commit_v to_o the_o presbyter_n preach_v and_o administration_n of_o sacrament_n require_v of_o they_o and_o the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n as_o far_o as_o belong_v to_o they_o of_o which_o afterward_o but_o now_o in_o the_o consecration_n of_o a_o bishop_n this_o part_n be_v leave_v out_o and_o instead_o of_o that_o it_o be_v say_v that_o he_o be_v call_v to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o he_o be_v require_v to_o correct_v and_o punish_v such_o as_o be_v unquiet_a disobedient_a and_o criminous_a in_o his_o diocese_n so_o that_o the_o more_o particular_a charge_n of_o soul_n be_v commit_v to_o every_o pastor_n over_o his_o own_o flock_n and_o the_o general_a care_n of_o government_n and_o discipline_n be_v commit_v to_o the_o bishop_n as_o that_o which_o especial_o belong_v to_o his_o office_n as_o distinct_a from_o the_o other_o sect._n 13._o ii_o which_o be_v the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v viz._n what_o authority_n the_o bishop_n have_v by_o virtue_n of_o his_o consecration_n in_o this_o church_n and_o that_o i_o say_v be_v what_o mr._n b._n call_v the_o ordinary_a part_n of_o the_o apostolical_a authority_n which_o lie_v in_o three_o thing_n government_n ordination_n and_o censure_n and_o that_o our_o church_n do_v believe_v our_o bishop_n to_o succeed_v the_o apostle_n in_o those_o part_n of_o their_o office_n i_o shall_v make_v appear_v by_o these_o thing_n 1._o in_o the_o preface_n before_o the_o book_n of_o ordination_n it_o be_v say_v that_o it_o be_v evident_a unto_o all_o man_n diligent_o read_v holy_a scripture_n and_o ancient_a author_n that_o from_o the_o apostle_n time_n there_o have_v be_v these_o order_n of_o minister_n in_o christ_n church_n bishop_n priest_n and_o deacon_n what_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o they_o express_v it_o thus_o from_o the_o apostle_n time_n rather_o than_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n but_o that_o they_o believe_v while_o the_o apostle_n live_v they_o manage_v the_o affair_n of_o government_n themselves_o but_o as_o they_o withdraw_v they_o do_v in_o some_o church_n soon_o and_o in_o some_o late_a as_o their_o own_o continuance_n the_o condition_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o qualification_n of_o person_n be_v commit_v the_o care_n and_o government_n of_o church_n to_o such_o person_n who_o they_o appoint_v thereto_o of_o which_o we_o have_v a_o uncontrollable_a evidence_n in_o the_o instance_n of_o timothy_n and_o titus_n for_o the_o care_n of_o government_n be_v a_o distinct_a thing_n from_o the_o office_n of_o a_o evangelist_n and_o all_o their_o remove_n do_v not_o invalidate_v this_o because_o while_o the_o apostle_n live_v it_o be_v probable_a there_o be_v no_o fix_a bishop_n or_o but_o few_o but_o as_o they_o go_v off_o so_o they_o come_v to_o be_v settle_v in_o their_o several_a church_n and_o as_o this_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o church_n so_o it_o be_v the_o fair_a hypothesis_n for_o reconcile_a the_o different_a testimony_n of_o antiquity_n for_o hereby_o the_o succession_n of_o bishop_n be_v secure_v from_o the_o apostle_n time_n for_o which_o the_o testimony_n of_o irenaeus_n tertullian_n saint_n cyprian_n and_o other_o be_v so_o plain_a hereby_o room_n be_v leave_v to_o make_v good_a all_o that_o saint_n jerom_n have_v say_v and_o what_o epiphanius_n deliver_v concern_v the_o differ_a settlement_n of_o church_n at_o first_o so_o that_o we_o may_v allow_v for_o the_o community_n of_o name_n between_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n for_o a_o while_n in_o the_o church_n i._n e._n while_o the_o apostle_n govern_v the_o church_n themselves_o but_o afterward_o that_o which_o be_v then_o part_n of_o the_o apostolical_a office_n become_v the_o episcopal_a which_o have_v continue_v from_o that_o time_n to_o this_o by_o a_o constant_a succession_n in_o the_o church_n 2._o archbishop_n whitgift_n several_a time_n declare_v that_o these_o part_n of_o the_o apostolical_a office_n still_o remain_v in_o the_o bishop_n of_o our_o church_n 218._o as_o for_o this_o part_n of_o the_o apostle_n function_n say_v he_o to_o visit_v such_o church_n as_o be_v before_o plant_v and_o to_o provide_v that_o such_o be_v place_v in_o they_o as_o be_v virtuous_a and_o godly_a pastor_n i_o know_v it_o remain_v still_o and_o be_v one_o of_o the_o chief_a part_n of_o the_o bishop_n function_n and_o again_o there_o be_v now_o no_o plant_n of_o church_n 424._o nor_o go_v through_o the_o whole_a world_n there_o be_v no_o writing_n of_o new_a gospel_n no_o prophesy_v of_o thing_n to_o come_v but_o there_o be_v govern_v of_o church_n visit_v of_o they_o reform_v of_o pastor_n and_o direct_v of_o they_o which_o be_v a_o portion_n of_o the_o apostolical_a function_n 427._o again_o although_o that_o this_o part_n of_o the_o apostolical_a office_n which_o do_v consist_v in_o plant_v and_o sound_v of_o church_n through_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v cease_v yet_o the_o manner_n of_o government_n by_o place_v bishop_n in_o every_o city_n by_o moderate_v and_o govern_v they_o by_o visit_v the_o church_n by_o cut_v off_o schism_n and_o contention_n by_o order_v minister_n remain_v still_o and_o shall_v continue_v and_o be_v in_o this_o church_n in_o the_o archbishop_n and_o bishop_n as_o most_o meet_a man_n to_o execute_v the_o same_o bishop_n bilson_n full_o agree_v as_o to_o these_o particular_n 1._o that_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o at_o first_o commit_v the_o church_n to_o the_o government_n of_o bishop_n 224._o but_o reserve_v the_o chief_a power_n of_o government_n in_o their_o own_o hand_n 2._o that_o upon_o experience_n of_o the_o confusion_n and_o disorder_n which_o do_v arise_v through_o equality_n of_o pastor_n do_v appoint_v at_o their_o departure_n certain_a approve_a man_n to_o be_v bishop_n 244._o 3._o that_o these_o bishop_n do_v succeed_v the_o apostle_n in_o the_o care_n and_o government_n of_o church_n as_o he_o prove_v at_o large_a and_o therefore_o he_o call_v their_o function_n apostolic_a instead_o of_o many_o other_o which_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o produce_v i_o shall_v only_o add_v the_o testimony_n of_o king_n charles_n i._o in_o his_o debate_n about_o episcopacy_n who_o understand_v the_o constitution_n of_o our_o church_n as_o well_o as_o any_o bishop_n in_o it_o and_o defend_v it_o with_o as_o clear_v and_o as_o strong_a a_o reason_n in_o his_o three_o paper_n to_o henderson_n he_o have_v these_o word_n where_o you_o find_v a_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n in_o scripture_n to_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o which_o i_o deny_v to_o be_v always_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n now_o i_o think_v to_o prove_v the_o order_n of_o bishop_n succeed_v that_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o that_o the_o name_n be_v chief_o alter_v in_o reverence_n to_o those_o who_o be_v immediate_o choose_v by_o our_o saviour_n in_o his_o first_o paper_n at_o the_o treaty_n at_o newport_n he_o thus_o state_n the_o case_n about_o episcopal_a government_n i_o conceive_v that_o episcopal_a government_n be_v most_o consonant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o of_o a_o apostolical_a institution_n as_o it_o appear_v by_o the_o scripture_n to_o have_v be_v practise_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o by_o they_o commit_v and_o derive_v to_o particular_a person_n as_o their_o substitute_n or_o successor_n therein_o as_o for_o ordain_v presbyter_n and_o deacon_n give_v rule_n concern_v christian_n discipline_n and_o exercise_v censure_n over_o presbyter_n and_o other_o and_o have_v ever_o since_o to_o these_o last_o time_n be_v exercise_v by_o bishop_n in_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o i_o can_v in_o conscience_n consent_n to_o abolish_v the_o say_a government_n in_o his_o reply_n to_o the_o first_o answer_n of_o the_o divine_n he_o say_v that_o mere_a presbyter_n be_v episcopi_fw-la gregis_fw-la only_a they_o have_v the_o oversight_n of_o the_o flock_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o preach_v administration_n of_o sacrament_n public_a prayer_n exhort_v rebuke_v etc._n etc._n but_o bishop_n be_v episcopi_fw-la gregis_fw-la &_o pastorum_fw-la too_o have_v the_o oversight_n of_o flock_n and_o pastor_n within_o their_o several_a precinct_n in_o the_o act_n of_o external_a government_n and_o that_o although_o the_o apostle_n have_v no_o successor_n in_o eundem_fw-la gradum_fw-la as_o to_z those_o thing_n that_o be_v extraordinary_a in_o they_o as_o namely_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o gift_n the_o extent_n of_o their_o charge_n the_o infallibility_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o the_o have_v see_v christ_n in_o the_o flesh_n but_o in_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o extraordinary_a and_o such_o those_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v judge_v which_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o service_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o time_n as_o the_o office_n of_o teach_v and_o the_o power_n of_o govern_v be_v they_o be_v to_o have_v and_o have_v successor_n and_o therefore_o the_o learned_a and_o godly_a father_n
than_o mutual_a forbearance_n towards_o each_o other_o let_v now_o any_o rational_a man_n judge_n whether_o it_o appear_v probable_a that_o so_o loose_a and_o shatter_v a_o government_n as_o this_o be_v shall_v answer_v the_o obligation_n among_o christian_n to_o use_v the_o best_a and_o most_o effectual_a mean_n to_o preserve_v the_o faith_n once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n and_o to_o uphold_v peace_n and_o unity_n among_o christian_n but_o suppose_v all_o these_o several_a congregation_n unite_v together_o under_o such_o common_a bond_n that_o the_o preacher_n be_v accountable_a to_o superior_n that_o none_o be_v admit_v but_o such_o as_o own_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o promise_v obedience_n that_o public_a legal_a censure_n take_v hold_v upon_o the_o disturber_n of_o the_o church_n peace_n here_o we_o have_v a_o far_o more_o effectual_a mean_n according_a to_o reason_n for_o uphold_v true_a religion_n among_o we_o and_o that_o this_o be_v no_o mere_a theory_n appear_v by_o the_o sad_a experience_n of_o this_o nation_n when_o upon_o the_o break_n the_o bond_n of_o our_o national_a church-government_n there_o come_v such_o a_o overpower_a inundation_n of_o error_n and_o schism_n among_o we_o that_o this_o age_n be_v like_a to_o smart_v under_o the_o sad_a effect_n of_o it_o and_o in_o new-england_n two_o or_o three_o man_n as_o williams_n gorton_n and_o clark_n discover_v the_o apparent_a weakness_n of_o the_o independent_a government_n which_o be_v very_o material_a to_o this_o business_n i_o shall_v give_v a_o brief_a account_n of_o it_o as_o to_o one_o of_o they_o mr._n roger_n williams_n be_v the_o teacher_n of_o a_o congregational_a church_n at_o salem_n and_o a_o man_n in_o very_o good_a esteem_n as_o appear_v by_o mr._n cotton_n letter_n to_o he_o 1._o he_o be_v a_o great_a admirer_n of_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o new-england_n church_n but_o be_v a_o think_v man_n he_o pursue_v the_o principle_n of_o that_o way_n far_o than_o they_o think_v fit_a for_o he_o think_v it_o unlawful_a to_o join_v with_o unregenerate_a man_n in_o prayer_n or_o take_v a_o oath_n and_o that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o unlimited_a toleration_n of_o opinion_n etc._n etc._n these_o doctrine_n and_o some_o other_o of_o his_o not_o take_v he_o proceed_v to_o separation_n from_o they_o and_o gather_v a_o new_a church_n in_o opposition_n to_o they_o this_o give_v such_o a_o disturbance_n to_o they_o that_o the_o magistrate_n send_v for_o he_o and_o the_o minister_n reason_v the_o case_n with_o he_o he_o tell_v they_o he_o go_v upon_o their_o own_o ground_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o blame_v he_o mr._n cotton_n tell_v he_o they_o deserve_v to_o be_v punish_v who_o make_v separation_n among_o they_o mr._n williams_n reply_v this_o will_v return_v upon_o themselves_o for_o have_v not_o they_o do_v the_o same_o as_o to_o the_o church_n of_o old-england_n in_o short_a 57_o after_o their_o debate_n and_o mr._n william_n continue_v in_o his_o principle_n of_o separation_n from_o their_o church_n a_o sentence_n of_o banishment_n be_v decree_v against_o he_o by_o the_o magistrate_n and_o this_o sentence_n approve_v and_o justify_v by_o their_o church_n for_o these_o be_v mr._n cotton_n word_n that_o the_o increase_n of_o concourse_n of_o people_n to_o he_o on_o the_o lord_n day_n in_o private_a to_o a_o neglect_n or_o desert_v of_o public_a ordinance_n and_o to_o the_o spread_a of_o the_o leaven_n of_o his_o corrupt_a imagination_n provoke_v the_o magistrate_n rather_o than_o to_o breed_v a_o winter_n spiritual_a plague_n in_o the_o country_n to_o put_v upon_o he_o a_o winter_n journey_n out_o of_o the_o country_n this_o mr._n williams_n tell_v they_o be_v fall_v into_o the_o national_a church_n way_n which_o they_o disown_v or_o else_o say_v he_o why_o must_v he_o that_o be_v banish_v from_o the_o one_o be_v banish_v from_o the_o other_o also_o and_o he_o charge_v they_o that_o they_o have_v suppress_v church_n set_v up_o after_o the_o parochial_a way_n 46._o and_o although_o the_o person_n be_v otherwise_o allow_v to_o be_v godly_a to_o live_v in_o the_o same_o air_n with_o they_o if_o they_o set_v up_o any_o other_o church_n or_o worship_n than_o what_o themselves_o practise_v which_o appear_v by_o the_o law_n of_o new_a england_n mention_v before_o and_o mr._n cobbet_n one_o of_o the_o teacher_n of_o their_o church_n confess_v that_o by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o country_n 47._o none_o be_v to_o be_v free_a man_n but_o such_o as_o be_v member_n of_o church_n i_o now_o appeal_v to_o any_o man_n whether_o these_o proceed_n and_o these_o law_n do_v not_o manifest_o discover_v the_o apparent_a weakness_n and_o insufficiency_n of_o the_o congregational_a way_n for_o prevent_v those_o disorder_n which_o they_o apprehend_v to_o be_v destructive_a to_o their_o church_n why_o have_v not_o mr._n william_n his_o liberty_n of_o separation_n as_o well_o as_o they_o why_o be_v no_o anabaptist_n or_o quaker_n permit_v among_o they_o because_o these_o way_n will_v disturb_v their_o peace_n and_o distract_v their_o people_n and_o in_o time_n overthrow_v their_o church_n very_o well_o but_o where_o be_v the_o entireness_n of_o the_o power_n of_o every_o single_a congregation_n the_o mean_a while_n why_o may_v not_o the_o people_n at_o salem_n have_v the_o same_o liberty_n as_o those_o at_o boston_n or_o plymouth_n the_o plain_a truth_n be_v they_o find_v by_o experience_n this_o congregational_a way_n will_v not_o do_v alone_o without_o civil_a sanction_n and_o the_o interpose_v of_o the_o pastor_n of_o other_o church_n for_o when_o williams_n and_o gorton_n and_o clark_n have_v begin_v to_o make_v some_o impression_n on_o their_o people_n they_o bestir_v themselves_o as_o much_o as_o possible_a to_o have_v their_o mouth_n stop_v and_o their_o person_n banish_v this_o i_o do_v only_o mention_v to_o show_v that_o where_o this_o way_n have_v prevail_v most_o they_o have_v find_v it_o very_o insufficient_a to_o carry_v on_o those_o end_n which_o themselves_o judge_v necessary_a for_o the_o preservation_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o of_o peace_n and_o unity_n among_o themselves_o and_o in_o their_o synod_n at_o boston_n 1662._o the_o new-england_n church_n be_v come_v to_o apprehend_v the_o necessity_n of_o conâ—eciation_n of_o church_n in_o case_n of_o division_n and_o contention_n and_o for_o the_o rectify_v of_o male-administrations_a and_o heal_v of_o error_n and_o scandal_n 1â—2_n that_o be_v unhealed_a among_o themselves_o for_o christ_n care_n say_v they_o be_v for_o whole_a church_n as_o well_o as_o for_o particular_a person_n of_o which_o consociation_n they_o tell_v we_o that_o mr._n cotton_n draw_v a_o platform_n before_o his_o death_n be_v such_o a_o consociation_n of_o church_n a_o duty_n or_o not_o in_o such_o case_n if_o not_o why_o do_v they_o do_v any_o thing_n relate_v to_o church_n government_n for_o which_o they_o have_v no_o command_n in_o scripture_n if_o there_o be_v a_o command_n in_o scripture_n than_o there_o be_v a_o institution_n of_o a_o power_n above_o congregational_a church_n it_o be_v but_o a_o slender_a evasion_n which_o they_o use_v when_o they_o call_v these_o only_a voluntary_a combination_n for_o what_o be_v all_o church_n else_o only_o the_o antecedent_n obligation_n on_o man_n to_o join_v for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n make_v enter_v into_o other_o church_n a_o duty_n and_o so_o the_o obligation_n lie_v upon_o church-officer_n to_o use_v the_o best_a mean_n to_o prevent_v or_o heal_v division_n will_v make_v such_o consociation_n a_o duty_n too_o and_o therefore_o in_o such_o case_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n require_v a_o union_n and_o conjunction_n superior_a to_o that_o of_o congregational_a church_n which_o be_v then_o most_o agreeable_a to_o scripture_n and_o antiquity_n when_o the_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n join_v together_o who_o agree_v together_o upon_o article_n of_o doctrine_n and_o rule_n of_o worship_n and_o discipline_n be_v the_o national_a church_n representative_a and_o these_o be_v own_a and_o establish_v by_o the_o civil_a power_n and_o receive_v by_o the_o body_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o all_o person_n oblige_v to_o observe_v the_o same_o in_o the_o several_a congregation_n for_o worship_n these_o congregation_n so_o unite_v in_o these_o common_a bond_n of_o religion_n make_v up_o the_o complete_a national_a church_n sect._n 20._o and_o now_o i_o hope_v i_o may_v have_v leave_n to_o consider_v mr._n baxter_n subtlety_n about_o this_o matter_n which_o be_v spread_v abroad_o in_o abundance_n of_o word_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n i_o shall_v reduce_v to_o these_o follow_a head_n wherein_o the_o main_a difficulty_n lie_v 1._o concern_v the_o difference_n between_o a_o national_a church_n and_o a_o christian_a kingdom_n 2._o concern_v the_o govern_n power_n of_o this_o national_a church_n which_o he_o call_v the_o constitutive_a regent_n part_n 3._o
meeting_n of_o the_o messenger_n from_o other_o church_n as_o they_o call_v they_o for_o close_v up_o of_o this_o wound_n but_o they_o dare_v not_o search_v deep_a into_o it_o but_o only_o skin_v it_o over_o to_o prevent_v the_o great_a reproach_n and_o scandal_n of_o it_o from_o these_o thing_n the_o presbyterian_o infer_v the_o necessity_n of_o civil_a authority_n interpose_v 49._o and_o of_o not_o leave_v all_o to_o conscience_n for_o say_v they_o conscience_n have_v be_v long_o urge_v the_o take_n away_o that_o scandal_n occasion_v at_o rotterdam_n by_o that_o schism_n where_o divers_a member_n leave_v the_o one_o church_n and_o join_v to_o the_o other_o so_o disorderly_a wherein_o even_o the_o ruler_n of_o one_o church_n have_v a_o deep_a charge_n yet_o as_o that_o can_v not_o then_o be_v prevent_v so_o there_o have_v be_v many_o meeting_n sermon_n and_o all_o mean_v use_v to_o press_v the_o conscience_n of_o take_v it_o off_o by_o a_o reunion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o yet_o the_o way_n to_o do_v it_o can_v never_o be_v find_v till_o the_o magistrate_n authority_n and_o command_n find_v it_o these_o thing_n i_o have_v more_o full_o deduce_v not_o as_o though_o bare_a dissension_n in_o a_o church_n be_v a_o argument_n of_o itself_o against_o it_o but_o to_o show_v 1._o that_o popular_a church_n government_n natural_o lead_v to_o division_n and_o leave_v they_o without_o remedy_n and_o 2._o that_o humorous_a and_o factious_a people_n will_v always_o complain_v of_o the_o mischief_n of_o imposition_n though_o the_o thing_n be_v never_o so_o just_a and_o reasonable_a and_o 1._o that_o this_o principle_n of_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n will_v unavoidable_o lead_v man_n into_o confusion_n for_o when_o man_n once_o break_v the_o rule_n of_o order_n and_o government_n in_o a_o church_n they_o run_v down_o the_o hill_n and_o tumble_v down_o all_o before_o they_o if_o man_n complain_v of_o the_o mischief_n of_o our_o imposition_n the_o member_n of_o their_o own_o church_n may_v on_o the_o same_o ground_n complain_v of_o they_o and_o as_o the_o presbyterian_o can_v answer_v the_o independent_o as_o to_o the_o pretence_n of_o conscience_n so_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o either_o or_o both_o of_o they_o to_o answer_v the_o anabaptist_n who_o have_v as_o just_a a_o plea_n for_o separation_n from_o they_o as_o they_o can_v have_v from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n sect._n 14._o from_o hence_o we_o find_v that_o although_o the_o pretence_n of_o the_o dissent_v brethren_n seem_v very_o modest_a as_o to_o themselves_o yet_o they_o go_v upon_o a_o common_a principle_n of_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n the_o presbyterian_o charge_v they_o with_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o that_o horrible_a inundation_n of_o error_n and_o schism_n which_o immediate_o overspread_v this_o city_n and_o nation_n which_o i_o shall_v brief_o represent_v in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o most_o â—â—inent_a presbyterian_o of_o that_o time_n thence_o 〈…〉_z 53._o a_o zealous_a scotch_a presbyterian_a say_v that_o he_o very_o believe_v independency_n can_v but_o prove_v the_o root_n of_o all_o schism_n and_o heresy_n yea_o i_o add_v say_v he_o that_o by_o consequence_n it_o be_v much_o worse_a than_o popery_n thenâ—e_v the_o scotch_a commissioner_n 4._o in_o the_o first_o place_n press_v uniformity_n in_o religion_n as_o the_o only_a mean_n to_o preserve_v peace_n and_o to_o prevent_v many_o division_n and_o trouble_n a_o thing_n very_o become_v the_o king_n to_o promote_v according_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o good_a king_n of_o judah_n and_o a_o thing_n which_o they_o say_v all_o sound_a divine_n and_o politician_n be_v for_o dr._n corn._n burgess_n tell_v the_o house_n of_o commons_o 1641._o that_o our_o church_n be_v lay_v waste_n and_o expose_v to_o confusion_n under_o the_o plausible_a pretence_n of_o not_o force_v man_n conscience_n and_o that_o to_o put_v all_o man_n into_o a_o course_n of_o order_n and_o uniformity_n in_o god_n way_n be_v not_o to_o force_v the_o conscience_n but_o to_o set_v up_o god_n in_o his_o due_a place_n and_o to_o bring_v all_o his_o people_n into_o the_o path_n of_o righteousness_n and_o life_n the_o error_n and_o innovation_n 1645._o under_o which_o we_o groan_v so_o much_o of_o late_a year_n say_v mr._n case_n be_v but_o tolerabiles_fw-la ineptiae_fw-la tolerable_a trifle_n child_n play_n compare_v with_o these_o damnable_a doctrine_n doctrine_n of_o devil_n as_o the_o apostle_n call_v they_o polygamy_n arbitrary_a divorce_n mortality_n of_o the_o soul_n no_o ministry_n no_o church_n no_o ordinance_n no_o scripture_n etc._n etc._n and_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o all_o these_o lay_v in_o such_o a_o schism_n of_o boundless_a liberty_n of_o conscience_n and_o such_o lawless_a separation_n of_o church_n etc._n etc._n the_o famous_a city_n of_o london_n be_v become_v a_o amsterdam_n 1645._o say_v mr._n calamy_n separation_n from_o our_o church_n be_v countenance_v toleration_n be_v cry_v up_o authority_n asleep_a it_o will_v seem_v a_o wonder_n if_o i_o shall_v reckon_v how_o many_o separate_a congregation_n or_o rather_o segregation_n there_o be_v in_o the_o city_n what_o church_n against_o church_n etc._n etc._n hereby_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o people_n be_v mighty_o distract_v many_o be_v hinder_v from_o conversion_n and_o even_o the_o godly_a themselves_o have_v lose_v much_o of_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n in_o their_o life_n the_o lord_n keep_v we_o say_v he_o from_o be_v poison_v with_o such_o a_o error_n as_o that_o of_o a_o unlimited_a toleration_n a_o doctrine_n that_o overthrow_v all_o church-government_n bring_v in_o confusion_n and_o open_v a_o wide_a door_n unto_o all_o irreligion_n and_o atheism_n diversity_n of_o religion_n 1644._o say_v mr._n matthew_n newcomen_fw-mi disjoynt_n and_o distract_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o be_v the_o seminary_n of_o perpetual_a hatred_n jealousy_n sedition_n war_n if_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n be_v and_o in_o a_o little_a time_n either_o a_o schism_n in_o the_o state_n beget_v a_o schim_n in_o the_o church_n or_o a_o schism_n in_o the_o church_n beget_v a_o schism_n in_o the_o state_n i._n e._n either_o religion_n in_o the_o church_n be_v prejudice_v by_o civil_a contention_n or_o church-controversy_n and_o dispute_n about_o opinion_n break_v out_o into_o civil_a war_n man_n will_v at_o last_o take_v up_o sword_n and_o spear_n in_o stead_n of_o pen_n and_o defend_v that_o by_o arm_n which_o they_o can_v do_v by_o argument_n these_o may_v serve_v for_o a_o taste_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o some_o of_o the_o most_o eminent_a presbyterian_a divine_n at_o that_o time_n concern_v the_o dangerous_a effect_n of_o that_o toleration_n which_o their_o independent_a brethren_n desire_v the_o dissent_v brethren_n find_v themselves_o thus_o load_v with_o so_o many_o reproach_n and_o particular_o with_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o so_o many_o error_n and_o schism_n publish_v their_o apologetical_a narration_n in_o vindication_n of_o themselves_o wherein_o as_o be_v say_v before_o they_o endeavour_v to_o purge_v themselves_o from_o the_o imputation_n of_o brownism_n declare_v that_o they_o look_v on_o some_o of_o our_o church_n as_o true_a church_n and_o our_o ministry_n as_o a_o true_a ministry_n but_o yet_o they_o earnest_o desire_v liberty_n as_o to_o the_o peaceable_a practice_n of_o their_o own_o way_n to_o this_o the_o presbyterian_o answer_v first_o 17._o that_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v by_o they_o in_o what_o sense_n they_o allow_v our_o church_n to_o be_v true_a church_n second_o if_o they_o do_v what_o necessity_n there_o be_v for_o any_o separation_n or_o what_o need_n of_o toleration_n as_o to_o the_o sense_n in_o which_o they_o own_v our_o church_n to_o be_v true_a church_n either_o they_o understand_v it_o of_o a_o bare_a metaphysical_a verity_n as_o many_o of_o our_o divine_n say_v they_o grant_v it_o to_o the_o romish_a church_n that_o she_o be_v a_o true_a church_n as_o a_o rot_a infection_n strumpet_n be_v a_o true_a woman_n and_o then_o they_o thank_v they_o for_o their_o favour_n that_o they_o hold_v our_o church_n in_o the_o same_o category_n with_o rome_n or_o else_o they_o understand_v it_o in_o a_o moral_a sense_n for_o sound_n and_o pure_a church_n and_o then_o say_v they_o why_o do_v you_o not_o join_v with_o we_o and_o communicate_v as_o brethren_n why_o desire_v you_o a_o toleration_n yes_o say_v the_o dissent_v brethren_n we_o own_v you_o to_o be_v true_a church_n and_o communicate_v with_o you_o in_o doctrine_n to_o which_o the_o other_o reply_v if_o you_o own_v it_o by_o external_n act_n of_o communion_n you_o must_v communicate_v with_o we_o in_o sacrament_n but_o this_o you_o refuse_v therefore_o you_o must_v return_v to_o the_o old_a principle_n of_o separation_n for_o where_o there_o be_v such_o a_o refusal_n of_o communion_n as_o there_o be_v in_o they_o towards_o all_o church_n beside_o their_o own_o 41._o
occasional_a communion_n with_o we_o to_o be_v lawful_a shall_v not_o think_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o constant_a communion_n from_o what_o ground_n come_v they_o to_o practice_v occasional_a communion_n be_v it_o from_o the_o love_n of_o peace_n and_o concord_n as_o mr._n b._n say_v that_o be_v a_o good_a ground_n so_o far_o as_o it_o go_v but_o will_v it_o not_o carry_v a_o man_n far_o if_o he_o pursue_v it_o as_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v what_o love_n of_o concord_n be_v this_o to_o be_v occasional_o present_a at_o our_o church_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o declare_v that_o there_o be_v great_a purity_n of_o worship_n and_o better_a mean_n of_o edification_n in_o separate_a congregation_n the_o one_o can_v never_o draw_v man_n so_o much_o to_o the_o love_n of_o concord_n as_o the_o other_o do_v encourage_v they_o in_o the_o principle_n of_o separation_n but_o if_o there_o be_v a_o obligation_n upon_o man_n to_o communicate_v with_o the_o church_n they_o live_v in_o notwithstanding_o the_o defect_n and_o corruption_n of_o it_o that_o obligation_n can_v never_o be_v discharge_v by_o mere_a occasional_a presence_n at_o some_o time_n and_o in_o some_o act_n of_o worship_n 791._o for_o say_v mr._n ball_n to_o use_v one_o ordinance_n and_o not_o another_o be_v to_o make_v a_o schism_n in_o the_o church_n the_o only_a example_n produce_v to_o justify_v such_o occasional_a communion_n with_o defective_a church_n be_v that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n do_v communicate_v after_o that_o manner_n in_o the_o jewish_a synagogue_n and_o temple_n but_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v true_a that_o the_o old_a separatist_n grant_v that_o our_o lord_n communicate_v with_o the_o jewish_a church_n in_o god_n ordinance_n 11._o live_v and_o die_v a_o member_n thereof_o and_o from_o thence_o they_o prove_v that_o the_o jewish_a church_n have_v a_o right_a constitution_n in_o our_o saviour_n time_n and_o do_v not_o he_o declare_v 5._o that_o he_o come_v not_o to_o dissolve_v the_o law_n but_o to_o fulfil_v it_o and_o that_o he_o comply_v with_o john_n be_v baptism_n because_o he_o be_v to_o fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n do_v he_o not_o go_v up_o to_o the_o feast_n at_o jerusalem_n as_o a_o member_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n and_o frequent_v the_o synagogue_n even_o at_o the_o feast_n of_o dedication_n though_o not_o institute_v by_o the_o law_n he_o be_v present_a 23._o as_o other_o jew_n be_v yea_o do_v he_o not_o express_v more_o than_o ordinary_a zeal_n for_o purify_n the_o outward_a part_n of_o the_o temple_n because_o it_o be_v to_o be_v a_o house_n of_o prayer_n for_o all_o nation_n be_v not_o this_o to_o show_v man_n obligation_n to_o come_v and_o worship_n there_o as_o well_o as_o that_o the_o place_n be_v to_o be_v keep_v sacred_a for_o that_o use_n and_o do_v not_o the_o apostle_n express_o say_v that_o he_o be_v make_v under_o the_o law_n where_o be_v there_o the_o least_o ground_n in_o scripture_n to_o intimate_v that_o christ_n only_o keep_v occasional_a and_o not_o constant_a communion_n with_o the_o jewish_a church_n what_o part_n of_o worship_n do_v he_o ever_o withdraw_v from_o do_v he_o not_o command_v his_o disciple_n to_o go_v hear_v the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n because_o they_o sit_v in_o moses_n chair_n 2._o where_o do_v he_o ever_o bid_v they_o go_v thither_o when_o they_o can_v have_v no_o better_o but_o when_o they_o can_v to_o be_v sure_a to_o prefer_v the_o pure_a way_n of_o worship_n and_o better_a mean_n of_o edification_n be_v not_o his_o own_o doctrine_n incomparable_o beyond_o they_o be_v there_o any_o pretence_n for_o great_a edification_n now_o to_o be_v mention_v with_o what_o the_o disciple_n have_v to_o forsake_v the_o jewish_a assembly_n for_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n be_v own_o teach_v yet_o he_o will_v not_o have_v they_o to_o do_v that_o out_o of_o the_o regard_n he_o have_v to_o the_o public_a worship_n and_o teach_v our_o saviour_n himself_o do_v only_o teach_v his_o disciple_n occasional_o and_o at_o certain_a season_n but_o their_o constant_a communion_n be_v with_o the_o jewish_a assembly_n and_o so_o it_o be_v after_o his_o passion_n 53._o till_o the_o holy_a ghost_n feâ—l_v upon_o they_o and_o they_o be_v then_o employ_v to_o gather_v and_o form_v a_o new_a church_n which_o be_v not_o do_v before_o and_o thence_o the_o author_n of_o the_o ordinary_a gloss_n observe_v that_o we_o never_o read_v of_o christ_n be_v pray_v together_o with_o his_o disciple_n unless_o perhaps_o at_o his_o transfiguration_n with_o three_o of_o his_o disciple_n although_o we_o often_o read_v of_o his_o pray_v alone_o so_o that_o no_o example_n can_v be_v mention_v which_o be_v more_o direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o separation_n upon_o the_o present_a ground_n than_o that_o of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o stead_n of_o all_o other_o to_o we_o sect._n 19_o 2._o i_o argue_v from_o the_o particular_a force_n of_o that_o text_n phil._n 3._o 16._o as_o far_o as_o we_o have_v already_o attain_v let_v we_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n let_v we_o mind_n the_o same_o thing_n from_o whence_o it_o appear_v evident_a that_o man_n ought_v to_o go_v as_o far_o as_o they_o can_v towards_o uniformity_n and_o not_o to_o forbear_v do_v any_o thing_n which_o they_o lawful_o may_v do_v towards_o peace_n and_o unity_n to_o take_v off_o the_o force_n of_o the_o argument_n from_o this_o place_n several_a answer_n have_v be_v give_v which_o i_o shall_v now_o remove_v so_o that_o the_o strength_n of_o it_o may_v appear_v to_o remain_v notwithstanding_o all_o the_o attempt_n which_o have_v be_v make_v to_o weaken_v it_o some_o say_v that_o the_o apostle_n word_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o different_a attainment_n christian_n have_v in_o knowledge_n and_o the_o different_a conception_n and_o opinion_n which_o they_o have_v concern_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n 30._o thus_o dr._n o._n understand_v the_o text_n who_o sense_n be_v somewhat_o obscure_o and_o intricate_o express_v but_o as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v apprehend_v his_o meaning_n he_o make_v this_o to_o be_v the_o apostle_n viz._n i._o that_o although_o the_o best_a christian_n in_o this_o life_n can_v attain_v to_o a_o full_a measure_n and_o perfection_n in_o the_o comprehension_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o thing_n contain_v in_o they_o yet_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v press_v continual_o after_o it_o ii_o that_o in_o the_o common_a pursuit_n of_o this_o design_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v suppose_v but_o the_o man_n will_v come_v to_o different_a attainment_n have_v different_a measure_n of_o light_n and_o knowledge_n yea_o and_o different_a conception_n or_o opinion_n about_o these_o thing_n iii_o that_o in_o this_o difference_n of_o opinion_n those_o who_o differ_v from_o other_o shall_v 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 iv._o that_o as_o to_o their_o duty_n in_o common_a to_o each_o other_o as_o far_o as_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 enjoin_v they_o from_o whence_o he_o infer_v that_o these_o word_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 in_o some_o thing_n that_o it_o enjoin_v a_o mutual_a forbearance_n towards_o those_o who_o be_v different_o mind_v and_o again_o he_o say_v the_o advice_n st._n paul_n give_v to_o both_o party_n be_v that_o whereunto_o they_o have_v attain_v wherein_o they_o do_v agree_v which_o be_v all_o those_o principle_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o their_o acceptance_n with_o god_n they_o shall_v walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n and_o mind_n the_o same_o thing_n that_o be_v forbearing_z one_o another_o in_o the_o thing_n wherein_o they_o differ_v which_o say_v he_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o what_o be_v plead_v for_o by_o the_o nonconformist_n for_o the_o clear_n of_o this_o matter_n there_o be_v three_o thing_n to_o be_v debate_v 1._o whether_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o different_a opinion_n or_o different_a practice_n 2._o whether_o the_o rule_n he_o give_v be_v mutual_a forbearance_n 3._o how_o far_o the_o apostle_n rule_n have_v a_o influence_n on_o our_o present_a case_n first_o whether_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o different_a opinion_n or_o of_o different_a practice_n for_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o this_o we_o must_v strict_o attend_v to_o the_o apostle_n scope_n and_o design_n it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o the_o apostle_n begin_v this_o discourse_n with_o a_o caution_n
commonâ—ties_n and_o bond_n on_o the_o account_n of_o their_o great_a attainment_n nor_o to_o separate_a from_o other_o as_o mean_a and_o low_a christian_n because_o they_o be_v not_o come_v up_o to_o that_o perfection_n which_o you_o have_v attain_v to_o and_o so_o either_o way_n it_o contain_v a_o excellent_a rule_n and_o of_o admirable_a use_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n not_o only_o at_o that_o time_n but_o in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n viz._n that_o those_o who_o can_v be_v full_o satisfy_v in_o all_o thing_n shall_v go_v as_o far_o as_o they_o can_v towards_o preserve_a peace_n and_o communion_n among_o christian_n and_o not_o peevish_o separate_v and_o divide_v the_o church_n because_o they_o can_v in_o all_o thing_n think_v as_o other_o do_v nor_o other_o on_o the_o account_n of_o great_a sanctity_n and_o perfection_n despise_v the_o inferior_a sort_n of_o christian_n and_o forsake_v their_o communion_n but_o they_o ought_v all_o to_o do_v what_o lie_v possible_o in_o they_o to_o preserve_v the_o bond_n of_o peace_n and_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n three_o how_o far_o this_o rule_n have_v a_o influence_n on_o our_o case_n 1._o it_o follow_v from_o hence_o that_o as_o far_o as_o communion_n be_v lawful_a it_o be_v a_o duty_n since_o as_o far_o as_o they_o have_v attain_v they_o be_v to_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n and_o so_o much_o dr._n o._n do_v not_o deny_v when_o he_o say_v those_o who_o be_v agree_v in_o the_o substantial_o of_o religion_n or_o in_o the_o principle_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n shall_v walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n and_o mind_n the_o same_o thing_n forbear_v one_o another_o in_o the_o the_o thing_n wherein_o they_o differ_v then_o as_o far_o as_o they_o agree_v they_o be_v bind_v to_o join_v together_o whether_o it_o be_v as_o to_o opinion_n or_o communion_n because_o the_o obligation_n to_o peace_n and_o unity_n must_v especial_o reach_v to_o act_n of_o christian_a communion_n as_o far_o as_o that_o be_v judge_v to_o be_v lawful_a 2._o that_o the_o best_a christian_n be_v bind_v to_o unite_v with_o other_o though_o of_o low_a attainment_n and_o to_o keep_v within_o the_o same_o rule_n which_o be_v a_o general_a expression_n relate_v to_o the_o bound_n of_o a_o race_n and_o so_o take_v in_o all_o such_o order_n which_o be_v lawful_a and_o judge_v necessary_a to_o hold_v the_o member_n of_o a_o christian_a society_n together_o 26._o but_o say_v dr._n o._n let_v the_o apostle_n rule_v be_v produce_v with_o any_o probability_n of_o proof_n to_o be_v his_o and_o they_o be_v all_o ready_a to_o subscribe_v and_o conform_v unto_o it_o this_o be_v the_o apostle_n rule_n to_o go_v as_o far_o as_o they_o can_v and_o if_o they_o can_v go_v no_o far_o to_o sit_v down_o quiet_o and_o wait_v for_o far_a instruction_n and_o not_o to_o break_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o present_a dissatisfaction_n nor_o to_o gather_v new_a church_n out_o of_o other_o upon_o supposition_n of_o high_a attainment_n if_o the_o rule_n reach_v our_o case_n 27._o say_v he_o again_o it_o must_v be_v such_o as_o require_v thing_n to_o be_v observe_v as_o be_v never_o divine_o appoint_v as_o national_a church_n ceremony_n and_o mode_n of_o worship_n and_o so_o this_o rule_n do_v in_o order_n to_o peace_n require_v the_o observation_n of_o such_o thing_n which_o although_o they_o be_v not_o particular_o appoint_v by_o god_n yet_o be_v enjoin_v by_o lawful_a authority_n provide_v they_o be_v not_o unlawful_a in_o themselves_o nor_o repugnant_a to_o the_o world_n of_o god_n but_o the_o apostle_n never_o give_v any_o such_o rule_n themselves_o 28_o about_o outward_a modes_n of_o worship_n with_o ceremony_n feast_n fast_n liturgy_n etc._n etc._n what_o then_o it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o they_o give_v this_o general_a rule_n that_o all_o lawful_a thing_n be_v to_o be_v do_v for_o the_o church_n peace_n and_o without_o this_o no_o unity_n or_o order_n can_v be_v preserve_v in_o church_n the_o apostle_n say_v he_o give_v rule_n inconsistent_a with_o any_o determine_a rule_n 31._o viz._n of_o mutual_a forbearance_n rome_n 14._o and_o herein_o the_o apostle_n act_v not_o upon_o mere_a rule_n of_o prudence_n but_o as_o a_o teacher_n divine_o inspire_v that_o he_o be_v divine_o inspire_v i_o do_v not_o question_v but_o even_o such_o a_o one_o may_v determine_v a_o case_n upon_o present_a circumstance_n which_o resolution_n may_v not_o always_o bind_v when_o the_o circumstance_n be_v change_v for_o then_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o apostle_n must_v be_v that_o whatever_o difference_n happen_v among_o christian_n there_o must_v be_v no_o determination_n either_o way_n but_o the_o direct_a contrary_n to_o this_o we_o find_v in_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o apostle_n at_o jerusalem_n upon_o the_o difference_n that_o happen_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n 28._o and_o although_o there_o be_v a_o very_a plausible_a pretence_n of_o the_o obligation_n of_o conscience_n one_o way_n yet_o the_o apostle_n make_v a_o determination_n in_o the_o case_n contrary_a to_o their_o judgement_n which_o show_v that_o the_o rule_n of_o forbearance_n where_o conscience_n be_v allege_v both_o way_n be_v no_o stand_a rule_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n but_o that_o the_o governor_n of_o it_o from_o parity_n of_o reason_n may_v determine_v those_o thing_n which_o they_o judge_v to_o conduce_v most_o to_o the_o peace_n and_o welfare_n of_o that_o church_n which_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o preserve_v and_o from_o hence_o it_o appear_v how_o little_a reason_n there_o be_v for_o dr._n oh_o insinuation_n as_o though_o the_o false_a apostle_n be_v the_o only_a imposer_n whereas_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o the_o true_a apostle_n make_v this_o peremptory_a decree_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o great_a consequence_n and_o against_o the_o pretence_n of_o conscience_n on_o the_o other_o side_n but_o say_v dr._n o._n further_o 8._o the_o jewish_a christian_n be_v leave_v to_o their_o own_o liberty_n provide_v they_o do_v not_o impose_v on_o other_o and_o the_o dissenter_n at_o this_o day_n desire_v no_o more_o than_o the_o gentile_a church_n do_v viz._n not_o to_o be_v impose_v upon_o to_o observe_v those_o thing_n which_o they_o be_v not_o satisfy_v it_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n shall_v be_v impose_v upon_o they_o i_o answer_v 1._o it_o be_v agree_v by_o all_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n that_o the_o jewish_a christian_n shall_v be_v leave_v to_o their_o own_o liberty_n out_o of_o respect_n to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o out_o of_o regard_n to_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o may_v have_v be_v extreme_o hazard_v if_o the_o apostle_n have_v present_o set_v themselves_o against_o the_o observe_v the_o jewish_a custom_n among_o the_o jew_n themselves_o 2._o the_o false_a apostle_n impose_v on_o the_o gentile_a christian_n have_v two_o circumstance_n in_o it_o which_o extreme_o alter_v their_o case_n from_o that_o of_o our_o present_a dissenter_n for_o 1._o they_o be_v none_o of_o their_o lawful_a governor_n but_o go_v about_o as_o seducer_n draw_v away_o the_o disciple_n of_o the_o apostle_n from_o they_o 2._o they_o impose_v the_o jewish_a rite_n as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o not_o as_o mere_o indifferent_a thing_n and_o therefore_o the_o case_n of_o our_o dissenter_n be_v very_o different_a from_o that_o of_o the_o gentile_a christian_n as_o to_o the_o imposition_n of_o the_o false_a apostle_n thus_o i_o have_v consider_v every_o thing_n material_a in_o dr._n o._n which_o seem_v to_o take_v off_o the_o force_n of_o the_o argument_n draw_v from_o this_o text._n the_o author_n of_o the_o letter_n say_v 1._o that_o i_o ought_v to_o have_v prove_v 24._o that_o the_o apostle_n mean_v some_o rule_n superad_v to_o the_o scripture_n and_o 2._o that_o other_o church-guide_n have_v the_o same_o power_n as_o the_o apostle_n have_v but_o what_o need_v all_o this_o if_o it_o appear_v 1_o that_o the_o apostle_n do_v give_v bind_v rule_n to_o particular_a church_n which_o be_v not_o extant_a in_o scripture_n as_o appear_v by_o 1_o cor._n 7._o 17._o so_o that_o either_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o imperfect_a rule_n for_o omit_v some_o divine_a rule_n or_o else_o these_o be_v only_a prudential_n rule_v of_o order_n and_o government_n 2._o that_o it_o be_v a_o stand_a rule_n of_o scripture_n that_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o do_v all_o lawful_a thing_n for_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o this_o i_o have_v show_v be_v the_o apostle_n design_n in_o the_o word_n of_o this_o text._n sect._n 20._o other_o pretend_v that_o the_o apostle_n mean_v no_o more_o by_o these_o word_n but_o that_o christian_n must_v live_v up_o to_o their_o knowledge_n and_o mind_n that_o one_o thing_n this_o be_v a_o very_a new_a exposition_n and_o the_o author_n of_o it_o intend_v
whatsoever_o you_o shall_v bind_v etc._n etc._n from_o whence_o say_v he_o by_o a_o constant_a succession_n of_o time_n such_o a_o course_n have_v be_v always_o observe_v in_o the_o church_n that_o the_o church_n have_v be_v still_o govern_v by_o bishop_n and_o every_o act_n of_o the_o church_n have_v be_v under_o their_o care_n and_o conduct_v since_o this_o say_v he_o be_v a_o divine_a institution_n i_o wonder_v at_o the_o boldness_n of_o those_o who_o have_v write_v at_o that_o rate_n to_o i_o concern_v the_o lapse_v since_o the_o church_n consist_v in_o the_o bishop_n the_o clergy_n and_o the_o stand_a people_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o antonianus_n 52._o he_o speak_v of_o the_o agreement_n of_o the_o bishop_n throughout_o the_o whole_a world_n 55._o and_o in_o that_o to_o cornelius_n that_o every_o bishop_n have_v a_o part_n of_o the_o flock_n commit_v to_o he_o which_o he_o be_v to_o govern_v and_o to_o give_v a_o account_n thereof_o to_o god_n 65._o and_o that_o a_o bishop_n in_o the_o church_n be_v in_o the_o place_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o disobedience_n to_o he_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o schism_n and_o disorder_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n he_o speak_v in_o his_o epistle_n to_o rogatianus_n 69._o and_o to_o pupianus_n where_o he_o declare_v a_o church_n to_o be_v a_o people_n unite_v to_o a_o bishop_n 75._o and_o to_o stephanus_n that_o they_o have_v succeed_v the_o apostle_n in_o a_o constant_a course_n let_v the_o reader_n now_o judge_n whether_o these_o be_v the_o stroke_n and_o lineament_n of_o the_o congregational_a way_n and_o whether_o dr._n o._n have_v any_o reason_n to_o appeal_v to_o saint_n cyprian_n for_o the_o democratical_a government_n of_o the_o church_n but_o we_o have_v this_o advantage_n from_o this_o appeal_n that_o they_o do_v not_o suppose_v any_o deviation_n then_o from_o the_o primitive_a institution_n and_o what_o that_o be_v in_o saint_n cyprian_n judgement_n any_o one_o may_v see_v when_o he_o speak_v of_o nothing_o peculiar_a to_o his_o own_o church_n but_o what_o be_v general_o observe_v over_o the_o christian_a world_n and_o now_o let_v dr._n o._n give_v a_o account_n how_o a_o change_n so_o great_a so_o sudden_a so_o universal_a shall_v happen_v in_o the_o christian_a world_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n that_o when_o christ_n have_v place_v the_o power_n in_o the_o people_n the_o bishop_n in_o so_o short_a a_o time_n shall_v be_v every_o where_o settle_v and_o allow_v to_o have_v the_o chief_a management_n in_o church-affair_n without_o any_o control_n from_o the_o people_n which_o to_o i_o be_v as_o strong_a a_o argument_n as_o a_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n will_v bear_v that_o the_o power_n be_v at_o first_o lodge_v in_o they_o and_o not_o in_o the_o people_n for_o as_o mr._n noys_n of_o new-england_n well_o argue_v it_o be_v not_o imaginable_a that_o bishop_n shall_v come_v by_o such_o power_n as_o be_v record_v in_o ecclesiastical_a history_n 62._o and_o that_o over_o all_o the_o world_n and_o in_o a_o way_n of_o ambition_n in_o such_o humble_v time_n without_o all_o manner_n of_o opposition_n for_o 300_o year_n together_o and_o immediate_o after_o the_o apostle_n have_v it_o be_v usurpation_n or_o innovation_n when_o and_o where_o be_v innovation_n without_o opposition_n will_v not_o elder_n so_o many_o see_v and_o know_v man_n at_o least_o some_o of_o they_o have_v contend_v for_o truth_n wherein_o their_o own_o liberty_n and_o right_n be_v so_o much_o interest_v aërius_n his_o oppose_v of_o bishop_n so_o long_o after_o their_o rise_n and_o stand_v be_v inconsiderable_a the_o force_n of_o which_o reason_v will_v sway_v more_o with_o a_o impartial_a and_o ingenuous_a mind_n than_o all_o the_o difficulty_n i_o ever_o yet_o see_v on_o the_o other_o side_n so_o much_o for_o the_o account_n dr._n o._n promise_n of_o the_o deviation_n of_o the_o church_n after_o the_o apostle_n decease_n sect._n 5._o 2._o dr._n o._n answer_v as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n concern_v the_o institution_n of_o congregational_a church_n that_o it_o seem_v to_o he_o evident_o exemplify_v in_o the_o scripture_n 39_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v that_o when_o church_n grow_v too_o big_a for_o one_o single_a congregation_n in_o a_o city_n than_o a_o new_a congregational_a church_n be_v set_v up_o under_o new_a officer_n with_o a_o separate_a power_n of_o government_n let_v we_o now_o see_v dr._n o.'s_n proof_n of_o it_o for_o although_o it_o may_v be_v there_o be_v not_o express_v mention_n make_v that_o these_o or_o those_o particular_a church_n do_v divide_v themselves_o into_o more_o congregation_n with_o new_a officer_n i_o e._n although_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v not_o evident_a in_o scripture_n yet_o say_v he_o there_o be_v instance_n of_o the_o erection_n of_o new_a particular_a congregation_n in_o the_o same_o province_n but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o congregational_a way_n the_o thing_n i_o desire_v be_v that_o when_o the_o christian_n in_o one_o city_n multiply_v into_o more_o congregation_n they_o will_v prove_v that_o they_o do_v make_v new_a and_o distinct_a church_n and_o to_o exemplify_v this_o he_o mention_n new_a congregation_n in_o the_o same_o province_n who_o ever_o deny_v or_o dispute_v that_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o proof_n of_o this_o be_v a_o great_a advantage_n to_o our_o cause_n for_o since_o where_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o the_o church_n of_o a_o province_n it_o speak_v of_o they_o as_o of_o different_a church_n but_o when_o it_o mention_n the_o christian_n of_o one_o city_n it_o call_v they_o the_o church_n of_o that_o city_n as_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n 31._o but_o the_o church_n of_o judea_n galilee_n and_o samaria_n what_o can_v be_v more_o evident_a than_o that_o the_o christian_n of_o one_o city_n though_o never_o so_o numerous_a make_v but_o one_o church_n if_o one_o observe_v the_o language_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n one_o may_v find_v this_o observation_n not_o once_o to_o fail_v that_o where_o church_n be_v speak_v of_o in_o the_o plural_a number_n 14._o they_o be_v the_o church_n of_o a_o province_n as_o the_o church_n of_o judea_n 19_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n the_o church_n of_o syria_n and_o cilicia_n 41._o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n the_o church_n of_o macedonia_n 1._o but_o where_o all_o the_o christian_n of_o one_o city_n be_v speak_v of_o 2._o it_o be_v still_o câ—lled_v the_o church_n of_o that_o city_n 1._o as_o the_o church_n at_o antioch_n the_o church_n at_o corinth_n and_o when_o the_o 7_o church_n be_v speak_v of_o together_o they_o be_v the_o 7_o church_n but_o when_o speak_v to_o single_a it_o be_v the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v speak_v without_o any_o discrimination_n as_o to_o the_o difference_n of_o these_o place_n in_o greatness_n and_o capacity_n or_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n in_o they_o do_v evident_o discover_v that_o what_o number_n soever_o they_o be_v they_o be_v all_o but_o the_o church_n of_o that_o city_n for_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v suppose_v that_o the_o number_n of_o christian_n be_v no_o great_a in_o ephesus_n sardis_n pergamus_n and_o laodicea_n which_o be_v great_a and_o populous_a city_n than_o in_o thyatira_n and_o philadelphia_n which_o be_v much_o less_o especial_o consider_v the_o time_n saint_n paul_n stay_v at_o ephesâ—s_n 31._o and_o the_o mighty_a success_n which_o he_o have_v in_o preach_v there_o which_o will_v amount_v to_o no_o great_a matter_n 9_o if_o in_o three_o year_n time_n he_o convert_v no_o more_o than_o make_v up_o one_o single_a congregation_n and_o thus_o man_n to_o serve_v a_o hypothesis_n take_v off_o from_o the_o mighty_a power_n and_o prevalency_n of_o the_o gospel_n i_o can_v but_o wonder_n what_o dr._n o._n mean_n when_o after_o he_o have_v produce_v the_o evidence_n of_o distinct_a church_n in_o the_o same_o province_n 40._o as_o galatia_n and_o macedonia_n he_o call_v this_o plain_a scripture_n evidence_n and_o practice_n for_o the_o erect_v particular_a distinct_a congregation_n who_o deny_v that_o but_o i_o see_v nothing_o like_o a_o proof_n of_o distinct_a church_n in_o the_o same_o city_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v prove_v but_o because_o it_o can_v not_o be_v prove_v be_v prudent_o let_v alone_o whereas_o we_o have_v plain_a scripture_n evidence_n that_o all_o the_o christian_n of_o a_o city_n though_o never_o so_o great_a make_v but_o one_o church_n and_o uncontrollable_a evidence_n from_o antiquity_n that_o the_o neighbour_a christian_n be_v lay_v to_o the_o church_n of_o the_o city_n all_o that_o he_o say_v further_a to_o this_o matter_n 4â—_n be_v that_o such_o church_n have_v power_n to_o rule_v and_o govern_v themselves_o because_o in_o every_o one_o of_o they_o elder_n be_v ordain_v act