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power_n act_n church_n elder_n 2,749 5 9.8945 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A61632 The unreasonableness of separation, or, An impartial account of the history, nature, and pleas of the present separation from the communion of the Church of England to which, several late letters are annexed, of eminent Protestant divines abroad, concerning the nature of our differences, and the way to compose them / by Edward Stillingfleet ... Stillingfleet, Edward, 1635-1699. 1681 (1681) Wing S5675; ESTC R4969 310,391 554

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i_o do_v not_o understand_v for_o there_o be_v no_o more_o colour_n for_o the_o people_n resume_v their_o right_n especial_o a_o small_a part_n against_o the_o whole_a in_o one_o case_n then_o in_o the_o other_o which_o make_v i_o wonder_v at_o those_o who_o da●e_n call_v they_o usurper_n who_o enjoy_v their_o place_n by_o the_o same_o law_n that_o any_o man_n do_v enjoy_v their_o estate_n and_o they_o who_o assert_v that_o the_o people_n be_v bind_v notwithstanding_o the_o law_n to_o adhere_v to_o their_o former_a pastor_n as_o mr._n a._n do_v who_o say_v preface_n they_o judge_v it_o their_o unquestionable_a duty_n to_o abide_v in_o that_o relation_n to_o their_o eject_v pastor_n do_v not_o only_o assert_v a_o power_n in_o a_o handful_n of_o people_n to_o act_v against_o establish_a law_n pass_v by_o general_a consent_n in_o parliament_n but_o overthrow_v the_o settlement_n of_o our_o church_n upon_o the_o reformation_n for_o the_o papist_n then_o have_v the_o very_a same_o plea_n that_o these_o man_n have_v now_o u●z_n that_o the_o magistrate_n can_v not_o dissolve_v the_o relation_n between_o their_o former_a church_n guide_n and_o they_o and_o therefore_o notwithstanding_o act_n of_o parliament_n they_o be_v still_o hound_n to_o adhere_v to_o they_o for_o the_o magistrate_n have_v no_o power_n in_o such_o matter_n and_o the_o real_a schism_n be_v to_o withdraw_v from_o those_o guide_n just_a as_o mr._n a._n speak_v concern_v the_o eject_v minister_n so_o much_o do_v these_o man_n in_o pursue_v the_o interest_n of_o their_o party_n overthrow_v the_o principle_n of_o the_o reformation_n for_o either_o the_o magistrate_n have_v a_o power_n to_o silence_n some_o minister_n and_o to_o put_v other_o in_o their_o place_n or_o he_o have_v none_o if_o he_o have_v none_o then_o what_o become_v of_o the_o justice_n of_o the_o reformation_n when_o the_o popish_a bishop_n and_o priest_n be_v eject_v and_o other_o put_v into_o their_o place_n if_o they_o say_v he_o have_v a_o just_a power_n in_o some_o case_n but_o not_o in_o they_o be_v not_o this_o a_o plea_n common_a to_o all_o for_o whoever_o think_v themselves_o just_o eject_v or_o that_o they_o do_v any_o thing_n which_o deserve_v so_o severe_a a_o punishment_n what_o then_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o this_o case_n if_o man_n think_v themselves_o unjust_o cast_v out_o the_o old_a nonconformist_n say_v they_o ought_v to_o sit_v down_o quiet_o with_o this_o satisfaction_n that_o there_o be_v other_o to_o preach_v the_o word_n of_o god_n sound_o although_o they_o do_v not_o they_o may_v by_o join_v in_o their_o private_a capacity_n in_o communion_n with_o our_o church_n and_o draw_v the_o people_n to_o it_o by_o their_o example_n and_o encouragement_n have_v do_v more_o good_a both_o to_o the_o people_n and_o to_o this_o church_n than_o i_o fear_v their_o public_a preach_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o law_n have_v do_v to_o either_o but_o if_o they_o go_v upon_o such_o principles●s_v ●s_z these_o that_o the_o magistrate_n have_v no_o rightful_a power_n to_o eject_v they_o that_o other_o be_v usurper_n who_o come_v in_o their_o place_n that_o the_o people_n be_v still_o bind_v to_o own_v they_o in_o their_o former_a relation_n notwithstanding_o the_o law_n and_o that_o it_o be_v schism_n to_o separate_v from_o they_o notwithstanding_o that_o they_o confess_v the_o true_a religion_n be_v maintain_v and_o preach_v in_o our_o public_a assembly_n i_o leave_v it_o to_o other_o to_o determine_v how_o consistent_a such_o principle_n be_v with_o the_o submission_n man_n owe_v to_o government_n or_o that_o peaceable_a behaviour_n which_o become_v christian_n this_o i_o the_o rather_o insist_v upon_o because_o i_o find_v not_o only_a mr._n b._n and_o mr._n a._n assert_v it_o but_o that_o it_o be_v make_v the_o stand_a plea_n for_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o present_a separation_n among_o those_o who_o do_v not_o hold_v all_o communion_n with_o our_o church_n unlawful_a so_o the_o late_a 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their_o place_n be_v no_o usurper_n and_o if_o they_o be_v cast_v out_o by_o law_n they_o that_o succeed_v they_o be_v usurper_n so_o that_o the_o law_n be_v always_o the_o least_o thing_n in_o their_o consideration_n second_o all_o those_o who_o come_v into_o any_o pastoral_n charge_n whether_o bishop_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o king_n nomination_n or_o other_o by_o the_o presentation_n of_o patron_n be_v usurper_n unless_o the_o people_n be_v please_v to_o give_v their_o free_a consent_n and_o if_o they_o do_v it_o not_o they_o may_v lawful_o withdraw_v from_o they_o for_o say_v mr._n b._n the_o people_n have_v a_o antecedent_n right_o to_o consent_v 55._o which_o none_o can_v take_v from_o they_o 9_o and_o he_o say_v he_o have_v prove_v it_o by_o many_o canon_n that_o he_o be_v no_o bishop_n that_o be_v not_o choose_v by_o the_o clergy_n and_o the_o people_n or_o come_v in_o without_o the_o people_n consent_n nay_o if_o they_o have_v the_o consent_n of_o some_o and_o not_o of_o the_o 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majority_n for_o this_o be_v a_o inherent_a and_o unalterable_a right_n in_o the_o people_n say_v they_o to_o choose_v their_o own_o pastor_n again_o say_v mr._n b._n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o party_n in_o his_o plea_n ibid._n if_o bishop_n that_o have_v no_o better_o a_o foundation_n i.e._n that_o come_v in_o by_o the_o king_n nomination_n and_o not_o by_o the_o majority_n of_o the_o people_n shall_v impose_v inferior_a pastor_n or_o presbyter_n on_o the_o parish_n church_n and_o command_v the_o people_n acceptance_n and_o obe●●●nce_n i.e._n if_o they_o give_v they_o institution_n upon_o a_o patron_n presentation_n the_o people_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o accept_v and_o obey_v they_o by_o any_o authority_n that_o be_v in_o that_o command_n as_o such_o nor_o be_v it_o schism_n to_o disobey_v it_o no_o more_o than_o it_o be_v treason_n to_o reject_v the_o usurper_n of_o a_o kingdom_n it_o be_v plain_a then_o all_o bishop_n of_o the_o king_n nomination_n all_o minister_n present_v by_o patron_n be_v mere_a usurper_n the_o people_n may_v give_v they_o a_o good_a title_n if_o they_o please_v but_o they_o be_v not_o to_o blame_v if_o they_o do_v it_o not_o for_o in_o they_o mr._n b._n say_v 49._o the_o chief_a power_n be_v and_o sometime_o he_o tell_v they_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o separate_a however_o while_o they_o do_v not_o consent_v they_o be_v no_o church_n which_o they_o be_v set_v over_o 82._o and_o it_o be_v no_o schism_n so_o to_o pronounce_v they_o nor_o to_o deny_v they_o communion_n proper_a to_o a_o church_n be_v not_o this_o a_o excellent_a plea_n for_o peace_n and_o the_o true_a and_o only_a way_n of_o concord_n which_o lay_v the_o foundation_n for_o all_o imaginable_a disorder_n and_o confusion_n only_o that_o they_o may_v have_v some_o pretence_n for_o their_o present_a separation_n sect._n 12._o 3._o
submit_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o after_o to_o other_o pastor_n but_o justice_n hobart_n can_v not_o be_v such_o a_o stranger_n to_o antiquity_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o christian_n in_o the_o age_n after_o the_o apostle_n amount_v but_o to_o one_o congregation_n in_o a_o city_n and_o therefore_o if_o he_o consult_v justice_n hobart_n be_v honour_n or_o his_o own_o i_o advise_v he_o to_o let_v it_o alone_o for_o the_o future_a as_o to_o the_o testimony_n of_o father_n paul_n it_o only_o concern_v the_o democratical_a government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o i_o wonder_v how_o it_o come_v into_o this_o place_n i_o shall_v therefore_o consider_v it_o in_o its_o due_a season_n sect._n 3_o i_o come_v therefore_o to_o consider_v now_o the_o evidence_n for_o the_o institution_n of_o congregational_a church_n concern_v which_o 26._o these_o be_v my_o word_n it_o be_v possible_a at_o first_o there_o may_v be_v no_o more_o christian_n in_o one_o city_n than_o can_v meet_v in_o one_o assembly_n for_o worship_n but_o where_o do_v it_o appear_v that_o when_o they_o multiply_v into_o more_o congregation_n they_o do_v make_v new_a and_o distinct_a church_n under_o new_a officer_n with_o a_o separate_a power_n of_o government_n of_o this_o i_o be_o well_o assure_v there_o be_v no_o mark_n or_o footstep_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n or_o the_o whole_a history_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n i_o do_v not_o think_v it_o will_v appear_v credible_a to_o any_o considerate_a man_n that_o the_o 5000_o christian_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n make_v one_o state_v and_o fix_v congregation_n for_o divine_a worship_n not_o if_o we_o make_v all_o the_o allowance_n for_o stranger_n which_o can_v be_v desire_v but_o if_o this_o be_v grant_v where_o be_v the_o unalterable_a rule_n that_o as_o soon_o as_o the_o company_n become_v too_o great_a for_o one_o particular_a assembly_n they_o must_v become_v a_o new_a church_n under_o peculiar_a officer_n and_o a_o independent_a 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the_o pastor_n of_o that_o church_n can_v have_v no_o more_o pretence_n over_o any_o other_o congregation_n than_o dr._n o._n by_o be_v pastor_n over_o one_o congregation_n in_o london_n can_v challenge_v a_o right_a to_o govern_v all_o the_o independent_a congregation_n in_o london_n or_o about_o it_o and_o appoint_v their_o several_a teacher_n and_o call_v they_o to_o a_o account_n for_o their_o proceed_n i_o appeal_v now_o to_o any_o man_n of_o consideration_n whether_o there_o be_v the_o least_o probability_n that_o such_o a_o alteration_n can_v be_v make_v without_o great_a noise_n and_o disturbance_n will_v not_o mr._n g._n mr._n b._n mr._n c._n and_o many_o more_o think_v themselves_o concern_v to_o stand_v up_o for_o their_o own_o right_n and_o if_o they_o can_v be_v draw_v into_o the_o design_n will_v the_o people_n submit_v let_v we_o put_v the_o case_n as_o to_o new-england_n suppose_v the_o apostle_n a_o age_n or_o two_o since_o have_v plant_v such_o congregational_a 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of_o christ_n in_o so_o short_a a_o time_n let_v the_o same_o consideration_n be_v apply_v to_o the_o age_n which_o real_o succeed_v the_o apostle_n sect._n 4._o i_o shall_v to_o prevent_v all_o cavil_n choose_v that_o very_a church_n which_o dr._n o._n mention_n and_o i_o find_v mr._n cotton_n and_o other_o make_v their_o appeal_n to_o and_o that_o be_v the_o church_n of_o carthage_n in_o saint_n cyprian_n time_n here_o dr._n o._n find_v the_o community_n of_o member_n determine_v church_n affair_n 99_o but_o mr._n cotton_n have_v further_a discover_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o elder_n the_o vote_n of_o the_o congregation_n and_o the_o consent_n of_o neighbour_n minister_n in_o short_a he_o have_v find_v there_o the_o express_a and_o lively_a lineament_n of_o the_o very_a body_n of_o congregational_a discipline_n and_o the_o same_o for_o substance_n wherein_o they_o walk_v as_o he_o call_v it_o at_o this_o day_n hitherto_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
26_o canon_n which_o say_v that_o no_o minister_n shall_v in_o any_o wise_a admit_v any_o one_o of_o his_o flock_n or_o under_o his_o care_n to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n who_o be_v notorious_o know_v to_o live_v impenitent_o in_o any_o scandalous_a sin_n this_o be_v not_o in_o the_o reformatio_fw-la legum_n ecclesiasticarum_fw-la which_o he_o mention_n as_o a_o abortive_a thing_n publish_v by_o john_n fox_n which_o last_o any_o one_o that_o have_v see_v they_o know_v to_o be_v a_o mistake_n nor_o in_o dr._n mocket_n book_n which_o be_v burn_v yet_o not_o so_o destroy_v but_o with_o some_o diligence_n he_o may_v have_v see_v it_o but_o it_o be_v for_o nothing_o of_o this_o kind_n that_o book_n undergo_v so_o severe_a a_o censure_n as_o mr._n b._n insinuate_v but_o for_o seem_v to_o encroach_v too_o much_o on_o the_o king_n prerogative_n but_o i_o appeal_v to_o what_o mr._n b._n call_v the_o authorize_v church_n canon_n which_o i_o think_v be_v plain_a in_o this_o case_n but_o mr._n b._n say_v this_o be_v not_o the_o lesser_a excommunication_n but_o a_o temporary_a suspension_n of_o the_o minister_n own_o act_n in_o deliver_v the_o sacrament_n to_o such_o person_n let_v mr._n b._n call_v it_o by_o what_o name_n he_o please_v this_o be_v certain_a the_o minister_n be_v empower_v be_v require_v to_o do_v this_o the_o question_n than_o be_v whether_o this_o be_v not_o such_o a_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n as_o to_o suspend_v notorious_a offender_n from_o the_o sacrament_n and_o that_o within_o the_o power_n of_o the_o parochial_a minister_n i_o grant_v this_o be_v not_o the_o lesser_a excommunication_n according_a to_o the_o use_n of_o this_o church_n for_o that_o suppose_v the_o sentence_n pass_v and_o be_v so_o call_v by_o way_n of_o distinction_n from_o the_o great_a pronounce_v by_o the_o bishop_n in_o person_n upon_o extraordinary_a occasion_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o church-censure_n upon_o offender_n and_o be_v account_v a_o sort_n of_o excommunication_n by_o the_o ancient_a church_n for_o those_o who_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o penitent_n be_v then_o say_v to_o be_v under_o a_o kind_n of_o excommunication_n 108._o as_o appear_v by_o several_a passage_n in_o s._n augustin_n produce_v by_o spalatensis_n to_o this_o purpose_n 20._o viz._n to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v a_o penitential_a excommunication_n but_o mr._n b._n quote_v albaspinaeus_n to_o show_v that_o the_o old_a excommunication_n do_v shut_v person_n out_o from_o all_o other_o church-communion_n as_o well_o as_o the_o sacrament_n 9_o which_o be_v very_o true_a of_o the_o great_a excommunication_n but_o beside_o this_o there_o be_v other_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o offender_n whereby_o they_o be_v suspend_v from_o full_a communion_n but_o not_o debar_v the_o hope_n of_o it_o upon_o satisfaction_n give_v these_o be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o penitent_n 4._o it_o be_v a_o favour_n to_o the_o excommunicate_v to_o be_v bring_v into_o this_o state_n and_o other_o be_v never_o allow_v to_o hope_v to_o be_v restore_v to_o communion_n other_o only_o on_o their_o deathbed_n other_o according_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o degree_n of_o their_o repentance_n of_o which_o those_o be_v leave_v to_o be_v judge_n who_o be_v particular_o entrust_v with_o the_o care_n of_o the_o penitent_n albaspinaeus_n grant_v that_o as_o long_o as_o man_n remain_v penitent_n they_o be_v actual_o deprive_v of_o the_o privilege_n of_o church-communion_n but_o he_o say_v the_o penitent_n be_v in_o a_o middle_a state_n between_o the_o excommunicate_v and_o the_o faithful_a be_v still_o candidate_n as_o he_o call_v they_o so_o that_o all_o that_o be_v penitent_n be_v suspend_v from_o communion_n but_o not_o whole_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n because_o the_o christian_n may_v as_o free_o converse_v with_o these_o as_o with_o any_o but_o they_o be_v not_o allow_v to_o participate_v in_o the_o sacred_a mystery_n but_o there_o be_v no_o question_n wherever_o there_o be_v a_o power_n to_o suspend_v any_o person_n from_o communion_n there_o be_v a_o power_n of_o discipline_n because_o the_o church_n discipline_n do_v not_o consist_v mere_o in_o the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n no_o more_o than_o a_o judge_n power_n lie_v only_o in_o condemn_v man_n to_o be_v hang_v but_o in_o so_o govern_v the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n that_o scandalous_a person_n may_v be_v keep_v from_o the_o great_a act_n of_o communion_n and_o by_o admonition_n and_o counsel_n be_v bring_v to_o a_o due_a preparation_n for_o it_o since_o than_o our_o church_n do_v give_v power_n to_o parochial_a minister_n to_o suspend_v notorious_a offender_n from_o the_o communion_n it_o be_v thereby_o evident_a that_o it_o do_v not_o deprive_v they_o of_o all_o the_o necessary_a and_o essential_a part_n of_o church-discipline_n but_o say_v mr._n b._n if_o a_o minister_n do_v public_o admonish_v another_o by_o name_n 72._o not_o censure_v by_o the_o ordinary_a the_o lawyer_n tell_v he_o he_o may_v have_v his_o action_n against_o he_o i_o answer_v 1._o what_o need_v this_o public_a admonition_n by_o name_n do_v the_o nature_n of_o church-discipline_n lie_v in_o that_o suppose_v a_o man_n be_v private_o and_o effectual_o deal_v with_o to_o withdraw_v himself_o be_v not_o this_o sufficient_a i_o be_o sure_a saint_n augustin_n take_v this_o course_n with_o his_o people_n at_o hippo_n ●52_n he_o persuade_v they_o to_o examine_v their_o own_o conscience_n and_o if_o they_o find_v themselves_o guilty_a of_o such_o crime_n as_o render_v they_o unfit_a for_o the_o holy_a communion_n he_o advise_v they_o to_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o it_o till_o by_o prayer_n and_o fast_v and_o alm_n they_o have_v cleanse_v their_o conscience_n and_o then_o they_o may_v come_v to_o it_o here_o be_v no_o public_a admonition_n by_o name_n and_o in_o many_o case_n saint_n augustin_n declare_v the_o church_n may_v just_o forbear_v the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n towards_o offender_n and_o yet_o the_o church_n be_v a_o true_a church_n and_o christian_n oblige_v to_o communicate_v with_o it_o as_o appear_v by_o all_o his_o dispute_n with_o the_o donatist_n 2._o if_o a_o restraint_n be_v lay_v on_o minister_n by_o law_n the_o question_n than_o come_v to_o this_o whether_o the_o obligation_n to_o admonish_v public_o a_o offender_n or_o to_o deny_v he_o the_o sacrament_n if_o he_o will_v come_v to_o it_o be_v so_o great_a as_o to_o bear_v he_o out_o in_o the_o violation_n of_o a_o law_n make_v by_o public_a authority_n with_o a_o design_n to_o preserve_v our_o religion_n but_o my_o design_n be_v only_o to_o speak_v to_o this_o case_n so_o far_o as_o the_o church_n be_v concern_v in_o it_o sect._n 16._o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o notwithstanding_o this_o the_o neglect_n and_o abuse_v of_o discipline_n among_o we_o be_v too_o great_a to_o be_v justify_v and_o too_o notorious_a to_o be_v conceal_v i_o answer_v 1._o that_o be_v not_o our_o question_n but_o whether_o our_o parochial_a church_n have_v lose_v their_o be_v for_o want_n of_o the_o power_n of_o discipline_n and_o whether_o the_o species_n of_o our_o church_n be_v change_v by_o diocesan_n episcopacy_n which_o we_o have_v show_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o deny_v and_o what_o other_o abuse_n have_v creep_v in_o aught_o in_o a_o orderly_a way_n to_o be_v reform_v and_o no_o good_a man_n will_v deny_v his_o assistance_n in_o it_o 2._o it_o be_v far_o easy_a to_o separate_v or_o complain_v for_o want_n of_o discipline_n than_o to_o find_v out_o a_o due_a way_n to_o restore_v it_o etc._n no_o man_n have_v more_o set_v out_o the_o almost_o insuperable_a difficulty_n which_o attend_v it_o than_o mr._n baxter_n have_v do_v especial_o in_o that_o it_o will_v provoke_v and_o exasperate_v those_o most_o who_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o it_o and_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o do_v good_a on_o those_o who_o need_v it_o least_o 3._o the_o case_n of_o our_o church_n now_o be_v very_o different_a from_o that_o of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n for_o the_o great_a reason_n of_o discipline_n be_v not_o that_o for_o want_v of_o it_o the_o conscience_n of_o fellow-communicants_a will_v be_v defile_v for_o to_o assert_v that_o be_v donatism_n but_o that_o the_o honour_n of_o a_o christian_a society_n may_v be_v maintain_v if_o then_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n do_v take_v care_n to_o vindicate_v the_o church_n honour_n by_o due_a punishment_n of_o scandalous_a offender_n there_o will_v appear_v so_o much_o less_o necessity_n of_o restore_v the_o severity_n of_o the_o ancient_a discipline_n to_o which_o purpose_n these_o word_n of_o the_o royal_a martyr_n king_n charles_n i._o be_v very_o considerable_a 4._o but_o his_o majesty_n see_v no_o necessity_n that_o the_o bishop_n challenge_v to_o the_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n shall_v be_v at_o all_o time_n as_o
large_a as_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o at_o some_o time_n appear_v to_o have_v be_v the_o exercise_n thereof_o be_v variable_a according_a to_o the_o various_a condition_n of_o the_o church_n in_o different_a time_n and_o therefore_o his_o majesty_n do_v not_o believe_v that_o the_o bishop_n under_o christian_a prince_n do_v challenge_v such_o a_o amplitude_n of_o jurisdiction_n to_o belong_v unto_o they_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o episcopal_a office_n precise_o as_o be_v exercise_v in_o the_o primitive_a time_n by_o bishop_n before_o the_o day_n of_o constantine_n the_o reason_n of_o the_o difference_n be_v evident_a that_o in_o those_o former_a time_n under_o pagan_a prince_n the_o church_n be_v a_o distinct_a body_n of_o itself_o divide_v from_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o so_o be_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o its_o own_o rule_n and_o ruler_n the_o bishop_n therefore_o of_o those_o time_n though_o they_o have_v no_o outward_a coercive_a power_n over_o man_n person_n or_o estate_n yet_o in_o as_o much_o as_o every_o christian_a man_n when_o he_o become_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n do_v ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la and_o by_o that_o his_o own_o voluntary_a act_n put_v himself_o under_o their_o government_n they_o exercise_v a_o very_a large_a power_n of_o jurisdiction_n in_o spiritualibus_fw-la in_o make_v ecclesiastical_a canon_n receive_v accusation_n convert_v the_o accuse_v examine_v witness_n judge_v of_o crime_n exclude_v such_o as_o they_o find_v guilty_a of_o scandalous_a offence_n from_o the_o lord_n supper_n enjoin_v penance_n upon_o they_o cast_v they_o out_o of_o the_o church_n receive_v they_o again_o upon_o their_o repentance_n etc._n etc._n and_o all_o this_o they_o exercise_v as_o well_o over_o presbyter_n as_o other_o but_o after_o that_o the_o church_n under_o christian_a prince_n begin_v to_o be_v incorporate_v into_o the_o commonwealth_n whereupon_o there_o must_v of_o necessity_n follow_v a_o complication_n of_o the_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a power_n the_o jurisdiction_n of_o bishop_n in_o the_o outward_a exercise_n of_o it_o be_v subordinate_a unto_o and_o limitable_a by_o the_o supreme_a civil_a power_n and_o have_v be_v and_o be_v at_o this_o day_n so_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o bishop_n of_o this_o realm_n 4._o the_o due_a exercise_n of_o discipline_n be_v a_o work_n of_o so_o much_o prudence_n and_o difficulty_n that_o the_o great_a zealot_n for_o it_o have_v not_o think_v it_o fit_a to_o be_v trust_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o every_o parochial_a minister_n and_o his_o particular_a congregation_n 136._o calvin_n declare_v that_o he_o never_o think_v it_o convenient_a that_o every_o minister_n shall_v have_v the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n not_o only_o because_o of_o the_o invidiousness_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o the_o danger_n of_o the_o example_n but_o because_o of_o the_o great_a abuse_n and_o tyranny_n it_o may_v soon_o fall_v into_o and_o because_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o apostolical_a practice_n and_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n beza_n deliver_v his_o judgement_n who_o likewise_o give_v this_o account_n of_o the_o discipline_n of_o geneva_n 20._o that_o the_o parochial_a minister_n and_o elder_n proceed_v no_o far_o than_o admonition_n but_o in_o case_n of_o contumacy_n they_o certify_v the_o presbytery_n of_o the_o city_n which_o sit_v at_o certain_a time_n and_o hear_v all_o cause_n relate_v to_o discipline_n and_o as_o they_o judge_v fit_a either_o give_v admonition_n or_o proceed_v to_o suspension_n from_o the_o lord_n supper_n or_o which_o be_v a_o rare_a case_n and_o when_o no_o other_o remedy_n can_v prevail_v they_o go_v on_o to_o public_a excommunication_n where_o we_o see_v every_o parochial_a church_n be_v no_o more_o trust_v with_o the_o power_n of_o discipline_n than_o among_o we_o nay_o the_o minister_n here_o have_v no_o power_n to_o repel_v but_o all_o that_o he_o can_v do_v there_o be_v to_o admonish_v and_o how_o come_v then_o their_o parochial_a church_n to_o be_v true_a and_o not_o we_o beside_o why_o may_v not_o our_o minister_n be_v oblige_v to_o certify_v the_o bishop_n as_o well_o as_o they_o to_o certify_v the_o presbytery_n 43._o since_o in_o the_o african_a church_n the_o matter_n of_o discipline_n be_v so_o much_o reserve_v to_o the_o bishop_n that_o a_o presbyter_n have_v no_o power_n to_o receive_v a_o penitent_a into_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n without_o the_o advice_n and_o direction_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o saint_n augustin_n propose_v it_o that_o whosoever_o receive_v one_o that_o decline_v the_o judgement_n of_o his_o own_o bishop_n shall_v undergo_v the_o same_o censure_n which_o that_o person_n deserve_v and_o it_o be_v allow_v by_o the_o council_n alipius_n saint_n augustins_n great_a friend_n and_o legate_n of_o the_o province_n of_o numidia_n 10._o propose_v the_o case_n of_o a_o presbyter_n under_o the_o censure_n of_o his_o bishop_n who_o out_o of_o pride_n and_o vainglory_n set_v up_o a_o separate_a congregation_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n 11._o and_o he_o desire_v to_o know_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o council_n about_o it_o and_o they_o unanimous_o determine_v that_o he_o be_v guilty_a of_o schism_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v anathematise_v and_o to_o lose_v his_o place_n and_o this_o be_v the_o judgement_n even_o of_o the_o african_a bishop_n for_o who_o mr._n baxter_n profess_v great_a reverence_n than_o for_o any_o other_o and_o say_v their_o council_n be_v the_o best_a in_o the_o world_n and_o commend_v their_o canon_n for_o very_o good_a about_o discipline_n but_o he_o pretend_v that_o a_o bishop_n diocese_n there_o be_v but_o like_o one_o of_o our_o parish_n which_o i_o have_v already_o refute_v at_o large_a by_o show_v that_o there_o be_v place_n at_o a_o considerable_a distance_n under_o the_o care_n of_o the_o bishop_n so_o that_o the_o bring_v the_o full_a power_n of_o discipline_n into_o every_o parochial_a church_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o antiquity_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o reform_a church_n abroad_o which_o plead_v most_o for_o discipline_n and_o will_v unavoidable_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o great_a and_o scandalous_a disorder_n by_o the_o ill_a management_n of_o the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n as_o be_v most_o evident_a by_o the_o separatist_n when_o they_o take_v this_o sword_n into_o their_o hand_n and_o by_o their_o foolish_a and_o passionate_a and_o indiscreet_a use_n of_o it_o bring_v more_o dishonour_n upon_o their_o church_n than_o if_o they_o have_v never_o meddle_v with_o it_o at_o all_o and_o in_o such_o a_o matter_n where_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o christian_a society_n be_v the_o chief_a thing_n concern_v it_o become_v wise_a man_n to_o consider_v what_o tend_v most_o to_o the_o promote_a of_o that_o and_o whether_o the_o good_a man_n promise_v themselves_o by_o discipline_n will_v countervail_v the_o schism_n and_o contention_n the_o heartburning_n and_o animosity_n which_o will_v follow_v the_o parochial_a exercise_n of_o it_o the_o dissent_v brethren_n in_o their_o apologetical_a narration_n do_v say_v 5._o that_o they_o have_v the_o fatal_a miscarriage_n and_o shipwreck_n of_o the_o separation_n as_o landmark_n to_o forewarn_v they_o of_o the_o rock_n and_o shelf_n they_o run_v upon_o and_o therefore_o they_o say_v they_o never_o exercise_v the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n 9_o for_o they_o see_v plain_o they_o can_v never_o hold_v their_o people_n together_o if_o they_o do_v since_o the_o excommunicate_v party_n will_v be_v sure_a to_o make_v friend_n enough_o at_o least_o to_o make_v breach_n among_o they_o and_o they_o hold_v together_o by_o mutual_a consent_n such_o rupture_n will_v soon_o break_v their_o church_n to_o piece_n beside_o this_o will_v be_v think_v no_o less_o than_o set_v up_o a_o arbitrary_a court_n of_o judicature_n in_o every_o parish_n because_o there_o be_v no_o certain_a rule_n to_o proceed_v by_o no_o stand_a determination_n what_o those_o sin_n and_o fault_n be_v which_o shall_v deserve_v excommunication_n no_o method_n of_o trial_n agree_v upon_o no_o security_n against_o false_a witness_n no_o limitation_n of_o cause_n no_o liberty_n of_o appeal_n if_o parochial_a church_n be_v the_o only_o institute_v church_n as_o mr._n baxter_n affirm_v beside_o multitude_n of_o other_o inconvenience_n which_o may_v be_v easy_o foresee_v so_o that_o i_o do_v not_o question_v but_o if_o mr._n baxter_n have_v the_o management_n of_o this_o parochial_a discipline_n in_o any_o one_o parish_n in_o london_n and_o proceed_v by_o his_o own_o rule_n his_o court_n of_o discipline_n will_v be_v cry_v out_o upon_o in_o a_o short_a time_n as_o more_o arbitrary_a and_o tyrannical_a than_o any_o bishop_n court_n this_o day_n in_o england_n let_v any_o one_o therefore_o judge_n how_o reasonable_a it_o be_v for_o he_o to_o overthrow_v the_o be_v of_o our_o parochial_a church_n for_o want_v of_o that_o which_o be_v set_v up_o according_a to_o his_o own_o principle_n
whatsoever_o you_o shall_v bind_v etc._n etc._n from_o whence_o say_v he_o by_o a_o constant_a succession_n of_o time_n such_o a_o course_n have_v be_v always_o observe_v in_o the_o church_n that_o the_o church_n have_v be_v still_o govern_v by_o bishop_n and_o every_o act_n of_o the_o church_n have_v be_v under_o their_o care_n and_o conduct_v since_o this_o say_v he_o be_v a_o divine_a institution_n i_o wonder_v at_o the_o boldness_n of_o those_o who_o have_v write_v at_o that_o rate_n to_o i_o concern_v the_o lapse_v since_o the_o church_n consist_v in_o the_o bishop_n the_o clergy_n and_o the_o stand_a people_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o antonianus_n 52._o he_o speak_v of_o the_o agreement_n of_o the_o bishop_n throughout_o the_o whole_a world_n 55._o and_o in_o that_o to_o cornelius_n that_o every_o bishop_n have_v a_o part_n of_o the_o flock_n commit_v to_o he_o which_o he_o be_v to_o govern_v and_o to_o give_v a_o account_n thereof_o to_o god_n 65._o and_o that_o a_o bishop_n in_o the_o church_n be_v in_o the_o place_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o disobedience_n to_o he_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o schism_n and_o disorder_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n he_o speak_v in_o his_o epistle_n to_o rogatianus_n 69._o and_o to_o pupianus_n where_o he_o declare_v a_o church_n to_o be_v a_o people_n unite_v to_o a_o bishop_n 75._o and_o to_o stephanus_n that_o they_o have_v succeed_v the_o apostle_n in_o a_o constant_a course_n let_v the_o reader_n now_o judge_n whether_o these_o be_v the_o stroke_n and_o lineament_n of_o the_o congregational_a way_n and_o whether_o dr._n o._n have_v any_o reason_n to_o appeal_v to_o saint_n cyprian_n for_o the_o democratical_a government_n of_o the_o church_n but_o we_o have_v this_o advantage_n from_o this_o appeal_n that_o they_o do_v not_o suppose_v any_o deviation_n then_o from_o the_o primitive_a institution_n and_o what_o that_o be_v in_o saint_n cyprian_n judgement_n any_o one_o may_v see_v when_o he_o speak_v of_o nothing_o peculiar_a to_o his_o own_o church_n but_o what_o be_v general_o observe_v over_o the_o christian_a world_n and_o now_o let_v dr._n o._n give_v a_o account_n how_o a_o change_n so_o great_a so_o sudden_a so_o universal_a shall_v happen_v in_o the_o christian_a world_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n that_o when_o christ_n have_v place_v the_o power_n in_o the_o people_n the_o bishop_n in_o so_o short_a a_o time_n shall_v be_v every_o where_o settle_v and_o allow_v to_o have_v the_o chief_a management_n in_o church-affair_n without_o any_o control_n from_o the_o people_n which_o to_o i_o be_v as_o strong_a a_o argument_n as_o a_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n will_v bear_v that_o the_o power_n be_v at_o first_o lodge_v in_o they_o and_o not_o in_o the_o people_n for_o as_o mr._n noys_n of_o new-england_n well_o argue_v it_o be_v not_o imaginable_a that_o bishop_n shall_v come_v by_o such_o power_n as_o be_v record_v in_o ecclesiastical_a history_n 62._o and_o that_o over_o all_o the_o world_n and_o in_o a_o way_n of_o ambition_n in_o such_o humble_v time_n without_o all_o manner_n of_o opposition_n for_o 300_o year_n together_o and_o immediate_o after_o the_o apostle_n have_v it_o be_v usurpation_n or_o innovation_n when_o and_o where_o be_v innovation_n without_o opposition_n will_v not_o elder_n so_o many_o see_v and_o know_v man_n at_o least_o some_o of_o they_o have_v contend_v for_o truth_n wherein_o their_o own_o liberty_n and_o right_n be_v so_o much_o interest_v aërius_n his_o oppose_v of_o bishop_n so_o long_o after_o their_o rise_n and_o stand_v be_v inconsiderable_a the_o force_n of_o which_o reason_v will_v sway_v more_o with_o a_o impartial_a and_o ingenuous_a mind_n than_o all_o the_o difficulty_n i_o ever_o yet_o see_v on_o the_o other_o side_n so_o much_o for_o the_o account_n dr._n o._n promise_n of_o the_o deviation_n of_o the_o church_n after_o the_o apostle_n decease_n sect._n 5._o 2._o dr._n o._n answer_v as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n concern_v the_o institution_n of_o congregational_a church_n that_o it_o seem_v to_o he_o evident_o exemplify_v in_o the_o scripture_n 39_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v that_o when_o church_n grow_v too_o big_a for_o one_o single_a congregation_n in_o a_o city_n than_o a_o new_a congregational_a church_n be_v set_v up_o under_o new_a officer_n with_o a_o separate_a power_n of_o government_n let_v we_o now_o see_v dr._n o.'s_n proof_n of_o it_o for_o although_o it_o may_v be_v there_o be_v not_o express_v mention_n make_v that_o these_o or_o those_o particular_a church_n do_v divide_v themselves_o into_o more_o congregation_n with_o new_a officer_n i_o e._n although_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v not_o evident_a in_o scripture_n yet_o say_v he_o there_o be_v instance_n of_o the_o erection_n of_o new_a particular_a congregation_n in_o the_o same_o province_n but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o congregational_a way_n the_o thing_n i_o desire_v be_v that_o when_o the_o christian_n in_o one_o city_n multiply_v into_o more_o congregation_n they_o will_v prove_v that_o they_o do_v make_v new_a and_o distinct_a church_n and_o to_o exemplify_v this_o he_o mention_n new_a congregation_n in_o the_o same_o province_n who_o ever_o deny_v or_o dispute_v that_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o proof_n of_o this_o be_v a_o great_a advantage_n to_o our_o cause_n for_o since_o where_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o the_o church_n of_o a_o province_n it_o speak_v of_o they_o as_o of_o different_a church_n but_o when_o it_o mention_n the_o christian_n of_o one_o city_n it_o call_v they_o the_o church_n of_o that_o city_n as_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n 31._o but_o the_o church_n of_o judea_n galilee_n and_o samaria_n what_o can_v be_v more_o evident_a than_o that_o the_o christian_n of_o one_o city_n though_o never_o so_o numerous_a make_v but_o one_o church_n if_o one_o observe_v the_o language_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n one_o may_v find_v this_o observation_n not_o once_o to_o fail_v that_o where_o church_n be_v speak_v of_o in_o the_o plural_a number_n 14._o they_o be_v the_o church_n of_o a_o province_n as_o the_o church_n of_o judea_n 19_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n the_o church_n of_o syria_n and_o cilicia_n 41._o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n the_o church_n of_o macedonia_n 1._o but_o where_o all_o the_o christian_n of_o one_o city_n be_v speak_v of_o 2._o it_o be_v still_o c●lled_v the_o church_n of_o that_o city_n 1._o as_o the_o church_n at_o antioch_n the_o church_n at_o corinth_n and_o when_o the_o 7_o church_n be_v speak_v of_o together_o they_o be_v the_o 7_o church_n but_o when_o speak_v to_o single_a it_o be_v the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v speak_v without_o any_o discrimination_n as_o to_o the_o difference_n of_o these_o place_n in_o greatness_n and_o capacity_n or_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n in_o they_o do_v evident_o discover_v that_o what_o number_n soever_o they_o be_v they_o be_v all_o but_o the_o church_n of_o that_o city_n for_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v suppose_v that_o the_o number_n of_o christian_n be_v no_o great_a in_o ephesus_n sardis_n pergamus_n and_o laodicea_n which_o be_v great_a and_o populous_a city_n than_o in_o thyatira_n and_o philadelphia_n which_o be_v much_o less_o especial_o consider_v the_o time_n saint_n paul_n stay_v at_o ephes●s_n 31._o and_o the_o mighty_a success_n which_o he_o have_v in_o preach_v there_o which_o will_v amount_v to_o no_o great_a matter_n 9_o if_o in_o three_o year_n time_n he_o convert_v no_o more_o than_o make_v up_o one_o single_a congregation_n and_o thus_o man_n to_o serve_v a_o hypothesis_n take_v off_o from_o the_o mighty_a power_n and_o prevalency_n of_o the_o gospel_n i_o can_v but_o wonder_n what_o dr._n o._n mean_n when_o after_o he_o have_v produce_v the_o evidence_n of_o distinct_a church_n in_o the_o same_o province_n 40._o as_o galatia_n and_o macedonia_n he_o call_v this_o plain_a scripture_n evidence_n and_o practice_n for_o the_o erect_v particular_a distinct_a congregation_n who_o deny_v that_o but_o i_o see_v nothing_o like_o a_o proof_n of_o distinct_a church_n in_o the_o same_o city_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v prove_v but_o because_o it_o can_v not_o be_v prove_v be_v prudent_o let_v alone_o whereas_o we_o have_v plain_a scripture_n evidence_n that_o all_o the_o christian_n of_o a_o city_n though_o never_o so_o great_a make_v but_o one_o church_n and_o uncontrollable_a evidence_n from_o antiquity_n that_o the_o neighbour_a christian_n be_v lay_v to_o the_o church_n of_o the_o city_n all_o that_o he_o say_v further_a to_o this_o matter_n 4●_n be_v that_o such_o church_n have_v power_n to_o rule_v and_o govern_v themselves_o because_o in_o every_o one_o of_o they_o elder_n be_v ordain_v act