walk_v and_o behave_v themselves_o in_o this_o state_n and_o condition_n and_o unto_o those_o who_o have_v attain_v that_o measure_n whence_o in_o comparison_n of_o other_o they_o may_v be_v style_v perfect_a that_o they_o press_v on_o unanimous_o towards_o the_o end_n propose_v and_o as_o for_o those_o who_o in_o any_o thing_n differ_v from_o other_o he_o encourage_v they_o to_o wait_v on_o the_o teach_n of_o god_n in_o that_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o instruction_n which_o they_o enjoy_v and_o have_v prescribe_v to_o each_o suppose_a party_n their_o especial_a duty_n as_o such_o he_o lay_v down_o the_o duty_n of_o they_o both_o in_o common_a which_o be_v that_o in_o and_o with_o respect_n unto_o what_o they_o have_v attain_v they_o shall_v walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n namely_o which_o he_o have_v now_o lay_v down_o and_o mind_n the_o same_o thing_n as_o he_o have_v before_o enjoin_v they_o wherefore_o these_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o foundation_n to_o charge_v they_o with_o schism_n who_o agree_v in_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v yet_o dissent_v from_o other_o probable_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o church_n be_v intend_v in_o some_o thing_n that_o it_o enjoin_v a_o mutual_a forbearance_n among_o those_o who_o be_v so_o different_o mind_v 4._o but_o our_o author_n affirm_v that_o it_o can_v be_v a_o rule_n of_o charity_n and_o mutual_a forbearance_n that_o be_v intend_v because_o the_o apostle_n have_v speak_v of_o that_o just_a before_o but_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o he_o speak_v these_o word_n with_o reference_n unto_o what_o he_o have_v say_v just_a before_o and_o if_o this_o be_v that_o which_o those_o who_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v be_v not_o oblige_v unto_o then_o be_v they_o not_o oblige_v at_o all_o to_o walk_v by_o the_o rule_n intend_v which_o be_v not_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o apostle_n so_o himself_n declare_v out_o of_o cajetan_n that_o the_o apostle_n subjoin_v the_o last_o word_n to_o the_o former_a lest_o the_o person_n he_o there_o speak_v unto_o shall_v think_v themselves_o excuse_v from_o go_v as_o far_o as_o they_o can_v in_o the_o same_o rule_n pag._n 37._o but_o a_o rule_n he_o say_v it_o be_v limit_v and_o determine_v the_o practice_n require_v uniformity_n in_o observe_v the_o same_o stand_a rule_n the_o nonconformist_n hereon_o do_v say_v that_o if_o the_o apostle_n or_o any_o one_o apostle_n do_v appoint_v such_o a_o rule_n as_o this_o intend_a let_v it_o be_v produce_v with_o any_o probability_n of_o proof_n to_o be_v they_o and_o they_o be_v all_o ready_a to_o subscribe_v and_o conform_v unto_o it_o on_o supposition_n that_o any_o rule_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v appoint_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o declare_v unto_o the_o churhe_n as_o the_o reverend_a author_n i_o suppose_v do_v intimate_v that_o it_o be_v though_o i_o dare_v not_o affix_v a_o determinate_a sense_n unto_o his_o word_n in_o this_o place_n all_o that_o can_v be_v require_v of_o we_o be_v that_o we_o do_v conform_v and_o walk_v according_a unto_o that_o rule_n so_o appoint_v and_o declare_v by_o they_o this_o we_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o do_v sundry_a general_a rule_n we_o find_v in_o the_o scripture_n give_v unto_o we_o relate_v unto_o the_o constitution_n and_o edification_n of_o churce_n to_o their_o order_n and_o worship_n and_o government_n sundry_a particular_a rule_n for_o minister_n and_o other_o how_o they_o shall_v behave_v themselves_o in_o church_n society_n and_o assembly_n be_v also_o lay_v down_o therein_o all_o which_o we_o embrace_v and_o submit_v unto_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n in_o they_o and_o if_o any_o other_o government_n or_o particular_a rule_n can_v be_v produce_v give_v by_o they_o which_o be_v not_o record_v in_o the_o scripture_n so_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v they_o we_o will_v engage_v to_o conform_v unto_o it_o 5._o if_o the_o rule_n pretend_v to_o be_v give_v by_o the_o apostle_n be_v of_o any_o use_n in_o this_o case_n or_o can_v give_v any_o force_n unto_o the_o argument_n in_o hand_n it_o must_v be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o appoint_v and_o require_v thing_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n that_o be_v never_o divine_o appoint_v impose_v the_o observation_n of_o they_o on_o the_o conscience_n and_o practice_n of_o all_o member_n of_o the_o church_n under_o penalty_n spiritual_a and_o temporal_a a_o rule_n constitute_v national_a church_n with_o a_o government_n and_o discipline_n suit_v unto_o that_o constitution_n with_o modes_n and_o ceremony_n of_o worship_n no_o where_o intimate_v in_o the_o scripture_n nor_o any_o way_n necessary_a in_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n such_o a_o rule_n i_o say_v it_o must_v be_v since_o although_o i_o shall_v grant_v which_o yet_o i_o do_v not_o that_o the_o consequent_a be_v good_a that_o because_o the_o apostle_n make_v rule_n for_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n that_o believer_n be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o submit_v unto_o therefore_o other_o ordinary_a governor_n of_o the_o church_n may_v do_v so_o also_o yet_o it_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n follow_v that_o because_o the_o apostle_n appoint_v a_o rule_n of_o one_o sort_n present_a church_n governor_n may_v appoint_v those_o of_o another_o we_o know_v full_a well_o and_o it_o be_v on_o all_o hand_n agree_v what_o be_v the_o rule_n that_o our_o conformity_n be_v require_v unto_o if_o this_o be_v do_v from_o any_o rule_n give_v by_o the_o apostle_n it_o must_v be_v a_o rule_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n or_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n otherwise_o by_o a_o pretence_n of_o their_o pattern_n or_o example_n rule_n may_v be_v make_v direct_o contrary_a unto_o and_o destructive_a of_o all_o the_o rule_n they_o ever_o real_o give_v as_o it_o be_v actual_o fall_v out_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o 6._o we_o deny_v that_o the_o apostle_n make_v or_o give_v any_o such_o rule_n to_o the_o church_n present_v in_o their_o day_n or_o for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o church_n in_o future_a age_n as_o shall_v appoint_v and_o determine_v outward_a mode_n of_o worship_n with_o ceremony_n in_o their_o observation_n state_v feast_n and_o fast_n beyond_o what_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n liturgy_n or_o form_n of_o prayer_n or_o discipline_n to_o be_v exercise_v in_o law_n court_n subservient_fw-fr unto_o a_o national_a ecclesiastical_a government_n what_o use_v then_o they_o be_v or_o may_v be_v of_o what_o benefit_n or_o advantage_n may_v come_v to_o the_o church_n by_o they_o what_o be_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o superior_a magistrate_n about_o they_o we_o do_v not_o now_o inquire_v or_o determine_v only_o we_o say_v that_o no_o rule_n unto_o these_o end_n be_v ever_o prescibe_v by_o the_o apostle_n for_o 1._o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o intimation_n of_o any_o such_o rule_n to_o be_v give_v by_o they_o in_o the_o scripture_n there_o be_v in_o it_o as_o be_v before_o observe_v many_o express_a rule_n both_o general_a and_o particular_a about_o church_n their_o faith_n worship_n and_o man_n walk_v in_o they_o thorough_o sufficient_a to_o direct_v the_o duty_n and_o practice_n of_o all_o believer_n in_o all_o case_n and_o occurence_n relate_v to_o they_o but_o of_o any_o such_o rule_n as_o that_o here_o pretend_a there_o be_v no_o mention_n which_o certain_o if_o it_o have_v be_v give_v and_o of_o the_o importance_n which_o now_o it_o be_v plead_v to_o be_v of_o such_o as_o that_o without_o it_o neither_o peace_n nor_o unity_n nor_o order_n can_v be_v preserve_v in_o church_n some_o intimation_n at_o least_o will_v have_v be_v make_v of_o it_o therein_o especial_o we_o may_v judge_v it_o will_v have_v be_v so_o see_v sundry_a thing_n every_o thing_n so_o far_o as_o we_o can_v understand_v wherein_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n be_v any_o way_n concern_v be_v record_v in_o it_o though_o of_o little_a or_o no_o use_n in_o comparison_n of_o what_o so_o great_a and_o general_a a_o rule_n will_v be_v of_o beside_o there_o be_v that_o doctrine_n deliver_v and_o those_o direction_n give_v by_o they_o in_o the_o scripture_n concern_v the_o liberty_n of_o believer_n and_o forbearance_n of_o dissenter_n as_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o such_o a_o rule_n and_o the_o imposition_n of_o it_o 2._o the_o first_o church_n after_o their_o time_n know_v nothing_o of_o any_o such_o rule_n give_v by_o they_o and_o therefore_o after_o they_o begin_v to_o depart_v from_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o any_o thing_n as_o unto_o worship_n order_n and_o rule_n or_o discipline_n they_o fall_v into_o a_o great_a variety_n of_o outward_a observance_n order_n and_o ceremony_n every_o church_n almost_o differ_v in_o some_o thing_n or_o other_o from_o other_o in_o some_o such_o observation_n yet_o all_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o
as_o much_o as_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o godly_a king_n of_o judah_n of_o old_a or_o be_v at_o first_o claim_v by_o the_o first_o christian_a emperor_n yet_o be_v there_o some_o who_o although_o they_o be_v feed_v and_o warm_v promote_v and_o dignify_v by_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o magistrate_n power_n in_o and_o about_o religion_n who_o will_v not_o allow_v that_o any_o thing_n be_v ascribe_v unto_o he_o unless_o we_o grant_v that_o it_o be_v in_o his_o rightful_a power_n and_o his_o duty_n to_o coerce_v and_o punish_v with_o all_o sort_n of_o mulct_n spoil_v of_o good_n imprisonment_n banishment_n and_o in_o some_o case_n death_n itself_o such_o person_n as_o hold_v the_o head_n and_o all_o the_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o christian_a religion_n entire_a who_o worship_n be_v free_a from_o idolatry_n who_o conversation_n be_v peaceable_a and_o useful_a unless_o in_o all_o thing_n they_o comply_v with_o themselves_o when_o possible_o some_o of_o they_o may_v be_v as_o useful_a in_o and_o unto_o the_o church_n of_o god_n as_o those_o that_o will_v have_v they_o so_o deal_v withal_o and_o it_o may_v be_v common_a prudence_n will_v advise_v a_o forbearance_n of_o too_o much_o severity_n in_o charge_n on_o other_o for_o change_v their_o opinion_n lest_o a_o provocation_n unto_o a_o recrimination_n on_o they_o that_o make_v they_o shall_v arise_v of_o change_v their_o opinion_n also_o not_o without_o a_o appear_a aspect_n to_o their_o own_o interest_n but_o we_o have_v some_o among_o the_o nonconformist_n who_o be_v so_o accustom_v not_o only_o unto_o such_o undue_a charge_n as_o that_o here_o insist_v on_o but_o unto_o such_o unjust_a accusation_n false_a report_n malicious_a untruth_n concern_v they_o their_o word_n doctrine_n and_o practice_n which_o be_v invent_v by_o a_o few_o ill_a man_n be_v trumpet_v abroad_o with_o triumph_n by_o many_o as_o that_o they_o be_v come_v to_o a_o resolution_n never_o to_o concern_v themselves_o in_o they_o any_o more_o 2._o as_o unto_o the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n we_o be_v tell_v that_o he_o speak_v not_o of_o the_o separation_n or_o distinct_a communion_n of_o whole_a church_n from_o each_o other_o which_o according_a to_o the_o scripture_n antiquity_n and_o reason_n have_v a_o just_a right_n and_o power_n to_o govern_v and_o reform_v themselves_o by_o whole_a church_n i_o mean_v the_o church_n of_o such_o nation_n which_o upon_o the_o decay_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n resume_v their_o just_a right_n of_o government_n to_o themselves_o and_o upon_o their_o own_n christianity_n incorporate_v into_o one_o christian_a society_n under_o the_o same_o common_a tie_v and_o rule_v of_o order_n and_o government_n pag._n 16._o i_o do_v suppose_v that_o particular_a church_n or_o congregation_n be_v hereby_o exempt_v from_o all_o guilt_n of_o schism_n in_o not_o comply_v with_o rule_n of_o communion_n impose_v on_o they_o by_o other_o church_n i_o be_o sure_a according_a unto_o the_o principle_n of_o nonconformist_n they_o be_v so_o for_o they_o judge_v that_o particular_a or_o congregational_a church_n state_v with_o their_o officer_n according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v entire_a church_n that_o have_v a_o just_a right_n and_o power_n to_o govern_v and_o reform_v themselves_o until_o this_o be_v disprove_v until_o it_o be_v prove_v either_o that_o they_o be_v not_o church_n because_o they_o be_v congregational_a or_o that_o although_o they_o be_v church_n yet_o they_o have_v no_o power_n to_o govern_v and_o reform_v themselves_o they_o be_v free_a from_o the_o guilt_n of_o schism_n in_o their_o so_o do_v but_o the_o reverend_a author_n seem_v in_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n to_o appropriate_v this_o right_a and_o power_n unto_o national_a church_n who_o rise_n he_o assign_v unto_o the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n and_o the_o alteration_n of_o the_o church_n government_n into_o that_o of_o distinct_a kingdom_n and_o province_n but_o this_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o fall_v out_o so_o long_o after_o the_o institution_n of_o church_n and_o propagation_n of_o christian_a religion_n that_o we_o be_v not_o at_o all_o concern_v in_o it_o especial_o consider_v that_o the_o occasion_n and_o mean_n of_o the_o constitution_n of_o such_o church_n be_v whole_o foreign_a unto_o religion_n and_o the_o concern_v of_o it_o the_o right_a and_o power_n of_o govern_v and_o reform_v themselves_o here_o speak_v of_o be_v that_o which_o be_v give_v by_o christ_n himself_o unto_o his_o church_n nor_o do_v i_o know_v else_o where_o they_o shall_v have_v it_o wherefore_o those_o national_a provincial_a church_n which_o arise_v upon_o the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n must_v first_o be_v prove_v to_o be_v of_o his_o institution_n before_o they_o can_v be_v allow_v to_o have_v their_o power_n give_v they_o by_o jesus_n christ._n in_o what_o king_n potentate_n and_o other_o supreme_a magistrate_n may_v do_v to_o accommodate_v the_o outward_a profession_n of_o religion_n unto_o their_o rule_n and_o the_o interest_n thereof_o we_o be_v not_o at_o all_o concern_v nor_o will_v give_v interruption_n unto_o any_o of_o they_o while_o they_o impose_v not_o the_o religious_a observation_n of_o their_o constitution_n unto_o that_o end_n upon_o our_o conscience_n and_o practice_n our_o sole_a enquiry_n be_v what_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v ordain_v which_o if_o we_o be_v compliant_a withal_o we_o shall_v fear_v neither_o this_o nor_o any_o other_o charge_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n but_o to_o give_v strength_n hereunto_o it_o be_v add_v just_o as_o several_a famâ—â—â—â—â—_n unite_v make_v one_o kingdom_n which_o at_o first_o have_v a_o distinct_a and_o independent_a power_n but_o it_o will_v make_v strange_a confusion_n in_o the_o world_n to_o reduce_v kingdom_n back_o again_o to_o family_n because_o at_o first_o they_o be_v make_v up_o of_o they_o pag._n 17._o which_o be_v again_o insist_v on_o pag._n 31._o but_o the_o case_n be_v not_o the_o same_o for_o if_o indeed_o god_n have_v appoint_v no_o other_o civil_a government_n in_o the_o world_n but_o that_o of_o family_n i_o shall_v not_o much_o oppose_v they_o who_o will_v endeavour_v peaceable_o to_o reduce_v all_o government_n thereunto_o but_o whereas_o we_o be_v certain_a that_o god_n by_o the_o light_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n by_o the_o end_n and_o use_v of_o the_o creation_n of_o man_n and_o by_o express_a revelation_n in_o his_o word_n have_v by_o his_o own_o authority_n appoint_v and_o approve_v other_o sort_n of_o civil_a government_n in_o kingdom_n and_o common-weal_n we_o esteem_v it_o not_o only_o a_o madness_n to_o endeavour_v a_o reduction_n of_o all_o government_n into_o family_n as_o unto_o the_o possibility_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o a_o direct_a opposition_n unto_o the_o authority_n command_n and_o institution_n of_o god_n so_o if_o these_o national_a church_n be_v of_o the_o immediate_a institution_n of_o christ_n himself_o we_o shall_v no_o more_o plead_v the_o exemption_n of_o particular_a church_n from_o any_o power_n give_v they_o by_o christ_n as_o such_o than_o we_o do_v to_o exempt_v private_a family_n from_o the_o lawful_a government_n of_o public_a magistrate_n and_o we_o must_v also_o add_v that_o whatever_o be_v their_o original_a and_o constitution_n if_o all_o their_o governor_n be_v as_o the_o apostle_n yet_o have_v they_o no_o power_n but_o what_o be_v for_o edification_n and_o not_o for_o destruction_n if_o they_o do_v or_o shall_v appoint_v and_o impose_v on_o man_n what_o tend_v unto_o the_o destruction_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o not_o unto_o their_o edification_n as_o it_o be_v fall_v out_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n not_o only_o particular_a church_n but_o every_o individual_a believer_n be_v warrant_v to_o withdraw_v from_o their_o communion_n and_o hereon_o we_o ground_n the_o lawfulness_n of_o our_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n without_o any_o need_n of_o a_o retreat_n unto_o the_o late_a device_n of_o the_o power_n of_o provincial_a church_n to_o reform_v themselves_o let_v none_o mistake_v themselves_o herein_o believer_n be_v not_o make_v for_o church_n but_o church_n be_v appoint_v for_o believer_n their_o edification_n their_o guidance_n and_o direction_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o performance_n of_o divine_a worship_n in_o assembly_n according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n be_v their_o use_n and_o end_n without_o which_o they_o be_v of_o no_o signification_n the_o end_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o constitution_n of_o his_o church_n be_v not_o the_o mould_v of_o his_o disciple_n into_o such_o ecclesiastical_a shape_n as_o may_v be_v subservient_fw-fr unto_o the_o power_n interest_n advantage_n and_o dignity_n of_o they_o that_o may_v in_o any_o season_n come_v to_o be_v over_o they_o but_o to_o constitute_v a_o way_n and_o order_n of_o give_v such_o officer_n unto_o they_o as_o may_v be_v in_o all_o thing_n useful_a
and_o subservient_fw-fr unto_o their_o edification_n as_o be_v express_o affirm_v ephes._n 4._o 11_o 12_o 13_o 14._o as_o it_o shall_v seem_v a_o opinion_n opposite_a unto_o this_o notion_n of_o national_a church_n be_v examine_v and_o confute_v pag._n 17._o ibid._n it_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n to_o make_v the_o notion_n of_o a_o church_n bare_o to_o relate_v to_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o consequent_o that_o the_o adequate_a notion_n of_o a_o church_n be_v a_o assembly_n for_o divine_a worship_n by_o which_o mean_n they_o appropriate_v the_o name_n of_o church_n to_o particular_a congregation_n whereas_o if_o this_o hold_v true_a the_o church_n must_v be_v dissolve_v as_o soon_o as_o the_o congregation_n be_v break_v up_o but_o if_o they_o retain_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o church_n when_o they_o do_v not_o meet_v together_o for_o worship_n than_o there_o be_v some_o other_o bond_n that_o unite_v they_o and_o whatever_o that_o be_v it_o constitute_v the_o church_n i_o be_o far_o from_o pretend_v to_o have_v read_v the_o write_n of_o all_o man_n upon_o this_o subject_a nay_o i_o can_v say_v i_o have_v read_v very_o few_o of_o they_o though_o i_o never_o avoid_v the_o read_n of_o any_o thing_n write_v against_o the_o way_n and_o order_n which_o i_o approve_v of_o wherefore_o there_o may_v be_v some_o as_o far_o as_o i_o know_v who_o have_v maintain_v this_o notion_n of_o a_o church_n or_o that_o it_o be_v only_o a_o assembly_n for_o divine_a worship_n but_o for_o my_o part_n i_o never_o read_v nor_o hear_v of_o any_o who_o be_v of_o this_o judgement_n assembly_n for_o divine_a worship_n we_o account_v indispensable_o necessary_a for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n but_o that_o this_o be_v that_o which_o give_v they_o their_o constitution_n and_o form_v that_o which_o be_v the_o bond_n of_o their_o union_n none_o of_o the_o nonconformist_n as_o i_o know_v of_o do_v judge_n for_o it_o will_v not_o only_o hence_o follow_v as_o the_o reverend_a author_n observe_v that_o the_o church_n be_v dissolve_v when_o the_o congregation_n be_v break_v up_o on_o which_o account_n church_n at_o this_o time_n will_v be_v dissolve_v almost_o every_o week_n whether_o they_o will_v or_o no_o but_o that_o any_o sort_n of_o person_n who_o have_v no_o church-relation_n unto_o one_o another_o meet_v occasional_o for_o divine_a worship_n do_v constitute_v a_o church_n which_o it_o may_v be_v within_o a_o hour_n they_o cease_v to_o be_v it_o be_v not_o therefore_o on_o this_o account_n that_o we_o appropriate_v the_o name_n of_o church_n unto_o particular_a congregation_n there_o be_v quite_o another_o way_n and_o mean_n another_o bond_n of_o union_n whereby_o particular_a church_n be_v constitute_v which_o have_v be_v sufficient_o declare_v but_o if_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o appropriate_a the_o name_n of_o church_n unto_o particular_a congregation_n be_v that_o those_o society_n which_o have_v not_o or_o which_o can_v have_v assembly_n for_o divine_a worship_n be_v not_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v it_o be_v a_o thing_n of_o another_o consideration_n that_o need_v not_o here_o be_v insist_v on_o but_o when_o such_o society_n as_o who_o bound_n and_o limit_n be_v not_o of_o divine_a institution_n as_o be_v those_o of_o the_o national_a church_n of_o the_o jew_n no_o nor_o yet_o of_o the_o prudence_n and_o wisdom_n of_o man_n as_o be_v the_o distribution_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n into_o patriarchates_n and_o diocese_n but_o a_o mere_a natural_a and_o necessary_a consequent_a of_o that_o prevail_a sword_n which_o on_o the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n erect_v distinct_a kingdom_n and_o dominion_n as_o man_n be_v able_a such_o society_n as_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o any_o religious_a assembly_n for_o divine_a worship_n and_o the_o ministration_n of_o christian_a discipline_n in_o they_o such_o as_o be_v force_v to_o invent_v and_o maintain_v a_o union_n by_o way_n and_o mean_n and_o officer_n and_o order_n which_o the_o scripture_n know_v nothing_o of_o be_v prove_v to_o be_v church_n of_o christ_n institution_n i_o shall_v embrace_v they_o as_o such_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n let_v they_o pass_v at_o their_o own_o proper_a rate_n and_o value_n which_o the_o stamp_n of_o civil_a authority_n have_v put_v upon_o they_o what_o be_v further_o discourse_v by_o the_o author_n on_o this_o subject_a proceed_v no_o further_o but_o why_o may_v it_o not_o be_v so_o and_o so_o we_o be_v not_o concern_v in_o 3._o pag._n 23_o 24._o there_o be_v a_o distribution_n of_o all_o dissenter_n into_o two_o party_n 1._o such_o as_o say_v that_o although_o they_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o separation_n from_o our_o church_n yet_o this_o separation_n be_v no_o sin_n 2._o such_o as_o say_v that_o a_o state_n of_o separation_n will_v be_v sin_n but_o notwithstanding_o their_o meeting_n in_o different_a place_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o in_o a_o state_n of_o separation_n the_o difference_n of_o these_o two_o party_n seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v only_o in_o the_o different_a way_n of_o express_v themselves_o the_o one_o grant_v the_o use_n of_o the_o word_n separation_n in_o this_o case_n which_o other_o will_v not_o admit_v for_o their_o practice_n so_o far_o as_o i_o can_v observe_v be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o and_o therefore_o their_o principle_n must_v be_v so_o also_o though_o they_o choose_v several_a way_n of_o express_v they_o both_o sort_n intend_v do_v plead_v that_o in_o sundry_a thing_n they_o have_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o in_o some_o thing_n they_o have_v not_o nor_o can_v have_v it_o so_o some_o know_v the_o word_n separation_n to_o be_v of_o a_o indifferent_a signification_n and_o to_o be_v determine_v as_o unto_o its_o sense_n by_o what_o it_o be_v apply_v unto_o do_v not_o contend_v but_o that_o if_o any_o will_v have_v it_o so_o the_o state_n wherein_o they_o be_v shall_v be_v denominate_v from_o their_o dissent_n unto_o those_o thing_n wherein_o they_o can_v hold_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o so_o be_v not_o offend_v if_o you_o call_v it_o a_o state_n of_o separation_n how_o best_o this_o hinder_v not_o but_o that_o they_o continue_v their_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o be_v before_o mention_v other_o seem_v to_o take_v separation_n in_o the_o same_o sense_n with_o schism_n which_o be_v always_o evil_a or_o at_o least_o they_o pretend_v it_o be_v their_o right_n to_o have_v the_o denomination_n of_o their_o state_n take_v from_o what_o they_o agree_v in_o with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o not_o from_o their_o dissent_n in_o other_o thing_n from_o it_o and_o therefore_o they_o continue_v in_o a_o practice_n suitable_a unto_o that_o dissent_n wherefore_o i_o judge_v that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o this_o distinction_n but_o both_o party_n intend_v be_v equal_o concern_v in_o the_o charge_n that_o be_v lay_v against_o they_o for_o their_o dissent_n in_o some_o thing_n from_o the_o church_n these_o thing_n be_v premise_v that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v divert_v from_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o cause_n in_o hand_n as_o they_o will_v otherwise_o occur_v unto_o we_o in_o our_o progress_n i_o shall_v proceed_v unto_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o charge_n itself_o lay_v against_o the_o nonconformist_n and_o the_o arguing_n whereby_o it_o be_v endeavour_v to_o be_v confirm_v the_o charge_n be_v that_o all_o the_o nonconformist_n of_o one_o sort_n or_o another_o that_o be_v presbyterian_o and_o independent_o be_v guilty_a of_o sin_n of_o a_o sinful_a separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o therefore_o as_o they_o live_v in_o a_o know_a sin_n so_o they_o be_v the_o cause_n thereby_o of_o great_a evil_n confusion_n disturbance_n among_o ourselves_o and_o of_o danger_n unto_o the_o whole_a protestant_a religion_n whence_o it_o be_v meet_v that_o they_o shall_v etc._n etc._n the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v thus_o far_o mutual_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o state_v difference_n between_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o the_o nonconformist_n the_o next_o enquiry_n natural_o shall_v be_v on_o these_o two_o head_n 1._o who_o or_o what_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o difference_n or_o distance_n without_o which_o we_o can_v judge_v aright_o on_o who_o the_o blame_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v charge_v for_o that_o all_o man_n be_v not_o present_o to_o be_v condemn_v for_o the_o withdraw_n from_o the_o communion_n of_o any_o church_n because_o they_o do_v so_o without_o a_o due_a examination_n of_o the_o cause_n for_o which_o they_o do_v it_o will_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o protestant_n in_o plain_a term_n our_o enquiry_n be_v whether_o the_o cause_n hereof_o be_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n the_o imposition_n of_o term_n of_o communion_n without_o any_o obligation_n in_o conscience_n to_o make_v that_o
be_v in_o the_o house_n of_o priscilla_n and_o aquila_n at_o rome_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v of_o the_o house_n of_o nymphas_n at_o colosse_n and_o in_o the_o house_n of_o philemon_n at_o laodicea_n why_o then_o shall_v not_o church_n be_v reduce_v to_o particular_a family_n when_o by_o that_o mean_v they_o may_v full_o enjoy_v the_o liberty_n of_o their_o conscience_n and_o avoid_v the_o scandal_n of_o break_v the_o law_n but_o if_o notwithstanding_o such_o plain_a example_n man_n will_v extend_v church_n to_o congregation_n of_o many_o family_n why_o may_v not_o other_o extend_v church_n to_o those_o society_n which_o consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n i_o answer_v 1_o possible_o a_o church_n may_v be_v in_o a_o family_n or_o consist_v only_o of_o the_o person_n that_o belong_v to_o a_o family_n but_o a_o family_n as_o a_o family_n neither_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v a_o church_n for_o as_o such_o it_o be_v constitute_v by_o natural_a and_o civil_a relation_n but_o a_o church_n have_v its_o form_n and_o be_v from_o the_o voluntary_a spiritual_a consent_n of_o those_o whereof_o it_o consist_v unto_o church_n order_n they_o give_v say_v the_o apostle_n their_o own_o self_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o unto_o we_o by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n 2_o cor._n 8._o 5._o neither_o be_v there_o any_o mention_n at_o all_o in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o constitution_n of_o church_n in_o private_a family_n so_o as_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v limit_v thereunto_o 2_o what_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o house_n of_o aquila_n nymphas_n and_o philemon_n do_v not_o at_o all_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v a_o particular_a church_n in_o each_o of_o their_o house_n consist_v only_o of_o their_o own_o family_n as_o such_o but_o only_o that_o there_o be_v a_o church_n which_o usual_o assemble_v in_o their_o respective_a house_n wherefore_o 3_o here_o be_v no_o such_o example_n give_v of_o church_n in_o private_a family_n in_o the_o whole_a scripture_n as_o shall_v restrain_v the_o extent_n of_o church_n from_o congregation_n of_o many_o family_n and_o the_o enquiry_n hereon_o that_o if_o man_n will_v extend_v church_n to_o congregation_n of_o many_o family_n why_o may_v not_o other_o extend_v church_n unto_o those_o society_n which_o consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n have_v not_o any_o force_n in_o it_o for_o they_o who_o extend_v church_n unto_o congregation_n of_o many_o family_n be_v the_o apostle_n themselves_o act_v in_o the_o name_n and_o authority_n of_o jesus_n christ._n it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o ever_o they_o state_v erect_v or_o plant_v any_o one_o church_n but_o it_o be_v compose_v of_o person_n out_o of_o many_o family_n nor_o that_o ever_o they_o confine_v a_o church_n unto_o a_o family_n or_o teach_v that_o family_n though_o all_o of_o they_o believer_n and_o baptize_v be_v church_n on_o the_o account_n of_o their_o be_v family_n so_o other_o may_v extend_v church_n unto_o those_o society_n which_o consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n yet_o not_o so_o as_o that_o those_o who_o can_v comply_v or_o join_v with_o they_o shall_v thereon_o be_v esteem_v schismatic_n see_v such_o society_n be_v not_o appoint_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n if_o such_o society_n be_v so_o constitute_v as_o that_o there_o be_v but_o a_o probable_a plea_n that_o they_o be_v ordain_v by_o christ_n there_o may_v be_v danger_n in_o a_o dissent_n from_o they_o mere_o on_o this_o account_n that_o they_o consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n but_o this_o be_v not_o our_o case_n as_o have_v be_v before_o declare_v the_o remainder_n of_o this_o section_n consist_v in_o a_o account_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o some_o thing_n in_o follow_a age_n this_o though_o of_o importance_n in_o itself_o and_o deserve_v a_o full_a enquiry_n into_o yet_o belong_v not_o unto_o our_o present_a case_n and_o will_v it_o may_v be_v in_o due_a time_n be_v more_o full_o speak_v unto_o those_o suppose_a of_o the_o first_o way_n and_o judgement_n who_o grant_v a_o separation_n from_o the_o establish_a form_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v dismiss_v with_o one_o charge_n more_o on_o and_o plea_n against_o their_o practice_n not_o without_o a_o mixture_n of_o some_o severity_n in_o expression_n pag._n 30._o but_o suppose_v the_o first_o church_n be_v bare_o congregational_a by_o reason_n of_o the_o small_a number_n of_o believer_n at_o that_o time_n yet_o what_o obligation_n lie_v upon_o we_o to_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n we_o live_v in_o to_o reduce_v church_n to_o their_o infant_n stateâ—_n which_o be_v press_v with_o sundry_a consideration_n in_o the_o two_o follow_a page_n but_o we_o say_v 1_o that_o the_o first_o church_n be_v not_o congregational_a by_o reason_n of_o the_o small_a number_n of_o believer_n but_o because_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v limit_v and_o determine_v that_o such_o a_o state_n of_o his_o church_n shall_v be_v under_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o best_o suit_v unto_o all_o the_o end_n of_o their_o institution_n 2_o that_o which_o be_v call_v the_o infant_n state_n of_o church_n be_v in_o truth_n their_o sole_a perfect_a estate_n what_o they_o grow_v up_o unto_o afterward_o most_o of_o they_o we_o know_v well_o enough_o for_o leave_v as_o it_o be_v call_v their_o infant_n state_n by_o degree_n they_o bring_v forth_o at_o last_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n 3_o no_o obligation_n lie_v upon_o we_o from_o hence_o to_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o any_o church_n nor_o do_v we_o do_v so_o let_v what_o will_v be_v pretend_v to_o the_o contrary_n if_o any_o such_o disturbance_n do_v ensue_v upon_o the_o difference_n that_o be_v between_o they_o and_o we_o as_o far_o as_o i_o know_v the_o blame_n will_v be_v find_v lie_v upon_o they_o who_o not_o be_v satisfy_v that_o they_o may_v leave_v the_o first_o state_n of_o the_o church_n under_o a_o pretence_n of_o its_o infancy_n and_o bring_v they_o into_o a_o great_a perfection_n than_o be_v give_v they_o by_o christ_n and_o his_o disciple_n but_o compel_v other_o also_o to_o forego_v their_o primitive_a constitution_n and_o comply_v with_o they_o in_o their_o alteration_n thereof_o the_o remainder_n of_o the_o discourse_n of_o this_o section_n so_o far_o as_o i_o can_v understand_v proceed_v on_o this_o principle_n that_o the_o sole_a reason_n and_o cause_n of_o our_o nonconformity_n be_v this_o persuasion_n of_o the_o divine_a institution_n of_o particular_a church_n but_o all_o man_n know_v that_o this_o be_v otherwise_o this_o of_o all_o thing_n be_v least_o plead_v and_o common_o in_o the_o last_o place_n and_o but_o by_o some_o among_o the_o cause_n and_o reason_n of_o our_o withhold_a communion_n so_o far_o as_o we_o do_v so_o from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o unto_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n wherein_o it_o be_v require_v of_o we_o those_o reason_n have_v be_v plead_v already_o and_o may_v yet_o be_v so_o far_o in_o due_a time_n for_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o discourse_n we_o do_v not_o we_o can_v believe_v that_o the_o due_a and_o peaceable_a observation_n of_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n do_v of_o itself_o give_v any_o disturbance_n unto_o any_o church_n or_o person_n whatever_o nor_o that_o a_o peaceable_a endeavour_n to_o practice_v ourselves_o according_a unto_o those_o institution_n without_o impose_v that_o practice_n on_o they_o can_v be_v just_o unblamable_a we_o do_v not_o we_o can_v believe_v that_o our_o refusal_n of_o a_o total_a compliance_n with_o a_o rule_n for_o order_n discipline_n worship_n and_o ceremony_n in_o the_o church_n not_o give_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n but_o require_v of_o we_o sundry_a thing_n either_o in_o themselves_o or_o as_o require_v of_o we_o direct_o contrary_a unto_o or_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o rule_n and_o direction_n give_v we_o by_o they_o unto_o those_o end_n as_o in_o our_o judgement_n and_o light_n of_o our_o conscience_n be_v do_v in_o and_o by_o this_o rule_n be_v either_o schism_n or_o unblamable_a separation_n we_o do_v judge_v ourselves_o oblige_v to_o preserve_v peace_n and_o unity_n among_o christian_n by_o all_o the_o mean_n that_o christ_n have_v appoint_v for_o that_o end_n by_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o grace_n the_o performance_n of_o all_o duty_n the_o observation_n of_o all_o rule_n and_o direction_n give_v we_o for_o that_o end_n but_o we_o do_v not_o we_o can_v believe_v that_o to_o neglect_v the_o mean_n of_o our_o own_o edisication_n appoint_v unto_o we_o by_o christ_n himself_o to_o cast_v away_o the_o liberty_n wherewith_o he_o have_v make_v we_o free_a and_o to_o destroy_v our_o own_o soul_n for_o ever_o by_o act_v against_o his_o authority_n in_o his_o word_n and_o our_o own_o conscience_n guide_v thereby_o in_o a_o total_a comply_v with_o the_o rule_n propose_v unto_o we_o be_v a_o way_n or_o