to_o give_v place_n unto_o severe_a thought_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o its_o communion_n and_o withdraw_a themselves_o into_o foreign_a part_n open_o avow_v a_o separation_n from_o it_o and_o if_o the_o extremity_n which_o many_o have_v be_v put_v unto_o for_o their_o mere_a dissent_n and_o nonconformity_n unto_o the_o establish_v rule_n which_o with_o a_o good_a conscience_n they_o can_v not_o comply_v with_o be_v represent_v it_o may_v if_o not_o excuse_v yet_o alleviate_v the_o evil_a of_o that_o severity_n in_o separation_n which_o they_o fall_v into_o 6._o but_o hereon_o a_o double_a inconvenience_n yea_o evil_a do_v ensue_v whence_o all_o the_o advantage_n make_v use_v of_o in_o this_o story_n to_o load_v the_o present_a cause_n of_o the_o nonconformist_n do_v arise_v for_o 1._o many_o of_o those_o who_o refuse_v to_o conform_v unto_o the_o church_n in_o all_o its_o constitution_n yet_o think_v it_o their_o duty_n to_o wait_v quiet_o for_o a_o national_a reformation_n think_v no_o other_o possible_a begin_v to_o oppose_v and_o write_v against_o they_o who_o utter_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n condemn_v its_o assembly_n as_o unlawful_a and_o herein_o as_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n be_v on_o such_o occasion_n they_o fall_v into_o sharp_a invective_n against_o they_o with_o severe_a censure_n and_o sentence_n concern_v they_o and_o their_o practice_n and_o 2._o those_o who_o do_v so_o separate_v be_v not_o agree_v among_o themselves_o as_o unto_o all_o principle_n of_o church-order_n nor_o as_o unto_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n there_o fall_v out_o difference_n and_o disorder_n among_o they_o accompany_v with_o personal_a imprudency_n and_o miscarriage_n in_o not_o a_o few_o neither_o be_v it_o ever_o scarce_o otherwise_o among_o they_o who_o first_o attempt_v any_o reformation_n unless_o like_o the_o apostle_n they_o be_v infallible_o guide_v these_o mutual_a contest_v which_o they_o have_v among_o themselves_o and_o with_o the_o nonconformist_n who_o abode_n in_o their_o private_a station_n in_o england_n with_o their_o miscarriage_n also_o be_v publish_v unto_o the_o world_n in_o their_o own_o write_n and_o those_o of_o their_o enemy_n hinc_fw-la omnis_fw-la pendet_fw-la lucilius_n these_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o give_v advantage_n unto_o and_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o history_n of_o our_o author_n concern_v separation_n wherein_o all_o i_o can_v find_v unto_o our_o present_a instruction_n be_v that_o iliaco_n intra_fw-la muros_fw-la peccatur_fw-la &_o extra_fw-la there_o be_v and_o ever_o be_v sin_n fault_n folly_n and_o miscarriage_n among_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n which_o may_v be_v far_o evidence_v by_o recount_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n what_o be_v the_o way_n act_n and_o deed_n at_o the_o same_o time_n of_o those_o by_o who_o the_o other_o be_v cast_v out_o and_o reject_v and_o whereas_o it_o be_v the_o design_n of_o the_o reverend_a author_n to_o load_v the_o cause_n and_o person_n of_o the_o present_a nonconformist_n with_o prejudice_n and_o contempt_n it_o be_v well_o fall_v out_o in_o the_o merciful_a disposal_n of_o thing_n towards_o and_o among_o we_o by_o the_o providence_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v force_v to_o derive_v the_o principal_a matter_n of_o his_o charge_n from_o what_o be_v do_v by_o a_o few_o private_a person_n three_o or_o fourscore_o year_n ago_o and_o more_o in_o who_o principle_n and_o practice_n we_o be_v not_o concern_v and_o as_o for_o the_o difference_n that_o fall_v out_o more_o late_o among_o the_o divine_n in_o the_o assembly_n at_o westminster_n about_o the_o way_n mean_n and_o measure_n of_o reformation_n and_o mutual_a forbearance_n which_o he_o give_v we_o a_o large_a account_n of_o in_o a_o long_a transcription_n out_o of_o their_o write_n i_o must_v have_v more_o health_n and_o strength_n and_o leisure_n than_o now_o i_o have_v which_o i_o look_v not_o for_o in_o this_o world_n before_o i_o esteem_v myself_o concern_v to_o engage_v in_o that_o contest_v or_o to_o apologise_v for_o the_o one_o side_n or_o other_o the_o thing_n in_o agitation_n between_o they_o have_v no_o relation_n unto_o or_o present_a dissent_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v here_o insist_v on_o mere_o to_o fill_v up_o the_o story_n with_o reference_n unto_o the_o general_n end_v design_v neither_o to_o my_o knowledge_n do_v i_o ever_o read_v a_o book_n wherein_o there_o be_v a_o great_a appearance_n of_o diligence_n in_o the_o collection_n of_o thing_n word_n say_n expression_n discourse_n unto_o other_o end_n which_o may_v only_o cast_v odium_n on_o the_o cause_n oppose_v or_o give_v advantage_n for_o arguing_n unto_o a_o seem_a success_n very_o little_a or_o no_o way_n at_o all_o belong_v unto_o the_o cause_n in_o hand_n than_o there_o be_v in_o this_o of_o our_o reverend_a author_n though_o much_o in_o the_o same_o way_n and_o kind_n have_v be_v before_o attempt_v but_o separation_n it_o be_v and_o schism_n which_o we_o be_v all_o charge_v withal_o and_o the_o evil_a thereof_o be_v aggravate_v in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o author_n himself_o and_o in_o large_a transcription_n out_o of_o the_o write_n of_o other_o schism_n indeed_o we_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v a_o evil_a a_o great_a evil_n but_o be_v sorry_a that_o with_o some_o a_o pretend_a unproved_a schism_n be_v become_v almost_o all_o that_o be_v evil_a in_o the_o church_n or_o their_o member_n so_o that_o let_v man_n be_v what_o they_o will_v drench_v yea_o overwhelm_v in_o ignorance_n vice_n and_o sin_n so_o they_o do_v not_o separate_v which_o to_o be_v sure_a in_o that_o state_n they_o will_v not_o do_v for_o why_o shall_v he_o who_o have_v plague_n sore_n upon_o he_o depart_v from_o the_o society_n of_o they_o that_o be_v infect_v they_o seem_v to_o be_v esteem_v as_o unto_o all_o the_o concern_v of_o the_o church_n very_o unblameable_a the_o truth_n be_v consider_v the_o present_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o this_o nation_n who_o be_v general_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n how_o the_o land_n be_v fill_v with_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a one_o of_o israel_n god_n give_v we_o every_o day_n renew_v token_n and_o indication_n of_o his_o displeasure_n no_o compliance_n with_o his_o call_n no_o public_a reformation_n be_v yet_o attempt_v it_o seem_v a_o more_o necessary_a duty_n and_o of_o more_o importance_n unto_o they_o upon_o who_o the_o care_n of_o such_o thing_n be_v incumbent_n to_o endeavour_v in_o themselves_o and_o to_o engage_v a_o faithful_a ministry_n throughout_o the_o nation_n both_o to_o give_v a_o due_a example_n in_o their_o conversation_n and_o to_o preach_v the_o word_n with_o all_o diligence_n for_o the_o turn_n of_o the_o people_n from_o the_o evil_a of_o their_o way_n then_o to_o spend_v their_o time_n and_o strength_n in_o the_o mannagment_n of_o such_o charge_n against_o those_o who_o will_v willing_o comply_v with_o they_o as_o unto_o all_o the_o great_a end_n of_o religion_n among_o man_n but_o this_o must_v be_v far_o speak_v unto_o i_o say_v therefore_o 1._o in_o general_n that_o whereas_o the_o whole_a design_n of_o this_o book_n be_v to_o charge_v all_o sort_n of_o nonconformist_n with_o schism_n and_o to_o denounce_v they_o schismatic_n yet_o the_o author_n of_o it_o do_v not_o once_o endeavour_v to_o state_n the_o true_a notion_n and_o nature_n of_o schism_n wherein_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n may_v be_v concern_v he_o satisfy_v himself_o in_o the_o invective_n of_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_n against_o schism_n applicable_a unto_o those_o which_o be_v in_o their_o day_n wherein_o we_o be_v not_o concern_v only_o he_o seem_v to_o proceed_v on_o the_o general_a notion_n of_o it_o that_o it_o be_v a_o causeless_a separation_n from_o a_o true_a church_n which_o depart_v from_o that_o of_o the_o romanist_n who_o will_v allow_v no_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n but_o what_o be_v causeless_a to_o make_v application_n hereof_o unto_o we_o it_o be_v suppose_v 1._o that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v a_o true_a church_n in_o its_o national_a constitution_n and_o so_o be_v all_o the_o parochial_a church_n in_o it_o which_o can_v be_v no_o way_n justify_v but_o by_o a_o large_a extensive_a interpretation_n of_o the_o word_n true_a for_o there_o be_v but_o one_o sort_n of_o church_n institute_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n but_o national_a and_o parochial_a church_n differ_v in_o their_o whole_a kind_n and_o therefore_o can_v both_o of_o they_o be_v of_o a_o divine_a original_a 2._o that_o we_o be_v member_n of_o this_o church_n by_o our_o own_o consent_n how_o we_o shall_v come_v to_o be_v so_o otherways_o i_o know_v not_o if_o we_o be_v so_o by_o be_v bear_v and_o baptize_v in_o england_n than_o those_o who_o be_v bear_v beyond_o sea_n and_o baptize_v there_o
which_o have_v be_v various_a and_o it_o be_v mere_o from_o a_o spirit_n of_o contention_n that_o some_o call_v on_o we_o or_o other_o to_o produce_v express_a testimony_n or_o institution_n for_o every_o circumstance_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o religious_a duty_n in_o the_o church_n and_o on_o a_o suppose_a failure_n herein_o to_o conclude_v that_o they_o have_v power_n themselves_o to_o institute_n and_o ordain_v such_o ceremony_n as_o they_o think_v meet_v under_o a_o pretence_n of_o their_o be_v circumstance_n of_o worship_n for_o as_o the_o directive_n light_n of_o nature_n be_v sufficient_a to_o guide_v we_o in_o these_o thing_n so_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o church_n unto_o it_o make_v all_o state_v addition_n to_o be_v useless_a as_o on_o other_o account_n they_o be_v noxious_a such_o thing_n as_o these_o be_v the_o time_n and_o season_n of_o church_n assembly_n the_o order_n and_o decency_n wherein_o all_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v transact_v in_o they_o the_o bound_a of_o they_o as_o unto_o the_o number_n of_o their_o member_n and_o place_n of_o habitation_n so_o as_o to_o answer_v the_o end_n of_o their_o institution_n the_o multiplication_n of_o church_n when_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n exceed_v the_o proportion_n capable_a of_o edification_n in_o such_o society_n what_o especial_a advantage_n be_v to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o in_o the_o order_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n such_o as_o be_v method_n in_o preach_v translation_n and_o tune_n of_o psalm_n in_o sing_v continuance_n in_o public_a duty_n and_o the_o like_a the_o thing_n themselves_o be_v divine_o institute_v be_v capable_a of_o such_o general_a direction_n in_o and_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n as_o may_v with_o ordinary_a christian_a prudence_n be_v on_o all_o occasion_n apply_v unto_o the_o use_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n to_o forsake_v these_o direction_n and_o instead_o of_o they_o to_o invent_v way_n mode_n form_n and_o ceremony_n of_o our_o own_o which_o the_o thing_n whereunto_o they_o be_v apply_v and_o make_v use_v of_o in_o do_v no_o way_n call_v for_o require_v or_o own_v as_o it_o be_v with_o all_o humane_o invent_v state_v ceremony_n and_o thereon_o by_o law_n and_o canon_n to_o determine_v their_o precise_a observation_n at_o all_o time_n and_o season_n to_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o circumstance_n of_o such_o act_n and_o duty_n as_o they_o be_v apply_v unto_o their_o use_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n unto_o the_o general_a end_n of_o edification_n be_v as_o indemonstrable_a as_o their_o necessity_n unto_o the_o duty_n whereunto_o they_o be_v annex_v be_v also_o it_o be_v that_o which_o have_v no_o warranty_n either_o from_o divine_a authority_n or_o christian_a prudence_n this_o respect_n of_o the_o gospel_n church-state_n unto_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n the_o apostle_n demonstrate_v in_o his_o frequent_a appeal_n unto_o it_o in_o thing_n that_o belong_v unto_o church-order_n 1_o cor._n 7.29_o 33.7_o chap._n 9.7_o chap._n 11.14_o 15_o 16._o chap._n 14.8_o 9_o 10_o 11._o ver_fw-la 32_o 33._o ver_fw-la 40._o and_o the_o like_a be_v do_v in_o sundry_a other_o place_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o be_v evident_a 2._o but_o such_o be_v the_o especial_a nature_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o evangelical-church-state_n such_o the_o relation_n of_o it_o unto_o the_o person_n and_o mediation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n with_o all_o thing_n thereon_o depend_v such_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o especial_a honour_n and_o glory_n which_o god_n design_n unto_o himself_o therein_o thing_n that_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n can_v give_v no_o guidance_n unto_o nor_o direction_n about_o and_o moreover_o so_o different_a and_o distant_a from_o all_o that_o be_v before_o ordain_v in_o any_o other_o church-state_n be_v the_o way_n mean_n and_o duty_n of_o divine_a worship_n prescribe_v in_o it_o that_o it_o must_v have_v a_o peculiar_a divine_a institution_n of_o its_o own_o to_o evidence_n that_o it_o be_v from_o heaven_n and_o not_o from_o men._n the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o apostle_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d heb._n 7.11_o it_o be_v perfection_n its_o consummation_n that_o perfect_a state_n which_o god_n design_v unto_o it_o in_o this_o world_n and_o he_o deny_v that_o it_o can_v be_v bring_v into_o that_o state_n by_o the_o law_n or_o any_o of_o the_o divine_a institution_n that_o belong_v thereunto_o heb._n 7.19_o chap._n 9.9_o chap._n 10.1_o and_o we_o need_v go_v no_o far_o we_o need_v no_o other_o argument_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o gospel-church-state_n as_o unto_o its_o especial_a nature_n be_v found_v in_o a_o peculiar_a divine_a institution_n for_o it_o have_v a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o perfect_a consummate_a state_n which_o the_o law_n can_v not_o bring_v it_o unto_o though_o itself_o its_o ordinance_n of_o worship_n its_o rule_n and_o policy_n be_v all_o of_o divine_a institution_n and_o herein_o do_v its_o excellency_n and_o preference_n above_o the_o legal_a church-state_n consist_v as_o the_o apostle_n prove_v at_o large_a to_o suppose_v that_o this_o shall_v be_v give_v unto_o it_o any_o other_o way_n but_o by_o divine_a authority_n in_o its_o institution_n be_v to_o advance_v the_o wisdom_n and_o authority_n of_o man_n above_o those_o of_o god_n and_o to_o render_v the_o gospel-church-state_n a_o machine_n to_o be_v move_v up_o and_o down_o at_o pleasure_n to_o be_v new_o mould_v or_o shape_v according_a unto_o occasion_n or_o to_o be_v turn_v unto_o any_o interest_n like_o the_o wing_n of_o a_o mill_n unto_o the_o wind._n all_o the_o dignity_n honour_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n depend_v sole_o hereon_o that_o it_o be_v in_o the_o whole_a and_o all_o the_o particular_n of_o it_o of_o divine_a institution_n hence_o it_o be_v glorious_a that_o be_v very_o excellent_a as_o the_o apostle_n declare_v 2._o cor._n 3._o and_o if_o the_o church-state_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n have_v not_o the_o same_o original_a it_o must_v be_v esteem_v to_o have_v a_o great_a glory_n give_v unto_o it_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n than_o the_o other_o have_v in_o that_o it_o be_v institute_v by_o god_n himself_o for_o a_o great_a glory_n it_o have_v as_o the_o apostle_n testify_v neither_o can_v any_o man_n nor_o dare_v any_o man_n alive_a to_o give_v any_o instance_n in_o particular_a wherein_o there_o be_v the_o least_o defect_n in_o the_o be_v constitution_n rule_n and_o government_n of_o the_o gospel-church-state_n for_o want_v of_o divine_a institution_n so_o as_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v necessary_a to_o make_v a_o supply_n thereof_o by_o the_o wisdom_n and_o authority_n of_o man_n but_o these_o thing_n will_v be_v more_o full_o speak_v unto_o after_o we_o have_v declare_v who_o it_o be_v who_o have_v divine_o institute_v this_o church_n state_n 3._o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v capable_a of_o a_o threefold_a application_n or_o it_o be_v take_v in_o a_o threefold_a notion_n as_o 1_o for_o the_o catholic_n invisible_a church_n or_o society_n of_o elect_a believer_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n real_o relate_v by_o faith_n in_o he_o unto_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n as_o their_o mystical_a head_n 2_o for_o the_o whole_a number_n of_o visible_a professor_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n who_o by_o baptism_n and_o the_o outward_a profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o obedience_n unto_o christ_n be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n and_o 3_o for_o such_o a_o state_n as_o wherein_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v celebrate_v in_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n by_o he_o appoint_v and_o which_o be_v to_o be_v rule_v by_o the_o power_n which_o he_o give_v it_o and_o according_a to_o the_o discipline_n which_o he_o have_v ordain_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o church_n under_o these_o distinct_a notion_n with_o our_o relation_n unto_o either_o or_o all_o of_o they_o and_o the_o duty_n require_v of_o we_o thereon_o i_o have_v treat_v full_o in_o my_o discourse_n of_o evangelical_n love_n and_o church_n peace_n or_o unity_n and_o thither_o i_o must_v remit_v the_o reader_n it_o be_v the_o church_n in_o the_o latter_a sense_n alone_o who_o original_a we_o now_o inquire_v after_o and_o i_o say_v 4._o the_o original_a of_o this_o church-state_n be_v direct_o immediate_o and_o sole_o from_o jesus_n christ_n he_o alone_o be_v the_o author_n contriver_n and_o institutor_n of_o it_o when_o i_o say_v it_o be_v immediate_o and_o sole_o from_o he_o i_o do_v not_o intend_v that_o in_o and_o by_o his_o own_o person_n or_o in_o his_o personal_a ministry_n here_o in_o the_o earth_n he_o do_v absolute_o and_o complete_o finish_v this_o state_n exclusive_o unto_o the_o ministry_n of_o
the_o outward_a calamity_n that_o befall_v the_o nation_n nor_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o people_n can_v destroy_v this_o church-state_n but_o it_o continue_v its_o right_n and_o exercise_v unto_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o if_o there_o be_v not_o cause_n and_o mean_n of_o the_o infallible_a continuance_n of_o the_o gospel_n church-state_n unto_o the_o consummation_n of_o all_o thing_n the_o time_n express_o allot_v unto_o their_o continuance_n then_o be_v the_o work_n of_o moses_n more_o honourable_a more_o powerful_a and_o effectual_a in_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church-state_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n than_o that_o of_o christ_n in_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o new_a for_o that_o work_n and_o those_o institution_n which_o have_v a_o efficacy_n in_o they_o for_o their_o own_o infallible_a continuation_n and_o of_o the_o church_n thereby_o throughout_o all_o generation_n must_v be_v more_o noble_a and_o honourable_a than_o those_o which_o can_v secure_v their_o own_o continuance_n nor_o the_o be_v and_o state_n of_o the_o church_n thereon_o depend_v nothing_o can_v be_v more_o derogatory_n unto_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o power_n of_o christ_n nor_o of_o his_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n than_o such_o a_o imagination_n we_o shall_v therefore_o inquire_v into_o the_o cause_n and_o mean_n of_o the_o continuation_n of_o this_o church-state_n and_o therein_o show_v the_o certainty_n of_o it_o as_o also_o disprove_v that_o which_o by_o some_o be_v pretend_v as_o the_o only_a mean_n thereof_o when_o indeed_o it_o be_v the_o principal_a argument_n against_o their_o perpetual_a continuation_n that_o can_v be_v make_v use_n of_o 1._o the_o essence_n and_o nature_n of_o the_o church_n institute_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v always_o the_o same_o from_o the_o beginning_n that_o it_o continue_v still_o to_o be_v but_o as_o unto_o its_o outward_a form_n and_o order_n it_o have_v a_o double_a state_n and_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o so_o it_o shall_v have_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o for_o 1_o the_o church_n may_v be_v consider_v in_o its_o relation_n unto_o those_o extraordinary_a officer_n or_o ruler_n who_o office_n and_o power_n be_v antecedent_n unto_o the_o church_n as_o that_o by_o virtue_n whereof_o it_o be_v to_o be_v call_v and_o erect_v 2_o with_o respect_n unto_o ordinary_a officer_n unto_o who_o office_n and_o power_n the_o church_n essential_o consider_v be_v antecedent_n for_o their_o whole_a work_n and_o duty_n as_o such_o be_v conversant_a about_o the_o church_n and_o the_o object_n be_v antecedent_n unto_o all_o act_n about_o it_o the_o first_o state_n be_v cease_v nor_o can_v it_o be_v continue_v for_o these_o officer_n be_v constitute_v 1_o by_o a_o immediate_a call_n from_o christ_n as_o be_v paul_n gal._n 1.1_o 2._o which_o none_o now_o be_v nor_o have_v be_v since_o the_o decease_n of_o they_o who_o be_v so_o call_v at_o first_o 2_o by_o extraordinary_a gift_n and_o power_n which_o christ_n do_v not_o continue_v to_o communicate_v 3_o by_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o infallible_a guidance_n both_o in_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o appoint_v thing_n necessary_a in_o the_o church_n which_o none_o now_o pretend_v unto_o 4_o by_o extensive_a commission_n give_v they_o power_n towards_o all_o the_o world_n for_o their_o conversion_n and_o over_o all_o church_n for_o their_o edification_n of_o these_o officer_n in_o their_o distinction_n into_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n with_o their_o call_n gift_n power_n and_o work_v i_o have_v treat_v at_o large_a in_o my_o discourse_n of_o spiritual_a gift_n the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o church_n with_o respect_n unto_o they_o be_v utter_o cease_v and_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o vain_a than_o to_o pretend_v any_o succession_n unto_o they_o in_o the_o whole_a or_o any_o part_n of_o their_o office_n unless_o man_n can_v justify_v their_o claim_n unto_o it_o by_o any_o or_o all_o of_o these_o thing_n which_o concur_v unto_o it_o in_o the_o apostle_n which_o they_o can_v do_v but_o it_o do_v not_o hence_o follow_v that_o the_o church_n state_n institute_v by_o christ_n do_v fail_v thereon_o or_o do_v now_o so_o fail_v because_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o these_o apostle_n shall_v have_v any_o successor_n in_o their_o office_n or_o the_o discharge_v of_o it_o for_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o lord_n christ_n the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v continue_v under_o ordinary_a officer_n without_o the_o call_v gift_n or_o power_n of_o the_o other_o that_o be_v to_o cease_v under_o these_o the_o church_n state_n be_v no_o less_o divine_a than_o under_o the_o former_a for_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n in_o it_o 1_o that_o the_o office_n themselves_o be_v of_o the_o appointment_n of_o christ_n and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o so_o we_o confess_v the_o divine_a right_n of_o the_o church-state_n will_v have_v cease_v the_o office_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n be_v to_o cease_v as_o have_v be_v declare_v and_o it_o do_v cease_v actual_o in_o that_o christ_n after_o they_o do_v call_v no_o more_o unto_o that_o office_n nor_o provide_v any_o way_n or_o means_n whereby_o any_o one_o shall_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o it_o and_o for_o any_o to_o pretend_v a_o succession_n in_o office_n or_o any_o part_n of_o their_o office_n without_o any_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o do_v constitute_v it_o be_v extreme_a presumption_n it_o be_v therefore_o grant_v that_o if_o there_o be_v not_o other_o office_n appoint_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n it_o have_v not_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o man_n to_o make_v or_o appoint_v any_o unto_o that_o purpose_n and_o the_o church-state_n itself_o must_v have_v cease_v but_o this_o he_o have_v do_v eph._n 4.11_o 12._o 1_o cor._n 12.28_o 2_o that_o person_n be_v to_o be_v interest_v in_o these_o office_n according_a unto_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n by_o he_o prescribe_v which_o be_v not_o such_o as_o depend_v on_o his_o own_o immediate_a extraordinary_a act_n as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o former_a sort_n but_o such_o as_o consist_v in_o the_o church_n act_v according_a to_o his_o law_n and_o in_o obedience_n unto_o his_o command_n this_o church-state_n be_v appoint_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o christ._n the_o direction_n which_o he_o give_v in_o his_o own_o person_n for_o address_n unto_o the_o church_n in_o case_n of_o scandal_n which_o be_v a_o oblige_a institution_n for_o all_o age_n mat._n 18.17_o 18_o 19_o 20._o prove_v that_o he_o have_v appoint_v a_o church-state_n that_o shall_v abide_v through_o they_o all_o and_o when_o there_o be_v a_o church_n plant_v at_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v not_o only_a apostle_n in_o it_o according_a to_o its_o first_o state_n but_o elder_n also_o which_o respect_v its_o second_o state_n that_o be_v approach_v act._n 15.23_o the_o apostle_n be_v in_o office_n before_o that_o church_n state_n the_o elder_n ordain_v in_o it_o so_o chap._n 11.30_o and_o the_o apostle_n ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o church_n act._n 14.23_o tit._n 1.5_o 1_o tim._n 5.17_o who_o they_o affirm_v to_o be_v make_v so_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n act._n 20.28_o the_o church_n to_o who_o the_o apostle_n paul_n write_v his_o epistle_n be_v such_o all_o of_o they_o under_o the_o rule_n of_o ordinary_a officer_n phil_n 1.1_o rule_n and_o law_n be_v give_v for_o their_o ordination_n in_o all_o age_n tit._n 1._o 1_o tim._n 3._o and_o the_o lord_n christ_n treat_v from_o heaven_n with_o his_o church_n in_o this_o state_n and_o order_n rev._n one_a 2d_o 3d._n he_o have_v promise_v his_o presence_n with_o they_o unto_o the_o consummation_n of_o all_o thing_n mat._n 28.20_o chap._n 18.20_o and_o assign_v they_o their_o duty_n until_o his_o second_o come_v 1_o cor._n 11.26_o with_o other_o evidence_n of_o the_o same_o truth_n innumerable_a our_o enquiry_n therefore_o be_v whereon_o the_o continuation_n of_o this_o church-state_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n do_v depend_v what_o be_v the_o cause_n what_o be_v the_o mean_n of_o it_o whence_o it_o become_v infallible_a and_o necessary_a i_o must_v only_o premise_v that_o our_o present_a consideration_n be_v not_o so_o much_o de_fw-mi facto_fw-la as_o unto_o what_o have_v fall_v out_o in_o the_o world_n unto_o our_o knowledge_n and_o observation_n but_o de_fw-la jure_fw-la or_o of_o a_o right_n unto_o this_o continuation_n and_o this_o be_v such_o as_o make_v it_o not_o only_o lawful_a for_o such_o a_o church-state_n to_o be_v but_o require_v also_o from_o all_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n in_o a_o way_n of_o duty_n that_o it_o be_v always_o in_o actual_a existence_n hereby_o there_o be_v a_o warrant_v give_v unto_o all_o believer_n at_o all_o time_n to_o gather_v themselves_o into_o such_o a_o church-state_n and_o a_o duty_n impose_v on_o they_o so_o
church-state_n of_o other_o because_o in_o some_o thing_n they_o agree_v not_o in_o judgement_n or_o practice_n with_o what_o they_o conceive_v to_o belong_v thereunto_o as_o obstruct_v a_o right_a judgement_n herein_o and_o it_o have_v rise_v of_o late_a unto_o such_o a_o degree_n of_o frenzy_n that_o some_o deny_v peremptory_o the_o church-state_n and_o consequent_o the_o salvation_n of_o all_o that_o have_v not_o diocesan_n bishop_n alas_o that_o poor_a man_n who_o be_v know_v to_o other_o whether_o they_o be_v unto_o themselves_o or_o no_o what_o be_v their_o office_n and_o what_o be_v their_o discharge_n of_o it_o shall_v once_o think_v that_o the_o be_v and_o salvation_n of_o all_o church_n shall_v depend_v on_o they_o and_o such_o as_o they_o be_v yea_o some_o of_o the_o man_n of_o this_o persuasion_n that_o christian_n can_v be_v save_v unless_o they_o comply_v with_o diocesan_n bishop_n do_v yet_o grant_v that_o heathen_n may_v be_v save_v without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ._n 3_o whatever_o defect_n there_o have_v be_v de_fw-la facto_fw-la in_o the_o constitution_n of_o these_o church_n and_o the_o celebration_n of_o divine_a worship_n in_o they_o in_o any_o place_n or_o age_n whatever_o it_o will_v not_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v a_o total_a failure_n of_o they_o much_o less_o a_o discontinuation_n of_o the_o right_n of_o believer_n to_o reform_v and_o erect_v they_o according_a unto_o the_o mind_n of_o christ._n it_o be_v hence_o evident_a that_o the_o perpetual_a continuation_n of_o the_o church-state_n institute_v by_o christ_n under_o the_o gospel_n depend_v original_o on_o the_o grant_n of_o the_o kingdom_n unto_o he_o by_o his_o father_n with_o his_o faithfulness_n in_o that_o grant_n and_o his_o almighty_a power_n to_o make_v it_o good_a and_o they_o do_v but_o deceive_v themselves_o and_o trouble_v other_o who_o think_v of_o suspend_v this_o continuation_n on_o mean_a and_o low_a condition_n of_o their_o own_o frame_n 2._o the_o continuation_n of_o this_o church_n state_n depend_v on_o the_o promise_n of_o christ_n himself_o to_o preserve_v and_o continue_v it_o he_o have_v assure_v we_o that_o he_o will_v so_o build_v his_o church_n on_o the_o rock_n that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o matth._n 16.18_o under_o what_o consideration_n soever_o the_o church_n be_v here_o first_o intend_v the_o whole_a state_n of_o it_o as_o before_o describe_v be_v include_v in_o the_o promise_n if_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n do_v prevail_v either_o against_o the_o faith_n of_o sincere_a believer_n or_o the_o catholic_n profession_n of_o that_o faith_n or_o the_o expression_n of_o that_o profession_n in_o the_o duty_n and_o ordinance_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o particular_a church_n the_o promise_n fail_v and_o be_v of_o no_o effect_n 3._o it_o depend_v on_o the_o word_n or_o law_n of_o christ_n which_o give_v right_a and_o title_n unto_o all_o believer_n to_o congregate_v themselves_o in_o such_o a_o church-state_n with_o rule_n and_o command_v for_o their_o so_o do_v suppose_v 1_o that_o there_o be_v a_o number_n of_o believer_n of_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n in_o any_o such_o place_n as_o wherein_o they_o can_v assemble_v and_o unite_v themselves_o or_o join_v together_o in_o a_o society_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n 2_o that_o they_o be_v as_o yet_o in_o no_o church_n state_n nor_o do_v know_v or_o own_o any_o power_n of_o man_n that_o can_v put_v they_o into_o that_o state_n i_o say_v the_o institution_n of_o this_o church-state_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n his_o command_n unto_o his_o disciple_n to_o observe_v therein_o whatever_o he_o have_v command_v and_o the_o rule_n he_o have_v give_v whereby_o such_o a_o church-state_n be_v to_o be_v erect_v what_o officer_n be_v to_o preâ—ide_v therein_o and_o what_o other_o duty_n belong_v thereunto_o be_v warranty_n sufficient_a for_o they_o to_o join_v themselves_o in_o such_o a_o sâ—ate_n who_o shall_v make_v it_o unlawful_a for_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n to_o obey_v the_o command_n of_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n who_o shall_v make_v it_o lawful_a for_o they_o to_o neglect_v what_o he_o require_v at_o any_o time_n wherever_o therefore_o man_n have_v the_o word_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o teach_v they_o their_o duty_n it_o be_v lawful_a for_o they_o to_o comply_v with_o all_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n contain_v therein_o and_o whereas_o there_o be_v many_o privilege_n and_o â—owers_n accompany_v this_o church-state_n and_o those_o who_o be_v intere_v therein_o be_v as_o such_o the_o especial_a object_n of_o many_o divine_a promise_n this_o word_n and_o law_n of_o christ_n do_v make_v a_o conveyance_n of_o they_o all_o unto_o those_o who_o in_o obedience_n unto_o his_o institution_n and_o command_n do_v enter_v into_o that_o state_n by_o the_o way_n &_o mean_n that_o he_o have_v appoint_v whilst_o we_o hear_v â—im_v according_a to_o the_o reiterated_a direction_n give_v we_o from_o heaven_n whilst_o we_o do_v and_o observe_v all_o that_o he_o have_v command_v we_o we_o need_v not_o fear_v that_o promise_a presence_n of_o he_o with_o we_o which_o bring_v along_o with_o it_o all_o church_n power_n and_o privilege_n also_o wherefore_o this_o state_n can_v have_v no_o intercision_n but_o on_o a_o supposition_n that_o there_o be_v none_o in_o the_o world_n who_o be_v willing_a to_o obey_v the_o command_n of_o christ_n which_o utter_o overthrow_v the_o very_a be_v of_o the_o church_n catholic_n 4._o it_o depend_v on_o the_o communication_n of_o spiritual_a gift_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n in_o this_o church-state_n as_o be_v express_o declare_v ephes._n 4.8.11_o 12_o 13_o 14_o 15._o the_o continuation_n of_o the_o church_n as_o unto_o the_o essence_n of_o it_o depend_v on_o the_o communication_n of_o save_a grace_n if_o christ_n shall_v no_o more_o give_v of_o his_o grace_n and_o spirit_n unto_o man_n there_o will_v be_v no_o more_o church_n in_o the_o world_n as_o unto_o its_o internal_a form_n and_o essence_n but_o the_o continuation_n of_o the_o church_n as_o it_o be_v organical_a that_o be_v a_o society_n incorporate_v according_a unto_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n with_o ruler_n and_o officer_n for_o the_o authoritative_a administration_n of_o all_o its_o concern_v especial_o for_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n and_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n depend_v on_o the_o communication_n of_o spiritual_a gift_n and_o ability_n and_o if_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n shall_v withhold_v the_o communication_n of_o spiritual_a gift_n this_o church-state_n must_v cease_v a_o image_n of_o it_o may_v be_v erect_v but_o the_o true_a church_n state_n will_v fail_v for_o that_o will_v hold_v no_o long_o but_o whilst_o the_o whole_a body_n fit_o join_v together_o and_o compact_v by_o that_o which_o every_o joint_n supply_v according_a to_o the_o effectual_a work_n in_o the_o measure_n of_o every_o part_n make_v increase_v of_o thâ—_n body_n and_o the_o edify_n of_o itself_o in_o love_n ephes._n 4.16_o whilst_o it_o hold_v the_o head_n etc._n etc._n col._n 2.19_o such_o dead_a lifeless_a image_n be_v many_o church_n in_o the_o world_n but_o this_o communication_n of_o spiritual_a gift_n unto_o the_o use_n of_o his_o disciple_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n the_o lord_n christ_n have_v take_v the_o charge_n of_o on_o himself_o as_o he_o be_v faithful_a in_o the_o administration_n of_o his_o kingly_a power_n ephes._n 4.18.11_o 12_o 13_o 14._o whereas_o therefore_o the_o lord_n christ_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o right_n and_o power_n on_o the_o grant_n of_o the_o father_n of_o a_o perpetual_a visible_a kingdom_n in_o this_o world_n and_o the_o discharge_v of_o his_o own_o promise_n have_v 1_o appoint_v the_o ordinary_a office_n which_o he_o will_v have_v continue_v in_o his_o church_n by_o a_o unalterable_a institution_n 2_o ordain_v that_o person_n shall_v be_v call_v and_o set_v apart_o unto_o those_o office_n and_o for_o the_o discharge_v of_o that_o work_n and_o those_o duty_n which_o he_o have_v declare_v to_o belong_v thereunto_o 3_o furnish_v they_o with_o gift_n and_o ability_n for_o this_o work_n and_o declare_v what_o their_o spiritual_a qualification_n and_o moral_a endowment_n ought_v to_o be_v 4_o make_v it_o the_o duty_n of_o believer_n to_o observe_v all_o his_o institution_n and_o command_n whereof_o those_o which_o concern_v the_o erection_n and_o continuance_n of_o this_o church-state_n be_v the_o principal_a and_o 5_o have_v in_o their_o so_o do_v or_o their_o observance_n of_o all_o his_o command_n promise_v his_o presence_n with_o they_o by_o which_o as_o by_o a_o charter_n of_o right_n he_o have_v convey_v unto_o they_o a_o interest_n in_o all_o the_o power_n privilege_n and_o promise_n that_o belong_v unto_o this_o state_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o its_o perpetual_a continuation_n depend_v hereon_o and_o be_v secure_v hereby_o
he_o have_v not_o leave_v this_o great_a concernment_n of_o his_o glory_n unto_o the_o will_n of_o man_n or_o any_o order_n they_o shall_v think_v meet_a to_o appoint_v last_o as_o a_o mean_n of_o it_o it_o depend_v on_o three_o thing_n in_o believer_n themselves_o 1_o a_o due_a sense_n of_o their_o duty_n to_o be_v find_v in_o obedience_n unto_o all_o the_o command_v of_o christ._n hereby_o they_o find_v themselves_o indispensible_o oblige_v unto_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v necessary_a unto_o the_o continuation_n of_o this_o state_n and_o that_o all_o believer_n shall_v absolute_o at_o any_o time_n live_v in_o a_o total_a neglect_n of_o their_o duty_n though_o they_o may_v great_o mistake_v in_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o performance_n be_v not_o to_o be_v suppose_v 2_o the_o instinct_n of_o the_o new_a creature_n and_o those_o in_o who_o it_o be_v so_o associate_v themselves_o in_o holy_a communion_n for_o the_o joint_n and_o mutual_a exercise_n of_o those_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v the_o same_o as_o unto_o the_o essence_n of_o they_o in_o they_o all_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n in_o and_o unto_o his_o church_n as_o unto_o all_o outward_a obedience_n be_v suit_v unto_o those_o inward_a principle_n and_o inclination_n which_o by_o his_o spirit_n and_o grace_n he_o have_v implant_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o they_o that_o believe_v hence_o his_o yoke_n be_v easy_a and_o his_o commandment_n be_v not_o grievous_a and_o therefore_o none_o of_o his_o true_a disciple_n since_o he_o have_v a_o church_n upon_o the_o earth_n do_v or_o can_v satisfy_v themselves_o in_o their_o own_o faith_n and_o obedience_n singular_o and_o personal_o but_o will_v venture_v their_o life_n and_o all_o that_o be_v dear_a unto_o they_o for_o communion_n with_o other_o and_o the_o associate_a themselves_o with_o they_o of_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o way_n for_o the_o observance_n of_o the_o command_v of_o christ._n the_o martyr_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n of_o old_a lose_v more_o of_o their_o blood_n and_o life_n for_o their_o meeting_n and_o assembly_n than_o for_o personal_a profession_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o so_o also_o have_v other_o do_v under_o the_o roman_a apostasy_n it_o be_v a_o usual_a plea_n among_o they_o who_o engage_v in_o the_o persecution_n or_o punishment_n of_o such_o as_o differ_v from_o they_o that_o if_o they_o please_v they_o may_v keep_v their_o opinion_n their_o conscience_n and_o faith_n unto_o themselves_o without_o meeting_n for_o communion_n or_o public_a worship_n and_o herein_o they_o suppose_v they_o deal_v friendly_a and_o gentle_o with_o they_o and_o this_o be_v our_o present_a case_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o as_o tertullian_n observe_v of_o old_a that_o man_n in_o these_o thing_n have_v no_o power_n over_o we_o but_o what_o they_o have_v from_o our_o own_o will_n we_o willing_o choose_v to_o be_v and_o to_o continue_v what_o they_o take_v advantage_n to_o give_v we_o trouble_v for_o and_o it_o be_v natural_o in_o our_o power_n to_o free_v ourselves_o from_o they_o and_o their_o law_n every_o day_n but_o we_o like_v it_o not_o we_o can_v purchase_v outward_a peace_n and_o quietness_n at_o any_o such_o rate_n but_o as_o be_v say_v the_o inward_a instinct_n of_o believer_n from_o the_o same_o principle_n of_o faith_n love_n and_o all_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o they_o all_o do_v efficacious_o lead_v and_o incline_v they_o unto_o their_o joint_a exercise_n in_o society_n unto_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o own_o edification_n or_o increase_v of_o the_o same_o grace_n in_o they_o when_o this_o appear_v to_o be_v under_o the_o guidance_n of_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n as_o unto_o the_o way_n of_o communion_n lead_v unto_o and_o to_o consist_v in_o a_o compliance_n therewithal_o they_o find_v themselves_o under_o a_o indispensible_a obligation_n unto_o it_o nor_o have_v the_o lord_n christ_n leave_v they_o liberty_n to_o make_v a_o composition_n for_o their_o outward_a peace_n and_o to_o purchase_v quietness_n with_o forego_v any_o part_n of_o their_o duty_n herein_o this_o therefore_o i_o say_v be_v a_o mean_n and_o cause_n on_o the_o part_n of_o believer_n themselves_o of_o the_o continuation_n of_o this_o church-state_n for_o this_o instinct_n of_o believer_n lead_v they_o unto_o communion_n which_o be_v a_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o law_n and_o command_n of_o christ_n give_v direction_n how_o and_o in_o what_o way_n it_o be_v to_o be_v attain_v and_o exercise_v bind_v and_o oblige_v they_o unto_o the_o continuation_n of_o this_o state_n and_o the_o decay_n of_o this_o inward_a principle_n in_o they_o that_o profess_v christian_a religion_n have_v be_v the_o great_a and_o almost_o only_a ground_n of_o its_o neglect_n 3._o the_o open_a evidence_n there_o be_v that_o sundry_a duty_n require_v of_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n can_v never_o be_v perform_v in_o a_o due_a manner_n but_o where_o believer_n be_v bring_v into_o this_o state_n which_o that_o they_o shall_v enter_v into_o be_v therefore_o in_o the_o first_o place_n require_v of_o they_o what_o these_o duty_n be_v will_v afterward_o appear_v on_o these_o sure_a ground_n be_v found_v the_o continuation_n of_o the_o gospel_n church-state_n under_o ordinary_a officer_n after_o the_o decease_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o so_o far_o secure_v as_o that_o nothing_o needs_o be_v add_v unto_o they_o for_o that_o end_n do_v but_o suppose_v that_o the_o lord_n christ_n yet_o live_v in_o heaven_n in_o the_o discharge_v of_o his_o mediatory_a office_n that_o he_o have_v give_v his_o word_n for_o a_o perpetual_a law_n unto_o all_o his_o disciple_n and_o a_o charter_n to_o convey_v spiritual_a privilege_n unto_o they_o that_o he_o abide_v to_o communicate_v gift_n for_o the_o ministry_n unto_o man_n and_o that_o there_o be_v any_o believer_n in_o the_o world_n who_o know_v it_o to_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o all_o the_o command_v of_o christ._n and_o have_v any_o internal_a principle_n incline_v they_o to_o that_o which_o they_o profess_v to_o believe_v as_o a_o fundamental_a article_n of_o their_o faith_n namely_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n and_o no_o man_n be_v desire_v to_o prove_v the_o certainty_n and_o necessity_n of_o the_o continuance_n of_o this_o state_n but_o there_o be_v some_o who_o maintain_v that_o the_o continuation_n and_o preservation_n of_o this_o church_n state_n depend_v sole_o on_o a_o successive_a ordination_n of_o church_n officer_n from_o the_o apostle_n and_o so_o down_o throughout_o all_o age_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n for_o this_o they_o say_v be_v the_o only_a mean_n of_o convey_v church_n power_n from_o one_o time_n to_o another_o so_o as_o that_o if_o it_o fail_v all_o church-state_n order_n and_o power_n must_v fall_v never_o in_o this_o world_n to_o be_v recover_v there_o be_v they_o say_v a_o flux_n of_o power_n through_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o ordainer_n unto_o the_o ordain_v by_o virtue_n of_o their_o outward_a ordination_n whereon_o the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n do_v depend_v howbeit_o those_o who_o use_v this_o plea_n be_v not_o at_o all_o agree_v about_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v essential_a in_o and_o unto_o this_o successive_a ordination_n some_o think_v that_o the_o lord_n christ_n commit_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n unto_o peter_n only_o and_o he_o to_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n alone_o from_o who_o person_n therefore_o all_o their_o ordination_n must_v be_v derive_v some_o think_v and_o those_o on_o various_a ground_n that_o it_o be_v commit_v unto_o all_o and_o only_o diocesan_n bishop_n who_o be_v and_o begin_v be_v very_o uncertain_a other_o require_v no_o more_o unto_o it_o but_o that_o presbyter_n be_v ordain_v by_o presbyter_n who_o be_v reject_v in_o their_o plea_n by_o both_o the_o former_a sort_n and_o other_o difference_n almost_o innumerable_a among_o they_o who_o be_v thus_o mind_v may_v be_v reckon_v up_o but_o whereas_o this_o whole_a argument_n about_o personal_n successive_a ordination_n have_v be_v full_o handle_v and_o the_o pretence_n of_o it_o disprove_v by_o the_o chief_a protestant_a writer_n against_o the_o papist_n and_o because_o i_o design_v not_o a_o opposition_n unto_o what_o other_o think_v and_o do_v but_o the_o declaration_n and_o confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n in_o what_o we_o have_v propose_v to_o insist_v upon_o i_o shall_v very_o brief_o discover_v the_o falseness_n of_o this_o pretence_n and_o pass_v on_o unto_o what_o be_v principal_o intend_v in_o this_o discourse_n 1._o the_o church_n be_v before_o all_o its_o ordinary_a officer_n and_o therefore_o its_o continuation_n can_v depend_v on_o their_o successive_a ordination_n it_o be_v so_o as_o essential_o consider_v though_o its_o be_v organical_a be_v simultaneous_a with_o their_o ordination_n extraordinary_a officer_n be_v before_o the_o
obedience_n unto_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n in_o its_o integrity_n for_o the_o first_o the_o scripture_n be_v full_a of_o prediction_n all_o confirm_v in_o the_o event_n that_o after_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n there_o shall_v be_v various_a attempt_n to_o wrest_v corrupt_v and_o pervert_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o bring_v in_o pernicious_a error_n and_o heresy_n to_o prevent_v or_o reprove_v and_o remove_v they_o be_v no_o small_a part_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o ministerial_a office_n in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o word_n but_o whereas_o those_o who_o teach_v such_o perverse_a thing_n do_v for_o the_o most_o part_n arise_v at_o first_o in_o the_o church_n themselves_o act._n 20.30_o 2_o pet._n 2.1_o 1_o john_n 2.19_o as_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n be_v appoint_v for_o the_o rebuke_n of_o the_o doctrine_n themselves_o so_o this_o discipline_n be_v ordain_v in_o the_o church_n with_o respect_n unto_o the_o person_n of_o they_o by_o who_o they_o be_v teach_v rev._n 2.2.14_o 20._o 3_o joh._n 8.9_o gal._n 5.12_o and_o so_o also_o it_o be_v with_o respect_n unto_o schism_n and_o division_n that_o may_v fall_v out_o in_o the_o church_n the_o way_n of_o suppress_v thing_n of_o this_o nature_n by_o external_a force_n by_o the_o sword_n of_o magistrate_n in_o prison_n fine_n banishment_n and_o death_n be_v not_o then_o think_v of_o nor_o direct_v unto_o by_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n but_o be_v high_o dishonourable_a unto_o he_o as_o though_o the_o way_n of_o his_o own_o appointment_n be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o the_o preservation_n of_o his_o own_o truth_n but_o that_o his_o disciple_n must_v betake_v themselves_o unto_o the_o secular_a power_n of_o this_o world_n who_o for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v wicked_a profane_a and_o ignorant_a of_o the_o truth_n for_o that_o end_n and_o hereunto_o belong_v the_o preservation_n of_o his_o command_n in_o the_o integrity_n of_o obedience_n for_o he_o appoint_v that_o hereby_o care_n shall_v be_v take_v of_o the_o way_n walking_n and_o conversation_n of_o his_o disciple_n that_o in_o all_o thing_n it_o shall_v be_v such_o as_o become_v the_o gospel_n hence_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o discipline_n he_o ordain_v to_o consist_v in_o exhortation_n admonition_n reproof_n of_o any_o that_o shall_v offend_v in_o thing_n moral_a or_o of_o his_o especial_a institution_n with_o the_o total_a rejection_n of_o they_o be_v obstinate_a in_o their_o offence_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v afterward_o 2._o the_o second_o end_n of_o it_o be_v to_o preserve_v love_n entire_a among_o his_o disciple_n this_o be_v that_o which_o he_o give_v in_o especial_a charge_n unto_o all_o that_o shall_v believe_v in_o his_o name_n take_v the_o command_n of_o it_o to_o be_v his_o own_o in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n and_o declare_v our_o observance_n of_o it_o to_o be_v the_o principal_a pledge_n and_o evidence_n of_o our_o be_v his_o disciple_n for_o although_o mutual_a love_n be_v a_o old_a commandment_n belong_v both_o unto_o the_o moral_a law_n and_o sundry_a injunction_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n yet_o the_o degree_n and_o measure_n of_o it_o the_o way_n and_o duty_n of_o its_o exercise_n the_o motive_n unto_o it_o and_o reason_n for_o it_o be_v whole_o his_o own_o whereby_o it_o become_v a_o new_a commandment_n also_o for_o the_o preservation_n and_o continuance_n of_o this_o love_n which_o he_o lay_v so_o great_a weight_n upon_o be_v this_o discipline_n appoint_v which_o it_o be_v several_a way_n effectual_a towards_o as_o 1_o in_o the_o prevention_n or_o removal_n of_o offence_n that_o may_v arise_v among_o believer_n to_o the_o impeachment_n of_o it_o matth._n 18.15_o 16_o 17_o 2_o in_o that_o watch_n over_o each_o other_o with_o mutual_a exhortation_n and_o admonition_n without_o which_o this_o love_n let_v man_n pretend_v what_o they_o please_v will_v not_o be_v preserve_v that_o which_o keep_v either_o life_n or_o soul_n in_o christian_a love_n consist_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o those_o grace_n mutual_o and_o the_o discharge_v of_o those_o duty_n whereby_o they_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o the_o fruit_n of_o love_n in_o one_o another_o and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n those_o who_o pretend_v high_o unto_o the_o preservation_n of_o love_n by_o their_o come_n to_o the_o same_o church_n who_o dwell_v in_o the_o same_o parish_n have_v not_o so_o much_o as_o the_o carcase_n nay_o not_o a_o shadow_n of_o it_o in_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o lord_n christ_n it_o be_v appoint_v that_o this_o love_n so_o strict_o by_o he_o enjoin_v unto_o we_o so_o expressive_a of_o his_o own_o wisdom_n and_o love_n shall_v be_v preserve_v continue_v and_o increase_v by_o the_o due_a and_o constant_a discharge_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o mutual_a exhortation_n admonition_n prayer_n and_o watchful_a care_n over_o one_o another_o rom._n 15.14_o 1_o thes._n 5_o 11_o 12._o 2_o thes._n 3.15_o heb._n 3.12_o 13._o ch._n 12.15_o 16._o 3._o a_o three_o end_v of_o it_o be_v that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o due_a representation_n of_o his_o own_o love_n care_n tenderness_n patience_n meekness_n in_o the_o act_n of_o his_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n where_o this_o be_v not_o observe_v and_o design_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o church_n discipline_n i_o will_v not_o say_v it_o be_v antichristian_a but_o will_v say_v it_o be_v high_o injurious_a and_o dishonourable_a unto_o he_o for_o all_o church_n power_n be_v in_o he_o and_o derive_v from_o he_o nor_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n which_o belong_v unto_o it_o but_o it_o must_v be_v act_v in_o his_o name_n and_o esteem_v both_o for_o the_o manner_n and_o matter_n of_o it_o to_o be_v his_o act_n and_o deed._n for_o man_n therefore_o to_o pretend_v unto_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o discipline_n in_o a_o worldly_a frame_n of_o spirit_n with_o pride_n and_o passion_n by_o trick_n of_o law_n and_o canon_n in_o court_n foreign_a to_o the_o church_n themselves_o which_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v under_o this_o discipline_n it_o be_v a_o woeful_a and_o scandalous_a representation_n of_o christ_n his_o wisdom_n care_n and_o love_n towards_o his_o church_n but_o as_o for_o his_o discipline_n he_o have_v ordain_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v exercise_v in_o and_o with_o meekness_n patience_n gentleness_n evidence_n of_o zeal_n for_o the_o good_a and_o compassion_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n with_o gravity_n and_o authority_n so_o as_o that_o therein_o all_o the_o holy_a affection_n of_o his_o mind_n towards_o his_o church_n or_o any_o in_o it_o in_o their_o mistake_n fail_n and_o miscarriage_n may_v be_v due_o represent_v as_o well_o as_o his_o authority_n act_v among_o they_o isa._n 40.11_o 2_o cor._n 10.1_o gal._n 5.22.23_o 1_o thes._n 2.7_o 2_o tim._n 2.24_o 25_o 26._o jam._n 3.17_o 1_o cor._n 13._o 4._o it_o be_v in_o part_n appoint_v to_o be_v a_o evidence_n and_o pledge_n of_o the_o future_a judgement_n wherein_o the_o whole_a church_n shall_v be_v judge_v before_o the_o throne_n of_o christ_n jesus_n for_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o discipline_n christ_n be_v on_o his_o own_o judgement_n seat_n in_o the_o church_n nor_o may_v any_o man_n pronounce_v any_o sentence_n but_o what_o he_o believe_v that_o christ_n himself_o will_v pronounce_v be_v he_o visible_o present_a and_o what_o be_v according_a to_o his_o mind_n as_o declare_v in_o his_o word_n hence_o tertullian_n call_v the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n in_o the_o church_n futuri_fw-la judicii_fw-la praejudicium_fw-la a_o representation_n of_o the_o future_a judgement_n 4._o in_o all_o that_o degeneracy_n which_o the_o christian_a profess_v church_n have_v fall_v into_o in_o faith_n worship_n and_o manner_n there_o be_v no_o instance_n can_v exceed_v the_o corruption_n of_o this_o divine_a institution_n for_o that_o which_o be_v the_o honour_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n and_o a_o effectual_a mean_n to_o represent_v he_o in_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o love_n and_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o grace_n in_o the_o church_n unto_o the_o bless_a end_n now_o declare_v be_v turn_v into_o a_o domination_n earthly_a and_o secular_a exercise_v in_o a_o profane_a litigious_a unintelligible_a process_n according_a unto_o the_o art_n way_n and_o term_n of_o the_o worst_a of_o law_n court_n by_o person_n for_o the_o most_o part_n remote_a from_o any_o just_a pretence_n of_o the_o least_o interest_n in_o church_n power_n on_o cause_n and_o for_o end_n foreign_a unto_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o a_o tyranny_n over_o the_o conscience_n and_o over_o the_o person_n of_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n unto_o the_o intolerable_a scandal_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o rule_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n as_o be_v evident_a in_o the_o state_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o these_o be_v the_o general_a end_n of_o the_o institution_n
it_o in_o the_o church_n ascribe_v a_o alike_a dignity_n and_o power_n unto_o the_o prelate_n of_o those_o city_n and_o a_o jurisdiction_n extend_v itself_o unto_o nation_n diocese_n and_o province_n hereby_o the_o lesser_a congregation_n or_o parochial_a church_n be_v weaken_v in_o process_n of_o time_n in_o their_o gift_n and_o interest_n be_v swallow_v up_o in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o other_o and_o become_v only_o inconsiderable_a appendix_n unto_o they_o to_o be_v rule_v at_o their_o pleasure_n but_o these_o thing_n fall_v out_o long_o after_o the_o time_n which_o we_o inquire_v into_o only_o their_o occasion_n begin_v to_o present_v itself_o unto_o man_n of_o corrupt_a mind_n from_o the_o beginning_n but_o we_o have_v before_o at_o large_a discourse_v of_o they_o 4._o some_o church_n have_v a_o great_a advantage_n in_o that_o the_o gospel_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v go_v forth_o from_o they_o unto_o other_o they_o in_o their_o ministry_n be_v the_o mean_v first_o of_o the_o conversion_n of_o other_o unto_o the_o faith_n and_o then_o of_o their_o gather_n into_o a_o church-state_n afford_v they_o assistance_n in_o all_o thing_n they_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o hence_o there_o new_o form_v church_n in_o lesser_a town_n and_o village_n have_v always_o a_o great_a reverence_n for_o the_o church_n by_o who_o mean_n they_o be_v convert_v unto_o god_n and_o state_v in_o church_n order_n and_o it_o be_v meet_v that_o so_o they_o shall_v have_v but_o in_o process_n of_o time_n as_o these_o lesser_a church_n decrease_v in_o spiritual_a gift_n and_o fall_v under_o a_o scarcity_n of_o able_a guide_n this_o reverence_n be_v turn_v into_o obedience_n and_o dependence_n and_o they_o think_v it_o well_o enough_o to_o be_v under_o the_o rule_n of_o other_o be_v unable_a well_o to_o rule_v themselves_o on_o these_o and_o the_o like_a account_n there_o be_v quick_o introduce_v a_o inequality_n among_o church_n which_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o first_o institution_n be_v equal_a as_o unto_o state_n and_o power_n 4._o church_n may_v admit_v of_o many_o variation_n as_o unto_o their_o outward_a form_n and_o order_n which_o yet_o change_v not_o their_o state_n nor_o cause_v they_o to_o cease_v from_o be_v congregational_a as_o 1._o suppose_v that_o any_o of_o they_o may_v have_v many_o elder_n or_o presbyter_n in_o they_o as_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o most_o of_o they_o have_v yea_o all_o that_o be_v mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n have_v so_o act._n 11.30_o chap._n 14.23_o chap._n 15.6_o 22_o 23._o chap._n 16.4_o chap._n 20.17_o 18._o chap._n 21.18_o phil._n 1.1.1_o tim._n 5.17_o tit._n 1.5_o they_o may_v and_o some_o of_o they_o do_v choose_v out_o some_o one_o endue_v with_o especial_a gift_n that_o may_v in_o some_o sort_n preside_v among_o they_o and_o who_o have_v quick_o the_o name_n of_o bishop_n appropriate_v unto_o he_o this_o practice_n be_v think_v to_o have_v have_v its_o original_a at_o alexandria_n and_o begin_v general_o to_o be_v receive_v in_o the_o 3_o century_n but_o this_o change_v not_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n though_o it_o have_v no_o divine_a warrant_n to_o authorise_v it_o for_o this_o order_n may_v be_v agree_v unto_o among_o the_o elder_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n and_o sundry_a thing_n may_v fall_v out_o incline_v unto_o the_o reception_n of_o it_o but_o from_o a_o distinct_a mention_n if_o any_o such_o there_o be_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o second_o century_n of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n to_o fancy_n metropolitical_n and_o diocesan_n church_n be_v but_o a_o pleasant_a dream_n 2._o the_o member_n of_o these_o church_n that_o be_v great_a and_o numerous_a be_v under_o the_o care_n and_o inspection_n of_o their_o elder_n in_o common_a may_v for_o the_o ordinary_a duty_n of_o divine_a worship_n meâ—t_n in_o part_n or_o several_a actual_a assembly_n and_o they_o do_v so_o especial_o in_o time_n of_o persecution_n nothing_o occur_v more_o frequent_o in_o ecclesiastical_a story_n than_o the_o meeting_n of_o christian_n in_o secret_a place_n in_o private_a house_n yea_o in_o cave_n and_o den_n of_o the_o earth_n when_o in_o some_o place_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v so_o assemble_v together_o how_o this_o disposition_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n into_o several_a part_n in_o each_o of_o which_o some_o elder_a or_o elder_n of_o it_o do_v officiate_v give_v occasion_n unto_o the_o distinction_n of_o great_a church_n into_o particular_a title_n or_o parish_n be_v not_o here_o to_o be_v declare_v it_o may_v be_v so_o elsewhere_o but_o neither_o yet_o do_v this_o alter_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n from_o their_o original_a institution_n for_o 3._o upon_o all_o extraordinary_a occasion_n all_o such_o as_o concern_v the_o whole_a church_n as_o the_o choice_n of_o elder_n or_o the_o deposition_n of_o they_o the_o admission_n or_o exclusion_n of_o member_n and_o the_o like_a the_o whole_a church_n continue_v to_o meet_v together_o which_o practice_n be_v plain_o continue_v in_o the_o day_n of_o cyprian_a as_o we_o shall_v see_v afterward_o neither_o do_v it_o appear_v but_o that_o during_o the_o first_o 200_o year_n of_o the_o church_n the_o whole_a body_n oâ—_n the_o church_n do_v ordinary_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n for_o the_o solemn_a administration_n of_o the_o holy_a ordinance_n of_o worship_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n wherefore_o notwithstanding_o these_o and_o other_o the_o like_a variation_n from_o the_o original_a institution_n of_o church_n which_o come_v in_o partly_o by_o inadvertency_n unto_o the_o rule_n and_o partly_o be_v receive_v from_o the_o advantage_n and_o accommodation_n which_o they_o pretend_v unto_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n continue_v congregational_a only_o for_o 200_o year_n so_o far_o as_o can_v be_v gather_v from_o the_o remain_a monument_n of_o those_o time_n only_o we_o must_v yet_o add_v that_o we_o be_v no_o way_n concern_v in_o testimony_n or_o say_n take_v from_o the_o write_n of_o those_o in_o follow_v age_n as_o unto_o the_o state_n way_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o season_n but_o do_v appeal_n unto_o their_o own_o write_n only_o this_o be_v the_o great_a artifice_n whereby_o baronius_n in_o his_o annal_n will_v impose_v upon_o the_o credulity_n of_o man_n a_o apprehension_n of_o the_o antiquity_n of_o any_o of_o their_o roman_a invention_n he_o affix_v they_o unto_o some_o of_o the_o first_o age_n and_o give_v some_o countenance_n unto_o they_o it_o may_v be_v from_o some_o spurious_a write_n lay_v the_o weight_n of_o confirmation_n on_o testimony_n and_o say_n of_o writer_n many_o year_n yea_o for_o the_o most_o part_n age_n afterward_o for_o it_o be_v and_o be_v of_o the_o latter_a age_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o use_n and_o custom_n have_v wrest_v ecclesiastical_a word_n to_o other_o signification_n than_o at_o first_o they_o be_v apply_v unto_o to_o impose_v the_o present_a state_n of_o thing_n among_o they_o on_o these_o who_o go_v before_o who_o know_v nothing_o of_o they_o i_o shall_v therefore_o brief_o inquire_v into_o what_o representation_n be_v make_v of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n by_o the_o writer_n themselves_o who_o have_v in_o the_o season_n inquire_v after_o or_o in_o the_o age_n next_o unto_o it_o which_o be_v acquaint_v with_o their_o practice_n that_o which_o first_o offer_v itself_o unto_o we_o and_o which_o be_v a_o invaluable_a testimony_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o first_o church_n immediate_o after_o the_o decease_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v the_o epistle_n of_o clemens_n romanus_n unto_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n this_o epistle_n according_a to_o the_o title_n of_o it_o irenaeus_n ascribe_v unto_o the_o whole_a church_n at_o rome_n and_o call_v it_o potentissimas_fw-la literas_fw-la sub_fw-la hoc_fw-la clement_n dissensione_n non_fw-la modica_fw-la inter_fw-la â—os_v qui_fw-la corinthi_n erant_fw-la fratres_fw-la facta_fw-la scripsit_fw-la quae_fw-la est_fw-la romae_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la potentissimas_fw-la literas_fw-la lib._n 3._o cap._n 3._o by_o eusebius_n it_o be_v term_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d great_a and_o admirable_a who_o also_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v public_o read_v in_o some_o church_n ecclesiast_n hist._n lib._n 3._o cap._n 14._o and_o again_o he_o call_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o most_o powerful_a writing_n lib._n 5._o cap._n 7._o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o some_o thing_n in_o the_o write_n of_o it_o do_v befall_v he_o humanitû_n that_o the_o work_n of_o such_o a_o companion_n of_o some_o of_o the_o apostle_n as_o he_o be_v may_v not_o be_v receive_v as_o of_o divine_a institution_n such_o be_v the_o credit_n which_o he_o give_v unto_o the_o vulgar_a fable_n of_o the_o phoenix_n but_o for_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o it_o be_v such_o as_o every_o way_n become_v a_o
their_o state_n as_o to_o make_v way_n for_o those_o great_a alteration_n which_o not_o long_o after_o ensue_v for_o they_o be_v not_o introduce_v until_o through_o a_o defect_n in_o the_o multiplication_n of_o church_n in_o a_o equality_n of_o power_n and_o order_n which_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v do_v they_o be_v increase_v into_o that_o multitude_n for_o number_n of_o member_n and_o be_v so_o diffuse_v as_o unto_o their_o habitation_n as_o make_v a_o appearance_n of_o a_o necessity_n of_o another_o constitution_n of_o church_n and_o another_o kind_n of_o rule_n than_o what_o be_v of_o original_a appointment_n justin_n martyr_n write_v his_o second_o apology_n for_o the_o christian_n unto_o the_o roman_a emperor_n about_o the_o year_n 150._o it_o be_v marvellous_a to_o consider_v how_o ignorant_a not_o only_o the_o common_a sort_n of_o the_o pagan_n but_o the_o philosopher_n also_o and_o governor_n of_o the_o nation_n be_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o christian_a church_n and_o of_o the_o worship_n celebrate_v in_o they_o but_o who_o be_v so_o blind_a as_o those_o who_o will_v not_o see_v even_o unto_o this_o day_n not_o a_o few_o be_v willing_o or_o rather_o wilful_o ignorant_a of_o the_o nature_n of_o such_o assembly_n or_o what_o be_v perform_v in_o they_o as_o be_v among_o the_o primitive_a christian_n that_o they_o may_v be_v at_o liberty_n to_o speak_v all_o manner_n of_o evil_n of_o they_o false_o hence_o be_v all_o the_o report_n and_o story_n among_o the_o heathen_a concern_v what_o be_v do_v in_o the_o christian_a conventicle_n which_o they_o will_v have_v to_o be_v the_o most_o abominable_a villainy_n that_o be_v ever_o act_v by_o mankind_n even_o thâ—se_a who_o make_v the_o most_o candid_a enquiry_n into_o what_o they_o be_v and_o do_v attain_v unto_o very_o little_a knowledge_n or_o certainty_n concern_v they_o and_o their_o mystery_n as_o be_v evident_a in_o the_o epistle_n of_o trajan_n and_o pliny_n with_o the_o rescript_n of_o adrian_n unto_o minucius_n fundanus_n about_o they_o in_o this_o state_n of_o thing_n this_o our_o great_a and_o learned_a philosopher_n who_o afterward_o suffer_v martyrdom_n about_o the_o year_n 160_o undertake_v to_o give_v a_o account_n unto_o antoninus_n pius_fw-la and_o lucius_n who_o then_o rule_v the_o roman_a empire_n of_o the_o nature_n order_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o that_o in_o such_o a_o excellent_a manner_n as_o that_o i_o know_v nothing_o material_a that_o can_v be_v add_v unto_o it_o be_v a_o account_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n to_o be_v give_v unto_o alike_a person_n at_o this_o day_n we_o may_v touch_v a_o little_a upon_o some_o head_n of_o it_o 1._o he_o declare_v the_o conversion_n of_o man_n unto_o the_o faith_n as_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o their_o church-order_n and_o worship_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o many_o as_o be_v persuade_v and_o do_v believe_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v true_a which_o be_v teach_v and_o speak_v by_o we_o and_o take_v upon_o themselves_o that_o they_o be_v able_a to_o live_v according_a to_o that_o doctrine_n they_o be_v teach_v to_o seek_v of_o god_n by_o fast_v and_o prayer_n the_o pardon_n of_o their_o foregoing_a sin_n and_o we_o also_o do_v join_v together_o with_o they_o in_o fast_v and_o prayer_n for_o that_o end_n and_o heâ—ein_o 1._o the_o only_a mean_n of_o conversion_n which_o he_o insist_o upon_o be_v the_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n or_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n wherein_o they_o especial_o insist_v on_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o person_n and_o officeâ—_n of_o christ_n as_o appear_v throughout_o his_o whole_a apology_n 2._o this_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n or_o declaration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n unto_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o hearer_n be_v do_v not_o confine_v unto_o any_o especial_a sort_n of_o person_n as_o â—e_n do_v afterward_o that_o administration_n of_o the_o holy_a thing_n in_o the_o church_n but_o speak_v of_o it_o in_o general_a as_o the_o work_n of_o all_o christian_n that_o be_v able_a for_o it_o as_o do_v the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 14.24_o 25._o 3._o those_o who_o be_v convert_v do_v two_o thing_n 1._o they_o profess_v their_o faith_n or_o assent_n unto_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o dotcrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n 2._o they_o take_v it_o on_o themselves_o to_o live_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o it_o to_o do_v and_o observe_v the_o thing_n command_v by_o jesus_n christ_n as_o he_o appoint_v they_o shall_v math._n 28.18_o 19_o 4._o to_o lay_v a_o sure_a and_o comfortable_a foundation_n of_o their_o future_a profession_n they_o be_v teach_v to_o confess_v their_o former_a sin_n and_o by_o earnest_a prayer_n with_o fasting_n to_o seek_v of_o god_n the_o pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n of_o they_o and_o 5._o herein_o such_o be_v their_o love_n and_o zeal_n those_o who_o have_v be_v the_o mean_n of_o their_o conversion_n join_v with_o they_o for_o their_o comfort_n and_o edification_n it_o be_v well_o know_v how_o this_o whole_a process_n be_v lose_v and_o on_o what_o account_v it_o be_v discontinue_v but_o whether_o it_o be_v do_v so_o unto_o the_o advantage_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o good_a of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v well_o worth_a a_o strict_a enquiry_n 2._o in_o the_o next_o place_n he_o declare_v how_o those_o who_o be_v so_o convert_v be_v conduct_v unto_o baptism_n and_o how_o they_o be_v initiate_v into_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n thereby_o 3._o when_o any_o be_v so_o baptise_a they_o bring_v he_o unto_o the_o church_n which_o he_o be_v to_o be_v join_v unto_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d him_n who_o be_v thus_o baptiâ—ed_v who_o believe_v and_o be_v receive_v by_o consent_n among_o 〈◊〉_d or_o to_o be_v of_o our_o number_n we_o bring_v he_o unto_o those_o call_v the_o brethren_n when_o they_o be_v meet_v or_o gather_v together_o for_o joint_a prayer_n and_o supplication_n for_o themselves_o and_o for_o he_o who_o be_v now_o illuminate_v and_o all_o other_o with_o intention_n of_o mind_n etc._n etc._n we_o have_v here_o another_o illustrious_a instance_n of_o the_o care_n and_o diligence_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n about_o the_o enstate_v profess_v believer_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n that_o hereon_o those_o who_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v make_v their_o public_a confession_n we_o shall_v afterward_o declare_v and_o the_o brethren_n here_o mention_v be_v the_o whole_a fraternity_n of_o the_o church_n who_o be_v concern_v in_o these_o thing_n and_o justin_n be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o declare_v by_o what_o name_n they_o call_v one_o another_o among_o themselves_o even_o to_o the_o heathen_a though_o it_o be_v now_o a_o scorn_n and_o reproach_n among_o they_o that_o be_v call_v christian_n 4._o he_o proceed_v to_o declare_v the_o nature_n of_o their_o church-meeting_n or_o assembly_n with_o the_o duty_n and_o worship_n of_o they_o and_o he_o tell_v we_o first_o that_o they_o have_v frequent_a meeting_n among_o themselves_o they_o that_o have_v any_o wealth_n say_v he_o do_v help_v the_o poor_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o we_o be_v continual_o together_o that_o be_v in_o the_o lesser_a occasional_a assembly_n of_o the_o brethren_n for_o so_o in_o the_o next_o place_n he_o add_v immediate_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d on_o the_o day_n call_v sunday_n there_o be_v a_o meeting_n of_o all_o that_o dwell_v in_o the_o town_n and_o field_n or_o village_n about_o this_o be_v the_o state_n the_o order_n the_o proceed_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o day_n of_o justin_n whence_o it_o be_v undeniable_o evident_a that_o he_o know_v no_o other_o church-state_n or_o order_n but_o that_o of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n who_o member_n live_v in_o any_o town_n or_o city_n or_o field_n adjacent_a do_v constant_o all_o of_o they_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n for_o the_o celebration_n of_o divine_a worship_n 5._o in_o this_o church_n he_o mention_n only_o two_o sort_n of_o officer_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d precedent_n and_o deacon_n of_o the_o first_o sort_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o one_o of_o their_o assembly_n â—e_v mention_n but_o one_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o precedent_n the_o ruler_n the_o bishop_n to_o who_o belong_v the_o administration_n of_o all_o the_o holy_a mystery_n and_o that_o we_o may_v not_o think_v that_o he_o be_v call_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o respect_n unto_o any_o pre-eminence_n over_o other_o minister_n or_o elder_n like_o a_o diocesan_n bishop_n he_o term_v he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o that_o preside_v over_o the_o brethren_n of_o that_o church_n now_o certain_o that_o church_n wherein_o one_o precedent_n elder_n presbyter_n or_o bishop_n do_v administer_v the_o holy_a ordinance_n in_o one_o
themselves_o concern_v to_o attend_v unto_o but_o yet_o notwithstanding_o these_o concession_n when_o thing_n come_v to_o the_o trial_n in_o particular_a there_o be_v very_o little_o grant_v in_o compliance_n with_o the_o assertion_n lay_v down_o for_o beside_o that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o church_n of_o divine_a institution_n that_o be_v intend_v in_o these_o concession_n when_o it_o come_v unto_o the_o issue_n where_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v and_o in_o what_o church_n he_o be_v baptise_a in_o his_o infancy_n there_o all_o choice_n be_v prevent_v and_o in_o the_o communion_n of_o that_o church_n he_o be_v to_o abide_v on_o the_o penalty_n of_o be_v esteem_v and_o deal_v withal_o as_o a_o schismatic_a in_o what_o national_a church_n any_o person_n be_v baptise_a in_o that_o national_a church_n he_o be_v to_o continue_v or_o answer_v the_o contrary_a at_o his_o peril_n and_o in_o the_o precinct_n of_o what_o parish_n his_o habitation_n fall_v to_o be_v in_o that_o particular_a parish_n church_n be_v he_o bind_v to_o communicate_v in_o all_o ordinance_n of_o worship_n i_o say_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o many_o whatever_o be_v pretend_v of_o man_n join_n themselves_o unto_o the_o true_a and_o pure_a church_n there_o be_v no_o liberty_n of_o judgement_n or_o practice_n in_o either_o of_o these_o thing_n leave_v unto_o any_o of_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ._n wherefore_o the_o liberty_n and_o duty_n propose_v be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o orderly_a evangelical_n profession_n and_o that_o wherein_o the_o conscience_n of_o believer_n be_v great_o concern_v i_o shall_v lay_v down_o one_o proposition_n wherein_o it_o be_v assert_v in_o the_o sense_n i_o intend_v and_o then_o full_o confirm_v it_o the_o proposition_n itself_o be_v this_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o one_o who_o profess_v faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o take_v due_a care_n of_o his_o own_o eternal_a salvation_n voluntary_o and_o by_o his_o own_o choice_n to_o join_v himself_o unto_o some_o particular_a congregation_n of_o christ_n institution_n for_o his_o own_o spiritual_a edification_n and_o the_o right_a discharge_n of_o his_o command_n 1._o this_o duty_n be_v prescribe_v 1._o unto_o they_o only_o who_o profess_v faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n who_o own_v themselves_o to_o be_v his_o disciple_n that_o call_v jesus_n lord_n for_o this_o be_v the_o method_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o first_o man_n by_o the_o preach_a of_o it_o be_v make_v disciple_n or_o be_v bring_v unto_o faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o then_o be_v teach_v to_o do_v and_o observe_v whatever_o he_o command_v matth._n 28.18_o 19_o 20._o first_o to_o believe_v and_o then_o to_o be_v add_v unto_o the_o church_n act._n 2.41_o 42_o 46_o 47._o man_n must_v first_o join_v themselves_o unto_o the_o lord_n or_o give_v up_o themselves_o unto_o he_o before_o they_o can_v give_v up_o themselves_o unto_o the_o church_n according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n 2_o cor._n 8.5_o we_o be_v not_o therefore_o concern_v at_o present_a as_o unto_o they_o who_o either_o not_o at_o all_o profess_v faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n or_o else_o through_o ignorance_n of_o the_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o religion_n and_o wickedness_n of_o life_n do_v destroy_v or_o utter_o render_v useless_a that_o profession_n we_o do_v not_o say_v it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o such_o person_n that_o be_v their_o immediate_a duty_n in_o the_o state_n wherein_o they_o be_v to_o join_v themselves_o unto_o any_o church_n nay_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o church_n to_o refuse_v they_o their_o communion_n whilst_o they_o abide_v in_o that_o state_n there_o be_v other_o duty_n to_o be_v in_o the_o first_o place_n press_v on_o they_o whereby_o they_o may_v be_v make_v meet_v for_o this_o so_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n although_o in_o the_o extraordinary_a conversion_n unto_o christianity_n that_o be_v make_v among_o the_o jew_n who_o before_o belong_v unto_o god_n covenant_n they_o be_v all_o immediate_o add_v unto_o the_o church_n yet_o afterward_o in_o the_o ordinary_a way_n of_o the_o conversion_n of_o man_n the_o church_n do_v not_o immediate_o admit_v they_o into_o complete_a communion_n but_o keep_v they_o as_o catechumener_n for_o the_o increase_n of_o their_o knowledge_n and_o trial_n of_o their_o profession_n until_o they_o be_v judge_v meet_a to_o be_v join_v unto_o the_o church_n and_o they_o be_v not_o to_o blame_v who_o receive_v not_o such_o into_o complete_a communion_n with_o they_o unto_o who_o it_o be_v not_o a_o present_a duty_n to_o desire_v that_o communion_n yea_o the_o admission_n of_o such_o person_n into_o church-society_n much_o more_o the_o compel_a of_o they_o to_o be_v member_n of_o this_o or_o that_o church_n almost_o whether_o they_o will_v or_o no_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n the_o example_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o a_o great_a expedient_a to_o harden_v man_n in_o their_o sin_n we_o do_v therefore_o avow_v that_o we_o can_v admit_v any_o into_o our_o church_n society_n as_o to_o complete_a membership_n and_o actual_a interest_n in_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n who_o do_v not_o by_o a_o profession_n of_o faith_n in_o and_o obedience_n unto_o jesus_n christ_n no_o way_n contradict_v by_o sin_n of_o life_n manifest_v themselves_o to_o be_v such_o as_o who_o duty_n it_o be_v to_o join_v themselves_o unto_o any_o church_n neither_o do_v we_o injure_v any_o baptise_a person_n hereby_o or_o oppose_v any_o of_o their_o right_n unto_o and_o interest_n in_o the_o church_n but_o only_o as_o they_o do_v universal_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n after_o the_o death_n of_o the_o apostle_n we_o direct_v they_o into_o that_o way_n and_o method_n wherein_o they_o may_v be_v receive_v unto_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o own_o edification_n and_o we_o do_v therefore_o affirm_v that_o we_o will_v never_o deny_v that_o communion_n unto_o any_o person_n high_a or_o low_o rich_a or_o poor_a old_a or_o young_a male_a or_o female_a who_o duty_n it_o be_v to_o desire_v it_o 2._o it_o be_v add_v in_o the_o description_n of_o the_o subject_a that_o it_o be_v such_o a_o one_o who_o take_v due_a care_n of_o his_o own_o salvation_n many_o there_o be_v who_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v christian_n who_o it_o may_v be_v hear_v the_o word_n willing_o and_o do_v many_o thing_n glad_o yet_o do_v not_o esteem_v themselves_o oblige_v unto_o a_o diligent_a enquiry_n into_o and_o a_o precise_a observation_n of_o all_o the_o command_n of_o christ._n but_o it_o be_v such_o who_o we_o intend_v who_o constant_o fix_v their_o mind_n on_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n as_o their_o chief_a good_a and_o utmost_a end_n who_o thereon_o due_o consider_v the_o mean_n of_o attain_v it_o and_o apply_v themselves_o thereunto_o and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o the_o number_n of_o such_o person_n will_v not_o be_v find_v to_o be_v very_o great_a in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v sufficient_a to_o take_v off_o the_o reproach_n from_o some_o particular_a congregation_n of_o the_o smallness_n of_o their_o number_n such_o they_o ever_o be_v and_o such_o be_v it_o foretell_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v number_n be_v never_o yet_o esteem_v a_o note_n of_o the_o true_a church_n by_o any_o but_o those_o who_o worldly_a interest_n it_o be_v that_o it_o shall_v so_o be_v yet_o at_o present_a absolute_o in_o these_o nation_n the_o number_n of_o such_o person_n be_v not_o small_a 3._o of_o these_o person_n it_o be_v say_v that_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n so_o to_o dispose_v of_o themselves_o it_o be_v not_o that_o which_o they_o may_v do_v as_o a_o convenience_n or_o a_o advantage_n not_o that_o which_o other_o may_v do_v for_o they_o but_o which_o they_o must_v do_v for_o themselves_o in_o a_o way_n of_o duty_n it_o be_v a_o obediential_a act_n unto_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n whereunto_o be_v require_v subjection_n of_o conscience_n unto_o his_o authority_n faith_n in_o his_o promise_n as_o also_o a_o respect_n unto_o a_o appearance_n before_o his_o judgment-throne_n at_o the_o last_o day_n the_o way_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o compel_v man_n into_o their_o communion_n and_o keep_v they_o in_o it_o by_o fire_n and_o faggot_n or_o any_o other_o mean_n of_o external_a force_n derive_v more_o from_o the_o alcoran_n than_o the_o gospel_n neither_o do_v it_o answer_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o institution_n end_v and_o order_n of_o church-society_n that_o man_n shall_v become_v member_n of_o they_o partly_o by_o that_o which_o be_v no_o way_n in_o their_o own_o power_n and_o partly_o by_o what_o their_o will_n be_v regulate_v in_o by_o the_o law_n of_o man_n for_o it_o be_v as_o be_v say_v common_o esteem_v that_o man_n be_v bear_v and_o baptise_a in_o such_o a_o nation_n be_v thereby_o make_v member_n of_o the_o church_n
state_v of_o the_o subject_a of_o our_o enquiry_n 1._o the_o diversity_n and_o division_n among_o church_n which_o respect_n be_v to_o be_v have_v unto_o in_o the_o choice_n of_o any_o which_o we_o will_v or_o aught_o to_o join_v unto_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n 1._o such_o as_o be_v occasion_v by_o the_o remain_a weakness_n infirmity_n and_o ignorance_n of_o the_o best_a of_o man_n whereby_o they_o know_v but_o in_o part_n and_o prophesy_v only_o in_o part_n wherein_o our_o edification_n be_v concern_v but_o our_o salvation_n not_o endanger_v 2._o such_o as_o be_v in_o and_o about_o thing_n fundamental_a in_o faith_n worship_n and_o obedience_n we_o shall_v speak_v to_o both_o of_o they_o 2._o all_o christian_n be_v original_o of_o one_o mind_n in_o all_o thing_n needful_a unto_o joint-communion_n so_o as_o that_o there_o may_v be_v among_o they_o all_o love_n without_o dissimulation_n howbeit_o there_o be_v great_a variety_n not_o only_o in_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o apprehension_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o truth_n but_o in_o some_o doctrine_n themselves_o as_o about_o the_o continuance_n of_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n or_o at_o least_o of_o some_o of_o they_o as_o also_o opposition_n from_o without_o unto_o the_o truth_n by_o heretic_n and_o apostate_n neither_o of_o which_o hinder_v the_o church_n communion_n of_o true_a believer_n but_o the_o diversity_n difference_n and_o division_n that_o be_v now_o among_o church_n in_o the_o world_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o great_a apostasy_n which_o befall_v they_o all_o in_o the_o latter_a age_n as_o unto_o the_o spirit_n rule_n and_o practice_n of_o those_o which_o be_v plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o will_v not_o be_v heal_v until_o that_o apostasy_n be_v abolish_v 3._o satan_n have_v possess_v himself_o of_o the_o advantage_n of_o these_o division_n whereof_o he_o be_v the_o author_n he_o make_v use_v of_o they_o to_o act_v his_o malice_n and_o rage_n in_o stir_v up_o and_o instigate_a one_o party_n to_o persecute_v oppress_v and_o devour_v another_o until_o the_o life_n power_n and_o glory_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v almost_o lose_v in_o the_o world_n it_o require_v therefore_o great_a wisdom_n to_o deport_v ourselves_o aright_o among_o these_o division_n so_o as_o to_o contribute_v nothing_o unto_o the_o end_v of_o malice_n design_v by_o satan_n in_o they_o 4._o in_o this_o state_n of_o thing_n until_o it_o may_v be_v cure_v which_o it_o will_v never_o be_v by_o any_o of_o the_o way_n yet_o propose_v and_o insist_v on_o the_o enquiry_n be_v concern_v the_o duty_n of_o any_o one_o who_o take_v care_n of_o his_o own_o soul_n as_o unto_o a_o conjunction_n with_o some_o church_n or_o other_o and_o on_o the_o negative_a part_n i_o say_v 1._o such_o a_o one_o be_v bind_v not_o to_o join_v with_o any_o church_n or_o society_n where_o any_o fundamental_a article_n of_o faith_n be_v reject_v or_o corrupt_v there_o may_v be_v a_o fundamental_a error_n in_o a_o true_a church_n for_o a_o season_n when_o the_o church_n err_v not_o fundamental_o 1_o cor._n 15._o 2_o tim._n 2.18_o but_o i_o suppose_v the_o error_n in_o or_o against_o the_o foundation_n be_v part_n of_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o church_n or_o society_n to_o be_v join_v unto_o for_o thereby_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o church_n be_v destroy_v it_o do_v not_o hold_v the_o head_n nor_o abide_v on_o the_o foundation_n nor_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o pillar_n of_o truth_n wherefore_o although_o the_o socinian_o under_o a_o pretence_n of_o love_n forbearance_n and_o mutual_a toleration_n do_v offer_v we_o the_o communion_n of_o their_o church_n wherein_o there_o be_v somewhat_o of_o order_n and_o discipline_n commendable_a yet_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o join_v in_o church_n fellowship_n or_o communion_n with_o they_o for_o their_o error_n about_o the_o trinity_n the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o satisfaction_n be_v destructive_a of_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o idolatry_n in_o the_o divine_a worship_n of_o a_o mere_a creature_n be_v introduce_v by_o they_o 2._o where_o there_o 〈…〉_z any_o church_n teach_v or_o allow_v a_o mixture_n of_o doctrine_n or_o opinion_n that_o be_v prejudicial_a unto_o gospel_n holiness_n or_o obedience_n no_o man_n that_o take_v due_a care_n of_o his_o salvation_n can_v join_v himself_o unto_o it_o for_o the_o original_a rule_n and_o measure_n of_o all_o church_n communion_n be_v agreement_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o truth_n where_o therefore_o there_o be_v either_o not_o a_o stable_a profession_n of_o the_o same_o doctrine_n in_o all_o substantial_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o a_o uncertain_a sound_n be_v give_v some_o say_v one_o thing_n some_o another_o or_o that_o opposition_n be_v make_v unto_o any_o truth_n of_o the_o importance_n before_o mention_v none_o can_v be_v bind_v or_o oblige_v to_o hold_v communion_n with_o it_o nor_o can_v incur_v any_o blame_n by_o refrain_v from_o it_o for_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o christian_a in_o all_o thing_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o to_o join_v with_o such_o a_o church_n will_v 1._o stain_v their_o profession_n 2._o hinder_v their_o edification_n 3_o establish_v a_o new_a rule_n of_o communion_n unknown_a to_o the_o scripture_n namely_o beside_o truth_n as_o may_v easy_o be_v manifest_v 3._o where_o the_o fundamental_o of_o religious_a worship_n be_v corrupt_v or_o overthrow_v it_o be_v absolute_o unlawful_a to_o join_v unto_o or_o abide_v in_o any_o church_n so_o be_v it_o with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n the_o various_a way_n whereby_o the_o foundation_n of_o divine_a religious_a worship_n be_v overthrow_v in_o that_o church_n by_o superstition_n and_o idolatry_n have_v be_v sufficient_o declare_v these_o render_v the_o communion_n of_o that_o church_n pernicious_a 4._o nor_o can_v any_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o join_v himself_o with_o any_o church_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v his_o duty_n so_o to_o do_v where_o the_o eternal_o fix_a rule_n and_o measure_n of_o religious_a worship_n namely_o that_o it_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n be_v vary_v or_o change_v by_o any_o addition_n unto_o it_o or_o subtraction_n from_o it_o for_o whereas_o one_o principal_a end_n of_o all_o church_n be_v the_o joint_a celebration_n of_o divine_a worship_n if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o certain_a stable_n rule_v thereof_o in_o any_o church_n of_o divine_a prescription_n no_o man_n can_v be_v oblige_v unto_o communion_n therewith_o 5._o where_o the_o fundamental_o of_o church_n order_n practice_n and_o discipline_n be_v destroy_v it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o any_o man_n to_o join_v in_o church_n communion_n these_o fundamental_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n 1._o such_o as_o concern_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n 2._o such_o as_o concern_v the_o church_n itself_o there_o be_v four_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a fundamental_o unto_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o ministry_n 1._o that_o all_o the_o minister_n or_o officer_n of_o it_o be_v due_o choose_v by_o the_o church_n itself_o and_o solemn_o set_v apart_o in_o the_o church_n unto_o their_o office_n according_a unto_o the_o rule_n and_o law_n of_o christ._n this_o be_v fundamental_a unto_o church_n order_n the_o root_n of_o it_o from_o whence_o all_o other_o part_n of_o it_o do_v spring_n and_o it_o be_v that_o which_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o express_o provide_v for_o in_o the_o scripture_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v if_o there_o be_v a_o neglect_v herein_o and_o no_o other_o relation_n require_v between_o minister_n elder_n ruler_n bishop_n and_o the_o church_n but_o what_o be_v raise_v and_o create_v by_o way_n and_o rule_n of_o man_n appointment_n or_o if_o there_o be_v a_o temporary_a disposal_n of_o person_n into_o a_o discharge_n of_o that_o office_n without_o a_o solemn_a call_v choice_n ordination_n and_o separation_n unto_o the_o office_n itself_o and_o its_o work_n the_o law_n of_o christ_n be_v violate_v and_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n disturb_v in_o its_o foundation_n 2._o that_o those_o who_o be_v call_v unto_o the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n be_v due_o qualify_v by_o their_o endowment_n with_o spiritual_a gift_n for_o the_o discharge_v of_o their_o duty_n be_v fundamental_a unto_o the_o ministry_n that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n do_v still_o continue_v his_o dispensation_n of_o spiritual_a gift_n unto_o man_n to_o fit_a and_o enable_v they_o unto_o the_o office_n and_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n that_o if_o he_o do_v not_o do_v so_o or_o shall_v at_o any_o time_n cease_v so_o to_o do_v the_o whole_a office_n of_o the_o ministry_n must_v cease_v and_o the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n with_o it_o that_o it_o be_v altogether_o useless_a for_o any_o church_n or_o person_n to_o erect_v a_o image_n of_o the_o gospel_n ministry_n by_o outward_a rite_n and_o
which_o be_v become_v a_o principal_a article_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o roman_a church_n there_o be_v a_o reformation_n attempt_v and_o attain_v in_o some_o measure_n by_o some_o nation_n or_o church_n in_o the_o last_o age_n from_o the_o corruption_n and_o imposition_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n however_o none_o of_o they_o ever_o pretend_v that_o it_o be_v complete_a or_o perfect_a according_a to_o the_o pattern_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o unto_o the_o institution_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n no_o nor_o yet_o to_o the_o example_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n of_o after_o age_n as_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o commination_n against_o sinner_n but_o suppose_v it_o to_o be_v complete_a to_o conclude_v that_o because_o a_o outward_a rule_n of_o it_o be_v establish_v so_o long_o as_o that_o outward_a rule_n be_v observe_v there_o can_v be_v no_o need_n of_o reformation_n be_v a_o way_n to_o lead_v church_n into_o a_o presumptuous_a security_n unto_o their_o ruin_n for_o whereas_o man_n be_v secure_v in_o their_o interest_n by_o that_o rule_n be_v prejudice_v against_o any_o progress_n in_o reformation_n beyond_o what_o they_o have_v attain_v which_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o duty_n be_v contrary_a unto_o the_o whole_a nature_n of_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v the_o conduct_n of_o a_o spiritual_a life_n in_o the_o growth_n and_o increase_n of_o light_n and_o a_o suitable_a obedience_n so_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o think_v that_o whilst_o they_o adhere_v unto_o that_o rule_n they_o can_v stand_v in_o no_o need_n of_o reformation_n which_o be_v but_o a_o new_a name_n for_o trouble_n and_o sedition_n though_o it_o be_v the_o foundation_n on_o which_o they_o stand_v but_o general_o church_n think_v that_o other_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o reformation_n but_o they_o need_v none_o themselves_o if_o they_o will_v but_o give_v they_o leave_v to_o reform_v themselves_o who_o judge_n that_o it_o be_v needful_a for_o they_o without_o the_o least_o prejudice_n unto_o their_o church_n profession_n or_o secular_a interest_n it_o be_v all_o that_o be_v desire_v of_o they_o 2._o where_o church_n do_v so_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o reformation_n and_o will_v not_o reform_v themselves_o be_v warn_v of_o their_o duty_n the_o lord_n christ_n threaten_v to_o leave_v they_o and_o assure_o will_v do_v so_o in_o the_o time_n that_o he_o have_v limit_v unto_o his_o patience_n this_o be_v the_o subject_a of_o five_o of_o his_o epistle_n or_o message_n unto_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n rev._n chap._n 2_o 3._o and_o where_o the_o lord_n christ_n do_v on_o any_o cause_n or_o provocation_n withdraw_v his_o presence_n in_o any_o kind_n or_o degree_n from_o any_o church_n it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o any_o of_o the_o member_n of_o that_o church_n to_o remove_v from_o themselves_o the_o gild_n of_o that_o provocation_n though_o it_o can_v be_v do_v without_o a_o separation_n from_o that_o church_n it_o it_o safe_o leave_v of_o any_o church_n whatever_o then_o of_o jesus_n christ._n i_o suppose_v most_o man_n think_v that_o if_o they_o have_v a_o warn_v from_o christ_n charge_v their_o defection_n and_o call_v for_o reformation_n as_o those_o church_n of_o asia_n have_v they_o will_v repent_v and_o reform_v themselves_o but_o whereas_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o some_o of_o they_o do_v so_o whereon_o they_o be_v not_o long_o after_o desert_v and_o destroy_v it_o be_v like_a that_o there_o be_v other_o who_o will_v follow_v their_o step_n though_o one_o shall_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a to_o warn_v they_o of_o their_o danger_n but_o this_o instruction_n that_o church_n who_o lose_v their_o first_o faith_n love_n and_o work_n who_o be_v negligent_a in_o discipline_n and_o tolerate_v offensive_a evil_n in_o doctrine_n and_o manner_n among_o they_o who_o be_v lukewarm_a as_o unto_o zeal_n and_o dead_a for_o the_o great_a part_n of_o their_o member_n as_o unto_o the_o life_n of_o holiness_n be_v disapprove_v by_o christ_n and_o in_o danger_n of_o be_v utter_o desert_v by_o he_o be_v give_v unto_o all_o church_n no_o less_o divine_o then_o if_o they_o have_v a_o immediate_a message_n from_o heaven_n about_o these_o thing_n those_o therefore_o who_o be_v under_o the_o gild_n of_o they_o and_o do_v not_o reform_v themselves_o can_v claim_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o continuance_n in_o their_o communion_n from_o any_o disciple_n of_o christ_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v afterward_o 3._o reformation_n respect_v either_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n or_o obedience_n become_v the_o gospel_n the_o debate_n about_o such_o a_o reformation_n as_o concern_v the_o retain_v or_o remove_v of_o certain_a ceremony_n we_o concern_v not_o ourselves_o in_o at_o present_a nor_o shall_v we_o in_o this_o place_n insist_v on_o what_o concern_v doctrine_n and_o worship_n which_o may_v afterward_o be_v speak_v unto_o but_o we_o shall_v confine_v ourselves_o here_o unto_o the_o consideration_n of_o gospel_n obedience_n only_o and_o we_o say_v that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o the_o generality_n of_o its_o parochial_a assembly_n and_o in_o itself_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o reformation_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o woeful_a degeneracy_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o its_o member_n that_o be_v the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o land_n from_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o command_n of_o christ_n as_o unto_o spiritual_a light_n faith_n love_n holiness_n charity_n and_o abound_v in_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n unto_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n by_o jesus_n christ._n these_o thing_n be_v the_o immediate_a end_n of_o church_n society_n the_o principal_a mean_n whereby_o god_n be_v glorify_v in_o the_o world_n where_o they_o be_v neglect_v where_o they_o be_v not_o attain_v where_o they_o be_v not_o due_o improve_v by_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o member_n of_o any_o church_n that_o church_n i_o think_v stand_v in_o need_n of_o reformation_n this_o assertion_n may_v seem_v somewhat_o importune_a and_o severe_a but_o when_o the_o sin_n of_o a_o church_n or_o nation_n be_v come_v to_o that_o height_n in_o all_o rank_n sort_n and_o degree_n of_o man_n that_o all_o person_n of_o sobriety_n do_v fear_v daily_o that_o desolate_v judgement_n from_o god_n will_v break_v in_o upon_o we_o it_o can_v be_v unseasonable_a to_o make_v mention_n of_o they_o when_o it_o be_v do_v with_o no_o other_o design_n but_o only_o to_o show_v the_o necessity_n of_o reformation_n or_o how_o necessary_a it_o be_v for_o some_o if_o all_o will_v not_o comply_v therewith_o for_o if_o a_o city_n be_v on_o fire_n it_o be_v sure_o lawful_a for_o any_o of_o the_o citizen_n to_o save_v and_o preserve_v if_o they_o can_v their_o own_o house_n though_o the_o mayor_n and_o alderman_n shall_v neglect_v the_o preservation_n of_o the_o whole_a city_n in_o general_n it_o may_v be_v easy_o demonstrate_v what_o great_a number_n among_o we_o 1._o who_o have_v imbibe_v atheistical_a opinion_n and_o either_o vent_v they_o or_o speak_v presumptuous_o according_a unto_o their_o influence_n and_o tendency_n every_o day_n 2._o who_o be_v profane_a scoffer_n at_o all_o true_a christian_a piety_n and_o the_o due_a expression_n of_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n a_o evil_a not_o confine_v unto_o the_o laity_n such_o thing_n be_v utter_v and_o publish_v by_o they_o as_o shall_v be_v astonishable_a unto_o all_o that_o know_v the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o terror_n 3._o who_o be_v profound_o ignorant_a of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o those_o doctrine_n of_o christian_a religion_n who_o knowledge_n be_v of_o the_o high_a importance_n and_o necessity_n 4._o who_o be_v open_o flagitious_a in_o their_o life_n whence_o all_o sort_n of_o gross_a immorality_n do_v fill_v the_o land_n from_o one_o end_n unto_o the_o other_o 5._o who_o live_v in_o a_o constant_a neglect_n of_o all_o more_o private_a holy_a duty_n whether_o in_o their_o family_n or_o in_o personal_a retirement_n 6._o who_o be_v evident_o under_o the_o power_n of_o pride_n vanity_n covetousness_n profaneness_n of_o speech_n in_o curse_a oath_n and_o swear_v 7._o who_o instruct_v the_o worst_a of_o man_n unto_o a_o approbation_n of_o themselves_o in_o such_o way_n as_o these_o by_o petulant_a scoff_v at_o the_o very_a name_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o grace_n of_o christ_n at_o all_o expectation_n of_o his_o spiritual_a aid_n and_o assistance_n at_o all_o fervency_n in_o religious_a duty_n or_o other_o act_n of_o a_o holy_a converse_n these_o and_o such_o like_a thing_n as_o these_o do_v sufficient_o evidence_n the_o necessity_n of_o reformation_n for_o where_o they_o be_v continue_v the_o use_n and_o end_v of_o church_n societies_n be_v impair_v or_o lose_v and_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o pretend_v that_o this_o be_v the_o old_a plea_n of_o they_o who_o â—aused_v schism_n in_o the_o
impartial_a consideration_n he_o charge_v on_o we_o with_o great_a solemnity_n as_o we_o love_v our_o own_o soul_n now_o although_o that_o passage_n in_o that_o great_a and_o holy_a person_n be_v not_o new_a unto_o i_o have_v not_o only_o read_v it_o many_o a_o time_n in_o his_o book_n but_o frequent_o meet_v with_o it_o urge_v by_o papist_n against_o all_o protestant_n yet_o upon_o the_o drs._n intimation_n i_o have_v give_v it_o again_o the_o consideration_n require_v the_o word_n as_o they_o lie_v in_o the_o author_n be_v to_o this_o purpose_n we_o shall_v also_o judge_v they_o who_o make_v schism_n be_v vain_a qui_fw-la sunt_fw-la immanes_a or_o inane_n not_o have_v the_o love_n of_o god_n rather_o consider_v their_o own_o profit_n than_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n who_o for_o small_a or_o any_o cause_n rend_v and_o divide_v the_o glorious_a body_n of_o christ_n and_o as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v destroy_v it_o speak_v peace_n but_o design_v war_n strain_v at_o a_o gnat_n and_o swallow_v a_o camel_n for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o rebuke_n of_o thing_n by_o they_o to_o equal_v the_o mischief_n of_o schism_n lib._n 4._o cap._n 62._o i_o know_v not_o why_o he_o shall_v give_v we_o such_o a_o severe_a charge_n for_o the_o impartial_a consideration_n of_o these_o word_n that_o as_o we_o love_v our_o soul_n we_o shall_v impartial_o and_o without_o prejudice_n consider_v they_o we_o hope_v that_o out_o of_o love_n to_o the_o truth_n the_o glory_n of_o christ_n and_o care_n of_o our_o own_o soul_n we_o do_v so_o consider_v and_o have_v long_a since_o so_o consider_v whatever_o belong_v unto_o the_o cause_n wherein_o we_o engage_v and_o the_o opposition_n that_o be_v make_v unto_o it_o nor_o will_v we_o be_v offend_v with_o any_o that_o shall_v yet_o call_v on_o we_o to_o persist_v and_o proceed_v in_o the_o same_o way_n but_o why_o such_o a_o charge_n shall_v be_v lay_v on_o we_o with_o respect_n unto_o these_o word_n of_o irenaeus_n i_o know_v not_o for_o although_o we_o great_o value_v the_o word_n and_o judgement_n of_o that_o holy_a person_n that_o great_a defender_n of_o the_o mystery_n and_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n from_o unwarrantable_a imposition_n yet_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n alone_o whereby_o we_o must_v be_v regulate_v and_o determine_v in_o these_o thing_n if_o we_o love_v our_o own_o soul_n beside_o what_o be_v we_o concern_v in_o they_o be_v every_o separation_n from_o a_o church_n a_o schism_n our_o author_n show_v the_o contrary_a immediate_o be_v refrain_v communion_n in_o a_o church_n state_n not_o of_o divine_a institution_n and_o in_o thing_n not_o prescribe_v by_o the_o lord_n christ_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n hold_v communion_n in_o faith_n and_o love_n with_o all_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o world_n a_o damnable_a schism_n or_o any_o schism_n at_o all_o have_v the_o reverend_a author_n in_o his_o whole_a book_n once_o attempt_v to_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v so_o though_o this_o be_v the_o whole_a of_o the_o matter_n in_o difference_n between_o we_o be_v our_o forbearance_n of_o communion_n in_o parochial_a assembly_n upon_o the_o reason_n before_o plead_v especial_o that_o of_o humane_a imposition_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o the_o schism_n from_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n without_o pretence_n of_o any_o such_o imposition_n do_v he_o judge_v we_o to_o be_v such_o as_o have_v no_o love_n unto_o god_n such_o as_o prefer_v our_o own_o profit_n before_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n i_o hearty_o wish_v and_o pray_v that_o he_o may_v never_o have_v a_o share_n in_o that_o profit_n and_o advantage_n which_o we_o have_v make_v unto_o ourselves_o by_o our_o principle_n and_o practice_n poverty_n distress_n ruin_n to_o our_o family_n danger_n imprisonment_n revile_n with_o contemptuous_a reproach_n comprise_v the_o profit_n we_o have_v make_v unto_o ourselves_o be_v 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