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
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
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 sheâ—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
agreeable_o to_o their_o present_a practice_n although_o least_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o assembly_n who_o confess_v 69._o that_o they_o be_v transport_v with_o undue_a heat_n and_o animosity_n against_o their_o brethren_n which_o deserve_v to_o be_v lament_v and_o not_o to_o be_v imitate_v that_o they_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o vindicate_v all_o they_o say_v nor_o to_o be_v conclude_v by_o their_o determination_n â—8_o that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v the_o party_n be_v become_v wise_a since_o this_o be_v plain_a deal_n and_o give_v up_o the_o cause_n to_o the_o dissent_v brethren_n and_o that_o in_o a_o matter_n wherein_o they_o happen_v to_o have_v the_o strong_a reason_n of_o their_o side_n but_o hereby_o we_o see_v that_o those_o who_o justify_v the_o present_a separation_n have_v forsake_v the_o principle_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o old_a nonconformist_n as_o to_o this_o point_n of_o separation_n sect._n 17._o it_o remain_v now_o that_o i_o show_v how_o far_o they_o be_v likewise_o go_v off_o from_o the_o peaceable_a principle_n of_o their_o predecessor_n as_o to_o private_a person_n undertake_v to_o reform_v the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n and_o set_v up_o new_a church_n against_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o magistrate_n in_o a_o reform_a church_n and_o particular_o as_o to_o the_o preach_v of_o their_o minister_n when_o silence_v by_o our_o law_n be_v this_o i_o be_o the_o more_o oblige_v to_o do_v because_o when_o i_o say_v that_o i_o be_v certain_a that_o preach_v in_o opposition_n to_o our_o establish_v law_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o all_o the_o nonconformist_n of_o former_a time_n mr._n b._n be_v please_v to_o say_v 21._o that_o my_o assertion_n be_v so_o rash_a and_o false_a in_o matter_n of_o notorious_a fact_n that_o it_o weaken_v his_o reverence_n of_o my_o judgement_n in_o matter_n of_o right_a i_o shall_v desire_v no_o better_a term_n from_o mr._n b._n as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o right_n in_o this_o present_a controversy_n than_o that_o he_o will_v be_v determine_v by_o the_o plain_a evidence_n of_o the_o fact_n and_o if_o what_o i_o say_v be_v true_a and_o notorious_o true_a i_o shall_v leave_v he_o to_o consider_v on_o who_o side_n the_o rashness_n lie_v giffard_n make_v this_o one_o principal_a part_n of_o brownism_n 104._o that_o church_n be_v to_o be_v set_v up_o and_o discipline_n reform_v without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n brown_n make_v many_o argument_n say_v he_o to_o prove_v that_o prince_n be_v not_o to_o be_v stay_v for_o nor_o yet_o to_o have_v to_o do_v by_o public_a power_n to_o establish_v religion_n which_o opinion_n of_o he_o be_v such_o abridge_n the_o sacred_a power_n of_o prince_n and_o such_o horribâ—_n injury_n to_o the_o church_n contrary_a to_o the_o manifest_a word_n of_o god_n that_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o else_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o make_v he_o a_o odious_a and_o detestable_a heretic_n until_o he_o show_v repentance_n but_o to_o clear_v this_o matter_n he_o distinguish_v 1._o of_o prince_n that_o be_v enemy_n to_o christianity_n as_o they_o be_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o what_o end_n say_v he_o shall_v they_o have_v authority_n from_o christ_n to_o establish_v discipline_n sue_v unto_o the_o court_n of_o such_o prince_n or_o attend_v their_o pleasure_n 2._o of_o such_o who_o profess_v christianity_n but_o be_v idolater_n in_o this_o case_n he_o say_v they_o be_v neither_o â—ound_n to_o forbear_v preach_v nor_o set_v up_o discipline_n if_o they_o do_v oppose_v it_o 3._o of_o such_o prince_n who_o own_o the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n but_o the_o church_n in_o their_o dominion_n be_v corrupt_a in_o discipline_n in_o this_o case_n he_o determine_v that_o though_o every_o man_n be_v to_o take_v care_n to_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n yet_o no_o private_a person_n be_v to_o break_v the_o unity_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o faithful_a or_o to_o take_v upon_o they_o public_a authority_n to_o reform_v which_o he_o there_o prove_v and_o conclude_v it_o to_o be_v a_o wicked_a and_o dangerous_a principle_n in_o the_o brownist_n to_o hold_v the_o contrary_n in_o answer_n to_o this_o 105._o barrow_n say_v that_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v stay_v from_o do_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n upon_o any_o restraint_n or_o persecution_n of_o any_o mortal_a man_n whatsoever_o and_o for_o this_o he_o quote_v the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o then_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o the_o same_o disobedience_n and_o rebellion_n if_o prince_n have_v be_v to_o be_v stay_v for_o or_o their_o restraint_n be_v a_o sufficient_a let_v and_o add_v that_o they_o only_o according_a to_o god_n commandment_n refrain_v from_o their_o idolatry_n and_o other_o public_a evil_n and_o assemble_v together_o in_o all_o holy_a and_o peaceable_a manner_n to_o worship_n the_o lord_n our_o god_n and_o to_o join_v ourselves_o together_o in_o the_o faith_n unto_o mutual_a duty_n and_o to_o seek_v that_o government_n which_o christ_n leave_v to_o his_o church_n and_o for_o the_o church_n to_o erect_v the_o same_o to_o the_o instance_n of_o the_o apostle_n giffard_n have_v answer_v that_o they_o be_v furnish_v with_o a_o extraordinary_a authority_n and_o commission_n by_o christ_n to_o set_v up_o his_o kingdom_n but_o you_o have_v no_o commission_n from_o god_n it_o be_v the_o devil_n that_o have_v set_v you_o forward_o and_o will_v you_o in_o such_o vile_a and_o wretched_a manner_n pretend_v the_o example_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n barrow_n reply_v if_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n be_v sufficient_a warrant_n to_o the_o apostle_n to_o do_v their_o work_n though_o all_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o world_n resist_v then_o must_v the_o commandment_n of_o the_o same_o god_n be_v of_o the_o same_o effect_n to_o all_o other_o instrument_n who_o it_o please_v the_o lord_n to_o use_v in_o their_o calling_n to_o his_o service_n also_o though_o all_o the_o prince_n in_o the_o world_n shall_v withstand_v and_o forbid_v the_o same_o by_o this_o we_o see_v this_o be_v a_o great_a point_n in_o controversy_n between_o the_o brownist_n and_o nonconformist_n which_o will_v more_o appear_v by_o the_o dispute_n between_o fr._n johnson_n and_o jacob_n for_o among_o the_o point_n of_o false_a doctrine_n which_o he_o charge_v the_o nonconformist_n with_o 72._o who_o they_o call_v the_o forward_a preacher_n these_o be_v two_o 1._o that_o the_o plant_n or_o reform_v of_o christ_n church_n must_v tarry_v for_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n and_o may_v not_o otherwise_o be_v bring_v in_o by_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o mouth_n of_o his_o weak_a servant_n except_o they_o have_v authority_n from_o earthly_a prince_n which_o doctrine_n say_v he_o be_v against_o the_o kingly_a power_n of_o christ_n and_o three_o whole_a line_n of_o scripture_n which_o he_o there_o put_v together_o 2._o that_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o a_o minister_n of_o christ_n to_o cease_v preach_v and_o to_o forsake_v his_o flock_n at_o the_o commandment_n of_o a_o lord_n bishop_n which_o doctrine_n he_o say_v be_v contrary_a to_o two_o line_n of_o scripture_n more_o with_o the_o bare_a number_n of_o chapter_n and_o verse_n but_o lest_o it_o shall_v be_v suppose_v that_o these_o two_o be_v among_o those_o which_o jacob_n say_v he_o false_o lay_v to_o their_o charge_n we_o find_v both_o these_o doctrine_n own_v by_o the_o several_a nonconformist_n 51._o who_o join_v together_o in_o a_o confutation_n of_o the_o brownist_n for_o say_v they_o as_o to_o the_o people_n power_n of_o reform_v first_o we_o can_v find_v any_o warrant_n in_o holy_a scripture_n for_o they_o that_o be_v private_a member_n of_o any_o church_n to_o erect_v the_o discipline_n no_o not_o though_o the_o magistrate_n and_o minister_n who_o shall_v deal_v in_o this_o work_n be_v altogether_o profane_a and_o ungodly_a second_o we_o esteem_v our_o prince_n to_o be_v a_o most_o lawful_a and_o christian_a magistrate_n and_o our_o minister_n to_o be_v true_a minister_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v just_o afraid_a that_o by_o enterprise_v a_o public_a reformation_n not_o only_o without_o but_o contrary_a to_o the_o direction_n and_o like_n of_o they_o who_o by_o god_n word_n ought_v to_o have_v if_o not_o the_o only_a yet_o the_o principal_a hand_n in_o that_o work_n we_o shall_v high_o offend_v god_n three_o that_o for_o the_o want_n of_o public_a reformation_n the_o magistrate_n be_v every_o where_o blame_v and_o no_o where_o the_o church_n for_o aught_o we_o can_v find_v oft_o be_v the_o priest_n and_o people_n blame_v for_o erect_v and_o practise_v idolatry_n 2d_o but_o never_o for_o that_o they_o pluck_v it_o not_o down_o when_o their_o prince_n have_v set_v it_o up_o neither_o can_v we_o find_v whether_o ever_o the_o church_n under_o a_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
intend_v in_o silence_v of_o they_o but_o our_o church_n whereof_o we_o be_v minister_n be_v no_o private_a and_o secret_a assembly_n such_o as_o hide_v themselves_o from_o the_o face_n of_o a_o persecute_v magistrate_n and_o state_n but_o be_v public_a profess_v their_o worship_n and_o do_v their_o religion_n in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o magistrate_n and_o state_n yea_o and_o by_o his_o countenance_n authority_n and_o protection_n and_o we_o be_v set_v over_o those_o church_n not_o only_o by_o a_o call_v of_o our_o people_n but_o also_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o magistrate_n who_o have_v a_o arm_a power_n to_o hinder_v any_o such_o public_a action_n who_o be_v willing_a also_o to_o permit_v and_o maintain_v other_o true_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o those_o place_n where_o he_o forbid_v some_o if_o therefore_o after_o our_o public_a call_n to_o minister_v to_o such_o a_o know_a and_o public_a church_n not_o by_o the_o church_n only_o but_o by_o the_o magistrate_n also_o the_o magistrate_n shall_v have_v matter_n against_o we_o whether_o just_a or_o unjust_a it_o skill_v not_o and_o shall_v in_o that_o regard_n forbid_v we_o to_o minister_v to_o our_o church_n i_o see_v not_o by_o what_o warrant_v in_o god_n word_n we_o shall_v think_v ourselves_o bind_v notwithstanding_o to_o exercise_v our_o ministry_n still_o except_o we_o shall_v think_v such_o a_o law_n of_o ministry_n to_o lie_v upon_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v judge_v ourselves_o bind_v to_o run_v upon_o the_o sword_n point_n of_o the_o magistrate_n or_o to_o oppose_v sword_n to_o sword_n and_o suppose_v the_o magistrate_n shall_v do_v it_o unjust_o and_o against_o the_o will_n of_o the_o church_n and_o shall_v therein_o sin_v yet_o do_v not_o the_o church_n in_o that_o regard_n cease_v to_o be_v a_o church_n nor_o ought_v she_o therein_o to_o resist_v the_o will_n of_o the_o magistrate_n neither_o do_v she_o stand_v bind_v in_o regard_n of_o her_o affection_n to_o her_o minister_n how_o great_a and_o deserve_a soever_o to_o deprive_v herself_o of_o the_o protection_n of_o the_o magistrate_n by_o leave_v her_o public_a stand_n to_o follow_v his_o ministry_n in_o private_a and_o in_o the_o dark_a refuse_v the_o benefit_n of_o all_o other_o public_a ministry_n which_o with_o the_o leave_n and_o like_n of_o the_o magistrate_n she_o may_v enjoy_v 4._o neither_o do_v i_o know_v what_o warrant_v any_o ordinary_a minister_n have_v by_o god_n word_n in_o such_o a_o case_n so_o to_o draw_v any_o such_o church_n or_o people_n to_o his_o private_a ministry_n that_o thereby_o they_o shall_v hazard_v their_o outward_a state_n and_o quiet_a in_o the_o commonwealth_n where_o they_o live_v when_o in_o some_o competent_a measure_n they_o may_v public_o with_o the_o grace_n and_o favour_n of_o the_o magistrate_n enjoy_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o salvation_n by_o another_o and_o except_o he_o have_v a_o call_n to_o minister_n in_o some_o church_n he_o be_v to_o be_v content_a to_o live_v as_o a_o private_a member_n till_o it_o shall_v please_v god_n to_o reconcile_v the_o magistrate_n to_o he_o and_o to_o call_v he_o again_o to_o his_o own_o church_n labour_v mean_a while_n private_o upon_o particular_a occasion_n offer_v to_o strengthen_v and_o confirm_v in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n those_o people_n that_o be_v deprive_v of_o his_o public_a labour_n and_o i_o take_v it_o to_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o people_n in_o such_o a_o case_n if_o they_o will_v approve_v themselves_o faithful_a christian_n and_o good_a subject_n so_o to_o submit_v to_o the_o ministry_n of_o another_o as_o that_o by_o prayer_n and_o all_o other_o good_a dutiful_a and_o loyal_a mean_n they_o may_v do_v their_o best_a endeavour_n to_o obtain_v he_o of_o who_o against_o their_o will_n they_o have_v be_v deprive_v and_o still_o to_o affect_v and_o love_v he_o as_o their_o pastor_n now_o if_o the_o people_n do_v thus_o then_o be_v that_o minister_n call_v to_o be_v silent_a not_o only_o by_o the_o magistrate_n but_o by_o they_o also_o though_o with_o much_o grief_n to_o this_o testimony_n of_o mr._n bradshaw_n 99_o all_o that_o mr._n b._n say_v be_v that_o bradshaw_n think_v we_o shall_v submit_v to_o a_o silence_v law_n where_o our_o ministry_n be_v unnecessary_a and_o so_o do_v he_o if_o mr._n b._n do_v allow_v himself_o any_o time_n to_o consider_v what_o he_o write_v he_o will_v never_o have_v give_v such_o a_o answer_n as_o this_o for_o mr._n bradshaw_n never_o put_v the_o case_n upon_o the_o necessity_n or_o no_o necessity_n of_o their_o preach_v but_o upon_o the_o allowance_n or_o disallowance_n of_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n and_o if_o it_o have_v be_v resolve_v upon_o the_o point_n of_o necessity_n be_v it_o possible_a for_o mr._n b._n to_o think_v there_o be_v less_o necessity_n of_o preach_v at_o that_o time_n than_o there_o be_v now_o when_o himself_o confess_v several_a year_n since_o that_o thirty_o year_n ago_o 55._o there_o be_v many_o bare_a read_n not_o preach_v minister_n for_o one_o that_o there_o be_v now_o and_o what_o be_v there_o which_o the_o old_a nonconformist_n more_o complain_v of_o than_o the_o want_n of_o a_o more_o preach_a ministry_n this_o then_o can_v not_o be_v mr._n bradshaw_n reason_n and_o mr._n baxter_n upon_o second_o thought_n can_v be_v of_o that_o opinion_n i_o have_v yet_o one_o argument_n more_o to_o prove_v this_o to_o have_v be_v the_o general_a sense_n of_o the_o nonconformist_n which_o be_v mr._n sprint_n argument_n for_o conformity_n in_o case_n of_o deprivation_n 2._o which_o be_v that_o where_o two_o duty_n do_v meet_v a_o great_a and_o a_o less_o whereof_o both_o can_v be_v do_v at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o lesser_a duty_n must_v yield_v unto_o the_o great_a but_o this_o doctrine_n of_o suffer_a deprivation_n for_o not_o conform_v teach_v and_o the_o practice_n thereof_o cause_v to_o neglect_v a_o great_a duty_n for_o perform_v of_o a_o less_o therefore_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o error_n in_o doctrine_n and_o a_o sin_n in_o practice_n the_o force_n of_o which_o argument_n do_v necessary_o suppose_v that_o minister_n deprive_v by_o law_n be_v not_o to_o exercise_v their_o ministerial_a function_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o law_n be_v and_o to_o confirm_v this_o several_a nonconformist_n undertake_v to_o answer_v this_o argument_n and_o to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o disparity_n of_o the_o case_n as_o to_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o we_o for_o mr._n sprint_v have_v urge_v the_o instance_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o this_o purpose_n since_o they_o submit_v to_o jewish_a ceremony_n rather_o than_o lose_v the_o liberty_n of_o their_o ministry_n they_o ought_v to_o yield_v to_o our_o ceremony_n on_o the_o same_o ground_n to_o which_o they_o answer_v that_o the_o apostle_n have_v far_o great_a reason_n so_o to_o do_v 232_o because_o their_o ministry_n be_v of_o far_o great_a excellency_n and_o usefulness_n and_o therefore_o the_o argument_n be_v of_o much_o great_a weight_n with_o the_o apostle_n than_o it_o can_v be_v with_o they_o for_o say_v they_o what_o one_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v there_o that_o dare_v be_v so_o presumptuous_a as_o to_o say_v that_o his_o preach_a and_o ministry_n can_v be_v of_o that_o necessity_n and_o use_v for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o good_a of_o his_o church_n as_o be_v the_o ministry_n of_o his_o apostle_n the_o work_n whereunto_o the_o lord_n call_v and_o separate_v the_o apostle_n viz._n the_o plant_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o preach_a the_o gospel_n to_o all_o nation_n be_v such_o as_o can_v not_o have_v be_v perform_v by_o any_o other_o but_o the_o apostle_n alone_o but_o in_o deprivation_n of_o our_o minister_n that_o refuse_v conformity_n there_o be_v no_o such_o danger_n and_o of_o their_o preach_v there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o necessity_n imagine_v though_o they_o preach_v not_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v still_o and_o that_o sound_o and_o fruitful_o do_v these_o man_n think_v the_o apostle_n woe_n be_v unto_o i_o if_o i_o preach_v not_o the_o gospel_n do_v reach_v to_o their_o case_n can_v mr._n b._n imagine_v that_o such_o man_n think_v themselves_o still_o bind_v to_o preach_v although_o they_o be_v silence_v by_o our_o law_n and_o now_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v prove_v that_o to_o be_v evident_o true_a which_o mr._n b._n say_v be_v notorious_o false_a but_o if_o after_o all_o this_o mr._n b._n will_v persist_v in_o say_v that_o he_o know_v those_o who_o do_v otherwise_o all_o that_o i_o have_v to_o say_v to_o it_o be_v that_o i_o hope_v mr._n bs._n acquaintance_n both_o of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o party_n if_o they_o be_v such_o as_o he_o represent_v be_v not_o to_o be_v the_o standard_n for_o all_o the_o rest_n for_o it_o seem_v he_o be_v not_o very_o happy_a in_o either_o part_n
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
26_o canon_n which_o say_v that_o no_o minister_n shall_v in_o any_o wise_a admit_v any_o one_o of_o his_o flock_n or_o under_o his_o care_n to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n who_o be_v notorious_o know_v to_o live_v impenitent_o in_o any_o scandalous_a sin_n this_o be_v not_o in_o the_o reformatio_fw-la legum_n ecclesiasticarum_fw-la which_o he_o mention_n as_o a_o abortive_a thing_n publish_v by_o john_n fox_n which_o last_o any_o one_o that_o have_v see_v they_o know_v to_o be_v a_o mistake_n nor_o in_o dr._n mocket_n book_n which_o be_v burn_v yet_o not_o so_o destroy_v but_o with_o some_o diligence_n he_o may_v have_v see_v it_o but_o it_o be_v for_o nothing_o of_o this_o kind_n that_o book_n undergo_v so_o severe_a a_o censure_n as_o mr._n b._n insinuate_v but_o for_o seem_v to_o encroach_v too_o much_o on_o the_o king_n prerogative_n but_o i_o appeal_v to_o what_o mr._n b._n call_v the_o authorize_v church_n canon_n which_o i_o think_v be_v plain_a in_o this_o case_n but_o mr._n b._n say_v this_o be_v not_o the_o lesser_a excommunication_n but_o a_o temporary_a suspension_n of_o the_o minister_n own_o act_n in_o deliver_v the_o sacrament_n to_o such_o person_n let_v mr._n b._n call_v it_o by_o what_o name_n he_o please_v this_o be_v certain_a the_o minister_n be_v empower_v be_v require_v to_o do_v this_o the_o question_n than_o be_v whether_o this_o be_v not_o such_o a_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n as_o to_o suspend_v notorious_a offender_n from_o the_o sacrament_n and_o that_o within_o the_o power_n of_o the_o parochial_a minister_n i_o grant_v this_o be_v not_o the_o lesser_a excommunication_n according_a to_o the_o use_n of_o this_o church_n for_o that_o suppose_v the_o sentence_n pass_v and_o be_v so_o call_v by_o way_n of_o distinction_n from_o the_o great_a pronounce_v by_o the_o bishop_n in_o person_n upon_o extraordinary_a occasion_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o church-censure_n upon_o offender_n and_o be_v account_v a_o sort_n of_o excommunication_n by_o the_o ancient_a church_n for_o those_o who_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o penitent_n be_v then_o say_v to_o be_v under_o a_o kind_n of_o excommunication_n 108._o as_o appear_v by_o several_a passage_n in_o s._n augustin_n produce_v by_o spalatensis_n to_o this_o purpose_n 20._o viz._n to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v a_o penitential_a excommunication_n but_o mr._n b._n quote_v albaspinaeus_n to_o show_v that_o the_o old_a excommunication_n do_v shut_v person_n out_o from_o all_o other_o church-communion_n as_o well_o as_o the_o sacrament_n 9_o which_o be_v very_o true_a of_o the_o great_a excommunication_n but_o beside_o this_o there_o be_v other_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o offender_n whereby_o they_o be_v suspend_v from_o full_a communion_n but_o not_o debar_v the_o hope_n of_o it_o upon_o satisfaction_n give_v these_o be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o penitent_n 4._o it_o be_v a_o favour_n to_o the_o excommunicate_v to_o be_v bring_v into_o this_o state_n and_o other_o be_v never_o allow_v to_o hope_v to_o be_v restore_v to_o communion_n other_o only_o on_o their_o deathbed_n other_o according_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o degree_n of_o their_o repentance_n of_o which_o those_o be_v leave_v to_o be_v judge_n who_o be_v particular_o entrust_v with_o the_o care_n of_o the_o penitent_n albaspinaeus_n grant_v that_o as_o long_o as_o man_n remain_v penitent_n they_o be_v actual_o deprive_v of_o the_o privilege_n of_o church-communion_n but_o he_o say_v the_o penitent_n be_v in_o a_o middle_a state_n between_o the_o excommunicate_v and_o the_o faithful_a be_v still_o candidate_n as_o he_o call_v they_o so_o that_o all_o that_o be_v penitent_n be_v suspend_v from_o communion_n but_o not_o whole_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n because_o the_o christian_n may_v as_o free_o converse_v with_o these_o as_o with_o any_o but_o they_o be_v not_o allow_v to_o participate_v in_o the_o sacred_a mystery_n but_o there_o be_v no_o question_n wherever_o there_o be_v a_o power_n to_o suspend_v any_o person_n from_o communion_n there_o be_v a_o power_n of_o discipline_n because_o the_o church_n discipline_n do_v not_o consist_v mere_o in_o the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n no_o more_o than_o a_o judge_n power_n lie_v only_o in_o condemn_v man_n to_o be_v hang_v but_o in_o so_o govern_v the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n that_o scandalous_a person_n may_v be_v keep_v from_o the_o great_a act_n of_o communion_n and_o by_o admonition_n and_o counsel_n be_v bring_v to_o a_o due_a preparation_n for_o it_o since_o than_o our_o church_n do_v give_v power_n to_o parochial_a minister_n to_o suspend_v notorious_a offender_n from_o the_o communion_n it_o be_v thereby_o evident_a that_o it_o do_v not_o deprive_v they_o of_o all_o the_o necessary_a and_o essential_a part_n of_o church-discipline_n but_o say_v mr._n b._n if_o a_o minister_n do_v public_o admonish_v another_o by_o name_n 72._o not_o censure_v by_o the_o ordinary_a the_o lawyer_n tell_v he_o he_o may_v have_v his_o action_n against_o he_o i_o answer_v 1._o what_o need_v this_o public_a admonition_n by_o name_n do_v the_o nature_n of_o church-discipline_n lie_v in_o that_o suppose_v a_o man_n be_v private_o and_o effectual_o deal_v with_o to_o withdraw_v himself_o be_v not_o this_o sufficient_a i_o be_o sure_a saint_n augustin_n take_v this_o course_n with_o his_o people_n at_o hippo_n â—52_n he_o persuade_v they_o to_o examine_v their_o own_o conscience_n and_o if_o they_o find_v themselves_o guilty_a of_o such_o crime_n as_o render_v they_o unfit_a for_o the_o holy_a communion_n he_o advise_v they_o to_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o it_o till_o by_o prayer_n and_o fast_v and_o alm_n they_o have_v cleanse_v their_o conscience_n and_o then_o they_o may_v come_v to_o it_o here_o be_v no_o public_a admonition_n by_o name_n and_o in_o many_o case_n saint_n augustin_n declare_v the_o church_n may_v just_o forbear_v the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n towards_o offender_n and_o yet_o the_o church_n be_v a_o true_a church_n and_o christian_n oblige_v to_o communicate_v with_o it_o as_o appear_v by_o all_o his_o dispute_n with_o the_o donatist_n 2._o if_o a_o restraint_n be_v lay_v on_o minister_n by_o law_n the_o question_n than_o come_v to_o this_o whether_o the_o obligation_n to_o admonish_v public_o a_o offender_n or_o to_o deny_v he_o the_o sacrament_n if_o he_o will_v come_v to_o it_o be_v so_o great_a as_o to_o bear_v he_o out_o in_o the_o violation_n of_o a_o law_n make_v by_o public_a authority_n with_o a_o design_n to_o preserve_v our_o religion_n but_o my_o design_n be_v only_o to_o speak_v to_o this_o case_n so_o far_o as_o the_o church_n be_v concern_v in_o it_o sect._n 16._o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o notwithstanding_o this_o the_o neglect_n and_o abuse_v of_o discipline_n among_o we_o be_v too_o great_a to_o be_v justify_v and_o too_o notorious_a to_o be_v conceal_v i_o answer_v 1._o that_o be_v not_o our_o question_n but_o whether_o our_o parochial_a church_n have_v lose_v their_o be_v for_o want_n of_o the_o power_n of_o discipline_n and_o whether_o the_o species_n of_o our_o church_n be_v change_v by_o diocesan_n episcopacy_n which_o we_o have_v show_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o deny_v and_o what_o other_o abuse_n have_v creep_v in_o aught_o in_o a_o orderly_a way_n to_o be_v reform_v and_o no_o good_a man_n will_v deny_v his_o assistance_n in_o it_o 2._o it_o be_v far_o easy_a to_o separate_v or_o complain_v for_o want_n of_o discipline_n than_o to_o find_v out_o a_o due_a way_n to_o restore_v it_o etc._n no_o man_n have_v more_o set_v out_o the_o almost_o insuperable_a difficulty_n which_o attend_v it_o than_o mr._n baxter_n have_v do_v especial_o in_o that_o it_o will_v provoke_v and_o exasperate_v those_o most_o who_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o it_o and_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o do_v good_a on_o those_o who_o need_v it_o least_o 3._o the_o case_n of_o our_o church_n now_o be_v very_o different_a from_o that_o of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n for_o the_o great_a reason_n of_o discipline_n be_v not_o that_o for_o want_v of_o it_o the_o conscience_n of_o fellow-communicants_a will_v be_v defile_v for_o to_o assert_v that_o be_v donatism_n but_o that_o the_o honour_n of_o a_o christian_a society_n may_v be_v maintain_v if_o then_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n do_v take_v care_n to_o vindicate_v the_o church_n honour_n by_o due_a punishment_n of_o scandalous_a offender_n there_o will_v appear_v so_o much_o less_o necessity_n of_o restore_v the_o severity_n of_o the_o ancient_a discipline_n to_o which_o purpose_n these_o word_n of_o the_o royal_a martyr_n king_n charles_n i._o be_v very_o considerable_a 4._o but_o his_o majesty_n see_v no_o necessity_n that_o the_o bishop_n challenge_v to_o the_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n shall_v be_v at_o all_o time_n as_o
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
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
that_o it_o be_v lawful_a say_v he_o by_o the_o sight_n of_o a_o crucifix_n to_o be_v provoke_v to_o worship_n god_n but_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o offer_v he_o that_o worship_n by_o offer_v it_o to_o the_o crucifix_n first_o as_o the_o sign_n way_n or_o mean_n of_o send_v it_o to_o god_n observe_v here_o a_o strange_a piece_n of_o partiality_n 1._o it_o be_v allow_v to_o be_v lawful_a to_o pray_v before_o a_o crucifix_n as_o a_o medium_n excitans_fw-la as_o a_o object_n that_o stir_v up_o in_o we_o a_o worship_a affection_n and_o so_o all_o those_o papist_n be_v excuse_v from_o idolatry_n who_o profess_v they_o use_v a_o crucifix_n for_o no_o other_o end_n although_o they_o perform_v all_o act_n of_o adoration_n before_o it_o and_o it_o will_v become_v a_o very_a hard_a question_n whether_o the_o mind_n in_o its_o consideration_n unite_n the_o image_n with_o the_o object_n may_v not_o give_v the_o same_o act_n of_o worship_n to_o one_o as_o to_o the_o other_o but_o in_o different_a respect_n for_o the_o image_n be_v allow_v to_o excite_v the_o mind_n to_o consideration_n of_o the_o object_n to_o be_v worship_v the_o object_n be_v consider_v in_o the_o mind_n as_o represent_v by_o the_o image_n and_o consequent_o be_v so_o worship_v and_o why_o then_o may_v not_o the_o worship_n be_v as_o well_o direct_v to_o the_o image_n as_o represent_v as_o to_o the_o object_n represent_v by_o the_o image_n provide_v that_o the_o act_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v still_o fix_v upon_o the_o object_n as_o represent_v by_o the_o image_n and_o thus_o even_o latria_n may_v be_v perform_v to_o a_o crucifix_n be_v not_o this_o a_o very_a fair_a concession_n to_o the_o papist_n but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n 2._o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n even_o the_o aëreal_a sign_n as_o dr._n o._n call_v it_o must_v be_v make_v a_o medium_n in_o god_n worship_n though_o it_o be_v utter_o deny_v by_o our_o church_n and_o there_o be_v no_o colour_n for_o it_o from_o his_o own_o ground_n for_o it_o be_v neither_o medium_n excitans_fw-la be_v not_o intend_v by_o our_o church_n for_o that_o purpose_n a_o crucifix_n be_v much_o fit_a for_o that_o purpose_n and_o our_o church_n call_v it_o only_o a_o lawful_a ceremony_n and_o honourable_a badge_n much_o less_o can_v it_o be_v think_v to_o be_v any_o mediate_a object_n of_o our_o worship_n there_o be_v nothing_o like_o worship_n perform_v towards_o it_o but_o if_o all_o his_o meaning_n be_v that_o whatever_o be_v use_v in_o the_o time_n of_o worship_n that_o be_v not_o a_o mere_a circumstance_n must_v be_v a_o medium_n of_o worship_n that_o be_v so_o weak_a a_o pretence_n that_o i_o shall_v consider_v it_o no_o far_o sect._n 31._o but_o suppose_v it_o be_v no_o medium_n of_o worship_n 41._o yet_o it_o can_v out_o of_o mr._n b._n be_v head_n but_o that_o it_o must_v be_v a_o new_a sacrament_n for_o say_v he_o if_o christ_n have_v institute_v the_o cross_n as_o our_o church_n do_v will_v you_o not_o have_v call_v this_o a_o sacrament_n and_o if_o it_o want_v but_o divine_a institution_n and_o benediction_n it_o want_v indeed_o a_o due_a efficient_a but_o it_o be_v still_o a_o human_a sacrament_n though_o not_o a_o divine_a and_o therefore_o a_o unlawful_a sacrament_n if_o christ_n have_v institute_v it_o with_o such_o promise_n as_o he_o have_v his_o other_o sacrament_n no_o doubt_n it_o have_v be_v one_o but_o then_o the_o use_n of_o it_o have_v be_v quite_o change_v from_o what_o it_o be_v now_o for_o than_o its_o signification_n have_v be_v from_o god_n to_o we_o and_o the_o minister_n have_v sign_v in_o christ_n name_n and_o not_o in_o the_o church_n and_o than_o it_o have_v be_v in_o token_n that_o christ_n will_v not_o fail_v of_o his_o promise_n if_o we_o perform_v our_o condition_n but_o here_o it_o be_v quite_o contrary_a as_o have_v already_o appear_v there_o be_v one_o thing_n yet_o remain_v in_o mr._n b._n about_o this_o matter_n to_o be_v consider_v 49._o viz._n that_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o church_n the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n have_v a_o sacramental_a efficacy_n attribute_v to_o it_o for_o say_v he_o as_o the_o water_n of_o baptism_n work_v moral_o by_o signify_v the_o wash_n of_o christ_n body_n so_o the_o cross_n be_v to_o operate_v moral_o by_o signify_v christ_n crucifixion_n the_o benefit_n of_o his_o cross_n and_o our_o duty_n and_o then_o he_o add_v that_o it_o be_v the_o common_a doctrine_n of_o protestant_n that_o the_o sacrament_n be_v not_o institute_v to_o give_v grace_n physical_o but_o only_o moral_o and_o that_o even_o the_o wise_a papist_n themselves_o do_v maintain_v only_o such_o moral_a causality_n in_o sacrament_n and_o so_o by_o this_o mean_v he_o will_v make_v the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n to_o have_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o sacrament_n with_o we_o but_o that_o he_o have_v misrepresent_v or_o misapply_v both_o the_o popish_a and_o protestant_n doctrine_n about_o the_o efficacy_n of_o sacrament_n to_o serve_v his_o purpose_n i_o shall_v now_o 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on_o produce_v the_o effect_n by_o moral_o they_o mean_v that_o which_o do_v effectual_o concur_v to_o the_o produce_v the_o effect_n but_o after_o another_o manner_n as_o by_o persuasion_n by_o entreaty_n etc._n etc._n as_o he_o that_o run_v the_o sword_n into_o another_o bowel_n kill_v he_o physical_o he_o that_o persuade_v and_o incourage_v he_o effectual_o to_o do_v it_o be_v as_o real_o the_o cause_n of_o his_o death_n as_o the_o other_o but_o then_o they_o say_v he_o be_v but_o a_o moral_a and_o not_o a_o physical_a cause_n of_o the_o murder_n they_o all_o agree_v that_o the_o sacrament_n do_v effectual_o convey_v grace_n where_o there_o be_v no_o obstacle_n put_v but_o the_o only_a question_n be_v about_o the_o manner_n of_o produce_v it_o and_o as_o to_o this_o they_o agree_v that_o the_o sacrament_n do_v work_v as_o moral_a cause_n not_o principal_a but_o instrumental_a the_o principal_a they_o say_v be_v the_o merit_n of_o christ_n the_o instrumental_a the_o sacrament_n as_o derive_v their_o efficacy_n from_o the_o former_a as_o the_o write_n from_o the_o seal_n and_o the_o seal_n from_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o person_n or_o as_o money_n from_o the_o stamp_n and_o the_o stamp_n from_o the_o king_n but_o beside_o this_o they_o question_v whether_o there_o be_v not_o a_o proper_a efficiency_n by_o divine_a power_n in_o the_o sacrament_n to_o produce_v at_o least_o the_o character_n from_o whence_o divine_a grace_n immediate_o follow_v and_o about_o this_o indeed_o they_o be_v divide_v some_o say_v there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o assert_v more_o than_o a_o bare_a moral_a causality_n because_o this_o be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o infallible_a efficacy_n of_o the_o sacrament_n 5._o sublato_fw-la obice_fw-la as_o gamachaeus_n a_o late_a professor_n in_o the_o sorbon_n deliver_v their_o doctrine_n and_o of_o this_o opinion_n he_o reckon_v bonaventure_n altissidore_n scotus_n durandus_fw-la canus_n ledesma_n and_o many_o other_o and_o with_o this_o he_o close_v because_o this_o be_v sufficient_a and_o the_o other_o be_v to_o make_v miracle_n without_o cause_n as_o long_o as_o the_o effect_n follow_v certò_fw-la infallibiliter_fw-la &_o ex_fw-la opere_fw-la operato_fw-la as_o he_o there_o speak_v and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n card._n de_fw-fr lugo_n yield_v to_o it_o 32._o although_o he_o there_o say_v that_o a_o sacrament_n be_v signum_fw-la practicum_fw-la infallibile_fw-la gratiae_n so_o that_o those_o who_o do_v assert_v only_o this_o moral_a causality_n of_o sacrament_n do_v not_o suppose_v any_o uncertainty_n in_o the_o effect_n any_o more_o than_o the_o other_o do_v but_o only_o differ_v about_o the_o way_n of_o produce_v it_o yet_o ysambertus_n 3._o another_o late_a professor_n of_o the_o sorbon_n prove_v the_o doctrine_n of_o a_o physical_a efficiency_n to_o be_v much_o
join_v tyranny_n over_o the_o soul_n and_o that_o they_o will_v force_v the_o conscience_n by_o impose_v a_o necessity_n to_o believe_v that_o which_o they_o believe_v and_o to_o practice_v that_o which_o they_o practise_v for_o in_o this_o case_n the_o foundation_n and_o true_a cause_n of_o external_a communion_n be_v no_o more_o the_o external_a communion_n to_o its_o self_n cease_v of_o right_a and_o there_o be_v not_o any_o that_o be_v lawful_a to_o be_v have_v any_o more_o with_o such_o according_a to_o the_o second_o maxim_n we_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o a_o single_a difference_n of_o government_n or_o discipline_n nor_o even_o a_o difference_n of_o ceremony_n innocent_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n be_v a_o sufficient_a occasion_n to_o break_v the_o sacred_a bond_n of_o communion_n wherefore_o our_o church_n have_v always_o look_v upon_o and_o consider_v you_o not_o only_o as_o a_o sister_n but_o as_o a_o elder_a sister_n for_o which_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v a_o kindness_n accompany_v with_o respect_n and_o veneration_n and_o for_o which_o we_o do_v present_v most_o ardent_a prayer_n unto_o god_n without_o cease_v we_o do_v not_o enter_v into_o the_o comparison_n of_o your_o order_n with_o that_o under_o which_o we_o live_v we_o know_v that_o there_o be_v not_o neither_o can_v there_o be_v any_o among_o man_n which_o by_o reason_n of_o our_o natural_a corruption_n be_v not_o subject_a to_o inconvenience_n we_o have_v she_o as_o well_o as_o you_o and_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o without_o doubt_n have_v their_o advantage_n and_o disadvantage_n in_o divers_a respect_n alternis_fw-la vincunt_fw-la &_o vincuntur_fw-la it_o be_v enough_o for_o we_o to_o know_v that_o the_o same_o divine_a providence_n which_o by_o a_o indispensable_a necessity_n and_o by_o the_o conjuncture_n of_o affair_n do_v at_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o reformation_n put_v our_o church_n under_o that_o of_o the_o presbytery_n have_v put_v you_o under_o that_o of_o the_o episcopacy_n and_o as_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o you_o do_v not_o despise_v our_o simplicity_n so_o neither_o ought_v we_o to_o oppose_v ourselves_o against_o your_o preeminence_n so_o that_o my_o lord_n we_o utter_o disapprove_v and_o see_v with_o grief_n certain_a extreme_n whereinto_o some_o of_o the_o one_o side_n and_o the_o other_o do_v cast_v themselves_o the_o one_o look_v upon_o episcopacy_n as_o a_o order_n so_o absolute_o necessary_a that_o without_o it_o there_o can_v be_v no_o ecclesiastical_a society_n nor_o lawful_a vocation_n nor_o hope_v of_o salvation_n and_o the_o other_o look_v upon_o it_o with_o indignation_n as_o a_o rellque_fw-fr of_o antichristianism_n these_o be_v equal_o heat_n and_o excess_n which_o do_v not_o come_v from_o he_o that_o call_v we_o and_o which_o do_v offend_v against_o the_o law_n of_o wisdom_n and_o charity_n these_o my_o lord_n be_v our_o true_a and_o sincere_a common_a opinion_n for_o what_o concern_v you_o since_o you_o desire_v that_o i_o will_v descend_v a_o little_a more_o particular_o into_o the_o state_n that_o your_o own_o church_n be_v in_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o intestine_a division_n that_o trouble_v it_o give_v i_o leave_v not_o to_o tell_v you_o my_o thought_n without_o declare_v my_o wish_n and_o the_o desire_n of_o my_o heart_n upon_o a_o matter_n so_o important_a as_o this_o be_v i_o can_v wish_v then_o with_o all_o my_o sell_a that_o those_o that_o be_v go_v so_o far_o as_o this_o point_n to_o think_v to_o break_v the_o external_a bond_n and_o the_o mutual_a dependence_n of_o your_o flock_n to_o give_v every_o particular_a church_n a_o kind_n of_o sovereignty_n of_o government_n will_v consider_v well_o whether_o that_o they_o pretend_v to_o do_v be_v not_o direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n which_o be_v a_o spirit_n of_o union_n and_o society_n and_o not_o of_o division_n that_o they_o will_v consider_v that_o under_o the_o pretence_n that_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o reform_a be_v to_o abhor_v man_n domineer_a over_o faith_n and_o conscience_n as_o a_o thing_n destructive_a of_o religion_n we_o ought_v not_o for_o all_o that_o to_o reject_v the_o bridle_n of_o discipline_n nor_o to_o shake_v off_o the_o whole_a yoke_n of_o government_n nor_o deprive_v ourselves_o of_o the_o succour_n we_o may_v draw_v out_o of_o a_o general_a union_n for_o to_o strengthen_v we_o in_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o in_o true_a piety_n that_o they_o will_v consider_v in_o fine_a that_o the_o same_o reason_n which_o make_v they_o desire_v the_o independency_n of_o the_o flock_n may_v be_v likewise_o employ_v to_o establish_v the_o independency_n of_o the_o person_n in_o every_o flock_n for_o a_o flock_n have_v no_o more_o right_a to_o desire_v to_o be_v independent_a upon_o other_o flock_n than_o a_o person_n may_v have_v to_o desire_v to_o be_v independent_a upon_o other_o person_n but_o this_o will_v be_v to_o bring_v all_o discipline_n to_o nothing_o to_o throw_v the_o church_n as_o much_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v into_o a_o horrible_a confusion_n and_o to_o expose_v the_o heritage_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o the_o reproach_n of_o its_o adversary_n for_o what_o concern_v those_o which_o among_o you_o they_o call_v presbyterian_o as_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o they_o have_v light_n and_o wisdom_n and_o zeal_n so_o i_o can_v wish_v with_o all_o my_o heart_n that_o they_o will_v observe_v more_o moderation_n in_o the_o scandal_n they_o believe_v they_o have_v heretofore_o receive_v from_o the_o episcopal_a order_n and_o that_o they_o will_v distinguish_v the_o person_n from_o the_o ministry_n the_o person_n that_o possess_v the_o place_n have_v not_o only_o their_o fault_n but_o it_o may_v happen_v too_o sometime_o that_o the_o most_o holy_a and_o most_o eminent_a place_n may_v be_v possess_v by_o wicked_a man_n and_o in_o that_o case_n reason_n and_o peity_n do_v equal_o require_v that_o we_o shall_v not_o confound_v the_o ministry_n with_o the_o minister_n at_o present_v that_o god_n by_o his_o grace_n have_v take_v away_o this_o scandal_n from_o before_o their_o eye_n and_o make_v they_o see_v piety_n zeal_n and_o constancy_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o person_n of_o the_o bishop_n i_o hope_v that_o this_o will_v not_o a_o little_a contribute_v to_o the_o sweeten_v of_o their_o spirit_n beside_o i_o can_v wish_v that_o they_o will_v be_v please_v to_o consider_v that_o if_o there_o be_v some_o unpleasant_a inconvenience_n in_o the_o episcopal_a government_n as_o i_o do_v not_o doubt_v but_o there_o be_v there_o be_v too_o some_o very_a unpleasant_a one_o in_o the_o presbyterian_a as_o i_o have_v say_v already_o no_o order_n who_o execution_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n be_v exempt_a from_o they_o a_o equality_n have_v its_o fault_n and_o excess_n to_o be_v fear_v as_o well_o as_o a_o superiority_n therefore_o it_o be_v not_o the_o most_o safe_a and_o wise_a way_n to_o leap_v from_o the_o one_o to_o the_o other_o nor_o to_o hazard_v the_o make_v a_o general_a concussion_n upon_o the_o hope_n of_o be_v better_o though_o one_o shall_v be_v in_o authority_n and_o power_n to_o do_v it_o christian_n prudence_n justice_n and_o charity_n do_v not_o permit_v we_o to_o proceed_v to_o such_o dare_a and_o dangerous_a extreme_n for_o a_o single_a difference_n of_o government_n it_o be_v most_o safe_a and_o wise_a to_o endeavour_v to_o provide_v some_o kind_n of_o temper_n to_o avoid_v or_o to_o lessen_v as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v the_o inconvenience_n that_o be_v fear_v and_o not_o have_v recourse_n to_o violent_a remedy_n i_o shall_v not_o be_v afraid_a to_o give_v that_o name_n to_o the_o hold_v of_o assembly_n apart_o and_o separate_v from_o the_o public_a assembly_n and_o withdraw_a themselves_o from_o under_o your_o government_n there_o be_v no_o man_n that_o do_v not_o see_v that_o this_o will_v be_v real_a schism_n which_o in_o itself_o and_o of_o its_o own_o nature_n can_v choose_v but_o be_v always_o odious_a to_o god_n and_o man_n and_o of_o which_o the_o author_n and_o patron_n can_v avoid_v the_o render_v a_o account_n before_o the_o tribunal_n of_o our_o common_a master_n when_o saint_n paul_n forbid_v we_o to_o forsake_v the_o assemble_v of_o ourselves_o together_o he_o do_v not_o only_o condemn_v those_o that_o do_v not_o come_v thither_o but_o stay_v at_o home_n but_o those_o too_o without_o doubt_n that_o hold_v other_o assembly_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o public_a one_o for_o this_o be_v to_o break_v the_o bond_n of_o christian_a charity_n which_o do_v not_o only_o join_v we_o with_o some_o of_o our_o brethren_n but_o with_o all_o our_o brethren_n to_o receive_v from_o they_o and_o to_o give_v they_o edification_n by_o live_v together_o in_o the_o same_o communion_n and_o it_o will_v be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o pretend_v that_o our_o conscience_n do_v oppose_v our_o be_v