the_o government_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n be_v one._n according_a to_o st._n cyprian_n locum_fw-la who_o understand_v this_o matter_n perfect_o there_o be_v but_o one_o episcopacy_n and_o this_o be_v possess_v by_o the_o bishop_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o they_o be_v all_o legal_o one_o and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o be_v virtual_o all_o but_o both_o these_o proposition_n may_v require_v some_o explication_n 1._o all_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n be_v legal_o one_a that_o be_v as_o a_o college_n in_o law_n be_v one_o person_n so_o they_o be_v a_o college_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o ancient_n 5._o be_v one_o also_o they_o 〈◊〉_d the_o person_n of_o christ_n and_o if_o christ_n be_v not_o divide_v neither_o be_v they_o they_o be_v not_o divide_v i_o mean_v so_o far_o as_o they_o act_v according_a to_o his_o will_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o order_n 178._o but_o i_o meddle_v not_o with_o the_o particular_a fault_n of_o any_o nor_o be_o i_o accountable_a for_o their_o irregularity_n 2._o every_o bishop_n be_v virtual_o all_o or_o have_v virtual_o the_o power_n of_o the_o whole_a episcopal_a order_n and_o so_o unite_v he_o be_v with_o the_o other_o bishop_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o government_n that_o what_o he_o do_v in_o several_a case_n which_o i_o shall_v mention_v be_v as_o obligatory_a to_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o of_o as_o much_o force_n as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v do_v by_o their_o actual_a consent_n and_o approbation_n for_o example_n 1._o a_o bishop_n ordain_v presbyter_n do_v it_o as_o effectual_o as_o if_o all_o other_o bishop_n have_v assist_v at_o it_o and_o his_o act_n be_v as_o obligatory_a to_o they_o all_o for_o the_o person_n so_o ordain_v do_v not_o part_v with_o their_o office_n when_o they_o change_v climate_n but_o aught_o to_o be_v receive_v in_o all_o church_n as_o bear_v the_o same_o character_n 187._o and_o be_v employ_v accordin_o if_o there_o be_v occasion_n in_o the_o work_n of_o their_o ministry_n without_o a_o new_a imposition_n of_o hand_n this_o i_o know_v be_v contrary_a to_o the_o opinion_n of_o some_o of_o your_o brethren_n who_o be_v persuade_v that_o a_o minister_n be_v only_o so_o to_o his_o own_o congregation_n and_o that_o if_o he_o preach_v to_o another_o he_o do_v it_o not_o as_o a_o pastor_n but_o as_o a_o 2._o gift_a man_n and_o consequent_o if_o he_o take_v a_o new_a charge_n upon_o he_o he_o must_v have_v a_o new_a 43._o ordination_n and_o this_o i_o confess_v be_v agreeable_a enough_o to_o their_o own_o system_fw-la for_o their_o minister_n be_v a_o creature_n of_o their_o own_o and_o claim_v his_o 〈◊〉_d to_o the_o ministry_n from_o their_o election_n of_o he_o and_o upon_o such_o term_n as_o they_o prescribe_v to_o he_o all_o the_o suppose_a virtue_n of_o that_o choice_n must_v cease_v when_o he_o be_v go_v from_o they_o and_o can_v bind_v another_o congregation_n that_o have_v no_o dependence_n on_o they_o but_o how_o ever_o this_o be_v suitable_a to_o thâ—â—â—_n own_o principle_n it_o have_v no_o ground_n in_o scripture_n or_o the_o practice_n of_o antiquity_n among_o the_o heretic_n indeed_o in_o tertullian_n 217._o time_n there_o be_v something_o like_o it_o for_o with_o they_o a_o person_n be_v the_o day_n a_o priest_n and_o the_o next_o a_o laymâ—â—_n but_o in_o the_o church_n the_o stand_a officer_n be_v so_o for_o life_n 〈◊〉_d in_o all_o place_n keep_v their_o station_n unless_o they_o be_v depose_v for_o their_o crime_n or_o advance_v to_o a_o high_a dignity_n the_o word_n of_o a_o judicious_a nonconfor_n mist_n which_o i_o shall_v here_o 144._o cite_v be_v very_o pertinent_a to_o my_o purpose_n if_o a_o minister_n say_v he_o be_v only_o so_o to_o his_o own_o congregation_n and_o not_o in_o other_o church_n then_o be_v not_o the_o church_n of_o god_n one_o nor_o the_o ministry_n one_o nor_o the_o flock_n which_o they_o feed_v one_o nor_o the_o communion_n one_o which_o they_o have_v each_o with_o other_o and_o i_o add_v that_o if_o a_o minister_n as_o such_o be_v relate_v to_o the_o catholic_n church_n if_o he_o may_v be_v remove_v from_o one_o part_n of_o it_o and_o take_v on_o he_o the_o peculiar_a charge_n of_o another_o without_o a_o new_a ordination_n as_o the_o presbyterian_o general_o asseâ—â—_n then_o be_v the_o church_n one_o the_o ministry_n one_o the_o flock_n which_o they_o feed_v one_o and_o the_o communion_n be_v one_o as_o that_o of_o a_o visible_a and_o political_a society_n 2._o if_o a_o bishop_n or_o other_o minister_n appoint_v by_o he_o confer_v baptism_n on_o person_n fit_a to_o receive_v it_o it_o be_v as_o effectual_a every_o where_o as_o if_o all_o the_o spiritual_a paster_n upon_o earth_n have_v concur_v in_o that_o act._n it_o be_v that_o one_o baptism_n which_o never_o ought_v to_o be_v repeat_v nor_o be_v there_o any_o need_n that_o it_o shall_v for_o the_o â—ame_n be_v every_o where_o of_o the_o same_o virtue_n it_o both_o qualify_v we_o alike_o in_o all_o place_n for_o christian_a communion_n and_o give_v we_o a_o right_a to_o demand_v it_o in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o world_n but_o of_o this_o more_o hereafter_o 3._o when_o a_o bishop_n excommunicate_v oftender_n they_o be_v thereby_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n we_o have_v be_v tell_v by_o a_o dissenter_n that_o whosoever_o will_v erect_v a_o state_v national_a govern_v church_n in_o england_n 〈◊〉_d find_v we_o a_o officer_n clothe_v with_o authority_n to_o excommunicate_v from_o michael_n '_o sâ—mount_v â—mount_z in_o cornwall_n to_o carlisle_n and_o berwick_n but_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o such_o a_o discovery_n to_o prove_v more_o than_o he_o demand_v to_o prove_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n it_o be_v enough_o that_o when_o a_o bishop_n excommunicate_v any_o criminal_n of_o his_o own_o diocese_n the_o effect_n of_o his_o sentence_n reach_v every_o where_o and_o at_o the_o great_a distance_n it_o be_v obligatory_a to_o his_o colleague_n who_o be_v due_o inform_v of_o it_o be_v â—o_o regulate_v their_o practice_n by_o it_o and_o not_o admit_v those_o to_o communion_n who_o he_o have_v expel_v from_o 203._o it_o unless_o it_o be_v by_o he_o câ—â—â—ent_n either_o express_o give_v or_o virtual_o contain_v in_o 〈…〉_z of_o the_o church_n and_o ancient_o it_o be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o business_n oâ—_n episcopal_a letter_n to_o declare_v what_o offender_n be_v excommunicate_a that_o they_o may_v every_v where_o be_v avoid_v or_o treat_v as_o person_n that_o be_v eject_v out_o of_o the_o christian_a society_n this_o way_n of_o proceed_v with_o they_o be_v a_o plain_a argument_n that_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o these_o time_n ecclesiastical_a government_n be_v one_o however_o the_o administration_n of_o it_o be_v in_o many_o hand_n and_o it_o be_v also_o agreeable_a to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o will_v not_o suffer_v we_o to_o believe_v that_o they_o who_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n in_o one_o country_n be_v member_n of_o it_o in_o another_o they_o can_v gain_v no_o such_o advantage_n by_o shift_a place_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v think_v that_o they_o be_v keep_v bind_v and_o lose_v on_o earthâ—_n unless_o they_o may_v be_v absolve_v and_o condemn_v in_o heaven_n at_o the_o same_o time_n 4._o it_o follow_v that_o when_o a_o bishop_n absolve_v the_o offender_n of_o he_o diocese_n from_o the_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n under_o which_o he_o have_v put_v they_o he_o thereby_o restless_a they_o to_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n thus_o it_o be_v general_o think_v 〈◊〉_d the_o primitive_a time_n and_o the_o person_n to_o absolve_v have_v obtain_v from_o their_o bishop_n his_o communicatory_a 232._o letter_n be_v then_o as_o much_o qualify_v for_o full_a communion_n in_o worship_n with_o other_o christian_n in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n as_o if_o they_o have_v 〈◊〉_d be_v condemn_v all_o other_o bishop_n to_o who_o they_o apply_v themselves_o be_v oblige_v to_o râ—â—â—â—ve_v they_o into_o the_o number_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o to_o act_v by_o the_o sentence_n of_o 〈◊〉_d colleague_n as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v their_o own_o and_o this_o they_o do_v sometime_o and_o think_v it_o expedient_a when_o they_o be_v not_o well_o satisfy_v with_o his_o 158._o proceed_n it_o be_v true_a the_o sentence_n of_o a_o bishop_n either_o for_o condemnation_n or_o absolution_n may_v be_v reverse_v or_o declare_v void_a by_o a_o synod_n and_o it_o be_v fit_a that_o it_o shall_v if_o it_o be_v unjust_a or_o sometime_o if_o it_o be_v only_o irregular_a if_o it_o be_v otherwise_o he_o may_v withdraw_v it_o or_o he_o conclude_v by_o the_o vote_n of_o the_o synod_n and_o it_o be_v â—â—ch_a better_a in_o such_o case_n that_o one_o shall_v submit_v to_o the_o
any_o thing_n that_o can_v make_v it_o innocent_a 1._o we_o be_v therefore_o to_o inquire_v in_o the_o first_o place_n whether_o your_o separation_n before_o you_o conform_v be_v not_o sinful_a and_o this_o may_v easy_o be_v resolve_v for_o it_o be_v clear_a from_o what_o go_v before_o that_o it_o be_v causeless_a and_o consequent_o schismatical_a perhaps_o it_o may_v be_v object_v that_o many_o of_o you_o have_v never_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o therefore_o can_v not_o be_v deserter_n of_o it_o but_o to_o this_o i_o reply_v that_o if_o you_o only_o join_v with_o the_o society_n that_o make_v the_o revolt_n from_o it_o you_o be_v partaker_n in_o the_o offence_n they_o that_o go_v before_o you_o be_v as_o a_o corrupt_a fountain_n and_o you_o 〈◊〉_d the_o stream_n that_o issue_v from_o it_o and_o the_o fame_n malignant_a quality_n have_v taint_v both_o the_o conformist_n in_o the_o reign_n of_o queen_n elizabeth_n may_v say_v of_o the_o brownist_n or_o your_o first_o separatist_n as_o st._n cyprian_n 112._o do_v of_o the_o novatian_o we_o depart_v not_o from_o they_o but_o they_o depart_v from_o we_o and_o to_o you_o that_o by_o education_n be_v bring_v into_o the_o community_n of_o those_o that_o divide_v the_o church_n we_o may_v say_v as_o optatas_fw-la do_v to_o the_o donatist_n 23._o your_o ancestor_n commit_v that_o crime_n and_o you_o labour_v to_o walk_v in_o their_o wicked_a step_n that_o what_o your_o predecessor_n have_v do_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o schism_n you_o may_v appear_v long_o since_o to_o have_v act_v and_o still_o to_o act_v they_o in_o their_o day_n do_v break_v the_o peace_n and_o you_o do_v now_o banish_v unity_n to_o your_o parent_n and_o yourselves_o these_o word_n may_v fit_o be_v apply_v if_o the_o blind_a lead_n the_o blind_a 14._o they_o both_o fall_v into_o the_o ditch_n when_o manasses_n the_o brother_n of_o jaddus_n withdraw_v himself_o from_o jerusalem_n and_o officiate_v as_o highpriest_n in_o the_o temple_n as_o garizin_n which_o be_v build_v for_o he_o by_o sanbaâ—et_n both_o he_o and_o they_o of_o his_o own_o nation_n that_o concur_v with_o he_o act_v what_o be_v high_o criminal_a but_o the_o matter_n do_v not_o â—â—st_n here_o for_o their_o posterity_n grievous_o offend_v in_o keep_v up_o the_o defection_n which_o their_o predecessor_n have_v begin_v and_o their_o cause_n be_v condemn_v upon_o a_o fair_a trial_n before_o ptolemaeus_n 434._o philometer_n and_o thus_o not_o only_o they_o that_o be_v first_o in_o a_o schism_n but_o their_o follower_n and_o such_o as_o come_v into_o it_o in_o succeed_a time_n contract_v the_o guilt_n of_o it_o the_o new_a member_n that_o be_v add_v to_o the_o former_a schismatic_n be_v together_o with_o they_o of_o one_o body_n as_o they_o that_o from_o time_n to_o time_n be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n be_v of_o another_o one_o thing_n on_o which_o the_o dispute_n between_o the_o advocate_n for_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o for_o that_o at_o garizin_v do_v main_o turn_v be_v the_o question_n on_o which_o side_n be_v the_o ancient_a succession_n of_o priest_n but_o this_o be_v easy_o determine_v for_o the_o former_a and_o now_o if_o the_o whole_a issue_n of_o the_o controversiae_fw-la between_o the_o conformist_n and_o dissenter_n be_v put_v upon_o this_o whether_o of_o they_o have_v the_o best_a title_n to_o a_o succession_n of_o lawful_a pastor_n it_o will_v not_o be_v difficult_a to_o decide_v it_o for_o you_o grant_v i_o suppose_v and_o it_o be_v otherwise_o evident_a that_o such_o a_o succession_n be_v continue_v with_o we_o but_o it_o appear_v from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v that_o in_o your_o way_n of_o separation_n you_o neither_o have_v nor_o can_v have_v any_o such_o thing_n indeed_o many_o of_o the_o separatist_n have_v episeopal_a ordination_n but_o some_o of_o they_o renounce_v it_o and_o as_o in_o mockery_n ordain_v one_o another_o other_o make_v no_o such_o abdication_n as_o the_o former_a yet_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o their_o bishop_n they_o exercise_v their_o office_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o be_v direct_o against_o their_o own_o solemn_a promise_n and_o sacramental_a engagement_n but_o none_o of_o they_o have_v power_n to_o constitute_v other_o presbyter_n or_o in_o the_o language_n of_o 4._o epiphanius_n to_o give_v father_n to_o the_o church_n as_o for_o the_o rest_n of_o your_o teacher_n they_o be_v mere_a layman_n and_o act_n under_o a_o false_a character_n in_o matter_n of_o the_o high_a importance_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o men._n so_o that_o you_o can_v be_v follower_n of_o none_o of_o the_o dissent_v guide_n without_o schism_n and_o a_o breach_n of_o obedience_n where_o it_o be_v due_a but_o with_o some_o of_o they_o you_o can_v not_o communicate_v without_o bear_v a_o part_n in_o their_o imposture_n 2._o if_o your_o former_a separation_n be_v sinful_a your_o return_n to_o it_o must_v be_v sinful_a also_o it_o must_v be_v so_o in_o a_o high_a degree_n because_o a_o relapse_n into_o sin_n after_o reformation_n be_v a_o great_a offence_n than_o the_o first_o commission_n of_o it_o it_o have_v be_v better_a therefore_o that_o you_o have_v not_o know_v the_o way_n of_o peace_n than_o after_o you_o have_v experience_n of_o it_o to_o forsake_v it_o better_o that_o you_o have_v not_o come_v into_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n than_o to_o break_v it_o again_o you_o be_v now_o become_v more_o inexcusable_a than_o you_o be_v before_o and_o thus_o far_o your_o latter_a end_n be_v worse_a than_o your_o beginning_n 3._o if_o your_o separation_n be_v otherwise_o sinful_a the_o law_n have_v not_o alter_v 〈◊〉_d case_n or_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o can_v makâ—â—_n it_o innocent_a i_o need_v say_v nothing_o of_o the_o toleration_n which_o be_v grant_v to_o you_o by_o the_o dispense_v power_n and_o draw_v you_o into_o the_o snare_n for_o i_o suppose_v you_o ground_n your_o present_a liberty_n on_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n but_o if_o you_o 〈◊〉_d not_o within_o the_o intent_n of_o that_o act_n it_o leave_v you_o where_o it_o find_v you_o and_o can_v aâ—ford_v nothing_o for_o your_o justification_n the_o act_n itself_o will_v best_o satisfy_v you_o of_o this_o and_o upon_o perusal_n of_o it_o you_o will_v find_v that_o it_o be_v only_o design_v to_o give_v ease_n to_o tender_a conscience_n but_o you_o be_v not_o of_o that_o number_n indeed_o we_o can_v penetrate_v into_o your_o heart_n but_o charity_n oblige_v we_o to_o believe_v that_o you_o do_v not_o come_v to_o our_o church_n with_o doubt_n and_o fear_n upon_o you_o that_o your_o conformity_n be_v unlawful_a but_o be_v general_o well_o assure_v that_o it_o be_v consistent_a with_o your_o duty_n and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o this_o be_v the_o very_a thing_n which_o cut_v you_o off_o from_o the_o indulgence_n which_o you_o claim_v by_o the_o law_n that_o be_v design_v only_o for_o perâ—â—ns_n of_o another_o character_n but_o what_o have_v the_o law_n do_v for_o the_o scrupulous_a have_v it_o approve_v their_o several_a way_n or_o set_v they_o all_o in_o the_o right_a that_o can_v be_v for_o they_o be_v inconsistent_a and_o contradict_v one_o another_o it_o only_o tolerate_v they_o and_o we_o may_v tolerate_v pain_n and_o sickness_n and_o other_o evil_n from_o which_o we_o have_v a_o great_a aversion_n but_o they_o remain_v evil_n still_o and_o so_o must_v church-division_n under_o any_o dispensation_n whatsoever_o the_o law_n say_v this_o for_o the_o scrupulous_a that_o upon_o the_o condition_n to_o be_v perform_v by_o they_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v liable_a to_o any_o pain_n penalty_n or_o forfeiture_n lay_v on_o they_o by_o some_o former_a act_n nor_o shall_v they_o be_v prosecute_v in_o any_o ecclesiastical_a court_n for_o their_o nonconform_v to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n but_o this_o can_v never_o justify_v their_o nonconformity_n for_o if_o the_o punishment_n against_o profane_v the_o lord_n day_n and_o common_a swear_v and_o other_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n be_v take_v off_o they_o will_v still_o be_v criminal_a as_o they_o be_v before_o and_o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o schism_n as_o long_o as_o it_o be_v condemn_v in_o scripture_n no_o humane_a allowance_n or_o permission_n can_v make_v it_o lawful_a if_o heresy_n and_o schism_n be_v enjoin_v by_o a_o law_n which_o be_v more_o than_o a_o allowance_n or_o toleration_n of_o they_o they_o will_v not_o be_v free_v from_o their_o malignity_n or_o cease_v to_o be_v sinful_a but_o to_o the_o imposer_n of_o thing_n so_o contrary_a to_o divine_a revelation_n and_o institution_n we_o shall_v have_v reason_n to_o say_v whether_o it_o be_v right_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n to_o hearken_v unto_o you_o more_o than_o unto_o god_n judge_v you_o i_o be_o far_o from_o derogate_a from_o the_o authority_n of_o
he_o be_v a_o stranger_n as_o well_o as_o if_o he_o be_v a_o native_a of_o it_o from_o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o both_o stranger_n and_o native_n be_v alike_o of_o the_o same_o political_a body_n and_o this_o reason_n must_v be_v good_a if_o aristotle_n have_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o a_o city_n who_o be_v general_o allow_v to_o write_v of_o such_o thing_n with_o great_a exactness_n what_o have_v be_v say_v sufficient_o show_v how_o the_o catholic_n church_n however_o disperse_v be_v one_o but_o it_o will_v appear_v with_o the_o great_a force_n if_o you_o please_v to_o compare_v it_o with_o the_o case_n of_o independent_a and_o separate_a society_n in_o which_o you_o find_v nothing_o like_o it_o you_o may_v bear_v office_n in_o one_o of_o these_o society_n but_o have_v no_o title_n to_o it_o nor_o have_v any_o of_o your_o act_n esteem_v valid_a in_o another_o you_o may_v be_v member_n of_o one_o and_o just_o exclude_v from_o another_o you_o may_v enjoy_v the_o privilege_n of_o one_o and_o want_v those_o of_o another_o you_o may_v be_v banish_v from_o one_o and_o make_v denizen_n of_o another_o act_n of_o state_n bind_v only_o the_o subject_n of_o the_o state_n and_o oblige_v not_o foreigner_n that_o be_v under_o another_o dominion_n but_o this_o demonstrate_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n that_o what_o be_v do_v by_o one_o governor_n or_o bishop_n be_v valid_a among_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o taht_v a_o private_a christian_a who_o have_v a_o obligation_n on_o he_o and_o a_o right_n to_o a_o actual_a and_o full_a communion_n with_o a_o particular_a church_n have_v the_o like_a with_o all_o other_o church_n where_o he_o happen_v to_o reside_v have_v prove_v that_o the_o universal_a church_n be_v one_o body_n i_o shall_v only_o add_v what_o give_v we_o great_a encouragement_n to_o preserve_v the_o unity_n of_o it_o and_o afford_v we_o a_o most_o delightful_a contemplation_n that_o it_o be_v now_o the_o same_o body_n that_o it_o be_v from_o the_o 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and_o from_o they_o it_o be_v daily_o that_o church_n become_v such_o and_o so_o be_v esteem_v apostolical_a as_o be_v the_o offspring_n of_o the_o apostolical_a church_n every_o thing_n must_v be_v reckon_v with_o its_o original_a and_o therefore_o so_o many_o great_a church_n be_v as_o the_o one_o first_o church_n constitute_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o from_o which_o all_o be_v descend_v so_o all_o be_v first_o and_o apostolical_a whilst_o they_o alike_o approve_v the_o unity_n whilst_o there_o be_v among_o they_o the_o communication_n of_o peace_n the_o title_n of_o brotherhood_n the_o covenant_n of_o hospitality_n the_o right_n of_o which_o nothing_o preserve_v but_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o same_o sacrament_n or_o mystery_n but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o for_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o apostle_n we_o be_v so_o with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n that_o which_o we_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v 3_o declare_v we_o unto_o you_o say_v st._n john_n that_o you_o also_o may_v have_v fellowship_n with_o we_o and_o true_o our_o fellowship_n be_v with_o the_o father_n and_o with_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n the_o father_n will_v take_v care_n of_o we_o as_o his_o peculiar_a people_n and_o the_o son_n will_v influence_n and_o govern_v we_o as_o our_o head_n a_o head_n that_o have_v such_o a_o tenderness_n for_o his_o church_n that_o he_o be_v represent_v in_o scripture_n as_o make_v up_o one_o person_n with_o it_o 12._o for_o say_v the_o apostle_n as_o the_o body_n be_v one_o and_o have_v many_o member_n and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o that_o one_o body_n be_v many_o be_v one_o body_n so_o also_o be_v christ_n and_o be_v of_o his_o church_n we_o be_v assure_v 30._o that_o he_o will_v nourish_v and_o cherish_v we_o as_o member_n of_o his_o body_n of_o his_o flesh_n and_o of_o his_o bone_n sect_n ii_o we_o have_v see_v that_o all_o christian_n ought_v to_o be_v unite_v in_o faith_n love_n and_o in_o outward_a worship_n and_o communion_n and_o if_o you_o grant_v this_o you_o must_v also_o acknowledge_v that_o a_o breach_n of_o union_n in_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n wherever_o the_o fault_n be_v must_v needs_o be_v sinful_a for_o it_o be_v plain_a i._o that_o if_o there_o be_v but_o one_o faith_n deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n for_o which_o they_o must_v earnest_o contend_v they_o grievous_o offend_v who_o add_v new_a article_n to_o it_o or_o take_v away_o from_o it_o such_o as_o be_v already_o reveal_v or_o otherwise_o deprave_v it_o by_o a_o mixture_n of_o falsehood_n and_o so_o far_o as_o they_o do_v so_o we_o ought_v to_o depart_v from_o they_o and_o not_o betray_v or_o deny_v the_o truth_n in_o compliance_n with_o they_o ii_o if_o all_o the_o faithful_a must_v be_v firm_o link_v together_o in_o love_n this_o must_v condemn_v all_o discord_n and_o malice_n 3_o all_o envy_v and_o strife_n among_o they_o as_o be_v direct_o against_o the_o spirit_n of_o charity_n and_o indeed_o where_o these_o thing_n be_v 16._o there_o be_v confusion_n and_o every_o evil_a work_n iii_o if_o all_o the_o faithful_a be_v oblige_v to_o live_v in_o outward_a communion_n as_o visible_a member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n than_o such_o a_o division_n in_o the_o body_n as_o be_v a_o breach_n of_o that_o communion_n must_v be_v criminal_a a_o thing_n i_o know_v that_o many_o of_o you_o be_v unwilling_a to_o hear_v of_o but_o mr._n baxter_n 1659._o have_v suggest_v a_o reason_n of_o it_o which_o i_o hope_v do_v not_o reach_v you_o all_o whence_o be_v it_o say_v he_o but_o for_o want_v of_o self-denial_n that_o man_n that_o know_v that_o whoredom_n and_o drunkenness_n and_o these_o be_v sin_n can_v be_v ignorant_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o light_n that_o discord_n and_o church-division_n be_v sin_n and_o that_o they_o hear_v he_o with_o heart-rising_a enmity_n or_o suspicion_n that_o do_v declaim_v against_o they_o as_o if_o unite_n be_v become_v the_o work_n of_o satan_n and_o divide_v be_v become_v the_o work_n of_o christ_n these_o word_n i_o will_v recommend_v to_o your_o serious_a thought_n and_o be_v now_o come_v to_o that_o which_o be_v the_o chief_a subject_n of_o our_o debate_n i_o desire_v you_o sincere_o to_o consider_v that_o not_o only_o modern_a writer_n but_o the_o father_n who_o be_v no_o party_n in_o our_o present_a controversy_n speak_v of_o schism_n as_o a_o most_o horrid_a crime_n st._n optatus_n 23._o mention_n it_o as_o a_o mighty_a wickedness_n and_o argue_v that_o it_o be_v worse_a than_o murder_n and_o idolatry_n and_o st._n chrysostom_n 822._o affirm_v that_o nothing_o equal_o provoke_v god_n as_o the_o division_n of_o his_o church_n he_o make_v it_o equal_a to_o the_o crucify_a of_o christ_n which_o he_o say_v be_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o world_n however_o not_o intend_v but_o this_o continue_v he_o afford_v no_o benefit_n but_o the_o great_a mischief_n to_o mention_v no_o more_o at_o this_o time_n st._n irenaeus_n 62._o say_v that_o god_n will_v judge_v the_o schismatic_n who_o have_v not_o the_o love_n of_o god_n but_o be_v intent_n on_o their_o own_o profit_n rather_o than_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n for_o small_a matter_n or_o for_o any_o divide_v the_o great_a and_o glorious_a body_n of_o christ_n and_o do_v what_o in_o they_o lie_v to_o kill_v it_o speaking_z peace_n but_o make_v war_n strain_v indeed_o at_o a_o gnat_n and_o swallow_v a_o camel_n you_o need_v not_o think_v it_o strange_a that_o these_o excellent_a man_n who_o have_v see_v the_o sad_a effect_n of_o church-division_n express_v such_o a_o abhorrence_n of_o they_o st._n paul_n himself_o reckon_v sedition_n and_o heresy_n with_o adultery_n fornication_n uncleanness_n lasciviousness_n idolatry_n withchcraft_n and_o other_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n of_o which_o he_o say_v that_o they_o that_o practise_v such_o
thing_n for_o which_o they_o contend_v that_o calvin_n himself_o 16._o who_o be_v the_o father_n of_o their_o discipline_n can_v find_v in_o it_o no_o such_o matter_n for_o he_o think_v that_o presbytery_n here_o signify_v the_o office_n of_o a_o presbyter_n and_o then_o the_o meaning_n will_v be_v that_o timothy_n shall_v not_o neglect_v but_o be_v careful_a to_o exercise_v that_o presbyterial_a office_n or_o power_n which_o be_v commit_v to_o he_o by_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n so_o that_o if_o the_o great_a patron_n of_o presbytery_n and_o one_o that_o have_v sagacity_n enough_o to_o discover_v what_o may_v be_v advantageous_a to_o it_o be_v not_o mistake_v this_o passage_n of_o scripture_n afford_v it_o no_o support_v mr._n selden_n 14._o favour_v the_o interpretation_n of_o calvin_n and_o confirm_v it_o with_o citation_n from_o the_o story_n of_o susanna_n from_o josephus_n from_o eusebius_n and_o from_o the_o council_n of_o ancyra_n yet_o remain_v something_o doubtful_a of_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o word_n he_o censure_v those_o ibid._n who_o from_o this_o single_a place_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o that_o of_o a_o uncertain_a read_n and_o sense_n form_v such_o strange_a notion_n of_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o a_o christian_a presbytery_n as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v then_o found_v on_o a_o divine_a institution_n nevertheless_o let_v we_o suppose_v that_o by_o the_o presbytery_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v the_o person_n that_o do_v bear_v the_o office_n we_o be_v not_o certain_a from_o the_o expression_n itself_o who_o be_v here_o intend_v by_o it_o for_o it_o be_v a_o name_n of_o dignity_n not_o always_o take_v in_o its_o limit_a sense_n but_o sometime_o attribute_v to_o ecclesiastical_a officer_n of_o the_o high_a rank_n 1._o st._n john_n twice_o call_v himself_o a_o presbyter_n in_o his_o epistle_n 1._o and_o st._n peter_n assume_v the_o same_o title_n 1._o where_o he_o say_v the_o elder_n which_o be_v among_o you_o i_o exhort_v who_o be_o also_o a_o elder_a and_o now_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o the_o supreme_a or_o inferior_a presbyter_n ordain_v timothy_n that_o be_v whether_o they_o do_v it_o who_o have_v power_n to_o ordain_v he_o or_o they_o who_o as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v find_v never_o have_v any_o such_o authority_n and_o this_o i_o think_v admit_v of_o a_o easy_a resolution_n we_o do_v not_o find_v in_o scripture_n that_o to_o mere_a presbyter_n any_o such_o authority_n be_v ever_o commit_v nor_o be_v there_o any_o footstep_n of_o it_o in_o antiquity_n but_o if_o they_o must_v be_v think_v to_o have_v quit_v it_o present_o after_o the_o apostle_n day_n there_o be_v never_o man_n that_o at_o such_o a_o vast_a distance_n of_o place_n so_o universal_o and_o all_o on_o a_o sudden_a conspire_v to_o degrade_v themselves_o and_o to_o yield_v up_o their_o right_n tame_o without_o any_o complaint_n yet_o with_o so_o much_o artifice_n must_v they_o be_v imagine_v to_o have_v betray_v their_o trust_n and_o cover_v their_o shame_n that_o no_o discovery_n be_v make_v of_o it_o for_o fifteen_o hundred_o year_n we_o hear_v of_o no_o claim_n of_o any_o such_o power_n make_v by_o any_o presbyter_n before_o the_o four_o century_n when_o aerius_n and_o other_o oppose_a episcopacy_n but_o they_o be_v expel_v from_o the_o church_n 3._o and_o can_v no_o where_o gain_n a_o establishment_n nor_o be_v they_o of_o such_o a_o character_n as_o may_v give_v reputation_n to_o any_o cause_n yet_o if_o mere_a presbyter_n may_v constiture_n other_o of_o their_o own_o character_n it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o they_o can_v ordain_v timothy_n who_o be_v a_o bishop_n and_o have_v jurisdiction_n over_o they_o as_o i_o have_v show_v in_o another_o place_n they_o can_v not_o give_v what_o they_o never_o have_v nor_o communicate_v a_o power_n which_o they_o have_v never_o receive_v thus_o the_o father_n argue_v in_o the_o case_n and_o on_o another_o occasion_n salmasius_n himself_o assert_v 232._o that_o such_o reason_n be_v good_a concern_v the_o conveyance_n of_o a_o authority_n which_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n as_o that_o be_v which_o be_v now_o in_o question_n the_o dissenter_n i_o know_v contend_v that_o timothy_n be_v not_o a_o bishop_n but_o a_o evangelist_n and_o evangelist_n say_v they_o be_v extraordinary_a officer_n they_o be_v companion_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o of_o a_o high_a rank_n than_o pastor_n but_o if_o this_o be_v admit_v do_v it_o at_o all_o mend_v the_o matter_n who_o ever_o see_v or_o read_v say_v salmasius_n 18._o that_o they_o who_o be_v to_o have_v extraordinary_a power_n be_v delegated_a by_o those_o who_o have_v no_o more_o than_o ordinary_a can_v you_o imagine_v that_o mere_a presbyter_n can_v ordain_v a_o evangelist_n who_o office_n be_v so_o much_o exalt_v above_o their_o own_o can_v you_o real_o believe_v when_o there_o be_v no_o revelation_n for_o it_o no_o ground_n for_o any_o such_o thing_n that_o the_o private_a minister_n of_o a_o congregation_n appoint_a colleague_n for_o the_o apostle_n sure_o it_o be_v more_o probable_a at_o least_o if_o it_o can_v not_o otherwise_o be_v discover_v that_o the_o apostle_n make_v choice_n of_o their_o own_o fellow-labourer_n to_o who_o as_o there_o be_v opportunity_n they_o commit_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o to_o prevent_v all_o cavil_v as_o much_o as_o possible_a let_v we_o suppose_v what_o i_o do_v not_o grant_v that_o the_o person_n in_o the_o text_n be_v mere_a presbyter_n it_o do_v not_o prove_v that_o other_o who_o at_o this_o time_n assume_v that_o title_n have_v the_o power_n of_o ordain_v presbyter_n and_o if_o they_o attempt_v it_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o text_n that_o may_v be_v for_o their_o vindication_n to_o make_v this_o appear_v 1._o it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o st._n paul_n himself_o ordain_v timothy_n and_o say_v to_o he_o on_o that_o occasion_n i_o put_v thou_o in_o remembrance_n that_o thou_o stir_v up_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o thou_o 6._o by_o the_o put_n on_o of_o my_o hand_n and_o if_o he_o condescend_v to_o call_v to_o his_o assistance_n some_o inferior_a officer_n for_o the_o great_a solemnity_n of_o the_o action_n it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o they_o can_v do_v it_o of_o themselves_o without_o he_o and_o much_o less_o that_o they_o can_v do_v it_o in_o opposition_n to_o he_o or_o any_o other_o that_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o same_o station_n 2._o if_o mere_a presbyter_n have_v the_o power_n of_o ordination_n when_o they_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v confer_v it_o on_o timothy_n it_o may_v well_o be_v think_v to_o have_v be_v some_o personal_a privilege_n which_o die_v with_o they_o for_o we_o find_v no_o mark_n of_o it_o in_o succeed_a time_n st._n jerome_n 1._o who_o of_o all_o the_o father_n be_v the_o great_a favourite_n of_o the_o presbyterian_o say_v that_o original_o a_o presbyter_n be_v the_o same_o as_o a_o bishop_n and_o that_o at_o first_o the_o church_n be_v govern_v by_o the_o common_a council_n of_o priest_n till_o by_o the_o instigation_n of_o the_o devil_n division_n do_v arise_v and_o one_o say_v i_o be_o of_o paul_n and_o another_o say_v i_o be_o of_o apollo_n or_o i_o of_o cephas_n and_o than_o it_o be_v decree_v all_o over_o the_o world_n that_o one_o choose_v out_o of_o the_o presbytery_n shall_v be_v place_v over_o the_o rest_n that_o to_o he_o the_o whole_a care_n of_o the_o church_n may_v be_v commit_v and_o so_o the_o seed_n of_o schism_n be_v extirpate_v and_o if_o he_o have_v true_o relate_v the_o matter_n this_o change_n must_v have_v be_v make_v when_o many_o of_o the_o apostle_n be_v alive_a and_o transact_v by_o themselves_o and_o we_o need_v not_o doubt_n but_o when_o the_o new_a prelate_n be_v constitute_v they_o be_v distinguish_v from_o all_o inferior_a officer_n by_o the_o power_n of_o ordination_n certain_a it_o be_v that_o afterward_o this_o power_n be_v every_o where_o think_v peculiar_a to_o the_o bishop_n and_o when_o they_o have_v be_v in_o possession_n of_o it_o much_o above_o a_o thousand_o year_n common_a equity_n require_v that_o we_o shall_v judge_v they_o to_o have_v have_v it_o by_o right_n unless_o the_o contrary_n do_v appear_v but_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n to_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v usurper_n of_o it_o no_o probability_n that_o they_o will_v engross_v it_o to_o themselves_o especial_o in_o the_o early_a time_n when_o they_o be_v general_o such_o mighty_a instance_n of_o humility_n and_o meekness_n of_o patience_n and_o self-denial_n there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o complaint_n leâ—t_v we_o of_o any_o such_o thing_n nor_o be_v it_o at_o all_o credible_a that_o they_o shall_v so_o universal_o attempt_v it_o or_o if_o they_o do_v that_o they_o shall_v have_v the_o same_o success_n in_o all_o the_o church_n upon_o earth_n it_o follow_v