be_v no_o sin_n 2._o that_o a_o state_n of_o separation_n will_v be_v a_o sin_n but_o notwithstanding_o their_o meeting_n in_o different_a place_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o in_o a_o state_n of_o separation_n and_o herein_o lie_v the_o whole_a strength_n of_o the_o several_a plea_n at_o this_o day_n make_v use_v of_o to_o justify_v the_o separate_a congregation_n both_o which_o i_o shall_v now_o examine_v 1._o some_o plead_v that_o it_o be_v true_a they_o have_v distinct_a and_o separate_a communion_n from_o we_o but_o it_o be_v no_o sin_n or_o culpable_a separation_n so_o to_o have_v for_o say_v they_o our_o lord_n christ_n institute_v only_o congregational_a church_n 68_o or_o particular_a assembly_n for_o divine_a worship_n which_o have_v the_o sole_a church_n power_n in_o themselves_o they_o be_v under_o no_o obligation_n of_o communion_n with_o other_o church_n but_o only_o to_o preserve_v peace_n and_o charity_n with_o they_o and_o to_o this_o doctrine_n 111._o other_o of_o late_a approach_n so_o near_o that_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o to_o devise_v new_a species_n of_o church_n beyond_o parochial_a or_o congregational_a without_o god_n authority_n and_o to_o impose_v they_o on_o the_o world_n yea_o in_o his_o name_n and_o call_v all_o dissenter_n schismatic_n be_v a_o far_o worse_a usurpation_n than_o to_o make_v or_o impose_v new_a ceremony_n or_o liturgy_n which_o must_v suppose_v congregational_a church_n to_o be_v so_o much_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n that_o any_o other_o constitution_n above_o these_o be_v both_o unlawful_a and_o insupportable_a which_o be_v more_o than_o the_o independent_a brethren_n themselves_o do_v assert_v but_o to_o clear_v the_o practice_n of_o separation_n from_o be_v a_o sin_n on_o this_o account_n two_o thing_n be_v necessary_a to_o be_v do_v 1._o to_o prove_v that_o a_o christian_n have_v no_o obligation_n to_o external_a communion_n beyond_o a_o congregational_a church_n 2._o that_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o break_v off_o communion_n with_o other_o church_n to_o set_v up_o a_o particular_a independent_a church_n 1._o that_o a_o christian_a have_v no_o obligation_n to_o external_a communion_n beyond_o a_o particular_a congregational_a church_n they_o do_v not_o deny_v that_o man_n by_o baptism_n be_v admit_v into_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n as_o member_n of_o it_o 52._o and_o that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o communion_n by_o mutual_a love_n among_o all_o that_o belong_v to_o this_o body_n and_o to_o do_v they_o right_o 54._o they_o declare_v that_o they_o look_v upon_o the_o church_n of_o england_n or_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o nation_n profess_v christianity_n to_o be_v as_o sound_v and_o healthful_a a_o part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n as_o any_o in_o the_o world_n but_o then_o they_o say_v communion_n in_o ordinance_n must_v be_v only_o in_o such_o church_n as_o christ_n himself_o institute_v by_o unalterable_a rule_n 59_o which_o be_v only_o particular_a and_o congregational_a church_n grant_v this_o to_o be_v true_a how_o do_v it_o hence_o appear_v not_o to_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o separate_v from_o our_o parochial_a church_n which_o according_a to_o their_o own_o concession_n have_v all_o the_o essential_o of_o true_a church_n and_o what_o ground_n can_v they_o have_v to_o separate_v and_o divide_v those_o church_n which_o for_o all_o that_o we_o can_v see_v be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o the_o church_n plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n at_o corinth_n philippi_n or_o thessalonica_n but_o i_o must_v needs_o say_v further_o i_o have_v never_o yet_o see_v any_o tolerable_a proof_n that_o the_o church_n plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n be_v limit_v to_o congregation_n it_o be_v possible_a at_o first_o there_o may_v be_v no_o more_o christian_n in_o one_o city_n than_o can_v meet_v in_o one_o assembly_n for_o worship_n but_o where_o do_v it_o appear_v that_o when_o they_o multiply_v into_o more_o congregation_n they_o do_v make_v new_a and_o distinct_a church_n under_o new_a officer_n with_o a_o separate_a power_n of_o government_n of_o this_o i_o be_o well_o assure_v there_o be_v no_o mark_n or_o footstep_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n or_o the_o whole_a history_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n i_o do_v not_o think_v it_o will_v appear_v credible_a to_o any_o considerate_a man_n that_o the_o 5000_o christian_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n make_v one_o state_v and_o fix_v congregation_n for_o divine_a worship_n not_o if_o we_o make_v all_o the_o allowance_n for_o stranger_n which_o can_v be_v desire_v but_o if_o this_o be_v grant_v where_o be_v the_o unalterable_a rule_n that_o assoon_o as_o the_o company_n become_v too_o great_a for_o one_o particular_a assembly_n they_o must_v become_v a_o new_a church_n under_o peculiar_a officer_n and_o a_o independent_a authority_n it_o be_v very_o strange_a that_o those_o who_o contend_v so_o much_o for_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o perfect_a rule_n of_o all_o thing_n pertain_v to_o worship_n and_o discipline_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o produce_v nothing_o in_o so_o necessary_a a_o point_n if_o that_o of_o which_o we_o read_v the_o clear_a instance_n in_o scripture_n must_v be_v the_o standard_n of_o all_o future_a age_n much_o more_o may_v be_v say_v for_o limit_v church_n to_o private_a family_n than_o to_o particular_a congregation_n for_o do_v we_o not_o read_v of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v in_o the_o house_n of_o priscilla_n and_o aquila_n at_o rome_n 5._o of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v in_o the_o house_n of_o nymphas_n at_o colosse_n 2._o and_o in_o the_o house_n of_o philemon_n at_o laodicea_n why_o then_o shall_v not_o church_n be_v reduce_v to_o particular_a family_n when_o by_o that_o mean_v they_o may_v full_o enjoy_v the_o liberty_n of_o their_o conscience_n and_o avoid_v the_o scandal_n of_o break_v the_o law_n but_o if_o notwithstanding_o such_o plain_a example_n man_n will_v extend_v church_n to_o congregation_n of_o many_o family_n why_o may_v not_o other_o extend_v church_n to_o those_o society_n which_o consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n especial_o consider_v that_o the_o apostle_n when_o they_o institute_v church_n do_v appoint_v such_o officer_n in_o they_o as_o have_v not_o bare_o a_o respect_n to_o those_o already_o convert_v but_o to_o as_o many_o as_o by_o their_o mean_n shall_v be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n as_o clemens_n affirm_v in_o his_o epistle_n the_o apostle_n say_v he_o go_v about_o in_o city_n and_o country_n preach_v the_o gospel_n 55._o and_o appoint_v their_o first-fruit_n have_v make_v a_o spiritual_a trial_n of_o they_o for_o bishop_n and_o deacon_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o those_o who_o be_v to_o believe_v from_o hence_o the_o number_n of_o convert_v be_v look_v on_o as_o a_o accession_n to_o the_o original_a church_n and_o be_v under_o the_o care_n and_o government_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n who_o be_v first_o settle_v there_o for_o although_o when_o the_o church_n increase_v the_o occasional_a meeting_n be_v frequent_a in_o several_a place_n yet_o still_o there_o be_v but_o one_o church_n and_o one_o altar_n and_o one_o baptistry_n and_o one_o bishop_n with_o many_o presbyter_n assist_v he_o and_o this_o be_v so_o very_o plain_a in_o antiquity_n as_o to_o the_o church_n plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o in_o several_a part_n that_o none_o but_o a_o great_a stranger_n to_o the_o history_n of_o the_o church_n can_v ever_o call_v it_o in_o question_n 2._o i_o be_o sure_a calvin_n a_o person_n of_o great_a and_o deserve_a reputation_n among_o our_o brethren_n look_n upon_o this_o as_o a_o matter_n out_o of_o dispute_n among_o learned_a man_n that_o a_o church_n do_v not_o only_o take_v in_o the_o christian_n of_o a_o whole_a city_n but_o of_o the_o adjacent_a country_n too_o and_o the_o contrary_a opinion_n be_v a_o very_a novel_a and_o late_a fancy_n of_o some_o among_o we_o and_o have_v not_o age_n enough_o to_o plead_v a_o prescription_n it_o be_v true_a after_o some_o time_n in_o the_o great_a city_n they_o have_v distinct_a place_n allot_v and_o presbyter_n fix_v among_o they_o and_o such_o allotment_n be_v call_v title_n at_o rome_n and_o laurae_n at_o alexandria_n and_o parish_n in_o other_o place_n but_o these_o be_v never_o think_v then_o to_o be_v new_a church_n or_o to_o have_v any_o independent_a government_n in_o themselves_o but_o be_v all_o in_o subjection_n to_o the_o bishop_n and_o his_o college_n of_o presbyter_n of_o which_o multitude_n of_o example_n may_v be_v bring_v from_o most_o authentic_a testimony_n of_o antiquity_n if_o a_o thing_n so_o evident_a need_v any_o proof_n at_o all_o and_o yet_o this_o distribution_n even_o in_o city_n be_v so_o uncommon_a in_o those_o elder_a time_n that_o epiphanius_n take_v notice_n of_o it_o as_o a_o extraordinary_a thing_n at_o alexandria_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v probable_o suppose_v there_o be_v no_o
clayton_n mayor_n martis_n quarto_fw-la die_fw-la maij_fw-la 1680._o annoque_fw-la regis_fw-la caroli_n secundi_fw-la angliae_fw-la etc._n etc._n xxxii_o this_o court_n do_v earnest_o desire_v the_o reverend_a d_o r._n stillingfleet_n dean_n of_o s_o t._n paul_n to_o print_v his_o sermon_n preach_v at_o the_o guild-hall_n chapel_n on_o sunday_n morning_n last_o with_o what_o further_o he_o have_v prepare_v to_o deliver_v at_o that_o time_n wagstaff_n the_o mischief_n of_o separation_n a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o guildhall_n chapel_n may_v ii_o mdclxxx_o be_v the_o first_o sunday_n in_o easter-term_n before_o the_o lord_n mayor_n etc._n etc._n by_o edw._n stillingfleet_n d._n d._n dean_n of_o s_o t._n paul_n and_o chaplain_n in_o ordinary_a to_o his_o majesty_n london_n print_v for_o henry_n mortlock_n at_o the_o phoenix_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n and_o at_o the_o white_a hart_n in_o westminster_n hall_n 1680._o to_o the_o right_n honourable_a s_o r._n robert_n clayton_n lord_n mayor_z of_o the_o city_n of_o london_n my_o lord_n in_o obedience_n to_o your_o lordship_n order_n i_o now_o present_a to_o your_o hand_n not_o only_o the_o sermon_n you_o late_o hear_v but_o those_o addition_n which_o the_o strait_n of_o time_n will_v not_o then_o permit_v i_o to_o deliver_v in_o all_o which_o i_o be_v so_o far_o from_o intend_v to_o stir_v up_o the_o magistrate_n and_o judge_n to_o a_o persecution_n of_o dissenter_n as_o some_o ill_a man_n have_v report_v that_o my_o only_a design_n be_v to_o prevent_v any_o occasion_n of_o it_o by_o find_v out_o a_o certain_a foundation_n for_o a_o last_a union_n among_o ourselves_o which_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v attain_v till_o man_n be_v convince_v of_o the_o evil_a and_o danger_n of_o the_o present_a separation_n it_o be_v carry_v on_o by_o such_o principle_n as_o not_o only_o overthrow_v the_o present_a constitution_n of_o our_o church_n but_o any_o other_o whatsoever_o for_o if_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o separate_v on_o a_o pretence_n of_o great_a purity_n where_o there_o be_v a_o agreement_n in_o doctrine_n and_o the_o substantial_a part_n of_o worship_n as_o be_v acknowledge_v in_o our_o case_n then_o a_o bare_a difference_n of_o opinion_n as_o to_o some_o circumstance_n of_o worship_n and_o the_o best_a constitution_n of_o church_n will_v be_v sufficient_a ground_n to_o break_v communion_n and_o to_o set_v up_o new_a church_n which_o consider_v the_o great_a variety_n of_o man_n fancy_n about_o these_o matter_n be_v to_o make_v a_o infinite_a divisibility_n in_o church_n without_o any_o possible_a stop_n to_o far_a separation_n but_o if_o after_o themselves_o be_v please_v with_o condescension_n to_o their_o own_o mind_n any_o think_v it_o fit_a that_o other_o shall_v be_v tie_v up_o notwithstanding_o their_o dissatisfaction_n the_o world_n will_v judge_v it_o too_o great_a partiality_n in_o they_o to_o think_v that_o none_o ought_v to_o separate_v but_o themselves_o and_o that_o the_o same_o reason_n will_v hold_v against_o themselves_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o other_o it_o thereby_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v not_o uniformity_n they_o dislike_v but_o that_o they_o do_v not_o prescribe_v the_o term_n of_o it_o but_o my_o lord_n i_o intend_v not_o to_o argue_v the_o case_n of_o separation_n here_o which_o be_v at_o large_a do_v in_o the_o follow_a discourse_n but_o only_a to_o show_v how_o necessary_a it_o be_v in_o order_n to_o the_o lay_v a_o foundation_n for_o peace_n and_o unity_n to_o have_v this_o matter_n thorough_o discuss_v and_o if_o once_o the_o people_n be_v bring_v to_o understand_v and_o practice_v their_o duty_n as_o to_o communion_n with_o our_o church_n other_o difficulty_n which_o obstruct_v our_o union_n will_v be_v more_o easy_o remove_v i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o pursue_v my_o design_n in_o a_o way_n suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o without_o sharp_a and_o provoke_a reflection_n on_o the_o person_n of_o any_o which_o often_o set_v friend_n at_o distance_n but_o never_o reconcile_v or_o convince_v adversary_n however_o i_o must_v expect_v the_o censure_n of_o such_o who_o either_o make_v our_o division_n or_o make_v use_n of_o they_o for_o their_o own_o end_n but_o i_o be_o content_v to_o be_v make_v a_o sacrifice_n if_o thereby_o i_o may_v close_v up_o the_o breach_n among_o we_o god_n almighty_n bless_v this_o great_a city_n and_o your_o lordship_n care_n in_o the_o government_n of_o it_o and_o grant_v that_o in_o this_o our_o day_n we_o may_v yet_o know_v the_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o our_o peace_n and_o to_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o true_a protestant_a religion_n among_o we_o i_o be_o my_o lord_n your_o lordship_n most_o faithful_a and_o obedient_a servant_n edward_n stillingfleet_n phil._n iii_o 16._o nevertheless_o whereto_o we_o have_v already_o attain_v let_v we_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n let_v we_o mind_n the_o same_o thing_n although_o the_o christian_a religion_n do_v lay_v the_o great_a obligation_n on_o mankind_n to_o peace_n and_o unity_n by_o the_o strict_a command_n the_o high_a example_n and_o the_o most_o prevail_a argument_n yet_o so_o much_o have_v the_o passion_n and_o interest_n of_o man_n oversway_v the_o sense_n of_o their_o duty_n that_o as_o nothing_o ought_v to_o be_v more_o in_o our_o wish_n so_o nothing_o seem_v more_o remote_a from_o our_o hope_n than_o the_o universal_a peace_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n not_o that_o there_o be_v any_o impossibility_n in_o the_o thing_n or_o any_o considerable_a difficulty_n if_o all_o man_n be_v such_o christian_n as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v but_o as_o long_o as_o man_n pursue_v their_o several_a faction_n and_o design_n under_o the_o colour_n and_o pretence_n of_o zeal_n for_o religion_n if_o they_o do_v not_o find_v name_n and_o party_n ready_a frame_v that_o be_v suitable_a to_o their_o end_n the_o difference_n of_o their_o design_n will_v make_v they_o so_o that_o till_o man_n corruption_n be_v mortify_v and_o their_o passion_n subdue_v to_o a_o great_a degree_n than_o the_o world_n have_v yet_o find_v they_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o expect_v a_o state_n of_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n in_o the_o church_n we_o need_v not_o go_v far_o from_o home_n for_o a_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o this_o for_o although_o our_o difference_n be_v such_o as_o the_o wise_a protestant_n abroad_o not_o only_o condemn_v but_o wonder_n at_o they_o yet_o it_o have_v hitherto_o puzzle_v the_o wise_a person_n among_o we_o to_o find_v out_o way_n to_o compose_v they_o not_o so_o much_o from_o the_o distance_n of_o man_n opinion_n and_o practice_n as_o the_o strength_n of_o their_o prejudices_fw-la and_o inclination_n 16._o what_o those_o division_n of_o reuben_n of_o old_a be_v which_o cause_v such_o thought_n and_o search_v of_o heart_n we_o neither_o well_o understand_v nor_o do_v it_o much_o concern_v we_o but_o the_o continuance_n if_o not_o the_o widen_v of_o these_o unhappy_a breach_n among_o ourselves_o do_v give_v just_a cause_n for_o many_o sad_a reflection_n when_o neither_o the_o misery_n we_o have_v feel_v nor_o the_o calamity_n we_o fear_v neither_o the_o terrible_a judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o we_o nor_o the_o unexpected_a deliverance_n vouchsafe_v to_o we_o nor_o the_o common_a danger_n we_o be_v yet_o in_o have_v abate_v man_n heat_n or_o allay_v their_o passion_n or_o make_v they_o more_o willing_a to_o unite_v with_o our_o establish_a church_n and_o religion_n but_o instead_o of_o that_o some_o rather_o stand_v at_o a_o great_a distance_n if_o not_o defiance_n and_o seem_v to_o entertain_v themselves_o with_o hope_n of_o new_a revolution_n other_o raise_v fresh_a calumny_n and_o reproach_n as_o well_o as_o revive_v and_o spread_v abroad_o old_a one_o as_o though_o their_o business_n be_v to_o make_v our_o breach_n wide_a and_o to_o exasperate_v man_n spirit_n against_o each_o other_o at_o such_o a_o time_n when_o reason_n and_o common_a security_n and_o above_o all_o our_o religion_n oblige_v we_o to_o follow_v after_o the_o thing_n that_o make_v for_o peace_n 19_o and_o thing_n wherewith_o one_o may_v edify_v another_o and_o not_o such_o as_o tend_v to_o our_o mutual_a destruction_n as_o most_o certain_o our_o division_n and_o animosity_n do_v yet_o all_o party_n pretend_v to_o a_o zeal_n for_o peace_n so_o they_o may_v have_v it_o in_o their_o own_o way_n by_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v not_o peace_n they_o aim_v at_o but_o victory_n nor_o unity_n so_o much_o as_o have_v their_o own_o will_n those_o of_o the_o roman_a church_n make_v great_a boast_n of_o their_o unity_n and_o the_o effectual_a mean_n they_o have_v to_o preserve_v it_o but_o god_n deliver_v we_o from_o such_o cruel_a way_n of_o peace_n and_o such_o destructive_a mean_n of_o unity_n as_o treachery_n and_o assassination_n and_o a_o inquisition_n their_o foot_n be_v swift_a to_o shed_v blood_n 17._o destruction_n and_o
the_o single_a tribe_n be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o the_o general_n meet_v of_o the_o magistrate_n of_o the_o whole_a city_n and_o the_o people_n together_o and_o in_o this_o sense_n i_o shall_v show_v afterward_o the_o word_n be_v use_v in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n as_o it_o comprehend_v the_o ecclesiastical_a governor_n and_o the_o people_n of_o whole_a city_n and_o why_o many_o of_o these_o city_n be_v unite_v under_o one_o civil_a government_n and_o the_o same_o rule_n of_o religion_n shall_v not_o be_v call_v one_o national_a church_n i_o can_v understand_v 35._o which_o make_v i_o wonder_v at_o those_o who_o say_v they_o can_v tell_v what_o we_o mean_v by_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 59_o in_o short_a we_o mean_v that_o society_n of_o christian_a people_n which_o in_o this_o nation_n be_v unite_v under_o the_o same_o profession_n of_o faith_n the_o same_o law_n of_o government_n and_o rule_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o every_o church_n thus_o constitute_v we_o do_v assert_v to_o have_v a_o just_a right_n of_o govern_v itself_o and_o of_o reform_v error_n in_o doctrine_n and_o corruption_n in_o worship_n on_o which_o ground_n we_o be_v acquit_v from_o the_o imputation_n of_o schism_n in_o the_o separation_n from_o the_o roman_a church_n for_o we_o only_o resume_v our_o just_a right_n as_o the_o british_a nation_n do_v as_o to_o civil_a government_n upon_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n 2._o i_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o term_n upon_o which_o person_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v among_o we_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o function_n of_o the_o ministry_n but_o of_o the_o term_n of_o lay-communion_n i._n e._n those_o which_o be_v necessary_a for_o all_o person_n to_o join_v in_o our_o prayer_n and_o sacrament_n and_o other_o office_n of_o divine_a worship_n i_o will_v not_o say_v there_o have_v be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o art_n use_v to_o confound_v these_o two_o and_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o discern_v to_o what_o purpose_n it_o be_v but_o i_o dare_v say_v the_o people_n not_o understand_v the_o difference_n of_o these_o two_o case_n have_v be_v a_o great_a occasion_n of_o the_o present_a separation_n for_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o some_o of_o the_o most_o impartial_a man_n of_o the_o dissenter_n at_o this_o day_n although_o they_o think_v the_o case_n of_o the_o minister_n very_o hard_o on_o the_o account_n of_o subscription_n and_o declaration_n require_v of_o they_o yet_o they_o confess_v very_o little_o be_v to_o be_v say_v on_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o people_n from_o who_o none_o of_o those_o thing_n be_v require_v so_o that_o the_o people_n be_v condemn_v in_o their_o separation_n by_o their_o own_o teacher_n but_o how_o they_o can_v preach_v lawful_o to_o a_o people_n who_o commit_v a_o fault_n in_o hear_v they_o i_o do_v not_o understand_v 3._o i_o do_v not_o confound_v bare_a suspending_a communion_n in_o some_o particular_a rite_n which_o person_n do_v modest_o scruple_n and_o use_v it_o in_o what_o they_o judge_v to_o be_v lawful_a with_o either_o total_a or_o at_o least_o ordinary_a forbearance_n of_o communion_n in_o what_o they_o judge_v to_o be_v lawful_a and_o proceed_v to_o the_o form_n of_o separate_a congregation_n i._n e._n under_o other_o teacher_n and_o by_o other_o rule_n than_o what_o the_o establish_a religion_n allow_v and_o this_o be_v the_o present_a case_n of_o separation_n which_o i_o intend_v to_o consider_v and_o to_o make_v the_o sinfulness_n and_o mischief_n of_o it_o appear_v but_o that_o i_o may_v do_v it_o more_o convince_o i_o will_v not_o make_v the_o difference_n wide_o than_o it_o be_v but_o lay_v down_o impartial_o the_o state_n of_o the_o present_a controversy_n between_o we_o and_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n about_o communion_n with_o our_o church_n 1._o they_o unanimous_o confess_v they_o find_v no_o fault_n with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o church_n 11._o and_o can_v free_o subscribe_v to_o all_o the_o doctrinal_a article_n nay_o they_o profess_v great_a zeal_n for_o many_o of_o they_o than_o say_v they_o some_o of_o our_o own_o preacher_n do_v well_o then_o the_o case_n be_v vast_o different_a as_o to_o their_o separation_n from_o we_o 64._o and_o our_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o we_o declare_v if_o there_o be_v nothing_o else_o amiss_o among_o they_o 60._o their_o doctrine_n be_v such_o as_o we_o can_v never_o give_v our_o assent_n to_o 2._o 86._o they_o general_o yield_v that_o our_o parochial_a church_n be_v true_a church_n and_o it_o be_v with_o these_o their_o communion_n be_v require_v they_o do_v not_o deny_v that_o we_o have_v all_o the_o essential_o of_o true_a church_n true_a doctrine_n true_a sacrament_n and_o a_o implicit_a covenant_n between_o pastor_n and_o people_n and_o some_o of_o the_o most_o eminent_a of_o the_o congregational_a way_n have_v declare_v that_o they_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o unjust_a calumny_n cast_v upon_o they_o 41._o that_o they_o look_v on_o our_o church_n as_o no_o true_a church_n 3._o many_o of_o they_o declare_v 38._o that_o they_o hold_v communion_n with_o our_o church_n to_o be_v lawful_a yea_o we_o be_v tell_v in_o print_n by_o one_o then_o present_a that_o a._n d._n 1663._o divers_a of_o their_o preacher_n in_o london_n meet_v to_o consider_v how_o far_o it_o be_v lawful_a or_o their_o duty_n to_o communicate_v with_o the_o parish-church_n where_o they_o live_v in_o the_o liturgy_n and_o sacrament_n and_o that_o the_o relator_n bring_v in_o twenty_o reason_n to_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n to_o some_o to_o join_v with_o some_o parish-church_n three_o time_n a_o year_n in_o the_o lord_n supper_n after_o he_o have_v not_o only_o prove_v it_o lawful_a to_o use_v a_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o to_o join_v in_o the_o use_n of_o our_o liturgy_n but_o in_o the_o participation_n of_o the_o sacrament_n with_o we_o and_o no_o one_o of_o the_o brethren_n he_o add_v seem_v to_o dissent_v but_o to_o take_v the_o reason_n to_o be_v valid_a such_o another_o meeting_n 〈◊〉_d we_o be_v tell_v they_o have_v after_o the_o plague_n and_o fire_n at_o which_o they_o agree_v that_o communion_n with_o our_o church_n be_v in_o itself_o lawful_a and_o good_a who_o can_v have_v imagine_v otherwise_o than_o that_o after_o the_o weight_n of_o so_o many_o reason_n and_o such_o a_o general_a consent_n among_o they_o they_o shall_v have_v all_o join_v with_o we_o in_o what_o themselves_o judge_v to_o be_v lawful_a and_o in_o many_o case_n a_o duty_n but_o instead_o of_o this_o we_o have_v rather_o since_o that_o time_n find_v they_o more_o inclinable_a to_o course_n of_o separation_n fill_v the_o people_n with_o great_a prejudices_fw-la against_o our_o communion_n and_o gather_v they_o into_o fix_v and_o separate_a congregation_n which_o have_v proceed_v to_o the_o choice_n of_o new_a pastor_n upon_o the_o death_n of_o old_a one_o and_o except_o some_o very_o few_o scarce_o any_o either_o of_o their_o preacher_n or_o people_n here_o come_v ordinary_o to_o the_o public_a congregation_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o at_o present_a we_o lament_v as_o a_o thing_n which_o unavoidable_o tend_v to_o our_o common_a ruin_n if_o not_o in_o time_n prevent_v for_o by_o this_o mean_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o people_n be_v alienate_v from_o each_o other_o who_o apprehend_v the_o difference_n to_o be_v much_o great_a than_o their_o teacher_n will_v allow_v when_o they_o be_v put_v to_o declare_v their_o mind_n and_o our_o common_a enemy_n take_v as_o much_o advantage_n from_o our_o difference_n as_o if_o they_o be_v real_o far_a great_a than_o they_o be_v but_o you_o may_v ask_v what_o then_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o present_a separation_n for_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n be_v discernible_a by_o all_o but_o what_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o be_v be_v hard_o to_o understand_v after_o these_o concession_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o conceivable_a that_o conscientious_a man_n can_v in_o such_o a_o juncture_n of_o affair_n persist_v in_o so_o obstinate_a and_o destructive_a a_o course_n of_o separation_n unless_o they_o have_v something_o at_o last_o fit_a to_o answer_v the_o twenty_o reason_n of_o their_o own_o brethren_n against_o it_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o give_v myself_o satisfaction_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a moment_n to_o the_o peace_n and_o preservation_n of_o this_o church_n and_o consequent_o of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n among_o we_o which_o i_o never_o expect_v to_o see_v survive_v the_o destruction_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o the_o utmost_a i_o can_v find_v in_o the_o best_a writer_n of_o the_o several_a party_n amount_n to_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o although_o they_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o separation_n from_o our_o church_n yet_o this_o separation_n
such_o thing_n in_o all_o the_o city_n of_o crect_n in_o his_o time_n 1._o and_o if_o we_o look_v over_o the_o ancient_a canon_n of_o the_o church_n we_o shall_v find_v two_o thing_n very_o plain_a in_o they_o 1._o that_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o church_n be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o of_o a_o diocese_n 16._o or_o such_o a_o number_n of_o christian_n as_o be_v under_o the_o inspection_n of_o a_o bishop_n 6._o 2._o that_o those_o presbyter_n who_o reject_v the_o authority_n of_o their_o bishop_n 26._o or_o affect_v separate_v meeting_n where_o no_o fault_n can_v be_v find_v with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o a_o church_n 2._o be_v condemn_v of_o schism_n eccl._n so_o the_o follower_n of_o eustathius_n sebastenus_n 55._o who_o withdraw_v from_o the_o public_a congregation_n on_o pretence_n of_o great_a sanctity_n and_o purity_n in_o paphlagonia_n council_n be_v condemn_v by_o the_o council_n at_o gangrae_n 6._o so_o be_v those_o who_o separate_v from_o their_o bishop_n 6._o though_o otherwise_o never_o so_o orthodox_n by_o the_o council_n at_o constantinople_n 11._o and_o the_o council_n at_o carthage_n wherein_o before_o st._n cyprian_n have_v so_o just_o complain_v of_o the_o schism_n of_o felicissimus_n and_o his_o brethren_n 42._o who_o on_o pretence_n of_o some_o disorder_n in_o the_o church_n of_o carthage_n have_v withdraw_v to_o the_o mountain_n and_o there_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o novatian_a schism_n but_o when_o false_a doctrine_n be_v impose_v on_o church_n 17._o as_o by_o the_o arian_n bishop_n at_o antioch_n than_o the_o people_n be_v excuse_v in_o their_o separation_n so_o at_o rome_n when_o felix_n be_v make_v bishop_n and_o at_o sirmium_n when_o photinus_n publish_v his_o heresy_n 16._o but_o i_o do_v not_o remember_v one_o instance_n in_o antiquity_n wherein_o separation_n from_o orthodox_n bishop_n and_o set_v up_o meeting_n without_o their_o authority_n and_o against_o their_o consent_n be_v acquit_v from_o the_o sin_n of_o schism_n indeed_o some_o bishop_n have_v sometime_o refuse_v communion_n with_o other_o upon_o great_a misdemeanour_n as_o theognostus_n and_o st._n martin_n with_o the_o ithacian_a party_n on_o the_o account_n of_o the_o death_n of_o priscillian_n but_o this_o do_v not_o at_o all_o reach_n to_o the_o case_n of_o presbyter_n separate_v from_o bishop_n with_o who_o they_o agree_v in_o the_o same_o faith_n the_o follower_n of_o st._n chrysostom_n do_v i_o confess_v continue_v their_o separate_a meeting_n after_o his_o banishment_n and_o the_o come_n in_o of_o arsacius_n but_o although_o they_o withdraw_v in_o his_o time_n be_v unsatisfied_a in_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o choice_n yet_o when_o atticus_n restore_v the_o name_n of_o st._n chrysostom_n to_o the_o diptych_n of_o the_o church_n they_o return_v to_o communion_n with_o their_o bishop_n 47._o as_o st._n chrysostom_n himself_o advise_v they_o as_o appear_v by_o palladius_n which_o be_v far_o from_o justify_v the_o wilful_a separation_n of_o presbyter_n and_o people_n from_o the_o communion_n of_o their_o bishop_n when_o they_o do_v agree_v in_o the_o same_o faith_n 2._o but_o suppose_v the_o first_o church_n be_v bare_o congregational_a by_o reason_n of_o the_o small_a number_n of_o believer_n at_o that_o time_n yet_o what_o obligation_n lie_v upon_o we_o to_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n we_o live_v in_o to_o reduce_v church_n to_o their_o infant-state_n they_o do_v not_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o reduce_v the_o first_o community_n of_o good_n which_o be_v far_o more_o certain_o practise_v than_o congregational_a church_n 14._o they_o do_v not_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o wash_v one_o another_o foot_n although_o christ_n do_v it_o and_o bad_a his_o disciple_n do_v as_o he_o do_v they_o believe_v that_o the_o first_o civil_a government_n be_v appoint_v by_o god_n himself_o over_o family_n do_v they_o therefore_o think_v themselves_o bind_v to_o overthrow_v kingdom_n to_o bring_v thing_n back_o to_o their_o first_o institution_n if_o not_o why_o shall_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n be_v in_o so_o much_o worse_a a_o condition_n than_o that_o of_o the_o civil-state_n it_o be_v very_o uncertain_a whether_o the_o primitive_a form_n be_v such_o as_o they_o fancy_v if_o it_o be_v it_o be_v more_o uncertain_a whether_o it_o be_v not_o so_o from_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o time_n than_o from_o any_o institution_n of_o christ_n but_o it_o be_v most_o certain_o our_o duty_n to_o preserve_v peace_n and_o unity_n among_o christian_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a so_o to_o do_v if_o man_n break_v all_o order_n in_o piece_n for_o the_o fancy_n they_o have_v take_v up_o of_o a_o primitive_a platform_n it_o be_v a_o great_a fault_n among_o some_o who_o pretend_v to_o great_a niceness_n in_o some_o positive_a duty_n that_o they_o have_v so_o little_a regard_n to_o comparative_a duty_n for_o that_o which_o may_v be_v a_o duty_n in_o one_o case_n when_o it_o come_v to_o thwart_v a_o great_a duty_n may_v be_v none_o this_o doctrine_n we_o learn_v from_o our_o bless_a saviour_n in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o sabbath_n 7._o which_o he_o make_v to_o yield_v to_o duty_n of_o mercy_n and_o can_v we_o think_v that_o a_o duty_n lie_v upon_o we_o which_o in_o our_o circumstance_n make_v a_o far_o great_a duty_n impracticable_a be_v there_o any_o thing_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v charge_v more_o upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o all_o christian_n than_o study_v to_o preserve_v peace_n and_o unity_n among_o christian_n 19_o this_o be_v that_o we_o must_v follow_v after_o 11._o even_o when_o it_o seem_v to_o fly_v from_o we_o this_o be_v that_o we_o must_v apply_v our_o mind_n to_o 3._o and_o think_v it_o our_o honour_n to_o promote_v this_o be_v that_o which_o the_o most_o perfect_a christian_n be_v the_o most_o zealous_a for_o 3._o this_o be_v that_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o which_o we_o be_v command_v to_o practice_v meekness_n humility_n patience_n self-denial_n and_o submission_n to_o governor_n 17._o and_o after_o all_o this_o can_v we_o imagine_v the_o attain_n of_o such_o a_o end_n shall_v depend_v upon_o man_n conjecture_n whether_o five_o thousand_o christian_n in_o time_n of_o persecution_n can_v make_v one_o assembly_n for_o worship_n or_o whether_o all_o the_o christian_n in_o ephesus_n or_o corinth_n make_v but_o one_o congregation_n on_o what_o term_n can_v we_o ever_o hope_v for_o peace_n in_o the_o church_n if_o such_o notion_n as_o these_o be_v ground_n enough_o to_o disturb_v it_o what_o stop_n can_v be_v put_v to_o schism_n and_o separation_n if_o such_o pretence_n as_o these_o be_v sufficient_a to_o justify_v they_o man_n may_v please_v themselves_o in_o talk_v of_o preserve_a peace_n and_o love_n under_o separate_a communion_n but_o our_o own_o sad_a experience_n show_v the_o contrary_a for_o as_o nothing_o tend_v more_o to_o unite_v man_n heart_n than_o join_v together_o in_o the_o same_o prayer_n and_o sacrament_n so_o nothing_o do_v more_o alienate_v man_n affection_n than_o withdraw_v from_o each_o other_o into_o separate_a congregation_n which_o tempt_v some_o to_o spiritual_a pride_n and_o scorn_n and_o contempt_n of_o other_o as_o of_o a_o more_o carnal_a and_o worldly_a church_n than_o themselves_o and_o provoke_v other_o to_o lay_v open_a the_o folly_n and_o indiscretion_n and_o immorality_n of_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o so_o much_o purity_n and_o spirituality_n above_o their_o brethren_n 2._o other_o confess_v 40._o that_o to_o live_v in_o a_o state_n of_o separation_n from_o such_o church_n as_o many_o at_o least_o of_o we_o be_v be_v a_o sin_n for_o they_o say_v that_o causeless_o renounce_v communion_n with_o true_a church_n be_v schism_n especial_o if_o it_o be_v join_v with_o set_v up_o anti-churche_n unwarrantable_o against_o they_o but_o this_o they_o deny_v that_o they_o do_v although_o they_o preach_v when_o and_o where_o it_o be_v forbid_v by_o law_n and_o worship_n god_n and_o administer_v sacrament_n by_o other_o rule_n and_o after_o a_o different_a manner_n than_o what_o our_o church_n require_v this_o be_v not_o deal_v with_o we_o with_o that_o fairness_n and_o ingenuity_n which_o our_o former_a brethren_n use_v for_o they_o avow_v the_o fact_n of_o separation_n but_o deny_v it_o to_o be_v sinful_a these_o own_n it_o to_o be_v sinful_a have_v no_o other_o refuge_n leave_v but_o to_o deny_v the_o fact_n which_o be_v evident_a to_o all_o person_n for_o do_v they_o not_o do_v the_o very_a same_o thing_n and_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n that_o the_o other_o do_v how_o come_v it_o then_o to_o be_v separation_n in_o some_o and_o not_o in_o other_o they_o be_v very_o unwilling_a to_o confess_v a_o separation_n because_o they_o have_v former_o condemn_v it_o with_o great_a severity_n and_o yet_o they_o do_v the_o same_o thing_n for_o which_o they_o charge_v other_o as_o guilty_a of_o a_o