christian_a magistrate_n be_v by_o any_o prophet_n either_o command_v to_o deal_v otherwise_o than_o by_o persuasion_n in_o public_a reformation_n when_o the_o magistrate_n neglect_v it_o or_o reprove_v for_o the_o contrary_n four_o to_o the_o instance_n of_o the_o apostle_n they_o answer_v two_o thing_n i._o that_o though_o they_o set_v up_o church-government_n without_o the_o magistrate_n leave_v yet_o not_o contrary_a to_o his_o like_n or_o when_o he_o oppose_v his_o authority_n direct_o and_o inhibit_v it_o they_o never_o erect_v the_o discipline_n when_o there_o be_v so_o direct_a a_o opposition_n make_v against_o it_o by_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n ii_o if_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v so_o then_o yet_o will_v it_o not_o follow_v that_o we_o may_v do_v so_o now_o for_o neither_o be_v the_o heathen_a magistrate_n altogether_o so_o much_o to_o be_v respect_v by_o the_o church_n as_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n be_v neither_o have_v our_o minister_n and_o people_n now_o so_o full_a and_o absolute_a a_o power_n to_o pull_v down_o and_o set_v up_o order_n in_o the_o church_n as_o the_o apostle_n those_o wise_a master-builder_n have_v five_o as_o to_o their_o minister_n preach_v being_n silence_v they_o declare_v 1._o so_o long_o as_o the_o bishop_n suspend_v 41._o and_o deprive_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n we_o account_v of_o the_o action_n herein_o as_o of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o church_n which_o we_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o reverence_n and_o yield_v unto_o if_o they_o do_v otherwise_o we_o have_v liberty_n give_v we_o by_o the_o law_n to_o appeal_v from_o they_o if_o it_o be_v say_v the_o church_n be_v not_o to_o be_v obey_v when_o it_o suspend_v and_o deprive_v we_o for_o such_o cause_n as_o we_o in_o our_o conscience_n know_v to_o be_v insufficient_a we_o answer_v that_o it_o lie_v on_o they_o to_o depose_v who_o may_v ordain_v and_o they_o may_v shut_v that_o may_v open_v and_o as_o he_o may_v with_o a_o good_a conscience_n execute_v a_o ministry_n by_o the_o ordination_n and_o call_v of_o the_o church_n who_o be_v privy_a to_o himself_o of_o some_o unfitness_n if_o the_o church_n will_v press_v he_o to_o it_o so_o may_v he_o who_o be_v privy_a to_o himself_o of_o no_o fault_n that_o deserve_v deprivation_n cease_v from_o the_o execution_n of_o his_o ministry_n when_o he_o be_v press_v thereunto_o by_o the_o church_n and_o if_o a_o guiltless_a person_n put_v out_o of_o his_o charge_n by_o the_o church_n authority_n may_v yet_o continue_v in_o it_o what_o proceed_n can_v there_o be_v against_o guilty_a person_n who_o in_o their_o own_o conceit_n be_v always_o guiltless_a or_o will_v at_o least_o pretend_v so_o to_o be_v see_v they_o will_v be_v ready_a always_o to_o object_n against_o the_o church_n judgement_n that_o they_o be_v call_v of_o god_n and_o may_v not_o therefore_o give_v over_o the_o execution_n of_o their_o ministry_n at_o the_o will_n of_o bishop_n quaere_fw-la 2._o that_o the_o case_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v very_o different_a from_o they_o in_o three_o respect_n first_o they_o that_o inhibit_v the_o apostle_n be_v know_v and_o profess_a enemy_n to_o the_o gospel_n second_o the_o apostle_n be_v charge_v not_o to_o teach_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n nor_o to_o publish_v any_o part_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o commandment_n may_v more_o hardly_o be_v yield_v unto_o than_o this_o of_o our_o bishop_n who_o though_o they_o can_v endure_v they_o which_o teach_v that_o part_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o concern_v the_o good_a government_n and_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o be_v they_o not_o only_o content_a that_o the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v preach_v but_o be_v also_o preacher_n of_o it_o themselves_o three_o the_o apostle_n receive_v not_o their_o call_v and_o authority_n from_o man_n nor_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n but_o immediate_o from_o god_n himself_o and_o therefore_o also_o may_v not_o be_v restrain_v or_o depose_v by_o man_n whereas_o we_o though_o we_o exercise_v a_o function_n whereof_o god_n be_v the_o author_n and_o we_o be_v also_o call_v of_o god_n to_o it_o yet_o be_v we_o call_v and_o ordain_v by_o the_o hand_n and_o ministry_n of_o man_n and_o may_v therefore_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o man_n be_v also_o depose_v and_o restrain_v from_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o ministry_n to_o this_o 22._o which_o i_o have_v refer_v mr._n b._n to_o he_o give_v this_o answer_n if_o mr._n rathband_n have_v deny_v this_o it_o have_v be_v no_o proof_n do_v i_o ever_o mention_v mr._n rathband_n testimony_n as_o a_o sufficient_a proof_n my_o word_n be_v that_o i_o be_v certain_a their_o practice_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o all_o the_o nonconformist_n as_o you_o may_v see_v in_o the_o book_n publish_v in_o their_o name_n by_o mr._n rathband_n can_v any_o thing_n be_v plain_a than_o that_o the_o book_n be_v write_v by_o the_o nonconformist_n and_o that_o mr._n rathband_n be_v only_o the_o publisher_n of_o it_o this_o way_n of_o answer_v be_v just_a as_o if_o one_o shall_v quote_v a_o passage_n out_o of_o curcellaeus_n his_o greek_a testament_n and_o another_o shall_v reply_v if_o curcellaeus_n say_v so_o it_o have_v be_v no_o proof_n can_v mr._n b._n satisfy_v his_o mind_n with_o such_o answer_n when_o fr._n johnson_n say_v 89._o that_o our_o minister_n ought_v not_o to_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v silence_v and_o depose_v from_o their_o public_a ministry_n no_o not_o by_o lawful_a magistrate_n mr._n bradshaw_n answer_v this_o assertion_n be_v false_a and_o seditious_a and_o when_o johnson_n say_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o make_v their_o immediate_a call_v from_o god_n the_o ground_n of_o their_o refusal_n but_o this_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o obey_v god_n rather_o than_o man_n which_o be_v a_o duty_n require_v of_o all_o minister_n and_o christian_n bradshaw_n a_o person_n former_o in_o great_a esteem_n with_o mr._n baxter_n and_o high_o commend_v by_o the_o author_n of_o the_o vindication_n of_o his_o dispute_n with_o johnson_n give_v this_o answer_n 1._o though_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o assign_v their_o immediate_a call_v from_o god_n as_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o refusal_n in_o so_o many_o letter_n and_o syllable_n yet_o that_o which_o they_o do_v assign_v be_v by_o implication_n and_o in_o effect_n the_o same_o with_o it_o for_o it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o if_o they_o have_v say_v god_n himself_o have_v impose_v this_o call_v upon_o we_o and_o not_o man_n and_o therefore_o except_o we_o shall_v rather_o obey_v man_n than_o god_n we_o may_v not_o forbear_v this_o office_n which_o he_o have_v impose_v upon_o we_o for_o oppose_v the_o obedience_n of_o god_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o man_n they_o therein_o plead_v a_o call_v from_o god_n and_o not_o from_o man_n otherwise_o if_o they_o have_v receive_v a_o call_v from_o man_n there_o have_v be_v incongruity_n in_o the_o answer_n consider_v that_o in_o common_a sense_n and_o reason_n they_o ought_v so_o far_o forth_o to_o obey_v man_n forbid_v they_o to_o exercise_v a_o call_v as_o they_o exercise_v the_o same_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o call_v else_o by_o this_o reason_n a_o minister_n shall_v not_o cease_v to_o preach_v upon_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o church_n that_o have_v choose_v he_o but_o shall_v be_v bind_v to_o give_v they_o also_o the_o same_o answer_n which_o the_o apostle_n give_v which_o be_v absurd_a so_o that_o by_o this_o gross_a conceit_n of_o mr._n johnson_n there_o shall_v be_v no_o power_n in_o any_o sort_n of_o man_n whosoever_o to_o depose_v a_o minister_n from_o his_o ministry_n but_o that_o nowithstand_v any_o commandment_n of_o church_n or_o state_n the_o minister_n be_v to_o continue_v in_o his_o ministry_n 2._o for_o the_o further_a answer_n of_o this_o his_o ignorant_a conceit_n plain_o tend_v to_o sedition_n we_o be_v to_o know_v that_o though_o the_o apostle_n prophet_n and_o evangelist_n preach_v public_o where_o they_o be_v not_o hinder_v by_o open_a violence_n and_o do_v not_o nor_o may_v not_o leave_v their_o ministry_n upon_o any_o human_a authority_n or_o commandment_n whatsoever_o because_o they_o do_v not_o enter_v into_o or_o exercise_v the_o same_o upon_o the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o any_o man_n whatsoever_o yet_o they_o never_o erect_v and_o plant_v public_a church_n and_o ministery_n in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o magistrate_n whether_o they_o will_v or_o no_o or_o in_o despite_n of_o they_o but_o such_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o magistrate_n be_v as_o private_a and_o invisible_a as_o may_v be_v 3._o neither_o be_v some_o of_o the_o apostle_n only_o forbid_v so_o as_o other_o shall_v be_v suffer_v to_o preach_v the_o same_o gospel_n in_o their_o place_n but_o the_o utter_a abolish_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v manifest_o
whatsoever_o you_o shall_v bind_v etc._n etc._n from_o whence_o say_v he_o by_o a_o constant_a succession_n of_o time_n such_o a_o course_n have_v be_v always_o observe_v in_o the_o church_n that_o the_o church_n have_v be_v still_o govern_v by_o bishop_n and_o every_o act_n of_o the_o church_n have_v be_v under_o their_o care_n and_o conduct_v since_o this_o say_v he_o be_v a_o divine_a institution_n i_o wonder_v at_o the_o boldness_n of_o those_o who_o have_v write_v at_o that_o rate_n to_o i_o concern_v the_o lapse_v since_o the_o church_n consist_v in_o the_o bishop_n the_o clergy_n and_o the_o stand_a people_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o antonianus_n 52._o he_o speak_v of_o the_o agreement_n of_o the_o bishop_n throughout_o the_o whole_a world_n 55._o and_o in_o that_o to_o cornelius_n that_o every_o bishop_n have_v a_o part_n of_o the_o flock_n commit_v to_o he_o which_o he_o be_v to_o govern_v and_o to_o give_v a_o account_n thereof_o to_o god_n 65._o and_o that_o a_o bishop_n in_o the_o church_n be_v in_o the_o place_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o disobedience_n to_o he_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o schism_n and_o disorder_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n he_o speak_v in_o his_o epistle_n to_o rogatianus_n 69._o and_o to_o pupianus_n where_o he_o declare_v a_o church_n to_o be_v a_o people_n unite_v to_o a_o bishop_n 75._o and_o to_o stephanus_n that_o they_o have_v succeed_v the_o apostle_n in_o a_o constant_a course_n let_v the_o reader_n now_o judge_n whether_o these_o be_v the_o stroke_n and_o lineament_n of_o the_o congregational_a way_n and_o whether_o dr._n o._n have_v any_o reason_n to_o appeal_v to_o saint_n cyprian_n for_o the_o democratical_a government_n of_o the_o church_n but_o we_o have_v this_o advantage_n from_o this_o appeal_n that_o they_o do_v not_o suppose_v any_o deviation_n then_o from_o the_o primitive_a institution_n and_o what_o that_o be_v in_o saint_n cyprian_n judgement_n any_o one_o may_v see_v when_o he_o speak_v of_o nothing_o peculiar_a to_o his_o own_o church_n but_o what_o be_v general_o observe_v over_o the_o christian_a world_n and_o now_o let_v dr._n o._n give_v a_o account_n how_o a_o change_n so_o great_a so_o sudden_a so_o universal_a shall_v happen_v in_o the_o christian_a world_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n that_o when_o christ_n have_v place_v the_o power_n in_o the_o people_n the_o bishop_n in_o so_o short_a a_o time_n shall_v be_v every_o where_o settle_v and_o allow_v to_o have_v the_o chief_a management_n in_o church-affair_n without_o any_o control_n from_o the_o people_n which_o to_o i_o be_v as_o strong_a a_o argument_n as_o a_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n will_v bear_v that_o the_o power_n be_v at_o first_o lodge_v in_o they_o and_o not_o in_o the_o people_n for_o as_o mr._n noys_n of_o new-england_n well_o argue_v it_o be_v not_o imaginable_a that_o bishop_n shall_v come_v by_o such_o power_n as_o be_v record_v in_o ecclesiastical_a history_n 62._o and_o that_o over_o all_o the_o world_n and_o in_o a_o way_n of_o ambition_n in_o such_o humble_v time_n without_o all_o manner_n of_o opposition_n for_o 300_o year_n together_o and_o immediate_o after_o the_o apostle_n have_v it_o be_v usurpation_n or_o innovation_n when_o and_o where_o be_v innovation_n without_o opposition_n will_v not_o elder_n so_o many_o see_v and_o know_v man_n at_o least_o some_o of_o they_o have_v contend_v for_o truth_n wherein_o their_o own_o liberty_n and_o right_n be_v so_o much_o interest_v aërius_n his_o oppose_v of_o bishop_n so_o long_o after_o their_o rise_n and_o stand_v be_v inconsiderable_a the_o force_n of_o which_o reason_v will_v sway_v more_o with_o a_o impartial_a and_o ingenuous_a mind_n than_o all_o the_o difficulty_n i_o ever_o yet_o see_v on_o the_o other_o side_n so_o much_o for_o the_o account_n dr._n o._n promise_n of_o the_o deviation_n of_o the_o church_n after_o the_o apostle_n decease_n sect._n 5._o 2._o dr._n o._n answer_v as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n concern_v the_o institution_n of_o congregational_a church_n that_o it_o seem_v to_o he_o evident_o exemplify_v in_o the_o scripture_n 39_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v that_o when_o church_n grow_v too_o big_a for_o one_o single_a congregation_n in_o a_o city_n than_o a_o new_a congregational_a church_n be_v set_v up_o under_o new_a officer_n with_o a_o separate_a power_n of_o government_n let_v we_o now_o see_v dr._n o.'s_n proof_n of_o it_o for_o although_o it_o may_v be_v there_o be_v not_o express_v mention_n make_v that_o these_o or_o those_o particular_a church_n do_v divide_v themselves_o into_o more_o congregation_n with_o new_a officer_n i_o e._n although_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v not_o evident_a in_o scripture_n yet_o say_v he_o there_o be_v instance_n of_o the_o erection_n of_o new_a particular_a congregation_n in_o the_o same_o province_n but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o congregational_a way_n the_o thing_n i_o desire_v be_v that_o when_o the_o christian_n in_o one_o city_n multiply_v into_o more_o congregation_n they_o will_v prove_v that_o they_o do_v make_v new_a and_o distinct_a church_n and_o to_o exemplify_v this_o he_o mention_n new_a congregation_n in_o the_o same_o province_n who_o ever_o deny_v or_o dispute_v that_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o proof_n of_o this_o be_v a_o great_a advantage_n to_o our_o cause_n for_o since_o where_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o the_o church_n of_o a_o province_n it_o speak_v of_o they_o as_o of_o different_a church_n but_o when_o it_o mention_n the_o christian_n of_o one_o city_n it_o call_v they_o the_o church_n of_o that_o city_n as_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n 31._o but_o the_o church_n of_o judea_n galilee_n and_o samaria_n what_o can_v be_v more_o evident_a than_o that_o the_o christian_n of_o one_o city_n though_o never_o so_o numerous_a make_v but_o one_o church_n if_o one_o observe_v the_o language_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n one_o may_v find_v this_o observation_n not_o once_o to_o fail_v that_o where_o church_n be_v speak_v of_o in_o the_o plural_a number_n 14._o they_o be_v the_o church_n of_o a_o province_n as_o the_o church_n of_o judea_n 19_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n the_o church_n of_o syria_n and_o cilicia_n 41._o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n the_o church_n of_o macedonia_n 1._o but_o where_o all_o the_o christian_n of_o one_o city_n be_v speak_v of_o 2._o it_o be_v still_o câ—lled_v the_o church_n of_o that_o city_n 1._o as_o the_o church_n at_o antioch_n the_o church_n at_o corinth_n and_o when_o the_o 7_o church_n be_v speak_v of_o together_o they_o be_v the_o 7_o church_n but_o when_o speak_v to_o single_a it_o be_v the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v speak_v without_o any_o discrimination_n as_o to_o the_o difference_n of_o these_o place_n in_o greatness_n and_o capacity_n or_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n in_o they_o do_v evident_o discover_v that_o what_o number_n soever_o they_o be_v they_o be_v all_o but_o the_o church_n of_o that_o city_n for_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v suppose_v that_o the_o number_n of_o christian_n be_v no_o great_a in_o ephesus_n sardis_n pergamus_n and_o laodicea_n which_o be_v great_a and_o populous_a city_n than_o in_o thyatira_n and_o philadelphia_n which_o be_v much_o less_o especial_o consider_v the_o time_n saint_n paul_n stay_v at_o ephesâ—s_n 31._o and_o the_o mighty_a success_n which_o he_o have_v in_o preach_v there_o which_o will_v amount_v to_o no_o great_a matter_n 9_o if_o in_o three_o year_n time_n he_o convert_v no_o more_o than_o make_v up_o one_o single_a congregation_n and_o thus_o man_n to_o serve_v a_o hypothesis_n take_v off_o from_o the_o mighty_a power_n and_o prevalency_n of_o the_o gospel_n i_o can_v but_o wonder_n what_o dr._n o._n mean_n when_o after_o he_o have_v produce_v the_o evidence_n of_o distinct_a church_n in_o the_o same_o province_n 40._o as_o galatia_n and_o macedonia_n he_o call_v this_o plain_a scripture_n evidence_n and_o practice_n for_o the_o erect_v particular_a distinct_a congregation_n who_o deny_v that_o but_o i_o see_v nothing_o like_o a_o proof_n of_o distinct_a church_n in_o the_o same_o city_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v prove_v but_o because_o it_o can_v not_o be_v prove_v be_v prudent_o let_v alone_o whereas_o we_o have_v plain_a scripture_n evidence_n that_o all_o the_o christian_n of_o a_o city_n though_o never_o so_o great_a make_v but_o one_o church_n and_o uncontrollable_a evidence_n from_o antiquity_n that_o the_o neighbour_a christian_n be_v lay_v to_o the_o church_n of_o the_o city_n all_o that_o he_o say_v further_a to_o this_o matter_n 4â—_n be_v that_o such_o church_n have_v power_n to_o rule_v and_o govern_v themselves_o because_o in_o every_o one_o of_o they_o elder_n be_v ordain_v act
occasional_a communion_n with_o we_o to_o be_v lawful_a shall_v not_o think_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o constant_a communion_n from_o what_o ground_n come_v they_o to_o practice_v occasional_a communion_n be_v it_o from_o the_o love_n of_o peace_n and_o concord_n as_o mr._n b._n say_v that_o be_v a_o good_a ground_n so_o far_o as_o it_o go_v but_o will_v it_o not_o carry_v a_o man_n far_o if_o he_o pursue_v it_o as_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v what_o love_n of_o concord_n be_v this_o to_o be_v occasional_o present_a at_o our_o church_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o declare_v that_o there_o be_v great_a purity_n of_o worship_n and_o better_a mean_n of_o edification_n in_o separate_a congregation_n the_o one_o can_v never_o draw_v man_n so_o much_o to_o the_o love_n of_o concord_n as_o the_o other_o do_v encourage_v they_o in_o the_o principle_n of_o separation_n but_o if_o there_o be_v a_o obligation_n upon_o man_n to_o communicate_v with_o the_o church_n they_o live_v in_o notwithstanding_o the_o defect_n and_o corruption_n of_o it_o that_o obligation_n can_v never_o be_v discharge_v by_o mere_a occasional_a presence_n at_o some_o time_n and_o in_o some_o act_n of_o worship_n 791._o for_o say_v mr._n ball_n to_o use_v one_o ordinance_n and_o not_o another_o be_v to_o make_v a_o schism_n in_o the_o church_n the_o only_a example_n produce_v to_o justify_v such_o occasional_a communion_n with_o defective_a church_n be_v that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n do_v communicate_v after_o that_o manner_n in_o the_o jewish_a synagogue_n and_o temple_n but_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v true_a that_o the_o old_a separatist_n grant_v that_o our_o lord_n communicate_v with_o the_o jewish_a church_n in_o god_n ordinance_n 11._o live_v and_o die_v a_o member_n thereof_o and_o from_o thence_o they_o prove_v that_o the_o jewish_a church_n have_v a_o right_a constitution_n in_o our_o saviour_n time_n and_o do_v not_o he_o declare_v 5._o that_o he_o come_v not_o to_o dissolve_v the_o law_n but_o to_o fulfil_v it_o and_o that_o he_o comply_v with_o john_n be_v baptism_n because_o he_o be_v to_o fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n do_v he_o not_o go_v up_o to_o the_o feast_n at_o jerusalem_n as_o a_o member_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n and_o frequent_v the_o synagogue_n even_o at_o the_o feast_n of_o dedication_n though_o not_o institute_v by_o the_o law_n he_o be_v present_a 23._o as_o other_o jew_n be_v yea_o do_v he_o not_o express_v more_o than_o ordinary_a zeal_n for_o purify_n the_o outward_a part_n of_o the_o temple_n because_o it_o be_v to_o be_v a_o house_n of_o prayer_n for_o all_o nation_n be_v not_o this_o to_o show_v man_n obligation_n to_o come_v and_o worship_n there_o as_o well_o as_o that_o the_o place_n be_v to_o be_v keep_v sacred_a for_o that_o use_n and_o do_v not_o the_o apostle_n express_o say_v that_o he_o be_v make_v under_o the_o law_n where_o be_v there_o the_o least_o ground_n in_o scripture_n to_o intimate_v that_o christ_n only_o keep_v occasional_a and_o not_o constant_a communion_n with_o the_o jewish_a church_n what_o part_n of_o worship_n do_v he_o ever_o withdraw_v from_o do_v he_o not_o command_v his_o disciple_n to_o go_v hear_v the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n because_o they_o sit_v in_o moses_n chair_n 2._o where_o do_v he_o ever_o bid_v they_o go_v thither_o when_o they_o can_v have_v no_o better_o but_o when_o they_o can_v to_o be_v sure_a to_o prefer_v the_o pure_a way_n of_o worship_n and_o better_a mean_n of_o edification_n be_v not_o his_o own_o doctrine_n incomparable_o beyond_o they_o be_v there_o any_o pretence_n for_o great_a edification_n now_o to_o be_v mention_v with_o what_o the_o disciple_n have_v to_o forsake_v the_o jewish_a assembly_n for_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n be_v own_o teach_v yet_o he_o will_v not_o have_v they_o to_o do_v that_o out_o of_o the_o regard_n he_o have_v to_o the_o public_a worship_n and_o teach_v our_o saviour_n himself_o do_v only_o teach_v his_o disciple_n occasional_o and_o at_o certain_a season_n but_o their_o constant_a communion_n be_v with_o the_o jewish_a assembly_n and_o so_o it_o be_v after_o his_o passion_n 53._o till_o the_o holy_a ghost_n feâ—l_v upon_o they_o and_o they_o be_v then_o employ_v to_o gather_v and_o form_v a_o new_a church_n which_o be_v not_o do_v before_o and_o thence_o the_o author_n of_o the_o ordinary_a gloss_n observe_v that_o we_o never_o read_v of_o christ_n be_v pray_v together_o with_o his_o disciple_n unless_o perhaps_o at_o his_o transfiguration_n with_o three_o of_o his_o disciple_n although_o we_o often_o read_v of_o his_o pray_v alone_o so_o that_o no_o example_n can_v be_v mention_v which_o be_v more_o direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o separation_n upon_o the_o present_a ground_n than_o that_o of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o stead_n of_o all_o other_o to_o we_o sect._n 19_o 2._o i_o argue_v from_o the_o particular_a force_n of_o that_o text_n phil._n 3._o 16._o as_o far_o as_o we_o have_v already_o attain_v let_v we_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n let_v we_o mind_n the_o same_o thing_n from_o whence_o it_o appear_v evident_a that_o man_n ought_v to_o go_v as_o far_o as_o they_o can_v towards_o uniformity_n and_o not_o to_o forbear_v do_v any_o thing_n which_o they_o lawful_o may_v do_v towards_o peace_n and_o unity_n to_o take_v off_o the_o force_n of_o the_o argument_n from_o this_o place_n several_a answer_n have_v be_v give_v which_o i_o shall_v now_o remove_v so_o that_o the_o strength_n of_o it_o may_v appear_v to_o remain_v notwithstanding_o all_o the_o attempt_n which_o have_v be_v make_v to_o weaken_v it_o some_o say_v that_o the_o apostle_n word_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o different_a attainment_n christian_n have_v in_o knowledge_n and_o the_o different_a conception_n and_o opinion_n which_o they_o have_v concern_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n 30._o thus_o dr._n o._n understand_v the_o text_n who_o sense_n be_v somewhat_o obscure_o and_o intricate_o express_v but_o as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v apprehend_v his_o meaning_n he_o make_v this_o to_o be_v the_o apostle_n viz._n i._o that_o although_o the_o best_a christian_n in_o this_o life_n can_v attain_v to_o a_o full_a measure_n and_o perfection_n in_o the_o comprehension_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o thing_n contain_v in_o they_o yet_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v press_v continual_o after_o it_o ii_o that_o in_o the_o common_a pursuit_n of_o this_o design_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v suppose_v but_o the_o man_n will_v come_v to_o different_a attainment_n have_v different_a measure_n of_o light_n and_o knowledge_n yea_o and_o different_a conception_n or_o opinion_n about_o these_o thing_n iii_o that_o in_o this_o difference_n of_o opinion_n those_o who_o differ_v from_o other_o shall_v wait_v on_o the_o teach_n of_o god_n in_o that_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o instruction_n which_o they_o enjoy_v iv._o that_o as_o to_o their_o duty_n in_o common_a to_o each_o other_o as_o far_o as_o they_o have_v attain_v they_o shall_v walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n namely_o which_o he_o have_v now_o lay_v down_o and_o mind_n the_o same_o thing_n as_o he_o have_v enjoin_v they_o from_o whence_o he_o infer_v that_o these_o word_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o foundation_n to_o charge_v they_o with_o schism_n who_o agree_v in_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v yet_o dissent_v from_o other_o in_o some_o thing_n that_o it_o enjoin_v a_o mutual_a forbearance_n towards_o those_o who_o be_v different_o mind_v and_o again_o he_o say_v the_o advice_n st._n paul_n give_v to_o both_o party_n be_v that_o whereunto_o they_o have_v attain_v wherein_o they_o do_v agree_v which_o be_v all_o those_o principle_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o their_o acceptance_n with_o god_n they_o shall_v walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n and_o mind_n the_o same_o thing_n that_o be_v forbearing_z one_o another_o in_o the_o thing_n wherein_o they_o differ_v which_o say_v he_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o what_o be_v plead_v for_o by_o the_o nonconformist_n for_o the_o clear_n of_o this_o matter_n there_o be_v three_o thing_n to_o be_v debate_v 1._o whether_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o different_a opinion_n or_o different_a practice_n 2._o whether_o the_o rule_n he_o give_v be_v mutual_a forbearance_n 3._o how_o far_o the_o apostle_n rule_n have_v a_o influence_n on_o our_o present_a case_n first_o whether_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o different_a opinion_n or_o of_o different_a practice_n for_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o this_o we_o must_v strict_o attend_v to_o the_o apostle_n scope_n and_o design_n it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o the_o apostle_n begin_v this_o discourse_n with_o a_o caution_n
about_o that_o visible_a church_n whereof_o particular_a church_n be_v part_n and_o they_o be_v visible_a part_n do_v require_v a_o visible_a constitutive_a regent_n part_n as_o essential_a to_o they_o therefore_o the_o whole_a visible_a church_n must_v have_v likewise_o a_o visible_a constitutive_a regent_n part_n i._n e._n a_o visible_a head_n of_o the_o church_n as_o if_o a_o troop_n have_v a_o inferior_a officer_n a_o army_n must_v have_v a_o general_n if_o a_o city_n have_v a_o mayor_n a_o kingdom_n must_v have_v a_o king_n that_o be_v equal_o present_a and_o visible_a as_o the_o other_o be_v this_o be_v indeed_o to_o make_v a_o key_n for_o catholic_n by_o the_o help_n of_o which_o they_o may_v enter_v and_o take_v possession_n 2._o the_o plain_a resolution_n be_v that_o we_o deny_v any_o necessity_n of_o any_o such_o constitutive_a regent_n part_n or_o one_o formal_a ecclesiastical_a head_n as_o essential_a to_o a_o national_a church_n for_o a_o national_a consent_n be_v as_o sufficient_a to_o make_v a_o national_a church_n as_o a_o universal_a consent_n to_o make_v a_o catholic_n church_n but_o if_o the_o question_n be_v by_o what_o way_n this_o national_a consent_n be_v to_o be_v declare_v then_o we_o answer_v far_o that_o by_o the_o constitution_n of_o this_o church_n the_o archbishop_n bishop_n and_o presbyter_n be_v summon_v by_o the_o king_n be_v write_v be_v to_o advise_v and_o declare_v their_o judgement_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v receive_v allow_v and_o enact_v by_o the_o king_n and_o three_o estate_n of_o the_o kingdom_n there_o be_v as_o great_a a_o national_a consent_v as_o be_v require_v to_o any_o law_n and_o all_o bishop_n minister_n and_o people_n take_v together_o who_o profess_v the_o faith_n so_o establish_v and_o worship_n god_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n so_o appoint_v make_v up_o this_o national_a church_n of_o england_n which_o notion_n of_o a_o national_a church_n be_v thus_o explain_v i_o see_v no_o manner_n of_o difficulty_n remain_v in_o all_o mr._n baxter_n '_o s_z query_n and_o objection_n about_o this_o matter_n sect._n 22._o 3._o that_o which_o look_v most_o like_a a_o difficulty_n be_v 3._o concern_v the_o common_a tie_n or_o rule_n which_o make_v this_o national_a church_n for_o mr._n b._n will_v know_v 34._o whether_o by_o the_o common_a rule_n i_o mean_v a_o divine_a rule_n or_o a_o mere_a humane_a rule_n if_o it_o be_v a_o divine_a rule_n they_o be_v of_o the_o national_a church_n as_o well_o as_o we_o if_o it_o be_v a_o humane_a rule_n how_o come_v consent_n in_o this_o to_o make_v a_o national_a church_n how_o come_v they_o not_o to_o be_v of_o it_o for_o not_o consent_v how_o can_v such_o a_o consent_n appear_v when_o there_o be_v difference_n among_o ourselves_o this_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o what_o he_o object_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v 1._o our_o church_n be_v found_v upon_o a_o divine_a rule_n viz._n the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o we_o own_v as_o the_o basis_n and_o foundation_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o according_a to_o which_o all_o other_o rule_v of_o order_n and_o worship_n be_v to_o be_v agreeable_a 2._o our_o church_n require_v a_o conformity_n to_o those_o rule_n which_o be_v appoint_v by_o it_o as_o agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o so_o the_o church_n of_o new-england_n do_v to_o the_o order_n of_o church_n government_n among_o themselves_o by_o all_o that_o be_v member_n of_o their_o church_n and_o annex_v civil_a privilege_n to_o they_o and_o their_o magistrate_n impose_v civil_a punishment_n on_o the_o breaker_n and_o disturber_n of_o they_o and_o although_o they_o profess_v agreement_n in_o other_o thing_n yet_o because_o they_o do_v not_o submit_v to_o the_o order_n of_o their_o church_n they_o do_v not_o own_v they_o as_o member_n of_o their_o church_n why_o shall_v it_o then_o be_v think_v unreasonable_a with_o we_o not_o to_o account_v those_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n who_o contemn_v and_o disobey_v the_o order_n of_o it_o 3._o there_o be_v no_o difference_n among_o ourselves_o concern_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o order_n of_o our_o church_n or_o the_o duty_n of_o submission_n to_o they_o if_o there_o be_v any_o other_o difference_n they_o be_v not_o material_a as_o to_o this_o business_n and_o i_o believe_v be_v no_o other_o than_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o explain_v some_o thing_n which_o may_v happen_v in_o the_o best_a society_n in_o the_o world_n without_o break_v the_o peace_n of_o it_o as_o about_o the_o difference_n of_o order_n the_o sense_n of_o some_o passage_n in_o the_o athanasian_n creed_n the_o true_a explication_n of_o one_o or_o two_o article_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n he_o mention_n 39_o a_o multitude_n of_o such_o difference_n will_v never_o overthrow_v such_o a_o consent_n among_o we_o as_o to_o make_v we_o not_o to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o same_o national_a church_n sect._n 23._o have_v thus_o clear_v the_o main_a difficulty_n which_o be_v object_v by_o my_o more_o weighty_a adversary_n the_o weak_a assault_n of_o the_o rest_n in_o what_o they_o differ_v from_o these_o will_v admit_v of_o a_o quick_a dispatch_n mr._n a._n object_n 27._o 1._o that_o if_o national_a church_n have_v power_n to_o reform_v themselves_o than_o so_o have_v congregational_a and_o therefore_o i_o do_v amiss_o to_o charge_v they_o with_o separation_n i_o grant_v it_o if_o he_o prove_v that_o no_o congregational_a church_n have_v any_o more_o power_n over_o it_o than_o a_o national_a church_n have_v i._n e._n that_o there_o be_v as_o much_o evidence_n against_o both_o episcopal_a and_o presbyterial_a government_n as_o there_o be_v against_o the_o pope_n usurpation_n when_o he_o do_v prove_v that_o ibid._n he_o may_v have_v a_o far_a answer_n 2._o that_o national_a church_n destroy_v the_o be_v of_o other_o church_n under_o they_o this_o i_o utter_o deny_v and_o there_o want_v nothing_o but_o proof_n as_o erasmus_n say_v one_o andrelinus_n be_v a_o good_a poet_n only_o his_o verse_n want_v one_o syllable_n and_o that_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 29._o 3._o by_o my_o description_n the_o parliament_n may_v be_v a_o national_a church_n for_o they_o be_v a_o society_n of_o man_n unite_v together_o for_o their_o order_n and_o government_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o do_v i_o not_o immediate_o before_o say_v that_o national_a church_n be_v national_a society_n of_o christian_n under_o the_o same_o law_n of_o government_n and_o rule_n of_o worship_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o in_o the_o next_o word_n when_o i_o go_v about_o to_o prove_v national_a church_n to_o be_v true_a church_n i_o use_v such_o a_o general_a description_n as_o be_v common_a to_o any_o kind_n of_o church_n and_o not_o proper_a to_o a_o national_a church_n 30._o 4._o he_o give_v this_o reason_n why_o consent_n shall_v not_o make_v national_a church_n as_o well_o as_o congregational_a because_o it_o must_v be_v such_o a_o agreement_n as_o the_o gospel_n warrant_v and_o that_o be_v only_o for_o worship_n and_o not_o to_o destroy_v their_o own_o be_v this_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o a_o horse_n in_o a_o mill_n still_o round_o about_o the_o same_o thing_n and_o therefore_o the_o same_o answer_n may_v serve_v 31._o 5._o out_o come_v mr._n b.'s_n objection_n against_o a_o visible_a head_n of_o this_o national_a church_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o union_n and_o the_o difference_n among_o ourselves_o as_o though_o mr._n b._n can_v not_o manage_v his_o own_o argument_n and_o therefore_o he_o take_v they_o and_o strip_v they_o of_o their_o heavy_a and_o rusty_a armour_n and_o make_v they_o appear_v again_o in_o the_o field_n in_o another_o dress_n and_o if_o they_o can_v not_o stand_v the_o field_n in_o the_o former_a habit_n they_o can_v much_o less_o do_v it_o in_o this_o the_o author_n of_o the_o letter_n say_v 24._o i_o only_o prove_v a_o national_a church_n a_o possible_a thing_n he_o clear_o mistake_v my_o design_n which_o be_v to_o show_v that_o if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o a_o national_a church_n than_o no_o single_a congregation_n have_v such_o a_o power_n in_o themselves_o to_o separate_v from_o other_o in_o matter_n of_o order_n and_o decency_n where_o there_o be_v a_o consent_n in_o the_o same_o faith_n to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n i_o show_v that_o if_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o a_o church_n do_v agree_v to_o it_o then_o upon_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o we_o own_o particular_a church_n and_o the_o catholic_n church_n we_o be_v to_o own_o a_o national_a church_n so_o that_o the_o design_n of_o that_o discourse_n be_v not_o bare_o to_o prove_v the_o possibility_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o it_o 25._o but_o say_v he_o can_v it_o be_v prove_v
that_o christ_n have_v invest_v the_o guide_n of_o this_o church_n not_o choose_v by_o the_o people_n with_o a_o power_n to_o make_v law_n and_o decree_n prescribe_v not_o only_a thing_n necessary_a for_o common_a order_n and_o decency_n but_o new_a federal_a rite_n and_o teach_v sign_n and_o symbol_n superad_v to_o the_o whole_a christian_a institution_n etc._n etc._n i_o answer_v that_o such_o a_o church_n have_v power_n to_o appoint_v rule_n of_o order_n and_o decency_n not_o repugnant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o on_o that_o account_n other_o be_v bind_v to_o submit_v to_o and_o to_o take_v such_o care_n of_o its_o preservation_n as_o to_o admit_v none_o to_o its_o privilege_n but_o such_o as_o do_v submit_v to_o they_o and_o if_o any_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o this_o church_n the_o civil_a magistrate_n may_v just_o inflict_v civil_a penalty_n upon_o they_o for_o it_o all_o which_o be_v no_o more_o than_o any_o settle_a church_n in_o the_o world_n assert_n as_o well_o as_o we_o and_o i_o wonder_v this_o shall_v be_v so_o continual_o object_v against_o our_o church_n which_o all_o society_n in_o the_o world_n think_v just_a and_o necessary_a for_o their_o own_o preservation_n as_o to_o the_o guide_n of_o the_o church_n not_o be_v choose_v by_o the_o people_n i_o shall_v speak_v to_o that_o afterward_o one_o objection_n more_o he_o make_v which_o the_o other_o do_v not_o viz._n i_o have_v say_v that_o by_o whole_a or_o national_a church_n i_o understand_v the_o church_n of_o such_o nation_n which_o upon_o decay_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n resume_v their_o just_a right_n of_o govern_v themselves_o and_o upon_o their_o own_n christianity_n incorporate_v into_o one_o christian_a society_n under_o the_o same_o common_a tie_n and_o rule_n of_o order_n and_o government_n such_o church_n i_o say_v have_v a_o just_a right_n of_o reform_v themselves_o and_o therefore_o be_v not_o liable_a to_o the_o imputation_n of_o schism_n from_o the_o roman_a church_n will_v one_o think_v what_o unlucky_a inference_n he_o draw_v from_o hence_o 1._o then_o all_o that_o remain_v within_o the_o empire_n 26._o be_v bind_v to_o continue_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n what_o if_o i_o shall_v deny_v the_o continuance_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n then_o all_o will_v be_v safe_a but_o do_v i_o any_o where_o say_v that_o be_v in_o the_o empire_n they_o be_v bind_v to_o submit_v to_o the_o roman_a church_n no_o but_o as_o the_o nation_n resume_v its_o just_a civil_a right_n the_o church_n may_v as_o rightful_o recover_v itself_o from_o papal_a usurpation_n not_o lay_v the_o force_n of_o one_o upon_o the_o other_o but_o parallel_v they_o together_o and_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o argument_n be_v on_o the_o church_n side_n 2._o then_o where_o prince_n have_v not_o resume_v their_o just_a right_n as_o to_o reformation_n they_o be_v schismatic_n that_o separate_v from_o rome_n 2._o that_o do_v not_o follow_v for_o in_o the_o case_n before_o mention_a separation_n be_v lawful_a but_o no_o reformation_n be_v so_o unexceptionable_a as_o when_o there_o be_v a_o concurrence_n of_o the_o civil_a power_n my_o last_o adversary_n do_v not_o deny_v a_o national_a church_n from_o consent_n in_o the_o same_o article_n of_o religion_n 2d_o and_o rule_n of_o government_n and_o order_n of_o worship_n but_o then_o he_o say_v such_o aught_o to_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o establish_a rule_n of_o holy_a scripture_n and_o therein_o we_o be_v all_o agree_v so_o that_o after_o much_o tug_n this_o point_n be_v think_v fit_a to_o be_v give_v up_o sect._n 24._o the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v be_v the_o interest_n and_o power_n of_o the_o people_n as_o to_o the_o choice_n of_o their_o pastor_n for_o want_v of_o which_o great_a complaint_n be_v make_v by_o my_o adversary_n as_o a_o thing_n injurious_a to_o they_o and_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o church_n and_o that_o we_o therein_o go_v contrary_a to_o all_o antiquity_n 3â—_n dr._n o._n put_v the_o deprive_v the_o people_n of_o their_o liberty_n of_o choose_v their_o pastor_n among_o the_o cause_n of_o separation_n mr._n baxter_n be_v very_o tragical_a upon_o this_o argument_n and_o keep_v not_o within_o tolerable_a bound_n of_o discretion_n in_o plead_v the_o people_n cause_n 16._o against_o magistrate_n and_o patron_n and_o law_n and_o he_o tell_v i_o i_o go_v against_o all_o the_o ancient_a father_n and_o church_n for_o many_o hundred_o year_n and_o be_o so_o far_o a_o separatist_n from_o more_o than_o one_o parish_n priest_n and_o therefore_o my_o charge_n of_o they_o be_v schismatical_a and_o unjust_a and_o recoil_v on_o myself_o who_o instead_o of_o god_n rule_n accuse_v they_o that_o walk_v not_o by_o our_o novel_a crooked_a rule_n which_o may_v make_v as_o many_o modish_a religion_n as_o there_o be_v prince_n when_o i_o first_o read_v such_o passage_n as_o these_o i_o wonder_v what_o i_o have_v say_v that_o may_v give_v occasion_n to_o so_o much_o undecent_a passion_n as_o every_o where_o almost_o discover_v itself_o in_o his_o answer_n and_o the_o more_o i_o consider_v the_o more_o i_o wonder_v but_o at_o last_o i_o resolve_v as_o mr._n a._n do_v about_o the_o assembly_n that_o mr._n b._n be_v but_o a_o man_n as_o other_o man_n be_v and_o for_o all_o that_o i_o see_v of_o equal_a passion_n and_o that_o upon_o little_a or_o no_o provocation_n for_o i_o have_v not_o say_v one_o word_n upon_o this_o argument_n what_o then_o will_v mr._n b._n seek_v a_o cause_n to_o express_v his_o anger_n against_o i_o as_o if_o i_o have_v allow_v prince_n to_o set_v up_o what_o religion_n they_o please_v sure_o he_o think_v himself_o write_v against_o hobbs_n and_o spinosa_n then_o no_o but_o thus_o he_o artificial_o draw_v i_o into_o this_o snare_n i_o speak_v much_o against_o separation_n how_o then_o they_o will_v never_o have_v separate_v if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v silence_v therefore_o my_o be_v against_o their_o separation_n show_v i_o be_o for_o their_o silence_v as_o though_o these_o necessary_o follow_v each_o other_o what_o be_v this_o to_o prince_n impose_v what_o religion_n they_o please_v thus_o than_o magistrate_n by_o their_o law_n may_v put_v out_o nonconformist_n and_o put_v in_o conformist_n but_o have_v we_o not_o the_o same_o religion_n still_o but_o say_v mr._n baxter_n these_o must_v be_v my_o suppose_a ground_n that_o magistrate_n may_v appoint_v what_o religion_n they_o please_v and_o those_o be_v separatist_n who_o do_v not_o obey_v they_o be_v not_o this_o admirable_a ingenuity_n to_o rail_v upon_o a_o man_n for_o supposition_n of_o his_o own_o make_n however_o mr._n baxter_n will_v have_v it_o so_o let_v i_o say_v what_o i_o will_n the_o people_n part_n he_o will_v take_v and_o let_v i_o take_v that_o of_o the_o magistrate_n and_o law_n if_o i_o think_v good_a and_o since_o they_o be_v fall_v to_o my_o lot_n i_o will_v defend_v they_o as_o well_o as_o i_o can_v as_o to_o this_o matter_n mr._n b._n appear_v very_o warm_a in_o this_o business_n what_o do_v mr._n a._n come_v after_o he_o but_o make_v it_o the_o very_o first_o and_o fundamental_a ground_n of_o their_o separation_n viz._n preface_n that_o every_o particular_a church_n upon_o a_o due_a balance_n of_o all_o circumstance_n have_v a_o inherent_a right_n to_o choose_v its_o own_o pastor_n and_o every_o particular_a christian_a the_o same_o power_n to_o choose_v his_o own_o church_n nay_o then_o i_o think_v we_o be_v in_o a_o very_a fair_a way_n of_o settlement_n when_o the_o anabaptist_n in_o germany_n never_o broach_v a_o loose_a principle_n than_o this_o nor_o more_o contrary_a to_o the_o very_a possibility_n of_o have_v a_o establish_a church_n for_o it_o lead_v to_o all_o manner_n of_o schism_n and_o faction_n in_o spite_n of_o all_o law_n and_o authority_n in_o church_n or_o state_n the_o author_n of_o the_o letter_n go_v upon_o the_o same_o principle_n too_o 25._o and_o say_v the_o guide_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v choose_v by_o the_o people_n according_a to_o scripture_n and_o primitive_a practice_n this_o i_o perceive_v be_v a_o popular_a argument_n and_o a_o fine_a device_n to_o draw_v in_o the_o common_a people_n to_o the_o dissent_v party_n whatever_o become_v of_o law_n and_o man_n just_a and_o legal_a right_n of_o patronage_n all_o must_v yield_v to_o the_o antecedent_n right_o of_o the_o people_n but_o to_o bring_v this_o matter_n to_o a_o strict_a debate_n we_o must_v consider_v these_o three_o thing_n 1._o what_o original_a or_o inherent_a right_n and_o power_n the_o people_n have_v 2._o how_o they_o come_v to_o be_v devest_v of_o it_o 3._o whether_o there_o be_v sufficient_a ground_n to_o resume_v it_o and_o from_o thence_o we_o shall_v understand_v whether_o some_o of_o the_o people_n consent_v to_o hear_v the_o nonconformist_n