be_v at_o all_o concern_v in_o the_o rhetorical_a discourse_n of_o dr._n still_o concern_v the_o first_o reformer_n and_o their_o reformation_n neither_o do_v we_o at_o all_o delight_n in_o reflect_v on_o any_o of_o the_o defect_n of_o it_o desire_v only_o the_o liberty_n avow_v on_o protestant_a principle_n in_o the_o discharge_v of_o our_o own_o duty_n nor_o second_o be_v we_o any_o more_o concern_v in_o the_o long_a story_n that_o ensue_v about_o the_o rise_n and_o progress_n of_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n with_o the_o mistake_v of_o some_o in_o principle_n and_o miscarriage_n in_o practice_n who_o judge_v it_o their_o duty_n to_o be_v separate_a for_o as_o in_o our_o refrain_v from_o total_a communion_n with_o the_o parochial_a assembly_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n we_o proceed_v not_o on_o the_o same_o principle_n so_o we_o hope_v that_o we_o be_v free_a from_o the_o same_o miscarriage_n with_o they_o or_o any_o of_o a_o alike_a nature_n but_o it_o be_v also_o certain_a that_o after_o the_o great_a confusion_n that_o be_v bâ—ought_v on_o the_o whole_a state_n and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o roman_a apostasy_n many_o of_o those_o who_o attempt_v a_o reformation_n fall_v into_o different_a opinion_n and_o practice_n in_o sundry_a thing_n which_o the_o papist_n have_v make_v many_o a_o long_a story_n about_o we_o undertake_v the_o defence_n only_o of_o our_o own_o principle_n and_o practice_n according_a unto_o they_o nor_o do_v we_o esteem_v ourselves_o oblige_v to_o justify_v or_o reflect_v on_o other_o and_o it_o be_v no_o difficult_a task_n to_o compose_v a_o story_n of_o the_o proceed_n of_o some_o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n with_o reference_n unto_o these_o difference_n that_o will_v have_v as_o ill_o a_o aspect_n as_o that_o which_o be_v here_o report_v shall_v a_o account_n be_v give_v of_o their_o unaccountable_a rigour_n and_o severity_n in_o that_o through_o so_o many_o year_n yea_o age_n they_o will_v never_o think_v of_o the_o least_o abatement_n of_o their_o imposition_n in_o any_o one_o instance_n though_o acknowledge_v by_o themselves_o indifferent_a and_o esteem_v by_o other_o unlawful_a although_o they_o see_v what_o woeful_a detriment_n arise_v to_o the_o church_n thereby_o yea_o how_o instead_o thereof_o they_o do_v to_o the_o last_o of_o their_o power_n make_v a_o progress_n in_o the_o same_o course_n by_o attempt_v new_a canon_n to_o inflame_v the_o difference_n and_o increase_v in_o severity_n towards_o all_o dissenter_n shall_v a_o account_n be_v give_v of_o the_o silencing_n depriving_n imprisoning_n by_o the_o high_a commission_n court_n and_o in_o most_o of_o the_o diocese_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o so_o great_a number_n of_o godly_a learned_a faithful_a painful_a minister_n to_o the_o unspeakable_a disadvantage_n of_o the_o church_n and_o nation_n with_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o most_o of_o they_o and_o their_o family_n the_o representation_n of_o their_o name_n qualification_n evident_a usefulness_n in_o the_o ministry_n with_o the_o cause_n of_o their_o suffering_n wherein_o the_o observance_n of_o some_o ceremony_n be_v open_o prefer_v before_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n and_o a_o great_a mean_n of_o the_o conversion_n of_o soul_n will_v give_v as_o ill_o a_o demonstration_n of_o christian_a wisdom_n love_n moderation_n condescension_n zeal_n for_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o any_o thing_n do_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n in_o the_o history_n before_o we_o it_o will_v not_o be_v omit_v on_o such_o a_o occasion_n to_o declare_v what_o multitude_n of_o pious_a peaceable_a protestant_n be_v drive_v by_o their_o severity_n to_o leave_v their_o native_a country_n to_o seek_v a_o refuge_n for_o their_o life_n and_o liberty_n with_o freedom_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o a_o wilderness_n in_o the_o end_v of_o the_o earth_n and_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o what_o some_o do_v herein_o they_o do_v in_o discharge_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o their_o office_n i_o must_v say_v i_o shall_v hardly_o acknowledge_v that_o office_n to_o be_v of_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n whereunto_o it_o belong_v in_o a_o way_n of_o duty_n to_o ruin_v and_o destroy_v so_o many_o of_o his_o disciple_n for_o no_o other_o cause_n but_o a_o desire_n and_o endeavour_v to_o serve_v and_o worship_v he_o according_a unto_o what_o they_o apprehend_v to_o be_v his_o mind_n reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n shall_v there_o be_v add_v hereunto_o a_o account_n of_o the_o administration_n of_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n in_o the_o court_n of_o chancellor_n commissary_n official_o and_o the_o like_a as_o unto_o the_o authority_n and_o cause_n with_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o their_o proceed_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o jurisdiction_n with_o the_o woeful_a scandal_n that_o have_v be_v give_v thereby_o with_o a_o addition_n of_o sundry_a other_o thing_n which_o i_o will_v not_o so_o much_o as_o mention_v i_o suppose_v it_o will_v as_o much_o conduce_v unto_o peace_n and_o reconciliation_n among_o protestant_n as_o the_o story_n here_o give_v we_o by_o our_o author_n but_o set_v aside_o the_o aggravation_n of_o thing_n gather_v out_o of_o controversial_a write_n wherein_o few_o man_n do_v observe_v the_o due_a rule_n of_o moderation_n but_o indulge_v unto_o themselves_o the_o liberty_n of_o severe_a censure_n and_o sharp_a reflection_n on_o they_o they_o do_v oppose_v the_o sum_n and_o truth_n of_o the_o story_n concern_v these_o thing_n may_v be_v reduce_v into_o a_o narrow_a compass_n for_o 1._o it_o be_v certain_a that_o from_o the_o first_o dawn_n of_o the_o reformation_n in_o this_o nation_n there_o be_v different_a apprehension_n among_o they_o that_o joint_o forsake_v the_o papacy_n as_o unto_o its_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n about_o the_o state_n rule_n order_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n with_o sundry_a thing_n belong_v unto_o its_o worship_n also_o i_o suppose_v this_o will_v not_o be_v deny_v 2._o there_o do_v not_o remain_v any_o record_n of_o a_o due_a attempt_n and_o endeavour_v for_o the_o compose_v these_o difference_n before_o one_o certain_a way_n be_v establish_v by_o those_o in_o power_n and_o whereas_o the_o state_n and_o condition_n wherein_o they_o be_v at_o that_o time_n from_o the_o confusion_n about_o religion_n that_o be_v then_o abroad_o and_o the_o pertinaciousness_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o people_n in_o a_o adherence_n unto_o their_o old_a way_n and_o observance_n in_o religion_n with_o a_o great_a scarcity_n in_o able_a minister_n the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o clergy_n dislike_a the_o whole_a reformation_n they_o find_v themselves_o as_o they_o judge_v necessitate_v to_o make_v as_o little_a alteration_n in_o the_o present_a state_n of_o thing_n as_o be_v possible_a so_o as_o to_o keep_v up_o a_o appearance_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n which_o have_v be_v in_o former_a use_n on_o these_o ground_n the_o state_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n be_v continue_v in_o the_o same_o form_n and_o posture_n that_o it_o be_v before_o under_o the_o papacy_n the_o authority_n of_o the_o pope_n only_o be_v exclude_v and_o the_o power_n of_o disposal_n of_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n usurp_v by_o he_o declare_v to_o be_v in_o the_o king_n so_o also_o in_o imitation_n of_o that_o book_n of_o worship_n and_o service_n which_o the_o people_n have_v be_v accustom_v unto_o another_o be_v establish_v with_o the_o ceremony_n most_o obvious_a unto_o popular_a observation_n 3._o this_o order_n be_v unsatisfactory_a unto_o great_a number_n of_o minister_n and_o other_o who_o yet_o consider_v what_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o time_n do_v call_v for_o do_v outward_o acquiesce_v in_o it_o in_o several_a degree_n in_o hope_n of_o a_o far_a reformation_n in_o a_o more_o convenient_a season_n nor_o do_v they_o cease_v to_o plead_v and_o press_v for_o it_o by_o all_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a mean_n abstain_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n from_o the_o use_n of_o the_o ceremony_n and_o full_a compliance_n with_o episcopal_a jurisdiction_n 4._o hereon_o those_o who_o be_v for_o the_o establishment_n have_v secure_v their_o interest_n therein_o and_o obtain_v power_n begin_v after_o a_o while_n to_o oppress_v excommunicate_a silence_n deprive_v and_o imprison_v those_o who_o dissent_v from_o they_o and_o can_v not_o come_v up_o unto_o a_o full_a practical_a compliance_n with_o their_o institution_n and_o rule_n yet_o the_o generality_n of_o those_o so_o silence_v and_o deprive_v abide_v in_o privacy_n under_o their_o suffering_n hope_v for_o a_o reformation_n at_o one_o time_n or_o another_o without_o betake_v themselves_o unto_o any_o other_o course_n for_o the_o edification_n of_o themselves_o or_o their_o people_n 5._o after_o sundry_a year_n some_o man_n partly_o silence_v and_o deprive_v as_o unto_o their_o ministry_n and_o partly_o pursue_v with_o other_o censure_n and_o penalty_n begin_v
the_o lord_n christ_n have_v ordain_v no_o power_n nor_o order_n in_o his_o church_n no_o office_n or_o duty_n that_o shall_v stand_v in_o need_n of_o the_o civil_a authority_n sanction_n or_o force_n to_o preserve_v it_o or_o make_v it_o effectual_a unto_o its_o proper_a end_n it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o discharge_v any_o thing_n of_o a_o pretence_n to_o be_v a_o appointment_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n if_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a unto_o its_o own_o proper_a end_n without_o the_o help_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n that_o church-state_n which_o be_v either_o constitute_v by_o humane_a authority_n or_o can_v consist_v without_o it_o be_v not_o from_o he_o that_o ordinance_n which_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n divine_a or_o be_v pretend_v so_o to_o be_v so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v not_o effectual_a unto_o its_o end_n without_o the_o aid_n of_o humane_a authority_n be_v not_o of_o he_o he_o need_v it_o not_o he_o will_v not_o borrow_v the_o assistance_n of_o civil_a authority_n to_o rule_v in_o and_o over_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n with_o respect_n unto_o their_o live_n to_o god_n and_o come_v unto_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o himself_o the_o way_n of_o require_v the_o sanction_n of_o civil_a authority_n unto_o ecclesiastical_a order_n and_o determination_n begin_v with_o the_o use_n of_o general_n council_n in_o the_o day_n of_o constantine_n and_o when_o once_o it_o be_v engage_v in_o and_o approve_a so_o far_o as_o that_o what_o be_v determine_v in_o the_o synod_n either_o as_o to_o doctrine_n or_o as_o unto_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v confirm_v by_o the_o imperial_a authority_n with_o penalty_n on_o all_o that_o shall_v gainsay_v such_o determination_n it_o be_v deplorable_a to_o consider_v what_o mutual_a havoc_n be_v make_v among_o christian_n upon_o the_o various_a sentiment_n of_o synod_n and_o emperor_n yet_o this_o way_n please_v the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n so_o well_o and_o as_o they_o think_v ease_v they_o of_o so_o much_o trouble_n that_o it_o be_v so_o far_o improve_v among_o they_o that_o at_o last_o they_o leave_v no_o power_n in_o or_o about_o religion_n or_o religious_a person_n unto_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n but_o what_o be_v to_o be_v exercise_v in_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o decree_n and_o determination_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v necessary_a from_o this_o institution_n of_o particular_a church_n that_o they_o have_v their_o subsistence_n continuation_n order_n and_o the_o efficacy_n of_o all_o that_o they_o act_n and_o do_v as_o church_n from_o christ_n himself_n for_o whereas_o all_o that_o they_o be_v and_o do_v be_v heavenly_a spiritual_a and_o not_o of_o this_o world_n that_o it_o reach_v nothing_o of_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n that_o be_v the_o life_n and_o body_n of_o man_n and_o all_o civil_a interest_n appertain_v to_o they_o and_o affect_v nothing_o but_o what_o no_o power_n of_o all_o the_o magistrate_n under_o heaven_n can_v reach_v unto_o that_o be_v the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n no_o trouble_n can_v hence_o arise_v unto_o any_o ruler_n of_o the_o world_n no_o contest_v about_o what_o they_o ought_v and_o what_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o confirm_v which_o have_v cause_v great_a disorder_n among_o many_o 3._o in_o particular_a also_o there_o neither_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v in_o this_o church-state_n the_o least_o pretence_n of_o power_n or_o authority_n to_o be_v act_v towards_o or_o over_o the_o person_n of_o king_n or_o ruler_n which_o shall_v either_o impeach_v their_o right_n or_o impede_fw-la the_o exercise_n of_o their_o just_a authority_n for_o as_o christ_n have_v grant_v no_o such_o power_n unto_o the_o church_n so_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o pretence_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v seat_v in_o a_o particular_a congregation_n especial_o be_v gather_v on_o this_o principle_n that_o there_o be_v no_o church_n power_n proper_o so_o call_v but_o what_o be_v so_o seat_v and_o that_o no_o concurrence_n agreement_n or_o association_n of_o many_o church_n can_v add_v a_o new_a great_a or_o other_o power_n or_o authority_n unto_o they_o than_o what_o they_o have_v single_o before_o and_o what_o power_n can_v such_o church_n act_n towards_o king_n potentate_n or_o ruler_n of_o nation_n have_v they_o not_o the_o high_a security_n that_o it_o be_v uttter_o impossible_a that_o ever_o their_o authority_n or_o their_o person_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v impeach_v hinder_v or_o receive_v any_o detriment_n from_o any_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o this_o church-state_n these_o principle_n i_o say_v be_v sufficient_a to_o secure_v christian_a religion_n and_o the_o state_n order_n and_o power_n of_o church_n institute_v therein_o from_o all_o reflection_n of_o inconsistency_n with_o civil_a government_n or_o of_o influence_a man_n into_o attempt_n of_o its_o change_n or_o ruin_n the_o sum_n be_v let_v the_o outward_a frame_n and_o order_n of_o righteous_a government_n be_v of_o what_o sort_n it_o will_v nothing_o inconsistent_a with_o it_o nothing_o entrench_v on_o it_o nothing_o make_v opposition_n unto_o it_o be_v appoint_v by_o jesus_n christ_n or_o do_v belong_v unto_o that_o church-state_n which_o he_o have_v ordain_v and_o establish_v two_o thing_n only_o must_v be_v add_v unto_o these_o principle_n that_o we_o may_v not_o seem_v so_o to_o distinguish_v the_o civil_a state_n and_o the_o church_n as_o to_o make_v they_o unconcerned_a in_o each_o other_o for_o 1._o it_o be_v the_o unquestionable_a duty_n of_o the_o ruler_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n upon_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n to_o receive_v its_o truth_n and_o so_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o its_o command_n and_o whereas_o all_o power_n and_o office_n be_v to_o be_v discharge_v for_o god_n who_o minister_n all_o ruler_n be_v they_o be_v bind_v in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o office_n to_o countenance_n supply_n and_o protect_v the_o profession_n and_o professor_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o be_v the_o church_n according_a unto_o the_o degree_n and_o measure_n which_o they_o shall_v judge_v necessary_a 2._o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n material_o consider_v that_o be_v of_o all_o those_o who_o be_v member_n of_o it_o in_o any_o kingdom_n or_o commonwealth_n to_o be_v useful_o subservient_fw-fr even_o as_o christian_n unto_o that_o rule_n which_o be_v over_o they_o as_o man_n in_o all_o those_o way_n and_o by_o all_o those_o mean_n which_o the_o law_n usage_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o country_n whereof_o they_o be_v do_v direct_a and_o prescribe_v but_o these_o thing_n be_v frequent_o speak_v unto_o there_o be_v sundry_a other_o consideration_n whereby_o it_o may_v be_v evince_v not_o only_o that_o this_o order_n and_o state_n of_o gospel-churche_n be_v not_o only_o consistent_a with_o every_o righteous_a government_n in_o the_o world_n i_o mean_v that_o be_v so_o in_o its_o constitution_n though_o as_o all_o other_o form_n it_o be_v capable_a of_o maladministration_n but_o the_o most_o useful_a and_o subservient_fw-fr unto_o its_o righteous_a administration_n be_v utter_o uncapable_a of_o immix_v itself_o as_o such_o in_o any_o of_o those_o occasion_n of_o the_o world_n or_o state-affair_n as_o may_v create_v the_o least_o difficulty_n or_o trouble_n unto_o ruler_n with_o other_o it_o be_v not_o so_o it_o be_v know_v that_o the_o very_a constitution_n of_o the_o papal_a church_n as_o it_o be_v state_v in_o the_o canon_n of_o it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o just_a right_n of_o king_n and_o ruler_n and_o ofttimes_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o its_o power_n destructive_a unto_o their_o person_n and_o dominion_n and_o herein_o concur_v the_o prelatical_a church-state_n of_o england_n whilst_o it_o continue_v in_o their_o communion_n and_o hold_v its_o dependence_n on_o the_o roman_a church_n for_o although_o they_o have_v all_o their_o power_n original_o from_o the_o king_n of_o this_o realm_n as_o the_o record_n and_o law_n of_o it_o do_v express_o affirm_v that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v found_v in_o episcopacy_n by_o the_o king_n and_o his_o noble_n yet_o they_o claim_v such_o a_o addition_n of_o power_n and_o authority_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n from_o the_o papal_a omnipotency_n as_o that_o they_o be_v ringleader_n in_o perplex_v the_o government_n of_o this_o nation_n under_o the_o pretence_n of_o maintain_v of_o what_o they_o call_v the_o right_n of_o the_o church_n and_o hereunto_o they_o be_v enable_v by_o the_o very_a constitution_n of_o their_o church-order_n which_o give_v they_o that_o power_n grandeur_n with_o political_a interest_n that_o be_v needful_a to_o effectuate_v their_o design_n and_o since_o they_o have_v be_v take_v off_o from_o this_o foundation_n of_o contest_a king_n and_o prince_n on_o their_o own_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n and_o deprive_v of_o their_o dependence_n on_o the_o power_n
and_o interest_n of_o the_o papal_a see_v have_v no_o bottom_n for_o or_o supportment_n of_o their_o church_n state_n and_o order_n but_o regal_a favour_n and_o mutable_a law_n there_o have_v on_o such_o cause_n and_o reason_n which_o i_o shall_v not_o mention_v ensue_v such_o emulation_n of_o the_o nobility_n and_o gentry_n and_o such_o contempt_n of_o the_o commonâ—people_n as_o leave_v it_o questionable_a whether_o their_o adherence_n unto_o the_o government_n be_v not_o more_o burdensome_a and_o dangerous_a unto_o it_o than_o be_v their_o ancient_a contest_v and_o opposition_n chap._n vii_o no_o other_o church-state_n of_o divine_a institution_n it_o may_v be_v it_o will_v be_v general_o grant_v i_o be_o sure_a it_o can_v be_v modest_o deny_v that_o particular_a church_n or_o congregation_n be_v of_o a_o divine_a original_a institution_n as_o also_o that_o the_o primitive_a church_n continue_v long_o in_o that_o form_n or_o order_n but_o it_o will_v be_v far_o plead_v that_o grant_v or_o suppose_v this_o divine_a institution_n of_o particular_a church_n yet_o there_o may_v be_v church_n of_o another_o form_n and_o order_n also_o as_o diocesan_n or_o national_a that_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o submit_v unto_o for_o although_o the_o apostle_n appoint_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v bishop_n or_o elder_n ordain_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v in_o every_o city_n and_o town_n where_o christian_a religion_n be_v receive_v and_o clemens_n affirm_v that_o they_o do_v themselves_o constitute_v bishop_n and_o deacon_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o region_n or_o village_n and_o city_n yet_o there_o be_v another_o form_n afterward_o introduce_v theodoret_n bishop_n of_o cyprus_n affirm_v that_o there_o be_v eight_o hundred_o church_n commit_v to_o his_o care_n epist._n 113._o whereof_o many_o be_v in_o town_n and_o city_n have_v no_o bishop_n of_o their_o own_o the_o whole_a country_n of_o scythia_n though_o there_o be_v in_o it_o many_o city_n village_n and_o fortress_n yet_o have_v but_o one_o bishop_n who_o residence_n be_v at_o tomis_n all_o other_o church_n be_v under_o he_o as_o zozoman_n declare_v lib._n 6._o cap._n 20._o so_o it_o be_v at_o this_o day_n in_o divers_a province_n belong_v of_o old_a unto_o the_o greek-church_n as_o in_o moldavia_n and_o walachia_n where_o they_o have_v one_o who_o they_o call_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o leader_n or_o ruler_n that_o preside_v over_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o nation_n and_o this_o oâ—der_n of_o thing_n that_o there_o shall_v not_o be_v a_o bishop_n in_o small_a church_n be_v first_o confirm_v in_o the_o six_o canon_n of_o the_o council_n of_o sardis_n in_o the_o year_n 347._o in_o answer_n hereunto_o i_o shall_v do_v these_o two_o thing_n first_o i_o shall_v show_v that_o there_o be_v no_o church_n order_n state_n or_o church-form_n of_o divine_a institution_n that_o do_v any_o way_n impede_fw-la take_v away_o or_o overthrow_v the_o liberty_n power_n and_o order_n of_o particular_a congregation_n such_o as_o we_o have_v describe_v second_o i_o shall_v inquire_v into_o the_o cause_n of_o church_n of_o another_o state_n or_o order_n as_o the_o power_n of_o magistrate_n and_o ruler_n or_o their_o own_o choice_n and_o consent_n 1._o there_o be_v no_o form_n order_n or_o church_n state_n divine_o institute_v that_o shall_v annul_v the_o institution_n of_o particular_a congregation_n or_o abridge_v they_o of_o their_o liberty_n or_o deprive_v they_o of_o the_o power_n commit_v unto_o they_o it_o be_v such_o a_o church-state_n alone_o that_o we_o be_v now_o concern_v to_o inquire_v after_o whatever_o of_o that_o kind_a either_o be_v or_o may_v be_v imagine_v that_o entrenche_n not_o on_o the_o state_n liberty_n and_o power_n of_o particular_a congregation_n be_v not_o of_o our_o present_a consideration_n man_n may_v frame_v and_o order_n what_o they_o please_v and_o what_o advantage_n they_o make_v thereby_o shall_v not_o be_v envy_v unto_o they_o whilst_o they_o injure_v not_o any_o of_o the_o institution_n of_o christ._n but_o 1._o these_o church_n as_o they_o be_v church_n be_v meet_v and_o able_a to_o attain_v the_o end_n of_o church_n to_o say_v they_o be_v church_n and_o yet_o have_v not_o in_o themselves_o power_n to_o attain_v the_o end_n of_o church_n be_v to_o speak_v contradiction_n or_o to_o grant_v and_o deny_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o the_o same_o breath_n for_o a_o church_n be_v nothing_o but_o such_o a_o society_n as_o have_v power_n ability_n and_o fitness_n to_o attain_v those_o end_n for_o which_o christ_n have_v ordain_v church_n that_o which_o have_v so_o be_v a_o church_n and_o that_o which_o have_v not_o so_o be_v none_o man_n may_v if_o they_o please_v deny_v they_o to_o be_v church_n but_o then_o i_o know_v not_o where_o they_o will_v find_v any_o that_o be_v so_o for_o instance_n suppose_v man_n shall_v deny_v all_o the_o parochial_a church_n in_o england_n to_o be_v such_o church_n as_o be_v entrust_v with_o church-power_n and_o administration_n what_o church_n in_o the_o first_o instance_n can_v they_o require_v our_o communion_n withal_o will_v they_o say_v it_o be_v with_o the_o national_a or_o diocesan_n church_n neither_o of_o these_o do_v or_o can_v as_o such_o administer_v sacred_a ordinance_n a_o man_n can_v preach_v nor_o hear_v the_o word_n but_o in_o a_o particular_a assembly_n the_o lord_n supper_n can_v be_v administer_v but_o in_o a_o particular_a congregation_n nor_o any_o presential_a local_a communion_n of_o believer_n among_o themselves_o like_o that_o describe_v by_o the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n chap._n 12._o and_o chap._n 14._o be_v otherwise_o attain_v no_o communion_n be_v first_o and_o immediate_o require_v or_o can_v be_v require_v with_o diocesan_n church_n as_o such_o wherefore_o it_o be_v parochial_a particular_a church_n that_o we_o be_v require_v to_o hold_v communion_n with_o we_o say_v therefore_o these_o parochial_a church_n be_v either_o real_o and_o true_o so_o endue_v with_o church-power_n and_o liberty_n or_o they_o be_v not_o if_o they_o be_v or_o be_v acknowledge_v so_o to_o be_v we_o have_v herein_o obtain_v what_o we_o plead_v for_o if_o they_o be_v not_o then_o be_v we_o require_v to_o join_v in_o church_n communion_n with_o those_o society_n that_o be_v not_o church_n and_o if_o we_o refrain_v so_o do_v we_o be_v charge_v with_o schism_n which_o be_v to_o turn_v religion_n into_o ridicule_n for_o 2._o it_o be_v utter_o foreign_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o a_o monster_n unto_o antiquity_n i_o mean_v that_o which_o be_v pure_a and_o regardable_a in_o this_o cause_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v church_n with_o a_o part_n half_a more_o or_o less_o of_o church-power_n and_o not_o the_o whole_a neither_o in_o right_a nor_o exercise_n or_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v church-officer_n elder_n presbyter_n or_o bishop_n that_o shall_v have_v a_o partiary_a power_n half_a or_o a_o three_o part_n or_o less_o of_o that_o which_o entire_o belong_v unto_o the_o office_n they_o hold_v let_v one_o testimony_n be_v give_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n or_o that_o antiquity_n which_o we_o appeal_v unto_o unto_o this_o purpose_n and_o we_o shall_v cease_v our_o plea_n but_o this_o be_v that_o which_o our_o understanding_n be_v set_v on_o rack_n withal_o every_o day_n there_o be_v a_o national_a church_n that_o be_v entrust_v with_o supreme_a church-power_n in_o the_o nation_n whereof_o it_o be_v here_o at_o the_o entrance_n we_o fall_v into_o a_o double_a disquietment_n for_o 1._o we_o know_v not_o as_o yet_o what_o this_o national_a church_n be_v here_o or_o in_o france_n nor_o of_o what_o person_n it_o do_v consist_v 2._o we_o know_v not_o whether_o this_o national_a church_n have_v all_o the_o power_n that_o christ_n have_v give_v unto_o the_o church_n or_o that_o there_o be_v a_o reserve_v for_o some_o addition_n from_o beyond_o sea_n if_o thing_n be_v well_o accommodate_v then_o that_o there_o be_v diocesan_n church_n who_o original_a with_o the_o cause_n and_o occasion_n of_o their_o bound_n limit_n power_n and_o manner_n of_o administration_n i_o think_v god_n alone_o know_v perfect_o we_o do_v but_o guess_v for_o there_o be_v not_o one_o word_n mention_v of_o any_o of_o their_o concernment_n in_o the_o scripture_n and_o we_o know_v that_o these_o church_n can_v be_v say_v to_o have_v all_o the_o power_n that_o christ_n have_v entrust_v his_o church_n withal_o because_o there_o be_v another_o church_n unto_o which_o they_o be_v in_o subjection_n and_o on_o which_o they_o do_v depend_v but_o it_o seem_v they_o have_v the_o next_o degree_n of_o power_n unto_o that_o which_o be_v uppermost_a but_o whatever_o their_o power_n be_v it_o be_v so_o administer_v by_o chancellor_n commissary_n official_o in_o such_o way_n and_o for_o such_o end_n that_o i_o shall_v believe_v a_o dissent_n from_o they_o and_o it_o
they_o make_v herein_o may_v possible_o keep_v up_o some_o church_n but_o be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o destroy_v all_o religion_n 2._o that_o many_o of_o those_o by_o who_o this_o liberty_n be_v deny_v unto_o profess_v christian_n yet_o do_v indeed_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o they_o have_v such_o a_o liberty_n and_o that_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o make_v use_n of_o it_o for_o what_o be_v all_o the_o contest_v between_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o the_o church_n of_o england_n so_o far_o as_o christian_n that_o be_v not_o churchman_n be_v concern_v in_o they_o be_v it_o not_o in_o whether_o of_o these_o church_n edification_n may_v be_v best_a obtain_v if_o this_o be_v not_o the_o ball_n between_o we_o i_o know_v not_o what_o be_v now_o herein_o do_v not_o all_o the_o writer_n and_o preacher_n of_o both_o party_n give_v their_o reason_n and_o argument_n unto_o the_o people_n why_o edification_n be_v better_a to_o be_v have_v in_o the_o one_o church_n then_o in_o the_o other_o and_o do_v they_o not_o require_v of_o they_o to_o form_v a_o judgement_n upon_o those_o reason_n and_o argument_n and_o to_o act_v according_o if_o they_o do_v not_o they_o do_v but_o make_v a_o flourish_n and_o act_v a_o part_n like_o player_n on_o a_o stage_n without_o any_o determinate_a design_n 3._o all_o christian_n actual_o do_v so_o they_o do_v judge_n for_o themselves_o unless_o they_o be_v brutish_a they_o do_v act_n according_a unto_o that_o judgement_n unless_o they_o be_v harden_v in_o sin_n and_o therefore_o who_o do_v not_o so_o be_v not_o to_o be_v esteem_v disciple_n of_o christ._n to_o suppose_v that_o in_o all_o thing_n of_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a concernment_n that_o man_n be_v not_o determine_v and_o act_v every_o one_o by_o his_o own_o judgement_n be_v a_o imagination_n of_o man_n who_o think_v but_o little_a of_o what_o they_o be_v or_o do_v or_o say_v or_o write_v even_o those_o who_o shut_v their_o eye_n against_o the_o light_n and_o follow_v in_o the_o herd_n resolve_v not_o to_o inquire_v into_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n do_v it_o because_o they_o judge_v it_o be_v best_o for_o they_o so_o to_o do_v 4._o it_o be_v common_o acknowledge_v by_o protestant_n that_o private_a christian_n have_v a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n in_o thing_n of_o religion_n the_o term_n be_v invent_v to_o grant_v they_o some_o liberty_n of_o judgement_n in_o opposition_n unto_o the_o blind_a obedience_n require_v by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o withal_o to_o put_v a_o restraint_n upon_o it_o and_o a_o distinction_n of_o some_o superior_a judgement_n it_o may_v be_v in_o the_o church_n or_o other_o but_o if_o by_o discretion_n they_o mean_v the_o best_a of_o man_n understanding_n knowledge_n wisdom_n and_o prudence_n in_o and_o about_o the_o thing_n wherein_o it_o be_v exercise_v i_o shall_v be_v glad_a to_o be_v inform_v what_o other_o judgement_n than_o this_o of_o discretion_n in_o and_o about_o the_o thing_n of_o religion_n this_o or_o that_o or_o any_o church_n in_o the_o world_n can_v have_v or_o exercise_v but_o to_o allow_v man_n a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n and_o not_o to_o grant_v it_o their_o duty_n to_o act_v according_a unto_o that_o judgement_n be_v to_o oblige_v they_o to_o be_v fool_n and_o to_o act_v not_o discreet_o at_o least_o not_o according_a unto_o their_o own_o discretion_n 4._o the_o same_o be_v to_o be_v speak_v of_o gospel_n discipline_n without_o which_o neither_o can_v the_o duty_n of_o church_n society_n be_v observe_v nor_o the_o end_n of_o they_o attain_v the_o neglect_n the_o loss_n the_o abuse_n hereof_o be_v that_o which_o have_v ruin_v the_o glory_n of_o christian_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o bring_v the_o whole_a profession_n of_o it_o into_o confusion_n hereon_o have_v the_o fervency_n and_o sincerity_n of_o true_a evangelical_n mutual_a love_n be_v abate_v yea_o utter_o lose_v for_o that_o love_n which_o jesus_n christ_n require_v among_o his_o disciple_n be_v such_o as_o never_o be_v in_o the_o world_n before_o among_o man_n nor_o can_v be_v in_o the_o world_n but_o on_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o faith_n therein_o therefore_o it_o be_v call_v his_o new_a commandment_n the_o continuation_n of_o it_o among_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n be_v but_o vain_o pretend_v little_a or_o nothing_o of_o the_o reality_n of_o it_o in_o its_o due_a exercise_n be_v find_v and_o this_o have_v ensue_v on_o the_o neglect_n of_o evangelical_n discipline_n in_o church_n or_o the_o turn_n of_o it_o into_o a_o worldly_a domination_n for_o one_o principal_a end_n of_o it_o be_v the_o preservation_n guidance_n and_o act_v of_o this_o love_n that_o mutual_a watch_n over_o one_o another_o that_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n the_o principal_a evidence_n and_o fruit_n of_o love_n without_o dissimulation_n be_v also_o lose_v hereby_o most_o man_n be_v rather_o ready_a to_o say_v in_o the_o spirit_n and_o word_n of_o cain_n be_o i_o my_o brother_n keeper_n than_o to_o attend_v unto_o the_o command_n of_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v one_o another_o daily_a lest_o any_o be_v harden_v through_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n or_o comply_v with_o the_o command_n of_o our_o saviour_n if_o thy_o brother_n offend_v thou_o tell_v he_o of_o it_o between_o he_o and_o thou_o by_o this_o mean_n likewise_o be_v the_o purity_n of_o communion_n lose_v and_o those_o receive_v as_o principal_a member_n of_o church_n who_o by_o all_o the_o rule_n of_o primitive_a discipline_n aught_o to_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o they_o wherefore_o this_o also_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o choice_n we_o be_v to_o make_v of_o what_o church_n we_o will_v join_v ourselves_o unto_o as_o unto_o constant_a complete_a communion_n and_o in_o who_o communion_n we_o will_v abide_v for_o these_o thing_n be_v matter_n of_o choice_n and_o consist_v in_o voluntary_a free_a act_n of_o obedience_n with_o those_o unto_o who_o they_o be_v not_o so_o who_o will_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n have_v they_o to_o be_v thing_n that_o man_n may_v be_v compel_v unto_o and_o aught_o so_o to_o be_v or_o on_o the_o other_o that_o follow_v no_o other_o guidance_n in_o they_o but_o outward_a circumstance_n from_o the_o time_n and_o place_n where_o they_o be_v bear_v and_o inhabit_v i_o will_v have_v no_o contest_v it_o follow_v from_o hence_o also_o that_o where_o there_o be_v many_o church_n wherein_o these_o thing_n be_v find_v whereon_o we_o may_v lawful_o and_o aught_o in_o duty_n to_o join_v with_o some_o of_o they_o in_o particular_a every_o one_o be_v oblige_v to_o join_v himself_o unto_o such_o a_o church_n as_o who_o principle_n and_o practice_n be_v most_o suit_v unto_o his_o edification_n chap._n xi_o of_o conformity_n and_o communion_n in_o parochial_a assembly_n from_o what_o we_o have_v insist_v on_o we_o may_v borrow_v some_o light_n into_o the_o determination_n of_o that_o case_n wherein_o multitude_n be_v at_o this_o day_n concern_v and_o the_o case_n itself_o may_v be_v brief_o state_v in_o this_o enquiry_n namely_o whether_o all_o protestant_n minister_n and_o people_n be_v bind_v to_o join_v themselves_o unto_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o now_o by_o law_n establish_v in_o its_o parochial_a assembly_n as_o unto_o complete_a constant_a communion_n without_o the_o use_n of_o any_o other_o church_n mean_v for_o their_o own_o edification_n so_o as_o if_o they_o do_v not_o so_o do_v they_o be_v guilty_a of_o schism_n this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v call_v conformity_n unto_o the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o as_o unto_o private_a person_n can_v be_v express_v only_o in_o constant_a complete_a communion_n in_o parochial_a assembly_n according_a to_o their_o present_a constitution_n without_o the_o use_n or_o exercise_n of_o any_o other_o church_n worship_n or_o discipline_n but_o what_o be_v by_o law_n establish_v in_o they_o refrain_v from_o a_o absolute_a compliance_n herein_o be_v call_v schism_n but_o whereas_o ecclesiastical_a schism_n whatever_o it_o be_v in_o particular_a in_o its_o general_a nature_n have_v respect_n only_o unto_o divine_a institution_n this_o which_o respect_v only_o the_o law_n rule_n and_o determination_n of_o man_n can_v have_v no_o alliance_n thereunto_o yet_o be_v it_o not_o only_o charge_v as_o such_o without_o the_o least_o countenance_n from_o scripture_n or_o antiquity_n so_o far_o as_o it_o may_v be_v allow_v of_o authority_n with_o we_o but_o the_o supposition_n of_o it_o be_v accumulate_v with_o another_o evil_n namely_o that_o those_o who_o be_v so_o guilty_a of_o it_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o they_o who_o be_v interest_v with_o secular_a power_n though_o peaceable_a and_o orthodox_n aught_o to_o be_v punish_v with_o various_a penalty_n gradual_o come_v unto_o the_o loss_n of_o good_n liberty_n and_o in_o some_o case_n of_o
life_n itself_o a_o opinion_n ignominious_a unto_o christian_a religion_n however_o vapour_a withal_o by_o young_a man_n who_o wit_n fly_v above_o all_o serious_a consideration_n of_o thing_n and_o their_o circumstance_n and_o countenance_v by_o other_o from_o a_o influence_n of_o interest_n who_o otherwise_o will_v not_o be_v impose_v on_o by_o such_o a_o anti-evangelical_n presumption_n i_o shall_v therefore_o at_o the_o utmost_a distance_n from_o interest_n or_o passion_n brief_o consider_v the_o case_n propose_v and_o give_v a_o account_n of_o my_o thought_n concern_v it_o 1._o one_o or_o two_o thing_n be_v usual_o premise_v unto_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o case_n as_o namely_o 1._o that_o those_o who_o refrain_v from_o that_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o we_o insist_v upon_o do_v yet_o agree_v therewith_o in_o all_o important_a doctrine_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n the_o life_n and_o soul_n of_o church_n union_n and_o communion_n this_o i_o free_o grant_v but_o with_o this_o limitation_n that_o this_o agreement_n respect_v the_o doctrine_n as_o declare_v at_o the_o first_o reformation_n and_o explain_v in_o the_o age_n next_o ensue_v thereon_o if_o there_o be_v a_o change_n make_v in_o or_o of_o these_o doctrine_n or_o any_o of_o they_o by_o any_o in_o or_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n we_o profess_v our_o disagreement_n from_o they_o and_o do_v declare_v that_o thereby_o the_o foundation_n of_o our_o communion_n with_o they_o be_v weaken_v and_o the_o principal_a bond_n of_o it_o loosen_v 2._o that_o not_o only_o as_o christian_n but_o as_o reform_a protestant_n we_o do_v agree_v in_o the_o renunciation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o be_v oppose_v by_o the_o common_a consent_n of_o all_o those_o who_o be_v usual_o so_o call_v yet_o this_o must_v be_v add_v thereunto_o that_o if_o any_o in_o or_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n shall_v make_v a_o accession_n unto_o any_o part_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n not_o avow_v or_o warrant_v by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n in_o its_o first_o reformation_n we_o be_v not_o we_o can_v be_v oblige_v unto_o communion_n with_o they_o therein_o and_o by_o their_o so_o do_v the_o original_a bond_n of_o our_o communion_n be_v weaken_v if_o not_o dissolve_v 2._o these_o thing_n be_v premise_v we_o shall_v inquire_v in_o the_o first_o place_n what_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o that_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o its_o parochial_a assembly_n which_o be_v require_v of_o we_o if_o this_o be_v plead_v to_o be_v a_o rule_n of_o divine_a prescription_n we_o acknowledge_v that_o great_a diligence_n and_o humility_n be_v require_v unto_o the_o consideration_n of_o it_o that_o we_o be_v not_o mistake_v and_o if_o it_o prove_v to_o be_v according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v of_o his_o institution_n if_o we_o fail_v of_o a_o compliance_n with_o it_o we_o be_v guilty_a of_o schism_n but_o if_o the_o rule_n prescribe_v limit_v and_o exact_v this_o communion_n be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o plead_v to_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n whatever_o fault_n there_o may_v be_v in_o our_o dissent_n from_o it_o schism_n it_o be_v not_o for_o ecclesiastical_a schism_n neither_o have_v nor_o can_v have_v respect_n unto_o any_o thing_n but_o divine_a institution_n for_o if_o it_o have_v it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o any_o sort_n of_o man_n to_o make_v schismatic_n of_o who_o they_o please_v as_o practical_o and_o in_o pretence_n it_o be_v come_v to_o pass_v at_o this_o day_n in_o the_o world_n now_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o communion_n require_v be_v the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n the_o book_n of_o canon_n with_o the_o rubric_n of_o the_o common_a prayer_n if_o according_a to_o the_o prescription_n direction_n and_o command_n give_v in_o they_o we_o do_v join_v ourselves_o in_o communion_n with_o parochial_a assembly_n then_o be_v we_o judge_v conformable_a to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o not_o else_o by_o and_o according_a unto_o these_o be_v all_o inquiry_n make_v concern_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n and_o if_o they_o be_v observe_v the_o return_n be_v omnia_fw-la bene_fw-la now_o this_o rule_n have_v no_o divine_a warrant_n for_o its_o institution_n no_o example_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n especial_o consider_v what_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o it_o oblige_v we_o unto_o nor_o can_v be_v make_v consistent_a with_o the_o liberty_n wherewith_o christ_n have_v make_v his_o disciple_n free_a a_o dissent_n from_o this_o rule_n be_v as_o far_o from_o schism_n as_o any_o man_n need_v desire_v it_o for_o nothing_o be_v so_o but_o what_o respect_v some_o command_n or_o institution_n of_o christ_n which_o immediate_o affect_v the_o conscience_n it_o be_v true_a the_o lord_n christ_n have_v command_v that_o love_n union_n peace_n and_o order_n whereof_o schism_n be_v a_o disturbance_n and_o whereunto_o it_o be_v opposite_a but_o they_o be_v that_o love_n union_n and_o order_n which_o he_o have_v appoint_v to_o suppose_v that_o he_o have_v leave_v it_o unto_o man_n to_o invent_v and_o appoint_v a_o new_a kind_n of_o union_n and_o order_n which_o be_v do_v in_o the_o rule_n we_o treat_v of_o which_o he_o never_o require_v and_o then_o to_o oblige_v his_o disciple_n unto_o the_o observation_n of_o it_o be_v it_o what_o it_o will_v so_o as_o that_o their_o dissent_n from_o it_o shall_v be_v criminal_a and_o that_o for_o this_o reason_n that_o it_o be_v so_o appoint_v of_o man_n be_v no_o small_a mistake_n and_o if_o all_o that_o love_n union_n peace_n and_o order_n which_o the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v enjoin_v his_o disciple_n may_v be_v punctual_o observe_v without_o any_o respect_n unto_o this_o rule_n as_o a_o rule_n of_o church_n communion_n to_o dissent_v from_o it_o whatever_o fault_n of_o another_o kind_n it_o may_v be_v be_v no_o more_o schism_n than_o it_o be_v adultery_n and_o if_o on_o some_o man_n arbitrary_a constitution_n of_o this_o rule_n and_o the_o dissent_n of_o other_o from_o it_o such_o difference_n and_o division_n ensue_v as_o seem_v to_o have_v the_o general_a nature_n of_o schism_n the_o evil_a of_o they_o belong_v unto_o those_o alone_a by_o who_o the_o rule_n be_v frame_v if_o indeed_o some_o shall_v frame_v such_o a_o rule_n of_o church_n communion_n because_o they_o suppose_v they_o see_v cause_n for_o it_o and_o will_v then_o leave_v it_o unto_o other_o to_o observe_v as_o they_o see_v cause_n if_o it_o be_v not_o of_o use_n it_o will_v not_o be_v liable_a unto_o much_o abuse_n but_o whereas_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v give_v one_o and_o the_o same_o rule_n equal_o unto_o all_o his_o disciple_n in_o these_o thing_n namely_o that_o they_o shall_v observe_v and_o do_v all_o that_o he_o have_v command_v they_o for_o some_o of_o they_o on_o any_o pretence_n or_o plea_n whatever_o as_o of_o their_o be_v the_o church_n or_o the_o like_a arbitrary_o to_o frame_v a_o rule_n of_o their_o own_o as_o a_o addition_n unto_o he_o oblige_v all_o other_o unto_o a_o strict_a observance_n of_o it_o because_o they_o have_v so_o frame_v it_o be_v that_o which_o neither_o the_o scripture_n nor_o primitive_a antiquity_n know_v any_o thing_n of_o i_o will_v not_o inquire_v what_o be_v that_o power_n and_o authority_n whereby_o this_o rule_n be_v constitute_v and_o confirm_v nor_o in_o who_o it_o do_v reside_v the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n be_v usual_o pretend_a and_o plead_v but_o before_o any_o can_v be_v concern_v herein_o all_o that_o have_v be_v plead_v for_o the_o true_a state_n and_o nature_n of_o evangelical_n church_n must_v be_v overthrow_v which_o will_v not_o be_v do_v speedy_o rail_n revile_n and_o reproach_n will_v not_o do_v it_o but_o until_o this_o be_v do_v it_o will_v be_v believe_v that_o every_o particular_a congregation_n be_v indispensible_o oblige_v in_o itself_o to_o observe_v and_o do_v all_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n and_o be_v leave_v at_o liberty_n so_o to_o regulate_v the_o outward_a circumstance_n of_o its_o worship_n and_o order_n as_o be_v best_a for_o its_o own_o edification_n whereof_o itself_o be_v the_o most_o competent_a judge_n but_o as_o for_o a_o church_n of_o another_o sort_n invest_v with_o authority_n to_o make_v a_o rule_n not_o only_o as_o unto_o the_o outward_a circumstance_n of_o those_o action_n wherein_o church_n order_n and_o worship_n do_v consist_v but_o as_o unto_o sundry_a religious_a rite_n and_o observance_n which_o thereby_o be_v add_v unto_o it_o and_o impose_v the_o observance_n of_o it_o on_o a_o great_a multitude_n of_o other_o congregation_n without_o their_o consent_n whether_o they_o judge_v the_o thing_n enjoin_v to_o be_v for_o their_o edification_n or_o otherwise_o it_o be_v apparent_o not_o from_o
heaven_n but_o of_o men._n wherefore_o leave_n christian_n and_o church_n at_o that_o liberty_n which_o christ_n have_v purchase_v for_o they_o wherewith_o he_o have_v make_v they_o free_a and_o then_o let_v those_o who_o first_o break_v union_n and_o order_n bear_v the_o charge_n of_o schism_n which_o they_o can_v avoid_v 3._o the_o church_n communion_n require_v by_o virtue_n of_o this_o rule_n be_v constant_a and_o complete_a exclusive_a unto_o any_o other_o church_n order_n or_o mean_n of_o public_a edification_n it_o do_v not_o command_n or_o appoint_v that_o man_n shall_v communicate_v in_o parochial_a assembly_n when_o there_o be_v occasion_n when_o it_o be_v for_o their_o edification_n when_o scandal_n will_v arise_v if_o they_o shall_v refuse_v it_o but_o absolute_o and_o complete_o and_o whereas_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n relate_v unto_o church_n order_n and_o divine_a worship_n enjoin_v in_o that_o rule_n there_o be_v no_o distinction_n make_v between_o they_o that_o some_o thing_n be_v always_o necessary_a that_o be_v in_o the_o season_n of_o they_o and_o some_o thing_n wherein_o man_n may_v forbear_v a_o compliance_n but_o they_o be_v all_o equal_o require_v in_o their_o place_n and_o season_n though_o perhaps_o on_o different_a penalty_n and_o whoever_o fail_v in_o the_o observation_n of_o any_o ceremony_n time_n or_o place_n appoint_v therein_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o they_o who_o be_v entrust_v with_o the_o administration_n of_o church_n power_n or_o jurisdiction_n for_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n it_o can_v be_v call_v suppose_v a_o man_n will_v comply_v with_o all_o other_o thing_n only_o he_o esteem_v the_o use_n of_o one_o rite_n or_o ceremony_n as_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n or_o the_o like_a to_o be_v unlawful_a if_o he_o forbear_v the_o use_n of_o it_o or_o to_o tender_v his_o child_n unto_o baptism_n where_o it_o be_v use_v he_o be_v to_o be_v cut_v off_o as_o a_o schismatic_a from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n no_o less_o then_o if_o he_o have_v absolute_o refuse_v a_o compliance_n with_o the_o whole_a rule_n and_o therefore_o whatever_o condescension_n and_o forbearance_n in_o some_o thing_n be_v pretend_v he_o that_o do_v not_o in_o all_o thing_n observe_v the_o whole_a rule_n be_v in_o misericordia_fw-la concellarii_fw-la which_o oft_o prove_v a_o uneasy_a posture_n if_o any_o man_n think_v that_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v give_v they_o such_o a_o power_n and_o authority_n over_o the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n of_o his_o disciple_n as_o that_o they_o can_v bind_v they_o unto_o the_o religious_a observance_n of_o every_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n that_o they_o be_v please_v to_o appoint_v on_o the_o penalty_n of_o excision_n from_o all_o church_n communion_n and_o the_o gild_n of_o schism_n i_o shall_v only_o say_v that_o i_o be_o not_o of_o their_o mind_n nor_o ever_o shall_v be_v so_o 4._o this_o communion_n contain_v a_o virtual_a approbation_n of_o all_o that_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o rule_n of_o it_o as_o good_a for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v appoint_v in_o the_o church_n but_o what_o be_v so_o even_o order_n itself_o which_o these_o thing_n it_o be_v say_v be_v frame_v for_o be_v good_a only_a with_o respect_n thereunto_o now_o it_o be_v to_o be_v judge_v that_o whatever_o a_o man_n practise_v in_o religion_n that_o he_o approve_v of_o for_o if_o he_o do_v not_o he_o be_v a_o vile_a hypocrite_n nor_o be_v he_o worthy_a the_o name_n of_o a_o christian_a who_o will_v practice_v any_o thing_n in_o religion_n but_o what_o he_o approve_v the_o dispute_n that_o have_v be_v among_o we_o about_o do_v thing_n with_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n upon_o the_o command_n of_o superior_n and_o consent_v unto_o the_o use_n of_o thing_n which_o we_o approve_v not_o of_o in_o themselves_o tend_v all_o to_o atheism_n and_o the_o eternal_a dishonour_n of_o christian_a religion_n beget_v a_o frame_n of_o mind_n which_o a_o honest_a heathen_a will_v scorn_v wherefore_o unless_o man_n be_v allow_v to_o declare_v what_o it_o be_v they_o approve_v and_o what_o they_o do_v not_o their_o practice_n be_v their_o profession_n of_o what_o they_o approve_v which_o be_v the_o whole_a rule_n of_o communion_n prescribe_v unto_o they_o 5._o these_o thing_n be_v premise_v i_o shall_v propose_v some_o of_o those_o reason_n on_o the_o account_n whereof_o many_o can_v conform_v unto_o the_o church_n of_o england_n by_o join_v in_o constant_a complete_a communion_n with_o parochial_a assembly_n so_o as_o by_o their_o practice_n to_o approve_v the_o rule_n of_o that_o communion_n oblige_v themselves_o to_o use_v no_o other_o public_a mean_n for_o their_o own_o edification_n 1._o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o its_o parochial_a assembly_n stand_v in_o need_n of_o reformation_n for_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o either_o they_o fail_v in_o their_o original_a institution_n or_o else_o have_v degenerate_v from_o it_o what_o have_v already_o be_v discourse_v concern_v the_o original_a institution_n of_o church_n with_o man_n voluntary_a coalescency_n into_o such_o sacred_a society_n with_o what_o shall_v be_v afterward_o treat_v concern_v their_o essential_a part_n in_o matter_n and_o form_n will_v sufficient_o evidence_n their_o present_a deviation_n from_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o first_o institution_n neither_o so_o far_o as_o i_o know_v be_v it_o plead_v that_o they_o be_v distinct_a church_n of_o divine_a institution_n but_o secular_a appointment_n as_o for_o other_o end_n so_o for_o a_o accommodation_n of_o man_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o some_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o if_o they_o be_v find_v no_o more_o they_o can_v have_v no_o concernment_n into_o the_o enquiry_n about_o schism_n for_o withhold_a church_n communion_n from_o such_o society_n as_o be_v not_o church_n be_v a_o new_a kind_n of_o schism_n unknown_a to_o all_o antiquity_n and_o for_o that_o which_o take_v itself_o to_o be_v a_o church_n by_o a_o divine_a warranty_n suppose_v it_o be_v so_o to_o command_v constant_a complete_a communion_n exclusive_a unto_o all_o other_o church_n communion_n with_o that_o or_o they_o which_o be_v no_o church_n determine_v a_o refusal_n thereof_o to_o be_v schism_n be_v to_o undertake_v a_o cause_n which_o need_v not_o only_o great_a part_n but_o great_a power_n also_o to_o defend_v it_o but_o let_v these_o parochial_a assembly_n be_v esteem_v church_n without_o a_o supposition_n whereof_o i_o know_v not_o what_o ecclesiastical_a concernment_n we_o can_v have_v in_o they_o three_o thing_n will_v be_v say_v thereon_o 1._o that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o in_o other_o thing_n so_o in_o these_o parochial_a assembly_n stand_v in_o need_n of_o reformation_n 2._o that_o they_o neither_o do_v nor_o will_v nor_o can_v reform_v themselves_o 3._o on_o this_o supposition_n it_o be_v lawful_a for_o any_o of_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n to_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o he_o by_o join_v in_o such_o society_n for_o their_o edification_n as_o he_o have_v appoint_v which_o be_v the_o whole_a of_o the_o cause_n in_o hand_n nor_o do_v any_o necessity_n from_o hence_o ensue_v of_o a_o departure_n from_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o faith_n and_o love_n or_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o the_o due_a exercise_n of_o all_o the_o act_n and_o duty_n of_o christian_a love_n unto_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o first_o assertion_n some_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v premise_v as_o 1._o church_n institute_v plant_v rule_v according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o thing_n may_v degenerate_v into_o a_o corrupt_a state_n such_o as_o shall_v stand_v in_o need_n of_o reformation_n in_o a_o neglect_n whereof_o they_o must_v perish_v as_o unto_o their_o church_n state_n and_o privilege_n this_o need_v no_o confirmation_n for_o beside_o that_o it_o be_v possible_a from_o all_o the_o cause_n of_o such_o a_o apostasy_n and_o defection_n that_o so_o it_o shall_v be_v and_o it_o be_v frequent_o foretell_v in_o the_o scripture_n that_o so_o it_o will_v be_v the_o event_n in_o and_o among_o all_o church_n that_o have_v original_o a_o divine_a institution_n do_v make_v uncontrollable_o evident_a the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n most_o of_o they_o within_o few_o year_n of_o their_o first_o plantation_n be_v so_o degenerate_v that_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n threaten_v they_o with_o cast_v off_o unless_o they_o reform_v themselves_o what_o a_o woeful_a apostasy_n all_o other_o church_n both_o of_o the_o east_n and_o west_n be_v involve_v in_o be_v know_v unto_o and_o confess_v by_o all_o protestant_n but_o yet_o the_o case_n of_o none_o of_o they_o be_v deplorable_a or_o desperate_a until_o through_o pride_n and_o carnal_a interest_n they_o fall_v some_o of_o they_o into_o a_o persuasion_n that_o they_o need_v no_o reformation_n nor_o can_v be_v reform_v
renunciation_n whereof_o be_v require_v of_o they_o who_o be_v admit_v unto_o baptism_n when_o they_o be_v adult_n see_v clem._n pedag._n lib._n 3._o cap._n 12._o if_o the_o reader_n will_v have_v a_o account_n of_o the_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o first_o church_n in_o their_o member_n he_o may_v find_v it_o in_o clem._n epist._n ad_fw-la cor._n pag._n 2_o 3_o 4._o justin_n mart._n apol._n 2._o tertullian_n in_o his_o apol._n and_o lib._n 2._o ad_fw-la vxor_fw-la &_o de_fw-fr cultu_fw-la faeminarum_fw-la cyprian_a epist._n 2._o &_o 12._o euseb._n hist._n lib._n 9_o cap._n 8._o athanas_n epist._n ad_fw-la solit._n &_o epiphan_n lib._n 3._o t._n 2_o sect._n 24._o and_o the_o multiply_a complaint_n of_o chrysostome_n concern_v the_o beginning_n of_o degeneracy_n in_o this_o matter_n with_o other_o if_o the_o example_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n have_v be_v esteem_v of_o any_o value_n or_o authority_n in_o these_o thing_n much_o of_o our_o present_a difference_n have_v be_v prevent_v 2_o the_o constitution_n of_o these_o parochial_a assembly_n be_v not_o from_o heaven_n but_o of_o men._n there_o be_v almost_o nothing_o which_o be_v require_v unto_o the_o constitution_n of_o evangelical_n church_n find_v in_o they_o nor_o be_v they_o look_v on_o by_o any_o as_o complete_a church_n but_o only_o as_o conveniency_n for_o the_o observance_n of_o some_o part_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n what_o some_o have_v in_o their_o wisdom_n find_v out_o for_o conveniency_n other_o be_v engage_v unto_o a_o compliance_n therewithal_o by_o necessity_n for_o be_v bear_v within_o the_o precinct_n of_o the_o parish_n make_v they_o to_o belong_v unto_o the_o assembly_n of_o it_o whether_o they_o will_v or_o no._n to_o refrain_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o such_o church_n who_o bond_n of_o relation_n consist_v only_o in_o cohabitation_n within_o the_o precinct_n of_o a_o political_a constitution_n be_v a_o new_a kind_n of_o schism_n which_o may_v be_v cure_v by_o a_o removal_n out_o of_o those_o precinct_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o these_o parochial_a assembly_n have_v their_o foundation_n in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o be_v direct_v unto_o in_o the_o institution_n of_o particular_a church_n in_o the_o scripture_n that_o they_o be_v not_o man_n invention_n for_o convenience_n but_o have_v somewhat_o divine_a in_o they_o i_o say_v let_v they_o be_v leave_v unto_o the_o warranty_n which_o they_o have_v from_o these_o cause_n and_o principle_n let_v nothing_o be_v mix_v in_o their_o constitution_n which_o be_v contrary_a unto_o they_o nor_o let_v they_o be_v abridge_v of_o what_o they_o direct_v unto_o and_o there_o will_v be_v no_o more_o contend_v about_o they_o as_o unto_o their_o constitution_n for_o instance_n whatever_o there_o be_v of_o warranty_n in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n or_o direction_n in_o evangelical_n institution_n for_o such_o assembly_n they_o absolute_o suppose_v these_o three_o thing_n 1._o that_o a_o conjunction_n in_o they_o be_v a_o voluntary_a act_n of_o free_a choice_n in_o they_o that_o so_o join_v together_o in_o they_o other_o kind_n of_o assembly_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n neither_o the_o one_o nor_o the_o other_o do_v give_v the_o least_o countenance_n unto_o 2._o that_o they_o have_v in_o themselves_o sufficient_a right_n power_n and_o authority_n unto_o the_o attain_n all_o the_o end_n of_o such_o assembly_n in_o holy_a worship_n and_o rule_n other_o kind_n of_o church_n they_o know_v nothing_o of_o 3._o that_o they_o be_v enable_v to_o preserve_v their_o own_o purity_n and_o continue_v their_o own_o be_v but_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v deny_v unto_o our_o parochial_a assembly_n by_o law_n and_o therefore_o they_o can_v claim_v no_o warranty_n from_o either_o of_o those_o principle_n wherefore_o there_o can_v be_v no_o obligation_n upon_o any_o believer_n to_o join_v themselves_o with_o such_o church_n in_o constant_a communion_n as_o be_v judge_v none_o by_o they_o that_o appoint_v they_o or_o partial_o and_o improper_o only_o so_o or_o be_v of_o such_o a_o constitution_n as_o have_v in_o its_o essential_o constituent_a part_n no_o warranty_n either_o from_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n or_o scripture_n direction_n so_o as_o that_o his_o dissent_n from_o they_o shall_v be_v esteem_v schism_n how_o far_o communion_n with_o they_o for_o some_o duty_n of_o worship_n which_o be_v indeed_o all_o that_o they_o can_v pretend_v unto_o may_v be_v admit_v we_o do_v not_o now_o inquire_v 3._o there_o be_v not_o in_o they_o and_o therefore_o not_o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o unto_o its_o present_a profession_n a_o fix_a standard_n of_o truth_n or_o rule_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v profess_v which_o every_o believer_n may_v own_v and_o have_v his_o part_n or_o interest_n therein_o this_o i_o grant_v be_v not_o from_o the_o original_a constitution_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o from_o what_o be_v establish_v by_o any_o law_n therein_o but_o from_o person_n who_o at_o present_a have_v the_o declaration_n of_o its_o profession_n commit_v unto_o they_o but_o from_o what_o cause_n soever_o it_o be_v it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o warrant_v any_o man_n who_o take_v care_n of_o his_o own_o edification_n and_o salvation_n to_o use_v his_o own_o liberty_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o most_o effectual_a mean_n unto_o those_o ends._n wherefore_o some_o thing_n may_v be_v add_v in_o the_o far_a explanation_n of_o this_o consideration_n as_o 1._o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o church_n to_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o pillar_n of_o truth_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o form_n of_o wholesome_a word_n or_o to_o keep_v the_o truth_n pure_a and_o uncorrupted_a from_o all_o mixture_n of_o false_a doctrine_n error_n heresy_n or_o the_o speak_n of_o perverse_a thing_n in_o it_o unto_o the_o hurt_n of_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ._n 1_o tim._n 3.15_o 2_o tim._n 2.3_o act_n 20.28_o 29_o 30._o etc._n etc._n when_o any_o church_n cease_v so_o to_o be_v the_o obligation_n unto_o communion_n with_o it_o be_v dissolve_v 2._o this_o be_v the_o principal_a end_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n in_o particular_a ephes._n 4.11_o 13_o 1_o tim._n 6.20_o and_o where_o those_o who_o possess_v and_o exercise_v it_o do_v eminent_o fail_v herein_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o other_o to_o withdraw_v from_o they_o for_o 3._o every_o private_a man_n confession_n be_v include_v in_o the_o public_a profession_n of_o the_o church_n or_o assembly_n whereunto_o he_o belong_v and_o 4_o oneness_n or_o agreement_n in_o the_o truth_n whereby_o we_o come_v to_o have_v one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o church_n communion_n which_o if_o it_o be_v take_v away_o the_o whole_a fabric_n of_o it_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n if_o the_o trumpet_n in_o any_o church_n as_o unto_o these_o thing_n give_v a_o uncertain_a sound_n no_o man_n know_v how_o to_o prepare_v himself_o for_o the_o battle_n or_o to_o fight_v the_o good_a fight_n of_o faith_n it_o will_v be_v say_v that_o this_o can_v be_v just_o charge_v on_o the_o church_n of_o england_n yea_o not_o without_o open_a wrong_n and_o injustice_n for_o she_o have_v a_o fix_a invariable_a standard_n of_o truth_n in_o the_o 39_o article_n which_o contain_v its_o public_a profession_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o its_o communion_n wherefore_o i_o say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o primitive_a constitution_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o its_o legal_a establishment_n that_o be_v reflect_v on_o but_o only_o the_o present_a practice_n of_o so_o many_o as_o make_v it_o necessary_a for_o man_n to_o take_v the_o care_n of_o their_o own_o edification_n on_o themselves_o but_o here_o also_o some_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v 1._o these_o article_n at_o present_a be_v exceed_o defective_a in_o their_o be_v a_o fix_a standard_n of_o the_o profession_n of_o truth_n with_o respect_n unto_o those_o error_n and_o heresy_n which_o have_v invade_v and_o pester_v the_o church_n since_o their_o frame_n and_o establishment_n we_o know_v it_o be_v the_o constant_a invariable_a custom_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n upon_o the_o emergency_n of_o any_o new_a error_n or_o heresy_n to_o add_v unto_o the_o rule_n and_o symbol_n of_o their_o confession_n a_o testimony_n against_o they_o so_o to_o preserve_v themselves_o from_o all_o communion_n in_o they_o or_o participation_n of_o they_o and_o a_o usage_n it_o be_v both_o necessary_a and_o laudable_a as_o countenance_v by_o scripture_n example_n however_o afterward_o it_o be_v abuse_v for_o no_o write_v such_o as_o all_o church_n confession_n be_v can_v obviate_v unforeseen_a heresy_n or_o error_n not_o broach_v at_o the_o time_n of_o its_o write_n but_o only_o that_o which_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n wherein_o infinite_a wisdom_n have_v store_v up_o provision_n of_o truth_n for_o the_o destruction_n of_o all_o error_n that_o the_o subtlety_n
in_o his_o laborious_a endeavour_n to_o stigmatize_v all_o protestant_a dissenter_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n with_o the_o odious_a name_n of_o schismatic_n i_o have_v therefore_o alter_v nothing_o of_o what_o i_o have_v project_v either_o as_o to_o matter_n or_o method_n in_o this_o first_o part_n of_o the_o discourse_n design_v on_o the_o whole_a subject_n of_o church_n affair_n for_o as_o i_o have_v not_o find_v either_o cause_n or_o reason_n from_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o doctor_n book_n to_o make_v the_o least_o change_n in_o what_o i_o have_v write_v so_o my_o principal_a design_n be_v the_o instruction_n and_o confirmation_n of_o they_o who_o have_v no_o other_o interest_n in_o these_o thing_n but_o only_o to_o know_v and_o perform_v their_o own_o duty_n i_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o give_v they_o the_o trouble_n of_o perpetual_a diversion_n from_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n which_o all_o controversial_a write_n be_v subject_a unto_o wherefore_o have_v premise_v some_o general_a consideration_n of_o thing_n insist_v on_o by_o the_o dr._n of_o no_o great_a influence_n into_o the_o cause_n in_o hand_n and_o vindicate_v one_o principle_n a_o supposition_n whereof_o we_o rely_v upon_o namely_o the_o declension_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o age_n after_o the_o apostle_n especial_o after_o the_o end_n of_o the_o second_o century_n from_o the_o primitive_a institution_n of_o their_o state_n rule_n and_o order_n in_o the_o preface_n i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o consider_v and_o examine_v distinct_o what_o be_v oppose_v unto_o the_o defence_n of_o our_o innocency_n as_o unto_o the_o gild_n of_o schism_n but_o some_o thing_n must_v be_v premise_v hereunto_o as_o 1._o i_o shall_v not_o depart_v from_o the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n as_o lay_v down_o by_o ourselves_o on_o our_o part_n as_o unto_o our_o judgement_n of_o parochial_a church_n and_o our_o refrain_v from_o communion_n with_o they_o great_a pain_n be_v take_v to_o prove_v the_o several_a sort_n of_o dissenter_n to_o be_v depart_v far_o from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n than_o they_o will_v themselves_o allow_v and_o on_o such_o principle_n as_o be_v disavow_v by_o they_o but_o no_o disputation_n can_v force_v our_o assent_n unto_o what_o we_o know_v to_o be_v contrary_a unto_o our_o principle_n and_o persuasion_n 2._o we_o do_v allow_v those_o parochial_a assembly_n which_o have_v a_o settle_a unblamable_a ministry_n among_o they_o to_o be_v true_a church_n so_o far_o as_o they_o can_v pretend_v themselves_o so_o to_o be_v church_n who_o original_a be_v from_o occasional_a cohabitation_n within_o precinct_n limit_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n church_n without_o church-power_n to_o choose_v or_o ordain_v their_o officer_n to_o provide_v for_o their_o own_o continuation_n to_o admit_v or_o exclude_v member_n or_o to_o reform_v at_o any_o time_n what_o be_v amiss_o among_o they_o church_n which_o be_v in_o all_o thing_n under_o the_o rule_n of_o those_o who_o be_v set_v over_o they_o by_o virtue_n of_o civil_a constitution_n foreign_a unto_o they_o not_o submit_v willing_o unto_o by_o they_o and_o such_o for_o the_o most_o part_n as_o who_o office_n and_o power_n have_v not_o the_o least_o countenance_n give_v unto_o they_o from_o the_o scripture_n or_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n such_o as_o be_v chancellor_n commissary_n official_o and_o the_o like_a church_n in_o which_o for_o the_o most_o part_n through_o a_o total_a neglect_n in_o evangelical_n discipline_n there_o be_v a_o great_a degeneracy_n from_o the_o exercise_n of_o brotherly_a love_n and_o the_o holiness_n of_o christian_a profession_n whatever_o can_v be_v ascribe_v unto_o such_o church_n we_o willing_o allow_v unto_o they_o 3._o we_o do_v and_o shall_v abide_v by_o this_o principle_n that_o communion_n in_o faith_n and_o love_n with_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o same_o sacrament_n be_v sufficient_a to_o preserve_v all_o christian_n from_o the_o gild_n of_o schism_n although_o they_o can_v communicate_v together_o in_o some_o rite_n and_o rule_n of_o worship_n and_o order_n as_o we_o will_v not_o admit_v of_o any_o presume_a notion_n of_o schism_n and_o inference_n from_o they_o nor_o allow_v that_o any_o thing_n belong_v thereunto_o which_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o gospel_n love_n rule_n and_o precept_n in_o the_o observance_n of_o christ_n institution_n so_o we_o affirm_v and_o shall_v maintain_v that_o man_n abide_v in_o the_o principle_n of_o communion_n mention_v walk_v peaceable_o among_o themselves_o refrain_v communion_n with_o other_o peaceable_o wherein_o they_o dissent_v from_o they_o ready_a to_o join_v with_o other_o church_n in_o the_o same_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o in_o the_o defence_n of_o it_o and_o to_o concur_v with_o they_o in_o promote_a all_o the_o real_a end_n of_o christian_a religion_n not_o judge_v the_o church_n state_n of_o other_o so_o as_o to_o renounce_v all_o communion_n with_o they_o as_o condemn_v they_o to_o be_v no_o church_n continue_v in_o the_o occasional_a exercise_n of_o all_o duty_n of_o love_n towards_o they_o and_o their_o member_n be_v undue_o charge_v with_o with_o the_o gild_n of_o schism_n to_o the_o disadvantage_n of_o the_o common_a interest_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n among_o we_o 4._o whereas_o there_o be_v two_o part_n of_o the_o charge_n against_o we_o the_o one_o for_o refrain_v from_o total_a communion_n with_o parochial_a assembly_n which_o what_o it_o be_v and_o wherein_o it_o do_v consist_v have_v be_v before_o declare_v the_o other_o for_o gather_v ourselves_o into_o another_o church_n order_n in_o particular_a congregation_n as_o the_o reason_n and_o ground_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o be_v distinct_a so_o must_v they_o have_v a_o distinct_a consideration_n and_o be_v examine_v distinct_o and_o apart_o these_o thing_n be_v premise_v i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o examine_v what_o the_o reverend_a doctor_n have_v further_a offer_v against_o our_o former_a vindication_n of_o the_o nonconformist_n from_o the_o charge_n of_o schism_n and_o i_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o take_v notice_n that_o we_o delight_v not_o in_o these_o contention_n that_o we_o desire_v nothing_o but_o mutual_a love_n and_o forbearance_n but_o we_o be_v compel_v by_o all_o rule_n of_o scripture_n and_o natural_a equity_n to_o abide_v in_o this_o defence_n of_o ourselves_o for_o whereas_o we_o be_v charge_v with_o a_o crime_n and_o that_o aggravate_v as_o one_o of_o the_o most_o heinous_a that_o man_n can_v incur_v the_o gild_n of_o in_o this_o world_n and_o to_o justify_v man_n in_o severity_n against_o we_o be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o convince_v in_o our_o conscience_n of_o any_o accession_n thereunto_o or_o of_o any_o gild_n on_o the_o account_n of_o it_o i_o suppose_v the_o doctor_n himself_o will_v not_o think_v it_o reasonable_a that_o we_o shall_v altogether_o neglect_v the_o protection_n of_o our_o own_o innocency_n in_o the_o method_n whereinto_o he_o have_v cast_v his_o discourse_n he_o begin_v with_o the_o reinforcement_n of_o his_o charge_n against_o our_o refrain_v from_o total_a communion_n with_o parochial_a assembly_n if_o the_o reader_n will_v be_v please_v to_o take_v a_o reveiw_n of_o what_o be_v say_v in_o the_o precede_a discourse_n unto_o this_o head_n of_o our_o charge_n in_o several_a chapter_n he_o will_v easy_o perceive_v that_o either_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o doctor_n reach_v not_o the_o cause_n in_o hand_n or_o be_v insufficient_a to_o justify_v his_o intention_n which_o i_o must_v say_v though_o i_o be_o unwilling_a to_o repeat_v it_o be_v by_o all_o way_n and_o mean_n to_o load_v we_o with_o the_o gild_n and_o disreputation_n of_o schism_n that_o which_o i_o first_o meet_v withal_o direct_o unto_o this_o purpose_n be_v part_v 2._o pag._n 157._o the_o forbearance_n of_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o its_o parochial_a assembly_n that_o be_v in_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n before_o describe_v he_o oppose_v with_o two_o argument_n the_o first_o respect_v those_o who_o allow_v occasional_a communion_n with_o parochial_a church_n but_o will_v not_o comply_v with_o they_o in_o that_o which_o be_v constant_a and_o absolute_a for_o he_o say_v if_o the_o first_o be_v lawful_a the_o latter_a be_v necessary_a from_o the_o command_v we_o have_v to_o preserve_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o not_o do_v it_o he_o say_v be_v one_o of_o the_o provoke_a sin_n of_o the_o nonconformist_n but_o whether_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n or_o no_o be_v sub_fw-la judice_fw-la that_o it_o be_v provoke_v unto_o some_o be_v sufficient_o evident_a i_o shall_v not_o make_v this_o any_o part_n of_o my_o contest_v those_o who_o have_v so_o express_v their_o charity_n as_o to_o give_v countenance_n unto_o this_o pretend_a advantage_n will_v easy_o free_v themselves_o from_o the_o force_n of_o this_o inference_n for_o it_o must_v be_v remember_v that_o
by_o all_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n that_o the_o jewish_a christian_n shall_v be_v leave_v unto_o their_o own_o liberty_n out_o of_o respect_n unto_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o out_o of_o regard_n unto_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o otherwise_o may_v have_v be_v extreme_o hazard_v but_o 1._o the_o governor_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o make_v the_o determination_n insist_v on_o be_v the_o apostle_n themselves_o 2._o there_o be_v no_o such_o determination_n make_v that_o the_o jew_n shall_v be_v leave_v unto_o their_o own_o liberty_n in_o this_o matter_n but_o there_o be_v only_o a_o connivance_n at_o their_o inclination_n to_o bear_v their_o old_a yoke_n for_o a_o season_n the_o determination_n be_v only_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n that_o no_o imposition_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v make_v on_o the_o gentile_n 3._o the_o determination_n itself_o be_v no_o act_n of_o church_n government_n or_o power_n but_o a_o doctrinal_a declaration_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 4._o it_o be_v well_o that_o church_n governor_n once_o judge_v that_o imposition_n in_o thing_n not_o necessary_a be_v to_o be_v forbear_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n other_o i_o hope_v may_v in_o due_a time_n be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n 2._o he_o say_v the_o false_a apostle_n impose_v on_o the_o gentile_a christian_n have_v two_o circumstance_n in_o it_o which_o extreme_o alter_v their_o case_n from_o that_o of_o our_o dissenter_n for_o 1._o they_o be_v none_o of_o their_o lawful_a governor_n but_o go_v about_o as_o seducer_n draw_v away_o the_o disciple_n of_o the_o apostle_n from_o they_o it_o seem_v then_o 1._o that_o those_o who_o be_v lawful_a governor_n or_o pretend_v themselves_o so_o to_o be_v may_v impose_v what_o they_o please_v without_o control_v as_o they_o do_v in_o the_o papacy_n and_o the_o council_n of_o it_o but_o 2._o their_o imposition_n be_v mere_o doctrinal_a wherein_o there_o be_v no_o pretence_n of_o any_o act_n of_o government_n or_o govern_v power_n which_o make_v it_o less_o grievous_a then_o that_o which_o the_o dissenter_n have_v suffer_v under_o be_v thing_n no_o otherwise_o impose_v on_o we_o we_o shall_v bear_v they_o more_o easy_o 2._o say_v he_o they_o impose_v the_o jewish_a rite_n as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o not_o mere_o as_o indifferent_a thing_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v so_o long_o as_o they_o judge_v they_o so_o to_o be_v they_o be_v more_o to_o be_v excuse_v in_o their_o doctrinal_a imposition_n of_o they_o than_o other_o be_v who_o by_o a_o act_n of_o government_n fortify_v with_o i_o know_v not_o how_o many_o penalty_n do_v impose_v thing_n which_o themselves_o esteem_v indifferent_a and_o those_o on_o who_o they_o be_v impose_v do_v judge_n to_o be_v unlawful_a whereas_o he_o add_v that_o he_o have_v consider_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v material_a in_o discourse_n which_o seem_v to_o take_v off_o the_o force_n of_o the_o argument_n draw_v from_o this_o text_n i_o be_o not_o of_o his_o mind_n nor_o i_o believe_v will_v any_o indifferent_a person_n be_v so_o who_o shall_v compare_v what_o i_o write_v therein_o with_o his_o exception_n against_o it_o though_o i_o acknowledge_v it_o be_v no_o easy_a thing_n to_o discover_v wherein_o the_o force_n of_o the_o pretend_a argument_n do_v lie_v that_o we_o must_v walk_v according_a unto_o the_o same_o rule_n in_o what_o we_o have_v attain_v that_o wherein_o we_o differ_v we_o must_v wait_v on_o god_n for_o teach_v and_o instruction_n that_o the_o apostle_n elder_n and_o brethren_n at_o jerusalem_n determine_v from_o the_o scripture_n or_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n therein_o that_o the_o jewish_a ceremony_n shall_v not_o be_v impose_v on_o the_o gentile_a church_n and_o beleiver_n and_o that_o thereon_o those_o church_n continue_v in_o communion_n with_o each_o other_o who_o do_v and_o do_v not_o observe_v those_o ceremony_n be_v the_o only_a principle_n which_o in_o truth_n the_o doctor_n have_v to_o proceed_v upon_o to_o infer_v from_o these_o principle_n and_o proposition_n that_o there_o be_v a_o national_a church_n of_o divine_a institution_n for_o what_o be_v not_o so_o have_v no_o church_n power_n proper_o so_o call_v the_o nature_n of_o its_o power_n be_v determine_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o its_o institution_n or_o erection_n that_o this_o church_n have_v power_n in_o its_o governor_n and_o ruler_n to_o invent_v new_a order_n ceremony_n and_o rite_n of_o worship_n new_a canon_n for_o the_o observation_n of_o sundry_a thing_n in_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n which_o have_v no_o spring_n nor_o cause_n but_o their_o own_o invention_n and_o prescription_n and_o be_v authorize_v to_o impose_v the_o observation_n of_o they_o on_o all_o particular_a church_n and_o believer_n who_o never_o give_v their_o consent_n unto_o their_o invention_n or_o prescription_n and_o hereon_o to_o declare_v they_o all_o to_o be_v wicked_a schismatic_n who_o yield_v not_o full_a obedience_n unto_o they_o in_o these_o thing_n it_o require_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o art_n and_o skill_n in_o the_o manager_n of_o the_o argument_n sect_n ii_o partly_o 2._o sect._n 21._o pag._n 176._o our_o author_n proceed_v to_o renew_v his_o charge_n of_o schism_n or_o sinful_a separation_n against_o those_o who_o though_o they_o agree_v with_o we_o say_v he_o in_o the_o substantial_o of_o religion_n yet_o deny_v any_o communion_n with_o our_o church_n to_o be_v lawful_a but_o apprehend_v that_o the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n here_o insinuate_v will_v not_o be_v admit_v and_o that_o it_o will_v be_v difficult_a to_o find_v they_o out_o who_o deny_v any_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o be_v lawful_a he_o add_v that_o he_o do_v not_o speak_v of_o any_o improper_a act_n of_o communion_n which_o dr._n o._n call_v communion_n in_o faith_n and_o love_n which_o they_o allow_v to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n but_o why_o the_o act_n hereof_o be_v call_v improper_a act_n of_o communion_n i_o know_v not_o add_v unto_o faith_n and_o love_n the_o administration_n of_o the_o same_o sacrament_n with_o common_a advice_n in_o thing_n of_o common_a concernment_n and_o it_o be_v all_o the_o communion_n that_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n have_v among_o themselves_o in_o the_o whole_a world_n yea_o this_o church_n communion_n be_v such_o as_o that_o 1._o where_o it_o be_v not_o there_o be_v no_o evangelical_n communion_n at_o all_o whatever_o act_v of_o worship_n or_o church_n order_n man_n may_v agree_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o if_o the_o foundation_n of_o that_o agreement_n be_v not_o lay_v in_o a_o joint_a communion_n in_o faith_n and_o love_n they_o be_v neither_o accept_v with_o god_n nor_o profitable_a unto_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n for_o 2._o these_o be_v the_o thing_n namely_o faith_n and_o love_n which_o enliven_v all_o joint_a duty_n of_o church_n order_n and_o worship_n be_v the_o life_n and_o soul_n of_o it_o and_o how_o they_o shall_v be_v only_o improper_o that_o which_o they_o alone_o make_v other_o thing_n to_o be_v proper_o i_o can_v understand_v 3._o where_o there_o be_v no_o defect_n in_o these_o thing_n namely_o in_o faith_n and_o love_n the_o charge_n of_o schism_n on_o dissent_v in_o thing_n of_o lesser_a moment_n be_v altogether_o unreasonable_a it_o be_v to_o be_v desire_v that_o a_o overween_n of_o our_o difference_n make_v we_o not_o overlook_v the_o thing_n wherein_o we_o be_v agree_v this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a evil_n that_o attend_v this_o controversy_n man_n be_v force_v by_o their_o interest_n to_o lay_v more_o weight_n on_o a_o few_o outward_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n which_o the_o world_n and_o the_o church_n may_v well_o have_v spare_v have_v they_o not_o come_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o some_o man_n none_o know_v how_o than_o upon_o the_o most_o important_a grace_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o gospel_n hence_o communion_n in_o faith_n and_o love_n be_v scarce_o esteem_v worth_n take_v up_o in_o the_o street_n in_o comparison_n of_o uniformity_n in_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n let_v man_n be_v as_o void_a of_o and_o remote_a from_o true_a gospel_n faith_n and_o love_n as_o be_v imaginable_a yet_o if_o they_o comply_v quiet_o with_o and_o have_v a_o little_a zeal_n for_o those_o outward_a thing_n they_o be_v to_o be_v approve_v of_o as_o very_o orderly_a member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o whatever_o evidence_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n any_o can_v or_o do_v give_v of_o their_o communion_n in_o faith_n and_o love_n with_o all_o that_o be_v of_o that_o communion_n yet_o if_o they_o can_v in_o conscience_n comply_v in_o the_o observance_n of_o those_o outward_a thing_n mention_v they_o be_v to_o be_v judge_v schismatic_n and_o breaker_n of_o the_o church_n unity_n whereas_o no_o
to_o choose_v out_o from_o among_o themselves_o person_n meet_v for_o a_o ecclesiastical_a office_n act._n 6._o the_o same_o people_n who_o join_v with_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n in_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o grand_a case_n concern_v the_o continuation_n of_o the_o legal_a ceremony_n and_o be_v associate_v with_o they_o in_o the_o determination_n of_o it_o act._n 15._o the_o same_o to_o who_o all_o the_o apostolical_a epistle_n except_v some_o to_o particular_a person_n be_v write_v and_o unto_o who_o such_o direction_n be_v give_v and_o duty_n enjoin_v in_o they_o as_o suppose_v not_o only_o a_o liberty_n and_o ability_n to_o judge_v for_o themselves_o in_o all_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n but_o also_o a_o especial_a interest_n in_o the_o order_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n those_o who_o be_v to_o say_v unto_o archippus_n their_o bishop_n take_v heed_n unto_o the_o ministry_n thou_o have_v receive_v in_o the_o lord_n that_o thou_o fulfil_v it_o col._n 4._o unto_o who_o of_o all_o sort_n it_o be_v command_v that_o they_o shall_v examine_v and_o try_v antichrist_n spirit_n and_o false_a teacher_n that_o be_v all_o sort_n of_o heretic_n heresy_n and_o error_n 1_o joh._n chap._n 2.3_o etc._n etc._n that_o people_n who_o even_o in_o follow_v age_n adhere_v unto_o the_o faith_n and_o the_o orthodox_n profession_n of_o it_o when_o almost_o all_o their_o bishop_n be_v become_v arian_n heretic_n and_o keep_v their_o private_a conventicle_n in_o opposition_n unto_o they_o at_o constantinople_n antioch_n alexandria_n and_o other_o place_n and_o who_o be_v so_o many_o of_o they_o burn_v here_o in_o england_n by_o their_o own_o bishop_n on_o the_o judgement_n they_o make_v of_o error_n and_o heresy_n and_o if_o the_o present_a people_n with_o who_o the_o dr._n be_v acquaint_v be_v altogether_o unmeet_a for_o the_o discharge_v of_o any_o of_o these_o duty_n it_o be_v the_o fault_n of_o some_o body_n else_o beside_o their_o own_o this_o principle_n of_o the_o reformation_n in_o vindication_n of_o the_o right_n liberty_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o christian_a people_n to_o judge_v and_o choose_v for_o themselves_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n to_o join_v free_o in_o those_o church_n duty_n which_o be_v require_v of_o they_o without_o which_o the_o work_n of_o it_o have_v never_o be_v carry_v on_o we_o do_v abide_v by_o and_o maintain_v yea_o we_o meet_v with_o no_o opposition_n more_o fierce_a than_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o our_o assert_v the_o liberty_n and_o right_o of_o the_o people_n in_o reference_n unto_o church_n order_n and_o worship_n but_o i_o shall_v not_o be_v afraid_a to_o say_v that_o as_o the_o reformation_n be_v begin_v and_o carry_v on_o on_o this_o principle_n so_o when_o this_o people_n shall_v through_o a_o apprehension_n of_o their_o ignorance_n weakness_n and_o unmeetness_n to_o discern_v and_o judge_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n for_o themselves_o and_o their_o own_o duty_n be_v keep_v and_o debar_v from_o it_o or_o when_o through_o their_o own_o sloth_n negligence_n and_o viciousness_n they_o shall_v be_v real_o uncapable_a to_o manage_v their_o own_o interest_n in_o church_n affair_n as_o be_v fit_a only_o to_o be_v govern_v if_o not_o as_o brute_n creature_n yet_o as_o mute_a person_n and_o that_o these_o thing_n be_v improve_v by_o the_o ambition_n of_o the_o clergy_n engross_a all_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n unto_o themselves_o as_o they_o do_v in_o former_a age_n if_o the_o old_a popedom_n do_v not_o return_v a_o new_a one_o will_v be_v erect_v as_o bad_a as_o the_o other_o three_o another_o principle_n of_o the_o reformation_n be_v that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o catholic_n visible_a organical_a govern_v church_n traduce_v by_o succession_n into_o that_o of_o rome_n 〈◊〉_d all_o church_n power_n and_o order_n be_v to_o be_v derive_v i_o will_v not_o say_v that_o this_o principle_n be_v absolute_o receive_v by_o all_o the_o first_o reformer_n here_o in_o england_n yet_o it_o be_v by_o the_o generality_n of_o they_o in_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o world_n for_o as_o they_o constant_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v any_o catholic_n church_n but_o that_o invisible_a of_o elect_a believer_n allow_v the_o external_n denomination_n of_o the_o church_n unto_o the_o diffuse_a community_n of_o the_o baptize_v world_n so_o believe_v and_o profess_v that_o the_o pope_n be_v antichrist_n that_o rome_n be_v mystical_a babylon_n the_o seat_n of_o the_o apostatise_v church_n of_o the_o gentile_n devote_v to_o destruction_n they_o can_v acknowledge_v no_o such_o church_n state_n in_o the_o roman_a church_n nor_o the_o derivation_n of_o any_o power_n and_o order_n from_o it_o so_o far_o as_o there_o be_v a_o declension_n from_o this_o principle_n so_o far_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o reformation_n be_v weaken_v and_o the_o principal_a reason_n of_o separation_n from_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v reject_v as_o shall_v be_v far_o manifest_v if_o occasion_n require_v it_o this_o principle_n we_o do_v firm_o adhere_v unto_o and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o it_o be_v know_v that_o our_o fix_a judgement_n concern_v the_o divine_a institution_n nature_n and_o order_n of_o evangelical_n church_n be_v such_o as_o be_v utter_o exclusive_a of_o the_o roman_a church_n as_o a_o body_n organise_v in_o and_o under_o the_o pope_n and_o his_o hierarchy_n from_o any_o pretence_n unto_o church_n state_n order_n or_o power_n and_o it_o may_v be_v hence_o judge_v who_o do_v most_o weaken_v the_o cause_n of_o reformation_n we_o or_o some_o of_o they_o at_o least_o by_o who_o we_o be_v oppose_v a_o second_o absurdity_n that_o he_o charge_v on_o our_o way_n be_v that_o it_o will_v make_v union_n among_o the_o protestant_a church_n impossible_a suppose_v they_o to_o remain_v as_o they_o be_v sect._n 24._o pag._n 186._o to_o make_v good_a this_o charge_n he_o insist_o on_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o the_o lutheran_n church_n have_v the_o same_o and_o more_o ceremony_n and_o unscriptural_a imposition_n then_o our_o church_n have_v 2._o that_o notwithstanding_o these_o thing_n yet_o many_o learned_a protestant_a divine_n have_v plead_v for_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o they_o which_o upon_o our_o principle_n and_o supposition_n they_o can_v not_o have_v do_v but_o whether_o they_o plead_v for_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o they_o by_o admit_v into_o their_o church_n and_o submit_v unto_o those_o ceremony_n and_o unscriptural_a imposition_n which_o be_v alone_o unto_o the_o doctor_n purpose_n or_o whether_o they_o judge_v their_o member_n oblige_v to_o communicate_v in_o local_a communion_n with_o they_o under_o those_o imposition_n he_o do_v not_o declare_v but_o whereas_o neither_o we_o nor_o our_o cause_n be_v in_o the_o least_o concern_v in_o what_o the_o dr._n here_o insist_v upon_o yet_o because_o the_o charge_n be_v no_o less_o then_o that_o our_o principle_n give_v disturbance_n unto_o the_o peace_n and_o union_n of_o all_o protestant_a church_n i_o shall_v brief_o manifest_v that_o they_o be_v not_o only_o conducive_v thereunto_o but_o such_o as_o without_o which_o that_o peace_n and_o union_n will_v never_o be_v attain_v 1._o it_o be_v know_v unto_o all_o that_o from_o the_o first_o beginning_n of_o the_o reformation_n there_o be_v difference_n among_o the_o church_n which_o depart_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o as_o this_o be_v look_v on_o as_o the_o great_a impediment_n unto_o the_o progress_n of_o the_o reformation_n so_o it_o be_v not_o moral_o possible_a that_o in_o a_o work_n of_o that_o nature_n begin_v and_o carry_v on_o by_o person_n of_o all_o for_o we_o in_o many_o nation_n of_o divers_a tongue_n and_o language_n none_o of_o they_o be_v divine_o inspire_v that_o it_o shall_v otherwise_o fall_v out_o god_n also_o in_o his_o holy_a wise_a providence_n suffer_v it_o so_o to_o be_v for_o cause_n know_v then_o to_o himself_o but_o since_o sundry_a of_o they_o have_v be_v make_v manifest_a in_o the_o event_n for_o whereas_o there_o be_v a_o agreement_n in_o all_o fundamental_a article_n of_o faith_n among_o they_o and_o all_o necessary_a mean_n of_o salvation_n a_o far_a agreement_n consider_v our_o sloth_n negligence_n and_o proness_n of_o man_n to_o abuse_v security_n and_o power_n may_v have_v produce_v as_o evil_a effect_n as_o the_o difference_n have_v do_v for_o those_o which_o have_v be_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o those_o which_o have_v be_v on_o the_o other_o have_v be_v and_o will_v have_v be_v from_o the_o corrupt_a affection_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o their_o secular_a interest_n 2._o these_o difference_n be_v principal_o in_o or_o about_o some_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n whereon_o some_o fiery_a spirit_n among_o they_o take_v occasion_n mutual_o and_o unjust_o enough_o to_o charge_v each_o other_o with_o heresy_n especial_o be_v this_o do_v among_o the_o lutheran_n
in_o compliance_n with_o the_o political_a state_n and_o other_o circumstance_n of_o time_n and_o place_n as_o may_v be_v think_v to_o tend_v unto_o their_o advantage_n that_o which_o we_o affirm_v be_v that_o no_o alteration_n of_o their_o state_n from_o the_o nature_n and_o kind_n of_o particular_a church_n be_v of_o divine_a institution_n 4._o such_o church_n who_o frame_n constitution_n and_o power_n be_v destructive_a of_o the_o order_n liberty_n power_n privilege_n and_o duty_n of_o particular_a church_n be_v so_o far_o contrary_a unto_o divine_a institution_n and_o not_o to_o be_v comply_v withal_o hereon_o we_o affirm_v that_o whereas_o we_o be_v exclude_v from_o total_a communion_n in_o our_o parochial_a assembly_n by_o the_o imposition_n of_o thing_n unto_o we_o unlawful_a and_o sinful_a as_o indispensible_a condition_n of_o their_o communion_n and_o can_v comply_v with_o they_o in_o their_o rule_n and_o worship_n on_o the_o reason_n before_o allege_a it_o be_v part_n of_o the_o duty_n we_o owe_v to_o jesus_n christ_n to_o gather_v ourselves_o into_o particular_a church_n or_o congregation_n for_o the_o celebration_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o the_o observation_n do_v or_o performance_n of_o all_o his_o command_n these_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o in_o this_o case_n we_o adhere_v unto_o and_o which_o must_v all_o of_o they_o be_v overthrow_v before_o any_o colour_n can_v be_v give_v unto_o any_o charge_n of_o schism_n against_o we_o and_o what_o be_v speak_v unto_o this_o purpose_n in_o the_o drs._n discourse_n we_o shall_v now_o consider_v only_o i_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o remember_v that_o all_o these_o principle_n or_o assertion_n be_v full_o confirm_v in_o the_o precede_a discourse_n that_o which_o first_o occur_v in_o the_o treatise_n under_o consideration_n unto_o the_o point_n in_o hand_n be_v the_o exception_n put_v in_o unto_o a_o passage_n in_o my_o former_a discourse_n which_o be_v as_o follow_v we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o because_o communion_n in_o ordinance_n shall_v be_v only_o in_o such_o church_n as_o christ_n have_v institute_v that_o therefore_o it_o be_v lawful_a and_o necessary_a to_o separate_v from_o parochial_a church_n but_o if_o it_o be_v on_o other_o ground_n necessary_a so_o to_o separate_v or_o withhold_v communion_n from_o they_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o they_o that_o do_v so_o to_o join_v themselves_o in_o or_o unto_o some_o other_o particular_a congregation_n i_o have_v not_o observe_v any_o occasion_n wherein_o the_o dr._n be_v more_o vehement_a in_o his_o rhetoric_n than_o he_o be_v on_o that_o of_o this_o passage_n which_o yet_o appear_v to_o i_o to_o be_v good_a sense_n and_o innocent_a 1._o hereunto_o he_o say_v 1._o p._n 221._o that_o this_o be_v either_o not_o to_o the_o business_n or_o it_o be_v a_o plain_a give_v up_o the_o cause_n of_o independency_n if_o he_o judge_v that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o the_o business_n i_o can_v help_v it_o and_o he_o may_v as_o i_o suppose_v have_v do_v well_o to_o have_v take_v no_o notice_n of_o it_o as_o i_o have_v deal_v with_o many_o passage_n in_o his_o discourse_n but_o if_o it_o be_v a_o give_v up_o of_o the_o cause_n of_o independency_n i_o say_v whatever_o that_o be_v let_v whoso_o will_v take_v it_o and_o dispose_v of_o it_o as_o it_o seem_v good_a unto_o they_o but_o in_o proof_n hereof_o he_o say_v 1._o wherefore_o do_v the_o dissent_v brethren_n so_o much_o insist_v upon_o their_o separate_a congregation_n when_o not_o one_o of_o the_o thing_n now_o particular_o allege_v against_o our_o church_n be_v require_v of_o they_o i_o answer_v 1._o if_o any_o do_v in_o those_o time_n plead_v for_o separate_v congregation_n let_v they_o answer_v for_o themselves_o i_o be_v none_o of_o they_o they_o do_v indeed_o plead_v for_o distinct_a congregation_n exempt_a in_o some_o few_o thing_n from_o a_o penal_a rule_n then_o endeavour_v by_o some_o to_o be_v impose_v on_o all_o but_o there_o be_v no_o such_o difference_n nor_o restraint_n of_o communion_n between_o any_o of_o they_o as_o it_o be_v at_o present_a between_o we_o and_o parochial_a church_n 2._o it_o be_v very_o possible_a that_o there_o may_v be_v other_o reason_n of_o forbear_v a_o conjunction_n in_o some_o act_n of_o church_n rule_n which_o be_v all_o that_o be_v plead_v for_o by_o the_o dissent_v brethren_n than_o those_o which_o be_v allege_v against_o total_a communion_n with_o parochial_a church_n in_o worship_n order_n and_o discipline_n 2._o he_o add_v second_o but_o if_o he_o insist_o on_o those_o thing_n common_a to_o our_o church_n with_o other_o reform_a church_n than_o they_o be_v such_o thing_n as_o he_o suppose_v contrary_a to_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o church_n etc._n etc._n i_o fear_v i_o do_v not_o well_o understand_v what_o this_o mean_n nor_o what_o it_o tend_v unto_o but_o according_a as_o i_o apprehend_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o i_o say_v 1._o i_o insist_v principal_o on_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v not_o common_a unto_o they_o with_o other_o reform_a church_n but_o such_o as_o be_v peculiar_a unto_o the_o church_n of_o england_n these_o vary_v the_o term_n and_o practice_n of_o our_o communion_n between_o they_o and_o it_o 2._o the_o thing_n we_o except_v against_o in_o parochial_a church_n be_v not_o contrary_a to_o their_o first_o institution_n as_o parochial_a which_o as_o have_v be_v prove_v be_v the_o only_a kind_n of_o church_n that_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n but_o be_v contrary_a unto_o what_o be_v institute_v to_o be_v do_v and_o observe_v in_o such_o church_n which_o one_o observation_n make_v void_a all_o that_o he_o will_v infer_v from_o the_o present_a supposition_n as_o 3._o he_o enquire_v hereon_o what_o difference_n there_o be_v between_o separate_v from_o our_o church_n because_o communion_n in_o ordinance_n be_v only_o to_o be_v enjoy_v in_o such_o church_n as_o christ_n have_v institute_v and_o separate_v from_o they_o because_o they_o have_v thing_n repugnant_a unto_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o church_n the_o dr._n i_o fear_v will_v call_v this_o sophistry_n in_o another_o or_o at_o least_o complain_v that_o it_o be_v somewhat_o odd_o and_o faint_o express_v but_o we_o shall_v consider_v it_o as_o it_o be_v 1._o separation_n from_o parochial_a church_n because_o communion_n in_o ordinance_n be_v only_o to_o be_v enjoy_v in_o such_o church_n as_o christ_n have_v institute_v be_v deny_v by_o we_o it_o be_v so_o in_o the_o assertion_n oppose_v by_o he_o and_o i_o do_v not_o know_v whether_o it_o be_v lay_v down_o by_o he_o as_o that_o which_o we_o affirm_v or_o which_o we_o deny_v 2._o there_o be_v great_a ambiguity_n in_o the_o latter_a clause_n of_o separate_v from_o they_o because_o they_o have_v thing_n repugnant_a unto_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o church_n for_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o separate_v from_o a_o church_n because_o it_o be_v not_o of_o divine_a institution_n that_o be_v not_o of_o that_o kind_n of_o church_n which_o be_v divine_o institute_v and_o another_o to_o do_v so_o because_o of_o thing_n practise_v and_o impose_v in_o it_o contrary_a to_o divine_a institution_n which_o be_v the_o case_n in_o hand_n 4._o but_o he_o after_o say_v be_v not_o this_o the_o primary_n reason_n of_o separation_n because_o christ_n have_v appoint_v unalterable_a rule_n for_o the_o government_n of_o his_o church_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v observe_v in_o parochial_a church_n i_o answer_v no_o it_o be_v not_o so_o for_o there_o may_v be_v a_o omission_n at_o least_o for_o a_o season_n in_o some_o church_n of_o some_o rule_n that_o christ_n have_v appoint_v in_o the_o government_n of_o his_o church_n and_o we_o judge_v his_o rule_n as_o unto_o right_a unalterable_a which_o may_v not_o be_v a_o just_a cause_n of_o separation_n so_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n continue_v a_o long_a time_n in_o the_o omission_n of_o the_o observance_n of_o the_o feast_n of_o tabernacle_n but_o the_o principal_a reason_n of_o the_o separation_n we_o defend_v be_v the_o practise_v and_o impose_v of_o sundry_a thing_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n not_o of_o divine_a institution_n yea_o in_o our_o judgement_n contrary_a thereunto_o and_o the_o frame_n of_o a_o rule_n of_o government_n of_o man_n devise_v to_o be_v lay_v on_o all_o the_o member_n of_o they_o this_o be_v the_o primary_n cause_v plead_v herein_o but_o because_o the_o dr._n propose_v a_o case_n on_o those_o supposition_n whereon_o he_o seem_v to_o lay_v great_a weight_n though_o indeed_o however_o it_o be_v determine_v it_o conduce_v nothing_o unto_o his_o end_n but_o argue_v only_o some_o keenness_n of_o spirit_n against_o they_o who_o he_o oppose_v i_o shall_v at_o large_a transcribe_v the_o whole_a of_o it_o let_v we_o then_o say_v he_o 1._o suppose_v that_o christ_n have_v by_o unalterable_a rule_n appoint_v that_o a_o church_n shall_v
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
be_v make_v member_n of_o this_o church_n by_o a_o act_n of_o parliament_n for_o their_o naturalisation_n and_o no_o otherwise_o 3._o that_o we_o separate_v from_o this_o church_n in_o thing_n wherein_o we_o be_v oblige_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n to_o hold_v communion_n with_o it_o which_o neither_o be_v nor_o will_v ever_o be_v prove_v nor_o be_v it_o endeavour_v so_o to_o be_v by_o any_o instance_n in_o this_o treatise_n 4._o that_o to_o withhold_v communion_n from_o parochial_a assembly_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n as_o unto_o thing_n confess_o not_o of_o divine_a institution_n be_v schism_n that_o kind_n of_o schism_n which_o be_v condemn_v by_o the_o ancient_a writer_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o these_o and_o the_o like_a supposition_n it_o be_v no_o uneasy_a thing_n to_o make_v vehement_a declamation_n against_o we_o and_o severe_a reflection_n on_o we_o all_o be_v schism_n and_o schismatic_n and_o all_o of_o the_o same_o kind_n with_o what_o be_v write_v against_o by_o cyprian_a and_o austin_n and_o other_o a_o great_a many_o but_o the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o controversy_n between_o he_o and_o we_o be_v this_o and_o no_o other_o namely_o whether_o a_o dissent_n in_o and_o forbearance_n from_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n in_o their_o state_n and_o kind_a not_o of_o divine_a institution_n or_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v not_o of_o divine_a institution_n and_o from_o thing_n in_o other_o church_n that_o have_v no_o such_o divine_a institution_n nor_o any_o scriptural_a authority_n to_o oblige_v we_o unto_o their_o observance_n be_v to_o be_v esteem_v schism_n in_o they_o who_o maintain_v and_o profess_o avow_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 this_o be_v the_o whole_a of_o what_o we_o be_v concern_v in_o which_o where_o it_o be_v speak_v unto_o it_o shall_v be_v consider_v but_o because_o there_o be_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n certain_a person_n who_o on_o arbitrary_a principle_n of_o their_o own_o consist_v for_o the_o most_o part_n in_o gross_a and_o palpable_a error_n which_o they_o will_v have_v impose_v on_o all_o other_o do_v separate_v from_o the_o catholic_n church_n that_o be_v all_o other_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n and_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n condemn_v they_o as_o no_o church_n allow_v not_o the_o administration_n of_o sacrament_n unto_o they_o nor_o salvation_n unto_o their_o member_n who_o the_o ancient_a church_n condemn_v with_o great_a severity_n and_o that_o just_o as_o guilty_a of_o schism_n their_o judgement_n their_o word_n and_o expression_n be_v apply_v unto_o we_o who_o be_v no_o way_n concern_v in_o what_o they_o speak_v of_o or_o unto_o we_o be_v not_o therefore_o in_o the_o least_o terrify_v with_o what_o be_v allege_v out_o of_o the_o ancient_n about_o schism_n no_o more_o than_o he_o be_v when_o the_o same_o instance_n the_o same_o authority_n the_o same_o quotation_n be_v make_v use_n of_o by_o the_o papist_n against_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o they_o be_v continual_o for_o as_o be_v say_v we_o know_v that_o we_o be_v no_o way_n concern_v in_o they_o and_o suppose_v that_o all_o that_o the_o dr._n allege_v against_o we_o be_v true_a and_o that_o we_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n in_o all_o that_o be_v charge_v on_o we_o yet_o i_o dare_v refer_v it_o to_o the_o dr._n himself_o to_o determine_v whether_o it_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o what_o be_v charge_v on_o they_o who_o make_v schism_n in_o the_o church_n of_o old_a i_o suppose_v i_o guess_v well_o enough_o what_o he_o will_v say_v to_o secure_v his_o charge_n and_o it_o shall_v be_v consider_v where_o it_o be_v speak_v but_o as_o be_v say_v the_o great_a and_o only_a design_n of_o the_o author_n of_o this_o book_n be_v to_o prove_v all_o nonconformist_n to_o be_v schismatic_n or_o guilty_a of_o the_o sin_n of_o schism_n how_o he_o have_v succeed_v in_o this_o attempt_n shall_v be_v afterward_o consider_v and_o something_o i_o have_v speak_v in_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n concern_v the_o nature_n of_o schism_n which_o will_v manifest_v how_o little_o we_o be_v concern_v in_o this_o charge_n but_o yet_o it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o in_o this_o place_n to_o mind_n both_o he_o and_o other_o of_o some_o of_o those_o principle_n whereon_o we_o ground_n our_o justification_n in_o this_o matter_n that_o it_o may_v be_v know_v what_o they_o must_v further_o overthrow_v and_o what_o they_o must_v establish_v who_o shall_v persist_v in_o the_o mannagement_n of_o this_o charge_n that_o be_v indeed_o through_o want_n of_o love_n in_o a_o design_n to_o heighten_v and_o perpetuate_v our_o division_n and_o the_o first_o of_o these_o principle_n be_v that_o there_o be_v a_o rule_n prescribe_v by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n unto_o all_o church_n and_o believer_n in_o a_o due_a attendance_n whereunto_o all_o the_o unity_n and_o peace_n which_o he_o require_v among_o his_o disciple_n do_v consist_v we_o acknowledge_v this_o to_o be_v our_o fundamental_a principle_n nor_o can_v the_o rhetoric_n or_o argument_n of_o any_o man_n affect_v our_o conscience_n with_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o gild_n of_o schism_n until_o one_o of_o these_o thing_n be_v prove_v namely_o either_o first_o that_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v give_v no_o such_o rule_n as_o in_o the_o observance_n whereof_o peace_n and_o unity_n may_v be_v preserve_v in_o his_o church_n or_o second_o that_o we_o refuse_v a_o compliance_n with_o that_o rule_n in_o some_o one_o instance_n or_o other_o of_o what_o therein_o he_o have_v himself_o appoint_v unless_o one_o or_o the_o other_o be_v prove_v and_o that_o strict_o and_o direct_o not_o pretend_v so_o to_o be_v by_o perpetual_a diversion_n from_o the_o thing_n in_o question_n no_o vehement_a assertion_n of_o any_o of_o we_o to_o be_v schismatic_n nor_o aggravation_n of_o the_o gild_n of_o schism_n will_v signify_v any_o thing_n in_o this_o cause_n but_o that_o our_o principle_n herein_o be_v according_a unto_o truth_n we_o be_v full_o persuade_v there_o be_v a_o rule_n of_o christ_n give_v which_o whosoever_o walk_v according_a unto_o peace_n shall_v be_v on_o they_o and_o mercy_n as_o on_o the_o whole_a israel_n of_o god_n gal._n 6.16_o and_o we_o desire_v no_o more_o no_o more_o be_v needful_a unto_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o this_o rule_n whatever_o it_o be_v be_v of_o his_o give_v and_o appointment_n no_o rule_n of_o man_n invention_n or_o imposition_n can_v by_o its_o observance_n secure_v we_o of_o a_o interest_n in_o that_o peace_n and_o mercy_n which_o be_v peculiar_a unto_o the_o israel_n of_o god_n god_n forbid_v we_o shall_v entertain_v any_o such_o imagination_n we_o know_v well_o enough_o man_n may_v be_v through_o conformist_n to_o such_o rule_n unto_o who_o as_o unto_o their_o present_a state_n and_o condition_n neither_o peace_n nor_o mercy_n do_v belong_v for_o there_o be_v no_o peace_n to_o the_o wicked_a he_o who_o have_v direct_v and_o command_v the_o end_n of_o church_n unity_n and_o peace_n have_v also_o appoint_v the_o mean_n and_o measure_n of_o they_o nothing_o be_v more_o disagreeable_a unto_o nothing_o more_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o wisdom_n care_n and_o love_n of_o christ_n unto_o his_o church_n than_o a_o imagination_n that_o whereas_o he_o strict_o enjoin_v peace_n and_o unity_n in_o his_o church_n he_o have_v not_o himself_o appoint_v the_o rule_n bound_n and_o measure_n of_o they_o but_o leave_v it_o unto_o the_o will_n and_o discretion_n of_o men._n as_o if_o his_o command_n unto_o his_o disciple_n have_v be_v keep_v peace_n and_o unity_n in_o the_o church_n by_o do_v and_o observe_v whatever_o some_o man_n under_o a_o pretence_n of_o be_v the_o guide_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v make_v necessary_a unto_o that_o end_n whereas_o it_o be_v plain_o otherwise_o namely_o that_o we_o shall_v so_o keep_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n by_o do_v and_o observe_v all_o whatever_o that_o he_o command_v we_o and_o beside_o we_o strict_o require_v that_o some_o one_o instance_n be_v give_v we_o of_o a_o defect_n in_o the_o rule_n give_v by_o christ_n himself_o which_o must_v be_v supply_v by_o humane_a addition_n to_o render_v it_o complete_a for_o the_o end_n of_o church_n peace_n and_o unity_n in_o vain_a have_v we_o desire_v in_o vain_a may_v we_o for_o ever_o expect_v any_o instance_n of_o that_o kind_n this_o principle_n we_o shall_v not_o be_v easy_o dispossess_v of_o and_o whilst_o we_o be_v under_o the_o protection_n of_o it_o we_o have_v a_o safe_a retreat_n and_o shelter_n from_o the_o most_o vehement_a accusation_n of_o schism_n for_o a_o noncompliance_n with_o a_o rule_n none_o of_o he_o different_a from_o he_o and_o in_o some_o thing_n contrary_a unto_o he_o for_o the_o
church_n namely_o that_o bad_a man_n be_v mix_v with_o the_o good_a for_o which_o cause_n they_o reject_v those_o church_n wherein_o that_o be_v allow_v as_o no_o true_a church_n of_o christ._n for_o no_o such_o thing_n be_v include_v in_o what_o we_o assert_v nor_o do_v follow_v thereon_o we_o do_v own_o that_o wicked_a hypocrite_n may_v be_v join_v in_o true_a church_n and_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o they_o neither_o be_v this_o a_o cause_n of_o withdraw_a communion_n from_o any_o church_n much_o less_o of_o condemn_v it_o as_o no_o true_a church_n of_o christ._n but_o this_o we_o say_v that_o if_o such_o hypocrite_n discover_v themselves_o in_o open_a scandalous_a sin_n which_o upon_o examination_n will_v prove_v to_o be_v of_o a_o large_a extent_n than_o some_o suppose_v with_o respect_n unto_o sin_n of_o omission_n as_o well_o as_o of_o commission_n if_o they_o be_v not_o deal_v withal_o according_a as_o the_o discipline_n of_o christ_n do_v require_v in_o such_o case_n the_o church_n wherein_o they_o be_v allow_v especial_o if_o the_o number_n of_o such_o person_n be_v many_o or_o the_o most_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o people_n and_o their_o sin_n notorious_a do_v stand_v in_o need_n of_o reformation_n as_o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v acknowledge_v in_o the_o commination_n against_o sinner_n the_o substance_n of_o what_o be_v propose_v under_o this_o consideration_n may_v be_v express_v in_o the_o ensue_a observation_n 1._o the_o generality_n of_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o this_o nation_n be_v join_v and_o do_v belong_v unto_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o its_o parochial_a assembly_n 2._o that_o many_o walk_n and_o live_v without_o any_o visible_a compliance_n unto_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n in_o gospel_n obedience_n yea_o 3_o great_a notorious_a provoke_a sin_n do_v abound_v among_o they_o for_o which_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v fear_v continual_o that_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n will_v speedy_o follow_v as_o be_v acknowledge_v in_o the_o commination_n 4._o that_o hereon_o they_o all_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o reformation_n without_o which_o the_o principal_a end_n of_o church_n communion_n can_v be_v obtain_v among_o they_o 5._o that_o this_o reformation_n be_v the_o duty_n of_o these_o church_n themselves_o which_o if_o it_o be_v neglect_v they_o live_v in_o a_o contempt_n of_o the_o command_v of_o christ._n for_o 6._o unto_o they_o in_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n and_o exercise_v of_o discipline_n be_v the_o mean_n of_o this_o reformation_n commit_v for_o we_o treat_v not_o at_o present_a of_o the_o power_n or_o duty_n of_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n in_o these_o thing_n 7._o that_o this_o state_n of_o church_n can_v hinder_v nor_o ought_v so_o to_o do_v if_o continue_v in_o the_o true_a disciple_n of_o christ_n from_o reform_v themselves_o by_o endeavour_v the_o due_a observance_n of_o all_o his_o command_n 2._o in_o this_o state_n the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v not_o and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v will_v not_o nor_o can_v reform_v itself_o but_o although_o the_o weight_n of_o the_o whole_a argument_n in_o hand_n depend_v very_o much_o on_o this_o assertion_n yet_o i_o shall_v not_o insist_v on_o its_o particular_a confirmation_n for_o sundry_a reason_n not_o now_o to_o be_v mention_v it_o be_v enough_o that_o no_o such_o work_n have_v be_v as_o yet_o attempt_v nor_o be_v at_o this_o day_n public_o propose_v notwithstanding_o all_o the_o mercy_n that_o some_o have_v receive_v the_o loss_n which_o the_o church_n for_o want_v of_o it_o have_v sustain_v the_o judgement_n for_o sin_n that_o be_v fear_v which_o ought_v to_o be_v motive_n thereunto_o yea_o the_o generality_n of_o ecclesiastical_a person_n seem_v to_o judge_v that_o all_o thing_n among_o they_o be_v as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v that_o there_o be_v no_o crime_n or_o disorder_n but_o only_o in_o complain_v of_o their_o good_a estate_n and_o call_v upon_o they_o for_o reformation_n 3._o this_o be_v the_o state_n of_o the_o parochial_a church_n in_o england_n the_o enquiry_n be_v whether_o every_o beleiver_n in_o england_n be_v indispensible_o oblige_v by_o virtue_n of_o any_o law_n rule_n or_o direction_n of_o a_o divine_a original_a to_o continue_v in_o constant_a complete_a communion_n with_o they_o so_o as_o not_o to_o make_v use_n of_o any_o other_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o christ_n appointment_n for_o their_o own_o edification_n on_o the_o penalty_n of_o the_o gild_n of_o schism_n now_o although_o we_o do_v not_o as_o we_o shall_v see_v immediate_o lie_v the_o weight_n of_o refrain_v from_o their_o communion_n on_o this_o consideration_n yet_o be_v there_o enough_o in_o it_o to_o warrant_v any_o man_n in_o his_o so_o do_v for_o a_o man_n in_o his_o conform_v thereunto_o make_v it_o a_o part_n of_o his_o religious_a profession_n not_o only_o that_o the_o church_n wherein_o he_o be_v join_v be_v a_o true_a church_n but_o that_o there_o be_v in_o its_o state_n and_o act_n a_o due_a representation_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n as_o unto_o what_o he_o require_v of_o his_o church_n and_o what_o he_o will_v have_v they_o to_o be_v the_o lord_n christ_n be_v the_o apostle_n and_o high_a priest_n of_o our_o profession_n and_o in_o all_o thing_n that_o belong_v thereunto_o we_o declare_v that_o we_o do_v it_o in_o compliance_n with_o his_o will_n and_o we_o do_v so_o or_o we_o be_v hypocrite_n this_o no_o man_n can_v do_v in_o such_o a_o church_n state_n who_o be_v convince_v of_o its_o defect_n without_o reflect_v the_o great_a dishonour_n on_o christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n more_o weight_n will_v be_v add_v unto_o this_o consideration_n when_o we_o shall_v treat_v of_o the_o matter_n of_o gospel_n church_n or_o of_o what_o sort_n of_o person_n they_o ought_v to_o consist_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n those_o who_o pretend_v a_o reverence_n unto_o antiquity_n in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o they_o suppose_v countenance_n to_o be_v give_v unto_o their_o interest_n may_v do_v well_o sometime_o to_o consider_v what_o be_v the_o discipline_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o what_o be_v the_o manner_n the_o life_n the_o heavenly_a conversation_n of_o their_o member_n because_o in_o the_o 3_o d._n and_o 4_o the_o century_n there_o be_v mention_v make_v of_o bishop_n distinct_a from_o presbyter_n with_o some_o ecclesiastical_a practice_n and_o ceremony_n in_o worship_n not_o mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n nor_o know_v unto_o the_o apostolical_a church_n shall_v we_o judge_v ourselves_o oblige_v to_o conform_v thereunto_o as_o our_o rule_n and_o pattern_n so_o as_o that_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o some_o they_o be_v to_o be_v esteem_v no_o church_n who_o conform_v not_o their_o outward_a state_n and_o practice_n unto_o the_o same_o rule_n and_o shall_v we_o judge_v ourselves_o at_o liberty_n to_o reject_v all_o that_o they_o do_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n and_o in_o the_o preservation_n of_o purity_n of_o life_n and_o holiness_n in_o the_o church_n and_o that_o according_a to_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o scripture_n who_o know_v not_o upon_o what_o diligent_a trial_n and_o experience_n first_o obtain_v of_o their_o knowledge_n faith_n and_o godliness_n they_o admit_v member_n into_o their_o church_n yea_o such_o be_v their_o care_n and_o severity_n herein_o that_o they_o will_v not_o admit_v a_o roman_a emperor_n unto_o communion_n with_o they_o unless_o he_o first_o confess_v his_o sin_n and_o join_v among_o other_o penitent_n before_o his_o admission_n euseb._n lib._n 6._o cap._n 33._o who_o know_v not_o with_o what_o diligence_n they_o watch_v over_o the_o walking_n and_o conversation_n of_o all_o that_o be_v admit_v among_o they_o and_o with_o what_o severity_n they_o animadvert_v on_o all_o that_o fall_v into_o scandalous_a sin_n what_o be_v hereon_o their_o conversation_n in_o all_o holiness_n righteousness_n temperance_n usefulness_n unto_o the_o world_n in_o work_n of_o charity_n and_o benevolence_n as_o all_o other_o christian_a virtue_n we_o have_v sufficient_a testimony_n the_o heathen_a who_o be_v moral_o sober_a and_o virtuous_a desire_v no_o more_o than_o that_o they_o may_v find_v out_o among_o they_o a_o indulgence_n unto_o any_o sort_n of_o sin_n crime_n or_o wickedness_n which_o because_o they_o can_v not_o charge_v any_o of_o they_o withal_o they_o invent_v those_o brutish_a and_o foolish_a lie_n about_o their_o nightly_o meeting_n but_o when_o a_o sober_a enquiry_n be_v make_v concern_v they_o their_o enemy_n be_v force_v to_o confess_v that_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o no_o open_a sin_n no_o adultery_n no_o swear_n or_o perjury_n as_o be_v evident_a in_o the_o epistle_n of_o pliny_n and_o trajan_n the_o emperor_n in_o particular_a they_o utter_o reject_v from_o their_o communion_n all_o that_o resort_v unto_o public_a stage_n play_v or_o other_o spectacle_n a_o solemn_a