imposition_n so_o much_o as_o plead_v or_o pretend_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n impose_v or_o the_o refusal_n of_o compliance_n with_o those_o imposition_n under_o a_o profession_n that_o such_o a_o compliance_n will_v be_v against_o the_o light_n of_o conscience_n and_o the_o best_a understanding_n in_o they_o who_o so_o refuse_v which_o they_o can_v attain_v of_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n 2._o whereas_o the_o party_n at_o difference_n do_v agree_v in_o all_o substantial_a part_n of_o religion_n and_o in_o a_o common_a interest_n as_o unto_o the_o preservation_n and_o defence_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n live_v alike_o peaceable_o under_o the_o same_o supreme_a authority_n and_o civil_a government_n whether_o the_o evil_n and_o inconvenience_n mention_v be_v necessary_a and_o inseparable_a effect_n of_o such_o a_o difference_n or_o whether_o they_o do_v not_o whole_o owe_v themselves_o unto_o passion_n corrupt_a affection_n and_o caernal_a interest_n of_o man_n which_o ought_v on_o all_o hand_n to_o be_v mortify_v and_o subdue_v for_o as_o it_o may_v be_v few_o wise_a man_n who_o know_v the_o nature_n of_o conscience_n how_o delicate_a and_o tender_a it_o be_v what_o care_n be_v require_v in_o all_o man_n to_o keep_v it_o as_o a_o precious_a jewel_n who_o preservation_n from_o defilement_n and_o affront_n god_n have_v commit_v unto_o we_o under_o the_o pain_n of_o his_o eternal_a displeasure_n how_o unable_a honest_a man_n be_v to_o contravene_v the_o light_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n in_o thing_n of_o the_o small_a importance_n for_o any_o outward_a advantage_n whatever_o how_o great_a care_n diligence_n and_o accuracy_n ought_v to_o be_v use_v in_o all_o thing_n relate_v unto_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n about_o which_o he_o so_o frequent_o declare_v his_o jealousy_n and_o displeasure_n against_o those_o who_o in_o any_o thing_n corrupt_a or_o debase_v it_o with_o sundry_a other_o thing_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n will_v admire_v that_o these_o difference_n be_v not_o end_v among_o we_o by_o a_o absolute_a acquiescency_n of_o the_o one_o party_n in_o the_o judgement_n dictate_v and_o imposition_n of_o the_o other_o so_o upon_o the_o supposition_n before_o mention_v of_o a_o agreement_n in_o all_o the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n in_o all_o thing_n from_o themselves_o and_o god_n appointment_n necessary_a unto_o salvation_n of_o that_o union_n of_o affection_n which_o our_o joint_a interest_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n do_v require_v and_o of_o that_o union_n of_o interest_n which_o both_o party_n have_v in_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n and_o that_o of_o obedience_n and_o subjection_n unto_o the_o same_o civil_a government_n and_o on_o the_o satisfaction_n which_o the_o dissent_v party_n have_v in_o that_o the_o other_o do_v enjoy_v all_o those_o great_a advantage_n which_o the_o public_a profession_n of_o religion_n in_o this_o kingdom_n be_v accompany_v withal_o not_o in_o the_o least_o pretend_v to_o or_o contend_v for_o any_o share_n therein_o many_o wise_a man_n do_v and_o can_v but_o admire_v that_o the_o inconvenience_n and_o evil_n pretend_a shall_v ensue_v on_o this_o difference_n as_o it_o be_v state_v among_o we_o and_o that_o the_o dissenter_n shall_v be_v pursue_v with_o so_o much_o vehemency_n as_o they_o have_v be_v even_o unto_o their_o ruin_n but_o we_o must_v proceed_v in_o the_o way_n and_o method_n here_o propose_v unto_o we_o 1._o the_o foundation_n whereon_o the_o reverend_a author_n manage_v his_o charge_n of_o schism_n with_o all_o its_o consequent_n against_o the_o nonconformist_n be_v take_v from_o the_o word_n of_o his_o text_n and_o declare_v pag._n 10_o 11_o 12_o 13_o 14._o of_o his_o book_n i_o shall_v not_o transcribe_v his_o word_n principal_o because_o i_o will_v not_o oblige_v myself_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o in_o such_o discourse_n do_v common_o administer_v occasion_n of_o unnecessary_a strife_n the_o force_n of_o the_o argument_n unto_o the_o best_a of_o my_o understanding_n consist_v in_o the_o thing_n that_o follow_v 1._o that_o all_o church_n and_o the_o member_n of_o they_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o apostolical_a precept_n contain_v in_o the_o text_n ought_v to_o walk_v according_a unto_o rule_n 2._o that_o the_o rule_n here_o intend_v be_v not_o the_o rule_n of_o charity_n and_o mutual_a forbearance_n in_o the_o thing_n wherein_o they_o who_o agree_v in_o the_o foundation_n be_v different_o mind_v or_o otherwise_o than_o one_o another_o but_o 3._o this_o be_v a_o stand_a rule_n for_o agreement_n and_o uniformity_n in_o practice_n in_o church_n order_n and_o worship_n which_o the_o apostle_n have_v give_v and_o deliver_v unto_o they_o 4._o that_o this_o rule_n they_o do_v not_o give_v only_o as_o apostle_n but_o as_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n as_o appear_v from_o act_n 15._o wherefore_o what_o the_o apostle_n so_o do_v that_o any_o church_n have_v power_n to_o do_v and_o aught_o to_o do_v namely_o to_o establish_v a_o rule_n of_o all_o practice_n in_o their_o communion_n 6._o that_o not_o to_o comply_v with_o this_o rule_n in_o all_o thing_n be_v schism_n the_o schism_n whereof_o nonconformist_n be_v guilty_a this_o to_o the_o best_a of_o my_o understanding_n be_v the_o entire_a force_n of_o the_o argument_n insist_v on_o and_o that_o propose_v unto_o the_o best_a advantage_n for_o the_o apprehension_n of_o its_o force_n and_o strength_n etc._n etc._n let_v we_o therefore_o hereon_o a_o little_a inquire_v whether_o this_o will_v bear_v the_o weight_n of_o so_o great_a a_o charge_n as_o that_o which_o be_v build_v upon_o it_o and_o resolve_v into_o it_o with_o all_o the_o dismal_a consequent_n pretend_v to_o ensue_v thereon_o and_o we_o shall_v not_o pass_v by_o in_o so_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v offer_v to_o give_v a_o especial_a enforcement_n unto_o the_o charge_n itself_o but_o in_o our_o entrance_n into_o the_o consideration_n of_o these_o thing_n i_o must_v needs_o say_v it_o be_v somewhat_o surprise_v unto_o i_o to_o see_v a_o charge_n wherein_o the_o conscience_n reputation_n liberty_n etc._n etc._n of_o so_o many_o be_v concern_v found_v on_o the_o exposition_n of_o a_o text_n which_o no_o sober_a expositor_n that_o i_o know_v of_o do_v ever_o find_v out_o propose_v or_o embrace_v but_o if_o it_o be_v true_a and_o according_a unto_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n this_o aught_o to_o be_v no_o disparagement_n unto_o it_o though_o it_o be_v apply_v unto_o such_o a_o end_n this_o be_v that_o which_o we_o be_v to_o examine_v i_o say_v therefore_o 1._o we_o no_o way_n doubt_v but_o that_o the_o apostle_n do_v give_v rule_n of_o faith_n obedience_n and_o worship_n not_o only_o unto_o private_a christian_n but_o to_o whole_a church_n also_o which_o we_o find_v record_v in_o the_o scripture_n unto_o all_o these_o rule_n we_o do_v declare_v our_o assent_n and_o consent_n with_o a_o entire_a conformity_n and_o do_v hope_n that_o with_o indifferent_a unbiased_a person_n this_o be_v enough_o to_o free_v we_o from_o the_o charge_n of_o schism_n 2._o for_o the_o rule_n here_o intend_v some_o take_v it_o to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n in_o general_a or_o divine_a revelation_n some_o to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o charity_n and_o brotherly_n condescension_n some_o to_o be_v the_o particular_a rule_n here_o lay_v down_o of_o walk_v together_o in_o the_o different_a measure_n of_o faith_n light_n and_o knowledge_n which_o we_o do_v attain_v unto_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o forego_n verse_n have_v give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o glorious_a excellency_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o his_o own_o endeavour_n after_o the_o full_a attainment_n of_o they_o yet_o affirm_v that_o he_o have_v not_o attain_v unto_o that_o perfection_n in_o the_o comprehension_n of_o they_o which_o he_o design_v and_o aim_v at_o herein_o in_o the_o instance_n of_o himself_o he_o declare_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o best_a believer_n in_o this_o life_n which_o be_v not_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 enjoyment_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o contain_v in_o they_o but_o withal_o he_o declare_v their_o duty_n in_o press_v continual_o by_o all_o mean_n after_o that_o measure_n of_o attainment_n which_o be_v propose_v unto_o their_o acquisition_n hereupon_o he_o suppose_v what_o will_v certain_o ensue_v on_o the_o common_a pursuit_n of_o this_o design_n which_o be_v that_o man_n will_v come_v unto_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 some_o will_v be_v otherwise_o mind_v than_o other_o some_o will_v be_v in_o some_o thing_n only_o hereupon_o he_o give_v direction_n how_o they_o shall_v
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
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