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power_n apostle_n bishop_n presbyter_n 6,415 5 10.4493 5 true
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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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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
then_o there_o be_v no_o deviation_n from_o the_o unalterable_a rule_n of_o christ._n let_v we_o therefore_o impartial_o consider_v what_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o carthage_n then_o be_v concern_v which_o these_o thing_n may_v be_v observe_v 1._o that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a number_n of_o presbyter_n belong_v to_o the_o church_n of_o carthage_n and_o therefore_o not_o probable_a to_o be_v one_o single_a congregation_n this_o appear_v from_o saint_n cyprian_n epistle_n to_o they_o in_o his_o retirement_n 5._o in_o one_o he_o give_v they_o advice_n how_o to_o visit_v the_o confessor_n in_o prison_n which_o he_o will_v have_v they_o to_o do_v by_o turn_n every_o one_o take_v a_o deacon_n with_o he_o because_o the_o change_n of_o person_n will_v be_v less_o invidious_a and_o consider_v the_o number_n of_o confessor_n and_o the_o frequent_a attendance_n upon_o they_o the_o number_n of_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n must_v be_v considerable_a when_o he_o send_v numidicus_n to_o be_v place_v among_o the_o presbyter_n at_o carthage_n 35._o he_o give_v this_o reason_n of_o it_o that_o he_o may_v adorn_v the_o plenty_n of_o his_o presbyter_n with_o such_o worthy_a man_n it_o be_v now_o impair_v by_o the_o fall_n of_o some_o during_o the_o persecution_n 3._o in_o the_o case_n of_o philumanus_fw-la fortunatus_n and_o favorinus_n he_o declare_v he_o will_v give_v no_o judgement_n cum_fw-la multi_fw-la adhuc_fw-la de_fw-la clero_fw-la absentes_fw-la sint_fw-la when_o many_o of_o his_o clergy_n be_v absent_a and_o in_o another_o epistle_n he_o complain_v 28._o that_o a_o great_a number_n of_o his_o clergy_n be_v absent_a and_o the_o few_o that_o be_v remain_v be_v hardly_o sufficient_a for_o their_o work_n 24._o at_o one_o time_n felicissimus_n and_o five_o presbyter_n more_o do_v break_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n at_o carthage_n and_o then_o he_o mention_n britius_n rogatianus_n and_o numidicus_n as_o the_o chief_a presbyter_n remain_v with_o they_o 40._o beside_o deacon_n and_o inferior_a minister_n about_o the_o same_o time_n cornelius_n bishop_n of_o rome_n mention_n 46_o presbyter_n he_o have_v with_o he_o in_o that_o city_n 35._o and_o in_o constantinople_n of_o old_a say_v justinian_n in_o his_o novel_n 30._o be_v 60_o presbyter_n for_o in_o one_o he_o say_v the_o custom_n be_v to_o determine_v the_o number_n and_o in_o another_o that_o 60_o be_v to_o be_v the_o number_n at_o constantinople_n let_v any_o one_o now_o consider_v whether_o these_o church_n that_o have_v so_o many_o presbyter_n be_v single_a congregation_n and_o at_o carthage_n we_o have_v this_o evidence_n of_o the_o great_a number_n of_o christian_n that_o in_o the_o time_n of_o persecution_n although_o very_o many_o stand_v firm_a yet_o the_o number_n of_o the_o lapse_v be_v so_o great_a 15._o that_o saint_n cyprian_n say_v every_o day_n thousand_o of_o ticket_n be_v grant_v by_o the_o martyr_n and_o confessor_n in_o their_o behalf_n for_o reconciliation_n to_o the_o church_n and_o in_o one_o of_o those_o ticket_n sometime_o may_v be_v comprehend_v twenty_o or_o thirty_o person_n 11._o the_o form_n be_v communicet_fw-la ille_fw-la cum_fw-la suis._n be_v it_o then_o probable_a this_o church_n at_o carthage_n shall_v consist_v of_o one_o single_a congregation_n 2._o these_o presbyter_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v under_o the_o particular_a care_n and_o government_n of_o saint_n cyprian_n as_o their_o bishop_n some_o of_o the_o presbyter_n at_o carthage_n take_v upon_o they_o to_o meddle_v in_o the_o affair_n of_o discipline_n 10._o without_o consult_v their_o bishop_n then_o in_o his_o retirement_n saint_n cyprian_n tell_v they_o they_o neither_o consider_v christ_n command_n nor_o their_o own_o place_n nor_o the_o future_a judgement_n of_o god_n nor_o the_o bishop_n who_o be_v set_v over_o they_o and_o have_v do_v that_o which_o be_v never_o do_v in_o forego_v time_n to_o challenge_v those_o thing_n to_o themselves_o with_o the_o contempt_n and_o reproach_n of_o their_o bishop_n which_o be_v to_o receive_v penitent_n to_o communion_n without_o imposition_n of_o hand_n by_o the_o bishop_n and_o his_o clergy_n wherein_o 11._o he_o vindicate_v the_o martyr_n and_o confessor_n in_o his_o follow_a epistle_n say_v that_o such_o a_o affront_n to_o their_o bishop_n be_v against_o their_o will_n for_o they_o send_v their_o petition_n to_o the_o bishop_n that_o their_o cause_n may_v be_v hear_v when_o the_o persecution_n be_v over_o in_o another_o epistle_n to_o the_o people_n of_o carthage_n on_o the_o same_o occasion_n 12._o he_o complain_v of_o these_o presbyter_n that_o they_o do_v not_o episcopo_fw-la honorem_fw-la sacerdotii_fw-la svi_fw-la &_o cathedrae_fw-la reservare_fw-la reserve_v to_o the_o bishop_n the_o honour_n which_o belong_v to_o his_o place_n and_o therefore_o charge_n that_o nothing_o further_o be_v do_v in_o this_o matter_n till_o his_o return_n 21._o when_o he_o may_v consult_v with_o his_o fellow-bishop_n celerinus_n send_v to_o lucian_n a_o confessor_n to_o beg_v he_o for_o a_o letter_n of_o grace_n for_o their_o sister_n numeria_n and_o candida_n who_o have_v fall_v lucian_n return_v he_o answer_v 22._o that_o paulus_n before_o his_o martyrdom_n have_v give_v he_o authority_n to_o grant_v such_o in_o his_o name_n and_o that_o all_o the_o martyr_n have_v agree_v to_o such_o kindness_n to_o be_v show_v to_o the_o lapse_v but_o with_o this_o condition_n that_o the_o cause_n be_v to_o be_v hear_v before_o the_o bishop_n and_o upon_o such_o discipline_n as_o he_o shall_v impose_v they_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v to_o communion_n 25._o so_o that_o though_o lucian_n be_v extreme_o blame_v for_o relax_v the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o neither_o he_o nor_o the_o other_o martyr_n will_v pretend_v to_o do_v any_o thing_n without_o the_o bishop_n cyprian_n give_v a_o account_n of_o all_o that_o have_v pass_v in_o this_o matter_n to_o moses_n and_o maximus_n two_o roman_a presbyter_n and_o confessor_n 26._o they_o return_v he_o answer_v that_o they_o be_v very_o glad_a he_o have_v not_o be_v want_v to_o his_o office_n especial_o in_o his_o severe_a reprove_v those_o who_o have_v obtain_v from_o presbyter_n the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n in_o his_o absence_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o clergy_n of_o carthage_n he_o mighty_o blame_v those_o who_o communicate_v with_o those_o person_n who_o be_v reconcile_v to_o the_o church_n mere_o by_o presbyter_n without_o he_o 28._o and_o threaten_v excommunication_n to_o any_o presbyter_n or_o deacon_n who_o shall_v presume_v to_o do_v it_o the_o roman_a clergy_n in_o the_o vacancy_n of_o the_o see_v take_v notice_n of_o the_o discretion_n of_o the_o martyr_n in_o remit_v the_o lapse_v to_o the_o bishop_n 30._o as_o a_o argument_n of_o their_o great_a modesty_n and_o that_o they_o do_v not_o think_v the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n belong_v to_o they_o and_o they_o declare_v their_o resolution_n 31._o to_o do_v nothing_o in_o this_o matter_n till_o they_o have_v a_o new_a bishop_n by_o which_o we_o see_v the_o power_n of_o discipline_n be_v not_o then_o suppose_v to_o be_v in_o the_o congregation_n or_o that_o they_o be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n but_o that_o it_o be_v in_o the_o bishop_n as_o superior_a to_o the_o presbyter_n and_o that_o they_o be_v then_o far_o from_o think_v it_o in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o people_n to_o appoint_v and_o ordain_v their_o own_o officer_n 33._o saint_n cyprian_n send_v word_n to_o the_o church_n of_o carthage_n that_o he_o have_v take_v one_o aurelius_n into_o the_o clergy_n although_o his_o general_a custom_n be_v in_o ordination_n to_o consult_v they_o before_o and_o to_o weigh_v together_o the_o manner_n and_o desert_n of_o every_o one_o 34._o which_o be_v quite_o another_o thing_n from_o a_o inherent_a right_n to_o appoint_v and_o constitute_v their_o own_o church-officer_n the_o same_o he_o do_v soon_o after_o concern_v celerinus_n and_o numidicus_n 35._o when_o he_o can_v not_o go_v among_o they_o himself_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o persecution_n he_o appoint_v caldonius_n and_o fortunatus_n two_o bishop_n 38._o and_o rogatianus_n and_o numidicus_n two_o presbyter_n to_o visit_v in_o his_o name_n and_o to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o of_o the_o person_n fit_a to_o be_v promote_v to_o the_o clergy_n who_o give_v a_o account_n in_o the_o next_o epistle_n 39_o that_o they_o have_v excommunicate_v felicissimus_n and_o his_o brethren_n for_o their_o separation_n 3._o that_o saint_n cyprian_n do_v believe_v that_o this_o authority_n which_o he_o have_v for_o govern_v the_o church_n be_v not_o from_o the_o power_n of_o the_o people_n but_o from_o the_o institution_n of_o christ._n 27._o so_o upon_o the_o occasion_n of_o the_o martyr_n invade_v the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n he_o produce_v that_o say_n of_o christ_n to_o saint_n peter_n thou_o be_v peter_n etc._n etc._n and_o
commit_v to_o the_o presbyter_n preach_v and_o administration_n of_o sacrament_n require_v of_o they_o and_o the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n as_o far_o as_o belong_v to_o they_o of_o which_o afterward_o but_o now_o in_o the_o consecration_n of_o a_o bishop_n this_o part_n be_v leave_v out_o and_o instead_o of_o that_o it_o be_v say_v that_o he_o be_v call_v to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o he_o be_v require_v to_o correct_v and_o punish_v such_o as_o be_v unquiet_a disobedient_a and_o criminous_a in_o his_o diocese_n so_o that_o the_o more_o particular_a charge_n of_o soul_n be_v commit_v to_o every_o pastor_n over_o his_o own_o flock_n and_o the_o general_a care_n of_o government_n and_o discipline_n be_v commit_v to_o the_o bishop_n as_o that_o which_o especial_o belong_v to_o his_o office_n as_o distinct_a from_o the_o other_o sect._n 13._o ii_o which_o be_v the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v viz._n what_o authority_n the_o bishop_n have_v by_o virtue_n of_o his_o consecration_n in_o this_o church_n and_o that_o i_o say_v be_v what_o mr._n b._n call_v the_o ordinary_a part_n of_o the_o apostolical_a authority_n which_o lie_v in_o three_o thing_n government_n ordination_n and_o censure_n and_o that_o our_o church_n do_v believe_v our_o bishop_n to_o succeed_v the_o apostle_n in_o those_o part_n of_o their_o office_n i_o shall_v make_v appear_v by_o these_o thing_n 1._o in_o the_o preface_n before_o the_o book_n of_o ordination_n it_o be_v say_v that_o it_o be_v evident_a unto_o all_o man_n diligent_o read_v holy_a scripture_n and_o ancient_a author_n that_o from_o the_o apostle_n time_n there_o have_v be_v these_o order_n of_o minister_n in_o christ_n church_n bishop_n priest_n and_o deacon_n what_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o they_o express_v it_o thus_o from_o the_o apostle_n time_n rather_o than_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n but_o that_o they_o believe_v while_o the_o apostle_n live_v they_o manage_v the_o affair_n of_o government_n themselves_o but_o as_o they_o withdraw_v they_o do_v in_o some_o church_n soon_o and_o in_o some_o late_a as_o their_o own_o continuance_n the_o condition_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o qualification_n of_o person_n be_v commit_v the_o care_n and_o government_n of_o church_n to_o such_o person_n who_o they_o appoint_v thereto_o of_o which_o we_o have_v a_o uncontrollable_a evidence_n in_o the_o instance_n of_o timothy_n and_o titus_n for_o the_o care_n of_o government_n be_v a_o distinct_a thing_n from_o the_o office_n of_o a_o evangelist_n and_o all_o their_o remove_n do_v not_o invalidate_v this_o because_o while_o the_o apostle_n live_v it_o be_v probable_a there_o be_v no_o fix_a bishop_n or_o but_o few_o but_o as_o they_o go_v off_o so_o they_o come_v to_o be_v settle_v in_o their_o several_a church_n and_o as_o this_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o church_n so_o it_o be_v the_o fair_a hypothesis_n for_o reconcile_a the_o different_a testimony_n of_o antiquity_n for_o hereby_o the_o succession_n of_o bishop_n be_v secure_v from_o the_o apostle_n time_n for_o which_o the_o testimony_n of_o irenaeus_n tertullian_n saint_n cyprian_n and_o other_o be_v so_o plain_a hereby_o room_n be_v leave_v to_o make_v good_a all_o that_o saint_n jerom_n have_v say_v and_o what_o epiphanius_n deliver_v concern_v the_o differ_a settlement_n of_o church_n at_o first_o so_o that_o we_o may_v allow_v for_o the_o community_n of_o name_n between_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n for_o a_o while_n in_o the_o church_n i._n e._n while_o the_o apostle_n govern_v the_o church_n themselves_o but_o afterward_o that_o which_o be_v then_o part_n of_o the_o apostolical_a office_n become_v the_o episcopal_a which_o have_v continue_v from_o that_o time_n to_o this_o by_o a_o constant_a succession_n in_o the_o church_n 2._o archbishop_n whitgift_n several_a time_n declare_v that_o these_o part_n of_o the_o apostolical_a office_n still_o remain_v in_o the_o bishop_n of_o our_o church_n 218._o as_o for_o this_o part_n of_o the_o apostle_n function_n say_v he_o to_o visit_v such_o church_n as_o be_v before_o plant_v and_o to_o provide_v that_o such_o be_v place_v in_o they_o as_o be_v virtuous_a and_o godly_a pastor_n i_o know_v it_o remain_v still_o and_o be_v one_o of_o the_o chief_a part_n of_o the_o bishop_n function_n and_o again_o there_o be_v now_o no_o plant_n of_o church_n 424._o nor_o go_v through_o the_o whole_a world_n there_o be_v no_o writing_n of_o new_a gospel_n no_o prophesy_v of_o thing_n to_o come_v but_o there_o be_v govern_v of_o church_n visit_v of_o they_o reform_v of_o pastor_n and_o direct_v of_o they_o which_o be_v a_o portion_n of_o the_o apostolical_a function_n 427._o again_o although_o that_o this_o part_n of_o the_o apostolical_a office_n which_o do_v consist_v in_o plant_v and_o sound_v of_o church_n through_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v cease_v yet_o the_o manner_n of_o government_n by_o place_v bishop_n in_o every_o city_n by_o moderate_v and_o govern_v they_o by_o visit_v the_o church_n by_o cut_v off_o schism_n and_o contention_n by_o order_v minister_n remain_v still_o and_o shall_v continue_v and_o be_v in_o this_o church_n in_o the_o archbishop_n and_o bishop_n as_o most_o meet_a man_n to_o execute_v the_o same_o bishop_n bilson_n full_o agree_v as_o to_o these_o particular_n 1._o that_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o at_o first_o commit_v the_o church_n to_o the_o government_n of_o bishop_n 224._o but_o reserve_v the_o chief_a power_n of_o government_n in_o their_o own_o hand_n 2._o that_o upon_o experience_n of_o the_o confusion_n and_o disorder_n which_o do_v arise_v through_o equality_n of_o pastor_n do_v appoint_v at_o their_o departure_n certain_a approve_a man_n to_o be_v bishop_n 244._o 3._o that_o these_o bishop_n do_v succeed_v the_o apostle_n in_o the_o care_n and_o government_n of_o church_n as_o he_o prove_v at_o large_a and_o therefore_o he_o call_v their_o function_n apostolic_a instead_o of_o many_o other_o which_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o produce_v i_o shall_v only_o add_v the_o testimony_n of_o king_n charles_n i._o in_o his_o debate_n about_o episcopacy_n who_o understand_v the_o constitution_n of_o our_o church_n as_o well_o as_o any_o bishop_n in_o it_o and_o defend_v it_o with_o as_o clear_v and_o as_o strong_a a_o reason_n in_o his_o three_o paper_n to_o henderson_n he_o have_v these_o word_n where_o you_o find_v a_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n in_o scripture_n to_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o which_o i_o deny_v to_o be_v always_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n now_o i_o think_v to_o prove_v the_o order_n of_o bishop_n succeed_v that_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o that_o the_o name_n be_v chief_o alter_v in_o reverence_n to_o those_o who_o be_v immediate_o choose_v by_o our_o saviour_n in_o his_o first_o paper_n at_o the_o treaty_n at_o newport_n he_o thus_o state_n the_o case_n about_o episcopal_a government_n i_o conceive_v that_o episcopal_a government_n be_v most_o consonant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o of_o a_o apostolical_a institution_n as_o it_o appear_v by_o the_o scripture_n to_o have_v be_v practise_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o by_o they_o commit_v and_o derive_v to_o particular_a person_n as_o their_o substitute_n or_o successor_n therein_o as_o for_o ordain_v presbyter_n and_o deacon_n give_v rule_n concern_v christian_n discipline_n and_o exercise_v censure_n over_o presbyter_n and_o other_o and_o have_v ever_o since_o to_o these_o last_o time_n be_v exercise_v by_o bishop_n in_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o i_o can_v in_o conscience_n consent_n to_o abolish_v the_o say_a government_n in_o his_o reply_n to_o the_o first_o answer_n of_o the_o divine_n he_o say_v that_o mere_a presbyter_n be_v episcopi_fw-la gregis_fw-la only_a they_o have_v the_o oversight_n of_o the_o flock_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o preach_v administration_n of_o sacrament_n public_a prayer_n exhort_v rebuke_v etc._n etc._n but_o bishop_n be_v episcopi_fw-la gregis_fw-la &_o pastorum_fw-la too_o have_v the_o oversight_n of_o flock_n and_o pastor_n within_o their_o several_a precinct_n in_o the_o act_n of_o external_a government_n and_o that_o although_o the_o apostle_n have_v no_o successor_n in_o eundem_fw-la gradum_fw-la as_o to_z those_o thing_n that_o be_v extraordinary_a in_o they_o as_o namely_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o gift_n the_o extent_n of_o their_o charge_n the_o infallibility_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o the_o have_v see_v christ_n in_o the_o flesh_n but_o in_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o extraordinary_a and_o such_o those_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v judge_v which_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o service_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o time_n as_o the_o office_n of_o teach_v and_o the_o power_n of_o govern_v be_v they_o be_v to_o have_v and_o have_v successor_n and_o therefore_o the_o learned_a and_o godly_a father_n
preach_v notwithstanding_o the_o law_n can_v excuse_v they_o from_o separation_n for_o this_o lie_v at_o the_o bottom_n of_o all_o 1._o as_o to_o the_o original_a inherent_a right_n and_o power_n of_o the_o people_n dr._n o._n suppose_v all_o church-power_n to_o be_v original_o in_o the_o people_n for_o to_o manifest_v how_o favourable_a wise_a man_n have_v be_v to_o the_o congregational_a way_n he_o quote_v a_o say_n of_o f._n paul_n 37._o out_o of_o a_o book_n of_o he_o late_o translate_v into_o english_a that_o in_o the_o beginning_n the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n have_v altogether_o a_o democratical_a form_n which_o be_v a_o opinion_n so_o absurd_a and_o unreasonable_a that_o i_o can_v not_o easy_o believe_v such_o a_o saying_n to_o have_v come_v from_o so_o learned_a and_o judicious_a a_o person_n for_o be_v there_o not_o a_o church_n to_o be_v form_v in_o the_o beginning_n do_v not_o christ_n appoint_v apostles_n and_o give_v they_o commission_n and_o authority_n for_o that_o end_n where_o be_v the_o church_n power_n then_o lodge_v be_v it_o not_o in_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o they_o in_o all_o place_n as_o they_o plant_v church_n appoint_v officer_n to_o teach_v and_o govern_v they_o and_o do_v they_o not_o give_v they_o authority_n to_o do_v what_o they_o have_v appoint_v be_v not_o then_o the_o several_a pastor_n and_o teacher_n invest_v with_o a_o power_n superior_a to_o that_o of_o the_o people_n and_o independent_a upon_o they_o and_o if_o they_o have_v such_o power_n and_o authority_n over_o the_o people_n how_o come_v their_o power_n to_o be_v derive_v from_o they_o as_o it_o must_v be_v if_o the_o church_n government_n then_o be_v democratical_a beside_o be_v it_o reasonable_a to_o suppose_v the_o people_n shall_v assemble_v to_o choose_v their_o officer_n and_o convey_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n to_o they_o which_o never_o be_v in_o their_o hand_n and_o how_o can_v they_o make_v choice_n of_o man_n for_o their_o fitness_n and_o ability_n when_o their_o ability_n depend_v so_o much_o on_o the_o apostle_n lay_v on_o of_o their_o hand_n for_o then_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v give_v unto_o they_o but_o in_o all_o the_o church_n plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o all_o the_o direction_n give_v about_o the_o choice_n of_o bishop_n and_o deacon_n no_o more_o be_v require_v as_o to_o the_o people_n than_o bare_o their_o testimony_n therefore_o it_o be_v say_v they_o must_v be_v blameless_a 10._o and_o man_n of_o good_a report_n but_o where_o be_v it_o say_v or_o intimate_v that_o the_o congregation_n be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n must_v meet_v together_o and_o choose_v their_o pastor_n and_o then_o convey_v the_o ministerial_a power_n over_o themselves_o to_o they_o if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o church_n government_n at_o first_o be_v democratical_a the_o apostle_n have_v do_v the_o people_n a_o mighty_a injury_n for_o they_o have_v say_v no_o more_o of_o their_o power_n in_o the_o church_n than_o they_o have_v do_v of_o the_o pope_n it_o be_v true_a the_o brethren_n be_v present_a at_o the_o nomination_n of_o a_o new_a apostle_n 14._o but_o be_v not_o the_o woman_n so_o too_o and_o be_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n in_o their_o hand_n too_o suppose_v not_o do_v this_o prove_v that_o the_o church_n power_n be_v then_o democratical_a then_o the_o people_n make_v a_o apostle_n and_o give_v he_o his_o power_n which_o i_o do_v not_o think_v any_o man_n will_v say_v much_o less_o f._n paul_n as_o to_o the_o election_n of_o deacon_n it_o be_v no_o proper_o church_n power_n which_o they_o have_v but_o they_o be_v steward_n of_o the_o common_a stock_n and_o be_v there_o not_o then_o all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n the_o community_n shall_v be_v satisfy_v in_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o man_n 5._o when_o saint_n peter_n receive_v cornelius_n to_o the_o faith_n he_o give_v a_o account_n of_o it_o to_o all_o the_o church_n and_o what_o then_o must_v he_o therefore_o derive_v his_o power_n from_o it_o do_v not_o prince_n and_o governor_n give_v a_o account_n of_o their_o proceed_n for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o their_o subject_n mind_n but_o here_o be_v not_o all_o the_o church_n mention_v 3._o only_o those_o of_o the_o circumcision_n at_o jerusalem_n have_v a_o mind_n to_o understand_v the_o reason_n of_o his_o receive_v a_o gentile_a convert_n and_o what_o be_v this_o to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n but_o in_o the_o council_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o people_n do_v intervene_v and_o the_o letter_n be_v write_v in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o the_o three_o order_n apostle_n priest_n and_o faithful_a brethren_n i_o grant_v it_o but_o be_v it_o not_o express_o say_v that_o the_o question_n be_v send_v up_o from_o the_o church_n to_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n 2._o be_v it_o not_o say_v that_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n meet_v to_o debate_v it_o and_o that_o the_o multitude_n be_v silent_a 12._o be_v it_o not_o say_v that_o the_o decree_n be_v pass_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n without_o any_o mention_n of_o the_o people_n 4._o and_o here_o be_v the_o proper_a occasion_n to_o have_v declare_v their_o power_n but_o in_o the_o other_o place_n it_o signify_v no_o more_o than_o their_o general_a consent_n to_o the_o decree_n that_o be_v then_o make_v in_o success_n of_o time_n it_o be_v add_v when_o the_o church_n increase_v in_o number_n the_o faithful_a retire_n themselves_o to_o the_o affair_n of_o their_o family_n and_o have_v leave_v those_o of_o the_o congregation_n the_o government_n be_v retain_v only_o in_o the_o minister_n and_o so_o become_v aristocratical_a save_v the_o election_n which_o be_v popular_a which_o account_n be_v neither_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n nor_o to_o antiquity_n for_o be_v not_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n aristocratical_a in_o the_o apostle_n time_n how_o come_v it_o to_o be_v change_v from_o that_o to_o a_o democratical_a form_n do_v not_o the_o apostle_n appoint_v ruler_n in_o the_o several_a church_n and_o charge_v the_o people_n to_o obey_v they_o and_o be_v this_o a_o argument_n the_o power_n be_v then_o in_o the_o people_n it_o be_v not_o then_o the_o people_n withdraw_a of_o which_o there_o can_v be_v no_o evidence_n if_o there_o be_v so_o much_o evidence_n still_o leave_v for_o the_o people_n power_n in_o antiquity_n but_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n be_v aristocratical_a by_o the_o appointment_n of_o the_o apostle_n sect._n 25._o we_o therefore_o come_v now_o to_o consider_v the_o popular_a election_n as_o to_o which_o there_o be_v so_o fair_a a_o pretence_n from_o antiquity_n but_o yet_o not_o such_o as_o to_o fix_v any_o inherent_a or_o unalterable_a right_n in_o the_o people_n as_o i_o shall_v make_v appear_v by_o these_o follow_a observation_n 1._o that_o the_o main_a ground_n of_o the_o people_n interest_n be_v found_v upon_o the_o apostle_n canon_n 7._o that_o a_o bishop_n must_v be_v blameless_a and_o of_o good_a report_n 2._o that_o the_o people_n upon_o this_o assume_v the_o power_n of_o election_n cause_v great_a disturbance_n and_o disorder_n in_o the_o church_n 3._o that_o to_o prevent_v these_o many_o bishop_n be_v appoint_v without_o their_o choice_n and_o canon_n make_v for_o the_o better_a regulate_v of_o they_o 4._o that_o when_o there_o be_v christian_a magistrate_n they_o do_v interpose_v as_o they_o think_v fit_a notwithstanding_o the_o popular_a claim_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a consequence_n to_o the_o peace_n of_o church_n and_o state_n 5._o that_o upon_o the_o alteration_n of_o the_o government_n of_o christendom_n the_o interest_n of_o the_o people_n be_v secure_v by_o their_o consent_n in_o parliament_n and_o that_o by_o such_o consent_n the_o nomination_n of_o bishop_n be_v reserve_v to_o prince_n and_o the_o patronage_n of_o live_n to_o particular_a person_n 6._o that_o thing_n be_v thus_o settle_v by_o establish_a law_n there_o be_v no_o reasonable_a ground_n for_o the_o people_n resume_v the_o power_n of_o elect_v their_o own_o bishop_n and_o minister_n in_o opposition_n to_o these_o law_n if_o i_o can_v make_v good_a these_o observation_n i_o shall_v give_v a_o full_a answer_n to_o all_o the_o question_n propound_v concern_v the_o right_a and_o power_n of_o the_o people_n which_o my_o adversary_n build_v so_o much_o upon_o 1._o that_o the_o main_a ground_n of_o the_o people_n interest_n be_v found_v upon_o the_o apostle_n canon_n that_o a_o bishop_n must_v be_v blameless_a and_o of_o good_a report_n for_o so_o the_o greek_a scholiast_n argue_v from_o that_o place_n in_o timothy_n if_o a_o bishop_n ought_v to_o have_v a_o good_a report_n of_o they_o that_o be_v without_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d how_o much_o rather_o of_o the_o brethren_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d say_v
the_o bishop_n the_o reform_v the_o ecclesiastical_a court_n as_o to_o excommunication_n without_o prejudice_n to_o the_o excellent_a profession_n of_o the_o civil_a law_n the_o building_n of_o more_o church_n in_o great_a parish_n especial_o about_o the_o city_n of_o london_n the_o retrench_a plurality_n the_o strictness_n and_o solemnity_n of_o ordination_n the_o make_v a_o book_n of_o canon_n suitable_a to_o this_o age_n for_o the_o better_a regulate_v the_o conversation_n of_o the_o clergy_n such_o thing_n as_o these_o may_v facilitate_v our_o union_n and_o make_v our_o church_n in_o spite_n of_o all_o its_o enemy_n become_v a_o praise_n in_o the_o whole_a earth_n the_o zeal_n i_o have_v for_o the_o true_a protestant_a religion_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o this_o church_n and_o for_o a_o firm_a union_n among_o brethren_n have_v transport_v i_o beyond_o the_o bound_n of_o a_o preface_n which_o i_o do_v now_o conclude_v with_o my_o hearty_a prayer_n to_o almighty_a god_n that_o he_o who_o be_v the_o god_n of_o peace_n and_o the_o fountain_n of_o wisdom_n will_v so_o direct_v the_o counsel_n of_o those_o in_o authority_n and_o incline_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o people_n that_o we_o may_v neither_o run_v into_o a_o wilderness_n of_o confusion_n nor_o be_v drive_v into_o the_o abyss_n of_o popery_n but_o that_o the_o true_a religion_n be_v preserve_v among_o we_o we_o may_v with_o one_o heart_n and_o mind_n serve_v the_o only_a true_a god_n through_o his_o only_a son_n jesus_n christ_n the_o prince_n of_o peace_n and_o our_o alone_a advocate_n and_o mediator_n amen_n the_o content_n part_n i._n a_o historical_a account_n of_o the_o rise_n and_o progress_n of_o separation_n §_o 1._o no_o separation_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o reformation_n although_o there_o be_v then_o the_o same_o reason_n which_o be_v now_o plead_v the_o term_n of_o communion_n be_v the_o same_o which_o be_v require_v by_o the_o martyr_n in_o queen_n mary_n day_n §_o 3._o a_o true_a account_n of_o the_o trouble_n of_o francfurt_n mr._n b_n mistake_n about_o they_o §_o 4._o the_o first_o cause_n of_o the_o dislike_n of_o our_o ceremony_n §_o 5._o the_o reason_n of_o retain_v they_o at_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n §_o 6._o the_o tendency_n to_o separation_n check_v by_o beza_n and_o other_o reform_a divine_n abroad_o §_o 7._o the_o heat_n of_o the_o nonconformist_n give_v occasion_n to_o separation_n §_o 8._o their_o zele_n against_o it_o notwithstanding_o their_o represent_v the_o sinfulness_n and_o mischief_n of_o it_o §_o 9_o 10._o the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o controversy_n between_o the_o separatist_n and_o nonconformist_n §_o 11._o their_o answer_n to_o the_o separatist_n reason_n §_o 12._o the_o progress_n of_o separation_n the_o schism_n and_o division_n among_o the_o separatist_n the_o occasion_n of_o independency_n that_o make_v separation_n more_o inexcusable_a by_o own_v some_o of_o our_o church_n to_o be_v true_a church_n §_o 13._o the_o mischief_n which_o follow_v independency_n both_o abroad_o and_o §_o 14._o hither_o into_o england_n §_o 15._o the_o controversy_n state_v between_o the_o divine_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o the_o dissent_v brethren_n §_o 16._o the_o cause_n of_o the_o assembly_n give_v up_o by_o the_o present_a dissenter_n §_o 17._o the_o old_a nonconformist_n judgement_n of_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o man_n preach_v here_o when_o forbid_v by_o law_n full_o clear_v from_o some_o late_a objection_n part_n ii_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o present_a separation_n §_o 1._o the_o different_a principle_n of_o separation_n lay_v down_o the_o thing_n agree_v on_o with_o respect_n to_o our_o church_n §_o 2._o the_o largeness_n of_o parish_n a_o mere_a colour_n and_o pretence_n show_v from_o mr._n b_n own_o word_n §_o 3._o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a separation_n open_v §_o 4._o the_o principle_n of_o it_o as_o to_o the_o people_n of_o occasional_a communion_n how_o far_o own_a and_o of_o what_o force_n in_o this_o matter_n show_v from_o parallel_a case_n §_o 5._o the_o reason_n for_o this_o occasional_a communion_n examine_v §_o 6._o of_o the_o pretence_n of_o great_a edification_n in_o separate_a meeting_n never_o allow_v by_o the_o separatist_n or_o independent_o as_o a_o reason_n for_o separation_n no_o reason_n for_o this_o pretence_n she●ed_v from_o mr._n b_n word_n §_o 7._o the_o principle_n of_o separation_n as_o to_o the_o ministry_n of_o our_o church_n of_o join_v with_o our_o church_n as_o oratory_n §_o 8._o of_o the_o people_n judge_v of_o the_o worthiness_n and_o competency_n of_o their_o minister_n mr._n b_n character_n of_o the_o people_n the_o impertinency_n of_o this_o plea_n as_o to_o the_o london_n separation_n §_o 9_o the_o absurdity_n of_o allow_v this_o liberty_n to_o separate_v from_o mr._n b_n own_o word_n §_o 10._o the_o allowance_n be_v give_v for_o separation_n on_o the_o account_n of_o conformity_n what_o public_a worship_n may_v be_v forbid_v §_o 11._o the_o ministry_n of_o our_o church_n charge_v with_o usurpation_n in_o many_o case_n and_o separation_n allow_v on_o that_o account_n §_o 12._o of_o separation_n from_o ithacian_a prelatist_n §_o 13._o that_o the_o schism_n do_v not_o always_o lie_v on_o the_o imposer_n side_n where_o the_o term_n of_o communion_n be_v think_v sinful_a §_o 14._o the_o principle_n of_o the_o independent_a separation_n or_o of_o those_o who_o hold_v all_o communion_n with_o our_o church_n unlawful_a §_o 15._o the_o nature_n of_o separation_n state_v and_o explain_v §_o 16._o the_o charge_n of_o separation_n make_v good_a against_o those_o who_o hold_v occasional_a communion_n lawful_a §_o 17._o the_o obligation_n to_o constant_a communion_n where_o occasional_a communion_n be_v allow_v to_o be_v lawful_a at_o large_a prove_v §_o 18._o the_o objection_n from_o our_o saviour_n practice_n answer_v §_o 19_o the_o text_n phil._n 3._o 16._o clear_v from_o all_o objection_n §_o 20._o a_o new_a exposition_n of_o that_o text_n show_v to_o be_v impertinent_a §_o 21._o the_o charge_n of_o separation_n prove_v against_o those_o who_o hold_v all_o communion_n with_o we_o unlawful_a §_o 22_o 23._o the_o mischief_n bring_v upon_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o reformation_n by_o it_o the_o testimony_n of_o foreign_a protestant_a divine_n to_o that_o purpose_n §_o 24._o no_o possibility_n of_o union_n among_o the_o protestant_a church_n upon_o their_o ground_n which_o have_v be_v much_o wish_v for_o and_o desire_v by_o the_o best_a protestant_n §_o 25._o all_o the_o ancient_a schism_n justifiable_a on_o the_o same_o pretence_n §_o 26._o there_o can_v be_v no_o end_n of_o separation_n on_o the_o like_a ground_n mr._n a_n plea_n for_o schism_n at_o large_a consider_v §_o 27._o the_o obligation_n on_o christian_n to_o preserve_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n the_o case_n mention_v wherein_o separation_n be_v allow_v by_o the_o scripture_n in_o all_o other_o it_o be_v prove_v to_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n part_n iii_o of_o the_o plea_n for_o the_o present_a separation_n sect._n 1_o the_o plea_n for_o separation_n from_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o parochial_a church_n consider_v sect._n 2._o justice_n hobart_n testimony_n for_o congregational_a church_n answer_v sect._n 3_o no_o evidence_n in_o antiquity_n for_o independent_a congregation_n sect._n 4._o the_o church_n of_o carthage_n govern_v by_o episcopal_a power_n and_o not_o democratical_a in_o s._n cyprian_n time_n sect._n 5_o 6._o no_o evidence_n in_o scripture_n of_o more_o church_n than_o one_o in_o a_o city_n though_o there_o be_v of_o more_o congregation_n sect._n 7._o no_o rule_n in_o scripture_n to_o commit_v church-power_n to_o a_o single_a congregation_n but_o the_o general_n rule_v extend_v it_o further_o sect._n 8._o of_o diocesan_n episcopacy_n the_o question_n about_o it_o state_v but_o one_o bishop_n in_o a_o city_n in_o the_o best_a church_n though_o many_o assembly_n sect._n 9_o diocesan_n episcopacy_n clear_o prove_v in_o the_o african_a church_n the_o extent_n of_o s._n augustine_n diocese_n sect._n 10._o diocesan_n episcopacy_n of_o alexandria_n the_o largeness_n of_o theodoret_n diocese_n the_o testimony_n of_o his_o epistle_n clear_v from_o all_o mr._n b_n late_o objection_n sect._n 11._o diocese_n episcopacy_n not_o repugnant_a to_o any_o institution_n of_o christ_n prove_v from_o mr._n b._n himself_o sect._n 12._o the_o power_n of_o presbyter_n in_o our_o church_n sect._n 13._o the_o episcopal_a power_n succeed_v the_o apostolical_a prove_v from_o many_o testimony_n sect._n 14._o what_o power_n of_o discipline_n be_v leave_v to_o parochial_a church_n as_o to_o admission_n sect._n 15._o whether_o the_o power_n of_o suspension_n be_v no_o part_n of_o church_n discipline_n sect._n 16_o 17._o of_o the_o defect_n of_o discipline_n and_o whether_o it_o overthrow_v the_o be_v of_o our_o parochial_a church_n sect._n 18._o of_o national_a church_n and_o the_o ground_n on_o which_o they_o
christian_a magistrate_n be_v by_o any_o prophet_n either_o command_v to_o deal_v otherwise_o than_o by_o persuasion_n in_o public_a reformation_n when_o the_o magistrate_n neglect_v it_o or_o reprove_v for_o the_o contrary_n four_o to_o the_o instance_n of_o the_o apostle_n they_o answer_v two_o thing_n i._o that_o though_o they_o set_v up_o church-government_n without_o the_o magistrate_n leave_v yet_o not_o contrary_a to_o his_o like_n or_o when_o he_o oppose_v his_o authority_n direct_o and_o inhibit_v it_o they_o never_o erect_v the_o discipline_n when_o there_o be_v so_o direct_a a_o opposition_n make_v against_o it_o by_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n ii_o if_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v so_o then_o yet_o will_v it_o not_o follow_v that_o we_o may_v do_v so_o now_o for_o neither_o be_v the_o heathen_a magistrate_n altogether_o so_o much_o to_o be_v respect_v by_o the_o church_n as_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n be_v neither_o have_v our_o minister_n and_o people_n now_o so_o full_a and_o absolute_a a_o power_n to_o pull_v down_o and_o set_v up_o order_n in_o the_o church_n as_o the_o apostle_n those_o wise_a master-builder_n have_v five_o as_o to_o their_o minister_n preach_v being_n silence_v they_o declare_v 1._o so_o long_o as_o the_o bishop_n suspend_v 41._o and_o deprive_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n we_o account_v of_o the_o action_n herein_o as_o of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o church_n which_o we_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o reverence_n and_o yield_v unto_o if_o they_o do_v otherwise_o we_o have_v liberty_n give_v we_o by_o the_o law_n to_o appeal_v from_o they_o if_o it_o be_v say_v the_o church_n be_v not_o to_o be_v obey_v when_o it_o suspend_v and_o deprive_v we_o for_o such_o cause_n as_o we_o in_o our_o conscience_n know_v to_o be_v insufficient_a we_o answer_v that_o it_o lie_v on_o they_o to_o depose_v who_o may_v ordain_v and_o they_o may_v shut_v that_o may_v open_v and_o as_o he_o may_v with_o a_o good_a conscience_n execute_v a_o ministry_n by_o the_o ordination_n and_o call_v of_o the_o church_n who_o be_v privy_a to_o himself_o of_o some_o unfitness_n if_o the_o church_n will_v press_v he_o to_o it_o so_o may_v he_o who_o be_v privy_a to_o himself_o of_o no_o fault_n that_o deserve_v deprivation_n cease_v from_o the_o execution_n of_o his_o ministry_n when_o he_o be_v press_v thereunto_o by_o the_o church_n and_o if_o a_o guiltless_a person_n put_v out_o of_o his_o charge_n by_o the_o church_n authority_n may_v yet_o continue_v in_o it_o what_o proceed_n can_v there_o be_v against_o guilty_a person_n who_o in_o their_o own_o conceit_n be_v always_o guiltless_a or_o will_v at_o least_o pretend_v so_o to_o be_v see_v they_o will_v be_v ready_a always_o to_o object_n against_o the_o church_n judgement_n that_o they_o be_v call_v of_o god_n and_o may_v not_o therefore_o give_v over_o the_o execution_n of_o their_o ministry_n at_o the_o will_n of_o bishop_n quaere_fw-la 2._o that_o the_o case_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v very_o different_a from_o they_o in_o three_o respect_n first_o they_o that_o inhibit_v the_o apostle_n be_v know_v and_o profess_a enemy_n to_o the_o gospel_n second_o the_o apostle_n be_v charge_v not_o to_o teach_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n nor_o to_o publish_v any_o part_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o commandment_n may_v more_o hardly_o be_v yield_v unto_o than_o this_o of_o our_o bishop_n who_o though_o they_o can_v endure_v they_o which_o teach_v that_o part_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o concern_v the_o good_a government_n and_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o be_v they_o not_o only_o content_a that_o the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v preach_v but_o be_v also_o preacher_n of_o it_o themselves_o three_o the_o apostle_n receive_v not_o their_o call_v and_o authority_n from_o man_n nor_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n but_o immediate_o from_o god_n himself_o and_o therefore_o also_o may_v not_o be_v restrain_v or_o depose_v by_o man_n whereas_o we_o though_o we_o exercise_v a_o function_n whereof_o god_n be_v the_o author_n and_o we_o be_v also_o call_v of_o god_n to_o it_o yet_o be_v we_o call_v and_o ordain_v by_o the_o hand_n and_o ministry_n of_o man_n and_o may_v therefore_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o man_n be_v also_o depose_v and_o restrain_v from_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o ministry_n to_o this_o 22._o which_o i_o have_v refer_v mr._n b._n to_o he_o give_v this_o answer_n if_o mr._n rathband_n have_v deny_v this_o it_o have_v be_v no_o proof_n do_v i_o ever_o mention_v mr._n rathband_n testimony_n as_o a_o sufficient_a proof_n my_o word_n be_v that_o i_o be_v certain_a their_o practice_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o all_o the_o nonconformist_n as_o you_o may_v see_v in_o the_o book_n publish_v in_o their_o name_n by_o mr._n rathband_n can_v any_o thing_n be_v plain_a than_o that_o the_o book_n be_v write_v by_o the_o nonconformist_n and_o that_o mr._n rathband_n be_v only_o the_o publisher_n of_o it_o this_o way_n of_o answer_v be_v just_a as_o if_o one_o shall_v quote_v a_o passage_n out_o of_o curcellaeus_n his_o greek_a testament_n and_o another_o shall_v reply_v if_o curcellaeus_n say_v so_o it_o have_v be_v no_o proof_n can_v mr._n b._n satisfy_v his_o mind_n with_o such_o answer_n when_o fr._n johnson_n say_v 89._o that_o our_o minister_n ought_v not_o to_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v silence_v and_o depose_v from_o their_o public_a ministry_n no_o not_o by_o lawful_a magistrate_n mr._n bradshaw_n answer_v this_o assertion_n be_v false_a and_o seditious_a and_o when_o johnson_n say_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o make_v their_o immediate_a call_v from_o god_n the_o ground_n of_o their_o refusal_n but_o this_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o obey_v god_n rather_o than_o man_n which_o be_v a_o duty_n require_v of_o all_o minister_n and_o christian_n bradshaw_n a_o person_n former_o in_o great_a esteem_n with_o mr._n baxter_n and_o high_o commend_v by_o the_o author_n of_o the_o vindication_n of_o his_o dispute_n with_o johnson_n give_v this_o answer_n 1._o though_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o assign_v their_o immediate_a call_v from_o god_n as_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o refusal_n in_o so_o many_o letter_n and_o syllable_n yet_o that_o which_o they_o do_v assign_v be_v by_o implication_n and_o in_o effect_n the_o same_o with_o it_o for_o it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o if_o they_o have_v say_v god_n himself_o have_v impose_v this_o call_v upon_o we_o and_o not_o man_n and_o therefore_o except_o we_o shall_v rather_o obey_v man_n than_o god_n we_o may_v not_o forbear_v this_o office_n which_o he_o have_v impose_v upon_o we_o for_o oppose_v the_o obedience_n of_o god_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o man_n they_o therein_o plead_v a_o call_v from_o god_n and_o not_o from_o man_n otherwise_o if_o they_o have_v receive_v a_o call_v from_o man_n there_o have_v be_v incongruity_n in_o the_o answer_n consider_v that_o in_o common_a sense_n and_o reason_n they_o ought_v so_o far_o forth_o to_o obey_v man_n forbid_v they_o to_o exercise_v a_o call_v as_o they_o exercise_v the_o same_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o call_v else_o by_o this_o reason_n a_o minister_n shall_v not_o cease_v to_o preach_v upon_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o church_n that_o have_v choose_v he_o but_o shall_v be_v bind_v to_o give_v they_o also_o the_o same_o answer_n which_o the_o apostle_n give_v which_o be_v absurd_a so_o that_o by_o this_o gross_a conceit_n of_o mr._n johnson_n there_o shall_v be_v no_o power_n in_o any_o sort_n of_o man_n whosoever_o to_o depose_v a_o minister_n from_o his_o ministry_n but_o that_o nowithstand_v any_o commandment_n of_o church_n or_o state_n the_o minister_n be_v to_o continue_v in_o his_o ministry_n 2._o for_o the_o further_a answer_n of_o this_o his_o ignorant_a conceit_n plain_o tend_v to_o sedition_n we_o be_v to_o know_v that_o though_o the_o apostle_n prophet_n and_o evangelist_n preach_v public_o where_o they_o be_v not_o hinder_v by_o open_a violence_n and_o do_v not_o nor_o may_v not_o leave_v their_o ministry_n upon_o any_o human_a authority_n or_o commandment_n whatsoever_o because_o they_o do_v not_o enter_v into_o or_o exercise_v the_o same_o upon_o the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o any_o man_n whatsoever_o yet_o they_o never_o erect_v and_o plant_v public_a church_n and_o ministery_n in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o magistrate_n whether_o they_o will_v or_o no_o or_o in_o despite_n of_o they_o but_o such_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o magistrate_n be_v as_o private_a and_o invisible_a as_o may_v be_v 3._o neither_o be_v some_o of_o the_o apostle_n only_o forbid_v so_o as_o other_o shall_v be_v suffer_v to_o preach_v the_o same_o gospel_n in_o their_o place_n but_o the_o utter_a abolish_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v manifest_o
common●ties_n and_o bond_n on_o the_o account_n of_o their_o great_a attainment_n nor_o to_o separate_a from_o other_o as_o mean_a and_o low_a christian_n because_o they_o be_v not_o come_v up_o to_o that_o perfection_n which_o you_o have_v attain_v to_o and_o so_o either_o way_n it_o contain_v a_o excellent_a rule_n and_o of_o admirable_a use_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n not_o only_o at_o that_o time_n but_o in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n viz._n that_o those_o who_o can_v be_v full_o satisfy_v in_o all_o thing_n shall_v go_v as_o far_o as_o they_o can_v towards_o preserve_a peace_n and_o communion_n among_o christian_n and_o not_o peevish_o separate_v and_o divide_v the_o church_n because_o they_o can_v in_o all_o thing_n think_v as_o other_o do_v nor_o other_o on_o the_o account_n of_o great_a sanctity_n and_o perfection_n despise_v the_o inferior_a sort_n of_o christian_n and_o forsake_v their_o communion_n but_o they_o ought_v all_o to_o do_v what_o lie_v possible_o in_o they_o to_o preserve_v the_o bond_n of_o peace_n and_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n three_o how_o far_o this_o rule_n have_v a_o influence_n on_o our_o case_n 1._o it_o follow_v from_o hence_o that_o as_o far_o as_o communion_n be_v lawful_a it_o be_v a_o duty_n since_o as_o far_o as_o they_o have_v attain_v they_o be_v to_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n and_o so_o much_o dr._n o._n do_v not_o deny_v when_o he_o say_v those_o who_o be_v agree_v in_o the_o substantial_o of_o religion_n or_o in_o the_o principle_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n shall_v walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n and_o mind_n the_o same_o thing_n forbear_v one_o another_o in_o the_o the_o thing_n wherein_o they_o differ_v then_o as_o far_o as_o they_o agree_v they_o be_v bind_v to_o join_v together_o whether_o it_o be_v as_o to_o opinion_n or_o communion_n because_o the_o obligation_n to_o peace_n and_o unity_n must_v especial_o reach_v to_o act_n of_o christian_a communion_n as_o far_o as_o that_o be_v judge_v to_o be_v lawful_a 2._o that_o the_o best_a christian_n be_v bind_v to_o unite_v with_o other_o though_o of_o low_a attainment_n and_o to_o keep_v within_o the_o same_o rule_n which_o be_v a_o general_a expression_n relate_v to_o the_o bound_n of_o a_o race_n and_o so_o take_v in_o all_o such_o order_n which_o be_v lawful_a and_o judge_v necessary_a to_o hold_v the_o member_n of_o a_o christian_a society_n together_o 26._o but_o say_v dr._n o._n let_v the_o apostle_n rule_v be_v produce_v with_o any_o probability_n of_o proof_n to_o be_v his_o and_o they_o be_v all_o ready_a to_o subscribe_v and_o conform_v unto_o it_o this_o be_v the_o apostle_n rule_n to_o go_v as_o far_o as_o they_o can_v and_o if_o they_o can_v go_v no_o far_o to_o sit_v down_o quiet_o and_o wait_v for_o far_a instruction_n and_o not_o to_o break_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o present_a dissatisfaction_n nor_o to_o gather_v new_a church_n out_o of_o other_o upon_o supposition_n of_o high_a attainment_n if_o the_o rule_n reach_v our_o case_n 27._o say_v he_o again_o it_o must_v be_v such_o as_o require_v thing_n to_o be_v observe_v as_o be_v never_o divine_o appoint_v as_o national_a church_n ceremony_n and_o mode_n of_o worship_n and_o so_o this_o rule_n do_v in_o order_n to_o peace_n require_v the_o observation_n of_o such_o thing_n which_o although_o they_o be_v not_o particular_o appoint_v by_o god_n yet_o be_v enjoin_v by_o lawful_a authority_n provide_v they_o be_v not_o unlawful_a in_o themselves_o nor_o repugnant_a to_o the_o world_n of_o god_n but_o the_o apostle_n never_o give_v any_o such_o rule_n themselves_o 28_o about_o outward_a modes_n of_o worship_n with_o ceremony_n feast_n fast_n liturgy_n etc._n etc._n what_o then_o it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o they_o give_v this_o general_a rule_n that_o all_o lawful_a thing_n be_v to_o be_v do_v for_o the_o church_n peace_n and_o without_o this_o no_o unity_n or_o order_n can_v be_v preserve_v in_o church_n the_o apostle_n say_v he_o give_v rule_n inconsistent_a with_o any_o determine_a rule_n 31._o viz._n of_o mutual_a forbearance_n rome_n 14._o and_o herein_o the_o apostle_n act_v not_o upon_o mere_a rule_n of_o prudence_n but_o as_o a_o teacher_n divine_o inspire_v that_o he_o be_v divine_o inspire_v i_o do_v not_o question_v but_o even_o such_o a_o one_o may_v determine_v a_o case_n upon_o present_a circumstance_n which_o resolution_n may_v not_o always_o bind_v when_o the_o circumstance_n be_v change_v for_o then_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o apostle_n must_v be_v that_o whatever_o difference_n happen_v among_o christian_n there_o must_v be_v no_o determination_n either_o way_n but_o the_o direct_a contrary_n to_o this_o we_o find_v in_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o apostle_n at_o jerusalem_n upon_o the_o difference_n that_o happen_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n 28._o and_o although_o there_o be_v a_o very_a plausible_a pretence_n of_o the_o obligation_n of_o conscience_n one_o way_n yet_o the_o apostle_n make_v a_o determination_n in_o the_o case_n contrary_a to_o their_o judgement_n which_o show_v that_o the_o rule_n of_o forbearance_n where_o conscience_n be_v allege_v both_o way_n be_v no_o stand_a rule_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n but_o that_o the_o governor_n of_o it_o from_o parity_n of_o reason_n may_v determine_v those_o thing_n which_o they_o judge_v to_o conduce_v most_o to_o the_o peace_n and_o welfare_n of_o that_o church_n which_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o preserve_v and_o from_o hence_o it_o appear_v how_o little_a reason_n there_o be_v for_o dr._n oh_o insinuation_n as_o though_o the_o false_a apostle_n be_v the_o only_a imposer_n whereas_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o the_o true_a apostle_n make_v this_o peremptory_a decree_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o great_a consequence_n and_o against_o the_o pretence_n of_o conscience_n on_o the_o other_o side_n but_o say_v dr._n o._n further_o 8._o the_o jewish_a christian_n be_v leave_v to_o their_o own_o liberty_n provide_v they_o do_v not_o impose_v on_o other_o and_o the_o dissenter_n at_o this_o day_n desire_v no_o more_o than_o the_o gentile_a church_n do_v viz._n not_o to_o be_v impose_v upon_o to_o observe_v those_o thing_n which_o they_o be_v not_o satisfy_v it_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n shall_v be_v impose_v upon_o they_o i_o answer_v 1._o it_o be_v agree_v by_o all_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n that_o the_o jewish_a christian_n shall_v be_v leave_v to_o their_o own_o liberty_n out_o of_o respect_n to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o out_o of_o regard_n to_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o may_v have_v be_v extreme_o hazard_v if_o the_o apostle_n have_v present_o set_v themselves_o against_o the_o observe_v the_o jewish_a custom_n among_o the_o jew_n themselves_o 2._o the_o false_a apostle_n impose_v on_o the_o gentile_a christian_n have_v two_o circumstance_n in_o it_o which_o extreme_o alter_v their_o case_n from_o that_o of_o our_o present_a dissenter_n for_o 1._o they_o be_v none_o of_o their_o lawful_a governor_n but_o go_v about_o as_o seducer_n draw_v away_o the_o disciple_n of_o the_o apostle_n from_o they_o 2._o they_o impose_v the_o jewish_a rite_n as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o not_o as_o mere_o indifferent_a thing_n and_o therefore_o the_o case_n of_o our_o dissenter_n be_v very_o different_a from_o that_o of_o the_o gentile_a christian_n as_o to_o the_o imposition_n of_o the_o false_a apostle_n thus_o i_o have_v consider_v every_o thing_n material_a in_o dr._n o._n which_o seem_v to_o take_v off_o the_o force_n of_o the_o argument_n draw_v from_o this_o text._n the_o author_n of_o the_o letter_n say_v 1._o that_o i_o ought_v to_o have_v prove_v 24._o that_o the_o apostle_n mean_v some_o rule_n superad_v to_o the_o scripture_n and_o 2._o that_o other_o church-guide_n have_v the_o same_o power_n as_o the_o apostle_n have_v but_o what_o need_v all_o this_o if_o it_o appear_v 1_o that_o the_o apostle_n do_v give_v bind_v rule_n to_o particular_a church_n which_o be_v not_o extant_a in_o scripture_n as_o appear_v by_o 1_o cor._n 7._o 17._o so_o that_o either_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o imperfect_a rule_n for_o omit_v some_o divine_a rule_n or_o else_o these_o be_v only_a prudential_n rule_v of_o order_n and_o government_n 2._o that_o it_o be_v a_o stand_a rule_n of_o scripture_n that_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o do_v all_o lawful_a thing_n for_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o this_o i_o have_v show_v be_v the_o apostle_n design_n in_o the_o word_n of_o this_o text._n sect._n 20._o other_o pretend_v that_o the_o apostle_n mean_v no_o more_o by_o these_o word_n but_o that_o christian_n must_v live_v up_o to_o their_o knowledge_n and_o mind_n that_o one_o thing_n this_o be_v a_o very_a new_a exposition_n and_o the_o author_n of_o it_o intend_v
ceremony_n of_o the_o law_n as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o to_o propagate_v this_o opinion_n of_o they_o they_o go_v up_o and_o down_o and_o endeavour_v to_o draw_v away_o the_o apostle_n disciple_n and_o to_o set_v up_o separate_a church_n among_o the_o christian_n and_o to_o allow_v none_o to_o partake_v with_o they_o that_o do_v not_o own_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o jewish_a ceremomony_n to_o salvation_n now_o although_o st._n paul_n himself_o comply_v sometime_o with_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o and_o the_o jewish_a christian_n especial_o in_o judaea_n general_o observe_v they_o yet_o when_o these_o false_a apostle_n come_v to_o enforce_v the_o observation_n of_o they_o as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n than_o he_o bid_v the_o christian_n at_o philippi_n to_o beware_v of_o they_o 3_o i._n e._n to_o fly_v their_o communion_n and_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o they_o these_o be_v all_o the_o case_n i_o can_v find_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n wherein_o separation_n from_o public_a communion_n be_v allow_v but_o there_o be_v two_o other_o wherein_o s._n paul_n give_v particular_a direction_n but_o such_o as_o do_v not_o amount_v to_o separation_n 1._o the_o different_a opinion_n they_o have_v about_o meat_n and_o drink_n 2_o some_o be_v for_o a_o pythagorean_n abstinence_n from_o all_o flesh_n some_o for_o a_o jewish_a abstinence_n from_o some_o certain_a sort_n other_o for_o a_o full_a christian_a liberty_n now_o this_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o diet_n and_o relate_v to_o their_o own_o family_n the_o apostle_n advise_v they_o not_o to_o censure_v or_o judge_v one_o another_o but_o notwithstanding_o this_o difference_n to_o join_v together_o as_o christian_n in_o the_o duty_n common_a to_o they_o all_o for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n do_v not_o lie_v in_o meat_n and_o drink_n 〈…〉_z i_o e._n let_v every_o one_o order_n his_o family_n as_o he_o think_v fit_a but_o that_o require_v innocency_n and_o a_o care_n not_o to_o give_v disturbance_n to_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n for_o these_o matter_n which_o he_o call_v peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v provoke_v and_o grieve_v by_o the_o dissension_n of_o christian_n and_o he_o say_v he_o that_o in_o these_o thing_n serve_v christ_n 18_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o approve_v of_o men._n let_v we_o therefore_o follow_v after_o the_o thing_n that_o make_v for_o peace_n 19_o and_o thing_n wherewith_o we_o may_v edify_v one_o another_o in_o such_o case_n then_o the_o apostle_n allow_v no_o separation_n from_o the_o public_a communion_n of_o christian_n it_o be_v the_o same_o case_n as_o to_o the_o observation_n of_o day_n then_o for_o some_o christian_n go_v then_o on_o jewish_a holiday_n to_o the_o synagogue_n other_o do_v not_o but_o for_o such_o thing_n they_o ought_v not_o to_o divide_v from_o each_o other_o communion_n in_o the_o common_a act_n of_o christian_a worship_n and_o the_o design_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o to_o lay_v down_o a_o stand_a rule_n of_o mutual_a forbearance_n as_o to_o different_a communion_n but_o to_o show_v that_o such_o difference_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v a_o occasion_n of_o break_v communion_n among_o christian_n and_o so_o the_o apostle_n discourse_n rom._n 14._o hold_v strong_o against_o separation_n on_o these_o and_o the_o like_a account_n 2._o the_o corrupt_a life_n of_o many_o who_o be_v not_o under_o church_n censure_n when_o st._n paul_n tax_v so_o many_o corruption_n in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n no_o wonder_n if_o some_o of_o they_o put_v the_o case_n to_o they_o what_o they_o shall_v do_v in_o case_n they_o know_v some_o member_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v man_n of_o bad_a life_n although_o the_o offence_n be_v not_o scandalous_a by_o be_v public_o know_v must_v they_o abstain_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n for_o these_o 11._o to_o this_o st._n paul_n answer_v that_o every_o private_a christian_n ought_v to_o forbear_v all_o familiar_a conversation_n with_o such_o if_o any_o one_o that_o be_v a_o brother_n be_v a_o fornicator_n etc._n etc._n with_o such_o a_o one_o no_o not_o to_o eat_v which_o be_v all_o the_o apostle_n require_v of_o private_a christian_n but_o if_o the_o scandal_n be_v public_a as_o that_o of_o the_o incestuous_a persou_fw-mi the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o vindicate_v its_o own_o honour_n by_o cast_v such_o out_o not_o as_o though_o the_o church_n communion_n be_v defile_v 13_o if_o they_o continue_v in_o but_o the_o reputation_n and_o honour_n of_o the_o church_n suffer_v by_o it_o the_o preservation_n whereof_o be_v the_o true_a cause_n of_o the_o church_n discipline_n but_o the_o apostle_n give_v not_o the_o least_o countenance_n to_o private_a man_n withdraw_a from_o the_o church_n communion_n though_o such_o person_n still_o continue_v in_o it_o for_o there_o may_v be_v many_o reason_n to_o break_v off_o private_a familiarity_n which_o will_v not_o hold_v as_o to_o public_a communion_n for_o our_o communion_n in_o public_a be_v a_o thing_n which_o chief_o respect_v god_n and_o a_o necessary_a duty_n of_o his_o own_o appoint_v the_o benefit_n whereof_o depend_v upon_o his_o promise_n and_o all_o the_o communion_n they_o have_v with_o other_o man_n be_v only_o join_v together_o for_o the_o performance_n of_o a_o common_a religious_a duty_n but_o private_a familiarity_n be_v a_o thing_n which_o whole_o respect_v the_o person_n converse_v with_o and_o a_o thing_n of_o mere_a choice_n and_o hardly_o to_o be_v imagine_v without_o approbation_n at_o jest_n if_o not_o imitation_n of_o their_o wickedness_n and_o therefore_o to_o argue_v from_o one_o to_o the_o other_o be_v very_o unreasonable_a the_o matter_n of_o separation_n be_v th●s_v state_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n there_o can_v be_v no_o way_n le●t_v to_o justify_v the_o separation_n from_o our_o church_n but_o to_o prove_v either_o that_o our_o worship_n be_v idolatrous_a or_o that_o our_o doctrine_n be_v false_a or_o that_o our_o ceremony_n be_v make_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n which_o be_v all_o so_o remote_a from_o any_o colour_n of_o truth_n that_o none_o of_o my_o adversary_n have_v yet_o have_v the_o hardiness_n to_o undertake_v it_o but_o however_o what_o plea_n they_o do_v bring_v to_o justify_v this_o separation_n must_v in_o the_o next_o place_n be_v examine_v part_n iii_o the_o plea_n for_o separation_n examine_v sect._n 1_o all_o the_o considerable_a plea_n at_o this_o time_n make_v use_v of_o for_o separation_n may_v be_v reduce_v to_o these_o head_n 1._o such_o as_o relate_v to_o the_o constitution_n of_o our_o church_n 2._o to_o the_o term_n of_o communion_n with_o it_o 3._o to_o the_o conscience_n of_o dissenter_n 4._o to_o the_o parity_n of_o reason_n as_o to_o our_o separation_n from_o rome_n 1._o such_o as_o relate_v to_o the_o constitution_n of_o our_o church_n which_o be_v these_o 1._o that_o our_o parochial_a church_n be_v not_o of_o christ_n institution_n 2._o that_o our_o diocesan_n church_n be_v unlawful_a 3._o that_o our_o national_a church_n have_v no_o foundation_n 4._o that_o the_o people_n be_v deprive_v of_o their_o right_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o their_o pastor_n 1._o i_o begin_v with_o our_o parochial_a church_n because_o it_o be_v separation_n from_o these_o with_o which_o we_o principal_o charge_v our_o adversary_n for_o herein_o they_o most_o discover_v their_o principle_n of_o separation_n since_o in_o former_a time_n the_o nonconformist_n thought_n it_o their_o duty_n to_o keep_v up_o communion_n with_o they_o but_o since_o the_o congregational_a way_n have_v prevail_v in_o england_n the_o present_a dissenter_n be_v general_o fall_v into_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o whatever_o their_o principle_n be_v at_o least_o so_o far_o as_o concern_v forsake_v communion_n with_o our_o parochial_a church_n and_o join_v together_o in_o separate_a congregation_n for_o divine_a worship_n this_o principle_n be_v therefore_o the_o first_o thing_n to_o be_v examine_v and_o the_o main_a foundation_n of_o that_o way_n i_o say_v be_v that_o communion_n in_o ordinance_n must_v be_v only_o in_o such_o church_n as_o christ_n himself_o institute_v by_o unalterable_a rule_n which_o be_v only_o particular_a and_o congregational_a church_n concern_v which_o i_o lay_v down_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o suppose_v congregational_a church_n to_o be_v of_o christ_n institution_n this_o be_v no_o reason_n for_o separation_n from_o our_o parochial_a church_n which_o have_v all_o the_o essential_o of_o such_o true_a church_n in_o they_o 2._o that_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o institution_n of_o church_n be_v limit_v to_o particular_a congregation_n in_o answer_n to_o this_o dr._n o._n say_v these_o thing_n 1._o that_o they_o do_v not_o deny_v at_o least_o some_o of_o our_o parochial_a church_n to_o be_v true_a church_n but_o why_o then_o do_v they_o deny_v communion_n with_o they_o but_o he_o say_v
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 authority_n to_o this_o dr._n o._n answer_n in_o four_o particular_n 1._o that_o a_o account_n may_v ever_o long_o be_v give_v of_o the_o insensible_a deviation_n of_o the_o first_o church_n after_o the_o decease_n of_o the_o apostle_n from_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o first_o institution_n which_o although_o at_o first_o it_o begin_v in_o matter_n of_o small_a moment_n yet_o still_o they_o increase_v until_o they_o issue_v in_o a_o fatal_a apostasy_n or_o as_o he_o after_o express_v it_o leave_v their_o infant_n state_n by_o degree_n they_o at_o last_o bring_v forth_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n but_o i_o do_v not_o understand_v how_o this_o at_o all_o answer_v the_o former_a paragraph_n of_o my_o sermon_n concern_v the_o first_o institution_n of_o church_n but_o be_v i_o suppose_v intend_v for_o a_o reason_n why_o he_o do_v not_o afterward_o answer_v to_o the_o evidence_n out_o of_o antiquity_n i_o shall_v not_o only_o so_o far_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o as_o to_o let_v he_o know_v that_o when_o that_o be_v do_v i_o do_v not_o question_v but_o the_o primitive_a church_n will_v find_v sufficient_a advocate_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n but_o i_o desire_v that_o undertaker_n to_o consider_v what_o a_o blot_n and_o dishonour_v it_o will_v be_v to_o christian_a religion_n if_o the_o primitive_a church_n can_v not_o hold_v to_o their_o first_o institution_n not_o for_o one_o age_n after_o the_o apostle_n i_o know_v what_o abominable_a heresy_n there_o be_v soon_o after_o if_o not_o in_o the_o apostle_n day_n but_o the_o question_n be_v not_o concern_v these_o but_o the_o pure_a and_o best_a church_n and_o about_o they_o not_o whether_o some_o trifle_a controversy_n may_v not_o arise_v and_o humane_a infirmity_n be_v discover_v but_o whether_o they_o do_v deviate_v from_o the_o plain_a institution_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o unalterable_a rule_n of_o government_n which_o he_o have_v fix_v in_o his_o church_n this_o seem_v utter_o incredible_a to_o i_o upon_o this_o consideration_n among_o many_o other_o that_o government_n be_v so_o nice_a and_o tender_a a_o thing_n that_o every_o one_o be_v so_o much_o concern_v for_o his_o share_n in_o it_o that_o man_n be_v not_o easy_o induce_v to_o part_v with_o it_o let_v we_o suppose_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n to_o have_v be_v democratical_a at_o first_o as_o dr._n o._n seem_v to_o do_v be_v it_o probable_a that_o the_o people_n will_v have_v be_v wheadle_v out_o of_o the_o sweetness_n of_o government_n so_o soon_o and_o make_v no_o noise_n about_o it_o yea_o dr._n o._n tell_v we_o that_o in_o cyprian_n time_n it_o continue_v at_o carthage_n 41._o and_o other_o say_v a_o great_a deal_n long_o there_o be_v then_o no_o such_o change_n as_o to_o this_o part_n of_o the_o government_n so_o soon_o after_o and_o why_o shall_v we_o imagine_v it_o otherwise_o as_o to_o extent_n of_o power_n and_o jurisdiction_n suppose_v christ_n have_v limit_v the_o power_n of_o a_o church_n to_o one_o congregation_n 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 church_n there_o as_o have_v be_v form_v within_o these_o last_o 50_o year_n at_o plymouth_n boston_n hereford_n newhaven_n etc._n etc._n and_o have_v invest_v every_o congregation_n with_o the_o full_a power_n of_o the_o key_n the_o execution_n whereof_o they_o have_v entrust_v with_o the_o several_a eldership_n within_o their_o own_o congregation_n but_o so_o as_o not_o to_o have_v any_o power_n or_o authority_n over_o the_o elder_n or_o member_n of_o any_o other_o congregation_n let_v we_o then_o suppose_v that_o after_o the_o decease_n of_o the_o apostle_n these_o church_n gradual_o decline_v so_o far_o that_o in_o this_o age_n mr._n cotton_n at_o boston_n shall_v take_v upon_o he_o the_o whole_a power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o appoint_v pastor_n over_o other_o congregation_n and_o keep_v a_o great_a number_n of_o elder_n under_o he_o and_o challenge_v the_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n over_o the_o whole_a colony_n of_o massachuset_n of_o which_o boston_n be_v the_o chief_a town_n and_o so_o three_o other_o do_v the_o same_o at_o the_o chief_a place_n of_o the_o other_o colony_n will_v not_o this_o be_v a_o wonderful_a alteration_n of_o the_o church_n government_n and_o be_v it_o possible_a to_o conceive_v such_o a_o change_n shall_v be_v bring_v about_o insensible_o without_o any_o complaint_n of_o the_o subordinate_a elder_n or_o the_o member_n of_o the_o congregation_n who_o be_v rob_v of_o their_o inherent_a right_n by_o a_o institution_n of_o christ_n and_o so_o late_a a_o establishment_n by_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n may_v be_v insensible_o change_v by_o continue_v the_o name_n and_o alter_a opinion_n through_o the_o carelessness_n and_o unskilfulness_n of_o people_n but_o in_o matter_n of_o government_n the_o mean_a people_n be_v sensible_a and_o look_v big_a with_o a_o opinion_n of_o it_o if_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o conceivable_a in_o this_o case_n the_o government_n shall_v be_v thus_o change_v from_o the_o institution_n 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
and_o council_n of_o old_a time_n do_v usual_o style_v bishop_n the_o successor_n of_o the_o apostle_n without_o ever_o scruple_v thereat_o many_o other_o passage_n may_v be_v produce_v out_o of_o those_o excellent_a paper_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n but_o these_o be_v sufficient_a to_o discover_v that_o our_o bishop_n be_v look_v on_o as_o successor_n to_o the_o apostle_n and_o therefore_o mr._n baxter_n have_v no_o reason_n to_o call_v our_o episcopacy_n a_o new_a devise_v species_n of_o church_n and_o such_o as_o destroy_v the_o be_v of_o parochial_a church_n sect._n 14._o 3._o it_o now_o remain_v that_o we_o consider_v whether_o the_o restraint_n of_o discipline_n in_o our_o parochial_a church_n do_v overthrow_v their_o constitution_n to_o make_v this_o clear_a we_o must_v understand_v that_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n either_o respect_v the_o admission_n of_o church-member_n to_o the_o holy_a communion_n or_o the_o cast_n of_o they_o out_o for_o scandal_n afterward_o 1._o as_o to_o that_o part_n of_o discipline_n which_o respect_v the_o admission_n of_o church-member_n the_o rubric_n after_o confirmation_n say_v that_o none_o shall_v be_v admit_v to_o the_o holy_a communion_n until_o such_o time_n as_o he_o be_v confirm_v or_o be_v ready_a and_o desirous_a to_o be_v confirm_v now_o to_o capacitate_v a_o person_n for_o confirmation_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o necessary_a point_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o practice_n as_o they_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o creed_n the_o lord_n prayer_n the_o ten_o commandment_n and_o the_o church_n catechism_n and_o of_o his_o sufficiency_n herein_o the_o parochial_a minister_n be_v the_o judge_n for_o he_o be_v either_o to_o bring_v or_o send_v in_o writing_n with_o his_o hand_n subscribe_v thereunto_o the_o name_n of_o all_o such_o person_n within_o his_o parish_n as_o he_o shall_v think_v fit_a to_o be_v present_v to_o the_o bishop_n to_o be_v confirm_v now_o if_o this_o be_v strict_o observe_v and_o the_o church_n be_v not_o responsible_a for_o man_n neglect_n be_v it_o not_o sufficient_a for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o man_n as_o to_o the_o admission_n of_o church-member_n to_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o i_o do_v not_o see_v but_o the_o objection_n make_v against_o the_o discipline_n of_o this_o church_n may_v be_v remove_v if_o the_o thing_n allow_v and_o require_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o it_o be_v due_o practise_v and_o may_v attain_v to_o as_o great_a purity_n as_o be_v ever_o pretend_a to_o by_o the_o separate_a congregation_n who_o now_o find_v so_o much_o fault_n for_o our_o want_n of_o discipline_n for_o even_o the_o church_n of_o new-england_n do_v grant_v 1662._o that_o the_o infant_n seed_n of_o confederate_a visible_a believer_n be_v member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n with_o their_o parent_n and_o when_o grow_v up_o be_v personal_o under_o the_o watch_n discipline_n and_o government_n of_o that_o church_n and_o that_o infant_n baptize_v have_v a_o right_n to_o further_a privilege_n if_o they_o appear_v qualify_v for_o they_o and_o the_o main_a of_o these_o qualification_n be_v understand_v the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o public_o profess_v their_o assent_n thereto_o not_o scandalous_a in_o life_n and_o solemn_o own_v the_o covenant_n before_o the_o church_n take_v this_o for_o the_o baptismal_a covenant_n and_o not_o their_o church_n covenant_n our_o church_n own_v the_o same_o thing_n only_o it_o be_v to_o be_v do_v before_o the_o bishop_n instead_o of_o their_o congregation_n but_o the_o minister_n be_v to_o be_v judge_n of_o the_o qualification_n 20._o which_o mr._n baxter_n himself_o allow_v in_o this_o case_n who_o grant_v the_o profession_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v a_o condition_n of_o right_n before_o the_o church_n and_o then_o add_v that_o such_o profession_n be_v to_o be_v try_v 52._o judge_v and_o approve_v by_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n to_o who_o office_n it_o belong_v because_o to_o minister_n as_o such_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v commit_v and_o they_o be_v the_o steward_n of_o god_n house_n etc._n etc._n which_o he_o there_o prove_v at_o large_a by_o many_o argument_n 155._o but_o he_o complain_v of_o the_o old_a careless_a practice_n of_o this_o excellent_a duty_n of_o confirmation_n this_o be_v a_o thing_n indeed_o to_o be_v lament_v that_o it_o be_v too_o hasty_o and_o cursory_o perform_v but_o let_v the_o fault_n then_o be_v lay_v where_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v lay_v not_o upon_o the_o church_n who_o rule_n be_v very_o good_a but_o upon_o those_o person_n in_o it_o who_o slubber_v over_o so_o important_a a_o duty_n but_o be_v it_o not_o more_o become_v christian_n in_o a_o peaceable_a and_o orderly_a manner_n to_o endeavour_v to_o retrieve_v so_o excellent_a a_o mean_n for_o the_o reformation_n of_o our_o parochial_a church_n than_o peevish_o to_o complain_v of_o the_o want_n of_o discipline_n and_o to_o reject_v communion_n with_o our_o church_n on_o that_o account_n and_o i_o shall_v desire_v mr._n baxter_n to_o consider_v his_o own_o word_n that_o the_o practice_n of_o so_o much_o discipline_n 172._o as_o we_o be_v agree_v in_o be_v a_o likely_a way_n to_o bring_v we_o to_o agreement_n in_o the_o rest_n than_o all_o our_o dispute_n will_v do_v without_o it_o yea_o mr._n baxter_n grant_v that_o the_o presbyter_n of_o our_o church_n have_v by_o the_o rubric_n the_o trial_n and_o approbation_n of_o those_o that_o be_v send_v to_o the_o bishop_n for_o confirmation_n and_o that_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 262._o be_v for_o the_o power_n of_o presbyter_n herein_o as_o far_o as_o they_o can_v desire_v this_o be_v a_o very_a fair_a confession_n and_o sufficient_a to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o our_o diocesan_n episcopacy_n do_v not_o overthrow_v the_o power_n of_o presbyter_n as_o to_o this_o part_n of_o discipline_n which_o concern_v admission_n of_o church-member_n to_o the_o communion_n sect._n 15._o 2._o as_o to_o that_o part_n of_o church_n discipline_n which_o respect_v the_o reject_v those_o for_o scandal_n who_o have_v be_v church-member_n in_o case_n of_o open_a and_o public_a scandal_n communion_n our_o church_n do_v allow_v if_o not_o require_v the_o parochial_a minister_n to_o call_v and_o advertise_v such_o a_o one_o that_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o in_o any_o wise_a not_o to_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n until_o he_o have_v open_o declare_v himself_o to_o have_v true_o repent_v and_o amend_v his_o former_a naughty_a life_n that_o the_o congregation_n may_v thereby_o be_v satisfy_v which_o before_o be_v offend_v and_o in_o case_n the_o offender_n continue_v obstinate_a he_o may_v repel_v he_o from_o the_o communion_n but_o so_o that_o after_o such_o repel_v he_o give_v a_o account_n to_o the_o ordinary_a within_o 14_o day_n and_o the_o ordinary_a be_v then_o to_o proceed_v according_a to_o the_o canon_n here_o be_v plain_o a_o power_n grant_v to_o put_v back_o any_o scandalous_a offender_n from_o the_o sacrament_n who_o fault_n be_v so_o notorious_a as_o to_o give_v offence_n to_o the_o congregation_n but_o it_o be_v not_o a_o absolute_a and_o unaccountable_a power_n but_o the_o minister_n be_v oblige_v to_o give_v account_n thereof_o within_o a_o limit_a time_n to_o the_o ordinary_a now_o wherein_o be_v it_o that_o our_o diocesan_n episcopacy_n destroy_v the_o be_v of_o parochial_a church_n for_o want_n of_o the_o power_n of_o discipline_n be_v it_o that_o they_o have_v not_o power_n to_o exclude_v man_n whether_o their_o fault_n be_v scandalous_a to_o the_o congregation_n or_o not_o or_o be_v it_o that_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o justify_v what_o they_o do_v and_o to_o prosecute_v the_o person_n for_o those_o fault_n for_o which_o they_o put_v he_o back_o from_o the_o communion_n or_o be_v it_o that_o they_o have_v not_o power_n to_o proceed_v to_o the_o great_a excommunication_n that_o be_v reserve_v serve_v to_o the_o bishop_n upon_o full_a hear_n of_o all_o party_n concern_v but_o as_o long_o as_o by_o the_o constitution_n of_o our_o church_n every_o minister_n in_o his_o parish_n have_v power_n to_o keep_v back_o notorious_a offender_n it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o prove_v from_o other_o circumstance_n that_o the_o be_v of_o our_o church_n be_v destroy_v by_o our_o diocesan_n episcopacy_n 58._o mr._n b._n say_v that_o if_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o the_o lesser_a excommunication_n out_o of_o our_o particular_a congregation_n be_v allow_v to_o the_o parish_n minister_n it_o will_v half_o reconcile_v he_o to_o the_o english_a sort_n of_o prelacy_n but_o if_o it_o be_v so_o he_o have_v be_v in_o a_o sleep_n these_o 50_o year_n that_o can_v never_o hear_v or_o read_v of_o any_o such_o thing_n it_o be_v strange_a in_o all_o this_o time_n he_o shall_v never_o read_v or_o consider_v the_o
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
theophylact._n and_o both_o have_v it_o from_o saint_n chrysostom_n so_o it_o be_v say_v concern_v timothy_n himself_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d who_o have_v a_o good_a testimony_n from_o the_o brethren_n in_o lystra_n and_o iconium_n 2._o and_o this_o be_v mention_v before_o saint_n paul_n take_v he_o into_o the_o office_n of_o a_o evangelist_n so_o in_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o deacon_n the_o apostle_n bid_v they_o find_v out_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 3._o man_n of_o good_a reputation_n among_o they_o and_o there_o be_v a_o very_a considerable_a testimony_n in_o the_o epistle_n of_o clemens_n to_o this_o purpose_n 57_o where_o he_o give_v a_o account_n how_o the_o apostle_n preach_v through_o city_n and_o country_n do_v appoint_v their_o first-fruit_n have_v make_v a_o spiritual_a trial_n of_o they_o to_o be_v bishop_n and_o deacon_n of_o those_o who_o be_v to_o believe_v here_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o they_o be_v of_o the_o apostle_n appointment_n and_o not_o of_o the_o people_n choice_n and_o that_o their_o authority_n can_v not_o be_v from_o they_o who_o they_o be_v appoint_v first_o to_o convert_v and_o then_o to_o govern_v and_o although_o their_o number_n be_v but_o small_a at_o first_o yet_o as_o they_o increase_v though_o into_o many_o congregation_n they_o be_v still_o to_o be_v under_o the_o government_n of_o those_o who_o the_o apostle_n appoint_v over_o they_o and_o then_o he_o show_v how_o those_o who_o have_v receive_v this_o power_n from_o god_n come_v to_o appoint_v other_o and_o he_o bring_v the_o instance_n of_o moses_n when_o there_o be_v a_o emulation_n among_o the_o tribe_n what_o method_n he_o take_v for_o put_v a_o end_n to_o it_o by_o the_o blossom_a of_o aaron_n rod_n which_o say_v he_o moses_n do_v on_o purpose_n to_o prevent_v confusion_n in_o israel_n and_o thereby_o to_o bring_v glory_n to_o god_n now_o say_v he_o the_o apostle_n foresee_v the_o contention_n that_o will_v be_v about_o the_o name_n of_o episcopacy_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n about_o the_o choice_n of_o man_n into_o that_o office_n of_o rule_v the_o church_n which_o the_o sense_n show_v to_o be_v his_o meaning_n therefore_o foresee_v these_o thing_n perfect_o they_o appoint_v the_o person_n before_o mention_v and_o leave_v the_o distribution_n of_o their_o office_n with_o this_o instruction_n that_o as_o some_o die_v other_o approve_a man_n shall_v be_v choose_v into_o their_o office_n those_o therefore_o who_o be_v appoint_v by_o they_o or_o other_o eminent_a man_n the_o whole_a church_n be_v therewith_o well-pleased_a discharge_v their_o office_n with_o humility_n quietness_n readiness_n and_o unblameableness_n be_v man_n of_o a_o long_a time_n of_o good_a report_n we_o think_v such_o man_n can_v just_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o their_o office_n it_o seem_v some_o of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n be_v at_o that_o time_n factious_a against_o some_o officer_n in_o their_o church_n and_o endeavour_v to_o throw_v they_o out_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o one_o or_o two_o more_o and_o make_v such_o a_o disturbance_n thereby_o as_o have_v bring_v a_o great_a scandal_n not_o only_o on_o themselves_o but_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o make_v clemens_n write_v this_o epistle_n to_o they_o wherein_o he_o advise_v those_o busy_a man_n rather_o to_o leave_v the_o church_n themselves_o than_o to_o continue_v make_v such_o a_o disturbance_n in_o it_o and_o if_o they_o be_v good_a christian_n they_o will_v do_v so_o and_o bring_v more_o glory_n to_o god_n by_o it_o than_o by_o all_o their_o heat_n and_o contention_n now_o by_o this_o discourse_n of_o clemens_n it_o be_v plain_a 1._o that_o these_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o choose_v by_o the_o people_n but_o appoint_v by_o the_o apostle_n or_o other_o great_a man_n according_a to_o their_o order_n 2._o that_o they_o take_v this_o course_n on_o purpose_n to_o prevent_v the_o contention_n that_o may_v happen_v in_o the_o church_n about_o those_o who_o shall_v bear_v office_n in_o it_o 3._o that_o all_o that_o the_o people_n have_v to_o do_v be_v to_o give_v testimony_n or_o to_o express_v their_o approbation_n of_o those_o who_o be_v so_o appoint_v for_o he_o can_v not_o allow_v their_o power_n of_o choose_v since_o he_o say_v the_o apostle_n appoint_v officer_n on_o purpose_n to_o prevent_v the_o contention_n that_o may_v happen_v about_o it_o and_o it_o seem_v very_o probable_a to_o i_o that_o this_o be_v one_o great_a reason_n of_o the_o faction_n among_o they_o viz._n that_o those_o few_o popular_a man_n in_o that_o church_n who_o cause_v all_o the_o disturbance_n represent_v this_o as_o a_o great_a grievance_n to_o they_o that_o their_o pastor_n and_o officer_n be_v appoint_v by_o other_o and_o not_o choose_v by_o themselves_o for_o they_o have_v no_o objection_n against_o the_o presbyter_n themselves_o be_v allow_v to_o be_v man_n of_o unblameable_a life_n yet_o a_o contention_n there_o be_v and_o that_o about_o cast_v they_o out_o and_o such_o a_o contention_n as_o the_o apostle_n design_v to_o prevent_v by_o appoint_v a_o succession_n from_o such_o who_o themselves_o ordain_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v very_o likely_a they_o challenge_v this_o power_n to_o themselves_o to_o cast_v out_o those_o who_o they_o have_v not_o choose_v but_o it_o seem_v the_o apostle_n know_v what_o contention_n will_v follow_v in_o the_o church_n take_v 〈…〉_z they_o leave_v to_o the_o people_n their_o testimony_n concern_v those_o who_o they_o ordain_v and_o this_o be_v plain_a even_o from_o saint_n cyprian_n where_o he_o discourse_v of_o this_o matter_n 27._o in_o that_o very_a epistle_n concern_v basilides_n and_o martialis_n to_o which_o mr._n baxter_n refer_v i_o for_o the_o force_n of_o what_o saint_n cyprian_n say_v come_v at_o last_o only_o to_o this_o give_a testimony_n 68_o therefore_o say_v he_o god_n appoint_v the_o priest_n to_o be_v appoint_v before_o all_o the_o people_n thereby_o show_v that_o ordination_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n ought_v to_o be_v sub_fw-la populi_n assistentis_fw-la conscientiâ_fw-la in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o people_n for_o what_o reason_n that_o they_o may_v give_v they_o power_n no_o that_o be_v never_o do_v under_o the_o law_n nor_o then_o imagine_v when_o s._n cyprian_n write_v but_o he_o give_v the_o account_n of_o it_o himself_o that_o by_o their_o presence_n either_o their_o fault_n may_v be_v publish_v or_o their_o good_a act_n commend_v that_o so_o it_o may_v appear_v to_o be_v a_o just_a and_o lawful_a ordination_n which_o have_v be_v examine_v by_o the_o suffrage_n and_o judgement_n of_o all_o the_o people_n here_o have_v a_o share_n in_o the_o election_n but_o it_o be_v in_o matter_n of_o testimony_n concern_v the_o good_a or_o ill_a behaviour_n of_o the_o person_n and_o therefore_o he_o say_v it_o be_v almost_o a_o general_a custom_n among_o they_o and_o he_o think_v come_v down_o from_o divine_a tradition_n and_o apostolical_a practice_n that_o when_o any_o people_n want_v a_o bishop_n the_o neighbour_n bishop_n meet_v together_o in_o that_o place_n and_o the_o new_a bishop_n be_v choose_v plebe_fw-la praesente_fw-la the_o people_n be_v present_a not_o by_o the_o vote_n of_o the_o people_n quae_fw-la singulorum_fw-la vitam_fw-la plenissimè_fw-la novit_fw-la which_o best_o understand_v every_o man_n conversation_n and_o this_o he_o say_v be_v observe_v in_o the_o consecration_n of_o their_o fellow-bishop_n sabinus_n who_o be_v put_v into_o the_o place_n of_o basilides_n where_o he_o do_v express_v the_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n but_o he_o require_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o bishop_n which_o be_v thus_o perform_v he_o incourage_v the_o people_n to_o withdraw_v from_o basilides_n and_o to_o adhere_v to_o sabinus_n for_o basilides_n have_v fall_v foul_o into_o idolatry_n and_o join_v blasphemy_n with_o it_o have_v of_o his_o own_o accord_n lay_v down_o his_o bishopric_n and_o desire_v only_o to_o be_v receive_v to_o lay-communion_n upon_o this_o sabinus_n be_v consecrate_v bishop_n in_o his_o room_n after_o which_o basilides_n go_v to_o rome_n and_o there_o engage_v the_o bishop_n to_o interpose_v in_o his_o behalf_n that_o he_o may_v be_v restore_v sabinus_n find_v this_o make_v his_o application_n to_o saint_n cyprian_n and_o the_o african_a bishop_n who_o write_v this_o epistle_n to_o the_o people_n to_o withdraw_v from_o basilides_n say_v that_o it_o belong_v chief_o to_o they_o to_o choose_v the_o good_a and_o to_o refuse_v the_o bad_a which_o be_v the_o strong_a testimony_n in_o antiquity_n for_o the_o people_n power_n and_o yet_o here_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v 1_o it_o be_v in_o a_o case_n where_o a_o bishop_n have_v voluntary_o resign_v 2._o another_o bishop_n be_v put_v into_o his_o room_n not_o by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o people_n but_o by_o the_o judgement_n and_o ordination_n of_o the_o neighbour_n bishop_n 3._o they_o
the_o infidel_n child_n in_o the_o world_n and_o his_o next_o be_v whether_o the_o church_n of_o england_n require_v any_o ground_n of_o title_n in_o the_o infant_n beside_o the_o sponsion_n of_o the_o fore-described_n godfather_n and_o god_n general_a promise_n i_o answer_v 1._o the_o church_n by_o require_v sponsor_n do_v not_o exclude_v any_o title_n to_o baptism_n which_o the_o child_n have_v by_o the_o right_n of_o the_o parent_n for_o the_o sponsor_n may_v be_v suppose_v to_o appear_v in_o a_o threefold_a capacity_n 1._o as_o represent_v the_o parent_n in_o offer_v up_o the_o child_n to_o baptism_n and_o so_o whatever_o right_n the_o parent_n have_v that_o be_v challenge_v when_o the_o child_n be_v bring_v to_o be_v baptize_v 2._o as_o represent_v the_o child_n in_o the_o answer_n that_o be_v make_v in_o baptism_n which_o be_v a_o very_a ancient_a and_o universal_a practice_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n for_o it_o be_v not_o only_o observe_v in_o the_o latin_a church_n in_o s._n augustins_n time_n 23._o and_o in_o the_o greek_a church_n in_o s._n chrysostom_n 14._o and_o have_v so_o continue_v ever_o since_o but_o the_o aethiopic_a and_o armenian_a church_n do_v still_o observe_v it_o 3._o in_o their_o own_o capacity_n when_o they_o promise_v to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o good_a education_n of_o the_o child_n in_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n in_o the_o charge_n give_v to_o they_o after_o baptism_n so_o that_o since_o one_o of_o these_o capacity_n do_v not_o destroy_v another_o they_o all_o succeed_a each_o other_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o say_v that_o the_o church_n do_v exclude_v the_o right_n which_o come_v by_o the_o parent_n 2_o if_o the_o parent_n be_v suppose_v to_o have_v no_o right_n yet_o upon_o the_o sponsion_n of_o godfather_n the_o church_n may_v have_v right_a to_o administer_v baptism_n to_o child_n not_o as_o though_o their_o sponsion_n give_v the_o right_n but_o be_v only_o intend_v to_o make_v they_o party_n to_o the_o covenant_n in_o the_o child_n name_n and_o surety_n for_o performance_n to_o make_v this_o clear_a we_o must_v consider_v that_o administration_n of_o baptism_n be_v one_o considerable_a part_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n which_o christ_n first_o give_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o be_v ever_o since_o continue_v in_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n by_o virtue_n of_o this_o power_n they_o have_v authority_n to_o give_v admission_n into_o the_o church_n to_o capable_a subject_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v trace_v any_o record_n of_o antiquity_n have_v always_o allow_v child_n to_o be_v capable_a subject_n of_o admission_n into_o the_o christian_a church_n but_o lest_o the_o church_n shall_v fail_v of_o its_o end_n and_o these_o child_n not_o be_v afterward_o well_o instruct_v in_o their_o duty_n it_o require_v sponsor_n for_o they_o 18._o who_o be_v not_o only_o to_o take_v care_n of_o they_o for_o the_o future_a but_o to_o stand_v as_o their_o surety_n to_o ratify_v their_o part_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o baptism_n imply_v and_o the_o ancient_a church_n go_v no_o far_a as_o to_o the_o right_n of_o baptism_n than_o this_o for_o since_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v in_o the_o church_n to_o give_v admission_n to_o capable_a subject_n since_o the_o catholic_n church_n do_v always_o judge_v infant_n capable_a there_o seem_v to_o be_v no_o more_o necessary_a for_o their_o admission_n than_o the_o undertake_n of_o sponsor_n in_o their_o name_n all_o this_o appear_v from_o s._n augustine_n epistle_n ad_fw-la bonifacium_fw-la where_o he_o say_v 1._o that_o the_o child_n benefit_n by_o baptism_n do_v not_o depend_v upon_o the_o intention_n of_o those_o that_o offer_v he_o for_o boniface_n put_v the_o question_n to_o s._n augustin_n about_o some_o who_o offer_v child_n to_o baptism_n not_o for_o any_o spiritual_a benefit_n but_o for_o corporal_a health_n notwithstanding_o this_o say_v s._n augustine_n if_o the_o due_a form_n of_o baptism_n be_v observe_v the_o spiritual_a effect_n of_o it_o be_v obtain_v 2._o that_o the_o church_n right_o be_v chief_o concern_v in_o the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n for_o say_v he_o the_o child_n be_v offer_v to_o baptism_n and_o the_o spiritual_a grace_n to_o be_v receive_v thereby_o not_o so_o much_o by_o those_o in_o who_o arm_n they_o be_v carry_v for_o so_o the_o sponsor_n use_v to_o carry_v they_o in_o their_o right_a arm_n as_o by_o the_o whole_a society_n of_o the_o faithful_a tota_n ergo_fw-la mater_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la quae_fw-la in_o sanctis_fw-la est_fw-la facit_fw-la quia_fw-la tota_fw-la omnes_fw-la tota_fw-la singulos_fw-la parit_fw-la so_o that_o it_o be_v by_o the_o church_n right_a that_o he_o suppose_v they_o to_o receive_v baptism_n and_o the_o benefit_n by_o it_o 3._o that_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n that_o the_o parent_n themselves_o offer_v their_o child_n for_o he_o call_v it_o a_o mistake_n to_o think_v that_o child_n receive_v the_o benefit_n in_o baptism_n as_o to_o the_o remission_n of_o original_a gild_n or_o the_o account_n of_o their_o parent_n offer_v they_o for_o many_o be_v offer_v to_o baptism_n by_o stranger_n and_o slave_n sometime_o by_o their_o master_n and_o when_o parent_n be_v dead_a child_n be_v offer_v by_o such_o as_o take_v pity_n upon_o they_o and_o sometime_o child_n expose_v by_o parent_n and_o sometime_o as_o they_o be_v take_v up_o by_o holy_a virgin_n which_o neither_o have_v child_n nor_o intend_v to_o have_v any_o 4._o that_o the_o answer_n make_v by_o the_o sponsor_n in_o baptism_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o child_n be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o solemnity_n of_o baptism_n not_o as_o though_o the_o child_n do_v real_o believe_v yet_o it_o be_v say_v to_o believe_v on_o the_o account_n of_o the_o sacrament_n which_o suppose_v faith_n for_o the_o sacrament_n because_o of_o the_o resemblance_n between_o they_o and_o the_o thing_n represent_v by_o they_o do_v carry_v the_o name_n of_o the_o thing_n represent_v as_o say_v he_o the_o sacrament_n of_o christ_n body_n after_o a_o certain_a manner_n be_v call_v his_o body_n and_o the_o sacrament_n of_o his_o blood_n be_v call_v his_o blood_n so_o the_o sacrament_n of_o faith_n be_v call_v faith_n i._n e._n the_o baptismal_a covenant_n suppose_v believe_v on_o one_o part_n the_o church_n supply_v that_o part_n by_o the_o sponsor_n which_o can_v be_v perform_v by_o the_o child_n thence_o he_o say_v ipsa_fw-la responsio_fw-la ad_fw-la celebrationem_fw-la pertinet_fw-la sacramenti_fw-la so_o that_o then_o the_o church_n look_v upon_o the_o sponsor_n answer_v as_o a_o necessary_a part_n of_o the_o solemnity_n of_o baptism_n thence_o s._n augustin_n elsewhere_o say_v tempore_fw-la that_o the_o fidejussores_a or_o surety_n do_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o child_n renounce_v the_o devil_n and_o all_o his_o pomp_n and_o work_n and_o in_o another_o place_n he_o declare_v that_o he_o will_v not_o baptize_v a_o child_n without_o the_o sponsor_n answer_v for_o the_o child_n that_o he_o will_v renounce_v the_o devil_n 34._o and_o turn_v to_o god_n and_o that_o they_o believe_v he_o be_v baptize_v for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n 3._o those_o who_o think_v themselves_o bind_v to_o baptize_v child_n only_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o parent_n right_a must_v run_v into_o many_o perplex_v scruple_n about_o baptise_v child_n and_o be_v force_v to_o exclude_v the_o far_o great_a number_n of_o those_o that_o be_v offer_v for_o 1._o they_o be_v not_o well_o agree_v what_o it_o be_v which_o give_v parent_n a_o right_a to_o have_v their_o child_n baptize_v whether_o a_o dogmatical_a faith_n be_v sufficient_a or_o a_o justify_n faith_n be_v necessary_a if_o save_v faith_n be_v necessary_a whether_o the_o outward_a profession_n of_o it_o be_v sufficient_a whether_o that_o aught_o to_o be_v take_v for_o a_o true_a profession_n which_o be_v only_o pretend_v to_o be_v a_o true_a sign_n of_o the_o mind_n or_o that_o only_a which_o be_v real_o so_o whether_o profession_n be_v require_v for_o itself_o or_o as_o a_o discovery_n of_o something_o further_o whether_o seem_v seriousness_n in_o profession_n be_v sufficient_a or_o real_a seriousness_n be_v require_v what_o we_o must_v judge_v real_a seriousness_n in_o profession_n as_o distinct_a from_o inward_a sincerity_n what_o contradiction_n may_v be_v allow_v to_o make_v a_o profession_n not_o serious_a whether_o beside_o a_o serious_a profession_n it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o be_v a_o practical_a profession_n and_o what_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o judge_a a_o profession_n to_o be_v practical_a whether_o beside_o mere_a practical_a profession_n the_o positive_a sign_n of_o inward_a grace_n be_v not_o necessary_a and_o whether_o beside_o all_o these_o actual_a confederation_n and_o join_v in_o church_n covenant_n be_v not_o necessary_a and_o if_o it_o be_v whether_o the_o child_n of_o confederated_a parent_n