_o one_o terrene_a head_n personal_a or_o collective_a assume_v a_o proper_a govern_v power_n over_o all_o christian_n upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n 3._o when_o there_o be_v a_o utter_a disow_v of_o most_o of_o the_o true_a visible_a church_n in_o the_o world_n as_o have_v no_o true_a church_n state_n no_o not_o the_o essential_o thereof_o and_o a_o utter_a break_v off_o from_o communion_n with_o they_o according_o of_o schism_n against_o a_o particular_a church_n in_o point_n of_o its_o church_n state_n there_o be_v these_o instance_n 1._o the_o renounce_n of_o a_o true_a church_n as_o no_o church_n although_o it_o be_v much_o corrupt_v much_o more_o if_o it_o be_v a_o pure_a church_n though_o somewhat_o faulty_a 2._o a_o utter_a refuse_v of_o all_o act_n of_o communion_n with_o a_o true_a church_n when_o we_o may_v have_v communion_n with_o it_o either_o in_o whole_a or_o in_o part_n without_o our_o personal_a sin_n of_o commission_n or_o omission_n 3._o the_o cause_v of_o any_o division_n or_o distemper_n in_o the_o state_n or_o frame_n of_o a_o true_a church_n contrary_a to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o it_o be_v no_o schism_n to_o disow_v a_o corrupt_a frame_n of_o polity_n supervenient_a to_o the_o essential_o and_o integral_n of_o church_n state_n in_o any_o particular_a church_n or_o combination_n of_o church_n like_o a_o leprosy_n in_o the_o body_n that_o do_v gross_o deprave_v they_o and_o in_o great_a part_n frustrate_v the_o end_n of_o their_o constitution_n the_o last_o and_o low_a point_n of_o external_a unity_n lie_v in_o the_o accidental_a mode_n of_o religion_n and_o matter_n of_o mere_a order_n extrinsic_a to_o the_o essential_o and_o integral_n of_o church-state_n the_o violation_n thereof_o be_v the_o least_o and_o low_a point_n of_o schism_n i_o mean_v in_o itself_o consider_v and_o not_o in_o such_o aggravate_v circumstance_n as_o it_o may_v be_v in_o those_o accidental_a form_n and_o order_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v necessary_a in_o genere_fw-la but_o leave_v in_o specie_fw-la to_o human_a determination_n be_v allow_v of_o god_n when_o they_o be_v determine_v according_a to_o prudence_n and_o charity_n for_o peace_n and_o edification_n and_o according_o they_o be_v to_o be_v submit_v to_o consequent_o it_o be_v one_o point_n of_o schism_n to_o make_v a_o division_n from_o or_o in_o a_o church_n upon_o the_o accountal_a of_o accident_n form_n and_o order_n so_o determine_v according_a to_o god_n allowance_n but_o if_o any_o of_o the_o accidental_n be_v unlawful_a and_o the_o maintain_n or_o practise_v thereof_o be_v impose_v upon_o we_o as_o the_o term_n of_o our_o communion_n it_o be_v no_o schism_n but_o duty_n to_o abstain_v from_o communion_n in_o that_o case_n for_o explicit_o and_o personal_o to_o own_o error_n and_o corruption_n even_o in_o small_a point_n be_v evil_n in_o itself_o which_o must_v not_o be_v commit_v that_o good_a may_v come_v in_o this_o case_n not_o he_o that_o withdraw_v but_o he_o that_o impose_v cause_v the_o division_n and_o this_o hold_v of_o thing_n sinful_a either_o in_o themselves_o or_o by_o just_a consequence_n and_o herein_o he_o that_o be_v to_o act_v be_v to_o discern_v and_o judge_v for_o his_o own_o practice_n whether_o the_o thing_n impose_v be_v such_o for_o god_n law_n suppose_v we_o rational_a creature_n able_a to_o discern_v its_o meaning_n and_o to_o apply_v it_o for_o the_o regulate_v of_o our_o own_o action_n else_o the_o law_n be_v give_v we_o in_o vain_a submission_n and_o reverence_n towards_o superior_n oblige_v no_o man_n to_o resign_v his_o understanding_n to_o their_o determination_n or_o in_o compliance_n with_o they_o to_o violate_v his_o own_o conscience_n person_n meek_a humble_a peaceable_a and_o thorough_o conscientious_a and_o of_o competent_a judgement_n may_v not_o be_v able_a by_o their_o diligent_a and_o impartial_a search_n to_o see_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o thing_n enjoin_v and_o it_o be_v a_o hard_a case_n if_o they_o shall_v thereupon_o be_v declare_v contumacious_a see_v there_o be_v several_a point_n of_o unity_n the_o valuation_n whereof_o be_v to_o be_v make_v according_a to_o their_o different_a value_n man_n judgement_n and_o estimation_n of_o unity_n and_o schism_n be_v very_o preposterous_a who_o lie_v the_o great_a stress_n on_o those_o point_n that_o be_v of_o least_o moment_n and_o raise_v thing_n of_o the_o low_a rank_n to_o the_o high_a in_o their_o valuation_n and_o set_v light_n by_o thing_n of_o the_o great_a moment_n and_o high_a value_n as_o indeed_o they_o do_v who_o set_v light_n by_o soundness_n of_o faith_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n and_o conscientious_a observance_n of_o divine_a institution_n where_o there_o be_v not_o also_o unanimity_n and_o uniformity_n in_o unscriptural_a doctrine_n and_o human_a ceremony_n and_o they_o that_o make_v such_o a_o estimate_n of_o thing_n and_o deal_v with_o minister_n according_o do_v therein_o little_o advance_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o endeavour_v to_o keep_v it_o in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n see_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o church_n unity_n a_o breach_n be_v make_v upon_o it_o when_o other_o bound_n thereof_o be_v set_v than_o this_o rule_n allow_v a_o instance_n hereof_o be_v the_o devise_v of_o other_o term_n of_o church-communion_n and_o ministerial_a liberty_n than_o god_n have_v command_v or_o allow_v in_o his_o word_n to_o be_v make_v the_o term_n thereof_o also_o any_o cast_n or_o keep_v out_o of_o the_o church_n or_o ministry_n such_o as_o god_n word_n do_v not_o exclude_v from_o either_o but_o signify_v to_o be_v qualify_v and_o call_v thereunto_o god_n do_v not_o allow_v on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o imposer_n such_o term_n of_o church_n communion_n or_o ministerial_a station_n as_o be_v neither_o scriptural_a nor_o necessary_a to_o peace_n and_o edification_n nor_o be_v any_o part_n of_o that_o necessary_a order_n and_o decency_n without_o which_o the_o service_n of_o god_n will_v be_v undecent_a nor_o be_v in_o any_o regard_n so_o necessary_a but_o that_o they_o may_v be_v dispense_v with_o for_o a_o great_a benefit_n and_o the_o avoid_n of_o a_o great_a mischief_n and_o they_o be_v find_v guilty_a of_o schism_n that_o urge_v such_o unscriptural_a and_o unnecessary_a thing_n unto_o a_o breach_n in_o the_o church_n such_o imposer_n be_v not_o only_o a_o occasion_n of_o the_o breach_n that_o follow_v but_o a_o culpable_a cause_n thereof_o because_o they_o impose_v without_o and_o against_o christ_n warrant_n who_o will_v not_o have_v his_o church_n to_o be_v burden_v nor_o the_o conscience_n of_o his_o servant_n entangle_v with_o thing_n unnecessary_a nevertheless_o such_o unscriptural_a or_o
their_o union_n and_o fellowship_n be_v chief_o mystical_a and_o invisible_a their_o unity_n be_v far_o great_a than_o what_o outward_o appear_v to_o the_o world_n and_o sometime_o than_o what_o themselves_o can_v discern_v among_o themselves_o in_o particular_a by_o reason_n of_o many_o inferior_a yet_o very_o disquiet_v difference_n and_o discord_n nevertheless_o it_o behoove_v they_o to_o provide_v that_o it_o may_v appear_v as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v what_o it_o be_v indeed_o and_o that_o it_o be_v conspicuous_a and_o illustrious_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o man_n by_o their_o walk_n in_o love_n and_o peace_n unity_n be_v the_o church_n strength_n and_o beauty_n the_o honour_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o a_o argument_n for_o the_o certainty_n of_o their_o most_o holy_a faith_n it_o make_v religion_n lovely_a and_o draw_v forth_o blessing_n &_o praise_n from_o the_o beholder_n of_o it_o and_o win_v the_o world_n to_o a_o love_n and_o reverence_n of_o that_o piety_n which_o make_v the_o professor_n of_o it_o to_o live_v in_o brotherly_a kindness_n and_o mutual_a charity_n but_o division_n be_v the_o church_n weakness_n and_o deformity_n the_o reproach_n of_o christian_n and_o a_o scandal_n against_o christianity_n and_o a_o objection_n put_v into_o the_o mouth_n of_o infidel_n against_o the_o faith_n and_o a_o occasion_n of_o stumble_v unto_o many_o in_o the_o present_a divide_a state_n of_o religion_n each_o party_n be_v apt_a to_o appropriate_v godliness_n to_o themselves_o or_o at_o least_o to_o carry_v it_o towards_o other_o as_o if_o they_o do_v so_o and_o they_o that_o be_v loud_a in_o accuse_v dissenter_n of_o uncharitableness_n in_o this_o kind_n be_v themselves_o as_o uncharitable_a as_o any_o other_o it_o be_v true_a that_o god_n have_v a_o peculiar_a people_n distinguish_v from_o all_o other_o by_o a_o peculiar_a character_n but_o it_o be_v not_o confine_v to_o any_o party_n of_o this_o or_o that_o persuasion_n or_o denomination_n that_o be_v narrow_a than_o mere_a christianity_n and_o all_o true_a christian_n be_v to_o receive_v one_o a_o other_o as_o god_n have_v receive_v they_o indeed_o the_o best_a christian_n be_v to_o be_v best_a esteem_v and_o their_o fellowship_n be_v most_o desire_a but_o if_o they_o shall_v be_v sever_v from_o the_o universality_n and_o in_o a_o strict_a combination_n set_v up_o as_o divide_a party_n it_o tend_v to_o the_o church_n ruin_n for_o a_o kingdom_n divide_v against_o itself_o can_v stand_v and_o if_o the_o noble_a part_n of_o the_o body_n forsake_v the_o rest_n the_o whole_a must_v needs_o die_v christian_n concord_n do_v not_o signify_v a_o aggregation_n of_o thing_n inconsistent_a as_o the_o fellowship_n of_o righteousness_n with_o unrighteousness_n the_o communion_n of_o light_n with_o darkness_n the_o concord_n of_o christ_n with_o belial_n to_o set_v up_o unity_n against_o piety_n be_v a_o conspiracy_n against_o christ_n who_o be_v king_n of_o righteousness_n and_o to_o pretend_v piety_n against_o unity_n be_v to_o oppose_v christ_n the_o prince_n of_o peace_n who_o kingdom_n be_v the_o reign_n of_o love_n in_o the_o soul_n holiness_n and_o peace_n must_v kiss_v each_o other_o and_o as_o inseparable_a companion_n walk_v together_o it_o be_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n we_o be_v charge_v to_o keep_v in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n but_o concord_n in_o any_o external_a order_n without_o fellowship_n in_o the_o divine_a life_n be_v not_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v to_o partake_v of_o the_o same_o new_a nature_n and_o to_o walk_v together_o in_o the_o same_o holy_a way_n this_o be_v far_o more_o excellent_a than_o the_o great_a compliance_n in_o matter_n of_o mere_a external_a order_n and_o consequent_o much_o more_o regardable_a in_o our_o estimation_n and_o reception_n of_o person_n though_o to_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n be_v not_o of_o so_o great_a importance_n as_o to_o be_v join_v in_o one_o spirit_n yet_o it_o must_v not_o be_v count_v a_o small_a matter_n the_o unity_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n be_v much_o concern_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o church_n communion_n it_o will_v be_v a_o matter_n of_o some_o difficulty_n for_o they_o to_o live_v together_o in_o love_n who_o one_o church_n can_v hold_v church_n division_n common_o divide_v affection_n and_o draw_v man_n into_o party_n and_o divide_a interest_n and_o make_v they_o seek_v to_o strengthen_v their_o own_o party_n by_o weaken_v all_o other_o to_o the_o great_a damage_n of_o true_a religion_n in_o general_n for_o which_o cause_n the_o unchurch_a of_o church_n and_o renounce_v of_o communion_n with_o they_o that_o be_v sound_a in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o sacrament_n and_o in_o the_o substance_n of_o divine_a worship_n shall_v be_v dread_v by_o all_o sober_a christian_n yea_o all_o unnecessary_a distance_n shall_v be_v avoid_v lest_o they_o lead_v to_o great_a alienation_n and_o direct_a enmity_n and_o opposition_n those_o church_n that_o can_v hold_v local_a communion_n one_o with_o another_o by_o reason_n of_o difference_n that_o destroy_v not_o the_o essential_o of_o christianity_n shall_v yet_o maintain_v a_o dear_a and_o tender_a christian_a love_n one_o to_o another_o and_o profess_v their_o own_n of_o each_o other_o as_o church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o shall_v agree_v together_o upon_o certain_a just_a and_o equal_a rule_n for_o the_o management_n of_o their_o unavoidable_a difference_n so_o as_o may_v lest_o prejudice_n charity_n and_o common_a good_a and_o least_o harden_v the_o ungodly_a and_o grieve_v the_o weak_a or_o dishonour_n god_n or_o hinder_v the_o success_n of_o common_a great_a and_o necessary_a truth_n upon_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n amicable_o promote_a the_o common_a cause_n of_o christianity_n and_o every_o part_n thereof_o in_o which_o they_o be_v agree_v and_o open_v their_o disagreement_n to_o the_o people_n as_o little_a as_o they_o can_v schism_n be_v a_o unwarrantable_a separation_n from_o or_o division_n in_o a_o church_n and_o without_o controversy_n it_o be_v a_o heinous_a sin_n and_o to_o be_v detest_v both_o for_o its_o exceed_a sinfulness_n and_o woeful_a consequent_n but_o it_o have_v be_v so_o disguise_v and_o the_o odious_a name_n have_v be_v so_o confuse_o cast_v abroad_o and_o so_o unreasonable_o and_o malicious_o misapply_v that_o it_o be_v too_o slight_o think_v of_o where_o it_o shall_v be_v sad_o lay_v to_o heart_n for_o it_o be_v common_a with_o the_o strong_a party_n be_v it_o right_n or_o wrong_n to_o call_v themselves_o the_o church_n and_o to_o have_v no_o better_a name_n for_o other_o than_o schismatic_n and_o so_o the_o reproach_n be_v but_o contemn_v by_o they_o that_o suffer_v it_o and_o the_o sin_n itself_o be_v too_o little_o fear_v on_o all_o side_n but_o it_o be_v not_o a_o temporal_a law_n nor_o secular_a power_n nor_o any_o prevalence_n of_o strength_n or_o interest_n that_o make_v a_o church_n and_o none_o of_o these_o thing_n will_v excuse_v they_o from_o schism_n that_o act_n uncharitable_o against_o their_o brethren_n and_o obstruct_v the_o progress_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o increase_n of_o godliness_n nor_o be_v they_o forthwith_o to_o be_v count_v schismatic_n who_o can_v in_o all_o point_n observe_v the_o commandment_n of_o man_n and_o can_v neglect_v to_o yield_v their_o help_n to_o the_o save_n of_o soul_n that_o will_v otherwise_o want_v due_a mean_n of_o salvation_n when_o god_n have_v call_v they_o to_o that_o service_n with_o a_o woe_n unto_o they_o if_o they_o preach_v not_o the_o gospel_n for_o as_o much_o as_o all_o must_v dread_v the_o guilt_n of_o schism_n true_o so_o call_v let_v it_o be_v well_o consider_v that_o ecclesiastical_a superior_n be_v as_o much_o concern_v to_o take_v heed_n of_o schismatical_a imposition_n as_o the_o people_n be_v to_o shun_v schismatical_a recusancy_n and_o disobedience_n as_o well_o the_o pastor_n wisdom_n as_o the_o people_n due_a submission_n be_v here_o importunate_o call_v for_o when_o superior_n know_v how_o to_o command_v and_o inferior_n how_o to_o obey_v thing_n will_v go_v as_o well_o as_o may_v be_v hope_v for_o in_o this_o our_o imperfect_a state_n here_o upon_o earth_n as_o the_o peace_n of_o a_o corrupt_a state_n of_o religion_n be_v best_a assure_v by_o suppress_v all_o conscientious_a inquiry_n into_o its_o decree_n so_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o true_a church_n and_o of_o the_o sound_a state_n of_o religion_n be_v most_o secure_v by_o the_o most_o perfect_a exercise_n of_o sound_a judgement_n and_o upright_a conscience_n in_o all_o its_o adherent_n that_o church_n that_o claim_v to_o herself_o a_o infallibility_n or_o challenge_n and_o obtain_v from_o her_o partaker_n a_o implicit_a faith_n in_o her_o determination_n without_o further_a enquiry_n need_v not_o fear_v the_o break_n of_o the_o bond_n of_o her_o peace_n if_o she_o multiply_v constitution_n and_o impose_v any_o devise_a doctrine_n and_o ordinance_n suitable_a to_o
her_o own_o estate_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o a_o rational_a conscientious_a and_o true_o pious_a concord_n among_o such_o christian_n as_o know_v and_o care_n what_o they_o believe_v can_v never_o be_v procure_v without_o avoid_v the_o imposition_n of_o thing_n unwritten_a and_o unnecessary_a in_o which_o it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a for_o man_n of_o sound_a faith_n and_o good_a conscience_n general_o to_o agree_v but_o when_o necessary_a thing_n only_o be_v enjoin_v their_o weight_n and_o truth_n will_v soon_o be_v know_v and_o own_a of_o all_o honest_a mind_n or_o at_o least_o be_v most_o likely_a so_o to_o be_v and_o much_o soon_o and_o easy_a than_o the_o weight_n and_o truth_n of_o little_a and_o doubtful_a thing_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o will_v more_o easy_o move_v with_o joint_a consent_n in_o one_o godly_a order_n the_o matter_n of_o their_o difference_n be_v before_o hand_n take_v out_o of_o the_o way_n this_o moderate_a course_n be_v hold_v the_o union_n of_o unseigned_a faith_n and_o love_n will_v become_v a_o sure_a foundation_n of_o true_a christian_a concord_n with_o sound_a judgement_n and_o good_a conscience_n and_o do_v that_o for_o the_o suppress_n of_o schism_n in_o the_o right_a state_n of_o christianity_n which_o implicit_a faith_n and_o blind_a obedience_n do_v in_o false_a corrupt_a and_o antichristian_a state_n here_o it_o be_v main_o requisite_a that_o those_o thing_n that_o most_o promote_v or_o hinder_v the_o new_a birth_n and_o spiritual_a life_n be_v by_o pastor_n and_o people_n universal_o most_v regard_v and_o those_o that_o make_v little_a for_o or_o against_o the_o same_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o of_o little_a moment_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v when_o the_o great_a and_o weighty_a matter_n be_v due_o prize_v and_o most_o contend_v for_o contention_n about_o little_a thing_n will_v soon_o expire_v and_o if_o this_o course_n be_v take_v hypocrite_n will_v lose_v their_o advantage_n of_o seem_v religious_a by_o zeal_n for_o those_o thing_n wherein_o religion_n do_v not_o consist_v and_o carnal_a design_n and_o interest_n that_o now_o rend_v the_o church_n and_o trouble_v all_o thing_n will_v be_v defeat_v and_o abandon_v moreover_o to_o maintain_v peace_n they_o that_o rule_n have_v need_n consider_v what_o mistake_v and_o weakness_n be_v compatible_a to_o true_a believer_n and_o sometime_o to_o the_o best_a and_o choice_a of_o they_o that_o they_o may_v not_o bear_v too_o hard_o upon_o they_o and_o they_o that_o be_v rule_v must_v consider_v that_o the_o best_a polity_n or_o constitution_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v of_o man_n regulate_v have_v defect_n and_o inconvenience_n and_o affair_n will_v be_v complicate_v and_o therefore_o they_o must_v not_o be_v too_o unyield_a but_o bear_v with_o what_o be_v tolerable_a and_o not_o easy_o remediable_a though_o they_o may_v not_o in_o any_o wise_a do_v a_o sinful_a act_n or_o omit_v a_o duty_n in_o the_o season_n of_o it_o for_o by_o want_n of_o such_o forbearance_n they_o may_v soon_o destroy_v the_o good_a part_n than_o mend_v what_o be_v amiss_o it_o be_v not_o seldom_o in_o such_o case_n that_o man_n seek_v remedy_n that_o prove_v worse_o than_o the_o disease_n if_o the_o heal_n of_o breach_n require_v a_o yield_a or_o recede_v from_o what_o have_v be_v stand_v upon_o it_o shall_v be_v on_o that_o part_n where_o equity_n and_o necessity_n declare_v it_o shall_v be_v it_o be_v not_o so_o easy_a for_o every_o christian_n to_o resolve_v what_o be_v right_a in_o many_o opinion_n and_o usage_n as_o for_o those_o in_o power_n to_o omit_v the_o enforce_a of_o they_o unnecessary_a injunction_n may_v easy_o be_v part_v with_o than_o man_n judgement_n can_v be_v alter_v or_o their_o doubt_a conscience_n well_o settle_v this_o tenderness_n and_o forbearance_n be_v no_o lesson_n of_o the_o church_n '_o be_v honour_n and_o power_n and_o a_o little_a diversity_n iâ—_n little_a thing_n can_v rational_o move_v derisiâ—…_n in_o the_o irreligious_a nor_o just_o give_v scandal_n to_o any_o but_o there_o be_v thing_n of_o that_o slightness_n that_o a_o over-precise_a and_o importunate_a unifoâ—_n mity_n in_o they_o may_v occasion_v contempt_n and_o suspicion_n of_o hypocrisy_n or_o superstitious_a folly_n unity_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n be_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o trâ—…_n church_n and_o uniformity_n in_o external_a order_n be_v 〈◊〉_d be_v endeavour_v with_o sobriety_n and_o be_v best_a effecteâ—_n by_o cut_v off_o superfluous_a institution_n and_o lay_v ing_z no_o great_a burden_n on_o the_o faithful_a thaâ—_n thing_n necessary_a and_o this_o pacific_a state_n may_v bâ—_n as_o well_o hope_v as_o wish_v for_o if_o the_o guide_n oâ—_n the_o church_n will_v seek_v the_o thing_n of_o christ_n morâ—_n than_o their_o own_o thing_n but_o alas_o the_o usurpation_n and_o imposition_n oâ—_n proud_a and_o selfish_a man_n even_o in_o pretence_n oâ—_n suppress_v schism_n have_v hinder_v christiaâ—_n people_n from_o unite_n in_o the_o true_a centre_n of_o unity_n which_o be_v jesus_n christ_n as_o set_v forth_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n and_o which_o 〈◊〉_d the_o same_o yesterday_o and_o to_o day_n and_o for_o ever_o in_o deed_n they_o that_o prevail_v by_o power_n to_o advance_v their_o own_o devise_a way_n and_o crush_v disenter_n may_v make_v a_o desolation_n and_o then_o call_v it_o peace_n anâ—_n union_n but_o it_o be_v not_o the_o peace_n of_o christ_n kingdoâ—…_n division_n be_v cause_v by_o man_n of_o corrupt_a mind_n and_o partly_o by_o the_o weakness_n of_o good_a man_n ascribe_v too_o much_o to_o their_o own_o apprehen_fw-ge zion_n and_o inclination_n and_o not_o consider_v thâ—_n condition_n of_o other_o as_o their_o own_o nor_o mind_v the_o necessity_n and_o usefulness_n of_o lawful_a compliance_n or_o of_o mutual_a forbearance_n and_o dissension_n chap._n xi_o a_o good_a frame_n of_o ecclesiastical_a polity_n the_o promote_a of_o true_a christianity_n and_o all_o the_o thing_n before_o name_v pertain_v to_o the_o sound_a state_n of_o religion_n depend_v much_o upon_o a_o good_a frame_n of_o ecclesiastical_a polity_n undoubted_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v appoint_v spiritual_a officer_n to_o guide_v and_o rule_v his_o church_n and_o in_o the_o government_n thereof_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n of_o divine_a right_n and_o unalterable_a by_o the_o will_n of_o man_n and_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n necessary_a to_o the_o support_n and_o due_a managment_n thereof_o that_o be_v of_o humane_a determination_n as_o to_o the_o particular_n both_o kind_n be_v liable_a to_o depravation_n and_o great_a abuse_n thing_n of_o divine_a right_n may_v be_v corrupt_o manage_v and_o pervert_v to_o wrong_a end_n and_o thing_n of_o man_n appointment_n be_v sometime_o not_o only_o ill_o manage_v but_o ill_o ordain_v as_o be_v whole_o incongruous_a and_o perhaps_o pernicious_a to_o the_o right_a end_n of_o government_n now_o a_o good_a polity_n be_v the_o whole_a compage_n of_o thing_n lay_v together_o in_o the_o fabric_n of_o the_o church_n fit_v and_o direct_v to_o promote_v the_o christian_a life_n or_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_o to_o prevent_v or_o remedy_v the_o decay_n thereof_o and_o the_o more_o notable_o and_o powerful_o conducible_a it_o be_v to_o this_o end_n it_o be_v by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o excellent_a according_a to_o this_o rule_n it_o have_v most_o regard_n for_o sincere_a christian_n and_o insist_o most_o upon_o their_o encouragement_n and_o the_o increase_n of_o their_o number_n and_o it_o make_v all_o its_o external_a order_n and_o interest_n subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o prosperity_n of_o the_o church_n regenerate_v the_o order_n wherein_o it_o excel_v be_v a_o orderly_a management_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v of_o divine_a command_n in_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o conversation_n in_o such_o manner_n as_o be_v most_o effectual_a for_o the_o obtain_n of_o their_o end_n by_o such_o necessary_a rule_n of_o prudence_n as_o be_v requisite_a in_o all_o human_a action_n it_o prefer_v purity_n and_o spirituality_n before_o external_a pomp_n though_o it_o neglect_v not_o those_o necessary_a decency_n and_o ornament_n that_o shall_v attend_v the_o service_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o awful_a regard_n that_o be_v to_o be_v have_v thereto_o and_o the_o reverend_a demeanour_n to_o be_v use_v therein_o it_o provide_v able_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o every_o pastor_n be_v resident_a with_o his_o own_o flock_n and_o that_o he_o due_o feed_v they_o and_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n and_o that_o the_o people_n be_v not_o leave_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o mercenary_a procure_v at_o the_o cheap_a rate_n it_o provide_v by_o a_o liberal_a maintenance_n worthy_a endowment_n and_o privilege_n for_o that_o meet_a support_n and_o honour_n of_o the_o ministry_n which_o be_v requisite_a to_o preserve_v the_o
the_o spirit_n among_o christian_n be_v witness_v maintain_v and_o strengthen_v by_o their_o holy_a communion_n of_o love_n and_o peace_n one_o with_o another_o but_o be_v darken_v weaken_a and_o lessen_v by_o their_o uncharitable_a dissension_n hence_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o unity_n here_o commend_v be_v primary_o that_o of_o the_o church_n in_o its_o internal_a and_o invisible_a state_n or_o the_o union_n and_o communion_n of_o saint_n have_v in_o themselves_o the_o spirit_n and_o life_n and_o power_n of_o christianity_n it_o be_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n we_o be_v charge_v to_o keep_v in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n but_o concord_n in_o any_o external_a order_n with_o a_o vital_a union_n with_o christ_n and_o holy_a soul_n his_o live_a member_n be_v not_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v to_o partake_v of_o the_o same_o new_a nature_n and_o divine_a life_n secondary_o it_o be_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n in_o its_o external_a and_o visible_a state_n which_o be_v consequent_a and_o subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o internal_a and_o stand_v in_o the_o profession_n and_o appearance_n of_o it_o in_o the_o profess_a observation_n of_o the_o duty_n arise_v from_o it_o where_o there_o be_v not_o a_o credible_a profession_n of_o faith_n unfeigned_a and_o true_a holiness_n there_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o the_o external_a and_o visible_a unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n therefore_o a_o sensual_a earthly_a generation_n of_o man_n who_o be_v apparent_o lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o world_n and_o not_o by_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v of_o god_n have_v little_a cause_n to_o glory_n in_o their_o adhere_n to_o a_o external_a church_n order_n whatsoever_o it_o be_v holy_a love_n which_o be_v unself_v and_o impartial_a be_v the_o life_n and_o soul_n of_o this_o unity_n without_o which_o it_o be_v but_o a_o dead_a thing_n as_o the_o body_n without_o the_o soul_n be_v dead_a and_o this_o love_n be_v the_o bond_n of_o perfectness_n that_o cement_n that_o hold_v altogether_o in_o this_o mystical_a society_n for_o this_o be_v seat_v in_o the_o several_a member_n dispose_v they_o to_o look_v not_o to_o their_o own_o thing_n but_o also_o to_o the_o thing_n of_o other_o and_o not_o to_o the_o undue_a advancement_n of_o a_o party_n but_o to_o the_o common_a good_a of_o the_o whole_a body_n whosoever_o want_v this_o love_n have_v no_o vital_a union_n with_o christ_n and_o the_o church_n and_o no_o part_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n the_o church_n be_v much_o more_o ennoble_v strengthen_v and_o every_o way_n bless_v by_o the_o communion_n of_o holy_a love_n among_o all_o its_o live_a member_n or_o real_a christian_n than_o by_o a_o outside_n uniformity_n in_o the_o minute_n circumstance_n or_o accidental_a mode_n of_o religion_n by_o this_o love_n it_o be_v more_o beautiful_a and_o lovely_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o all_o intelligent_a beholder_n than_o by_o outward_a pomp_n and_o ornament_n or_o any_o worldly_a splendour_n the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n as_o visible_a whether_o catholic_n or_o particular_a may_v be_v consider_v in_o a_o threefold_a respect_n or_o in_o three_o very_a different_a point_n the_o first_o and_o chief_a point_n thereof_o be_v in_o the_o essential_o and_o all_o weighty_a matter_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o life_n the_o second_o and_o next_o in_o account_n be_v in_o the_o essential_o and_o integral_n of_o church_n state_n that_o be_v in_o the_o christian_a church-worship_n ministry_n and_o discipline_n consider_v as_o of_o christ_n institution_n and_o abstract_v from_o all_o thing_n superad_v by_o man_n the_o three_o and_o low_a point_n be_v in_o those_o extrinsical_a and_o accidental_a form_n and_o order_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v necessary_a in_o genere_fw-la but_o leave_v in_o specie_fw-la to_o human_a determination_n of_o these_o several_a point_n of_o unity_n there_o be_v to_o be_v a_o different_a valuation_n according_a to_o their_o different_a value_n our_o first_o and_o chief_a regard_n be_v due_a to_o the_o first_o and_o chief_a point_n which_o respect_v christian_a faith_n and_o life_n the_o next_o regard_n be_v due_a to_o that_o which_o be_v next_o in_o value_n that_o which_o respect_v the_o very_a constitution_n or_o frame_n of_o a_o church_n and_o regard_n be_v to_o be_v have_v of_o that_o also_o which_o respect_v the_o accidental_n of_o religion_n yet_o in_o its_o due_a place_n and_o not_o before_o thing_n of_o great_a weight_n and_o worth_n thing_n be_v of_o a_o very_a different_a nature_n and_o importance_n to_o the_o church_n good_a estate_n and_o a_o great_a or_o lesser_a stress_n must_v be_v lay_v upon_o unity_n in_o they_o as_o the_o thing_n themselves_o be_v of_o great_a or_o lesser_a moment_n the_o rule_n or_o law_n of_o church_n unity_n be_v not_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o the_o will_n of_o god_n whosoever_o keep_v that_o unity_n which_o have_v god_n word_n for_o its_o rule_n keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o whosoever_o boast_v of_o a_o unity_n that_o be_v not_o square_v by_o this_o rule_n his_o boast_n be_v but_o vain_a a_o hypothesis_n that_o nothing_o in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n be_v lawful_a but_o what_o be_v express_o prescribe_v in_o scripture_n be_v by_o some_o false_o ascribe_v to_o a_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o earnest_o contend_v for_o the_o scripture_n sufficiency_n and_o perfection_n for_o the_o regulate_v of_o divine_a worship_n and_o the_o whole_a state_n of_o religion_n god_n in_o his_o word_n have_v prescribe_v all_o those_o part_n of_o his_o worship_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v perform_v to_o he_o he_o have_v likewise_o therein_o institute_v those_o officer_n that_o be_v to_o be_v the_o administrator_n of_o his_o public_a worship_n in_o church_n assembly_n and_o have_v define_v the_o authority_n and_o duty_n of_o those_o officer_n and_o all_o the_o essential_o and_o integral_n of_o church_n state_n as_o for_o the_o circumstantial_o and_o accidental_n belong_v to_o all_o the_o thing_n aforesaid_a he_o have_v lay_v down_o general_a rule_n for_o the_o regulation_n thereof_o the_o particular_n be_v both_o needless_a and_o impossible_a to_o be_v enumerate_v and_o define_v in_o this_o point_n god_n have_v declare_v his_o mind_n deut._n 4._o 2._o you_o shall_v not_o add_v unto_o the_o word_n which_o i_o command_v you_o neither_o shall_v you_o diminish_v aught_o from_o it_o deut._n 12._o 32._o what_o soever_o thing_n i_o command_v you_o observe_v to_o do_v it_o thou_o shall_v not_o add_v thereto_o nor_o diminish_v from_o it_o the_o prohibition_n be_v not_o mere_o of_o alter_v the_o rule_n god_n write_a word_n by_o addition_n or_o diminution_n but_o of_o do_v more_o or_o less_o than_o the_o rule_n require_v as_o the_o precept_n be_v not_o of_o preserve_v the_o rule_n but_o of_o observe_v what_o be_v command_v in_o it_o such_o human_a institution_n in_o divine_a worship_n as_o be_v in_o mere_a subserviency_n to_o divine_a institution_n for_o the_o necessary_a and_o convenient_a modify_n and_o order_v thereof_o be_v not_o proper_o addition_n to_o god_n commandment_n for_o they_o be_v of_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n end_n and_o use_v with_o the_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v command_v but_o of_o mere_a circumstantial_o and_o accidental_n belong_v to_o those_o thing_n and_o these_o circumstantial_o be_v in_o genere_fw-la necessary_a to_o the_o performance_n of_o divine_a institution_n and_o be_v general_o command_v in_o the_o word_n though_o not_o in_o particular_a but_o be_v to_o be_v determine_v in_o specie_fw-la by_o those_o to_o who_o the_o power_n of_o such_o determination_n belong_v they_o that_o assert_v and_o stand_v to_o this_o only_a rule_n provide_v best_a for_o the_o unity_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n for_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o reject_v whatsoever_o they_o find_v contrary_a to_o this_o rule_n they_o be_v more_o easy_o keep_v within_o the_o bound_n of_o acceptable_a worship_n and_o all_o warrantable_a obedience_n they_o lay_v the_o great_a weight_n on_o thing_n of_o the_o great_a worth_n and_o moment_n they_o careful_o regard_v all_o divine_a institution_n and_o whatsoever_o god_n have_v command_v and_o they_o maintain_v love_n and_o peace_n and_o mutual_a forbearance_n towards_o one_o another_o in_o the_o more_o inconsiderable_a diversity_n of_o opinion_n and_o practice_n those_o thing_n that_o be_v leave_v to_o human_a determination_n the_o pastor_n bishop_n or_o elder_n do_v ancient_o determine_v for_o their_o own_o particular_a church_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v very_o reasonable_a and_o natural_o convenient_a that_o they_o who_o be_v the_o administrator_n of_o divine_a institution_n and_o have_v the_o conduct_n of_o the_o people_n in_o divine_a worship_n and_o know_v best_a what_o be_v most_o expedient_a for_o their_o own_o society_n shall_v be_v entrust_v with_o the_o determination_n of_o necessary_a circumstance_n within_o their_o
those_o bound_n subject_n may_v not_o by_o coercive_a power_n reform_v the_o public_a state_n and_o change_v the_o law_n which_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n but_o let_v it_o be_v consider_v whether_o they_o may_v not_o have_v their_o voluntary_a assembly_n for_o god_n worship_n when_o they_o be_v drive_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o legal_a church_n by_o the_o imposition_n of_o unlawful_a term_n or_o unnecessary_a term_n apprehend_v by_o they_o to_o be_v unlawful_a for_o in_o this_o case_n they_o be_v force_v either_o to_o hold_v such_o assembly_n or_o to_o abide_v perpetual_o without_o those_o spiritual_a privilege_n which_o be_v their_o due_n and_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o their_o salvation_n there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o inimical_a separation_n like_o sedition_n in_o a_o commonwealth_n and_o secregation_n upon_o necessary_a cause_n without_o breach_n of_o charity_n and_o among_o the_o necessary_a cause_n this_o may_v be_v one_o that_o all_o sober_a christian_n who_o for_o conscience_n sake_n can_v submit_v to_o the_o way_n of_o the_o establish_v church_n may_v be_v relieve_v and_o that_o none_o may_v be_v expose_v for_o lack_v of_o that_o relief_n to_o be_v lead_v aside_o into_o the_o error_n of_o the_o wicked_a as_o heresy_n infidelity_n or_o any_o other_o course_n of_o impiety_n indeed_o here_o be_v some_o variation_n from_o the_o ordinary_o regular_a bound_a of_o church_n but_o the_o partition_n of_o one_o church_n from_o another_o by_o local_a bound_n be_v not_o of_o absolute_a necessity_n and_o invariable_a but_o natural_o eligible_a from_o the_o convenience_n thereof_o when_o it_o may_v be_v have_v but_o the_o state_n of_o some_o christian_n may_v be_v such_o as_o to_o compel_v they_o to_o vary_v from_o it_o the_o scope_n hereof_o be_v not_o to_o set_v up_o church_n against_o church_n but_o either_o occasional_a and_o temporary_a assembly_n or_o at_o the_o most_o but_o divers_a church_n distinguish_v by_o their_o several_a place_n of_o assemble_v or_o by_o diversity_n of_o external_a order_n as_o the_o allow_a congregation_n of_o foreigner_n in_o london_n be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o parish_n church_n if_o any_o object_n the_o inconvenience_n that_o may_v follow_v the_o permit_v of_o church_n assembly_n beside_o those_o of_o the_o establish_v order_n the_o answer_n be_v that_o the_o wisdom_n and_o clemency_n of_o ruler_n in_o any_o nation_n where_o this_o case_n may_v be_v suppose_v can_v provide_v that_o as_o few_o as_o may_v be_v shall_v stand_v in_o need_n of_o that_o permission_n by_o fix_v the_o term_n of_o church_n communion_n and_o ministerial_a liberty_n to_o such_o a_o latitude_n as_o may_v comprehend_v all_o the_o more_o moderate_a dissenter_n and_o after_o such_o comprehension_n christian_a charity_n will_v plead_v that_o all_o tolerable_a dissenter_n that_o be_v all_o who_o believe_v and_o live_v as_o christian_n may_v be_v tolerate_v within_o such_o limit_n as_o may_v stand_v with_o public_a peace_n and_o safety_n that_o which_o be_v here_o propose_v may_v make_v for_o the_o relief_n of_o many_o thousand_o serious_a christian_n without_o breach_n of_o the_o external_a order_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v maintain_v and_o be_v not_o set_v up_o to_o the_o hindrance_n of_o thing_n more_o necessary_a it_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o the_o offender_n express_o mark_v out_o by_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o text_n rom._n 16._o 17._o be_v ungodly_a man_n that_o oppose_v or_o pervert_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o be_v sensualist_n and_o deceiver_n disturb_v and_o pollute_v the_o christian_a society_n and_o seduce_v the_o simple_a into_o destructive_a error_n and_o practice_n wherefore_o the_o text_n be_v ill_o apply_v to_o the_o rigorous_a condemnation_n of_o honest_a and_o peaceable_a man_n that_o dissent_v only_o in_o some_o accidental_a or_o inferior_a point_n of_o religion_n for_o which_o the_o apostle_n forbid_v christian_n to_o despise_v or_o judge_v one_o another_o yet_o not_o only_o false_a teacher_n but_o all_o schismatic_n be_v here_o condemn_v under_o this_o description_n viz._n those_o that_o cause_n division_n and_o offence_n and_o though_o they_o be_v not_o direct_a opposer_n of_o sound_a doctrine_n yet_o be_v divider_n or_o disturber_n they_o practise_v contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n which_o teach_v unity_n love_n and_o peace_n but_o still_o it_o must_v be_v observe_v that_o the_o reality_n of_o schism_n lie_v not_o in_o be_v divide_v or_o disorder_v but_o in_o cause_v the_o division_n or_o disturbance_n or_o in_o a_o voluntary_a violation_n of_o or_o depart_v from_o true_a church-unity_n they_o that_o cause_n division_n be_v not_o excuse_v from_o schism_n by_o the_o support_n of_o secular_a power_n nor_o be_v other_o convict_v of_o it_o mere_o by_o the_o want_n of_o that_o support_n the_o magistrate_n power_n in_o sacred_a thing_n be_v accumulative_a not_o destructive_a or_o diminutive_a to_o the_o right_n of_o christ_n minister_n and_o people_n it_o take_v not_o from_o they_o any_o thing_n that_o christ_n have_v grant_v they_o but_o give_v they_o a_o better_a capacity_n to_o make_v use_n thereof_o chap._n iu._n of_o the_o schism_n that_o be_v in_o the_o more_o ancient_a time_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o different_a case_n of_o the_o nonconformist_n in_o these_o time_n of_o those_o party_n which_o be_v ancient_o repute_v schismatic_n as_o violate_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o not_o heretic_n as_o deny_v any_o fundamental_a point_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n the_o novatian_o and_o donatist_n be_v of_o the_o chief_a note_n forasmuch_o as_o both_o these_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o the_o great_a instance_n of_o schism_n it_o may_v be_v requisite_a for_o i_o to_o consider_v the_o true_a state_n of_o their_o separation_n from_o the_o main_a body_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n pass_v by_o accidental_a matter_n and_o insist_v on_o the_o merit_n of_o their_o cause_n according_a to_o their_o main_a principle_n and_o practice_n as_o concern_v the_o donatist_n the_o breach_n make_v by_o they_o have_v this_o rise_n donatus_n with_o his_o complice_n vehement_o oppose_v cecilianus_n who_o have_v be_v choose_v bishop_n of_o carthage_n in_o design_n to_o thrust_v he_o out_o of_o his_o bishopric_n they_o accuse_v he_o of_o be_v ordain_v by_o one_o that_o have_v be_v a_o proditor_n and_o of_o have_v admit_v into_o ecclesiastical_a office_n one_o that_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o like_a fault_n this_o cause_n be_v by_o the_o emperor_n constantine_n appointment_n hear_v before_o several_a council_n and_o many_o judge_n the_o accuser_n still_o fail_v in_o their_o proof_n of_o the_o thing_n object_v cecilianus_n be_v acquit_v and_o confirm_v in_o his_o office_n the_o party_n of_o donatus_n fail_v in_o their_o design_n be_v carry_v in_o a_o boundless_a rage_n of_o opposition_n to_o a_o total_a and_o irreclaimable_a separation_n from_o all_o the_o church_n that_o be_v not_o of_o their_o faction_n and_o become_v very_o numerous_a upon_o a_o pretence_n of_o shun_v the_o contagion_n of_o the_o wicked_a in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o sacrament_n their_o principle_n be_v that_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v no_o where_o to_o be_v find_v but_o among_o themselves_o in_o a_o corner_n of_o africa_n also_o that_o true_a baptism_n be_v not_o administer_v but_o in_o their_o sect._n likewise_o they_o proceed_v to_o great_a tumult_n and_o violence_n and_o rapine_n and_o a_o sort_n of_o they_o call_v circumcelliones_fw-la glory_v in_o a_o furious_a kind_n of_o martyrdom_n partly_o by_o force_v other_o to_o kill_v they_o and_o partly_o by_o kill_v themselves_o the_o novatian_o take_v their_o name_n and_o beginning_n from_o novatus_n a_o presbyter_n first_o at_o carthage_n afterward_o at_o rome_n who_o hold_v that_o they_o who_o lapse_v in_o time_n of_o persecution_n unto_o the_o deny_v of_o christ_n be_v not_o to_o be_v readmit_v unto_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n though_o they_o repent_v and_o submit_v to_o the_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n of_o penance_n he_o separated_z from_o the_o roman_a church_n and_o be_v make_v a_o bishop_n by_o bishop_n of_o his_o own_o judgement_n in_o opposition_n to_o cornelius_n bishop_n of_o rome_n cyprian_n give_v a_o very_a bad_a character_n of_o he_o as_o a_o turbulent_a arrogant_a and_o avaritious_a person_n but_o of_o what_o spirit_n soever_o he_o be_v his_o judgement_n and_o canon_n be_v receive_v among_o many_o that_o be_v of_o strict_a life_n and_o he_o himself_o be_v report_v to_o have_v suffer_v death_n in_o the_o persecution_n under_o valerian_n at_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a acesius_n bishop_n of_o the_o novatian_o be_v ask_v by_o constantine_n whether_o he_o assent_v to_o the_o same_o faith_n with_o the_o council_n and_o to_o the_o observation_n of_o easter_n as_o be_v there_o dercee_v answer_v that_o he_o full_o assent_v to_o both_o then_o be_v again_o ask_v by_o the_o emperor_n why_o
he_o separate_v from_o the_o communion_n he_o recite_v for_o himself_o thing_n do_v in_o the_o reign_n of_o decius_n and_o the_o exquisite_a observation_n of_o a_o certain_a severe_a canon_n that_o they_o who_o after_o baptism_n have_v fall_v into_o that_o kind_n of_o sin_n which_o the_o scripture_n call_v a_o sin_n unto_o death_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a mystery_n but_o to_o be_v exhort_v to_o repentance_n and_o to_o expect_v the_o hope_n of_o remission_n not_o from_o the_o priest_n but_o from_o god_n who_o have_v power_n to_o forgive_v by_o this_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o novatian_o do_v not_o deny_v the_o salvability_n of_o the_o lapse_v or_o other_o that_o have_v fall_v into_o a_o sin_n unto_o death_n but_o only_o refuse_v to_o admit_v they_o to_o sacerdotal_a absolution_n and_o church-communion_n and_o thus_o they_o make_v a_o very_a unwarrantable_a separation_n ground_v upon_o a_o unjust_a rigour_n of_o very_a bad_a consequence_n nevertheless_o their_o error_n be_v no_o other_o than_o what_o holy_a and_o good_a man_n may_v be_v ensnare_v in_o by_o the_o appearance_n of_o a_o great_a detestation_n of_o sin_n and_o its_o tendency_n to_o prevent_v the_o lapse_n of_o christian_n into_o idolatry_n and_o to_o make_v they_o more_o resolve_v for_o martyrdom_n and_o by_o as_o credible_a history_n as_o any_o we_o have_v of_o the_o ancient_a time_n they_o be_v report_v to_o have_v have_v among_o they_o man_n eminent_o pious_a and_o some_o famous_a for_o miracle_n they_o unmovable_o adhere_v to_o the_o homousian_a faith_n and_o for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o it_o together_o with_o the_o orthodox_n suffer_v dreadful_a persecution_n they_o have_v some_o bishop_n remarkable_a for_o wisdom_n and_o godliness_n and_o such_o as_o be_v consult_v with_o by_o some_o of_o the_o chief_a of_o the_o catholic_n bishop_n and_o that_o with_o good_a success_n for_o support_v of_o the_o common_a faith_n against_o the_o arrian_n and_o such_o like_a heretic_n under_o a_o certain_a persecution_n wherein_o they_o be_v companion_n of_o the_o self_n same_o suffering_n it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o catholic_n and_o novatian_o have_v prayer_n together_o in_o the_o novation_n church_n and_o that_o in_o those_o time_n they_o be_v almost_o unite_v if_o the_o novation_n have_v not_o utter_o refuse_v that_o they_o may_v keep_v up_o their_o old_a institute_n yet_o they_o bear_v such_o good_a will_n one_o to_o another_o that_o they_o will_v die_v one_o for_o another_o these_o and_o many_o other_o thing_n of_o like_a nature_n be_v report_v of_o they_o by_o socrates_n who_o some_o indeed_o suspect_v to_o have_v be_v addict_v to_o they_o yet_o upon_o no_o other_o ground_n but_o because_o he_o give_v they_o their_o due_n upon_o evident_a proof_n and_o beside_o what_o he_o have_v report_v sosoman_n thus_o testify_v of_o they_o l._n 2._o c._n 30._o that_o when_o other_o sect_n expire_v the_o novatian_o because_o they_o have_v good_a man_n for_o the_o leader_n of_o their_o way_n and_o because_o they_o defend_v the_o same_o doctrine_n with_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v very_o numerous_a from_o the_o beginning_n and_o so_o continue_v and_o suffer_v not_o much_o damage_n by_o constantine_n law_n for_o suppress_v of_o sect_n and_o acesius_n their_o bishop_n be_v much_o favour_v by_o the_o emperor_n for_o the_o integrity_n of_o his_o life_n great_o advantage_v his_o church_n also_o l._n 4._o c._n 19_o he_o report_v the_o great_a amity_n that_o be_v between_o they_o and_o the_o catholic_n in_o a_o time_n of_o common_a persecution_n whether_o the_o case_n of_o the_o dissenter_n from_o the_o uniformity_n now_o require_v be_v in_o point_n of_o schism_n of_o the_o same_o or_o like_a reason_n with_o the_o above_o mention_v or_o any_o other_o ancient_o repute_v schismatic_n be_v now_o to_o be_v consider_v and_o it_o be_v the_o case_n of_o those_o that_o dissent_v not_o in_o the_o substance_n of_o religion_n but_o only_o in_o thing_n pertain_v to_o the_o ecclesiastical_a polity_n or_o external_a order_n in_o the_o church_n that_o be_v here_o take_v into_o consideration_n of_o these_o some_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o necessity_n of_o their_o own_o church-order_n desire_v to_o remain_v as_o they_o be_v in_o their_o sever_a society_n yet_o they_o do_v not_o nullify_v the_o legal_a church_n or_o ministry_n or_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o word_n sacrament_n and_o prayer_n therein_o perform_v other_o be_v satisfy_v in_o the_o constitution_n of_o parochial_a church_n and_o in_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o establish_v form_n of_o worship_n will_v glad_o embrace_v a_o freedom_n of_o communicate_v and_o administer_a therein_o upon_o the_o removal_n of_o some_o bar_n that_o lie_v against_o they_o and_o which_o they_o think_v may_v well_o be_v remove_v thereupon_o they_o seek_v a_o accommodation_n and_o union_n by_o a_o sufficient_a comprehensiveness_n in_o the_o public_a constitution_n and_o withal_o a_o reasonable_a indulgence_n towards_o those_o brethren_n who_o for_o the_o straightness_n of_o their_o judgement_n can_v be_v comprehend_v neither_o party_n of_o the_o dissenter_n here_o describe_v can_v be_v charge_v with_o any_o thing_n like_o the_o donatistical_n fury_n before_o express_v if_o austin_n seek_v the_o suppression_n of_o that_o sect_n by_o the_o secular_a power_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o horrible_a outrage_n commit_v by_o they_o it_o can_v reasonable_o be_v urge_v for_o a_o precedent_n as_o it_o have_v be_v by_o some_o for_o the_o suppression_n of_o man_n sober_a and_o peaceable_a and_o sound_v in_o the_o main_a point_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o life_n nor_o can_v either_o party_n of_o we_o be_v charge_v with_o that_o intolerable_a presumption_n and_o arrogance_n of_o the_o donatist_n in_o confine_v the_o flock_n of_o christ_n to_o their_o own_o party_n or_o the_o disannul_n and_o utter_a denounce_v of_o all_o church_n beside_o their_o own_o nor_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o our_o dissatisfaction_n like_o they_o which_o begin_v in_o a_o quarrel_n against_o a_o particular_a bishop_n and_o be_v maintain_v by_o animosity_n against_o those_o that_o will_v not_o condemn_v he_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o another_o manner_n of_o account_n be_v to_o be_v give_v of_o our_o dissent_n if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o those_o dissenter_n who_o principle_n bind_v they_o up_o to_o persevere_v in_o their_o sever_a society_n seem_v in_o this_o respect_n to_o be_v as_o the_o novatian_o who_o will_v not_o admit_v a_o reunion_n with_o the_o other_o church_n it_o may_v be_v answer_v for_o they_o that_o reason_n have_v be_v offer_v in_o the_o forego_n part_n of_o this_o discourse_n for_o indulgence_n to_o conscientious_a people_n who_o be_v entangle_v by_o the_o narrowness_n of_o their_o principle_n touch_v church-order_n beside_o they_o do_v not_o stand_v off_o upon_o so_o harsh_a and_o rigorous_a a_o point_n as_o the_o novatian_o do_v viz._n the_o utter_a repel_v of_o the_o lapse_v though_o penitent_a from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o they_o have_v ordinary_o communion_n in_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n with_o congregation_n that_o be_v not_o of_o their_o church_n way_n and_o occasional_o in_o the_o sacrament_n with_o those_o congregation_n where_o they_o apprehend_v a_o care_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n nor_o may_v they_o be_v judge_v so_o irreconcilable_a to_o the_o establish_v order_n but_o that_o the_o holy_a life_n of_o those_o in_o the_o public_a ministry_n and_o their_o lively_a preach_v and_o a_o great_a care_n of_o true_a and_o real_a church-discipline_n may_v do_v much_o to_o their_o recovery_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n why_o may_v not_o these_o be_v upon_o as_o good_a term_n under_o the_o present_a government_n as_o the_o novatian_o be_v under_o the_o government_n of_o their_o time_n church_n history_n report_v that_o they_o be_v cruel_o persecute_v by_o the_o arrian_n emperor_n and_o bishop_n and_o that_o they_o 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and_o
unnecessary_a thing_n if_o they_o be_v not_o in_o themselves_o unlawful_a nor_o of_o mischievous_a consequence_n may_v be_v of_o god_n allow_v as_o to_o the_o submitter_n thereupon_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o schism_n who_o mere_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o those_o unnecessary_a thing_n yet_o lawful_a as_o to_o their_o use_n though_o wrongful_o urge_v upon_o they_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n or_o their_o ministerial_a station_n where_o thing_n be_v well_o settle_v as_o to_o the_o substantial_o of_o religion_n and_o the_o end_n of_o church_n order_n and_o when_o they_o themselves_o be_v not_o require_v to_o justify_v the_o impose_v of_o such_o unnecessary_n here_o i_o speak_v of_o contumacious_a refuser_n who_o will_v rather_o make_v a_o breach_n than_o yield_v but_o refuser_n out_o of_o conscience_n believe_v or_o with_o appearance_n of_o reason_n suspect_v the_o say_v lawful_a thing_n to_o be_v unlawful_a be_v either_o accquit_v from_o schism_n or_o guilty_a but_o in_o a_o low_a degree_n and_o much_o less_o culpable_a than_o the_o imposer_n who_o may_v well_o forbear_v to_o impose_v be_v it_o here_o note_a that_o when_o superior_n sin_n in_o command_v a_o thing_n exempt_a from_o their_o authority_n it_o may_v be_v the_o subject_n duty_n to_o observe_v the_o thing_n command_v in_o this_o case_n the_o say_a observance_n be_v not_o a_o act_n of_o obedience_n for_o that_o can_v arise_v only_o from_o the_o ruler_n authority_n to_o command_v but_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o prudence_n equity_n and_o charity_n and_o it_o be_v good_a and_o necessary_a for_o the_o end_n sake_n and_o in_o that_o regard_n it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o obedience_n though_o not_o to_o the_o earthly_a ruler_n yet_o to_o god_n who_o command_v we_o to_o follow_v peace_n and_o maintain_v unity_n in_o all_o lawful_a way_n and_o mean_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v no_o slight_a matter_n to_o act_v against_o conscience_n rational_o doubt_v or_o suspect_v a_o breach_n of_o god_n law_n rom._n 14._o 5._o let_v every_o man_n be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o mind_n v_o 14._o to_o he_o that_o esteem_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v unclean_a to_o he_o it_o be_v unclean_a ver_fw-la 23._o he_o that_o doubt_v be_v damn_v if_o he_o eat_v because_o he_o eat_v not_o of_o faith_n for_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n the_o command_n of_o ruler_n be_v no_o good_a security_n for_o act_v against_o a_o rational_a doubt_a conscience_n when_o i_o be_o in_o doubt_n touch_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o thing_n enjoin_v i_o have_v no_o certainty_n of_o be_v on_o the_o safe_a side_n by_o comply_v with_o ruler_n for_o though_o in_o general_a obedience_n to_o ruler_n be_v a_o certain_a duty_n yet_o in_o the_o particular_a doubt_a case_n i_o can_v be_v certain_a that_o my_o compliance_n be_v right_a and_o warrantable_a obedience_n and_o not_o a_o breach_n of_o god_n law_n be_v it_o plain_a that_o i_o ought_v to_o obey_v the_o command_n of_o ruler_n in_o thing_n that_o have_v god_n allowance_n so_o it_o be_v as_o plain_a that_o i_o ought_v not_o to_o obey_v their_o command_n in_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v forbid_v moreover_o it_o be_v as_o plain_a that_o i_o ought_v not_o to_o act_v against_o my_o own_o conscience_n which_o as_o be_v the_o discerner_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n concern_v i_o be_v of_o right_a the_o immediate_a director_n of_o my_o action_n indeed_o my_o conscience_n can_v alter_v god_n law_n or_o make_v that_o which_o god_n have_v make_v my_o duty_n to_o be_v not_o my_o duty_n yet_o it_o will_v not_o suffer_v i_o to_o act_v in_o disconformity_n to_o its_o direction_n see_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v always_o in_o conjunction_n with_o faith_n and_o holiness_n to_o which_o the_o unity_n of_o external_a order_n be_v always_o to_o be_v subservient_fw-fr it_o follow_v that_o when_o unity_n of_o external_a order_n do_v not_o tend_v to_o advance_v but_o hinder_v sound_a faith_n and_o true_a holiness_n than_o a_o false_a unity_n be_v set_v up_o and_o the_o true_a unity_n be_v abandon_v and_o division_n and_o offence_n be_v cause_v and_o it_o be_v no_o schism_n but_o a_o duty_n not_o to_o adhere_v to_o a_o unity_n of_o external_a order_n so_o set_v and_o urge_v as_o that_o it_o tend_v to_o the_o destruction_n or_o notable_a detriment_n of_o faith_n and_o holiness_n which_o be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o church_n order_n the_o mean_n be_v good_a in_o reference_n to_o their_o end_n and_o must_v never_o be_v use_v in_o a_o way_n destructive_a to_o it_o of_o the_o hindrance_n of_o the_o say_a end_n there_o be_v these_o follow_a instance_n here_o lay_v down_o in_o general_a without_o intendment_n of_o particular_a application_n to_o any_o church_n now_o in_o be_v which_o be_v leave_v to_o be_v try_v and_o judge_v by_o that_o rule_n by_o which_o all_o must_v stand_v or_o fall_v 1._o when_o a_o church_n or_o church_n a_o congregation_n or_o congregation_n have_v a_o establishment_n of_o external_a polity_n and_o a_o ordain_a ministry_n and_o a_o form_n of_o divine_a worship_n but_o be_v destitute_a of_o such_o minister_n as_o be_v qualify_v to_o feed_v the_o flock_n and_o be_v burden_v with_o such_o as_o be_v altogether_o unfit_a to_o have_v the_o charge_n of_o soul_n commit_v to_o they_o who_o be_v either_o unable_a to_o teach_v or_o teach_v corrupt_o either_o teach_v corrupt_a doctrine_n or_o abuse_v mishandle_v and_o misapply_v sound_a doctrine_n to_o encourage_v the_o ungodly_a and_o discourage_v the_o godly_a 2._o where_o there_o be_v some_o minister_n able_a and_o apt_a to_o teach_v and_o due_o qualify_v but_o their_o number_n be_v in_o no_o wise_a proportionable_a to_o the_o number_n of_o the_o people_n and_o there_o be_v multitude_n that_o can_v have_v the_o benefit_n of_o their_o ministry_n so_o that_o if_o they_o have_v no_o more_o place_v among_o they_o than_o those_o few_o they_o have_v in_o effect_n none_o 3._o where_o sincere_a christian_n or_o credible_a professor_n of_o christianity_n be_v cast_v out_o of_o a_o establish_a church_n by_o wrong_a sentence_n or_o be_v debar_v from_o its_o communion_n by_o unlawful_a term_n enjoin_v they_o or_o unnecessary_a term_n which_o be_v to_o they_o unlawful_a by_o real_a doubt_n of_o conscience_n and_o which_o christ_n have_v not_o authorize_v ruler_n to_o enjoin_v as_o term_n of_o church_n communion_n 4._o when_o minister_n who_o christ_n have_v furnish_v and_o call_v be_v drive_v out_o of_o their_o public_a station_n by_o unlawful_a term_n enjoin_v or_o by_o term_n unnecessary_a and_o to_o they_o unlawful_a by_o real_a doubt_n of_o conscience_n and_o which_o christ_n have_v not_o authorize_v ruler_n to_o enjoin_v as_o term_n of_o the_o public_a ministry_n upon_o the_o case_n here_o mention_v i_o inquire_v whether_o the_o say_v minister_n and_o people_n may_v not_o draw_v together_o into_o new_a congregation_n let_v it_o be_v consider_v whether_o the_o determination_n of_o man_n may_v be_v a_o perpetual_a bar_n to_o true_a visible_a christian_n it_o may_v be_v to_o multitude_n of_o they_o against_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o those_o most_o important_a privilege_n to_o which_o god_n have_v give_v they_o right_n yea_o suppose_v their_o conscience_n be_v culpable_o weak_a in_o scruple_v thing_n impose_v yet_o they_o may_v suffer_v wrong_a by_o such_o a_o excess_n of_o punishment_n as_o so_o great_a a_o deprivation_n and_o christ_n do_v not_o reject_v they_o for_o such_o weakness_n let_v it_o be_v also_o consider_v whether_o such_o injure_a as_o christian_n be_v wrongful_o exclude_v from_o god_n ordinance_n and_o such_o neglect_a soul_n as_o be_v leave_v destitute_a of_o the_o necessary_a mean_n of_o salvation_n may_v lawful_o be_v desert_v by_o christ_n minister_n shall_v not_o the_o steward_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n endeavour_n to_o supply_v what_o be_v lack_v to_o such_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o rigourousness_n or_o negligence_n of_o other_o if_o it_o be_v say_v we_o may_v not_o do_v evil_a that_o good_a may_v come_v nor_o break_v the_o law_n of_o unity_n for_o such_o respect_n the_o answer_n be_v that_o this_o be_v not_o to_o do_v evil_a but_o a_o good_a work_n and_o a_o necessary_a duty_n and_o here_o be_v no_o breach_n of_o unity_n that_o be_v of_o god_n make_v or_o allow_v the_o necessary_a mean_n of_o save_a soul_n be_v incomparable_o more_o precious_a than_o uniformity_n in_o external_a accidental_a order_n especial_o when_o it_o be_v unwarrantable_o enjoin_v and_o attend_v with_o such_o evil_a consequent_n if_o within_o any_o local_a bound_n assign_v for_o the_o pastoral_n charge_n of_o any_o ecclesiastic_a the_o people_n be_v leave_v destitude_v of_o competent_a provision_n for_o their_o soul_n it_o be_v no_o intrusion_n or_o breach_n of_o unity_n if_o a_o other_o pastor_n perform_v the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n within_o