the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o congregation_n of_o faithful_a man_n in_o the_o which_o the_o pure_a word_n of_o god_n be_v preach_v and_o the_o sacrament_n be_v due_o administer_v according_a to_o christ_n ordinance_n in_o all_o those_o thing_n that_o of_o necessity_n be_v requisite_a to_o the_o same_o the_o addition_n in_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n of_o the_o assembly_n ch._n 25._o art_n 2._o that_o the_o visible_a church_n universal_a under_o the_o gospel_n consist_v of_o all_o those_o throughout_o the_o world_n that_o profess_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o of_o their_o child_n be_v not_o find_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o those_o text_n that_o be_v allege_v for_o it_o ezek._n 16.20_o 21._o rom._n 11.16_o gen._n 3.15_o gen._n 17.7_o if_o they_o be_v pertinent_a will_v as_o well_o prove_v a_o whole_a nation_n to_o be_v god_n visible_a church_n yea_o all_o mankind_n descend_v from_o eve_n as_o the_o visible_a church_n to_o consist_v of_o the_o child_n of_o they_o that_o profess_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o they_o that_o assert_v a_o ordinance_n of_o infant_n visible_a church-membership_a unrepealed_a that_o allege_v mat._n 28.19_o as_o prove_v christ_n appoint_v nation_n as_o such_o to_o be_v baptize_v that_o allege_v the_o jewish_a proselytism_n as_o a_o pattern_n to_o we_o how_o far_o this_o quaerist_n agree_v with_o these_o may_v be_v discern_v by_o other_o passage_n if_o he_o concur_v with_o those_o of_o the_o congregational_a way_n about_o church-member_n and_o their_o proof_n from_o the_o covenant_n to_o abraham_n gen._n 17.7_o as_o make_v to_o his_o natural_a seed_n and_o so_o to_o all_o believer_n natural_a seed_n i_o see_v not_o how_o he_o can_v avoid_v the_o assert_v of_o a_o national_a church_n like_o the_o jewish_a which_o i_o grant_v be_v not_o agreeable_a to_o the_o gospel_n according_a to_o which_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o congregation_n of_o faithful_a man_n as_o the_o definition_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n art_n 19_o express_v it_o and_o have_v be_v full_o prove_v by_o i_o in_o the_o three_o part_n of_o my_o review_n sect._n 52._o etc._n etc._n 2._o in_o answer_n to_o the_o question_n whether_o there_o be_v any_o national_a church_n under_o the_o oeconomy_n of_o the_o gospel_n i_o say_v that_o though_o there_o be_v no_o national_a church_n so_o as_o that_o the_o whole_a nation_n and_o every_o member_n of_o the_o nation_n be_v to_o be_v account_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o christ_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o generation_n or_o proselytism_n and_o such_o covenant_n as_o be_v make_v to_o abraham_n concern_v his_o natural_a seed_n or_o to_o israel_n at_o mount_n sinai_n or_o elsewhere_o yet_o the_o whole_a number_n of_o believer_n of_o a_o nation_n may_v by_o reason_n of_o their_o common_a profession_n be_v call_v a_o national_a church_n as_o well_o as_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o man_n throughout_o the_o world_n profess_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o obedience_n to_o god_n by_o christ_n according_a unto_o it_o not_o destroy_v their_o own_o profession_n by_o any_o error_n evert_v the_o foundation_n or_o unholiness_n of_o conversation_n be_v and_o may_v be_v call_v the_o visible_a catholic_n church_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o congregational_a man_n speak_v in_o their_o declarat_fw-la ch_n 20._o wherefore_o it_o be_v no_o more_o against_o the_o gospel_n to_o term_v the_o believer_n of_o england_n or_o scotland_n the_o church_n of_o england_n or_o scotland_n than_o it_o be_v to_o term_v the_o believer_n throughout_o the_o world_n the_o catholic_n church_n nor_o be_v it_o more_o unfit_a for_o we_o to_o term_v ourselves_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o this_o respect_n than_o to_o term_v ourselves_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n nor_o be_v there_o need_v to_o show_v any_o institution_n of_o the_o lord_n more_o for_o the_o one_o than_o for_o the_o other_o nor_o be_v there_o need_v to_o allege_v isa._n 49.20_o or_o isa._n 66.8_o for_o such_o a_o institution_n nevertheless_o that_o the_o prophecy_n isa_n 49.23_o king_n shall_v be_v your_o nurse_n father_n etc._n etc._n wait_v the_o time_n of_o its_o accomplishment_n be_v say_v with_o more_o confidence_n than_o evidence_n many_o learned_a interpreter_n think_v otherwise_o among_o who_o mr._n gataker_n in_o my_o judgement_n inferior_a to_o none_o in_o his_o exposition_n of_o holy_a scripture_n have_v these_o word_n annot._v on_o isa._n 49.23_o and_o king_n shall_v be_v thy_o nurse_n father_n and_o queen_n thy_o nurse_n mother_n fulfil_v in_o those_o persian_a potentate_n cyrus_n artaxerxes_n darius_n ahaâ—uerus_n with_o the_o queen_n also_o of_o some_o of_o they_o that_o patronise_v and_o protect_v god_n people_n and_o promote_v god_n work_v with_o they_o ezra_n 1.1_o 4._o and_o 63.12_o and_o 7.12_o 26._o neh._n 2.6_o 8._o esth._n 8.3_o 8._o and_o much_o more_o in_o other_o emperor_n and_o king_n together_o with_o their_o queen_n as_o constantine_n theodosius_n and_o the_o like_a who_o both_o embrace_v the_o christian_a faith_n themselves_o and_o maintain_v the_o profession_n of_o it_o of_o some_o whereof_o see_v rev._n 17.12_o 16_o 17._o and_o mr._n mede_n on_o rev._n 16.17_o have_v these_o word_n for_o true_o out_o of_o the_o same_o ten_o horn_n or_o king_n they_o shall_v be_v who_o at_o length_n shall_v hate_v the_o whore_n who_o they_o have_v so_o long_o bear_v which_o partly_o we_o perceive_v to_o be_v fulfil_v shall_v make_v her_o desolate_a and_o naked_a shall_v eat_v her_o flesh_n and_o burn_v she_o with_o fire_n nor_o be_v it_o to_o be_v deny_v without_o ingratitude_n to_o god_n and_o man_n that_o king_n and_o queen_n since_o the_o rise_n of_o antichrist_n though_o many_o of_o they_o make_v drink_v by_o the_o whore_n intoxicate_v cup_n have_v be_v cruel_a butcherer_n of_o the_o saint_n both_o before_o the_o reformation_n and_o since_o even_o in_o our_o day_n have_v be_v nurse_v father_n and_o nurse_v mother_n to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o a_o national_a church_n in_o the_o sense_n forementioned_a have_v be_v the_o result_n of_o its_o accomplishment_n and_o we_o hope_v in_o more_o ample_a manner_n will_v be_v the_o result_n of_o its_o full_a accomplishment_n as_o for_o the_o text_n isa._n 66.8_o that_o it_o be_v a_o pprophecy_n express_o relate_v to_o the_o jew_n and_o their_o miraculous_a conversion_n be_v not_o certain_a mr._n gataker_n in_o his_o annot._n on_o isa._n 66.8_o have_v these_o word_n the_o most_o interpreter_n both_o jew_n and_o christian_n understand_v these_o word_n of_o the_o strange_a sudden_a and_o unexpected_a delivery_n of_o the_o remainder_n of_o god_n people_n out_o of_o the_o babylonian_a bondage_n by_o cyrus_n howbeit_o divers_a interpreter_n understand_v they_o of_o the_o restitution_n and_o restauration_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n when_o so_o many_o thousand_o be_v so_o soon_o and_o so_o sudden_o convert_v without_o any_o great_a labour_n or_o painstaking_a about_o they_o of_o those_o by_o who_o they_o be_v convert_v act._n 2.41_o &_o 4.4_o and_o both_o these_o exposition_n conceive_v as_o subordinate_a the_o one_o to_o the_o other_o may_v very_o well_o be_v admit_v and_o therefore_o if_o the_o author_n hear_v it_o not_o plead_v in_o this_o matter_n yet_o he_o may_v find_v another_o exposition_n than_o that_o which_o he_o imagine_v that_o it_o express_o relate_v to_o a_o future_a miraculous_a conversion_n of_o the_o jew_n however_o if_o it_o do_v since_o it_o be_v say_v rom._n 11.25_o 26._o when_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o gentile_n be_v come_v in_o all_o israel_n shall_v be_v save_v he_o may_v find_v something_o for_o a_o national_a church_n in_o that_o prophecy_n isa._n 66.8_o as_o for_o those_o word_n in_o his_o parenthesis_n that_o the_o assertion_n of_o a_o national_a church_n of_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n be_v whole_o destructive_a of_o gospel_n administration_n they_o be_v say_v with_o no_o more_o truth_n than_o proof_n though_o we_o shall_v say_v a_o national_a church_n in_o respect_n of_o its_o government_n or_o officer_n be_v of_o the_o institution_n of_o christ._n for_o suppose_v it_o be_v assert_v that_o christ_n have_v institute_v patriarch_n or_o archbishop_n and_o bishop_n and_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n or_o scotland_n under_o they_o yet_o this_o may_v be_v without_o total_a destruction_n of_o gospel_n administration_n the_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n administration_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n with_o other_o administration_n of_o christian_a worship_n and_o discipline_n have_v be_v and_o may_v be_v continue_v even_o where_o archbishop_n and_o bishop_n have_v be_v over_o a_o national_a church_n as_o institute_v by_o christ._n but_o let_v we_o attend_v his_o motion_n thus_o he_o go_v
sect._n 2._o meet_v of_o separate_a christian_n as_o a_o distinct_a body_n be_v not_o christ_n institution_n second_o that_o saint_n separate_v from_o the_o world_n shall_v frequent_o meet_v together_o as_o a_o distinct_a body_n therefrom_o for_o the_o edification_n and_o build_n up_o of_o each_o other_o in_o the_o way_n and_o will_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o gift_n bestow_v upon_o they_o be_v so_o evident_o assert_v as_o the_o institution_n of_o our_o alone_a king_n and_o lawgiver_n in_o the_o scripture_n that_o it_o can_v be_v gainsay_v malipiero_n 3.16_o 1_o thes_n 5.11_o heb._n 3.12_o judas_n 20._o heb._n 10.24_o 25._o 1_o cor._n 12.9_o act_n 12.12_o &_o 18.23_o ephes_n 5.19_o james_n 5.16_o 1_o thes._n 5.14_o answ._n it_o be_v grant_v that_o saint_n separate_v from_o the_o world_n that_o be_v profess_a unbeliever_n shall_v frequent_o meet_v for_o the_o edification_n and_o build_n up_o of_o each_o other_o in_o the_o way_n and_o will_n of_o god_n but_o it_o be_v neither_o agreeable_a to_o scripture_n nor_o allowable_a that_o one_o party_n of_o christian_n shall_v call_v another_o part_n of_o christian_n the_o world_n and_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n who_o own_o the_o true_a faith_n of_o god_n and_o worship_v he_o because_o they_o be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o way_n of_o church-government_n and_o worship_n nor_o be_v it_o either_o in_o the_o scripture_n allege_v or_o any_o other_o that_o such_o shall_v meet_v as_o a_o distinct_a body_n from_o other_o christian_n hold_v the_o true_a faith_n and_o worship_v the_o true_a god_n in_o christ_n as_o if_o they_o be_v a_o sever_a body_n from_o other_o christian_n the_o separatist_n i_o think_v do_v not_o rebaptize_v but_o hold_v baptism_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o be_v into_o the_o universal_a church_n right_a so_o in_o the_o brownist_n apology_n p._n 91._o robinson_n justification_n against_o bernard_n p._n 349._o and_o elsewhere_o which_o if_o this_o author_n hold_v he_o must_v hold_v that_o the_o saint_n of_o the_o gather_a church_n be_v one_o body_n with_o other_o christian_n according_a to_o that_o of_o st._n paul_n ephes._n 4.4_o 5._o there_o be_v one_o body_n and_o one_o spirit_n even_o as_o you_o be_v call_v in_o one_o hope_n of_o your_o call_n one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n one_o god_n and_o father_n of_o all_o who_o be_v abâ—ve_v all_o and_o through_o all_o and_o in_o you_o all_o 1_o cor·_fw-la 12_o 12_o 13._o for_o as_o the_o body_n be_v one_o and_o have_v many_o member_n and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o that_o one_o body_n be_v many_o be_v one_o body_n so_o also_o be_v christ._n for_o by_o one_o spirit_n we_o be_v all_o baptize_v into_o one_o body_n whether_o we_o be_v jew_n or_o gentile_n whether_o we_o be_v bond_n or_o free_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v against_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n that_o christian_n of_o one_o profession_n in_o point_n of_o discipline_n and_o worship_n shall_v meet_v as_o a_o distinct_a body_n separate_z from_o other_o christian_n of_o different_a persuasion_n unless_o there_o be_v another_o faith_n lord_n baptism_n god_n who_o they_o worship_v nor_o do_v the_o text_n justify_v such_o separate_a meeting_n not_o mal._n 3.16_o in_o which_o be_v mention_n of_o speak_v one_o to_o another_o but_o not_o as_o a_o distinct_a body_n from_o other_o believer_n the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o 1_o thes._n 5.11_o heb._n 3.12_o 13._o judas_n 20._o the_o assembly_n heb._n 10.24_o 25._o be_v not_o meeting_n of_o a_o distinct_a body_n from_o other_o believer_n but_o from_o hebrew_a infidel_n 1._o cor._n 12.9_o or_o rather_o it_o speak_v of_o gift_n give_v to_o profit_n withal_o but_o not_o of_o meeting_n much_o less_o as_o a_o distinct_a body_n from_o other_o believer_n act_v 12_o 12._o mention_n a_o meeting_n for_o prayer_n but_o not_o as_o a_o distinct_a body_n from_o other_o believer_n act_n 18.23_o ephes._n 5.19_o james_n 5.16_o 1_o thes._n 5.14_o mention_n employ_v of_o gift_n for_o our_o own_o and_o other_o good_a not_o a_o church_n meeting_n as_o a_o distinct_a body_n from_o other_o christian_n it_o follow_v sect._n 3_o separate_a congregational_a church_n in_o opposition_n to_o national_a be_v not_o of_o christ_n institution_n three_o that_o particular_a congregation_n or_o assembly_n of_o believer_n gather_v into_o one_o body_n for_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o opposition_n to_o any_o national_a church_n or_o church_n whatsoever_o be_v of_o the_o appointment_n of_o christ_n be_v alike_o evident_a as_o the_o former_a act._n 1.1_o 3._o &_o 12.1_o &_o 13.14_o &_o 15.22_o &_o 18.22_o &_o 20.14_o 28._o 1_o cor._n 1.2_o &_o 6.4_o act._n 9.1_o 1_o cor._n 16.19_o rom._n 16.4_o 2_o cor._n 8.1_o gal._n 1.2_o act_n 16.4_o 5._o &_o 14.23_o 1_o cor._n 11.12_o &_o 14.4_o 5.12_o 19_o 2_o cor._n 1.1_o rev._n 1.2_o 3_o 11._o answ._n in_o these_o text_n there_o be_v mention_v make_v of_o church_n where_o the_o christian_n in_o different_a city_n or_o in_o a_o province_n be_v mention_v and_o of_o the_o church_n where_o christian_n of_o one_o city_n be_v mention_v though_o it_o be_v make_v a_o question_n whether_o the_o church_n act_v 15.22_o &_o 18.17_o be_v not_o a_o provincial_a church_n but_o that_o this_o prove_v a_o appointment_n of_o christ_n that_o the_o assembly_n of_o believer_n gather_v into_o one_o body_n for_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n by_o their_o voluntary_a agreement_n under_o pastor_n of_o their_o own_o choice_n in_o opposition_n to_o any_o national_a church_n or_o church_n whatsoever_o shall_v be_v account_v the_o only_a lawful_a and_o regular_a church_n of_o christ_n appear_v not_o for_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n in_o any_o of_o the_o text_n of_o any_o institution_n of_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n but_o only_o thence_o may_v be_v gather_v that_o it_o be_v then_o the_o manner_n of_o speech_n to_o call_v the_o christian_n that_o dwell_v together_o in_o one_o town_n the_o church_n of_o such_o a_o place_n though_o it_o be_v probable_a they_o be_v not_o gather_v into_o one_o body_n or_o congregation_n for_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n under_o select_a officer_n but_o that_o they_o be_v call_v the_o church_n of_o such_o a_o city_n as_o that_o of_o jerusalem_n from_o their_o habitation_n where_o they_o have_v many_o meeting_n from_o house_n to_o house_n for_o celebration_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n as_o from_o act_n 2.46_o 47._o and_o other_o place_n be_v gather_v by_o the_o presbyterian_o in_o their_o answer_n to_o the_o dissent_v brethren_n nor_o be_v then_o any_o such_o distinction_n of_o congregation_n of_o christian_n as_o that_o in_o one_o city_n as_o the_o independent_o in_o london_n and_o elsewhere_o do_v distinguish_v they_o such_o a_o number_n shall_v belong_v to_o such_o a_o pastor_n and_o be_v term_v his_o church_n and_o another_o number_n be_v another_o church_n in_o the_o same_o city_n but_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o christian_n in_o jerusalem_n be_v term_v the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n there_o act_v 15.4_o 23._o &_o 21.18_o not_o one_o a_o elder_a of_o one_o part_n &_o another_o of_o another_o part_n sometime_o there_o be_v mention_v make_v of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o house_n of_o such_o person_n 1_o cor._n 16.19_o rom._n 16.5_o philem_n 2._o and_o yet_o this_o prove_v not_o that_o particular_a congregation_n or_o assembly_n of_o believer_n gather_v into_o one_o body_n in_o a_o house_n for_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o worship_n in_o opposition_n to_o any_o city_n church_n or_o church_n whatsoever_o be_v of_o the_o appointment_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o no_o such_o appointment_n of_o christ_n as_o here_o be_v assert_v can_v be_v gather_v from_o the_o phrase_n of_o call_v the_o christian_n in_o one_o city_n the_o church_n there_o the_o christian_n in_o a_o province_n or_o nation_n the_o church_n a_o national_a or_o universal_a church_n may_v be_v as_o well_o collect_v from_o 1_o cor._n 12.28_o where_o it_o be_v say_v god_n have_v set_v some_o in_o the_o church_n first_o apostle_n secondary_o prophet_n three_o teacher_n since_o the_o apostle_n be_v for_o the_o universal_a church_n but_o for_o my_o part_n i_o conceive_v the_o distinction_n of_o church_n only_o prudential_a not_o by_o any_o constitution_n of_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n and_o that_o however_o mr._n robâ—râ—sâ—n_n in_o his_o catechism_n mr._n cotton_n in_o his_o way_n of_o the_o church_n of_o new-england_n have_v put_v it_o into_o their_o definition_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n that_o it_o consist_v of_o so_o many_o as_o may_v meet_v every_o lordsday_n for_o all_o ordinance_n and_o mr_n norton_n in_o his_o answer_n to_o apollonius_n ch_n 3._o make_v such_o a_o church_n the_o only_a lawful_a political_a church_n and_o this_o have_v be_v continual_o inculcate_v that_o it_o be_v necessary_a
pretence_n whatsoever_o nor_o in_o any_o other_o sin_n by_o join_v in_o the_o practice_n and_o if_o the_o present_a worship_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o england_n be_v any_o such_o fornication_n or_o the_o hear_n or_o join_v with_o they_o must_v be_v a_o partake_n with_o they_o in_o any_o sin_n so_o far_o at_o least_o they_o be_v to_o be_v separate_v from_o but_o neither_o the_o text_n allege_v nor_o any_o other_o do_v require_v separation_n from_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n or_o the_o minister_n that_o be_v in_o some_o thing_n corrupt_v even_o in_o their_o ministration_n when_o hophai_n and_o phinehas_n do_v corrupt_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n yet_o samuel_n do_v lawful_o minister_v before_o the_o lord_n and_o hannah_n do_v well_o in_o present_v he_o thereto_o and_o herself_o at_o the_o solemn_a feast_n and_o even-while_n there_o be_v burn_a incense_n and_o sacrifice_v in_o the_o high_a place_n those_o of_o judah_n be_v not_o to_o separate_v from_o the_o service_n at_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v to_o god_n and_o though_o the_o high_a priest_n be_v undue_o set_v up_o and_o sundry_a corruption_n and_o superstition_n in_o the_o pharisee_n and_o the_o service_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o our_o lord_n christ_n time_n on_o earth_n yet_o do_v our_o lord_n christ_n join_v in_o the_o public_a service_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o persuade_v the_o cleanse_a leper_n to_o offer_v to_o they_o the_o gift_n that_o moses_n command_v wherefore_o i_o infer_v that_o though_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o degree_n of_o corruption_n in_o worship_n and_o that_o this_o shall_v be_v a_o breach_n upon_o the_o sovereign_a authority_n of_o god_n as_o every_o sin_n be_v and_o a_o grievous_a sin_n it_o be_v yet_o this_o may_v not_o be_v a_o sufficient_a cause_n of_o separation_n from_o the_o worship_n church_n or_o minister_n of_o it_o and_o that_o the_o allegation_n of_o the_o text_n produce_v will_v not_o be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o design_n of_o this_o author_n in_o urge_v separation_n from_o the_o minister_n and_o church_n of_o england_n but_o let_v we_o further_o attend_v his_o motion_n he_o add_v sect._n 14._o the_o argue_v by_o analogy_n in_o positive_a rite_n not_o rational_a what_o may_v rational_o be_v infer_v from_o these_o position_n so_o evident_o comprise_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o by_o way_n of_o analogy_n at_o least_o may_v be_v argue_v from_o they_o be_v evident_a to_o any_o ordinary_a understanding_n for_o our_o part_n be_v resolve_v as_o be_v say_v to_o try_v out_o the_o matter_n in_o controversy_n from_o such_o rule_n and_o sovereign_a institution_n as_o our_o dear_a lord_n have_v leave_v his_o new_a testament_n church_n to_o walk_v by_o we_o shall_v not_o stand_v to_o make_v that_o improvement_n of_o they_o as_o otherwise_o we_o may_v a_o few_o query_n upon_o the_o whole_a that_o have_v be_v offer_v shall_v put_v a_o close_a to_o this_o preface_n answ._n whether_o the_o position_n before_o set_v down_o be_v evident_o comprise_v in_o the_o scripture_n may_v be_v perceive_v by_o the_o examination_n of_o they_o what_o may_v be_v rational_o infer_v from_o they_o for_o his_o purpose_n of_o condemn_v the_o hear_n the_o present_a minister_n of_o england_n be_v not_o evident_a to_o my_o understanding_n which_o i_o do_v not_o conceive_v to_o be_v any_o other_o than_o ordinary_a as_o for_o argue_v by_o way_n of_o analogy_n from_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o those_o of_o the_o new_a testament_n from_o suppose_a parity_n of_o reason_n how_o little_a rationality_n or_o force_v there_o be_v therein_o i_o presume_v he_o may_v perceive_v if_o he_o read_v the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o review_n of_o my_o dispute_n about_o paedobaptism_n sect._n 2.3_o wherein_o how_o infirm_a the_o way_n of_o argue_v from_o such_o analogy_n be_v be_v so_o far_o evince_v that_o i_o judge_v that_o if_o the_o improvement_n he_o think_v he_o may_v make_v of_o his_o position_n for_o his_o purpose_n be_v by_o that_o way_n of_o proof_n it_o will_v be_v find_v insufficient_a by_o a_o ordinary_a understanding_n whether_o he_o have_v keep_v to_o his_o resolution_n of_o tiy_v the_o matter_n in_o controversy_n by_o the_o rule_n and_o institution_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n will_v appear_v by_o the_o examine_n of_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n i_o judge_v that_o to_o be_v the_o way_n whereby_o to_o settle_v man_n conscience_n about_o mere_a positive_a duty_n or_o sin_n under_o the_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o be_o resolve_v to_o pursue_v his_o dispute_n pede_fw-la pes_fw-la yet_o clear_v the_o way_n by_o consider_v his_o query_n in_o a_o velitary_a skirmish_n before_o i_o set_v upon_o his_o triarii_n or_o main_a battle_n sect._n 15._o the_o first_o querie_n about_o a_o national_a institute_v church_n answer_v his_o first_o querie_n be_v whether_o since_o the_o apotomy_n or_o unchurch_v the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n the_o lord_n have_v ever_o since_o so_o espouse_v a_o nation_n or_o people_n to_o himself_o as_o that_o upon_o the_o account_n thereof_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o that_o people_n or_o nation_n may_v be_v account_v his_o church_n whether_o there_o be_v any_o national_a church_n under_o the_o oeconomie_n of_o the_o gospel_n if_o so_o let_v it_o be_v show_v when_o and_o where_o it_o be_v institute_v by_o the_o lord_n what_o be_v produce_v by_o some_o to_o this_o purpose_n be_v but_o upon_o a_o slight_a view_n thereof_o of_o no_o moment_n it_o be_v isa._n 49.21_o king_n shall_v be_v your_o nurse_n father_n etc._n etc._n which_o prophecy_n wait_v the_o time_n of_o its_o accomplishment_n hitherto_o both_o before_o and_o since_o the_o rise_n of_o antichrist_n be_v make_v drink_v by_o the_o whore_n intoxicate_v cup_n they_o have_v be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n cruel_a butcher_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o be_v we_o under_o its_o accomplishment_n a_o national_a church_n will_v be_v far_o enough_o from_o be_v its_o result_n of_o a_o nation_n be_v bear_v at_o once_o we_o shall_v not_o sure_o hear_v plead_v in_o this_o matter_n it_o be_v a_o prophecy_n express_o relate_v to_o the_o jew_n and_o their_o miraculous_a conversion_n if_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o national_a church_n of_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n as_o most_o certain_a it_o be_v there_o be_v not_o the_o assertion_n whereof_o be_v whole_o destructive_a of_o gospel_n administration_n then_o answ._n as_o king_n james_n in_o his_o remonstrance_n against_o cardinal_n perons_n oration_n say_v that_o the_o appellation_n and_o name_n of_o the_o church_n serve_v in_o this_o corrupt_a age_n as_o a_o cloak_n to_o cover_v a_o thousand_o new_a invention_n mean_v this_o of_o the_o popish_a party_n so_o may_v we_o say_v also_o of_o other_o that_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o ambiguous_a use_n of_o the_o appellation_n and_o name_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o dictate_v of_o man_n about_o it_o the_o mind_n of_o many_o be_v perplex_v and_o pervert_v wherefore_o in_o answer_v this_o first_o querie_n which_o the_o separatist_n do_v so_o much_o harp_n upon_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o there_o be_v a_o distinct_a understanding_n of_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o its_o institution_n the_o greek_a word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o by_o use_n be_v now_o almost_o appropriate_v to_o the_o christian_a church_n have_v be_v various_o use_v both_o in_o the_o greek_a version_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n in_o the_o apocryphal_a write_n and_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n it_o seem_v to_o i_o of_o little_a concernment_n in_o the_o present_a question_n to_o collect_v they_o all_o the_o query_n to_o be_v answer_v be_v of_o the_o new_a testament_n use_n now_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n except_v what_o i_o find_v act._n 19.32_o 39_o 40._o where_o it_o be_v apply_v to_o assembly_n of_o unbeliever_n whether_o tumultuary_a or_o orderly_a and_o act._n 7.38_o where_o it_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o congregation_n of_o israel_n in_o the_o wilderness_n in_o all_o place_n in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o epistle_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o revelation_n of_o st._n john_n it_o be_v mean_v so_o far_o as_o i_o discern_v of_o the_o christian_n or_o people_n of_o god_n or_o their_o meeting_n or_o assembly_n as_o it_o note_v the_o christian_a believer_n or_o people_n of_o god_n so_o it_o be_v take_v sometime_o for_o the_o universal_a church_n whether_o invisible_a or_o visible_a as_o 1_o cor._n 12.28_o heb._n 12.23_o ephes._n 1.22_o sometime_o for_o the_o visible_a church_n indefinite_o but_o not_o universal_o as_o 1_o cor._n 15.9_o sometime_o for_o the_o church_n topical_a and_o then_o it_o be_v take_v for_o the_o church_n of_o a_o city_n or_o town_n or_o house_n and_o so_o we_o read_v of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n act_n 8.1_o of_o corinth_n ephesus_n etc._n etc._n in_o philemon_n house_n philem_n 2._o or_o of_o a_o country_n or_o nation_n and_o then_o
on_o if_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o national_a church_n of_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n as_o most_o certain_a it_o be_v there_o be_v not_o then_o 2._o whether_o national_a minister_n be_v the_o minister_n of_o christ_n or_o whether_o there_o can_v be_v a_o true_a ministry_n in_o a_o false_a church_n as_o a_o national_a church_n must_v be_v if_o not_o of_o divine_a institution_n upon_o what_o pretence_n soever_o it_o be_v so_o denominate_v sect._n 16._o national_a minister_n may_v be_v minister_n of_o christ_n and_o national_a church_n true_a church_n to_o this_o querie_n i_o answer_v 1_o that_o if_o by_o national_a minister_n be_v mean_v minister_n for_o the_o nation_n or_o such_o as_o have_v inspection_n over_o the_o nation_n whether_o for_o the_o maintenance_n or_o propagate_a of_o true_a doctrine_n or_o worship_n or_o holiness_n of_o life_n they_o may_v be_v minister_n of_o christ_n though_o no_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o national_a church_n be_v of_o the_o institution_n of_o christ._n as_o for_o instance_n i_o conceive_v dr._n james_n usher_n when_o he_o be_v alive_a be_v a_o minister_n of_o christ_n when_o he_o be_v primate_n of_o ireland_n the_o assertion_n i_o prove_v thus_o if_o the_o apostle_n be_v minister_n of_o christ_n and_o national_a minister_n though_o a_o national_a church_n be_v not_o institute_v of_o christ_n than_o national_a minister_n may_v be_v minister_n of_o christ_n though_o a_o national_a church_n be_v not_o institute_v of_o christ_n but_o the_o apostle_n be_v such_o as_o for_o instance_n peter_n have_v the_o apostleship_n of_o the_o circumcision_n paul_n of_o the_o gentile_n gal._n 2.7_o 8._o rom._n 11.13_o 1_o tim._n 2.7_o therefore_o national_a minister_n may_v be_v minister_n of_o christ._n 2._o titus_n be_v a_o national_a minister_n of_o the_o cretan_n for_o this_o cause_n say_v st._n paul_n tit._n 1.5_o leave_v i_o thou_o in_o crete_n that_o thou_o shall_v set_v in_o order_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v want_v and_o ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o city_n as_o i_o have_v appoint_v thou_o and_o yet_o a_o minister_n of_o christ_n st._n paul_n partner_n and_o fellow-helper_n concern_v the_o corinthian_n 2_o cor._n 8.23_o ergo_fw-la 3._o they_o that_o may_v be_v minister_n of_o christ_n though_o they_o be_v minister_n for_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o all_o the_o member_n thereof_o may_v be_v minister_n of_o christ_n though_o national_a because_o the_o denial_n of_o a_o national_a ministry_n be_v upon_o this_o supposition_n that_o a_o minister_n of_o christ_n be_v only_o for_o one_o particular_a congregation_n but_o the_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n as_o well_o as_o apostle_n evangelist_n prophet_n be_v give_v for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n till_o we_o all_o come_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n unto_o a_o perfect_a man_n eph._n 4.11_o 12_o 13._o therefore_o for_o all_o or_o any_o and_o consequent_o for_o a_o nation_n and_o not_o only_o for_o a_o particular_a congregation_n 4._o if_o any_o of_o the_o saint_n as_o well_o as_o one_o particular_a congregation_n have_v a_o interest_n in_o all_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n so_o as_o that_o they_o be_v true_o they_o than_o minister_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v national_a yea_o aught_o to_o be_v yea_o and_o ecumenical_a if_o they_o can_v be_v serviceable_a to_o they_o in_o the_o thing_n of_o christ._n but_o 1_o cor._n 3.22_o 23._o paul_n and_o cephas_n and_o apollo_n be_v all_o the_o corinthian_n and_o all_o other_o who_o be_v christ_n therefore_o the_o same_o may_v be_v minister_n of_o christ_n and_o national_a minister_n i_o know_v not_o whether_o this_o may_v be_v a_o argument_n ad_fw-la hominem_fw-la but_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v justifiable_a that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v a_o commissioner_n for_o approbation_n of_o public_a preacher_n throughout_o a_o nation_n and_o so_o a_o national_a minister_n or_o a_o itinerant_a preacher_n to_o the_o nation_n and_o yet_o be_v a_o minister_n of_o christ._n 2._o a_o national_a church_n denominate_v so_o either_o from_o the_o agreement_n of_o all_o the_o believer_n in_o that_o nation_n in_o the_o same_o profession_n or_o from_o their_o subjection_n to_o some_o common_a ruler_n ecclesiastical_a or_o civil_a or_o convening_n by_o deputy_n in_o some_o national_a synod_n though_o not_o of_o divine_a institution_n may_v be_v a_o true_a and_o not_o a_o false_a church_n which_o i_o prove_v thus_o they_o may_v be_v a_o true_a church_n who_o have_v all_o thing_n essential_a to_o a_o church_n and_o nothing_o destructive_a of_o its_o be_v such_o but_o believer_n of_o a_o nation_n or_o a_o national_a church_n so_o denominate_v any_o of_o those_o way_n may_v have_v all_o thing_n essential_a to_o a_o church_n and_o nothing_o destructive_a of_o its_o be_v such_o ergo._fw-la the_o major_n be_v take_v from_o the_o proper_a notion_n of_o the_o term_n true_a church_n or_o its_o definition_n for_o the_o definition_n of_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n or_o a_o true_a church_n be_v and_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o company_n or_o number_n of_o person_n believe_v in_o christ_n or_o profess_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o obedience_n to_o god_n by_o christ_n according_a unto_o it_o not_o destroy_v their_o own_o profession_n by_o any_o error_n concern_v the_o foundation_n or_o unholiness_n of_o conversation_n even_o according_a to_o the_o expression_n of_o the_o congregational_a man_n in_o their_o declaration_n octob._n 12.1658_o ch_n 26._o the_o minor_a be_v also_o manifest_a by_o reason_n and_o experience_n a_o national_a church_n so_o denominate_v may_v have_v the_o truth_n of_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n the_o truth_n of_o worship_n the_o truth_n of_o holy_a conversation_n beside_o which_o there_o be_v nothing_o essential_a to_o a_o true_a church_n for_o the_o defect_n of_o outward_a order_n be_v the_o order_n pretend_v indeed_o of_o christ_n institution_n yet_o can_v not_o nullify_v the_o church_n or_o destroy_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o but_o only_o the_o regularity_n the_o corinthian_n be_v a_o true_a church_n 1_o cor._n 1.2_o even_o then_o when_o there_o be_v disorder_n in_o their_o meeting_n 1_o cor._n 14.26_o in_o their_o discipline_n 1_o cor._n 5.1_o 2._o in_o their_o communion_n 1_o cor._n 11.21_o in_o their_o faith_n 1_o cor._n 15.12_o in_o their_o conversation_n 2_o cor._n 1.1_o and_o 12_o 2d_o as_o for_o the_o outward_a form_n of_o their_o combination_n by_o a_o church_n covenant_n or_o their_o number_n or_o their_o habitation_n or_o their_o descent_n these_o and_o such_o like_a thing_n though_o for_o convenience_n they_o be_v requisite_a yet_o not_o essential_a to_o the_o church_n or_o its_o truth_n yea_o the_o have_v of_o baptism_n organize_a by_o officer_n though_o more_o necessary_a and_o of_o divine_a institution_n yet_o be_v not_o essential_a to_o a_o church_n or_o its_o truth_n but_o that_o the_o church_n without_o they_o may_v be_v a_o true_a church_n though_o not_o so_o regular_a and_o well_o order_v as_o it_o shall_v be_v nor_o do_v the_o have_v of_o national_a ruler_n ecclesiastical_a either_o single_a person_n or_o in_o a_o synod_n or_o convocation_n make_v a_o false_a church_n those_o of_o the_o congregational_a way_n have_v have_v synod_n and_o submit_v to_o court_n even_o in_o ecclesiastical_a thing_n of_o large_a extent_n than_o a_o congregation_n of_o one_o town_n and_o church_n of_o a_o great_a number_n and_o at_o great_a distance_n of_o habitation_n than_o can_v meet_v in_o one_o place_n every_o lord_n day_n for_o all_o ordinance_n and_o deny_v not_o a_o catholic_n visible_a church_n and_o therefore_o shall_v not_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o number_n distance_n want_v of_o officer_n of_o divine_a institution_n or_o because_o model_v by_o humane_a prudence_n call_v a_o national_a church_n a_o false_a church_n the_o proof_n use_v by_o those_o that_o hold_v that_o many_o particular_a congregation_n may_v be_v under_o one_o presbyterial_a government_n print_v in_o the_o year_n 1645._o from_o the_o number_n of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n yet_o one_o church_n act_v 8.1_o under_o one_o government_n beside_o what_o be_v find_v in_o the_o scripture_n about_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n ephesus_n be_v sufficient_a to_o evince_v that_o many_o congregation_n may_v be_v one_o church_n and_o that_o the_o unity_n and_o truth_n of_o church_n be_v to_o be_v take_v from_o agreement_n and_o verity_n of_o faith_n and_o that_o a_o national_a church_n so_o denominate_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o agreement_n in_o profession_n or_o subjection_n to_o government_n or_o convention_n by_o deputy_n or_o messenger_n in_o one_o synod_n may_v be_v one_o national_a church_n and_o a_o true_a church_n of_o christ._n but_o it_o be_v object_v that_o the_o first_o church_n be_v of_o christ_n institution_n and_o that_o be_v of_o so_o many_o as_o may_v meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n even_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n that_o
of_o a_o church_n and_o just_o be_v disrobe_v of_o that_o appellation_n we_o just_o plead_v against_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n plead_v that_o they_o be_v the_o church_n build_v on_o peter_n against_o which_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v mat._n 16.18_o that_o the_o promise_n be_v not_o to_o that_o or_o any_o other_o particular_a visible_a church_n but_o to_o the_o invisible_a church_n of_o god_n elect_v and_o we_o allege_v that_o st._n paul_n write_v to_o the_o church_n at_o rome_n tell_v they_o rom._n 11.20_o 21._o well_o because_o of_o unbelief_n they_o be_v break_v off_o and_o thou_o stand_v by_o faith_n be_v not_o high_a mind_v but_o fear_v for_o if_o god_n spare_v not_o the_o natural_a branch_n take_v heed_n lest_o he_o also_o spare_v not_o thou_o but_o we_o add_v that_o not_o every_o nor_o many_o corruption_n of_o some_o kind_n do_v unchurch_n there_o be_v many_o in_o faith_n worship_n and_o conversation_n in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o some_o of_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n who_o yet_o be_v golden_a candlestick_n amid_o who_o christ_n do_v walk_v but_o such_o general_n avow_a unrepented_a of_o error_n in_o faith_n as_o overthrow_v the_o foundation_n of_o christian_a faith_n to_o wit_n christ_n the_o only_a mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n and_o salvation_n by_o he_o corruption_n of_o worship_n by_o idolatry_n in_o life_n by_o evil_a manner_n as_o be_v utter_o inconsistent_a with_o christianity_n till_o which_o in_o whole_a or_o in_o part_n they_o be_v not_o unchurch_v sect._n 24._o every_o error_n make_v not_o a_o false_a prophet_n our_o quaerist_n proceed_v eighthly_a whether_o the_o ecclesiastic_a and_o spiritual_a ruler_n governor_n and_o officer_n of_o such_o a_o collapse_a church_n may_v not_o righteous_o as_o of_o old_a be_v account_v and_o esteem_v as_o false_a prophet_n that_o go_v about_o to_o cause_v the_o people_n to_o forget_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n or_o his_o pure_a worship_n by_o their_o lie_n or_o unscriptural_a tradition_n innovation_n and_o ceremonious_a pageantry_n answer_v st._n peter_n foretell_v 2_o pet._n 2.1_o there_o be_v false_a prophet_n among_o the_o people_n even_o as_o there_o shall_v be_v false_a teacher_n among_o you_o who_o privy_o shall_v bring_v in_o damnable_a heresy_n even_o deny_v the_o lord_n that_o buy_v they_o judas_n 4._o ungodly_a man_n turn_v the_o grace_n of_o our_o god_n into_o lasciviousness_n and_o deny_v the_o only_a lord_n god_n and_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n 1_o john_n 4.1_o many_o false_a prophet_n be_v go_v out_o into_o the_o world_n 2_o john_n 7._o many_o deceiver_n be_v enter_v into_o the_o world_n who_o confess_v not_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v come_v in_o the_o flesh_n this_o be_v a_o deceiver_n and_o a_o antichrist_n 1_o john_n 2.22_o who_o be_v a_o liar_n but_o he_o that_o deny_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n he_o be_v antichrist_n that_o deny_v the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n if_o any_o ecclesiastic_a and_o spiritual_a ruler_n governor_n and_o officer_n of_o a_o collapse_a church_n do_v in_o this_o manner_n go_v about_o to_o cause_v the_o people_n to_o forget_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n or_o his_o pure_a worship_n they_o be_v righteous_o as_o of_o old_a to_o be_v account_v and_o esteem_v as_o false_a prophet_n but_o if_o they_o hold_v the_o foundation_n that_o be_v jesus_n christ_n and_o teach_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n without_o idolatry_n in_o their_o worship_n or_o heresy_n in_o their_o doctrine_n though_o they_o build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n lay_v by_o the_o apostle_n hay_n and_o stubble_n 1_o cor._n 3.12_o that_o be_v some_o error_n of_o their_o own_o and_o some_o addition_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n from_o unwritten_a tradition_n or_o other_o suppose_a power_n about_o ceremony_n they_o be_v not_o righteous_o as_o of_o old_a the_o prophet_n of_o baal_n and_o balaam_n and_o other_o seducer_n to_o be_v account_v and_o esteem_v as_o false_a prophet_n that_o go_v about_o to_o cause_v the_o people_n to_o forget_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n or_o his_o pure_a worship_n i_o add_v that_o if_o the_o addition_n of_o some_o humane_a ceremony_n to_o the_o pure_a institute_v worship_n of_o god_n and_o some_o error_n to_o the_o sound_a doctrine_n of_o faith_n do_v make_v the_o teacher_n or_o ruler_n of_o a_o church_n false_a prophet_n in_o te_fw-la ipsum_fw-la haec_fw-la cudetur_fw-la faba_fw-la neither_o this_o author_n nor_o any_o of_o the_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n of_o the_o congregational_a church_n but_o may_v be_v judge_v false_a prophet_n sect._n 25._o separation_n by_o reason_n of_o some_o corruption_n unwarrantable_a it_o be_v add_v 9_o whether_o separation_n from_o such_o a_o collapse_a church_n in_o respect_n of_o its_o worship_n minister_n and_o ministry_n be_v not_o only_o justifiable_a but_o as_o of_o old_a the_o duty_n of_o the_o lord_n faithful_a remnant_n that_o desire_v to_o worship_v he_o according_a to_o his_o appointment_n answer_v separation_n from_o a_o church_n somewhat_o erroneous_a or_o corrupt_a in_o worship_n or_o conversation_n yet_o neither_o idolatrous_a in_o worship_n nor_o heretical_a in_o doctrine_n nor_o require_v that_o to_o their_o communion_n which_o will_v be_v sinful_a especial_o if_o it_o be_v total_a from_o all_o part_n of_o worship_n all_o attend_v on_o minister_n and_o ministry_n at_o all_o time_n be_v unjustifiable_a utter_o dissonant_n from_o any_o of_o the_o rule_n or_o example_n which_o either_o of_o old_a the_o prophet_n or_o holy_a man_n or_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v prescribe_v be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n the_o fruit_n of_o pride_n or_o bitter_a zeal_n and_o tend_v to_o strife_n and_o confusion_n and_o every_o evil_a work_n james_z 3.16_o sect._n 26._o it_o be_v prudence_n to_o join_v in_o worship_n and_o hear_v where_o some_o error_n and_o corruption_n remain_v yet_o once_o more_o say_v the_o quaerist_n yea_o 10._o whither_o suppose_v a_o church_n so_o call_v thus_o dreadful_o as_o aforesaid_a depart_v from_o the_o pure_a institution_n of_o christ_n never_o to_o be_v according_a to_o truth_n a_o visible_a institute_v church_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o lord_n poor_a people_n live_v in_o the_o nation_n never_o by_o their_o free_a consent_n member_n thereof_o as_o it_o be_v on_o the_o pretend_a church_n part_n most_o unheard-of-cruelty_n to_o compel_v they_o so_o it_o be_v not_o on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o free_a bear_v child_n of_o god_n most_o stupendous_a folly_n and_o disvaluation_n of_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n and_o ingratitude_n to_o god_n for_o the_o light_n and_o liberty_n from_o the_o yoke_n of_o man_n receive_v imaginable_a to_o join_v affinity_n with_o it_o in_o worship_n or_o attend_v upon_o the_o self_n invent_v ministry_n that_o appertain_v thereunto_o many_o more_o question_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n and_o importance_n may_v be_v add_v answer_v compulsion_n of_o man_n may_v be_v cruelty_n but_o it_o be_v neither_o pendious_a folly_n nor_o disvaluation_n of_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n nor_o ingratitude_n to_o god_n but_o true_a christian_a prudence_n warrant_v by_o the_o counsel_n of_o st._n james_n and_o the_o elder_n at_o jerusalem_n by_o the_o yield_n and_o practice_n of_o st._n paul_n act_v 21.18_o etc._n etc._n act_v 16.3_o 1_o cor._n 9.19_o 20_o 21._o by_o christ_n example_n mat._n 17.27_o for_o person_n live_v in_o a_o nation_n for_o their_o peace_n to_o join_v in_o affinity_n with_o such_o a_o church_n which_o have_v some_o humane_a invention_n in_o worship_n and_o to_o attend_v upon_o that_o ministry_n which_o appertain_v to_o it_o when_o they_o preach_v the_o gospel_n for_o the_o main_a though_o not_o without_o some_o mixture_n of_o error_n and_o neither_o require_v they_o to_o practice_n that_o which_o be_v in_o itself_o evil_a nor_o bind_v they_o to_o assent_v unto_o that_o which_o be_v erroneous_a what_o more_o question_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n and_o importance_n this_o quaerist_n may_v add_v i_o know_v not_o i_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o answer_v these_o as_o be_v praelusory_a to_o the_o main_a question_n and_o tend_v to_o forestall_v the_o reader_n with_o unmee_a prejudice_n have_v remove_v these_o stumble_a block_n out_o of_o the_o way_n i_o proceed_v to_o examine_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o writing_n chap._n 1._o arg._n i._n sect._n 1_o some_o scruple_n of_o conscience_n be_v of_o ill_a consequence_n as_o a_o preamble_n to_o his_o dispute_n the_o author_n write_v thus_o this_o be_v that_o which_o the_o lord_n have_v say_v i_o will_v be_v sanctify_v in_o all_o that_o draw_v nigh_o i_o and_o before_o all_o the_o people_n will_v i_o be_v glorify_v the_o great_a care_n of_o saint_n in_o matter_n of_o worship_n be_v to_o sanctify_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n therein_o this_o be_v the_o great_a thing_n that_o god_n look_v at_o the_o omission_n whereof_o
saint_n to_o do_v but_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o present_a minister_n of_o england_n be_v that_o the_o do_v whereof_o do_v cast_v contempt_n upon_o the_o way_n and_o institution_n some_o one_o or_o more_o of_o they_o of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n and_o harden_v person_n in_o a_o false_a way_n of_o worship_n and_o rebellion_n against_o he_o therefore_o the_o major_n be_v lay_v down_o in_o such_o full_a clear_a and_o evident_a expression_n bottom_v upon_o scripture_n and_o right_a reason_n as_o carry_v a_o brightness_n with_o they_o that_o none_o but_o such_o as_o be_v desperate_o and_o judicious_o blind_v will_n or_o can_v gainsay_v the_o minor_a or_o second_v proposition_n viz_o that_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o present_a minister_n of_o england_n be_v the_o do_v of_o that_o which_o do_v cast_v contempt_n upon_o the_o way_n and_o institution_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n and_o harden_v person_n in_o a_o false_a way_n of_o worship_n and_o rebellion_n against_o he_o be_v by_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n gainsay_v answ._n if_o the_o major_n be_v understand_v of_o real_a and_o not_o only_o imaginary_a and_o in_o the_o opinion_n of_o man_n of_o itself_o per_fw-la se_fw-la and_o not_o by_o accident_n through_o the_o prejudice_n or_o ill_a disposition_n of_o some_o person_n cast_v contempt_n and_o harden_v the_o major_n be_v grant_v and_o the_o minor_a deny_v otherwise_o it_o be_v not_o grant_v but_o let_v we_o attend_v the_o proof_n of_o the_o minor_a three_o thing_n say_v he_o be_v therein_o assert_v 1._o that_o our_o hear_v these_o person_n be_v that_o which_o cast_v contempt_n upon_o the_o way_n and_o institution_n of_o christ._n 2_o that_o it_o harden_v person_n in_o a_o false_a way_n of_o worship_n 3_o that_o it_o harden_v and_o encourage_v soul_n in_o their_o rebellion_n against_o the_o lord_n as_o for_o the_o first_o a_o brief_a observation_n of_o some_o of_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n clear_o bottom_v upon_o the_o scripture_n will_v abundant_o evince_v its_o original_a to_o be_v from_o god_n first_o then_o that_o separation_n from_o the_o world_n and_o man_n of_o the_o world_n from_o all_o way_n of_o false_a worship_n and_o the_o invention_n of_o man_n thereabouts_o until_o the_o saint_n of_o the_o most_o high_a be_v apparent_o a_o people_n dwell_v alone_o and_o not_o reckon_v among_o the_o nation_n however_o it_o be_v decry_v and_o find_v harsh_a in_o the_o ear_n of_o carnal_a man_n be_v one_o grand_a institution_n a_o man_n may_v run_v and_o read_v in_o the_o follow_a scripture_n numb_a 23.9_o joh._n 15.9_o 2_o cor._n 6.14_o 15_o 17_o 19_o ephes._n 5.8_o 11._o 2_o tim_n 3.5_o hos._n 4_o 15._o revel_v 18.4_o prov._n 4.7_o nor_n be_v it_o deny_v by_o some_o of_o our_o conform_v brethren_n answ._n by_o the_o world_n and_o man_n of_o the_o world_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o saint_n of_o the_o most_o high_a be_v understand_v such_o profess_a christian_n as_o be_v not_o visible_a saint_n able_a to_o give_v such_o a_o account_n of_o their_o conversion_n and_o proof_n of_o their_o integrity_n as_o the_o elder_n and_o member_n of_o a_o gather_a church_n in_o the_o congregational_a way_n be_v satisfy_v with_o to_o be_v sufficient_a for_o their_o admission_n into_o their_o church_n or_o that_o enter_v not_o into_o church_n covenant_n explicit_a or_o implicit_a and_o dwell_v alone_o be_v mean_v either_o of_o join_v alone_o with_o such_o a_o church_n in_o hear_v pray_v and_o sacrament_n or_o of_o dwell_v alone_o in_o their_o habitation_n not_o be_v reckon_v among_o the_o nation_n may_v be_v understand_v either_o of_o not_o be_v member_n of_o a_o national_a or_o parochial_a chureh_n or_o not_o under_o a_o national_a government_n whether_o ecclesiastical_a or_o civil_a or_o not_o take_v upon_o they_o anâ—_n office_n or_o employment_n in_o either_o such_o church_n or_o commonwealth_n in_o none_o of_o these_o sense_n be_v the_o proposition_n prove_v by_o any_o of_o the_o text_n allege_v concern_v the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o separation_n from_o the_o world_n or_o man_n of_o the_o world_n but_o the_o proposition_n be_v both_o false_a and_o dangerous_a the_o first_o text_n numb_a 23_o 9_o be_v only_o a_o pprophecy_n of_o balaam_n concern_v the_o people_n of_o israel_n after_o the_o flesh_n that_o they_o shall_v dwell_v alone_o and_o not_o be_v reckon_v among_o the_o nation_n to_o infer_v thence_o any_o of_o his_o sort_n of_o separation_n to_o be_v the_o institution_n of_o christ_n concern_v the_o christian_a church_n be_v without_o any_o show_n of_o reason_n it_o may_v yield_v better_a proof_n for_o a_o national_a church_n christian_n against_o this_o author_n if_o any_o institution_n of_o christ_n concern_v the_o christian_a church_n visible_a can_v be_v thence_o deduce_v john_n 15.19_o christ_n say_v to_o his_o disciple_n if_o you_o be_v of_o the_o world_n the_o world_n will_v love_v his_o own_o but_o because_o you_o be_v not_o of_o the_o world_n but_o i_o have_v choose_v you_o out_o of_o the_o world_n therefore_o the_o world_n hate_v you_o and_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o saint_n of_o the_o most_o high_a be_v not_o of_o the_o world_n that_o be_v that_o party_n that_o be_v opposite_a to_o christ_n that_o hate_v he_o and_o the_o profession_n of_o his_o name_n and_o according_o hate_v they_o that_o be_v for_o christ_n as_o v_o 18._o show_n but_o that_o by_o the_o world_n be_v mean_v a_o national_a or_o parochial_a church_n or_o national_a state_n common_a wealth_n kingdom_n city_n or_o house_n as_o such_o because_o of_o the_o mixture_n of_o good_a and_o bad_a be_v most_o false_a it_o be_v true_a that_o christ_n choose_v the_o apostle_n and_o other_o christian_n out_o of_o the_o world_n by_o his_o call_n by_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o work_n of_o his_o spirit_n that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o world_n in_o their_o enmity_n against_o he_o or_o his_o word_n but_o be_v a_o peculiar_a people_n to_o himself_o zealous_a of_o good_a work_n not_o by_o any_o institution_n to_o separate_v themselves_o from_o other_o christian_n by_o profession_n into_o a_o congregational_a church_n contra-distinct_a from_o national_a or_o parochial_a in_o the_o episcopal_a or_o presbyterian_a way_n of_o discipline_n by_o a_o explicit_a or_o implicit_a church_n covenant_n or_o into_o a_o plantation_n or_o body_n politic_a or_o oeconomick_a independent_a on_o any_o civil_a government_n or_o governor_n of_o the_o nation_n 2_o cor._n 6.14_o 15_o 17_o 19_o or_o rather_o 18._o for_o 18._o be_v the_o last_o v_o of_o that_o chapter_n have_v be_v and_o so_o have_v ephes._n 5.8_o 11._o rev._n 18.4_o in_o the_o last_o section_n of_o the_o answer_n to_o the_o 8_o chapter_n show_v to_o be_v impertinent_o allege_v for_o proof_n of_o such_o a_o separation_n as_o be_v here_o mean_v nor_o be_v it_o prove_v 2_o tim._n 3.5_o but_o it_o be_v a_o precept_n for_o timothy_n to_o turn_v away_o either_o in_o respect_n of_o arbitrary_a society_n or_o in_o respect_n of_o associate_a with_o such_o as_o be_v there_o describe_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n or_o other_o employment_n as_o wherein_o they_o will_v be_v either_o treacherous_a to_o he_o or_o a_o hindrance_n or_o a_o blot_n to_o he_o host_n 4.15_o be_v only_o a_o precept_n unto_o judah_n of_o not_o be_v idolatrous_a as_o israel_n prov._n 14.7_o be_v a_o precept_n advise_v man_n in_o prudence_n that_o they_o go_v from_o the_o presence_n of_o a_o foolish_a man_n when_o they_o perceive_v not_o in_o he_o the_o lip_n of_o knowledge_n to_o allege_v text_n so_o far_o from_o the_o prove_v of_o what_o they_o be_v bring_v for_o show_v rather_o a_o mind_n willing_a to_o cheat_v honest_a and_o weak_a people_n than_o any_o regard_n to_o truth_n or_o honesty_n and_o as_o i_o say_v the_o position_n be_v false_a for_o it_o suppose_v christ_n to_o have_v institute_v such_o a_o separation_n as_o he_o have_v tell_v we_o in_o sundry_a parable_n shall_v not_o be_v till_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n matth._n 13.30_o 40_o 49._o such_o as_o neither_o christ_n in_o the_o seven_o epistle_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n nor_o st._n paul_n in_o that_o to_o the_o corinthian_n or_o any_o other_o ever_o urge_v such_o as_o never_o be_v attempt_v but_o it_o be_v judge_v schismatical_a and_o prove_v unhappy_a in_o the_o conclusion_n and_o it_o be_v dangerous_a since_o it_o put_v person_n upon_o withdraw_a their_o subjection_n not_o only_o from_o ecclesiastical_a ruler_n but_o also_o from_o civil_a and_o household_n ruler_n that_o be_v count_v the_o world_n or_o man_n of_o the_o world_n that_o they_o may_v be_v a_o people_n dwell_v alone_o and_o not_o reckon_v among_o the_o nation_n which_o will_v overthrow_v also_o all_o state_n body_n politic_a and_o household_n government_n and_o be_v contrary_n to_o rom._n 13.1_o 1_o cor._n 7.20_o 24._o it_o be_v add_v
also_o term_v st._n paul_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d fellow-labourer_n in_o the_o lord_n rom._n 16.3_o which_o prove_v that_o christian_n do_v and_o may_v hear_v other_o beside_o officer_n of_o particular_a institute_v church_n yea_o that_o they_o may_v and_o do_v make_v use_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o any_o though_o a_o woman_n that_o can_v expound_v to_o they_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n 3._o that_o this_o be_v against_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o congregational_a church_n who_o do_v allow_v the_o hear_n of_o gift_a brethren_n that_o be_v not_o officer_n who_o send_v preacher_n to_o convert_v the_o native_n such_o as_o mr._n eliat_n mr._n mayhew_n who_o yet_o be_v no_o officer_n to_o they_o who_o hear_v the_o pastor_n of_o other_o congregation_n than_o those_o of_o which_o they_o be_v member_n which_o be_v not_o agreeable_a to_o this_o author_n principle_n that_o other_o than_o their_o own_o officer_n be_v stranger_n to_o they_o and_o if_o it_o be_v as_o some_o have_v deliver_v that_o the_o ministry_n be_v limit_v to_o that_o church_n to_o which_o he_o be_v pastor_n he_o can_v preach_v as_o a_o minister_n when_o they_o hear_v he_o nor_o they_o hear_v he_o under_o that_o consideration_n and_o if_o a_o minister_n be_v a_o officer_n only_o to_o the_o people_n who_o choose_v he_o and_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o attend_v on_o his_o ministry_n who_o choose_v he_o and_o not_o other_o than_o a_o minister_n cease_v to_o be_v a_o minister_n when_o his_o elector_n be_v dead_a or_o remove_v they_o that_o choose_v he_o not_o though_o he_o be_v elect_v by_o the_o major_a part_n be_v not_o to_o take_v he_o for_o their_o minister_n nor_o may_v hear_v he_o since_o his_o voice_n be_v the_o voice_n of_o a_o stranger_n 4._o to_o be_v tie_v to_o attend_v on_o such_o man_n ministry_n and_o not_o to_o have_v liberty_n to_o hear_v other_o put_v a_o yoke_n of_o bondage_n intolerable_a and_o pernicious_a on_o man_n conscience_n 1._o in_o that_o in_o case_n the_o minister_n become_v empty_a or_o erroneous_a yet_o be_v his_o minister_n and_o the_o major_a part_n adhere_v to_o he_o he_o must_v also_o attend_v on_o his_o ministry_n who_o be_v weary_a of_o it_o and_o may_v not_o use_v the_o benefit_n of_o another_o ministry_n more_o sound_a and_o profitable_a no_o not_o though_o it_o be_v of_o great_a consequence_n for_o the_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n in_o that_o he_o doubt_v which_o be_v a_o art_n like_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o papist_n who_o will_v allow_v none_o of_o their_o church_n to_o hear_v protestant_a preacher_n or_o confer_v with_o they_o or_o read_v their_o book_n lest_o their_o error_n shall_v be_v detect_v thus_o it_o may_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o if_o mr._n ainsworth_n deliver_v error_n his_o people_n may_v not_o go_v to_o hear_v mr._n paget_n in_o the_o same_o town_n who_o may_v discover_v his_o error_n and_o there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n concern_v any_o in_o england_n as_o in_o london_n a_o minister_n to_o a_o independent_a church_n must_v be_v hear_v though_o a_o man_n of_o mean_a ability_n and_o perhaps_o a_o antinomian_a and_o none_o other_o though_o a_o neighbour_n godly_a learned_a conformist_n preach_v truth_n profitable_o near_o to_o he_o 2._o in_o case_n a_o member_n of_o a_o separate_a church_n as_o a_o woman_n remove_v with_o her_o husband_n from_o london_n into_o the_o country_n far_o from_o her_o pastor_n have_v a_o godly_a learned_a able_a teacher_n who_o be_v a_o conformist_n near_o she_o and_o no_o other_o she_o must_v not_o hear_v he_o because_o a_o stranger_n none_o of_o christ_n officer_n but_o must_v rather_o live_v without_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o public_a ordinance_n though_o it_o be_v to_o the_o great_a decay_n of_o that_o spiritual_a life_n heat_n and_o vigour_n in_o godliness_n which_o she_o once_o have_v these_o and_o more_o evil_a consequence_n attend_v the_o position_n of_o this_o author_n that_o those_o only_o who_o be_v christ_n officer_n in_o his_o sense_n be_v to_o be_v hear_v yet_o he_o go_v on_o thus_o sect._n 5._o hear_v the_o present_a minister_n cast_v no_o contempt_n on_o christ_n institution_n not_o to_o mention_v more_o let_v it_o be_v weigh_v whether_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o present_a minister_n of_o england_n do_v not_o cast_v contempt_n upon_o these_o institution_n of_o christ._n what_o be_v more_o evident_o preach_v by_o such_o a_o practice_n than_o 1._o that_o separation_n from_o the_o assembly_n of_o england_n '_o tho_o in_o their_o constitution_n carnal_a and_o worldly_a and_o the_o worship_n thereof_o although_o false_a and_o mere_o of_o humane_a invention_n be_v and_o be_v our_o sin_n and_o evil_n two_o that_o it_o be_v not_o by_o virtue_n of_o any_o sovereign_a institution_n of_o christ_n the_o duty_n of_o saint_n to_o meet_v together_o as_o a_o body_n distinct_a without_o go_v out_o to_o other_o assembly_n to_o worship_n with_o they_o for_o their_o mutual_a edification_n in_o the_o lord_n three_o that_o particular_a assembly_n be_v not_o sole_o of_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n but_o that_o national_a be_v also_o to_o be_v account_v as_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n though_o they_o have_v no_o foot_n in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n from_o whence_o the_o pattern_n of_o gospel-churche_n be_v sole_o to_o be_v deduce_v yea_o 4thly_a that_o the_o officer_n of_o christ_n appointment_n be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o the_o saint_n but_o together_o with_o they_o the_o help_n of_o false_a and_o idol-shepherd_n be_v to_o be_v seek_v after_o than_o which_o what_o great_a contempt_n can_v be_v pour_v upon_o the_o forementioned_a institution_n of_o our_o dear_a lord_n yet_o who_o see_v not_o all_o this_o to_o be_v the_o language_n which_o be_v hear_v and_o go_v forth_o into_o the_o nation_n from_o the_o practice_n of_o our_o brethren_n in_o the_o matter_n we_o be_v debate_v if_o they_o look_v upon_o separation_n in_o the_o sense_n before_o mind_v to_o be_v of_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n can_v thâ—y_o offer_v a_o great_a affront_n thereunto_o than_o to_o run_v into_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o nation_n if_o they_o judge_v it_o their_o duty_n to_o meet_v together_o distinct_a from_o the_o world_n and_o its_o worshipper_n why_o run_v they_o thereunto_o if_o they_o apprehend_v national_a church_n to_o be_v the_o result_n of_o humane_a prudence_n without_o bottom_n in_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v only_o in_o contradistinction_n to_o the_o minister_n that_o be_v not_o of_o his_o appointment_n attend_v unto_o why_o give_v they_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n unto_o such_o assembly_n as_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v part_n of_o such_o a_o national_a church_n and_o hear_v minister_n that_o have_v relation_n thereunto_o who_o have_v receive_v as_o have_v be_v prove_v no_o mission_n from_o christ_n to_o their_o ministry_n if_o this_o be_v not_o evident_o to_o pour_v contempt_n upon_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n and_o confess_o so_o we_o shall_v for_o ever_o despair_v of_o success_n in_o the_o most_o facile_a and_o righteous_a undertake_n answ._n i_o acknowledge_v that_o he_o who_o grant_v your_o premise_n can_v deny_v your_o conclusion_n but_o none_o but_o dissembler_n will_v attend_v on_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o present_a minister_n and_o hold_v the_o assembly_n of_o england_n in_o their_o constitution_n carnal_a and_o worldly_a and_o the_o worship_n thereof_o false_a and_o mere_o of_o humane_a invention_n that_o the_o member_n of_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o english_a church_n be_v the_o world_n in_o contradistinction_n to_o the_o saint_n that_o they_o be_v the_o worshipper_n of_o the_o world_n not_o of_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n that_o the_o minister_n be_v false_a and_o idol-shepherd_n who_o have_v receive_v no_o mission_n from_o christ_n to_o their_o ministry_n by_o this_o answer_n this_o author_n may_v perceive_v that_o these_o charge_n be_v judge_v false_a crimination_n not_o at_o all_o prove_v by_o he_o nor_o be_v those_o thing_n grant_v to_o be_v institution_n of_o christ_n which_o he_o make_v such_o and_o therefore_o if_o the_o practice_n of_o go_v to_o the_o parish-assembly_n be_v a_o cast_a contempt_n on_o his_o way_n it_o be_v not_o on_o christ_n institution_n but_o his_o unjustifiable_a separation_n and_o yet_o the_o truth_n be_v our_o hear_v the_o present_a minister_n be_v for_o the_o performance_n of_o our_o own_o duty_n that_o we_o may_v hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o worship_n god_n true_o and_o our_o do_v this_o we_o account_v not_o any_o approbation_n of_o any_o thing_n evil_a in_o the_o minister_n or_o give_v the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n to_o the_o assembly_n in_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v disorderly_a nor_o do_v we_o condemn_v any_o thing_n but_o their_o sin_n in_o the_o separate_a meeting_n who_o
sufficient_a reason_n of_o separation_n but_o such_o as_o this_o author_n who_o be_v indeed_o with_o other_o like_o mind_a the_o true_a scandalizer_n or_o he_o by_o who_o the_o offence_n come_v or_o else_o it_o be_v the_o offend_a person_n own_o inference_n from_o the_o real_a or_o imaginary_a action_n of_o their_o brethren_n of_o a_o necessity_n of_o separation_n that_o scandalize_v he_o that_o which_o this_o author_n bring_v here_o be_v far_o from_o a_o demonstration_n we_o find_v revel_v 18.4_o that_o st._n john_n hear_v a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n say_v come_v out_o of_o herâ—_n my_o people_n that_o you_o be_v not_o partaker_n of_o her_o sin_n and_o that_o you_o receive_v not_o of_o her_o plague_n but_o to_o â—erch_v out_o of_o this_o passage_n this_o proposition_n christ_n command_v they_o to_o separate_v from_o every_o thing_n of_o antichrist_n and_o to_o infer_v this_o conclusion_n and_o therefore_o from_o his_o ministry_n needs_o a_o delian_a diver_n or_o cunning_a alchemist_n or_o sophister_n that_o can_v deduce_v quidlibet_fw-la ex_fw-la quolibet_fw-la it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o exhortation_n be_v to_o go_v out_o of_o rome_n call_v babylon_n ch_n 17_o 18._o nor_o do_v i_o gainsay_v that_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o it_o as_o it_o be_v corrupt_v by_o the_o papacy_n nor_o do_v i_o question_v but_o the_o papal_a monarchy_n be_v a_o antichristian_a state_n and_o that_o though_o the_o plain_a meaning_n be_v no_o more_o but_o that_o god_n people_n whereof_o i_o doubt_v not_o some_o be_v and_o will_v be_v in_o rome_n when_o it_o shall_v be_v destroy_v shall_v abandon_v that_o place_n afore_o it_o be_v destroy_v to_o avoid_v participation_n of_o its_o sin_n and_o plague_n yet_o too_o it_o may_v be_v understand_v of_o communion_n with_o the_o papacy_n in_o their_o idolatry_n and_o heresy_n but_o it_o be_v a_o wild_a conceit_n to_o make_v every_o thing_n do_v or_o use_v by_o pope_n to_o be_v a_o thing_n of_o antichrist_n much_o more_o be_v it_o to_o make_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o england_n the_o ministry_n of_o the_o pope_n when_o it_o be_v so_o direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o pope_n and_o popish_a doctrine_n and_o worship_n express_o abjure_v and_o abhor_v by_o they_o how_o frivolous_a his_o proof_n be_v of_o the_o present_a minister_n oppose_v visible_o christ_n kingship_n have_v the_o character_n of_o false_a prophet_n of_o be_v guilty_a of_o idolatry_n be_v show_v already_o what_o the_o frame_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o present_a conformist_n be_v or_o have_v be_v god_n only_o who_o be_v the_o searcher_n of_o heart_n be_v fit_a to_o judge_v what_o their_o principle_n be_v former_o and_o be_v now_o be_v to_o be_v know_v either_o by_o those_o that_o have_v converse_v with_o they_o or_o hear_v they_o preach_v or_o read_v their_o write_n sure_o every_o sincere_a lamb_n of_o christ_n be_v neither_o fit_a nor_o able_a to_o judge_v or_o examine_v the_o truth_n of_o any_o number_n of_o conformist_n spirit_n or_o principle_n and_o therefore_o if_o these_o alteration_n which_o be_v here_o mention_v be_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o offence_n that_o be_v take_v against_o they_o it_o can_v be_v a_o just_a ground_n of_o their_o take_a offence_n if_o it_o be_v there_o be_v just_a ground_n of_o offence_n give_v to_o separate_v from_o the_o separatist_n not_o to_o mention_v what_o of_o old_a be_v charge_v upon_o the_o brownist_n who_o spirit_n and_o principle_n be_v such_o as_o make_v many_o as_o holy_a person_n as_o england_n yield_v to_o dehort_v the_o godly_a from_o join_v with_o they_o in_o their_o way_n of_o separation_n nor_o what_o either_o mr._n edward_n in_o his_o gangraena_fw-la or_o mr._n baillee_o in_o his_o dissuasive_a or_o mr._n weld_n in_o his_o story_n of_o the_o antinomian_o have_v write_v of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o congregational_a church_n the_o elder_n and_o messenger_n of_o the_o congregational_a church_n in_o the_o preface_n to_o their_o declaration_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o order_n in_o their_o meeting_n at_o the_o savoy_n octob_n 12._o 1658._o say_v it_o be_v true_a that_o many_o sad_a miscarriage_n division_n breach_n fall_n off_o from_o holy_a ordinance_n of_o god_n have_v along_o this_o time_n of_o tentation_n be_v find_v in_o some_o of_o our_o church_n yet_o they_o do_v not_o at_o all_o stumble_v we_o as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o way_n have_v they_o be_v many_o more_o and_o avow_v this_o as_o their_o great_a principle_n that_o among_o all_o christian_a state_n and_o church_n there_o ought_v to_o be_v vouchsafe_v a_o forbearance_n and_o mutual_a indulgence_n unto_o saint_n of_o all_o persuasion_n that_o keep_v unto_o and_o hold_v fast_o the_o necessary_a foundation_n of_o faith_n and_o holiness_n in_o all_o other_o matter_n extra_fw-la fundamental_a whether_o of_o faith_n or_o order_n mr._n weld_n in_o his_o answer_n to_o mr._n rathband_n heretofore_o deny_v not_o the_o congregation_n parochial_a in_o england_n to_o be_v true_a church_n though_o impure_a and_o mr_n norton_n in_o his_o answer_n to_o appollonius_n ch_n 16._o say_v we_o reject_v the_o separatist_n who_o distinguish_v not_o between_o the_o church_n and_o the_o impurity_n of_o the_o church_n whence_o the_o great_a crime_n of_o schism_n yet_o this_o author_n not_o consider_v that_o the_o congregational_a man_n disclaim_v his_o rigid_a separation_n avow_v separation_n as_o command_v by_o christ_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o no_o true_a church_n and_o condemn_v hear_v the_o present_a minister_n as_o the_o minister_n of_o antichrist_n though_o they_o preach_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n because_o of_o some_o defect_n conceive_v in_o their_o call_n and_o some_o impurity_n real_a or_o imaginary_a in_o their_o worship_n as_o if_o it_o be_v say_v a_o confederacy_n forbid_a isai._n 8_o 12._o and_o a_o just_a ground_n of_o offence_n give_v to_o the_o sincere_a lamb_n of_o christ_n in_o that_o they_o do_v not_o separate_v from_o the_o assembly_n of_o england_n but_o he_o have_v not_o yet_o do_v but_o add_v sect._n 6._o the_o separatist_n give_v more_o just_a cause_n of_o offence_n to_o godly_a sober_a christian_n than_o the_o conformist_n do_v to_o they_o if_o it_o be_v yet_o further_o say_v object_n 2._o but_o if_o i_o do_v not_o go_v to_o hear_v the_o preacher_n of_o this_o day_n many_o true_o godly_a and_o sober_a christian_n will_v be_v offend_v at_o my_o forbearance_n so_o that_o whether_o i_o hear_v or_o whether_o i_o forbear_v i_o shall_v offend_v to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1_o that_o grant_v the_o case_n to_o be_v as_o be_v suggest_v though_o perhaps_o somewhat_o else_o upon_o a_o serious_a and_o strict_a search_n may_v be_v find_v to_o lie_v at_o the_o bottom_n of_o our_o conformity_n beyond_o what_o be_v here_o plead_v i_o be_o very_o apt_a to_o believe_v be_v but_o a_o toleration_n grant_v it_o be_v not_o the_o fear_n of_o offend_v any_o will_v cause_v our_o conform_v brethren_n to_o attend_v upon_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o present_a priest_n of_o england_n yet_o suppose_v it_o to_o be_v as_o be_v intimate_v we_o ask_v 1._o do_v you_o look_v upon_o your_o go_v to_o hear_v as_o your_o duty_n or_o mere_o as_o your_o liberty_n if_o the_o first_o let_v it_o be_v prove_v from_o any_o positive_a precept_n of_o christ_n and_o we_o be_v satisfy_v if_o the_o second_o you_o be_v bind_v by_o many_o solemn_a injunction_n which_o be_v at_o least_o reduceable_a to_o the_o moral_a law_n not_o to_o use_v your_o liberty_n to_o scandalize_v your_o brethren_n 2._o let_v both_o party_n be_v weigh_v in_o a_o upright_a balance_n such_o as_o you_o judge_v to_o be_v offend_v with_o you_o for_o not_o hear_v and_o such_o as_o be_v offend_v thereat_o i_o be_o bold_a to_o say_v that_o the_o last_o mention_v for_o number_n holiness_n spirituality_n and_o tenderness_n do_v far_o surmount_v the_o former_a who_o will_v real_o be_v scandalize_v at_o your_o forbearance_n 3._o let_v also_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o offence_n on_o both_o side_n be_v weigh_v the_o one_o be_v offend_v at_o you_o that_o you_o build_v not_o up_o in_o practice_n in_o a_o day_n of_o trouble_n and_o cause_n thereby_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o triumph_v and_o blaspheme_v what_o in_o a_o day_n of_o liberty_n you_o do_v in_o your_o preach_n and_o practice_n pull_v down_o and_o destroy_v the_o other_o because_o of_o your_o disobedience_n to_o what_o they_o be_v satisfy_v and_o you_o yourselves_o once_o be_v god_n be_v call_v you_o to_o viz._n to_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o separate_z from_o this_o generation_n of_o man_n but_o 4._o that_o it_o be_v your_o duty_n especial_o if_o in_o a_o church-relation_n to_o meet_v together_o as_o a_o people_n call_v and_o pick_v by_o the_o lord_n out_o of_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n can_v be_v deny_v the_o neglect_n of_o which_o be_v