the_o church_n since_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n first_o reformer_n or_o those_o that_o follow_v they_o to_o judge_v that_o they_o be_v not_o infallible_a that_o their_o work_n be_v not_o absolute_o perfect_a like_o the_o work_n of_o god_n whereunto_o nothing_o can_v be_v add_v nor_o aught_o take_v away_o wherefore_o 3._o we_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o make_v what_o they_o do_v and_o what_o they_o attain_v unto_o and_o what_o they_o judge_v meet_v as_o unto_o the_o government_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v our_o absolute_a rule_n from_o which_o it_o shall_v be_v our_o sin_n to_o dissent_v or_o depart_v they_o never_o desire_v nor_o design_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o for_o to_o do_v so_o will_v have_v be_v to_o have_v cast_v out_o one_o papacy_n and_o to_o have_v bring_v in_o another_o and_o the_o argument_n of_o the_o papist_n for_o their_o absolute_a adherence_n unto_o the_o man_n of_o their_o veneration_n those_o who_o have_v be_v former_o of_o great_a reputation_n in_o their_o church_n for_o learning_n holiness_n and_o devotion_n be_v as_o forcible_a unto_o they_o as_o any_o can_v be_v unto_o we_o for_o a_o adherence_n unto_o the_o first_o reformer_n in_o all_o thing_n but_o yet_o be_v they_o not_o excuse_v in_o their_o error_n thereby_o have_v we_o receive_v a_o command_n from_o heaven_n to_o hear_v they_o in_o all_o thing_n it_o have_v alter_v the_o case_n but_o this_o we_o have_v receive_v only_o with_o respect_n unto_o jesus_n christ_n and_o shall_v therefore_o in_o these_o thing_n ultimate_o attend_v only_o unto_o what_o he_o speak_v and_o we_o have_v sundry_a consideration_n which_o confirm_v we_o in_o the_o use_n and_o exercise_v of_o that_o liberty_n wherewith_o christ_n have_v make_v we_o free_a to_o inquire_v ourselves_o into_o our_o duty_n in_o these_o thing_n and_o to_o regulate_v our_o duty_n in_o they_o by_o his_o word_n notwithstanding_o what_o be_v do_v by_o our_o first_o reformer_n for_o 1._o they_o do_v not_o think_v themselves_o oblige_v they_o do_v not_o think_v meet_a to_o abide_v within_o the_o bound_n and_o limit_n of_o that_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n which_o have_v be_v attempt_v before_o they_o by_o man_n wise_a learned_a and_o holy_a even_o in_o this_o nation_n such_o be_v that_o which_o be_v endeavour_v by_o wickliff_n and_o his_o follower_n in_o give_v testimony_n whereunto_o many_o suffer_a martyrdom_n and_o prepare_v the_o way_n unto_o those_o that_o be_v to_o come_v after_o they_o approve_v of_o what_o be_v then_o do_v or_o attempt_v to_o be_v do_v for_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o yet_o esteem_v themselves_o at_o liberty_n to_o make_v a_o further_a progress_n in_o the_o same_o work_n which_o they_o do_v according_o sure_o such_o person_n never_o design_v their_o own_o judgement_n and_o practice_n to_o give_v boundary_n unto_o all_o reformation_n for_o evermore_o or_o pretend_v that_o they_o have_v make_v so_o perfect_a a_o discovery_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o thing_n belong_v unto_o the_o rule_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n as_o that_o it_o shall_v not_o only_o be_v vain_a but_o sinful_a to_o make_v any_o far_a inquiry_n about_o it_o some_o think_v they_o be_v come_v unto_o the_o utmost_a limit_n of_o navigation_n and_o discovery_n of_o the_o part_n of_o the_o world_n before_o the_o west-indies_n be_v find_v out_o and_o some_o man_n when_o in_o any_o kind_n they_o know_v as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v be_v apt_a to_o think_v there_o be_v no_o more_o to_o be_v know_v it_o be_v not_o so_o with_o our_o reformer_n 2._o they_o do_v not_o at_o once_o make_v what_o they_o have_v do_v themselves_o to_o be_v a_o fix_a rule_n in_o these_o thing_n for_o themselves_o make_v many_o alteration_n in_o the_o service_n book_n which_o they_o first_o compose_v and_o if_o they_o judge_v not_o their_o first_o endeavour_n to_o be_v satisfactory_a to_o themselves_o they_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o expect_v their_o second_o shall_v be_v a_o stand_a rule_n unto_o all_o future_a age_n nor_o do_v they_o so_o but_o frequent_o acknowledge_v the_o imperfection_n of_o what_o they_o have_v do_v 3._o the_o first_o reformer_n both_o bishop_n and_o other_o both_o those_o who_o undergo_v martyrdom_n at_o home_n and_o those_o who_o live_v in_o exile_n abroad_o differ_v among_o themselves_o in_o their_o judgement_n and_o apprehension_n about_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v now_o under_o concest_n whereas_o they_o perfect_o agree_v in_o all_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o gospel_n obedience_n the_o public_a record_n of_o these_o difference_n do_v so_o remain_v as_o that_o they_o can_v modest_o be_v deny_v nor_o handsome_o cover_v and_o this_o must_v needs_o weaken_v the_o influence_n of_o their_o authority_n in_o the_o settlement_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v a_o act_n only_o of_o the_o prevalent_a party_n among_o they_o 4._o they_o differ_v in_o these_o thing_n from_o all_o other_o reform_a church_n with_o who_o they_o do_v absolute_o agree_v in_o doctrine_n and_o have_v the_o strict_a communion_n in_o faith_n and_o love_n for_o it_o be_v know_v that_o their_o doctrine_n which_o they_o own_v and_o establish_v be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o of_o the_o church_n abroad_o call_v particular_o reform_v in_o distinction_n from_o the_o lutheran_n but_o as_o unto_o the_o state_n rule_n and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n they_o differ_v from_o they_o all_o i_o press_v not_o this_o consideration_n unto_o the_o disadvantage_n of_o what_o they_o attain_v unto_o and_o establish_v in_o the_o way_n of_o reformation_n or_o in_o a_o way_n of_o prefer_v other_o church_n above_o they_o but_o only_o to_o evidence_n that_o we_o have_v reason_n enough_o not_o to_o esteem_v ourselves_o absolute_o oblige_v unto_o what_o they_o do_v and_o determine_v as_o unto_o all_o endeavour_n after_o any_o far_a reformation_n 5._o in_o their_o reformation_n they_o avowed_o propose_v a_o rule_n and_o measure_n unto_o themselves_o which_o be_v both_o uncertain_a and_o in_o many_o thing_n apparent_o various_a from_o the_o original_a rule_n of_o these_o thing_n give_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n with_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o first_o church_n and_o this_o be_v the_o state_n and_o example_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o first_o christian_n emperor_n as_o our_o author_n confess_v this_o rule_n be_v uncertain_a for_o no_o man_n live_v be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o just_a and_o full_a account_n of_o what_o be_v the_o state_n and_o rule_n of_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n in_o the_o reign_n of_o any_o one_o emperor_n much_o less_o during_o the_o succession_n of_o many_o of_o they_o continual_a alteration_n in_o the_o state_n or_o order_n of_o the_o church_n follow_v one_o upon_o another_o and_o that_o in_o those_o day_n there_o be_v a_o prevalent_a deviation_n from_o the_o original_a rule_n of_o church_n order_n have_v be_v before_o declare_v we_o dare_v not_o therefore_o make_v they_o and_o what_o they_o do_v to_o be_v our_o rule_n absolute_o who_o miss_v it_o so_o much_o in_o the_o choice_n of_o their_o own_o 6._o we_o may_v add_v hereunto_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o horrid_a darkness_n which_o they_o new_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o close_a adherence_n of_o some_o traditional_a prejudices_fw-la unto_o the_o best_a of_o man_n in_o such_o a_o condition_n the_o difficulty_n and_o opposition_n they_o meet_v withal_o as_o unto_o their_o whole_a work_n their_o prudence_n as_o they_o judge_v it_o in_o a_o endeavour_n to_o accommodate_v all_o thing_n unto_o the_o inclination_n and_o desire_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n extreme_o immerse_v in_o their_o old_a tradition_n which_o may_v not_o be_v destructive_a unto_o their_o salvation_n in_o heresy_n or_o idolatry_n all_o which_o can_v not_o but_o leave_v some_o mark_n of_o imperfection_n on_o their_o whole_a work_n of_o reformation_n upon_o these_o and_o the_o like_a consideration_n it_o be_v that_o we_o be_v enforce_v to_o assert_v the_o use_n of_o our_o own_o liberty_n light_n and_o understanding_n in_o the_o inquire_v after_o and_o compliance_n with_o the_o true_a original_a state_n and_o order_n of_o evangelical_n church_n with_o our_o duty_n in_o reference_n thereunto_o and_o not_o to_o be_v absolute_o confine_v unto_o what_o be_v judge_v meet_a and_o practise_v in_o these_o thing_n by_o the_o first_o reformer_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v if_o present_a interest_n and_o advantage_n do_v not_o prevail_v with_o man_n to_o fix_v the_o bound_n of_o all_o church_n reformation_n in_o what_o be_v by_o they_o attain_v and_o establish_v they_o will_v think_v it_o themselves_o a_o papal_a bondage_n to_o be_v bind_v up_o absolute_o unto_o their_o apprehension_n from_o a_o confinement_n whereunto_o in_o sundry_a other_o thing_n they_o declare_v themselves_o to_o be_v at_o a_o absolute_a liberty_n wherefore_o neither_o we_o nor_o our_o cause_n
to_o do_v the_o reason_n and_o cause_n appoint_v and_o secure_v this_o continuation_n be_v of_o various_a sort_n the_o principal_a whereof_o be_v these_o that_o follow_v 1._o the_o supreme_a cause_n hereof_o be_v the_o father_n grant_v of_o a_o perpetual_a kingdom_n in_o this_o world_n unto_o jesus_n christ_n the_o mediator_n and_o head_n of_o the_o church_n psal._n 72.5_o 7_o 15_o 16_o 17._o isa_n 9.7_o zech._n 6.13_o this_o grant_n of_o the_o father_n our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n plead_v as_o his_o warranty_n for_o the_o foundation_n and_o continuation_n of_o the_o church_n mat._n 28_o 17_o 18_o 19_o 20._o this_o everlasting_a kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n give_v he_o by_o the_o irrevocable_a grant_n of_o the_o father_n may_v be_v consider_v three_o way_n 1_o as_o unto_o the_o real_a subject_n of_o it_o true_a believer_n which_o be_v the_o object_n of_o the_o internal_a spiritual_a power_n and_o rule_n of_o christ._n of_o these_o it_o be_v necessary_a by_o virtue_n of_o this_o grant_n and_o divine_a constitution_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n that_o in_o every_o age_n there_o shall_v be_v some_o in_o the_o world_n and_o those_o perhaps_o no_o small_a multitude_n but_o such_o as_o the_o internal_a rule_n over_o they_o may_v be_v right_o and_o honourable_o term_v a_o kingdom_n for_o as_o that_o which_o formal_o make_v they_o such_o subject_n of_o christ_n give_v they_o no_o outward_a appearance_n or_o visibility_n so_o if_o in_o a_o time_n of_o the_o universal_a prevalency_n of_o idolatry_n there_o be_v seven_o thousand_o of_o these_o in_o the_o small_a kingdom_n of_o israel_n undiscerned_a and_o invisible_a unto_o the_o most_o eagle-eyed_a prophet_n who_o live_v in_o their_o day_n what_o number_n may_v we_o just_o suppose_v to_o have_v be_v within_o the_o limit_n of_o christ_n dominion_n which_o be_v the_o whole_a world_n in_o the_o worst_a dark_a most_o profligate_v and_o idolatrous_a time_n that_o have_v pass_v over_o the_o earth_n since_o the_o first_o erection_n of_o this_o kingdom_n this_o therefore_o be_v a_o fundamental_a article_n of_o our_o faith_n that_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o grant_n of_o the_o father_n christ_n ever_o have_v have_v and_o will_v have_v in_o all_o age_n some_o yea_o a_o multitude_n that_o be_v the_o true_a real_a spiritual_a subject_n of_o his_o kingdom_n neither_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n nor_o the_o rage_n or_o fury_n of_o the_o world_n nor_o the_o accurse_a apostasy_n of_o many_o or_o of_o all_o visible_a church_n from_o the_o purity_n and_o holiness_n of_o his_o law_n can_v hinder_v but_o that_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o sense_n must_v have_v a_o perpetual_a continuation_n in_o this_o world_n mat._n 16.18_o 2._o it_o may_v be_v consider_v with_o respect_n unto_o the_o outward_a visible_a profession_n of_o subjection_n and_o obedience_n unto_o he_o and_o the_o observation_n of_o his_o law_n this_o also_o belong_v unto_o the_o kingdom_n grant_v he_o of_o his_o father_n he_o be_v to_o have_v a_o kingdom_n in_o this_o world_n though_o it_o be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n he_o be_v to_o have_v it_o not_o only_o as_o unto_o its_o be_v but_o as_o unto_o its_o glory_n the_o world_n and_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n therein_o be_v to_o see_v and_o know_v that_o he_o have_v still_o a_o kingdom_n and_o a_o multitude_n of_o subject_n depend_v on_o his_o rule_n see_v the_o constitution_n of_o it_o dan._n 7.13_o 14._o wherefore_o it_o be_v from_o hence_o indispensible_o and_o absolute_o necessary_a that_o there_o shall_v at_o all_o time_n and_o in_o all_o age_n be_v ever_o a_o innumerable_a multitude_n of_o they_o who_o open_o profess_v faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o subjection_n of_o conscience_n unto_o his_o law_n and_o command_n so_o it_o have_v always_o be_v so_o it_o be_v and_o shall_v for_o ever_o be_v in_o this_o world_n and_o those_o who_o will_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n confine_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o notion_n of_o it_o unto_o any_o one_o church_n fall_v under_o a_o particular_a denomination_n as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o may_v utter_o fail_v or_o be_v ready_a on_o the_o other_o hand_n upon_o the_o suppose_a or_o real_a error_n or_o miscarriage_n of_o they_o or_o any_o of_o they_o who_o make_v this_o profession_n to_o cast_v they_o out_o of_o their_o thought_n and_o affection_n as_o those_o who_o belong_v not_o unto_o the_o kingdom_n or_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o only_o injurious_a unto_o they_o but_o enemy_n unto_o the_o glory_n and_o honour_n of_o christ._n 3._o this_o grant_n of_o the_o father_n may_v be_v consider_v with_o respect_n unto_o particular_a church_n or_o congregation_n and_o the_o end_n of_o these_o church_n be_v twofold_a 1_o that_o believer_n as_o they_o be_v internal_a spiritual_a real_a subject_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n may_v together_o act_v that_o faith_n and_o those_o grace_n whereby_o they_o be_v so_o unto_o his_o glory_n i_o say_v it_o be_v that_o true_a believer_n may_v together_o and_o in_o society_n act_n all_o those_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n wherein_o both_o as_o unto_o faculty_n and_o exercise_n their_o internal_a spiritual_a subjection_n unto_o christ_n do_v consist_v and_o as_o this_o be_v that_o whereby_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o world_n do_v most_o eminent_o consist_v namely_o in_o the_o joint_a exercise_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o love_n of_o true_a believer_n so_o it_o be_v a_o principal_a mean_n of_o the_o increase_n and_o augmentation_n of_o those_o grace_n in_o themselves_o or_o their_o spiritual_a edification_n and_o from_o this_o especial_a end_n of_o these_o church_n it_o follow_v that_o those_o who_o be_v member_n of_o they_o or_o belong_v to_o they_o aught_o to_o be_v saint_n by_o calling_n or_o such_o as_o be_v endue_v with_o those_o spiritual_a principle_n and_o grace_n in_o who_o exercise_n christ_n be_v to_o be_v glorify_v and_o where_o they_o be_v not_o so_o the_o principal_a end_n of_o their_o constitution_n be_v lose_v so_o be_v those_o church_n to_o be_v make_v up_o fundamental_o and_o material_o of_o those_o who_o in_o their_o single_a capacity_n be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n invisible_a 2_o their_o second_o end_n be_v that_o those_o who_o belong_v unto_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n under_o the_o second_o consideration_n as_o visible_o profess_v subjection_n unto_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n and_o faith_n in_o he_o may_v express_v that_o subjection_n in_o act_n and_o duty_n of_o his_o worship_n in_o the_o observance_n of_o his_o law_n and_o command_n according_a unto_o his_o mind_n and_o will._n for_o this_o alone_a can_v be_v do_v in_o particular_a church_n be_v they_o of_o what_o sort_n they_o will_v whereof_o we_o shall_v speak_v afterward_o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o it_o belong_v unto_o the_o foundation_n of_o these_o particular_a church_n that_o those_o who_o join_v in_o they_o do_v it_o on_o a_o public_a profession_n of_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o obedience_n unto_o he_o without_o which_o this_o end_n of_o they_o also_o be_v lose_v those_o i_o say_v who_o make_v a_o visible_a profession_n of_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o subjection_n unto_o he_o have_v no_o way_n to_o express_v it_o regular_o and_o according_a to_o his_o mind_n but_o in_o these_o particular_a church_n wherein_o alone_o those_o commandment_n of_o he_o in_o who_o observance_n our_o profession_n consist_v do_v take_v place_n be_v such_o society_n as_o wherein_o the_o solemn_a duty_n of_o his_o worship_n be_v perform_v and_o his_o rule_n or_o discipline_n be_v exercise_v wherefore_o this_o state_n of_o the_o church_n also_o without_o which_o both_o the_o other_o be_v imperfect_a belong_v unto_o the_o grant_n of_o the_o father_n whereby_o a_o perpetual_a continuation_n of_o it_o be_v secure_v nor_o be_v it_o of_o any_o weight_n to_o object_n that_o such_o have_v be_v the_o alteration_n of_o the_o state_n of_o all_o church_n in_o the_o world_n such_o the_o visible_a apostasy_n of_o many_o of_o they_o unto_o false_a worship_n and_o idolatry_n and_o of_o other_o into_o a_o worldly_a carnal_a conversation_n with_o vain_a tradition_n innumerable_a that_o it_o can_v be_v apprehend_v where_o there_o be_v any_o true_a church_n of_o this_o kind_n preserve_v and_o continue_v but_o that_o there_o be_v a_o actual_a intercision_n of_o they_o all_o for_o i_o answer_v 1_o no_o individual_a man_n nay_o no_o company_n of_o man_n that_o come_v together_o can_v give_v a_o certain_a account_n of_o what_o be_v do_v in_o all_o the_o world_n and_o every_o place_n of_o it_o where_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n be_v profess_v so_o as_o that_o what_o be_v affirm_v of_o the_o state_n of_o all_o church_n universal_o be_v mere_a conjecture_n and_o surmise_v 2_o there_o be_v so_o great_a a_o readiness_n in_o most_o to_o judge_v the_o
heaven_n but_o of_o men._n wherefore_o leave_n christian_n and_o church_n at_o that_o liberty_n which_o christ_n have_v purchase_v for_o they_o wherewith_o he_o have_v make_v they_o free_a and_o then_o let_v those_o who_o first_o break_v union_n and_o order_n bear_v the_o charge_n of_o schism_n which_o they_o can_v avoid_v 3._o the_o church_n communion_n require_v by_o virtue_n of_o this_o rule_n be_v constant_a and_o complete_a exclusive_a unto_o any_o other_o church_n order_n or_o mean_n of_o public_a edification_n it_o do_v not_o command_n or_o appoint_v that_o man_n shall_v communicate_v in_o parochial_a assembly_n when_o there_o be_v occasion_n when_o it_o be_v for_o their_o edification_n when_o scandal_n will_v arise_v if_o they_o shall_v refuse_v it_o but_o absolute_o and_o complete_o and_o whereas_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n relate_v unto_o church_n order_n and_o divine_a worship_n enjoin_v in_o that_o rule_n there_o be_v no_o distinction_n make_v between_o they_o that_o some_o thing_n be_v always_o necessary_a that_o be_v in_o the_o season_n of_o they_o and_o some_o thing_n wherein_o man_n may_v forbear_v a_o compliance_n but_o they_o be_v all_o equal_o require_v in_o their_o place_n and_o season_n though_o perhaps_o on_o different_a penalty_n and_o whoever_o fail_v in_o the_o observation_n of_o any_o ceremony_n time_n or_o place_n appoint_v therein_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o they_o who_o be_v entrust_v with_o the_o administration_n of_o church_n power_n or_o jurisdiction_n for_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n it_o can_v be_v call_v suppose_v a_o man_n will_v comply_v with_o all_o other_o thing_n only_o he_o esteem_v the_o use_n of_o one_o rite_n or_o ceremony_n as_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n or_o the_o like_a to_o be_v unlawful_a if_o he_o forbear_v the_o use_n of_o it_o or_o to_o tender_v his_o child_n unto_o baptism_n where_o it_o be_v use_v he_o be_v to_o be_v cut_v off_o as_o a_o schismatic_a from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n no_o less_o then_o if_o he_o have_v absolute_o refuse_v a_o compliance_n with_o the_o whole_a rule_n and_o therefore_o whatever_o condescension_n and_o forbearance_n in_o some_o thing_n be_v pretend_v he_o that_o do_v not_o in_o all_o thing_n observe_v the_o whole_a rule_n be_v in_o misericordia_fw-la concellarii_fw-la which_o oft_o prove_v a_o uneasy_a posture_n if_o any_o man_n think_v that_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v give_v they_o such_o a_o power_n and_o authority_n over_o the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n of_o his_o disciple_n as_o that_o they_o can_v bind_v they_o unto_o the_o religious_a observance_n of_o every_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n that_o they_o be_v please_v to_o appoint_v on_o the_o penalty_n of_o excision_n from_o all_o church_n communion_n and_o the_o gild_n of_o schism_n i_o shall_v only_o say_v that_o i_o be_o not_o of_o their_o mind_n nor_o ever_o shall_v be_v so_o 4._o this_o communion_n contain_v a_o virtual_a approbation_n of_o all_o that_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o rule_n of_o it_o as_o good_a for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v appoint_v in_o the_o church_n but_o what_o be_v so_o even_o order_n itself_o which_o these_o thing_n it_o be_v say_v be_v frame_v for_o be_v good_a only_a with_o respect_n thereunto_o now_o it_o be_v to_o be_v judge_v that_o whatever_o a_o man_n practise_v in_o religion_n that_o he_o approve_v of_o for_o if_o he_o do_v not_o he_o be_v a_o vile_a hypocrite_n nor_o be_v he_o worthy_a the_o name_n of_o a_o christian_a who_o will_v practice_v any_o thing_n in_o religion_n but_o what_o he_o approve_v the_o dispute_n that_o have_v be_v among_o we_o about_o do_v thing_n with_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n upon_o the_o command_n of_o superior_n and_o consent_v unto_o the_o use_n of_o thing_n which_o we_o approve_v not_o of_o in_o themselves_o tend_v all_o to_o atheism_n and_o the_o eternal_a dishonour_n of_o christian_a religion_n beget_v a_o frame_n of_o mind_n which_o a_o honest_a heathen_a will_v scorn_v wherefore_o unless_o man_n be_v allow_v to_o declare_v what_o it_o be_v they_o approve_v and_o what_o they_o do_v not_o their_o practice_n be_v their_o profession_n of_o what_o they_o approve_v which_o be_v the_o whole_a rule_n of_o communion_n prescribe_v unto_o they_o 5._o these_o thing_n be_v premise_v i_o shall_v propose_v some_o of_o those_o reason_n on_o the_o account_n whereof_o many_o can_v conform_v unto_o the_o church_n of_o england_n by_o join_v in_o constant_a complete_a communion_n with_o parochial_a assembly_n so_o as_o by_o their_o practice_n to_o approve_v the_o rule_n of_o that_o communion_n oblige_v themselves_o to_o use_v no_o other_o public_a mean_n for_o their_o own_o edification_n 1._o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o its_o parochial_a assembly_n stand_v in_o need_n of_o reformation_n for_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o either_o they_o fail_v in_o their_o original_a institution_n or_o else_o have_v degenerate_v from_o it_o what_o have_v already_o be_v discourse_v concern_v the_o original_a institution_n of_o church_n with_o man_n voluntary_a coalescency_n into_o such_o sacred_a society_n with_o what_o shall_v be_v afterward_o treat_v concern_v their_o essential_a part_n in_o matter_n and_o form_n will_v sufficient_o evidence_n their_o present_a deviation_n from_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o first_o institution_n neither_o so_o far_o as_o i_o know_v be_v it_o plead_v that_o they_o be_v distinct_a church_n of_o divine_a institution_n but_o secular_a appointment_n as_o for_o other_o end_n so_o for_o a_o accommodation_n of_o man_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o some_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o if_o they_o be_v find_v no_o more_o they_o can_v have_v no_o concernment_n into_o the_o enquiry_n about_o schism_n for_o withhold_a church_n communion_n from_o such_o society_n as_o be_v not_o church_n be_v a_o new_a kind_n of_o schism_n unknown_a to_o all_o antiquity_n and_o for_o that_o which_o take_v itself_o to_o be_v a_o church_n by_o a_o divine_a warranty_n suppose_v it_o be_v so_o to_o command_v constant_a complete_a communion_n exclusive_a unto_o all_o other_o church_n communion_n with_o that_o or_o they_o which_o be_v no_o church_n determine_v a_o refusal_n thereof_o to_o be_v schism_n be_v to_o undertake_v a_o cause_n which_o need_v not_o only_o great_a part_n but_o great_a power_n also_o to_o defend_v it_o but_o let_v these_o parochial_a assembly_n be_v esteem_v church_n without_o a_o supposition_n whereof_o i_o know_v not_o what_o ecclesiastical_a concernment_n we_o can_v have_v in_o they_o three_o thing_n will_v be_v say_v thereon_o 1._o that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o in_o other_o thing_n so_o in_o these_o parochial_a assembly_n stand_v in_o need_n of_o reformation_n 2._o that_o they_o neither_o do_v nor_o will_v nor_o can_v reform_v themselves_o 3._o on_o this_o supposition_n it_o be_v lawful_a for_o any_o of_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n to_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o he_o by_o join_v in_o such_o society_n for_o their_o edification_n as_o he_o have_v appoint_v which_o be_v the_o whole_a of_o the_o cause_n in_o hand_n nor_o do_v any_o necessity_n from_o hence_o ensue_v of_o a_o departure_n from_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o faith_n and_o love_n or_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o the_o due_a exercise_n of_o all_o the_o act_n and_o duty_n of_o christian_a love_n unto_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o first_o assertion_n some_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v premise_v as_o 1._o church_n institute_v plant_v rule_v according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o thing_n may_v degenerate_v into_o a_o corrupt_a state_n such_o as_o shall_v stand_v in_o need_n of_o reformation_n in_o a_o neglect_n whereof_o they_o must_v perish_v as_o unto_o their_o church_n state_n and_o privilege_n this_o need_v no_o confirmation_n for_o beside_o that_o it_o be_v possible_a from_o all_o the_o cause_n of_o such_o a_o apostasy_n and_o defection_n that_o so_o it_o shall_v be_v and_o it_o be_v frequent_o foretell_v in_o the_o scripture_n that_o so_o it_o will_v be_v the_o event_n in_o and_o among_o all_o church_n that_o have_v original_o a_o divine_a institution_n do_v make_v uncontrollable_o evident_a the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n most_o of_o they_o within_o few_o year_n of_o their_o first_o plantation_n be_v so_o degenerate_v that_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n threaten_v they_o with_o cast_v off_o unless_o they_o reform_v themselves_o what_o a_o woeful_a apostasy_n all_o other_o church_n both_o of_o the_o east_n and_o west_n be_v involve_v in_o be_v know_v unto_o and_o confess_v by_o all_o protestant_n but_o yet_o the_o case_n of_o none_o of_o they_o be_v deplorable_a or_o desperate_a until_o through_o pride_n and_o carnal_a interest_n they_o fall_v some_o of_o they_o into_o a_o persuasion_n that_o they_o need_v no_o reformation_n nor_o can_v be_v reform_v
by_o all_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n that_o the_o jewish_a christian_n shall_v be_v leave_v unto_o their_o own_o liberty_n out_o of_o respect_n unto_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o out_o of_o regard_n unto_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o otherwise_o may_v have_v be_v extreme_o hazard_v but_o 1._o the_o governor_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o make_v the_o determination_n insist_v on_o be_v the_o apostle_n themselves_o 2._o there_o be_v no_o such_o determination_n make_v that_o the_o jew_n shall_v be_v leave_v unto_o their_o own_o liberty_n in_o this_o matter_n but_o there_o be_v only_o a_o connivance_n at_o their_o inclination_n to_o bear_v their_o old_a yoke_n for_o a_o season_n the_o determination_n be_v only_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n that_o no_o imposition_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v make_v on_o the_o gentile_n 3._o the_o determination_n itself_o be_v no_o act_n of_o church_n government_n or_o power_n but_o a_o doctrinal_a declaration_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 4._o it_o be_v well_o that_o church_n governor_n once_o judge_v that_o imposition_n in_o thing_n not_o necessary_a be_v to_o be_v forbear_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n other_o i_o hope_v may_v in_o due_a time_n be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n 2._o he_o say_v the_o false_a apostle_n impose_v on_o the_o gentile_a christian_n have_v two_o circumstance_n in_o it_o which_o extreme_o alter_v their_o case_n from_o that_o of_o our_o dissenter_n for_o 1._o they_o be_v none_o of_o their_o lawful_a governor_n but_o go_v about_o as_o seducer_n draw_v away_o the_o disciple_n of_o the_o apostle_n from_o they_o it_o seem_v then_o 1._o that_o those_o who_o be_v lawful_a governor_n or_o pretend_v themselves_o so_o to_o be_v may_v impose_v what_o they_o please_v without_o control_v as_o they_o do_v in_o the_o papacy_n and_o the_o council_n of_o it_o but_o 2._o their_o imposition_n be_v mere_o doctrinal_a wherein_o there_o be_v no_o pretence_n of_o any_o act_n of_o government_n or_o govern_v power_n which_o make_v it_o less_o grievous_a then_o that_o which_o the_o dissenter_n have_v suffer_v under_o be_v thing_n no_o otherwise_o impose_v on_o we_o we_o shall_v bear_v they_o more_o easy_o 2._o say_v he_o they_o impose_v the_o jewish_a rite_n as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o not_o mere_o as_o indifferent_a thing_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v so_o long_o as_o they_o judge_v they_o so_o to_o be_v they_o be_v more_o to_o be_v excuse_v in_o their_o doctrinal_a imposition_n of_o they_o than_o other_o be_v who_o by_o a_o act_n of_o government_n fortify_v with_o i_o know_v not_o how_o many_o penalty_n do_v impose_v thing_n which_o themselves_o esteem_v indifferent_a and_o those_o on_o who_o they_o be_v impose_v do_v judge_n to_o be_v unlawful_a whereas_o he_o add_v that_o he_o have_v consider_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v material_a in_o discourse_n which_o seem_v to_o take_v off_o the_o force_n of_o the_o argument_n draw_v from_o this_o text_n i_o be_o not_o of_o his_o mind_n nor_o i_o believe_v will_v any_o indifferent_a person_n be_v so_o who_o shall_v compare_v what_o i_o write_v therein_o with_o his_o exception_n against_o it_o though_o i_o acknowledge_v it_o be_v no_o easy_a thing_n to_o discover_v wherein_o the_o force_n of_o the_o pretend_a argument_n do_v lie_v that_o we_o must_v walk_v according_a unto_o the_o same_o rule_n in_o what_o we_o have_v attain_v that_o wherein_o we_o differ_v we_o must_v wait_v on_o god_n for_o teach_v and_o instruction_n that_o the_o apostle_n elder_n and_o brethren_n at_o jerusalem_n determine_v from_o the_o scripture_n or_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n therein_o that_o the_o jewish_a ceremony_n shall_v not_o be_v impose_v on_o the_o gentile_a church_n and_o beleiver_n and_o that_o thereon_o those_o church_n continue_v in_o communion_n with_o each_o other_o who_o do_v and_o do_v not_o observe_v those_o ceremony_n be_v the_o only_a principle_n which_o in_o truth_n the_o doctor_n have_v to_o proceed_v upon_o to_o infer_v from_o these_o principle_n and_o proposition_n that_o there_o be_v a_o national_a church_n of_o divine_a institution_n for_o what_o be_v not_o so_o have_v no_o church_n power_n proper_o so_o call_v the_o nature_n of_o its_o power_n be_v determine_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o its_o institution_n or_o erection_n that_o this_o church_n have_v power_n in_o its_o governor_n and_o ruler_n to_o invent_v new_a order_n ceremony_n and_o rite_n of_o worship_n new_a canon_n for_o the_o observation_n of_o sundry_a thing_n in_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n which_o have_v no_o spring_n nor_o cause_n but_o their_o own_o invention_n and_o prescription_n and_o be_v authorize_v to_o impose_v the_o observation_n of_o they_o on_o all_o particular_a church_n and_o believer_n who_o never_o give_v their_o consent_n unto_o their_o invention_n or_o prescription_n and_o hereon_o to_o declare_v they_o all_o to_o be_v wicked_a schismatic_n who_o yield_v not_o full_a obedience_n unto_o they_o in_o these_o thing_n it_o require_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o art_n and_o skill_n in_o the_o manager_n of_o the_o argument_n sect_n ii_o partly_o 2._o sect._n 21._o pag._n 176._o our_o author_n proceed_v to_o renew_v his_o charge_n of_o schism_n or_o sinful_a separation_n against_o those_o who_o though_o they_o agree_v with_o we_o say_v he_o in_o the_o substantial_o of_o religion_n yet_o deny_v any_o communion_n with_o our_o church_n to_o be_v lawful_a but_o apprehend_v that_o the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n here_o insinuate_v will_v not_o be_v admit_v and_o that_o it_o will_v be_v difficult_a to_o find_v they_o out_o who_o deny_v any_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o be_v lawful_a he_o add_v that_o he_o do_v not_o speak_v of_o any_o improper_a act_n of_o communion_n which_o dr._n o._n call_v communion_n in_o faith_n and_o love_n which_o they_o allow_v to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n but_o why_o the_o act_n hereof_o be_v call_v improper_a act_n of_o communion_n i_o know_v not_o add_v unto_o faith_n and_o love_n the_o administration_n of_o the_o same_o sacrament_n with_o common_a advice_n in_o thing_n of_o common_a concernment_n and_o it_o be_v all_o the_o communion_n that_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n have_v among_o themselves_o in_o the_o whole_a world_n yea_o this_o church_n communion_n be_v such_o as_o that_o 1._o where_o it_o be_v not_o there_o be_v no_o evangelical_n communion_n at_o all_o whatever_o act_v of_o worship_n or_o church_n order_n man_n may_v agree_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o if_o the_o foundation_n of_o that_o agreement_n be_v not_o lay_v in_o a_o joint_a communion_n in_o faith_n and_o love_n they_o be_v neither_o accept_v with_o god_n nor_o profitable_a unto_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n for_o 2._o these_o be_v the_o thing_n namely_o faith_n and_o love_n which_o enliven_v all_o joint_a duty_n of_o church_n order_n and_o worship_n be_v the_o life_n and_o soul_n of_o it_o and_o how_o they_o shall_v be_v only_o improper_o that_o which_o they_o alone_o make_v other_o thing_n to_o be_v proper_o i_o can_v understand_v 3._o where_o there_o be_v no_o defect_n in_o these_o thing_n namely_o in_o faith_n and_o love_n the_o charge_n of_o schism_n on_o dissent_v in_o thing_n of_o lesser_a moment_n be_v altogether_o unreasonable_a it_o be_v to_o be_v desire_v that_o a_o overween_n of_o our_o difference_n make_v we_o not_o overlook_v the_o thing_n wherein_o we_o be_v agree_v this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a evil_n that_o attend_v this_o controversy_n man_n be_v force_v by_o their_o interest_n to_o lay_v more_o weight_n on_o a_o few_o outward_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n which_o the_o world_n and_o the_o church_n may_v well_o have_v spare_v have_v they_o not_o come_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o some_o man_n none_o know_v how_o than_o upon_o the_o most_o important_a grace_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o gospel_n hence_o communion_n in_o faith_n and_o love_n be_v scarce_o esteem_v worth_n take_v up_o in_o the_o street_n in_o comparison_n of_o uniformity_n in_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n let_v man_n be_v as_o void_a of_o and_o remote_a from_o true_a gospel_n faith_n and_o love_n as_o be_v imaginable_a yet_o if_o they_o comply_v quiet_o with_o and_o have_v a_o little_a zeal_n for_o those_o outward_a thing_n they_o be_v to_o be_v approve_v of_o as_o very_o orderly_a member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o whatever_o evidence_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n any_o can_v or_o do_v give_v of_o their_o communion_n in_o faith_n and_o love_n with_o all_o that_o be_v of_o that_o communion_n yet_o if_o they_o can_v in_o conscience_n comply_v in_o the_o observance_n of_o those_o outward_a thing_n mention_v they_o be_v to_o be_v judge_v schismatic_n and_o breaker_n of_o the_o church_n unity_n whereas_o no_o
who_o write_n be_v stuff_v with_o that_o charge_n and_o miserable_a attempt_n to_o make_v it_o good_n there_o be_v also_o other_o difference_n among_o they_o with_o respect_n unto_o church_n order_n rite_n ceremony_n and_o modes_n of_o worship_n the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o unto_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o sundry_a other_o thing_n take_v a_o way_n by_o itself_o which_o at_o present_a we_o do_v not_o consider_v 3._o consider_v the_o agreement_n in_o all_o fundamental_a article_n of_o faith_n between_o these_o church_n thus_o at_o difference_n and_o of_o what_o great_a use_n their_o union_n may_v be_v unto_o the_o protestant_a religion_n both_o as_o unto_o its_o spiritual_a and_o political_a interest_n in_o this_o world_n the_o effect_n of_o such_o a_o union_n among_o they_o have_v be_v attempt_v by_o many_o private_a person_n prince_n colloquy_n or_o synod_n of_o some_o of_o the_o party_n at_o variance_n have_v sedulous_o engage_v herein_o i_o wish_v they_o have_v never_o miss_v it_o in_o state_v the_o nature_n of_o that_o union_n which_o in_o this_o case_n be_v alone_o desirable_a and_o alone_a attainable_a nor_o in_o the_o cause_n of_o that_o disadvantageous_a difference_n that_o be_v between_o they_o for_o hence_o it_o be_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o although_o some_o verbal_a composition_n have_v sometime_o by_o some_o be_v consent_v unto_o yet_o all_o thing_n continue_v practical_o among_o they_o as_o they_o be_v from_o the_o beginning_n and_o there_o be_v yet_o person_n who_o be_v manage_v proposal_n for_o such_o a_o union_n with_o great_a projection_n in_o point_n of_o method_n for_o the_o compass_v of_o it_o and_o state_v of_o the_o principle_n of_o agreement_n some_o whereof_o i_o have_v by_o i_o but_o the_o present_a state_n of_o thing_n in_o europe_n with_o the_o mind_n of_o potentate_n not_o concern_v in_o these_o thing_n leave_v little_a encouragement_n for_o any_o such_o attempt_n or_o expectation_n of_o any_o success_n 4._o after_o the_o trial_n and_o experience_n of_o a_o hundred_o and_o fifty_o year_n it_o be_v altogether_o in_o vain_a to_o be_v expect_v that_o any_o far_a reconciliation_n or_o union_n shall_v be_v effect_v between_o these_o protestant_a church_n by_o either_o party_n relinquishment_n of_o the_o doctrine_n they_o have_v so_o long_o teach_v profess_v and_o contend_v for_o or_o of_o their_o practice_n in_o divine_a worship_n which_o they_o have_v so_o long_o be_v accustom_v unto_o we_o may_v as_o well_o expect_v that_o a_o river_n shall_v run_v backward_o as_o expect_v any_o such_o thing_n in_o this_o state_n of_o thing_n i_o say_v the_o principle_n we_o proceed_v upon_o be_v the_o most_o useful_a unto_o the_o procure_n of_o peace_n and_o union_n among_o these_o church_n in_o the_o state_n wherein_o they_o be_v and_o without_o which_o it_o will_v never_o be_v effect_v i_o shall_v therefore_o give_v a_o account_n of_o those_o of_o they_o which_o be_v of_o this_o nature_n and_o tendency_n 1._o and_o the_o first_o be_v the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o a_o general_a reformation_n in_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n belong_v unto_o these_o church_n it_o be_v sufficient_o know_v what_o a_o woeful_a condition_n the_o profession_n even_o of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n be_v fall_v into_o how_o little_a evidence_n be_v there_o leave_v of_o the_o power_n of_o evangelical_n grace_n work_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n what_o little_a diligence_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n what_o a_o deluge_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o vice_n have_v overwhelm_v the_o nation_n and_o what_o indication_n there_o be_v of_o the_o displeasure_n of_o god_n against_o we_o on_o the_o account_n of_o these_o thing_n who_o do_v not_o almost_o tremble_v at_o they_o calvin_n unto_o who_o i_o be_v new_o send_v by_o our_o reverend_a author_n in_o answer_n to_o they_o who_o plead_v for_o a_o separation_n from_o a_o true_a church_n because_o of_o the_o wickedness_n of_o many_o of_o its_o member_n or_o any_o of_o they_o add_v unto_o it_o it_o be_v a_o most_o just_a offence_n and_o unto_o which_o there_o be_v too_o much_o occasion_n give_v in_o this_o miserable_a age._n nor_o be_v it_o lawful_a to_o excuse_v our_o curse_a sloth_n which_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o let_v go_v unpunished_a as_o he_o begin_v already_o to_o chastise_v we_o with_o grievous_a stripe_n wo_n therefore_o unto_o we_o who_o by_o our_o dissolute_a licentiousness_n in_o flagitious_a sin_n do_v cause_n that_o the_o weak_a conscience_n of_o man_n shall_v be_v wound_v for_o we_o and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o then_o the_o matter_n be_v not_o much_o mend_v in_o the_o age_n wherein_o we_o live_v the_o truth_n be_v sin_n and_o impiety_n be_v come_v to_o that_o height_n and_o impudence_n sensuality_n and_o oppression_n be_v so_o diffuse_v among_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n conformity_n unto_o the_o fashion_n of_o the_o world_n become_v so_o universal_a and_o the_o evidence_n of_o god_n displeasure_n with_o the_o beginning_n and_o entrance_n of_o his_o judgement_n be_v so_o display_v as_o that_o if_o the_o reformation_n plead_v for_o be_v not_o speedy_o endeavour_v and_o vigorous_o pursue_v it_o will_v be_v too_o late_o to_o talk_v of_o difference_n and_o union_n destruction_n will_v swallow_v up_o all_o until_o this_o be_v agree_v on_o until_o it_o be_v attempt_v and_o effect_v in_o some_o good_a measure_n all_o endeavour_n for_o far_a union_n whatever_o there_o appear_v success_n shall_v be_v as_o probable_o it_o will_v be_v very_o small_a will_v be_v of_o no_o use_n unto_o the_o honour_n of_o religion_n the_o glory_n of_o christ_n nor_o good_a of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n individual_a person_n will_v do_v well_o to_o take_v care_n of_o themselves_o 2._o that_o all_o these_o differ_a church_n and_o whilst_o these_o difference_n do_v continue_v be_v teach_v to_o prefer_v their_o general_a interest_n in_o opposition_n unto_o the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n and_o antichrist_n in_o the_o world_n before_o the_o lesser_a thing_n wherein_o they_o differ_v and_o those_o occasional_a animosity_n that_o will_v ensue_v upon_o they_o it_o have_v be_v observe_v in_o many_o place_n that_o the_o near_a some_o man_n or_o church_n come_v together_o in_o their_o profession_n the_o more_o distant_a they_o be_v in_o their_o affection_n as_o the_o lutheran_n in_o many_o place_n do_v more_o hate_v the_o calvinist_n then_o the_o papist_n i_o hope_v it_o be_v not_o so_o among_o we_o this_o make_v it_o evident_a that_o the_o want_n of_o necessary_a peace_n and_o union_n among_o church_n do_v not_o proceed_v from_o the_o thing_n themselves_o wherein_o they_o differ_v but_o from_o the_o corrupt_a lust_n and_o interest_n of_o the_o person_n that_o differ_v this_o evil_n can_v no_o otherwise_o be_v cure_v but_o by_o such_o a_o reformation_n as_o shall_v in_o some_o measure_n reduce_v primitive_a simplicity_n integrity_n and_o love_n such_o as_o be_v among_o the_o church_n of_o the_o convert_v jew_n and_o gentile_n when_o they_o walk_v according_a unto_o the_o same_o rule_n in_o what_o they_o have_v attain_v forbear_v one_o another_o in_o love_n as_o unto_o the_o thing_n wherein_o they_o differ_v until_o this_o also_o be_v effect_v all_o endeavour_n for_o far_a union_n whilst_o these_o difference_n continue_v as_o they_o be_v like_a to_o do_v unless_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o thing_n in_o europe_n shall_v be_v change_v by_o some_o great_a revolution_n will_v be_v fruitless_a and_o useless_a be_v this_o conscientious_o insist_v on_o out_o of_o a_o pure_a love_n unto_o jesus_n christ_n with_o zeal_n for_o his_o glory_n it_o will_v not_o only_o be_v of_o more_o use_n then_o innumerable_a wrangle_a dispute_n about_o the_o point_n in_o difference_n but_o more_o than_o the_o exact_a method_n in_o contrive_v formulary_n of_o consent_n or_o colloquy_n or_o synodical_a conference_n of_o the_o party_n at_o variance_n with_o all_o their_o solemnity_n order_n limitation_n precaution_n concession_n and_o oration_n let_v man_n say_v what_o they_o will_v it_o must_v be_v the_o revival_n flourish_a and_o exercise_n of_o evangelical_n light_n faith_n and_o love_n that_o shall_v heal_v the_o difference_n and_o breach_n that_o be_v among_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n nor_o shall_v any_o thing_n else_o be_v honour_v with_o any_o great_a influence_n into_o that_o work_n 3._o that_o all_o communion_n of_o church_n as_o such_o consist_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o same_o sacrament_n and_o common_a advice_n in_o thing_n of_o common_a concerment_n all_o these_o may_v be_v observe_v when_o for_o sundry_a reason_n the_o member_n of_o they_o can_v have_v local_a presential_a communion_n in_o some_o ordinance_n with_o each_o church_n distinct_o if_o this_o truth_n be_v well_o establish_v and_o consent_v unto_o man_n may_v be_v
under_o for_o the_o communion_n so_o much_o talk_v of_o among_o church_n be_v almost_o come_v only_o unto_o a_o agreement_n and_o oneness_n in_o design_n for_o the_o mutual_a and_o forcible_a extermination_n of_o one_o another_o at_o least_o this_o be_v the_o profess_a principle_n of_o they_o who_o lie_v the_o loud_a claim_n to_o the_o name_n and_o title_n with_o all_o the_o right_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o be_v other_o far_a remote_a from_o the_o same_o design_n who_o adjudge_v all_o who_o dissent_n from_o themselves_o into_o such_o a_o condition_n as_o wherein_o they_o be_v much_o incline_v to_o think_v it_o meet_v they_o shall_v be_v destroy_v that_o which_o animate_v this_o contest_v which_o give_v it_o life_n and_o fierceness_n be_v a_o suppose_a enclosure_n of_o certain_a privilege_n and_o advantage_n spiritual_a and_o temporal_a real_a or_o pretend_a unto_o the_o church-state_n contend_v about_o hence_o most_o man_n seem_v to_o think_v that_o the_o principal_a if_o not_o their_o only_a concernment_n in_o religion_n be_v of_o what_o church_n they_o be_v so_o as_o that_o a_o dissent_n from_o they_o be_v so_o evil_a as_o that_o there_o be_v almost_o nothing_o else_o that_o have_v any_o very_a considerable_a evil_n in_o it_o when_o this_o be_v once_o well_o rivet_v in_o their_o mind_n by_o they_o who_o secular_a advantage_n lie_v in_o the_o enclosure_n they_o be_v in_o a_o readiness_n to_o bear_v a_o share_n in_o all_o the_o evil_n that_o avoidable_a ensue_v on_o such_o division_n by_o this_o mean_n among_o other_o be_v the_o state_n or_o condition_n of_o christian_a religion_n as_o unto_o its_o public_a profession_n become_v at_o this_o day_n so_o deplorable_a as_o can_v well_o be_v express_v what_o with_o the_o bloody_a and_o desolate_v war_n of_o prince_n and_o potentate_n and_o what_o with_o the_o degeneracy_n of_o the_o community_n of_o the_o people_n from_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o love_n meekness_n self-denial_n holiness_n zeal_n the_o universal_a mortification_n of_o sin_n and_o fruitfulness_n in_o good_a work_n the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n be_v become_v but_o a_o sad_a representation_n of_o the_o virtue_n of_o he_o who_o call_v out_o of_o darkness_n into_o his_o marvellous_a light_n neither_o do_v there_o seem_v at_o present_a to_o be_v any_o design_n or_o expectation_n in_o the_o most_o for_o the_o end_n of_o controversy_n about_o the_o church_n but_o force_v and_o the_o sword_n which_o god_n forbid_v it_o be_v therefore_o high_a time_n that_o a_o sober_a enquiry_n be_v make_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o such_o church_n state_n of_o divine_a institution_n as_o those_o contend_v about_o for_o if_o it_o shall_v appear_v upon_o trial_n that_o indeed_o there_o be_v not_o but_o that_o all_o the_o fierce_a digladiation_n of_o the_o party_n at_o variance_n with_o the_o doleful_a effect_n that_o attend_v they_o have_v proceed_v on_o a_o false_a supposition_n in_o a_o adherence_n whereunto_o they_o be_v confirm_v by_o their_o interest_n some_o advance_n may_v be_v make_v towards_o their_o abatement_n however_o if_o this_o may_v not_o be_v attain_v yet_o direction_n may_v be_v take_v from_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o truth_n for_o the_o use_n of_o they_o who_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v deliver_v from_o all_o concernment_n in_o these_o fruitless_a endless_a contest_v and_o to_o reduce_v their_o whole_a practice_n in_o religion_n unto_o the_o institution_n rule_n and_o command_v of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n and_o where_o all_o hope_n of_o a_o general_a reformation_n seem_v to_o fail_v it_o savour_v somewhat_o of_o a_o unwarrantable_a severity_n to_o forbid_v they_o to_o reform_v themselves_o who_o be_v willing_a so_o to_o do_v provide_v they_o admit_v of_o no_o other_o rule_n in_o what_o they_o so_o do_v but_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n carry_v it_o peaceable_o towards_o all_o man_n and_o firm_o adhere_v unto_o the_o faith_n once_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n to_o make_v a_o entrance_n into_o this_o enquiry_n the_o ensue_a discourse_n be_v design_v and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o way_n of_o the_o mannagement_n of_o it_o but_o by_o a_o diligent_a impartial_a search_n into_o the_o nature_n order_n power_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n church_n state_n as_o institute_v determine_v and_o limit_v by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n when_o we_o depart_v from_o this_o rule_n so_o as_o not_o to_o be_v regulate_v by_o it_o in_o all_o instance_n of_o fact_n or_o plea_n of_o right_n that_o afterward_o fall_v out_o we_o fall_v into_o the_o confusion_n of_o various_a presumption_n suit_v unto_o the_o apprehension_n and_o interest_n of_o man_n impose_v on_o they_o from_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o age_n wherein_o they_o live_v yet_o be_v it_o not_o to_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o much_o light_n into_o the_o nature_n of_o apostolical_a institution_n may_v be_v receive_v from_o the_o declare_a principle_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o first_o church_n for_o the_o space_n of_o 200_o year_n or_o thereabouts_o but_o that_o after_o this_o the_o church_n do_v insensible_o depart_v in_o various_a degree_n from_o the_o state_n rule_n and_o order_n of_o the_o apostolical_a church_n must_v i_o suppose_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o those_o who_o groan_n under_o the_o final_a issue_n of_o that_o gradual_a degeneracy_n in_o the_o papal_a antichristian_a tyranny_n for_o rome_n be_v not_o build_v in_o a_o day_n nor_o be_v this_o change_n introduce_v at_o once_o or_o in_o one_o age_n nor_o be_v the_o lesser_a alteration_n which_o begin_v this_o declension_n so_o prejudicial_a unto_o the_o be_v order_n and_o purity_n of_o the_o church_n as_o they_o prove_v afterward_o through_o a_o continual_a additional_a increase_n in_o succeed_a age_n have_v affirm_v something_o of_o this_o nature_n in_o my_o brief_a vindication_n of_o the_o nonconformist_n from_o the_o gild_n of_o schism_n the_o reverend_a dr._n stillingfleet_n in_o his_o late_a treatise_n entitle_v the_o vnreasonableness_n of_o separation_n do_v not_o only_o deny_v it_o but_o reflect_v with_o some_o severity_n upon_o the_o mention_n of_o it_o part_v 2._o sect._n 3._o pag._n 225_o 226_o etc._n etc._n i_o shall_v therefore_o on_o this_o occasion_n reassume_v the_o consideration_n of_o it_o although_o it_o will_v be_v speak_v unto_o also_o afterward_o the_o word_n he_o oppose_v be_v these_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o a_o impartial_a account_n may_v ere_o long_o be_v give_v of_o the_o state_n and_o way_n of_o the_o first_o church_n after_o the_o decease_n of_o the_o apostle_n wherein_o it_o will_v be_v make_v to_o appear_v how_o they_o do_v insensible_o deviate_v in_o many_o thing_n from_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o first_o institution_n so_o as_o that_o though_o their_o mistake_v be_v of_o small_a moment_n and_o not_o prejudicial_a unto_o their_o faith_n and_o order_n yet_o occasion_n be_v administer_v unto_o succeed_a age_n to_o increase_v those_o deviation_n until_o they_o issue_v in_o a_o fatal_a apostasy_n i_o yet_o suppose_v these_o word_n inoffensive_a and_o agreeable_a unto_o the_o sentiment_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o protestant_n for_o 1._o unto_o the_o first_o church_n after_o the_o apostle_n i_o ascribe_v nothing_o but_o such_o small_a mistake_v as_o do_v no_o way_n prejudice_v their_o faith_n or_o order_n and_o that_o they_o do_v preserve_v the_o latter_a as_o well_o as_o the_o former_a as_o unto_o all_o the_o substantial_a part_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v afterward_o declare_v nor_o do_v i_o reflect_v any_o more_o upon_o they_o than_o do_v hegesippus_n in_o eusebius_n who_o confine_v the_o virgin_n purity_n of_o the_o church_n unto_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n lib._n 3._o cap._n 29._o the_o great_a deviation_n which_o i_o intend_v begin_v not_o until_o after_o the_o end_n of_o the_o second_o century_n but_o 2._o to_o evince_v the_o improbability_n of_o any_o alteration_n in_o church_n rule_n and_o order_n upon_o my_o own_o principle_n he_o intimate_v both_o here_o and_o afterward_o that_o my_o judgement_n be_v that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v democratical_a and_o the_o power_n of_o it_o in_o the_o people_n in_o distinction_n from_o its_o officer_n which_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n i_o never_o think_v i_o never_o write_v any_o such_o thing_n i_o do_v believe_v that_o the_o authoritative_a rule_n or_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v in_o the_o elder_n and_o ruler_n of_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o office-power_n commit_v unto_o they_o by_o christ_n himself_o howbeit_o my_o judgement_n be_v that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o rule_v the_o church_n with_o force_n tyranny_n and_o corporal_a penalty_n or_o without_o their_o own_o consent_n whereof_o we_o shall_v treat_v afterward_o there_o be_v also_o other_o mistake_v in_o the_o same_o discourse_n which_o i_o shall_v not_o insist_v upon_o
least_o that_o any_o other_o person_n have_v undertake_v or_o will_v undertake_v the_o consideration_n of_o the_o drs._n sermon_n i_o think_v that_o my_o endeavour_n for_o the_o removal_n of_o the_o obstacle_n cast_v in_o the_o way_n unto_o a_o sincere_a coalition_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o faith_n among_o all_o sort_n of_o protestant_n may_v not_o be_v unacceptable_a neither_o do_v i_o see_v any_o other_o way_n whereby_o this_o may_v be_v do_v but_o only_o by_o a_o vindication_n of_o the_o dissenter_n from_o the_o gild_n of_o that_o state_n which_o if_o it_o be_v true_o charge_v on_o they_o must_v render_v our_o division_n irreconcilable_a and_o continue_v still_o of_o the_o same_o mind_n i_o have_v once_o more_o renew_v the_o same_o defensative_a with_o no_o other_o design_n but_o to_o maintain_v hope_n that_o peace_n and_o love_n may_v yet_o be_v preserve_v among_o we_o during_o the_o continuation_n of_o these_o difference_n and_o whereas_o it_o be_v a_o work_n of_o almighty_a power_n to_o reduce_v christian_a religion_n unto_o its_o first_o purity_n and_o simplicity_n which_o will_v not_o be_v effect_v but_o by_o various_a providential_a dispensation_n in_o the_o world_n and_o renew_v effusion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n from_o above_z which_o be_v to_o be_v wait_v for_o and_o see_v that_o all_o endeavour_n for_o national_a reformation_n be_v attend_v with_o insuperable_a difficulty_n few_o church_n be_v either_o able_a or_o willing_a to_o extricate_v themselves_o from_o the_o dust_n of_o tradition_n and_o time_n with_o the_o rust_n of_o secular_a interest_n i_o will_v hope_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v always_o the_o object_n of_o public_a severity_n who_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o truth_n and_o peace_n with_o all_o sincere_a disciple_n of_o christ_n every_o where_o do_v design_n nothing_o but_o a_o reformation_n of_o themselves_o and_o their_o way_n by_o a_o universal_a compliance_n with_o the_o will_n and_o word_n of_o christ_n alone_o who_o god_n have_v command_v they_o in_o all_o thing_n to_o hear_v and_o obey_v the_o reduction_n i_o say_v of_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n in_o general_n unto_o its_o primitive_a purity_n simplicity_n separation_n from_o the_o world_n and_o all_o implication_n with_o secular_a interest_n so_o as_o that_o it_o shall_v comprise_v nothing_o but_o the_o guidance_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n in_o the_o life_n of_o god_n towards_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o be_v a_o work_n more_o to_o be_v pray_v for_o to_o come_v in_o its_o proper_a season_n then_o to_o be_v expect_v in_o this_o age._n nor_o do_v any_o yet_o appear_v fit_v in_o the_o least_o measure_n for_o the_o undertake_n or_o attempt_v such_o a_o work_n any_o far_a than_o by_o their_o own_o personal_a profession_n and_o example_n and_o whilst_o thing_n continue_v among_o protestant_a church_n in_o the_o state_n wherein_o they_o be_v under_o the_o influence_n of_o divide_a secular_a interest_n and_o advantageous_a mixture_n with_o they_o with_o the_o relic_n of_o the_o old_a general_n apostasy_n by_o difference_n in_o point_n of_o doctrine_n in_o rule_n of_o discipline_n in_o order_n of_o divine_a worship_n it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o look_v for_o any_o union_n or_o communion_n among_o they_o in_o a_o compliance_n with_o any_o certain_a rule_n of_o uniformity_n either_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o faith_n or_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o worship_n and_o discipline_n nor_o will_v such_o a_o agreement_n among_o they_o can_v it_o be_v attain_v be_v of_o any_o great_a advantage_n unto_o the_o important_a end_n of_o religion_n unless_o a_o revival_n of_o the_o power_n of_o it_o in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n do_v accompany_v it_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o glory_n of_o our_o christian_a profession_n in_o righteousness_n holiness_n and_o a_o visible_a dedication_n of_o its_o professor_n unto_o god_n be_v much_o lose_v in_o the_o world_n innumerable_a soul_n perish_v through_o the_o want_n of_o effectual_a mean_n for_o their_o conversion_n and_o edification_n to_o attempt_v public_a national_a reformation_n whilst_o thing_n ecclesiastic_a and_o civil_a be_v so_o involve_v as_o they_o be_v the_o one_o be_v rivet_v into_o the_o legal_a constitution_n of_o the_o other_o be_v neither_o the_o duty_n nor_o work_v of_o private_a man_n nor_o will_v as_o i_o suppose_v wise_a man_n be_v over_o forward_o in_o attempt_v any_o such_o thing_n unless_o they_o have_v better_a evidence_n of_o mean_n to_o make_v it_o effectual_a than_o any_o that_o do_v as_o yet_o appear_v for_o the_o religion_n of_o a_o nation_n in_o every_o form_n will_v answer_v the_o ministry_n of_o it_o what_o be_v the_o present_a duty_n in_o this_o state_n of_o thing_n of_o those_o private_a christian_n or_o minister_n who_o can_v satisfy_v their_o conscience_n as_o unto_o their_o duty_n towards_o god_n without_o endeavour_v a_o conformity_n unto_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o observance_n of_o all_o his_o institution_n and_o command_n confine_v all_o their_o concern_v in_o religion_n unto_o thing_n spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a be_v the_o enquiry_n before_o we_o chap._n i._o of_o the_o original_a of_o church_n when_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v plead_v to_o belong_v unto_o religion_n or_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v propose_v unto_o we_o our_o first_o consideration_n of_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o that_o enquiry_n which_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n make_v of_o the_o pharisee_n concern_v the_o baptism_n of_o john_n whence_o be_v it_o from_o heaven_n or_o of_o man_n he_o distribute_v all_o thing_n which_o come_v under_o that_o plea_n or_o pretence_n into_o two_o head_n as_o unto_o their_o original_a and_o efficient_a cause_n namely_o heaven_n and_o men._n and_o these_o be_v not_o only_o different_a and_o distinct_a but_o so_o contradictory_n one_o unto_o another_o that_o as_o unto_o any_o thing_n wherein_o religion_n or_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v concern_v they_o can_v concur_v as_o partial_a cause_n of_o the_o same_o effect_n what_o be_v of_o man_n be_v not_o from_o heaven_n and_o what_o be_v from_o heaven_n be_v not_o of_o men._n and_o hence_o be_v his_o determination_n concern_v both_o sort_n of_o these_o thing_n every_o plant_n which_o my_o heavenly_a father_n have_v not_o plant_v shall_v be_v root_v up_o mat._n 15.13_o design_v therefore_o to_o treat_v of_o church_n their_o original_a nature_n use_v and_o end_v my_o first_o enquiry_n must_v be_v whether_o they_o be_v from_o heaven_n or_o of_o man_n that_o be_v whether_o they_o be_v of_o a_o divine_a original_a have_v a_o divine_a institution_n or_o whether_o they_o be_v a_o ordinance_n or_o creation_n of_o man_n for_o their_o pedigree_n must_v be_v derive_v from_o one_o of_o these_o single_o they_o never_o concur_v in_o the_o constitution_n of_o any_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n or_o any_o thing_n that_o belong_v thereunto_o this_o will_v seem_v a_o case_n and_o enquiry_n of_o a_o exceed_a easy_a determination_n for_o the_o scripture_n every_o where_o make_v mention_v of_o the_o church_n or_o church_n as_o the_o ordinance_n and_o institution_n of_o god_n but_o such_o thing_n have_v fall_v out_o in_o the_o world_n in_o latter_a age_n as_o may_v make_v man_n just_o question_v whether_o we_o understand_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n aright_o or_o no_o in_o what_o be_v speak_v of_o they_o at_o least_o if_o they_o shall_v allow_v that_o the_o church_n so_o mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o divine_a appointment_n yet_o it_o may_v be_v high_o questionable_a whether_o those_o which_o have_v since_o be_v in_o the_o world_n be_v not_o a_o mere_a product_n of_o the_o invention_n and_o power_n of_o man_n 1._o for_o many_o age_n such_o thing_n alone_o be_v propose_v unto_o the_o world_n and_o impose_v on_o it_o for_o the_o only_a church_n as_o be_v from_o hell_n rather_o than_o from_o heaven_n at_o least_o from_o man_n and_o those_o none_o of_o the_o best_a for_o all_o man_n in_o these_o western_a part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v and_o profess_v on_o the_o penalty_n of_o eternal_a and_o temporal_a destruction_n that_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n and_o those_o depend_v on_o he_o be_v the_o only_a church_n in_o the_o world_n if_o this_o shall_v be_v grant_v as_o it_o be_v almost_o universal_o in_o some_o age_n and_o in_o this_o be_v earnest_o contend_v for_o there_o will_v be_v a_o thousand_o evidence_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o institution_n of_o church_n be_v not_o from_o heaven_n but_o from_o men._n whether_o the_o invention_n of_o man_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v again_o or_o no_o man_n of_o secular_a wisdom_n and_o interest_n may_v do_v well_o to_o consider_v but_o he_o must_v be_v blind_a and_o mad_a and_o accurse_a in_o his_o mind_n and_o understanding_n who_o can_v think_v of_o receive_v it_o as_o from_o
entertain_v please_v dream_n of_o throne_n preeminency_n chief_z see_z secular_a grandeur_n and_o power_n nor_o frame_v so_o many_o law_n and_o canon_n about_o these_o thing_n turn_v the_o whole_a rule_n of_o the_o church_n into_o a_o worldly_a empire_n for_o such_o it_o be_v that_o as_o of_o all_o the_o pope_n which_o ever_o dwell_v at_o rome_n there_o be_v never_o any_o pretend_a or_o act_v a_o great_a zeal_n for_o the_o rule_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n by_o the_o law_n and_o canon_n that_o it_o have_v make_v for_o that_o end_n than_o gregory_n the_o 7_o the_o so_o if_o ever_o there_o be_v any_o antichrist_n in_o the_o world_n as_o there_o be_v many_o anti-christs_n he_o be_v one_o his_o luciferian_a pride_n his_o trample_v on_o all_o christian_a king_n and_o potentate_n his_o horrible_a tyranny_n over_o the_o conscience_n of_o all_o christian_n his_o abominable_a dictate_v assert_v of_o his_o own_o godlike_a sovereignty_n his_o require_v all_o man_n on_o the_o pain_n of_o damnation_n to_o be_v sinful_a subject_n to_o god_n and_o peter_n that_o be_v himself_z which_o his_o own_o act_n and_o epistle_n be_v fill_v withal_o do_v manifest_a both_o who_o and_o what_o he_o be_v unto_o that_o issue_n do_v this_o power_n of_o law_n or_o canon_n make_v for_o the_o honour_n and_o dignity_n of_o church_n ruler_n at_o length_n arrive_v 3._o let_v the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n by_o jesus_n christ_n abide_v and_o remain_v let_v the_o law_n for_o its_o rule_n government_n and_o worship_n which_o he_o have_v record_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v diligenty_n observe_v by_o they_o who_o duty_n it_o be_v to_o take_v care_n about_o they_o both_o to_o observe_v they_o themselves_o and_o to_o teach_v other_o so_o to_o do_v and_o we_o know_v full_a well_o there_o will_v be_v no_o occasion_n give_v or_o leave_v unto_o the_o least_o confusion_n or_o disorder_n in_o the_o church_n but_o if_o man_n will_v be_v froward_a and_o because_o they_o may_v not_o make_v law_n themselves_o or_o keep_v the_o statute_n make_v by_o other_o will_v neglect_v the_o due_a observation_n and_o execution_n of_o what_o christ_n have_v ordain_v or_o will_v deny_v that_o we_o may_v and_o aught_o in_o and_o for_o the_o due_a observation_n of_o his_o law_n to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o inbred_a light_n of_o nature_n and_o rule_n of_o common_a prudence_n the_o use_n and_o exercise_n of_o both_o which_o be_v include_v and_o enjoin_v in_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n in_o that_o he_o require_v a_o compliance_n with_o they_o in_o the_o way_n of_o obedience_n which_o we_o can_v perform_v without_o they_o i_o know_v of_o no_o relief_n against_o the_o perpetuity_n of_o our_o difference_n about_o these_o thing_n but_o after_o so_o much_o scorn_n and_o contempt_n have_v be_v cast_v upon_o that_o principle_n that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o observe_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n or_o divine_a worship_n in_o a_o constant_a way_n by_o virtue_n of_o any_o humane_a canon_n or_o law_n that_o be_v not_o prescribe_v in_o the_o scripture_n if_o we_o can_v prevail_v with_o man_n to_o give_v we_o one_o single_a instance_n which_o they_o will_v abide_v by_o wherein_o the_o rule_n and_o institution_n of_o christ_n be_v so_o defective_a as_o that_o without_o their_o canonical_a addition_n order_n can_v be_v observe_v in_o the_o church_n nor_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v due_o perform_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v diligent_o attend_v unto_o allow_v the_o general_n rule_v give_v we_o in_o the_o scripture_n for_o church-order_n and_o worship_n to_o be_v apply_v unto_o all_o proper_a occasion_n and_o circumstance_n with_o particular_a positive_a divine_a precept_n allow_v also_o that_o the_o apostle_n in_o what_o they_o do_v and_o act_v in_o the_o constitution_n and_o order_v of_o the_o church_n and_o their_o worship_n do_v and_o act_v it_o in_o the_o name_n and_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n as_o also_o that_o there_o need_v no_o other_o mean_n of_o affect_v and_o oblige_v our_o conscience_n in_o these_o thing_n but_o only_o that_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o christ_n be_v intimate_v and_o make_v know_v unto_o we_o though_o not_o in_o the_o form_n of_o a_o law_n give_v and_o promulgate_v which_o i_o suppose_v no_o man_n of_o sober_a mind_n or_o principle_n can_v disallow_v and_o then_o give_v a_o instance_n of_o such_o a_o deficiency_n as_o that_o mention_v in_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o whole_a difference_n in_o this_o matter_n will_v be_v right_o state_v and_o not_o else_o but_o to_o return_v from_o this_o digression_n two_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o only_o ascribe_v this_o authority_n unto_o christ_n alone_o but_o it_o give_v instance_n of_o his_o use_n and_o exercise_n thereof_o which_o comprise_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a unto_o the_o constitution_n and_o order_v of_o his_o church_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o they_o 1_o he_o build_v his_o own_o house_n heb._n 3.3_o 2_o he_o appoint_v office_n for_o rule_n in_o his_o church_n and_o officer_n 1_o cor._n 12_o 5._o rome_n 12.6_o 7_o 8._o 3_o he_o give_v gift_n for_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o church_n ephes._n 4.11_o 12_o 13._o 1_o cor._n 11_o 12._o 4_o he_o give_v power_n and_o authority_n unto_o they_o that_o be_v to_o minister_n and_o rule_n in_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n which_o thing_n must_v be_v afterward_o speak_v unto_o three_o as_o unto_o this_o constitution_n of_o the_o gospel-church-state_n the_o scripture_n assign_v in_o a_o especial_a manner_n faithfulness_n unto_o the_o lord_n christ_n heb._n 3.3_o 4_o 5._o this_o power_n be_v original_o in_o god_n himself_o it_o belong_v unto_o he_o alone_o as_o the_o great_a sovereign_n of_o all_o his_o creature_n unto_o christ_n as_o mediator_n it_o be_v give_v by_o the_o father_n and_o the_o whole_a of_o it_o entrust_v with_o he_o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o in_o the_o execution_n of_o it_o he_o have_v respect_n unto_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n as_o unto_o what_o he_o will_v have_v do_v and_o order_v with_o respect_n whereunto_o this_o power_n be_v commit_v unto_o he_o and_o here_o his_o faithfulness_n take_v place_n exert_v in_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o whole_a mind_n of_o god_n in_o this_o matter_n institute_v appoint_v and_o command_v all_o that_o god_n will_v have_v so_o ordain_v and_o nothing_o else_o and_o what_o can_v any_o man_n do_v that_o come_v after_o the_o king_n hereunto_o there_o be_v add_v on_o the_o same_o account_n the_o consideration_n of_o his_o wisdom_n his_o love_n and_o care_n for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n which_o in_o he_o be_v ineffable_a and_o inimitable_a by_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v he_o fit_v for_o his_o office_n and_o the_o work_n that_o be_v reserve_v for_o he_o so_o as_o that_o he_o may_v in_o all_o thing_n have_v the_o preeminency_n and_o this_o be_v to_o make_v the_o last_o and_o only_a full_a perfect_a complete_a revelation_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n as_o unto_o the_o state_n order_n faith_n obedience_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v no_o perfection_n in_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n until_o he_o take_v this_o work_n in_o hand_n wherefore_o it_o may_v just_o be_v suppose_v that_o he_o have_v so_o perfect_o state_v and_o establish_v all_o thing_n concern_v his_o church_n and_o worship_n therein_o be_v the_o last_o divine_a hand_n that_o be_v to_o be_v put_v to_o this_o work_n and_o this_o his_o hand_n heb._n 1.2_o 3._o that_o whatever_o be_v capable_a of_o a_o law_n or_o a_o constitution_n for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o church_n at_o all_o time_n or_o be_v needful_a for_o his_o disciple_n to_o observe_v be_v reveal_v declare_v and_o establish_v by_o he_o and_o in_o this_o persuasion_n i_o shall_v abide_v until_o i_o see_v better_a fruit_n and_o effect_n of_o the_o interposition_n of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o authority_n of_o man_n unto_o the_o same_o end_n which_o he_o design_v than_o as_o yet_o i_o have_v be_v able_a in_o any_o age_n to_o observe_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o thing_n plead_v may_v for_o the_o great_a evidence_n of_o their_o truth_n be_v reduce_v unto_o the_o ensue_a head_n or_o proposition_n 1._o every_o church-state_n that_o have_v a_o especial_a institution_n of_o its_o own_o give_v its_o especial_a kind_n suppose_v and_o have_v respect_n unto_o the_o law_n and_o light_n of_o nature_n require_v and_o direct_v in_o general_a those_o thing_n which_o belong_v unto_o the_o be_v order_n and_o preservation_n of_o such_o society_n as_o that_o be_v that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v society_n wherein_o man_n voluntary_o join_v together_o for_o the_o solemn_a performance_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o joint_a walk_v in_o obedience_n before_o god_n that_o these_o society_n ought_v to_o use_v such_o mean_n for_o their_o own_o
peace_n and_o order_n as_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n direct_v unto_o that_o where_o many_o have_v a_o common_a interest_n they_o ought_v to_o consult_v in_o common_a for_o the_o due_a management_n of_o it_o with_o other_o thing_n of_o the_o like_a importance_n be_v evident_a dictate_v of_o this_o light_n and_o law_n now_o whatever_o church-state_n may_v be_v superinduce_v by_o divine_a institution_n yet_o this_o light_n and_o law_n in_o all_o their_o evident_a dictate_v continue_v their_o oblige_a power_n in_o and_o over_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o must_v do_v so_o eternal_o wherefore_o thing_n that_o belong_v hereunto_o need_v no_o new_a institution_n in_o any_o church-state_n whatever_o but_o yet_o 2._o whatever_o be_v require_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n in_o such_o society_n as_o church_n as_o useful_a unto_o their_o order_n and_o conduce_v unto_o their_o end_n be_v a_o divine_a institution_n the_o lord_n christ_n in_o the_o institution_n of_o gospel_n church_n their_o state_n order_n rule_n and_o worship_n do_v not_o require_v of_o his_o disciple_n that_o in_o their_o observance_n of_o his_o appointment_n they_o shall_v cease_v to_o be_v man_n or_o forego_v the_o use_n and_o exercise_n of_o their_o rational_a ability_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o that_o exercise_n which_o be_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n yea_o because_o the_o rule_n and_o direction_n be_v in_o this_o case_n to_o be_v apply_v unto_o thing_n spiritual_a and_o of_o mere_a revelation_n he_o give_v wisdom_n prudence_n and_o understanding_n to_o make_v that_o application_n in_o a_o due_a manner_n unto_o those_o to_o who_o the_o guidance_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n be_v commit_v wherefore_o as_o unto_o all_o the_o thing_n which_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n direct_v we_o unto_o with_o respect_n unto_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o duty_n prescribe_v by_o christ_n in_o and_o unto_o the_o church_n we_o need_v no_o other_o institution_n but_o that_o of_o the_o use_n of_o the_o especial_a spiritual_a wisdom_n and_o prudence_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n give_v unto_o his_o church_n for_o that_o end_n 4._o there_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n general_a rule_n direct_v we_o in_o the_o application_n of_o natural_a light_n unto_o such_o a_o determination_n of_o all_o circumstance_n in_o the_o act_n of_o church_n rule_n and_o worship_n as_o be_v sufficient_a for_o their_o performance_n decent_o and_o in_o order_n wherefore_o as_o be_v say_v before_o it_o be_v utter_o in_o vain_a and_o useless_a to_o demand_v express_a institution_n of_o all_o the_o circumstance_n belong_v unto_o the_o government_n order_n rule_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n or_o for_o the_o due_a improvement_n of_o thing_n in_o themselves_o indifferent_a unto_o its_o edification_n as_o occasion_n shall_v require_v nor_o be_v they_o capable_a to_o be_v any_o otherwise_o state_v but_o as_o they_o lie_v in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o spiritual_a prudence_n direct_v by_o general_a rule_n of_o scripture_n these_o thing_n be_v premise_v our_o principal_a assertion_n be_v that_o christ_n alone_o be_v the_o author_n institutor_n and_o appointer_n in_o a_o way_n of_o authority_n and_o legislation_n of_o the_o gospel_n church-state_n its_o order_n rule_n and_o worship_n with_o all_o thing_n constant_o and_o perpetual_o belong_v thereunto_o or_o necessary_a to_o be_v observe_v therein_o what_o be_v not_o so_o be_v of_o man_n and_o not_o from_o heaven_n this_o be_v that_o which_o we_o have_v prove_v in_o general_a and_o shall_v far_o particular_o confirm_v in_o our_o progress_n hence_o 6._o there_o be_v no_o spiritual_a use_n nor_o benefit_n of_o any_o church-state_n nor_o of_o any_o thing_n therein_o perform_v but_o what_o on_o the_o part_n of_o man_n consist_v in_o act_n of_o obedience_n unto_o the_o authority_n of_o christ._n if_o in_o any_o thing_n we_o do_v of_o this_o nature_n we_o can_v answer_v that_o enquiry_n which_o god_n direct_v in_o this_o case_n to_o be_v make_v namely_o why_o we_o do_v this_o or_o that_o thing_n exod._n 12.25_o 26_o 27._o with_o this_o that_o it_o be_v because_o christ_n have_v require_v it_o of_o we_o we_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v he_o the_o lord_n over_o his_o own_o house_n nor_o hear_v he_o as_o the_o son_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o act_n of_o power_n to_o be_v put_v forth_o in_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n but_o in_o they_o by_o who_o it_o be_v exert_v it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o obedience_n unto_o christ_n or_o it_o be_v a_o mere_a usurpation_n all_o church_n power_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o faculty_n or_o ability_n to_o obey_v the_o command_n of_o christ_n in_o such_o a_o way_n and_o manner_n as_o he_o have_v appoint_v for_o it_o be_v his_o constitution_n that_o the_o administration_n of_o his_o solemn_a worship_n in_o the_o church_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o it_o as_o unto_o the_o observance_n of_o his_o command_n shall_v be_v commit_v unto_o some_o person_n set_v apart_o unto_o that_o end_n according_a unto_o his_o appointment_n this_o be_v all_o their_o authority_n all_o that_o they_o have_v of_o order_n or_o jurisdiction_n or_o by_o any_o other_o way_n whereby_o they_o be_v please_v to_o express_v it_o and_o where_o there_o be_v any_o gospel_n administration_n any_o act_n of_o rule_n or_o government_n in_o the_o church_n which_o those_o that_o perform_v it_o do_v not_o give_v a_o evidence_n that_o they_o do_v it_o in_o obedience_n unto_o christ_n it_o be_v null_a as_o unto_o any_o obligation_n on_o the_o conscience_n of_o his_o disciple_n the_o neglect_n hereof_o in_o the_o world_n wherein_o many_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o church_n discipline_n or_o any_o act_n that_o belong_v unto_o the_o rule_n of_o it_o think_v of_o nothing_o but_o their_o own_o office_n whereunto_o such_o power_n be_v annex_v by_o humane_a law_n and_o canon_n as_o enable_v they_o to_o act_n in_o their_o own_o name_n without_o design_v obedience_n unto_o christ_n in_o all_o that_o they_o do_v or_o to_o make_v a_o just_a representation_n of_o his_o authority_n wisdom_n and_o love_v thereby_o be_v ruinous_a unto_o church_n order_n and_o rule_n 7._o there_o be_v no_o legislative_a power_n in_o and_o over_o the_o church_n as_o unto_o its_o form_n order_n and_o worship_n leave_v unto_o any_o of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n under_o any_o qualification_n whatever_o for_o 1._o there_o be_v none_o of_o they_o who_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o those_o right_n qualification_n and_o endowment_n which_o be_v necessary_a unto_o a_o investiture_n into_o such_o a_o legislative_a power_n for_o what_o be_v give_v and_o grant_v unto_o christ_n himself_o unto_o this_o end_n that_o he_o may_v be_v the_o law_n giver_n of_o the_o church_n must_v be_v find_v also_o in_o they_o who_o pretend_v unto_o any_o interest_n therein_o have_v they_o any_o of_o they_o a_o right_n and_o title_n unto_o a_o disposal_n of_o the_o person_n of_o believer_n in_o what_o way_n they_o please_v as_o unto_o their_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a concernment_n have_v they_o sovereign_a authority_n over_o all_o thing_n to_o change_v their_o moral_a nature_n to_o give_v they_o new_a use_n and_o signification_n to_o make_v thing_n necessary_a that_o in_o themselves_o be_v indifferent_a and_o to_o order_v all_o those_o thing_n by_o sovereign_a authority_n in_o law_n oblige_v the_o conscience_n of_o man_n and_o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o his_o personal_a qualification_n of_o faithfulness_n wisdom_n love_n and_o care_n which_o be_v ascribe_v unto_o he_o in_o this_o work_n of_o give_v law_n unto_o his_o church_n as_o he_o be_v the_o lord_n over_o his_o own_o house_n 2_o the_o event_n of_o the_o assumption_n of_o this_o legislative_a power_n under_o the_o best_a pretence_n that_o can_v be_v give_v unto_o it_o namely_o in_o council_n or_o great_a assembly_n of_o bishop_n and_o prelate_n sufficient_o demonstrate_v how_o dangerous_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v for_o any_o man_n to_o be_v engage_v in_o for_o it_o issue_v at_o length_n in_o such_o a_o constitution_n of_o church_n and_o such_o law_n for_o the_o government_n of_o they_o as_o exalt_v the_o cannon_n law_n into_o the_o room_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o utter_o destroy_v the_o true_a nature_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o all_o the_o discipline_n require_v therein_o 3._o such_o a_o assumption_n be_v derogatory_n unto_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n especial_o as_o unto_o his_o faithfulness_n in_o and_o over_o the_o house_n of_o god_n wherein_o he_o be_v compare_v unto_o and_o prefer_v above_o moses_n heb._n 3.3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o now_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o moses_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o he_o do_v and_o appoint_v all_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o pattern_n show_v he_o in_o the_o mount_n that_o be_v all_o whatever_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o be_v reveal_v and_o appoint_v for_o the_o constitution_n order_n rule_n and_o worship_n of_o his_o
motive_n unto_o it_o and_o reason_n for_o it_o which_o mankind_n before_o be_v in_o the_o dark_a unto_o and_o such_o weight_n do_v he_o lay_v on_o this_o command_n that_o he_o declare_v the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n his_o own_o honour_n and_o the_o evidence_n to_o be_v give_v unto_o the_o world_n that_o we_o be_v his_o disciple_n do_v depend_v on_o our_o obedience_n thereunto_o to_o express_v and_o exercise_v this_o love_n in_o all_o the_o act_n and_o duty_n of_o it_o among_o his_o disciple_n be_v one_o end_n of_o his_o appoint_v they_o to_o walk_v in_o church-relation_n one_o unto_o another_o wherein_o this_o love_n be_v the_o bond_n of_o perfectness_n and_o the_o loss_n of_o this_o love_n as_o unto_o its_o due_a exercise_n be_v no_o less_o a_o pernicious_a part_n of_o the_o fatal_a apostasy_n of_o the_o church_n than_o be_v the_o loss_n of_o faith_n and_o worship_n for_o hereon_o be_v christendom_n as_o it_o be_v usual_o call_v become_v the_o great_a stage_n of_o hatred_n rage_n wrath_n bloodshed_n and_o mutual_a desolation_n that_o be_v in_o the_o whole_a world_n so_o as_o that_o we_o have_v no_o way_n to_o answer_v the_o objection_n of_o the_o jew_n argue_v against_o we_o from_o the_o divine_a promise_n of_o love_n and_o peace_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o messiah_n but_o by_o grant_v that_o all_o these_o thing_n arise_v from_o a_o rebellion_n against_o his_o rule_n and_o kingdom_n now_o this_o love_n in_o its_o exercise_n be_v eminent_o preserve_v in_o this_o order_n of_o particular_a church_n for_o 1._o the_o principle_n of_o their_o collection_n into_o such_o society_n next_o unto_o that_o of_o faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n be_v love_n unto_o all_o the_o saint_n for_o their_o conjunction_n be_v with_o some_o of_o they_o as_o such_o only_a they_o must_v have_v a_o love_n unto_o all_o that_o be_v so_o and_o none_o of_o they_o will_v join_v in_o such_o society_n if_o their_o so_o do_v do_v in_o any_o thing_n impair_v their_o love_n unto_o all_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n or_o impede_fw-la it_o in_o any_o of_o its_o operation_n and_o the_o communion_n of_o these_o church_n among_o themselves_o be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v such_o as_o that_o all_o of_o they_o do_v constitute_v as_o it_o be_v one_o body_n and_o common_a church_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v afterward_o and_o it_o be_v one_o principal_a duty_n of_o they_o to_o stir_v up_o themselves_o in_o all_o their_o member_n unto_o a_o continual_a exercise_n of_o love_n towards_o all_o the_o saint_n of_o christ_n as_o occasion_n do_v require_v and_o if_o they_o be_v defective_a in_o this_o catholic_n love_n it_o be_v their_o fault_n contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o end_v of_o their_o institution_n 2._o unto_o the_o constant_a expression_n and_o exercise_n of_o this_o love_n there_o be_v require_v 1._o present_v suitable_a object_n unto_o all_o the_o act_n and_o duty_n of_o it_o 2._o a_o description_n and_o prescription_n of_o those_o act_n and_o duty_n 3._o rule_n for_o the_o right_a performance_n and_o exercise_n of_o they_o 4._o a_o end_n to_o be_v attain_v in_o their_o discharge_n all_o these_o thing_n have_v the_o lord_n christ_n provide_v for_o his_o disciple_n in_o the_o constitution_n and_o rule_n of_o these_o church_n and_o a_o due_a attendance_n unto_o they_o have_v he_o appoint_v as_o the_o instance_n trial_n and_o experiment_n of_o their_o love_n unto_o all_o his_o disciple_n for_o whereas_o any_o may_v pretend_v such_o a_o love_n yet_o plead_v that_o they_o know_v not_o how_o nor_o wherein_o to_o express_v and_o exercise_v it_o especial_o as_o unto_o sundry_a duty_n mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o belong_v thereunto_o he_o have_v provide_v this_o way_n wherein_o they_o can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o duty_n of_o love_n require_v of_o they_o nor_o of_o suitable_a object_n rule_n and_o end_v for_o their_o practice_n it_o be_v too_o long_o to_o go_v over_o these_o thing_n in_o particular_a i_o shall_v only_o add_v what_o be_v easy_o defensible_a that_o gospel-love_n will_v never_o be_v recover_v and_o restore_v unto_o its_o pristine_a glory_n until_o particular_a church_n or_o congregation_n be_v reform_v and_o reduce_v to_o that_o exercise_n of_o love_n without_o dissimulation_n which_o be_v require_v in_o all_o their_o member_n among_o themselves_o for_o whilst_o man_n live_v in_o envy_n and_o malice_n be_v hateful_a and_o hate_v one_o another_o or_o whilst_o they_o live_v in_o a_o open_a neglect_n of_o all_o those_o duty_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v appoint_v to_o be_v observe_v towards_o the_o member_n of_o that_o society_n whereunto_o they_o do_v belong_v as_o a_o pledge_n and_o evidence_n of_o their_o love_n unto_o all_o his_o disciple_n no_o such_o thing_n can_v be_v attain_v and_o thus_o be_v it_o in_o most_o parochial_a assembly_n who_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o complaint_n of_o the_o breach_n of_o love_n and_o union_n by_o some_o man_n withhold_v communion_n in_o some_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n with_o they_o yet_o beside_o the_o common_a duty_n of_o civility_n and_o neighbourhood_n neither_o know_v nor_o practice_v any_o thing_n of_o that_o spiritual_a love_n delight_n and_o communion_n that_o ought_v to_o be_v among_o they_o as_o member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n we_o boast_v not_o ourselves_o of_o any_o attainment_n in_o this_o kind_n we_o know_v how_o short_a we_o come_v of_o that_o fervent_a love_n that_o flourish_v in_o the_o first_o church_n but_o this_o we_o say_v that_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o recover_v it_o but_o by_o that_o state_n and_o order_n of_o particular_a church_n which_o we_o propose_v and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v adhere_v unto_o but_o pretence_n unto_o the_o contrary_n be_v vehement_o urge_v and_o the_o clamour_n unto_o that_o end_n be_v loud_a and_o many_o for_o this_o way_n it_o be_v say_v of_o set_v up_o particular_a congregation_n be_v that_o which_o have_v cause_v endless_a division_n lose_v all_o love_n and_o christian_a affection_n among_o we_o be_v attend_v with_o other_o mischievous_a consequent_n such_o as_o the_o most_o rhetorical_a adversary_n of_o it_o be_v scarce_o able_a to_o declare_v nor_o can_v tertullus_n himself_o do_v it_o if_o he_o be_v yet_o alive_a for_o by_o this_o mean_n man_n not_o meet_v as_o they_o use_v to_o do_v at_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o common-prayer_n all_o love_n be_v loâ—â—_n among_o they_o i_o answer_v 1._o this_o objection_n so_o far_o as_o i_o be_o able_a to_o observe_v be_v most_o manage_v by_o they_o who_o seem_v to_o know_v very_o little_a of_o the_o nature_n and_o duty_n of_o that_o love_n which_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n enjoin_v in_o the_o gospel_n nor_o do_v give_v any_o considerable_a evidence_n of_o their_o live_n walk_v and_o act_v in_o the_o power_n of_o it_o and_o as_o unto_o what_o they_o fancy_n unto_o themselves_o under_o that_o name_n whereas_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o common_a practice_n that_o it_o extend_v no_o far_o but_o to_o peaceableness_n in_o thing_n civil_a and_o indifferent_a with_o some_o expression_n of_o kindness_n in_o their_o mirth_n and_o feast_n and_o other_o jovial_a society_n we_o be_v not_o concern_v in_o it_o 2._o this_o objection_n lie_v not_o at_o all_o against_o the_o thing_n itself_o namely_o that_o all_o church_n of_o divine_a institution_n be_v congregational_a which_o alone_o at_o present_a be_v plead_v for_o but_o against_o the_o gather_n of_o such_o society_n or_o congregation_n in_o that_o state_n of_o thing_n which_o now_o prevail_v among_o we_o but_o whereas_o this_o depend_v on_o principle_n not_o yet_o declare_v and_o confirm_v the_o consideration_n of_o this_o part_n of_o the_o objection_n must_v be_v refer_v unto_o another_o place_n i_o shall_v only_o say_v at_o present_a that_o it_o be_v the_o great_a and_o most_o powerful_a engine_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o satan_n and_o man_n of_o corrupt_a secular_a interest_n to_o keep_v all_o church-reformation_n out_o of_o the_o world_n but_o if_o the_o way_n itself_o be_v change_v which_o alone_o as_o absolute_o consider_v we_o at_o present_a defend_v that_o change_n must_v be_v manage_v with_o respect_n unto_o some_o principle_n contrary_a unto_o love_n and_o its_o due_a exercise_n which_o it_o do_v assert_v and_o maintain_v or_o some_o practice_n that_o it_o put_v man_n upon_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o tendency_n but_o this_o hitherto_o have_v not_o be_v attempt_v at_o least_o not_o effect_v 3._o we_o do_v not_o find_v that_o a_o joint_a participation_n of_o the_o same_o ordinance_n at_o the_o same_o time_n within_o the_o same_o wall_n be_v in_o itself_o either_o a_o effect_n or_o evidence_n or_o duty_n of_o gospel-love_n or_o any_o mean_n for_o the_o preservation_n or_o promotion_n of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v diligent_o observe_v in_o the_o papacy_n when_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
which_o be_v become_v a_o principal_a article_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o roman_a church_n there_o be_v a_o reformation_n attempt_v and_o attain_v in_o some_o measure_n by_o some_o nation_n or_o church_n in_o the_o last_o age_n from_o the_o corruption_n and_o imposition_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n however_o none_o of_o they_o ever_o pretend_v that_o it_o be_v complete_a or_o perfect_a according_a to_o the_o pattern_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o unto_o the_o institution_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n no_o nor_o yet_o to_o the_o example_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n of_o after_o age_n as_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o commination_n against_o sinner_n but_o suppose_v it_o to_o be_v complete_a to_o conclude_v that_o because_o a_o outward_a rule_n of_o it_o be_v establish_v so_o long_o as_o that_o outward_a rule_n be_v observe_v there_o can_v be_v no_o need_n of_o reformation_n be_v a_o way_n to_o lead_v church_n into_o a_o presumptuous_a security_n unto_o their_o ruin_n for_o whereas_o man_n be_v secure_v in_o their_o interest_n by_o that_o rule_n be_v prejudice_v against_o any_o progress_n in_o reformation_n beyond_o what_o they_o have_v attain_v which_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o duty_n be_v contrary_a unto_o the_o whole_a nature_n of_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v the_o conduct_n of_o a_o spiritual_a life_n in_o the_o growth_n and_o increase_n of_o light_n and_o a_o suitable_a obedience_n so_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o think_v that_o whilst_o they_o adhere_v unto_o that_o rule_n they_o can_v stand_v in_o no_o need_n of_o reformation_n which_o be_v but_o a_o new_a name_n for_o trouble_n and_o sedition_n though_o it_o be_v the_o foundation_n on_o which_o they_o stand_v but_o general_o church_n think_v that_o other_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o reformation_n but_o they_o need_v none_o themselves_o if_o they_o will_v but_o give_v they_o leave_v to_o reform_v themselves_o who_o judge_n that_o it_o be_v needful_a for_o they_o without_o the_o least_o prejudice_n unto_o their_o church_n profession_n or_o secular_a interest_n it_o be_v all_o that_o be_v desire_v of_o they_o 2._o where_o church_n do_v so_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o reformation_n and_o will_v not_o reform_v themselves_o be_v warn_v of_o their_o duty_n the_o lord_n christ_n threaten_v to_o leave_v they_o and_o assure_o will_v do_v so_o in_o the_o time_n that_o he_o have_v limit_v unto_o his_o patience_n this_o be_v the_o subject_a of_o five_o of_o his_o epistle_n or_o message_n unto_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n rev._n chap._n 2_o 3._o and_o where_o the_o lord_n christ_n do_v on_o any_o cause_n or_o provocation_n withdraw_v his_o presence_n in_o any_o kind_n or_o degree_n from_o any_o church_n it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o any_o of_o the_o member_n of_o that_o church_n to_o remove_v from_o themselves_o the_o gild_n of_o that_o provocation_n though_o it_o can_v be_v do_v without_o a_o separation_n from_o that_o church_n it_o it_o safe_o leave_v of_o any_o church_n whatever_o then_o of_o jesus_n christ._n i_o suppose_v most_o man_n think_v that_o if_o they_o have_v a_o warn_v from_o christ_n charge_v their_o defection_n and_o call_v for_o reformation_n as_o those_o church_n of_o asia_n have_v they_o will_v repent_v and_o reform_v themselves_o but_o whereas_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o some_o of_o they_o do_v so_o whereon_o they_o be_v not_o long_o after_o desert_v and_o destroy_v it_o be_v like_a that_o there_o be_v other_o who_o will_v follow_v their_o step_n though_o one_o shall_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a to_o warn_v they_o of_o their_o danger_n but_o this_o instruction_n that_o church_n who_o lose_v their_o first_o faith_n love_n and_o work_n who_o be_v negligent_a in_o discipline_n and_o tolerate_v offensive_a evil_n in_o doctrine_n and_o manner_n among_o they_o who_o be_v lukewarm_a as_o unto_o zeal_n and_o dead_a for_o the_o great_a part_n of_o their_o member_n as_o unto_o the_o life_n of_o holiness_n be_v disapprove_v by_o christ_n and_o in_o danger_n of_o be_v utter_o desert_v by_o he_o be_v give_v unto_o all_o church_n no_o less_o divine_o then_o if_o they_o have_v a_o immediate_a message_n from_o heaven_n about_o these_o thing_n those_o therefore_o who_o be_v under_o the_o gild_n of_o they_o and_o do_v not_o reform_v themselves_o can_v claim_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o continuance_n in_o their_o communion_n from_o any_o disciple_n of_o christ_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v afterward_o 3._o reformation_n respect_v either_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n or_o obedience_n become_v the_o gospel_n the_o debate_n about_o such_o a_o reformation_n as_o concern_v the_o retain_v or_o remove_v of_o certain_a ceremony_n we_o concern_v not_o ourselves_o in_o at_o present_a nor_o shall_v we_o in_o this_o place_n insist_v on_o what_o concern_v doctrine_n and_o worship_n which_o may_v afterward_o be_v speak_v unto_o but_o we_o shall_v confine_v ourselves_o here_o unto_o the_o consideration_n of_o gospel_n obedience_n only_o and_o we_o say_v that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o the_o generality_n of_o its_o parochial_a assembly_n and_o in_o itself_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o reformation_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o woeful_a degeneracy_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o its_o member_n that_o be_v the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o land_n from_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o command_n of_o christ_n as_o unto_o spiritual_a light_n faith_n love_n holiness_n charity_n and_o abound_v in_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n unto_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n by_o jesus_n christ._n these_o thing_n be_v the_o immediate_a end_n of_o church_n society_n the_o principal_a mean_n whereby_o god_n be_v glorify_v in_o the_o world_n where_o they_o be_v neglect_v where_o they_o be_v not_o attain_v where_o they_o be_v not_o due_o improve_v by_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o member_n of_o any_o church_n that_o church_n i_o think_v stand_v in_o need_n of_o reformation_n this_o assertion_n may_v seem_v somewhat_o importune_a and_o severe_a but_o when_o the_o sin_n of_o a_o church_n or_o nation_n be_v come_v to_o that_o height_n in_o all_o rank_n sort_n and_o degree_n of_o man_n that_o all_o person_n of_o sobriety_n do_v fear_v daily_o that_o desolate_v judgement_n from_o god_n will_v break_v in_o upon_o we_o it_o can_v be_v unseasonable_a to_o make_v mention_n of_o they_o when_o it_o be_v do_v with_o no_o other_o design_n but_o only_o to_o show_v the_o necessity_n of_o reformation_n or_o how_o necessary_a it_o be_v for_o some_o if_o all_o will_v not_o comply_v therewith_o for_o if_o a_o city_n be_v on_o fire_n it_o be_v sure_o lawful_a for_o any_o of_o the_o citizen_n to_o save_v and_o preserve_v if_o they_o can_v their_o own_o house_n though_o the_o mayor_n and_o alderman_n shall_v neglect_v the_o preservation_n of_o the_o whole_a city_n in_o general_n it_o may_v be_v easy_o demonstrate_v what_o great_a number_n among_o we_o 1._o who_o have_v imbibe_v atheistical_a opinion_n and_o either_o vent_v they_o or_o speak_v presumptuous_o according_a unto_o their_o influence_n and_o tendency_n every_o day_n 2._o who_o be_v profane_a scoffer_n at_o all_o true_a christian_a piety_n and_o the_o due_a expression_n of_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n a_o evil_a not_o confine_v unto_o the_o laity_n such_o thing_n be_v utter_v and_o publish_v by_o they_o as_o shall_v be_v astonishable_a unto_o all_o that_o know_v the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o terror_n 3._o who_o be_v profound_o ignorant_a of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o those_o doctrine_n of_o christian_a religion_n who_o knowledge_n be_v of_o the_o high_a importance_n and_o necessity_n 4._o who_o be_v open_o flagitious_a in_o their_o life_n whence_o all_o sort_n of_o gross_a immorality_n do_v fill_v the_o land_n from_o one_o end_n unto_o the_o other_o 5._o who_o live_v in_o a_o constant_a neglect_n of_o all_o more_o private_a holy_a duty_n whether_o in_o their_o family_n or_o in_o personal_a retirement_n 6._o who_o be_v evident_o under_o the_o power_n of_o pride_n vanity_n covetousness_n profaneness_n of_o speech_n in_o curse_a oath_n and_o swear_v 7._o who_o instruct_v the_o worst_a of_o man_n unto_o a_o approbation_n of_o themselves_o in_o such_o way_n as_o these_o by_o petulant_a scoff_v at_o the_o very_a name_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o grace_n of_o christ_n at_o all_o expectation_n of_o his_o spiritual_a aid_n and_o assistance_n at_o all_o fervency_n in_o religious_a duty_n or_o other_o act_n of_o a_o holy_a converse_n these_o and_o such_o like_a thing_n as_o these_o do_v sufficient_o evidence_n the_o necessity_n of_o reformation_n for_o where_o they_o be_v continue_v the_o use_n and_o end_v of_o church_n societies_n be_v impair_v or_o lose_v and_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o pretend_v that_o this_o be_v the_o old_a plea_n of_o they_o who_o â—aused_v schism_n in_o the_o
the_o discipline_n of_o evangelical_n churches_n 2._o as_o unto_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o administration_n as_o it_o be_v that_o which_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v appoint_v to_o express_v his_o love_n care_n and_o tenderness_n towards_o the_o church_n hence_o the_o act_n of_o it_o which_o be_v corrective_a be_v call_v lament_v or_o bewail_v of_o they_o towards_o who_o they_o be_v exercise_v 2_o cor._n 12.20_o whatever_o therefore_o be_v do_v in_o it_o that_o be_v not_o expressive_a of_o the_o love_n care_n patitience_n and_o holiness_n of_o christ_n be_v dishonourable_a unto_o he_o 3._o the_o object_n of_o it_o as_o it_o be_v susceptive_a of_o member_n be_v profess_v believer_n and_o as_o it_o be_v corrective_a it_o be_v those_o who_o stubborn_o deviate_v from_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n or_o live_v in_o disobedience_n to_o his_o command_n wherefore_o the_o general_a end_n of_o its_o institution_n be_v to_o be_v a_o representation_n of_o the_o authority_n wisdom_n love_n care_n and_o patience_n of_o christ_n towards_o his_o church_n with_o a_o testimony_n unto_o the_o certainty_n truth_n and_o holiness_n of_o his_o future_a judgement_n the_o especial_a nature_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v afterward_o consider_v unto_o this_o discipline_n either_o as_o unto_o its_o right_a or_o exercise_v there_o be_v no_o pretence_n in_o parochial_a assembly_n yea_o it_o be_v express_o forbid_v unto_o they_o whereas_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a importance_n in_o itself_o so_o subservient_fw-fr unto_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n so_o useful_a and_o necessary_a unto_o the_o edification_n of_o his_o disciple_n so_o weighty_a a_o part_n of_o our_o profess_a subjection_n unto_o he_o without_o which_o no_o church_n can_v be_v continue_v in_o gospel_n purity_n order_n and_o peace_n the_o total_a want_n or_o neglect_v of_o it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a cause_n for_o any_o man_n who_o take_v care_n of_o his_o own_o salvation_n or_o be_v concern_v in_o the_o glory_n and_o honour_n of_o christ_n to_o refrain_v the_o communion_n of_o those_o church_n wherein_o it_o be_v so_o want_v or_o neglect_a or_o at_o least_o not_o to_o confine_v himself_o thereunto_o it_o will_v be_v say_v that_o this_o defect_n be_v supply_v in_o that_o the_o administration_n of_o church_n discipline_n be_v commit_v unto_o other_o namely_o the_o bishop_n and_o their_o officer_n that_o be_v more_o meet_a and_o able_a for_o it_o than_o the_o minister_n and_o people_n of_o parochial_a assembly_n what_o therefore_o be_v want_v in_o they_o be_v supply_v full_o another_o way_n so_o that_o no_o pretence_n can_v be_v take_v from_o hence_o for_o refrain_v communion_n in_o they_o but_o it_o will_v be_v say_v 1._o that_o this_o discipline_n be_v not_o to_o be_v place_v where_o and_o in_o what_o hand_n man_n please_v but_o to_o be_v leave_v where_o christ_n have_v dispose_v it_o 2._o that_o one_o reason_n of_o the_o unmeetness_n of_o parochial_a church_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o discipline_n be_v because_o they_o have_v be_v unjust_o deprive_v of_o it_o for_o so_o many_o age_n 3._o it_o be_v to_o be_v inquire_v whether_o the_o pretend_a discipline_n do_v in_o any_o thing_n answer_n that_o which_o christ_n have_v plain_o and_o express_o ordain_v for_o it_o a_o discipline_n shall_v be_v erect_v who_o right_a of_o exercise_n be_v derive_v from_o secular_a power_n who_o administration_n be_v commit_v unto_o person_n who_o pretend_v not_o in_o the_o least_o unto_o any_o office_n of_o divine_a institution_n as_o chancellor_n commissary_n official_o etc._n etc._n every_o way_n unknown_a unto_o antiquity_n foreign_a unto_o the_o church_n over_o which_o they_o rule_v exercise_v their_o pretend_a power_n of_o discipline_n in_o a_o way_n of_o civil_a jurisdiction_n without_o the_o least_o regard_n unto_o the_o rule_n or_o end_v of_o evangelical_n discipline_n manage_v its_o administration_n in_o brawling_n contention_n revile_n fee_n pecuniary_a mulct_n etc._n etc._n in_o open_a defiance_n of_o the_o spirit_n example_n rule_n and_o command_v of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n it_o will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o supply_v this_o defect_n that_o it_o will_v exceed_o aggravate_v the_o evil_a of_o it_o god_n forbid_v that_o any_o christian_n shall_v look_v on_o such_o a_o power_n of_o discipline_n and_o such_o a_o administration_n of_o it_o to_o be_v that_o which_o be_v appoint_v by_o jesus_n christ_n or_o any_o way_n participant_a of_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o of_o what_o expediency_n it_o may_v be_v unto_o other_o end_n i_o know_v not_o but_o unto_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n it_o have_v no_o alliance_n and_o therefore_o in_o its_o exercise_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v corrective_a it_o be_v usual_o apply_v unto_o the_o best_a and_o most_o sober_a christian_n wherefore_o to_o deal_v plain_o in_o this_o case_n whereas_o there_o be_v neither_o the_o power_n nor_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n in_o parochial_a assembly_n or_o their_o ministry_n not_o so_o much_o by_o their_o own_o neglect_n as_o because_o their_o right_n thereunto_o be_v deny_v and_o its_o exercise_n whole_o forbid_v by_o they_o in_o who_o power_n they_o be_v and_o whereas_o in_o the_o supply_n that_o be_v make_v of_o this_o defect_n a_o secular_a power_n be_v erect_v coercive_a by_o pecuniary_a and_o corporal_a penalty_n administer_v by_o person_n no_o way_n relate_v unto_o the_o church_n over_o which_o they_o exercise_v this_o power_n by_o rule_n of_o humane_a law_n and_o constitution_n in_o litigious_a and_o oppressive_a court_n in_o the_o room_n of_o that_o institution_n of_o christ_n who_o power_n and_o exercise_n be_v spiritual_a by_o spiritual_a mean_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n rule_v it_o be_v lawful_a for_o any_o man_n who_o take_v care_n of_o his_o own_o salvation_n and_o of_o the_o mean_n of_o it_o to_o withdraw_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o such_o church_n so_o far_o as_o it_o hinder_v or_o forbid_v he_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_v appoint_v by_o christ_n for_o his_o edification_n man_n may_v talk_v what_o they_o please_v of_o schime_n but_o he_o that_o forsake_v the_o conduct_n of_o his_o own_o soul_n in_o thing_n of_o so_o plain_a a_o evidence_n must_v answer_v for_o it_o at_o his_o own_o peril_n 4._o this_o defect_n in_o parochial_a church_n that_o they_o be_v entrust_v by_o law_n with_o no_o part_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o themselves_o but_o be_v whole_o govern_v and_o dispose_v of_o by_o other_o at_o their_o pleasure_n in_o the_o way_n before_o mention_v which_o shake_v their_o very_a be_v as_o church_n though_o there_o be_v in_o they_o assembly_n for_o divine_a worship_n found_v in_o common_a right_n and_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n wherein_o man_n may_v be_v accept_v with_o god_n be_v accompany_v with_o such_o other_o want_v and_o defect_n also_o as_o will_v weaken_v any_o obligation_n unto_o complete_a and_o constant_a communion_n with_o they_o i_o shall_v give_v one_o only_a instance_n hereof_o the_o people_n free_a choice_n of_o all_o their_o officer_n bishop_n elder_n pastor_n etc._n etc._n be_v in_o our_o judgement_n of_o divine_a institution_n by_o virtue_n of_o apostolical_a example_n and_o direction_n it_o be_v also_o so_o suitable_a unto_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n namely_o that_o in_o a_o society_n absolute_o found_v in_o the_o voluntary_a consent_n of_o they_o who_o enter_v into_o it_o and_o do_v actual_o exist_v thereby_o without_o any_o necessity_n impose_v on_o they_o from_o prescription_n former_a usage_n or_o the_o state_n of_o be_v bear_v in_o and_o under_o such_o rule_n and_o law_n as_o it_o be_v with_o man_n in_o their_o political_a society_n the_o people_n shall_v have_v the_o election_n of_o they_o who_o be_v to_o rule_v among_o they_o and_o over_o they_o there_o be_v no_o provision_n of_o a_o right_n unto_o a_o successive_a imposition_n of_o any_o such_o ruler_n on_o they_o without_o their_o own_o consent_n that_o nothing_o can_v rational_o be_v plead_v against_o it_o and_o therefore_o whereas_o in_o all_o ordinary_o settle_a government_n in_o the_o world_n set_v aside_o the_o confusion_n of_o their_o original_n by_o war_n and_o conquest_n the_o succession_n of_o ruler_n be_v either_o by_o natural_a generation_n the_o rule_n be_v confine_v unto_o such_o a_o line_n or_o by_o a_o popular_a election_n or_o by_o a_o temperature_n of_o both_o there_o have_v be_v a_o new_a way_n invent_v for_o the_o communication_n of_o power_n and_o rule_n in_o church_n never_o exemplify_v in_o any_o political_a society_n namely_o that_o it_o shall_v neither_o be_v successive_a as_o it_o be_v under_o the_o old_a testament_n nor_o elective_a nor_o by_o any_o temperature_n of_o these_o two_o way_n in_o one_o but_o by_o a_o strange_a kind_n of_o flux_n of_o it_o through_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n who_o pretend_v to_o have_v so_o receive_v it_o themselves_o from_o other_o but_o whether_o hereon_o the_o people_n of_o the_o church_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