own_o sphere_n but_o forasmuch_o as_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n be_v entrust_v of_o god_n with_o the_o care_n of_o religion_n within_o his_o dominion_n and_o have_v a_o civil_a supremacy_n in_o eclesiastical_a affair_n and_o a_o great_a concern_v in_o the_o orderly_a management_n of_o public_a assembly_n he_o be_v authorize_v of_o god_n to_o oversee_v the_o determination_n and_o act_n of_o ecclesiastical_a person_n and_o may_v assume_v to_o himself_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a circumstantial_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n the_o church_n edification_n and_o the_o public_a peace_n keep_v within_o the_o general_n rule_v prescribe_v in_o god_n word_n for_o the_o maintain_n of_o church-unity_n that_o be_v according_a to_o god_n word_n it_o be_v the_o part_n of_o subject_n to_o submit_v to_o what_o their_o governor_n have_v determine_v so_o far_o as_o their_o submission_n be_v allowable_a by_o the_o say_a rule_n and_o it_o be_v the_o part_n of_o governor_n to_o consider_v well_o the_o warrantableness_n of_o their_o determination_n more_o especial_o their_o wisdom_n and_o care_n be_v much_o require_v in_o settle_v the_o right_a bound_n of_o unity_n in_o this_o regard_n the_o term_n of_o admission_n to_o the_o communion_n and_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n must_v be_v no_o other_o than_o what_o the_o declare_a will_n of_o god_n have_v make_v the_o term_n of_o those_o privilege_n and_o which_o will_v shut_v out_o none_o who_o god_n have_v qualify_v for_o and_o call_v to_o the_o same_o the_o set_n of_o other_o boundary_n beside_o the_o iniquity_n thereof_o will_v inevitable_o cause_v division_n the_o apostle_n elder_n and_o brethren_n assemble_v at_o jerusalem_n act_v 15._o 28._o writing_n to_o the_o blieve_a gentile_n declare_v it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o we_o to_o lay_v upon_o you_o no_o great_a burden_n than_o these_o necessary_a thing_n from_o which_o it_o be_v evident_o infer_v that_o the_o burden_n of_o thing_n unnecessary_a ought_v not_o to_o be_v lay_v on_o the_o church_n the_o thing_n enjoin_v by_o that_o assembly_n be_v antecedent_o to_o their_o decree_n either_o necessary_a in_o themselves_o or_o in_o their_o consequent_n according_a to_o the_o state_n of_o thing_n in_o those_o time_n and_o place_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v make_v the_o matter_n of_o a_o strict_a injunction_n especial_o a_o condition_n of_o church_n communion_n and_o privilege_n aught_o to_o have_v some_o kind_n of_o necessity_n in_o it_o antecedent_n to_o its_o imposition_n symbolical_a rite_n or_o ceremony_n institute_v by_o man_n to_o signify_v grace_n or_o duty_n be_v none_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v necessary_a in_o general_n be_v leave_v to_o human_a determination_n for_o this_o or_o that_o kind_n thereof_o they_o have_v no_o necessary_a subserviency_n to_o divine_a institution_n they_o be_v no_o part_n of_o that_o necessary_a decency_n and_o order_n in_o divine_a worship_n without_o which_o the_o service_n will_v be_v undecent_a and_o indeed_o they_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o be_v institute_v or_o rigid_o urge_v in_o any_o time_n or_o place_n whatsoever_o the_o be_v and_o well_o be_v of_o any_o right_o constitute_v church_n of_o christ_n may_v stand_v without_o they_o st._n paul_n resolve_v upon_o the_o case_n of_o use_v or_o refuse_v of_o meat_n and_o the_o observance_n or_o nonobservance_n of_o day_n which_o god_n have_v neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v and_o of_o eat_v of_o those_o meat_n which_o have_v be_v offer_v in_o sacrifice_n to_o idol_n rom._n 14._o and_o 1_o cor._n 8._o that_o no_o man_n put_v a_o stumble_a block_n or_o a_o occasion_n to_o fall_v in_o his_o brother_n way_n the_o command_n here_o give_v extend_v to_o pastor_n and_o governor_n as_o well_o as_o to_o other_o christian_n and_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v in_o act_n of_o government_n as_o well_o as_o in_o other_o act_n st._n paul_n be_v a_o church_n governor_n and_o of_o high_a authority_n yet_o he_o will_v not_o use_v his_o own_o liberty_n in_o eat_v flesh_n much_o less_o will_v he_o impose_v in_o thing_n unnecessary_a to_o make_v his_o brother_n to_o offend_v in_o the_o case_n aforemention_v there_o be_v a_o great_a appearance_n of_o reason_n for_o despise_v censure_v or_o offend_v other_o than_o there_o can_v be_v for_o some_o imposition_n now_o in_o question_n among_o we_o viz._n on_o the_o one_o side_n a_o fear_n of_o partake_v in_o idolatry_n or_o of_o eat_v meat_n that_o god_n have_v forbid_v or_o of_o neglect_v day_n that_o god_n have_v command_v as_o they_o think_v on_o the_o other_o side_n a_o fear_n of_o be_v drive_v from_o the_o christian_a liberty_n and_o of_o restore_v the_o ceremonial_a law_n nevertheless_o the_o apostle_n give_v a_o severe_a charge_n against_o censure_v despise_v or_o offend_v other_o of_o different_a persuasion_n in_o those_o case_n and_o if_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o censure_v or_o despise_v one_o another_o much_o more_o be_v it_o a_o sin_n to_o shut_v out_o of_o the_o communion_n or_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n for_o such_o matter_n the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o church-unity_n evident_o show_v that_o the_o unity_n of_o external_a order_n must_v always_o be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o faith_n and_o holiness_n and_o may_v be_v require_v no_o further_o than_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o church_n peace_n and_o edification_n the_o church_n true_a interest_n lie_v in_o the_o increase_n of_o regenerate_a christian_n who_o be_v her_o true_a and_o live_a member_n and_o in_o their_o mutual_a love_n peace_n and_o concord_n in_o receive_v one_o another_o upon_o those_o term_n which_o christ_n have_v make_v the_o bond_n of_o this_o union_n the_o true_a church_n unity_n be_v comprise_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o these_o follow_a unity_n one_o body_n one_o spirit_n one_o hope_n one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n one_o god_n but_o there_o be_v nothing_o say_v of_o one_o ritual_a or_o set_a form_n of_o sacred_a office_n one_o policy_n or_o model_n of_o rule_n and_o order_n that_o be_v but_o circumstantial_a and_o accidental_a in_o a_o church_n state_n and_o very_o various_a and_o alterable_a while_o the_o church_n abide_v the_o same_o chap._n iii_o of_o schism_n true_o so_o call_v here_o i_o lay_v down_o general_a position_n about_o schism_n without_o make_v application_n thereof_o whether_o these_o position_n be_v right_a or_o wrong_a god_n word_n will_v show_v and_o who_o be_v or_o be_v not_o concern_v in_o they_o the_o state_n of_o thing_n will_v show_v schism_n be_v a_o violation_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o of_o that_o church-unity_n which_o be_v of_o god_n make_v or_o approve_v this_o definition_n i_o ground_n on_o the_o aforecited_a text_n mark_v they_o that_o cause_n division_n and_o offence_n contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n that_o you_o have_v learn_v separation_n and_o schism_n be_v not_o of_o equal_a extent_n there_o may_v be_v a_o separation_n or_o secession_n where_o there_o be_v no_o schism_n for_o schism_n be_v always_o a_o sin_n but_o separation_n may_v be_v a_o duty_n as_o the_o separation_n of_o the_o protestant_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n moreover_o there_o may_v be_v schism_n where_o there_o be_v no_o separation_n the_o violation_n of_o unity_n or_o the_o cause_v of_o division_n may_v be_v not_o only_o by_o withdraw_v but_o by_o any_o cause_v of_o other_o to_o withdraw_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n or_o by_o the_o undue_a cast_n or_o keep_v of_o other_o out_o of_o the_o church_n or_o by_o make_v of_o any_o breach_n in_o religion_n contrary_a to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n by_o look_v back_o to_o the_o nature_n and_o rule_v and_o requisite_n of_o true_a church-unity_n we_o shall_v understand_v the_o true_a nature_n and_o the_o several_a kind_n and_o degree_n of_o schism_n as_o holy_a love_n be_v the_o life_n and_o soul_n of_o church-unity_n so_o that_o aversation_n and_o opposition_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o love_v be_v that_o which_o animate_v the_o sin_n of_o schism_n and_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o heart_n root_n of_o it_o whosoever_o maintain_v love_n and_o make_v no_o breach_n therein_o and_o who_o dissent_v or_o withdraw_v from_o a_o church_n be_v no_o other_o than_o what_o may_v stand_v with_o love_n in_o its_o extent_n be_v no_o schismatic_a the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v primary_o that_o of_o the_o church_n as_o mystical_o the_o breach_n thereof_o lie_v primary_o in_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o spirit_n and_o life_n spiritual_n much_o more_o in_o be_v opposite_a thereunto_o under_o the_o show_n of_o christianity_n also_o in_o the_o languish_a or_o lessen_v of_o spiritual_a life_n especial_o of_o the_o act_n of_o holy_a love_n the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v secondary_o that_o of_o the_o church_n as_o visible_a in_o its_o external_a state_n and_o the_o first_o and_o
chief_a point_n thereof_o be_v in_o the_o essential_o and_o weighty_a matter_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o life_n the_o high_a violation_n thereof_o and_o the_o chief_a point_n of_o schism_n lie_v in_o deny_v or_o enormous_o violate_v the_o say_a essential_o or_o weighty_a matter_n and_o it_o be_v direct_o a_o violation_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o not_o of_o particular_a church_n only_o not_o only_o particular_a person_n but_o church_n yea_o a_o large_a combination_n of_o church_n bear_v the_o christian_a name_n may_v in_o their_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o other_o avow_a practice_n great_o violate_v the_o essential_o or_o very_o weighty_a matter_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o life_n and_o be_v find_v guilty_a of_o the_o most_o enormous_a breach_n of_o unity_n it_o be_v no_o schism_n to_o withdraw_v or_o depart_v from_o any_o the_o large_a combination_n or_o collective_a body_n of_o church_n though_o for_o their_o amplitude_n they_o presume_v to_o style_v their_o combination_n the_o catholic_n church_n that_o maintain_v and_o avow_v any_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n which_o direct_o or_o by_o near_a and_o palpable_a consequence_n overthrow_v the_o say_v essential_o the_o next_o point_n of_o external_a unity_n be_v about_o the_o essential_o and_o integral_n of_o church_n state_n the_o sacrament_n and_o other_o public_a worship_n the_o ministry_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n consider_v as_o of_o christ_n institution_n the_o next_o chief_a point_n of_o schism_n be_v the_o breach_n hereof_o and_o this_o may_v be_v either_o against_o the_o catholic_n or_o a_o particular_a church_n of_o such_o schism_n against_o the_o state_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n there_o be_v these_o instance_n 1._o when_o any_o one_o part_n of_o profess_a christian_n how_o numerous_a soever_o combine_v by_o any_o other_o term_n of_o catholic_n unity_n than_o what_o christ_n have_v make_v account_v themselves_o the_o only_a catholic_n church_n exclude_v all_o person_n and_o church_n that_o be_v not_o of_o their_o combination_n 2._o when_o a_o false_a catholic_n unity_n be_v devise_v or_o contend_v for_o viz._n a_o devise_a unity_n of_o government_n for_o the_o catholic_n church_n under_o one_o terrene_a head_n personal_a or_o collective_a assume_v a_o proper_a govern_v power_n over_o all_o christian_n upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n 3._o when_o there_o be_v a_o utter_a disow_v of_o most_o of_o the_o true_a visible_a church_n in_o the_o world_n as_o have_v no_o true_a church_n state_n no_o not_o the_o essential_o thereof_o and_o a_o utter_a break_v off_o from_o communion_n with_o they_o according_o of_o schism_n against_o a_o particular_a church_n in_o point_n of_o its_o church_n state_n there_o be_v these_o instance_n 1._o the_o renounce_n of_o a_o true_a church_n as_o no_o church_n although_o it_o be_v much_o corrupt_v much_o more_o if_o it_o be_v a_o pure_a church_n though_o somewhat_o faulty_a 2._o a_o utter_a refuse_v of_o all_o act_n of_o communion_n with_o a_o true_a church_n when_o we_o may_v have_v communion_n with_o it_o either_o in_o whole_a or_o in_o part_n without_o our_o personal_a sin_n of_o commission_n or_o omission_n 3._o the_o cause_v of_o any_o division_n or_o distemper_n in_o the_o state_n or_o frame_n of_o a_o true_a church_n contrary_a to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o it_o be_v no_o schism_n to_o disow_v a_o corrupt_a frame_n of_o polity_n supervenient_a to_o the_o essential_o and_o integral_n of_o church_n state_n in_o any_o particular_a church_n or_o combination_n of_o church_n like_o a_o leprosy_n in_o the_o body_n that_o do_v gross_o deprave_v they_o and_o in_o great_a part_n frustrate_v the_o end_n of_o their_o constitution_n the_o last_o and_o low_a point_n of_o external_a unity_n lie_v in_o the_o accidental_a mode_n of_o religion_n and_o matter_n of_o mere_a order_n extrinsic_a to_o the_o essential_o and_o integral_n of_o church-state_n the_o violation_n thereof_o be_v the_o least_o and_o low_a point_n of_o schism_n i_o mean_v in_o itself_o consider_v and_o not_o in_o such_o aggravate_v circumstance_n as_o it_o may_v be_v in_o those_o accidental_a form_n and_o order_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v necessary_a in_o genere_fw-la but_o leave_v in_o specie_fw-la to_o human_a determination_n be_v allow_v of_o god_n when_o they_o be_v determine_v according_a to_o prudence_n and_o charity_n for_o peace_n and_o edification_n and_o according_o they_o be_v to_o be_v submit_v to_o consequent_o it_o be_v one_o point_n of_o schism_n to_o make_v a_o division_n from_o or_o in_o a_o church_n upon_o the_o accountal_a of_o accident_n form_n and_o order_n so_o determine_v according_a to_o god_n allowance_n but_o if_o any_o of_o the_o accidental_n be_v unlawful_a and_o the_o maintain_n or_o practise_v thereof_o be_v impose_v upon_o we_o as_o the_o term_n of_o our_o communion_n it_o be_v no_o schism_n but_o duty_n to_o abstain_v from_o communion_n in_o that_o case_n for_o explicit_o and_o personal_o to_o own_o error_n and_o corruption_n even_o in_o small_a point_n be_v evil_n in_o itself_o which_o must_v not_o be_v commit_v that_o good_a may_v come_v in_o this_o case_n not_o he_o that_o withdraw_v but_o he_o that_o impose_v cause_v the_o division_n and_o this_o hold_v of_o thing_n sinful_a either_o in_o themselves_o or_o by_o just_a consequence_n and_o herein_o he_o that_o be_v to_o act_v be_v to_o discern_v and_o judge_v for_o his_o own_o practice_n whether_o the_o thing_n impose_v be_v such_o for_o god_n law_n suppose_v we_o rational_a creature_n able_a to_o discern_v its_o meaning_n and_o to_o apply_v it_o for_o the_o regulate_v of_o our_o own_o action_n else_o the_o law_n be_v give_v we_o in_o vain_a submission_n and_o reverence_n towards_o superior_n oblige_v no_o man_n to_o resign_v his_o understanding_n to_o their_o determination_n or_o in_o compliance_n with_o they_o to_o violate_v his_o own_o conscience_n person_n meek_a humble_a peaceable_a and_o thorough_o conscientious_a and_o of_o competent_a judgement_n may_v not_o be_v able_a by_o their_o diligent_a and_o impartial_a search_n to_o see_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o thing_n enjoin_v and_o it_o be_v a_o hard_a case_n if_o they_o shall_v thereupon_o be_v declare_v contumacious_a see_v there_o be_v several_a point_n of_o unity_n the_o valuation_n whereof_o be_v to_o be_v make_v according_a to_o their_o different_a value_n man_n judgement_n and_o estimation_n of_o unity_n and_o schism_n be_v very_o preposterous_a who_o lie_v the_o great_a stress_n on_o those_o point_n that_o be_v of_o least_o moment_n and_o raise_v thing_n of_o the_o low_a rank_n to_o the_o high_a in_o their_o valuation_n and_o set_v light_n by_o thing_n of_o the_o great_a moment_n and_o high_a value_n as_o indeed_o they_o do_v who_o set_v light_n by_o soundness_n of_o faith_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n and_o conscientious_a observance_n of_o divine_a institution_n where_o there_o be_v not_o also_o unanimity_n and_o uniformity_n in_o unscriptural_a doctrine_n and_o human_a ceremony_n and_o they_o that_o make_v such_o a_o estimate_n of_o thing_n and_o deal_v with_o minister_n according_o do_v therein_o little_o advance_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o endeavour_v to_o keep_v it_o in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n see_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o church_n unity_n a_o breach_n be_v make_v upon_o it_o when_o other_o bound_n thereof_o be_v set_v than_o this_o rule_n allow_v a_o instance_n hereof_o be_v the_o devise_v of_o other_o term_n of_o church-communion_n and_o ministerial_a liberty_n than_o god_n have_v command_v or_o allow_v in_o his_o word_n to_o be_v make_v the_o term_n thereof_o also_o any_o cast_n or_o keep_v out_o of_o the_o church_n or_o ministry_n such_o as_o god_n word_n do_v not_o exclude_v from_o either_o but_o signify_v to_o be_v qualify_v and_o call_v thereunto_o god_n do_v not_o allow_v on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o imposer_n such_o term_n of_o church_n communion_n or_o ministerial_a station_n as_o be_v neither_o scriptural_a nor_o necessary_a to_o peace_n and_o edification_n nor_o be_v any_o part_n of_o that_o necessary_a order_n and_o decency_n without_o which_o the_o service_n of_o god_n will_v be_v undecent_a nor_o be_v in_o any_o regard_n so_o necessary_a but_o that_o they_o may_v be_v dispense_v with_o for_o a_o great_a benefit_n and_o the_o avoid_n of_o a_o great_a mischief_n and_o they_o be_v find_v guilty_a of_o schism_n that_o urge_v such_o unscriptural_a and_o unnecessary_a thing_n unto_o a_o breach_n in_o the_o church_n such_o imposer_n be_v not_o only_o a_o occasion_n of_o the_o breach_n that_o follow_v but_o a_o culpable_a cause_n thereof_o because_o they_o impose_v without_o and_o against_o christ_n warrant_n who_o will_v not_o have_v his_o church_n to_o be_v burden_v nor_o the_o conscience_n of_o his_o servant_n entangle_v with_o thing_n unnecessary_a nevertheless_o such_o unscriptural_a or_o
subordination_n in_o the_o several_a part_n thereof_o either_o in_o way_n of_o proper_a authority_n or_o of_o mutual_a agreement_n and_o the_o associate_v church_n and_o particular_a member_n therein_o be_v natural_o bind_v to_o maintain_v the_o orderly_a state_n of_o the_o whole_a association_n and_o to_o comply_v with_o the_o rule_n thereof_o when_o they_o be_v not_o repugnant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n a_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n and_o the_o people_n adhere_v to_o he_o be_v not_o declare_v to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a church_n and_o pastor_n within_o such_o a_o precinct_n by_o their_o conjunction_n with_o the_o large_a combination_n of_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n and_o their_o church_n for_o the_o great_a number_n of_o bishop_n may_v in_o such_o manner_n err_v in_o their_o constitution_n as_o to_o make_v right_o inform_v person_n uncapable_a of_o their_o combination_n a_o national_a church_n be_v not_o a_o particular_a church_n proper_o so_o call_v but_o a_o combination_n or_o coagmentation_n of_o particular_a church_n unite_v under_o one_o civil_a supreme_a either_o personal_a as_o in_o a_o monarchy_n or_o collective_a as_o in_o a_o republic_n and_o the_o true_a notion_n thereof_o lie_v not_o in_o any_o combination_n pure_o ecclesiastical_a and_o intrinsical_v but_o civil_a and_o extrinsical_a as_o of_o so_o many_o church_n that_o be_v collect_v under_o one_o that_o have_v the_o civil_a supremacy_n over_o they_o the_o national_a church_n of_o england_n true_o denote_v all_o the_o church_n in_o england_n unite_v under_o one_o supreme_a civil_a church-governour_n the_o king_n majesty_n civil_a magistrate_n as_o such_o be_v no_o constitutive_a part_n of_o the_o church_n the_o christian_a church_n stand_v for_o several_a century_n without_o the_o support_n of_o their_o authority_n but_o supreme_a magistrate_n have_v a_o civil_a supremacy_n in_o all_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n and_o a_o political_a extrinsical_a episcopacy_n over_o all_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n in_o their_o dominion_n and_o may_v compel_v they_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o punish_v they_o for_o negligence_n and_o maladministration_n and_o they_o may_v reform_v the_o church_n when_o they_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o reformation_n the_o possession_n of_o the_o tithe_n and_o temple_n do_v not_o of_o itself_o declare_v the_o true_a pastor_n and_o church_n nor_o do_v the_o privation_n thereof_o declare_v no_o pastor_n and_o no_o church_n for_o these_o be_v dispose_v of_o by_o the_o secular_a power_n which_o of_o itself_o can_v neither_o make_v nor_o make_v void_a a_o pastor_n or_o church_n a_o diocese_n be_v a_o collective_a body_n of_o many_o parish_n under_o the_o government_n of_o one_o diocesan_n if_o the_o several_a parish_n be_v so_o many_o particular_a churce_n and_o if_o their_o proper_a and_o immediate_a presbyter_n be_v of_o the_o same_o order_n with_o those_o which_o in_o scripture_n be_v mention_v by_o that_o name_n and_o be_v no_o other_o than_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n then_o a_o diocese_n be_v not_o a_o particular_a church_n but_o a_o combination_n of_o church_n and_o the_o diocesan_n be_v a_o bishop_n of_o bishop_n or_o a_o governor_n over_o many_o church_n and_o their_o immediate_a bishop_n if_o the_o parish_n be_v not_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v church_n nor_o their_o presbyter_n to_o be_v realy_a bishop_n or_o pastor_n but_o the_o diocese_n be_v hold_v to_o be_v the_o low_a political_a church_n and_o the_o diocesan_n to_o be_v a_o bishop_n of_o the_o low_a rank_n and_o the_o sole_a bishop_n or_o pastor_n of_o all_o the_o include_v parish_n i_o confess_v i_o have_v no_o knowledge_n of_o the_o divine_a right_n of_o such_o a_o church_n or_o bishop_n or_o of_o any_o precept_n or_o precedent_n thereof_o in_o scripture_n for_o every_o particular_a church_n mention_v in_o scripture_n be_v but_o one_o distinct_a state_v society_n have_v its_o own_o proper_a and_o immediate_a bishop_n or_o bishop_n elder_a or_o elder_n pastor_n or_o pastor_n who_o do_v personal_o and_o immediate_o superintend_v over_o the_o whole_a flock_n which_o ordinary_o hold_v either_o at_o once_o together_o or_o by_o turn_n personal_a present_a communion_n with_o each_o other_o in_o god_n worship_n but_o a_o diocese_n consist_v of_o several_a state_v society_n to_o wit_n the_o parish_n which_o be_v constitute_v several_o of_o a_o proper_a and_o immediate_a presbyter_n or_o elder_n have_v cure_n of_o soul_n and_o common_o call_v a_o rector_n and_o the_o people_n which_o be_v his_o proper_a and_o â—…rge_a or_o cure_v and_o the_o people_n of_o thâ—…_n not_o live_v under_o the_o personal_a and_o inâ—…rsight_n of_o their_o diocesan_n but_o under_o â—…legates_n and_o substitute_n nor_o do_v they_o oâ—…ly_o hold_v personal_n present_a communion_n with_o each_o other_o in_o god_n worship_n either_o at_o once_o together_o or_o by_o turn_n nevertheless_o which_o way_n soever_o a_o diocese_n be_v consider_v i_o have_v nothing_o to_o object_n against_o submission_n to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o diocesan_n as_o a_o ecclesiastical_a officer_n establish_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n under_o the_o king_n supremacy_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o office_n of_o presbyterate_a which_o according_a to_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o pastoral_a office_n that_o show_v it_o ought_v to_o be_v exercise_v no_o otherwise_o than_o in_o subordination_n to_o a_o diocesan_n bishop_n christ_n who_o be_v the_o author_n and_o only_o proper_a giver_n of_o all_o spiritual_a authority_n in_o the_o church_n have_v not_o so_o limit_v the_o say_a office_n and_o man_n can_v by_o any_o act_n of_o they_o enlarge_v or_o lessen_v it_o as_o to_o its_o nature_n or_o essential_a state_n or_o define_v it_o otherwise_o than_o it_o be_v state_v of_o christ_n in_o his_o word_n no_o power_n ecclesiastical_a or_o civil_a can_v discharge_v any_o minister_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o ministry_n in_o those_o circumstance_n wherein_o christ_n command_v he_o to_o exercise_v it_o nor_o any_o christian_n from_o those_o duty_n of_o religion_n to_o which_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n oblige_v they_o as_o the_o magistrate_n be_v to_o judge_v what_o law_n touch_v religion_n be_v fit_a for_o he_o to_o enact_v and_o execute_v so_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o use_v a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n about_o their_o own_o pastoral_n act_n and_o all_o christian_n be_v to_o do_v the_o same_o about_o their_o own_o act_n of_o church-communion_n the_o too_o common_a abuse_n of_o the_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n can_v abrogate_v the_o right_a use_n thereof_o it_o be_v so_o necessary_a that_o without_o it_o man_n can_v act_v as_o man_n nor_o offer_v to_o god_n a_o reasonable_a service_n chap._n ii_o of_o true_a church-unity_n when_o the_o name_n of_o unity_n and_o schism_n be_v by_o partiality_n and_o selfishness_n common_o and_o gross_o abuse_v and_o misapply_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n to_o which_o those_o name_n do_v of_o right_o belong_v aught_o to_o be_v diligent_o inquire_v into_o and_o clear_o and_o distinct_o lay_v open_a for_o a_o groundwork_n in_o this_o inquiry_n i_o fix_v upon_o two_o very_a note_a text_n of_o scripture_n the_o one_o be_v eph._n 4._o 3._o endeavour_v to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n the_o other_o be_v rom._n 16._o 17._o mark_v they_o that_o cause_n division_n and_o offence_n contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n that_o you_o have_v learn_v and_o avoid_v they_o the_o former_a guide_v we_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o true_a church-unity_n and_o the_o latter_a show_v we_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o schism_n by_o the_o former_a of_o these_o text_n all_o christian_n be_v oblige_v to_o maintain_v that_o spiritual_a unity_n which_o they_o have_v one_o with_o another_o under_o christ_n their_o head_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o all_o due_a act_n of_o holy_a communion_n in_o peace_n and_o concord_n several_a important_a thing_n be_v here_o to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o 1._o there_o be_v a_o spiritual_a unity_n between_o all_o christian_n in_o the_o form_n of_o one_o mystical_a body_n as_o there_o be_v a_o natural_a unity_n between_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o natural_a body_n the_o member_n be_v many_o be_v one_o body_n and_o member_n one_o of_o another_o 2._o this_o unity_n be_v under_o christ_n as_o the_o head_n of_o it_o what_o the_o head_n be_v to_o the_o natural_a body_n that_o be_v christ_n and_o much_o more_o to_o his_o mystical_a body_n the_o church_n 3._o this_o unity_n of_o christian_n one_o with_o another_o under_o christ_n be_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o therefore_o call_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n the_o head_n do_v seize_v upon_o and_o reside_v in_o all_o the_o faithful_a by_o which_o they_o become_v christ_n mystical_a body_n and_o be_v join_v one_o to_o another_o as_o fellow-member_n 4._o this_o unity_n of_o
those_o bound_n subject_n may_v not_o by_o coercive_a power_n reform_v the_o public_a state_n and_o change_v the_o law_n which_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n but_o let_v it_o be_v consider_v whether_o they_o may_v not_o have_v their_o voluntary_a assembly_n for_o god_n worship_n when_o they_o be_v drive_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o legal_a church_n by_o the_o imposition_n of_o unlawful_a term_n or_o unnecessary_a term_n apprehend_v by_o they_o to_o be_v unlawful_a for_o in_o this_o case_n they_o be_v force_v either_o to_o hold_v such_o assembly_n or_o to_o abide_v perpetual_o without_o those_o spiritual_a privilege_n which_o be_v their_o due_n and_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o their_o salvation_n there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o inimical_a separation_n like_o sedition_n in_o a_o commonwealth_n and_o secregation_n upon_o necessary_a cause_n without_o breach_n of_o charity_n and_o among_o the_o necessary_a cause_n this_o may_v be_v one_o that_o all_o sober_a christian_n who_o for_o conscience_n sake_n can_v submit_v to_o the_o way_n of_o the_o establish_v church_n may_v be_v relieve_v and_o that_o none_o may_v be_v expose_v for_o lack_v of_o that_o relief_n to_o be_v lead_v aside_o into_o the_o error_n of_o the_o wicked_a as_o heresy_n infidelity_n or_o any_o other_o course_n of_o impiety_n indeed_o here_o be_v some_o variation_n from_o the_o ordinary_o regular_a bound_a of_o church_n but_o the_o partition_n of_o one_o church_n from_o another_o by_o local_a bound_n be_v not_o of_o absolute_a necessity_n and_o invariable_a but_o natural_o eligible_a from_o the_o convenience_n thereof_o when_o it_o may_v be_v have_v but_o the_o state_n of_o some_o christian_n may_v be_v such_o as_o to_o compel_v they_o to_o vary_v from_o it_o the_o scope_n hereof_o be_v not_o to_o set_v up_o church_n against_o church_n but_o either_o occasional_a and_o temporary_a assembly_n or_o at_o the_o most_o but_o divers_a church_n distinguish_v by_o their_o several_a place_n of_o assemble_v or_o by_o diversity_n of_o external_a order_n as_o the_o allow_a congregation_n of_o foreigner_n in_o london_n be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o parish_n church_n if_o any_o object_n the_o inconvenience_n that_o may_v follow_v the_o permit_v of_o church_n assembly_n beside_o those_o of_o the_o establish_v order_n the_o answer_n be_v that_o the_o wisdom_n and_o clemency_n of_o ruler_n in_o any_o nation_n where_o this_o case_n may_v be_v suppose_v can_v provide_v that_o as_o few_o as_o may_v be_v shall_v stand_v in_o need_n of_o that_o permission_n by_o fix_v the_o term_n of_o church_n communion_n and_o ministerial_a liberty_n to_o such_o a_o latitude_n as_o may_v comprehend_v all_o the_o more_o moderate_a dissenter_n and_o after_o such_o comprehension_n christian_a charity_n will_v plead_v that_o all_o tolerable_a dissenter_n that_o be_v all_o who_o believe_v and_o live_v as_o christian_n may_v be_v tolerate_v within_o such_o limit_n as_o may_v stand_v with_o public_a peace_n and_o safety_n that_o which_o be_v here_o propose_v may_v make_v for_o the_o relief_n of_o many_o thousand_o serious_a christian_n without_o breach_n of_o the_o external_a order_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v maintain_v and_o be_v not_o set_v up_o to_o the_o hindrance_n of_o thing_n more_o necessary_a it_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o the_o offender_n express_o mark_v out_o by_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o text_n rom._n 16._o 17._o be_v ungodly_a man_n that_o oppose_v or_o pervert_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o be_v sensualist_n and_o deceiver_n disturb_v and_o pollute_v the_o christian_a society_n and_o seduce_v the_o simple_a into_o destructive_a error_n and_o practice_n wherefore_o the_o text_n be_v ill_o apply_v to_o the_o rigorous_a condemnation_n of_o honest_a and_o peaceable_a man_n that_o dissent_v only_o in_o some_o accidental_a or_o inferior_a point_n of_o religion_n for_o which_o the_o apostle_n forbid_v christian_n to_o despise_v or_o judge_v one_o another_o yet_o not_o only_o false_a teacher_n but_o all_o schismatic_n be_v here_o condemn_v under_o this_o description_n viz._n those_o that_o cause_n division_n and_o offence_n and_o though_o they_o be_v not_o direct_a opposer_n of_o sound_a doctrine_n yet_o be_v divider_n or_o disturber_n they_o practise_v contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n which_o teach_v unity_n love_n and_o peace_n but_o still_o it_o must_v be_v observe_v that_o the_o reality_n of_o schism_n lie_v not_o in_o be_v divide_v or_o disorder_v but_o in_o cause_v the_o division_n or_o disturbance_n or_o in_o a_o voluntary_a violation_n of_o or_o depart_v from_o true_a church-unity_n they_o that_o cause_n division_n be_v not_o excuse_v from_o schism_n by_o the_o support_n of_o secular_a power_n nor_o be_v other_o convict_v of_o it_o mere_o by_o the_o want_n of_o that_o support_n the_o magistrate_n power_n in_o sacred_a thing_n be_v accumulative_a not_o destructive_a or_o diminutive_a to_o the_o right_n of_o christ_n minister_n and_o people_n it_o take_v not_o from_o they_o any_o thing_n that_o christ_n have_v grant_v they_o but_o give_v they_o a_o better_a capacity_n to_o make_v use_n thereof_o chap._n iu._n of_o the_o schism_n that_o be_v in_o the_o more_o ancient_a time_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o different_a case_n of_o the_o nonconformist_n in_o these_o time_n of_o those_o party_n which_o be_v ancient_o repute_v schismatic_n as_o violate_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o not_o heretic_n as_o deny_v any_o fundamental_a point_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n the_o novatian_o and_o donatist_n be_v of_o the_o chief_a note_n forasmuch_o as_o both_o these_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o the_o great_a instance_n of_o schism_n it_o may_v be_v requisite_a for_o i_o to_o consider_v the_o true_a state_n of_o their_o separation_n from_o the_o main_a body_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n pass_v by_o accidental_a matter_n and_o insist_v on_o the_o merit_n of_o their_o cause_n according_a to_o their_o main_a principle_n and_o practice_n as_o concern_v the_o donatist_n the_o breach_n make_v by_o they_o have_v this_o rise_n donatus_n with_o his_o complice_n vehement_o oppose_v cecilianus_n who_o have_v be_v choose_v bishop_n of_o carthage_n in_o design_n to_o thrust_v he_o out_o of_o his_o bishopric_n they_o accuse_v he_o of_o be_v ordain_v by_o one_o that_o have_v be_v a_o proditor_n and_o of_o have_v admit_v into_o ecclesiastical_a office_n one_o that_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o like_a fault_n this_o cause_n be_v by_o the_o emperor_n constantine_n appointment_n hear_v before_o several_a council_n and_o many_o judge_n the_o accuser_n still_o fail_v in_o their_o proof_n of_o the_o thing_n object_v cecilianus_n be_v acquit_v and_o confirm_v in_o his_o office_n the_o party_n of_o donatus_n fail_v in_o their_o design_n be_v carry_v in_o a_o boundless_a rage_n of_o opposition_n to_o a_o total_a and_o irreclaimable_a separation_n from_o all_o the_o church_n that_o be_v not_o of_o their_o faction_n and_o become_v very_o numerous_a upon_o a_o pretence_n of_o shun_v the_o contagion_n of_o the_o wicked_a in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o sacrament_n their_o principle_n be_v that_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v no_o where_o to_o be_v find_v but_o among_o themselves_o in_o a_o corner_n of_o africa_n also_o that_o true_a baptism_n be_v not_o administer_v but_o in_o their_o sect._n likewise_o they_o proceed_v to_o great_a tumult_n and_o violence_n and_o rapine_n and_o a_o sort_n of_o they_o call_v circumcelliones_fw-la glory_v in_o a_o furious_a kind_n of_o martyrdom_n partly_o by_o force_v other_o to_o kill_v they_o and_o partly_o by_o kill_v themselves_o the_o novatian_o take_v their_o name_n and_o beginning_n from_o novatus_n a_o presbyter_n first_o at_o carthage_n afterward_o at_o rome_n who_o hold_v that_o they_o who_o lapse_v in_o time_n of_o persecution_n unto_o the_o deny_v of_o christ_n be_v not_o to_o be_v readmit_v unto_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n though_o they_o repent_v and_o submit_v to_o the_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n of_o penance_n he_o separated_z from_o the_o roman_a church_n and_o be_v make_v a_o bishop_n by_o bishop_n of_o his_o own_o judgement_n in_o opposition_n to_o cornelius_n bishop_n of_o rome_n cyprian_n give_v a_o very_a bad_a character_n of_o he_o as_o a_o turbulent_a arrogant_a and_o avaritious_a person_n but_o of_o what_o spirit_n soever_o he_o be_v his_o judgement_n and_o canon_n be_v receive_v among_o many_o that_o be_v of_o strict_a life_n and_o he_o himself_o be_v report_v to_o have_v suffer_v death_n in_o the_o persecution_n under_o valerian_n at_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a acesius_n bishop_n of_o the_o novatian_o be_v ask_v by_o constantine_n whether_o he_o assent_v to_o the_o same_o faith_n with_o the_o council_n and_o to_o the_o observation_n of_o easter_n as_o be_v there_o dercee_v answer_v that_o he_o full_o assent_v to_o both_o then_o be_v again_o ask_v by_o the_o emperor_n why_o
the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n among_o man_n a_o tract_n of_o the_o sound_a state_n of_o religion_n or_o that_o christianity_n which_o be_v describe_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o of_o the_o thing_n that_o make_v for_o the_o security_n and_o increase_n thereof_o in_o the_o world_n design_v its_o more_o ample_a diffusion_n among_o profess_a christian_n of_o all_o sort_n and_o its_o sure_a propagation_n to_o future_a age_n with_o the_o point_n of_o church-unity_n and_o schism_n discuss_v by_o john_n corbet_n london_n print_v for_o thomas_n parkhurst_n at_o the_o bible_n and_o three_o crown_n at_o the_o low_a end_n of_o cheapside_n 1679._o the_o preface_n a_o disquisition_n concern_v religion_n and_o the_o state_n ecclesiastical_a wherein_o several_a party_n be_v vehement_o carry_v divers_a way_n whether_o right_a or_o wrong_n according_a to_o their_o different_a interest_n or_o apprehension_n be_v apt_a to_o stir_v up_o jealousy_n and_o to_o meet_v with_o prejudice_n in_o a_o high_a degree_n and_o therefore_o have_v need_n be_v manage_v as_o advise_o as_o sincere_o it_o be_v humble_o crave_v that_o the_o present_a management_n thereof_o may_v find_v a_o favourable_a reception_n so_o far_o as_o it_o have_v in_o itself_o the_o evidence_n of_o its_o own_o sincerity_n and_o sobriety_n this_o treatise_n be_v not_o frame_v for_o a_o present_a occasion_n or_o any_o temporary_a design_n but_o insist_o upon_o those_o thing_n that_o concern_v the_o church_n universal_o and_o perpetual_o it_o aim_v at_o the_o advancement_n of_o mere_a christianity_n and_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o common_a concernment_n thereof_o it_o leave_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v more_o appropriate_a to_o the_o several_a party_n and_o persuasion_n to_o stand_v or_o fall_v it_o engage_v not_o in_o the_o controversy_n of_o these_o time_n touch_v form_n of_o church_n government_n but_o in_o any_o form_n such_o depravation_n or_o deficiency_n be_v blame_v as_o hinder_v the_o power_n purity_n unity_n stability_n or_o amplitude_n of_o religion_n nothing_o prejudicial_a to_o government_n to_o the_o right_n of_o superior_n and_o civil_a pre-eminences_a or_o to_o decency_n unity_n and_o order_n in_o the_o church_n be_v here_o suggest_v sedition_n and_o faction_n be_v evict_v to_o be_v a_o contradiction_n to_o this_o interest_n which_o can_v hold_v its_o own_o only_a in_o those_o way_n that_o make_v for_o the_o common_a good_a both_o of_o ruler_n and_o subject_n our_o design_n carry_v no_o other_o danger_n than_o the_o more_o ample_a diffusion_n of_o true_a christianity_n and_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n among_o man_n of_o all_o degree_n and_o the_o sure_a propagation_n thereof_o to_o future_a age_n here_o be_v some_o thing_n that_o be_v the_o vital_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o can_v be_v remove_v and_o here_o be_v other_o thing_n of_o conscientious_a or_o prudent_a consideration_n and_o let_v these_o so_o far_o pass_v as_o they_o be_v find_v clear_a and_o cogent_a i_o have_v rather_o be_v charge_v with_o any_o defect_n or_o weakness_n than_o with_o uncharitableness_n and_o therefore_o be_o ready_a to_o renounce_v every_o line_n and_o every_o expression_n in_o this_o book_n that_o can_v stand_v with_o true_a christian_a charity_n in_o the_o utmost_a extent_n thereof_o let_v it_o not_o be_v take_v amiss_o that_o to_o obviate_v suspicion_n or_o prejudice_n i_o declare_v myself_o in_o the_o thing_n here_o follow_v i_o be_o one_o age_v in_o the_o ministry_n and_o by_o reason_n of_o age_n and_o experience_n be_o not_o eager_a for_o any_o party_n but_o mellow_v with_o charity_n towards_o real_a christian_n of_o all_o party_n i_o have_v vehement_o desire_v the_o union_n of_o the_o more_o moderate_a dissenter_n with_o the_o establish_v order_n by_o reasonable_a accommodation_n as_o for_o other_o that_o remain_v dissatisfy_v about_o such_o union_n yet_o believe_v and_o live_v as_o christian_n i_o do_v as_o earnest_o desire_v a_o indulgence_n for_o they_o within_o such_o limit_n as_o may_v stand_v with_o public_a peace_n and_o safety_n though_o i_o be_o cast_v into_o the_o state_n of_o nonconformity_n yet_o i_o be_o willing_a to_o exercise_v the_o ministry_n under_o the_o present_a ecclesiastical_a government_n if_o i_o be_v make_v capable_a thereof_o by_o the_o relaxation_n of_o some_o injunction_n my_o principle_n be_v for_o a_o close_n with_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a and_o laudable_a in_o any_o establish_v government_n and_o for_o a_o bear_n with_o thing_n that_o be_v tolerable_a and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n will_v direct_v they_o to_o turn_v away_o from_o such_o principle_n order_n or_o practice_n as_o tend_v to_o the_o ruin_n or_o the_o great_a endanger_n of_o any_o ecclesiastical_a polity_n that_o retain_v they_o while_o the_o apostolic_a doctrine_n as_o it_o be_v now_o establish_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v maintain_v the_o content_n chap._n i._n the_o nature_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o character_n of_o true_a christian_n chap._n ii_o of_o thing_n pertain_v to_o the_o sound_a state_n of_o christian_a religion_n viz._n holy_a doctrine_n chap._n iii_o the_o order_n of_o divine_a worship_n suitable_a to_o the_o gospel_n dispensation_n chap._n iu._n the_o due_a dispensation_n of_o god_n word_n or_o public_a preach_v chap._n v._o the_o due_a performance_n of_o public_a prayer_n chap._n vi_o the_o right_a administration_n of_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n chap._n vii_o religious_a family-government_n chap._n viii_o private_a mutual_a exhortation_n pious_a discourse_n and_o edify_v conversation_n chap._n ix_o the_o prevalence_n of_o true_a religion_n or_o real_a godliness_n in_o the_o civil_a government_n of_o a_o nation_n chap._n x._o christian_a unity_n and_o concord_n chap._n xi_o a_o good_a frame_n of_o ecclesiastical_a polity_n chap._n xii_o of_o the_o corrupt_a state_n of_o religion_n and_o first_o externalness_n and_o formality_n chap._n xiii_o the_o sectarian_n and_o fanatical_a degeneration_n chap._n fourteen_o of_o the_o way_n of_o preserve_a religion_n uncorrupt_a chap._n xv._n the_o enmity_n of_o the_o world_n against_o real_a godliness_n and_o the_o calumny_n and_o reproach_n cast_v upon_o it_o consider_v chap._n xvi_o religion_n main_a strength_n next_o under_o the_o power_n of_o god_n lie_v in_o its_o own_o intrinsic_a excellency_n chap._n xvii_o religion_n may_v be_v advance_v by_o human_a prudence_n what_o way_n and_o method_n it_o can_v admit_v in_o order_n to_o its_o advancement_n chap._n xviii_o the_o interest_n of_o true_a religion_n lie_v much_o in_o its_o venerable_a estimation_n among_o man_n chap._n xix_o the_o most_o ample_a diffusion_n of_o the_o light_n of_o knowledge_n be_v a_o sure_a mean_n of_o promote_a true_a religion_n chap._n xx._n the_o advantage_n of_o human_a learning_n to_o the_o same_o end_n chap._n xxi_o the_o general_a civility_n or_o common_a honesty_n of_o a_o nation_n make_v it_o more_o general_o receptive_a of_o real_a christianity_n or_o godliness_n chap._n xxii_o the_o increase_n of_o religion_n be_v promote_v by_o be_v make_v as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v passable_a among_o man_n chap._n xxiii_o the_o observe_v of_o a_o due_a latitude_n in_o religion_n make_v for_o the_o security_n and_o increase_n thereof_o chap._n xxiv_o the_o care_n and_o wisdom_n of_o the_o church_n in_o prevent_v and_o cure_v the_o evil_a of_o fanatical_a and_o sectarian_n error_n chap._n xxv_o the_o advancement_n of_o the_o sound_a state_n of_o religion_n by_o make_v it_o national_a and_o the_o settle_a interest_n of_o a_o nation_n chap._n xxvi_o of_o submission_n to_o thing_n impose_v by_o lawful_a authority_n chap._n xxvii_o the_o sure_a and_o safe_a way_n of_o seek_v reformation_n chap._n xxviii_o consideration_n tend_v to_o a_o due_a enlargement_n and_o unity_n in_o church-communion_n chap._n xxix_o whether_o the_o purity_n and_o power_n of_o religion_n be_v lessen_v by_o amplitude_n and_o comprehensiveness_n chap._n xxx_o factious_a usurpation_n be_v destructive_a to_o religion_n interest_n chap._n xxxi_o of_o lead_v and_o follow_v and_o of_o combination_n chap._n xxxii_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o high_a power_n in_o promote_a the_o religionsness_n of_o their_o people_n chap._n xxxiii_o the_o church_n true_a interest_n to_o be_v pursue_v by_o ecclesiastical_a person_n the_o conclusion_n a_o book_n entitle_v the_o interest_n of_o england_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n in_o two_o part_n former_o publish_v by_o the_o same_o author_n pag._n 7._o lin_v 3._o read_v service_n pag._n 19_o l._n 11._o read_v whereas_o pag._n 27._o l._n 24._o read_v so_o pag._n 28._o l._n 14._o read_v be_v pag._n 29._o l._n 14._o read_v regardable_a pag._n 31._o l._n 16._o read_v this_o ib._n l._n 18._o read_v apposite_a pag._n 39_o l._n 14._o read_v be_v able_a to_o make_v pag._n 41._o l._n 31._o read_v affect_v pag._n 53._o l._n 19_o read_v for_o the_o pag._n 59_o l._n 5._o read_v face_n of_o pag._n 60._o l._n 12._o read_v exercise_n pag._n 67._o l._n 3._o read_v religion_n pag._n 71._o l._n
the_o spirit_n among_o christian_n be_v witness_v maintain_v and_o strengthen_v by_o their_o holy_a communion_n of_o love_n and_o peace_n one_o with_o another_o but_o be_v darken_v weaken_a and_o lessen_v by_o their_o uncharitable_a dissension_n hence_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o unity_n here_o commend_v be_v primary_o that_o of_o the_o church_n in_o its_o internal_a and_o invisible_a state_n or_o the_o union_n and_o communion_n of_o saint_n have_v in_o themselves_o the_o spirit_n and_o life_n and_o power_n of_o christianity_n it_o be_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n we_o be_v charge_v to_o keep_v in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n but_o concord_n in_o any_o external_a order_n with_o a_o vital_a union_n with_o christ_n and_o holy_a soul_n his_o live_a member_n be_v not_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v to_o partake_v of_o the_o same_o new_a nature_n and_o divine_a life_n secondary_o it_o be_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n in_o its_o external_a and_o visible_a state_n which_o be_v consequent_a and_o subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o internal_a and_o stand_v in_o the_o profession_n and_o appearance_n of_o it_o in_o the_o profess_a observation_n of_o the_o duty_n arise_v from_o it_o where_o there_o be_v not_o a_o credible_a profession_n of_o faith_n unfeigned_a and_o true_a holiness_n there_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o the_o external_a and_o visible_a unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n therefore_o a_o sensual_a earthly_a generation_n of_o man_n who_o be_v apparent_o lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o world_n and_o not_o by_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v of_o god_n have_v little_a cause_n to_o glory_n in_o their_o adhere_n to_o a_o external_a church_n order_n whatsoever_o it_o be_v holy_a love_n which_o be_v unself_v and_o impartial_a be_v the_o life_n and_o soul_n of_o this_o unity_n without_o which_o it_o be_v but_o a_o dead_a thing_n as_o the_o body_n without_o the_o soul_n be_v dead_a and_o this_o love_n be_v the_o bond_n of_o perfectness_n that_o cement_n that_o hold_v altogether_o in_o this_o mystical_a society_n for_o this_o be_v seat_v in_o the_o several_a member_n dispose_v they_o to_o look_v not_o to_o their_o own_o thing_n but_o also_o to_o the_o thing_n of_o other_o and_o not_o to_o the_o undue_a advancement_n of_o a_o party_n but_o to_o the_o common_a good_a of_o the_o whole_a body_n whosoever_o want_v this_o love_n have_v no_o vital_a union_n with_o christ_n and_o the_o church_n and_o no_o part_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n the_o church_n be_v much_o more_o ennoble_v strengthen_v and_o every_o way_n bless_v by_o the_o communion_n of_o holy_a love_n among_o all_o its_o live_a member_n or_o real_a christian_n than_o by_o a_o outside_n uniformity_n in_o the_o minute_n circumstance_n or_o accidental_a mode_n of_o religion_n by_o this_o love_n it_o be_v more_o beautiful_a and_o lovely_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o all_o intelligent_a beholder_n than_o by_o outward_a pomp_n and_o ornament_n or_o any_o worldly_a splendour_n the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n as_o visible_a whether_o catholic_n or_o particular_a may_v be_v consider_v in_o a_o threefold_a respect_n or_o in_o three_o very_a different_a point_n the_o first_o and_o chief_a point_n thereof_o be_v in_o the_o essential_o and_o all_o weighty_a matter_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o life_n the_o second_o and_o next_o in_o account_n be_v in_o the_o essential_o and_o integral_n of_o church_n state_n that_o be_v in_o the_o christian_a church-worship_n ministry_n and_o discipline_n consider_v as_o of_o christ_n institution_n and_o abstract_v from_o all_o thing_n superad_v by_o man_n the_o three_o and_o low_a point_n be_v in_o those_o extrinsical_a and_o accidental_a form_n and_o order_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v necessary_a in_o genere_fw-la but_o leave_v in_o specie_fw-la to_o human_a determination_n of_o these_o several_a point_n of_o unity_n there_o be_v to_o be_v a_o different_a valuation_n according_a to_o their_o different_a value_n our_o first_o and_o chief_a regard_n be_v due_a to_o the_o first_o and_o chief_a point_n which_o respect_v christian_a faith_n and_o life_n the_o next_o regard_n be_v due_a to_o that_o which_o be_v next_o in_o value_n that_o which_o respect_v the_o very_a constitution_n or_o frame_n of_o a_o church_n and_o regard_n be_v to_o be_v have_v of_o that_o also_o which_o respect_v the_o accidental_n of_o religion_n yet_o in_o its_o due_a place_n and_o not_o before_o thing_n of_o great_a weight_n and_o worth_n thing_n be_v of_o a_o very_a different_a nature_n and_o importance_n to_o the_o church_n good_a estate_n and_o a_o great_a or_o lesser_a stress_n must_v be_v lay_v upon_o unity_n in_o they_o as_o the_o thing_n themselves_o be_v of_o great_a or_o lesser_a moment_n the_o rule_n or_o law_n of_o church_n unity_n be_v not_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o the_o will_n of_o god_n whosoever_o keep_v that_o unity_n which_o have_v god_n word_n for_o its_o rule_n keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o whosoever_o boast_v of_o a_o unity_n that_o be_v not_o square_v by_o this_o rule_n his_o boast_n be_v but_o vain_a a_o hypothesis_n that_o nothing_o in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n be_v lawful_a but_o what_o be_v express_o prescribe_v in_o scripture_n be_v by_o some_o false_o ascribe_v to_o a_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o earnest_o contend_v for_o the_o scripture_n sufficiency_n and_o perfection_n for_o the_o regulate_v of_o divine_a worship_n and_o the_o whole_a state_n of_o religion_n god_n in_o his_o word_n have_v prescribe_v all_o those_o part_n of_o his_o worship_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v perform_v to_o he_o he_o have_v likewise_o therein_o institute_v those_o officer_n that_o be_v to_o be_v the_o administrator_n of_o his_o public_a worship_n in_o church_n assembly_n and_o have_v define_v the_o authority_n and_o duty_n of_o those_o officer_n and_o all_o the_o essential_o and_o integral_n of_o church_n state_n as_o for_o the_o circumstantial_o and_o accidental_n belong_v to_o all_o the_o thing_n aforesaid_a he_o have_v lay_v down_o general_a rule_n for_o the_o regulation_n thereof_o the_o particular_n be_v both_o needless_a and_o impossible_a to_o be_v enumerate_v and_o define_v in_o this_o point_n god_n have_v declare_v his_o mind_n deut._n 4._o 2._o you_o shall_v not_o add_v unto_o the_o word_n which_o i_o command_v you_o neither_o shall_v you_o diminish_v aught_o from_o it_o deut._n 12._o 32._o what_o soever_o thing_n i_o command_v you_o observe_v to_o do_v it_o thou_o shall_v not_o add_v thereto_o nor_o diminish_v from_o it_o the_o prohibition_n be_v not_o mere_o of_o alter_v the_o rule_n god_n write_a word_n by_o addition_n or_o diminution_n but_o of_o do_v more_o or_o less_o than_o the_o rule_n require_v as_o the_o precept_n be_v not_o of_o preserve_v the_o rule_n but_o of_o observe_v what_o be_v command_v in_o it_o such_o human_a institution_n in_o divine_a worship_n as_o be_v in_o mere_a subserviency_n to_o divine_a institution_n for_o the_o necessary_a and_o convenient_a modify_n and_o order_v thereof_o be_v not_o proper_o addition_n to_o god_n commandment_n for_o they_o be_v of_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n end_n and_o use_v with_o the_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v command_v but_o of_o mere_a circumstantial_o and_o accidental_n belong_v to_o those_o thing_n and_o these_o circumstantial_o be_v in_o genere_fw-la necessary_a to_o the_o performance_n of_o divine_a institution_n and_o be_v general_o command_v in_o the_o word_n though_o not_o in_o particular_a but_o be_v to_o be_v determine_v in_o specie_fw-la by_o those_o to_o who_o the_o power_n of_o such_o determination_n belong_v they_o that_o assert_v and_o stand_v to_o this_o only_a rule_n provide_v best_a for_o the_o unity_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n for_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o reject_v whatsoever_o they_o find_v contrary_a to_o this_o rule_n they_o be_v more_o easy_o keep_v within_o the_o bound_n of_o acceptable_a worship_n and_o all_o warrantable_a obedience_n they_o lay_v the_o great_a weight_n on_o thing_n of_o the_o great_a worth_n and_o moment_n they_o careful_o regard_v all_o divine_a institution_n and_o whatsoever_o god_n have_v command_v and_o they_o maintain_v love_n and_o peace_n and_o mutual_a forbearance_n towards_o one_o another_o in_o the_o more_o inconsiderable_a diversity_n of_o opinion_n and_o practice_n those_o thing_n that_o be_v leave_v to_o human_a determination_n the_o pastor_n bishop_n or_o elder_n do_v ancient_o determine_v for_o their_o own_o particular_a church_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v very_o reasonable_a and_o natural_o convenient_a that_o they_o who_o be_v the_o administrator_n of_o divine_a institution_n and_o have_v the_o conduct_n of_o the_o people_n in_o divine_a worship_n and_o know_v best_a what_o be_v most_o expedient_a for_o their_o own_o society_n shall_v be_v entrust_v with_o the_o determination_n of_o necessary_a circumstance_n within_o their_o
of_o word_n you_o have_v hear_v brethren_n as_o well_o in_o your_o private_a examination_n and_o in_o the_o exhortation_n and_o holy_a lesson_n take_v out_o of_o the_o gospel_n and_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n of_o what_o dignity_n and_o how_o great_a importance_n this_o office_n be_v whereto_o you_o be_v call_v that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o messenger_n the_o watchmen_z the_o pastor_n and_o steward_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o teach_v to_o premonish_v to_o feed_v to_o provide_v for_o the_o lord_n family_n i_o mention_v my_o ordination_n according_a to_o the_o episcopal_a form_n because_o it_o be_v of_o great_a esteem_n with_o they_o to_o who_o this_o representation_n be_v more_o especial_o tender_v nevertheless_o i_o own_o the_o validity_n of_o presbyterial_a ordination_n and_o judge_v that_o minister_n so_o ordain_v may_v make_v the_o same_o defence_n for_o exercise_v the_o ministry_n in_o the_o same_o case_n that_o be_v here_o represent_v christ_n be_v the_o author_n and_o the_o only_a proper_a giver_n of_o this_o office_n and_o though_o he_o give_v it_o by_o the_o mediation_n of_o man_n yet_o not_o by_o they_o as_o give_v the_o office_n but_o as_o instrument_n of_o the_o designation_n or_o of_o the_o solemn_a investiture_n of_o the_o person_n to_o who_o he_o give_v it_o as_o the_o king_n be_v the_o immediate_a giver_n of_o the_o power_n of_o a_o mayor_n in_o a_o town_n corporate_a when_o he_o give_v it_o by_o the_o mediation_n of_o elector_n and_o certain_a officer_n only_o as_o instrument_n of_o the_o designation_n or_o of_o the_o solemn_a investiture_n of_o the_o person_n i_o be_o not_o conscious_a of_o disable_n myself_o to_o the_o sacred_a ministration_n that_o belong_v to_o the_o office_n of_o a_o presbyter_n by_o any_o opinion_n or_o practice_n that_o may_v render_v i_o unfit_a for_o the_o same_o touch_v which_o matter_n i_o humble_o offer_v myself_o to_o the_o trial_n of_o my_o superior_n to_o be_v make_v according_a to_o god_n word_n nothing_o necessary_a to_o authorise_v i_o to_o those_o ministration_n be_v want_v that_o i_o know_v of_o i_o be_o christ_n commissioned_n officer_z and_o i_o do_v not_o find_v that_o he_o have_v revoke_v the_o authority_n which_o i_o have_v receive_v from_o he_o and_o without_o the_o warrant_n of_o his_o law_n no_o man_n can_v take_v it_o from_o i_o nor_o do_v i_o find_v that_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o office_n or_o the_o declare_a will_n of_o christ_n require_v that_o it_o be_v exercise_v no_o otherwise_o than_o in_o subordination_n to_o a_o disocesan_n bishop_n that_o i_o do_v not_o exercise_v the_o ministry_n under_o the_o regulation_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o diocese_n and_o in_o other_o circumstance_n according_a to_o the_o present_a establish_a order_n the_o cause_n be_v not_o in_o i_o who_o be_o ready_a to_o submit_v thereunto_o but_o a_o bar_n be_v lay_v against_o i_o by_o the_o injunction_n of_o some_o term_n in_o the_o lawfulness_n whereof_o i_o be_o not_o satisfy_v whereof_o i_o be_o ready_a to_o give_v a_o account_n when_o it_o be_v require_v i_o do_v not_o understand_v that_o i_o be_o under_o any_o oath_n or_o promise_n to_o exercise_v the_o ministry_n no_o otherwise_o than_o in_o subordination_n to_o the_o bishop_n or_o the_o ordinary_a of_o the_o place_n the_o promise_n make_v at_o my_o ordination_n to_o obey_v my_o ordinary_a and_o other_o chief_a minister_n to_o who_o the_o government_n and_o charge_n over_o i_o be_v commit_v concern_v i_o only_o as_o a_o presbyter_n stand_v in_o relation_n to_o the_o bishop_n or_o ordinary_a as_o one_o of_o the_o clergy_n of_o the_o diocese_n or_o other_o peculiar_a jurisdiction_n in_o which_o relation_n i_o do_v not_o now_o stand_v be_v cast_v out_o and_o make_v uncapable_a thereof_o moreover_o in_o whatsoever_o capacity_n i_o now_o stand_v the_o say_a promise_n must_v be_v understand_v either_o limited_o or_o without_o limitation_n if_o limited_o as_o in_o thing_n lawful_a and_o honest_a as_o i_o conceive_v it_o ought_v to_o be_v understand_v than_o i_o be_o not_o bind_v by_o it_o in_o the_o present_a case_n for_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a nor_o honest_a for_o i_o to_o comply_v with_o the_o now_o enjoin_v conformity_n against_o my_o conscience_n or_o in_o case_n of_o such_o necessitate_a noncompliance_n to_o desist_v from_o the_o ministry_n that_o i_o have_v receive_v in_o the_o lord_n if_o it_o be_v understand_v without_o limitation_n it_o be_v a_o sinful_a promise_n in_o the_o matter_n thereof_o and_o thereupon_o void_a absolute_a and_o unlimited_a obedience_n to_o man_n may_v not_o be_v promise_v let_v it_o be_v consider_v also_o that_o the_o object_v promise_n can_v not_o bind_v i_o to_o more_o than_o the_o conformity_n then_o require_v but_o since_o my_o ordination_n and_o promise_n then_o make_v the_o state_n of_o conformity_n have_v be_v much_o alter_v by_o the_o injunction_n of_o more_o and_o to_o i_o hard_a term_n than_o former_o be_v enjoin_v when_o i_o be_v ordain_v i_o think_v that_o the_o term_n then_o require_v be_v such_o as_o may_v be_v lawful_o submit_v to_o but_o young_a man_n such_o as_o i_o then_o be_v may_v be_v easy_o draw_v to_o subscribe_v to_o thing_n public_o enjoin_v and_o so_o become_v engage_v before_o they_o have_v well_o consider_v the_o ordainer_n or_o ordainer_n who_o design_v i_o to_o this_o office_n of_o christ_n donation_n and_o not_o they_o can_v not_o by_o any_o act_n of_o they_o lessen_v it_o as_o to_o its_o nature_n or_o essential_a state_n nor_o can_v they_o derogate_v from_o christ_n authority_n over_o i_o and_o the_o obligation_n which_o he_o have_v lay_v upon_o i_o to_o discharge_v the_o office_n with_o which_o he_o have_v entrust_v i_o that_o a_o necessity_n be_v lay_v upon_o i_o in_o my_o present_a state_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n i_o be_o full_o persuade_v in_o regard_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o soul_n which_o cry_v aloud_o for_o all_o the_o help_n that_o can_v posible_o be_v give_v by_o christ_n minister_n whether_o conformist_n or_o nonconformist_n the_o necessary_a mean_n of_o their_o salvation_n be_v more_o valuable_a than_o mere_a external_a order_n or_o uniformity_n in_o thing_n accidental_a i_o receive_v the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o sacrament_n according_a to_o the_o article_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o be_o ready_a to_o subscribe_v the_o same_o i_o have_v join_v and_o still_o be_o ready_a to_o join_v with_o the_o legal_o establish_a church_n in_o their_o public_a worship_n the_o matter_n of_o my_o sacred_a ministration_n have_v be_v always_o consonant_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n and_o particular_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n i_o meddle_v not_o with_o our_o present_a difference_n but_o insist_v on_o the_o great_a and_o necessary_a point_n of_o christian_a religion_n i_o design_v not_o the_o promote_a of_o a_o sever_a party_n but_o of_o mere_a christianity_n or_o godliness_n i_o be_o willing_a to_o comply_v with_o the_o will_n of_o my_o superior_n as_o far_o as_o be_v possible_a with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n and_o to_o return_v to_o my_o ministerial_a station_n in_o the_o establish_v church_n may_v i_o be_v but_o dispense_v with_o in_o the_o injunction_n with_o which_o my_o conscience_n till_o i_o be_v otherwise_o inform_v forbid_v i_o to_o comply_v in_o the_o whole_a of_o my_o dissent_n from_o the_o say_a injunction_n i_o can_v not_o be_v charge_v with_o deny_v any_o thing_n essential_a to_o christian_a faith_n and_o life_n or_o to_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o church_n or_o any_o of_o the_o weighty_a matter_n of_o religion_n or_o with_o be_v in_o any_o thing_n inconsistent_a with_o good_a order_n and_o government_n my_o case_n as_o i_o have_v sincere_o set_v it_o forth_o i_o humble_o represent_v to_o the_o clemency_n of_o my_o governor_n and_o to_o the_o charity_n equity_n and_o â—â—â—â—â—r_n of_o all_o christ_n minister_n and_o people_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d e_o i_o design_n to_o follow_v after_o the_o thing_n which_o make_v for_o peace_n and_o i_o hope_v i_o be_o not_o mistake_v in_o the_o way_n to_o it_o i._o c._n finis_fw-la book_n late_o print_v for_o tho._n parkhurst_n at_o the_o bible_n and_o three_o crown_n in_o cheapside_n one_o hundred_o of_o select_a sermon_n upon_o several_a occasion_n by_o tho._n horton_n d._n d._n sermon_n on_o the_o four_o psal._n 42._o psal._n 51._o and_o 63._o psal._n by_o tho._n horton_n d._n d._n a_o complete_a martyrology_n both_o of_o foreign_a and_o english_a martyr_n with_o the_o life_n of_o 26_o modern_a divine_n by_o sam._n clark_n a_o discourse_n of_o actual_a providence_n by_o john_n collings_n d._n d._n a_o exposition_n on_o the_o 5_o first_o chapter_n of_o the_o revelation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n by_o charles_n phelpes_n a_o discourse_n of_o grace_n and_o temptation_n by_o tho._n froysall_n the_o revival_n of_o grace_n sacramental_a reflection_n on_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n as_o testator_n a_o sacrifice_n and_o curse_n by_o john_n hurst_n a_o glimpse_n of_o eternity_n to_o awake_v sinner_n and_o comfort_n saint_n by_o ab._n coley_n which_o be_v the_o church_n or_o a_o answer_n to_o the_o question_n where_o be_v your_o church_n before_o luther_n by_o rich._n baxter_n the_o husbandman_n companion_n or_o meditation_n suitable_a for_o farmer_n in_o order_n to_o spiritualise_v their_o employment_n by_o edward_n bury_n mr._n adam_n exposition_n of_o the_o assemb_v catechism_n show_v its_o harmony_n with_o the_o article_n and_o homily_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n the_o present_a state_n of_o new-england_n with_o the_o history_n of_o their_o war_n with_o the_o indies_n popery_n a_o enemy_n to_o truth_n and_o civil_a government_n by_o jo._n sheldeck_n spell_a book_n for_o child_n by_o tho._n lye_n principal_n of_o christian_a religion_n with_o practical_a application_n to_o each_o head_n by_o tho._n gouge_n almost_o christian_n by_o matth._n mead._n godly_a man_n ark_n by_o edmund_n calamy_n heaven_n and_o hell_n on_o earth_n in_o a_o good_a or_o bad_a conscience_n by_o nath._n vincent_n little_a catechism_n for_o child_n with_o short_a history_n which_o may_v both_o please_v and_o profit_v they_o by_o nath._n vincent_n ark_n of_o the_o covenant_n with_o a_o epistle_n prefix_v by_o john_n owen_n d._n d._n this_o author_n have_v late_o publish_v this_o book_n entitle_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n among_o man_n a_o tract_n of_o the_o sound_a state_n of_o religion_n or_o that_o christianity_n which_o be_v describe_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o of_o thing_n that_o make_v for_o the_o security_n and_o increase_n thereof_o in_o the_o world_n design_v its_o more_o ample_a diffusion_n among_o profess_a christian_n of_o all_o sort_n and_o its_o sure_a propagation_n to_o future_a age_n print_a for_o tho._n parkhurst_n