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duty_n church_n communicate_v communion_n 1,771 5 9.7997 5 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A61632 The unreasonableness of separation, or, An impartial account of the history, nature, and pleas of the present separation from the communion of the Church of England to which, several late letters are annexed, of eminent Protestant divines abroad, concerning the nature of our differences, and the way to compose them / by Edward Stillingfleet ... Stillingfleet, Edward, 1635-1699. 1681 (1681) Wing S5675; ESTC R4969 310,391 554

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church_n or_o as_o mr._n b._n express_v it_o 16._o the_o benefit_n of_o christian_a love_n and_o concord_n may_v make_v it_o best_o for_o certain_a season_n to_o join_v even_o in_o defective_a modes_n of_o worship_n as_o christ_n do_v in_o the_o synagogue_n and_o temple_n in_o his_o time_n though_o the_o least_o defective_a must_v be_v choose_v when_o no_o such_o accidental_a reason_n sway_v the_o other_o way_n from_o whence_o we_o may_v take_v notice_n 1._o that_o no_o obligation_n to_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o this_o church_n as_o they_o be_v member_n of_o it_o do_v bring_v they_o to_o this_o occasional_a communion_n with_o it_o but_o a_o certain_a romantic_a fancy_n of_o catholic_n unity_n by_o which_o these_o catholic_n gentleman_n think_v themselves_o no_o more_o oblige_v to_o the_o communion_n of_o this_o church_n than_o of_o the_o armenian_a or_o abyssine_a church_n only_o it_o happen_v that_o our_o church_n be_v so_o much_o near_o to_o they_o than_o the_o other_o be_v and_o therefore_o they_o can_v afford_v it_o more_o occasional_a communion_n but_o i_o will_v suppose_v one_o of_o these_o man_n of_o catholic_n principle_n to_o be_v at_o jerusalem_n where_o he_o may_v have_v occasional_a communion_n with_o all_o sort_n of_o the_o eastern_a church_n and_o some_o of_o the_o member_n of_o those_o church_n shall_v ask_v he_o what_o church_n he_o be_v member_n of_o if_o he_o shall_v answer_v he_o can_v have_v occasional_a communion_n with_o all_o tolerable_a church_n but_o be_v a_o fix_a member_n of_o none_o will_v they_o take_v such_o a_o man_n for_o a_o christian_a what_o a_o christian_a and_o a_o member_n of_o no_o church_n that_o they_o will_v all_o agree_v be_v no_o part_n of_o catholic_n christianity_n and_o i_o much_o doubt_v whether_o any_o of_o they_o will_v admit_v such_o a_o one_o to_o occasional_a communion_n that_o can_v not_o tell_v what_o church_n he_o be_v member_n of_o for_o as_o to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n he_o declare_v that_o 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we_o to_o do_v to_o judge_v the_o member_n of_o other_o reform_a church_n our_o business_n be_v with_o those_o who_o be_v baptise_a in_o this_o church_n and_o live_v under_o the_o rule_n and_o government_n of_o it_o either_o renounce_v the_o membership_n they_o once_o have_v in_o it_o or_o avoid_v communion_n with_o it_o as_o member_n and_o join_v with_o other_o society_n set_v up_o in_o opposition_n to_o this_o communion_n 87._o yet_o this_o matter_n about_o the_o foreign_a church_n mr._n b._n mention_n again_o and_o again_o as_o though_o their_o case_n can_v be_v think_v alike_o who_o never_o depart_v from_o we_o but_o only_o continue_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o their_o own_o church_n 5._o i_o do_v not_o charge_v every_o disobedience_n to_o the_o king_n and_o law_n and_o canon_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n government_n and_o worship_n with_o the_o gild_n of_o separation_n for_o although_o a_o man_n may_v be_v guilty_a of_o culpable_a disobedience_n in_o break_v the_o command_n 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the_o gospel_n be_v not_o the_o same_o authority_n the_o same_o charge_n as_o to_o both_o of_o they_o be_v there_o not_o the_o same_o promise_n and_o engagement_n to_o give_v faithful_a diligence_n to_o minister_v the_o doctrine_n and_o sacrament_n be_v there_o a_o indispensable_a obligation_n to_o do_v one_o part_n of_o your_o duty_n and_o none_o at_o all_o to_o the_o other_o be_v this_o possible_a to_o persuade_v impartial_a man_n that_o for_o 18_o year_n together_o you_o think_v yourself_o bind_v to_o preach_v against_o the_o law_n and_o yet_o never_o think_v yourself_o bind_v to_o do_v that_o which_o you_o be_v as_o solemn_o oblige_v to_o do_v as_o the_o other_o mr._n b._n know_v very_o well_o in_o church-history_n that_o presbyter_n be_v rare_o allow_v to_o preach_v and_o not_o without_o leave_n from_o the_o bishop_n and_o that_o in_o some_o of_o the_o church_n he_o most_o esteem_v too_o viz._n the_o african_a but_o they_o be_v constant_o bind_v to_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n so_o that_o if_o one_o obligation_n be_v strict_a than_o the_o other_o that_o be_v so_o which_o mr._n b._n dispense_v with_o himself_o in_o for_o 18_o year_n together_o and_o why_o he_o may_v not_o as_o well_o in_o the_o other_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o understand_v however_o why_o all_o this_o while_n no_o constant_a communicant_a with_o any_o church_n what_o no_o church_n among_o we_o fit_a for_o he_o to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o no_o obligation_n upon_o a_o christian_n to_o that_o equal_a to_o the_o necessity_n of_o preach_v these_o thing_n must_v seem_v very_o strange_a to_o those_o who_o judge_v of_o christian_a obligation_n by_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o universal_a sense_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o best_a and_o pure_a age_n to_o what_o purpose_n be_v it_o to_o dispute_v about_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o a_o institute_v church_n for_o personal_a presential_a communion_n if_o man_n can_v live_v for_o 18_o year_n together_o without_o join_v in_o communion_n with_o any_o such_o church_n what_o be_v this_o communion_n intend_v for_o the_o ancient_a church_n at_o this_o rate_n may_v easy_o be_v capacious_a enough_o for_o their_o member_n if_o some_o never_o join_v with_o they_o in_o so_o long_a a_o time_n but_o he_o have_v communicate_v occasional_o with_o we_o yes_o to_o show_v what_o defective_a and_o tolerable_a church_n he_o can_v communicate_v with_o but_o not_o as_o a_o member_n as_o himself_o declare_v and_o this_o occasional_a communion_n make_v he_o none_o 85._o for_o mr._n a._n say_v their_o occasional_a communion_n with_o we_o be_v but_o like_o any_o of_o our_o occasional_a communion_n with_o they_o or_o occasional_a hear_n of_o a_o weak_a preacher_n or_o occasional_a go_v to_o a_o popish_a chapel_n which_o no_o one_o imagine_v make_v the_o person_n member_n of_o such_o congregation_n if_o therefore_o man_n use_v this_o occasional_a communion_n more_o than_o once_o or_o twice_o or_o ten_o or_o twenty_o time_n as_o long_o as_o they_o declare_v it_o be_v only_o occasional_a communion_n it_o make_v they_o no_o member_n of_o our_o church_n for_o that_o oblige_v they_o to_o fix_a and_o constant_a communion_n second_o they_o that_o have_v fix_v and_o constant_a communion_n in_o a_o church_n gather_v out_o of_o another_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n out_o of_o which_o it_o be_v gather_v although_o they_o may_v be_v occasional_o present_a in_o it_o now_o if_o man_n who_o think_v our_o constant_a communion_n unlawful_a do_v judge_v themselves_o bind_v to_o join_v together_o in_o another_o society_n for_o pure_a administration_n as_o mr._n a._n speak_v and_o to_o choose_v new_a pastor_n this_o be_v gather_v new_a church_n and_o consequent_o be_v a_o plain_a separation_n from_o those_o church_n out_o of_o which_o they_o be_v gather_v the_o author_n of_o the_o letter_n out_o of_o the_o country_n speak_v plain_o in_o this_o matter_n such_o say_v he_o of_o the_o dissent_v minister_n 33._o as_o have_v most_o open_o declare_v for_o communicate_v at_o some_o time_n with_o some_o of_o the_o parochial_a church_n have_v also_o declare_v their_o judgement_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n and_o necessity_n of_o preach_v and_o hear_v and_o do_v other_o religious_a duty_n in_o other_o congregation_n also_o if_o this_o be_v true_a as_o no_o doubt_n that_o gentleman_n well_o understand_v their_o principle_n than_o we_o see_v plain_o a_o separation_n own_a notwithstanding_o the_o occasional_a communion_n with_o our_o church_n for_o here_o be_v not_o only_o a_o lawfulness_n but_o a_o necessity_n assert_v of_o join_v in_o separate_a congregation_n for_o preach_v hear_v and_o other_o religious_a duty_n and_o here_o be_v all_o the_o part_n necessary_a for_o make_v new_a church_n pastor_n people_n and_o join_v together_o for_o religious_a worship_n in_o a_o way_n separate_v from_o our_o assembly_n for_o although_o they_o allow_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o occasional_a communicate_v with_o some_o of_o they_o yet_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o allow_v constant_a communion_n that_o they_o assert_v a_o necessity_n of_o separate_a congregation_n for_o divine_a worship_n and_o what_o be_v there_o more_o than_o this_o which_o the_o old_a separatist_n hold_v for_o when_o they_o first_o publish_v the_o reason_n of_o their_o separation_n which_o giffard_n answer_v they_o lay_v down_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o dissatisfaction_n with_o our_o assembly_n from_o whence_o they_o infer_v the_o necessity_n of_o separation_n and_o then_o declare_v that_o they_o only_o seek_v the_o fellowship_n and_o communion_n of_o god_n faithful_a servant_n and_o by_o the_o direction_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o proceed_v to_o a_o choice_n of_o new_a pastor_n with_o who_o they_o may_v join_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ._n and_o what_o be_v there_o in_o this_o different_a from_o what_o must_v follow_v from_o the_o principle_n of_o those_o who_o assert_v the_o necessity_n of_o join_v in_o other_o congregation_n distinct_a and_o separate_a from_o our_o assembly_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o religious_a duty_n and_o if_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o separation_n as_o this_o gentleman_n tell_v we_o they_o general_o hold_v that_o seem_v most_o moderate_a the_o hold_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o occasional_a communion_n will_v not_o excuse_v they_o from_o the_o guilt_n of_o the_o other_o for_o as_o long_o as_o the_o necessity_n of_o separation_n be_v maintain_v the_o other_o be_v always_o account_v a_o less_o material_a dispute_n and_o some_o hold_v one_o way_n and_o some_o another_o and_o for_o this_o occasional_a communion_n the_o same_o author_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o look_v upon_o it_o but_o as_o drink_v a_o single_a glass_n of_o wine_n 51._o or_o of_o water_n against_o his_o own_o inclination_n to_o a_o person_n out_o of_o civility_n when_o he_o be_v not_o for_o any_o man_n pleasure_n to_o destroy_v his_o health_n by_o tie_v himself_o to_o drink_v nothing_o else_o it_o seem_v then_o this_o occasional_a communion_n be_v a_o mere_a compliment_n to_o our_o church_n wherein_o they_o force_v themselves_o to_o a_o dangerous_a piece_n of_o civility_n much_o against_o their_o own_o inclination_n but_o they_o account_v constant_a communion_n a_o thing_n pernicious_a to_o their_o soul_n as_o the_o other_o be_v destructive_a to_o their_o health_n so_o that_o this_o salvo_n can_v excuse_v they_o from_o the_o guilt_n of_o separation_n sect._n 17._o 2._o that_o as_o far_o as_o occasional_a communion_n be_v lawful_a 50._o constant_a communion_n be_v a_o duty_n this_o the_o former_a gentleman_n wonder_v at_o i_o if_o i_o think_v a_o good_a consequence_n 84._o mr._n a._n bring_v several_a instance_n to_o prove_v that_o we_o allow_v occasional_a communion_n to_o be_v lawful_a where_o constant_a be_v no_o duty_n as_o with_o other_o parish_n church_n upon_o a_o journey_n at_o a_o lecture_n etc._n etc._n but_o who_o ever_o question_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o occasional_a communion_n with_o church_n of_o the_o same_o constitution_n or_o think_v a_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o be_v always_o of_o that_o church_n where_o he_o go_v to_o hear_v a_o lecture_n etc._n etc._n but_o the_o question_n be_v about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o separation_n where_o occasional_a commuon_n be_v allow_v to_o be_v lawful_a for_o a_o man_n be_v not_o say_v to_o separate_v from_o every_o church_n where_o he_o forbear_v or_o cease_v to_o have_v communion_n but_o only_o from_o that_o church_n with_o which_o he_o be_v oblige_v to_o hold_v communion_n and_o yet_o withdraw_v from_o it_o and_o it_o be_v a_o wonder_n to_o i_o none_o of_o my_o friend_n my_o adversary_n i_o be_o loath_a to_o call_v they_o can_v discern_v this_o it_o be_v lawful_a say_v mr._n b._n to_o have_v communion_n with_o the_o french_a dutch_a 105._o or_o greek_a church_n must_v constant_a communion_n therefore_o with_o they_o be_v a_o duty_n yes_o if_o he_o be_v oblige_v
to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o those_o church_n and_o think_v it_o lawful_a to_o communicate_v some_o time_n constant_a communion_n will_v be_v a_o duty_n but_o because_o this_o seem_v so_o hard_a to_o be_v understand_v i_o will_v therefore_o undertake_v to_o prove_v it_o by_o these_o two_o argument_n first_o from_o the_o general_a obligation_n upon_o christian_n to_o use_v all_o lawful_a mean_n for_o preserve_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n second_o from_o the_o particular_a force_n of_o that_o text_n philipp_n 3._o 16._o as_o far_o as_o you_o have_v already_o attain_v walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n etc._n etc._n first_o from_o the_o general_a obligation_n upon_o christian_n to_o use_v all_o lawful_a mean_n for_o preserve_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n 18._o if_o it_o be_v possible_a say_v st._n paul_n as_o much_o as_o lie_v in_o you_o live_v peaceable_o with_o all_o men._n now_o i_o ask_v if_o there_o be_v not_o as_o great_a a_o obligation_n at_o least_o upon_o christian_n to_o preserve_v peace_n in_o the_o church_n as_o with_o all_o man_n and_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o that_o as_o far_o as_o possible_a and_o as_o much_o as_o lie_v in_o they_o and_o be_v not_o that_o possible_a and_o lie_v in_o they_o to_o do_v which_o they_o acknowledge_v lawful_a to_o be_v do_v and_o can_v do_v at_o some_o time_n what_o admirable_a argument_n be_v there_o to_o peace_n and_o unity_n among_o christian_n what_o divine_a enforcement_n of_o they_o on_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n in_o the_o write_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o can_v these_o prevail_v with_o man_n to_o do_v that_o which_o they_o think_v in_o their_o conscience_n they_o may_v lawful_o do_v towards_o join_v in_o communion_n with_o we_o this_o i_o be_o persuade_v be_v one_o of_o the_o provoke_a sin_n of_o the_o nonconformist_n that_o they_o have_v be_v so_o backward_o in_o do_v what_o they_o be_v convince_v they_o may_v have_v do_v with_o a_o good_a conscience_n when_o they_o be_v earnest_o press_v to_o it_o by_o those_o in_o authority_n they_o refuse_v it_o and_o they_o have_v be_v more_o and_o more_o backward_o ever_o since_o till_o now_o they_o seem_v general_o resolve_v either_o to_o break_v all_o in_o piece_n or_o to_o persist_v in_o separation_n mr._n b._n indeed_o very_o honest_o move_v they_o 1663._o 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_n church_n in_o the_o liturgy_n and_o sacrament_n and_o bring_v many_o argument_n to_o prove_v it_o lawful_a and_o no_o one_o of_o the_o brethren_n seem_v to_o dissent_v but_o observe_v the_o answer_n mr._n a._n make_v to_o this_o 39_o i._n e._n say_v he_o they_o do_v not_o enter_v their_o several_a protestation_n nor_o formal_o declare_v against_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o brother_n like_o wise_a and_o wary_a person_n they_o will_v advise_v upon_o they_o and_o so_o they_o have_v be_v advise_v and_o consider_v ever_o since_o till_o with_o great_a wisdom_n and_o wariness_n they_o be_v drop_v into_o separation_n before_o they_o be_v aware_a of_o it_o and_o the_o mere_a necessity_n of_o defend_v their_o own_o practice_n make_v they_o espouse_v these_o principle_n such_o another_o meeting_n mr._n b._n say_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 here_o mr._n a._n charge_v i_o for_o be_v tardy_a ibid._n and_o wrong_v the_o relator_n by_o leave_v out_o the_o most_o considerable_a word_n of_o the_o sentence_n viz._n when_o it_o will_v not_o do_v more_o harm_n than_o good_a and_o upon_o this_o he_o expatiate_v about_o the_o way_n when_o it_o may_v do_v more_o harm_n than_o good_a whereas_o if_o the_o reader_n please_v to_o examine_v the_o place_n he_o will_v find_v i_o do_v consider_v the_o force_n of_o those_o word_n 240._o when_o i_o put_v it_o that_o they_o resolve_v it_o to_o be_v lawful_a in_o itself_o although_o some_o circumstance_n may_v hinder_v their_o present_a do_v it_o for_o they_o declare_v that_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o lawful_a and_o meet_a but_o the_o circumstance_n of_o that_o time_n do_v make_v they_o think_v it_o may_v do_v more_o harm_n than_o good_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v they_o delay_v for_o a_o fit_a opportunity_n which_o make_v it_o clear_a they_o be_v then_o resolve_v upon_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o that_o opportunity_n have_v never_o happen_v since_o and_o so_o they_o be_v now_o come_v to_o plead_v against_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o as_o mr._n a._n plain_o do_v by_o such_o reason_n as_o these_o communion_n with_o our_o church_n will_v then_o do_v more_o harm_n than_o good_a 1._o when_o such_o communion_n shall_v persuade_v the_o parish_n church_n that_o their_o frame_n be_v eligible_a and_o not_o only_o tolerable_a 40._o as_o though_o separation_n be_v more_o eligible_a than_o a_o communion_n that_o be_v lawful_a and_o tolerable_a and_o schism_n be_v not_o more_o intolerable_a than_o communion_n with_o a_o tolerable_a church_n what_o will_v not_o man_n say_v in_o defence_n of_o their_o own_o practice_n be_v ever_o schism_n make_v so_o light_a a_o matter_n of_o and_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o christian_n value_v at_o so_o low_a a_o rate_n that_o for_o the_o prevention_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o other_o a_o thing_n that_o be_v lawful_a may_v not_o be_v do_v if_o there_o be_v any_o danger_n that_o what_o be_v only_o tolerable_a shall_v be_v mistake_v for_o more_o eligible_a as_o if_o all_o the_o mischief_n of_o schism_n and_o division_n in_o the_o church_n be_v not_o fit_a to_o be_v put_v in_o the_o balance_n against_o such_o a_o horrible_a and_o monstrous_a inconvenience_n methinks_v it_o be_v better_a sometime_o to_o be_v wise_a and_o considerate_a than_o always_o thus_o subtle_a and_o witty_a against_o the_o common_a sense_n and_o reason_n of_o mankind_n 2._o when_o other_o shall_v thereby_o be_v think_v oblige_v to_o separate_v from_o pure_a church_n i._n e._n be_v draw_v off_o from_o their_o separation_n 3._o when_o it_o will_v harden_v the_o papist_n as_o though_o their_o division_n do_v not_o do_v it_o ten_o thousand_o time_n more_o 4._o when_o it_o shall_v notable_o prejudice_v the_o christian_a religion_n in_o general_n yes_o no_o doubt_n the_o cure_n of_o division_n will_v do_v so_o by_o these_o particular_n it_o appear_v that_o he_o think_v they_o not_o oblige_v to_o do_v what_o lawful_o they_o can_v do_v yet_o at_o last_o he_o say_v he_o tell_v we_o as_o much_o be_v do_v as_o their_o conscience_n will_v permit_v they_o say_v you_o so_o be_v it_o indeed_o come_v to_o this_o will_v none_o of_o your_o conscience_n now_o permit_v you_o either_o to_o come_v to_o the_o liturgy_n or_o to_o make_v use_n of_o any_o part_n of_o it_o in_o your_o own_o meeting_n how_o often_o have_v mr._n b._n tell_v the_o world_n that_o you_o stick_v not_o at_o set-form_n nor_o at_o the_o use_n of_o the_o liturgy_n provide_v some_o exceptionable_a passage_n be_v alter_v in_o it_o do_v not_o mr._n b._n declare_v at_o his_o meeting_n public_o in_o a_o write_n on_o purpose_n that_o they_o do_v not_o meet_v under_o any_o colour_n or_o pretence_n of_o any_o religious_a exercise_n in_o other_o manner_n than_o according_a to_o the_o liturgy_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o be_v he_o able_a he_o will_v according_o read_v himself_o be_v this_o observe_v in_o any_o one_o meet_v in_o london_n or_o through_o england_n then_o certain_o there_o be_v some_o who_o do_v not_o what_o they_o think_v they_o lawful_o may_v do_v towards_o communion_n with_o we_o and_o mr._n b._n say_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o late_a plea_n that_o they_o never_o make_v one_o motion_n for_o presbytery_n or_o against_o liturgy_n and_o these_o word_n be_v speak_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o whole_a party_n call_v presbyterian_o and_o since_o that_o mr._n b._n say_v they_o do_v come_v to_o a_o agreement_n wherein_o the_o constant_a use_n of_o the_o liturgy_n 64._o with_o some_o alteration_n be_v require_v and_o be_v we_o now_o tell_v that_o all_o that_o can_v lawful_o be_v do_v be_v do_v mr._n b._n indeed_o act_n agreeable_o to_o his_o principle_n in_o come_v to_o our_o liturgy_n but_o where_o be_v all_o the_o rest_n and_o which_o of_o they_o read_v what_o they_o think_v lawful_a at_o their_o own_o assembly_n do_v they_o not_o hereby_o discover_v that_o they_o be_v more_o afraid_a of_o lose_v their_o people_n who_o force_v they_o to_o comply_v with_o their_o humour_n than_o careful_a to_o do_v what_o they_o judge_v lawful_a towards_o communion_n with_o our_o church_n sect._n 17._o but_o whence_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o any_o who_o think_v
the_o alteration_n of_o establish_v law_n which_o concern_v the_o preservation_n of_o our_o church_n and_o religion_n one_o of_o the_o weighty_a thing_n that_o can_v be_v take_v into_o consideration_n and_o although_o the_o argument_n be_v very_o plausible_a one_o way_n yet_o the_o objection_n be_v very_o strong_a another_o the_o union_n of_o protestant_n the_o ease_n of_o scrupulous_a conscience_n the_o provide_v for_o so_o many_o poor_a family_n of_o eject_v minister_n be_v great_a motive_n on_o our_o side_n but_o 1._o the_o impossibility_n of_o satisfy_v all_o dissenter_n 2._o the_o uncertainty_n of_o gain_v any_o considerable_a number_n by_o relaxation_n 3._o the_o difficulty_n of_o keep_v faction_n out_o of_o the_o church_n consider_v the_o vngovernableness_n of_o some_o man_n temper_n and_o principle_n 4._o the_o danger_n of_o break_v all_o in_o piece_n by_o toleration_n 5._o the_o expose_v ourselves_o to_o the_o papist_n and_o other_o by_o recede_v too_o far_o from_o the_o 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or_o almost_o all_o christian_a church_n upon_o earth_n the_o thought_n of_o which_o he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o bear_v and_o although_o the_o new_a imposition_n he_o say_v make_v their_o ministerial_a conformity_n hard_o than_o former_o yet_o the_o people_n conformity_n be_v the_o same_o if_o not_o easy_o by_o some_o amendment_n of_o the_o liturgy_n as_o when_o separation_n be_v full_o confute_v by_o the_o old_a nonconformist_n 88_o and_o the_o most_o learned_a and_o worthy_a of_o they_o he_o say_v write_v more_o against_o separation_n than_o the_o conformist_n and_o the_o present_a nonconformist_n have_v not_o more_o wisdom_n learning_n or_o holiness_n than_o they_o but_o he_o say_v they_o do_v not_o only_o urge_v the_o people_n against_o separation_n but_o to_o come_v to_o the_o very_a beginning_n of_o the_o public_a worship_n prefer_v it_o before_o their_o private_a duty_n what_o ground_n be_v there_o now_o to_o make_v such_o a_o hideous_a outcry_a about_o a_o sermon_n which_o 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harrison_n his_o example_n be_v soon_o follow_v by_o other_o of_o his_o brethren_n who_o write_v the_o admonition_n to_o the_o follower_n of_o brown_n and_o the_o defence_n of_o that_o admonition_n when_o barrow_n and_o greenwood_n publish_v their_o four_o reason_n for_o separation_n three_o of_o which_o they_o take_v out_o of_o the_o admonition_n to_o the_o parliament_n viz._n unlawful_a ministry_n antichristian_a government_n and_o false_a worship_n gifford_n a_o nonconformist_a at_o maldon_n in_o essex_n undertake_v to_o answer_v they_o in_o several_a treatise_n and_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o these_o nonconformist_n charge_n the_o brownist_n with_o make_v a_o vile_a notorious_a and_o damnable_a schism_n because_o they_o withdraw_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o our_o church_n and_o set_v up_o new_a one_o of_o their_o own_o gifford_n not_o only_o call_v they_o schismatic_n preface_n but_o say_v they_o make_v a_o vile_a schism_n rend_v themselves_o from_o the_o church_n of_o 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state_v the_o question_n in_o the_o same_o preface_n for_o i_o show_v say_v he_o in_o express_a word_n that_o i_o do_v not_o meddle_v at_o all_o in_o these_o question_n whether_o there_o be_v corruption_n and_o fault_n in_o our_o church_n condemn_v by_o god_n word_n whether_o they_o be_v many_o or_o few_o whether_o they_o be_v small_a or_o great_a but_o only_o thus_o far_o whether_o they_o be_v such_o or_o so_o great_a as_o make_v our_o church_n antichristian_a preface_n barrow_n say_v that_o this_o gifford_n be_v one_o that_o join_v with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o faction_n in_o the_o petition_n to_o the_o parliament_n against_o the_o english_a hierarchy_n and_o it_o appear_v by_o several_a passage_n of_o his_o book_n that_o he_o be_v a_o nonconformist_a and_o he_o be_v join_v with_o cartwright_n hildersham_n brightman_n and_o other_o nonconformist_n by_o the_o prefacer_n to_o the_o desence_n of_o bradshaw_n against_o johnson_n 5._o and_o i_o find_v his_o name_n in_o one_o of_o the_o class_n in_o essex_n at_o that_o time_n the_o author_n of_o the_o second_o answer_n for_o communicate_v 1588._o who_o defend_v t._n cs._n letter_n to_o harrison_n brown_n colleague_n against_o separation_n prove_v join_v with_o the_o church_n a_o duty_n necessary_o enjoin_v he_o of_o god_n by_o his_o providence_n through_o his_o be_v and_o place_v in_o a_o particular_a church_n and_o just_o require_v of_o he_o by_o the_o church_n or_o spiritual_a body_n through_o that_o same_o enforce_a law_n of_o the_o coherence_n and_o be_v together_o of_o the_o part_n and_o member_n which_o be_v the_o express_a ordinance_n of_o god_n so_o that_o say_v he_o unless_o i_o hold_v the_o congregation_n whereof_o i_o be_o now_o disannul_v and_o become_v no_o church_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o not_o separate_v a_o unworthy_a member_n i_o can_v voluntary_o either_o absent_v myself_o from_o their_o assembly_n to_o holy_a exercise_n or_o yet_o depart_v away_o be_v come_v together_o without_o breach_n of_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n sunder_v the_o cement_n of_o love_n impair_n the_o growth_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o incur_v the_o guilt_n of_o schism_n and_o division_n 46._o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n he_o speak_v elsewhere_o 13._o richard_n bernard_n call_v it_o a_o uncharitable_a and_o lewd_a schism_n which_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o but_o i_o need_v not_o mention_v more_o particular_a author_n since_o in_o the_o grave_a confutation_n of_o the_o error_n of_o the_o separatist_n 57_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o nonconformist_n it_o be_v say_v that_o because_o we_o have_v a_o true_a church_n con●●ting_v of_o a_o lawful_a ministry_n and_o a_o faithful_a people_n therefore_o they_o can_v separate_v themselves_o from_o we_o but_o they_o must_v needs_o incur_v the_o most_o shameful_a and_o odious_a reproach_n of_o manifest_a schism_n 17._o and_o concern_v the_o state_n of_o the_o person_n who_o live_v in_o separation_n they_o say_v we_o hold_v they_o all_o to_o be_v in_o a_o dangerous_a estate_n we_o be_v loath_a to_o say_v in_o a_o damnable_a estate_n as_o long_o as_o they_o continue_v in_o this_o schism_n sect._n 9_o but_o for_o our_o far_a understanding_n the_o full_a state_n of_o this_o controversy_n we_o must_v consider_v what_o thing_n be_v agree_v on_o both_o side_n and_o where_o the_o main_a point_n of_o difference_n lay_v 1._o the_o separatist_n do_v yield_v the_o doctrine_n or_o faith_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n true_a and_o sound_a and_o a_o possibility_n of_o salvation_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o it_o in_o their_o apology_n present_v to_o king_n james_n 1604._o thus_o they_o speak_v we_o testify_v by_o these_o present_n unto_o all_o man_n and_o desire_v they_o to_o take_v knowledge_n hereof_o that_o we_o have_v not_o forsake_v any_o one_o point_n of_o the_o true_a ancient_n catholic_n and_o apostolic_a faith_n profess_v in_o our_o land_n but_o hold_v the_o same_o ground_n of_o christian_a religion_n with_o they_o still_o 1599_o and_o the_o publisher_n of_o the_o dispute_n about_o separation_n between_o johnson_n and_o jacob_n say_v that_o the_o first_o separatist_n never_o deny_v that_o the_o doctrine_n and_o profession_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v those_o that_o believe_v and_o obey_v they_o to_o be_v true_a christian_n and_o in_o the_o state_n of_o salvation_n but_o always_o hold_v profess_a and_o acknowledge_v the_o contrary_n 240._o barrow_n say_v that_o they_o commend_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o english_a martyr_n and_o deem_v they_o save_v notwithstanding_o the_o false_a office_n and_o great_a corruption_n in_o the_o worship_n exercise_v 92._o and_o in_o the_o letter_n to_o a_o lady_n a_o little_a before_o his_o death_n he_o say_v he_o have_v reverend_a estimation_n of_o sundry_a and_o good_a hope_n of_o many_o hundred_o thousand_o in_o england_n though_o he_o utter_o dislike_v the_o present_a constitution_n of_o this_o church_n in_o the_o present_a communion_n ministry_n worship_n government_n and_o ordinance_n ecclesiastical_a of_o these_o cathedral_n and_o parishional_a assembly_n 2._o the_o separatist_n grant_v 7._o that_o separation_n be_v not_o justifiable_a from_o a_o church_n for_o all_o blemish_n and_o corruption_n in_o it_o thus_o they_o express_v themselves_o in_o their_o apology_n neither_o count_v we_o it_o lawful_a for_o any_o member_n to_o forsake_v the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n for_o blemish_n and_o imperfection_n which_o every_o one_o according_a to_o his_o call_v shall_v studious_o seek_v to_o cure_v and_o to_o expect_v and_o further_o it_o until_o either_o there_o follow_v redress_n or_o the_o disease_n be_v grow_v incurable_a and_o in_o the_o 36_o article_n of_o the_o confession_n of_o their_o faith_n write_v by_o johnson_n and_o ainsworth_n they_o have_v these_o word_n none_o be_v to_o separate_v from_o a_o church_n right_o gather_v and_o establish_v for_o fault_n and_o corruption_n which_o may_v and_o so_o
we_o from_o whence_o there_o be_v these_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v by_o we_o which_o may_v be_v of_o some_o use_n in_o our_o follow_a discourse_n 1._o that_o all_o the_o old_a nonconformist_n do_v think_v themselves_o bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o communicate_v with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o do_v look_v upon_o separation_n from_o it_o to_o be_v sin_n notwithstanding_o the_o corruption_n they_o suppose_v to_o be_v in_o it_o this_o i_o have_v prove_v with_o so_o great_a evidence_n in_o the_o forego_v discourse_n that_o those_o who_o deny_v it_o may_v with_o the_o help_n of_o the_o same_o metaphysic_n deny_v that_o the_o sun_n shine_v 2._o that_o all_o man_n be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n towards_o preserve_v the_o union_n of_o the_o church_n to_o go_v as_o far_o as_o they_o be_v able_a this_o be_v not_o only_o assert_v by_o the_o nonformists_a but_o by_o the_o most_o rigid_a separatist_n of_o former_a time_n and_o by_o the_o dissent_v brethren_n themselves_o so_o that_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o separation_n where_o communion_n be_v lawful_a and_o think_v so_o to_o be_v by_o the_o person_n who_o separate_a be_v one_o of_o the_o new_a invention_n of_o this_o age_n but_o what_o new_a reason_n they_o have_v for_o it_o beside_o noise_n and_o clamour_n i_o be_o yet_o to_o seek_v 3._o that_o bare_a scruple_n of_o conscience_n do_v not_o justify_v separation_n although_o it_o may_v excuse_v non-communion_n in_o the_o particular_n which_o be_v scruple_v provide_v that_o they_o have_v use_v the_o best_a mean_n for_o a_o right_a information_n 4._o that_o where_o occasional_a communion_n be_v lawful_a constant_a communion_n be_v a_o duty_n which_o follow_v from_o the_o divine_n of_o the_o assembly_n blame_v the_o dissent_v brethren_n for_o allow_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o occasional_a communion_n with_o our_o church_n and_o yet_o forbear_v ordinary_a communion_n with_o they_o for_o say_v they_o to_o separate_v from_o those_o church_n ordinary_o and_o visible_o with_o who_o occasional_o you_o may_v join_v seem_v to_o be_v a_o most_o unjust_a separation_n 5._o that_o withdraw_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o a_o true_a church_n and_o set_v up_o congregation_n for_o pure_a worship_n or_o under_o another_o rule_n be_v plain_a and_o downright_a separation_n as_o be_v most_o evident_a from_o the_o answer_n of_o the_o divine_n of_o the_o assembly_n to_o the_o dissent_v brethren_n sect._n 16._o from_o all_o this_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o present_a practice_n of_o separation_n can_v never_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o old_a nonconformist_n principle_n nor_o by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n the_o former_a be_v clear_a from_o undeniable_a evidence_n and_o the_o latter_a be_v in_o effect_n confess_v by_o all_o my_o adversary_n 50._o for_o although_o they_o endeavour_v all_o they_o can_v to_o blind_v the_o reader_n judgement_n with_o find_v out_o the_o disparity_n of_o some_o circumstance_n which_o be_v never_o deny_v yet_o not_o one_o of_o they_o can_v deny_v that_o it_o be_v their_o judgement_n that_o the_o hold_v of_o separate_a congregation_n for_o worship_n where_o there_o be_v a_o agreement_n in_o doctrine_n and_o the_o substantial_o of_o religion_n be_v unlawful_a and_o schismatical_a and_o this_o be_v the_o point_n for_o which_o i_o produce_v their_o testimony_n in_o my_o sermon_n and_o it_o still_o stand_v good_a against_o they_o for_o their_o resolution_n of_o the_o case_n do_v not_o depend_v upon_o the_o particular_a circumstance_n of_o that_o time_n but_o upon_o general_a reason_n draw_v from_o the_o obligation_n to_o preserve_v unity_n in_o church_n which_o must_v have_v equal_a force_n at_o all_o time_n although_o there_o happen_v a_o great_a variety_n as_o to_o some_o circumstance_n for_o whether_o the_o great_a purity_n of_o worship_n be_v plead_v as_o to_o one_o circumstance_n or_o another_o the_o general_a case_n as_o to_o separation_n be_v the_o same_o whether_o the_o scruple_n do_v relate_v to_o some_o ceremony_n require_v or_o to_o other_o imposition_n as_o to_o order_n and_o discipline_n if_o they_o be_v such_o as_o they_o pretend_v to_o a_o necessity_n of_o separation_n on_o their_o account_n it_o come_v at_o last_o to_o the_o same_o point_n be_v it_o unlawful_a to_o desire_v a_o liberty_n of_o separate_a congregation_n as_o the_o dissent_v brethren_n do_v because_o of_o some_o scruple_n of_o conscience_n in_o they_o and_o be_v it_o not_o equal_o unlawful_a in_o other_o who_o have_v no_o more_o but_o scruple_n of_o conscience_n to_o plead_v although_o they_o relate_v to_o different_a thing_n i_o will_v put_v this_o case_n as_o plain_a as_o possible_a to_o prevent_v all_o subterfuge_n and_o slight_a evasion_n suppose_v five_o dissent_v brethren_n now_o shall_v plead_v the_o necessity_n of_o have_v separate_a congregation_n on_o the_o account_n of_o very_o different_a scruple_n of_o conscience_n one_o of_o they_o plead_v that_o his_o company_n scruple_n the_o use_n of_o a_o impose_v liturgy_n another_o say_v his_o people_n do_v not_o scruple_n that_o but_o they_o can_v bear_v the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n or_o kneel_v at_o the_o communion_n a_o three_o say_v if_o all_o these_o be_v away_o yet_o if_o their_o church_n be_v not_o right_o gather_v and_o constitute_v as_o to_o matter_n and_o form_n they_o must_v have_v a_o congregation_n of_o their_o own_o a_o four_o go_v yet_o far_o and_o say_v let_v their_o congregation_n be_v constitute_v how_o it_o will_v if_o they_o allow_v infant-baptism_n they_o can_v never_o join_v with_o they_o nor_o say_v a_o five_o can_v we_o as_o long_o as_o you_o allow_v preach_v by_o set_a form_n and_o your_o minister_n stint_v themselves_o by_o hour-glass_n and_o such_o like_a human_a invention_n here_o be_v now_o very_o different_a scruple_n of_o conscience_n but_o do_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o case_n vary_v according_a to_o the_o bare_a difference_n of_o the_o scruple_n one_o congregation_n scruple_n any_o kind_n of_o order_n as_o a_o unreasonable_a imposition_n and_o restraint_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v separation_n on_o that_o account_n lawful_a no_o say_v all_o other_o party_n against_o the_o quaker_n because_o their_o scruple_n be_v unreasonable_a but_o be_v it_o lawful_a for_o a_o congregation_n to_o separate_v on_o the_o account_n of_o infant-baptism_n no_o say_v the_o presbyterian_o and_o independent_o that_o be_v a_o unreasonable_a scruple_n be_v it_o lawful_a for_o man_n to_o separate_a to_o have_v great_a purity_n in_o the_o frame_n and_o order_n of_o church_n although_o they_o may_v occasional_o join_v in_o the_o duty_n of_o worship_n no_o say_v the_o presbyterian_o this_o make_v way_n for_o all_o manner_n of_o schism_n and_o division_n if_o mere_a scruple_n of_o conscience_n be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o separation_n and_o if_o they_o can_v join_v occasional_o with_o we_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v it_o constant_o or_o else_o the_o obligation_n to_o peace_n and_o unity_n in_o the_o church_n signify_v little_a no_o man_n erroneous_a conscience_n can_v excuse_v he_o from_o schism_n if_o they_o allege_v ground_n to_o justify_v themselves_o they_o must_v be_v such_o as_o can_v do_v it_o ex_fw-la naturâ_fw-la rei_fw-la and_o not_o from_o the_o mere_a error_n or_o mistake_n of_o conscience_n but_o at_o last_o the_o presbyterian_o themselves_o come_v to_o be_v require_v to_o join_v with_o their_o company_n in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o if_o they_o do_v not_o either_o they_o must_v desire_v a_o separate_a congregation_n on_o the_o account_n of_o their_o scruple_n as_o to_o the_o ceremony_n and_o then_o the_o former_a argument_n unavoidable_o return_v upon_o they_o for_o the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v as_o much_o occasion_n to_o account_v those_o scruple_n unreasonable_a as_o they_o do_v those_o of_o the_o independent_o anabaptist_n and_o quaker_n or_o else_o they_o declare_v they_o can_v join_v occasional_o in_o communion_n with_o our_o church_n but_o yet_o hold_v it_o lawful_a to_o have_v separate_a congregation_n for_o great_a purity_n of_o worship_n and_o then_o the_o obligation_n to_o peace_n and_o unity_n ought_v to_o have_v as_o much_o force_n on_o they_o with_o respect_n to_o our_o church_n as_o ever_o they_o think_v it_o ought_v to_o have_v on_o the_o dissent_v brethren_n with_o respect_n to_o themselves_o for_o no_o disparity_n as_o to_o other_o circumstance_n can_v alter_v the_o nature_n of_o this_o case_n viz._n that_o as_o far_o as_o man_n judge_v communion_n lawful_a it_o become_v a_o duty_n and_o separation_n a_o sin_n under_o what_o denomination_n soever_o the_o person_n pass_v for_o the_o fault_n do_v not_o lie_v in_o the_o circumstance_n but_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o act_n because_o then_o separation_n appear_v most_o unreasonable_a when_o occasional_a communion_n be_v confess_v to_o be_v lawful_a as_o will_v full_o appear_v by_o the_o follow_a discourse_n those_o man_n therefore_o speak_v most_o
to_o set_v up_o for_o a_o critic_n upon_o the_o credit_n of_o it_o it_o be_v pity_n therefore_o it_o shall_v pass_v without_o some_o consideration_n 7._o but_o i_o pass_v by_o the_o childish_a trifling_n about_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o canon_n viz._n that_o be_v not_o take_v in_o a_o military_a notion_n because_o great_a gun_n be_v not_o then_o invent_v that_o it_o be_v a_o ecclesiastical_a canon_n mount_v upon_o a_o platform_n of_o moderation_n which_o be_v thing_n fit_v only_o for_o boy_n in_o the_o school_n unless_o perhaps_o they_o may_v have_v be_v design_v for_o a_o artillery-sermon_n on_o this_o text_n but_o however_o methinks_v they_o come_v not_o in_o very_o suitable_o in_o a_o weighty_a and_o serious_a debate_n i_o come_v therefore_o to_o examine_v the_o new-light_n that_o be_v give_v to_o this_o controvert_v text._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o observe_v from_o grotius_n be_v leave_v out_o in_o one_o ms_n it_o may_v be_v the_o alexandrian_a but_o what_o be_v one_o ms._n to_o the_o general_a consent_n of_o greek_a copy_n not_o only_o the_o modern_a but_o those_o which_o st._n chrysostom_n theodoret_n photius_n oecumenius_n and_o theophylact_v have_v who_o all_o keep_v it_o in_o but_o suppose_v it_o be_v leave_v out_o the_o sense_n be_v the_o very_a same_o to_o my_o purpose_n no_o say_v he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o must_v be_v refer_v to_o the_o antecedent_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o what_o then_o then_o say_v he_o the_o sense_n be_v what_o we_o have_v attain_v let_v we_o walk_v up_o to_o the_o same_o which_o come_v to_o no_o more_o than_o this_o unto_o whatsoever_o measure_n or_o degree_n of_o knowledge_n we_o have_v reach_v let_v we_o walk_v suitable_o to_o it_o but_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o here_o speak_v of_o the_o improvement_n of_o knowledge_n but_o of_o the_o union_n and_o conjunction_n of_o christian_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o next_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o mind_v the_o same_o thing_n no_o such_o matter_n say_v mr._n a._n that_o phrase_n imply_v no_o more_o than_o to_o mind_v that_o thing_n or_o that_o very_a thing_n viz._n vers._n 14._o press_v towards_o the_o mark_n but_o if_o he_o have_v please_v to_o have_v read_v on_o but_o to_o phil_n 4._o 2._o he_o will_v have_v find_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o signify_v unanimity_n and_o st._n paul_n 1_o cor._n 12_o 25_o oppose_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o there_o be_v no_o schism_n in_o the_o body_n but_o that_o all_o the_o member_n shall_v take_v care_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d one_o for_o another_o and_o therefore_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d mind_v the_o same_o thing_n be_v very_o apt_o use_v against_o schism_n and_o division_n i_o shall_v think_v st._n chrysostom_n theodoret_n and_o theophylact_fw-mi all_o understand_v the_o importance_n of_o a_o greek_a phrase_n as_o well_o as_o our_o author_n and_o they_o all_o make_v no_o scruple_n of_o interpret_n it_o of_o the_o peace_n and_o concord_n of_o christian_n although_o st._n augustin_n do_v not_o understand_v much_o greek_a yet_o he_o know_v the_o general_a sense_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n about_o this_o place_n and_o he_o particular_o apply_v it_o to_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n 5._o in_o st._n cyprian_n case_n by_o this_o taste_n let_v any_o man_n judge_n of_o the_o depth_n of_o that_o man_n learning_n or_o rather_o the_o height_n of_o his_o confidence_n who_o dare_v to_o tell_v the_o world_n that_o the_o universal_a current_n and_o stream_n of_o all_o expositor_n be_v against_o my_o sense_n of_o this_o text._n and_o for_o this_o universal_a stream_n and_o current_n beside_o grotius_n who_o speak_v exact_o to_o the_o same_o sense_n with_o i_o viz._n that_o those_o who_o differ_v about_o the_o legal_a ceremony_n shall_v join_v with_o other_o christian_n in_o what_o they_o agree_v to_o be_v divine_a he_o mention_n only_a tirinus_n and_o zanchy_a and_o then_o cry_v in_o a_o word_n they_o all_o conspire_v against_o my_o interpretation_n if_o he_o be_v no_o better_o at_o poll_n nonconformist_n than_a expositor_n he_o will_v have_v no_o such_o reason_n to_o boast_v of_o his_o number_n have_v it_o not_o be_v fair_a deal_n in_o one_o word_n to_o have_v refer_v we_o to_o mr._n pool_n synopsis_n for_o if_o he_o have_v look_v into_o zanchy_a himself_o he_o will_v have_v find_v how_o he_o apply_v it_o sharp_o against_o dissension_n in_o the_o church_n mr._n b._n say_v 〈…〉_z that_o the_o text_n speak_v for_o unity_n and_o concord_n be_v past_a question_n and_o that_o to_o all_o christian_n though_o of_o different_a attainment_n and_o therefore_o require_v all_o to_o live_v in_o concord_n that_o be_v christian_n notwithstanding_o other_o difference_n and_o if_o he_o will_v but_o allow_v that_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o rule_n man_n be_v bind_v to_o do_v all_o thing_n lawful_a for_o preserve_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n we_o have_v no_o far_a difference_n about_o this_o matter_n for_o then_o i_o be_o sure_a it_o will_v follow_v that_o if_o occasional_a communion_n be_v lawful_a constant_a communion_n will_v be_v a_o duty_n and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o first_o sort_n of_o dissenter_n who_o allow_v some_o kind_n of_o communion_n with_o our_o church_n to_o be_v lawful_a sect._n 21._o ii_o i_o come_v now_o to_o consider_v the_o charge_n of_o schism_n or_o sinful_a separation_n against_o those_o who_o though_o they_o agree_v with_o we_o in_o the_o substantial_o of_o religion_n yet_o deny_v any_o communion_n with_o our_o church_n to_o be_v lawful_a i_o do_v not_o speak_v of_o any_o improper_a 〈…〉_z communion_n 14._o which_o dr._n o._n call_v comm●●●●_n faith_n and_o love_n this_o they_o do_v allow_v to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n but_o no_o otherwise_o than_o as_o they_o believe_v we_o to_o be_v orthodox_n christian_n yet_o he_o seem_v to_o go_v far_o as_o to_o some_o at_o least_o of_o our_o parochial_a church_n that_o they_o be_v true_a church_n but_o in_o what_o sense_n be_v they_o church_n right_o constitute_v with_o who_o they_o may_v join_v in_o communion_n as_o member_n no_o that_o he_o do_v not_o say_v but_o his_o meaning_n be_v that_o they_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o any_o such_o heinous_a error_n in_o doctrine_n or_o idolatrous_a practice_n in_o worship_n as_o shall_v utter_o deprive_v they_o of_o the_o be_v and_o nature_n of_o church_n and_o do_v this_o kindness_n only_o belong_v to_o some_o of_o our_o parochial_a church_n i_o have_v think_v every_o parochial_a church_n be_v true_a or_o false_a according_a to_o its_o frame_n and_o constitution_n which_o among_o we_o suppose_v the_o own_n the_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n receive_v and_o practise_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o it_o be_v establish_v by_o law_n and_o if_o no_o such_o error_n in_o doctrine_n nor_o idolatrous_a prace_n be_v allow_v by_o the_o church_n of_o england_n than_o every_o parochial_a church_n which_o be_v constitute_v according_a to_o it_o be_v a_o true_a church_n but_o all_o this_o amount_n to_o no_o more_o than_o what_o they_o call_v a_o metaphysical_a truth_n for_o he_o do_v not_o mean_a that_o they_o be_v church_n with_o which_o they_o may_v lawful_o have_v communion_n and_o he_o plead_v for_o the_o necessity_n of_o have_v separate_a congregation_n from_o the_o necessity_n of_o separate_n from_o our_o communion_n although_o the_o time_n be_v when_o the_o bare_a want_n of_o a_o right_a constitution_n of_o church_n be_v think_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o set_v up_o new_a church_n or_o for_o withdraw_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o a_o parochial_a church_n and_o i_o do_v not_o think_v the_o dr._n be_v of_o another_o mind_n now_o but_o however_o i_o shall_v take_v thing_n as_o i_o find_v they_o and_o he_o insist_o on_o as_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o necessity_n of_o separation_n the_o thing_n enjoin_v by_o the_o law_n be_v of_o the_o land_n or_o by_o the_o canon_n and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n as_o sign_v children_n baptise_a with_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n kneel_v at_o the_o communion_n observation_n of_o holiday_n constant_a use_n of_o the_o liturgy_n renounce_v other_o assembly_n and_o the_o people_n right_a in_o choice_n of_o their_o own_o pastor_n neglect_v of_o the_o duty_n of_o church-member_n submit_v to_o a_o ecclesiastical_a rule_n and_o discipline_n which_o not_o one_o of_o a_o thousand_o can_v apprehend_v to_o have_v any_o thing_n in_o it_o of_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n or_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n this_o be_v the_o short_a account_n of_o the_o reason_n of_o separation_n from_o our_o church_n communion_n that_o which_o i_o be_o now_o to_o inquire_v into_o be_v whether_o such_o reason_n as_o these_o be_v sufficient_a ground_n for_o
ceremony_n of_o the_o law_n as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o to_o propagate_v this_o opinion_n of_o they_o they_o go_v up_o and_o down_o and_o endeavour_v to_o draw_v away_o the_o apostle_n disciple_n and_o to_o set_v up_o separate_a church_n among_o the_o christian_n and_o to_o allow_v none_o to_o partake_v with_o they_o that_o do_v not_o own_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o jewish_a ceremomony_n to_o salvation_n now_o although_o st._n paul_n himself_o comply_v sometime_o with_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o and_o the_o jewish_a christian_n especial_o in_o judaea_n general_o observe_v they_o yet_o when_o these_o false_a apostle_n come_v to_o enforce_v the_o observation_n of_o they_o as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n than_o he_o bid_v the_o christian_n at_o philippi_n to_o beware_v of_o they_o 3_o i._n e._n to_o fly_v their_o communion_n and_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o they_o these_o be_v all_o the_o case_n i_o can_v find_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n wherein_o separation_n from_o public_a communion_n be_v allow_v but_o there_o be_v two_o other_o wherein_o s._n paul_n give_v particular_a direction_n but_o such_o as_o do_v not_o amount_v to_o separation_n 1._o the_o different_a opinion_n they_o have_v about_o meat_n and_o drink_n 2_o some_o be_v for_o a_o pythagorean_n abstinence_n from_o all_o flesh_n some_o for_o a_o jewish_a abstinence_n from_o some_o certain_a sort_n other_o for_o a_o full_a christian_a liberty_n now_o this_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o diet_n and_o relate_v to_o their_o own_o family_n the_o apostle_n advise_v they_o not_o to_o censure_v or_o judge_v one_o another_o but_o notwithstanding_o this_o difference_n to_o join_v together_o as_o christian_n in_o the_o duty_n common_a to_o they_o all_o for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n do_v not_o lie_v in_o meat_n and_o drink_n 〈…〉_z i_o e._n let_v every_o one_o order_n his_o family_n as_o he_o think_v fit_a but_o that_o require_v innocency_n and_o a_o care_n not_o to_o give_v disturbance_n to_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n for_o these_o matter_n which_o he_o call_v peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v provoke_v and_o grieve_v by_o the_o dissension_n of_o christian_n and_o he_o say_v he_o that_o in_o these_o thing_n serve_v christ_n 18_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o approve_v of_o men._n let_v we_o therefore_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 we_o may_v edify_v one_o another_o in_o such_o case_n then_o the_o apostle_n allow_v no_o separation_n from_o the_o public_a communion_n of_o christian_n it_o be_v the_o same_o case_n as_o to_o the_o observation_n of_o day_n then_o for_o some_o christian_n go_v then_o on_o jewish_a holiday_n to_o the_o synagogue_n other_o do_v not_o but_o for_o such_o thing_n they_o ought_v not_o to_o divide_v from_o each_o other_o communion_n in_o the_o common_a act_n of_o christian_a worship_n and_o the_o design_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o to_o lay_v down_o a_o stand_a rule_n of_o mutual_a forbearance_n as_o to_o different_a communion_n but_o to_o show_v that_o such_o difference_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v a_o occasion_n of_o break_v communion_n among_o christian_n and_o so_o the_o apostle_n discourse_n rom._n 14._o hold_v strong_o against_o separation_n on_o these_o and_o the_o like_a account_n 2._o the_o corrupt_a life_n of_o many_o who_o be_v not_o under_o church_n censure_n when_o st._n paul_n tax_v so_o many_o corruption_n in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n no_o wonder_n if_o some_o of_o they_o put_v the_o case_n to_o they_o what_o they_o shall_v do_v in_o case_n they_o know_v some_o member_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v man_n of_o bad_a life_n although_o the_o offence_n be_v not_o scandalous_a by_o be_v public_o know_v must_v they_o abstain_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n for_o these_o 11._o to_o this_o st._n paul_n answer_v that_o every_o private_a christian_n ought_v to_o forbear_v all_o familiar_a conversation_n with_o such_o if_o any_o one_o that_o be_v a_o brother_n be_v a_o fornicator_n etc._n etc._n with_o such_o a_o one_o no_o not_o to_o eat_v which_o be_v all_o the_o apostle_n require_v of_o private_a christian_n but_o if_o the_o scandal_n be_v public_a as_o that_o of_o the_o incestuous_a persou_fw-mi the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o vindicate_v its_o own_o honour_n by_o cast_v such_o out_o not_o as_o though_o the_o church_n communion_n be_v defile_v 13_o if_o they_o continue_v in_o but_o the_o reputation_n and_o honour_n of_o the_o church_n suffer_v by_o it_o the_o preservation_n whereof_o be_v the_o true_a cause_n of_o the_o church_n discipline_n but_o the_o apostle_n give_v not_o the_o least_o countenance_n to_o private_a man_n withdraw_a from_o the_o church_n communion_n though_o such_o person_n still_o continue_v in_o it_o for_o there_o may_v be_v many_o reason_n to_o break_v off_o private_a familiarity_n which_o will_v not_o hold_v as_o to_o public_a communion_n for_o our_o communion_n in_o public_a be_v a_o thing_n which_o chief_o respect_v god_n and_o a_o necessary_a duty_n of_o his_o own_o appoint_v the_o benefit_n whereof_o depend_v upon_o his_o promise_n and_o all_o the_o communion_n they_o have_v with_o other_o man_n be_v only_o join_v together_o for_o the_o performance_n of_o a_o common_a religious_a duty_n but_o private_a familiarity_n be_v a_o thing_n which_o whole_o respect_v the_o person_n converse_v with_o and_o a_o thing_n of_o mere_a choice_n and_o hardly_o to_o be_v imagine_v without_o approbation_n at_o jest_n if_o not_o imitation_n of_o their_o wickedness_n and_o therefore_o to_o argue_v from_o one_o to_o the_o other_o be_v very_o unreasonable_a the_o matter_n of_o separation_n be_v th●s_v state_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n there_o can_v be_v no_o way_n le●t_v to_o justify_v the_o separation_n from_o our_o church_n but_o to_o prove_v either_o that_o our_o worship_n be_v idolatrous_a or_o that_o our_o doctrine_n be_v false_a or_o that_o our_o ceremony_n be_v make_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n which_o be_v all_o so_o remote_a from_o any_o colour_n of_o truth_n that_o none_o of_o my_o adversary_n have_v yet_o have_v the_o hardiness_n to_o undertake_v it_o but_o however_o what_o plea_n they_o do_v bring_v to_o justify_v this_o separation_n must_v in_o the_o next_o place_n be_v examine_v part_n iii_o the_o plea_n for_o separation_n examine_v sect._n 1_o all_o the_o considerable_a plea_n at_o this_o time_n make_v use_v of_o for_o separation_n may_v be_v reduce_v to_o these_o head_n 1._o such_o as_o relate_v to_o the_o constitution_n of_o our_o church_n 2._o to_o the_o term_n of_o communion_n with_o it_o 3._o to_o the_o conscience_n of_o dissenter_n 4._o to_o the_o parity_n of_o reason_n as_o to_o our_o separation_n from_o rome_n 1._o such_o as_o relate_v to_o the_o constitution_n of_o our_o church_n which_o be_v these_o 1._o that_o our_o parochial_a church_n be_v not_o of_o christ_n institution_n 2._o that_o our_o diocesan_n church_n be_v unlawful_a 3._o that_o our_o national_a church_n have_v no_o foundation_n 4._o that_o the_o people_n be_v deprive_v of_o their_o right_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o their_o pastor_n 1._o i_o begin_v with_o our_o parochial_a church_n because_o it_o be_v separation_n from_o these_o with_o which_o we_o principal_o charge_v our_o adversary_n for_o herein_o they_o most_o discover_v their_o principle_n of_o separation_n since_o in_o former_a time_n the_o nonconformist_n thought_n it_o their_o duty_n to_o keep_v up_o communion_n with_o they_o but_o since_o the_o congregational_a way_n have_v prevail_v in_o england_n the_o present_a dissenter_n be_v general_o fall_v into_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o whatever_o their_o principle_n be_v at_o least_o so_o far_o as_o concern_v forsake_v communion_n with_o our_o parochial_a church_n and_o join_v together_o in_o separate_a congregation_n for_o divine_a worship_n this_o principle_n be_v therefore_o the_o first_o thing_n to_o be_v examine_v and_o the_o main_a foundation_n of_o that_o way_n i_o say_v be_v that_o 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 which_o be_v only_o particular_a and_o congregational_a church_n concern_v which_o i_o lay_v down_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o suppose_v congregational_a church_n to_o be_v of_o christ_n institution_n this_o be_v no_o reason_n for_o separation_n from_o our_o parochial_a church_n which_o have_v all_o the_o essential_o of_o such_o true_a church_n in_o they_o 2._o that_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o institution_n of_o church_n be_v limit_v to_o particular_a congregation_n in_o answer_n to_o this_o dr._n o._n say_v these_o thing_n 1._o that_o they_o do_v not_o deny_v at_o least_o some_o of_o our_o parochial_a church_n to_o be_v true_a church_n but_o why_o then_o do_v they_o deny_v communion_n with_o they_o but_o he_o say_v
and_o council_n of_o old_a time_n do_v usual_o style_v bishop_n the_o successor_n of_o the_o apostle_n without_o ever_o scruple_v thereat_o many_o other_o passage_n may_v be_v produce_v out_o of_o those_o excellent_a paper_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n but_o these_o be_v sufficient_a to_o discover_v that_o our_o bishop_n be_v look_v on_o as_o successor_n to_o the_o apostle_n and_o therefore_o mr._n baxter_n have_v no_o reason_n to_o call_v our_o episcopacy_n a_o new_a devise_v species_n of_o church_n and_o such_o as_o destroy_v the_o be_v of_o parochial_a church_n sect._n 14._o 3._o it_o now_o remain_v that_o we_o consider_v whether_o the_o restraint_n of_o discipline_n in_o our_o parochial_a church_n do_v overthrow_v their_o constitution_n to_o make_v this_o clear_a we_o must_v understand_v that_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n either_o respect_v the_o admission_n of_o church-member_n to_o the_o holy_a communion_n or_o the_o cast_n of_o they_o out_o for_o scandal_n afterward_o 1._o as_o to_o that_o part_n of_o discipline_n which_o respect_v the_o admission_n of_o church-member_n the_o rubric_n after_o confirmation_n say_v that_o none_o shall_v be_v admit_v to_o the_o holy_a communion_n until_o such_o time_n as_o he_o be_v confirm_v or_o be_v ready_a and_o desirous_a to_o be_v confirm_v now_o to_o capacitate_v a_o person_n for_o confirmation_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o necessary_a point_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o practice_n as_o they_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o creed_n the_o lord_n prayer_n the_o ten_o commandment_n and_o the_o church_n catechism_n and_o of_o his_o sufficiency_n herein_o the_o parochial_a minister_n be_v the_o judge_n for_o he_o be_v either_o to_o bring_v or_o send_v in_o writing_n with_o his_o hand_n subscribe_v thereunto_o the_o name_n of_o all_o such_o person_n within_o his_o parish_n as_o he_o shall_v think_v fit_a to_o be_v present_v to_o the_o bishop_n to_o be_v confirm_v now_o if_o this_o be_v strict_o observe_v and_o the_o church_n be_v not_o responsible_a for_o man_n neglect_n be_v it_o not_o sufficient_a for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o man_n as_o to_o the_o admission_n of_o church-member_n to_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o i_o do_v not_o see_v but_o the_o objection_n make_v against_o the_o discipline_n of_o this_o church_n may_v be_v remove_v if_o the_o thing_n allow_v and_o require_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o it_o be_v due_o practise_v and_o may_v attain_v to_o as_o great_a purity_n as_o be_v ever_o pretend_a to_o by_o the_o separate_a congregation_n who_o now_o find_v so_o much_o fault_n for_o our_o want_n of_o discipline_n for_o even_o the_o church_n of_o new-england_n do_v grant_v 1662._o that_o the_o infant_n seed_n of_o confederate_a visible_a believer_n be_v member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n with_o their_o parent_n and_o when_o grow_v up_o be_v personal_o under_o the_o watch_n discipline_n and_o government_n of_o that_o church_n and_o that_o infant_n baptize_v have_v a_o right_n to_o further_a privilege_n if_o they_o appear_v qualify_v for_o they_o and_o the_o main_a of_o these_o qualification_n be_v understand_v the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o public_o profess_v their_o assent_n thereto_o not_o scandalous_a in_o life_n and_o solemn_o own_v the_o covenant_n before_o the_o church_n take_v this_o for_o the_o baptismal_a covenant_n and_o not_o their_o church_n covenant_n our_o church_n own_v the_o same_o thing_n only_o it_o be_v to_o be_v do_v before_o the_o bishop_n instead_o of_o their_o congregation_n but_o the_o minister_n be_v to_o be_v judge_n of_o the_o qualification_n 20._o which_o mr._n baxter_n himself_o allow_v in_o this_o case_n who_o grant_v the_o profession_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v a_o condition_n of_o right_n before_o the_o church_n and_o then_o add_v that_o such_o profession_n be_v to_o be_v try_v 52._o judge_v and_o approve_v by_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n to_o who_o office_n it_o belong_v because_o to_o minister_n as_o such_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v commit_v and_o they_o be_v the_o steward_n of_o god_n house_n etc._n etc._n which_o he_o there_o prove_v at_o large_a by_o many_o argument_n 155._o but_o he_o complain_v of_o the_o old_a careless_a practice_n of_o this_o excellent_a duty_n of_o confirmation_n this_o be_v a_o thing_n indeed_o to_o be_v lament_v that_o it_o be_v too_o hasty_o and_o cursory_o perform_v but_o let_v the_o fault_n then_o be_v lay_v where_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v lay_v not_o upon_o the_o church_n who_o rule_n be_v very_o good_a but_o upon_o those_o person_n in_o it_o who_o slubber_v over_o so_o important_a a_o duty_n but_o be_v it_o not_o more_o become_v christian_n in_o a_o peaceable_a and_o orderly_a manner_n to_o endeavour_v to_o retrieve_v so_o excellent_a a_o mean_n for_o the_o reformation_n of_o our_o parochial_a church_n than_o peevish_o to_o complain_v of_o the_o want_n of_o discipline_n and_o to_o reject_v communion_n with_o our_o church_n on_o that_o account_n and_o i_o shall_v desire_v mr._n baxter_n to_o consider_v his_o own_o word_n that_o the_o practice_n of_o so_o much_o discipline_n 172._o as_o we_o be_v agree_v in_o be_v a_o likely_a way_n to_o bring_v we_o to_o agreement_n in_o the_o rest_n than_o all_o our_o dispute_n will_v do_v without_o it_o yea_o mr._n baxter_n grant_v that_o the_o presbyter_n of_o our_o church_n have_v by_o the_o rubric_n the_o trial_n and_o approbation_n of_o those_o that_o be_v send_v to_o the_o bishop_n for_o confirmation_n and_o that_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 262._o be_v for_o the_o power_n of_o presbyter_n herein_o as_o far_o as_o they_o can_v desire_v this_o be_v a_o very_a fair_a confession_n and_o sufficient_a to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o our_o diocesan_n episcopacy_n do_v not_o overthrow_v the_o power_n of_o presbyter_n as_o to_o this_o part_n of_o discipline_n which_o concern_v admission_n of_o church-member_n to_o the_o communion_n sect._n 15._o 2._o as_o to_o that_o part_n of_o church_n discipline_n which_o respect_v the_o reject_v those_o for_o scandal_n who_o have_v be_v church-member_n in_o case_n of_o open_a and_o public_a scandal_n communion_n our_o church_n do_v allow_v if_o not_o require_v the_o parochial_a minister_n to_o call_v and_o advertise_v such_o a_o one_o that_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o in_o any_o wise_a not_o to_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n until_o he_o have_v open_o declare_v himself_o to_o have_v true_o repent_v and_o amend_v his_o former_a naughty_a life_n that_o the_o congregation_n may_v thereby_o be_v satisfy_v which_o before_o be_v offend_v and_o in_o case_n the_o offender_n continue_v obstinate_a he_o may_v repel_v he_o from_o the_o communion_n but_o so_o that_o after_o such_o repel_v he_o give_v a_o account_n to_o the_o ordinary_a within_o 14_o day_n and_o the_o ordinary_a be_v then_o to_o proceed_v according_a to_o the_o canon_n here_o be_v plain_o a_o power_n grant_v to_o put_v back_o any_o scandalous_a offender_n from_o the_o sacrament_n who_o fault_n be_v so_o notorious_a as_o to_o give_v offence_n to_o the_o congregation_n but_o it_o be_v not_o a_o absolute_a and_o unaccountable_a power_n but_o the_o minister_n be_v oblige_v to_o give_v account_n thereof_o within_o a_o limit_a time_n to_o the_o ordinary_a now_o wherein_o be_v it_o that_o our_o diocesan_n episcopacy_n destroy_v the_o be_v of_o parochial_a church_n for_o want_n of_o the_o power_n of_o discipline_n be_v it_o that_o they_o have_v not_o power_n to_o exclude_v man_n whether_o their_o fault_n be_v scandalous_a to_o the_o congregation_n or_o not_o or_o be_v it_o that_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o justify_v what_o they_o do_v and_o to_o prosecute_v the_o person_n for_o those_o fault_n for_o which_o they_o put_v he_o back_o from_o the_o communion_n or_o be_v it_o that_o they_o have_v not_o power_n to_o proceed_v to_o the_o great_a excommunication_n that_o be_v reserve_v serve_v to_o the_o bishop_n upon_o full_a hear_n of_o all_o party_n concern_v but_o as_o long_o as_o by_o the_o constitution_n of_o our_o church_n every_o minister_n in_o his_o parish_n have_v power_n to_o keep_v back_o notorious_a offender_n it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o prove_v from_o other_o circumstance_n that_o the_o be_v of_o our_o church_n be_v destroy_v by_o our_o diocesan_n episcopacy_n 58._o mr._n b._n say_v that_o if_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o the_o lesser_a excommunication_n out_o of_o our_o particular_a congregation_n be_v allow_v to_o the_o parish_n minister_n it_o will_v half_o reconcile_v he_o to_o the_o english_a sort_n of_o prelacy_n but_o if_o it_o be_v so_o he_o have_v be_v in_o a_o sleep_n these_o 50_o year_n that_o can_v never_o hear_v or_o read_v of_o any_o such_o thing_n it_o be_v strange_a in_o all_o this_o time_n he_o shall_v never_o read_v or_o consider_v the_o
separate_v from_o a_o church_n on_o the_o account_n of_o their_o preacher_n have_v human_a learning_n and_o upon_o all_o the_o application_n and_o endeavour_n that_o can_v be_v use_v towards_o they_o their_o answer_n be_v that_o be_v your_o judgement_n and_o this_o be_v we_o i._n e._n they_o can_v not_o conquer_v their_o scruple_n and_o therefore_o must_v persist_v in_o separation_n or_o return_v to_o paganism_n mr._n cobbet_n of_o new_a england_n mention_n a_o three_o instance_n 〈◊〉_d one_o obadiah_n holmes_n be_v unsatisfied_a with_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rehoboth_n withdraw_v from_o their_o communion_n and_o set_v up_o another_o assembly_n in_o the_o town_n and_o upon_o his_o obstinate_a continuance_n therein_o be_v solemn_o excommunicate_v by_o they_o and_o what_o the_o late_a difference_n among_o they_o concern_v the_o subject_a of_o baptism_n and_o consociation_n of_o church_n may_v come_v to_o time_n will_v discover_v i_o will_v only_o know_v whether_o if_o mr._n davenport_n and_o the_o dissent_v party_n there_o from_o the_o determination_n of_o their_o synod_n shall_v proceed_v to_o separation_n whether_o this_o separation_n be_v justifiable_a or_o not_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o dissenter_n there_o do_v charge_n their_o brethren_n with_o innovation_n and_o apostasy_n from_o their_o first_o principle_n 1675._o and_o say_v their_o conscience_n can_v comply_v with_o their_o decree_n and_o if_o they_o proceed_v those_o church_n may_v be_v break_v in_o piece_n by_o these_o principle_n of_o separation_n as_o the_o separate_a congregation_n in_o the_o low_a country_n most_o of_o they_o be_v by_o new_a scruple_n which_o the_o people_n can_v not_o conquer_v for_o the_o anabaptist_n common_o raise_v scruple_n among_o their_o member_n and_o carry_v away_o many_o of_o they_o and_o so_o they_o have_v do_v in_o new_a england_n and_o dissolve_v those_o church_n before_o this_o time_n if_o this_o principle_n have_v be_v allow_v there_o viz._n that_o where_o people_n can_v conquer_v their_o scruple_n they_o may_v proceed_v to_o separation_n no_o they_o tell_v they_o they_o must_v preserve_v the_o peace_n of_o their_o church_n and_o if_o they_o can_v be_v quiet_a among_o they_o the_o world_n be_v wide_a enough_o for_o they_o so_o they_o send_v r._n williams_n and_o other_o out_o of_o their_o colony_n notwithstanding_o the_o far_o great_a danger_n of_o paganism_n among_o the_o indian_n this_o i_o only_o mention_v to_o show_v that_o no_o settle_a church_n do_v allow_v this_o liberty_n of_o separation_n because_o man_n can_v conquer_v their_o scruple_n and_o upon_o the_o same_o ground_n not_o only_o anabaptist_n and_o quaker_n but_o the_o papist_n themselves_o must_v be_v allow_v the_o liberty_n of_o set_v up_o separate_a congregation_n for_o i_o suppose_v this_o gentleman_n will_v not_o deny_v but_o they_o may_v have_v scruple_n too_o many_o scruple_n and_o of_o long_o stand_v and_o among_o great_a number_n and_o they_o have_v priest_n enough_o at_o liberty_n to_o attend_v they_o and_o by_o that_o time_n all_o these_o have_v set_v up_o among_o we_o shall_v we_o not_o be_v in_o a_o very_a hopeful_a way_n to_o preserve_v the_o protestant_a religion_n these_o consequence_n do_v flow_v so_o natural_o from_o such_o principle_n that_o i_o wonder_v that_o none_o of_o those_o who_o have_v undertake_v to_o defend_v the_o cause_n of_o separation_n have_v take_v any_o care_n to_o put_v any_o stop_n to_o it_o or_o to_o let_v we_o know_v where_o we_o may_v fix_v and_o see_v a_o end_n of_o it_o what_o scruple_n be_v to_o be_v allow_v and_o what_o not_o and_o whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o separate_v as_o long_o as_o man_n can_v go_v on_o in_o scruple_v and_o say_v they_o can_v conquer_v their_o scruple_n be_v there_o no_o scruple_n among_o we_o but_o only_o against_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o godfather_n and_o godmother_n in_o baptism_n and_o kneel_v at_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v there_o none_o that_o scruple_n the_o lawfulness_n of_o infant-baptism_n among_o we_o be_v there_o none_o that_o scruple_n the_o very_a use_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n say_v they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v literal_o understand_v be_v there_o none_o that_o scruple_n give_v common_a respect_n to_o other_o as_o a_o sort_n of_o idolatry_n be_v there_o none_o that_o scruple_n the_o validity_n of_o our_o ordination_n and_o say_v we_o can_v have_v no_o true_a church_n because_o we_o renounce_v communion_n with_o the_o pope_n what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v with_o all_o these_o and_o many_o more_o scrupler_n who_o profess_v they_o can_v conquer_v their_o scruple_n no_o more_o than_o other_o can_v do_v they_o about_o our_o ceremony_n and_o such_o weighty_a thing_n as_o the_o use_n of_o godfather_n and_o godmother_n this_o i_o mention_v 36._o because_o this_o gentleman_n seem_v to_o look_v on_o it_o as_o a_o more_o dreadful_a thing_n than_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross._n 6._o for_o have_v speak_v of_o that_o he_o add_v nor_o be_v it_o in_o itself_o of_o less_o weight_n perhaps_o it_o be_v of_o much_o great_a that_o in_o baptism_n the_o parent_n be_v not_o suffer_v to_o be_v sponsor_n for_o their_o child_n but_o other_o must_v appear_v and_o undertake_v for_o they_o 8._o which_o he_o repeat_v soon_o after_o and_o yet_o t._n c._n who_o see_v as_o much_o into_o these_o matter_n as_o any_o that_o have_v come_v after_o he_o in_o the_o admonition_n declare_v that_o this_o be_v a_o thing_n arbitrary_a and_o leave_v to_o the_o discretion_n of_o the_o church_n 13●_n and_o in_o his_o first_o answer_n he_o say_v for_o the_o thing_n itself_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v so_o general_o receive_v of_o all_o the_o church_n they_o do_v not_o mislike_v of_o it_o so_o that_o on_o the_o same_o ground_n it_o seem_v all_o o●●er_n protestant_n church_n may_v be_v scruple_v at_o as_o well_o as_o we_o and_o yet_o not_o only_o this_o gentleman_n but_o mr._n b._n several_a time_n mention_n this_o 100l_n as_o one_o of_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o the_o people_n join_v in_o communion_n with_o we_o nay_o he_o call_v this_o his_o great_a objection_n and_o yet_o he_o confess_v 149._o that_o if_o the_o sponsor_n do_v but_o represent_v the_o parent_n our_o baptism_n be_v valid_a and_o lawful_a now_o where_o be_v it_o that_o our_o church_n exclude_v such_o a_o representation_n indeed_o by_o canon_n 29_o the_o parent_n be_v not_o to_o be_v compel_v to_o be_v present_a nor_o suffer_v to_o answer_v as_o susceptor_n for_o their_o child_n but_o the_o parent_n be_v to_o provide_v such_o as_o be_v fit_a to_o undertake_v that_o office_n 2._o in_o the_o bohemian_a church_n there_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o express_a compact_n between_o the_o parent_n and_o the_o sponsor_n but_o there_o be_v no_o declaration_n of_o our_o church_n against_o such_o a_o implicit_a one_o as_o may_v be_v reasonable_o infer_v from_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o party_n for_o the_o parent_n desire_v of_o the_o sponsor_n undertake_v such_o a_o office_n for_o his_o child_n be_v in_o effect_n transfer_v his_o own_o right_n to_o they_o and_o so_o they_o may_v be_v say_v to_o represent_v the_o parent_n if_o our_o church_n have_v appoint_v the_o sponsor_n without_o 〈◊〉_d against_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o parent_n then_o none_o cou●●_n in_o reason_n suppose_v that_o there_o be_v any_o implicit_a compact_n between_o they_o but_o since_o they_o be_v of_o the_o parent_n choose_v what_o they_o do_v in_o that_o office_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v with_o their_o full_a consent_n if_o baptism_n be_v solemn_o celebrate_v as_o of_o old_a at_o some_o certain_a season_n only_o and_o indispensable_a occasion_n require_v the_o parent_n absence_n may_v not_o they_o appoint_v other_o to_o be_v sponsor_n for_o their_o child_n upon_o mutual_a consent_n and_o agreement_n among_o themselves_o our_o church_n not_o permit_v the_o parent_n themselves_o to_o be_v sponsor_n be_v but_o like_o such_o a_o occasion_n of_o absence_n and_o the_o intention_n of_o our_o church_n be_v not_o to_o supersede_n the_o obligation_n of_o parent_n but_o to_o superinduce_v a_o far_a obligation_n upon_o other_o person_n for_o great_a security_n of_o performance_n if_o man_n be_v negligent_a in_o do_v their_o duty_n must_v the_o church_n bear_v the_o blame_n and_o this_o be_v plead_v for_o a_o ground_n of_o separation_n from_o her_o communion_n but_o there_o be_v something_o beyond_o this_o which_o lie_v at_o the_o bottom_n of_o this_o scruple_n viz._n that_o the_o child_n be_v right_a to_o baptism_n depend_v on_o the_o right_n of_o the_o parent_n and_o therefore_o if_o the_o parent_n be_v exclude_v and_o only_a sponsor_n admit_v the_o child_n so_o baptize_v have_v no_o right_n to_o baptism_n for_o mr._n b.'s_n first_o question_n be_v 25._o which_o way_n the_o child_n come_v to_o have_v right_a to_o baptism_n any_o more_o than_o all_o
book_n which_o far_o better_a deserve_v the_o title_n of_o a_o plea_n for_o disorder_n and_o separation_n not_o without_o frequent_a sharp_a and_o bitter_a reflection_n on_o the_o constitution_n of_o our_o church_n and_o the_o conformity_n require_v by_o law_n as_o though_o it_o have_v be_v design_v on_o purpose_n to_o represent_v the_o clergy_n of_o our_o church_n as_o a_o company_n of_o notorious_a lie_v and_o perjure_a villain_n for_o conform_v to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n and_o order_n establish_v among_o we_o for_o there_o be_v no_o few_o than_o 30_o tremendous_a aggravation_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o conformity_n set_v down_o in_o it_o and_o all_o this_o do_v without_o the_o least_o provocation_n give_v on_o our_o side_n when_o all_o our_o discourse_n that_o touch_v they_o tend_v only_o to_o union_n and_o the_o desirableness_n of_o accommodation_n if_o this_o have_v be_v the_o single_a work_n of_o one_o man_n his_o passion_n and_o infirmity_n may_v have_v be_v some_o tolerable_a excuse_n for_o the_o indiscretion_n of_o it_o but_o he_o write_v in_o the_o name_n of_o a_o whole_a party_n of_o man_n and_o deliver_v the_o sense_n of_o all_o his_o acquaintance_n and_o if_o those_o principle_n be_v own_v and_o allow_v by_o they_o there_o can_v hardly_o be_v expect_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o national_a settlement_n but_o all_o church_n must_v be_v heap_n of_o sand_n which_o may_v lie_v together_o till_o a_o puff_n of_o wind_n disperse_v they_o have_v no_o firm_a bond_n of_o union_n than_o the_o present_a humour_n and_o good_a will_n of_o the_o people_n but_o of_o the_o principle_n of_o that_o book_n i_o have_v discourse_v at_o large_a as_o far_o as_o concern_v the_o business_n of_o separation_n in_o the_o second_o and_o three_o part_n of_o the_o follow_a treatise_n but_o as_o though_o this_o have_v not_o be_v enough_o to_o show_v what_o enemy_n to_o peace_n man_n may_v be_v under_o a_o pretence_n of_o it_o not_o long_o after_o the_o same_o author_n set_v forth_o another_o book_n with_o this_o title_n the_o true_a and_o only_a way_n of_o concord_n of_o all_o the_o christian_a church_n as_o though_o he_o have_v be_v christ_n plenipotentiary_n upon_o earth_n and_o be_v to_o set_v the_o term_n of_o peace_n and_o war_n among_o all_o christian_n but_o i_o wish_v he_o have_v show_v himself_o such_o a_o pattern_n of_o meekness_n humility_n patience_n and_o a_o peaceable_a disposition_n that_o we_o may_v not_o have_v so_o much_o reason_n to_o dispute_v his_o credential_n but_o this_o be_v likewise_o fraught_v with_o such_o impracticable_a notion_n and_o divide_v principle_n as_o though_o his_o whole_a design_n have_v be_v to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v no_o true_a way_n of_o concord_n among_o christian_n for_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o than_o what_o he_o allow_v all_o the_o christian_a church_n this_o day_n in_o the_o world_n be_v in_o a_o mighty_a mistake_n when_o i_o look_v into_o these_o book_n and_o see_v the_o design_n of_o they_o i_o be_v mighty_o concern_v and_o infinite_o surprise_v that_o a_o person_n of_o his_o reputation_n for_o piety_n of_o his_o age_n and_o experience_n in_o the_o world_n and_o such_o a_o lover_n of_o peace_n as_o he_o have_v always_o profess_v himself_o and_o one_o who_o tell_v the_o world_n so_o often_o of_o his_o die_v and_o of_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n shall_v think_v of_o leave_v two_o such_o firebrand_n behind_o he_o as_o both_o these_o book_n will_v appear_v to_o any_o one_o who_o due_o consider_v they_o which_o have_v be_v since_o follow_v by_o 4_o or_o 5_o more_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n so_o that_o he_o seem_v resolve_v to_o leave_v his_o life_n and_o sting_n together_o in_o the_o wound_n of_o this_o church_n and_o it_o make_v i_o extreme_o pity_v the_o case_n of_o this_o poor_a church_n when_o even_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o plead_v for_o peace_n and_o to_o bring_v water_n to_o quench_v her_o flame_n do_v but_o add_v more_o fuel_n to_o they_o this_o give_v the_o first_o occasion_n to_o those_o thought_n which_o i_o afterward_o deliver_v in_o my_o sermon_n for_o since_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o such_o book_n the_o zeal_n of_o so_o many_o people_n be_v turn_v off_o from_o the_o papist_n against_o those_o of_o our_o church_n i_o see_v a_o plain_a necessity_n that_o either_o we_o must_v be_v run_v down_o by_o the_o impetuous_a violence_n of_o a_o enrage_a but_o vnprovoke_v company_n of_o man_n or_o we_o must_v venture_v ourselves_o to_o try_v whether_o we_o can_v stem_v that_o tide_n which_o we_o see_v come_v upon_o we_o and_o it_o fall_v to_o my_o lot_n to_o preach_v in_o the_o most_o public_a auditory_a of_o the_o city_n at_o a_o more_o than_o usual_a appearance_n be_v the_o first_o sunday_n in_o the_o term_n i_o consider_v the_o relation_n i_o stand_v in_o under_o our_o honour_a diocesan_n to_o the_o clergy_n of_o the_o city_n and_o therefore_o think_v myself_o more_o oblige_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o what_o concern_v the_o peace_n and_o welfare_n of_o the_o church_n therein_o upon_o these_o consideration_n i_o think_v fit_a to_o take_v that_o opportunity_n to_o lay_v open_a the_o due_a sense_n i_o have_v of_o the_o unreasonableness_n and_o mischief_n of_o the_o present_a separation_n wherein_o i_o be_v so_o far_o from_o intend_v to_o reflect_v on_o mr._n b._n as_o preach_v in_o the_o neighbourhood_n of_o my_o parish_n that_o to_o my_o best_a remembrance_n i_o never_o once_o think_v of_o it_o either_o in_o the_o make_n or_o preach_v of_o that_o sermon_n and_o yet_o throughout_o his_o answer_n he_o will_v insinuate_v that_o i_o have_v scarce_o any_o one_o in_o my_o eye_n but_o himself_o his_o book_n indeed_o have_v make_v too_o great_a a_o impression_n on_o my_o mind_n for_o i_o easy_o to_o forget_v they_o but_o it_o be_v the_o great_a the_o dangerous_a the_o vnaccountable_a separation_n which_o i_o know_v to_o be_v in_o and_o about_o the_o city_n without_o regard_n to_o the_o greatness_n or_o smallness_n of_o parish_n to_o the_o ability_n or_o piety_n of_o their_o minister_n or_o to_o the_o peace_n and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n we_o live_v in_o which_o make_v i_o fix_v upon_o that_o subject_a although_o i_o know_v it_o to_o be_v so_o sore_a a_o place_n that_o the_o party_n most_o concern_v can_v hardly_o endure_v to_o have_v it_o touch_v though_o with_o a_o soft_a and_o gentle_a hand_n however_o i_o consider_v the_o duty_n which_o i_o owe_v to_o god_n and_o this_o church_n above_o the_o esteem_n and_o good_a word_n of_o peevish_a and_o partial_a man_n as_o i_o have_v before_o do_v in_o my_o deal_n with_o the_o papist_n and_o i_o resolve_v to_o give_v they_o no_o just_a provocation_n by_o reproachful_a language_n or_o personal_a reflection_n but_o if_o truth_n and_o reason_n will_v anger_v they_o i_o do_v not_o hold_v myself_o oblige_v to_o study_v to_o please_v they_o but_o against_o this_o whole_a undertake_n there_o have_v be_v two_o common_a objection_n first_o that_o it_o be_v unseasonable_a second_o that_o it_o be_v too_o sharp_a and_o severe_a to_o both_o these_o i_o shall_v answer_v first_o as_o to_o the_o unseasonableness_n of_o it_o what!_o be_v it_o unseasonable_a to_o persuade_v protestant_n to_o peace_n and_o unity_n that_o sure_o be_v very_o seasonable_a at_o any_o time_n and_o much_o more_o then_o and_o i_o appeal_v to_o any_o one_o that_o read_v it_o whether_o this_o be_v not_o the_o chief_a and_o only_a design_n of_o my_o sermon_n and_o to_o say_v this_o be_v unseasonable_a be_v just_a as_o if_o a_o garrison_n be_v besiege_v by_o a_o enemy_n and_o in_o great_a danger_n of_o be_v surprise_v and_o although_o they_o have_v frequent_a notice_n of_o it_o give_v they_o yet_o many_o of_o the_o soldier_n be_v resolve_v not_o to_o join_v in_o a_o common_a body_n under_o command_n of_o their_o officer_n but_o will_v run_v into_o corner_n a_o few_o in_o a_o company_n and_o do_v what_o they_o list_v and_o one_o shall_v undertake_v to_o persuade_v they_o to_o return_v to_o their_o due_a obedience_n and_o to_o mind_v the_o common_a interest_n and_o some_o grave_a bystander_n shall_v say_v it_o be_v true_a this_o be_v good_a counsel_n at_o another_o time_n but_o at_o this_o present_a it_o be_v very_o unseasonable_a when_o can_v it_o be_v more_o seasonable_a than_o when_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o danger_n be_v great_a upon_o they_o at_o another_o time_n it_o may_v have_v be_v less_o necessary_a but_o when_o the_o common_a danger_n be_v apparent_a to_o all_o man_n of_o sense_n or_o common_a ingenuity_n can_v not_o but_o take_v such_o advice_n most_o kind_o at_o such_o a_o season_n but_o this_o advice_n be_v not_o give_v to_o themselves_o but_o to_o the_o magistrate_n and_o judge_n and_o that_o make_v it_o look_v like_o a_o design_n to_o stir_v they_o
up_o to_o a_o persecution_n of_o they_o there_o have_v be_v some_o colour_n for_o this_o if_o there_o have_v be_v the_o left_a word_n tend_v that_o way_n through_o the_o whole_a sermon_n but_o this_o objection_n be_v general_o make_v by_o those_o who_o never_o read_v the_o sermon_n and_o never_o intend_v to_o read_v it_o and_o such_o i_o have_v find_v have_v speak_v with_o the_o great_a bitterness_n against_o it_o they_o resolve_v to_o condemn_v it_o and_o therefore_o will_v see_v nothing_o that_o may_v have_v alter_v their_o sentence_n it_o be_v enough_o it_o be_v preach_v before_o the_o magistrate_n and_o judge_n and_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v for_o persecution_n of_o dissenter_n no●e_n be_v so_o incapable_a of_o conviction_n as_o those_o who_o present_o determine_v what_o a_o thing_n must_v be_v without_o consider_v what_o it_o be_v be_v it_o not_o possible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o speak_v of_o peace_n before_o hannibal_n or_o of_o obedience_n to_o government_n before_o julius_n caesar_n must_v one_o speak_v of_o nothing_o but_o drum_n and_o trumpet_n before_o great_a general_n which_o be_v just_a as_o reasonable_a as_o to_o suppose_v that_o a_o man_n can_v preach_v about_o dissenter_n before_o judge_n and_o magistrate_n but_o he_o must_v design_n to_o stir_v they_o up_o to_o the_o severe_a execution_n of_o law_n but_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n for_o i_o to_o think_v to_o convince_v those_o by_o any_o vindication_n who_o will_v not_o be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o read_v the_o sermon_n itself_o for_o their_o own_o satisfaction_n but_o the_o dissenter_n themselves_o be_v not_o there_o to_o hear_v it_o and_o must_v we_o never_o preach_v against_o the_o papist_n but_o when_o they_o be_v present_a it_o seem_v they_o soon_o hear_v enough_o of_o it_o by_o the_o noise_n and_o clamour_v they_o make_v about_o it_o yet_o still_o this_o give_v advantage_n to_o the_o papist_n for_o we_o to_o quarrel_v among_o ourselves_o will_v to_o god_n this_o advantage_n have_v never_o be_v give_v they_o and_o woe_n be_v to_o they_o by_o who_o these_o offence_n come_v and_o what_o must_v we_o do_v must_v we_o stand_v still_o with_o open_a arm_n and_o naked_a breast_n to_o receive_v all_o the_o wound_n they_o be_v willing_a to_o give_v we_o must_v we_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v run_v down_o with_o a_o popular_a fury_n raise_v by_o revile_v book_n and_o pamphlet_n and_o not_o open_v our_o mouth_n for_o our_o own_o vindication_n lest_o the_o papist_n shall_v overhear_v we_o which_o be_v as_o if_o the_o unruly_a soldier_n in_o a_o army_n must_v be_v let_v alone_o in_o a_o mutiny_n for_o fear_v the_o enemy_n shall_v take_v notice_n and_o make_v some_o advantage_n of_o it_o but_o which_o will_v be_v the_o great_a advantage_n to_o he_o to_o see_v it_o spread_v and_o increase_v or_o care_v take_v in_o time_n to_o suppress_v it_o if_o our_o dissenter_n have_v not_o appear_v more_o active_a and_o busy_a than_o former_o if_o they_o have_v not_o both_o by_o public_a write_n and_o secret_a insinuation_n go_v about_o to_o blast_v the_o reputation_n of_o this_o church_n and_o the_o member_n of_o it_o so_o disingenuous_o as_o they_o have_v do_v there_o may_v have_v be_v some_o pretence_n for_o the_o unseasonableness_n of_o my_o sermon_n but_o when_o those_o thing_n be_v notorious_a to_o say_v it_o be_v unseasonable_a to_o preach_v such_o a_o sermon_n then_o or_o now_o to_o defend_v it_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o tell_v we_o they_o may_v say_v and_o do_v what_o they_o will_v against_o we_o at_o all_o season_n but_o whatever_o we_o say_v or_o do_v for_o our_o own_o vindication_n be_v unseasonable_a which_o under_o favour_n seem_v to_o be_v little_o less_o than_o a_o state_n of_o persecution_n on_o our_o side_n for_o it_o be_v like_o set_v we_o in_o the_o pillory_n for_o they_o to_o throw_v dirt_n at_o we_o without_o allow_v we_o any_o mean_n to_o defend_v ourselves_o but_o some_o complain_v of_o the_o too_o great_a sharpness_n and_o severity_n of_o it_o but_o wherein_o do_v it_o lie_v not_o in_o rake_v into_o old_a sore_n or_o look_v back_o to_o the_o proceed_n of_o former_a time_n not_o in_o expose_v the_o particular_a fault_n of_o some_o man_n and_o lay_v they_o to_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o whole_a party_n not_o in_o sharp_a and_o provoke_a reflection_n on_o man_n person_n all_o these_o i_o purposely_o and_o with_o care_n decline_v my_o design_n be_v not_o to_o exasperate_v any_o but_o to_o persuade_v and_o argue_v they_o into_o a_o better_a disposition_n to_o union_n by_o lay_v open_a the_o common_a danger_n we_o be_v in_o and_o the_o great_a mischief_n of_o the_o present_a separation_n but_o i_o be_o tell_v by_o one_o 4._o there_o be_v severe_a reflection_n upon_o the_o sincerity_n and_o honesty_n of_o the_o design_n of_o the_o nonconformist_n 7._o by_o another_o that_o indeed_o i_o do_v not_o bespeak_v for_o they_o gibbet_n whipping-post_n and_o dungeon_n nor_o direct_o any_o thing_n grievous_a to_o their_o flesh_n but_o i_o do_v not_o pass_v any_o gentle_a doom_n upon_o they_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o everlasting_a state_n god_n forbid_v that_o i_o shall_v judge_v any_o one_o among_o they_o as_o to_o their_o present_a sincerity_n or_o final_a condition_n to_o their_o own_o master_n they_o must_v stand_v or_o fall_v but_o my_o business_n be_v to_o consider_v the_o nature_n and_o tendency_n of_o their_o action_n my_o judgement_n be_v that_o a_o causeless_a break_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n we_o live_v in_o be_v real_o as_o great_a and_o as_o dangerous_a a_o sin_n as_o murder_n and_o in_o some_o respect_v aggravate_v beyond_o it_o and_o herein_o have_v the_o concurrence_n of_o the_o divine_n of_o great_a reputation_n both_o ancient_n and_o modern_a will_v they_o have_v have_v i_o represent_v that_o as_o no_o sin_n which_o i_o think_v to_o be_v so_o great_a a_o one_o or_o those_o as_o not_o guilty_a who_o in_o my_o conscience_n i_o think_v to_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o will_v they_o have_v have_v i_o suffer_v this_o sin_n to_o have_v lie_v upon_o they_o without_o reprove_v it_o or_o will_v they_o have_v have_v i_o find_v out_o all_o the_o soft_a and_o palliate_a consideration_n to_o have_v lessen_v their_o sense_n of_o it_o no_o i_o have_v see_v too_o much_o of_o this_o already_o and_o a_o mighty_a prejudice_n do_v thereby_o to_o man_n otherwise_o scrupulous_a and_o conscientious_a that_o seem_v to_o have_v lose_v all_o sense_n of_o this_o sin_n as_o if_o there_o neither_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v any_o such_o thing_n unless_o perhaps_o they_o shall_v happen_v to_o quarrel_v among_o themselves_o in_o a_o particular_a congregation_n which_o be_v so_o mean_a so_o jejune_n so_o narrow_a a_o notion_n of_o schism_n so_o much_o short_a of_o that_o care_n of_o the_o church_n peace_n which_o ch●ist_n have_v make_v so_o great_a a_o duty_n of_o his_o follower_n that_o i_o can_v but_o wonder_v that_o man_n of_o understanding_n shall_v be_v satisfy_v with_o it_o unless_o they_o think_v there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n to_o excuse_v their_o own_o act_n and_o that_o i_o confess_v be_v a_o shrewd_a temptation_n but_o so_o far_o as_o i_o can_v judge_v as_o far_o as_o the_o obligation_n to_o preserve_v the_o church_n peace_n extend_v so_o far_o do_v the_o sin_n of_o schism●each_n ●each_z and_o the_o obligation_n to_o preserve_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n extend_v to_o all_o lawful_a constitution_n in_o order_n to_o it_o or_o else_o it_o will_v fall_v short_a of_o the_o obligation_n to_o civil_a peace_n which_o be_v as_o far_o as_o be_v possible_a and_o as_o much_o as_o lie_v in_o we_o therefore_o to_o break_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n we_o live_v in_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o any_o lawful_a order_n and_o constitution_n make_v to_o preserve_v it_o be_v direct_o the_o sin_n of_o schism_n or_o a_o unlawful_a breach_n of_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v determine_v by_o man_n fancy_n and_o present_a apprehension_n which_o they_o call_v the_o dictate_v of_o conscience_n but_o upon_o plain_a and_o evident_a ground_n manifest_v the_o repugnancy_n of_o the_o thing_n require_v to_o the_o law_n and_o institution_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o they_o be_v of_o that_o importance_n that_o he_o allow_v man_n rather_o to_o divide_v from_o such_o a_o communion_n than_o join_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o such_o thing_n we_o be_v in_o a_o lamentable_a case_n as_o to_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o reformation_n if_o we_o have_v nothing_o more_o to_o plead_v against_o the_o imposition_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n than_o they_o have_v against_o we_o and_o i_o think_v it_o impossible_a to_o defend_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o our_o separation_n from_o they_o if_o we_o have_v no_o better_a ground_n to_o proceed_v upon_o than_o they_o
as_o to_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n as_o it_o be_v use_v in_o our_o church_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o noise_n that_o have_v be_v make_v about_o its_o be_v a_o new_a sacrament_n and_o i_o know_v not_o what_o but_o of_o this_o at_o large_a in_o the_o follow_a treatise_n 2_o i_o see_v no_o ground_n for_o the_o people_n separation_n from_o other_o act_n of_o communion_n on_o the_o account_n of_o some_o rite_n they_o suspect_v to_o be_v unlawful_a and_o especial_o when_o the_o use_n of_o such_o rite_n be_v none_o of_o their_o own_o act_n as_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n be_v not_o and_o when_o such_o a_o explication_n be_v annex_v concern_v the_o intention_n of_o kneel_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n as_o be_v in_o the_o rubric_n after_o the_o communion_n 3_o notwithstanding_o because_o the_o use_n of_o sacrament_n in_o a_o christian_a church_n ought_v to_o be_v the_o most_o free_a from_o all_o exception_n and_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o administer_v as_o rather_o to_o invite_v than_o discourage_v scrupulous_a person_n from_o join_v in_o they_o i_o do_v think_v it_o will_v be_v a_o part_n of_o christian_a wisdom_n and_o condescension_n in_o the_o governor_n of_o our_o church_n to_o remove_v those_o bar_n from_o a_o freedom_n in_o join_v in_o full_a communion_n with_o we_o which_o may_v be_v do_v either_o by_o whole_o take_v away_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n or_o if_o that_o may_v give_v offence_n to_o other_o by_o confine_v the_o use_n of_o it_o to_o the_o public_a administration_n of_o baptism_n or_o by_o leave_v it_o indifferent_a as_o the_o parent_n desire_v it_o as_o to_o kneel_v at_o the_o lord_n supper_n since_o some_o posture_n be_v necessary_a and_o many_o devout_a people_n scruple_n any_o other_o and_o the_o primitive_a church_n do_v in_o ancient_a time_n receive_v it_o in_o the_o posture_n of_o adoration_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o take_v this_o away_o even_o in_o parochial_a church_n provide_v that_o those_o who_o scruple_n kneel_v do_v receive_v it_o with_o the_o least_o offence_n to_o other_o and_o rather_o stand_v than_o sit_v because_o the_o former_a be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o antiquity_n and_o of_o our_o neighbour_n reform_a church_n as_o to_o the_o surplice_n in_o parochial_a church_n it_o be_v not_o of_o that_o consequence_n as_o to_o bear_v a_o dispute_n one_o way_n or_o other_o and_o as_o to_o cathedral_n church_n there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o alteration_n but_o there_o be_v another_o thing_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v of_o late_a much_o scruple_v in_o baptism_n viz._n the_o use_v of_o godfather_n and_o godmother_n exclude_v the_o parent_n although_o i_o do_v not_o question_v but_o the_o practice_n of_o our_o church_n may_v be_v justify_v as_o i_o have_v do_v it_o towards_o the_o end_n of_o the_o follow_a treatise_n yet_o i_o see_v no_o necessity_n of_o adhere_v so_o strict_o to_o the_o canon_n herein_o but_o that_o a_o little_a alteration_n may_v prevent_v these_o scruple_n either_o by_o permit_v the_o parent_n to_o join_v with_o the_o sponsor_n or_o by_o the_o parent_n public_o desire_v the_o sponsor_n to_o represent_v they_o in_o offer_v the_o child_n to_o baptism_n or_o which_o seem_v most_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n that_o the_o parent_n offer_v the_o child_n to_o baptism_n and_o then_o the_o sponsor_n perform_v the_o covenant_a part_n represent_v the_o child_n and_o the_o charge_n after_o baptism_n be_v give_v in_o common_a to_o the_o parent_n and_o sponsor_n these_o thing_n be_v allow_v i_o see_v no_o obstruction_n remain_v as_o to_o a_o full_a union_n of_o the_o body_n of_o such_o dissenter_n with_o we_o in_o all_o act_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o christian_a communion_n as_o do_v not_o reject_v all_o communion_n with_o we_o as_o unlawful_a 2._o but_o because_o there_o be_v many_o of_o those_o who_o be_v become_v zealous_a protestant_n and_o plead_v much_o their_o communion_n with_o we_o in_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n although_o they_o can_v join_v with_o we_o in_o worship_n because_o they_o deny_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o liturgy_n and_o the_o right_a constitution_n of_o our_o church_n their_o case_n deserve_v some_o consideration_n whether_o and_o how_o far_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v make_v serviceable_a to_o the_o common_a interest_n and_o to_o the_o support_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n among_o we_o to_o their_o case_n i_o answer_v first_o that_o a_o general_a unlimited_a toleration_n to_o dissent_v protestant_n will_v soon_o bring_v confusion_n among_o we_o and_o in_o the_o end_n popery_n as_o i_o have_v show_v already_o and_o a_o suspension_n of_o all_o the_o penal_a law_n that_o relate_v to_o dissenter_n be_v the_o same_o thing_n with_o a_o boundless_a toleration_n second_o if_o any_o present_a favour_n be_v grant_v to_o such_o in_o consideration_n of_o our_o circumstance_n and_o to_o prevent_v their_o conjunction_n with_o the_o papist_n for_o a_o general_a toleration_n for_o if_o ever_o the_o papist_n obtain_v it_o it_o must_v be_v under_o their_o name_n if_o i_o say_v such_o favour_n be_v think_v fit_a to_o be_v show_v they_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v with_o such_o restriction_n and_o limitation_n as_o may_v prevent_v the_o mischief_n which_o may_v easy_o follow_v upon_o it_o for_o all_o such_o meeting_n be_v a_o perpetual_a reproach_n to_o our_o church_n by_o their_o declare_v that_o our_o church_n be_v no_o true_a church_n that_o our_o manner_n of_o worship_n be_v unlawful_a and_o that_o our_o church-government_n be_v antichristian_a and_o that_o on_o these_o account_n they_o separate_v from_o we_o and_o worship_n god_n by_o themselves_o but_o if_o such_o a_o indulgence_n be_v think_v fit_a to_o be_v grant_v i_o humble_o offer_v these_o thing_n to_o consideration_n 1._o that_o none_o be_v permit_v to_o enjoy_v the_o privilege_n of_o it_o who_o do_v not_o declare_v that_o they_o do_v hold_v communion_n with_o our_o church_n to_o be_v unlawful_a for_o it_o seem_v unreasonable_a to_o allow_v it_o to_o other_o and_o will_v give_v countenance_n to_o endless_a and_o causeless_a separation_n 2._o that_o all_o who_o enjoy_v it_o beside_o take_v the_o test_n against_o popery_n do_v subscribe_v the_o 36_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n because_o the_o pretence_n of_o this_o liberty_n be_v join_v with_o we_o in_o point_n of_o faith_n and_o this_o may_v more_o probable_o prevent_v papist_n get_v in_o among_o they_o 3._o that_o all_o such_o as_o enjoy_v it_o must_v declare_v the_o particular_a congregation_n they_o be_v of_o and_o enter_v their_o name_n before_o such_o commissioner_n as_o shall_v be_v authorise_v for_o that_o purpose_n that_o so_o this_o may_v be_v no_o pretence_n for_o idle_a loose_a and_o profane_a person_n never_o go_v to_o any_o church_n at_o all_o 4._o that_o both_o preacher_n and_o congregation_n be_v liable_a to_o severe_a penalty_n if_o they_o use_v any_o bitter_a or_o reproachful_a word_n either_o in_o sermon_n or_o write_n against_o the_o establish_a constitution_n of_o our_o church_n because_o they_o desire_v only_o the_o freedom_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n and_o the_o use_v this_o liberty_n will_v discover_v it_o be_v not_o conscience_n but_o a_o turbulent_a faction_n humour_n which_o make_v they_o separate_v from_o our_o communion_n 5._o that_o all_o indulge_v person_n be_v particular_o oblige_v to_o pay_v all_o legal_a duty_n to_o the_o parochial_a church_n lest_o mere_a covetousness_n tempt_v man_n to_o run_v among_o they_o and_o no_o person_n so_o indulge_v be_v capable_a of_o any_o public_a office_n it_o not_o be_v reasonable_a that_o such_o shall_v be_v trust_v with_o government_n who_o look_v upon_o the_o worship_n establish_v by_o law_n as_o unlawful_a 6._o that_o no_o other_o penalty_n be_v lay_v on_o such_o indulge_v person_n but_o that_o of_o twelve_o penny_n a_o sunday_n for_o their_o absence_n from_o the_o parochial_a church_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v due_o collect_v for_o the_o use_v of_o the_o poor_a and_o can_v be_v complain_v of_o as_o any_o heavy_a burden_n consider_v the_o liberty_n they_o do_v enjoy_v by_o it_o 7._o that_o the_o bishop_n as_o visitor_n appoint_v by_o law_n have_v a_o exact_a account_n give_v to_o they_o of_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o worship_n and_o discipline_n and_o of_o all_o the_o person_n belong_v to_o the_o indulge_v congregation_n with_o their_o quality_n and_o place_n of_o abide_v and_o that_o none_o be_v admit_v a_o member_n of_o any_o such_o congregation_n without_o acquaint_v their_o visitor_n with_o it_o that_o so_o mean_n may_v be_v use_v to_o prevent_v their_o leave_v our_o communion_n by_o give_v satisfaction_n to_o their_o scruple_n this_o power_n of_o the_o bishop_n can_v be_v scruple_v by_o they_o since_o herein_o they_o be_v consider_v as_o commissioner_n appoint_v by_o law_n 8._o that_o no_o indulge_v person_n presume_v under_o severe_a penalty_n to_o breed_v
long_o as_o the_o church_n consist_v of_o mortal_a man_n will_v fall_v out_o and_o arise_v among_o they_o even_o in_o true_a constitute_v church_n but_o by_o due_a order_n to_o seek_v the_o redress_n thereof_o but_o in_o the_o case_n of_o our_o church_n they_o plead_v that_o the_o corruption_n be_v so_o many_o and_o great_a as_o to_o overthrow_v the_o very_a constitution_n of_o a_o church_n ib._n so_o barrow_n say_v they_o do_v not_o cut_v off_o the_o member_n of_o our_o church_n from_o god_n election_n or_o from_o christ_n but_o from_o be_v member_n of_o a_o true_a constitute_v church_n on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o nonconformist_n grant_v there_o be_v many_o and_o great_a corruption_n in_o our_o church_n but_o not_o such_o as_o do_v overthrow_v the_o constitution_n of_o it_o or_o make_v separation_n from_o our_o parochial_a assembly_n to_o be_v necessary_a or_o lawful_a so_o that_o the_o force_n of_o all_o their_o reason_n against_o separation_n lay_v in_o these_o two_o supposition_n 1._o that_o nothing_o can_v justify_v separation_n from_o our_o church_n but_o such_o corruption_n which_o overthrow_v the_o be_v or_o constitution_n of_o it_o 2._o that_o the_o corruption_n in_o our_o church_n be_v not_o such_o as_o do_v overthrow_v the_o constitution_n of_o it_o the_o make_v out_o of_o these_o two_o will_v tend_v very_o much_o to_o the_o clear_a state_v of_o this_o present_a controversy_n 1._o that_o nothing_o can_v justify_v separation_n from_o our_o church_n but_o such_o corruption_n which_o overthrow_v the_o be_v or_o constitution_n of_o it_o separation_n barrow_n and_o his_o brethren_n do_v not_o think_v they_o can_v satisfy_v their_o conscience_n in_o separation_n unless_o they_o prove_v our_o church_n to_o be_v no_o true_a church_n for_o here_o they_o assign_v the_o four_o cause_n of_o their_o separation_n to_o be_v want_v of_o a_o right_n gather_v our_o church_n at_o first_o false_a worship_n antichristian_a ministry_n and_o government_n these_o reason_n say_v they_o all_o man_n may_v see_v prove_v direct_o these_o parish_n assembly_n not_o to_o be_v the_o true_a establish_a church_n of_o christ_n to_o which_o any_o faithful_a christian_a may_v join_v himself_o in_o this_o estate_n especial_o when_o all_o reformation_n unto_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n testament_n be_v not_o only_o deny_v but_o resist_v blaspheme_v persecute_v these_o be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o first_o and_o chief_a separatist_n who_o suffer_v death_n rather_o than_o they_o will_v forego_v these_o principle_n we_o condemn_v not_o say_v they_o their_o assembly_n bare_o for_o a_o mixture_n of_o good_a and_o bad_a which_o will_v always_o be_v but_o for_o want_v of_o a_o orderly_a gather_n or_o constitution_n at_o first_o we_o condemn_v they_o not_o for_o some_o fault_n in_o the_o call_v of_o the_o ministry_n but_o for_o have_v and_o retain_v a_o false_a antichristian_a ministry_n impose_v upon_o they_o we_o forsake_v not_o their_o assembly_n for_o some_o fault_n in_o their_o government_n or_o discipline_n but_o for_o stand_v subject_a to_o a_o popish_a and_o antichristian_a government_n neither_o refrain_v we_o their_o worship_n for_o some_o light_a imperfection_n but_o because_o their_o worship_n be_v superstitious_a devise_v by_o man_n idolatrous_a according_a to_o that_o patch_a popish_a portuise_n their_o service-book_n according_a unto_o which_o their_o sacrament_n and_o whole_a administration_n be_v perform_v and_o not_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n testament_n so_o that_o these_o poor_a delude_a creature_n see_v very_o well_o that_o nothing_o but_o such_o a_o charge_n which_o overthrow_v the_o very_a be_v and_o constitution_n of_o our_o church_n the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n be_v allow_v to_o be_v sound_a can_v justify_v their_o separation_n not_o mere_a promiscuous_a congregation_n nor_o mix_a communion_n not_o defect_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n not_o some_o corruption_n in_o the_o ministry_n or_o worship_n but_o such_o gross_a corruption_n as_o take_v away_o the_o life_n and_o be_v of_o a_o church_n as_o they_o suppose_v idolatrous_a worship_n and_o a_o antichristian_a ministry_n to_o do_v if_o mr._n giffard_n ibid._n say_v barrow_n can_v prove_v the_o parish_n assembly_n in_o this_o estate_n true_a and_o establish_a church_n than_o we_o will_v show_v he_o how_o free_a we_o be_v from_o schism_n the_o same_o four_o reason_n be_v insist_v on_o as_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o separation_n in_o the_o brownist_n apology_n to_o king_n james_n 9_o by_o ainsworth_n johnson_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o they_o ainsworth_n frame_v his_o argument_n for_o separation_n thus_o that_o church_n which_o be_v not_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o god_n 87._o ought_v not_o by_o any_o true_a christian_a to_o be_v continue_v or_o communicate_v with_o but_o must_v be_v forsake_v and_o separate_v from_o and_o a_o true_a church_n seek_v and_o join_v unto_o etc._n etc._n but_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v before_o prove_v not_o to_o be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o god_n therefore_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v separate_v from_o etc._n etc._n by_o which_o we_o see_v the_o great_a separatist_n that_o be_v then_o never_o think_v it_o lawful_a to_o separate_a from_o our_o church_n if_o they_o be_v true_a on_o the_o other_o side_n those_o who_o oppose_v the_o separation_n with_o great_a zeal_n think_v nothing_o more_o be_v necessary_a for_o they_o to_o disprove_v the_o separation_n then_o to_o prove_v our_o church_n to_o be_v true_a church_n r._n brown_a from_o who_o the_o party_n receive_v their_o denomination_n think_v he_o have_v a_o great_a advantage_n against_o cartwright_n the_o ringleader_n of_o the_o nonconformist_n to_o prove_v the_o necessity_n of_o separation_n because_o he_o seem_v to_o make_v discipline_n essential_a to_o a_o church_n and_o therefore_o since_o he_o complain_v of_o the_o want_n of_o discipline_n here_o he_o make_v our_o church_n not_o to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n and_o consequent_o that_o separation_n be_v necessary_a t._n c._n answer_n 99_o that_o church_n assembly_n be_v build_v by_o faith_n only_o on_o christ_n the_o foundation_n the_o which_o faith_n so_o be_v whatsoever_o be_v want_v of_o that_o which_o be_v command_v or_o remain_v of_o that_o which_o be_v forbid_v be_v not_o able_a to_o put_v that_o assembly_n from_o the_o right_n and_o title_n of_o so_o be_v the_o church_n of_o christ._n for_o that_o faith_n can_v admit_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o give_v a_o utter_a overthrow_n and_o turn_v upside_o down_o of_o the_o truth_n his_o meaning_n be_v wherever_o the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o faith_n be_v receive_v and_o profess_v there_o no_o defect_n or_o corruption_n can_v overthrow_v the_o be_v of_o a_o true_a church_n or_o justify_v separation_n from_o it_o for_o he_o add_v although_o beside_o faith_n in_o the_o son_n of_o god_n there_o be_v many_o thing_n necessary_a for_o every_o assembly_n yet_o be_v they_o necessary_a to_o the_o comely_a and_o stable_a be_v and_o not_o simple_o to_o the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o this_o respect_n say_v he_o the_o lutheran_n church_n 106._o which_o he_o there_o call_v the_o dutch_a assembly_n which_o beside_o the_o maim_n of_o discipline_n which_o be_v common_a to_o our_o church_n be_v gross_o deceive_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o supper_n be_v notwithstanding_o hold_v in_o the_o roll_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n 107._o be_v not_o jerusalem_n say_v he_o after_o the_o return_n from_o babylon_n the_o city_n of_o the_o great_a king_n until_o such_o time_n as_o nehemias_n come_n and_o build_v on_o the_o wall_n of_o the_o city_n to_o say_v therefore_o it_o be_v none_o of_o the_o church_n because_o it_o have_v not_o receive_v this_o discipline_n methinks_v be_v all_o one_o with_o this_o as_o if_o a_o man_n will_v say_v it_o be_v no_o city_n because_o it_o have_v no_o wall_n or_o that_o it_o be_v no_o vineyard_n because_o it_o have_v neither_o hedge_n nor_o ditch_n it_o be_v not_o i_o grant_v so_o sightly_o a_o city_n or_o vineyard_n nor_o yet_o so_o safe_a against_o the_o invasion_n of_o their_o several_a enemy_n which_o lie_v in_o wait_n for_o they_o but_o yet_o they_o be_v true_o both_o city_n and_o vineyard_n and_o whereas_o t._n c._n seem_v to_o make_v discipline_n essential_a to_o the_o church_n his_o defender_n say_v he_o do_v not_o take_v discipline_n there_o strict_o for_o the_o political_a guide_v of_o the_o church_n with_o respect_n to_o censure_n 91._o but_o as_o comprehend_v all_o the_o behaviour_n concern_v a_o church_n in_o outward_a duty_n i._n e._n the_o duty_n of_o pastor_n and_o people_n afterward_o as_o often_o as_o the_o nonconformist_n set_v themselves_o to_o disprove_v the_o separation_n their_o main_a business_n be_v to_o prove_v our_o church_n to_o be_v true_a church_n as_o in_o a_o book_n entitle_v certain_a position_n h●ld_v and_o maintain_v by_o some_o godly_a minister_n of_o
4._o that_o it_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o private_a person_n to_o set_v up_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n against_o the_o will_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n 52._o and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n 102._o nay_o they_o declare_v that_o in_o so_o do_v they_o shall_v high_o offend_v god_n giffard_n say_v that_o the_o fetter_n and_o chain_n can_v no_o fast_o bind_v the_o hand_n and_o foot_n of_o brownist_n than_o the_o hand_n of_o private_a man_n be_v bind_v with_o the_o band_n of_o conscience_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n from_o presume_v to_o take_v upon_o they_o public_a authority_n and_o if_o all_o the_o brownist_n in_o the_o land_n shall_v come_v together_o and_o choose_v a_o minister_n and_o ordain_v he_o it_o will_v make_v he_o no_o more_o a_o minister_n before_o god_n then_o if_o all_o the_o apprentice_n in_o london_n take_v upon_o they_o to_o choose_v a_o lord_n mayor_n and_o minister_v a_o oath_n unto_o he_o shall_v make_v he_o a_o lord_n mayor_n but_o of_o this_o more_o afterward_o v._o that_o the_o minister_n of_o our_o church_n stand_v under_o as_o they_o speak_v a_o antichristian_a hierarchy_n to_o which_o they_o answer_v first_o 19_o they_o deny_v that_o our_o bishop_n can_v be_v call_v antichristian_a since_o they_o do_v and_o by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n ought_v to_o hold_v and_o teach_v all_o doctrine_n that_o be_v fundamental_a yea_o some_o of_o they_o have_v learned_o and_o sound_o maintain_v the_o truth_n against_o heretic_n that_o have_v gainsay_v it_o some_o have_v not_o only_o by_o their_o doctrine_n and_o ministry_n convert_v many_o to_o the_o truth_n but_o have_v suffer_v persecution_n for_o the_o gospel_n second_o suppose_v it_o be_v a_o antichristian_a yoke_n which_o they_o deny_v yet_o this_o do_v not_o destroy_v the_o be_v of_o a_o true_a church_n or_o ministry_n under_o it_o since_o both_o the_o jewish_a and_o christian_a church_n have_v frequent_o bear_v such_o a_o yoke_n and_o yet_o have_v be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n still_o three_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o unlawful_a or_o antichristian_a in_o the_o office_n of_o bishop_n if_o they_o consider_v they_o as_o the_o king_n visitor_n and_o commissioner_n to_o see_v that_o the_o pastor_n do_v their_o duty_n and_o that_o this_o can_v destroy_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n to_o cast_v many_o particular_a church_n 1642._o under_o one_o provincial_a or_o diocesan_n government_n yea_o mr._n bradshaw_n undertake_v to_o prove_v this_o not_o only_o lawful_a but_o expedient_a to_o that_o degree_n that_o he_o think_v the_o magistrate_n can_v well_o discharge_v his_o duty_n as_o to_o the_o oversight_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n within_o his_o dominion_n without_o it_o as_o be_v employ_v in_o the_o seven_o query_n he_o propound_v to_o fr._n johnson_n about_o it_o 49._o but_o suppose_v they_o to_o be_v pastor_n of_o the_o church_n under_o they_o this_o say_v he_o do_v not_o overthrow_v the_o office_n of_o pastor_n to_o particular_a congregation_n so_o long_o as_o under_o they_o they_o perform_v the_o main_a and_o substantial_a duty_n of_o true_a pastor_n which_o all_o the_o minister_n of_o our_o church-assembly_n do_v and_o by_o the_o law_n catch_v to_o do_v these_o particular_n i_o have_v lay_v together_o with_o all_o possible_a brevity_n and_o clearness_n from_o the_o author_n of_o best_a reputation_n on_o both_o side_n that_o we_o may_v have_v a_o distinct_a view_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o controversy_n about_o separation_n between_o the_o old_a nonconformist_n and_o the_o separatist_n of_o that_o time_n sect._n 12._o but_o before_o we_o come_v to_o our_o present_a time_n we_o must_v consider_v the_o alteration_n that_o be_v make_v in_o the_o state_n of_o this_o controversy_n by_o those_o who_o be_v call_v independent_o and_o pretend_v to_o come_v off_o from_o the_o principle_n of_o brownism_n or_o rigid_a separation_n and_o here_o i_o shall_v give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o progress_n of_o the_o course_n of_o separation_n or_o the_o step_v by_o which_o it_o be_v carry_v on_o and_o how_o it_o come_v at_o last_o to_o settle_v in_o the_o congregational_a way_n and_o what_o the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o difference_n be_v between_o the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n and_o the_o dissent_v brethren_n and_o how_o far_o the_o reason_n then_o use_v will_v hold_v against_o the_o present_a separation_n when_o those_o who_o be_v call_v brownist_n 39_o for_o the_o f●eer_a exercise_n of_o their_o new_a church_n way_n withdraw_v into_o the_o low-countries_n they_o immediate_o fall_v into_o strange_a faction_n and_o division_n among_o themselves_o a._n d._n 1582._o robert_n brown_n accompany_v with_o harrison_n a_o schoolmaster_n and_o about_o 50_o or_o 60_o person_n go_v over_o to_o middleburgh_n and_o there_o they_o choose_v harrison_n pastor_n and_o brown_a teacher_n they_o have_v not_o be_v there_o three_o month_n but_o upon_o the_o fall_n out_o between_o brown_a and_o harri●on_n brown_n forsake_v they_o and_o return_n for_o england_n and_o subscribe_v promise_v to_o the_o archbishop_n to_o live_v obedient_o to_o his_o command_n concern_v who_o harrison_n write_v to_o a_o friend_n in_o london_n in_o these_o word_n indeed_o the_o lord_n have_v make_v a_o breach_n among_o we_o for_o our_o sin_n which_o have_v make_v we_o unworthy_a to_o bear_v his_o great_a and_o worthy_a cause_n mr._n brown_n have_v cast_v we_o off_o and_o that_o with_o open_a manifest_a and_o notable_a treachery_n and_o if_o i_o shall_v declare_v they_o you_o can_v not_o believe_v i_o only_o this_o i_o testify_v unto_o you_o that_o i_o be_o well_o able_a to_o prove_v that_o cain_n deal_v not_o so_o ill_a with_o his_o brother_n abel_n as_o he_o have_v deal_v with_o i_o some_o of_o the_o word_n of_o brown_n subscription_n 127._o be_v these_o i_o do_v humble_o submit_v myself_o to_o be_v at_o my_o lord_n of_o canterbury_n commandment_n who_o authority_n under_o her_o majesty_n i_o w●ll_n never_o resist_v or_o deprave_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n but_o be_v a_o man_n of_o a_o restless_a and_o factious_a temper_n no_o promise_n or_o subscription_n can_v keep_v he_o within_o due_a bound_n as_o one_o who_o live_v at_o that_o time_n have_v full_o discover_v for_o although_o he_o promise_v to_o frequent_v our_o church_n 133._o and_o to_o come_v to_o prayer_n and_o sacrament_n yet_o live_v schoolmaster_n at_o s._n olave_n in_o southwark_n for_o two_o year_n in_o all_o that_o time_n he_o never_o do_v it_o and_o when_o he_o be_v like_a to_o have_v be_v question_v for_o it_o he_o withdraw_v into_o another_o parish_n sometime_o he_o will_v go_v to_o hear_v sermon_n 135._o but_o that_o he_o account_v no_o act_n of_o communion_n and_o declare_v to_o his_o friend_n 134._o that_o he_o think_v it_o not_o unlawful_a to_o hear_v our_o sermon_n and_o therefore_o persuade_v his_o follower_n in_o london_n so_o to_o do_v 140._o notwithstanding_o this_o he_o preach_v in_o private_a meeting_n and_o that_o in_o the_o time_n of_o public_a assembly_n when_o he_o think_v fit_a which_o this_o author_n though_o a_o nonconformist_a and_o friend_n of_o t._n cs_n call_v a_o curse_a conventicle_n who_o set_v forth_o at_o large_a his_o strange_a juggle_n and_o jesuitical_a equivocation_n in_o his_o subscription_n 141._o by_o the_o bishop_n authority_n he_o say_v he_o mean_v only_o his_o civil_a authority_n by_o declare_v the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n he_o understand_v the_o church_n of_o his_o own_o set_n up_o etc._n by_o frequent_v our_o assembly_n according_a to_o law_n he_o mean_v the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o not_o of_o the_o land_n he_o declare_v his_o child_n be_v baptise_a according_o to_o law_n 122._o but_o then_o tell_v his_o follower_n it_o be_v do_v without_o his_o consent_n mr._n cotton_n of_o new_a england_n have_v this_o passage_n concern_v brown_n the_o first_o inventor_n of_o that_o way_n which_o be_v call_v brownism_n from_o who_o the_o sect_n take_v its_o name_n fall_v back_o from_o his_o own_o way_n to_o take_v a_o parsonage_n call_v i●ourc●_n god_n so_o in_o a_o strange_a yet_o wise_a providence_n order_v it_o that_o he_o who_o have_v utter_o renounce_v all_o the_o church_n in_o england_n as_o no_o church_n shall_v afterward_o accept_v of_o one_o parish_n church_n among_o they_o and_o it_o call_v a_o church_n but_o upon_o the_o dissension_n at_o middleborough_n between_o brown_a and_o harrison_n that_o congregation_n soon_o break_v to_o piece_n ainsworth_n can_v deny_v the_o early_a dissension_n between_o brown_a and_o harrison_n brown_n and_o barrow_n barrow_n and_o fr._n johnson_n but_o he_o reckon_v up_o all_o the_o difference_n in_o scripture_n from_o cain_n and_o abel_n downward_o to_o justify_v they_o notwithstanding_o 15._o as_o dr._n o._n well_o observe_v we_o be_v to_o distinguish_v
of_o separation_n be_v not_o to_o be_v measure_v by_o civil_a act_n of_o state_n but_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n five_o to_o leave_v all_o ordinary_a communion_n in_o any_o church_n with_o dislike_n when_o opposition_n or_o offence_n offer_v itself_o be_v to_o separate_a from_o such_o a_o church_n in_o the_o scripture_n sense_n six_o a_o total_a difference_n from_o church_n be_v not_o necessary_a to_o make_v a_o total_a separation_n for_o the_o most_o rigid_a separatist_n hold_v the_o same_o rule_n of_o worship_n and_o government_n with_o our_o brethren_n and_o under_o this_o pretence_n novatian_n donatist_n all_o that_o ever_o be_v think_v to_o separate_a may_v shelter_v themselves_o seven_o if_o they_o may_v occasional_o exercise_v these_o act_n of_o communion_n with_o we_o once_o a_o second_o or_o three_o time_n without_o sin_n we_o know_v no_o reason_n why_o it_o may_v not_o be_v ordinary_a without_o sin_n and_o then_o separation_n and_o church-gathering_a will_v have_v be_v needless_a to_o separate_a from_o those_o church_n ordinary_o and_o visible_o with_o who_o occasional_o you_o may_v join_v without_o sin_n seem_v to_o be_v a_o most_o unjust_a separation_n to_o the_o second_o reason_n the_o dissent_v brethren_n give_v these_o answer_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v found_v upon_o this_o supposition_n that_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v tolerate_v which_o be_v unlawful_a in_o the_o judgement_n of_o those_o who_o be_v to_o tolerate_v which_o the_o divine_n of_o the_o assembly_n deny_v and_o say_v it_o be_v upon_o the_o supposition_n of_o the_o unlawfulness_n to_o tolerate_v gather_v of_o church_n out_o of_o true_a church_n which_o they_o do_v not_o once_o endeavour_v to_o prove_v lawful_a 2._o that_o if_o after_o all_o endeavour_n man_n conscience_n be_v unsatisfied_a as_o to_o communion_n with_o a_o church_n they_o have_v no_o obligation_n lie_v upon_o they_o to_o continue_v in_o that_o communion_n or_o on_o the_o church_n to_o withhold_v they_o from_o remove_v to_o pure_a church_n or_o if_o there_o be_v none_o such_o to_o gather_v into_o church_n to_o which_o the_o divine_n of_o the_o assembly_n reply_v i._o that_o this_o open_v a_o gap_n for_o all_o sect_n to_o challenge_v such_o a_o liberty_n as_o their_o due_n ii_o this_o liberty_n be_v deny_v by_o the_o church_n of_o new-england_n and_o they_o have_v as_o just_a ground_n to_o deny_v it_o as_o they_o to_o the_o three_o reason_n they_o answer_v first_o that_o the_o abuse_n of_o the_o word_n schism_n have_v do_v much_o hurt_n in_o the_o church_n that_o the_o signification_n of_o it_o be_v not_o yet_o agree_v upon_o by_o the_o state_n nor_o debate_v by_o the_o assembly_n to_o which_o the_o other_o reply_v that_o if_o the_o word_n schism_n have_v be_v leave_v out_o the_o reason_n will_v have_v remain_v strong_a viz._n that_o this_o will_v give_v countenance_n to_o perpetual_a division_n in_o the_o church_n still_o draw_v away_o church_n from_o under_o the_o rule_n and_o to_o give_v countenance_n to_o a_o unjust_a and_o causeless_a separation_n from_o lawful_a church_n communion_n be_v not_o far_o from_o give_v countenance_n to_o a_o schism_n especial_o when_o the_o ground_n upon_o which_o this_o separation_n be_v desire_v be_v such_o upon_o which_o all_o other_o possible_a scruple_n which_o err_v conscience_n may_v in_o any_o other_o case_n be_v subject_a unto_o may_v claim_v the_o privilege_n of_o a_o like_a indulgence_n and_o so_o this_o toleration_n be_v the_o first_o shall_v indeed_o but_o lie_v the_o foundation_n and_o open_v the_o gap_n whereat_o as_o many_o division_n in_o the_o church_n as_o there_o may_v be_v scruple_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n shall_v upon_o the_o selfsame_a equity_n be_v let_v in_o second_o this_o will_v give_v countenance_n only_o to_o godly_a people_n join_v in_o other_o congregation_n for_o their_o great_a edification_n who_o can_v otherwise_o without_o sin_n enjoy_v all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n yet_o so_o as_o not_o condemn_v those_o church_n they_o join_v not_o with_o as_o false_a but_o still_o preserve_v all_o christian_a communion_n with_o the_o saint_n as_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n and_o join_v also_o with_o they_o in_o all_o duty_n of_o worship_n which_o belong_v to_o particular_a church_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v able_a and_o if_o this_o be_v call_v schism_n or_o countenance_n of_o schism_n it_o be_v more_o than_o we_o have_v yet_o learned_a from_o scripture_n or_o any_o approve_a author_n to_o this_o the_o divine_n of_o the_o assembly_n reply_v 1._o this_o desire_a forbearance_n be_v a_o perpetual_a division_n in_o the_o church_n and_o a_o perpetual_a draw_v away_o from_o the_o church_n under_o the_o rule_n for_o upon_o the_o same_o pretence_n those_o who_o scruple_n infant-baptism_n may_v withdraw_v from_o their_o church_n and_o so_o separate_a into_o another_o congregation_n and_o so_o in_o that_o some_o practice_n may_v be_v scruple_v and_o they_o separate_a again_o be_v these_o division_n and_o sub-division_n say_v they_o as_o lawful_a as_o they_o may_v be_v infinite_a or_o must_v we_o give_v that_o respect_n to_o the_o error_n of_o man_n conscience_n as_o to_o satisfy_v their_o scruple_n by_o allowance_n of_o this_o liberty_n to_o they_o and_o do_v it_o not_o plain_o signify_v that_o error_n of_o conscience_n be_v a_o protection_n against_o schism_n 2._o the_o not_o condemn_v of_o our_o church_n as_o false_a do_v little_o extenuate_v the_o separation_n for_o divers_a of_o the_o brownist_n who_o have_v total_o separate_v in_o former_a time_n have_v not_o condemn_v these_o church_n as_o false_a though_o they_o do_v not_o pronounce_v a_o affirmative_a judgement_n against_o we_o yet_o the_o very_a separate_n be_v a_o tacit_n and_o practical_a condemn_v of_o our_o church_n if_o not_o as_o false_a yet_o as_o impure_a eousque_fw-la as_o that_o in_o such_o administration_n they_o can_v be_v by_o they_o as_o member_n communicate_v with_o without_o sin_n and_o when_o they_o speak_v of_o communion_n with_o we_o as_o member_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n it_o be_v as_o full_a a_o decline_a of_o communion_n with_o we_o as_o church_n as_o if_o we_o be_v false_a church_n 3._o we_o do_v not_o think_v difference_n in_o judgement_n in_o this_o or_o that_o point_n to_o be_v schism_n or_o that_o every_o inconformity_n unto_o every_o thing_n use_v or_o enjoin_v be_v schism_n so_o that_o communion_n be_v preserve_v or_o that_o separation_n from_o idolatrous_a communion_n or_o worship_n ex_fw-la se_fw-la unlawful_a be_v schism_n but_o to_o join_v in_o separate_a congregation_n of_o another_o communion_n which_o succession_n of_o our_o member_n be_v a_o manifest_a rupture_n of_o our_o society_n into_o other_o and_o be_v therefore_o a_o schism_n in_o the_o body_n and_o if_o the_o apostle_n do_v call_v those_o division_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o christian_n do_v not_o separate_a into_o divers_a form_v congregation_n of_o several_a communion_n in_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n schism_n much_o more_o may_v such_o separation_n as_o this_o desire_a be_v so_o call_v 4._o scruple_n of_o conscience_n be_v no_o cause_n of_o separate_v nor_o do_v it_o take_v off_o causeless_a separation_n from_o be_v schism_n which_o may_v arise_v from_o error_n of_o conscience_n as_o well_o as_o carnal_a and_o corrupt_a reason_n therefore_o we_o conceive_v the_o cause_n of_o separation_n must_v be_v show_v to_o be_v such_o exnaturâ_fw-la rei_fw-la will_v bear_v it_o out_o and_o therefore_o we_o say_v that_o the_o grant_v the_o liberty_n desire_v will_v give_v countenance_n to_o schism_n 5._o we_o can_v but_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v upon_o evidence_n of_o reason_n and_o experience_n of_o all_o age_n that_o this_o separation_n will_v be_v the_o mother_n and_o nurse_n of_o contention_n strife_n envy_n confusion_n and_o so_o draw_v with_o it_o that_o breach_n of_o love_n which_o may_v endanger_v the_o heighten_v of_o it_o into_o formal_a schism_n even_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o brethren_n 6._o what_o be_v it_o that_o approve_a author_n do_v call_v schism_n but_o the_o break_n off_o member_n from_o their_o church_n which_o be_v lawful_o constitute_v church_n and_o from_o communion_n in_o ordinance_n etc._n etc._n without_o just_a and_o sufficient_a cause_n ex_fw-la natura_fw-la rei_fw-la to_o justify_v such_o secession_n and_o to_o join_v in_o other_o congregation_n of_o separate_a communion_n either_o because_o of_o personal_a fail_n in_o the_o officer_n or_o member_n of_o the_o congregation_n from_o which_o they_o separate_v or_o because_o of_o causeless_a scruple_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n which_o have_v be_v call_v set_v up_o altar_n contra_fw-la altar_n from_o which_o they_o quote_v st._n augustin_n and_o camenon_n thus_o i_o have_v faithful_o lay_v down_o the_o state_n of_o this_o controversy_n about_o separation_n as_o it_o have_v be_v manage_v in_o former_a time_n among_o
intend_v in_o silence_v of_o they_o but_o our_o church_n whereof_o we_o be_v minister_n be_v no_o private_a and_o secret_a assembly_n such_o as_o hide_v themselves_o from_o the_o face_n of_o a_o persecute_v magistrate_n and_o state_n but_o be_v public_a profess_v their_o worship_n and_o do_v their_o religion_n in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o magistrate_n and_o state_n yea_o and_o by_o his_o countenance_n authority_n and_o protection_n and_o we_o be_v set_v over_o those_o church_n not_o only_o by_o a_o call_v of_o our_o people_n but_o also_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o magistrate_n who_o have_v a_o arm_a power_n to_o hinder_v any_o such_o public_a action_n who_o be_v willing_a also_o to_o permit_v and_o maintain_v other_o true_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o those_o place_n where_o he_o forbid_v some_o if_o therefore_o after_o our_o public_a call_n to_o minister_v to_o such_o a_o know_a and_o public_a church_n not_o by_o the_o church_n only_o but_o by_o the_o magistrate_n also_o the_o magistrate_n shall_v have_v matter_n against_o we_o whether_o just_a or_o unjust_a it_o skill_v not_o and_o shall_v in_o that_o regard_n forbid_v we_o to_o minister_v to_o our_o church_n i_o see_v not_o by_o what_o warrant_v in_o god_n word_n we_o shall_v think_v ourselves_o bind_v notwithstanding_o to_o exercise_v our_o ministry_n still_o except_o we_o shall_v think_v such_o a_o law_n of_o ministry_n to_o lie_v upon_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v judge_v ourselves_o bind_v to_o run_v upon_o the_o sword_n point_n of_o the_o magistrate_n or_o to_o oppose_v sword_n to_o sword_n and_o suppose_v the_o magistrate_n shall_v do_v it_o unjust_o and_o against_o the_o will_n of_o the_o church_n and_o shall_v therein_o sin_v yet_o do_v not_o the_o church_n in_o that_o regard_n cease_v to_o be_v a_o church_n nor_o ought_v she_o therein_o to_o resist_v the_o will_n of_o the_o magistrate_n neither_o do_v she_o stand_v bind_v in_o regard_n of_o her_o affection_n to_o her_o minister_n how_o great_a and_o deserve_a soever_o to_o deprive_v herself_o of_o the_o protection_n of_o the_o magistrate_n by_o leave_v her_o public_a stand_n to_o follow_v his_o ministry_n in_o private_a and_o in_o the_o dark_a refuse_v the_o benefit_n of_o all_o other_o public_a ministry_n which_o with_o the_o leave_n and_o like_n of_o the_o magistrate_n she_o may_v enjoy_v 4._o neither_o do_v i_o know_v what_o warrant_v any_o ordinary_a minister_n have_v by_o god_n word_n in_o such_o a_o case_n so_o to_o draw_v any_o such_o church_n or_o people_n to_o his_o private_a ministry_n that_o thereby_o they_o shall_v hazard_v their_o outward_a state_n and_o quiet_a in_o the_o commonwealth_n where_o they_o live_v when_o in_o some_o competent_a measure_n they_o may_v public_o with_o the_o grace_n and_o favour_n of_o the_o magistrate_n enjoy_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o salvation_n by_o another_o and_o except_o he_o have_v a_o call_n to_o minister_n in_o some_o church_n he_o be_v to_o be_v content_a to_o live_v as_o a_o private_a member_n till_o it_o shall_v please_v god_n to_o reconcile_v the_o magistrate_n to_o he_o and_o to_o call_v he_o again_o to_o his_o own_o church_n labour_v mean_a while_n private_o upon_o particular_a occasion_n offer_v to_o strengthen_v and_o confirm_v in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n those_o people_n that_o be_v deprive_v of_o his_o public_a labour_n and_o i_o take_v it_o to_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o people_n in_o such_o a_o case_n if_o they_o will_v approve_v themselves_o faithful_a christian_n and_o good_a subject_n so_o to_o submit_v to_o the_o ministry_n of_o another_o as_o that_o by_o prayer_n and_o all_o other_o good_a dutiful_a and_o loyal_a mean_n they_o may_v do_v their_o best_a endeavour_n to_o obtain_v he_o of_o who_o against_o their_o will_n they_o have_v be_v deprive_v and_o still_o to_o affect_v and_o love_v he_o as_o their_o pastor_n now_o if_o the_o people_n do_v thus_o then_o be_v that_o minister_n call_v to_o be_v silent_a not_o only_o by_o the_o magistrate_n but_o by_o they_o also_o though_o with_o much_o grief_n to_o this_o testimony_n of_o mr._n bradshaw_n 99_o all_o that_o mr._n b._n say_v be_v that_o bradshaw_n think_v we_o shall_v submit_v to_o a_o silence_v law_n where_o our_o ministry_n be_v unnecessary_a and_o so_o do_v he_o if_o mr._n b._n do_v allow_v himself_o any_o time_n to_o consider_v what_o he_o write_v he_o will_v never_o have_v give_v such_o a_o answer_n as_o this_o for_o mr._n bradshaw_n never_o put_v the_o case_n upon_o the_o necessity_n or_o no_o necessity_n of_o their_o preach_v but_o upon_o the_o allowance_n or_o disallowance_n of_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n and_o if_o it_o have_v be_v resolve_v upon_o the_o point_n of_o necessity_n be_v it_o possible_a for_o mr._n b._n to_o think_v there_o be_v less_o necessity_n of_o preach_v at_o that_o time_n than_o there_o be_v now_o when_o himself_o confess_v several_a year_n since_o that_o thirty_o year_n ago_o 55._o there_o be_v many_o bare_a read_n not_o preach_v minister_n for_o one_o that_o there_o be_v now_o and_o what_o be_v there_o which_o the_o old_a nonconformist_n more_o complain_v of_o than_o the_o want_n of_o a_o more_o preach_a ministry_n this_o then_o can_v not_o be_v mr._n bradshaw_n reason_n and_o mr._n baxter_n upon_o second_o thought_n can_v be_v of_o that_o opinion_n i_o have_v yet_o one_o argument_n more_o to_o prove_v this_o to_o have_v be_v the_o general_a sense_n of_o the_o nonconformist_n which_o be_v mr._n sprint_n argument_n for_o conformity_n in_o case_n of_o deprivation_n 2._o which_o be_v that_o where_o two_o duty_n do_v meet_v a_o great_a and_o a_o less_o whereof_o both_o can_v be_v do_v at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o lesser_a duty_n must_v yield_v unto_o the_o great_a but_o this_o doctrine_n of_o suffer_a deprivation_n for_o not_o conform_v teach_v and_o the_o practice_n thereof_o cause_v to_o neglect_v a_o great_a duty_n for_o perform_v of_o a_o less_o therefore_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o error_n in_o doctrine_n and_o a_o sin_n in_o practice_n the_o force_n of_o which_o argument_n do_v necessary_o suppose_v that_o minister_n deprive_v by_o law_n be_v not_o to_o exercise_v their_o ministerial_a function_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o law_n be_v and_o to_o confirm_v this_o several_a nonconformist_n undertake_v to_o answer_v this_o argument_n and_o to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o disparity_n of_o the_o case_n as_o to_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o we_o for_o mr._n sprint_v have_v urge_v the_o instance_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o this_o purpose_n since_o they_o submit_v to_o jewish_a ceremony_n rather_o than_o lose_v the_o liberty_n of_o their_o ministry_n they_o ought_v to_o yield_v to_o our_o ceremony_n on_o the_o same_o ground_n to_o which_o they_o answer_v that_o the_o apostle_n have_v far_o great_a reason_n so_o to_o do_v 232_o because_o their_o ministry_n be_v of_o far_o great_a excellency_n and_o usefulness_n and_o therefore_o the_o argument_n be_v of_o much_o great_a weight_n with_o the_o apostle_n than_o it_o can_v be_v with_o they_o for_o say_v they_o what_o one_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v there_o that_o dare_v be_v so_o presumptuous_a as_o to_o say_v that_o his_o preach_a and_o ministry_n can_v be_v of_o that_o necessity_n and_o use_v for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o good_a of_o his_o church_n as_o be_v the_o ministry_n of_o his_o apostle_n the_o work_n whereunto_o the_o lord_n call_v and_o separate_v the_o apostle_n viz._n the_o plant_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o preach_a the_o gospel_n to_o all_o nation_n be_v such_o as_o can_v not_o have_v be_v perform_v by_o any_o other_o but_o the_o apostle_n alone_o but_o in_o deprivation_n of_o our_o minister_n that_o refuse_v conformity_n there_o be_v no_o such_o danger_n and_o of_o their_o preach_v there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o necessity_n imagine_v though_o they_o preach_v not_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v still_o and_o that_o sound_o and_o fruitful_o do_v these_o man_n think_v the_o apostle_n woe_n be_v unto_o i_o if_o i_o preach_v not_o the_o gospel_n do_v reach_v to_o their_o case_n can_v mr._n b._n imagine_v that_o such_o man_n think_v themselves_o still_o bind_v to_o preach_v although_o they_o be_v silence_v by_o our_o law_n and_o now_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v prove_v that_o to_o be_v evident_o true_a which_o mr._n b._n say_v be_v notorious_o false_a but_o if_o after_o all_o this_o mr._n b._n will_v persist_v in_o say_v that_o he_o know_v those_o who_o do_v otherwise_o all_o that_o i_o have_v to_o say_v to_o it_o be_v that_o i_o hope_v mr._n bs._n acquaintance_n both_o of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o party_n if_o they_o be_v such_o as_o he_o represent_v be_v not_o to_o be_v the_o standard_n for_o all_o the_o rest_n for_o it_o seem_v he_o be_v not_o very_o happy_a in_o either_o part_n
capable_a to_o receive_v the_o inhabitant_n for_o this_o i_o find_v insist_v on_o by_o almost_o all_o my_o answerer_n 34._o some_o parish_n say_v one_o can_v receive_v a_o ten_o part_n some_o not_o half_a the_o people_n belong_v to_o they_o few_o can_v receive_v all_o the_o parochial_a teacher_n say_v another_o be_v overlay_v with_o a_o numerous_a throng_n of_o people_n 35._o the_o parish_n minister_n be_v not_o near_o sufficient_a for_o so_o populous_a a_o city_n say_v a_o three_o and_o yet_o not_o one_o of_o these_o but_o assign_v such_o reason_n for_o the_o necessity_n of_o separate_a congregation_n as_o will_v equal_o hold_v if_o there_o be_v never_o a_o church_n in_o london_n but_o what_o will_v hold_v all_o the_o inhabitant_n together_o this_o be_v therefore_o but_o a_o colour_n and_o pretence_n and_o no_o real_a cause_n any_o one_o will_v think_v by_o mr._n baxter_n insist_v so_o very_a much_o on_o the_o greatness_n and_o largeness_n of_o our_o parish_n as_o the_o reason_n of_o his_o preach_v in_o separate_a congregation_n this_o be_v his_o opinion_n that_o such_o congregation_n be_v only_o allowable_a in_o such_o vast_a parish_n where_o they_o be_v help_n to_o the_o parochial_a church_n and_o no_o man_n deny_v that_o more_o place_n for_o worship_n be_v desirable_a and_o will_v be_v very_o useful_a where_o they_o may_v be_v have_v and_o the_o same_o way_n of_o worship_n and_o order_n observe_v in_o they_o as_o in_o our_o parochial_a church_n where_o they_o may_v be_v under_o the_o same_o inspection_n and_o ecclesiastical_a government_n where_o upon_o pretence_n of_o great_a purity_n of_o worship_n and_o better_a mean_n of_o edification_n the_o people_n be_v not_o draw_v into_o separation_n but_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o mr._n baxter_n shall_v think_v the_o case_n alike_o where_o the_o order_n of_o our_o church_n be_v constant_o neglect_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o bishop_n be_v slight_v and_o contemn_v and_o such_o meeting_n be_v keep_v up_o in_o affront_n to_o they_o and_o the_o law_n will_v mr._n b._n have_v think_v this_o a_o sufficient_a reason_n for_o mr._n tomb_n to_o have_v set_v up_o a_o meeting_n of_o anabaptist_n in_o kidderminster_n because_o it_o be_v a_o very_a large_a parish_n or_o for_o r._n williams_n in_o new-england_n to_o have_v set_v up_o a_o separate_a congregation_n at_o boston_n because_o there_o be_v but_o three_o church_n there_o to_o receive_v all_o the_o numerous_a inhabitant_n if_o such_o a_o number_n of_o church_n can_v be_v build_v as_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o greatness_n and_o extent_n of_o parish_n we_o shall_v be_v so_o far_o from_o oppose_v it_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v very_o thankful_a to_o those_o who_o will_v accomplish_v so_o excellent_a a_o work_n but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n be_v this_o just_a and_o reasonable_a to_o draw_v away_o the_o people_n who_o come_v to_o our_o church_n under_o the_o pretence_n of_o preach_v to_o those_o who_o can_v come_v for_o upon_o consideration_n we_o shall_v find_v 1._o that_o this_o be_v mr._n baxter_n own_o case_n for_o if_o we_o observe_v he_o 24._o although_o he_o sometime_o pretend_v only_o to_o preach_v to_o some_o of_o many_o thousand_o that_o can_v come_v into_o the_o temple_n many_o of_o which_o never_o hear_v a_o sermon_n of_o many_o year_n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n he_o put_v so_o many_o quaere_fw-la be_v to_o i_o concern_v the_o largeness_n of_o parish_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o more_o assistant_n thereby_o to_o insinuate_v that_o what_o he_o do_v be_v only_o to_o preach_v to_o such_o as_o can_v not_o come_v to_o our_o church_n yet_o when_o he_o be_v pinch_v with_o the_o point_n of_o separation_n than_o he_o declare_v that_o his_o hearer_n be_v the_o same_o with_o we_o at_o least_o 10_o or_o 20_o for_o one_o 57_o and_o that_o he_o know_v not_o many_o if_o any_o who_o use_n to_o hear_v he_o that_o separate_a from_o we_o if_o this_o be_v true_a as_o no_o doubt_n mr._n b._n believe_v it_o than_o what_o such_o mighty_a help_n or_o assistance_n be_v this_o to_o our_o great_a parish_n what_o colour_n or_o pretence_n be_v there_o from_o the_o largeness_n of_o they_o that_o he_o shall_v preach_v to_o the_o very_a same_o person_n who_o come_v to_o our_o church_n and_o if_o such_o meeting_n as_o they_o be_v only_o lawful_a in_o great_a parish_n where_o they_o preach_v to_o some_o of_o many_o thousand_o who_o can_v come_v into_o the_o church_n then_o how_o come_v they_o to_o be_v lawful_a where_o few_o or_o none_o of_o those_o many_o thousand_o ever_o come_v at_o all_o but_o they_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o very_a same_o person_n who_o come_v to_o our_o parish_n church_n these_o two_o pretence_n than_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o each_o other_o and_o one_o of_o they_o can_v hold_v for_o if_o he_o do_v preach_v to_o those_o who_o come_v to_o our_o church_n and_o scarce_o to_o any_o else_o i●_n any_o as_o mr._n b._n suppose_v than_o all_o the_o pretence_n from_o the_o largeness_n of_o our_o parish_n and_o the_o many_o thousand_o who_o can_v come_v to_o our_o church_n be_v vain_a and_o impertinent_a and_o to_o speak_v soft_o not_o become_v mr._n baxter_n sincerity_n 2._o that_o if_o this_o be_v mr._n baxter_n own_o case_n viz._n that_o he_o preach_v only_o to_o such_o as_o can_v not_o come_v to_o our_o church_n it_o will_v be_v no_o defence_n of_o the_o general_a practice_n of_o dissenter_n who_o express_v no_o regard_n at_o all_o to_o the_o greatness_n or_o smallness_n of_o parish_n as_o if_o it_o be_v necessary_a may_v be_v prove_v by_o a_o induction_n of_o the_o particular_a congregation_n within_o the_o city_n and_o in_o the_o adjacent_a parish_n either_o those_o separarate_a meeting_n be_v lawful_a or_o not_o if_o not_o why_o do_v not_o mr._n baxter_n disow_v they_o if_o they_o be_v why_o do_v he_o pretend_v the_o greatness_n of_o parish_n to_o justify_v separate_a meeting_n when_o if_o they_o be_v never_o so_o small_a they_o will_v be_v lawful_a however_o this_o therefore_o must_v be_v set_v aside_o as_o a_o mee●_n colour_n and_o pretence_n which_o he_o think_v plausible_a for_o himself_o and_o invidious_a to_o we_o though_o the_o bound_n of_o our_o parish_n be_v ne●ther_o of_o our_o own_o make_n nor_o be_v it_o in_o our_o power_n to_o alter_v they_o and_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o mr._n b._n do_v justify_v they_o upon_o other_o ground_n which_o have_v no_o relation_n at_o all_o to_o the_o extent_n of_o parish_n or_o capacity_n of_o church_n i_o come_v therefore_o to_o the_o real_a ground_n which_o they_o proceed_v upon_o sect._n 3_o some_o do_v allow_v communion_n with_o some_o parochial_a church_n in_o some_o duty_n at_o some_o season_n but_o not_o with_o all_o church_n in_o all_o duty_n or_o at_o all_o time_n these_o thing_n must_v be_v more_o particulary_a explain_v for_o a_o right_a understanding_n the_o mystery_n of_o the_o present_a separation_n which_o proceed_v not_o so_o open_o and_o plain_o as_o the_o old_a separation_n do_v but_o have_v such_o artificial_a wind_n and_o turn_n in_o it_o that_o a_o man_n think_v they_o be_v very_o near_o our_o church_n when_o they_o be_v at_o a_o great_a distance_n from_o it_o if_o we_o charge_v they_o with_o follow_v the_o step_n of_o the_o old_a separatist_n we_o utter_o deny_v it_o for_o say_v they_o for_o they_o separate_v from_o your_o church_n as_o no_o true_a church_n they_o disown_v your_o ministry_n and_o hierarchy_n as_o antichristian_a and_o look_v on_o your_o worship_n as_o idolatrous_a but_o we_o do_v none_o of_o these_o thing_n and_o therefore_o you_o charge_v we_o unjust_o with_o separation_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v 1._o there_o be_v many_o still_o especial_o of_o the_o people_n who_o pursue_v the_o principle_n of_o the_o old_a separatist_n of_o who_o mr_n b._n have_v speak_v very_o well_o in_o his_o cure_n of_o division_n and_o the_o defence_n of_o it_o and_o elsewhere_o where_o he_o complain_v 393._o of_o their_o violence_n and_o censoriousness_n their_o contempt_n of_o the_o grave_a and_o wise_a pastor_n and_o force_v other_o to_o forsake_v their_o own_o judgement_n to_o comply_v with_o their_o humour_n and_o he_o say_v a_o sinful_a humour_v of_o rash_a professor_n be_v as_o great_a a_o temptation_n to_o they_o as_o a_o sinful_a compliance_n with_o the_o great_a one_o of_o the_o world_n in_o another_o place_n he_o say_v etc._n the_o people_n will_v not_o endure_v any_o form_n of_o prayer_n among_o they_o but_o they_o declare_v they_o will_v be_v go_v from_o they_o if_o they_o do_v use_v they_o and_o he_o do_v not_o dissemble_v that_o they_o do_v comply_v with_o they_o in_o these_o remarkable_a word_n shall_v the_o minister_n in_o london_n that_o have_v suffer_v so_o long_o but_o use_v any_o part_n of_o the_o liturgy_n and_o scripture_n form_n though_o without_o
common●ties_n and_o bond_n on_o the_o account_n of_o their_o great_a attainment_n nor_o to_o separate_a from_o other_o as_o mean_a and_o low_a christian_n because_o they_o be_v not_o come_v up_o to_o that_o perfection_n which_o you_o have_v attain_v to_o and_o so_o either_o way_n it_o contain_v a_o excellent_a rule_n and_o of_o admirable_a use_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n not_o only_o at_o that_o time_n but_o in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n viz._n that_o those_o who_o can_v be_v full_o satisfy_v in_o all_o thing_n shall_v go_v as_o far_o as_o they_o can_v towards_o preserve_a peace_n and_o communion_n among_o christian_n and_o not_o peevish_o separate_v and_o divide_v the_o church_n because_o they_o can_v in_o all_o thing_n think_v as_o other_o do_v nor_o other_o on_o the_o account_n of_o great_a sanctity_n and_o perfection_n despise_v the_o inferior_a sort_n of_o christian_n and_o forsake_v their_o communion_n but_o they_o ought_v all_o to_o do_v what_o lie_v possible_o in_o they_o to_o preserve_v the_o bond_n of_o peace_n and_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n three_o how_o far_o this_o rule_n have_v a_o influence_n on_o our_o case_n 1._o it_o follow_v from_o hence_o that_o as_o far_o as_o communion_n be_v lawful_a it_o be_v a_o duty_n since_o as_o far_o as_o they_o have_v attain_v they_o be_v to_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n and_o so_o much_o dr._n o._n do_v not_o deny_v when_o he_o say_v those_o who_o be_v agree_v in_o the_o substantial_o of_o religion_n or_o in_o the_o principle_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n shall_v walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n and_o mind_n the_o same_o thing_n forbear_v one_o another_o in_o the_o the_o thing_n wherein_o they_o differ_v then_o as_o far_o as_o they_o agree_v they_o be_v bind_v to_o join_v together_o whether_o it_o be_v as_o to_o opinion_n or_o communion_n because_o the_o obligation_n to_o peace_n and_o unity_n must_v especial_o reach_v to_o act_n of_o christian_a communion_n as_o far_o as_o that_o be_v judge_v to_o be_v lawful_a 2._o that_o the_o best_a christian_n be_v bind_v to_o unite_v with_o other_o though_o of_o low_a attainment_n and_o to_o keep_v within_o the_o same_o rule_n which_o be_v a_o general_a expression_n relate_v to_o the_o bound_n of_o a_o race_n and_o so_o take_v in_o all_o such_o order_n which_o be_v lawful_a and_o judge_v necessary_a to_o hold_v the_o member_n of_o a_o christian_a society_n together_o 26._o but_o say_v dr._n o._n let_v the_o apostle_n rule_v be_v produce_v with_o any_o probability_n of_o proof_n to_o be_v his_o and_o they_o be_v all_o ready_a to_o subscribe_v and_o conform_v unto_o it_o this_o be_v the_o apostle_n rule_n to_o go_v as_o far_o as_o they_o can_v and_o if_o they_o can_v go_v no_o far_o to_o sit_v down_o quiet_o and_o wait_v for_o far_a instruction_n and_o not_o to_o break_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o present_a dissatisfaction_n nor_o to_o gather_v new_a church_n out_o of_o other_o upon_o supposition_n of_o high_a attainment_n if_o the_o rule_n reach_v our_o case_n 27._o say_v he_o again_o it_o must_v be_v such_o as_o require_v thing_n to_o be_v observe_v as_o be_v never_o divine_o appoint_v as_o national_a church_n ceremony_n and_o mode_n of_o worship_n and_o so_o this_o rule_n do_v in_o order_n to_o peace_n require_v the_o observation_n of_o such_o thing_n which_o although_o they_o be_v not_o particular_o appoint_v by_o god_n yet_o be_v enjoin_v by_o lawful_a authority_n provide_v they_o be_v not_o unlawful_a in_o themselves_o nor_o repugnant_a to_o the_o world_n of_o god_n but_o the_o apostle_n never_o give_v any_o such_o rule_n themselves_o 28_o about_o outward_a modes_n of_o worship_n with_o ceremony_n feast_n fast_n liturgy_n etc._n etc._n what_o then_o it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o they_o give_v this_o general_a rule_n that_o all_o lawful_a thing_n be_v to_o be_v do_v for_o the_o church_n peace_n and_o without_o this_o no_o unity_n or_o order_n can_v be_v preserve_v in_o church_n the_o apostle_n say_v he_o give_v rule_n inconsistent_a with_o any_o determine_a rule_n 31._o viz._n of_o mutual_a forbearance_n rome_n 14._o and_o herein_o the_o apostle_n act_v not_o upon_o mere_a rule_n of_o prudence_n but_o as_o a_o teacher_n divine_o inspire_v that_o he_o be_v divine_o inspire_v i_o do_v not_o question_v but_o even_o such_o a_o one_o may_v determine_v a_o case_n upon_o present_a circumstance_n which_o resolution_n may_v not_o always_o bind_v when_o the_o circumstance_n be_v change_v for_o then_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o apostle_n must_v be_v that_o whatever_o difference_n happen_v among_o christian_n there_o must_v be_v no_o determination_n either_o way_n but_o the_o direct_a contrary_n to_o this_o we_o find_v in_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o apostle_n at_o jerusalem_n upon_o the_o difference_n that_o happen_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n 28._o and_o although_o there_o be_v a_o very_a plausible_a pretence_n of_o the_o obligation_n of_o conscience_n one_o way_n yet_o the_o apostle_n make_v a_o determination_n in_o the_o case_n contrary_a to_o their_o judgement_n which_o show_v that_o the_o rule_n of_o forbearance_n where_o conscience_n be_v allege_v both_o way_n be_v no_o stand_a rule_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n but_o that_o the_o governor_n of_o it_o from_o parity_n of_o reason_n may_v determine_v those_o thing_n which_o they_o judge_v to_o conduce_v most_o to_o the_o peace_n and_o welfare_n of_o that_o church_n which_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o preserve_v and_o from_o hence_o it_o appear_v how_o little_a reason_n there_o be_v for_o dr._n oh_o insinuation_n as_o though_o the_o false_a apostle_n be_v the_o only_a imposer_n whereas_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o the_o true_a apostle_n make_v this_o peremptory_a decree_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o great_a consequence_n and_o against_o the_o pretence_n of_o conscience_n on_o the_o other_o side_n but_o say_v dr._n o._n further_o 8._o the_o jewish_a christian_n be_v leave_v to_o their_o own_o liberty_n provide_v they_o do_v not_o impose_v on_o other_o and_o the_o dissenter_n at_o this_o day_n desire_v no_o more_o than_o the_o gentile_a church_n do_v viz._n not_o to_o be_v impose_v upon_o to_o observe_v those_o thing_n which_o they_o be_v not_o satisfy_v it_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n shall_v be_v impose_v upon_o they_o i_o answer_v 1._o it_o be_v agree_v by_o all_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n that_o the_o jewish_a christian_n shall_v be_v leave_v to_o their_o own_o liberty_n out_o of_o respect_n to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o out_o of_o regard_n to_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o may_v have_v be_v extreme_o hazard_v if_o the_o apostle_n have_v present_o set_v themselves_o against_o the_o observe_v the_o jewish_a custom_n among_o the_o jew_n themselves_o 2._o the_o false_a apostle_n impose_v on_o the_o gentile_a christian_n have_v two_o circumstance_n in_o it_o which_o extreme_o alter_v their_o case_n from_o that_o of_o our_o present_a dissenter_n for_o 1._o they_o be_v none_o of_o their_o lawful_a governor_n but_o go_v about_o as_o seducer_n draw_v away_o the_o disciple_n of_o the_o apostle_n from_o they_o 2._o they_o impose_v the_o jewish_a rite_n as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o not_o as_o mere_o indifferent_a thing_n and_o therefore_o the_o case_n of_o our_o dissenter_n be_v very_o different_a from_o that_o of_o the_o gentile_a christian_n as_o to_o the_o imposition_n of_o the_o false_a apostle_n thus_o i_o have_v consider_v every_o thing_n material_a in_o dr._n o._n which_o seem_v to_o take_v off_o the_o force_n of_o the_o argument_n draw_v from_o this_o text._n the_o author_n of_o the_o letter_n say_v 1._o that_o i_o ought_v to_o have_v prove_v 24._o that_o the_o apostle_n mean_v some_o rule_n superad_v to_o the_o scripture_n and_o 2._o that_o other_o church-guide_n have_v the_o same_o power_n as_o the_o apostle_n have_v but_o what_o need_v all_o this_o if_o it_o appear_v 1_o that_o the_o apostle_n do_v give_v bind_v rule_n to_o particular_a church_n which_o be_v not_o extant_a in_o scripture_n as_o appear_v by_o 1_o cor._n 7._o 17._o so_o that_o either_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o imperfect_a rule_n for_o omit_v some_o divine_a rule_n or_o else_o these_o be_v only_a prudential_n rule_v of_o order_n and_o government_n 2._o that_o it_o be_v a_o stand_a rule_n of_o scripture_n that_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o do_v all_o lawful_a thing_n for_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o this_o i_o have_v show_v be_v the_o apostle_n design_n in_o the_o word_n of_o this_o text._n sect._n 20._o other_o pretend_v that_o the_o apostle_n mean_v no_o more_o by_o these_o word_n but_o that_o christian_n must_v live_v up_o to_o their_o knowledge_n and_o mind_n that_o one_o thing_n this_o be_v a_o very_a new_a exposition_n and_o the_o author_n of_o it_o intend_v
yet_o the_o more_o heinous_a `that_o it_o be_v common_o father_v upon_o god_n last_o that_o it_o be_v most_o unlike_a the_o heavenly_a state_n and_o in_o some_o regard_n worse_o than_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o devil_n for_o he_o will_v not_o destroy_v it_o by_o divide_v it_o against_o itself_o remember_v now_o say_v he_o that_o schism_n and_o make_v party_n and_o division_n in_o the_o church_n be_v not_o so_o small_a a_o sin_n as_o many_o take_v it_o for_o i_o conclude_v this_o with_o his_o admonition_n to_o bag_n shaw_fw-mi upon_o his_o lessen_v the_o sin_n of_o separation_n alas_o dear_a brother_n that_o after_o so_o many_o year_n silence_v and_o affliction_n 6._o after_o flame_n and_o plague_n and_o dreadful_a judgement_n after_o twenty_o year_n practice_n of_o the_o sin_n itself_o and_o when_o we_o be_v bury_v in_o the_o ruin_n which_o it_o cause_v we_o shall_v not_o yet_o know_v that_o our_o own_o uncharitable_a division_n alienation_n and_o separation_n be_v a_o cry_v sin_n yea_o the_o cry_v sin_n as_o well_o as_o the_o vncharitableness_n and_o hurtfulness_n of_o other_o alas_o will_v god_n leave_v we_o also_o even_o we_o to_o the_o obdurateness_n of_o pharaoh_n do_v not_o judgement_n begin_v with_o we_o be_v there_o not_o cry_v sin_n with_o we_o what_o have_v we_o do_v to_o christ_n kingdom_n to_o this_o kingdom_n to_o our_o friend_n dead_a and_o alive_a to_o ourselves_o and_o alas_o to_o our_o enemy_n by_o our_o division_n and_o do_v we_o not_o feel_v it_o do_v we_o not_o know_v it_o be_v it_o to_o we_o even_o to_o we_o a_o crime_n intolerable_a to_o call_v we_o to_o repentance_n woe_n to_o we_o into_o what_o hardheartedness_n have_v we_o sin_v ourselves_o yea_o that_o we_o shall_v continue_v and_o passionate_o defend_v it_o when_o will_v god_n give_v we_o repentance_n unto_o life_n let_v mr._n a._n read_v these_o passage_n over_o serious_o and_o then_o consider_v whether_o he_o can_v go_v on_o to_o excuse_v and_o palliate_v the_o sin_n of_o schism_n but_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o mr._n a._n speak_v all_o this_o comparative_o with_o enslave_v our_o judgement_n and_o conscience_n to_o other_o which_o he_o call_v a_o enormous_a and_o monstrous_a principle_n and_o he_o say_v this_o be_v a_o medicine_n worse_o than_o the_o poison_n even_o as_o it_o be_v much_o better_a to_o have_v a_o rational_a soul_n though_o subject_a to_o mistake_v than_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o brute_n which_o may_v be_v manage_v as_o you_o will_v with_o a_o strong_a bit_n and_o bridle_n to_o make_v it_o plain_a that_o he_o make_v little_a or_o nothing_o of_o the_o sin_n of_o separation_n we_o must_v attend_v to_o the_o argument_n he_o be_v to_o answer_v which_o be_v that_o if_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o separate_a 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 agree_v in_o our_o case_n than_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 where_o we_o see_v plain_o the_o inconvenience_n urge_v be_v endless_a separation_n do_v he_o set_v any_o kind_n of_o bound_n to_o it_o no_o but_o only_o talk_v of_o inconsiderable_a and_o petty_a inconvenience_n and_o some_o little_a trouble_n that_o may_v arise_v to_o a_o church_n from_o the_o levity_n and_o volubility_n of_o man_n mind_n i._n e._n let_v man_n separate_a as_o long_o as_o they_o will_v ●his_fw-la be_v the_o worst_a of_o it_o and_o he_o must_v grant_v that_o though_o separation_n be_v endless_a there_o be_v no_o harm_n in_o it_o but_o he_o that_o can_v find_v out_o a_o medium_n between_o circumstance_n of_o worship_n and_o substantial_o can_v find_v out_o none_o between_o endless_a separation_n and_o the_o enslave_v man_n judgement_n and_o conscience_n for_o he_o suppose_v one_o of_o the_o two_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v which_o be_v plain_o give_v up_o the_o cause_n to_o the_o papist_n for_o this_o be_v their_o argument_n either_o we_o must_v give_v up_o our_o judgement_n and_o conscience_n to_o the_o conduct_n of_o our_o guide_n or_o there_o will_v be_v endless_a separation_n he_o grant_v the_o consequence_n and_o cry_n what_o then_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o levity_n and_o volubility_n of_o man_n mind_n and_o this_o be_v much_o rather_o to_o be_v choose_v than_o the_o other_o but_o any_o sound_a protestant_n that_o understand_v the_o state_n of_o the_o controversy_n between_o we_o and_o they_o as_o this_o author_n apparent_o do_v not_o will_v present_o deny_v the_o consequence_n because_o a_o prudent_a and_o due_a submission_n in_o lawful_a thing_n lie_v between_o tyranny_n over_o man_n conscience_n and_o endless_a separation_n but_o he_o know_v no_o medium_fw-la between_o be_v tie_v neck_n and_o heel_n together_o and_o leap_v over_o hedge_n and_o ditch_n be_v keep_v within_o no_o bound_n and_o what_o ignorance_n or_o malice_n be_v it_o to_o suppose_v that_o our_o church_n bring_v in_o that_o enormous_a and_o monstrous_a principle_n of_o enslave_v man_n judgement_n and_o conscience_n force_v they_o to_o surrender_v their_o reason_n to_o naked_a will_n and_o pleasure_n and_o if_o he_o do_v not_o suppose_v it_o his_o discourse_n be_v frivolous_a and_o impertinent_a for_o a_o due_a submission_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o establish_a church_n without_o any_o force_n on_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n as_o to_o the_o infallibility_n of_o guide_n or_o necessity_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o will_v put_v a_o sufficient_a stop_n to_o separation_n which_o must_v be_v endless_a on_o my_o adversary_n supposition_n sect._n 28._o 5._o last_o i_o argue_v against_o this_o separation_n from_o the_o obligation_n which_o lie_v upon_o all_o christian_n to_o preserve_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o now_o i_o have_v bring_v the_o matter_n home_o to_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n who_o it_o may_v be_v will_v little_o regard_v other_o inconvenience_n if_o the_o practice_n of_o separation_n do_v not_o appear_v to_o be_v unlawful_a from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o i_o now_o undertake_v to_o prove_v upon_o these_o supposition_n 1._o that_o all_o christian_n be_v under_o the_o strict_a obligation_n to_o preserve_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n for_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o suppose_v that_o any_o duty_n shall_v be_v bind_v upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n with_o plain_a precept_n and_o strong_a argument_n than_o this_o be_v the_o place_n be_v so_o many_o that_o it_o be_v endless_a to_o repeat_v they_o and_o therefore_o needless_a because_o this_o be_v agree_v on_o all_o hand_n so_o that_o violation_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n where_o there_o be_v no_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o justify_v it_o be_v a_o sin_n as_o much_o as_o murder_n be_v and_o as_o plain_o forbid_v but_o it_o happen_v here_o as_o it_o do_v in_o the_o other_o case_n that_o as_o murder_n be_v always_o a_o sin_n but_o there_o may_v be_v some_o circumstance_n which_o may_v make_v the_o take_v away_o a_o man_n life_n not_o to_o be_v murder_n so_o it_o may_v happen_v that_o though_o schism_n be_v always_o a_o sin_n yet_o there_o may_v be_v such_o circumstance_n which_o may_v make_v a_o separation_n not_o to_o be_v a_o schism_n but_o then_o they_o must_v be_v such_o reason_n as_o be_v not_o fetch_v from_o our_o fancy_n no_o more_o than_o in_o the_o case_n of_o murder_n but_o such_o as_o be_v allow_v by_o god_n himself_o in_o his_o law_n for_o he_o only_o that_o make_v the_o law_n can_v except_v from_o it_o 2._o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n do_v not_o lie_v in_o a_o bare_a communion_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n but_o in_o a_o joynt-participation_n of_o the_o ordinance_n appoint_v by_o christ_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o his_o church_n for_o although_o the_o former_a be_v a_o duty_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o take_v in_o the_o whole_a duty_n of_o a_o christian_a which_o be_v to_o join_v together_o as_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v command_v to_o assemble_v together_o and_o upon_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o a_o christian_a church_n it_o be_v say_v the_o disciple_n continue_v in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n 25._o and_o in_o break_v of_o bread_n 42._o and_o in_o prayer_n and_o the_o apostle_n set_v forth_o christian_n as_o make_v one_o body_n by_o communion_n in_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ._n 17._o we_o be_v many_o be_v one_o bread_n and_o one_o body_n for_o we_o be_v
he_o hope_v it_o will_v not_o be_v make_v a_o rule_n that_o communion_n may_v not_o be_v withhold_v so_o the_o sense_n must_v be_v although_o not_o be_v leave_v out_o or_o withdraw_v from_o any_o church_n in_o any_o thing_n so_o long_o as_o it_o continue_v as_o unto_o the_o essence_n of_o it_o to_o be_v so_o this_o be_v somewhat_o odd_o and_o faint_o express_v 〈◊〉_d but_o as_o long_o as_o he_o grant_v that_o our_o parochial_a church_n be_v not_o guilty_a of_o such_o heinous_a error_n in_o doctrine_n or_o idolatrous_a practice_n in_o worship_n as_o to_o deprive_v they_o of_o the_o be_v and_o nature_n of_o church_n i_o do_v assert_v it_o to_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o separate_v from_o they_o not_o but_o that_o i_o think_v there_o may_v be_v a_o separation_n without_o sin_n from_o a_o society_n retain_v the_o essential_o of_o a_o church_n but_o then_o i_o say_v the_o reason_n of_o such_o separation_n be_v some_o heinous_a error_n in_o doctrine_n or_o some_o idolatrous_a practice_n in_o worship_n or_o some_o tyranny_n over_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n which_o may_v not_o be_v such_o as_o to_o destroy_v true_a baptism_n and_o therefore_o consistent_a with_o the_o essential_o of_o a_o church_n and_o this_o be_v all_o that_o i_o know_v the_o protestant_a writer_n do_v assert_v in_o this_o matter_n 2._o he_o answer_v that_o they_o do_v not_o say_v that_o because_o communion_n in_o ordinance_n must_v be_v only_o in_o such_o church_n as_o christ_n have_v institute_v that_o therefore_o it_o be_v lawful_a and_o necessary_a to_o separate_v from_o parochial_a church_n but_o if_o it_o be_v on_o other_o ground_n necessary_a so_o to_o separate_v or_o withhold_v communion_n from_o they_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o they_o who_o do_v so_o to_o join_v themselves_o in_o or_o unto_o some_o other_o particular_a congregation_n to_o which_o i_o reply_v that_o this_o be_v either_o not_o to_o the_o business_n or_o it_o be_v a_o plain_a give_v up_o the_o cause_n of_o independency_n for_o wherefore_o do_v the_o dissent_v brethren_n so_o much_o insist_v upon_o their_o separate_a congregation_n when_o not_o one_o of_o the_o thing_n now_o particular_o allege_v against_o our_o church_n be_v require_v of_o they_o but_o if_o he_o insist_o on_o those_o thing_n common_a to_o our_o church_n with_o other_o reform_a church_n than_o they_o be_v such_o thing_n as_o he_o suppose_v contrary_a to_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o church_n and_o then_o i_o entreat_v he_o to_o tell_v i_o what_o difference_n there_o be_v between_o separate_v from_o our_o church_n because_o communion_n in_o ordinance_n be_v only_o to_o be_v enjoy_v in_o such_o church_n as_o christ_n have_v institute_v and_o separate_v from_o they_o because_o they_o have_v thing_n repugnant_a to_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o church_n be_v not_o this_o the_o primary_n reason_n of_o separation_n because_o christ_n have_v appoint_v unalterable_a rule_n for_o the_o government_n of_o his_o church_n which_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o observe_v and_o which_o be_v not_o observe_v in_o parochial_a church_n indeed_o the_o most_o immediate_a reason_n of_o separation_n from_o such_o a_o church_n be_v not_o observe_v christ_n institution_n but_o the_o primary_n ground_n be_v that_o christ_n have_v settle_v such_o rule_n for_o church_n which_o must_v be_v unalterable_o observe_v let_v we_o then_o 1._o suppose_v that_o christ_n have_v by_o unalterable_a rule_n appoint_v that_o a_o church_n shall_v consist_v only_o of_o such_o a_o number_n of_o man_n as_o may_v meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n so_o qualify_v and_o that_o these_o by_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o each_o other_o become_v a_o church_n and_o choose_v their_o officer_n who_o be_v to_o teach_v and_o admonish_v and_o administer_v sacrament_n and_o to_o exercise_v discipline_n by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o congregation_n and_o let_v we_o 2._o suppose_v such_o a_o church_n not_o yet_o gather_v but_o there_o lie_v fit_a matter_n for_o it_o disperse_v up_o and_o down_o in_o several_a parish_n 3._o let_v we_o suppose_v dr._n o._n about_o to_o gather_v such_o a_o church_n 4._o let_v we_o suppose_v not_o one_o thing_n peculiar_a to_o our_o church_n require_v of_o these_o member_n neither_o the_o aëreal_a sign_n of_o the_o cross_n nor_o kneel_v at_o the_o communion_n etc._n etc._n i_o desire_v then_o to_o know_v whether_o dr._n o._n be_v not_o bind_v by_o these_o unalterable_a rule_n to_o draw_v these_o member_n from_o communion_n with_o their_o parochial_a church_n on_o purpose_n that_o they_o may_v form_v a_o congregational_a church_n according_a to_o christ_n institution_n either_o then_o he_o must_v quit_v these_o unalterable_a rule_n and_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n or_o he_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o set_n up_o a_o congregational_a church_n be_v the_o primary_n ground_n of_o their_o separation_n from_o our_o parochial_a church_n if_o they_o do_v suppose_v but_o one_o of_o those_o ordinance_n want_v which_o they_o believe_v christ_n have_v institute_v in_o particular_a church_n do_v they_o not_o believe_v this_o a_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o separation_n it_o be_v not_o therefore_o any_o reason_n peculiar_a to_o our_o church_n which_o be_v the_o true_a cause_n of_o their_o separation_n but_o such_o reason_n as_o be_v common_a to_o all_o church_n that_o be_v not_o form_v just_a after_o their_o own_o model_n if_o there_o be_v then_o unalterable_a rule_n for_o congregational_a church_n those_o must_v be_v observe_v and_o separation_n make_v in_o order_n to_o it_o and_o therefore_o separation_n be_v necessary_a upon_o dr._n o.'s_n ground_n not_o from_o the_o particular_a condition_n of_o communion_n with_o we_o but_o because_o our_o parochial_a church_n be_v not_o form_v after_o the_o congregational_a way_n but_o this_o be_v a_o necessary_a piece_n of_o art_n at_o this_o time_n to_o keep_v fair_a with_o the_o presbyterian_a party_n and_o to_o make_v they_o believe_v if_o they_o can_v be_v so_o forgetful_a that_o they_o do_v not_o own_o separation_n from_o their_o church_n but_o only_o from_o we_o the_o contrary_a whereof_o be_v so_o apparent_a from_o the_o debate_n with_o the_o dissent_v brethren_n and_o the_o set_n up_o congregational_a church_n in_o those_o day_n that_o they_o must_v be_v forgetful_a indeed_o who_o do_v not_o remember_v it_o have_v those_o of_o the_o congregational_a way_n since_o alter_v their_o judgement_n have_v dr._n o._n yield_v that_o in_o case_n some_o term_n of_o communion_n in_o our_o church_n be_v not_o insist_v upon_o they_o will_v give_v over_o separation_n be_v not_o their_o church_n first_o gather_v out_o of_o presbyterian_a congregation_n and_o if_o presbytery_n have_v be_v settle_v upon_o the_o king_n restauration_n will_v they_o not_o have_v continue_v their_o separation_n why_o then_o must_v our_o church_n now_o be_v accuse_v for_o give_v the_o occasion_n to_o the_o independent_a separation_n when_o it_o be_v notorious_o otherwise_o and_o they_o do_v separate_v and_o form_v their_o church_n upon_o reason_n common_a to_o our_o church_n with_o all_o other_o reform_a church_n this_o be_v more_o artificial_a than_o ingenuous_a sect._n 2._o as_o to_o the_o second_o dr._n o._n answer_n that_o it_o be_v so_o clear_a and_o evident_a in_o matter_n of_o fact_n 37._o and_o so_o necessary_a from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o the_o church_n plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n be_v limit_v to_o congregation_n that_o many_o wise_a man_n whole_o unconcern_v in_o our_o controversy_n do_v take_v it_o for_o a_o thing_n to_o be_v grant_v by_o all_o without_o dispute_n and_o for_o this_o two_o testimony_n be_v allege_v of_o justice_n hobart_n and_o father_n paul_n but_o neither_o of_o they_o speak_v to_o the_o point_n all_o that_o chief_a justice_n hobart_n say_v be_v that_o the_o primitive_a church_n in_o its_o great_a purity_n be_v but_o voluntary_a congregation_n of_o believer_n submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o apostle_n and_o after_o to_o other_o pastor_n methinks_v dr._n o._n shall_v have_v leave_v this_o testimony_n to_o his_o friend_n l._n du_fw-fr moulin_n it_o signify_v so_o very_o little_a to_o the_o purpose_n or_o rather_o quite_o overthrow_v his_o hypothesis_n as_o appear_v by_o these_o two_o argument_n 1._o those_o voluntary_a congregation_n over_o which_o the_o apostle_n be_v set_v be_v no_o limit_a congregation_n of_o any_o one_o particular_a church_n but_o those_o congregation_n over_o who_o the_o apostle_n be_v set_v be_v those_o of_o which_o justice_n hobart_n speak_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v plain_a he_o speak_v of_o all_o the_o church_n which_o be_v under_o the_o care_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o he_o call_v voluntary_a congregation_n 2._o those_o voluntary_a congregation_n over_o who_o the_o apostle_n appoint_v pastor_n after_o their_o decease_n be_v no_o particular_a congregation_n in_o one_o city_n but_o those_o of_o who_o justice_n hobart_n speak_v be_v such_o for_o he_o say_v they_o first_o
14._o 22._o which_o be_v again_o a_o argument_n on_o our_o side_n for_o if_o we_o compare_v act._n 14._o 22._o with_o titus_n 1._o 5._o we_o shall_v find_v that_o ordain_v elder_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d have_v the_o same_o importance_n with_o ordain_v they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d so_o that_o by_o the_o church_n be_v understand_v the_o body_n of_o christian_n inhabit_v in_o one_o city_n as_o the_o '_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d at_o athens_n be_v the_o whole_a corporation_n here_o and_o particular_a congregation_n be_v but_o like_o the_o several_a company_n all_o which_o together_o make_v up_o but_o one_o city_n sect._n 6._o 3._o dr._n o._n say_v that_o the_o christian_n of_o one_o city_n may_v not_o exceed_v the_o bound_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n or_o congregation_n although_o they_o have_v a_o multiplication_n of_o bishop_n or_o elder_n in_o they_o and_o occasional_a distinct_a assembly_n for_o some_o act_n of_o divine_a worship_n then_o say_v i_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o church_n be_v not_o limit_v in_o scripture_n to_o a_o single_a congregation_n for_o if_o occasional_a assembly_n be_v allow_v for_o some_o act_n of_o worship_n why_o not_o for_o other_o if_o the_o number_n of_o elder_n be_v unlimited_a than_o every_o one_o of_o these_o may_v attend_v the_o occasional_a distinct_a assembly_n for_o worship_n and_o yet_o all_o together_o make_v up_o the_o body_n of_o one_o church_n to_o which_o if_o he_o have_v but_o allow_v a_o single_a bishop_n over_o these_o he_o have_v make_v up_o that_o representation_n of_o a_o church_n which_o we_o have_v from_o the_o best_a and_o pure_a antiquity_n 3._o and_o so_o origen_n compare_v the_o church_n of_o athens_n corinth_n and_o alexandria_n with_o the_o corporation_n in_o those_o city_n the_o number_n of_o presbyter_n with_o the_o senate_n of_o the_o city_n and_o at_o last_o the_o bishop_n with_o the_o magistrate_n but_o dr._n o._n add_v that_o when_o they_o do_v begin_v to_o exceed_v in_o number_n beyond_o a_o just_a proportion_n for_o edification_n they_o do_v immediate_o erect_v other_o church_n among_o they_o or_o near_o they_o name_v any_o one_o new_a church_n erect_v in_o the_o same_o city_n and_o i_o yield_v and_o what_o need_v a_o new_a church_n when_o himself_o allow_v occasional_a distinct_a assembly_n for_o great_a edification_n but_o he_o name_v the_o church_n at_o cenchrea_n which_o be_v a_o port_n to_o the_o city_n of_o corinth_n because_o of_o the_o mighty_a increase_n of_o believer_n at_o corinth_n act._n 18._o 10._o with_o rom._n 16._o 1._o i_o answer_v 1._o it_o seem_v then_o there_o be_v such_o a_o increase_n at_o corinth_n as_o make_v they_o plant_v a_o distinct_a church_n and_o yet_o at_o ephesus_n where_o saint_n paul_n use_v extraordinary_a diligence_n and_o have_v great_a success_n there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o new_a and_o distinct_a church_n and_o at_o corinth_n he_o stay_v but_o a_o year_n and_o six_o month_n 11._o but_o at_o ephesus_n three_o year_n 31._o as_o the_o time_n be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o acts._n do_v not_o this_o look_n very_o improbable_o 2._o stephanus_n byzant_n reckon_v cenchrea_n as_o a_o city_n distinct_a from_o corinth_n 8._o and_o so_o do_v strabo_n who_o place_v it_o in_o the_o way_n from_o tegea_n to_o argos_n through_o the_o parthenian_a mountain_n and_o it_o be_v several_a time_n mention_v by_o thucydides_n as_o distinct_a from_o corinth_n 8._o and_o so_o it_o be_v most_o likely_a be_v a_o church_n original_o plant_v there_o and_o not_o form_v from_o the_o too_o great_a fullness_n of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n as_o to_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n 41._o he_o say_v that_o the_o 5000_o convert_v be_v so_o dispose_v of_o or_o so_o disperse_v that_o some_o year_n after_o there_o be_v such_o a_o church_n there_o as_o do_v meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n as_o occasion_n do_v require_v even_o the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o the_o brethren_n nor_o be_v their_o number_n great_a when_o they_o go_v unto_o pella_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v 1._o the_o force_n of_o the_o argument_n lie_v in_o the_o 5000_o be_v say_v to_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n 4._o before_o any_o dispersion_n or_o persecution_n in_o which_o time_n we_o must_v suppose_v a_o true_a church_n to_o be_v form_v and_o the_o christian_n at_o that_o time_n perform_v the_o act_n of_o church-communion_n the_o question_n than_o be_v whether_o it_o be_v in_o the_o least_o probable_a that_o 5000_o person_n shall_v at_o that_o time_n make_v one_o state_v and_o fix_v congregation_n for_o divine_a worship_n and_o all_o the_o act_n of_o church-communion_n what_o place_n be_v there_o large_a enough_o to_o receive_v they_o when_o they_o meet_v for_o prayer_n and_o sacrament_n dr._n o._n be_v sensible_a of_o this_o inconvenience_n and_o therefore_o only_o speak_v of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n when_o these_o be_v disperse_v but_o my_o question_n be_v about_o they_o while_o they_o be_v together_o be_v they_o not_o a_o church_n then_o do_v they_o not_o continue_v in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n and_o break_n of_o bread_n and_o prayer_n but_o how_o can_v 5000_o then_o do_v all_o this_o together_o therefore_o a_o church_n according_a to_o its_o first_o institution_n be_v not_o limit_v to_o a_o single_a congregation_n 2._o a_o church_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n may_v upon_o extraordinary_a occasion_n assemble_v together_o as_o the_o several_a company_n in_o a_o common-hall_n for_o matter_n of_o general_a concernment_n which_o yet_o manage_v their_o particular_a interest_n apart_o so_o for_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o christian_a communion_n particular_a congregation_n may_v meet_v by_o themselves_o but_o when_o any_o thing_n happen_v of_o great_a concernment_n they_o may_v occasional_o assemble_v together_o ●_o as_o in_o the_o two_o debate_n mention_v act._n 15._o 4._o and_o 21._o 22._o so_o the_o several_a tribe_n in_o athens_n do_v 5._o at_o their_o general_a assembly_n which_o strabo_n and_o eustathius_n say_v be_v 174._o 3._o there_o be_v no_o number_n mention_v of_o the_o christian_n that_o go_v to_o pella_n 29._o neither_o by_o eusebius_n nor_o epiphanius_n who_o relate_v the_o story_n so_o that_o nothing_o can_v thence_o be_v conclude_v but_o if_o the_o force_n lie_v in_o his_o calling_n pella_n a_o village_n i_o be_o sure_a eusebius_n call_v it_o a_o city_n of_o peraea_n beyond_o jordan_n and_o epiphanius_n add_v that_o they_o spread_v themselves_o from_o thence_o to_o coelesyria_n and_o decapolis_n and_o basanitis_fw-la so_o that_o all_o this_o put_v together_o make_v no_o proof_n at_o all_o that_o the_o christian_a church_n by_o their_o first_o institution_n be_v limit_v to_o single_a congregation_n sect._n 7._o 4._o he_o answer_v that_o he_o can_v discern_v the_o least_o necessity_n of_o any_o positive_a rule_n or_o direction_n in_o this_o matter_n 42._o since_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o man_n do_v indispensable_o require_v it_o but_o be_v it_o not_o dr._n o._n that_o say_v that_o the_o institution_n of_o church_n and_o the_o rule_n for_o their_o disposal_n and_o government_n throughout_o the_o world_n 59_o be_v the_o same_o stable_a and_o unalterable_a be_v all_o these_o rule_n now_o come_v to_o nothing_o but_o what_o follow_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v it_o not_o dr._n o._n that_o say_v that_o no_o religious_a union_n or_o order_n among_o christian_n be_v of_o spiritual_a use_n and_o advantage_n to_o they_o 65._o but_o what_o be_v appoint_v and_o design_v for_o they_o by_o jesus_n christ_n do_v not_o this_o overthrow_n any_o other_o order_n or_o union_n among_o christian_n but_o what_o christ_n have_v institute_v and_o appoint_v for_o they_o the_o question_n be_v not_o about_o such_o a_o constitution_n of_o church_n as_o be_v necessary_a for_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o religious_a worship_n for_o all_o party_n be_v agree_v therein_o but_o whether_o church-power_n be_v limit_v to_o these_o exclusive_o to_o all_o other_o union_n of_o christian_n whether_o every_o single_a congregation_n have_v all_o church-power_n whole_o in_o itself_o and_o unaccountable_o as_o to_o subordination_n to_o any_o other_o how_o do_v this_o appear_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o the_o necessary_a duty_n of_o christian_n i_o grant_v the_o institution_n of_o church_n be_v for_o edification_n and_o i_o think_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o that_o edification_n lie_v in_o the_o orderly_a disposal_n of_o thing_n whatever_o tend_v to_o peace_n and_o unity_n among_o christian_n in_o my_o judgement_n tend_v to_o edification_n now_o i_o can_v apprehend_v how_o a_o sole_a power_n of_o government_n in_o every_o congregation_n tend_v to_o the_o preserve_v this_o peace_n and_o unity_n among_o christian_n much_o less_o how_o it_o follow_v so_o clear_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n as_o to_o take_v away_o
the_o need_n of_o any_o positive_a rule_n or_o direction_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o here_o the_o main_a controversy_n lie_v between_o we_o and_o the_o congregational_a church_n be_v there_o no_o positive_a rule_n or_o direction_n in_o this_o matter_n then_o it_o follow_v as_o much_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o since_o peace_n and_o order_n be_v to_o be_v keep_v up_o among_o church_n as_o well_o as_o person_n every_o single_a congregation_n ought_v not_o to_o engross_v church-power_n to_o itself_o but_o to_o stand_v accountable_a for_o the_o management_n of_o it_o to_o those_o who_o be_v entrust_v with_o the_o immediate_a care_n of_o the_o church_n peace_n and_o i_o can_v yet_o see_v by_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v how_o those_o that_o break_v the_o establish_a order_n in_o a_o church_n wherein_o all_o the_o substantial_o of_o religion_n be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v sound_n and_o set_v up_o particular_a independent_a church_n in_o opposition_n to_o it_o can_v acquit_v themselves_o from_o the_o gild_n of_o schism_n how_o great_a and_o intolerable_a soever_o it_o be_v think_v 43._o as_o to_o what_o concern_v the_o church_n in_o the_o house_n of_o priscilla_n and_o aquila_n and_o nymphas_n and_o philemon_n i_o say_v 44._o that_o this_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v not_o of_o a_o church_n meet_v in_o their_o house_n but_o of_o their_o own_o family_n be_v plead_v by_o the_o dissent_v brethren_n who_o say_v 83._o most_o of_o our_o divine_n be_v of_o that_o opinion_n and_o therefore_o the_o argument_n hold_v against_o they_o and_o from_o dr._n o.'s_n discourse_v i_o less_o understand_v than_o i_o do_v before_o what_o obligation_n of_o conscience_n can_v be_v upon_o any_o when_o they_o may_v serve_v god_n in_o their_o family_n in_o opposition_n to_o law_n to_o keep_v up_o such_o public_a congregation_n as_o be_v forbid_v by_o they_o for_o 1._o he_o grant_v that_o a_o church_n may_v be_v in_o a_o family_n although_o a_o family_n as_o such_o be_v not_o a_o church_n then_o the_o member_n of_o a_o family_n submit_v to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o master_n as_o their_o pastor_n be_v a_o true_a church_n for_o a_o church_n he_o say_v may_v consist_v only_o of_o the_o person_n that_o belong_v to_o a_o family_n then_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o go_v out_o of_o a_o family_n for_o the_o act_n of_o church-communion_n especial_o when_o the_o addition_n of_o four_o more_o may_v provide_v sufficient_o for_o all_o the_o officer_n they_o believe_v necessary_a to_o the_o make_v up_o a_o church_n 2._o all_o that_o he_o say_v be_v that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o example_n give_v of_o church_n in_o private_a family_n in_o scripture_n as_o shall_v restrain_v the_o extent_n of_o church_n from_o congregation_n of_o many_o family_n and_o what_o then_o the_o question_n be_v not_o now_o whether_o they_o be_v lawful_a but_o whether_o they_o be_v necessary_a for_o nothing_o less_o than_o a_o divine_a command_n can_v justify_v the_o breach_n of_o a_o plain_a law_n but_o where_o be_v that_o command_n do_v not_o dr._n o._n appeal_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o the_o indispensable_a duty_n of_o man_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o end_n of_o church_n as_o his_o great_a rule_n in_o these_o case_n but_o which_o of_o all_o these_o necessary_a duty_n may_v not_o be_v perform_v within_o the_o term_n of_o the_o law_n so_o that_o no_o obligation_n can_v arise_v from_o thence_o to_o have_v congregation_n of_o many_o family_n all_o that_o he_o say_v further_a as_o to_o this_o matter_n be_v 46._o that_o if_o through_o noncompliance_n any_o disturbance_n happen_v the_o blame_n will_v be_v find_v lie_v upon_o those_o who_o will_v force_v other_o to_o forego_v their_o primitive_a constitution_n then_o it_o seem_v at_o last_o the_o primitive_a constitution_n be_v come_v to_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o noncompliance_n which_o in_o this_o case_n amount_v to_o separation_n but_o this_o primitive_a constitution_n have_v need_n be_v far_o better_a prove_v before_o it_o can_v be_v think_v a_o good_a ground_n for_o break_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n and_o much_o more_o before_o it_o can_v carry_v off_o the_o blame_n from_o the_o person_n who_o break_v order_n and_o law_n to_o the_o maker_n of_o they_o all_o man_n no_o doubt_n that_o ever_o break_v law_n if_o this_o plea_n will_v be_v admit_v will_v transfer_v the_o blame_n upon_o those_o that_o make_v they_o and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o plea_n of_o the_o congregational_a party_n sect._n 8._o 2._o i_o now_o come_v to_o consider_v the_o plea_n of_o those_o who_o hold_v our_o diocesan_n episcopacy_n to_o be_v unlawful_a in_o my_o sermon_n as_o it_o be_v print_v i_o set_v down_o this_o say_n of_o mr._n baxter_n 24._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 to_o call_v all_o dissenter_n schismatic_n iii_o 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 i_o say_v do_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 now_o for_o our_o better_a understanding_n mr._n b._n be_v meaning_n we_o must_v consider_v his_o design_n in_o that_o place_n from_o whence_o those_o word_n be_v quote_v 1._o he_o say_v christ_n have_v institute_v only_o congregational_a or_o parochial_a church_n 2._o that_o diocesan_n episcopacy_n be_v a_o new_a species_n of_o church_n devise_v by_o man_n without_o god_n authority_n and_o impose_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o those_o be_v call_v schismatic_n who_o dissent_v from_o it_o 3._o that_o such_o a_o imposition_n be_v worse_a than_o that_o of_o ceremony_n and_o liturgy_n and_o consequent_o afford_v a_o better_a plea_n for_o separation_n but_o to_o prevent_v any_o misunderstanding_n of_o his_o meaning_n i_o will_v set_v down_o his_o own_o caution_n concord_n 1._o that_o the_o question_n be_v not_o whether_o every_o particular_a church_n shall_v have_v a_o bishop_n with_o his_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n i.e._n whether_o every_o rectour_n of_o a_o parish_n be_v not_o a_o bishop_n if_o he_o have_v curate_n under_o he_o this_o he_o call_v parochial_a episcopacy_n 2._o nor_o whether_o these_o shall_v have_v archbishop_n over_o they_o as_o successor_n to_o the_o apostolical_a and_o general_a overseer_n of_o the_o first_o age_n in_o the_o ordinary_a continue_a part_n of_o their_o office_n 3._o nor_o whether_o partriarch_n diocesan_n and_o lay-chancellours_a be_v lawful_a as_o officer_n of_o the_o king_n exercise_v under_o he_o such_o government_n of_o the_o church_n as_o belong_v to_o king_n to_o which_o in_o such_o exercise_n all_o subject_n must_v for_o conscience_n sake_n submit_v 4._o nor_o if_o diocesan_n become_v the_o sole_a bishop_n over_o many_o hundred_o parish_n all_o the_o parochial_a bishop_n and_o parish_n church_n be_v put_v down_o and_o turn_v into_o curate_n and_o chapel_n whether_o a_o minister_n ought_v yet_o to_o live_v quiet_o and_o peaceable_o under_o they_o you_o will_v ask_v then_o where_o lie_v this_o horrible_a imposition_n and_o intolerable_a usurpation_n it_o be_v in_o require_v the_o own_n the_o lawfulness_n of_o this_o diocesan_n episcopacy_n and_o join_v with_o parochial_a church_n as_o part_n of_o it_o but_o wherein_o lie_v the_o unsufferable_a malignity_n of_o that_o 1._o it_o be_v make_v a_o new_a species_n of_o church_n without_o god_n authority_n 2._o it_o be_v overthrow_v the_o species_n of_o god_n make_v which_o according_a to_o mr._n b._n require_v two_o thing_n 1._o local_a and_o presential_a communion_n as_o he_o call_v it_o i.e._n that_o it_o consist_v only_o of_o so_o many_o as_o can_v well_o meet_v together_o for_o church_n society_n 2._o the_o full_a exercise_n of_o discipline_n within_o itself_o by_o the_o pastor_n which_o be_v take_v away_o they_o be_v only_a curate_n and_o their_o meeting_n oratory_n and_o no_o church_n this_o i_o think_v be_v a_o true_a and_o fair_a representation_n of_o mr_n b._n be_v opinion_n in_o this_o matter_n which_o tend_v so_o apparent_o to_o overthrow_v our_o present_a constitution_n as_o insupportable_a and_o to_o justify_v separation_n from_o our_o parochial_a church_n as_o member_n of_o a_o diocesan_n church_n therefore_o to_o vindicate_v the_o constitution_n of_o our_o church_n i_o shall_v undertake_v these_o three_o thing_n 1._o to_o show_v that_o our_o diocesan_n episcopacy_n be_v the_o same_o for_o substance_n which_o be_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n 2._o that_o it_o be_v not_o repugnant_a to_o any_o institution_n of_o christ_n nor_o devise_v a_o new_a
commit_v to_o the_o presbyter_n preach_v and_o administration_n of_o sacrament_n require_v of_o they_o and_o the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n as_o far_o as_o belong_v to_o they_o of_o which_o afterward_o but_o now_o in_o the_o consecration_n of_o a_o bishop_n this_o part_n be_v leave_v out_o and_o instead_o of_o that_o it_o be_v say_v that_o he_o be_v call_v to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o he_o be_v require_v to_o correct_v and_o punish_v such_o as_o be_v unquiet_a disobedient_a and_o criminous_a in_o his_o diocese_n so_o that_o the_o more_o particular_a charge_n of_o soul_n be_v commit_v to_o every_o pastor_n over_o his_o own_o flock_n and_o the_o general_a care_n of_o government_n and_o discipline_n be_v commit_v to_o the_o bishop_n as_o that_o which_o especial_o belong_v to_o his_o office_n as_o distinct_a from_o the_o other_o sect._n 13._o ii_o which_o be_v the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v viz._n what_o authority_n the_o bishop_n have_v by_o virtue_n of_o his_o consecration_n in_o this_o church_n and_o that_o i_o say_v be_v what_o mr._n b._n call_v the_o ordinary_a part_n of_o the_o apostolical_a authority_n which_o lie_v in_o three_o thing_n government_n ordination_n and_o censure_n and_o that_o our_o church_n do_v believe_v our_o bishop_n to_o succeed_v the_o apostle_n in_o those_o part_n of_o their_o office_n i_o shall_v make_v appear_v by_o these_o thing_n 1._o in_o the_o preface_n before_o the_o book_n of_o ordination_n it_o be_v say_v that_o it_o be_v evident_a unto_o all_o man_n diligent_o read_v holy_a scripture_n and_o ancient_a author_n that_o from_o the_o apostle_n time_n there_o have_v be_v these_o order_n of_o minister_n in_o christ_n church_n bishop_n priest_n and_o deacon_n what_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o they_o express_v it_o thus_o from_o the_o apostle_n time_n rather_o than_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n but_o that_o they_o believe_v while_o the_o apostle_n live_v they_o manage_v the_o affair_n of_o government_n themselves_o but_o as_o they_o withdraw_v they_o do_v in_o some_o church_n soon_o and_o in_o some_o late_a as_o their_o own_o continuance_n the_o condition_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o qualification_n of_o person_n be_v commit_v the_o care_n and_o government_n of_o church_n to_o such_o person_n who_o they_o appoint_v thereto_o of_o which_o we_o have_v a_o uncontrollable_a evidence_n in_o the_o instance_n of_o timothy_n and_o titus_n for_o the_o care_n of_o government_n be_v a_o distinct_a thing_n from_o the_o office_n of_o a_o evangelist_n and_o all_o their_o remove_n do_v not_o invalidate_v this_o because_o while_o the_o apostle_n live_v it_o be_v probable_a there_o be_v no_o fix_a bishop_n or_o but_o few_o but_o as_o they_o go_v off_o so_o they_o come_v to_o be_v settle_v in_o their_o several_a church_n and_o as_o this_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o church_n so_o it_o be_v the_o fair_a hypothesis_n for_o reconcile_a the_o different_a testimony_n of_o antiquity_n for_o hereby_o the_o succession_n of_o bishop_n be_v secure_v from_o the_o apostle_n time_n for_o which_o the_o testimony_n of_o irenaeus_n tertullian_n saint_n cyprian_n and_o other_o be_v so_o plain_a hereby_o room_n be_v leave_v to_o make_v good_a all_o that_o saint_n jerom_n have_v say_v and_o what_o epiphanius_n deliver_v concern_v the_o differ_a settlement_n of_o church_n at_o first_o so_o that_o we_o may_v allow_v for_o the_o community_n of_o name_n between_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n for_o a_o while_n in_o the_o church_n i._n e._n while_o the_o apostle_n govern_v the_o church_n themselves_o but_o afterward_o that_o which_o be_v then_o part_n of_o the_o apostolical_a office_n become_v the_o episcopal_a which_o have_v continue_v from_o that_o time_n to_o this_o by_o a_o constant_a succession_n in_o the_o church_n 2._o archbishop_n whitgift_n several_a time_n declare_v that_o these_o part_n of_o the_o apostolical_a office_n still_o remain_v in_o the_o bishop_n of_o our_o church_n 218._o as_o for_o this_o part_n of_o the_o apostle_n function_n say_v he_o to_o visit_v such_o church_n as_o be_v before_o plant_v and_o to_o provide_v that_o such_o be_v place_v in_o they_o as_o be_v virtuous_a and_o godly_a pastor_n i_o know_v it_o remain_v still_o and_o be_v one_o of_o the_o chief_a part_n of_o the_o bishop_n function_n and_o again_o there_o be_v now_o no_o plant_n of_o church_n 424._o nor_o go_v through_o the_o whole_a world_n there_o be_v no_o writing_n of_o new_a gospel_n no_o prophesy_v of_o thing_n to_o come_v but_o there_o be_v govern_v of_o church_n visit_v of_o they_o reform_v of_o pastor_n and_o direct_v of_o they_o which_o be_v a_o portion_n of_o the_o apostolical_a function_n 427._o again_o although_o that_o this_o part_n of_o the_o apostolical_a office_n which_o do_v consist_v in_o plant_v and_o sound_v of_o church_n through_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v cease_v yet_o the_o manner_n of_o government_n by_o place_v bishop_n in_o every_o city_n by_o moderate_v and_o govern_v they_o by_o visit_v the_o church_n by_o cut_v off_o schism_n and_o contention_n by_o order_v minister_n remain_v still_o and_o shall_v continue_v and_o be_v in_o this_o church_n in_o the_o archbishop_n and_o bishop_n as_o most_o meet_a man_n to_o execute_v the_o same_o bishop_n bilson_n full_o agree_v as_o to_o these_o particular_n 1._o that_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o at_o first_o commit_v the_o church_n to_o the_o government_n of_o bishop_n 224._o but_o reserve_v the_o chief_a power_n of_o government_n in_o their_o own_o hand_n 2._o that_o upon_o experience_n of_o the_o confusion_n and_o disorder_n which_o do_v arise_v through_o equality_n of_o pastor_n do_v appoint_v at_o their_o departure_n certain_a approve_a man_n to_o be_v bishop_n 244._o 3._o that_o these_o bishop_n do_v succeed_v the_o apostle_n in_o the_o care_n and_o government_n of_o church_n as_o he_o prove_v at_o large_a and_o therefore_o he_o call_v their_o function_n apostolic_a instead_o of_o many_o other_o which_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o produce_v i_o shall_v only_o add_v the_o testimony_n of_o king_n charles_n i._o in_o his_o debate_n about_o episcopacy_n who_o understand_v the_o constitution_n of_o our_o church_n as_o well_o as_o any_o bishop_n in_o it_o and_o defend_v it_o with_o as_o clear_v and_o as_o strong_a a_o reason_n in_o his_o three_o paper_n to_o henderson_n he_o have_v these_o word_n where_o you_o find_v a_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n in_o scripture_n to_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o which_o i_o deny_v to_o be_v always_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n now_o i_o think_v to_o prove_v the_o order_n of_o bishop_n succeed_v that_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o that_o the_o name_n be_v chief_o alter_v in_o reverence_n to_o those_o who_o be_v immediate_o choose_v by_o our_o saviour_n in_o his_o first_o paper_n at_o the_o treaty_n at_o newport_n he_o thus_o state_n the_o case_n about_o episcopal_a government_n i_o conceive_v that_o episcopal_a government_n be_v most_o consonant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o of_o a_o apostolical_a institution_n as_o it_o appear_v by_o the_o scripture_n to_o have_v be_v practise_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o by_o they_o commit_v and_o derive_v to_o particular_a person_n as_o their_o substitute_n or_o successor_n therein_o as_o for_o ordain_v presbyter_n and_o deacon_n give_v rule_n concern_v christian_n discipline_n and_o exercise_v censure_n over_o presbyter_n and_o other_o and_o have_v ever_o since_o to_o these_o last_o time_n be_v exercise_v by_o bishop_n in_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o i_o can_v in_o conscience_n consent_n to_o abolish_v the_o say_a government_n in_o his_o reply_n to_o the_o first_o answer_n of_o the_o divine_n he_o say_v that_o mere_a presbyter_n be_v episcopi_fw-la gregis_fw-la only_a they_o have_v the_o oversight_n of_o the_o flock_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o preach_v administration_n of_o sacrament_n public_a prayer_n exhort_v rebuke_v etc._n etc._n but_o bishop_n be_v episcopi_fw-la gregis_fw-la &_o pastorum_fw-la too_o have_v the_o oversight_n of_o flock_n and_o pastor_n within_o their_o several_a precinct_n in_o the_o act_n of_o external_a government_n and_o that_o although_o the_o apostle_n have_v no_o successor_n in_o eundem_fw-la gradum_fw-la as_o to_z those_o thing_n that_o be_v extraordinary_a in_o they_o as_o namely_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o gift_n the_o extent_n of_o their_o charge_n the_o infallibility_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o the_o have_v see_v christ_n in_o the_o flesh_n but_o in_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o extraordinary_a and_o such_o those_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v judge_v which_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o service_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o time_n as_o the_o office_n of_o teach_v and_o the_o power_n of_o govern_v be_v they_o be_v to_o have_v and_o have_v successor_n and_o therefore_o the_o learned_a and_o godly_a father_n
and_o confusion_n will_v follow_v if_o every_o congregation_n may_v have_v a_o several_a rule_n of_o worship_n and_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n without_o be_v liable_a to_o a_o account_n to_o any_o superior_a church_n authority_n which_o be_v all_o one_o as_o to_o suppose_v that_o every_o family_n may_v govern_v itself_o because_o a_o kingdom_n be_v make_v up_o of_o family_n without_o any_o respect_n to_o the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o a_o kingdom_n no_o 17._o say_v dr._n o._n the_o case_n be_v not_o the_o same_o for_o god_n never_o appoint_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o other_o government_n but_o that_o of_o family_n and_o where_o have_v he_o appoint_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o other_o church_n but_o particular_a congregation_n but_o god_n by_o the_o light_n and_o law_n of_o nature_n by_o the_o end_n and_o use_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o man_n by_o express_a revelation_n in_o his_o word_n have_v by_o his_o own_o authority_n appoint_v and_o approve_v other_o sort_n of_o civil_a government_n so_o say_v i_o that_o god_n by_o the_o light_n and_o law_n of_o reason_n by_o the_o end_n and_o use_n of_o a_o christian_a society_n by_o express_a institution_n of_o the_o apostolical_a function_n in_o the_o care_n and_o government_n of_o many_o church_n do_v declare_v that_o he_o do_v appoint_v and_o approve_v other_o sort_n of_o church_n government_n beside_o that_o of_o particular_a congregation_n for_o if_o god_n upon_o the_o dispersion_n of_o the_o nation_n after_o the_o flood_n have_v appoint_v twelve_o prince_n to_o have_v rule_v the_o people_n in_o their_o several_a dispersion_n it_o have_v be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n he_o do_v not_o intend_v the_o several_a family_n to_o have_v a_o distinct_a and_o independent_a power_n within_o themselves_o but_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v govern_v according_a to_o their_o appointment_n so_o in_o the_o case_n of_o church_n since_o christ_n do_v appoint_v twelve_o apostle_n to_o plant_v settle_v and_o govern_v church_n and_o set_v up_o ruler_n in_o they_o but_o still_o under_o their_o authority_n can_v any_o thing_n be_v plain_a than_o that_o these_o particular_a church_n be_v not_o settle_v with_o a_o entire_a power_n of_o govern_v themselves_o but_o as_o in_o the_o former_a case_n if_o we_o suppose_v those_o twelve_o prince_n to_o have_v lead_v out_o their_o several_a division_n and_o to_o have_v place_v they_o in_o convenient_a seat_n and_o give_v they_o general_a rule_n for_o govern_v themselves_o in_o peace_n and_o order_n under_o such_o as_o they_o shall_v appoint_v and_o as_o they_o find_v themselves_o decay_v shall_v nominate_v so_o many_o successor_n as_o they_o think_v fit_a for_o the_o roll_a the_o several_a colony_n be_v they_o not_o then_o oblige_v to_o submit_v to_o such_o governor_n without_o break_v in_o piece_n into_o so_o many_o family_n every_o master_n govern_v his_o family_n by_o himself_o which_o will_v certain_o ruin_v and_o destroy_v they_o all_o because_o they_o can_v not_o have_v strength_n and_o union_n to_o defend_v themselves_o so_o it_o be_v again_o in_o the_o case_n of_o church_n the_o apostle_n plant_v they_o and_o settle_v such_o officer_n in_o they_o as_o be_v then_o fit_a to_o teach_v and_o govern_v they_o still_o reserve_v the_o main_a care_n of_o government_n to_o themselves_o but_o give_v excellent_a rule_n of_o charity_n peace_n obedience_n and_o submission_n to_o governor_n and_o as_o they_o withdraw_v from_o particular_a church_n within_o such_o a_o precinct_n as_o crete_n be_v they_o appoint_v some_o who_o they_o think_v fit_a to_o take_v care_n of_o all_o those_o church_n and_o to_o constitute_v inferior_a officer_n to_o teach_v and_o rule_v they_o and_o therefore_o in_o this_o case_n here_o be_v no_o more_o independency_n in_o particular_a congregation_n than_o in_o the_o other_o as_o to_o private_a family_n which_o be_v as_o contrary_a to_o the_o general_a design_n of_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o christian_n and_o their_o mutual_a preservation_n and_o defence_n as_o in_o the_o former_a case_n in_o which_o we_o believe_v the_o civil_a government_n to_o be_v from_o god_n although_o no_o monarch_n can_v now_o derive_v his_o title_n from_o such_o prince_n at_o the_o first_o dispersion_n and_o will_v it_o not_o then_o seem_v unreasonable_a to_o question_v the_o succession_n of_o bishop_n from_o the_o apostle_n when_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v attest_v by_o the_o most_o early_o know_v honest_a and_o impartial_a witness_n last_o as_o in_o the_o former_a case_n several_a of_o those_o lesser_a prince_n may_v unite_v themselves_o together_o by_o joynt-consent_n for_o their_o common_a interest_n and_o security_n and_o become_v one_o kingdom_n so_o in_o the_o latter_a case_n several_a bishop_n with_o the_o church_n under_o they_o may_v for_o promote_a the_o common_a end_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o peace_n and_o establishment_n of_o their_o church_n join_v together_o under_o the_o same_o common_a bond_n and_o become_v one_o national_a church_n which_o be_v intend_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a so_o unite_v and_o no_o way_n repugnant_a to_o the_o design_n of_o the_o institution_n and_o not_o usurp_v upon_o the_o right_n of_o other_o nor_o assume_v more_o than_o can_v be_v manage_v as_o a_o universal_a pastor_n must_v do_v will_v appear_v to_o be_v no_o way_n repugnant_a to_o any_o particular_a command_n or_o general_a rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o the_o pope_n challenge_n of_o universal_a dominion_n over_o the_o church_n be_v which_o i_o therefore_o mention_v that_o any_o one_o may_v see_v that_o the_o force_n of_o this_o reason_v will_v never_o justify_v the_o papal_a usurpation_n but_o say_v dr._n o._n national_a provincial_a church_n must_v first_o be_v prove_v of_o christ_n institution_n 17._o before_o they_o can_v be_v allow_v to_o have_v their_o power_n give_v they_o by_o jesus_n christ._n and_o yet_o in_o the_o case_n of_o congregational_a church_n he_o say_v there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o positive_a rule_n or_o direction_n 42._o for_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o the_o duty_n of_o man_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o end_n of_o such_o church_n be_v sufficient_a for_o it_o and_o this_o be_v as_o much_o as_o we_o plead_v in_o behalf_n of_o national_a church_n viz._n what_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o christian_a society_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o man_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o end_n of_o it_o do_v require_v for_o whatever_o tend_v to_o the_o support_n of_o religion_n to_o the_o preserve_a peace_n and_o unity_n among_o christian_n to_o the_o prevent_v dangerous_a error_n and_o endless_a confusion_n from_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o the_o end_n of_o a_o christian_a society_n become_v a_o duty_n for_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o government_n lie_v a_o obligation_n upon_o man_n to_o use_v the_o best_a mean_n for_o advance_v the_o end_n of_o it_o it_o be_v then_o take_v for_o grant_v among_o all_o christian_n 1._o that_o christ_n be_v the_o author_n or_o founder_n of_o this_o society_n which_o we_o call_v the_o church_n 2._o that_o he_o design_v the_o continuance_n and_o preservation_n of_o it_o 3._o that_o the_o best_a way_n of_o its_o preservation_n be_v by_o a_o union_n of_o the_o member_n of_o it_o provide_v the_o union_n be_v such_o as_o do_v not_o overthrow_v the_o end_n of_o it_o we_o may_v reasonable_o infer_v that_o whatever_o tend_v to_o promote_v this_o union_n and_o to_o prevent_v any_o notable_a inconvenience_n or_o mischief_n which_o may_v happen_v to_o it_o be_v within_o the_o design_n of_o the_o first_o institution_n although_o it_o be_v not_o contain_v in_o express_a word_n sect._n 19_o we_o be_v now_o therefore_o to_o consider_v whether_o single_a congregation_n disperse_v and_o disunite_v over_o a_o nation_n or_o a_o combination_n of_o they_o together_o under_o some_o common_a bond_n as_o to_o faith_n government_n and_o worship_n be_v the_o more_o likely_a way_n to_o promote_v religion_n to_o secure_v the_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o a_o church_n let_v we_o then_o compare_v these_o two_o hypothesis_n together_o in_o point_n of_o reason_n as_o to_o these_o end_n in_o the_o congregational_a way_n there_o may_v be_v as_o many_o religion_n as_o church_n i_o do_v not_o say_v there_o be_v but_o we_o be_v argue_v now_o upon_o what_o may_v be_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n suppose_v then_o every_o congregation_n to_o have_v a_o entire_a and_o unaccountable_a power_n within_o itself_o what_o hinder_v but_o of_o ten_o congregation_n one_o may_v be_v of_o socinian_o another_o of_o papist_n another_o of_o arian_n another_o of_o quaker_n another_o of_o anabaptist_n etc._n etc._n and_o it_o may_v be_v no_o two_o of_o they_o of_o the_o same_o mind_n but_o if_o they_o be_v it_o be_v mere_a chance_n and_o good_a hap_n there_o be_v no_o obligation_n upon_o they_o to_o have_v any_o more_o
than_o mutual_a forbearance_n towards_o each_o other_o let_v now_o any_o rational_a man_n judge_n whether_o it_o appear_v probable_a that_o so_o loose_a and_o shatter_v a_o government_n as_o this_o be_v shall_v answer_v the_o obligation_n among_o christian_n to_o use_v the_o best_a and_o most_o effectual_a mean_n to_o preserve_v the_o faith_n once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n and_o to_o uphold_v peace_n and_o unity_n among_o christian_n but_o suppose_v all_o these_o several_a congregation_n unite_v together_o under_o such_o common_a bond_n that_o the_o preacher_n be_v accountable_a to_o superior_n that_o none_o be_v admit_v but_o such_o as_o own_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o promise_v obedience_n that_o public_a legal_a censure_n take_v hold_v upon_o the_o disturber_n of_o the_o church_n peace_n here_o we_o have_v a_o far_o more_o effectual_a mean_n according_a to_o reason_n for_o uphold_v true_a religion_n among_o we_o and_o that_o this_o be_v no_o mere_a theory_n appear_v by_o the_o sad_a experience_n of_o this_o nation_n when_o upon_o the_o break_n the_o bond_n of_o our_o national_a church-government_n there_o come_v such_o a_o overpower_a inundation_n of_o error_n and_o schism_n among_o we_o that_o this_o age_n be_v like_a to_o smart_v under_o the_o sad_a effect_n of_o it_o and_o in_o new-england_n two_o or_o three_o man_n as_o williams_n gorton_n and_o clark_n discover_v the_o apparent_a weakness_n of_o the_o independent_a government_n which_o be_v very_o material_a to_o this_o business_n i_o shall_v give_v a_o brief_a account_n of_o it_o as_o to_o one_o of_o they_o mr._n roger_n williams_n be_v the_o teacher_n of_o a_o congregational_a church_n at_o salem_n and_o a_o man_n in_o very_o good_a esteem_n as_o appear_v by_o mr._n cotton_n letter_n to_o he_o 1._o he_o be_v a_o great_a admirer_n of_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o new-england_n church_n but_o be_v a_o think_v man_n he_o pursue_v the_o principle_n of_o that_o way_n far_o than_o they_o think_v fit_a for_o he_o think_v it_o unlawful_a to_o join_v with_o unregenerate_a man_n in_o prayer_n or_o take_v a_o oath_n and_o that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o unlimited_a toleration_n of_o opinion_n etc._n etc._n these_o doctrine_n and_o some_o other_o of_o his_o not_o take_v he_o proceed_v to_o separation_n from_o they_o and_o gather_v a_o new_a church_n in_o opposition_n to_o they_o this_o give_v such_o a_o disturbance_n to_o they_o that_o the_o magistrate_n send_v for_o he_o and_o the_o minister_n reason_v the_o case_n with_o he_o he_o tell_v they_o he_o go_v upon_o their_o own_o ground_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o blame_v he_o mr._n cotton_n tell_v he_o they_o deserve_v to_o be_v punish_v who_o make_v separation_n among_o they_o mr._n williams_n reply_v this_o will_v return_v upon_o themselves_o for_o have_v not_o they_o do_v the_o same_o as_o to_o the_o church_n of_o old-england_n in_o short_a 57_o after_o their_o debate_n and_o mr._n william_n continue_v in_o his_o principle_n of_o separation_n from_o their_o church_n a_o sentence_n of_o banishment_n be_v decree_v against_o he_o by_o the_o magistrate_n and_o this_o sentence_n approve_v and_o justify_v by_o their_o church_n for_o these_o be_v mr._n cotton_n word_n that_o the_o increase_n of_o concourse_n of_o people_n to_o he_o on_o the_o lord_n day_n in_o private_a to_o a_o neglect_n or_o desert_v of_o public_a ordinance_n and_o to_o the_o spread_a of_o the_o leaven_n of_o his_o corrupt_a imagination_n provoke_v the_o magistrate_n rather_o than_o to_o breed_v a_o winter_n spiritual_a plague_n in_o the_o country_n to_o put_v upon_o he_o a_o winter_n journey_n out_o of_o the_o country_n this_o mr._n williams_n tell_v they_o be_v fall_v into_o the_o national_a church_n way_n which_o they_o disown_v or_o else_o say_v he_o why_o must_v he_o that_o be_v banish_v from_o the_o one_o be_v banish_v from_o the_o other_o also_o and_o he_o charge_v they_o that_o they_o have_v suppress_v church_n set_v up_o after_o the_o parochial_a way_n 46._o and_o although_o the_o person_n be_v otherwise_o allow_v to_o be_v godly_a to_o live_v in_o the_o same_o air_n with_o they_o if_o they_o set_v up_o any_o other_o church_n or_o worship_n than_o what_o themselves_o practise_v which_o appear_v by_o the_o law_n of_o new_a england_n mention_v before_o and_o mr._n cobbet_n one_o of_o the_o teacher_n of_o their_o church_n confess_v that_o by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o country_n 47._o none_o be_v to_o be_v free_a man_n but_o such_o as_o be_v member_n of_o church_n i_o now_o appeal_v to_o any_o man_n whether_o these_o proceed_n and_o these_o law_n do_v not_o manifest_o discover_v the_o apparent_a weakness_n and_o insufficiency_n of_o the_o congregational_a way_n for_o prevent_v those_o disorder_n which_o they_o apprehend_v to_o be_v destructive_a to_o their_o church_n why_o have_v not_o mr._n william_n his_o liberty_n of_o separation_n as_o well_o as_o they_o why_o be_v no_o anabaptist_n or_o quaker_n permit_v among_o they_o because_o these_o way_n will_v disturb_v their_o peace_n and_o distract_v their_o people_n and_o in_o time_n overthrow_v their_o church_n very_o well_o but_o where_o be_v the_o entireness_n of_o the_o power_n of_o every_o single_a congregation_n the_o mean_a while_n why_o may_v not_o the_o people_n at_o salem_n have_v the_o same_o liberty_n as_o those_o at_o boston_n or_o plymouth_n the_o plain_a truth_n be_v they_o find_v by_o experience_n this_o congregational_a way_n will_v not_o do_v alone_o without_o civil_a sanction_n and_o the_o interpose_v of_o the_o pastor_n of_o other_o church_n for_o when_o williams_n and_o gorton_n and_o clark_n have_v begin_v to_o make_v some_o impression_n on_o their_o people_n they_o bestir_v themselves_o as_o much_o as_o possible_a to_o have_v their_o mouth_n stop_v and_o their_o person_n banish_v this_o i_o do_v only_o mention_v to_o show_v that_o where_o this_o way_n have_v prevail_v most_o they_o have_v find_v it_o very_o insufficient_a to_o carry_v on_o those_o end_n which_o themselves_o judge_v necessary_a for_o the_o preservation_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o of_o peace_n and_o unity_n among_o themselves_o and_o in_o their_o synod_n at_o boston_n 1662._o the_o new-england_n church_n be_v come_v to_o apprehend_v the_o necessity_n of_o con●eciation_n of_o church_n in_o case_n of_o division_n and_o contention_n and_o for_o the_o rectify_v of_o male-administrations_a and_o heal_v of_o error_n and_o scandal_n 1●2_n that_o be_v unhealed_a among_o themselves_o for_o christ_n care_n say_v they_o be_v for_o whole_a church_n as_o well_o as_o for_o particular_a person_n of_o which_o consociation_n they_o tell_v we_o that_o mr._n cotton_n draw_v a_o platform_n before_o his_o death_n be_v such_o a_o consociation_n of_o church_n a_o duty_n or_o not_o in_o such_o case_n if_o not_o why_o do_v they_o do_v any_o thing_n relate_v to_o church_n government_n for_o which_o they_o have_v no_o command_n in_o scripture_n if_o there_o be_v a_o command_n in_o scripture_n than_o there_o be_v a_o institution_n of_o a_o power_n above_o congregational_a church_n it_o be_v but_o a_o slender_a evasion_n which_o they_o use_v when_o they_o call_v these_o only_a voluntary_a combination_n for_o what_o be_v all_o church_n else_o only_o the_o antecedent_n obligation_n on_o man_n to_o join_v for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n make_v enter_v into_o other_o church_n a_o duty_n and_o so_o the_o obligation_n lie_v upon_o church-officer_n to_o use_v the_o best_a mean_n to_o prevent_v or_o heal_v division_n will_v make_v such_o consociation_n a_o duty_n too_o and_o therefore_o in_o such_o case_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n require_v a_o union_n and_o conjunction_n superior_a to_o that_o of_o congregational_a church_n which_o be_v then_o most_o agreeable_a to_o scripture_n and_o antiquity_n when_o the_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n join_v together_o who_o agree_v together_o upon_o article_n of_o doctrine_n and_o rule_n of_o worship_n and_o discipline_n be_v the_o national_a church_n representative_a and_o these_o be_v own_a and_o establish_v by_o the_o civil_a power_n and_o receive_v by_o the_o body_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o all_o person_n oblige_v to_o observe_v the_o same_o in_o the_o several_a congregation_n for_o worship_n these_o congregation_n so_o unite_v in_o these_o common_a bond_n of_o religion_n make_v up_o the_o complete_a national_a church_n sect._n 20._o and_o now_o i_o hope_v i_o may_v have_v leave_n to_o consider_v mr._n baxter_n subtlety_n about_o this_o matter_n which_o be_v spread_v abroad_o in_o abundance_n of_o word_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n i_o shall_v reduce_v to_o these_o follow_a head_n wherein_o the_o main_a difficulty_n lie_v 1._o concern_v the_o difference_n between_o a_o national_a church_n and_o a_o christian_a kingdom_n 2._o concern_v the_o govern_n power_n of_o this_o national_a church_n which_o he_o call_v the_o constitutive_a regent_n part_n 3._o
about_o that_o visible_a church_n whereof_o particular_a church_n be_v part_n and_o they_o be_v visible_a part_n do_v require_v a_o visible_a constitutive_a regent_n part_n as_o essential_a to_o they_o therefore_o the_o whole_a visible_a church_n must_v have_v likewise_o a_o visible_a constitutive_a regent_n part_n i._n e._n a_o visible_a head_n of_o the_o church_n as_o if_o a_o troop_n have_v a_o inferior_a officer_n a_o army_n must_v have_v a_o general_n if_o a_o city_n have_v a_o mayor_n a_o kingdom_n must_v have_v a_o king_n that_o be_v equal_o present_a and_o visible_a as_o the_o other_o be_v this_o be_v indeed_o to_o make_v a_o key_n for_o catholic_n by_o the_o help_n of_o which_o they_o may_v enter_v and_o take_v possession_n 2._o the_o plain_a resolution_n be_v that_o we_o deny_v any_o necessity_n of_o any_o such_o constitutive_a regent_n part_n or_o one_o formal_a ecclesiastical_a head_n as_o essential_a to_o a_o national_a church_n for_o a_o national_a consent_n be_v as_o sufficient_a to_o make_v a_o national_a church_n as_o a_o universal_a consent_n to_o make_v a_o catholic_n church_n but_o if_o the_o question_n be_v by_o what_o way_n this_o national_a consent_n be_v to_o be_v declare_v then_o we_o answer_v far_o that_o by_o the_o constitution_n of_o this_o church_n the_o archbishop_n bishop_n and_o presbyter_n be_v summon_v by_o the_o king_n be_v write_v be_v to_o advise_v and_o declare_v their_o judgement_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v receive_v allow_v and_o enact_v by_o the_o king_n and_o three_o estate_n of_o the_o kingdom_n there_o be_v as_o great_a a_o national_a consent_v as_o be_v require_v to_o any_o law_n and_o all_o bishop_n minister_n and_o people_n take_v together_o who_o profess_v the_o faith_n so_o establish_v and_o worship_n god_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n so_o appoint_v make_v up_o this_o national_a church_n of_o england_n which_o notion_n of_o a_o national_a church_n be_v thus_o explain_v i_o see_v no_o manner_n of_o difficulty_n remain_v in_o all_o mr._n baxter_n '_o s_z query_n and_o objection_n about_o this_o matter_n sect._n 22._o 3._o that_o which_o look_v most_o like_a a_o difficulty_n be_v 3._o concern_v the_o common_a tie_n or_o rule_n which_o make_v this_o national_a church_n for_o mr._n b._n will_v know_v 34._o whether_o by_o the_o common_a rule_n i_o mean_v a_o divine_a rule_n or_o a_o mere_a humane_a rule_n if_o it_o be_v a_o divine_a rule_n they_o be_v of_o the_o national_a church_n as_o well_o as_o we_o if_o it_o be_v a_o humane_a rule_n how_o come_v consent_n in_o this_o to_o make_v a_o national_a church_n how_o come_v they_o not_o to_o be_v of_o it_o for_o not_o consent_v how_o can_v such_o a_o consent_n appear_v when_o there_o be_v difference_n among_o ourselves_o this_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o what_o he_o object_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v 1._o our_o church_n be_v found_v upon_o a_o divine_a rule_n viz._n the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o we_o own_v as_o the_o basis_n and_o foundation_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o according_a to_o which_o all_o other_o rule_v of_o order_n and_o worship_n be_v to_o be_v agreeable_a 2._o our_o church_n require_v a_o conformity_n to_o those_o rule_n which_o be_v appoint_v by_o it_o as_o agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o so_o the_o church_n of_o new-england_n do_v to_o the_o order_n of_o church_n government_n among_o themselves_o by_o all_o that_o be_v member_n of_o their_o church_n and_o annex_v civil_a privilege_n to_o they_o and_o their_o magistrate_n impose_v civil_a punishment_n on_o the_o breaker_n and_o disturber_n of_o they_o and_o although_o they_o profess_v agreement_n in_o other_o thing_n yet_o because_o they_o do_v not_o submit_v to_o the_o order_n of_o their_o church_n they_o do_v not_o own_v they_o as_o member_n of_o their_o church_n why_o shall_v it_o then_o be_v think_v unreasonable_a with_o we_o not_o to_o account_v those_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n who_o contemn_v and_o disobey_v the_o order_n of_o it_o 3._o there_o be_v no_o difference_n among_o ourselves_o concern_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o order_n of_o our_o church_n or_o the_o duty_n of_o submission_n to_o they_o if_o there_o be_v any_o other_o difference_n they_o be_v not_o material_a as_o to_o this_o business_n and_o i_o believe_v be_v no_o other_o than_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o explain_v some_o thing_n which_o may_v happen_v in_o the_o best_a society_n in_o the_o world_n without_o break_v the_o peace_n of_o it_o as_o about_o the_o difference_n of_o order_n the_o sense_n of_o some_o passage_n in_o the_o athanasian_n creed_n the_o true_a explication_n of_o one_o or_o two_o article_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n he_o mention_n 39_o a_o multitude_n of_o such_o difference_n will_v never_o overthrow_v such_o a_o consent_n among_o we_o as_o to_o make_v we_o not_o to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o same_o national_a church_n sect._n 23._o have_v thus_o clear_v the_o main_a difficulty_n which_o be_v object_v by_o my_o more_o weighty_a adversary_n the_o weak_a assault_n of_o the_o rest_n in_o what_o they_o differ_v from_o these_o will_v admit_v of_o a_o quick_a dispatch_n mr._n a._n object_n 27._o 1._o that_o if_o national_a church_n have_v power_n to_o reform_v themselves_o than_o so_o have_v congregational_a and_o therefore_o i_o do_v amiss_o to_o charge_v they_o with_o separation_n i_o grant_v it_o if_o he_o prove_v that_o no_o congregational_a church_n have_v any_o more_o power_n over_o it_o than_o a_o national_a church_n have_v i._n e._n that_o there_o be_v as_o much_o evidence_n against_o both_o episcopal_a and_o presbyterial_a government_n as_o there_o be_v against_o the_o pope_n usurpation_n when_o he_o do_v prove_v that_o ibid._n he_o may_v have_v a_o far_a answer_n 2._o that_o national_a church_n destroy_v the_o be_v of_o other_o church_n under_o they_o this_o i_o utter_o deny_v and_o there_o want_v nothing_o but_o proof_n as_o erasmus_n say_v one_o andrelinus_n be_v a_o good_a poet_n only_o his_o verse_n want_v one_o syllable_n and_o that_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 29._o 3._o by_o my_o description_n the_o parliament_n may_v be_v a_o national_a church_n for_o they_o be_v a_o society_n of_o man_n unite_v together_o for_o their_o order_n and_o government_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o do_v i_o not_o immediate_o before_o say_v that_o national_a church_n be_v national_a society_n of_o christian_n under_o the_o same_o law_n of_o government_n and_o rule_n of_o worship_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o in_o the_o next_o word_n when_o i_o go_v about_o to_o prove_v national_a church_n to_o be_v true_a church_n i_o use_v such_o a_o general_a description_n as_o be_v common_a to_o any_o kind_n of_o church_n and_o not_o proper_a to_o a_o national_a church_n 30._o 4._o he_o give_v this_o reason_n why_o consent_n shall_v not_o make_v national_a church_n as_o well_o as_o congregational_a because_o it_o must_v be_v such_o a_o agreement_n as_o the_o gospel_n warrant_v and_o that_o be_v only_o for_o worship_n and_o not_o to_o destroy_v their_o own_o be_v this_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o a_o horse_n in_o a_o mill_n still_o round_o about_o the_o same_o thing_n and_o therefore_o the_o same_o answer_n may_v serve_v 31._o 5._o out_o come_v mr._n b.'s_n objection_n against_o a_o visible_a head_n of_o this_o national_a church_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o union_n and_o the_o difference_n among_o ourselves_o as_o though_o mr._n b._n can_v not_o manage_v his_o own_o argument_n and_o therefore_o he_o take_v they_o and_o strip_v they_o of_o their_o heavy_a and_o rusty_a armour_n and_o make_v they_o appear_v again_o in_o the_o field_n in_o another_o dress_n and_o if_o they_o can_v not_o stand_v the_o field_n in_o the_o former_a habit_n they_o can_v much_o less_o do_v it_o in_o this_o the_o author_n of_o the_o letter_n say_v 24._o i_o only_o prove_v a_o national_a church_n a_o possible_a thing_n he_o clear_o mistake_v my_o design_n which_o be_v to_o show_v that_o if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o a_o national_a church_n than_o no_o single_a congregation_n have_v such_o a_o power_n in_o themselves_o to_o separate_v from_o other_o in_o matter_n of_o order_n and_o decency_n where_o there_o be_v a_o consent_n in_o the_o same_o faith_n to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n i_o show_v that_o if_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o a_o church_n do_v agree_v to_o it_o then_o upon_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o we_o own_o particular_a church_n and_o the_o catholic_n church_n we_o be_v to_o own_o a_o national_a church_n so_o that_o the_o design_n of_o that_o discourse_n be_v not_o bare_o to_o prove_v the_o possibility_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o it_o 25._o but_o say_v he_o can_v it_o be_v prove_v
attribute_v justification_n to_o the_o sacrament_n and_o the_o expiation_n of_o the_o remainder_n of_o venial_a sin_n to_o the_o use_n of_o ceremony_n however_o since_o they_o attribute_v so_o spiritual_a effect_n to_o they_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n they_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o real_a part_n of_o divine_a worship_n as_o much_o as_o they_o do_v on_o prayer_n with_o which_o they_o compare_v they_o in_o point_n of_o efficacy_n but_o with_o what_o face_n can_v this_o be_v object_v against_o our_o church_n which_o utter_o reject_v any_o such_o spiritual_a efficacy_n as_o to_o the_o ceremony_n that_o be_v retain_v among_o we_o and_o declare_v that_o they_o be_v no_o otherwise_o receive_v in_o our_o church_n 30._o than_o as_o they_o be_v purge_v from_o popish_a superstition_n and_o error_n and_o therefore_o all_o opinion_n of_o merit_n and_o spiritual_a efficacy_n be_v take_v from_o they_o which_o do_v make_v they_o to_o be_v part_n of_o divine_a worship_n which_o be_v remove_v they_o remain_v only_o naked_a ceremony_n i._n e._n as_o cassander_n well_o express_v it_o word_n make_v visible_a or_o teach_v action_n who_o design_n and_o intention_n be_v towards_o we_o and_o not_o towards_o god_n they_o can_v be_v think_v to_o be_v make_v part_n of_o divine_a worship_n although_o they_o be_v use_v in_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o as_o if_o the_o christian_n in_o the_o east_n do_v wear_v the_o b●dge_n of_o a_o cross_n upon_o their_o arm_n at_o some_o solemn_a day_n as_o on_o good_a friday_n at_o their_o devotion_n to_o distinguish_v they_o from_o turk_n and_o jew_n will_v any_o one_o say_v that_o they_o make_v this_o badge_n a_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n but_o when_o they_o see_v the_o papist_n on_o that_o day_n use_v the_o most_o solemn_a posture_n of_o adoration_n to_o the_o crucifix_n they_o may_v well_o charge_v they_o with_o make_v this_o a_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n so_o that_o the_o distinction_n between_o these_o two_o be_v not_o so_o hard_a to_o find_v if_o man_n apply_v their_o mind_n to_o the_o consideration_n of_o it_o 2._o man_n may_v make_v ceremony_n to_o become_v part_n of_o divine_a worship_n if_o they_o suppose_v they_o unalterable_a and_o obligatory_a to_o the_o conscience_n of_o all_o christian_n for_o this_o suppose_v a_o equal_a necessity_n with_o that_o of_o divine_a institution_n if_o man_n do_v assert_v so_o great_a a_o power_n in_o the_o church_n as_o to_o appoint_v thing_n for_o spiritual_a effect_n and_o to_o oblige_v the_o conscience_n of_o all_o christian_n to_o observe_v they_o it_o be_v all_o one_o as_o to_o say_v the_o church_n may_v make_v new_a part_n of_o worship_n but_o this_o can_v with_o no_o colour_n be_v object_v against_o a_o church_n which_o declare_v as_o express_o as_o it_o be_v possible_a prayer_n that_o it_o look_v on_o the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n use_v therein_o as_o thing_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a and_o alterable_a and_o that_o change_v and_o alteration_n may_v be_v make_v as_o seem_v necessary_a or_o expedient_a to_o those_o in_o authority_n and_o that_o every_o country_n be_v at_o liberty_n to_o use_v their_o own_o ceremony_n 〈…〉_z and_o that_o they_o neither_o condemn_v other_o nor_o prescribe_v to_o they_o what_o can_v more_o express_v the_o not_o make_v ceremony_n any_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n than_o these_o thing_n d●_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v at_o once_o show_v what_o we_o mean_v by_o substantial_a part_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o that_o our_o church_n do_v not_o make_v any_o human_a ceremony_n to_o be_v so_o sect._n 29._o i_o now_o come_v particular_o to_o examine_v the_o charge_n against_o our_o church_n for_o mr._n a._n say_v a_o outward_a visible_a sign_n of_o a_o inward_a invisible_a grace_n whereby_o a_o person_n be_v dedicate_v to_o the_o profession_n of_o and_o subjection_n to_o the_o redeemer_n be_v a_o substantial_a part_n of_o worship_n i_o answer_v 1._o a_o outward_a visible_a sign_n between_o man_n represent_v the_o duty_n or_o engagement_n of_o another_o be_v no_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n at_o all_o much_o less_o a_o substantial_a part_n of_o it_o there_o be_v some_o visible_a sign_n from_o god_n to_o man_n represent_v the_o effect_n of_o his_o grace_n to_o we_o and_o those_o we_o call_v sacrament_n there_o be_v other_o sign_n from_o man_n to_o god_n to_o testify_v their_o subjection_n and_o dependence_n and_o these_o be_v act_n of_o worship_n and_o there_o be_v sign_n from_o man_n to_o man_n to_o represent_v some_o other_o thing_n beside_o the_o bare_a action_n and_o these_o be_v significant_a ceremony_n such_o as_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n be_v for_o after_o the_o child_n be_v baptize_v and_o receive_v into_o the_o church_n the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n be_v use_v in_o token_n that_o hereafter_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v ashamed_a to_o confess_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n crucify_v etc._n etc._n to_o who_o be_v this_o token_n make_v be_v it_o to_o god_n no_o certain_o if_o it_o be_v a_o permanent_a sign_n of_o the_o cross_n will_v it_o be_v for_o a_o testimony_n to_o god_n or_o to_o man_n when_o the_o primitive_a christian_n use_v the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o token_n they_o be_v not_o ashamed_a of_o christ_n crucify_v be_v this_o a_o dedicate_a sign_n to_o god_n or_o a_o declarative_a sign_n to_o man_n and_o what_o if_o it_o represent_v subjection_n to_o christ_n as_o the_o redeemer_n must_v it_o therefore_o be_v such_o a_o outward_a visible_a sign_n of_o inward_a invisible_a grace_n as_o the_o sacrament_n be_v it_o represent_v the_o duty_n and_o not_o the_o grace_n the_o duty_n be_v we_o and_o may_v be_v represent_v by_o we_o but_o the_o grace_n be_v god_n and_o therefore_o he_o must_v appoint_v the_o sign_n to_o represent_v and_o convey_v that_o because_o he_o alone_o be_v the_o giver_n of_o it_o 2._o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n be_v not_o intend_v by_o our_o church_n for_o a_o sign_n of_o immediate_a dedication_n to_o god_n but_o of_o obligation_n on_o the_o person_n it_o be_v true_a that_o in_o the_o 30_o canon_n it_o be_v say_v that_o this_o church_n retain_v the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n follow_v the_o example_n of_o the_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a church_n and_o account_v it_o a_o lawful_a outward_a ceremony_n and_o honourable_a badge_n whereby_o the_o infant_n be_v dedicate_v to_o the_o service_n of_o he_o who_o die_v upon_o the_o cross._n but_o for_o the_o right_a understanding_n thereof_o we_o must_v consider_v that_o baptism_n be_v declare_v to_o be_v complete_a before_o so_o that_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n add_v nothing_o to_o the_o perfection_n or_o virtue_n of_o it_o nor_o be_v omit_v take_v nothing_o from_o it_o as_o it_o be_v there_o express_v as_o the_o sense_n of_o this_o church_n this_o therefore_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o baptismal_a dedication_n and_o the_o minister_n act_n in_o a_o double_a capacity_n when_o he_o do_v baptize_v and_o when_o he_o sign_n with_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n when_o he_o baptize_v he_o act_v by_o virtue_n of_o authority_n derive_v from_o christ_n i_o baptize_v thou_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v do_v and_o the_o child_n thereby_o solemn_o dedicate_v to_o god_n in_o baptism_n he_o than_o speak_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n vary_v the_o number_n we_o receive_v this_o child_n into_o the_o congregation_n of_o christ_n be_v flock_n and_o do_v sign_n he_o with_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n etc._n etc._n i._n e._n we_o christian_n that_o be_v already_o member_n of_o christ_n flock_n do_v receive_v he_o into_o our_o number_n and_o in_o token_n of_o his_o be_v oblige_v to_o perform_v the_o duty_n belong_v to_o such_o a_o one_o do_v make_v use_n of_o this_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n as_o the_o rite_n of_o admission_n into_o the_o church_n and_o of_o his_o obligation_n to_o behave_v himself_o as_o become_v a_o christian._n and_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o this_o sense_n as_o no_o doubt_n it_o be_v so_o intend_v 179._o all_o the_o difficulty_n about_o a_o dedicate_a covenant_a symbolical_a sacramental_a sign_n concern_v which_o some_o have_v make_v so_o great_a a_o stir_n 4●_n will_v soon_o appear_v to_o be_v of_o no_o force_n for_o why_o may_v not_o the_o church_n appoint_v such_o a_o rite_n of_o admission_n of_o one_o of_o her_o member_n declare_v it_o to_o be_v no_o part_n of_o baptism_n let_v we_o suppose_v a_o adult_n person_n to_o be_v baptize_v and_o immediate_o after_o baptism_n to_o be_v admit_v a_o member_n of_o a_o independent_a church_n and_o the_o ceremony_n of_o this_o admission_n to_o be_v hold_v up_o of_o his_o hand_n in_o token_n of_o his_o own_v the_o church-covenant_n i._n e._n of_o promise_v to_o live_v as_o a_o church-member_n ought_v to_o do_v
among_o they_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n than_o baptise_n he_o and_o immediate_o after_o upon_o the_o hold_v up_o of_o his_o hand_n in_o token_n of_o his_o own_v the_o church-covenant_n he_o say_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n we_o receive_v thou_o into_o this_o congregation_n and_o accept_v of_o thy_o hold_v up_o of_o thy_o hand_n as_o a_o token_n that_o thou_o will_v hereafter_o behave_v thyself_o as_o a_o church-member_n ought_v to_o do_v among_o we_o what_o harm_n be_v there_o in_o all_o this_o and_o yet_o be_v not_o this_o a_o profess_v dedicate_a covenant_a symbolical_a sacramental_a sign_n as_o much_o as_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n be_v among_o we_o do_v not_o hold_v up_o the_o hand_n signify_v and_o represent_v be_v it_o not_o therefore_o a_o significant_a and_o symbolical_a ceremony_n do_v it_o not_o import_v a_o obligation_n lie_v on_o the_o person_n be_v it_o not_o therefore_o dedicate_a covenant_a and_o sacramental_a as_o much_o as_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n why_o then_o shall_v this_o be_v scruple_v more_o than_o the_o other_o and_o by_o this_o mr._n b.'s_n great_a mistake_n appear_v about_o this_o matter_n 18._o who_o suppose_v that_o the_o minister_n speak_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n when_o he_o sign_n with_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o as_o god_n officer_n from_o he_o and_o so_o dedicate_v he_o by_o this_o sign_n to_o the_o service_n of_o he_o that_o die_v upon_o the_o cross_n whereas_o the_o minister_n in_o the_o act_n speak_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n as_o evident_o appear_v by_o those_o word_n we_o receive_v he_o into_o the_o congregation_n of_o christ_n be_v flock_n and_o then_o follow_v as_o the_o solemn_a rite_n of_o admission_n and_o do_v sign_n he_o with_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n etc._n etc._n all_o public_a and_o solemn_a admission_n into_o society_n have_v some_o peculiar_a ceremony_n belong_v to_o they_o and_o so_o as_o baptism_n beside_o its_o sacramental_a efficacy_n be_v a_o rite_n of_o admission_n into_o christ_n catholic_n church_n so_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n be_v into_o our_o church_n of_o england_n in_o which_o this_o ceremony_n be_v use_v without_o any_o prescription_n to_o other_o church_n sect._n 30._o but_o say_v mr._n b._n though_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n may_v be_v lawful_a directory_n as_o a_o transient_a arbitrary_a profess_v sign_n 113._o yet_o not_o as_o a_o dedicate_a sign_n and_o as_o the_o common_a profess_v symbol_n of_o baptize_v person_n if_o it_o be_v lawful_a in_o the_o former_a sense_n i_o can_v understand_v how_o it_o shall_v be_v unlawful_a in_o the_o latter_a yes_o say_v he_o the_o institute_v of_o the_o latter_a belong_v to_o god_n only_o how_o do_v that_o appear_v because_o he_o have_v make_v two_o sacrament_n already_o for_o that_o end_n true_o but_o not_o only_o for_o that_o end_n but_o to_o be_v the_o mean_n and_o instrument_n of_o convey_v his_o grace_n to_o man_n which_o none_o but_o god_n himself_o can_v do_v and_o therefore_o none_o but_o he_o ought_v to_o appoint_v the_o mean_n for_o that_o end_n and_o we_o account_v it_o a_o unsufferable_a insolency_n in_o the_o roman_a church_n for_o they_o to_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o make_v application_n of_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n to_o rite_n of_o their_o own_o institution_n which_o be_v the_o only_a possible_a way_n for_o a_o church_n to_o make_v new_a sacrament_n but_o if_o every_o significant_a custom_n in_o a_o church_n must_v pass_v for_o a_o new_a sacrament_n then_o sit_v at_o the_o sacrament_n be_v a_o new_a sacrament_n because_o we_o be_v tell_v it_o betoken_v rest_n and_o communion_n with_o christ_n then_o put_v off_o the_o hat_n in_o prayer_n be_v a_o new_a sacrament_n because_o it_o be_v a_o profess_v sign_n of_o reverence_n then_o lay_v on_o the_o hand_n and_o kiss_v the_o book_n in_o swear_v be_v new_a sacrament_n because_o they_o be_v public_a symbolical_a rite_n but_o say_v mr._n b._n it_o belong_v only_o to_o the_o king_n to_o make_v the_o common_a badge_n or_o symbol_n of_o his_o own_o subject_n yet_o i_o hope_v every_o nobleman_n or_o gentleman_n may_v give_v a_o distinct_a livery_n without_o treason_n and_o therefore_o why_o may_v not_o every_o church_n appoint_v its_o own_o rite_n of_o admission_n of_o member_n into_o its_o body_n but_o the_o obligation_n here_o be_v to_o the_o common_a duty_n of_o christian_n and_o be_v not_o every_o church-member_n bind_v to_o perform_v these_o that_o which_o be_v peculiar_a be_v the_o manner_n of_o admission_n by_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o this_o rite_n our_o church_n impose_v on_o no_o other_o but_o its_o own_o member_n i._n e._n make_v it_o necessary_a to_o none_o else_o and_o to_o show_v it_o to_o be_v only_o a_o solemn_a rite_n of_o admission_n it_o allow_v it_o to_o be_v forbear_v in_o private_a baptism_n but_o say_v mr._n b._n christ_n sacrament_n or_o symbol_n be_v sufficient_a we_o need_v not_o devise_v more_o and_o accuse_v his_o institution_n of_o insufficiency_n if_o it_o be_v lawful_a the_o church_n be_v to_o judge_v of_o the_o expediency_n and_o not_o every_o private_a person_n and_o to_o appoint_v other_o rite_n that_o do_v not_o encroach_v upon_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n by_o challenge_v any_o effect_n peculiar_a to_o they_o be_v no_o charge_v they_o with_o insufficiency_n well_o say_v mr._n b._n but_o it_o be_v unlawful_a on_o another_o account_n viz._n as_o it_o be_v a_o image_n use_v as_o a_o medium_n in_o god_n worship_n and_o so_o forbid_v in_o the_o second_o commandment_n he_o may_v as_o well_o make_v it_o unlawful_a to_o use_v word_n in_o god_n worship_n for_o be_v not_o they_o image_n and_o represent_v thing_n to_o our_o mind_n as_o well_o as_o a_o transient_a sign_n of_o the_o cross_n nay_o do_v not_o mr._n b._n in_o the_o same_o place_n make_v it_o lawful_a to_o make_v a_o image_n a_o object_n or_o medium_fw-la of_o our_o consideration_n exciting_a our_o mind_n to_o worship_n god_n as_o he_o instance_v in_o a_o crucifix_n or_o historical_a image_n of_o christ_n or_o some_o holy_a man_n if_o any_o divine_a of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v say_v any_o thing_n to_o this_o purpose_n what_o out-cry_n of_o popery_n have_v be_v make_v against_o we_o how_o many_o advances_n have_v we_o present_o make_v for_o let_v in_o the_o gross_a idolatry_n how_o many_o divine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v be_v quote_v to_o show_v that_o they_o go_v no_o further_a and_o desire_v no_o more_o than_o this_o yet_o the_o transient_a sign_n of_o the_o cross_n without_o any_o respect_n to_o worship_n be_v condemn_v among_o we_o as_o forbid_v by_o the_o second_o commandment_n and_o that_o by_o the_o same_o person_n and_o in_o the_o same_o page_n but_o it_o be_v use_v as_o a_o medium_n in_o god_n worship_n be_v our_o worship_n direct_v to_o it_o or_o do_v we_o kneel_v before_o it_o as_o mr._n b._n allow_v man_n may_v do_v before_o a_o crucifix_n do_v we_o declare_v that_o we_o be_v excite_v by_o it_o to_o worship_n god_n no_o all_o these_o be_v reject_v by_o our_o church_n how_o then_o be_v it_o a_o medium_n in_o god_n worship_n why_o forsooth_o it_o be_v not_o a_o mere_a circumstance_n but_o a_o outward_a act_n of_o worship_n what_o as_o much_o as_o kneel_v before_o a_o crucifix_n and_o yet_o that_o be_v lawful_a according_a to_o he_o suppose_v the_o mind_n be_v only_o excite_v by_o it_o suppose_v then_o we_o only_o use_v the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n to_o excite_v man_n consideration_n in_o the_o act_n of_o worship_n what_o harm_n be_v in_o it_o upon_o mr._n b.'s_n ground_n but_o our_o church_n allow_v not_o so_o much_o only_o take_v it_o for_o a_o lawful_a outward_a ceremony_n which_o have_v nothing_o of_o worship_n belong_v to_o it_o how_o come_v it_o then_o to_o be_v a_o medium_n in_o god_n worship_n for_o mr._n b._n say_v in_o the_o same_o place_n there_o be_v a_o twofold_a medium_n in_o god_n worship_n 1._o medium_fw-la excitans_fw-la that_o raise_v our_o mind_n to_o worship_n god_n as_o a_o crucifix_n etc._n etc._n 2._o medium_fw-la terminans_fw-la or_o as_o he_o call_v it_o terminus_fw-la in_fw-la genere_fw-la causae_fw-la finalis_fw-la a_o worship_v medium_n or_o the_o terminus_fw-la or_o the_o thing_n which_o we_o worship_v mediate_o on_o pretence_n of_o represent_v god_n and_o that_o we_o worship_v he_o in_o it_o ultimate_o and_o this_o he_o take_v to_o be_v the_o thing_n forbid_v direct_o in_o the_o second_o commandment_n viz._n to_o worship_v a_o creature_n with_o mind_n or_o body_n in_o the_o act_n of_o divine_a worship_n as_o represent_v god_n or_o as_o the_o mediate_a term_n of_o our_o worship_n by_o which_o we_o send_v it_o unto_o god_n as_o if_o it_o be_v more_o acceptable_a to_o he_o so_o
that_o it_o be_v lawful_a say_v he_o by_o the_o sight_n of_o a_o crucifix_n to_o be_v provoke_v to_o worship_n god_n but_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o offer_v he_o that_o worship_n by_o offer_v it_o to_o the_o crucifix_n first_o as_o the_o sign_n way_n or_o mean_n of_o send_v it_o to_o god_n observe_v here_o a_o strange_a piece_n of_o partiality_n 1._o it_o be_v allow_v to_o be_v lawful_a to_o pray_v before_o a_o crucifix_n as_o a_o medium_n excitans_fw-la as_o a_o object_n that_o stir_v up_o in_o we_o a_o worship_a affection_n and_o so_o all_o those_o papist_n be_v excuse_v from_o idolatry_n who_o profess_v they_o use_v a_o crucifix_n for_o no_o other_o end_n although_o they_o perform_v all_o act_n of_o adoration_n before_o it_o and_o it_o will_v become_v a_o very_a hard_a question_n whether_o the_o mind_n in_o its_o consideration_n unite_n the_o image_n with_o the_o object_n may_v not_o give_v the_o same_o act_n of_o worship_n to_o one_o as_o to_o the_o other_o but_o in_o different_a respect_n for_o the_o image_n be_v allow_v to_o excite_v the_o mind_n to_o consideration_n of_o the_o object_n to_o be_v worship_v the_o object_n be_v consider_v in_o the_o mind_n as_o represent_v by_o the_o image_n and_o consequent_o be_v so_o worship_v and_o why_o then_o may_v not_o the_o worship_n be_v as_o well_o direct_v to_o the_o image_n as_o represent_v as_o to_o the_o object_n represent_v by_o the_o image_n provide_v that_o the_o act_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v still_o fix_v upon_o the_o object_n as_o represent_v by_o the_o image_n and_o thus_o even_o latria_n may_v be_v perform_v to_o a_o crucifix_n be_v not_o this_o a_o very_a fair_a concession_n to_o the_o papist_n but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n 2._o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n even_o the_o aëreal_a sign_n as_o dr._n o._n call_v it_o must_v be_v make_v a_o medium_n in_o god_n worship_n though_o it_o be_v utter_o deny_v by_o our_o church_n and_o there_o be_v no_o colour_n for_o it_o from_o his_o own_o ground_n for_o it_o be_v neither_o medium_n excitans_fw-la be_v not_o intend_v by_o our_o church_n for_o that_o purpose_n a_o crucifix_n be_v much_o fit_a for_o that_o purpose_n and_o our_o church_n call_v it_o only_o a_o lawful_a ceremony_n and_o honourable_a badge_n much_o less_o can_v it_o be_v think_v to_o be_v any_o mediate_a object_n of_o our_o worship_n there_o be_v nothing_o like_o worship_n perform_v towards_o it_o but_o if_o all_o his_o meaning_n be_v that_o whatever_o be_v use_v in_o the_o time_n of_o worship_n that_o be_v not_o a_o mere_a circumstance_n must_v be_v a_o medium_n of_o worship_n that_o be_v so_o weak_a a_o pretence_n that_o i_o shall_v consider_v it_o no_o far_o sect._n 31._o but_o suppose_v it_o be_v no_o medium_n of_o worship_n 41._o yet_o it_o can_v out_o of_o mr._n b._n be_v head_n but_o that_o it_o must_v be_v a_o new_a sacrament_n for_o say_v he_o if_o christ_n have_v institute_v the_o cross_n as_o our_o church_n do_v will_v you_o not_o have_v call_v this_o a_o sacrament_n and_o if_o it_o want_v but_o divine_a institution_n and_o benediction_n it_o want_v indeed_o a_o due_a efficient_a but_o it_o be_v still_o a_o human_a sacrament_n though_o not_o a_o divine_a and_o therefore_o a_o unlawful_a sacrament_n if_o christ_n have_v institute_v it_o with_o such_o promise_n as_o he_o have_v his_o other_o sacrament_n no_o doubt_n it_o have_v be_v one_o but_o then_o the_o use_n of_o it_o have_v be_v quite_o change_v from_o what_o it_o be_v now_o for_o than_o its_o signification_n have_v be_v from_o god_n to_o we_o and_o the_o minister_n have_v sign_v in_o christ_n name_n and_o not_o in_o the_o church_n and_o than_o it_o have_v be_v in_o token_n that_o christ_n will_v not_o fail_v of_o his_o promise_n if_o we_o perform_v our_o condition_n but_o here_o it_o be_v quite_o contrary_a as_o have_v already_o appear_v there_o be_v one_o thing_n yet_o remain_v in_o mr._n b._n about_o this_o matter_n to_o be_v consider_v 49._o viz._n that_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o church_n the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n have_v a_o sacramental_a efficacy_n attribute_v to_o it_o for_o say_v he_o as_o the_o water_n of_o baptism_n work_v moral_o by_o signify_v the_o wash_n of_o christ_n body_n so_o the_o cross_n be_v to_o operate_v moral_o by_o signify_v christ_n crucifixion_n the_o benefit_n of_o his_o cross_n and_o our_o duty_n and_o then_o he_o add_v that_o it_o be_v the_o common_a doctrine_n of_o protestant_n that_o the_o sacrament_n be_v not_o institute_v to_o give_v grace_n physical_o but_o only_o moral_o and_o that_o even_o the_o wise_a papist_n themselves_o do_v maintain_v only_o such_o moral_a causality_n in_o sacrament_n and_o so_o by_o this_o mean_v he_o will_v make_v the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n to_o have_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o sacrament_n with_o we_o but_o that_o he_o have_v misrepresent_v or_o misapply_v both_o the_o popish_a and_o protestant_n doctrine_n about_o the_o efficacy_n of_o sacrament_n to_o serve_v his_o purpose_n i_o shall_v now_o make_v appear_v 1._o concern_v the_o popish_a doctrine_n that_o which_o overthrow_v the_o strength_n of_o all_o that_o mr._n b._n say_v be_v that_o it_o be_v unanimous_o agree_v among_o they_o as_o a_o matter_n of_o faith_n that_o the_o sacrament_n do_v confer_v grace_n ex_fw-la opere_fw-la operato_fw-la where_o there_o be_v no_o actual_a impediment_n and_o that_o it_o be_v no_o less_o than_o heresy_n to_o assert_v that_o they_o be_v bare_a outward_a profess_v sign_n i._n e._n 6._o that_o they_o be_v mere_a ceremony_n this_n not_o one_o of_o they_o who_o i_o ever_o see_v either_o deny_v or_o dispute_v and_o it_o be_v express_o determine_v in_o the_o council_n of_o florence_n and_o of_o trent_n but_o then_o they_o have_v a_o very_a nice_a and_o subtle_a question_n among_o they_o about_o the_o manner_n how_o the_o sacrament_n do_v confer_v grace_n whether_o physical_o or_o moral_o by_o physical_o they_o mean_v when_o a_o thing_n by_o its_o own_o immediate_a action_n have_v influence_n on_o produce_v the_o effect_n by_o moral_o they_o mean_v that_o which_o do_v effectual_o concur_v to_o the_o produce_v the_o effect_n but_o after_o another_o manner_n as_o by_o persuasion_n by_o entreaty_n etc._n etc._n as_o he_o that_o run_v the_o sword_n into_o another_o bowel_n kill_v he_o physical_o he_o that_o persuade_v and_o incourage_v he_o effectual_o to_o do_v it_o be_v as_o real_o the_o cause_n of_o his_o death_n as_o the_o other_o but_o then_o they_o say_v he_o be_v but_o a_o moral_a and_o not_o a_o physical_a cause_n of_o the_o murder_n they_o all_o agree_v that_o the_o sacrament_n do_v effectual_o convey_v grace_n where_o there_o be_v no_o obstacle_n put_v but_o the_o only_a question_n be_v about_o the_o manner_n of_o produce_v it_o and_o as_o to_o this_o they_o agree_v that_o the_o sacrament_n do_v work_v as_o moral_a cause_n not_o principal_a but_o instrumental_a the_o principal_a they_o say_v be_v the_o merit_n of_o christ_n the_o instrumental_a the_o sacrament_n as_o derive_v their_o efficacy_n from_o the_o former_a as_o the_o write_n from_o the_o seal_n and_o the_o seal_n from_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o person_n or_o as_o money_n from_o the_o stamp_n and_o the_o stamp_n from_o the_o king_n but_o beside_o this_o they_o question_v whether_o there_o be_v not_o a_o proper_a efficiency_n by_o divine_a power_n in_o the_o sacrament_n to_o produce_v at_o least_o the_o character_n from_o whence_o divine_a grace_n immediate_o follow_v and_o about_o this_o indeed_o they_o be_v divide_v some_o say_v there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o assert_v more_o than_o a_o bare_a moral_a causality_n because_o this_o be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o infallible_a efficacy_n of_o the_o sacrament_n 5._o sublato_fw-la obice_fw-la as_o gamachaeus_n a_o late_a professor_n in_o the_o sorbon_n deliver_v their_o doctrine_n and_o of_o this_o opinion_n he_o reckon_v bonaventure_n altissidore_n scotus_n durandus_fw-la canus_n ledesma_n and_o many_o other_o and_o with_o this_o he_o close_v because_o this_o be_v sufficient_a and_o the_o other_o be_v to_o make_v miracle_n without_o cause_n as_o long_o as_o the_o effect_n follow_v certò_fw-la infallibiliter_fw-la &_o ex_fw-la opere_fw-la operato_fw-la as_o he_o there_o speak_v and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n card._n de_fw-fr lugo_n yield_v to_o it_o 32._o although_o he_o there_o say_v that_o a_o sacrament_n be_v signum_fw-la practicum_fw-la infallibile_fw-la gratiae_n so_o that_o those_o who_o do_v assert_v only_o this_o moral_a causality_n of_o sacrament_n do_v not_o suppose_v any_o uncertainty_n in_o the_o effect_n any_o more_o than_o the_o other_o do_v but_o only_o differ_v about_o the_o way_n of_o produce_v it_o yet_o ysambertus_n 3._o another_o late_a professor_n of_o the_o sorbon_n prove_v the_o doctrine_n of_o a_o physical_a efficiency_n to_o be_v much_o
of_o show_v this_o reverence_n viz._n with_o lowness_n of_o courtesy_n and_o uncover_v of_o head_n of_o mankind_n it_o suppose_v they_o at_o that_o time_n not_o to_o be_v employ_v in_o any_o other_o act_n of_o devotion_n and_o so_o it_o give_v no_o interruption_n to_o the_o intention_n of_o it_o nor_o oblige_v man_n to_o lie_v at_o the_o catch_n for_o the_o come_n of_o the_o word_n as_o though_o all_o our_o worship_n consist_v in_o it_o but_o since_o our_o church_n approve_v it_o as_o a_o laudable_a ceremony_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o refuse_v it_o at_o seasonable_a time_n unless_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v unlawful_a in_o itself_o which_o i_o say_v can_v never_o be_v do_v as_o long_o as_o the_o worship_n be_v direct_v to_o a_o true_a object_n viz._n the_o person_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o mention_n of_o his_o name_n only_o express_v the_o time_n as_o the_o toll_n the_o bell_n do_v of_o go_v to_o church_n neither_o do_v it_o signify_v any_o thing_n to_o this_o purpose_n whether_o person_n be_v in_o the_o church_n or_o out_o of_o it_o when_o the_o bell_n ring_v for_o in_o the_o same_o page_n he_o mention_n the_o mass-bell_n which_o sound_v to_o the_o people_n in_o the_o church_n as_o well_o as_o out_o of_o it_o and_o if_o the_o object_n of_o their_o worship_n be_v true_a as_o it_o be_v false_a that_o will_v make_v he_o better_o understand_v the_o parallel_n but_o say_v he_o if_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n to_o give_v external_a reverence_n to_o god_n when_o ever_o the_o word_n jesus_n be_v mention_v there_o be_v more_o need_n of_o it_o in_o our_o ordinary_n converse_v and_o the_o secular_a affair_n of_o the_o world_n and_o so_o he_o add_v this_o word_n may_v do_v the_o service_n of_o the_o mass-bell_n go_v about_o the_o street_n at_o which_o all_o be_v bind_v to_o fall_v down_o and_o worship_n now_o what_o a_o strange_a piece_n of_o crossness_n be_v this_o to_o dispute_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o do_v it_o at_o church_n because_o we_o do_v it_o not_o at_o the_o marketplace_n my_o business_n be_v to_o defend_v what_o our_o church_n require_v if_o he_o will_v allow_v that_o and_o think_v it_o convenient_a to_o do_v it_o likewise_o in_o common_a conversation_n let_v he_o defend_v his_o own_o new_a invent_v way_n of_o reverence_n as_o for_o we_o we_o think_v there_o be_v proper_a season_n for_o divine_a worship_n and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o do_v what_o be_v lawful_a unless_o it_o be_v do_v at_o its_o convenient_a time_n but_o there_o be_v some_o man_n who_o know_v no_o mean_a between_o do_v nothing_o and_o over_n but_o be_v this_o become_v a_o protestant_n divine_a to_o parallel_v the_o worship_n we_o give_v to_o the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n as_o our_o church_n declare_v can._n 18._o and_o that_o which_o the_o papist_n give_v to_o the_o host_n when_o it_o be_v carry_v up_o and_o down_o the_o street_n at_o last_o he_o commend_v the_o moderation_n of_o the_o canon_n 1640._o about_o bow_v towards_o the_o east_n or_o altar_n that_o they_o which_o use_v this_o rite_n despise_v not_o they_o who_o use_v it_o not_o and_o they_o who_o use_v it_o not_o condemn_v not_o those_o that_o use_v it_o but_o he_o will_v fain_o know_v why_o the_o same_o moderation_n shall_v not_o be_v use_v in_o other_o rite_n as_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cr●s●_n and_o kneel_v at_o the_o lord_n supper_n it_o have_v be_v much_o more_o to_o his_o purpose_n to_o have_v prove_v any_o thing_n unlawful_a which_o have_v be_v require_v by_o our_o church_n but_o the_o case_n be_v not_o the_o same_o as_o to_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v require_v by_o our_o church_n ever_o since_o the_o reformation_n and_o as_o to_o some_o custom_n which_o although_o in_o themselves_o lawful_a yet_o be_v never_o strict_o enjoin_v but_o leave_v indifferent_a and_o therefore_o the_o moderation_n use_v in_o the_o canon_n 1640_o be_v very_o suitable_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o our_o church_n but_o how_o do_v it_o follow_v that_o because_o some_o thing_n be_v leave_v at_o liberty_n therefore_o nothing_o shall_v be_v determine_v or_o be_v determine_v ought_v not_o to_o be_v obey_v it_o be_v the_o great_a wisdom_n of_o our_o church_n not_o to_o make_v more_o thing_n necessary_a as_o to_o practice_n than_o be_v make_v so_o at_o the_o settlement_n of_o our_o reformation_n but_o whether_o there_o be_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o alter_v those_o term_n of_o communion_n which_o be_v then_o settle_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o such_o who_o scruple_n be_v groundless_a and_o endless_a i_o do_v not_o take_v upon_o i_o here_o to_o determine_v but_o as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v perceive_v by_o mr._n a._n he_o think_v the_o apostle_n rule_v of_o forbearance_n rom._n 14._o to_o be_v of_o equal_a force_n in_o all_o age_n and_o as_o to_o all_o thing_n about_o which_o christian_n have_v different_a apprehension_n and_o then_o the_o papist_n come_v in_o for_o a_o equal_a share_n in_o such_o a_o toleration_n and_o so_o those_o who_o do_v not_o worship_v the_o host_n or_o image_n or_o use_v auricular_a confession_n must_v not_o censure_v those_o that_o do_v unless_o he_o will_v say_v that_o the_o papist_n have_v no_o scruple_n of_o conscience_n as_o to_o such_o thing_n but_o if_o notwithstanding_o these_o scruple_n our_o law_n put_v a_o just_a restraint_n upon_o they_o than_o the_o rule_n of_o forbearance_n rom._n 14._o be_v no_o obligatory_a law_n to_o christian_n in_o all_o age_n and_o consequent_o notwithstanding_o that_o our_o church_n may_v just_o require_v the_o observation_n of_o some_o thing_n though_o it_o leave_v other_o undetermined_a but_o he_o say_v these_o custom_n though_o leave_v indifferent_a be_v still_o observe_v among_o we_o and_o practise_v by_o all_o the_o lead_a churchman_n and_o what_o then_o be_v they_o lawful_a or_o be_v they_o not_o if_o not_o why_o be_v they_o not_o prove_v to_o be_v unlawful_a and_o if_o that_o be_v prove_v what_o be_v all_o this_o to_o the_o point_n of_o separation_n unless_o they_o be_v enjoin_v to_o all_o people_n and_o make_v term_n of_o communion_n i._n e._n that_o person_n be_v not_o allow_v to_o join_v in_o all_o act_n of_o communion_n with_o we_o unless_o they_o do_v they_o however_o he_o think_v this_o will_v prove_v what_o that_o they_o differ_v from_o we_o in_o any_o substantial_a part_n of_o worship_n no_o he_o dare_v not_o say_v that_o but_o what_o then_o that_o we_o differ_v in_o more_o than_o a_o circumstance_n even_o at_o least_o in_o a_o circumstantial_a part_n of_o worship_n yet_o we_o must_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v agree_v to_o convince_v the_o reader_n what_o a_o admirable_a faculty_n of_o prove_v this_o man_n have_v let_v he_o but_o look_v on_o the_o thing_n he_o undertake_v to_o prove_v i_o have_v say_v that_o we_o be_v agree_v in_o the_o substantial_a part_n of_o worship_n this_o he_o undertake_v to_o disprove_v for_o two_o or_o three_o leaf_n together_o and_o the_o conclusion_n be_v that_o at_o least_o we_o differ_v in_o a_o circumstantial_a part_n of_o worship_n and_o his_o consequence_n must_v be_v therefore_o we_o differ_v in_o a_o substantial_a or_o else_o it_o be_v idle_a and_o impertinent_a talk_n t._n g._n will_v have_v be_v ashamed_a to_o have_v argue_v after_o this_o fashion_n but_o they_o be_v to_o be_v pity_v they_o both_o do_v as_o well_o as_o their_o cause_n will_v bear_v yet_o mr._n a._n can_v give_v over_o for_o he_o have_v a_o very_a good_a will_n at_o prove_v something_o against_o our_o church_n although_o he_o have_v very_o ill_a luck_n in_o the_o do_n of_o it_o my_o argument_n be_v if_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o separate_v upon_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 than_o a_o bare_a difference_n in_o opinion_n as_o to_o some_o circumstantial_o in_o worship_n and_o the_o best_a constitution_n of_o church_n will_v be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o break_v communion_n and_o to_o set_v up_o new_a church_n hitherto_o we_o have_v consider_v his_o denial_n of_o the_o antecedent_n and_o the_o charge_n he_o have_v bring_v against_o our_o church_n about_o new_a substantial_a part_n of_o worship_n we_o now_o come_v to_o his_o deny_v the_o consequence_n viz._n that_o although_o it_o be_v grant_v that_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 yet_o he_o will_v not_o allow_v it_o to_o follow_v that_o a_o bare_a difference_n in_o opinion_n as_o to_o some_o circumstantial_o 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 to_o understand_v the_o consequence_n we_o must_v suppose_v 1._o a_o agreement_n in_o the_o substantial_a part_n of_o worship_n 2._o a_o separation_n for_o great_a parity_n of_o worship_n and_o what_o
the_o infidel_n child_n in_o the_o world_n and_o his_o next_o be_v whether_o the_o church_n of_o england_n require_v any_o ground_n of_o title_n in_o the_o infant_n beside_o the_o sponsion_n of_o the_o fore-described_n godfather_n and_o god_n general_a promise_n i_o answer_v 1._o the_o church_n by_o require_v sponsor_n do_v not_o exclude_v any_o title_n to_o baptism_n which_o the_o child_n have_v by_o the_o right_n of_o the_o parent_n for_o the_o sponsor_n may_v be_v suppose_v to_o appear_v in_o a_o threefold_a capacity_n 1._o as_o represent_v the_o parent_n in_o offer_v up_o the_o child_n to_o baptism_n and_o so_o whatever_o right_n the_o parent_n have_v that_o be_v challenge_v when_o the_o child_n be_v bring_v to_o be_v baptize_v 2._o as_o represent_v the_o child_n in_o the_o answer_n that_o be_v make_v in_o baptism_n which_o be_v a_o very_a ancient_a and_o universal_a practice_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n for_o it_o be_v not_o only_o observe_v in_o the_o latin_a church_n in_o s._n augustins_n time_n 23._o and_o in_o the_o greek_a church_n in_o s._n chrysostom_n 14._o and_o have_v so_o continue_v ever_o since_o but_o the_o aethiopic_a and_o armenian_a church_n do_v still_o observe_v it_o 3._o in_o their_o own_o capacity_n when_o they_o promise_v to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o good_a education_n of_o the_o child_n in_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n in_o the_o charge_n give_v to_o they_o after_o baptism_n so_o that_o since_o one_o of_o these_o capacity_n do_v not_o destroy_v another_o they_o all_o succeed_a each_o other_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o say_v that_o the_o church_n do_v exclude_v the_o right_n which_o come_v by_o the_o parent_n 2_o if_o the_o parent_n be_v suppose_v to_o have_v no_o right_n yet_o upon_o the_o sponsion_n of_o godfather_n the_o church_n may_v have_v right_a to_o administer_v baptism_n to_o child_n not_o as_o though_o their_o sponsion_n give_v the_o right_n but_o be_v only_o intend_v to_o make_v they_o party_n to_o the_o covenant_n in_o the_o child_n name_n and_o surety_n for_o performance_n to_o make_v this_o clear_a we_o must_v consider_v that_o administration_n of_o baptism_n be_v one_o considerable_a part_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n which_o christ_n first_o give_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o be_v ever_o since_o continue_v in_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n by_o virtue_n of_o this_o power_n they_o have_v authority_n to_o give_v admission_n into_o the_o church_n to_o capable_a subject_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v trace_v any_o record_n of_o antiquity_n have_v always_o allow_v child_n to_o be_v capable_a subject_n of_o admission_n into_o the_o christian_a church_n but_o lest_o the_o church_n shall_v fail_v of_o its_o end_n and_o these_o child_n not_o be_v afterward_o well_o instruct_v in_o their_o duty_n it_o require_v sponsor_n for_o they_o 18._o who_o be_v not_o only_o to_o take_v care_n of_o they_o for_o the_o future_a but_o to_o stand_v as_o their_o surety_n to_o ratify_v their_o part_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o baptism_n imply_v and_o the_o ancient_a church_n go_v no_o far_a as_o to_o the_o right_n of_o baptism_n than_o this_o for_o since_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v in_o the_o church_n to_o give_v admission_n to_o capable_a subject_n since_o the_o catholic_n church_n do_v always_o judge_v infant_n capable_a there_o seem_v to_o be_v no_o more_o necessary_a for_o their_o admission_n than_o the_o undertake_n of_o sponsor_n in_o their_o name_n all_o this_o appear_v from_o s._n augustine_n epistle_n ad_fw-la bonifacium_fw-la where_o he_o say_v 1._o that_o the_o child_n benefit_n by_o baptism_n do_v not_o depend_v upon_o the_o intention_n of_o those_o that_o offer_v he_o for_o boniface_n put_v the_o question_n to_o s._n augustin_n about_o some_o who_o offer_v child_n to_o baptism_n not_o for_o any_o spiritual_a benefit_n but_o for_o corporal_a health_n notwithstanding_o this_o say_v s._n augustine_n if_o the_o due_a form_n of_o baptism_n be_v observe_v the_o spiritual_a effect_n of_o it_o be_v obtain_v 2._o that_o the_o church_n right_o be_v chief_o concern_v in_o the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n for_o say_v he_o the_o child_n be_v offer_v to_o baptism_n and_o the_o spiritual_a grace_n to_o be_v receive_v thereby_o not_o so_o much_o by_o those_o in_o who_o arm_n they_o be_v carry_v for_o so_o the_o sponsor_n use_v to_o carry_v they_o in_o their_o right_a arm_n as_o by_o the_o whole_a society_n of_o the_o faithful_a tota_n ergo_fw-la mater_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la quae_fw-la in_o sanctis_fw-la est_fw-la facit_fw-la quia_fw-la tota_fw-la omnes_fw-la tota_fw-la singulos_fw-la parit_fw-la so_o that_o it_o be_v by_o the_o church_n right_a that_o he_o suppose_v they_o to_o receive_v baptism_n and_o the_o benefit_n by_o it_o 3._o that_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n that_o the_o parent_n themselves_o offer_v their_o child_n for_o he_o call_v it_o a_o mistake_n to_o think_v that_o child_n receive_v the_o benefit_n in_o baptism_n as_o to_o the_o remission_n of_o original_a gild_n or_o the_o account_n of_o their_o parent_n offer_v they_o for_o many_o be_v offer_v to_o baptism_n by_o stranger_n and_o slave_n sometime_o by_o their_o master_n and_o when_o parent_n be_v dead_a child_n be_v offer_v by_o such_o as_o take_v pity_n upon_o they_o and_o sometime_o child_n expose_v by_o parent_n and_o sometime_o as_o they_o be_v take_v up_o by_o holy_a virgin_n which_o neither_o have_v child_n nor_o intend_v to_o have_v any_o 4._o that_o the_o answer_n make_v by_o the_o sponsor_n in_o baptism_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o child_n be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o solemnity_n of_o baptism_n not_o as_o though_o the_o child_n do_v real_o believe_v yet_o it_o be_v say_v to_o believe_v on_o the_o account_n of_o the_o sacrament_n which_o suppose_v faith_n for_o the_o sacrament_n because_o of_o the_o resemblance_n between_o they_o and_o the_o thing_n represent_v by_o they_o do_v carry_v the_o name_n of_o the_o thing_n represent_v as_o say_v he_o the_o sacrament_n of_o christ_n body_n after_o a_o certain_a manner_n be_v call_v his_o body_n and_o the_o sacrament_n of_o his_o blood_n be_v call_v his_o blood_n so_o the_o sacrament_n of_o faith_n be_v call_v faith_n i._n e._n the_o baptismal_a covenant_n suppose_v believe_v on_o one_o part_n the_o church_n supply_v that_o part_n by_o the_o sponsor_n which_o can_v be_v perform_v by_o the_o child_n thence_o he_o say_v ipsa_fw-la responsio_fw-la ad_fw-la celebrationem_fw-la pertinet_fw-la sacramenti_fw-la so_o that_o then_o the_o church_n look_v upon_o the_o sponsor_n answer_v as_o a_o necessary_a part_n of_o the_o solemnity_n of_o baptism_n thence_o s._n augustin_n elsewhere_o say_v tempore_fw-la that_o the_o fidejussores_a or_o surety_n do_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o child_n renounce_v the_o devil_n and_o all_o his_o pomp_n and_o work_n and_o in_o another_o place_n he_o declare_v that_o he_o will_v not_o baptize_v a_o child_n without_o the_o sponsor_n answer_v for_o the_o child_n that_o he_o will_v renounce_v the_o devil_n 34._o and_o turn_v to_o god_n and_o that_o they_o believe_v he_o be_v baptize_v for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n 3._o those_o who_o think_v themselves_o bind_v to_o baptize_v child_n only_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o parent_n right_a must_v run_v into_o many_o perplex_v scruple_n about_o baptise_v child_n and_o be_v force_v to_o exclude_v the_o far_o great_a number_n of_o those_o that_o be_v offer_v for_o 1._o they_o be_v not_o well_o agree_v what_o it_o be_v which_o give_v parent_n a_o right_a to_o have_v their_o child_n baptize_v whether_o a_o dogmatical_a faith_n be_v sufficient_a or_o a_o justify_n faith_n be_v necessary_a if_o save_v faith_n be_v necessary_a whether_o the_o outward_a profession_n of_o it_o be_v sufficient_a whether_o that_o aught_o to_o be_v take_v for_o a_o true_a profession_n which_o be_v only_o pretend_v to_o be_v a_o true_a sign_n of_o the_o mind_n or_o that_o only_a which_o be_v real_o so_o whether_o profession_n be_v require_v for_o itself_o or_o as_o a_o discovery_n of_o something_o further_o whether_o seem_v seriousness_n in_o profession_n be_v sufficient_a or_o real_a seriousness_n be_v require_v what_o we_o must_v judge_v real_a seriousness_n in_o profession_n as_o distinct_a from_o inward_a sincerity_n what_o contradiction_n may_v be_v allow_v to_o make_v a_o profession_n not_o serious_a whether_o beside_o a_o serious_a profession_n it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o be_v a_o practical_a profession_n and_o what_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o judge_a a_o profession_n to_o be_v practical_a whether_o beside_o mere_a practical_a profession_n the_o positive_a sign_n of_o inward_a grace_n be_v not_o necessary_a and_o whether_o beside_o all_o these_o actual_a confederation_n and_o join_v in_o church_n covenant_n be_v not_o necessary_a and_o if_o it_o be_v whether_o the_o child_n of_o confederated_a parent_n