a_o brief_a vindication_n of_o the_o nonconformist_n from_o the_o charge_n of_o schism_n as_o it_o be_v manage_v against_o they_o in_o a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o lord_n mayor_n by_o dr._n stillingfleet_n dean_n of_o st._n paul_n coitio_fw-la christianorum_fw-la meritò_fw-la sane_fw-la illicita_fw-la si_fw-la illicitis_fw-la par_fw-fr merilò_fw-la damnanda_fw-la si_fw-la quis_fw-la de_fw-fr ea_fw-la queritur_fw-la eo_fw-la titulo_fw-la quo_fw-la de_fw-la factionibus_fw-la querela_fw-la est_fw-la in_o cujus_fw-la perniciem_fw-la aliquando_fw-la convenimus_fw-la hoc_fw-la sumus_fw-la congregati_fw-la quod_fw-la &_o dispersi_fw-la hoc_fw-la universi_fw-la quod_fw-la &_o singuli_fw-la neminem_fw-la laedentes_fw-la neminem_fw-la contristantes_fw-la quum_fw-la probi_fw-la cum_fw-la boni_fw-la coeunt_fw-la cum_fw-la pij_fw-la cum_fw-la casti_fw-la congregantur_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la factio_fw-la dicenda_fw-la sed_fw-la curia_fw-la tertul._n london_n print_v for_o nathaniel_n ponder_n at_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o peacock_n in_o the_o poultry_n over_o against_o the_o stock-market_n 1680._o it_o be_v no_o small_a surprise_n unto_o many_o first_o to_o hear_v of_o and_o then_o to_o see_v in_o print_n the_o late_a sermon_n of_o the_o reverend_a deun_fw-mi of_o st._n paul_n preach_v at_o guildhall_n may_v 2._o 1680._o be_v the_o first_o sunday_n in_o easter_n term_n before_o the_o lord_n mayor_n etc._n etc._n whatever_o there_o may_v be_v of_o truth_n in_o it_o yet_o they_o judge_v the_o time_n both_o of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o the_o preach_a and_o print_n of_o it_o to_o be_v somewhat_o unseasonable_a for_o they_o say_v that_o this_o be_v a_o time_n wherein_o the_o agreement_n of_o all_o protestant_n so_o far_o as_o they_o have_v attain_v be_v make_v more_o than_o ordinary_o necessary_a and_o whereas_o the_o nonconformist_n do_v agree_v in_o religion_n with_o all_o the_o sober_a protestant_a people_n of_o the_o nation_n which_o be_v the_o church_n of_o england_n they_o do_v suppose_v that_o ordinary_a prudence_n will_v advise_v unto_o a_o forbearance_n of_o they_o in_o those_o few_o thing_n wherein_o they_o dissent_v not_o indeed_o from_o the_o body_n of_o the_o protestant_a people_n but_o from_o some_o that_o will_v impose_v they_o on_o their_o conscience_n and_o practice_n who_o know_v not_o that_o the_o present_a danger_n of_o this_o nation_n be_v from_o popery_n and_o the_o endeavour_n that_o be_v use_v both_o to_o introduce_v it_o and_o enthrone_v it_o or_o give_v it_o power_n and_o authority_n among_o we_o and_o it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o popish_a design_n to_o take_v away_o and_o destroy_v those_o thing_n wherein_o the_o nonconformist_n do_v dissent_n from_o the_o present_a ecclesiastical_a establishment_n but_o rather_o to_o confirm_v they_o their_o contrivance_n be_v to_o ruin_n and_o destroy_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o protestant_n in_o this_o kingdom_n wherein_o the_o nonconformist_n be_v one_o with_o they_o and_o equal_o concern_v with_o any_o of_o they_o wherefore_o it_o can_v but_o be_v grievous_a unto_o they_o as_o well_o as_o useless_a unto_o the_o common_a interest_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n that_o at_o such_o a_o time_n and_o season_n they_o shall_v be_v reflect_v on_o charge_v and_o severe_o treat_v on_o the_o account_n of_o those_o lesser_a difference_n which_o no_o way_n disenable_a they_o from_o be_v useful_a and_o serviceable_a unto_o the_o government_n and_o nation_n in_o the_o defence_n and_o preservation_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n and_o that_o it_o be_v their_o resolution_n so_o to_o be_v they_o have_v give_v sufficient_a evidence_n equal_a at_o least_o with_o that_o give_v by_o any_o sort_n of_o people_n in_o the_o nation_n yea_o of_o their_o diligence_n in_o opposition_n unto_o popery_n and_o their_o readiness_n to_o observe_v the_o direction_n of_o the_o magistrate_n therein_o while_o the_o plot_n have_v be_v in_o agitation_n they_o suppose_v the_o honourable_a person_n unto_o who_o this_o sermon_n be_v dedicate_v can_v and_o will_v bear_v they_o witness_v in_o these_o circumstance_n to_o be_v require_v severe_o to_o change_v their_o judgement_n and_o practice_n as_o it_o be_v momento_n turbinis_fw-la immediate_o and_o in_o a_o instant_n or_o else_o to_o be_v look_v on_o and_o treat_v as_o adversary_n many_o do_v think_v as_o unseasonable_a as_o to_o command_v a_o good_a part_n of_o a_o army_n when_o it_o be_v actual_o engage_v against_o a_o enemy_n to_o change_v all_o their_o order_n posture_n discipline_n and_o advantage_n or_o immediate_o to_o depart_v out_o of_o the_o field_n and_o they_o do_v withal_o suppose_v that_o such_o a_o sudden_a change_n be_v least_o of_o all_o to_o be_v expect_v to_o be_v wrought_v by_o such_o severe_a charge_n and_o reflection_n as_o be_v make_v on_o all_o nonconformist_n in_o this_o discourse_n such_o like_a thing_n as_o these_o do_v man_n talk_v concern_v the_o season_n of_o the_o preach_a and_o publish_v of_o this_o sermon_n but_o in_o such_o thing_n every_o man_n be_v to_o be_v leave_v unto_o his_o own_o prudence_n whereof_o he_o may_v not_o esteem_v himself_o oblige_v to_o give_v a_o account_n for_o my_o part_n i_o judge_v it_o not_o so_o unseasonable_a as_o some_o other_o do_v for_o it_o be_v well_o that_o honest_a man_n shall_v understand_v the_o state_n of_o those_o thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v great_o and_o deep_o concern_v nonconformist_n may_v possible_o suppose_v that_o the_o common_a danger_n of_o all_o protestant_n have_v reconcile_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o conform_v ministry_n unto_o they_o so_o as_o that_o they_o be_v more_o than_o former_o incline_v unto_o their_o forbearance_n and_o i_o be_v real_o of_o the_o same_o judgement_n myself_o if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o it_o be_v well_o they_o be_v fair_o warn_v what_o they_o have_v to_o expect_v that_o they_o may_v prepare_v themselves_o to_o undergo_v it_o with_o patience_n but_o we_o shall_v pass_v by_o these_o thing_n and_o attend_v a_o little_a unto_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o sermon_n itself_o the_o design_n of_o this_o discourse_n seem_v to_o consist_v in_o these_o three_o thing_n or_o to_o aim_v at_o they_o 1_o to_o prove_v all_o the_o nonconformist_n to_o be_v guilty_a of_o schism_n and_o a_o sinful_a separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 2_o to_o aggravate_v their_o suppose_a gild_n and_o crime_n both_o in_o its_o nature_n and_o all_o the_o pernicious_a consequent_n of_o it_o that_o can_v be_v imagine_v 3_o to_o charge_v they_o especial_o their_o minister_n with_o want_n of_o sincerity_n and_o honesty_n in_o the_o management_n of_o their_o dissent_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n with_o reference_n unto_o the_o people_n that_o hear_v they_o what_o there_o be_v of_o truth_n in_o these_o thing_n or_o what_o there_o may_v be_v of_o mistake_n in_o they_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o nonconformist_n to_o try_v and_o examine_v but_o some_o few_o thing_n must_v have_v a_o previous_a consideration_n before_o we_o come_v to_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n itself_o 1._o the_o reverend_a author_n of_o this_o discourse_n affirm_v that_o in_o the_o preach_a of_o this_o sermon_n he_o be_v far_o from_o intend_v to_o stir_v up_o the_o magistrate_n and_o judge_n unto_o a_o persecution_n of_o dissenter_n as_o some_o ill_a man_n have_v report_v epist._n ded._n without_o this_o information_n i_o confess_v i_o can_v not_o but_o judge_v it_o will_v have_v be_v as_o liable_a unto_o a_o supposition_n of_o such_o a_o design_n as_o the_o act_n of_o the_o nonconformist_n in_o the_o management_n of_o their_o cause_n be_v unto_o that_o of_o insincerity_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o this_o reverend_a author_n for_o 1_o it_o be_v not_o preach_v unto_o nonconformist_n perhaps_o not_o one_o of_o they_o present_a so_o that_o the_o intention_n of_o preach_v it_o can_v not_o be_v their_o conviction_n they_o be_v not_o likely_a either_o to_o hear_v the_o charge_n or_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o 2_o it_o be_v preach_v unto_o they_o who_o be_v no_o way_n guilty_a of_o the_o pretend_a crime_n reprove_v but_o peculiar_o such_o as_o be_v entrust_v with_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o penal_a law_n against_o they_o that_o be_v suppose_v guilty_a magistrate_n and_o judge_n which_o in_o another_o will_v have_v but_o a_o ill_a aspect_n if_o a_o man_n shall_v go_v unto_o a_o justice_n of_o the_o peace_n and_o complain_v that_o his_o neighbour_n be_v a_o thief_n or_o a_o swearer_n or_o a_o murderer_n though_o he_o shall_v give_v the_o justice_n never_o so_o many_o argument_n to_o prove_v that_o his_o neighbour_n do_v very_o ill_o in_o be_v so_o and_o do_v so_o yet_o his_o business_n will_v seem_v to_o be_v the_o execution_n of_o the_o law_n upon_o he_o but_o let_v the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v do_v nonconformist_n be_v not_o much_o concern_v in_o these_o thing_n we_o be_v likewise_o inform_v in_o the_o same_o epistle_n that_o there_o be_v no_o sharp_a and_o provoke_a expression_n on_o the_o
frequent_v they_o general_o judge_v otherwise_o for_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v suppose_v that_o faction_n among_o they_o shall_v so_o common_o prevail_v beyond_o interest_n and_o therefore_o if_o they_o think_v it_o be_v lawful_a for_o they_o to_o comply_v with_o the_o law_n they_o will_v do_v it_o but_o why_o then_o be_v this_o keep_v up_o as_o such_o a_o mighty_a secret_a in_o the_o breast_n of_o their_o teacher_n why_o do_v they_o not_o preach_v to_o they_o in_o their_o congregation_n be_v it_o for_o fear_n they_o shall_v have_v none_o leave_v to_o preach_v to_o that_o be_v not_o to_o be_v imagine_v of_o mortify_a and_o conscientious_a man_n be_v it_o lest_o they_o shall_v seem_v to_o condemn_v themselves_o while_o they_o preach_v against_o separation_n in_o a_o separate_a congregation_n this_o i_o confess_v look_v odd_o and_o the_o tenderness_n of_o a_o man_n mind_n in_o such_o a_o case_n may_v out_o of_o mere_a shamefacedness_n keep_v he_o from_o declare_v a_o truth_n which_o fly_v in_o his_o face_n while_o he_o speak_v it_o be_v it_o that_o they_o fear_v the_o reproach_n of_o the_o people_n which_o some_o few_o of_o the_o most_o eminent_a person_n among_o they_o have_v find_v they_o must_v undergo_v if_o they_o touch_v upon_o this_o subject_a for_o i_o know_v not_o how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o most_o godly_a people_n among_o they_o can_v the_o least_o endure_v to_o be_v tell_v of_o their_o fault_n but_o be_v it_o not_o as_o plain_o write_v by_o st._n paul_n if_o i_o yet_o serve_v man_n i_o shall_v not_o be_v 10._o the_o servant_n of_o christ_n as_o woe_n be_v unto_o i_o if_o i_o preach_v not_o the_o gospel_n if_o they_o therefore_o will_v acquit_v themselves_o like_o honest_a and_o conscientious_a man_n let_v they_o tell_v the_o people_n plain_o that_o they_o look_v on_o our_o church_n as_o true_a church_n and_o that_o they_o may_v lawful_o communicate_v with_o we_o in_o prayer_n and_o sacrament_n and_o i_o do_v not_o question_v but_o in_o time_n if_o they_o find_v it_o lawful_a they_o will_v judge_v it_o to_o be_v their_o duty_n for_o it_o be_v the_o apostle_n command_v here_o whereto_o we_o have_v already_o attain_v let_v we_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n let_v we_o mind_n the_o same_o thing_n a_o crime_n this_o be_v which_o if_o true_a be_v not_o easy_o to_o be_v expiate_v nor_o can_v man_n give_v great_a evidence_n of_o their_o own_o hypocrisy_n insincerity_n and_o government_n by_o corrupt_a end_n and_o design_n than_o by_o such_o abominable_a art_n and_o contrivance_n so_o if_o it_o shall_v prove_v not_o to_o be_v true_a it_o can_v but_o be_v look_v on_o as_o animate_v by_o such_o a_o evil_a surmise_n as_o be_v of_o no_o small_a provocation_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o man_n this_o reverend_a author_n make_v a_o distinction_n about_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n page_n 20._o between_o what_o be_v require_v of_o minister_n and_o that_o which_o be_v call_v lay-communion_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o this_o charge_n i_o do_v not_o confound_v bare_a suspending_a communion_n in_o some_o particular_a rite_n which_o person_n do_v modest_o scruple_n and_o use_v it_o in_o what_o they_o judge_v to_o be_v lawful_a with_o either_o total_a or_o at_o least_o ordinary_a forbearance_n of_o communion_n in_o what_o they_o judge_v to_o be_v lawful_a and_o proceed_v to_o the_o form_n of_o separate_a congregation_n i._n e._n under_o other_o teacher_n and_o by_o other_o rule_n than_o what_o the_o establish_a religion_n allow_v and_o this_o be_v the_o present_a case_n of_o separation_n which_o i_o intend_v to_o consider_v and_o to_o make_v the_o sinfulness_n and_o mischief_n of_o it_o appear_v but_o he_o know_v that_o by_o the_o communion_n and_o unite_n ourselves_o unto_o the_o church_n which_o be_v press_v either_o on_o minister_n or_o people_n a_o total_a submission_n unto_o the_o rule_n as_o establish_v in_o the_o book_n of_o canon_n and_o rubric_n of_o the_o liturgy_n be_v require_v of_o they_o all_o when_o this_o be_v once_o engage_v in_o there_o be_v no_o suspend_v of_o communion_n in_o particular_a rite_n to_o be_v allow_v they_o who_o give_v up_o themselves_o hereunto_o must_v observe_v the_o whole_a rule_n to_o a_o tittle_n nor_o be_v it_o in_o the_o power_n of_o this_o reverend_a author_n who_o be_v of_o great_a dignity_n in_o the_o church_n and_o as_o like_a as_o any_o man_n i_o know_v to_o be_v incline_v thereunto_o to_o give_v indulgence_n unto_o they_o in_o their_o abstinence_n from_o the_o least_o ceremony_n enjoin_v wherefore_o the_o question_n about_o lay-communion_n be_v concern_v that_o which_o be_v absolute_a and_o total_a according_a unto_o all_o that_o be_v enjoin_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n or_o by_o the_o canon_n constitution_n and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n hereby_o be_v they_o oblige_v to_o bring_v their_o child_n to_o be_v baptize_v with_o the_o use_n of_o the_o aerial_a sign_n of_o the_o cross_n to_o kneel_v at_o the_o communion_n to_o the_o religious_a observation_n of_o holiday_n to_o the_o constant_a use_n of_o the_o liturgy_n in_o all_o the_o public_a office_n of_o the_o church_n unto_o the_o exclusion_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o those_o gift_n which_o christ_n continue_v to_o communicate_v for_o its_o edification_n to_o forego_v all_o mean_n of_o public_a edification_n beside_o that_o in_o their_o parish-church_n where_o to_o speak_v with_o modesty_n it_o be_v oft_o time_n scanty_a and_o want_v to_o renounce_v all_o other_o assembly_n wherein_o they_o have_v have_v great_a experience_n of_o spiritual_a advantage_n unto_o their_o soul_n to_o desert_n the_o observation_n of_o many_o useful_a gospel-duty_n in_o their_o mutual_a watch_n that_o believer_n of_o the_o same_o church_n ought_v to_o have_v one_o over_o another_o to_o divest_v themselves_o of_o all_o interest_n of_o a_o voluntary_a consent_n in_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n and_o choice_n of_o their_o own_o pastor_n and_o to_o submit_v unto_o a_o ecclesiastical_a rule_n and_o discipline_n which_o not_o one_o in_o a_o thousand_o of_o they_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 and_o other_o thing_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n may_v be_v add_v this_o be_v the_o true_a state_n of_o lay-communion_n which_o will_v admit_v of_o no_o indulgence_n if_o the_o rule_n be_v observe_v i_o must_v say_v that_o i_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v six_o nonconformist_a minister_n in_o england_n that_o do_v believe_v this_o communion_n to_o be_v lawful_a for_o the_o people_n to_o embrace_v and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n they_o cease_v not_o to_o instruct_v they_o wherein_o their_o true_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v consist_v namely_o in_o faith_n and_o love_n and_o all_o the_o fruit_n of_o they_o unto_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n i_o hearty_o wish_v these_o thing_n have_v be_v omit_v that_o they_o have_v not_o be_v speak_v not_o to_o cover_v any_o guilt_n in_o the_o nonconformist_n who_o conscience_n be_v unto_o they_o a_o thousand_o witness_n against_o such_o imputation_n but_o whereas_o the_o ground_n of_o they_o be_v only_a surmise_n and_o suspicion_n and_o the_o evil_n charge_v of_o the_o high_a nature_n that_o any_o man_n can_v involve_v themselves_o in_o the_o guilt_n of_o it_o argue_v such_o a_o frame_n of_o spirit_n such_o a_o habit_n of_o mind_n as_o evidence_v man_n to_o be_v very_o remote_a from_o that_o christian_a love_n and_o charity_n which_o on_o all_o hand_n we_o sometime_o pretend_v unto_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n be_v another_o charge_n of_o the_o like_a want_n of_o sincerity_n pag_n 46._o those_o say_v he_o who_o speak_v now_o most_o against_o the_o magistrate_n power_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n have_v ten_o substantial_a reason_n for_o it_o when_o they_o think_v the_o magistrate_n on_o their_o own_o side_n for_o which_o be_v quote_v a_o answer_n unto_o two_o question_n 1659._o that_o be_v they_o change_v their_o opinion_n according_a to_o their_o interest_n i_o know_v not_o direct_o who_o he_o intend_v those_o who_o be_v common_o call_v independent_o express_v their_o apprehension_n of_o the_o magistrate_n power_n in_o and_o about_o religion_n in_o their_o confession_n make_v 1659._o that_o any_o of_o they_o have_v on_o what_o have_v ensue_v change_v their_o opinion_n therein_o i_o know_v not_o and_o for_o my_o part_n i_o have_v on_o this_o occasion_n peruse_v the_o answer_n unto_o the_o two_o question_n direct_v unto_o and_o do_v profess_v myself_o at_o this_o day_n to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o judgement_n with_o the_o author_n of_o they_o as_o it_o be_v express_v in_o that_o paper_n there_o be_v thing_n not_o easy_o to_o be_v number_v wherein_o we_o acknowledge_v the_o magistrate_n power_n and_o duty_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n
walk_v and_o behave_v themselves_o in_o this_o state_n and_o condition_n and_o unto_o those_o who_o have_v attain_v that_o measure_n whence_o in_o comparison_n of_o other_o they_o may_v be_v style_v perfect_a that_o they_o press_v on_o unanimous_o towards_o the_o end_n propose_v and_o as_o for_o those_o who_o in_o any_o thing_n differ_v from_o other_o he_o encourage_v they_o to_o wait_v on_o the_o teach_n of_o god_n in_o that_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o instruction_n which_o they_o enjoy_v and_o have_v prescribe_v to_o each_o suppose_a party_n their_o especial_a duty_n as_o such_o he_o lay_v down_o the_o duty_n of_o they_o both_o in_o common_a which_o be_v that_o in_o and_o with_o respect_n unto_o what_o they_o have_v attain_v they_o shall_v walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n namely_o which_o he_o have_v now_o lay_v down_o and_o mind_n the_o same_o thing_n as_o he_o have_v before_o enjoin_v they_o wherefore_o these_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o foundation_n to_o charge_v they_o with_o schism_n who_o agree_v in_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v yet_o dissent_v from_o other_o probable_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o church_n be_v intend_v in_o some_o thing_n that_o it_o enjoin_v a_o mutual_a forbearance_n among_o those_o who_o be_v so_o different_o mind_v 4._o but_o our_o author_n affirm_v that_o it_o can_v be_v a_o rule_n of_o charity_n and_o mutual_a forbearance_n that_o be_v intend_v because_o the_o apostle_n have_v speak_v of_o that_o just_a before_o but_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o he_o speak_v these_o word_n with_o reference_n unto_o what_o he_o have_v say_v just_a before_o and_o if_o this_o be_v that_o which_o those_o who_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v be_v not_o oblige_v unto_o then_o be_v they_o not_o oblige_v at_o all_o to_o walk_v by_o the_o rule_n intend_v which_o be_v not_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o apostle_n so_o himself_n declare_v out_o of_o cajetan_n that_o the_o apostle_n subjoin_v the_o last_o word_n to_o the_o former_a lest_o the_o person_n he_o there_o speak_v unto_o shall_v think_v themselves_o excuse_v from_o go_v as_o far_o as_o they_o can_v in_o the_o same_o rule_n pag._n 37._o but_o a_o rule_n he_o say_v it_o be_v limit_v and_o determine_v the_o practice_n require_v uniformity_n in_o observe_v the_o same_o stand_a rule_n the_o nonconformist_n hereon_o do_v say_v that_o if_o the_o apostle_n or_o any_o one_o apostle_n do_v appoint_v such_o a_o rule_n as_o this_o intend_a let_v it_o be_v produce_v with_o any_o probability_n of_o proof_n to_o be_v they_o and_o they_o be_v all_o ready_a to_o subscribe_v and_o conform_v unto_o it_o on_o supposition_n that_o any_o rule_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v appoint_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o declare_v unto_o the_o churhe_n as_o the_o reverend_a author_n i_o suppose_v do_v intimate_v that_o it_o be_v though_o i_o dare_v not_o affix_v a_o determinate_a sense_n unto_o his_o word_n in_o this_o place_n all_o that_o can_v be_v require_v of_o we_o be_v that_o we_o do_v conform_v and_o walk_v according_a unto_o that_o rule_n so_o appoint_v and_o declare_v by_o they_o this_o we_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o do_v sundry_a general_a rule_n we_o find_v in_o the_o scripture_n give_v unto_o we_o relate_v unto_o the_o constitution_n and_o edification_n of_o churce_n to_o their_o order_n and_o worship_n and_o government_n sundry_a particular_a rule_n for_o minister_n and_o other_o how_o they_o shall_v behave_v themselves_o in_o church_n society_n and_o assembly_n be_v also_o lay_v down_o therein_o all_o which_o we_o embrace_v and_o submit_v unto_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n in_o they_o and_o if_o any_o other_o government_n or_o particular_a rule_n can_v be_v produce_v give_v by_o they_o which_o be_v not_o record_v in_o the_o scripture_n so_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v they_o we_o will_v engage_v to_o conform_v unto_o it_o 5._o if_o the_o rule_n pretend_v to_o be_v give_v by_o the_o apostle_n be_v of_o any_o use_n in_o this_o case_n or_o can_v give_v any_o force_n unto_o the_o argument_n in_o hand_n it_o must_v be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o appoint_v and_o require_v thing_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n that_o be_v never_o divine_o appoint_v impose_v the_o observation_n of_o they_o on_o the_o conscience_n and_o practice_n of_o all_o member_n of_o the_o church_n under_o penalty_n spiritual_a and_o temporal_a a_o rule_n constitute_v national_a church_n with_o a_o government_n and_o discipline_n suit_v unto_o that_o constitution_n with_o modes_n and_o ceremony_n of_o worship_n no_o where_o intimate_v in_o the_o scripture_n nor_o any_o way_n necessary_a in_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n such_o a_o rule_n i_o say_v it_o must_v be_v since_o although_o i_o shall_v grant_v which_o yet_o i_o do_v not_o that_o the_o consequent_a be_v good_a that_o because_o the_o apostle_n make_v rule_n for_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n that_o believer_n be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o submit_v unto_o therefore_o other_o ordinary_a governor_n of_o the_o church_n may_v do_v so_o also_o yet_o it_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n follow_v that_o because_o the_o apostle_n appoint_v a_o rule_n of_o one_o sort_n present_a church_n governor_n may_v appoint_v those_o of_o another_o we_o know_v full_a well_o and_o it_o be_v on_o all_o hand_n agree_v what_o be_v the_o rule_n that_o our_o conformity_n be_v require_v unto_o if_o this_o be_v do_v from_o any_o rule_n give_v by_o the_o apostle_n it_o must_v be_v a_o rule_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n or_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n otherwise_o by_o a_o pretence_n of_o their_o pattern_n or_o example_n rule_n may_v be_v make_v direct_o contrary_a unto_o and_o destructive_a of_o all_o the_o rule_n they_o ever_o real_o give_v as_o it_o be_v actual_o fall_v out_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o 6._o we_o deny_v that_o the_o apostle_n make_v or_o give_v any_o such_o rule_n to_o the_o church_n present_v in_o their_o day_n or_o for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o church_n in_o future_a age_n as_o shall_v appoint_v and_o determine_v outward_a mode_n of_o worship_n with_o ceremony_n in_o their_o observation_n state_v feast_n and_o fast_n beyond_o what_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n liturgy_n or_o form_n of_o prayer_n or_o discipline_n to_o be_v exercise_v in_o law_n court_n subservient_fw-fr unto_o a_o national_a ecclesiastical_a government_n what_o use_v then_o they_o be_v or_o may_v be_v of_o what_o benefit_n or_o advantage_n may_v come_v to_o the_o church_n by_o they_o what_o be_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o superior_a magistrate_n about_o they_o we_o do_v not_o now_o inquire_v or_o determine_v only_o we_o say_v that_o no_o rule_n unto_o these_o end_n be_v ever_o prescibe_v by_o the_o apostle_n for_o 1._o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o intimation_n of_o any_o such_o rule_n to_o be_v give_v by_o they_o in_o the_o scripture_n there_o be_v in_o it_o as_o be_v before_o observe_v many_o express_a rule_n both_o general_a and_o particular_a about_o church_n their_o faith_n worship_n and_o man_n walk_v in_o they_o thorough_o sufficient_a to_o direct_v the_o duty_n and_o practice_n of_o all_o believer_n in_o all_o case_n and_o occurence_n relate_v to_o they_o but_o of_o any_o such_o rule_n as_o that_o here_o pretend_a there_o be_v no_o mention_n which_o certain_o if_o it_o have_v be_v give_v and_o of_o the_o importance_n which_o now_o it_o be_v plead_v to_o be_v of_o such_o as_o that_o without_o it_o neither_o peace_n nor_o unity_n nor_o order_n can_v be_v preserve_v in_o church_n some_o intimation_n at_o least_o will_v have_v be_v make_v of_o it_o therein_o especial_o we_o may_v judge_v it_o will_v have_v be_v so_o see_v sundry_a thing_n every_o thing_n so_o far_o as_o we_o can_v understand_v wherein_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n be_v any_o way_n concern_v be_v record_v in_o it_o though_o of_o little_a or_o no_o use_n in_o comparison_n of_o what_o so_o great_a and_o general_a a_o rule_n will_v be_v of_o beside_o there_o be_v that_o doctrine_n deliver_v and_o those_o direction_n give_v by_o they_o in_o the_o scripture_n concern_v the_o liberty_n of_o believer_n and_o forbearance_n of_o dissenter_n as_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o such_o a_o rule_n and_o the_o imposition_n of_o it_o 2._o the_o first_o church_n after_o their_o time_n know_v nothing_o of_o any_o such_o rule_n give_v by_o they_o and_o therefore_o after_o they_o begin_v to_o depart_v from_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o any_o thing_n as_o unto_o worship_n order_n and_o rule_n or_o discipline_n they_o fall_v into_o a_o great_a variety_n of_o outward_a observance_n order_n and_o ceremony_n every_o church_n almost_o differ_v in_o some_o thing_n or_o other_o from_o other_o in_o some_o such_o observation_n yet_o all_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o
the_o faith_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n this_o they_o will_v not_o have_v do_v if_o the_o apostle_n have_v prescribe_v any_o one_o certain_a rule_n of_o such_o thing_n that_o all_o must_v conform_v unto_o especial_o consider_v how_o scrupulous_o they_o do_v adhere_v unto_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v report_v to_o be_v do_v or_o speak_v by_o any_o of_o the_o apostle_n be_v the_o report_n true_a or_o false_a 3._o in_o particular_a when_o a_o difference_n fall_v out_o among_o they_o in_o a_o business_n of_o this_o nature_n namely_o in_o a_o thing_n of_o outward_a order_n no_o where_o appoint_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n namely_o about_o the_o observation_n of_o easter_n the_o party_n at_o variance_n appeal_v on_o the_o one_o side_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o peter_n on_o the_o other_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o john_n both_o vain_o enough_o yet_o be_v it_o never_o pretend_v by_o any_o of_o they_o on_o either_o side_n that_o the_o apostle_n have_v constitute_v any_o rule_n in_o the_o cafe_z and_o therefore_o be_v it_o not_o probable_a that_o they_o esteem_v they_o to_o have_v do_v so_o in_o thing_n of_o a_o alike_a nature_n see_v they_o lay_v more_o weight_n on_o this_o than_o on_o any_o other_o instance_n of_o the_o like_a kind_n 4._o it_o be_v express_o deny_v by_o good_a and_o sufficient_a testimony_n among_o they_o that_o the_o apostle_n make_v any_o law_n or_o rule_n about_o outward_a rite_n ceremony_n time_n and_o the_o like_a see_v socrat._v lib._n 5._o cap._n 21._o however_o than_o the_o apostle_n may_v by_o their_o epistle_n and_o presence_n with_o the_o church_n reform_v abuse_n that_o be_v creep_v or_o creep_v in_o among_o they_o and_o set_v thing_n in_o order_n among_o they_o with_o renew_a direction_n for_o their_o walk_n and_o that_o all_o christian_n be_v oblige_v unto_o the_o observation_n of_o those_o rule_n as_o all_o those_o still_o be_v unto_o who_o they_o be_v applicable_a in_o their_o circumstance_n yet_o all_o this_o prove_v nothing_o of_o their_o appoint_v such_o a_o general_a rule_n as_o be_v pretend_v and_o such_o a_o rule_n alone_o will_v be_v pleadable_a in_o this_o case_n and_o yet_o not_o this_o neither_o until_o either_o it_o be_v produce_v in_o a_o scheme_n of_o canon_n or_o it_o be_v prove_v because_o they_o have_v power_n to_o make_v such_o a_o rule_n so_o other_o may_v do_v the_o like_a add_v unto_o what_o they_o prescribe_v leave_v place_n unto_o other_o to_o add_v to_o their_o rule_n by_o the_o same_o right_n and_o so_o endless_o the_o truth_n be_v if_o god_n will_v be_v please_v to_o help_v we_o on_o all_o hand_n to_z lay_z aside_o prejudices_fw-la passion_n secular_a interest_n fear_n and_o every_o other_o distemper_a affection_n which_o obstruct_v our_o mind_n in_o pass_v a_o right_a judgement_n on_o thing_n of_o the_o nature_n treat_v on_o we_o find_v in_o the_o text_n and_o context_n speak_v unto_o a_o sacred_a truth_n divine_o directive_n of_o such_o a_o practice_n as_o will_v give_v peace_n and_o rest_n unto_o we_o all_o for_o it_o be_v suppose_v that_o man_n in_o a_o sincere_a endeavour_n after_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o truth_n and_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n with_o a_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o good_a thing_n represent_v and_o exhibit_v in_o they_o may_v fall_v in_o some_o thing_n into_o different_a apprehension_n about_o what_o belong_v unto_o faith_n and_o practice_n in_o religion_n but_o while_o they_o be_v such_o as_o do_v not_o destroy_v nor_o overthrow_v the_o foundation_n nor_o hinder_v man_n from_o press_v towards_o the_o mark_n for_o the_o prize_n of_o the_o high_a call_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n jesus_n that_o which_o the_o apostle_n direct_v unto_o they_o who_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o or_o to_o mistake_v in_o the_o thing_n wherein_o they_o do_v differ_v from_o other_o be_v only_o that_o they_o wait_v for_o divine_a instruction_n in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_v appoint_v for_o that_o end_n practise_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n according_a to_o what_o they_o have_v receive_v and_o as_o unto_o both_o party_n the_o advice_n he_o give_v they_o be_v that_o whereunto_o they_o have_v attain_v wherein_o they_o do_v agree_v which_o be_v all_o those_o principle_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n which_o be_v necessary_a unto_o their_o acceptance_n with_o god_n they_o shall_v walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n and_o mind_n the_o same_o thing_n that_o be_v forbearing_z one_o another_o in_o the_o thing_n wherein_o they_o differ_v which_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o what_o be_v plead_v for_o by_o the_o nonconformist_n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n and_o intention_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o place_n be_v evident_a from_o the_o prescription_n of_o the_o same_o rule_n in_o a_o alike_a case_n rom._n 14._o this_o the_o reverend_a author_n see_v namely_o that_o the_o rule_n there_o lay_v down_o be_v such_o as_o express_o require_v mutual_a forbearance_n in_o such_o case_n where_o man_n be_v unsatisfied_a in_o conscience_n about_o any_o practice_n in_o religion_n which_o seem_v in_o the_o same_o case_n to_o be_v quite_o another_o rule_n than_o that_o which_o he_o suppose_v to_o be_v intend_v in_o this_o place_n to_o the_o philipian_o but_o hereunto_o he_o answer_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v act_n like_o a_o prudent_a governor_n and_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o he_o think_v do_v most_o tend_v to_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o good_a of_o particular_a church_n in_o some_o church_n that_o consist_v most_o of_o jew_n as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n at_o this_o time_n do_v and_o where_o they_o do_v not_o impose_v the_o necessity_n of_o keep_v of_o the_o law_n on_o the_o gentile_a christian_n as_o we_o do_v not_o find_v they_o do_v at_o rome_n the_o apostle_n be_v willing_a to_o have_v the_o law_n bury_v as_o decent_o and_o with_o as_o little_a noise_n as_o may_v be_v and_o therefore_o in_o this_o case_n he_o persuade_v both_o party_n to_o forbearance_n and_o charity_n in_o avoid_v the_o judge_n and_o censure_v one_o another_o since_o they_o have_v a_o equal_a regard_n unto_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n in_o what_o they_o do_v but_o in_o those_o church_n where_o the_o false_a apostle_n make_v use_v of_o this_o pretence_n of_o the_o levitical_a law_n be_v still_o in_o force_n to_o divide_v the_o church_n and_o to_o separate_v the_o communion_n of_o christian_n these_o the_o apostle_n bid_v they_o beware_v of_o they_o and_o their_o practice_n as_o be_v of_o a_o dangerous_a and_o pernicious_a consequence_n pag._n 14_o 15._o 1._o no_o man_n ever_o doubt_v of_o the_o prudence_n of_o the_o apostle_n as_o a_o governor_n though_o in_o this_o place_n he_o act_v only_o as_o a_o teacher_n divine_o inspire_v instruct_v the_o church_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n as_o unto_o the_o difference_n that_o be_v among_o they_o 2._o the_o difference_n then_o among_o the_o roman_n be_v about_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a ceremony_n and_o worship_n that_o be_v so_o far_o as_o they_o may_v be_v observe_v in_o the_o country_n of_o the_o gentile_n out_o of_o the_o limit_n of_o the_o church_n the_o land_n of_o canaan_n it_o can_v not_o be_v therefore_o concern_v such_o thing_n as_o who_o discharge_n and_o practice_n be_v confine_v unto_o the_o temple_n or_o that_o land_n which_o yet_o the_o jew_n of_o jerusalem_n adhere_v unto_o act_v 20._o 21_o 22_o 23_o 24._o their_o controversy_n therefore_o be_v principal_o about_o meat_n and_o drink_n day_n of_o feast_v or_o fast_v and_o the_o like_a all_o found_v in_o a_o suppose_a necessity_n of_o circumcision_n 3._o it_o be_v well_o observe_v by_o our_o author_n that_o the_o judaize_v christian_n which_o in_o all_o probability_n at_o this_o time_n be_v the_o great_a number_n at_o rome_n the_o gentile_a church_n not_o make_v any_o great_a increase_n before_o the_o come_n of_o the_o apostle_n thither_o do_v not_o impose_v the_o necessity_n of_o keep_v the_o law_n on_o the_o gentile_a christian_n at_o least_o not_o in_o that_o manner_n as_o be_v do_v by_o the_o false_a teacher_n who_o trouble_v the_o church_n of_o the_o galatian_n and_o other_o so_o as_o to_o reject_v they_o who_o comply_v not_o with_o they_o out_o of_o church_n communion_n and_o from_o all_o hope_n of_o salvation_n but_o yet_o both_o party_n continue_v in_o their_o different_a practice_n which_o through_o want_n of_o instruction_n what_o be_v their_o duty_n in_o such_o case_n produce_v many_o inconvenience_n among_o they_o as_o judge_v or_o despise_v one_o another_o contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o christian_a love_n and_o charity_n in_o this_o state_n the_o apostle_n prescribe_v unto_o they_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o duty_n which_o be_v plain_o to_o bear_v with_o one_o another_o to_o love_v one_o another_o and_o according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o
charity_n to_o believe_v all_o thing_n to_o believe_v that_o each_o party_n be_v accept_v with_o god_n while_o they_o serve_v he_o according_a unto_o the_o light_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v and_o as_o it_o be_v to_o be_v think_v that_o upon_o the_o give_n of_o this_o rule_n and_o direction_n they_o utter_o lay_v aside_o all_o the_o animosity_n in_o judge_v and_o despise_v one_o another_o which_o they_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o so_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o they_o continue_v in_o their_o different_a practice_n a_o long_a time_n after_o without_o any_o rebuke_n or_o reproof_n yea_o some_o learned_a man_n do_v judge_n and_o that_o not_o on_o ground_n to_o be_v despise_v that_o the_o party_n who_o differ_v be_v gather_v into_o distinct_a church_n and_o so_o continue_v to_o walk_v even_o to_o the_o day_n of_o adrian_n the_o emperor_n when_o the_o last_o and_o final_a destruction_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n of_o the_o jew_n do_v befall_v they_o after_o which_o those_o who_o be_v not_o harden_v to_o the_o utmost_a give_v off_o all_o expectation_n of_o any_o respect_n to_o be_v have_v with_o god_n of_o their_o old_a institution_n i_o do_v not_o know_v how_o though_o present_a case_n between_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o the_o nonconformist_n can_v have_v possible_o be_v more_o plain_o and_o distinct_o state_v and_o exemplify_v in_o any_o thing_n that_o the_o church_n be_v capable_a of_o or_o liable_a unto_o in_o those_o day_n than_o it_o be_v in_o this_o case_n here_o state_v and_o determine_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o who_o direction_n rule_n and_o determination_n we_o do_v full_o acquiesce_v but_o 5_o it_o be_v true_a also_o which_o this_o reverend_a author_n observe_v that_o when_o the_o false_a apostle_n or_o any_o other_o judaize_v teacher_n pretend_v to_o authority_n do_v impose_v the_o observation_n of_o the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o levitical_a law_n on_o any_o church_n unto_o their_o disturbance_n and_o division_n the_o apostle_n look_v hereon_o as_o that_o which_o so_o far_o alter_v the_o case_n that_o he_o give_v other_o rule_n and_o direction_n about_o it_o and_o if_o such_o imposition_n may_v be_v yet_o forbear_v in_o the_o like_a case_n especial_o as_o accompany_v with_o the_o severe_a supplement_n and_o addition_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o outward_a penalty_n to_o be_v inflict_v on_o they_o who_o can_v comply_v with_o they_o a_o open_a door_n will_v appear_v into_o all_o that_o agreement_n peace_n and_o quietness_n among_o we_o which_o be_v desire_v i_o have_v treat_v thus_o far_o of_o these_o thing_n not_o to_o manage_v a_o controversy_n with_o this_o author_n or_o any_o other_o but_o only_o to_o show_v that_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n to_o be_v take_v from_o this_o text_n or_o its_o context_n to_o give_v countenance_n unto_o the_o severe_a censure_n of_o schism_n and_o all_o the_o evil_a consequent_n of_o it_o as_o maintain_v by_o ill_a art_n and_o practice_n upon_o the_o nonconformist_n the_o procedure_n of_o our_o author_n in_o the_o management_n of_o his_o charge_n be_v in_o a_o way_n of_o prove_v from_o the_o assertion_n and_o concession_n of_o the_o several_a party_n whereinto_o he_o have_v distinguish_v nonconformist_n that_o they_o have_v no_o just_a cause_n to_o withhold_v full_a communion_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n especial_o in_o its_o parochial_a assembly_n and_o as_o unto_o the_o first_o party_n who_o he_o affirm_v to_o grant_v that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o separation_n he_o quote_v some_o say_n out_o of_o a_o discourse_n of_o a_o nameless_a author_n concern_v evangelical_n love_n church_n peace_n and_o unity_n and_o together_o with_o some_o concession_n of_o he_o he_o add_v his_o judgement_n 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 as_o i_o remember_v that_o author_n have_v at_o large_a declare_v in_o his_o discourse_n what_o communion_n believer_n ought_v to_o have_v with_o the_o church_n or_o all_o church_n the_o church_n in_o every_o sense_n wherein_o that_o name_n be_v use_v in_o the_o scripture_n but_o i_o shall_v not_o trouble_v myself_o to_o inquire_v into_o his_o assertion_n or_o concession_n nor_o at_o present_a can_v i_o do_v so_o not_o have_v that_o book_n with_o i_o where_o i_o now_o be_o my_o business_n be_v only_o to_o examine_v on_o this_o occasion_n what_o this_o reverend_a author_n except_v against_o or_o oppose_v unto_o his_o assertion_n about_o congregational_a church_n and_o the_o answer_v his_o charge_n of_o schism_n notwithstanding_o this_o plea_n of_o the_o institution_n of_o particular_a church_n for_o the_o celebration_n of_o divine_a ordinance_n this_o he_o do_v pag._n 25._o grant_v this_o to_o be_v true_a how_o do_v it_o hence_o appear_v not_o to_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o separate_v from_o our_o parochial_a church_n which_o according_a to_o their_o own_o concession_n have_v all_o the_o essential_o of_o true_a church_n and_o what_o ground_n can_v they_o have_v to_o separate_v and_o divide_v those_o church_n which_o for_o all_o that_o we_o can_v see_v be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o the_o church_n plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n at_o corinth_n philippi_n or_o thessalonica_n ans._n we_o will_v allow_v at_o present_a that_o the_o parochial_a church_n at_o least_o some_o of_o they_o in_o this_o nation_n be_v true_a church_n that_o 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 yet_o we_o suppose_v it_o will_v not_o be_v make_v a_o rule_n that_o communion_n may_v be_v withhold_v 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 author_n know_v that_o testimony_n may_v be_v produce_v out_o of_o very_o learned_a protestant_a writer_n to_o the_o contrary_n 2._o we_o do_v not_o say_v it_o be_v not_o plead_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 himself_o have_v institute_v etc._n etc._n that_o therefore_o it_o be_v lawful_a and_o necessary_a to_o separate_a from_o parochial_a church_n but_o it_o may_v be_v plead_v thence_o that_o if_o it_o be_v on_o other_o ground_n necessary_a to_o so_o separate_a 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 the_o reason_n why_o the_o nonconformist_n can_v join_v in_o that_o communion_n with_o those_o parochial_a church_n which_o be_v before_o describe_v be_v quite_o of_o another_o nature_n which_o be_v not_o here_o to_o be_v plead_v however_o some_o of_o they_o may_v be_v mention_v to_o deliver_v we_o from_o this_o mistake_n that_o the_o ground_n of_o separation_n from_o they_o be_v the_o institution_n of_o particular_a congregational_a church_n and_o they_o be_v such_o as_o these_o 1._o there_o be_v many_o thing_n in_o all_o parochial_a church_n that_o open_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o reformation_n what_o these_o be_v both_o with_o respect_n unto_o person_n and_o thing_n have_v be_v before_o intimate_v and_o shall_v be_v further_o declare_v if_o occasion_n require_v but_o these_o parochial_a church_n neither_o do_v nor_o indeed_o can_v nor_o have_v power_n in_o themselves_o to_o reform_v the_o thing_n that_o ought_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v reform_v for_o none_o among_o we_o will_v plead_v that_o they_o be_v entrust_v with_o power_n for_o their_o own_o government_n and_o reformation_n in_o this_o case_n we_o judge_v it_o lawful_a for_o any_o man_n peacoable_o to_o withdraw_v communion_n from_o such_o church_n to_o provide_v for_o his_o own_o edification_n in_o other_o 2._o that_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n in_o the_o constant_a total_a communion_n of_o parochial_a church_n impose_v on_o the_o conscience_n and_o practice_n of_o man_n which_o be_v not_o according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ._n the_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n i_o shall_v not_o here_o mention_v in_o particular_a 3._o there_o be_v no_o evangelical_n church_n discipline_n administer_v in_o such_o parochial_a church_n which_o yet_o be_v a_o necessary_a mean_n unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n appoint_v by_o christ_n himself_o and_o sacred_o attend_v unto_o by_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o we_o dare_v not_o renounce_v our_o interest_n in_o so_o bless_v a_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n 4._o the_o rule_n and_o government_n which_o such_o parochial_a church_n be_v absolute_o under_o in_o the_o room_n of_o that_o rule_n and_o discipline_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o and_o among_o themselves_o namely_o that_o
by_o the_o court_n of_o bishop_n chancellor_n commissary_n etc._n etc._n be_v unknown_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o in_o its_o administration_n be_v very_o remote_a from_o give_v a_o true_a representation_n of_o the_o authority_n wisdom_n love_n and_o care_n of_o christ_n to_o his_o church_n which_o be_v the_o sole_a end_n of_o all_o church_n rule_n and_o discipline_n the_o yoke_n hereof_o many_o account_n themselves_o not_o oblige_v to_o submit_v unto_o 5._o there_o be_v in_o such_o church_n a_o total_a deprivation_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o people_n secure_v unto_o they_o by_o the_o rule_n and_o practice_n of_o several_a age_n from_o the_o beginning_n of_o choose_v their_o own_o pastor_n whereby_o they_o be_v also_o deprive_v of_o all_o use_n of_o their_o light_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o provide_v for_o their_o own_o edification_n 6._o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o there_o be_v want_n of_o due_a mean_n of_o edification_n in_o many_o of_o those_o parochial_a church_n and_o yet_o provision_n be_v make_v by_o the_o government_n that_o those_o church_n be_v under_o that_o none_o shall_v by_o any_o way_n provide_v themselves_o of_o better_a mean_n for_o that_o great_a end_n of_o all_o church_n society_n it_o be_v on_o these_o and_o the_o like_a reason_n that_o the_o nonconformist_n can_v join_v in_o total_a communion_n such_o as_o the_o rule_n plead_v for_o require_v with_o parochial_a church_n in_o this_o state_n as_o be_v say_v the_o lord_n christ_n have_v institute_v particular_a congregation_n require_v all_o believer_n to_o walk_v in_o they_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o those_o who_o be_v necessiate_v to_o decline_v the_o communion_n of_o parochial_a church_n as_o they_o be_v state_v at_o present_a to_o join_v themselves_o in_o and_o unto_o such_o congregation_n as_o wherein_o their_o edification_n and_o liberty_n may_v be_v better_o provide_v for_o according_a unto_o rule_n but_o hereon_o the_o reverend_a author_n proceed_v to_o oppose_v such_o particular_a congregation_n or_o church_n i_o think_v as_o unto_o their_o original_n and_o necessity_n for_o so_o he_o speak_v page_z 25_o to_o page_n 26._o but_o i_o must_v needs_o say_v further_o i_o have_v never_o yet_o see_v any_o tolerable_a proof_n that_o the_o church_n plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n be_v limit_v to_o congregation_n howbeit_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v so_o clear_a and_o evident_a in_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o so_o necessary_a from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o 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 so_o speak_v chief_a justice_n hobart_n page_n 149._o in_o the_o case_n of_o colt_n and_o glover_n cont_n bishop_n coventry_n and_o litchfield_n and_o we_o know_v well_o that_o the_o primitive_a church_n in_o its_o great_a purity_n be_v but_o voluntary_a congregation_n of_o believer_n submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o apostle_n and_o after_o to_o other_o pastor_n to_o who_o they_o do_v minister_n of_o their_o temporal_n as_o god_n do_v move_v they_o of_o the_o same_o judgement_n be_v those_o who_o esteem_v the_o first_o government_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v democratical_a so_o speak_v paulus_n sharpius_n in_o the_o beginning_n the_o government_n of_o the_o holy_a church_n have_v altogether_o a_o democratical_a form_n all_o the_o faithful_a intervening_a in_o the_o chief_a deliberation_n thus_o we_o see_v that_o all_o do_v intervene_v at_o the_o election_n of_o mathias_n unto_o the_o apostleship_n and_o in_o the_o election_n of_o the_o six_o deacon_n and_o when_o st._n peter_n receive_v cornelius_n a_o heathen_a centurion_n unto_o the_o faith_n he_o give_v a_o account_n of_o it_o to_o all_o the_o church_n likewise_o in_o the_o council_n celebrate_v in_o jerusalem_n the_o apostle_n the_o priest_n and_o the_o other_o faithful_a brethren_n do_v intervene_v and_o the_o letter_n be_v write_v in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o these_o three_o order_n in_o success_n of_o time_n when_o the_o church_n increase_v in_o number_n the_o faithful_a retire_n themselves_o to_o the_o affair_n of_o their_o family_n and_o have_v leave_v those_o of_o the_o congregation_n the_o government_n retain_v only_o in_o the_o minister_n and_o become_v aristocratical_a save_v the_o election_n which_o be_v popular_a and_o other_o also_o of_o the_o same_o judgement_n may_v be_v add_v but_o let_v we_o hear_v the_o reason_v of_o this_o learned_a author_n against_o this_o apprehension_n this_o he_o enter_v upon_o page_z 26._o it_o be_v possible_a at_o first_o there_o may_v be_v no_o more_o christian_n in_o one_o city_n than_o can_v meet_v in_o one_o assembly_n for_o worship_n but_o where_o do_v it_o appear_v that_o when_o they_o multiply_v into_o more_o congregation_n they_o do_v make_v new_a and_o distinct_a church_n under_o new_a officer_n with_o a_o separate_a power_n of_o government_n of_o this_o i_o be_o well_o assure_v there_o be_v no_o mark_n nor_o footstep_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n or_o the_o whole_a history_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n i_o do_v not_o think_v it_o will_v appear_v credible_a to_o any_o considerate_a man_n that_o the_o 5000_o christian_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n make_v one_o state_v and_o fix_v congregation_n for_o divine_a worship_n not_o if_o we_o make_v all_o the_o allowance_n for_o stranger_n which_o can_v be_v desire_v but_o if_o this_o be_v grant_v where_o be_v the_o unalterable_a rule_n that_o assoon_o as_o the_o company_n become_v too_o great_a for_o one_o particular_a assembly_n they_o must_v become_v a_o new_a church_n under_o peculiar_a officer_n and_o a_o independent_a authority_n it_o be_v very_o strange_a that_o those_o who_o contend_v so_o much_o for_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o perfect_a rule_n of_o all_o thing_n pertain_v to_o worship_n and_o discipline_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o produce_v nothing_o in_o so_o necessary_a a_o point_n i_o answer_v 1_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o a_o impartial_a account_n may_v ere_o long_o be_v give_v of_o the_o state_n and_o way_n of_o the_o first_o church_n after_o the_o decease_n of_o the_o apostle_n wherein_o it_o will_v be_v make_v appear_v how_o they_o do_v insensible_o deviate_v in_o many_o thing_n from_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o first_o institution_n so_o as_o that_o though_o their_o mistake_n be_v of_o small_a moment_n and_o not_o prejudicial_a unto_o their_o faith_n and_o order_n yet_o occasion_n be_v administer_v to_o succeed_a age_n to_o increase_v those_o deviation_n until_o they_o issue_v in_o a_o fatal_a apostasy_n a_o eminent_a instance_n hereof_o be_v give_v we_o in_o the_o discourse_n of_o paulus_n sharpius_n about_o matter_n benificiary_a late_o make_v public_a in_o our_o own_o language_n 2_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n herein_o seem_v to_o i_o evident_o to_o be_v exemplify_v in_o the_o scripture_n for_o although_o it_o may_v be_v there_o be_v not_o express_v mention_n make_v that_o these_o or_o those_o particular_a church_n do_v divide_v themselves_o into_o more_o congregation_n with_o new_a officer_n yet_o be_v there_o instance_n of_o the_o erection_n of_o new_a particular_a congregation_n in_o the_o same_o province_n as_o distinct_a church_n with_o a_o separate_a power_n of_o government_n so_o the_o first_o church_n in_o the_o province_n of_o judea_n be_v in_o jerusalem_n but_o when_o that_o church_n be_v complete_a as_o to_o the_o number_n of_o they_o who_o may_v communicate_v therein_o unto_o their_o edification_n the_o apostle_n do_v not_o add_v the_o believer_n of_o the_o adjacent_a town_n and_o place_n unto_o that_o church_n but_o erect_v other_o particular_a congregation_n all_o the_o country_n over_o so_o there_o be_v different_a church_n in_o judea_n galilee_n and_o samaria_n that_o be_v many_o in_o each_o of_o they_o act._n 9_o 31._o so_o the_o apostle_n mention_n the_o church_n of_o god_n that_o be_v in_o judea_n 1_o thes_n 2._o 14._o and_o no_o where_o speak_v of_o they_o as_o of_o one_o church_n for_o worship_n order_n and_o government_n so_o he_o speak_v again_o that_o be_v constant_o gal._n 1._o 22._o i_o be_v unknown_a by_o face_n unto_o the_o church_n of_o judea_n and_o that_o these_o church_n be_v neither_o national_a nor_o diocessans_n but_o particular_a congregation_n be_v as_o i_o suppose_v sufficient_o evident_a so_o be_v it_o in_o the_o province_n of_o galatia_n there_o be_v no_o mention_n of_o any_o church_n therein_o that_o shall_v be_v comprehensive_a of_o all_o the_o believer_n in_o that_o province_n but_o many_o particular_a church_n there_o be_v as_o it_o be_v testify_v chap._n 1._o ver_fw-la 2._o so_o be_v it_o also_o in_o macedonia_n the_o first_o church_n plant_v in_o that_o province_n be_v at_o philipi_n as_o it_o be_v declare_v act._n 16._o and_o it_o be_v quick_o bring_v into_o complete_a order_n so_o as_o that_o when_o the_o apostle_n write_v unto_o it_o there_o be_v
in_o it_o the_o saint_n whereof_o it_o be_v constitute_v with_o bishop_n and_o deacon_n phil._n 1._o 1._o but_o that_o church_n be_v so_o complete_a the_o apostle_n appoint_v other_o particular_a congregational_a church_n in_o the_o same_o province_n who_o have_v officer_n of_o their_o own_o with_o a_o power_n of_o government_n these_o he_o mention_n and_o call_v the_o church_n of_o macedonia_n 2_o cor._n 8._o 1._o 23._o wherefore_o we_o need_v no_o more_o direction_n in_o this_o matter_n then_o what_o be_v give_v we_o by_o the_o apostle_n authority_n in_o the_o name_n and_o authority_n of_o jesus_n christ_n nor_o be_v concern_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o who_o afterward_o take_v another_o course_n of_o add_v believer_n from_o other_o place_n unto_o the_o church_n first_o plant_v unless_o it_o be_v in_o case_n of_o a_o disability_n to_o enjoy_v church-communion_n among_o themselves_o elsewhere_o whatever_o therefore_o be_v pretend_v unto_o the_o contrary_a we_o have_v plain_a scripture_n evidence_n and_o practice_n for_o the_o errect_v particular_a distinct_a congregation_n with_o power_n for_o their_o own_o rule_n and_o edification_n in_o the_o same_o province_n be_v it_o as_o small_a as_o those_o that_o be_v of_o samaria_n or_o galilee_n it_o can_v sure_o be_v say_v that_o these_o church_n be_v national_a whereof_o there_o be_v many_o in_o one_o small_a province_n of_o a_o small_a nation_n nor_o yet_o metropolitical_a or_o diocesan_n nor_o i_o suppose_v will_v it_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o they_o be_v entrust_v with_o power_n to_o rule_n and_o govern_v themselves_o in_o all_o ordinary_a case_n especial_o when_o in_o every_o one_o of_o they_o elder_n be_v ordain_v which_o the_o apostle_n be_v careful_a to_o see_v do_v act._n 14._o 22._o this_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o what_o we_o plead_v as_o unto_o particular_a congregation_n 3._o it_o be_v not_o probable_a that_o any_o of_o the_o first_o church_n do_v for_o a_o long_a time_n increase_v in_o any_o city_n unto_o such_o a_o number_n as_o may_v exceed_v the_o bound_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n or_o congregation_n for_o such_o they_o may_v continue_v to_o be_v notwithstanding_o 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 and_o it_o seem_v if_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 their_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 so_o whereas_o there_o be_v a_o mighty_a increase_n of_o believer_n at_o corinth_n act._n 18._o 10_o there_o be_v quick_o plant_v a_o distinct_a church_n at_o cenchrea_n which_o be_v the_o port_n of_o the_o city_n rom._n 16._o 1._o and_o notwithstanding_o the_o great_a number_n of_o 5000_o that_o be_v convert_v at_o jerusalem_n upon_o the_o first_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n yet_o be_v they_o so_o dispose_v of_o or_o so_o disperse_v that_o some_o year_n after_o this_o there_o be_v such_o a_o church_n only_o 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 who_o be_v call_v the_o church_n in_o distinction_n from_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n who_o be_v their_o governor_n act._n 15._o 4_o 12._o chap._n 21._o 22._o nor_o be_v that_o church_n of_o any_o great_a number_n when_o they_o all_o depart_v afterward_o and_o go_v out_o unto_o pella_n a_o village_n beyond_o jordan_n before_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o people_n city_n and_o temple_n and_o though_o many_o alteration_n be_v before_o that_o time_n introduce_v into_o the_o order_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o it_o appear_v that_o when_o cyprian_n be_v bishop_n of_o the_o church_n at_o carthage_n that_o the_o whole_a community_n of_o the_o member_n of_o that_o church_n do_v meet_v together_o to_o determine_v of_o thing_n that_o be_v for_o their_o common_a interest_n according_a unto_o what_o be_v judge_v to_o be_v their_o right_n and_o liberty_n in_o those_o day_n which_o they_o can_v not_o have_v do_v have_v they_o not_o all_o of_o they_o belong_v unto_o the_o same_o particular_a church_n and_o congregation_n but_o these_o thing_n may_v be_v plead_v elsewhere_o if_o occasion_n be_v give_v thereunto_o but_o yet_o 4._o i_o must_v say_v that_o i_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 nor_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n require_v by_o we_o on_o the_o like_a occasion_n for_o this_o distribution_n of_o believer_n into_o particular_a congregation_n be_v that_o which_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 unto_o the_o end_n of_o such_o church_n do_v indispensible_o require_v for_o what_o be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o church_n for_o which_o they_o be_v institute_v be_v it_o not_o the_o edification_n of_o they_o that_o do_v believe_v they_o will_v find_v themselves_o mistake_v who_o suppose_v that_o they_o be_v design_v to_o be_v subservient_fw-fr unto_o the_o secular_a interest_n of_o any_o sort_n of_o man_n what_o be_v the_o mean_v appoint_v of_o christ_n in_o such_o church_n for_o that_o end_n be_v they_o not_o doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n break_v bread_n and_o prayer_n that_o be_v the_o joint_a celebration_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n in_o preach_v the_o word_n administer_a the_o sacrament_n mutual_a watchfulness_n over_o one_o another_o and_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o discipline_n which_o he_o have_v appoint_v unto_o his_o disciple_n i_o desire_v to_o know_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o need_n of_o a_o new_a revelation_n to_o direct_v man_n who_o be_v oblige_v to_o preserve_v church_n in_o their_o use_n unto_o their_o proper_a end_n to_o take_v care_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o will_v obstruct_v and_o hinder_v they_o in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n unto_o that_o end_n of_o their_o edification_n whereas_o therefore_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o ordinary_o these_o mean_n can_v be_v use_v in_o a_o due_a manner_n but_o in_o such_o church_n as_o wherein_o all_o may_v be_v acquaint_v with_o what_o all_o be_v concern_v in_o the_o very_a institution_n itself_o be_v a_o plain_a command_n to_o plant_v erect_v and_o keep_v all_o church_n in_o such_o a_o state_n as_o wherein_o this_o end_n may_v be_v attain_v and_o therefore_o if_o believer_n in_o any_o place_n be_v so_o few_o or_o so_o destitute_a of_o spiritual_a gift_n as_o not_o to_o be_v able_a of_o themselves_o jont_o to_o observe_v these_o mean_n for_o their_o edification_n it_o be_v their_o duty_n not_o to_o join_v by_o themselves_o in_o a_o church-state_n but_o to_o add_v themselves_o as_o member_n unto_o other_o church_n and_o so_o when_o they_o be_v so_o many_o as_o that_o they_o can_v orderly_o communicate_v together_o in_o all_o these_o ordinance_n in_o the_o way_n of_o their_o administration_n appoint_v in_o the_o scripture_n unto_o the_o edification_n of_o they_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o divine_a institution_n of_o church_n to_o dispose_v of_o their_o church-state_n and_o relation_n into_o that_o way_n which_o will_v answer_v the_o end_v of_o it_o that_o be_v into_o more_o particular_a church_n or_o congregation_n i_o speak_v not_o these_o thing_n in_o opposition_n unto_o any_o other_o church-state_n which_o man_n may_v erect_v or_o establish_v out_o of_o a_o opinion_n of_o its_o usefulness_n and_o conveniency_n much_o less_o against_o that_o communion_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v among_o those_o particular_a church_n or_o their_o association_n for_o their_o common_a rule_n and_o government_n in_o and_o by_o their_o officer_n but_o only_o to_o manifest_v that_o those_o of_o the_o nonconformist_n which_o be_v suppose_v to_o adhere_v unto_o the_o institution_n of_o particular_a church_n in_o a_o peculiar_a way_n do_v not_o thereby_o deserve_v the_o imputation_n of_o so_o great_a and_o intolerable_a a_o gild_n as_o they_o be_v here_o charge_v withal_o and_o whereas_o i_o have_v hereby_o discharge_v all_o that_o i_o design_v with_o respect_n unto_o the_o first_o sort_n of_o nonconformist_n as_o they_o be_v here_o distinguish_v i_o may_v here_o give_v over_o the_o pursuit_n of_o this_o argument_n but_o because_o i_o seek_v after_o truth_n and_o satisfaction_n alone_o in_o these_o thing_n i_o shall_v a_o little_a far_o consider_v what_o be_v offer_v by_o this_o reverend_a author_n unto_o the_o same_o purpose_n with_o what_o we_o have_v pass_v through_o so_o therefore_o he_o proceed_v pag._n 26._o to_o pag._n 27._o if_o that_o of_o which_o we_o read_v the_o clear_a instance_n in_o scripture_n must_v be_v the_o standard_n of_o all_o future_a age_n much_o more_o may_v be_v say_v for_o limit_v church_n to_o private_a family_n then_o to_o particular_a congregation_n for_o do_v we_o not_o read_v of_o the_o church_n that_o