second_o century_n of_o any_o one_o person_n who_o have_v the_o care_n of_o more_o church_n than_o one_o commit_v unto_o he_o or_o do_v take_v the_o charge_n of_o they_o on_o himself_o but_o whereas_o this_o change_n do_v fall_v out_o and_o appear_v evident_o so_o to_o have_v do_v in_o the_o four_o century_n we_o may_v brief_o inquire_v into_o the_o cause_n and_o occasion_n of_o it_o church_n be_v original_o plant_v in_o city_n and_o town_n for_o the_o most_o part_n not_o absolute_o for_o the_o word_n be_v preach_v and_o church_n gather_v by_o the_o apostle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o clemens_n testify_v in_o such_o city_n there_o be_v but_o one_o church_n whereunto_o all_o beleiver_n do_v belong_v i_o mention_v this_o the_o rather_o because_o our_o present_a author_n who_o be_v please_v frequent_o to_o mistake_v my_o word_n and_o principle_n affirm_v that_o the_o thing_n which_o i_o shall_v have_v prove_v be_v that_o there_o be_v more_o church_n at_o first_o plant_v in_o one_o city_n than_o one_o i_o know_v not_o why_o i_o shall_v be_v oblige_v to_o do_v so_o because_o i_o never_o say_v so_o i_o do_v believe_v indeed_o that_o there_o may_v be_v more_o particular_a church_n than_o one_o in_o one_o city_n and_o that_o sometime_o it_o be_v better_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o then_o that_o all_o beleiver_n in_o the_o same_o city_n shall_v be_v keep_v up_o unto_o one_o congregation_n to_o the_o obstruction_n of_o their_o edification_n but_o that_o there_o be_v original_o or_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n more_o church_n than_o one_o in_o any_o one_o city_n or_o town_n i_o do_v whole_o deny_v though_o i_o grant_v at_o the_o same_o time_n there_o be_v church_n in_o village_n also_o as_o will_v appear_v afterward_o but_o though_o there_o be_v one_o church_n only_o in_o one_o town_n or_o city_n yet_o all_o the_o believer_n that_o belong_v unto_o that_o church_n do_v not_o live_v in_o that_o city_n but_o sundry_a of_o they_o in_o the_o field_n and_o village_n about_o so_o justin_n martyr_n tell_v we_o that_o on_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n when_o the_o church_n have_v its_o solemn_a assembly_n all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o in_o the_o city_n and_o out_o of_o the_o country_n the_o field_n and_o village_n about_o meet_v together_o in_o the_o same_o place_n in_o process_n of_o time_n these_o believer_n in_o the_o country_n do_v great_o increase_v by_o the_o mean_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o city-church_n which_o diligent_o attend_v unto_o the_o conversion_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n with_o some_o extraordinary_a help_n beside_o but_o hereon_o the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v oversee_v for_o on_o this_o account_n of_o the_o conversion_n of_o many_o unto_o the_o faith_n in_o the_o town_n and_o village_n of_o any_o province_n they_o erect_v and_o plant_v new_a church_n among_o they_o not_o oblige_v they_o all_o unto_o that_o first_o church_n from_o whence_o the_o word_n go_v forth_o for_o their_o conversion_n but_o those_o who_o succeed_v they_o be_v hinder_v by_o many_o reason_n which_o may_v be_v easy_o recount_v from_o thought_n of_o the_o multiplication_n of_o church_n choose_v rather_o to_o give_v the_o beleiver_n scatter_v up_o and_o down_o in_o the_o country_n occasional_a assistance_n by_o presbyter_n of_o their_o own_o than_o to_o dispose_v they_o into_o a_o chrch_n state_n and_o order_n but_o after_o a_o while_n their_o number_n great_o increase_a they_o be_v necessitate_v to_o supply_v they_o with_o a_o constant_a ministry_n in_o several_a parcel_n or_o division_n the_o minister_n or_o elder_n thus_o dispose_v among_o they_o for_o their_o edification_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v still_o relate_v unto_o and_o depend_v upon_o that_o city_n first_o church_n from_o whence_o they_o come_v but_o the_o number_n of_o beleiver_n daily_a increase_n and_o a_o succession_n of_o presbyter_n in_o their_o distinct_a assembly_n be_v find_v necessary_a they_o come_v to_o be_v call_v church_n though_o continue_v in_o dependence_n both_o for_o a_o supply_n of_o officer_n and_o for_o rule_n on_o the_o first_o or_o city_n church_n whereunto_o they_o esteem_v themselves_o to_o belong_v this_o be_v the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o multiplication_n of_o christian_a assembly_n throughout_o the_o roman_a empire_n and_o hereby_o all_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o first_o church_n become_v by_o common_a consent_n to_o have_v a_o distinction_n from_o and_o pre-eminence_n above_o the_o presbyter_n that_o be_v fix_v in_o the_o country_n and_o a_o rule_n over_o those_o assembly_n or_o church_n themselves_o and_o therefore_o when_o they_o meet_v together_o in_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a among_o the_o first_o thing_n they_o decree_v one_o be_v to_o confirm_v unto_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o great_a city_n that_o power_n over_o the_o neighbour_a church_n which_o they_o have_v enjoin_v from_o this_o occasional_a rise_n and_o constitution_n of_o they_o hereby_o be_v a_o difference_n and_o distinction_n between_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n between_o mother_n and_o dependant_a church_n introduce_v equal_o almost_o in_o all_o place_n without_o take_v any_o notice_n of_o the_o departure_n which_o be_v therein_o from_o the_o primitive_a pattern_n and_o institution_n but_o these_o thing_n fall_v out_o long_o after_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n namely_o in_o the_o three_o and_o four_o century_n there_o be_v no_o mention_n of_o they_o before_o but_o second_o there_o be_v another_o occasion_n of_o this_o alteration_n which_o take_v place_n before_o that_o insist_v on_o for_o in_o many_o of_o those_o city_n church_n especial_o when_o the_o number_n of_o beleiver_n much_o increase_v there_o be_v many_o bishop_n or_o elder_n who_o have_v the_o rule_n of_o they_o in_o common_a this_o be_v plain_a in_o the_o scripture_n and_o in_o the_o ensue_a record_n of_o church_n affair_n and_o they_o have_v all_o the_o same_o office_n the_o same_o power_n and_o be_v of_o the_o same_o order_n but_o after_o a_o while_n to_o preserve_v order_n and_o decency_n among_o themselves_o and_o in_o all_o their_o proceed_n they_o choose_v one_o from_o among_o they_o who_o shall_v preside_v in_o all_o church_n affair_n for_o order_n sake_n unto_o who_o after_o a_o season_n the_o name_n of_o bishop_n begin_v to_o be_v appropriate_v whether_o the_o rule_n they_o proceed_v by_o herein_o be_v to_o choose_v they_o unto_o this_o dignity_n who_o have_v be_v first_o convert_v unto_o the_o faith_n or_o first_o call_v and_o ordain_v to_o be_v presbyter_n or_o have_v respect_n unto_o the_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o those_o who_o they_o choose_v be_v not_o certain_a but_o this_o way_n begin_v in_o those_o church_n wherein_o some_o extraordinary_a officer_n apostle_n or_o evangelist_n have_v long_o reside_v it_o can_v therefore_o be_v doubt_v but_o they_o have_v some_o design_n to_o represent_v hereby_o somewhat_o of_o the_o dignity_n of_o such_o a_o officer_n and_o a_o resemblance_n of_o the_o continuance_n of_o his_o presence_n among_o they_o and_o this_o i_o suppose_v fall_v out_o early_o in_o the_o church_n though_o without_o ground_n or_o warrant_n and_o the_o principal_a pastor_n of_o other_o church_n which_o have_v not_o any_o great_a number_n of_o elder_n in_o they_o yet_o quick_o assume_v unto_o themselves_o the_o dignity_n which_o the_o other_o have_v attain_v justin_n martyr_n in_o the_o account_n he_o give_v of_o the_o church_n its_o order_n rule_n worship_n and_o discipline_n in_o his_o day_n mention_n one_o singular_a person_n in_o one_o church_n who_o he_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d who_o preside_v in_o all_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n and_o himself_o administer_v all_o the_o sacred_a ordinance_n every_o lord_n day_n unto_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o church_n gather_v and_o meet_v out_o of_o the_o city_n and_o the_o village_n about_o this_o be_v the_o bishop_n and_o if_o any_o one_o desire_v this_o office_n he_o desire_v a_o good_a work_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v whatever_o accession_n be_v make_v unto_o the_o church_n these_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v either_o the_o first_o convert_v to_o the_o faith_n or_o the_o first_o ordain_v presbyter_n or_o obtain_v their_o pre-eminence_n non_fw-la pretio_fw-la sed_fw-la testimonio_fw-la as_o tertullian_n speak_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o eminency_n in_o gift_n and_o holiness_n be_v yet_o quick_o sensible_a of_o their_o own_o dignity_n and_o praelation_n and_o by_o all_o mean_v seek_v the_o enlargement_n of_o it_o suppose_v that_o it_o belong_v unto_o the_o honour_n and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o under_o this_o state_n of_o thing_n the_o church_n increase_a every_o day_n in_o number_n and_o wealth_n grow_v insensible_o more_o and_o more_o indy_n magis_fw-la magisque_fw-la decrescente_fw-la disciplina_fw-la into_o a_o form_n and_o
anâ—yra_n in_o galatia_n about_o the_o year_n 314_o can._n 13._o and_o mention_n be_v again_o make_v of_o they_o in_o a_o synod_n of_o antioch_n an._n 341._o and_o somewhat_o before_o at_o the_o council_n of_o neocaesarea_n can._n 13._o and_o frequent_o afterward_o as_o any_o one_o may_v see_v in_o the_o late_a collection_n of_o the_o ancient_a canon_n i_o very_o believe_v nor_o can_v the_o contrary_n be_v prove_v but_o that_o these_o chorepiscopi_fw-la at_o first_o be_v as_o absolute_a and_o complete_a in_o the_o office_n of_o episcopacy_n as_o any_o of_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o great_a city_n have_v their_o name_n or_o denomination_n from_o the_o place_n of_o their_o residence_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o not_o for_o a_o intimation_n of_o any_o inferiority_n in_o they_o unto_o other_o city-bishop_n but_o so_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o through_o their_o poverty_n and_o want_n of_o interest_n their_o ministry_n be_v confine_v unto_o a_o small_a country-parish_n &_o perhaps_o through_o a_o comparative_a meanness_n of_o their_o gift_n or_o ability_n the_o city-bishop_n claim_v a_o superiority_n over_o they_o and_o make_v canon_n about_o their_o power_n the_o bound_a and_o exercise_v of_o it_o in_o dependence_n on_o themselves_o for_o a_o while_n they_o be_v esteem_v a_o degree_n above_o mere_a presbyter_n who_o accompany_v or_o attend_v the_o bishop_n of_o the_o city-church_n in_o his_o administration_n and_o a_o degree_n beneath_o the_o bishop_n himself_o in_o a_o posture_n never_o design_v by_o christ_n nor_o his_o apostle_n wherefore_o in_o process_n of_o time_n the_o name_n and_o thing_n be_v utter_o lose_v and_o all_o the_o country-churche_n be_v bring_v into_o a_o absolute_a subjection_n unto_o the_o city-church_n something_o be_v allow_v unto_o they_o for_o worship_n nothing_o for_o rule_n and_o discipline_n whereby_o the_o first_o state_n of_o church_n in_o their_o original_a institution_n sacred_o preserve_v in_o the_o first_o century_n be_v utter_o lose_v and_o demolish_a i_o shall_v add_v but_o one_o argument_n more_o to_o evince_v the_o true_a state_n and_o nature_n of_o evangelical_n church_n herein_o namely_o that_o they_o be_v only_o particular_a congregation_n and_o that_o be_v take_v from_o the_o duty_n and_o power_n ascribe_v in_o the_o scripture_n unto_o church_n and_o the_o member_n or_o entire_a brotherhood_n of_o they_o it_o be_v observe_v before_o that_o the_o epistle_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v write_v all_o of_o they_o unto_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n in_o contradistinction_n unto_o their_o elder_n bishop_n or_o pastor_n unless_o it_o be_v those_o that_o be_v write_v unto_o particular_a person_n by_o name_n and_o as_o this_o be_v plain_a in_o all_o the_o epistle_n of_o paul_n wherein_o sometime_o distinct_a mention_n be_v make_v of_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n sometime_o none_o at_o all_o so_o the_o apostle_n john_n affirm_v that_o he_o write_v unto_o the_o church_n but_o that_o diotrephes_n who_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v their_o bishop_n receive_v he_o not_o at_o once_o reject_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o overthrow_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n which_o example_n be_v diligent_o follow_v in_o the_o succeed_a age_n joh._n epist._n 3._o ver_fw-la 9_o and_o the_o apostle_n peter_n write_v unto_o the_o church_n on_o a_o especial_a occasion_n speak_v distinct_o of_o the_o elder_n 1_o pet._n 5.1_o 2._o see_v also_o heb._n 13.24_o the_o body_n of_o the_o epistle_n be_v direct_v to_o the_o body_n of_o church_n wherefore_o all_o the_o instruction_n direction_n and_o injunction_n give_v in_o those_o epistle_n as_o unto_o the_o exercise_n of_o power_n or_o the_o performance_n of_o duty_n they_o be_v give_v unto_o the_o church_n themselves_o now_o these_o be_v such_o many_o of_o they_o as_o can_v be_v act_v or_o perform_v in_o any_o church_n by_o the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n but_o that_o which_o be_v congregational_a only_o it_o be_v too_o long_o here_o to_o insist_v on_o particular_n it_o shall_v be_v do_v elsewhere_o and_o it_o will_v thence_o appear_v that_o this_o argument_n alone_o be_v sufficient_a to_o bear_v the_o weight_n of_o this_o whole_a cause_n the_o reader_n may_v if_o he_o please_v consider_v what_o representation_n hereof_o be_v make_v in_o these_o place_n compare_v together_o matth._n 18.15_o 16_o 17_o 18._o act._n 1.12_o 23_o chap._n 2.1_o 42_o 44_o 46._o chap._n 5.11_o 12_o 13._o chap._n 11.21_o 22_o 25_o 26_o 28_o 29_o 30._o chap._n 12.5_o 12._o chap._n 14.26_o 27._o chap._n 15.1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 6_o 12_o 13_o 22_o 23_o 27_o 28_o 30._o chap._n 20.28_o rom._n 15.5_o 6_o 14_o 25_o 26._o chap._n 16.1_o 17_o 18._o 1_o cor._n 1.4_o 5._o chap._n 5._o throughout_o chap._n 12.4_o 7_o 8_o 9_o 11_o 15_o 18_o 28_o 29_o 30_o 31._o chap._n 14._o throughout_o chap._n 16.10_o 11._o 2_o cor._n 3.1_o 2_o 3._o chap._n 7.14_o 15._o chap._n 8.22_o 23_o 24._o chap._n 2_o 6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o 10_o 11._o chap._n 8.5_o ephes._n 2.19_o 20_o 21_o 22._o chap._n 5.11_o 12._o gal._n 6.1_o philip._n 2.25_o 26_o 27_o 28._o colos._n 1.1_o 2._o chap._n 2.3_o chap._n 3.16_o chap._n 4.9_o 12_o 16_o 17._o 1_o thes._n 5.11_o 12_o 13_o 14._o 2_o thes._n 3.6_o 7_o 14_o 15._o heb._n 12.13_o chap._n 10.24_o 25._o chap._n 12.15_o 16._o in_o these_o i_o say_v and_o other_o place_n innumerable_a there_o be_v those_o thing_n affirm_v of_o and_o ascribe_v unto_o the_o apostolical_a church_n as_o unto_o their_o state_n order_n assembly_n duty_n power_n and_o privilege_n as_o evince_n they_o to_o have_v be_v only_o particular_a congregation_n chap._n vi_o congregational_a church_n alone_o suit_v unto_o the_o end_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o institution_n of_o his_o church_n have_v give_v a_o account_n of_o that_o state_n and_o order_n of_o the_o gospel-churche_n which_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o we_o declare_v also_o their_o suitableness_n and_o sufficiency_n unto_o all_o the_o end_n for_o which_o the_o lord_n christ_n appoint_v such_o church_n for_o if_o there_o be_v any_o true_a proper_a end_n of_o that_o nature_n which_o can_v be_v attain_v in_o or_o by_o any_o church-state_n in_o this_o or_o that_o form_n it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o no_o such_o form_n be_v of_o divine_a appointment_n yea_o it_o be_v necessary_a not_o only_o that_o such_o a_o state_n as_o pretend_v unto_o a_o divine_a original_a be_v not_o only_o not_o contradictory_n unto_o or_o inconsistent_a with_o such_o a_o end_n but_o that_o it_o be_v effectual_o conduce_v thereunto_o and_o in_o its_o place_n necessary_a unto_o that_o purpose_n this_o therefore_o be_v that_o which_o we_o shall_v now_o inquire_v into_o namely_o whether_o this_o state_n and_o form_n of_o gospel-churche_n in_o single_a congregation_n be_v suit_v unto_o all_o those_o end_n for_o which_o any_o such_o church_n be_v appoint_v which_o they_o must_v be_v on_o the_o account_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o author_n and_o founder_n of_o they_o or_o be_v utter_o discard_v from_o their_o pretence_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o more_o forcible_a argument_n against_o any_o pretend_a church-state_n rule_n or_o order_n than_o that_o it_o be_v obstructive_a unto_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n in_o attain_v the_o proper_a end_n of_o their_o whole_a institution_n what_o these_o end_n be_v be_v in_o general_a before_o declare_v i_o shall_v not_o here_o repeat_v they_o or_o go_v over_o they_o again_o but_o only_o single_a out_o the_o consideration_n of_o those_o which_o be_v usual_o plead_v as_o not_o attainable_a by_o this_o way_n of_o church_n in_o single_a congregation_n only_o or_o that_o at_o least_o they_o be_v not_o suit_v unto_o their_o attainment_n the_o first_o of_o these_o be_v mutual_a love_n among_o all_o christian_n all_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n by_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n i_o intend_v they_o and_o they_o only_o who_o profess_v faith_n in_o his_o person_n and_o doctrine_n and_o to_o hear_v he_o or_o to_o be_v guide_v by_o he_o alone_o in_o all_o thing_n that_o appertain_v unto_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o their_o live_n unto_o he_o if_o there_o be_v any_o call_v christian_n who_o in_o these_o thing_n choose_v other_o guide_n call_v other_o minister_n hear_v they_o in_o their_o appointment_n we_o must_v sever_v they_o from_o our_o present_a consideration_n though_o there_o be_v important_a duty_n require_v of_o we_o towards_o they_o also_o but_o what_o be_v allege_v be_v necessary_a unto_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o true_a disciple_n of_o christ._n unto_o all_o those_o his_o great_a command_n be_v mutual_a love_n among_o themselves_o this_o he_o call_v in_o a_o especial_a manner_n his_o commandment_n and_o a_o new_a commandment_n as_o for_o other_o reason_n so_o because_o he_o have_v give_v the_o first_o absolute_a great_a example_n of_o it_o in_o himself_o as_o also_o discover_v
distribute_v the_o faithful_a at_o rome_n into_o distinct_a title_n or_o parish_n with_o distinct_a presbyter_n of_o their_o own_o for_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o in_o those_o day_n wherein_o persecution_n be_v at_o its_o height_n the_o meeting_n of_o believer_n be_v occasional_a with_o respect_n unto_o their_o security_n ofttimes_o by_o night_n sometime_o in_o cave_n under_o the_o earth_n or_o in_o desert_a burial_n place_n at_o best_a in_o private_a house_n and_o they_o have_v for_o what_o they_o do_v the_o example_n of_o the_o apostolical_a church_n act_v 1.13_o 14._o act_n 2.46_o chap._n 4.24_o 31._o chap._n 12.12_o chap._n 18.7_o chap._n 20.8_o chap._n 21.18_o instance_n of_o such_o meeting_n may_v be_v multiply_v especial_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o to_o manifest_v that_o they_o take_v this_o course_n upon_o necessity_n when_o peace_n begin_v to_o be_v restore_v at_o any_o time_n unto_o they_o they_o design_v temple_n that_o may_v receive_v the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o the_o church_n together_o the_o distribution_n mention_v into_o title_n and_o parish_n begin_v a_o long_a time_n after_o and_o in_o very_a few_o place_n within_o 300_o year_n in_o this_o state_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o conceive_v what_o alteration_n may_v fall_v out_o in_o some_o church_n from_o their_o primitive_a order_n especial_o how_o the_o people_n may_v desert_v their_o diligence_n and_o duty_n in_o attend_v unto_o all_o the_o concern_v of_o the_o church_n and_o if_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o apostle_n write_v unto_o they_o in_o their_o epistle_n the_o instruction_n direction_n and_o command_n how_o in_o all_o thing_n they_o shall_v act_v and_o deport_v themselves_o in_o the_o church_n be_v esteem_v to_o be_v obligatory_a in_o all_o age_n i_o can_v see_v how_o after_o the_o second_o century_n they_o be_v much_o comply_v withal_o unless_o it_o be_v in_o the_o single_a instance_n of_o choose_v their_o own_o officer_n or_o ruler_n but_o second_o after_o these_o there_o ensue_v great_a occasion_n of_o great_a variation_n from_o the_o primitive_a institution_n and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o people_n for_o 1._o such_o number_n of_o they_o be_v receive_v into_o a_o relation_n unto_o particular_a church_n as_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o end_n of_o their_o institution_n and_o the_o observance_n of_o the_o communion_n require_v in_o they_o as_o will_v afterward_o appear_v and_o the_o relief_n that_o be_v invent_v for_o this_o inconveniency_n in_o distinct_a convention_n supply_v with_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n from_o the_o first_o church_n or_o by_o state_v title_n do_v alter_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n among_o those_o multitude_n which_o be_v add_v unto_o the_o church_n especial_o in_o the_o four_o century_n many_o if_o not_o the_o most_o do_v come_v short_a inexpressible_o in_o knowledge_n gift_n grace_n holiness_n and_o uprightness_n of_o conversation_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n as_o the_o writer_n of_o that_o age_n complain_v and_o be_v hereby_o uncapable_a of_o walk_v according_a unto_o the_o order_n rule_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o apostolical_a church_n there_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o another_o rule_n of_o other_o way_n and_o mean_n for_o their_o government_n without_o their_o own_o concurrence_n or_o consent_n than_o what_o be_v at_o first_o appoint_v which_o be_v gradual_o introduce_v whence_o the_o original_a of_o a_o multitude_n of_o those_o canon_n which_o be_v arbitrary_o invent_v afterward_o for_o their_o rule_n and_o government_n be_v to_o be_v derive_v and_o it_o may_v be_v make_v to_o appear_v that_o the_o accommodation_n of_o the_o rule_n yea_o and_o of_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o several_a age_n of_o it_o unto_o the_o ignorance_n manner_n and_o inclination_n of_o the_o people_n who_o be_v then_o easy_o win_v unto_o the_o outward_a profession_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v one_o mean_n of_o the_o ruin_n of_o they_o both_o until_o they_o issue_v in_o downright_a tyranny_n and_o idolatry_n but_o much_o more_o of_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o deviation_n of_o the_o church_n from_o their_o primitive_a rule_n and_o order_n be_v to_o be_v ascribe_v unto_o the_o ambition_n and_o love_n of_o pre-eminence_n in_o many_o of_o the_o clergy_n or_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n but_o this_o be_v no_o place_n nor_o season_n to_o manifest_v this_o by_o instance_n beside_o it_o have_v be_v do_v by_o other_o i_o shall_v therefore_o inquire_v only_o into_o one_o or_o two_o thing_n in_o particular_a which_o be_v of_o principal_a consideration_n in_o the_o declension_n of_o the_o church_n from_o their_o primitive_a institution_n order_n and_o rule_n and_o 1._o it_o be_v evident_a that_o there_o be_v a_o alteration_n make_v in_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n as_o to_o its_o officer_n for_o it_o issue_v at_o last_o in_o pope_n patriarch_n cardinal_n metropolitan_a and_o diocesan_n bishop_n who_o be_v utter_o foreign_a unto_o the_o state_n and_o order_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o that_o for_o some_o age_n nor_o be_v these_o officer_n introduce_v into_o the_o church_n at_o one_o or_o in_o one_o age_n nor_o with_o the_o power_n which_o they_o afterward_o claim_v and_o assume_v unto_o themselves_o it_o be_v do_v gradual_o in_o many_o succeed_a age_n work_v by_o a_o design_n to_o accommodate_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n unto_o the_o political_a state_n of_o the_o empire_n in_o the_o distribution_n of_o its_o government_n 2._o the_o beginning_n of_o this_o great_a alteration_n be_v small_a nor_o at_o all_o perceive_v in_o the_o day_n wherein_o they_o be_v first_o act_v nor_o be_v it_o agree_v nor_o as_o far_o as_o i_o see_v will_v it_o ever_o be_v agree_v among_o learned_a man_n when_o first_o a_o disparity_n among_o the_o ordinary_a officer_n of_o the_o church_n in_o order_n degree_n or_o power_n do_v first_o begin_v nor_o by_o what_o mean_v it_o be_v bring_v about_o the_o apostle_n be_v all_o equal_a among_o themselves_o no_o one_o have_v either_o office_n or_o office-power_n above_o other_o so_o be_v all_o the_o ordinary_a bishop_n and_o presbyter_n mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o shall_v be_v prove_v afterward_o no_o intimation_n be_v give_v of_o any_o pre-eminence_n or_o superiority_n among_o they_o of_o one_o over_z other_o yet_o afterward_o in_o the_o three_o and_o four_o century_n much_o of_o that_o nature_n appear_v it_o begin_v to_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o bishop_n and_o elder_n mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o same_o and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n in_o name_n office_n or_o power_n during_o the_o apostle_n time_n which_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o hierome_n and_o our_o author_n seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n p._n 267._o but_o they_o say_v that_o after_o the_o decease_n of_o the_o apostle_n there_o be_v some_o appoint_v to_o succeed_v they_o in_o that_o part_n of_o their_o office_n which_o concern_v the_o rule_n of_o many_o church_n and_o this_o they_o say_v be_v do_v for_o the_o prevention_n of_o schism_n but_o with_o ill_a success_n for_o as_o clemens_n affirm_v that_o the_o apostle_n foresee_v that_o there_o will_v be_v strife_n and_o contention_n about_o episcopacy_n even_o when_o it_o be_v confine_v unto_o its_o original_a order_n because_o of_o the_o ambition_n of_o diotrephes_n and_o other_o like_v he_o so_o it_o become_v much_o more_o the_o cause_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o disorder_n in_o schism_n and_o heresy_n when_o it_o begin_v to_o exalt_v itself_o in_o dignity_n and_o reputation_n the_o first_o express_v attempt_n to_o corrupt_v and_o divide_v a_o church_n make_v from_o within_o itself_o be_v that_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n make_v by_o thebulis_fw-la because_o simon_n cleopas_n be_v choose_v bishop_n and_o he_o be_v refuse_v euseb._n lib._n 4._o cap._n 21._o the_o same_o rise_n have_v the_o schism_n of_o the_o novatian_o and_o donatist_n the_o heresy_n of_o arius_n and_o other_o neither_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n certain_a in_o this_o pretend_a succession_n of_o some_o person_n unto_o the_o apostle_n in_o that_o part_n of_o their_o office_n which_o concern_v the_o rule_n of_o many_o church_n by_o one_o overseer_n no_o intimation_n of_o any_o such_o appointment_n by_o the_o apostle_n or_o any_o of_o they_o no_o record_n of_o the_o concurrence_n of_o the_o church_n themselves_o in_o and_o unto_o this_o alteration_n can_v be_v produce_v nor_o be_v there_o any_o analogy_n between_o the_o extraordinary_a power_n of_o every_o apostle_n over_o all_o church_n and_o care_n for_o they_o and_o the_o ordinary_a power_n of_o a_o bishop_n over_o a_o small_a number_n which_o lot_n or_o accident_n dispose_v unto_o he_o beside_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v no_o instance_n can_v be_v give_v or_o have_v be_v for_o the_o space_n of_o 200_o year_n or_o until_o the_o end_n of_o the_o
believe_v that_o in_o this_o context_n our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n design_v to_o set_v up_o and_o erect_v a_o earthly_a domination_n in_o and_o over_o his_o church_n to_o be_v administer_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o canon_n law_n and_o the_o rota_n at_o rome_n they_o must_v be_v spiritual_o mad_a and_o ridiculous_a who_o can_v give_v the_o least_o entertainment_n unto_o such_o a_o imagination_n nor_o can_v the_o discipline_n of_o any_o diocesan_n church_n administer_v in_o and_o by_o court_n and_o officer_n foreign_a to_o the_o scripture_n both_o name_n and_o thing_n be_v bring_v within_o the_o view_n of_o this_o rule_n nor_o can_v all_o the_o art_n of_o the_o world_n make_v any_o application_n of_o it_o thereunto_o for_o what_o some_o plead_v concern_v magistrate_n or_o arbitrator_n they_o be_v thing_n which_o man_n will_v never_o betake_v themselves_o unto_o but_o only_o to_o evade_v the_o force_n of_o that_o truth_n which_o they_o love_v not_o all_o this_o be_v fall_v out_o by_o man_n depart_v from_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o a_o contempt_n of_o that_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n which_o be_v plain_a and_o obvious_a unto_o all_o who_o desire_v not_o only_o to_o hear_v his_o word_n but_o also_o to_o observe_v his_o command_n 3_o dly_z our_o three_o argument_n be_v take_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o church_n institute_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o order_n as_o it_o be_v express_v in_o the_o scripture_n for_o they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o congregational_a and_o of_o no_o other_o sort_n this_o the_o ensue_a consideration_n will_v make_v evident_a 1._o there_o be_v many_o church_n plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o very_o small_a province_n not_o to_o insist_v on_o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n gal._n 1.1_o concern_v which_o it_o be_v no_o where_o intimate_v that_o they_o have_v any_o one_o head_n or_o mother_n church_n metropolitical_n or_o diocesan_n nor_o of_o those_o of_o macedonia_n distinct_a from_o that_o of_o philippi_n whereof_o we_o have_v speak_v before_o upon_o the_o first_o come_v of_o paul_n after_o his_o conversion_n unto_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v three_o year_n gal._n 1.18_o in_o the_o four_o year_n after_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v church_n plant_v in_o all_o judea_n and_o galilee_n and_o samaria_n act._n 9.31_o neither_o of_o the_o two_o latter_a province_n be_v equal_a unto_o one_o ordinary_a diocese_n yet_o be_v there_o church_n in_o both_o of_o they_o and_o that_o in_o so_o short_a a_o time_n after_o the_o first_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n as_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v be_v conceive_v to_o be_v any_o other_o but_o single_a congregation_n what_o be_v except_v or_o oppose_v hereunto_o by_o the_o reverend_n dr._n st._n shall_v be_v examine_v and_o disprove_v afterward_o by_o itself_o that_o the_o progress_n of_o our_o discourse_n be_v not_o here_o interrupt_v 2._o these_o church_n be_v such_o as_o that_o the_o apostle_n appoint_v in_o they_o ordinary_a elder_n and_o deacon_n that_o may_v administer_v all_o ordinance_n unto_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o take_v care_n of_o all_o the_o poor_a act._n 14.23_o chap._n 20.28_o now_o the_o care_n inspection_n and_o labour_n of_o ordinary_a officer_n can_v extend_v itself_o no_o further_o than_o unto_o a_o particular_a congregation_n no_o man_n can_v administer_v all_o ordinance_n unto_o a_o diocesan_n church_n and_o this_o ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o church_n be_v the_o same_o with_o ordain_v they_o in_o every_o city_n tit._n 1.5_o that_o be_v in_o every_o town_n wherein_o there_o be_v a_o number_n convert_v unto_o the_o faith_n as_o be_v evident_a from_o act._n 14.23_o and_o it_o be_v in_o town_n and_o city_n ordinary_o that_o the_o gospel_n be_v first_o preach_v and_o first_o receive_v such_o believer_n be_v congregat_v and_o unite_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o subjection_n unto_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n do_v constitute_v such_o a_o church-state_n as_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o christ_n they_o shall_v have_v bishop_n or_o elder_n and_o deacon_n ordain_v among_o they_o and_o be_v therefore_o as_o unto_o their_o state_n such_o church_n as_o he_o own_v 3._o it_o be_v say_v of_o most_o of_o these_o church_n express_o that_o they_o respective_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n or_o have_v their_o assembly_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n for_o the_o discharge_n of_o the_o duty_n require_v of_o they_o which_o be_v peculiar_a unto_o congregational_a church_n only_o so_o do_v the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n on_o all_o occasion_n act._n 15.12_o 22._o ch_z â—1_n 22_o see_v ch_z 5.11_o ch_n 6.1_o it_o be_v of_o no_o force_n which_o be_v object_v from_o the_o multitude_n of_o they_o that_o be_v say_v to_o believe_v and_o so_o consequent_o be_v of_o that_o church_n so_o as_o that_o they_o can_v not_o assemble_v together_o for_o whereas_o the_o scripture_n say_v express_o that_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o church_n do_v come_v together_o it_o be_v scarce_o fair_a for_o we_o to_o to_o say_v they_o be_v such_o a_o multitude_n as_o that_o they_o can_v not_o come_v together_o and_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o great_a number_n of_o believer_n that_o be_v say_v to_o be_v at_o jerusalem_n be_v there_o only_o occasional_o and_o be_v not_o fix_v in_o that_o church_n for_o many_o year_n after_o a_o small_a village_n beyond_o jordan_n can_v receive_v all_o that_o be_v so_o fix_v in_o it_o the_o church_n at_o antioch_n gather_v together_o in_o one_o assembly_n act._n 14.27_o to_o hear_v paul_n and_o silas_n this_o church_n thus_o call_v together_o be_v call_v the_o multitude_n chap._n 15.30_o that_o be_v the_o whole_a brotherhood_n at_o least_o of_o that_o church_n the_o whole_a church_n of_o corinth_n do_v assemble_v together_o in_o one_o place_n both_o for_o solemn_a worship_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n 1_o cor._n 8.8_o chap._n 14.25_o 26._o chap._n 11.17_o 20._o it_o be_v no_o way_n necessary_a to_o plead_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o illustration_n or_o for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o these_o testimony_n they_o all_o of_o they_o speak_v positive_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o will_v admit_v of_o no_o debate_n unless_o we_o will_v put_v in_o exception_n unto_o the_o veracity_n of_o their_o author_n and_o they_o be_v of_o themselves_o sufficient_a to_o establish_v our_o assertion_n for_o whatever_o may_v be_v the_o state_n of_o any_o church_n as_o unto_o its_o officer_n or_o rule_n into_o what_o order_n soever_o it_o be_v dispose_v ordinary_o or_o occasional_o for_o its_o edification_n so_o long_o as_o it_o be_v its_o duty_n to_o assemble_v in_o and_o with_o all_o its_o member_n in_o one_o place_n either_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o its_o power_n the_o performance_n of_o its_o duty_n or_o enjoyment_n of_o its_o privilege_n it_o be_v a_o single_a congregation_n and_o no_o more_o 4._o the_o duty_n prescribe_v unto_o all_o church_n member_n in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o be_v diligent_o attend_v unto_o by_o they_o be_v such_o as_o either_o in_o their_o nature_n or_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o performance_n can_v be_v attend_v unto_o and_o due_o accomplish_v but_o in_o a_o particular_a congregation_n only_o this_o i_o shall_v immediate_o speak_v distinct_o unto_o and_o therefore_o only_o mention_v it_o in_o this_o place_n these_o thing_n be_v so_o plain_o positive_o and_o frequent_o assert_v in_o the_o scripture_n it_o can_v be_v questionable_a unto_o any_o impartial-mind_n but_o that_o particular_a church_n or_o congregation_n be_v of_o divine_a institution_n and_o consequent_o that_o unto_o they_o the_o whole_a power_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n do_v belong_v for_o if_o they_o do_v not_o so_o whatever_o they_o be_v church_n they_o be_v not_o if_o therefore_o any_o other_o church-state_n be_v suppose_v we_o may_v well_o require_v that_o its_o name_n nature_n use_v power_n and_o bound_n be_v some_o or_o all_o of_o they_o declare_v in_o the_o scripture_n reason_v draw_v from_o the_o superiority_n of_o the_o apostle_n above_o the_o evangelist_n of_o bishop_n above_o presbyter_n or_o from_o church_n rule_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n only_o from_o the_o power_n of_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n in_o thing_n ecclesiastical_a from_o the_o meetness_n of_o union_n among_o all_o church_n be_v of_o no_o use_n in_o this_o case_n for_o they_o be_v all_o consistent_a with_o the_o sole_a institution_n of_o particular_a congregation_n nor_o do_v in_o the_o least_o intimate_a that_o there_o be_v or_o needs_o to_o be_v any_o other_o church_n state_n of_o divine_a appointment_n chap._n v._o the_o sit_v of_o the_o first_o church_n after_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o second_o century_n in_o confirmation_n of_o the_o forego_n argument_n we_o urge_v the_o precedent_n and_o
i_o deliver_v from_o these_o thought_n by_o the_o late_a either_o more_o sound_a or_o more_o maim_a edition_n of_o they_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o corruption_n and_o fiction_n of_o epistolical_a write_n in_o the_o first_o age_n be_v so_o intolerable_a as_o that_o very_o little_a in_o that_o kind_n be_v preserve_v sincere_a and_o unquestionable_a hence_o dionysius_n the_o bishop_n of_o corinth_n complain_v that_o in_o his_o own_o time_n his_o own_o epistle_n be_v so_o corrupt_v by_o addition_n and_o detraction_n so_o as_o that_o it_o seem_v he_o will_v have_v they_o no_o more_o esteem_v as_o he_o euseb._n ecclesiast_n hist._n lib._n 4._o cap._n 22._o but_o yet_o because_o these_o epistle_n be_v so_o earnest_o contend_v for_o by_o many_o learned_a man_n as_o the_o genuine_a write_n of_o ignatius_n i_o shall_v not_o pass_v by_o the_o consideration_n of_o they_o as_o unto_o the_o argument_n in_o hand_n i_o do_v therefore_o affirm_v that_o in_o these_o epistle_n in_o any_o edition_n of_o they_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n make_v or_o description_n give_v of_o any_o church_n or_o church_n state_n but_o only_o of_o that_o which_o be_v congregational_a that_o be_v such_o a_o church_n as_o all_o the_o member_n whereof_o do_v meet_v and_o be_v oblige_v to_o meet_v for_o divine_a worship_n and_o discipline_n in_o the_o same_o place_n what_o be_v the_o distinction_n they_o observe_v among_o their_o officer_n of_o what_o fort_n they_o be_v and_o what_o number_n belong_v not_o unto_o our_o present_a enquiry_n our_o concernment_n be_v only_o this_o that_o they_o do_v preside_v in_o the_o same_o particular_a church_n and_o be_v none_o of_o they_o bishop_n of_o more_o church_n than_o one_o or_o of_o any_o church_n that_o shall_v consist_v of_o a_o collection_n or_o association_n of_o such_o particular_a church_n as_o have_v no_o bishop_n proper_o so_o call_v of_o their_o own_o all_o these_o epistle_n that_o be_v the_o seven_o most_o esteem_v be_v write_v as_o that_o of_o clemens_n unto_o the_o body_n or_o whole_a fraternity_n of_o the_o church_n unto_o who_o they_o be_v direct_v in_o distinction_n from_o their_o bishop_n elder_n and_o deacon_n except_v only_o that_o unto_o polycarpus_n which_o be_v unto_o a_o single_a person_n under_o that_o consideration_n namely_o of_o the_o entire_a fraternity_n in_o distinction_n from_o their_o officer_n do_v he_o address_v unto_o they_o and_o therein_o do_v he_o ascribe_v and_o assign_v such_o duty_n unto_o they_o as_o can_v not_o be_v attend_v unto_o nor_o perform_v but_o in_o the_o assembly_n of_o they_o all_o such_o be_v the_o direction_n he_o give_v unto_o the_o church_n of_o the_o philadelphian_o how_o and_o in_o what_o manner_n they_o shall_v receive_v penitent_n return_v unto_o the_o church_n that_o they_o may_v be_v encourage_v into_o that_o duty_n by_o their_o benignity_n and_o patience_n and_o many_o thing_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n do_v he_o deal_v with_o they_o about_o and_o this_o assemble_v together_o in_o the_o same_o place_n namely_o of_o the_o whole_a church_n he_o do_v frequent_o intimate_v and_o express_v some_o instance_n hereof_o we_o may_v repeat_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d meet_v all_o of_o you_o together_o in_o the_o same_o place_n let_v there_o be_v one_o prayer_n in_o common_a of_o all_o epist._n ad_fw-la magnes_fw-la this_o direction_n can_v be_v give_v unto_o no_o other_o but_o a_o particular_a church_n and_o again_o to_o the_o philadelphian_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d where_o your_o pastor_n be_v there_o follow_v you_o as_o sheep_n and_o how_o they_o may_v do_v so_o be_v declare_v immediate_o afterward_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o write_v with_o confidence_n unto_o your_o godly_a love_n and_o persuade_v you_o to_o use_v one_o faith_n or_o the_o confession_n of_o it_o one_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n and_o one_o eucharist_n or_o administration_n of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n for_o the_o flesh_n of_o christ_n be_v one_o and_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v shed_v for_o we_o in_o one_o one_o bread_n be_v break_v to_o all_o and_o one_o cup_n distribute_v among_o all_o there_o be_v one_o altar_n to_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o one_o bishop_n with_o the_o presbytery_n and_o the_o deacon_n my_o fellow_n servant_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o evident_a than_o that_o it_o be_v a_o particular_a church_n in_o its_o order_n and_o assembly_n for_o worship_n in_o one_o place_n that_o he_o describe_v nor_o can_v these_o thing_n be_v accommodate_v unto_o a_o church_n of_o any_o other_o form_n and_o towards_o the_o end_n of_o the_o epistle_n treat_v about_o the_o church_n send_v their_o bishop_n or_o other_o on_o their_o occasion_n he_o tell_v they_o in_o particular_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o become_v you_o as_o a_o church_n of_o god_n to_o choose_v or_o appoint_v a_o bishop_n who_o may_v perform_v the_o embassy_n of_o god_n that_o it_o may_v be_v grant_v unto_o they_o to_o glorify_v the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v gather_v together_o in_o one_o place_n it_o be_v somewhat_o difficult_a how_o the_o church_n of_o philadelphia_n shall_v choose_v or_o ordain_v a_o bishop_n at_o this_o time_n for_o they_o have_v one_o of_o their_o own_o who_o ignatius_n great_o extol_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o epistle_n nor_o be_v it_o in_o their_o power_n or_o duty_n to_o choose_v or_o ordain_v a_o bishop_n for_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n which_o be_v their_o own_o right_a and_o duty_n alone_o nor_o have_v the_o church_n of_o antioch_n any_o the_o least_o dependence_n on_o that_o at_o philadelphia_n it_o may_v be_v he_o intend_v only_o their_o assistance_n therein_o as_o immediate_o before_o he_o ascribe_v the_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o the_o antiochian_o unto_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o philadelphian_o for_o my_o part_n i_o judge_v he_o intend_v not_o the_o proper_a bishop_n of_o either_o place_n but_o some_o elder_n which_o they_o be_v to_o choose_v as_o a_o messenger_n to_o send_v to_o antioch_n to_o assist_v they_o in_o their_o present_a condition_n for_o in_o those_o day_n there_o be_v person_n choose_v by_o the_o church_n to_o be_v send_v abroad_o to_o assist_v other_o church_n on_o the_o like_a occasion_n these_o be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 2_o cor._n 8.23_o the_o especial_a apostle_n of_o the_o church_n as_o vers_n 19_o it_o be_v say_v of_o luke_n that_o he_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d choose_v and_o appoint_v by_o the_o church_n for_o the_o service_n there_o mention_v such_o be_v this_o bishop_n who_o be_v send_v on_o god_n errand_n to_o assist_v the_o church_n by_o his_o advice_n and_o counsel_n as_o unto_o the_o continuance_n of_o their_o assembly_n unto_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n though_o at_o present_a their_o bishop_n be_v take_v from_o they_o in_o that_o epistle_n unto_o the_o ephesian_n he_o let_v they_o know_v that_o he_o rejoice_v at_o their_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d their_o numerous_a multitude_n who_o he_o persuade_v and_o urge_v unto_o a_o common_a concurrence_n in_o prayer_n with_o their_o bishop_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o if_o the_o prayer_n of_o one_o or_o two_o be_v so_o effectual_a that_o they_o bring_v christ_n among_o they_o how_o much_o more_o will_v the_o consent_a prayer_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n together_o so_o he_o again_o explain_v his_o mind_n towards_o the_o end_n of_o the_o epistle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v your_o diligence_n to_o meet_v together_o frequent_o for_o when_o you_o frequent_o meet_v together_o in_o the_o same_o place_n the_o power_n of_o satan_n be_v destroy_v and_o many_o other_o expression_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n occur_v in_o those_o epistle_n we_o be_v no_o way_n at_o present_a concern_v in_o the_o controversy_n about_o that_o distinction_n of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n which_o the_o writer_n of_o those_o epistle_n do_v assert_v this_o only_a i_o say_v that_o he_o do_v in_o none_o of_o they_o take_v the_o least_o notice_n or_o give_v the_o least_o intimation_n of_o any_o church-state_n but_o such_o alone_a wherein_o the_o member_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n do_v constant_o meet_v together_o in_o the_o same_o place_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o communion_n among_o themselves_o and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o he_o every_o where_o in_o all_o his_o epistle_n to_o they_o ascribe_v such_o duty_n and_o right_n unto_o the_o church_n as_o can_v be_v observe_v and_o preserve_v but_o in_o particular_a church_n only_o nor_o do_v he_o leave_v any_o room_n for_o any_o other_o church-state_n whatever_o although_o therefore_o there_o may_v have_v be_v and_o probable_o there_o be_v some_o alteration_n in_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n from_o what_o be_v of_o primitive_a institution_n yet_o be_v there_o as_o yet_o no_o such_o change_n in_o
and_o interest_n of_o the_o papal_a see_v have_v no_o bottom_n for_o or_o supportment_n of_o their_o church_n state_n and_o order_n but_o regal_a favour_n and_o mutable_a law_n there_o have_v on_o such_o cause_n and_o reason_n which_o i_o shall_v not_o mention_v ensue_v such_o emulation_n of_o the_o nobility_n and_o gentry_n and_o such_o contempt_n of_o the_o commonâ—people_n as_o leave_v it_o questionable_a whether_o their_o adherence_n unto_o the_o government_n be_v not_o more_o burdensome_a and_o dangerous_a unto_o it_o than_o be_v their_o ancient_a contest_v and_o opposition_n chap._n vii_o no_o other_o church-state_n of_o divine_a institution_n it_o may_v be_v it_o will_v be_v general_o grant_v i_o be_o sure_a it_o can_v be_v modest_o deny_v that_o particular_a church_n or_o congregation_n be_v of_o a_o divine_a original_a institution_n as_o also_o that_o the_o primitive_a church_n continue_v long_o in_o that_o form_n or_o order_n but_o it_o will_v be_v far_o plead_v that_o grant_v or_o suppose_v this_o divine_a institution_n of_o particular_a church_n yet_o there_o may_v be_v church_n of_o another_o form_n and_o order_n also_o as_o diocesan_n or_o national_a that_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o submit_v unto_o for_o although_o the_o apostle_n appoint_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v bishop_n or_o elder_n ordain_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v in_o every_o city_n and_o town_n where_o christian_a religion_n be_v receive_v and_o clemens_n affirm_v that_o they_o do_v themselves_o constitute_v bishop_n and_o deacon_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o region_n or_o village_n and_o city_n yet_o there_o be_v another_o form_n afterward_o introduce_v theodoret_n bishop_n of_o cyprus_n affirm_v that_o there_o be_v eight_o hundred_o church_n commit_v to_o his_o care_n epist._n 113._o whereof_o many_o be_v in_o town_n and_o city_n have_v no_o bishop_n of_o their_o own_o the_o whole_a country_n of_o scythia_n though_o there_o be_v in_o it_o many_o city_n village_n and_o fortress_n yet_o have_v but_o one_o bishop_n who_o residence_n be_v at_o tomis_n all_o other_o church_n be_v under_o he_o as_o zozoman_n declare_v lib._n 6._o cap._n 20._o so_o it_o be_v at_o this_o day_n in_o divers_a province_n belong_v of_o old_a unto_o the_o greek-church_n as_o in_o moldavia_n and_o walachia_n where_o they_o have_v one_o who_o they_o call_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o leader_n or_o ruler_n that_o preside_v over_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o nation_n and_o this_o oâ—der_n of_o thing_n that_o there_o shall_v not_o be_v a_o bishop_n in_o small_a church_n be_v first_o confirm_v in_o the_o six_o canon_n of_o the_o council_n of_o sardis_n in_o the_o year_n 347._o in_o answer_n hereunto_o i_o shall_v do_v these_o two_o thing_n first_o i_o shall_v show_v that_o there_o be_v no_o church_n order_n state_n or_o church-form_n of_o divine_a institution_n that_o do_v any_o way_n impede_fw-la take_v away_o or_o overthrow_v the_o liberty_n power_n and_o order_n of_o particular_a congregation_n such_o as_o we_o have_v describe_v second_o i_o shall_v inquire_v into_o the_o cause_n of_o church_n of_o another_o state_n or_o order_n as_o the_o power_n of_o magistrate_n and_o ruler_n or_o their_o own_o choice_n and_o consent_n 1._o there_o be_v no_o form_n order_n or_o church_n state_n divine_o institute_v that_o shall_v annul_v the_o institution_n of_o particular_a congregation_n or_o abridge_v they_o of_o their_o liberty_n or_o deprive_v they_o of_o the_o power_n commit_v unto_o they_o it_o be_v such_o a_o church-state_n alone_o that_o we_o be_v now_o concern_v to_o inquire_v after_o whatever_o of_o that_o kind_a either_o be_v or_o may_v be_v imagine_v that_o entrenche_n not_o on_o the_o state_n liberty_n and_o power_n of_o particular_a congregation_n be_v not_o of_o our_o present_a consideration_n man_n may_v frame_v and_o order_n what_o they_o please_v and_o what_o advantage_n they_o make_v thereby_o shall_v not_o be_v envy_v unto_o they_o whilst_o they_o injure_v not_o any_o of_o the_o institution_n of_o christ._n but_o 1._o these_o church_n as_o they_o be_v church_n be_v meet_v and_o able_a to_o attain_v the_o end_n of_o church_n to_o say_v they_o be_v church_n and_o yet_o have_v not_o in_o themselves_o power_n to_o attain_v the_o end_n of_o church_n be_v to_o speak_v contradiction_n or_o to_o grant_v and_o deny_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o the_o same_o breath_n for_o a_o church_n be_v nothing_o but_o such_o a_o society_n as_o have_v power_n ability_n and_o fitness_n to_o attain_v those_o end_n for_o which_o christ_n have_v ordain_v church_n that_o which_o have_v so_o be_v a_o church_n and_o that_o which_o have_v not_o so_o be_v none_o man_n may_v if_o they_o please_v deny_v they_o to_o be_v church_n but_o then_o i_o know_v not_o where_o they_o will_v find_v any_o that_o be_v so_o for_o instance_n suppose_v man_n shall_v deny_v all_o the_o parochial_a church_n in_o england_n to_o be_v such_o church_n as_o be_v entrust_v with_o church-power_n and_o administration_n what_o church_n in_o the_o first_o instance_n can_v they_o require_v our_o communion_n withal_o will_v they_o say_v it_o be_v with_o the_o national_a or_o diocesan_n church_n neither_o of_o these_o do_v or_o can_v as_o such_o administer_v sacred_a ordinance_n a_o man_n can_v preach_v nor_o hear_v the_o word_n but_o in_o a_o particular_a assembly_n the_o lord_n supper_n can_v be_v administer_v but_o in_o a_o particular_a congregation_n nor_o any_o presential_a local_a communion_n of_o believer_n among_o themselves_o like_o that_o describe_v by_o the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n chap._n 12._o and_o chap._n 14._o be_v otherwise_o attain_v no_o communion_n be_v first_o and_o immediate_o require_v or_o can_v be_v require_v with_o diocesan_n church_n as_o such_o wherefore_o it_o be_v parochial_a particular_a church_n that_o we_o be_v require_v to_o hold_v communion_n with_o we_o say_v therefore_o these_o parochial_a church_n be_v either_o real_o and_o true_o so_o endue_v with_o church-power_n and_o liberty_n or_o they_o be_v not_o if_o they_o be_v or_o be_v acknowledge_v so_o to_o be_v we_o have_v herein_o obtain_v what_o we_o plead_v for_o if_o they_o be_v not_o then_o be_v we_o require_v to_o join_v in_o church_n communion_n with_o those_o society_n that_o be_v not_o church_n and_o if_o we_o refrain_v so_o do_v we_o be_v charge_v with_o schism_n which_o be_v to_o turn_v religion_n into_o ridicule_n for_o 2._o it_o be_v utter_o foreign_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o a_o monster_n unto_o antiquity_n i_o mean_v that_o which_o be_v pure_a and_o regardable_a in_o this_o cause_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v church_n with_o a_o part_n half_a more_o or_o less_o of_o church-power_n and_o not_o the_o whole_a neither_o in_o right_a nor_o exercise_n or_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v church-officer_n elder_n presbyter_n or_o bishop_n that_o shall_v have_v a_o partiary_a power_n half_a or_o a_o three_o part_n or_o less_o of_o that_o which_o entire_o belong_v unto_o the_o office_n they_o hold_v let_v one_o testimony_n be_v give_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n or_o that_o antiquity_n which_o we_o appeal_v unto_o unto_o this_o purpose_n and_o we_o shall_v cease_v our_o plea_n but_o this_o be_v that_o which_o our_o understanding_n be_v set_v on_o rack_n withal_o every_o day_n there_o be_v a_o national_a church_n that_o be_v entrust_v with_o supreme_a church-power_n in_o the_o nation_n whereof_o it_o be_v here_o at_o the_o entrance_n we_o fall_v into_o a_o double_a disquietment_n for_o 1._o we_o know_v not_o as_o yet_o what_o this_o national_a church_n be_v here_o or_o in_o france_n nor_o of_o what_o person_n it_o do_v consist_v 2._o we_o know_v not_o whether_o this_o national_a church_n have_v all_o the_o power_n that_o christ_n have_v give_v unto_o the_o church_n or_o that_o there_o be_v a_o reserve_v for_o some_o addition_n from_o beyond_o sea_n if_o thing_n be_v well_o accommodate_v then_o that_o there_o be_v diocesan_n church_n who_o original_a with_o the_o cause_n and_o occasion_n of_o their_o bound_n limit_n power_n and_o manner_n of_o administration_n i_o think_v god_n alone_o know_v perfect_o we_o do_v but_o guess_v for_o there_o be_v not_o one_o word_n mention_v of_o any_o of_o their_o concernment_n in_o the_o scripture_n and_o we_o know_v that_o these_o church_n can_v be_v say_v to_o have_v all_o the_o power_n that_o christ_n have_v entrust_v his_o church_n withal_o because_o there_o be_v another_o church_n unto_o which_o they_o be_v in_o subjection_n and_o on_o which_o they_o do_v depend_v but_o it_o seem_v they_o have_v the_o next_o degree_n of_o power_n unto_o that_o which_o be_v uppermost_a but_o whatever_o their_o power_n be_v it_o be_v so_o administer_v by_o chancellor_n commissary_n official_o in_o such_o way_n and_o for_o such_o end_n that_o i_o shall_v believe_v a_o dissent_n from_o they_o and_o it_o
3._o this_o therefore_o be_v that_o which_o he_o oppose_v namely_o that_o there_o be_v a_o deviation_n in_o various_a degree_n and_o fall_v of_o from_o the_o original_a institution_n order_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n until_o it_o issue_v in_o a_o fatal_a apostasy_n this_o be_v that_o which_o on_o the_o present_a occasion_n must_v be_v further_o speak_v unto_o for_o if_o this_o be_v not_o true_a i_o confess_v there_o be_v a_o end_n of_o this_o contest_v and_o we_o must_v all_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o state_n rule_n and_o order_n that_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n before_o the_o reformation_n but_o we_o may_v observe_v something_o yet_o far_a in_o the_o vindication_n and_o confirmation_n of_o this_o truth_n which_o i_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o that_o we_o plead_v for_o in_o point_n of_o church_n reformation_n as_o 1._o that_o the_o reason_n and_o arguing_n of_o the_o doctor_n in_o this_o matter_n the_o necessity_n of_o his_o cause_n compel_v he_o thereunto_o be_v the_o same_o with_o those_o of_o the_o papist_n about_o the_o apostasy_n of_o their_o church_n in_o faith_n order_n and_o worship_n wherewith_o they_o be_v charge_v namely_o when_o where_o how_o be_v this_o alteration_n make_v who_o make_v opposition_n unto_o it_o and_o the_o like_a when_o these_o inquiry_n be_v multiply_v by_o the_o papist_n as_o unto_o the_o whole_a cause_n between_o they_o and_o we_o he_o know_v well_o enough_o how_o to_o give_v satisfactory_a answer_n unto_o they_o and_o so_o may_v do_v in_o this_o particular_a unto_o himself_o also_o but_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o ease_v he_o of_o that_o trouble_n at_o present_a only_o i_o must_v say_v that_o it_o be_v fall_v out_o somewhat_o unexpected_o that_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o principle_n bulwark_n of_o the_o papacy_n which_o have_v be_v effectual_o demolish_v by_o the_o write_n of_o protestant_n of_o all_o sort_n shall_v be_v endeavour_v to_o be_v repair_v by_o a_o person_n just_o make_v eminent_a by_o his_o defence_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n against_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n 2._o but_o it_o may_v be_v plead_v that_o although_o the_o church_n follow_v the_o first_o age_n do_v insensible_o degenerate_a from_o the_o purity_n and_o simplicity_n of_o gospel_n faith_n and_o worship_n yet_o they_o neither_o do_v nor_o can_v do_v so_o from_o a_o adherence_n unto_o and_o abide_v in_o their_o original_a constitution_n or_o from_o the_o due_a observation_n of_o church_n order_n rule_n and_o discipline_n lest_o of_o all_o can_v this_o happen_v in_o the_o case_n of_o diocesan_n episcopacy_n i_o answer_v 1._o that_o as_o unto_o the_o original_a of_o any_o thing_n that_o look_v like_o diocesan_n episcopacy_n or_o the_o pastoral_n relation_n of_o one_o person_n of_o a_o distinct_a order_n from_o presbyter_n unto_o many_o particular_a complete_a church_n with_o officer_n of_o their_o own_o with_o power_n and_o jurisdiction_n in_o they_o and_o over_o they_o unto_o the_o abridgement_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o right_n and_o power_n unto_o their_o own_o edification_n which_o every_o true_a church_n be_v entrust_v withal_o by_o jesus_n christ_n it_o be_v very_o uncertain_a and_o be_v introduce_v by_o insensible_a degree_n according_a unto_o the_o effectual_a work_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n some_o say_v that_o there_o be_v two_o distinct_a order_n namely_o those_o of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n institute_v at_o first_o in_o all_o church_n plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n but_o as_o the_o contrary_n may_v be_v evident_o prove_v so_o a_o supposition_n of_o it_o will_v no_o way_n promote_v the_o cause_n of_o diocesan_n episcopacy_n until_o those_o who_o plead_v for_o it_o have_v demonstrate_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o they_o be_v place_v to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o those_o now_o call_v diocesan_n wherefore_o this_o hypothesis_n begin_v general_o to_o be_v desert_v as_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v by_o this_o author_n other_o suppose_v that_o immediate_o upon_o or_o at_o or_o after_o the_o decease_n of_o the_o apostle_n this_o new_a order_n of_o bishop_n be_v appoint_v to_o succeed_v the_o apostle_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v then_o gather_v or_o plant_v but_o how_o when_o or_o by_o who_o by_o what_o authority_n apostolical_a and_o divine_a or_o ecclesiastical_a only_a and_o humane_a none_o can_v declare_v see_v there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o footstep_n of_o any_o such_o thing_n either_o in_o the_o scripture_n or_o in_o the_o record_n that_o remain_v of_o the_o primitive_a church_n other_o think_v this_o new_a order_n of_o officer_n take_v its_o occasional_a rise_n from_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n at_o alexandria_n who_o choose_v out_o one_o among_o themselves_o constant_o to_o preside_v in_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o all_o matter_n of_o order_n unto_o who_o they_o ascribe_v some_o kind_n of_o pre-eminence_n and_o dignity_n peculiar_o appropriate_v unto_o he_o the_o namâ—_n of_o bishop_n and_o if_o this_o be_v true_a as_o unto_o matter_n of_o fact_n i_o reckon_v it_o unto_o the_o beginning_n of_o those_o less_o harmful_a deviation_n from_o their_o original_a constitution_n which_o i_o assign_v unto_o primitive_a church_n but_o many_o addition_n must_v be_v make_v hereunto_o before_o it_o will_v help_v the_o cause_n of_o diocesan_n episcopacy_n what_o other_o occasion_n hereof_o be_v give_v or_o take_v what_o advantage_n be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o promote_v this_o alteration_n shall_v be_v touch_v upon_o afterward_o 2._o why_o may_v not_o the_o church_n be_v suppose_v to_o have_v depart_v from_o their_o original_a constitution_n order_n and_o rule_n as_o well_o as_o from_o their_o first_o faith_n and_o worship_n which_o they_o do_v gradual_o in_o many_o successive_a age_n until_o both_o be_v utter_o corrupt_v the_o cause_n occasion_n and_o temptation_n lead_v unto_o the_o former_a be_v to_o the_o full_a as_o pregnant_a as_o those_o lead_n unto_o the_o latter_a for_o 1._o there_o be_v no_o vicious_a corrupt_a disposition_n of_o mind_n that_o begin_v more_o early_o to_o work_v in_o church_n officer_n nor_o do_v more_o grow_v and_o thrive_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o many_o than_o ambition_n with_o desire_n of_o pre-eminence_n dignity_n and_o rule_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v suppose_v that_o diotrephes_n be_v alone_o in_o his_o desire_n of_o pre-eminence_n nor_o in_o the_o irregular_a act_n of_o his_o undue_o assume_v authority_n however_o we_o have_v one_o signal_n instance_n in_o he_o of_o the_o deviation_n that_o be_v in_o the_o church_n with_o he_o from_o the_o rule_n of_o its_o original_a constitution_n for_o he_o prevail_v so_o far_o therein_o as_o by_o his_o own_o single_a episcopal_a power_n to_o reject_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o to_o cast_v they_o out_o of_o the_o church_n who_o comply_v not_o with_o his_o humour_n how_o effectual_o the_o same_o ambition_n wrought_v afterward_o in_o many_o other_o possess_v the_o same_o place_n in_o their_o church_n with_o diotrephes_n be_v sufficient_o evident_a in_o all_o ecclesiastical_a history_n it_o be_v far_o from_o be_v the_o only_a instance_n of_o the_o corruption_n of_o church_n order_n and_o rule_n by_o the_o influence_n of_o this_o ambition_n yet_o it_o be_v one_o that_o be_v pregnant_a which_o be_v give_v we_o by_o amâ—rose_n for_o say_v he_o ecclesia_fw-la ut_fw-la synagoga_fw-la seniores_fw-la habuâ—â—_fw-la quorum_fw-la sine_fw-la consilio_fw-la nihil_fw-la agebatur_fw-la in_o ecclesia_fw-la quod_fw-la qua_fw-la neglâ—gentia_fw-la obsoleverit_fw-la nescio_fw-la nisi_fw-la forte_fw-fr doctorum_fw-la desidia_fw-la aut_fw-la magis_fw-la superbia_fw-la dum_fw-la soli_fw-la volunt_fw-la aliquid_fw-la videri_fw-la in_o 1._o ad_fw-la timoth._n cap._n 5._o it_o seem_v there_o be_v some_o alteration_n in_o church_n rule_n and_o order_n in_o his_o time_n who_o beginning_n and_o progress_n he_o can_v not_o well_o discover_v and_o trace_v but_o know_v well_o enough_o that_o so_o it_o be_v then_o come_v to_o pass_v and_o if_o he_o who_o live_v so_o near_o the_o time_n wherein_o such_o alteration_n be_v make_v can_v not_o yet_o discover_v their_o first_o insinuation_n nor_o their_o subtle_a progress_n it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o exact_v a_o strict_a account_n of_o we_o in_o thing_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n who_o live_v so_o many_o age_n after_o their_o first_o introduction_n but_o this_o he_o judge_v that_o it_o be_v the_o pride_n or_o ambition_n of_o the_o doctor_n of_o the_o church_n which_o introduce_v that_o alteration_n in_o its_o order_n whereas_o therefore_o we_o see_v in_o the_o event_n that_o all_o deviation_n from_o the_o original_a constitution_n of_o church_n all_o alteration_n in_o their_o rule_n and_o order_n do_v issue_n in_o a_o compliance_n with_o the_o ambition_n of_o church_n ruler_n as_o it_o do_v in_o the_o papal_a church_n and_o this_o ambition_n be_v signal_o note_v
as_o one_o of_o the_o first_o deprave_v inclination_n of_o mind_n that_o wrought_v in_o ecclesiastical_a ruler_n and_o which_o in_o the_o four_o and_o five_o century_n open_o proclaim_v itself_o unto_o the_o scandal_n of_o christian_a religion_n there_o be_v a_o great_a disposition_n in_o they_o unto_o a_o deviation_n from_o the_o original_a institution_n rule_n and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n no_o way_n suit_v unto_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o that_o ambition_n then_o unto_o a_o defection_n from_o the_o purity_n of_o faith_n and_o worship_n which_o yet_o also_o follow_v 2._o as_o the_o inclination_n of_o many_o lay_n towards_o such_o a_o deviation_n so_o their_o interest_n lead_v they_o unto_o it_o and_o their_o temptation_n cast_v they_o upon_o it_o for_o to_o acknowledge_v the_o truth_n unto_o our_o author_n and_o other_o the_o rule_n and_o conduct_v of_o the_o church_n the_o preservation_n of_o its_o order_n and_o discipline_n according_a unto_o its_o first_o institution_n and_o the_o direction_n give_v in_o the_o scripture_n about_o it_o be_v according_a unto_o our_o apprehension_n of_o these_o thing_n a_o matter_n so_o weighty_a in_o itself_o so_o dangerous_a as_o unto_o its_o issue_n attend_v with_o so_o many_o difficulty_n trial_n and_o temptation_n lay_v under_o such_o severe_a interdiction_n of_o lordly_a power_n or_o seek_v either_o of_o wealth_n or_o dignity_n that_o no_o wise_a man_n will_v ever_o undertake_v it_o but_o mere_o out_o of_o a_o sense_n of_o a_o call_v from_o christ_n unto_o it_o and_o in_o compliance_n with_o that_o duty_n which_o he_o owe_v unto_o he_o it_o be_v no_o pleasant_a thing_n unto_o flesh_n and_o blood_n to_o be_v engage_v in_o the_o conduct_n and_o oversight_n of_o christ_n volunteer_n to_o bear_v with_o their_o manner_n to_o exercise_v all_o patience_n towards_o they_o in_o their_o infirmity_n and_o temptation_n to_o watch_v continual_o over_o their_o walking_n and_o conversation_n and_o thereon_o personal_o to_o exhort_v and_o admonish_v they_o all_o to_o search_v diligent_o and_o scrupulous_o into_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o scripture_n for_o their_o warranty_n in_o every_o act_n of_o their_o power_n and_o duty_n under_o all_o their_o weakness_n and_o miscarriage_n continue_v a_o high_a valuation_n of_o they_o as_o of_o the_o flock_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v purchase_v with_o his_o own_o blood_n with_o sundry_a other_o thing_n of_o the_o like_a kind_n all_o under_o a_o abide_a sense_n of_o the_o near_a approach_n of_o that_o great_a account_n which_o they_o must_v give_v of_o the_o whole_a trust_n and_o charge_v commit_v unto_o they_o before_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o most_o part_n peculiar_o expose_v unto_o all_o manner_n of_o danger_n trouble_n and_o persecution_n without_o the_o least_o encouragement_n from_o wealth_n power_n or_o honour_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n therefore_o if_o many_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n be_v willing_a gradual_o to_o extricate_v themselves_o out_o of_o this_o uneasy_a condition_n and_o to_o embrace_v all_o occasion_n and_o opportunity_n of_o introduce_v insensible_o another_o rule_n and_o order_n into_o the_o church_n that_o may_v tend_v more_o unto_o the_o exaltation_n of_o their_o own_o power_n authority_n and_o dignity_n and_o free_v they_o in_o some_o measure_n from_o the_o weight_n of_o that_o important_a charge_n and_o continual_a care_n with_o labour_n which_o a_o diligent_a and_o strict_a adherence_n unto_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o church_n and_o rule_v give_v for_o their_o order_n and_o government_n in_o the_o scripture_n will_v have_v oblige_v they_o unto_o and_o this_o be_v do_v according_o until_o in_o the_o four_o and_o five_o century_n and_o so_o onward_o the_o bishop_n under_o various_a title_n begin_v by_o their_o arbitrary_a rule_n and_o canon_n to_o dispose_v of_o the_o flock_n of_o christ_n to_o part_n and_o divide_v they_o among_o themselves_o without_o their_o own_o knowledge_n or_o consent_n as_o if_o they_o have_v conquer_v they_o by_o the_o sword_n this_o bishop_n shall_v have_v such_o a_o share_n and_o number_n of_o they_o under_o his_o power_n and_o that_o other_o so_o many_o so_o far_o shall_v the_o jurisdiction_n of_o one_o extend_v and_o so_o far_o that_o of_o another_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o many_o of_o their_o decree_n and_o law_n for_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n but_o yet_o neither_o do_v they_o long_o keep_v within_o those_o bound_n and_o limit_n which_o their_o more_o modest_a ambition_n have_v at_o first_o prescribe_v unto_o they_o but_o take_v occasion_n from_o these_o beginning_n to_o contend_v among_o themselves_o about_o pre-eminence_n dignity_n and_o power_n in_o which_o contest_v the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n at_o length_n remain_v master_n of_o the_o field_n thereby_o obtain_v a_o second_o conquest_n of_o the_o world_n 3._o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o gradual_a deviation_n from_o the_o original_a institution_n of_o church_n their_o order_n and_o rule_n be_v manifest_a in_o the_o event_n for_o the_o change_n become_v at_o length_n as_o great_a as_o the_o distance_n be_v between_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n over_o his_o church_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o the_o canon_n law_n with_o the_o pope_n or_o antichrist_n set_v over_o the_o church_n on_o the_o other_o this_o change_n be_v not_o wrought_v at_o once_o not_o in_o one_o age_n but_o by_o a_o insensible_a progress_n even_o from_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n unto_o those_o dark_a and_o evil_a time_n wherein_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n be_v exalt_v into_o a_o absolute_a tyranny_n over_o all_o church_n unto_o the_o satiety_n of_o their_o ambition_n for_o 4._o this_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n begin_v to_o work_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o in_o the_o suggestion_n of_o satan_n and_o the_o lust_n of_o man_n though_o in_o a_o manner_n latent_fw-la and_o imperceptible_a unto_o the_o wise_a and_o best_a of_o men._n for_o that_o this_o mystery_n of_o the_o iniquity_n consist_v in_o the_o effectual_a work_n of_o the_o pride_n ambition_n and_o other_o vice_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n excite_v entice_v and_o guide_v by_o the_o craft_n of_o satan_n until_o it_o issue_v in_o the_o idolatrous_a persecute_v state_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n wherein_o all_o church_n rule_n order_n and_o worship_n of_o divine_a institution_n be_v utter_o destroy_v or_o corrupt_v we_o shall_v believe_v until_o we_o see_v a_o answer_n give_v unto_o the_o learned_a write_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o protestant_n whereby_o it_o have_v be_v prove_v these_o thing_n be_v sufficient_a to_o vindicate_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o assertion_n which_o the_o doctor_n oppose_v and_o to_o free_v it_o from_o his_o exception_n but_o because_o as_o be_v observe_v before_o the_o supposition_n hereof_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o our_o present_n contest_v about_o church_n order_n and_o rule_n i_o shall_v yet_o proceed_v a_o little_a far_o in_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n whereby_o the_o apostasy_n assert_v be_v begin_v and_o carry_v on_o and_o i_o shall_v not_o herein_o insist_v on_o particular_a instance_n nor_o make_v a_o transcription_n of_o story_n out_o of_o ancient_a writer_n give_v evidence_n unto_o the_o truth_n because_o it_o have_v be_v abundant_o do_v by_o other_o especial_o those_o of_o magdeburg_n in_o the_o six_o and_o seven_o chapter_n of_o their_o century_n unto_o who_o observation_n many_o other_o learned_a man_n have_v make_v considerable_a addition_n but_o i_o shall_v only_o treat_v in_o general_a of_o the_o cause_n way_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o beginning_n and_o progress_n of_o the_o apostasy_n or_o declension_n of_o church_n from_o their_o first_o institution_n which_o fall_v out_o in_o the_o successive_a age_n after_o the_o apostle_n especial_o after_o the_o end_n of_o the_o second_o century_n until_o when_o divine_a institution_n as_o unto_o the_o substance_n of_o they_o be_v preserve_v entire_a decay_n in_o any_o kind_n even_o in_o thing_n natural_a and_o political_a be_v hardly_o discernible_a but_o in_o and_o by_o their_o effect_n when_o a_o hectic_a distemper_n befall_v the_o body_n of_o any_o man_n it_o be_v ofttimes_o not_o to_o be_v discern_v until_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v cure_v the_o roman_a historian_n give_v this_o advice_n unto_o his_o reader_n after_o he_o have_v consider_v the_o way_n and_o mean_n whereby_o the_o empire_n come_v to_o its_o greatness_n labente_fw-la deinde_fw-la disciplina_fw-la velut_fw-la dissidentes_fw-la primo_fw-la mores_fw-la sequatur_fw-la animo_fw-la deinde_fw-la ut_fw-la magis_fw-la magisque_fw-la lapsi_fw-la sint_fw-la tum_fw-la ire_n caeperint_fw-la praecipites_fw-la donec_fw-la ad_fw-la haec_fw-la tempora_fw-la anibus_fw-la nec_fw-la vitia_fw-la nostra_fw-la nec_fw-la remedia_fw-la pati_fw-la possumus_fw-la periculuâ—_fw-la est_fw-la liv._o praefat._v his_o word_n do_v not_o give_v we_o a_o more_o graphical_a description_n of_o the_o rise_n and_o decay_n as_o unto_o virtue_n and_o vice_n
preservation_n of_o church_n peace_n and_o unity_n all_o the_o dispute_n be_v whether_o we_o keep_v unto_o this_o rule_n of_o christ_n or_o no_o wherein_o we_o be_v ready_a at_o any_o time_n to_o put_v ourselves_o upon_o the_o trial_n be_v willing_a to_o teach_v or_o learn_v as_o god_n shall_v help_v we_o second_o we_o say_v that_o this_o rule_n in_o general_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n love_n and_o obedience_n contain_v and_o reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o in_o particular_a the_o command_n that_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v give_v for_o the_o order_n and_o worship_n that_o he_o require_v in_o his_o church_n it_o may_v seem_v strange_a to_o some_o that_o we_o shall_v suppose_v the_o due_a observance_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n love_n and_o obedience_n that_o be_v of_o faith_n real_a and_o unfeigned_a love_v fervent_a and_o without_o dissimulation_n and_o of_o universal_a gracious_a evangelical_n obedience_n to_o be_v necessary_a unto_o the_o preservation_n of_o church_n peace_n and_o unity_n but_o we_o do_v affirm_v with_o some_o confidence_n that_o the_o only_a real_a foundation_n of_o they_o do_v lie_v herein_o nor_o do_v we_o value_v that_o ecclesiastical_a peace_n which_o may_v be_v without_o it_o or_o be_v neglective_a of_o it_o let_v all_o the_o christian_a world_n or_o those_o therein_o who_o concern_v themselves_o in_o we_o know_v that_o this_o be_v our_o principle_n and_o our_o judgement_n that_o no_o church_n peace_n or_o unity_n be_v value_v by_o or_o accept_v with_o jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v not_o found_v in_o that_o do_v not_o arise_v from_o and_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o diligent_a attendance_n unto_o and_o observance_n of_o the_o entire_a gospel_n rule_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n in_o the_o neglect_v hereof_o peace_n be_v be_v but_o carnal_a security_n and_o unity_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o conspiracy_n against_o the_o rule_n of_o christ._n add_v hereunto_o in_o particular_a the_o due_a observation_n of_o what_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v appoint_v to_o be_v do_v and_o observe_v in_o his_o church_n as_o unto_o their_o order_n rule_n and_o worship_n and_o they_o who_o walk_v according_a unto_o this_o rule_n need_v not_o fear_v the_o charge_n of_o schism_n from_o the_o fierce_a of_o their_o adversary_n wherefore_o we_o say_v three_o those_o who_o recede_v from_o this_o rule_n in_o any_o material_a branch_n of_o it_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o breach_n of_o church_n unity_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o exorbitancy_n as_o suppose_v that_o any_o preach_v teach_v or_o profess_v doctrine_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o form_n of_o wholesome_a word_n especial_o with_o reference_n unto_o the_o person_n office_n and_o grace_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o subject_a of_o doctrine_n pure_o evangelical_n they_o break_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o separate_v or_o withdraw_v communion_n from_o they_o which_o be_v a_o mean_n of_o preserve_v the_o true_a peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n speciosum_fw-la quidem_fw-la est_fw-la nomen_fw-la pacis_fw-la &_o pulchra_fw-la opinio_fw-la vnitatis_fw-la sed_fw-la quis_fw-la ambigat_fw-la eam_fw-la solam_fw-la unicam_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la pacem_fw-la esse_fw-la quae_fw-la christi_fw-la est_fw-la say_v hilary_n suppose_v that_o man_n retain_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n but_o deny_v the_o power_n of_o it_o act_v their_o habitual_a lust_n and_o corruption_n in_o a_o vicious_a conversation_n they_o overthrow_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o church_n unity_n and_o we_o be_v oblige_v from_o such_o to_o turn_v away_o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o those_o who_o live_v in_o a_o constant_a neglect_n of_o any_o of_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n with_o respect_n unto_o the_o order_n rule_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n with_o a_o contempt_n of_o the_o mean_v appoint_v by_o he_o for_o their_o edification_n all_o these_o according_a unto_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o deviation_n from_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n do_v disturb_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o church_n peace_n and_o unity_n and_o therefore_o we_o say_v four_o that_o conscience_n be_v immediate_o and_o direct_o concern_v in_o no_o other_o church_n unity_n as_o such_o but_o what_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n give_v unto_o that_o end_n we_o know_v what_o be_v speak_v concern_v obedience_n unto_o the_o guide_n and_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o christ._n but_o we_o know_v withal_o that_o this_o obedience_n be_v require_v of_o we_o only_o as_o they_o teach_v we_o to_o observe_v and_o do_v all_o that_o he_o have_v command_v for_o other_o commission_n from_o he_o they_o have_v none_o when_o this_o rule_n be_v forsake_v and_o another_o substitute_v in_o the_o room_n of_o it_o as_o it_o quick_o divert_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n from_o a_o conscientious_a attendance_n unto_o that_o rule_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o only_a mean_n of_o church_n unity_n so_o that_o other_o do_v either_o proceed_v from_o man_n secular_a interest_n or_o may_v easy_o be_v accommodate_v thereunto_o and_o whereas_o the_o line_n of_o it_o must_v be_v draw_v in_o the_o field_n of_o pretend_a indifferency_n and_o real_a arbitrariness_n it_o will_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o endless_a contention_n whilst_o whatever_o some_o think_v themselves_o to_o have_v power_n to_o appoint_v other_o will_v judge_v themselves_o to_o have_v liberty_n to_o refuse_v five_o it_o be_v unity_n of_o christ_n appointment_n that_o schism_n respect_v as_o a_o sin_n against_o it_o and_o not_o uniformity_n in_o thing_n of_o man_n appointment_n and_o last_o those_o who_o charge_v schism_n on_o other_o for_o a_o dissent_n from_o themselves_o or_o the_o refrain_v of_o total_a communion_n with_o they_o must_v 1._o discharge_v themselves_o of_o the_o charge_n of_o it_o in_o a_o consistence_n with_o their_o charge_n on_o they_o for_o we_o find_v as_o yet_o no_o arrow_n shoot_v against_o we_o but_o such_o as_o be_v gather_v up_o in_o the_o field_n shoot_v at_o they_o that_o use_v they_o out_o of_o the_o roman_a quiver_n neither_o will_v it_o avail_v they_o to_o say_v that_o they_o have_v other_o manner_n of_o reason_n for_o their_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n than_o any_o we_o have_v for_o our_o withdraw_a communion_n from_o they_o for_o the_o question_n be_v not_o what_o reason_n they_o have_v for_o what_o they_o do_v but_o what_o right_o and_o power_n they_o have_v to_o do_v it_o namely_o to_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n whereof_o they_o be_v constitute_v a_o new_a church_n state_n of_o their_o own_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o that_o church_n and_o against_o the_o order_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o same_o 2._o require_v no_o communion_n but_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o rule_n before_o declare_v in_o no_o other_o be_v we_o concern_v with_o respect_n unto_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n 3._o give_v a_o far_a confirmation_n than_o what_o we_o have_v yet_o see_v unto_o the_o principle_n or_o presumption_n they_o proceed_v upon_o in_o the_o mannagement_n of_o the_o charge_n of_o schism_n as_o that_o 1._o diocesan_a bishop_n with_o their_o metropolitan_n be_v of_o divine_a institution_n 2._o that_o the_o power_n of_o rule_n in_o and_o over_o all_o church_n be_v commit_v unto_o they_o alone_o 3._o that_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o ordain_v religious_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n no_o where_o prescribe_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o impose_v the_o observation_n of_o they_o on_o all_o member_n of_o the_o church_n 4._o that_o this_o church_n they_o be_v 5._o that_o no_o man_n voluntary_a consent_n be_v require_v to_o constitute_v he_o a_o member_n of_o any_o church_n but_o that_o every_o one_o be_v surprise_v into_o that_o state_n whether_o he_o will_v or_o no._n 6_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o force_n in_o the_o argument_n plead_v for_o noncompliance_n with_o arbitrary_a unnecessary_a imposition_n 7._o that_o the_o church_n stand_v in_o no_o need_n of_o reformation_n neither_o in_o doctrine_n discipline_n nor_o conversation_n with_o sundry_a other_o thing_n of_o a_o alike_a nature_n that_o they_o need_v unto_o their_o justification_n but_o yet_o when_o all_o be_v do_v it_o will_v appear_v that_o mutual_a forbearance_n first_o remove_v animosity_n than_o administer_a occasion_n of_o inoffensive_a converse_n unto_o the_o revival_n of_o decay_a affection_n lead_v unto_o sedate_n conference_n and_o consideration_n of_o a_o more_o entire_a conjunction_n in_o the_o thing_n whereunto_o we_o have_v attain_v will_v more_o conduce_v unto_o universal_a peace_n and_o gospel_n unity_n than_o the_o most_o fierce_a contention_n about_o thing_n in_o difference_n or_o the_o most_o vehement_a charge_n of_o schism_n against_o dissenter_n but_o i_o must_v return_v to_o the_o argument_n and_o shall_v add_v something_o give_v light_n into_o the_o nature_n of_o schism_n from_o a_o
their_o rule_n but_o leave_v that_o unto_o the_o discretion_n and_o authority_n of_o man_n as_o they_o think_v meet_v when_o they_o have_v outward_a power_n for_o their_o warranty_n but_o if_o by_o these_o particular_a appointment_n and_o framing_n of_o church_n with_o their_o order_n man_n be_v dispose_v of_o as_o unto_o their_o spiritual_a concernment_n beyond_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n or_o the_o moral_n â—aw_v we_o must_v yet_o inquire_v who_o give_v they_o this_o right_a and_o title_n to_o make_v this_o disposal_n of_o they_o 2._o authority_n as_o right_o and_o title_n respect_v the_o person_n of_o man_n to_o be_v reduce_v into_o a_o new_a form_n of_o government_n so_o authority_n respect_v the_o rule_n â—aws_n order_n and_o statute_n to_o be_v make_v prescribe_v and_o establish_v whereby_o the_o privilege_n of_o this_o new_a society_n be_v convey_v and_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o enjoin_v unto_o all_o that_o be_v take_v unto_o it_o earthly_a potentate_n who_o will_v dispose_v of_o man_n into_o a_o state_n and_o government_n absolute_o new_a unto_o they_o as_o unto_o all_o their_o temporal_a concernment_n of_o life_n liberty_n inheritance_n and_o possession_n so_o as_o that_o they_o shall_v hold_v all_o of_o they_o in_o dependence_n on_o and_o according_a unto_o the_o rule_n and_o law_n of_o their_o new_a government_n and_o kingdom_n must_v have_v these_o two_o thing_n namely_o right_o and_o title_n unto_o the_o person_n of_o man_n which_o they_o have_v by_o conquest_n or_o a_o absolute_a resignation_n of_o all_o their_o interest_n and_o concern_v into_o their_o disposal_n and_o authority_n thereon_o to_o constitute_v what_o order_n what_o kind_n of_o state_n rule_n and_o government_n they_o please_v without_o these_o they_o will_v quick_o find_v their_o endeavour_n and_o undertake_n frustrate_v the_o gospel_n church-state_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o and_o in_o all_o the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o it_o be_v absolute_o new_a whereunto_o all_o the_o world_n be_v natural_o foreigner_n and_o stranger_n as_o they_o have_v no_o right_n unto_o it_o as_o it_o contain_v privilege_n so_o they_o have_v no_o obligation_n unto_o it_o as_o it_o prescribe_v duty_n wherefore_o there_o be_v need_n of_o both_o those_o right_o as_o unto_o the_o person_n of_o man_n and_o authority_n as_o unto_o the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n unto_o the_o frame_n of_o it_o and_o until_o man_n can_v pretend_v unto_o these_o thing_n both_o unto_o this_o right_a and_o authority_n with_o respect_n unto_o all_o the_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a concernment_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o other_o they_o may_v do_v well_o to_o consider_v how_o dangerous_a it_o be_v to_o invade_v the_o right_n and_o inheritance_n of_o christ_n and_o leave_v hunt_v after_o a_o interest_n of_o power_n in_o the_o the_o frame_n or_o form_v evangelical_n church_n or_o make_v of_o law_n for_o their_o rule_n and_o government_n this_o authority_n be_v not_o only_o ascribe_v unto_o jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o scripture_n but_o it_o be_v enâ—â—â—sed_v unto_o he_o so_o as_o that_o no_o other_o can_v have_v any_o interest_n in_o it_o see_v mat._n 28.18_o rev._n 3.7_o isa._n 9.6_o 7_o by_o virtue_n hereof_o he_o be_v the_o only_a lawgiver_n of_o the_o church_n jam._n 4.12_o isa._n 22.22_o there_o be_v indeed_o a_o derivation_n of_o power_n and_o authority_n from_o he_o unto_o other_o but_o it_o extend_v itself_o no_o far_o save_v only_o that_o they_o shall_v direct_v teach_v and_o command_v those_o who_o he_o send_v they_o unto_o to_o do_v and_o observe_v what_o he_o have_v command_v matth._n 28.20_o he_o build_v his_o own_o house_n and_o he_o be_v over_o his_o own_o house_n heb._n 3.3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o he_o both_o constitute_v its_o state_n and_o gives_z law_n for_o its_o rule_n the_o disorder_n the_o confusion_n the_o turn_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n upside_o down_o which_o have_v enâ—ued_v upon_o the_o usurpation_n of_o man_n take_v upon_o they_o a_o legislative_a power_n in_o and_o over_o the_o church_n can_v easy_o be_v declare_v for_o upon_o a_o slight_a pretence_n no_o way_n suit_v or_o serviceable_a unto_o their_o end_n of_o the_o advice_n give_v and_o determination_n make_v by_o the_o apostle_n with_o the_o elder_n and_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o a_o temporary_a constitution_n about_o the_o use_n of_o christian_a liberty_n the_o bishop_n of_o the_o 4_o the_o and_o 5_o the_o century_n take_v upon_o themselves_o power_n to_o make_v law_n canon_n and_o constitution_n for_o the_o order_n of_o the_o government_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n bring_v in_o many_o new_a institution_n on_o a_o pretence_n of_o the_o same_o authority_n neither_o do_v other_o who_o follow_v they_o cease_v to_o build_v on_o their_o sandy_a foundation_n until_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o the_o church-state_n be_v alter_v a_o new_a law_n make_v for_o its_o government_n and_o a_o new_a christ_n or_o antichrist_n assume_v in_o the_o head_n of_o its_o rule_n by_o that_o law_n for_o all_o this_o pretend_a authority_n of_o make_v law_n and_o constitution_n for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n issue_v in_o that_o sink_v of_o abomination_n which_o they_o call_v the_o canon-law_n let_v any_o man_n but_o of_o a_o tolerable_a understanding_n and_o free_v from_o infatuate_a prejudices_fw-la but_o read_v the_o representation_n that_o be_v make_v of_o the_o gospel_n church_n state_n its_o order_n rule_n and_o government_n in_o the_o scripture_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o what_o representation_n be_v make_v on_o the_o other_o of_o a_o church_n state_n its_o order_n rule_n and_o government_n in_o the_o canon_n law_n the_o only_a effect_n of_o man_n assume_v to_o themselves_o a_o legislative_a power_n with_o respect_n unto_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n if_o he_o do_v not_o pronounce_v they_o to_o be_v contrary_a as_o light_n and_o darkness_n and_o that_o by_o the_o latter_a the_o former_a be_v utter_o destroy_v and_o take_v away_o i_o shall_v never_o trust_v to_o the_o use_n of_o man_n reason_n or_o their_o honesty_n any_o more_o this_o authority_n be_v first_o usurp_v by_o synod_n or_o counsel_n of_o bishop_n of_o what_o use_n they_o be_v at_o any_o time_n to_o declare_v and_o give_v testimony_n unto_o any_o article_n of_o the_o faith_n which_o in_o their_o day_n be_v oppose_v by_o heretic_n i_o shall_v not_o now_o inquire_v but_o as_o unto_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o authority_n claim_v by_o they_o to_o make_v law_n and_o canon_n for_o the_o rule_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v to_o be_v bewail_v there_o shall_v be_v such_o a_o monument_n leave_v of_o their_o weakness_n ambition_n self-interest_n and_o folly_n as_o there_o be_v in_o what_o remain_v of_o their_o constitution_n their_o whole_a endeavour_n in_o this_o kind_n be_v at_o best_o but_o the_o build_n of_o wood_n hay_o and_o stubble_n on_o the_o foundation_n in_o who_o consumption_n they_o shall_v suffer_v loss_n although_o they_o be_v save_v themselves_o but_o in_o make_v of_o law_n to_o bind_v the_o whole_a church_n in_o and_o about_o thing_n useless_a and_o trivial_a no_o way_n belong_v to_o the_o religion_n teach_v we_o by_o jesus_n christ_n in_o and_o for_o the_o establishment_n or_o increase_n of_o their_o own_o power_n jurisdiction_n authority_n and_o rule_n with_o the_o extent_n and_o bound_n of_o their_o several_a dominion_n in_o and_o for_o the_o constitution_n of_o new_a frames_n and_o state_n of_o church_n and_o new_a way_n of_o the_o government_n of_o they_o in_o the_o appointment_n of_o new_a modes_n rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o divine_a worship_n with_o the_o confusion_n that_o ensue_v thereon_o in_o mutual_a animosity_n fight_n division_n schism_n and_o anathematism_n to_o the_o horrible_a scandal_n of_o christian_a religion_n they_o cease_v not_o until_o they_o have_v utter_o destroy_v all_o the_o order_n rule_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n yea_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o it_o and_o introduce_v into_o its_o room_n a_o carnal_a worldly_a church-state_n and_o rule_n suit_v unto_o the_o interest_n of_o covetous_a ambitious_a and_o tyrannical_a prelate_n the_o most_o of_o they_o indeed_o know_v not_o for_o who_o they_o wrought_v in_o provide_v material_n for_o that_o babel_n which_o by_o a_o hide_a skill_n in_o a_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n be_v raise_v out_o of_o their_o provision_n for_o after_o they_o be_v hew_v and_o carve_v shape_a form_v and_o guild_v the_o pope_n appear_v in_o the_o head_n of_o it_o as_o it_o be_v with_o those_o word_n of_o his_o mouth_n be_v not_o this_o great_a babylon_n that_o i_o have_v build_v for_o the_o house_n of_o the_o kingdom_n by_o the_o might_n of_o my_o power_n and_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o my_o majesty_n this_o be_v the_o fatal_a event_n of_o man_n invade_v the_o right_n of_o christ_n and_o
church_n for_o their_o work_n be_v to_o call_v gather_v and_o erect_v it_o out_o of_o the_o world_n but_o no_o ordinary_a officer_n can_v be_v or_o ever_o be_v ordain_v but_o to_o a_o church_n in_o be_v some_o say_v they_o be_v ordain_v unto_o the_o universal_a visible_a church_n of_o professor_n some_o unto_o the_o particular_a church_n wherein_o their_o work_n do_v lie_v but_o all_o grant_n that_o the_o church-state_n whereunto_o they_o be_v ordain_v be_v antecedent_n unto_o their_o ordination_n the_o lord_n christ_n can_v and_o do_v ordain_v apostle_n and_o evangelist_n when_o there_o be_v yet_o no_o gospel_n church_n for_o they_o be_v to_o be_v the_o instrument_n of_o its_o call_v and_o erection_n but_o the_o apostle_n neither_o do_v nor_o can_v ordain_v any_o ordinary_a officer_n until_o there_o be_v a_o church_n or_o church_n with_o respect_n whereunto_o they_o shall_v be_v ordain_v it_o be_v therefore_o high_o absurd_a to_o ascribe_v the_o continuation_n of_o the_o church_n unto_o the_o successive_a ordination_n of_o officer_n if_o any_o such_o thing_n there_o be_v see_v this_o successive_a ordination_n of_o officer_n depend_v sole_o on_o the_o continuation_n of_o the_o church_n if_o that_o be_v not_o secure_v on_o other_o foundation_n this_o successive_a ordination_n will_v quick_o tumble_v into_o dust_n yea_o this_o successive_a ordination_n be_v there_o any_o such_o thing_n appoint_v must_v be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o and_o so_o can_v be_v the_o mean_n of_o communicate_v church_n power_n unto_o other_o a_o successive_a ordination_n in_o some_o sense_n may_v be_v grant_v namely_o that_o when_o those_o who_o be_v ordain_v officer_n in_o any_o church_n do_v die_v that_o other_o be_v ordain_v in_o their_o stead_n but_o this_o be_v by_o a_o act_n of_o power_n in_o the_o church_n itself_o as_o we_o shall_v manifest_v afterward_o 2._o not_o to_o treat_v of_o papal_a succession_n the_o limit_v of_o this_o successive_a ordination_n as_o the_o only_a way_n and_o mean_n of_o communicate_v church_n power_n and_o so_o of_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o church-state_n unto_o diocesan_n prelate_n or_o bishop_n be_v build_v on_o so_o many_o inevident_a presumption_n and_o false_a principle_n as_o will_v leave_v it_o altogether_o uncertain_a whether_o there_o be_v any_o church-state_n in_o the_o world_n or_o no._n as_o 1_o that_o such_o bishop_n be_v ordain_v by_o the_o apostle_n which_o can_v never_o be_v prove_v 2_o that_o they_o receive_v power_n from_o the_o apostle_n to_o ordain_v other_o and_o communicate_v their_o whole_a power_n unto_o they_o by_o a_o authority_n inherent_a in_o themselves_o alone_o yet_o still_o reserve_v their_o whole_a power_n unto_o themselves_o also_o give_v all_o and_o retain_v all_o at_o the_o same_o time_n which_o have_v no_o more_o of_o truth_n than_o the_o former_a and_o may_v be_v easy_o disprove_v 3_o that_o they_o never_o do_v nor_o can_v any_o of_o they_o forfeit_v this_o power_n by_o any_o crime_n or_o error_n so_o as_o to_o render_v their_o ordination_n invalid_a and_o interrupt_v the_o succession_n pretend_v 4_o that_o they_o all_o ordain_v other_o in_o such_o manner_n and_o way_n as_o to_o render_v their_o ordination_n valid_a whereas_o multitude_n be_v never_o agree_v what_o be_v require_v thereunto_o 5_o that_o whatever_o heresy_n idolatry_n flagitiousness_n of_o life_n persecution_n of_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n these_o prelatical_a ordainer_n may_v fall_v into_o by_o whatever_o art_n simoniacal_a practice_n or_o false_a pretence_n unto_o what_o be_v not_o they_o come_v themselves_o into_o their_o office_n yet_o nothing_o can_v deprive_v they_o of_o their_o right_n of_o communicate_v all_o church_n power_n unto_o other_o by_o ordination_n 6_o that_o person_n so_o ordain_v whether_o they_o have_v any_o call_v from_o the_o church_n or_o no_o whether_o they_o have_v any_o of_o the_o qualification_n require_v by_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o scripture_n to_o make_v they_o capable_a of_o any_o office_n in_o the_o church_n or_o have_v receive_v any_o spiritual_a gift_n from_o christ_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o office_n and_o discharge_v of_o their_o duty_n whether_o they_o have_v any_o design_n or_o no_o to_o pursue_v the_o end_n of_o that_o office_n which_o they_o take_v upon_o they_o yet_o all_o be_v one_o be_v any_o way_n prelatical_o ordain_v bishop_n they_o may_v ordain_v other_o and_o so_o the_o successive_a ordination_n be_v preserve_v and_o what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o take_v the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n to_o give_v law_n unto_o he_o to_o follow_v with_o his_o approbation_n the_o act_n of_o man_n beside_o and_o contrary_a to_o his_o law_n and_o institution_n and_o to_o make_v application_n of_o his_o promise_n unto_o the_o vile_a of_o man_n whether_o he_o will_v or_o no._n 7_o that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o believer_n or_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n to_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o his_o command_n without_o this_o episcopal_a ordination_n which_o many_o church_n can_v have_v and_o more_o will_v not_o as_o judge_v it_o against_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o christ._n 8_o that_o one_o worldly_a ignorant_n proud_a sensual_a beast_n such_o as_o some_o of_o the_o head_n of_o this_o successive_a ordination_n as_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n have_v be_v shall_v have_v more_o power_n and_o authority_n from_o christ_n to_o preserve_v and_o continue_v a_o church-state_n by_o ordination_n than_o any_o the_o most_o holy_a church_n in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v or_o can_v be_v gather_v according_a to_o his_o mind_n with_o other_o unwarrantable_a presumption_n innumerable_a 3._o the_o pernicious_a consequence_n that_o may_v ensue_v on_o this_o principle_n do_v manifest_a its_o inconsistency_n with_o what_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v ordain_v unto_o this_o end_n of_o the_o continuation_n of_o his_o church_n i_o need_v not_o reckon_v they_o upon_o the_o sure_a probability_n there_o be_v no_o room_n leave_v for_o fear_n of_o what_o may_v follow_v hereon_o by_o what_o have_v already_o do_v so_o if_o we_o consider_v whither_o this_o successive_a ordination_n have_v already_o lead_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o church_n we_o may_v easy_o judge_v what_o it_o be_v meet_v for_o it_o have_v i_o say_v lead_v man_n for_o instance_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n into_o a_o presumption_n of_o a_o good_a church-state_n in_o the_o loss_n of_o holiness_n and_o truth_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o false_a worship_n and_o idolatry_n in_o the_o persecution_n and_o slaughter_n of_o the_o faithful_a servant_n of_o christ_n unto_o a_o state_n plain_o antichristian_a to_o think_v there_o shall_v be_v a_o flux_n and_o communication_n of_o heavenly_a and_o spiritual_a power_n from_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o and_o by_o the_o hand_n and_o act_n of_o person_n ignorant_a simoniacal_a adulterous_a incestuous_a proud_a ambitious_a sensual_a preside_v in_o a_o church-state_n never_o appoint_v by_o he_o immerse_v in_o false_a and_o idolatrous_a worship_n persecute_v the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n wherein_o be_v the_o true_a succession_n of_o apostolical_a doctrine_n and_o holiness_n be_v a_o imagination_n for_o man_n who_o embrace_v the_o shadow_n and_o appearance_n of_o thing_n never_o once_o serious_o think_v of_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o they_o in_o brief_a it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o derive_v a_o succession_n whereon_o the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n shall_v depend_v through_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n with_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n who_o for_o a_o 100_o year_n together_o from_o the_o year_n 900_o to_o a_o 1000_o be_v monster_n for_o ignorance_n lust_n pride_n and_o luxury_n as_o baronius_n acknowledge_v a._n d._n 912.5.8_o or_o by_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n by_o samosatenus_fw-la eudoxius_n gnapheus_n severus_n and_o the_o like_a heretic_n or_o in_o constantinople_n by_o macedonius_n eusebius_n demophilus_n anthorinus_n and_o their_o companion_n or_o at_o alexandria_n by_o lucius_n dioscurus_n aelurus_n sergius_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o same_o sort_n 4._o the_o principal_a argument_n whereby_o this_o conceit_n be_v full_o discard_v must_v be_v speak_v unto_o afterward_o and_o this_o be_v the_o due_a consideration_n of_o the_o proper_a subject_n of_o all_o church-power_n unto_o who_o it_o be_v original_o formal_o and_o radical_o give_v and_o grant_v by_o jesus_n christ._n for_o none_o can_v communicate_v this_o power_n unto_o other_o but_o those_o who_o have_v receive_v it_o themselves_o from_o christ_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o law_n and_o institution_n now_o this_o be_v the_o whole_a church_n and_o not_o any_o person_n in_o it_o or_o prelate_n over_o it_o look_v whatever_o constitute_v it_o a_o church_n that_o give_v it_o all_o the_o power_n and_o privilege_n of_o a_o church_n for_o a_o church_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o society_n of_o profess_a believer_n enjoy_v all_o church_n power_n
it_o in_o the_o church_n ascribe_v a_o alike_a dignity_n and_o power_n unto_o the_o prelate_n of_o those_o city_n and_o a_o jurisdiction_n extend_v itself_o unto_o nation_n diocese_n and_o province_n hereby_o the_o lesser_a congregation_n or_o parochial_a church_n be_v weaken_v in_o process_n of_o time_n in_o their_o gift_n and_o interest_n be_v swallow_v up_o in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o other_o and_o become_v only_o inconsiderable_a appendix_n unto_o they_o to_o be_v rule_v at_o their_o pleasure_n but_o these_o thing_n fall_v out_o long_o after_o the_o time_n which_o we_o inquire_v into_o only_o their_o occasion_n begin_v to_o present_v itself_o unto_o man_n of_o corrupt_a mind_n from_o the_o beginning_n but_o we_o have_v before_o at_o large_a discourse_v of_o they_o 4._o some_o church_n have_v a_o great_a advantage_n in_o that_o the_o gospel_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v go_v forth_o from_o they_o unto_o other_o they_o in_o their_o ministry_n be_v the_o mean_v first_o of_o the_o conversion_n of_o other_o unto_o the_o faith_n and_o then_o of_o their_o gather_n into_o a_o church-state_n afford_v they_o assistance_n in_o all_o thing_n they_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o hence_o there_o new_o form_v church_n in_o lesser_a town_n and_o village_n have_v always_o a_o great_a reverence_n for_o the_o church_n by_o who_o mean_n they_o be_v convert_v unto_o god_n and_o state_v in_o church_n order_n and_o it_o be_v meet_v that_o so_o they_o shall_v have_v but_o in_o process_n of_o time_n as_o these_o lesser_a church_n decrease_v in_o spiritual_a gift_n and_o fall_v under_o a_o scarcity_n of_o able_a guide_n this_o reverence_n be_v turn_v into_o obedience_n and_o dependence_n and_o they_o think_v it_o well_o enough_o to_o be_v under_o the_o rule_n of_o other_o be_v unable_a well_o to_o rule_v themselves_o on_o these_o and_o the_o like_a account_n there_o be_v quick_o introduce_v a_o inequality_n among_o church_n which_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o first_o institution_n be_v equal_a as_o unto_o state_n and_o power_n 4._o church_n may_v admit_v of_o many_o variation_n as_o unto_o their_o outward_a form_n and_o order_n which_o yet_o change_v not_o their_o state_n nor_o cause_v they_o to_o cease_v from_o be_v congregational_a as_o 1._o suppose_v that_o any_o of_o they_o may_v have_v many_o elder_n or_o presbyter_n in_o they_o as_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o most_o of_o they_o have_v yea_o all_o that_o be_v mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n have_v so_o act._n 11.30_o chap._n 14.23_o chap._n 15.6_o 22_o 23._o chap._n 16.4_o chap._n 20.17_o 18._o chap._n 21.18_o phil._n 1.1.1_o tim._n 5.17_o tit._n 1.5_o they_o may_v and_o some_o of_o they_o do_v choose_v out_o some_o one_o endue_v with_o especial_a gift_n that_o may_v in_o some_o sort_n preside_v among_o they_o and_o who_o have_v quick_o the_o name_n of_o bishop_n appropriate_v unto_o he_o this_o practice_n be_v think_v to_o have_v have_v its_o original_a at_o alexandria_n and_o begin_v general_o to_o be_v receive_v in_o the_o 3_o century_n but_o this_o change_v not_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n though_o it_o have_v no_o divine_a warrant_n to_o authorise_v it_o for_o this_o order_n may_v be_v agree_v unto_o among_o the_o elder_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n and_o sundry_a thing_n may_v fall_v out_o incline_v unto_o the_o reception_n of_o it_o but_o from_o a_o distinct_a mention_n if_o any_o such_o there_o be_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o second_o century_n of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n to_o fancy_n metropolitical_n and_o diocesan_n church_n be_v but_o a_o pleasant_a dream_n 2._o the_o member_n of_o these_o church_n that_o be_v great_a and_o numerous_a be_v under_o the_o care_n and_o inspection_n of_o their_o elder_n in_o common_a may_v for_o the_o ordinary_a duty_n of_o divine_a worship_n meâ—t_n in_o part_n or_o several_a actual_a assembly_n and_o they_o do_v so_o especial_o in_o time_n of_o persecution_n nothing_o occur_v more_o frequent_o in_o ecclesiastical_a story_n than_o the_o meeting_n of_o christian_n in_o secret_a place_n in_o private_a house_n yea_o in_o cave_n and_o den_n of_o the_o earth_n when_o in_o some_o place_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v so_o assemble_v together_o how_o this_o disposition_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n into_o several_a part_n in_o each_o of_o which_o some_o elder_a or_o elder_n of_o it_o do_v officiate_v give_v occasion_n unto_o the_o distinction_n of_o great_a church_n into_o particular_a title_n or_o parish_n be_v not_o here_o to_o be_v declare_v it_o may_v be_v so_o elsewhere_o but_o neither_o yet_o do_v this_o alter_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n from_o their_o original_a institution_n for_o 3._o upon_o all_o extraordinary_a occasion_n all_o such_o as_o concern_v the_o whole_a church_n as_o the_o choice_n of_o elder_n or_o the_o deposition_n of_o they_o the_o admission_n or_o exclusion_n of_o member_n and_o the_o like_a the_o whole_a church_n continue_v to_o meet_v together_o which_o practice_n be_v plain_o continue_v in_o the_o day_n of_o cyprian_a as_o we_o shall_v see_v afterward_o neither_o do_v it_o appear_v but_o that_o during_o the_o first_o 200_o year_n of_o the_o church_n the_o whole_a body_n oâ—_n the_o church_n do_v ordinary_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n for_o the_o solemn_a administration_n of_o the_o holy_a ordinance_n of_o worship_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n wherefore_o notwithstanding_o these_o and_o other_o the_o like_a variation_n from_o the_o original_a institution_n of_o church_n which_o come_v in_o partly_o by_o inadvertency_n unto_o the_o rule_n and_o partly_o be_v receive_v from_o the_o advantage_n and_o accommodation_n which_o they_o pretend_v unto_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n continue_v congregational_a only_o for_o 200_o year_n so_o far_o as_o can_v be_v gather_v from_o the_o remain_a monument_n of_o those_o time_n only_o we_o must_v yet_o add_v that_o we_o be_v no_o way_n concern_v in_o testimony_n or_o say_n take_v from_o the_o write_n of_o those_o in_o follow_v age_n as_o unto_o the_o state_n way_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o season_n but_o do_v appeal_n unto_o their_o own_o write_n only_o this_o be_v the_o great_a artifice_n whereby_o baronius_n in_o his_o annal_n will_v impose_v upon_o the_o credulity_n of_o man_n a_o apprehension_n of_o the_o antiquity_n of_o any_o of_o their_o roman_a invention_n he_o affix_v they_o unto_o some_o of_o the_o first_o age_n and_o give_v some_o countenance_n unto_o they_o it_o may_v be_v from_o some_o spurious_a write_n lay_v the_o weight_n of_o confirmation_n on_o testimony_n and_o say_n of_o writer_n many_o year_n yea_o for_o the_o most_o part_n age_n afterward_o for_o it_o be_v and_o be_v of_o the_o latter_a age_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o use_n and_o custom_n have_v wrest_v ecclesiastical_a word_n to_o other_o signification_n than_o at_o first_o they_o be_v apply_v unto_o to_o impose_v the_o present_a state_n of_o thing_n among_o they_o on_o these_o who_o go_v before_o who_o know_v nothing_o of_o they_o i_o shall_v therefore_o brief_o inquire_v into_o what_o representation_n be_v make_v of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n by_o the_o writer_n themselves_o who_o have_v in_o the_o season_n inquire_v after_o or_o in_o the_o age_n next_o unto_o it_o which_o be_v acquaint_v with_o their_o practice_n that_o which_o first_o offer_v itself_o unto_o we_o and_o which_o be_v a_o invaluable_a testimony_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o first_o church_n immediate_o after_o the_o decease_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v the_o epistle_n of_o clemens_n romanus_n unto_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n this_o epistle_n according_a to_o the_o title_n of_o it_o irenaeus_n ascribe_v unto_o the_o whole_a church_n at_o rome_n and_o call_v it_o potentissimas_fw-la literas_fw-la sub_fw-la hoc_fw-la clement_n dissensione_n non_fw-la modica_fw-la inter_fw-la â—os_v qui_fw-la corinthi_n erant_fw-la fratres_fw-la facta_fw-la scripsit_fw-la quae_fw-la est_fw-la romae_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la potentissimas_fw-la literas_fw-la lib._n 3._o cap._n 3._o by_o eusebius_n it_o be_v term_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d great_a and_o admirable_a who_o also_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v public_o read_v in_o some_o church_n ecclesiast_n hist._n lib._n 3._o cap._n 14._o and_o again_o he_o call_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o most_o powerful_a writing_n lib._n 5._o cap._n 7._o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o some_o thing_n in_o the_o write_n of_o it_o do_v befall_v he_o humanitû_n that_o the_o work_n of_o such_o a_o companion_n of_o some_o of_o the_o apostle_n as_o he_o be_v may_v not_o be_v receive_v as_o of_o divine_a institution_n such_o be_v the_o credit_n which_o he_o give_v unto_o the_o vulgar_a fable_n of_o the_o phoenix_n but_o for_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o it_o be_v such_o as_o every_o way_n become_v a_o
power_n and_o liberty_n in_o choose_v or_o refuse_v the_o officer_n that_o be_v to_o be_v set_v over_o they_o some_o few_o thing_n we_o may_v observe_v from_o the_o testimony_n insist_v on_o as_o 1._o there_o be_v in_o they_o a_o true_a and_o full_a representation_n of_o the_o state_n order_n rule_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o first_o age_n it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a demonstration_n that_o all_o those_o thing_n wherein_o at_o the_o present_a the_o state_n and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n be_v suppose_v to_o consist_v be_v indeed_o late_a invention_n not_o mere_o because_o they_o be_v not_o mention_v by_o they_o but_o because_o they_o be_v not_o so_o when_o they_o avowed_o profess_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o that_o state_n and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v then_o in_o use_n and_o practice_n have_v there_o be_v then_o among_o christian_n metropolitan_a archbishop_n or_o bishop_n diocesan_n churches_n national_a or_o provincial_a a_o enclosure_n of_o church-power_n or_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n in_o and_o for_o the_o whole_a rule_n of_o the_o church_n unto_o bishop_n and_o officer_n utter_o foreign_a unto_o any_o pretence_n of_o apostolical_a institution_n or_o countenance_n have_v many_o church_n or_o many_o hundred_o of_o church_n be_v without_o rule_n in_o or_o among_o themselves_o subject_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o any_o one_o man_n stand_v in_o no_o especial_a relation_n unto_o any_o of_o they_o with_o other_o thing_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n be_v then_o invent_v know_v and_o in_o use_n how_o can_v they_o possible_o be_v excuse_v in_o pass_v they_o over_o without_o the_o least_o take_v notice_n of_o they_o or_o give_v they_o the_o honour_n of_o be_v once_o mention_v by_o they_o how_o easy_a have_v it_o be_v for_o their_o pagan_a ruler_n unto_o who_o they_o present_v their_o account_n some_o of_o they_o of_o the_o state_n of_o their_o church_n to_o have_v reply_v that_o they_o know_v well_o enough_o there_o be_v other_o dignity_n order_n and_o practice_n than_o what_o they_o do_v acknowledge_v which_o they_o be_v either_o afraid_a or_o ashamed_a to_o own_o but_o beside_o this_o silence_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n they_o assert_v such_o thing_n of_o the_o officer_n appoint_v in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o way_n of_o their_o appointment_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o power_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o people_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n as_o be_v utter_o inconsistent_a with_o that_o state_n of_o these_o thing_n which_o be_v by_o some_o plead_v for_o yea_o as_o we_o have_v show_v whatever_o they_o write_v or_o speak_v about_o church_n or_o their_o order_n can_v have_v no_o be_v or_o exercise_n in_o any_o other_o form_n of_o church_n but_o of_o particular_a congregation_n 2._o that_o account_n which_o they_o give_v that_o representation_n which_o they_o make_v of_o the_o kind_n state_n and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n among_o they_o do_v absolute_o agree_v with_o and_o answer_v unto_o what_o we_o be_v teach_v in_o the_o divine_a write_n about_o the_o same_o thing_n there_o be_v indeed_o before_o the_o end_n of_o the_o second_o century_n some_o practice_n in_o and_o about_o some_o lesser_a thing_n such_o as_o send_v the_o consecrate_a element_n from_o the_o assembly_n unto_o such_o as_o be_v sick_a that_o they_o have_v no_o warrant_n for_o from_o any_o thing_n write_v or_o do_v by_o the_o apostle_n but_o as_o unto_o the_o substance_n of_o what_o concern_v the_o state_n order_n rule_n discipline_n and_o worship_n of_o evangelical_n church_n there_o be_v not_o any_o instance_n to_o be_v give_v wherein_o they_o depart_v from_o the_o apostolical_a tradition_n or_o institution_n either_o by_o add_v any_o thing_n of_o their_o own_o unto_o they_o or_o omit_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v by_o they_o ordain_v 3._o from_o this_o state_n the_o church_n do_v by_o degree_n and_o insensible_o degenerate_a so_o as_o that_o another_o form_n and_o order_n of_o they_o do_v appear_v towards_o the_o end_n of_o the_o three_o century_n for_o some_o in_o the_o first_o church_n not_o apply_v their_o mind_n unto_o the_o apostolical_a rule_n and_o practice_n who_o ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o church_n and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o city_n or_o town_n but_o as_o clemens_n affirm_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o country-village_n many_o disorder_n ensue_v with_o respect_n unto_o such_o collection_n of_o christian_n and_o congregation_n as_o be_v gather_v at_o some_o distance_n from_o the_o first_o or_o city-church_n until_o the_o time_n of_o origen_n the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o case_n be_v follow_v and_o their_o direction_n observe_v for_o so_o he_o write_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o we_o know_v that_o there_o be_v other_o congregation_n gather_v in_o the_o town_n up_o and_o down_o by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o that_o there_o be_v another_o heavenly_a city_n in_o any_o town_n build_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o persuade_v some_o that_o be_v sound_a in_o doctrine_n and_o of_o good_a conversation_n and_o meet_v for_o their_o rule_n to_o take_v on_o they_o the_o conduct_n or_o rule_n of_o those_o church_n and_o these_o whilst_o they_o rule_v within_o the_o church_n those_o society_n of_o divine_a institution_n by_o who_o they_o be_v choose_v they_o govern_v they_o according_a to_o the_o prescription_n or_o command_n and_o rule_v give_v by_o god_n himself_o adver_n cels._n lib._n 8._o those_o of_o who_o he_o speak_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v the_o pastor_n or_o principal_a member_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v establish_v when_o they_o understand_v that_o in_o any_o place_n distant_a from_o they_o a_o number_n of_o believer_n be_v call_v and_o gather_v into_o church_n order_n by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n they_o present_o according_a unto_o their_o duty_n take_v care_n of_o they_o inquire_v into_o their_o state_n and_o condition_n assist_v they_o in_o particular_a in_o find_v out_o try_v and_o recommend_v unto_o they_o person_n meet_v to_o be_v their_o officer_n and_o ruler_n these_o he_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v church_n and_o city_n of_o god_n upon_o their_o collection_n by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n antecedent_o unto_o the_o constitution_n of_o any_o officer_n among_o they_o as_o the_o apostle_n also_o do_v act._n 14.22_o 23._o wherefore_o the_o church_n be_v essential_o before_o its_o ordinary_a officer_n and_o can_v as_o unto_o its_o continuance_n depend_v on_o any_o succession_n of_o they_o which_o they_o have_v none_o but_o what_o it_o give_v unto_o they_o these_o officer_n thus_o recommend_v be_v choose_v as_o he_o tell_v we_o by_o the_o church_n wherein_o they_o be_v to_o preside_v and_o thereon_o do_v govern_v they_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n alone_o hereby_o be_v the_o original_a constitution_n and_o state_n of_o the_o first_o church_n for_o a_o good_a season_n preserve_v nor_o be_v there_o the_o least_o abridgement_n of_o the_o power_n either_o of_o these_o church_n or_o of_o their_o officer_n because_o it_o may_v be_v they_o be_v some_o of_o they_o plant_v in_o poor_a country-village_n for_o as_o no_o man_n in_o the_o world_n can_v hinder_v but_o that_o every_o true_a church_n have_v the_o jure_v all_o the_o right_n and_o power_n that_o any_o other_o church_n in_o the_o world_n have_v or_o aught_o to_o have_v or_o that_o every_o true_a officer_n bishop_n elder_n or_o pastor_n have_v not_o all_o the_o power_n that_o christ_n have_v annex_v unto_o that_o office_n be_v they_o at_o rome_n or_o eâ—gubium_n so_o there_o be_v no_o abridgement_n of_o this_o power_n in_o the_o mean_a of_o they_o as_o yet_o attempt_v but_o this_o course_n and_o duty_n in_o many_o place_n not_o long_o after_o become_v to_o be_v much_o omit_v whether_o out_o of_o ignorance_n or_o negligence_n or_o unwillingness_n of_o man_n to_o undertake_v the_o pastoral_n charge_n in_o poor_a country-churche_n i_o know_v not_o but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o believer_n in_o the_o region_n round_o about_o any_o city_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v look_v on_o as_o those_o which_o belong_v unto_o the_o city_n church_n and_o be_v not_o settle_v in_o particular_a congregation_n for_o their_o edification_n which_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v and_o the_o counsel_n that_o afterward_o ensue_v make_v law_n and_o canon_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v under_o the_o government_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o those_o city-churche_n but_o when_o the_o number_n of_o such_o believer_n be_v great_o increase_v so_o as_o that_o it_o be_v needful_a to_o have_v some_o always_o attend_v the_o ministry_n among_o they_o they_o come_v i_o know_v not_o how_o to_o have_v chorepiscopi_fw-la among_o they_o and_o over_o they_o the_o first_o mention_n of_o they_o be_v in_o the_o synod_n of_o
which_o have_v as_o they_o think_v undue_o enough_o fail_v in_o one_o or_o two_o instance_n it_o become_v the_o destruction_n of_o a_o church_n state_n not_o only_o in_o the_o church_n where_o such_o mistake_v have_v happen_v as_o they_o surmise_a but_o unto_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n that_o will_v hold_v communion_n with_o they_o but_o in_o these_o thing_n we_o have_v no_o concernment_n other_o notion_n of_o schism_n beside_o those_o insist_v on_o we_o acknowledge_v not_o nor_o be_v any_o other_o advance_v with_o the_o least_o probality_n of_o truth_n nor_o be_v we_o to_o be_v move_v with_o outcry_n about_o schism_n wherein_o without_o regard_n to_o truth_n or_o charity_n man_n contend_v for_o their_o own_o interest_n of_o those_o notion_n of_o it_o which_o have_v be_v receive_v by_o man_n sober_a and_o learned_a we_o decline_v a_o trial_n by_o none_o that_o only_o except_v that_o the_o refusal_n of_o obedience_n unto_o the_o pope_n and_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v all_o that_o be_v schism_n in_o the_o world_n which_o indeed_o be_v none_o at_o all_o that_o which_o be_v now_o so_o fierce_o plead_v by_o some_o concern_v different_a observation_n of_o external_a modes_n rite_n custom_n some_o more_o or_o none_o at_o all_o to_o make_v man_n schismatic_n be_v at_o once_o to_o judge_v all_o the_o primitive_a church_n to_o be_v schismatical_a their_o difference_n variety_n and_o diversity_n among_o they_o about_o these_o thing_n can_v be_v enumerate_v and_o so_o without_o any_o disadvantage_n unto_o the_o faith_n or_o breach_n of_o love_n they_o continue_v to_o be_v until_o all_o church_n order_n and_o power_n be_v swallow_v up_o in_o the_o papal_a tyranny_n ten_o thousand_o time_n more_o pernicious_a then_o ten_o thousand_o such_o dispute_n for_o a_o close_a unto_o this_o whole_a discourse_n concern_v the_o original_a nature_n and_o state_n of_o gospel_n church_n i_o shall_v use_v that_o liberty_n which_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n put_v into_o my_o possession_n church_n mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n ordain_v and_o appoint_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o certain_a number_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n convert_v to_o god_n by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n with_o their_o baptize_v seed_n associate_a themselves_o in_o obedience_n unto_o christ_n command_n and_o by_o the_o direction_n of_o his_o apostle_n for_o the_o common_a profession_n of_o the_o same_o faith_n the_o observance_n and_o performance_n of_o all_o divine_a institution_n of_o religious_a worship_n unto_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n their_o own_o edification_n and_o the_o conversion_n of_o other_o these_o believer_n thus_o associate_v in_o society_n know_v the_o command_n and_o appointment_n of_o jesus_n christ_n by_o his_o apostle_n for_o that_o end_n do_v choose_v from_o among_o themselves_o such_o as_o be_v to_o be_v their_o ruler_n in_o the_o name_n and_o authority_n of_o christ_n according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o order_n of_o his_o institution_n who_o in_o the_o scripture_n be_v call_v on_o various_a consideration_n elder_n bishop_n pastor_n and_o the_o like_a name_n of_o dignity_n authority_n and_o office_n who_o be_v to_o administer_v all_o the_o solemn_a ordinance_n of_o the_o church_n among_o they_o unto_o this_o office_n they_o be_v solemn_o appoint_v ordain_v or_o set_v apart_o by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o with_o fast_v prayer_n and_o imposition_n of_o hand_n or_o by_o other_o ordinary_a officer_n after_o their_o decease_n this_o be_v the_o way_n and_o method_n of_o the_o call_v and_o set_v apart_o of_o all_o ordinary_a officer_n in_o the_o church_n both_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o in_o the_o new_a it_o be_v found_v in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n in_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o ordinary_a church_n ruler_n under_o the_o law_n the_o people_n look_v out_o and_o choose_v fit_a person_n who_o moses_n set_v apart_o to_o the_o office_n deut._n 1.13_o 14_o 15._o and_o in_o the_o call_v of_o deacon_n act_n 6._o the_o apostle_n use_v the_o same_o word_n or_o word_n of_o the_o same_o importance_n unto_o the_o church_n as_o moses_n do_v to_o the_o people_n act_v 6.31_o assert_v the_o continuation_n of_o the_o same_o way_n and_o order_n in_o their_o call_n and_o whereas_o he_o who_o be_v first_o to_o be_v call_v to_o office_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n after_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ_n fall_v under_o a_o double_a consideration_n namely_o of_o a_o officer_n in_o general_n and_o of_o a_o apostle_n which_o office_n be_v extraordinary_a there_o be_v a_o threefold_a act_n in_o his_o call_n the_o people_n choose_v two_o one_o of_o which_o be_v to_o be_v a_o officer_n act_v 1.23_o god_n immediate_a determination_n of_o one_o as_o he_o be_v to_o be_v a_o apostle_n ver_fw-la 24._o and_o the_o obedient_a consent_n of_o the_o people_n in_o compliance_n with_o that_o determination_n ver_fw-la 26._o the_o foundation_n of_o these_o church_n be_v general_o in_o a_o small_a number_n of_o believer_n but_o their_o church_n state_n be_v not_o complete_a until_o they_o be_v supply_v with_o all_o ordinary_a officer_n as_o bishop_n and_o deacon_n the_o former_a be_v of_o of_o several_a sort_n as_o shall_v be_v prove_v hereafter_o and_o of_o they_o there_o be_v many_o in_o every_o church_n who_o number_n be_v increase_v as_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v multiply_v so_o god_n appoint_v in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o every_o ten_o family_n shall_v have_v a_o peculiar_a ruler_n of_o their_o own_o choice_n deut._n 1.13_o 14_o 15_o for_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n of_o any_o one_o single_a bishop_n or_o elder_n in_o any_o church_n of_o any_o sort_n whatever_o either_o absolute_o or_o by_o way_n of_o pre-eminence_n but_o as_o the_o elder_n of_o each_o church_n be_v many_o at_o least_o more_o thenone_o so_o there_o be_v a_o parity_n among_o they_o and_o a_o equality_n in_o order_n power_n and_o rule_n nor_o can_v any_o instance_n be_v give_v unto_o the_o contrary_a of_o these_o church_n one_o only_o be_v original_o plant_v in_o one_o city_n town_n or_o village_n this_o way_n be_v take_v from_o conveniency_n for_o edification_n and_o not_o from_o any_o positive_a institution_n and_o it_o may_v be_v otherwise_o where_o conveniency_n and_o opportunity_n do_v require_v it_o the_o number_n in_o these_o church_n multiply_v daily_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o the_o multiplication_n of_o bishop_n or_o elder_n among_o they_o hereon_o the_o advantage_n of_o some_o one_o person_n in_o priority_n of_o conversion_n or_o of_o ordination_n in_o age_n gift_n and_o grace_n especial_o in_o ability_n for_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o administer_a the_o holy_a ordinance_n of_o the_o church_n with_o the_o necessity_n of_o preserve_a order_n in_o the_o society_n of_o the_o elder_n themselves_o give_v he_o peculiar_a dignity_n pre-eminence_n and_o title_n he_o be_v soon_o after_o the_o bishop_n without_o any_o disadvantage_n to_o the_o church_n for_o in_o those_o church_n in_o some_o of_o they_o at_o least_o evangelist_n continue_v for_o a_o long_a season_n who_o have_v the_o administration_n of_o church_n affair_n in_o their_o hand_n and_o some_o there_o be_v who_o be_v of_o note_n among_o the_o apostle_n and_o eminent_o esteem_v by_o they_o who_o have_v eminent_a yea_o apostolical_a gift_n as_o to_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n which_o be_v the_o peculiar_a work_n of_o the_o apostle_n these_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d mention_v by_o clemens_n of_o the_o many_o other_o elder_n who_o be_v associate_v in_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n it_o may_v be_v not_o many_o have_v gift_n for_o the_o constant_a preach_v of_o the_o word_n nor_o be_v call_v thereunto_o hence_o justin_n martyr_n seem_v to_o assign_v the_o constant_a public_a administration_n of_o sacred_a ordinance_n unto_o one_o precedent_n and_o this_o also_o promote_v the_o constant_a presidency_n of_o one_o in_o who_o the_o apostolical_a aid_n by_o evangelist_n may_v be_v supply_v these_o church_n thus_o fix_v and_o settle_v in_o one_o place_n each_o of_o they_o city_n town_n or_o village_n be_v each_o of_o they_o entrust_v with_o all_o the_o power_n and_o privilege_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v grant_v unto_o or_o endue_v his_o church_n withal_o this_o power_n be_v call_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n or_o of_o bind_v and_o lose_v which_o have_v respect_n only_o unto_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n as_o unto_o thing_n spiritual_a and_o eternal_a be_v mere_o ministerial_a every_o one_o of_o these_o church_n be_v bind_v by_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n to_o live_v in_o peace_n and_o unity_n through_o the_o exercise_n of_o peculiar_a sincere_a and_o fervent_a love_n among_o all_o their_o member_n as_o also_o to_o walk_v in_o peace_n and_o useful_a communion_n with_o all_o othâ—â—_n church_n in_o the_o
they_o be_v occasion_v by_o ambition_n and_o desire_n of_o pre-eminence_n like_o those_o that_o fall_v out_o among_o the_o bishop_n of_o those_o day_n when_o their_o parish_n and_o claim_n be_v not_o regulate_v by_o the_o civil_a power_n as_o now_o they_o be_v if_o they_o do_v so_o from_o a_o desire_n to_o impose_v principle_n and_o practice_n not_o warrant_v in_o the_o scripture_n on_o other_o as_o it_o be_v with_o tertullian_n if_o for_o slight_a reason_n they_o rend_v and_o destroy_v that_o church_n state_n and_o order_n which_o themselves_o approve_v of_o as_o it_o be_v with_o all_o the_o ancient_a schismatic_n who_o be_v bishop_n or_o will_v feign_v to_o have_v be_v if_o those_o that_o make_v they_o or_o follow_v in_o they_o deny_v salvation_n unto_o all_o that_o join_v not_o with_o they_o and_o condemn_v all_o other_o church_n as_o be_v without_o god_n covenant_n and_o the_o sacrament_n as_o do_v the_o donatist_n and_o those_o do_v who_o deny_v these_o thing_n unto_o all_o church_n who_o have_v not_o diocesan_n bishop_n if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a justifiable_a cause_n plead_v for_o it_o that_o those_o who_o make_v such_o a_o separation_n can_v abide_v in_o the_o communion_n which_o they_o forsake_v without_o wound_v their_o own_o conscience_n and_o do_v give_v evidence_n of_o their_o abide_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o love_n towards_o all_o the_o true_a disciple_n of_o christ_n we_o be_v satisfy_v that_o we_o have_v a_o rule_n infallible_o direct_v we_o to_o make_v a_o judgement_n concern_v it_o our_o author_n add_v sect._n 26._o p._n 197._o another_o argument_n against_o this_o course_n of_o separation_n be_v that_o these_o ground_n will_v make_v separation_n endless_a which_o be_v to_o suppose_v all_o the_o exhortation_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o peace_n and_o unity_n among_o christian_n useless_a but_o why_o so_o be_v there_o nothing_o in_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o account_n which_o be_v to_o be_v give_v unto_o he_o nothing_o in_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n nothing_o in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o exercise_v of_o gospel_n discipline_n to_o keep_v profess_a disciple_n of_o christ_n unto_o their_o duty_n and_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o order_n divine_o prescribe_v unto_o they_o unless_o they_o be_v fetter_v and_o stake_v down_o with_o humane_a law_n and_o constitution_n herein_o i_o confess_v i_o differ_v and_o shall_v do_v so_o whilst_o i_o be_o in_o this_o world_n from_o our_o reverend_a author_n and_o other_o to_o say_v as_o he_o do_v upon_o a_o supposition_n of_o the_o take_v away_o of_o humane_a imposition_n law_n and_o canon_n that_o there_o be_v no_o bound_n set_v unto_o separation_n but_o what_o the_o fancy_n of_o man_n will_v dictate_v unto_o they_o be_v dishonourable_a unto_o the_o gospel_n and_o somewhat_o more_o to_o suppose_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o prescribe_v bound_n unto_o separation_n efficacious_o affect_v the_o conscience_n of_o beleiver_n or_o that_o any_o other_o bound_n can_v be_v assign_v as_o obligatory_a unto_o their_o conscience_n be_v what_o can_v be_v admit_v the_o lord_n christ_n have_v command_v love_n and_o union_n among_o his_o disciple_n he_o have_v ordain_v order_n and_o communion_n in_o his_o church_n he_o have_v give_v unto_o they_o and_o limit_v their_o power_n he_o have_v prescribe_v rule_n whereby_o they_o and_o all_o their_o member_n ought_v to_o walk_v he_o have_v forbid_v all_o schism_n and_o division_n he_o have_v appoint_v and_o limit_v all_o necessary_a separation_n and_o have_v true_o give_v all_o the_o bound_n unto_o it_o that_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n be_v or_o can_v be_v affect_v withal_o but_o than_o it_o be_v say_v if_o this_o be_v all_o separation_n will_v be_v endless_a if_o such_o a_o separation_n be_v intend_v as_o be_v a_o unlawful_a schism_n i_o say_v it_o may_v be_v it_o will_v even_o as_o persecution_n and_o other_o evil_n sin_n and_o wickedness_n will_v be_v notwithstanding_o his_o severe_a prohibition_n of_o they_o what_o he_o have_v do_v be_v the_o only_a mean_n to_o preserve_v his_o own_o disciple_n from_o all_o sinful_a separation_n and_o be_v sufficient_a thereunto_o herein_o lie_v the_o original_a mistake_n in_o this_o matter_n we_o have_v lose_v the_o apprehension_n that_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o word_n and_o work_v of_o his_o spirit_n be_v every_o way_n sufficient_a for_o the_o guide_v govern_v and_o preserve_v of_o his_o disciple_n in_o the_o church_n order_n by_o he_o prescribe_v and_o the_o observance_n of_o the_o duty_n by_o he_o command_v it_o have_v be_v great_o lose_v in_o the_o world_n for_o many_o age_n and_o therefore_o instead_o of_o faithful_a ministerial_a endeavour_n to_o enforce_v a_o sense_n of_o it_o on_o the_o conscience_n of_o all_o christian_n they_o have_v be_v let_v loose_a from_o it_o through_o a_o confidence_n in_o other_o devise_n to_o keep_v they_o unto_o their_o duty_n and_o order_n and_o if_o these_o devise_n be_v they_o ecclesiastical_a canon_n or_o civil_a penalty_n be_v not_o enforce_v on_o they_o all_o the_o world_n be_v make_v to_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v leave_v unto_o the_o dictate_v of_o their_o own_o fancy_n and_o imagination_n as_o if_o they_o have_v no_o concern_v in_o christ_n or_o his_o authority_n in_o this_o matter_n but_o for_o my_o part_n i_o shall_v never_o desire_v nor_o endeavour_v to_o keep_v any_o from_o schism_n or_o separation_n but_o by_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o christ_n appointment_n and_o by_o a_o sense_n of_o he_o authority_n on_o their_o own_o conscience_n the_o remainder_n of_o his_o discourse_n on_o this_o head_n consist_v in_o a_o lepid_a dramatical_a oration_n frame_v and_o feign_v for_o one_o of_o his_o opposer_n wherein_o he_o make_v he_o undertake_v the_o patronage_n of_o schism_n before_o cyprian_a and_o austiâ—_n the_o learned_a person_n intend_v be_v very_o well_o able_a to_o defend_v and_o vindicate_v himself_o which_o i_o suppose_v also_o he_o will_v do_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o can_v but_o say_v two_o thing_n 1._o that_o the_o imposition_n on_o he_o of_o extenuate_v the_o gild_n of_o any_o real_a schism_n be_v that_o which_o none_o of_o his_o word_n do_v give_v the_o least_o countenance_n unto_o 2._o that_o the_o doctor_n attempt_n in_o his_o feign_a oration_n to_o accommodate_v his_o principle_n or_o we_o unto_o the_o case_n of_o the_o donatist_n for_o their_o justification_n the_o weakness_n whereof_o be_v evident_a to_o every_o one_o who_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o case_n of_o the_o donatist_n be_v such_o a_o instance_n of_o the_o power_n of_o interest_n a_o design_n to_o maintain_v a_o cause_n causeless_o undertake_v by_o all_o manner_n of_o artifices_fw-la and_o pretence_n prevail_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n otherwise_o wise_a and_o sober_a as_o be_v to_o be_v lament_v we_o come_v at_o length_n in_o the_o 5_o place_n sect_n 28._o p._n 209._o unto_o that_o which_o be_v indeed_o of_o more_o importance_n due_o to_o be_v consider_v than_o all_o that_o go_v before_o for_o as_o our_o author_n observe_v it_o be_v that_o wherein_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n be_v concern_v this_o argument_n therefore_o he_o take_v from_o the_o obligation_n which_o lie_v upon_o all_o christian_n to_o preserve_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o this_o argument_n and_o the_o application_n of_o it_o unto_o the_o case_n of_o they_o who_o refrain_v from_o total_a communion_n with_o our_o parochial_a assembly_n which_o alone_o be_v the_o case_n in_o hand_n he_o lay_v down_o sundry_a supposition_n which_o i_o shall_v consider_v in_o their_o order_n although_o they_o may_v be_v all_o grant_v without_o any_o disadvantage_n unto_o our_o cause_n but_o they_o will_v be_v so_o the_o better_a when_o they_o be_v right_o state_v 1._o his_o first_o supposition_n be_v that_o christian_n be_v under_o the_o strict_a obligation_n to_o preserve_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n this_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o that_o follow_v it_o must_v be_v right_o state_v and_o to_o that_o end_n three_o thing_n may_v be_v inquire_v into_o 1._o what_o be_v that_o church_n who_o peace_n and_o unity_n we_o be_v oblige_v to_o preserve_v for_o there_o be_v those_o who_o lie_v the_o firm_a claim_n unto_o the_o name_n power_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n with_o who_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o have_v neither_o peace_n nor_o unity_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n 2._o what_o be_v that_o peace_n and_o unity_n which_o we_o be_v so_o oblige_v to_o preserve_v 3._o by_o what_o mean_v they_o be_v to_o be_v preserve_v 1._o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o follow_v peace_n with_o all_o man_n to_o seek_v peace_n
from_o the_o beginning_n however_o this_o be_v no_o part_n of_o our_o present_n contest_v namely_o whether_o some_o while_n after_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o church_n that_o be_v great_o increase_v and_o many_o elder_n in_o they_o there_o be_v not_o one_o choose_v as_o at_o alexandria_n by_o those_o elder_n themselves_o to_o preside_v among_o they_o who_o in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n be_v call_v a_o bishop_n but_o if_o i_o mistake_v not_o that_o alone_o which_o will_v advantage_v his_o cause_n be_v to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v in_o one_o city_n or_o any_o where_o else_o many_o not_o occasional_a assembly_n of_o christian_n or_o church_n member_n but_o many_o state_v fix_a church_n with_o officer_n of_o their_o own_o peculiar_o relate_v unto_o they_o entrust_v with_o church_n power_n and_o privilege_n at_o least_o as_o much_o as_o he_o afterward_o plead_v to_o be_v in_o our_o parochial_a church_n all_o under_o the_o government_n of_o one_o single_a bishop_n make_v up_o a_o new_a church_n state_n beyond_o that_o of_o particular_a congregation_n by_o their_o relation_n unto_o he_o as_o their_o common_a pastor_n this_o i_o take_v it_o be_v that_o which_o shall_v have_v be_v prove_v all_o the_o difficulty_n wherewith_o our_o assertion_n be_v accompany_v arise_v from_o the_o multiplication_n of_o believer_n and_o the_o increase_n of_o church_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n or_o present_o after_o for_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v so_o great_a as_o that_o those_o in_o one_o city_n can_v not_o continue_v in_o one_o church_n notwithstanding_o the_o advantage_n of_o occasional_a assembly_n the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n have_v 5000_o in_o it_o at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o word_n grow_v and_o prevail_v at_o ephesus_n and_o other_o place_n whereto_o i_o shall_v brief_o answer_v as_o hasten_v unto_o a_o close_a of_o this_o unpleasing_a labour_n i_o say_v therefore_o 1._o whatever_o difficulty_n may_v seem_v to_o be_v in_o this_o matter_n yet_o in_o point_n of_o fact_n so_o it_o be_v there_o be_v no_o church_n before_o the_o end_n of_o the_o second_o century_n of_o any_o other_o species_n nature_n or_o kind_n but_o a_o particular_a congregational_a church_n only_o as_o have_v be_v prove_v before_o let_v any_o one_o instance_n be_v produce_v of_o a_o church_n of_o one_o denomination_n national_a provincial_a or_o diocesan_n or_o of_o any_o other_o kind_n then_o that_o which_o be_v congregational_a and_o i_o will_v give_v over_o this_o contest_v but_o when_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v certain_a it_o be_v too_o late_o to_o inquire_v how_o it_o may_v be_v and_o on_o this_o occasion_n i_o shall_v add_v that_o if_o in_o that_o space_n of_o time_n namely_o before_o the_o end_n of_o the_o second_o century_n any_o proof_n or_o undoubted_a testimony_n can_v be_v produce_v of_o the_o imposition_n of_o the_o necessary_a use_n of_o liturgy_n or_o of_o state_v ceremony_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o church_n discipline_n consistent_a with_o that_o now_o in_o use_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n it_o will_v go_v a_o great_a way_n in_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o whole_a controversy_n between_o we_o 2._o the_o admirable_a prevalency_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o those_o day_n consist_v principal_o in_o its_o spread_a itself_o all_o the_o world_n over_o and_o plant_v seminary_n for_o far_a conversion_n in_o all_o nation_n it_o do_v indeed_o prevail_v more_o in_o some_o city_n and_o town_n then_o in_o other_o in_o some_o place_n many_o be_v convert_v in_o other_o the_o tender_a of_o it_o be_v utter_o reject_v how_o be_v it_o it_o prevail_v not_o unto_o the_o gather_n of_o such_o great_a number_n into_o any_o church_n sole_o as_o may_v destroy_v or_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o its_o congregational_a institution_n for_o not_o all_o not_o it_o may_v be_v half_a not_o sometime_o a_o three_o part_n of_o they_o who_o make_v some_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o attend_v unto_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n and_o many_o of_o who_o undergo_v martyrdom_n be_v admit_v as_o complete_a member_n of_o the_o church_n unto_o all_o the_o part_n of_o its_o communion_n hence_o there_o be_v many_o who_o upon_o a_o general_a account_n be_v esteem_v christian_n and_o that_o just_o where_o the_o church_n be_v but_o small_a 3._o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o in_o the_o next_o age_n after_o the_o apostle_n the_o church_n be_v any_o where_o so_o increase_v in_o number_n as_o to_o bear_v the_o least_o proportion_n with_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o city_n and_o town_n wherein_o they_o be_v the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n in_o the_o day_n of_o polyicarpus_n may_v just_o be_v esteem_v one_o of_o the_o great_a in_o those_o day_n both_o from_o the_o eminency_n of_o the_o place_n and_o person_n who_o be_v just_o account_v the_o great_a instructor_n of_o all_o asia_n as_o they_o call_v he_o when_o he_o be_v carry_v unto_o the_o stake_n but_o this_o church_n give_v such_o a_o account_n of_o itself_o in_o its_o epistle_n unto_o the_o church_n of_o pontus_n about_o the_o martyrdom_n of_o polycarpus_n as_o manifest_v the_o church_n there_o to_o have_v be_v a_o very_a small_a number_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o other_o inhabitant_n so_o as_o that_o it_o be_v scarce_o know_v who_o or_o what_o they_o be_v euseb._n lib._n 4._o cap._n 15._o so_o in_o the_o excellent_a epistle_n of_o the_o church_n of_o vienna_n and_o lion_n unto_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n and_o phrygia_n concern_v the_o persecution_n that_o befall_v they_o as_o they_o declare_v themselves_o to_o have_v be_v particular_a church_n only_o so_o they_o make_v it_o evident_a that_o they_o bear_v in_o number_n no_o proportion_n unto_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o place_n where_o they_o be_v who_o can_v scarce_o discover_v they_o by_o the_o most_o diligent_a search_n euseb._n lib._n 5._o cap_n 1._o 4._o as_o for_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o particular_a notwithstanding_o the_o great_a number_n of_o its_o original_n convert_v who_o probable_o be_v many_o of_o they_o stranger_n occasional_o present_a at_o the_o feast_n of_o pentecost_n and_o there_o instruct_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o they_o may_v in_o the_o several_a country_n whither_o they_o immediate_o return_v be_v instrument_n of_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o many_o year_n after_o it_o consist_v of_o no_o great_a multitude_n than_o can_v come_v together_o in_o one_o place_n to_o the_o mannagement_n of_o church_n affair_n act_n 15.20_o 21._o nor_o be_v it_o likely_a that_o pella_n a_o obscure_a place_n who_o name_n probable_o have_v never_o be_v know_v but_o on_o this_o occasion_n be_v like_a to_o receive_v any_o great_a multitude_n nor_o do_v epiphanius_n say_v as_o our_o author_n pretend_v that_o they_o spread_v themselves_o from_o thence_o to_o coelosyria_n and_o decapolis_n and_o basanitis_fw-la for_o he_o affirm_v express_o that_o all_o the_o disciple_n which_o go_v from_o jerusalem_n dwell_v at_o pella_n only_o he_o say_v that_o from_o thence_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o nazarenes_n take_v its_o original_n which_o spread_v itself_o afterward_o in_o coelosyria_n decapolis_n and_o basanitis_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d speak_v of_o that_o sect_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d they_o dwell_v all_o at_o pella_n sect._n 7._o p._n 239._o he_o quote_v another_o say_n of_o i_o namely_o that_o i_o can_v discern_v the_o least_o necessity_n of_o any_o positive_a rule_n or_o direction_n in_o this_o matter_n see_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o man_n do_v indispensible_o require_v it_o and_o hereon_o he_o attempt_v to_o make_v advantage_n in_o opposition_n unto_o another_o say_n as_o he_o suppose_v of_o i_o namely_o that_o the_o institution_n of_o church_n and_o the_o rule_n for_o their_o disposal_n and_o government_n throughout_o the_o world_n be_v the_o same_o state_v and_o unalterable_a from_o whence_o he_o make_v many_o inference_n to_o countenance_v he_o in_o his_o charge_n of_o schism_n but_o why_o shall_v we_o contend_v fruitless_o about_o these_o thing_n have_v he_o be_v please_v to_o read_v a_o little_a far_o on_o the_o same_o page_n he_o will_v have_v see_v that_o i_o affirm_v the_o institution_n itself_o to_o be_v a_o plain_a command_n which_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o duty_n require_v of_o man_n in_o church_n relation_n be_v sufficient_a to_o oblige_v they_o thereunto_o without_o any_o new_a revelation_n unto_o that_o purpose_n which_o render_v all_o his_o query_n exception_n and_o inference_n of_o no_o use_n for_o i_o do_v not_o speak_v in_o that_o place_n of_o the_o original_a institution_n of_o church_n who_o law_n and_o rule_n be_v universal_a and_o unalterable_a but_o our_o actual_a gather_n into_o particular_a church_n for_o which_o i_o say_v the_o necessity_n of_o duty_n be_v our_o warrant_n and_o the_o