therefore_o this_o matter_n of_o schism_n can_v be_v end_v by_o the_o plea_n of_o conscience_n judge_v the_o condition_n to_o be_v sinful_a but_o by_o evident_a and_o convince_a proof_n that_o they_o be_v so_o but_o till_o these_o be_v bring_v forth_o which_o never_o yet_o be_v or_o ever_o will_v be_v they_o must_v bear_v the_o blame_n of_o the_o schism_n if_o they_o separate_a on_o these_o account_n thus_o i_o have_v faithful_o represent_v the_o principle_n of_o those_o who_o allow_v occasional_a presence_n in_o our_o church_n rather_o than_o communion_n with_o they_o which_o i_o have_v discover_v to_o be_v of_o that_o nature_n as_o lead_v man_n to_o the_o great_a separation_n sect._n 14._o there_o be_v other_o who_o deal_v more_o open_o and_o ingenuous_o and_o so_o need_v the_o less_o pain_n to_o discover_v their_o mind_n and_o those_o be_v ii_o such_o who_o do_v in_o term_n assert_v all_o act_n of_o communion_n with_o our_o church_n to_o be_v unlawful_a but_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n among_o these_o for_o first_o some_o allow_v hear_v sermon_n in_o our_o public_a assembly_n and_o join_v in_o the_o pulpit_n prayer_n but_o not_o in_o the_o liturgy_n or_o any_o proper_a act_n of_o church-communion_n this_o i_o have_v show_v be_v the_o opinion_n of_o robinson_n and_o the_o new-england_n church_n and_o be_v late_o own_v by_o mr._n ph._n nye_n who_o write_v a_o discourse_n about_o it_o and_o answer_v all_o objection_n yea_o he_o go_v so_o far_o as_o to_o own_o the_o public_a preach_n as_o a_o great_a blessing_n to_o the_o nation_n and_o he_o think_v the_o dissenter_n and_o their_o family_n be_v bind_v to_o frequent_v as_o they_o have_v liberty_n and_o opportunity_n the_o more_o public_a and_o national_a ministry_n but_o towards_o the_o end_n of_o his_o treatise_n he_o confess_v the_o generality_n of_o their_o people_n to_o be_v of_o another_o opinion_n which_o he_o impute_v to_o the_o activity_n of_o the_o jesuit_n among_o they_o and_o he_o be_v a_o very_a sagacious_a man._n second_o other_o hold_v it_o unlawful_a to_o join_v with_o our_o church_n in_o any_o act_n of_o public_a worship_n and_o some_o be_v arrive_v to_o that_o height_n 25._o that_o one_o of_o my_o answerer_n confess_v that_o they_o refuse_v to_o hear_v he_o because_o he_o own_v many_o parochial_a church_n to_o be_v true_a church_n it_o seem_v then_o they_o not_o only_o think_v it_o unlawful_a to_o hear_v we_o but_o to_o hear_v those_o who_o think_v it_o lawful_a and_o the_o next_o step_n will_v be_v to_o separate_a from_o those_o who_o do_v not_o separate_a from_o they_o that_o own_o many_o parochial_a church_n to_o be_v true_a church_n several_a book_n have_v be_v publish_v to_o prove_v it_o unlawful_a to_o hear_v our_o minister_n preach_v and_o these_o proceed_v upon_o the_o old_a argument_n of_o the_o former_a separatist_n as_o may_v be_v see_v at_o large_a in_o a_o book_n call_v jerubbaal_n who_o author_n go_v about_o to_o prove_v our_o worship_n idolatry_n and_o our_o minister_n antichristian_a which_o mr._n nye_n be_v so_o far_o from_o own_v that_o he_o grant_v our_o ministry_n to_o be_v true_a and_o lawful_a and_o utter_o deny_v it_o to_o be_v anti-christian_n because_o the_o article_n of_o our_o religion_n to_o which_o our_o minister_n be_v to_o conform_v their_o instruction_n be_v orthodox_n and_o frame_v for_o the_o cast_n and_o keep_v out_o of_o popery_n sect._n 15._o the_o several_a principle_n of_o our_o dissenter_n be_v thus_o lay_v down_o the_o state_n of_o the_o present_a controversy_n as_o to_o separation_n from_o our_o communion_n will_v soon_o appear_v and_o any_o one_o may_v now_o discern_v 1._o that_o i_o do_v not_o mean_v bare_a local_a separation_n for_o mr._n b._n put_v this_o in_o the_o front_n of_o his_o quaere_n 46._o do_v you_o think_v that_o he_o be_v a_o separatist_n that_o meet_v not_o in_o the_o same_o parish_n church_n with_o you_o no_o i_o do_v assure_v he_o provide_v that_o he_o elsewhere_o join_v with_o our_o church_n as_o a_o member_n of_o they_o and_o do_v not_o think_v himself_o bind_v to_o prefer_v the_o separate_a meeting_n as_o have_v a_o pure_a way_n of_o worship_n and_o ordinary_o to_o frequent_v they_o for_o more_o gospel-administrations_a 48._o and_o so_o much_o may_v satisfy_v mr._n a._n too_o who_o after_o his_o trifle_a manner_n talk_v of_o a_o bellum_fw-la parochiale_n as_o though_o man_n be_v so_o weak_a to_o charge_v one_o another_o with_o separation_n because_o they_o meet_v in_o different_a parish_n but_o as_o to_o the_o gird_v he_o give_v about_o a_o bellum_n episcopale_n i_o desire_v he_o only_o to_o look_v into_o the_o evangelium_fw-la armatum_fw-la for_o a_o answer_n to_o it_o 2._o i_o do_v not_o mean_v by_o separation_n any_o difference_n in_o doctrine_n not_o determine_v by_o our_o church_n upon_o which_o man_n do_v not_o proceed_v to_o divide_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o it_o and_o i_o wonder_v who_o ever_o do_v but_o mr._n b._n be_v please_v to_o make_v another_o quaere_fw-la about_o it_o to_o this_o i_o shall_v answer_v he_o in_o mr._n hale_v his_o word_n while_o the_o controversy_n in_o holland_n about_o praedestination_n 3._o go_v no_o far_o thâ—n_v the_o pen-combat_n the_o schism_n be_v all_o that_o while_o unhatched_a but_o assoon_o as_o one_o party_n sweep_v a_o old_a cloister_n and_o by_o a_o pretty_a be_v make_v it_o a_o church_n by_o put_v a_o new_a pulpit_n in_o it_o for_o the_o separate_a party_n there_o to_o meet_v that_o which_o be_v before_o a_o controversy_n become_v a_o formal_a schism_n 3._o by_o separation_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v any_o difference_n in_o modes_n of_o worship_n allow_v by_o the_o church_n in_o who_o communion_n we_o live_v this_o be_v to_o answer_v mr._n b_n quaere_fw-la concern_v the_o difference_n between_o cathedral_n and_o parochial_a church_n and_o public_a and_o private_a administration_n of_o sacrament_n but_o this_o stick_v much_o with_o mr._n a._n who_o take_v his_o hint_n from_o mr._n b._n which_o he_o cook_n and_o dress_n after_o his_o facetious_a manner_n that_o they_o may_v go_v off_o the_o better_a with_o the_o common_a people_n and_o a_o very_a pleasant_a representation_n he_o endeavour_v to_o make_v of_o the_o difference_n of_o the_o cathedral_n service_n from_o that_o in_o country_n parish_n 49._o but_o what_o be_v all_o this_o to_o the_o purpose_n if_o the_o same_o man_n put_v on_o fine_a clothes_n at_o london_n than_o he_o wear_v in_o the_o country_n be_v he_o not_o the_o same_o man_n for_o all_o that_o be_v not_o david_n psalm_n the_o same_o whether_o they_o be_v sing_v or_o say_a or_o whether_o sing_v in_o a_o cathedral_n tune_n or_o as_o set_v by_o a_o parish_n clerk_n that_o which_o only_o look_v like_o argument_n and_o my_o business_n be_v to_o mind_n nothing_o else_o possible_o other_o may_v call_v he_o to_o a_o account_n for_o his_o unbecoming_a way_n of_o write_v that_o i_o say_v which_o look_v like_o argument_n be_v that_o some_o thing_n be_v do_v without_o rule_n in_o our_o parish_n church_n 53._o as_o the_o universal_a practice_n of_o sing_v psalm_n in_o hopkins_n and_o sternholds_n metre_n and_o therefore_o they_o may_v do_v thing_n without_o rule_n and_o yet_o not_o be_v guilty_a of_o separation_n this_o proceed_v upon_o a_o mistake_n for_o in_o the_o first_o establishment_n of_o the_o liturgy_n upon_o the_o reformation_n under_o edward_n the_o vi_o allowance_n be_v make_v for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o psalm_n as_o they_o be_v to_o be_v sing_v in_o church_n distinct_a from_o the_o use_n of_o they_o as_o part_v of_o the_o liturgy_n and_o from_o thence_o that_o custom_n have_v be_v so_o universal_o practise_v but_o suppose_v there_o be_v some_o custom_n receive_v without_o rule_n suppose_v there_o be_v some_o different_a custom_n among_o we_o what_o be_v this_o to_o the_o deny_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o constant_a communion_n with_o our_o church_n to_o the_o choose_n of_o new_a pastor_n and_o sit_v down_o as_o he_o speak_v with_o pure_a administration_n all_o which_o this_o man_n own_v in_o his_o book_n as_o their_o avow_a principle_n and_o practice_n and_o yet_o have_v the_o confidence_n to_o parallel_v their_o separation_n from_o our_o church_n with_o the_o different_a modes_n of_o worship_n among_o ourselves_o he_o must_v have_v a_o very_a mean_a opinion_n of_o man_n understanding_n that_o think_v to_o deceive_v they_o in_o so_o gross_a a_o manner_n 4._o by_o separation_n i_o do_v not_o understand_v a_o mere_a difference_n as_o to_o the_o way_n of_o worship_n which_o the_o member_n of_o foreign_a church_n be_v here_o permit_v to_o enjoy_v for_o they_o do_v not_o break_v off_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o our_o church_n but_o have_v certain_a privilege_n allow_v they_o as_o act_v under_o the_o rule_n of_o those_o church_n from_o whence_o they_o come_v but_o what_o have_v
will_v destroy_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n if_o not_o the_o very_o be_v of_o any_o parochial_a church_n whatsoever_o 5._o that_o want_n of_o discipline_n which_o be_v in_o parochial_a church_n be_v never_o think_v by_o the_o most_o zealous_a nonconformist_n of_o old_a destructive_a to_o the_o be_v of_o they_o of_o which_o i_o have_v already_o produce_v the_o testimony_n of_o cartwright_n hildersham_n giffard_n and_o many_o other_o sect._n 17._o and_o suppose_v all_o person_n leave_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n as_o to_o their_o own_o fitness_n for_o the_o holy_a communion_n we_o may_v observe_v these_o thing_n which_o may_v serve_v towards_o the_o vindication_n of_o our_o parochial_a church_n 1._o that_o the_o great_a offender_n do_v general_o excommunicate_v themselves_o not_o dare_v to_o venture_v upon_o so_o hazardous_a a_o thing_n as_o they_o account_v the_o holy_a communion_n to_o be_v for_o fear_v of_o the_o damnation_n follow_v unworthy_a receive_v so_o that_o the_o most_o constant_a communicant_n be_v the_o most_o pious_a and_o sober_a and_o devout_a christian_n 2._o that_o if_o any_o such_o do_v voluntary_o come_v it_o be_v upon_o some_o great_a awakening_n of_o conscience_n some_o fresh_a resolution_n they_o have_v make_v of_o amendment_n of_o life_n after_o some_o dangerous_a sickness_n or_o under_o some_o great_a affliction_n when_o they_o be_v best_a incline_v and_o have_v strong_a conviction_n and_o hope_v for_o great_a strength_n of_o grace_n against_o the_o power_n of_o temptation_n so_o that_o whether_o this_o sacrament_n be_v a_o convert_v ordinance_n or_o not_o by_o god_n institution_n yet_o the_o preparation_n and_o disposition_n of_o man_n mind_n before_o it_o put_v they_o into_o the_o fit_a capacity_n for_o divine_a grace_n if_o they_o be_v not_o look_v on_o as_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o 3._o that_o it_o be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o benefit_n of_o this_o holy_a sacrament_n to_o those_o who_o be_v well_o prepare_v if_o those_o who_o be_v not_o do_v come_v to_o it_o any_o more_o than_o in_o join_v in_o prayer_n or_o thanksgiving_n with_o they_o and_o if_o the_o presence_n of_o such_o person_n who_o deserve_v excommunication_n and_o be_v not_o excommunicate_v do_v overthrow_v the_o be_v of_o a_o church_n then_o christ_n and_o his_o disciple_n do_v not_o make_v a_o church_n when_o judas_n be_v present_a with_o they_o as_o in_o probability_n he_o be_v at_o his_o last_o supper_n at_o least_o if_o this_o kind_n of_o discipline_n have_v be_v so_o necessary_a it_o will_v never_o have_v be_v leave_v so_o doubtful_a as_o it_o be_v by_o the_o evangelist_n since_o it_o have_v be_v necessary_a for_o the_o information_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n to_o have_v set_v it_o down_o express_o not_o only_o that_o he_o be_v not_o present_a but_o that_o he_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v and_o therefore_o be_v cast_v out_o before_o 4._o that_o several_a presbyterian_a church_n for_o many_o year_n have_v no_o discipline_n at_o all_o among_o they_o nor_o so_o much_o as_o the_o lord_n supper_n administer_v and_o be_v these_o true_a church_n all_o that_o while_n and_o be_v not_o we_o so_o now_o 243._o nay_o mr._n baxter_n say_v that_o some_o nonconformist_n have_v these_o seventeen_o or_o eighteen_o year_n forbear_v to_o baptise_v serm._n or_o administer_v the_o lord_n supper_n or_o to_o be_v pastor_n of_o any_o church_n now_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v what_o church_n these_o man_n be_v of_o some_o or_o other_o they_o must_v own_v if_o they_o be_v christian_n new_a church_n they_o have_v not_o they_o say_v either_o than_o they_o must_v own_v our_o church_n to_o be_v true_a notwithstanding_o the_o defect_n of_o discipline_n or_o they_o must_v be_v of_o no_o church_n at_o all_o 5._o that_o our_o church_n be_v but_o in_o the_o same_o condition_n the_o church_n of_o constantinople_n and_o other_o church_n be_v in_o when_o nectarius_n change_v the_o discipline_n of_o it_o or_o rather_o take_v it_o quite_o away_o for_o the_o poenitentiary_n who_o he_o remove_v for_o the_o scandal_n give_v be_v the_o person_n who_o business_n it_o be_v to_o look_v after_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o see_v that_o all_o know_a offender_n perform_v the_o penance_n enjoin_v they_o for_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o socrates_n say_v be_v 19_o that_o every_o one_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n as_o to_o the_o participation_n of_o the_o holy_a mystery_n and_o this_o socrates_n say_v he_o have_v from_o eudaemon_n himself_o who_o give_v the_o counsel_n to_o nectarius_n to_o take_v that_o office_n away_o which_o be_v according_o do_v 16._o and_o no_o more_o restore_v say_v sozomen_n the_o consequence_n whereof_o be_v say_v he_o that_o every_o one_o go_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o his_o conscience_n give_v he_o leave_v and_o as_o he_o be_v assure_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n and_o this_o example_n of_o nectarius_n be_v soon_o follow_v in_o other_o church_n say_v sozomen_n and_o so_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n decay_v but_o i_o hope_v all_o those_o church_n do_v not_o lose_v their_o be_v by_o the_o loss_n of_o discipline_n and_o so_o much_o in_o vindication_n of_o our_o diocesan_n church_n government_n sect._n 18._o i_o now_o come_v to_o the_o national_a constitution_n of_o our_o church_n 19_o by_o the_o church_n of_o england_n i_o say_v we_o mean_v that_o society_n of_o christian_a people_n which_o in_o this_o nation_n be_v unite_v under_o the_o same_o profession_n of_o faith_n the_o same_o law_n of_o government_n and_o rule_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o that_o this_o be_v a_o very_a consistent_a and_o true_a notion_n of_o our_o national_a church_n i_o prove_v from_o the_o first_o notion_n of_o a_o church_n which_o be_v a_o society_n of_o man_n unite_v together_o for_o their_o order_n and_o government_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o since_o the_o low_a kind_n of_o that_o society_n viz._n congregation_n for_o worship_n be_v call_v church_n since_o the_o large_a society_n of_o all_o christian_n be_v account_v a_o true_a catholic_n church_n and_o both_o from_o their_o union_n and_o consent_n in_o some_o common_a thing_n i_o say_v i_o do_v not_o understand_v why_o a_o national_a society_n agree_v together_o in_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o under_o the_o same_o government_n and_o discipline_n may_v not_o be_v as_o true_o and_o proper_o a_o church_n as_o any_o particular_a congregation_n because_o the_o narrowness_n or_o largeness_n of_o extent_n do_v not_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n the_o kingdom_n of_o france_n be_v as_o true_o a_o kingdom_n as_o the_o small_a kingdom_n of_o ivetot_n and_o as_o several_a family_n make_v one_o kingdom_n so_o several_a lesser_a church_n make_v one_o national_a and_o that_o this_o notion_n be_v not_o disagree_v with_o the_o importance_n of_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o show_v that_o at_o athens_n from_o whence_o the_o word_n be_v take_v it_o do_v comprehend_v in_o it_o all_o the_o several_a tribe_n when_o meet_v together_o although_o every_o one_o of_o those_o tribe_n in_o its_o particular_a assembly_n may_v be_v a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d too_o and_o from_o thence_o in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n the_o name_n of_o a_o church_n comprehend_v in_o it_o the_o ecclesiastical_a governor_n and_o people_n of_o whole_a city_n and_o therefore_o may_v by_o parity_n of_o reason_n be_v extend_v to_o many_o city_n unite_v together_o under_o one_o civil_a government_n and_o the_o same_o rule_n of_o religion_n this_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o what_o i_o deliver_v upon_o this_o subject_n against_o which_o all_o my_o adversary_n have_v something_o to_o say_v though_o not_o with_o equal_a strength_n clearness_n or_o temper_n dr._n owen_n say_v 1._o that_o since_o i_o make_v national_a church_n to_o begin_v with_o the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n 16._o it_o fall_v out_o a_o great_a while_n after_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o church_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v not_o concern_v in_o it_o because_o he_o suppose_v congregational_a church_n to_o be_v entire_a church_n of_o christ_n institution_n and_o therefore_o to_o have_v a_o just_a right_a to_o govern_v and_o reform_v themselves_o independent_o as_o to_o any_o national_a constitution_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o if_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n institution_n be_v not_o limit_v to_o particular_a congregation_n as_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v than_o the_o gradual_a increase_n of_o church_n till_o they_o come_v to_o be_v national_a do_v not_o alter_v any_o institution_n of_o christ_n and_o consequent_o the_o power_n of_o those_o church_n must_v limit_v and_o determine_v that_o of_o particular_a congregation_n or_o else_o nothing_o but_o disorder_n
than_o mutual_a forbearance_n towards_o each_o other_o let_v now_o any_o rational_a man_n judge_n whether_o it_o appear_v probable_a that_o so_o loose_a and_o shatter_v a_o government_n as_o this_o be_v shall_v answer_v the_o obligation_n among_o christian_n to_o use_v the_o best_a and_o most_o effectual_a mean_n to_o preserve_v the_o faith_n once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n and_o to_o uphold_v peace_n and_o unity_n among_o christian_n but_o suppose_v all_o these_o several_a congregation_n unite_v together_o under_o such_o common_a bond_n that_o the_o preacher_n be_v accountable_a to_o superior_n that_o none_o be_v admit_v but_o such_o as_o own_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o promise_v obedience_n that_o public_a legal_a censure_n take_v hold_v upon_o the_o disturber_n of_o the_o church_n peace_n here_o we_o have_v a_o far_o more_o effectual_a mean_n according_a to_o reason_n for_o uphold_v true_a religion_n among_o we_o and_o that_o this_o be_v no_o mere_a theory_n appear_v by_o the_o sad_a experience_n of_o this_o nation_n when_o upon_o the_o break_n the_o bond_n of_o our_o national_a church-government_n there_o come_v such_o a_o overpower_a inundation_n of_o error_n and_o schism_n among_o we_o that_o this_o age_n be_v like_a to_o smart_v under_o the_o sad_a effect_n of_o it_o and_o in_o new-england_n two_o or_o three_o man_n as_o williams_n gorton_n and_o clark_n discover_v the_o apparent_a weakness_n of_o the_o independent_a government_n which_o be_v very_o material_a to_o this_o business_n i_o shall_v give_v a_o brief_a account_n of_o it_o as_o to_o one_o of_o they_o mr._n roger_n williams_n be_v the_o teacher_n of_o a_o congregational_a church_n at_o salem_n and_o a_o man_n in_o very_o good_a esteem_n as_o appear_v by_o mr._n cotton_n letter_n to_o he_o 1._o he_o be_v a_o great_a admirer_n of_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o new-england_n church_n but_o be_v a_o think_v man_n he_o pursue_v the_o principle_n of_o that_o way_n far_o than_o they_o think_v fit_a for_o he_o think_v it_o unlawful_a to_o join_v with_o unregenerate_a man_n in_o prayer_n or_o take_v a_o oath_n and_o that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o unlimited_a toleration_n of_o opinion_n etc._n etc._n these_o doctrine_n and_o some_o other_o of_o his_o not_o take_v he_o proceed_v to_o separation_n from_o they_o and_o gather_v a_o new_a church_n in_o opposition_n to_o they_o this_o give_v such_o a_o disturbance_n to_o they_o that_o the_o magistrate_n send_v for_o he_o and_o the_o minister_n reason_v the_o case_n with_o he_o he_o tell_v they_o he_o go_v upon_o their_o own_o ground_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o blame_v he_o mr._n cotton_n tell_v he_o they_o deserve_v to_o be_v punish_v who_o make_v separation_n among_o they_o mr._n williams_n reply_v this_o will_v return_v upon_o themselves_o for_o have_v not_o they_o do_v the_o same_o as_o to_o the_o church_n of_o old-england_n in_o short_a 57_o after_o their_o debate_n and_o mr._n william_n continue_v in_o his_o principle_n of_o separation_n from_o their_o church_n a_o sentence_n of_o banishment_n be_v decree_v against_o he_o by_o the_o magistrate_n and_o this_o sentence_n approve_v and_o justify_v by_o their_o church_n for_o these_o be_v mr._n cotton_n word_n that_o the_o increase_n of_o concourse_n of_o people_n to_o he_o on_o the_o lord_n day_n in_o private_a to_o a_o neglect_n or_o desert_v of_o public_a ordinance_n and_o to_o the_o spread_a of_o the_o leaven_n of_o his_o corrupt_a imagination_n provoke_v the_o magistrate_n rather_o than_o to_o breed_v a_o winter_n spiritual_a plague_n in_o the_o country_n to_o put_v upon_o he_o a_o winter_n journey_n out_o of_o the_o country_n this_o mr._n williams_n tell_v they_o be_v fall_v into_o the_o national_a church_n way_n which_o they_o disown_v or_o else_o say_v he_o why_o must_v he_o that_o be_v banish_v from_o the_o one_o be_v banish_v from_o the_o other_o also_o and_o he_o charge_v they_o that_o they_o have_v suppress_v church_n set_v up_o after_o the_o parochial_a way_n 46._o and_o although_o the_o person_n be_v otherwise_o allow_v to_o be_v godly_a to_o live_v in_o the_o same_o air_n with_o they_o if_o they_o set_v up_o any_o other_o church_n or_o worship_n than_o what_o themselves_o practise_v which_o appear_v by_o the_o law_n of_o new_a england_n mention_v before_o and_o mr._n cobbet_n one_o of_o the_o teacher_n of_o their_o church_n confess_v that_o by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o country_n 47._o none_o be_v to_o be_v free_a man_n but_o such_o as_o be_v member_n of_o church_n i_o now_o appeal_v to_o any_o man_n whether_o these_o proceed_n and_o these_o law_n do_v not_o manifest_o discover_v the_o apparent_a weakness_n and_o insufficiency_n of_o the_o congregational_a way_n for_o prevent_v those_o disorder_n which_o they_o apprehend_v to_o be_v destructive_a to_o their_o church_n why_o have_v not_o mr._n william_n his_o liberty_n of_o separation_n as_o well_o as_o they_o why_o be_v no_o anabaptist_n or_o quaker_n permit_v among_o they_o because_o these_o way_n will_v disturb_v their_o peace_n and_o distract_v their_o people_n and_o in_o time_n overthrow_v their_o church_n very_o well_o but_o where_o be_v the_o entireness_n of_o the_o power_n of_o every_o single_a congregation_n the_o mean_a while_n why_o may_v not_o the_o people_n at_o salem_n have_v the_o same_o liberty_n as_o those_o at_o boston_n or_o plymouth_n the_o plain_a truth_n be_v they_o find_v by_o experience_n this_o congregational_a way_n will_v not_o do_v alone_o without_o civil_a sanction_n and_o the_o interpose_v of_o the_o pastor_n of_o other_o church_n for_o when_o williams_n and_o gorton_n and_o clark_n have_v begin_v to_o make_v some_o impression_n on_o their_o people_n they_o bestir_v themselves_o as_o much_o as_o possible_a to_o have_v their_o mouth_n stop_v and_o their_o person_n banish_v this_o i_o do_v only_o mention_v to_o show_v that_o where_o this_o way_n have_v prevail_v most_o they_o have_v find_v it_o very_o insufficient_a to_o carry_v on_o those_o end_n which_o themselves_o judge_v necessary_a for_o the_o preservation_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o of_o peace_n and_o unity_n among_o themselves_o and_o in_o their_o synod_n at_o boston_n 1662._o the_o new-england_n church_n be_v come_v to_o apprehend_v the_o necessity_n of_o conâ—eciation_n of_o church_n in_o case_n of_o division_n and_o contention_n and_o for_o the_o rectify_v of_o male-administrations_a and_o heal_v of_o error_n and_o scandal_n 1â—2_n that_o be_v unhealed_a among_o themselves_o for_o christ_n care_n say_v they_o be_v for_o whole_a church_n as_o well_o as_o for_o particular_a person_n of_o which_o consociation_n they_o tell_v we_o that_o mr._n cotton_n draw_v a_o platform_n before_o his_o death_n be_v such_o a_o consociation_n of_o church_n a_o duty_n or_o not_o in_o such_o case_n if_o not_o why_o do_v they_o do_v any_o thing_n relate_v to_o church_n government_n for_o which_o they_o have_v no_o command_n in_o scripture_n if_o there_o be_v a_o command_n in_o scripture_n than_o there_o be_v a_o institution_n of_o a_o power_n above_o congregational_a church_n it_o be_v but_o a_o slender_a evasion_n which_o they_o use_v when_o they_o call_v these_o only_a voluntary_a combination_n for_o what_o be_v all_o church_n else_o only_o the_o antecedent_n obligation_n on_o man_n to_o join_v for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n make_v enter_v into_o other_o church_n a_o duty_n and_o so_o the_o obligation_n lie_v upon_o church-officer_n to_o use_v the_o best_a mean_n to_o prevent_v or_o heal_v division_n will_v make_v such_o consociation_n a_o duty_n too_o and_o therefore_o in_o such_o case_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n require_v a_o union_n and_o conjunction_n superior_a to_o that_o of_o congregational_a church_n which_o be_v then_o most_o agreeable_a to_o scripture_n and_o antiquity_n when_o the_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n join_v together_o who_o agree_v together_o upon_o article_n of_o doctrine_n and_o rule_n of_o worship_n and_o discipline_n be_v the_o national_a church_n representative_a and_o these_o be_v own_a and_o establish_v by_o the_o civil_a power_n and_o receive_v by_o the_o body_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o all_o person_n oblige_v to_o observe_v the_o same_o in_o the_o several_a congregation_n for_o worship_n these_o congregation_n so_o unite_v in_o these_o common_a bond_n of_o religion_n make_v up_o the_o complete_a national_a church_n sect._n 20._o and_o now_o i_o hope_v i_o may_v have_v leave_n to_o consider_v mr._n baxter_n subtlety_n about_o this_o matter_n which_o be_v spread_v abroad_o in_o abundance_n of_o word_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n i_o shall_v reduce_v to_o these_o follow_a head_n wherein_o the_o main_a difficulty_n lie_v 1._o concern_v the_o difference_n between_o a_o national_a church_n and_o a_o christian_a kingdom_n 2._o concern_v the_o govern_n power_n of_o this_o national_a church_n which_o he_o call_v the_o constitutive_a regent_n part_n 3._o
concern_v the_o common_a tie_n or_o rule_n which_o make_v this_o national_a church_n 1._o concern_v the_o difference_n between_o a_o christian_a kingdom_n and_o a_o national_a church_n 32._o a_o christian_a kingdom_n he_o say_v they_o all_o own_o but_o this_o be_v only_o equivocal_o call_v a_o church_n but_o he_o say_v the_o christian_a bishop_n for_o 1300_o year_n be_v far_o from_o believe_v that_o a_o prince_n or_o civil_a power_n be_v essential_a to_o a_o christian_a church_n or_o that_o the_o church_n in_o the_o common_a sense_n be_v not_o constitute_v of_o another_o sort_n of_o regent_n part_n that_o have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n that_o hold_v a_o prince_n a_o essential_a part_n of_o a_o christian_a church_n let_v mr._n baxter_n confute_v they_o but_o i_o be_o none_o of_o they_o for_o i_o do_v believe_v there_o be_v christian_a church_n before_o christian_a prince_n that_o there_o be_v christian_a church_n under_o christian_a prince_n and_o will_v be_v such_o if_o there_o be_v none_o leave_v i_o do_v believe_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n to_o be_v a_o distinct_a thing_n 1â—â—1_n from_o the_o office_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n and_o if_o he_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o write_v against_o such_o a_o opinion_n he_o shall_v have_v rather_o send_v it_o to_o his_o learned_a sincere_a and_o worthy_a friend_n lewis_n du_fw-fr moulin_n if_o he_o have_v be_v still_o live_v but_o if_o i_o only_o mean_v a_o christian_a kingdom_n 40._o who_o deny_v it_o say_v he_o if_o all_o this_o confuse_a stir_n be_v about_o a_o christian_a kingdom_n be_v it_o know_v to_o you_o that_o we_o take_v such_o to_o be_v of_o divine_a command_n nay_o far_o 〈…〉_z if_o we_o mean_v all_o the_o church_n of_o a_o kingdom_n associate_v for_o concord_n as_o equal_n we_o deny_v it_o not_o what_o be_v it_o then_o that_o be_v so_o deny_v and_o dispute_v against_o and_o such_o a_o flood_n of_o word_n be_v pour_v out_o about_o it_o seem_v at_o last_o it_o be_v this_o that_o the_o nation_n must_v be_v one_o church_n as_o unite_v in_o one_o saccrdotal_a head_n personal_a or_o collective_a monarchical_a or_o aristocratical_a before_o i_o answer_v this_o question_n i_o hope_v i_o may_v ask_v another_o whence_o come_v this_o zeal_n now_o against_o a_o national_a church_n for_o when_o the_o presbyterian_o be_v in_o power_n they_o be_v then_o for_o national_a church_n and_o think_v they_o prove_v they_o out_o of_o scripture_n and_o none_o of_o these_o subtlety_n about_o the_o constitutive_a regent_n part_n do_v ever_o perplex_v or_o trouble_v they_o thus_o the_o presbyterian_a london_n minister_n 1654._o make_v no_o difficulty_n of_o own_v national_a church_n 14._o and_o particular_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o these_o word_n and_o if_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n be_v call_v one_o church_n let_v no_o man_n be_v offend_v if_o all_o the_o congregation_n in_o england_n be_v call_v the_o church_n of_o england_n but_o this_o you_o will_v say_v be_v by_o association_n of_o equal_a church_n no_o they_o say_v it_o be_v when_o the_o particular_a congregation_n of_o one_o nation_n live_v under_o one_o civil_a government_n agree_v in_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n be_v govern_v by_o their_o great_a and_o lesser_a assembly_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n say_v they_o we_o assert_v a_o national_a church_n 15._o two_o thing_n say_v mr._n hudson_n be_v require_v to_o make_v a_o national_a church_n 1._o national_a agreement_n in_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o worship_n 2._o national_a union_n in_o one_o ecclesiastical_a body_n in_o the_o same_o community_n of_o ecclesiastical_a government_n the_o old_a nonconformist_n have_v no_o scruple_n about_o own_v the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o think_v they_o understand_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o it_o whence_o come_v all_o these_o difficulty_n now_o to_o be_v raise_v about_o this_o matter_n be_v the_o thing_n grow_v so_o much_o dark_a than_o former_o but_o some_o man_n understanding_n be_v confound_v with_o nice_a distinction_n and_o their_o conscience_n ensnare_v by_o needless_a scruple_n to_o give_v therefore_o a_o plain_a answer_n to_o the_o question_n what_o we_o mean_v by_o the_o national_a church_n of_o england_n by_o that_o be_v understand_v either_o 1_o the_o church_n of_o england_n diffusive_a or_o 2_o the_o church_n of_o england_n representative_a 1._o the_o national_a church_n of_o england_n diffusive_a be_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o christian_n in_o this_o nation_n consist_v of_o pastor_n and_o people_n agree_v in_o that_o faith_n government_n and_o worship_n which_o be_v establish_v by_o the_o law_n of_o this_o realm_n and_o by_o this_o description_n any_o one_o may_v see_v how_o easy_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o papist_n on_o one_o side_n and_o the_o dissenter_n on_o the_o other_o which_o make_v i_o continue_v my_o wonder_n at_o those_o who_o so_o confident_o say_v they_o can_v tell_v what_o we_o mean_v by_o the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o be_v there_o not_o a_o church_n here_o settle_v upon_o the_o reformation_n in_o the_o time_n of_o edward_n 6._o and_o queen_n elizabeth_n have_v not_o the_o same_o doctrine_n the_o same_o government_n the_o same_o manner_n of_o worship_n continue_v in_o this_o church_n bate_v only_o the_o interruption_n give_v by_o its_o enemy_n how_o come_v it_o then_o so_o hard_o for_o man_n to_o understand_v so_o easy_a so_o plain_a so_o intelligible_a a_o thing_n if_o all_o the_o question_n be_v how_o all_o the_o congregation_n in_o england_n make_v up_o this_o one_o church_n i_o say_v by_o unity_n of_o consent_n as_o all_o particular_a church_n make_v one_o catholic_n church_n if_o they_o ask_v how_o it_o come_v to_o be_v one_o national_a church_n i_o say_v because_o it_o be_v receive_v by_o the_o common_a consent_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n in_o parliament_n as_o other_o law_n of_o the_o nation_n be_v and_o be_v universal_o receive_v by_o all_o that_o obey_v those_o law_n and_o tâ—is_o i_o think_v be_v sufficient_a to_o scatter_v those_o mist_n which_o some_o pretend_v to_o have_v before_o their_o eye_n that_o they_o can_v clear_o see_v what_o we_o mean_v by_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 2._o the_o representative_a church_n of_o england_n be_v the_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n of_o this_o church_n meet_v together_o according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o this_o realm_n to_o consult_v and_o advise_v about_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o this_o be_v determine_v by_o the_o allow_a canon_n of_o this_o church_n 139._o we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o the_o convocation_n at_o westminster_n be_v the_o representative_a church_n of_o england_n as_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v a_o national_a church_n for_o that_o be_v only_o representative_a of_o this_o province_n there_o be_v another_o convocation_n in_o the_o other_o province_n but_o the_o consent_n of_o both_o convocation_n be_v the_o representative_a national_a church_n of_o england_n sect._n 21._o and_o now_o to_o answer_v mr._n baxter_n grand_a difficulty_n concern_v the_o constitutive_a regent_n part_n of_o this_o national_a church_n i_o say_v 1._o it_o proceed_v upon_o a_o false_a supposition_n 2._o it_o be_v capable_a of_o a_o plain_a resolution_n 1._o that_o it_o proceed_v upon_o a_o false_a supposition_n which_o be_v that_o wherever_o there_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o a_o church_n there_o must_v be_v a_o constitutive_a regent_n part_n i._n e._n there_o must_v be_v a_o stand_a govern_v power_n which_o be_v a_o essential_a part_n of_o it_o which_o i_o shall_v prove_v to_o be_v false_a from_o mr._n baxter_n himself_o he_o assert_n that_o there_o be_v one_o catholic_n visible_a church_n and_o that_o all_o particular_a church_n 830._o which_o be_v head_v by_o their_o particular_a bishop_n or_o pastor_n be_v part_n of_o this_o universal_a church_n as_o a_o troop_n be_v of_o a_o army_n or_o a_o city_n of_o a_o kingdom_n if_o this_o doctrine_n be_v true_a 77._o and_o withal_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o every_o church_n must_v have_v a_o constitutive_a regent_n part_n as_o essential_a to_o it_o than_o it_o unavoidable_o follow_v that_o there_o must_v be_v a_o catholic_n visible_a head_n to_o a_o catholic_n visible_a church_n and_o so_o mr._n baxter_n '_o be_v constitutive_a regent_n part_n of_o a_o church_n have_v do_v the_o pope_n a_o wonderful_a kindness_n and_o make_v a_o very_a plausible_a plea_n for_o his_o universal_a pastourship_n but_o there_o be_v some_o man_n in_o the_o world_n who_o do_v not_o attend_v to_o the_o advantage_n they_o give_v to_o popery_n so_o they_o may_v vent_v their_o spleen_n against_o the_o church_n of_o england_n but_o do_v not_o mr._n baxter_n say_v that_o the_o universal_a church_n be_v head_v by_o christ_n himself_o i_o grant_v he_o do_v but_o this_o do_v not_o remove_v the_o difficulty_n for_o the_o question_n be_v
who_o they_o come_v let_v now_o any_o impartial_a reader_n judge_n who_o do_v most_o effectual_o serve_v the_o papist_n design_n those_o who_o keep_v to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n or_o those_o who_o fall_v into_o the_o course_n of_o separation_n i_o will_v allow_v what_o mr._n baxter_n say_v 53._o that_o they_o may_v use_v their_o endeavour_n to_o exasperate_v the_o several_a party_n against_o each_o other_o and_o may_v sometime_o press_v the_o more_o rigorous_a execution_n of_o law_n against_o they_o but_o than_o it_o be_v to_o set_v they_o at_o the_o great_a distance_n from_o we_o and_o to_o make_v they_o more_o pliable_a to_o a_o general_n toleration_n and_o they_o sometime_o complain_v that_o those_o who_o be_v most_o adverse_a to_o this_o find_v themselves_o under_o the_o severity_n of_o the_o law_n when_o more_o tractable_a man_n escape_v which_o they_o have_v weak_o impute_v to_o the_o implacable_a temper_n of_o the_o bishop_n when_o they_o may_v easy_o understand_v the_o true_a cause_n of_o such_o a_o discrimination_n but_o from_o the_o whole_a it_o appear_v that_o the_o grand_a design_n of_o the_o papist_n for_o many_o year_n be_v to_o break_v in_o piece_n the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o be_v do_v they_o flatter_v themselves_o with_o the_o hope_n of_o great_a accession_n to_o their_o strength_n and_o party_n and_o in_o order_n to_o this_o they_o inflame_v the_o difference_n among_o we_o to_o the_o utmost_a height_n on_o purpose_n to_o make_v all_o the_o dissent_v party_n to_o join_v with_o they_o for_o a_o general_n toleration_n which_o they_o do_v not_o question_n will_v destroy_v this_o church_n and_o advance_v their_o interest_n whether_o they_o do_v judge_v true_o in_o this_o i_o be_o not_o to_o determine_v it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o they_o go_v upon_o the_o great_a probability_n but_o be_v it_o possible_a to_o imagine_v such_o skilful_a engineer_n shall_v use_v so_o much_o art_n and_o industry_n to_o undermine_v and_o blow_v up_o a_o bulwark_n unless_o they_o hope_v to_o gain_v the_o place_n or_o at_o lest_o some_o very_a considerable_a advantage_n to_o themselves_o by_o it_o and_o it_o be_v a_o most_o unfortunate_a condition_n our_o church_n be_v in_o if_o those_o who_o design_n to_o bring_v in_o popery_n and_o those_o who_o design_n to_o keep_v it_o out_o shall_v both_o conspire_v towards_o its_o destruction_n this_o which_o i_o have_v represent_v be_v the_o posture_n of_o our_o church-affair_n when_o the_o late_a horrible_a plot_n of_o the_o papist_n for_o destruction_n of_o the_o king_n person_n and_o subversion_n of_o our_o religion_n come_v to_o be_v discover_v it_o seem_v they_o find_v the_o other_o method_n tedious_a and_o uncertain_a and_o they_o meet_v with_o many_o cross_a accident_n many_o rub_n and_o disappointment_n in_o their_o way_n and_o therefore_o they_o resolve_v upon_o a_o summary_n way_n of_o proceed_v and_o to_o do_v their_o business_n by_o one_o blow_n which_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o circumstance_n of_o our_o affair_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v incredible_a that_o if_o they_o have_v no_o such_o design_n it_o be_v rather_o a_o wonder_n they_o have_v not_o especial_o consider_v the_o allow_a principle_n and_o practice_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n upon_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o plot_n and_o the_o mean_n of_o papist_n use_v confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o know_v our_o great_a proneness_n to_o infidelity_n by_o the_o murder_n of_o a_o worthy_a gentleman_n who_o receive_v the_o deposition_n the_o nation_n be_v extreme_o alarm_v with_o the_o apprehension_n of_o popery_n and_o provoke_v to_o the_o utmost_a detestation_n of_o it_o those_o who_o have_v be_v long_o apprehensive_a of_o their_o restless_a design_n be_v glad_a to_o see_v other_o awaken_v but_o they_o seem_v like_o man_n rouse_v out_o of_o a_o deep_a sleep_n be_v amaze_v and_o confound_v fearful_a of_o every_o thing_n and_o apt_a to_o mistrust_v all_o person_n who_o be_v not_o in_o such_o a_o consternation_n as_o themselves_o during_o this_o heat_n some_o of_o we_o both_o in_o private_a and_o public_a endeavour_v to_o bring_v the_o dissenter_n to_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o union_n among_o protestant_n hope_v the_o apprehension_n of_o present_a danger_n common_a to_o we_o all_o will_v have_v dispose_v they_o to_o a_o better_a inclination_n to_o the_o thing_n which_o belong_v to_o our_o peace_n but_o find_v the_o nation_n thus_o vehement_o bend_v against_o popery_n those_o who_o have_v former_o carry_v it_o so_o smooth_o and_o fair_o towards_o the_o common_a and_o innocent_a papist_n as_o they_o then_o style_v they_o and_o think_v they_o equal_o capable_a of_o toleration_n with_o themselves_o now_o they_o fly_v out_o into_o the_o utmost_a rage_n against_o they_o and_o other_o be_v apt_a by_o sly_a insinuation_n to_o represent_v those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n some_o of_o who_o have_v appear_v with_o vigour_n and_o resolution_n against_o popery_n when_o they_o be_v truck_v underhand_o for_o toleration_n with_o they_o as_o papist_n in_o masquerade_n but_o now_o they_o tack_v about_o and_o strike_v in_o with_o the_o violent_a rage_n of_o the_o people_n and_o none_o so_o fierce_a against_o popery_n as_o they_o what_o influence_n it_o have_v have_v upon_o other_o i_o know_v not_o but_o i_o confess_v it_o do_v not_o lessen_v my_o esteem_n of_o the_o integrity_n of_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o much_o transport_v by_o sudden_a heat_n beyond_o the_o just_a bound_n of_o prudence_n and_o decency_n and_o humanity_n towards_o their_o great_a enemy_n have_v learn_v from_o st._n paul_n that_o the_o wrath_n of_o man_n work_v not_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n they_o expect_v as_o little_a favour_n from_o they_o as_o any_o if_o they_o have_v prevail_v and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o some_o of_o they_o have_v be_v make_v the_o first_o example_n of_o their_o cruelty_n however_o this_o be_v interpret_v to_o be_v want_n of_o zeal_n by_o those_o who_o think_v there_o be_v no_o fire_n in_o the_o house_n unless_o it_o flame_v out_o at_o the_o window_n and_o this_o advantage_n be_v take_v by_o the_o inveterate_a enemy_n of_o our_o church_n to_o represent_v we_o all_o as_o secret_a friend_n to_o the_o papist_n so_o improbable_a a_o lie_n that_o the_o devil_n himself_o will_v blush_v at_o the_o tell_v of_o it_o not_o for_o the_o malice_n but_o the_o folly_n and_o ill_a contrivance_n of_o it_o and_o those_o who_o be_v more_o moderate_a be_v content_a to_o allow_v 3_o or_o 4_o among_o the_o bishop_n to_o be_v protestant_n and_o about_o 4_o or_o 5_o among_o the_o clergy_n of_o london_n to_o feed_v this_o humour_n which_o wonderful_o spread_v among_o more_o of_o the_o people_n than_o we_o can_v have_v believe_v to_o have_v be_v so_o weak_a most_o of_o the_o malicious_a libel_n against_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v reprint_v and_o disperse_v and_o new_a one_o add_v to_o they_o among_o the_o rest_n one_o translate_v out_o of_o french_a to_o prove_v the_o advances_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n towards_o popery_n but_o so_o unhappy_o manage_v that_o those_o person_n be_v chief_o mention_v who_o have_v appear_v with_o most_o zeal_n against_o popery_n yet_o so_o much_o have_v the_o art_n of_o some_o man_n prevail_v over_o the_o judgement_n of_o other_o that_o even_o this_o discourse_n be_v greedy_o swallow_v by_o they_o but_o i_o must_v do_v the_o author_n of_o it_o that_o right_a to_o declare_v that_o before_o his_o death_n he_o be_v very_o sensible_a of_o the_o injury_n he_o have_v do_v to_o some_o worthy_a divine_n of_o our_o church_n therein_o and_o beg_v god_n and_o they_o pardon_v for_o it_o wherein_o as_o he_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o some_o other_o who_o be_v great_a enemy_n to_o our_o church_n while_o they_o live_v but_o repent_v of_o it_o when_o they_o come_v to_o die_v so_o i_o hope_v other_o upon_o better_a consideration_n will_v see_v reason_n to_o follow_v he_o but_o this_o be_v but_o a_o inconsiderable_a trifle_n in_o comparison_n of_o what_o follow_v we_o be_v still_o in_o hope_n that_o man_n so_o wise_a so_o self-denying_a as_o the_o nonconformist_a minister_n represent_v themselves_o to_o the_o world_n will_v in_o so_o critical_a a_o time_n have_v make_v some_o step_n or_o advance_v towards_o a_o union_n with_o we_o at_o lest_o to_o have_v let_v we_o know_v their_o sense_n of_o the_o present_a state_n of_o thing_n and_o their_o readiness_n to_o join_v with_o we_o as_o far_o as_o they_o can_v against_o the_o assault_n of_o a_o common_a enemy_n in_o stead_n of_o this_o those_o we_o discourse_v with_o seem_v far_o off_o than_o before_o and_o when_o we_o lest_o expect_v such_o a_o blow_n under_o the_o name_n of_o a_o plea_n for_o peace_n out_o come_v a_o
intend_v in_o silence_v of_o they_o but_o our_o church_n whereof_o we_o be_v minister_n be_v no_o private_a and_o secret_a assembly_n such_o as_o hide_v themselves_o from_o the_o face_n of_o a_o persecute_v magistrate_n and_o state_n but_o be_v public_a profess_v their_o worship_n and_o do_v their_o religion_n in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o magistrate_n and_o state_n yea_o and_o by_o his_o countenance_n authority_n and_o protection_n and_o we_o be_v set_v over_o those_o church_n not_o only_o by_o a_o call_v of_o our_o people_n but_o also_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o magistrate_n who_o have_v a_o arm_a power_n to_o hinder_v any_o such_o public_a action_n who_o be_v willing_a also_o to_o permit_v and_o maintain_v other_o true_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o those_o place_n where_o he_o forbid_v some_o if_o therefore_o after_o our_o public_a call_n to_o minister_v to_o such_o a_o know_a and_o public_a church_n not_o by_o the_o church_n only_o but_o by_o the_o magistrate_n also_o the_o magistrate_n shall_v have_v matter_n against_o we_o whether_o just_a or_o unjust_a it_o skill_v not_o and_o shall_v in_o that_o regard_n forbid_v we_o to_o minister_v to_o our_o church_n i_o see_v not_o by_o what_o warrant_v in_o god_n word_n we_o shall_v think_v ourselves_o bind_v notwithstanding_o to_o exercise_v our_o ministry_n still_o except_o we_o shall_v think_v such_o a_o law_n of_o ministry_n to_o lie_v upon_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v judge_v ourselves_o bind_v to_o run_v upon_o the_o sword_n point_n of_o the_o magistrate_n or_o to_o oppose_v sword_n to_o sword_n and_o suppose_v the_o magistrate_n shall_v do_v it_o unjust_o and_o against_o the_o will_n of_o the_o church_n and_o shall_v therein_o sin_v yet_o do_v not_o the_o church_n in_o that_o regard_n cease_v to_o be_v a_o church_n nor_o ought_v she_o therein_o to_o resist_v the_o will_n of_o the_o magistrate_n neither_o do_v she_o stand_v bind_v in_o regard_n of_o her_o affection_n to_o her_o minister_n how_o great_a and_o deserve_a soever_o to_o deprive_v herself_o of_o the_o protection_n of_o the_o magistrate_n by_o leave_v her_o public_a stand_n to_o follow_v his_o ministry_n in_o private_a and_o in_o the_o dark_a refuse_v the_o benefit_n of_o all_o other_o public_a ministry_n which_o with_o the_o leave_n and_o like_n of_o the_o magistrate_n she_o may_v enjoy_v 4._o neither_o do_v i_o know_v what_o warrant_v any_o ordinary_a minister_n have_v by_o god_n word_n in_o such_o a_o case_n so_o to_o draw_v any_o such_o church_n or_o people_n to_o his_o private_a ministry_n that_o thereby_o they_o shall_v hazard_v their_o outward_a state_n and_o quiet_a in_o the_o commonwealth_n where_o they_o live_v when_o in_o some_o competent_a measure_n they_o may_v public_o with_o the_o grace_n and_o favour_n of_o the_o magistrate_n enjoy_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o salvation_n by_o another_o and_o except_o he_o have_v a_o call_n to_o minister_n in_o some_o church_n he_o be_v to_o be_v content_a to_o live_v as_o a_o private_a member_n till_o it_o shall_v please_v god_n to_o reconcile_v the_o magistrate_n to_o he_o and_o to_o call_v he_o again_o to_o his_o own_o church_n labour_v mean_a while_n private_o upon_o particular_a occasion_n offer_v to_o strengthen_v and_o confirm_v in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n those_o people_n that_o be_v deprive_v of_o his_o public_a labour_n and_o i_o take_v it_o to_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o people_n in_o such_o a_o case_n if_o they_o will_v approve_v themselves_o faithful_a christian_n and_o good_a subject_n so_o to_o submit_v to_o the_o ministry_n of_o another_o as_o that_o by_o prayer_n and_o all_o other_o good_a dutiful_a and_o loyal_a mean_n they_o may_v do_v their_o best_a endeavour_n to_o obtain_v he_o of_o who_o against_o their_o will_n they_o have_v be_v deprive_v and_o still_o to_o affect_v and_o love_v he_o as_o their_o pastor_n now_o if_o the_o people_n do_v thus_o then_o be_v that_o minister_n call_v to_o be_v silent_a not_o only_o by_o the_o magistrate_n but_o by_o they_o also_o though_o with_o much_o grief_n to_o this_o testimony_n of_o mr._n bradshaw_n 99_o all_o that_o mr._n b._n say_v be_v that_o bradshaw_n think_v we_o shall_v submit_v to_o a_o silence_v law_n where_o our_o ministry_n be_v unnecessary_a and_o so_o do_v he_o if_o mr._n b._n do_v allow_v himself_o any_o time_n to_o consider_v what_o he_o write_v he_o will_v never_o have_v give_v such_o a_o answer_n as_o this_o for_o mr._n bradshaw_n never_o put_v the_o case_n upon_o the_o necessity_n or_o no_o necessity_n of_o their_o preach_v but_o upon_o the_o allowance_n or_o disallowance_n of_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n and_o if_o it_o have_v be_v resolve_v upon_o the_o point_n of_o necessity_n be_v it_o possible_a for_o mr._n b._n to_o think_v there_o be_v less_o necessity_n of_o preach_v at_o that_o time_n than_o there_o be_v now_o when_o himself_o confess_v several_a year_n since_o that_o thirty_o year_n ago_o 55._o there_o be_v many_o bare_a read_n not_o preach_v minister_n for_o one_o that_o there_o be_v now_o and_o what_o be_v there_o which_o the_o old_a nonconformist_n more_o complain_v of_o than_o the_o want_n of_o a_o more_o preach_a ministry_n this_o then_o can_v not_o be_v mr._n bradshaw_n reason_n and_o mr._n baxter_n upon_o second_o thought_n can_v be_v of_o that_o opinion_n i_o have_v yet_o one_o argument_n more_o to_o prove_v this_o to_o have_v be_v the_o general_a sense_n of_o the_o nonconformist_n which_o be_v mr._n sprint_n argument_n for_o conformity_n in_o case_n of_o deprivation_n 2._o which_o be_v that_o where_o two_o duty_n do_v meet_v a_o great_a and_o a_o less_o whereof_o both_o can_v be_v do_v at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o lesser_a duty_n must_v yield_v unto_o the_o great_a but_o this_o doctrine_n of_o suffer_a deprivation_n for_o not_o conform_v teach_v and_o the_o practice_n thereof_o cause_v to_o neglect_v a_o great_a duty_n for_o perform_v of_o a_o less_o therefore_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o error_n in_o doctrine_n and_o a_o sin_n in_o practice_n the_o force_n of_o which_o argument_n do_v necessary_o suppose_v that_o minister_n deprive_v by_o law_n be_v not_o to_o exercise_v their_o ministerial_a function_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o law_n be_v and_o to_o confirm_v this_o several_a nonconformist_n undertake_v to_o answer_v this_o argument_n and_o to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o disparity_n of_o the_o case_n as_o to_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o we_o for_o mr._n sprint_v have_v urge_v the_o instance_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o this_o purpose_n since_o they_o submit_v to_o jewish_a ceremony_n rather_o than_o lose_v the_o liberty_n of_o their_o ministry_n they_o ought_v to_o yield_v to_o our_o ceremony_n on_o the_o same_o ground_n to_o which_o they_o answer_v that_o the_o apostle_n have_v far_o great_a reason_n so_o to_o do_v 232_o because_o their_o ministry_n be_v of_o far_o great_a excellency_n and_o usefulness_n and_o therefore_o the_o argument_n be_v of_o much_o great_a weight_n with_o the_o apostle_n than_o it_o can_v be_v with_o they_o for_o say_v they_o what_o one_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v there_o that_o dare_v be_v so_o presumptuous_a as_o to_o say_v that_o his_o preach_a and_o ministry_n can_v be_v of_o that_o necessity_n and_o use_v for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o good_a of_o his_o church_n as_o be_v the_o ministry_n of_o his_o apostle_n the_o work_n whereunto_o the_o lord_n call_v and_o separate_v the_o apostle_n viz._n the_o plant_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o preach_a the_o gospel_n to_o all_o nation_n be_v such_o as_o can_v not_o have_v be_v perform_v by_o any_o other_o but_o the_o apostle_n alone_o but_o in_o deprivation_n of_o our_o minister_n that_o refuse_v conformity_n there_o be_v no_o such_o danger_n and_o of_o their_o preach_v there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o necessity_n imagine_v though_o they_o preach_v not_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v still_o and_o that_o sound_o and_o fruitful_o do_v these_o man_n think_v the_o apostle_n woe_n be_v unto_o i_o if_o i_o preach_v not_o the_o gospel_n do_v reach_v to_o their_o case_n can_v mr._n b._n imagine_v that_o such_o man_n think_v themselves_o still_o bind_v to_o preach_v although_o they_o be_v silence_v by_o our_o law_n and_o now_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v prove_v that_o to_o be_v evident_o true_a which_o mr._n b._n say_v be_v notorious_o false_a but_o if_o after_o all_o this_o mr._n b._n will_v persist_v in_o say_v that_o he_o know_v those_o who_o do_v otherwise_o all_o that_o i_o have_v to_o say_v to_o it_o be_v that_o i_o hope_v mr._n bs._n acquaintance_n both_o of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o party_n if_o they_o be_v such_o as_o he_o represent_v be_v not_o to_o be_v the_o standard_n for_o all_o the_o rest_n for_o it_o seem_v he_o be_v not_o very_o happy_a in_o either_o part_n
ii_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o present_a separation_n sect._n 1_o have_v make_v it_o my_o business_n in_o the_o forego_n discourse_n to_o show_v how_o far_o the_o present_a dissenter_n be_v go_v off_o from_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o old_a nonconformist_n i_o come_v to_o consider_v what_o those_o principle_n be_v which_o they_o now_o proceed_v upon_o and_o those_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n first_o of_o such_o as_o hold_v partial_a and_o occasional_a communion_n with_o our_o church_n to_o be_v lawful_a but_o not_o total_a and_o constant_a i._n e._n they_o judge_v it_o lawful_a at_o some_o time_n to_o be_v present_a in_o some_o part_n of_o our_o worship_n and_o upon_o particular_a occasion_n to_o partake_v of_o some_o act_n of_o communion_n with_o we_o but_o yet_o they_o apprehend_v great_a purity_n and_o edification_n in_o separate_a congregation_n and_o when_o they_o be_v to_o choose_v they_o think_v themselves_o bind_v to_o choose_v these_o although_o at_o certain_a season_n they_o may_v think_v it_o lawful_a to_o submit_v to_o occasional_a communion_n with_o our_o church_n as_o it_o be_v now_o establish_v second_o of_o such_o as_o hold_v any_o communion_n with_o our_o church_n to_o be_v unlawful_a because_o they_o believe_v the_o term_n of_o its_o communion_n unlawful_a for_o which_o they_o instance_n in_o the_o constant_a use_n of_o the_o liturgy_n the_o aereal_a sign_n of_o the_o cross_n kneel_v at_o the_o communion_n the_o observation_n of_o holiday_n renounce_v other_o assembly_n want_v of_o discipline_n in_o our_o church_n and_o deprive_v the_o people_n of_o their_o right_n in_o choose_v their_o own_o pastor_n to_o proceed_v with_o all_o possible_a clearness_n in_o this_o matter_n we_o must_v consider_v these_o three_o thing_n 1._o what_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v take_v for_o grant_v by_o the_o several_a party_n with_o respect_n to_o our_o church_n 2._o wherein_o they_o differ_v among_o themselves_o about_o the_o nature_n and_o degree_n of_o separation_n from_o it_o 3._o what_o the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o present_a controversy_n about_o separation_n be_v i._o in_o general_n they_o can_v deny_v these_o three_o thing_n 1._o that_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n of_o separation_n because_o of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o church_n 2._o that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o reason_n of_o separation_n because_o of_o the_o term_n of_o our_o communion_n than_o what_o be_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o reformation_n 3._o that_o communion_n with_o our_o church_n have_v be_v still_o allow_v by_o the_o reform_a church_n abroad_o 1._o that_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n of_o separation_n because_o of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o church_n this_o be_v confess_v by_o the_o brownist_n and_o most_o rigid_a separatist_n as_o be_v prove_v already_o and_o our_o present_a adversary_n agree_v herein_o 9_o dr._n owen_n say_v we_o agree_v with_o our_o brethren_n in_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o we_o be_v firm_o unite_v with_o the_o main_a body_n of_o protestant_n in_o this_o nation_n in_o confession_n of_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o again_o the_o party_n at_o difference_n do_v agree_v in_o all_o substantial_a part_n of_o religion_n 22._o and_o in_o a_o common_a interest_n as_o unto_o the_o preservation_n and_o defence_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n mr._n baxter_n say_v that_o they_o agree_v with_o we_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o 39_o article_n 27._o as_o distinct_a from_o the_o form_n of_o government_n and_o impose_v abuse_n and_o more_o full_o elsewhere_o be_v not_o the_o non_fw-la conformist_n doctrine_n the_o same_o with_o that_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n when_o they_o subscribe_v to_o it_o and_o offer_v so_o to_o do_v 64._o the_o independent_o as_o well_o as_o presbyterian_o offer_v to_o subscribe_v to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o 39_o article_n as_o distinct_a from_o prelacy_n and_o ceremony_n we_o agree_v with_o they_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n 15._o and_o the_o substance_n of_o god_n worship_n say_v the_o author_n of_o the_o last_o answer_n and_o again_o we_o be_v one_o with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o all_o the_o necessary_a point_n of_o faith_n 30._o and_o christian_a practice_n we_o be_v one_o with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o to_o the_o substance_n and_o all_o necessary_a part_n of_o god_n worship_n and_o even_o mr._n a._n after_o many_o trifle_a cavil_n acknowledge_v that_o the_o dissenter_n general_o agree_v with_o that_o book_n which_o be_v common_o call_v the_o 39_o article_n preface_n which_o be_v compile_v above_o a_o hundred_o year_n ago_o and_o this_o book_n some_o man_n call_v the_o church_n of_o england_n i_o know_v not_o who_o those_o man_n be_v nor_o by_o what_o figure_n they_o speak_v who_o call_v a_o book_n a_o church_n but_o this_o we_o all_o say_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v contain_v therein_o and_o whatever_o the_o opinion_n of_o private_a person_n may_v be_v this_o be_v the_o standard_n by_o which_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o church_n be_v to_o be_v take_v and_o that_o no_o objection_n ought_v to_o be_v make_v against_o communion_n with_o our_o church_n upon_o account_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o but_o what_o reach_v to_o such_o article_n as_o be_v own_a and_o receive_v by_o this_o church_n 2._o that_o there_o be_v in_o effect_n no_o new_a term_n of_o communion_n with_o this_o church_n but_o the_o same_o which_o our_o first_o reformer_n own_v and_o suffer_v martyrdom_n for_o in_o q._n mary_n day_n not_o but_o that_o some_o alteration_n have_v be_v make_v since_o but_o not_o such_o as_o do_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o our_o brethren_n make_v the_o term_n of_o communion_n hard_a than_o before_o mr._n baxter_n grant_v that_o the_o term_n of_o lay_n communion_n be_v rather_o make_v easy_a by_o such_o alteration_n even_o since_o the_o additional_a conformity_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o late_a trouble_n the_o same_o reason_n then_o which_o will_v now_o make_v the_o term_n of_o our_o communion_n unlawful_a must_v have_v hold_v against_o cranmer_n ridley_n 82._o etc._n etc._n who_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n for_o the_o reformation_n of_o this_o church_n and_o this_o the_o old_a nonconformist_n thought_n a_o considerable_a argument_n against_o separate_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o our_o church_n because_o it_o reflect_v much_o on_o the_o honour_n of_o our_o martyr_n who_o not_o only_o live_v and_o die_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o this_o church_n 10â—_o and_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o some_o be_v now_o most_o offend_v at_o but_o be_v themselves_o the_o great_a instrument_n in_o settle_v the_o term_n of_o our_o communion_n 3._o that_o communion_n with_o our_o church_n have_v be_v still_o own_v by_o the_o protestant_n and_o reform_a church_n abroad_o which_o they_o have_v not_o only_o manifest_v by_o receive_v the_o apology_n and_o article_n of_o our_o church_n into_o the_o harmony_n of_o confession_n but_o by_o the_o testimony_n and_o approbation_n which_o have_v be_v give_v to_o it_o by_o the_o most_o esteem_a and_o learned_a writer_n of_o those_o church_n and_o by_o the_o discountenance_n which_o they_o have_v still_o give_v to_o separation_n from_o the_o communion_n of_o it_o this_o argument_n be_v often_o object_v against_o the_o separatist_n by_o the_o nonconformist_n and_o ainsworth_n attempt_v to_o answer_v it_o no_o less_o than_o four_o time_n in_o one_o book_n but_o the_o best_a answer_n he_o give_v 92._o be_v that_o if_o it_o prove_v any_o thing_n it_o prove_v more_o than_o they_o will_v have_v for_o say_v he_o the_o reform_a church_n have_v discern_v the_o national_a church_n of_o england_n to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n they_o have_v discern_v the_o diocesan_n bishop_n of_o england_n as_o well_o as_o the_o parish-priest_n to_o be_v true_a minister_n and_o rejoice_v as_o well_o for_o their_o see_v as_o for_o your_o parish_n have_v join_v these_o all_o alike_o in_o theâ—r_a harmony_n as_o to_o the_o good_a opinion_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n and_o protestant_n divine_v abroad_o concern_v the_o constitution_n and_o order_n of_o our_o church_n so_o much_o have_v be_v prove_v already_o by_o dr._n durel_n and_o so_o little_a or_o nothing_o have_v be_v say_v to_o disprove_v his_o evidence_n that_o this_o aught_o to_o be_v take_v as_o a_o thing_n grant_v but_o if_o occasion_n be_v give_v both_o he_o and_o oâ—hers_n be_v able_a to_o produce_v much_o more_o from_o the_o testimony_n of_o foreign_a divine_n in_o justification_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o our_o church_n against_o all_o pretence_n of_o separation_n from_o it_o sect._n 2._o we_o now_o come_v to_o the_o several_a hypothesis_n and_o principle_n of_o separation_n which_o be_v at_o this_o day_n among_o the_o dissenter_n from_o our_o church_n some_o do_v seem_v to_o allow_v separate_a congregation_n only_o in_o such_o place_n where_o the_o church_n be_v not_o
thing_n of_o such_o great_a importance_n 741._o and_o separation_n so_o mischievous_a as_o he_o have_v represent_v it_o that_o the_o people_n apprehension_n of_o a_o less_o defective_a way_n of_o worship_n shall_v be_v sufficient_a ground_n for_o they_o to_o break_v a_o church_n in_o piece_n and_o to_o run_v into_o way_n of_o separation_n have_v not_o mr._n baxter_n represent_v and_o no_o man_n better_a the_o ignorance_n etc._n injudiciousness_n pride_n conceitedness_n and_o vnpeaceabless_a of_o the_o ordinary_a sort_n of_o zealous_a professor_n of_o religion_n and_o after_o all_o this_o must_v they_o upon_o a_o conceit_n of_o pure_a administration_n and_o less_o defective_a way_n of_o worship_n be_v at_o liberty_n to_o rend_v and_o tear_v a_o church_n into_o piece_n and_o run_v from_o one_o separate_a congregation_n to_o another_o till_o they_o have_v run_v themselves_o out_o of_o breath_n and_o leave_v the_o best_a part_n of_o their_o religion_n behind_o they_o how_o full_o have_v mr._n b._n set_v forth_o the_o vngovernable_a and_o factious_a humour_n of_o this_o sort_n of_o people_n 393._o and_o the_o pernicious_a consequence_n of_o comply_v with_o they_o and_o must_v the_o reins_o be_v lay_v in_o their_o neck_n that_o they_o may_v run_v whither_o they_o please_v because_o forsooth_o they_o know_v better_o what_o be_v good_a for_o their_o soul_n than_o the_o king_n do_v and_o they_o love_v their_o soul_n better_a than_o the_o king_n do_v 23._o and_o the_o king_n can_v bind_v they_o to_o hurt_v or_o famish_v or_o endanger_v their_o soul_n but_o why_o must_v the_o king_n bear_v all_o the_o blame_n if_o man_n soul_n be_v not_o provide_v for_o according_a to_o their_o own_o wish_n do_v the_o king_n pretend_v to_o do_v any_o thing_n in_o this_o matter_n but_o according_a to_o the_o establish_a law_n and_o order_n of_o this_o church_n why_o do_v he_o not_o keep_v to_o the_o good_a old_a phrase_n of_o king_n and_o parliament_n and_o why_o do_v he_o not_o put_v it_o as_o it_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v that_o they_o know_v what_o make_v better_o for_o their_o own_o edification_n than_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n in_o parliament_n and_o the_o governor_n of_o this_o church_n do_v and_o let_v they_o make_v what_o law_n be_v and_o order_n they_o will_v if_o the_o people_n even_o the_o rash_a and_o injudicious_a professor_n as_o mr._n b._n call_v they_o do_v think_v other_o mean_n of_o edification_n better_o and_o other_o way_n of_o worship_n less_o defective_a they_o be_v bind_v to_o break_v through_o all_o law_n and_o to_o run_v into_o separation_n and_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a upon_o these_o term_n to_o have_v any_o peace_n or_o order_n or_o any_o establish_a church_n i_o do_v not_o remember_v that_o any_o of_o the_o old_a separatist_n no_o not_o barrow_n or_o johnson_n do_v ever_o lay_v down_o such_o loose_a principle_n of_o separation_n as_o these_o be_v the_o brownist_n declare_v in_o their_o apology_n that_o none_o be_v to_o separate_a for_o fault_n and_o corruption_n 36._o which_o may_v and_o will_v fall_v out_o among_o man_n even_o in_o true_a constitute_v church_n but_o by_o due_a order_n to_o seek_v the_o redress_n thereof_o where_o a_o church_n be_v right_o constitute_v here_o be_v no_o allowance_n of_o separation_n for_o defect_n and_o corruption_n of_o man_n although_o they_o may_v apprehend_v smith_n or_o jacob_n to_o be_v more_o edify_a preacher_n than_o either_o johnson_n or_o ainsworth_n the_o ground_n of_o separation_n with_o they_o be_v the_o want_n of_o a_o right_n constitute_v church_n if_o that_o be_v once_o suppose_v other_o defect_n be_v never_o till_o now_o think_v to_o be_v good_a ground_n of_o separation_n 13._o in_o the_o platform_n of_o the_o discipline_n of_o new-england_n it_o be_v say_v that_o church-member_n may_v not_o depart_v from_o the_o church_n as_o they_o please_v nor_o without_o just_a and_o weighty_a cause_n because_o such_o departure_n tend_v to_o the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o body_n those_o just_a reason_n be_v 1._o if_o a_o man_n can_v continue_v without_o sin_n 2._o in_o case_n of_o persecution_n not_o one_o word_n of_o better_a mean_n of_o edification_n for_o the_o independent_o have_v wise_o take_v care_n to_o secure_v their_o member_n to_o their_o own_o congregation_n and_o not_o suffer_v they_o to_o wander_v abroad_o upon_o such_o pretence_n lest_o such_o liberty_n shall_v break_v they_o into_o disorder_n and_o confusion_n so_o in_o their_o declaration_n at_o the_o savoy_n they_o say_v 28._o that_o person_n join_v in_o church-fellowship_n ought_v not_o light_o or_o without_o just_a cause_n to_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n whereunto_o they_o be_v join_v and_o they_o reckon_v up_o those_o which_o they_o allow_v for_o just_a cause_n 1._o where_o any_o person_n can_v continue_v in_o any_o church_n without_o his_o sin_n and_o that_o in_o three_o case_n first_o want_v of_o ordinance_n second_o be_v deprive_v of_o due_a privilege_n three_o be_v compel_v to_o any_o thing_n in_o practice_n not_o warrant_v by_o the_o word_n 2._o in_o case_n of_o persecution_n 3._o upon_o the_o account_n of_o conveniency_n of_o habitation_n and_o in_o these_o case_n the_o church_n or_o officer_n be_v to_o be_v consult_v and_o then_o they_o may_v peaceable_o depart_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n no_o allowance_n here_o make_v of_o forsake_v a_o church_n mere_o for_o great_a mean_n of_o edification_n and_o how_o just_a soever_o the_o reason_n be_v they_o be_v civil_o to_o take_v leave_n of_o the_o church_n and_o her_o officer_n 22._o and_o to_o tell_v they_o why_o they_o depart_v and_o mr._n burrough_n condemn_v it_o as_o the_o direct_a way_n to_o bring_v in_o all_o kind_n of_o disorder_n and_o confusion_n into_o the_o church_n yet_o this_o be_v now_o the_o main_a support_n of_o the_o present_a separation_n and_o mere_a necessity_n have_v drive_v they_o to_o it_o for_o either_o they_o must_v own_v the_o principle_n of_o the_o old_a separatist_n which_o they_o be_v unwilling_a to_o do_v or_o find_v out_o other_o to_o serve_v their_o turn_n but_o they_o be_v such_o as_o no_o man_n who_o have_v any_o regard_n to_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n can_v ever_o think_v fit_a to_o maintain_v since_o they_o apparent_o tend_v to_o nothing_o but_o disorder_n and_o confusion_n as_o mr._n burrough_n true_o observe_v but_o what_o ground_n be_v there_o to_o suppose_v so_o much_o great_a mean_n of_o edification_n in_o the_o separate_a congregation_n since_o mr._n b._n be_v please_v to_o give_v this_o testimony_n to_o the_o preach_v in_o our_o parish-church_n 18._o that_o for_o his_o part_n he_o have_v seldom_o hear_v any_o but_o very_o good_a well-studied_n sermon_n in_o the_o parish_n church_n in_o london_n where_o he_o have_v be_v but_o most_o of_o they_o be_v more_o fit_v to_o well-bred_a scholar_n or_o judicious_a hearer_n than_o to_o such_o as_o need_v more_o practical_a subject_n and_o a_o more_o plain_a familiar_a easy_a method_n be_v this_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o case_n indeed_o then_o for_o all_o that_o i_o can_v see_v the_o king_n be_v excuse_v from_o all_o blame_n in_o this_o matter_n unless_o it_o be_v a_o fault_n to_o provide_v too_o well_o for_o they_o and_o be_v this_o a_o good_a ground_n for_o separation_n that_o the_o preach_a be_v too_o good_a for_o the_o people_n some_o man_n may_v want_v cause_n to_o defend_v but_o at_o this_o rate_n they_o can_v never_o want_v argument_n yet_o methinks_v the_o same_o man_n shall_v not_o complain_v of_o starve_v and_o famish_v soul_n when_o the_o only_a fault_n be_v that_o the_o meat_n be_v too_o good_a and_o too_o well_o dress_v for_o they_o and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n have_v not_o mr._n b._n complain_v public_o of_o the_o weakness_n and_o injudiciousness_n of_o too_o many_o of_o the_o nonconformist_a preacher_n 86._o and_o that_o he_o real_o fear_v lest_o mere_a nonconformist_n have_v bring_v some_o into_o reputation_n as_o conscientious_a who_o by_o weak_a preach_v will_v lose_v the_o reputation_n of_o be_v judicious_a more_o than_o their_o silence_n lose_v it_o and_o again_o but_o very_o the_o injudiciousness_n of_o too_o many_o be_v for_o a_o lamentation_n to_o which_o he_o add_v but_o the_o grand_a calamity_n be_v that_o the_o most_o injudicious_a be_v usual_o the_o most_o confident_a and_o self-conceited_a and_o none_o so_o common_o give_v way_n to_o their_o ignorant_a zeal_n to_o censure_n backbite_v and_o reproach_n other_o as_o those_o that_o know_v not_o what_o they_o talk_v of_o let_v now_o any_o reader_n judge_n whether_o upon_o the_o state_v of_o the_o case_n by_o mr._n b._n himself_o their_o have_v better_a mean_n of_o edification_n can_v be_v the_o ground_n of_o leave_v our_o church_n to_o go_v to_o separate_a congregation_n unless_o injudiciousness_n and_o self-conceited_a confidence_n
some_o and_o put_v in_o other_o in_o that_o case_n he_o say_v if_o they_o be_v man_n of_o uniried_a and_o suspect_v part_n of_o fidelity_n of_o which_o the_o people_n be_v to_o be_v judge_n the_o prince_n imposition_n do_v not_o make_v such_o true_a pastor_n of_o the_o church_n before_o or_o without_o the_o people_n consent_n nor_o do_v it_o always_o bind_v the_o people_n to_o consent_v and_o to_o forsake_v their_o former_a pastor_n nor_o prove_v they_o schismatic_n because_o they_o do_v it_o not_o three_o they_o give_v particular_a direction_n to_o the_o people_n what_o sort_n of_o minister_n they_o shall_v own_v and_o what_o not_o mr._n b._n bid_v the_o people_n not_o think_v that_o he_o be_v persuade_v they_o to_o make_v no_o difference_n 36._o but_o after_o he_o have_v set_v aside_o the_o utter_o insufficient_a and_o the_o heretical_a of_o which_o the_o people_n be_v admirable_a judge_n he_o lay_v down_o this_o general_a rule_n any_o one_o who_o ministry_n be_v such_o as_o tend_v to_o destruction_n more_o than_o to_o edification_n and_o to_o do_v more_o harm_n than_o good_a be_v not_o to_o be_v own_v and_o if_o not_o to_o be_v own_v so_o than_o he_o be_v to_o be_v separate_v from_o and_o although_o he_o advise_v the_o people_n to_o lay_v aside_o partiality_n and_o passion_n yet_o whether_o they_o will_v or_o not_o they_o be_v leave_v sole_a judge_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o that_o we_o may_v not_o think_v all_o this_o to_o be_v only_o a_o romantic_a scheme_n or_o fiction_n 10._o he_o tell_v we_o elsewhere_o that_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o confute_v the_o people_n in_o too_o many_o place_n who_o tell_v they_o that_o their_o public_a priest_n be_v so_o defective_a in_o their_o necessary_a qualification_n for_o their_o office_n as_o that_o they_o hold_v it_o unlawful_a to_o own_o such_o for_o true_a minister_n and_o to_o encourage_v they_o by_o their_o presence_n or_o commit_v the_o care_n of_o their_o soul_n to_o such_o i.e._n in_o plain_a term_n they_o be_v encourage_v to_o separation_n on_o this_o account_n which_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o old_a nonconformist_n as_o appear_v at_o large_a by_o mr._n ball._n etc._n if_o say_v he_o can_n meaning_n be_v that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o communicate_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n with_o minister_n not_o fit_o qualify_v disorderly_o call_v or_o careless_o execute_v their_o office_n and_o function_n than_o it_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n sound_a reason_n and_o consent_n of_o all_o the_o learned_a with_o much_o more_o to_o that_o purpose_n 56._o and_o even_o mr._n b._n himself_o when_o he_o take_v upon_o he_o as_o a_o casuist_n to_o determine_v these_o thing_n 11._o do_v then_o declare_v his_o mind_n 1._o that_o a_o minister_n personal_a fault_n do_v not_o allow_v people_n to_o separate_a from_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n 747._o 2._o nor_o all_o ministerial_a fault_n but_o only_o those_o that_o prove_v he_o or_o his_o ministration_n utter_o intolerable_a but_o now_o 50._o if_o mr._n b._n may_v be_v believe_v the_o people_n need_v not_o be_v tell_v how_o great_a a_o number_n of_o case_n there_o be_v among_o we_o where_o the_o minister_n be_v uncapable_a of_o the_o ministerial_a office_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o sin_n in_o they_o to_o judge_v he_o no_o minister_n and_o consequent_o to_o separate_a from_o he_o have_v not_o mr._n b._n full_o set_v forth_o the_o pride_n ignorance_n censoriousness_n headiness_n rashness_n of_o raw_a and_o injudicious_a zealot_n and_o after_o all_o this_o be_v it_o fit_a or_o reasonable_a that_o the_o opinion_n of_o such_o person_n be_v take_v concern_v the_o qualification_n of_o their_o minister_n have_v not_o mr._n b._n complain_v with_o more_o than_o ordinary_a resentment_n 393._o that_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o scorn_v and_o vilify_v the_o grave_a wise_a pastor_n and_o must_v such_o man_n judgement_n be_v take_v concern_v the_o ability_n and_o competency_n of_o their_o minister_n either_o mr._n b._n have_v extreme_o wrong_v they_o in_o the_o character_n he_o have_v give_v of_o such_o people_n or_o he_o have_v take_v away_o all_o the_o reputation_n of_o their_o judgement_n in_o such_o case_n when_o they_o scorn_v and_o contemn_v the_o greave_v wise_a pastor_n be_v they_o fit_a to_o judge_n of_o ministerial_a ability_n but_o there_o be_v grave_a and_o wise_a among_o the_o people_n suppose_v that_o but_o do_v not_o mr._n b._n say_v that_o the_o raw_a and_o rashe_v professor_n be_v common_o the_o most_o violent_a and_o censorious_a these_o be_v the_o bold_a and_o forward_a man_n that_o will_v judge_n in_o spite_n of_o the_o rest_n these_o be_v the_o man_n that_o need_v not_o be_v tell_v what_o number_n of_o uncapable_a minister_n there_o be_v among_o we_o and_o it_o do_v not_o become_v mr._n b_n gravity_n or_o wisdom_n to_o hearken_v to_o all_o the_o censure_n and_o malicious_a report_n of_o such_o ignorant_a and_o heady_a zealot_n as_o he_o call_v they_o about_o the_o unworthiness_n or_o incapacity_n of_o their_o minister_n be_v they_o only_o the_o grave_n and_o wise_a pastor_n among_o themselves_o which_o be_v scorn_v by_o such_o man_n it_o be_v possible_a that_o those_o may_v be_v grave_a and_o wise_a among_o we_o too_o who_o they_o censure_v for_o incompetent_a man_n or_o must_v the_o same_o people_n which_o be_v raw_a and_o injudicious_a ignorant_a and_o censorious_a proud_a and_o self-conceited_a when_o they_o make_v their_o judgement_n of_o they_o be_v of_o a_o sudden_a turn_v into_o grave_n and_o wise_a man_n when_o they_o pass_v their_o judgement_n upon_o the_o ability_n and_o fitness_n of_o our_o preacher_n this_o do_v not_o look_v like_o fair_a and_o equal_a deal_n i_o pray_v let_v our_o minister_n have_v a_o fair_a hear_n and_o let_v the_o matter_n be_v well_o examine_v before_o the_o people_n be_v thus_o encourage_v to_o separate_a from_o their_o minister_n for_o their_o disability_n or_o unworthiness_n but_o suppose_v there_o be_v too_o great_a a_o number_n of_o young_a raw_a injudicious_a preacher_n as_o mr._n b._n say_v 54._o no_o man_n can_v deny_v that_o know_v england_n and_o have_v any_o modesty_n be_v there_o no_o way_n but_o to_o your_o tent_n o_o israel_n will_v nothing_o but_o separation_n serve_v your_o turn_n be_v this_o the_o way_n to_o mend_v the_o matter_n and_o to_o make_v they_o grave_a and_o wise_a do_v not_o mr._n b._n confess_v that_o they_o have_v too_o many_o such_o among_o themselves_o must_v they_o separate_a from_o they_o too_o what_o endless_a confusion_n do_v such_o principle_n tend_v to_o but_o the_o bottom_n of_o all_o be_v this_o separation_n must_v be_v justify_v one_o way_n or_o other_o and_o such_o principle_n find_v out_o which_o may_v seem_v to_o do_v it_o yet_o after_o all_o what_o be_v this_o to_o the_o present_a case_n of_o separation_n in_o this_o city_n for_o here_o the_o charge_n be_v lay_v and_o to_o this_o the_o answer_n must_v be_v give_v or_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n be_v it_o any_o reason_n that_o near_o half_a of_o some_o parish_n in_o london_n shall_v separate_a from_o their_o grave_n and_o wise_a pastor_n such_o as_o i_o know_v some_o to_o be_v where_o this_o case_n be_v because_o in_o cornwall_n or_o yorkshire_n or_o northumberland_n there_o be_v many_o raw_a and_o injudicious_a beside_o scandalous_a priest_n as_o mr._n b._n speak_v we_o urge_v you_o particular_o with_o the_o london_n separation_n you_o tell_v we_o what_o the_o people_n say_v of_o the_o insufficiency_n and_o vnworthiness_n of_o the_o clergy_n in_o other_o part_n of_o england_n suppose_v it_o true_a what_o be_v all_o this_o to_o the_o business_n if_o you_o persist_v in_o this_o way_n we_o can_v name_v the_o parish_n to_o you_o in_o london_n where_o the_o minister_n be_v man_n of_o unexceptionable_a learning_n and_o piety_n where_o the_o church_n be_v large_a enough_o to_o receive_v the_o people_n that_o separate_a as_o well_o as_o those_o that_o come_v and_o yet_o they_o forsake_v the_o church_n communion_n and_o adhere_v to_o the_o separate_a congregation_n tell_v we_o plain_o in_o this_o case_n be_v this_o separation_n lawful_a or_o not_o if_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o what_o purpose_n do_v you_o make_v use_n of_o so_o many_o shift_n and_o evasion_n as_o to_o great_a prish_n and_o insufficient_a and_o scandalous_a priest_n in_o other_o part_n of_o the_o nation_n answer_v to_o the_o case_n propose_v and_o to_o the_o place_n where_o the_o charge_n be_v lay_v and_o think_v not_o to_o escape_v by_o such_o apparent_a evasion_n and_o impertinency_n as_o these_o if_o you_o think_v such_o a_o separation_n unlawful_a then_o why_o do_v you_o pretend_v to_o confute_v my_o sermon_n which_o be_v design_v purposely_o against_o it_o sect._n 9_o but_o while_o you_o plead_v for_o this_o liberty_n of_o the_o people_n
downright_o with_o lie_v and_o by_o consequence_n with_o perjury_n 339._o and_o tell_v i_o of_o 30_o tremendous_a aggravation_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o conformity_n among_o which_o be_v lie_v and_o perjury_n and_o not_o only_o that_o but_o draw_v on_o ourselves_o the_o guilt_n of_o many_o thousand_o perjury_n by_o declare_v that_o the_o covenant_n do_v not_o oblige_v but_o i_o do_v not_o question_v if_o mr._n b._n please_v he_o can_v find_v out_o 40_o or_o 50_o as_o tremendous_a aggravation_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o separation_n for_o never_o do_v any_o man_n lie_v more_o load_n than_o he_o upon_o whatever_o he_o oppose_v without_o consider_v how_o it_o may_v fall_v upon_o himself_o at_o last_o and_o how_o easy_a it_o be_v to_o return_v such_o heap_n of_o aggravation_n and_o it_o be_v well_o say_v by_o one_o of_o mr._n b_n adversary_n concern_v he_o 13._o that_o be_v the_o controversy_n what_o it_o will_v he_o can_v make_v his_o adversary_n differ_v with_o he_o about_o the_o existence_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n a_o heaven_n and_o hell_n which_o i_o have_v find_v too_o true_a by_o my_o experience_n in_o this_o case_n for_o without_o any_o colour_n or_o pretence_n in_o the_o world_n that_o i_o know_v of_o but_o only_o by_o declare_v against_o separation_n he_o tell_v i_o that_o he_o be_v so_o far_o past_a doubt_n on_o the_o other_o side_n as_o that_o he_o think_v i_o overthrow_v all_o religion_n 19_o and_o set_v up_o man_n in_o rebellion_n against_o god_n but_o the_o worst_a be_v that_o he_o will_v make_v i_o say_v which_o i_o never_o say_v or_o think_v that_o all_o public_a worship_n be_v sinful_a when_o forbid_a and_o then_o on_o he_o run_v with_o a_o mighty_a torrent_n daniel_n may_v go_v to_o the_o lion_n the_o martyr_n father_n counsel_n the_o universal_a church_n be_v all_o foolish_a than_o the_o mean_a of_o his_o auditor_n i_o wonder_v he_o do_v not_o give_v i_o 30_o tremendous_a aggravation_n of_o atheism_n and_o hobbism_n for_o he_o do_v in_o effect_n charge_v i_o with_o they_o for_o it_o follow_v it_o be_v strange_a that_o he_o can_v be_v sure_a god_n word_n be_v true_a and_o yet_o be_v so_o sure_a that_o man_n law_n be_v above_o it_o and_o may_v suspend_v it_o do_v i_o ever_o in_o my_o life_n say_v the_o least_o thing_n tend_v that_o way_n i_o abhor_v and_o detest_v such_o principle_n as_o set_v man_n law_n above_o go_n and_o when_o i_o give_v he_o the_o state_n of_o the_o controversy_n about_o separation_n i_o suppose_v a_o agreement_n in_o all_o the_o substantial_o of_o religion_n between_o the_o dissent_v party_n and_o our_o church_n how_o then_o can_v he_o possible_o infer_v from_o hence_o that_o i_o set_v man_n law_n above_o god_n the_o question_n be_v not_o whether_o all_o public_a worship_n be_v sinful_a when_o forbid_v but_o whether_o in_o a_o nation_n profess_v true_a religion_n some_o public_a worship_n may_v not_o be_v forbid_v if_o not_o than_o a_o universal_a unlimited_a toleration_n of_o turk_n jew_n papist_n socinian_o ranter_n etc._n etc._n must_v follow_v if_o some_o may_v be_v forbid_v than_o another_o question_n follow_v viz._n whether_o such_o public_a worship_n as_o may_v have_v a_o evil_n in_o it_o antecedent_n to_o that_o prohibition_n may_v not_o be_v forbid_v viz._n such_o as_o tend_v to_o idolatry_n sedition_n schism_n etc._n etc._n and_o if_o this_o be_v allow_v than_o it_o come_v to_o this_o at_o last_o whether_o such_o meeting_n be_v guilty_a of_o any_o of_o these_o fault_n and_o if_o they_o be_v whether_o the_o magistrate_n so_o judge_v may_v not_o just_o forbid_v they_o and_o this_o be_v the_o utmost_a that_o matter_n can_v be_v drive_v to_o which_o i_o here_o mention_v to_o let_v the_o reader_n understand_v what_o little_a cause_n there_o be_v to_o dread_a mr._n b_n 30_o aggravation_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o conformity_n which_o be_v build_v on_o as_o slight_a ground_n as_o this_o heavy_a charge_n against_o i_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v hardly_o ever_o dread_v his_o aggravation_n more_o but_o the_o sting_n of_o these_o aggravation_n follow_v if_o the_o people_n think_v though_o they_o shall_v mistake_v that_o all_o the_o conformist_n be_v guilty_a of_o the_o like_a 50._o can_v you_o wonder_v if_o they_o prefer_v less_o guilty_a pastor_n to_o trust_v the_o conduct_n of_o their_o soul_n with_o now_o the_o true_a reason_n of_o separation_n be_v come_v out_o at_o last_o our_o conformity_n be_v a_o horrible_a scandalous_a sin_n with_o they_o and_o therefore_o they_o must_v choose_v better_a pastor_n be_v not_o this_o just_a the_o old_a brownist_n argument_n the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v a_o corrupt_a and_o sinful_a ministry_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v not_o communicate_v with_o they_o but_o choose_v more_o honest_a and_o faithful_a guide_n but_o let_v i_o ask_v mr._n b._n suppose_v all_o this_o to_o be_v true_a be_v it_o lawful_a to_o communicate_v with_o conformist_n or_o not_o if_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a than_o he_o condemn_v his_o own_o practice_n and_o take_v away_o occasional_a communion_n if_o it_o be_v lawful_a how_o come_v separation_n to_o be_v lawful_a since_o that_o be_v never_o lawful_a but_o when_o it_o be_v necessary_a as_o it_o will_v be_v prove_v afterward_o sect._n 11._o 2._o they_o make_v most_o of_o the_o present_a minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o be_v usurper_n and_o from_o such_o they_o say_v they_o may_v lawful_o separate_v be_v it_o separation_n 4â—_n say_v mr._n b._n to_o refuse_v pastor_n that_o be_v usurper_n and_o have_v no_o true_a power_n over_o they_o but_o who_o be_v these_o usurper_n among_o we_o since_o we_o have_v a_o legal_a establishment_n and_o we_o think_v law_n and_o usurpation_n contrary_a to_o each_o other_o but_o notwithstanding_o law_n it_o be_v determine_v first_o all_z that_o come_v into_o the_o place_n of_o eject_v minister_n be_v usurper_n at_o least_o to_o as_o many_o of_o the_o people_n as_o do_v not_o consent_v to_o their_o come_n in_o 54._o how_o prove_v you_o say_v mr._n b._n that_o the_o relation_n of_o the_o eject_v london-minister_n and_o their_o flock_n be_v dissolve_v and_o that_o the_o succeeder_n be_v true_a pastor_n to_o the_o non-consenting_a flock_n when_o faithful_a pastor_n say_v he_o in_o his_o plea_n write_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o party_n 55._o and_o by_o consent_n as_o he_o say_v of_o many_o of_o his_o acquaintance_n be_v in_o possession_n 44._o if_o a_o lawful_a magistrate_n cast_v they_o out_o and_o put_v other_o in_o their_o place_n of_o untried_a or_o suspect_a part_n or_o fidelity_n i._o the_o prince_n imposition_n make_v not_o such_o true_a pastor_n of_o that_o church_n before_o or_o without_o the_o people_n consent_n ii_o nor_o will_v it_o always_o bind_v the_o people_n to_o consent_v and_o to_o forsake_v their_o former_a pastor_n nor_o prove_v they_o schismatic_n because_o they_o do_v it_o not_o the_o bottom_n of_o all_o this_o be_v they_o be_v usurper_n to_o who_o the_o people_n do_v not_o consent_v in_o any_o particular_a parish_n although_o the_o whole_a nation_n in_o parliament_n consent_v to_o the_o pass_v of_o a_o law_n for_o removal_n of_o some_o pastor_n and_o put_v in_o of_o other_o and_o what_o dangerous_a consequence_n there_o may_v be_v of_o such_o principle_n as_o these_o i_o leave_v other_o to_o judge_n for_o upon_o these_o ground_n when_o solomon_n deprive_v abiathar_n and_o put_v zadok_v in_o his_o room_n 35._o any_o part_n of_o the_o people_n may_v have_v plead_v they_o never_o consent_v to_o zadok_v be_v come_v in_o and_o therefore_o he_o be_v their_o highpry_a still_o let_v solomon_n do_v what_o he_o will_v he_o can_v not_o dissolve_v the_o relation_n between_o they_o without_o their_o own_o consent_n for_o the_o question_n be_v not_o whether_o abiathar_n do_v not_o deserve_v to_o be_v put_v out_o but_o to_o who_o it_o belong_v to_o do_v it_o whether_o to_o the_o king_n or_o the_o people_n and_o whether_o any_o part_n of_o the_o people_n may_v still_o own_v that_o relation_n which_o he_o have_v before_o to_o they_o without_o palpable_a disobedience_n and_o contempt_n of_o authority_n especial_o if_o the_o people_n have_v give_v their_o own_o consent_n and_o the_o thing_n have_v be_v do_v not_o only_o by_o solomon_n but_o by_o the_o state_n of_o israel_n as_o it_o be_v in_o our_o case_n they_o who_o discern_v not_o the_o ill_a consequence_n of_o such_o assertion_n as_o to_o our_o government_n have_v very_o little_a insight_n into_o affair_n for_o it_o follow_v that_o a_o small_a part_n of_o the_o people_n may_v disow_v the_o public_a act_n of_o parliament_n and_o choose_v other_o governor_n to_o themselves_o in_o opposition_n to_o those_o establish_v by_o law_n and_o why_o they_o shall_v not_o do_v it_o upon_o a_o equal_a pretence_n in_o other_o case_n
and_o so_o excellent_a a_o bishop_n as_o saint_n augustin_n be_v and_o can_v mr._n b._n have_v find_v it_o in_o his_o heart_n to_o have_v tell_v he_o that_o he_o do_v not_o understand_v the_o right_a constitution_n of_o church_n how_o many_o quaere_n woo_a mr._n b._n have_v make_v about_o the_o number_n of_o soul_n at_o fussala_n and_o how_o he_o can_v take_v upon_o he_o the_o care_n of_o a_o place_n so_o far_o distant_a from_o he_o and_o it_o be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o guess_v what_o answer_n saint_n augustin_n will_v have_v give_v he_o but_o beside_o this_o plain_a evidence_n of_o the_o extent_n of_o diocese_n we_o have_v as_o clear_v proof_n of_o metropolitan_a province_n in_o the_o african_a church_n quidam_fw-la de_fw-la episcopis_fw-la in_o provinciâ_fw-la nostrâ_fw-la 13._o say_v saint_n cyprian_n and_o yet_o he_o speak_v of_o his_o predecessor_n time_n which_o show_v the_o very_a ancient_a extent_n of_o that_o province_n 2._o in_o provinciâ_fw-la nostrâ_fw-la per_fw-la aliquot_fw-la civitates_fw-la say_v he_o again_o which_o show_v that_o more_o city_n than_o carthage_n be_v under_o his_o care_n quoniam_fw-la latius_fw-la fusa_fw-la est_fw-la provincia_fw-la nostra_fw-la in_o his_o epistle_n to_o cornelius_n 2._o in_o the_o african_a code_n it_o appear_v the_o bishop_n of_o carthage_n have_v the_o primacy_n by_o his_o place_n in_o the_o other_o province_n by_o seniority_n of_o consecration_n victor_n mention_n one_o crescens_n 1._o who_o have_v 120_o bishop_n under_o he_o as_o metropolitan_a and_o i_o hope_v at_o least_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o african_a bishop_n mr._n b._n will_v entertain_v the_o better_a opinion_n of_o the_o english_a episcopacy_n sect._n 10._o but_o that_o he_o may_v not_o think_v this_o sort_n of_o episcopacy_n be_v only_o in_o these_o part_n of_o africa_n let_v we_o inquire_v into_o the_o episcopacy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o alexandria_n and_o we_o may_v suppose_v athanasius_n do_v not_o spend_v all_o his_o zeal_n upon_o doctrinal_a point_n but_o have_v some_o for_o the_o right_a constitution_n of_o church_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a the_o church_n under_o his_o care_n can_v not_o have_v personal_a communion_n with_o he_o 6._o it_o be_v observe_v by_o epiphanius_n that_o athanasius_n do_v frequent_o visit_v the_o neighbour_n church_n especial_o those_o in_o maraeotis_n of_o which_o athanasius_n himself_o give_v the_o best_a account_n 802._o maraeotis_n say_v he_o be_v a_o region_n belong_v to_o alexandria_n which_o never_o have_v either_o bishop_n or_o suffragan_n in_o it_o but_o all_o the_o church_n there_o be_v immediate_o subject_a to_o the_o bishop_n of_o alexandria_n but_o every_o presbyter_n be_v fix_v in_o his_o particular_a village_n and_o here_o they_o have_v church_n erect_v in_o which_o these_o presbyter_n do_v officiate_v all_o this_o we_o have_v express_o from_o athanasius_n himself_o whence_o we_o observe_v 1._o that_o here_o be_v true_a parochial_a church_n for_o so_o athanasius_n call_v they_o church_n and_o not_o bare_a oratory_n 2._o that_o these_o have_v presbyter_n fix_v among_o they_o who_o perform_v divine_a office_n there_o 3._o that_o these_o be_v under_o the_o immediate_a inspection_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o alexandria_n so_o that_o the_o whole_a government_n belong_v to_o he_o 4._o that_o these_o be_v at_o that_o distance_n that_o they_o can_v not_o have_v local_a communion_n with_o their_o bishop_n in_o his_o church_n at_o alexandria_n which_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o mr._n baxter_n episcopacy_n so_o in_o alexandria_n itself_o 1._o there_o be_v many_o distant_a church_n with_o fix_a presbyter_n in_o they_o as_o epiphanius_n several_a time_n observe_v and_o it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a strange_a thing_n indeed_o if_o so_o many_o presbyter_n shall_v have_v fix_v church_n in_o alexandria_n and_o yet_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o alexandria_n be_v no_o big_a than_o to_o make_v one_o congregation_n for_o personal_a communion_n with_o the_o bishop_n 9_o but_o mr._n baxter_n great_a argument_n be_v from_o the_o meeting_n of_o the_o whole_a multitude_n with_o athanasius_n in_o the_o great_a church_n at_o alexandria_n to_o keep_v the_o easter_n solemnity_n whence_o he_o conclude_v that_o the_o christian_n in_o alexandria_n be_v no_o more_o than_o that_o the_o main_a body_n of_o they_o can_v meet_v and_o hear_v in_o one_o assembly_n 682._o whereas_o all_o that_o athanasius_n say_v amount_v to_o no_o more_o than_o this_o that_o the_o multitude_n be_v too_o great_a to_o meet_v in_o one_o of_o the_o lesser_a church_n and_o therefore_o a_o great_a clamour_n be_v raise_v among_o they_o that_o they_o may_v go_v into_o the_o new_a church_n athanasius_n press_v they_o to_o bear_v with_o the_o inconveniency_n and_o disperse_v themselves_o into_o the_o lesser_a church_n the_o people_n grow_v impatient_a and_o so_o at_o last_o he_o yield_v to_o they_o but_o what_o be_v there_o in_o all_o this_o to_o prove_v that_o all_o the_o christian_n in_o the_o whole_a city_n be_v then_o present_a and_o that_o this_o church_n will_v hold_v they_o all_o if_o a_o great_a assembly_n shall_v meet_v at_o one_o of_o the_o lesser_a church_n in_o london_n upon_o some_o solemn_a occasion_n and_o find_v themselves_o too_o big_a for_o that_o place_n shall_v press_v the_o bishop_n to_o open_a saint_n paul_n for_o that_o day_n before_o it_o be_v quite_o finish_v because_o of_o the_o great_a capacity_n of_o the_o church_n for_o receive_v such_o a_o number_n will_v this_o prove_v that_o saint_n paul_n hold_v all_o the_o christian_n in_o london_n athanasius_n say_v not_o a_o word_n more_o than_o that_o it_o be_v easter_n and_o there_o appear_v a_o great_a number_n of_o people_n such_o a_o one_o as_o christian_a prince_n will_v wish_v in_o a_o christian_a city_n do_v he_o say_v or_o intimate_v that_o all_o the_o christian_n of_o the_o city_n be_v present_a that_o none_o of_o they_o go_v to_o the_o lesser_a church_n or_o be_v absent_a though_o the_o crowd_n be_v so_o great_a do_v he_o not_o say_v the_o multitude_n be_v so_o great_a in_o the_o small_a church_n in_o the_o lend_a assembly_n that_o not_o a_o few_o be_v stifle_v and_o carry_v home_o for_o dead_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o consider_v the_o multitude_n at_o such_o a_o time_n in_o my_o mind_n mr._n baxter_n may_v as_o well_o prove_v that_o the_o whole_a nation_n of_o the_o jew_n make_v but_o one_o congregation_n because_o at_o the_o dedication_n of_o solomon_n temple_n there_o be_v so_o great_a a_o multitude_n present_a that_o one_o of_o the_o lesser_a synagogue_n can_v not_o hold_v they_o but_o the_o argument_n be_v of_o great_a force_n in_o this_o respect_n that_o god_n himself_o appoint_v but_o one_o temple_n for_o the_o whole_a nation_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o therefore_o he_o intend_v no_o more_o than_o a_o single_a congregational_a church_n but_o to_o serve_v this_o hypothesis_n alexandria_n itself_o must_v be_v shrink_v into_o a_o less_o compass_n 21._o although_o dionysius_n alexandrinus_n who_o be_v bishop_n there_o say_v it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o very_a great_a city_n and_o the_o geographer_n publish_v by_o gothofred_n say_v it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 18._o a_o exceed_a great_a city_n so_o great_a that_o it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d past_a man_n comprehension_n 22._o and_o ammianus_n marcellinus_n say_v it_o be_v the_o top_n of_o all_o city_n 11._o and_o for_o the_o number_n of_o christian_n there_o long_o before_o the_o time_n of_o athanasius_n dionysius_n alexandrinus_n say_v in_o a_o time_n of_o great_a persecution_n when_o he_o be_v banish_v he_o keep_v up_o the_o assembly_n in_o the_o city_n and_o at_o cephro_n he_o have_v a_o large_a church_n partly_o of_o the_o christian_n of_o alexandria_n which_o follow_v he_o and_o partly_o from_o other_o place_n and_o when_o he_o be_v remove_v thence_o to_o colluthion_n which_o be_v near_o the_o city_n such_o number_n of_o christian_n flock_v out_o of_o the_o city_n to_o he_o that_o they_o be_v force_v to_o have_v distinct_a congregation_n so_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v and_o so_o athanasius_n use_v they_o 683._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o the_o christian_n meet_v in_o several_a congregation_n if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o number_n of_o christian_n at_o alexandria_n so_o long_o before_o under_o the_o sharp_a persecution_n be_v it_o possible_a to_o imagine_v in_o so_o great_a a_o city_n after_o christianity_n have_v so_o long_o be_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o empire_n that_o the_o number_n of_o christian_n there_o shall_v be_v no_o great_a than_o to_o make_v one_o large_a congregation_n there_o be_v no_o hope_n of_o convince_a man_n that_o can_v build_v theory_n upon_o such_o strange_a improbability_n i_o shall_v only_o add_v one_o instance_n more_o from_o antiquity_n which_o be_v plain_a enough_o of_o itself_o to_o show_v the_o
repugnant_a to_o any_o institution_n of_o christ._n but_o that_o be_v the_o case_n as_o to_o our_o episcopacy_n we_o intend_v no_o quarrel_n about_o name_n if_o it_o be_v mr._n b._n '_o be_v pleasure_n to_o call_v our_o bishop_n archbishop_n let_v he_o enjoy_v his_o own_o fancy_n it_o already_o appear_v from_o saint_n cyprian_n and_o might_n much_o more_o be_v make_v plain_a from_o many_o other_o if_o it_o be_v needful_a that_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o several_a church_n be_v look_v on_o as_o successor_n to_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o care_n and_o government_n of_o church_n now_o the_o office_n of_o mr._n b._n '_o s_o parochial_a bishop_n be_v only_o to_o attend_v to_o one_o particular_a congregation_n but_o the_o apostolical_a office_n be_v above_o this_o while_o the_o apostle_n hold_v it_o in_o their_o own_o hand_n and_o do_v not_o make_v a_o new_a species_n of_o church_n nor_o overthrow_v the_o constitution_n of_o parochial_a church_n it_o seem_v then_o a_o strange_a thing_n to_o i_o that_o the_o continuance_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n of_o office_n in_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v call_v the_o devise_v a_o new_a species_n of_o church_n but_o mr._n b._n run_v upon_o this_o perpetual_a mistake_n that_o our_o english_a episcopacy_n be_v not_o a_o succession_n to_o the_o ordinary_a part_n of_o the_o apostolical_a power_n in_o govern_v church_n but_o a_o new_a sort_n of_o episcopacy_n not_o hear_v of_o in_o the_o ancient_a church_n which_o swallow_v up_o the_o whole_a power_n of_o presbyter_n and_o leave_v they_o only_o a_o bare_a name_n of_o curate_n and_o destroy_v the_o be_v of_o parochial_a church_n but_o if_o i_o can_v make_v the_o contrary_a to_o appear_v from_o the_o frame_n and_o constitution_n of_o this_o church_n i_o hope_v mr._n b._n will_v be_v reconcile_v to_o our_o episcopal_a government_n and_o endeavour_v to_o remove_v the_o prejudices_fw-la he_o have_v cause_v in_o people_n mind_n against_o it_o sect._n 12._o now_o to_o examine_v this_o let_v we_o consider_v two_o thing_n 1._o what_o power_n be_v leave_v to_o presbyter_n in_o our_o church_n 2._o what_o authority_n the_o bishop_n of_o our_o church_n have_v over_o they_o i._o what_o power_n be_v leave_v to_o presbyter_n in_o our_o church_n and_o that_o may_v be_v consider_v two_o way_n 1._o with_o respect_n to_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o this_o church_n 2._o with_o respect_n to_o their_o particular_a congregation_n or_o cure_n 1._o with_o respect_n to_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o this_o church_n and_o so_o 1._o there_o be_v no_o rule_n of_o discipline_n no_o article_n of_o doctrine_n no_o form_n of_o divine_a service_n be_v to_o be_v allow_v or_o receive_v in_o this_o nation_n but_o by_o the_o constitution_n of_o this_o church_n the_o presbyter_n of_o it_o have_v their_o vote_n in_o pass_v they_o either_o in_o person_n or_o by_o proxy_n for_o all_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n be_v to_o pass_v both_o house_n of_o convocation_n and_o the_o low_a house_n consist_v whole_o of_o presbyter_n who_o represent_v the_o whole_a presbytery_n of_o the_o nation_n either_o appear_v by_o their_o own_o right_n as_o many_o do_v or_o as_o be_v choose_v by_o the_o rest_n from_o who_o by_o indenture_n they_o either_o do_v or_o aught_o to_o receive_v power_n to_o transact_v thing_n in_o their_o name_n and_o the_o custom_n of_o this_o church_n have_v sometime_o be_v for_o the_o clergy_n of_o the_o diocese_n to_o give_v limit_v proxy_n in_o particular_a case_n to_o their_o procuratour_n now_o i_o appeal_v to_o any_o man_n of_o understanding_n whether_o the_o clergy_n of_o this_o church_n have_v their_o whole_a power_n swallow_v up_o by_o the_o bishop_n when_o yet_o the_o bishop_n have_v no_o power_n to_o oblige_v they_o to_o any_o rule_n or_o canon_n but_o by_o their_o own_o consent_n and_o they_o do_v free_o vote_n in_o all_o thing_n of_o common_a concernment_n to_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o the_o presbyter_n be_v not_o by_o the_o constitution_n deprive_v of_o their_o share_n in_o one_o of_o the_o great_a right_n of_o government_n viz._n in_o make_v rule_n for_o the_o whole_a body_n and_o in_o this_o main_a part_n of_o government_n the_o bishop_n do_v nothing_o without_o the_o counsel_n of_o their_o presbyter_n and_o in_o this_o respect_n our_o church_n fall_v behind_o none_o of_o the_o ancient_a church_n which_o have_v their_o council_n of_o presbyter_n together_o with_o their_o bishop_n only_o there_o they_o be_v take_v single_o in_o every_o city_n and_o here_o they_o be_v combine_v together_o in_o provincial_a synod_n model_v according_o to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o when_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o doctrine_n discipline_n and_o worship_n be_v thus_o agree_v upon_o by_o a_o general_a consent_n there_o seem_v to_o be_v far_o less_o need_n of_o the_o particular_a council_n of_o presbyter_n to_o every_o bishop_n since_o both_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n be_v now_o under_o fix_a rule_n and_o be_v accountable_a for_o the_o breach_n of_o they_o 35._o 2._o in_o give_v order_n by_o the_o rule_n of_o this_o church_n four_o presbyter_n be_v to_o assist_v the_o bishop_n and_o to_o examine_v the_o person_n to_o be_v ordain_v or_o the_o bishop_n in_o their_o presence_n and_o afterward_o to_o join_v in_o the_o lay_n on_o of_o hand_n upon_o the_o person_n ordain_v and_o be_v all_o this_o nothing_o but_o to_o be_v the_o bishop_n curate_n and_o to_o officiate_v in_o some_o of_o his_o chapel_n 2._o as_o to_o their_o particular_a charge_n one_o will_v think_v those_o who_o make_v this_o objection_n have_v never_o read_v over_o the_o office_n of_o ordination_n for_o therein_o 1_o for_o the_o epistle_n be_v read_v the_o charge_n give_v by_o saint_n paul_n to_o the_o elder_n at_o miletus_n act._n 20._o or_o the_o three_o chapter_n of_o the_o first_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n concern_v the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n what_o a_o great_a impertinency_n have_v both_o these_o be_v if_o the_o presbyter_n power_n have_v be_v quite_o swallow_v up_o by_o the_o bishop_n but_o it_o hence_o appear_v that_o our_o church_n look_v on_o the_o elder_n at_o ephesus_n and_o the_o bishop_n in_o timothy_n to_o be_v presbyter_n as_o yet_o under_o the_o care_n and_o government_n of_o the_o apostle_n or_o such_o as_o they_o depute_v for_o that_o office_n such_o as_o timothy_n and_o titus_n be_v which_o i_o suppose_v be_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o saint_n jerome_n and_o many_o other_o doubtful_a passage_n of_o antiquity_n which_o relate_v to_o the_o community_n of_o the_o name_n of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n while_o the_o apostle_n govern_v the_o church_n themselves_o and_o at_o this_o time_n timothy_n be_v appoint_v to_o this_o part_n of_o the_o apostolical_a office_n of_o government_n the_o bishop_n mention_v in_o the_o epistle_n to_o he_o may_v well_o enough_o be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o presbyter_n in_o the_o epistle_n to_o titus_n who_o be_v appoint_v to_o ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o city_n titus_n 1._o 5._o 2._o in_o the_o bishop_n exhortation_n to_o they_o that_o be_v to_o be_v ordain_v he_o say_v now_o we_o exhort_v you_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n to_o have_v in_o remembrance_n into_o how_o high_a a_o dignity_n and_o to_o how_o chargeable_a a_o office_n you_o be_v call_v that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o messenger_n and_o watchman_n the_o pastor_n and_o steward_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o teach_v to_o premonish_v to_o feed_v and_o provide_v for_o the_o lord_n family_n etc._n etc._n have_v always_o therefore_o print_v in_o your_o remembrance_n how_o great_a a_o treasure_n be_v commit_v to_o your_o charge_n for_o they_o be_v the_o sheep_n of_o christ_n which_o he_o buy_v with_o his_o death_n and_o for_o who_o he_o shed_v his_o blood_n the_o church_n and_o congregation_n who_o you_o must_v serve_v be_v his_o spouse_n and_o body_n and_o if_o it_o shall_v chance_v the_o same_o church_n or_o any_o member_n thereof_o to_o take_v any_o hurt_n or_o hindrance_n by_o reason_n of_o your_o negligence_n you_o know_v the_o greatness_n of_o the_o fault_n and_o of_o the_o horrible_a punishment_n which_o will_v ensue_v etc._n etc._n be_v this_o the_o language_n of_o a_o church_n which_o deprive_v presbyter_n of_o the_o due_a care_n of_o their_o flock_n and_o make_v parochial_a congregation_n to_o be_v no_o church_n 3._o the_o person_n to_o be_v ordain_v do_v solemn_o promise_v to_o give_v faithful_a diligence_n to_o minister_v the_o doctrine_n and_o sacrament_n and_o the_o discipline_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o lord_n have_v command_v and_o as_o this_o realm_n have_v receive_v the_o same_o according_a to_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n so_o that_o he_o may_v teach_v the_o people_n commit_v to_o his_o cure_n and_o charge_n with_o all_o diligence_n to_o keep_v and_o observe_v the_o same_o here_o we_o see_v a_o cure_n and_o charge_v
and_o confusion_n will_v follow_v if_o every_o congregation_n may_v have_v a_o several_a rule_n of_o worship_n and_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n without_o be_v liable_a to_o a_o account_n to_o any_o superior_a church_n authority_n which_o be_v all_o one_o as_o to_o suppose_v that_o every_o family_n may_v govern_v itself_o because_o a_o kingdom_n be_v make_v up_o of_o family_n without_o any_o respect_n to_o the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o a_o kingdom_n no_o 17._o say_v dr._n o._n the_o case_n be_v not_o the_o same_o for_o god_n never_o appoint_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o other_o government_n but_o that_o of_o family_n and_o where_o have_v he_o appoint_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o other_o church_n but_o particular_a congregation_n but_o god_n by_o the_o light_n and_o law_n of_o nature_n by_o the_o end_n and_o use_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o man_n by_o express_a revelation_n in_o his_o word_n have_v by_o his_o own_o authority_n appoint_v and_o approve_v other_o sort_n of_o civil_a government_n so_o say_v i_o that_o god_n by_o the_o light_n and_o law_n of_o reason_n by_o the_o end_n and_o use_n of_o a_o christian_a society_n by_o express_a institution_n of_o the_o apostolical_a function_n in_o the_o care_n and_o government_n of_o many_o church_n do_v declare_v that_o he_o do_v appoint_v and_o approve_v other_o sort_n of_o church_n government_n beside_o that_o of_o particular_a congregation_n for_o if_o god_n upon_o the_o dispersion_n of_o the_o nation_n after_o the_o flood_n have_v appoint_v twelve_o prince_n to_o have_v rule_v the_o people_n in_o their_o several_a dispersion_n it_o have_v be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n he_o do_v not_o intend_v the_o several_a family_n to_o have_v a_o distinct_a and_o independent_a power_n within_o themselves_o but_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v govern_v according_a to_o their_o appointment_n so_o in_o the_o case_n of_o church_n since_o christ_n do_v appoint_v twelve_o apostle_n to_o plant_v settle_v and_o govern_v church_n and_o set_v up_o ruler_n in_o they_o but_o still_o under_o their_o authority_n can_v any_o thing_n be_v plain_a than_o that_o these_o particular_a church_n be_v not_o settle_v with_o a_o entire_a power_n of_o govern_v themselves_o but_o as_o in_o the_o former_a case_n if_o we_o suppose_v those_o twelve_o prince_n to_o have_v lead_v out_o their_o several_a division_n and_o to_o have_v place_v they_o in_o convenient_a seat_n and_o give_v they_o general_a rule_n for_o govern_v themselves_o in_o peace_n and_o order_n under_o such_o as_o they_o shall_v appoint_v and_o as_o they_o find_v themselves_o decay_v shall_v nominate_v so_o many_o successor_n as_o they_o think_v fit_a for_o the_o roll_a the_o several_a colony_n be_v they_o not_o then_o oblige_v to_o submit_v to_o such_o governor_n without_o break_v in_o piece_n into_o so_o many_o family_n every_o master_n govern_v his_o family_n by_o himself_o which_o will_v certain_o ruin_v and_o destroy_v they_o all_o because_o they_o can_v not_o have_v strength_n and_o union_n to_o defend_v themselves_o so_o it_o be_v again_o in_o the_o case_n of_o church_n the_o apostle_n plant_v they_o and_o settle_v such_o officer_n in_o they_o as_o be_v then_o fit_a to_o teach_v and_o govern_v they_o still_o reserve_v the_o main_a care_n of_o government_n to_o themselves_o but_o give_v excellent_a rule_n of_o charity_n peace_n obedience_n and_o submission_n to_o governor_n and_o as_o they_o withdraw_v from_o particular_a church_n within_o such_o a_o precinct_n as_o crete_n be_v they_o appoint_v some_o who_o they_o think_v fit_a to_o take_v care_n of_o all_o those_o church_n and_o to_o constitute_v inferior_a officer_n to_o teach_v and_o rule_v they_o and_o therefore_o in_o this_o case_n here_o be_v no_o more_o independency_n in_o particular_a congregation_n than_o in_o the_o other_o as_o to_o private_a family_n which_o be_v as_o contrary_a to_o the_o general_a design_n of_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o christian_n and_o their_o mutual_a preservation_n and_o defence_n as_o in_o the_o former_a case_n in_o which_o we_o believe_v the_o civil_a government_n to_o be_v from_o god_n although_o no_o monarch_n can_v now_o derive_v his_o title_n from_o such_o prince_n at_o the_o first_o dispersion_n and_o will_v it_o not_o then_o seem_v unreasonable_a to_o question_v the_o succession_n of_o bishop_n from_o the_o apostle_n when_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v attest_v by_o the_o most_o early_o know_v honest_a and_o impartial_a witness_n last_o as_o in_o the_o former_a case_n several_a of_o those_o lesser_a prince_n may_v unite_v themselves_o together_o by_o joynt-consent_n for_o their_o common_a interest_n and_o security_n and_o become_v one_o kingdom_n so_o in_o the_o latter_a case_n several_a bishop_n with_o the_o church_n under_o they_o may_v for_o promote_a the_o common_a end_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o peace_n and_o establishment_n of_o their_o church_n join_v together_o under_o the_o same_o common_a bond_n and_o become_v one_o national_a church_n which_o be_v intend_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a so_o unite_v and_o no_o way_n repugnant_a to_o the_o design_n of_o the_o institution_n and_o not_o usurp_v upon_o the_o right_n of_o other_o nor_o assume_v more_o than_o can_v be_v manage_v as_o a_o universal_a pastor_n must_v do_v will_v appear_v to_o be_v no_o way_n repugnant_a to_o any_o particular_a command_n or_o general_a rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o the_o pope_n challenge_n of_o universal_a dominion_n over_o the_o church_n be_v which_o i_o therefore_o mention_v that_o any_o one_o may_v see_v that_o the_o force_n of_o this_o reason_v will_v never_o justify_v the_o papal_a usurpation_n but_o say_v dr._n o._n national_a provincial_a church_n must_v first_o be_v prove_v of_o christ_n institution_n 17._o before_o they_o can_v be_v allow_v to_o have_v their_o power_n give_v they_o by_o jesus_n christ._n and_o yet_o in_o the_o case_n of_o congregational_a church_n he_o say_v there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o positive_a rule_n or_o direction_n 42._o for_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o the_o duty_n of_o man_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o end_n of_o such_o church_n be_v sufficient_a for_o it_o and_o this_o be_v as_o much_o as_o we_o plead_v in_o behalf_n of_o national_a church_n viz._n what_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o christian_a society_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o man_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o end_n of_o it_o do_v require_v for_o whatever_o tend_v to_o the_o support_n of_o religion_n to_o the_o preserve_a peace_n and_o unity_n among_o christian_n to_o the_o prevent_v dangerous_a error_n and_o endless_a confusion_n from_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o the_o end_n of_o a_o christian_a society_n become_v a_o duty_n for_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o government_n lie_v a_o obligation_n upon_o man_n to_o use_v the_o best_a mean_n for_o advance_v the_o end_n of_o it_o it_o be_v then_o take_v for_o grant_v among_o all_o christian_n 1._o that_o christ_n be_v the_o author_n or_o founder_n of_o this_o society_n which_o we_o call_v the_o church_n 2._o that_o he_o design_v the_o continuance_n and_o preservation_n of_o it_o 3._o that_o the_o best_a way_n of_o its_o preservation_n be_v by_o a_o union_n of_o the_o member_n of_o it_o provide_v the_o union_n be_v such_o as_o do_v not_o overthrow_v the_o end_n of_o it_o we_o may_v reasonable_o infer_v that_o whatever_o tend_v to_o promote_v this_o union_n and_o to_o prevent_v any_o notable_a inconvenience_n or_o mischief_n which_o may_v happen_v to_o it_o be_v within_o the_o design_n of_o the_o first_o institution_n although_o it_o be_v not_o contain_v in_o express_a word_n sect._n 19_o we_o be_v now_o therefore_o to_o consider_v whether_o single_a congregation_n disperse_v and_o disunite_v over_o a_o nation_n or_o a_o combination_n of_o they_o together_o under_o some_o common_a bond_n as_o to_o faith_n government_n and_o worship_n be_v the_o more_o likely_a way_n to_o promote_v religion_n to_o secure_v the_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o a_o church_n let_v we_o then_o compare_v these_o two_o hypothesis_n together_o in_o point_n of_o reason_n as_o to_o these_o end_n in_o the_o congregational_a way_n there_o may_v be_v as_o many_o religion_n as_o church_n i_o do_v not_o say_v there_o be_v but_o we_o be_v argue_v now_o upon_o what_o may_v be_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n suppose_v then_o every_o congregation_n to_o have_v a_o entire_a and_o unaccountable_a power_n within_o itself_o what_o hinder_v but_o of_o ten_o congregation_n one_o may_v be_v of_o socinian_o another_o of_o papist_n another_o of_o arian_n another_o of_o quaker_n another_o of_o anabaptist_n etc._n etc._n and_o it_o may_v be_v no_o two_o of_o they_o of_o the_o same_o mind_n but_o if_o they_o be_v it_o be_v mere_a chance_n and_o good_a hap_n there_o be_v no_o obligation_n upon_o they_o to_o have_v any_o more_o
that_o christ_n have_v invest_v the_o guide_n of_o this_o church_n not_o choose_v by_o the_o people_n with_o a_o power_n to_o make_v law_n and_o decree_n prescribe_v not_o only_a thing_n necessary_a for_o common_a order_n and_o decency_n but_o new_a federal_a rite_n and_o teach_v sign_n and_o symbol_n superad_v to_o the_o whole_a christian_a institution_n etc._n etc._n i_o answer_v that_o such_o a_o church_n have_v power_n to_o appoint_v rule_n of_o order_n and_o decency_n not_o repugnant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o on_o that_o account_n other_o be_v bind_v to_o submit_v to_o and_o to_o take_v such_o care_n of_o its_o preservation_n as_o to_o admit_v none_o to_o its_o privilege_n but_o such_o as_o do_v submit_v to_o they_o and_o if_o any_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o this_o church_n the_o civil_a magistrate_n may_v just_o inflict_v civil_a penalty_n upon_o they_o for_o it_o all_o which_o be_v no_o more_o than_o any_o settle_a church_n in_o the_o world_n assert_n as_o well_o as_o we_o and_o i_o wonder_v this_o shall_v be_v so_o continual_o object_v against_o our_o church_n which_o all_o society_n in_o the_o world_n think_v just_a and_o necessary_a for_o their_o own_o preservation_n as_o to_o the_o guide_n of_o the_o church_n not_o be_v choose_v by_o the_o people_n i_o shall_v speak_v to_o that_o afterward_o one_o objection_n more_o he_o make_v which_o the_o other_o do_v not_o viz._n i_o have_v say_v that_o by_o whole_a or_o national_a church_n i_o understand_v the_o church_n of_o such_o nation_n which_o upon_o decay_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n resume_v their_o just_a right_n of_o govern_v themselves_o and_o upon_o their_o own_n christianity_n incorporate_v into_o one_o christian_a society_n under_o the_o same_o common_a tie_n and_o rule_n of_o order_n and_o government_n such_o church_n i_o say_v have_v a_o just_a right_n of_o reform_v themselves_o and_o therefore_o be_v not_o liable_a to_o the_o imputation_n of_o schism_n from_o the_o roman_a church_n will_v one_o think_v what_o unlucky_a inference_n he_o draw_v from_o hence_o 1._o then_o all_o that_o remain_v within_o the_o empire_n 26._o be_v bind_v to_o continue_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n what_o if_o i_o shall_v deny_v the_o continuance_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n then_o all_o will_v be_v safe_a but_o do_v i_o any_o where_o say_v that_o be_v in_o the_o empire_n they_o be_v bind_v to_o submit_v to_o the_o roman_a church_n no_o but_o as_o the_o nation_n resume_v its_o just_a civil_a right_n the_o church_n may_v as_o rightful_o recover_v itself_o from_o papal_a usurpation_n not_o lay_v the_o force_n of_o one_o upon_o the_o other_o but_o parallel_v they_o together_o and_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o argument_n be_v on_o the_o church_n side_n 2._o then_o where_o prince_n have_v not_o resume_v their_o just_a right_n as_o to_o reformation_n they_o be_v schismatic_n that_o separate_v from_o rome_n 2._o that_o do_v not_o follow_v for_o in_o the_o case_n before_o mention_a separation_n be_v lawful_a but_o no_o reformation_n be_v so_o unexceptionable_a as_o when_o there_o be_v a_o concurrence_n of_o the_o civil_a power_n my_o last_o adversary_n do_v not_o deny_v a_o national_a church_n from_o consent_n in_o the_o same_o article_n of_o religion_n 2d_o and_o rule_n of_o government_n and_o order_n of_o worship_n but_o then_o he_o say_v such_o aught_o to_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o establish_a rule_n of_o holy_a scripture_n and_o therein_o we_o be_v all_o agree_v so_o that_o after_o much_o tug_n this_o point_n be_v think_v fit_a to_o be_v give_v up_o sect._n 24._o the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v be_v the_o interest_n and_o power_n of_o the_o people_n as_o to_o the_o choice_n of_o their_o pastor_n for_o want_v of_o which_o great_a complaint_n be_v make_v by_o my_o adversary_n as_o a_o thing_n injurious_a to_o they_o and_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o church_n and_o that_o we_o therein_o go_v contrary_a to_o all_o antiquity_n 3â—_n dr._n o._n put_v the_o deprive_v the_o people_n of_o their_o liberty_n of_o choose_v their_o pastor_n among_o the_o cause_n of_o separation_n mr._n baxter_n be_v very_o tragical_a upon_o this_o argument_n and_o keep_v not_o within_o tolerable_a bound_n of_o discretion_n in_o plead_v the_o people_n cause_n 16._o against_o magistrate_n and_o patron_n and_o law_n and_o he_o tell_v i_o i_o go_v against_o all_o the_o ancient_a father_n and_o church_n for_o many_o hundred_o year_n and_o be_o so_o far_o a_o separatist_n from_o more_o than_o one_o parish_n priest_n and_o therefore_o my_o charge_n of_o they_o be_v schismatical_a and_o unjust_a and_o recoil_v on_o myself_o who_o instead_o of_o god_n rule_n accuse_v they_o that_o walk_v not_o by_o our_o novel_a crooked_a rule_n which_o may_v make_v as_o many_o modish_a religion_n as_o there_o be_v prince_n when_o i_o first_o read_v such_o passage_n as_o these_o i_o wonder_v what_o i_o have_v say_v that_o may_v give_v occasion_n to_o so_o much_o undecent_a passion_n as_o every_o where_o almost_o discover_v itself_o in_o his_o answer_n and_o the_o more_o i_o consider_v the_o more_o i_o wonder_v but_o at_o last_o i_o resolve_v as_o mr._n a._n do_v about_o the_o assembly_n that_o mr._n b._n be_v but_o a_o man_n as_o other_o man_n be_v and_o for_o all_o that_o i_o see_v of_o equal_a passion_n and_o that_o upon_o little_a or_o no_o provocation_n for_o i_o have_v not_o say_v one_o word_n upon_o this_o argument_n what_o then_o will_v mr._n b._n seek_v a_o cause_n to_o express_v his_o anger_n against_o i_o as_o if_o i_o have_v allow_v prince_n to_o set_v up_o what_o religion_n they_o please_v sure_o he_o think_v himself_o write_v against_o hobbs_n and_o spinosa_n then_o no_o but_o thus_o he_o artificial_o draw_v i_o into_o this_o snare_n i_o speak_v much_o against_o separation_n how_o then_o they_o will_v never_o have_v separate_v if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v silence_v therefore_o my_o be_v against_o their_o separation_n show_v i_o be_o for_o their_o silence_v as_o though_o these_o necessary_o follow_v each_o other_o what_o be_v this_o to_o prince_n impose_v what_o religion_n they_o please_v thus_o than_o magistrate_n by_o their_o law_n may_v put_v out_o nonconformist_n and_o put_v in_o conformist_n but_o have_v we_o not_o the_o same_o religion_n still_o but_o say_v mr._n baxter_n these_o must_v be_v my_o suppose_a ground_n that_o magistrate_n may_v appoint_v what_o religion_n they_o please_v and_o those_o be_v separatist_n who_o do_v not_o obey_v they_o be_v not_o this_o admirable_a ingenuity_n to_o rail_v upon_o a_o man_n for_o supposition_n of_o his_o own_o make_n however_o mr._n baxter_n will_v have_v it_o so_o let_v i_o say_v what_o i_o will_n the_o people_n part_n he_o will_v take_v and_o let_v i_o take_v that_o of_o the_o magistrate_n and_o law_n if_o i_o think_v good_a and_o since_o they_o be_v fall_v to_o my_o lot_n i_o will_v defend_v they_o as_o well_o as_o i_o can_v as_o to_o this_o matter_n mr._n b._n appear_v very_o warm_a in_o this_o business_n what_o do_v mr._n a._n come_v after_o he_o but_o make_v it_o the_o very_o first_o and_o fundamental_a ground_n of_o their_o separation_n viz._n preface_n that_o every_o particular_a church_n upon_o a_o due_a balance_n of_o all_o circumstance_n have_v a_o inherent_a right_n to_o choose_v its_o own_o pastor_n and_o every_o particular_a christian_a the_o same_o power_n to_o choose_v his_o own_o church_n nay_o then_o i_o think_v we_o be_v in_o a_o very_a fair_a way_n of_o settlement_n when_o the_o anabaptist_n in_o germany_n never_o broach_v a_o loose_a principle_n than_o this_o nor_o more_o contrary_a to_o the_o very_a possibility_n of_o have_v a_o establish_a church_n for_o it_o lead_v to_o all_o manner_n of_o schism_n and_o faction_n in_o spite_n of_o all_o law_n and_o authority_n in_o church_n or_o state_n the_o author_n of_o the_o letter_n go_v upon_o the_o same_o principle_n too_o 25._o and_o say_v the_o guide_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v choose_v by_o the_o people_n according_a to_o scripture_n and_o primitive_a practice_n this_o i_o perceive_v be_v a_o popular_a argument_n and_o a_o fine_a device_n to_o draw_v in_o the_o common_a people_n to_o the_o dissent_v party_n whatever_o become_v of_o law_n and_o man_n just_a and_o legal_a right_n of_o patronage_n all_o must_v yield_v to_o the_o antecedent_n right_o of_o the_o people_n but_o to_o bring_v this_o matter_n to_o a_o strict_a debate_n we_o must_v consider_v these_o three_o thing_n 1._o what_o original_a or_o inherent_a right_n and_o power_n the_o people_n have_v 2._o how_o they_o come_v to_o be_v devest_v of_o it_o 3._o whether_o there_o be_v sufficient_a ground_n to_o resume_v it_o and_o from_o thence_o we_o shall_v understand_v whether_o some_o of_o the_o people_n consent_v to_o hear_v the_o nonconformist_n