sufficient_a for_o communion_n with_o a_o church_n which_o be_v sufficient_a for_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o certain_o those_o thing_n be_v sufficient_a for_o that_o which_o be_v lay_v down_o as_o the_o necessary_a duty_n of_o christianity_n by_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n in_o his_o word_n what_o ground_n can_v there_o be_v why_o christian_n shall_v not_o stand_v upon_o the_o same_o term_n now_o which_o they_o do_v in_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v not_o religion_n sufficient_o guard_v and_o fence_v in_o they_o be_v there_o ever_o more_o true_a and_o cordial_a reverence_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n what_o charter_n have_v christ_n give_v the_o church_n to_o bind_v man_n up_o to_o more_o than_o himself_o have_v do_v or_o to_o exclude_v those_o from_o her_o society_n who_o may_v be_v admit_v into_o heaven_n will_v christ_n ever_o thank_v man_n at_o the_o great_a day_n for_o keep_v such_o out_o from_o communion_n with_o his_o church_n who_o he_o will_v vouchsafe_v not_o only_a crown_n of_o glory_n to_o but_o it_o may_v be_v aureolae_fw-la too_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n there_o the_o grand_a commission_n the_o apostle_n be_v send_v out_o with_o be_v only_o to_o teach_v what_o christ_n have_v command_v they_o not_o the_o least_o intimation_n of_o any_o power_n give_v they_o to_o impose_v or_o require_v any_o thing_n beyond_o what_o himself_o have_v speak_v to_o they_o or_o they_o be_v direct_v to_o by_o the_o immediate_a guidance_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n it_o be_v not_o whether_o the_o thing_n command_v and_o require_v be_v lawful_a or_o no_o it_o be_v not_o whether_o indifferency_n may_v be_v determine_v or_o no_o it_o be_v not_o how_o far_a christian_n be_v bind_v to_o submit_v to_o a_o restraint_n of_o their_o christian_a liberty_n which_o i_o now_o inquire_v after_o of_o those_o thing_n in_o the_o treatise_n its_o self_n but_o whether_o they_o do_v consult_v for_o the_o church_n peace_n and_o unity_n who_o suspend_v it_o upon_o such_o thing_n how_o far_o either_o the_o example_n of_o our_o saviour_n or_o his_o apostle_n do_v warrant_v such_o rigorous_a imposition_n we_o never_o read_v the_o apostle_n make_v law_n but_o of_o thing_n suppose_v necessary_a when_o the_o council_n of_o apostle_n meet_v at_o jerusalem_n for_o decide_v a_o case_n that_o disturb_v the_o church_n peace_n we_o see_v they_o will_v lay_v no_o other_o burden_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d beside_o these_o necessary_a thing_n act_n 15._o 29._o it_o be_v not_o enough_o with_o they_o that_o the_o thing_n will_v be_v necessary_a when_o they_o have_v require_v they_o but_o they_o look_v on_o a_o antecedent_n necessity_n either_o absolute_a or_o for_o the_o present_a state_n which_o be_v the_o only_a ground_n of_o their_o impose_v those_o command_n upon_o the_o gentile-christians_a there_o be_v after_o this_o great_a diversity_n of_o practice_n and_o variety_n of_o observation_n among_o christian_n but_o the_o holy_a ghost_n never_o think_v those_o thing_n fit_a to_o be_v make_v matter_n of_o law_n to_o which_o all_o party_n shall_v conform_v all_o that_o the_o apostle_n require_v as_o to_o these_o be_v mutual_a forbearance_n and_o condescension_n towards_o each_o other_o in_o they_o the_o apostle_n value_v not_o indifferency_n at_o all_o and_o those_o thing_n it_o be_v evident_a they_o account_v such_o which_o whether_o man_n do_v they_o or_o not_o be_v not_o of_o concernment_n to_o salvation_n and_o what_o reason_n be_v there_o why_o man_n shall_v be_v so_o strict_o tie_v up_o to_o such_o thing_n which_o they_o may_v do_v or_o let_v alone_o and_o yet_o be_v very_o good_a christian_n still_o without_o all_o controversy_n the_o main_a inlet_n of_o all_o the_o distraction_n confusion_n and_o division_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n have_v be_v by_o add_v other_o condition_n of_o church-communion_n than_o christ_n have_v do_v have_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n never_o take_v upon_o she_o to_o add_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n nor_o impose_v idolatrous_a and_o superstitious_a practice_n all_o the_o injury_n she_o have_v do_v herself_o have_v be_v to_o have_v avoid_v that_o fearful_a schism_n which_o she_o have_v cause_v throughout_o the_o christian_a world_n will_v there_o ever_o be_v the_o less_o peace_n and_o unity_n in_o a_o church_n if_o a_o diversity_n be_v allow_v as_o to_o practice_n suppose_v indifferent_a yea_o there_o will_v be_v so_o much_o more_o as_o there_o be_v a_o mutual_a forbearance_n and_o condiscension_n as_o to_o such_o thing_n the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n be_v a_o unity_n of_o love_n and_o affection_n and_o not_o a_o bare_a uniformity_n of_o practice_n or_o opinion_n this_o latter_a be_v extreme_o desirable_a in_o a_o church_n but_o as_o long_o as_o there_o be_v several_a rank_n and_o size_n of_o man_n in_o it_o very_o hardly_o attainable_a because_o of_o the_o different_a persuasion_n of_o man_n mind_n as_o to_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o thing_n require_v and_o it_o be_v no_o commendation_n for_o a_o christian_n to_o have_v only_o the_o civility_n of_o procrustes_n to_o commensurate_a all_o other_o man_n to_o the_o bed_n of_o his_o own_o humour_n and_o opinion_n there_o be_v nothing_o the_o primitive_a church_n deserve_v great_a imitation_n by_o we_o in_o then_o in_o that_o admirable_a temper_n moderation_n and_o condescension_n which_o be_v use_v in_o it_o towards_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o it_o be_v never_o think_v worth_n the_o while_n to_o make_v any_o stand_a law_n for_o rite_n and_o custom_n that_o have_v no_o other_o original_a but_o tradition_n much_o less_o to_o suspend_v man_n she_o his_o communion_n for_o not_o observe_v they_o 19_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o sozomen_n tell_v we_o they_o judge_v it_o and_o that_o very_o just_o a_o foolish_a and_o frivolous_a thing_n for_o those_o that_o agree_v in_o the_o weighty_a matter_n of_o religion_n to_o separate_v from_o one_o another_o communion_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o some_o petty_a custom_n and_o observation_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o church_n agree_v in_o the_o same_o faith_n often_o differ_v in_o their_o rite_n and_o custom_n and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o different_a church_n but_o in_o different_a place_n belong_v to_o the_o same_o church_n for_o as_o he_o tell_v we_o many_o city_n and_o village_n in_o egypt_n not_o only_o differ_v from_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o mother-church_n of_o alexandria_n but_o from_o all_o other_o church_n beside_o in_o their_o public_a assembly_n on_o the_o evening_n of_o the_o sabbath_n and_o receive_v the_o eucharist_n after_o dinner_n this_o admirable_a temper_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n may_v be_v large_o clear_v from_o that_o liberty_n they_o allow_v free_o to_o dissenter_n from_o they_o in_o matter_n of_o practice_n and_o opinion_n as_o may_v be_v clear_v from_o cyprian_a austin_n jerome_n and_o other_o but_o that_o will_v exceed_v the_o bound_n of_o a_o preface_n the_o first_o who_o break_v this_o order_n in_o the_o church_n be_v the_o arrian_n donatist_n and_o circumcellian_n while_o the_o true_a church_n be_v still_o know_v by_o his_o pristine_a moderation_n and_o sweetness_n of_o deportment_n towards_o all_o its_o member_n the_o same_o we_o hope_v may_v remain_v as_o the_o most_o infallible_a evidence_n of_o the_o conformity_n of_o our_o church_n of_o england_n to_o the_o primitive_a not_o so_o much_o in_o use_v the_o same_o rite_n that_o be_v in_o use_n then_o as_o in_o not_o impose_v they_o but_o leave_v man_n to_o be_v win_v by_o the_o observe_v the_o true_a decency_n and_o order_n of_o church_n whereby_o those_o who_o act_n upon_o a_o true_a principle_n of_o christian_a ingenuity_n may_v be_v soon_o draw_v to_o a_o compliance_n in_o all_o lawful_a thing_n then_o by_o force_n and_o rigorous_a imposition_n which_o make_v man_n suspect_v the_o weight_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o when_o such_o force_n be_v use_v to_o make_v it_o enter_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n what_o cause_n have_v we_o to_o rejoice_v that_o almighty_a god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o restore_v we_o a_o prince_n of_o that_o excellent_a prudence_n and_o moderation_n who_o have_v so_o late_o give_v assurance_n to_o the_o world_n of_o his_o great_a indulgence_n towards_o all_o that_o have_v any_o pretence_n from_o conscience_n to_o differ_v with_o their_o brethren_n the_o only_a thing_n then_o seem_v to_o retard_v our_o peace_n be_v the_o controversy_n about_o church-government_n a_o unhappy_a controversy_n to_o we_o in_o england_n if_o ever_o there_o be_v any_o in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o more_o unhappy_a in_o that_o our_o contention_n about_o it_o have_v be_v so_o great_a and_o yet_o so_o few_o of_o the_o multitude_n engage_v in_o it_o that_o have_v true_o understand_v the_o matter_n they_o have_v so_o eager_o contend_v about_o for_o the_o state_n of_o the_o controversy_n as_o it_o concern_v
high_a reason_n and_o equity_n for_o since_o none_o can_v have_v command_n immediate_o over_o conscience_n but_o god_n himself_o and_o what_o ever_o be_v impose_v as_o necessary_a do_v immediate_o bind_v conscience_n and_o whatever_o bind_v man_n conscienceâ—_n with_o a_o opinion_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o it_o do_v immediate_o destroy_v that_o christian-liberty_n which_o man_n be_v necessary_o bind_v to_o stand_v fast_o in_o and_o not_o be_v entangle_v with_o any_o yoke_n of_o bondage_n not_o only_o the_o yoke_n of_o jewish_a ceremony_n but_o whatever_o yoke_n pinch_v 2._o and_o gall_v as_o that_o do_v with_o a_o opinion_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o do_v the_o thing_n command_v by_o any_o but_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o the_o apostle_n call_v dogmatize_v coloss._n 2._o 20_o and_o v_o 16._o let_v no_o man_n judge_v you_o in_o meat_n and_o drink_n nè_fw-la praepositi_fw-la quidem_fw-la vestri_fw-la say_v whitaker_n these_o imposition_n he_o call_v v_o 22._o the_o commandment_n and_o doctrine_n of_o man_n and_o such_o he_o call_v a_o snare_n 1_o corinth_n 7._o 23._o which_o be_v the_o make_v a_o indifferent_a thing_n as_o coelibate_n necessary_a laqueus_fw-la est_fw-la quicquid_fw-la praecipitur_fw-la ut_fw-la necessarium_fw-la quod_fw-la liberum_fw-la esse_fw-la debet_fw-la so_o that_o though_o obedience_n be_v necessary_a to_o indifferent_a thing_n when_o command_v yet_o it_o must_v always_o be_v libre_fw-la â_fw-la conscientiâ_fw-la quoad_fw-la res_fw-la ipsas_fw-la legum_fw-la no_o obligation_n to_o be_v lay_v upon_o conscience_n to_o look_v upon_o the_o thing_n as_o necessary_a second_o that_o nothing_o be_v require_v nor_o determine_v but_o what_o be_v sufficient_o know_v to_o be_v indifferent_a in_o its_o own_o nature_n the_o former_a proposal_n be_v in_o reference_n to_o the_o manner_n of_o impose_v this_o respect_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o the_o only_a difficulty_n here_o be_v how_o a_o thing_n may_v be_v sufficient_o know_v to_o be_v indifferent_a because_o one_o man_n look_n upon_o that_o as_o indifferent_a which_o another_o do_v not_o the_o most_o equal_a way_n to_o decide_v this_o controversy_n be_v to_o make_v choice_n of_o such_o judge_n as_o be_v not_o interest_v in_o the_o quarrel_n and_o those_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n in_o the_o first_o 4_o century_n who_o be_v best_a able_a to_o judge_v whether_o they_o look_v upon_o themselves_o as_o bind_v by_o any_o command_n of_o scripture_n or_o no_o and_o withal_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n so_o that_o what_o shall_v be_v make_v appear_v to_o be_v leave_v indifferent_a by_o both_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o the_o church_n of_o the_o reformation_n may_v be_v a_o matter_n determinable_a by_o law_n and_o which_o all_o may_v be_v require_v to_o conform_v in_o obedience_n to_o three_o that_o whatever_o be_v thus_o determine_v be_v in_o order_n only_o to_o a_o due_a performance_n of_o what_o be_v in_o general_n require_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o not_o to_o be_v look_v on_o as_o any_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n or_o service_n this_o be_v that_o which_o give_v the_o great_a occasion_n of_o offence_n to_o man_n conscience_n when_o any_o thing_n be_v either_o require_v or_o if_o not_o yet_o general_o use_v and_o look_v on_o as_o a_o necessary_a part_n or_o concomitant_a of_o god_n worship_n so_o that_o without_o it_o the_o worship_n be_v deem_v imperfect_a and_o there_o be_v great_a difference_n to_o be_v make_v between_o thing_n indifferent_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n and_o indifferent_a as_o to_o their_o use_n and_o practice_v and_o when_o the_o generality_n of_o those_o who_o use_v they_o do_v not_o use_v they_o as_o indifferent_a but_o as_o necessary_a thing_n it_o ought_v to_o be_v consider_v whether_o in_o this_o case_n such_o a_o use_n be_v allowable_a till_o man_n be_v better_a inform_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o do_v as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o papist_n about_o image-worship_n their_o divine_n say_v that_o the_o image_n be_v only_o as_o high_a tener_n of_o devotion_n but_o the_o worship_n be_v fix_v on_o god_n but_o we_o find_v it_o be_v quite_o otherwise_o in_o the_o general_a practice_n of_o people_n who_o look_v at_o nothing_o beyond_o the_o image_n so_o it_o may_v be_v bate_v the_o degree_n of_o the_o offence_n when_o matter_n of_o indifferency_n in_o themselves_o be_v by_o the_o generality_n of_o people_n not_o look_v on_o as_o such_o but_o use_v as_o a_o necessary_a part_n of_o divine_a service_n and_o it_o will_v be_v consider_v whether_o such_o a_o abuse_n of_o matter_n suppose_v indifferent_a be_v know_v it_o be_v not_o scandalum_fw-la datum_fw-la to_o continue_v their_o use_n without_o a_o effectual_a remedy_n for_o the_o abuse_n of_o they_o four_o that_o no_o sanction_n be_v make_v nor_o mulct_n or_o penalty_n be_v inflict_v on_o such_o who_o only_a dissent_n from_o the_o use_n of_o some_o thing_n who_o lawfulness_n they_o at_o present_a scruple_n till_o sufficient_a time_n and_o mean_n be_v use_v for_o their_o information_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o indifferency_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o it_o may_v be_v see_v whether_o it_o be_v out_o of_o wilful_a contempt_n and_o obstinacy_n of_o spirit_n or_o only_a weakness_n of_o conscience_n and_o dissatisfaction_n concern_v the_o thing_n themselves_o that_o they_o disobey_v and_o if_o it_o be_v make_v evident_a to_o be_v out_o of_o contempt_n that_o only_o such_o penalty_n be_v inflict_v as_o answer_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o offence_n i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o primitive_a practice_n and_o the_o moderation_n then_o use_v to_o suspend_v or_o deprive_v man_n of_o their_o ministerial_a function_n for_o not_o conform_v in_o habit_n gesture_n or_o the_o like_a concern_v habit_n walafridus_n strabo_n express_o tell_v we_o there_o be_v no_o 14._o distinction_n of_o habit_n use_v in_o the_o church_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n vestes_fw-la sacerdotales_fw-la per_fw-la incrementa_fw-la ad_fw-la eum_fw-la qui_fw-la nunc_fw-la habetur_fw-la aucta_fw-la sunt_fw-la ornatum_fw-la nam_fw-la primis_fw-la temporibus_fw-la communi_fw-la vestimento_fw-la induti_fw-la missas_fw-la agebant_fw-la sicut_fw-la &_o hactenus_fw-la quidam_fw-la orientalium_fw-la facere_fw-la perhibentur_fw-la and_o therefore_o the_o concilium_fw-la gangrense_n condemn_v eustathius_n sebastenus_n for_o make_v a_o necessity_n of_o diversity_n of_o habit_n among_o christian_n for_o their_o profession_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 20._o it_o be_v acknowledge_v both_o by_o salma_n sius_fw-la and_o his_o great_a adversary_n petavius_n that_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n the_o presbyter_n do_v not_o necessary_o wear_v any_o distinct_a habit_n from_o the_o people_n although_o the_o former_a endeavour_n to_o prove_v that_o common_o they_o do_v in_o tertullia_n time_n but_o yet_o that_o not_o all_o the_o presbyter_n nor_o they_o only_o do_v use_v a_o distinct_a habit_n viz._n the_o pallium_fw-la philosophicum_fw-la but_o all_o the_o christian_n who_o do_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o socrates_n say_v of_o sylvanus_n rhetor_n all_o that_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d among_o they_o strict_a professor_n of_o christianity_n among_o which_o most_o of_o the_o presbyter_n be_v and_o origen_n in_o eusebius_n express_o speak_v of_o heraclas_n a_o presbyter_n of_o alexandria_n that_o for_o a_o long_a time_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o use_v only_o the_o common_a garment_n belong_v to_o christian_n and_o put_v on_o the_o pallium_fw-la philosophicum_fw-la for_o the_o study_n of_o the_o grecian_a learning_n after_o that_o christianity_n begin_v to_o lose_v in_o height_n what_o it_o get_v in_o breadth_n instead_o of_o the_o former_a simplicity_n of_o their_o garment_n as_o well_o as_o manner_n and_o their_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d come_v in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o byrri_a penulae_fw-la dalmaticae_fw-la and_o so_o daily_o increase_v as_o strabo_n say_v i_o say_v not_o this_o in_o the_o least_o to_o condemn_v any_o distinction_n of_o habit_n for_o mere_a decency_n and_o order_n but_o to_o show_v it_o be_v not_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o primitive_a time_n to_o impose_v any_o necessity_n of_o these_o thing_n upon_o man_n nor_o to_o censure_v they_o for_o bare_a disuse_n of_o they_o he_o must_v be_v a_o great_a stranger_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n that_o take_v not_o notice_n of_o the_o great_a diversity_n of_o rite_n and_o custom_n use_v in_o particular_a church_n without_o any_o censure_v those_o who_o differ_v from_o they_o or_o if_o any_o by_o inconsiderate_a zeal_n do_v proceed_v so_o far_o how_o ill_o it_o be_v resent_v by_o other_o christian_n as_o victor_n excommunicate_v the_o quartodecimani_a for_o which_o he_o 23._o be_v so_o sharp_o reprove_v by_o irenaeus_n who_o tell_v he_o that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n who_o differ_v in_o such_o thing_n do_v not_o use_v to_o abstain_v from_o one_o another_o communion_n for_o they_o 〈◊〉_d
precept_n of_o christ_n but_o with_o you_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o but_o however_o a_o inequality_n of_o power_n and_o order_n for_o the_o church_n good_a be_v not_o thereby_o prohibit_v which_o be_v sufficient_a for_o my_o purpose_n the_o next_o place_n to_o be_v consider_v be_v that_o in_o matthew_n 18._o 15_o 8._o 16_o 17._o if_o thy_o brother_n shall_v trespass_v against_o thou_o go_v and_o tell_v he_o his_o fault_n between_o thou_o and_o he_o alone_o if_o he_o shall_v hear_v thou_o thou_o have_v gain_v thy_o brother_n but_o if_o he_o will_v not_o hear_v thou_o then_o take_v with_o thou_o one_o or_o two_o more_o that_o in_o the_o mouth_n of_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n every_o word_n may_v be_v establish_v and_o if_o he_o shall_v neglect_v to_o hear_v they_o tell_v it_o to_o the_o church_n but_o if_o he_o neglect_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n and_o a_o publican_n it_o seem_v a_o very_a strange_a thing_n to_o consider_v that_o this_o one_o place_n have_v be_v press_v by_o all_o party_n to_o serve_v under_o they_o for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o their_o own_o particular_a form_n of_o government_n so_o that_o as_o the_o jew_n fable_n of_o the_o manna_n it_o have_v have_v a_o different_a taste_n according_a to_o the_o diversity_n of_o the_o palate_n of_o man_n those_o that_o be_v for_o a_o congregational_a church_n be_v the_o first_o receptacle_n of_o church_n power_n set_v this_o place_n in_o the_o front_n of_o their_o argument_n those_o who_o plead_v for_o stand_v presbytery_n lay-elder_n subordination_n of_o court_n fetch_v all_o these_o out_o of_o this_o place_n those_o that_o be_v for_o a_o power_n of_o church_n discipline_n to_o be_v only_o lodge_v in_o a_o high_a order_n of_o chur_n 〈…〉_z officer_n succeed_a the_o apostle_n derive_v the_o succession_n of_o that_o power_n from_o this_o place_n nay_o lest_o quidlibet_fw-la shall_v not_o be_v prove_v èquolibet_n the_o papist_n despair_v not_o of_o prove_v the_o constant_a visibility_n of_o the_o church_n the_o subordination_n of_o all_o to_o the_o pope_n the_o infallibility_n of_o general_a council_n all_o out_o of_o this_o place_n methinks_v then_o it_o may_v be_v argument_n enough_o of_o the_o incompetency_n of_o this_o place_n to_o determine_v any_o one_o particular_a form_n when_o it_o be_v with_o equal_a confidence_n on_o all_o side_n bring_v to_o prove_v so_o many_o especial_o if_o it_o be_v make_v appear_v that_o the_o general_a rule_n lay_v down_o in_o these_o word_n may_v be_v observe_v under_o a_o diversity_n of_o form_n of_o government_n for_o whether_o by_o the_o church_n we_o mean_v the_o community_n of_o the_o faithful_a in_o a_o particular_a congregation_n or_o the_o stand_a officer_n of_o such_o a_o church_n or_o a_o consistorial_n court_n or_o synodical_a assembly_n or_o high_a church-officer_n it_o be_v still_o the_o duty_n of_o man_n in_o case_n of_o offence_n to_o tell_v the_o church_n for_o redress_v of_o grievance_n or_o vindication_n of_o the_o person_n himself_o that_o he_o have_v discharge_v his_o duty_n this_o place_n than_o determine_v not_o what_o this_o church_n be_v nor_o what_o the_o form_n of_o itâ—_n government_n shall_v be_v when_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o hold_v good_a and_o true_a under_o such_o diversity_n of_o form_n but_o we_o shall_v further_o inquire_v what_o influence_n this_o place_n can_v have_v upon_o the_o model_a the_o government_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n foâ—_n chamier_n tell_v we_o the_o prima_fw-la politia_fw-la ecclesiasticae_fw-la origo_fw-la be_v to_o be_v 2._o find_v in_o these_o word_n it_o will_v be_v then_o worth_a our_o enquiry_n to_o see_v what_o foundation_n for_o church_n government_n can_v be_v draw_v out_o of_o these_o word_n in_o which_o the_o variety_n of_o exposition_n like_o a_o multitude_n of_o physician_n to_o a_o distemper_a patient_n have_v leave_v it_o worse_o than_o they_o find_v it_o i_o mean_v more_o difficult_a and_o obscure_a we_o shall_v therefore_o endeavour_v to_o lay_v aside_o all_o pre-conception_n by_o other_o man_n judgement_n and_o opinion_n and_o see_v what_o innate_a light_n there_o be_v in_o the_o text_n itself_o to_o direct_v we_o to_o the_o full_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o it_o two_o thing_n the_o great_a difficulty_n of_o the_o place_n lie_v in_o what_o the_o offence_n be_v here_o speak_v of_o what_o the_o church_n be_v which_o must_v bâ—_n speak_v to_o for_o the_o first_o i_o conceive_v it_o evident_a to_o any_o unprejudicate_v mind_n that_o the_o matter_n our_o saviour_n speak_v of_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o private_a offence_n and_o injury_n and_o not_o a_o matter_n of_o scandal_n as_o such_o consider_v in_o a_o church-society_n which_o i_o make_v appear_v thus_o first_o from_o the_o parallel_n place_n to_o this_o luke_n 17._o 3._o 〈…〉_z y_fw-es brother_n trespass_n against_o thou_o rebuke_v he_o and_o if_o he_o repent_v forgive_v he_o this_o can_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o matter_n of_o private_a injury_n because_o it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o every_o private_a person_n to_o forgive_v it_o which_o it_o be_v not_o in_o his_o power_n to_o do_v be_v it_o a_o matter_n of_o scandal_n to_o the_o whole_a church_n unless_o we_o make_v it_o among_o christian_n as_o it_o be_v among_o the_o jew_n that_o every_o private_a person_n may_v excommunicate_v another_o and_o to_o release_v he_o afterward_o second_o it_o manifest_o appear_v from_o st._n peter_n word_n next_o after_o this_o paragraph_n matth._n 18._o 20._o lord_n how_o often_o shall_v my_o brother_n sin_n against_o i_o and_o i_o forgive_v he_o till_o seven_o time_n etc._n etc._n christ_n answer_v he_o till_o seventy_o time_n seven_o that_o be_v as_o often_o as_o he_o do_v it_o and_o thence_o christ_n bring_v the_o parable_n of_o the_o king_n forgive_a his_o servant_n v_o 23._o three_o be_v it_o mean_v of_o any_o scandalous_a sin_n commit_v with_o the_o privacy_n of_o any_o particular_a person_n as_o many_o understand_v trespass_v against_o thou_o that_o be_v te_fw-la conscio_fw-la then_o this_o inconvenience_n must_v necessary_o follow_v that_o matter_n of_o scandal_n must_v be_v bring_v to_o the_o church_n cognizance_n when_o there_o can_v be_v no_o way_n to_o decide_v they_o that_o be_v when_o one_o offend_v and_o only_o one_o person_n know_v it_o here_o will_v be_v a_o single_a affirmation_n on_o one_o side_n and_o denial_n on_o the_o other_o side_n and_o so_o there_o can_v be_v no_o way_n to_o decide_v it_o the_o matter_n here_o speak_v of_o then_o be_v somewhat_o only_o relate_v to_o the_o offence_n or_o injury_n of_o some_o particular_a person_n and_o not_o a_o matter_n of_o scandal_n to_o the_o whole_a church_n the_o question_n then_o as_o propound_v to_o be_v speak_v to_o by_o our_o saviour_n be_v what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o case_n of_o private_a offence_n between_o man_n and_o man_n and_o not_o in_o case_n of_o secret_a sin_n against_o god_n and_o scandalous_a to_o the_o church_n now_o to_o this_o our_o saviour_n lay_v down_o his_o answer_n gradual_o first_o there_o must_v be_v private_a admonition_n if_o that_o succeed_v not_o admonition_n before_o witness_n if_o not_o that_o tell_v the_o church_n if_o not_o that_o neither_o repute_v he_o as_o a_o heathen_a and_o publican_n now_o in_o this_o answer_n we_o must_v conceive_v our_o saviour_n speak_v as_o to_o a_o ordinary_a case_n so_o in_o a_o way_n easy_a to_o be_v understand_v by_o all_o that_o hear_v he_o and_o therefore_o he_o must_v speak_v in_o allusion_n to_o what_o be_v at_o that_o time_n among_o the_o jew_n in_o such_o case_n which_o be_v free_o acknowledge_v both_o by_o calvin_n and_o beza_n loc_n upon_o the_o place_n nam_fw-la certè_fw-la tanquam_fw-la de_fw-la judais_n haec_fw-la dici_fw-la apparet_fw-la saltem_fw-la ex_fw-la eo_fw-la quod_fw-la addit_fw-la sit_fw-la tibi_fw-la sicut_fw-la ethnicus_fw-la &_o publicanus_fw-la we_o must_v then_o see_v what_o the_o custom_n be_v among_o the_o jew_n in_o such_o case_n and_o how_o far_o our_o saviour_n do_v either_o approve_v the_o custom_n receive_v or_o appoint_v new_a the_o law_n be_v very_o strict_a in_o case_n of_o offence_n for_o every_o man_n in_o any_o wise_a to_o rebuke_v his_o 17._o neighbour_n and_o not_o to_o suffer_v sin_n upon_o he_o arguendo_fw-la argue_v our_o old_a translation_n render_v it_o thou_o shall_v plain_o rebuke_v thy_o neighbour_n now_o this_o piece_n of_o necessary_a discipline_n our_o saviour_n endeavour_v to_o recover_v among_o they_o which_o it_o seem_v be_v grow_v much_o out_o of_o use_n with_o they_o for_o rabbi_n chanina_n as_o 119._o mr._n selden_n observe_v give_v this_o as_o one_o reason_n of_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n because_o they_o leave_v off_o reprove_v one_o another_o non_fw-la excisa_fw-la fuissent_fw-la hierosolyma_n nisi_fw-la quoniam_fw-la alter_fw-la alterum_fw-la non_fw-la coarguebat_fw-la our_o saviour_n
mean_v such_o difference_n as_o respect_v person_n and_o not_o thing_n which_o our_o saviour_n lay_v down_o these_o rule_n for_o the_o end_n of_o and_o therefore_o i_o can_v but_o wonder_v to_o see_v some_o man_n insist_v so_o much_o on_o that_o place_n against_o such_o a_o exposition_n of_o this_o luke_n 12._o 14._o where_o christ_n say_v who_o make_v i_o a_o judge_n and_o a_o divider_n among_o you_o for_o do_v it_o any_o way_n follow_v because_o christ_n will_v not_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o be_v a_o temporal_a judge_n among_o the_o jew_n therefore_o he_o shall_v take_v no_o course_n for_o the_o end_a difference_n among_o his_o disciple_n and_o the_o take_v away_o all_o animosity_n from_o among_o they_o nay_o on_o the_o contrary_n do_v not_o our_o saviour_n very_o often_o design_o speak_v to_o this_o very_a purpose_n to_o root_v out_o all_o bitterness_n malice_n envy_n and_o rancour_n from_o man_n spirit_n and_o to_o persuade_v they_o to_o forgive_v injury_n even_o to_o pray_v for_o persecutor_n and_o by_o any_o mean_n to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o their_o brethren_n which_o he_o make_v to_o be_v a_o duty_n of_o so_o great_a necessity_n that_o if_o a_o man_n have_v bring_v his_o gift_n 24._o to_o the_o altar_n and_o remember_v his_o brother_n have_v aught_o against_o he_o he_o bid_v he_o leave_v his_o gift_n there_o and_o go_v be_v reconcile_v to_o his_o brother_n and_o then_o offer_v up_o the_o gift_n we_o see_v hereby_o how_o suitable_a it_o be_v to_o our_o saviour_n doctrine_n and_o design_n to_o lay_v down_o rule_n for_o the_o end_n of_o any_o difference_n arise_v among_o his_o disciple_n and_o this_o be_v now_o clear_v to_o be_v the_o state_n of_o the_o case_n it_o will_v not_o be_v difficult_a to_o resolve_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o tell_v the_o church_n which_o i_o make_v not_o to_o be_v any_o appeal_n to_o a_o juridical_a court_n act_v authoritative_o over_o the_o person_n bring_v before_o it_o but_o the_o three_o and_o high_a step_n of_o charity_n in_o a_o man_n towards_o a_o person_n that_o have_v offend_v he_o viz._n that_o when_o neither_o private_a admonition_n nor_o before_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n will_v serve_v to_o reclaim_v the_o offendor_n then_o to_o call_v a_o select_a company_n together_o which_o be_v the_o natural_a importance_n of_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o before_o they_o all_o to_o lay_v open_a the_o cause_n of_o the_o breach_n and_o difference_n between_o they_o and_o to_o refer_v it_o to_o their_o arbitration_n to_o compose_v and_o end_v it_o which_o sense_n of_o the_o place_n i_o humble_o conceive_v to_o have_v the_o least_o force_n in_o it_o and_o in_o every_o part_n of_o it_o to_o be_v most_o genuine_a and_o natural_a and_o full_o agreeable_a to_o the_o receive_a practice_n among_o the_o jew_n which_o the_o author_n of_o the_o book_n musar_n cite_v by_o drusius_n full_o acquaint_v 43._o we_o with_o who_o word_n i_o shall_v transcribe_v as_o be_v a_o plain_a paraphrase_n on_o these_o of_o our_o saviour_n qui_fw-la arguit_fw-la socium_fw-la suum_fw-la debet_fw-la primum_fw-la hoc_fw-la facere_fw-la placide_fw-la inter_fw-la se_fw-la &_o ipsum_fw-la solum_fw-la verbis_fw-la mollibus_fw-la ita_fw-la ut_fw-la non_fw-la pudefaciat_fw-la eum_fw-la si_fw-mi resipiscit_fw-la bene_fw-la est_fw-la sin_n debet_fw-la eum_fw-la acritèr_fw-la arguere_fw-la &_o pudefacere_fw-la inter_fw-la se_fw-la &_o ipsum_fw-la si_fw-mi non_fw-la resipiscit_fw-la debet_fw-la adhibere_fw-la socios_fw-la ipsumque_fw-la coram_fw-la illis_fw-la pudore_fw-la afficere_fw-la si_fw-la nec_fw-la modo_fw-la quicquam_fw-la proficit_fw-la debet_fw-la eum_fw-la pudefacere_fw-la coram_fw-la multis_fw-la ejusque_fw-la delictum_fw-la publicare_fw-la nam_fw-la certe_fw-la detegendi_fw-la sunt_fw-la hypocritae_fw-la that_o which_o this_o author_n call_v pudefacere_fw-la eum_fw-la coram_fw-la multis_fw-la be_v that_o which_o our_o saviour_n mean_v when_o he_o bid_v he_o tell_v the_o church_n or_o the_o congregation_n as_o our_o old_a translation_n render_v it_o this_o the_o jew_n call_v reprove_v of_o man_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d before_o a_o multitude_n as_o the_o vulg._n latin_a though_o false_o render_v that_o place_n lâ—viticus_n 19_o 17._o publicè_fw-la argue_n eum_fw-la and_o to_o this_o the_o apostle_n may_v allude_v when_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 2_o corinth_n 2._o 6._o censure_n of_o many_o and_o the_o reproof_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d before_o all_o 1_o tim._n 5._o 20._o which_o be_v to_o be_v in_o matter_n of_o public_a scandal_n upon_o religion_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o the_o jew_n call_v they_o but_o in_o case_n the_o offendor_n shall_v still_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d slight_v this_o overture_n of_o reconciliation_n before_o the_o company_n select_v for_o hear_v the_o case_n then_o say_v our_o saviour_n look_v upon_o he_o as_o a_o obstinate_a refractory_a creature_n and_o have_v no_o more_o to_o do_v with_o he_o then_o with_o a_o heathen_a and_o a_o publican_n by_o which_o term_n the_o most_o wilful_a obstinate_a sinner_n be_v set_v out_o among_o the_o jew_n and_o by_o which_o our_o saviour_n mean_v a_o man_n withdraw_a himself_o as_o much_o as_o in_o he_o lie_v from_o all_o familiar_a society_n with_o such_o a_o person_n and_o thus_o say_v christ_n whatsoever_o you_o bind_v in_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o you_o lose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n v_o 18._o that_o be_v if_o after_o all_o your_o endeavour_n of_o reconciliation_n the_o offender_n will_v hearken_v to_o no_o agreement_n it_o be_v a_o evidence_n and_o token_n that_o mar_v sin_n be_v bind_v upon_o he_o that_o be_v shall_v not_o be_v pardon_v so_o long_o as_o he_o continue_v impenitent_a but_o if_o he_o repent_v of_o his_o offence_n and_o you_o be_v reconcile_v as_o the_o offence_n be_v remove_v 16._o on_o earth_n thereby_o so_o the_o sin_n be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n that_o be_v forgive_v the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n that_o bind_v it_o be_v a_o obligation_n to_o punishment_n and_o so_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n that_o lose_v as_o it_o cancel_v that_o obligation_n and_o so_o grotius_n observe_v that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v the_o same_o with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d what_o be_v call_v retain_v in_o one_o place_n be_v bind_v in_o another_o and_o what_o be_v lose_v in_o one_o place_n be_v remit_v in_o the_o other_o but_o now_o although_o i_o assert_v this_o to_o be_v the_o true_a proper_a genuine_a meaning_n of_o this_o difficult_a place_n yet_o i_o deny_v not_o but_o that_o this_o place_n have_v influence_n upon_o church-government_n but_o i_o say_v the_o influence_n it_o have_v be_v only_o by_o way_n of_o accommodation_n and_o by_o analogy_n deduce_v from_o it_o according_a to_o which_o these_o thing_n i_o conceive_v have_v foundation_n in_o these_o word_n first_o gradual_a appeal_n from_o the_o method_n here_o lay_v down_o by_o our_o saviour_n second_o church_n censure_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o submit_v to_o church-authority_n for_o although_o before_o any_o church_n power_n be_v actual_o set_v up_o as_o when_o our_o saviour_n speak_v these_o word_n then_o there_o be_v none_o yet_o after_o that_o church-government_n be_v fix_v and_o set_v up_o it_o must_v in_o reason_n be_v suppose_v that_o all_o matter_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o scandal_n to_o the_o church_n must_v be_v decide_v there_o three_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o use_n of_o excommunication_n in_o christian_a church_n for_o if_o every_o particular_a person_n may_v withdraw_v from_o the_o society_n of_o such_o a_o one_o as_o continue_v refractory_a in_o his_o offence_n then_o much_o more_o may_v a_o whole_a society_n and_o the_o officer_n of_o it_o declare_v such_o a_o one_o to_o be_v avoid_v both_o in_o religious_a and_o familiar_a civil_a society_n which_o be_v the_o formal_a nature_n of_o excommunication_n herein_o we_o see_v the_o wisdom_n of_o our_o saviour_n who_o in_o speak_v to_o a_o particular_a case_n have_v lay_v down_o such_o general_a rule_n as_o be_v of_o perpetual_a use_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n for_o accommodate_v difference_n arise_v therein_o thus_o have_v we_o hitherto_o clear_v that_o our_o saviour_n have_v determine_v no_o more_o of_o churchgovernment_a then_o what_o be_v appliable_a to_o a_o diversity_n of_o particular_a form_n and_o so_o have_v not_o by_o any_o law_n or_o practice_n of_o his_o own_o determine_v the_o necessity_n of_o any_o one_o form_n chap._n vi_o the_o next_o thing_n plead_v for_o determine_v the_o form_n of_o government_n be_v apostolical_a practice_n two_o thing_n inquire_v into_o concern_v that_o what_o it_o be_v how_o far_o it_o bind_v the_o apostle_n invest_v with_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o govern_v the_o whole_a church_n of_o christ_n by_o their_o commission_n io._n 20._o 21._o matth._n
any_o particular_a form_n of_o church-government_n settle_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n which_o can_v be_v draw_v from_o the_o help_n of_o the_o record_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n which_o must_v be_v first_o clear_v of_o all_o defectiveness_n ambiguity_n partiality_n and_o confusion_n before_o the_o thing_n we_o inquire_v for_o can_v be_v extract_v out_o of_o they_o have_v thus_o far_o show_v that_o we_o have_v no_o absolute_a certainty_n 19_o of_o what_o form_n of_o government_n be_v settle_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o several_a church_n of_o their_o plantation_n the_o next_o consideration_n which_o follow_v to_o be_v speak_v to_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n in_o probability_n do_v not_o observe_v any_o one_o fix_a course_n of_o settle_v the_o government_n of_o church_n but_o settle_v it_o according_a to_o the_o several_a circumstance_n of_o place_n and_o person_n which_o they_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o this_o will_v be_v ex_fw-la abundanti_fw-la as_o to_z the_o thing_n by_o i_o design_v which_o will_v be_v sufficient_o clear_v without_o this_o and_o therefore_o i_o lay_v it_o not_o as_o the_o foundation_n of_o my_o thesis_n but_o only_o as_o a_o doctrine_n of_o probability_n which_o may_v serve_v to_o reconcile_v the_o controversy_n on_o foot_n about_o church-government_n for_o if_o this_o be_v make_v appear_v than_o it_o may_v be_v both_o grant_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v settle_v the_o government_n in_o the_o church_n in_o a_o college_n of_o presbyter_n and_o in_o a_o bishop_n and_o deacon_n too_o according_a to_o the_o diversity_n of_o place_n and_o the_o variety_n of_o circumstance_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o observe_v that_o as_o to_o rite_n and_o custom_n in_o the_o church_n the_o original_a of_o most_o man_n mistake_n be_v conclude_v that_o to_o be_v the_o general_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n which_o they_o meet_v with_o in_o some_o place_n whereas_o that_o be_v most_o true_a which_o firmiliam_n tell_v we_o in_o plurimis_fw-la provinciis_fw-la multa_fw-la pro_fw-la 5._o locorum_fw-la &_o nominum_fw-la l._n hominum_fw-la diversitate_fw-la variantur_fw-la nec_fw-la tamen_fw-la propter_fw-la hoc_fw-la ab_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la catholicae_fw-la pace_fw-la atque_fw-la unitate_fw-la discossum_fw-la est_fw-la those_o rite_n vary_v in_o divers_a place_n retain_v still_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n so_o as_o to_o matter_n of_o government_n man_n mistake_n do_v arise_v from_o a_o universal_a conclusion_n deduce_v out_o of_o particular_a premise_n and_o what_o they_o think_v be_v do_v in_o one_o place_n they_o conclude_v must_v be_v do_v in_o all_o whereas_o these_o be_v the_o ground_n induce_v i_o probable_o to_o conclude_v that_o they_o observe_v not_o the_o same_o course_n in_o all_o place_n which_o when_o a_o impartial_a reader_n have_v sober_o consider_v with_o what_o have_v go_v before_o i_o be_o in_o hope_n the_o novelty_n of_o this_o opinion_n may_v not_o prejudicate_v its_o entertainment_n with_o he_o my_o ground_n be_v these_o first_o from_o the_o different_a state_n condition_n and_o quantity_n of_o the_o church_n plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n second_o from_o the_o multitude_n of_o unfixed_a officer_n in_o the_o church_n then_o which_o act_v with_o authority_n over_o the_o church_n where_o they_o be_v resident_a three_o from_o the_o different_a custom_n observe_v in_o several_a church_n as_o to_o their_o government_n after_o the_o apostle_n decease_n i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o the_o different_a state_n condition_n and_o quantity_n of_o the_o church_n plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n for_o which_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v these_o thing_n first_o that_o god_n do_v not_o give_v the_o apostle_n alike_o success_n of_o their_o labour_n in_o all_o place_n second_o that_o a_o small_a number_n of_o believer_n do_v not_o require_v the_o same_o number_n which_o a_o great_a church_n do_v to_o teach_v and_o govern_v they_o three_o that_o the_o apostle_n do_v settle_v church-officer_n according_a to_o the_o probability_n of_o increase_n of_o believer_n and_o in_o order_n thereto_o in_o some_o great_a place_n first_o that_o god_n do_v not_o give_v the_o apostle_n equal_a success_n to_o their_o labour_n in_o all_o place_n after_o god_n call_v they_o to_o be_v fisher_n of_o man_n it_o be_v not_o every_o draught_n which_o fill_v their_o net_n with_o whole_a shoal_n of_o fish_n sometime_o they_o may_v toil_v all_o night_n still_o and_o catch_v nothing_o or_o very_o little_a it_o be_v not_o every_o sermon_n of_o peter_n which_o convert_v three_o thousand_o the_o whole_a world_n may_v at_o that_o rate_n soon_o have_v become_v christian_n although_o there_o have_v be_v but_o few_o preacher_n beside_o the_o apostle_n god_n give_v they_o strange_a success_n at_o first_o to_o encourage_v they_o the_o better_a to_o meet_v with_o difficulty_n afterward_o in_o 〈…〉_z es_fw-ge god_n tell_v they_o he_o have_v much_o people_n in_o other_o we_o read_v but_o of_o few_o that_o believe_v at_o corinth_n paul_n plant_n and_o apollo_n water_n and_o god_n give_v a_o abundant_a increase_n but_o at_o athens_n where_o if_o moral_a disposition_n have_v fit_v man_n for_o grace_n and_o the_o improvement_n of_o nature_n we_o may_v have_v expect_v the_o great_a number_n of_o convert_v yet_o here_o we_o read_v of_o many_o mock_n and_o other_o delay_v and_o but_o of_o very_a few_o believe_v dionysius_n and_o damaris_n 34._o and_o some_o other_o with_o they_o the_o plantation_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v very_o different_a not_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o soil_n they_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o but_o from_o the_o different_a influence_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n upon_o their_o endeavour_n in_o several_a place_n we_o can_v think_v that_o the_o church_n at_o cenchrea_n for_o so_o it_o be_v 2._o call_v be_v as_o well_o stock_v with_o believer_n as_o that_o at_o corinth_n nay_o the_o church_n general_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n be_v not_o so_o fill_v with_o number_n as_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o imagine_v they_o to_o be_v i_o can_v as_o soon_o hope_v to_o find_v in_o apostolical_a time_n diocesan_n church_n as_o classical_a and_o provincial_a yet_o this_o do_v not_o much_o advantage_n the_o principle_n of_o the_o congregational_a man_n 129._o as_o i_o have_v already_o demonstrate_v yet_o i_o do_v not_o think_v that_o all_o church_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n be_v but_o one_o congregation_n but_o as_o there_o be_v in_o city_n many_o synagogue_n so_o there_o may_v be_v many_o church_n out_o of_o those_o synagogue_n enjoy_v their_o former_a liberty_n and_o privilege_n and_o they_o that_o will_v show_v i_o where_o five_o thousand_o jew_n and_o more_o do_v ordinary_o meet_v in_o one_o of_o their_o synagogue_n for_o public_a worship_n may_v gain_v something_o upon_o i_o in_o order_n to_o believe_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n to_o be_v but_o one_o congregation_n and_o yet_o not_o persuade_v i_o till_o they_o have_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o christian_n than_o have_v as_o public_a solemn_a set_a meeting_n as_o the_o jew_n have_v which_o he_o that_o understand_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n at_o that_o time_n will_v hardly_o yield_v to_o the_o belief_n of_o i_o confess_v i_o can_v see_v any_o rule_n in_o scripture_n lay_v down_o for_o distribute_v congregation_n but_o this_o necessity_n will_v put_v they_o upon_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v needless_a to_o prescribe_v they_o and_o very_o little_a if_o any_o reason_n can_v i_o see_v on_o the_o other_o side_n why_o where_o there_o be_v so_o much_o people_n as_o to_o make_v distinct_a congregation_n they_o must_v make_v distinct_a church_n from_o one_o another_o but_o of_o that_o large_o in_o the_o next_o chapter_n all_o church_n than_o we_o see_v be_v not_o of_o a_o equal_a extent_n the_o second_o premisal_n reason_n will_v grant_v viz._n that_o a_o small_a church_n do_v not_o require_v the_o same_o number_n of_o officer_n to_o rule_v it_o which_o a_o great_a one_o do_v for_o the_o duty_n of_o officer_n lie_v in_o reference_n to_o the_o people_n where_o the_o people_n be_v but_o few_o one_o constant_a settle_a officer_n with_o deacon_n under_o he_o may_v with_o as_o much_o ease_n discharge_v the_o work_n as_o in_o a_o numerous_a church_n the_o joint_a help_n of_o many_o officer_n be_v necessary_a to_o carry_v it_o on_o the_o same_o reason_n which_o tell_v we_o that_o a_o large_a flock_n of_o sheep_n consist_v of_o many_o thousand_o do_v call_v for_o many_o shepherd_n to_o attend_v they_o do_v likewise_o tell_v we_o that_o a_o small_a flock_n may_v be_v govern_v with_o the_o care_n of_o one_o single_a shepherd_n watch_v continual_o over_o they_o the_o three_o premisall_n be_v that_o in_o great_a city_n the_o apostle_n do_v not_o only_o respect_v the_o present_a guidance_n of_o those_o that_o be_v convert_v but_o establish_v such_o as_o may_v be_v useful_a for_o the_o convert_n and_o bring_v in_o of_o other_o to_o the_o faith_n who_o be_v