indeed_o as_o when_o the_o israelite_n come_v out_o of_o egypt_n there_o come_v along_o with_o they_o a_o mix_a multitude_n of_o other_o people_n exod._n 12.38_o which_o fall_v to_o lust_a for_o meat_n when_o they_o come_v into_o the_o wilderness_n numb_a 11.4_o to_o the_o danger_n of_o the_o whole_a congregation_n so_o when_o christianity_n be_v first_o preach_v and_o receive_v in_o the_o world_n beside_o those_o who_o embrace_v it_o sincere_o and_o be_v add_v unto_o the_o church_n there_o be_v a_o great_a mixture_n of_o stubborn_a jew_n as_o the_o ebionite_n of_o philosophical_a greek_n as_o the_o valentinian_o and_o the_o marcionite_n of_o plain_a impostor_n such_o as_o simon_n magus_n and_o menander_n who_o all_o of_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v christian_n but_o they_o fall_v a_o lust_a and_o exceed_o trouble_a and_o perplex_v the_o church_n with_o a_o endeavour_n to_o seduâ—e_v they_o unto_o their_o imagination_n yet_o none_o of_o their_o abomination_n can_v force_v a_o entrance_n into_o the_o church_n themselves_o which_o by_o the_o mean_n insist_v on_o be_v preserve_v but_o when_o this_o church-state_n and_o order_n be_v change_v and_o another_o gradual_o introduce_v in_o the_o room_n of_o it_o error_n and_o heresy_n get_v new_a advantage_n and_o enter_v into_o the_o church_n themselves_o which_o before_o do_v only_o assault_v and_o perplex_v they_o for_o 1._o when_o prerogative_n and_o pre-eminence_n of_o any_o single_a person_n in_o the_o church_n begin_v to_o be_v in_o esteem_n not_o a_o few_o who_o fail_v in_o their_o attempt_n of_o attain_v it_o to_o revenge_v themselves_o on_o the_o church_n make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o invent_v and_o propagate_v pernicious_a heresy_n so_o do_v thebulis_fw-la at_o jerusalem_n euseb._n lib._n 4._o cap._n 22._o and_o valentinus_n tertul._n ad_fw-la valentin_n cap._n 4._o and_o martion_n at_o rome_n epiphan_n haeres_fw-la 42._o montanus_n fall_v into_o his_o dotage_n on_o the_o same_o account_n so_o do_v novitianus_fw-la at_o rome_n euseb._n lib._n 7._o cap._n 43._o and_o arius_n at_o alexandria_n hence_o be_v that_o censure_n of_o they_o by_o lactantius_n lib._n 4._o cap._n 30._o two_o quorum_fw-la fides_fw-la fuit_fw-la lubrica_fw-la cum_fw-la deum_fw-la nosse_fw-la se_fw-la &_o colere_fw-la simularent_fw-la augendis_fw-la opibus_fw-la &_o honori_fw-la student_n affectabant_fw-la maximum_fw-la sacerdotium_fw-la &_o à _fw-la potioribus_fw-la victi_fw-la secedere_fw-la cum_fw-la suffragatoribus_fw-la maluerunt_fw-la quam_fw-la eos_fw-la far_o praepositos_fw-la quibus_fw-la concupierant_fw-la ipsâ—_fw-la ante_fw-la praeponi_fw-la 2._o when_o any_o of_o their_o bishop_n of_o the_o new_a constitution_n whether_o patriarchal_a or_o diocesan_n fall_v into_o heresy_n which_o they_o do_v frequent_o and_o that_o number_n of_o they_o they_o have_v so_o many_o advantage_n to_o diffuse_v their_o poison_n into_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o their_o church_n and_o such_o political_a interest_n for_o their_o promotion_n as_o that_o the_o church_n themselves_o be_v thorough_o infect_v with_o they_o it_o be_v true_a the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n in_o many_o place_n do_v oppose_v they_o withdraw_z and_o separate_z from_o they_o but_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o this_o be_v the_o first_o way_n and_o mean_n whereby_o the_o church_n cease_v to_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o pillar_n of_o truth_n many_o destructive_a error_n be_v receive_v into_o they_o which_o do_v only_o outward_o assault_v they_o whilst_o they_o abide_v in_o their_o first_o institution_n and_o have_v not_o the_o church_n in_o process_n of_o time_n utter_o lose_v their_o primitive_a state_n and_o order_n by_o coalesce_v into_o one_o papal_a pretend_a universal_a church_n the_o faith_n itself_o can_v never_o have_v be_v so_o utter_o corrupt_v deprave_a and_o lose_v among_o they_o as_o in_o the_o issue_n it_o be_v 3._o to_o propagate_v the_o gospel_n be_v in_o like_a manner_n require_v hereunto_o this_o i_o acknowledge_v do_v more_o immediate_o concern_v the_o duty_n of_o person_n in_o any_o church-order_n than_o the_o order_n itself_o for_o it_o must_v be_v the_o work_n of_o some_o particular_a person_n dedicate_a themselves_o unto_o their_o ministry_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o first_o church_n 3_o joh._n 5_o 6_o 7_o 8._o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o any_o other_o public_a acknowledge_v end_n of_o the_o institution_n of_o church_n if_o the_o way_n plead_v for_o be_v not_o consistent_a with_o they_o all_o and_o the_o proper_a mean_n of_o attain_v they_o if_o it_o be_v not_o suit_v unto_o their_o accomplishment_n let_v it_o be_v discard_v i_o shall_v insist_v on_o one_o more_o only_a 3._o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v give_v that_o state_n unto_o his_o church_n have_v instate_v they_o in_o that_o order_n as_o that_o his_o interest_n kingdom_n and_o religion_n may_v be_v carry_v on_o in_o the_o world_n without_o prejudice_n or_o disadvantage_n unto_o any_o of_o the_o lawful_a interest_n of_o man_n especial_o without_o any_o opposition_n unto_o or_o enterfer_v with_o the_o civil_a authority_n or_o magistracy_n which_o be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o no_o churchway_n that_o do_v so_o be_v of_o his_o institution_n wherefore_o i_o shall_v brief_o declare_v what_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o those_o of_o this_o way_n in_o these_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o the_o way_n itself_o which_o they_o do_v profess_v 1._o our_o first_o general_a assertion_n unto_o this_o purpose_n be_v this_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n teach_v no_o doctrine_n appoint_v no_o order_n in_o his_o church_n give_v it_o no_o power_n that_o be_v opposite_a unto_o or_o inconsistent_a with_o any_o righteous_a government_n in_o this_o world_n of_o what_o sort_n soever_o it_o be_v of_o those_o whereunto_o government_n be_v distribute_v in_o reason_n and_o practice_n his_o doctrine_n indeed_o be_v oppose_v unto_o all_o unrighteousness_n in_o and_o of_o all_o man_n magistrate_n and_o other_o but_o not_o to_o the_o legal_a rule_n of_o magistrate_n that_o be_v unrighteous_a man_n and_o this_o opposition_n be_v doctrinal_a only_o confirm_v with_o promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o eternal_a thing_n refuse_v and_o despise_v all_o outward_a aid_n of_o force_n and_o restraint_n this_o rule_n we_o allow_v for_o the_o trial_n of_o all_o church_n and_o their_o state_n whether_o they_o be_v according_a unto_o the_o mind_n of_o christ._n but_o whereas_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v teach_v command_v appoint_v nothing_o that_o be_v contrary_a unto_o or_o inconsistent_a with_o righteous_a government_n of_o any_o sort_n if_o ruler_n or_o magistrate_n shall_v forbid_v the_o observance_n of_o what_o he_o have_v command_v appoint_v and_o order_v and_o then_o charge_v it_o on_o he_o or_o his_o way_n that_o his_o disciple_n can_v dare_v not_o will_v not_o comply_v with_o that_o prohibition_n and_o accuse_v they_o thereon_o of_o sedition_n and_o opposition_n unto_o government_n they_o deal_v injurious_o with_o he_o whereof_o they_o must_v give_v a_o account_n for_o whereas_o all_o power_n be_v give_v unto_o he_o in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n all_o nation_n be_v his_o inheritance_n all_o people_n in_o his_o absolute_a disposal_n and_o it_o be_v his_o pleasure_n to_o set_v up_o his_o kingdom_n in_o the_o earth_n without_o which_o the_o earth_n itself_o will_v not_o be_v continue_v he_o can_v not_o deal_v more_o gentle_o with_o the_o righteous_a ruler_n of_o this_o world_n and_o he_o do_v it_o because_o righteous_a rule_n be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n than_o to_o order_v all_o thing_n so_o that_o whether_o they_o receive_v his_o law_n and_o doctrine_n or_o no_o nothing_o shall_v be_v do_v in_o opposition_n unto_o they_o or_o their_o rule_n and_o if_o any_o of_o they_o be_v not_o content_v with_o this_o measure_n but_o will_v forbid_v the_o observance_n of_o what_o he_o command_v wherein_o he_o alone_o be_v concern_v and_o not_o they_o this_o be_v leave_v to_o be_v determine_v between_o he_o and_o they_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n when_o ruler_n be_v not_o able_a to_o fancy_v much_o less_o give_v a_o real_a instance_n of_o any_o one_o principle_n doctrine_n or_o practice_n in_o any_o of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n or_o any_o belong_v unto_o they_o that_o be_v contrary_a unto_o or_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o right_n or_o exercise_n of_o their_o rule_n and_o government_n and_o yet_o shall_v not_o only_o prohibit_v the_o do_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v command_v mere_o with_o respect_n unto_o the_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a end_n of_o his_o kingdom_n but_o shall_v also_o punish_v and_o destroy_v those_o who_o will_v not_o disow_v his_o authority_n and_o comply_v with_o their_o prohibition_n it_o do_v scarce_o answer_v their_o interest_n and_o prudence_n for_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v it_o for_o any_o to_o provoke_v he_o who_o be_v mighty_a than_o they_o when_o they_o have_v no_o appearance_n of_o necessity_n for_o their_o so_o do_v nor_o advantage_n thereby_o 2._o in_o particular_a
state_v of_o the_o subject_a of_o our_o enquiry_n 1._o the_o diversity_n and_o division_n among_o church_n which_o respect_n be_v to_o be_v have_v unto_o in_o the_o choice_n of_o any_o which_o we_o will_v or_o aught_o to_o join_v unto_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n 1._o such_o as_o be_v occasion_v by_o the_o remain_a weakness_n infirmity_n and_o ignorance_n of_o the_o best_a of_o man_n whereby_o they_o know_v but_o in_o part_n and_o prophesy_v only_o in_o part_n wherein_o our_o edification_n be_v concern_v but_o our_o salvation_n not_o endanger_v 2._o such_o as_o be_v in_o and_o about_o thing_n fundamental_a in_o faith_n worship_n and_o obedience_n we_o shall_v speak_v to_o both_o of_o they_o 2._o all_o christian_n be_v original_o of_o one_o mind_n in_o all_o thing_n needful_a unto_o joint-communion_n so_o as_o that_o there_o may_v be_v among_o they_o all_o love_n without_o dissimulation_n howbeit_o there_o be_v great_a variety_n not_o only_o in_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o apprehension_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o truth_n but_o in_o some_o doctrine_n themselves_o as_o about_o the_o continuance_n of_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n or_o at_o least_o of_o some_o of_o they_o as_o also_o opposition_n from_o without_o unto_o the_o truth_n by_o heretic_n and_o apostate_n neither_o of_o which_o hinder_v the_o church_n communion_n of_o true_a believer_n but_o the_o diversity_n difference_n and_o division_n that_o be_v now_o among_o church_n in_o the_o world_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o great_a apostasy_n which_o befall_v they_o all_o in_o the_o latter_a age_n as_o unto_o the_o spirit_n rule_n and_o practice_n of_o those_o which_o be_v plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o will_v not_o be_v heal_v until_o that_o apostasy_n be_v abolish_v 3._o satan_n have_v possess_v himself_o of_o the_o advantage_n of_o these_o division_n whereof_o he_o be_v the_o author_n he_o make_v use_v of_o they_o to_o act_v his_o malice_n and_o rage_n in_o stir_v up_o and_o instigate_a one_o party_n to_o persecute_v oppress_v and_o devour_v another_o until_o the_o life_n power_n and_o glory_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v almost_o lose_v in_o the_o world_n it_o require_v therefore_o great_a wisdom_n to_o deport_v ourselves_o aright_o among_o these_o division_n so_o as_o to_o contribute_v nothing_o unto_o the_o end_v of_o malice_n design_v by_o satan_n in_o they_o 4._o in_o this_o state_n of_o thing_n until_o it_o may_v be_v cure_v which_o it_o will_v never_o be_v by_o any_o of_o the_o way_n yet_o propose_v and_o insist_v on_o the_o enquiry_n be_v concern_v the_o duty_n of_o any_o one_o who_o take_v care_n of_o his_o own_o soul_n as_o unto_o a_o conjunction_n with_o some_o church_n or_o other_o and_o on_o the_o negative_a part_n i_o say_v 1._o such_o a_o one_o be_v bind_v not_o to_o join_v with_o any_o church_n or_o society_n where_o any_o fundamental_a article_n of_o faith_n be_v reject_v or_o corrupt_v there_o may_v be_v a_o fundamental_a error_n in_o a_o true_a church_n for_o a_o season_n when_o the_o church_n err_v not_o fundamental_o 1_o cor._n 15._o 2_o tim._n 2.18_o but_o i_o suppose_v the_o error_n in_o or_o against_o the_o foundation_n be_v part_n of_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o church_n or_o society_n to_o be_v join_v unto_o for_o thereby_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o church_n be_v destroy_v it_o do_v not_o hold_v the_o head_n nor_o abide_v on_o the_o foundation_n nor_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o pillar_n of_o truth_n wherefore_o although_o the_o socinian_o under_o a_o pretence_n of_o love_n forbearance_n and_o mutual_a toleration_n do_v offer_v we_o the_o communion_n of_o their_o church_n wherein_o there_o be_v somewhat_o of_o order_n and_o discipline_n commendable_a yet_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o join_v in_o church_n fellowship_n or_o communion_n with_o they_o for_o their_o error_n about_o the_o trinity_n the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o satisfaction_n be_v destructive_a of_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o idolatry_n in_o the_o divine_a worship_n of_o a_o mere_a creature_n be_v introduce_v by_o they_o 2._o where_o there_o 〈…〉_z any_o church_n teach_v or_o allow_v a_o mixture_n of_o doctrine_n or_o opinion_n that_o be_v prejudicial_a unto_o gospel_n holiness_n or_o obedience_n no_o man_n that_o take_v due_a care_n of_o his_o salvation_n can_v join_v himself_o unto_o it_o for_o the_o original_a rule_n and_o measure_n of_o all_o church_n communion_n be_v agreement_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o truth_n where_o therefore_o there_o be_v either_o not_o a_o stable_a profession_n of_o the_o same_o doctrine_n in_o all_o substantial_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o a_o uncertain_a sound_n be_v give_v some_o say_v one_o thing_n some_o another_o or_o that_o opposition_n be_v make_v unto_o any_o truth_n of_o the_o importance_n before_o mention_v none_o can_v be_v bind_v or_o oblige_v to_o hold_v communion_n with_o it_o nor_o can_v incur_v any_o blame_n by_o refrain_v from_o it_o for_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o christian_a in_o all_o thing_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o to_o join_v with_o such_o a_o church_n will_v 1._o stain_v their_o profession_n 2._o hinder_v their_o edification_n 3_o establish_v a_o new_a rule_n of_o communion_n unknown_a to_o the_o scripture_n namely_o beside_o truth_n as_o may_v easy_o be_v manifest_v 3._o where_o the_o fundamental_o of_o religious_a worship_n be_v corrupt_v or_o overthrow_v it_o be_v absolute_o unlawful_a to_o join_v unto_o or_o abide_v in_o any_o church_n so_o be_v it_o with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n the_o various_a way_n whereby_o the_o foundation_n of_o divine_a religious_a worship_n be_v overthrow_v in_o that_o church_n by_o superstition_n and_o idolatry_n have_v be_v sufficient_o declare_v these_o render_v the_o communion_n of_o that_o church_n pernicious_a 4._o nor_o can_v any_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o join_v himself_o with_o any_o church_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v his_o duty_n so_o to_o do_v where_o the_o eternal_o fix_a rule_n and_o measure_n of_o religious_a worship_n namely_o that_o it_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n be_v vary_v or_o change_v by_o any_o addition_n unto_o it_o or_o subtraction_n from_o it_o for_o whereas_o one_o principal_a end_n of_o all_o church_n be_v the_o joint_a celebration_n of_o divine_a worship_n if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o certain_a stable_n rule_v thereof_o in_o any_o church_n of_o divine_a prescription_n no_o man_n can_v be_v oblige_v unto_o communion_n therewith_o 5._o where_o the_o fundamental_o of_o church_n order_n practice_n and_o discipline_n be_v destroy_v it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o any_o man_n to_o join_v in_o church_n communion_n these_o fundamental_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n 1._o such_o as_o concern_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n 2._o such_o as_o concern_v the_o church_n itself_o there_o be_v four_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a fundamental_o unto_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o ministry_n 1._o that_o all_o the_o minister_n or_o officer_n of_o it_o be_v due_o choose_v by_o the_o church_n itself_o and_o solemn_o set_v apart_o in_o the_o church_n unto_o their_o office_n according_a unto_o the_o rule_n and_o law_n of_o christ._n this_o be_v fundamental_a unto_o church_n order_n the_o root_n of_o it_o from_o whence_o all_o other_o part_n of_o it_o do_v spring_n and_o it_o be_v that_o which_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o express_o provide_v for_o in_o the_o scripture_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v if_o there_o be_v a_o neglect_v herein_o and_o no_o other_o relation_n require_v between_o minister_n elder_n ruler_n bishop_n and_o the_o church_n but_o what_o be_v raise_v and_o create_v by_o way_n and_o rule_n of_o man_n appointment_n or_o if_o there_o be_v a_o temporary_a disposal_n of_o person_n into_o a_o discharge_n of_o that_o office_n without_o a_o solemn_a call_v choice_n ordination_n and_o separation_n unto_o the_o office_n itself_o and_o its_o work_n the_o law_n of_o christ_n be_v violate_v and_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n disturb_v in_o its_o foundation_n 2._o that_o those_o who_o be_v call_v unto_o the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n be_v due_o qualify_v by_o their_o endowment_n with_o spiritual_a gift_n for_o the_o discharge_v of_o their_o duty_n be_v fundamental_a unto_o the_o ministry_n that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n do_v still_o continue_v his_o dispensation_n of_o spiritual_a gift_n unto_o man_n to_o fit_a and_o enable_v they_o unto_o the_o office_n and_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n that_o if_o he_o do_v not_o do_v so_o or_o shall_v at_o any_o time_n cease_v so_o to_o do_v the_o whole_a office_n of_o the_o ministry_n must_v cease_v and_o the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n with_o it_o that_o it_o be_v altogether_o useless_a for_o any_o church_n or_o person_n to_o erect_v a_o image_n of_o the_o gospel_n ministry_n by_o outward_a rite_n and_o
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
or_o folly_n of_o man_n can_v invent_v when_o these_o article_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v compose_v neither_o socinianism_n nor_o arminianism_n which_o have_v now_o make_v such_o a_o inroad_n on_o some_o protestant_a church_n be_v in_o the_o world_n either_o name_n or_o thing_n wherefore_o in_o their_o confession_n no_o testimony_n can_v be_v express_o give_v against_o they_o though_o i_o acknowledge_v it_o be_v evident_a from_o what_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o article_n of_o it_o and_o the_o approve_a exposition_n they_o receive_v for_o a_o long_a time_n in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o most_o eminent_a person_n of_o the_o church_n that_o there_o be_v a_o virtual_a condemnation_n of_o all_o those_o error_n include_v therein_o but_o in_o that_o state_n whereunto_o thing_n be_v come_v among_o we_o some_o more_o express_a testimony_n against_o they_o be_v necessary_a to_o render_v any_o church_n the_o ground_n and_o pillar_n of_o truth_n 2._o beside_o a_o distinction_n be_v find_v out_o and_o pass_v currant_n among_o we_o that_o the_o article_n of_o this_o confession_n be_v not_o article_n of_o faith_n but_o of_o outward_a agreement_n for_o peace_n sake_n among_o ourselves_o which_o be_v a_o invention_n to_o help_v on_o the_o ruin_n of_o religion_n for_o article_n of_o peace_n in_o religion_n concern_v matter_n of_o faith_n which_o he_o that_o subscribe_v do_v it_o not_o because_o they_o be_v true_a or_o article_n of_o faith_n be_v a_o engine_n to_o accommodate_v hypocrisy_n and_o nothing_o else_o but_o according_a unto_o this_o supposition_n they_o be_v use_v at_o man_n pleasure_n and_o turn_v which_o way_n they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o wherefore_o 3._o notwithstanding_o this_o standard_n of_o truth_n difference_n in_o important_a doctrine_n wherein_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v high_o concern_v do_v abound_v among_o they_o who_o manage_n the_o public_a profession_n of_o the_o church_n i_o shall_v not_o urge_v this_o any_o far_o by_o instance_n in_o general_a it_o can_v modest_o be_v deny_v neither_o be_v this_o speak_v to_o abridge_v minister_n of_o church_n of_o their_o due_a liberty_n in_o their_o mannagement_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o such_o a_o liberty_n be_v to_o be_v grant_v as_o 1._o arise_v from_o the_o distinct_a gift_n that_o man_n have_v receive_v for_o unto_o every_o one_o be_v grace_n give_v according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o christ_n ephes._n 4.7_o as_o every_o man_n have_v receive_v the_o gift_n so_o minister_v the_o same_o one_o to_o another_o as_o good_a steward_n of_o the_o manifold_a grace_n of_o gad_n 1_o pet._n 4.10_o 2._o as_o follow_v on_o that_o spiritual_a wisdom_n which_o minister_n receive_v in_o great_a variety_n for_o the_o application_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n unto_o the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n of_o men._n hereon_o great_a variety_n in_o public_a church-administrations_a will_v ensue_v but_o all_o unto_o edification_n 3._o such_o as_o consist_v in_o a_o different_a exposition_n of_o particular_a place_n of_o scripture_n whilst_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n be_v keep_v and_o preserve_v rom._n 12.6_o 4._o such_o as_o admit_v of_o different_a state_v apprehension_n in_o and_o about_o such_o doctrine_n as_o wherein_o the_o practice_n and_o comfort_n of_o christian_n be_v not_o immediate_o nor_o great_o concern_v such_o a_o liberty_n i_o say_v as_o the_o dispensation_n of_o spiritual_a gift_n and_o the_o different_a manner_n of_o their_o exercise_n as_o the_o unsearchable_a depth_n that_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n not_o to_o be_v fathom_v at_o once_o by_o any_o church_n or_o any_o sort_n of_o person_n whatever_o and_o our_o know_v the_o best_a of_o we_o but_o in_o part_n with_o the_o difference_n of_o man_n capacity_n and_o understanding_n in_o and_o about_o thing_n not_o absolute_o necessary_a unto_o edification_n must_v be_v allow_v in_o church_n and_o their_o ministry_n but_o i_o speak_v of_o that_o variety_n of_o doctrine_n which_o be_v of_o great_a importance_n such_o it_o be_v as_o will_v set_v man_n at_o liberty_n to_o make_v their_o own_o choice_n in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n for_o their_o edification_n and_o if_o such_o novel_a opinion_n about_o the_o person_n grace_n satisfaction_n and_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n about_o the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n in_o regeneration_n or_o the_o renovation_n of_o our_o nature_n into_o the_o image_n of_o god_n as_o abound_v in_o some_o church_n shall_v at_o any_o time_n by_o the_o suffrage_n of_o the_o major_a part_n of_o they_o who_o by_o law_n be_v entrust_v with_o its_o conduct_n be_v declare_v as_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v and_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o absolve_v any_o man_n from_o a_o obligation_n unto_o its_o communion_n by_o virtue_n of_o its_o first_o institution_n and_o establishment_n 5._o evangelical_n discipline_n be_v neither_o observe_v nor_o attainable_a in_o these_o parochial_a assembly_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o relief_n provide_v by_o any_o other_o mean_n for_o that_o defect_n this_o have_v in_o general_n be_v speak_v unto_o before_o but_o because_o it_o belong_v in_o a_o especial_a manner_n unto_o the_o argument_n now_o in_o hand_n i_o shall_v yet_o far_o speak_v unto_o it_o for_o to_o declare_v my_o mind_n free_o i_o do_v not_o judge_v that_o any_o man_n can_v incur_v the_o gild_n of_o schism_n who_o refrain_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v either_o whole_o want_v or_o be_v pervert_v into_o rule_n and_o domination_n which_o have_v no_o countenance_n give_v unto_o it_o in_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o we_o may_v observe_v 1._o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n be_v that_o alone_a for_o which_o any_o rule_n or_o authority_n be_v give_v unto_o it_o or_o exercise_v in_o it_o authority_n be_v give_v unto_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n to_o dispense_v the_o word_n and_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n which_o i_o know_v not_o why_o some_o call_v the_o key_n of_o order_n but_o the_o only_a end_n why_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v give_v authority_n or_o rule_n or_o power_n for_o it_o unto_o the_o church_n or_o any_o in_o it_o it_o be_v for_o the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n and_o no_o other_o whatever_o power_n rule_n dignity_n or_o pre-eminence_n be_v assume_v in_o the_o church_n not_o mere_o for_o this_o end_n be_v usurpation_n and_o tyranny_n 2._o the_o outward_a mean_n appoint_v by_o jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o his_o church_n in_o order_n peace_n and_o purity_n consist_v in_o this_o discipline_n he_o do_v by_o his_o word_n give_v direction_n and_o command_n for_o this_o end_n and_o it_o be_v by_o discipline_n alone_o that_o they_o be_v execute_v wherefore_o without_o it_o the_o church_n can_v live_v in_o its_o health_n purity_n and_o vigour_n the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n be_v its_o spiritual_a food_n whereon_o its_o life_n do_v depend_v but_o without_o that_o exercise_n and_o medicinal_a application_n unto_o its_o distemper_n which_o be_v make_v by_o discipline_n it_o can_v live_v a_o healthy_a vigorous_a fruitful_a life_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n 3._o this_o discipline_n be_v either_o private_a or_o public_a 1._o that_o which_o be_v private_a consist_v in_o the_o mutual_a watch_n that_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n have_v over_o one_o another_o with_o admonition_n exhortation_n and_o reproof_n as_o their_o edification_n do_v require_v the_o loss_n of_o this_o part_n of_o the_o discipline_n of_o christ_n in_o most_o church_n have_v lose_v we_o much_o of_o the_o glory_n of_o christian_a profession_n 2._o that_o which_o be_v public_a in_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n with_o and_o by_o its_o own_o consent_n the_o nature_n and_o act_n of_o it_o will_v be_v afterward_o consider_v 4_o there_o be_v three_o thing_n considerable_a in_o this_o discipline_n 1._o the_o power_n and_o authority_n whereby_o it_o be_v exercise_v 2._o the_o manner_n of_o its_o administration_n 3._o the_o especial_a object_n of_o it_o both_o as_o it_o be_v susceptive_a of_o member_n and_o corrective_a whereunto_o we_o may_v add_v its_o general_n end_n 1._o the_o authority_n of_o it_o be_v only_o a_o power_n and_o liberty_n to_o act_v and_o ministerial_o exercise_v the_o authority_n of_o christ_n himself_o as_o unto_o those_o by_o who_o it_o be_v exercise_v it_o be_v in_o they_o a_o act_n of_o obedience_n unto_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n but_o with_o respect_n unto_o its_o object_n the_o authority_n of_o christ_n be_v exert_v in_o it_o that_o which_o be_v exercise_v on_o any_o other_o warranty_n or_o authority_n as_o none_o can_v exert_v the_o authority_n of_o christ_n but_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o own_o institution_n who_o act_n be_v not_o act_n of_o obedience_n unto_o christ_n whatever_o else_o it_o be_v it_o belong_v not_o unto_o
all_o true_a evangelical_n love_n faith_n and_o worship_n be_v lose_v yea_o this_o kind_n of_o communion_n and_o conjunction_n add_v unto_o a_o implicit_a dependence_n on_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n be_v substitute_v in_o their_o room_n and_o multitude_n be_v content_v with_o they_o as_o those_o which_o do_v bestead_v they_o in_o their_o neglect_n of_o all_o other_o grace_n and_o their_o exercise_n and_o i_o wish_v it_o be_v not_o so_o among_o other_o who_o suppose_v they_o have_v all_o the_o love_n that_o be_v require_v of_o they_o if_o they_o be_v free_v from_o such_o scandalous_a variance_n with_o their_o neighbour_n as_o shall_v make_v they_o unfit_a for_o the_o communion_n 4._o if_o this_o be_v the_o only_a mean_n of_o love_n how_o do_v man_n maintain_v it_o towards_o any_o not_o of_o their_o own_o parish_n see_v they_o never_o meet_v with_o they_o at_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o if_o they_o can_v live_v in_o love_n with_o those_o of_o other_o parish_n why_o can_v they_o not_o do_v so_o with_o those_o who_o have_v the_o same_o faith_n and_o sacrament_n with_o they_o do_v meet_v apart_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o divine_a worship_n in_o such_o congregation_n as_o we_o have_v describe_v wherefore_o 5._o the_o variance_n that_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v cause_v by_o the_o set_n up_o of_o these_o particular_a congregation_n be_v a_o part_n of_o that_o variance_n which_o christ_n come_v to_o send_v into_o the_o world_n matth._n 10.34_o 35_o 36._o think_v not_o that_o i_o be_o come_v to_o send_v peace_n on_o earth_n i_o come_v not_o to_o send_v peace_n but_o a_o sword_n for_o i_o be_o come_v to_o set_v a_o man_n at_o variance_n against_o his_o father_n and_o the_o daughter_n against_o her_o mother_n and_o the_o daughter-in-law_n against_o her_o mother-in-law_n and_o a_o man_n foe_n shall_v be_v they_o of_o his_o own_o household_n he_o be_v the_o prince_n of_o peace_n he_o come_v to_o make_v peace_n between_o god_n and_o man_n between_o man_n themselves_o jew_n and_o gentile_n he_o teach_v nothing_o enjoin_v nothing_o that_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n shall_v have_v the_o least_o inconsistency_n with_o peace_n or_o give_v countenance_n unto_o variance_n but_o he_o declare_v what_o will_v ensue_v and_o fall_v out_o through_o the_o sin_n the_o darkness_n unbelief_n and_o enmity_n unto_o the_o truth_n that_o will_v continue_v on_o some_o under_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n whilst_o other_o of_o their_o near_a relation_n shall_v embrace_v the_o truth_n and_o profession_n of_o it_o what_o occasion_n for_o this_o variance_n be_v take_v from_o the_o gather_n of_o these_o congregation_n which_o the_o way_n itself_o do_v neither_o cause_n nor_o give_v the_o least_o countenance_n unto_o we_o be_v not_o accountable_a for_o whereas_o therefore_o there_o be_v with_o those_o among_o who_o these_o variance_n and_o loss_n of_o love_n thereby_o be_v pretend_v one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n one_o hope_n of_o their_o call_v the_o same_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n preach_v the_o same_o sacrament_n administer_v and_o whereas_o both_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o way_n and_o the_o person_n of_o those_o who_o assemble_v in_o distinct_a corporation_n for_o the_o celebration_n of_o divine_a worship_n do_v lead_v unto_o love_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o in_o all_o its_o know_a duty_n all_o the_o evil_n that_o ensue_v on_o this_o way_n must_v be_v charge_v on_o the_o enmity_n hatred_n pride_n and_o secular_a interest_n of_o man_n which_o it_o be_v not_o in_o our_o power_n to_o cure_v 2._o another_o end_n of_o the_o institution_n of_o this_o state_n be_v that_o the_o church_n may_v be_v the_o ground_n and_o pillar_n of_o truth_n 1_o tim._n 3.15_o that_o be_v that_o it_o may_v be_v the_o principal_a outward_a mean_n to_o support_v preserve_v publish_v declare_v and_o propagate_v the_o doctrine_n or_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n especial_o that_o concern_v the_o person_n and_o office_n of_o christ_n which_o the_o apostle_n subjoin_v unto_o this_o assertion_n in_o the_o next_o word_n that_o church_n state_n which_o do_v not_o answer_v this_o end_n be_v not_o of_o divine_a institution_n but_o this_o the_o ministry_n of_o these_o church_n be_v eminent_o suit_v unto_o there_o be_v three_o thing_n require_v in_o this_o duty_n or_o require_v unto_o this_o end_n that_o the_o church_n be_v the_o ground_n and_o a_o pillar_n of_o truth_n 1._o that_o it_o preserve_v the_o truth_n in_o itself_o and_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o all_o its_o member_n against_o all_o seducer_n false_a teacher_n and_o error_n this_o the_o apostle_n give_v in_o special_a charge_n unto_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n add_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o act._n 20.28_o 29_o 30_o 31._o this_o be_v in_o a_o especial_a manner_n commit_v unto_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n 1_o tim._n 5.20_o 2_o tim._n 1.13_o 14._o this_o the_o ministry_n of_o these_o church_n be_v meet_v and_o suit_v unto_o the_o continual_a inspection_n which_o they_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o have_v into_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n add_v unto_o that_o circumspection_n about_o and_o trial_n of_o the_o doctrine_n preach_v by_o themselves_o in_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o church_n fit_v they_o for_o this_o work_n this_o be_v the_o fundamental_a mean_n on_o the_o matter_n the_o only_a outward_a mean_n that_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v appoint_v for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o this_o world_n whereby_o the_o church_n be_v the_o ground_n and_o pillar_n of_o truth_n how_o this_o can_v be_v do_v where_o church_n be_v of_o that_o make_v and_o constitution_n that_o the_o officer_n of_o they_o can_v have_v no_o immediate_a inspection_n into_o or_o cognizance_n of_o either_o the_o knowledge_n opinion_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o member_n of_o their_o church_n nor_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n know_v on_o any_o evident_a ground_n what_o it_o be_v that_o their_o principal_a officer_n believe_v and_o teach_v i_o know_v not_o by_o this_o mean_n be_v the_o truth_n preserve_v in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o two_o first_o century_n wherein_o they_o have_v no_o officer_n but_o what_o be_v place_v in_o particular_a church_n so_o as_o that_o no_o considerable_a error_n make_v any_o entrance_n among_o they_o 2._o that_o each_o church_n take_v care_n that_o the_o same_o truth_n be_v preserve_v entire_a as_o unto_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o in_o all_o other_o church_n their_o communion_n among_o themselves_o whereof_o afterward_o be_v build_v upon_o their_o common_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o profession_n of_o the_o same_o faith_n this_o therefore_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n and_o be_v always_o their_o practice_n to_o look_v after_o that_o it_o be_v preserve_v entire_a for_o a_o change_n in_o the_o faith_n of_o any_o of_o they_o they_o know_v will_v be_v the_o dissolution_n of_o their_o communion_n wherefore_o when_o any_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n fall_v out_o as_o it_o do_v in_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n upon_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o necessity_n of_o circumcision_n and_o keep_v of_o the_o law_n whereby_o the_o soul_n of_o many_o of_o the_o disciple_n be_v subvert_v the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n on_o the_o notice_n and_o knowledge_n of_o it_o help_v they_o with_o their_o advice_n and_o counsel_n and_o eusebius_n tell_v we_o that_o upon_o the_o first_o promulgation_n of_o the_o heresy_n and_o frenzy_n of_o montanus_n the_o faithful_a or_o church_n in_o asia_n meet_v frequent_o in_o sundry_a place_n to_o examine_v his_o pretence_n and_o condemn_v his_o error_n whereby_o the_o church_n in_o phrygia_n be_v preserve_v hist._n eccl._n lib._n 5._o cap._n 14._o so_o the_o same_o be_v do_v afterward_o in_o the_o case_n of_o samosatenus_fw-la at_o antioch_n whereby_o that_o church_n be_v deliver_v from_o the_o infection_n of_o his_o pernicious_a heresy_n lib._n 7._o cap._n 26_o 28_o 29._o and_o this_o care_n be_v still_o incumbent_a on_o every_o particular_a church_n if_o it_o will_v approve_v itself_o to_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o pillar_n of_o truth_n and_o in_o like_a manner_n epiphanius_n give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o original_a of_o the_o heresy_n of_o noetus_n a_o patropassian_a affirm_v that_o the_o holy_a presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n call_v he_o and_o inquire_v of_o his_o opinion_n several_a time_n whereon_o be_v convict_v before_o the_o presbytery_n of_o enormous_a error_n he_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d when_o he_o begin_v to_o disperse_v his_o error_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d epiphanius_n haeres_fw-la cont_n noet_n haer._n 38._o sec._n 57_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n as_o unto_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o be_v preserve_v entire_a during_o the_o two_o first_o century_n and_o somewhat_o after_o
lie_v therein_o to_o assert_v this_o express_o will_v be_v to_o exalt_v he_o above_o jesus_n christ_n at_o least_o to_o give_v he_o power_n equal_a unto_o he_o though_o real_o unto_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o gospel_n church_n state_n and_o the_o communication_n of_o grace_n office_n and_o gift_n to_o make_v it_o useful_a unto_o its_o end_n no_o less_o than_o all_o power_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v require_v some_o plead_v that_o there_o be_v no_o certain_a form_n of_o church-government_n appoint_v in_o the_o scripture_n that_o there_o be_v none_o ordain_v by_o christ_n nor_o exemplify_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n to_o appoint_v any_o such_o form_n thereof_o as_o be_v suit_v unto_o the_o public_a interest_n it_o will_v seem_v to_o follow_v more_o evident_o that_o no_o form_n at_o all_o shall_v by_o any_o be_v appoint_v for_o what_o shall_v he_o do_v that_o come_v after_o the_o king_n what_o shall_v any_o one_o ordain_v in_o the_o church_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n think_v not_o meet_v to_o ordain_v and_o this_o be_v the_o proper_a inference_n from_o this_o consideration_n such_o a_o church-government_n as_o man_n imagine_v christ_n have_v not_o appoint_v therefore_o neither_o may_v man_n do_v so_o but_o suppose_v that_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v appoint_v a_o church-state_n or_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v church_n of_o his_o disciple_n on_o the_o earth_n let_v they_o therein_o but_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o all_o that_o he_o have_v command_v and_o in_o their_o so_o do_v make_v use_n of_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o rule_n of_o common_a prudence_n so_o as_o to_o do_v it_o unto_o their_o own_o edification_n which_o to_o deny_v to_o be_v their_o duty_n be_v to_o destroy_v their_o nature_n as_o create_v of_o god_n trust_v in_o all_o thing_n unto_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o promise_v divine_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n if_o any_o instance_n can_v be_v give_v of_o what_o be_v want_v unto_o the_o complete_a state_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n we_o shall_v willing_o allow_v that_o it_o be_v add_v by_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n or_o whosoever_o man_n can_v agree_v upon_o as_o be_v before_o declare_v if_o it_o be_v say_v there_o be_v yet_o something_o want_v to_o accommodate_v these_o church_n and_o their_o rule_n unto_o the_o state_n of_o the_o public_a interest_n and_o political_a government_n under_o which_o they_o be_v place_v whereon_o they_o may_v be_v frame_v into_o church_n diocesan_n and_o metropolitical_n with_o such_o a_o rule_n as_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o i_o say_v 1._o that_o in_o their_o original_a constitution_n they_o be_v more_o accommodate_v unto_o the_o interest_n of_o all_o righteous_a secular_a government_n than_o any_o arbitrary_a mould_v they_o unto_o a_o pretend_a meetness_n to_o comply_v therewithal_o can_v attain_v unto_o this_o we_o have_v prove_v before_o and_o shall_v far_o enlarge_v upon_o it_o if_o it_o be_v require_v and_o we_o find_v it_o by_o experience_n that_o those_o addition_n change_n and_o alteration_n in_o the_o state_n order_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n pretend_v for_o the_o end_n mention_v have_v prove_v the_o cause_n of_o endless_a contention_n which_o have_v no_o good_a aspect_n on_o the_o public_a peace_n and_o will_v assure_o continue_v for_o ever_o so_o to_o be_v 2._o it_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o magistrate_n may_v dispose_v of_o many_o outward_a concern_v of_o these_o church_n may_v impart_v of_o his_o favour_n to_o they_o or_o any_o of_o they_o as_o he_o see_v cause_n may_v take_v care_n that_o nothing_o fall_v out_o among_o they_o that_o may_v occasion_v any_o public_a disturbance_n in_o and_o by_o itself_o may_v prohibit_v the_o public_a exercise_n of_o worship_n idolatrous_a or_o superstitious_a may_v remove_v and_o take_v away_o all_o instrument_n and_o monument_n of_o idolatry_n may_v coerce_v restrain_v and_o punish_v as_o there_o be_v occasion_n person_n who_o under_o pretence_n of_o religion_n do_v advance_v principle_n of_o sedition_n or_o promote_v any_o foreign_a interest_n opposite_a and_o destructive_a to_o his_o government_n the_o welfare_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n with_o sundry_a thing_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n and_o herein_o lie_v a_o ample_a field_n wherein_o the_o magistrate_n may_v exercise_v his_o power_n and_o discharge_v his_o duty_n it_o can_v well_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o present_a pretence_n and_o plea_n of_o some_o to_o reduce_v all_o thing_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n into_o the_o power_n and_o disposal_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n be_v full_a of_o offence_n and_o scandal_n it_o seem_v to_o be_v only_o a_o design_n and_o contrivance_n to_o secure_v man_n secular_a interest_n under_o every_o way_n of_o the_o profession_n of_o christian_a religion_n true_a or_o false_a which_o may_v have_v the_o advantage_n of_o the_o magistrate_n approbation_n by_o this_o device_n conscience_n be_v set_v at_o liberty_n from_o concern_v itself_o in_o a_o humble_a diligent_a enquiry_n into_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n as_o unto_o what_o be_v its_o duty_n in_o his_o worship_n and_o when_o it_o be_v so_o with_o the_o conscience_n of_o any_o it_o will_v not_o be_v much_o concern_v in_o what_o it_o do_v attend_v unto_o or_o observe_v what_o be_v in_o divine_a thing_n do_v or_o practise_v sole_o on_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o magistrate_n be_v immediate_o and_o direct_o obedience_n unto_o he_o and_o not_o unto_o god_n whatever_o therefore_o the_o supreme_a power_n in_o any_o place_n may_v do_v or_o will_v be_v please_v to_o do_v for_o the_o accommodation_n of_o the_o outward_a state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o its_o rule_n unto_o the_o political_a government_n of_o a_o people_n or_o nation_n yet_o these_o two_o thing_n be_v certain_a 1._o that_o he_o can_v form_v erect_v or_o institute_v no_o new_a church-state_n which_o be_v not_o ordain_v and_o appoint_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o authority_n and_o what_o he_o do_v of_o that_o nature_n appoint_v be_v call_v a_o church_n only_o equivocal_o or_o by_o reason_n of_o some_o resemblance_n unto_o that_o which_o be_v proper_o so_o call_v 2._o to_o dissent_v from_o what_o be_v so_o appoint_v by_o the_o supreme_a power_n in_o and_o about_o the_o state_n form_n rule_n and_o worship_n of_o church_n whatever_o other_o evil_a it_o may_v be_v charge_v with_o or_o suppose_a liable_a unto_o can_v have_v nothing_o in_o it_o of_o that_o which_o the_o scripture_n condemn_v under_o the_o name_n of_o schism_n which_o have_v respect_n only_o unto_o what_o be_v state_v by_o christ_n himself_o that_o which_o in_o this_o place_n we_o shall_v next_o inquire_v into_o be_v what_o these_o particular_a church_n themselves_o may_v do_v by_o their_o own_o voluntary_a consent_n and_o act_n in_o a_o way_n of_o association_n or_o otherwise_o for_o the_o accumulation_n and_o exercise_n of_o a_o power_n not_o formal_o inherent_a in_o they_o as_o particular_a church_n but_o i_o shall_v refer_v it_o unto_o the_o head_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n which_o must_v be_v afterward_o speak_v unto_o chap._n viii_o the_o duty_n of_o believer_n to_o join_v themselves_o in_o church-order_n unto_o some_o one_o or_o other_o of_o those_o particular_a congregation_n which_o we_o have_v describe_v continue_v to_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o pillar_n of_o truth_n it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o believer_n of_o every_o disciple_n of_o christ_n to_o join_v himself_o for_o the_o due_a and_o orderly_a observation_n and_o performance_n of_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n unto_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o their_o own_o edification_n matth._n 28.18_o 19_o 20._o this_o in_o general_n be_v grant_v by_o all_o sort_n and_o party_n of_o man_n the_o grant_n of_o it_o be_v the_o ground_n whereon_o they_o stand_v in_o the_o management_n of_o their_o mutual_a feud_n in_o religion_n plead_v that_o man_n ought_v to_o be_v of_o or_o join_v themselves_o unto_o this_o or_o that_o church_n still_o suppose_v that_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o be_v of_o one_o or_o another_o yea_o it_o be_v grant_v also_o that_o person_n ought_v to_o choose_v what_o church_n they_o will_v join_v themselves_o unto_o wherein_o they_o may_v have_v the_o best_a advantage_n unto_o their_o edification_n and_o salvation_n they_o be_v to_o choose_v to_o join_v themselves_o unto_o that_o church_n which_o be_v in_o all_o thing_n most_o according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n this_o it_o be_v suppose_v be_v the_o liberty_n and_o duty_n of_o every_o man_n for_o if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o it_o be_v the_o foolish_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n for_o any_o to_o attempt_v to_o get_v other_o from_o one_o church_n unto_o another_o which_o be_v almost_o the_o whole_a business_n of_o religion_n that_o some_o think_v
gospel_n be_v believe_v own_a and_o profess_v without_o controversy_n and_o those_o not_o bear_v withal_o by_o who_o they_o be_v deny_v or_o oppose_v without_o this_o a_o church_n be_v not_o the_o ground_n and_o pillar_n of_o truth_n it_o do_v not_o hold_v the_o head_n it_o be_v not_o build_v on_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n neither_o be_v it_o sufficient_a that_o those_o thing_n be_v general_o profess_v or_o not_o deny_v a_o church_n that_o be_v fill_v with_o wrangling_n and_o contion_n about_o fundamental_a or_o important_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o of_o choice_n to_o be_v join_v unto_o for_o these_o thing_n subvert_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o great_o impede_fw-la their_o edification_n and_o although_o both_o among_o distinct_a church_n and_o among_o the_o member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n mutual_a forbearance_n be_v to_o be_v exercise_v with_o respect_n unto_o a_o variety_n in_o apprehension_n in_o some_o doctrine_n of_o lesser_a moment_n yet_o the_o incursion_n that_o have_v be_v make_v into_o sundry_a protestant_a church_n in_o the_o last_o and_o present_a age_n of_o novel_a doctrine_n and_o opinion_n with_o difference_n division_n and_o endless_a dispute_n which_o have_v ensue_v thereon_o have_v render_v it_o very_o difficult_a to_o determine_v how_o to_o engage_v in_o complete_a communion_n with_o they_o for_o i_o do_v not_o judge_v that_o any_o man_n be_v or_o can_v be_v oblige_v unto_o constant_a total_a communion_n with_o any_o church_n or_o to_o give_v up_o himself_o absolute_o unto_o the_o conduct_n thereof_o wherein_o there_o be_v incurable_a dissension_n about_o important_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o if_o any_o church_n shall_v public_o avow_v countenance_n or_o approve_v of_o doctrine_n contrary_a unto_o those_o which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o its_o first_o communion_n the_o member_n of_o it_o be_v at_o liberty_n to_o refrain_v the_o communion_n of_o it_o and_o to_o provide_v otherwise_o for_o their_o own_o edification_n 2._o it_o must_v be_v such_o a_o church_n as_o wherein_o the_o divine_a worship_n institute_v or_o approve_v by_o christ_n himself_o be_v diligent_o observe_v without_o any_o addition_n make_v thereunto_o in_o the_o observance_n of_o this_o worship_n as_o unto_o all_o external_a occasional_a incidency_n and_o circumstance_n of_o the_o act_n wherein_o it_o do_v consist_v it_o be_v leave_v unto_o the_o prudence_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o according_a to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o general_a rule_n of_o scripture_n and_o it_o must_v be_v so_o unless_o we_o shall_v suppose_v that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n by_o make_v man_n his_o disciple_n do_v unmake_v they_o from_o be_v rational_a creature_n or_o refuse_v the_o exercise_n of_o the_o rational_a faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n in_o his_o service_n but_o this_o be_v so_o remote_a from_o truth_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_a he_o give_v they_o a_o improvement_n for_o this_o very_a end_n that_o we_o may_v know_v how_o to_o deport_v ourselves_o aright_o in_o the_o observance_n of_o his_o command_n as_o unto_o the_o outward_a discharge_n of_o they_o in_o his_o worship_n and_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o and_o this_o he_o do_v by_o that_o gift_n of_o spiritual_a wisdom_n whereof_o we_o shall_v treat_v afterward_o but_o if_o man_n if_o church_n will_v make_v addition_n in_o or_o unto_o the_o rite_n of_o religious_a worship_n unto_o what_o be_v appoint_v by_o christ_n himself_o and_o require_v their_o observance_n in_o their_o communion_n on_o the_o force_n and_o efficacy_n of_o their_o be_v so_o by_o they_o appoint_v no_o disciple_n of_o christ_n be_v or_o can_v be_v oblige_v by_o virtue_n of_o any_o divine_a institution_n or_o command_n to_o join_v in_o total_a absolute_a communion_n with_o any_o such_o church_n he_o may_v be_v induce_v on_o various_a consideration_n to_o judge_v that_o something_o of_o that_o nature_n at_o some_o season_n may_v not_o be_v evil_a and_o sinful_a unto_o he_o which_o therefore_o he_o will_v bear_v with_o or_o comply_v withal_o yet_o he_o be_v not_o he_o can_v be_v oblige_v by_o virtue_n of_o any_o divine_a rule_n or_o command_n to_o join_v himself_o with_o or_o continue_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o such_o a_o church_n if_o any_o shall_v suppose_v that_o hereby_o too_o much_o liberty_n be_v grant_v unto_o believer_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o their_o communion_n and_o shall_v thereon_o make_v severe_a declamation_n about_o the_o inconvenience_n and_o evil_n which_o will_v ensue_v i_o desire_v they_o will_v remember_v the_o principle_n i_o proceed_v upon_o which_o be_v that_o church_n be_v not_o such_o sacred_a machine_n as_o some_o suppose_v erect_v and_o act_v for_o the_o outward_a interest_n and_o advantage_n of_o any_o sort_n of_o man_n but_o only_o mean_v of_o the_o edification_n of_o believer_n which_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o make_v use_n of_o in_o obedience_n unto_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n and_o no_o otherwise_o whereas_o therefore_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n have_v not_o only_o a_o divine_a warranty_n justify_v they_o in_o the_o do_n of_o it_o but_o a_o express_a command_n make_v it_o their_o indispensible_a duty_n to_o join_v in_o the_o celebration_n of_o all_o that_o religious_a worship_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n the_o only_a lawgiver_n of_o the_o church_n and_o who_o be_v faithful_a both_o in_o and_o over_o the_o house_n of_o god_n as_o the_o son_n have_v institute_v and_o command_v but_o have_v no_o such_o warranty_n or_o command_n for_o any_o thing_n else_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o stand_v fast_o in_o the_o liberty_n wherewith_o christ_n have_v make_v they_o free_a and_o if_o by_o the_o same_o breath_n in_o the_o same_o rule_n law_n or_o canon_n they_o be_v command_v and_o oblige_v to_o observe_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n what_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v appoint_v and_o what_o he_o have_v not_o appoint_v both_o on_o the_o same_o ground_n namely_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n and_o on_o the_o same_o penalty_n for_o their_o omission_n no_o man_n can_v be_v divine_o oblige_v to_o embrace_v the_o communion_n of_o any_o church_n on_o such_o term_n 3._o it_o be_v require_v that_o the_o ministry_n of_o a_o church_n so_o to_o be_v join_v with_o be_v not_o defective_a in_o any_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v fundamental_a thereunto_o what_o these_o be_v have_v be_v declare_v and_o because_o edification_n which_o be_v the_o end_n of_o church_n communion_n do_v so_o eminent_o depend_v on_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v not_o any_o thing_n which_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v a_o more_o diligent_a consideration_n of_o in_o the_o join_n of_o ourselves_o unto_o any_o such_o communion_n and_o where_o the_o ministry_n of_o any_o church_n be_v the_o church_n of_o what_o sort_n or_o size_n it_o will_v be_v incurable_o ignorant_a or_o negligent_a or_o through_o a_o defect_n in_o gift_n grace_n or_o conscientious_a attendance_n unto_o their_o duty_n be_v insufficient_a unto_o the_o due_a edification_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o they_o that_o believe_v no_o man_n can_v account_v himself_o oblige_v unto_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n but_o he_o that_o can_v be_v satisfy_v with_o a_o shadow_n and_o the_o name_n of_o thing_n for_o the_o substance_n and_o reality_n of_o they_o if_o therefore_o it_o be_v grant_v as_o i_o think_v it_o be_v that_o edification_n be_v the_o principal_a end_n of_o all_o church_n communion_n it_o be_v not_o intelligible_a how_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v oblige_v unto_o that_o communion_n and_o that_o alone_a wherein_o due_a edification_n can_v be_v obtain_v wherefore_o a_o ministry_n enable_v by_o spiritual_a gift_n and_o engage_v by_o sense_n of_o duty_n to_o labour_v constant_o in_o the_o use_n of_o all_o mean_v appoint_v by_o christ_n for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n or_o increase_v of_o his_o mystical_a body_n be_v require_v in_o such_o a_o church_n as_o a_o believer_n may_v conscientious_o join_v himself_o unto_o and_o where_o it_o be_v otherwise_o let_v man_n cry_v out_o schism_n and_o faction_n whilst_o they_o please_v jesus_n christ_n will_v acquit_v his_o disciple_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o liberty_n and_o accept_v they_o in_o the_o discharge_v of_o their_o duty_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o if_o all_o man_n be_v thus_o allow_v to_o judge_v of_o what_o be_v best_a for_o their_o own_o edification_n and_o to_o act_v according_a unto_o the_o judgement_n which_o they_o make_v they_o will_v be_v continual_o part_v from_o one_o church_n unto_o another_o until_o all_o thing_n be_v fill_v with_o disturbance_n and_o confusion_n i_o say_v 1._o that_o the_o contrary_a assertion_n namely_o that_o man_n be_v not_o allow_v to_o judge_v what_o be_v meet_v and_o best_a for_o their_o own_o edification_n or_o not_o to_o act_v according_a to_o the_o judgement_n
sovereignty_n over_o their_o conscience_n be_v reserve_v by_o the_o apostle_n unto_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n alone_o and_o their_o obedience_n be_v require_v by_o they_o only_o unto_o his_o command_n this_o be_v that_o which_o i_o see_v some_o will_v be_v at_o to_o presume_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o church_n at_o least_o the_o only_a ruler_n and_o governor_n of_o it_o to_o assume_v to_o themselves_o alone_o the_o judgement_n of_o what_o be_v lawful_a and_o what_o be_v unlawful_a to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n to_o avow_v a_o power_n to_o impose_v what_o they_o please_v on_o all_o church_n pretend_v to_o be_v under_o their_o command_n so_o that_o they_o judge_v it_o lawful_a be_v it_o never_o so_o useless_a or_o trifle_a if_o it_o have_v no_o other_o end_v but_o to_o be_v a_o instance_n of_o their_o authority_n and_o then_o assert_v that_o all_o christian_a people_n must_v without_o further_a examination_n submit_v quiet_o unto_o this_o state_n of_o thing_n and_o comply_v with_o it_o unless_o they_o will_v be_v esteem_v damn_a schismatic_n but_o it_o be_v too_o late_o to_o advance_v such_o principle_n a_o second_o time_n he_o add_v from_o my_o paper_n or_o as_o my_o sense_n the_o apostle_n give_v rule_n inconsistent_a with_o any_o determine_a rule_n viz._n of_o mutual_a forbearance_n rom._n 14._o but_o then_o say_v he_o the_o meaning_n must_v be_v that_o whatever_o difference_n happen_v among_o christian_n there_o must_v be_v no_o determination_n either_o way_n but_o this_o be_v direst_o contrary_a to_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o apostle_n at_o jerusalem_n upon_o the_o difference_n that_o happen_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n but_o they_o be_v not_o my_o word_n which_o he_o report_v i_o say_v not_o that_o the_o apostle_n give_v rule_n inconsistent_a with_o any_o determine_a rule_n but_o with_o such_o a_o rule_n and_o the_o imposition_n of_o the_o thing_n contain_v in_o it_o on_o the_o practice_n of_o man_n in_o thing_n not_o determine_v that_o be_v whilst_o difference_n about_o they_o do_v continue_v as_o he_o contend_v for_o and_o 1._o notwithstanding_o this_o rule_n of_o forbearance_n give_v by_o the_o apostle_n express_o rom._n 14._o yet_o as_o unto_o the_o right_n and_o truth_n in_o the_o thing_n wherein_o man_n be_v at_o difference_n every_o private_a believer_n be_v to_o determine_v of_o they_o so_o far_o as_o he_o be_v able_a in_o his_o own_o mind_n every_o one_o be_v to_o be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n in_o such_o thing_n so_o far_o as_o his_o own_o practice_n be_v concern_v 2._o the_o church_n wherein_o such_o difference_n do_v fall_v out_o may_v doctrinal_o determine_v of_o the_o truth_n in_o they_o as_o it_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o pillar_n of_o truth_n suppose_v they_o to_o be_v of_o such_o weight_n as_o that_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n be_v concern_v in_o they_o for_o otherwise_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o such_o determination_n but_o every_o one_o may_v be_v leave_v unto_o his_o own_o liberty_n there_o be_v difference_n at_o this_o day_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n some_o of_o they_o in_o my_o judgement_n of_o more_o importance_n than_o those_o between_o the_o same_o church_n and_o we_o yet_o it_o do_v not_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o make_v any_o determination_n of_o they_o no_o not_o doctrinal_o 3._o if_o the_o church_n wherein_o such_o difference_n fall_v out_o be_v not_o able_a in_o and_o of_o itself_o to_o make_v a_o doctrinal_a determination_n of_o such_o difference_n they_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o crave_v the_o counsel_n and_o advice_n of_o other_o church_n with_o who_o they_o walk_v in_o communion_n in_o faith_n and_o love_n and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o case_n whereof_o a_o account_n be_v give_v we_o act._n 15._o the_o determination_n or_o decree_n there_o make_v concern_v the_o necessary_a observance_n of_o the_o jewish_a rite_n by_o the_o gentile_n convert_v unto_o the_o faith_n by_o the_o apostle_n elder_n and_o brethren_n under_o the_o guidance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o his_o mind_n be_v reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n give_v not_o the_o least_o countenance_n unto_o the_o make_n and_o impose_v such_o a_o rule_n on_o all_o church_n and_o their_o member_n as_o be_v contend_v for_o for_o 1._o it_o be_v only_o a_o doctrinal_a determination_n without_o imposition_n on_o the_o practice_n of_o any_o 2._o it_o be_v a_o determination_n against_o imposition_n direct_o and_o whereas_o it_o be_v say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o determination_n contrary_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o imposer_n which_o show_v that_o the_o rule_n of_o forbearance_n where_o conscience_n be_v allege_v both_o way_n be_v no_o stand_a rule_n i_o grant_v that_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o imposer_n but_o impose_v nothing_o on_o they_o nor_o be_v their_o practice_n concern_v in_o that_o erroneous_a judgement_n they_o be_v not_o require_v to_o do_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o their_o own_o judgement_n and_o the_o not_o do_v whereof_o do_v reflect_v on_o their_o own_o conscience_n wherefore_o the_o whole_a rule_n give_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o whole_a determination_n make_v be_v that_o no_o imposition_n be_v make_v on_o the_o conscience_n or_o practice_n of_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n in_o thing_n relate_v to_o his_o worship_n but_o what_o be_v necessary_a by_o virtue_n of_o divine_a institution_n they_o add_v hereunto_o that_o the_o gentile_n enjoy_v this_o liberty_n aught_o to_o use_v it_o without_o offence_n and_o be_v at_o liberty_n by_o virtue_n of_o it_o to_o forbear_v such_o thing_n as_o wherein_o they_o have_v or_o think_v they_o have_v a_o natural_a liberty_n in_o case_n they_o give_v offence_n by_o the_o use_n of_o they_o and_o the_o apostle_n who_o know_v the_o state_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o all_o other_o circumstance_n give_v a_o instance_n in_o the_o thing_n which_o at_o that_o season_n be_v to_o be_v so_o forbear_v and_o whereas_o this_o determination_n be_v not_o absolute_a and_o obligatory_a on_o the_o whole_a case_n unto_o all_o church_n namely_o whether_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v among_o christian_n but_o some_o church_n be_v leave_v unto_o their_o own_o judgement_n and_o practice_n who_o esteem_v it_o to_o be_v still_o in_o force_n as_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o other_o leave_v unto_o their_o own_o liberty_n and_o practice_n also_o who_o judge_v it_o not_o to_o oblige_v they_o both_o side_n or_o party_n be_v bind_v to_o continue_v communion_n among_o they_o in_o faith_n and_o love_n there_o be_v herein_o a_o perpetual_a establishment_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o mutual_a forbearance_n in_o such_o case_n nothing_o be_v condemn_v but_o imposition_n on_o one_o another_o nothing_o commend_v but_o a_o abstinence_n from_o the_o use_n of_o liberty_n in_o the_o case_n of_o scandal_n or_o offence_n i_o have_v therefore_o reason_n to_o say_v that_o the_o false_a apostle_n be_v the_o only_a imposer_n that_o be_v of_o thing_n not_o necessary_a by_o virtue_n of_o any_o divine_a institution_n and_o if_o the_o author_n insinuate_v that_o the_o true_a apostle_n be_v such_o imposer_n also_o because_o of_o the_o determination_n they_o make_v of_o this_o difference_n he_o will_v fail_v in_o his_o proof_n of_o it_o it_o be_v true_a they_o impose_v on_o or_o charge_v the_o conscience_n of_o man_n with_o the_o observance_n of_o all_o the_o institution_n and_o command_n of_o christ_n but_o of_o other_o thing_n none_o at_o all_o the_o last_o thing_n which_o he_o endeavour_v a_o answer_n unto_o on_o this_o occasion_n lie_v in_o those_o word_n the_o jewish_a christian_n be_v leave_v unto_o their_o own_o liberty_n provide_v they_o do_v not_o impose_v on_o other_o and_o the_o dissenter_n at_o this_o day_n desire_v no_o more_o than_o the_o gentile_a church_n do_v viz._n not_o to_o be_v impose_v on_o to_o observe_v those_o thing_n which_o they_o be_v not_o satisfy_v it_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n shall_v be_v impose_v on_o they_o so_o be_v my_o sense_n in_o the_o place_n refer_v unto_o report_v nor_o shall_v i_o contend_v about_o it_o so_o as_o that_o the_o last_o clause_n be_v change_n for_o my_o word_n be_v not_o they_o be_v not_o satisfy_v it_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v impose_v on_o they_o but_o they_o be_v not_o satisfy_v it_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n they_o shall_v observe_v this_o respect_v the_o thing_n themselves_o the_o other_o only_o their_o imposition_n and_o one_o reason_n against_o the_o imposition_n oppose_v be_v that_o the_o thing_n themselves_o impose_v be_v such_o as_o the_o lord_n christ_n will_v not_o have_v we_o observe_v because_o not_o appoint_v by_o himself_o but_o hereunto_o he_o answer_v two_o thing_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v agree_v
testimony_n produce_v be_v that_o of_o calvin_n a_o large_a discourse_n he_o have_v institut_n lib._n 4._o cap._n 1._o against_o causeless_a separation_n from_o a_o true_a church_n and_o by_o who_o be_v they_o not_o condemn_v no_o determination_n of_o the_o case_n in_o hand_n can_v be_v thence_o derive_v nor_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o our_o refrain_v communion_n with_o parochial_a assembly_n the_o same_o with_o those_o which_o he_o condemn_v as_o insufficient_a for_o a_o total_a separation_n nor_o be_v the_o separation_n he_o oppose_v in_o those_o day_n which_o be_v absolute_a and_o total_a with_o a_o condemnation_n of_o the_o church_n from_o which_o it_o be_v make_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o that_o wherewith_o we_o be_v charge_v at_o least_o not_o with_o what_o we_o own_o and_o allow_v he_o give_v the_o note_n of_o a_o true_a church_n to_o be_v the_o pure_a preach_v of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n according_a unto_o christ_n institution_n where_o these_o be_v he_o allow_v a_o true_a church_n to_o be_v not_o only_o without_o diocesan_n episcopacy_n but_o in_o a_o form_n and_o under_o a_o rule_n opposite_a unto_o it_o and_o inconsistent_a with_o it_o and_o if_o he_o do_v at_o all_o speak_v to_o our_o case_n as_o he_o do_v not_o nor_o unto_o any_o of_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o why_o shall_v we_o be_v press_v with_o his_o authority_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n more_o than_o other_o from_o who_o he_o differ_v also_o on_o the_o other_o beside_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o belong_v unto_o the_o pure_a preach_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n according_a unto_o christ_n institution_n than_o some_o seem_v to_o apprehend_v they_o may_v they_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o explain_v as_o that_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o they_o we_o may_v justify_v our_o whole_a cause_n both_o these_o may_v be_v want_v in_o a_o church_n which_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o such_o heinous_a error_n in_o doctrine_n or_o idolatry_n in_o worship_n as_o shall_v overthrow_v its_o be_v and_o their_o want_n may_v be_v a_o just_a cause_n of_o refrain_v communion_n from_o a_o church_n which_o yet_o we_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o condemn_v as_o none_o at_o all_o calvin_n express_v his_o judgement_n n._n 12._o i_o will_v not_o give_v countenance_n unto_o error_n no_o not_o to_o the_o least_o so_o as_o to_o cherish_v they_o by_o flattery_n or_o connivance_n but_o though_o i_o say_v that_o the_o church_n be_v not_o to_o be_v forsake_v for_o tri_a difference_n wherein_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v retain_v safe_a and_o sound_a wherein_o the_o integrity_n of_o godliness_n do_v abide_v and_o the_o use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n appoint_v of_o the_o lord_n be_v preserve_v and_o we_o say_v the_o same_o and_o this_o very_a calvin_n who_o do_v so_o severe_o condemn_v separation_n from_o a_o true_a church_n as_o by_o he_o state_v do_v himself_o quiet_o and_o peaceable_o withdraw_v and_o depart_v from_o the_o church_n of_o geneva_n when_o they_o refuse_v to_o admit_v that_o discipline_n which_o he_o esteem_v to_o be_v according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ._n it_o be_v certain_a therefore_o that_o by_o the_o separation_n which_o he_o condemn_v he_o do_v not_o intend_v the_o peaceable_a relinquishment_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o any_o church_n as_o unto_o a_o constant_a participation_n of_o all_o ordinance_n in_o it_o for_o want_v of_o due_a mean_n of_o edification_n much_o less_o that_o which_o have_v so_o many_o other_o cause_n concur_v therewith_o for_o the_o other_o learned_a man_n who_o he_o quote_v unto_o the_o same_o purpose_n i_o see_v not_o any_o thing_n that_o give_v the_o least_o countenance_n unto_o his_o assertion_n that_o our_o principle_n weaken_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o reformation_n it_o be_v true_a they_o plead_v other_o cause_n of_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n than_o those_o insist_v on_o by_o we_o with_o respect_n unto_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o indeed_o they_o have_v be_v otherwise_o much_o to_o blame_v have_v so_o many_o thing_n as_o they_o have_v to_o plead_v of_o great_a importance_n do_v we_o say_v that_o the_o reason_n which_o we_o plead_v be_v all_o that_o can_v be_v plead_v to_o justify_v the_o separation_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n it_o will_v weaken_v the_o cause_n of_o reformation_n for_o we_o shall_v then_o deny_v that_o idolatry_n and_o fundamental_a error_n in_o faith_n be_v any_o cause_n or_o ground_n of_o that_o separation_n however_o we_o know_v that_o the_o imposition_n of_o they_o on_o the_o faith_n and_o practice_n of_o all_o christian_n be_v more_o plead_v in_o justification_n of_o a_o separation_n from_o they_o than_o the_o thing_n themselves_o but_o allow_v those_o great_a reason_n to_o be_v plead_v against_o the_o roman_a communion_n as_o we_o do_v it_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o follow_v that_o our_o reason_n for_o refrain_v communion_n with_o parochial_a assembly_n do_v weaken_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o reformation_n however_o let_v i_o not_o be_v misinterpret_v as_o unto_o that_o expression_n of_o destroy_v our_o faith_n which_o the_o communion_n require_v with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o unto_o all_o the_o important_a article_n of_o it_o do_v not_o do_v and_o i_o can_v subscribe_v unto_o the_o word_n of_o daille_n as_o quote_v by_o our_o author_n out_o of_o his_o apology_n if_o say_v he_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v not_o require_v any_o thing_n of_o we_o which_o destroy_v our_o faith_n offend_v our_o conscience_n and_o overthrow_v the_o service_n which_o we_o believe_v due_a to_o god_n if_o the_o difference_n have_v be_v small_a and_o such_o as_o we_o may_v safe_o have_v yield_v unto_o then_o he_o will_v grant_v their_o separation_n be_v rash_a and_o unjust_a and_o they_o guilty_a of_o the_o schism_n he_o close_v his_o transcription_n of_o the_o word_n of_o sundry_a learned_a man_n who_o have_v justify_v the_o separation_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n wherein_o we_o be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o concern_v with_o a_o enquiry_n what_o triumph_n will_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n make_v over_o we_o have_v we_o no_o other_o reason_n to_o justify_v our_o separation_n from_o they_o but_o only_o those_o which_o as_o be_v pretend_v we_o plead_v in_o our_o cause_n i_o say_v whereas_o we_o do_v plead_v confirm_v and_o justify_v all_o the_o reason_n and_o cause_n plead_v for_o the_o separation_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n from_o they_o not_o oppose_v not_o weaken_v any_o of_o they_o by_o any_o principle_n or_o practice_n of_o we_o but_o far_o press_v the_o force_n of_o the_o same_o reason_n and_o cause_n in_o all_o instance_n whereunto_o they_o will_v extend_v i_o see_v neither_o what_o cause_n the_o papist_n have_v of_o triumph_n noâ—_n any_o thing_n that_o weaken_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o reformation_n he_o add_v further_a how_o shall_v we_o be_v hiss_v aâ—d_v laugh_v at_o all_o over_o the_o christian_a world_n if_o we_o have_v nothing_o to_o allege_v for_o our_o separation_n from_o the_o roman_a church_n but_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o i_o answer_v that_o as_o the_o case_n stand_v if_o we_o do_v allege_v no_o other_o reason_n but_o those_o which_o we_o insist_v on_o for_o our_o refrain_v communion_n with_o our_o own_o parochial_a assembly_n we_o shall_v deserve_v to_o be_v deride_v for_o relinquish_a the_o plea_n of_o those_o other_o important_a reason_n which_o the_o heresy_n and_o idolatry_n and_o tyranny_n of_o that_o church_n do_v render_v just_a and_o equal_a but_o if_o we_o have_v no_o other_o cause_n of_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o what_o we_o have_v for_o our_o separation_n from_o our_o parochial_a assembly_n at_o home_n as_o weak_a as_o our_o allegation_n be_v pretend_v to_o be_v we_o shall_v not_o be_v afraid_a to_o defend_v they_o against_o all_o the_o papist_n in_o the_o world_n and_o let_v the_o world_n act_n like_o itself_o in_o hiss_v whereas_o therefore_o the_o cause_n of_o reformation_n be_v not_o in_o any_o thing_n weaken_v by_o our_o principle_n no_o argument_n no_o reason_n solid_o plead_v to_o justify_v the_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v desert_v by_o we_o neither_o testimony_n proof_n nor_o evidence_n be_v produce_v to_o evince_v that_o it_o be_v weaken_v by_o we_o i_o shall_v in_o the_o second_o place_n as_o be_v before_o propose_v prove_v that_o the_o whole_a cause_n of_o the_o protestant_n separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v strengthen_v and_o confirm_v by_o we_o there_o be_v some_o general_a principle_n on_o which_o the_o protestant_n proceed_v in_o their_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o which_o they_o constant_o plead_v in_o justification_n thereof_o the_o first_o
second_o century_n of_o any_o one_o person_n who_o have_v the_o care_n of_o more_o church_n than_o one_o commit_v unto_o he_o or_o do_v take_v the_o charge_n of_o they_o on_o himself_o but_o whereas_o this_o change_n do_v fall_v out_o and_o appear_v evident_o so_o to_o have_v do_v in_o the_o four_o century_n we_o may_v brief_o inquire_v into_o the_o cause_n and_o occasion_n of_o it_o church_n be_v original_o plant_v in_o city_n and_o town_n for_o the_o most_o part_n not_o absolute_o for_o the_o word_n be_v preach_v and_o church_n gather_v by_o the_o apostle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o clemens_n testify_v in_o such_o city_n there_o be_v but_o one_o church_n whereunto_o all_o beleiver_n do_v belong_v i_o mention_v this_o the_o rather_o because_o our_o present_a author_n who_o be_v please_v frequent_o to_o mistake_v my_o word_n and_o principle_n affirm_v that_o the_o thing_n which_o i_o shall_v have_v prove_v be_v that_o there_o be_v more_o church_n at_o first_o plant_v in_o one_o city_n than_o one_o i_o know_v not_o why_o i_o shall_v be_v oblige_v to_o do_v so_o because_o i_o never_o say_v so_o i_o do_v believe_v indeed_o that_o there_o may_v be_v more_o particular_a church_n than_o one_o in_o one_o city_n and_o that_o sometime_o it_o be_v better_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o then_o that_o all_o beleiver_n in_o the_o same_o city_n shall_v be_v keep_v up_o unto_o one_o congregation_n to_o the_o obstruction_n of_o their_o edification_n but_o that_o there_o be_v original_o or_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n more_o church_n than_o one_o in_o any_o one_o city_n or_o town_n i_o do_v whole_o deny_v though_o i_o grant_v at_o the_o same_o time_n there_o be_v church_n in_o village_n also_o as_o will_v appear_v afterward_o but_o though_o there_o be_v one_o church_n only_o in_o one_o town_n or_o city_n yet_o all_o the_o believer_n that_o belong_v unto_o that_o church_n do_v not_o live_v in_o that_o city_n but_o sundry_a of_o they_o in_o the_o field_n and_o village_n about_o so_o justin_n martyr_n tell_v we_o that_o on_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n when_o the_o church_n have_v its_o solemn_a assembly_n all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o in_o the_o city_n and_o out_o of_o the_o country_n the_o field_n and_o village_n about_o meet_v together_o in_o the_o same_o place_n in_o process_n of_o time_n these_o believer_n in_o the_o country_n do_v great_o increase_v by_o the_o mean_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o city-church_n which_o diligent_o attend_v unto_o the_o conversion_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n with_o some_o extraordinary_a help_n beside_o but_o hereon_o the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v oversee_v for_o on_o this_o account_n of_o the_o conversion_n of_o many_o unto_o the_o faith_n in_o the_o town_n and_o village_n of_o any_o province_n they_o erect_v and_o plant_v new_a church_n among_o they_o not_o oblige_v they_o all_o unto_o that_o first_o church_n from_o whence_o the_o word_n go_v forth_o for_o their_o conversion_n but_o those_o who_o succeed_v they_o be_v hinder_v by_o many_o reason_n which_o may_v be_v easy_o recount_v from_o thought_n of_o the_o multiplication_n of_o church_n choose_v rather_o to_o give_v the_o beleiver_n scatter_v up_o and_o down_o in_o the_o country_n occasional_a assistance_n by_o presbyter_n of_o their_o own_o than_o to_o dispose_v they_o into_o a_o chrch_n state_n and_o order_n but_o after_o a_o while_n their_o number_n great_o increase_a they_o be_v necessitate_v to_o supply_v they_o with_o a_o constant_a ministry_n in_o several_a parcel_n or_o division_n the_o minister_n or_o elder_n thus_o dispose_v among_o they_o for_o their_o edification_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v still_o relate_v unto_o and_o depend_v upon_o that_o city_n first_o church_n from_o whence_o they_o come_v but_o the_o number_n of_o beleiver_n daily_a increase_n and_o a_o succession_n of_o presbyter_n in_o their_o distinct_a assembly_n be_v find_v necessary_a they_o come_v to_o be_v call_v church_n though_o continue_v in_o dependence_n both_o for_o a_o supply_n of_o officer_n and_o for_o rule_n on_o the_o first_o or_o city_n church_n whereunto_o they_o esteem_v themselves_o to_o belong_v this_o be_v the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o multiplication_n of_o christian_a assembly_n throughout_o the_o roman_a empire_n and_o hereby_o all_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o first_o church_n become_v by_o common_a consent_n to_o have_v a_o distinction_n from_o and_o pre-eminence_n above_o the_o presbyter_n that_o be_v fix_v in_o the_o country_n and_o a_o rule_n over_o those_o assembly_n or_o church_n themselves_o and_o therefore_o when_o they_o meet_v together_o in_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a among_o the_o first_o thing_n they_o decree_v one_o be_v to_o confirm_v unto_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o great_a city_n that_o power_n over_o the_o neighbour_a church_n which_o they_o have_v enjoin_v from_o this_o occasional_a rise_n and_o constitution_n of_o they_o hereby_o be_v a_o difference_n and_o distinction_n between_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n between_o mother_n and_o dependant_a church_n introduce_v equal_o almost_o in_o all_o place_n without_o take_v any_o notice_n of_o the_o departure_n which_o be_v therein_o from_o the_o primitive_a pattern_n and_o institution_n but_o these_o thing_n fall_v out_o long_o after_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n namely_o in_o the_o three_o and_o four_o century_n there_o be_v no_o mention_n of_o they_o before_o but_o second_o there_o be_v another_o occasion_n of_o this_o alteration_n which_o take_v place_n before_o that_o insist_v on_o for_o in_o many_o of_o those_o city_n church_n especial_o when_o the_o number_n of_o beleiver_n much_o increase_v there_o be_v many_o bishop_n or_o elder_n who_o have_v the_o rule_n of_o they_o in_o common_a this_o be_v plain_a in_o the_o scripture_n and_o in_o the_o ensue_a record_n of_o church_n affair_n and_o they_o have_v all_o the_o same_o office_n the_o same_o power_n and_o be_v of_o the_o same_o order_n but_o after_o a_o while_n to_o preserve_v order_n and_o decency_n among_o themselves_o and_o in_o all_o their_o proceed_n they_o choose_v one_o from_o among_o they_o who_o shall_v preside_v in_o all_o church_n affair_n for_o order_n sake_n unto_o who_o after_o a_o season_n the_o name_n of_o bishop_n begin_v to_o be_v appropriate_v whether_o the_o rule_n they_o proceed_v by_o herein_o be_v to_o choose_v they_o unto_o this_o dignity_n who_o have_v be_v first_o convert_v unto_o the_o faith_n or_o first_o call_v and_o ordain_v to_o be_v presbyter_n or_o have_v respect_n unto_o the_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o those_o who_o they_o choose_v be_v not_o certain_a but_o this_o way_n begin_v in_o those_o church_n wherein_o some_o extraordinary_a officer_n apostle_n or_o evangelist_n have_v long_o reside_v it_o can_v therefore_o be_v doubt_v but_o they_o have_v some_o design_n to_o represent_v hereby_o somewhat_o of_o the_o dignity_n of_o such_o a_o officer_n and_o a_o resemblance_n of_o the_o continuance_n of_o his_o presence_n among_o they_o and_o this_o i_o suppose_v fall_v out_o early_o in_o the_o church_n though_o without_o ground_n or_o warrant_n and_o the_o principal_a pastor_n of_o other_o church_n which_o have_v not_o any_o great_a number_n of_o elder_n in_o they_o yet_o quick_o assume_v unto_o themselves_o the_o dignity_n which_o the_o other_o have_v attain_v justin_n martyr_n in_o the_o account_n he_o give_v of_o the_o church_n its_o order_n rule_n worship_n and_o discipline_n in_o his_o day_n mention_n one_o singular_a person_n in_o one_o church_n who_o he_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d who_o preside_v in_o all_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n and_o himself_o administer_v all_o the_o sacred_a ordinance_n every_o lord_n day_n unto_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o church_n gather_v and_o meet_v out_o of_o the_o city_n and_o the_o village_n about_o this_o be_v the_o bishop_n and_o if_o any_o one_o desire_v this_o office_n he_o desire_v a_o good_a work_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v whatever_o accession_n be_v make_v unto_o the_o church_n these_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v either_o the_o first_o convert_v to_o the_o faith_n or_o the_o first_o ordain_v presbyter_n or_o obtain_v their_o pre-eminence_n non_fw-la pretio_fw-la sed_fw-la testimonio_fw-la as_o tertullian_n speak_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o eminency_n in_o gift_n and_o holiness_n be_v yet_o quick_o sensible_a of_o their_o own_o dignity_n and_o praelation_n and_o by_o all_o mean_v seek_v the_o enlargement_n of_o it_o suppose_v that_o it_o belong_v unto_o the_o honour_n and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o under_o this_o state_n of_o thing_n the_o church_n increase_a every_o day_n in_o number_n and_o wealth_n grow_v insensible_o more_o and_o more_o indy_n magis_fw-la magisque_fw-la decrescente_fw-la disciplina_fw-la into_o a_o form_n and_o
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
of_o the_o first_o institution_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n for_o although_o the_o fact_n of_o victor_n be_v condemn_v by_o many_o yet_o the_o principle_n he_o proceed_v on_o be_v afterward_o espouse_v and_o put_v in_o practice_n our_o reverend_a author_n will_v hardly_o find_v a_o instance_n before_o this_o of_o schism_n among_o any_o church_n that_o retain_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n unless_o it_o be_v in_o those_o division_n which_o fall_v out_o in_o some_o particular_a church_n among_o the_o member_n of_o they_o and_o this_o we_o affirm_v to_o be_v in_o general_a the_o case_n of_o the_o nonconformist_n at_o this_o day_n for_o admit_v such_o variation_n as_o time_n and_o other_o circumstance_n must_v necessary_o infer_v and_o they_o be_v reject_v from_o communion_n on_o the_o same_o ground_n that_o victor_n proceed_v on_o in_o the_o excommunication_n of_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n neither_o will_v there_o be_v any_o end_n of_o difference_n whilst_o the_o same_o principle_n be_v retain_v before_o this_o schism_n be_v only_o esteem_v a_o defect_n in_o love_n and_o breach_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n appointment_n for_o the_o communion_n and_o walk_v together_o of_o believer_n in_o the_o same_o church_n but_o this_o notion_n of_o schism_n be_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o dr._n still_o pref._n p._n 46._o so_o mean_v so_o jejune_n so_o narrow_a a_o notion_n of_o it_o that_o i_o can_v say_v he_o but_o wonder_v that_o man_n of_o understanding_n shall_v be_v satisfy_v with_o it_o but_o in_o my_o judgement_n the_o author_n of_o it_o be_v a_o man_n of_o good_a understanding_n indeed_o i_o have_v hear_v he_o speak_v of_o as_o one_o of_o abstruse_a speculation_n that_o do_v not_o advantage_n christian_a religion_n and_o one_o have_v publish_v in_o print_n that_o he_o be_v one_o of_o the_o obscure_a writer_n that_o ever_o he_o read_v but_o never_o hear_v he_o before_o charge_v with_o mean_a and_o jejune_n notion_n now_o this_o be_v st_n paul_n who_o express_o charge_v schism_n on_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n because_o of_o the_o division_n that_o be_v among_o they_o namely_o the_o member_n of_o the_o same_o particular_a church_n so_o as_o they_o can_v not_o come_v together_o in_o one_o place_n in_o a_o due_a manner_n nor_o in_o all_o his_o write_n do_v he_o any_o where_o give_v we_o any_o other_o notion_n of_o schism_n but_o say_v he_o this_o be_v short_a of_o that_o care_n of_o the_o church_n peace_n which_o christ_n have_v make_v so_o great_a a_o duty_n of_o his_o follower_n but_o if_o thâ—re_v be_v no_o other_o rule_n no_o other_o duty_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o church_n peace_n but_o only_o that_o no_o separation_n be_v make_v from_o it_o which_o be_v call_v schism_n we_o may_v have_v be_v all_o quiet_a in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n let_v no_o man_n think_v to_o persuade_v we_o but_o that_o for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o church_n peace_n it_o be_v require_v of_o we_o that_o we_o do_v and_o observe_v all_o thing_n that_o christ_n require_v of_o we_o and_o that_o we_o enjoin_v not_o the_o observation_n of_o what_o he_o have_v not_o command_v on_o victor_n penalty_n of_o be_v exclude_v from_o communion_n that_o faith_n and_o love_n and_o holiness_n be_v keep_v and_o promote_v in_o the_o church_n by_o all_o the_o way_n of_o his_o appointment_n and_o when_o these_o thing_n be_v attend_v unto_o st._n paul_n mean_a and_o jejune_n notion_n of_o schism_n will_v be_v of_o good_a use_n also_o nor_o be_v there_o the_o least_o appearance_n of_o any_o other_o kind_n of_o schism_n among_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n until_o that_o which_o be_v occasion_v by_o victor_n of_o which_o we_o have_v speak_v the_o schism_n that_o follow_v afterward_o be_v six_o to_o one_o from_o the_o contention_n of_o bishop_n or_o those_o who_o have_v a_o ambition_n so_o to_o be_v which_o the_o apostle_n foresee_v as_o clemens_n witness_v and_o make_v provision_n against_o it_o but_o that_o no_o bank_n be_v strong_a enough_o to_o confine_v the_o overflow_a ambition_n of_o some_o sort_n of_o person_n but_o say_v the_o dr._n pref._n p._n 47._o the_o obligation_n to_o preserve_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n extend_v to_o all_o lawful_a constitution_n in_o order_n â—o_o it_o therefore_o to_o break_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n we_o live_v in_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o any_o lawful_a order_n and_o constitution_n make_v to_o preserve_v it_o be_v direct_o the_o sin_n of_o schism_n now_o schism_n he_o tell_v we_o be_v as_o great_a and_o dangerous_a a_o sin_n as_o murder_n p._n 45._o and_o we_o know_v that_o no_o murderer_n have_v eternal_a life_n abide_v in_o he_o 1_o joh._n 3_o 1â—_n so_o that_o all_o man_n here_o seem_v to_o be_v adjudge_v unto_o hell_n who_o comply_v not_o with_o who_o submit_v not_o unto_o our_o ecclesiastical_a constitution_n or_o canon_n god_n forbid_v that_o ever_o such_o doctrine_n shall_v be_v look_v on_o as_o to_o have_v the_o least_o affinity_n unto_o the_o gospel_n or_o such_o censure_n to_o have_v any_o savour_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n in_o they_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v not_o cast_v the_o eternal_a condition_n of_o those_o who_o he_o purchase_v with_o his_o own_o most_o precious_a blood_n into_o the_o arbitrary_a disposal_n of_o any_o that_o shall_v take_v upon_o they_o to_o make_v ecclesiastical_a constitution_n and_o order_n for_o conformity_n in_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n etc._n etc._n shall_v we_o think_v that_o he_o who_o upon_o the_o best_a use_n of_o mean_n for_o his_o instruction_n which_o he_o be_v capable_a of_o with_o fervent_a prayer_n to_o god_n for_o light_n and_o direction_n can_v comply_v with_o and_o submit_v unto_o some_o ecclesiastical_a constitution_n and_o order_n however_o pretend_v to_o be_v make_v foâ—_n the_o preservation_n of_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n on_o this_o ground_n principal_o because_o they_o be_v not_o of_o the_o appointment_n nor_o have_v the_o approbation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n though_o he_o shall_v mistake_v herein_o and_o miss_v of_o his_o duty_n be_v guilty_a of_o no_o less_o sin_n than_o that_o of_o murder_n suppose_v of_o cain_n in_o kill_v his_o brother_n for_o all_o murder_n be_v from_o hatred_n and_o malice_n this_o be_v that_o which_o inflame_v the_o difference_n among_o we_o for_o it_o be_v a_o scandal_n of_o the_o high_a nature_n when_o man_n do_v see_v that_o person_n who_o in_o any_o thing_n dissent_v from_o our_o ecclesiastical_a constitution_n though_o otherwise_o sober_a honest_a pious_a and_o peaceable_a be_v look_v on_o as_o bad_a if_o not_o worse_o than_o theives_n and_o murderer_n and_o be_v deal_v withal_o according_o nor_o can_v any_o thing_n be_v more_o effectual_a to_o harden_v other_o in_o their_o immorality_n than_o to_o find_v themselves_o approve_v by_o the_o guide_n of_o the_o church_n in_o comparison_n with_o such_o dissenter_n but_o 2._o who_o be_v it_o that_o shall_v make_v these_o order_n and_o constitution_n that_o must_v be_v observe_v for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o unity_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n it_o can_v be_v none_o but_o those_o who_o have_v power_n so_o to_o do_v by_o be_v uppermost_a in_o any_o place_n or_o time_n who_o shall_v judge_v they_o to_o be_v lawful_a no_o doubt_v they_o that_o make_v they_o and_o what_o shall_v these_o constitution_n be_v about_o what_o shall_v they_o extend_v unto_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n so_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n of_o it_o in_o the_o scripture_n one_o way_n or_o other_o what_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v now_o dissent_v from_o these_o constitution_n and_o not_o submit_v unto_o they_o why_o than_o he_o be_v guilty_a of_o schism_n as_o great_a and_o dangerous_a a_o sin_n as_o that_o of_o murder_n but_o when_o all_o be_v do_v what_o if_o these_o constitution_n and_o order_n shall_v be_v no_o way_n needful_a or_o useful_a unto_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n what_o if_o a_o supposition_n that_o they_o be_v so_o reflect_v dishonour_n on_o the_o wisdom_n and_o love_n of_o christ_n what_o if_o they_o be_v unlawful_a and_o unwarrantable_a the_o lord_n christ_n not_o have_v give_v power_n and_o authority_n unto_o any_o sort_n of_o man_n to_o make_v any_o such_o constitution_n what_o if_o they_o be_v the_o great_a way_n and_o mean_n of_o break_v the_o unity_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n these_o and_o other_o inquiry_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n must_v be_v clear_o resolve_v not_o by_o the_o dictate_v of_o man_n own_o mind_n and_o spirit_n but_o from_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n before_o this_o intimation_n can_v be_v comply_v withal_o but_o that_o which_o be_v fall_v out_o most_o beyond_o expectation_n in_o this_o whole_a discourse_n be_v that_o the_o reverend_a author_n seek_v by_o all_o
way_n and_o mean_n countenance_v with_o the_o least_o semblance_n or_o appearance_n of_o truth_n to_o load_v the_o nonconformist_n and_o their_o cause_n with_o the_o imputation_n of_o thing_n invidious_a and_o burdensome_a shall_v fix_v upon_o their_o prayer_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o grace_n and_o gift_n of_o prayer_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v ascribe_v the_o original_a of_o its_o use_n unto_o the_o artifice_n and_o insinuation_n of_o the_o jesuit_n as_o he_o do_v pref._n pag._n 14_o 15._o but_o because_o i_o look_v on_o this_o as_o a_o thing_n of_o the_o great_a importance_n of_o all_o the_o difference_n between_o they_o and_o we_o as_o that_o wherein_o the_o life_n of_o religion_n the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o labour_n of_o divine_a love_n do_v much_o consist_v the_o nature_n and_o necessity_n of_o that_o kind_n of_o prayer_n which_o be_v here_o reflect_v on_o and_o oppose_v shall_v god_n will_v be_v declare_v and_o vindicate_v in_o a_o peculiar_a discourse_n unto_o that_o purpose_n for_o the_o difference_n that_o be_v between_o we_o can_v possible_o have_v any_o more_o pernicious_a consequence_n then_o if_o we_o shall_v be_v influence_v by_o they_o to_o oppose_v or_o condemn_v any_o principle_n or_o exercise_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o practical_a holiness_n as_o think_v they_o to_o yield_v matter_n of_o advantage_n to_o one_o party_n or_o another_o the_o great_a pain_n he_o have_v take_v in_o his_o preface_n to_o prove_v the_o nonconformist_n to_o have_v be_v the_o mean_n of_o further_a and_o promote_a popery_n in_o this_o nation_n might_n as_o i_o suppose_v have_v be_v omit_v without_o aâ—â—_n disadvantage_n unto_o himself_o or_o his_o cause_n for_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v not_o true_a as_o it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a to_o affect_v the_o mind_n or_o conscience_n of_o the_o nonconformist_n with_o a_o sense_n of_o it_o because_o they_o have_v a_o thousand_o witness_n in_o themselves_o against_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o charge_n so_o it_o be_v impossible_a it_o shall_v be_v believe_v by_o any_o who_o be_v in_o the_o least_o acquaint_v with_o their_o principle_n or_o have_v their_o eye_n open_a to_o see_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v at_o this_o day_n in_o religion_n but_o as_o there_o be_v many_o palpable_a mistake_v in_o the_o account_n he_o give_v of_o thing_n among_o ourselves_o to_o this_o purpose_n so_o if_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n any_o shall_v out_o of_o report_n surmize_n jesuit_n letter_n and_o politic_n particular_o those_o of_o contzen_n book_n write_v to_o that_o purpose_n against_o they_o agreement_n of_o principle_n notorious_a compliance_n of_o some_o bishop_n and_o other_o of_o the_o same_o way_n with_o the_o papist_n some_o die_v avowed_o such_o story_n of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v at_o rome_n and_o elsewhere_o which_o be_v not_o few_o nor_o unproveable_a concern_v the_o inclination_n of_o many_o unto_o a_o fair_a composition_n of_o thing_n with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n the_o deportment_n of_o some_o before_o and_o since_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o plot_n with_o such_o other_o topic_n as_o the_o discourse_n of_o our_o author_n with_o respect_n unto_o the_o nonconformist_n will_v furnish_v they_o withal_o as_o also_o from_o the_o woeful_a neglect_v there_o have_v be_v of_o instruct_v the_o people_n in_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n so_o as_o to_o implant_v a_o sense_n of_o the_o life_n and_o power_n of_o it_o on_o their_o soul_n with_o all_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v speak_v on_o that_o head_n with_o reference_n unto_o the_o clergy_n under_o their_o various_a distribution_n with_o the_o cast_v out_o of_o so_o great_a number_n of_o minister_n who_o they_o know_v in_o their_o own_o conscience_n to_o be_v firm_o fix_v against_o popery_n and_o its_o interest_n in_o this_o nation_n and_o can_v not_o deny_v but_o they_o may_v be_v useful_a to_o instruct_v the_o people_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o encourage_v they_o by_o their_o example_n unto_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o if_o any_o i_o say_v shall_v on_o these_o and_o the_o like_a ground_n not_o in_o a_o way_n of_o recrimination_n nor_o as_o a_o requital_n of_o the_o drs._n story_n but_o mere_o as_o a_o necessary_a part_n of_o the_o defence_n of_o their_o own_o innocency_n charge_v the_o same_o guilt_n of_o give_v occasion_n unto_o the_o growth_n increase_n and_o danger_n of_o popery_n in_o this_o nation_n on_o the_o episcopal_a party_n i_o know_v not_o now_o how_o they_o can_v be_v well_o blame_v for_o it_o nor_o what_o will_v be_v do_v of_o that_o kind_n for_o they_o who_o will_v take_v liberty_n to_o speak_v what_o they_o please_v must_v be_v content_a sometime_o to_o hear_v what_o will_v displease_v for_o my_o part_n i_o have_v rather_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o these_o thing_n at_o present_a may_v be_v omit_v and_o that_o all_o those_o who_o be_v real_o unite_v in_o opposition_n unto_o popery_n as_o i_o be_o assure_v in_o particular_a that_o this_o reverend_a author_n and_o i_o be_o will_v rather_o consider_v how_o we_o may_v come_v out_o of_o the_o danger_n of_o it_o wherein_o we_o be_v then_o at_o present_a to_o contest_v how_o we_o come_v unto_o it_o this_o i_o speak_v serious_o and_o that_o under_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o discourse_n which_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o sundry_a mistake_v in_o matter_n of_o fact_n of_o great_a defect_n in_o point_n of_o charity_n with_o a_o design_n to_o expose_v other_o unto_o reproach_n for_o their_o great_a crime_n of_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v a_o little_a free_v from_o be_v beat_v fine_v punish_v and_o imprison_v by_o their_o mean_n and_o on_o their_o account_n be_v as_o apt_a to_o excite_v new_a exasperation_n and_o to_o provoke_v the_o spirit_n of_o they_o concern_v as_o any_o i_o have_v read_v of_o late_a however_o the_o defence_n of_o our_o own_o innocency_n must_v not_o be_v forsake_v but_o cumque_fw-la superba_fw-la foret_fw-la babylon_n spolianda_fw-la trophaeis_fw-la it_o be_v not_o praiseworthy_a to_o abide_v in_o these_o contest_v beyond_o necessity_n this_o discourse_n indeed_o of_o the_o reverend_a author_n be_v increase_v into_o so_o large_a a_o volume_n as_o may_v just_o discourage_v any_o from_o undertake_v the_o examination_n of_o it_o who_o have_v any_o other_o necessary_a duty_n to_o attend_v unto_o but_o if_o there_o be_v separate_v from_o it_o the_o consideration_n of_o story_n of_o thing_n and_o person_n long_o since_o past_a wherein_o we_o be_v not_o concern_v with_o the_o undue_a application_n of_o what_o be_v write_v by_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_n against_o the_o schism_n in_o their_o day_n unto_o our_o present_a difference_n as_o also_o the_o repetition_n of_o a_o charge_n that_o we_o do_v not_o refrain_v communion_n from_o the_o parochial_a church_n on_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n which_o we_o know_v to_o the_o contrary_a that_o we_o do_v with_o the_o report_n and_o quotation_n of_o the_o word_n and_o say_n of_o man_n by_o who_o judgement_n we_o be_v not_o determine_v with_o frequent_a diversion_n from_o the_o question_n by_o attempt_v advantage_n from_o this_o or_o that_o passage_n or_o expression_n in_o one_o or_o another_o and_o the_o rhetorical_a aggrevation_n of_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v plain_o express_v and_o quick_o issue_v and_o the_o controversy_n may_v be_v reduce_v into_o a_o narrow_a compass_n it_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o difference_n which_o be_v among_o protestant_n in_o this_o nation_n be_v to_o be_v bewail_v because_o of_o the_o advantage_n which_o the_o common_a enemy_n of_o the_o protestant_a interest_n do_v endeavour_v to_o make_v thereby_o howbeit_o the_o evil_a consequence_n of_o they_o do_v not_o arise_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o but_o from_o the_o interest_n prejudices_fw-la and_o bias_v affection_n of_o they_o among_o who_o they_o be_v nor_o shall_v any_o man_n ever_o be_v able_a to_o prove_v but_o that_o on_o the_o doctrinal_a agreement_n which_o we_o all_o profess_v provide_v it_o be_v real_a we_o may_v notwithstanding_o the_o difference_n that_o remain_v enjoy_v all_o that_o peace_n and_o union_n which_o be_v prescribe_v unto_o the_o church_n and_o disciple_n of_o christ_n provide_v that_o we_o live_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o love_n which_o he_o enjoin_v we_o which_o whilst_o it_o continue_v in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o same_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a there_o shall_v be_v any_o schism_n among_o we_o wherefore_o whereas_o some_o be_v very_o desirous_a to_o state_n the_o controversy_n on_o this_o supposition_n that_o there_o be_v a_o schism_n among_o we_o and_o issue_v it_o in_o a_o enquiry_n on_o which_o side_n the_o blame_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v lay_v wherein_o they_o suppose_v they_o need_v no_o far_a justification_n but_o the_o possession_n of_o that_o church_n state_n which_o be_v establish_v by_o law_n i_o shall_v willing_o forego_v
bound_n of_o church_n in_o all_o age_n which_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a for_o any_o man_n to_o endeavour_v a_o alteration_n of_o as_o we_o shall_v see_v afterward_o 2_o that_o all_o thing_n be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n in_o and_o by_o these_o society_n this_o be_v a_o prime_n dictate_v of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n arise_v from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o ourselves_o which_o have_v be_v wrest_v into_o i_o know_v not_o what_o religious_a ceremony_n of_o man_n invention_n 3_o that_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o receive_v all_o divine_a revelation_n with_o faith_n and_o obedience_n which_o shall_v either_o appoint_v the_o way_n of_o god_n worship_n and_o prescribe_v the_o duty_n of_o it_o or_o guide_v and_o direct_v they_o in_o its_o performance_n and_o to_o regulate_v their_o obedience_n therein_o this_o also_o be_v a_o clear_a unquestionable_a dictate_v of_o the_o light_n and_o law_n of_o nature_n nor_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o on_o the_o principle_n of_o downright_a atheism_n further_o we_o need_v not_o seek_v for_o the_o divine_a original_a of_o church_n or_o society_n of_o man_n fear_v god_n for_o the_o discharge_n of_o his_o public_a worship_n unto_o his_o glory_n and_o their_o own_o eternal_a benefit_n according_a unto_o the_o light_n and_o knowledge_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n which_o he_o be_v please_v to_o communicate_v unto_o they_o what_o concern_v the_o frame_n and_o fashion_v of_o church_n by_o arbitrary_a and_o artificial_a combination_n in_o province_n nation_n and_o the_o like_a we_o shall_v afterward_o inquire_v into_o this_o be_v the_o assure_a foundation_n and_o general_a warranty_n of_o particular_a society_n and_o church_n whilst_o man_n be_v continue_v on_o the_o earth_n the_o especial_a regulation_n of_o they_o by_o divine_a revelation_n will_v in_o the_o next_o place_n be_v consider_v and_o he_o who_o be_v not_o unite_v with_o other_o in_o some_o such_o society_n live_v in_o open_a contradiction_n unto_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o its_o light_n in_o the_o principal_a instance_n of_o it_o 1._o whereas_o the_o direction_n give_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n in_o and_o unto_o thing_n concern_v the_o outward_a worship_n of_o god_n be_v general_a only_o so_o as_o that_o by_o they_o alone_o it_o will_v be_v very_o difficult_a to_o erect_v a_o church-state_n in_o good_a and_o holy_a order_n god_n do_v always_o from_o the_o beginning_n by_o especial_a revelation_n and_o institution_n ordain_v such_o thing_n as_o may_v perfect_v the_o conduct_n of_o that_o light_n unto_o such_o a_o complete_a order_n as_o be_v accept_v with_o himself_o so_o 1_o he_o appoint_v a_o church-state_n for_o man_n in_o innocency_n and_o complete_v its_o order_n by_o the_o sacramental_a addition_n of_o the_o two_o tree_n the_o one_o of_o life_n the_o other_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil._n 2._o that_o before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v to_o perfect_a and_o complete_a all_o divine_a revelation_n and_o state_n all_o thing_n belong_v unto_o the_o house_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n so_o as_o never_o to_o admit_v of_o the_o least_o change_n or_o alteration_n this_o church-state_n as_o unto_o outward_a order_n rite_n of_o worship_n way_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o administration_n of_o thing_n sacred_a with_o its_o bound_n and_o limit_n be_v changeable_a and_o various_o change_v the_o most_o eminent_a change_n it_o receive_v be_v in_o the_o give_n of_o the_o law_n which_o fix_v its_o state_n unalterable_o unto_o the_o come_v of_o christ._n mal._n 4.4_o 5_o 6._o 3._o that_o it_o be_v god_n himself_o alone_o who_o make_v all_o these_o alteration_n and_o change_n nor_o will_v he_o nor_o do_v he_o ever_o allow_v that_o the_o will_n wisdom_n or_o authority_n of_o man_n shall_v prescribe_v rule_n or_o measure_n unto_o his_o worship_n in_o any_o thing_n heb._n 3.1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o 4._o that_o the_o foundation_n of_o every_o church-state_n that_o be_v accept_v with_o god_n be_v in_o a_o express_a covenant_n with_o he_o that_o they_o receive_v and_o enter_v into_o who_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o that_o state_n a_o church_n not_o found_v in_o a_o covenant_n with_o god_n be_v not_o from_o heaven_n but_o of_o men._n hereof_o we_o shall_v treat_v more_o at_o large_a as_o i_o suppose_v afterward_o see_v it_o exemplify_v exod._n 24._o 5._o there_o be_v no_o good_a in_o there_o be_v no_o benefit_n to_o be_v obtain_v by_o any_o church-state_n whatever_o unless_o we_o enter_v into_o it_o and_o observe_v it_o by_o a_o act_n of_o obedience_n with_o immediate_a respect_n unto_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n by_o who_o it_o be_v appoint_v and_o the_o observation_n of_o it_o prescribe_v unto_o we_o mat._n 28.18_o 19_o 20._o hence_o 6._o unless_o man_n by_o their_o voluntary_a choice_n and_o consent_n out_o of_o a_o sense_n of_o their_o duty_n unto_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o institution_n do_v enter_v into_o a_o church-state_n they_o can_v by_o any_o other_o way_n or_o mean_n be_v so_o frame_v into_o it_o as_o to_o find_v acceptance_n with_o god_n therein_o 2._o cor._n 8.5_o and_o the_o interposition_n that_o be_v make_v by_o custom_n tradition_n the_o institution_n and_o ordinance_n of_o man_n between_o the_o conscience_n of_o they_o who_o belong_v or_o will_v belong_v unto_o such_o a_o state_n and_o the_o immediate_a authority_n of_o god_n be_v high_o obstructive_a of_o this_o divine_a order_n 58._o and_o all_o the_o benefit_n of_o it_o for_o hence_o it_o be_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o most_o man_n know_v neither_o how_o nor_o whereby_o they_o come_v to_o be_v member_n of_o this_o or_o that_o church_n but_o only_o on_o this_o ground_n that_o they_o be_v bear_v where_o it_o do_v prevail_v and_o be_v accept_v chap._n ii_o the_o especial_a original_a of_o the_o evangelical_n church-state_n our_o principal_a concernment_n at_o present_a be_v in_o the_o evangelical_n church-state_n or_o the_o state_n of_o church_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o this_o be_v that_o about_o which_o there_o be_v many_o great_a and_o fierce_a contest_v among_o christian_n and_o those_o attend_v with_o pernicious_a consequent_n and_o effect_n what_o be_v the_o original_a what_o be_v the_o nature_n what_o be_v the_o use_n and_o power_n what_o be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o church_n or_o any_o church_n what_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o man_n in_o it_o and_o towards_o it_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o various_a contest_v and_o the_o principal_a occasion_n of_o all_o the_o distraction_n that_o be_v at_o this_o day_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n for_o the_o great_a part_n of_o those_o who_o judge_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o take_v care_n and_o order_n about_o these_o thing_n have_v enterwoven_v their_o own_o secular_a interest_n and_o advantage_n into_o such_o a_o church-state_n as_o be_v meet_v and_o suit_v to_o preserve_v and_o promote_v they_o suppose_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o that_o religion_n may_v be_v make_v a_o trade_n for_o outward_a advantage_n they_o do_v open_o seek_v the_o destruction_n of_o all_o those_o who_o will_v not_o comply_v with_o that_o church_n form_n and_o order_n that_o they_o have_v frame_v unto_o themselves_o moreover_o from_o man_n various_a conception_n and_o suitable_a practice_n about_o this_o church-state_n be_v advantage_n and_o occasion_n take_v to_o charge_v each_o other_o with_o schism_n and_o all_o sort_n of_o evil_n which_o be_v suppose_v to_o ensue_v thereon_o wherefore_o although_o i_o design_v all_o possible_a brevity_n and_o only_o to_o declare_v those_o principle_n of_o truth_n wherein_o we_o may_v safe_o repose_v our_o faith_n and_o practice_n avoid_v as_o much_o as_o much_o as_o possible_o i_o can_v and_o the_o subject_n will_v allow_v the_o handle_n of_o those_o thing_n in_o a_o way_n of_o controversy_n with_o other_o yet_o somewhat_o more_o than_o ordinary_a diligence_n be_v require_v unto_o the_o true_a state_v of_o this_o important_a concernment_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o that_o which_o we_o shall_v first_o inquire_v into_o be_v the_o special_a original_a and_o authoritative_a constitution_n of_o this_o church-state_n wherefore_o 1._o the_o church-state_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n do_v not_o less_o relate_v unto_o and_o receive_v force_n from_o the_o light_n or_o law_n of_o nature_n than_o any_o other_o state_n of_o the_o church_n whatever_o herein_o as_o unto_o its_o general_a nature_n its_o foundation_n be_v lay_v what_o that_o direct_v unto_o may_v receive_v new_a enforcement_n by_o revelation_n but_o change_v or_o alter_v or_o abolish_v it_o can_v be_v wherefore_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o new_a express_a institution_n of_o what_o be_v require_v by_o that_o light_n and_o law_n in_o all_o church_n and_o society_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o only_o a_o application_n of_o it_o unto_o present_a occasion_n and_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o church_n
any_o other_o that_o he_o be_v please_v to_o make_v use_n of_o therein_o for_o as_o he_o take_v it_o on_o himself_o as_o his_o own_o work_n to_o build_v his_o church_n and_o that_o upon_o himself_o as_o its_o foundation_n so_o he_o employ_v his_o apostle_n to_o act_v under_o he_o and_o from_o he_o in_o the_o carry_n on_o that_o work_n unto_o perfection_n but_o what_o be_v do_v by_o they_o be_v esteem_v to_o be_v do_v all_o by_o himself_o for_o 1_o it_o be_v immediate_o from_o he_o that_o they_o receive_v revelation_n of_o what_o do_v belong_v unto_o this_o church-state_n and_o what_o be_v to_o be_v prescribe_v therein_o they_o never_o do_v neither_o joint_o nor_o several_o once_o endeavour_v in_o their_o own_o wisdom_n or_o from_o their_o own_o invention_n or_o by_o their_o own_o authority_n to_o add_v or_o put_v into_o this_o church-state_n as_o of_o perpetual_a use_n and_o belong_v unto_o it_o as_o such_o either_o less_o or_o more_o any_o one_o thing_n great_a or_o less_o whatever_a it_o be_v true_a they_o give_v their_o advice_n in_o sundry_a case_n of_o present_a emergency_n in_o and_o about_o church_n affair_n they_o give_v direction_n for_o the_o due_a and_o orderly_a practice_n of_o what_o be_v reveal_v unto_o they_o and_o exercise_v authority_n both_o as_o unto_o the_o ordination_n of_o officer_n and_o the_o rejection_n of_o obstinate_a sinner_n from_o the_o society_n of_o all_o the_o church_n but_o to_o invent_v contrive_v institute_n or_o appoint_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n and_o its_o state_n which_o they_o have_v not_o by_o immediate_a revelation_n from_o christ_n they_o never_o attempt_v it_o nor_o go_v about_o it_o and_o unto_o this_o rule_n of_o proceed_v they_o be_v precise_o oblige_v by_o the_o express_a word_n of_o their_o commission_n mat_n 28.19_o 20._o this_o i_o say_v be_v so_o plain_o include_v in_o the_o tenor_n of_o their_o commission_n and_o so_o evident_a from_o all_o that_o be_v divine_o record_v of_o their_o practice_n that_o it_o will_v admit_v of_o no_o sober_a contradiction_n in_o what_o other_o think_v it_o meet_v to_o do_v in_o this_o kind_n we_o be_v not_o concern_v 2_o the_o authority_n whereby_o they_o act_v in_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o church_n in_o its_o order_n whereon_o the_o conscience_n of_o all_o believer_n be_v oblige_v to_o submit_v thereunto_o and_o to_o comply_v with_o it_o in_o a_o way_n of_o obedience_n be_v the_o authority_n of_o christ_n himself_o act_v in_o they_o and_o by_o they_o 4.5_o they_o every_z where_o disclaim_v any_o such_o power_n and_o authority_n in_o themselves_o they_o plead_v that_o they_o be_v only_a steward_n and_o minister_n not_o lord_n of_o the_o faith_n or_o obedience_n of_o the_o church_n but_o helper_n of_o its_o joy_n yea_o the_o servant_n of_o all_o the_o church_n for_o christ_n sake_n and_o hereon_o it_o follow_v that_o what_o be_v record_v of_o their_o practice_n in_o their_o institution_n order_v or_o dispose_n of_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n that_o be_v to_o be_v of_o a_o abide_a continuance_n have_v in_o it_o the_o oblige_a power_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n himself_o wherefore_o if_o the_o distinction_n that_o some_o make_v concern_v the_o apostle_n namely_o that_o they_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v as_o apostle_n or_o as_o church-governor_n shall_v be_v allow_v as_o it_o be_v liable_a to_o just_a exception_n yet_o will_v no_o advantage_n accrue_v thereby_o unto_o what_o be_v pretend_v from_o it_o for_o as_o what_o they_o do_v appoint_v and_o order_v in_o the_o church_n for_o its_o constant_a observation_n as_o apostle_n they_o do_v it_o by_o immediate_a revelation_n from_o christ_n and_o in_o his_o name_n and_o authority_n so_o what_o in_o distinction_n from_o hence_o as_o church_n governor_n they_o do_v or_o order_v they_o do_v it_o only_o by_o a_o due_a application_n unto_o present_a occasion_n of_o what_o they_o have_v receive_v by_o revelation_n but_o as_o they_o be_v apostle_n christ_n send_v they_o as_o his_o father_n send_v he_o and_o he_o be_v so_o send_v of_o the_o father_n as_o that_o he_o do_v stand_v and_o feed_v in_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o majesty_n of_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n his_o god_n micah_n 5.4_o so_o do_v they_o feed_v the_o sheep_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o strength_n and_o in_o the_o authority_n or_o majesty_n of_o his_o name_n 5._o christ_n therefore_o alone_o be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o gospel-church-state_n and_o because_o this_o be_v the_o only_a foundation_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o obedience_n as_o unto_o all_o that_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v do_v and_o practice_v by_o virtue_n of_o that_o church-state_n or_o in_o order_n thereunto_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o only_o plain_o affirm_v it_o but_o also_o declare_v the_o ground_n of_o it_o why_o it_o must_v be_v so_o and_o whence_o it_o be_v so_o as_o also_o wherein_o his_o do_v of_o it_o do_v consist_v 1._o three_o thing_n among_o other_o be_v eminent_o necessary_a in_o and_o unto_o he_o who_o be_v to_o constitute_v this_o church_n state_n with_o all_o that_o belong_v thereunto_o and_o as_o the_o scripture_n do_v eminent_o and_o express_o ascribe_v they_o all_o unto_o christ_n so_o no_o man_n nor_o all_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n can_v have_v any_o such_o interest_n in_o they_o as_o to_o render_v they_o meet_v for_o this_o work_n or_o any_o part_n of_o it_o the_o first_o of_o these_o be_v right_o and_o title_n he_o who_o institute_n this_o church-state_n must_v have_v right_o and_o title_n to_o dispose_v of_o all_o man_n in_o all_o their_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a concernment_n as_o seem_v good_a unto_o he_o for_o unto_o this_o church-state_n namely_o as_o it_o be_v pure_o evangelical_n no_o man_n be_v oblige_v by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n nor_o have_v any_o creature_n power_n to_o dispose_v of_o he_o into_o a_o condition_n whereon_o all_o his_o concernment_n spiritual_a and_o eternal_a shall_v depend_v this_o right_a and_o title_n to_o the_o sovereign_a disposal_n of_o mankind_n or_o of_o his_o church_n christ_n have_v alone_o and_o that_o upon_o a_o treble_a account_n 1_o of_o donation_n from_o the_o father_n he_o appoint_v he_o the_o heir_n of_o all_o thing_n heb._n 1.2_o 3._o he_o give_v he_o power_n over_o all_o flesh._n joh._n 17.2_o especial_o he_o have_v give_v unto_o he_o and_o put_v into_o his_o absolute_a disposal_n all_o those_o who_o be_v to_o be_v his_o church_n ver_fw-la 6._o 2_o by_o virtue_n of_o purchase_n he_o have_v by_o the_o price_n of_o his_o most_o precious_a blood_n purchase_v they_o unto_o his_o own_o power_n and_o disposal_n he_o purchase_v his_o church_n with_o his_o own_o blood_n act._n 20.28_o which_o the_o apostle_n make_v the_o ground_n of_o that_o care_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v have_v of_o it_o and_o this_o be_v plead_v as_o a_o sufficient_a reason_n why_o we_o shall_v be_v whole_o at_o his_o disposal_n only_o and_o be_v free_a from_o any_o imposition_n of_o man_n in_o thing_n spiritual_a 1_o cor._n 7.23_o you_o be_v buy_v with_o a_o price_n be_v you_o not_o the_o servant_n of_o man_n the_o purchase_n of_o this_o right_a and_o title_n be_v one_o great_a end_n of_o the_o principal_a mediatory_a act_n of_o christ._n rom._n 14.9_o 10._o for_o to_o this_o end_n etc._n etc._n 3_o of_o conquest_n for_o all_o those_o who_o be_v thus_o to_o be_v dispose_v by_o he_o be_v both_o under_o the_o power_n of_o his_o enemy_n and_o be_v themselves_o enemy_n unto_o he_o in_o their_o mind_n he_o can_v not_o therefore_o have_v a_o sovereign_n right_o unto_o their_o disposal_n but_o by_o a_o double_a conquest_n namely_o first_o of_o their_o enemy_n by_o his_o power_n and_o then_o of_o themselves_o by_o his_o word_n his_o spirit_n and_o his_o grace_n and_o this_o twofold_a conquest_n of_o he_o be_v full_o describe_v in_o the_o scripture_n whereas_o therefore_o there_o be_v a_o disposal_n of_o the_o person_n that_o be_v to_o belong_v unto_o this_o church-state_n as_o unto_o their_o soul_n conscience_n and_o all_o the_o eternal_a concernment_n of_o they_o by_o a_o indispensible_a moral_a obligation_n to_o a_o compliance_n therewithal_o until_o man_n can_v manifest_v that_o they_o have_v such_o a_o right_n and_o title_n over_o other_o and_o that_o either_o by_o the_o especial_a grant_n and_o donation_n of_o god_n the_o father_n or_o a_o purchase_n that_o they_o have_v make_v of_o they_o unto_o themselves_o or_o conquest_n they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v esteem_v to_o have_v either_o right_a or_o title_n to_o institute_v any_o thing_n that_o belong_v unto_o this_o church-state_n and_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a pretend_a as_o we_o shall_v see_v more_o afterward_o that_o christ_n indeed_o have_v appoint_v this_o church-state_n in_o general_a but_o that_o he_o have_v appoint_v no_o particular_a form_n of_o church_n or_o
person_n of_o a_o apostolical_a spirit_n consonant_n unto_o the_o stile_n and_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o a_o precious_a jewel_n and_o just_a representation_n of_o the_o state_n and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n in_o those_o day_n and_o sundry_a thing_n we_o may_v observe_v from_o it_o 1._o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o it_o that_o give_v the_o least_o intimation_n of_o any_o other_o church-state_n but_o that_o which_o be_v congregational_a although_o there_o be_v the_o high_a cause_n and_o reason_n for_o he_o so_o to_o do_v have_v there_o be_v any_o such_o church_n then_o in_o be_v the_o case_n he_o have_v in_o hand_n be_v that_o of_o ecclesiastical_a sedition_n or_o schism_n in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n the_o church_n or_o body_n of_o the_o brethren_n have_v unjust_o depose_v their_o elder_n as_o it_o shall_v seem_v all_o of_o they_o give_v advice_n herein_o unto_o the_o whole_a church_n use_v all_o sort_n of_o argument_n to_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o sin_n direct_v all_o probable_a mean_n for_o their_o cure_n he_o never_o once_o send_v they_o to_o the_o bishop_n or_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o the_o head_n of_o unity_n unto_o all_o church_n make_v no_o mention_n of_o any_o metropolitical_a or_o diocesan_n church_n and_o its_o rule_n or_o of_o any_o single_a bishop_n and_o his_o authority_n no_o one_o of_o any_o such_o order_n do_v he_o either_o commend_v or_o condemn_v or_o once_o address_v himself_o unto_o with_o either_o admonition_n exhortation_n encouragement_n or_o direction_n he_o only_o handle_v the_o cause_n by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o it_o be_v state_v between_o the_o church_n itself_o and_o its_o elder_n i_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o church_n at_o corinth_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n in_o the_o city_n and_o about_o it_o or_o comprehensive_a as_o some_o say_v of_o the_o whole_a region_n of_o achaia_n that_o there_o be_v a_o single_a officer_n or_o bishop_n over_o that_o whole_a church_n but_o none_o such_o be_v here_o mention_v if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o he_o be_v either_o depose_v by_o the_o people_n or_o he_o be_v not_o if_o he_o be_v depose_v he_o be_v only_o one_o of_o the_o presbyter_n for_o they_o be_v only_a presbyter_n that_o be_v depose_v if_o he_o be_v not_o why_o be_v he_o not_o once_o call_v on_o to_o discharge_v his_o duty_n in_o cure_v of_o that_o schism_n or_o blame_v for_o his_o neglect_n certain_o there_o be_v never_o great_a prevarication_n use_v by_o any_o man_n in_o any_o cause_n than_o be_v by_o clemens_n in_o this_o if_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n its_o rule_n and_o order_n be_v such_o as_o some_o now_o pretend_v for_o he_o neither_o let_v the_o people_n know_v wherein_o their_o sin_n and_o schism_n do_v lie_v namely_o in_o a_o separation_n from_o their_o bishop_n nor_o do_v once_o mention_v the_o only_a proper_a cure_n and_o remedy_n of_o all_o their_o evil_n but_o he_o know_v their_o state_n and_o order_n too_o well_o to_o insist_v on_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o then_o in_o rerum_fw-la natura_fw-la and_o wherein_o they_o be_v not_o concern_v 2._o this_o epistle_n be_v write_v as_o unto_o the_o whole_a church_n at_o corinth_n so_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o rome_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o dwell_v or_o sojourn_v as_o a_o stranger_n at_o rome_n in_o the_o city_n of_o rome_n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n that_o dwell_v or_o sojourn_v at_o corinth_n for_o although_o that_o church_n be_v then_o in_o disorder_n under_o no_o certain_a rule_n have_v cast_v off_o all_o their_o elder_n etc._n etc._n yet_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n not_o only_o allow_v it_o to_o be_v a_o sister-church_n but_o salute_v the_o brethren_n of_o it_o in_o the_o follow_a word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d call_v and_o sanctify_v through_o the_o will_n of_o god_n by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o so_o ready_a in_o those_o day_n to_o condemn_v the_o person_n nor_o to_o judge_v the_o church-state_n and_o condition_n of_o other_o on_o every_o miscarriage_n real_a or_o suppose_a as_o some_o have_v be_v and_o be_v in_o these_o latter_a age_n 2._o this_o address_n be_v from_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n at_o rome_n unto_o that_o at_o corinth_n without_o the_o least_o mention_n of_o the_o officer_n of_o they_o in_o particular_a it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o church_n themselves_o that_o be_v the_o whole_a entire_a community_n of_o they_o have_v communion_n with_o one_o another_o as_o they_o be_v sister-churche_n and_o that_o they_o have_v themselves_o the_o transaction_n of_o all_o affair_n wherein_o they_o be_v concern_v as_o they_o have_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n act_n 15.1_o 2_o 3._o it_o be_v the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n at_o antioch_n who_o determine_v that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n and_o certain_a other_o shall_v go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n to_o consult_v the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n see_v also_o chap._n 21.22_o this_o they_o do_v not_o nor_o aught_o to_o do_v without_o the_o presence_n guidance_n conduct_v and_o consent_n of_o their_o elder_n or_o ruler_n where_o they_o have_v any_o but_o this_o they_o be_v not_o exclude_v from_o and_o that_o church_n the_o whole_a body_n or_o fraternity_n whereof_o do_v advise_v and_o consult_v in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v concern_v on_o the_o account_n of_o their_o communion_n with_o other_o church_n be_v a_o congregational_a church_n and_o no_o other_o it_o be_v the_o church_n who_o send_v this_o epistle_n unto_o the_o corinthian_n claudius_n ephebus_n 73._o valerius_n bibo_n fortunatus_n be_v name_v as_o their_o messenger_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v send_v by_o we_o our_o messenger_n our_o apostle_n in_o these_o matter_n such_o as_o the_o church_n make_v use_v of_o on_o all_o such_o occasion_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n 2_o cor._n 8.23_o and_o the_o person_n who_o they_o send_v be_v only_a member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o not_o officer_n nor_o do_v we_o any_o where_o hear_v of_o they_o under_o that_o character_n now_o they_o can_v not_o be_v send_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n but_o by_o its_o consent_n nor_o can_v the_o church_n consent_n without_o its_o assemble_v together_o this_o be_v the_o state_n and_o order_n of_o the_o first_o church_n in_o that_o communion_n which_o be_v among_o they_o according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n they_o have_v a_o singular_a concern_v in_o the_o welfare_n and_o prosperity_n of_o each_o other_o and_o be_v solicitous_a about_o they_o in_o their_o trial_n hence_o those_o who_o be_v plant_v at_o a_o great_a distance_n than_o will_v allow_v frequent_a personal_a converse_n with_o their_o respective_a member_n do_v on_o all_o occasion_n send_v messenger_n unto_o one_o another_o sometime_o mere_o to_o visit_v they_o in_o love_n and_o sometime_o to_o give_v or_o take_v advice_n but_o these_o thing_n as_o indeed_o almost_o all_o other_o that_o belong_v unto_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n either_o in_o themselves_o or_o with_o one_o another_o be_v either_o utter_o lose_v and_o bury_v or_o keep_v above_o ground_n in_o a_o pretence_n of_o episcopal_a authority_n churches_n themselves_o be_v whole_o exclude_v from_o any_o concernment_n in_o they_o but_o as_o the_o advice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v desire_v in_o this_o case_n by_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o corinth_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d so_o it_o be_v give_v by_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o 1._o and_o send_v by_o messenger_n of_o their_o own_o 3._o the_o description_n give_v of_o the_o state_n way_n and_o walk_v of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n 4._o that_o be_v that_o whole_a fraternity_n of_o the_o church_n which_o fall_v afterward_o into_o that_o disorder_n which_o be_v reprove_v before_o their_o fall_n be_v such_o as_o that_o it_o bespeak_v their_o walk_v together_o in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o society_n and_o be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v any_o good_a man_n desire_n that_o he_o may_v see_v church_n yet_o in_o the_o world_n unto_o who_o or_o the_o generality_n of_o who_o member_n that_o description_n may_v be_v honest_o and_o just_o accommodate_v one_o character_n which_o be_v give_v of_o they_o i_o shall_v mention_v only_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d there_o be_v a_o full_a or_o plentiful_a effusion_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o you_o all_o so_o that_o be_v full_a or_o fill_v with_o a_o holy_a will_n holiness_n of_o will_n and_o a_o good_a readiness_n of_o mind_n with_o a_o pious_a devout_a confidence_n you_o stretch_v out_o your_o hand_n in_o prayer_n to_o almighty_a god_n supplicate_v his_o clemency_n or_o mercy_n for_o the_o pardon_n of_o your_o involuntary_a sin_n sin_n fall_v into_o by_o infirmity_n or_o
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
part_n of_o the_o church_n unity_n do_v or_o ever_o do_v consist_v in_o they_o in_o his_o procedure_n hereon_o our_o author_n seem_v to_o embrace_v occasion_n of_o contend_v seek_v for_o advantage_n therein_o in_o thing_n not_o belong_v unto_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n which_o i_o think_v be_v beneath_o he_o from_o my_o concession_n that_o some_o at_o least_o of_o our_o parochial_a church_n be_v true_a church_n he_o ask_v in_o what_o sense_n be_v they_o church_n right_o constitute_v with_o who_o they_o may_v join_v in_o communion_n as_o member_n i_o think_v it_o be_v somewhat_o too_o late_o now_o after_o all_o this_o dispute_n about_o the_o reason_n of_o refrain_v from_o their_o communion_n and_o his_o severe_a charge_n of_o schism_n upon_o we_o for_o our_o so_o do_v to_o make_v this_o enquiry_n wherefore_o he_o answer_v himself_o no_o but_o his_o mean_v be_v say_v he_o that_o they_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o any_o such_o heinous_a error_n in_o doctrine_n or_o idolatrous_a practice_n in_o worship_n as_o shall_v utter_o deprive_v they_o of_o the_o be_v and_o nature_n of_o church_n which_o i_o suppose_v be_v my_o word_n but_o than_o come_v in_o the_o advantage_n do_v say_v he_o this_o kindness_n belong_v only_o unto_o some_o of_o our_o parochial_a church_n i_o have_v think_v that_o every_o parochial_a church_n be_v true_a or_o false_a according_a unto_o its_o frame_n and_o constitution_n which_o among_o we_o suppose_v the_o own_n the_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n establish_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n i_o answer_v brief_o it_o be_v true_a every_o church_n be_v true_a or_o false_a according_a unto_o its_o original_a frame_n and_o constitution_n this_o frame_n and_o constitution_n of_o church_n if_o it_o proceed_v from_o and_o depend_v upon_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v true_a and_o approvable_a if_o it_o depend_v only_o on_o a_o national_a establishment_n of_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n i_o know_v not_o well_o what_o to_o say_v unto_o it_o but_o let_v any_o of_o these_o parochial_a church_n be_v so_o constitute_v as_o to_o answer_v the_o legal_a establishment_n in_o the_o land_n yet_o if_o the_o generality_n of_o their_o member_n be_v open_o wicked_a in_o their_o life_n and_o they_o have_v no_o lawful_a or_o sufficient_a ministry_n we_o can_v acknowledge_v they_o for_o true_a church_n some_o other_o thing_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n do_v ensue_v but_o i_o shall_v not_o insist_v on_o they_o he_o gather_v up_o in_o the_o next_o place_n the_o title_n of_o the_o cause_n allege_v for_o our_o refrain_v communion_n with_o those_o parochial_a assembly_n which_o he_o call_v our_o separation_n from_o they_o and_o hereon_o he_o inquire_v whether_o these_o reason_n be_v a_o ground_n for_o a_o separation_n from_o a_o church_n wherein_o it_o be_v confess_v there_o be_v no_o heinous_a error_n in_o doctrine_n or_o idolatrous_a practice_n in_o worship_n that_o be_v as_o he_o before_o cite_v my_o word_n as_o shall_v utter_o deprive_v they_o of_o the_o be_v and_o nature_n of_o church_n and_o it_o they_o be_v not_o then_o say_v he_o such_o a_o separation_n may_v be_v a_o formal_a schism_n because_o they_o set_v up_o other_o church_n of_o their_o own_o the_o rule_n before_o lay_v down_o that_o all_o thing_n lawful_a be_v to_o be_v do_v for_o the_o church_n peace_n take_v in_o the_o supposition_n on_o which_o it_o proceed_v be_v as_o sufficient_a to_o establish_v church_n tyranny_n as_o any_o principle_n make_v use_v of_o by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n notwithstanding_o its_o plausible_a appearance_n and_o that_o here_o insinuate_v of_o the_o vnlawfulness_n of_o separation_n from_o any_o church_n in_o the_o world_n for_o that_o which_o have_v pernicious_a error_n in_o doctrine_n and_o idolatry_n in_o worship_n destroy_v its_o be_v be_v no_o church_n at_o all_o be_v as_o good_a security_n unto_o church_n in_o a_o obstinate_a refusal_n of_o reformation_n when_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o people_n be_v ruin_v among_o they_o for_o the_o want_n of_o it_o as_o they_o need_v desire_v and_o i_o confess_v i_o suspect_v such_o principle_n as_o be_v evident_o suit_v unto_o the_o security_n of_o the_o corrupt_a interest_n of_o any_o sort_n of_o men._n i_o say_v therefore_o 1._o that_o though_o a_o church_n or_o that_o which_o pretend_v itself_o on_o any_o ground_n so_o to_o be_v do_v not_o profess_v any_o heinous_a error_n in_o doctrine_n nor_o be_v guilty_a of_o idolatrous_a practice_n in_o worship_n destroy_v its_o nature_n and_o be_v yet_o there_o may_v be_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o refrain_v from_o its_o communion_n in_o church_n order_n and_o worship_n and_o to_o join_v in_o or_o with_o other_o church_n for_o edification_n that_o be_v that_o where_o such_o a_o church_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o reformation_n or_o be_v obstinate_a in_o a_o resolution_n not_o to_o reform_v itself_o under_o the_o utmost_a necessity_n thereof_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o all_o or_o any_o of_o its_o member_n to_o reform_v themselves_o according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n and_o command_v of_o the_o gospel_n 2._o that_o where_o man_n be_v no_o otherwise_o member_n of_o any_o church_n but_o by_o a_o inevitable_a necessity_n and_o outward_a penal_a law_n prevent_v their_o own_o choice_n and_o any_o act_n of_o obedience_n unto_o christ_n in_o their_o join_n with_o such_o church_n the_o case_n be_v different_a from_o they_o who_o relation_n unto_o any_o church_n be_v found_v in_o their_o own_o voluntary_a choice_n as_o submit_v themselves_o unto_o the_o law_n institution_n and_o rule_n of_o christ_n in_o that_o church_n which_o we_o shall_v make_v use_n of_o afterward_o 3._o the_o doctor_n may_v have_v do_v well_o to_o have_v state_v the_o true_a nature_n of_o schism_n and_o the_o formal_a reason_n of_o it_o before_o he_o have_v charge_v a_o formal_a schism_n on_o a_o supposition_n of_o some_o outward_a act_n only_o 4._o what_o be_v our_o judgement_n concern_v parochial_a assembly_n how_o far_o we_o separate_v from_o they_o or_o refrain_v communion_n with_o they_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n whereon_o we_o do_v so_o have_v be_v now_o full_o declare_v and_o thereunto_o we_o must_v appeal_v on_o all_o occasion_n for_o we_o can_v acquiesce_v in_o what_o be_v undue_o impose_v on_o we_o either_o as_o unto_o principle_n or_o practice_n to_o show_v as_o he_o say_v the_o insufficiency_n of_o our_o cause_n of_o separation_n he_o will_v take_v this_o way_n namely_o to_o show_v the_o great_a absurdity_n that_o follow_v on_o the_o allowance_n of_o they_o and_o add_v these_o five_o especial_o i_o shall_v insist_v upon_o 1._o that_o it_o weaken_v the_o cause_n of_o reformation_n 2._o that_o it_o hinder_v all_o union_n between_o the_o protestant_a church_n 3._o that_o it_o justify_v the_o ancient_a schism_n which_o have_v be_v always_o condemn_v by_o the_o christian_a church_n 4._o that_o it_o make_v separation_n endless_a 5._o that_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o obligation_n that_o lie_v on_o all_o christian_n to_o preserve_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n now_o as_o i_o shall_v consider_v what_o he_o offer_v on_o these_o several_a head_n and_o his_o application_n of_o it_o unto_o the_o case_n in_o hand_n so_o i_o shall_v confirm_v the_o reason_n already_o give_v of_o our_o separation_n if_o it_o must_v be_v so_o call_v from_o parochial_a assembly_n with_o these_o five_o consideration_n 1._o that_o they_o strengthen_v the_o cause_n of_o reformation_n 2._o that_o they_o open_v a_o way_n to_o union_n between_o all_o protestant_a church_n 3._o that_o they_o give_v the_o just_a ground_n of_o condemn_v the_o ancient_a schism_n that_o ever_o any_o christian_a church_n do_v just_o condemn_v 4._o that_o they_o give_v due_a bound_n unto_o separation_n 5._o that_o they_o absolute_o comply_v with_o all_o the_o command_v of_o the_o scripture_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n i_o shall_v begin_v with_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o absurdity_n charge_v by_o he_o on_o our_o principle_n and_o practice_n the_o first_o of_o they_o be_v that_o it_o weaken_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o reformation_n this_o he_o prove_v by_o long_a quotation_n out_o of_o some_o french_a divine_n we_o be_v not_o to_o expect_v that_o they_o shall_v speak_v unto_o our_o cause_n or_o make_v any_o determination_n in_o it_o see_v to_o the_o principal_a of_o they_o it_o be_v unknown_a but_o they_o say_v that_o which_o be_v contrary_a unto_o our_o principle_n so_o they_o may_v do_v and_o yet_o this_o not_o weaken_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o reformation_n for_o it_o be_v know_v that_o they_o say_v somewhat_o also_o that_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o our_o episcopal_a brethren_n for_o which_o one_o of_o they_o be_v sufficient_o revile_v but_o yet_o the_o cause_n of_o reformation_n be_v not_o weaken_v thereby_o the_o first_o
orthodox_n themselves_o but_o only_o as_o they_o be_v carry_v on_o unto_o a_o total_a renunciation_n of_o all_o communion_n whatever_o but_o only_o that_o which_o be_v enclose_v unto_o their_o own_o party_n 2._o to_o evidence_n that_o we_o give_v the_o least_o countenance_n unto_o the_o ancient_a schism_n or_o do_v contract_v the_o gild_n with_o the_o author_n of_o they_o the_o thing_n aim_v at_o there_o be_v three_o thing_n incumbent_a on_o he_o to_o prove_v 1._o that_o our_o parochial_a church_n from_o who_o we_o do_v refrain_v actual_a presential_a communion_n in_o all_o ordinance_n where_o it_o be_v require_v by_o law_n which_o can_v be_v many_o and_o but_o one_o at_o one_o time_n do_v succeed_v into_o the_o room_n of_o that_o church_n in_o a_o separation_n from_o which_o those_o schism_n do_v consist_v for_o we_o pass_v no_o judgement_n on_o any_o other_o church_n but_o what_o concern_v ourselves_o as_o unto_o present_a duty_n though_o that_o in_o a_o nation_n may_v be_v extend_v unto_o many_o or_o all_o of_o the_o same_o sort_n but_o these_o schism_n consist_v in_o a_o profess_a separation_n from_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n that_o be_v all_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n who_o join_v not_o with_o they_o in_o their_o opinion_n and_o practice_n and_o from_o the_o whole_a church_n state_n then_o passant_a and_o allow_v but_o our_o author_n know_v full_a well_o that_o there_o be_v other_o who_o long_o before_o our_o parochial_a church_n do_v lay_v claim_v unto_o the_o absolute_a enclosure_n of_o this_o church_n state_n unto_o themselves_o and_o thereon_o condemn_v both_o he_o and_o we_o and_o all_o the_o protestant_n in_o the_o world_n of_o the_o same_o schism_n that_o those_o of_o old_a be_v guilty_a of_o especial_o they_o make_v a_o continual_a clamour_n about_o the_o novatian_o and_o donatist_n i_o know_v that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o dispossess_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n from_o that_o usurpation_n of_o the_o state_n and_o right_n of_o the_o ancient_a catholic_n church_n from_o whence_o those_o separation_n be_v make_v and_o it_o have_v be_v sufficient_o do_v by_o other_o but_o so_o soon_o as_o we_o have_v cast_v that_o out_o of_o possession_n to_o bring_v in_o our_o parochial_a assembly_n into_o the_o room_n of_o it_o and_o to_o press_v the_o gild_n of_o separation_n from_o they_o with_o the_o same_o reason_n and_o argument_n as_o we_o be_v all_o of_o we_o but_o new_o press_v withal_o by_o the_o romanist_n namely_o that_o hereby_o we_o give_v countenance_n unto_o they_o yea_o do_v the_o same_o thing_n with_o they_o who_o make_v schism_n in_o separate_v from_o the_o catholic_n church_n of_o old_a be_v somewhat_o severe_a and_o unequal_a wherefore_o unless_o the_o church_n from_o which_o they_o separate_v which_o be_v the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n in_o the_o world_n not_o agree_v and_o act_v with_o they_o and_o those_o parochial_a assembly_n from_o who_o communion_n we_o refrain_v be_v the_o same_o and_o of_o the_o same_o consideration_n nothing_o can_v be_v argue_v from_o those_o ancient_a schism_n against_o we_o nor_o be_v any_o countenance_n give_v by_o we_o unto_o they_o for_o if_o it_o be_v ask_v of_o we_o whether_o it_o be_v free_a or_o lawful_a for_o believer_n to_o join_v in_o society_n and_o full_a communion_n with_o other_o church_n beside_o those_o that_o be_v of_o our_o way_n and_o especial_a communion_n we_o free_o answer_v that_o we_o no_o way_n doubt_v of_o it_o nor_o do_v judge_v they_o for_o their_o so_o do_v 2._o it_o must_v be_v prove_v unto_o the_o end_v propose_v that_o the_o occasion_n and_o reason_n of_o their_o separation_n of_o old_a be_v the_o same_o or_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n only_o with_o those_o which_o we_o plead_v for_o our_o refrain_v communion_n from_o parochial_a assembly_n now_o though_o the_o dr._n here_o make_v a_o flourish_n with_o some_o expression_n about_o zeal_n discipline_n purity_n of_o the_o church_n edification_n which_o he_o will_v not_o find_v in_o any_o of_o their_o pretence_n yet_o in_o truth_n there_o be_v not_o one_o thing_n allege_v wherein_o there_o be_v a_o coincidence_n between_o the_o occasion_n and_o reason_n plead_v by_o they_o and_o we_o it_o be_v know_v that_o the_o principal_a thing_n in_o general_n which_o we_o insist_v upon_o be_v the_o unwarrantable_a imposition_n of_o unscriptural_a term_n and_o condition_n of_o communion_n upon_o we_o be_v there_o any_o such_o thing_n plead_v by_o they_o that_o make_v the_o schism_n of_o old_a indeed_o they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o imposer_n and_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n because_o they_o will_v not_o submit_v unto_o their_o imposition_n some_o bishop_n or_o some_o that_o will_v have_v be_v bishop_n but_o can_v not_o entertain_v some_o new_a conceit_n of_o their_o own_o which_o they_o will_v have_v impose_v on_o all_o other_o be_v not_o submit_v unto_o therein_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o those_o schism_n which_o be_v just_o esteem_v criminal_a so_o be_v it_o with_o the_o novatian_o and_o donatist_n in_o a_o especial_a manner_n even_o the_o great_a tertullian_n though_o no_o bishop_n leave_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n on_o this_o ground_n for_o because_o they_o will_v not_o admit_v of_o the_o strict_a observance_n of_o some_o austere_a severity_n in_o fast_v abstinence_n from_o sundry_a meat_n and_o watch_v with_o the_o like_a which_o he_o esteem_v necessary_a though_o no_o way_n warrant_v by_o scripture_n rule_n or_o example_n he_o utter_o renounce_v their_o communion_n and_o countenance_v himself_o by_o adhere_v unto_o the_o dotage_n of_o montanus_n it_o be_v true_a some_o of_o they_o contend_v for_o a_o severity_n of_o discipline_n in_o the_o church_n but_o they_o do_v it_o not_o upon_o any_o pretence_n of_o the_o neglect_v of_o it_o in_o they_o unto_o who_o the_o administration_n of_o it_o be_v commit_v but_o for_o the_o want_n of_o establish_v a_o false_a principle_n rule_n or_o erroneous_a doctrine_n which_o they_o advance_v namely_o that_o the_o most_o sincere_a penitent_n be_v never_o more_o to_o be_v admit_v into_o ecclesiastical_a communion_n whereby_o they_o do_v not_o establish_v but_o overthrow_v one_o of_o the_o principal_a end_n of_o church_n discipline_n they_o do_v not_o therefore_o press_v for_o the_o power_n or_o the_o use_n of_o the_o key_n as_o be_v pretend_v but_o advance_v a_o false_a doctrine_n in_o prejudice_n both_o unto_o the_o power_n and_o use_v of_o they_o they_o pretend_v indeed_o unto_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o church_n not_o that_o there_o be_v none_o impure_a wicked_a and_o hypocritical_a among_o they_o but_o that_o none_o may_v be_v admit_v who_o have_v once_o fall_v though_o real_o make_v pure_a by_o sincere_a repentance_n this_o be_v their_o zeal_n for_o purity_n if_o a_o man_n be_v overtake_v if_o they_o can_v catch_v he_o in_o such_o a_o fault_n as_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o passaint_n discipline_n he_o be_v to_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n there_o they_o have_v he_o safe_a for_o ever_o no_o evidence_n of_o the_o most_o sincere_a repentance_n can_v prevail_v for_o a_o readmission_n into_o the_o church_n and_o because_o other_o church_n will_v admit_v they_o they_o renounce_v all_o communion_n with_o they_o as_o no_o church_n of_o christ._n be_v these_o our_o principle_n be_v these_o our_o practice_n do_v we_o give_v any_o countenance_n unto_o they_o by_o any_o thing_n we_o say_v or_o do_v i_o somewhat_o wonder_v that_o the_o dr._n from_o some_o general_a expression_n and_o cast_v their_o pretence_n under_o new_a appearance_n shall_v seem_v to_o think_v that_o there_o be_v the_o least_o coincidence_n between_o what_o they_o insist_v on_o and_o what_o we_o plead_v in_o our_o own_o defence_n he_o may_v see_v now_o more_o full_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o our_o practice_n and_o i_o hope_v thereon_o will_v be_v of_o another_o mind_n not_o as_o unto_o our_o cause_n in_o general_a which_o i_o be_o far_o enough_o from_o the_o expectation_n of_o but_o as_o unto_o this_o invidious_a charge_n of_o give_v countenance_n unto_o the_o schism_n condemn_v of_o old_a in_o the_o church_n and_o we_o shall_v see_v immediate_o what_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o those_o schism_n which_o we_o be_v as_o remote_a from_o give_v countenance_n unto_o as_o unto_o the_o principle_n and_o reason_n which_o they_o plead_v in_o their_o own_o justification_n 3._o it_o ought_v also_o to_o be_v prove_v that_o the_o separation_n which_o be_v charge_v on_o we_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o that_o charge_v on_o they_o of_o old_a for_o otherwise_o we_o can_v be_v say_v to_o give_v any_o countenance_n unto_o what_o they_o do_v for_o it_o be_v know_v they_o so_o separate_v from_o all_o other_o church_n in_o the_o world_n as_o to_o confine_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n unto_o their_o own_o party_n to_o condemn_v all_o other_o and_o to_o
the_o discharge_v of_o his_o duty_n as_o it_o fall_v out_o also_o with_o chrysostome_n nevertheless_o he_o abide_v firm_o and_o tenacious_o in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n but_o be_v at_o length_n cast_v out_o as_o far_o as_o it_o appear_v by_o he_o for_o the_o honest_a discharge_n of_o his_o duty_n whereon_o he_o gather_v a_o great_a party_n unto_o himself_o but_o theodoret_n and_o other_o affirm_v he_o to_o have_v be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o impious_a heresy_n of_o the_o anthropomorphitae_n his_o principal_a follower_n be_v those_o monk_n of_o egypt_n which_o afterward_o make_v such_o tumult_n in_o defence_n of_o that_o foolish_a imagination_n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o he_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o set_v up_o a_o party_n of_o the_o same_o opinion_n with_o he_o lib._n 4._o cap._n 10._o yea_o he_o also_o ascribe_v unto_o he_o some_o foolish_a opinion_n of_o the_o manichee_n what_o be_v our_o concernment_n in_o these_o thing_n i_o can_v imagine_v eustathius_n the_o bishop_n of_o sebastia_n in_o armenia_n and_o his_o follower_n be_v also_o instance_a in_o as_o orthodox_n schismatic_n and_o as_o such_o be_v condemn_v in_o a_o council_n at_o gongrae_n in_o paphlagonia_n but_o indeed_o before_o that_o council_n eustathius_n have_v be_v condemn_v by_o his_o own_o father_n eulanius_n and_o other_o bishop_n at_o caesarea_n in_o cappadocia_n and_o he_o be_v so_o for_o sundry_a foolish_a opinion_n and_o evil_a practice_n whereby_o he_o deserve_v to_o be_v so_o deal_v withal_o it_o do_v not_o unto_o i_o appear_v certain_o whether_o he_o fall_v into_o those_o opinion_n before_o his_o rejection_n at_o caesarea_n where_o he_o be_v principal_o it_o not_o only_o charge_v with_o his_o undecent_a and_o fantastical_a habit_n and_o garment_n wherefore_o at_o the_o council_n of_o gangrae_n he_o be_v not_o admit_v to_o make_v any_o apology_n for_o himself_o nor_o can_v be_v hear_v because_o he_o have_v innovate_v many_o thing_n after_o his_o deposition_n at_o caesarea_n such_o as_o forbid_v of_o marriage_n shave_v of_o woman_n deny_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o priest_n keep_v their_o wife_n who_o be_v marry_v before_o their_o ordination_n get_v away_o servant_n from_o their_o master_n and_o the_o like_a socrat._v hist._n lib._n 2._o chap._n 3._o these_o be_v his_o pretence_n of_o sanctity_n and_o purity_n as_o the_o dr._n acknowledge_v and_o i_o appeal_v unto_o his_o ingenuity_n and_o candour_n whether_o any_o countenance_n be_v give_v unto_o such_o opinion_n and_o practice_n thereon_o by_o any_o thing_n we_o say_v or_o do_v this_o instance_n and_o some_o other_o of_o a_o alike_a nature_n the_o doctor_n affirm_v that_o he_o produce_v in_o his_o sermon_n but_o that_o they_o be_v gentle_o pass_v over_o by_o myself_o and_o mr._n b._n i_o confess_v i_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o they_o because_o i_o be_v satisfy_v that_o the_o cause_n under_o consideration_n be_v no_o way_n concern_v in_o they_o and_o the_o dr._n may_v to_o as_o good_a purpose_n have_v instance_a in_o forty_o other_o schism_n make_v for_o the_o most_o part_n by_o the_o ambition_n of_o bishop_n in_o the_o church_n of_o alexandria_n antioch_n constantinople_n rome_n and_o sundry_a other_o place_n yea_o in_o that_o make_v by_o epiphanius_n himself_o at_o constantinople_n upon_o as_o weighty_a a_o cause_n as_o that_o of_o those_o who_o contend_v about_o and_o strive_v for_o and_o against_o the_o drive_v of_o sheep_n over_o the_o bridge_n where_o there_o be_v none_o present_a the_o story_n of_o the_o luciferian_o be_v not_o worth_a repeat_n in_o short_a lucifer_n the_o bishop_n of_o caralli_n in_o sardinia_n be_v angry_a that_o paulinus_n who_o he_o have_v ordain_v bishop_n at_o antioch_n be_v not_o receive_v fall_v into_o great_a dissension_n with_o eusebius_n bishop_n of_o vercell_n in_o italy_n who_o have_v be_v his_o companion_n in_o banishment_n because_o he_o approve_v not_o what_o he_o have_v do_v at_o antioch_n and_o continue_v to_o contend_v for_o his_o own_o bishop_n it_o occasion_v a_o great_a division_n among_o the_o people_n whereon_o he_o go_v home_o to_o his_o own_o place_n leave_v behind_o he_o a_o few_o follower_n who_o wrangle_v for_o a_o time_n about_o the_o ordination_n of_o bishop_n by_o arian_n by_o who_o mean_n lucifer_n have_v be_v banish_v and_o so_o after_o a_o while_n disappear_v i_o have_v almost_o miss_v the_o instance_n of_o the_o donatist_n but_o the_o story_n of_o they_o be_v so_o well_o know_v that_o it_o will_v not_o bear_v the_o repetition_n for_o although_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n of_o they_o in_o socrates_n or_o zozoman_n nor_o the_o history_n of_o theodoret_n yet_o all_o thing_n that_o concern_v they_o be_v so_o full_o declare_v in_o the_o write_n of_o austin_n and_o optatus_n against_o they_o as_o there_o need_v no_o other_o account_n of_o they_o and_o this_o instance_n of_o a_o heretical_a schism_n be_v that_o which_o the_o papist_n vehement_o urge_v against_o the_o church_n of_o england_n itself_o and_o all_o other_o protestant_n here_o their_o weapon_n be_v borrow_v for_o a_o little_a while_n to_o give_v a_o wound_n unto_o our_o cause_n but_o in_o vain_a yet_o i_o know_v full_a well_o that_o it_o be_v easy_a for_o some_o man_n on_o their_o principle_n to_o flourish_v with_o this_o weapon_n against_o we_o than_o to_o defend_v themselves_o against_o it_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o papist_n in_o brief_a these_o donatist_n be_v upon_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o same_o opinion_n with_o the_o novatian_o and_o as_o these_o ground_a their_o dissension_n on_o the_o receive_n those_o into_o the_o church_n who_o have_v fall_v and_o sacrifice_v under_o decius_n so_o do_v these_o on_o a_o pretence_n of_o severity_n against_o those_o who_o have_v be_v traditor_n under_o maximinus_n upon_o this_o pretence_n improve_v by_o many_o false_a allegation_n donatus_n and_o those_o that_o follow_v he_o reject_v cecilianus_n who_o be_v lawful_o choose_v and_o ordain_v bishop_n of_o carthage_n set_v up_o one_o majorinus_n in_o opposition_n unto_o he_o not_o succeed_v herein_o on_o this_o foolish_a unproved_a pretence_n that_o cecilianus_n have_v be_v ordain_v by_o traditor_n they_o reject_v the_o communion_n of_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n confine_v the_o whole_a church_n of_o christ_n unto_o their_o own_o party_n deny_v salvation_n unto_o any_o other_o rebaptise_v all_o that_o come_v unto_o they_o from_o other_o church_n and_o together_o with_o a_o great_a number_n of_o bishop_n that_o join_v with_o they_o fall_v into_o most_o extravagant_a exorbitance_n upon_o the_o consideration_n of_o these_o schism_n the_o dr._n conclude_v that_o on_o these_o ground_n there_o have_v scarce_o be_v any_o considerable_a schism_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n but_o may_v be_v justify_v upon_o dr._n of_o his_o reason_n for_o separation_n from_o our_o church_n concern_v which_o i_o must_v take_v the_o liberty_n to_o say_v that_o i_o do_v not_o remember_v that_o ever_o i_o read_v in_o any_o learned_a author_n a_o inference_n make_v or_o conclusion_n assert_v that_o have_v so_o little_a countenance_n give_v unto_o it_o by_o the_o premise_n whence_o it_o be_v infer_v as_o there_o be_v into_o this_o by_o the_o instance_n before_o insist_v on_o whence_o it_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v educe_v all_o that_o be_v of_o argument_n in_o this_o story_n be_v this_o that_o there_o be_v of_o old_a some_o bishop_n with_o one_o or_o two_o who_o will_v have_v be_v bishop_n and_o can_v not_o who_o to_o exalt_v and_o countenance_v themselves_o against_o those_o who_o be_v prefer_v to_o bishopric_n before_o they_o and_o above_o they_o invent_v and_o maintain_v false_a doctrinal_a principle_n the_o confession_n whereof_o they_o will_v have_v impose_v on_o other_o church_n and_o because_o they_o be_v not_o admit_v they_o separate_v at_o once_o from_o all_o other_o church_n in_o the_o world_n but_o their_o own_o condemn_v they_o as_o no_o church_n as_o not_o have_v the_o sacrament_n or_o mean_n of_o salvation_n for_o which_o they_o be_v condemn_v as_o schismatic_n therefore_o those_o who_o own_v not_o subjection_n to_o diocesan_n bishop_n by_o virtue_n of_o any_o institution_n or_o command_n of_o christ_n who_o refrain_v communion_n from_o parochial_a assembly_n because_o they_o can_v without_o sin_n to_o themselves_o comply_v with_o all_o thing_n impose_v on_o they_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o ecclesiastical_a rule_n without_o judge_v their_o state_n or_o the_o salvation_n of_o their_o member_n be_v in_o like_a manner_n as_o they_o guilty_a of_o schism_n but_o we_o have_v fix_v ground_n whereon_o to_o try_v examine_v judge_n and_o condemn_v all_o schism_n that_o be_v just_o so_o call_v all_o such_o as_o those_o before_o mention_v if_o separation_n arise_v and_o proceed_v from_o principle_n of_o false_a doctrine_n and_o error_n like_o those_o of_o the_o novatian_o and_o donatist_n if_o
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
consist_v only_o of_o such_o a_o number_n of_o man_n as_o may_v meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n so_o qualify_v and_o that_o those_o by_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o each_o other_o whereof_o we_o shall_v treat_v hereafter_o become_v a_o church_n and_o choose_v their_o officer_n who_o be_v to_o teach_v and_o admonish_v and_o administer_v sacrament_n and_o to_o exercise_v discipline_n by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o congregation_n and_o let_v we_o 2_o suppose_v such_o a_o church_n not_o yet_o gather_v but_o there_o lie_v fit_a matter_n for_o it_o disperse_v up_o and_o down_o in_o several_a parish_n 3_o let_v we_o suppose_v d._n o._n about_o to_o gather_v such_o a_o church_n 4_o let_v we_o suppose_v not_o one_o thing_n peculiar_a to_o our_o church_n require_v of_o these_o member_n neither_o the_o aerial_a sign_n of_o the_o cross_n nor_o kneel_v at_o the_o communion_n etc._n etc._n i_o desire_v to_o know_v whether_o d._n o._n be_v not_o bind_v by_o this_o unalterable_a rule_n to_o draw_v these_o member_n from_o communion_n with_o parochial_a church_n on_o purpose_n that_o they_o may_v form_v a_o congregational_a church_n according_a to_o christ_n institution_n either_o than_o he_o must_v quit_v these_o unalterable_a rule_n and_o institution_n of_o christ_n which_o he_o will_v never_o do_v whilst_o he_o live_v or_o he_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o set_v up_o a_o congregational_a church_n be_v the_o primary_n ground_n of_o this_o separation_n from_o our_o parochial_a church_n etc._n etc._n the_o whole_a design_n hereof_o be_v to_o prove_v that_o we_o do_v not_o withhold_v communion_n from_o their_o parochial_a assembly_n because_o of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v practise_v and_o impose_v in_o they_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o church_n rule_n but_o because_o of_o a_o necessity_n apprehend_v of_o set_v up_o congregational_a church_n i_o answer_v 1._o we_o know_v it_o be_v otherwise_o and_o that_o we_o plead_v the_o true_a reason_n and_o that_o which_o our_o conscience_n be_v regulate_v by_o in_o refrain_v from_o their_o communion_n and_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a for_o he_o or_o any_o man_n else_o to_o endeavour_v so_o to_o bird-lime_n our_o understanding_n by_o a_o multiplicity_n of_o question_n as_o to_o make_v we_o think_v we_o do_v not_o judge_v what_o we_o do_v judge_n or_o do_v not_o do_v what_o we_o know_v ourselves_o well_o enough_o to_o do_v if_o we_o can_v answer_v sophism_n against_o motion_n we_o can_v yet_o rise_v up_o and_o walk_v 2._o these_o thing_n be_v consistent_a and_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o be_v oppose_v one_o to_o the_o other_o namely_o that_o we_o refrain_v communion_n on_o the_o reason_n allege_v and_o thereon_o judge_v it_o necessary_a to_o erect_v congregational_a church_n which_o we_o shall_v have_v no_o occasion_n to_o do_v be_v not_o we_o exclude_v from_o communion_n in_o parochial_a assembly_n as_o we_o be_v 3._o the_o case_n be_v put_v unto_o i_o i_o answer_v plain_o unto_o the_o doctor_n last_o supposition_n whereon_o the_o whole_a depend_v that_o if_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o except_v against_o as_o be_v undue_o practise_v and_o impose_v in_o parochial_a assembly_n be_v remove_v and_o take_v away_o i_o will_v hold_v communion_n with_o they_o all_o the_o communion_n that_o any_o one_o be_v oblige_v to_o hold_v with_o any_o church_n and_o will_v in_o nothing_o separate_v from_o they_o this_o spoil_v the_o whole_a case_n but_o then_o he_o will_v say_v i_o be_o no_o independent_a i_o can_v help_v that_o he_o may_v judge_v as_o he_o see_v cause_n for_o i_o be_o nullius_fw-la addictus_fw-la jurare_fw-la in_o verba_fw-la magistria_n design_v to_o be_v the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n alone_o 4._o but_o yet_o suppose_v that_o in_o such_o church_n all_o the_o thing_n except_v against_o be_v remove_v there_o be_v yet_o a_o defect_n in_o some_o unalterable_a rule_n that_o concern_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n that_o they_o answer_v not_o in_o all_o thing_n the_o strictness_n lay_v down_o in_o the_o drs_n first_o supposition_n although_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o if_o not_o all_o of_o they_o absolute_o yet_o the_o most_o of_o they_o and_o of_o the_o most_o importance_n will_v be_v find_v virtual_o in_o parochial_a assembly_n upon_o the_o removal_n of_o the_o thing_n except_v against_o the_o enquiry_n be_v what_o i_o will_v do_v then_o or_o whether_o i_o will_v not_o set_v up_o a_o congregational_a church_n gather_v out_o of_o other_o church_n i_o answer_v i_o tell_v you_o plain_o what_o i_o will_v do_v 1._o if_o i_o be_v join_v unto_o any_o such_o church_n as_o wherein_o there_o be_v a_o defect_n in_o any_o of_o the_o rule_v appoint_v by_o christ_n for_o its_o order_n and_o government_n i_o will_v endeavour_v peaceable_o according_a as_o the_o duty_n of_o my_o state_n and_o call_v do_v require_v to_o introduce_v the_o practice_n and_o observance_n of_o they_o 2._o in_o case_n i_o can_v not_o prevail_v therein_o i_o will_v consider_v whether_o the_o want_n of_o the_o thing_n suppose_v be_v such_o as_o to_o put_v i_o on_o the_o practice_n of_o any_o thing_n unlawful_a or_o cut_v i_o short_a of_o the_o necessary_a mean_n of_o edification_n and_o if_o i_o find_v they_o do_v not_o so_o do_v i_o will_v never_o for_o such_o defect_n separate_v or_o withdraw_v communion_n from_o such_o a_o church_n but_o 5._o suppose_v that_o from_o these_o defect_n shall_v arise_v not_o only_o a_o real_a obstruction_n unto_o edification_n but_o also_o a_o necessity_n of_o practise_v some_o thing_n unlawful_a to_o be_v observe_v wherein_o no_o forbearance_n can_v be_v allow_v i_o will_v not_o condemn_v such_o a_o church_n i_o will_v not_o separate_v from_o it_o will_v not_o withdraw_v from_o act_n of_o communion_n with_o it_o which_o be_v lawful_a but_o i_o will_v peaceable_o join_v in_o fix_a personal_a communion_n with_o such_o a_o church_n as_o be_v free_a from_o such_o defect_n and_o if_o this_o can_v be_v do_v without_o the_o gather_n of_o a_o new_a church_n i_o see_v neither_o schism_n nor_o separation_n in_o so_o do_v wherefore_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o drs_n question_n and_o his_o case_n found_v on_o as_o many_o supposition_n as_o he_o be_v please_v to_o make_v it_o abide_v firm_a and_o unshaken_a that_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o our_o refrain_v communion_n from_o parochial_a assembly_n be_v the_o practice_n and_o imposition_n of_o thing_n not_o lawful_a for_o we_o to_o observe_v in_o they_o and_o it_o be_v undue_o affirm_v p._n 223._o that_o upon_o my_o ground_n separation_n be_v necessary_a not_o from_o the_o particular_a condition_n of_o communion_n with_o they_o but_o because_o parochial_a church_n be_v not_o form_v after_o the_o congregational_a way_n for_o what_o form_n of_o church_n they_o have_v be_v it_o what_o it_o will_v it_o be_v after_o the_o congregational_a way_n and_o it_o be_v more_o undue_o affirm_v and_o contrary_a unto_o the_o rule_n of_o christian_a charity_n that_o this_o plea_n of_o we_o be_v a_o necessary_a piece_n of_o art_n to_o keep_v fair_a with_o the_o presbyterian_a party_n for_o as_o we_o design_v to_o keep_v fair_a as_o it_o be_v call_v with_o no_o party_n but_o only_o so_o far_o as_o truth_n and_o christian_a love_n require_v and_o so_o we_o design_v it_o with_o all_o party_n whatsoever_o so_o the_o plea_n have_v be_v always_o insist_v on_o by_o we_o and_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o nonconformity_n in_o multitude_n of_o our_o persuasion_n before_o they_o have_v any_o opportunity_n to_o gather_v any_o congregational_a church_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n such_o thing_n will_v never_o help_v nor_o adorn_v any_o cause_n in_o the_o issue_n but_o he_o press_v the_o due_a consideration_n of_o this_o art_n that_o as_o i_o suppose_v they_o may_v avoid_v the_o snare_n of_o it_o on_o the_o presbyterian_o by_o mind_v they_o what_o be_v do_v in_o former_a time_n in_o the_o debate_n of_o the_o dissent_v brethren_n and_o the_o set_n up_o of_o congregational_a church_n in_o those_o day_n for_o say_v he_o have_v those_o of_o the_o congregational_a way_n since_o alter_v their_o judgement_n have_v d._n o._n yield_v that_o in_o case_n some_o term_n of_o communion_n in_o our_o church_n be_v not_o insist_v on_o they_o will_v give_v over_o separation_n be_v not_o their_o church_n first_o gather_v out_o of_o presbyterian_a congregation_n and_o if_o presbytery_n have_v be_v settle_v upon_o the_o king_n restauration_n will_v they_o not_o have_v continue_v in_o their_o separation_n answ._n 1_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n that_o i_o know_v of_o between_o presbyterian_o and_o those_o who_o he_o call_v independent_o about_o particular_a church_n for_o the_o presbyterian_o allow_v they_o to_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n grant_v they_o the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n by_o their_o own_o eldership_n in_o all_o ordinary_a case_n and_o none_o to_o
the_o charge_v of_o they_o with_o the_o whole_a occasion_n of_o the_o schism_n pretend_v until_o they_o can_v prove_v there_o be_v such_o a_o schism_n which_o i_o utter_o deny_v for_o the_o refrain_v of_o communion_n with_o parochial_a assembly_n on_o the_o ground_n whereon_o we_o do_v refrain_v have_v nothing_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o schism_n in_o it_o neither_o as_o it_o be_v state_v in_o the_o scripture_n nor_o as_o it_o be_v esteem_v of_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n among_o who_o there_o be_v difference_n of_o as_o great_a importance_n without_o any_o mutual_a charge_n of_o schism_n wherefore_o although_o we_o can_v forego_v utter_o the_o defence_n of_o our_o own_o innocency_n against_o such_o charge_n as_o import_v no_o less_o than_o a_o heinous_a gild_n of_o sin_n against_o god_n and_o eminent_a danger_n of_o ruin_n from_o man_n yet_o we_o shall_v constant_o unite_v ourselves_o with_o and_o unto_o all_o who_o sincere_o endeavour_v the_o promotion_n of_o the_o great_a end_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o interest_n of_o protestant_a religion_n in_o this_o nation_n something_o i_o judge_v necessary_a to_o add_v concern_v my_o engagement_n or_o rather_o surprisal_n into_o this_o controversy_n against_o my_o inclination_n and_o resolution_n the_o dr._n tell_v we_o pref._n p._n 51._o that_o when_o his_o sermon_n come_v first_o out_o it_o go_v down_o quiet_o enough_o and_o many_o of_o the_o people_n begin_v to_o read_v and_o consider_v it_o be_v please_v to_o find_v so_o weighty_a and_o necessary_a a_o point_n debate_v with_o so_o much_o calmness_n and_o freedom_n from_o passion_n which_o be_v discover_v by_o the_o leader_n and_o manager_n of_o the_o party_n it_o be_v soon_o resolve_v that_o the_o sermon_n must_v be_v cry_v down_o and_o the_o people_n dissuade_v from_o read_v of_o it_o if_o any_o of_o they_o be_v talk_v withal_o about_o it_o they_o shrink_v up_o their_o shoulder_n and_o look_v stern_o and_o shake_v their_o head_n and_o hardly_o forbear_v some_o bitter_a word_n both_o of_o the_o author_n and_o the_o sermon_n which_o it_o seem_v he_o know_v though_o they_o do_v forbear_v to_o do_v so_o and_o much_o more_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n and_o pag._n 58._o as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v the_o papist_n instrument_n to_o execute_v the_o fury_n of_o their_o wrath_n and_o displeasure_n against_o i_o they_o summon_v in_o the_o power_n of_o their_o party_n and_o resolve_v with_o their_o force_n and_o might_n to_o fall_v upon_o i_o with_o more_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n and_o pag._n 59_o after_o a_o while_o they_o think_v fit_a to_o draw_v their_o strength_n into_o the_o open_a field_n and_o the_o first_o who_o appear_v be_v etc._n etc._n i_o confess_v i_o be_v somewhat_o surprise_v that_o come_v into_o this_o coast_n all_o thing_n shall_v appear_v so_o new_a and_o strange_a unto_o i_o as_o that_o i_o can_v fix_v on_o no_o one_o mark_v to_o discover_v that_o i_o have_v ever_o be_v there_o before_o for_o i_o be_o as_o utter_v a_o stranger_n unto_o all_o these_o thing_n as_o unto_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o pope_n or_o turk_n the_o dr._n seem_v to_o apprehend_v that_o at_o the_o come_n forth_o of_o his_o sermon_n at_o least_o after_o its_o worth_n and_o weight_n be_v observe_v there_o be_v a_o consternation_n and_o disorder_n among_o the_o nonconformist_n as_o if_o hannibal_n have_v be_v at_o the_o gate_n for_o hereby_o he_o suppose_v they_o be_v cast_v into_o those_o ugly_a posture_n of_o shrink_v and_o stare_v and_o shake_v and_o swell_v with_o what_o they_o can_v hardly_o forbear_v to_o utter_v but_o these_o thing_n with_o those_o that_o follow_v seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v romantic_a and_o somewhat_o tragical_o express_v sufficient_o evidence_v that_o other_o story_n tell_v by_o the_o same_o author_n in_o this_o case_n stand_v in_o need_n of_o some_o grain_n of_o allowance_n to_o reduce_v they_o to_o the_o royal_a standard_n for_o whereas_o i_o be_o the_o first_o person_n instance_a in_o that_o shall_v have_v a_o hand_n in_o the_o management_n of_o these_o contrivance_n i_o know_v nothing_o at_o all_o of_o they_o nor_o upon_o the_o utmost_a enquiry_n i_o have_v make_v can_v i_o hear_v of_o any_o such_o thing_n among_o the_o party_n or_o the_o manager_n of_o they_o as_o they_o be_v call_v it_o be_v true_a the_o preach_a and_o publish_v of_o the_o drs._n sermon_n at_o that_o time_n be_v by_o many_o judge_v unseasonable_a and_o they_o be_v somewhat_o trouble_v at_o it_o more_o upon_o the_o account_n that_o it_o be_v do_v by_o he_o then_o that_o it_o be_v do_v but_o otherwise_o as_o to_o the_o charge_n of_o schism_n manage_v therein_o against_o they_o they_o be_v neither_o surprise_v with_o it_o nor_o discompose_v at_o it_o and_o so_o far_o as_o i_o know_v it_o be_v the_o season_n alone_o and_o the_o present_a posture_n of_o affair_n in_o the_o nation_n call_v for_o a_o agreement_n among_o all_o protestant_n that_o occasion_v any_o answer_n unto_o it_o it_o be_v therefore_o no_o small_a mistake_n that_o we_o dissuade_v any_o from_o read_v his_o sermon_n which_o have_v be_v common_o object_v by_o some_o other_o writer_n of_o the_o same_o way_n but_o if_o we_o be_v enemy_n unto_o these_o worthy_a person_n we_o can_v not_o desire_v they_o shall_v have_v more_o false_a intelligence_n from_o our_o tent_n than_o they_o seem_v to_o have_v this_o be_v not_o our_o way_n those_o who_o be_v join_v with_o we_o be_v so_o upon_o their_o own_o free_a choice_n and_o judgement_n nor_o do_v we_o dissuade_v they_o from_o read_v the_o discourse_n of_o any_o on_o the_o subject_a of_o our_o difference_n the_o rule_n hold_v herein_o to_o try_v all_o thing_n and_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_n nor_o do_v i_o know_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o least_o of_o advice_n or_o agreement_n to_o cry_v down_o and_o oppose_v confute_v or_o answer_v the_o drs._n sermon_n nor_o do_v i_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v ever_o any_o such_o among_o those_o who_o be_v charge_v with_o they_o and_o what_o shall_v be_v say_v unto_o those_o military_a expression_n of_o summon_v in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o party_n resolve_v to_o fall_v on_o think_v fit_a to_o draw_v their_o strength_n into_o the_o field_n etc._n etc._n i_o say_v what_o shall_v we_o say_v to_o these_o thing_n i_o be_o not_o a_o little_a trouble_v that_o i_o be_o force_v to_o have_v any_o concernment_n in_o the_o debate_n of_o these_o difference_n wherein_o man_n sense_n of_o their_o interest_n or_o of_o provocation_n they_o have_v receive_v cast_v they_o on_o such_o irregular_a way_n of_o defence_n and_o retaliation_n for_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v but_o fruit_n of_o imagination_n that_o have_v nothing_o of_o truth_n or_o substance_n to_o give_v countenance_n unto_o they_o the_o way_n whereby_o i_o become_v to_o be_v at_o all_o engage_v in_o this_o contest_v and_o the_o reason_n whereon_o i_o undertake_v a_o harmless_a defence_n of_o our_o innocency_n as_o to_o the_o charge_n of_o schism_n at_o this_o time_n i_o shall_v give_v a_o brief_a account_n of_o some_o day_n after_o the_o drs._n sermon_n be_v print_v and_o publish_v one_o of_o those_o who_o he_o suppose_v we_o persuade_v not_o to_o read_v it_o bring_v it_o unto_o i_o and_o give_v it_o i_o with_o such_o a_o character_n of_o it_o as_o i_o shall_v not_o repeat_v upon_o the_o perusal_n of_o it_o which_o i_o do_v on_o his_o desire_n be_v uncertain_a to_o this_o day_n whither_o without_o that_o occasion_n i_o have_v ever_o read_v it_o at_o all_o i_o confess_v i_o be_v both_o surprise_v and_o trouble_v and_o quick_o find_v that_o many_o other_o be_v so_o also_o for_o as_o there_o be_v then_o a_o great_a hope_n and_o expectation_n that_o all_o protestant_n will_v cement_v and_o unite_v in_o one_o common_a cause_n and_o interest_n for_o the_o defence_n and_o preservation_n of_o religion_n against_o the_o endeavour_n of_o the_o papist_n for_o its_o subversion_n so_o it_o be_v think_v by_o wise_a man_n of_o all_o sort_n that_o the_o only_a medium_fw-la and_o expedient_a for_o this_o end_n be_v the_o depose_n of_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o lesser_a difference_n among_o ourselves_o and_o bury_v all_o animosity_n that_o have_v arisen_a from_o they_o and_o i_o yet_o suppose_v myself_o at_o least_o excusable_a that_o i_o judge_v the_o tendency_n of_o that_o discourse_n to_o lie_v utter_o another_o way_n nor_o be_v it_o in_o my_o power_n to_o believe_v that_o a_o peremptory_a charge_n of_o schism_n upon_o any_o dissenter_n consider_v what_o be_v the_o apprehension_n and_o judgement_n of_o those_o who_o make_v that_o charge_n concern_v it_o with_o respect_n unto_o god_n and_o man_n be_v a_o mean_n to_o unite_v we_o in_o one_o common_a religious_a interest_n and_o on_o this_o account_n not_o know_v in_o the_o
ceremony_n without_o the_o enliven_a form_n of_o these_o spiritual_a gift_n i_o have_v prove_v sufficient_o in_o my_o discourse_n of_o spiritual_a gift_n and_o their_o continuance_n in_o the_o church_n wherefore_o a_o communication_n of_o spiritual_a gift_n peculiar_o enable_v man_n unto_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n antecedent_n unto_o their_o solemn_a separation_n unto_o the_o office_n in_o some_o good_a measure_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a unto_o the_o due_a continuance_n of_o the_o office_n and_o its_o work_n see_v ephes._n 4.7_o 11_o 12_o 13_o 14_o 15._o to_o suppose_v that_o the_o lord_n christ_n do_v call_v and_o appoint_v man_n unto_o a_o certain_a office_n and_o work_n in_o his_o church_n seclude_v all_o other_o from_o any_o interest_n in_o the_o one_o or_o other_o and_o yet_o not_o endow_v they_o with_o peculiar_a gift_n and_o ability_n for_o the_o discharge_n of_o that_o office_n and_o work_n be_v to_o ascribe_v that_o unto_o he_o which_o be_v every_o way_n unbecoming_a his_o wisdom_n and_o grace_n with_o his_o love_n unto_o the_o church_n but_o when_o man_n look_v on_o all_o church_n order_n as_o a_o lifeless_a machine_n to_o be_v act_v move_v and_o dispose_v by_o external_n rule_n law_n canon_n and_o order_n without_o respect_n unto_o the_o act_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n go_v before_o in_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o word_n to_o enliven_v every_o part_n of_o it_o the_o true_a disciple_n of_o christ_n will_v receive_v no_o advantage_n thereby_o 3._o it_o be_v of_o the_o same_o importance_n that_o person_n so_o call_v do_v take_v heed_n unto_o their_o ministry_n that_o they_o fulfil_v it_o that_o they_o give_v themselves_o unto_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n that_o they_o labour_v continual_o in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n and_o all_o those_o other_o duty_n which_o in_o the_o scripture_n be_v prescribe_v unto_o they_o and_o this_o not_o only_o as_o unto_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o but_o as_o unto_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o performance_n with_o zeal_n love_n compassion_n and_o diligence_n where_o there_o be_v a_o great_a defect_n in_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n on_o what_o pretence_n soever_o it_o be_v where_o man_n esteem_v themselves_o exempt_v from_o this_o work_n or_o not_o oblige_v unto_o it_o when_o they_o suppose_v that_o they_o may_v discharge_v their_o office_n at_o a_o cheap_a rate_n and_o with_o less_o trouble_n as_o unto_o their_o present_a interest_n by_o such_o way_n as_o i_o shall_v not_o here_o express_v no_o man_n be_v no_o man_n can_v be_v oblige_v to_o confine_v his_o church_n communion_n unto_o such_o a_o ministry_n 4._o it_o be_v require_v that_o they_o be_v example_n unto_o the_o flock_n in_o the_o expression_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o power_n of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o preach_v in_o their_o conversation_n especial_o in_o zeal_n humility_n self-denial_n and_o readiness_n for_o the_o cross._n where_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o there_o be_v such_o a_o defect_n in_o the_o fundamental_o of_o church_n practice_v as_o unto_o the_o ministry_n of_o it_o that_o no_o man_n who_o take_v care_n of_o his_o own_o edification_n can_v join_v himself_o unto_o a_o church_n labour_v under_o it_o for_o minister_n and_o church_n be_v nothing_o but_o institute_v mean_n of_o the_o conversion_n of_o sinner_n and_o the_o edification_n of_o believer_n and_o when_o any_o of_o they_o through_o their_o own_o default_n cease_v so_o to_o be_v there_o be_v no_o obligation_n unto_o any_o man_n to_o join_v or_o continue_v in_o their_o communion_n nor_o do_v they_o contract_v any_o gild_n in_o a_o peaceable_a departure_n from_o they_o but_o discharge_v their_o duty_n that_o this_o be_v do_v peaceable_o without_o strife_n or_o contention_n without_o judge_v of_o other_o as_o unto_o their_o interest_n in_o christ_n and_o eternal_a salvation_n the_o law_n of_o moral_a obedience_n do_v require_v that_o it_o be_v do_v with_o love_n and_o compassion_n and_o prayer_n towards_o and_o for_o they_o who_o be_v leave_v be_v the_o peculiar_a direction_n of_o that_o moral_a duty_n by_o the_o gospel_n such_o a_o practice_n at_o present_a will_v fall_v under_o severe_a charge_n and_o accusation_n as_o also_o brutish_a penalty_n in_o some_o place_n but_o when_o all_o church_n craft_n shall_v be_v defeat_v and_o the_o use_n that_o be_v make_v of_o its_o imaginary_a authority_n be_v discard_v there_o will_v be_v little_a occasion_n of_o this_o practice_n and_o none_o at_o all_o of_o offence_n again_o there_o be_v thing_n fundamental_a unto_o church_n practise_v and_o order_n in_o the_o church_n itself_o which_o where_o they_o be_v neglect_v no_o man_n ought_v of_o choice_n to_o join_v himself_o unto_o that_o church_n see_v he_o can_v do_v it_o without_o the_o prejudice_n of_o his_o edification_n the_o furtherance_n whereof_o he_o ought_v to_o design_n in_o that_o duty_n and_o these_o be_v 1._o that_o the_o discipline_n of_o christ_n be_v due_o exercise_v in_o it_o according_a unto_o his_o mind_n and_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o prescription_n there_o never_o be_v any_o sect_n order_n or_o society_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n design_v for_o the_o preservation_n and_o promotion_n of_o virtue_n and_o thing_n praiseworthy_a but_o they_o have_v rule_n of_o discipline_n proper_a unto_o the_o end_v of_o their_o design_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o and_o by_o all_o that_o belong_v unto_o they_o where_o the_o erection_n of_o such_o society_n be_v continue_v in_o the_o world_n as_o it_o be_v much_o in_o the_o papacy_n both_o their_o constitution_n and_o their_o conversation_n depend_v on_o the_o especial_a rule_n of_o discipline_n which_o they_o have_v frame_v unto_o themselves_o and_o this_o be_v do_v by_o they_o in_o great_a variety_n for_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o so_o esteem_v it_o insufficient_a unto_o their_o design_n they_o have_v make_v no_o end_n of_o coin_v rule_n unto_o themselves_o to_o suppose_v that_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o in_o this_o church_n state_n according_a unto_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n have_v erect_v the_o most_o perfect_a society_n for_o the_o most_o perfect_a end_n of_o religion_n of_o obedience_n towards_o god_n of_o love_n and_o usefulness_n among_o ourselves_o have_v not_o appoint_v a_o discipline_n and_o give_v rule_n concern_v its_o administration_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o that_o society_n and_o the_o attain_n of_o those_o end_n be_v high_o injurious_a unto_o his_o honour_n and_o glory_n where_o therefore_o there_o be_v a_o church_n or_o any_o society_n that_o pretend_v so_o to_o be_v wherein_o there_o be_v a_o utter_a neglect_n of_o this_o discipline_n of_o christ_n or_o the_o establishment_n of_o another_o not_o administer_v by_o the_o law_n and_o rule_n that_o he_o have_v prescribe_v no_o disciple_n of_o christ_n can_v be_v oblige_v to_o join_v unto_o or_o to_o continue_v in_o the_o total_a sole_a communion_n of_o such_o a_o church_n and_o whereas_o there_o be_v two_o part_n of_o this_o discipline_n of_o christ_n that_o which_o be_v private_a among_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o exercise_n and_o preservation_n of_o love_n and_o that_o which_o be_v public_a in_o and_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o purity_n and_o order_n a_o neglect_n in_o either_o of_o they_o do_v much_o impeach_v the_o fundamental_a constitution_n of_o a_o church_n as_o unto_o its_o practice_n 2._o there_o be_v sundry_a other_o thing_n which_o belong_v unto_o this_o discipline_n in_o general_n which_o be_v of_o great_a consideration_n in_o the_o discharge_v of_o the_o duty_n we_o inquire_v into_o among_o they_o be_v 1._o that_o constant_a difference_n be_v put_v between_o the_o good_a and_o the_o bad_a in_o all_o church_n administration_n 2._o that_o person_n open_o or_o flegitious_o wicked_a be_v not_o admit_v into_o the_o society_n of_o the_o church_n or_o a_o participation_n of_o its_o privilege_n 3._o that_o holiness_n love_n and_o usefulness_n be_v open_o avow_v as_o the_o design_n and_o interest_n of_o the_o church_n but_o they_o be_v all_o so_o comprise_v in_o the_o general_n head_n of_o discipline_n as_o that_o i_o shall_v not_o in_o particular_a insist_v upon_o they_o from_o what_o have_v be_v thus_o declare_v it_o will_v appear_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n what_o church_n it_o be_v that_o a_o discipline_n of_o christ_n who_o take_v due_a care_n of_o his_o own_o edification_n and_o salvation_n aught_o in_o duty_n to_o join_v himself_o unto_o in_o complete_a communion_n to_o answer_v this_o enquiry_n be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o those_o discourse_n and_o controversy_n which_o have_v be_v about_o the_o note_n of_o the_o true_a church_n i_o shall_v brief_o determine_v concern_v it_o according_a to_o the_o principle_n before_o evince_v 1._o it_o must_v be_v such_o a_o church_n as_o wherein_o all_o the_o fundamental_a truth_n of_o the_o