anâ—yra_n in_o galatia_n about_o the_o year_n 314_o can._n 13._o and_o mention_n be_v again_o make_v of_o they_o in_o a_o synod_n of_o antioch_n an._n 341._o and_o somewhat_o before_o at_o the_o council_n of_o neocaesarea_n can._n 13._o and_o frequent_o afterward_o as_o any_o one_o may_v see_v in_o the_o late_a collection_n of_o the_o ancient_a canon_n i_o very_o believe_v nor_o can_v the_o contrary_n be_v prove_v but_o that_o these_o chorepiscopi_fw-la at_o first_o be_v as_o absolute_a and_o complete_a in_o the_o office_n of_o episcopacy_n as_o any_o of_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o great_a city_n have_v their_o name_n or_o denomination_n from_o the_o place_n of_o their_o residence_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o not_o for_o a_o intimation_n of_o any_o inferiority_n in_o they_o unto_o other_o city-bishop_n but_o so_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o through_o their_o poverty_n and_o want_n of_o interest_n their_o ministry_n be_v confine_v unto_o a_o small_a country-parish_n &_o perhaps_o through_o a_o comparative_a meanness_n of_o their_o gift_n or_o ability_n the_o city-bishop_n claim_v a_o superiority_n over_o they_o and_o make_v canon_n about_o their_o power_n the_o bound_a and_o exercise_v of_o it_o in_o dependence_n on_o themselves_o for_o a_o while_n they_o be_v esteem_v a_o degree_n above_o mere_a presbyter_n who_o accompany_v or_o attend_v the_o bishop_n of_o the_o city-church_n in_o his_o administration_n and_o a_o degree_n beneath_o the_o bishop_n himself_o in_o a_o posture_n never_o design_v by_o christ_n nor_o his_o apostle_n wherefore_o in_o process_n of_o time_n the_o name_n and_o thing_n be_v utter_o lose_v and_o all_o the_o country-churche_n be_v bring_v into_o a_o absolute_a subjection_n unto_o the_o city-church_n something_o be_v allow_v unto_o they_o for_o worship_n nothing_o for_o rule_n and_o discipline_n whereby_o the_o first_o state_n of_o church_n in_o their_o original_a institution_n sacred_o preserve_v in_o the_o first_o century_n be_v utter_o lose_v and_o demolish_a i_o shall_v add_v but_o one_o argument_n more_o to_o evince_v the_o true_a state_n and_o nature_n of_o evangelical_n church_n herein_o namely_o that_o they_o be_v only_o particular_a congregation_n and_o that_o be_v take_v from_o the_o duty_n and_o power_n ascribe_v in_o the_o scripture_n unto_o church_n and_o the_o member_n or_o entire_a brotherhood_n of_o they_o it_o be_v observe_v before_o that_o the_o epistle_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v write_v all_o of_o they_o unto_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n in_o contradistinction_n unto_o their_o elder_n bishop_n or_o pastor_n unless_o it_o be_v those_o that_o be_v write_v unto_o particular_a person_n by_o name_n and_o as_o this_o be_v plain_a in_o all_o the_o epistle_n of_o paul_n wherein_o sometime_o distinct_a mention_n be_v make_v of_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n sometime_o none_o at_o all_o so_o the_o apostle_n john_n affirm_v that_o he_o write_v unto_o the_o church_n but_o that_o diotrephes_n who_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v their_o bishop_n receive_v he_o not_o at_o once_o reject_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o overthrow_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n which_o example_n be_v diligent_o follow_v in_o the_o succeed_a age_n joh._n epist._n 3._o ver_fw-la 9_o and_o the_o apostle_n peter_n write_v unto_o the_o church_n on_o a_o especial_a occasion_n speak_v distinct_o of_o the_o elder_n 1_o pet._n 5.1_o 2._o see_v also_o heb._n 13.24_o the_o body_n of_o the_o epistle_n be_v direct_v to_o the_o body_n of_o church_n wherefore_o all_o the_o instruction_n direction_n and_o injunction_n give_v in_o those_o epistle_n as_o unto_o the_o exercise_n of_o power_n or_o the_o performance_n of_o duty_n they_o be_v give_v unto_o the_o church_n themselves_o now_o these_o be_v such_o many_o of_o they_o as_o can_v be_v act_v or_o perform_v in_o any_o church_n by_o the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n but_o that_o which_o be_v congregational_a only_o it_o be_v too_o long_o here_o to_o insist_v on_o particular_n it_o shall_v be_v do_v elsewhere_o and_o it_o will_v thence_o appear_v that_o this_o argument_n alone_o be_v sufficient_a to_o bear_v the_o weight_n of_o this_o whole_a cause_n the_o reader_n may_v if_o he_o please_v consider_v what_o representation_n hereof_o be_v make_v in_o these_o place_n compare_v together_o matth._n 18.15_o 16_o 17_o 18._o act._n 1.12_o 23_o chap._n 2.1_o 42_o 44_o 46._o chap._n 5.11_o 12_o 13._o chap._n 11.21_o 22_o 25_o 26_o 28_o 29_o 30._o chap._n 12.5_o 12._o chap._n 14.26_o 27._o chap._n 15.1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 6_o 12_o 13_o 22_o 23_o 27_o 28_o 30._o chap._n 20.28_o rom._n 15.5_o 6_o 14_o 25_o 26._o chap._n 16.1_o 17_o 18._o 1_o cor._n 1.4_o 5._o chap._n 5._o throughout_o chap._n 12.4_o 7_o 8_o 9_o 11_o 15_o 18_o 28_o 29_o 30_o 31._o chap._n 14._o throughout_o chap._n 16.10_o 11._o 2_o cor._n 3.1_o 2_o 3._o chap._n 7.14_o 15._o chap._n 8.22_o 23_o 24._o chap._n 2_o 6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o 10_o 11._o chap._n 8.5_o ephes._n 2.19_o 20_o 21_o 22._o chap._n 5.11_o 12._o gal._n 6.1_o philip._n 2.25_o 26_o 27_o 28._o colos._n 1.1_o 2._o chap._n 2.3_o chap._n 3.16_o chap._n 4.9_o 12_o 16_o 17._o 1_o thes._n 5.11_o 12_o 13_o 14._o 2_o thes._n 3.6_o 7_o 14_o 15._o heb._n 12.13_o chap._n 10.24_o 25._o chap._n 12.15_o 16._o in_o these_o i_o say_v and_o other_o place_n innumerable_a there_o be_v those_o thing_n affirm_v of_o and_o ascribe_v unto_o the_o apostolical_a church_n as_o unto_o their_o state_n order_n assembly_n duty_n power_n and_o privilege_n as_o evince_n they_o to_o have_v be_v only_o particular_a congregation_n chap._n vi_o congregational_a church_n alone_o suit_v unto_o the_o end_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o institution_n of_o his_o church_n have_v give_v a_o account_n of_o that_o state_n and_o order_n of_o the_o gospel-churche_n which_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o we_o declare_v also_o their_o suitableness_n and_o sufficiency_n unto_o all_o the_o end_n for_o which_o the_o lord_n christ_n appoint_v such_o church_n for_o if_o there_o be_v any_o true_a proper_a end_n of_o that_o nature_n which_o can_v be_v attain_v in_o or_o by_o any_o church-state_n in_o this_o or_o that_o form_n it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o no_o such_o form_n be_v of_o divine_a appointment_n yea_o it_o be_v necessary_a not_o only_o that_o such_o a_o state_n as_o pretend_v unto_o a_o divine_a original_a be_v not_o only_o not_o contradictory_n unto_o or_o inconsistent_a with_o such_o a_o end_n but_o that_o it_o be_v effectual_o conduce_v thereunto_o and_o in_o its_o place_n necessary_a unto_o that_o purpose_n this_o therefore_o be_v that_o which_o we_o shall_v now_o inquire_v into_o namely_o whether_o this_o state_n and_o form_n of_o gospel-churche_n in_o single_a congregation_n be_v suit_v unto_o all_o those_o end_n for_o which_o any_o such_o church_n be_v appoint_v which_o they_o must_v be_v on_o the_o account_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o author_n and_o founder_n of_o they_o or_o be_v utter_o discard_v from_o their_o pretence_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o more_o forcible_a argument_n against_o any_o pretend_a church-state_n rule_n or_o order_n than_o that_o it_o be_v obstructive_a unto_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n in_o attain_v the_o proper_a end_n of_o their_o whole_a institution_n what_o these_o end_n be_v be_v in_o general_a before_o declare_v i_o shall_v not_o here_o repeat_v they_o or_o go_v over_o they_o again_o but_o only_o single_a out_o the_o consideration_n of_o those_o which_o be_v usual_o plead_v as_o not_o attainable_a by_o this_o way_n of_o church_n in_o single_a congregation_n only_o or_o that_o at_o least_o they_o be_v not_o suit_v unto_o their_o attainment_n the_o first_o of_o these_o be_v mutual_a love_n among_o all_o christian_n all_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n by_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n i_o intend_v they_o and_o they_o only_o who_o profess_v faith_n in_o his_o person_n and_o doctrine_n and_o to_o hear_v he_o or_o to_o be_v guide_v by_o he_o alone_o in_o all_o thing_n that_o appertain_v unto_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o their_o live_n unto_o he_o if_o there_o be_v any_o call_v christian_n who_o in_o these_o thing_n choose_v other_o guide_n call_v other_o minister_n hear_v they_o in_o their_o appointment_n we_o must_v sever_v they_o from_o our_o present_a consideration_n though_o there_o be_v important_a duty_n require_v of_o we_o towards_o they_o also_o but_o what_o be_v allege_v be_v necessary_a unto_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o true_a disciple_n of_o christ._n unto_o all_o those_o his_o great_a command_n be_v mutual_a love_n among_o themselves_o this_o he_o call_v in_o a_o especial_a manner_n his_o commandment_n and_o a_o new_a commandment_n as_o for_o other_o reason_n so_o because_o he_o have_v give_v the_o first_o absolute_a great_a example_n of_o it_o in_o himself_o as_o also_o discover_v
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
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
second_o century_n of_o any_o one_o person_n who_o have_v the_o care_n of_o more_o church_n than_o one_o commit_v unto_o he_o or_o do_v take_v the_o charge_n of_o they_o on_o himself_o but_o whereas_o this_o change_n do_v fall_v out_o and_o appear_v evident_o so_o to_o have_v do_v in_o the_o four_o century_n we_o may_v brief_o inquire_v into_o the_o cause_n and_o occasion_n of_o it_o church_n be_v original_o plant_v in_o city_n and_o town_n for_o the_o most_o part_n not_o absolute_o for_o the_o word_n be_v preach_v and_o church_n gather_v by_o the_o apostle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o clemens_n testify_v in_o such_o city_n there_o be_v but_o one_o church_n whereunto_o all_o beleiver_n do_v belong_v i_o mention_v this_o the_o rather_o because_o our_o present_a author_n who_o be_v please_v frequent_o to_o mistake_v my_o word_n and_o principle_n affirm_v that_o the_o thing_n which_o i_o shall_v have_v prove_v be_v that_o there_o be_v more_o church_n at_o first_o plant_v in_o one_o city_n than_o one_o i_o know_v not_o why_o i_o shall_v be_v oblige_v to_o do_v so_o because_o i_o never_o say_v so_o i_o do_v believe_v indeed_o that_o there_o may_v be_v more_o particular_a church_n than_o one_o in_o one_o city_n and_o that_o sometime_o it_o be_v better_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o then_o that_o all_o beleiver_n in_o the_o same_o city_n shall_v be_v keep_v up_o unto_o one_o congregation_n to_o the_o obstruction_n of_o their_o edification_n but_o that_o there_o be_v original_o or_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n more_o church_n than_o one_o in_o any_o one_o city_n or_o town_n i_o do_v whole_o deny_v though_o i_o grant_v at_o the_o same_o time_n there_o be_v church_n in_o village_n also_o as_o will_v appear_v afterward_o but_o though_o there_o be_v one_o church_n only_o in_o one_o town_n or_o city_n yet_o all_o the_o believer_n that_o belong_v unto_o that_o church_n do_v not_o live_v in_o that_o city_n but_o sundry_a of_o they_o in_o the_o field_n and_o village_n about_o so_o justin_n martyr_n tell_v we_o that_o on_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n when_o the_o church_n have_v its_o solemn_a assembly_n all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o in_o the_o city_n and_o out_o of_o the_o country_n the_o field_n and_o village_n about_o meet_v together_o in_o the_o same_o place_n in_o process_n of_o time_n these_o believer_n in_o the_o country_n do_v great_o increase_v by_o the_o mean_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o city-church_n which_o diligent_o attend_v unto_o the_o conversion_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n with_o some_o extraordinary_a help_n beside_o but_o hereon_o the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v oversee_v for_o on_o this_o account_n of_o the_o conversion_n of_o many_o unto_o the_o faith_n in_o the_o town_n and_o village_n of_o any_o province_n they_o erect_v and_o plant_v new_a church_n among_o they_o not_o oblige_v they_o all_o unto_o that_o first_o church_n from_o whence_o the_o word_n go_v forth_o for_o their_o conversion_n but_o those_o who_o succeed_v they_o be_v hinder_v by_o many_o reason_n which_o may_v be_v easy_o recount_v from_o thought_n of_o the_o multiplication_n of_o church_n choose_v rather_o to_o give_v the_o beleiver_n scatter_v up_o and_o down_o in_o the_o country_n occasional_a assistance_n by_o presbyter_n of_o their_o own_o than_o to_o dispose_v they_o into_o a_o chrch_n state_n and_o order_n but_o after_o a_o while_n their_o number_n great_o increase_a they_o be_v necessitate_v to_o supply_v they_o with_o a_o constant_a ministry_n in_o several_a parcel_n or_o division_n the_o minister_n or_o elder_n thus_o dispose_v among_o they_o for_o their_o edification_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v still_o relate_v unto_o and_o depend_v upon_o that_o city_n first_o church_n from_o whence_o they_o come_v but_o the_o number_n of_o beleiver_n daily_a increase_n and_o a_o succession_n of_o presbyter_n in_o their_o distinct_a assembly_n be_v find_v necessary_a they_o come_v to_o be_v call_v church_n though_o continue_v in_o dependence_n both_o for_o a_o supply_n of_o officer_n and_o for_o rule_n on_o the_o first_o or_o city_n church_n whereunto_o they_o esteem_v themselves_o to_o belong_v this_o be_v the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o multiplication_n of_o christian_a assembly_n throughout_o the_o roman_a empire_n and_o hereby_o all_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o first_o church_n become_v by_o common_a consent_n to_o have_v a_o distinction_n from_o and_o pre-eminence_n above_o the_o presbyter_n that_o be_v fix_v in_o the_o country_n and_o a_o rule_n over_o those_o assembly_n or_o church_n themselves_o and_o therefore_o when_o they_o meet_v together_o in_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a among_o the_o first_o thing_n they_o decree_v one_o be_v to_o confirm_v unto_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o great_a city_n that_o power_n over_o the_o neighbour_a church_n which_o they_o have_v enjoin_v from_o this_o occasional_a rise_n and_o constitution_n of_o they_o hereby_o be_v a_o difference_n and_o distinction_n between_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n between_o mother_n and_o dependant_a church_n introduce_v equal_o almost_o in_o all_o place_n without_o take_v any_o notice_n of_o the_o departure_n which_o be_v therein_o from_o the_o primitive_a pattern_n and_o institution_n but_o these_o thing_n fall_v out_o long_o after_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n namely_o in_o the_o three_o and_o four_o century_n there_o be_v no_o mention_n of_o they_o before_o but_o second_o there_o be_v another_o occasion_n of_o this_o alteration_n which_o take_v place_n before_o that_o insist_v on_o for_o in_o many_o of_o those_o city_n church_n especial_o when_o the_o number_n of_o beleiver_n much_o increase_v there_o be_v many_o bishop_n or_o elder_n who_o have_v the_o rule_n of_o they_o in_o common_a this_o be_v plain_a in_o the_o scripture_n and_o in_o the_o ensue_a record_n of_o church_n affair_n and_o they_o have_v all_o the_o same_o office_n the_o same_o power_n and_o be_v of_o the_o same_o order_n but_o after_o a_o while_n to_o preserve_v order_n and_o decency_n among_o themselves_o and_o in_o all_o their_o proceed_n they_o choose_v one_o from_o among_o they_o who_o shall_v preside_v in_o all_o church_n affair_n for_o order_n sake_n unto_o who_o after_o a_o season_n the_o name_n of_o bishop_n begin_v to_o be_v appropriate_v whether_o the_o rule_n they_o proceed_v by_o herein_o be_v to_o choose_v they_o unto_o this_o dignity_n who_o have_v be_v first_o convert_v unto_o the_o faith_n or_o first_o call_v and_o ordain_v to_o be_v presbyter_n or_o have_v respect_n unto_o the_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o those_o who_o they_o choose_v be_v not_o certain_a but_o this_o way_n begin_v in_o those_o church_n wherein_o some_o extraordinary_a officer_n apostle_n or_o evangelist_n have_v long_o reside_v it_o can_v therefore_o be_v doubt_v but_o they_o have_v some_o design_n to_o represent_v hereby_o somewhat_o of_o the_o dignity_n of_o such_o a_o officer_n and_o a_o resemblance_n of_o the_o continuance_n of_o his_o presence_n among_o they_o and_o this_o i_o suppose_v fall_v out_o early_o in_o the_o church_n though_o without_o ground_n or_o warrant_n and_o the_o principal_a pastor_n of_o other_o church_n which_o have_v not_o any_o great_a number_n of_o elder_n in_o they_o yet_o quick_o assume_v unto_o themselves_o the_o dignity_n which_o the_o other_o have_v attain_v justin_n martyr_n in_o the_o account_n he_o give_v of_o the_o church_n its_o order_n rule_n worship_n and_o discipline_n in_o his_o day_n mention_n one_o singular_a person_n in_o one_o church_n who_o he_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d who_o preside_v in_o all_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n and_o himself_o administer_v all_o the_o sacred_a ordinance_n every_o lord_n day_n unto_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o church_n gather_v and_o meet_v out_o of_o the_o city_n and_o the_o village_n about_o this_o be_v the_o bishop_n and_o if_o any_o one_o desire_v this_o office_n he_o desire_v a_o good_a work_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v whatever_o accession_n be_v make_v unto_o the_o church_n these_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v either_o the_o first_o convert_v to_o the_o faith_n or_o the_o first_o ordain_v presbyter_n or_o obtain_v their_o pre-eminence_n non_fw-la pretio_fw-la sed_fw-la testimonio_fw-la as_o tertullian_n speak_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o eminency_n in_o gift_n and_o holiness_n be_v yet_o quick_o sensible_a of_o their_o own_o dignity_n and_o praelation_n and_o by_o all_o mean_v seek_v the_o enlargement_n of_o it_o suppose_v that_o it_o belong_v unto_o the_o honour_n and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o under_o this_o state_n of_o thing_n the_o church_n increase_a every_o day_n in_o number_n and_o wealth_n grow_v insensible_o more_o and_o more_o indy_n magis_fw-la magisque_fw-la decrescente_fw-la disciplina_fw-la into_o a_o form_n and_o
preservation_n of_o church_n peace_n and_o unity_n all_o the_o dispute_n be_v whether_o we_o keep_v unto_o this_o rule_n of_o christ_n or_o no_o wherein_o we_o be_v ready_a at_o any_o time_n to_o put_v ourselves_o upon_o the_o trial_n be_v willing_a to_o teach_v or_o learn_v as_o god_n shall_v help_v we_o second_o we_o say_v that_o this_o rule_n in_o general_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n love_n and_o obedience_n contain_v and_o reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o in_o particular_a the_o command_n that_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v give_v for_o the_o order_n and_o worship_n that_o he_o require_v in_o his_o church_n it_o may_v seem_v strange_a to_o some_o that_o we_o shall_v suppose_v the_o due_a observance_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n love_n and_o obedience_n that_o be_v of_o faith_n real_a and_o unfeigned_a love_v fervent_a and_o without_o dissimulation_n and_o of_o universal_a gracious_a evangelical_n obedience_n to_o be_v necessary_a unto_o the_o preservation_n of_o church_n peace_n and_o unity_n but_o we_o do_v affirm_v with_o some_o confidence_n that_o the_o only_a real_a foundation_n of_o they_o do_v lie_v herein_o nor_o do_v we_o value_v that_o ecclesiastical_a peace_n which_o may_v be_v without_o it_o or_o be_v neglective_a of_o it_o let_v all_o the_o christian_a world_n or_o those_o therein_o who_o concern_v themselves_o in_o we_o know_v that_o this_o be_v our_o principle_n and_o our_o judgement_n that_o no_o church_n peace_n or_o unity_n be_v value_v by_o or_o accept_v with_o jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v not_o found_v in_o that_o do_v not_o arise_v from_o and_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o diligent_a attendance_n unto_o and_o observance_n of_o the_o entire_a gospel_n rule_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n in_o the_o neglect_v hereof_o peace_n be_v be_v but_o carnal_a security_n and_o unity_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o conspiracy_n against_o the_o rule_n of_o christ._n add_v hereunto_o in_o particular_a the_o due_a observation_n of_o what_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v appoint_v to_o be_v do_v and_o observe_v in_o his_o church_n as_o unto_o their_o order_n rule_n and_o worship_n and_o they_o who_o walk_v according_a unto_o this_o rule_n need_v not_o fear_v the_o charge_n of_o schism_n from_o the_o fierce_a of_o their_o adversary_n wherefore_o we_o say_v three_o those_o who_o recede_v from_o this_o rule_n in_o any_o material_a branch_n of_o it_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o breach_n of_o church_n unity_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o exorbitancy_n as_o suppose_v that_o any_o preach_v teach_v or_o profess_v doctrine_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o form_n of_o wholesome_a word_n especial_o with_o reference_n unto_o the_o person_n office_n and_o grace_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o subject_a of_o doctrine_n pure_o evangelical_n they_o break_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o separate_v or_o withdraw_v communion_n from_o they_o which_o be_v a_o mean_n of_o preserve_v the_o true_a peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n speciosum_fw-la quidem_fw-la est_fw-la nomen_fw-la pacis_fw-la &_o pulchra_fw-la opinio_fw-la vnitatis_fw-la sed_fw-la quis_fw-la ambigat_fw-la eam_fw-la solam_fw-la unicam_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la pacem_fw-la esse_fw-la quae_fw-la christi_fw-la est_fw-la say_v hilary_n suppose_v that_o man_n retain_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n but_o deny_v the_o power_n of_o it_o act_v their_o habitual_a lust_n and_o corruption_n in_o a_o vicious_a conversation_n they_o overthrow_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o church_n unity_n and_o we_o be_v oblige_v from_o such_o to_o turn_v away_o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o those_o who_o live_v in_o a_o constant_a neglect_n of_o any_o of_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n with_o respect_n unto_o the_o order_n rule_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n with_o a_o contempt_n of_o the_o mean_v appoint_v by_o he_o for_o their_o edification_n all_o these_o according_a unto_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o deviation_n from_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n do_v disturb_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o church_n peace_n and_o unity_n and_o therefore_o we_o say_v four_o that_o conscience_n be_v immediate_o and_o direct_o concern_v in_o no_o other_o church_n unity_n as_o such_o but_o what_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n give_v unto_o that_o end_n we_o know_v what_o be_v speak_v concern_v obedience_n unto_o the_o guide_n and_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o christ._n but_o we_o know_v withal_o that_o this_o obedience_n be_v require_v of_o we_o only_o as_o they_o teach_v we_o to_o observe_v and_o do_v all_o that_o he_o have_v command_v for_o other_o commission_n from_o he_o they_o have_v none_o when_o this_o rule_n be_v forsake_v and_o another_o substitute_v in_o the_o room_n of_o it_o as_o it_o quick_o divert_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n from_o a_o conscientious_a attendance_n unto_o that_o rule_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o only_a mean_n of_o church_n unity_n so_o that_o other_o do_v either_o proceed_v from_o man_n secular_a interest_n or_o may_v easy_o be_v accommodate_v thereunto_o and_o whereas_o the_o line_n of_o it_o must_v be_v draw_v in_o the_o field_n of_o pretend_a indifferency_n and_o real_a arbitrariness_n it_o will_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o endless_a contention_n whilst_o whatever_o some_o think_v themselves_o to_o have_v power_n to_o appoint_v other_o will_v judge_v themselves_o to_o have_v liberty_n to_o refuse_v five_o it_o be_v unity_n of_o christ_n appointment_n that_o schism_n respect_v as_o a_o sin_n against_o it_o and_o not_o uniformity_n in_o thing_n of_o man_n appointment_n and_o last_o those_o who_o charge_v schism_n on_o other_o for_o a_o dissent_n from_o themselves_o or_o the_o refrain_v of_o total_a communion_n with_o they_o must_v 1._o discharge_v themselves_o of_o the_o charge_n of_o it_o in_o a_o consistence_n with_o their_o charge_n on_o they_o for_o we_o find_v as_o yet_o no_o arrow_n shoot_v against_o we_o but_o such_o as_o be_v gather_v up_o in_o the_o field_n shoot_v at_o they_o that_o use_v they_o out_o of_o the_o roman_a quiver_n neither_o will_v it_o avail_v they_o to_o say_v that_o they_o have_v other_o manner_n of_o reason_n for_o their_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n than_o any_o we_o have_v for_o our_o withdraw_a communion_n from_o they_o for_o the_o question_n be_v not_o what_o reason_n they_o have_v for_o what_o they_o do_v but_o what_o right_o and_o power_n they_o have_v to_o do_v it_o namely_o to_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n whereof_o they_o be_v constitute_v a_o new_a church_n state_n of_o their_o own_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o that_o church_n and_o against_o the_o order_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o same_o 2._o require_v no_o communion_n but_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o rule_n before_o declare_v in_o no_o other_o be_v we_o concern_v with_o respect_n unto_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n 3._o give_v a_o far_a confirmation_n than_o what_o we_o have_v yet_o see_v unto_o the_o principle_n or_o presumption_n they_o proceed_v upon_o in_o the_o mannagement_n of_o the_o charge_n of_o schism_n as_o that_o 1._o diocesan_a bishop_n with_o their_o metropolitan_n be_v of_o divine_a institution_n 2._o that_o the_o power_n of_o rule_n in_o and_o over_o all_o church_n be_v commit_v unto_o they_o alone_o 3._o that_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o ordain_v religious_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n no_o where_o prescribe_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o impose_v the_o observation_n of_o they_o on_o all_o member_n of_o the_o church_n 4._o that_o this_o church_n they_o be_v 5._o that_o no_o man_n voluntary_a consent_n be_v require_v to_o constitute_v he_o a_o member_n of_o any_o church_n but_o that_o every_o one_o be_v surprise_v into_o that_o state_n whether_o he_o will_v or_o no._n 6_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o force_n in_o the_o argument_n plead_v for_o noncompliance_n with_o arbitrary_a unnecessary_a imposition_n 7._o that_o the_o church_n stand_v in_o no_o need_n of_o reformation_n neither_o in_o doctrine_n discipline_n nor_o conversation_n with_o sundry_a other_o thing_n of_o a_o alike_a nature_n that_o they_o need_v unto_o their_o justification_n but_o yet_o when_o all_o be_v do_v it_o will_v appear_v that_o mutual_a forbearance_n first_o remove_v animosity_n than_o administer_a occasion_n of_o inoffensive_a converse_n unto_o the_o revival_n of_o decay_a affection_n lead_v unto_o sedate_n conference_n and_o consideration_n of_o a_o more_o entire_a conjunction_n in_o the_o thing_n whereunto_o we_o have_v attain_v will_v more_o conduce_v unto_o universal_a peace_n and_o gospel_n unity_n than_o the_o most_o fierce_a contention_n about_o thing_n in_o difference_n or_o the_o most_o vehement_a charge_n of_o schism_n against_o dissenter_n but_o i_o must_v return_v to_o the_o argument_n and_o shall_v add_v something_o give_v light_n into_o the_o nature_n of_o schism_n from_o a_o
peace_n and_o order_n as_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n direct_v unto_o that_o where_o many_o have_v a_o common_a interest_n they_o ought_v to_o consult_v in_o common_a for_o the_o due_a management_n of_o it_o with_o other_o thing_n of_o the_o like_a importance_n be_v evident_a dictate_v of_o this_o light_n and_o law_n now_o whatever_o church-state_n may_v be_v superinduce_v by_o divine_a institution_n yet_o this_o light_n and_o law_n in_o all_o their_o evident_a dictate_v continue_v their_o oblige_a power_n in_o and_o over_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o must_v do_v so_o eternal_o wherefore_o thing_n that_o belong_v hereunto_o need_v no_o new_a institution_n in_o any_o church-state_n whatever_o but_o yet_o 2._o whatever_o be_v require_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n in_o such_o society_n as_o church_n as_o useful_a unto_o their_o order_n and_o conduce_v unto_o their_o end_n be_v a_o divine_a institution_n the_o lord_n christ_n in_o the_o institution_n of_o gospel_n church_n their_o state_n order_n rule_n and_o worship_n do_v not_o require_v of_o his_o disciple_n that_o in_o their_o observance_n of_o his_o appointment_n they_o shall_v cease_v to_o be_v man_n or_o forego_v the_o use_n and_o exercise_n of_o their_o rational_a ability_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o that_o exercise_n which_o be_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n yea_o because_o the_o rule_n and_o direction_n be_v in_o this_o case_n to_o be_v apply_v unto_o thing_n spiritual_a and_o of_o mere_a revelation_n he_o give_v wisdom_n prudence_n and_o understanding_n to_o make_v that_o application_n in_o a_o due_a manner_n unto_o those_o to_o who_o the_o guidance_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n be_v commit_v wherefore_o as_o unto_o all_o the_o thing_n which_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n direct_v we_o unto_o with_o respect_n unto_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o duty_n prescribe_v by_o christ_n in_o and_o unto_o the_o church_n we_o need_v no_o other_o institution_n but_o that_o of_o the_o use_n of_o the_o especial_a spiritual_a wisdom_n and_o prudence_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n give_v unto_o his_o church_n for_o that_o end_n 4._o there_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n general_a rule_n direct_v we_o in_o the_o application_n of_o natural_a light_n unto_o such_o a_o determination_n of_o all_o circumstance_n in_o the_o act_n of_o church_n rule_n and_o worship_n as_o be_v sufficient_a for_o their_o performance_n decent_o and_o in_o order_n wherefore_o as_o be_v say_v before_o it_o be_v utter_o in_o vain_a and_o useless_a to_o demand_v express_a institution_n of_o all_o the_o circumstance_n belong_v unto_o the_o government_n order_n rule_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n or_o for_o the_o due_a improvement_n of_o thing_n in_o themselves_o indifferent_a unto_o its_o edification_n as_o occasion_n shall_v require_v nor_o be_v they_o capable_a to_o be_v any_o otherwise_o state_v but_o as_o they_o lie_v in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o spiritual_a prudence_n direct_v by_o general_a rule_n of_o scripture_n these_o thing_n be_v premise_v our_o principal_a assertion_n be_v that_o christ_n alone_o be_v the_o author_n institutor_n and_o appointer_n in_o a_o way_n of_o authority_n and_o legislation_n of_o the_o gospel_n church-state_n its_o order_n rule_n and_o worship_n with_o all_o thing_n constant_o and_o perpetual_o belong_v thereunto_o or_o necessary_a to_o be_v observe_v therein_o what_o be_v not_o so_o be_v of_o man_n and_o not_o from_o heaven_n this_o be_v that_o which_o we_o have_v prove_v in_o general_a and_o shall_v far_o particular_o confirm_v in_o our_o progress_n hence_o 6._o there_o be_v no_o spiritual_a use_n nor_o benefit_n of_o any_o church-state_n nor_o of_o any_o thing_n therein_o perform_v but_o what_o on_o the_o part_n of_o man_n consist_v in_o act_n of_o obedience_n unto_o the_o authority_n of_o christ._n if_o in_o any_o thing_n we_o do_v of_o this_o nature_n we_o can_v answer_v that_o enquiry_n which_o god_n direct_v in_o this_o case_n to_o be_v make_v namely_o why_o we_o do_v this_o or_o that_o thing_n exod._n 12.25_o 26_o 27._o with_o this_o that_o it_o be_v because_o christ_n have_v require_v it_o of_o we_o we_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v he_o the_o lord_n over_o his_o own_o house_n nor_o hear_v he_o as_o the_o son_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o act_n of_o power_n to_o be_v put_v forth_o in_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n but_o in_o they_o by_o who_o it_o be_v exert_v it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o obedience_n unto_o christ_n or_o it_o be_v a_o mere_a usurpation_n all_o church_n power_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o faculty_n or_o ability_n to_o obey_v the_o command_n of_o christ_n in_o such_o a_o way_n and_o manner_n as_o he_o have_v appoint_v for_o it_o be_v his_o constitution_n that_o the_o administration_n of_o his_o solemn_a worship_n in_o the_o church_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o it_o as_o unto_o the_o observance_n of_o his_o command_n shall_v be_v commit_v unto_o some_o person_n set_v apart_o unto_o that_o end_n according_a unto_o his_o appointment_n this_o be_v all_o their_o authority_n all_o that_o they_o have_v of_o order_n or_o jurisdiction_n or_o by_o any_o other_o way_n whereby_o they_o be_v please_v to_o express_v it_o and_o where_o there_o be_v any_o gospel_n administration_n any_o act_n of_o rule_n or_o government_n in_o the_o church_n which_o those_o that_o perform_v it_o do_v not_o give_v a_o evidence_n that_o they_o do_v it_o in_o obedience_n unto_o christ_n it_o be_v null_a as_o unto_o any_o obligation_n on_o the_o conscience_n of_o his_o disciple_n the_o neglect_n hereof_o in_o the_o world_n wherein_o many_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o church_n discipline_n or_o any_o act_n that_o belong_v unto_o the_o rule_n of_o it_o think_v of_o nothing_o but_o their_o own_o office_n whereunto_o such_o power_n be_v annex_v by_o humane_a law_n and_o canon_n as_o enable_v they_o to_o act_n in_o their_o own_o name_n without_o design_v obedience_n unto_o christ_n in_o all_o that_o they_o do_v or_o to_o make_v a_o just_a representation_n of_o his_o authority_n wisdom_n and_o love_v thereby_o be_v ruinous_a unto_o church_n order_n and_o rule_n 7._o there_o be_v no_o legislative_a power_n in_o and_o over_o the_o church_n as_o unto_o its_o form_n order_n and_o worship_n leave_v unto_o any_o of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n under_o any_o qualification_n whatever_o for_o 1._o there_o be_v none_o of_o they_o who_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o those_o right_n qualification_n and_o endowment_n which_o be_v necessary_a unto_o a_o investiture_n into_o such_o a_o legislative_a power_n for_o what_o be_v give_v and_o grant_v unto_o christ_n himself_o unto_o this_o end_n that_o he_o may_v be_v the_o law_n giver_n of_o the_o church_n must_v be_v find_v also_o in_o they_o who_o pretend_v unto_o any_o interest_n therein_o have_v they_o any_o of_o they_o a_o right_n and_o title_n unto_o a_o disposal_n of_o the_o person_n of_o believer_n in_o what_o way_n they_o please_v as_o unto_o their_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a concernment_n have_v they_o sovereign_a authority_n over_o all_o thing_n to_o change_v their_o moral_a nature_n to_o give_v they_o new_a use_n and_o signification_n to_o make_v thing_n necessary_a that_o in_o themselves_o be_v indifferent_a and_o to_o order_v all_o those_o thing_n by_o sovereign_a authority_n in_o law_n oblige_v the_o conscience_n of_o man_n and_o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o his_o personal_a qualification_n of_o faithfulness_n wisdom_n love_n and_o care_n which_o be_v ascribe_v unto_o he_o in_o this_o work_n of_o give_v law_n unto_o his_o church_n as_o he_o be_v the_o lord_n over_o his_o own_o house_n 2_o the_o event_n of_o the_o assumption_n of_o this_o legislative_a power_n under_o the_o best_a pretence_n that_o can_v be_v give_v unto_o it_o namely_o in_o council_n or_o great_a assembly_n of_o bishop_n and_o prelate_n sufficient_o demonstrate_v how_o dangerous_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v for_o any_o man_n to_o be_v engage_v in_o for_o it_o issue_v at_o length_n in_o such_o a_o constitution_n of_o church_n and_o such_o law_n for_o the_o government_n of_o they_o as_o exalt_v the_o cannon_n law_n into_o the_o room_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o utter_o destroy_v the_o true_a nature_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o all_o the_o discipline_n require_v therein_o 3._o such_o a_o assumption_n be_v derogatory_n unto_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n especial_o as_o unto_o his_o faithfulness_n in_o and_o over_o the_o house_n of_o god_n wherein_o he_o be_v compare_v unto_o and_o prefer_v above_o moses_n heb._n 3.3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o now_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o moses_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o he_o do_v and_o appoint_v all_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o pattern_n show_v he_o in_o the_o mount_n that_o be_v all_o whatever_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o be_v reveal_v and_o appoint_v for_o the_o constitution_n order_n rule_n and_o worship_n of_o his_o
person_n of_o a_o apostolical_a spirit_n consonant_n unto_o the_o stile_n and_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o a_o precious_a jewel_n and_o just_a representation_n of_o the_o state_n and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n in_o those_o day_n and_o sundry_a thing_n we_o may_v observe_v from_o it_o 1._o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o it_o that_o give_v the_o least_o intimation_n of_o any_o other_o church-state_n but_o that_o which_o be_v congregational_a although_o there_o be_v the_o high_a cause_n and_o reason_n for_o he_o so_o to_o do_v have_v there_o be_v any_o such_o church_n then_o in_o be_v the_o case_n he_o have_v in_o hand_n be_v that_o of_o ecclesiastical_a sedition_n or_o schism_n in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n the_o church_n or_o body_n of_o the_o brethren_n have_v unjust_o depose_v their_o elder_n as_o it_o shall_v seem_v all_o of_o they_o give_v advice_n herein_o unto_o the_o whole_a church_n use_v all_o sort_n of_o argument_n to_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o sin_n direct_v all_o probable_a mean_n for_o their_o cure_n he_o never_o once_o send_v they_o to_o the_o bishop_n or_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o the_o head_n of_o unity_n unto_o all_o church_n make_v no_o mention_n of_o any_o metropolitical_a or_o diocesan_n church_n and_o its_o rule_n or_o of_o any_o single_a bishop_n and_o his_o authority_n no_o one_o of_o any_o such_o order_n do_v he_o either_o commend_v or_o condemn_v or_o once_o address_v himself_o unto_o with_o either_o admonition_n exhortation_n encouragement_n or_o direction_n he_o only_o handle_v the_o cause_n by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o it_o be_v state_v between_o the_o church_n itself_o and_o its_o elder_n i_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o church_n at_o corinth_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n in_o the_o city_n and_o about_o it_o or_o comprehensive_a as_o some_o say_v of_o the_o whole_a region_n of_o achaia_n that_o there_o be_v a_o single_a officer_n or_o bishop_n over_o that_o whole_a church_n but_o none_o such_o be_v here_o mention_v if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o he_o be_v either_o depose_v by_o the_o people_n or_o he_o be_v not_o if_o he_o be_v depose_v he_o be_v only_o one_o of_o the_o presbyter_n for_o they_o be_v only_a presbyter_n that_o be_v depose_v if_o he_o be_v not_o why_o be_v he_o not_o once_o call_v on_o to_o discharge_v his_o duty_n in_o cure_v of_o that_o schism_n or_o blame_v for_o his_o neglect_n certain_o there_o be_v never_o great_a prevarication_n use_v by_o any_o man_n in_o any_o cause_n than_o be_v by_o clemens_n in_o this_o if_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n its_o rule_n and_o order_n be_v such_o as_o some_o now_o pretend_v for_o he_o neither_o let_v the_o people_n know_v wherein_o their_o sin_n and_o schism_n do_v lie_v namely_o in_o a_o separation_n from_o their_o bishop_n nor_o do_v once_o mention_v the_o only_a proper_a cure_n and_o remedy_n of_o all_o their_o evil_n but_o he_o know_v their_o state_n and_o order_n too_o well_o to_o insist_v on_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o then_o in_o rerum_fw-la natura_fw-la and_o wherein_o they_o be_v not_o concern_v 2._o this_o epistle_n be_v write_v as_o unto_o the_o whole_a church_n at_o corinth_n so_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o rome_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o dwell_v or_o sojourn_v as_o a_o stranger_n at_o rome_n in_o the_o city_n of_o rome_n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n that_o dwell_v or_o sojourn_v at_o corinth_n for_o although_o that_o church_n be_v then_o in_o disorder_n under_o no_o certain_a rule_n have_v cast_v off_o all_o their_o elder_n etc._n etc._n yet_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n not_o only_o allow_v it_o to_o be_v a_o sister-church_n but_o salute_v the_o brethren_n of_o it_o in_o the_o follow_a word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d call_v and_o sanctify_v through_o the_o will_n of_o god_n by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o so_o ready_a in_o those_o day_n to_o condemn_v the_o person_n nor_o to_o judge_v the_o church-state_n and_o condition_n of_o other_o on_o every_o miscarriage_n real_a or_o suppose_a as_o some_o have_v be_v and_o be_v in_o these_o latter_a age_n 2._o this_o address_n be_v from_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n at_o rome_n unto_o that_o at_o corinth_n without_o the_o least_o mention_n of_o the_o officer_n of_o they_o in_o particular_a it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o church_n themselves_o that_o be_v the_o whole_a entire_a community_n of_o they_o have_v communion_n with_o one_o another_o as_o they_o be_v sister-churche_n and_o that_o they_o have_v themselves_o the_o transaction_n of_o all_o affair_n wherein_o they_o be_v concern_v as_o they_o have_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n act_n 15.1_o 2_o 3._o it_o be_v the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n at_o antioch_n who_o determine_v that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n and_o certain_a other_o shall_v go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n to_o consult_v the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n see_v also_o chap._n 21.22_o this_o they_o do_v not_o nor_o aught_o to_o do_v without_o the_o presence_n guidance_n conduct_v and_o consent_n of_o their_o elder_n or_o ruler_n where_o they_o have_v any_o but_o this_o they_o be_v not_o exclude_v from_o and_o that_o church_n the_o whole_a body_n or_o fraternity_n whereof_o do_v advise_v and_o consult_v in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v concern_v on_o the_o account_n of_o their_o communion_n with_o other_o church_n be_v a_o congregational_a church_n and_o no_o other_o it_o be_v the_o church_n who_o send_v this_o epistle_n unto_o the_o corinthian_n claudius_n ephebus_n 73._o valerius_n bibo_n fortunatus_n be_v name_v as_o their_o messenger_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v send_v by_o we_o our_o messenger_n our_o apostle_n in_o these_o matter_n such_o as_o the_o church_n make_v use_v of_o on_o all_o such_o occasion_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n 2_o cor._n 8.23_o and_o the_o person_n who_o they_o send_v be_v only_a member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o not_o officer_n nor_o do_v we_o any_o where_o hear_v of_o they_o under_o that_o character_n now_o they_o can_v not_o be_v send_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n but_o by_o its_o consent_n nor_o can_v the_o church_n consent_n without_o its_o assemble_v together_o this_o be_v the_o state_n and_o order_n of_o the_o first_o church_n in_o that_o communion_n which_o be_v among_o they_o according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n they_o have_v a_o singular_a concern_v in_o the_o welfare_n and_o prosperity_n of_o each_o other_o and_o be_v solicitous_a about_o they_o in_o their_o trial_n hence_o those_o who_o be_v plant_v at_o a_o great_a distance_n than_o will_v allow_v frequent_a personal_a converse_n with_o their_o respective_a member_n do_v on_o all_o occasion_n send_v messenger_n unto_o one_o another_o sometime_o mere_o to_o visit_v they_o in_o love_n and_o sometime_o to_o give_v or_o take_v advice_n but_o these_o thing_n as_o indeed_o almost_o all_o other_o that_o belong_v unto_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n either_o in_o themselves_o or_o with_o one_o another_o be_v either_o utter_o lose_v and_o bury_v or_o keep_v above_o ground_n in_o a_o pretence_n of_o episcopal_a authority_n churches_n themselves_o be_v whole_o exclude_v from_o any_o concernment_n in_o they_o but_o as_o the_o advice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v desire_v in_o this_o case_n by_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o corinth_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d so_o it_o be_v give_v by_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o 1._o and_o send_v by_o messenger_n of_o their_o own_o 3._o the_o description_n give_v of_o the_o state_n way_n and_o walk_v of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n 4._o that_o be_v that_o whole_a fraternity_n of_o the_o church_n which_o fall_v afterward_o into_o that_o disorder_n which_o be_v reprove_v before_o their_o fall_n be_v such_o as_o that_o it_o bespeak_v their_o walk_v together_o in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o society_n and_o be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v any_o good_a man_n desire_n that_o he_o may_v see_v church_n yet_o in_o the_o world_n unto_o who_o or_o the_o generality_n of_o who_o member_n that_o description_n may_v be_v honest_o and_o just_o accommodate_v one_o character_n which_o be_v give_v of_o they_o i_o shall_v mention_v only_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d there_o be_v a_o full_a or_o plentiful_a effusion_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o you_o all_o so_o that_o be_v full_a or_o fill_v with_o a_o holy_a will_n holiness_n of_o will_n and_o a_o good_a readiness_n of_o mind_n with_o a_o pious_a devout_a confidence_n you_o stretch_v out_o your_o hand_n in_o prayer_n to_o almighty_a god_n supplicate_v his_o clemency_n or_o mercy_n for_o the_o pardon_n of_o your_o involuntary_a sin_n sin_n fall_v into_o by_o infirmity_n or_o
due_o discharge_v the_o office_n of_o episcopacy_n other_o distinction_n and_o difference_n of_o ordinary_a officer_n beside_o that_o of_o bishop_n or_o elder_n and_o deacon_n the_o church_n at_o rome_n in_o those_o day_n know_v not_o such_o aught_o to_o be_v in_o every_o particular_a church_n of_o any_o one_o single_a person_n to_o preside_v over_o many_o church_n which_o be_v necessary_a unto_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o church-state_n distinct_a from_o that_o which_o be_v congregational_a clemens_n know_v nothing_o in_o his_o day_n but_o give_v we_o such_o a_o description_n of_o the_o church_n and_o its_o order_n as_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o such_o a_o pretence_n 6._o i_o shall_v add_v no_o more_o from_o this_o excellent_a epistle_n but_o only_o the_o account_n give_v in_o it_o of_o the_o first_o constitution_n of_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d our_o apostle_n therefore_o know_v by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o there_o will_v contention_n arise_v about_o the_o name_n of_o episcopacy_n that_o be_v episcopacy_n itself_o for_o this_o cause_n be_v endue_v with_o a_o perfect_a foresight_n of_o thing_n they_o appoint_v those_o forementioned_a their_o first_o convert_v unto_o the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o the_o future_a describe_v or_o give_v order_n about_o the_o course_n of_o the_o ministry_n that_o other_o approve_a man_n may_v succeed_v they_o in_o their_o ministry_n these_o elder_n therefore_o who_o be_v so_o appoint_v by_o they_o and_o afterward_o by_o other_o famous_a man_n with_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n etc._n etc._n sundry_a thing_n we_o may_v observe_v in_o this_o discourse_n 1._o the_o apostle_n foresee_v there_o will_v be_v strife_n and_o contention_n about_o the_o name_n of_o episcopacy_n that_o be_v the_o office_n itself_o and_o those_o who_o shall_v possess_v it_o this_o episcopacy_n be_v that_o office_n which_o the_o depose_a elder_n have_v well_o discharge_v in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n this_o they_o may_v foresee_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o the_o inclination_n of_o man_n unto_o pre-eminence_n and_o the_o instance_n they_o have_v see_v in_o their_o own_o day_n in_o such_o as_o diotrephes_n with_o the_o former_a division_n that_o have_v be_v in_o this_o very_a church_n about_o their_o teacher_n 1_o cor._n 1.12_o but_o moreover_o they_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n through_o his_o divine_a spirit_n abide_v with_o they_o and_o teach_v they_o all_o thing_n this_o therefore_o they_o seek_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o prevent_v and_o that_o two_o way_n 1._o in_o that_o for_o the_o first_o time_n themselves_o appoint_v approve_a person_n unto_o the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n not_o that_o they_o do_v it_o of_o themselves_o without_o the_o consent_n and_o choice_n of_o the_o church_n whereunto_o any_o of_o they_o be_v appoint_v for_o this_o be_v direct_o contrary_a unto_o their_o practice_n act._n 1.15_o 22_o 23_o 26._o chap._n 6.3_o chap._n 14.23_o but_o that_o the_o peace_n and_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n may_v be_v provide_v for_o they_o themselves_o spiritual_o try_v and_o approve_v of_o fit_a person_n so_o to_o lead_v the_o church_n in_o their_o choice_n wherefore_o that_o which_o be_v add_v afterward_o of_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v to_o be_v refer_v unto_o those_o who_o be_v ordain_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o 2._o they_o give_v rule_n and_o order_n namely_o in_o their_o write_n concern_v the_o office_n and_o officer_n that_o be_v to_o be_v in_o the_o church_n with_o the_o way_n whereby_o they_o shall_v be_v substitute_v into_o the_o place_n and_o room_n of_o they_o that_o be_v decease_v as_o we_o know_v they_o have_v do_v in_o their_o write_n 3._o after_o this_o be_v do_v by_o the_o apostle_n other_o excellent_a person_n as_o the_o evangelist_n do_v the_o same_o these_o assist_v the_o church_n in_o the_o ordination_n and_o choice_n of_o their_o officer_n according_a unto_o the_o rule_v prescribe_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o i_o know_v not_o but_o that_o the_o eminent_a pastor_n of_o other_o church_n who_o usual_o give_v their_o assistance_n in_o the_o set_n apart_o and_o ordination_n of_o other_o unto_o the_o ministry_n be_v intend_v i_o have_v insist_v long_o on_o this_o testimony_n be_v lead_v on_o by_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o writing_n itself_o nothing_o remain_v write_v so_o near_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n nor_o do_v any_o that_o be_v extant_a which_o be_v write_v afterward_o give_v such_o a_o evidence_n of_o apostolical_a wisdom_n gravity_n and_o humility_n neither_o be_v there_o in_o all_o antiquity_n after_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n such_o a_o representation_n of_o the_o state_n order_n and_o rule_n of_o first_o evangelical_n churches_n and_o it_o be_v no_o small_a prejudice_n unto_o the_o pretension_n of_o future_a age_n that_o this_o apostolical_a person_n handle_v a_o most_o weighty_a ecclesiastical_a cause_n make_v not_o the_o least_o mention_n of_o such_o office_n power_n and_o proceed_n as_o wherein_o some_o will_v have_v all_o church-rule_a and_o order_n to_o consist_v the_o epistle_n of_o polycarpus_n and_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n at_o smyrna_n with_o he_o unto_o the_o church_n of_o the_o philippian_n be_v the_o next_o on_o roll_n of_o antiquity_n nothing_o appear_v in_o the_o whole_a to_o intimate_v any_o other_o church-state_n or_o order_n than_o that_o describe_v by_o clemens_n the_o epistle_n be_v direct_v unto_o the_o whole_a church_n at_o philippi_n not_o unto_o any_o particular_a bishop_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d this_o be_v the_o usual_a style_n of_o those_o day_n so_o be_v it_o use_v as_o we_o have_v see_v by_o clemens_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d so_o it_o be_v use_v present_o after_o the_o death_n of_o polycarpus_n by_o the_o church_n at_o smyrna_n in_o the_o account_n they_o give_v unto_o other_o church_n of_o his_o death_n and_o martyrdom_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o same_o be_v the_o inscription_n of_o the_o epistle_n of_o the_o church_n at_o vienna_n and_o lion_n in_o france_n unto_o the_o church_n in_o asia_n and_o phrygia_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v immediate_o and_o these_o be_v plain_a testimony_n of_o that_o communion_n among_o the_o church_n in_o those_o day_n which_o be_v hold_v in_o and_o by_o the_o body_n of_o each_o church_n or_o the_o community_n of_o the_o brotherhood_n which_o be_v a_o clear_a demonstration_n of_o their_o state_n and_o order_n and_o those_o who_o the_o apostle_n write_v to_o the_o philippian_n call_v their_o bishop_n and_o deacon_n polycarpus_n call_v their_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n it_o behoove_v you_o say_v he_o unto_o the_o church_n there_o to_o abstain_v from_o these_o thing_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v subject_a unto_o the_o elder_n and_o deacon_n nor_o do_v he_o mention_v any_o other_o bishop_n among_o the_o philippian_n and_o it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o in_o all_o these_o primitive_a write_n there_o be_v still_o a_o distinction_n make_v after_o the_o example_n of_o the_o scripture_n between_o the_o church_n and_o the_o guide_n ruler_n bishop_n or_o elder_n of_o it_o and_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n be_v constant_o assign_v unto_o the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n as_o distinct_a from_o the_o elder_n nowhere_o to_o the_o bishop_n or_o elder_n as_o distinct_a from_o the_o people_n though_o the_o church_n in_o its_o complete_a state_n comprehend_v both_o sort_n unto_o this_o time_n that_o be_v about_o the_o year_n 107_o or_o 108_o do_v belong_v the_o epistle_n ascribe_v unto_o ignatius_n if_o so_o be_v they_o be_v write_v by_o he_o for_o polycarpus_n write_v his_o epistle_n unto_o the_o philippian_n after_o ignatius_n be_v carry_v to_o rome_n have_v write_v his_o epistle_n before_o in_o asia_n many_o be_v the_o contest_v of_o learned_a man_n about_o those_o epistle_n which_o remain_v whether_o they_o be_v genuine_a or_o the_o same_o that_o be_v write_v by_o he_o for_o that_o he_o do_v write_v epistle_n unto_o sundry_a church_n be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o and_o whereas_o there_o have_v in_o this_o age_n be_v two_o copy_n find_v and_o publish_v of_o these_o epistle_n wherein_o very_a many_o thing_n that_o be_v obnoxious_a unto_o just_a exception_n in_o those_o before_o publish_v do_v not_o at_o all_o appear_v yet_o man_n be_v not_o agree_v which_o of_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v prefer_v and_o many_o yet_o deny_v that_o any_o of_o they_o be_v those_o write_v by_o ignatius_n i_o shall_v not_o interpose_v in_o this_o contest_v only_o i_o must_v say_v that_o if_o any_o of_o his_o genuine_a write_n do_v yet_o remain_v yet_o the_o corruption_n and_o interpolation_n of_o they_o for_o many_o age_n must_v needs_o much_o impair_v the_o authority_n of_o what_o be_v represent_v in_o they_o as_o he_o nor_o be_o
place_n unto_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o be_v a_o particular_a congregation_n 6._o the_o thing_n that_o he_o ascribe_v unto_o this_o leader_n to_o be_v do_v at_o this_o general_a meeting_n of_o the_o church_n every_o lord_n day_n be_v 1._o that_o he_o pray_v 2._o that_o after_o the_o read_n of_o the_o scripture_n he_o preach_v 3._o that_o he_o consecrate_v the_o eucharist_n the_o element_n of_o the_o bread_n and_o wine_n be_v distribute_v by_o the_o deacon_n unto_o the_o congregation_n 4._o that_o he_o close_v the_o whole_a worship_n of_o the_o day_n in_o prayer_n 7._o in_o the_o consecration_n of_o the_o sacramental_a element_n he_o observe_v that_o the_o precedent_n pray_v at_o large_a giving_z thanks_o to_o god_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d so_o vain_a be_v the_o pretence_n of_o some_o that_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n they_o consecrate_v the_o element_n by_o the_o repetition_n of_o the_o lord_n prayer_n only_o after_o the_o participation_n of_o the_o eucharist_n there_o be_v a_o collection_n make_v for_o the_o poor_a as_o he_o describe_v it_o at_o large_a what_o be_v so_o gather_v be_v commit_v to_o the_o pastor_n who_o take_v care_n for_o the_o distribution_n of_o it_o unto_o all_o sort_n of_o poor_a belong_v unto_o the_o church_n hereunto_o be_v add_v as_o tertullian_n observe_v the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n in_o their_o assembly_n whereof_o we_o shall_v speak_v afterward_o the_o close_a of_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n justin_n give_v we_o in_o these_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o pastor_n again_o according_a to_o his_o ability_n or_o power_n pour_v forth_o or_o send_v up_o prayer_n the_o people_n all_o joyful_o cry_v amen_o etc._n etc._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v as_o origen_n expound_v the_o phrase_n often_o use_v by_o himself_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d lib._n 8._o ad_fw-la cels._n according_a unto_o the_o present_a ability_n give_v unto_o he_o this_o be_v the_o state_n the_o order_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n with_o its_o method_n in_o the_o day_n of_o justin_n martyr_n this_o and_o no_o other_o be_v that_o which_o we_o plead_v for_o unto_o these_o time_n belong_v the_o most_o excellent_a epistle_n of_o the_o church_n of_o vienna_n and_o lion_n in_o france_n unto_o the_o brethren_n in_o asia_n and_o phrygia_n record_v at_o large_a by_o eusebius_n hist._n lib._n 5._o cap_n 1._o their_o design_n in_o it_o be_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o holy_a martyr_n who_o suffer_v in_o the_o persecution_n under_o marcus_n antoninus_n i_o be_o no_o way_n concern_v in_o what_o state_n irenaeus_n be_v in_o the_o church_n at_o lion_n whereon_o after_o the_o write_n of_o this_o epistle_n he_o be_v send_v to_o eleutherius_fw-la the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n which_o he_o give_v a_o account_n of_o chap._n 4._o he_o be_v indeed_o in_o that_o epistle_n call_v a_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n although_o as_o some_o suppose_v it_o be_v sundry_a year_n after_o the_o death_n of_o pothinus_n who_o they_o call_v bishop_n of_o lion_n into_o who_o room_n he_o immediate_o succeed_v and_o eusebius_n himself_o cap._n 8._o affirm_v that_o he_o will_v give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o ancient_a ecclesiastical_a presbyter_n in_o the_o first_o place_n produce_v those_o of_o irenaeus_n but_o these_o thing_n belong_v not_o unto_o our_o present_n contest_v the_o epistle_n we_o intend_v be_v write_v by_o the_o brethren_n of_o those_o church_n and_o it_o be_v write_v to_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n in_o asia_n and_o phrygia_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o scripture_n wherein_o the_o fraternity_n or_o body_n of_o the_o church_n be_v design_v or_o intend_v in_o all_o such_o epistle_n from_o they_o be_v this_o epistle_n and_o unto_o those_o of_o the_o same_o sort_n be_v it_o write_v not_o from_o one_o bishop_n unto_o another_o and_o as_o this_o manifest_v the_o concern_v of_o the_o brotherhood_n in_o all_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n so_o with_o all_o other_o circumstance_n it_o evidence_v that_o those_o church_n be_v particular_a or_o congregational_a only_a nor_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o whole_a epistle_n that_o shall_v give_v the_o least_o intimation_n of_o any_o other_o church_n state_n knowâ—_n unto_o they_o this_o epistle_n as_o record_v by_o eusebius_n give_v we_o as_o noble_a representation_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o communion_n that_o be_v then_o among_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v write_v with_o apostolical_a simplicity_n and_o gravity_n and_o remote_a from_o those_o title_n of_o honour_n and_o affect_v swell_a word_n which_o the_o feign_a write_n of_o that_o age_n and_o some_o that_o be_v genuine_a in_o those_o that_o follow_v be_v stuff_v withal_o tertullâ—an_n who_o live_v about_o the_o end_n of_o the_o second_o century_n give_v we_o the_o same_o account_n of_o the_o state_n order_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n as_o be_v give_v beâ—ore_o by_o justin_n martyr_n apol._n ad_fw-la gen._n cap._n 39_o the_o description_n of_o a_o church_n he_o first_o lay_v down_o in_o these_o word_n corpâ—s_fw-la sumus_fw-la de_fw-fr conscientia_fw-la religionis_fw-la &_o disciplinae_fw-la unitate_fw-la &_o spei_fw-la foedere_fw-la we_o be_v a_o body_n unite_v in_o the_o conscience_n of_o religion_n or_o a_o conscientious_a observation_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n by_o a_o agreement_n in_o discipline_n whereby_o it_o be_v usual_a with_o the_o ancient_n to_o express_v universal_a obedience_n unto_o the_o doctrine_n and_o command_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o a_o covenant_n of_o hope_n for_o whereas_o such_o a_o body_n or_o religious_a society_n can_v not_o be_v unite_v but_o by_o a_o covenant_n he_o call_v it_o a_o covenant_n of_o hope_n because_o the_o principal_a respect_n be_v have_v therein_o unto_o the_o thing_n hope_v foâ—_n they_o covenant_v together_o so_o to_o live_v and_o walk_v in_o the_o discipline_n of_o christ_n or_o obedience_n unto_o his_o command_n as_o that_o they_o may_v come_v together_o unto_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o eternal_a blessedness_n this_o religious_a body_n or_o society_n thus_o unite_v by_o covenant_n do_v meet_v together_o in_o the_o same_o assembly_n or_o congregation_n corpus_fw-la suâ—us_fw-la â—oâ—mus_fw-la in_o coeâ—um_fw-la &_o congregationem_fw-la ut_fw-la ad_fw-la deum_fw-la quasi_fw-la manu_fw-la facta_fw-la precationibus_fw-la ambiamus_fw-la orantes_fw-la and_o cogimur_fw-la ad_fw-la divinarum_fw-la literarum_fw-la commemorationem_fw-la etc._n etc._n design_v to_o declare_v as_o he_o do_v in_o particular_a negotia_fw-la christianae_n factionis_fw-la as_o he_o call_v they_o or_o the_o duty_n of_o christian_a religion_n which_o in_o their_o church_n they_o do_v attend_v unto_o he_o lay_v the_o foundation_n in_o their_o meeting_n in_o the_o saâ—â—_n assembly_n or_o congregation_n in_o these_o assembly_n there_o preside_v the_o elder_n that_o upon_o a_o testimony_n of_o their_o meetness_n unto_o that_o office_n be_v choose_v thereunto_o precedent_n probati_fw-la quique_fw-la seniores_fw-la honorem_fw-la istum_fw-la non_fw-la pretty_a sed_fw-la testimonio_fw-la adepti_fw-la and_o in_o the_o church_n thus_o meet_v together_o in_o the_o same_o place_n assembly_n or_o congregation_n under_o the_o rule_n and_o conduct_v of_o their_o elder_n among_o other_o thing_n they_o exercise_v discipline_n that_o be_v in_o the_o presence_n and_o by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o whole_a ibidem_fw-la etiam_fw-la exhortationes_fw-la castigationes_fw-la &_o censura_fw-la divina_fw-la no_o &_o judicatur_fw-la magno_fw-la cum_fw-la pondere_fw-la ut_fw-la apud_fw-la certos_fw-la de_fw-la dei_fw-la conspectu_fw-la summumque_fw-la futuri_fw-la judâ—cii_fw-la praejudicium_fw-la est_fw-la sâ—_n quis_fw-la ita_fw-la deliquerit_fw-la ut_fw-la à _fw-la communicatione_n oratinis_fw-la &_o conventus_fw-la &_o omnis_fw-la sancti_fw-la commercii_fw-la relegetur_fw-la the_o loss_n of_o this_o discipline_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o administration_n have_v be_v one_o of_o the_o principal_a mean_n of_o the_o apostasy_n of_o church_n from_o their_o primitive_a institution_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n do_v origen_n give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o the_o way_n of_o the_o gather_n and_o establish_v church_n under_o elder_n of_o their_o own_o choose_n in_o the_o close_a of_o his_o last_o book_n against_o celsus_n and_o although_o in_o the_o day_n of_o cyprian_a in_o the_o three_o century_n the_o distinction_n between_o the_o bishop_n in_o any_o church_n eminent_o so_o call_v and_o those_o who_o be_v only_a presbyter_n with_o their_o imparity_n and_o not_o only_o the_o precedency_n but_o superiority_n of_o one_o over_o other_o begin_v general_o to_o be_v admit_v yet_o it_o be_v sufficient_o manifest_a from_o his_o epistle_n that_o the_o church_n wherein_o he_o do_v preside_v be_v so_o far_o a_o particular_a church_n as_o that_o the_o whole_a body_n or_o fraternity_n of_o it_o be_v admit_v unto_o all_o advice_n in_o thing_n of_o common_a concernment_n unto_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o allow_v the_o exercise_n of_o their_o
church_n namely_o that_o bad_a man_n be_v mix_v with_o the_o good_a for_o which_o cause_n they_o reject_v those_o church_n wherein_o that_o be_v allow_v as_o no_o true_a church_n of_o christ._n for_o no_o such_o thing_n be_v include_v in_o what_o we_o assert_v nor_o do_v follow_v thereon_o we_o do_v own_o that_o wicked_a hypocrite_n may_v be_v join_v in_o true_a church_n and_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o they_o neither_o be_v this_o a_o cause_n of_o withdraw_a communion_n from_o any_o church_n much_o less_o of_o condemn_v it_o as_o no_o true_a church_n of_o christ._n but_o this_o we_o say_v that_o if_o such_o hypocrite_n discover_v themselves_o in_o open_a scandalous_a sin_n which_o upon_o examination_n will_v prove_v to_o be_v of_o a_o large_a extent_n than_o some_o suppose_v with_o respect_n unto_o sin_n of_o omission_n as_o well_o as_o of_o commission_n if_o they_o be_v not_o deal_v withal_o according_a as_o the_o discipline_n of_o christ_n do_v require_v in_o such_o case_n the_o church_n wherein_o they_o be_v allow_v especial_o if_o the_o number_n of_o such_o person_n be_v many_o or_o the_o most_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o people_n and_o their_o sin_n notorious_a do_v stand_v in_o need_n of_o reformation_n as_o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v acknowledge_v in_o the_o commination_n against_o sinner_n the_o substance_n of_o what_o be_v propose_v under_o this_o consideration_n may_v be_v express_v in_o the_o ensue_a observation_n 1._o the_o generality_n of_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o this_o nation_n be_v join_v and_o do_v belong_v unto_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o its_o parochial_a assembly_n 2._o that_o many_o walk_n and_o live_v without_o any_o visible_a compliance_n unto_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n in_o gospel_n obedience_n yea_o 3_o great_a notorious_a provoke_a sin_n do_v abound_v among_o they_o for_o which_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v fear_v continual_o that_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n will_v speedy_o follow_v as_o be_v acknowledge_v in_o the_o commination_n 4._o that_o hereon_o they_o all_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o reformation_n without_o which_o the_o principal_a end_n of_o church_n communion_n can_v be_v obtain_v among_o they_o 5._o that_o this_o reformation_n be_v the_o duty_n of_o these_o church_n themselves_o which_o if_o it_o be_v neglect_v they_o live_v in_o a_o contempt_n of_o the_o command_v of_o christ._n for_o 6._o unto_o they_o in_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n and_o exercise_v of_o discipline_n be_v the_o mean_n of_o this_o reformation_n commit_v for_o we_o treat_v not_o at_o present_a of_o the_o power_n or_o duty_n of_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n in_o these_o thing_n 7._o that_o this_o state_n of_o church_n can_v hinder_v nor_o ought_v so_o to_o do_v if_o continue_v in_o the_o true_a disciple_n of_o christ_n from_o reform_v themselves_o by_o endeavour_v the_o due_a observance_n of_o all_o his_o command_n 2._o in_o this_o state_n the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v not_o and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v will_v not_o nor_o can_v reform_v itself_o but_o although_o the_o weight_n of_o the_o whole_a argument_n in_o hand_n depend_v very_o much_o on_o this_o assertion_n yet_o i_o shall_v not_o insist_v on_o its_o particular_a confirmation_n for_o sundry_a reason_n not_o now_o to_o be_v mention_v it_o be_v enough_o that_o no_o such_o work_n have_v be_v as_o yet_o attempt_v nor_o be_v at_o this_o day_n public_o propose_v notwithstanding_o all_o the_o mercy_n that_o some_o have_v receive_v the_o loss_n which_o the_o church_n for_o want_v of_o it_o have_v sustain_v the_o judgement_n for_o sin_n that_o be_v fear_v which_o ought_v to_o be_v motive_n thereunto_o yea_o the_o generality_n of_o ecclesiastical_a person_n seem_v to_o judge_v that_o all_o thing_n among_o they_o be_v as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v that_o there_o be_v no_o crime_n or_o disorder_n but_o only_o in_o complain_v of_o their_o good_a estate_n and_o call_v upon_o they_o for_o reformation_n 3._o this_o be_v the_o state_n of_o the_o parochial_a church_n in_o england_n the_o enquiry_n be_v whether_o every_o beleiver_n in_o england_n be_v indispensible_o oblige_v by_o virtue_n of_o any_o law_n rule_n or_o direction_n of_o a_o divine_a original_a to_o continue_v in_o constant_a complete_a communion_n with_o they_o so_o as_o not_o to_o make_v use_n of_o any_o other_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o christ_n appointment_n for_o their_o own_o edification_n on_o the_o penalty_n of_o the_o gild_n of_o schism_n now_o although_o we_o do_v not_o as_o we_o shall_v see_v immediate_o lie_v the_o weight_n of_o refrain_v from_o their_o communion_n on_o this_o consideration_n yet_o be_v there_o enough_o in_o it_o to_o warrant_v any_o man_n in_o his_o so_o do_v for_o a_o man_n in_o his_o conform_v thereunto_o make_v it_o a_o part_n of_o his_o religious_a profession_n not_o only_o that_o the_o church_n wherein_o he_o be_v join_v be_v a_o true_a church_n but_o that_o there_o be_v in_o its_o state_n and_o act_n a_o due_a representation_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n as_o unto_o what_o he_o require_v of_o his_o church_n and_o what_o he_o will_v have_v they_o to_o be_v the_o lord_n christ_n be_v the_o apostle_n and_o high_a priest_n of_o our_o profession_n and_o in_o all_o thing_n that_o belong_v thereunto_o we_o declare_v that_o we_o do_v it_o in_o compliance_n with_o his_o will_n and_o we_o do_v so_o or_o we_o be_v hypocrite_n this_o no_o man_n can_v do_v in_o such_o a_o church_n state_n who_o be_v convince_v of_o its_o defect_n without_o reflect_v the_o great_a dishonour_n on_o christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n more_o weight_n will_v be_v add_v unto_o this_o consideration_n when_o we_o shall_v treat_v of_o the_o matter_n of_o gospel_n church_n or_o of_o what_o sort_n of_o person_n they_o ought_v to_o consist_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n those_o who_o pretend_v a_o reverence_n unto_o antiquity_n in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o they_o suppose_v countenance_n to_o be_v give_v unto_o their_o interest_n may_v do_v well_o sometime_o to_o consider_v what_o be_v the_o discipline_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o what_o be_v the_o manner_n the_o life_n the_o heavenly_a conversation_n of_o their_o member_n because_o in_o the_o 3_o d._n and_o 4_o the_o century_n there_o be_v mention_v make_v of_o bishop_n distinct_a from_o presbyter_n with_o some_o ecclesiastical_a practice_n and_o ceremony_n in_o worship_n not_o mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n nor_o know_v unto_o the_o apostolical_a church_n shall_v we_o judge_v ourselves_o oblige_v to_o conform_v thereunto_o as_o our_o rule_n and_o pattern_n so_o as_o that_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o some_o they_o be_v to_o be_v esteem_v no_o church_n who_o conform_v not_o their_o outward_a state_n and_o practice_n unto_o the_o same_o rule_n and_o shall_v we_o judge_v ourselves_o at_o liberty_n to_o reject_v all_o that_o they_o do_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n and_o in_o the_o preservation_n of_o purity_n of_o life_n and_o holiness_n in_o the_o church_n and_o that_o according_a to_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o scripture_n who_o know_v not_o upon_o what_o diligent_a trial_n and_o experience_n first_o obtain_v of_o their_o knowledge_n faith_n and_o godliness_n they_o admit_v member_n into_o their_o church_n yea_o such_o be_v their_o care_n and_o severity_n herein_o that_o they_o will_v not_o admit_v a_o roman_a emperor_n unto_o communion_n with_o they_o unless_o he_o first_o confess_v his_o sin_n and_o join_v among_o other_o penitent_n before_o his_o admission_n euseb._n lib._n 6._o cap._n 33._o who_o know_v not_o with_o what_o diligence_n they_o watch_v over_o the_o walking_n and_o conversation_n of_o all_o that_o be_v admit_v among_o they_o and_o with_o what_o severity_n they_o animadvert_v on_o all_o that_o fall_v into_o scandalous_a sin_n what_o be_v hereon_o their_o conversation_n in_o all_o holiness_n righteousness_n temperance_n usefulness_n unto_o the_o world_n in_o work_n of_o charity_n and_o benevolence_n as_o all_o other_o christian_a virtue_n we_o have_v sufficient_a testimony_n the_o heathen_a who_o be_v moral_o sober_a and_o virtuous_a desire_v no_o more_o than_o that_o they_o may_v find_v out_o among_o they_o a_o indulgence_n unto_o any_o sort_n of_o sin_n crime_n or_o wickedness_n which_o because_o they_o can_v not_o charge_v any_o of_o they_o withal_o they_o invent_v those_o brutish_a and_o foolish_a lie_n about_o their_o nightly_o meeting_n but_o when_o a_o sober_a enquiry_n be_v make_v concern_v they_o their_o enemy_n be_v force_v to_o confess_v that_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o no_o open_a sin_n no_o adultery_n no_o swear_n or_o perjury_n as_o be_v evident_a in_o the_o epistle_n of_o pliny_n and_o trajan_n the_o emperor_n in_o particular_a they_o utter_o reject_v from_o their_o communion_n all_o that_o resort_v unto_o public_a stage_n play_v or_o other_o spectacle_n a_o solemn_a
and_o 2._o such_o as_o may_v be_v observe_v any_o where_o among_o the_o nation_n they_o act_v according_o those_o who_o live_v at_o jerusalem_n adhere_v unto_o the_o temple_n worship_n the_o whole_a church_n these_o do_v so_o their_o judgement_n in_o these_o thing_n be_v declare_v act_v 21.20.21_o thou_o see_v brother_n how_o many_o thousand_o of_o the_o jew_n there_o be_v which_o believe_v and_o they_o be_v all_o zealous_a of_o the_o law_n and_o they_o be_v inform_v of_o thou_o that_o thou_o teach_v all_o the_o jew_n which_o be_v among_o the_o gentile_n to_o forsake_v moses_n say_v that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o circumcise_v their_o child_n neither_o to_o walk_v after_o the_o custom_n they_o be_v not_o at_o all_o offend_v with_o paul_n that_o he_o do_v not_o impose_v the_o law_n on_o the_o gentile_n ver_fw-la 25._o but_o only_a that_o as_o they_o have_v be_v inform_v he_o teach_v the_o jew_n to_o forsake_v the_o law_n and_o to_o reject_v all_o the_o institution_n of_o it_o this_o they_o think_v unlawful_a for_o they_o and_o this_o they_o speak_v principal_o with_o respect_n unto_o the_o temple_n service_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o advice_n give_v unto_o paul_n on_o this_o occasion_n ver_fw-la 23_o 24._o those_o who_o live_v among_o the_o gentile_n know_v that_o there_o be_v no_o obligation_n on_o they_o unto_o the_o sacrifice_n and_o especial_a duty_n of_o the_o temple_n but_o continue_v only_o in_o the_o observance_n of_o such_o rite_n and_o institution_n about_o meat_n wash_n day_n new_a moon_n sabbath_n and_o the_o like_a which_o the_o gentile_n be_v free_v from_o hence_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o church_n in_o those_o day_n if_o not_o three_o in_o separation_n more_o or_o less_o from_o the_o apostate_n church_n of_o the_o unbelieve_a jew_n which_o yet_o be_v not_o final_o take_v away_o 1._o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o those_o church_n of_o judea_n which_o be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n and_o communion_n with_o they_o these_o continue_v in_o the_o observance_n of_o all_o the_o law_n and_o of_o the_o service_n of_o the_o temple_n be_v allow_v they_o by_o the_o apostle_n 2._o those_o of_o the_o jew_n who_o live_v in_o the_o nation_n and_o observe_v all_o the_o rite_n of_o the_o law_n which_o be_v not_o confine_v unto_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n and_o 3._o the_o church_n of_o the_o gentile_n which_o observe_v none_o of_o these_o thing_n forbear_v only_o their_o liberty_n in_o one_o or_o two_o instance_n not_o to_o give_v the_o other_o offence_n some_o difference_n and_o dispute_n happen_v sometime_o about_o these_o thing_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o whereon_o peter_n himself_o fall_v into_o a_o mistake_n gal._n 2.14_o and_o there_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v great_a dispute_n about_o they_o at_o rome_n chap._n 14._o yea_o it_o be_v judge_v that_o according_a unto_o their_o different_a apprehension_n of_o these_o thing_n there_o be_v two_o church_n at_o rome_n one_o of_o the_o circumcision_n the_o other_o of_o the_o gentile_n walk_v in_o distinct_a communion_n each_o by_o themselves_o however_o the_o different_a rule_n of_o this_o kind_n that_o be_v between_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o antioch_n be_v sufficient_o declare_v act_v 15._o the_o one_o church_n continue_v zealous_a of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o other_o rejoice_v for_o the_o consolation_n of_o be_v deliver_v from_o it_o ver_fw-la 31._o yet_o be_v there_o no_o schism_n between_o these_o church_n but_o a_o constant_a communion_n in_o faith_n and_o love_n such_o difference_n in_o opinion_n and_o practice_n be_v not_o yet_o form_v into_o a_o interest_n oblige_v man_n to_o condemn_v they_o as_o schismatic_n who_o differ_v from_o they_o for_o not_o to_o speak_v of_o what_o order_n and_o rule_n for_o decency_n particular_a church_n may_v make_v by_o common_a consent_n among_o themselves_o to_o make_v the_o observation_n of_o arbitrary_a institution_n not_o prescribe_v in_o the_o scripture_n upon_o many_o church_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o communion_n in_o they_o and_o between_o they_o which_o whosoever_o observe_v not_o be_v to_o be_v esteem_v guilty_a of_o schism_n which_o victor_n bishop_n of_o rome_n first_o attempt_v be_v contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o the_o principle_n of_o christian_a faith_n love_n and_o liberty_n to_o the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n have_v no_o countenance_n give_v unto_o it_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o will_v certain_o make_v our_o difference_n endless_a i_o judge_v that_o in_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o chapter_n the_o apostle_n intend_v those_o of_o the_o first_o sort_n and_o that_o as_o well_o because_o he_o call_v they_o dog_n and_o the_o concision_n which_o answer_v unto_o the_o account_n he_o give_v of_o they_o 1_o thes._n 2.14_o 15_o as_o also_o because_o he_o speak_v of_o they_o as_o those_o who_o advance_v the_o pretend_a privilege_n of_o judaisme_n absolute_o against_o christ_n the_o gospel_n and_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n reveal_v therein_o hereon_o in_o opposition_n unto_o they_o he_o declare_v that_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o boast_v of_o but_o what_o he_o himself_o have_v a_o right_n unto_o as_o well_o as_o they_o and_o which_o he_o have_v voluntary_o relinquish_v and_o renounce_v for_o christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n wherein_o he_o testify_v what_o he_o have_v attain_v if_o any_o one_o do_v judge_n that_o he_o intend_v those_o of_o the_o second_o sort_n i_o will_v not_o contend_v about_o it_o because_o of_o the_o severity_n of_o expression_n which_o he_o use_v concern_v they_o gal._n 5.12_o but_o discharge_v the_o consideration_n of_o they_o the_o direction_n in_o this_o place_n concern_v those_o of_o the_o three_o sort_n only_o answer_v unto_o that_o which_o be_v prescribe_v and_o follow_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o all_o place_n namely_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v mutual_a forbearance_n in_o some_o difference_n of_o practice_n between_o they_o and_o the_o gentile_a believer_n his_o second_o enquiry_n pag._n 168_o be_v whether_o the_o rule_n which_o the_o apostle_n lay_v down_o be_v only_o a_o rule_n of_o mutual_a forbearance_n i_o do_v not_o find_v that_o i_o say_v any_o where_o that_o it_o be_v only_o a_o rule_n of_o mutual_a forbearance_n but_o that_o the_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n do_v enjoin_v a_o mutual_a forbearance_n among_o those_o who_o be_v different_o mind_v pag._n 26._o and_o i_o must_v here_o say_v which_o i_o desire_v to_o do_v without_o offence_n that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o far_a answer_n unto_o that_o part_n of_o the_o doctor_n discourse_n but_o a_o transcription_n of_o that_o which_o he_o pretend_v to_o oppose_v for_o what_o be_v speak_v unto_o that_o end_n consist_v in_o a_o perpetual_a diversion_n from_o the_o argument_n in_o hand_n i_o do_v not_o before_o precise_o determine_v what_o be_v the_o rule_n which_o the_o apostle_n do_v intend_v only_o prove_v sufficient_o that_o it_o be_v not_o such_o a_o rule_n as_o be_v plead_v for_o by_o the_o doctor_n but_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o phrase_n and_o expression_n be_v plain_a enough_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v direct_o use_v once_o more_o by_o the_o apostle_n gal._n 6.16_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o many_o as_o walk_v according_a to_o this_o rule_n and_o what_o rule_n be_v that_o namely_o what_o as_o unto_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o he_o lay_v down_o in_o the_o word_n forego_v ver_fw-la 14_o 15._o god_n forbid_v that_o i_o shall_v glory_n save_v in_o the_o cross_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n for_o in_o christ_n jesus_n neither_o circumcision_n avail_v any_o thing_n nor_o uncircumcision_n but_o a_o new_a creature_n and_o as_o many_o as_o walk_v according_a unto_o this_o rule_n that_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n in_o christ_n alone_o for_o justification_n and_o sanctification_n without_o trust_v unto_o or_o rest_v on_o any_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o difference_n among_o they_o the_o place_n in_o scope_n design_n and_o manner_n of_o expression_n be_v parallel_n for_o this_o be_v plain_o that_o which_o he_o plead_v for_o in_o this_o context_n namely_o that_o justification_n and_o sanctification_n be_v to_o be_v obtain_v alone_o through_o christ_n and_o faith_n in_o he_o by_o the_o gospel_n without_o the_o least_o aid_n and_o assistance_n from_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o difference_n among_o they_o wherefore_o not_o far_a to_o contend_v in_o so_o plain_a a_o matter_n the_o rule_n here_o intend_v by_o the_o apostle_n be_v no_o book_n of_o canon_n but_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n or_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n in_o christ_n as_o declare_v in_o the_o gospel_n in_o opposition_n unto_o all_o other_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o justification_n sanctification_n and_o salvation_n which_o we_o ought_v to_o walk_v in_o a_o compliance_n withal_o and_o that_o with_o love_n and_o forbearance_n towards_o they_o that_o in_o
orthodox_n themselves_o but_o only_o as_o they_o be_v carry_v on_o unto_o a_o total_a renunciation_n of_o all_o communion_n whatever_o but_o only_o that_o which_o be_v enclose_v unto_o their_o own_o party_n 2._o to_o evidence_n that_o we_o give_v the_o least_o countenance_n unto_o the_o ancient_a schism_n or_o do_v contract_v the_o gild_n with_o the_o author_n of_o they_o the_o thing_n aim_v at_o there_o be_v three_o thing_n incumbent_a on_o he_o to_o prove_v 1._o that_o our_o parochial_a church_n from_o who_o we_o do_v refrain_v actual_a presential_a communion_n in_o all_o ordinance_n where_o it_o be_v require_v by_o law_n which_o can_v be_v many_o and_o but_o one_o at_o one_o time_n do_v succeed_v into_o the_o room_n of_o that_o church_n in_o a_o separation_n from_o which_o those_o schism_n do_v consist_v for_o we_o pass_v no_o judgement_n on_o any_o other_o church_n but_o what_o concern_v ourselves_o as_o unto_o present_a duty_n though_o that_o in_o a_o nation_n may_v be_v extend_v unto_o many_o or_o all_o of_o the_o same_o sort_n but_o these_o schism_n consist_v in_o a_o profess_a separation_n from_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n that_o be_v all_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n who_o join_v not_o with_o they_o in_o their_o opinion_n and_o practice_n and_o from_o the_o whole_a church_n state_n then_o passant_a and_o allow_v but_o our_o author_n know_v full_a well_o that_o there_o be_v other_o who_o long_o before_o our_o parochial_a church_n do_v lay_v claim_v unto_o the_o absolute_a enclosure_n of_o this_o church_n state_n unto_o themselves_o and_o thereon_o condemn_v both_o he_o and_o we_o and_o all_o the_o protestant_n in_o the_o world_n of_o the_o same_o schism_n that_o those_o of_o old_a be_v guilty_a of_o especial_o they_o make_v a_o continual_a clamour_n about_o the_o novatian_o and_o donatist_n i_o know_v that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o dispossess_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n from_o that_o usurpation_n of_o the_o state_n and_o right_n of_o the_o ancient_a catholic_n church_n from_o whence_o those_o separation_n be_v make_v and_o it_o have_v be_v sufficient_o do_v by_o other_o but_o so_o soon_o as_o we_o have_v cast_v that_o out_o of_o possession_n to_o bring_v in_o our_o parochial_a assembly_n into_o the_o room_n of_o it_o and_o to_o press_v the_o gild_n of_o separation_n from_o they_o with_o the_o same_o reason_n and_o argument_n as_o we_o be_v all_o of_o we_o but_o new_o press_v withal_o by_o the_o romanist_n namely_o that_o hereby_o we_o give_v countenance_n unto_o they_o yea_o do_v the_o same_o thing_n with_o they_o who_o make_v schism_n in_o separate_v from_o the_o catholic_n church_n of_o old_a be_v somewhat_o severe_a and_o unequal_a wherefore_o unless_o the_o church_n from_o which_o they_o separate_v which_o be_v the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n in_o the_o world_n not_o agree_v and_o act_v with_o they_o and_o those_o parochial_a assembly_n from_o who_o communion_n we_o refrain_v be_v the_o same_o and_o of_o the_o same_o consideration_n nothing_o can_v be_v argue_v from_o those_o ancient_a schism_n against_o we_o nor_o be_v any_o countenance_n give_v by_o we_o unto_o they_o for_o if_o it_o be_v ask_v of_o we_o whether_o it_o be_v free_a or_o lawful_a for_o believer_n to_o join_v in_o society_n and_o full_a communion_n with_o other_o church_n beside_o those_o that_o be_v of_o our_o way_n and_o especial_a communion_n we_o free_o answer_v that_o we_o no_o way_n doubt_v of_o it_o nor_o do_v judge_v they_o for_o their_o so_o do_v 2._o it_o must_v be_v prove_v unto_o the_o end_v propose_v that_o the_o occasion_n and_o reason_n of_o their_o separation_n of_o old_a be_v the_o same_o or_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n only_o with_o those_o which_o we_o plead_v for_o our_o refrain_v communion_n from_o parochial_a assembly_n now_o though_o the_o dr._n here_o make_v a_o flourish_n with_o some_o expression_n about_o zeal_n discipline_n purity_n of_o the_o church_n edification_n which_o he_o will_v not_o find_v in_o any_o of_o their_o pretence_n yet_o in_o truth_n there_o be_v not_o one_o thing_n allege_v wherein_o there_o be_v a_o coincidence_n between_o the_o occasion_n and_o reason_n plead_v by_o they_o and_o we_o it_o be_v know_v that_o the_o principal_a thing_n in_o general_n which_o we_o insist_v upon_o be_v the_o unwarrantable_a imposition_n of_o unscriptural_a term_n and_o condition_n of_o communion_n upon_o we_o be_v there_o any_o such_o thing_n plead_v by_o they_o that_o make_v the_o schism_n of_o old_a indeed_o they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o imposer_n and_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n because_o they_o will_v not_o submit_v unto_o their_o imposition_n some_o bishop_n or_o some_o that_o will_v have_v be_v bishop_n but_o can_v not_o entertain_v some_o new_a conceit_n of_o their_o own_o which_o they_o will_v have_v impose_v on_o all_o other_o be_v not_o submit_v unto_o therein_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o those_o schism_n which_o be_v just_o esteem_v criminal_a so_o be_v it_o with_o the_o novatian_o and_o donatist_n in_o a_o especial_a manner_n even_o the_o great_a tertullian_n though_o no_o bishop_n leave_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n on_o this_o ground_n for_o because_o they_o will_v not_o admit_v of_o the_o strict_a observance_n of_o some_o austere_a severity_n in_o fast_v abstinence_n from_o sundry_a meat_n and_o watch_v with_o the_o like_a which_o he_o esteem_v necessary_a though_o no_o way_n warrant_v by_o scripture_n rule_n or_o example_n he_o utter_o renounce_v their_o communion_n and_o countenance_v himself_o by_o adhere_v unto_o the_o dotage_n of_o montanus_n it_o be_v true_a some_o of_o they_o contend_v for_o a_o severity_n of_o discipline_n in_o the_o church_n but_o they_o do_v it_o not_o upon_o any_o pretence_n of_o the_o neglect_v of_o it_o in_o they_o unto_o who_o the_o administration_n of_o it_o be_v commit_v but_o for_o the_o want_n of_o establish_v a_o false_a principle_n rule_n or_o erroneous_a doctrine_n which_o they_o advance_v namely_o that_o the_o most_o sincere_a penitent_n be_v never_o more_o to_o be_v admit_v into_o ecclesiastical_a communion_n whereby_o they_o do_v not_o establish_v but_o overthrow_v one_o of_o the_o principal_a end_n of_o church_n discipline_n they_o do_v not_o therefore_o press_v for_o the_o power_n or_o the_o use_n of_o the_o key_n as_o be_v pretend_v but_o advance_v a_o false_a doctrine_n in_o prejudice_n both_o unto_o the_o power_n and_o use_v of_o they_o they_o pretend_v indeed_o unto_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o church_n not_o that_o there_o be_v none_o impure_a wicked_a and_o hypocritical_a among_o they_o but_o that_o none_o may_v be_v admit_v who_o have_v once_o fall_v though_o real_o make_v pure_a by_o sincere_a repentance_n this_o be_v their_o zeal_n for_o purity_n if_o a_o man_n be_v overtake_v if_o they_o can_v catch_v he_o in_o such_o a_o fault_n as_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o passaint_n discipline_n he_o be_v to_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n there_o they_o have_v he_o safe_a for_o ever_o no_o evidence_n of_o the_o most_o sincere_a repentance_n can_v prevail_v for_o a_o readmission_n into_o the_o church_n and_o because_o other_o church_n will_v admit_v they_o they_o renounce_v all_o communion_n with_o they_o as_o no_o church_n of_o christ._n be_v these_o our_o principle_n be_v these_o our_o practice_n do_v we_o give_v any_o countenance_n unto_o they_o by_o any_o thing_n we_o say_v or_o do_v i_o somewhat_o wonder_v that_o the_o dr._n from_o some_o general_a expression_n and_o cast_v their_o pretence_n under_o new_a appearance_n shall_v seem_v to_o think_v that_o there_o be_v the_o least_o coincidence_n between_o what_o they_o insist_v on_o and_o what_o we_o plead_v in_o our_o own_o defence_n he_o may_v see_v now_o more_o full_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o our_o practice_n and_o i_o hope_v thereon_o will_v be_v of_o another_o mind_n not_o as_o unto_o our_o cause_n in_o general_a which_o i_o be_o far_o enough_o from_o the_o expectation_n of_o but_o as_o unto_o this_o invidious_a charge_n of_o give_v countenance_n unto_o the_o schism_n condemn_v of_o old_a in_o the_o church_n and_o we_o shall_v see_v immediate_o what_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o those_o schism_n which_o we_o be_v as_o remote_a from_o give_v countenance_n unto_o as_o unto_o the_o principle_n and_o reason_n which_o they_o plead_v in_o their_o own_o justification_n 3._o it_o ought_v also_o to_o be_v prove_v that_o the_o separation_n which_o be_v charge_v on_o we_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o that_o charge_v on_o they_o of_o old_a for_o otherwise_o we_o can_v be_v say_v to_o give_v any_o countenance_n unto_o what_o they_o do_v for_o it_o be_v know_v they_o so_o separate_v from_o all_o other_o church_n in_o the_o world_n as_o to_o confine_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n unto_o their_o own_o party_n to_o condemn_v all_o other_o and_o to_o
be_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o the_o apostle_n appoint_v only_o particular_a congregation_n and_o that_o therefore_o they_o do_v not_o oblige_v the_o christian_n about_o in_o a_o province_n or_o diocese_n to_o be_v of_o that_o church_n which_o be_v first_o erect_v in_o any_o town_n or_o city_n but_o they_o found_v new_a church_n with_o new_a officer_n of_o their_o own_o in_o all_o place_n where_o there_o be_v a_o sufficient_a number_n of_o believer_n to_o make_v up_o such_o a_o church_n and_o this_o i_o prove_v from_o the_o instance_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v first_o plant_v but_o quick_o after_o there_o be_v church_n gather_v and_o settle_v in_o judea_n gallilee_n and_o samaria_n they_o plant_v church_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o city_n and_o village_n as_o clemens_n speak_v but_o what_o say_v he_o be_v this_o to_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o congregational_a way_n this_o it_o be_v namely_o that_o the_o church_n institute_v by_o the_o apostle_n be_v all_o of_o they_o congregational_a not_o diocesan_n provincial_a or_o national_a but_o say_v he_o the_o thing_n i_o desire_v be_v that_o when_o the_o christian_n in_o one_o city_n multiply_v into_o more_o congregation_n they_o will_v prove_v that_o they_o do_v make_v new_a and_o distinct_a church_n he_o may_v desire_v it_o of_o they_o who_o grant_v that_o the_o christian_n do_v multiply_v in_o one_o city_n into_o more_o congregation_n than_o one_o which_o i_o deny_v until_o the_o end_n of_o the_o second_o century_n although_o they_o may_v and_o do_v occasional_o meet_v especial_o in_o time_n of_o persecution_n in_o distinct_a assembly_n neither_o will_v their_o multiplication_n into_o more_o congregation_n without_o distinct_a officer_n at_o all_o help_n the_o cause_n he_o plead_v for_o for_o his_o diocesan_n church_n consist_v of_o many_o distinct_a church_n with_o their_o distinct_a officer_n order_n and_o power_n as_o he_o afterward_o describe_v our_o parish_n to_o do_v under_o one_o bishop_n yet_o such_o be_v his_o apprehension_n of_o the_o justice_n of_o his_o cause_n that_o what_o have_v be_v plead_v twenty_o time_n against_o it_o namely_o that_o speak_v of_o one_o city_n the_o scripture_n still_o call_v it_o the_o church_n of_o that_o place_n but_o speak_v of_o a_o province_n as_o judea_n galilee_n samaria_n galatia_n macedonia_n it_o speak_v of_o the_o church_n of_o they_o which_o evident_o prove_v that_o it_o know_v nothing_o of_o a_o diocesan_n provincial_a or_o national_a church_n he_o produce_v in_o the_o justification_n of_o it_o because_o he_o say_v that_o it_o be_v evident_a theâ—ne_n that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o church_n in_o one_o city_n which_o be_v never_o deny_v there_o be_v indeed_o then_o many_o bishop_n in_o one_o church_n phil._n 1.1_o act_n 20.28_o and_o afterward_o when_o one_o church_n have_v one_o bishop_n only_o yet_o there_o be_v two_o bishop_n in_o one_o city_n which_o require_v two_o church_n as_o epiphanus_n affirm_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d haeres_fw-la 68_o s._n 6._o for_o alexandria_n never_o have_v two_o bishop_n as_o other_o city_n have_v whether_o he_o intend_v two_o bishop_n in_o one_o church_n or_o two_o church_n in_o one_o city_n all_o be_v one_o to_o our_o purpose_n but_o the_o dr._n i_o presume_v make_v this_o observation_n rather_o artificial_o to_o prevent_v a_o objection_n against_o his_o main_a hypothesis_n then_o with_o any_o design_n to_o strengthen_v it_o thereby_o for_o he_o can_v but_o know_v how_o frequent_o it_o be_v plead_v in_o opposition_n unto_o any_o national_a church_n state_n as_o unto_o its_o mention_n in_o the_o scripture_n for_o he_o that_o shall_v speak_v of_o the_o church_n in_o essex_n suffolk_z hartfordshire_n and_o so_o of_o other_o county_n without_o the_o least_o intimation_n of_o any_o general_a church_n unto_o which_o they_o shall_v belong_v will_v be_v judge_v to_o speak_v rather_o the_o independent_a than_o the_o episcopal_a dialect_n but_o say_v he_o p._n 236._o i_o can_v but_o wonder_v what_o dr._n o._n mean_n when_o after_o he_o have_v produce_v the_o evidence_n of_o distinct_a church_n in_o the_o same_o province_n he_o call_v this_o plain_a scripture_n evidence_n and_o practice_n for_o the_o erect_v particular_a distinct_a congregation_n who_o deny_v that_o i_o say_v then_o it_o be_v incumbent_n on_o he_o to_o prove_v if_o he_o do_v any_o thing_n in_o this_o cause_n that_o they_o erect_v church_n of_o another_o sort_n kind_a and_o order_n also_o but_o say_v he_o i_o see_v nothing_o like_o a_o proof_n of_o distinct_a church_n in_o the_o same_o city_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v prove_v but_o because_o it_o can_v not_o be_v prove_v be_v prudent_o let_v alone_o but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o thing_n to_o be_v prove_v nor_o do_v i_o propose_v it_o to_o confirmation_n nor_o assert_v it_o but_o have_v prove_v the_o contrary_a unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o second_o century_n this_o only_a i_o assert_v that_o every_o church_n in_o one_o city_n be_v only_o one_o church_n and_o nothing_o be_v offer_v by_o the_o doctor_n to_o the_o contrary_a yea_o he_o affirm_v the_o same_o but_o say_v he_o sect_n 6._o p._n 237._o dr._n o._n say_v that_o the_o christian_n of_o one_o city_n may_v not_o exceed_v the_o bound_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n or_o congregation_n no_o although_o they_o have_v a_o multiplication_n of_o bishop_n or_o elder_n in_o they_o and_o occasional_a distinct_a assembly_n for_o some_o act_n of_o divine_a worship_n but_o then_o say_v he_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o church_n be_v not_o limit_v in_o the_o scripture_n to_o a_o single_a congregation_n why_o so_o for_o say_v he_o if_o occasional_a assembly_n be_v allow_v for_o some_o act_n of_o worship_n why_o not_o for_o other_o i_o say_v because_o they_o belong_v unto_o the_o whole_a church_n or_o be_v act_n of_o communion_n in_o the_o whole_a church_n assemble_v and_o so_o can_v be_v observe_v in_o occasional_a meeting_n do_v this_o say_v the_o apostle_n when_o you_o come_v together_o in_o one_o place_n and_o if_o say_v he_o the_o number_n of_o elder_n be_v unlimited_a than_o every_o of_o those_o may_v attend_v the_o occasional_a distinct_a assembly_n for_o worship_n and_o yet_o altogether_o make_v up_o the_o body_n of_o one_o church_n and_o so_o say_v i_o they_o may_v and_o yet_o be_v one_o church_n still_o join_v together_o in_o all_o act_n of_o communion_n that_o be_v proper_a and_o peculiar_a unto_o the_o church_n for_o as_o the_o meeting_n intend_v be_v occasional_a so_o also_o be_v the_o attendance_n of_o the_o elder_n unto_o they_o as_o they_o find_v occasion_n for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n it_o may_v be_v the_o dr._n be_v not_o so_o well_o acquaint_v with_o the_o principle_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o congregational_a way_n and_o therefore_o think_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v contrary_a unto_o they_o but_o those_o of_o that_o way_n do_v maintain_v that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o every_o particular_a congregation_n unto_o the_o compleatness_n of_o it_o many_o elder_n or_o overseer_n that_o the_o number_n of_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v increase_v as_o the_o increase_n of_o the_o church_n make_v it_o necessary_a for_o their_o edification_n that_o the_o member_n of_o such_o a_o church_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o meet_v occasional_o in_o distinct_a assembly_n especial_o in_o the_o time_n of_o persecution_n for_o prayer_n preach_v of_o the_o word_n and_o mutual_a exhortation_n so_o when_o peter_n be_v in_o prison_n after_o the_o death_n of_o james_n many_o meet_v together_o in_o the_o house_n of_o mary_n to_o pray_o act_v 12.12_o which_o be_v not_o a_o meeting_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o that_o there_o be_v such_o private_a meeting_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n in_o time_n of_o persecution_n among_o the_o primitive_a church_n may_v be_v prove_v by_o a_o multiplication_n of_o instance_n but_o still_o they_o continue_v one_o church_n and_o join_v together_o in_o all_o act_n of_o church_n communion_n proper_o so_o call_v especial_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a every_o lordsday_n as_o justin_n martyr_n declare_v that_o the_o church_n do_v in_o his_o time_n for_o all_o the_o christian_n say_v he_o then_o in_o the_o city_n and_o village_n about_o gather_v together_o in_o one_o place_n for_o the_o end_v mention_v but_o still_o these_o distinct_a occasional_a assembly_n do_v not_o constitute_v any_o distinct_a society_n or_o corporation_n as_o the_o distinct_a company_n do_v in_o a_o city_n but_o say_v he_o grant_v one_o single_a bishop_n over_o all_o these_o elder_n and_o they_o make_v up_o that_o representation_n of_o a_o church_n which_o we_o have_v from_o the_o best_a and_o pure_a antiquity_n i_o say_v we_o will_v quick_o grant_v it_o can_v we_o see_v any_o warrant_n for_o it_o or_o if_o he_o can_v prove_v that_o so_o it_o be_v
and_o interest_n of_o the_o papal_a see_v have_v no_o bottom_n for_o or_o supportment_n of_o their_o church_n state_n and_o order_n but_o regal_a favour_n and_o mutable_a law_n there_o have_v on_o such_o cause_n and_o reason_n which_o i_o shall_v not_o mention_v ensue_v such_o emulation_n of_o the_o nobility_n and_o gentry_n and_o such_o contempt_n of_o the_o commonâ—people_n as_o leave_v it_o questionable_a whether_o their_o adherence_n unto_o the_o government_n be_v not_o more_o burdensome_a and_o dangerous_a unto_o it_o than_o be_v their_o ancient_a contest_v and_o opposition_n chap._n vii_o no_o other_o church-state_n of_o divine_a institution_n it_o may_v be_v it_o will_v be_v general_o grant_v i_o be_o sure_a it_o can_v be_v modest_o deny_v that_o particular_a church_n or_o congregation_n be_v of_o a_o divine_a original_a institution_n as_o also_o that_o the_o primitive_a church_n continue_v long_o in_o that_o form_n or_o order_n but_o it_o will_v be_v far_o plead_v that_o grant_v or_o suppose_v this_o divine_a institution_n of_o particular_a church_n yet_o there_o may_v be_v church_n of_o another_o form_n and_o order_n also_o as_o diocesan_n or_o national_a that_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o submit_v unto_o for_o although_o the_o apostle_n appoint_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v bishop_n or_o elder_n ordain_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v in_o every_o city_n and_o town_n where_o christian_a religion_n be_v receive_v and_o clemens_n affirm_v that_o they_o do_v themselves_o constitute_v bishop_n and_o deacon_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o region_n or_o village_n and_o city_n yet_o there_o be_v another_o form_n afterward_o introduce_v theodoret_n bishop_n of_o cyprus_n affirm_v that_o there_o be_v eight_o hundred_o church_n commit_v to_o his_o care_n epist._n 113._o whereof_o many_o be_v in_o town_n and_o city_n have_v no_o bishop_n of_o their_o own_o the_o whole_a country_n of_o scythia_n though_o there_o be_v in_o it_o many_o city_n village_n and_o fortress_n yet_o have_v but_o one_o bishop_n who_o residence_n be_v at_o tomis_n all_o other_o church_n be_v under_o he_o as_o zozoman_n declare_v lib._n 6._o cap._n 20._o so_o it_o be_v at_o this_o day_n in_o divers_a province_n belong_v of_o old_a unto_o the_o greek-church_n as_o in_o moldavia_n and_o walachia_n where_o they_o have_v one_o who_o they_o call_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o leader_n or_o ruler_n that_o preside_v over_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o nation_n and_o this_o oâ—der_n of_o thing_n that_o there_o shall_v not_o be_v a_o bishop_n in_o small_a church_n be_v first_o confirm_v in_o the_o six_o canon_n of_o the_o council_n of_o sardis_n in_o the_o year_n 347._o in_o answer_n hereunto_o i_o shall_v do_v these_o two_o thing_n first_o i_o shall_v show_v that_o there_o be_v no_o church_n order_n state_n or_o church-form_n of_o divine_a institution_n that_o do_v any_o way_n impede_fw-la take_v away_o or_o overthrow_v the_o liberty_n power_n and_o order_n of_o particular_a congregation_n such_o as_o we_o have_v describe_v second_o i_o shall_v inquire_v into_o the_o cause_n of_o church_n of_o another_o state_n or_o order_n as_o the_o power_n of_o magistrate_n and_o ruler_n or_o their_o own_o choice_n and_o consent_n 1._o there_o be_v no_o form_n order_n or_o church_n state_n divine_o institute_v that_o shall_v annul_v the_o institution_n of_o particular_a congregation_n or_o abridge_v they_o of_o their_o liberty_n or_o deprive_v they_o of_o the_o power_n commit_v unto_o they_o it_o be_v such_o a_o church-state_n alone_o that_o we_o be_v now_o concern_v to_o inquire_v after_o whatever_o of_o that_o kind_a either_o be_v or_o may_v be_v imagine_v that_o entrenche_n not_o on_o the_o state_n liberty_n and_o power_n of_o particular_a congregation_n be_v not_o of_o our_o present_a consideration_n man_n may_v frame_v and_o order_n what_o they_o please_v and_o what_o advantage_n they_o make_v thereby_o shall_v not_o be_v envy_v unto_o they_o whilst_o they_o injure_v not_o any_o of_o the_o institution_n of_o christ._n but_o 1._o these_o church_n as_o they_o be_v church_n be_v meet_v and_o able_a to_o attain_v the_o end_n of_o church_n to_o say_v they_o be_v church_n and_o yet_o have_v not_o in_o themselves_o power_n to_o attain_v the_o end_n of_o church_n be_v to_o speak_v contradiction_n or_o to_o grant_v and_o deny_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o the_o same_o breath_n for_o a_o church_n be_v nothing_o but_o such_o a_o society_n as_o have_v power_n ability_n and_o fitness_n to_o attain_v those_o end_n for_o which_o christ_n have_v ordain_v church_n that_o which_o have_v so_o be_v a_o church_n and_o that_o which_o have_v not_o so_o be_v none_o man_n may_v if_o they_o please_v deny_v they_o to_o be_v church_n but_o then_o i_o know_v not_o where_o they_o will_v find_v any_o that_o be_v so_o for_o instance_n suppose_v man_n shall_v deny_v all_o the_o parochial_a church_n in_o england_n to_o be_v such_o church_n as_o be_v entrust_v with_o church-power_n and_o administration_n what_o church_n in_o the_o first_o instance_n can_v they_o require_v our_o communion_n withal_o will_v they_o say_v it_o be_v with_o the_o national_a or_o diocesan_n church_n neither_o of_o these_o do_v or_o can_v as_o such_o administer_v sacred_a ordinance_n a_o man_n can_v preach_v nor_o hear_v the_o word_n but_o in_o a_o particular_a assembly_n the_o lord_n supper_n can_v be_v administer_v but_o in_o a_o particular_a congregation_n nor_o any_o presential_a local_a communion_n of_o believer_n among_o themselves_o like_o that_o describe_v by_o the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n chap._n 12._o and_o chap._n 14._o be_v otherwise_o attain_v no_o communion_n be_v first_o and_o immediate_o require_v or_o can_v be_v require_v with_o diocesan_n church_n as_o such_o wherefore_o it_o be_v parochial_a particular_a church_n that_o we_o be_v require_v to_o hold_v communion_n with_o we_o say_v therefore_o these_o parochial_a church_n be_v either_o real_o and_o true_o so_o endue_v with_o church-power_n and_o liberty_n or_o they_o be_v not_o if_o they_o be_v or_o be_v acknowledge_v so_o to_o be_v we_o have_v herein_o obtain_v what_o we_o plead_v for_o if_o they_o be_v not_o then_o be_v we_o require_v to_o join_v in_o church_n communion_n with_o those_o society_n that_o be_v not_o church_n and_o if_o we_o refrain_v so_o do_v we_o be_v charge_v with_o schism_n which_o be_v to_o turn_v religion_n into_o ridicule_n for_o 2._o it_o be_v utter_o foreign_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o a_o monster_n unto_o antiquity_n i_o mean_v that_o which_o be_v pure_a and_o regardable_a in_o this_o cause_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v church_n with_o a_o part_n half_a more_o or_o less_o of_o church-power_n and_o not_o the_o whole_a neither_o in_o right_a nor_o exercise_n or_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v church-officer_n elder_n presbyter_n or_o bishop_n that_o shall_v have_v a_o partiary_a power_n half_a or_o a_o three_o part_n or_o less_o of_o that_o which_o entire_o belong_v unto_o the_o office_n they_o hold_v let_v one_o testimony_n be_v give_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n or_o that_o antiquity_n which_o we_o appeal_v unto_o unto_o this_o purpose_n and_o we_o shall_v cease_v our_o plea_n but_o this_o be_v that_o which_o our_o understanding_n be_v set_v on_o rack_n withal_o every_o day_n there_o be_v a_o national_a church_n that_o be_v entrust_v with_o supreme_a church-power_n in_o the_o nation_n whereof_o it_o be_v here_o at_o the_o entrance_n we_o fall_v into_o a_o double_a disquietment_n for_o 1._o we_o know_v not_o as_o yet_o what_o this_o national_a church_n be_v here_o or_o in_o france_n nor_o of_o what_o person_n it_o do_v consist_v 2._o we_o know_v not_o whether_o this_o national_a church_n have_v all_o the_o power_n that_o christ_n have_v give_v unto_o the_o church_n or_o that_o there_o be_v a_o reserve_v for_o some_o addition_n from_o beyond_o sea_n if_o thing_n be_v well_o accommodate_v then_o that_o there_o be_v diocesan_n church_n who_o original_a with_o the_o cause_n and_o occasion_n of_o their_o bound_n limit_n power_n and_o manner_n of_o administration_n i_o think_v god_n alone_o know_v perfect_o we_o do_v but_o guess_v for_o there_o be_v not_o one_o word_n mention_v of_o any_o of_o their_o concernment_n in_o the_o scripture_n and_o we_o know_v that_o these_o church_n can_v be_v say_v to_o have_v all_o the_o power_n that_o christ_n have_v entrust_v his_o church_n withal_o because_o there_o be_v another_o church_n unto_o which_o they_o be_v in_o subjection_n and_o on_o which_o they_o do_v depend_v but_o it_o seem_v they_o have_v the_o next_o degree_n of_o power_n unto_o that_o which_o be_v uppermost_a but_o whatever_o their_o power_n be_v it_o be_v so_o administer_v by_o chancellor_n commissary_n official_o in_o such_o way_n and_o for_o such_o end_n that_o i_o shall_v believe_v a_o dissent_n from_o they_o and_o it_o
they_o be_v occasion_v by_o ambition_n and_o desire_n of_o pre-eminence_n like_o those_o that_o fall_v out_o among_o the_o bishop_n of_o those_o day_n when_o their_o parish_n and_o claim_n be_v not_o regulate_v by_o the_o civil_a power_n as_o now_o they_o be_v if_o they_o do_v so_o from_o a_o desire_n to_o impose_v principle_n and_o practice_n not_o warrant_v in_o the_o scripture_n on_o other_o as_o it_o be_v with_o tertullian_n if_o for_o slight_a reason_n they_o rend_v and_o destroy_v that_o church_n state_n and_o order_n which_o themselves_o approve_v of_o as_o it_o be_v with_o all_o the_o ancient_a schismatic_n who_o be_v bishop_n or_o will_v feign_v to_o have_v be_v if_o those_o that_o make_v they_o or_o follow_v in_o they_o deny_v salvation_n unto_o all_o that_o join_v not_o with_o they_o and_o condemn_v all_o other_o church_n as_o be_v without_o god_n covenant_n and_o the_o sacrament_n as_o do_v the_o donatist_n and_o those_o do_v who_o deny_v these_o thing_n unto_o all_o church_n who_o have_v not_o diocesan_n bishop_n if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a justifiable_a cause_n plead_v for_o it_o that_o those_o who_o make_v such_o a_o separation_n can_v abide_v in_o the_o communion_n which_o they_o forsake_v without_o wound_v their_o own_o conscience_n and_o do_v give_v evidence_n of_o their_o abide_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o love_n towards_o all_o the_o true_a disciple_n of_o christ_n we_o be_v satisfy_v that_o we_o have_v a_o rule_n infallible_o direct_v we_o to_o make_v a_o judgement_n concern_v it_o our_o author_n add_v sect._n 26._o p._n 197._o another_o argument_n against_o this_o course_n of_o separation_n be_v that_o these_o ground_n will_v make_v separation_n endless_a which_o be_v to_o suppose_v all_o the_o exhortation_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o peace_n and_o unity_n among_o christian_n useless_a but_o why_o so_o be_v there_o nothing_o in_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o account_n which_o be_v to_o be_v give_v unto_o he_o nothing_o in_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n nothing_o in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o exercise_v of_o gospel_n discipline_n to_o keep_v profess_a disciple_n of_o christ_n unto_o their_o duty_n and_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o order_n divine_o prescribe_v unto_o they_o unless_o they_o be_v fetter_v and_o stake_v down_o with_o humane_a law_n and_o constitution_n herein_o i_o confess_v i_o differ_v and_o shall_v do_v so_o whilst_o i_o be_o in_o this_o world_n from_o our_o reverend_a author_n and_o other_o to_o say_v as_o he_o do_v upon_o a_o supposition_n of_o the_o take_v away_o of_o humane_a imposition_n law_n and_o canon_n that_o there_o be_v no_o bound_n set_v unto_o separation_n but_o what_o the_o fancy_n of_o man_n will_v dictate_v unto_o they_o be_v dishonourable_a unto_o the_o gospel_n and_o somewhat_o more_o to_o suppose_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o prescribe_v bound_n unto_o separation_n efficacious_o affect_v the_o conscience_n of_o beleiver_n or_o that_o any_o other_o bound_n can_v be_v assign_v as_o obligatory_a unto_o their_o conscience_n be_v what_o can_v be_v admit_v the_o lord_n christ_n have_v command_v love_n and_o union_n among_o his_o disciple_n he_o have_v ordain_v order_n and_o communion_n in_o his_o church_n he_o have_v give_v unto_o they_o and_o limit_v their_o power_n he_o have_v prescribe_v rule_n whereby_o they_o and_o all_o their_o member_n ought_v to_o walk_v he_o have_v forbid_v all_o schism_n and_o division_n he_o have_v appoint_v and_o limit_v all_o necessary_a separation_n and_o have_v true_o give_v all_o the_o bound_n unto_o it_o that_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n be_v or_o can_v be_v affect_v withal_o but_o than_o it_o be_v say_v if_o this_o be_v all_o separation_n will_v be_v endless_a if_o such_o a_o separation_n be_v intend_v as_o be_v a_o unlawful_a schism_n i_o say_v it_o may_v be_v it_o will_v even_o as_o persecution_n and_o other_o evil_n sin_n and_o wickedness_n will_v be_v notwithstanding_o his_o severe_a prohibition_n of_o they_o what_o he_o have_v do_v be_v the_o only_a mean_n to_o preserve_v his_o own_o disciple_n from_o all_o sinful_a separation_n and_o be_v sufficient_a thereunto_o herein_o lie_v the_o original_a mistake_n in_o this_o matter_n we_o have_v lose_v the_o apprehension_n that_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o word_n and_o work_v of_o his_o spirit_n be_v every_o way_n sufficient_a for_o the_o guide_v govern_v and_o preserve_v of_o his_o disciple_n in_o the_o church_n order_n by_o he_o prescribe_v and_o the_o observance_n of_o the_o duty_n by_o he_o command_v it_o have_v be_v great_o lose_v in_o the_o world_n for_o many_o age_n and_o therefore_o instead_o of_o faithful_a ministerial_a endeavour_n to_o enforce_v a_o sense_n of_o it_o on_o the_o conscience_n of_o all_o christian_n they_o have_v be_v let_v loose_a from_o it_o through_o a_o confidence_n in_o other_o devise_n to_o keep_v they_o unto_o their_o duty_n and_o order_n and_o if_o these_o devise_n be_v they_o ecclesiastical_a canon_n or_o civil_a penalty_n be_v not_o enforce_v on_o they_o all_o the_o world_n be_v make_v to_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v leave_v unto_o the_o dictate_v of_o their_o own_o fancy_n and_o imagination_n as_o if_o they_o have_v no_o concern_v in_o christ_n or_o his_o authority_n in_o this_o matter_n but_o for_o my_o part_n i_o shall_v never_o desire_v nor_o endeavour_v to_o keep_v any_o from_o schism_n or_o separation_n but_o by_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o christ_n appointment_n and_o by_o a_o sense_n of_o he_o authority_n on_o their_o own_o conscience_n the_o remainder_n of_o his_o discourse_n on_o this_o head_n consist_v in_o a_o lepid_a dramatical_a oration_n frame_v and_o feign_v for_o one_o of_o his_o opposer_n wherein_o he_o make_v he_o undertake_v the_o patronage_n of_o schism_n before_o cyprian_a and_o austiâ—_n the_o learned_a person_n intend_v be_v very_o well_o able_a to_o defend_v and_o vindicate_v himself_o which_o i_o suppose_v also_o he_o will_v do_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o can_v but_o say_v two_o thing_n 1._o that_o the_o imposition_n on_o he_o of_o extenuate_v the_o gild_n of_o any_o real_a schism_n be_v that_o which_o none_o of_o his_o word_n do_v give_v the_o least_o countenance_n unto_o 2._o that_o the_o doctor_n attempt_n in_o his_o feign_a oration_n to_o accommodate_v his_o principle_n or_o we_o unto_o the_o case_n of_o the_o donatist_n for_o their_o justification_n the_o weakness_n whereof_o be_v evident_a to_o every_o one_o who_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o case_n of_o the_o donatist_n be_v such_o a_o instance_n of_o the_o power_n of_o interest_n a_o design_n to_o maintain_v a_o cause_n causeless_o undertake_v by_o all_o manner_n of_o artifices_fw-la and_o pretence_n prevail_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n otherwise_o wise_a and_o sober_a as_o be_v to_o be_v lament_v we_o come_v at_o length_n in_o the_o 5_o place_n sect_n 28._o p._n 209._o unto_o that_o which_o be_v indeed_o of_o more_o importance_n due_o to_o be_v consider_v than_o all_o that_o go_v before_o for_o as_o our_o author_n observe_v it_o be_v that_o wherein_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n be_v concern_v this_o argument_n therefore_o he_o take_v from_o the_o obligation_n which_o lie_v upon_o all_o christian_n to_o preserve_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o this_o argument_n and_o the_o application_n of_o it_o unto_o the_o case_n of_o they_o who_o refrain_v from_o total_a communion_n with_o our_o parochial_a assembly_n which_o alone_o be_v the_o case_n in_o hand_n he_o lay_v down_o sundry_a supposition_n which_o i_o shall_v consider_v in_o their_o order_n although_o they_o may_v be_v all_o grant_v without_o any_o disadvantage_n unto_o our_o cause_n but_o they_o will_v be_v so_o the_o better_a when_o they_o be_v right_o state_v 1._o his_o first_o supposition_n be_v that_o christian_n be_v under_o the_o strict_a obligation_n to_o preserve_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n this_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o that_o follow_v it_o must_v be_v right_o state_v and_o to_o that_o end_n three_o thing_n may_v be_v inquire_v into_o 1._o what_o be_v that_o church_n who_o peace_n and_o unity_n we_o be_v oblige_v to_o preserve_v for_o there_o be_v those_o who_o lie_v the_o firm_a claim_n unto_o the_o name_n power_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n with_o who_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o have_v neither_o peace_n nor_o unity_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n 2._o what_o be_v that_o peace_n and_o unity_n which_o we_o be_v so_o oblige_v to_o preserve_v 3._o by_o what_o mean_v they_o be_v to_o be_v preserve_v 1._o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o follow_v peace_n with_o all_o man_n to_o seek_v peace_n