of_o those_o that_o have_v divide_v from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v very_o easy_a and_o obvious_a disobedient_a they_o be_v to_o the_o lawful_a authority_n in_o this_o church_n and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o their_o deny_n to_o obey_v the_o order_n decree_n constitution_n lawful_o make_v by_o they_o which_o have_v the_o authority_n but_o in_o a_o utter_a withdraw_n of_o their_o obedience_n for_o the_o future_a yea_o in_o abolish_n and_o take_v away_o as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lay_v that_o very_a authority_n and_o office_n too_o a_o step_n far_o than_o ever_o the_o ancient_a schismatic_n go_v and_o all_o this_o against_o the_o constitution_n and_o custom_n not_o only_o of_o this_o church_n but_o of_o all_o the_o catholic_n church_n against_o that_o charity_n which_o saint_n paul_n enjoin_v as_o most_o necessary_a to_o preserve_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o keep_v out_o schism_n against_o all_o the_o admonition_n not_o once_o and_o again_o as_o the_o apostle_n bid_v titus_n but_o often_o give_v they_o yea_o satisfaction_n endeavour_v by_o the_o governor_n and_o writer_n of_o this_o church_n in_o all_o the_o particular_n of_o government_n worship_n and_o ceremony_n which_o the_o contentious_a from_o time_n to_o time_n except_v against_o §._o x._o answer_n to_o their_o plea_n against_o this_o chu_n let_v we_o then_o hear_v what_o they_o plead_v to_o this_o charge_n by_o way_n of_o exception_n against_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o brief_o rejoin_v so_o as_o may_v be_v to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o they_o at_o least_o who_o desire_v to_o continue_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n notwithstanding_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o time_n and_o to_o the_o reduction_n of_o such_o as_o follow_v the_o schism_n in_o the_o simplicity_n of_o their_o heart_n deceive_v by_o the_o fair_a pretence_n thereof_o purity_n their_o general_a pretention_n for_o themselves_o and_o exception_n against_o this_o church_n be_v their_o desire_n or_o seek_v of_o purity_n holiness_n strict_a walk_n which_o they_o can_v not_o have_v or_o exercise_n in_o that_o way_n they_o desire_v under_o the_o government_n or_o in_o the_o way_n of_o worship_n use_v in_o this_o church_n of_o england_n answ_n the_o pretence_n of_o purity_n holiness_n and_o strict_a life_n have_v a_o fair_a gloss_n and_o to_o endeavour_v it_o real_o and_o conscionable_o be_v the_o duty_n and_o shall_v indeed_o be_v the_o desire_n and_o care_n of_o every_o christian_a but_o we_o find_v the_o pharisee_n in_o the_o jewish_a church_n pretend_v to_o it_o above_o all_o other_o and_o by_o the_o force_a exercise_n of_o it_o draw_v admiration_n from_o the_o beholder_n and_o bring_v in_o proselyte_n to_o their_o sect_n and_o it_o will_v be_v worth_a the_o examine_v at_o least_o in_o the_o conscience_n of_o these_o pretender_n whether_o their_o righteousness_n exceed_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n our_o saviour_n have_v also_o foretell_v that_o false_a teacher_n shall_v arise_v in_o his_o church_n purity_n and_o come_v in_o sheep_n clothing_n but_o may_v be_v know_v by_o their_o fruit_n we_o find_v also_o that_o the_o ancient_a and_o famous_a schism_n of_o the_o novatian_n and_o donatist_n have_v the_o pretence_n of_o purity_n and_o strictness_n novatus_n about_o the_o year_n 250._o be_v so_o strict_a that_o he_o deny_v reconciliation_n to_o all_o that_o after_o baptism_n fall_v into_o adultery_n or_o in_o time_n of_o persecution_n yield_v to_o idolatry_n and_o break_v with_o the_o church_n for_o readmit_v such_o upon_o their_o unfeigned_a repentance_n his_o follower_n be_v call_v cathari_n or_o puritan_n upon_o this_o pretence_n and_o many_o follower_n he_o have_v yea_o many_o of_o the_o confessor_n such_o as_o suffer_v for_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v carry_v away_o with_o that_o false_a pretence_n and_o side_v awhile_o with_o he_o till_o see_v their_o error_n they_o return_v again_o to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o condemn_v his_o schism_n as_o saint_n cyprian_n relate_v it_o to_o cornelius_n ep._n 46._o donatus_n in_o the_o next_o age_n after_o he_o discontent_v because_o he_o can_v not_o be_v make_v bishop_n of_o carthage_n divide_v himself_o and_o his_o party_n from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n despise_v it_o as_o a_o mix_a company_n of_o good_a and_o bad_a and_o rebaptise_v all_o that_o revolt_a from_o the_o church_n to_o his_o communion_n confine_v the_o true_a church_n only_o to_o those_o of_o his_o persuasion_n for_o under_o that_o pretence_n of_o purity_n he_o draw_v many_o away_o and_o it_o prove_v a_o schism_n of_o great_a extent_n and_o long_a continuance_n if_o therefore_o this_o be_v one_o reason_n wherefore_o our_o pretender_n can_v as_o they_o conceive_v have_v that_o purity_n or_o partake_v of_o the_o ordinance_n as_o they_o ought_v because_o of_o carnal_a christian_n suffer_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o unworthy_a receiver_n admit_v to_o the_o sacrament_n it_o be_v long_o ago_o refute_v by_o s._n austin_n in_o his_o learned_a work_n against_o the_o donatist_n demonstrate_v by_o several_a place_n of_o scripture_n which_o acknowledge_v and_o by_o several_a parable_n of_o our_o saviour_n which_o represent_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o church_n on_o earth_n to_o be_v such_o for_o mixture_n as_o a_o heap_n of_o chaff_n and_o wheat_n in_o the_o same_o floor_n of_o good_a fish_n and_o bad_a in_o the_o same_o net_n of_o corn_n and_o tare_n in_o the_o same_o field_n and_o that_o neither_o the_o unworthiness_n of_o the_o minister_n or_o of_o other_o receiver_n make_v god_n ordinance_n ineffectual_a or_o pollute_v he_o that_o come_v in_o charity_n and_o with_o a_o conscience_n undefiled_a or_o cleanse_v from_o self-pollution_n it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n and_o belong_v to_o the_o duty_n of_o church-governor_n to_o cast_v out_o the_o scandalous_a or_o such_o as_o walk_v disorderly_a but_o when_o that_o be_v do_v it_o be_v not_o for_o any_o man_n to_o judge_v he_o or_o she_o be_v carnal_a and_o unsanctified_a for_o this_o be_v to_o take_v the_o lord_n fan_v out_o of_o hand_n with_o which_o he_o will_v purge_v his_o floor_n mat._n 3._o and_o by_o breach_n of_o charity_n to_o offend_v against_o his_o brother_n nay_o if_o that_o be_v not_o do_v but_o that_o disorderly_a person_n be_v yet_o suffer_v and_o come_v to_o the_o place_n of_o worship_n yea_o to_o the_o lord_n table_n the_o guilt_n rest_v upon_o the_o governor_n that_o be_v to_o see_v to_o it_o the_o ordinance_n be_v not_o less_o effectual_a to_o thou_o if_o by_o self-conceit_n and_o uncharitableness_n thou_o render_v not_o thyself_o uncapable_a of_o the_o benefit_n as_o the_o pharisee_n do_v when_o he_o see_v the_o publican_n in_o the_o temple_n with_o he_o yea_o for_o any_o thing_n thou_o know_v such_o a_o disorderly_a person_n may_v come_v at_o that_o time_n when_o thou_o be_v offend_v with_o he_o as_o the_o publican_n than_o do_v true_o penitent_a and_o convert_v xi_o trial_n of_o purity_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o next_o place_n i_o will_v know_v what_o hindrance_n or_o prohibition_n of_o purity_n or_o strict_a life_n have_v they_o in_o the_o communion_n of_o this_o church_n do_v the_o governor_n thereof_o forbid_v any_o thing_n which_o st._n james_n require_v to_o pure_a religion_n c._n 1._o ult._n to_o keep_v themselves_o unspotted_a of_o the_o world_n by_o covetousness_n self-seeking_a swear_v drunkenness_n lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n the_o common_a spot_n of_o the_o world_n or_o do_v they_o forbid_v to_o visit_v the_o fatherless_a and_o widow_n in_o their_o affliction_n or_o any_o work_n of_o charity_n may_v they_o not_o have_v do_v all_o these_o with_o praise_n and_o commendation_n have_v they_o continue_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o this_o church_n and_o for_o these_o other_o exercise_n of_o devotion_n prayer_n read_v hear_v which_o though_o belong_v to_o pure_a religion_n s._n james_n think_v good_a to_o omit_v we_o shall_v see_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o present_o may_v they_o not_o be_v have_v due_o frequent_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n forbid_v but_o the_o irregular_a use_n or_o seditious_a abuse_n of_o they_o private_a meeting_n or_o conventicle_n which_o be_v preparatory_n to_o separation_n and_o schism_n in_o a_o performance_n of_o those_o duty_n to_o the_o despise_n of_o the_o church_n or_o public_a assembly_n but_o they_o will_v say_v they_o can_v not_o have_v these_o exercise_n in_o public_a pure_o administer_v or_o perform_v that_o be_v as_o it_o will_v appear_v below_o not_o according_a to_o their_o own_o devise_v and_o fancy_n good_a reason_n there_o be_v that_o every_o christian_n shall_v have_v a_o special_a care_n of_o perform_v these_o duty_n of_o prayer_n read_v hear_v but_o see_v our_o pretender_n to_o purity_n seem_v to_o place_v the_o sum_n of_o religion_n in_o these_o especial_o i_o will_v wish_v
church_n as_o jerusalem_n antioch_n rome_n ephesus_n corinth_n and_o this_o practice_n and_o succession_n settle_v before_o st._n john_n the_o apostle_n die_v imaginable_a all_o which_o as_o it_o clear_o show_v those_o several_a angel_n of_o the_o several_a church_n to_o who_o our_o saviour_n by_o saint_n john_n do_v write_v can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o such_o bishop_n have_v chief_a care_n of_o and_o rule_n in_o those_o church_n and_o therefore_o more_o chargeable_a with_o the_o corruption_n prevail_v in_o they_o so_o do_v it_o clear_o convince_v that_o plea_n of_o the_o adversary_n which_o amount_v to_o a_o charge_v the_o first_o bishop_n with_o usurpation_n and_o invasion_n upon_o the_o right_n of_o presbyter_n or_o particular_a congregation_n to_o be_v a_o conceit_n altogether_o unreasonable_a for_o it_o be_v beyond_o all_o imagination_n that_o saint_n john_n will_v have_v suffer_v such_o a_o invasion_n or_o that_o those_o first_o bishop_n who_o converse_v with_o the_o apostle_n and_o be_v their_o disciple_n shall_v make_v such_o a_o invasion_n and_o immediate_o subvert_v the_o apostolical_a order_n pretend_v for_o the_o presbyterian_a consistory_n or_o that_o those_o first_o bishop_n be_v holy_a man_n and_o many_o of_o they_o martyr_n for_o still_o we_o find_v the_o heathen_a persecutor_n seek_v chief_o after_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o church_n that_o the_o chief_a pastor_n be_v smite_v the_o flock_n may_v be_v more_o easy_o scatter_v shall_v be_v so_o ambitious_a and_o unjust_a or_o last_o that_o the_o presbyter_n than_o shall_v be_v so_o tame_a as_o not_o once_o to_o complain_v of_o the_o wrong_n do_v they_o or_o to_o transmit_v their_o protestation_n against_o it_o to_o posterity_n to_o conclude_v this_o trial_n by_o scripture_n it_o come_v to_o this_o issue_n the_o adversary_n be_v bind_v to_o show_v direct_a authority_n of_o scripture_n against_o episcopal_a government_n it_o be_v in_o possession_n establish_v by_o the_o continue_a authority_n of_o this_o national_a church_n and_o which_o be_v more_o by_o the_o perpetual_a practice_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n against_o this_o it_o be_v expect_v they_o shall_v bring_v some_o place_n of_o scripture_n forbid_v that_o power_n of_o ordination_n and_o jurisdiction_n to_o be_v commit_v to_o special_a hand_n such_o as_o bishop_n proper_o take_v or_o commend_v it_o to_o the_o consistory_n of_o presbyter_n or_o some_o instance_n at_o least_o of_o that_o power_n exercise_v by_o such_o a_o company_n whereas_o all_o they_o can_v evince_v out_o of_o scripture_n be_v that_o there_o be_v presbyter_n strict_o so_o take_v and_o of_o the_o inferior_a rank_n which_o be_v grant_v they_o we_o show_v there_o be_v a_o prelacy_n still_o over_o such_o presbyter_n still_o there_o be_v special_a man_n that_o have_v a_o inspection_n and_o rule_n over_o they_o and_o when_o the_o apostle_n go_v off_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n show_v the_o power_n be_v leave_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o special_a man_n call_v bishop_n proper_o so_o that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n by_o bishop_n appear_v as_o be_v say_v above_o conformable_a not_o only_o to_o the_o universal_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n after_o the_o apostle_n time_n but_o also_o to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n i.e._n to_o the_o practice_n and_o pattern_n we_o have_v there_o 1._o of_o our_o saviour_n appoint_v twelve_o apostle_n and_o beside_o and_o under_o they_o seventy_o disciple_n of_o a_o low_a rank_n 2._o of_o apostolical_a practice_n by_o which_o we_o find_v the_o power_n exercise_v by_o special_a elder_n viz._n the_o apostle_n themselves_o or_o other_o choice_a man_n appoint_v thereunto_o by_o they_o whereas_o all_o elder_n have_v power_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n 3._o of_o the_o several_a angel_n of_o the_o several_a church_n to_o who_o the_o epistle_n be_v direct_v rev._n c._n 2._o and_o 3._o which_o be_v the_o last_o instance_n in_o holy_a writ_n to_o this_o purpose_n §._o xv_o episcopacy_n most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o reason_n of_o church-government_n last_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n by_o bishop_n be_v say_v above_o to_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o reason_n of_o church-government_n for_o preserve_v unity_n and_o exclude_v schism_n this_o be_v very_o obvious_a in_o the_o writing_n of_o the_o father_n st._n cyprian_n have_v much_o to_o do_v with_o the_o novatian_a schismatic_n of_o his_o time_n which_o cause_v he_o to_o write_v many_o epistle_n upon_o that_o occasion_n and_o a_o book_n entitle_v de_fw-la unitate_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la wherein_o he_o show_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n as_o to_o the_o prevent_n of_o schism_n stand_v much_o upon_o this_o that_o there_o be_v one_o bishop_n in_o one_o church_n st._n hierom_n who_o they_o of_o the_o presbyterian_a persuasion_n take_v for_o their_o best_a friend_n because_o he_o strive_v to_o advance_v the_o order_n of_o presbyter_n as_o much_o as_o he_o can_v yet_o as_o he_o deny_v the_o power_n of_o ordination_n belong_v to_o presbyter_n so_o he_o acknowledge_v that_o bishop_n be_v appoint_v over_o presbyter_n to_o keep_v out_o faction_n and_o schism_n that_o the_o people_n shall_v not_o say_v as_o they_o do_v at_o corinth_n i_o be_o of_o paul_n i_o of_o apollo_n i_o of_o this_o teacher_n i_o of_o that_o and_o for_o his_o say_n of_o presbyter_n that_o they_o do_v ancient_o communi_fw-la consilio_fw-la with_o joint_a advice_n rule_v the_o church_n be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v exclusiuè_fw-la to_o the_o bishop_n for_o such_o a_o time_n be_v never_o know_v in_o the_o church_n but_o joint_o with_o he_o as_o his_o council_n so_o be_v the_o presbyteri_fw-la civitatis_fw-la to_o the_o bishop_n and_o their_o advice_n be_v more_o use_v and_o there_o be_v more_o cause_n for_o it_o before_o the_o many_o canon_n and_o decree_n of_o council_n give_v rule_v in_o most_o particular_n what_o the_o bishop_n shall_v do_v as_o it_o be_v by_o that_o time_n s._n jerom_n write_v and_o whatever_o he_o say_v for_o the_o advance_n of_o the_o order_n of_o presbyter_n it_o be_v but_o to_o set_v they_o above_o all_o deacon_n even_o those_o that_o immediate_o attend_v on_o the_o bishop_n and_o it_o seem_v carry_v themselves_o too_o high_a it_o be_v not_o to_o equal_v they_o to_o bishop_n who_o prelacy_n st._n jerome_n acknowledge_v and_o think_v it_o very_o necessary_a for_o this_o purpose_n of_o keep_v out_o schism_n which_o the_o parity_n of_o presbyter_n will_v expose_v it_o to_o and_o i_o will_v appeal_v to_o the_o reason_n of_o any_o of_o that_o persuasion_n whether_o it_o be_v not_o more_o convenient_a and_o necessary_a for_o keep_v all_o in_o order_n to_o have_v one_o age_a grave_a learned_a and_o experience_v in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v the_o stand_a moderator_n of_o the_o classis_fw-la or_o company_n of_o presbyter_n than_o to_o change_v their_o moderator_n year_n by_o year_n and_o leave_v the_o place_n open_a to_o every_o young_a unexperienced_a presbyter_n that_o can_v make_v a_o faction_n to_o advance_v he_o unto_o it_o i_o have_v hear_v this_o inconvenience_n complain_v on_o by_o some_o of_o the_o new_a erect_a class_n whereas_o a_o bishop_n be_v such_o a_o moderator_n as_o be_v fix_v and_o above_o all_o competition_n be_v more_o enable_v to_o keep_v all_o ordinary_a presbyter_n in_o their_o station_n and_o within_o their_o bound_n and_o then_o again_o i_o will_v demand_v whether_o the_o apostle_n who_o complain_v of_o division_n as_o in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o of_o false_a teacher_n there_o and_o elsewhere_o be_v not_o careful_a to_o provide_v the_o most_o reasonable_a expedient_a in_o government_n against_o they_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v and_o upon_o this_o score_n and_o to_o this_o very_a end_n of_o preserve_a schism_n it_o can_v be_v think_v otherwise_o but_o that_o the_o apostle_n give_v beginning_n to_o this_o government_n throughout_o the_o church_n 1._o notwithstanding_o those_o of_o the_o classical_a persuasion_n bear_v themselves_o much_o upon_o mr._n blondel_n collection_n who_o pain_n may_v have_v be_v better_o employ_v to_o the_o use_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o some_o other_o argument_n for_o in_o this_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o drive_v out_o of_o antiquity_n though_o ransack_v over_o again_o any_o more_o to_o the_o purpose_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a claim_n than_o have_v be_v already_o acknowledge_v and_o the_o weakness_n of_o it_o discover_v viz._n that_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o some_o father_n that_o the_o name_n bishop_n be_v at_o first_o common_a to_o all_o elder_n and_o that_o those_o bishop_n mention_v phil._n 1._o 1._o 1_o tim._n 3._o tit._n 1._o be_v presbyter_n or_o elder_n of_o the_o second_o rank_n but_o what_o advantage_n be_v this_o to_o the_o cause_n they_o will_v establish_v without_o prove_v also_o that_o the_o power_n of_o ordination_n and_o government_n which_o we_o appropriate_v to_o
those_o who_o be_v against_o set_a form_n see_v great_a reason_n against_o that_o too_o think_v it_o fit_a as_o indeed_o it_o be_v that_o none_o shall_v use_v their_o gift_n public_o but_o such_o as_o be_v call_v allow_v and_o ordain_v to_o it_o by_o the_o church_n and_o if_o so_o then_o also_o shall_v they_o think_v it_o sit_v that_o those_o who_o be_v so_o allow_v as_o public_a minister_n in_o the_o congregation_n shall_v use_v their_o gift_n so_o and_o in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o the_o same_o church_n see_v sit_v and_o allow_v for_o if_o these_o will_v plead_v liberty_n of_o use_v their_o spiritual_a gift_n against_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o by_o this_o 14._o chapter_n to_o the_o corinthian_n then_o may_v the_o other_o with_o as_o good_a reason_n plead_v liberty_n for_o all_o gift_a man_n for_o all_o that_o have_v such_o gift_n as_o here_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o and_o seek_v to_o order_n may_v have_v their_o turn_n of_o speak_v and_o use_v they_o but_o they_o be_v both_o out_o of_o the_o way_n and_o inconsequent_a in_o their_o reason_n from_o this_o chapter_n not_o distinguish_v time_n and_o gift_n nor_o acknowledge_v due_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o under_o pretence_n of_o such_o gift_n plead_v for_o liberty_n of_o use_v they_o that_o be_v as_o it_o often_o prove_v of_o vent_v what_o they_o please_v in_o the_o congregation_n whereas_o they_o ought_v in_o all_o humility_n to_o expect_v the_o church_n approbation_n of_o their_o gift_n and_o then_o know_v they_o must_v use_v they_o with_o submission_n still_o to_o the_o church_n in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o be_v think_v most_o fit_a for_o prevent_v the_o abovementioned_a inconvenience_n for_o preserve_v order_n and_o unity_n in_o the_o church_n for_o set_v forth_o a_o uniformity_n in_o god_n worship_n and_o upon_o all_o these_o respect_n for_o edification_n of_o the_o people_n calvin_n no_o friend_n to_o popery_n or_o sloathfulness_n in_o minister_n but_o a_o person_n furnish_v with_o as_o great_a gift_n as_o any_o of_o our_o pleader_n for_o this_o liberty_n can_v pretend_v to_o be_v say_v to_o have_v often_o wish_v that_o all_o the_o church_n have_v one_o and_o the_o same_o form_n of_o public_a service_n or_o liturgy_n and_o that_o upon_o these_o reason_n the_o hold_n of_o unity_n in_o the_o church_n and_o the_o exclude_n of_o novelty_n faction_n and_o boast_v of_o gift_n but_o see_v whether_o this_o pride_n of_o spirit_n and_o self_n conceit_n for_o i_o can_v call_v it_o no_o otherwise_o when_o once_o it_o set_v itself_o against_o the_o church_n constitution_n without_o express_a scripture_n have_v proceed_v in_o some_o neglect_v from_o a_o despise_n of_o the_o church_n prayer_n to_o a_o understanding_n of_o the_o lord_n prayer_n because_o a_o set_a form_n and_o to_o a_o neglect_v the_o use_n of_o it_o altogether_o as_o far_o below_o they_o then_o to_o a_o conceit_n of_o themselves_o to_o be_v above_o prayer_n itself_o as_o need_v not_o to_o pray_v at_o all_o such_o i_o have_v meet_v with_o miserable_o cut_v themselves_o off_o not_o only_o from_o the_o comfort_n of_o the_o prayer_n of_o christ_n church_n on_o earth_n but_o from_o the_o benefit_n of_o his_o intercession_n in_o heaven_n and_o evacuate_v as_o to_o themselves_o the_o eternal_a priesthood_n of_o christ_n for_o if_o they_o need_v not_o pray_v they_o need_v not_o confess_v nor_o ask_v forgiveness_n nor_o beg_v grace_n or_o any_o spiritual_a help_n and_o so_o need_v not_o the_o intercession_n of_o christ_n for_o obtain_v such_o mercy_n for_o his_o be_v our_o advocate_n 1_o joh._n 2._o 1._o suppose_v our_o confession_n of_o sin_n require_v c_o 1._o v._n 9_o and_o his_o be_v our_o high_a priest_n infer_v our_o come_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n heb._n 4._o 16._o or_o our_o come_n to_o god_n by_o he_o hebr._n 7._o 25._o and_o as_o for_o those_o that_o so_o much_o prize_v the_o prayer_n of_o their_o own_o conception_n to_o a_o undervalue_n of_o that_o which_o the_o lord_n frame_v and_o teach_v we_o let_v they_o consider_v how_o little_o they_o deserve_v his_o intercession_n when_o they_o come_v by_o he_o to_o put_v up_o their_o own_o prayer_n despise_v or_o wilful_o neglect_v his_o but_o we_o know_v the_o perfection_n of_o that_o prayer_n which_o contain_v all_o thing_n fit_v to_o be_v ask_v do_v often_o use_v it_o in_o the_o public_a prayer_n of_o the_o church_n and_o always_o with_o our_o own_o that_o if_o any_o thing_n needful_a be_v through_o our_o imperfection_n omit_v in_o our_o own_o it_o may_v be_v supply_v in_o the_o use_n of_o that_o and_o know_v that_o christ_n be_v ready_a to_o hear_v and_o receive_v the_o request_n of_o every_o humble_a spirit_n which_o be_v careful_a to_o do_v and_o make_v use_n of_o what_o he_o have_v teach_v we_o we_o therefore_o delight_v to_o express_v or_o to_o sum_n up_o our_o desire_n often_o in_o his_o form_n of_o word_n for_o as_o saint_n cyprian_n in_o his_o exposition_n of_o the_o lord_n prayer_n tell_v we_o christ_n when_o we_o beg_v his_o intercession_n use_v that_o prayer_n will_v acknowledge_v his_o own_o word_n will_v remember_v the_o prayer_n he_o teach_v we_o thus_o much_o of_o set_a form_n and_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n §._o xx_o exception_n against_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n they_o far_o pretend_v they_o can_v hold_v communion_n in_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o way_n and_o form_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n by_o reason_n of_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n use_v therein_o here_o they_o be_v chief_o offend_v at_o the_o habit_n of_o the_o minister_n stand_v up_o at_o creed_n and_o gospel_n ring_n in_o marriage_n cross_n in_o baptism_n kneel_v at_o the_o lord_n supper_n bow_v at_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o offence_n be_v because_o they_o take_v they_o to_o be_v burdensome_a and_o therefore_o against_o christian_a liberty_n yea_o superstitious_a and_o therefore_o against_o purity_n of_o worship_n superstitious_a for_o the_o first_o where_o ceremony_n be_v burdensome_a for_o number_n it_o be_v a_o fault_n in_o that_o church_n and_o cause_n of_o offence_n and_o complaint_n but_o not_o of_o separation_n or_o break_v communion_n st._n augustine_n in_o his_o epist_n to_o januar_n take_v notice_n of_o the_o increase_n of_o ceremony_n then_o and_o in_o part_n complain_v they_o begin_v to_o be_v burdensome_a in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n the_o number_n be_v excessive_a before_o reformation_n and_o give_v just_a cause_n to_o complain_v of_o the_o burdensome_a observance_n of_o they_o but_o that_o be_v not_o any_o cause_n of_o divide_v communion_n have_v they_o not_o be_v many_o of_o they_o burdensome_a for_o weight_n as_o well_o as_o for_o number_n and_o insupportable_a by_o reason_n of_o apparent_a superstition_n now_o the_o ceremony_n and_o rite_n retain_v in_o this_o church_n be_v few_o for_o number_n and_o ease_v of_o that_o weight_n or_o superstition_n that_o be_v in_o any_o of_o they_o the_o truth_n be_v if_o the_o pretender_n of_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n do_v therefore_o quarrel_v at_o our_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n as_o contrary_a to_o christian_a liberty_n because_o appoint_v and_o enjoin_v by_o the_o church_n they_o do_v daily_o show_v they_o use_v that_o liberty_n as_o a_o cloak_n for_o their_o unruly_a and_o contentious_a spirit_n that_o can_v abide_v the_o command_n of_o authority_n but_o will_v do_v every_o thing_n according_a to_o their_o own_o devise_v and_o will_v when_o they_o have_v power_n impose_v severe_o order_n and_o constitution_n of_o their_o own_o for_o so_o they_o do_v where_o they_o can_v erect_v their_o new_a communion_n impose_v condition_n of_o admittance_n into_o and_o of_o continuance_n in_o that_o communion_n such_o as_o they_o think_v good_a but_o such_o as_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n never_o require_v such_o as_o the_o catholic_a church_n never_o know_v as_o for_o example_n their_o trial_n by_o lay-elder_n and_o denial_n of_o communion_n or_o church-fellowship_n yea_o of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o christ_n body_n and_o blood_n to_o he_o that_o will_v not_o undergo_v that_o trial_n or_o be_v not_o approve_v by_o it_o according_a to_o those_o rule_n they_o please_v to_o use_v but_o be_v find_v unanswerable_a to_o that_o measure_n of_o knowledge_n or_o gift_n which_o they_o expect_v of_o which_o and_o other_o device_n of_o they_o we_o may_v say_v as_o the_o apostle_n do_v 1_o cor._n 11._o 17._o we_o have_v no_o such_o custom_n nor_o the_o church_n of_o god_n but_o in_o the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n they_o find_v superstition_n and_o why_o because_o such_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n be_v derive_v from_o and_o abuse_v in_o popery_n unto_o superstition_n they_o be_v use_v indeed_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o abuse_v too_o
in_o the_o church_n for_o our_o saviour_n leave_v his_o apostle_n with_o full_a power_n extraordinary_a and_o ordinary_a for_o the_o plant_n and_o propagate_a his_o church_n through_o the_o world_n the_o ordinary_a power_n they_o be_v to_o leave_v unto_o other_o after_o they_o for_o continue_v of_o his_o church_n to_o the_o world_n end_n viz_o the_o power_n of_o reconciliation_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n the_o power_n of_o ordain_v and_o send_v other_o and_o the_o power_n of_o jurisdicton_n and_o government_n how_o and_o into_o what_o hand_n they_o communicate_v these_o several_a power_n that_o be_v the_o question_n apostle_n some_o of_o the_o ancient_n apprehend_v it_o thus_o that_o they_o commit_v the_o whole_a power_n to_o those_o first_o elder_n they_o place_v in_o every_o city_n where_o the_o church_n be_v plant_v so_o that_o those_o first_o elder_n be_v proper_o bishop_n have_v power_n to_o ordain_v other_o minister_n and_o labourer_n as_o the_o increase_n or_o extent_n of_o the_o church_n require_v other_o father_n or_o ancient_a writer_n seem_v to_o apprehend_v those_o first_o elder_n to_o be_v mere_a presbyter_n to_o who_o the_o whole_a power_n be_v not_o commit_v but_o that_o afterwards_o upon_o the_o increase_n of_o the_o church_n other_o special_a man_n be_v entrust_v with_o it_o to_o ordain_v other_o as_o need_v require_v and_o as_o general_n pastor_n to_o rule_v and_o oversee_v the_o whole_a church_n with_o all_o the_o particular_a congregation_n and_o presbyter_n or_o inferior_a pastor_n belong_v to_o it_o either_o way_n be_v sufficient_a for_o establish_v the_o episcopal_a power_n and_o government_n and_o the_o adversary_n thereof_o as_o they_o can_v disprove_v it_o if_o we_o say_v those_o first_o elder_n be_v bishop_n proper_o so_o neither_o will_v they_o gain_v any_o thing_n if_o we_o grant_v they_o in_o courtesy_n thus_o much_o that_o the_o first_o elder_n be_v mere_a presbyter_n for_o see_v brief_o what_o they_o can_v say_v against_o the_o first_o or_o draw_v from_o the_o second_o against_o the_o first_o they_o usual_o say_v 1._o if_o those_o bishop_n at_o philippi_n be_v so_o proper_o than_o be_v there_o more_o than_o one_o bishop_n in_o one_o city_n or_o church_n answ_n this_o indeed_o be_v absurd_a and_o inconvenient_a and_o never_o suffer_v in_o the_o church_n enlarge_a and_o establish_v but_o in_o the_o church_n nascent_n or_o beginning_n it_o may_v be_v very_o reasonable_a by_o way_n of_o provision_n for_o the_o future_a enlargement_n and_o establishment_n of_o that_o church_n so_o we_o find_v 12._o apostle_n leave_v in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n by_o our_o saviour_n in_o order_n to_o their_o propagate_a and_o govern_v the_o church_n through_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o so_o in_o some_o great_a city_n where_o and_o from_o which_o the_o gospel_n may_v sudden_o spread_v itself_o the_o apostle_n may_v provisional_o leave_v more_o than_o one_o elder_n vest_v with_o power_n for_o the_o supply_n of_o the_o church_n enlarge_v second_o if_o the_o elder_n or_o bishop_n mention_v in_o those_o place_n be_v bishop_n proper_o vest_v with_o such_o power_n than_o will_v the_o apostle_n also_o have_v remember_v the_o other_o sort_n of_o elder_n between_o they_o and_o deacon_n answ_n but_o what_o if_o there_o be_v not_o yet_o in_o that_o church_n elder_n or_o presbyter_n of_o the_o second_o sort_n for_o no_o church_n at_o first_o be_v full_a or_o if_o there_o be_v such_o in_o that_o church_n why_o may_v he_o not_o salute_v both_o sort_n under_o that_o general_a name_n bishop_n three_o but_o then_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o distinct_o set_v down_o the_o office_n of_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o for_o have_v set_v down_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n he_o present_o go_v to_o the_o deacon_n 1_o tim._n 3._o tit._n 1._o 5._o answ_n it_o be_v not_o the_o apostle_n purpose_v in_o those_o place_n distinct_o to_o set_v down_o the_o office_n of_o elder_n nor_o of_o deacon_n but_o the_o general_a qualification_n of_o the_o person_n to_o be_v admit_v to_o those_o office_n we_o may_v ask_v of_o they_o where_o have_v the_o apostle_n distinct_o set_v down_o or_o describe_v the_o office_n of_o a_o lady-eld_n they_o be_v fain_o to_o force_v it_o out_o of_o one_o word_n rule_v 1_o tim._n 4._o 17._o which_o belong_v to_o the_o preach_a elder_n as_o they_o well_o acknowledge_v in_o the_o place_n above_o mention_v the_o apostle_n give_v as_o i_o say_v qualification_n fit_v the_o person_n of_o both_o sort_n of_o elder_n that_o then_o be_v or_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o duty_n there_o hint_v teach_v roll_a do_v belong_v to_o both_o sort_n of_o elder_n but_o with_o subordination_n of_o the_o one_o to_o the_o other_o and_o if_o they_o will_v have_v the_o word_n rule_n 1_o tim._n 4._o 17._o insinuate_v a_o distinct_a office_n of_o elder_n from_o the_o preach_n elder_n without_o any_o intimation_n of_o such_o a_o office_n anywhere_o else_o in_o scripture_n why_o may_v not_o we_o say_v with_o more_o reason_n that_o the_o same_o word_n in_o the_o forementioned_a place_n 1_o tim._n 3._o 5._o belong_v to_o bishop_n of_o both_o sort_n according_a to_o their_o order_n and_o station_n to_o rule_v or_o take_v care_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n especial_o see_v we_o show_v elsewhere_o in_o the_o same_o epistle_n such_o a_o prelacy_n or_o supereminent_a power_n of_o rule_n give_v to_o timothy_n distinct_o from_o other_o elder_n as_o lay_v hand_n sudden_o on_o no_o man_n rebuke_v not_o a_o elder_n receive_v no_o accusation_n against_o a_o elder_n etc._n etc._n cap._n 5._o v._n 19_o 22._o like_o special_a power_n give_v to_o titus_n as_o we_o see_v in_o that_o epistle_n beside_o all_o the_o act_n of_o ordinary_a power_n exercise_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o not_o communicate_v in_o general_a to_o presbyter_n and_o so_o the_o exhortation_n of_o the_o apostle_n act_n 20._o 28._o might_n general_o fit_v both_o sort_n of_o elder_n or_o bishop_n suppose_v those_o of_o the_o inferior_a rank_n present_v there_o that_o they_o shall_v all_o of_o they_o feed_v the_o flock_n according_a to_o their_o several_a station_n and_o in_o that_o subordination_n of_o rule_n which_o be_v in_o the_o church_n but_o if_o we_o grant_v they_o that_o those_o elder_n or_o bishop_n in_o the_o above_o cite_a place_n be_v not_o bishop_n proper_o but_o ordinary_a presbyter_n pretention_n what_o can_v they_o draw_v from_o thence_o advantageous_a either_o to_o the_o classical_a or_o congregational_a pretention_n when_o as_o there_o be_v no_o instance_n in_o all_o scripture_n of_o the_o power_n vest_v in_o a_o classis_fw-la or_o consistory_n of_o presbyter_n or_o in_o every_o particular_a congregation_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a where_o ever_o there_o be_v mention_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o power_n for_o ordination_n by_o lay_v on_o hand_n or_o for_o jurisdiction_n in_o rebuke_v or_o receive_v accusation_n against_o a_o elder_n in_o reject_v heretic_n or_o the_o like_a we_o find_v it_o always_o do_v by_o the_o apostle_n or_o special_a man_n appoint_v thereunto_o as_o timothy_n titus_n nor_o be_v it_o to_o any_o purpose_n to_o reply_v as_o they_o do_v these_o be_v extraordinary_a man_n apostle_n or_o evangelist_n and_o so_o exercise_v that_o power_n as_o such_o for_o albeit_o in_o the_o office_n of_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n there_o be_v something_o extraordinary_a and_o suppose_v timothy_n and_o titus_n may_v pass_v under_o the_o title_n of_o evangelist_n yet_o the_o power_n of_o ordination_n and_o jurisdiction_n be_v ordinary_a and_o to_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n and_o to_o be_v communicate_v unto_o other_o as_o be_v most_o convenient_a what_o help_v therefore_o can_v the_o adversary_n have_v in_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n be_v extraordinary_a person_n unless_o they_o can_v show_v the_o power_n do_v ordinary_o belong_v to_o and_o be_v exercise_v by_o the_o company_n of_o presbyter_n or_o else_o demonstrate_v it_o be_v leave_v in_o their_o hand_n by_o express_a and_o peremptory_a order_n from_o the_o apostle_n so_o that_o here_o they_o will_v be_v nonsuit_v lay_v their_o plea_n only_o by_o scripture_n against_o universal_a tradition_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o scripture_n story_n go_v not_o down_o to_o the_o departure_n of_o the_o apostle_n now_o after_o they_o be_v go_v off_o it_o clear_o appear_v by_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o what_o hand_n the_o chief_a power_n and_o government_n be_v leave_v viz._n not_o to_o presbyter_n in_o common_a but_o in_o special_a hand_n according_a to_o the_o instance_n and_o example_n of_o the_o exercise_v that_o power_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n the_o ancient_a record_n also_o which_o continue_v the_o church_n story_n from_o that_o time_n give_v we_o the_o succession_n of_o bishop_n from_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o more_o eminent_a