instance_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n that_o which_o be_v first_o in_o any_o kind_n give_v the_o measure_n of_o what_o follow_v in_o the_o same_o kind_n and_o light_n into_o the_o nature_n of_o they_o whereas_o therefore_o the_o schism_n that_o be_v among_o the_o church_n about_o the_o observation_n of_o easter_n be_v the_o first_o that_o fall_v out_o unto_o the_o disturbance_n of_o their_o communion_n i_o shall_v give_v a_o brief_a account_n of_o it_o as_o far_o as_o the_o question_n in_o hand_n be_v concern_v in_o it_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o apostle_n do_v with_o care_n and_o diligence_n teach_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christian_a liberty_n warn_v the_o disciple_n to_o stand_v fast_o in_o it_o and_o not_o submit_v their_o neck_n unto_o any_o yoke_n of_o bondage_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n especial_o the_o apostle_n paul_n have_v frequent_a occasion_n to_o treat_v of_o this_o subject_n and_o what_o they_o teach_v in_o doctrine_n they_o establish_v and_o confirm_v in_o their_o practice_n for_o they_o enjoin_v nothing_o to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o church_n but_o what_o be_v necessary_a and_o what_o they_o have_v the_o command_n of_o christ_n for_o leave_v the_o observation_n of_o thing_n indifferent_a unto_o their_o original_a indifferency_n but_o whereas_o they_o have_v decree_v by_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n some_o necessary_a condescension_n in_o the_o gentile_a believer_n towards_o the_o jew_n in_o case_n of_o offence_n or_o scandal_n they_o do_v themselves_o make_v use_n of_o their_o liberty_n to_o comply_v with_o the_o same_o jew_n in_o some_o of_o their_o observance_n not_o yet_o unlawful_a hereon_o there_o ensue_v in_o several_a church_n different_a observation_n of_o some_o rite_n and_o custom_n which_o they_o apprehend_v be_v countenance_v by_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n at_o least_o as_o it_o have_v be_v report_v unto_o they_o for_o immediate_o after_o the_o decease_n of_o the_o apostle_n very_o many_o mistake_v and_o untruth_n be_v report_v concern_v what_o they_o say_v do_v and_o practise_v which_o some_o diligent_o collect_v from_o old_a man_n it_o may_v be_v almost_o delirant_fw-la as_o eusebius_n give_v a_o instance_n in_o papias_n lib._n 3._o cap._n 36._o and_o even_o the_o great_a irenaeus_n himself_o be_v impose_v upon_o in_o a_o matter_n direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o scripture_n under_o a_o pretence_n of_o apostolical_a tradition_n among_o those_o report_n be_v that_o of_o the_o observation_n of_o easter_n and_o for_o a_o while_o the_o church_n continue_v in_o these_o different_a observance_n without_o the_o least_o disturbance_n of_o their_o communion_n each_o one_o follow_v that_o which_o it_o think_v the_o most_o probable_a tradition_n for_o rule_n of_o scripture_n they_o pretend_v not_o unto_o but_o after_o a_o while_o they_o begin_v to_o fall_v into_o a_o contest_v about_o these_o thing_n which_o begin_v at_o laodicea_n which_o church_n be_v as_o likely_a to_o strive_v about_o such_o thing_n as_o any_o other_o for_o eusebius_n tell_v we_o that_o melito_n the_o bishop_n of_o sardis_n write_v two_o book_n about_o easter_n begin_v the_o first_o with_o a_o account_n that_o he_o write_v they_o when_o servilius_n paulus_n be_v proconsul_n there_o be_v then_o a_o great_a stir_n about_o it_o at_o laodicea_n euseb._n lib._n 4._o cap._n 25._o but_o as_o it_o fall_v out_o on_o such_o occasion_n much_o talk_n and_o dispute_v ensue_a thereon_o the_o difference_n be_v increase_v until_o one_o side_n or_o party_n at_o variance_n will_v make_v their_o opinion_n and_o practise_v the_o rule_n and_o term_n of_o communion_n unto_o all_o other_o church_n but_o this_o be_v quick_o condemn_v by_o those_o who_o be_v wise_a and_o sober_a for_o as_o zozoman_n affirm_v they_o account_v it_o a_o frivolous_a or_o foolish_a thing_n to_o differ_v about_o a_o custom_n whereas_o they_o agree_v in_o all_o the_o principal_a head_n of_o religion_n and_o thereon_o he_o give_v a_o large_a account_n of_o different_a rite_n and_o observance_n in_o many_o church_n without_o any_o breach_n of_o communion_n among_o they_o add_v that_o beside_o those_o enumerate_v by_o he_o there_o be_v many_o other_o in_o city_n and_o village_n which_o they_o do_v in_o a_o different_a manner_n adhere_v unto_o hist._n lib._n 7._o cap._n 19_o at_o length_n this_o matter_n fall_v into_o the_o handle_n of_o victor_n bishop_n of_o rome_n and_o his_o judgement_n be_v that_o the_o observation_n of_o easter_n on_o the_o lord_n day_n and_o not_o on_o the_o fourteen_o day_n of_o the_o first_o month_n precise_o according_a to_o the_o computation_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o passover_n be_v to_o be_v impose_v on_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n every_o where_o it_o have_v all_o along_o until_o his_o time_n be_v judge_v a_o thing_n indifferent_a wherein_o the_o church_n and_o all_o believer_n be_v leave_v unto_o the_o use_n of_o their_o own_o liberty_n he_o have_v no_o pretence_n of_o any_o divine_a institution_n make_v it_o necessary_a the_o writer_n of_o those_o day_n constant_o affirm_v that_o the_o apostle_n make_v no_o canon_n rule_n or_o law_n about_o such_o thing_n he_o have_v person_n of_o as_o great_a worth_n as_o any_o in_o the_o world_n as_o melito_n polycrates_n polycarpus_n that_o oppose_v he_o not_o only_o as_o unto_o the_o imposition_n of_o his_o practice_n on_o other_o but_o as_o unto_o his_o error_n as_o they_o judge_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o right_n yet_o all_o this_o can_v not_o hinder_v but_o that_o he_o will_v needs_o have_v the_o reputation_n of_o the_o father_n of_o schism_n among_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n by_o his_o imposition_n and_o cut_v off_o all_o the_o asian_a church_n from_o communion_n declare_v they_o and_o their_o member_n excommunicate_a euseb._n lib._n 5._o cap._n 23._o the_o noise_n hereof_o come_v abroad_o unto_o other_o church_n great_a offence_n be_v take_v at_o it_o by_o many_o of_o they_o and_o victor_n be_v roundly_o deal_v withal_o by_o sundry_a of_o they_o who_o agree_v with_o he_o in_o practice_n but_o abhor_v his_o imposition_n of_o it_o and_o make_v it_o a_o condition_n of_o church_n communion_n among_o those_o who_o so_o oppose_v and_o rebuke_v he_o irenaeus_n be_v the_o most_o eminent_a and_o i_o shall_v observe_v some_o few_o thing_n out_o of_o the_o fragment_n of_o his_o epistle_n as_o it_o be_v record_v by_o euseb._n lib._n 5._o cap._n 23._o and_o 1._o he_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o write_v unto_o victor_n in_o the_o name_n of_o those_o brethren_n in_o france_n who_o he_o do_v preside_v among_o the_o custom_n of_o consider_v thing_n of_o this_o nature_n with_o all_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n and_o write_v their_o determination_n in_o their_o name_n be_v not_o yet_o grow_v out_o of_o use_n though_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o now_o will_v be_v esteem_v novel_a and_o schismatical_a 2._o he_o tell_v victor_n that_o there_o be_v great_a variety_n in_o this_o thing_n as_o also_o in_o the_o time_n and_o season_n of_o fast_v which_o do_v not_o say_v he_o begin_z or_o arise_v in_o our_o day_n but_o long_o before_o be_v introduce_v by_o such_o who_o be_v in_o place_n of_o rule_n reject_v and_o change_v the_o common_a and_o simple_a custom_n which_o the_o church_n have_v before_o the_o dr._n therefore_o need_v not_o think_v it_o so_o strange_a that_o a_o alteration_n in_o church_n order_n and_o rule_n shall_v fall_v out_o in_o after_o age_n when_o long_o before_o irenaeus_n time_n such_o change_n be_v begin_v 3._o he_o give_v hereon_o that_o excellent_a rule_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o difference_n of_o fast_n and_o consequent_o thing_n of_o a_o alike_a nature_n commend_v the_o concord_n or_o agreement_n of_o faith_n this_o be_v the_o first_o effect_n of_o a_o departure_n from_o the_o only_a rule_n of_o unity_n and_o communion_n among_o the_o church_n which_o be_v give_v by_o christ_n himself_o and_o his_o apostle_n as_o hereby_o great_a confusion_n and_o disorder_n be_v bring_v upon_o the_o church_n so_o it_o be_v the_o first_o public_a inroad_n that_o be_v make_v on_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n concern_v christian_n liberty_n and_o as_o it_o be_v also_o the_o first_o instance_n of_o reject_v man_n otherwise_o find_v in_o the_o faith_n from_o communion_n for_o nonconformity_n or_o the_o nonobservance_n of_o humane_a institution_n or_o tradition_n which_o have_v therein_o a_o unhappy_a consecration_n unto_o the_o use_n of_o future_a age_n so_o it_o be_v the_o first_o notorious_a entrance_n into_o that_o usurpation_n of_o power_n in_o the_o roman_a bishop_n which_o they_o carry_v on_o by_o degree_n unto_o a_o absolute_a tyranny_n neither_o be_v there_o ever_o a_o more_o pernicious_a maxim_n broach_v in_o the_o primitive_a time_n nor_o which_o have_v a_o more_o effectual_a influence_n into_o the_o ruin_n
sovereignty_n over_o their_o conscience_n be_v reserve_v by_o the_o apostle_n unto_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n alone_o and_o their_o obedience_n be_v require_v by_o they_o only_o unto_o his_o command_n this_o be_v that_o which_o i_o see_v some_o will_v be_v at_o to_o presume_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o church_n at_o least_o the_o only_a ruler_n and_o governor_n of_o it_o to_o assume_v to_o themselves_o alone_o the_o judgement_n of_o what_o be_v lawful_a and_o what_o be_v unlawful_a to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n to_o avow_v a_o power_n to_o impose_v what_o they_o please_v on_o all_o church_n pretend_v to_o be_v under_o their_o command_n so_o that_o they_o judge_v it_o lawful_a be_v it_o never_o so_o useless_a or_o trifle_a if_o it_o have_v no_o other_o end_v but_o to_o be_v a_o instance_n of_o their_o authority_n and_o then_o assert_v that_o all_o christian_a people_n must_v without_o further_a examination_n submit_v quiet_o unto_o this_o state_n of_o thing_n and_o comply_v with_o it_o unless_o they_o will_v be_v esteem_v damn_a schismatic_n but_o it_o be_v too_o late_o to_o advance_v such_o principle_n a_o second_o time_n he_o add_v from_o my_o paper_n or_o as_o my_o sense_n the_o apostle_n give_v rule_n inconsistent_a with_o any_o determine_a rule_n viz._n of_o mutual_a forbearance_n rom._n 14._o but_o then_o say_v he_o the_o meaning_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 this_o be_v direst_o contrary_a to_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 but_o they_o be_v not_o my_o word_n which_o he_o report_v i_o say_v not_o that_o the_o apostle_n give_v rule_n inconsistent_a with_o any_o determine_a rule_n but_o with_o such_o a_o rule_n and_o the_o imposition_n of_o the_o thing_n contain_v in_o it_o on_o the_o practice_n of_o man_n in_o thing_n not_o determine_v that_o be_v whilst_o difference_n about_o they_o do_v continue_v as_o he_o contend_v for_o and_o 1._o notwithstanding_o this_o rule_n of_o forbearance_n give_v by_o the_o apostle_n express_o rom._n 14._o yet_o as_o unto_o the_o right_n and_o truth_n in_o the_o thing_n wherein_o man_n be_v at_o difference_n every_o private_a believer_n be_v to_o determine_v of_o they_o so_o far_o as_o he_o be_v able_a in_o his_o own_o mind_n every_o one_o be_v to_o be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n in_o such_o thing_n so_o far_o as_o his_o own_o practice_n be_v concern_v 2._o the_o church_n wherein_o such_o difference_n do_v fall_v out_o may_v doctrinal_o determine_v of_o the_o truth_n in_o they_o as_o it_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o pillar_n of_o truth_n suppose_v they_o to_o be_v of_o such_o weight_n as_o that_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n be_v concern_v in_o they_o for_o otherwise_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o such_o determination_n but_o every_o one_o may_v be_v leave_v unto_o his_o own_o liberty_n there_o be_v difference_n at_o this_o day_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n some_o of_o they_o in_o my_o judgement_n of_o more_o importance_n than_o those_o between_o the_o same_o church_n and_o we_o yet_o it_o do_v not_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o make_v any_o determination_n of_o they_o no_o not_o doctrinal_o 3._o if_o the_o church_n wherein_o such_o difference_n fall_v out_o be_v not_o able_a in_o and_o of_o itself_o to_o make_v a_o doctrinal_a determination_n of_o such_o difference_n they_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o crave_v the_o counsel_n and_o advice_n of_o other_o church_n with_o who_o they_o walk_v in_o communion_n in_o faith_n and_o love_n and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o case_n whereof_o a_o account_n be_v give_v we_o act._n 15._o the_o determination_n or_o decree_n there_o make_v concern_v the_o necessary_a observance_n of_o the_o jewish_a rite_n by_o the_o gentile_n convert_v unto_o the_o faith_n by_o the_o apostle_n elder_n and_o brethren_n under_o the_o guidance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o his_o mind_n be_v reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n give_v not_o the_o least_o countenance_n unto_o the_o make_n and_o impose_v such_o a_o rule_n on_o all_o church_n and_o their_o member_n as_o be_v contend_v for_o for_o 1._o it_o be_v only_o a_o doctrinal_a determination_n without_o imposition_n on_o the_o practice_n of_o any_o 2._o it_o be_v a_o determination_n against_o imposition_n direct_o and_o whereas_o it_o be_v say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o determination_n contrary_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o imposer_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 i_o grant_v that_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o imposer_n but_o impose_v nothing_o on_o they_o nor_o be_v their_o practice_n concern_v in_o that_o erroneous_a judgement_n they_o be_v not_o require_v to_o do_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o their_o own_o judgement_n and_o the_o not_o do_v whereof_o do_v reflect_v on_o their_o own_o conscience_n wherefore_o the_o whole_a rule_n give_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o whole_a determination_n make_v be_v that_o no_o imposition_n be_v make_v on_o the_o conscience_n or_o practice_n of_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n in_o thing_n relate_v to_o his_o worship_n but_o what_o be_v necessary_a by_o virtue_n of_o divine_a institution_n they_o add_v hereunto_o that_o the_o gentile_n enjoy_v this_o liberty_n aught_o to_o use_v it_o without_o offence_n and_o be_v at_o liberty_n by_o virtue_n of_o it_o to_o forbear_v such_o thing_n as_o wherein_o they_o have_v or_o think_v they_o have_v a_o natural_a liberty_n in_o case_n they_o give_v offence_n by_o the_o use_n of_o they_o and_o the_o apostle_n who_o know_v the_o state_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o all_o other_o circumstance_n give_v a_o instance_n in_o the_o thing_n which_o at_o that_o season_n be_v to_o be_v so_o forbear_v and_o whereas_o this_o determination_n be_v not_o absolute_a and_o obligatory_a on_o the_o whole_a case_n unto_o all_o church_n namely_o whether_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v among_o christian_n but_o some_o church_n be_v leave_v unto_o their_o own_o judgement_n and_o practice_n who_o esteem_v it_o to_o be_v still_o in_o force_n as_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o other_o leave_v unto_o their_o own_o liberty_n and_o practice_n also_o who_o judge_v it_o not_o to_o oblige_v they_o both_o side_n or_o party_n be_v bind_v to_o continue_v communion_n among_o they_o in_o faith_n and_o love_n there_o be_v herein_o a_o perpetual_a establishment_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o mutual_a forbearance_n in_o such_o case_n nothing_o be_v condemn_v but_o imposition_n on_o one_o another_o nothing_o commend_v but_o a_o abstinence_n from_o the_o use_n of_o liberty_n in_o the_o case_n of_o scandal_n or_o offence_n i_o have_v therefore_o reason_n to_o say_v that_o the_o false_a apostle_n be_v the_o only_a imposer_n that_o be_v of_o thing_n not_o necessary_a by_o virtue_n of_o any_o divine_a institution_n and_o if_o the_o author_n insinuate_v that_o the_o true_a apostle_n be_v such_o imposer_n also_o because_o of_o the_o determination_n they_o make_v of_o this_o difference_n he_o will_v fail_v in_o his_o proof_n of_o it_o it_o be_v true_a they_o impose_v on_o or_o charge_v the_o conscience_n of_o man_n with_o the_o observance_n of_o all_o the_o institution_n and_o command_n of_o christ_n but_o of_o other_o thing_n none_o at_o all_o the_o last_o thing_n which_o he_o endeavour_v a_o answer_n unto_o on_o this_o occasion_n lie_v in_o those_o word_n the_o jewish_a christian_n be_v leave_v unto_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 on_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 on_o they_o so_o be_v my_o sense_n in_o the_o place_n refer_v unto_o report_v nor_o shall_v i_o contend_v about_o it_o so_o as_o that_o the_o last_o clause_n be_v change_n for_o my_o word_n be_v not_o they_o be_v not_o satisfy_v it_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v impose_v on_o they_o but_o they_o be_v not_o satisfy_v it_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n they_o shall_v observe_v this_o respect_v the_o thing_n themselves_o the_o other_o only_o their_o imposition_n and_o one_o reason_n against_o the_o imposition_n oppose_v be_v that_o the_o thing_n themselves_o impose_v be_v such_o as_o the_o lord_n christ_n will_v not_o have_v we_o observe_v because_o not_o appoint_v by_o himself_o but_o hereunto_o he_o answer_v two_o thing_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v agree_v
3._o this_o therefore_o be_v that_o which_o he_o oppose_v namely_o that_o there_o be_v a_o deviation_n in_o various_a degree_n and_o fall_v of_o from_o the_o original_a institution_n order_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n until_o it_o issue_v in_o a_o fatal_a apostasy_n this_o be_v that_o which_o on_o the_o present_a occasion_n must_v be_v further_o speak_v unto_o for_o if_o this_o be_v not_o true_a i_o confess_v there_o be_v a_o end_n of_o this_o contest_v and_o we_o must_v all_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o state_n rule_n and_o order_n that_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n before_o the_o reformation_n but_o we_o may_v observe_v something_o yet_o far_a in_o the_o vindication_n and_o confirmation_n of_o this_o truth_n which_o i_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o that_o we_o plead_v for_o in_o point_n of_o church_n reformation_n as_o 1._o that_o the_o reason_n and_o arguing_n of_o the_o doctor_n in_o this_o matter_n the_o necessity_n of_o his_o cause_n compel_v he_o thereunto_o be_v the_o same_o with_o those_o of_o the_o papist_n about_o the_o apostasy_n of_o their_o church_n in_o faith_n order_n and_o worship_n wherewith_o they_o be_v charge_v namely_o when_o where_o how_o be_v this_o alteration_n make_v who_o make_v opposition_n unto_o it_o and_o the_o like_a when_o these_o inquiry_n be_v multiply_v by_o the_o papist_n as_o unto_o the_o whole_a cause_n between_o they_o and_o we_o he_o know_v well_o enough_o how_o to_o give_v satisfactory_a answer_n unto_o they_o and_o so_o may_v do_v in_o this_o particular_a unto_o himself_o also_o but_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o ease_v he_o of_o that_o trouble_n at_o present_a only_o i_o must_v say_v that_o it_o be_v fall_v out_o somewhat_o unexpected_o that_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o principle_n bulwark_n of_o the_o papacy_n which_o have_v be_v effectual_o demolish_v by_o the_o write_n of_o protestant_n of_o all_o sort_n shall_v be_v endeavour_v to_o be_v repair_v by_o a_o person_n just_o make_v eminent_a by_o his_o defence_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n against_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n 2._o but_o it_o may_v be_v plead_v that_o although_o the_o church_n follow_v the_o first_o age_n do_v insensible_o degenerate_a from_o the_o purity_n and_o simplicity_n of_o gospel_n faith_n and_o worship_n yet_o they_o neither_o do_v nor_o can_v do_v so_o from_o a_o adherence_n unto_o and_o abide_v in_o their_o original_a constitution_n or_o from_o the_o due_a observation_n of_o church_n order_n rule_n and_o discipline_n lest_o of_o all_o can_v this_o happen_v in_o the_o case_n of_o diocesan_n episcopacy_n i_o answer_v 1._o that_o as_o unto_o the_o original_a of_o any_o thing_n that_o look_v like_o diocesan_n episcopacy_n or_o the_o pastoral_n relation_n of_o one_o person_n of_o a_o distinct_a order_n from_o presbyter_n unto_o many_o particular_a complete_a church_n with_o officer_n of_o their_o own_o with_o power_n and_o jurisdiction_n in_o they_o and_o over_o they_o unto_o the_o abridgement_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o right_n and_o power_n unto_o their_o own_o edification_n which_o every_o true_a church_n be_v entrust_v withal_o by_o jesus_n christ_n it_o be_v very_o uncertain_a and_o be_v introduce_v by_o insensible_a degree_n according_a unto_o the_o effectual_a work_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n some_o say_v that_o there_o be_v two_o distinct_a order_n namely_o those_o of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n institute_v at_o first_o in_o all_o church_n plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n but_o as_o the_o contrary_n may_v be_v evident_o prove_v so_o a_o supposition_n of_o it_o will_v no_o way_n promote_v the_o cause_n of_o diocesan_n episcopacy_n until_o those_o who_o plead_v for_o it_o have_v demonstrate_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o they_o be_v place_v to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o those_o now_o call_v diocesan_n wherefore_o this_o hypothesis_n begin_v general_o to_o be_v desert_v as_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v by_o this_o author_n other_o suppose_v that_o immediate_o upon_o or_o at_o or_o after_o the_o decease_n of_o the_o apostle_n this_o new_a order_n of_o bishop_n be_v appoint_v to_o succeed_v the_o apostle_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v then_o gather_v or_o plant_v but_o how_o when_o or_o by_o who_o by_o what_o authority_n apostolical_a and_o divine_a or_o ecclesiastical_a only_a and_o humane_a none_o can_v declare_v see_v there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o footstep_n of_o any_o such_o thing_n either_o in_o the_o scripture_n or_o in_o the_o record_n that_o remain_v of_o the_o primitive_a church_n other_o think_v this_o new_a order_n of_o officer_n take_v its_o occasional_a rise_n from_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n at_o alexandria_n who_o choose_v out_o one_o among_o themselves_o constant_o to_o preside_v in_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o all_o matter_n of_o order_n unto_o who_o they_o ascribe_v some_o kind_n of_o pre-eminence_n and_o dignity_n peculiar_o appropriate_v unto_o he_o the_o namâ—_n of_o bishop_n and_o if_o this_o be_v true_a as_o unto_o matter_n of_o fact_n i_o reckon_v it_o unto_o the_o beginning_n of_o those_o less_o harmful_a deviation_n from_o their_o original_a constitution_n which_o i_o assign_v unto_o primitive_a church_n but_o many_o addition_n must_v be_v make_v hereunto_o before_o it_o will_v help_v the_o cause_n of_o diocesan_n episcopacy_n what_o other_o occasion_n hereof_o be_v give_v or_o take_v what_o advantage_n be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o promote_v this_o alteration_n shall_v be_v touch_v upon_o afterward_o 2._o why_o may_v not_o the_o church_n be_v suppose_v to_o have_v depart_v from_o their_o original_a constitution_n order_n and_o rule_n as_o well_o as_o from_o their_o first_o faith_n and_o worship_n which_o they_o do_v gradual_o in_o many_o successive_a age_n until_o both_o be_v utter_o corrupt_v the_o cause_n occasion_n and_o temptation_n lead_v unto_o the_o former_a be_v to_o the_o full_a as_o pregnant_a as_o those_o lead_n unto_o the_o latter_a for_o 1._o there_o be_v no_o vicious_a corrupt_a disposition_n of_o mind_n that_o begin_v more_o early_o to_o work_v in_o church_n officer_n nor_o do_v more_o grow_v and_o thrive_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o many_o than_o ambition_n with_o desire_n of_o pre-eminence_n dignity_n and_o rule_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v suppose_v that_o diotrephes_n be_v alone_o in_o his_o desire_n of_o pre-eminence_n nor_o in_o the_o irregular_a act_n of_o his_o undue_o assume_v authority_n however_o we_o have_v one_o signal_n instance_n in_o he_o of_o the_o deviation_n that_o be_v in_o the_o church_n with_o he_o from_o the_o rule_n of_o its_o original_a constitution_n for_o he_o prevail_v so_o far_o therein_o as_o by_o his_o own_o single_a episcopal_a power_n to_o reject_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o to_o cast_v they_o out_o of_o the_o church_n who_o comply_v not_o with_o his_o humour_n how_o effectual_o the_o same_o ambition_n wrought_v afterward_o in_o many_o other_o possess_v the_o same_o place_n in_o their_o church_n with_o diotrephes_n be_v sufficient_o evident_a in_o all_o ecclesiastical_a history_n it_o be_v far_o from_o be_v the_o only_a instance_n of_o the_o corruption_n of_o church_n order_n and_o rule_n by_o the_o influence_n of_o this_o ambition_n yet_o it_o be_v one_o that_o be_v pregnant_a which_o be_v give_v we_o by_o amâ—rose_n for_o say_v he_o ecclesia_fw-la ut_fw-la synagoga_fw-la seniores_fw-la habuâ—â—_fw-la quorum_fw-la sine_fw-la consilio_fw-la nihil_fw-la agebatur_fw-la in_o ecclesia_fw-la quod_fw-la qua_fw-la neglâ—gentia_fw-la obsoleverit_fw-la nescio_fw-la nisi_fw-la forte_fw-fr doctorum_fw-la desidia_fw-la aut_fw-la magis_fw-la superbia_fw-la dum_fw-la soli_fw-la volunt_fw-la aliquid_fw-la videri_fw-la in_o 1._o ad_fw-la timoth._n cap._n 5._o it_o seem_v there_o be_v some_o alteration_n in_o church_n rule_n and_o order_n in_o his_o time_n who_o beginning_n and_o progress_n he_o can_v not_o well_o discover_v and_o trace_v but_o know_v well_o enough_o that_o so_o it_o be_v then_o come_v to_o pass_v and_o if_o he_o who_o live_v so_o near_o the_o time_n wherein_o such_o alteration_n be_v make_v can_v not_o yet_o discover_v their_o first_o insinuation_n nor_o their_o subtle_a progress_n it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o exact_v a_o strict_a account_n of_o we_o in_o thing_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n who_o live_v so_o many_o age_n after_o their_o first_o introduction_n but_o this_o he_o judge_v that_o it_o be_v the_o pride_n or_o ambition_n of_o the_o doctor_n of_o the_o church_n which_o introduce_v that_o alteration_n in_o its_o order_n whereas_o therefore_o we_o see_v in_o the_o event_n that_o all_o deviation_n from_o the_o original_a constitution_n of_o church_n all_o alteration_n in_o their_o rule_n and_o order_n do_v issue_n in_o a_o compliance_n with_o the_o ambition_n of_o church_n ruler_n as_o it_o do_v in_o the_o papal_a church_n and_o this_o ambition_n be_v signal_o note_v
distribute_v the_o faithful_a at_o rome_n into_o distinct_a title_n or_o parish_n with_o distinct_a presbyter_n of_o their_o own_o for_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o in_o those_o day_n wherein_o persecution_n be_v at_o its_o height_n the_o meeting_n of_o believer_n be_v occasional_a with_o respect_n unto_o their_o security_n ofttimes_o by_o night_n sometime_o in_o cave_n under_o the_o earth_n or_o in_o desert_a burial_n place_n at_o best_a in_o private_a house_n and_o they_o have_v for_o what_o they_o do_v the_o example_n of_o the_o apostolical_a church_n act_v 1.13_o 14._o act_n 2.46_o chap._n 4.24_o 31._o chap._n 12.12_o chap._n 18.7_o chap._n 20.8_o chap._n 21.18_o instance_n of_o such_o meeting_n may_v be_v multiply_v especial_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o to_o manifest_v that_o they_o take_v this_o course_n upon_o necessity_n when_o peace_n begin_v to_o be_v restore_v at_o any_o time_n unto_o they_o they_o design_v temple_n that_o may_v receive_v the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o the_o church_n together_o the_o distribution_n mention_v into_o title_n and_o parish_n begin_v a_o long_a time_n after_o and_o in_o very_a few_o place_n within_o 300_o year_n in_o this_o state_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o conceive_v what_o alteration_n may_v fall_v out_o in_o some_o church_n from_o their_o primitive_a order_n especial_o how_o the_o people_n may_v desert_v their_o diligence_n and_o duty_n in_o attend_v unto_o all_o the_o concern_v of_o the_o church_n and_o if_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o apostle_n write_v unto_o they_o in_o their_o epistle_n the_o instruction_n direction_n and_o command_n how_o in_o all_o thing_n they_o shall_v act_v and_o deport_v themselves_o in_o the_o church_n be_v esteem_v to_o be_v obligatory_a in_o all_o age_n i_o can_v see_v how_o after_o the_o second_o century_n they_o be_v much_o comply_v withal_o unless_o it_o be_v in_o the_o single_a instance_n of_o choose_v their_o own_o officer_n or_o ruler_n but_o second_o after_o these_o there_o ensue_v great_a occasion_n of_o great_a variation_n from_o the_o primitive_a institution_n and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o people_n for_o 1._o such_o number_n of_o they_o be_v receive_v into_o a_o relation_n unto_o particular_a church_n as_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o end_n of_o their_o institution_n and_o the_o observance_n of_o the_o communion_n require_v in_o they_o as_o will_v afterward_o appear_v and_o the_o relief_n that_o be_v invent_v for_o this_o inconveniency_n in_o distinct_a convention_n supply_v with_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n from_o the_o first_o church_n or_o by_o state_v title_n do_v alter_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n among_o those_o multitude_n which_o be_v add_v unto_o the_o church_n especial_o in_o the_o four_o century_n many_o if_o not_o the_o most_o do_v come_v short_a inexpressible_o in_o knowledge_n gift_n grace_n holiness_n and_o uprightness_n of_o conversation_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n as_o the_o writer_n of_o that_o age_n complain_v and_o be_v hereby_o uncapable_a of_o walk_v according_a unto_o the_o order_n rule_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o apostolical_a church_n there_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o another_o rule_n of_o other_o way_n and_o mean_n for_o their_o government_n without_o their_o own_o concurrence_n or_o consent_n than_o what_o be_v at_o first_o appoint_v which_o be_v gradual_o introduce_v whence_o the_o original_a of_o a_o multitude_n of_o those_o canon_n which_o be_v arbitrary_o invent_v afterward_o for_o their_o rule_n and_o government_n be_v to_o be_v derive_v and_o it_o may_v be_v make_v to_o appear_v that_o the_o accommodation_n of_o the_o rule_n yea_o and_o of_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o several_a age_n of_o it_o unto_o the_o ignorance_n manner_n and_o inclination_n of_o the_o people_n who_o be_v then_o easy_o win_v unto_o the_o outward_a profession_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v one_o mean_n of_o the_o ruin_n of_o they_o both_o until_o they_o issue_v in_o downright_a tyranny_n and_o idolatry_n but_o much_o more_o of_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o deviation_n of_o the_o church_n from_o their_o primitive_a rule_n and_o order_n be_v to_o be_v ascribe_v unto_o the_o ambition_n and_o love_n of_o pre-eminence_n in_o many_o of_o the_o clergy_n or_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n but_o this_o be_v no_o place_n nor_o season_n to_o manifest_v this_o by_o instance_n beside_o it_o have_v be_v do_v by_o other_o i_o shall_v therefore_o inquire_v only_o into_o one_o or_o two_o thing_n in_o particular_a which_o be_v of_o principal_a consideration_n in_o the_o declension_n of_o the_o church_n from_o their_o primitive_a institution_n order_n and_o rule_n and_o 1._o it_o be_v evident_a that_o there_o be_v a_o alteration_n make_v in_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n as_o to_o its_o officer_n for_o it_o issue_v at_o last_o in_o pope_n patriarch_n cardinal_n metropolitan_a and_o diocesan_n bishop_n who_o be_v utter_o foreign_a unto_o the_o state_n and_o order_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o that_o for_o some_o age_n nor_o be_v these_o officer_n introduce_v into_o the_o church_n at_o one_o or_o in_o one_o age_n nor_o with_o the_o power_n which_o they_o afterward_o claim_v and_o assume_v unto_o themselves_o it_o be_v do_v gradual_o in_o many_o succeed_a age_n work_v by_o a_o design_n to_o accommodate_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n unto_o the_o political_a state_n of_o the_o empire_n in_o the_o distribution_n of_o its_o government_n 2._o the_o beginning_n of_o this_o great_a alteration_n be_v small_a nor_o at_o all_o perceive_v in_o the_o day_n wherein_o they_o be_v first_o act_v nor_o be_v it_o agree_v nor_o as_o far_o as_o i_o see_v will_v it_o ever_o be_v agree_v among_o learned_a man_n when_o first_o a_o disparity_n among_o the_o ordinary_a officer_n of_o the_o church_n in_o order_n degree_n or_o power_n do_v first_o begin_v nor_o by_o what_o mean_v it_o be_v bring_v about_o the_o apostle_n be_v all_o equal_a among_o themselves_o no_o one_o have_v either_o office_n or_o office-power_n above_o other_o so_o be_v all_o the_o ordinary_a bishop_n and_o presbyter_n mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o shall_v be_v prove_v afterward_o no_o intimation_n be_v give_v of_o any_o pre-eminence_n or_o superiority_n among_o they_o of_o one_o over_z other_o yet_o afterward_o in_o the_o three_o and_o four_o century_n much_o of_o that_o nature_n appear_v it_o begin_v to_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o bishop_n and_o elder_n mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o same_o and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n in_o name_n office_n or_o power_n during_o the_o apostle_n time_n which_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o hierome_n and_o our_o author_n seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n p._n 267._o but_o they_o say_v that_o after_o the_o decease_n of_o the_o apostle_n there_o be_v some_o appoint_v to_o succeed_v they_o in_o that_o part_n of_o their_o office_n which_o concern_v the_o rule_n of_o many_o church_n and_o this_o they_o say_v be_v do_v for_o the_o prevention_n of_o schism_n but_o with_o ill_a success_n for_o as_o clemens_n affirm_v that_o the_o apostle_n foresee_v that_o there_o will_v be_v strife_n and_o contention_n about_o episcopacy_n even_o when_o it_o be_v confine_v unto_o its_o original_a order_n because_o of_o the_o ambition_n of_o diotrephes_n and_o other_o like_v he_o so_o it_o become_v much_o more_o the_o cause_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o disorder_n in_o schism_n and_o heresy_n when_o it_o begin_v to_o exalt_v itself_o in_o dignity_n and_o reputation_n the_o first_o express_v attempt_n to_o corrupt_v and_o divide_v a_o church_n make_v from_o within_o itself_o be_v that_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n make_v by_o thebulis_fw-la because_o simon_n cleopas_n be_v choose_v bishop_n and_o he_o be_v refuse_v euseb._n lib._n 4._o cap._n 21._o the_o same_o rise_n have_v the_o schism_n of_o the_o novatian_o and_o donatist_n the_o heresy_n of_o arius_n and_o other_o neither_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n certain_a in_o this_o pretend_a succession_n of_o some_o person_n unto_o the_o apostle_n in_o that_o part_n of_o their_o office_n which_o concern_v the_o rule_n of_o many_o church_n by_o one_o overseer_n no_o intimation_n of_o any_o such_o appointment_n by_o the_o apostle_n or_o any_o of_o they_o no_o record_n of_o the_o concurrence_n of_o the_o church_n themselves_o in_o and_o unto_o this_o alteration_n can_v be_v produce_v nor_o be_v there_o any_o analogy_n between_o the_o extraordinary_a power_n of_o every_o apostle_n over_o all_o church_n and_o care_n for_o they_o and_o the_o ordinary_a power_n of_o a_o bishop_n over_o a_o small_a number_n which_o lot_n or_o accident_n dispose_v unto_o he_o beside_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v no_o instance_n can_v be_v give_v or_o have_v be_v for_o the_o space_n of_o 200_o year_n or_o until_o the_o end_n of_o the_o
church_n and_o nothing_o else_o but_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v all_o those_o thing_n in_o the_o gospel_n church-state_n also_o or_o else_o why_o do_v man_n contend_v about_o they_o and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n if_o they_o be_v not_o all_o reveal_v appoint_v prescribe_a legalize_v by_o christ_n where_o be_v his_o faithfulness_n in_o answer_n to_o that_o moses_n but_o no_o instance_n can_v be_v give_v of_o any_o defect_n in_o his_o institution_n that_o need_v any_o supplement_n to_o be_v make_v by_o the_o best_a of_o man_n as_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o constitute_v a_o church-state_n order_n and_o rule_n with_o rite_n of_o worship_n in_o particular_a 4._o how_o it_o be_v derogatory_n unto_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o unto_o its_o perfection_n shall_v be_v elsewhere_o declare_v 8._o there_o be_v no_o more_o require_v to_o give_v authority_n oblige_v the_o conscience_n of_o all_o that_o do_v believe_v unto_o any_o institution_n or_o observation_n of_o duty_n or_o act_n of_o rule_n in_o the_o church_n but_o only_o that_o it_o be_v make_v evident_a in_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o christ._n it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o every_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n shall_v be_v give_v out_o unto_o we_o in_o form_n of_o a_o law_n or_o precise_a command_n in_o express_a word_n it_o be_v the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o christ_n that_o immediate_o affect_v the_o conscience_n of_o believer_n unto_o obedience_n by_o what_o way_n or_o mean_n soever_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o be_v communicate_v unto_o they_o in_o the_o scripture_n either_o by_o express_a word_n or_o by_o just_a consequence_n from_o what_o be_v so_o express_v wherefore_o 9_o the_o example_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o erection_n of_o church_n in_o the_o appointment_n of_o officer_n and_o ruler_n in_o they_o in_o direction_n give_v for_o their_o walk_n order_n administration_n of_o censure_n and_o all_o other_o holy_a thing_n be_v a_o sufficient_a indication_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o christ_n about_o they_o we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o in_o themselves_o they_o be_v institution_n and_o appointment_n but_o they_o infallible_o declare_v what_o be_v so_o or_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n concern_v those_o thing_n nor_o can_v this_o be_v question_v without_o a_o denial_n of_o their_o infallibility_n faithfulness_n and_o divine_a authority_n 10_o the_o assertion_n of_o some_o that_o the_o apostle_n take_v their_o pattern_n for_o the_o state_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n and_o as_o unto_o divers_a rite_n of_o worship_n from_o the_o synagogue_n of_o the_o jew_n their_o institution_n order_n and_o rule_n not_o those_o appoint_v by_o moses_n but_o such_o as_o themselves_o have_v find_v out_o and_o ordain_v be_v both_o temerarious_a and_o untrue_a in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o such_o bold_a conjecture_n one_o of_o late_a have_v affirm_v that_o moses_n take_v most_o of_o his_o law_n and_o ceremony_n from_o the_o aegyptitian_n whereas_o it_o be_v much_o more_o likely_a that_o many_o of_o they_o be_v give_v on_o purpose_n to_o alienate_v the_o people_n by_o prohibition_n from_o any_o compliance_n with_o the_o egyptian_n or_o any_o other_o nation_n whereof_o maimonides_n in_o his_o mene_n nebuchim_n give_v we_o sundry_a instance_n this_o assertion_n i_o say_v be_v rash_a and_o false_a for_o 1_o as_o unto_o the_o instance_n give_v for_o its_o confirmation_n who_o shall_v assure_v we_o that_o they_o be_v then_o in_o use_n and_o practice_n in_o the_o synagogue_n when_o the_o apostle_n give_v rule_n unto_o the_o church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n we_o have_v no_o record_n of_o they_o not_o one_o word_n in_o all_o the_o world_n of_o what_o be_v their_o way_n and_o practice_n but_o what_o be_v at_o least_o 250_o year_n young_a and_o late_a than_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o in_o the_o first_o of_o their_o write_n as_o in_o they_o that_o follow_v we_o have_v innumerable_a thing_n assert_v to_o have_v be_v the_o tradition_n and_o practice_n of_o their_o forefather_n from_o the_o day_n of_o moses_n which_o we_o know_v to_o be_v utter_o false_a at_o that_o time_n when_o they_o undertake_v to_o compose_v a_o new_a religion_n out_o of_o their_o pretend_a tradition_n partly_o by_o the_o revolt_n of_o many_o apostate_n from_o christianity_n unto_o they_o especial_o of_o the_o eliâ—nites_n and_o nazarenes_n and_o partly_o by_o their_o own_o study_n and_o observation_n come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o sundry_a thing_n in_o the_o gospel_n church_n their_o order_n and_o worship_n they_o take_v they_o in_o as_o their_o own_o undeniable_a instance_n may_v be_v give_v hereof_o 2_o wherein_o there_o be_v a_o real_a coincidence_n between_o what_o be_v ordain_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o what_o be_v practise_v by_o the_o jew_n it_o be_v in_o thing_n which_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o the_o scripture_n do_v direct_v unto_o and_o it_o be_v dishonourable_a unto_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n in_o they_o to_o think_v or_o say_v that_o in_o such_o thing_n they_o take_v their_o pattern_n from_o the_o jew_n or_o make_v they_o their_o example_n sure_o the_o apostle_n take_v not_o the_o pattern_n and_o example_n for_o the_o institution_n of_o excommunication_n from_o the_o druid_n among_o who_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n that_o do_v great_o resemble_v it_o so_o far_o as_o it_o have_v its_o foundation_n in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n chap._n iii_o the_o continuation_n of_o a_o church-state_n and_o of_o church_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n what_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o it_o and_o whereon_o it_o depend_v that_o there_o be_v a_o peculiar_a church-state_n institute_v and_o appoint_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n act_v in_o his_o name_n and_o authority_n with_o the_o infallible_a guidance_n of_o his_o spirit_n have_v be_v declare_v but_o it_o may_v be_v yet_o far_o inquire_v whether_o this_o church-state_n be_v still_o continue_v by_o divine_a authority_n or_o whether_o it_o cease_v not_o together_o with_o the_o apostle_n by_o who_o it_o be_v erect_v there_o be_v a_o church-state_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n solemn_o erect_v by_o god_n himself_o and_o although_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v absolute_o perpetual_a or_o everlasting_a but_o be_v to_o continue_v only_o unto_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n yet_o unto_o that_o time_n its_o continuation_n be_v secure_v in_o the_o cause_n and_o mean_n of_o it_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o continuation_n of_o this_o church-state_n unto_o its_o appoint_a period_n be_v two_o 1._o the_o promise_n of_o god_n unto_o abraham_n that_o he_o will_v keep_v and_o preserve_v his_o seed_n in_o covenant_n with_o he_o until_o he_o shall_v be_v the_o heir_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o father_n of_o many_o nation_n in_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n whereunto_o this_o church-state_n be_v subservient_fw-fr 2_o the_o law_n of_o god_n itself_o and_o the_o institution_n thereof_o which_o god_n appoint_v to_o be_v observe_v in_o all_o their_o generation_n call_v the_o covenant_n the_o statute_n and_o law_n of_o it_o perpetual_a and_o everlasting_a that_o be_v never_o to_o cease_v to_o be_v abrogate_a or_o disannul_v until_o by_o his_o own_o sovereign_a authority_n he_o will_v utter_o change_v and_o take_v away_o that_o whole_a church-state_n with_o all_o that_o belong_v unto_o its_o constitution_n and_o preservation_n 2._o the_o mean_n of_o its_o continuance_n be_v three_o 1_o carnal_a generation_n and_o that_o on_o a_o twofold_a account_n for_o there_o be_v two_o constituent_a part_n of_o that_o church_n the_o priest_n and_o the_o people_n the_o continuation_n of_o each_o of_o they_o depend_v on_o the_o privilege_n of_o carnal_a generation_n for_o the_o priest_n be_v to_o be_v all_o of_o the_o family_n of_o aaron_n and_o the_o people_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n by_o the_o other_o head_n of_o tribe_n which_o give_v they_o both_o their_o foundation_n in_o and_o right_o unto_o this_o church-state_n and_o hereunto_o be_v annex_v all_o the_o law_n concern_v the_o integrity_n purity_n and_o legitimacy_n of_o the_o priest_n with_o the_o certainty_n of_o their_o pedigree_n 2_o circumcision_n the_o want_n whereof_o be_v a_o bar_n against_o any_o advantage_n by_o the_o former_a privilege_n of_o generation_n from_o those_o two_o spring_n and_o hereby_o other_o also_o may_v be_v add_v unto_o the_o church_n though_o never_o with_o a_o capacity_n of_o the_o priesthood_n 3_o the_o separation_n of_o the_o people_n from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n by_o innumerable_a divine_a ordinance_n make_v their_o coalition_n with_o they_o impossible_a from_o these_o cause_n and_o by_o these_o mean_v it_o be_v that_o the_o church-state_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v preserve_v unto_o its_o appoint_a season_n neither_o
believe_v that_o in_o this_o context_n our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n design_v to_o set_v up_o and_o erect_v a_o earthly_a domination_n in_o and_o over_o his_o church_n to_o be_v administer_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o canon_n law_n and_o the_o rota_n at_o rome_n they_o must_v be_v spiritual_o mad_a and_o ridiculous_a who_o can_v give_v the_o least_o entertainment_n unto_o such_o a_o imagination_n nor_o can_v the_o discipline_n of_o any_o diocesan_n church_n administer_v in_o and_o by_o court_n and_o officer_n foreign_a to_o the_o scripture_n both_o name_n and_o thing_n be_v bring_v within_o the_o view_n of_o this_o rule_n nor_o can_v all_o the_o art_n of_o the_o world_n make_v any_o application_n of_o it_o thereunto_o for_o what_o some_o plead_v concern_v magistrate_n or_o arbitrator_n they_o be_v thing_n which_o man_n will_v never_o betake_v themselves_o unto_o but_o only_o to_o evade_v the_o force_n of_o that_o truth_n which_o they_o love_v not_o all_o this_o be_v fall_v out_o by_o man_n depart_v from_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o a_o contempt_n of_o that_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n which_o be_v plain_a and_o obvious_a unto_o all_o who_o desire_v not_o only_o to_o hear_v his_o word_n but_o also_o to_o observe_v his_o command_n 3_o dly_z our_o three_o argument_n be_v take_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o church_n institute_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o order_n as_o it_o be_v express_v in_o the_o scripture_n for_o they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o congregational_a and_o of_o no_o other_o sort_n this_o the_o ensue_a consideration_n will_v make_v evident_a 1._o there_o be_v many_o church_n plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o very_o small_a province_n not_o to_o insist_v on_o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n gal._n 1.1_o concern_v which_o it_o be_v no_o where_o intimate_v that_o they_o have_v any_o one_o head_n or_o mother_n church_n metropolitical_n or_o diocesan_n nor_o of_o those_o of_o macedonia_n distinct_a from_o that_o of_o philippi_n whereof_o we_o have_v speak_v before_o upon_o the_o first_o come_v of_o paul_n after_o his_o conversion_n unto_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v three_o year_n gal._n 1.18_o in_o the_o four_o year_n after_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v church_n plant_v in_o all_o judea_n and_o galilee_n and_o samaria_n act._n 9.31_o neither_o of_o the_o two_o latter_a province_n be_v equal_a unto_o one_o ordinary_a diocese_n yet_o be_v there_o church_n in_o both_o of_o they_o and_o that_o in_o so_o short_a a_o time_n after_o the_o first_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n as_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v be_v conceive_v to_o be_v any_o other_o but_o single_a congregation_n what_o be_v except_v or_o oppose_v hereunto_o by_o the_o reverend_n dr._n st._n shall_v be_v examine_v and_o disprove_v afterward_o by_o itself_o that_o the_o progress_n of_o our_o discourse_n be_v not_o here_o interrupt_v 2._o these_o church_n be_v such_o as_o that_o the_o apostle_n appoint_v in_o they_o ordinary_a elder_n and_o deacon_n that_o may_v administer_v all_o ordinance_n unto_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o take_v care_n of_o all_o the_o poor_a act._n 14.23_o chap._n 20.28_o now_o the_o care_n inspection_n and_o labour_n of_o ordinary_a officer_n can_v extend_v itself_o no_o further_o than_o unto_o a_o particular_a congregation_n no_o man_n can_v administer_v all_o ordinance_n unto_o a_o diocesan_n church_n and_o this_o ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o church_n be_v the_o same_o with_o ordain_v they_o in_o every_o city_n tit._n 1.5_o that_o be_v in_o every_o town_n wherein_o there_o be_v a_o number_n convert_v unto_o the_o faith_n as_o be_v evident_a from_o act._n 14.23_o and_o it_o be_v in_o town_n and_o city_n ordinary_o that_o the_o gospel_n be_v first_o preach_v and_o first_o receive_v such_o believer_n be_v congregat_v and_o unite_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o subjection_n unto_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n do_v constitute_v such_o a_o church-state_n as_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o christ_n they_o shall_v have_v bishop_n or_o elder_n and_o deacon_n ordain_v among_o they_o and_o be_v therefore_o as_o unto_o their_o state_n such_o church_n as_o he_o own_v 3._o it_o be_v say_v of_o most_o of_o these_o church_n express_o that_o they_o respective_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n or_o have_v their_o assembly_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n for_o the_o discharge_n of_o the_o duty_n require_v of_o they_o which_o be_v peculiar_a unto_o congregational_a church_n only_o so_o do_v the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n on_o all_o occasion_n act._n 15.12_o 22._o ch_z â—1_n 22_o see_v ch_z 5.11_o ch_n 6.1_o it_o be_v of_o no_o force_n which_o be_v object_v from_o the_o multitude_n of_o they_o that_o be_v say_v to_o believe_v and_o so_o consequent_o be_v of_o that_o church_n so_o as_o that_o they_o can_v not_o assemble_v together_o for_o whereas_o the_o scripture_n say_v express_o that_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o church_n do_v come_v together_o it_o be_v scarce_o fair_a for_o we_o to_o to_o say_v they_o be_v such_o a_o multitude_n as_o that_o they_o can_v not_o come_v together_o and_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o great_a number_n of_o believer_n that_o be_v say_v to_o be_v at_o jerusalem_n be_v there_o only_o occasional_o and_o be_v not_o fix_v in_o that_o church_n for_o many_o year_n after_o a_o small_a village_n beyond_o jordan_n can_v receive_v all_o that_o be_v so_o fix_v in_o it_o the_o church_n at_o antioch_n gather_v together_o in_o one_o assembly_n act._n 14.27_o to_o hear_v paul_n and_o silas_n this_o church_n thus_o call_v together_o be_v call_v the_o multitude_n chap._n 15.30_o that_o be_v the_o whole_a brotherhood_n at_o least_o of_o that_o church_n the_o whole_a church_n of_o corinth_n do_v assemble_v together_o in_o one_o place_n both_o for_o solemn_a worship_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n 1_o cor._n 8.8_o chap._n 14.25_o 26._o chap._n 11.17_o 20._o it_o be_v no_o way_n necessary_a to_o plead_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o illustration_n or_o for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o these_o testimony_n they_o all_o of_o they_o speak_v positive_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o will_v admit_v of_o no_o debate_n unless_o we_o will_v put_v in_o exception_n unto_o the_o veracity_n of_o their_o author_n and_o they_o be_v of_o themselves_o sufficient_a to_o establish_v our_o assertion_n for_o whatever_o may_v be_v the_o state_n of_o any_o church_n as_o unto_o its_o officer_n or_o rule_n into_o what_o order_n soever_o it_o be_v dispose_v ordinary_o or_o occasional_o for_o its_o edification_n so_o long_o as_o it_o be_v its_o duty_n to_o assemble_v in_o and_o with_o all_o its_o member_n in_o one_o place_n either_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o its_o power_n the_o performance_n of_o its_o duty_n or_o enjoyment_n of_o its_o privilege_n it_o be_v a_o single_a congregation_n and_o no_o more_o 4._o the_o duty_n prescribe_v unto_o all_o church_n member_n in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o be_v diligent_o attend_v unto_o by_o they_o be_v such_o as_o either_o in_o their_o nature_n or_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o performance_n can_v be_v attend_v unto_o and_o due_o accomplish_v but_o in_o a_o particular_a congregation_n only_o this_o i_o shall_v immediate_o speak_v distinct_o unto_o and_o therefore_o only_o mention_v it_o in_o this_o place_n these_o thing_n be_v so_o plain_o positive_o and_o frequent_o assert_v in_o the_o scripture_n it_o can_v be_v questionable_a unto_o any_o impartial-mind_n but_o that_o particular_a church_n or_o congregation_n be_v of_o divine_a institution_n and_o consequent_o that_o unto_o they_o the_o whole_a power_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n do_v belong_v for_o if_o they_o do_v not_o so_o whatever_o they_o be_v church_n they_o be_v not_o if_o therefore_o any_o other_o church-state_n be_v suppose_v we_o may_v well_o require_v that_o its_o name_n nature_n use_v power_n and_o bound_n be_v some_o or_o all_o of_o they_o declare_v in_o the_o scripture_n reason_v draw_v from_o the_o superiority_n of_o the_o apostle_n above_o the_o evangelist_n of_o bishop_n above_o presbyter_n or_o from_o church_n rule_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n only_o from_o the_o power_n of_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n in_o thing_n ecclesiastical_a from_o the_o meetness_n of_o union_n among_o all_o church_n be_v of_o no_o use_n in_o this_o case_n for_o they_o be_v all_o consistent_a with_o the_o sole_a institution_n of_o particular_a congregation_n nor_o do_v in_o the_o least_o intimate_a that_o there_o be_v or_o needs_o to_o be_v any_o other_o church_n state_n of_o divine_a appointment_n chap._n v._o the_o sit_v of_o the_o first_o church_n after_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o second_o century_n in_o confirmation_n of_o the_o forego_n argument_n we_o urge_v the_o precedent_n and_o
example_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n that_o succeed_v unto_o those_o which_o be_v plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o so_o may_v well_o be_v judge_v to_o have_v walk_v in_o the_o same_o way_n and_o order_n with_o they_o and_o that_o which_o we_o allege_v be_v that_o in_o no_o approve_a writer_n for_o the_o space_n of_o 200_o year_n after_o christ_n there_o be_v any_o mention_n make_v of_o any_o other_o organical_a visible_o profess_v church_n but_o that_o only_a which_o be_v parochial_a or_o congregational_a a_o church_n of_o any_o other_o form_n state_n or_o order_n papal_n or_o ecumenical_a patriarchal_a metropolitical_a diocesan_n or_o classical_a they_o know_v not_o neither_o name_n nor_o thing_n nor_o any_o of_o they_o appear_v in_o any_o of_o their_o write_n before_o i_o proceed_v unto_o the_o confirmation_n of_o this_o assertion_n by_o particular_a testimony_n i_o shall_v premise_v some_o thing_n which_o be_v needful_a unto_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o what_o it_o be_v that_o i_o intend_v to_o prove_v by_o they_o as_o 1._o all_o the_o church_n at_o first_o plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n whether_o in_o the_o great_a city_n as_o jerusalem_n antioch_n corinth_n rome_n etc._n etc._n or_o those_o in_o the_o mean_a village_n of_o judea_n galilee_n or_o samaria_n be_v as_o unto_o their_o church-state_n in_o order_n power_n privilege_n and_o duty_n every_o way_n equal_a not_o superior_a or_o inferior_a not_o rule_v over_o or_o subject_n unto_o one_o another_o no_o institution_n of_o any_o inequality_n between_o they_o no_o instance_n of_o any_o practice_n suppose_v it_o no_o direction_n for_o any_o compliance_n with_o it_o no_o one_o word_n of_o intimation_n of_o it_o can_v be_v produce_v from_o the_o scripture_n nor_o be_v it_o consistent_a with_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o gospel_n church-state_n 2._o in_o and_o among_o all_o these_o church_n there_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o spirit_n one_o hope_v of_o their_o call_v one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n whence_o they_o be_v all_o oblige_v mutual_o to_o seek_v and_o endeavour_v the_o good_a and_o edification_n of_o each_o other_o to_o be_v helpful_a to_o one_o another_o in_o all_o thing_n according_a unto_o that_o which_o any_o of_o they_o have_v receive_v in_o the_o lord_n this_o they_o do_v by_o prayer_n by_o advice_n and_o counsel_n by_o messenger_n send_v with_o salutation_n exhortation_n consolation_n supply_n for_o the_o poor_a and_o on_o all_o the_o like_a occasion_n by_o these_o mean_n and_o by_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o mutual_a love_n and_o care_n which_o they_o be_v oblige_v unto_o they_o keep_v and_o preserve_v unity_n and_o communion_n among_o themselves_o give_v a_o common_a testimony_n against_o any_o thing_n that_o in_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n deviate_v from_o the_o rule_n and_o discipline_n of_o christ._n this_o order_n with_o peace_n and_o love_n thereon_o continue_v among_o they_o until_o pride_n ambition_n desire_v of_o rule_n and_o pre-eminence_n in_o diotrephes_n and_o a_o multitude_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n with_o he_o begin_v to_o open_v a_o door_n unto_o the_o entrance_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n under_o pretence_n of_o a_o better_a order_n than_o this_o which_o be_v of_o the_o appointment_n of_o christ._n 3._o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o notwithstanding_o this_o equality_n among_o all_o church_n as_o unto_o their_o state_n and_o power_n that_o there_o be_v great_a difference_n between_o they_o some_o real_a and_o some_o in_o reputation_n which_o not_o be_v right_o manage_v prove_v a_o occasion_n of_o evil_n in_o and_o unto_o they_o all_o for_o instance_n 1._o some_o be_v more_o eminent_a in_o spiritual_a gift_n than_o other_o as_o this_o be_v a_o privilege_n that_o may_v have_v be_v great_o improve_v unto_o the_o honour_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n yet_o we_o know_v how_o it_o be_v abuse_v in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o what_o disorder_n follow_v thereon_o so_o weak_a and_o frail_a be_v the_o best_a of_o man_n so_o liable_a unto_o temptation_n that_o all_o pre-eminence_n be_v dangerous_a for_o they_o and_o often_o abuse_v by_o they_o which_o i_o confess_v make_v i_o not_o a_o little_a admire_v to_o see_v man_n so_o earnest_o plead_v for_o it_o so_o fearless_o assume_v it_o unto_o themselves_o so_o fierce_o contend_v that_o all_o power_n and_o rule_n in_o the_o church_n belong_v unto_o they_o alone_o but_o 2._o reputation_n be_v give_v unto_o some_o by_o the_o long_a abode_n of_o some_o of_o the_o apostle_n in_o they_o of_o this_o advantage_n we_o find_v nothing_o in_o the_o scripture_n but_o certain_a it_o be_v it_o be_v much_o plead_v and_o contend_v about_o among_o the_o primitive_a church_n yea_o so_o far_o until_o by_o degree_n dispute_v arise_v about_o the_o place_n where_o this_o or_o that_o apostle_n fix_v his_o seat_n which_o be_v look_v on_o as_o a_o pre-eminence_n for_o the_o present_a and_o a_o security_n for_o the_o future_a but_o yet_o we_o know_v how_o soon_o some_o of_o they_o degenerate_v from_o the_o church_n order_n and_o discipline_n wherein_o they_o be_v instruct_v by_o the_o apostle_n see_v rev._n chap._n 2._o and_o 3._o 3._o the_o greatness_n power_n fame_n or_o civil_a authority_n of_o the_o place_n or_o city_n where_o any_o church_n be_v plant_v give_v it_o a_o advantage_n and_o privilege_n in_o reputation_n above_o other_o and_o the_o church_n plant_v in_o such_o city_n be_v quick_o more_o numerous_a in_o their_o member_n than_o other_o be_v unless_o man_n strict_o keep_v themselves_o unto_o the_o force_n of_o primitive_a institution_n it_o be_v very_o hard_o for_o they_o to_o think_v and_o judge_n that_o a_o a_o church_n it_o may_v be_v in_o a_o small_a village_n or_o town_n in_o galilee_n shall_v be_v equal_a with_o that_o at_o jerusalem_n or_o at_o antioch_n or_o afterward_o at_o rome_n itself_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n easy_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v persuade_v that_o those_o church_n be_v advance_v in_o state_n and_o order_n far_o above_o the_o other_o obscure_a poor_a congregation_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o church_n at_o rome_n the_o head_n city_n of_o the_o world_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a joy_n and_o triumph_n unto_o many_o and_o the_o advancement_n of_o it_o in_o reputation_n they_o think_v belong_v unto_o the_o honour_n of_o our_o religion_n howbeit_o there_o be_v not_o in_o the_o scripture_n the_o least_o regard_n express_v unto_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n of_o place_n number_n or_o possibility_n of_o outward_a splendour_n either_o in_o the_o promise_v of_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n in_o and_o with_o his_o church_n or_o in_o the_o communication_n of_o power_n &_o privilege_n unto_o they_o yet_o such_o a_o improvement_n do_v this_o foolish_a imagination_n find_v that_o after_o those_o who_o preside_v in_o the_o church_n call_v in_o the_o principal_a city_n have_v taste_v of_o the_o sweetness_n of_o the_o bait_n which_o lie_v in_o the_o ascription_n of_o a_o pre-eminence_n unto_o they_o they_o begin_v open_o to_o claim_v it_o unto_o themselves_o and_o to_o usurp_v authority_n over_o other_o church_n confirm_v their_o own_o usurpation_n by_o canon_n and_o rule_n until_o a_o few_o of_o they_o in_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a begin_v to_o divide_v the_o christian_a world_n among_o themselves_o as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v be_v conquer_a by_o they_o hence_o proceed_v those_o shameful_a contest_v that_o be_v among_o the_o great_a prelate_n about_o their_o preeminency_n and_o hence_o arise_v that_o pretence_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n unto_o no_o less_o a_o right_n of_o rule_n and_o dominion_n over_o all_o christian_a church_n than_o the_o city_n have_v over_o all_o the_o nation_n and_o city_n of_o the_o empire_n which_o be_v carry_v on_o by_o all_o sort_n of_o evil_a artifices_fw-la as_o by_o downright_a forgery_n shameless_a intrusion_n of_o themselves_o impudent_a lay_v hold_n of_o all_o advantage_n unto_o their_o own_o exaltation_n prevail_v at_o length_n unto_o the_o utter_a ruin_n of_o all_o church_n order_n and_o worship_n there_o be_v no_o sober_a history_n of_o the_o rise_n and_o growth_n by_o several_a degree_n of_o any_o city_n commonwealth_n or_o empire_n that_o be_v fill_v with_o so_o many_o instance_n of_o ambitious_a seek_v of_o pre-eminence_n as_o our_o church_n story_n be_v by_o this_o imagination_n be_v the_o generality_n of_o the_o prelate_n in_o those_o day_n induce_v to_o introduce_v and_o settle_v a_o government_n in_o and_o among_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n answer_v unto_o the_o civil_a government_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n as_o the_o civil_a government_n be_v cast_v into_o national_a or_o diocesan_n or_o provincial_a in_o less_o or_o great_a division_n each_o of_o which_o have_v its_o capital_a city_n the_o place_n of_o the_o residence_n of_o the_o chief_a civil_a governor_n so_o they_o design_v to_o frame_v a_o image_n of_o
to_o be_v give_v of_o any_o man_n charge_v with_o schism_n for_o a_o dissent_n from_o such_o a_o rule_n any_o such_o rule_n and_o any_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n upon_o it_o be_v apocryphal_a not_o only_o unto_o the_o scripture_n but_o unto_o that_o which_o i_o call_v primitive_a antiquity_n the_o first_o attempt_n of_o any_o thing_n in_o this_o kind_n be_v in_o reference_n unto_o the_o time_n and_o day_n of_o the_o observation_n of_o easter_n this_o be_v the_o first_o instance_n among_o christian_n of_o a_o endeavour_n to_o impose_v the_o observation_n of_o humane_a or_o church_n constitution_n or_o groundless_a tradition_n on_o any_o church_n or_o person_n in_o they_o and_o whereas_o that_o which_o be_v call_v a_o schism_n between_o the_o church_n of_o italy_n and_o asia_n or_o some_o of_o they_o do_v ensue_v thereon_o we_o have_v a_o most_o illustrious_a testimony_n from_o the_o best_a the_o wise_a and_o the_o holy_a of_o that_o age_n for_o irenaeus_n in_o france_n and_o polycrates_n in_o asia_n be_v not_o alone_o herein_o that_o the_o blame_n of_o all_o that_o division_n and_o schism_n be_v to_o be_v charge_v on_o they_o who_o attempt_v to_o deprive_v the_o church_n of_o their_o liberty_n and_o impose_v on_o they_o a_o necessity_n of_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o time_n and_o season_n which_o they_o have_v determine_v on_o after_o a_o rebuke_n be_v give_v unto_o the_o attempt_n of_o the_o judaize_v christian_n to_o impose_v the_o observation_n of_o moysaicall_a ceremony_n from_o the_o pretence_n of_o their_o divine_a institution_n on_o the_o church_n of_o the_o gentile_n by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o this_o be_v the_o original_a of_o all_o endeavour_n to_o impose_v humane_a constitution_n for_o which_o there_o be_v no_o such_o pretence_n upon_o the_o practice_n of_o any_o and_o as_o it_o be_v a_o original_a not_o unmeet_a for_o the_o beginning_n and_o foundation_n of_o such_o imposition_n be_v in_o a_o matter_n of_o no_o use_n unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n so_o it_o receive_v such_o a_o solemn_a rebuke_n at_o its_o first_o entrance_n and_o attempt_v that_o have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o the_o ignorance_n pride_n interest_n and_o superstition_n of_o some_o in_o the_o follow_a age_n it_o have_v perish_v without_o imitation_n the_o account_n hereof_o be_v give_v in_o eusebius_n lib._n 5._o cap._n 21_o 22_o 33_o as_o also_o of_o the_o rule_n which_o then_o prevail_v though_o afterward_o shameful_o forsake_v namely_o that_o a_o agreement_n in_o the_o faith_n be_v the_o only_a rule_n of_o communion_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v keep_v under_o any_o diversity_n in_o voluntary_a observation_n and_o the_o discourse_n of_o socrates_n on_o this_o occasion_n lib._n 5._o cap._n 21_o concern_v the_o non-institution_n of_o any_o day_n of_o fast_n or_o feast_n or_o other_o rite_n or_o ceremony_n then_o in_o use_n with_o the_o liberty_n which_o be_v therefore_o to_o be_v leave_v in_o such_o thing_n unto_o all_o christian_n be_v the_o plain_a truth_n whatever_o some_o except_o against_o it_o declare_v with_o much_o judgement_n and_o moderation_n this_o beginning_n i_o say_v have_v the_o imposition_n of_o unscriptural_a uninstituted_a rite_n ceremony_n and_o religious_a observation_n among_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o this_o solemn_a rebuke_n be_v give_v unto_o it_o howbeit_o the_o ignorance_n superstition_n and_o interest_n of_o follow_v age_n with_o the_o contempt_n of_o all_o modesty_n break_v through_o the_o boundary_n of_o this_o holy_a rebuke_n until_o their_o own_o imposition_n and_o observation_n become_v the_o substance_n of_o all_o their_o church_n discipline_n unto_o the_o total_a subversion_n of_o christian_a liberty_n wherefore_o to_o allow_v church_n ruler_n or_o such_o as_o pretend_v so_o to_o be_v a_o liberty_n and_o power_n to_o appoint_v a_o rule_n of_o communion_n comprise_v institution_n and_o command_n of_o sundry_a thing_n to_o be_v constant_o observe_v in_o the_o whole_a worship_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n not_o warrant_v in_o themselves_o by_o divine_a authority_n and_o then_o to_o charge_v beleiver_n abide_v firm_a in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o faith_n with_o schism_n for_o a_o noncompliance_n with_o such_o command_n and_o appointment_n be_v that_o which_o neither_o in_o the_o scripture_n nor_o in_o primitive_a antiquity_n have_v either_o instance_n example_n precedent_n testimony_n rumour_n or_o report_n to_o give_v countenance_n unto_o it_o the_o pedigree_n of_o this_o practice_n can_v be_v derive_v one_o step_n high_o than_o the_o fact_n of_o victor_n the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n in_o the_o excommunication_n of_o the_o church_n and_o christian_n of_o asia_n which_o be_v solemn_o condemn_v as_o a_o entrenchment_n on_o christian_a liberty_n 3._o after_o these_o thing_n the_o notion_n of_o schism_n begin_v to_o be_v manage_v various_o according_a unto_o the_o interest_n of_o they_o who_o seem_v to_o have_v the_o most_o advantage_n in_o the_o application_n of_o it_o unto_o those_o who_o dissent_v from_o they_o it_o be_v a_o endless_a thing_n to_o express_v the_o rise_n and_o declare_v the_o progress_n of_o these_o apprehension_n but_o after_o many_o loose_a and_o declamatory_n discourse_n about_o it_o they_o be_v geral_o issue_v in_o two_o head_n the_o first_o be_v that_o any_o kind_n of_o dissent_n from_o the_o pope_n and_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v schism_n all_o the_o schism_n that_o be_v or_o can_v be_v in_o the_o world_n the_o other_o be_v that_o a_o causeless_a separation_n from_o a_o true_a church_n be_v schism_n and_o this_o only_o be_v so_o but_o whereas_o in_o this_o pretend_a definition_n there_o be_v no_o mention_n of_o any_o of_o its_o internal_a cause_n nor_o of_o its_o formal_a reason_n but_o a_o bare_a description_n of_o it_o by_o a_o outward_a effect_n it_o serve_v only_o for_o a_o weapon_n in_o every_o man_n hand_n to_o perpetuate_v digladiation_n about_o it_o for_o every_o church_n esteem_v itself_o true_a and_o every_o one_o that_o separate_v himself_o esteem_v himself_o to_o have_v just_a cause_n so_o to_o do_v in_o the_o follow_a time_n especial_o after_o the_o rise_n and_o prevalency_n of_o the_o arian_n heresy_n it_o be_v ordinary_a for_o those_o of_o the_o orthodox_n persuasion_n to_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o those_o church_n wherein_o arian_n bishop_n do_v preside_v and_o to_o gather_v themselves_o into_o separate_a meeting_n or_o conventicle_n for_o divine_a worship_n for_o which_o they_o be_v accuse_v of_o schism_n and_o in_o sundry_a place_n punish_v according_o yea_o some_o of_o they_o unto_o the_o loss_n of_o their_o life_n yet_o i_o suppose_v there_o be_v none_o now_o who_o judge_v they_o to_o have_v be_v schismatic_n the_o separation_n of_o novatus_n and_o donatus_n from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o whole_a catholic_n visible_a church_n on_o unwarrantable_a pretence_n be_v that_o which_o make_v the_o loud_a noise_n about_o schism_n in_o antiquity_n that_o there_o be_v in_o what_o be_v do_v by_o they_o and_o their_o follower_n the_o general_n nature_n and_o moral_a evil_n of_o causeless_a schism_n and_o division_n will_v be_v easy_o grant_v but_o it_o be_v that_o wherein_o we_o be_v not_o concern_v be_v the_o especial_a nature_n of_o schism_n what_o it_o will_n nor_o do_v they_o make_v use_n of_o any_o one_o reason_n whereon_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o present_a cause_n do_v depend_v the_o novatian_o the_o modest_a sect_n of_o the_o two_o pretend_v only_o a_o defect_n in_o discipline_n in_o grant_v church_n communion_n unto_o such_o as_o they_o will_v not_o have_v receive_v though_o they_o be_v apparent_o in_o the_o wrong_n proceed_v on_o mistake_v principle_n the_o donatist_n plead_v only_o some_o personal_a crime_n in_o some_o few_o bishop_n fall_v into_o in_o the_o time_n of_o persecution_n which_o they_o can_v never_o prove_v and_o thereon_o grow_v angry_a with_o all_o the_o world_n who_o will_v not_o condemn_v they_o and_o renounce_v their_o communion_n as_o well_o as_o they_o these_o slight_a pretence_n they_o make_v the_o occasion_n and_o reason_n of_o renounce_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o whole_a visible_a catholic_n church_n in_o all_o its_o distribution_n for_o communion_n that_o be_v all_o particular_a church_n and_o confine_v sacrament_n and_o salvation_n absolute_o unto_o their_o own_o party_n and_o hereon_o they_o fall_v into_o many_o other_o woeful_a miscarriage_n especial_o those_o of_o the_o latter_a sort_n it_o be_v indifferent_a by_o what_o name_n any_o be_v please_v to_o call_v this_o evil_a and_o folly_n a_o sin_n and_o evil_a it_o be_v schism_n or_o what_o you_o please_v to_o term_v it_o and_o just_o condemn_v by_o all_o christian_n not_o join_v with_o they_o in_o those_o day_n and_o that_o which_o be_v the_o animate_v principle_n of_o the_o tumult_n of_o the_o donatist_n be_v a_o supposition_n that_o the_o continuation_n of_o the_o true_a church_n state_n depend_v on_o the_o successive_a ordination_n of_o bishop_n
which_o have_v as_o they_o think_v undue_o enough_o fail_v in_o one_o or_o two_o instance_n it_o become_v the_o destruction_n of_o a_o church_n state_n not_o only_o in_o the_o church_n where_o such_o mistake_v have_v happen_v as_o they_o surmise_a but_o unto_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n that_o will_v hold_v communion_n with_o they_o but_o in_o these_o thing_n we_o have_v no_o concernment_n other_o notion_n of_o schism_n beside_o those_o insist_v on_o we_o acknowledge_v not_o nor_o be_v any_o other_o advance_v with_o the_o least_o probality_n of_o truth_n nor_o be_v we_o to_o be_v move_v with_o outcry_n about_o schism_n wherein_o without_o regard_n to_o truth_n or_o charity_n man_n contend_v for_o their_o own_o interest_n of_o those_o notion_n of_o it_o which_o have_v be_v receive_v by_o man_n sober_a and_o learned_a we_o decline_v a_o trial_n by_o none_o that_o only_o except_v that_o the_o refusal_n of_o obedience_n unto_o the_o pope_n and_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v all_o that_o be_v schism_n in_o the_o world_n which_o indeed_o be_v none_o at_o all_o that_o which_o be_v now_o so_o fierce_o plead_v by_o some_o concern_v different_a observation_n of_o external_a modes_n rite_n custom_n some_o more_o or_o none_o at_o all_o to_o make_v man_n schismatic_n be_v at_o once_o to_o judge_v all_o the_o primitive_a church_n to_o be_v schismatical_a their_o difference_n variety_n and_o diversity_n among_o they_o about_o these_o thing_n can_v be_v enumerate_v and_o so_o without_o any_o disadvantage_n unto_o the_o faith_n or_o breach_n of_o love_n they_o continue_v to_o be_v until_o all_o church_n order_n and_o power_n be_v swallow_v up_o in_o the_o papal_a tyranny_n ten_o thousand_o time_n more_o pernicious_a then_o ten_o thousand_o such_o dispute_n for_o a_o close_a unto_o this_o whole_a discourse_n concern_v the_o original_a nature_n and_o state_n of_o gospel_n church_n i_o shall_v use_v that_o liberty_n which_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n put_v into_o my_o possession_n church_n mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n ordain_v and_o appoint_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o certain_a number_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n convert_v to_o god_n by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n with_o their_o baptize_v seed_n associate_a themselves_o in_o obedience_n unto_o christ_n command_n and_o by_o the_o direction_n of_o his_o apostle_n for_o the_o common_a profession_n of_o the_o same_o faith_n the_o observance_n and_o performance_n of_o all_o divine_a institution_n of_o religious_a worship_n unto_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n their_o own_o edification_n and_o the_o conversion_n of_o other_o these_o believer_n thus_o associate_v in_o society_n know_v the_o command_n and_o appointment_n of_o jesus_n christ_n by_o his_o apostle_n for_o that_o end_n do_v choose_v from_o among_o themselves_o such_o as_o be_v to_o be_v their_o ruler_n in_o the_o name_n and_o authority_n of_o christ_n according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o order_n of_o his_o institution_n who_o in_o the_o scripture_n be_v call_v on_o various_a consideration_n elder_n bishop_n pastor_n and_o the_o like_a name_n of_o dignity_n authority_n and_o office_n who_o be_v to_o administer_v all_o the_o solemn_a ordinance_n of_o the_o church_n among_o they_o unto_o this_o office_n they_o be_v solemn_o appoint_v ordain_v or_o set_v apart_o by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o with_o fast_v prayer_n and_o imposition_n of_o hand_n or_o by_o other_o ordinary_a officer_n after_o their_o decease_n this_o be_v the_o way_n and_o method_n of_o the_o call_v and_o set_v apart_o of_o all_o ordinary_a officer_n in_o the_o church_n both_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o in_o the_o new_a it_o be_v found_v in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n in_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o ordinary_a church_n ruler_n under_o the_o law_n the_o people_n look_v out_o and_o choose_v fit_a person_n who_o moses_n set_v apart_o to_o the_o office_n deut._n 1.13_o 14_o 15._o and_o in_o the_o call_v of_o deacon_n act_n 6._o the_o apostle_n use_v the_o same_o word_n or_o word_n of_o the_o same_o importance_n unto_o the_o church_n as_o moses_n do_v to_o the_o people_n act_v 6.31_o assert_v the_o continuation_n of_o the_o same_o way_n and_o order_n in_o their_o call_n and_o whereas_o he_o who_o be_v first_o to_o be_v call_v to_o office_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n after_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ_n fall_v under_o a_o double_a consideration_n namely_o of_o a_o officer_n in_o general_n and_o of_o a_o apostle_n which_o office_n be_v extraordinary_a there_o be_v a_o threefold_a act_n in_o his_o call_n the_o people_n choose_v two_o one_o of_o which_o be_v to_o be_v a_o officer_n act_v 1.23_o god_n immediate_a determination_n of_o one_o as_o he_o be_v to_o be_v a_o apostle_n ver_fw-la 24._o and_o the_o obedient_a consent_n of_o the_o people_n in_o compliance_n with_o that_o determination_n ver_fw-la 26._o the_o foundation_n of_o these_o church_n be_v general_o in_o a_o small_a number_n of_o believer_n but_o their_o church_n state_n be_v not_o complete_a until_o they_o be_v supply_v with_o all_o ordinary_a officer_n as_o bishop_n and_o deacon_n the_o former_a be_v of_o of_o several_a sort_n as_o shall_v be_v prove_v hereafter_o and_o of_o they_o there_o be_v many_o in_o every_o church_n who_o number_n be_v increase_v as_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v multiply_v so_o god_n appoint_v in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o every_o ten_o family_n shall_v have_v a_o peculiar_a ruler_n of_o their_o own_o choice_n deut._n 1.13_o 14_o 15_o for_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n of_o any_o one_o single_a bishop_n or_o elder_n in_o any_o church_n of_o any_o sort_n whatever_o either_o absolute_o or_o by_o way_n of_o pre-eminence_n but_o as_o the_o elder_n of_o each_o church_n be_v many_o at_o least_o more_o thenone_o so_o there_o be_v a_o parity_n among_o they_o and_o a_o equality_n in_o order_n power_n and_o rule_n nor_o can_v any_o instance_n be_v give_v unto_o the_o contrary_a of_o these_o church_n one_o only_o be_v original_o plant_v in_o one_o city_n town_n or_o village_n this_o way_n be_v take_v from_o conveniency_n for_o edification_n and_o not_o from_o any_o positive_a institution_n and_o it_o may_v be_v otherwise_o where_o conveniency_n and_o opportunity_n do_v require_v it_o the_o number_n in_o these_o church_n multiply_v daily_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o the_o multiplication_n of_o bishop_n or_o elder_n among_o they_o hereon_o the_o advantage_n of_o some_o one_o person_n in_o priority_n of_o conversion_n or_o of_o ordination_n in_o age_n gift_n and_o grace_n especial_o in_o ability_n for_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o administer_a the_o holy_a ordinance_n of_o the_o church_n with_o the_o necessity_n of_o preserve_a order_n in_o the_o society_n of_o the_o elder_n themselves_o give_v he_o peculiar_a dignity_n pre-eminence_n and_o title_n he_o be_v soon_o after_o the_o bishop_n without_o any_o disadvantage_n to_o the_o church_n for_o in_o those_o church_n in_o some_o of_o they_o at_o least_o evangelist_n continue_v for_o a_o long_a season_n who_o have_v the_o administration_n of_o church_n affair_n in_o their_o hand_n and_o some_o there_o be_v who_o be_v of_o note_n among_o the_o apostle_n and_o eminent_o esteem_v by_o they_o who_o have_v eminent_a yea_o apostolical_a gift_n as_o to_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n which_o be_v the_o peculiar_a work_n of_o the_o apostle_n these_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d mention_v by_o clemens_n of_o the_o many_o other_o elder_n who_o be_v associate_v in_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n it_o may_v be_v not_o many_o have_v gift_n for_o the_o constant_a preach_v of_o the_o word_n nor_o be_v call_v thereunto_o hence_o justin_n martyr_n seem_v to_o assign_v the_o constant_a public_a administration_n of_o sacred_a ordinance_n unto_o one_o precedent_n and_o this_o also_o promote_v the_o constant_a presidency_n of_o one_o in_o who_o the_o apostolical_a aid_n by_o evangelist_n may_v be_v supply_v these_o church_n thus_o fix_v and_o settle_v in_o one_o place_n each_o of_o they_o city_n town_n or_o village_n be_v each_o of_o they_o entrust_v with_o all_o the_o power_n and_o privilege_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v grant_v unto_o or_o endue_v his_o church_n withal_o this_o power_n be_v call_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n or_o of_o bind_v and_o lose_v which_o have_v respect_n only_o unto_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n as_o unto_o thing_n spiritual_a and_o eternal_a be_v mere_o ministerial_a every_o one_o of_o these_o church_n be_v bind_v by_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n to_o live_v in_o peace_n and_o unity_n through_o the_o exercise_n of_o peculiar_a sincere_a and_o fervent_a love_n among_o all_o their_o member_n as_o also_o to_o walk_v in_o peace_n and_o useful_a communion_n with_o all_o othâ—â—_n church_n in_o the_o
world_n according_a as_o they_o have_v opportunity_n of_o converse_n with_o they_o and_o when_o on_o any_o occasion_n any_o division_n or_o schism_n fall_v out_o among_o any_o of_o their_o member_n in_o this_o church_n state_n it_o be_v severe_o rebuke_v by_o the_o apostle_n all_o these_o church_n and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o they_o be_v oblige_v by_o virtue_n of_o divine_a institution_n to_o obey_v their_o guide_n to_o honour_n and_o reverence_n they_o and_o by_o their_o voluntary_a contribution_n to_o provide_v for_o their_o honourable_a subsistence_n and_o maintenance_n according_a to_o their_o ability_n other_o church_n state_n neither_o the_o scripture_n nor_o antiquity_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o second_o century_n do_v know_v any_o thing_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v hereafter_o more_o full_o manifest_a neither_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n know_v then_o to_o be_v schism_n or_o so_o esteem_v but_o a_o division_n fall_v out_o in_o some_o one_o of_o these_o church_n which_o happen_v for_o the_o most_o part_n if_o not_o only_o by_o some_o of_o their_o teacher_n fall_v into_o heresy_n and_o draw_v away_o disciple_n after_o they_o act_v 20.30_o or_o by_o various_a opinion_n about_o their_o guide_n 1_o cor._n 1.12_o or_o the_o ambition_n of_o some_o in_o seek_v the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o office_n among_o they_o to_o seek_v for_o any_o thing_n among_o those_o church_n wherein_o our_o present_n contest_v about_o schism_n be_v concern_v be_v altogether_o in_o vain_a there_o be_v then_o no_o such_o subordination_n of_o church_n of_o many_o unto_o one_o as_o be_v now_o plead_v no_o such_o distinction_n of_o officer_n into_o those_o who_o have_v a_o plenary_a and_o those_o who_o have_v a_o partiary_a power_n only_o in_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n no_o church_n with_o a_o single_a officer_n over_o it_o comprehend_v in_o a_o subjection_n unto_o its_o jurisdiction_n a_o multitude_n of_o other_o church_n no_o invention_n no_o imposition_n of_o any_o order_n formâ—_n of_o prayer_n or_o ceremony_n of_o worship_n not_o of_o divine_a institution_n be_v once_o think_v of_o and_o when_o any_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n be_v first_o attempt_v it_o cause_v great_a trouble_n among_o they_o in_o a_o word_n the_o thing_n on_o the_o account_n of_o a_o noncompliance_n wherewithal_o we_o be_v vehement_o charge_v with_o schism_n be_v then_o neither_o lay_v nor_o hatch_v neither_o thought_n of_o nor_o invent_v to_o erect_v new_a kind_n of_o church_n to_o introduce_v into_o they_o new_a order_n new_a rule_n rite_n and_o ceremony_n to_o impose_v their_o observation_n on_o all_o church_n and_o all_o member_n of_o they_o and_o to_o charge_v their_o dissent_n with_o the_o guilt_n of_o schism_n that_o schism_n which_o be_v prohibit_v and_o condemn_v in_o the_o scripture_n have_v much_o of_o a_o assume_v authority_n and_o severity_n in_o it_o nothing_o of_o countenance_n from_o the_o scripture_n or_o primitive_a antiquity_n but_o after_o that_o church_n begin_v to_o depart_v from_o this_o original_a constitution_n by_o the_o way_n and_o mean_v before_o declare_v every_o alteration_n produce_v a_o new_a supposition_n of_o church_n unity_n and_o peace_n whereto_o every_o church_n of_o a_o new_a constitution_n lay_v claim_v new_a sort_n of_o schism_n be_v also_o coin_a and_o frame_v for_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a way_n find_v out_o and_o carry_v on_o in_o a_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n whereby_o those_o meek_a holy_a humble_a church_n or_o society_n of_o christ_n institution_n who_o as_o such_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n in_o power_n authority_n dignity_n jurisdiction_n or_o wealth_n in_o some_o instance_n wherein_o they_o get_v the_o advantage_n one_o of_o another_o become_v in_o all_o these_o thing_n to_o equal_a kingdom_n and_o principality_n yea_o one_o of_o they_o to_o claim_v a_o monarchy_n over_o the_o whole_a world_n during_o the_o progression_n of_o this_o apostasy_n church_n unity_n and_o schism_n decline_v from_o their_o centre_n and_o vary_v their_o state_n according_a unto_o the_o present_a interest_n of_o they_o that_o prevail_v whoever_o have_v get_v possession_n of_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n in_o a_o prevail_a reputation_n though_o the_o state_n of_o it_o be_v never_o so_o corrupt_a make_v it_o bite_v and_o devour_v all_o that_o dislike_v it_o and_o will_v swear_v that_o submission_n unto_o they_o in_o all_o thing_n be_v church-unity_n and_o to_o dissent_v from_o they_o be_v schism_n unto_o that_o state_n all_o the_o world_n know_v that_o thing_n be_v come_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n howbeit_o what_o have_v be_v dispute_v about_o or_o contend_v for_o of_o power_n privilege_n authority_n pre-eminence_n jurisdiction_n catholicism_n way_n of_o worship_n rule_n and_o discipline_n which_o the_o world_n be_v fill_v with_o such_o a_o noise_n about_o and_o in_o the_o dispute_n whereof_o so_o many_o various_a hypothesis_n be_v advance_v that_o can_v be_v accommodate_v unto_o such_o christian_a congregation_n as_o we_o have_v describe_v be_v but_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o prudence_n or_o imprudence_n of_o man_n and_o what_o it_o will_v prove_v the_o event_n will_v show_v thing_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v once_o well_o understand_v will_v deliver_v the_o world_n from_o innumerable_a fruitless_a endless_a contest_v sovereign_a prince_n from_o all_o disturbance_n on_o the_o account_n of_o religion_n and_o private_a person_n from_o the_o fatal_a mistake_n of_o entrust_v the_o eternal_a concernment_n of_o their_o soul_n unto_o their_o relation_n unto_o one_o church_n and_o not_o unto_o another_o i_o be_o not_o so_o vain_a as_o at_o this_o time_n to_o expect_v the_o reduction_n of_o christian_a religion_n unto_o its_o primitive_a power_n purity_n and_o simplicity_n nor_o do_v i_o reflect_v blame_n on_o they_o who_o walk_v conscientious_o in_o such_o a_o church_n state_n and_o order_n as_o they_o approve_v of_o or_o suppose_v it_o the_o best_a they_o can_v attain_v unto_o only_o i_o think_v it_o lawful_a for_o all_o christ_n disciple_n at_o all_o time_n to_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o all_o his_o command_n and_o to_o abstain_v from_o be_v servant_n of_o man_n in_o what_o he_o have_v not_o enjoin_v a_o answer_n to_o dr._n stillingfleet_v book_n of_o the_o unreasonableness_n of_o separation_n in_o defence_n of_o the_o vindication_n of_o nonconformist_n from_o the_o gild_n of_o schism_n the_o precede_a discourse_n be_v write_v for_o the_o most_o part_n before_o the_o publish_n of_o the_o treatise_n of_o the_o reverend_n dr._n stillingfleet_n entitle_v the_o vnreasonableness_n of_o separation_n yet_o be_v it_o not_o so_o without_o a_o prospect_n at_o least_o a_o probable_a conjecture_n that_o something_o of_o the_o same_o kind_a and_o tendency_n with_o the_o doctor_n book_n will_v be_v publish_v in_o defence_n of_o the_o cause_n which_o he_o have_v undertake_v and_o i_o be_v not_o without_o hope_n that_o the_o whole_a of_o it_o may_v have_v be_v both_o finish_v and_o communicate_v unto_o public_a view_n before_o any_o thing_n far_o be_v attempt_v against_o our_o cause_n whereby_o many_o mistake_v may_v have_v be_v prevent_v for_o as_o i_o be_v willing_a yea_o very_a desirous_a if_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o i_o may_v see_v before_o my_o departure_n out_o of_o this_o world_n the_o cause_n of_o conformity_n as_o thing_n be_v now_o state_v between_o we_o and_o the_o church_n of_o england_n plead_v with_o judgement_n moderation_n and_o learning_n with_o the_o best_a of_o those_o argument_n whereby_o our_o principle_n or_o practice_n be_v oppose_v so_o consider_v on_o what_o hand_n that_o work_n be_v now_o like_a to_o fall_v i_o think_v si_fw-la pergania_fw-la dextra_fw-la etc._n etc._n and_o be_o of_o the_o same_o mind_n still_o but_o my_o expectation_n be_v frustrate_a of_o represent_v our_o whole_a cause_n true_o state_v for_o the_o prevention_n of_o mistake_v by_o the_o come_n out_o of_o this_o book_n against_o all_o sort_n of_o nonconformist_n i_o think_v it_o convenient_a to_o publish_v this_o first_o part_n of_o what_o i_o have_v design_v and_o to_o annex_v unto_o it_o the_o ensue_a defence_n of_o the_o vindication_n of_o nonconformist_n from_o the_o charge_n of_o schism_n for_o although_o i_o do_v know_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o material_a in_o the_o whole_a book_n of_o the_o vnreasonableness_n of_o sepaeration_n but_o what_o be_v obviate_v or_o answer_v before_o hand_n in_o the_o precede_a discourse_n so_o as_o that_o the_o principle_n and_o demonstration_n of_o they_o contain_v therein_o may_v easy_o be_v apply_v unto_o all_o the_o reason_n exception_n and_o plea_n in_o and_o of_o that_o book_n to_o render_v they_o useless_a unto_o the_o end_v design_v which_o be_v to_o reinforce_v a_o charge_n of_o schism_n against_o we_o yet_o i_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o show_v how_o unsuccessful_a from_o the_o disadvantage_n of_o his_o cause_n the_o doctor_n have_v be_v
thing_n not_o corruptive_a or_o destructive_a of_o this_o rule_n do_v differ_v from_o we_o but_o say_v our_o author_n the_o sense_n according_a to_o dr._n o._n be_v this_o that_o those_o who_o be_v agree_v in_o the_o substantial_o of_o religion_n shall_v go_v on_o and_o do_v their_o duty_n without_o regard_v lesser_a difference_n abate_v that_o expression_n of_o without_o regard_v lesser_a difference_n which_o be_v not_o i_o and_o supply_v in_o the_o room_n of_o it_o mutual_o forbear_v each_o other_o in_o lesser_a difference_n and_o be_v it_o so_o that_o it_o be_v my_o sense_n at_o first_o view_v it_o look_v as_o like_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o apostle_n as_o any_o man_n need_v desire_n but_o say_v the_o doctor_n this_o sense_n be_v uncertain_a because_o it_o set_v no_o bound_n to_o difference_n and_o suppose_v the_o continuance_n of_o such_o difference_n among_o they_o which_o he_o design_v to_o prevent_v by_o persuade_v they_o so_o often_o in_o this_o epistle_n to_o be_v of_o one_o mind_n beside_o the_o difference_n then_o on_o foot_n be_v none_o of_o the_o small_a difference_n of_o opinion_n but_o that_o which_o they_o differ_v about_o be_v urge_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o oppose_v on_o the_o other_o as_o pernicious_a and_o destructive_a unto_o it_o and_o again_o pag._n 169._o let_v dr._n o._n name_n any_o other_o small_a difference_n of_o opinion_n which_o may_v be_v a_o occasion_n of_o the_o apostle_n give_v such_o a_o rule_n of_o mutual_a forbearance_n i_o answer_v brief_o 1._o the_o sense_n be_v very_o certain_a because_o it_o give_v the_o due_a bound_n unto_o the_o difference_n suppose_v namely_o such_o as_o concern_v not_o the_o substantial_o of_o religion_n 2._o it_o do_v suppose_v the_o continuance_n of_o these_o difference_n because_o the_o apostle_n do_v suppose_v the_o same_o if_o any_o one_o be_v yet_o otherwise_o mind_a which_o hinder_v no_o kind_n of_o endeavour_n to_o compose_v or_o remove_v they_o 3._o the_o difference_n intend_v be_v not_o those_o between_o they_o who_o impose_v the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n on_o the_o gentile_n as_o necessary_a unto_o salvation_n and_o those_o by_o who_o they_o be_v oppose_v for_o the_o apostle_n give_v no_o such_o rule_n as_o this_o in_o that_o case_n 4._o i_o do_v express_o assign_v those_o lesser_a difference_n which_o the_o direction_n here_o be_v applicable_a unto_o namely_o those_o between_o the_o blind_a sort_n of_o jew_n mention_v before_o and_o the_o gentile_a believer_n which_o the_o apostle_n state_n and_o apply_v the_o same_o rule_n unto_o rom._n 14._o what_o remain_v in_o answer_n unto_o this_o second_o enquiry_n do_v proceed_v on_o mistake_v supposition_n and_o concern_v not_o the_o case_n under_o consideration_n pag._n 170._o he_o proceed_v unto_o his_o last_o enquiry_n which_o indeed_o be_v alone_o pertinent_a unto_o his_o purpose_n namely_o how_o this_o rule_n have_v a_o influence_n on_o our_o case_n what_o this_o rule_n be_v concern_v which_o this_o enquiry_n be_v make_v he_o do_v not_o declare_v either_o the_o precise_a signification_n of_o the_o rule_n in_o this_o place_n or_o the_o direction_n give_v with_o respect_n unto_o that_o rule_n may_v be_v intend_v that_o be_v the_o general_a rule_n of_o our_o walk_n in_o our_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o the_o especial_a rule_n give_v by_o the_o apostle_n with_o respect_n thereunto_o in_o the_o case_n under_o consideration_n may_v be_v so_o intend_v if_o by_o the_o rule_n in_o the_o first_o sense_n he_o understand_v a_o rule_n canon_n or_o command_v establish_v a_o church_n state_n with_o rite_n and_o mode_n of_o worship_n with_o ceremony_n order_n and_o government_n no_o where_o appoint_v in_o the_o scripture_n or_o of_o divine_a revelation_n it_o be_v open_o evident_a that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o rule_n then_o that_o no_o such_o be_v here_o intend_a but_o that_o only_o whereunto_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o mercy_n and_o peace_n be_v annex_v as_o gal._n 6.16_o which_o be_v not_o such_o a_o rule_n if_o he_o intend_v by_o it_o a_o direction_n that_o where_o there_o be_v different_a apprehension_n in_o matter_n of_o less_o importance_n not_o break_v in_o on_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n accompany_v with_o different_a practice_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v necessary_a from_o those_o different_a apprehension_n the_o major_a part_n of_o those_o among_o who_o the_o difference_n be_v shall_v compel_v the_o minor_a to_o forbear_v their_o practice_n according_a unto_o their_o apprehension_n and_o comply_v with_o they_o in_o all_o thing_n on_o all_o sort_n of_o penalty_n if_o they_o refuse_v so_o to_o do_v it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o find_v such_o a_o direction_n in_o these_o word_n yet_o this_o must_v be_v the_o rule_n and_o this_o the_o directionâ—hat_n â—hat_z can_v give_v any_o countenance_n unto_o the_o doctor_n be_v cause_v but_o if_o by_o this_o rule_n the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n as_o before_o describe_v be_v intend_v and_o the_o direction_n be_v to_o walk_v according_a to_o it_o with_o mutual_a forbearance_n and_o love_n as_o unto_o thing_n of_o lesser_a moment_n than_o this_o rule_n have_v little_a advantageous_a influence_n into_o it_o but_o than_o say_v the_o doctor_n so_o far_o as_o man_n agree_v they_o be_v bind_v to_o join_v together_o as_o to_o opinion_n or_o communion_n i_o grant_v it_o though_o it_o be_v not_o prove_v from_o this_o place_n where_o such_o a_o communion_n be_v require_v of_o they_o regular_o and_o in_o a_o way_n of_o duty_n and_o 2_o say_v he_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 no_o doubt_n howbeit_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o no_o such_o thing_n in_o this_o place_n but_o only_o that_o we_o shall_v all_o walk_v according_a unto_o the_o same_o rule_n in_o what_o we_o have_v all_o attain_v yea_o but_o 3_o this_o rule_n 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 what_o rule_n do_v this_o who_o shall_v appoint_v the_o order_n intend_v who_o shall_v judge_v of_o their_o necessity_n be_v they_o of_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n be_v they_o determine_v to_o be_v necessary_a in_o the_o scripture_n the_o rule_n of_o faith_n if_o so_o we_o be_v agree_v but_o if_o by_o these_o order_n he_o intend_v such_o as_o man_n do_v or_o may_v at_o any_o time_n under_o pretence_n of_o church_n authority_n invent_v and_o impose_v as_o necessary_a make_v alteration_n in_o the_o original_a state_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o châ—rch_n as_o also_o in_o its_o worship_n and_o discipline_n it_o will_v be_v strange_a to_o i_o if_o he_o can_v find_v they_o out_o either_o in_o the_o rule_n here_o mention_v or_o the_o dirâ—â—tion_n give_v with_o reference_n unto_o it_o see_v such_o a_o practice_n seem_v to_o be_v plain_o condemn_v in_o the_o word_n themselves_o and_o it_o be_v know_v that_o this_o pretend_a power_n of_o rule_n or_o canon_n make_v for_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n be_v that_o which_o at_o length_n ruin_v all_o church_n in_o their_o state_n order_n and_o worship_n if_o such_o a_o ruin_n be_v acknowledge_v to_o have_v befall_v they_o in_o the_o roman_a apostasy_n he_o therefore_o object_n out_o of_o my_o discourse_n pag._n 171._o 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 we_o be_v all_o ready_a to_o subscribe_v and_o conform_v unto_o it_o to_o which_o he_o reply_v this_o be_v the_o apostle_n rule_v 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 further_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 answ._n 1._o upon_o a_o supposition_n that_o those_o who_o make_v and_o impose_v these_o new_a unscriptual_a order_n be_v the_o church_n and_o that_o as_o the_o church_n they_o have_v authority_n so_o to_o make_v and_o impose_v they_o if_o this_o be_v not_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o apostle_n i_o believe_v some_o man_n judge_v it_o ought_v so_o to_o have_v be_v but_o 2._o the_o apostle_n rule_n be_v not_o that_o we_o shall_v go_v as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v as_o though_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n of_o dispute_n and_o difficulty_n in_o the_o matter_n but_o that_o so_o far_o as_o we_o have_v attain_v we_o shall_v walk_v according_a to_o the_o same_o rule_n 3._o he_o do_v not_o intimate_v any_o thing_n about_o break_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n but_o only_o what_o will_v do_v so_o by_o a_o imposition_n on_o one_o another_o in_o
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 unto_o their_o own_o liberty_n out_o of_o respect_n unto_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o out_o of_o regard_n unto_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o otherwise_o may_v have_v be_v extreme_o hazard_v but_o 1._o the_o governor_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o make_v the_o determination_n insist_v on_o be_v the_o apostle_n themselves_o 2._o there_o be_v no_o such_o determination_n make_v that_o the_o jew_n shall_v be_v leave_v unto_o their_o own_o liberty_n in_o this_o matter_n but_o there_o be_v only_o a_o connivance_n at_o their_o inclination_n to_o bear_v their_o old_a yoke_n for_o a_o season_n the_o determination_n be_v only_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n that_o no_o imposition_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v make_v on_o the_o gentile_n 3._o the_o determination_n itself_o be_v no_o act_n of_o church_n government_n or_o power_n but_o a_o doctrinal_a declaration_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 4._o it_o be_v well_o that_o church_n governor_n once_o judge_v that_o imposition_n in_o thing_n not_o necessary_a be_v to_o be_v forbear_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n other_o i_o hope_v may_v in_o due_a time_n be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n 2._o he_o say_v 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 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 it_o seem_v then_o 1._o that_o those_o who_o be_v lawful_a governor_n or_o pretend_v themselves_o so_o to_o be_v may_v impose_v what_o they_o please_v without_o control_v as_o they_o do_v in_o the_o papacy_n and_o the_o council_n of_o it_o but_o 2._o their_o imposition_n be_v mere_o doctrinal_a wherein_o there_o be_v no_o pretence_n of_o any_o act_n of_o government_n or_o govern_v power_n which_o make_v it_o less_o grievous_a then_o that_o which_o the_o dissenter_n have_v suffer_v under_o be_v thing_n no_o otherwise_o impose_v on_o we_o we_o shall_v bear_v they_o more_o easy_o 2._o say_v he_o they_o impose_v the_o jewish_a rite_n as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o not_o mere_o as_o indifferent_a thing_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v so_o long_o as_o they_o judge_v they_o so_o to_o be_v they_o be_v more_o to_o be_v excuse_v in_o their_o doctrinal_a imposition_n of_o they_o than_o other_o be_v who_o by_o a_o act_n of_o government_n fortify_v with_o i_o know_v not_o how_o many_o penalty_n do_v impose_v thing_n which_o themselves_o esteem_v indifferent_a and_o those_o on_o who_o they_o be_v impose_v do_v judge_n to_o be_v unlawful_a whereas_o he_o add_v that_o he_o have_v consider_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v material_a in_o discourse_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 i_o be_o not_o of_o his_o mind_n nor_o i_o believe_v will_v any_o indifferent_a person_n be_v so_o who_o shall_v compare_v what_o i_o write_v therein_o with_o his_o exception_n against_o it_o though_o i_o acknowledge_v it_o be_v no_o easy_a thing_n to_o discover_v wherein_o the_o force_n of_o the_o pretend_a argument_n do_v lie_v that_o we_o must_v walk_v according_a unto_o the_o same_o rule_n in_o what_o we_o have_v attain_v that_o wherein_o we_o differ_v we_o must_v wait_v on_o god_n for_o teach_v and_o instruction_n that_o the_o apostle_n elder_n and_o brethren_n at_o jerusalem_n determine_v from_o the_o scripture_n or_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n therein_o that_o the_o jewish_a ceremony_n shall_v not_o be_v impose_v on_o the_o gentile_a church_n and_o beleiver_n and_o that_o thereon_o those_o church_n continue_v in_o communion_n with_o each_o other_o who_o do_v and_o do_v not_o observe_v those_o ceremony_n be_v the_o only_a principle_n which_o in_o truth_n the_o doctor_n have_v to_o proceed_v upon_o to_o infer_v from_o these_o principle_n and_o proposition_n that_o there_o be_v a_o national_a church_n of_o divine_a institution_n for_o what_o be_v not_o so_o have_v no_o church_n power_n proper_o so_o call_v the_o nature_n of_o its_o power_n be_v determine_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o its_o institution_n or_o erection_n that_o this_o church_n have_v power_n in_o its_o governor_n and_o ruler_n to_o invent_v new_a order_n ceremony_n and_o rite_n of_o worship_n new_a canon_n for_o the_o observation_n of_o sundry_a thing_n in_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n which_o have_v no_o spring_n nor_o cause_n but_o their_o own_o invention_n and_o prescription_n and_o be_v authorize_v to_o impose_v the_o observation_n of_o they_o on_o all_o particular_a church_n and_o believer_n who_o never_o give_v their_o consent_n unto_o their_o invention_n or_o prescription_n and_o hereon_o to_o declare_v they_o all_o to_o be_v wicked_a schismatic_n who_o yield_v not_o full_a obedience_n unto_o they_o in_o these_o thing_n it_o require_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o art_n and_o skill_n in_o the_o manager_n of_o the_o argument_n sect_n ii_o partly_o 2._o sect._n 21._o pag._n 176._o our_o author_n proceed_v to_o renew_v his_o charge_n of_o schism_n or_o sinful_a separation_n against_o those_o who_o though_o they_o agree_v with_o we_o say_v he_o in_o the_o substantial_o of_o religion_n yet_o deny_v any_o communion_n with_o our_o church_n to_o be_v lawful_a but_o apprehend_v that_o the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n here_o insinuate_v will_v not_o be_v admit_v and_o that_o it_o will_v be_v difficult_a to_o find_v they_o out_o who_o deny_v any_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o be_v lawful_a he_o add_v that_o he_o do_v not_o speak_v of_o any_o improper_a act_n of_o communion_n which_o dr._n o._n call_v communion_n in_o faith_n and_o love_n which_o they_o allow_v to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n but_o why_o the_o act_n hereof_o be_v call_v improper_a act_n of_o communion_n i_o know_v not_o add_v unto_o faith_n and_o love_n the_o administration_n of_o the_o same_o sacrament_n with_o common_a advice_n in_o thing_n of_o common_a concernment_n and_o it_o be_v all_o the_o communion_n that_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n have_v among_o themselves_o in_o the_o whole_a world_n yea_o this_o church_n communion_n be_v such_o as_o that_o 1._o where_o it_o be_v not_o there_o be_v no_o evangelical_n communion_n at_o all_o whatever_o act_v of_o worship_n or_o church_n order_n man_n may_v agree_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o if_o the_o foundation_n of_o that_o agreement_n be_v not_o lay_v in_o a_o joint_a communion_n in_o faith_n and_o love_n they_o be_v neither_o accept_v with_o god_n nor_o profitable_a unto_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n for_o 2._o these_o be_v the_o thing_n namely_o faith_n and_o love_n which_o enliven_v all_o joint_a duty_n of_o church_n order_n and_o worship_n be_v the_o life_n and_o soul_n of_o it_o and_o how_o they_o shall_v be_v only_o improper_o that_o which_o they_o alone_o make_v other_o thing_n to_o be_v proper_o i_o can_v understand_v 3._o where_o there_o be_v no_o defect_n in_o these_o thing_n namely_o in_o faith_n and_o love_n the_o charge_n of_o schism_n on_o dissent_v in_o thing_n of_o lesser_a moment_n be_v altogether_o unreasonable_a it_o be_v to_o be_v desire_v that_o a_o overween_n of_o our_o difference_n make_v we_o not_o overlook_v the_o thing_n wherein_o we_o be_v agree_v this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a evil_n that_o attend_v this_o controversy_n man_n be_v force_v by_o their_o interest_n to_o lay_v more_o weight_n on_o a_o few_o outward_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n which_o the_o world_n and_o the_o church_n may_v well_o have_v spare_v have_v they_o not_o come_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o some_o man_n none_o know_v how_o than_o upon_o the_o most_o important_a grace_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o gospel_n hence_o communion_n in_o faith_n and_o love_n be_v scarce_o esteem_v worth_n take_v up_o in_o the_o street_n in_o comparison_n of_o uniformity_n in_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n let_v man_n be_v as_o void_a of_o and_o remote_a from_o true_a gospel_n faith_n and_o love_n as_o be_v imaginable_a yet_o if_o they_o comply_v quiet_o with_o and_o have_v a_o little_a zeal_n for_o those_o outward_a thing_n they_o be_v to_o be_v approve_v of_o as_o very_o orderly_a member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o whatever_o evidence_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n any_o can_v or_o do_v give_v of_o their_o communion_n in_o faith_n and_o love_n with_o all_o that_o be_v of_o that_o communion_n yet_o if_o they_o can_v in_o conscience_n comply_v in_o the_o observance_n of_o those_o outward_a thing_n mention_v they_o be_v to_o be_v judge_v schismatic_n and_o breaker_n of_o the_o church_n unity_n whereas_o no_o