though_o never_o so_o large_a and_o populous_a see_v cod._n eccl._n africa_n c._n 71._o and_o at_o the_o famous_a conference_n at_o carthage_n between_o the_o catholic_n and_o donatist_n bishop_n by_o the_o command_n of_o constantine_n the_o emperor_n who_o be_v become_v christian_a the_o rule_n on_o both_o side_n agree_v be_v but_o one_o bishop_n in_o a_o city_n or_o diocese_n see_v conference_n of_o the_o first_o day_n and_o if_o there_o can_v have_v be_v more_o than_o one_o bishop_n in_o a_o city_n the_o two_o great_a schism_n of_o the_o donatist_n in_o africa_n and_o the_o novatian_a at_o rome_n may_v have_v be_v avoid_v but_o instead_o hereof_o see_v how_o st._n cyprian_n among_o other_o aggravate_v the_o schism_n of_o novatius_fw-la for_o be_v choose_v bishop_n in_o the_o same_o city_n where_o cornelius_n be_v choose_v before_o for_o say_v he_o since_o there_o can_v be_v a_o second_o after_o the_o first_o whosoever_o be_v make_v bishop_n where_o one_o be_v make_v already_o be_v not_o another_o bishop_n but_o none_o at_o all_o cypr._n epist_n 52._o n._n 4._o and_o the_o same_o st._n cyprian_n in_o his_o epistle_n 55._o n._n 6._o 9_o declare_v that_o to_o have_v only_o one_o bishop_n in_o a_o city_n be_v the_o best_a mean_n to_o prevent_v schism_n see_v st._n cypr._n de_fw-fr unitate_fw-la eccles_n n._n 3_o 4._o and_o st._n augustine_n in_o his_o epistle_n 162._o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n but_o now_o that_o it_o be_v so_o plain_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v never_o allow_v but_o one_o bishop_n in_o a_o city_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n they_o have_v no_o way_n to_o reconcile_v this_o to_o their_o hypothesis_n but_o by_o endeavour_v to_o prove_v that_o either_o the_o city_n be_v very_o small_a in_o those_o day_n or_o else_o the_o number_n of_o christian_n in_o they_o be_v so_o few_o as_o that_o they_o may_v all_o convenient_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n and_o this_o they_o be_v not_o satisfy_v to_o do_v in_o the_o ordinary_a city_n which_o mr._n clarkson_n in_o his_o book_n of_o primitive_a episcopacy_n affirm_v be_v no_o large_a than_o our_o ordinary_a market-town_n in_o england_n but_o even_o in_o the_o very_o large_a and_o most_o populous_a city_n they_o will_v not_o allow_v that_o there_o be_v more_o christian_n than_o can_v convenient_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o church_n to_o serve_v god_n as_o in_o rome_n alexandria_n constantinople_n carthage_n and_o the_o rest_n all_o which_o far_o exceed_v any_o now_o in_o the_o world_n both_o for_o largeness_n and_o number_n of_o people_n this_o seem_v to_o be_v very_o strange_a old_a rome_n be_v at_o that_o time_n a_o city_n so_o large_a and_o populous_a that_o it_o excel_v london_n as_o it_o be_v at_o this_o day_n as_o far_o as_o london_n now_o do_v new_a rome_n and_o have_v by_o computation_n at_o that_o time_n above_o 1000000_o inhabitant_n as_o dr._n maurice_n show_v in_o his_o defence_n of_o diocesan_n episcopacy_n p._n 340._o and_o seem_v indeed_o to_o be_v very_o probable_a if_o one_o consider_v those_o vast_a and_o mighty_a piece_n of_o workmanship_n that_o appear_v to_o have_v be_v do_v there_o the_o ruin_n of_o which_o be_v to_o be_v see_v at_o this_o day_n as_o dr._n burnet_n in_o his_o travel_n tell_v we_o who_o gather_v from_o thence_o that_o that_o city_n must_v have_v be_v vast_o populous_a about_o that_o time_n and_o it_o be_v in_o aurelius_n his_o day_n 50_o mile_n in_o circumference_n dr._n m._n p._n 212._o and_o yet_o will_v mr._n clarkson_n allow_v no_o more_o christian_n in_o this_o great_a city_n than_o can_v meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n so_o of_o alexandria_n which_o be_v 15_o mile_n in_o circumference_n according_a to_o pliny_n l._n 5._o 9_o and_o the_o rest_n all_o great_a far_o than_o london_n now_o be_v but_o to_o serve_v their_o turn_n they_o will_v reduce_v they_o all_o to_o the_o narrow_a limit_n of_o a_o single_a congregation_n and_o by_o consequence_n give_v all_o the_o rest_n to_o the_o devil_n by_o make_v they_o unchristian_a heretic_n schismatic_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v strange_a that_o christianity_n shall_v make_v no_o better_o a_o progress_n consider_v the_o largeness_n of_o the_o city_n and_o multitude_n of_o people_n in_o they_o and_o consider_v the_o care_n and_o industry_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o learned_a father_n of_o those_o age_n and_o their_o extraordinary_a gift_n that_o in_o so_o large_a and_o populous_a a_o city_n as_o rome_n christianity_n shall_v gain_v no_o more_o proselyte_n in_o 300_o year_n than_o can_v meet_v all_o in_o one_o church_n notwithstanding_o st._n paul_n himself_o have_v preach_v there_o for_o many_o year_n the_o very_a quaker_n in_o london_n which_o be_v not_o comparable_a to_o old_a rome_n have_v make_v more_o proselyte_n already_o than_o the_o apostle_n in_o much_o long_a time_n for_o be_v all_o the_o quaker_n in_o london_n assemble_v in_o one_o congregation_n i_o doubt_v that_o never_o a_o church_n in_o the_o kingdom_n will_v be_v find_v large_a enough_o to_o contain_v they_o but_o beside_o if_o the_o number_n of_o christian_n be_v so_o few_o as_o these_o dissenter_n will_v make_v they_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o they_o to_o possess_v themselves_o of_o the_o whole_a roman_a empire_n in_o less_o than_o 300_o year_n they_o have_v no_o interest_n at_o court_n nor_o in_o the_o army_n but_o be_v presecute_v by_o the_o emperor_n all_o that_o time_n unless_o in_o two_o reign_n so_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o human_a cause_n assign_v for_o it_o but_o their_o great_a number_n but_o far_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o there_o be_v some_o great_a city_n entire_o christian_n from_o the_o apostle_n day_n as_o cesaria_n and_o lydda_n act_v 9_o 35._o and_o other_o so_o that_o in_o the_o first_o 300_o year_n whole_a city_n and_o country_n be_v become_v christian_a as_o eusebius_n affirm_v praep._n evang._n l._n 1._o p._n 12_o 13._o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o single_a congregation_n to_o contain_v a_o quarter_n of_o the_o christian_n of_o a_o city_n much_o less_o of_o a_o whole_a diocese_n for_o beside_o the_o large_a and_o populous_a city_n every_o bishop_n have_v a_o territory_n within_o his_o diocese_n which_o extend_v itself_o for_o several_a mile_n round_o the_o city_n for_o every_o city_n have_v a_o large_a territory_n as_o it_o be_v a_o county_n round_o about_o it_o which_o be_v under_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n who_o govern_v the_o city_n and_o as_o far_o as_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o magistrate_n reach_v in_o civil_a matter_n so_o far_o do_v the_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o bishop_n reach_v in_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n see_v can._n apostolic_a 34._o by_o which_o a_o bishop_n be_v forbid_v to_o do_v any_o thing_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o his_o metropolitan_a or_o archbishop_n but_o what_o relate_v to_o his_o own_o diocese_n and_o the_o territory_n under_o it_o and_o see_v can._n antioch_n 9_o &_o 10._o but_o that_o the_o bishop_n territory_n and_o jurisdiction_n extend_v far_o beyond_o the_o wall_n or_o bound_n of_o the_o city_n be_v most_o evident_a for_o theodoret_n who_o be_v bishop_n of_o cyrus_n have_v a_o diocese_n 40_o mile_n square_a and_o yet_o he_o reckon_v his_o episcopacy_n of_o divine_a institution_n see_v his_o epist_n 42._o and_o he_o have_v within_o his_o diocese_n 800_o parish_n church_n as_o appear_v by_o his_o epist_n 113._o to_o leo._n this_o be_v a_o instance_n so_o clear_a against_o our_o dissenter_n that_o mr._n baxter_n and_o mr._n clarkson_n and_o the_o rest_n have_v no_o way_n to_o answer_v it_o but_o first_o that_o it_o come_v from_o the_o vatican_n library_n which_o objection_n be_v full_o remove_v by_o dr._n still_v fleet_n in_o his_o mischief_n of_o separation_n p._n 256._o and_o by_o dr._n maur._n def._n of_o dioc._n episc_n p._n 396._o and_o this_o epist_n of_o theod._n prove_v to_o be_v his_o own_o by_o compare_v it_o with_o his_o other_o write_n and_o also_o by_o the_o clear_a testimony_n of_o liberatus_n who_o infallible_o know_v theodoret_n style_n and_o write_n neither_o do_v it_o follow_v that_o because_o it_o come_v from_o the_o vatican_n library_n therefore_o it_o must_v not_o be_v authentic_a but_o when_o people_n be_v drown_v rather_o than_o sink_v they_o will_v catch_v hold_n of_o a_o bulrush_n the_o other_o exception_n they_o take_v to_o this_o testimony_n of_o theodoret_n be_v that_o he_o be_v not_o bishop_n of_o a_o single_a diocese_n but_o of_o a_o province_n and_o that_o theodoret_n be_v a_o archbishop_n but_o that_o cyprus_n of_o which_o he_o be_v then_o bishop_n be_v no_o metropolis_n at_o that_o time_n nor_o theodoret_n primate_n of_o a_o province_n but_o under_o a_o metropolitan_a appear_v by_o his_o 16_o ep._n and_o by_o his_o 81_o 82_o 34_o 94_o and_o 161._o alexander_n be_v then_o his_o metropolitan_a but_o theodoret_n be_v
the_o church_n by_o diocesan_n bishop_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o best_a and_o pure_a age_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o holy_a father_n of_o it_o and_o that_o their_o power_n and_o jurisdiction_n be_v as_o absolute_a and_o extend_v as_o far_o or_o far_o than_o any_o bishop_n this_o day_n in_o england_n i_o shall_v show_v hereafter_o that_o episcopal_a government_n as_o now_o settle_v in_o england_n have_v be_v and_o be_v at_o this_o day_n commend_v and_o approve_v of_o by_o all_o the_o most_o eminent_a divine_n beyond_o sea_n perhaps_o some_o may_v say_v if_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n by_o diocesan_n bishop_n be_v so_o agreeable_a to_o that_o of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o approve_v of_o by_o other_o reform_a church_n as_o we_o pretend_v it_o be_v how_o come_v it_o that_o they_o all_o do_v not_o follow_v the_o pattern_n of_o england_n and_o become_v all_o diocesan_n church_n i_o answer_v they_o may_v as_o well_o ask_v we_o why_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n that_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o roman_a emperor_n do_v not_o upon_o the_o decay_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n when_o they_o resume_v their_o just_a right_n of_o government_n to_o themselves_o become_v all_o monarchy_n according_a to_o the_o pattern_n of_o england_n some_o nation_n beside_o england_n ireland_n and_o scotland_n do_v assume_v episcopal_a government_n as_o denmark_n sweden_n etc._n etc._n but_o perhaps_o it_o be_v not_o consistent_a with_o the_o present_a circumstance_n or_o politic_a constitution_n of_o all_o place_n at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o reformation_n to_o set_v up_o episcopal_a government_n as_o indeed_o it_o be_v not_o and_o therefore_o since_o neither_o episcopal_a nor_o any_o other_o particular_a kind_n of_o government_n be_v so_o essential_a to_o a_o church_n as_o that_o a_o true_a church_n may_v not_o be_v without_o it_o in_o case_n of_o indispensible_a necessity_n they_o put_v themselves_o some_o under_o one_o form_n of_o government_n some_o under_o another_o as_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o their_o present_a constitution_n but_o with_o this_o caution_n every_o where_o that_o all_o protestant_n of_o every_o whole_a church_n be_v the_o government_n what_o it_o will_v shall_v be_v oblige_v to_o conform_v to_o the_o establish_v church_n in_o which_o they_o live_v for_o though_o every_o national_a or_o whole_a church_n have_v a_o power_n to_o choose_v what_o kind_n of_o government_n they_o please_v for_o themselves_o yet_o it_o be_v never_o allow_v that_o particular_a scrupulous_a people_n among_o themselves_o have_v power_n to_o do_v so_o too_o this_o power_n of_o subdivide_v be_v never_o pretend_v to_o nor_o practise_v in_o any_o other_o nation_n since_o the_o reformation_n but_o in_o england_n so_o that_o though_o they_o do_v all_o allow_v the_o antiquity_n and_o usefulness_n of_o episcopal_a government_n yet_o since_o it_o be_v not_o essential_a to_o a_o true_a church_n no_o more_o than_o that_o of_o the_o presbyterian_a or_o independent_a nor_o convenient_a at_o this_o time_n for_o all_o place_n some_o may_v refuse_v it_o and_o yet_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o we_o in_o england_n shall_v do_v so_o since_o it_o be_v convenient_a for_o we_o and_o more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o these_o kingdom_n and_o come_v by_o much_o near_a the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n than_o any_o other_o whatsoever_o but_o they_o say_v we_o make_v episcopal_a government_n essential_a to_o a_o true_a church_n for_o that_o we_o will_v suffer_v none_o to_o execute_v the_o office_n of_o a_o minister_n here_o in_o england_n unless_o they_o be_v ordain_v by_o a_o bishop_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v it_o be_v plain_a we_o do_v not_o make_v episcopal_a government_n essential_a to_o a_o true_a church_n for_o we_o allow_v all_o the_o reform_a church_n to_o be_v true_a church_n and_o communicate_v with_o they_o and_o yet_o some_o of_o they_o have_v no_o diocesan_n bishop_n it_o be_v true_a by_o the_o law_n of_o this_o church_n and_o nation_n none_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o execute_v the_o office_n of_o a_o minister_n in_o any_o cathedral_n or_o parish_n church_n or_o chapel_n nor_o to_o hold_v any_o ecclesiastical_a benefice_n within_o these_o kingdom_n but_o such_o as_o be_v willing_a to_o submit_v to_o the_o order_n and_o government_n of_o this_o church_n and_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n and_o therefore_o since_o both_o the_o law_n of_o this_o church_n and_o nation_n do_v require_v that_o all_o minister_n who_o desire_v to_o serve_v in_o this_o church_n shall_v declare_v public_o that_o they_o assent_n to_o and_o approve_v of_o our_o form_n of_o worship_n etc._n etc._n and_o be_v willing_a to_o use_v the_o same_o as_o the_o church_n appoint_v and_o that_o they_o shall_v receive_v their_o ordination_n and_o licence_n to_o execute_v their_o office_n from_o the_o bishop_n it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a that_o such_o as_o want_v these_o qualification_n shall_v be_v refuse_v the_o liberty_n of_o execute_v their_o office_n in_o these_o kingdom_n ordination_n kingdom_n the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v not_o say_v absolute_o that_o all_o those_o minister_n who_o want_v episcopal_a ordination_n be_v no_o true_a minister_n but_o only_o that_o none_o shall_v be_v account_v a_o lawful_a bishop_n priest_n or_o deacon_n so_o as_o to_o execute_v their_o function_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n unless_o they_o be_v once_o ordain_v by_o a_o bishop_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o preface_n to_o the_o ordination_n but_o the_o reason_n we_o refuse_v they_o be_v not_o so_o much_o because_o that_o presbyterian_a ordination_n do_v not_o make_v they_o true_a minister_n according_a to_o god_n law_n as_o though_o no_o instance_n can_v be_v give_v of_o ordination_n without_o a_o bishop_n in_o scripture_n or_o antiquity_n but_o all_o to_o the_o contrary_a because_o they_o stubborn_o refuse_v to_o submit_v to_o our_o law_n and_o constitution_n and_o contemn_v the_o lawful_a authority_n under_o which_o god_n have_v place_v they_o and_o command_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v obey_v and_o this_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o statute_n of_o 14_o car._n 2._o in_o which_o there_o be_v a_o particular_a proviso_n that_o all_o minister_n of_o foreign_a reform_a church_n who_o come_v into_o this_o kingdom_n by_o the_o king_n permission_n be_v to_o be_v except_v out_o of_o and_o excuse_v from_o the_o penalty_n of_o that_o act._n and_o this_o custom_n of_o require_v conformity_n and_o subscription_n from_o all_o who_o desire_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o every_o settle_a church_n that_o have_v be_v ever_o since_o christ_n day_n as_o will_v appear_v hereafter_o the_o 3d._a objection_n against_o the_o constitution_n of_o our_o church_n be_v that_o our_o state_n our_o by_o national_a church_n be_v mean_v the_o whole_a church_n of_o such_o nation_n as_o upon_o the_o decay_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n resume_v their_o just_a right_n of_o government_n to_o themselves_o both_o in_o church_n and_o state_n national_a church_n which_o we_o call_v the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v no_o foundation_n and_o want_v discipline_n all_o be_v encroach_v and_o swallow_v up_o in_o the_o bishop_n and_o the_o pastor_n of_o every_o parish_n who_o ought_v to_o have_v full_a power_n to_o execute_v every_o part_n of_o it_o be_v deprive_v thereof_o but_o this_o be_v false_a for_o the_o presbyter_n in_o our_o church_n have_v as_o great_a power_n in_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n as_o ever_o they_o have_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n what_o power_n be_v they_o deprive_v of_o by_o the_o bishop_n that_o they_o have_v then_o by_o the_o law_n of_o our_o church_n no_o rule_n of_o discipline_n no_o article_n of_o doctrine_n no_o form_n of_o worship_n can_v be_v introduce_v by_o the_o bishop_n or_o impose_v upon_o any_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o whole_a presbytery_n of_o the_o nation_n in_o convocation_n who_o appear_v either_o in_o person_n or_o by_o proxy_n the_o only_a authority_n that_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v above_o the_o presbyte_n be_v government_n ordination_n and_o censure_n which_o be_v all_o appropriate_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o bishop_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n st._n cyprian_n assure_v we_o it_o be_v so_o in_o the_o african_a church_n in_o his_o three_o book_n ep._n 10._o &_o 12._o 28._o 27._o and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o st._n augustine_n time_n see_v cod._n eccl._n afr._n c._n 6_o 7_o 9_o etc._n etc._n but_o say_v they_o the_o power_n of_o ordination_n be_v take_v away_o from_o the_o presbyter_n and_o lodge_v sole_o in_o the_o bishop_n and_o it_o be_v plain_a say_v they_o in_o the_o apostle_n day_n the_o presbyter_n do_v ordain_v for_o timothy_n be_v ordain_v by_o lay_v on_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o
presbytery_n 1_o tim._n 4._o 14._o but_o dr._n hammond_n in_o his_o paraphrase_n on_o this_o text_n say_v that_o these_o presbyter_n here_o speak_v of_o who_o ordain_v timothy_n be_v apostle_n that_o timothy_n be_v ordain_v by_o st._n paul_n be_v most_o evident_a for_o st._n paul_n in_o his_o second_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n ch_n 1._o v._n 6._o say_v i_o put_v thou_o in_o mind_n that_o thou_o stir_v up_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o thou_o by_o the_o lay_n on_o of_o my_o hand_n and_o the_o apostle_n may_v then_o have_v be_v likely_a enough_o call_v presbyter_n for_o that_o during_o the_o apostle_n time_n bishop_n and_o presbyter_n be_v the_o same_o and_o sometime_o use_v the_o one_o for_o the_o other_o as_o appear_v plain_o by_o compare_v 1_o tim._n 4._o 14._o with_o 2_o tim._n 1._o 6._o in_o the_o former_a verse_n st._n paul_n bid_v timothy_n neglect_v not_o the_o gift_n that_o be_v in_o he_o by_o lay_v on_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbyter_n and_o in_o the_o latter_a he_o bid_v he_o stir_v up_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o you_o by_o the_o lay_n on_o of_o my_o hand_n for_o while_o the_o apostle_n live_v they_o manage_v the_o affair_n of_o government_n in_o the_o church_n themselves_o and_o therefore_o there_o be_v few_o or_o no_o bishop_n in_o their_o day_n but_o as_o they_o withdraw_v they_o commit_v the_o care_n and_o government_n of_o church_n to_o such_o person_n as_o they_o appoint_v thereto_o of_o which_o we_o have_v a_o uncontrollable_a evidence_n in_o timothy_n and_o titus_n so_o that_o although_o the_o apostle_n leave_v no_o successor_n in_o eodem_fw-la gradu_fw-la as_o to_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v extraordinary_a in_o they_o as_o the_o infallibility_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o the_o writing_n new_a gospel_n the_o extent_n of_o their_o power_n etc._n etc._n yet_o to_o other_o part_n of_o their_o apostolic_a office_n they_o have_v successor_n as_o in_o teach_v and_o govern_v and_o such_o like_a thing_n that_o be_v not_o extraordinary_a which_o power_n of_o govern_v ordain_v etc._n etc._n be_v give_v to_o such_o particular_a presbyter_n as_o the_o apostle_n think_v fit_a for_o it_o be_v proper_o the_o episcopal_a power_n and_o thus_o these_o who_o be_v but_o presbyter_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n by_o the_o accession_n of_o this_o govern_n and_o ordain_v power_n become_v bishop_n after_o their_o decease_n or_o departure_n and_o thus_o will_v all_o those_o seem_a difference_n between_o the_o word_n presbyter_n and_o bishop_n speak_v of_o in_o antiquity_n be_v reconcile_v and_o herewith_o agree_v the_o opinion_n of_o archbishop_n whitgift_n and_o bishop_n bilson_n and_o dr._n stillingfleet_n in_o his_o mischief_n of_o separation_n p._n 270._o and_o many_o other_o see_v king_n charles_n i._o his_o debate_n about_o episcopacy_n more_o full_o concern_v this_o matter_n but_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o since_o the_o apostle_n day_n presbyter_n be_v not_o bishop_n but_o a_o distinct_a order_n from_o they_o and_o this_o be_v agree_v by_o most_o ancient_a and_o modern_a writer_n see_v among_o other_o ignatius_n his_o epistle_n ad_fw-la trall_n where_o he_o say_v that_o without_o bishop_n priest_n and_o deacon_n it_o can_v be_v call_v a_o church_n and_o aerius_n who_o declare_v that_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o a_o bishop_n and_o a_o presbyter_n be_v represent_v by_o epiphanius_n as_o a_o prodigy_n and_o his_o opinion_n madness_n see_v epiph._n haer._n 74._o n._n 1._o 3_o so_o ischyrus_n pretend_v to_o be_v a_o presbyter_n because_o coluthus_n have_v ordain_v he_o but_o athanasius_n represent_v it_o as_o a_o monster_n that_o one_o shall_v esteem_v himself_o a_o presbyter_n who_o be_v ordain_v by_o one_o who_o die_v himself_o a_o presbyter_n see_v dr._n maur._n defence_n of_o diocesan_n episcopacy_n p._n 451._o and_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n if_o a_o bishop_n himself_o do_v ordain_v any_o one_o against_o the_o canon_n and_o establish_v discipline_n of_o the_o church_n they_o do_v not_o stick_v at_o declare_v such_o ordination_n void_a and_o in_o some_o case_n to_o re-ordain_a see_v can._n nicen._n 9_o 10._o 16._o 19_o and_o can._n antioch_n 73._o 10_o etc._n etc._n what_o sentence_n shall_v we_o think_v than_o they_o will_v have_v pronounce_v against_o our_o presbyterian_a ordination_n as_o practise_v here_o in_o england_n contrary_a both_o to_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n too_o but_o beside_o all_o this_o the_o plea_n which_o our_o dissenter_n make_v for_o separation_n upon_o this_o account_n that_o the_o presbyter_n be_v total_o deprive_v of_o their_o power_n of_o ordain_v be_v false_a for_o by_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n four_o presbyter_n be_v to_o assist_v the_o bishop_n in_o give_v order_n and_o after_o examination_n to_o join_v in_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n on_o the_o person_n ordain_v see_v can._n 31._o and_o 35._o but_o another_o objection_n which_o they_o make_v to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o want_v of_o discipline_n be_v for_o that_o the_o power_n of_o excommunicate_v notorious_a offender_n be_v take_v away_o from_o the_o parochial_a minister_n and_o lodge_v only_o in_o the_o bishop_n but_o sure_o they_o who_o make_v this_o objection_n never_o read_v the_o 26_o canon_n which_o be_v one_o of_o they_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v the_o authentic_a church_n canon_n for_o that_o canon_n say_v express_o that_o no_o minister_n shall_v admit_v any_o of_o his_o flock_n to_o the_o lâ—â—d's_n supper_n who_o be_v know_v to_o be_v guilty_a 〈…〉_o scandalous_a sin_n until_o he_o have_v open_o 〈◊〉_d that_o he_o have_v true_o repent_v and_o 〈◊〉_d â—ase_v the_o offender_n continue_v obstinate_a he_o must_v give_v a_o account_n to_o the_o ordinary_n within_o 14_o day_n who_o be_v then_o to_o proceed_v to_o great_a excommunication_n for_o the_o other_o be_v call_v a_o penitential_a excommunication_n so_o than_o it_o seem_v the_o pastor_n be_v not_o total_o deprive_v of_o the_o power_n of_o censure_v for_o scandalous_a offence_n nay_o they_o have_v a_o great_a and_o more_o absolute_a power_n than_o be_v allow_v they_o in_o many_o other_o reform_a church_n for_o indeed_o the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n be_v a_o work_n of_o so_o much_o prudence_n and_o difficulty_n that_o the_o great_a zealot_n for_o it_o have_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o trust_v it_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o every_o parochial_a minister_n and_o his_o particular_a congregation_n calvin_n himself_o say_v to_o do_v so_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o apostolic_a practice_n see_v calv._n ep._n 136._o and_o beza_n speak_v of_o the_o discipline_n of_o geneva_n in_o his_o ep._n 20._o say_v the_o parochial_a minister_n proceed_v no_o far_o than_o admonition_n but_o in_o case_n of_o contumacy_n they_o certify_v the_o presbytery_n of_o the_o city_n who_o sit_v at_o certain_a time_n to_o hear_v all_o censure_n relate_v to_o discipline_n but_o allow_v a_o church_n want_v true_a discipline_n do_v it_o therefore_o lose_v its_o be_v or_o justify_v separation_n 〈…〉_o sure_o if_o so_o there_o be_v few_o 〈◊〉_d church_n to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o 〈◊〉_d many_o of_o they_o have_v no_o discipâ—â—â—â—_n aâ—_n all_o among_o they_o for_o many_o year_n nor_o so_o much_o as_o the_o lord_n supper_n administer_v in_o some_o part_n of_o this_o kingdom_n for_o ten_o or_o a_o dozen_o year_n together_o but_o now_o we_o come_v to_o the_o four_o objection_n against_o the_o constitution_n of_o our_o church_n which_o be_v that_o the_o people_n be_v deprive_v of_o their_o right_n of_o choose_v their_o own_o minister_n pray_v let_v i_o ask_v they_o how_o this_o original_a and_o inherent_a right_n as_o mr._n baxter_n call_v it_o of_o choose_v their_o own_o minister_n come_v to_o be_v lodge_v in_o the_o people_n be_v there_o not_o a_o church_n to_o be_v form_v in_o the_o beginning_n do_v not_o christ_n appoint_v apostle_n and_o give_v they_o authority_n for_o that_o end_n where_o be_v the_o church_n power_n then_o lodge_v be_v it_o not_o in_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o they_o in_o all_o place_n as_o they_o plant_v church_n appoint_v officer_n to_o teach_v and_o govern_v they_o and_o be_v not_o then_o the_o pastor_n invest_v with_o a_o power_n superior_a to_o that_o of_o the_o people_n how_o come_v they_o then_o to_o lose_v it_o â—or_a how_o come_v the_o people_n to_o pretend_v a_o original_n right_o thereto_o beside_o how_o can_v the_o people_n make_v choice_n of_o man_n for_o their_o fitness_n and_o ability_n when_o at_o that_o time_n their_o ability_n depenâ—_n 〈…〉_o on_o the_o apostle_n lay_v on_o of_o 〈◊〉_d â—ands_n for_o then_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 〈…〉_o they_o it_o seem_v then_o that_o this_o 〈◊〉_d and_o inherent_a right_n be_v not_o in_o the_o people_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n nor_o in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n for_o if_o it_o have_v st
fear_v many_o of_o they_o do_v so_o which_o make_v they_o use_v that_o posture_n so_o seldom_o in_o their_o public_a meeting_n for_o you_o shall_v seldom_o see_v in_o any_o of_o their_o meeting_n scarce_o one_o of_o the_o whole_a congregation_n on_o their_o knee_n not_o even_o at_o repeat_v the_o lord_n prayer_n if_o it_o happen_v to_o be_v say_v which_o be_v not_o often_o their_o usual_a posture_n of_o pray_v in_o their_o public_a congregation_n be_v either_o stand_a or_o loll_v on_o their_o elbow_n and_o at_o the_o read_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n nay_o even_o of_o the_o psalm_n themselves_o though_o they_o be_v the_o very_o high_a strain_n of_o devotion_n you_o shall_v see_v they_o all_o sit_v on_o their_o breeches_n and_o many_o of_o they_o with_o their_o hat_n on_o but_o pray_v how_o come_v the_o posture_n of_o sit_v to_o be_v the_o only_a fit_a posture_n for_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n be_v that_o the_o posture_n christ_n use_v no_o if_o we_o will_v believe_v most_o learned_a man_n they_o will_v tell_v we_o christ_n give_v it_o lean_v which_o perhaps_o he_o may_v have_v do_v on_o purpose_n to_o let_v we_o see_v that_o he_o do_v not_o require_v any_o one_o set_a posture_n for_o lean_v be_v a_o mean_a as_o it_o be_v between_z kneeling_z and_o stand_v and_o seem_v to_o incline_v equal_o to_o both_o why_o do_v they_o not_o take_v it_o lean_v as_o christ_n do_v and_o after_o supper_n and_o in_o a_o upper_a room_n why_o do_v they_o not_o observe_v all_o these_o circumstance_n if_o one_o may_v be_v dispense_v with_o without_o sin_n why_o not_o another_o if_o they_o will_v not_o be_v so_o civil_a as_o to_o conform_v to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n why_o will_v they_o not_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o other_o reform_a church_n the_o church_n of_o france_n and_o most_o of_o the_o reform_a church_n take_v it_o either_o stand_n or_o kneel_v as_o be_v posture_n of_o adoration_n but_o because_o they_o do_v our_o english_a dissenter_n will_v take_v it_o in_o no_o other_o posture_n but_o that_o which_o be_v most_o irreverent_a and_o far_a from_o adoration_n in_o the_o world_n to_o wit_n sit_v on_o their_o breeches_n it_o be_v a_o feast_n say_v they_o and_o therefore_o sit_v be_v a_o posture_n of_o ease_n be_v most_o suitable_a to_o it_o we_o own_v it_o be_v a_o feast_n but_o not_o a_o common_a but_o spiritual_a feast_n and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o take_v it_o not_o in_o the_o posture_n we_o use_v at_o our_o common_a table_n but_o in_o a_o more_o decent_a and_o reverend_a posture_n to_o conclude_v this_o point_n i_o shall_v give_v you_o the_o word_n of_o one_o of_o the_o most_o eminent_a of_o the_o nonconformist_a preacher_n in_o this_o matter_n vine_n in_o his_o book_n on_o the_o sacrament_n p._n 39_o say_v it_o be_v no_o corruption_n to_o vary_v in_o occasional_a circumstance_n in_o administer_a the_o lord_n supper_n such_o as_o time_n and_o place_n and_o posture_n etc._n etc._n mr._n baxter_n have_v several_a time_n declare_v the_o same_o and_o so_o have_v most_o of_o the_o nonconformist_a minister_n and_o herewith_o agree_v hooker_n in_o his_o eccles_n polity_n lib._n 5._o p._n 366._o as_o to_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n it_o be_v use_v only_o as_o a_o solemn_a rite_n or_o ceremony_n of_o admission_n into_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o it_o be_v usual_a in_o admission_n into_o society_n to_o use_v some_o particular_a ceremony_n therefore_o as_o baptism_n beside_o its_o sacramental_a efficacy_n be_v a_o rite_n of_o admission_n into_o christ_n catholic_n church_n so_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n be_v into_o our_o church_n of_o england_n we_o do_v not_o use_v it_o as_o it_o be_v use_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o they_o use_v it_o as_o a_o dedicative_a sign_n to_o god_n we_o only_o as_o a_o token_n or_o declarative_a sign_n to_o man_n they_o use_v it_o before_o baptism_n and_o make_v it_o part_n of_o it_o we_o after_o and_o make_v it_o no_o part_n of_o baptism_n but_o allow_v the_o baptism_n to_o be_v good_a without_o it_o and_o it_o to_o be_v omit_v in_o private_a baptism_n if_o it_o be_v scruple_v if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o since_o these_o ceremony_n be_v allow_v to_o be_v thing_n indifferent_a in_o themselves_o by_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o be_v scruple_v by_o the_o dissenter_n why_o will_v the_o church_n of_o england_n impose_v they_o i_o answer_v first_o it_o be_v not_o fit_a nor_o convenient_a that_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v think_v necessary_a by_o the_o governor_n of_o a_o church_n to_o preserve_v the_o order_n and_o unity_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v cast_v aside_o to_o humour_v some_o over_o scrupulous_a and_o restless_a mind_n and_o who_o it_o be_v like_a will_v not_o be_v satisfy_v be_v that_o grant_v second_o it_o be_v more_o safe_a for_o the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n which_o do_v allow_v and_o practice_v they_o than_o such_o a_o handful_n of_o people_n as_o the_o dissenter_n of_o england_n etc._n etc._n and_o three_o there_o be_v as_o insignificant_a ceremony_n enjoin_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o as_o any_o of_o we_o be_v now_o notwithstanding_o some_o man_n scruple_n concern_v they_o as_o the_o love_n feast_n and_o holy_a kiss_n etc._n etc._n till_o abolish_v by_o general_a consent_n and_o the_o assembly_n of_o their_o own_o divine_n at_o westminster_n tell_v we_o the_o apostle_n say_v they_o notwithstanding_o the_o difference_n of_o man_n judgement_n do_v prescribe_v rule_n of_o uniformity_n see_v paper_n for_o accommodation_n p._n 111._o the_o next_o great_a objection_n which_o the_o dissenter_n make_v to_o the_o term_n of_o our_o communion_n be_v for_o that_o we_o tie_v up_o our_o minister_n to_o prescribe_a form_n of_o prayer_n which_o be_v a_o stint_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o hinder_v they_o from_o exercise_v their_o gift_n and_o be_v contrary_n to_o scripture_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n the_o argument_n which_o they_o common_o use_v against_o write_a form_n of_o prayer_n be_v first_o they_o say_v that_o nothing_o but_o the_o canonical_a scripture_n and_o the_o lively_a voice_n of_o god_n grace_n which_o they_o call_v preach_v and_o extempore_o prayer_n be_v to_o be_v bring_v into_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o nothing_o that_o be_v humane_a because_o subject_a to_o infirmity_n and_o error_n but_o if_o so_o then_o must_v we_o exclude_v not_o only_o all_o write_a prayer_n but_o the_o whole_a bible_n too_o unless_o in_o the_o original_a tongue_n for_o all_o translation_n of_o it_o be_v humane_a and_o subject_a to_o error_n and_o also_o the_o prayer_n and_o preach_v of_o the_o pastor_n must_v be_v exclude_v for_o the_o error_n in_o the_o sermon_n and_o prayer_n of_o the_o pastor_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o lively_a voice_n of_o god_n own_o grace_n and_o the_o psalm_n in_o metre_n must_v be_v also_o exclude_v another_o argument_n be_v that_o we_o must_v not_o make_v use_n of_o any_o outward_a help_n in_o the_o action_n of_o prayer_n for_o the_o spirit_n they_o say_v help_v our_o infirmity_n and_o therefore_o write_v form_n and_o all_o other_o outward_a help_n be_v sinful_a but_o let_v i_o ask_v they_o whether_o the_o voice_n of_o another_o that_o pray_v or_o fast_v or_o the_o lift_n up_o of_o the_o hand_n and_o eye_n 1_o tim._n 2._o 8._o or_o kneel_v be_v prayer_n itself_o or_o only_o outward_a help_n to_o prayer_n to_o make_v it_o more_o fervent_a sure_o they_o be_v outward_a help_n only_o and_o yet_o they_o be_v use_v in_o the_o very_a action_n of_o prayer_n again_o they_o say_v read_v a_o prayer_n can_v be_v pray_v for_o prayer_n be_v the_o pour_v forth_o supplication_n to_o god_n the_o other_o a_o receive_n in_o of_o such_o thing_n as_o we_o read_v but_o when_o one_o hear_v a_o prayer_n pronounce_v by_o another_o his_o hear_n do_v receive_v it_o into_o his_o soul_n but_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o instant_n he_o do_v power_n it_o forth_o as_o a_o prayer_n to_o god_n why_o then_o may_v not_o this_o be_v do_v as_o well_o when_o it_o be_v read_v as_o when_o it_o be_v pronounce_v by_o another_o but_o then_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o all_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v a_o stint_n of_o the_o spirit_n if_o so_o why_o will_v they_o hear_v the_o extempore_o prayer_n of_o another_o man_n be_v not_o this_o as_o much_o a_o form_n of_o prayer_n to_o all_o the_o hearer_n as_o any_o write_a form_n can_v be_v doubtless_o it_o be_v how_o come_v it_o then_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o hearer_n be_v not_o as_o much_o stint_v when_o they_o join_v in_o this_o form_n as_o if_o they_o have_v join_v in_o a_o write_a form_n but_o since_o our_o
but_o notwithstanding_o you_o must_v communicate_v with_o the_o church_n you_o dwell_v in_o and_o a_o little_a after_o he_o say_v i_o advise_v you_o if_o there_o be_v parish_n church_n orderly_o settle_v under_o the_o magistrate_n countenance_n who_o teacher_n be_v sound_a though_o a_o able_a minister_n shall_v gather_v a_o separate_a congregation_n in_o the_o same_o place_n out_o of_o that_o and_o other_o neighbour_a parish_n and_o shall_v have_v strict_a communicant_n and_o discipline_n be_v not_o too_o forward_o to_o join_v yourself_o to_o that_o separate_a church_n till_o you_o can_v prove_v that_o the_o hurt_n that_o will_v follow_v by_o discord_n offence_n division_n encourage_v of_o schism_n and_o pride_n etc._n etc._n be_v not_o likely_a to_o be_v great_a than_o your_o benefit_n can_v compensate_a but_o if_o this_o separate_a church_n be_v a_o factious_a church_n set_v up_o contentious_o against_o the_o concordant_a church_n though_o on_o pretence_n of_o great_a purity_n and_o if_o their_o meeting_n be_v employ_v in_o contemn_v and_o revile_v other_o church_n who_o people_n be_v not_o of_o their_o mind_n and_o in_o puff_v up_o themselves_o with_o pride_n as_o if_o they_o be_v the_o only_a true_a church_n of_o christ_n avoid_v such_o separate_a church_n as_o the_o enemy_n of_o love_n and_o peace_n and_o again_o in_o the_o same_o book_n p._n 336._o he_o bid_v we_o not_o peevish_o pick_v quarrel_n with_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o come_v to_o they_o with_o humoursome_a prejudice_n think_v not_o that_o you_o must_v stay_v away_o or_o go_v out_o of_o the_o church_n for_o every_o passage_n that_o be_v disorderly_a unmeet_a yea_o or_o unsound_a or_o untrue_a for_o the_o word_n of_o prayer_n be_v the_o work_n of_o man_n and_o while_o all_o man_n be_v fallible_a imperfect_a and_o sinful_a their_o prayer_n and_o preach_a will_v be_v like_o themselves_o and_o he_o that_o be_v the_o high_a pretender_n and_o the_o peevish_a quarrel_n have_v his_o own_o fail_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o if_o our_o dissenter_n will_v allow_v their_o own_o mr._n baxter_n to_o be_v a_o competent_a judge_n or_o any_o of_o the_o other_o learned_a divine_n beforesaid_a they_o must_v own_v that_o neither_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o ministry_n nor_o better_a edification_n be_v a_o sufficient_a cause_n for_o separation_n but_o there_o be_v another_o thing_n say_v they_o which_o make_v it_o necessary_a for_o we_o to_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o that_o be_v the_o oath_n and_o subscription_n which_o they_o require_v from_o we_o what_o say_v mr._n baxter_n to_o this_o why_o mr._n baxter_n in_o his_o poor_a man_n family_n book_n p._n 331._o say_v if_o a_o church_n in_o other_o respect_n sound_v require_v of_o you_o any_o false_a subscription_n promise_n or_o oath_n or_o any_o unlawful_a thing_n you_o must_v not_o do_v it_o but_o hold_v communion_n in_o other_o lawful_a thing_n it_o seem_v than_o he_o do_v not_o allow_v of_o separation_n upon_o this_o account_n neither_o the_o scruple_n which_o man_n make_v to_o the_o oath_n and_o declaration_n be_v ground_v upon_o mistake_n for_o that_o they_o vide._n but_o for_o the_o far_o satisfy_n of_o such_o well_o mean_v person_n as_o be_v scrupulous_a it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v wish_v that_o these_o oath_n subscription_n etc._n etc._n and_o the_o other_o thing_n require_v by_o the_o act_n of_o uniformity_n be_v alter_v and_o explain_v by_o act_n of_o parliament_n according_a to_o the_o bill_n draw_v up_o by_o the_o dean_n of_o st._n paul_n which_o the_o dissenter_n especial_o the_o presbyterian_o be_v willing_a to_o agree_v to_o and_o have_v make_v the_o very_a same_o proposal_n themselves_o in_o their_o answer_n to_o dr._n stillingfleet_n sermon_n at_o the_o latter_a end_n vide._n take_v the_o word_n in_o a_o strain_a and_o unnatural_a sense_n whereas_o if_o they_o will_v remember_v what_o the_o famous_a bishop_n sanderson_n tell_v we_o de_fw-fr juran_n praelect_v 6._o sect_n 12._o p._n 177._o and_o what_o all_o learned_a man_n do_v agree_v in_o to_o wit_n that_o in_o every_o oath_n all_o those_o condition_n or_o exception_n ought_v to_o be_v understand_v which_o by_o right_n or_o common_a use_n be_v imply_v in_o it_o viz._n as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v and_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o i_o thing_n remain_v in_o the_o same_o state_n etc._n etc._n with_o these_o condition_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o these_o oath_n or_o subscription_n that_o can_v reasonable_o be_v scruple_v and_o without_o they_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o frame_v a_o oath_n that_o a_o man_n can_v safe_o venture_v to_o swear_v to_o beside_o though_o these_o subscription_n be_v sufficient_a cause_n for_o separation_n how_o can_v the_o lay_v people_n justify_v their_o separation_n upon_o this_o account_n no_o such_o oath_n or_o subscription_n be_v require_v of_o they_o they_o be_v only_o require_v from_o the_o minister_n why_o then_o do_v the_o people_n forsake_v the_o church_n be_v it_o in_o reverence_n to_o the_o minister_n lest_o they_o shall_v have_v none_o to_o preach_v to_o this_o be_v what_o they_o never_o can_v answer_v with_o any_o colour_n of_o reason_n and_o therefore_o many_o of_o the_o nonconformist_a minister_n do_v frequent_o in_o discourse_n fair_o and_o honest_o own_o that_o the_o term_n of_o lay-communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v easy_a enough_o but_o the_o only_a thing_n they_o stick_v at_o be_v the_o term_n of_o ministerial_a communion_n the_o only_a answer_n that_o ever_o i_o hear_v make_v to_o this_o be_v in_o a_o book_n call_v a_o answer_n to_o dr._n stillingfleet_n be_v sermon_n by_o some_o nonconformist_n pag._n 6._o they_o tell_v we_o that_o they_o must_v not_o justify_v themselves_o in_o their_o preach_v and_o leave_v the_o people_n in_o schism_n i_o must_v needs_o say_v this_o be_v kind_o do_v of_o they_o for_o it_o be_v very_o unfriendly_a in_o they_o to_o draw_v the_o poor_a silly_a people_n into_o schism_n and_o when_o they_o have_v do_v to_o slip_v their_o own_o neck_n out_o of_o the_o collar_n and_o leave_v the_o people_n in_o the_o lurch_n and_o therefore_o they_o quick_o find_v a_o answer_n to_o stop_v their_o mouth_n who_o they_o know_v will_v never_o examine_v it_o say_v they_o we_o be_v minister_n of_o christ_n and_o have_v a_o commission_n to_o preach_v and_o therefore_o the_o people_n may_v lawful_o forsake_v the_o church_n to_o hear_v we_o for_o we_o must_v not_o preach_v to_o the_o stone_n wall_n but_o pray_v will_v this_o reason_n justify_v the_o people_n in_o leave_v their_o parish_n church_n and_o their_o own_o lawful_a minister_n to_o run_v after_o a_o stranger_n for_o fear_v he_o shall_v want_v a_o congregation_n to_o preach_v to_o if_o the_o king_n shall_v give_v a_o gentleman_n a_o commission_n to_o raise_v a_o regiment_n do_v this_o oblige_v man_n that_o have_v former_o list_a themselves_o under_o other_o officer_n to_o leave_v their_o service_n and_o follow_v he_o no_o sure_a there_o be_v in_o the_o two_o university_n many_o hundred_o young_a man_n that_o be_v qualify_v for_o the_o ministry_n perhaps_o as_o well_o as_o most_o of_o the_o nonconformist_a minister_n and_o be_v not_o yet_o call_v to_o the_o office_n nor_o provide_v with_o church_n suppose_v all_o these_o now_o be_v admit_v into_o order_n and_o scatter_v all_o over_o the_o kingdom_n be_v the_o people_n oblige_v to_o run_v away_o from_o their_o lawful_a minister_n orderly_o set_v over_o they_o and_o divide_v the_o parish_n each_o perhaps_o into_o three_o or_o four_o to_o furnish_v all_o these_o new_a make_v minister_n with_o congregation_n to_o preach_v to_o a_o excellent_a contrivance_n this_o of_o our_o reverend_a nonconformist_a minister_n to_o entail_v the_o church_n revenue_n upon_o they_o and_o their_o successor_n for_o ever_o without_o be_v behold_v to_o king_n bishop_n or_o patron_n and_o without_o any_o possibility_n of_o ever_o be_v cut_v off_o or_o forfeit_v all_o the_o lawyer_n in_o england_n can_v not_o have_v devise_v so_o good_a a_o security_n for_o they_o as_o they_o have_v subtle_o do_v here_o for_o themselves_o they_o may_v preach_v what_o doctrine_n they_o please_v for_o the_o government_n or_o against_o it_o they_o have_v a_o commission_n to_o preach_v and_o the_o people_n be_v therefore_o bind_v they_o say_v to_o hear_v they_o for_o preach_v and_o hear_v they_o say_v be_v relative_n and_o the_o one_o do_v necessary_o suppose_v the_o other_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o actual_a preach_a suppose_n hear_v so_o do_v actual_a governor_n necessary_o suppose_v a_o people_n to_o be_v govern_v but_o a_o commission_n to_o govern_v do_v not_o necessary_o suppose_v a_o people_n actual_o to_o be_v govern_v for_o there_o may_v be_v governor_n appoint_v and_o make_v though_o there_o be_v then_o no_o people_n for_o they_o to_o govern_v as_o be_v resolve_v by_o all_o the_o judge_n of_o england_n
in_o the_o case_n of_o sutton_n hospital_n co._n rep._n 10._o fol._n 32._o a._n so_o their_o commission_n to_o preach_v do_v not_o necessary_o draw_v with_o it_o people_n to_o be_v preach_v to_o but_o only_o warrant_v their_o preach_a where_n it_o be_v real_o want_v and_o when_o they_o can_v have_v people_n to_o preach_v to_o without_o injure_v other_o or_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o a_o settle_a true_a christian_a church_n but_o to_o say_v no_o more_o in_o a_o matter_n so_o clear_a i_o have_v already_o show_v that_o there_o lie_v no_o obligation_n upon_o any_o nonconformist_a minister_n to_o preach_v in_o england_n and_o consequent_o there_o can_v be_v no_o necessity_n for_o the_o people_n to_o hear_v they_o the_o oath_n and_o subscription_n be_v require_v only_o of_o the_o clergy_n and_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o other_o reform_a church_n require_v of_o all_o they_o by_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o french_a church_n every_o minister_n that_o will_v not_o subscribe_v to_o the_o order_n among_o they_o be_v to_o be_v declare_v a_o schismatic_a and_o by_o the_o constitution_n of_o geneva_n any_o minister_n that_o contemn_v the_o authority_n of_o their_o church_n or_o by_o his_o obstinacy_n disturb_v the_o order_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v first_o summon_v before_o the_o magistrate_n and_o if_o that_o will_v not_o do_v he_o shall_v be_v excommunicate_v but_o no_o separation_n allow_v and_o calvin_n say_v ep._n olevian_n pag._n 311_o &_o 122_o let_v he_o that_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o the_o order_n of_o a_o society_n be_v cast_v out_o our_o dissenter_n themselves_o do_v oblige_v all_o to_o swear_v solemn_o to_o their_o covenant_n under_o pain_n of_o sequestration_n but_o say_v the_o dissenter_n what_o if_o the_o church_n of_o england_n excommunicate_v we_o may_v we_o not_o then_o lawful_o separate_a and_o set_v up_o meeting_n of_o our_o own_o i_o answer_v it_o be_v true_a the_o law_n of_o the_o church_n do_v say_v that_o in_o some_o case_n man_n be_v excommunicate_v ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la yet_o this_o do_v not_o oblige_v any_o to_o separate_v from_o communion_n till_o sentence_n be_v due_o and_o judicial_o pronounce_v in_o a_o church_n for_o by_o the_o civil_a law_n notwithstanding_o excommunication_n ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la a_o declaratory_a sentence_n of_o the_o judge_n be_v necessary_a before_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v deny_v the_o benefit_n of_o communion_n and_o the_o say_v a_o man_n be_v excommunicate_v ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la signify_v no_o more_o than_o that_o the_o judge_n may_v give_v sentence_n without_o any_o new_a judicial_a process_n but_o though_o our_o dissenter_n be_v actual_o excommunicate_v for_o their_o disobedience_n this_o will_v not_o excuse_v they_o from_o schism_n as_o dr._n stillingfleet_n have_v prove_v at_o large_a misch_n of_o separ_fw-la p._n 370._o thus_o i_o have_v show_v that_o none_o of_o those_o plea_n which_o be_v common_o use_v by_o the_o dissenter_n for_o their_o separation_n from_o we_o be_v sufficient_a to_o justify_v separation_n from_o a_o true_a church_n now_o if_o i_o can_v prove_v that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v a_o true_a reform_a church_n they_o must_v either_o renounce_v their_o principle_n of_o separation_n or_o their_o reason_n the_o only_a argument_n i_o shall_v here_o make_v use_n of_o to_o prove_v that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v a_o true_a reform_a church_n be_v that_o it_o be_v so_o acknowledge_v by_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o the_o world_n who_o do_v all_o own_v she_o as_o a_o sister_n and_o also_o by_o the_o most_o eminent_a of_o our_o own_o dissenter_n themselves_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n beyond_o sea_n do_v own_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o a_o true_a reform_a church_n and_o yet_o they_o know_v what_o her_o fault_n be_v in_o her_o assembly_n in_o her_o worship_n in_o her_o ministry_n and_o government_n and_o this_o appear_v by_o the_o harmony_n of_o confession_n of_o the_o church_n collect_v and_o set_v forth_o by_o the_o church_n of_o france_n and_o of_o the_o low-countries_n they_o do_v receive_v and_o approve_v of_o the_o confession_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o call_v it_o one_o of_o the_o true_a reform_a church_n calvin_n have_v acknowledge_v the_o same_o in_o his_o writing_n against_o the_o brownist_n and_o condemn_v they_o for_o schismatic_n for_o separate_v from_o it_o see_v his_o instit_fw-la lib._n 4._o c._n 1._o and_o the_o famous_a causabon_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o king_n james_n i._o declare_v plain_o that_o none_o at_o this_o day_n come_v near_o the_o form_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n than_o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v grotius_n ad_fw-la boatslaer_n ep._n 62._o acknowledge_v the_o same_o to_o which_o i_o shall_v add_v the_o opinion_n of_o two_o of_o the_o most_o eminent_a reform_a divine_n at_o this_o day_n beyond_o sea_n the_o one_o be_v mounseur_fw-fr l'_fw-mi moyn_v professor_n of_o divinity_n at_o leyden_n in_o his_o letter_n to_o the_o bishop_n of_o london_n anno_fw-la dom._n 1680._o who_o write_v to_o he_o to_o know_v his_o judgement_n concern_v our_o present_a division_n in_o england_n l'_n moyn_v write_v he_o a_o long_a letter_n which_o you_o may_v see_v at_o large_a at_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o dr._n stillingfleet_n be_v mischief_n of_o separation_n i_o shall_v only_o repeat_v some_o of_o it_o where_o be_v it_o ever_o see_v say_v he_o after_o he_o have_v be_v high_o condemn_v our_o dissenter_n for_o separation_n that_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n be_v concern_v for_o article_n of_o discipline_n and_o thing_n which_o regard_v but_o the_o outside_n and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n true_o these_o be_v never_o account_v in_o the_o number_n of_o essential_a truth_n and_o as_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o these_o that_o can_v save_v so_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o these_o that_o can_v exclude_v from_o salvation_n for_o the_o episcopal_a government_n what_o be_v there_o in_o it_o that_o be_v dangerous_a and_o may_v reasonable_o alarm_n man_n conscience_n and_o if_o this_o be_v capable_a of_o deprive_v man_n of_o eternal_a glory_n and_o shut_v the_o gate_n of_o heaven_n who_o be_v there_o that_o enter_v there_o for_o the_o space_n of_o 1500._o year_n since_o that_o for_o all_o that_o time_n all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o world_n have_v no_o other_o kind_n of_o government_n if_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o truth_n be_v it_o credible_a that_o god_n have_v so_o high_o approve_v it_o and_o permit_v his_o church_n to_o be_v tyrannize_v over_o by_o it_o for_o so_o many_o hundred_o year_n etc._n etc._n therefore_o since_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n do_v look_v upon_o the_o church_n of_o england_n not_o only_o as_o a_o sister_n but_o as_o a_o elder_a sister_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o some_o englishman_n themselves_o have_v so_o ill_a a_o opinion_n of_o she_o at_o present_a as_o to_o separate_v rash_o from_o she_o for_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n i_o do_v not_o see_v their_o separate_a meeting_n be_v of_o any_o great_a use_n or_o that_o one_o may_v be_v more_o comfort_v there_o than_o in_o the_o episcopal_a church_n when_o i_o be_v at_o london_n almost_o five_o year_n ago_o i_o go_v to_o several_a of_o their_o meeting_n to_o see_v what_o way_n they_o take_v for_o the_o instruction_n of_o their_o hearer_n but_o i_o profess_v i_o be_v not_o at_o all_o edify_v by_o it_o i_o hear_v one_o of_o the_o most_o famous_a nonconformist_n he_o preach_v in_o a_o place_n where_o there_o be_v about_o fourscore_o woman_n and_o a_o few_o man_n he_o have_v choose_v a_o text_n about_o the_o building_n up_o the_o ruin_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o for_o explication_n of_o it_o he_o cite_v pliny_n and_o vitruvius_n i_o believe_v a_o hundred_o time_n and_o do_v not_o forget_v to_o mention_v a_o proverb_n in_o italian_a duro_fw-la con_fw-mi duro_fw-la non_fw-it fa_fw-it muro_fw-la all_o this_o seem_v to_o i_o nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n and_o very_o improper_a for_o his_o auditory_a to_o cantonize_v themselves_o and_o make_v a_o schism_n to_o have_v the_o liberty_n to_o vent_v such_o vanity_n seem_v very_o ill_a conduct_n and_o the_o people_n seem_v very_o weak_a to_o quit_v their_o mutual_a assembly_n for_o thing_n that_o so_o little_o deserve_v their_o esteem_n and_o preference_n i_o do_v not_o think_v that_o any_o one_o be_v oblige_v to_o suffer_v such_o irregularity_n etc._n etc._n the_o other_o authority_n i_o promise_v to_o cite_v be_v monsieur_n claud_n to_o who_o the_o bishop_n of_o london_n write_v about_o the_o same_o time_n desire_v his_o opinion_n as_o aforesaid_a mounseur_fw-fr claud_n return_v he_o this_o answer_n all_o reform_a church_n do_v acknowledge_v the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o a_o true_a church_n and_o i_o shall_v not_o be_v afraid_a to_o give_v that_o name_n to_o the_o hold_v of_o assembly_n apart_o and_o separate_v from_o the_o public_a assembly_n and_o
to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o this_o church_n be_v in_o a_o safe_a and_o ready_a way_n to_o heaven_n but_o it_o be_v a_o difficult_a matter_n for_o man_n to_o forsake_v what_o they_o have_v be_v all_o their_o life_n accustom_v to_o they_o can_v believe_v that_o separation_n be_v so_o great_a a_o sin_n as_o we_o seem_v to_o make_v it_o and_o that_o so_o many_o honest_a good_a people_n and_o godly_a minister_n do_v live_v and_o die_v in_o sin_n if_o they_o be_v resolve_v they_o will_v not_o believe_v separation_n from_o a_o true_a church_n to_o be_v sinful_a who_o can_v help_v that_o the_o great_a number_n that_o have_v live_v and_o die_v in_o that_o opinion_n do_v not_o make_v the_o thing_n less_o sinful_a the_o donatist_n in_o the_o african_a church_n be_v more_o numerous_a that_o our_o english_a dissenter_n be_v and_o have_v it_o be_v likely_a as_o many_o sober_a and_o learned_a divine_n among_o '_o they_o for_o at_o the_o conference_n at_o carthage_n they_o have_v 400_o bishop_n yet_o these_o be_v condemn_v for_o schismatic_n by_o st._n austin_n and_o all_o the_o catholic_n bishop_n and_o the_o thing_n that_o these_o donatist_n separate_v from_o the_o church_n for_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n the_o very_a same_o that_o our_o present_a dissenter_n make_v the_o cause_n of_o their_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n they_o think_v the_o bishopric_n too_o large_a and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o bishop_n too_o great_a they_o refuse_v to_o join_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o catholic_n because_o sinner_n be_v admit_v there_o they_o forsake_v the_o minister_n because_o they_o be_v not_o so_o agreeable_a to_o their_o humour_n as_o they_o will_v have_v they_o 47._o they_o optatus_n malevianus_n lib._n 2._o p._n 47._o they_o will_v not_o suffer_v any_o to_o speak_v in_o the_o church_n but_o the_o minister_n and_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o all_o the_o people_n they_o hold_v that_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n have_v no_o power_n to_o reform_v the_o church_n they_o make_v a_o show_n of_o great_a zeal_n for_o the_o purity_n of_o religion_n than_o other_o people_n and_o by_o their_o stiff_a rigorous_a severity_n which_o they_o show_v and_o the_o vehement_a outcries_a which_o they_o make_v that_o discipline_n be_v not_o due_o execute_v many_o of_o the_o people_n not_o well_o ground_v in_o the_o truth_n be_v terrify_v and_o turn_v unto_o they_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v the_o most_o zealous_a holy_a man_n and_o the_o only_a true_a church_n in_o the_o world_n final_o they_o condemn_v all_o other_o church_n as_o not_o true_a church_n see_v all_o this_o in_o gifford_n a_o nonconformist_a minister_n his_o book_n against_o the_o brownist_n 2._o part_n these_o be_v the_o very_a pretence_n that_o our_o present_a dissenter_n make_v for_o their_o separate_n from_o this_o church_n our_o bishopric_n be_v too_o large_a our_o church_n not_o according_a to_o christ_n institution_n our_o minister_n unable_a and_o ungodly_a our_o way_n of_o worship_n false_a our_o magistrate_n assume_v a_o unwarrant_v power_n in_o church_n matter_n yea_o and_o in_o their_o over_o pretend_v to_o purity_n and_o godliness_n they_o be_v exact_a donatist_n and_o by_o that_o very_a mean_n do_v draw_v the_o more_o ignorant_a and_o zealous_a sort_n of_o people_n to_o they_o as_o the_o brownist_n do_v no_o people_n pretend_v so_o much_o to_o purity_n and_o religion_n as_o they_o do_v in_o all_o place_n where_o they_o have_v their_o public_a meeting_n they_o be_v sure_a to_o begin_v before_o the_o parish_n church_n and_o end_v after_o be_v they_o as_o long_o as_o they_o will_v but_o yet_o go_v in_o to_o one_o of_o their_o meeting_n and_o you_o shall_v see_v as_o little_a sign_n of_o devotion_n and_o as_o many_o of_o the_o people_n asleep_o as_o in_o any_o parish_n church_n in_o the_o kingdom_n for_o the_o number_n so_o in_o their_o common_a discourse_n many_o of_o they_o will_v scarce_o allow_v themselves_o so_o much_o liberty_n as_o to_o make_v they_o good_a company_n for_o fear_v they_o shall_v happen_v to_o tell_v a_o lie_n but_o yet_o in_o their_o deal_n they_o will_v over_o reach_v a_o customer_n in_o a_o bargain_n and_o use_v as_o many_o equivocation_n to_o deceive_v he_o as_o any_o other_o people_n shall_v but_o lest_o you_o think_v i_o do_v they_o wrong_n let_v we_o hear_v what_o the_o learned_a mr._n baxter_n say_v of_o they_o you_o will_v believe_v that_o he_o will_v wrong_v they_o in_o his_o poor_a man_n family_n book_n p._n 221._o speak_v of_o such_o who_o run_v into_o party_n by_o division_n say_v he_o those_o injudicious_a sort_n of_o christian_n have_v a_o over_o high_a esteem_n of_o their_o own_o under_o stand_n and_o godliness_n and_o desire_v to_o be_v make_v conspicuous_a for_o their_o godliness_n in_o the_o world_n separate_v from_o ordinary_a christian_n as_o below_o they_o and_o unworthy_a of_o their_o communion_n these_o sect_n have_v ever_o be_v the_o nest_n of_o error_n and_o again_o ib._n p._n 331._o he_o bid_v we_o beware_v of_o join_v ourselves_o to_o separate_a meeting_n who_o pretend_v to_o strict_a discipline_n and_o great_a purity_n who_o set_v themselves_o up_o factious_o and_o contentious_o against_o the_o concordant_a church_n on_o pretence_n of_o great_a purity_n who_o meeting_n be_v employ_v in_o revile_v other_o and_o condemn_v other_o church_n and_o puff_v themselves_o up_o with_o pride_n as_o if_o they_o be_v the_o only_a church_n of_o christ_n but_o our_o dissenter_n will_v say_v this_o be_v a_o scandalous_a abuse_n to_o say_v that_o they_o condemn_v all_o other_o reform_a church_n in_o the_o world_n but_o i_o doubt_v they_o agree_v with_o the_o donatist_n even_o in_o this_o for_o i_o suppose_v they_o will_v condemn_v all_o those_o that_o account_v they_o schismatic_n and_o this_o do_v all_o the_o reform_a church_n for_o they_o all_o hold_v that_o separation_n from_o a_o true_a church_n be_v schism_n and_o own_o the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o a_o true_a church_n and_o consequent_o make_v they_o schismatic_n and_o so_o have_v express_o declare_v they_o as_o appear_v before_o again_o i_o suppose_v they_o will_v condemn_v all_o church_n that_o communicate_v with_o a_o idolatrous_a antichristian_a church_n know_v her_o fault_n some_o of_o they_o declare_v the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o be_v such_o a_o church_n and_o then_o they_o must_v condemn_v all_o the_o reform_a church_n which_o communicate_v with_o she_o well_o say_v the_o dissenter_n you_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v a_o great_a deal_n to_o say_v for_o yourselves_o and_o if_o all_o be_v true_a that_o you_o have_v tell_v we_o our_o separation_n from_o you_o be_v sinful_a and_o unreasonable_a but_o what_o reason_n have_v we_o to_o believe_v you_o we_o have_v a_o great_a many_o able_a and_o godly_a minister_n of_o our_o own_o who_o tell_v we_o the_o quite_o contrary_a it_o be_v certain_a they_o can_v both_o be_v in_o the_o right_n why_o may_v we_o not_o then_o believe_v your_o minister_n may_v be_v deceive_v as_o well_o as_o we_o i_o answer_v it_o be_v not_o so_o likely_a that_o all_o the_o divine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o have_v be_v since_o the_o reformation_n shall_v be_v deceive_v in_o a_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n as_o that_o those_o of_o the_o nonconformist_n shall_v first_o because_o they_o be_v much_o more_o numerous_a and_o it_o be_v not_o so_o likely_a that_o a_o great_a many_o good_a man_n shall_v be_v deceive_v as_o a_o few_o it_o be_v a_o rule_n in_o logic_n quod_fw-la plures_fw-la &_o sapentiores_fw-la testantur_fw-la credibile_fw-la est_fw-la esse_fw-la verum_fw-la and_o second_o because_o they_o have_v much_o better_a mean_n to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n than_o those_o of_o the_o nonconformist_n can_v pretend_v to_o as_o will_v plain_o appear_v by_o consider_v the_o method_n take_v on_o both_o side_n for_o the_o breed_n up_o of_o divine_n those_o who_o be_v design_v for_o the_o study_n of_o divinity_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v keep_v at_o the_o best_a school_n that_o can_v convenient_o be_v have_v till_o they_o understand_v latin_a and_o greek_a very_o well_o than_o they_o be_v admit_v into_o one_o of_o the_o university_n where_o they_o be_v put_v under_o the_o care_n of_o a_o particular_a tutor_n who_o be_v always_o one_o of_o the_o fellow_n of_o the_o college_n and_o consequent_o a_o man_n well_o approve_v of_o by_o the_o whole_a college_n for_o his_o learning_n and_o sobriety_n for_o by_o the_o statute_n of_o every_o college_n none_o but_o such_o be_v qualify_v for_o fellowship_n this_o tutor_n have_v seldom_o above_o 20._o student_n under_o his_o care_n at_o a_o time_n and_o many_o of_o they_o not_o half_a that_o number_n every_o student_n come_v twice_o a_o day_n to_o his_o tutor_n chamber_n to_o be_v instruct_v by_o he_o and_o beside_o
preface_n to_o his_o book_n and_o mr._n baxter_n in_o his_o defence_n of_o his_o cure_n p._n 124._o tell_v we_o of_o a_o church_n in_o new_a england_n that_o separate_v from_o a_o church_n on_o the_o account_n of_o their_o preacher_n have_v human_a learning_n but_o perhaps_o some_o of_o our_o dissenter_n will_v own_v that_o our_o divine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v general_o more_o learned_a than_o those_o among_o they_o one_o of_o the_o most_o competent_a judge_n among_o they_o mr._n baxter_n have_v own_a it_o fair_o in_o his_o answer_n to_o a_o certain_a letter_n p._n 18._o where_o he_o say_v he_o have_v seldom_o hear_v any_o but_o very_o good_a and_o well_o study_v sermon_n in_o our_o church_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n complain_v public_o of_o the_o weakness_n and_o injudiciousness_n and_o self-conceitedness_n of_o too_o many_o of_o the_o nonconformist_a preacher_n in_o his_o sacral_n desert_n p._n 86._o yet_o they_o will_v tell_v we_o they_o deceive_v the_o people_n and_o keep_v they_o all_o in_o ignorance_n for_o their_o own_o interest_n lest_o they_o shall_v lose_v their_o church_n preferment_n this_o be_v a_o very_a severe_a censure_n to_o say_v that_o so_o many_o thousand_o godly_a minister_n as_o have_v be_v of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n since_o the_o reformation_n and_o who_o have_v many_o of_o they_o die_v martyr_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v such_o villain_n as_o to_o deceive_v the_o people_n and_o damn_v their_o own_o soul_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o their_o church_n preferment_n but_o how_o can_v self-interest_n oblige_v the_o clergy_n to_o defend_v the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o now_o establish_v if_o they_o think_v it_o not_o agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n it_o must_v be_v either_o pride_n or_o covetousness_n that_o must_v move_v they_o to_o it_o if_o it_o be_v pride_n doubtless_o the_o presbyterian_a or_o independent_a way_n will_v answer_v that_o end_n much_o better_o for_o whereas_o now_o the_o parson_n vicar_n and_o curate_n of_o all_o the_o parish_n in_o england_n be_v subject_a to_o their_o respective_a bishop_n etc._n etc._n and_o can_v do_v nothing_o as_o to_o matter_n of_o discipline_n or_o government_n etc._n etc._n not_o even_o in_o their_o own_o parish_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o diocesan_n bishop_n be_v the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n change_v to_o that_o of_o the_o presbyterian_a or_o independent_a way_n every_o pastor_n will_v become_v a_o absolute_a bishop_n and_o accountable_a to_o none_o for_o what_o he_o do_v if_o it_o be_v covetousness_n that_o move_v they_o to_o it_o i_o suppose_v that_o be_v all_o the_o parson_n of_o every_o parish_n in_o england_n make_v the_o pastor_n of_o that_o church_n or_o parish_n according_a to_o the_o presbyterian_a or_o independent_a notion_n of_o a_o pastor_n and_o all_o the_o diocesan_n and_o metropolitan_a bishopric_n and_o their_o dean_n and_o chapter_n dissolve_v and_o their_o revenue_n superadd_v to_o the_o present_a income_n of_o every_o parish_n minister_n or_o pastor_n their_o church_n live_n will_v be_v no_o less_o but_o more_o valuable_a than_o now_o they_o be_v why_o do_v they_o not_o then_o set_v about_o this_o change_n of_o church_n government_n as_o fast_o as_o they_o can_v if_o they_o think_v in_o their_o conscience_n be_v more_o agreeable_a to_o god_n will_v so_o to_o do_v it_o be_v plain_a it_o will_v better_v answer_v their_o covetousness_n and_o ambition_n to_o pull_v down_o episcopacy_n than_o to_o live_v in_o this_o poor_a subjection_n that_o now_o they_o do_v here_o they_o will_v tell_v we_o the_o reason_n be_v plain_a because_o the_o bishop_n who_o be_v the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n will_v not_o let_v they_o they_o know_v the_o sweet_a of_o a_o fat_a bishopric_n too_o well_o to_o part_v with_o it_o i_o warrant_v they_o but_o the_o thousand_o part_n of_o the_o clergy_n of_o england_n be_v not_o bishop_n nor_o perhaps_o never_o think_v to_o be_v so_o every_o one_o of_o these_o have_v a_o vote_n in_o the_o convocation_n and_o doubtless_o may_v carry_v it_o against_o so_o small_a a_o number_n of_o bishop_n as_o 27._o be_v they_o not_o persuade_v in_o their_o conscience_n that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o now_o establish_v be_v as_o agreeable_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n as_o any_o other_o whatsoever_o therefore_o since_o the_o divine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v more_o numerous_a and_o general_o more_o learned_a and_o can_v have_v no_o design_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o self-interest_n to_o deceive_v the_o people_n it_o be_v safe_a sure_o in_o a_o doubtful_a case_n to_o take_v their_o word_n and_o trust_v to_o their_o judgement_n than_o to_o those_o among_o the_o dissenter_n who_o interest_n it_o be_v to_o deceive_v the_o people_n and_o make_v the_o breach_n between_o we_o as_o wide_a as_o they_o can_v many_o of_o they_o be_v man_n of_o no_o fortune_n and_o such_o as_o have_v no_o other_o way_n to_o get_v a_o live_n and_o man_n who_o must_v needs_o be_v loser_n by_o a_o union_n between_o we_o be_v the_o conformity_n of_o which_o side_n it_o will_v whether_o they_o conform_v to_o we_o or_o we_o to_o they_o for_o be_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n either_o episcopal_a or_o presbyterian_a or_o independent_a it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a that_o the_o minister_n who_o be_v lawful_o put_v into_o the_o cure_n shall_v continue_v therein_o still_o as_o pastor_n of_o their_o own_o church_n so_o that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o nonconformist_a preacher_n must_v be_v lay_v aside_o for_o it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a that_o other_o who_o be_v as_o deserve_v as_o they_o and_o lawful_o settle_v in_o their_o cure_n shall_v be_v turn_v out_o to_o make_v room_n for_o they_o nor_o that_o parish_n shall_v be_v divide_v all_o over_o the_o kingdom_n to_o furnish_v they_o with_o church_n it_o be_v likely_a that_o some_o of_o the_o nonconformist_a minister_n who_o be_v better_a qualify_v than_o ordinary_a may_v be_v provide_v for_o shall_v it_o please_v god_n that_o there_o be_v a_o union_n between_o we_o but_o many_o of_o they_o i_o doubt_v can_v not_o so_o that_o it_o be_v evident_a their_o interest_n oblige_v the_o most_o of_o they_o to_o deceive_v the_o people_n and_o keep_v open_a the_o breach_n as_o wide_o as_o they_o can_v and_o that_o they_o real_o do_v so_o be_v plain_a by_o their_o make_v the_o difference_n between_o we_o seem_v great_a than_o real_o they_o be_v and_o than_o they_o themselves_o have_v own_a they_o to_o be_v in_o their_o write_n as_o i_o have_v all_o along_o show_v and_o also_o by_o their_o pretend_v to_o quote_v authority_n for_o what_o they_o say_v and_o either_o not_o mention_v the_o chapter_n or_o page_n where_o the_o word_n be_v to_o be_v find_v or_o else_o alter_v the_o very_a word_n and_o sense_n of_o the_o author_n to_o serve_v their_o turn_n if_o any_o one_o think_v i_o do_v they_o wrong_n let_v they_o look_v into_o dr._n maurice_n his_o defence_n of_o diocesan_n episc_n p._n 237._o 335._o 353._o 377._o 396._o 442._o 444._o how_o mr._n clarkson_n to_o prove_v episcopacy_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n to_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o congregational_a or_o independent_a way_n have_v misrepresent_v the_o very_a word_n and_o sense_n of_o his_o author_n you_o may_v find_v more_o instance_n of_o this_o kind_n in_o the_o preface_n to_o dr._n comber_n defence_n of_o liturgy_n one_a part_n and_o see_v how_o false_o mr._n baxter_n have_v translate_v theodoret_n epistle_n to_o serve_v his_o hypothesis_n dr._n stillingfleet_n his_o mischief_n of_o separation_n p._n 261._o and_o how_o he_o have_v misrepresent_v the_o doctor_n be_v own_o word_n ib._n 131._o 132_o and_o 126._o many_o more_o instance_n of_o this_o kind_n may_v be_v give_v be_v it_o necessary_a but_o what_o have_v be_v say_v be_v sufficient_a to_o show_v that_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n where_o the_o case_n seem_v doubtful_a and_o all_o the_o 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ainsworth_n who_o all_o left_a england_n to_o gather_v separate_a church_n to_o themselves_o in_o the_o low-countries_n but_o scarce_o have_v be_v well_o there_o till_o they_o fall_v out_o all_o among_o themselves_o one_o man_n and_o his_o company_n be_v accurse_v and_o avoid_v by_o the_o other_o and_o his_o follower_n and_o the_o one_o church_n receive_v the_o person_n excommunicate_v by_o the_o other_o till_o they_o become_v ridiculous_a to_o spectator_n and_o at_o last_o some_o of_o they_o be_v glad_a to_o return_v into_o england_n this_o matter_n have_v be_v so_o full_o relate_v by_o dr._n stillingfleet_n in_o his_o mischief_n of_o separation_n p._n 51_o 52_o etc._n etc._n that_o it_o be_v needless_a here_o to_o repeat_v it_o i_o shall_v only_o take_v notice_n that_o ever_o since_o king_n james_n the_o second_v accession_n to_o the_o crown_n the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v lay_v aside_o all_o thought_n of_o controversy_n with_o the_o dissenter_n in_o hope_n that_o they_o 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