thing_n 1._o all_o particular_a church_n be_v but_o integral_a homogenous_a or_o equal_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n they_o have_v all_o a_o equal_a intrinsical_a power_n of_o form_v themselves_o into_o congregation_n or_o lesser_a body_n for_o their_o own_o spiritual_a edification_n according_a to_o the_o law_n which_o christ_n have_v prescribe_v to_o that_o purpose_n for_o be_v all_o brethren_n equal_o and_o immediate_o relate_v to_o christ_n and_o the_o division_n betwixt_o they_o be_v mere_o accidental_a and_o external_a from_o the_o place_n of_o their_o dwell_n or_o other_o circumstance_n they_o must_v all_o have_v a_o equal_a right_n to_o all_o the_o ordinance_n and_o privilege_n of_o a_o church_n and_o equal_a authority_n to_o dispose_v of_o themselves_o for_o their_o own_o good_a 2._o that_o the_o only_a end_n of_o christian_n combine_v into_o several_a lesser_a society_n be_v that_o they_o may_v serve_v christ_n together_o and_o help_v each_o other_o in_o their_o spiritual_a concern_v for_o they_o be_v a_o spiritual_a commonwealth_n associate_v for_o spiritual_a end_n only_o when_o they_o be_v consider_v as_o one_o body_n under_o christ_n therefore_o if_o they_o divide_v themselves_o into_o lesser_a body_n it_o must_v be_v only_o that_o they_o may_v more_o easy_o and_o convenient_o attain_v the_o end_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n and_o general_a association_n 3._o and_o that_o the_o design_n of_o civil_a governor_n law_n and_o interest_n with_o the_o conveniance_n of_o civil_a body_n great_a or_o small_a aught_o to_o have_v no_o influence_n or_o concern_v upon_o the_o constitution_n of_o these_o particular_a church_n for_o if_o they_o imbody_n themselves_o in_o lesser_a company_n only_o to_o serve_v christ_n and_o edify_v each_o other_o with_o the_o best_a advantage_n to_o their_o soul_n than_o they_o be_v still_o in_o such_o incorporate_n only_o to_o respect_v the_o honour_n of_o christ_n their_o own_o edification_n and_o the_o best_a execution_n of_o christ_n law_n among_o they_o leave_v other_o governor_n to_o prosecute_v the_o end_n of_o their_o law_n and_o government_n in_o way_n proper_a to_o themselves_o and_o distinct_a from_o they_o and_o therefore_o if_o civil_a governors_n model_n these_o church_n in_o subserviency_n to_o their_o civil_a end_n they_o do_v real_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o church_n and_o take_v they_o out_o of_o their_o immediate_a subordination_n to_o christ_n and_o his_o spiritual_a government_n or_o else_o they_o make_v christ_n and_o his_o government_n and_o commonwealth_n subservient_fw-fr to_o they_o and_o the_o concern_v of_o man_n soul_n to_o be_v not_o other_o way_n regard_v then_o as_o they_o may_v promote_v worldly_a and_o temporary_a design_n but_o further_a that_o part_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v on_o earth_n be_v absent_a from_o their_o king_n and_o lord_n and_o in_o a_o state_n of_o imperfection_n have_v therefore_o need_v of_o guide_n and_o help_n that_o it_o may_v understand_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n and_o yield_v obedience_n to_o it_o though_o all_o be_v equal_o member_n of_o christ_n yet_o all_o be_v not_o able_a to_o guide_v and_o help_v themselves_o from_o whence_o arise_v the_o necessity_n of_o guide_n and_o governor_n in_o the_o church_n whence_o it_o be_v call_v a_o organical_a church_n as_o a_o body_n consist_v of_o different_a organ_n for_o different_a use_n thus_o the_o church_n be_v make_v up_o of_o governor_n and_o govern_v but_o it_o be_v still_o the_o same_o church_n under_o the_o same_o head_n christ_n and_o his_o word_n as_o its_o law_n only_o the_o interpretation_n and_o application_n of_o this_o law_n of_o christ_n be_v commit_v to_o some_o for_o the_o better_a edification_n of_o all_o viz_o the_o preserve_n and_o perfect_v those_o that_o be_v present_a member_n and_o the_o continue_n of_o the_o church_n by_o bring_v in_o more_o that_o shall_v be_v save_v church_n governor_n therefore_o be_v in_o no_o wise_a supreme_a christ_n be_v still_o the_o immediate_a head_n both_o of_o power_n and_o influence_n both_o to_o make_v law_n and_o to_o make_v they_o effectual_a upon_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n they_o be_v appoint_v only_o to_o expound_v and_o apply_v christ_n law_n for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o people_n for_o his_o glory_n only_o and_o to_o leave_v both_o the_o success_n and_o the_o account_n to_o christ_n of_o themselves_o and_o of_o the_o people_n hence_o arise_v a_o four_o division_n of_o the_o church_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o government_n and_o order_n of_o it_o into_o ecumenical_a national_a provincial_a diocesan_n classical_a parochial_a or_o congregational_a but_o all_o these_o and_o each_o one_o alike_o be_v take_v in_o a_o double_a sense_n singular_o or_o collective_o singular_o for_o one_o individual_a church_n or_o body_n under_o one_o government_n whether_o of_o one_o or_o more_o person_n and_o thus_o the_o ecumenical_a or_o universal_a church_n on_o earth_n must_v be_v but_o one_o great_a body_n of_o christian_n associate_v with_o the_o same_o governor_n for_o the_o edification_n of_o each_o other_o as_o israel_n of_o old_a be_v one_o family_n multiply_v into_o a_o people_n and_o these_o gather_v into_o a_o great_a assembly_n at_o mount_n sinai_n be_v there_o frame_v into_o one_o spiritual_a society_n under_o the_o guidance_n and_o government_n of_o the_o tribe_n of_o levi_n so_o that_o when_o they_o be_v afterward_o disperse_v over_o all_o canaan_n they_o be_v yet_o but_o one_o polity_n and_o according_o thrice_o a_o year_n at_o least_o all_o meet_v to_o worship_n god_n together_o to_o testify_v their_o unity_n this_o the_o pope_n claim_v viz_o that_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v one_o congregation_n commit_v to_o he_o as_o the_o only_a pastor_n or_o head_n of_o all_o in_o like_a manner_n a_o national_a church_n thus_o singular_o understand_v be_v all_o the_o christian_n of_o that_o nation_n make_v up_o but_o one_o congregation_n and_o polity_n all_o immediate_o under_o the_o same_o governor_n also_o the_o provincial_a church_n be_v all_o the_o christian_n of_o one_o province_n the_o diocesan_n of_o one_o diocese_n or_o small_a circuit_n and_o the_o parochial_a or_o congregational_a the_o christian_n of_o one_o small_a neighbourhood_n or_o that_o without_o respect_n of_o neighbourhood_n voluntary_o gather_v into_o one_o small_a assembly_n under_o the_o same_o guide_n or_o governor_n respective_o the_o church_n collective_o take_v if_o ecumenical_a be_v the_o association_n of_o all_o church_n in_o all_o nation_n under_o one_o general_a head_n and_o government_n the_o national_a church_n be_v make_v by_o the_o union_n of_o all_o the_o church_n of_o several_a lesser_a division_n under_o the_o general_a national_a officer_n the_o diocesan_n be_v all_o the_o church_n of_o a_o diocese_n or_o small_a circuit_n as_o the_o provincial_n be_v those_o of_o a_o large_a circuit_n under_o one_o common_a head_n or_o bishop_n a_o classis_fw-la be_v the_o same_o thing_n with_o a_o diocese_n save_v that_o by_o common_a use_n the_o diocese_n be_v appropriate_v to_o one_o head_n or_o bishop_n and_o a_o classis_fw-la to_o those_o church_n that_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o common_a consent_n and_o council_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o several_a congregation_n and_o a_o parochial_a or_o congregationall_a church_n be_v a_o society_n of_o so_o many_o christian_n as_o live_v in_o one_o neighbourhood_n or_o in_o some_o convenient_a nearness_n may_v ordinary_o meet_v together_o for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o all_o other_o office_n of_o a_o church_n here_o we_o must_v observe_v that_o if_o the_o church_n be_v take_v for_o one_o individual_a congregation_n immediate_o under_o the_o same_o governor_n then_o 1._o the_o ecumenical_a church_n be_v never_o institute_v by_o christ_n he_o never_o gather_v they_o into_o one_o congregation_n as_o he_o do_v israel_n nor_o ever_o appoint_v one_o governor_n or_o college_n of_o governor_n over_o they_o for_o see_v the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v call_v and_o gather_v out_o of_o all_o nation_n and_o that_o successive_o some_o at_o one_o time_n and_o in_o one_o place_n and_o some_o at_o another_o one_o college_n of_o governor_n much_o less_o one_o single_a person_n can_v not_o take_v charge_n of_o it_o to_o teach_v it_o or_o rule_v it_o nor_o can_v christian_n so_o disperse_v perform_v the_o duty_n of_o fellow_n member_n to_o each_o other_o 2._o nor_o do_v christ_n ever_o constitute_v a_o national_a or_o provincial_a church_n henever_n call_v a_o nation_n or_o province_n at_o one_o time_n to_o the_o profession_n of_o his_o gospel_n nor_o can_v one_o person_n or_o society_n of_o governor_n teach_v such_o a_o body_n or_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n to_o they_o or_o know_v their_o case_n nor_o can_v the_o people_n know_v and_o help_v one_o another_o or_o come_v to_o their_o governor_n upon_o every_o necessary_a occasion_n especial_o not_o in_o time_n of_o persecution_n which_o for_o the_o most_o part_n have_v be_v the_o lot_n of_o
the_o world_n to_o come_v leave_v the_o management_n of_o worldly_a thing_n to_o other_o society_n or_o combination_n of_o man_n under_o other_o governor_n and_o other_o law_n the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n i._n e._n as_o mediator_n and_o head_n of_o the_o church_n this_o kingdom_n come_v not_o with_o observation_n but_o be_v within_o we_o luke_n 17.20_o 21._o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o christ_n do_v not_o can_v delegate_v this_o power_n to_o any_o other_o neither_o in_o whole_a nor_o in_o part_n and_o who_o shall_v presume_v without_o his_o appointment_n to_o usurp_v hâ—s_a dominion_n he_o call_v the_o church_n to_o himself_o immediate_o and_o not_o to_o man_n and_o they_o give_v themselves_o immiedate_o to_o he_o and_o not_o to_o deputy_n they_o first_o give_v themselves_o to_o the_o hlord_n and_o unto_o we_o by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n 2_o cor._n 8._o ver_fw-la 5._o and_o as_o christ_n be_v the_o only_a head_n of_o the_o church_n so_o he_o only_o give_v law_n to_o it_o whereby_o it_o shall_v be_v govern_v and_o by_o his_o spirit_n procure_v and_o maintain_v love_n and_o obedience_n to_o himself_o and_o to_o his_o law_n it_o follow_v also_o that_o all_o other_o government_n and_o their_o law_n with_o the_o design_n and_o end_n of_o they_o be_v extrinsical_a to_o the_o church_n as_o such_o and_o must_v not_o intermeddle_v in_o the_o spiritual_a peculiar_a end_n and_o government_n thereof_o they_o may_v join_v their_o person_n to_o the_o church_n by_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o christ_n the_o king_n thereof_o for_o the_o spiritual_a end_n of_o his_o kingdom_n but_o they_o may_v not_o mix_v or_o interweave_v the_o interest_n and_o end_n of_o their_o kingdom_n or_o government_n with_o those_o of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n for_o so_o it_o will_v become_v a_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o concern_v of_o this_o world_n will_v great_o hinder_v if_o not_o swallow_v up_o those_o of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v which_o the_o church_n be_v design_v for_o moreover_o the_o church_n consist_v of_o member_n call_v indifferent_o out_o of_o all_o nation_n kindred_n sex_n age_n diversity_n of_o worldly_a interest_n through_o the_o succession_n of_o all_o generation_n from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n whereof_o one_o part_n be_v in_o heaven_n already_o the_o church_n of_o the_o first_o bear_v which_o be_v write_v in_o heaven_n heb._n 12.23_o for_o they_o yet_o wait_v for_o the_o come_n up_o of_o their_o brethren_n till_o when_o they_o do_v not_o receive_v the_o complete_a benefit_n of_o their_o association_n and_o union_n to_o christ_n and_o each_o other_o the_o other_o part_n be_v yet_o on_o earth_n pursue_v the_o same_o general_a design_n of_o their_o commonwealth_n the_o glory_n of_o their_o king_n and_o their_o own_o happiness_n yea_o among_o these_o some_o be_v yet_o infaunt_v and_o child_n capable_a only_o of_o the_o immediate_a influence_n government_n and_o protection_n of_o their_o heavenly_a king_n without_o be_v able_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n for_o themselves_o and_o other_o there_o be_v yet_o unborn_a who_o though_o they_o be_v not_o actual_a member_n of_o this_o society_n yet_o be_v know_v to_o the_o king_n of_o it_o and_o their_o name_n contain_v in_o his_o role_n and_o he_o will_v not_o reckon_v his_o kingdom_n complete_a or_o the_o end_n of_o it_o accomplish_v till_o these_o also_o be_v bring_v into_o it_o even_o to_o the_o last_o man_n john_n 10.16_o what_o then_o be_v the_o interest_n and_o design_n of_o this_o world_n or_o the_o prince_n of_o this_o world_n or_o the_o law_n method_n and_o instrument_n by_o which_o they_o pursue_v those_o design_n to_o this_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n they_o be_v diverse_a in_o every_o age_n this_o be_v one_o throughout_o all_o age_n they_o be_v contrary_a to_o and_o do_v subvert_v each_o other_o and_o one_o succeed_v another_o this_o be_v one_o uniform_a most_o consistant_fw-la government_n they_o be_v temporary_a but_o for_o the_o present_a for_o the_o short_a life_n of_o governor_n or_o for_o the_o uncertain_a continuance_n of_o their_o family_n and_o then_o they_o pass_v to_o other_o perhaps_o their_o enemy_n but_o the_o dominion_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o everlasting_a dominion_n and_o his_o kingdom_n a_o overlasting_a kingdom_n dan._n 2.24_o thus_o we_o have_v the_o true_a definition_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v but_o one_o in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n disperse_v throughout_o all_o country_n and_o age_n from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n rule_v by_o his_o law_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n influence_v by_o his_o spirit_n according_a to_o those_o law_n and_o protect_v by_o his_o power_n against_o all_o their_o enemy_n to_o this_o we_o must_v reduce_v all_o discourse_n and_o notion_n of_o a_o church_n and_o examine_v they_o by_o it_o as_o by_o the_o first_o truth_n in_o that_o kind_n the_o rule_n and_o standard_n of_o the_o rest_n we_o be_v next_o to_o consider_v the_o distribution_n or_o several_a sort_n of_o church_n and_o first_o the_o church_n be_v distinguish_v into_o triumphant_a and_o militant_a as_o a_o whole_a into_o integral_a part_n the_o church_n triumphant_a be_v that_o part_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v already_o in_o heaven_n have_v get_v the_o victory_n over_o sin_n and_o satan_n yet_o not_o full_o triumphant_a because_o it_o wait_v for_o deliverance_n from_o death_n or_o the_o redemption_n of_o the_o body_n the_o church_n militant_a be_v that_o other_o part_n which_o be_v yet_o on_o earth_n contest_v with_o all_o her_o spiritual_a enemy_n both_o these_o make_v up_o the_o catholic_n church_n which_o we_o profess_v in_o the_o creed_n and_o be_v immediate_o subject_a to_o christ_n and_o immediate_o govern_v by_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o as_o member_n of_o this_o church_n be_v equal_a none_o have_v authority_n over_o other_o be_v all_o equal_o and_o immediate_o unite_v to_o christ_n and_o guide_v by_o he_o to_o the_o proper_a end_n of_o this_o society_n second_o the_o church_n militant_a be_v universal_a or_o catholic_n on_o earth_n sc_n all_o the_o christian_a member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n that_o live_v on_o earth_n disperse_v through_o all_o country_n mix_v with_o all_o society_n of_o civil_a government_n with_o who_o also_o be_v mix_v many_o person_n who_o profess_v christ_n but_o be_v not_o real_o unite_v to_o he_o by_o consent_n and_o real_a subjection_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o live_v member_n of_o the_o church_n but_o accidental_a accession_n to_o it_o as_o foreigner_n that_o live_v in_o any_o state_n or_o commonwealth_n in_o some_o general_a thing_n conformable_a to_o their_o law_n seem_v to_o be_v member_n of_o that_o society_n but_o indeed_o have_v their_o relation_n and_o union_n to_o another_o or_o else_o this_o church_n be_v particular_a as_o it_o be_v distribute_v into_o several_a lesser_a society_n for_o their_o convenience_n and_o edification_n now_o these_o be_v not_o distinct_a church_n but_o distinct_a consideration_n of_o the_o church_n on_o earth_n either_o as_o collective_o consider_v as_o one_o company_n unite_v by_o the_o same_o bond_n to_o christ_n the_o governor_n of_o all_o though_o divide_v and_o disperse_v in_o place_n or_o distributive_o in_o respect_n of_o place_n only_o be_v divide_v into_o several_a lesser_a company_n these_o also_o thus_o consider_v have_v all_o a_o equal_a relation_n to_o christ_n as_o their_o governor_n to_o his_o law_n as_o their_o rule_n to_o his_o spirit_n as_o there_o internal_a live_a guide_n and_o to_o each_o other_o as_o brethren_n without_o any_o authority_n over_o each_o other_o three_o these_o particular_a church_n if_o they_o be_v consider_v only_o in_o respect_n of_o place_n and_o vicinity_n may_v be_v and_o be_v by_o some_o distinguish_v into_o national_a viz_o all_o the_o christian_n that_o live_v in_o one_o nation_n or_o under_o one_o constitution_n or_o form_n of_o civil_a government_n or_o provincial_a viz_o the_o christian_n that_o live_v in_o one_o province_n or_o county_n or_o city_n church_n those_o that_o live_v in_o one_o city_n or_o parish_n church_n viz_o the_o christian_n that_o live_v in_o a_o lesser_a neighbourhood_n yea_o thus_o church_n may_v be_v distinguish_v or_o divide_v into_o as_o many_o sort_n as_o there_o be_v society_n of_o man_n any_o way_n divide_v or_o distinguish_v from_o each_o other_o but_o all_o these_o division_n be_v but_o accidental_a and_o extrinsecall_v difference_n of_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o same_o church_n thus_o divide_v into_o diverse_a lesser_a part_n which_o be_v all_o equal_o church_n and_o that_o upon_o no_o other_o account_n then_o their_o relation_n to_o christ_n and_o to_o the_o universal_a commonwealth_n to_o which_o he_o be_v head_n from_o hence_o we_o infer_v 3_o
the_o christian_a church_n and_o shall_v such_o a_o thing_n be_v necessary_a our_o bondage_n will_v be_v great_a and_o mean_n of_o edification_n much_o less_o than_o they_o be_v to_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v confine_v to_o a_o little_a country_n and_o be_v a_o entire_a people_n among_o themselves_o and_o all_o tie_v to_o each_o other_o by_o the_o bond_n of_o nature_n as_o one_o great_a family_n descend_v natural_o from_o one_o man_n and_o woman_n 3._o nor_o do_v christ_n institute_v diocesan_n church_n viz_o that_o all_o the_o christian_n in_o some_o considerable_a circuit_n less_o than_o a_o nation_n or_o great_a province_n shall_v be_v one_o congregation_n rule_v by_o one_o or_o more_o governor_n immediate_o there_o be_v no_o such_o company_n or_o association_n of_o man_n call_v convert_v or_o form_v into_o church_n by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n but_o the_o first_o believer_n be_v scatter_v and_o independent_a person_n call_v as_o god_n please_v beside_o such_o a_o flock_n can_v ordinary_o meet_v together_o know_v and_o help_v each_o other_o or_o repair_v to_o their_o governor_n or_o be_v acquaint_v with_o they_o as_o they_o ought_v nor_o can_v the_o governor_n know_v teach_v and_o feed_v they_o and_o when_o we_o have_v once_o exceed_v the_o bound_n of_o a_o regular_a assembly_n to_o make_v up_o one_o church_n of_o many_o town_n of_o a_o whole_a county_n or_o more_o we_o may_v by_o the_o same_o reason_n extend_v it_o without_o end_n to_o a_o whole_a province_n a_o whole_a nation_n or_o empire_n and_o so_o make_v the_o duty_n of_o pastor_n and_o people_n impossible_a and_o the_o end_n of_o the_o church_n impossible_a to_o be_v attain_v which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o 4._o a_o parochial_a or_o congregational_a church_n be_v the_o only_a organical_a church_n direct_o and_o immediate_o appoint_v by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n for_o thus_o the_o apostle_n collect_v the_o believer_n in_o every_o city_n and_o place_n where_o they_o have_v preach_v into_o one_o church_n or_o society_n ordain_v they_o elder_n in_o every_o church_n act_v 14._o ver_fw-la 23._o if_o these_o church_n be_v company_n of_o believer_n in_o several_a city_n and_o town_n as_o the_o history_n in_o the_o 13_o and_o 14_o chap._n show_v and_o the_o apostle_n ordain_v they_o elder_n in_o every_o church_n than_o they_o do_v constitute_v they_o several_a congregation_n and_o no_o common_a governor_n over_o they_o all_o nor_o have_v we_o any_o command_n to_o do_v so_o when_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v increase_v into_o multitude_n of_o member_n it_o must_v be_v remember_v that_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v one_o commonwealth_n because_o of_o its_o union_n to_o christ_n and_o the_o same_o general_a end_n of_o that_o union_n in_o like_a manner_n every_o particular_a church_n be_v but_o a_o part_n of_o the_o whole_a must_v unite_v only_o to_o attain_v the_o special_a end_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n with_o more_o ease_n and_o convenience_n and_o therefore_o they_o must_v be_v no_o more_o than_o the_o same_o governor_n may_v exercise_v a_o true_a pastoral_a care_n over_o and_o as_o may_v perform_v the_o office_n of_o brethren_n ordinary_o to_o each_o other_o and_o also_o may_v assemble_v together_o in_o one_o place_n ordinary_o for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o their_o mutual_a edification_n to_o what_o purpose_n be_v the_o name_n of_o a_o church_n or_o society_n to_o serve_v christ_n together_o and_o edify_v each_o other_o when_o the_o person_n be_v so_o numerous_a or_o so_o distant_a that_o they_o can_v possible_o perform_v these_o office_n such_o combination_n be_v useless_a yea_o burden_n and_o snare_n even_o our_o opposite_n confess_v this_o viz_o that_o the_o first_o church_n and_o those_o for_o 200_o year_n after_o christ_n at_o least_o be_v but_o several_a congregation_n which_o when_o the_o number_n of_o christian_n be_v multiply_v they_o say_v be_v call_v diocese_n be_v it_o so_o yet_o what_o warrant_n have_v they_o to_o keep_v the_o christian_n of_o one_o city_n or_o place_n to_o one_o congregation_n and_o one_o pastor_n personal_a or_o collective_a when_o the_o number_n be_v so_o increase_v that_o the_o end_n of_o that_o society_n can_v not_o be_v attain_v it_o be_v the_o best_a construction_n we_o can_v make_v of_o the_o proceed_n of_o those_o ancient_a church_n in_o this_o ease_n that_o out_o of_o desire_n to_o keep_v up_o the_o unity_n of_o those_o congregation_n which_o the_o apostle_n plant_v in_o great_a city_n they_o still_o oblige_v all_o that_o be_v afterward_o convert_v in_o those_o city_n to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o same_o congregation_n and_o then_o the_o convert_v in_o the_o village_n about_o and_o last_o all_o the_o christian_n that_o be_v within_o the_o civil_a jurisdiction_n of_o those_o city_n whether_o it_o be_v lesser_a or_o great_a province_n or_o whole_a country_n till_o they_o make_v government_n impossible_a to_o themselves_o and_o to_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o people_n and_o make_v way_n at_o last_o for_o primate_fw-la patriarch_n and_o the_o pope_n and_o turn_v the_o spiritual_a government_n of_o christ_n by_o his_o minister_n and_o word_n into_o a_o civil_a government_n of_o their_o own_o maintain_v what_o they_o have_v get_v by_o their_o own_o cannon_n and_o the_o law_n of_o prince_n and_o why_o must_v we_o not_o take_v warning_n by_o they_o now_o if_o the_o church_n appoint_v by_o christ_n be_v only_o the_o congregation_n of_o such_o christian_n that_o can_v ordinary_o meet_v together_o and_o with_o their_o pastor_n for_o the_o proper_a end_n of_o a_o church_n it_o follow_v that_o they_o must_v judge_v for_o themselves_o what_o congregation_n and_o how_o large_a or_o small_a be_v for_o their_o own_o edification_n it_o be_v their_o own_o choice_n and_o consent_n that_o make_v they_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o this_o congregation_n be_v but_o a_o part_n of_o that_o to_o prosecute_v the_o same_o end_n therefore_o it_o be_v their_o business_n and_o concern_v to_o frame_v their_o own_o society_n also_o these_o congregation_n have_v the_o sole_a right_n of_o choose_v their_o own_o pastor_n admit_v their_o own_o member_n and_o altogether_o of_o govern_v themselves_o else_o they_o have_v not_o the_o power_n of_o a_o church_n but_o be_v a_o company_n of_o christian_n subject_n by_o right_n or_o wrong_n to_o those_o that_o exercise_v this_o power_n over_o and_o among_o they_o it_o also_o follow_v that_o congregation_n can_v be_v just_o compel_v to_o combine_v or_o unite_v into_o large_a association_n as_o diocese_n province_n nation_n or_o the_o like_a for_o the_o end_n of_o civil_a governor_n for_o this_o alter_v the_o nature_n and_o design_n of_o a_o church_n and_o be_v a_o great_a dishonour_n to_o christ_n that_o he_o must_v not_o reign_v among_o his_o people_n but_o as_o man_n please_v but_o if_o several_a congregation_n do_v associate_v for_o mutual_a help_n and_o strength_n into_o small_a or_o great_a congregation_n as_o class_n diocese_n province_n or_o even_o all_o that_o be_v of_o one_o nation_n yet_o they_o must_v unite_v but_o as_o former_o the_o city_n of_o achajah_n or_o at_o present_a the_o unite_a netherlands_o for_o great_a and_o common_a case_n and_o for_o general_a defence_n leave_v the_o self_n preserve_v and_o govern_v power_n entire_a to_o every_o congregation_n and_o they_o also_o be_v to_o be_v judge_n how_o far_o it_o be_v for_o the_o good_a and_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n to_o enlarge_v or_o contract_v such_o association_n how_o long_o to_o continue_v they_o and_o when_o to_o break_v they_o off_o for_o those_o associate_v assembly_n govern_v only_o by_o assent_n and_o have_v not_o other_o authority_n over_o particular_a congregation_n far_o than_o as_o they_o approve_v of_o it_o we_o may_v illustrate_v this_o by_o the_o civil_a government_n of_o the_o world_n there_o be_v at_o first_o but_o one_o family_n and_o but_o a_o small_a one_o all_o mankind_n be_v make_v of_o one_o blood_n to_o dwell_v on_o all_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n act_v 17._o ver_fw-la 26._o be_v there_o any_o obligation_n when_o they_o be_v multiply_v that_o they_o shall_v still_o continue_v in_o one_o family_n or_o be_v it_o consistent_a with_o the_o end_n of_o family_n government_n other_o family_n have_v the_o same_o entire_a authority_n within_o themselves_o as_o the_o first_o have_v and_o authority_n to_o sever_v themselves_o from_o the_o first_o when_o that_o be_v too_o numerous_a and_o they_o a_o sufficient_a number_n to_o make_v distinct_a family_n again_o when_o family_n be_v multiply_v be_v they_o oblige_v to_o live_v all_o in_o one_o country_n and_o to_o continue_v in_o one_o civil_a society_n what_o then_o must_v have_v become_v of_o all_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o earth_n which_o they_o be_v command_v to_o replenish_v and_o possess_v gen._n 1.28_o
sure_o one_o company_n or_o a_o certain_a number_n of_o family_n have_v full_a authority_n to_o remove_v and_o plant_v colony_n where_o they_o please_v as_o well_o as_o another_o yea_o we_o see_v god_n compel_v they_o to_o it_o by_o confound_v their_o language_n at_o babel_n and_o far_o when_o one_o colony_n remove_v into_o another_o country_n be_v they_o bind_v still_o to_o adhere_v to_o those_o they_o depart_v from_o as_o a_o part_n of_o their_o society_n if_o so_o then_o all_o nation_n must_v still_o have_v be_v part_n of_o that_o society_n from_o which_o they_o first_o descend_v and_o so_o at_o length_n the_o whole_a world_n must_v have_v be_v but_o one_o commonwealth_n under_o one_o government_n which_o be_v impossible_a and_o will_v overthrow_v all_o the_o end_n of_o government_n if_o then_o the_o race_n of_o mankind_n which_o be_v one_o body_n in_o some_o sense_n more_o than_o the_o church_n be_v viz_o link_v by_o the_o indissoluble_a bond_n of_o nature_n whereas_o the_o church_n be_v unite_v by_o free_a consent_n i_o say_v if_o they_o have_v the_o general_a gift_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o all_o that_o be_v in_o it_o to_o possess_v have_v free_a liberty_n and_o authority_n to_o share_v the_o world_n among_o they_o to_o constitute_v various_a society_n great_a or_o small_a as_o they_o please_v for_o the_o end_n of_o civil_a life_n provide_v they_o wrong_v not_o one_o another_o and_o so_o hinder_v the_o end_n of_o civil_a government_n why_o may_v not_o the_o church_n though_o it_o be_v one_o body_n as_o unite_z to_o christ_n it_o be_v too_o great_a to_o live_v in_o one_o society_n multiply_v itself_o into_o so_o many_o as_o be_v for_o it_o be_v own_o edification_n and_o the_o end_v it_o be_v make_v for_o and_o not_o be_v oblige_v still_o to_o adhere_v as_o part_n to_o those_o first_o congregation_n that_o be_v plant_v in_o every_o country_n as_o it_o be_v the_o first_o family_n till_o they_o be_v a_o burden_n to_o themselves_o till_o their_o very_a society_n make_v they_o a_o disorderly_a confuse_a multitude_n and_o their_o government_n degenerate_v into_o anarchy_n especial_o when_o we_o have_v neither_o command_n or_o scripture_n example_n to_o the_o contrary_a by_o this_o we_o may_v answer_v the_o dr_n question_n viz_o what_o necessity_n there_o be_v to_o reduce_v church_n to_o several_a parish_n or_o congregation_n any_o more_o than_o to_o reduce_v kingdom_n to_o the_o several_a family_n of_o which_o they_o be_v at_o first_o make_v up_o answ_n because_o congregation_n have_v a_o original_a right_n of_o govern_v and_o preserve_v themselves_o even_o as_o family_n have_v a_o natural_a and_o unalterable_a right_n of_o government_n within_o themselves_o which_o he_o that_o take_v from_o they_o make_v they_o slave_n and_o deprive_v they_o of_o their_o birthright_n he_o himself_o say_v upon_o the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n the_o nation_n that_o before_o compose_v it_o resume_v their_o ancient_a right_n and_o form_v themselves_o into_o several_a kingdom_n and_o commonwealth_n yea_o and_o as_o he_o will_v have_v it_o into_o national_a church_n also_o grant_v this_o have_v nation_n such_o a_o immutable_a right_n to_o their_o civil_a liberty_n and_o government_n that_o they_o may_v lawful_o resume_v they_o when_o they_o have_v opportunity_n without_o the_o guilt_n of_o rebellion_n why_o then_o may_v not_o parish_n resume_v their_o right_n of_o government_n within_o themselves_o for_o their_o own_o edification_n when_o they_o have_v opportunity_n or_o necessity_n call_v they_o to_o it_o also_o want_v the_o benefit_n of_o protection_n and_o government_n from_o they_o that_o undertake_v they_o why_o shall_v this_o be_v schism_n in_o they_o more_o than_o rebellion_n in_o the_o other_o and_o that_o self_n government_n be_v the_o right_n of_o every_o parish_n or_o congregation_n he_o confess_v when_o he_o say_v that_o ancient_o a_o church_n and_o diocese_n be_v all_o one_o under_o one_o bishop_n and_o a_o company_n of_o presbyter_n for_o those_o do_v officiate_v in_o common_a among_o the_o whole_a people_n and_o when_o by_o reason_n of_o multitude_n they_o begin_v to_o divide_v they_o into_o several_a company_n for_o meet_v together_o at_o the_o ordinary_a time_n of_o worship_n nevertheless_o they_o all_o meet_v together_o at_o the_o same_o sacrament_n and_o all_o make_v use_v of_o the_o same_o minister_n as_o occasion_n serve_v they_o be_v not_o tie_v to_o any_o one_o or_o any_o one_o to_o they_o so_o that_o this_o diocese_n be_v but_o a_o great_a parish_n or_o congregation_n and_o if_o the_o original_a right_n of_o government_n be_v in_o these_o it_o be_v so_o still_o in_o our_o lesser_a congregation_n and_o to_o resume_v this_o right_n be_v no_o sinful_a separation_n nevertheless_o we_o deny_v not_o but_o the_o congregation_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o unite_v for_o their_o mutual_a help_n and_o defence_n especial_o in_o time_n of_o peace_n even_o as_o civil_a state_n combine_v for_o mutual_a defence_n and_o commerce_n but_o then_o this_o must_v be_v voluntary_a and_o not_o to_o impose_v a_o yoke_n on_o the_o several_a congregation_n by_o take_v away_o their_o several_a liberty_n or_o bring_v they_o all_o to_o the_o same_o liturgy_n or_o ceremony_n for_o this_o be_v all_o one_o as_o if_o confederate_a nation_n or_o state_n must_v therefore_o oblige_v each_o other_o to_o the_o same_o form_n of_o government_n and_o the_o same_o right_n and_o custom_n of_o live_a and_o why_o may_v not_o all_o the_o parish_n in_o one_o county_n with_o we_o combine_v for_o their_o mutual_a help_n and_o edification_n in_o certain_a time_n of_o meet_v each_o other_o by_o their_o minister_n or_o delegate_n yet_o every_o one_o reserve_v to_o themselves_o the_o government_n of_o themselves_o in_o their_o own_o custom_n and_o usage_n according_a as_o they_o find_v most_o meet_a for_o themselves_o as_o well_o as_o the_o same_o county_n have_v their_o quarter-session_n for_o civil_a affair_n wherein_o the_o governor_n and_o country_n concern_v have_v a_o general_a meeting_n and_o yet_o every_o town_n have_v its_o own_o supreme_a officer_n with_o several_a rite_n and_o custom_n without_o any_o breach_n of_o peace_n or_o good_a neighbourhood_n among_o they_o chap._n ii_o of_o church_n communion_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o separation_n we_o be_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o consider_v what_o communion_n the_o church_n be_v oblige_v to_o betwixt_o the_o several_a part_n of_o it_o and_o what_o separation_n be_v contrary_a to_o that_o communion_n and_o what_o be_v not_o for_o the_o first_o the_o church_n be_v a_o sacred_a commonwealth_n unite_v to_o christ_n now_o the_o end_n of_o every_o commonwealth_n or_o polity_n be_v common_a good_a that_o they_o all_o promote_v the_o good_a and_o welfare_n of_o that_o body_n and_o every_o member_n of_o it_o of_o which_o they_o be_v part_n viz_o that_o particular_a good_a in_o those_o particular_a case_n and_o thing_n for_o which_o they_o do_v combine_v together_o this_o be_v mean_v by_o communion_n for_o hereby_o all_o the_o action_n and_o design_n of_o that_o body_n be_v common_a i._n e._n for_o the_o good_a of_o all_o the_o communion_n then_o of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v associate_v only_o for_o spiritual_a end_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o all_o design_n and_o endeavour_v the_o common_a good_a and_o welfare_n of_o all_o christian_n in_o general_a and_o of_o themselves_o in_o particular_a in_o further_a the_o salvation_n of_o their_o soul_n the_o service_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o use_n of_o those_o help_n or_o mean_n which_o christ_n have_v appoint_v to_o these_o end_n this_o communion_n have_v diverse_a degree_n and_o do_v exercise_v itself_o several_a way_n according_a to_o the_o several_a consideration_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o relation_n christian_n have_v to_o each_o other_o more_o general_n or_o remote_a or_o more_o particular_a and_o near_a the_o communion_n therefore_o of_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v that_o they_o all_o hold_v the_o same_o head_n jesus_n christ_n and_o own_o each_o other_o as_o brethren_n in_o he_o that_o they_o love_v each_o other_o and_o all_o pursue_v and_o wait_v for_o that_o universal_a perfection_n which_o they_o shall_v all_o have_v when_o they_o be_v all_o gather_v to_o christ_n at_o the_o last_o day_n this_o communion_n can_v be_v break_v without_o renounce_v the_o head_n and_o his_o religion_n and_o love_n to_o each_o other_o which_o be_v the_o rule_n and_o bond_n of_o this_o union_n and_o therefore_o there_o can_v be_v no_o separation_n from_o the_o catholic_n church_n but_o what_o be_v not_o only_o sinful_a but_o damnable_a as_o he_o that_o renounce_v the_o common_a bond_n of_o humane_a society_n justice_n love_n and_o all_o moral_a honesty_n and_o only_o please_v himself_o without_o regard_v the_o good_a of_o any_o other_o he_o do_v hereby_o break_v the_o communion_n of_o mankind_n and_o
become_v unfit_a to_o live_v among_o they_o the_o two_o great_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n that_o in_o heaven_n and_o this_o on_o earth_n have_v a_o communion_n in_o that_o they_o be_v both_o unite_v to_o christ_n both_o worship_n and_o serve_v he_o in_o those_o particular_a way_n that_o be_v proper_a for_o the_o state_n they_o be_v in_o and_o both_o wait_n for_o that_o complete_a salvation_n which_o they_o shall_v have_v at_o their_o general_a meeting_n beside_o this_o we_o know_v of_o no_o communion_n betwixt_o they_o viz_o that_o either_o part_n can_v be_v serviceable_a to_o each_o other_o at_o present_a only_o we_o that_o live_v on_o earth_n enjoy_v the_o benefit_n of_o the_o prayer_n and_o example_n which_o they_o leave_v we_o who_o be_v now_o in_o heaven_n and_o of_o their_o endeavour_n to_o continue_v the_o gospel_n to_o we_o and_o so_o we_o succeed_v they_o in_o the_o same_o office_n and_o endeavour_v to_o transmit_v the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n his_o gospel_n and_o ordinance_n to_o those_o that_o shall_v succeed_v we_o nor_o can_v here_o be_v any_o separation_n of_o one_o of_o these_o part_n from_o another_o without_o break_v of_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v impossible_a to_o they_o that_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o if_o any_o on_o earth_n thus_o separate_v it_o be_v to_o their_o own_o damnation_n the_o catholic_n militant_a church_n on_o earth_n have_v a_o communion_n in_o some_o more_o particular_n for_o beside_o their_o common_a acknowledgement_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n and_o the_o common_a love_n they_o be_v to_o bear_v to_o all_o christian_n on_o earth_n as_o their_o brethren_n they_o be_v to_o perform_v all_o office_n of_o love_n which_o in_o this_o their_o imperfect_a militant_a state_n they_o be_v able_a and_o may_v need_v from_o one_o another_o such_o as_o to_o pray_v for_o all_o to_o rejoice_v in_o each_o other_o welfare_n to_o sympathize_v in_o each_o other_o affliction_n to_o assist_v by_o council_n charitable_a relief_n hospitality_n etc._n etc._n and_o when_o ever_o there_o be_v occasion_n to_o receive_v each_o other_o to_o their_o worship_n as_o brethren_n leave_v to_o every_o one_o the_o liberty_n of_o their_o particular_a rite_n or_o opinion_n and_o this_o be_v so_o indispensable_a a_o duty_n that_o no_o separation_n can_v be_v lawful_a or_o tolerable_a in_o those_o who_o separate_v from_o the_o catholic_n church_n who_o relinquish_v the_o profession_n of_o christ_n or_o cast_v of_o all_o love_n to_o their_o brethren_n or_o that_o will_v not_o join_v with_o they_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n or_o concern_v themselves_o in_o their_o common_a concern_v now_o for_o organise_v church_n that_o be_v associate_v for_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o their_o edification_n under_o government_n o_o pastor_n and_o guide_n their_o communion_n must_v be_v that_o the_o member_n of_o every_o such_o church_n join_v with_o each_o other_o ordinary_o and_o peaceable_o in_o the_o same_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o perform_v all_o office_n of_o love_n to_o each_o other_o in_o some_o tolerable_a measure_n that_o they_o be_v subject_a to_o their_o governor_n and_o that_o their_o governor_n do_v conscionable_o endeavour_v the_o edification_n of_o the_o people_n commit_v to_o their_o charge_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o general_a rule_n of_o these_o society_n and_o according_a to_o any_o other_o particular_a rule_n which_o they_o shall_v agree_v on_o among_o themselves_o for_o their_o own_o edification_n as_o circumstance_n may_v require_v and_o so_o that_o both_o part_n governor_n and_o govern_v do_v joint_o promote_v the_o edification_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n in_o holiness_n and_o peace_n separation_n therefore_o from_o these_o organise_v church_n be_v a_o breach_n of_o this_o political_a communion_n and_o order_n among_o themselves_o which_o be_v do_v either_o by_o break_v off_o from_o the_o body_n to_o which_o they_o belong_v as_o member_n which_o be_v separation_n proper_o so_o call_v or_o by_o disturb_v the_o communion_n of_o it_o or_o withdraw_v from_o some_o part_n or_o act_n of_o that_o communion_n though_o they_o do_v not_o whole_o break_v off_o from_o the_o body_n such_o separation_n be_v in_o many_o case_n lawful_a in_o some_o necessary_a and_o a_o duty_n and_o therefore_o must_v not_o be_v universal_o condemn_v but_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o be_v inquire_v into_o for_o though_o all_o christian_n must_v be_v member_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o catholic_n church_n under_o he_o for_o the_o general_a end_n of_o their_o salvation_n it_o do_v not_o appear_v yet_o that_o they_o must_v be_v member_n of_o the_o same_o organise_v society_n or_o that_o they_o may_v not_o upon_o just_a occasion_n leave_v those_o society_n they_o be_v join_v with_o and_o go_v to_o other_o already_o in_o be_v or_o constitute_v new_a one_o for_o their_o own_o edification_n even_o as_o in_o civil_a government_n man_n may_v not_o only_o compose_v divers_a polity_n or_o commonwealth_n but_o may_v also_o make_v new_a confederacy_n or_o divide_v their_o polity_n into_o lesser_a and_o particular_a person_n may_v depart_v from_o they_o to_o other_o or_o constitute_v new_a one_o yea_o may_v deny_v their_o concurrence_n with_o many_o thing_n do_v in_o the_o society_n they_o join_v with_o and_o all_o this_o without_o the_o crime_n of_o sedition_n or_o defection_n till_o the_o cause_n and_o end_n of_o such_o practice_n prove_v it_o so_o now_o to_o descend_v to_o the_o particular_a form_n of_o organise_v church_n by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v we_o may_v easy_o judge_v of_o their_o communion_n and_o separation_n from_o they_o and_o first_o for_o the_o ecumenical_a church_n the_o political_a communion_n thereof_o must_v be_v that_o all_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o same_o governor_n under_o christ_n and_o live_v as_o member_n of_o the_o same_o individual_a society_n either_o as_o a_o single_a congregation_n or_o as_o of_o many_o unite_a into_o one_o separation_n from_o this_o communion_n must_v therefore_o be_v either_o to_o interrupt_v the_o peace_n and_o order_n of_o this_o communion_n or_o whole_o to_o forbear_v join_v with_o they_o but_o such_o a_o catholic_n unity_n of_o the_o church_n under_o one_o government_n be_v impracticable_a and_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n since_o it_o be_v enlarge_v and_o disperse_v throughout_o the_o world_n it_o be_v needless_a to_o dispute_v about_o communion_n with_o it_o or_o separation_n from_o it_o all_o other_o church_n that_o exceed_v the_o bound_n of_o a_o single_a congregation_n and_o must_v be_v constitute_v of_o many_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o the_o ecumenical_a church_n though_o not_o of_o the_o same_o latitude_n as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o communion_n which_o must_v therefore_o consist_v in_o the_o performance_n of_o all_o office_n mutual_o betwixt_o governor_n and_o govern_v as_o member_n of_o the_o same_o society_n whether_o it_o consist_v of_o several_a nation_n as_o patriarchial_a church_n or_o of_o the_o people_n of_o one_o nation_n as_o national_a church_n or_o of_o the_o people_n of_o one_o province_n one_o diocese_n or_o classis_fw-la as_o provincial_a diocesan_n or_o classical_a church_n separation_n here_o must_v be_v either_o a_o disturb_v of_o the_o peace_n and_o order_n of_o these_o church_n or_o a_o withdraw_n from_o they_o as_o to_o the_o political_a duty_n due_a to_o they_o such_o separation_n must_v often_o be_v lawful_a and_o warrantable_a see_v no_o command_n of_o christ_n bind_v man_n to_o particular_a province_n or_o diocese_n nor_o always_o to_o continue_v in_o the_o same_o final_o the_o communion_n of_o a_o parish_n or_o congregation_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o pastor_n and_o people_n mutual_o perform_v their_o respective_a duty_n to_o each_o other_o and_o among_o themselves_o for_o their_o daily_a edification_n separation_n from_o such_o congregation_n be_v either_o to_o interrupt_v their_o government_n or_o concord_n or_o to_o withdraw_v from_o they_o now_o see_v no_o man_n be_v immutable_o bind_v to_o one_o congregation_n nor_o any_o congregation_n to_o one_o diocese_n or_o any_o large_a combination_n and_o all_o these_o church_n be_v subject_a to_o corruption_n which_o the_o member_n must_v oppose_v and_o contend_v against_o separation_n from_o they_o must_v not_o be_v censure_v till_o it_o be_v know_v whether_o the_o cause_n be_v just_a or_o unjust_a and_o thus_o we_o be_v come_v at_o the_o last_o to_o inquire_v what_o be_v just_a cause_n of_o separation_n whereby_o we_o may_v judge_v also_o what_o be_v not_o and_o that_o we_o may_v not_o speak_v too_o general_o and_o confuse_o we_o distinguish_v betwixt_o separation_n of_o one_o church_n from_o another_o and_o of_o particular_a member_n from_o that_o church_n whereto_o they_o do_v belong_v as_o all_o church_n be_v bind_v to_o communion_n among_o themselves_o be_v all_o member_n of_o the_o