soon_o after_o it_o begin_v to_o appear_v and_o when_o some_o have_v thus_o miscarry_v and_o other_o stick_v to_o the_o apostolical_a frame_n of_o thing_n this_o may_v quick_o breed_v a_o diversity_n 3._o it_o will_v easy_o appear_v to_o any_o who_o read_v this_o chap._n that_o all_o the_o author_n discourse_n tend_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o ancient_a church_n think_v not_o episcopacy_n to_o be_v jure_fw-la divino_fw-la let_v they_o who_o be_v concern_v answer_v he_o in_o this_o if_o they_o can_v i_o be_o convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o say_v but_o let_v we_o take_v a_o short_a view_n of_o the_o ground_n on_o which_o he_o establish_v what_o he_o assert_v in_o this_o chap._n sect._n 2._o the_o first_o be_v that_o the_o extent_n of_o the_o power_n of_o church-officer_n do_v increase_v mere_o from_o the_o enlargement_n of_o the_o bound_n of_o church_n which_o he_o make_v out_o in_o 4_o step_n or_o period_n the_o first_o be_v when_o church_n be_v the_o same_o with_o christian_n in_o a_o whole_a city_n and_o here_o he_o handle_v 3_o thing_n first_o he_o show_v that_o the_o primitive_a constitution_n of_o church_n be_v in_o a_o society_n of_o christian_n in_o the_o same_o city_n where_o he_o will_v have_v the_o name_n church_n in_o scripture_n to_o be_v only_o give_v to_o that_o not_o to_o a_o particular_a congregation_n meet_v in_o one_o place_n i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o the_o name_n be_v give_v as_o he_o say_v because_o of_o that_o confederacy_n in_o discipline_n among_o divers_a congregation_n in_o one_o city_n yet_o neither_o the_o name_n nor_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o church_n must_v be_v deny_v to_o a_o single_a congregation_n for_o a_o church_n in_o scripture-language_n be_v a_o company_n meet_v together_o to_o serve_v god_n now_o this_o agree_v well_o to_o a_o single_a congregation_n see_v in_o it_o not_o only_a word_n and_o sacrament_n be_v administer_v but_o also_o discipline_n be_v exercise_v as_o shall_v anon_o appear_v all_o that_o he_o say_v prove_v the_o former_a use_n of_o the_o word_n but_o nothing_o against_o this_o latter_a 2._o he_o speak_v of_o the_o government_n of_o these_o church_n p._n 352._o and_o that_o 1._o before_o parish_n or_o distinct_a congregation_n be_v settle_v 2._o after_o they_o be_v settle_v about_o which_o he_o large_o dispute_v when_o it_o begin_v which_o be_v not_o to_o our_o purpose_n in_o both_o case_n he_o say_v they_o be_v rule_v in_o common_a and_o p._n 354._o that_o it_o be_v a_o weak_a conceit_n to_o think_v that_o after_o the_o settle_n of_o congregation_n every_o one_o have_v a_o distinct_a presbytery_n to_o rule_v it_o and_o p._n 356._o this_o crumble_a say_v he_o of_o church-power_n into_o every_o congregation_n be_v a_o thing_n absolute_o disow_v by_o the_o great_a and_o most_o learned_a patron_n of_o presbytery_n beyond_o the_o sea_n as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o calv._n beza_n salmasius_n blondel_n gerson_n bucer_n and_o other_o i_o do_v ready_o yield_v to_o he_o that_o it_o be_v most_o probable_a that_o in_o time_n of_o persecution_n particular_a congregation_n can_v not_o be_v soon_o settle_v and_o that_o then_o where_o there_o be_v in_o one_o city_n more_o christian_n than_o can_v meet_v in_o one_o place_n they_o be_v rule_v only_o in_o common_a yea_o and_o have_v their_o meeting_n for_o worship_n occasional_o as_o they_o can_v also_o we_o grant_v that_o when_o congregation_n be_v settle_v the_o several_a congregration_n in_o one_o city_n be_v rule_v by_o one_o common_a presbytery_n make_v up_o of_o the_o officer_n of_o they_o all_o but_o that_o they_o have_v not_o their_o distinct_a presbyter_n that_o rule_v they_o several_o in_o subordination_n to_o this_o superior_a presbyter_n we_o utter_o deny_v and_o i_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o too_o supercilious_a assertion_n to_o call_v this_o a_o weak_a conceit_n see_v it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o it_o have_v be_v the_o judgement_n of_o man_n with_o who_o for_o ability_n i_o think_v mr._n still_o modesty_n will_v not_o suffer_v he_o to_o compare_v himself_o but_o what_o ever_o be_v of_o the_o ability_n of_o they_o who_o own_o it_o there_o be_v reason_n for_o it_o so_o weighty_a as_o may_v excuse_v it_o from_o weakness_n which_o be_v this_o single_a congregation_n meet_v ordinary_o together_o for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n can_v but_o have_v many_o affair_n that_o do_v only_o concern_v they_o not_o the_o other_o church_n or_o congregation_n in_o the_o same_o city_n as_o admission_n or_o exclusion_n of_o their_o member_n from_o the_o lord_n supper_n rebuke_v they_o consult_v about_o the_o time_n and_o order_n of_o their_o administration_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v very_o unfit_a to_o bring_v all_o these_o thing_n in_o prima_fw-la instantia_fw-la to_o the_o presbytery_n that_o rule_v in_o common_a this_o i_o confirm_v out_o of_o what_o himself_o have_v write_v p._n 368._o he_o say_v that_o country_n church_n have_v their_o own_o ruler_n who_o rule_v they_o though_o with_o subordination_n to_o those_o in_o the_o city_n be_v there_o not_o the_o same_o reason_n why_o particular_a congregation_n though_o in_o city_n shall_v have_v their_o ruler_n it_o be_v as_o real_o inconvenient_a to_o bring_v every_o matter_n of_o a_o city-congregation_n at_o the_o first_o hand_n to_o the_o common_a presbyter_n as_o it_o be_v to_o bring_v the_o matter_n of_o a_o country_n parish_n to_o it_o yet_o we_o acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v order_v according_a as_o it_o conduce_v most_o to_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n neither_o if_o we_o shall_v yield_v all_o that_o he_o say_v be_v it_o any_o thing_n against_o the_o divine_a right_n of_o parity_n what_o he_o say_v of_o these_o worthy_a divine_n disow_v this_o power_n of_o particular_a congregation_n we_o have_v cause_n to_o suspend_v our_o belief_n of_o it_o till_o he_o bring_v some_o testimony_n of_o their_o own_o writing_n to_o prove_v it_o which_o he_o have_v not_o so_o much_o as_o essaid_a it_o be_v like_a they_o be_v against_o independent_a power_n of_o particular_a congregation_n not_o their_o subordinate_a power_n for_o the_o testimony_n that_o he_o bring_v they_o prove_v no_o more_o than_o what_o we_o have_v grant_v viz._n that_o the_o congregation_n be_v rule_v in_o common_a not_o that_o they_o have_v no_o particular_a government_n in_o each_o of_o they_o as_o any_o may_v easy_o see_v by_o consider_v they_o neither_o be_v it_o any_o wonder_n that_o the_o record_n of_o antiquity_n speak_v of_o the_o act_n of_o those_o great_a not_o of_o the_o lesser_a and_o congregational_a presbytery_n see_v matter_n come_v before_o the_o latter_a be_v of_o so_o private_a concernment_n such_o as_o use_v not_o often_o to_o be_v so_o much_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o 3d_o thing_n he_o speak_v of_o in_o this_o first_o step_n of_o the_o growth_n of_o church_n be_v what_o relation_n the_o church_n in_o several_a city_n have_v one_o to_o another_o and_o to_o the_o lesser_a city_n that_o be_v under_o they_o and_o here_o he_o maintain_v that_o metropolitan_o be_v not_o of_o divine_a right_n to_o which_o we_o agree_v i_o add_v that_o in_o the_o first_o and_o more_o pure_a primitive_a time_n they_o have_v no_o be_v at_o all_o as_o be_v clear_o make_v out_o by_o diocl._n altar_n damasc_n c._n 2._o where_o he_o show_v that_o justine_n and_o ireneus_fw-la have_v nothing_o of_o the_o different_a degree_n of_o bishop_n and_o that_o cyprian_a in_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o three_o century_n do_v often_o assert_v their_o parity_n the_o second_o step_n be_v p._n 368._o when_o church_n take_v in_o the_o village_n and_o territory_n adjoin_v to_o that_o city_n he_o say_v that_o the_o city-presbyter_n do_v preach_v in_o these_o place_n and_o adjoin_v the_o convert_v to_o the_o city-church_n till_o after_o when_o they_o be_v increase_v in_o village_n they_o get_v peculiar_a officer_n set_v over_o they_o who_o do_v rule_v they_o yet_o with_o subordination_n to_o the_o city-church_n this_o last_o i_o only_a dislike_n neither_o do_v i_o see_v it_o prove_v by_o he_o for_o the_o title_n of_o matrix_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la et_fw-la cathedra_fw-la principalis_fw-la signify_v no_o more_o but_o a_o great_a dignity_n and_o primacy_n of_o order_n not_o of_o jurisdiction_n what_o he_o say_v of_o that_o eulogy_n send_v abroad_o consecrate_v piece_n of_o bread_n do_v not_o prove_v the_o point_n and_o also_o it_o be_v a_o superstitious_a custom_n the_o bad_a improvement_n of_o it_o appear_v in_o the_o papish_a adoration_n of_o their_o hostia_fw-la his_o next_o step_n be_v p._n 372._o when_o church_n do_v associate_v in_o one_o province_n where_o he_o speak_v of_o provincial_a synod_n once_o a_o year_n and_o show_v that_o no_o bishop_n have_v power_n over_o another_o but_o that_o their_o honour_n depend_v on_o their_o see_z thence_o he_o come_v to_o the_o last_o step_n when_o the_o
but_o to_o come_v to_o the_o book_n itself_o my_o design_n be_v not_o a_o full_a refutation_n but_o some_o brief_a animadversion_n for_o private_a satisfaction_n and_o my_o own_o establishment_n in_o these_o truth_n that_o he_o endeavour_v to_o shake_v neither_o do_v i_o intend_v to_o meddle_v with_o the_o whole_a but_o only_o to_o cull_v out_o these_o passage_n that_o relate_v to_o presbyterian_a government_n and_o any_o that_o may_v infer_v the_o unsettle_n of_o that_o or_o any_o part_n of_o it_o §_o 3._o the_o first_o thing_n that_o i_o meet_v with_o to_o be_v disprove_v be_v p._n 2._o where_o he_o assert_v a_o principle_n that_o will_v not_o only_o shake_v our_o faith_n if_o it_o be_v receive_v in_o the_o point_n of_o church-government_n but_o which_o i_o hope_v he_o do_v not_o intend_v will_v unsettle_v we_o in_o most_o point_n of_o christian_a religion_n his_o principle_n be_v this_o that_o difference_n in_o opinion_n about_o a_o point_n and_o probable_a argument_n bring_v on_o both_o hand_n by_o wise_a and_o able_a man_n if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o matter_n of_o necessity_n to_o salvation_n give_v man_n ground_n to_o think_v that_o a_o final_a decision_n of_o the_o matter_n in_o controversy_n be_v never_o intend_v as_o a_o necessary_a mean_n for_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n his_o opinion_n in_o this_o he_o set_v down_o in_o few_o and_o clear_a word_n in_o the_o content_n of_o ch_z 1._o thing_n say_v he_o necessary_a for_o the_o church_n peace_n must_v be_v clear_o reveal_v the_o form_n of_o church_n government_n be_v not_o so_o as_o appear_v by_o the_o remain_a controversy_n about_o it_o i_o shall_v first_o show_v the_o danger_n and_o falsehood_n of_o this_o principle_n and_o then_o try_v the_o strength_n of_o what_o he_o say_v for_o the_o establishment_n of_o it_o and_o 1._o i_o argue_v thus_o this_o assertion_n destroy_v itself_o for_o if_o no_o point_n not_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n be_v so_o sure_a that_o we_o must_v necessary_o hold_v it_o in_o order_n to_o peace_n then_o this_o his_o assertion_n fall_v under_o the_o same_o condition_n and_o need_v not_o to_o be_v maintain_v for_o it_o be_v not_o needful_a to_o salvation_n i_o hope_v they_o will_v go_v to_o heaven_n that_o be_v not_o of_o his_o mind_n in_o this_o and_o i_o be_o confident_a he_o do_v not_o think_v it_o so_o clear_a that_o no_o wise_a and_o able_a man_n will_v controvert_v with_o he_o about_o it_o and_o if_o it_o be_v needless_a in_o order_n to_o the_o church_n peace_n why_o be_v it_o here_o lay_v down_o as_o the_o â—…rst_a stone_n of_o the_o foundation_n on_o which_o he_o build_v his_o irenicum_fw-la but_o it_o fare_v here_o with_o our_o author_n as_o it_o do_v with_o all_o other_o abetter_n of_o scepticism_n they_o attain_v at_o least_o so_o far_o their_o end_n as_o they_o make_v man_n question_v that_o opinion_n that_o they_o labour_v to_o establish_v by_o persuade_v they_o to_o question_v every_o thing_n §_o 4._o second_o there_o be_v no_o cause_n at_o all_o why_o the_o author_n shall_v except_v from_o the_o uncertainty_n here_o assert_v thing_n that_o be_v of_o necessity_n to_o salvation_n for_o if_o we_o be_v to_o think_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v so_o clear_o reveal_v thing_n not_o needful_a to_o salvation_n which_o be_v needful_a to_o peace_n in_o the_o church_n much_o rather_o be_v we_o to_o think_v so_o of_o thing_n needful_a to_o salvation_n which_o also_o can_v but_o be_v necessary_a to_o peace_n for_o we_o can_v have_v no_o peace_n with_o they_o that_o destroy_v the_o foundation_n for_o it_o have_v hitherto_o be_v a_o receive_a principle_n that_o thing_n of_o necessity_n to_o salvation_n be_v reveal_v with_o more_o clearness_n than_o other_o thing_n and_o though_o papist_n have_v labour_v to_o cast_v a_o mist_n upon_o scripture_n discovery_n in_o both_o sort_n of_o thing_n that_o they_o may_v take_v all_o power_n to_o themselves_o over_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n in_o determine_v what_o be_v truth_n as_o dr._n stillingfleet_n will_v darken_v the_o discovery_n of_o the_o circa-fundamentals_a of_o religion_n that_o he_o may_v put_v the_o power_n of_o determine_v these_o thing_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o magistrate_n yet_o protestant_n have_v ever_o firm_o maintain_v that_o however_o the_o scripture_n speak_v dark_o in_o some_o thing_n not_o essential_a yet_o that_o the_o light_n of_o it_o be_v most_o clear_a in_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n they_o be_v not_o then_o of_o this_o man_n mind_n who_o will_v have_v the_o thing_n that_o do_v not_o so_o near_o relate_v to_o salvation_n but_o be_v needful_a to_o peace_n so_o clear_o reveal_v that_o there_o can_v remain_v no_o controversy_n about_o they_o among_o wise_a and_o able_a man_n but_o except_v from_o this_o necessity_n thing_n of_o necessity_n to_o salvation_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v i_o argue_v thus_o against_o dr._n stillingfleet_n principle_n if_o any_o thing_n not_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n be_v so_o necessary_a to_o be_v clear_o reveal_v that_o we_o be_v to_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o not_o christ_n truth_n if_o there_o remain_v a_o controversy_n about_o they_o manage_v with_o specious_a argument_n on_o both_o side_n among_o wise_a and_o able_a man_n much_o more_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n must_v be_v thus_o clear_o reveal_v so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o truth_n in_o they_o if_o they_o be_v so_o controvert_v but_o the_o consequent_a be_v most_o false_a and_o absurd_a and_o overturn_v all_o the_o foundation_n of_o our_o religion_n for_o have_v not_o the_o arrian_n soecinian_n arminian_n and_o popish_a controversy_n be_v manage_v yea_o and_o be_v they_o not_o manage_v by_o the_o adversary_n of_o truth_n with_o learn_v even_o to_o admiration_n we_o must_v then_o according_a to_o this_o principle_n not_o take_v either_o part_n of_o these_o debate_n for_o truth_n but_o think_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v determine_v nothing_o in_o they_o and_o we_o must_v leave_v it_o to_o man_n to_o determine_v in_o they_o what_o they_o please_v and_o must_v embrace_v that_o be_v not_o this_o a_o fine_a device_n to_o cast_v loose_a all_o to_o bring_v in_o scepticism_n instead_o of_o faith_n to_o make_v way_n for_o a_o subtle_a sophister_n to_o nullify_v any_o truth_n by_o dispute_v specious_o against_o it_o yet_o this_o we_o be_v to_o bless_v the_o lord_n for_o that_o the_o overturner_n of_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n house_n have_v no_o other_o mean_n to_o cast_v it_o loose_v by_o but_o these_o that_o do_v also_o cast_v loose_a all_o our_o religion_n which_o i_o hope_v will_v be_v a_o consideration_n to_o fix_v this_o truth_n the_o better_a in_o the_o mind_n of_o they_o who_o be_v serious_a and_o intelligent_a §_o 5._o three_o if_o these_o thing_n not_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n that_o specious_o on_o both_o hand_n be_v controvert_v be_v not_o needful_a to_o be_v determine_v in_o our_o conscience_n in_o order_n to_o the_o church_n peace_n i_o ask_v the_o author_n of_o this_o assertion_n what_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n be_v needful_a to_o the_o church_n peace_n that_o we_o hold_v a_o opinion_n about_o they_o or_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n such_o or_o must_v we_o hesitate_n about_o all_o the_o circa-fundamentals_a in_o religion_n and_o look_v on_o they_o as_o indifference_n determinable_a by_o man_n if_o we_o will_v not_o be_v guilty_a of_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n i_o hope_v this_o good_a man_n will_v not_o say_v so_o and_o yet_o it_o will_v necessary_o follow_v out_o of_o this_o principle_n maintain_v by_o he_o for_o i_o believe_v he_o can_v instance_n in_o many_o thing_n scarce_o in_o any_o that_o be_v not_o of_o necessity_n to_o salvation_n which_o be_v not_o controvert_v and_o that_o with_o specious_a pretext_n for_o learned_a man_n when_o they_o err_v use_v not_o to_o come_v off_o so_o blunt_o as_o bare_o to_o say_v it_o be_v so_o or_o i_o think_v so_o but_o they_o bring_v plausible_a reason_n and_o those_o often_o pretend_v to_o be_v draw_v from_o scripture_n for_o their_o foul_a error_n if_o then_o we_o receive_v this_o principle_n we_o must_v not_o think_v it_o needful_a to_o the_o church_n peace_n to_o determine_v whether_o there_o be_v two_o sacrament_n or_o seven_o whether_o there_o be_v purgatory_n whether_o we_o be_v to_o pray_v to_o saint_n depart_v whether_o there_o be_v power_n of_o censure_n in_o churchman_n or_o if_o all_o church-power_n be_v in_o the_o magistrate_n whether_o the_o pope_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n for_o all_o these_o and_o suchlike_a be_v controvert_v and_o there_o be_v colourable_a argument_n for_o the_o error_n that_o man_n maintain_v in_o these_o point_n if_o this_o our_o author_n will_v not_o assert_v what_o reason_n be_v there_o that_o he_o shall_v
maintain_v that_o the_o form_n of_o church-government_n be_v not_o determine_v by_o man_n for_o the_o church_n peace_n and_o that_o because_o there_o be_v controversy_n about_o what_o be_v the_o form_n appoint_v by_o christ_n §_o 6._o but_o i_o come_v now_o to_o examine_v what_o the_o author_n have_v to_o say_v for_o this_o assertion_n of_o he_o we_o can_v say_v he_o with_o any_o show_n of_o reason_n imagine_v that_o christ_n who_o have_v make_v it_o a_o necessary_a duty_n for_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n 〈◊〉_d endeavour_n the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o it_o shall_v suspend_v 〈◊〉_d performance_n of_o that_o duty_n upon_o a_o matter_n of_o opinion_n which_o when_o many_o have_v use_v their_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o satisfy_v themselves_o about_o they_o yet_o find_v that_o those_o very_a ground_n which_o they_o be_v most_o inclinable_a to_o build_v their_o judgement_n upon_o be_v either_o whole_o reject_v by_o other_o as_o wise_a and_o able_a as_o themselves_o or_o else_o it_o may_v be_v they_o erect_v a_o far_o different_a fabric_n upon_o the_o very_a same_o foundation_n ans_fw-fr 1._o the_o weakness_n if_o not_o wickedness_n of_o this_o argument_n will_v easy_o appear_v by_o make_v a_o assumption_n to_o the_o proposition_n here_o set_v down_o and_o consider_v what_o will_v necessary_o follow_v which_o i_o shall_v thus_o perform_v that_o christ_n be_v true_a god_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o opinion_n which_o when_o we_o have_v use_v our_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o satisfy_v ourselves_o about_o it_o we_o yet_o find_v that_o those_o very_a ground_n which_o we_o be_v most_o inclinable_a to_o build_v our_o judgement_n upon_o be_v either_o whole_o reject_v by_o other_o as_o wise_a and_o able_a as_o we_o or_o else_o that_o they_o erect_v on_o they_o a_o far_o different_a fabric_n for_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o the_o socinian_o who_o be_v man_n of_o wisdom_n and_o ability_n though_o it_o be_v unsanctify_v and_o especial_o grotius_n the_o wonder_n of_o his_o age_n for_o learning_n though_o yet_o he_o profess_v the_o truth_n in_o this_o point_n that_o i_o say_v they_o do_v whole_o reject_v all_o the_o ground_n on_o which_o we_o do_v build_v our_o faith_n in_o this_o point_n and_o that_o on_o many_o of_o they_o they_o endeavour_v to_o erect_v a_o contrary_a fabric_n it_o do_v then_o follow_v vi_fw-la syllogisticâ_fw-la suppose_v our_o author_n proposition_n that_o we_o can_v with_o any_o show_n of_o reason_n think_v that_o christ_n will_v have_v we_o suspend_v the_o performance_n of_o our_o duty_n in_o endeavour_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n on_o this_o that_o christ_n be_v true_a god_n and_o so_o we_o must_v by_o this_o argument_n yield_v this_o truth_n as_o a_o matter_n determinable_a by_o man_n rather_o than_o hold_v a_o opinion_n in_o it_o with_o the_o loss_n of_o peace_n in_o the_o church_n i_o hope_v the_o author_n will_v not_o own_o this_o conclusion_n wherefore_o he_o ought_v not_o to_o own_o that_o his_o assertion_n out_o of_o which_o it_o be_v clear_o deducible_a §_o 7._o ans_fw-fr 2._o there_o be_v very_o great_a reason_n for_o that_o for_o which_o he_o deny_v all_o show_n of_o reason_n for_o some_o matter_n of_o opinion_n of_o that_o condition_n which_o he_o describe_v be_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n as_o be_v clear_a from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v but_o we_o be_v to_o suspend_v the_o endeavour_v of_o the_o church_n peace_n rather_o than_o part_v with_o any_o truth_n of_o god_n or_o then_o we_o shall_v yield_v it_o upto_o man_n determination_n as_o if_o it_o be_v none_o of_o his_o truth_n ans_fw-fr 3._o when_o we_o be_v to_o judge_v of_o the_o validity_n of_o the_o ground_n on_o which_o we_o build_v our_o opinion_n about_o truth_n it_o be_v not_o the_o thought_n of_o man_n as_o wise_a and_o able_a as_o we_o that_o must_v determine_v we_o for_o we_o know_v the_o wise_a may_v mistake_v when_o they_o who_o be_v less_o wise_a may_v hit_v the_o truth_n through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n but_o we_o must_v consider_v whether_o these_o ground_n be_v the_o dictate_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n and_o if_o they_o be_v we_o must_v not_o be_v shake_v in_o mind_n by_o the_o contrary_a assertion_n of_o man_n though_o never_o so_o wise_a yea_o and_o holy_a too_o i_o grant_v the_o opinion_n of_o such_o shall_v make_v we_o search_v careful_o but_o they_o must_v not_o hinder_v our_o assent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v a_o valid_a reason_n why_o we_o be_v to_o suspend_v our_o endeavour_n of_o peac_n on_o some_o matter_n of_o opinion_n though_o contradict_v by_o wise_a and_o able_a man_n §_o 8._o he_o add_v that_o it_o be_v not_o consistent_a with_o christ_n wisdom_n to_o leave_v the_o peace_n of_o his_o church_n at_o the_o mercy_n of_o man_n private_a opinion_n which_o be_v most_o uncertain_a for_o it_o be_v not_o expect_v that_o all_o man_n shall_v be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n ans_fw-fr 1._o it_o be_v too_o great_a rashness_n to_o think_v that_o christ_n can_v be_v a_o wise_a governor_n of_o his_o church_n unless_o he_o take_v course_n for_o its_o setlement_n that_o our_o wisdom_n think_v meet_v i_o hope_v christ_n may_v wise_o govern_v his_o church_n and_o yet_o not_o leave_v it_o to_o man_n to_o determine_v what_o shall_v be_v the_o form_n of_o its_o government_n which_o yet_o can_v be_v if_o this_o reason_n prove_v that_o which_o it_o be_v bring_v for_o 2._o we_o may_v easy_o grant_v the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o argument_n without_o give_v the_o least_o advantage_n to_o the_o assertion_n which_o it_o be_v bring_v to_o prove_v it_o be_v true_a christ_n have_v not_o leave_v the_o peace_n of_o his_o church_n at_o the_o mercy_n of_o man_n private_a opinion_n viz._n so_o as_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o peace_n in_o the_o church_n except_o all_o man_n agree_v in_o opinion_n about_o all_o thing_n for_o peace_n may_v be_v maintain_v among_o dissent_v brethren_n by_o harmony_n of_o affection_n mutual_a forbearance_n and_o a_o prudent_a manage_n and_o conceal_v of_o our_o opinion_n so_o far_o as_o it_o may_v be_v without_o sin_n and_o all_o this_o may_v be_v do_v without_o deny_v that_o which_o we_o differ_v about_o to_o be_v determine_v by_o christ_n and_o assert_v it_o to_o be_v a_o thing_n leave_v indifferent_a and_o if_o this_o be_v not_o particable_a either_o through_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o we_o dissent_v about_o in_o that_o it_o be_v practical_a or_o so_o important_a that_o it_o can_v be_v conceal_v or_o through_o the_o obstinacy_n or_o wrong_a zeal_n of_o dissenter_n the_o lord_n have_v not_o leave_v his_o church_n without_o a_o remedy_n even_o in_o this_o case_n viz._n they_o who_o do_v unreasonaly_a dissent_n must_v be_v censure_v or_o shun_v and_o if_o this_o can_v be_v do_v without_o breach_n of_o peace_n it_o be_v our_o lord_n wisdom_n to_o provide_v that_o we_o shall_v rather_o loose_v peace_n then_o truth_n 3._o all_o that_o be_v here_o say_a will_n as_o well_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v no_o fix_a truth_n in_o any_o controvert_v point_n though_o of_o never_o so_o great_a concernment_n for_o it_o may_v be_v say_v also_o in_o these_o that_o christ_n have_v not_o leave_v the_o peace_n of_o his_o church_n at_o the_o mercy_n of_o man_n private_a opinion_n which_o be_v not_o the_o same_o in_o the_o most_o fundamental_a point_n but_o of_o this_o enough_o §_o 9_o from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v we_o may_v see_v what_o fit_a advice_n this_o healer_n give_v while_o he_o thus_o say_v p._n 3._o the_o only_a way_n leave_v for_o the_o church_n setlement_n and_o peace_n under_o such_o variety_n of_o apprehension_n concern_v the_o mean_n and_o method_n in_o order_n to_o it_o be_v to_o pitch_v upon_o such_o a_o foundation_n if_o possible_a to_o be_v find_v out_o whereon_o the_o different_a party_n retain_v their_o private_a apprehension_n may_v yet_o be_v agree_v to_o carry_v on_o the_o same_o work_n in_o common_a in_o order_n to_o the_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n hitherto_o we_o consent_v with_o he_o and_o wish_v he_o will_v help_v we_o to_o such_o a_o foundation_n so_o as_o itself_o be_v found_v on_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o not_o contrary_a to_o it_o but_o he_o go_v on_o which_o say_v he_o can_v be_v by_o leave_v all_o absolute_o to_o follow_v their_o own_o way_n for_o that_o be_v to_o build_v a_o babel_n instead_o of_o salem_n this_o also_o we_o grant_v but_o that_o which_o follow_v we_o can_v agree_v to_o it_o must_v be_v then_o say_v he_o by_o convince_a man_n that_o neither_o of_o these_o way_n to_o peace_n and_o order_n which_o they_o contend_v about_o be_v necessary_a by_o way_n of_o divine_a command_n though_o some_o be_v as_o a_o mean_n to_o a_o end_n
the_o one_o as_o true_a and_o not_o to_o hang_v between_o two_o but_o i_o prove_v that_o these_o elder_n be_v the_o elder_n of_o ephesus_n not_o the_o bishop_n of_o asia_n 1._o which_o argument_n he_o mention_v but_o he_o answer_v not_o the_o article_n in_o the_o greek_a make_v it_o clear_a it_o be_v demonstratory_n do_v apply_v his_o speech_n to_o the_o church_n which_o he_o have_v mention_v in_o particular_a where_o when_o it_o be_v say_v that_o he_o send_v to_o ephesus_n and_o call_v for_o the_o elder_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o may_v well_o be_v translate_v of_o that_o church_n it_o point_v out_o that_o church_n and_o no_o other_o it_o be_v a_o unheard_a of_o way_n of_o speak_v when_o a_o particular_a thing_n or_o person_n be_v mention_v and_o the_o demonstrative_a article_n join_v to_o it_o that_o that_o speech_n shall_v be_v understand_v of_o any_o other_o but_o that_o 2._o paul_n send_v to_o ephesus_n for_o these_o elder_n not_o through_o the_o several_a part_n of_o asia_n ergo._n they_o be_v at_o ephesus_z not_o in_o other_o church_n that_o he_o do_v not_o send_v through_o other_o place_n to_o gather_v they_o together_o be_v evident_a both_o because_o the_o text_n mention_v send_v to_o ephesus_n not_o other_o place_n and_o it_o be_v strange_a if_o he_o send_v through_o all_o asia_n and_o mention_n be_v only_o make_v of_o send_v to_o one_o place_v not_o to_o any_o other_o also_o because_o paul_n be_v then_o in_o haste_n pass_v by_o they_o vers_n 16._o wherefore_o it_o be_v not_o like_a that_o he_o can_v stay_v for_o the_o convening_n of_o a_o synod_n of_o bishop_n from_o many_o remote_a part_n that_o which_o be_v allege_v by_o some_o that_o the_o bishop_n of_o asia_n do_v reside_v at_o ephesus_n and_o thence_o be_v send_v for_o by_o paul_n be_v most_o absurd_a for_o 1._o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o shadow_n of_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o non_fw-fr residence_n of_o fix_a officer_n do_v so_o soon_o creep_v into_o the_o church_n let_v we_o see_v any_o instance_n or_o warrant_n to_o think_v that_o any_o who_o have_v a_o fix_a charge_n do_v leave_v it_o long_o or_o often_o or_o at_o all_o but_o upon_o some_o weighty_a and_o extraordinary_a emergent_a 2._o what_o can_v be_v their_o business_n at_o ephesus_n their_o work_n lie_v elsewhere_o and_o there_o they_o can_v do_v nothing_o except_v to_o meet_v and_o consult_v about_o matter_n of_o common_a concerment_n which_o will_v not_o infer_v ordinary_a residence_n there_o 3._o the_o work_n of_o these_o elder_n be_v particular_a inspection_n over_o their_o flock_n vers_fw-la 28._o over_o all_o the_o flock_n which_o they_o can_v not_o have_v if_o they_o reside_v at_o ephesus_n and_o have_v their_o charge_n lie_v up_o and_o down_o asia_n for_o that_o probability_n which_o he_o bring_v for_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v none_o at_o all_o viz._n it_o be_v say_v vers_fw-la 18._o that_o he_o have_v be_v with_o they_o at_o all_o season_n but_o he_o be_v not_o all_o the_o time_n in_o ephesus_n but_o abroad_o in_o asia_n as_o act._n 19.10_o 22_o 26._o answ_n at_o all_o season_n must_v not_o be_v take_v in_o such_o rigour_n as_o if_o he_o have_v never_o stir_v a_o foot_n out_o of_o ephesus_n but_o that_o he_o have_v his_o residence_n and_o preach_v most_o there_o which_o be_v evident_a from_o act._n 19.1_o 9.10_o he_o dispute_v daily_o in_o the_o school_n of_o tyrannus_n this_o be_v at_o ephesus_n and_o it_o be_v say_v that_o it_o continue_v 2_o year_n i._n e._n for_o the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o time_n he_o be_v there_o and_o yet_o may_v sometime_o preach_v elsewhere_o for_o the_o humane_a testimony_n he_o bring_v for_o either_o part_n i_o be_v then_o in_o the_o same_o balance_n with_o he_o and_o shall_v be_v content_a to_o lay_v no_o stress_n upon_o they_o as_o for_o the_o 1_o tim._n 3.1_o which_o be_v his_o other_o place_n we_o make_v no_o argument_n from_o it_o but_o maintain_v that_o it_o speak_v not_o of_o a_o diocesan_n bishop_n let_v they_o who_o assert_v the_o contrary_n prove_v it_o his_o discourse_n p._n 293._o be_v a_o very_a unsavory_n compare_v of_o some_o philosophical_a problem_n which_o can_v well_o be_v determine_v and_o therefore_o we_o may_v hesitate_n about_o they_o with_o point_n of_o truth_n reveal_v in_o scripture_n as_o if_o we_o may_v also_o be_v sceptic_a in_o these_o but_o sure_a the_o comparison_n be_v miserable_o lame_a for_o 1._o these_o do_v not_o concern_v our_o faith_n or_o duty_n as_o these_o other_o do_v and_o therefore_o there_o be_v much_o less_o hazard_n in_o scepticrsm_n about_o the_o one_o than_o the_o other_o 2._o even_o in_o those_o point_v the_o motion_n of_o the_o earth_n or_o heaven_n the_o flux_n and_o reflux_n of_o the_o sea_n there_o be_v some_o truth_n in_o they_o though_o man_n through_o darkness_n can_v see_v it_o neither_o must_v we_o say_v that_o nothing_o there_o be_v because_o there_o be_v nothing_o certain_a to_o we_o in_o these_o thing_n or_o that_o man_n may_v impose_v on_o our_o belief_n what_o they_o please_v in_o they_o hence_o man_n be_v the_o more_o studious_a in_o search_v out_o these_o secret_n and_o give_v they_o not_o over_o as_o be_v destitute_a of_o all_o objective_a truth_n but_o he_o deal_v worse_a with_o the_o thing_n of_o church-government_n he_o will_v have_v no_o objective_a truth_n in_o it_o and_o no_o duty_n to_o lie_v on_o we_o in_o search_v out_o the_o truth_n but_o that_o we_o must_v believe_v what_o man_n say_v of_o it_o for_o conclusion_n of_o what_o i_o will_v say_v to_o this_o ground_n of_o his_o scepticism_n about_o church-government_n i_o will_v but_o mention_v several_a scripture_n on_o which_o the_o truth_n in_o this_o be_v build_v viz._n that_o the_o apostolic_a form_n be_v parity_n which_o mr._n still_o have_v not_o so_o much_o as_o touch_v neither_o need_v i_o insist_v on_o they_o see_v argument_n from_o they_o be_v establish_v by_o our_o writer_n and_o not_o enervate_v by_o he_o one_o place_n be_v 1_o tim._n 4.14_o where_o tim._n be_v say_v to_o be_v ordain_v by_o a_o presbytery_n or_o company_n of_o elder_n join_v with_o paul_n in_o that_o action_n this_o can_v not_o have_v be_v if_o elder_n have_v not_o have_v a_o parity_n of_o power_n another_o be_v 1_o cor._n 5.4_o 5._o where_o excommunication_n be_v transact_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o community_n not_o of_o a_o single_a person_n and_o so_o be_v the_o relax_n of_o that_o sentence_n 2_o cor._n 2.8.10_o also_o 1_o thess_n 5.12_o they_o who_o rule_v that_o church_n who_o be_v over_o they_o and_o must_v be_v obey_v be_v many_o not_o one_o person_n yea_o that_o work_n and_o the_o work_n of_o labour_v among_o the_o people_n and_o admonish_v they_o be_v make_v to_o be_v the_o business_n of_o the_o same_o person_n which_o be_v a_o demonstration_n that_o the_o presbyter_n of_o that_o church_n do_v rule_v in_o common_a and_o not_o a_o bishop_n over_o they_o heb._n 13.7_o 17._o prove_v also_o the_o same_o thing_n most_o clear_o other_o place_n may_v be_v bring_v but_o these_o instance_n may_v show_v that_o mr._n still_v undertake_v to_o show_v that_o no_o place_n in_o scripture_n determine_v what_o be_v the_o form_n of_o government_n in_o the_o apostolic_a church_n do_v not_o touch_v the_o most_o considerable_a place_n common_o bring_v to_o that_o purpose_n but_o have_v mention_v a_o few_o and_o those_o which_o be_v least_o insist_v on_o by_o they_o who_o he_o oppose_v and_o even_o to_o they_o he_o have_v say_v nothing_o to_o scare_v any_o from_o use_v they_o as_o argument_n afterward_o his_o three_o argument_n for_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o the_o primitive_a or_o apostolical_a form_n of_o government_n take_v from_o the_o insufficiency_n of_o the_o testimony_n of_o antiquity_n be_v this_o i_o pass_v it_o because_o we_o have_v ground_n enough_o for_o the_o certainty_n of_o it_o from_o scripture_n and_o what_o he_o say_v prove_v no_o more_o but_o that_o antiquity_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o bear_v witness_n to_o it_o also_o because_o all_o or_o most_o that_o he_o there_o discourse_v prove_v that_o it_o can_v be_v gather_v from_o ancient_a record_n that_o episcopacy_n be_v the_o apostolical_a form_n which_o we_o willing_o yield_v sect._n 14._o i_o come_v then_o to_o his_o second_o proposition_n mention_v before_o which_o he_o lay_v down_o p._n 322._o thus_o that_o the_o apostle_n in_o probability_n do_v not_o observe_v any_o one_o fix_a course_n of_o settle_v the_o government_n of_o church_n but_o settle_v it_o according_a to_o the_o several_a circumstance_n of_o place_n and_o person_n which_o they_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o this_o assertion_n he_o lay_v down_o ex_fw-la abundanti_fw-la not_o as_o a_o foundation_n of_o his_o opinion_n but_o a_o doctrine_n of_o probability_n which_o may_v tend_v to_o