treatise_n there_o be_v few_o considerable_a defender_n of_o prelacy_n who_o writing_n he_o have_v not_o animadvert_v on_o and_o it_o be_v strange_a to_o observe_v how_o far_o the_o most_o of_o they_o mistake_v the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o controversy_n some_o go_v about_o to_o prove_v a_o sort_n of_o general_a superintendent_o arch-bishop_n or_o metropolitan_o who_o have_v some_o inspection_n over_o the_o bishop_n of_o particular_a church_n within_o their_o province_n and_o preside_v in_o their_o synod_n but_o do_v not_o put_v down_o the_o government_n and_o exercise_n of_o church-discipline_n in_o those_o particular_a church_n as_o if_o this_o be_v a_o proof_n of_o those_o diocesan_n bishop_n that_o do_v cast_v out_o all_o government_n and_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n by_o the_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n of_o particular_a church_n and_o pretend_v to_o be_v the_o sole_a pastor_n of_o the_o diocese_n and_o yet_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o such_o metropolitan_o be_v of_o no_o very_a ancient_a date_n and_o quite_o contrary_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o cyprian_a who_o disow_v any_o bishop_n of_o bishop_n and_o own_v only_a bishop_n or_o overseer_n of_o flock_n or_o church_n other_o take_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o pain_n to_o prove_v the_o state_v presidency_n of_o one_o by_o the_o name_n of_o bishop_n in_o a_o consessus_fw-la or_o bench_n of_o presbyter_n who_o have_v but_o all_o one_o communicate_v church_n under_o their_o charge_n which_o be_v not_o deny_v to_o have_v begin_v early_o in_o the_o church_n as_o a_o remedy_n of_o schism_n but_o that_o difference_n of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n when_o both_o be_v but_o joynt-ruler_n of_o a_o congregation_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o proof_n of_o modern_a prelacy_n that_o such_o diocesan_n bishop_n have_v put_v down_o the_o primitive_a parish-bishop_n and_o monopolise_v the_o power_n of_o many_o score_n or_o hundred_o of_o such_o bishop_n to_o themselves_o and_o thereby_o render_v true_a church-government_n impracticable_a nay_o that_o very_a difference_n betwixt_o the_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n seem_v to_o have_v have_v its_o rise_n whole_o in_o the_o notorious_a disparity_n of_o his_o gift_n learning_n age_n etc._n etc._n above_o the_o rest_n but_o be_v never_o esteem_v by_o they_o a_o difference_n in_o office_n or_o power_n nor_o be_v it_o ascribe_v to_o any_o high_a original_a â—hen_o human_a constitution_n by_o jerome_n auâ—â—in_n ambâ—ose_n sedulius_n primasius_n chrysostom_n theodoret_n etc._n etc._n not_o to_o mention_v â—â—der_a writer_n if_o then_o ordination_n belong_v to_o scripturall_a bishop_n and_o such_o be_v the_o pastor_n of_o particular_a church_n 〈◊〉_d none_o else_o diâ—_n orâ—â—â—â—_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n in_o its_o pure_a age_n than_o a_o l_o suâ—h_o bishop_n have_v that_o power_n nor_o indeed_o have_v any_o power_n to_o orâ—â—â—_n but_o on_o the_o account_n of_o their_o be_v such_o scriptural_a bishop_n â—hâ—_n office_n of_o diocesan_n prelate_n be_v a_o manifest_a usurpation_n in_o thâ—_n church_n which_o have_v its_o rise_n in_o human_a ambition_n that_o uâ—u_n pation_n can_v rightful_o deprive_v the_o true_a bishop_n or_o pastor_n oâ—_n that_o power_n of_o church-government_n which_o be_v as_o essential_a to_o their_o office_n as_o the_o power_n of_o teach_v or_o be_v guide_n in_o worship_n and_o whatever_o may_v be_v say_v for_o parish-bishop_n submit_v for_o peace_n sake_n to_o the_o usurpation_n of_o a_o diocesan_n ex_fw-la gr_fw-la when_o he_o claim_v the_o sole_a power_n of_o ordination_n where_o the_o true_a end_n of_o it_o be_v attain_v yet_o they_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o submit_v to_o it_o when_o diocesan_n bishop_n shall_v so_o abuse_v that_o usurp_a power_n as_o to_o corrupt_v and_o deprave_v the_o ministry_n by_o impose_v sinful_a term_n and_o hazard_v the_o ruin_n of_o soul_n by_o neglect_v to_o provide_v a_o number_n of_o faithful_a pastor_n suitable_a to_o their_o real_a necessity_n the_o ordination_n therefore_o of_o the_o pastor_n or_o bishop_n of_o particular_a churchâ—s_n be_v more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o primitive_a antiquity_n and_o consequent_o more_o unexceptionable_o valid_a then_o that_o of_o a_o single_a diocesan_n from_o whence_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o ordination_n of_o pastor_n in_o the_o presbyterian_a church_n be_v valid_a because_o either_o they_o be_v ordain_v by_o diocesan_n bishop_n who_o have_v power_n to_o ordain_v on_o the_o account_n of_o that_o office_n they_o have_v in_o common_a with_o scriptural_a bishop_n though_o they_o have_v none_o as_o diocesan_n or_o they_o be_v ordain_v by_o a_o concurrence_n of_o scriptural_a bishop_n to_o who_o office_n the_o power_n of_o ordination_n be_v annex_v by_o divine_a institution_n and_o and_o can_v be_v alienate_v by_o any_o humane_a usurpation_n for_o christ_n have_v give_v none_o power_n to_o change_v his_o institution_n nor_o can_v the_o will_n of_o the_o ordainer_n debar_v his_o officer_n from_o any_o part_n of_o that_o authority_n which_o his_o charter_n convey_v to_o they_o and_o if_o the_o validity_n of_o ordination_n by_o such_o scriptural_a bishop_n be_v deny_v the_o church_n have_v not_o ordain_v minister_n for_o a_o century_n or_o two_o at_o least_o have_v lay_v down_o these_o notion_n about_o mission_n i_o come_v to_o examine_v d_o m'_v quest_n quest_n 1_o what_o priesthood_n or_o holy_a order_n have_v the_o first_o reformer_n but_o what_o they_o receive_v from_o the_o hand_n of_o roman_n catholic_n bishop_n answ_n if_o d_o m_o mean_v that_o their_o priesthood_n or_o ministerial_a office_n be_v convey_v to_o they_o by_o the_o bishop_n as_o the_o giver_n of_o it_o they_o receive_v it_o from_o none_o at_o all_o nor_o have_v any_o that_o power_n to_o give_v it_o be_v give_v by_o christ_n in_o his_o charter_n but_o if_o he_o mean_v that_o the_o roman_n catholic_n or_o popish_a bishop_n do_v invest_v they_o in_o that_o office_n it_o be_v own_a that_o most_o of_o the_o reform_a minister_n be_v ordain_v by_o they_o and_o it_o be_v not_o material_a whether_o they_o be_v r_n man_n catholic_n bishop_n of_o the_o same_o rigid_a stamp_n as_o those_o of_o the_o present_a age_n or_o no_o for_o the_o validity_n of_o their_o ordination_n depend_v on_o the_o essential_o of_o the_o pastoral_n office_n retain_v and_o not_o on_o their_o horrid_a corruption_n of_o it_o and_o as_o mr._n k._n well_o observe_v they_o ordain_v as_o christian_a not_o as_o roman_a bishop_n but_o what_o if_o some_o of_o the_o reformer_n become_v pastor_n to_o the_o people_n upon_o their_o necessity_n and_o call_v who_o dare_v not_o comply_v with_o the_o sinful_a term_n of_o ordination_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o yet_o can_v have_v no_o other_o they_o will_v not_o be_v in_o this_o case_n destitute_a of_o a_o true_a mission_n for_o the_o evident_a necessity_n of_o the_o people_n soul_n who_o earnest_o desire_v to_o have_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n pure_o preach_v and_o divine_a worship_n pure_o celebrate_v and_o who_o can_v not_o with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n continue_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n and_o their_o qualification_n for_o so_o necessary_a a_o work_n be_v a_o sufficient_a signification_n of_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n that_o they_o shall_v undertake_v it_o for_o the_o precept_n about_o the_o ordinary_a regular_a way_n of_o admission_n to_o the_o ministry_n do_v not_o oblige_v where_o it_o can_v not_o be_v lawful_o observe_v and_o where_o there_o be_v a_o far_o great_a necessity_n of_o a_o pure_a untainted_a ministry_n then_o of_o that_o positive_a point_n of_o order_n for_o else_o on_o supposition_n no_o pastor_n have_v embrace_v the_o reformation_n the_o people_n who_o do_v will_v have_v be_v oblige_v to_o have_v live_v like_o atheist_n without_o public_a worship_n 2_o q_o who_o authorize_v the_o first_o reformer_n to_o preach_v their_o protestant_a doctrine_n and_o administer_v their_o protestant_a sac_n ament_n answ_n it_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o the_o ordainer_n to_o determine_v what_o doctrine_n the_o person_n ordain_v shall_v preach_v but_o to_o christ_n who_o have_v determine_v that_o matter_n already_o and_o therefore_o if_o the_o doctrine_n which_o our_o first_o reformer_n preach_v and_o the_o sacrament_n they_o administer_v be_v christ_n as_o mr._n k._n well_o argue_v it_o be_v ridiculous_a to_o ask_v who_o authorise_a they_o to_o preach_v the_o one_o or_o administer_v the_o other_o christ_n do_v and_o no_o man_n can_v authorise_v any_o to_o preach_v any_o other_o doctrine_n or_o administer_v any_o other_o sacrament_n the_o bishop_n or_o priest_n in_o the_o roman_a church_n have_v no_o right_a or_o mission_n from_o christ_n to_o preach_v popish_a doctrine_n or_o administer_v popish_a sacrament_n or_o celebrate_v popish_a worship_n so_o far_o as_o these_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n sacrament_n and_o worship_n contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n these_o be_v gross_a corruption_n of_o their_o office_n
they_o their_o office._n many_o of_o they_o try_v his_o remedy_n they_o represent_v these_o thing_n to_o their_o ecclesiastical_a superior_n as_o luther_n to_o the_o archbishop_n of_o mentz_n and_o the_o bishop_n of_o brandenburg_n and_o the_o pope_n himself_o but_o they_o soon_o learn_v by_o dear_a experience_n how_o averse_a the_o court_n of_o rome_n be_v to_o any_o reformation_n and_o how_o little_a it_o be_v to_o be_v expect_v from_o the_o prelate_n who_o either_o have_v no_o will_n or_o no_o courage_n to_o attempt_v a_o reformation_n against_o the_o will_n of_o the_o pope_n luther_n and_o all_o his_o follower_n in_o stead_n of_o prevail_v with_o those_o that_o have_v the_o conduct_n of_o the_o church_n be_v excommunicate_v as_o heretic_n now_o according_a to_o mr._n k_n principle_n these_o reformer_n be_v censure_v and_o suspend_v by_o the_o prelate_n to_o who_o they_o be_v subject_a be_v discharge_v from_o the_o execution_n of_o their_o office_n and_o shall_v no_o more_o have_v make_v a_o schism_n in_o the_o church_n to_o regain_v it_o than_o one_o must_v make_v a_o rebellion_n in_o the_o state_n to_o regain_v a_o civil_a office._n and_o since_o they_o do_v not_o desert_n their_o office_n but_o go_v on_o to_o preach_v against_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n and_o the_o will_n of_o their_o superior_n the_o popish_a prelate_n they_o be_v no_o better_a than_o schismatic_n and_o church-rebel_n nay_o if_o his_o notion_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v true_a the_o people_n that_o separate_v from_o the_o popish_a prelate_n and_o adhere_v to_o their_o excommunicate_v pastor_n cease_v to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o how_o great_a a_o part_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n and_o their_o pastor_n fall_v under_o this_o heavy_a charge_n and_o will_v mr._n k._n own_o all_o these_o unavoidable_a consequence_n upon_o mature_a deliberation_n what_o if_o we_o shall_v once_o more_o have_v a_o popish_a convocation_n in_o england_n and_o these_o shall_v restore_v the_o romish_a religion_n and_o suspend_v aâ—l_o the_o present_a parish-minister_n who_o mr._n k._n think_v now_o lawful_a pastor_n according_a to_o his_o principle_n they_o be_v but_o presbyter_n and_o the_o bishop_n subject_n must_v not_o preach_v against_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n declare_v her_o judgement_n by_o a_o convocation_n in_o who_o the_o supreme_a government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v lodge_v they_o must_v therefore_o cease_v their_o ministry_n and_o no_o more_o make_v a_o schism_n by_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o than_o they_o must_v make_v a_o rebellion_n in_o the_o state_n to_o regain_v a_o civil_a office._n nay_o to_o separate_v from_o such_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n will_v prove_v those_o that_o do_v it_o no_o catholic_n member_n of_o the_o church_n the_o same_o principle_n may_v be_v apply_v to_o the_o arrian_n who_o get_v imperial_a council_n and_o consequent_o the_o government_n of_o the_o imperial_a church_n into_o their_o hand_n and_o for_o such_o pastor_n as_o athanasius_n to_o preach_v against_o arrianism_n which_o be_v then_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n be_v schism_n and_o church-rebellion_n in_o a_o word_n according_a to_o these_o principle_n it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o a_o convocation_n to_o damn_v many_o thousand_o soul_n by_o suspend_v a_o orthodox_n and_o substitute_v a_o corrupt_a ministry_n and_o for_o those_o orthodox_n pastor_n when_o suspend_v to_o endeavour_v their_o salvation_n by_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o ministry_n be_v to_o be_v schismatic_n and_o church-rebel_n and_o what_o be_v this_o less_o than_o to_o set_v up_o the_o will_n of_o such_o church-governor_n above_o the_o will_n and_o law_n of_o christ_n above_o the_o salvation_n of_o soul_n and_o above_o the_o interest_n of_o truth_n and_o holiness_n therefore_o 3._o let_v we_o examine_v the_o ground_n of_o this_o strange_a assertion_n viz._n because_o there_o be_v a_o regular_a way_n for_o reform_v abuse_n and_o for_o particular_a presbyter_n to_o do_v it_o against_o the_o will_n of_o the_o bishop_n who_o subject_n they_o be_v be_v like_o reform_a abuse_n in_o the_o state_n in_o spite_n of_o the_o king_n a_o remedy_n general_o worse_o than_o the_o disease_n etc._n etc._n answ_n 1._o all_o that_o these_o reason_n prove_v be_v that_o reformation_n shall_v be_v first_o seek_v by_o humble_a address_v to_o our_o superior_n but_o mr._n k._n plain_o leave_v it_o impossible_a if_o they_o refuse_v 2._o they_o be_v found_v on_o this_o wretched_a mistake_n that_o the_o authority_n of_o bishop_n in_o the_o church_n do_v resemble_v that_o of_o a_o king_n in_o the_o state_n and_o so_o to_o reform_v abuse_n in_o the_o church_n against_o their_o will_n be_v like_o reform_a abuse_n in_o the_o state_n in_o spite_n of_o the_o king._n whereas_o it_o be_v christ_n authority_n in_o the_o church_n that_o do_v resemble_v the_o king_n be_v in_o the_o state._n and_o therefore_o if_o he_o will_v right_o state_n the_o comparison_n it_o run_v thus_o christ_n the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n require_v all_o his_o officer_n to_o preach_v the_o pure_a doctrine_n and_o administer_v the_o pure_a institution_n deliver_v in_o his_o gospel_n which_o be_v his_o universal_a law_n let_v we_o suppose_v there_o be_v in_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a part_n of_o the_o church_n dangerous_a corruption_n creep_v in_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n oblige_v these_o his_o officer_n to_o disow_v they_o and_o reform_v they_o but_o the_o major_a part_n of_o these_o will_v not_o but_o presume_v to_o silence_v those_o that_o do_v it_o according_a to_o his_o command_n now_o the_o quest_n be_v whether_o those_o that_o obey_v the_o command_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o rebel_n against_o he_o or_o those_o that_o neither_o will_v obey_v his_o command_n themselves_o nor_o allow_v other_o to_o do_v so_o one_o will_v think_v that_o such_o as_o refuse_v to_o reform_v and_o silence_v all_o that_o in_o their_o own_o place_n attempt_v it_o according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o their_o commission_n be_v like_a to_o prove_v the_o church_n rebel_n but_o no_o doubt_n the_o pastor_n of_o a_o church_n may_v disow_v and_o excommunicate_a one_o that_o abuse_v his_o office_n to_o the_o pervert_v the_o church_n and_o for_o he_o to_o continue_v to_o p_o rvert_v the_o church_n by_o such_o maladministration_n be_v to_o rebel_n against_o christ_n and_o his_o law_n the_o charge_n of_o rebellion_n therefore_o must_v arise_v from_o the_o violation_n of_o christ_n authority_n not_o man_n which_o the_o major_a part_n of_o pastor_n may_v be_v guilty_a of_o in_o a_o nation_n as_o well_o as_o the_o lesser_a 3_o he_o seem_v to_o confound_v a_o private_a and_o a_o public_a reformation_n 4._o the_o reason_n give_v why_o a_o bishop_n or_o presbyter_n when_o censure_v be_v discharge_v from_o his_o office_n viz._n because_o to_o regain_v it_o be_v like_o make_v a_o rebellion_n to_o regain_v a_o civil_a office_n do_v suppose_v two_o great_a mistake_n 1._o that_o the_o ordainer_n give_v a_o spiritual_a office_n in_o the_o church_n as_o the_o king_n give_v a_o civil_a office_n in_o the_o state_n and_o this_o be_v no_o less_o a_o mistake_n then_o to_o set_v the_o ordainer_n in_o the_o place_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v his_o charter_n give_v the_o sacred_a office_n as_o the_o king_n be_v do_v the_o civil_a and_o the_o ordainer_n do_v but_o for_o order_n sake_n approve_v and_o ceremonial_o invest_v the_o person_n as_o the_o recorder_n do_v the_o mayor_n of_o a_o town_n who_o the_o burghess_n choose_v and_o herein_o mr._n k._n seem_v to_o own_o that_o very_a error_n which_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o mr._n m_n impertinent_a question_n 2._o he_o suppose_v that_o the_o bishop_n who_o ordain_v presbyter_n have_v equal_a power_n to_o depose_v they_o from_o their_o ministerial_a office_n as_o the_o king_n have_v to_o take_v away_o a_o civil_a commission_n and_o thus_o p_o 27._o he_o teâ—ls_v we_o that_o the_o present_a dissenter_n be_v the_o bishop_n subject_n accountable_a to_o they_o as_o their_o superior_n and_o liable_a to_o be_v discharge_v from_o their_o office_n and_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n by_o their_o censure_n whereas_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o it_o be_v the_o charter_n of_o christ_n give_v the_o sacred_a office_n as_o the_o king_n be_v do_v the_o civil_a and_o as_o none_o can_v take_v a_o civil_a commission_n give_v by_o the_o king_n to_o any_o subject_a but_o by_o the_o king_n order_n and_o command_n so_o none_o can_v take_v away_o that_o spiritual_a commission_n christ_n have_v give_v any_o officer_n in_o his_o church_n but_o by_o his_o order_n but_o now_o he_o have_v give_v none_o leave_v or_o authority_n to_o depose_v his_o officer_n but_o for_o evident_a maladministration_n as_o preach_v heresy_n gross_a scandal_n etc._n etc._n and_o if_o in_o any_o part_n
found_v on_o the_o supposition_n of_o some_o vicarious_a head_n of_o unity_n to_o the_o catholic_n church_n which_o we_o condemn_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o set_v up_o and_o mr._n k._n himself_o seem_v to_o disown_n p._n 55._o nor_o will_v that_o hypothesis_n itself_o justify_v the_o distinction_n because_o if_o christ_n have_v make_v any_o vicarious_a head_n or_o centre_n of_o unity_n to_o the_o catholic_n church_n we_o can_v not_o be_v unite_v to_o he_o as_o his_o member_n without_o union_n with_o that_o vicarious_a head._n so_o that_o to_o be_v catholic_n member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o if_o mr_n k._n use_v that_o expression_n in_o this_o sense_n let_v we_o consider_v a_o little_a the_o description_n he_o give_v of_o those_o who_o be_v catholic_n member_n of_o the_o church_n here_o be_v three_o character_n to_o know_v they_o by_o their_o embrace_v the_o catholic_a faith_n their_o make_n no_o separation_n from_o their_o lawful_a governor_n their_o live_n in_o charity_n with_o their_o neighbour_n church_n the_o first_o be_v embrace_v the_o catholic_n faith_n and_o he_o shall_v have_v add_v profess_v catholic_a holiness_n of_o life_n for_o this_o character_n it_o be_v undeniable_a and_o i_o hope_v mr._n k._n will_v not_o exclude_v any_o of_o the_o forementioned_a protestant_a church_n from_o be_v catholic_n member_n of_o the_o church_n on_o this_o score_n the_o two_o latter_a mr._n k._n himself_o will_v find_v too_o dangerous_a and_o too_o schismatical_a to_o own_o upon_o second_o thought_n for_o from_o the_o three_o viz._n live_v in_o charity_n with_o their_o neighbour_n church_n i_o infer_v one_a that_o this_o character_n do_v exclude_v all_o the_o papist_n from_o be_v catholic_a member_n of_o the_o church_n for_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o live_v in_o charity_n with_o their_o neighbour_n church_n that_o their_o trent-creed_n do_v assert_v its_o article_n to_o be_v that_o catholic_a faith_n without_o which_o no_o man_n can_v be_v save_v and_o consequent_o damn_v all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n beside_o their_o own_o 2._o on_o supposition_n the_o reform_a church_n abroad_o which_o have_v not_o diocesan_n bishop_n be_v true_a church_n this_o character_n exclude_v all_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n from_o be_v catholic_a member_n of_o the_o church_n who_o do_v with_o mr._n dodwell_n unchurch_n all_o those_o reform_a church_n that_o want_v prelatical_a ordination_n for_o to_o unchurch_n they_o be_v not_o to_o live_v in_o charity_n with_o they_o 3._o if_o the_o church_n of_o the_o presbyt_fw-la and_o indep_n here_o be_v true_a church_n as_o i_o shall_v in_o this_o paper_n evince_n they_o be_v then_o mr._n k._n and_o all_o that_o be_v of_o his_o mind_n be_v no_o catholic_a member_n of_o the_o church_n because_o they_o live_v not_o in_o charity_n with_o their_o neighbour_n church_n and_o i_o hope_v there_o be_v not_o the_o less_o charity_n due_a to_o they_o for_o be_v of_o the_o same_o country_n or_o nation_n for_o mr._n k._n make_v subjection_n to_o lawful_a pastor_n a_o mark_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n p._n 4._o and_o declare_v the_o presbyt_fw-la etc._n etc._n destitute_a of_o that_o mark_n p._n 6._o and_o consequent_o deny_v they_o to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n which_o be_v the_o high_a breach_n of_o charity_n imaginable_a and_o what_o if_o the_o presbyt_fw-la show_z d_o treat_v mr._n k._n according_a to_o his_o own_o principle_n and_o declare_v he_o no_o catholic_a member_n because_o he_o live_v not_o in_o charity_n with_o they_o they_o will_v but_o use_v his_o own_o weapon_n against_o himself_o but_o however_o they_o have_v be_v misrepresent_v they_o be_v not_o of_o that_o schismatical_a humour_n as_o some_o be_v who_o have_v long_o make_v a_o loud_a outcry_n against_o schism_n 4._o nay_o if_o this_o character_n be_v true_a then_o in_o all_o those_o contention_n that_o have_v happen_v in_o the_o church_n where_o the_o contend_a party_n have_v be_v so_o uncharitable_a as_o to_o excommunicate_v one_o another_o another_o tho_o sometime_o about_o mere_a trifle_n the_o one_o party_n or_o both_o have_v cease_v to_o be_v catholic_a member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o so_o when_o pope_n victor_n excommunicate_v the_o eastern_a church_n for_o not_o keep_v easter_n on_o the_o same_o day_n with_o he_o he_o and_z all_o that_o join_v with_o he_o cease_v to_o be_v catholic_a member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o if_o to_o be_v catholic_a member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n be_v the_o same_o what_o a_o vast_a part_n of_o the_o christian_n world_n have_v be_v unchurch_v in_o every_o age_n by_o the_o uncharitable_a censure_n of_o proud_a contentious_a prelate_n i_o suppose_v mr._n k._n never_o consider_v these_o consequence_n or_o else_o he_o will_v never_o have_v make_v live_v in_o charity_n with_o neighbour_n church_n a_o necessary_a mark_n of_o the_o catholic_a member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o if_o the_o legitimate_a child_n of_o the_o same_o father_n may_v not_o in_o a_o angry_a mood_n call_v one_o another_o bastard_n or_o the_o subject_n of_o the_o same_o king_n in_o a_o peevish_a humour_n nickname_v their_o fellow_n subject_n rebel_n without_o any_o just_a cause_n i_o be_o sure_a the_o presbyterian_a church_n both_o at_o home_n and_o abroad_o be_v the_o least_o concern_v in_o this_o character_n for_o they_o have_v never_o unchurcht_v the_o prelatical_a church_n even_o when_o they_o have_v meet_v with_o the_o most_o harsh_a and_o unreasonable_a treatment_n from_o they_o but_o mr._n k._n have_v give_v we_o another_o character_n to_o distinguish_v the_o catholic_n member_n of_o the_o church_n by_o which_o he_o imagine_v will_v exclude_v all_o the_o presbyterian_o independent_o &c_n &c_n from_o that_o number_n viz._n that_o they_o be_v such_o as_o make_v no_o separation_n from_o their_o lawful_a governor_n all_o this_o be_v found_v on_o his_o schismatical_a mark_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n viz._n that_o its_o member_n live_v under_o their_o lawful_a spiritual_a governor_n here_o therefore_o all_o those_o difficulty_n occur_v about_o the_o meaning_n of_o lawful_a spiritual_a governor_n which_o be_v propose_v p_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7._o and_o which_o sense_n soever_o mr._n k._n choose_v he_o will_v find_v it_o do_v oblige_v he_o to_o unchurch_n a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n i._n e._n to_o be_v a_o schismatic_n of_o the_o worst_a sort_n and_o if_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n must_v determine_v the_o debate_n he_o will_v give_v the_o dissenter_n such_o a_o argument_n against_o prelatical_a church_n be_v member_n of_o the_o catholic_n as_o he_o will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o answer_v and_o mr._n baxter_n treatise_n which_o prove_v the_o unlawfulness_n of_o diocesan_n prelacy_n have_v according_a to_o mr._n k._n do_v what_o that_o charitable_a man_n never_o intend_v unchurcht_v all_o our_o diocesan_n church_n and_o cashier_v they_o from_o be_v any_o part_n of_o the_o church-catholick_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o unjust_a separation_n from_o any_o lawful_a spiritual_a governor_n be_v a_o sinful_a practice_n and_o particular_a church_n gather_v by_o such_o a_o sinful_a separation_n be_v not_o gather_v in_o a_o regular_a way_n and_o therefore_o a_o unjust_a violation_n of_o due_a order_n be_v all_o that_o mr._n k._n can_v just_o pretend_v to_o charge_v the_o presbyterian_o and_o independent_o with_o and_o perhaps_o will_v find_v it_o a_o more_o difficult_a task_n than_o he_o imagine_v to_o make_v good_a that_o charge_n and_o therefore_o to_o clear_v this_o matter_n let_v i_o premise_v particular_a church_n be_v the_o chief_a integrate_a part_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n these_o church_n consist_v of_o one_o or_o more_o pastor_n and_o a_o christian_a flock_n associate_v under_o his_o or_o their_o oversight_n for_o personal_a communion_n in_o faith_n worship_n and_o holy_a live_n these_o church_n be_v oblige_v by_o the_o very_a dictate_v of_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o general_a rule_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o endeavour_v the_o preservation_n of_o all_o necessary_a unity_n by_o the_o amicable_a consultation_n of_o their_o associate_v pastor_n the_o judgement_n of_o such_o associate_v pastor_n shall_v be_v submit_v to_o by_o the_o people_n under_o their_o care_n when_o it_o be_v not_o repugnant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o contrary_a to_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n but_o the_o people_n do_v not_o owe_v they_o a_o blind_a obedience_n nor_o have_v such_o pastor_n any_o power_n but_o for_o edification_n much_o less_o can_v such_o bishop_n pretend_v to_o a_o high_a power_n who_o very_a office_n christ_n never_o institute_v who_o pretend_a relation_n to_o their_o diocese_n be_v not_o found_v on_o the_o people_n consent_n to_o it_o and_o if_o such_o bishop_n shall_v claim_v
the_o sole_a power_n of_o church-government_n in_o a_o nation_n and_o exercise_v it_o against_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o notorious_a detriment_n of_o soul_n as_o by_o unjust_a silence_v of_o faithful_a pastor_n when_o their_o labour_n be_v high_o conducive_a to_o the_o church_n good_a by_o impose_v on_o the_o people_n sinful_a condition_n of_o church-communion_n by_o obtrude_a unqualified_a pastor_n on_o the_o people_n against_o their_o consent_n etc._n etc._n to_o separate_v from_o such_o bishop_n so_o far_o as_o to_o disobey_v these_o unjust_a command_n be_v no_o separation_n from_o our_o lawful_a governor_n and_o be_v no_o more_o a_o rebellion_n in_o the_o church_n than_o it_o be_v a_o rebellion_n in_o the_o state_n to_o disobey_v one_o that_o usurp_v a_o power_n he_o never_o receive_v from_o the_o king_n and_o which_o he_o exercise_v against_o the_o law_n and_o interest_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o therefore_o i_o will_v propose_v these_o two_o question_n to_o mr._n k._n in_o reference_n to_o this_o head._n q._n 1._o on_o supposition_n the_o presbyt_n and_o indep_n have_v make_v a_o unjust_a separation_n from_o their_o lawful_a governor_n who_o they_o shall_v have_v submit_v to_o whether_o â—his_v be_v such_o a_o crime_n as_o will_v exclude_v they_o from_o be_v catholic_a member_n of_o the_o church_n to_o resolve_v that_o we_o must_v consider_v the_o nature_n of_o their_o separation_n their_o minister_n separate_v from_o the_o bishop_n i._n e._n they_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o obey_v they_o in_o what_o they_o account_v a_o sinful_a and_o dangerous_a usurpation_n viz._n the_o assume_v the_o sole_a power_n of_o church-government_n and_o deprive_v the_o pastor_n of_o particular_a church_n of_o a_o essential_a part_n of_o their_o office_n and_o suspend_v they_o unjust_o their_o people_n separate_v from_o the_o parish-minister_n but_o it_o be_v not_o by_o disow_v they_o as_o no_o true_a minister_n but_o by_o refuse_v to_o receive_v they_o as_o they_o because_o they_o judge_v they_o have_v a_o right_a to_o choose_v a_o physician_n for_o their_o soul_n as_o well_o as_o for_o their_o body_n and_o therefore_o think_v not_o themselves_o bind_v to_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o patron_n or_o bishop_n choice_n when_o contrary_a to_o their_o own_o edification_n especial_o when_o there_o be_v term_n of_o parish-communion_n impose_v to_o some_o unlawful_a to_o other_o great_o suspect_v and_o all_o true_a church-discipline_n be_v cast_v out_o or_o neglect_v they_o separate_v not_o from_o the_o conform_v church_n as_o no_o true_a church_n but_o as_o prefer_v the_o ordinary_a communion_n of_o pure_a because_o they_o judge_v the_o law_n about_o parish-order_n do_v not_o oblige_v when_o injurious_a to_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n and_o soul_n now_o suppose_v they_o mistake_v in_o these_o matter_n through_o the_o weakness_n of_o their_o judgement_n will_v this_o sort_n of_o separation_n make_v they_o cease_v to_o be_v catholic_n member_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v not_o a_o separation_n from_o any_o thing_n christ_n have_v make_v necessary_a to_o the_o unity_n of_o his_o church_n it_o be_v only_o a_o separation_n from_o some_o humane_a order_n which_o they_o dare_v not_o comply_v with_o because_o they_o apprehend_v it_o contrary_n to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v this_o to_o be_v compare_v to_o a_o rebellion_n in_o the_o state_n as_o he_o be_v please_v to_o do_v p._n 6._o be_v the_o convocation_n christ_n or_o their_o canon_n equal_o obligatory_a as_o his_o law_n or_o do_v those_o that_o disobey_v the_o canon_n of_o the_o convocation_n because_o they_o judge_v they_o opposite_a to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n renounce_v their_o allegiance_n to_o he_o as_o the_o head_n of_o his_o church_n be_v their_o canon_n even_o about_o thing_n they_o call_v indifferent_a as_o necessary_a to_o be_v obey_v as_o the_o undoubted_a rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o all_o that_o will_v be_v catholic_n member_n of_o the_o church_n when_o those_o that_o be_v require_v to_o obey_v they_o fear_v the_o thing_n command_v be_v unlawful_a when_o i_o read_v such_o expression_n as_o this_o about_o church-rebellion_n i_o can_v but_o lament_v the_o effect_n of_o humane_a ignorance_n and_o pride_n and_o observe_v in_o such_o as_o mr._n k._n some_o degree_n of_o that_o spirit_n that_o have_v act_v papal_a council_n who_o make_v no_o scruple_n of_o treat_v all_o that_o will_v not_o pay_v they_o a_o blind_a obedience_n with_o such_o character_n as_o these_o and_o i_o know_v no_o better_a way_n to_o convince_v mr._n k._n of_o the_o folly_n of_o this_o principle_n i_o be_o oppose_v than_o by_o show_v he_o how_o pernicious_a the_o consequence_n of_o it_o be_v to_o his_o own_o party_n for_o if_o this_o sort_n of_o schism_n which_o he_o suppose_v the_o dissenter_n guilty_a of_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v no_o catholic_n member_n of_o the_o church_n then_o sure_o more_o heinous_a schism_n will_v prove_v those_o to_o be_v in_o the_o same_o condition_n who_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o great_a schism_n be_v more_o opposite_a to_o catholic_n unity_n then_o lesser_a but_o the_o prelate_n be_v guilty_a of_o more_o heinous_a schism_n than_o this_o of_o the_o dissenter_n suppose_v it_o to_o be_v schism_n and_o consequent_o if_o mr._n k_n principle_n be_v true_a be_v no_o catholic_n member_n of_o the_o church_n that_o the_o prelate_n be_v guilty_a of_o more_o heinous_a schism_n i_o offer_v this_o argument_n to_o evince_v those_o who_o impose_v unnecessary_a and_o and_z doubtful_a term_n of_o church-communion_a nay_o who_o declare_v many_o thousand_o of_o true_a christian_n ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la excommunicate_v be_v great_a schismatic_n than_o those_o who_o only_a scruple_n those_o term_n though_o through_o mistake_n and_o who_o unchurch_v not_o those_o church_n which_o they_o be_v thus_o force_v to_o separate_v from_o for_o the_o schism_n of_o the_o imposer_n be_v more_o voluntary_a and_o curable_a by_o forbear_v to_o prescribe_v such_o term_n of_o communion_n as_o be_v more_o likely_a to_o prove_v engine_n of_o division_n the_o schism_n of_o the_o refuser_n be_v more_o involuntary_a and_o in_o doubtful_a case_n often_o incurable_a and_o it_o be_v more_o opposite_a to_o christian_a love_n to_o excommunicate_v thousand_o of_o sincere_a christian_n than_o it_o be_v to_o prefer_v those_o church_n which_o we_o upon_o the_o best_a enquiry_n judge_v more_o pure_a before_o those_o that_o seem_v more_o corrupt_a without_o unchurch_v they_o even_o though_o in_o so_o do_v we_o shall_v be_v guilty_a of_o some_o breach_n of_o the_o church_n peace_n by_o uâ—olating_v a_o tolerable_a humane_a order_n so_o that_o all_o mr._n k._n will_v gain_v by_o exclude_v dissenter_n from_o the_o catholic_n church_n on_o the_o account_n of_o their_o schism_n will_v be_v that_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n our_o convocation_n be_v no_o catholic_n member_n of_o it_o and_o if_o so_o i_o be_o sure_a they_o be_v no_o lawful_a governor_n in_o it_o for_o what_o i_o have_v here_o assert_v that_o the_o convocation_n have_v excommunicate_v thousand_o of_o sincere_a christian_n and_o that_o ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la i_o appeal_v to_o their_o canon_n and_o to_o the_o conscience_n of_o any_o that_o peruse_v they_o and_o know_v the_o nonconformist_n in_o these_o kingdom_n few_o whereof_z be_v not_o by_o some_o of_o these_o canon_n ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la excommunicate_v see_v mr._n baxter_n english_a schismatic_a detect_v who_o from_o p._n 42._o to_o the_o 50th_o recite_v the_o particular_a canon_n nay_o if_o all_o that_o be_v guilty_a of_o equal_a schism_n with_o that_o of_o the_o dissenter_n suppose_v they_o guilty_a be_v no_o catholic_n member_n of_o the_o church_n i_o fear_v there_o be_v few_o such_o in_o the_o world._n sure_a the_o schism_n of_o the_o papist_n be_v of_o a_o more_o monstrous_a nature_n who_o unchurch_n aâ—l_v the_o church_n on_o earth_n beside_o themselves_o and_o the_o greek_n pay_v they_o in_o the_o same_o coin_n and_o if_o other_o of_o the_o eastern_a church_n do_v not_o unchurch_n one_o another_o they_o have_v lose_v their_o old_a wont_a what_o dreadful_a work_n council_n have_v make_v in_o hereticate_a and_o unchurch_v one_o another_o upon_o very_o unjustifiable_a ground_n fill_v up_o both_o page_n in_o church-history_n and_o as_o such_o be_v more_o heinous_a schismatic_n than_o those_o that_o be_v guilty_a only_o of_o passive_a separation_n i._n e._n separation_n occasion_v by_o man_n scruple_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o some_o humane_a canon_n so_o according_a to_o this_o notion_n they_o be_v no_o catholic_n member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o at_o this_o senseless_a rate_n we_o may_v soon_o reduce_v the_o catholic_n church_n to_o a_o small_a compass_n and_o what_o will_v become_v even_o of_o the_o christian_a world_n if_o the_o compassion_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n be_v as_o narrow_a as_o the_o charity_n of_o such_o censorious_a christian_n the_o second_o quest_n i_o will_v propose_v to_o
mr._n k._n be_v upon_o what_o ground_n do_v he_o assert_v that_o the_o presbyterian_o independent_o etc._n etc._n have_v make_v a_o separation_n from_o their_o lawful_a spiritual_a governor_n this_o quest_n relate_v to_o the_o regular_a constitution_n of_o their_o church_n who_o then_o be_v the_o lawful_a pastor_n of_o these_o presbyterian_o etc._n etc._n from_o who_o they_o have_v separate_v do_v he_o mean_v the_o bishop_n or_o the_o parish_n minister_n if_o the_o bishop_n they_o must_v be_v consider_v either_o as_o the_o king_n officer_n to_o execute_v that_o civil_a power_n which_o he_o have_v circa_fw-la sacra_fw-la and_o so_o the_o presbyterian_o submit_v to_o they_o and_o separate_v not_o from_o they_o or_o they_o must_v be_v consider_v as_o christ_n officer_n to_o exercise_v that_o spiritual_a power_n which_o his_o charter_n give_v and_o as_o such_o the_o presbyterian_o be_v very_o ready_a to_o submit_v to_o they_o when_o they_o have_v prove_v the_o divine_a right_n of_o their_o office_n or_o they_o must_v be_v consider_v as_o the_o church_n officer_n and_o if_o so_o it_o be_v requisie_a that_o church_n shall_v obey_v they_o who_o assign_v they_o their_o office_n or_o consent_n to_o be_v their_o subject_n not_o those_o who_o account_v their_o office_n a_o sinful_a usurpation_n and_o be_v the_o more_o unwilling_a to_o become_v their_o subject_n because_o they_o can_v be_v so_o without_o comply_v with_o sinful_a imposition_n and_o even_o approve_v their_o usurpation_n and_o that_o any_o church_n may_v lawful_o constitute_v new_a officer_n who_o christ_n never_o appoint_v and_o subject_a his_o undoubted_a officer_n to_o their_o authority_n especial_o such_o as_o diocesan_n prelate_n who_o by_o engross_a the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n render_v church-discipline_n impracticable_a be_v a_o proposition_n mr._n k._n will_v hardly_o prove_v if_o the_o parish-minister_n be_v the_o lawful_a governor_n they_o separate_v from_o i_o will_v willing_o know_v how_o they_o come_v to_o be_v the_o lawful_a governor_n or_o pastor_n to_o those_o that_o consent_v not_o to_o their_o pastoral_a relation_n and_o have_v sufficient_a reason_n why_o they_o do_v not_o will_n mr._n k._n say_v that_o all_o person_n ought_v to_o commit_v the_o conduct_n of_o their_o soul_n to_o that_o minister_n who_o the_o bishop_n or_o patron_n choose_v and_o that_o it_o be_v sinful_a separation_n not_o to_o do_v so_o i_o will_v then_o inquire_v what_o do_v he_o think_v of_o those_o parish_n that_o be_v so_o large_a that_o scarce_o the_o ten_o part_n of_o the_o people_n can_v enjoy_v the_o labour_n of_o the_o parish-minister_n as_o stepney_n giles_n martin_n and_o cripplegate_n parish_n in_o london_n which_o have_v one_o with_o another_o 30000_o or_o 40000_o soul_n in_o each_o of_o they_o do_v he_o think_v it_o a_o unlawful_a separation_n for_o that_o part_n of_o the_o people_n that_o can_v have_v room_n in_o the_o parish_n church_n to_o attend_v the_o ministration_n of_o other_o pious_a and_o judicious_a pastor_n be_v this_o such_o a_o separation_n too_o as_o will_v exclude_v they_o from_o the_o catholic_a church_n to_o assert_v tâ—is_n be_v to_o prefer_v a_o point_n of_o humane_a order_n or_o rather_o disorder_v about_o parish-bound_n bâ—â—ore_v the_o salvation_n of_o soul_n and_o in_o effect_n to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v better_a all_o those_o peop_n e_o shall_v want_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o salvation_n and_o live_v like_o pagan_n or_o atheist_n without_o any_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n than_o such_o a_o point_n of_o church-ordeâ—_a be_v violate_v and_o if_o any_o can_v believe_v all_o this_o it_o be_v very_o much_o to_o be_v doubt_v whether_o they_o know_v what_o soul_n and_o their_o salvation_n be_v again_o what_o do_v mr._n k._n think_v of_o such_o parish-minister_n as_o want_v the_o necessary_a quaâ—ifications_n such_o as_o be_v notorious_o ignorant_a or_o scandalous_o wicked_a do_v those_o in_o their_o parish_n who_o after_o have_v seek_v redress_n in_o vain_a choose_v other_o minister_n of_o eminent_a learning_n and_o hoâ—iness_n make_v a_o sinful_a separation_n even_o such_o as_o will_v argue_v they_o no_o catholic_n member_n of_o the_o church_n if_o he_o say_v this_o he_o still_o prefer_v a_o mere_a point_n of_o humane_a order_n before_o the_o end_n of_o it_o the_o edification_n of_o soul_n and_o have_v rather_o hazard_v their_o damnation_n than_o have_v a_o scandalous_a parish_n minister_v disow_v who_o life_n be_v more_o likely_a to_o debauch_v than_o his_o doctrine_n to_o reform_v his_o hearer_n i_o may_v insi_v on_o many_o such_o question_n as_o these_o but_o because_o mr._n k._n have_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o give_v we_o any_o reason_n why_o he_o take_v the_o parish-minister_n for_o the_o only_a lawful_a governor_n even_o to_o those_o nonconformist_n that_o consent_n not_o to_o their_o pastoral_a relation_n i_o shaâ—l_v fâ—r_v their_o vindication_n offer_v this_o argument_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o nonconformist_n live_v under_o their_o lawful_a spiritual_a governor_n or_o past_a r_n and_o consequent_o make_v no_o separation_n from_o they_o i_o instance_n in_o the_o presbyterian_o those_o be_v the_o lawful_a spiritual_a governor_n of_o particular_a christian_a flock_n or_o church_n who_o have_v all_o the_o qualification_n requisite_a a_o valid_a ordination_n the_o consent_n of_o those_o church_n and_o who_o in_o take_v the_o oversight_n of_o they_o violate_v no_o law_n of_o god_n nor_o any_o just_a law_n of_o man._n but_o such_o be_v the_o pastor_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a church_n in_o these_o kingdom_n e._n they_o be_v the_o lawful_a pastor_n of_o those_o church_n the_o minor_a prop._n alone_o needs_o proof_n viz._n that_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o presbyt_fw-la church_n be_v such_o as_o be_v here_o describe_v for_o their_o qualification_n and_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n that_o be_v matter_n of_o fact_n concern_v which_o they_o may_v safe_o appeal_v to_o those_o that_o know_v they_o â—nly_o i_o will_v here_o suggest_v that_o a_o considerable_a number_n of_o minister_n who_o prescribe_v various_a difficult_a exercise_n to_o a_o candidate_n for_o the_o trial_n of_o his_o ability_n be_v as_o likely_a to_o judge_v of_o they_o as_o one_o single_a bishop_n who_o usual_o commit_v the_o examination_n of_o they_o to_o his_o chaplain_n for_o the_o validity_n of_o their_o ordination_n i_o undertake_v to_o make_v that_o good_a in_o answer_n to_o the_o question_n about_o mission_n the_o only_a doubt_n then_o remain_v be_v whether_o these_o pastor_n in_o take_v the_o oversight_n of_o their_o flock_n do_v violate_v any_o law_n of_o god_n or_o any_o just_a law_n of_o man_n 1._o for_o the_o law_n of_o god_n i_o can_v understand_v any_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v suppose_v to_o violate_v but_o either_o that_o law_n that_o enjoin_v we_o to_o obey_v superior_n or_o such_o as_o enjoin_v the_o preservation_n of_o the_o church_n peace_n for_o the_o former_a it_o fall_v in_o with_o what_o doubt_n may_v arise_v concern_v the_o law_n of_o man_n for_o the_o latter_a the_o precept_n of_o god_n which_o concern_v the_o church_n peace_n i_o need_v only_o say_v these_o two_o thing_n to_o clear_v they_o from_o the_o suspicion_n of_o violate_v they_o 1._o that_o the_o great_a duty_n recommend_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o order_n to_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o church_n peace_n be_v a_o mutual_a forbearance_n in_o thing_n indifferent_a and_o a_o charitable_a judgement_n of_o each_o other_o in_o lesser_a difference_n this_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o 14_o chapt._n of_o the_o ep._n to_o the_o rom._n to_o the_o 17_o ver_fw-la of_o the_o 15_o where_o these_o duty_n be_v at_o large_a press_v from_o great_a variety_n of_o topic_n and_o urge_v on_o those_o that_o have_v pastor_n among_o they_o and_o to_o say_v this_o great_a rule_n on_o y_o oblige_v christian_n to_o these_o duty_n till_o the_o clergy_n have_v determine_v those_o indifferent_a thing_n and_o by_o their_o impose_v they_o cast_v out_o all_o dissenter_n be_v too_o like_o the_o confidence_n of_o those_o gentleman_n who_o own_o christ_n institute_v the_o communion_n in_o both_o kind_n but_o teâ—l_v we_o his_o institution_n oblige_v not_o now_o the_o church_n have_v please_v to_o command_v it_o shall_v be_v otherwise_o and_o i_o do_v appeal_n to_o any_o impartial_a judge_n whether_o the_o convocation_n or_o the_o presbyterian_o have_v better_a observe_v this_o great_a rule_n that_o concern_v the_o church_n peace_n but_o 2._o no_o law_n of_o god_n enjoin_v we_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n sinful_a for_o the_o church_n peace_n but_o for_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a church_n to_o desert_n their_o ministerial_a office_n when_o never_o just_o forbid_v and_o when_o their_o labour_n be_v high_o conducive_a to_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o soul_n be_v sinful_a methinks_v those_o man_n that_o be_v so_o zealous_a to_o exclaim_v against_o all_o alienation_n of_o
invite_v such_o to_o take_v the_o pastoral_a care_n of_o their_o soul_n as_o be_v due_o qualify_v that_o such_o qualify_a person_n shall_v not_o accept_v ordination_n on_o such_o wicked_a term_n be_v past_a doubt_n but_o what_o if_o they_o live_v so_o remote_a from_o any_o other_o christian_a kingdom_n that_o they_o can_v have_v ministerial_a ordination_n elsewhere_o will_n any_o say_v that_o in_o this_o case_n those_o qualify_a person_n for_o want_n of_o this_o ordination_n ought_v not_o to_o â—â—ke_v on_o they_o the_o pastoral_n charge_n of_o those_o people_n which_o god_n hâ—s_v give_v they_o such_o ability_n for_o and_o such_o a_o call_v by_o his_o providence_n 〈◊〉_d to_o say_v this_o be_v to_o set_v up_o the_o rule_n about_o the_o regular_a order_v the_o ministry_n above_o the_o end_n of_o the_o ministry_n itself_o and_o oâ—_n 〈◊〉_d circumstance_n of_o the_o duty_n to_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o wherâ—_n 〈◊〉_d â—sitive_a precept_n must_v always_o yield_v to_o moral_n and_o matter_n or_o 〈◊〉_d order_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o duty_n order_v and_o the_o former_a must_v nâ—_n be_v plead_v against_o the_o latter_a ordination_n by_o pastor_n be_v noâ—_n therefore_o there_o necessary_a where_o it_o can_v be_v have_v without_o sin_n and_o yet_o without_o a_o ministry_n the_o interest_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o soul_n be_v like_a to_o suffer_v the_o most_o visible_a prejudice_n and_o detriment_n for_o these_o be_v matter_n infinite_o more_o precious_a and_o valuable_a than_o any_o rule_n of_o external_a order_n and_o the_o very_a end_n those_o rule_n aim_v at_o and_o be_v subservient_fw-fr to_z and_o if_o this_o be_v not_o grant_v it_o must_v be_v leave_v to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o such_o corrupt_a pastor_n whether_o the_o people_n who_o can_v join_v in_o communion_n with_o they_o shall_v enjoy_v the_o mean_n of_o their_o salvation_n or_o be_v oblige_v to_o live_v like_o atheist_n without_o any_o public_a worship_n of_o god._n and_o he_o that_o assert_v this_o may_v next_o assert_v that_o god_n have_v leave_v it_o to_o their_o pleasure_n whether_o the_o people_n shall_v be_v save_v or_o damn_v and_o that_o it_o be_v better_a they_o shall_v be_v canonical_o damn_v than_o uncanonical_o save_v i_o propose_v these_o case_n to_o show_v the_o vanity_n and_o falsehood_n of_o that_o notion_n some_o make_v such_o a_o noise_n about_o viz_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o uninterrupted_a succession_n of_o ordination_n and_o if_o that_o principle_n be_v false_a much_o more_o be_v they_o who_o assert_v the_o necessity_n of_o successive_a prelatical_a ordination_n but_o though_o in_o such_o extraordinary_a case_n the_o extraordinary_a call_n of_o god_n providence_n be_v sufficient_a to_o authorise_v a_o man_n to_o the_o sacred_a office_n and_o supply_v the_o defect_n of_o ministerial_a ordination_n yet_o the_o command_n of_o god_n which_o enjoin_v such_o ordination_n do_v oblige_v where_o it_o may_v be_v have_v and_o the_o neglect_n of_o it_o will_v bring_v great_a confusion_n and_o disorder_n into_o the_o church_n and_o expose_v it_o to_o the_o danger_n of_o be_v corrupt_v and_o divide_v by_o unqualified_a intruder_n the_o only_a thing_n that_o remain_v to_o be_v consider_v under_o this_o head_n be_v who_o be_v entrust_v with_o the_o power_n of_o ordination_n or_o who_o have_v christ_n appoint_v to_o approve_v and_o invest_v other_o in_o the_o ministerial_a office_n answ_n those_o be_v entrust_v with_o this_o power_n and_o appoint_v to_o this_o woâ—k_n who_o be_v themselves_o such_o bishop_n or_o elder_n or_o pastor_n as_o the_o holy_a scripture_n describe_v he_o that_o deny_v this_o be_v oblige_v to_o acquaint_v we_o what_o other_o officer_n the_o apostle_n leave_v in_o the_o church_n to_o who_o this_o sole_a power_n of_o ordination_n be_v entrust_v then_o or_o what_o other_o officer_n claim_v and_o exercise_v it_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n which_o none_o that_o i_o know_v of_o ever_o pretend_v to_o do_v but_o now_o those_o who_o the_o holy_a scripture_n call_v bishop_n or_o elder_n be_v the_o state_v pastor_n of_o particular_a congregation_n that_o the_o same_o person_n be_v in_o scripture_n call_v bishop_n and_o elder_n be_v too_o palpable_a to_o be_v deny_v however_o the_o author_n of_o the_o preface_n to_o the_o book_n of_o ordination_n be_v please_v to_o say_v the_o contrary_a viz._n that_o it_o be_v evident_a to_o all_o man_n diligent_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o ancient_a author_n that_o from_o the_o apostle_n time_n there_o have_v be_v these_o order_n in_o christ_n church_n bishop_n priest_n and_o deacon_n as_o several_a office_n and_o even_o this_o palpable_a mistake_n among_o the_o rest_n we_o be_v require_v to_o declare_v our_o assent_n to_o those_o who_o be_v 20_o acts._n 17._o call_v the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v command_v v._o 28._o to_o take_v heed_n to_o all_o the_o flock_n over_o who_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v they_o overseer_n or_o bishop_n the_o description_n of_o a_o bishop_n 1_o tim_n 3_o ch_z and_o of_o a_o elder_a 1_o tit._n be_v the_o same_o and_o titus_n when_o direct_v to_o ordain_v elder_n must_v see_v that_o they_o be_v blameless_a for_o a_o bishop_n must_v be_v blameless_a as_o the_o steward_n of_o god_n v._o 6_o 7._o that_o these_o bishop_n or_o elder_n be_v pastor_n of_o single_a congregation_n be_v evident_a from_o the_o duty_n enjoin_v they_o towards_o those_o under_o their_o care_n and_o from_o the_o duty_n which_o the_o flock_n be_v require_v to_o pay_v they_o they_o be_v to_o labour_v among_o the_o people_n and_o admonish_v they_o and_o the_o people_n be_v to_o know_v and_o esteem_v they_o high_o in_o love_n for_o their_o work_n sake_n 1_o thess_n 5_o 12_o 13._o they_o be_v to_o rule_v their_o flock_n speak_v the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o they_o and_o to_o watch_v over_o their_o soul_n as_o those_o that_o must_v give_v a_o account_n 13_o hebr._n 7_o 17_o 24._o they_o be_v to_o take_v heed_n to_o all_o the_o flock_n over_o who_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v they_o overseer_n 20_o act_n 28._o wherein_o the_o apostle_n propose_v his_o own_o practice_n while_o he_o stay_v among_o they_o as_o their_o temporary_a pastor_n for_o their_o imitation_n viz_o that_o he_o teach_v they_o public_o and_o from_o house_n to_o house_n and_o cease_v not_o to_o warn_v every_o one_o with_o tear_n day_n and_o night_n 20_o act_n 20_o 31._o v._n they_o be_v to_o be_v ensample_n to_o the_o flock_n who_o be_v to_o follow_v their_o faith_n consider_v the_o end_n of_o their_o conversation_n 1_o pet._n 5._o v._n 3_o compare_v with_o heb_fw-mi 13.7_o they_o be_v to_o visit_v the_o sick_a and_o pray_v for_o they_o james_n 5_o 14._o see_v dr._n hammond_n annotation_n on_o these_o place_n apply_v they_o to_o bishop_n now_o let_v we_o consider_v whether_o these_o mutual_a duty_n betwixt_o pastor_n and_o flock_n be_v to_o be_v perform_v betwixt_o the_o pastor_n or_o pastor_n of_o a_o single_a congregation_n and_o the_o congregation_n commit_v to_o their_o care_n or_o betwixt_o a_o diocesan_n bishop_n and_o so_o vast_a a_o flock_n as_o his_o diocese_n that_o one_o or_o more_o pastor_n of_o a_o single_a congregation_n associate_v for_o personal_a communion_n be_v capable_a of_o perform_v these_o duty_n to_o their_o flock_n and_o their_o flock_n to_o they_o be_v past_o all_o doubt_n but_o can_v these_o mutual_a duty_n be_v perform_v betwixt_o a_o diocesan_n bishop_n and_o his_o diocese_n be_v he_o capable_a of_o labour_v among_o they_o in_o word_n and_o be_v esteem_v of_o they_o high_o for_o his_o work_n sake_n when_o very_o few_o comparative_o of_o his_o diocese_n ever_o see_v he_o or_o hear_v he_o preach_v can_v he_o watch_v over_o the_o soul_n of_o all_o in_o his_o diocese_n as_o his_o flock_n and_o warn_v they_o of_o their_o evil_a course_n when_o he_o know_v not_o one_o of_o they_o in_o many_o score_n thousand_o can_v the_o diocese_n follow_v the_o faith_n of_o such_o bishop_n and_o consider_v the_o end_n of_o their_o conversation_n and_o propose_v they_o as_o their_o pattern_n when_o not_o one_o in_o many_o thousand_o know_v any_o more_o of_o the_o life_n of_o their_o bishop_n than_o if_o he_o live_v at_o the_o other_o end_n of_o the_o world_n be_v such_o bishop_n oblige_v to_o visit_v the_o sick_a of_o their_o diocese_n can_v they_o rule_v they_o by_o the_o exercise_n of_o church-discipline_n against_o the_o notorious_o scandalous_a when_o perhaps_o there_o be_v forty_o or_o fifty_o thousand_o such_o in_o their_o diocese_n can_v they_o use_v all_o the_o due_a process_n of_o serious_a reproof_n and_o persuasion_n that_o be_v requisite_a to_o be_v use_v for_o reclaim_v such_o sinner_n when_o there_o be_v so_o vast_a a_o number_n of_o they_o and_o those_o so_o remote_a in_o their_o habitation_n and_o the_o bishop_n whole_o
just_o mart._n ibid._n constit_fw-la apost_n c._n 27._o apost_n can._n 5_o e_o see_v cypr_fw-la ep._n passim_fw-la tertull._n apol._n c._n 39_o and_o many_o more_o in_o blondel_n de_fw-la jure_fw-la plebis_fw-la etc._n etc._n f_z see_v albasp_n observe_v p._n 254_o 255._o g_o see_v tolet_n de_fw-fr sacerd_v lib._n 5._o cap._n 4._o n._n 15._o and_o pad_n paul_n sarpi_n tract_n of_o church-benefice_n translate_v by_o dr._n denton_n h_z constit_fw-la apost_n c._n 57_o counc_fw-la carth._n 4_o can_n 35_o ay_o 1_o phil._n v._o 1._o clem._n rom_n ep_v ad_fw-la cor_fw-la p_o 54_o 55_o pius_n in_o ep_v justo_n episc_n biblioth_n patr_n tom_n 3_o p_o 15_o constit_fw-la apost_n c_o 30_o &_o 44._o k_n ignat_fw-la ep._n ad_fw-la smyrn_n forequoted_a constit_fw-la apost_n c._n 28_o l_o albasp_v observe_v p._n 254_o 255._o m_o ignat._v ep_v ad_fw-la philad_n forecited_a cypr._n ep_v 40_o 72_o 73._o the_o ancient_a description_n of_o a_o church_n be_v well_o know_v plebs_fw-la episcopo_fw-la coadunata_fw-la see_v dr._n still_o iren._n p._n 416._o that_o the_o bishop_n be_v choose_v by_o the_o suffrage_n or_o vote_n of_o the_o people_n he_o take_v the_o charge_n of_o n_z and_o as_o be_v say_v before_o administer_v church-censure_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o his_o flock_n who_o judgement_n he_o consult_v o_o that_o presbyter_n do_v but_o sedom_n preach_v public_o in_o the_o two_o or_o three_o first_o age_n except_o in_o alexandria_n or_o some_o few_o church_n that_o have_v presbyter_n of_o more_o than_o ordinary_a learning_n and_o ability_n chrysostom_n preach_v at_o antioch_n and_o augustine_n at_o hippo_n while_o presbyter_n be_v note_v as_o unusual_a that_o every_o city_n have_v its_o bishop_n be_v grant_v by_o all_o and_o dr._n hammond_n and_o grotius_n own_o many_o have_v two_o nay_o some_o have_v more_o as_o may_v appear_v by_o many_o instance_n be_v it_o needful_a and_o every_o town_n of_o any_o bigness_n be_v then_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o city_n and_o the_o number_n of_o christian_n do_v not_o of_o a_o long_a time_n even_o in_o the_o large_a city_n exceed_v that_o of_o our_o large_a parish_n nor_o be_v bishop_n confine_v to_o city_n or_o town_n for_o the_o country_n villageâ—_n where_o three_o be_v any_o tolerable_a number_n of_o christian_n to_o mâ—ke_v a_o church_n or_o congregation_n have_v long_o their_o bishop_n also_o who_o be_v not_o put_v down_o till_o ambition_n have_v begin_v to_o deprave_v the_o church_n and_o for_o a_o reason_n agreeable_a to_o the_o humour_n of_o those_o that_o do_v it_o ne_fw-la vilescat_fw-la nomen_fw-la episcopi_fw-la p_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o nearness_n of_o episcopal_n be_fw-mi of_o which_o we_o read_v many_o that_o be_v much_o near_a one_o another_o than_o our_o market-town_n perhaps_o one_o two_o or_o a_o few_o more_o mile_n distant_a q_o if_o we_o observe_v all_o the_o small_a inconsiderable_a place_n that_o be_v the_o be_fw-mi of_o many_o famous_a ancient_a bishop_n not_o half_o so_o big_a as_o our_o lesser_a sort_n of_o perish_v r_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o vast_a number_n of_o bishop_n mention_v within_o a_o narrow_a compass_n of_o ground_n n_z see_v cypr._n ep._n 68_o forecited_a and_o many_o more_o testimony_n in_o baxter_n church-history_n &_o answer_v to_o stillingfl_fw-mi from_o p._n 128_o to_o 133._o and_o in_o blondel_n de_fw-la jure_fw-la plebis_fw-la etc._n etc._n ah_o see_v blondel_n ibid._n p_o council_n laod._n can._n 57_o q_o to_o give_v a_o few_o instance_n in_o palestine_n diospolis_n or_o lydda_n be_v but_o six_o mile_n from_o joppa_n joppa_n four_o mile_n from_o janmia_n rhinccoruca_n four_o mile_n from_o anthedon_n and_o anthedon_n not_o three_o mile_n from_o gaza_n and_o gaza_n twenty_o furlong_n from_o constantia_n ancient_o call_v majuma_n so_o in_o egypt_n nicopolis_n be_v twenty_o furlong_n from_o alexandria_n and_o taposiris_n canopus_n heraclia_n and_o naucratis_n not_o much_o far_o from_o one_o another_o and_o yet_o all_o these_o episcopal_a be_fw-mi r_o mr._n thorndike_n right_o of_o church_n review_v tell_v we_o p._n 53._o that_o in_o africa_n bishop_n be_v so_o plentiful_a that_o every_o good_a village_n must_v needs_o be_v the_o seat_n of_o a_o episcopal_a church_n and_o the_o african_a church_n as_o dr._n stillingfleet_n tell_v we_o iren._n p._n 373._o long_a retain_v the_o primitive_a simplicity_n and_o humility_n binnius_n tell_v we_o of_o sylvester_n call_v together_o 284_o bishop_n of_o which_o 139_o be_v out_o of_o rome_n or_o not_o far_o from_o it_o a_o council_n of_o donatist_n at_o carthage_n have_v 270_o bishop_n as_o austin_n tell_v we_o ep._n 68_o about_o the_o year_n 308_o and_o yet_o they_o be_v the_o small_a number_n and_o complain_v of_o persecution_n victor_n vtic_a in_o persec_n vand._n acquaint_v we_o that_o in_o that_o part_n of_o africa_n 660_o bishop_n flee_v beside_o the_o great_a number_n murder_v and_o imprison_v and_o many_o tolerate_v the_o 6_o provincial_a council_n of_o carthage_n have_v 217_o bishop_n and_o to_o give_v a_o instance_n of_o late_a date_n which_o we_o be_v more_o capable_a to_o judge_v of_o even_o patrick_n be_v say_v to_o have_v found_v here_o in_o ireland_n 365_o church_n ordain_v so_o many_o bishop_n beside_o 3000_o presbyter_n usher_n de_fw-fr eccles_n brit._n primord_n p._n 950._o if_o we_o add_v hereto_o the_o late_a date_n of_o parth_n as_o distinguish_v from_o the_o bishop_n church_n the_o government_n of_o the_o cathedral_n by_o the_o bishop_n with_o the_o dean_n and_o chapter_n be_v a_o relict_n of_o the_o ancient_a episcopal_a government_n from_o these_o evidency_n and_o many_o more_o may_v be_v add_v due_o weigh_v we_o may_v easy_o judge_v what_o the_o ancient_a church_n and_o bishop_n be_v a_o primitive_a bishop_n have_v no_o more_o than_o one_o church_n or_o assembly_n capable_a of_o personal_a communion_n under_o his_o charge_n which_o he_o rul_a d_o with_o the_o joint_a concurrence_n of_o his_o presbyter_n or_o elder_n the_o first_o that_o set_v up_o more_o assembly_n under_o one_o bishop_n be_v rome_n and_o alexandria_n and_o no_o other_o church_n can_v be_v prove_v to_o have_v do_v so_o for_o near_o 300_o year_n nor_o many_o church_n for_o 4_o or_o 5_o hundred_o and_o even_o those_o assembly_n do_v but_o long_o make_v up_o one_o communicate_v church_n and_o be_v but_o to_o the_o bishop_n church_n as_o chapel_n of_o ease_n be_v to_o our_o large_a parish_n church_n but_o for_o diocesan_n church_n and_o bishop_n it_o be_v evident_a from_o these_o few_o remark_n that_o they_o be_v entire_a stranger_n to_o the_o primitive_a church_n in_o its_o first_o and_o pure_a age_n it_o be_v only_a ambition_n strive_v to_o model_n the_o ecclesiastical_a government_n by_o the_o civil_a that_o first_o give_v rise_v to_o they_o and_o from_o the_o same_o ambition_n in_o the_o empire_n spring_v up_o metropolitan_n patriarch_n and_o pope_n the_o last_o of_o these_o long_o claim_v only_o a_o primacy_n of_o order_n among_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o bishop_n in_o the_o empire_n for_o which_o constantinople_n long_o vie_v with_o they_o it_o be_v but_o of_o late_o they_o have_v emprove_v their_o pretension_n into_o a_o claim_n of_o supremacy_n over_o the_o catholic_n church_n as_o the_o vicar_n of_o christ_n and_o it_o be_v too_o observable_a in_o church_n history_n that_o as_o the_o seat_n of_o bishop_n swell_v and_o their_o power_n increase_v by_o engross_a to_o themselves_o that_o work_n which_o a_o score_n or_o hundred_o bishop_n can_v hardly_o discharge_v so_o all_o true_a discipline_n be_v gradual_o disuse_v and_o lose_v and_o the_o church_n miserable_o deprave_v by_o the_o corruption_n of_o it_o as_o well_o as_o divide_v by_o the_o contention_n of_o aspire_a bishop_n about_o their_o primacy_n and_o usurp_a power_n if_o you_o desire_v further_a satisfaction_n on_o this_o head_n i_o refer_v you_o to_o mr._n baxters_n treatise_n of_o episcopacy_n who_o in_o the_o 2d_o part_n 5_o 6_o 7_o ch_z have_v give_v as_o satisfactory_a a_o account_n of_o the_o ancient_a episcopacy_n as_o can_v be_v expect_v of_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n at_o that_o distance_n the_o few_o slender_a exception_n produce_v by_o dr._n stillingfl_fw-mi in_o his_o vnreason_n of_o seper_n which_o yet_o do_v not_o reach_v the_o two_o first_o century_n be_v so_o clear_o invalidate_v and_o expose_v by_o mr._n baxters_n answer_n to_o dr_n st._n p._n 100_o 101_o etc._n etc._n and_o by_o mr._n clerkson_n in_o his_o no_o evidence_n of_o diocesan_n church_n in_o antiq_n &c_n &c_n that_o i_o shall_v take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o diocesan_n bishop_n and_o church_n be_v stranger_n to_o antiquity_n and_o shall_v look_v on_o that_o cause_n as_o desperate_a and_o lose_v unless_o some_o of_o its_o patron_n can_v disprove_v that_o full_a stream_n of_o evidence_n he_o have_v bring_v against_o it_o from_o the_o most_o ancient_a christian_a writer_n in_o the_o forementioned_a
and_o therefore_o when_o any_o of_o they_o embrace_v the_o reformation_n when_o they_o begin_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n more_o pure_o and_o to_o celebrate_v divine_a worship_n more_o free_a from_o the_o idolatrous_a and_o superstitious_a mixture_n that_o have_v prevail_v in_o the_o roman_a church_n they_o restore_v their_o ministry_n to_o its_o true_a use_n and_o so_o far_o purge_v it_o from_o that_o wretched_a depravation_n and_o in_o this_o debate_n mr._n k_o need_v not_o be_v ashamed_a to_o defend_v either_o luthâ—r_n or_o calvin_n or_o zuinglius_fw-la for_o s_n cinus_fw-la or_o hâ—s_fw-la follower_n they_o can_v produce_v no_o mission_n to_o preach_v against_o the_o divinity_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n no_o more_o than_o d._n m._n to_o preach_v uâ—_n the_o worship_n of_o image_n or_o invocation_n of_o angel_n and_o saint_n or_o adoration_n of_o the_o host_n etc._n etc._n for_o the_o 3d_o and_o four_o qu._n i_o shall_v join_v they_o whether_o cranmer_n and_o his_o associate_n can_v condemn_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n by_o pretence_n of_o the_o mission_n they_o receive_v from_o her_o bishop_n if_o so_o whether_o a_o presbyterian_a minister_n have_v â—eceived_v order_n from_o a_o protestant_a bâ—shop_n can_v by_o virtue_n of_o such_o order_n pronounce_v the_o church_n of_o england_n a_o corrupt_a church_n it_o be_v evident_a both_o these_o question_n be_v found_v on_o this_o ridiculous_a fancy_n that_o the_o person_n ordain_v be_v oblige_v to_o conform_v his_o ministration_n to_o the_o judgement_n or_o humour_n of_o the_o ordainer_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o if_o in_o any_o church_n the_o minister_n that_o be_v ordain_v be_v oblige_v to_o subscribe_v a_o confession_n of_o faith_n or_o observe_v any_o public_a rule_n in_o their_o worship_n they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v ordain_v on_o these_o term_n if_o they_o think_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o that_o church_n or_o the_o ruâ—es_n of_o its_o worship_n contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n or_o the_o gospel_n rule_n of_o worship_n much_o less_o shall_v they_o enter_v into_o that_o obligation_n with_o a_o design_n to_o break_v it_o afterward_o this_o be_v odious_a dissimulation_n but_o if_o any_o have_v be_v ordain_v in_o a_o church_n that_o have_v oblige_v they_o to_o subscribe_v certain_a article_n of_o faith_n and_o rule_n of_o worship_n which_o at_o their_o ordination_n they_o have_v no_o scruple_n against_o and_o shall_v upon_o deep_a study_n find_v many_o of_o those_o article_n be_v gross_a and_o dangerous_a error_n and_o those_o rule_n of_o worship_n idolatrous_a or_o superstitious_a they_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o preach_v those_o error_n or_o practise_v those_o rule_n against_o the_o dictate_v of_o their_o own_o conscience_n nay_o if_o those_o error_n and_o corruption_n endanger_v the_o salvation_n of_o their_o flock_n they_o ought_v to_o preach_v against_o they_o and_o warn_v soul_n of_o their_o danger_n and_o not_o to_o do_v this_o be_v to_o betray_v those_o soul_n to_o desert_v the_o cause_n and_o testimony_n of_o christ_n and_o fail_v of_o that_o fidelity_n he_o expect_v in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o office_n they_o ought_v to_o do_v all_o in_o their_o sphere_n towards_o a_o reformation_n and_o if_o they_o shall_v be_v suspend_v for_o the_o do_v that_o which_o christ_n have_v make_v their_o duty_n the_o suspension_n be_v unjust_a and_o null_a as_o be_v opposite_a to_o the_o law_n and_o interest_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v indeed_o a_o rebellion_n against_o he_o if_o therefore_o the_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v pernicious_a and_o endanger_v the_o salvation_n of_o soul_n and_o our_o reformer_n have_v just_a ground_n to_o account_v they_o such_o they_o be_v bind_v by_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n to_o preach_v against_o they_o and_o warn_v the_o people_n of_o they_o and_o in_o their_o sphere_n attempt_v a_o reformation_n nor_o will_v any_o suspension_n or_o excommunication_n of_o those_o popish_a bishop_n that_o ordain_v they_o justify_v their_o desert_v their_o ministry_n and_o betray_v the_o interest_n of_o christ_n and_o soul_n and_o they_o may_v do_v this_o without_o assume_v any_o authority_n over_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n they_o only_o refuse_v subjection_n to_o her_o unjust_a imposition_n and_o so_o may_v presbyterian_a minister_n refuse_v subjection_n to_o the_o sinful_a imposition_n of_o those_o prelate_n that_o ordain_v they_o and_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o lay_v down_o their_o office_n when_o ever_o their_o ordainer_n shall_v unjust_o silence_v they_o as_o we_o prove_v before_o but_o mr._n k._n i_o perceive_v like_v not_o this_o answer_n and_o therefore_o choose_v to_o justify_v the_o church_n of_o engl._n upon_o narrow_a ground_n and_o therefore_o in_o his_o reply_n to_o these_o question_n 1._o he_o grant_v that_o a_o presbyter_n or_o bishop_n ought_v not_o to_o preach_v against_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n whereof_o they_o be_v member_n 2._o he_o assert_n this_o be_v not_o the_o reformer_n case_n and_o therefore_o he_o find_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o reformation_n entire_o upon_o its_o be_v make_v by_o the_o convocation_n in_o who_o he_o suppose_v the_o supreme_a church-government_n lodge_v in_o this_o nation_n have_v mr_n k._n only_o argue_v that_o the_o reformation_n in_o england_n be_v not_o only_o lawful_a but_o effect_v in_o the_o most_o regular_a way_n with_o the_o concurrence_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n upon_o the_o advice_n of_o so_o considerable_a a_o part_n of_o the_o clergy_n none_o can_v have_v blame_v he_o for_o take_v in_o all_o the_o consideration_n that_o prove_v the_o reformation_n in_o england_n to_o have_v be_v the_o most_o unexceptionable_o regular_a and_o orderly_a but_o that_o in_o his_o eager_a zeal_n to_o defend_v the_o prelate_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o silence_v their_o brethren_n he_o shall_v make_v such_o a_o concession_n to_o the_o papist_n as_o may_v be_v use_v against_o the_o reformation_n elsewhere_o with_o so_o great_a advantage_n be_v not_o ingenuous_a but_o we_o must_v excuse_v he_o that_o he_o have_v rather_o wound_v the_o reform_a church_n abroad_o than_o not_o gratify_v his_o spleen_n against_o the_o presbyterian_o at_o home_n and_o care_v not_o who_o he_o make_v schismatic_n provide_v he_o fasten_v that_o character_n on_o his_o brethren_n let_v we_o therefore_o examine_v this_o concession_n of_o he_o p._n 27._o a_o presbyter_n or_o bishop_n ought_v not_o to_o preach_v against_o the_o constitution_n of_o that_o church_n of_o which_o they_o be_v member_n the_o reason_n he_o give_v be_v because_o there_o be_v a_o regular_a way_n wherein_o they_o may_v endeavour_v a_o reformation_n viz._n if_o they_o find_v any_o thing_n amiss_o in_o her_o doctrine_n or_o discipline_n they_o may_v make_v their_o application_n for_o the_o redress_n of_o it_o to_o those_o that_o have_v power_n to_o reform_v it_o but_o must_v not_o presume_v be_v subject_n to_o usurp_v their_o governor_n power_n but_o what_o if_o their_o governor_n refuse_v to_o reform_v and_o silence_v those_o that_o desire_n or_o in_o their_o own_o sphere_n attempt_v it_o all_o the_o answer_n be_v but_o if_o such_o a_o bishop_n or_o presbyter_n be_v censure_v and_o suspend_v he_o be_v thereby_o discharge_v from_o the_o execution_n of_o his_o office_n and_o he_o must_v no_o more_o make_v a_o schism_n to_o regain_v it_o than_o one_o must_v make_v a_o rebellion_n in_o the_o state_n to_o regain_v a_o civil_a office._n this_o we_o urge_v and_o i_o think_v with_o reason_n against_o the_o presbyterian_o and_o other_o sect_n among_o we_o that_o either_o have_v no_o ordination_n or_o appointment_n to_o their_o office_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n or_o ireland_n or_o else_o abuse_v the_o power_n against_o she_o which_o be_v once_o give_v they_o by_o she_o and_o from_o which_o they_o be_v again_o legal_o suspend_v and_o as_o we_o urge_v this_o against_o they_o so_o likewise_o against_o d._n m._n etc._n etc._n let_v we_o brief_o consider_v the_o consequence_n of_o this_o concession_n and_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o 1._o its_o consequence_n the_o first_o protestant_n pastor_n in_o france_n and_o most_o other_o part_n of_o europe_n be_v before_o the_o reformation_n member_n of_o those_o church_n where_o they_o live_v and_o subject_a to_o their_o governor_n they_o have_v receive_v ordination_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o popish_a prelate_n god_n be_v please_v so_o to_o bless_v their_o study_n and_o search_v after_o truth_n that_o they_o begin_v to_o discover_v abundance_n of_o gross_a and_o pernicious_a error_n in_o the_o doctrine_n and_o a_o wretched_a mixture_n of_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n they_o live_v in_o what_o shall_v they_o do_v they_o be_v but_o particular_a presbyter_n and_o therefore_o shall_v not_o according_a to_o mr._n k_n principle_n preach_v against_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n which_o give_v
of_o his_o church_n the_o major_a number_n of_o pastor_n shall_v depose_v the_o minor_a for_o do_v their_o duty_n or_o without_o a_o just_a cause_n their_o do_v so_o be_v a_o bold_a and_o wicked_a usurpation_n for_o which_o they_o may_v expect_v their_o lord_n will_v call_v they_o to_o a_o account_n as_o he_o threaten_v the_o evil_a servant_n who_o unmindful_a of_o his_o lord_n be_v come_v begin_v to_o smite_v his_o fellow_n servant_n 24._o matth._n 48_o 49_o but_o for_o the_o innocent_a pastor_n thus_o wrongful_o depose_v to_o disobey_v their_o usurp_a deposer_n be_v to_o obey_v christ_n who_o never_o warrant_v they_o to_o desert_n their_o office_n and_o betray_v soul_n because_o they_o be_v unjust_o forbid_v to_o do_v what_o his_o charter_n have_v make_v their_o duty_n it_o be_v therefore_o the_o unjust_a deposer_n be_v the_o rebel_n against_o christ_n and_o their_o usurpation_n be_v as_o if_o the_o mayor_n of_o a_o county_n town_n shall_v without_o any_o order_n from_o the_o king_n presume_v to_o turn_v out_o all_o the_o mayor_n of_o the_o particular_a corporation_n in_o that_o county_n at_o his_o own_o pleasure_n and_o i_o imagine_v the_o king_n will_v in_o all_o probability_n take_v he_o for_o the_o rebel_n who_o will_v thus_o under_o pretence_n of_o his_o authority_n usurp_v a_o power_n never_o give_v he_o and_o exercise_v it_o to_o the_o violation_n of_o his_o charter_n and_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land._n this_o be_v the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o case_n and_o mr._n k_n mistake_v about_o it_o be_v so_o palpable_a that_o it_o be_v a_o wonder_n how_o a_o man_n of_o his_o judgement_n can_v fall_v into_o they_o and_o i_o must_v needs_o add_v here_o that_o as_o the_o dissenter_n be_v never_o the_o bishop_n subject_n as_o they_o be_v any_o officer_n of_o christ_n and_o mr._n k_o will_v never_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v so_o so_o they_o will_v be_v more_o afraid_a of_o submit_v to_o their_o usurpation_n if_o they_o arrogate_v to_o themselves_o such_o a_o unlimited_a power_n of_o depose_v his_o undoubted_a officer_n particular_a church_n bishop_n and_o claim_v a_o blind_a obedience_n to_o their_o depose_n sentence_n be_v it_o right_n or_o wrong_n and_o it_o be_v but_o fidelity_n to_o our_o lord_n to_o disow_v such_o palpable_a and_o dangerous_a usurpation_n the_o ground_n then_o of_o mr._n k_n principle_n be_v false_a they_o will_v not_o serve_v he_o to_o condemn_v the_o presbyterian_a minister_n as_o either_o schismatic_n or_o church-rebel_n and_o the_o charge_n be_v likely_a to_o faâ—l_v heavy_a on_o those_o that_o presume_v to_o suspend_v they_o against_o the_o know_a law_n of_o christ_n from_o who_o they_o receive_v their_o commission_n mr._n k._n very_o grave_o take_v for_o grant_v what_o he_o will_v never_o prove_v 1._o that_o the_o convocation_n be_v by_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n the_o supreme_a governor_n of_o all_o the_o christian_n in_o england_n 2._o that_o either_o the_o convocation_n do_v just_o according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n suspend_v the_o nonconform_a minister_n or_o that_o a_o absolute_a obedience_n be_v due_a to_o their_o censure_n whether_o just_a or_o unjust_a 1._o he_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o the_o convocation_n be_v by_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n the_o supreme_a governor_n of_o all_o the_o christian_n in_o england_n do_v not_o mr._n k._n know_v that_o the_o divine_n of_o his_o own_o church_n be_v not_o agree_v about_o this_o matter_n the_o reverend_a dr._n still_v when_o pose_v by_o mr._n baxter_n about_o this_o quest_n who_o be_v the_o ecclesiastical_a govern_v head_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o one_o body_n politic_a 128._o uureas_fw-la of_o seper_n p_o 127_o 128._o do_v very_o fair_o deny_v that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v any_o such_o head_n or_o regent_n part_n nay_o deny_v the_o necessity_n of_o such_o a_o head._n so_o that_o according_a to_o he_o the_o church_n of_o england_n can_v be_v no_o political_a church_n make_v up_o of_o a_o govern_n and_o a_o govern_a part_n and_o consequent_o all_o the_o noise_n of_o its_o government_n constitution_n and_o law_n as_o such_o a_o political_a church_n be_v at_o a_o end_n but_o now_o mr._n k._n come_v and_o tell_v we_o without_o scruple_n that_o the_o supreme_a government_n of_o our_o church_n have_v always_o be_v in_o a_o national_a council_n or_o convocation_n of_o our_o clergy_n if_o so_o i_o will_v glad_o know_v whether_o mr._n k_o do_v think_v that_o the_o law_n or_o canon_n of_o a_o convocation_n will_v oblige_v the_o conscience_n of_o all_o the_o christian_n in_o england_n though_o they_o be_v not_o enact_v and_o ratify_v by_o the_o civil_a authority_n if_o they_o will_v nor_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v no_o ecclesiastical_a head_n of_o government_n because_o none_o that_o can_v make_v law_n obligatory_a to_o all_o the_o christian_n in_o england_n and_o so_o the_o convocation_n be_v but_o the_o king_n be_v ecclesiastical_a council_n which_o be_v indeed_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o they_o to_o advise_v he_o what_o law_n he_o shall_v establish_v by_o civil_a authority_n relate_v to_o church_n government_n if_o he_o say_v the_o canon_n of_o the_o convocation_n will_v oblige_v whether_o the_o civil_a authority_n ratify_v they_o or_o no_o i_o ask_v quo_fw-la jure_fw-la all_o obligation_n to_o obey_v any_o church-governor_n as_o such_o must_v arise_v from_o the_o command_n of_o chrisâ—_n now_o where_o have_v he_o command_v that_o in_o every_o nation_n such_o a_o small_a part_n of_o the_o clergy_n as_o our_o convocation_n consist_v of_o shall_v be_v supreme_a governor_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n when_o perhaps_o they_o be_v as_o unfit_a to_o represent_v the_o judgement_n of_o all_o the_o pastor_n not_o to_o mention_v the_o people_n in_o england_n as_o â—he_v council_n of_o trent_n all_o the_o church_n in_o euroâ—e_n i_o be_o confident_a beside_o the_o 2000_o silence_a minister_n the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o the_o conform_v clergy_n will_v never_o have_v consent_v to_o all_o the_o late_a excommunicate_a canon_n have_v thâ—ir_a vote_n be_v require_v and_o the_o chief_a member_n of_o the_o convocation_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v christ_n officer_n that_o i_o despair_v thâ—ir_n ever_o defend_v the_o lawfulness_n and_o much_o more_o the_o divine_a r_o ghâ—_fw-mi of_o their_o office_n against_o mr._n baxter_n argument_n in_o his_o foresaid_a treatise_n of_o episcopacy_n neither_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n nor_o general_a law_n of_o scripture_n wou_fw-mi d_o suggest_v such_o a_o assembly_n as_o the_o govern_n head_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n a_o due_o â—l_v ct_v synod_n of_o pastor_n in_o a_o nation_n to_o endeavour_v the_o near_a unity_n and_o concord_n of_o the_o particular_a church_n as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v to_o be_v expect_v on_o earth_n by_o their_o amicable_a consultation_n we_o grant_v to_o be_v most_o desirable_a and_o eligible_a wherever_o it_o may_v be_v have_v and_o the_o judgement_n of_o such_o a_o synod_n shall_v be_v comply_v with_o in_o all_o thing_n not_o repugnant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god._n but_o we_o can_v say_v so_o of_o a_o assembly_n compose_v chief_o of_o man_n who_o office_n be_v not_o only_o a_o usurpation_n but_o such_o as_o render_v true_a church-government_n impossible_a and_o who_o interest_n and_o grandeur_n incline_v they_o to_o keep_v up_o the_o division_n and_o corruption_n which_o they_o have_v make_v and_o to_o such_o a_o convocation_n be_v entrust_v by_o christ_n with_o the_o national_a church-government_n which_o mr._n k._n be_v please_v to_o assert_v i_o oppose_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o true_o learned_a archbishop_n usher_n which_o he_o often_o profess_v to_o mr._n baxter_n viz._n that_o church-council_n be_v not_o for_o government_n but_o for_o unity_n not_o as_o be_v in_o order_n of_o government_n over_o the_o several_a bishop_n but_o that_o by_o consultation_n they_o may_v know_v their_o duty_n more_o clear_o and_o by_o agreement_n maintain_v unity_n and_o to_o that_o end_n they_o be_v ancient_o celebrate_v 2._o mr._n k._n take_v it_o for_o grant_v also_o that_o either_o the_o convocation_n do_v just_o according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n suspend_v the_o nonconforming_a minister_n or_o that_o those_o minister_n be_v bind_v however_o to_o obey_v their_o sentence_n whether_o right_a or_o wrong_n for_o the_o first_o if_o he_o will_v indeed_o prove_v their_o silence_v to_o have_v be_v just_a i_o e._n that_o the_o nonconforming_a minister_n be_v guilty_a of_o such_o maladministration_n as_o forfeit_v their_o office_n and_o warrant_v the_o prelate_n by_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n to_o depose_v they_o i_o will_v assure_v he_o they_o will_v quit_v their_o office_n rather_o than_o rebel_v against_o christ_n or_o any_o just_a depose_n sentence_n of_o man_n but_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v the_o sentence_n to_o be_v unjust_a and_o