plead_v on_o the_o one_o side_n or_o the_o other_o and_o so_o it_o shall_v be_v here_o dismiss_v the_o especial_a charge_n here_o manage_v against_o the_o nonconformist_n be_v that_o they_o allow_v that_o to_o live_v a_o state_n of_o separation_n from_o such_o church_n as_o many_o at_o least_o of_o we_o be_v be_v a_o sin_n yet_o that_o themselves_o so_o do_v which_o be_v manifest_a in_o their_o practice_n but_o it_o may_v be_v say_v 1_o that_o this_o concession_n respect_v only_o parochial_a church_n and_o that_o some_o of_o they_o only_o but_o the_o conformity_n in_o general_n require_v of_o we_o respect_v the_o constitution_n government_n discipline_n worship_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o national_a church_n and_o diocesan_n church_n therein_o 2_o person_n who_o thus_o express_v themselves_o be_v to_o be_v allow_v the_o interpretation_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n word_n and_o expression_n for_o if_o they_o do_v judge_v that_o such_o thing_n do_v belong_v unto_o a_o state_n of_o separation_n from_o any_o church_n as_o namely_o a_o causeless_a renounce_v of_o all_o communion_n with_o they_o a_o condemnation_n of_o they_o as_o no_o church_n and_o on_o that_o ground_n set_v up_o church_n against_o they_o which_o they_o know_v themselves_o not_o to_o be_v guilty_a of_o they_o may_v both_o honest_o and_o wise_o deny_v themselves_o to_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o separation_n nor_o will_v their_o present_a practice_n prove_v they_o so_o to_o be_v and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n those_o who_o do_v acknowledge_v a_o separation_n as_o unto_o distinct_a local_a presential_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n yet_o do_v all_o of_o they_o deny_v those_o thing_n which_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o those_o now_o intend_v be_v necessary_a to_o constitute_v a_o state_n of_o separation_n but_o on_o this_o account_n i_o can_v see_v the_o least_o contradiction_n between_o the_o principle_n and_o practice_n of_o these_o brethren_n nor_o wherein_o they_o be_v blame-worthy_a in_o their_o concession_n unless_o it_o be_v in_o too_o much_o earnestness_n to_o keep_v up_o all_o possible_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n forgive_v they_o that_o wrong_n yet_o i_o say_v not_o this_o as_o though_o these_o who_o be_v here_o suppose_v to_o own_o a_o state_n of_o separation_n be_v not_o as_o zealous_a also_o for_o communion_n in_o faith_n love_n and_o doctrine_n of_o truth_n with_o the_o body_n of_o protestant_n in_o this_o nation_n as_o they_o be_v 3_o that_o which_o animate_v this_o part_n of_o the_o discourse_n and_o which_o be_v the_o edge_n of_o this_o charge_n be_v that_o the_o minister_n do_v conceal_v from_o the_o people_n what_o their_o judgement_n be_v about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n how_o this_o can_v be_v know_v to_o be_v so_o i_o can_v understand_v for_o that_o it_o be_v their_o judgement_n that_o they_o may_v do_v so_o be_v prove_v only_o so_o far_o as_o i_o know_v from_o what_o they_o have_v write_v and_o publish_v in_o print_n unto_o that_o purpose_n and_o certain_o what_o man_n so_o publish_v of_o their_o own_o accord_n they_o can_v have_v no_o design_n to_o conceal_v from_o any_o especial_o not_o from_o they_o who_o usual_o attend_v on_o their_o ministry_n who_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o read_v their_o book_n with_o diligence_n but_o this_o have_v be_v speak_v unto_o before_o in_o these_o thing_n we_o seek_v for_o no_o shelter_n nor_o countenance_n from_o what_o be_v plead_v by_o any_o concern_v the_o oblige_a power_n of_o a_o erroneous_a conscience_n which_o the_o reverend_a author_n insist_o on_o pag._n 42_o 43_o 44._o for_o we_o acknowledge_v no_o rule_n of_o conscience_n in_o these_o thing_n which_o concern_v church_n their_o state_n power_n order_n and_o worship_n but_o divine_a revelation_n only_o that_o be_v the_o scripture_n the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n and_o sure_a enough_o we_o be_v that_o we_o be_v not_o deceive_v in_o the_o choice_n of_o our_o rule_n so_o as_o that_o we_o desire_v no_o great_a assurance_n in_o any_o concern_v of_o religion_n and_o by_o the_o scripture_n as_o our_o rule_n we_o understand_v both_o the_o express_a word_n of_o it_o and_o whatever_o may_v by_o just_a and_o lawful_a consequence_n be_v educe_v from_o they_o this_o rule_n we_o attend_v unto_o and_o inquire_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o it_o with_o all_o the_o diligence_n we_o be_v able_a and_o in_o the_o use_n of_o all_o the_o mean_n that_o be_v usual_o and_o true_o plead_v as_o necessary_a unto_o the_o attainment_n of_o a_o right_a understanding_n thereof_o and_o if_o any_o one_o can_v inform_v we_o of_o any_o thing_n require_v of_o we_o thereby_o which_o yet_o we_o have_v not_o receive_v we_o shall_v with_o all_o readiness_n comply_v therewithal_o we_o have_v no_o prejudices_fw-la no_o outward_a temptation_n that_o shall_v bias_n our_o mind_n and_o inclination_n unto_o those_o principle_n and_o practice_n on_o they_o which_o we_o judge_v ourselves_o guide_v and_o direct_v unto_o by_o this_o rule_n but_o all_o such_o consideration_n as_o may_v be_v take_v from_o the_o most_o moderate_a desire_n even_o of_o food_n and_o raiment_n do_v lie_n against_o we_o we_o be_v hereon_o full_o satisfy_v that_o we_o have_v attain_v that_o knowledge_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n about_o these_o thing_n as_o will_v preserve_v we_o from_o evil_a or_o sin_n against_o he_o from_o be_v hurtful_a or_o useless_a unto_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n if_o we_o submit_v unto_o the_o light_n and_o conduct_v of_o it_o wherefore_o we_o seek_v no_o relief_n in_o we_o plead_v no_o excuse_n from_o the_o obligation_n of_o a_o erroneous_a conscience_n but_o do_v abide_v by_o it_o that_o our_o conscience_n be_v right_o inform_v in_o these_o thing_n and_o than_o it_o be_v confess_v on_o all_o hand_n what_o be_v their_o power_n and_o what_o their_o force_n to_o oblige_v we_o with_o respect_n unto_o all_o humane_a command_n i_o know_v not_o of_o any_o far_o concern_v that_o the_o nonconformist_n have_v in_o the_o discourse_n of_o this_o reverend_a author_n unless_o it_o be_v in_o the_o consideration_n which_o he_o propose_v unto_o they_o and_o the_o advice_n which_o he_o give_v they_o in_o the_o close_a of_o it_o i_o shall_v only_o say_v concern_v the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o that_o have_v weigh_v they_o impartial_o unto_o the_o best_a of_o my_o understanding_n i_o find_v not_o any_o thing_n in_o they_o that_o shall_v make_v it_o the_o duty_n of_o any_o man_n to_o invent_v and_o constitute_v such_o a_o rule_n of_o church_n communion_n as_o that_o which_o be_v propose_v unto_o the_o nonconformist_n for_o their_o absolute_a compliance_n withal_o nor_o any_o thing_n that_o shall_v move_v the_o nonconformist_n unto_o such_o compliance_n against_o the_o light_n of_o their_o conscience_n and_o understanding_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n which_o alone_o be_v the_o thing_n in_o debate_n between_o we_o but_o if_o the_o design_n of_o the_o author_n in_o the_o proposal_n of_o these_o consideration_n and_o the_o particular_n of_o his_o advice_n be_v that_o we_o shall_v take_v heed_n to_o ourselves_o that_o during_o these_o difference_n among_o we_o we_o give_v no_o offence_n unto_o other_o so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v possible_a nor_o entertain_v severe_a thought_n in_o ourselves_o of_o they_o from_o who_o we_o differ_v we_o shall_v be_v glad_a that_o both_o he_o and_o we_o shall_v be_v find_v in_o the_o due_a observance_n of_o such_o advice_n one_o head_n of_o his_o advice_n i_o confess_v may_v be_v if_o i_o be_o not_o mistake_v more_o acceptable_a with_o some_o of_o the_o nonconformist_n if_o it_o have_v not_o come_v in_o the_o close_a of_o such_o a_o discourse_n as_o this_o be_v and_o it_o be_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v always_o complain_v of_o their_o hardship_n and_o persecution_n pag._n 54._o for_o they_o say_v after_o so_o many_o of_o they_o have_v die_v in_o common_a gaol_n so_o many_o have_v endure_v long_a imprisonment_n not_o a_o few_o be_v at_o this_o day_n in_o the_o same_o durance_n so_o many_o drive_v from_o their_o habitation_n into_o a_o wander_a condition_n to_o preserve_v for_o a_o while_o the_o liberty_n of_o their_o person_n so_o many_o have_v be_v reduce_v unto_o want_n and_o penury_n by_o the_o take_n away_o of_o their_o good_n and_o from_o some_o the_o very_a instrument_n of_o their_o livelihood_n after_o the_o prosecution_n which_o have_v be_v against_o they_o in_o all_o court_n of_o justice_n in_o this_o nation_n on_o information_n endictment_n and_o suit_n to_o the_o great_a charge_n of_o all_o of_o they_o who_o be_v so_o persecute_v and_o ruin_n of_o some_o after_o so_o many_o minister_n and_o their_o family_n have_v be_v bring_v into_o the_o utmost_a outward_a straits_n which_o nature_n can_v subsist_v under_o after_o all_o their_o perpetual_a fear_n and_o
as_o much_o as_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o godly_a king_n of_o judah_n of_o old_a or_o be_v at_o first_o claim_v by_o the_o first_o christian_a emperor_n yet_o be_v there_o some_o who_o although_o they_o be_v feed_v and_o warm_v promote_v and_o dignify_v by_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o magistrate_n power_n in_o and_o about_o religion_n who_o will_v not_o allow_v that_o any_o thing_n be_v ascribe_v unto_o he_o unless_o we_o grant_v that_o it_o be_v in_o his_o rightful_a power_n and_o his_o duty_n to_o coerce_v and_o punish_v with_o all_o sort_n of_o mulct_n spoil_v of_o good_n imprisonment_n banishment_n and_o in_o some_o case_n death_n itself_o such_o person_n as_o hold_v the_o head_n and_o all_o the_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o christian_a religion_n entire_a who_o worship_n be_v free_a from_o idolatry_n who_o conversation_n be_v peaceable_a and_o useful_a unless_o in_o all_o thing_n they_o comply_v with_o themselves_o when_o possible_o some_o of_o they_o may_v be_v as_o useful_a in_o and_o unto_o the_o church_n of_o god_n as_o those_o that_o will_v have_v they_o so_o deal_v withal_o and_o it_o may_v be_v common_a prudence_n will_v advise_v a_o forbearance_n of_o too_o much_o severity_n in_o charge_n on_o other_o for_o change_v their_o opinion_n lest_o a_o provocation_n unto_o a_o recrimination_n on_o they_o that_o make_v they_o shall_v arise_v of_o change_v their_o opinion_n also_o not_o without_o a_o appear_a aspect_n to_o their_o own_o interest_n but_o we_o have_v some_o among_o the_o nonconformist_n who_o be_v so_o accustom_v not_o only_o unto_o such_o undue_a charge_n as_o that_o here_o insist_v on_o but_o unto_o such_o unjust_a accusation_n false_a report_n malicious_a untruth_n concern_v they_o their_o word_n doctrine_n and_o practice_n which_o be_v invent_v by_o a_o few_o ill_a man_n be_v trumpet_v abroad_o with_o triumph_n by_o many_o as_o that_o they_o be_v come_v to_o a_o resolution_n never_o to_o concern_v themselves_o in_o they_o any_o more_o 2._o as_o unto_o the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n we_o be_v tell_v that_o he_o speak_v not_o of_o the_o separation_n or_o distinct_a communion_n of_o whole_a church_n from_o each_o other_o which_o according_a to_o the_o scripture_n antiquity_n and_o reason_n have_v a_o just_a right_n and_o power_n to_o govern_v and_o reform_v themselves_o by_o whole_a church_n i_o mean_v the_o church_n of_o such_o nation_n which_o upon_o the_o decay_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n resume_v their_o just_a right_n of_o government_n to_o themselves_o and_o upon_o their_o own_n christianity_n incorporate_v into_o one_o christian_a society_n under_o the_o same_o common_a tie_v and_o rule_v of_o order_n and_o government_n pag._n 16._o i_o do_v suppose_v that_o particular_a church_n or_o congregation_n be_v hereby_o exempt_v from_o all_o guilt_n of_o schism_n in_o not_o comply_v with_o rule_n of_o communion_n impose_v on_o they_o by_o other_o church_n i_o be_o sure_a according_a unto_o the_o principle_n of_o nonconformist_n they_o be_v so_o for_o they_o judge_v that_o particular_a or_o congregational_a church_n state_v with_o their_o officer_n according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v entire_a church_n that_o have_v a_o just_a right_n and_o power_n to_o govern_v and_o reform_v themselves_o until_o this_o be_v disprove_v until_o it_o be_v prove_v either_o that_o they_o be_v not_o church_n because_o they_o be_v congregational_a or_o that_o although_o they_o be_v church_n yet_o they_o have_v no_o power_n to_o govern_v and_o reform_v themselves_o they_o be_v free_a from_o the_o guilt_n of_o schism_n in_o their_o so_o do_v but_o the_o reverend_a author_n seem_v in_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n to_o appropriate_v this_o right_a and_o power_n unto_o national_a church_n who_o rise_n he_o assign_v unto_o the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n and_o the_o alteration_n of_o the_o church_n government_n into_o that_o of_o distinct_a kingdom_n and_o province_n but_o this_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o fall_v out_o so_o long_o after_o the_o institution_n of_o church_n and_o propagation_n of_o christian_a religion_n that_o we_o be_v not_o at_o all_o concern_v in_o it_o especial_o consider_v that_o the_o occasion_n and_o mean_n of_o the_o constitution_n of_o such_o church_n be_v whole_o foreign_a unto_o religion_n and_o the_o concern_v of_o it_o the_o right_a and_o power_n of_o govern_v and_o reform_v themselves_o here_o speak_v of_o be_v that_o which_o be_v give_v by_o christ_n himself_o unto_o his_o church_n nor_o do_v i_o know_v else_o where_o they_o shall_v have_v it_o wherefore_o those_o national_a provincial_a church_n which_o arise_v upon_o the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n must_v first_o be_v prove_v to_o be_v of_o his_o institution_n before_o they_o can_v be_v allow_v to_o have_v their_o power_n give_v they_o by_o jesus_n christ._n in_o what_o king_n potentate_n and_o other_o supreme_a magistrate_n may_v do_v to_o accommodate_v the_o outward_a profession_n of_o religion_n unto_o their_o rule_n and_o the_o interest_n thereof_o we_o be_v not_o at_o all_o concern_v nor_o will_v give_v interruption_n unto_o any_o of_o they_o while_o they_o impose_v not_o the_o religious_a observation_n of_o their_o constitution_n unto_o that_o end_n upon_o our_o conscience_n and_o practice_n our_o sole_a enquiry_n be_v what_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v ordain_v which_o if_o we_o be_v compliant_a withal_o we_o shall_v fear_v neither_o this_o nor_o any_o other_o charge_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n but_o to_o give_v strength_n hereunto_o it_o be_v add_v just_o as_o several_a famâ—â—â—â—â—_n unite_v make_v one_o kingdom_n which_o at_o first_o have_v a_o distinct_a and_o independent_a power_n but_o it_o will_v make_v strange_a confusion_n in_o the_o world_n to_o reduce_v kingdom_n back_o again_o to_o family_n because_o at_o first_o they_o be_v make_v up_o of_o they_o pag._n 17._o which_o be_v again_o insist_v on_o pag._n 31._o but_o the_o case_n be_v not_o the_o same_o for_o if_o indeed_o god_n have_v appoint_v no_o other_o civil_a government_n in_o the_o world_n but_o that_o of_o family_n i_o shall_v not_o much_o oppose_v they_o who_o will_v endeavour_v peaceable_o to_o reduce_v all_o government_n thereunto_o but_o whereas_o we_o be_v certain_a that_o god_n by_o the_o light_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n by_o the_o end_n and_o use_v of_o the_o creation_n of_o man_n and_o by_o express_a revelation_n in_o his_o word_n have_v by_o his_o own_o authority_n appoint_v and_o approve_v other_o sort_n of_o civil_a government_n in_o kingdom_n and_o common-weal_n we_o esteem_v it_o not_o only_o a_o madness_n to_o endeavour_v a_o reduction_n of_o all_o government_n into_o family_n as_o unto_o the_o possibility_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o a_o direct_a opposition_n unto_o the_o authority_n command_n and_o institution_n of_o god_n so_o if_o these_o national_a church_n be_v of_o the_o immediate_a institution_n of_o christ_n himself_o we_o shall_v no_o more_o plead_v the_o exemption_n of_o particular_a church_n from_o any_o power_n give_v they_o by_o christ_n as_o such_o than_o we_o do_v to_o exempt_v private_a family_n from_o the_o lawful_a government_n of_o public_a magistrate_n and_o we_o must_v also_o add_v that_o whatever_o be_v their_o original_a and_o constitution_n if_o all_o their_o governor_n be_v as_o the_o apostle_n yet_o have_v they_o no_o power_n but_o what_o be_v for_o edification_n and_o not_o for_o destruction_n if_o they_o do_v or_o shall_v appoint_v and_o impose_v on_o man_n what_o tend_v unto_o the_o destruction_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o not_o unto_o their_o edification_n as_o it_o be_v fall_v out_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n not_o only_o particular_a church_n but_o every_o individual_a believer_n be_v warrant_v to_o withdraw_v from_o their_o communion_n and_o hereon_o we_o ground_n the_o lawfulness_n of_o our_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n without_o any_o need_n of_o a_o retreat_n unto_o the_o late_a device_n of_o the_o power_n of_o provincial_a church_n to_o reform_v themselves_o let_v none_o mistake_v themselves_o herein_o believer_n be_v not_o make_v for_o church_n but_o church_n be_v appoint_v for_o believer_n their_o edification_n their_o guidance_n and_o direction_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o performance_n of_o divine_a worship_n in_o assembly_n according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n be_v their_o use_n and_o end_n without_o which_o they_o be_v of_o no_o signification_n the_o end_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o constitution_n of_o his_o church_n be_v not_o the_o mould_v of_o his_o disciple_n into_o such_o ecclesiastical_a shape_n as_o may_v be_v subservient_fw-fr unto_o the_o power_n interest_n advantage_n and_o dignity_n of_o they_o that_o may_v in_o any_o season_n come_v to_o be_v over_o they_o but_o to_o constitute_v a_o way_n and_o order_n of_o give_v such_o officer_n unto_o they_o as_o may_v be_v in_o all_o thing_n useful_a
imposition_n so_o much_o as_o plead_v or_o pretend_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n impose_v or_o the_o refusal_n of_o compliance_n with_o those_o imposition_n under_o a_o profession_n that_o such_o a_o compliance_n will_v be_v against_o the_o light_n of_o conscience_n and_o the_o best_a understanding_n in_o they_o who_o so_o refuse_v which_o they_o can_v attain_v of_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n 2._o whereas_o the_o party_n at_o difference_n do_v agree_v in_o all_o substantial_a part_n of_o religion_n and_o in_o a_o common_a interest_n as_o unto_o the_o preservation_n and_o defence_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n live_v alike_o peaceable_o under_o the_o same_o supreme_a authority_n and_o civil_a government_n whether_o the_o evil_n and_o inconvenience_n mention_v be_v necessary_a and_o inseparable_a effect_n of_o such_o a_o difference_n or_o whether_o they_o do_v not_o whole_o owe_v themselves_o unto_o passion_n corrupt_a affection_n and_o caernal_a interest_n of_o man_n which_o ought_v on_o all_o hand_n to_o be_v mortify_v and_o subdue_v for_o as_o it_o may_v be_v few_o wise_a man_n who_o know_v the_o nature_n of_o conscience_n how_o delicate_a and_o tender_a it_o be_v what_o care_n be_v require_v in_o all_o man_n to_o keep_v it_o as_o a_o precious_a jewel_n who_o preservation_n from_o defilement_n and_o affront_n god_n have_v commit_v unto_o we_o under_o the_o pain_n of_o his_o eternal_a displeasure_n how_o unable_a honest_a man_n be_v to_o contravene_v the_o light_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n in_o thing_n of_o the_o small_a importance_n for_o any_o outward_a advantage_n whatever_o how_o great_a care_n diligence_n and_o accuracy_n ought_v to_o be_v use_v in_o all_o thing_n relate_v unto_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n about_o which_o he_o so_o frequent_o declare_v his_o jealousy_n and_o displeasure_n against_o those_o who_o in_o any_o thing_n corrupt_a or_o debase_v it_o with_o sundry_a other_o thing_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n will_v admire_v that_o these_o difference_n be_v not_o end_v among_o we_o by_o a_o absolute_a acquiescency_n of_o the_o one_o party_n in_o the_o judgement_n dictate_v and_o imposition_n of_o the_o other_o so_o upon_o the_o supposition_n before_o mention_v of_o a_o agreement_n in_o all_o the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n in_o all_o thing_n from_o themselves_o and_o god_n appointment_n necessary_a unto_o salvation_n of_o that_o union_n of_o affection_n which_o our_o joint_a interest_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n do_v require_v and_o of_o that_o union_n of_o interest_n which_o both_o party_n have_v in_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n and_o that_o of_o obedience_n and_o subjection_n unto_o the_o same_o civil_a government_n and_o on_o the_o satisfaction_n which_o the_o dissent_v party_n have_v in_o that_o the_o other_o do_v enjoy_v all_o those_o great_a advantage_n which_o the_o public_a profession_n of_o religion_n in_o this_o kingdom_n be_v accompany_v withal_o not_o in_o the_o least_o pretend_v to_o or_o contend_v for_o any_o share_n therein_o many_o wise_a man_n do_v and_o can_v but_o admire_v that_o the_o inconvenience_n and_o evil_n pretend_a shall_v ensue_v on_o this_o difference_n as_o it_o be_v state_v among_o we_o and_o that_o the_o dissenter_n shall_v be_v pursue_v with_o so_o much_o vehemency_n as_o they_o have_v be_v even_o unto_o their_o ruin_n but_o we_o must_v proceed_v in_o the_o way_n and_o method_n here_o propose_v unto_o we_o 1._o the_o foundation_n whereon_o the_o reverend_a author_n manage_v his_o charge_n of_o schism_n with_o all_o its_o consequent_n against_o the_o nonconformist_n be_v take_v from_o the_o word_n of_o his_o text_n and_o declare_v pag._n 10_o 11_o 12_o 13_o 14._o of_o his_o book_n i_o shall_v not_o transcribe_v his_o word_n principal_o because_o i_o will_v not_o oblige_v myself_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o in_o such_o discourse_n do_v common_o administer_v occasion_n of_o unnecessary_a strife_n the_o force_n of_o the_o argument_n unto_o the_o best_a of_o my_o understanding_n consist_v in_o the_o thing_n that_o follow_v 1._o that_o all_o church_n and_o the_o member_n of_o they_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o apostolical_a precept_n contain_v in_o the_o text_n ought_v to_o walk_v according_a unto_o rule_n 2._o that_o the_o rule_n here_o intend_v be_v not_o the_o rule_n of_o charity_n and_o mutual_a forbearance_n in_o the_o thing_n wherein_o they_o who_o agree_v in_o the_o foundation_n be_v different_o mind_v or_o otherwise_o than_o one_o another_o but_o 3._o this_o be_v a_o stand_a rule_n for_o agreement_n and_o uniformity_n in_o practice_n in_o church_n order_n and_o worship_n which_o the_o apostle_n have_v give_v and_o deliver_v unto_o they_o 4._o that_o this_o rule_n they_o do_v not_o give_v only_o as_o apostle_n but_o as_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n as_o appear_v from_o act_n 15._o wherefore_o what_o the_o apostle_n so_o do_v that_o any_o church_n have_v power_n to_o do_v and_o aught_o to_o do_v namely_o to_o establish_v a_o rule_n of_o all_o practice_n in_o their_o communion_n 6._o that_o not_o to_o comply_v with_o this_o rule_n in_o all_o thing_n be_v schism_n the_o schism_n whereof_o nonconformist_n be_v guilty_a this_o to_o the_o best_a of_o my_o understanding_n be_v the_o entire_a force_n of_o the_o argument_n insist_v on_o and_o that_o propose_v unto_o the_o best_a advantage_n for_o the_o apprehension_n of_o its_o force_n and_o strength_n etc._n etc._n let_v we_o therefore_o hereon_o a_o little_a inquire_v whether_o this_o will_v bear_v the_o weight_n of_o so_o great_a a_o charge_n as_o that_o which_o be_v build_v upon_o it_o and_o resolve_v into_o it_o with_o all_o the_o dismal_a consequent_n pretend_v to_o ensue_v thereon_o and_o we_o shall_v not_o pass_v by_o in_o so_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v offer_v to_o give_v a_o especial_a enforcement_n unto_o the_o charge_n itself_o but_o in_o our_o entrance_n into_o the_o consideration_n of_o these_o thing_n i_o must_v needs_o say_v it_o be_v somewhat_o surprise_v unto_o i_o to_o see_v a_o charge_n wherein_o the_o conscience_n reputation_n liberty_n etc._n etc._n of_o so_o many_o be_v concern_v found_v on_o the_o exposition_n of_o a_o text_n which_o no_o sober_a expositor_n that_o i_o know_v of_o do_v ever_o find_v out_o propose_v or_o embrace_v but_o if_o it_o be_v true_a and_o according_a unto_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n this_o aught_o to_o be_v no_o disparagement_n unto_o it_o though_o it_o be_v apply_v unto_o such_o a_o end_n this_o be_v that_o which_o we_o be_v to_o examine_v i_o say_v therefore_o 1._o we_o no_o way_n doubt_v but_o that_o the_o apostle_n do_v give_v rule_n of_o faith_n obedience_n and_o worship_n not_o only_o unto_o private_a christian_n but_o to_o whole_a church_n also_o which_o we_o find_v record_v in_o the_o scripture_n unto_o all_o these_o rule_n we_o do_v declare_v our_o assent_n and_o consent_n with_o a_o entire_a conformity_n and_o do_v hope_n that_o with_o indifferent_a unbiased_a person_n this_o be_v enough_o to_o free_v we_o from_o the_o charge_n of_o schism_n 2._o for_o the_o rule_n here_o intend_v some_o take_v it_o to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n in_o general_a or_o divine_a revelation_n some_o to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o charity_n and_o brotherly_n condescension_n some_o to_o be_v the_o particular_a rule_n here_o lay_v down_o of_o walk_v together_o in_o the_o different_a measure_n of_o faith_n light_n and_o knowledge_n which_o we_o do_v attain_v unto_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o forego_n verse_n have_v give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o glorious_a excellency_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o his_o own_o endeavour_n after_o the_o full_a attainment_n of_o they_o yet_o affirm_v that_o he_o have_v not_o attain_v unto_o that_o perfection_n in_o the_o comprehension_n of_o they_o which_o he_o design_v and_o aim_v at_o herein_o in_o the_o instance_n of_o himself_o he_o declare_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o best_a believer_n in_o this_o life_n which_o be_v not_o a_o full_a measure_n and_o perfection_n in_o the_o comprehension_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o contain_v in_o they_o but_o withal_o he_o declare_v their_o duty_n in_o press_v continual_o by_o all_o mean_n after_o that_o measure_n of_o attainment_n which_o be_v propose_v unto_o their_o acquisition_n hereupon_o he_o suppose_v what_o will_v certain_o ensue_v on_o the_o common_a pursuit_n of_o this_o design_n which_o be_v that_o man_n will_v come_v unto_o different_a attainment_n have_v different_a measure_n of_o light_n and_o knowledge_n yea_o and_o different_a conception_n or_o opinion_n about_o these_o thing_n some_o will_v be_v otherwise_o mind_v than_o other_o some_o will_v be_v in_o some_o thing_n only_o hereupon_o he_o give_v direction_n how_o they_o shall_v
walk_v and_o behave_v themselves_o in_o this_o state_n and_o condition_n and_o unto_o those_o who_o have_v attain_v that_o measure_n whence_o in_o comparison_n of_o other_o they_o may_v be_v style_v perfect_a that_o they_o press_v on_o unanimous_o towards_o the_o end_n propose_v and_o as_o for_o those_o who_o in_o any_o thing_n differ_v from_o other_o he_o encourage_v they_o to_o wait_v on_o the_o teach_n of_o god_n in_o that_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o instruction_n which_o they_o enjoy_v and_o have_v prescribe_v to_o each_o suppose_a party_n their_o especial_a duty_n as_o such_o he_o lay_v down_o the_o duty_n of_o they_o both_o in_o common_a which_o be_v that_o in_o and_o with_o respect_n unto_o what_o they_o have_v attain_v they_o shall_v walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n namely_o which_o he_o have_v now_o lay_v down_o and_o mind_n the_o same_o thing_n as_o he_o have_v before_o enjoin_v they_o wherefore_o these_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o foundation_n to_o charge_v they_o with_o schism_n who_o agree_v in_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v yet_o dissent_v from_o other_o probable_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o church_n be_v intend_v in_o some_o thing_n that_o it_o enjoin_v a_o mutual_a forbearance_n among_o those_o who_o be_v so_o different_o mind_v 4._o but_o our_o author_n affirm_v that_o it_o can_v be_v a_o rule_n of_o charity_n and_o mutual_a forbearance_n that_o be_v intend_v because_o the_o apostle_n have_v speak_v of_o that_o just_a before_o but_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o he_o speak_v these_o word_n with_o reference_n unto_o what_o he_o have_v say_v just_a before_o and_o if_o this_o be_v that_o which_o those_o who_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v be_v not_o oblige_v unto_o then_o be_v they_o not_o oblige_v at_o all_o to_o walk_v by_o the_o rule_n intend_v which_o be_v not_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o apostle_n so_o himself_n declare_v out_o of_o cajetan_n that_o the_o apostle_n subjoin_v the_o last_o word_n to_o the_o former_a lest_o the_o person_n he_o there_o speak_v unto_o shall_v think_v themselves_o excuse_v from_o go_v as_o far_o as_o they_o can_v in_o the_o same_o rule_n pag._n 37._o but_o a_o rule_n he_o say_v it_o be_v limit_v and_o determine_v the_o practice_n require_v uniformity_n in_o observe_v the_o same_o stand_a rule_n the_o nonconformist_n hereon_o do_v say_v that_o if_o the_o apostle_n or_o any_o one_o apostle_n do_v appoint_v such_o a_o rule_n as_o this_o intend_a let_v it_o be_v produce_v with_o any_o probability_n of_o proof_n to_o be_v they_o and_o they_o be_v all_o ready_a to_o subscribe_v and_o conform_v unto_o it_o on_o supposition_n that_o any_o rule_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v appoint_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o declare_v unto_o the_o churhe_n as_o the_o reverend_a author_n i_o suppose_v do_v intimate_v that_o it_o be_v though_o i_o dare_v not_o affix_v a_o determinate_a sense_n unto_o his_o word_n in_o this_o place_n all_o that_o can_v be_v require_v of_o we_o be_v that_o we_o do_v conform_v and_o walk_v according_a unto_o that_o rule_n so_o appoint_v and_o declare_v by_o they_o this_o we_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o do_v sundry_a general_a rule_n we_o find_v in_o the_o scripture_n give_v unto_o we_o relate_v unto_o the_o constitution_n and_o edification_n of_o churce_n to_o their_o order_n and_o worship_n and_o government_n sundry_a particular_a rule_n for_o minister_n and_o other_o how_o they_o shall_v behave_v themselves_o in_o church_n society_n and_o assembly_n be_v also_o lay_v down_o therein_o all_o which_o we_o embrace_v and_o submit_v unto_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n in_o they_o and_o if_o any_o other_o government_n or_o particular_a rule_n can_v be_v produce_v give_v by_o they_o which_o be_v not_o record_v in_o the_o scripture_n so_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v they_o we_o will_v engage_v to_o conform_v unto_o it_o 5._o if_o the_o rule_n pretend_v to_o be_v give_v by_o the_o apostle_n be_v of_o any_o use_n in_o this_o case_n or_o can_v give_v any_o force_n unto_o the_o argument_n in_o hand_n it_o must_v be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o appoint_v and_o require_v thing_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n that_o be_v never_o divine_o appoint_v impose_v the_o observation_n of_o they_o on_o the_o conscience_n and_o practice_n of_o all_o member_n of_o the_o church_n under_o penalty_n spiritual_a and_o temporal_a a_o rule_n constitute_v national_a church_n with_o a_o government_n and_o discipline_n suit_v unto_o that_o constitution_n with_o modes_n and_o ceremony_n of_o worship_n no_o where_o intimate_v in_o the_o scripture_n nor_o any_o way_n necessary_a in_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n such_o a_o rule_n i_o say_v it_o must_v be_v since_o although_o i_o shall_v grant_v which_o yet_o i_o do_v not_o that_o the_o consequent_a be_v good_a that_o because_o the_o apostle_n make_v rule_n for_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n that_o believer_n be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o submit_v unto_o therefore_o other_o ordinary_a governor_n of_o the_o church_n may_v do_v so_o also_o yet_o it_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n follow_v that_o because_o the_o apostle_n appoint_v a_o rule_n of_o one_o sort_n present_a church_n governor_n may_v appoint_v those_o of_o another_o we_o know_v full_a well_o and_o it_o be_v on_o all_o hand_n agree_v what_o be_v the_o rule_n that_o our_o conformity_n be_v require_v unto_o if_o this_o be_v do_v from_o any_o rule_n give_v by_o the_o apostle_n it_o must_v be_v a_o rule_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n or_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n otherwise_o by_o a_o pretence_n of_o their_o pattern_n or_o example_n rule_n may_v be_v make_v direct_o contrary_a unto_o and_o destructive_a of_o all_o the_o rule_n they_o ever_o real_o give_v as_o it_o be_v actual_o fall_v out_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o 6._o we_o deny_v that_o the_o apostle_n make_v or_o give_v any_o such_o rule_n to_o the_o church_n present_v in_o their_o day_n or_o for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o church_n in_o future_a age_n as_o shall_v appoint_v and_o determine_v outward_a mode_n of_o worship_n with_o ceremony_n in_o their_o observation_n state_v feast_n and_o fast_n beyond_o what_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n liturgy_n or_o form_n of_o prayer_n or_o discipline_n to_o be_v exercise_v in_o law_n court_n subservient_fw-fr unto_o a_o national_a ecclesiastical_a government_n what_o use_v then_o they_o be_v or_o may_v be_v of_o what_o benefit_n or_o advantage_n may_v come_v to_o the_o church_n by_o they_o what_o be_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o superior_a magistrate_n about_o they_o we_o do_v not_o now_o inquire_v or_o determine_v only_o we_o say_v that_o no_o rule_n unto_o these_o end_n be_v ever_o prescibe_v by_o the_o apostle_n for_o 1._o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o intimation_n of_o any_o such_o rule_n to_o be_v give_v by_o they_o in_o the_o scripture_n there_o be_v in_o it_o as_o be_v before_o observe_v many_o express_a rule_n both_o general_a and_o particular_a about_o church_n their_o faith_n worship_n and_o man_n walk_v in_o they_o thorough_o sufficient_a to_o direct_v the_o duty_n and_o practice_n of_o all_o believer_n in_o all_o case_n and_o occurence_n relate_v to_o they_o but_o of_o any_o such_o rule_n as_o that_o here_o pretend_a there_o be_v no_o mention_n which_o certain_o if_o it_o have_v be_v give_v and_o of_o the_o importance_n which_o now_o it_o be_v plead_v to_o be_v of_o such_o as_o that_o without_o it_o neither_o peace_n nor_o unity_n nor_o order_n can_v be_v preserve_v in_o church_n some_o intimation_n at_o least_o will_v have_v be_v make_v of_o it_o therein_o especial_o we_o may_v judge_v it_o will_v have_v be_v so_o see_v sundry_a thing_n every_o thing_n so_o far_o as_o we_o can_v understand_v wherein_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n be_v any_o way_n concern_v be_v record_v in_o it_o though_o of_o little_a or_o no_o use_n in_o comparison_n of_o what_o so_o great_a and_o general_a a_o rule_n will_v be_v of_o beside_o there_o be_v that_o doctrine_n deliver_v and_o those_o direction_n give_v by_o they_o in_o the_o scripture_n concern_v the_o liberty_n of_o believer_n and_o forbearance_n of_o dissenter_n as_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o such_o a_o rule_n and_o the_o imposition_n of_o it_o 2._o the_o first_o church_n after_o their_o time_n know_v nothing_o of_o any_o such_o rule_n give_v by_o they_o and_o therefore_o after_o they_o begin_v to_o depart_v from_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o any_o thing_n as_o unto_o worship_n order_n and_o rule_n or_o discipline_n they_o fall_v into_o a_o great_a variety_n of_o outward_a observance_n order_n and_o ceremony_n every_o church_n almost_o differ_v in_o some_o thing_n or_o other_o from_o other_o in_o some_o such_o observation_n yet_o all_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o
charity_n to_o believe_v all_o thing_n to_o believe_v that_o each_o party_n be_v accept_v with_o god_n while_o they_o serve_v he_o according_a unto_o the_o light_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v and_o as_o it_o be_v to_o be_v think_v that_o upon_o the_o give_n of_o this_o rule_n and_o direction_n they_o utter_o lay_v aside_o all_o the_o animosity_n in_o judge_v and_o despise_v one_o another_o which_o they_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o so_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o they_o continue_v in_o their_o different_a practice_n a_o long_a time_n after_o without_o any_o rebuke_n or_o reproof_n yea_o some_o learned_a man_n do_v judge_n and_o that_o not_o on_o ground_n to_o be_v despise_v that_o the_o party_n who_o differ_v be_v gather_v into_o distinct_a church_n and_o so_o continue_v to_o walk_v even_o to_o the_o day_n of_o adrian_n the_o emperor_n when_o the_o last_o and_o final_a destruction_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n of_o the_o jew_n do_v befall_v they_o after_o which_o those_o who_o be_v not_o harden_v to_o the_o utmost_a give_v off_o all_o expectation_n of_o any_o respect_n to_o be_v have_v with_o god_n of_o their_o old_a institution_n i_o do_v not_o know_v how_o though_o present_a case_n between_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o the_o nonconformist_n can_v have_v possible_o be_v more_o plain_o and_o distinct_o state_v and_o exemplify_v in_o any_o thing_n that_o the_o church_n be_v capable_a of_o or_o liable_a unto_o in_o those_o day_n than_o it_o be_v in_o this_o case_n here_o state_v and_o determine_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o who_o direction_n rule_n and_o determination_n we_o do_v full_o acquiesce_v but_o 5_o it_o be_v true_a also_o which_o this_o reverend_a author_n observe_v that_o when_o the_o false_a apostle_n or_o any_o other_o judaize_v teacher_n pretend_v to_o authority_n do_v impose_v the_o observation_n of_o the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o levitical_a law_n on_o any_o church_n unto_o their_o disturbance_n and_o division_n the_o apostle_n look_v hereon_o as_o that_o which_o so_o far_o alter_v the_o case_n that_o he_o give_v other_o rule_n and_o direction_n about_o it_o and_o if_o such_o imposition_n may_v be_v yet_o forbear_v in_o the_o like_a case_n especial_o as_o accompany_v with_o the_o severe_a supplement_n and_o addition_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o outward_a penalty_n to_o be_v inflict_v on_o they_o who_o can_v comply_v with_o they_o a_o open_a door_n will_v appear_v into_o all_o that_o agreement_n peace_n and_o quietness_n among_o we_o which_o be_v desire_v i_o have_v treat_v thus_o far_o of_o these_o thing_n not_o to_o manage_v a_o controversy_n with_o this_o author_n or_o any_o other_o but_o only_o to_o show_v that_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n to_o be_v take_v from_o this_o text_n or_o its_o context_n to_o give_v countenance_n unto_o the_o severe_a censure_n of_o schism_n and_o all_o the_o evil_a consequent_n of_o it_o as_o maintain_v by_o ill_a art_n and_o practice_n upon_o the_o nonconformist_n the_o procedure_n of_o our_o author_n in_o the_o management_n of_o his_o charge_n be_v in_o a_o way_n of_o prove_v from_o the_o assertion_n and_o concession_n of_o the_o several_a party_n whereinto_o he_o have_v distinguish_v nonconformist_n that_o they_o have_v no_o just_a cause_n to_o withhold_v full_a communion_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n especial_o in_o its_o parochial_a assembly_n and_o as_o unto_o the_o first_o party_n who_o he_o affirm_v to_o grant_v that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o separation_n he_o quote_v some_o say_n out_o of_o a_o discourse_n of_o a_o nameless_a author_n concern_v evangelical_n love_n church_n peace_n and_o unity_n and_o together_o with_o some_o concession_n of_o he_o he_o add_v his_o judgement_n that_o communion_n in_o ordinance_n must_v be_v only_o in_o such_o church_n as_o christ_n himself_o institute_v by_o unalterable_a rule_n which_o be_v only_o particular_a and_o congregational_a church_n as_o i_o remember_v that_o author_n have_v at_o large_a declare_v in_o his_o discourse_n what_o communion_n believer_n ought_v to_o have_v with_o the_o church_n or_o all_o church_n the_o church_n in_o every_o sense_n wherein_o that_o name_n be_v use_v in_o the_o scripture_n but_o i_o shall_v not_o trouble_v myself_o to_o inquire_v into_o his_o assertion_n or_o concession_n nor_o at_o present_a can_v i_o do_v so_o not_o have_v that_o book_n with_o i_o where_o i_o now_o be_o my_o business_n be_v only_o to_o examine_v on_o this_o occasion_n what_o this_o reverend_a author_n except_v against_o or_o oppose_v unto_o his_o assertion_n about_o congregational_a church_n and_o the_o answer_v his_o charge_n of_o schism_n notwithstanding_o this_o plea_n of_o the_o institution_n of_o particular_a church_n for_o the_o celebration_n of_o divine_a ordinance_n this_o he_o do_v pag._n 25._o grant_v this_o to_o be_v true_a how_o do_v it_o hence_o appear_v not_o to_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o separate_v from_o our_o parochial_a church_n which_o according_a to_o their_o own_o concession_n have_v all_o the_o essential_o of_o true_a church_n and_o what_o ground_n can_v they_o have_v to_o separate_v and_o divide_v those_o church_n which_o for_o all_o that_o we_o can_v see_v be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o the_o church_n plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n at_o corinth_n philippi_n or_o thessalonica_n ans._n we_o will_v allow_v at_o present_a that_o the_o parochial_a church_n at_o least_o some_o of_o they_o in_o this_o nation_n be_v true_a church_n that_o be_v that_o they_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o any_o such_o heinous_a error_n in_o doctrine_n or_o idolatrous_a practice_n in_o worship_n as_o shall_v utter_o deprive_v they_o of_o the_o be_v and_o nature_n of_o church_n yet_o we_o suppose_v it_o will_v not_o be_v make_v a_o rule_n that_o communion_n may_v be_v withhold_v or_o withdraw_v from_o any_o church_n in_o any_o thing_n so_o long_o as_o it_o continue_v as_o unto_o the_o essence_n of_o it_o to_o be_v so_o this_o author_n know_v that_o testimony_n may_v be_v produce_v out_o of_o very_o learned_a protestant_a writer_n to_o the_o contrary_n 2._o we_o do_v not_o say_v it_o be_v not_o plead_v that_o because_o communion_n in_o ordinance_n must_v be_v only_o in_o such_o church_n as_o christ_n himself_o have_v institute_v etc._n etc._n that_o therefore_o it_o be_v lawful_a and_o necessary_a to_o separate_a from_o parochial_a church_n but_o it_o may_v be_v plead_v thence_o that_o if_o it_o be_v on_o other_o ground_n necessary_a to_o so_o separate_a or_o withhold_v communion_n from_o they_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o they_o who_o do_v so_o to_o join_v themselves_o in_o or_o unto_o some_o other_o particular_a congregation_n the_o reason_n why_o the_o nonconformist_n can_v join_v in_o that_o communion_n with_o those_o parochial_a church_n which_o be_v before_o describe_v be_v quite_o of_o another_o nature_n which_o be_v not_o here_o to_o be_v plead_v however_o some_o of_o they_o may_v be_v mention_v to_o deliver_v we_o from_o this_o mistake_n that_o the_o ground_n of_o separation_n from_o they_o be_v the_o institution_n of_o particular_a congregational_a church_n and_o they_o be_v such_o as_o these_o 1._o there_o be_v many_o thing_n in_o all_o parochial_a church_n that_o open_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o reformation_n what_o these_o be_v both_o with_o respect_n unto_o person_n and_o thing_n have_v be_v before_o intimate_v and_o shall_v be_v further_o declare_v if_o occasion_n require_v but_o these_o parochial_a church_n neither_o do_v nor_o indeed_o can_v nor_o have_v power_n in_o themselves_o to_o reform_v the_o thing_n that_o ought_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v reform_v for_o none_o among_o we_o will_v plead_v that_o they_o be_v entrust_v with_o power_n for_o their_o own_o government_n and_o reformation_n in_o this_o case_n we_o judge_v it_o lawful_a for_o any_o man_n peacoable_o to_o withdraw_v communion_n from_o such_o church_n to_o provide_v for_o his_o own_o edification_n in_o other_o 2._o that_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n in_o the_o constant_a total_a communion_n of_o parochial_a church_n impose_v on_o the_o conscience_n and_o practice_n of_o man_n which_o be_v not_o according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ._n the_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n i_o shall_v not_o here_o mention_v in_o particular_a 3._o there_o be_v no_o evangelical_n church_n discipline_n administer_v in_o such_o parochial_a church_n which_o yet_o be_v a_o necessary_a mean_n unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n appoint_v by_o christ_n himself_o and_o sacred_o attend_v unto_o by_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o we_o dare_v not_o renounce_v our_o interest_n in_o so_o bless_v a_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n 4._o the_o rule_n and_o government_n which_o such_o parochial_a church_n be_v absolute_o under_o in_o the_o room_n of_o that_o rule_n and_o discipline_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o and_o among_o themselves_o namely_o that_o
by_o the_o court_n of_o bishop_n chancellor_n commissary_n etc._n etc._n be_v unknown_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o in_o its_o administration_n be_v very_o remote_a from_o give_v a_o true_a representation_n of_o the_o authority_n wisdom_n love_n and_o care_n of_o christ_n to_o his_o church_n which_o be_v the_o sole_a end_n of_o all_o church_n rule_n and_o discipline_n the_o yoke_n hereof_o many_o account_n themselves_o not_o oblige_v to_o submit_v unto_o 5._o there_o be_v in_o such_o church_n a_o total_a deprivation_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o people_n secure_v unto_o they_o by_o the_o rule_n and_o practice_n of_o several_a age_n from_o the_o beginning_n of_o choose_v their_o own_o pastor_n whereby_o they_o be_v also_o deprive_v of_o all_o use_n of_o their_o light_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o provide_v for_o their_o own_o edification_n 6._o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o there_o be_v want_n of_o due_a mean_n of_o edification_n in_o many_o of_o those_o parochial_a church_n and_o yet_o provision_n be_v make_v by_o the_o government_n that_o those_o church_n be_v under_o that_o none_o shall_v by_o any_o way_n provide_v themselves_o of_o better_a mean_n for_o that_o great_a end_n of_o all_o church_n society_n it_o be_v on_o these_o and_o the_o like_a reason_n that_o the_o nonconformist_n can_v join_v in_o total_a communion_n such_o as_o the_o rule_n plead_v for_o require_v with_o parochial_a church_n in_o this_o state_n as_o be_v say_v the_o lord_n christ_n have_v institute_v particular_a congregation_n require_v all_o believer_n to_o walk_v in_o they_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o those_o who_o be_v necessiate_v to_o decline_v the_o communion_n of_o parochial_a church_n as_o they_o be_v state_v at_o present_a to_o join_v themselves_o in_o and_o unto_o such_o congregation_n as_o wherein_o their_o edification_n and_o liberty_n may_v be_v better_o provide_v for_o according_a unto_o rule_n but_o hereon_o the_o reverend_a author_n proceed_v to_o oppose_v such_o particular_a congregation_n or_o church_n i_o think_v as_o unto_o their_o original_n and_o necessity_n for_o so_o he_o speak_v page_z 25_o to_o page_n 26._o but_o i_o must_v needs_o say_v further_o i_o have_v never_o yet_o see_v any_o tolerable_a proof_n that_o the_o church_n plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n be_v limit_v to_o congregation_n howbeit_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v so_o clear_a and_o evident_a in_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o so_o necessary_a from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o that_o many_o wise_a man_n whole_o unconcern_v in_o our_o controversy_n do_v take_v it_o for_o a_o thing_n to_o be_v grant_v by_o all_o without_o dispute_n so_o speak_v chief_a justice_n hobart_n page_n 149._o in_o the_o case_n of_o colt_n and_o glover_n cont_n bishop_n coventry_n and_o litchfield_n and_o we_o know_v well_o that_o the_o primitive_a church_n in_o its_o great_a purity_n be_v but_o voluntary_a congregation_n of_o believer_n submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o apostle_n and_o after_o to_o other_o pastor_n to_o who_o they_o do_v minister_n of_o their_o temporal_n as_o god_n do_v move_v they_o of_o the_o same_o judgement_n be_v those_o who_o esteem_v the_o first_o government_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v democratical_a so_o speak_v paulus_n sharpius_n in_o the_o beginning_n the_o government_n of_o the_o holy_a church_n have_v altogether_o a_o democratical_a form_n all_o the_o faithful_a intervening_a in_o the_o chief_a deliberation_n thus_o we_o see_v that_o all_o do_v intervene_v at_o the_o election_n of_o mathias_n unto_o the_o apostleship_n and_o in_o the_o election_n of_o the_o six_o deacon_n and_o when_o st._n peter_n receive_v cornelius_n a_o heathen_a centurion_n unto_o the_o faith_n he_o give_v a_o account_n of_o it_o to_o all_o the_o church_n likewise_o in_o the_o council_n celebrate_v in_o jerusalem_n the_o apostle_n the_o priest_n and_o the_o other_o faithful_a brethren_n do_v intervene_v and_o the_o letter_n be_v write_v in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o these_o three_o order_n in_o success_n of_o time_n when_o the_o church_n increase_v in_o number_n the_o faithful_a retire_n themselves_o to_o the_o affair_n of_o their_o family_n and_o have_v leave_v those_o of_o the_o congregation_n the_o government_n retain_v only_o in_o the_o minister_n and_o become_v aristocratical_a save_v the_o election_n which_o be_v popular_a and_o other_o also_o of_o the_o same_o judgement_n may_v be_v add_v but_o let_v we_o hear_v the_o reason_v of_o this_o learned_a author_n against_o this_o apprehension_n this_o he_o enter_v upon_o page_z 26._o it_o be_v possible_a at_o first_o there_o may_v be_v no_o more_o christian_n in_o one_o city_n than_o can_v meet_v in_o one_o assembly_n for_o worship_n but_o where_o do_v it_o appear_v that_o when_o they_o multiply_v into_o more_o congregation_n they_o do_v make_v new_a and_o distinct_a church_n under_o new_a officer_n with_o a_o separate_a power_n of_o government_n of_o this_o i_o be_o well_o assure_v there_o be_v no_o mark_n nor_o footstep_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n or_o the_o whole_a history_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n i_o do_v not_o think_v it_o will_v appear_v credible_a to_o any_o considerate_a man_n that_o the_o 5000_o christian_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n make_v one_o state_v and_o fix_v congregation_n for_o divine_a worship_n not_o if_o we_o make_v all_o the_o allowance_n for_o stranger_n which_o can_v be_v desire_v but_o if_o this_o be_v grant_v where_o be_v the_o unalterable_a rule_n that_o assoon_o as_o the_o company_n become_v too_o great_a for_o one_o particular_a assembly_n they_o must_v become_v a_o new_a church_n under_o peculiar_a officer_n and_o a_o independent_a authority_n it_o be_v very_o strange_a that_o those_o who_o contend_v so_o much_o for_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o perfect_a rule_n of_o all_o thing_n pertain_v to_o worship_n and_o discipline_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o produce_v nothing_o in_o so_o necessary_a a_o point_n i_o answer_v 1_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o a_o impartial_a account_n may_v ere_o long_o be_v give_v of_o the_o state_n and_o way_n of_o the_o first_o church_n after_o the_o decease_n of_o the_o apostle_n wherein_o it_o will_v be_v make_v appear_v how_o they_o do_v insensible_o deviate_v in_o many_o thing_n from_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o first_o institution_n so_o as_o that_o though_o their_o mistake_n be_v of_o small_a moment_n and_o not_o prejudicial_a unto_o their_o faith_n and_o order_n yet_o occasion_n be_v administer_v to_o succeed_a age_n to_o increase_v those_o deviation_n until_o they_o issue_v in_o a_o fatal_a apostasy_n a_o eminent_a instance_n hereof_o be_v give_v we_o in_o the_o discourse_n of_o paulus_n sharpius_n about_o matter_n benificiary_a late_o make_v public_a in_o our_o own_o language_n 2_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n herein_o seem_v to_o i_o evident_o to_o be_v exemplify_v in_o the_o scripture_n for_o although_o it_o may_v be_v there_o be_v not_o express_v mention_n make_v that_o these_o or_o those_o particular_a church_n do_v divide_v themselves_o into_o more_o congregation_n with_o new_a officer_n yet_o be_v there_o instance_n of_o the_o erection_n of_o new_a particular_a congregation_n in_o the_o same_o province_n as_o distinct_a church_n with_o a_o separate_a power_n of_o government_n so_o the_o first_o church_n in_o the_o province_n of_o judea_n be_v in_o jerusalem_n but_o when_o that_o church_n be_v complete_a as_o to_o the_o number_n of_o they_o who_o may_v communicate_v therein_o unto_o their_o edification_n the_o apostle_n do_v not_o add_v the_o believer_n of_o the_o adjacent_a town_n and_o place_n unto_o that_o church_n but_o erect_v other_o particular_a congregation_n all_o the_o country_n over_o so_o there_o be_v different_a church_n in_o judea_n galilee_n and_o samaria_n that_o be_v many_o in_o each_o of_o they_o act._n 9_o 31._o so_o the_o apostle_n mention_n the_o church_n of_o god_n that_o be_v in_o judea_n 1_o thes_n 2._o 14._o and_o no_o where_o speak_v of_o they_o as_o of_o one_o church_n for_o worship_n order_n and_o government_n so_o he_o speak_v again_o that_o be_v constant_o gal._n 1._o 22._o i_o be_v unknown_a by_o face_n unto_o the_o church_n of_o judea_n and_o that_o these_o church_n be_v neither_o national_a nor_o diocessans_n but_o particular_a congregation_n be_v as_o i_o suppose_v sufficient_o evident_a so_o be_v it_o in_o the_o province_n of_o galatia_n there_o be_v no_o mention_n of_o any_o church_n therein_o that_o shall_v be_v comprehensive_a of_o all_o the_o believer_n in_o that_o province_n but_o many_o particular_a church_n there_o be_v as_o it_o be_v testify_v chap._n 1._o ver_fw-la 2._o so_o be_v it_o also_o in_o macedonia_n the_o first_o church_n plant_v in_o that_o province_n be_v at_o philipi_n as_o it_o be_v declare_v act._n 16._o and_o it_o be_v quick_o bring_v into_o complete_a order_n so_o as_o that_o when_o the_o apostle_n write_v unto_o it_o there_o be_v
in_o it_o the_o saint_n whereof_o it_o be_v constitute_v with_o bishop_n and_o deacon_n phil._n 1._o 1._o but_o that_o church_n be_v so_o complete_a the_o apostle_n appoint_v other_o particular_a congregational_a church_n in_o the_o same_o province_n who_o have_v officer_n of_o their_o own_o with_o a_o power_n of_o government_n these_o he_o mention_n and_o call_v the_o church_n of_o macedonia_n 2_o cor._n 8._o 1._o 23._o wherefore_o we_o need_v no_o more_o direction_n in_o this_o matter_n then_o what_o be_v give_v we_o by_o the_o apostle_n authority_n in_o the_o name_n and_o authority_n of_o jesus_n christ_n nor_o be_v concern_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o who_o afterward_o take_v another_o course_n of_o add_v believer_n from_o other_o place_n unto_o the_o church_n first_o plant_v unless_o it_o be_v in_o case_n of_o a_o disability_n to_o enjoy_v church-communion_n among_o themselves_o elsewhere_o whatever_o therefore_o be_v pretend_v unto_o the_o contrary_a we_o have_v plain_a scripture_n evidence_n and_o practice_n for_o the_o errect_v particular_a distinct_a congregation_n with_o power_n for_o their_o own_o rule_n and_o edification_n in_o the_o same_o province_n be_v it_o as_o small_a as_o those_o that_o be_v of_o samaria_n or_o galilee_n it_o can_v sure_o be_v say_v that_o these_o church_n be_v national_a whereof_o there_o be_v many_o in_o one_o small_a province_n of_o a_o small_a nation_n nor_o yet_o metropolitical_a or_o diocesan_n nor_o i_o suppose_v will_v it_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o they_o be_v entrust_v with_o power_n to_o rule_n and_o govern_v themselves_o in_o all_o ordinary_a case_n especial_o when_o in_o every_o one_o of_o they_o elder_n be_v ordain_v which_o the_o apostle_n be_v careful_a to_o see_v do_v act._n 14._o 22._o this_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o what_o we_o plead_v as_o unto_o particular_a congregation_n 3._o it_o be_v not_o probable_a that_o any_o of_o the_o first_o church_n do_v for_o a_o long_a time_n increase_v in_o any_o city_n unto_o such_o a_o number_n as_o may_v exceed_v the_o bound_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n or_o congregation_n for_o such_o they_o may_v continue_v to_o be_v notwithstanding_o 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 and_o it_o seem_v if_o they_o do_v begin_v to_o exceed_v in_o number_n beyond_o a_o just_a proportion_n for_o their_o edification_n they_o do_v immediate_o erect_v other_o church_n among_o they_o or_o near_o they_o so_o whereas_o there_o be_v a_o mighty_a increase_n of_o believer_n at_o corinth_n act._n 18._o 10_o there_o be_v quick_o plant_v a_o distinct_a church_n at_o cenchrea_n which_o be_v the_o port_n of_o the_o city_n rom._n 16._o 1._o and_o notwithstanding_o the_o great_a number_n of_o 5000_o that_o be_v convert_v at_o jerusalem_n upon_o the_o first_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n yet_o be_v they_o so_o dispose_v of_o or_o so_o disperse_v that_o some_o year_n after_o this_o there_o be_v such_o a_o church_n only_o there_o as_o do_v meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n as_o occasion_n do_v require_v even_o the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o the_o brethren_n who_o be_v call_v the_o church_n in_o distinction_n from_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n who_o be_v their_o governor_n act._n 15._o 4_o 12._o chap._n 21._o 22._o nor_o be_v that_o church_n of_o any_o great_a number_n when_o they_o all_o depart_v afterward_o and_o go_v out_o unto_o pella_n a_o village_n beyond_o jordan_n before_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o people_n city_n and_o temple_n and_o though_o many_o alteration_n be_v before_o that_o time_n introduce_v into_o the_o order_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o it_o appear_v that_o when_o cyprian_n be_v bishop_n of_o the_o church_n at_o carthage_n that_o the_o whole_a community_n of_o the_o member_n of_o that_o church_n do_v meet_v together_o to_o determine_v of_o thing_n that_o be_v for_o their_o common_a interest_n according_a unto_o what_o be_v judge_v to_o be_v their_o right_n and_o liberty_n in_o those_o day_n which_o they_o can_v not_o have_v do_v have_v they_o not_o all_o of_o they_o belong_v unto_o the_o same_o particular_a church_n and_o congregation_n but_o these_o thing_n may_v be_v plead_v elsewhere_o if_o occasion_n be_v give_v thereunto_o but_o yet_o 4._o i_o must_v say_v that_o i_o can_v discern_v the_o least_o necessity_n of_o any_o positive_a rule_n or_o direction_n in_o this_o matter_n nor_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n require_v by_o we_o on_o the_o like_a occasion_n for_o this_o distribution_n of_o believer_n into_o particular_a congregation_n be_v that_o which_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o the_o duty_n of_o man_n with_o respect_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o such_o church_n do_v indispensible_o require_v for_o what_o be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o church_n for_o which_o they_o be_v institute_v be_v it_o not_o the_o edification_n of_o they_o that_o do_v believe_v they_o will_v find_v themselves_o mistake_v who_o suppose_v that_o they_o be_v design_v to_o be_v subservient_fw-fr unto_o the_o secular_a interest_n of_o any_o sort_n of_o man_n what_o be_v the_o mean_v appoint_v of_o christ_n in_o such_o church_n for_o that_o end_n be_v they_o not_o doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n break_v bread_n and_o prayer_n that_o be_v the_o joint_a celebration_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n in_o preach_v the_o word_n administer_a the_o sacrament_n mutual_a watchfulness_n over_o one_o another_o and_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o discipline_n which_o he_o have_v appoint_v unto_o his_o disciple_n i_o desire_v to_o know_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o need_n of_o a_o new_a revelation_n to_o direct_v man_n who_o be_v oblige_v to_o preserve_v church_n in_o their_o use_n unto_o their_o proper_a end_n to_o take_v care_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o will_v obstruct_v and_o hinder_v they_o in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n unto_o that_o end_n of_o their_o edification_n whereas_o therefore_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o ordinary_o these_o mean_n can_v be_v use_v in_o a_o due_a manner_n but_o in_o such_o church_n as_o wherein_o all_o may_v be_v acquaint_v with_o what_o all_o be_v concern_v in_o the_o very_a institution_n itself_o be_v a_o plain_a command_n to_o plant_v erect_v and_o keep_v all_o church_n in_o such_o a_o state_n as_o wherein_o this_o end_n may_v be_v attain_v and_o therefore_o if_o believer_n in_o any_o place_n be_v so_o few_o or_o so_o destitute_a of_o spiritual_a gift_n as_o not_o to_o be_v able_a of_o themselves_o jont_o to_o observe_v these_o mean_n for_o their_o edification_n it_o be_v their_o duty_n not_o to_o join_v by_o themselves_o in_o a_o church-state_n but_o to_o add_v themselves_o as_o member_n unto_o other_o church_n and_o so_o when_o they_o be_v so_o many_o as_o that_o they_o can_v orderly_o communicate_v together_o in_o all_o these_o ordinance_n in_o the_o way_n of_o their_o administration_n appoint_v in_o the_o scripture_n unto_o the_o edification_n of_o they_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o divine_a institution_n of_o church_n to_o dispose_v of_o their_o church-state_n and_o relation_n into_o that_o way_n which_o will_v answer_v the_o end_v of_o it_o that_o be_v into_o more_o particular_a church_n or_o congregation_n i_o speak_v not_o these_o thing_n in_o opposition_n unto_o any_o other_o church-state_n which_o man_n may_v erect_v or_o establish_v out_o of_o a_o opinion_n of_o its_o usefulness_n and_o conveniency_n much_o less_o against_o that_o communion_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v among_o those_o particular_a church_n or_o their_o association_n for_o their_o common_a rule_n and_o government_n in_o and_o by_o their_o officer_n but_o only_o to_o manifest_v that_o those_o of_o the_o nonconformist_n which_o be_v suppose_v to_o adhere_v unto_o the_o institution_n of_o particular_a church_n in_o a_o peculiar_a way_n do_v not_o thereby_o deserve_v the_o imputation_n of_o so_o great_a and_o intolerable_a a_o gild_n as_o they_o be_v here_o charge_v withal_o and_o whereas_o i_o have_v hereby_o discharge_v all_o that_o i_o design_v with_o respect_n unto_o the_o first_o sort_n of_o nonconformist_n as_o they_o be_v here_o distinguish_v i_o may_v here_o give_v over_o the_o pursuit_n of_o this_o argument_n but_o because_o i_o seek_v after_o truth_n and_o satisfaction_n alone_o in_o these_o thing_n i_o shall_v a_o little_a far_o consider_v what_o be_v offer_v by_o this_o reverend_a author_n unto_o the_o same_o purpose_n with_o what_o we_o have_v pass_v through_o so_o therefore_o he_o proceed_v pag._n 26._o to_o pag._n 27._o if_o that_o of_o which_o we_o read_v the_o clear_a instance_n in_o scripture_n must_v be_v the_o standard_n of_o all_o future_a age_n much_o more_o may_v be_v say_v for_o limit_v church_n to_o private_a family_n then_o to_o particular_a congregation_n for_o do_v we_o not_o read_v of_o the_o church_n that_o
be_v in_o the_o house_n of_o priscilla_n and_o aquila_n at_o rome_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v of_o the_o house_n of_o nymphas_n at_o colosse_n and_o in_o the_o house_n of_o philemon_n at_o laodicea_n why_o then_o shall_v not_o church_n be_v reduce_v to_o particular_a family_n when_o by_o that_o mean_v they_o may_v full_o enjoy_v the_o liberty_n of_o their_o conscience_n and_o avoid_v the_o scandal_n of_o break_v the_o law_n but_o if_o notwithstanding_o such_o plain_a example_n man_n will_v extend_v church_n to_o congregation_n of_o many_o family_n why_o may_v not_o other_o extend_v church_n to_o those_o society_n which_o consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n i_o answer_v 1_o possible_o a_o church_n may_v be_v in_o a_o family_n or_o consist_v only_o of_o the_o person_n that_o belong_v to_o a_o family_n but_o a_o family_n as_o a_o family_n neither_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v a_o church_n for_o as_o such_o it_o be_v constitute_v by_o natural_a and_o civil_a relation_n but_o a_o church_n have_v its_o form_n and_o be_v from_o the_o voluntary_a spiritual_a consent_n of_o those_o whereof_o it_o consist_v unto_o church_n order_n they_o give_v say_v the_o apostle_n their_o own_o self_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o unto_o we_o by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n 2_o cor._n 8._o 5._o neither_o be_v there_o any_o mention_n at_o all_o in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o constitution_n of_o church_n in_o private_a family_n so_o as_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v limit_v thereunto_o 2_o what_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o house_n of_o aquila_n nymphas_n and_o philemon_n do_v not_o at_o all_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v a_o particular_a church_n in_o each_o of_o their_o house_n consist_v only_o of_o their_o own_o family_n as_o such_o but_o only_o that_o there_o be_v a_o church_n which_o usual_o assemble_v in_o their_o respective_a house_n wherefore_o 3_o here_o be_v no_o such_o example_n give_v of_o church_n in_o private_a family_n in_o the_o whole_a scripture_n as_o shall_v restrain_v the_o extent_n of_o church_n from_o congregation_n of_o many_o family_n and_o the_o enquiry_n hereon_o that_o if_o man_n will_v extend_v church_n to_o congregation_n of_o many_o family_n why_o may_v not_o other_o extend_v church_n unto_o those_o society_n which_o consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n have_v not_o any_o force_n in_o it_o for_o they_o who_o extend_v church_n unto_o congregation_n of_o many_o family_n be_v the_o apostle_n themselves_o act_v in_o the_o name_n and_o authority_n of_o jesus_n christ._n it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o ever_o they_o state_v erect_v or_o plant_v any_o one_o church_n but_o it_o be_v compose_v of_o person_n out_o of_o many_o family_n nor_o that_o ever_o they_o confine_v a_o church_n unto_o a_o family_n or_o teach_v that_o family_n though_o all_o of_o they_o believer_n and_o baptize_v be_v church_n on_o the_o account_n of_o their_o be_v family_n so_o other_o may_v extend_v church_n unto_o those_o society_n which_o consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n yet_o not_o so_o as_o that_o those_o who_o can_v comply_v or_o join_v with_o they_o shall_v thereon_o be_v esteem_v schismatic_n see_v such_o society_n be_v not_o appoint_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n if_o such_o society_n be_v so_o constitute_v as_o that_o there_o be_v but_o a_o probable_a plea_n that_o they_o be_v ordain_v by_o christ_n there_o may_v be_v danger_n in_o a_o dissent_n from_o they_o mere_o on_o this_o account_n that_o they_o consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n but_o this_o be_v not_o our_o case_n as_o have_v be_v before_o declare_v the_o remainder_n of_o this_o section_n consist_v in_o a_o account_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o some_o thing_n in_o follow_a age_n this_o though_o of_o importance_n in_o itself_o and_o deserve_v a_o full_a enquiry_n into_o yet_o belong_v not_o unto_o our_o present_a case_n and_o will_v it_o may_v be_v in_o due_a time_n be_v more_o full_o speak_v unto_o those_o suppose_a of_o the_o first_o way_n and_o judgement_n who_o grant_v a_o separation_n from_o the_o establish_a form_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v dismiss_v with_o one_o charge_n more_o on_o and_o plea_n against_o their_o practice_n not_o without_o a_o mixture_n of_o some_o severity_n in_o expression_n pag._n 30._o but_o suppose_v the_o first_o church_n be_v bare_o congregational_a by_o reason_n of_o the_o small_a number_n of_o believer_n at_o that_o time_n yet_o what_o obligation_n lie_v upon_o we_o to_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n we_o live_v in_o to_o reduce_v church_n to_o their_o infant_n stateâ—_n which_o be_v press_v with_o sundry_a consideration_n in_o the_o two_o follow_a page_n but_o we_o say_v 1_o that_o the_o first_o church_n be_v not_o congregational_a by_o reason_n of_o the_o small_a number_n of_o believer_n but_o because_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v limit_v and_o determine_v that_o such_o a_o state_n of_o his_o church_n shall_v be_v under_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o best_o suit_v unto_o all_o the_o end_n of_o their_o institution_n 2_o that_o which_o be_v call_v the_o infant_n state_n of_o church_n be_v in_o truth_n their_o sole_a perfect_a estate_n what_o they_o grow_v up_o unto_o afterward_o most_o of_o they_o we_o know_v well_o enough_o for_o leave_v as_o it_o be_v call_v their_o infant_n state_n by_o degree_n they_o bring_v forth_o at_o last_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n 3_o no_o obligation_n lie_v upon_o we_o from_o hence_o to_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o any_o church_n nor_o do_v we_o do_v so_o let_v what_o will_v be_v pretend_v to_o the_o contrary_n if_o any_o such_o disturbance_n do_v ensue_v upon_o the_o difference_n that_o be_v between_o they_o and_o we_o as_o far_o as_o i_o know_v the_o blame_n will_v be_v find_v lie_v upon_o they_o who_o not_o be_v satisfy_v that_o they_o may_v leave_v the_o first_o state_n of_o the_o church_n under_o a_o pretence_n of_o its_o infancy_n and_o bring_v they_o into_o a_o great_a perfection_n than_o be_v give_v they_o by_o christ_n and_o his_o disciple_n but_o compel_v other_o also_o to_o forego_v their_o primitive_a constitution_n and_o comply_v with_o they_o in_o their_o alteration_n thereof_o the_o remainder_n of_o the_o discourse_n of_o this_o section_n so_o far_o as_o i_o can_v understand_v proceed_v on_o this_o principle_n that_o the_o sole_a reason_n and_o cause_n of_o our_o nonconformity_n be_v this_o persuasion_n of_o the_o divine_a institution_n of_o particular_a church_n but_o all_o man_n know_v that_o this_o be_v otherwise_o this_o of_o all_o thing_n be_v least_o plead_v and_o common_o in_o the_o last_o place_n and_o but_o by_o some_o among_o the_o cause_n and_o reason_n of_o our_o withhold_a communion_n so_o far_o as_o we_o do_v so_o from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o unto_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n wherein_o it_o be_v require_v of_o we_o those_o reason_n have_v be_v plead_v already_o and_o may_v yet_o be_v so_o far_o in_o due_a time_n for_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o discourse_n we_o do_v not_o we_o can_v believe_v that_o the_o due_a and_o peaceable_a observation_n of_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n do_v of_o itself_o give_v any_o disturbance_n unto_o any_o church_n or_o person_n whatever_o nor_o that_o a_o peaceable_a endeavour_n to_o practice_v ourselves_o according_a unto_o those_o institution_n without_o impose_v that_o practice_n on_o they_o can_v be_v just_o unblamable_a we_o do_v not_o we_o can_v believe_v that_o our_o refusal_n of_o a_o total_a compliance_n with_o a_o rule_n for_o order_n discipline_n worship_n and_o ceremony_n in_o the_o church_n not_o give_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n but_o require_v of_o we_o sundry_a thing_n either_o in_o themselves_o or_o as_o require_v of_o we_o direct_o contrary_a unto_o or_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o rule_n and_o direction_n give_v we_o by_o they_o unto_o those_o end_n as_o in_o our_o judgement_n and_o light_n of_o our_o conscience_n be_v do_v in_o and_o by_o this_o rule_n be_v either_o schism_n or_o unblamable_a separation_n we_o do_v judge_v ourselves_o oblige_v to_o preserve_v peace_n and_o unity_n among_o christian_n by_o all_o the_o mean_n that_o christ_n have_v appoint_v for_o that_o end_n by_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o grace_n the_o performance_n of_o all_o duty_n the_o observation_n of_o all_o rule_n and_o direction_n give_v we_o for_o that_o end_n but_o we_o do_v not_o we_o can_v believe_v that_o to_o neglect_v the_o mean_n of_o our_o own_o edisication_n appoint_v unto_o we_o by_o christ_n himself_o to_o cast_v away_o the_o liberty_n wherewith_o he_o have_v make_v we_o free_a and_o to_o destroy_v our_o own_o soul_n for_o ever_o by_o act_v against_o his_o authority_n in_o his_o word_n and_o our_o own_o conscience_n guide_v thereby_o in_o a_o total_a comply_v with_o the_o rule_n propose_v unto_o we_o be_v a_o way_n or_o